Expression of P-glycoprotein gene in marine sponges. Identification and characterization of the 125 kDa drug-binding glycoprotein

In the present paper it is shown that the marine sponges Geodia cydonium and Verongia aerophoba contain the gene coding for P-glycoprotein P170, also known as a multidrug-resistance gene. Western blot studies revealed that polyclonal antibodies raised against hamster P170 cross-react with the sponge polypeptide of Mr 125,000. After endoglycosidase F treatment, the sponge P125 is converted to a polypeptide of Mr 105,000. Northern blot studies, using the human P170 cDNA probe, revealed a size of 4.2 kb for the sponge P125 transcript. The level of this transcript does not change in response to incubation with the aggregation factor. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that P125 is a cell membrane bound protein. In addition, sponge membrane vesicles possess a potential to bind in vitro 2-acetylamino-fluorene, vincristine and daunomycin. This process is Verapamil-sensitive, a characteristic known also for the mammalian vesicle associated P170. The data reported demonstrate that the classical multidrug resistance mechanism, described in drug-resistant tumor cell lines, functions also in sponges and may explain the relative resistance of these animals to pollution.

Translocation of the nuclear autoantigen La to the cell surface of herpes simplex virus type 1 infected cells

Recently we developed a procedure to translocalize one of the extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs), the La protein, to the cell surface of CV-1 cells. Here we report that herpes simplex virus type 1 infection can also induce a translocation of the autoantigen to the cell surface. On the cell surface we detected La protein assembled with large protrusions. Within these protrusions La protein colocalized with virus particles. These protrusions are known to be released from the cell after virus infections. Such complexes consisting of self and virus could provide helper determinants for an anti-self response, and therefore be important in generation of autoimmunity.

Acrylamide monomer and peripheral neuropathy in chemical workers

The relationship between exposure to acrylamide monomer and neurological outcomes was investigated in 82 chemical industry workers. Vibrotactile thresholds were determined quantitatively with a Vibratron II device, using forced choice and method of limits procedures. Symptoms of numbness, limb pain, peeling skin, and sweating hands had significantly higher prevalences in the exposed than in the unexposed group. Signs of peeling skin and sweating hands were significantly more common in the exposed group. Vibration thresholds were not associated with exposure.

Formation of a small ribonucleoprotein particle between Tat protein and trans-acting response element in human immunodeficiency virus-infected cells

The trans-acting response element (TAR) within the long terminal repeat of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is present in all 5' termini of HIV mRNAs and is recognized by the viral Tat protein. Now we describe that the 59-nucleotide-long TAR-RNA exists as a ribonucleoprotein particle in polysomal and heterogeneous nuclear RNP fractions of HIV-1-infected HeLa-T4+ cells. Applying an immunoprecipitation technique this Tat.TAR complex could be isolated from total cell extracts as well as from polysomal or heterogeneous nuclear RNP fractions. The chain length and the identity of the TAR-RNA were established by RNase protection assays while the Tat protein was confirmed by Western blotting technique. The TAR-RNA in this complex was sequenced and found to comprise nucleotides +2 to +61 and hence includes the 3-nucleotide bulge (nucleotides +23 to +25) and the loop sequence of the TAR stem-and-loop structure. The Tat.TAR complex is present in cells at low abundance (12.5 x 10(3) copies/cell). In contrast to the TAR-containing mRNAs, which decay very rapidly after incubation of cells with actinomycin D (half-life of approximately 120 min) the half-life of TAR in the Tat.TAR complex is greater than 180 min. Alignment studies revealed that TAR-RNA (positive strand) has a potential binding ability to the U5 region within the long terminal repeat (DNA negative strand; nucleotides +107 to +147); a complementary binding with a continuous homology of 16 nucleotides was identified. It is proposed that the Tat.TAR complex functions as a small ribonucleoprotein particle during transcription initiation of HIV mRNA.

Evidence for a direct interaction of Rev protein with nuclear envelop mRNA-translocation system

The interaction of the Rev protein from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) with the nucleocytoplasmic mRNA-transport system was investigated. In gel-shift assay, the recombinant Rev protein used in this study selectively bound to the Rev-responsive element (RRE) region of HIV-1 env-specific RNA. Nitrocellulose-filter-binding studies and Northern/Western-blotting experiments revealed an association constant of approximately 1 x 10(10) M-1. The Rev protein also strongly bound to isolated nuclear envelopes from H9 cells, containing the poly(A)-binding site (= mRNA carrier) and the nucleoside triphosphatase (= NTPase), which are thought to be involved in nuclear export of poly(A)-rich mRNA. Binding of 125I-Rev to a 110-kDa nuclear-envelope protein, the putative mRNA carrier, could be demonstrated in in vitro experiments. Both efflux of cellular poly(A)-rich RNA, such as actin RNA [but not efflux of poly(A)-free RNA] from isolated nuclei and the nuclear-envelope NTPase activity were strongly inhibited by Rev protein. On the other hand, transport of viral env RNA, containing the Rev-responsive element, was increased in the presence of Rev. Studying the release of RNA from closed nuclear-envelope vesicles containing entrapped RNA, the action of Rev was found to occur at the level of translocation of RNA through the nuclear pore. Evidence is presented that Rev down-regulates the NTPase-driven transport of mRNA lacking the RRE, most likely via binding to the mRNA carrier within the envelope. In contrast to the efflux of RRE-free RNA, ATP-dependent efflux of RRE-containing RNA from resealed nuclear-envelope vesicles was found to be increased, if the RNA was entrapped in the vesicles together with Rev protein. In addition, it was found that phosphorylated Rev, which is transported together with RRE-containing RNA out of the vesicles, becomes dephosphorylated during transport. In the vesicle experiments it is demonstrated for the first time that a protein selectively channels a specific mRNA across the nuclear-envelope pore complex.

