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Change in the expression of a nuclear matrix-associated protein is correlated with cellular transformation.

We have identified a monoclonal antibody that recognizes a nuclear matrix-associated protein in NIH 3T3 cells. The immunofluorescence pattern consists predominantly of bright nuclear granule clusters distributed throughout the nucleoplasm, with the exclusion of nucleoli. It recognizes a protein of 190 kDa that is down-regulated to various degrees in a panel of single-oncogene-transformed NIH 3T3 cells. Its localization is similar, but not identical, to the spliceosomal speckles. p190 shows a coordinate expression during the growth cycle of nontransformed NIH 3T3 cells; it is synthesized at the highest level under growth arrest conditions. It is expressed in adult mouse brain and is also present in human IMR-90 fibroblasts.

Animals↗

Avian nuclear matrix proteins bind very tightly to cellular DNA of the beta-globin gene enhancer in a tissue-specific fashion.

We have previously shown that a cloned 480 bp DNA fragment that spans the 3'-enhancer region of the avian beta-globin gene cluster can become very tightly, perhaps covalently, bound to protein in avian nuclear matrices in vitro [Zenk et al. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 5221-5226]. This binding was not tissue-specific and was probably not mediated by topoisomerase enzymes. In the present study, we have examined avian nuclear matrices (or scaffolds) for the presence of very tight cellular DNA-protein complexes in the region of the beta-globin gene enhancer and of several other avian genes. Nuclear matrices were prepared by both high- and low-salt methods, and protein-DNA complexes were isolated by SDS/K+ precipitation after restriction enzyme digestion. In adult reticulocytes, up to 30% of the intact 3800 bp HindIII-EcoRI fragment that encompasses the beta-globin enhancer element may be very tightly bound to nuclear matrix protein. In adult avian thymus nuclei, the beta-globin enhancer is neither matrix-associated nor tightly bound to protein. In contrast, a 5.0-kb HindIII fragment of the malic enzyme gene is very tightly bound to nuclear matrix-associated protein in thymus cells, but not reticulocytes. The malic enzyme gene is active in thymus cells, and not in reticulocytes. These results suggests that certain regions of cellular DNA are very tightly, perhaps covalently, attached to nuclear matrix-associated proteins. Attachment follows a tissue-specific pattern that is associated with transcriptional activity.

Animals↗

The nuclear-mitotic apparatus protein is important in the establishment and maintenance of the bipolar mitotic spindle apparatus.

The formation and maintenance of the bipolar mitotic spindle apparatus require a complex and balanced interplay of several mechanisms, including the stabilization and separation of polar microtubules and the action of various microtubule motors. Nonmicrotubule elements are also present throughout the spindle apparatus and have been proposed to provide a structural support for the spindle. The Nuclear-Mitotic Apparatus protein (NuMA) is an abundant 240 kD protein that is present in the nucleus of interphase cells and concentrates in the polar regions of the spindle apparatus during mitosis. Sequence analysis indicates that NuMA possesses an unusually long alpha-helical central region characteristic of many filament forming proteins. In this report we demonstrate that microinjection of anti-NuMA antibodies into interphase and prophase cells results in a failure to form a mitotic spindle apparatus. Furthermore, injection of metaphase cells results in the collapse of the spindle apparatus into a monopolar microtubule array. These results identify for the first time a nontubulin component important for both the establishment and stabilization of the mitotic spindle apparatus in multicellular organisms. We suggest that nonmicrotubule structural components may be important for these processes.

Anaphase↗

Primary structure of NuMA, an intranuclear protein that defines a novel pathway for segregation of proteins at mitosis.

From a collection of monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to various parts of the mitotic apparatus in human cells (1991. J. Cell Biol. 112: 1083-1097), two (1F1 and 1H1) recognize a greater than 200-kD intranuclear protein that associates with the spindle immediately upon nuclear envelope breakdown and progresses down the spindle microtubules to concentrate ultimately at the pericentrosomal region. At the completion of anaphase this protein dissociates from the spindle microtubules and is imported into the regenerating nuclei through the nuclear pores. Overlapping cDNA clones that span the entire length of the corresponding 7.2-kb mRNA reveal an encoded polypeptide of 236,278 D that is predicted to contain two globular domains separated by a discontinuous alpha-helix with characteristics for adopting a coiled-coil structure. The corresponding gene is highly conserved but neither the DNA sequence nor the predicted amino acid sequence shows significant homology to any previously reported. Since the cDNA also encodes the epitopes recognized by antibodies specific for two previously described proteins, NuMA and centrophilin, and all three show similar molecular weights and localization during the cell cycle, NuMA, centrophilin, and the 1F1/1H1 antigen represent either the same protein or a family of proteins, for which the original name, NuMA, seems most appropriate. While the function of NuMA remains uncertain, its unusual pattern of segregation at mitosis defines a novel pathway for the segregation of nuclear proteins during cell division.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

NuMA: an unusually long coiled-coil related protein in the mammalian nucleus.

