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T D Copeland

Publications and source records attributed to T D Copeland.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Chemical synthesis and expression of the HIV-1 protease gene in E. coli.

The 297bp HIV-1 protease gene was constructed from five discrete synthetic fragments and expressed in E. coli. A soluble protein product of 11.5 Kd was detected by immunoblotting using protease specific antisera. A quantitative assay system, utilizing a synthetic nonapeptide spanning the cleavage site between p17-p24 in the gag polyprotein, was used to measure the specific protease activity in crude extracts. The protease hydrolyzed tyrosyl-proline bonds with an approximate specific activity of 43 pmoles/min/micrograms of total protein. The chemical synthesis of the protease gene and it's expression provides a feasible method for rapid mutant analysis, important for structure-function studies and rational design of potential inhibitors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Purification and partial characterization of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 reverse transcriptase.

We have raised a rabbit monospecific antibody against a synthetic peptide derived from a sequence within the COOH-terminal portion of the reverse transcriptase (RT) of HIV-1. This sequence was also found to be conserved in the predicted amino acid sequence of HIV-2. The antibody, designated C2003, cross-reacted with HIV-2 RT on immunoblots of HIV-2 virus extract and directly inhibited HIV-2 RT activity. Fractionation of HIV-2 RT by immunoaffinity chromatography with C2003 antibody yielded a pair of viral proteins of 68 and 55 kD associated with both RT and RNAse H activities. Both proteins were found to be highly immunogenic, recognized by 11 of 11 human sera that previously tested positive for antibodies to HIV-2 antigens in immunoblot assays.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of simian immunodeficiency virus SIVMAC env gene products.

A monoclonal antibody recognizing an antigenic determinant on the env transmembrane protein, gp32 of simian immunodeficiency virus SIVMAC has been developed and designated SF8/5E11. The reactivity of this antibody was found to be type specific, since it did not cross-react with either SIVSMM or SIVMNe transmembrane proteins. The availability of both this antibody and the complete nucleotide sequence of SIVMAC allowed us to define the organization of the env gene products of this virus. Radiolabel sequencing of the amino termini of both gp160 and gp32 confirmed the positions of both cleavage sites predicted by alignment of the inferred amino acid sequences of the SIVMAC and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 env genes. The cleavage site between the signal peptide and the external env glycoprotein resides between the cysteine residue at position 21 and the threonine residue at position 22, starting from the first residue after the env gene initiator methionine. The env precursor polyprotein gp160 is cleaved between arginine 526 and glycine 527 to give rise to the external glycoprotein and the transmembrane of SIVMAC.

Animals↗

Analysis of gag proteins from mouse mammary tumor virus.

Structural proteins designated p10gag, p21gag, p8gag, p3gag, p27gag, and p14gag from the C3H strain of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) were purified by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. The N- and C-terminal amino acid sequences and amino acid composition of each protein were determined and compared with the amino acids encoded by the proviral DNA sequences for the MMTV gag gene. The results show that each of the purified proteins is a proteolytic cleavage product derived from the predicted primary translational product of the gag gene (Pr77gag) and that their order in Pr77gag is p10-pp21-p8-p3-n-p27-p14 (where n represents 17 predicted residues that were not identified among the purified proteins). Purified p10gag lacks the initiator methionine and has a myristoyl group attached in amide linkage to the N-terminal glycine residue predicted by the second codon of the gag gene. The cleavage products are contiguous in the sequence of Pr77gag, and the C-terminal residue of p14gag is encoded by the last codon of the gag gene. By analogy with other retrovirus, p14gag is the viral nucleocapsid protein, p10gag is the matrix protein, and p27gag is the capsid protein of mature MMTV. Proteolytic cleavage sites in MMTV Pr77gag bear a striking resemblance to cleavage sites in the gag precursors of D-type retroviruses, suggesting that these viral proteases have similar specificities.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation and characterization of a novel protein (X-ORF product) from SIV and HIV-2.

