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3'-O-(5-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl)ADP ether and ATP ether. Affinity reagents for labeling ATPases.

The affinity reagents 3'-O-(5-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl)ADP ether (FDNP-ADP) and 3'-O-(5-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl)ATP ether (FDNP-ATP) were synthesized and characterized. FDNP[14C]ADP was found to label the active site of mitochondrial F1-ATPase slowly at room temperature but with high specificity. F1 was effectively protected from the labeling reagent by ATP or ADP. An average number of 1.3 covalent label per F1 is sufficient for 100% inhibition of the ATPase. About 73% of the radioactive label was found covalently attached to beta subunits, 9% on alpha, practically none on gamma, delta, and epsilon. Cleavage of the labeled enzyme by pepsin and sequencing of the major radioactive peptide showed that the labeled amino acid residue in beta subunit was Lys beta 162. These results show that Lys beta 162 is indeed at the active site of F1 as assumed in the recently proposed models (Fry, D. C., Kuby, S. A., and Mildvan, A. S. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 83, 907-911; Duncan, I. M., Parsonage, D., and Senior, A. E. (1986) FEBS Lett. 208, 1-6).

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Tissue-dependent and developmentally regulated cytosolic thyroid-hormone-binding proteins (CTBPs) in Xenopus.

Xenopus cytosolic thyroid-hormone-binding proteins (CTBPs) were examined by a photoaffinity labeling and [125I]T3-binding assay. An affinity-labeled protein of 59 kDa, which was responsible for the major T3-binding activity in adult tissues, was predominant in liver. The 59-kDa CTBP first appeared in significant amounts at the metamorphic climax stage in liver cytosol and continued to be expressed after metamorphosis. Another affinity-labeled CTBP of 38 kDa appeared at the metamorphic climax stage in cytosol from head region, but disappeared after this stage. T3-binding assay using whole cytosol showed that a distinct CTBP, although not photoaffinity-labeled, was present in cytosol from hindlimb bud and gradually disappeared as the hindlimb grew. The cytosol from liver, head region, and hindlimb bud contained high affinity binding sites for T3 with Kd values ranging from 10(-9) to 10(-8) M. These results suggest that there are at least three distinct CTBPs in Xenopus cytosol, which are expressed in a tissue-dependent and developmentally regulated manner.

Animals↗

Identification of residues in the nucleotide binding site of the epidermal growth factor receptor/kinase.

We have purified the epidermal growth factor receptor/kinase from A431 membrane vesicles which had been affinity labeled with the ATP analog, 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyl[8-14C]adenosine. The resulting purified, affinity labeled receptor/kinase preparation has been subjected to reduction and carboxymethylation followed by tryptic digestion. From this digest, we have isolated and sequenced the tryptic peptide containing the major site of labeling by the ATP analog. The sequence of this peptide is Ile-Pro-Val-Ala-Ile-X-Glu-Leu, where X corresponds to Lys 721 of the derived sequence of the EGF receptor/kinase.

Adenosine↗

Structural characterization and immunohistochemical localization of receptors for insulin-like growth factor II in the rat pituitary gland.

Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) receptors were detected, localized, and structurally characterized in rat pituitary tissue sections and cultures of dispersed pituitary cells by immunohistochemistry, and affinity labeling with gel electrophoresis. Using highly specific antisera against IGF-II receptors (type 2 IGF receptors) and somatotropin (GH), intense type 2 receptor immunoreactivity was detected in both anterior and intermediate pituitary lobes. In anterior pituitary sections and cultures, type 2 receptor immunoreactivity colocalized to most GH-immunoreactive cells (somatotropes), as well as cells which did not contain GH. Intermediate lobe immunoreactivity was uniformly distributed throughout the parenchyma. In both anterior and intermediate pituitary lobes, type 2 receptor immunoreactivity was predominately localized to the plasma membrane of labeled cells, with little or no cytoplasmic labeling. GH immunoreactivity, on the other hand, was intracellular. Affinity labeling of microsomal membranes from anterior and neurointermediate pituitary tissues with 125I-IGF-II disclosed classical 230k type 2 receptors. The magnitude of affinity cross-linking from both lobes was similar to that of rat liver, indicating pituitary tissues, like liver tissue, are rich sources of type 2 receptors. These results suggest possible roles for IGF-II and the type 2 receptor in the regulation of synthesis or secretion of pituitary trophic hormones, including GH and pro-opiomelanocortin gene products.

