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CAS/Crk coupling serves as a "molecular switch" for induction of cell migration.

Carcinoma cells selected for their ability to migrate in vitro showed enhanced invasive properties in vivo. Associated with this induction of migration was the anchorage-dependent phosphorylation of p130CAS (Crk-associated substrate), leading to its coupling to the adaptor protein c-CrkII (Crk). In fact, expression of CAS or its adaptor protein partner Crk was sufficient to promote cell migration, and this depended on CAS tyrosine phosphorylation facilitating an SH2-mediated complex with Crk. Cytokine-stimulated cell migration was blocked by CAS lacking the Crk binding site or Crk containing a mutant SH2 domain. This migration response was characterized by CAS/Crk localization to membrane ruffles and blocked by the dominant-negative GTPase, Rac, but not Ras. Thus, CAS/Crk assembly serves as a "molecular switch" for the induction of cell migration and appears to contribute to the invasive property of tumors.

Animals↗

Filamin A, the Arp2/3 complex, and the morphology and function of cortical actin filaments in human melanoma cells.

The Arp2/3 complex and filamin A (FLNa) branch actin filaments. To define the role of these actin-binding proteins in cellular actin architecture, we compared the morphology of FLNa-deficient human melanoma (M2) cells and three stable derivatives of these cells expressing normal FLNa concentrations. All the cell lines contain similar amounts of the Arp2/3 complex. Serum addition causes serum-starved M2 cells to extend flat protrusions transiently; thereafter, the protrusions turn into spherical blebs and the cells do not crawl. The short-lived lamellae of M2 cells contain a dense mat of long actin filaments in contrast to a more three-dimensional orthogonal network of shorter actin filaments in lamellae of identically treated FLNa-expressing cells capable of translational locomotion. FLNa-specific antibodies localize throughout the leading lamellae of these cells at junctions between orthogonally intersecting actin filaments. Arp2/3 complex-specific antibodies stain diffusely and label a few, although not the same, actin filament overlap sites as FLNa antibody. We conclude that FLNa is essential in cells that express it for stabilizing orthogonal actin networks suitable for locomotion. Contrary to some proposals, Arp2/3 complex-mediated branching of actin alone is insufficient for establishing an orthogonal actin organization or maintaining mechanical stability at the leading edge.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Yeast actin patches are networks of branched actin filaments.

Cortical actin patches are the most prominent actin structure in budding and fission yeast. Patches assemble, move, and disassemble rapidly. We investigated the mechanisms underlying patch actin assembly and motility by studying actin filament ultrastructure within a patch. Actin patches were partially purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and examined by negative-stain electron microscopy (EM). To identify patches in the EM, we correlated fluorescence and EM images of GFP-labeled patches. Patches contained a network of actin filaments with branches characteristic of Arp2/3 complex. An average patch contained 85 filaments. The average filament was only 50-nm (20 actin subunits) long, and the filament to branch ratio was 3:1. Patches lacking Sac6/fimbrin were unstable, and patches lacking capping protein were relatively normal. Our results are consistent with Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin polymerization driving yeast actin patch assembly and motility, as described by a variation of the dendritic nucleation model.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Incorporation of sulfate into the capsular polysaccharide of the red alga Porphyridium.

The accumulation of sulfate-(35)S by Porphyridium aerugineum cells and subsequent appearance of solubilized capsular polysaccharide-(35)S in the growth medium were examined The uptake of label by the cells was largely light dependent. Pulse-chase experiments using log phase cells revealed a rapid labeling of solubilized capsular polysaccharide, recovered from the medium as the cetylpyridinium chloride precipitate Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the polysaccharide-(35)S showed the sulfate to be firmly bound to an immobile fraction. Sephadex chromatography revealed the molecular weight of the polysaccharide to be in excess of 2 x 10(5). Acid hydrolysis of the polysaccharide-(35)S released sulfate-(35)S ion as evidenced by radioautography of thin layer chromatographs Preliminary electron microscope evidence suggests that the synthesis, movement, and deposition of the capsular polysaccharide on the cell surface are Golgi complex-mediated processes

Acrylamides↗

Induction of murine autoimmune disease by chronic polyclonal B cell activation.

