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Mutant analysis reveals an alternative pathway for N-linked glycosylation in Drosophila melanogaster.

The mas-1 gene of Drosophila melanogaster encodes Golgi mannosidase I (MAS-1), and flies homozygous for small deletions of the gene are viable. They show but few abnormalities and those have a low penetrance [Kerscher, S., Albert, S., Wucherpfennig, D., Heisenberg, M. & Schneuwly, S. (1995) Dev. Biol. 168, 613-626]. Here we sequence the N-linked oligosaccharides associated with a reporter protein, and with membrane proteins prepared from wild type and MAS-1 null organisms. The results show that the null organisms synthesise the same range of oligosaccharides as wild type, albeit with different ratios. There is an accumulation of the Man8GlcNAc2 which is one of the substrates for the MAS-1 enzyme. This supports the suggestion of Kerscher et al. that the lack of severe phenotypic disturbances in the null organisms is due to the presence of an alternative pathway(s), but it also shows that this alternative pathway(s) does not entirely compensate for the normal pathway.

Animals↗

Analysis of insulin signaling pathways through comparative genomics. Mapping mechanisms for insulin resistance in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.

The precise molecular cause of insulin resistance has not yet been elucidated. Resistance to the normal action of insulin contributes to the pathogenesis of a number of common human disorders, including type 1 (insulin-dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and the Metabolic Syndrome X, thus constituting a major public health problem. A disease program aimed at combating this disorder should focus on the identification of targets for therapeutic intervention which may overcome insulin resistance and hence the associated metabolic consequences characteristic of the Metabolic Syndrome. Although the primary defect in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes is unknown, genetic and environmental factors are likely to contribute to the manifestation of this progressive metabolic disorder, which is usually not clinically apparent until mid-life. Defects at the level of glucose uptake/phosphorylation characterize insulin resistance in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic patients. Identification of putative components of the insulin receptor-signaling pathway may offer insights into mechanisms involved in insulin resistance. Enhanced flux of free fatty acids due to impaired lipid metabolism may contribute to impaired insulin secretion and peripheral insulin resistance. Genes regulating lipolysis are prime candidates for susceptibility towards the metabolic syndrome. Here we describe pathways constituting complex interactions that control glucose homeostasis. We will be considering (1) regulation of glucose uptake by the insulin receptor signaling pathway, and (2) control of adipogenesis and insulin sensitivity by the sterol response element binding protein (SREBP) pathway.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗

Genetic analysis of the folding pathway for the tail spike protein of phage P22.

Temperature-sensitive mutations in the gene encoding the trimeric tail spike protein of phage P22 interfere with protein maturation at 39 degrees C. We show here that temperature-sensitive mutations at many sites block the folding pathway prior to accumulation of the partially folded protrimer intermediate. Temperature-shift experiments indicate that at least some of the mutants accumulate an earlier intermediate in the folding pathway. Immunoprecipitation experiments suggest that the conformation of the isolated temperature-sensitive polypeptide chains is closer to that of the unfolded chain than to that of the mature spike formed at permissive temperature. The sites of these mutations probably represent amino acid sequences that play key roles during the folding of the tail spike polypeptide chain but are not important in the mature protein.

Genes↗

Analysis of receptor signaling pathways by mass spectrometry: identification of vav-2 as a substrate of the epidermal and platelet-derived growth factor receptors.