Animals↗

Localization by photoaffinity labeling of natriuretic peptide receptor-A binding domain.

A portion of the ligand binding domain for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was identified as an affinity cross-linked proteolytic fragment of bovine adrenal natriuretic peptide receptor type-A (NPR-A). Affinity purified NPR-A was UV-cross-linked to the amino terminus of 125I-[Tyr2] rat ANP-(2-27). A chymotryptic fragment of the affinity labeled NPR-A was isolated by chromatography and electrophoresis. This fragment yielded a major microsequence corresponding to a region from Met173 to Phe188 of the receptor extracellular domain and containing one N-glycosylation site at Asn180. Bovine NPR-A receptor was then cross-linked to the carboxy terminus of the highly efficient photoaffinity derivative 125I-[Tyr18,Bpa27] rat ANP(1-27). Proteolysis of the affinity labeled NPR-A with cyanogen bromide and trypsin produced radiolabeled and glycosylated fragments of size 15 and 9 kDa, respectively, which contained the epitope Ile181-Phe188 (CS328) and which were detectable by immunoprecipitation with a monospecific polyclonal antibody against CS328. Proteolysis with cyanogen bromide followed by Glu-C produced a shorter photolabeled 6 kDa fragment which was not immunoprecipitable by anti-CS328 antibody and which was not glycosylated. The results lead to the identification of the short segment Asp191-Arg198 as the site of covalent binding of [Tyr18,Bpa27] rat ANP(1-27). This hydrophilic region is adjacent to the epitope Ile181-Phe188 and to the glycosylation site Asn180. It displays the species variability and the high surface probability expected for a portion of the binding domain of NPR-A in contact with ANP.

Affinity Labels↗

Glycine high-affinity uptake labels a subpopulation of somatostatin-like immunoreactive cells in the Rana pipiens retina.

Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (Som-LI) and glycine high-affinity uptake have been characterized in the Rana pipiens retina. These labels are found in both the outer and inner plexiform layers (OPL and IPL), suggesting that interplexiform cells (IPCs) contain both Som and glycine in this retina. In double-label experiments these labels colocalize to an abundant population of cells in the mid-inner nuclear layer (INL), in the second or third cell layer distal from the IPL. These cells have medium sized spherical or oval somas, each with a single thin descending dendrite which ramifies in the distal IPL. Processes ascending from cells at this location were not visualized by immunocytochemistry, but could be seen by autoradiography of tissue processed for glycine high-affinity uptake. In autoradiographs apparent IPCs were the most intensely labeled cell type in this retina. Som-LI is also found in two types of probable amacrine cells in the proximal INL adjacent to the IPL, neither of which is labeled by glycine high-affinity uptake. One of these is rare (about 10 cells/mm2), and has a large pyriform soma with a thick dendrite that branches in the proximal IPL. The other type is more common (324 +/- 20 cells/mm2), has medium-sized spherical or horizontally elongated elliptical somas, and has multiple thin dendrites projecting into the distal IPL. In addition to the above cell types, faint Som-LI was seen in cells of the ganglion cell layer, possibly indicating the presence of somatostatinergic ganglion cells or displaced amacrine cells.

Animals↗

Identification of a novel receptor in Drosophila for both epidermal growth factor and insulin.

The notable amino acid homology among mammalian growth factor receptors with tyrosine-specific protein kinase activity has led to speculation that these receptors derived from a common evolutionary precursor. We report the identification of a novel growth factor receptor from Drosophila cell cultures that has dual binding specificity for both insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF). This 100-kDa protein is also related antigenically to the mammalian receptors for EGF and possibly insulin but may not correspond to the mammalian counterpart of either receptor in Drosophila. The Drosophila protein is recognized by antisera directed against the mammalian receptor for EGF in immunoblot hybridizations. It can be affinity labeled with either 125I-labeled insulin or 125I-labeled EGF after immunoprecipitation with anti-EGF receptor antiserum. Excess unlabeled EGF or insulin will block the affinity labeling with either growth factor, suggesting that both EGF and insulin share a common binding site on the 100-kDa Drosophila receptor. This Drosophila protein, therefore, may be closely related to an evolutionary precursor of the mammalian receptors for insulin and EGF.

Affinity Labels↗

X-ray studies of nucleotide binding and pyridoxal phosphate labeling of the gene 5 DNA unwinding protein.