In vivo, prolonged polyclonal activation of B cells by the nonantigenic but potent mitogenic lipid A portion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS-R595) resulted in acceleration of the late life systemic lupus erythematosus disease of female MRL/n, BXSB, and NZW mice, mimicking the time, form, and histopathological features characteristic of their early life disease counterparts, i.e., MRL/l females, BXSB males, and (NZB X NZW)F1 females. Similar polyclonal B cell activation of "immunologically normal" mice has less effect and led to a limited expression of autoimmune disease. This R595-induced autoimmunity and immune complex-mediated disease seemed to be the direct result of activation of the immune system and not from other effects of endotoxin since C3H/HeJ, a strain lacking lymphocyte receptors for LPS-R595, had neither serological nor histological evidence of autoimmune disease despite identical treatment.

Animals↗

Tumor necrosis factor and lymphotoxin induce differentiation of human myeloid cell lines in synergy with immune interferon.

We show that the cytotoxins tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or lymphotoxin (LT), at concentrations of approximately 10(-11) M induce monocytic differentiation of human myeloid cell lines. After 5 d of culture in the presence of rTNF and LT, a significant proportion of the myeloid cell lines express monocyte differentiation antigens and ANAE activity, and become able to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and mediate low levels of ADCC against tumor target cells. These markers of differentiation, however, are maximally induced when rIFN-gamma, at concentrations as low as 4 U/ml, is present simultaneously with the cytotoxins, and the two classes of cytokines act synergistically to induce terminal differentiation. The appearance of monocytic antigens is accompanied by acquisition of morphology and other functional properties of mature monocytic cells, such as chemiluminescence and phagocytosis, and by expression of FcR for monomeric IgG. A decrease in cell proliferation accompanies induced differentiation, and is not due to the cytotoxic properties of TNF or LT, as indicated in simultaneous analysis of surface phenotype and cell cycle. The lack of cytotoxicity of TNF on the HL-60 cell line is also demonstrated by the enhancing effect of TNF on HL-60 cell growth and nucleoside uptake in the first 2 d of culture. These data show that the cytotoxins TNF and LT mediate complex effects on cells of the myelomonocytic lineage and, in synergy with IFN-gamma, can fully induce immature myeloid cells to differentiate into cells with phenotypic, functional, and proliferative characteristics of terminally differentiated myelomonocytic cells.

Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity↗

Differential effect of isotype on efficacy of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha chimeric antibodies in experimental septic shock.

Immune complexes containing human gamma (g)1 or murine g2a antibodies generate secondary effector mechanisms via Fc receptor binding or complement activation, whereas those containing human g4 or murine g1 antibodies generally do not. Therefore, isotype selection of therapeutic antibodies may have important clinical consequences. In a rabbit model of human tumor necrosis factor (rhuTNF)-induced pyrexia, a murine/human chimeric g4 anti-human TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody (mAb) (cCB0011) showed a dose-dependent inhibition of pyrexia, whereas a g1 isotype variant of the same mAb gave a marked pyrexia that was seen at all doses indicative of an immune complex-mediated response. To investigate whether isotype difference could influence mAb efficacy in pathological disease states, hamster/murine chimeric g1 and g2a anti-murine TNF-alpha mAbs (TN3g1, TN3g2a) were studied in experimental shock in mice and rats. In lipopolysaccharide-induced shock in mice, treatment with TN3g1 mAb at 30 and 3 mg/kg resulted in 90% survival by 72 h (p < or = 0.004), and prolonged survival to 45 h (p < or = 0.05), respectively, compared with 100% mortality by 27 h in controls. In contrast, a g2a isotype variant of the same mAb (30 mg/kg) resulted in only 10% survival by 72 h (p < or = 0.05). In a neutropenic sepsis model in rats there was greater survival in animals receiving the g1 isotype of TN3 compared with g2a isotype variant (70 vs. 27%; p < or = 0.005) with 100% mortality in the controls. These differences were not due to the pharmacokinetic profiles of the mAbs. In models of experimental shock antibody isotype can affect outcome with inactive isotypes (human g4 and murine g1) being more efficacious than active isotypes (human g1 and murine g2a).

Animals↗

Reactive oxygen species as mediators of signal transduction in ischemic preconditioning.