A bank of 892 autoimmune sera was screened by indirect immunofluorescence on mammalian cells. Six sera were identified that recognize an antigen(s) with a cell cycle-dependent localization pattern. In interphase cells, the antibodies stained the nucleus and in mitotic cells the spindle apparatus was recognized. Immunological criteria indicate that the antigen recognized by at least one of these sera corresponds to a previously identified protein called the nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA). A cDNA which partially encodes NuMA was cloned from a lambda gt11 human placental cDNA expression library, and overlapping cDNA clones that encode the entire gene were isolated. DNA sequence analysis of the clones has identified a long open reading frame capable of encoding a protein of 238 kD. Analysis of the predicted protein sequence suggests that NuMA contains an unusually large central alpha-helical domain of 1,485 amino acids flanked by nonhelical terminal domains. The central domain is similar to coiled-coil regions in structural proteins such as myosin heavy chains, cytokeratins, and nuclear lamins which are capable of forming filaments. Double immunofluorescence experiments performed with anti-NuMA and antilamin antibodies indicate that NuMA dissociates from condensing chromosomes during early prophase, before the complete disintegration of the nuclear lamina. As mitosis progresses, NuMA reassociates with telophase chromosomes very early during nuclear reformation, before substantial accumulation of lamins on chromosomal surfaces is evident. These results indicate that the NuMA proteins may be a structural component of the nucleus and may be involved in the early steps of nuclear reformation during telophase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of nonviable preparations from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 on nuclear matrix-associated DNA polymerase alpha and DNA topoisomerase II activities.

In a previous paper, we determined that treatment of lymphocytes with nonviable preparations of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) results in an impairment of the phosphatidylinositol/protein kinase C pathway, most likely due to an inhibition of the cleavage of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate into inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol, mediated by phospholipase C. Here we show that one consequence of these changes is a reduced phosphorylation of nuclear matrix-associated DNA topoisomerase II, resulting in an inhibition of the activity of this enzyme. Antibodies to the viral proteins suppressed the inhibitory effects caused by the HIV-1 preparation. Furthermore, the phytohemagglutinin A-caused augmentation of nuclear matrix-associated DNA polymerase alpha and beta activities was found to be abolished by coincubation with the HIV preparation or with the HIV-1 gp120. The phytohemagglutinin A-enhanced matrix association and processivity of DNA polymerase alpha was determined to be reduced if the lymphocytes were in contact with HIV-1 preparation. These results suggest that the reduced proliferative response of lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin A in the presence of disrupted HIV-1 preparation is due to inhibition of at least two, perhaps separate, pathways, one involving protein kinase C resulting in a reduced phosphorylation of DNA topoisomerase II and the other changing the state of matrix association of DNA polymerase alpha and beta.

DNA Polymerase II↗

Identification of a matrix-associated region 5' of an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene.

In the accompanying report (C. F. Webb, C. Das, S. Eaton, K. Calame, and P. Tucker, Mol. Cell. Biol. 11:5197-5205, 1991), we characterize B-cell-specific protein-DNA interactions at -500 and -200 bp upstream of the mu immunoglobulin heavy chain promoter whose abundances were increased by interleukin-5 plus antigen. Because of the high A + T/G + C ratio of these sequences and the consistent findings by others that enhancer- and promoterlike regions are often located near matrix-associated regions, we asked whether these sequences might also be involved in binding to the nuclear matrix. Indeed, DNA fragments containing the -500 binding site were bound by nuclear matrix proteins. Furthermore, UV cross-linking studies showed that the DNA binding site for interleukin-5-plus-antigen-inducible proteins could also bind to proteins solubilized from the nuclear matrix. Nuclear matrix-associated sequences have also been demonstrated on either side of the intronic immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancer. Our data suggest a topological model by which interactions among proteins bound to the promoter and distal enhancer sequences might occur.

