Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

T L Innerarity

Publications and source records attributed to T L Innerarity.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Normalization of receptor binding of apolipoprotein E2. Evidence for modulation of the binding site conformation.

Apolipoprotein (apo-) E3, when combined with the phospholipid dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), binds avidly to apo-B,E (low density lipoprotein) receptors on human fibroblasts. Apolipoprotein E2 isolated from type III hyperlipoproteinemic subjects, which differs from apo-E3 by the presence of cysteine instead of arginine at residue 158, possesses only about 1% of the receptor binding activity of apo-E3. Modification of apo-E2 with cysteamine, which converts the cysteine at position 158 to a positively charged lysine analogue, activates receptor binding approximately 13-fold. In the present experiments, thrombin was used to cleave apo-E2 into two fragments (Mr = 22,000 and Mr = 10,000). The larger fragment, which has been shown to possess the receptor binding domain, displayed binding activity up to 12-fold greater than intact apo-E2 or equivalent to apo-E2 treated with cysteamine. When the Mr = 22,000 fragment was modified with cysteamine and combined with DMPC, receptor binding was further enhanced, attaining the level of activity of normal apo-E3 X DMPC, a 100-fold increase over apo-E2 X DMPC binding. When the cysteamine modification was reversed by incubation with beta-mercaptoethanol, the Mr = 22,000 fragment retained most of its binding activity. However, when the same sample was tested 24 h later, the level of binding activity dropped significantly. The receptor binding of apo-E2-containing beta-very low density lipoproteins could also be activated by cysteamine treatment, with the same retention of enhanced binding activity occurring after the reversal of the modification. These results indicate that apo-E2 can attain full binding activity by the removal of the carboxyl-terminal one-third of the molecule and the addition of a positive charge at residue 158 of the molecule. The retention of enhanced binding after the reversal of the cysteamine modification indicates that the enhanced binding is probably due to conformational changes induced in the binding domain (and maintained by the phospholipid) and not merely to the presence of the positive charge at residue 158.

Apolipoprotein E2↗

Defective hepatic lipoprotein receptor binding of beta-very low density lipoproteins from type III hyperlipoproteinemic patients. Importance of apolipoprotein E.

Apolipoprotein (apo-) E2 and beta-migrating very low density lipoproteins (beta-VLDL) (which were isolated from type III hyperlipoproteinemic subjects) both demonstrated defective binding to apo-E and apo-B,E receptors on dog liver membranes and to apo-B,E low density lipoproteins (LDL) receptors on fibroblasts. The defective binding activity of the apo-E2 and beta-VLDL varied from very poor to nearly normal. The ability of the beta-VLDL to interact with hepatic apo-E receptors was enhanced by the addition of normal apo-E3 to the beta-VLDL. Furthermore, cysteamine treatment of the apo-E2 in beta-VLDL enhanced binding of the beta-VLDL to both apo-E and apo-B,E receptors. The importance of apo-E in mediating the receptor binding of beta-VLDL to these receptors was confirmed by using monoclonal antibodies. The residual binding activity of beta-VLDL to apo-E and apo-B,E receptors was inhibited by greater than 90% with anti-apo-E, while the addition of anti-apo-B had little effect. The apo-B in the beta-VLDL was capable of binding to apo-B,E receptors after the hydrolysis of the beta-VLDL triglycerides with milk lipoprotein lipase. Lipase treatment yielded, two subfractions of beta-VLDL. One fraction (d = 1.02 to 1.03 g/ml) was enriched with apo-B100; the other fraction (d less than 1.006 g/ml) was enriched with apo-B48 and apo-E2. Significantly increased amounts of the apo-B100-enriched fraction bound to apo-B,E receptors. Inhibition of this binding caused by the addition of anti-apo-B indicated that the binding activity of this subfraction was mediated by apo-B100. The apo-B48-enriched fraction did not show a significant increase in receptor binding, suggesting that apo-B48 does not bind to these receptors. In a control experiment, it was shown that triglyceride-rich VLDL, which contain normal apo-E3 and apo-B100, bind significantly to both liver apo-E receptors and fibroblast apo-B,E receptors. This binding activity was inhibited by greater than 90% with anti-apo-E. Lipase hydrolysis of the VLDL did not further enhance their receptor-binding activity. These results demonstrate that apo-E, and not apo-B, is the major determinant mediating the receptor-binding activity of cholesterol-rich beta-VLDL and triglyceride-rich VLDL.

Animals↗

Receptor binding activity of high-density lipoproteins containing apoprotein E from abetalipoproteinemic and normal neonate plasma.

