The DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (p460) is cleaved during Fas-mediated apoptosis in Jurkat cells

The DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is a serine/threonine kinase linked to DNA repair and V(D)J recombination. It is composed of a 460-kDa catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and a 70/86-kDa heterodimeric regulatory component that is identical with the human autoantigen Ku. The regulatory subunit targets the catalytic subunit to the free ends of dsDNA breaks. Since apoptosis is associated with internucleosomal chromatin fragmentation and creation of dsDNA breaks, we examined whether the biochemical amounts of either DNA-PKcs or Ku changed during apoptosis mediated by the cell surface receptor Fas. We found that the catalytic subunit was cleaved into several smaller polypeptides early in apoptosis. In contrast to DNA-PKcs, Ku was neither cleaved nor decreased in amount during apoptosis. We then extended our in vivo results to a cellfree system. Cytosolic extracts derived from apoptotic cells were able to cleave DNA-PKcs into polypeptides of sizes identical with those seen in vivo, and this cleavage was inhibited by the cysteine protease inhibitors iodoacetamide and N-ethylmaleimide. Furthermore, DNA-PKcs was cleaved in vitro by purified apopain (CPP32), but not IL-1beta-converting enzyme. Cleavage was also inhibited by the specific tetrapeptide DEVD (amino acids 2709-2712 of the DNA-PKcs sequence), suggesting a candidate position for protease action. Finally, we found that the catalytic activity of DNA-PKcs was decreased in apoptotic cells. We conclude that DNA-PKcs is subject to selective cleavage by proteases during apoptosis. Cleavage of DNA-PKcs may represent a mechanism for regulating the function of DNA-dependent kinase during programmed cell death.

The DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (p460) is cleaved during Fas-mediated apoptosis in Jurkat cells

The DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is a serine/threonine kinase linked to DNA repair and V(D)J recombination. It is composed of a 460-kDa catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and a 70/86-kDa heterodimeric regulatory component that is identical with the human autoantigen Ku. The regulatory subunit targets the catalytic subunit to the free ends of dsDNA breaks. Since apoptosis is associated with internucleosomal chromatin fragmentation and creation of dsDNA breaks, we examined whether the biochemical amounts of either DNA-PKcs or Ku changed during apoptosis mediated by the cell surface receptor Fas. We found that the catalytic subunit was cleaved into several smaller polypeptides early in apoptosis. In contrast to DNA-PKcs, Ku was neither cleaved nor decreased in amount during apoptosis. We then extended our in vivo results to a cellfree system. Cytosolic extracts derived from apoptotic cells were able to cleave DNA-PKcs into polypeptides of sizes identical with those seen in vivo, and this cleavage was inhibited by the cysteine protease inhibitors iodoacetamide and N-ethylmaleimide. Furthermore, DNA-PKcs was cleaved in vitro by purified apopain (CPP32), but not IL-1beta-converting enzyme. Cleavage was also inhibited by the specific tetrapeptide DEVD (amino acids 2709-2712 of the DNA-PKcs sequence), suggesting a candidate position for protease action. Finally, we found that the catalytic activity of DNA-PKcs was decreased in apoptotic cells. We conclude that DNA-PKcs is subject to selective cleavage by proteases during apoptosis. Cleavage of DNA-PKcs may represent a mechanism for regulating the function of DNA-dependent kinase during programmed cell death.

Autoimmunity to RNA polymerase II is focused at the carboxyl terminal domain of the large subunit

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have demonstrated antibodies to the large (220 kd) polypeptide subunit of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) in sera from certain patients with scleroderma. In the present study, we sought to identify the autoantigenic region on this polypeptide.

METHODS

A recombinant fusion protein, corresponding to the 52-heptapeptide repeat found in the carboxyl terminal domain (CTD) of the large Pol II subunit, was used to identify 15 patient sera that contained autoantibodies. Synthetic peptides CTD7 (representing a single heptapeptide) and CTD18 (representing 2 1/2 heptapeptide repeats) were used in a competitive inhibition assay to define the specificity of these sera and the importance of the CTD as an autoantigen.

