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Microsomal membranes contain phosphatidylcholine that equilibrates across the bilayer, and phosphatidylcholine that does not.

Results of experiments using phosphatidylcholine transfer protein and phospholipase C as probes indicate that there are at least two pools of phosphatidylcholine in rat liver microsomes. One of these is preferentially labelled with [14C]choline and does not equilibrate across the bilayer. The second pool is labelled with [3H]glycerol and does equilibrate across the bilayer. Our observations also confirm that phosphatidylcholine exchange protein does not modify the distribution of phospholipids or cause randomization of the inner and outer leaflet pools of phosphatidylcholine when these are differentially labelled by [14C]choline.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

From structure to function: possible biological roles of a new widespread protein family binding hydrophobic ligands and displaying a nucleotide binding site.

A cytosolic 21-23 kDa protein isolated from bovine brain was demonstrated to bind hydrophobic ligands, particularly phosphatidylethanolamine. The protein was encountered in numerous tissues of several species. High expression of the mRNA encoding the 21-23 kDa protein was found in rat testes. Immunohistochemical studies showed the presence of the 21-23 kDa protein in the elongated spermatids and epididymal fluid of rat testis and in brain oligodendrocytes of developing rats. As the bovine, human and rat brain 21-23 kDa proteins had only few sequence homologies with already know proteins, ti was concluded that they belong to a new protein family. In order to get additional information on the structural features of the 21-23 kDa protein, we built a molecular model which displayed a nucleotide binding site. The affinity of the bovine brain 21-23 kDa protein towards nucleotides as well as its association with cytosolic proteins and small GTP-binding proteins were demonstrated. Recently, significant sequence homologies were found with an antigen from Onchocerca volvulus, a fruit fly odorant-binding protein and the yeast protein TFS1 which is a dosage-dependent suppressor of CDC25 mutations. A positive regulation of RAS is carried out by CDC25 product which facilitates the GDP/GTP exchange on RAS proteins. These results imply that 21-23 kDa proteins function in oxidoreduction reactions and signal mechanisms during cell growth and maturation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of N-ethylmaleimide on rat liver phosphatidylcholine-specific and non-specific transfer protein activities: its dependence on donor liposome composition.

Phosphatidylcholine exchange between liposomes and mitochondria catalyzed by rat liver phosphatidylcholine transfer protein is strongly stimulated by N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) when PC/PI (molar ratio, 4:1) donor liposomes are used. In the presence of PC/PE or PC liposomes the exchange activity by this protein is unaffected. In the same experimental conditions, the activity of rat liver non-specific transfer protein is always stimulated by N-ethylmaleimide with all the types of liposomes tested in the order PC/PI greater than PC/PE greater than PC. Since the effect of NEM depends on the type of liposomes used and appears to be similar for both phospholipid transfer proteins, the possibility that their mode of action implies the formation of a ternary complex should be considered. As far as non-specific transfer protein is concerned, its interaction could vary depending on the nature of the exchanging membranes. Data are also presented indicating that when the two transfer proteins are together their activity is additive, therefore suggesting a specific role in phospholipid biomembrane assembly for each of them.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

A comparative study of estramustine and pregnenolone binding to prostatic binding protein: evidence for subunit cooperativity.

The binding of estramustine, a nitrogen mustard derivative of oestradiol to purified rat prostatic binding protein was studied as a test for a possible identity between this protein and the very similar estramustine-binding protein, described by Forsgren et al. In accordance with this hypothesis estramustine binds to purified prostatic binding protein with a high affinity (2.5 X 10(7)M-1). This affinity markedly exceeds the affinity of pregnenolone for this protein (0.9 X 10(6)M-1) or for a complex of prostatic binding protein, with prostatic proline-rich polypeptide, (4.7 X 10(6)M-1). In competition experiments estramustine completely suppresses the binding of [3H]pregnenolone, whereas the binding of [3H]estramustine is only partially suppressed by pregnenolone, even at high concentrations. Prostatic binding protein was separated in its F- and S-subunit by DEAE-Sepharose chromatography performed in the presence of 8 M urea. Only the S-subunit, most probably in its dimer form, displays marked estramustine and pregnenolone binding, with affinities of respectively 3.7 and 1.2 X 10(6)M-1. Recombination of both subunits results in a strong increase of estramustine binding, but not of pregnenolone binding.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

Interaction of androgen receptors with chromatin and DNA.

