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J J Monaco

Publications and source records attributed to J J Monaco.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Allelic variation in the mouse Tap-1 and Tap-2 transporter genes.

The TAP1 and TAP2 proteins form a heterodimer that transports short peptides from the cytosol into the endoplasmic reticulum lumen. Extensive allelic polymorphism of the rat TAP transporter has been shown to affect the repertoire of peptides presented by MHC class I molecules. Structural polymorphism in the human TAP genes is much more limited and has not been observed to have functional consequences. We have examined the polymorphism in mouse TAP1 and TAP2 in inbred mice. While the number of polymorphic positions in these molecules is more similar to that in human than to that in the rat, all strains examined have a structurally unique TAP transporter, suggesting the possibility of functional polymorphism. Furthermore, allelic variations in the mouse transporter are predominantly located in or adjacent to membrane-spanning domains, although no significant bias in the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions is observed. We also report that mouse TAP1 begins 172 amino acids upstream of the previously published start site and report the genomic organization of mouse Tap-1 and Tap-2.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗
PubMed1997

Cloning and characterization of mouse Lmp3 cDNA, encoding a proteasome beta subunit.

We isolated and sequenced a cDNA encoding mouse proteasome subunit LMP3 from a macrophage cDNA library. The gene encodes a 264-amino-acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 29.11 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 5.44. Comparison of the predicted protein sequence with that of the human and rat homologues, N3, revealed 11 and eight changes, respectively, in the cleaved NH2-terminal presequence of the precursor protein (pre-LMP3), and six and 10 changes, respectively, in the processed product. To corroborate the predicted molecular mass and pI, we analyzed LMP3 by immunoprecipitation with a mAb to human N3 that crossreacts with mouse LMP3. Precursor and processed forms of LMP3 were identified by 2D NEPHGE-PAGE, and their mobilities suggest the Lmp3 clone encodes the entire protein sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Novel peptide-binding proteins and peptide transport in normal and TAP-deficient microsomes.

Most major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-binding peptides are translocated by TAP heterodimers, but some enter the ER lumen by alternative pathways. To further define mechanisms of peptide handling, we developed a system for the analysis of peptide-binding components in the ER membrane and lumen using iodinated cross-linkable peptide derivatives. Here we demonstrate that at least three proteins bind peptides in the ER lumen. Peptide cross-linking to these lumenal proteins can be used as an alternative method to monitor peptide transport. TAP and one other protein bind peptides on the cytoplasmic face of the ER. The presence of multiple peptide-binding proteins necessitates caution in interpreting traditional peptide-binding and transport assays. Finally, we demonstrate sequence-specific peptide transport in TAP-deficient cells transfected with only rat TAP1.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗
PubMed1997

Sequence and expression of mouse proteasome activator PA28 and the related autoantigen Ki.

Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we cloned and sequenced full-length mouse cDNAs for the two homologous subunits of the proteasome activator PA28 (PA28alpha and PA28beta), as well as for the related protein Ki. These proteins are highly conserved among species. Northern blot analysis of PA28a, PA28b, and Ki mRNA demonstrated broad tissue distribution. Although single transcripts were detected for PA28a and PA28b, two different sized transcripts were detected for mouse Ki, suggesting either alternative splicing or alternate polyadenylation sites. The levels of these transcripts increased in response to interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) treatment in mouse H6 hepatoma cells, although PA28a and PA28b were induced to a greater extent than Ki, and the effect of IFN-gamma stimulation on Ki expression was transient. Southern blot analysis suggests that both PA28a and PA28b are multiple-copy genes, while Ki is a single-copy gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Interferon-gamma independently activates the MHC class I antigen processing pathway and diminishes glucose responsiveness in pancreatic beta-cell lines.

The mouse pancreatic beta TC3 and beta TC6-F7 cell lines were used to characterize the effects of interferon-gamma (IFN-y) on beta-cell phenotype and function. Initially, intracellular and secreted insulin were compared in glucose-stimulated cells over time. A significant reduction in insulin content and secretion was observed on a per-cell basis in glucose-stimulated beta TC3 and beta TC6-F7 cells after 12 h of exposure to IFN-gamma. The steadystate level of pre-proinsulin mRNA expression was not affected by IFN-gamma. Thus, we postulate that IFN-gamma's inhibitory actions occur after transcription of pre-proinsulin genes. Time-course analysis of IFN-gamma-regulated mRNA expression of the two intra-MHC-encoded subunits of the proteasome (low-molecular-mass polypeptide [Lmp]-2 and Lmp-7) revealed a correlation between their induction and the inhibitory effects of IFN-gamma on glucose-stimulated insulin production. Increased expression of Lmp-2 and Lmp-7 mRNA was accompanied by a corresponding induction of LMP2 and LMP7 protein expression. Subsequently, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I cell-surface expression was significantly increased in IFN-gamma-treated beta TC3 and beta TC6-F7 cells. Exposure of IFN-gamma-treated beta-cells to a peptide aldehyde inhibitor of the proteasome (MG132) significantly attenuated MHC class I cell-surface expression but did not prevent the negative effects of IFN-gamma on glucose responsiveness. Enhanced expression of the MHC class I antigen processing and presentation pathway and diminished insulin production appear to be distinct pathological alterations in beta-cells exposed to the insulitic cytokine IFN-gamma.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Identification of MECL-1 (LMP-10) as the third IFN-gamma-inducible proteasome subunit.