A protein designated p14 was purified from a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVMne) and was shown by amino acid sequence analysis to be nearly identical to the predicted translational product of a unique open reading frame (X-ORF) in the nucleotide sequences of SIVmac and human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2). Thus the X-ORF is proven to be a new retroviral gene. The p14 is present in SIVMne in molar amounts equivalent to those of the gag proteins. This is the first example of a retrovirus that contains a substantial quantity of a viral protein that is not a product of the gag, pro, pol, or env genes. SIV p14 and its homolog in HIV-2 may function as nucleic acid binding proteins since purified p14 binds to single-stranded nucleic acids in vitro. Antisera to the purified protein detected p14 in SIVMne, SIVmac, and a homologous protein (16 kilodaltons) in HIV-2 but did not react with HIV-1. Diagnostic procedures based on this novel protein will distinguish between HIV-1 and HIV-2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Purification and characterization of a cytosolic 65-kilodalton phosphoprotein in human leukocytes whose phosphorylation is augmented by stimulation with interleukin 1.

We have recently shown that glucocorticoids dramatically increase the number of interleukin 1 (IL 1) receptors on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and that IL 1 selectively induces the phosphorylation of a cytosolic 65-kilodalton (kDa) protein (pp 65) in glucocorticoid-pretreated PBMC. We describe here the purification and biochemical characteristics of pp 65. 32P-Labeled pp 65 was purified to homogeneity from the cytosol fraction of IL 1 stimulated [32P]orthophosphate-labeled PBMC by sequential chromatography on Sephacryl S-200, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) anion exchange, and hydroxyapatite HPLC. The purified pp 65 was homogeneous on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. The unphosphorylated 65-kDa protein (p 65) was also purified to homogeneity in a similar way. About 40 micrograms of purified 65-kDa protein was recovered from 5 x 10(8) PBMC. Analysis of the amino-terminal sequence of the purified pp 65 revealed the amino terminus of pp 65 to be blocked. Amino acid sequence analysis of a cyanogen bromide cleaved peptide showed pp 65 to be a unique protein whose protein sequence has not yet been reported. Studies of the distribution of p(p) 65 based on Western blotting using specific polyclonal rabbit antibody to p(p) 65 showed that p(p) 65 exists in a variety of cells such as neutrophils, monocytes, B lymphocytes, and myeloid cells. It could not be detected in the T cell leukemia cell line (MOLT), melanoma cells, and fibroblasts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cell Line↗

Phosphorylation of intracellular precursors of human IL-1.

The human IL-1 molecules (IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta) are post-translationally cleaved from 31-kDa precursor to 18-kDa biologically active molecules. During the course of studies of post-translational modifications of human IL-1, we have observed that although LPS induced the production of both intracellular IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta in human monocytes, [32P]orthophosphate labeling of these cells revealed that intracellular precursor of IL-1 alpha (pre-IL-1 alpha) to be phosphorylated at least 10-fold more than intracellular pre-IL-1 beta. However, no 32P-incorporation could be detected in the 18-kDa processed IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta. Analysis by TLC revealed that the major phosphorylation site occurred at serine residue(s). The 32P was incorporated into multiply cleaved precursors of IL-1 alpha, which appeared in the absence of protease inhibitors. Since the smallest Mr pre-IL-1 alpha that was labeled with 32P was 22 kDa, the phosphorylated serine residue is presumably located adjacent to a sequence of four basic amino acids located in the 4-kDa region at the amino terminus of the 22-kDa precursor of IL-1 alpha. This serine residue might also be a major phosphorylation site for a cAMP-dependent protein kinase. This hypothesis was substantiated by the demonstration that a synthetic peptide analogue of this region (residue 84 to 112) could be similarly phosphorylated in vitro by a cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Furthermore, a truncated pre-IL-1 alpha (residue 64 to 271) and a "fusion" protein containing staphylococcal protein A and an amino-terminal half-portion of pre-IL-1 alpha (residue 1 to 112), but not mature IL-1 alpha (residue 113 to 271), could also be phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. There is no comparable amino acid sequence in IL-1 beta which could be expected to be phosphorylated by a cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The physiologic relevance of phosphorylation of pre-IL-1 alpha was investigated. The data showed that phosphorylation of truncated pre-IL-1 alpha greatly enhanced its susceptibility to digestion by trypsin and promoted the conversion of pre-IL-1 alpha to the more biologically active IL-1. Although the precise role of the rather selective phosphorylation of pre-IL-1 alpha is not known, our findings do suggest that the phosphorylation of serine close to dibasic/tetrabasic amino acid sequence functions to facilitate the processing and/or release of IL-1 alpha.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Immunopurification of the suppressor tRNA dependent rabbit beta-globin readthrough protein.