The receptor binding properties of lipoproteins derived from neonates and abetalipoproteinemic patients were examined. Compared to normal adults, the neonate plasma contained reduced cholesterol levels, with only 40% of the total cholesterol transported in the low-density lipoproteins (LDL). When compared at equal cholesterol concentrations, however, the total neonate lipoproteins (d less than 1.21) were as effective as adult d less than 1.21 lipoproteins in stimulating cholesteryl ester formation in cultured human fibroblasts. Analysis of the neonate lipoproteins explained their enhanced ability to deliver cholesterol to the cells via LDL (apoprotein B,E) receptors: the neonate d = 1.02-1.063 fraction contained, in addition to LDL, alpha 2-migrating, apoprotein E-rich high-density lipoproteins (HDL1), which were isolated by Geon-Pevikon electrophoresis. In binding studies performed with human fibroblasts at 4 degrees C, the neonate HDL1 were 14-fold more effective than either neonate or adult human LDL in displacing 125I-LDL from apo-B,E receptors. The neonate HDL (d = 1.063-1.21) contained a subfraction rich in apo-E and apo(E-A-II), which was isolated by heparin-Sepharose chromatography. This fraction was also active in displacing 125I-LDL from the receptors on cultured fibroblasts. Apoprotein E-containing HDL subclasses, similar to those described in the blood of neonates, were present in the d less than 1.063 and d = 1.063-1.21 lipoprotein fractions of patients with abetalipoproteinemia. These HDL with apo-E were enriched in cholesterol and were as effective as normal LDL in competing with 125I-LDL for apo-B,E receptor-mediated binding, internalization, and degradation. When incubated with cultured human fibroblasts, the HDL with apo-E from the abetalipoproteinemic subjects increased the cholesteryl ester mass three- to fourfold. These studies suggest that neonates and abetalipoproteinemic subjects may depend (at least in part) upon lipoproteins containing apo-E to deliver cholesterol to various tissues via the LDL (apo-B,E) receptor.

Abetalipoproteinemia↗

A novel electrophoretic variant of human apolipoprotein E. Identification and characterization of apolipoprotein E1.

A new apolipoprotein E (apo E) phenotype has been demonstrated in a Finnish hypertriglyceridemic subject (R.M.). At the time of this study, R.M.'s plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels were 1,021 and 230 mg/dl, respectively. The subject's apo E isoelectric focusing pattern was characterized by two major bands, one in the E3 position and the other in the E1 position. Normally the E1 position is occupied by sialylated derivatives of apo E4, E3, or E2. The E1 band of subject R.M. is not a sialylated form, however, because it was not affected by neuraminidase digestion. The identity of the E1 variant as a genetically determined structure was established by amino acid and partial sequence analyses, confirming that the variant is an example of a previously uncharacterized apo E phenotype, E3/1. Both cysteamine modification and amino acid analysis demonstrated that this variant contains two cysteine residues per mole. Sequence analysis of two cyanogen bromide fragments and one tryptic fragment of the apo E3/1 showed that it differs from E2(Arg158----Cys) at residue 127, where an aspartic acid residue is substituted for glycine. This single amino acid interchange is sufficient to account for the one-charge difference observed on isoelectric focusing gels between E2(Arg158----Cys) and the E1 variant. The variant has been designated E1 (Gly127----Asp, Arg158----Cys). When compared with apo E3, the E1 variant demonstrated reduced ability to compete with 125I-LDL for binding to LDL (apo B,E) receptors on cultured fibroblasts (approximately 4% of the amount of binding of apo E3). This defective binding is similar to that of E2-(Arg158----Cys). Therefore, the binding defect of the variant is probably due to the presence of cysteine at residue 158, rather than aspartic acid at residue 127. In contrast, the apo E3 isoform from this subject demonstrated normal binding activity, indicating that it has a normal structure. In family studies, the vertical transmission of the apo E1 variant has been established. It is not yet clear, however, if the hypertriglyceridemia observed in the proband is associated with the presence of the E1(Gly127----Asp, Arg158----Cys) variant.

Adolescent↗

The receptor-binding domain of human apolipoprotein E. Binding of apolipoprotein E fragments.