X-ray diffraction studies have been carried out using difference Fourier methods to evaluate the reaction or interaction of an affinity label and 5'-phosphate nucleotides with the gene 5 DNA binding protein in the crystalline state. In the first case the crystalline protein was reacted with pyridoxal phosphate. Pyridoxal phosphate, which has served as an affinity label for nucleotide binding sites on other enzymes, demonstrated a major site of substitution at the center of the protein's DNA binding cleft adjacent to lysine 46 as well as two other reaction sites near residues implicated in DNA binding. Difference Fourier maps of crystals exposed to 5'-dAMP, 5'-dCMP and 5'-dTMP indicated that phosphate groups were associated with most lysine and arginine side-chains on the surface of the protein but that the nucleoside portion of the ligands were generally disordered. In several cases, however, more specific binding of the nucleotides appeared to have occurred and these sites were primarily within the proposed DNA binding cleft of the protein. In particular, binding was observed near tyrosine 34, phenylalanine 73 and within the curl of the DNA binding loop containing tyrosine 26.

Adamantane↗

Muscarinic cholinoceptors in native and cultured human corneal endothelium.

Specific and high affinity binding of the potent muscarinic cholinergic antagonist, [3H]quinuclidinylbenzilate ([3H]QNB) was observed using intact native and cultured adult human corneal endothelium (HCE). Specific binding was proportional to radioligand concentration between 0.03 and 5 nM, indicating a maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of 130 fmol of [3H]QNB/mg protein and a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.3 nM. Atropine competed effectively with [3H]QNB for binding sites; requiring 3 nM to inhibit 50% of the binding of 1 nM [3H]QNB. Carbachol also competed with [3H]QNB at higher concentrations, but nicotine did not affect [3H]QNB binding at levels up to 1 nM. [3H]QNB binding was also observed in cultured cells of adult human, rabbit, and bovine corneal endothelium. Native and cultured HCE were affinity labelled using tritium-labelled propylbenzilylcholine mustard (PBCM). Separation of the proteins in affinity labelled native and cultured tissue by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed that only one protein in each preparation, of 60 and 55 kilodaltons (kDa), respectively, was specifically radiolabelled. These data indicate that the corneal endothelium of human and several animal species exhibit muscarinic cholinoceptors.

Aged↗

Phosphorylated forms of activated caspases are present in cytosol from HL-60 cells during etoposide-induced apoptosis.

Treatment of HL-60 human leukemia cells with etoposide induces apoptotic cell death and activation of at least 18 electrophoretically distinct cysteine-dependent aspartate-directed protease (caspase) isoforms, several of which differ only in their isoelectric points. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether activated caspases are phosphorylated. Phosphatase treatment of cytosolic extracts containing active caspases followed by affinity labeling with N-(N-benzyloxycarbonylglutamyl-N-biotinyllysyl)aspartic acid [(2, 6-dimethylbenzoyl)oxy] methyl ketone (Z-EK(bio)D-aomk) showed a mobility shift in several of the labeled species, suggesting that phosphorylated forms of these enzymes are present in the extracts. Metabolic labeling with 32P followed by etoposide treatment and subsequent affinity purification of affinity-labeled caspases confirmed that at least three caspase species were phosphorylated. To detect effects of the phosphorylation on enzymatic activity, caspase-mediated cleavage of aspartylglutamylvalinylaspartyl-7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin (DEVD-AFC) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) by phosphorylated and dephosphorylated extracts was measured. No significant changes in Km or vmax were detected using DEVD-AFC. In contrast, a slight, but significant enhancement of PARP cleavage was observed in dephosphorylated extracts, suggesting that phosphorylation of active caspases could have an inhibitory effect on enzyme activity. These observations, which provide the first evidence that caspases are phosphoproteins, suggest that caspases may be targets for some of the growing list of protein kinases that are involved in apoptotic events.

Apoptosis↗

Characterization of the 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine-binding site on plasma membranes from human placenta.

