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S W Jones

Publications and source records attributed to S W Jones.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

On the resting potential of isolated frog sympathetic neurons.

One of the oldest questions of electrophysiology, the origin of the resting potential, has yet to be answered satisfactorily for most cells. Isolated frog sympathetic neurons, studied with whole-cell recording, generally have resting potentials of approximately -75 mV with an input resistance of approximately 300 M omega. These properties are not expected from the M-type K+ current (IM) or from other ionic currents previously described in these cells. In the -60 to -110 M mV voltage region, at least three currents are present: an inwardly rectifying current (IQ), a resting current with little voltage sensitivity carried at least in part by K+, and a (Na+,K+)ATPase pump current. The resting K+ current, not IM or IQ is the primary ionic current near the resting potential under these conditions. The electrogenic pump contributes an additional approximately 10 mV of hyperpolarization.

Animals↗

Calcium currents in bullfrog sympathetic neurons. I. Activation kinetics and pharmacology.

The calcium current of bullfrog sympathetic neurons activates and deactivates rapidly (tau less than 3 ms). For brief depolarizations, the current can be fit reasonably well by a Hodgkin-Huxley-type model with a single gating particle of charge +3. With 2 mM Ca2+ as the charge carrier, half-maximal activation occurs at approximately -5 mV, near the voltage where activation and deactivation are slowest. When extracellular divalent ion concentrations are reduced, monovalent ions (e.g., Na+ and methylammonium) produce kinetically similar inward currents. Current carried by Ba2+ is blocked by Cd2+ at micromolar concentrations, and by 100 nM omega-conotoxin. Commercially available saxitoxin blocks the current, but different batches have quantitatively different potency. The dihydropyridine agonist Bay K 8644 induces a slight shift in activation kinetics to more negative voltages, with little effect on the peak current. Nifedipine at least partially reverses the effect of Bay K 8644, but has little effect on its own. Muscarinic agonists and other ligands that inhibit the M-type potassium current of frog sympathetic neurons have weak inhibitory effects on the calcium current as well. One interpretation of these results is that the N-type calcium current predominates in these cells, with a minor contribution of L-type current.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Calcium currents in bullfrog sympathetic neurons. II. Inactivation.

Calcium currents in bullfrog sympathetic neurons inactivate slowly and partially during depolarizations lasting 0.5-1 s. There is also a slower (minutes) inactivation process with a broad voltage dependence. An irreversible loss of current (rundown) is prominent with low concentrations of intracellular Ca2+ buffers, with either Ca2+ or Ba2+ as the charge carrier. The extent and rate of the more rapid inactivation process are maximal near the voltage at which the peak inward current is generated, suggesting that inactivation might be Ca2+ dependent. However, inactivation occurs with either Ca2+ or Ba2+ as the charge carrier, is not prevented by strong buffering of intracellular Ca2+ with 10 mM BAPTA, and varies little as the peak current is changed 10-fold by changing the divalent ion concentration. That is, rapid inactivation is not explained by simple versions of voltage, Ca2+- or current-dependent inactivation models. A model in which ion binding within the channel allows a slower, rate-limiting inactivation process fits some but not all of the observed features of inactivation. A purely voltage-dependent three-state cyclic model fits the data if microscopic inactivation is favored by hyperpolarization.

Animals↗

Sequence and expression of chicken and mouse rsk: homologs of Xenopus laevis ribosomal S6 kinase.

We have previously reported the isolation of cDNAs encoding two closely related Xenopus ribosomal S6 kinases, S6KII alpha and -beta (S. W. Jones, E. Erikson, J. Blenis, J. L. Maller, and R. L. Erikson, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:3377-3381, 1988). We report here the molecular cloning of one chicken and two mouse homologs of the Xenopus laevis cDNAs. As described for the Xenopus proteins, these cDNAs were found to predict polypeptides that contain two distinct kinase domains, of which one is most closely related to the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and the other is most closely related to the catalytic subunit of phosphorylase b kinase. The three predicted proteins were more than 79% identical to the Xenopus S6KII alpha protein. The chicken and one of the mouse cDNAs were, respectively, 3.7 and 3.1 kilobase pairs in length, predicted proteins of 752 and 724 amino acids with molecular weights of 84.4 and 81.6 kilodaltons, and hybridized to mRNAs in fibroblasts and tissues of approximately 3.6 and 3.4 kilobases (kb). The second mouse cDNA was approximately 6.1 kilobase pairs and was not full length but predicted the C-terminal 633 amino acids of a protein that is similar to the C-terminal portion of Xenopus S6KII alpha. This clone hybridized to mRNA transcripts of 7.6 and 3.4 kb. In vitro transcription and translation of the chicken and the mouse cDNAs that predict complete proteins produced major products with apparent molecular weights of 96 and 84 kilodaltons. Analysis of mRNA levels in chicken tissues showed significant quantities of the 3.6-kb transcript in small and large intestine, spleen, and bursa. Both mouse cDNA were similarly expressed at significant levels in intestine, thymus, and lung; however, the 7.6-kb mRNA was differentially and more highly expressed in heart and brain. The two mouse cDNAs represent two different S6 kinase genes, as shown by comparison of their protein sequences, mRNA transcript sizes, genomic organizations, and nucleic acid sequences. We propose that this family of genes be named rsk, for ribosomal S6 kinase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation of a chicken thioredoxin cDNA clone. Thioredoxin mRNA is differentially expressed in normal and Rous sarcoma virus-transformed chicken embryo fibroblasts.