In mammalian cells, the rabbit beta-globin readthrough protein is the only known example of a naturally occurring readthrough protein which does not involve a viral system. To provide an efficient means for its isolation, detection, and study, we elicited specific antibodies against this unique protein. The 22 amino acid peptide corresponding to the readthrough portion of this protein was synthesized, coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin, and injected into sheep. Specific antibodies to the peptide were produced as demonstrated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique and by immunoblotting. The antibodies did not react with globin. The rabbit beta-globin readthrough protein was separated from globin and other reticulocyte proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and visualized by silver staining or by labeling with [35S]methionine. Incorporation of [35S]methionine into the readthrough protein was significantly enhanced upon addition of an opal suppressor tRNA to reticulocyte lysates. Immunoblotting revealed that the readthrough protein also occurs in lysates without added suppressor tRNA. The antibodies were purified on an affi-gel column which had been coupled with the peptide antigen. The readthrough protein was then purified from reticulocytes by immunoaffinity chromatography and by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results provide conclusive evidence that the beta-globin readthrough protein is naturally occurring in rabbit reticulocytes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Biochemical and immunological analysis of human immunodeficiency virus gag gene products p17 and p24.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) p24 was purified to homogeneity and subjected to NH2-terminal sequencing. The sequence determined perfectly corresponded to the amino acid sequence predicted from the nucleotide sequence of a middle portion of the HIV first open frame: the gag gene. Edman degradation of purified HIV p17 revealed instead a blocked NH2 terminus. Hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies to p24 and p17 were developed and used to immunologically characterize these two HIV gag gene products. They identified two gag precursor polyproteins in the cytoplasm of HIV-infected cells: Pr53gag, which corresponds to the primary translational product, and Pr39gag, which corresponds to an intermediate product of cleavage of Pr53gag. These monoclonal antibodies allowed us also to study posttranslational modification of HIV p24 and p17. p24 was found to be phosphorylated, which is a very unusual feature for a major retroviral core protein. p17 was found to be myristylated, as are all NH2-terminal gag proteins of the known human retroviruses.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular characterization of gag proteins from simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVMne).

A simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) designated SIVMne was isolated from a pig-tailed macaque with lymphoma housed at the University of Washington Regional Primate Research Center, Seattle. To better establish the relationship of SIVMne to other immunodeficiency viruses, we purified and determined the partial amino acid sequences of six structural proteins (p1, p2, p6, p8, p16, and p28) from SIVMne and compared these amino acid sequences to the translated nucleotide sequences of SIVMac and human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2). A total of 125 residues of SIVMne amino acid sequence were compared to the predicted amino acid sequences of the gag precursors of SIV and HIVs. In the compared regions 92% of the SIVMne amino acids were identical to predicted residues of SIVMac, 83% were identical to predicted residues of HIV-2, and 41% were identical to predicted residues of HIV-1. These data reveal that the six SIVMne proteins are proteolytic cleavage products of the gag precursor (Pr60gag) and that their order in the structure of Pr60gag is p16-p28-p2-p8-p1-p6. Rabbit antisera prepared against purified p28 and p16 were shown to cross-react with proteins of 60, 54, and 47 kilodaltons present in the viral preparation and believed to be SIVMne Pr60gag and intermediate cleavage products, respectively. SIVMne p16 was shown to contain covalently bound myristic acid, and p8 was identified as a nucleic acid-binding protein. The high degree of amino acid sequence homology between SIVs and HIV-2 around proven proteolytic cleavage sites in SIV Pr60gag suggests that proteolytic processing of the HIV-2 gag precursor is probably very similar to processing of the SIV gag precursor. Peptide bonds cleaved during proteolytic processing of the SIV gag precursor were similar to bonds cleaved during processing of HIV-1 gag precursors, suggesting that the SIV and HIV viral proteases have similar cleavage site specificities.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Phosphorylation of a cytosolic 65-kDa protein induced by interleukin 1 in glucocorticoid pretreated normal human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes.