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a most powerful endogenous mechanism for myocardial protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury. It is now apparent that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the mitochondrial respiratory chain act as a trigger of IPC. ROS mediate signal transduction in the early phase of IPC through the posttranslational modification of redox-sensitive proteins. ROS-mediated activation of Src tyrosine kinases serves a scaffold for interaction of proteins recruited by G protein-coupled receptors and growth factor receptors that is necessary for amplification of cardioprotective signal transduction. Protein kinase C (PKC) plays a central role in this signaling cascade. A crucial target of PKC is the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel, which acts as a trigger and a mediator of IPC. Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 MAP kinase, and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase) are thought to exist downstream of the Src-PKC signaling module, although the role of MAP kinases in IPC remains undetermined. The late phase of IPC is mediated by cardioprotective gene expression. This mechanism involves redox-sensitive activation of transcription factors through PKC and tyrosine kinase signal transduction pathways that are in common with the early phase of IPC. The effector proteins then act against myocardial necrosis and stunning presumably through alleviation of oxidative stress and Ca(2+) overload. Elucidation of IPC-mediated complex signaling processes will help in the development of more effective pharmacological approaches for prevention of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Animals↗

Immunogenic Cu2+-induced biopolymer systems comprising a steroid hormone, protein antigen, and synthetic polyelectrolytes.

We have synthesized the 17beta-estradiol comprising polycomplexes by the Cu(2+)-mediated complex formation of polyanionic polyelectrolyte (PE), [polyacrylic acid (PAA), nontoxic copolymers (CP) of acrylic acid with N-isopropylacrylamide and N-vinylpyrolidine] with BSA-estradiol covalent conjugates at the relatively low concentrations of metal ions in neutral water. Cu(2+) ions in the composition of biopolymer systems act as "fasteners" between macromolecules of same (negatively) charged polyanionic PE with protein carrier, promoting the formation of relatively stable polycomplex particles in physiological conditions. These hapten- and protein comprising Biopolymer Systems possess simultaneously highly estradiol and BSA-specific immunogenicity without traditional adjuvants after a single intravenous immunization of mice. The obtained results are of interest for the construction of polydeterminant immunogen and vaccines based on polymer derivatives of steroid hormones.

Acrylamides↗

Involvement of the Rab27 binding protein Slac2c/MyRIP in insulin exocytosis.

Rab27a is a GTPase associated with insulin-containing secretory granules of pancreatic beta-cells. Selective reduction of Rab27a expression by RNA interference did not alter granule distribution and basal secretion but impaired exocytosis triggered by insulin secretagogues. Screening for potential effectors of the GTPase revealed that the Rab27a-binding protein Slac2c/MyRIP is associated with secretory granules of beta-cells. Attenuation of Slac2c/MyRIP expression by RNA interference did not modify basal secretion but severely impaired hormone release in response to secretagogues. Although beta-cells express Myosin-Va, a potential partner of Slac2c/MyRIP, no functional link between the two proteins could be demonstrated. In fact, overexpression of the Myosin-Va binding domain of Slac2c/MyRIP did not affect granule localization and hormone exocytosis. In contrast, overexpression of the actin-binding domain of Slac2c/MyRIP led to a potent inhibition of exocytosis without detectable alteration in granule distribution. This effect was prevented by point mutations that abolish actin binding. Taken together our data suggest that Rab27a and Slac2c/MyRIP are part of a complex mediating the interaction of secretory granules with cortical actin cytoskeleton and participate to the regulation of the final steps of insulin exocytosis.

Actins↗

Tandem SH2 binding sites mediate the RasGAP-RhoGAP interaction: a conformational mechanism for SH3 domain regulation.

Many cellular signaling proteins contain SH3 (Src homology 3) domains that mediate protein interactions via specific proline-containing peptides. Unlike SH2 domains, whose interactions with tyrosine-containing peptides are promoted by phosphorylation of the SH2 binding site, the regulatory mechanism for SH3 interactions is unclear. p120 RasGAP (GTPase-activating protein), which contains an SH3 domain flanked by two SH2 domains, forms an abundant SH2-mediated complex with p190 RhoGAP in cells expressing activated tyrosine kinases. We have identified two closely linked tyrosine-containing peptides in p190 that bind simultaneously to the RasGAP SH2 domains upon p190 phosphorylation. This interaction is expected to bring the two SH2 domains into close proximity. Consequently, RasGAP undergoes a conformational change that results in a 100-fold increase in the accessibility of the target binding surface of its SH3 domain. These results indicate that the tandem arrangement of SH2 and SH3 domains found in a variety of cellular signaling proteins can provide a conformational mechanism for regulating SH3-dependent interactions through tyrosine phosphorylation. In addition, it appears that the role of p190 in the RasGAP signaling complex is to promote additional protein interactions with RasGAP via its SH3 domain.

