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Purification of phospholipase C beta and phospholipase C epsilon from Sf9 cells.

Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes catalyze hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) generating diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP(3)). The PLC beta isoforms of PLCs are activated by G proteins after hormone or neurotransmitter stimulation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). PLC epsilon is a recently identified PLC isoform that is activated by Ras and G beta gamma subunit although the physiological role of this enzyme is not well understood. Methods for purification of PLC beta and PLC epsilon from Sf9 cells are described. In the case of hexahistidine (6-His)-tagged PLC beta the purification involves two steps, affinity chromatography with Ni-NTA agarose followed by heparin Sepharose chromatography. 6-His-tagged PLC epsilon can be purified in a single step with nickel nitrilotriacetic acid-agarose (Ni-NTA) affinity chromatography.

Animals↗

The intranuclear amount of phospholipase C beta 1 decreases following cell differentiation in Friend cells, whereas gamma 1 isoform is not affected.

The existence of a signal transduction system in the nucleus, based on polyphosphoinositide breakdown mediated by specific phosphoinositidases (PLC), has been widely documented. In different cell systems, nuclear PLCs can be modulated, in response to agonists, either by enhancing or by down-regulating their activity, thus leading to DNA replication or to cell differentiation. Friend cells, induced to erythroid differentiation by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), show a down-regulation of PLC beta 1 isoform, as indicated by the reduction of the transcription of its mRNA and of the in vitro synthesis of its translation product. The intracellular localization and the amount of different PLC isoforms have been evaluated by electron microscope immunocytochemistry. In untreated Friend cells, PLC beta 1 and gamma 1 isoforms are both present within the nucleus, whereas mainly the gamma 1 isoform is detected in the cytoplasm. The small amount of cytoplasmic PLC beta 1 is probably representative only of the newly synthesized enzyme. Quantitative immunolabeling analyses demonstrate that erythroid differentiation is associated with a significant decrease of the PLC beta 1 amount in the nucleus and with an almost complete disappearance of that isoform in the cytoplasm, whereas the PLC gamma 1 isoform is unaffected. The two PLC isoforms, moreover, appear to be differently associated with the nuclear components, PLC beta 1 being steadily bound to the inner nuclear matrix, whereas PLC gamma 1 is almost completely soluble.

Animals↗

Oscillatory Ca2+ signaling in the isolated Caenorhabditis elegans intestine: role of the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and phospholipases C beta and gamma.

Defecation in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a readily observable ultradian behavioral rhythm that occurs once every 45-50 s and is mediated in part by posterior body wall muscle contraction (pBoc). pBoc is not regulated by neural input but instead is likely controlled by rhythmic Ca(2+) oscillations in the intestinal epithelium. We developed an isolated nematode intestine preparation that allows combined physiological, genetic, and molecular characterization of oscillatory Ca(2+) signaling. Isolated intestines loaded with fluo-4 AM exhibit spontaneous rhythmic Ca(2+) oscillations with a period of approximately 50 s. Oscillations were only detected in the apical cell pole of the intestinal epithelium and occur as a posterior-to-anterior moving intercellular Ca(2+) wave. Loss-of-function mutations in the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptor ITR-1 reduce pBoc and Ca(2+) oscillation frequency and intercellular Ca(2+) wave velocity. In contrast, gain-of-function mutations in the IP(3) binding and regulatory domains of ITR-1 have no effect on pBoc or Ca(2+) oscillation frequency but dramatically increase the speed of the intercellular Ca(2+) wave. Systemic RNA interference (RNAi) screening of the six C. elegans phospholipase C (PLC)-encoding genes demonstrated that pBoc and Ca(2+) oscillations require the combined function of PLC-gamma and PLC-beta homologues. Disruption of PLC-gamma and PLC-beta activity by mutation or RNAi induced arrhythmia in pBoc and intestinal Ca(2+) oscillations. The function of the two enzymes is additive. Epistasis analysis suggests that PLC-gamma functions primarily to generate IP(3) that controls ITR-1 activity. In contrast, IP(3) generated by PLC-beta appears to play little or no direct role in ITR-1 regulation. PLC-beta may function instead to control PIP(2) levels and/or G protein signaling events. Our findings provide new insights into intestinal cell Ca(2+) signaling mechanisms and establish C. elegans as a powerful model system for defining the gene networks and molecular mechanisms that underlie the generation and regulation of Ca(2+) oscillations and intercellular Ca(2+) waves in nonexcitable cells.