We show that six proteasome-associated proteins are induced by IFN-gamma, corresponding to three proteasome beta-type subunits and their precursors: the MHC-linked subunits (LMP-2 and LMP-7) and LMP-10. Concurrently, incorporation of LMP-9, LMP-17, and LMP-19 into proteasomes is reduced. LMP-10 appears to be the product of a previously cloned proteasome subunit gene, MECL-1. MECL-1 transcription is increased in the presence of IFN-gamma, whereas the transcription of two other proteasome genes, Lmp-15 and Lmp-3, is not affected. The three IFN-gamma-inducible subunits and their constitutively expressed counterparts contain most or all of the catalytic sites of the proteasome. Independent assortment of LMP-2, LMP-7, and LMP-10 into different proteasome complexes may thus generate up to 36 unique proteasome subsets. This may increase the repertoire of potentially antigenic peptides for presentation by MHC class I.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Difference in antigen presentation pathways between cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells.

Antigen presentation by thymic epithelial cells (TEC) to T cells that undergo maturation is one of the major events in the selection of the T cell repertoire. We have already reported that medullary TEC lines (mTEC) established from newborn C57BL/6 (H-2b) mice are able to present a soluble antigen, ovalbumin (OVA), to OVA-specific, I-Ab restricted helper T cell lines but cortical TEC (cTEC) lines are not (Mizuochi, T. et al., J. Exp. Med. 1992. 175: 1601). In this report, to clarify the cause of this difference, we analyzed the biochemical nature as well as the distribution of both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and invariant chains (Ii) in both TEC by immunoprecipitation and laser confocal scanning microscopic analysis, as well as the expression of mRNA encoding H-2Ma or H-2Mb. Our results demonstrate that cTEC and mTEC are both able to present peptide antigens to peptide-specific, I-Ab-restricted helper T cell hybridoma and are able to present class II MHC alloantigens to an I-Ab-specific T cell line, that mRNA for H-2Ma and H-2Mb are expressed in both TEC, that cTEC and mTEC apparently incorporate tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate-labeled OVA in the same manner, and that the SDS-stable MHC class II molecules, onto which peptides were loaded, are formed in both cTEC and mTEC. However, these molecules were more rapidly degraded in mTEC than in cTEC. In addition, two Ii-derived polypeptides of approximately 21 kDa and 10 kDa were precipitated by the anti-class II monoclonal antibody Y3P; 10-kDa polypeptides were detected in the both TEC, while 21-kDa polypeptides were detected only in cTEC. Finally, beta chains of MHC class II with less sialylated oligosaccharides were precipitated from the cell surface of cTEC. Taken together, these results suggest that there are substantial differences in the antigen-presenting pathways of cTEC and mTEC, and these difference might be responsible for T cell selection events in the thymus.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Peptide transport in antigen presentation.

The TAP1/2 complex translocates peptides from the cytosol into the endoplasmic reticulum. In the rat, TAP polymorphism affects the pool of peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, whereas in mouse and humans the functional consequences of observed structural polymorphism have not yet been determined. Peptide binding to TAP precedes ATP binding, and ATP hydrolysis is required to release and translocate peptides. Cytosolic peptides entering the class I pathway via the TAP complex may differ significantly in size and sequence. Not all peptides that are able to bind to TAP can be translocated into the endoplasmic reticulum, and TAP-binding affinity does not directly correlate with antigenicity of the peptide. Most translocated peptides are released from the endoplasmic reticulum by an incompletely defined ATP-dependent mechanism. TAP interaction with class I molecules stimulates peptide binding and transport by TAP and may also facilitate efficient loading of class I with peptides. Pathogenic microorganisms, such as herpes simplex virus, may encode inhibitors of TAP-mediated peptide transport in order to evade immune surveillance.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗
PubMed1996

Molecular and serological analysis of polymorphisms in the murine major histocompatibility complex-encoded proteasome subunits, LMP-2 and LMP-7.