Animals↗

Chromosomal localization links the SIN3-RPD3 complex to the regulation of chromatin condensation, histone acetylation and gene expression.

Acetylation of core histone N-terminal tails influences chromatin condensation and transcription. To examine how the SIN3-RPD3 deacetylase complex contributes to these events in vivo, we examined binding of SIN3 and RPD3 to Drosophila salivary gland polytene chromosomes. The binding patterns of SIN3 and RPD3 were highly coincident, suggesting that the SIN3-RPD3 complex is the most abundant chromatin-bound RPD3 complex in salivary gland cells. SIN3- RPD3 binding was restricted to less condensed, hypoacetylated euchromatic interbands and was absent from moderately condensed, hyperacetylated euchromatic bands and highly condensed, differentially acetylated centric heterochromatin. Consistent with its demonstrated role in transcriptional repression, SIN3-RPD3 did not co-localize with RNA polymer ase II. Chromatin binding of the complex, mediated by SMRTER, decreased upon ecdysone-induced transcriptional activation but was restored when transcription was reduced. These results implicate SIN3-RPD3 in maintaining histone acetylation levels or patterns within less condensed chromatin domains and suggest that SIN3-RPD3 activity is required, in the absence of an activation signal, to repress transcription of particular genes within transcriptionally active chromatin domains.

Acetylation↗

A WASp-VASP complex regulates actin polymerization at the plasma membrane.

Proteins of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and Ena/VASP families both play essential functions in the regulation of actin dynamics at the cell leading edge. However, possibilities of functional interplay between members of these two families have not been addressed. Here we show that, in hemopoietic cells, recruitment of the C-terminal VCA (Verprolin homology, Cofilin homology, Acidic) domain of WASp at the plasma membrane by a ligand technique using rapamycin as an intermediate is not sufficient to elicit efficient Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin polymerization. Other domains of WASp, in particular the proline-rich domain, are required for the formation of actin-rich structures. An in vitro analysis demonstrates that the proline-rich domain of WASp binds VASP with an affinity of approximately 10(6) M(-1). In addition, WASp and VASP both accumulate in actin-rich phagocytic cups. Finally, in a reconstituted motility medium, VASP enhances actin-based propulsion of WASp-coated beads in a fashion reminiscent of its effect on Listeria movement. We propose that VASP and WASp cooperation is essential in stimulating actin assembly and membrane protrusion at the leading edge.

Actin-Related Protein 2↗

Cell numbers and leaf development in Arabidopsis: a functional analysis of the STRUWWELPETER gene.

The struwwelpeter (swp) mutant in Arabidopsis shows reduced cell numbers in all aerial organs. In certain cases, this defect is partially compensated by an increase in final cell size. Although the mutation does not affect cell cycle duration in the young primordia, it does influence the window of cell proliferation, as cell number is reduced during the very early stages of primordium initiation and a precocious arrest of cell proliferation occurs. In addition, the mutation also perturbs the shoot apical meristem (SAM), which becomes gradually disorganized. SWP encodes a protein with similarities to subunits of the Mediator complex, required for RNA polymerase II recruitment at target promoters in response to specific activators. To gain further insight into its function, we overexpressed the gene under the control of a constitutive promoter. This interfered again with the moment of cell cycle arrest in the young leaf. Our results suggest that the levels of SWP, besides their role in pattern formation at the meristem, play an important role in defining the duration of cell proliferation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Suppressors of defective silencing in yeast: effects on transcriptional repression at the HMR locus, cell growth and telomere structure.

To identify factors that affect transcriptional silencing at the HMR mating-type locus in yeast, we characterized a set of extragenic suppressor mutations that restore metastable repression in cells containing both a mutant silencer-binding protein (rap1s) and a mutated silencer element (hmr delta A). A total of 57 suppressors comprising 21 different complementation groups was identified. This report describes a detailed genetic analysis of these suppressors of defective silencing (sds) mutants. The sds mutants fall into several distinct categories based on secondary phenotypes, such as their ability to suppress the rap1s telomere lengthening phenotype, general effects on telomere length, temperature-dependent growth defects, and the ability to bypass the requirement for cis regulatory elements at the HMR-E silencer. One particular mutant, sds4-1, strongly suppresses the rap1s silencing defect, restores telomeres to nearly wild-type length, and displays a severe growth defect at all temperatures. SDS4 mutations also suppress the silencing defect caused by mutations in the RAP1-interacting factor RIF1. We cloned the SDS4 gene and show that it is identical to GAL11(SPT13), which encodes a component of a protein complex that mediates transcriptional activation. Possible mechanism(s) of suppression by sds4 and the other sds mutations is discussed.

