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Similarities between the spectrin SH3 domain denatured state and its folding transition state.

We have expanded our description of the energy landscape for folding of the SH3 domain of chicken alpha-spectrin by a detailed structural characterization of its denatured state ensemble (DSE). This DSE is significantly populated under mildly acidic conditions in equilibrium with the folded state. Evidence from heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments on (2)H, (15)N-labeled protein suggests the presence of conformers whose residual structure bears some resemblence to the structure of the folding transition state of this protein. NMR analysis in a mutant with an engineered, non-native alpha-helical tendency shows a significant amount of local non-native structure in the mutant, while the overall characteristics of the DSE are unchanged. Comparison with recent theoretical predictions of SH3 domain folding reactions reveals an interesting correlation with the predicted early events. Based on these results and recent data from other systems, we propose that the DSE of a protein will resemble the intermediate or transition state of its nearest rate-limiting step, as a consequence of simple energetic and kinetic principles.

Acids↗

Sample optimization and identification of signal patterns of amino acid side chains in 2D RFDR spectra of the alpha-spectrin SH3 domain.

Future structural investigations of proteins by solid-state CPMAS NMR will rely on uniformly labeled protein samples showing spectra with an excellent resolution. NMR samples of the solid alpha-spectrin SH3 domain were generated in four different ways, and their (13)C CPMAS spectra were compared. The spectrum of a [u-(13)C, (15)N]-labeled sample generated by precipitation shows very narrow (13)C signals and resolved scalar carbon-carbon couplings. Linewidths of 16-19 Hz were found for the three alanine C(beta )signals of a selectively labeled [70% 3-(13)C]alanine-enriched SH3 sample. The signal pattern of the isoleucine, of all prolines, valines, alanines, and serines, and of three of the four threonines were identified in 2D (13)C-(13)C RFDR spectra of the [u-(13)C, (15)N]-labeled SH3 sample. A comparison of the (13)C chemical shifts of the found signal patterns with the (13)C assignment obtained in solution shows an intriguing match.

Alanine↗

Multilamellar vesicular clusters of phosphatidylcholine and their sensitivity to spectrin: a study by fractal analysis.

The cluster patterns of multilamellar vesicles (MLV) of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) were analyzed using a combination of fractal analysis and lattice simulation. Self-assembly of DMPC MLVs resulted in two types of microscopically observable clusters. The clusters were classified on the basis of their mass fractal dimension, two-dimensional porosity, and the light scattering properties. Spectrin, a cytoskeletal protein, well known for its role in determining the cellular morphology, was used to perturb such spontaneously formed clusters. The fragmentation of the clusters by hydrodynamic perturbation followed a power law, implying again a fractal behavior. A lattice-based simulation was performed generating different class of cluster patterns. The observed correspondence between the cluster patterns and their stability was discussed in the framework of the proposed lattice simulation.

Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine↗

Abnormal binding of spectrin to the membrane of erythrocytes in some cases of hereditary spherocytosis.

In two cases of hereditary spherocytosis that we have examined, spectrin was bound abnormally tightly to the erythrocyte membrane, and could not be released by low ionic strength dialysis. This type of behaviour occurs in normal red cells only after heating above 50 degrees C. It appears that some cases of spherocytosis may be due to the presence of a protein which is abnormally temperature sensitive.

Erythrocyte Membrane↗

Covisualization in living onion cells of putative integrin, putative spectrin, actin, putative intermediate filaments, and other proteins at the cell membrane and in an endomembrane sheath.