The binding of [125I]T3 to sites on human placenta plasma membranes was characterized, and the binding site was solubilized after affinity labeling with N-bromoacetyl-[125I]T3 (BrAc[125I]T3). Two classes of T3-binding sites were detected. One class has a high affinity (Kd = 2.0nM) and a low capacity (approximately 320 fmol/mg protein); the other has a low affinity (Kd = 18.5 microM) and a high capacity (approximately 2.2 pmol/mg protein). The binding sites were found to be specific for T3 in that other thyroid hormone analogs (D-T3, rT3, D-T4, and L-T4) were less effective or ineffective in displacing the bound [125I]T3. The affinity labeling ligand BrAc[125I]T3 was found to specifically label a protein with an apparent mol wt of 65,000, as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The BrAc[125I]T3-labeled protein was solubilized with 2 mM 3-[( 3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]1-propane sulfonate. The apparent mol wt of the labeled protein was between 140,000 and 150,000 by Sephadex-G-200 gel filtration. These data demonstrate that a high affinity binding site specific for T3 is present on plasma membranes from human placenta and that the binding site is a protein, most likely a dimer, with a native mol wt between 140,000 and 150,000.

Affinity Labels↗

The N-terminal amino group of [Tyr8]bradykinin is bound adjacent to analogous amino acids of the human and rat B2 receptor.

To obtain data of the bradykinin B2 receptor's agonist binding site, we used a combined approach of affinity labeling and "immunoidentification" of receptor fragments generated by cyanogen bromide cleavage. Domain-specific antibodies to the various extracellular receptor domains were applied to detect receptor fragments with covalently attached [125I-Tyr8]bradykinin. As a cross-linker we used the homobifunctional reagent disuccinimidyl tartarate (DST), which reacts preferentially with primary amines. With this technique a [125I-Tyr8]bradykinin-labeled receptor fragment derived from the third extracellular domain was identified. The epsilon-amino group of lysine (Lys172) of the human B2 receptor provides the only primary amino group within this receptor fragment. This strongly suggests that DST attached the N-terminal amino group of [Tyr8]bradykinin to Lys172 of the human B2 receptor. Next we asked whether DST attaches [Tyr8]bradykinin to the analogous residue, Lys174 of the rat B2 receptor, which is 81% identical to the human B2 receptor, and we attempted to label the wild-type rat B2 receptor and a rat B2 receptor mutant where Lys174 had been exchanged for alanine. Affinity labeling of the wild-type rat B2 receptor worked efficiently, whereas DST did not attach detectable amounts of [125I-Tyr8]bradykinin to the K174A rat B2 receptor mutant. Taken together these observations indicate that the N-terminal amino group of [Tyr8]bradykinin is bound to analogous positions of the rat and of the human B2 receptor, i.e. [Tyr8]bradykinin's N terminus is bound adjacent to Lys172 of the human and Lys174 of the rat B2 receptor.

Affinity Labels↗

Demonstration of type I and type II somatomedin receptors on bovine growth plate chondrocytes.

The chondrocytes of the epiphyseal growth plate are the presumed target cells for hormones regulating skeletal growth. The somatomedins, a family of low molecular weight peptides, are thought to play a stimulatory role in this regulation. The cellular actions of the somatomedins are themselves determined by binding to specific receptors on target cells. Previous studies have characterized a specific receptor for somatomedin-C (Sm-C) or insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) on bovine growth plate chondrocytes (GPCs). We now report the characterization of a second type of somatomedin receptor on these cells that is more specific for another class of somatomedin represented by multiplication-stimulating activity (MSA) or rat insulin-like growth factor II (rIGF-II). Binding of [125I]MSA/rIGF-II to isolated GPCs was time dependent and saturable. Unlabeled Mr 7,100 MSA/rIGF-II and Sm-C/IGF-I were approximately equipotent in competing with [125I]MSA/rIGF-II for binding, while Mr 8,600 MSA/rIGF-II was an order of magnitude less potent. Low levels of competition by insulin appeared in some studies at concentrations of 10(-7) M and higher, suggesting displacement of [125I]MSA/rIGF-II binding to the Sm-C/IGF-I receptor. In affinity-labeling studies, [125I]MSA/rIGF-I labeled a complex of Mr greater than 300,000 (unreduced) and of Mr 140,000 (reduced), consistent with a type I somatomedin receptor composed of disulfide-linked subunits. [125I]MSA/rIGF-II labeled a Mr 240,000 moiety (unreduced) and Mr 260,000 (reduced), consistent with a type II somatomedin receptor. Both affinity-labeling and kinetic data revealed cross-binding of MSA/rIGF-II and insulin with the type I receptor and of Sm-C/IGF-I with the type II receptor. In contrast, the type II receptor did not recognize insulin. These data suggest a complex pattern of graded specificity of these receptors for their ligands. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that IGF-II as well as Sm-C/IGF-I participate in the stimulation of skeletal growth.