Animals↗

Fuel and hormone regulation of phospholipase C beta 1 and delta 1 overexpressed in RINm5F pancreatic beta cells.

The mechanism by which glucose and other fuels stimulate phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) in pancreatic islet beta cells is not known. Previous studies have suggested that glucose may couple to PLC beta 1 and PLC delta 1. To determine directly if fuels activate these PLC isozymes, clones stably overexpressing PLC beta 1 or PLC delta 1 were generated in the fuel-sensitive beta cell line RINm5F, and secretagogue regulation of these PLC isoforms was determined. Overexpression of PLC beta 1 or PLC delta 1 significantly increased PLC activity in isolated cell fractions, consistent with overexpression of active PLC isoforms in these clones. In paired experiments, stimulation of inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation by the fuel glyceraldehyde was enhanced in clones overexpressing PLC beta 1, in parallel with the G-protein alpha subunit activator, AlF(4)(-), suggesting a coupling between glyceraldehyde and this PLC isoform. In contrast, overexpression of PLC delta 1 had no effect on glyceraldehyde- or AlF(4)(-)-stimulated IP accumulation. Similarly, IP accumulation stimulated by ionomycin was enhanced in PLC beta 1, but not PLC delta 1 clones, indicating that increases in intracellular free calcium [Ca(2+)](i) can regulate PLC beta 1 but not PLC delta 1 overexpressed in this cell line. Interestingly, [Arg(8)] vasopressin-stimulated, but not carbachol-stimulated, IP accumulation was significantly increased in clones overexpressing either PLC beta 1 or PLC delta 1. These studies illustrate unique pathways coupling diverse secretagogues to specific PLC isoforms in islet beta cells, and demonstrate that glyceraldehyde can activate PLC beta 1 but not PLC delta 1; whereas, vasopressin, but not carbachol, can stimulate either isoform.

Animals↗

Activation of phospholipase C beta 4 by heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins.

Transient transfection assays were used to determine how the activity of phospholipase C beta 4, which is preferentially expressed in retina, was regulated. An expression vector carrying the full-length cDNA corresponding to phospholipase C beta 4 was constructed and co-transfected into COS-7 cells together with cDNA encoding the alpha subunits of the Gq class and various beta and gamma subunits corresponding to the heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins. We found that all the alpha subunits of the Gq class, including G alpha q, G alpha 11, G alpha 14, G alpha 15, and G alpha 16 could activate PLC beta 4 and that none of the G beta gamma subunits that we tested including G beta 1 gamma 1, G beta 1 gamma 2, G beta 1 gamma 3, or G beta 2 gamma 2 activated phospholipase C beta 4. In control experiments, cotransfection with cDNA encoding the alpha subunit of transducin or Gi2 gave no activation of PLC beta 4. These results indicate that phospholipase C beta 4 is activated by G alpha subunits that are members of the Gq class, and, like the phospholipase C beta 1 isoform, it is refractory to activation in the transfection assay by many of the combinations of beta and gamma subunits found in the heterotrimeric G-proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Phospholipase C beta 2 in vascular smooth muscle.

Receptor-mediated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation in most tissue is dependent on a variety of phospholipase C isoforms. To determine which phospholipase C isoforms were present in vascular smooth muscle compared to brain, liver, and spleen, we extracted proteins from these tissues and separated and identified the phospholipase C isoforms by immunoblotting. Aliquots of rat tail artery were examined by this procedure, together with aliquots of rat liver, spleen, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, aorta, and mesenteric artery. Phospholipase C gamma 1 was shown to be present in all of these tissues, while phospholipase C beta 1 was shown to be limited to fractions from brain. Phospholipase C delta 1 was detected in rat tail artery, mesenteric artery, aorta, and brain. Phospholipase C beta 2 was found in rat tail artery, liver, and brain. This is the first report of phospholipase C beta 2 in tissues other than HL60 cells. Since G proteins activate IP3 production via stimulation of phospholipase C beta isoforms in many tissues, and agonist-stimulated IP3 production in smooth muscle requires G protein activation, phospholipase C beta 2 may be required for agonist-stimulated force production in vascular smooth muscle.