Human immunodeficiency virus: novel enzyme-linked immunoassays for quantitation of envelope glycoprotein 120

Two novel enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA) for the quantitation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) coded glycoprotein with an Mr 120 (gp120) are described. These are based on the highly specific interaction between gp120 and the mannose-specific lectins from Narcissus pseudonarcissus (NPL) and Galanthus nivalis (GNL). Two systems were developed: (1) an HIV-protein ELISA using HIV-protein (also containing HIV-gp120) for the solid phase and NPL as a detector and (2) a lectin-ELISA using the NPL bound to the solid phase and GNL as detector. The HIV-protein ELISA was validated for quantitation of gp120 within the range 3 to 600 ng/ml; the lectin-ELISA for concentrations between 0.6 and 20000 ng gp120/ml. Serum components did not interfere with the binding of gp120 to the lectins. The ELISAs were used for the quantitation of gp120 in HIV-infected CEM cells in vitro. It was found that gp120 appeared in the medium earlier after infection than HIV-p24 and reverse transcriptase, suggesting that gp120 is released as free glycoprotein. Moreover, the ELISAs were also applied successfully for the detection of compounds that bind to gp120 and for the identification of antibodies directed against the highly pathogenic mannan portion of gp120. These ELISAs are considered to be suitable also for the detection of gp120 in the serum of HIV-infected individuals.

Translocation of the nuclear autoantigen La to cell surface: assembly and disassembly with the extracellular matrix

La (SS-B) protein is known as one major antigenic target for autoantibodies from patients with certain autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome or Lupus Erythematosus. La protein belongs to the so called "extractable nuclear antigens". Here we report that La antigen is not restricted to the nucleus as one might deduce from the exclusive nuclear staining pattern of patient anti-La antibodies but after stimulation of serum-starved cells with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) appears and stays for at least 45 min at the outer surface of CV-1 cells being available for binding of anti-La antibodies. In addition we found that a minor part of La antigen associates with the extracellular fibronectin network. After addition of 10% FCS to serum starved cells this extracellular autoantigen disassembled from the extracellular matrix and was taken up again by the cells. Incubation of serum starved cells with mercuric chloride, a known potent inducer of autoantibodies, also resulted in a detachment of the extracellular matrix associated La protein. From our studies it becomes likely that La protein itself is the antigen during autoimmunization. Moreover, once developed, anti-La antibodies might be able to bind to cell surface expressed La protein resulting in a damage of these cells leading to the inflammational events known to occur during disease.

Susceptibility of primary human glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive brain cells to human immunodeficiency virus infection in vitro: anti-HIV activity of memantine

Primary human glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive (GFAP+) brain cells (enriched population) have successfully been infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in vitro, when cocultivated with HIV-1-producing H9 cells. Direct incubation of brain cells with HIV-1 resulted only in a limited infection. The percentage of HIV+ cells increased from 5% in passage 1 to 40% in passage 8. Simultaneously with the increase of infected cells, the reverse transcriptase activity in the culture medium increased and reached maximal values in passage 8. The infected cells also produced intact viral particles. In the early phase of cultivation the HIV-infected cells displayed a significantly higher proliferation rate than the uninfected controls. At passage number 8 the HIV-infected GFAP+ cells had almost totally lost the ability to grow, while the controls proliferated at a rate almost unimpaired from the beginning of the cultivation. Up to 10 to 15% of the HIV-infected GFAP+ cells contained at passage number 5 more than 3 nuclei. Memantine (1-amino-3,5-dimethyladamantane), a blocker of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor channels, was found to display a significant anti-HIV effect (at a concentration of 1 microgram/ml) on enriched cultures of GFAP+ cells in vitro.

Shuttling of the autoantigen La between nucleus and cell surface after uv irradiation of human keratinocytes

During the past years we have established that the nuclear autoantigen La shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm in tumor cells after inhibition of transcription or virus infection. We reinvestigated this shuttling using primary human keratinocytes from both healthy donors and patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. Ultraviolet irradiation resulted in both an inhibition of transcription and a translocation of La protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. After a prolonged inhibition of transcription La protein relocated into the nucleus and assembled with nuclear storage regions. The uv-induced shuttling included a translocation to the cell surface, where La protein colocalized with epidermal growth factor receptors.

Adhesive fimbriae produced in vivo by Escherichia coli O139:K12(B):H1 associated with enterotoxaemia in pigs

Two strains of E. coli O139:K12 (B):H1 were compared in vitro and in the intestinal environment. Both strains colonized the small intestines of experimentally inoculated pigs and exhibited in vivo a similar relationship to the microvillus border as enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Strain 107/86 grown on blood agar expressed numerous long flexible non-haemagglutinating fimbriae which were antigenically distinct from the known fimbriae of porcine ETEC. It adhered in vitro to porcine enterocyte brush border fragments. Strain 124/76 grown on blood agar was devoid of fimbriae and did not adhere to brush border fragments. However, fimbriae morphologically and antigenically indistinguishable from those of strain 107/86 were detected in the intestinal environment by direct immunofluorescence and by immuno electron microscopy.

Evidence for involvement of a nuclear envelope-associated RNA helicase activity in nucleocytoplasmic RNA transport

It seems well established that translocation of at least some mRNAs through the nuclear pore is (1) an energy-dependent process, and (2) dependent on the presence of the poly(A) segment attached to most mRNA species. We describe that RNA helicase (RNA duplex unwindase) activity is present in a nuclear envelope (NE) preparation, which also appears to be involved in nucleocytoplasmic RNA transport. This activity unwinds RNA: RNA hybrids. The helicase has a pH optimum of 7.5 and a temperature optimum of 30 degrees C. Applying the sealed NE vesicle system, it was shown that duplex RNA species are readily released from the vesicles in an unidirectional manner, in contrast to single-stranded RNA, which is much slower transported into the extravesicular space. Attachment of a poly(A) segment to the RNA duplex additionally increases the efflux rate of this RNA. Efflux of duplex RNA but not efflux of single-stranded RNA was strongly inhibited by formycin B 5'-triphosphate. Our results suggest that, besides poly(A), duplex structures, if present in a given RNA, modulate and control the export of RNA.

Endogenous retroviral elements in human DNA

Endogenous retroviruses and retroviral elements represent a substantial component of vertebrate genomes. They are inherited as stable Mendelian genes and may be activated spontaneously or by physical or chemical agents. In the human genome various retroviral elements have been detected by their relationship with mammalian endogenous and exogenous retroviruses. The structure of these elements resembles either full-length or truncated proviruses. The biological function of human retrovirus-related sequences is still unknown, but like other transposable elements, they may have contributed in shaping the eukaryotic genome. Furthermore, they exhibit a number of features giving them a potential for involvement in carcinogenesis. Expression of endogenous retroviral elements has been detected in various human tissues and cell lines and in some cases appears to be associated with human neoplasias.

