The protein kinase encoded by the Akt proto-oncogene is a target of the PDGF-activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

The serine/threonine protein kinase encoded by the Akt proto-oncogene is catalytically inactive in serum-starved primary and immortalized fibroblasts. Here we show that Akt and the Akt-related kinase AKT2 are activated by PDGF. The activation was rapid and specific, and it was abrogated by mutations in the Akt Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. The Akt activation was also shown to depend on PDGFR beta tyrosines Y740 and Y751, which bind phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) upon phosphorylation. Moreover, Akt activation was blocked by the PI 3-kinase-specific inhibitor wortmannin and the dominant inhibitory N17Ras. Conversely, Akt activity was induced following the addition of phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate to Akt immunoprecipitates from serum-starved cells in vitro. These results identify Akt as a novel target of PI 3-kinase and suggest that the Akt PH domain may be a mediator of PI 3-kinase signaling.

CD8-dependent CTL require co-engagement of CD8 and the TCR for phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis, but CD8-independent CTL do not and can kill in the absence of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis

Most instances of MHC class I recognition and target cell killing by CD8+ CTL require the involvement of CD8. The role of CD8 in these events may be both for adhesion of the CTL with the APC, as well as for signal transduction through the TCR. The precise mechanism by which CD8 mediates signal transduction remains enigmatic. Similarly, it is unclear whether only the CD8 molecules which bind to the same class I molecule as the TCR contribute to signaling in the T cell responding to antigen. We have investigated the requirement for co-engagement of CD8 and the TCR in the induction of the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) during the interaction of CTL and APC transfected with either wild-type or mutant (CD8 non-binding) class I molecules. Our results show that for conventional CD8-dependent killing co-engagement of both CD8 and the TCR is required to initiate PIP2 hydrolysis. This requirement for co-engagement, however, can be overcome by a high density of ligand, such as that provided by high concentrations of exogenous peptide. In such situations, the binding of CD8 to non-antigenic class I molecules can elicit PIP2 hydrolysis. Therefore, during interactions between CTL and APC, which generally occur at low concentrations of antigenic peptide, triggering of PIP2 hydrolysis requires TCR and CD8 co-engagement, and the binding of CD8 to non-antigenic class I molecules does not contribute significantly to signaling within the T cell.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Phosphoinositide synthesis in desensitized rat pancreatic acinar cells

To help understand the possible role of phosphoinositide turnover in the desensitization process, the availability of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate was investigated in normal and desensitized pancreatic acinar cells treated with carbamylcholine (Cch), caerulein (Cae), and the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). In control acini, incorporation of [myo-3H]inositol into total phosphoinositides was maximal at 120 min, was Cch and Cae dose dependent, and was insensitive to TPA. Cch stimulation increased the proportion of [myo-3H]inositol incorporated into phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2], whereas Cae specifically channeled [myo-3H]inositol incorporation into phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate. In the desensitized cells, preexposure to Cch and Cae, but not to TPA, increased the subsequent basal rate of [myo-3H]inositol incorporation into total phosphoinositol (PI) by 66 and 50% above control values. There were no subsequent responses to increasing concentrations of Cch, Cae, and TPA during a second incubation. Desensitization of the pancreatic secretory responses to Cch, Cae, and TPA does not seem to result from a decrease either in total PI or in specific PtdIns(4,5)P2 synthesis, which is needed for inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol production.