Controlled digestion of rat ventral prostate nuclei by careful adjustment of conditions of temperature, divalent cation concentration, ionic strength and micrococcal nuclease:DNA ratios yielded oligonucleosome fractions corresponding to less than 10% of the total genome which contain the majority of RNA polymerase B activity and androgen-receptor complexes of the nucleus. These parameters were affected acutely by androgen withdrawal and administration: furthermore, such manipulations affected the susceptibility to micrococcal nuclease release of prostate binding protein gene sequences. This transcriptionally-active androgen-influenced fraction was considered ideal for studies of interaction of chromatin components with androgen receptor protein. Androgen receptor was purified approximately 20 000-fold from rat prostate cytosol. The purified protein retained its ability to stimulate RNA polymerase B activity in prostate nuclei and chromatin fractions, and its properties of binding to chromatin and to DNA. However, although purified receptor protein showed tissue-specific binding to prostate chromatin and enhanced binding to fractions released by low nuclease digestion, no such specificity was indicated by binding to total DNA, DNA from specific fractions or cloned prostatic binding protein cDNA.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

Organization and expression of prostatic steroid binding protein genes.

The function of regulatory regions of DNA, which flank the genes for prostatic steroid binding protein, is being analysed by introducing the cloned genes into heterologous cells. Two non-allelic genes for the C3 polypeptide, C3(1) and C3(2) have been transfected into androgen-responsive S115 cells using SV2-gpt vectors. The genes have been introduced either intact or as so-called fusion genes consisting of putative C3 promoters plus human beta-interferon cDNA. Both genes for C3 were accurately transcribed and their expression was stimulated 5-10-fold with 10(-8) M testosterone. Thus we should be able to define at least one region of DNA which confers androgen sensitivity to the genes. Although both genes were expressed similarly in S115 cells only C3(1) is responsible for C3 in vivo and C3(2) is transcribed poorly, if at all. The most likely explanation for the difference is that in vivo the C3(2) gene remains hypermethylated whereas the DNA which was introduced into S115 cells was unmethylated. This result supports the notion that the state of DNA methylation is important for controlling the transcription of genes.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

Influence of castration and androgen treatment on the synthesis of prostatic binding protein and the concentration of its mRNA in the rat ventral prostate.

The regulation by androgens of the synthesis of prostatic binding protein (PBP), an abundant secretory protein of the rat ventral prostate, was studied by measuring the rate of incorporation of [3H]leucine into total protein and into PBP by prostatic tissue in vitro. PBP-specific synthesis dropped to 30% of the intact level after 3 days and to 5.5% after 7 days. Administration of androgens to 7 day-castrated rats reversed these changes: 36% of the control value was reached after 3 days of treatment and 70% after 5 days. The mRNAs of PBP were measured under similar conditions by means of dot hybridization, using C1-, C2- and C3-specific cDNA-clones. The 3 mRNAs followed a parallel course. They decreased to about 18% on the third day after castration and to about 2% after 7 days. Androgen treatment of 7-day castrated rats produced a small increase of these levels after 1 day. After 3 days 15% of the intact level was reached. The general similarity of the time course of PBP synthesis and PBP mRNA levels in castrated and androgen treated rats supports a transcriptional regulation mechanism, although there also is some evidence for an influence on protein synthesis in general.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

Crystallization of prostatic binding protein.

Prostatic binding protein is a dimeric glycoprotein capable of binding a variety of steroids. This protein is a major component of rat prostate cytosol making it possible to purify milligram quantities. Hexagonal crystals of X-ray diffraction quality have been grown from phosphate buffered ammonium sulfate solution by vapor diffusion methods. These crystals which are reasonably stable to X-rays, show diffraction to 6.3 A and belong to space group P6(1) or P6(1)22 or the enantiomorphs. The unit cell has dimensions a = 88.7(5) A, c = 405(2) A, contains 24 molecules and has a specific volume of 2.8 A3/Dalton.

Ammonium Sulfate↗

Androgen-regulated expression of a cloned rat prostatic c3 gene transfected into mouse mammary tumor cells.

The expression of the rat prostatic steroid binding protein gene C3 is androgen-responsive in vivo in the rat prostate. Recombinant transfection vectors were constructed containing a cloned C3 rat gene ligated directly into the dominant acting selection vector pSV2-gpt, and were used to transfect androgen-responsive mouse mammary tumor cells (S115 cells). Transformants containing intact copies of the C3 gene were isolated and shown by primer extension analysis to produce C3 transcripts that had authentic 5' termini. The steady state level of the transcripts was under androgen control in three cell lines tested which had low copy numbers of the intact C3 gene, but was not regulated in a cell line which had a very high C3 gene copy number. Despite this difference in the androgenic regulation of integrated C3 rat genes, both type of cell lines still demonstrated androgen-regulated growth characteristics.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

Progression to steroid insensitivity can occur irrespective of the presence of functional steroid receptors.