Oligomerization of receptor protein tyrosine kinases such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by their cognate ligands leads to activation of the receptor. Transphosphorylation of the receptor subunits is followed by the recruitment of signaling molecules containing src homology 2 (SH2) or phosphotyrosine interaction domains (PID). Additionally, several cytoplasmic proteins that may or may not associate with the receptor undergo tyrosine phosphorylation. To identify several components of the EGFR signaling pathway in a single step, we have immunoprecipitated molecules that are tyrosine phosphorylated in response to EGF and analyzed them by one-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry. Combining matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and nanoelectrospray tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) led to the identification of nine signaling molecules, seven of which had previously been implicated in EGFR signaling. Several of these molecules were identified from low femtomole levels of protein loaded onto the gel. We identified Vav-2, a recently discovered guanosine nucleotide exchange factor that is expressed ubiquitously, as a substrate of the EGFR. We demonstrate that Vav-2 is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in response to EGF and associates with the EGFR in vivo. Binding of Vav-2 to the EGFR is mediated by the SH2 domain of Vav-2. In keeping with its ubiquitous expression, Vav-2 seems to be a general signaling molecule, since it also associates with the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor and undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation in fibroblasts upon PDGF stimulation. The strategy suggested here can be used for routine identification of downstream components of cell surface receptors in mammalian cells.

ErbB Receptors↗

Analysis of the signaling pathway involved in the regulation of hexokinase II gene transcription by insulin.

The hexokinases, by converting glucose to glucose 6-phosphate, help maintain the glucose concentration gradient that results in the movement of glucose into cells through the facilitative glucose transporters. Hexokinase II (HKII) is the major hexokinase isoform in skeletal muscle, heart, and adipose tissue. Insulin induces HKII gene transcription in L6 myotubes, and this, in turn, increases HKII mRNA and the rates of HKII protein synthesis and glucose phosphorylation in these cells. Inhibitors of distinct insulin signaling pathways were used to dissect the molecular mechanism by which HKII gene expression is induced by insulin in L6 myotubes. Treatment with wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), or with rapamycin, an inhibitor of the pathway from the insulin receptor to p70/p85 ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p70(s6k)), prevented the induction of HKII mRNA by insulin. In contrast, treatment with PD98059, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, had no effect on insulin-induced HKII mRNA. In addition, rapamycin blocked the insulin-induced expression of an HKII promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase fusion gene transiently transfected into L6 myotubes, whereas PD98059 had no such effect. These results suggest that a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/p70(s6k)-dependent pathway is required for regulation of HKII gene transcription by insulin and that the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent pathway is probably not involved.

Adipose Tissue↗

Characterization of HIV-1 vpr nuclear import: analysis of signals and pathways.

While the Vpr protein of HIV-1 has been implicated in import of the viral preintegration complex across the nuclear pore complex (NPC) of nondividing cellular hosts, the mechanism by which Vpr enters the nucleus remains unknown. We now demonstrate that Vpr contains two discrete nuclear targeting signals that use two different import pathways, both of which are distinct from the classical nuclear localization signal (NLS)- and the M9-dependent pathways. Vpr import does not appear to require Ran-mediated GTP hydrolysis and persists under conditions of low energy. Competition experiments further suggest that Vpr directly engages the NPC at two discrete sites. These sites appear to form distal components of a common import pathway used by NLS- and M9-containing proteins. Together, our data suggest that Vpr bypasses many of the soluble receptors involved in import of cellular cargoes. Rather, this viral protein appears to directly access the NPC, a property that may help to ensure the capacity of HIV to replicate in nondividing cellular hosts.

Binding, Competitive↗

Analysis of meiotic recombination pathways in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, several genes appear to act early in meiotic recombination. HOP1 and RED1 have been classified as such early genes. The data in this paper demonstrate that neither a red nor a hop1 mutation can rescue the inviable spores produced by a rad52 spo13 strain; this phenotype helps to distinguish these two genes from other early meiotic recombination genes such as SPO11, REC104, or MEI4. In contrast, either a red1 or a hop1 mutation can rescue a rad50S spo13 strain; this phenotype is similar to that conferred by mutations in the other early recombination genes (e.g., REC104). These two different results can be explained because the data presented here indicate that a rad50S mutation does not diminish meiotic intrachromosomal recombination, similar to the mutant phenotypes conferred by red1 or hop1. Of course, RED1 and HOP1 do act in the normal meiotic interchromosomal recombination pathway; they reduce interchromosomal recombination to approximately 10% of normal levels. We demonstrate that a mutation in a gene (REC104) required for initiation of exchange is completely epistatic to a mutation in RED1. Finally, mutations in either HOP1 or RED1 reduce the number of double-strand breaks observed at the HIS2 meiotic recombination hotspot.