To identify the domain of apolipoprotein E (apo-E) involved in binding to low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors on cultured human fibroblasts, apo-E was cleaved and the fragments were tested for receptor binding activity. Two large thrombolytic peptides (residues 1-191 and 216-299) of normal apo-E3 were combined with the phospholipid dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and tested for their ability to compete with 125I-LDL for binding to the LDL (apo-B,E) receptors on human fibroblasts. The NH2-terminal two-thirds (residues 1-191) of apo-E3 was as active as intact apo-E3 . DMPC, while the smaller peptide (residues 216-299) was devoid of receptor-binding activity. When apo-E3 was digested with cyanogen bromide (CNBr) and the four largest CNBr fragments were combined with DMPC and tested, only one fragment competed with 125I-LDL for binding to cultured human fibroblasts (CNBr II, residues 126-218). This fragment possessed binding activity similar to that of human LDL. The 125I-labeled CNBr II . DMPC complex also demonstrated high affinity, calcium-dependent saturable binding to solubilized bovine adrenal membranes. The binding of CNBr II . DMPC was inhibited by 1,2-cyclohexanedione modification of arginyl residues or diketene modification of lysyl residues. In addition, the CNBr II had to be combined with DMPC before it demonstrated any receptor-binding activity. Pronase treatment of the membranes abolished the ability of this fragment to bind to the apo-B,E receptors. This same basic region in the center of the molecule has been implicated as the apo-B,E receptor-binding domain not only by this study but also by other studies showing that 1) natural mutants of apo-E that display defective binding have single amino acid substitutions at residues 145, 146, or 158; and 2) the apo-E epitope of the monoclonal antibody 1D7, which inhibits apo-E binding, is centered around residues 139-146.

Adrenal Cortex↗

The receptor-binding domain of human apolipoprotein E. Monoclonal antibody inhibition of binding.

To investigate the potential of monoclonal antibodies as probes to determine the receptor-binding domain of apolipoprotein E (apo-E), five apo-E antibodies were tested to see if any of them inhibited 125I-apo-E3 . dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine binding to apo-B,E receptors on cultured fibroblasts. Only one of the five antibodies, referred to as 1D7, was found to inhibit binding, blocking greater than 90% of the receptor-binding activity of apo-E3 dimyristoylphosphatidyl-choline. The 1D7 Fab fragments were also effective inhibitors. The 1D7 bound to a Mr = 22,000 NH2-terminal thrombolytic fragment of apo-E (residues 1-191) and to a 93-residue cyanogen bromide fragment of apo-E (residues 126-218). The four noninhibitory antibodies bound only to the NH2-terminal thrombolytic fragment. These results suggested that the 1D7 epitope is contained between residues 126 and 191, and that the epitopes of the other antibodies are not contained in this region. The use of synthetic apo-E fragments, which cover various lengths of the sequence from residues 129-169, and human apo-E variants with substitutions at residues 145, 146, or 158, narrowed the location of the 1D7 epitope to residues 139-169 and, most likely, to the immediate vicinity of residues 140-150. It is of interest that 1D7 was found to bind to the same region of apo-E that has been implicated as the receptor-binding domain in receptor-binding studies using human apo-E variants and apo-E3 fragments.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Formation of cholesterol- and apoprotein E-enriched high density lipoproteins in vitro.

The delivery of cholesterol to canine serum or plasma altered the distribution of cholesterol and apoproteins in subclasses of high density lipoproteins (HDL). In these experiments, two in vitro systems were employed. The first system used cholesterol-celite particles to deliver cholesterol to canine plasma during 4-h incubations. When the cholesterol distribution in the lipoproteins was analyzed by Geon-Pevikon electrophoresis, an increase in cholesterol content was found in the slower migrating subclasses of HDL (HDL1 and HDLc). A large increase in apoprotein E (apo-E) was also observed in the lipoproteins. Densitometric analysis of lipid-stained, 4 to 30% gradient acrylamide gels of canine plasma after incubation with cholesterol-celite revealed that the concentration of the major high density lipoproteins (HDL3) decreased, and the concentration of subclasses of HDL-with apo-E (HDL1 and HDLc) increased 2- to 5-fold. In the second system, cholesterol-loaded mouse peritoneal macrophages released cholesterol to HDL in an incubation medium containing 10 to 20% canine serum. The HDL1 and HDLc, which demonstrated slower electrophoretic mobility as determined by Geon-Pevikon block electrophoresis, became enriched in cholesterol and cholesteryl esters. Gradient gel electrophoresis showed substantial increases in these subclasses of HDL-with apo-E. The cholesterol-loaded mouse peritoneal macrophages synthesized and secreted apo-E into the medium. When L-[35S]methionine was used as a precursor, 65 to 90% of the 35S-labeled protein associated with the lipoproteins in the 1.02 to 1.09 density range was immunoprecipitated with antibody directed against rat apo-E. Gradient gel electrophoresis of density fractions demonstrated the presence of HDL1 and HDLc as the major lipoproteins. In addition, when canine 125I-HDL3 (primarily apo-A-I-containing HDL) were added to canine serum and incubated with cholesterol-loaded macrophages, the appearance of HDL1 and HDLc was associated with a marked increase in the 125I label in these newly formed, cholesteryl ester-rich lipoproteins. There was a corresponding marked reduction in the 125I-HDL3 in the serum. Similar results were observed using human HDL3 and human serum.

