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Activation of hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase by glutamate and Mg2+ is mediated by protein phosphatase-2A.

The activation of hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase by Na(+)-cotransported amino acids such as glutamine has been attributed mainly to the stimulation of its dephosphorylation by accumulating dicarboxylic acids, e.g. glutamate. We report here on a hepatic species of protein phosphatase-2A that activates acetyl-CoA carboxylase in the presence of physiological concentrations of glutamate or Mg2+ and, under these conditions, accounts for virtually all the hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphatase activity. Glutamate also stimulated the dephosphorylation of a synthetic pentadecapeptide encompassing the Ser-79 phosphorylation site of rat acetyl-CoA carboxylase, but did not affect the dephosphorylation of other substrates such as phosphorylase. Conversely, protamine, which stimulated the dephosphorylation of phosphorylase, inhibited the activation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. A comparison with various species of muscle protein phosphatase-2A showed that the stimulatory effects of glutamate and Mg2+ on the acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphatase activity are largely mediated by the regulatory A subunit. Glutamate and Mg2+ emerge from our study as novel regulators of protein phosphatase-2A when acting on acetyl-CoA carboxylase.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗

Role of water in protein kinase C catalysis and its binding to membranes.

The role of hydration in the catalytic activity and membrane binding of rat brain protein kinase C (PKC) was investigated by modulating the activity of water with polyethylene glycols with molecular weights of 1000-20000 and dextran with a molecular weight of 20000. These polymers create an osmotic stress due to their exclusion from hydration shells and crevices on proteins, causing dehydration. Polymers larger than 1000 caused an activation of the PKC-catalyzed phosphorylation of histone, while PEG 1000 had no significant effect. The extent of activation by PEG and dextran 20000 was larger than that of PEG 6000 or 8000 when vesicles were composed of 1:1 POPS/POPC, suggesting the presence of at least two distinct regions of exclusion on PKC: one inaccessible to PEGs larger than 1000 and the other inaccessible only to PEGs of > 10000. The extent of activation was dependent on the composition of the vesicles used. If basal activity (without PEG) was low (e.g. with low PS content in membranes), then the extent of activation was similar for all polymers larger than 1000. Binding of PKC to membranes containing 50 mol % PS was unaffected by PEG 6000 but was inhibited by PEG 20000. At a low PS content of 10%, both PEG 6000 and 20000 inhibited binding. This suggests that PKC becomes hydrated upon binding to membranes. Under conditions in which all of the enzyme is membrane-bound, both Km and Vmax for the phosphorylation of histone increased linearly with osmotic stress induced by PEG 6000. Thus, PKC becomes hydrated with 2311 +/- 476 water molecules upon binding of histone and is dehydrated by 1349 +/- 882 water molecules in going to the transition state. Km and Vmax for phosphorylation of the MARCKS peptide also increase with osmotic stress induced by PEG 6000. When protamine sulfate was used as a substrate (cofactor-independent), Vmax for the reaction was unaffected, but Km decreased with osmotic pressure (with PEG 6000), suggesting that PKC becomes dehydrated upon binding protamine. Similar results were found with a peptide substrate derived from the pseudosubstrate site of PKC epsilon. Since dextran, a polymer unrelated in structure to PEG, could cause a similar activation of PKC, the effects seen are likely due to osmotic stress and not to specific binding of PEG to PKC. Also, results obtained with PE-linked PEG were opposite to those with free PEG. PE-linked PEGs of 2000 and 5000 caused an inhibition of PKC-catalyzed phosphorylation of histone when present in membranes. If a specific interaction occurred with PEG, this would be expected to occur even with PE-PEG. The effects observed with free PEG are also independent of ionic strength. Free PEG had no effect on the bilayer to hexagonal phase transition temperature of DEPE membranes, suggesting that the effects on PKC activity are not a consequence of changes in membrane properties at the osmotic pressures used.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Perinuclear localization of an intracellular binding protein related to the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor 1 is temporally associated with the nuclear trafficking of FGF-2 in proliferating epiphyseal growth plate chondrocytes.