Chromosomes, Fungal↗

Radioautographic analysis of the secretory pathway for glycoproteins in principal cells of the mouse epididymis exposed to [3H] fucose.

The secretory process for glycoproteins in principal cells of the mouse caput epididymis was studied by electron microscope radioautography at intervals after exposure to [3H] fucose in vitro. The large Golgi apparatus showed very heavy labeling at the initial interval, followed by a steady decline in percent of grains and relative grain concentrations. Conversely, the epididymal lumen and the apical cell surface began low and increased in radioactivity at the 30-min interval. The extensive sparsely granulated endoplasmic reticulum showed modest increases in percent of grains and relative grain concentrations 30 min after administration of the percursor. Subdivision of the sparsely granulated reticulum into "intermediate" profiles (some ribosomes attached to the membranes) and "smooth" profiles (lacking ribosomes) showed that this increase was due to silver grains assigned to the smooth portions. After the initial interval, high relative grain concentrations were calculated for vesicles. The results indicate that glycosylation of epididymal secretory glycoproteins occurs in the Golgi apparatus, which is, therefore, not bypassed as its morphological features had suggested. The kinetics of the secretory process in the principal cells includes 15 to 30 min for synthesis of the polypeptide parts of secretory products and addition of sugars in the Golgi apparatus, and a similar time for subsequent release from the Golgi apparatus, transport to the apical end of the cell and discharge to the lumen. Ribosome-studded (intermediate) portions of the sparsely granulated endoplasmic reticulum are probably involved in synthesis of polypeptide parts of secretory products, while vesicles or smooth portions of the sparsely granulated reticulum may play a role in intracellular transport of glycoproteins.

Animals↗

13C NMR analysis of a developmental pathway mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals a cell derepressed for succinate dehydrogenase.

13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to study the metabolism of [2-13C]acetate in a diploid strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae homozygous for the spo50 mutation. This mutation results in failure to initiate sporulation and suppresses spd mutations (which cause derepressed sporulation). By analysing the pattern of 13C-labelling in glutamate it was deduced that the glyoxylate cycle is responsible for most of the acetate utilization and that there is very little tricarboxylic acid cycle activity. The labelling of alpha,alpha'-trehalose indicated that gluconeogenesis and the hexose monophosphate pathway operate in a similar way to the wild-type. The mutant strain has higher levels of succinate dehydrogenase than the wild-type. All of the physiological alterations caused by the spo50 mutation can be explained by this difference.

Acetates↗

Characterization of the Arabidopsis clb6 mutant illustrates the importance of posttranscriptional regulation of the methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate pathway.

The biosynthesis of isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate, the two building blocks for isoprenoid biosynthesis, occurs by two independent pathways in plants. The mevalonic pathway operates in the cytoplasm, and the methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway operates in plastids. Plastidic isoprenoids play essential roles in plant growth and development. Plants must regulate the biosynthesis of isoprenoids to fulfill metabolic requirements in specific tissues and developmental conditions. The regulatory events that modulate the plant MEP pathway are not well understood. In this article, we demonstrate that the CHLOROPLAST BIOGENESIS6 (CLB6) gene, previously shown to be required for chloroplast development, encodes 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-butenyl 4-diphosphate reductase, the last-acting enzyme of the MEP pathway. Comparative analysis of the expression levels of all MEP pathway gene transcripts and proteins in the clb6-1 mutant background revealed that posttranscriptional control modulates the levels of different proteins in this central pathway. Posttranscriptional regulation was also found during seedling development and during fosmidomycin inhibition of the pathway. Our results show that the first enzyme of the pathway, 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase, is feedback regulated in response to the interruption of the flow of metabolites through the MEP pathway.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Transient-phase studies on the creatine kinase reaction. The analysis of a reaction pathway with three intermediates.