Animals↗

Identical structural and receptor binding defects in apolipoprotein E2 in hypo-, normo-, and hypercholesterolemic dysbetalipoproteinemia.

Apolipoprotein E (apoprotein E or apo-E) from type III hyperlipoproteinemic subjects with the E2/2 homozygous phenotype displays both structural and receptor binding heterogeneity. The apo-E from all subjects thus far studied, however, has been functionally defective, though to different degrees. Although nearly every type III hyperlipoproteinemic subject has the E2/2 phenotype, 95-99% of the people with this same phenotype do not display type III hyperlipoproteinemia, nor do they have elevated plasma cholesterol levels. Consequently, it became important to determine whether the apo-E2 from hypo- and normocholesterolemic individuals with the E2/2 phenotype is also functionally abnormal. To do this, apo-E2 was isolated from two hypo-, two normo- and two hypercholesterolemic homozygous E2/2 subjects. The apo-E2 was recombined with vesicles and tested for its ability to displace (125)I-low density lipoproteins (LDL) from apo-B,E (LDL) receptors on human fibroblasts. The apo-E2 from all six subjects was found to be severely defective in receptor binding (<2% of the binding activity of normal apo-E3). In all cases, the binding activity of the apo-E2 was increased 10- to 20-fold by treating the apoproteins with cysteamine, a reagent that converts cysteine residues to positively charged lysine analogues. The cysteine content of each apo-E was determined by monitoring the change in the isoelectric focusing position of the cysteamine-treated apo-E2. Using this method, it was found that the apo-E2 from each subject contained two cysteine residues per mole. A partial sequence analysis of the cysteine-containing regions of the apo-E from three of the six subjects indicated that the two cysteine residues were at residues 112 and 158 in the amino acid sequence. The cysteine at residue 158 has previously been implicated in the severe binding defect of the apo-E2 from a type III hyperlipoproteinemic subject. Since the apo-E2 of the hypo-, normo-, and hypercholesterolemic subjects in this study all displayed a severe functional abnormality, it is apparent that factors in addition to the defective receptor binding activity of the apo-E2 are necessary for the manifestation of type III hyperlipoproteinemia.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Regulation of hepatic lipoprotein receptors in the dog. Rapid regulation of apolipoprotein B,E receptors, but not of apolipoprotein E receptors, by intestinal lipoproteins and bile acids.