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is a potent autocrine mitogen for fetal epiphyseal growth plate chondrocytes and exhibits a transient nuclear translocation during G1 of the cell cycle. We have characterized an intracellular binding protein (FGFBP) for FGF-2 that undergoes a juxtanuclear localization coincident with the nuclear translocation of the growth factor. Chondrocytes were isolated from the proliferative zone of the ovine fetal proximal tibial growth plate at 50-130 days gestation by collagenase digestion and were maintained in monolayer at early passage number. Cells were growth restricted by serum starvation for 48 h, and the synchronized culture was restarted into the cell cycle in the presence of 2% FBS. Cells were removed between 4-26 h of incubation, and fractions representing the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nuclear membrane, and nuclear contents were separated by differential centrifugation. FGFBPs were separated using FGF-2 affinity chromatography. Ligand blot analysis using 125I-labeled FGF-2 showed that a FGFBP of 46-48 kDa (represented by a double band) was present on the nuclear membrane at mid to late G1, and Western blot showed this to be immunologically related to a part of the extracellular domain of the high affinity FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1). Immunocytochemistry with intact cell cultures showed that this protein underwent a juxtanuclear distribution through mid to late G1. Immunoprecipitation was performed to monitor newly synthesized FGFR1 migration throughout the cell cycle. Synchronized cells were cultured in medium containing 35S-labeled methionine/cysteine, and the cellular compartments were separated before immunoprecipitation using an antibody raised against the extracellular domain of FGFR1. Newly synthesized FGFR1-related proteins appeared throughout G1 and migrated multidirectionally within the cell; intact receptor of 125-145 kDa accumulated at the plasma membrane, while both intact receptor and truncated FGFR1 of 46-48 kDa were detected on the nuclear membrane, but not within the nucleus. Cells were incubated with protamine sulfate to prevent the binding of endogenous, cell membrane-associated FGF-2 to high affinity FGFRs and their subsequent internalization. This did not alter the juxtanuclear accumulation of truncated FGFR1 in late G1, suggesting that this was not derived from the plasma membrane. The truncated FGFR1 may mediate the nuclear translocation of FGF-2 during late G1.

Animals↗

Phosphorylation of histone variant regions in chromatin: unlocking the linker?

Histone variants illuminate the behavior of chromatin through their unique structures and patterns of postsynthetic modification. This review examines the literature on heteromorphous histone structures in chromatin, structures that are primary targets for histone kinases and phosphatases in vivo. Special attention is paid to certain well-studied experimental systems: mammalian culture cells, chicken erythrocytes, sea urchin sperm, wheat sprouts, Tetrahymena, and budding yeast. A common theme emerges from these studies. Specialized, highly basic structures in histone variants promote chromatin condensation in a variety of developmental situations. Before, and sometimes after condensed chromatin is formed, the chromatin is rendered soluble by phosphorylation of the heteromorphous regions, preventing their interaction with linker DNA. A simple structural model accounting for histone variation and phosphorylation is presented.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification and expression profiling of 10 novel spermatid expressed CYPT genes.

To identify candidate genes for poor sperm morphology, we have screened for genes expressed during spermiogenesis. We identified 10 new members of the cysteine-rich perinuclear theca (CYPT) family showing that this family contains at least 15 members, which also includes the casein kinase II target genes. Based on similarity the CYPT sequences could be divided into two groups, Cypt1-10 and the novel members Cypt12-15. The 5'-end of the CYPT family is highly similar to exon1A and part of the first intron of Zfy2. Seven CYPT genes mapped to the X chromosome; six contained an intron and one was intron-less. One CYPT gene mapped to chromosome 3 and one mapped to chromosome 9 which were both intron-less. The upstream region of the CYPT family and Zfy2 genes is conserved. For some the conservation extended over a large region, however, only about 150 nucleotides is conserved among all CYPT members and Zfy2. Nevertheless, the short conserved promoter leads to essentially identical expression profiles for the CYPT family members and Zfy2, which was clearly different from the profile of Zfy1. Expression of the CYPT family and Zfy2 preceded the expression of other spermatid-specific genes such as the transition proteins and the protamines. In situ hybridization revealed a low expression in pachytene spermatocytes from stages IX-X followed by a strong upregulation in spermatids from stage VI with maximum expression in spermatids in stages VII-VIII. The CYPT family may function in the remodeling of the spermatid nucleus before condensation of the DNA.