We have isolated a cDNA clone for chicken thioredoxin by differential screening of a cDNA library. The protein product which this clone encodes is very similar to other thioredoxins, and it displays thioredoxin activity when expressed in Escherichia coli. This clone represents the first metazoan thioredoxin for which the protein or nucleic acid sequence is known. Comparison of the chicken thioredoxin protein sequence with those from bacteria and plants indicates structural features that appear to be essential for activity. Transformation of chicken embryo fibroblasts by Rous sarcoma virus elevates the level of thioredoxin mRNA whereas the level of thioredoxin mRNA in a nonproliferative tissue (brain) is much lower than in chicken embryo fibroblasts.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A Xenopus ribosomal protein S6 kinase has two apparent kinase domains that are each similar to distinct protein kinases.

We report the molecular cloning of cDNAs for S6 kinase II (S6KII) mRNAs present in Xenopus ovarian tissue. Two cDNAs were isolated by hybridization to oligonucleotide probes designed to encode tryptic peptides isolated from S6KII. The two cDNAs show 91% sequence similarity to each other. These two cDNAs predict proteins of 733 (S6KII alpha) and 629 (S6KII beta) amino acids that show 95% sequence similarity over the 629 amino acids where they are colinear. Amino acids 44-733 of S6KII alpha were expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant protein was used to raise antiserum in rabbits. This antiserum reacted with authentic S6KII prepared from Xenopus eggs. This interaction was specifically blocked by the recombinant protein from E. coli. The sequences of S6KII alpha and -beta predict four tryptic peptides whose sequences are identical to four peptides isolated from a tryptic digest of S6KII. The S6KII proteins have a very unusual structure when compared with previously studied protein kinases. They contain two apparent kinase domains, each similar to distinct protein kinases. The amino-terminal 366 amino acids show high sequence similarity to the regions of protein kinase C, the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and cGMP-dependent protein kinase that contain the sites for ATP binding and are believed to be the catalytic centers for phosphotransferase activity. The remainder of the S6 kinase molecule shows high sequence similarity to the ATP-binding and presumed catalytic domain of the catalytic subunit of phosphorylase b kinase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular analyses of gene products associated with the response of cells to mitogenic stimulation.

We have completed the molecular analysis of a ribosomal protein S6 kinase identified in unfertilized Xenopus eggs. Although some of our results support the notion that an antigenically related enzyme is present in animal cells, we are uncertain if such an enzyme accounts for all of the mitogen-stimulated phosphorylation of 40S subunits. Other experiments have led to the identification of mRNAs that are rapidly expressed in mitogen-stimulated cells. The relevance of such genes and their products is in doubt, however, until a function can be demonstrated for each of them. Preliminary experiments with the pCEF-4 gene product described here have failed to show that it acts as a mitogen for cells in culture, for example. Thus, although studies such as these may lead to the identification of novel genes, we may need to search elsewhere for a physiologically significant function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of ability of various substance P antagonists to inhibit action of bombesin.

In the present study the ability of two classes of substance P (SP) antagonists to affect SP- and bombesin (Bn)-stimulated amylase release, as well as binding of 125I-Bolton-Hunter (BH)-SP and 125I-[Tyr4]Bn, was studied to determine their mechanism of action and the relationship between inhibition of the action of SP and the action of Bn. Four SP analogues ([D-Pro2,D-Phe7,D-Trp9]SP, [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP, [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]SP, and [D-Arg1,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]SP) and two SP-(4-11) analogues ([D-Pro4,D-Trp7,9]SP-(4-11) and [D-Pro4,D-Trp7,9,10]SP-(4-11)] did not stimulate amylase release when present alone but inhibited SP- and Bn-stimulated amylase release. For each SP analogue, inhibition was specific for peptides that stimulate release by interacting with SP or Bn receptors, whereas both SP-(4-11) analogues also inhibited cholecystokinin-stimulated amylase release. Each SP analogue's inhibition of Bn-stimulated amylase release was reversible. Each analogue inhibited binding of 125I-BH-SP with the same potency as it inhibited SP-stimulated amylase release and 125I-[Tyr4]Bn binding with the same potency as it inhibited Bn-stimulated amylase. In contrast, SP itself or SP-(4-11) itself did not inhibit Bn-stimulated amylase release or binding of 125I-[Tyr4]Bn. The relative affinities of the analogues for interacting with Bn and SP receptors differed. None of the analogues increased the dissociation of bound 125I-BH-SP or 125I-[Tyr4]Bn.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chicken II luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone inhibits the M-current of bullfrog sympathetic neurons.