Correlation of anti-cytoskeleton antibody activities in synovial fluid with interleukin-6 in patients with osteoarthritis and inflammatory joint disease

Synovial fluids and sera from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, yersinia arthritis, Behçet's syndrome, Crohn's disease, and osteoarthritis were tested for antinuclear antibodies and antibodies to five cytoskeletal components in sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems and for IL-6 concentrations in a proliferation assay (IL-6 dependent hybridoma cell line B13.29, subclone B9). Statistically significant correlations between antibody activities and IL-6 levels were found for vimentin antibodies (r = 0.56; p less than 0.05) and actin antibodies (r = 0.44; p less than 0.05). In patients with chronic and active disease like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, optical densities measured by vimentin- and actin-ELISA were significantly different from those measured in patients with osteoarthritis. To date only a few reports exist concerning the incidence of antibodies in synovial fluids. We have shown to our knowledge for the first time that IL-6 seems to induce synovial fluid antibody activities restricted to cytoskeletal components of synoviocytes (i.e., vimentin and actin). Synovial fluid antibody activities against vimentin and actin appear to be markers of activity in patients with inflammatory joint disease.

Predictive value of FRC and respiratory compliance on pulmonary gas exchange induced by high frequency jet ventilation in humans

To determine if functional residual capacity (FRC), compliance of the respiratory system (C), or underlying pulmonary disease are predictive for the efficacy of high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) on pulmonary gas exchange, we investigated six adult patients within 4 h of abdominal surgery and six patients with severe adult respiratory distress syndrome. Gas exchange during intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) was compared with that during HFJV at frequencies of 100 b.p.m. (HFJV100) and 200 b.p.m. (HFJV200), resulting in a minute ventilation of about 400 ml kg-1 with both ventilatory frequencies, and in both groups of patients. Baseline FRC and C were measured during IPPV with the multiple-breath nitrogen washout method and from expiratory pressure-volume curves, respectively. Changes in the alveolar-arterial oxygen difference (PAO2 - PaO2): FIO2 ratio induced by HFJV correlated negatively with C (HFJV100: r = -0.78, P less than 0.005; HFJV200: r = -0.84, P less than 0.005); that is, greater oxygenation was obtained in patients with a better compliance. Similarly, changes in arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) induced by HFJV correlated negatively with C (HFJV100: r = -0.77, P less than 0.001; HFJV200: r = -0.61, P less than 0.05). In contrast, there was no significant correlation between FRC measured during IPPV and changes in (PAO2 - PaO2): FIO2 ratio or PaCO2 induced by HFJV, as these changes were influenced more by the patient's pulmonary disease than by baseline FRC. These results should be interpreted in the context of different underlying pathophysiological mechanisms reducing FRC in both groups of patients.

Differential effect of insulin and epidermal growth factor on the mRNA translocation system and transport of specific poly(A+) mRNA and poly(A-) mRNA in isolated nuclei

The efficiency of efflux of rapidly labeled poly(A)-containing mRNA from isolated rat liver nuclei was found to be modulated by insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in a biphasic but opposite way. At physiological concentrations (10 pM insulin and 1 pM EGF), maximal stimulation of the transport rate by insulin (to 137%) and maximal inhibition by EGF (to 69%) were obtained; at higher concentrations (greater than 100 pM and greater than 10 pM, respectively), the amount of poly(A)-containing mRNA released into the postnuclear supernatant was nearly identical with the level found in untreated nuclei (= 100%). Using mRNA entrapped into closed nuclear envelope (NE) vesicles as a model system, it was found that the modulation of nuclear efflux of mRNA by the two growth factors occurs at the level of translocation through the nuclear pore. The NE nucleoside-triphosphatase (NTPase) activity, which is thought to mediate nucleocytoplasmic transport of at least some mRNAs, responded to insulin and EGF in the same manner as the mRNA transport rate. The increase in NTPase activity caused by insulin and the decrease in NTPase activity caused by EGF were found to be due to changes of the maximal catalytic rate; the Michaelis constant of the enzyme remained almost constant. Investigating the effect of the two growth factors on transport of specific mRNAs, poly(A)-containing actin mRNA was found to display the same alteration in efflux rate as rapidly labeled, total poly(A)-containing mRNA. In contrast, efflux of histone H4 mRNA, which lacks a 3'-poly(A) sequence, decreased in response to insulin and reached minimum levels at the same concentration at which maximum levels of actin mRNA transport rate were obtained. Studying the mechanism of action of insulin and EGF on NE mRNA translocation system, insulin was found to cause an enhancement of NE-associated phosphoprotein phosphatase activity, resulting in a dephosphorylation of the NE poly(A) binding site (= mRNA carrier) and, hence, in a decrease in its affinity to poly(A) [the poly(A) binding affinity of the poly(A)-recognizing mRNA carrier within the envelope is increased after phosphorylation]. EGF, on the other hand, stimulated the protein kinase, which phosphorylates the carrier, and, hence increased the NE poly(A) binding affinity. Because the stage of phosphorylation of the mRNA carrier (which is coupled with the NTPase within the intact NE structure) is inversely correlated with the activity of the NTPase, an enhancement of poly(A)-containing mRNA transport rate by insulin and an inhibition by EGF are observed.

Characterization of the autoantigen La as a nucleic acid-dependent ATPase/dATPase with melting properties

The autoantigen La, a known transcription termination factor of RNA polymerase III, was purified to homogeneity from mouse 3T3 cells and calf thymus by different isolation procedures. The La protein from calf thymus was separated into RNA binding and nonbinding subclasses. The murine La protein and the RNA binding subclass of calf thymus La protein showed ATPase/dATPase activity in the presence of DNA-RNA or RNA-RNA hybrids. A novel monoclonal anti-La antibody (La11G7) and patients' anti-La antibodies immunoadsorbed to homogeneously purified La protein were able to inhibit the enzyme activity of La protein. La protein was able to melt a synthetic DNA-RNA hybrid in a reaction that required ATP hydrolysis. The RNA binding ability of the nonbinding subclass was restored by treatment with sialidase. This treatment also restored the protein's ATP-dependent melting activity.