Animals↗

Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of calmodulin by rat liver insulin receptor preparations.

Insulin stimulates autophosphorylation of the beta subunit of its receptor and activates the associated tyrosine kinase. This kinase, in turn, phosphorylates a number of specific protein substrates; however, the functional and structural identity of these substrates is largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that insulin also stimulates the phosphorylation of calmodulin by rat hepatocyte insulin receptors partially purified by wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography. Phosphorylation occurred predominantly on tyrosine residues and had an absolute requirement for insulin receptors, divalent cations, and certain basic proteins. Maximal 32P incorporation was observed at an insulin concentration of 5 X 10(-9) M, and the K0.5 for insulin was approximately 4 X 10(-10) M. Phosphorylation of calmodulin was dependent upon ATP, saturating at 100 microM ATP with a K0.5 of 30 microM. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of calmodulin was also dependent upon Mg2+ or Mn2+, but was approximately 12-fold greater in the presence of Mg2+. Maximal phosphorylation was observed in the absence of Ca2+ and was inhibited at Ca2+:EGTA ratios greater than 0.8 (0.16 microM free Ca2+). Certain basic proteins, such as polylysine, histone Hf2b, and protamine sulfate, were necessary to observe insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of calmodulin. The relative amount of insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of calmodulin observed in the presence of each of these proteins differed. Maximal insulin-stimulated phosphorylation was observed in the presence of polylysine. These data suggest that both Ca2+ and calmodulin may participate in the early post-receptor events in the cellular mechanism of insulin action in hepatocytes.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

The blood-brain barrier transmigrating single domain antibody: mechanisms of transport and antigenic epitopes in human brain endothelial cells.

Antibodies against receptors that undergo transcytosis across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) have been used as vectors to target drugs or therapeutic peptides into the brain. We have recently discovered a novel single domain antibody, FC5, which transmigrates across human cerebral endothelial cells in vitro and the BBB in vivo. The purpose of this study was to characterize mechanisms of FC5 endocytosis and transcytosis across the BBB and its putative receptor on human brain endothelial cells. The transport of FC5 across human brain endothelial cells was polarized, charge independent and temperature dependent, suggesting a receptor-mediated process. FC5 taken up by human brain endothelial cells co-localized with clathrin but not with caveolin-1 by immunochemistry and was detected in clathrin-enriched subcellular fractions by western blot. The transendothelial migration of FC5 was reduced by inhibitors of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, K+ depletion and chlorpromazine, but was insensitive to caveolae inhibitors, filipin, nystatin or methyl-beta-cyclodextrin. Following internalization, FC5 was targeted to early endosomes, bypassed late endosomes/lysosomes and remained intact after transcytosis. The transcytosis process was inhibited by agents that affect actin cytoskeleton or intracellular signaling through PI3-kinase. Pretreatment of human brain endothelial cells with wheatgerm agglutinin, sialic acid, alpha(2,3)-neuraminidase or Maackia amurensis agglutinin that recognizes alpha(2,3)-, but not with Sambucus nigra agglutinin that recognizes alpha(2,6) sialylgalactosyl residues, significantly reduced FC5 transcytosis. FC5 failed to recognize brain endothelial cells-derived lipids, suggesting that it binds luminal alpha(2,3)-sialoglycoprotein receptor which triggers clathrin-mediated endocytosis. This putative receptor may be a new target for developing brain-targeting drug delivery vectors.

Amiloride↗

Drosophila melanogaster male germ line-specific transcripts with autosomal and Y-linked genes.