Covisualizations with wide-field computational optical-sectioning microscopy of living epidermal cells of the onion bulb scale have evidenced two major new cellular features. First, a sheath of cytoskeletal elements clads the endomembrane system. Similar elements clad the inner faces of punctate plasmalemmal sites interpreted as plasmalemmal control centers. One component of the endomembrane sheath and plasmalemmal control center cladding is anti-genicity-recognized by two injected antibodies against animal spectrin. Immunoblots of separated epidermal protein also showed bands recognized by these antibodies. Injected phalloidin identified F-actin with the same cellular distribution pattern, as did antibodies against intermediate-filament protein and other cytoskeletal elements known from animal cells. Injection of general protein stains demonstrated the abundance of endomembrane sheath protein. Second, the endomembrane system, like the plasmalemmal puncta, contains antigen recognized by an anti-beta 1 integrin injected into the cytoplasm. Previously, immunoblots of separated epidermal protein were shown to have a major band recognized both by this antibody prepared against a peptide representing the cytosolic region of beta 1 integrin and an antibody against the matrix region of beta 1 integrin. The latter antiboby also identified puncta at the external face of protoplasts. It is proposed that integrin and associated transmembrane proteins secure the endomembrane sheath and transmit signals between it and the lumen or matrix of the endoplasmic reticulum and organellar matrices. This function is comparable to that proposed for such transmembrane linkers in the plasmalemmal control centers, which also appear to bind cytoskeleton and a host of related molecules and transmit signals between them and the wall matrix. It is at the plasmalemmal control centers that the endoplasmic reticulum, a major component of the endomembrane system, attaches to the plasma membrane.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Postnatal development of immunohistochemically localized spectrin-like protein (calspectin or fodrin) in the rat visual cortex: its excessive expression in developing cortical neurons.

Postnatal development of the expression and localization of a membrane-associated cytoskeletal protein, calspectin (fodrin or brain spectrin), in the visual cortex, was immunohistochemically studied in newborn to adult rats, by using an anti-calspectin antibody. At birth, calspectin-immunoreactivity was already present at the plasma membrane and in the cytoplasm of neurons which were mostly pyramidal cells located in the upper part of the cortical subplate. Immature neurons located in the cortical plate were not stained by the antibody, suggesting that calspectin is expressed only in neurons which have differentiated or are differentiating. At postnatal days 2 to 7, immunoreactive neurons were dramatically increased in layers V and VI and very intense labelling was seen in the apical dendrites of layer V pyramidal cells. Most of the stained processes of these and other neurons showed signs of rapid dendritic growth, i.e. non-terminal as well as terminal growth cones and filopodia. At days 10 to 17, dendrites of pyramidal cells in layers II and III became clearly detectable, although still slender. At days 24 to 34, the basal dendrites of pyramidal cells in layers II, III and V became intensely immunoreactive and dendritic spines were visualized by the antibody. In the adult, however, the calspectin immunoreactivity became very weak and spines were not recognizable. At all the ages, axons and neuroglia were unstained. Also, most of the neurons in layer IV of the cortex were not immunoreactive. These results suggest that calspectin is most abundantly expressed in growing parts of the dendrites and spines. A hypothesis that calspectin may play a role in synaptic plasticity in the developing visual cortex is discussed.

Aging↗

Physical mapping of a family of interferon-activated genes, serum amyloid P-component, and alpha-spectrin on mouse chromosome 1.

This report defines genetic and physical relationships among alpha-spectrin (Spna-1), serum amyloid P-component (Sap), and a family of interferon-activated genes, provisionally designated Ifi202, Ifi203, and Ifi204. By linkage analysis using a large panel of interspecific backcross mice, Sap, Ifi202, and Ifi204 were shown to be tightly linked to Spna-1 on distal mouse chromosome 1. By pulsed field electrophoresis, a genomic restriction map of 6400 kb of distal mouse chromosome 1 was generated, linking genes encoding Sap, (Ifi202, Ifi203, Ifi204), and Spna-1 in that order within 450-1000 kb (where the genes within brackets were not ordered). The interferon-activated genes Ifi202, Ifi203, and Ifi204 were linked within 75-150 kb. Furthermore, genes transcriptionally activated by cytokines, namely Sap, Ifi202, Ifi203, and Ifi204, were located within 450 kb. These studies suggest the possibility that selective pressure may maintain in physical proximity gene clusters which are under coordinate transcriptional control.

Animals↗

Inherited haemolytic anaemia created by insertional inactivation of the alpha-spectrin gene.

In the process of generating transgenic mice, inserted foreign DNA can cause insertional inactivation of the flanking genetic locus and simultaneously provide a molecular tag for localizing and cloning the inactivated gene. We describe the case of an insertional mutation leading, in animals homozygous for the insertion, to severe anaemia that was lethal within a few days after birth. The haemolytic anaemia and microspherocytosis of the red cells strongly suggested membrane abnormalities of the erythrocytes. By in situ localization of the integration site, protein analysis of the red cell membranes, northern and Southern blot analyses, we were able to demonstrate that the integrated transgene had affected the alpha-spectrin gene locus.