Poly(A) metabolism and aging: a current view

Polyadenylation of mRNA is a key step in post-transcriptional control of gene expression. Therefore, age-dependent changes in poly(A) synthesis have to play a crucial role in the course of cellular aging. In this review, the importance of the signal sequence, poly(A), in determining mRNA stability and intracellular distribution of mRNA during aging is discussed.

Identification of La ribonucleoproteins as a component of interchromatin granules

Monoclonal antibodies raised against the La antigen were used to localize by preembedding immunoelectron microscopy, snRNPs containing this protein. The results demonstrate that La RNPs are localized in clusters of interchromatin granules, both in Triton X-100-extracted and DNase-digested nuclei. DNase-digested salt-extracted nuclei contained, in addition, labeled structures identified as perichromatin granules and fibers. A close association of labeled granules with the nucleoli was also observed. Digestion of nuclei with DNase yielded residual scaffolds of intermediate filaments and nuclear lamina devoid of interchromatin granules and La immunostaining. Release of the La antigen was tested in the presence of ATP and cytochalasin B. Only cytochalasin was effective suggesting a role for nuclear actin in anchorage of snRNPs.

Change of processing and nucleocytoplasmic transport of mRNA in HSV-1-infected cells

A monoclonal antibody (MAb) raised against the pore-complex lamina fraction from CV-1 cells was used to study alterations of gene expression in herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-infected cells. This MAb, which recognized only one cellular polypeptide of 60,000 Da, selectively stained the nucleus in immunofluorescence microscopy, showing a punctuated pattern either at the nuclear surface or at the nuclear rim. By immunoelectron microscopy, the p60 antigen could be localized in the nuclear pore complex structure. Infection of CV-1 cells with HSV-1 resulted in a drastic change of the nuclear staining pattern. Four hours p.i., a clustering of the p60 antigen and, 12 h p.i., a formation of finger-like holes, penetrating the nucleus, occurred. Later in infection (22 h p.i.) the antigen was found to be almost absent. By RNA blot hybridization it was demonstrated that, after HSV-1 infection, the level of cellular mRNA (beta-tubulin) gradually decreased, while the level of HSV major DNA binding protein (DBP) mRNA increased, reaching maximal level 3-6 h p.i. Interestingly, the level of beta-tubulin gene transcripts changed differentially in the polysomal and in the nuclear fraction during the initial phase of infection, in contrast to the viral DBP transcripts, indicating that, after HSV infection, host cell transcripts accumulate in the nucleus. Evidence is presented indicating that this change is not due to altered nucleocytoplasmic mRNA transport but is due to an impaired splicing of host cell transcripts in HSV-infected cells. The MAb, directed against the nuclear pore p60 antigen, strongly inhibited the ATP-dependent efflux of both cellular and viral mRNA from isolated nuclei. The ATP-dependence of the efflux did not change during viral infection. However, the inhibitory potency of the MAb was found to be lost at the final stage of HSV infection, paralleling the loss of p60 antigen.

Energy requirement and kinetics of transport of poly(A)-free histone mRNA compared to poly(A)-rich mRNA from isolated L-cell nuclei

ATP-promoted efflux of poly(A)-rich RNA from isolated nuclei of prelabeled mouse lymphoma L5178y cells has an activation energy of 51.5 kJ/mol, similar to that found for the nuclear envelope nucleoside triphosphatase (48.1 kJ/mol) assumed to be involved in mediating nucleocytoplasmic transport of at least some RNA. Here we show that efflux of two specific poly(A)-rich mRNAs (actin and beta-tubulin) from isolated L-cell nuclei is almost totally dependent on the presence of ATP, while efflux of poly(A)-free histone mRNA (H4, H2B, and H1) also occurs to a marked extent in the absence of this nucleotide. Measurements of temperature dependence of transport rate revealed an activation energy of 56.1 kJ/mol for actin mRNA, while the activation energy for histone-H4-mRNA efflux was in the same range as that found for ATP-induced release of RNA from demembranated nuclei (about 15-20 kJ/mol). Addition of nonhydrolyzable nucleotide analogs of ATP to the in vitro system used for measurement of RNA transport did not result in release of nonhistone mRNA (actin), but enhanced the efflux of H4 mRNA to approximately the same extent as ATP. Although not absolutely required, addition of ATP stimulated the rate of export of histone mRNA about twofold. Only the poly(A)-rich RNA, but not the poly(A)-free RNA, released from isolated nuclei was found to compete with poly(A) for the nuclear envelope mRNA-binding site, indicating the mechanism of transport for both RNA classes to be distinct. Export of both nonhistone and histone mRNA was found to be inhibited by a monoclonal antibody against a p60 nuclear-pore-complex antigen. This antibody had no effect on the nucleoside triphosphatase, mediating transport of poly(A)-rich mRNA.

Intracellular distribution of the La antigen in CV-1 cells after herpes simplex virus type 1 infection compared with the localization of U small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles

The La antigen is known to associate, at least transiently, with a series of small nuclear and cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs and scRNPs), e.g. U1 and U6 snRNPs. In CV-1 cells a monoclonal antibody (MAb), directed against the La protein (La1B5), immunostained intranuclear speckles. These speckles were found to co-localize with speckles that were stained by MAbs directed against either all U snRNPs or only against U1 snRNPs. Two h after infection of CV-1 cells with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (strain HFEM) the staining of nuclear speckles with the anti-La MAb disappeared and the La protein was found quantitatively in the cytoplasm. In contrast nuclear speckles remained stained with the MAbs against the U snRNPs. Similar results were obtained using HSV-1 strains Lenette or 17 syn+ or temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants defective either in DNA synthesis (tsS) or in the immediate early protein (Mr 175 K) (tsK). Later in infection the La protein returned to the nucleus. Six h after infection most of the nuclear La protein was found to localize within patchy regions. These areas seem to be related to heterogeneous nuclear RNA transcription and/or processing sites, but not to DNA replication sites.

[Neonatal lupus erythematosus]

The neonatal lupus erythematosus syndrome, first described by McCuistion and Schoch in 1954, is associated with characteristic skin lesions and congenital heart block in the new-born, and the presence of Ro-(SSA), La-(SSB), or RNP antibodies in mothers and infants. A transplacental transference of maternal autoantibodies is discussed as possible pathophysiologic mechanism in neonatal lupus. The symptoms, the onset, and recently published pathogenetic concepts are reviewed.

