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A monoclonal antibody enhances ligand binding of fibronectin MSCRAMM (adhesin) from Streptococcus dysgalactiae.

A monoclonal antibody 3A10, generated from a mouse immunized with the Streptococcus dysgalactiae fibronectin (Fn) binding protein FnbA, was isolated, and its effect on ligand binding by the antigen was examined. The epitope for 3A10 was localized to a previously unidentified Fn binding motif (designated An) just N-terminal of the repeat domain which represents the primary ligand binding site on FnbA. Fn binding to Au was enhanced by 3A10 rather than inhibited. This effect was demonstrated in two different assays. First, in the presence of 3A10 the Au-containing proteins and synthetic peptide more effectively competed with bacterial cells for binding to Fn. Second, 3A10 dramatically increased the binding of biotin-labeled forms of the Au-containing proteins to Fn immobilized on a blotting membrane. Pure 3A10 IgG did not recognize the antigen by itself, and Fn was required for the immunological interaction between the antibody and the epitope. This induction effect of Fn was shown in both Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in which immobilized Au-containing molecules were probed with 3A10 in the presence of varying concentrations of Fn. Specificity analyses of 3A10 revealed that the monoclonal also recognized a ligand binding motif in a Streptococcus pyogenes Fn binding MSCRAMM but not the corresponding motifs in two related adhesins from Staphylococcus aureus and S. dysgalactiae. Furthermore, 3A10 stimulated Fn binding by S. pyogenes cells. These results together with subsequent biophysical studies presented in the accompanying paper (House-Pomepeo, K., Xu, Y., Joh, D., Speziale, P., and Höök, M. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 1379-1384) indicate that the ligand binding sites of Fn binding MSCRAMMs have little or no secondary structure. However, on binding to Fn, they appear to undergo a structural rearrangement resulting in a defined structure rich in beta sheet and expressing a ligand-induced binding site for antibodies such as 3A10.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗

The role of glycosylation in the biosynthesis and acquisition of ligand-binding activity of the folate-binding protein in cultured KB cells.

The biosynthesis, processing, and ligand-binding function of the membrane-associated and soluble forms of the folate-binding protein (FBP) in KB cells, a cultured human cell line, were studied using pulse-chase labeling with [35S] methionine. The intermediary and mature forms of the protein were isolated by immunoprecipitation and affinity chromatography and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis and autoradiography. The earliest species identified had an Mr of 32 Kd and disappeared over 5 hours concomitant with the appearance of a 38-Kd cellular FBP. As the 38-Kd species disappeared, a 40-Kd form appeared in the medium. When tunicamycin was added to the culture medium to inhibit core glycosylation, a 26-Kd aglycosylated species and minor 28-Kd and 30-Kd forms appeared. Endoglycosidase H, which cleaves high mannose but not complex oligosaccharides, reduced the 32-Kd species to 26-Kd but the enzyme had no effect on the 38-Kd form, indicating that this species is complex glycosylated. Monensin, which blocks complex glycosylation, also inhibited synthesis of the 38-Kd species. Although both the 32-Kd and 38-Kd forms had ligand-binding sites (as demonstrated by binding to a folate-Sepharose matrix), the 26-Kd aglycosylated species, labeled in the presence of tunicamycin, lacked similar binding sites because it did not bind to the affinity matrix. In contrast, the aglycosylated 26-Kd form, which was obtained by treatment of the 32-Kd species with endoglycosidase H, did bind to the folate affinity matrix, indicating that it retained ligand-binding function. Thus, the high mannose oligosaccharide moiety is not required for the folate-binding property of the FBP, but its addition to the polypeptide chain precedes a later step that is necessary for the mature protein to have ligand-binding function.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

Protein structure encodes the ligand binding specificity in pheromone binding proteins.

