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Comparative phosphorylation of calmodulin from trypanosomatids and bovine brain by calmodulin-binding protein kinases.

Calmodulin (CaM), a major intracellular Ca2+ receptor protein, has been identified and partially characterized in several trypanosomatids. The amino acid sequences of CaM from Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei are known, while that from Leishmania mexicana is not. CaM from T. cruzi contains 18 amino acid substitutions, as compared with CaM from bovine brain. In addition, CaM from bovine brain contains two tyrosine residues (Tyr-99 and Tyr-138), while CaM from T. cruzi only contains Tyr-138. In the present work we show that a monoclonal antibody developed against the carboxyl-terminal region of bovine brain CaM fails to recognize CaM from both T. cruzi and L. mexicana. CaM from both parasites and from bovine brain were phosphorylated in vitro by a preparation of CaM-binding protein kinases enriched in the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Phosphoamino acids analysis demonstrated EGF-dependent phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in bovine brain CaM, while only trace amounts of tyrosine phosphorylation were detected in CaM from both trypanosomatids. These results demonstrate that the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase targets Tyr-99, but not Tyr-138, as the single major phosphorylatable residue of CaM. On the other hand, and in contrast to bovine brain CaM, there is a significant phosphorylation of serine residues in CaM from trypanosomatids which is activated by the EGF receptor via a protein-serine/threonine kinase cascade.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The calmodulin-binding domain of caldesmon binds to calmodulin in an alpha-helical conformation.

The binding of calcium-calmodulin (CaM) to caldesmon (CaD) contributes to the regulation of smooth muscle contraction. It has been reported that a 17-residue synthetic peptide encompassing the residues Gly651-Ser667 of smooth muscle CaD constitutes its CaM-binding domain [Zhan, Q., Wong, S. S., & Wang, C.L.A. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 21810-21814]. This peptide does not share sequence homology with the CaM-binding domains of other proteins, and in addition, the binding of CaM to CaD is known to be relatively weak. Here we have investigated the properties of this atypical CaM-binding domain by NMR and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Two dimensional NMR studies performed in aqueous TFE mixture (75%/25%) showed that the peptide has the capacity to adopt an amphiphilic alpha-helical conformation. TRNOESY experiments and CD spectroscopy were used to determine that the CaD peptide binds in an alpha-helical conformation to CaM. The addition of TFE or the binding of the CaD peptide to CaM induces an alpha-helical structure only for the central 10 amino acid residues of the peptide. Titrations of CaM with the CaD peptide were followed by proton NMR and show the formation of a 1:1 complex and that the binding is calcium-dependent. The chemical shifts of 13C-methyl groups of specifically labeled Met residues and of the 15N backbone amide groups of CaM undergo changes upon addition of the CaD peptide; these data suggest that both domains and the central helix of CaM are involved in the binding of the peptide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Calmodulin and calmodulin binding proteins in amphibian rod outer segments.

The calmodulin (CaM) content of fully intact frog rod outer segments (ROS) has been measured. The molar ratio between rhodopsin and total CaM in ROS is 800:1. This is in good agreement with the data reported for bovine ROS CaM [Kohnken, R. E., Chafouleas, J. G., Eadie, D. M., Means, A. R., & McConnell, D.G. (1981) J. Biol. Chem. 256, 12517-12522]. In the absence of Ca2+, the ROS membrane fraction contains only 4% of total ROS CaM. In contrast, in the presence of Ca2+, 15% of total ROS CaM is found in the membrane fraction. For half-maximal binding of CaM to CaM-depleted ROS membranes, 3 X 10(-7) M Ca2+ is required. This CaM binding is inhibited by trifluoperazine. CaM binding proteins in the ROS membrane fraction are identified by using two different methods: the overlay method and the use of 3,3'-dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidyl propionate) (DTSSP), a bifunctional cross-linking reagent. Ca2+-dependent CaM binding proteins with apparent molecular weights of 240,000, 140,000, 53,000, and 47,000 are detected in the ROS membrane fraction by the overlay method. Anomalous, Ca2+-independent CaM binding to rhodopsin is also detected with this method, and this CaM binding is inhibited by the presence of Ca2+. With the bifunctional cross-linking reagent, DTSSP, three discrete proteins with molecular weights of 240,000, 53,000, and 47,000 are detected in the native ROS membrane fraction. CaM binding to rhodopsin is not detected with this method. Moreover, while the Mr 140,000 band is not detected with DTSSP, a smeared band with a molecular weight between 78,000 and 93,000 is identified (with DTSSP) in the ROS membrane fraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Biologically active fluorescent derivatives of spinach calmodulin that report calmodulin target protein binding.