RESULTS

All 15 sera immunoprecipitated the Pol II subunit from radiolabeled cell extracts, and 11 of them bound the CTD fusion protein in immunoblots. Immunoprecipitation of Pol II was completely inhibited by CTD18 in 5 sera and partially inhibited in 4 additional sera.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the CTD heptapeptide repeat is a focal point for autoimmune responses in scleroderma. It is likely that the repetitive sequence and high content of charged residues of this structure contribute to its role as an autoantigen.

Effect of luminal epidermal growth factor on enterocyte glucose and proline transport

The effect of luminal epidermal growth factor (EGF; 60 ng/ml) and tyrphostin-51 (TYR; 10 microM), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on rabbit jejunal brush-border and basolateral membrane transport was investigated. In separate experiments, the effect of EGF, EGF and TYR, or TYR alone was examined in in vivo loops. In addition, Na+ permeability in brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) and the effect of Ca2+ channel blockade on EGF-stimulated glucose uptake were examined. Luminal EGF significantly (P < 0.0001) increased the maximal rate of transport (Vmax) for glucose and proline uptake in BBMV. TYR and Ca2+ channel blockade completely abolished the EGF-induced increase in glucose transport and in the case of TYR resulted in a significant reduction in Vmax compared with controls (P < 0.0001). The Michaelis-Menten constant did not differ in any experimental group. EGF had no effect on brush-border Na+ permeability or basolateral membrane glucose transport. The findings indicate a role for EGF in the acute regulation of jejunal brush-border membrane nutrient uptake. Furthermore, tyrosine kinase activity appears to be involved both in mediating EGF-induced alterations in transport function and in the maintenance of basal brush-border membrane function.

The effects of muscle fatigue on and the relationship of arm dominance to shoulder proprioception

It is hypothesized that proprioceptive information plays an important role in joint stabilization and that muscle fatigue may alter proprioceptive ability. The purpose of this study was to determine what effect shoulder muscle fatigue has on glenohumeral proprioception and to examine the relationship between arm dominance and shoulder proprioception. Eighty subjects without a history of glenohumeral pathology participated. Each was seated on an isokinetic dynamometer with a randomly selected shoulder positioned in 90 degrees of abduction and elbow flexion. With vision blinded, the arm was passively positioned in 75 degrees of external rotation for 10 seconds, then passively returned to the neutral starting position. Three trials each of active and passive repositioning (2 degrees/sec) were recorded. Following a fatigue protocol, both active and passive repositioning were reassessed. Testing order was randomized. A significant difference was detected between pre- and post-fatigue scores. No significant difference was detected between dominant and nondominant extremities. No relationship between arm dominance and shoulder proprioception was established. It is concluded that shoulder proprioception is diminished in the presence of shoulder muscle fatigue, suggesting clinical rehabilitation protocols must emphasize increasing muscular endurance.

Role of ornithine decarboxylase in enterocyte mitochondrial function and integrity

We examined the role of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and polyamine biosynthesis in regulating mitochondrial function and integrity along the crypt-villus axis in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Isolated villus tip enterocytes from control rats demonstrated a greater cellular capacity for glucose oxidation than crypt enterocytes. Mitochondrial enzyme activities were similar along the crypt-villus axis. The role of ODC was assessed by treating experimental rats with the irreversible ODC inhibitor alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) for 24 h. Animals receiving DFMO demonstrated a decreased CO2 production from [2-(14)C]pyruvate along the entire crypt-villus axis coupled with an increase in lactate production in the upper cell populations. CO2 production from [14C]glucose and total ATP levels were not affected by DFMO treatment. Ultrastructural examination revealed localized mitochondrial swelling and bursting only in enterocytes corresponding to the population of cells newly emerged from the crypt during DFMO treatment. In DFMO-treated animals, 2 microM spermine completely prevented the structural mitochondrial injury and restored the metabolic crypt-villus gradient. These results suggest that as enterocytes migrate from the crypt up the villus, mitochondrial function increases to handle the increased metabolic demands placed on the cell by nutrient absorption. ODC activity and polyamines are necessary for this increased mitochondrial function and have a role in the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity in maturing enterocytes migrating from the crypt onto the villus.