The ligand specificities and binding affinities of three recombinant pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) of two saturniid moths (genus Antheraea) were determined by using a novel binding assay in conjunction with two tritium-labeled constituents of the pheromone blend, [3H]-6E,11Z-hexadecadienyl acetate and [3H]-4E,9Z-tetradecadienyl acetate. The new binding assay, in which nonspecific adsorption to a plastic vessel is suppressed by presaturation of the surface with a 1-alkanol, allows measurement of dissociation constants (KD) for lipophilic ligands for their carrier proteins. The three PBPs showed KD values for [3H]-6E,11Z-16:Ac and [3H]-4E,9Z-14:Ac between 0.6 and 30 microM, as determined by Scatchard analysis. Importantly, two PBPs (Aper-1 and Aper-2) from one species showed opposite binding specificities for these two ligands. Aper-1, like Apol-3, showed 15-fold higher affinity for 6E,11Z-16:Ac than for 4E,9Z-14:Ac, while Aper-2 showed a 3.5-fold preference for binding the shorter chain compound. In addition, for the Apol-3 PBP, displacement of [3H]-6E,11Z-16:Ac binding by other pheromone components or analogs showed a clear trend in relative binding affinity: 6E,11Z-16:Ac > 4E,9Z-14:Ac > 6E,11Z-16:Al approximately 16:Ac > 6E,11Z-16:OH > 4E,9Z-14:OH. These data clearly demonstrate a > 1000-fold range of binding affinities among these very similar structures and unambiguously demonstrate the specificity of the PBP-pheromone interaction. Moreover, this assay offers the potential for determining ligand specificities for odorant binding proteins and other proteins in the vertebrate lipocalin superfamily.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Colocalization of discoidin-binding ligands with discoidin in developing Dictyostelium discoideum.

The Dictyostelium discoideum lectins, discoidin I and discoidin II, and the endogenous ligands to which they bind were immunohistochemically localized in sections of this organism at successive stages of development. For these studies, an axenic strain, AX3, was grown in a macromolecule-depleted medium rather than on bacteria, which themselves contain discoidin-binding ligands. Discoidin I-binding sites (endogenous ligands) in sections of D. discoideum were concentrated in the slime coat around aggregates, whereas discoidin II-binding sites were observed in a vesicle-like distribution in prespore cells and also in spore coats. In contrast, discoidin II did not bind to the slime coat and discoidin I bound relatively poorly to prespore cells and spore coats. The distributions of the endogenous lectins themselves were the same in axenically grown cells as previously reported for cells raised on bacteria. Discoidin I was concentrated in the slime coat and around stalk cells, and discoidin II was prominent in and around prespore cells. The congruent localization of each lectin with its endogenous ligand suggests that discoidin I normally functions in association with glycoconjugates in the slime around aggregates, and discoidin II with the galactose-rich spore coat polysaccharide.

Antibodies↗

Ligand binding regulates the directed movement of beta1 integrins on fibroblasts.

To enable cells to crawl, adhesion receptors such as integrins must bind to extracellular molecules and simultaneously interact with force-generating components of the cytoskeleton. We show here that the binding of extracellular ligand in living cells induces the attachment of beta1 integrins to the retrograde-moving cytoskeleton. Unliganded integrins are not associated with the rearward-moving cytoskeleton: gold particles attached to beta1 integrin by a monoclonal antibody diffuse in the membrane. However, addition of soluble RGD peptide (single-letter amino-acid code) or the use of fibronectin-coated gold particles causes the attachment of integrins to the rearward-moving cytoskeleton. Deletion of the beta1 cytoplasmic tail blocks cytoskeletal attachment. The directed movement of integrins in response to ligand indicates that ligand binding is the critical step in regulating organized receptor movement on the cell surface and the migration of adherent cells.

3T3 Cells↗

Mutations in the estrogen receptor ligand binding domain discriminate between hormone-dependent transactivation and transrepression.