Spinach calmodulin (CaM) has been labeled at cysteine-26 with the sulfhydryl-selective probe 2-(4-maleimidoanilino)naphthalene-6-sulfonic acid (MIANS) to produce MIANS-CaM. The interaction of MIANS-CaM with CaM binding proteins was studied by fluorescence enhancement accompanying the protein-protein interactions. MIANS-CaM bound to smooth muscle myosin light-chain kinase with a Kd of 9 nM, causing a 4.6-fold fluorescence enhancement. Caldesmon bound with a Kd of 250 nM, causing a 2-fold fluorescence enhancement. Calcineurin (CaN) bound to MIANS-CaM with a Kd less than 5 nM, causing an 80% increase in fluorescence. On the other hand, binding of the CaM antagonist drugs prenylamine and calmidazolium or the potent peptide antagonist melittin did not alter MIANS fluorescence. MIANS-CaM activated brain cGMP phosphodiesterase and CaN as effectively as unlabeled CaM. Spinach CaM was also labeled with three other sulfhydryl reagents, 6-acryloyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene, (2,5-dimethoxy-4-stilbenyl)maleimide, and rhodamine X maleimide. CaN bound to the highly fluorescent rhodamine X maleimidyl-CaM with a Kd of 1.4 nM, causing a 25% increase in polarization. Both MIANS-CaM and rhodamine X-CaM were used to monitor the Ca2+ dependence of the interaction between CaM and CaN. Half-maximal binding occurred at pCa 6.7-6.8 in the absence of Mg2+, or at pCa 6.3 in the presence of 3 mM Mg2+. In both cases, the dependence of the interaction was cooperative with respect to Ca2+ (Hill coefficients of 1.7-2.0). Use of these fluorescent CaMs should allow accurate monitoring of CaM interactions with its target proteins and perhaps their localization within the cell.

Anilino Naphthalenesulfonates↗

Molecular recognition by calmodulin: pressure-induced reorganization of a novel calmodulin-peptide complex.

The interaction of apocalmodulin (apoCaM) with a peptide (Neurop) based on the primary sequence of the calmodulin-binding domain of neuromodulin has been studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. The 1:1 complex (12 microM) formed between apoCaM and the Neurop peptide is extremely sensitive to salt and is half dissociated in less than 0.1 M KCl, suggesting that electrostatic interactions contribute strongly to complex formation. Ion pair interactions are frequently sensitive to high hydrostatic pressure due to electrostriction effects in the solvated ion state. Application of high pressure to the apoCaM.Neurop complex causes a red shift of the Neurop tryptophan emission center of mass and a reduced residual anisotropy but with insignificant reduction in quantum yield. The transition is smooth, reversible, and apparently two-state with a midpoint pressure of approximately 0.8 kbar. The residual anisotropy, quantum yield, and center of mass of the emission spectrum are consistent with the movement of the tryptophan side chain to a more solvated, slightly less restricted environment upon the pressure-induced transition. The pressure effect is independent of the concentration of the complex. These and other data are consistent with the pressure-induced reorganization being a unimolecular event not requiring dissociation of the complex. A volume change of approximately 66 mL mol-1 and a free energy change of approximately 1.7 kcal mol-1 are associated with the reorganization. The residual interactions maintaining the complex under high pressure are characterized by low standard molar volume and/or high standard free energy changes upon disruption but are destroyed by 200 mM KCl. It is postulated that the main effect of salt on the complex at high pressure is to drive the collapse of the hydrophobic pocket to which the peptide is binding.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of a pathogen-induced calmodulin-binding protein: mapping of four Ca2+-dependent calmodulin-binding domains.