The authors have previously observed that glucocorticoids dramatically increase the number of interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptors on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) (from approximately 100 to 2000 receptors/cell) without significant change in the binding affinity (Kd = approximately 2.6 x 10(-10) M). We, therefore, used such a receptor-enriched glucocorticoid-pretreated PBMC to investigate whether IL-1 induces/increases the phosphorylation of any cell-associated proteins, including possible autophosphorylation of IL-1 receptors. Extraction of 125I-labeled IL-1 alpha cross-linked to IL-1 receptor on steroid-treated PBMC yielded two bands estimated to be 60 and 70 kDa in molecular mass. No molecules were significantly cross-linked with 125I-labeled IL-1 alpha on untreated PBMC. Carrier-free recombinant human IL-1 alpha induced phosphorylation of an acidic 65-kDa protein (pp65) at serine residues within 5 min more effectively in glucocorticoid-treated PBMC than in untreated PBMC. Fractionation of extracts of IL-1-stimulated prednisolone-pretreated PBMC by ultracentrifugation showed that pp65 is located in the cytosol, suggesting that pp65 is not the IL-1 receptor itself. Protein kinase inhibitors, HA1004 and W-7, but not H-7, significantly inhibited the induction of the phosphorylation of 65-kDa protein by IL-1. These data indicate that the glucocorticoid-induced IL-1 receptor is functional and either contains or is closely associated with a serine kinase that is distinct from protein kinase C.

Adult↗

Characterization of mouse mammary tumor virus gag-pro gene products and the ribosomal frameshift site by protein sequencing.

The synthesis of retroviral polyproteins that are the translational products of the genome-size mRNA is initiated in the upstream gag gene. The synthesis of the products of the protease gene (pro) and polymerase gene (pol) is regulated by translational suppression (in-frame read-through or frameshift) of termination codons as a strategy developed for controlling the level of replicative enzymes required only in catalytic amounts. In mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), three overlapping reading frames are utilized for the synthesis of gag-encoded Pr77, gag-pro-encoded Pr110, and gag-pro-pol-encoded Pr160 polyproteins. To characterize pro gene products and to determine the site of frameshift required for the synthesis of Pr110, we purified and sequenced three MMTV proteins: p14, p30, and p13. Sequence analysis showed that p14 is the basic nucleic acid-binding protein derived entirely from gag, and p13 is a product of the pro gene and has characteristic sequences of protease. A comparison of the amino acid sequences of p30 with the corresponding nucleotide sequence of proviral DNA allowed the delineation of the frameshift site utilized in vivo for the synthesis of the gag-pro-encoded fusion polyprotein Pr110. The results showed that: (i) the N-terminal 94 residues of p30 are translated from the gag frame; (ii) residue leucine-95 is specified by either the last UUG codon of gag or the overlapping CUU codon in the pro frame; and (iii) the elongation of the peptide chain from residue 96 continued to be encoded in the pro frame to the pro terminator. The possible mechanisms of frameshift and of the tRNAs involved are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A series of six ligands for the human formyl peptide receptor: tetrapeptides with high chemotactic potency and efficacy.