Relationship of growth stimulated by lithium, estradiol, and EGF to phospholipase C activity in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Lithium-stimulated MCF-7 cell proliferation was compared to proliferation stimulated by other mitogens for this cell line-estradiol (E2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-and lithium was found to be effective within a narrow concentration range. Mitogenic effects of lithium on proliferation stimulated by E2 and EGF were additive below maximum, but were not synergistic. The phosphoinositide pathway is a cell signaling system involved in cell proliferation, within which phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2] leads to the production of the second messengers inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] and diacylglycerol (DAG), as well as to calcium mobilization. At mitogen concentrations which maximally stimulated cell growth, estradiol stimulated both growth and PLC activity, while EGF and lithium stimulated cell growth but had little effect on the activity of the enzyme. Dose-responses with EGF revealed that a low concentration (0.1 ng/ml, 0.017 nM) of EGF appeared to stimulate both PLC activity and cell growth, but that higher concentrations of EGF which stimulated greater proliferation inhibited PLC activity. Steady-state levels of inositol phosphates including inositol trisphosphate were increased by all three mitogens. In growth assays, the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), which mimics the actions of DAG, stimulated some cell growth, but dioctanoylglycerol, an additional DAG analog, and the calcium ionophore A23187, alone or with the DAG analogs, had no effect. These results suggest that PLC-mediated PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis is not primarily associated with signaling proliferation by lithium or EGF in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Purification and characterization of bovine profilin II. Actin, poly(L-proline) and inositolphospholipid binding

We purified profilin from bovine brain and were able to separate the two isoforms present in this tissue. Since functional characteristics for profilin II are lacking, we assayed the actin, the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and the poly(L-proline) binding properties of this isoform. Profilin II binds actin with a similar affinity to that of profilin I, although it inhibits actin polymerization more strongly than profilin I under non-equilibrium conditions. Profilin II also binds the anionic phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. Profilin II binds to poly(L-proline) more strongly than does profilin I; this is especially evident at more acidic pH values. This difference is explained by an amino acid exchange in the carboxy-terminal part of the protein which has been implicated in poly(L-proline) binding [Björkegren, C., Rozycki, M., Schutt, C., Lindberg, U. & Karlsson, R. (1993) FEBS Lett. 333, 123-126; Metzler, W., Bell, A., Ernst, E., Lavoie, T. & Mueller, L. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 369, 4620-4625].

Inhibition of actin-dystrophin interaction by inositide phosphate

Dystrophin, the protein absent from Duchenne dystrophy, is a member of the alpha-actinin protein family and located in the membrane cytoskeleton. It bridges a transmembrane glycoprotein complex with actin filaments. This work investigates the binding of dystrophin issued from Torpedo marmorata electric organ with actin in the presence of the phosphoinositide PIP2 that regulates alpha-actinin and filamin binding with actin. The interaction was inhibited (80%) by PIP2 and reached its minimum above 20 microM PIP2, but the effect was abolished when PIP2 was previously cleaved by phospholipase C. Using antibodies directed against the 27 kDa actin binding domain of alpha-actinin, a reliable carrier for actin binding sites ABS-1, ABS-2 and ABS-3 also involved in dystrophin and filamin, it was shown that PIP2 affects the ABS-3 environment.

Inhibition of 5'-chloro-5'-deoxyadenosine on phosphoinositide and protein phosphorylation in swine platelets

AIM

To study the effects of adenosine on the phosphorylation of phosphoinositides and proteins in platelets.

METHODS

In the presence of Mg2+ and/or Ca2+, swine thrombocytic membranes were incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP at 30 degrees C for 3 min and the incorporations of 32P into phospholipids or proteins were measured.

RESULTS

5'-Chloro-5'-deoxyadenosine decreased the formation of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate [IC50 71 and 75 (95% confidence limits 60-85 and 62-90) mumol.L-1, respectively], behaving as a competitive inhibitor to ATP, and inhibited the phosphorylation of pleckstrin (the major protein kinase C substrate) and myosin light chain [IC50 75 and 82 (95% confidence limits 62-90 and 66-102) mumol.L-1, respectively].

CONCLUSION

Adenosine affects the phosphoinositide signaling pathway in platelets, which helps to clarify the inhibition of adenosine on platelet activation.

