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At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources

Sequence of interactions in receptor-G protein coupling.

Guanine nucleotide exchange in heterotrimeric G proteins catalyzed by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is a key event in many physiological processes. The crystal structures of the GPCR rhodopsin and two G proteins as well as binding sites on both catalytically interacting proteins are known, but the temporal sequence of events leading to nucleotide exchange remains to be elucidated. We employed time-resolved near infrared light scattering to study the order in which the Galpha and Ggamma C-terminal binding sites on the holo-G protein interact with the active state of the GPCR rhodopsin (R*) in native membranes. We investigated these key binding sites within mass-tagged peptides and G proteins and found that their binding to R* is mutually exclusive. The interaction of the holo-G protein with R* requires at least one of the lipid modifications of the G protein (i.e. myristoylation of the Galpha N terminus and/or farnesylation of the Ggamma C terminus). A holo-G protein with a high affinity Galpha C terminus shows a specific change of the reaction rate in the GDP release and GTP uptake steps of catalysis. We interpret the data by a sequential fit model where (i) the initial encounter between R* and the G protein occurs with the Gbetagamma subunit, and (ii) the Galpha C-terminal tail then interacts with R* to release bound GDP, thereby decreasing the affinity of R* for the Gbetagamma subunit. The mechanism limits the time in which both C-terminal binding sites of the G protein interact simultaneously with R* to a short lived transitory state.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Thrombin-induced rapid geranylgeranylation of RhoA as an essential process for RhoA activation in endothelial cells.

RhoA plays a critical signaling role in thrombin-induced endothelial dysfunction. The possible thrombin regulation of geranylgeranylation, a lipid modification, of unprocessed RhoA and the significance of the geranylgeranylation in RhoA activation in endothelial cells (ECs) are not well understood. The amounts of the unprocessed and geranylgeranylated forms of RhoA in non-stimulated cultured human aortic ECs were 31 +/- 8 and 69 +/- 8% total cellular RhoA, respectively (n = 6, p < 0.0001), as determined by the Triton X-114 partition method. Thrombin-induced rapid conversion of most of the unprocessed RhoA into the geranylgeranylated form within 1 min through stimulating geranylgeranyltransferase I (GGTase I) activity. Thrombin-induced rapid geranylgeranylation was inhibited by acute short term (3 min) pretreatment with atorvastatin as well as by an inhibitor of GGTase I (GGTI-286). Thrombin also rapidly stimulated GTP loading of RhoA, which was blocked by acute pretreatment with either atorvastatin or GGTI-286. These observations indicate the dependence of thrombin stimulation of RhoA on the rapid geranylgeranylation of unprocessed RhoA. Importantly, the addition of geranylgeranylpyrophosphate to ECs pretreated with atorvastatin quickly reversed the atorvastatin inhibition of thrombin stimulation of RhoA. These results suggest that geranylgeranylation of unprocessed RhoA may limit thrombin-induced full activation of RhoA in ECs. Cytoskeleton analysis demonstrated that atorvastatin and GGTI-286 inhibited thrombin-induced stress fiber formation. We provide the evidence that, in thrombin-stimulated ECs, the unprocessed form of RhoA is rapidly geranylgeranylated to become the mature form, which then is converted into GTP-bound active RhoA.

Actins↗

Effect of the statin atorvastatin on intracellular signalling by the prostacyclin receptor in vitro and in vivo.

Prostacyclin plays a central role within the vasculature. We have previously established that the prostacyclin receptor (IP) undergoes isoprenylation, a lipid modification obligate for its function. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of the hydroxy methyl glutaryl co-enzyme A reductase inhibitor atorvastatin on signalling and function of the IP expressed in mammalian whole cells and in platelets isolated from patients undergoing therapeutic intervention with atorvastatin. Initially, the effect of atorvastatin on signalling by the human (h) and mouse (m) IP overexpressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and the hIP endogenously expressed in human erythroleukaemic 92.1.7 cells was investigated. Atorvastatin significantly reduced IP-mediated cAMP generation (IC(50) 6.6-11.1 microm) and [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization (IC(50) 7.2-16.4 microm) in a concentration-dependent manner, but had no effect on signalling by the nonisoprenylated beta(2) adrenergic receptor or the alpha or beta isoforms of the human thromboxane A(2) receptor (TP). Moreover, atorvastatin significantly reduced IP-mediated crossdesensitization of signalling by TP alpha (IC(50) 10.4 microm), but not by TP beta. In contrast to the whole-cell data, atorvastatin therapy did not interfere with IP-mediated cAMP generation or IP-induced inhibition of TP-mediated aggregation of platelets isolated from human volunteers undergoing therapeutic intervention with atorvastatin (10-80 mg per daily dose). In conclusion, while data generated in whole cells indicated that atorvastatin significantly impairs signalling by both the hIP and mP, the in vivo clinical data indicated that, at the administered therapeutic dose, atorvastatin does not significantly compromise IP signalling and function in humans.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

The small nuclear GTPase Ran: how much does it run?