Anemia, Hemolytic↗

The interaction of spectrin - actin and synthetic phospholipids.

Using differential scanning calorimetry and freeze fracture electron microscopy interactions were studied between lipids and a spectrin - actin complex isolated from human erythrocyte membranes. With dispersions of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol and mixtures of these two compounds, which for experimental reasons were chosen as the lipid counterpart, such an interaction could clearly be deduced from changes in the temperature and the enthalpy of the phase transition. Furthermore it was demonstrated that the interaction with this membrane protein protects the bilayer against the action of Ca2+ and Mg2+ and prevents fusion of lipid vesicles which easily occurs in some of the systems when divalent ions were added to the pure lipid vesicles.

Actins↗

The abnormal phosphorylation of spectrin in human hereditary spherocytosis.

The phosphorylation of the proteins of the erythrocyte membrane of patients suffering from hereditary spherocytosis is investigated in intact erythrocytes by their incubation in the presence of radioactive inorganic phosphate. Examination of the phosphorylated components by high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis reveals only one defect in the pathological membranes, a depressed phosphorylation of the smaller polypeptide of spectrin; band 2. The phosphorylation of band 2 is measured with reference to the phosphorylation of syndein (2.1 + 2.2 + 2.3). In patients showing overt clinical symptoms and for whom splenectomy is advocated the phosphorylation of band 2 is depressed by approx. 70%. After splenectomy the phosphorylation of membrane proteins is restored to normal levels.

Adolescent↗

Alterations in human erythrocyte shape and the state of spectrin and phospholipid phosphorylation induced by cholesterol depletion.

Cholesterol depletion of erythrocytes, obtained after incubation with phosphatidylcholine vesicles, induces in most of the experiments: (1) a discocytestomatocyte transformation as observed by scanning electron microscopy; (2) a specific decrease in spectrin phosphorylation of intact erythrocytes; (3) an increase in lipid phosphorylation. It is concluded that the effect of cholesterol on erythrocyte shape is probably mediated through its action on the activity o of membrane-bound enzymes, proteases or kinases.

Cholesterol↗

Effects of phospholipase A2 treatment of human erythrocyte membranes on the rates of spectrin-actin dissociation.

This work examines the extent to which alterations in the composition of the phospholipid bilayer of the erythrocyte membrane influences the stability of the association of the 'cytoskeletal network' to the rest of the membrane. Rates of spectrin-actin dissociation at low ionic strength were used as a measure of the stability, and composition of the phospholipid bilayer was altered by the action of the enzyme phospholipase A2. Hydrolysis of all of the phosphatidylcholine of the outer leaflet of the bilayer had no effect on dissociation rates, whether or not the hydrolysis products were extracted with albumin. Hydrolysis of inner leaflet phospholipids increased the rates by up to 2-fold if the hydrolysis products were not extracted; for less than or equal to 50% hydrolysis, the rates were unaffected if the hydrolysis products were extracted. The moderate magnitudes of the increases in dissociation rates indicate that interactions between the 'cytoskeletal network' and the phospholipid bilayer are not a decisive factor in maintaining the stability of the membrane, at least under low ionic strength conditions.

Actins↗

Formation of aqueous pores in the human erythrocyte membrane after oxidative cross-linking of spectrin by diamide.