Distinct biochemical characteristics of the two human profilin isoforms

The biochemical characteristics of a new human profilin isoform are described. We refer to this recently described isoform as profilin II (isoelectric point 5.9) in comparison to profilin I (pI 8.4). We expressed both isoforms in bacteria and compared their actin-binding properties, binding to poly(L-proline), affinities for phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2], and their effects on nucleotide exchange on actin. Profilin I and profilin II have similar affinities for PtdIns(4,5)P2 and poly(L-proline), and both accelerate nucleotide exchange on monomeric actin to the same extent. However, the affinity of profilin I for monomeric actin is about five times higher than the affinity of profilin II for actin. Potential structural differences of profilin I and profilin II that might explain the difference in actin binding are discussed.

In Chinese hamster ovary K1 cells dog and human thyrotropin receptors activate both the cyclic AMP and the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate cascades in the presence of thyrotropin and the cyclic AMP cascade in its absence

Thyrotropic hormone, through its human thyrotropin receptor, activates both the cyclic AMP and the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-phospholipase-C cascades in human thyroid cells and in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1) expressing this receptor. However, thyrotropin only activates the cyclic-AMP cascade in dog thyroid cells. In order to establish whether this different pattern of responses reflects a different structure of the human and dog thyrotropin receptors, CHO-K1 cells were permanently transfected with a plasmid coding for one or the other receptor. For various levels of receptor expression, CHO-K1 cells expressing either receptor presented qualitatively similar cyclic AMP and inositol phosphates responses to thyrotropin. This suggests that the difference in the response of the dog and human thyroid to thyrotropin involves elements of the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate cascade downstream of the receptor. In CHO-K1 cells overexpressing the thyrotropin receptor, the basal level of cyclic AMP was raised, suggesting a constitutive activity of the wild-type receptor. This was confirmed in COS-7 cells transiently expressing the human or dog thyrotropin receptors, the basal cyclic AMP levels of these cells increased in parallel with thyrotropin binding. This spontaneous activity of the thyrotropin receptor may have physiological and pathological consequences.

Chemoprevention of colon carcinogenesis by sulindac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent

Epidemiological and laboratory animal model studies have suggested that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the risk of development of colon cancer. The present study was designed to investigate the chemopreventive action of 160 and 320 ppm (equivalent to 40 and 80% maximum tolerated doses) sulindac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, fed during initiation and postinitiation stages and 320 ppm sulindac fed during promotion/progression stages of azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in male F344 rats. Also investigated was the modulating effect of this agent on the colonic mucosal and tumor phospholipase A2, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, lipoxygenase, and cyclooxygenase activities. At 5 weeks of age, groups of male F344 rats were fed control diet or diets containing 160 and 320 ppm of sulindac. At 7 weeks of age, all animals except those in the vehicle-treated groups were given two weekly s.c. injections of azoxymethane at a dose rate of 15 mg/kg body weight/week. Animals intended for tumor promotion/progression study were administered 320 ppm of sulindac in diet starting at 14 weeks after a second azoxymethane treatment. All animals continued on their respective dietary regimen until the termination of the experiment at 52 weeks after the carcinogen treatment. Colonic tumors were evaluated histopathologically. Colonic mucosa and tumors were analyzed for phospholipase A2, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, prostaglandin E2, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase activities. The levels of sulindac and its metabolites in stomach, cecal, and fecal contents and in serum were analyzed. The results indicate that dietary sulindac at 160 and 320 ppm levels inhibited the incidence of invasive and noninvasive adenocarcinomas of the colon (P < 0.01-0.001) as well as their multiplicity (P < 0.01-0.0001) in a dose-dependent manner. Also, feeding sulindac during promotion/progression stages significantly suppressed the incidence (P < 0.0001) and multiplicity (P < 0.0001) of colonic adenocarcinomas. Dietary sulindac also suppressed the colon tumor volume by > 52-62% compared to the control diet. Dietary sulindac significantly decreased the activities of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (32-51%) and levels of prostaglandin E2 (> 40%) in the colonic mucosa and tumors, but it had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on phospholipase A2 activity. The formation of cyclooxygenase metabolites, particularly prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2 alpha, prostaglandin D2, 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha, and thromboxane B2, and lipoxygenase metabolites such as 8(S)- and 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids were significantly reduced in colonic mucosa and tumors of animals fed 320 ppm sulindac.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Significance of PIP2 hydrolysis and regulation of phospholipase C isozymes