Ran is one of the most abundant and best conserved of the small GTP binding and hydrolyzing proteins of eukaryotes. It is located predominantly in cell nuclei. Ran is a member of the Ras family of GTPases, which includes the Ras and Ras-like proteins that regulate cell growth and division, the Rho and Rac proteins that regulate cytoskeletal organization and the Rab proteins that regulate vesicular sorting. Ran differs most obviously from other members of the Ras family in both its nuclear localization, and its lack of sites required for post-translational lipid modification. Ran is, however, similar to other Ras family members in requiring a specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) and a specific GTPase activating protein (GAP) as stimulators of overall GTPase activity. In this review, the multiple cellular functions of Ran are evaluated with respect to its known biochemistry and molecular interactions.

Animals↗

Farnesyl: proteintransferase inhibitors as agents to inhibit tumor growth.

Ras, a signal-transducing protein involved in mediating growth factor-stimulated proliferation, is mutationally activated in over 30% of human tumors. To be functional Ras must bind to the inner surface of the plasma membrane, with post-translational lipid modifications being necessary for this localization. The essential, first modification of Ras is farnesylation catalyzed by the enzyme farnesyl: proteintransferase (FPTase). Inhibitors of FPTase (FTIs) are currently being tested to determine if they are capable of tumor growth inhibition. Here we describe our efforts, along with those of other groups, in testing the biological and biochemical effects of FTIs.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

Effect of water activity and immobilization on fatty acid selectivity for esterification reactions mediated by lipases.

The effect of water activity (a(w)) and immobilization on fatty acid (FA) selectivity of Burkholderia (formerly Pseudomonas) cepacia, Rhizomucor miehei, Candida antarctica (type B), and Candida rugosa lipases in esterification reactions was determined. Studies were based on measuring ester formation in multicompetitive reaction mixtures containing either the homologous series of even carbon number n-chain saturated FA (C4-C18) or a series of n-chain (un)saturated FA (C18:X, where X = 0-3 double bonds) as cosubstrates with 1,3-propanediol in ter-butyl methyl ether at a(w) of 0.19, 0.69, and 0.90. Activity and FA selectively patterns were similar for free and Celite-adsorbed lipases in response to changes in a(w'), although specific effects were observed for selectivity of B. cepacia and C. rugosa lipases toward C16 and C4/C6 FA, respectively. Also, selectivity toward unsaturated C18:X FA as a group was modulated by changes in a(w) for three of the four lipase studied. Resin-fixed lipases from R. miehei and C. antarctica exhibited profound differences in activity and FA selectively in response to changes in a(w'), relative to free and Celite-bound forms. These findings suggest that FA selectivity for lipid modification is influenced by a(w) and immobilization, but that each lipase has a characteristic response to these factors in a manner that cannot be predicted.

Anion Exchange Resins↗

A 3 beta-cholestanyl-containing mono-benzylpenicilloyl oligoamide and peptide suppress anti-benzylpenicilloyl antibody formation in mice.

A long-chain linear mono-benzylpenicilloyl (BPO) oligoamide and a succinoylated mono-BPO decalysine were tested in BALB/c mice for suppression of IgE and IgG1 antibody formation. Both compounds were available with either a free C-terminal end or were C-terminally linked to a hydrophobic 3 beta-cholestanyl residue. Only the sterol-containing derivatives suppressed hapten-specific IgE and IgG1 responses. Substantial suppression was obtained when the compounds were administered before primary or secondary, but not later immunizations. In an adoptive cell transfer experiment, spleen cells from tolerized animals actively suppressed anti-BPO IgE antibody formation of immune spleen cells. This effect was reversed by pretreatment of the tolerized spleen cells with anti-Lyt-2.2 antibody plus complement. The requirement for macrophages in the induction of T suppressor cells was demonstrated by injecting antigen-pulsed macrophages into naive recipients; upon immunization, only mice treated with tolerogen-pulsed macrophages showed suppressed anti-BPO IgE responses. It is suggested that lipid modification of antigens alters their processing and presentation by macrophages in a manner that leads to the induction of T suppressor cells. Injection of the cholestanyl derivatives into passively sensitized guinea pigs elicited anaphylactic reactions. By immune precipitation analysis and molecular weight estimation, these derivatives were shown to form micelles in aqueous solution. Therefore, the anaphylactic response appeared to be due to their behavior as multivalent antigens.