Animals↗

Isolation and characterization of the nuclear matrix from the male Xenopus laevis following estrogen administration: kinetics of [3H] uridine incorporation.

At various times following estrogen administration, the nuclear matrix was isolated from the liver of male Xenopus laevis by sucrose gradient centrifugation of nuclei treated with a high-salt buffer and DNase I in the presence of a proteolytic inhibitor (PMSC--phenylmethyl sulfonyl chloride). Electron micrographs of the nuclear matrix demonstrate a sponge-like network attached to a well-defined inner envelope with a ribosome-free outer envelope. Chemical analyses show that the HSB-DNase-treated nuclei consist of 16% DNA, 2% RNA, and 82% protein, a composition that is consistent with that of nuclear matrices isolated from other species. The specific activity of the matrix-associated RNA following estrogen treatment appears to be maximally enhanced after 5 h and decreases until approximately 12 h, when the activity begins to increase again.

Animals↗

Association of AUUUA-binding protein with A+U-rich mRNA during nucleo-cytoplasmic transport.

Resealed nuclear envelope (NE) vesicles from rat liver containing entrapped exogenous RNA were used to study the effect of adenosine+uridine binding factor (AUBF), present in cytosolic cell extracts, on ATP-dependent transport of A+U-rich RNA (AU+RNA) and A+U-free RNA (AU-RNA) across the NE. This factor specifically binds to A+U-rich sequences present in the 3' untranslated regions of lymphokine and cytokine mRNAs, containing overlapping AUUUA boxes (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, interleukin-3). Addition of AUBF to the extravesicular compartment markedly increased the efflux of the in vitro transcribed, capped and polyadenylated AU+ RNAs. Export of entrapped AU- control RNA, such as beta-globin RNA, was not affected by AUBF, in contrast to chimeric AU+ beta-globin RNA containing the A+U-rich sequence of human interferon-alpha mRNA (6 reiterated AUUUA motifs). Competition experiments revealed that AUBF enhances the affinity of poly(A)-containing AU+ RNAs to the NE poly(A)-binding component (poly(A)-recognizing mRNA carrier p106), and thereby accelerates nuclear export of these RNAs. We could demonstrate that AUBF added to the extravesicular space forms stable complexes with polyadenylated AU+ RNA with relative molecular masses of about 45,000, 62,000 and 70,000 inside the vesicles or during ATP-dependent export. In addition we determined that AUBF may affect mRNA stability by protecting A+U-rich RNA against degradation by trans-acting, nuclear matrix-associated and A+U-specific endoribonuclease V.

Adenosine↗

Regulation of transcription-factor activity during growth and differentiation: involvement of the nuclear matrix in concentration and localization of promoter binding proteins.

Several lines of evidence are presented which support involvement of the nuclear matrix in regulating the transcription of two genes, histone and osteocalcin, that are reciprocally expressed during development of the osteoblast phenotype. In the 5' regulatory region of an H4 histone gene, which is expressed in proliferating osteoblasts early during the developmental/differentiation sequence, a dual role is proposed for the nuclear matrix binding domain designated NMP-1 (-589 to -730 upstream from the transcription start site). In addition to functioning as a nuclear matrix attachment site, the sequences contribute to the upregulation of histone gene transcription, potentially facilitated by concentration and localization of an 84kD ATF DNA binding protein. A homologous nuclear matrix binding domain was identified in the promoter of the osteocalcin gene, which is expressed in mature osteoblasts in an extracellular matrix undergoing mineralization. The NMP binding domain in the osteocalcin gene promoter resides contiguous to the vitamin D responsive element. Together with gene and transcription factor localization, a model is proposed whereby nuclear matrix-associated structural constraints on conformation of the osteocalcin gene promoter facilitates vitamin D responsiveness mediated by cooperativity at multiple regulatory elements.

Animals↗

Differential in vitro anti-HIV activity of natural lignans.

