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The small GTP-binding protein, Rab6p, is associated with both Golgi and post-Golgi synaptophysin-containing membranes during synaptogenesis of hypothalamic neurons in culture.

We have recently localized a small GTP-binding protein (Rab6p) thought to be involved in vesicular membrane transport, to the medial and trans-cisternae of the Golgi apparatus in NRK (normal rat kidney) cells. Here, we have localized and quantified Rab6p during the development in culture of embryonic neurons, up to synapse formation, and compared its subcellular distribution and level of expression to that of synaptophysin, a major integral membrane protein of small synaptic vesicles. Using immunocytochemistry (laser scanning confocal microscopy, immunoelectron microscopy), fractionation and immunoisolation methods, we show that during the early phase of synaptogenesis, Rab6p is associated with synaptophysin-containing membranes of a trans-Golgi subcompartment, post-Golgi vesicles and small synaptic vesicles or their precursors. Concomitantly, Rab6p undergoes translocation from cytosol to membranes and its level of expression increases. However, at late stages, the association of Rab6p to small synaptic vesicles sharply decreases and its level of expression plateaus. These findings suggest a role for Rab6p in the post-Golgi transport of synaptophysin, at an early step of the biogenesis of small synaptic vesicles.

Animals↗

Localization of the small GTP-binding protein rab1p to early compartments of the secretory pathway.

We have studied the localization of the small GTPase rab1p in different cell types using polyclonal antibodies prepared against the rab1A isoform of the protein. Immunofluorescence microscopy of normal rat kidney (NRK) and mouse myeloma cells showed the association of the protein with the Golgi complex and peripheral sites where it colocalized with p58, a pre- and cis-Golgi marker protein. Rab1p and p58 also had similar distributions in membrane fractions derived from rat pancreas microsomes. Both were concentrated in two intermediate density subfractions between the rough endoplasmic reticulum and trans-Golgi, whereas rab6p, previously localized to middle and trans-Golgi, was enriched in the light density trans-Golgi fraction. Immunoperoxidase electron microscopy of NRK and myeloma cells revealed the association of rab1p with 1-2 cisternae, vacuolar, and tubulovesicular membranes in the cis-Golgi region. The rab1p-specific staining typically covered the entire lateral surface of the cisternae but, in weakly stained cells, local labeling between closely opposed membranes could also be seen. The rab1p-positive pre-Golgi compartment had a predominantly tubulovesicular appearance in NRK cells whereas in myeloma cells it consisted of vacuoles surrounded by rab1p-positive vesicles and tubules of heterogeneous size. In both cell types the rough ER cisternae and the nuclear envelope contained negligible labeling and no continuities between these and the rab1p-positive membranes were observed. In addition, in myeloma cells the smooth ER subcompartment, containing endogenous retrovirus particles, was devoid of rab1p-labeling. These results indicate that the pre-Golgi (intermediate) compartment consists of different membrane domains and its morphology can vary considerably between different cell types. Further, they suggest that the recruitment of rab1p to membranes occurs predominantly in a post-ER location and that the protein functions in targeting/fusion events within the pre- and cis-Golgi membranes.

Animals↗

Cell biology of transcription and pre-mRNA splicing: nuclear architecture meets nuclear function.

Gene expression is a fundamental cellular process. The basic mechanisms involved in expression of genes have been characterized at the molecular level. A major challenge is now to uncover how transcription, RNA processing and RNA export are organized within the cell nucleus, how these processes are coordinated with each other and how nuclear architecture influences gene expression and regulation. A significant contribution has come from cell biological approaches, which combine molecular techniques with microscopy methods. These studies have revealed that the mammalian cell nucleus is a complex but highly organized organelle, which contains numerous subcompartments. I discuss here how two essential nuclear processes - transcription and pre-mRNA splicing - are spatially organized and coordinated in vivo, and how this organization might contribute to the control of gene expression. The dynamic nature of nuclear proteins and compartments indicates a high degree of plasticity in the cellular organization of nuclear functions. The cellular organization of transcription and splicing suggest that the morphology of nuclear compartments is largely determined by the activities of the nucleus.