Animals↗

Phosphoinositide second messenger system is enriched in striosomes: immunohistochemical demonstration of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors and phospholipase C beta and gamma in primate basal ganglia.

The neurochemical organization of the basal ganglia has been studied extensively with respect to neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and their receptors. The chemoarchitecture of the striatum has been found particularly striking, because it distinguishes many substances by their relative distributions within the striosome and matrix compartments of the striatum. Very little is yet known about the differential distribution of second messenger systems in the basal ganglia, however, and no information is available about whether the distribution of second messenger systems is related to the prominent neurochemical compartmentalization of the striatum. We have examined the distribution of the phosphoinositide second messenger system in the primate basal ganglia and substantia nigra, as detected with polyclonal antisera against the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), and monoclonal antisera against phospholipase C beta (PLC beta) and phospholipase C gamma (PLC gamma). In the striatum, immunostaining for each of the three proteins was present predominantly in medium-sized neuronal perikarya and in the neuropil. Circumscribed zones of enhanced IP3R, PLC beta, and PLC gamma immunoreactivity appeared in a background of generally weaker staining, and these zones corresponded to striosomes as identified by calbinidin D28k and substance P immunostaining in adjacent sections. Thus, the richest representation of the phosphoinositide system in the primate striatum appears to be in striosomes. In the substantia nigra pars compacta, neurons and neuropil were immunopositive, but in the substantia nigra pars reticulata and in each segment of the globus pallidus, immunostaining was mainly confined to the neuropil. Perikaryal PCL gamma immunoreactivity in the absence of detectable PLC beta or IP3R immunolabeling was found in the magnocellular neurons embedded in the medullary layer between the putamen and the globus pallidus. These observations demonstrate that the phosphoinositide second messenger system is selectively enhanced in neuronal subsystems of the basal ganglia, including striosomes, and suggest that signaling by phosphoinositide pathways elicits discrete effects on input-output processing by the basal ganglia.

Animals↗

In situ RNA-RNA hybridisation of phospholipase C beta 3 shows lack of expression in neuroendocrine tumours.

BACKGROUND: Phospholipase C beta 3 (PLCB3) plays an important role in the signal transduction of the seven transmembrane receptors. The gene is located in the vicinity of the Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene on chromosome 11q13. Transfection of PLCB3 to neuroendocrine cell lines lacking expression suppresses the neoplastic phenotype and affects the gene expression of S100A3 and human mismatch repair protein, suggesting a role for PLCB3 in neuroendocrine tumorigenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used RNA-RNA in situ hybridisation for PLCB3 on a total of 82 samples including 34 from MEN1 patients. RESULTS: We show that the PLCB3 transcript is missing in 8 out of 14 MEN1-associated neoplasias as well as in 4 out of 10 bronchial carcinoids, 2 out of 10 exocrine pancreatic cancers and one sporadic adrenocortical carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Low or lack of PLCB3 expression in a subset of endocrine tumours, together with earlier published in vitro data on suppressor characteristics upon transfection, indicate that PLCB3 could be involved in the tumorigenesis in a subset of endocrine tumours.

Animals↗

Suppression of the neoplastic phenotype by transfection of phospholipase C beta 3 to neuroendocrine tumor cells.

The expression of phospholipase C beta 3 (PLCB3) is low or absent in several neuroendocrine neoplasias. To investigate the role of PLCB3 in the neuroendocrine tumorigenesis, we transfected a PLCB3 construct to three neuroendocrine tumor cell lines with a low PLCB3 expression. The growth rate and tumorigenicity were assessed in vitro by [3H]thymidine incorporation and cell counting, in vivo, by xenografting to nude mice. In vitro, PLCB3 expressing clones showed a significant growth inhibition. The tumor weight was reduced for one of the two xenografted PLCB3-transfected cell lines and in both, a reduced number of proliferating (Ki-67 positive) cells was observed. This study implies an essential role for PLCB3 in the neuroendocrine tumorigenesis.