We have identified of set of related transcripts expressed in the germ line of male Drosophila melanogaster. Surprisingly, while one of the corresponding genes is autosomal the remainder are located on the Y chromosome. The autosomal locus, at 77F on chromosome arm 3L, corresponds to the previously described transcription unit 18c, located in the first intron of the gene for an RI subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The Y chromosome copies have been mapped to region h18-h19 on the cytogenetic map of the Y outside of any of the regions required for male fertility. In contrast to D. melanogaster, where Y-linked copies were found in nine different wild-type strains, no Y-linked copies were found in sibling species. Several apparently Y-derived cDNA clones and one Y-linked genomic clone have been sequenced. The Y-derived genomic DNA shares the same intron/exon structure as the autosomal copy as well as related flanking sequences suggesting that it transposed to the Y from the autosomal locus. However, this particular Y-linked copy cannot encode a functional polypeptide due to a stop codon at amino acid position 72. Divergence among five different cDNA clones ranges from 1.5 to 6% and includes a large number of third position substitutions. We have not yet obtained a full-length cDNA from a Y-linked gene and therefore cannot conclude that the D. melanogaster Y chromosome contains functional protein-coding genes. The autosomal gene encodes a predicted polypeptide with 45% similarity to histones of the H5 class and more limited similarity to cysteine-rich protamines. This protein may be a distant relative of the histone H1 family perhaps involved in sperm chromatin condensation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Improvement of cardiac function by allopurinol in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Allopurinol reduces formation of cytotoxic free radicals during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in animals. To evaluate the effect of allopurinol on cardiac performance and metabolism after coronary bypass in humans, we divided 33 patients into two groups: 15 patients (controls) received no allopurinol and 18 patients received 200 mg allopurinol intravenously (i.v.) 1 h preoperatively. Hemodynamic measurements were made with a triple-lumen thermodilution pulmonary artery catheter before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), 30 min after completion of CPB and 6 h later in the intensive care unit (ICU). A catheter placed into the coronary sinus was used for blood sampling for measurement of lactate and creatine phosphokinase MB. Peripheral blood was obtained for measurement of xanthine oxidase activity (XO), uric acid, and thiol groups. A myocardial biopsy was taken for measurement of thiol group content and XO before CPB and after heparin neutralization with protamin (a few minutes after CPB). Treated patients had better recovery of cardiac output (CO) and left ventricular stroke work (LVSW) 30 min and 6 h after completion of CPB than did controls. Allopurinol significantly reduced plasma XO. Plasma concentrations of uric acid increased significantly in both groups 30 min after completion of CPB, but the increase in controls was greater (p < 0.02) than with allopurinol. Thiol group levels increased (p < 0.05) only in controls. Our results demonstrate improvement of cardiac function in coronary artery bypass surgery with allopurinol that is related to its metabolic effects consistent with protection against XO catalyzed free radical-mediated injury.

Adult↗

Characterization of [125I]acidic fibroblast growth factor binding to the cloned human fibroblast growth factor receptor, FGF-flg, on NIH 3T3 cell membranes: inhibitory effects of heparin, pertussis toxin and guanine nucleotides.

The present studies were conducted to characterize the specific binding of recombinant human [125I]acidic fibroblast growth factor ([125]aFGF) to the cloned human fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor, flg, overexpressed on stably transfected NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblast (NFlg26) cell membranes. In the presence of 5 U/ml of heparin to block [125I]aFGF binding to membrane bound heparan sulfate proteoglycans, specific [125I]aFGF binding was optimal in the presence of 0.2 M NaCl and in a pH range of 7 to 9. [125I]aFGF labeled a single class of recognition sites with high affinity (Kd = 0.27 nM) and limited capacity (apparent maximum binding = 19.5 pmol/mg of protein). A similar estimate of ligand affinity (Kd = 0.25 nM) was determined from association and dissociation rate experiments. aFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor and several glycine-substituted point mutations of aFGF potently inhibited 0.1 nM [125I]aFGF binding. A variety of putative FGF receptor ligands including poly-L-lysines and poly-L-arginines, protamine, suramin and wheat germ agglutinin were shown to have weak or no affinity for the [125I]aFGF recognition site. Additional saturation studies, conducted in the presence of a lower (0.1 U/ml) heparin concentration, indicated that [125I] aFGF labeled both the high affinity (Kd = 0.02 nM) FGF-flg receptor and a separate class of lower affinity (Kd = 2 nM) recognition sites. Pretreatment of NFlg26 cell membranes with pertussis toxin resulted in a heparin-dependent decrease in the binding affinity (Kd values of 0.57-1.15 nM) of [125I]aFGF. Similar pretreatment with cholera toxin did not significantly affect [125I] aFGF binding. Guanine nucleotides were also found to significantly reduce 0.1 nM [125I]aFGF binding in a heparin-dependent fashion. The present data demonstrate that, in the presence of heparin, [125I]aFGF binds with high affinity to the cloned FGF-flg receptor on NFlg26 cell membranes. However, at a low heparin concentration (0.1 U/ml), [125I]aFGF binds to the FGF-flg receptor with higher affinity than was observed in the presence of 5 U/ml of heparin, and also binds a class of lower affinity recognition sites which are consistent with the labeling of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans. The present data also indicate that agents which are known to interfere with receptor/G-protein coupling reduce the binding affinity of [125I]aFGF and suggest that the FGF-flg receptor may be coupled to a G-protein in addition to its intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity.