LMP-2 and LMP-7, gamma-interferon-inducible subunits of the 20S proteasome, play an important role in antigen processing. To define the molecular basis of their polymorphism, we sequenced Lmp-2 and Lmp-7 cDNA from nine different strains of mice. Three allelic variants of both LMP-2 and LMP-7 were found, but all of the polymorphism in LMP-7 is clustered near the carboxyl terminus of the molecule. We confirmed the nucleotide sequence changes at the protein level in both the unprocessed and processed forms of the molecules by analysis of specific anti-LMP-2, anti-LMP-7 and anti-proteasome immunoprecipitates on two-dimensional PAGE gels. Interestingly, a single amino acid change at position 272 between LMP-7b,d,q and LMP-7k,s,f,x,g7, cas4 from glycine to arginine dramatically affects its migration on SDS-PAGE gels, suggesting the possibility of allele-specific posttranslational modification.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Pathways for the processing and presentation of antigens to T cells.

Two pathways exist within vertebrate cells to generate peptides for recognition by T cells. The "endogenous" pathway provides peptides to MHC class I molecules for presentation to CD8+ T cells. These peptides are derived from proteins synthesized or residing in the cytoplasm or nucleus, and involves proteasomes and the ubiquitin pathway of protein degradation, as well as a specific peptide transporter (TAP) that allows these peptides access to the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. The exogenous pathway provides peptides to MHC class II molecules for presentation to CD4+ T cells. These peptides are derived from extracellular antigens taken up by endocytosis and degraded in the endosomal/lysosomal pathway. Peptide loading of MHC class II molecules requires the presence of a molecule (H-2M in mouse, HLA-DM in humans) that is structurally related to MHC class II molecules, but the mechanistic basis of this requirement is unknown. The class II region of the MHC contains a cluster of genes encoding proteins involved in antigen processing, including genes for two proteasome subunits (LMP2 and LMP7), the peptide transporter heterodimer (TAP1 and TAP2), and the H-2M/HLA-DM molecule (Ma and Mb, or DMA and DMB).

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Characterization and mapping of the gene encoding mouse proteasome subunit DELTA (Lmp19).

The proteasome subunit DELTA is unusually closely related to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked proteasome subunit, LMP2. The sequence of a mouse cDNA for DELTA confirms that this 22,100 M(r) proteasome subunit is highly conserved across species. Sequence analysis of the mouse gene encoding DELTA, designated Lmp19, indicates that it consists of six exons and five introns, similar to the Lmp2 gene. The 5' upstream region lacks a TATA regulatory sequence, which is also absent from proteasome genes isolated from Drosophila. BXD recombinant inbred (RI) mice were used to map the potential chromosomal location of Lmp19, and revealed that the DELTA subunit has related sequences present on two different mouse chromosomes, chromosomes 1 and 11. Typing of 89 progeny from a C57BL/6J X Mus spretus DNA backcross panel (BSS) confirmed the chromosome 1 assignment. Southern hybridization with a polymerase chain reaction-generated Lmp19 intron 2-specific probe indicates that the Lmp19 genomic clone corresponds to the sequence on chromosome 11, and further suggests that the chromosome 1 copy represents a processed pseudogene (Lmp19-ps1).

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Characterization of polymorphism within the H2-M MHC class II loci.

The products of the class II-like H2-M genes of the major histocompatibility complex are required for class II antigen processing. We sequenced H2-Ma and Mb from several mouse strains to determine whether these genes are polymorphic like the classical H2-A and E genes, or are oligomorphic, like H2-O. Both Mb loci appear to be transcribed and are distinct from each other. Mb1 and Mb2 differ by about 11% at the nucleotide level and are most dissimilar in their second exons (corresponding to the beta 1 domain). Relative to the published Mb1d haplotype sequence, the products of the b, g7, f, and k2 alleles of Mb1 from Mus musculus domesticus and the separate mouse species Mus spretus differ by only one to four amino acids. The majority of the changes occurred in the second exon of Mb1, in contrast to HLA-DMB, the human orthologue. Little polymorphism was seen for Mb2, and Ma was invariant in all strains tested. The similarity of the g7 allele to those from other haplotypes makes it unlikely that the M class II genes play a role in the autoimmune diabetes of NOD strain mice. The M genes are regulated in a manner similar to classical class II genes, in that they are upregulated by IFN-gamma in macrophages, and to a lesser extent by IL4 in B cells. When modeled on the crystal structure of the HLA-DR1 class II molecule, nearly all of the differences between M beta 1 and M beta 2 affect residues facing away from the putative peptide binding groove.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

The genetics of proteasomes and antigen processing.

The T cell arm of the immune system of higher vertebrates is specific for antigenic peptides bound to cell surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. These peptides are derived from two distinct pathways of antigen processing. The class I, or endogenous pathway, utilizes proteasomes and the ubiquitin system for protein degradation, with subsequent transport of the resulting peptides into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum by a specific peptide transporter, called TAP. The expression of distinct proteasome subsets is regulated by the cytokine gamma interferon (IFN-gamma). The class II, or exogenous pathway, utilizes the endosomal and lysosomal pathways for protein degradation, and a number of immune-specific accessory molecules including the class-II associated Invariant chain (Ii) and MHC-encoded HLA-DM (H2-DM in mouse) molecules.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

An essential role for HLA-DM in antigen presentation by class II major histocompatibility molecules.