Animals↗

Relative locations of the centromere and imprinted SNRPN gene within chromosome 15 territories during the cell cycle in HL60 cells.

Investigations of imprinted regions provide clues that increase our understanding of the regulation of gene functions at higher order chromosomal domains. Here, the relative positions of the chromosome 15 centromere and the imprinted SNRPN gene in interphase nuclei of human myeloid leukemia HL60 cells were compared, because the homologous association of this imprinted chromosomal domain was previously observed in lymphocytes and lymphoblasts. Four targets including the chromosome 15 territory, its centromere, the SNRPN gene on this chromosome, and the nucleus, were visualized simultaneously in three-dimensionally preserved nuclei using multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization, and the spatial distributions of these probes were analyzed with a cooled CCD camera deconvolution system. We found that preferential association of SNRPN interhomologues did not occur during the cell cycle in HL60 cells, although this gene exhibited asynchronous replication and monoallelic expression in this cells. SNRPN was found to localize at the periphery of the chromosome territories, and it preferentially faced the nuclear membrane, unlike the adjacent centromeric repeat. The SNRPN gene and the centromere were located close to each other late in S phase, reflecting that these DNA segments may be compacted into the same intranuclear subcompartments with the progress of S phase and in course of preparation for the following G(2) phase. Our results suggest that, although an imprinted gene has features similar to those observed with intranuclear localization of other gene coding sequences, the characteristic of mutual recognition of imprinted regions is determined by certain cellular regulation, and it is not necessary for the allele-specific features of an imprinted gene.

Autoantigens↗

A decay of gap junctions in association with cell differentiation of neural retina in chick embryonic development.

Ultrastructural studies of thin-sectioned and freeze-cleaved materials were performed on developing retinal tissues of 3- to 9-day-old chick embryos to clarify the junctional structures between neural retinal cells and between neural retinal cells and cells of the pigmented epithelium. Frequency, size and position of gap junctions in developing neural retina are different at each stage of development. In 3-day-old embryos, some cells adhere to each other by gap junctions immediately below the outer limiting membrane of neural retinae. The size and number of gap junctions increase remarkably during 5-6 days of incubation. In this period of development, well developed gap junctions consisting of subcompartments of intramembrane particles are found between cell surfaces at both the outer limiting membrane region and the deeper portion of the neural retina. Gap junctions disappear thereafter, and at 7-5 days of incubation, small gap junctions are predominant between cell surfaces at the outer limiting membrane region, while the frequency of gap junctions in the deeper portion is very low. At 9 days of incubation, gap junctions are rarely found. Typical gap junctions are always found between neural retinal cells and those of the pigmented epithelium in embryos up to 7-5 days of incubation. Tight junctions are not found in the neural retina or between neural retina and pigmented epithelium throughout the stages examined.

Animals↗

X-ray microanalysis of HeLa S3 Cells. I. Instrumental calibration and analysis of randomly growing cultures.

Cryo-ultramicrotomy and X-ray microanalysis were used to study the elemental composition of HeLa S3 cells. Quantitation was achieved by reference to elemental standards of known concentration made up in 25% gelatin. Analysis of standards showed linear calibration for each of the elements studied: Na, P, S, Cl, K. Standardization was validated by comparing flame-photometric analysis of gelatin containing sodium potassium tartrate with that of X-ray microanalysis. Freeze-dried sections of cells showed good morphology and analysis of whole sections of the cells showed that K/Na varied in individual cells. Low K/Na could not be ascribed to cell damage or to the sequestering of Na in any particular subcompartment of the cells. Treatment with ouabain caused changes in levels of all the elements studied and resulted in a low K/Na ratio in all cells.

Chlorine↗

The caveolar nitric oxide synthase/arginine regeneration system for NO production in endothelial cells.