Anaphylaxis↗

Changes of sphingolipid species in the phenotype conversion from myofibroblasts to lipocytes in hepatic stellate cells.

Sphingolipids play a relevant role in cell-cell interaction, communication, and migration. We studied the sphingolipid content in the murine hepatic stellate cell line GRX, which expresses the myofibroblast phenotype, and can be induced in vitro to display the fat-storing phenotype. Lipid modifications along this induction were investigated by labeling sphingolipids with [(14)C]galactose, [(14)C]serine, or [(14)C]choline, and determination of fatty acid composition of sphingomyelin. The total ganglioside content and the GM2 synthase activity were lower in myofibroblasts. Both phenotypes presented similar gangliosides of the a-pathway: GM2, GM1, and GD1a as well as their precursor GM3. Sphingomyelin and all the gangliosides were expressed as doublets; the upper/lower band ratio increased in lipocytes, containing more long-chain fatty acids in retinol-induced lipocytes as compared to the insulin/indomethacin induced ones. Time-course experiments indicated a transfer of metabolic precursors from phosphatidylcholine to sphingomyelin in the two phenotypes. Taken together, these results indicate that myofibroblast and lipocytes can use distinct ceramide pools for sphingolipid synthesis. Differential ganglioside expression and presence of the long-chain saturated fatty acids suggested that they may participate in formation of distinct membrane microdomains or rafts with specific functions on the two phenotypes of GRX-cells.

Adipocytes↗

N-myristoyltransferase inhibitor protein is homologous to heat shock cognate protein 70.

Many of viral and eukaryotic proteins are required for signal transduction and regulatory functions which undergo a lipid modification by the enzyme N-myristoyltransferase (NMT). In this study, we demonstrated that heat shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70) is homologous to NMT inhibitor protein (NIP71), which was discovered in our laboratory, based on MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric analysis. The purified bovine cytosolic HSC70 and particulate NIP71 produced a dose-dependent inhibition of human NMT having half maximal inhibitions of 235 and 230 nM, respectively. Further, Western blot analysis revealed that the purified particulate NIP71 and cytosolic HSC70 cross-reacted with both anti-NIP71 and anti-HSC70 antibodies. The results we obtained imply that molecular chaperones could be involved in the regulation of NMT in normal and cancerous cells. Further studies directed to revealing the role of HSC70 in the regulation of NMT may lead to the development of gene based therapies of colon cancer.

Acyltransferases↗

Role of Src-family kinases in formation and trafficking of macropinosomes.

Src-family kinases that localize to the cytoplasmic side of cellular membranes through lipid modification play a role in signaling events including membrane trafficking. Macropinocytosis is an endocytic process for solute uptake by large vesicles called macropinosomes. Although macropinosomes can be visualized following uptake of fluorescent macromolecules, little is known about the dynamics of macropinosomes in living cells. Here, we show that constitutive c-Src expression generates macropinosomes in a kinase-dependent manner. Live-cell imaging of GFP-tagged c-Src (Src-GFP) reveals that c-Src associates with macropinosomes via its N-terminus continuously from their generation at membrane ruffles, through their centripetal trafficking, to fusion with late endosomes and lysosomes. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of Src-GFP shows that Src-GFP is rapidly recruited to macropinosomal membranes from the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles through vesicle transport even in the presence of a protein synthesis inhibitor. Furthermore, using a HeLa cell line overexpressing inducible c-Src, we show that following stimulation with epidermal growth factor (EGF), high levels of c-Src kinase activity promote formation of macropinosomes associated with the lysosomal compartment. Unlike c-Src, Lyn and Fyn, which are palmitoylated Src kinases, only minimally induce macropinosomes, although a Lyn mutant in which the palmitoylation site is mutated efficiently induces macropinocytosis. We conclude that kinase activity of nonpalmitoylated Src kinases including c-Src may play an important role in the biogenesis and trafficking of macropinosomes.