Two distinct lipoprotein receptors can be expressed in the dog liver. One is the apolipoprotein (apo-) B,E receptor. This receptor binds apo-B-containing low density lipoproteins (LDL), as well as apo-E-containing lipoproteins, such as the cholesterol-induced high density lipoproteins (HDL(c)). The second hepatic lipoprotein receptor is the apo-E receptor. It binds apo-E HDL(c) and chylomicron remnants, but not LDL. The present studies were undertaken to determine whether short-term (acute) regulation of the two receptors can occur in response to perturbations in hepatic cholesterol metabolism. The design used three groups of experimental animals: (a) immature dogs (with both hepatic apo-B,E and apo-E receptors expressed), (b) adult dogs (with predominantly the apo-E receptor expressed and little detectable apo-B,E receptor binding activity), and (c) dogs treated with the bile acid sequestrant cholestyramine or those that have undergone biliary diversion (with apo-E receptors and induced apo-B,E receptors). In the first series of experiments, changes in hepatic lipoprotein receptor expression were studied by delivering cholesterol to the liver via intestinal lymph lipoproteins. Dog lymph (5-11 mg of triglycerides/min per kg of body weight, 0.15-0.3 mg of cholesterol/min per kg) or saline were infused intravenously for 6-8 h into matched pairs of dogs. Serial liver biopsies were obtained at intervals of 1-2 h. A progressive loss of specific (calcium-dependent) binding of LDL was seen in hepatic membranes from both immature and cholestyramine-treated dogs. After 4-6 h of lymph infusion, almost no apo-B,E receptor binding could be detected. The decrease in binding of apo-E HDL(c) to the same membranes was much less pronounced, and could be explained by a loss of binding of HDL(c) to the apo-B,E receptor; there was little or no effect on apo-E receptor binding. In the second series of experiments, the effects of a diminished hepatic demand for cholesterol on lipoprotein receptor expression were studied by suppressing bile acid synthesis. The bile acid taurocholate (2-3 mumol/kg per min) was infused intravenously over a 6-h interval. This resulted in a progressive loss of LDL binding to liver membranes of immature or cholestyramine-treated dogs. The infusion of taurocholate for 6 h did not significantly alter the expression of the apo-E receptor binding activity, whereas apo-B,E receptor activity was rapidly down-regulated. Preparation of a bile fistula in adult dogs markedly induced the expression of the apo-B,E receptor. In this state, the binding activity of the apo-B,E receptor could be almost totally abolished by reinfusion of taurocholate for 6 h, without profoundly affecting apo-E receptor binding. Evidence from the analysis of plasma lipoprotein patterns and tissue culture reactivity suggested that changes in assayed hepatic lipoprotein receptor activity occurred in concert with changes in plasma lipoproteins.The results indicate that the two canine hepatic lipoprotein receptors differ in their metabolic regulation. The apo-B,E receptor responds rapidly to changes in hepatic requirements for cholesterol. The apo-E receptor appears to be more refractory to acute regulation. The rapidity of the changes in the activity of the apo-B,E receptor (within 2-4 h) suggests that the binding activity of this receptor may be regulated by factors independent of protein synthesis.

Animals↗

Cholesteryl ester accumulation in mouse peritoneal macrophages induced by beta-migrating very low density lipoproteins from patients with atypical dysbetalipoproteinemia.

The d < 1.006 lipoproteins of patients in a kindred with atypical dysbetalipoproteinemia induced marked cholesteryl ester accumulation in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The affected family members had severe hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, xanthomatosis, premature vascular disease, the apo-E3/3 phenotype, and a predominance of cholesterol-rich beta-very low density lipoproteins (beta-VLDL) in the d < 1.006 fraction. When incubated with mouse peritoneal macrophages, the d < 1.006 lipoproteins or beta-VLDL from the affected family members stimulated cholesteryl [(14)C]oleate synthesis 15- to 30-fold above that caused by normal, control d < 1.006 lipoproteins (VLDL). The ability of the beta-VLDL to stimulate macrophage cholesteryl ester accumulation was greatly reduced as a consequence of treatment with hypolipidemic agents, which specifically reduced the concentration of beta-VLDL. Two important differences were noted in a comparison of the beta-VLDL from these atypical dysbetalipoproteinemic subjects with that of classic E2/2 dysbetalipoproteinemics: (a) the beta-VLDL from the atypical subjects were severalfold more active in stimulating cholesteryl ester accumulation in macrophages, and (b) both the intestinal and hepatic beta-VLDL from the atypical subjects were active. The triglyceriderich, alpha(2)-migrating VLDL from the affected family members constituted <10% of the d < 1.006 fraction and were similar to normal VLDL in that they did not stimulate cholesteryl ester synthesis in the macrophages. Several lines of evidence indicate that the macrophage accumulation of cholesteryl esters was induced by a receptor-mediated uptake process and that the beta-VLDL were bound by a specific beta-VLDL receptor. First, the uptake and degradation of the lipoproteins and the induction of cholesteryl ester formation displayed qualities of high affinity, saturable kinetics. Second, the uptake and degradation process was inhibited when the lysyl residues of the beta-VLDL apoproteins were modified by reductive methylation. Third, the beta-VLDL from the affected subjects competed with diet-induced canine (125)I-beta-VLDL for the same cell surface receptors, but did not compete with chemically modified low density lipoproteins. Finally, the receptor-mediated uptake of these beta-VLDL resulted in lysosomal degradation of the lipoproteins, which could be prevented by incubating the cells with chloroquine. Normal, triglyceride-rich VLDL were also degraded when incubated with the macrophages, but they were not degraded by the same receptor-mediated process responsible for the degradation of the beta-VLDL of the patients. The degradation of the VLDL was not abolished by reductive methylation of the lipoproteins or by treatment of the cells with choloroquine. These studies demonstrate that the beta-VLDL from subjects with atypical dysbetalipoproteinemia are taken up by macrophages via the same receptor-mediated process responsible for the uptake of diet induced beta-VLDL. The accelerated vascular disease seen in these patients may be the result of high concentrations of beta-VLDL capable of binding to and delivering large quantities of cholesterol to macrophages and converting them into cells resembling the foam cells of atherosclerotic lesions.