The M-current of dissociated bullfrog sympathetic neurons, measured by the whole-cell patch clamp technique, is powerfully inhibited by chicken II LH-RH (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone), with 50% inhibition near 1 nM. Chicken II LH-RH is approximately 100 times more potent than salmon LH-RH, and at least 1000 times more potent than other known naturally occurring LH-RH analogs (chicken I LH-RH, mammalian LH-RH, and lamprey LH-RH). This high potency makes chicken II LH-RH a candidate for the endogenous transmitter mediating the late, slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) in bullfrog sympathetic ganglia.

Action Potentials↗

Proatrial natriuretic factor is phosphorylated by rat cardiocytes in culture.

Proatrial natriuretic factor (proANF) is phosphorylated in primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiocytes. Rittenhouse et al. (Rittenhouse, J., Moberly, L., O'Donnell, M. E., Owen, N. E., and Marcus, F. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 7607-7610) observed that cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylated synthetic peptides related to atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and that phosphorylated ANF peptides were more effective in stimulating Na/K/Cl cotransport in smooth muscle cells than nonphosphorylated forms. In our studies, rat cardiocytes in culture were incubated with [32P]orthophosphoric acid, and ANF-related peptides in cell extracts and culture media were isolated using antisera to ANF. Both atrial and ventricular cardiocytes contained and secreted phosphorylated proANF, a 126-amino acid precursor of ANF. Phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated isoforms of proANF were resolved by isoelectric focusing; approximately 35% of the proANF secreted by cardiocytes was phosphorylated. proANF is phosphorylated on a serine residue localized to a 42-amino acid tryptic fragment (proANF residues 26-67). We conclude that proANF is phosphorylated by rat cardiocytes but not within the portion of the molecule destined to become ANF (proANF residues 99-126). Phosphorylation may have a role in the cellular mechanisms of proANF storage and secretion or in the modulation of potential biological activities of the circulating amino-terminal portion of proANF.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A muscarine-resistant M-current in C cells of bullfrog sympathetic ganglia.

C cells of bullfrog sympathetic ganglia have an M-current similar to that of the larger B cells. However, the M-current of C cells is much less sensitive to muscarinic agonists. The M-current of C cells is blocked by barium and by LHRH (mammalian luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone). LHRH sometimes also decreases a different conductance, with an extrapolated reversal potential near 0 mV. These results demonstrate that the coupling of receptors to ion channels can vary between cell types, even within a single ganglion.

Animals↗

Sodium currents in dissociated bull-frog sympathetic neurones.

1. Sodium currents were recorded from the cell bodies of single dissociated sympathetic neurones of bull-frogs, using patch electrodes in the whole-cell configuration, in Cs+-loaded cells, using external Mn2+ to block calcium currents. 2. A discontinuous single-electrode voltage-clamp method was used. Switching frequencies of 40-50 kHz were possible with 0.5-2 M omega electrodes, giving clamp settling times of approximately 0.2 ms and adequate clamp of currents up to 30 nA. 3. The sodium currents required unusually positive voltages for both activation and inactivation, with half of the maximal observed conductance activating at +2 mV, and half-maximal steady-state inactivation at -35 mV. Both fast (in the order of milliseconds) and slow (in the order of seconds) inactivation processes occurred. 4. Two pharmacologically and kinetically distinct sodium currents were observed. The larger current was blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX) and saxitoxin (STX) with I50 values (i.e. the concentration which results in 50% inhibition) of 10 nM or lower, and activated and inactivated relatively rapidly. 5. A smaller current (approximately 25% of peak current) was blocked by 0.1-1 microM-STX but not by 1-10 microM-TTX. It also activated rapidly, but inactivated approximately 3-fold more slowly than the larger current. The slower current was blocked 75-90% by Cd2+ (50-200 microM).

Action Potentials↗

[D-Phe12]bombesin analogues: a new class of bombesin receptor antagonists.