A major problem in treatment of cancers arising in steroid-sensitive cells is their inevitable progression to a steroid-insensitive state; current therapies are based on the assumption that hormone insensitivity is associated with loss of receptor. We demonstrate for the first time that breast tumor cells can progress to steroid insensitivity in spite of functional steroid receptors. Transfection of the steroid-inducible LTR-C3 gene into unresponsive S115 mouse mammary tumor cells results in full inducibility of that gene with both androgen and glucocorticoid. Thus, although all known endogenous inducible parameters are lost, the steroid sensitivity of a transfected exogenous gene demonstrates that the machinery for steroid responsiveness is still fully functional. Furthermore, these transfected genes retain steroid sensitivity only while steroid is present; on prolonged withdrawal of steroid, they lose responsiveness, implying an epigenetic mechanism is involved.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

The asymmetric distribution of phosphatidylcholine in rat brain synaptic plasma membranes.

The distribution of phosphatidylcholine between inner and outer monolayers of rat brain synaptic plasma membrane was investigated by means of a phosphatidylcholine specific exchange protein. About 70% of the total membranal phosphatidylcholine was in the outer leaflet, 33% of which was exposed and readily exchanged in intact synaptosomes while the remainder was exchangeable following osmotic shock. Permeabilization of the synaptic plasma membranes by overnight incubation in buffer or by saponin (< 0.08%) exposed an additional 30% of phosphatidylcholine to exchange, presumably from the inner cytoplasmic leaflet. Phosphatidylcholine is therefore asymmetrically distributed in the synaptosomal plasma membrane, as it is in other plasma membranes.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

Effect of androgen on the transcription of rat prostatic binding protein genes.

The mechanisms whereby androgens modulate mRNA levels for the C1, C2 and C3 prostatic binding protein genes in the rat ventral prostate have been investigated. Transcription rates for the 3 genes were lowered 2-3-fold upon castration but found to increase again upon re-administration of testosterone. Although this demonstrated a direct effect of androgens at the transcriptional level for these genes, the rates of mRNA synthesis were insufficient to account for previously observed steady-state measurements. This was confirmed by analysis of the nuclear steady-state levels for each mRNA following hormonal manipulation of the rats in vivo. It is concluded that besides direct transcriptional regulation, androgens must also exert a major effect of the half-life of these mRNAs in the rat ventral prostate.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

Developmental aspects of androgen-dependent mRNA from rat ventral prostate using cloned cDNA.

The androgen-dependence of two mRNAs from rat ventral prostate coding for a 20 000 and an 11 000 dalton translation product has been investigated using complementary DNA cloned in the bacterial plasmid PBR322. One of the cloned insert DNAs from a recombinant plasmid, C-27, arrests the in vitro translation of C2 (Peeters et al. (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255, 7017-7023). The other cloned insert DNA arrests the translation of a glycoprotein 20 000 daltons in size, with unknown function. The quantities of mRNA coding for the 20 000 and 11 000 dalton translation product were determined by hybridization of 32P-labeled inserts to filter-bound total RNA or poly(A+)-mRNA. Castration caused a decline in both mRNAs of 250-fold over 8 days. Stimulation with androgen of 5-week castrates restored the mRNA levels to 17% of intact for the 20 000 dalton translation product and 31% of intact for the 11 000 dalton translation product. The quantity of the two mRNAs found in the lateral poly(A+)-mRNA was about 1/10 that of the ventral level and the mRNAs were not detectable in the dorsal prostate, seminal vesicle or human prostate poly(A+)-mRNA populations. RNA from the ventral prostates of animals 10-21 days old contained mature levels of complementary sequences, suggesting a form of developmental posttranscriptional regulation for synthesis of the polypeptides which are not synthesized in mature quantities at this stage of development (Heyns et al. (1978) Endocrinology 103, 1090-1095; Kistler et al. (1981) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (U.S.A.) 78, 737-741).

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

Regulation of prostatic steroid binding protein mRNAs by testosterone.

Testosterone regulates the expression of prostatic steroid binding protein by stimulating the accumulation of C1, C2 and C3 mRNA. We have used intervening sequence RNA probes to quantitate the primary transcript and a processed intermediate for C1 and C3 in nuclear RNA. Both C1 and C3 primary transcript concentration declined by about 100-fold 3 days after castration and were induced by testosterone within 1 h. In view of the magnitude and kinetics of the response we conclude that testosterone acts primarily within the cell nucleus to increase steady-state levels of nuclear RNA.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

Binding of androgen-receptor complexes to alpha 2u-globulin genes and to the long terminal repeat of mouse mammary tumor virus.