Adolescent↗

Identification of a new structural variant of human apolipoprotein E, E2(Lys146 leads to Gln), in a type III hyperlipoproteinemic subject with the E3/2 phenotype.

A type III hyperlipoproteinemic subject having the apolipoprotein E (apo E) phenotype E3/2 was identified. From isoelectric focusing experiments in conjunction with cysteamine treatment (a method that measures cysteine content in apo E), the E2 isoform of this subject was determined to have only one cysteine residue, in contrast to all previously studied E2 apoproteins, which had two cysteines. This single cysteine was shown to be at residue 112, the same site at which it occurs in apo E3. From amino acid and sequence analyses, it was determined that this apo E2 differed from apo E3 by the occurrence of glutamine rather than lysine at residue 146. When phospholipid X protein recombinants of the subject's isolated E3 and E2 isoforms were tested for their ability to bind to the human fibroblast apo-B,E receptor, it was found that the E3 bound normally (compared with an apo E3 control) but that the E2 had defective binding (approximately 40% of normal). Although they contained E3 as well as E2, the beta-very low density lipoproteins (beta-VLDL) from this subject were very similar in character to the beta-VLDL from an E2/2 type III hyperlipoproteinemic subject; similar subfractions could be obtained from each subject and were shown to have a similar ability to stimulate cholesteryl ester accumulation in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The new apo E2 variant has also been detected in a second type III hyperlipoproteinemic subject.

Aged↗

Structural basis for receptor binding heterogeneity of apolipoprotein E from type III hyperlipoproteinemic subjects.

The three major isoforms of human apolipoprotein E (apo-E2, -E3, and -E4) are coded for by three alleles (epsilon 2, epsilon 3, and epsilon 4) which have a common genetic locus. Previously, we demonstrated that E2, E3, and E4 differ in primary structure from one another at two substitution sites, site A (residue 112) and site B (residue 158). At sites A/B, apo-E2, -E3, and -E4 contain cysteine/cysteine, cysteine/arginine, and arginine/arginine, respectively. We demonstrated that the substitution of cysteine for arginine at site B is at least partly responsible for the defective binding of apo-E2 to human fibroblast low density lipoprotein receptors, compared to the normal binding activity of apo-E3 or -E4. Subjects with the genetic disorder type III hyperlipoproteinemia are phenotypically homozygous for apo-E2, but the binding activity of apo-E to the fibroblast receptor differs considerably from one type III individual to another. We therefore undertook a partial comparative sequence analysis of apo-E2 from three type III subjects whose apo-E displayed this heterogeneity. The subject with the poorest binding apo-E2 was genotypically homozygous for an apo-E allele (epsilon 2); cysteine was found at sites A and B. The subject with the most active apo-E2 was genotypically homozygous for an apo-E allele (epsilon 2); cystine was found at site A and at a new site (site C, residue 145). The epsilon 2 allele specifies a protein that has arginine at site B (residue 158); the epsilon 2 allele specifies a protein that has arginine at site C (residue 145). Therefore, the two alleles differ from one another by cysteine/arginine interchanges at two positions, sites B and C. The third subject, whose apo-E2 displayed binding activity intermediate between the activities of the other two, was genotypically heterozygous, having one epsilon 2 allele and one epsilon 2 allele. The intermediate binding activity of apo-E2 from this subject resulted from having a mixture of severely defective apo-E (specified by epsilon 2) and slightly defective apo-E (specified by epsilon 2).

Alleles↗

Structural and metabolic heterogeneity of beta-very low density lipoproteins from cholesterol-fed dogs and from humans with type III hyperlipoproteinemia.