Autoantibodies to DNA-dependent protein kinase. Probes for the catalytic subunit

DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is an important nuclear enzyme which consists of a catalytic subunit known as DNA-PKcs and a regulatory component identified as the Ku autoantigen. In the present study, we surveyed 312 patients in a search for this specificity. 10 sera immunoprecipitated a large polypeptide which exactly comigrated with DNA-PKcs in SDS-PAGE. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that this polypeptide was recognizable by a rabbit antiserum specific for DNA-PKcs. Although the patient sera did not bind to biochemically purified DNA-PKcs in immunoblots or ELISA, they were able to deplete DNA-PK catalytic activity from extracts of HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. We conclude that these antibodies should be useful probes for studies which aim to define the role of DNA-PK in cells. Since six sera simultaneously contained antibodies to the Ku protein, these studies suggest that relatively intact forms of DNA-PK complex act as autoantigenic particles in selected patients.

The role of nitric oxide in the regulation of macromolecular transport in rat jejunum

1. Nitric oxide is known to affect epithelial and microvascular permeability and is a major non-adrenergic non-cholinergic neurotransmitter in the intestine. We have previously demonstrated neuronal regulation of macromolecular transport in the intestine. To define this regulation further the role of nitric oxide was investigated. 2. Stripped rat jejunum was mounted in Ussing chambers exposing the mucosal surface to bovine serum albumin (BSA; 2 mg ml-1), or BSA (2 mg ml-1) plus [125I]BSA (10 microCi). Following a 50 min equilibration, serosal fluids were sampled for four 10 min periods, and fluxes determined for intact BSA by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and total BSA by [125I]BSA under basal conditions, and after treatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) alone or in conjunction with L-arginine or decarboxylated molsidomine (SIN 1). 3. L-NAME significantly increased intact BSA uptake. Total (intact + degraded) BSA flux was not altered. The L-NAME effect was reversed by L-arginine and SIN 1. Additional experiments were performed by adding the nitric oxide donors sodium nitroprusside and SIN 1 directly to control tissue. Nitric oxide donors did not further decrease intact BSA flux below levels obtained from control tissue. The L-NAME enantiomer D-NAME had no effect. Sodium-free bathing solutions also had no effect on intact BSA uptake. Non-specific permeability, as assessed by the serosal to mucosal movement of [51Cr]ethylene-diamine-tetraacetate ([51Cr]EDTA), was decreased with L-NAME. 4. The findings indicate that nitric oxide downregulates intact macromolecular flux in the small intestine.

Intestinal secretory response to atrial natriuretic peptide during postnatal development in the rabbit

The postnatal development of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) stimulus-secretion coupling was examined in rabbit ileum. A positive correlation between age and ANP-induced secretory responsiveness was observed. The short circuit current (Isc) response in 14-day animals was significantly (p < 0.05) less than that seen in 21-day, 28-day and adult animals. Animals at 21 days of age were less responsive (p < 0.05) than either 28-day or adult animals which did not differ. The Isc response of infant animals (day 14) to the Cl- secretagogue 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine was blunted in the infant, as was the response to electrical field stimulation. The infant animals had higher basal levels of mucosal cGMP, but were still able to respond to ANP with an elevation in cGMP. The ability of the immature ileum to generate the second messenger molecule cGMP in response to ANP, but not to produce an appropriate Isc response to ANP, indicates infant animals possess underdeveloped secretory mechanisms and lack the ability to effectively couple secretory stimuli to a secretory response.

Autoantibodies to glycyl-transfer RNA synthetase in myositis. Association with dermatomyositis and immunologic heterogeneity

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the clinical significance and immunologic heterogeneity of anti-glycyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetase antibodies in polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM).

METHODS

Sera from 345 patients with rheumatic diseases, including 91 with myositis, were examined using immunoprecipitation assays. Autoantibodies to aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases were further analyzed with 2-dimensional RNA fractionation and via inhibition of in vitro aminoacylation.

RESULTS

Serum from 1 patient with DM and interstitial lung disease immunoprecipitated glycyl-tRNA synthase along with only 1 of 4 associated tRNAs, in comparison with control anti-glycyl-tRNA synthetase antibodies, which bound the enzyme along with all 4 associated tRNAs. Immunoblotting findings and a lack of in vitro inhibition aminoacylation of tRNA(gly) by serum from this patient also suggested differences between the epitope specificity of this serum and that of other sera with anti-glycyl-tRNA synthetase antibodies.

CONCLUSION

This identification of antibodies to glycyl-tRNA synthetase from a patient with DM underscores the association of this specificity with the disease. The finding that these antibodies bound an epitope outside the active site of the synthetase enzyme, in contrast to most anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, emphasizes the immunologic heterogeneity of these autoantibodies.