Affinity Labels↗

Active site labeling of the shikimate pathway enzyme, dehydroquinase. Evidence for a common substrate binding site within dehydroquinase and dehydroquinate synthase.

Dehydroquinase, the third enzyme of the shikimate biosynthetic pathway, is inactivated by iodoacetate. Iodoacetate behaves as an affinity label for the Escherichia coli enzyme with a Ki of 30 mM and a limiting inactivation rate of 0.014 min-1 at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C. Affinity labeling is mediated by the negative charge of the reagent since iodoacetamide does not inactivate the enzyme. 2.1-2.3 mol of carboxymethyl groups are incorporated per mol of protein monomer resulting in 90% inactivation of enzymic activity. The majority of the bound label (80%) is split equally between 2 methionine residues, Met-23 and Met-205, which were identified by sequencing radiolabelled peptide fragments isolated after proteolytic digestion. An equilibrium mixture of the substrate (dehydroquinate) and product (dehydroshikimate) substantially reduces the inactivation rate and specifically decreases the incorporation of label at both of these site, implicating them as being in or near the active site of the enzyme. Sequence alignments with other biosynthetic dehydroquinases show that of the 2 methionine residues only Met-205 is conserved. N-terminal alignments of all the available dehydroquinase sequences (both catabolic and biosynthetic classes) revealed that Met-23, although itself not conserved, resides within a cluster of conserved sequence which may constitute part of the dehydroquinate binding site. A consensus sequence was derived from these alignments and used to probe the protein sequence data banks. A related sequence was found in dehydroquinate synthase, the enzyme which precedes dehydroquinase in the shikimate pathway. These results suggest that we have identified part of the dehydroquinate binding site in both enzymes.

Affinity Labels↗

Thyroid hormone transport by the human monocarboxylate transporter 8 and its rate-limiting role in intracellular metabolism.

Cellular entry of thyroid hormone is mediated by plasma membrane transporters. We have identified rat monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) as an active and specific thyroid hormone transporter. The MCT8 gene is located on the X-chromosome. The physiological relevance of MCT8 has been demonstrated by the identification of hemizygous mutations in this gene in males with severe psychomotor retardation and elevated serum T(3) levels. We have characterized human (h) MCT8 by analysis of iodothyronine uptake and metabolism in cell lines transiently transfected with hMCT8 cDNA alone or together with cDNA coding for iodothyronine deiodinase D1, D2, or D3. MCT8 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in a number of human cell lines as well as in COS1 cells but was low to undetectable in other cell lines, including JEG3 cells. MCT8 protein was not detected in nontransfected cell lines tested by immunoblotting using a polyclonal C-terminal hMCT8 antibody but was detectable in transfected cells at the expected size (61 kDa). Transfection of COS1 and JEG3 cells with hMCT8 cDNA resulted in 2- to 3-fold increases in uptake of T(3) and T(4) but little or no increase in rT(3) or 3,3'-diiodothyronine (3,3'-T(2)) uptake. MCT8 expression produced large increases in T(4) metabolism by cotransfected D2 or D3, T(3) metabolism by D3, rT(3) metabolism by D1 or D2, and 3,3'-T(2) metabolism by D3. Affinity labeling of hMCT8 protein was observed after incubation of intact transfected cells with N-bromoacetyl-[(125)I]T(3). hMCT8 also facilitated affinity labeling of cotransfected D1 by bromoacetyl-T(3). Our findings indicate that hMCT8 mediates plasma membrane transport of iodothyronines, thus increasing their intracellular availability.

Affinity Labels↗

Biochemical analysis of the 20 S proteasome of Trypanosoma brucei.