Cholesteryl ester-rich beta-very low density lipoproteins (beta-VLDL) are beta-migrating lipoproteins that accumulate in the d < 1.006 g/ml fraction of plasma from cholesterol-fed animals and from patients with Type III hyperlipoproteinemia. They can be separated from pre-beta-migrating very low density lipoproteins in the d 1.006 g/ml fraction by Geon-Pevikon block electrophoresis. The beta-VLDL have a general property of stimulating cholesteryl ester synthesis and accumulation in macrophages. In the present study, we demonstrated that beta-VLDL obtained from cholesterol-fed dogs fasted for 16 hr were heterogeneous and that two subpopulations of particles, referred to as Fractions I and II, could be isolated from the whole beta-VLDL fraction using gel filtration chromatography. These fractions of beta-VLDL were similar in that both were cholesteryl ester rich, had beta-electrophoretic mobility on Geon-Pevikon electrophoresis, and possessed the B and E apoproteins as major constituents. However, Fractions I and II differed in size, shape, electrophoretic mobility, chemical composition, and apoprotein B type. (Fraction I vs. Fraction II: size: 90 to 300 nm vs. 20 to 70 nm; shape: irregular with redundant surface vs. spherical; electrophoretic mobility on paper: origin vs. beta; chemical composition: rich in phospholipid and poor in protein vs. rich in protein and poor in triglycerides; apoprotein B types: equal amounts of the high and low molecular weight forms vs. predominantly the high molecular weight form.) Furthermore, Fraction I was 3- to 15-fold more active than Fraction II in stimulating cholesteryl ester formation in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The concentration of Fraction I, but not Fraction II, was diminished in plasma by prolonged fasting, and Fraction I transported more intestinal-absorbed retinol than Fraction II. In addition, the plasma clearance of Fraction I injected into cholesterol-fed dogs was distinctly different from the clearance of Fraction II, and the in vivo dieaway of Fraction I resembled that of chylomicrons and chylomicron remnants. These findings suggest that beta-VLDL in dogs are composed of cholesteryl ester-rich chylomicron remnants (Fraction I) and cholesteryl ester-rich lipoproteins, probably of liver origin (Fraction II). Finally, in studies of two patients with Type III hyperlipoproteinemia, we also identified the existence of two fractions in the beta-VLDL with characteristics similar to Fractions I and II of cholesterol-fed dogs.-Fainaru, M., R. W. Mahley, R. L. Hamilton, and T. L. Innerarity. Structural and metabolic heterogeneity of beta-very low density lipoproteins from cholesterol-fed dogs and from humans with Type III hyperlipoproteinemia.

Animals↗

Lipoprotein binding to canine hepatic membranes. Metabolically distinct apo-E and apo-B,E receptors.

Hepatic membranes from adult dog livers have receptors which bind to lipoproteins containing the E apoprotein (the apo-E HDLc) but lack specific receptors for the apo-B-containing low density lipoproteins (LDL). Scatchard analysis of direct binding data for 125I-apo-E-HDLc revealed nonlinearity of the binding which could be resolved into two components, suggesting the presence of two separate binding sites. The binding site for apo-E HDLc that possessed the highest affinity (Kd = 0.23 x 10(-9) M) was calcium-dependent and was sensitive to proteolytic digestion with pronase. The lower affinity (Kd = 20 x 10(-9) M) binding site for apo-E HDLc did not require calcium and was resistant to pronase digestion. Chemical modification of the arginyl or lysyl residues of the apo-E HDLc prevented the HDLc from binding to the higher affinity receptor but had no effect on their binding to the lower affinity site. Adult canine liver membranes also bound canine 125I-HDL. However, the binding of HDL was of lower affinity (Kd = 8.2 x 10(-8) M), did not require calcium, was not blocked by modification of the lysyl or arginyl residues, and may not be of physiologic significance. Although the liver membranes from normal chow-fed adult dogs did not bind canine LDL, it was possible to demonstrate specific high affinity binding of LDL under certain metabolic conditions in dogs. When adult dogs were treated with the hypocholesterolemic agent cholestyramine, the liver membranes from these animals readily bound canine LDL. The Kd for canine LDL binding to these liver membranes was 15 x 10(-9) M. Furthermore, it was possible to demonstrate high affinity binding of LDL to the liver membranes from young rapidly growing puppies (Kd = 11 x 10(-9) M). The binding of the 125I-LDL to the liver membranes from the adult cholestyramine-treated dogs or from the puppies appeared to be mediated by apo-B,E receptors which resembled the LDL receptor of human skin fibroblasts. The 125I-LDL binding of these liver membranes was competitively inhibited by the addition of unlabeled LDL or apo-E HDLc. On the other hand, 125I-apo-E HDLc, capable of binding to the apo-B,E or to the apo-E receptors, were only partially displaced by the addition of unlabeled LDL but were totally displaced by apo-E HDLc. In summary, the adult dog liver possessed only the apo-E receptor. An apo-B,E receptor capable of binding LDL and HDLc could be induced by treatment of adult dogs with cholestyramine. Similarly, the liver membranes of young growing puppies possessed the apo-E and po-B,E receptors and were capable of binding both apo-E HDLc and LDL. The mechanism responsible for the control of the expression of the hepatic apo-B,E and/or apo-E receptors remains to be determined. These data indicate that a unique receptor capable of interacting specifically with apo-E-containing lipoproteins, and not with apo-B-containing lipoproteins (LDL), exists in the adult canine liver.