Ca2+ and calmodulin (CaM), a key Ca2+ sensor in all eukaryotes, have been implicated in defense responses in plants. To elucidate the role of Ca2+ and CaM in defense signaling, we used 35S-labeled CaM to screen expression libraries prepared from tissues that were either treated with an elicitor derived from Phytophthora megasperma or infected with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci. Nineteen cDNAs that encode the same protein, pathogen-induced CaM-binding protein (PICBP), were isolated. The PICBP fusion proteins bound 35S-CaM, horseradish peroxidase-labeled CaM and CaM-Sepharose in the presence of Ca2+ whereas EGTA, a Ca2+ chelator, abolished binding, confirming that PICBP binds CaM in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Using a series of bacterially expressed truncated versions of PICBP, four CaM-binding domains, with a potential CaM-binding consensus sequence of WSNLKKVILLKRFVKSL, were identified. The deduced PICBP protein sequence is rich in leucine residues and contains three classes of repeats. The PICBP gene is differentially expressed in tissues with the highest expression in stem. The expression of PICBP in Arabidopsis was induced in response to avirulent Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato carrying avrRpm1. Furthermore, PICBP is constitutively expressed in the Arabidopsis accelerated cell death2-2 mutant. The expression of PICBP in bean leaves was also induced after inoculation with avirulent and non-pathogenic bacterial strains. In addition, the hrp1 mutant of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci and inducers of plant defense such as salicylic acid, hydrogen peroxide and a fungal elicitor induced PICBP expression in bean. Our data suggest a role for PICBP in Ca2+-mediated defense signaling and cell-death. Furthermore, PICBP is the first identified CBP in eukaryotes with four Ca2+-dependent CaM-binding domains.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A novel target recognition revealed by calmodulin in complex with Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase.

The structure of calcium-bound calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM) complexed with a 26-residue peptide, corresponding to the CaM-binding domain of rat Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK), has been determined by NMR spectroscopy. In this complex, the CaMKK peptide forms a fold comprising an alpha-helix and a hairpin-like loop whose C-terminus folds back on itself. The binding orientation of this CaMKK peptide by the two CaM domains is opposite to that observed in all other CaM-target complexes determined so far. The N- and C-terminal hydrophobic pockets of Ca2+/CaM anchor Trp 444 and Phe 459 of the CaMKK peptide, respectively. This 14-residue separation between two key hydrophobic groups is also unique among previously determined CaM complexes. The present structure represents a new and distinct class of Ca2+/CaM target recognition that may be shared by other Ca2+/CaM-stimulated proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The high-affinity calcium[bond]calmodulin-binding site does not play a role in the modulation of type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor function by calcium and calmodulin.

Modulation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) receptors (InsP(3)R) by cytosolic calcium (Ca(2+)) plays an essential role in Ca(2+) signalling, but structural determinants and mechanisms responsible for the InsP(3)R regulation by Ca(2+) are poorly understood. In the present study, we expressed rat InsP(3)R type 1 (InsP(3)R1) in Spodoptera frugiperda cells using a baculovirus-expression system and reconstituted the recombinant InsP(3)R1 into planar lipid bilayers for functional analysis. We observed only minor effects of 0.5 mM of calmodulin (CaM) antagonist W-7 on the Ca(2+) dependence of InsP(3)R1. Based on a previous analysis of mouse InsP(3)R1 [Yamada, Miyawaki, Saito, Nakajima, Yamamoto-Hino, Ryo, Furuichi and Mikoshiba (1995) Biochem J. 308, 83-88], we generated the Trp(1577)-->Ala (W1577A) mutant of rat InsP(3)R1 which lacks the high-affinity Ca(2+)[bond]CaM-binding site. We found that the W1577A mutant displayed a bell-shaped Ca(2+) dependence similar to the wild-type InsP(3)R1 in planar lipid bilayers. Activation of B cell receptors resulted in identical Ca(2+) signals in intact DT40 cells lacking the endogenous InsP(3)R and transfected with the wild-type InsP(3)R1 or the W1577A mutant cDNA subcloned into a mammalian expression vector. In the planar lipid bilayer experiments, we showed that both wild-type InsP(3)R1 and W1577A mutant were equally sensitive to inhibition by exogenous CaM. From these results, we concluded that the interaction of CaM with the high-affinity Ca(2+)[bond]CaM-binding site in the coupling domain of the InsP(3)R1 does not play a direct role in biphasic modulation of InsP(3)R1 by cytosolic Ca(2+) or in InsP(3)R1 inhibition by CaM.

Animals↗

Multiple Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinases from rat brain. Purification, regulation by Ca(2+)-calmodulin, and partial amino acid sequence.