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is an important component of several intracellular signaling pathways. It serves as a substrate for phospholipase C, which produces the second messengers inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. It is also a substrate for a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and regulates the function of a number of actin-binding proteins. PIP2 has been shown recently to serve as a cofactor for a phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D and as a membrane-attachment site for many signaling proteins containing pleckstrin homology domains. The need to stringently regulate the cellular concentration of PIP2 is reflected in part by the fact that there are at least ten distinct mammalian phospholipase C isozymes and multiple mechanisms linking these isozymes to various receptors.

Mutations within a highly conserved sequence present in the X region of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C-delta 1

Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) enzymes have considerable structural similarity within limited regions (X and Y) implicated in catalysis. The role of residues contained within a highly conserved sequence present in the X region was investigated by site-directed mutagenesis of PLC-delta 1 isoenzyme. Seven residues (Ser-308, Ser-309, Ser-310, His-311, Thr-313, Tyr-314, and Gln-319) were individually replaced by alanine or glutamine (His-311). Replacement of two residues, His-311 and Tyr-314, resulted in a dramatic reduction of enzyme activity. The kcat of hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate by H311A and Y314A mutants was reduced 1000- and 10-fold respectively, with little effect on Km. Further analysis of H311A and Y314A mutants, using limited proteolysis and circular dichroism, had shown that no major structural alterations had occurred. Since site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated the importance of histidine residues, their role in enzyme function was also analysed by chemical modification with diethyl pyrocarbonate. This modification of histidine residues resulted in the reduction of enzyme activity and also indicated that more than one residue could be important.

Effects of CapG overexpression on agonist-induced motility and second messenger generation

Actin modulating proteins that bind polyphosphoinositides, such as phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate (PIP2), can potentially participate in receptor signaling by restructuring the membrane cytoskeleton and modulating second messenger generation through the phosphoinositide cycle. We examined these possibilities by overexpressing CapG, an actin filament end capping, Ca(2+)- and polyphosphoinositide-binding protein of the gelsolin family. High level transient overexpression decreased actin filament staining in the center of the cells but not in the cell periphery. Moderate overexpression in clonally selected cell lines did not have a detectible effect on actin filament content or organization. Nevertheless, it promoted a dose-dependent increase in rates of wound healing and chemotaxis. The motile phenotype was similar to that observed with gelsolin overexpression, which in addition to capping, also severs and nucleates actin filaments. CapG overexpressing clones are more responsive to platelet-derived growth factor than control-transfected clones. They form more circular dorsal membrane ruffles, have higher phosphoinositide turnover, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate generation and Ca2+ signaling. These responses are consistent with enhanced PLC gamma activity. Direct measurements of PIP2 mass showed that the CapG effect on PLC gamma was not due primarily to an increase in the PIP2 substrate concentration. The observed changes in cell motility and membrane signaling are consistent with the hypothesis that PIP(2)-binding actin regulatory proteins modulate phosphoinositide turnover and second messenger generation in vivo. We infer that CapG and related proteins are poised to coordinate membrane signaling with actin filament dynamics following cell stimulation.

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate synthesis is required for activation of phospholipase D in U937 cells