The enzyme endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) catalyzes the conversion of arginine, oxygen and NADPH to NO and citrulline. Previous results suggest an efficient, compartmentalized system for recycling of citrulline to arginine utilized for NO production. In support of this hypothesis, the recycling enzymes, argininosuccinate synthase (AS) and argininosuccinate lyase (AL), have been shown to colocalize with eNOS in caveolae, a subcompartment of the plasma membrane. Under unstimulated conditions, the degree of recycling is minimal. Upon stimulation of NO production by bradykinin, however, recycling is co-stimulated to the extent that more than 80% of the citrulline produced is recycled to arginine. These results suggest an efficient caveolar recycling complex that supports the receptor-mediated stimulation of endothelial NO production. To investigate the molecular basis for the unique location and function of endothelial AS and AL, endothelial AS mRNA was compared with liver AS mRNA. No differences were found in the coding region of the mRNA species, but significant differences were found in the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR). The results of these studies suggest that sequence in the endothelial AS-encoding gene, represented by position -92 nt to -43 nt from the translation start site in the extended AS mRNA 5'-UTRs, plays an important role in differential and tissue-specific expression. Overall, a strong evidential case has been developed supporting the proposal that arginine availability, governed by a caveolar-localized arginine regeneration system, plays a key role in receptor-mediated endothelial NO production.

Arginine↗

TRACP as an osteopontin phosphatase.

TRACP is synthesized as a latent proenzyme requiring proteolytic processing to attain maximal phosphatase activity. Excision of an exposed loop domain abolishes the interaction between the loop residue Asp146 and a ligand to the redox-sensitive iron of the active site, most likely Asn91, providing a mechanism for the enzyme repression. Both cathepsin K and L efficiently cleave in the loop domain and activate the latent enzyme, and we propose that cathepsin K acts as a physiological activator of TRACP in osteoclasts, whereas cathepsin L might fulfill a similar role in different types of macrophages. Considering the rather broad substrate specificity of TRACP, a tight regulation of its activity in the cell appears warranted. Besides proteolytic cleavage, the enzyme should need a specific local environment with a slightly acidic pH and reducing equivalents to keep the enzyme fully active. Cellular subcompartments where these required conditions prevail are potential subcellular site(s) of TRACP action. Of bone phosphoproteins shown to be substrates for TRACP, both osteopontin and bone sialoprotein are colocalized with TRACP in the resorption lacuna of the osteoclasts, and dephosphorylation of OPN impair its ability to promote adhesion as well as migration of osteoclasts in vitro. A role for TRACP as an osteopontin phosphatase in bone is therefore suggested. The expression of TRACP as well as OPN in other tissues with possible interactions between the two could suggest a more general function for TRACP as a regulator of OPN phosphorylation and bioactivity.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Cytoskeletal components of an invasion machine--the apical complex of Toxoplasma gondii.

The apical complex of Toxoplasma gondii is widely believed to serve essential functions in both invasion of its host cells (including human cells), and in replication of the parasite. The understanding of apical complex function, the basis for its novel structure, and the mechanism for its motility are greatly impeded by lack of knowledge of its molecular composition. We have partially purified the conoid/apical complex, identified approximately 200 proteins that represent 70% of its cytoskeletal protein components, characterized seven novel proteins, and determined the sequence of recruitment of five of these proteins into the cytoskeleton during cell division. Our results provide new markers for the different subcompartments within the apical complex, and revealed previously unknown cellular compartments, which facilitate our understanding of how the invasion machinery is built. Surprisingly, the extreme apical and extreme basal structures of this highly polarized cell originate in the same location and at the same time very early during parasite replication.

Animals↗

O-glycosylation of the mucin type.