The binding of androgen-receptor complexes to fragments derived from two alpha 2u-globulin genes (RAP 01 and RAO 01) was studied using a DNA-cellulose competition assay. Rat prostate cytosol labelled with [3H]mibolerone was used as a source of the androgen receptor. Two controls were included in these studies: the long terminal repeat (LTR) of mouse mammary tumor virus which has previously been shown to act as an androgen response element and a fragment of the C3 gene of prostatic binding protein which has been demonstrated to bind androgen-receptor complexes. Our experiments indicate that androgen-receptor complexes bind specifically and with comparable affinity to the C3 gene fragment, the LTR and a fragment of RAP 01 located in the 5'-upstream region (bp -642 up to -584). No specific interaction was observed with fragments derived from RAO 01. The region of RAP 01 which binds androgen-receptor complexes has previously been shown to interact with glucocorticoid receptors and contains a 17 bp sequence homologous with the consensus sequence for glucocorticoid-receptor binding. A mutation in this sequence in RAO 01 may be responsible for the loss of glucocorticoid and androgen-receptor binding. It is concluded that at least one member of the alpha 2u-globulin gene family interacts directly with androgen-receptor complexes with an affinity comparable to that observed for other androgen-dependent genes. The binding is observed in a region displaying also affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor.

Alpha-Globulins↗

Synthetic progestins stimulate prostatic binding protein messenger RNAs in the rat ventral prostate.

In order to assess the intrinsic androgenic activity of the synthetic progestins currently used as antiandrogens for the treatment of prostate cancer and other androgen-sensitive diseases, cyproterone acetate (CPA), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and megestrol acetate (MEG) were administered for 4 days to adult rats castrated 4 days previously. The effects of these compounds were measured on highly specific and sensitive markers of androgen action in the rat ventral prostate, namely the levels of messenger RNAs encoding the C1 (PBP-C1) and C3 (PBP-C3) components of rat prostatic binding protein (PBP). Steady-state mRNA levels were measured by dot-blot hybridization as well as by in situ hybridization. Treatment with CPA or MEG, at the twice daily dose of 10 mg, caused respective 2- and 4.5-fold increases in the steady-state levels of mRNA encoding PBP-C1. MPA, at the dose of 0.45 mg, twice daily, was approximately 40 times as potent as MEG, leading to an 8-fold increase in PBP-C1 mRNA levels. While the pure nonsteroidal antiandrogen flutamide (10 mg, twice daily) did not cause accumulation of PBP mRNAs when administered to castrated rats, it completely reversed the stimulatory effects of the synthetic progestins CPA, MPA and MEG. The results obtained by in situ hybridization were similar to those obtained by dot-blot analysis. Moreover, the synthetic progestins caused similar androgenic effects on PBP-C3 mRNA levels. The present data indicate that all three synthetic progestins currently used for the treatment of prostate cancer possess significant intrinsic androgenic activity as evidenced by their stimulatory effects on the accumulation of mRNAs sensitive to androgen action. Consequently, as indicated by this sensitive and androgen-specific in vivo rat model, such compounds are not recommended for the treatment of conditions requiring an optimal blockade of androgens, especially prostate cancer.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

Sequence-specific binding of androgen-receptor complexes to prostatic binding protein genes.

Prostatic binding protein is a complex glycoprotein comprising three components, C1, C2 and C3, organized into two different heterodimers (C1-C3 and C2-C3). The rat ventral prostate genes encoding all three constituent polypeptides are expressed under androgenic control. Analysis of genomic fragments containing the genes and flanking sequences revealed in each case one androgen receptor-binding region upstream of or within the promoter and another in the first intron. The effect of androgens on the expression of these genes may, therefore, be mediated by these direct receptor-DNA interactions. The genomic fragments which contain androgen receptor-binding regions all contain nucleotide sequences reminiscent of glucocorticoid response elements (GRE). Mutations in these sequences in restriction fragments and in synthetic oligonucleotides significantly decreased their affinity for androgen-receptor complexes and their introduction into nonspecific sequences conferred affinity for androgen-receptor complexes. Based on these data, a consensus sequence for putative androgen response elements (ARE) is proposed. However, despite the specific recognition of these sequences by the androgen receptor in vitro, only the C3(1) intronic fragment could confer significant androgen responsiveness on a heterologous promoter. While this could be due to the fact that the GRE-like sequences present in the other fragments are not strong AREs, alternative hypotheses are being investigated currently. Not least of these is that the similar localization of the binding sites in each gene might underlie a more complex androgen regulation mechanism.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