Identification of human autoantibodies to transcription factor IIB

We have characterized the ability of various human autoimmune sera to react with RNA polymerase II transcription factors. One serum, which strongly inhibited transcription in a cell-free system, was shown to contain antibodies directed against human TFIIB. The serum did not show reactivity against the other general transcription factors, including human TBP, TFIIE and TFIIF. The inhibition of transcription was directly attributable to depletion of TFIIB activity, as demonstrated by reconstitution of activity with recombinant TFIIB. It has long been recognized that components of the RNA processing machinery are major human autoantigens. The present results show that at least one general transcription factor required for messenger RNA synthesis is an autoantigen as well.

Polyamines alter intestinal glucose transport

Polyamines are required for the growth of all eukaryotic cells. Enterocytes respond to luminal nutrients with large increases in polyamine synthesis, even though they are mature, nonproliferating cells. The role of polyamines in these cells is unknown. The current experiments examined whether polyamines affected intestinal transport of glucose, since absorption is the primary activity of enterocytes and since polyamines are known to affect membrane function and stability. Glucose transport was examined in rabbit brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV). BBMV from rabbits given 5% alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) in their drinking water 24 h before they were killed transported significantly less glucose than control vesicles [38% decrease in maximal transport rate (Jmax)]. Orogastric administration of spermine, spermidine, or putrescine to DFMO-treated animals 24 h before they were killed prevented the decrease. In rabbits receiving only orogastric spermine, glucose transport was significantly increased (64% increase in Jmax), whereas in vivo spermidine and putrescine decreased Jmax. This increase in Jmax caused by in vivo administration of spermine was not dependent on protein synthesis. Addition of polyamines whether in vivo or in vitro decreased Michaelis constant in vesicles from control and DFMO-treated animals. The change in glucose transport induced by DFMO or polyamines was not related to altered membrane lipid composition or fluidity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The role of peritoneal stromal cells in the survival of sIgM+ peritoneal B lymphocyte populations

Peritoneal (PE) B cells, a large fraction of which belong to the B-1 subset (i.e., the CD5+ B cell lineage), exhibit unusual growth and/or survival characteristics. To evaluate if these characteristics reflect intrinsic properties of PE B cells or the support provided by a potentially unique peritoneal microenvironment, B cells from various organs were cultured on PE stromal cell monolayers. It was determined that sIgM+ PE B cell populations survive for notably long periods of time (at least 4 weeks) when cultured with PE stromal cells. Contact of PE B cells with stromal cell monolayers optimized B cell survival. Although expressing a similar spectrum of adhesion molecules as peritoneal stromal cells, splenic and bone marrow stromal cells were significantly inferior at supporting PE B cells. Increased survival of PE B cells was characterized by a significant but transient increase in proliferation and by an increase in the percentage of B220/CD45high/CD5+ PE B cells. PE stromal cell support of B cell populations did not extend to all B or even to all B-1 cell populations since survival of splenic B cells, only a minority of which belong to the B-1 lineage, or thymic B cells, a majority of which belong to the B-1 lineage, was not enhanced by culture on PE stromal cells. Results demonstrate: (a) a system for relatively long-term maintenance of mature B cells, (b) that the growth/survival of PE B cells is preferentially supported by PE stromal cells, and (c) that growth on PE stromal cells is a characteristic of peritoneal B cells but not necessarily of splenic B cells or B-1 cells from other organs. The suggestion that the local microenvironment contributes to unusual growth, survival, or anatomic distribution of B-1 cells is discussed.

DNA-dependent protein kinase (Ku protein-p350 complex) assembles on double-stranded DNA

The Ku protein is an autoantigen that consists of 70- and 80-kDa polypeptides. It associates with double-stranded DNA at free ends. In the present study, we examined the ability of anti-Ku antibodies to immunoprecipitate various structures from extracts of HeLa cells prepared at different salt concentrations. Under physiological conditions, these antibodies identified a complex containing the Ku protein and the 350-kDa component (p350) of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), which appeared to be closely associated on the DNA strand. In reconstitution experiments with cell extracts and biochemically purified components, the Ku protein-p350 complex formed only in the presence of double-stranded DNA. The reconstituted complex was catalytically active. Together with previous studies, these results indicate that the Ku protein interacts with DNA to create a binding site for p350 as the DNA-PK holoenzyme assembles.