We describe here biochemical characterization of the 20 S proteasome from the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei. Similar to the mammalian proteasome, the T. brucei proteasome is made up of seven alpha- and seven beta-subunits. Of the seven beta-type subunits, five contain pro-sequences that are proteolytically removed during assembly, and three of them are predicted to be catalytic based on primary sequence. Affinity labeling studies revealed that, unlike the mammalian proteasome where three beta-subunits were labeled by the affinity reagents, only two beta-subunits of the T. brucei proteasome were labeled in the complex. These two subunits corresponded to beta2 and beta5 subunits responsible for the trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like proteolytic activities, respectively. Screening of a library of 137,180 tetrapeptide fluorogenic substrates against the T. brucei 20 S proteasome confirmed the nominal beta1-subunit (caspase-like or PGPH) activity and identified an overall substrate preference for hydrophobic residues at the P1 to P4 positions in a substrate. This overall stringency is relaxed in the 11 S regulator (PA26)-20 S proteasome complex, which shows both appreciable activities for cleavage after acidic amino acids and a broadened activity for cleavage after basic amino acids. The 20 S proteasome from T. brucei also shows appreciable activity for cleavage after P1-Gln that is minimally observed in the human counterpart. These results demonstrate the importance of substrate sequence specificity of the T. brucei proteasome and highlight its biochemical divergence from the human enzyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A monoclonal antibody to the type 1 insulin-like growth factor and insulin receptors stimulates deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in human and murine fibroblasts.

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin are polypeptide hormones that stimulate their cellular responses by binding to specific cell membrane receptors. These receptors, while chemically distinct, have similar structural and functional characteristics. This manuscript describes the production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody that binds to both type I IGF and insulin receptors. This antibody did not inhibit hormone binding to either receptor type, but stimulated DNA synthesis in both human and murine fibroblasts. Ten BALB/c-BYJ mice were immunized with human placental membrane fragments, and their splenic lymphocytes were fused with SP2 AG0 mouse myeloma cells. Of approximately 3000 hybridoma clones thus obtained, 1 viable clone, designated V3,8 D7, was found to produce an antibody directed against the type I IGF receptor. Solubilized radiolabeled placental membranes immunoprecipitated with affinity-purified antibody and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions revealed bands with relative molecular masses corresponding to the nonreduced intact receptor (approximately 350 x 10(3], the alpha-subunit (130-140 x 10(3], and the beta-subunit (90 x 10(3] of the type I IGF receptor. Clonal supernatant and affinity-purified antibody precipitated solubilized receptors affinity labeled with [125I]IGF-I. Antibody V3,8 D7 also precipitated solubilized placental membranes affinity labeled with [125I]insulin. However, solubilized receptors affinity purified by the monoclonal antibody bound IGF-I much better than insulin, suggesting that this antibody has a higher affinity for the type I IGF receptor than for the insulin receptor. Affinity-purified antibody did not inhibit the binding of IGF-I or insulin to receptors on human placental membranes, suggesting that it is directed against a site on the type I IGF and insulin receptor not involved in hormone binding. However, affinity-purified monoclonal antibody stimulated DNA synthesis in human GM 498 and murine BALB/c-3T3 clone A 31 fibroblasts, as determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation. The combination of IGF-I and affinity-purified antibody did not increase thymidine incorporation above levels observed with either substrate alone, suggesting that these factors may be operating through a common mechanism. These results suggest that antibody V3,8 D7 can stimulate receptor responses by binding to a site on the type I IGF and/or insulin receptors that is not involved in hormone binding. These data support the concept that hormone receptors themselves possess the biological information required for stimulating specific cellular responses.

Animals↗

Epidermal growth factor binding and receptor distribution in the mouse reproductive tract during development.

The ontogeny of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in the different cell types in the neonatal and immature mouse uterus and vagina was examined. Immunohistochemical examination of prenatal and neonatal reproductive tracts with a polyclonal antibody to the EGF receptor shows immunoreactive EGF receptors as early as Day 13 of gestation. Autoradiographic analysis of tissue sections at 3 to 17 days of age (the day of birth is Day 1) demonstrates that both uterine and vaginal epithelial and stromal cells are capable of binding 125I-labeled EGF. Both the 125I-labeled EGF autoradiography and immunohistochemistry in whole tissue show higher EGF receptor levels in the uterine epithelium than the uterine stroma. The presence of EGF receptors was also confirmed by affinity labeling and Scatchard analysis of isolated uterine cell types at 7 and/or 17 days of age. However, in contrast to the autoradiography and immunohistochemistry data of intact tissue, the affinity labeling and Scatchard data of isolated cells indicate that the uterine stroma contains higher levels of EGF receptor than that of the uterine epithelium. The reason for this discrepancy between the different techniques is, as yet, unknown. Regardless of the differences in the actual numbers of EGF receptors obtained, our data demonstrate that the developing mouse reproductive tract contains immunoreactive EGF receptors that are capable of binding 125I-labeled EGF.

Affinity Labels↗