Chromosomes, Fungal↗

Functional redundancy of transcription factor-binding sites in the killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) gene promoter.

Variegated expression of inhibitory killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs) for MHC class I molecules helps NK cells distinguish normal from aberrant self and avoid autoreactivity. Prior studies of KIR promoters have produced conflicting results and no cis-acting sites have been independently confirmed. We took a comprehensive linker-scanning mutagenesis approach and substituted 24 consecutive 10-bp segments in the human KIR3DL1 promoter. Our analysis revealed eight segments that activated and three segments that repressed KIR transcription. Site-directed mutagenesis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that optimal KIR transcription requires a proximal Ets site that binds several Ets family members, a cAMP response element (CRE), a Runx site and a site that mediates complex interactions between Ets family members, signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) and YY1; Sp1 also contributes to KIR transcription. KIR transcription was greatly reduced by several compound mutations and was abrogated by a combination of mutations that affected the proximal Ets site, and the CRE, Runx, Sp1 and Ets/STAT sites. The many transcription factors that contribute to KIR transcription are partially redundant in the setting of transient transfection assays, helping to explain why only 0-2 activating sites had been reported in each of three prior studies. We propose that the multiplicity of transcription factors enables NK cells to sustain continuous KIR expression in diverse cellular and cytokine milieus, thus preventing NK autoreactivity.

Base Sequence↗

The carboxyterminus of human c-myb protein stimulates activated transcription in trans.

The cellular c-myb gene encodes a transcription factor composed of a DNA-binding domain, a transactivating domain and a regulatory domain located at its carboxy (C-) terminus. The latter one is deleted in the transforming viral protein v-Myb. Here we show that deletion of the C-terminus of c-Myb increases the transcriptional transactivation activity of c-Myb defining it as cis-acting negative regulatory domain. Cotransfection of the C-terminus in an in vivo competition assay causes stimulation of the transcriptional activity of various v- and c-Myb expression constructs in trans. The effect is dose-dependent and independent of the kind of DNA-binding domain, since c-Myb as well as GAL4-c-Myb chimaeras can be stimulated in trans. Other transcription factors, such as GAL4-VP16, GAL4, c-Jun or C/EBP beta are also stimulated by the cotransfected C-terminus. In contrast, human B-Myb is not stimulated by the c-Myb C-terminus in trans. The data suggest that the C-terminus of c-Myb may interact with a cellular inhibitor which is part of the protein complex mediating activated transcription and may stimulate in trans by sequestering away such an inhibitor. Binding of c-Myb to a putative inhibitor would explain differences between c-Myb in comparison to B- and v-Myb in transcriptional regulation.

Animals↗

Characterization of the AB (AF-1) region in the muscle-specific retinoid X receptor-gamma: evidence that the AF-1 region functions in a cell-specific manner.

The retinoid X receptors alpha, beta and gamma (RXRs) share a highly conserved 'C' region or DNA binding domain (DBD). The conserved 'DE' region or ligand binding domain (LBD) of the RXRs is functionally complex, mediating dimerization and a ligand-dependent activation function (AF-2). The AB or N-terminal region of the RXRs is poorly conserved and encodes a ligand-independent activation function (AF-1). RXR gamma mRNA is preferentially expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscle, however, cell-specific steroid receptor-mediated trans-activation is a poorly understood phenomenon. We utilized the GAL4 hybrid assay system and have demonstrated that RXR gamma contains two functional domains in the AB and DE regions that activate transcription in a ligand-independent and -dependent manner respectively. The functions of the AB (AF-1) and DE (AF-2) domains were regulated by cAMP-dependent protein kinases, furthermore, the function of AF-2 in the LBD was activated by 8-Br-cAMP, independent of 9-cis-retinoic acid treatment. Deletion analysis demonstrated that the AF-1 of RXR gamma, is located between amino acids 1 and 103 and contained multiple motifs that were targets of cAMP-dependent protein kinases. Transfection analyses in non-muscle and myogenic cells clearly demonstrated that: (i) the AF-1 of RXR gamma functions in a muscle-specific manner and is required for optimal ligand-dependent trans-activation from an RXRE; (ii) RXR gamma trans-activates more efficiently in a myogenic background.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