Animals↗

Stimulation by G protein betagamma subunits of phospholipase C beta isoforms in human platelets.

Different phospholipase C (PLC) isoforms were located in human platelet cytosol and membranes. PLCgamma2 and PLCbeta3b were mainly located in the cytosol and PLCbeta2 and PLCbeta3a were in both cytosol and membranes by using specific antibodies against PLC isozymes (Banno Y, Nakashima S, Ohzawa M, Nozawa Y. J Biol Chem 1996; 271: 14989-94). Three PLC fractions activated by G protein betagamma subunits were purified from human platelet cytosol and membrane fractions. Two PLC fractions from membranes were identified as PLCbeta2 and PLCbeta3a, and one from cytosol was PLCbeta3b. These PLCbeta isoforms were activated by the purified betagamma subunits of brain G proteins in the order PLCbeta3b > PLCbeta3a > PLCbeta2. Western blot analysis of gamma subunits of the purified platelet G proteins with antibodies against various standard gamma subunits revealed that the major component of the gamma subunit of Gi2 and Gq was gamma5, and that gamma7 was a minor component. Studies using various subtypes of betagamma subunits, betagamma2, betagamma3, and betagamma7 purified from bovine brain, betagamma5 from bovine lung, or betagamma12 from bovine spleen, failed to show differences in their ability to stimulate the isolated platelet PLCbeta isoforms. These results suggest that the betagamma subunits of Gi2 and Gq have similar efficacy in regulation of effectors in human platelets.

Animals↗

Assay for G protein-dependent activation of phospholipase C beta using purified protein components.

The activity of mammalian phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C beta (PLC beta) is regulated by the alpha q family of G protein alpha subunits and by beta gamma subunits thought to be released from Gi. Interactions between G protein subunits and PLC beta can be assayed by measuring the stimulation of PLC beta enzymatic activity on reconstituting the purified G protein subunits with purified PLC beta on artificial phospholipid vesicles containing the substrate, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). These vesicles are doped with [3H]-inositol PIP2 and the rate of hydrolysis is determined by quantitating the amount of [3H]-inositol triphosphate (IP3) released from the vesicle into the aqueous phase. This assay provides a relatively simple method for assessing the activity PLC activity and its ability to be regulated by beta gamma and alpha(q) subunits. It can also be used to assess the functionality of the components after modification by mutagenesis, chemical modification, or in the presence of competing molecules.

Animals↗

Interleukin-1 alpha induces variations of the intranuclear amount of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and phospholipase C beta 1 in human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cells.

Some key elements of signal transduction have been identified within the nucleus and demonstrated to be responsive to specific agonists in numerous cell types. In particular, mitogenic stimuli have been reported to induce a transient increase of the nuclear phospholipase C beta 1 activity, causing the release of inositide-derived second messengers, whereas differentiating stimuli induced a decrease of the enzyme activity and an increase of nuclear phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Recently, we reported evidence, in human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cell lines, on the presence of specific nuclear phospholipase C isoforms and on the activation of phospholipase C beta 1 in the nucleus following the exposure to interleukin-1 alpha. In this study we report immunocytochemical ultrastructural evidence on quantitative variations of PIP2 and phospholipase C beta 1 amounts in the nucleus of Saos-2 cells at different times of exposure to interleukin-1 alpha. After short periods of culture in the presence of the agonist, the intranuclear amount of PIP2 is decreased, while a translocation of phospholipase C beta 1 occurs from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, in correspondence with the increased hydrolyzing activity of the enzyme. After longer periods of incubation with interleukin-1 alpha, on the other hand, the intranuclear amount of PIP2 is restored to initial level, while the amount of phospholipase C beta 1 is increased both at the nuclear and cytoplasmic level, when its activation is no longer effective. The results, compared with those obtained in other cell types responsive to given agonists, account for a cell-specific modulation of signal transduction based on polyphosphoinositide breakdown at the nuclear level.

Bone Neoplasms↗

Isolation and characterization of a novel gene close to the human phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C beta 3 gene on chromosomal region 11q13.