The La antigen shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm in CV-1 cells

Recently we established a monoclonal antibody against the La-protein (Bachmann et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 83, 7770, 1986). The antibody gives a nuclear speckled type staining and, in addition, a perinuclear cytoplasmic staining on cultured cells in immunofluorescence microscopy. After inhibition of RNA synthesis the La-protein is transported into the cytoplasm. After prolonged inhibition it returns into the nucleus forming large growing speckles. The transport into the nucleus apparently depends on glycosylation.

Protein kinase C phosphorylates the sponge aggregation receptor after its binding to the homologous aggregation factor

The aggregation factor from the sponge Geodia cydonium functions also as a growth factor after binding to the aggregation receptor (= growth factor receptor) on the plasma membrane of homologous cells. We have recently shown that protein kinase C is involved in the pathway transducing the growth factor signal. Here we report that the aggregation receptor (a polypeptide with an Mr of 43,500) is phosphorylated by protein kinase C. Using a plasma membrane fraction only this phosphoprotein (pp) 43.5 became phosphorylated by kinase C. The phosphorylation of pp43.5 in intact cells in response to the binding of the aggregation factor to this polypeptide was a late event and occurred 10 to 15 h after addition of the aggregation factor. Based on studies with phorbol esters it appears to be very likely that protein kinase C also phosphorylates pp43.5 in vitro. The degree of phosphorylation of pp43.5 paralleled with both the extent of DNA synthesis and ras oncogene expression. The latter process resulted in a switch of the responsiveness of the cells to growth factors signals: 10 to 15 h after addition of the aggregation factor to dissociated cells, this factor lost its growth factor function while the homologous lectin gained the ability to stimulate cell proliferation (to be published). These results support the idea that phosphorylation of pp43.5 (= aggregation receptor) results in an inhibition of its function, i.e., the transduction of the growth factor (= aggregation factor) signal.

A monoclonal Ro-antibody and the serum of a Ro-positive patient with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) react with basal layers of human epidermis

Skin lesions, especially at areas exposed to sunlight, prove to be a major form of manifestation of diseases related to Ro-antibodies and neonatal-, 'ANA-negative-', and cutaneous types of lupus erythematosus. A monoclonal Ro-antibody established by our group reacts with a 60 kD polypeptide in extracts from human spleen, whereas in extracts from human epidermis the monoclonal Ro-antibody and a purified Ro-antibody from a monospecific serum of a patient with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus reacted with a 60 kD and a 48 kD protein. Performing immunofluorescence microscopy on HEp2-cells both antibodies showed a nuclear speckled staining pattern and a reaction with cytokeratin filaments. On skin biopsies obtained from the patient, predominantly the basal layers of the proliferative stratum germinativum demonstrated a high rate of immunofluorescence; antigen-expression seems to depend on sunlight exposure. From these data we assume that, especially in subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, cross-reaction of the Ro-antibody with one of the lower molecular keratins happens in that area of human epidermis which histologically shows cellular destruction.

Studies on protein kinases involved in regulation of nucleocytoplasmic mRNA transport

The rate of energy-dependent nucleoside triphosphatase (NTPase)-mediated nucleocytoplasmic translocation of poly(A)-containing mRNA [poly(A)+mRNA] across the nuclear envelope is thought to be regulated by poly(A)-sensitive phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of nuclear-envelope protein. Studying the phosphorylation-related inhibition of the NTPase, we found that phosphorylation of one polypeptide of rat liver envelopes by endogenous NI- and NII-like protein kinase was particularly sensitive to poly(A). This polypeptide (106 kDa) was also phosphorylated by nuclear-envelope-bound Ca2+-activated and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C). Activation of kinase C by tumour-promoting phorbol esters resulted in inhibition of nuclear-envelope NTPase activity and in a concomitant decrease of mRNA (actin) efflux rate from isolated rat liver nuclei. Protein kinase C, but not nuclear envelope NI-like or NII-like protein kinase, was found to be solubilized from the envelope by Triton X-100, whereas the presumable poly(A)-binding site [the 106 kDa polypeptide, representing the putative carrier for poly(A)+mRNA transport] remained bound to this structure. RNA efflux from detergent-treated nuclei lost its susceptibility to phorbol esters. Addition of purified protein kinase C to these nuclei restored the effect of the tumour promoters. Protein kinase C was found to bind also to isolated rat liver nuclear matrices in the absence but not in the presence of ATP. The NII-like nuclear-envelope protein kinase co-purified together with the 106 kDa polypeptide which specifically binds to poly(A) in an ATP-labile linkage.

Induction of gamma-interferon by avarol in human peripheral blood lymphocytes

Avarol is a cytostatic and anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) agent. In this study, the avarol caused induction of gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) in buffy coat cells (human peripheral blood lymphocytes) is demonstrated by immunological and molecular biological techniques. IFN-gamma production was detected after a 24-hr incubation period with avarol; maximal production was obtained after 5 days in the presence of the optimal avarol concentration of 0.75 microgram/ml. Blotting experiments using human IFN-gamma cDNA and beta-actin cDNA containing plasmids showed that in the absence of avarol no IFN-gamma transcripts were present in lymphocytes. Already after a 24-hr incubation with avarol, IFN-gamma gene induction was detected, and maximal induction was found after a 5-day incubation period. The enhanced IFN-gamma production seems to be caused by a change at the transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional level, but not during subsequent nucleocytoplasmic transport of mRNA. This molecular event is specific, at least in relation to the expression of the beta-actin gene. Our studies demonstrate that avarol displays, besides its potential anti-tumor and anti-HIV activity, a potential immunomodulating effect.

[The Ro/SS-A antigen-antibody system]

First described in 1969 by Clark et al., the Ro/SS-A antibody system has proved most important in the evaluation of lupus patients possessing prominent photosensitive cutaneous lesions. Ro antibodies are also seen in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, neonatal lupus erythematosus, congenital heart block and ANA-negative LE. The most recent data of biochemical characterization have led to the supposition that these antibodies may exert a direct pathogenic effect. In this review the current knowledge concerning the Ro-antigen-antibody system is summarized.