While only about ten percent of the databank entries are defined as glycoproteins, it has been estimated recently that more than half of all proteins are glycoproteins. Mucin-type O-glycosylation is a widespread post-translational modification of proteins found in the entire animal kingdom, but also in higher plants. The structural complexity of the chains initiated by O-linked GalNAc exceeds that of N-linked chains by far. The process during which serine and threonine residues of proteins become modified is confined to the cis to trans Golgi compartments. The initiation of this process by peptidyl GalNAc-transferases is ruled by the sequence context of putative O-glycosylation sites, but also by epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, which can be mediated by enzyme competition. The cellular repertoir of glycosyltransferases with their distinct donor sugar and acceptor sugar specificities, their sequential action at highly-ordered surfaces, and their localizations in subcompartments of the Golgi finally determine the cell-specific O-glycosylation profile. Dramatic alterations of the glycosylation machinery are observed in cancer cells, resulting in aberrantly O-glycosylated proteins that expose previously masked peptide motifs and new antigenic targets. The functional aspects of O-linked glycans, which comprise among many others their potential role in sorting and secretion of glycoproteins, their influence on protein conformation, and their multifarious involvement in cell adhesion and immunological processes, appear as complex as their structures.

Animals↗

Parietal cortex mediates voluntary control of spatial and nonspatial auditory attention.

The human posterior parietal cortex (PPC) is widely believed to subserve visually guided spatial behavior, including the control of visual attention, eye movements, and reaching. To explore the generality of this function, we measured human brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging during spatial and nonspatial shifts of auditory attention. Both spatial and nonspatial shifts of auditory attention evoked transient activity in the medial superior parietal cortex. These results reveal that the PPC is not exclusively devoted to visuospatial behavior; similar regions within a dorsomedial subcompartment provide a domain-independent reconfiguration signal for the control of spatial and nonspatial attention in both visual and nonvisual modalities.

Adult↗

Detecting activity in olfactory bulb glomeruli with astrocyte recording.

In the olfactory bulb, axons of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) expressing the same olfactory receptor converge on specific glomeruli. These afferents form axodendritic synapses with mitral/tufted and periglomerular cell dendrites, whereas the dendrites of mitral/tufted cells and periglomerular interneurons form dendrodendritic synapses. The two types of intraglomerular synapses appear to be spatially isolated in subcompartments delineated by astrocyte processes. Because each astrocyte sends processes into a single glomerulus, we used astrocyte recording as an intraglomerular detector of neuronal activity. In glomerular astrocytes, a single shock in the olfactory nerve layer evoked a prolonged inward current, the major part of which was attributable to a barium-sensitive potassium current. The K+ current closely reflected the time course of depolarization of mitral/tufted cells, indicating that K+ accumulation mainly reflects the activity of mitral/tufted cells. The astrocyte K+ current was dependent on AMPA and NMDA receptors in mitral/tufted cells as well as on a previously undescribed metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 component. Block of the K+ current with barium unmasked a synaptic glutamate transporter current. Perhaps surprisingly, the transporter current had components caused by glutamate released at both olfactory nerve terminals and mitral/tufted cell dendrites. The time course of the transporter currents suggested that rapid synchronous glutamate release at OSN terminals triggers asynchronous glutamate release from mitral/tufted cells. Glomerular astrocyte recording provides a sensitive means to examine functional compartmentalization within and between olfactory bulb glomeruli.

Animals↗

The number of clonal precursors of the follicular epithelium in the mouse ovary.

The number of clonal precursors of granulosa cells in mouse ovarian follicles has been estimated using a technique based on the phenomenon of random X-chromosome inactivation of somatic cells and the use of an X-linked alloenzyme variant of the glycolytic enzyme PGK-1. The granulosa cells of follicles were oligoclonal in origin and founded by a small number of cells (about 5) which was consistent with histological observations. When the analysis was extended to two subcompartments of the follicle, the mural and cumulus granulosa cells, the results indicated that the cumulus and mural granulosa cells had a common origin.

Animals↗

Proteomics of plasma membrane microdomains.