We have purified to near homogeneity from rat brain two Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I (CaM kinase I) activating kinases, termed here CaM kinase I kinase-alpha and CaM kinase I kinase-beta (CaMKIK alpha and CaMKIK beta, respectively). Both CaMKIK alpha and CaMKIK beta are also capable of activating CaM kinase IV. Activation of CaM kinase I and CaM kinase IV occurs via phosphorylation of an equivalent Thr residue within the "activation loop" region of both kinases, Thr-177 and Thr-196, respectively. The activities of CaMKIK alpha and CaMKIK beta are themselves strongly stimulated by the presence of Ca(2+)-CaM, and both appear to be capable of Ca(2+)-CaM-dependent autophosphorylation. Automated microsequence analysis of the purified enzymes established that CaMKIK alpha and -beta are the products of distinct genes. In addition to rat, homologous nucleic acids corresponding to these CaM kinase kinases are present in humans and the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. CaMKIK alpha and CaMKIK beta are thus representatives of a family of enzymes, which may function as key intermediaries in Ca(2+)-CaM-driven signal transduction cascades in a wide variety of eukaryotic organisms.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Reversible inhibition of the calcium-pumping ATPase in native cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum by a calmodulin-binding peptide. Evidence for calmodulin-dependent regulation of the V(max) of calcium transport.

Calmodulin (CaM) and Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase) are tightly associated with cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and are implicated in the regulation of transmembrane Ca(2+) cycling. In order to assess the importance of membrane-associated CaM in modulating the Ca(2+) pump (Ca(2+)-ATPase) function of SR, the present study investigated the effects of a synthetic, high affinity CaM-binding peptide (CaM BP; amino acid sequence, LKWKKLLKLLKKLLKLG) on the ATP-energized Ca(2+) uptake, Ca(2+)-stimulated ATP hydrolysis, and CaM kinase-mediated protein phosphorylation in rabbit cardiac SR vesicles. The results revealed a strong concentration-dependent inhibitory action of CaM BP on Ca(2+) uptake and Ca(2+)-ATPase activities of SR (50% inhibition at approximately 2-3 microM CaM BP). The inhibition, which followed the association of CaM BP with its SR target(s), was of rapid onset (manifested within 30 s) and was accompanied by a decrease in V(max) of Ca(2+) uptake, unaltered K(0.5) for Ca(2+) activation of Ca(2+) transport, and a 10-fold decrease in the apparent affinity of the Ca(2+)-ATPase for its substrate, ATP. Thus, the mechanism of inhibition involved alterations at the catalytic site but not the Ca(2+)-binding sites of the Ca(2+)-ATPase. Endogenous CaM kinase-mediated phosphorylation of Ca(2+)-ATPase, phospholamban, and ryanodine receptor-Ca(2+) release channel was also strongly inhibited by CaM BP. The inhibitory action of CaM BP on SR Ca(2+) pump function and protein phosphorylation was fully reversed by exogenous CaM (1-3 microM). A peptide inhibitor of CaM kinase markedly attenuated the ability of CaM to reverse CaM BP-mediated inhibition of Ca(2+) transport. These findings suggest a critical role for membrane-bound CaM in controlling the velocity of Ca(2+) pumping in native cardiac SR. Consistent with its ability to inhibit SR Ca(2+) pump function, CaM BP (1-2.5 microM) caused marked depression of contractility and diastolic dysfunction in isolated perfused, spontaneously beating rabbit heart preparations. Full or partial recovery of contractile function occurred gradually following withdrawal of CaM BP from the perfusate, presumably due to slow dissociation of CaM BP from its target sites promoted by endogenous cytosolic CaM.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Calcium-dependent and -independent binding of soybean calmodulin isoforms to the calmodulin binding domain of tobacco MAPK phosphatase-1.