The estrogen receptor (ER) suppresses transcriptional activity of the RelA subunit of nuclear factor-kappaB in a hormone-dependent manner by a mechanism involving both the receptor DNA binding domain and ligand binding domain (LBD). In this study we examine the role of the ER LBD in mediating ligand-dependent RelA transrepression. Both ERalpha and ERbeta inhibit RelA in response to 17beta-estradiol but not in the presence of antihormones. We have identified residues within the ERalpha LBD that are responsible for receptor dimerization and show that dimerization is necessary for transactivation and transrepression. Moreover we have generated mutant receptors that have lost their ability to inhibit RelA but retain their capacity to stimulate transcription and conversely mutants that are transcriptionally defective but capable of antagonizing RelA. Overexpression of p160 and cAMP-response element-binding protein-binding protein/p300 co-activators failed to relieve repression of RelA, which is consistent with the demonstration that RelA inhibition can occur independently of these co-activators. These findings suggest it is unlikely that sequestration of these cofactors required for ER transcriptional activation can account for hormone-dependent antagonism of RelA. The identification of ER mutants that discriminate between transactivation and transrepression implies that distinct surfaces within the LBD are involved in mediating these two receptor functions.

Animals↗

CD22 ligand binding regulates normal and malignant B lymphocyte survival in vivo.

The CD22 extracellular domain regulates B lymphocyte function by interacting with alpha2,6-linked sialic acid-bearing ligands. To understand how CD22 ligand interactions affect B cell function in vivo, mouse anti-mouse CD22 mAbs were generated that inhibit CD22 ligand binding to varying degrees. Remarkably, mAbs which blocked CD22 ligand binding accelerated mature B cell turnover by 2- to 4-fold in blood, spleen, and lymph nodes. CD22 ligand-blocking mAbs also inhibited the survival of adoptively transferred normal (73-88%) and malignant (90%) B cells in vivo. Moreover, mAbs that bound CD22 ligand binding domains induced significant CD22 internalization, depleted marginal zone B cells (82-99%), and reduced mature recirculating B cell numbers by 75-85%. The CD22 mAb effects were independent of complement and FcRs, and the CD22 mAbs had minimal effects in CD22AA mice that express mutated CD22 that is not capable of ligand binding. These data demonstrate that inhibition of CD22 ligand binding can disrupt normal and malignant B cell survival in vivo and suggest a novel mechanism of action for therapeutics targeting CD22 ligand binding domains.

Animals↗

First cysteine-rich repeat in ligand-binding domain of low density lipoprotein receptor binds Ca2+ and monoclonal antibodies, but not lipoproteins.

The ligand binding domain of the low density lipoprotein receptor consists of seven cysteine-rich repeats of approximately 40 amino acids each. These repeats, which are located at the NH2 terminus of the protein, are homologous to sequences in complement components C8 and C9. To determine the role of the first repeat (amino acids 2-42), we prepared two plasmids containing expressible low density lipoprotein receptor cDNAs. The first plasmid, p delta R1, lacks only the nucleotides encoding the first repeat. It produced a receptor that bound and internalized lipoproteins and recycled to the cell surface with the same efficiency as the normal receptor. This deleted receptor failed to bind two monoclonal antibodies, IgG-C7 and IgG-15C8, which were shown previously to react with the ligand-binding domain. The second plasmid, pR1, encodes a markedly truncated protein whose extracellular domain consists of the first repeat joined to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. This protein bound the two monoclonal antibodies with the same affinity as the normal receptor, but failed to bind lipoproteins. Binding of IgG-15C8 to the normal receptor and the pR1-encoded protein was Ca2+-dependent, indicating that the first repeat binds Ca2+. We conclude that repeats 2-6 in the ligand-binding domain are sufficient for binding lipoproteins and that the first repeat is highly immunogenic, but is not required for lipoprotein binding.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

High affinity ligand binding by integrins does not involve head separation.