Phospholipase D (PLD) has been implicated in signal transduction and membrane traffic. We have previously shown that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns-4,5-P2) stimulates in vitro partially purified brain membrane PLD activity, defining a novel function of PtdIns-4,5-P2 as a PLD cofactor. In the present study we extend these observations to permeabilized U937 cells. In these cells, the activation of PLD by guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) is greatly potentiated by MgATP. We have utilized this experimental system to test the hypothesis that MgATP potentiates PLD activation by G proteins because it is required for PtdIns-4,5-P2 synthesis by phosphoinositide kinases. As expected, MgATP was absolutely required for maintaining elevated phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns-4-P) and PtdIns-4,5-P2 levels in the permeabilized cells. In the presence of MgATP, GTP gamma S further elevated the levels of the phosphoinositides. The importance of PtdIns-4,5-P2 for PLD activation was examined by utilizing a specific inhibitory antibody directed against phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PtdIns 4-kinase), the enzyme responsible for the first step in the synthesis of PtdIns-4,5-P2. Anti-PtdIns 4-kinase completely inhibited PtdIns 4-kinase activity in vitro and reduced by 75-80% PtdIns-4-P and PtdIns-4,5-P2 levels in the permeabilized cells. In parallel, the anti-PtdIns 4-kinase fully inhibited the activation of PLD by GTP gamma S and caused a 60% inhibition of PLD activation by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, indicating that elevated PtdIns-4,5-P2 levels are required for PLD activation. This conclusion is supported by the fact that neomycin, a high affinity ligand of PtdIns-4,5-P2, also blocked PLD activation. Furthermore, the activity of PLD in U937 cell lysate was stimulated by PtdIns-4,5-P2 in a dose-dependent manner. The current results indicate that PtdIns-4,5-P2 synthesis is required for PLD activation in permeabilized U937 cells and strongly support the proposed function of PtdIns-4,5-P2 as a cofactor for PLD. In addition, the results further establish PtdIns-4,5-P2 as a key component in the generation of second messengers via multiple pathways including phosphoinositide-phospholipase C, phosphoinositide 3-kinase and PLD.

Cloning and identification of amino acid residues of human phospholipase C delta 1 essential for catalysis

In vitro single point mutagenesis, inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, and substrate protection experiments were used to identify catalytic residues of human phosphatidylinositide-specific phospholipase C delta 1 (PLC delta 1) isolated from a human aorta cDNA library. Invariant amino acid residues containing a functional side chain in the highly conserved X region were changed by in vitro mutagenesis. Most of the mutant enzymes were still able to hydrolyze inositol phospholipid with activity ranging from 10 to 100% of levels in the wild type enzyme. Exceptions were mutants with the conversion of Arg338 to Leu (R338L), Glu341 to Gly (E341G), or His356 to Leu (H356L), which made the enzyme severely defective in hydrolyzing inositol phospholipid. Phospholipid vesicle binding experiments showed that these three cleavage-defective mutant forms of PLC delta 1 could specifically bind to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) with an affinity similar to that of wild type enzyme. Western blotting analysis of trypsin-treated enzyme-PIP2 complexes revealed that a 67-kDa major protein fragment survived trypsin digestion if the wild type enzyme, E341G, or H356L mutant PLC delta 1 was preincubated with 7.5 microM PIP2, whereas if it was preincubated with 80 microM PIP2, the size of major protein surviving was comparable to that of intact enzyme. However, mutant enzyme R338L was not protected from trypsin degradation by PIP2 binding. These observations suggest that PLC delta 1 can recognize PIP2 through a high affinity and a low affinity binding site and that residues Glu341 and His356 are not involved in either high affinity or low affinity PIP2 binding but rather are essential for the Ca(2+)-dependent cleavage activity of PLC.

The role of protein kinase C in alpha-adrenergic regulation of NaCl(K) cotransport in human airway epithelial cells

alpha 1-Adrenergic (alpha 1-AR) agents stimulate NaCl(K) cotransport and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2]-specific phospholipase C in human trachea and nasal polyp epithelial cells. One second messenger generated by PtdIns(4,5)P2 degradation is inositol trisphosphate. We now show that diglycerides (DG) are also generated during alpha 1-AR stimulation. In cells prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid, alpha 1-AR agents produced a biphasic DG generation in normal and cystic fibrosis (CF) cells that is blocked by pertussis toxin. The early DG peak closely paralleled PtdIns(4,5)P2 degradation, stimulation of cotransport by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and inhibition of cotransport by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor staurosporine. This suggests that cotransporter activation requires PKC-protein phosphorylation. This possibility was tested using the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid. Okadaic acid elevated bumetanide-sensitive Cl efflux. Staurosporine also blocked > 63% of okadaic-acid-stimulated Cl transport. The late DG peak did not support hormone-stimulated cotransport. The results demonstrate that DGs are a pivotal link between alpha 1-AR stimulation and NaCl(K) cotransport activation with a role for PKC and protein phosphorylation. alpha 1-AR intracellular signaling mechanisms apparently operate normally in CF cells.