Binding Sites↗

Acetate formation in Clostridium acidi-urici: acetokinase.

Sagers, Richard D. (University of Illinois, Urbana), Moshe Benziman, and I. C. Gunsalus. Acetate formation in Clostridium acidiurici: Acetokinase. J. Bacteriol. 82:233-238. 1961.-To define the energy-yielding reaction(s) during fermentation of purines by Clostridium acidi-urici, an eightfold purified acetokinase was obtained by protamine and ammonium sulfate fractionation of crude extracts. Enzyme activity was determined by measuring the disappearance of acetyl phosphate using adenosine diphosphate (ADP) as phosphate acceptor or by following the generation of acetyl phosphate from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) + acetate. The optimal pH for the reaction was observed to be 7.4. K(m) values for acetyl phosphate, ADP, and magnesium ions were shown to be 2.1 x 10(-3)m, 3.2 x 10(-3)m, and 2.4 x 10(-3)m, respectively. Acetyl phosphate disappearance is dependent upon ADP and is stoichiometric with addition of the latter. The acetokinase reaction probably represents the major energy-yielding reaction during purine fermentation by this organism. A pathway for acetate generation from formiminoglycine is proposed, and evidence for a number of enzyme activities intermediate between formiminoglycine degradation and acetate formation is given. The enzyme activities demonstrated are compatible with the over-all purine fermentation rate by whole cells.

Acetate Kinase↗

Phosphoprotein Phosphatase of Soybean Hypocotyls: PURIFICATION, PROPERTIES, AND SUBSTRATE SPECIFICITIES .

A soybean histone-type protein kinase was used to prepare (32)P-labeled histone H1 as substrate for purification and characterization of a phosphoprotein phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.16) from soybean hypocotyls. The phosphatase has been purified 169-fold by ammonium sulfate fractionation, ethanol precipitation, and chromatography on Sephadex G-150, DEAE-Sephadex A-25 and Sephadex G-100. The activity of the phosphoprotein phosphatase is distinct from that of acid and alkaline phosphatases (EC 3.1.3.1) as well as from that of nucleotidases. The final enzyme preparation does not contain histone protease activity, although it can be detected during the early stages of purification. The protease(s) apparently can attack phosphorylated histone H1, indicating that phosphorylation does not protect the protein against proteolytic degradation.The amounts of (32)P released from [(32)P]histone H1 are proportionally recovered as [(32)P]Pi, indicating that the dephosphorylation is due to the action of phosphoprotein phosphatase. The enzyme shows maximal activity at pH 7 to 8 and has a specific activity of 19 nanomoles of [(32)P]Pi released from [(32)P]histone H1 per minute per milligram of protein. The apparent K(m) for phosphohistone H1 is 4.0 +/- 0.4 micromolar. The estimated molecular weight of the enzyme is approximately 30,000 by gel filtration. The enzyme activity does not depend upon the addition of reducing agent and metal ion. Zn(2+), Co(2+), NaF, pyrophosphate, or ATP at 1 millimolar, however, inhibits the enzyme activity by about 70%. The enzyme activity is unaffected by cyclic nucleotides and plant growth substances but is inhibited by polyamines. All the phosphorylated histone species and protamine, not low molecular weight phosphoesters, act as competitive inhibitors for the dephosphorylation of [(32)P]histone H1.Besides its action on phosphohistone H1, the soybean enzyme also catalyzes the dephosphorylation of other phosphohistone species (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4), degraded phosphohistone H1, and possibly phosphorylated casein and phosvitin. All these results indicate that the enzyme is a nonspecific phosphoprotein phosphatase.