Structural and functional adaptation following jejunal resection in rabbits: effect of epidermal growth factor

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Remnant small intestine undergoes adaptation following massive resection. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on ileal adaptation following proximal resection.

METHODS

New Zealand white rabbits, aged 8 weeks, underwent 2/3 proximal resection, and ileal mucosal adaptation was assessed 10 and 21 days postsurgery. In a second series of experiments, animals with resection received oral EGF (40 micrograms.kg-1.day-1) for 5 days, and the effect on adaptation was assessed 10 days postsurgery.

RESULTS

Transection alone stimulated mucosal hyperplasia, intestinal sucrase specific activity, and glucose transport at 10 days but not at 21 days. Resection resulted in mucosal hyperplasia at both time periods and increased disaccharidase specific activity at 10 days postresection. In contrast, 3 O-methyl-D-glucose transport was significantly decreased compared with both groups at both time periods. EGF treatment in animals with resection did not alter mucosal proliferation but did stimulate maltase specific activity and caused a 3-4-fold increase in glucose transport and phlorizin binding.

CONCLUSIONS

Following proximal resection, adaptation of intestinal digestive and absorptive function does not parallel mucosal hyperplasia. Administration of EGF to resected animals enhances glucose absorption and may have a therapeutic role in the management of short gut syndrome.

Transport of bovine serum albumin across rat jejunum: role of the enteric nervous system

To assess the mechanisms for movement of antigenically intact macromolecules across small intestinal mucosa, transport kinetics of bovine serum albumin (BSA) uptake and the effect of neural and metabolic inhibition were examined in stripped short-circuited rat jejunum. The mucosa was exposed to BSA, and, after a 50-min equilibration, mucosal-to-serosal movement of immunologically intact BSA was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and total BSA by radiolabeled 125I-BSA. Intact BSA uptake demonstrated saturable kinetics. Immunologically intact BSA crossed the intestinal mucosa as 4.5% of total 125I-BSA flux. Colchicine and 4 degrees C significantly reduced uptake of immunologically intact BSA. NaF significantly reduced uptake of immunologically intact BSA and 125I-BSA. Treatment with tetrodotoxin significantly reduced intact BSA uptake, but did not significantly alter total BSA uptake. The muscarinic cholinoceptor antagonist atropine also significantly inhibited transport of intact BSA, whereas the nicotinic cholinoceptor antagonist hexamethonium had no effect. These findings indicate that transport of intact macromolecules across small intestinal mucosa is a saturable energy-dependent process that utilizes the microtubular network and is regulated by the enteric nervous system primarily through cholinergic nerves acting on muscarinic receptors.

Identification of autoantibodies to RNA polymerase II. Occurrence in systemic sclerosis and association with autoantibodies to RNA polymerases I and III

In this study, autoantibodies to RNA polymerase II from sera of patients with systemic sclerosis have been identified and characterized. These antibodies immunoprecipitated polypeptides of 220 kD (IIA) and 145 kD (IIC), the two largest subunits of RNA polymerase II, and bound both subunits in immunoblots. These polypeptides were immunoprecipitated by the anti-RNA polymerase II monoclonal antibody 8WG16, which recognizes the carboxyl-terminal domain of the 220-kD subunit, and their identity to the proteins bound by human sera was confirmed in immunodepletion studies. Sera with anti-RNA polymerase II antibodies also immunoprecipitated proteins that were consistent with components of RNA polymerases I and III. In vitro transcription experiments showed that the human antibodies were an effective inhibitor of RNA polymerase II activity. In indirect immunofluorescence studies, anti-RNA polymerase II autoantibodies stained the nucleoplasm, as expected from the known location of RNA polymerase II, and colocalized with the anti-RNA polymerase II monoclonal antibody. The human sera also stained the nucleolus, the location of RNA polymerase I. From a clinical perspective, these antibodies were found in 13 of 278 patients with systemic sclerosis, including 10 with diffuse and three with limited cutaneous disease, but were not detected in sera from patients with other connective tissue diseases and from normal controls. We conclude that anti-RNA polymerase II antibodies are specific to patients with systemic sclerosis, and that they are apparently associated with antibodies to RNA polymerases I and III. These autoantibodies may be useful diagnostically and as a probe for further studies of the biological function of RNA polymerases.