Superoxide radical-induced loss of nuclear restriction of immature mRNA: a possible cause for ageing

In eucaryotic cells, immature mRNA is normally restricted to the nucleus, where it is posttranscriptionally processed to mature mRNA. The intranuclear binding site for both the immature and mature mRNA is thought to be the nuclear matrix which serves as a platform for posttranscriptional RNA maturation and transport. The selectivity of nucleocytoplasmic transport for mature mRNA species seems to be due to the selectivity of the ATP-caused release of mature mRNA from the nuclear matrix; the attachment of immature mRNA to the matrix is not altered in the presence of this nucleotide. Here we show that in the presence of superoxide radical anions (O2-), which are very likely one of the causative factors in ageing, the selection mechanism for mature mRNA at the level of nuclear matrix attachment is disturbed. In the presence of a superoxide radical-generating system (xanthine/xanthine oxidase), both the mature ovalbumin mRNA and the immature ovalbumin mRNA precursors were found to be released from the nuclear matrix of hen oviduct cells, in the absence as well as in the presence of ATP. This result was also obtained when whole, isolated nuclei preincubated with xanthine/xanthine oxidase were used. The superoxide radical-caused effect could be partially prevented by co-addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) which dismutates O2- to H2O2 and O2. On the other hand, in the presence of antibodies against the SOD, the effect of superoxide anions on RNA-matrix attachment was enhanced and its inhibition by SOD was abolished. Our results suggest that cellular ageing may be partially caused by superoxide radical-induced release of immature mRNA from its intranuclear binding site resulting in the appearance of immature messengers in the cytoplasm. This may cause both qualitative and quantitative changes in protein synthesis. Thus, ageing may be associated not only with the expression of genes coding for proteins not characteristic for the proper state of differentiation of a given cell (as suggested by the dysdifferentiative hypothesis of ageing) but also with impaired maturation of the primary gene transcripts due to the interference of superoxide radicals, not sufficiently eliminated by antioxidant mechanisms with age, with RNA-matrix attachment.

Cytochalasin B selectively releases ovalbumin mRNA precursors but not the mature ovalbumin mRNA from hen oviduct nuclear matrix

Hen oviduct nuclear matrix-bound mature ovalbumin mRNA is released from the matrix in the presence of ATP, while the ovalbumin mRNA precursors remain bound to this structure. Detachment of the mature mRNA from the matrix by ATP as well as ATP-dependent efflux of mRNA from isolated nuclei were found to be inhibited by cytochalasin B. On the other hand, in the absence of ATP, cytochalasin B exclusively caused the release (and nucleocytoplasmic efflux) of the ovalbumin messenger precursors, but not of the mature mRNA. After cytochalasin B treatment, actin could be detected in the matrix supernatant. Phalloidin which stabilizes actin filaments did not cause RNA liberation in the absence of ATP, but inhibited the ATP-induced detachment of mature mRNA. RNA release was also achieved with a monoclonal antibody against actin but not with monoclonal antibodies against tubulin and intermediate filaments. These results suggest that actin-containing filaments are involved in the restriction of immature messengers to the cell nucleus.

Deoxyspergualin, a potent antitumor agent: further studies on the cytobiological mode of action

Under otherwise identical conditions, deoxyspergualin preferentially inhibits the growth of the T-cell leukemia line L5178y; an effective dose for a 50% inhibition (ED50) of 0.0007 microM was determined. A much weaker cytostatic activity was found for murine lymphocytes (ED50: approximately 25 microM) and for CV-1 monkey kidney cells (ED50: 16.3 microM). Deoxyspergualin causes biphasic and differential effects on DNA metabolism of murine T and B lymphocytes. At lower concentrations (0.3 approximately 5 microM) the [3H]TdR incorporation into nonactivated or lipopolysaccharide-activated lymphocytes is significantly stimulated by the compounds; this effect was not observed with lymphocyte cultures stimulated with concanavalin A. This change of TdR incorporation rates was found to parallel with the variations of DNA polymerase alpha activity. Deoxyspergualin causes an additive effect together with bleomycin and a significant synergistic cytostatic effect in combination with avarol and avarone. Moreover, it is reported that deoxyspergualin causes neither a selective inhibitory effect on DNA-, RNA- or protein synthesis nor an alteration of the intracellular distribution pattern of the Ro and La antigens. However, detailed enzymic studies revealed that deoxyspergualin reduces DNA polymerase alpha but not beta activity in lymphocytes at the ED50 concentration of this compound. These results support previous documentations that deoxyspergualin is of potential clinical usefulness (a) in treatment of certain tumors and (b) in organ transplantation.

Investigations on DNA binding in rat liver and in Salmonella and on mutagenicity in the Ames test by emodin, a natural anthraquinone

Emodin (1,6,8-trihydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone), an important aglycone found in natural anthraquinone glycosides frequently used in laxative drugs, was mutagenic in the Salmonella/mammalian microsome assay (Ames test) with a specificity for strain TA1537. The mutagenic activity was activation-dependent with an optimal amount of S9 from Aroclor 1254-treated male Sprague-Dawley rats of 20% in the S9 mix (v/v) for 10 micrograms emodin per plate. Heat inactivation of the S9 for 30 min at 60 degrees C prevented mutagenicity. The addition of the cytochrome P-448 inhibitor 7,8-benzoflavone (18.5 nmoles per plate) reduced the mutagenic activity of 5.0 micrograms emodin per plate to about one third, whereas the P-450 inhibitor metyrapone (up to 1850 nmoles per plate) was without effect. To test whether a metabolite binds covalently to Salmonella DNA, [10-(14)C]emodin was radiosynthesized, large batches of bacteria were incubated with [10-(14)C]emodin and DNA was isolated. [G-3H]Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was used as a positive control mutagen known to act via DNA binding. DNA obtained after aflatoxin treatment could be purified to constant specific activity. With emodin, the specific activity of DNA did not remain constant after repeated precipitations so that it is unlikely that the mutagenicity of emodin is due to covalent interaction of a metabolite with DNA. The antioxidants vitamin C and E or glutathione did not reduce the mutagenicity. Emodin was also negative with strain TA102. Thus, oxygen radicals are probably not involved. When emodin was incubated with S9 alone for up to 50 h before heat-inactivation of the enzymes and addition of bacteria, the mutagenic activity did not decrease. It is concluded that the mutagenicity of emodin is due to a chemically stable, oxidized metabolite forming physico-chemical associations with DNA, possibly of the intercalative type. In order to check whether an intact mammalian organism might be able to activate emodin to a DNA-binding metabolite, radiolabelled emodin was administered by oral gavage to male SD rats and liver DNA was isolated after 72 h. Very little radioactivity was associated with the DNA. Considering that DNA radioactivity could also be due to sources other than covalent interactions, an upper limit for the covalent binding index, CBI = (mumoles chemical bound per moles DNA nucleotides)/(mmoles chemical administered per kg body weight) of 0.5 is deduced. This is 10(4) times below the CBI of AFB1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Mature mRNA is selectively released from the nuclear matrix by an ATP/dATP-dependent mechanism sensitive to topoisomerase inhibitors