Journal Article↗

A combined approach for improving cardiopulmonary bypass in coronary artery surgery: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: This is a pilot study carried out to assess the feasibility and the clinical impact of a combined approach of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with reduced anti-coagulation. METHODS: We used a retrospective, non-randomized analysis of 45 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass using standard CPB with full anticoagulation (activated clotting time, ACT, > 450 s) (Group 1; n = 23) or closed, heparin-coated CPB with low anticoagulation (ACT>250 s), precise heparin and protamine titration, controlled suction, and retrograde autologous prime (Group 2; n = 22). RESULTS: Patients were similar except for a higher incidence of three-vessel disease in Group 2 (77.3% versus 47.8%; p < 0.03). Heparin was reduced by 41% in Group 2 and protamine by 56% (p < 0.0001). Total postoperative blood loss was similar between Groups 1 and 2 (429 +/- 149 versus 435+/-168 ml, respectively). However, the operative hematocrit decrease was lower in Group 2 (-1.6 +/- 7.5% versus -6.9 +/- 4.8%; p = 0.007), although hemodilution was similar, as reflected by the blood protein level. The need for postoperative inotropic support was less frequent in Group 2 (36.4% versus 65.2%; p = 0.05). Within the subgroup of patients weaned from CPB without requiring inotropic support (n = 35), the cardiac index dropped significantly in Group 1 (p = 0.003) 6 h after the start of CPB, whereas it remained stable in Group 2 (p = 0.92). Using multivariate analyses, Group 2 was found to be more protected than Group 1 against myocardial cellular injury (p = 0.046) and need for postoperative inotropic support (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: The pejorative postoperative outcome in coronary artery surgery was attenuated through a combined approach aimed at improving CPB.

Aged↗

Streptozotocin diabetes protects against arrhythmias in rat isolated hearts: role of hypothyroidism.

We examined the contribution of hypothyroidism to streptozotocin diabetes-induced alterations in the arrhythmia susceptibility of ex vivo hearts to regional zero-flow ischaemia. Diabetic rats received either protamine zinc insulin (10 IU/kg/day, s.c.) or triiodothyronine (10 microg/kg/day, s.c.) for 8 weeks commencing 72 h after injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.). Arrhythmias were determined in ex vivo Langendorff-perfused hearts, subjected to a 30-min main left coronary artery occlusion, followed by 30-min reperfusion. Serum free thyroxine concentrations, rectal temperature and ex vivo heart rate were significantly decreased in the 8-week diabetic group (P<0.001). These changes were prevented by administration of triiodothyronine or insulin. Ventricular fibrillation during reperfusion was abolished in hearts from diabetic rats. This protection was prevented by treatment with either triiodothyronine or insulin. Hearts from methimazole-hypothyroid rats also showed no ventricular fibrillation during reperfusion. The protection against ischaemia-reperfusion-arrhythmias observed in hearts from streptozotocin-diabetic rats may be due to diabetes-induced hypothyroidism.

Animals↗

Enzymes regulating glycogen metabolism in swine subcutaneous adipose tissue. I. Phosphorylase and phosphorylase phosphatase.