We describe the isolation, characterization, and genomic structure of a gene, Phospholipase C beta 3 Neighboring gene (PNG), located on chromosome 11q13. The cDNA was isolated using a cosmid that also contains the phospholipase C beta 3 gene (PLCB3). PNG does not have any marked similarity to other known genes on the DNA level. However, analysis of hybridization to a panel of somatic cell hybrids indicates the existence of related sequences on chromosomes 2, 4, 7, and 22. PNG showed expression of a 1-kb message in multiple tissues. The predicted protein is 199 amino acids. The gene spans approximately 2.5 kb, divided into four exons and three introns. It is located 4.4 kb upstream of PLCB3, with the 5' ends facing each other. The intergenic region has been completely sequenced, revealing separate CpG islands at both ends of this region. The islands are separated by a stretch of 2 kb, characterized by periodic alteration of the GC content. The 5'-flanking region of PNG does not contain TATA or CCAAT, suggesting a housekeeping promoter structure.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Signalling through phospholipase C beta 4 is not essential for midbrain dopaminergic neuron survival.

The most prominent progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder, Parkinson's disease, is attributed to selective loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, resulting in severe deficiency of dopamine. The homeo-domain gene, Pit x 3, is essential for proper development of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and might be involved in midbrain dopaminergic survival pathways. The mGluR1-signaling downstream-effector phospholipase C beta 4 was identified in a suppression subtractive hybridization screen comparing wild-type and Pit x 3-deficient Aphakia midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Expression pattern analysis revealed that phospholipase C beta 4 was expressed in midbrain dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta and part of the ventral tegmental area, whereas expression of mGluR1alpha was predominantly observed in the more vulnerable midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the lateral substantia nigra pars compacta. However, clear expression of phospholipase C beta 4 in spared midbrain dopaminergic neurons of Aphakia mice located in the ventral tegmental area, indicated that induction and maintenance of phospholipase C beta 4 expression is Pit x 3-independent in these neurons. Furthermore, we report here a normal distribution of midbrain dopaminergic cell bodies and axonal projection to the striatum in phospholipase C beta 4-/- mice, indicating that signaling of phospholipase C beta 4 is not essential for the survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons.

Animals↗

The biological significance of phospholipase C beta 1 gene mutation in mouse sperm in the acrosome reaction, fertilization, and embryo development.

PURPOSE: We carried out this study to evaluate the biological significance of phospholipase C beta 1 gene mutation in mouse sperm in the acrosome reaction, fertilization, and embryo development. METHODS: Study subjects were divided into two groups according to the sperm [intact phospholipase C (PLC) beta 1 and PLC beta 1-/- C57BL/6J x CBA F1 mouse sperm] used. The positive acrosome reaction rate labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate-Pisum sativum agglutinin, the fertilization rate, and the rate of embryos developed to the stage of morula or blastocyst in the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The mouse sperm null for the PLC beta 1 gene showed a lower acrosome reaction rate than control sperm (69.2 vs 50.9%, P < 0.05). And the fertilization rate and the rate of embryos developed to the stage of morula or blastocyst were also lower in the group using PLC beta 1-/- mouse sperm compared to the intact group (P < 0.05; 73.5 vs 51.8% and 15.7 vs 4.3%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Mutation of the PLC beta 1 gene in the mouse sperm reduces the acrosome reaction rate, fertilization rate, and embryo development rate, which may be the etiologic factors responsible for the low reproductive rate of PLC beta 1-/- mouse.

Acrosome Reaction↗

Differential modulation of bombesin-stimulated phospholipase C beta and mitogen-activated protein kinase activity by [D-Arg1,D-Phe5,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]substance P.