Two naturally occurring lignanolides, isolated from the tropical climbing shrub Ipomoea cairica, (-)-arctigenin and (-)-trachelogenin, were found to inhibit strongly replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1; strain HTLV-III B) in vitro. At a concentration of 0.5 microM, (-)-arctigenin and (-)-trachelogenin inhibited the expression of HIV-1 proteins p17 and p24 by 80-90% and 60-70%, respectively. The reverse transcriptase activity in the culture fluids was reduced by 80-90% when the cells (HTLV-III B/H9) were cultivated in the presence of 0.5 microM (-)-arctigenin or 1 microM (-)-trachelogenin. At the same concentrations, the formation of syncytia in the HTLV-III B/H9-Jurkat cell system was inhibited by the compounds by more than 80%. A series of other lignan type compounds displayed no anti-HIV activity. Studying the molecular mechanism of action of (-)-arctigenin and (-)-trachelogenin we found that both compounds are efficient inhibitors of the nuclear matrix-associated DNA topoisomerase II activity, particularly of the enzyme from HIV-1-infected cells. Our results suggest that both compounds prevent the increase of topoisomerase II activity, involved in virus replication, after infection of cells with HIV-1.

Animals↗

The nuclear matrix: a heuristic model for investigating genomic organization and function in the cell nucleus.

Despite significant advances in deciphering the molecular events underlying genomic function, our understanding of these integrated processes inside the functioning cell nucleus has, until recently, met with only very limited success. A major conundrum has been the "layers of complexity" characteristic of all cell structure and function. To understand how the cell nucleus functions, we must also understand how the cell nucleus is put together and functions as a whole. The value of this neo-holistic approach is demonstrated by the enormous progress made in recent years in identifying a wide variety of nuclear functions associated with the nuclear matrix. In this article we summarize basic properties of in situ nuclear structure, isolated nuclear matrix systems, nuclear matrix-associated functions, and DNA replication in particular. Emphasis is placed on identifying current problems and directions of research in this field and illustrating the intrinsic heuristic value of this global approach to genomic organization and function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Nuclear matrix targets for anticancer agents.

The nuclear matrix of eukaryotic cells comprises a dynamic framework on which DNA is organized into discrete functional units of replication and transcription. There is growing evidence that matrix-associated DNA and proteins are direct targets of a wide range of clinically active anticancer agents. DNA associated with matrix-bound replication and transcription sites has a relatively open conformation and is preferentially damaged by ionizing radiation and certain alkylating agents. Fludarabine phosphate, a purine antimetabolite, inhibits DNA replication by blocking the synthesis of matrix-associated primer RNA and RNA-primed Okazaki fragments. VM-26 and m-AMSA appear to interact specifically with nuclear matrix topoisomerase II, and one mechanism of cellular resistance to these agents is associated with depletion of the matrix enzyme. Studies of the interactions of anticancer agents with targets in the nuclear matrix should provide further insight into the mechanisms by which these agents exert their therapeutic effects.

Alkylating Agents↗

Three-dimensional immunogold labeling of nuclear matrix proteins in permeabilized cells.

A preembedment labeling procedure is described for the three-dimensional (3D) labeling of nuclear matrix proteins in permeabilized cells. The procedure is based on the use of ultra-small (1 nm) gold particles as a marker system. This marker penetrates the nucleus more efficiently than the conventionally used 5-10 nm colloidal gold probes. Dehydration is performed by freeze-substitution to preserve the ultrastructure of the cell as optimally as possible. During freeze-substitution the samples are stained by uranyl ions to stain the cellular material throughout the resin section. The 3D gold-labeled and uranyl-stained specimen is embedded in Epon resin and semi-thin (0.2-0.5 microns) sections are made for stereo electron microscopy. The applicability of this method is illustrated by the localization of nuclear matrix-associated nuclear bodies in permeabilized interphase and mitotic HeLa cells.

Cell Membrane Permeability↗

Nuclear matrix-associated NMN adenylyltransferase activity in human placenta.

This paper presents data about the presence of the NMN adenylyltransferase at the nuclear matrix level of human placenta nuclei. It was found that 40-45% of the activity (depending on the extraction procedure) referred to the total nuclear NMN adenylyltransferase was tightly associated with this subnuclear compartment. The matrices purified by two different procedures exhibited DNA, RNA and protein contents comparable with those described in literature. Extensive digestion of human placenta nuclei with DNase I was not able to solubilize the NMN adenylyltransferase activity. Therefore, the data we present are consistent with the conclusion that a part of the total nuclear NMN adenylyltransferase is associated with the nuclear matrix.

Cell Fractionation↗

Biochemical characterization of Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 2A.

The Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 2A (EBNA-2A) was immunoprecipitated from latently Epstein-Barr virus-infected lymphocytes with a polyclonal serum raised against the EBNA-2A C terminus. The nucleus contained three subfractions of EBNA-2A which could be distinguished by their resistance to salt extraction: (i) a nucleoplasmatic fraction that was solubilized at 50 mM NaCl, (ii) a chromatin-associated fraction extractable at 1.5 M NaCl, and (iii) a nuclear matrix-associated fraction solubilized only by boiling with buffer containing 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate. The three subfractions were phosphorylated; it was demonstrated that the nucleoplasmatic and the chromatin-associated fractions were phosphorylated at serine and threonine residues. The half-life of the EBNA-2A protein was determined by cycloheximide treatment and by pulse-chase experiments and was found to be at least 24 h. The turnover of the phosphate residues bound to the two salt-soluble subfractions was determined to be approximately 6 to 9 h, suggesting a possible role of the phosphorylation in the regulation of the biological activity of EBNA-2A. Dephosphorylation of EBNA-2A resulted in an increased mobility of the protein during sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and indicated the presence of differentially phosphorylated subclasses of the protein. Analysis of EBNA-2A by sucrose gradient centrifugation revealed the existence of two subclasses of complexed molecules which exhibited sedimentation coefficients of approximately 13S and 34S.

Antigens, Viral↗

A monoclonal antibody recognizing nuclear matrix-associated nuclear bodies.

We have isolated a monoclonal antibody, 5E10, that labels discrete spots in the interphase nucleus. By immunoblotting mAb 5E10 recognized predominantly a 126 kDa polypeptide with an isoelectric point of 5.5. Indirect immunofluorescence showed that mAb 5E10 labeled spots in many cell lines and tissues from rat or human origin, but not in cells from mouse, chicken, African green monkey, or the lower eukaryotes Saccharomyces and Dictyostelium. In the human bladder carcinoma cell line T24 the number of nuclear spots were found to be 21 +/- 10 (n = 132). In many cells spots were found also in the cytoplasm. In a small fraction of T24 cells the mAb revealed thread-like structures in addition to spots. Throughout mitosis the antigen was found to be clustered in the cytoplasm, not associated with metaphase chromosomes. The spherical structures that contain the antigen were tightly bound to the nuclear matrix. Immunogold labeling with mAb 5E10 showed that the antigen is localized in 0.3 microns diameter spherical, electron-dense structures, reminiscent of nuclear bodies. Double-labeling experiments showed that these spots do not colocalize with U1 snRNPs and centromeres. The spots did colocalize with nuclear speckles recognized by a primary biliary cirrhosis autoimmune serum, which is thought to recognize nuclear bodies. On the basis of these observations we conclude that mAb 5E10 recognizes discrete nuclear substructures, most likely nuclear bodies.

Animals↗

Chromatin compaction and the efficiency of formation of DNA-protein crosslinks in gamma-irradiated mammalian cells.

Chromatin has been prepared from Chinese hamster V79 cell nuclei by successive suspension and sedimentation in buffers of decreasing ionic strength. For buffer concentrations from 50 to 1 mM, the resultant chromatin maintained a normal histone content, nucleosomal organization, and attachment to the nuclear matrix; however, as the buffer concentration was reduced from 50 to 10 and 1 mM, the higher-order chromatin structures became increasingly relaxed. Fully expanded chromatin is 5- to 10-fold more susceptible to the induction of DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs) by gamma radiation than is chromatin residing in living interphase cells. As much as 60-70% of expanded chromatin can be induced to form DPCs as compared to a maximum of about 20% of cellular DNA. For expanded chromatin, the maximum level of induced DPCs is two to three times higher than would be expected if only matrix-associated DNA were induced to form DPCs. Therefore, DNA in distal regions of chromatin loops must also be induced to form DPCs with histones or other nonhistone chromosomal proteins. The hypersensitivity of isolated chromatin to radiation-induced production of DPCs appears to be related to the expansion of chromatin conformation rather than to the removal of intracellular radical scavengers for the following reasons: (a) there is an inverse relationship between the buffer concentration in which the chromatin is suspended and DPC formation, and (b) the induction of a more compact 30-nm chromatin fiber from the expanded 10-nm chromatin fiber in the presence of a low concentration of MgCl2 results in a marked reduction in DPC formation. The formation of radiation-induced DPC seems to occur at maximum efficiency in fully expanded chromatin, since DPC formation cannot be further stimulated by the addition of Cu2+, which can catalyze the production of OH by Fenton chemistry. It is concluded that radiation-induced DNA damage production is greatly influenced by chromatin conformation, and that chromatin as it exists in the cell is a relatively poor substrate for DNA-protein crosslinking in comparison to completely expanded chromatin.

Animals↗