The recent finding of an interaction between calmodulin (CaM) and the tobacco mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (NtMKP1) establishes an important connection between Ca(2+) signaling and the MAPK cascade, two of the most important signaling pathways in plant cells. Here we have used different biophysical techniques, including fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy as well as microcalorimetry, to characterize the binding of soybean CaM isoforms, SCaM-1 and -4, to synthetic peptides derived from the CaM binding domain of NtMKP1. We find that the actual CaM binding region is shorter than what had previously been suggested. Moreover, the peptide binds to the SCaM C-terminal domain even in the absence of free Ca(2+) with the single Trp residue of the NtMKP1 peptides buried in a solvent-inaccessible hydrophobic region. In the presence of Ca(2+), the peptides bind first to the C-terminal lobe of the SCaMs with a nanomolar affinity, and at higher peptide concentrations, a second peptide binds to the N-terminal domain with lower affinity. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrates that the formation of the peptide-bound complex with the Ca(2+)-loaded SCaMs is driven by favorable binding enthalpy due to a combination of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Experiments with CaM proteolytic fragments showed that the two domains bind the peptide in an independent manner. To our knowledge, this is the first report providing direct evidence for sequential binding of two identical peptides of a target protein to CaM. Discussion of the potential biological role of this interaction motif is also provided.

Binding Sites↗

Tryptophan fluorescence of calmodulin binding domain peptides interacting with calmodulin containing unnatural methionine analogues.

The interactions between the abundant methionine residues of the calcium regulatory protein calmodulin (CaM) and several of its binding targets were probed using fluorescence spectroscopy. Tryptophan steady-state fluorescence from peptides encompassing the CaM-binding domains of the target proteins myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) and caldesmon site A and B (CaD A, CaD B), and the model peptide melittin showed Ca(2+)-dependent blue-shifts in their maximum emission wavelength when complexed with wild-type CaM. Blue-shifts were also observed for complexes in which the CaM methionine residues were replaced by selenomethionine, norleucine and ethionine, and when a quadruple methionine to leucine C-terminal mutant of CaM was studied. Quenching of the tryptophan fluorescence intensity was observed with selenomethionine, but not with norleucine or ethionine substituted protein. Fluorescence quenching studies with added potassium iodide (KI) demonstrate that the non-native proteins limit the solvent accessibility of the Trp in the MLCK peptide to levels close to that of the wild-type CaM-MLCK interaction. Our results show that the methionine residues from CaM are highly sensitive to the target peptide in question, confirming the importance of their role in binding interactions. In addition, we provide evidence that the nature of binding in the CaM-CaD B complex is unique compared with the other complexes studied, as the Trp residue of this peptide remains partially solvent exposed upon binding to CaM.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Cellular distribution of calmodulin and calmodulin-binding proteins in Vicia faba L.

The distribution of calmodulin (CaM) and CaM-binding proteins within Vicia faba was investigated. Both CaM and CaM-binding proteins were found to be differentially distributed among organs, tissues, and protoplast types. CaM levels, on a per protein basis, were found to be the highest in leaf epidermis, containing 3-fold higher levels of CaM than in total leaf. Similarly, guard cell and epidermal cell protoplasts were also found to have higher levels of CaM than mesophyll cell protoplasts. 125I-CaM blot overlay assays were performed to qualitatively examine CaM-binding proteins in these protoplast types as well as in whole tissues and organs. CaM-binding proteins with Mr 52,000, 78,000, and 115,000 were common in all metabolically active plant parts. Unique CaM-binding protein bands were detected in guard cell protoplasts (Mr 39,000, 88,000), stems (Mr 45,000, 60,000, 64,000), and roots (Mr 62,000), suggesting the presence of specialized CaM-dependent processes in these cells and organs.

Calmodulin↗

Molecular and biochemical analysis of calmodulin interactions with the calmodulin-binding domain of plant glutamate decarboxylase.

We previously provided what to our knowledge is the first evidence that plant glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) is a calmodulin (CaM)-binding protein. Here, we studied the GAD CaM-binding domain in detail. A synthetic peptide of 26 amino acids corresponding to this domain forms a stable complex with Ca2+/CaM with a 1:1 stoichiometry, and amino acid substitutions suggest that tryptophan-485 has an indispensable role in CaM binding. Chemical cross-linking revealed specific CaM/GAD interactions even in the absence of Ca2+. However, increasing KCI concentrations or deletion of two carboxy-terminal lysines abolished these interactions but had a mild effect on CaM/GAD interactions in the presence of Ca2+. We conclude that in the presence of Ca(2+)-hydrophobic interactions involving tryptophan-485 and electrostatic interactions involving the carboxy-terminal lysines mediate CaM/GAD complex formation. By contrast, in the absence of Ca2+, CaM/GAD interactions are essentially electrostatic and involve the carboxy-terminal lysines. In addition, a tryptophan residue and carboxy-terminal lysines are present in the CaM-binding domain of an Arabidopsis GAD. Finally, we demonstrate that petunia GAD activity is stimulated in vitro by Ca2+/CaM. Our study provides a molecular basis for Ca(2+)-dependent CaM/GAD interactions and suggests the possible occurrence of Ca(2+)-independent CaM/GAD interactions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Analysis of a soluble calmodulin binding protein from fava bean roots: identification of glutamate decarboxylase as a calmodulin-activated enzyme.