Animals↗

Requirements for histoplasmin presentation by accessory cells to a Histoplasma capsulatum-reactive T-cell line.

We examined the pathways involved in presentation of native histoplasmin by adherent splenocytes (as a source of accessory cells) to JC1, a Histoplasma capsulatum-reactive murine T-cell line that is CD4+. JC1 did not respond to accessory cells that had been fixed with paraformaldehyde and then exposed to histoplasmin but did proliferate to antigen-pulsed cells that were subsequently fixed. Accessory cells that were coincubated with histoplasmin and sodium azide or 2-deoxy-D-glucose failed to induce proliferation of JC1. Moreover, accessory cells exposed to the lysosomotropic agents, chloroquine and ammonium chloride, were unable to present antigen. Monensin also inhibited presentation of histoplasmin if added to accessory cells concomitant with antigen. In contrast, accessory cells that had been pulsed with antigen for 2 hr and then exposed to each inhibitor for 2 hr stimulated proliferation of JC1. The antigen-presenting capacity of accessory cells that had been pulsed with histoplasmin for 2 hr was diminished considerably by subsequent treatment with phospholipase A2. Additional studies demonstrated that cerulenin, which depresses posttranslational lipid modification of proteins, abolished presentation of histoplasmin. The reactivity of JC1 was sharply reduced by anti-L3T4 (CD4) or by anti-I-Ab monoclonal antibody. The results not only indicate that presentation of histoplasmin requires active metabolic events within accessory cells, they also delineate the pathways involved in handling this antigen.

Ammonium Chloride↗

Instability of the G-protein beta5 subunit in detergent.

Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins are important mediators in signal transduction and function by transmitting information from membrane-bound receptors to effectors. Because these proteins are membrane bound and contain covalent lipid modifications, detergents are required for solubilization and purification. It was discovered that the interaction between the beta5 subunit and the gamma2 subunit was disrupted in two detergents, cholate and Chaps (3-[(3-cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonio]-1-propansulfonate). A beta5gamma2 column was constructed in which recombinant betagamma dimers were immobilized on a FLAG antibody column via a hexahistidine-FLAG-tagged gamma2 subunit, gamma2HF. Greater than 95% of the beta5 subunit was specifically eluted from the immobilized gamma2HF subunit using a cholate gradient from 0.05 to 1.0% and greater than 40% of the beta5 subunit was eluted using a Chaps gradient from 0.05 to 1.0%. In contrast, the beta1, beta2, and beta3 subunits remained bound to the gamma2HF subunit in all concentrations of Chaps and cholate. Genapol C-100, Triton X-100, and polyoxyethylene-10-lauryl ether did not interfere with any of the four beta subunits' ability to interact with the gamma2 subunit. These data suggest that the beta5 subunit is not stable in bile acid or Chaps-type detergents (i.e., Chapso, glycocholate, deoxycholate). Therefore, alternative detergents should be used to extract dimers containing the beta5 subunit.

Baculoviridae↗

Inhibition of rhodopsin phosphorylation by non-myristoylated recombinant recoverin.

Bovine recoverin regulates rhodopsin phosphorylation and controls photoreceptor light sensitivity in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Recoverin is post-translationally modified with lipids (myristic acid or related lipids) at its N-terminus. Since with this lipid modification (N-myristoylation), recoverin associates with rod outer segment membranes in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner, N-myristoylation has been suggested to be important for the function of this protein. To study the role of this modification, we obtained recombinant non-myristoylated recoverin in E. coli and studied its functional properties. Here, we report that recombinant non-myristoylated recoverin inhibits rhodopsin phosphorylation at Ca2+ concentrations of 30 nM-10 microM in a similar way as native N-myristoylated recoverin does. Thus, our result showed that N-myristoylation is not essential for the Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition of rhodopsin phosphorylation by recoverin.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Purification and characterization of Rab GDI beta from rat brain.