We recently isolated, from culture fluids of Staphylococcus aureus, a chemotactic peptide that comprised equimolar quantities of methionine, leucine, phenylalanine, and isoleucine. It interacted with the formylmethionyl peptide receptor of human leukocytes and had considerably higher potency and efficacy than the widely studied tripeptide agonist fMet-Leu-Phe. On the assumption that the attractant was a formylmethionyl tetrapeptide, we synthesized the six possible sequences and tested the products for chemotactic potency and efficacy, as well as their capacity to inhibit binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled fMet-Leu-Phe-Lys to human monocytes. The concentrations required for inhibition of fluorescein-labeled fMet-Leu-Phe-Lys binding by the six peptides covered three orders of magnitude. Chemotactic potency (concentration that caused 50% of the maximum chemotactic response) ranged from 3.1 X 10(-11) M to 6.4 X 10(-10) M; efficacy (percentage of monocytes migrating at optimal attractant concentration) ranged from 41% to 66%. When the six synthetic tetrapeptides were ranked for chemotactic efficacy, they paired according to the position of phenylalanine. The average percentage migration was 66% for the two peptides with phenylalanine in position 3, 51% for phenylalanine in position 4, and 41% for phenylalanine in position 2. Since the published value for the percentage of human monocytes with detectable formyl peptide receptors is 60%, it is apparent that the two tetrapeptides with phenylalanine in position 3 (fMet-Ile-Phe-Leu and fMet-Leu-Phe-Ile) are full chemotactic agonists, which are capable of inducing migration of all the receptor-bearing cells. This is in contrast to the tripeptide fMet-Leu-Phe, which induces migration of only 50% of monocytes with receptors (efficacy of 33%). Since the chemotactic efficacy of the six tetrapeptides covers a wide range, the series may be useful to investigate signals that lead to directed movement after occupancy of receptors by chemoattractants.

Binding, Competitive↗

Immunological and chemical analysis of P6, the carboxyl-terminal fragment of HIV P15.

The first open reading frame of the HIV genome has been identified as the gag gene. The proteins encoded by this gene are p17 as the amino-terminal protein, p24 as the middle peptide, and p15 as the carboxyl-terminal end. A monoclonal antibody recognizing an antigenic determinant on a fragment of p15 has been developed and designated M35/2F8. This monoclonal has been instrumental in radiosequencing the carboxyl-terminal product of p15, p6, and in determining the cleavage site between this protein and the amino-terminal product, p7. By immunoaffinity chromatography it was also possible to purify p6 from HIV lysates and all p6 containing polyproteins from HIV-infected cells. These results gave more insight into the composition and processing of the HIV gag gene.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Direct identification of class II histocompatibility DR proteins in preparations of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III.

Class II histocompatibility DR antigen alpha and beta chains were isolated from preparations of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III grown in human H-9 cells. The proteins were purified by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and identified by direct N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of each chain. The purified DR alpha chain had an N-terminal amino acid sequence identical to the known sequence of human DR alpha chain through the first 37 residues. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified DR beta chain was identical to that of human DR4 beta chain. The DR alpha and beta chains appeared to be identical to the p34-36K and p30-32K proteins, respectively, concentrated in immunostimulatory complexes prepared from unfractionated virus and were the major immunogens in these complexes. These proteins represent a ready source of antigens which can cause false-positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reactions in individuals previously exposed to allogenic histocompatibility antigens. The removal of the DR chains from virus preparations by use of available monoclonal antibodies or other means should result in a lower rate of initial false-positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reactions.

Cell Line↗

Reactivity of a sulfhydryl group of the ras oncogene product p21 modulated by GTP binding.