The identity of a soluble 62-kD Ca(2+)-dependent calmodulin binding protein (CaM-BP) from fava bean seedlings was determined. Using 125I-CaM overlay assays, a class of soluble CaM-BPs was detected in extracts of tissues comprising the axis of 1.5-week-old seedlings, excluding the root tip and emergent leaves. The size of these CaM-BPs was not uniform within all parts of the plant; the apparent molecular masses were 62 kD in roots, 60 kD in stems, and 64 kD in nodules. The root 62-kD CaM-BP was purified, and internal microsequence analysis was performed on the protein. A tryptic peptide derived from the CaM-BP consisted of a 13-residue sequence corresponding to a highly conserved region of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), an enzyme that catalyzes the alpha-decarboxylation of glutamate to form the stress-related metabolite gamma-aminobutyrate. Activity assays of partially purified, desalted, root GAD revealed a 50% stimulation by the addition of 100 microM Ca2+, a 100% stimulation by the addition of 100 microM Ca2+ plus 100 nM CaM, and no appreciable stimulation by CaM in the absence of added Ca2+. The demonstration that plant GAD is a Ca(2+)-CaM-stimulated enzyme provides a model in which stress-linked metabolism is modulated by a Ca(2+)-mediated signal transduction pathway.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The binding of myristoylated N-terminal nonapeptide from neuro-specific protein CAP-23/NAP-22 to calmodulin does not induce the globular structure observed for the calmodulin-nonmyristylated peptide complex.

CAP-23/NAP-22, a neuron-specific protein kinase C substrate, is Nalpha-myristoylated and interacts with calmodulin (CaM) in the presence of Ca2+ ions. Takasaki et al. (1999, J Biol Chem 274:11848-11853) have recently found that the myristoylated N-terminal nonapeptide of CAP-23/NAP-22 (mC/N9) binds to Ca2+ -bound CaM (Ca2+/CaM). In the present study, small-angle X-ray scattering was used to investigate structural changes of Ca2+/CaM induced by its binding to mC/N9 in solution. The binding of one mC/N9 molecule induced an insignificant structural change in Ca2+/CaM. The 1:1 complex appeared to retain the extended conformation much like that of Ca2+/CaM in isolation. However, it could be seen that the binding of two mC/N9 molecules induced a drastic structural change in Ca2+/CaM, followed by a slight structural change by the binding of more than two but less than four mC/N9 molecules. Under the saturated condition (the molar ratio of 1:4), the radius of gyration (Rg) for the Ca2+/CaM-mC/N9 complex was 19.8 +/- 0.3 A. This value was significantly smaller than that of Ca2+/CaM (21.9 +/- 0.3 A), which adopted a dumbbell structure and was conversely 2-3 A larger than those of the complexes of Ca2+/CaM with the nonmyristoylated target peptides of myosin light chain kinase or CaM kinase II, which adopted a compact globular structure. The pair distance distribution function had no shoulder peak at around 40 A, which was mainly due to the dumbbell structure. These results suggest that Ca2+/CaM interacts with Nalpha-myristoylated CAP-23/NAP-22 differently than it does with other nonmyristoylated target proteins. The N-terminal amino acid sequence alignment of CAP-23/NAP-22 and other myristoylated proteins suggests that the protein myristoylation plays important roles not only in the binding of CAP-23/NAP-22 to Ca2+/CaM, but also in the protein-protein interactions related to other myristoylated proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Carbachol stimulates binding of a photoreactive calmodulin derivative to calmodulin-binding proteins in intact SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells.