Autoantigenic epitopes of the B and D polypeptides of the U1 snRNP. Analysis of domains recognized by the Y12 monoclonal anti-Sm antibody and by patient sera

Anti-Sm antibodies, a specific marker for SLE, are directed against the B'/B and D polypeptides of Sm small nuclear ribonucleoproteins. The Y12 monoclonal anti-Sm antibody (Y12 mAb), as well as many anti-Sm patient sera, recognize cross-reactive epitopes on the B'/B and D polypeptides. This immunoreactive site is of special interest since polypeptides B and D share little amino acid sequence homology. In the present study, we have sought to establish the autoantigenic domain of polypeptides B and D that accounts for this epitope. We tested the ability of the Y12 mAb and anti-Sm sera to immunoprecipitate truncated forms of polypeptides B and D translated in vitro from mRNA bearing 5' and 3' end deletions. Most anti-Sm sera bound epitopes at the carboxyl-terminus of polypeptide B, however, autoantigenic epitopes were also found at the amino-terminus (amino acids 1 to 83 and 104 to 115). Surprisingly, the Y12 mAb recognized nonoverlapping amino-terminal and carboxyl-terminal halves of polypeptide B. One putative Y12 mAb binding site (amino acids 104 to 115) indicated by carboxyl-terminal deletion studies was confirmed through recognition of a corresponding synthetic peptide. Deletion studies with polypeptide D demonstrated a major autoantigenic domain on the carboxyl-terminus (amino acids 85 to 119) that was necessary for recognition by the Y12 mAb and by 7/14 patient sera. These results indicate that a cross-reactive epitope on B'/B and D, as defined by the Y12 mAb, resides on at least two different domains of polypeptide B and localizes to the carboxyl-terminus of polypeptide D. From the shared homology of truncated forms of B and D polypeptides recognizable with the Y12 mAb, we suspect that some form of GRG motif is involved in developing the Y12 mAb epitope that may involve other residues and be largely conformational in nature.

Autoantigenic epitopes of the B and D polypeptides of the U1 snRNP. Analysis of domains recognized by the Y12 monoclonal anti-Sm antibody and by patient sera

Anti-Sm antibodies, a specific marker for SLE, are directed against the B'/B and D polypeptides of Sm small nuclear ribonucleoproteins. The Y12 monoclonal anti-Sm antibody (Y12 mAb), as well as many anti-Sm patient sera, recognize cross-reactive epitopes on the B'/B and D polypeptides. This immunoreactive site is of special interest since polypeptides B and D share little amino acid sequence homology. In the present study, we have sought to establish the autoantigenic domain of polypeptides B and D that accounts for this epitope. We tested the ability of the Y12 mAb and anti-Sm sera to immunoprecipitate truncated forms of polypeptides B and D translated in vitro from mRNA bearing 5' and 3' end deletions. Most anti-Sm sera bound epitopes at the carboxyl-terminus of polypeptide B, however, autoantigenic epitopes were also found at the amino-terminus (amino acids 1 to 83 and 104 to 115). Surprisingly, the Y12 mAb recognized nonoverlapping amino-terminal and carboxyl-terminal halves of polypeptide B. One putative Y12 mAb binding site (amino acids 104 to 115) indicated by carboxyl-terminal deletion studies was confirmed through recognition of a corresponding synthetic peptide. Deletion studies with polypeptide D demonstrated a major autoantigenic domain on the carboxyl-terminus (amino acids 85 to 119) that was necessary for recognition by the Y12 mAb and by 7/14 patient sera. These results indicate that a cross-reactive epitope on B'/B and D, as defined by the Y12 mAb, resides on at least two different domains of polypeptide B and localizes to the carboxyl-terminus of polypeptide D. From the shared homology of truncated forms of B and D polypeptides recognizable with the Y12 mAb, we suspect that some form of GRG motif is involved in developing the Y12 mAb epitope that may involve other residues and be largely conformational in nature.