We have studied the sensitivity of sulfhydryl groups of a highly purified p21 protein of the v-rasH oncogene to a thiol-specific reagent, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). Approximately 70% of GTP binding and autokinase activities of p21 were inactivated by NEM, and excessive amounts of GTP or GDP protected p21 activities. Thiol titration revealed the presence of one fast reactive cysteine residue, the susceptibility of which is modulated by GTP binding. A total of 4 and 6 residues, respectively, became titratable upon denaturation and reduction, suggesting the presence of a disulfide bond. This GTP-modulated sulfhydryl group was identified as Cys-80 in the following tryptic peptide sequence: NH2-Thr-Gly-Glu-Gly-Phe-Leu-Cys-Val-Phe-Ala-Ile-Asn-Asn-Thr-Lys-COOH. This is based on the comparative tryptic peptide mapping of [14C]NEM-modified p21 in the presence and absence of GTP. The GTP-modulated peptide co-chromatographed with a synthetic peptide of the predicted sequence. Amino acid analysis of the purified [14C]NEM-modified peptide from tryptic digests of p21 also confirmed its identity. This region of p21 shares an extensive sequence homology with various G-proteins and appears to be in the vicinity of the GTP-binding domain of these proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Envelope proteins of human T cell leukemia virus type I: characterization by antisera to synthetic peptides and identification of a natural epitope.

Three peptides corresponding to selected regions of the env gene products of human T cell leukemia virus type I were synthesized by solid-phase Merrifield techniques. The sequence of peptide designated SP-65 was identical to the predicted C-terminal 12 residues of the transmembrane protein p21env, and peptide SP-74 was inferred from a region shown to be highly conserved among mammalian retroviruses. The third peptide, SP-70, was derived from a C-terminal region of the surface glycoprotein gp46. Antibodies to each peptide were raised in rabbits and were used to identify and further characterize the proteins coded by the env gene. Despite being present at very low levels in purified viral preparations, these proteins were chromatographed by reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography and were located by Western blot analysis of the column fractions. Anti-SP-70 recognized the surface glycoprotein (gp46) and also its C-terminal cleavage fragment (gp16). Anti-SP-65 and anti-SP-74 both reacted with the hydrophobic transmembrane protein (p21) and provided evidence that this protein does not undergo apparent C-terminal processing during viral maturation, unlike the trans-membrane protein of murine leukemia virus. As expected, anti-SP-74 also reacted with homologous proteins from other Type C and Type D viruses, confirming that peptide SP-74 corresponds to a broadly conserved region of retroviral transmembrane proteins. SP-70, which is predicted to be quite near the C terminus of the major surface glycoprotein, was also reactive with sera of HTLV-I-positive patients, indicating that this peptide corresponds to, or is part of, a native epitope recognized by the natural host.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Purification and biochemical characteristics of two distinct human interleukins 1 from the myelomonocytic THP-1 cell line.

An effective induction protocol for the production of interleukin 1 (IL 1) by human myelomonocytic cell line (THP-1) cells was developed, and two biochemically distinct human IL 1 peptides were purified. Lipopolysaccharide, silica, and hydroxyurea by themselves did not induce IL 1 production, but these three stimulants in combination had a synergistic effect on the production of IL 1 by THP-1 cells. A 17-kilodalton (kDa) form of human IL 1 with a pI of 7.0 (IL 1-beta) was purified to homogeneity by sequential chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel, Sephacryl S-200, CM high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and hydroxyapatite HPLC. The recovery of IL 1-beta activity was 45%, and the specific activity was 2.3 X 10(7) units/mg. Both IL 1-beta and a second 17-kDa IL 1 moiety with a pI of 5.0 (IL 1-alpha) were also extracted from stimulated THP-1 cells and purified to homogeneity by sequential chromatography on Sephacryl S-200, ion exchange HPLC, and hydroxyapatite HPLC. The recovery of IL 1-beta from cell extracts was 5.6%, and the specific activity was 3 X 10(7) units/mg. In contrast, only 0.85% of IL 1-alpha was recovered with a specific activity of 5.3 X 10(7) units/mg.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