Conformational change in the integrin extracellular domain is required for high affinity ligand binding and is also involved in post-ligand binding cellular signaling. Although there is evidence to the contrary, electron microscopic studies showing that ligand binding triggers alpha- and beta-subunit dissociation in the integrin headpiece have gained popularity and support the hypothesis that head separation activates integrins. To test directly the head separation hypothesis, we enforced head association by introducing disulfide bonds across the interface between the alpha-subunit beta-propeller domain and the beta-subunit I-like domain. Basal and activation-dependent ligand binding by alpha(IIb)beta(3) and alpha(V)beta(3) was unaffected. The covalent linkage prevented dissociation of alpha(IIb)beta(3) into its subunits on EDTA-treated cells. Whereas EDTA dissociated wild type alpha(IIb)beta(3) on the cell surface, a ligand-mimetic Arg-Gly-Asp peptide did not, as judged by binding of complex-specific antibodies. Finally, a high affinity ligand-mimetic compound stabilized noncovalent association between alpha(IIb) and beta(3) headpiece fragments in the presence of SDS, indicating that ligand binding actually stabilized subunit association at the head, as opposed to the suggested subunit separation. The mechanisms of conformational regulation of integrin function should therefore be considered in the context of the associated alphabeta headpiece.

Animals↗

Structure and ligand binding properties of human serum albumin.

1. INTRODUCTION: Serum albumin possesses a unique capability to bind, covalently or reversibly, a great number of various endogenous and exogenous compounds. Several different transport proteins exist in blood plasma but albumin only is able to bind a wide diversity of ligands reversibly with high affinity. The subject of the present thesis is these binding properties. In 1981 the author proposed in a review a model for binding of ligands to serum albumin. In the model, binding of ligands to at least 6 distinct regions was considered. The purpose of the experimental work described here was to test the validity of the model. This was done by performing a large number of competition experiments. From these new data a revised model for ligand binding is presented. 2. STRUCTURE AND CONFORMATIONAL CHANGES OF SERUM ALBUMIN: Human serum albumin consists of 585 amino acids forming a single polypeptide of known sequence. A number of well characterized genetic variants have been reported. The physico-chemical characteristics of the protein are well-established. By contrast, the complete secondary and tertiary structures are not known; information about major structural features only has been obtained. The albumin molecule seems to have an overall ellipsoidal shape (about 140 x 40 A) and to be composed of domains. On the basis of the amino acid sequence, Brown (1977a) proposed a 3-domain model for the protein. Each domain is believed to consist of 6 helices forming a hydrophobic channel with basic and hydrophobic amino acid residues placed at the ends. Experimental data, however, indicate that the domains cannot be identical. Long-chain fatty acid ions are proposed to bind with high affinity within the channels. The ability to fluctuate between isomeric forms in aqueous solution could assist in adapting the albumin molecule to bind ligands with a diverse nature with high affinity. This possibility is discussed on the basis of several physico-chemical techniques including hydrogen-deuterium exchanges. Also the importance of the N-B transition for ligand binding is considered. 3. PRELIMINARY BINDING MODEL OF SERUM ALBUMIN: Single binding of ligands to serum albumin is usually described as high-affinity binding to one or two sites and weaker binding to a larger number of sites. In this chapter, the original binding model for high-affinity binding is elaborated. Region 1 seems to be specific for binding of one, or possibly two, ions of long-chain fatty acids. Region 2 is somewhat less specific and includes binding of octanoate, tryptophan, chlorazepate, thyroxine, p-iodobenzoate and possibly also chloride. Region 3 accommodates bilirubin, Phenol Red, Bromophenol Blue and iopanoate. Region 4 is a special site for strong binding of metal ions such as Cu++ and Ni++. Evidence is presented for placing the primary haemin site in a separate region (no. 5). The existence of additional binding regions, well-suited for high-affinity binding of drugs, is discussed...

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The bacterial periplasmic histidine-binding protein. structure/function analysis of the ligand-binding site and comparison with related proteins.