Ovalbumin mRNA precursors were found to be almost quantitatively associated with the hen oviduct nuclear matrix. On the other hand, only one-third of the mature ovalbumin mRNA of whole nuclei was recovered in the nuclear matrix fraction. The binding of both the high molecular weight mRNA precursors and the mature-sized mRNA to the matrix displayed no difference in stability against salt, urea, or detergents. The mature mRNA, however, was found to be released selectively from the matrix by ATP. In contrast, the mRNA precursors remained completely bound to the nuclear substructure in the presence of ATP. Detachment of mRNA from the matrix also occurred in the presence of ADP, AMP plus pyrophosphate, or ATP analogs that contain nonhydrolyzable alpha, beta and beta, gamma bonds. Contrasting with the ATP-induced effect, addition of poly(A), ethidium bromide, or the copper chelator 1,10-phenanthroline to oviduct cell matrices caused an unspecific liberation of both mature and immature ovalbumin messengers. The release of the mature mRNA by ATP was found to be strongly inhibited by both nonintercalative and intercalative inhibitors of type II topoisomerase. These results suggest that the selection of the mature mRNAs for nucleocytoplasmic transport occurs at the release stage from the matrix (i.e. before translocation through the nuclear pore) and that reactions hitherto known to cause changes in the DNA secondary structure are associated with the detachment of mRNA from the nuclear substructure.

Permeability measurements with closed vesicles from rat liver nuclear envelopes

Closed nuclear envelope ghosts in the physiological orientation were prepared from rat liver and nuclei as previously described. Here we report transport measurements of various proteins and ribonucleic acids across the envelope of these vesicles. Histones were accumulated rapidly in the ghosts, in contrast to other, nonnuclear, proteins. Triton X-100 removal of the external nuclear membrane from loaded vesicles, as well as comparative studies with open vesicles, excluded the effects of external adsorption. The exchange rate of histones across the nuclear envelope is strongly depressed in the presence of GTP and GDP. The vesicles contain the translocation mechanism for poly(A)-containing RNA. The translocation of poly(A), messenger RNA, and ribosomal RNA was investigated after entrapment of these nucleic acids during the preparation of vesicles. Our data show that the complete export of only poly(A)-containing RNA from the vesicles is enhanced in the presence of 2 mM ATP. This RNA, as well as poly(A), is transported unidirectionally.

Identification of the Ro and La antigens in the endoribonuclease VII--ribonucleoprotein complex

45 S RNP (ribonucleoprotein) particles from calf thymus or L5178y mouse lymphoma cells contain the poly(A)-modulated and oligo(U)-binding endoribonuclease VII [Bachmann, Zahn & Müller (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 7033-7040]. From these particles a 4.5 S RNA was isolated that possesses an oligo(U) sequence. By using monospecific and non-cross-reacting antibodies directed against the La or Ro antigen, both proteins were identified in the endoribonuclease VII-RNP complex after phosphorylation in vitro. In a second approach, endoribonuclease VII activity was identified in immunoaffinity-purified Ro RNPs after preparative isoelectric focusing. Therefore we conclude that the 4.5 S RNA belongs to the Ro RNAs. The results indicate a possible function of endoribonuclease VII in activating stored mRNAs.

Age-correlated changes in the lupus erythematosus antigens Ro, La, Sm and RNP of the thymus gland

The concentrations of the Sm, RNP, La and Ro antigens of thymus glands from rats were determined depending on the developmental stage of the animals. It was found that lupus antigens strongly decrease after birth. Parallel with this change, the activities of the enzymes DNA polymerase alpha and terminal nucleotidyl transferase in the thymus glands drop during maturation and ageing. These biochemical analyses were supported by immunofluorescence studies using human thymus glands. Moreover, it is documented that a redistribution of Sm and Ro occurs during development. Focusing on Sm, fetal thymus glands contain this antigen predominantly in the cytoplasm, while in immature, mature or old animals Sm is found almost exclusively in the nucleus. From these data we conclude that the amounts of the lupus antigens are additional parameters for the age-correlated function of thymocytes.

Satisfactory primary tetanus antitoxin responses but markedly reduced germinal centre formation in first draining lymph nodes of ageing mice

The present report deals with primary antibody responses to tetanus toxoid in 50-54-week-old ('ageing') as compared to 8-9-week-old ('young adult') mice. Antitoxin in the serum appeared 6 days earlier in the older than in the young animals, but in the latter reached 5 times higher titres on day 20. The magnitude of the proliferative response in the paracortex and the medulla of popliteal lymph nodes, as estimated by combined 3H-thymidine autoradiography and planimetry, was 3-7 times greater in the younger than in the older age group, thus approximately reflecting the difference in antibody titres on day 20. In contrast, germinal centre formation in response to the stimulus proved to be about 14 times less in ageing than in young adult mice. The findings demonstrate that, in the model system used, the age-related slopes of decline in humoral antibody responsiveness and proliferative reactivity in paracortex and medulla of first regional lymph nodes tend to be in parallel, while the ability of the immune apparatus to form germinal centres at this site deteriorates at a considerably faster pace. Results are also in line with the notion that centroblasts/centrocytes contribute little, if anything, to the ongoing antibody production elicited by the same stimulus which had triggered germinal centre formation. Finally, the observations made disprove the general validity of the suggestion that immune reactivity is maintained on the same level throughout life if tested with a novel antigen.