Plasma membrane microdomains represent subcompartments of the plasma membrane characterized by a specific lipid and protein composition. The recognition of microdomains in nearly all the eukaryotic membranes has accredited them with specialized functions in health and disease. Several proteomic studies have recently addressed the specific composition of plasma membrane microdomains, and will be reviewed in this paper. Peculiar information has been obtained, but a comprehensive view of the main protein classes required to define the microdomain proteome is still missing. The achievement of this information is slowed by the difficulties encountered in resolving and analyzing hydrophobic proteins, but it could help in understanding the overall function of plasma membrane microdomains and their involvement in human pathology.

Cell Membrane↗

Taste buds in the vallate papillae of the rat studied with freeze-fracture preparation.

The taste bud of the vallate papillae of the rat has been examined in the electron microscope by using the freeze-fracture technique. Tight junctions as a junctional complex are located at the taste pore, and form a seal between the oral environment and the taste buds. Tight junctions are not only within the taste buds, but also are demonstrated in the granular cell layers of the surrounding lingual epithelium. The present finding suggests that tight junctions of the taste pore link with those of the lingual epithelium. Desmosomes are observed in the buds, but they are smaller in size than in the surrounding lingual epithelium. Besides these junctions, within the buds, gap junctions containing particle-free zones are demonstrated which are called a subcompartment type.

Animals↗

Nuclear architecture and gene expression in the quest for novel therapeutics.

The architecture of the cell nucleus has long been a matter of debate, and is still not completely understood yet. However, much progress has been made in the last few years, gradually unraveling nuclear infrastructure and its importance of the regulation of key genetic events. It is now established that the readout of genetic information and its faithful duplication are not only affected by regulatory sequences in the genome, but also by their localization in the three-dimensional context and their relative position to functional subcompartments in the nucleus. Understanding how nuclear architecture and function are related and depend on each other has great potential to open up novel ways for the development of therapeutic agents. It is the purpose of this review to shed light on the role of nuclear architecture in regulating gene expression, and suggest that interfering with specific protein-protein interactions of transcription factors might provide new approaches to drug development.

Animals↗

Mathematical modeling of digestion and nutrient absorption in pigs.

A simple simulation model of digestion and absorption in pigs was developed. The structure of the model is a set of four anatomical compartments for DM: stomach, two portions of small intestine, and the large intestine. In each of these anatomical compartments, subcompartments correspond to the major biochemical components of feed and their products of degradation. The major degradation and absorption events are considered as well as the effect of microbial activity in the large intestine. The total number of compartments is 44. The numerical integration with a time step of 1 min allows prediction of kinetic features of digestion phenomena such as absorption patterns and transit flows. First validation of the model shows that the global dynamic behavior of the model is realistic and promising. However, some additional factors must be considered for improved accuracy, in particular the susceptibility of the feed components to enzymatic degradation. The outputs of such a model could be used as inputs for metabolic or growth models running with time steps smaller than the 24-h basis often used in nutrition.

Animals↗

Physiological pharmacokinetic modelling.

1. The different types of models are described, with emphasis on the clearance-based one-compartment model, and on full physiological models which distinguish between a number of anatomical compartments interconnected through the body fluid system. 2. The clearance-based, one-compartment model incorporates physiological concepts, such as apparent volume of distribution, systemic availability, hepatic and renal clearance. As opposed to the classical rate constant-based model, it allows a study of the influence of plasma protein binding, hepatic intrinsic clearance and blood flow. The advantages of such an approach are illustrated in two typical situations, namely renal insufficiency and saturable protein binding. 3. In full physiological models each compartment represents a particular organ or tissue, further divided into vascular, interstitial and cellular spaces. Mass balance equations are written for each of these subcompartments. Shortcomings of such comprehensive models include difficulty in collecting tissue data, especially human, and sophisticated numerical techniques needed for parameter estimation. The main advantages are specific organ metabolism and transport, and the possibility of scaling up from animal to human. 4. The pharmacokinetic parameters important for new drug registration are also listed.

Biological Availability↗