Bacterial periplasmic binding proteins are initial receptors in the process of active transport across cell membranes and/or chemotaxis. Among them, the histidine-binding protein (HisJ) has been extensively studied from the biochemical, physiological, and genetic points of view. The three-dimensional crystal structure of the histidine-binding protein complexed with histidine has been determined at 2.5-A resolution by the molecular replacement method using a probe structure the previously solved lysine-liganded structure of the lysine-, arginine-, ornithine-binding protein (LAO), which shares 70% sequence identity with HisJ. The structure is bi-lobate; the two lobes, one bigger than the other, are connected by two short strands and are in contact with each other (closed) enclosing the histidine. Charged, polar, and non-polar side chains, as well as the peptide backbone, are involved in tight binding of the histidine. The bound histidine is involved in eight direct hydrogen bonds, six with the bigger lobe and two with the smaller lobe, in one potential water-mediated hydrogen bond with the bigger lobe, as well as in ionic interactions. The HisJ residues surrounding the ligand are the same as the LAO residues interacting with lysine, except for residue 52 which is leucine in HisJ and phenylalanine in LAO. The Leu-52 in HisJ makes a hydrophobic interaction with the imidazole ring of histidine. Of seven mutations affecting the ligand-binding site, five are located in the ligand-binding site, one in a connecting strand, and one at the domains interface. Based on comparisons among related binding proteins, the specific interactions between the ligands and the respective binding protein residues are predicted for the glutamine-binding protein and the opines-binding protein.

Bacterial Proteins↗

A method for localizing ligand binding pockets in protein structures.

The accurate identification of ligand binding sites in protein structures can be valuable in determining protein function. Once the binding site is known, it becomes easier to perform in silico and experimental procedures that may allow the ligand type and the protein function to be determined. For example, binding pocket shape analysis relies heavily on the correct localization of the ligand binding site. We have developed SURFNET-ConSurf, a modular, two-stage method for identifying the location and shape of potential ligand binding pockets in protein structures. In the first stage, the SURFNET program identifies clefts in the protein surface that are potential binding sites. In the second stage, these clefts are trimmed in size by cutting away regions distant from highly conserved residues, as defined by the ConSurf-HSSP database. The largest clefts that remain tend to be those where ligands bind. To test the approach, we analyzed a nonredundant set of 244 protein structures from the PDB and found that SURFNET-ConSurf identifies a ligand binding pocket in 75% of them. The trimming procedure reduces the original cleft volumes by 30% on average, while still encompassing an average 87% of the ligand volume. From the analysis of the results we conclude that for those cases in which the ligands are found in large, highly conserved clefts, the combined SURFNET-ConSurf method gives pockets that are a better match to the ligand shape and location. We also show that this approach works better for enzymes than for nonenzyme proteins.

Algorithms↗

Cell type-specific glycoforms of Fc gamma RIIIa (CD16): differential ligand binding.

Fc gamma RIIIa, considered an intermediate affinity receptor, can variably bind monomeric IgG and appears to have a higher affinity for IgG than the lower affinity Fc gamma Rs, Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIIIb. We explored this property for both NK cell and monocyte Fc gamma RIIIa and found higher affinity ligand binding by Fc gamma RIIIa expressed on NK cells compared with Fc gamma RIIIa on monocytes. In normal whole blood or plasma (containing 8-11 mg/ml IgG), NK cell Fc gamma RIIIa was fully blocked, but in monocytes Fc gamma RIIIa showed approximately 60% blockade of the binding of mAb 3G8, which binds in or near the ligand binding site. The ligand binding site of NK cell Fc gamma RIIIa was blocked with as little as 2 mg/ml of human IgG, while monocyte Fc gamma RIIIa was only partially (30%) blocked by 2 mg/ml of human IgG. In contrast, plasma containing approximately 26 mg/ml of IgG (obtained from patients receiving therapeutic gamma-globulin) showed complete saturation of monocyte Fc gamma RIIIa with blockade of mAb 3G8 binding. These binding differences are not due to allelic polymorphisms or primary sequence differences between donors. Although NK cell and monocyte Fc gamma RIIIa have identical protein cores, they each undergo differential cell type-specific glycosylation. NK cell Fc gamma RIIIa is glycosylated with high mannose- and complex-type oligosaccharides, while monocyte Fc gamma RIIIa has no high mannose-type oligosaccharides. These results indicate that natural glycoforms of Fc gamma RIIIa (cell type-specific glycosylation variants) bind ligand differently, conferring a lower affinity on monocyte/macrophage Fc gamma RIIIa, which makes the receptor ideal for initial immune complex capture and sensitive to moderate changes in serum IgG levels.