Occurrence of novel small RNAs with concomitant inhibition of host cellular U small nuclear RNA synthesis in Vero cells infected with herpes simplex virus type 1

In eukaryotic cells, small nuclear and small cytoplasmic RNAs (sn- or scRNAs) are associated with distinct proteins, forming ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs or scRNPs). In the present study we analysed the protein composition as well as the small RNA pattern in non-infected and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV)-infected Vero cells. We found that concomitantly with the shut-off of host cell mRNA synthesis, synthesis of U-snRNAs was stopped. Due to their stability, however, U-snRNAs were still present in cells 36 h after HSV infection. Besides these RNAs, two novel small RNAs which we termed HVR1 and HVR2 were detected in infected cells. On the basis of their relative mobilities in urea gels, the apparent chain lengths of these newly synthesized RNAs were determined to be 255 and 154 nucleotides respectively. The small RNA-binding proteins Sm, RNP, Ro and La were found to increase up to 15-fold after HSV infection. The data presented suggest that new, virus-coded small RNPs are synthesized which might play a role in the maturation and regulation of HSV-coded RNA transcripts.

Differential changes of nuclear-envelope-associated enzyme activities involved in nucleocytoplasmic mRNA transport in the developing rat brain and liver

Nucleocytoplasmic transport of rat liver mRNA is thought to be regulated by a nucleoside triphosphatase whose activity in the intact nuclear envelope is stimulated by the 3'poly(A) tail of poly(A)+ mRNA. In contrast to the liver mRNA, the mRNA from rat brain contains a great population of poly(A)- mRNA's that does not appear until after birth. Measurements of the nuclear-envelope-associated enzyme activities involved in mRNA transport, and their dependence on endogenous (isolated cytoplasmic mRNA-transport-stimulating proteins) and exogenous (poly(A), lectins, and neoglycoproteins) factors during prenatal and postnatal rat brain and liver development, revealed marked organ-dependent differences paralleling the appearance of the poly(A)- mRNA unique in the brain.

Association of La and Ro antigens with intracellular structures in HEp-2 carcinoma cells

Monoclonal antibodies were raised against homogeneous Ro and La antigens, two proteins associated with Ro and La ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). The specificity of the monoclonal antibodies was proven by immunoblot analysis and by immunoprecipitation. The anti-Ro antibody reacted with a Mr 95,000 protein in a mouse lymphoma cell extract and with a Mr 60,000 polypeptide in extracts from human spleen. The anti-La antibody recognized a Mr 50,000 polypeptide in the mouse L5178y cell extract. The two monoclonal antibodies precipitated RNPs that contained the typical RNA species of Ro or La RNPs. The localization of Ro and La antigen was performed by direct immunofluorescence microscopy. It was found that the anti-Ro antibody reacted with a fibrous network that behaves like cytokeratin, one of the intermediate filament systems. The anti-La antibody reacted with nuclear structures that gave a speckled-type pattern.

Proteins from rat liver cytosol which stimulate mRNA transport. Purification and interactions with the nuclear envelope mRNA translocation system

Two polysome-associated proteins with particular affinities for poly(A) have been purified from rat liver. These proteins stimulate the efflux of mRNA from isolated nuclei in conditions under which such efflux closely stimulates mRNA transport in vivo, and they are therefore considered as mRNA-transport-stimulatory proteins. Their interaction with the mRNA-translocation system in isolated nuclear envelopes has been studied. The results are generally consistent with the most recently proposed kinetic model of mRNA translocation. One protein, P58, has not been described previously. It inhibits the protein kinase that down-regulates the NTPase, it enhances the NTPase activity in both the presence and the absence of poly(A) and it seems to increase poly(A) binding in unphosphorylated, but not in phosphorylated, envelopes. The other protein, P31, which probably corresponds to the 35,000-Mr factor described by Webb and his colleagues, enhances the binding of poly(A) to the mRNA-binding site in the envelope, thus stimulating the phosphoprotein phosphatase and, in consequence, the NTPase. The possible physiological significance of these two proteins is discussed.

Purification and characterization of the Ro and La antigens. Modulation of their binding affinities to poly(U) by phosphorylation and the presence of ATP

Both the La and the Ro antigen (the latter for the first time) were purified to apparent homogeneity. Ro was found to be a 94 (90)-kDa and La a 50-kDa polypeptide. Both antigens bind to RNA with a high preference for poly(U). The binding hierarchy is U much greater than G greater than A greater than C for La and U much greater than C greater than G greater than A for Ro. Only 15% of the total amount of La or 21% of that of Ro, present in the L5178y cell extract, is able to bind to poly(U), indicating the existence of RNA binding and nonbinding subclasses of La and Ro. The purified antigens were used for the isolation of monospecific antibodies. These antibodies were specific for their respective antigen and did not cross-react. Both the Ro and the La antigen are phosphorylated in vitro by the cytoplasmic protein kinase CII, whereas the nuclear protein kinases NI and NII are unable to phosphorylate the antigens. After phosphorylation or in the presence of ATP the binding affinity of both antigens to poly(U) strongly decreases. The phosphorylation reaction together with the immunoprecipitation by the monospecific antibodies represents a highly sensitive and specific assay which was used during purification and characterization of the Ro and La antigen.

Identification and further characterization of the specific cell binding fragment from sponge aggregation factor

Monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) were raised against the aggregation factor (AF) from the marine sponge Geodia cydonium. Two clones were identified that secrete McAbs against the cell binding protein of the AF complex. Fab fragments of McAbs: 5D2-D11 completely abolished the activity of the AF to form secondary aggregates from single cells. The McAbs were determined to react with the AF in vitro; this interaction was prevented by addition of the aggregation receptor, isolated and purified from the same species. After dissociation of the AF by sodium dodecyl sulfate and 2-mercaptoethanol, followed by electrophoretical fractionation, a 47-kD protein was identified by immunoblotting which interacted with the McAbs: 5D2-D11. During this dissociation procedure, the sunburst structure of the AF was destroyed. In a second approach, the 47-kD protein was isolated by immunoprecipitation; 12 molecules of this protein species were calculated to be associated with the intact AF particle. The 47-kD AF fragment bound to dissociated Geodia cells with a high affinity (Ka of 7 X 10(8) M-1) even in the absence of Ca++ ions; the number of binding sites was approximately 4 X 10(6)/cell. This interaction was prevented by addition of the aggregation receptor to the 47-kD protein in the homologous cell system. Moreover, it was established that this binding occurs species-specifically. The 47-kD fragment of the AF was localized only extracellularly by indirect immunofluorescence staining in cryostat slices. These data suggest that the 47-kD protein is the cell binding molecule of the AF from Geodia.