Calmodulin (CaM) mediates the Ca(2+)-dependent activation of many enzyme systems in accordance with its cellular localization. We have described previously a muscarinic receptor-mediated translocation of CaM from membranes into the cytosol of SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells. To explore the potential targets (CaM-binding proteins, CaMBP) for CaM upon translocation, a photoreactive CaM derivative was introduced into living SK-N-SH cells using a scrape-loading technique. Scrape-loading incorporated rhodamine isothiocyanate-labeled CaM with an efficiency of 38%. CaM-diazopyruvamide (CaM-DAP), a Ca(2+)-dependent and CaM-specific probe, was also introduced into the cells. The muscarinic agonist carbachol stimulated a translocation of CaM from membranes into cytosol in CaM-DAP-loaded SK-N-SH cells. Upon photochemical cross-linking, cross-linked adducts of CaM-CaMBP were detected by immunoblotting with anti-CaM antibody. Carbachol stimulated increased photoaffinity labeling of three proteins with relative adduct molecular masses of 70, 120, and 180 kDa. The time course of labeling for the 70- and 120-kDa adducts showed maximal increased by 15-30 min. The 180-kDa adduct displayed a slower time course of maximal labeling, with increases maintained for 2-4 h. Subtracting the molecular mass of CaM, carbachol stimulated binding to CaMBPs of 55, 105, and 163 kDa. Predominant cellular CaMBP were identified using a biotinylated CaM overlay procedure. Western blot analysis indicated the expression of specific CaM-dependent enzymes such as calcineurin, phosphodiesterase, the beta-isoform (rat brain) of CaM kinase II, and Ca(2+)-ATPase. Numerous cytoskeletal CaMBP were expressed such as microtubule-associated protein-2, spectrin, tubulin, caldesmon, adducin, and neuromodulin. Of the CaMBP expressed, phosphodiesterase, calcineurin, caldesmon, and adducin cross-linked with CaM-DAP in the loaded SK-N-SH cells. Carbachol stimulated the time-dependent CaM-DAP labeling of calcineurin and adducin. This study demonstrates the novel incorporation of a photoreactive CaM derivative into living cells, as well as muscarinic receptor-activated CaM-DAP interaction with several cellular CaMBP. We postulate that carbachol-stimulated CaM translocation in SK-N-SH cells may affect the activity of CaM-dependent enzymes and may alter aspects of cytoskeletal function.

Affinity Labels↗

Chimeric calmodulin-cardiac troponin C proteins differentially activate calmodulin target enzymes.

To evaluate the role of domain I of calmodulin (CaM) in the activation of target enzymes, a series of CaM mutants was constructed in which domain I (49 amino acids) was substantially deleted, or was exchanged with the homologous region (58 amino acids) of cardiac troponin C (cTnC). The proteins are 1) aM, a mutant CaM in which domain I has been deleted; 2) TaM, first domain of cTnC, last three domains of CaM; 3) TaM-BMI, same as TaM, except the nonfunctional first Ca2(+)-binding domain has been restored by mutagenesis; 4) CaT, first domain of CaM, last three domains of cTnC. These proteins were evaluated for Ca2+ binding properties and as activators of three CaM target enzymes, CaM-dependent phosphodiesterase (PDE), smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), and CaM-dependent multifunctional protein kinase (CaM kinase II). The chimeric proteins containing four domains bound Ca2+ in the manner expected from the number and nature of EF hands. In contrast, aM bound only two Ca2+, suggesting that deletion of domain I may have disrupted binding in one of the remaining three domains, and did not activate the three enzymes. The kinetics of activation of PDE by CaM, TaM, and TaM-BMI were identical. Although cTnC and CaT could maximally activate PDE, the Kact for these mutants were greater than 2000 times than for CaM. All mutated proteins except CaT were poor activators of CaM kinase II and this protein activated the kinase to 65% that of CaM, with a nearly identical Kact. CaT and TaM, were poor agonists of MLCK. Activation of Ca2(+)-binding site I in TaM (TaM-BMI), completely prevented activation of MLCK. In addition, TaM-BMI was a potent competitive inhibitor of MLCK activation by CaM (Ki = 66 nM). We conclude 1) a domain I is necessary to activate these target enzymes, and the substitution of the corresponding region of cTnC into CaM leads to differential effects; 2) an active first Ca2(+)-binding site is not essential for activation of PDE and the primary sequence of the first domain of CaM need not be highly conserved; 3) for CaM kinase II, determinants in the first domain are critical whereas more flexibility exists for the remaining three domains; 4) since TaM-BMI acts as a potent competitive inhibitor of MLCK binding of CaM to a target enzyme and activation can be dissociable events.

Amino Acid Sequence↗