Glycosylation↗

Association of the 90-kDa heat shock protein does not affect the ligand-binding ability of androgen receptor.

An N-terminal truncated androgen receptor with putative DNA- and ligand-binding domains (AR438) and that with a ligand-binding domain (AR612) were expressed under control of the T7 promoter in E. coli or translated in vitro with rabbit reticulocyte lysate, and their ligand-binding properties and the interaction with HSP90 were investigated. Bacterially expressed AR438 and AR612 bound a synthetic androgen, [3H]R1881, with apparent dissociation constants of 2.6 +/- 0.2 and 3.1 +/- 0.7 nM, respectively, values which are comparable to those of androgen receptor in target tissues. The recombinant androgen receptors sedimented at the 4-5 S region irrespective of the presence of 10 mM tungstate, indicating that the receptor exists free from HtpG, which is the bacterial homolog of eukaryotic HSP90. The apparent dissociation constant of truncated androgen receptors translated in vitro was 0.1 nM for AR438 and 0.2 nM for AR612. Sedimentation coefficients of in vitro translated molecules were converted from 7-8 S in the presence of tungstate to 3 S in the absence of tungstate. Both AR438 and AR612 translated in vitro were retained by anti-rat HSP90 antibody-protein A Sepharose. Exposure to 0.3 M NaCl in the presence of ligand caused dissociation of AR438 and AR612 from HSP90, and concomitantly, the DNA-cellulose binding ability of AR438 was enhanced. Thus, we conclude that the androgen receptor associates with HSP90 through the ligand-binding domain and that this association prevents the interaction of the androgen receptor with DNA. However, HSP90 seems to have little effect on the ligand-binding characteristics of the androgen receptor.

Animals↗

Regulation of beta 1-adrenergic receptor mRNA and ligand binding by antidepressant treatments and norepinephrine depletion in rat frontal cortex.

The number of beta 1-adrenergic receptor (beta 1AR) binding sites is decreased by chronic antidepressant treatments, including electroconvulsive seizure (ECS) and imipramine, whereas administration of agents that deplete norepinephrine (NE) increases the number of beta 1AR binding sites in cerebral cortex. The present study was carried out to examine the influence of these treatments on levels of beta 1AR mRNA in frontal cortex to study the molecular mechanisms that underlie the regulation of beta 1ARs in brain. Levels of beta 1AR mRNA were measured by RNase protection analysis using a riboprobe derived from rat beta 1AR cDNA, and the levels of beta AR binding were measured using the nonselective ligand [3H]CGP-12177. Studies to verify the specificity of the RNase protection assay revealed that the distribution of beta 1AR mRNA was in agreement with the reported distribution of beta 1AR ligand binding: Levels of beta 1AR mRNA were highest in cerebral cortex or frontal cortex, intermediate in neostriatum, hippocampus, lung, and heart, and lowest in cerebellum, kidney, and liver. Chronic ECS treatment (once daily for 10 days) significantly decreased levels of beta AR ligand binding and resulted in a corresponding, time-dependent down-regulation of beta 1AR mRNA levels in frontal cortex. However, imipramine administration regulated levels of beta 1AR mRNA in a biphasic manner, with treatments for 7-14 days increasing and treatments for 18-21 days decreasing levels of beta 1AR mRNA in frontal cortex. In contrast, levels of [3H]CGP-12177 ligand binding were decreased at all time points examined (3-21 days).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Effects of ischemia on regional ligand binding to adrenoceptors in the rat brain.