Glycogen phosphorylase from swine adipose tissue was purified nearly 700-fold using ethanol precipitation, DEAE-cellulose adsorption, AMP-agarose affinity chromatography, and agarose gel filtration. The purified enzyme migrated as one major and several minor components during polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Activity was associated with the major component and at least one of the minor components. The molecular weight of the disaggregated, reduced, and alkylated enzyme, estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis performed in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, was 90,000. Stability of the purified enzyme was considerably increased in the presence of AMP. The isoelectric pH of the enzyme in crude homogenates was 6.3. The sedimentation coefficient of the purified enzyme (7.9 S) and that in crude homogenates (7.3 S) was determined by sucrose density gradient sedimentation. Optimal pH for activity was between pH 6.5 and 7.1. Apparent Km values for glycogen and inorganic phosphate were 0.9 mg/ml and 6.6 mM, respectively. The Ka for AMP was 0.21 mM. Enzyme activity was increased by K2SO4, KF, KCl, and MgCl2 and decreased by NaCl, Na2SO4, D-glucose, and ATP. Inhibition by glucose was noncompetitive with the activator AMP; inhibition by ATP was partially competitive with AMP. The purified enzyme was activated by incubation with skeletal muscle phosphorylase kinase. Enzyme in crude homogenates was activated by the addition of MgCl2 and ATP; activation was not blocked by addition of protein kinase inhibitor, suggesting that phosphorylase kinase in homogenates of swine adipose tissue is present largely in an activated form. Deactivation of phosphorylase a by phosphorylase phosphatase was studied using enzyme purified approximately 200-fold from swine adipose tissue by ethanol precipitation, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, and gel filtration. The Km of the adipose tissue phosphatase for skeletal muscle phosphorylase a was 6 muM. The purified swine adipose tissue phosphorylase, labeled with 32-P, was inactivated and dephosphorylated by the adipose tissue phosphatase. Dephosphorylation of both skeletal muscle and adipose tissue substrates was inhibited by AMP and glucose reversed this inhibition. Several lines of evidence suggest that AMP inhibition was due to an action on the substrate rather than on the enzyme. We have previously reported that the system for phosphorylase activation in rat fat cells differs in some important characteristics from that in skeletal muscle. However, both swine fat phosphorylase and phosphorylase phosphatase have major properties very similar to those described for the enzymes from skeletal muscle.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Highly efficient gene transfer into preterm CD34 hematopoietic progenitor cells.

OBJECTIVE: Retrovirus-mediated gene transfer has been shown to transduce CD34(+) cells from term gestation umbilical cord blood with relatively high efficiency. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiencies of retrovirus-mediated gene transfer into early (23-28 weeks' gestation) and term (37-41 weeks' gestation) umbilical cord blood CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells. STUDY DESIGN: CD34(+) cells were purified from cyropreserved early (23-28 weeks' gestation) and term (37-40 weeks' gestation) umbilical cord blood specimens with fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The CD34(+) cells were then transduced in virus-containing medium (gibbon ape leukemia virus pseudotype vector LAPSN [PG13]) in wells coated with the recombinant human fibronectin fragment CH-296 and in the presence of multiple hematopoietic growth factors (interleukin 6, stem cell factor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and megakaryocyte growth and development factor) and protamine sulfate. The LAPSN (PG13) virus-containing medium was changed every 12 hours for 48 hours, after which time colony-forming cells were assayed in soft agar. The gibbon ape leukemia virus pseudotype vector LAPSN (PG13) contains the human placental alkaline phosphatase and neomycin phosphotransferase (neo ) genes. The efficiency of gene transfer was assessed by histochemical staining of colony-forming cells in agar for expression of heat-stable alkaline phosphatase. RESULTS: Gene transfers, as assessed by alkaline phosphatase staining of colony-forming cells (granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units and erythroid burst-forming units), were similar for CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells from early (58.4% +/- 11.8%) and term (63.2% +/- 12.5%) gestation fetal umbilical cord blood. CONCLUSION: CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells from midgestation fetal blood can be transduced with high efficiency using techniques optimized for postnatal samples with a gibbon ape leukemia virus pseudotype vector. The early fetus may be a preferable target for gene therapy because of the higher number of circulating CD34(+) and CD38(-) cells relative to term cord blood, their greater proliferative capacity, and the rapid expansion of the fetal hematopoietic system that occurs from the second trimester to delivery. Because in vitro studies of gene transfer into hematopoietic progenitor cells and long-term culture-initiation cells have not been predictive of the efficiency of gene transfer into marrow-repopulating cells in vivo, studies that examine clinically applicable approaches to in utero gene therapy in appropriate animal models are still needed.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