A new Rab GDI was purified from the synaptic soluble fraction of rat brain by several column chromatographies as a protein that inhibited the dissociation of [3H]GDP from Rab3A but was not recognized by an anti-Rab GDI alpha antibody. The partial amino acid sequence analysis revealed that it was identical with rat Rab GDI beta. Purified Rab GDI beta showed the kinetic properties similar to those of Rab GDI alpha, including the inhibitory effect on the dissociation of GDP from Rab3A, the substrate specificity, the requirement of the post-translational lipid modifications of Rab3A, the stoichiometric interaction with the GDP-bound form of Rab3A, the inhibitory effect on the binding of Rab3A to erythrocyte ghosts, and the stimulatory effect on the dissociation of Rab3A from the membrane.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

CAAX peptidomimetic FTI-244 decreases platelet-derived growth factor receptor tyrosine phosphorylation levels and inhibits stimulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase but not mitogen-activated protein kinase.

Cysteine farnesylation of the Ras carboxyl terminal tetrapeptide CAAX motif (where C = cysteine, A = leucine, isoleucine, or valine, and X = methionine or serine) is required for Ras biological activity. In this report, we describe the effects of inhibitors of farnesyltransferase (FTase), the enzyme responsible for this lipid modification, on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling in NIH-3T3 cells. In vitro, the CAAX peptidomimetic FTI-232 exhibits potent inhibition of FTase activity (IC50 = 150 nM) and its carboxyl-methylated counterpart, FTI-244, inhibits Ras processing in vivo. Treatment of NIH-3T3 cells with FTI-244 inhibits PDGF-induced DNA synthesis but not stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). However, FTI-244 significantly reduces PDGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation levels of PDGF receptor (PDGFR) as well as its association with, and activation of, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI-3-K), a key enzyme in PDGF-induced mitogenesis.

3T3 Cells↗

Cysteine-699, a possible palmitoylation site of the thyrotropin receptor, is not crucial for cAMP or phosphoinositide signaling but is necessary for full surface expression.

We investigated the role of the cysteine residues in the cytoplasmic tail of the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) in TSH binding and signal transduction by individually mutating two cysteine residues to serine. Neither mutant exhibited changes in basal, TSH- or Graves' IgG-stimulated cAMP or inositol phosphate responses. However, mutation of Cys-699 significantly decreased TSH binding Bmax without significantly changing binding affinity, amount or sizes of TSHR forms on Western blots. These findings suggest that Cys-699, which is a potential site for lipid modification and whose equivalent in other receptors was shown to be palmitoylated, is important for efficiency of proper membrane insertion and/or stability of the receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Myristoylation is required for the intracellular localization and endocytic function of ARF6.

ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) are modified by a myristate group that is covalently linked to the second glycine residue at the amino terminus. With the recent evidence that ARF6 localizes to the cell periphery and plays a regulatory role in endocytic traffic, we have investigated the role of myristoylation on the membrane association, biological activity, and subcellular distribution of ARF6 in intact cells. A Gly2Ala mutation produced a nonmyristoylated protein that failed to associate with membranes, was cytosolic, and had no effect on endocytic transport. To determine if a different form of lipid modification could restore membrane association and biological activity, a nonmyristoylated ARF6 derivative was constructed that contained a prenyl group at the carboxy terminus. Prenylated ARF6 bound efficiently to membranes, but had no effect on receptor-mediated endocytosis and was mislocalized to distinct intracellular structures. Thus, although prenylation can replace myristoylation for membrane association, the latter appears to be critical for the proper targeting and biological activity of ARF6.

ADP-Ribosylation Factors↗

Drosophila embryos lacking N-myristoyltransferase have multiple developmental defects.

Lipid modification of proteins by the addition of myristic acid to the N-terminal is important in a number of critical cellular processes, for example, signal transduction and the modulation of membrane association by myristoyl switches. Myristic acid is added to proteins by the enzyme N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) and in this paper we detail the effects on embryonic development of a null mutation in the Drosophila NMT gene. Mutant embryos display a range of phenotypes, including failures of head involution, dorsal closure, and germ-band retraction, morphogenetic processes that require cellular movements. Embryos with milder phenotypes have more specific defects in the central nervous system, including thinning of the ventral nerve chord and, in some embryos, specific scission at parasegment 10. Staining of mutant embryos with phalloidin shows that the mutant embryos have a disrupted actin cytoskeleton and abnormal cell morphology. These phenotypes are strikingly similar to those caused by genes involved in dynamic rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. For example the myristoylated nonreceptor tyrosine kinases Dsrc42A and Dsrc64B were shown recently to be key regulators of dorsal closure. In addition, analysis of cell death reveals widespread ectopic apoptosis. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the myristoyl switches and signaling pathways characterized at the biochemical level have important functions in fundamental morphogenetic processes.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