Oxidation of erythrocyte membrane SH-groups by diamide and tetrathionate induces cross-linking of spectrin (Haest, C.W.M., Kamp, D., Plasa, G. and Deuticke, B. (1977) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 469, 226-230). This cross-linking was now shown to go along with a concentration- and time-dependent enhancement of membrane permeability for hydrophilic nonelectrolytes and ions. The enhancement is specific for oxidative SH-group modifications, is reversible by reduction of the induced disulfides, can be suppressed by a very brief pre-treatment of the cells with low concentrations of N-ethylmaleimide and is strongly temperature-dependent. The pathway of the induced permeability discriminates nonelectrolytes on the basis of molecular size and exhibits a very low activation energy (Ea 3-8 kcal/mol). These findings are reconcilable with the formation of a somewhat inhomogeneous population of aqueous pores with radii probably less than or equal to 0.65 nm. Estimated pore numbers vary with the size of the probe molecule. Assuming a diffusion coefficient as in bulk water within the pore, at least 20 pores per cell have to be postulated; more realistic lower diffusion coefficients increase that number. Alterations of the lipid domain by changes of cholesterol contents and insertion of hexanol or nonionic detergents alter the number or size of the pores. Since aggregation of skeletal and intrinsic membrane proteins also occurs after the SH-oxidation, in parallel to the formation of membrane leaks, one may consider (a) defects in the disturbed bilayer interface, (b) a mismatch between lipid and intrinsic proteins or (c) channels in between aggregated intrinsic proteins as structures forming the pores induced by diamide treatment.

Azo Compounds↗

The temperature-dependent dissociation of spectrin.

Spectrin, isolated from both human and bovine erythrocyte membranes, was found to exist predominantly as a tetramer of 960 000 daltons when prepared at 4 degrees C, but as a dimer of 480 000 daltons when prepared at 37 degrees C. The purified tetramer from both species could be dissociated to dimers by low ionic strength incubation at 37 degrees C.

Animals↗

The shape of spectrin molecules from human erythrocyte membranes.

Purified spectrin dimers and tetramers have been directly visualized by low-angle shadowing. The 9-S heterodimer is an asymmetric flexible molecule about 1000 A in length, its constituent monomer polypeptides forming two strands which in many molecules are individually visible, lying partially separated from one another or twisting round each other in a loose double helix. The 12-S tetramer is formed by the end-to-end association of two heterodimers, without overlap. The protein bears no physical resemblance to myosin.

Erythrocyte Membrane↗

A spin labeling study of the effects of inorganic ions and pH on the conformation of spectrin.

The structure of spectrin from human erythrocytes has been investigated by the EPR technique measuring the mobility of the protein spin label, 4-maleimido-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinooxyl. Conformational changes in the protein induced by variation of the concentrations of NaCl, Na2SO4, KCl, CaCl2 and MgCl2 and of pH have been studied. It could be demonstrated that both Ca2+ and Mg2+ give rise to structural changes by binding to specific sites, whereas the monovalent cations (K+, Na+) seem to act via ionic strength. A model is used to correlate the spin label mobility with the radius of the protein. In the Ca2+- and Mg2+-binding experiments, the decrease in the spin label mobility has been interpreted on the basis of the theory of multiple chemical equilibria. These experiments have been compared with EPR spectra measured at different pH values. The results support the model in that binding of H+, Ca2+ or Mg2+ reduces the charges located on the protein surface: the 'discharging' reduces the repulsive forces on the surface of the molecule and consequently, the protein contracts in discrete steps.

Calcium↗

Hydrodynamic characterization of the heterodimer of spectrin.

The hydrodynamic properties of the spectrin dimer have been examined. The S20,w value of 9.3 S and the D20,w value of 1.75 x 10(-7) cm2 x s-1 yield a molecular weight of 470 000, in good agreement with the value from sedimentation equilibrium of 460 000. The frictional ratio of 2.3 and the intrinsic viscosity of 36 ml/g are not consistent with a compact, globular structure, but the value of the parameter Ks/[eta], 1.15, is not consistent with a rigid rod model. The most appropriate model, consistent also with data from other laboratories, is of a flexible, kinked rod-like molecule.

Diffusion↗

Calcium-induced proteolysis of spectrin and band 3 protein in rat erythrocyte membranes.

Calcium-dependent protease activity capable of degrading a number of endogenous proteins was found in rat red blood cell membranes. This protease activity, like that found in human red blood cells, was activated by low concentrations of calcium, but in the rat red blood cells, unlike the human red blood cells, calcium-activated protease activity was membrane-bound. A number of endogenous membrane-bound proteins were degraded after the addition of calcium to the membranes. These included spectrin bands 1 and 2 as well as bands 3, 2.1, and 2.2. No calcium-induced aggregation (transglutaminase activity) was noted in the rat red blood cell membranes.

Animals↗