Animals↗

Functional unit of the low density lipoprotein receptor of fibroblasts: a 100,000-dalton structure with multiple binding sites.

The low density lipoprotein (apoprotein B,E) receptors of fibroblasts bind plasma lipoproteins that contain either the B (apo-B) or E (apo-E) apoproteins. These include the low density lipoproteins (LDL) containing apo-B and certain high density lipoproteins containing apo-E (e.g., the cholesterol-induced apo-E HDLc). The same receptor binds both LDL and apo-E HDLc, but the apo-E HDLc bind with much higher affinity. This higher affinity is due to the binding of apo-E HDLc to multiple receptor sites. One possible structural model for this receptor is that each apo-B,E receptor possesses a single binding site. Thus, the multiple binding of apo-E HDLc would require the recruitment of four independent receptors to bind to a single apo-E HDLc particle. A second model is that each receptor unit possesses multiple binding sites capable of binding one apo-E HDLc particle or four LDL particles. This study characterizes the apo-B,E receptors in situ in the membranes of fibroblasts by radiation inactivation. This technique allows one to determine the functional size of the receptor on the basis of the amount of radiation required to inactivate the structure. The larger the molecular size of the structure, the less ionizing radiation (generated by a linear accelerator) that will be required to abolish the receptor--ligand interaction. The functional size of the apo-B,E receptor is 106,000 Mr as determined with both LDL and apo-E HDLc binding after radiation inactivation. Furthermore, the data derived from radiation inactivation and Scatchard analysis indicate that each apo-B,E receptor has multiple binding sites and that each functional receptor unit, capable of binding one apo-E HDLc or four LDL particles, has a molecular weight of 106,000.

Apolipoproteins↗

Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia. Abnormal binding of mutant apoprotein E to low density lipoprotein receptors of human fibroblasts and membranes from liver and adrenal of rats, rabbits, and cows.

Patients with familial dysbetalipoproteinemia (F. Dys.), also called familial type 3 hyperlipoproteinemia, are homozygous for a mutant allele, Ed, that specifies an abnormal form of apoprotein (apo) E, a prominent constituent of remnant lipoproteins derived from very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and chylomicrons. Apo E is thought to mediate the removal of remnant lipoproteins from the plasma by virtue of its ability to bind to hepatic lipoprotein receptors. In F. Dys. patients, remnant-like lipoproteins accumulate, apparently because of delayed clearance by the liver. In the current studies, we show that the abnormal protein specified by the Ed allele (apo E-D) from some, but not all, patients with F. Dys. has a markedly deficient ability to bind to low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors. Apo E was isolated from eight control subjects and nine patients with F. Dys. and incorporated into phospholipid complexes. The complexes were tested for their ability to compete with human 125I-LDL or rabbit 125I-beta-VLDL fo binding to LDL receptors in four assay systems: cultured human fibroblasts, solubilized receptors from bovine adrenal cortex, liver membranes from rats treated with 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol, and liver membranes from normal rabbits. The apo E-D from six of the nine patients with F. Dys. showed binding affinities for LDL receptors that were reduced by greater than 98% in all receptor assays (group 1 patients). All of these group 1 patients were unequivocally of phenotype apo E-D/D by the criterion of isoelectric focussing. The apo E from the three other F. Dys. patients showed a near normal binding ability in all four of the receptor assays (group 2 patients). One of these group 2 patients appeared to have the apo E-D/D phenotype by isoelectric focussing. In the other two patients in group 2, apo E-D was the predominant protein (phenotype, apo E-D/D), but traces of protein in the region corresponding to normal apo E (apo E-N) were also present. The difference between group 1 and group 2 patients was also apparent when the apo E was iodinated and tested directly for binding to liver membranes from rats treated with 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol. The 125I-labeled apo E from a group 2 patient, but not a group 1 patient, showed enhanced uptake when perfused through the liver of an estradiol-treated rate, indicating that the receptor binding ability of apo E correlated with uptake in the intact liver. The current studies allow the subdivision of patients with F. Dys. into two groups. In group 1, the elevated plasma level of remnants appears to be due to a diminished receptor binding activity of the abnormal protein specified by the Ed allele; in group 2 patients, the cause of the elevated plasma level of remnants remains to be explained.

Adrenal Glands↗