Previous attempts to develop analogues of bombesin that function as specific receptor antagonists have been unsuccessful. Alteration of the histidine in luteinizing hormone releasing factor has resulted in analogues that function as competitive antagonists. In the present study we have used a similar strategy and altered the histidine in bombesin. [D-Phe12]bombesin, [D-Phe12,Leu14]bombesin, and [Tyr4,D-Phe12]bombesin did not stimulate amylase release from guinea pig pancreatic acini when present alone, but each analogue inhibited bombesin-stimulated secretion. For each analogue, detectable inhibition occurred at 1 microM and half-maximal inhibition at 4 microM. Each analogue inhibited amylase release by bombesin and other agonists that stimulate secretion by interacting with bombesin receptors. The analogues of bombesin did not alter stimulation by substance P or other agonists that interact with other receptors. The inhibition of the action of bombesin was competitive with Schild plots having slopes of 1.0. Each analogue also inhibited binding of 125I-labeled [Tyr4]bombesin but not 125I-labeled substance P. These results demonstrate that [D-Phe12] analogues of bombesin function as bombesin receptor antagonists and are the only bombesin receptor antagonists that interact only with the bombesin receptor. Because of their specificity, these analogues may prove useful for defining the role of bombesin in various physiological or pathological processes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An isoelectric focusing procedure for erythrocyte membrane proteins and its use for two-dimensional electrophoresis.

Procedures are described and evaluated for one-dimensional isoelectric focusing of erythrocyte membrane dissolved in lysine, urea, and Triton X-100 without using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and for two-dimensional electrophoresis with SDS in the second dimension. The membrane was completely dissolved, most of the proteins including the anion porter(s) entered the focusing gel, and complex, well-resolved patterns were seen. Ampholines, 2-mercaptoethanol, or SDS in the applied sample each seriously reduced focusing resolution and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride blurred the patterns. The two-dimensional patterns showed more and sharper spots than did patterns obtained from membrane initially dissolved with SDS. Anion porter spots were seen with both procedures. However, major cytoskeletal proteins were much less well recovered with the former procedure than with the latter.

Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel↗

Mechanism of action of calcitonin gene-related peptide in stimulating pancreatic enzyme secretion.

In guinea pig pancreatic acini rat calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) caused an eightfold increase in amylase release with various phosphodiesterase inhibitors present. Rat CGRP and rat [Tyro]CGRP caused half-maximal effect at 2 nM, and were threefold more potent than human CGRP. CGRP-stimulated amylase release was not inhibited by VIP-(10-28) or secretin-(5-27). CGRP stimulated cAMP and was augmented by phosphodiesterase inhibitors with the order of sensitivity being Ro-20-1724 greater than isobutylmethylxanthine greater than theophylline. CGRP did not increase 45Ca outflux or effect of 125I-VIP binding. CGRP specifically inhibited 125I-CGRP binding. The dose-response curves were broad and each peptide accelerated dissociation of bound 125I-CGRP. Computer analysis demonstrated two classes of CGRP-binding sites. Occupation of a high-affinity class (Kd 20 nM) correlated with stimulation of enzyme secretion and cAMP, and occupation of the low-affinity class (Kd 1 microM) correlated with accelerated dissociation. These studies demonstrate that CGRP interacts with specific pancreatic receptors, CGRP-stimulated cAMP is in a different compartment from that stimulated by other secretagogues, and CGRP differs from other agents that increase cAMP and amylase release in the relationship among receptor occupation, cAMP generation, and enzyme secretion.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Structural features of various proglumide-related cholecystokinin receptor antagonists.

Thirteen proglumide derivatives that varied in the length of the di-n-alkyl group and in the substitutions on the benzoyl moiety were tested for their ability to interact with guinea pig pancreatic cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors. Each derivative was more potent than proglumide. There was a close correlation between their abilities to inhibit CCK-stimulated amylase release and to inhibit binding of 125I-CCK. For the di-n-alkyl derivatives the relative potency was n-pentyl greater than n-hexyl greater than n-butyl greater than n-propyl. For the benzoyl moiety, adding two electron-withdrawing groups increased potency more than adding a single electron-withdrawing group or adding electron-donating groups. The 3,4-dichloro-di-n-pentyl derivative of proglumide was 1,300 times more potent than proglumide, and its action was specific, competitive, and it functioned as a CCK receptor antagonist in rat, mouse, and guinea pig pancreas. For all proglumide derivatives there was a good correlation (r = 0.84, P less than 0.001) between their abilities to inhibit CCK-stimulated amylase release and that previously reported for their abilities to inhibit CCK-induced gallbladder contraction. However, certain proglumide derivatives had a much higher affinity for the pancreatic CCK receptor than for the CCK receptor mediating gallbladder contraction. For other proglumide derivatives the pattern was reversed. These results demonstrate that both the di-n-alkyl group and the substitution on the benzoyl moiety of proglumide are equally important determinants of affinity and that derivatives such as the di-n-pentyl 3,4-dichloro analogue can be produced that are 1,300 times more potent than proglumide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amylases↗