Mitogenic stimulation of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts with bombesin results in receptor-mediated activation of a complex array of effectors, including phospholipase C beta and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. Incubation of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts with the 11-amino acid [D-Arg1,D-Phe5,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]substance P peptide inhibited bombesin-stimulated cell proliferation and phospholipase C beta activation even at high bombesin concentrations. The peptide did not inhibit the activation of phospholipase C beta by a GTPase-deficient form of the Gq-like protein, G16, indicating that the peptide does not inhibit phospholipase C beta and is acting at a point upstream of the activated form of the G protein alpha subunit. The peptide inhibited MAP kinase activation at low bombesin concentrations, but unlike phospholipase C beta, this inhibition could be overcome with 30 nM bombesin. In control Swiss 3T3 cells, bombesin did not measurably activate Ras or Raf-1 above basal levels. Following incubation of the cells with the [D-Arg1,D-Phe5,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]substance P peptide, 50 nM bombesin activated Raf-1 4-6-fold over basal levels. Platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated activities of PLC, Ras, Raf-1, and MAP kinase were unaltered after incubation of Swiss 3T3 cells with the [D-Arg1,D-Phe5,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]substance P peptide, as was platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated growth of the Swiss 3T3 cells. Thus, the peptide behaves as an antagonist that differentially inhibited phospholipase C beta and MAP kinase signal transduction pathways. The growth arrest observed with the peptide indicates that the bombesin-stimulated activation of MAP kinase is not sufficient to support mitogenesis in Swiss 3T3 cells.

3T3 Cells↗

Regulation of the rate and extent of phospholipase C beta 2 effector activation by the beta gamma subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins.

The activity of mammalian phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C beta 2 (PLC-beta 2) is regulated by the alpha q family of G proteins and by beta gamma subunits. We measured the affinity between the laterally associating PLC-beta 2 and G beta gamma on membrane surfaces by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Using a simple model, we translated this apparent affinity to a bulk or three-dimensional equilibrium constant (Kd) and obtained a value of 3.2 microM. We confirmed this Kd by separately measuring the on and off (kf and kr) rate constants. The kf was slower than a diffusion-limited value, suggesting that conformational changes occur when the two proteins interact. The off rate shows that the PLC-beta 2.G beta gamma complexes are long-lived ( approximately 123 s) and that activation of PLC-beta 2 by G beta gamma would be sustained without a deactivating factor. The addition of alpha i1(GDP) subunits failed to physically dissociate the complex as determined by fluorescence. However, enzyme activity studies performed under similar conditions show that the addition of G alpha i1(GDP) results in reversal of PLC-beta 2 activation by G beta gamma during the time of the assay (30 s). From these results, we propose that G alpha(GDP) subunits can bind to the PLC-beta 2.G beta gamma complex to allow for rapid deactivation without complex dissociation. In support of this model, we show by fluorescence that G alpha i1(GDP).G beta gamma.PLC-beta 2 can form.

Animals↗

Identification and chromosomal localisation by fluorescence in situ hybridisation of human gene of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C beta(1).

Members of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) families are central intermediary in signal transduction in response to the occupancy of receptors by many growth factors. Among PLC isoforms, the type beta(1) is of particular interest because of its reported nuclear localisation in addition to its presence at the plasma membrane. It has been previously shown that both the stimulation and the inhibition of the nuclear PLCbeta(1) under different stimuli implicate PLCbeta(1) as an important enzyme for mitogen-activated cell growth as well as for murine erythroleukaemia cell differentiation. The above findings hinting at a direct involvement of PLCbeta(1) in controlling the cell cycle in rodent cells, and the previously reported mapping of its gene in rat chromosome band 3q35-36, a region frequently rearranged in rat tumours induced by chemical carcinogenesis, prompted us to identify its human homologue. By screening a human foetal brain cDNA library with the rat PLCbeta(1) cDNA probe, we have identified a clone homologous to a sequence in gene bank called KIAA 0581, which encodes a large part of the human PLCbeta(1). By using this human cDNA in fluorescence in situ hybridisation on human metaphases, it has been possible to map human PLCbeta(1) on chromosome 20p12, confirming the synteny between rat chromosome 3 and human chromosome 20 and providing a novel locus of homology between bands q35-36 in rat and p12 in man. Since band 20p12 has been recently reported amplified and/or deleted in several solid tumours, the identification and chromosome mapping of human PLCbeta(1) could pave the way for further investigations on the role exerted both in normal human cells and in human tumours by PLCbeta(1), which has been shown to behave as a key signalling intermediate in the control of the cell cycle.

Animals↗