Changes in ligand binding to adrenoceptors ([3H]prazosin to alpha 1-receptors, [3H]idazoxan to alpha 2-receptors and [125I]cyanopindolol to beta-receptors) following transient cerebral ischemia were investigated using autoradiographic methods. The binding was quantified in brain sections from control rats, rats subjected to 15 min of 2-vessel occlusion ischemia, and rats with recirculation times of 1 h, 1 week or 4 weeks after ischemia. No significant change in alpha 1-receptor binding was observed during and immediately following ischemia, but a decrease was noted in the vulnerable hippocampal CA1 region following 1 week's survival. In the parietal cortex, the ligand binding to alpha 1-receptors increased at 4 weeks. A reduced [3H]idazoxan binding was observed 1 h after ischemia in the temporal cortex and amygdala. No change in ligand binding to beta-receptors was seen in the early phase postischemia, but a marked increase had occurred in the hippocampal CA1 region at 1 and 4 weeks after ischemia (+163% and +142%, respectively), presumably due to accumulation of macrophages expressing beta-receptors. The early postischemic changes in receptor binding may represent downregulation of the adrenoceptors by processes activated during ischemia, while neuronal degeneration, compensatory mechanisms in surviving neurons and proliferation of non-neuronal cells may account for the subsequent changes.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Calibration of flow cytometric fluorescence standards using the isoparametric analysis of ligand binding.

To extract ligand-cell binding parameters from flow cytometric fluorescence data, one needs a method of converting the measured cellular fluorescence to the actual number of bound molecules producing that fluorescence. Bead standards containing a known number of fluorophores do not necessarily provide the correct conversion factor. We therefore present a method for calibrating flow cytometric bead standards. The technique uses the isoparametric analysis (Chatelier et al: EMBO J 5:1181-1186, 1986) to construct a plot of fluorescence per cell versus the number of bound ligands per cell, thus allowing a direct comparison of the quantum yields of the bead-associated fluorophore with that of the cell-bound fluorophore. The potential of this analysis is demonstrated by contrasting the fluorescent brightness of fluorescein isothiocyanate associated with thymocyte nuclei and synthetic polymer beads with that of fluoresceinated epidermal growth factor bound to A431 cells. When the standards are improperly calibrated, then the number of ligand-binding sites is incorrectly reported, and the derived Scatchard plot may exhibit an apparent positive or negative cooperativity as well as a strong dependence on cell concentration.

Calibration↗

Dual functionality of the anti-beta1 integrin antibody, 12G10, exemplifies agonistic signalling from the ligand binding pocket of integrin adhesion receptors.

Although integrins are known to mediate connections between extracellular adhesion molecules and the intracellular actin cytoskeleton, the mechanisms that are responsible for coupling ligand binding to intracellular signaling, for generating diversity in signaling, and for determining the efficacy of integrin signaling in response to ligand engagement are largely unknown. By characterizing the class of anti-integrin monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that stimulate integrin activation and ligand binding, we have identified integrin-ligand-mAb complexes that exhibit differential signaling properties. Specifically, addition of 12G10 mAb to cells adhering via integrin alpha4beta1 was found to trigger disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and prevent cell attachment and spreading, whereas mAb addition to cells adhering via alpha5beta1 stimulated all of these processes. In contrast, soluble ligand binding to either alpha4beta1 or alpha5beta1 was augmented or unaffected by 12G10. The regions of the integrin responsible for differential signaling were then mapped using chimeras. Surprisingly, a chimeric alpha5 integrin containing the beta-propeller domain from the ligand binding pocket of alpha4 exhibited the same signaling properties as the full-length alpha4 integrin, whereas exchanging or removing cytoplasmic domains had no effect. Thus the mAb 12G10 demonstrates dual functionality, inhibiting cell adhesion and spreading while augmenting soluble ligand binding, via a mechanism that is determined by the extracellular beta-propeller domain of the associating alpha-subunit. These findings therefore demonstrate a direct and variable agonistic link between the ligand binding pocket of integrins and the cell interior that is independent of the alpha cytoplasmic domains. We propose that either ligand-specific transmembrane conformational changes or ligand-specific differences in the kinetics of transmembrane domain separation underlie integrin agonism.

Actins↗