Binding of Ku protein to DNA. Measurement of affinity for ends and demonstration of binding to nicks

Ku, also known as nuclear Factor IV, is an abundant nuclear DNA-binding protein which requires free DNA ends for the initial interaction with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and can bind at multiple sites along dsDNA in an energy-independent manner. Its function in vivo is unknown, but it has been implicated in both DNA replication and repair and in transcriptional control. We have used an electrophoretic mobility shift assay to further define the DNA binding properties of the Ku protein. Titration of Ku to a fixed amount of any of several target linear dsDNA fragments produced ladders of shifted bands proportional to the length of DNA, confirming the multiple binding activity of Ku and demonstrating its sequence-independent nature. Using a short DNA fragment with one Ku binding site, the binding constant of Ku for dsDNA ends was calculated to be 2.4 x 10(9) M-1. Competitive inhibition experiments confirmed the requirement of a free DNA end for binding by Ku and demonstrated that Ku binds isolated nicks in dsDNA. Nick binding was also observed directly using radiolabeled singly nicked circular DNA. The relative affinities of Ku for specific nick sites and free DNA ends were approximately equal, and nick binding was sequence-independent. Finally, in a study of a possible role for Ku in protecting or repairing damaged DNA, Ku was shown to inhibit the ability of T4 DNA ligase to circularize linear dsDNA molecules, demonstrating that some Ku molecules remain at the DNA terminus rather than translocate. A similar inhibition was not observed at nicks. These experiments document a new DNA binding specificity for Ku and further suggest that the high affinity end and nick binding activity is biologically relevant to its functions in vivo.

Effect of epidermal growth factor on enterocyte brush-border surface area

The effect of acute in vivo epidermal growth factor (EGF) exposure on intestinal absorptive surface area was examined in blind jejunal loops in New Zealand White rabbits (500-900 g). Brush-border surface area was assessed by electron microscopy at 30 and 120 min, and total surface area was assessed by the fluorophore 1-[4-(trimethylamino)phenyl)]-6-phenylhexatriene (TMA-DPH) at 10 and 60 min after EGF exposure. Mucosa obtained at 120 min was also used for morphometrics and analysis of membrane composition and fluidity. Brush-border surface area was significantly increased in EGF-treated tissue after 30 (42%) and 120 min (60%). Total absorptive surface area measured by TMA-DPH was increased more than twofold after 10 and 60 min EGF exposure. The increase in absorptive surface area was abolished by pretreatment with intravenous verapamil. Mucosal morphometrics and membrane sucrase activity, total phospholipids, cholesterol content, cholesterol-to-phospholipid ratio, phospholipid species (wt%), phospholipid fatty acid composition, and fluidity did not differ between control and EGF-treated tissue. These findings indicate that EGF can rapidly increase brush-border surface area by a mechanism that appears to be due to a redistribution of existing performed microvillus plasma membrane.

Mechanisms by which benzo[a]pyrene, an environmental carcinogen, suppresses B cell lymphopoiesis

The capacity for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) to suppress immune cell function has been well documented. Nevertheless, mechanisms responsible for PAH immunosuppression and potential effects of PAH on lymphocyte development (lymphopoeisis) remain poorly defined. Murine bone marrow cultures were used in the present studies to determine if and by what mechanism(s) benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a prototypic and highly carcinogenic PAH, suppresses B cell lymphopoiesis. Emphasis was placed on similarities between the processes leading to transformation and immunosuppression and on a possible role for programmed cell death (apoptosis) in B[a]P lymphotoxicity. Data presented herein indicate that: (1) B[a]P suppresses B cell lymphopoiesis in bone marrow cultures at extremely low concentrations (10(-8) M); (2) benzo[e]pyrene, the relatively noncarcinogenic congener of B[a]P, is approximately 1000 times less potent than B[a]P in suppressing B cell lymphopoiesis; (3) bone marrow cells from PAH-resistant DBA/2 mice are less sensitive to B[a]P than cells from C57BL/6 mice; (4) B[a]P induces preB cell apoptosis; and (5) alpha-naphthaflavone, an inhibitor of Ah-receptor dependent, P450 isoenzyme activity, blocks B[a]P-mediated preB cell apoptosis and inhibits B[a]P-dependent suppression of lymphopoiesis. The results support the hypothesis that B[a]P suppression of B cell lymphopoiesis is mediated at least in part by the induction of programmed cell death and that the Ah receptor and/or P450 isoenzymes are involved in this process. The results suggest the potential for PAH to affect development of the B lymphocyte repertoire.