1. The initial formation of creatine phosphate by creatine kinase was studied in the millisecond range and the effect of temperature on the transient and steady-state phases exploited. 2. At 25 degrees C and 35 degrees C there was no transient phase. This is in agreement with the results of Gutfreund [Engelborghs, Y., Marsh, A., and Gutfreund, H. (1975) Biochem. J. 151, 47--50]. 3. At 4 degrees C the time course of creatine phosphate formation was complex and consisted of three transient phases: a lag phase, a burst phase and a steady-state phase. Based on this result a reaction scheme for creatine kinase which includes three intermediates was proposed. Despite the completeness of the time course, the extraction of estimates for the rate constants was difficult and computer simulation and iterative methods had to be resorted to. 4. Attempts were made to provide evidence for the complex enzyme.ADP.metaphosphate.creatine on the creatine kinase reaction pathway [cf. Milner-White, E.J. and Watts, D.C. (1971) Biochem. J. 122, 727--740]. Under the conditions used these attempts were unsuccessful at times down to 2.5 ms, at 4 degrees C or 35 degrees C.

Animals↗

Study of the effects of interferon a on several human hepatoma cell lines: analysis of the signalling pathway of the cytokine and of its effects on apoptosis and cell proliferation.

BACKGROUND: Interferon alpha (IFNalpha), currently used for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis, is also known to prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the mechanism of this action being still debatable. AIMS: To study thoroughly in human hepatoma cell lines (HHL)--Hep3B, HepG2, HuH7, SKHep1, and Chang-Liver--submitted to rhIFNalpha, the signalling pathway of IFNalpha, the binding activity of the cytokine on specific gamma-activated sequence (GAS) and interferon-stimulated regulatory element (ISRE) nuclear sequences, and its effects on apoptosis and cell proliferation. METHODS: The behaviour of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1, STAT2, p48(IRF9) and the binding of nuclear proteins were investigated by immunoblot and electro-mobility shift assay. Expression of some IFNalpha-dependent proteins--p21/(WAF1), inducible nitric oxide synthase, IRF1 and 2--were studied by immunoblot. Apoptosis and the cell cycle were studied by morphological and biochemical methods. RESULTS: Transduction of INFalpha was unaltered, although there were some variations in the different HHL. Nuclear protein binding to GAS or ISRE showed that ISRE was mainly involved. Apoptosis did not occur. The cell cycle was slightly modified in HuH7. Three GAS- and/or ISRE-dependent proteins increased, suggesting that IFNalpha may have some biological effects on HHL. CONCLUSIONS: The IFNalpha signalling pathway is functional in several HHL, but the cytokine has no apoptotic effect and a moderate anti-proliferative effect. This suggests that the preventive role of IFNalpha on HCC cannot be explained by an apoptotic and/or an anti-proliferative effect, but possibly by its action on several specific nuclear sequences that protect liver cells from transformation.

Apoptosis↗

Analysis of selected regulatory pathways for rat galanin gene transcription and their suitability as putative models for negative regulation by NGF.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is known to negatively regulate the transcription of the rat galanin gene both in vivo and in vitro in dorsal root ganglion neurons, yet it is unclear how this regulation actually occurs. We propose here several possible pathways whereby NGF could interact to exert negative control on galanin regulation. These include: (1) repression of AP1-mediated transcription, (2) repression of nuclear binding protein-mediated transcription, and (3) repression of cytokine-mediated transcription. Although not enough data are available for speculation on which, if any, of these pathways is most relevant for NGF repression of galanin transcription, the mechanisms we describe can provide putative models for regulatory pathways. From here we can carry out further experiments that may help to elucidate the possible mechanisms of NGF repression in vivo.

Animals↗

Genetic analysis of the TOR pathway in Aspergillus nidulans.

We identified five genes encoding components of the TOR signaling pathway within Aspergillus nidulans. Unlike the situation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, there is only a single Tor kinase, as in plant and animal systems, and mutant phenotypes suggest that the TOR pathway plays only a minor role in regulating nitrogen metabolism.

Amino Acid Sequence↗