In antigen-presenting cells, class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) bind peptides derived from endocytosed proteins. In certain B-lymphoblastoid cell mutants, MHC class II molecule-peptide complex formation is impaired, resulting in deficient antigen-presenting function. MHC deletion mutants with this defect map the responsible gene(s) to the class II region of the MHC. Here we report that multiple independent mutants with the class II presentation defect harbour lesions in HLA-DMB, an MHC-linked gene encoding a class II-like beta-chain. Expression of DMB complementary DNA in mutants lacking DMB messenger RNA restores the wild-type phenotype. These results establish HLA-DM as a critical regulatory molecule in class II-restricted antigen presentation and suggest that it functions at an intracellular site to promote class II molecule-peptide association.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Delineation of the subunit composition of human proteasomes using antisera against the major histocompatibility complex-encoded LMP2 and LMP7 subunits.

The products of the Lmp2 and Lmp7 genes located in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II region are postulated to form part of the proteasome complex. This large, multisubunit complex forms the major, nonlysosomal proteolytic machinery for the degradation of endogenous proteins and has been suggested to play a role in the processing of antigens presented by MHC class I molecules. The role of the MHC-encoded subunits within the proteasome has however remained enigmatic. To study this role, we have raised antibodies to recombinant LMP2 and LMP7 proteins. Under denaturing conditions, the anti-LMP7 serum recognizes one subunit of proteasome, whereas the anti-LMP2 serum recognizes two subunits, which may represent different forms of LMP2. The specificity of these sera has been ascertained by a lack of reactivity in T2 cells, which lack both genes. Furthermore under native conditions the anti-LMP2 serum immunoprecipitates a complex that is similar to proteasome but lacks several subunits, including LMP7. Preclearing experiments using this serum and a monoclonal antibody (2-17) specific for the non-MHC-encoded C2 proteasome subunit demonstrate that the complexes recognized by these two sera are distinct and that four subunits are unique to the complex precipitated by the anti-LMP2 serum. Interestingly, the different forms of LMP2 are segregated between these complexes. The relationship of the two complexes is discussed.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed1993

Genomic organization of the mouse Lmp-2 gene and characteristic structure of its promoter.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I molecules present antigenic peptide fragments to cytotoxic T-cells. The peptides are generated in the course of antigen processing from endogenously synthesized cytosolic proteins, and transported into the endoplasmic reticulum to associate with an MHC class-I molecule. So far, at least four genes, Lmp-2, -7, and Tap-1, -2, have been identified between the Pb and Ob genes of the mouse MHC class-II region. The genomic organization of mouse Lmp-2, a gene encoding a subunit of a large intracellular protein complex, was studied. A genomic clone has been isolated that covers the entire mouse Lmp-2 gene. We have determined the nucleotide sequence of the region encompassing the whole Lmp-2 gene and three exons of Tap-1, which spans 8 kb in the mouse genome. The two genes are situated in opposite directions. The transcription start points (tsp) of the two genes, identified by primer extension analysis, are only 118 bp apart. Both promoter regions upstream from the tsp have neither TATA consensus sequences nor other regulatory elements, like an interferon-response element, in spite of their interferon-inducible expression. The Lmp-2 sequence from a non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse, a model animal for autoimmune diabetes, was compared with that from a Balb/c mouse.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

MHC-linked LMP gene products specifically alter peptidase activities of the proteasome.

Proteasomes are highly conserved macromolecular structures which function as endopeptidases. They are found in the cytoplasm and nucleus of eukaryotic tissues and consist of at least 14 non-identical subunits with molecular masses ranging from approximately 20 to 32K. Proteasomes are essential in the selective degradation of ubiquitinated and certain non-ubiquitinated proteins, acting as the proteolytic core of an energy-dependent 26S (1,500K) proteolytic complex. Two proteasome subunits, LMP2 and LMP7 (refs 4-7), are encoded within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), implicating proteasomes in antigen processing. Here we determine the function of these two MHC-linked subunits by comparing the proteolytic activities of purified proteasomes containing (LMP+) or lacking (LMP-) these components. We find that proteasomes of both types have endopeptidase activity against substrates bearing hydrophobic, basic or acidic residues immediately preceding the cleavage site (the P1 position) and at sites following asparagine, glycine and proline residues. The activity of LMP+ proteasomes is much higher than that of LMP- proteasomes against substrates with hydrophobic, basic or asparagine residues at P1, whereas their activities are comparable when acidic and glycine residues are present at P1. The MHC-linked LMP2 and LMP7 subunits therefore function to amplify specific endopeptidase activities of the proteasome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