Chaos in intracellular Ca2+ oscillations in a new model for non-excitable cells

A new model for intracellular Ca2+ oscillations is presented. The new model reinterprets two previous models, the ICC and CICR mechanisms, and incorporates the bell-shaped dependence of Ca2+ release on cytosolic [Ca2+]. Complex oscillations and chaos are found with this new model, confirming experimental observations of complex oscillations. A rich bifurcation sequence is found for the model as the stimulation due to agonist (R) is varied, including a period doubling route to chaos and a period-adding sequence of mixed-mode states.

Lysophosphatidic acid induces inositol phosphate and calcium signals in exocrine cells from the avian nasal salt gland

We tested lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) known to induce inositol phosphate generation and calcium signals as well as rearrangements of the cytoskeleton and mitogenic responses in fibroblasts, for its ability to activate phospholipase C in an exocrine cell system, the salt-secreting cells from the avian nasal salt gland. LPA (> 10 nmol/l) caused the generation of inositol phosphates from membrane-bound phosphatidylinositides. The resulting calcium signals resembled those generated upon activation of muscarinic receptors, the physiological stimulus triggering salt secretion in these cells. However, close examination of the LPA-mediated calcium signals revealed that the initial calcium spike induced by high concentrations of LPA (> 10 mumol/l) may contain a component that is not dependent upon generation of inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) and may result from calcium influx from the extracellular medium induced by LPA in a direct manner. Low concentrations of LPA (< 10 mumol/l), however, induce inositol phosphate generation, Ins(1,4,5)P3-mediated release of calcium from intracellular pools and calcium entry. These effects seem to be mediated by a specific plasma membrane receptor and a G protein transducing the signal to phospholipase C in a pertussis-toxin-insensitive manner. Signaling pathways of the muscarinic receptor and the putative LPA-receptor seem to merge at the G-protein level as indicated by the fact that carbachol and LPA trigger hydrolysis of the same pool of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2) and mobilize calcium from the same intracellular stores.

Nitric oxide modulation of agonist-evoked intracellular Ca2+ release in neurosecretory PC-12 cells: inhibition of phospholipase C activity via cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase I

Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule involved in events crucial to neuronal cell function, such as neurotransmitter release, gene transcription, and neurotoxicity, i.e., a number of processes in which a key role appears to be played by increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. In the neurosecretory/neuronal cell line PC-12, we have investigated the role of nitric oxide in the modulation of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores elicited by activation of three different receptors coupled to phosphatidyl-inositol-4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis, i.e., the purinergic P2U, muscarinic M3, and bradykinin B2 receptors. The results obtained show that nitric oxide donors have an inhibitory effect on agonist-evoked Ca2+ release. This effect is not due to nitric oxide-induced modifications of Ca2+ storage, because the total releasable Ca2+ pool, measured as the radioactivity released by thapsigargin and ionomycin in cells loaded at equilibrium with 45Ca2+, was unchanged. In contrast, nitric oxide donors decreased agonist-evoked inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate generation and total inositol phosphate accumulation. Similarly, nitric oxide inhibited total inositol phosphate accumulation stimulated by either aluminium fluoride or Ca2+. All of these effects were mimicked by the cGMP analogue 8-bromo-cGMP. When cells were incubated with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, the results observed were opposite those produced by nitric oxide donors. All of the effects of nitric oxide were abolished when cells were treated with the cGMP-dependent protein kinase I inhibitor KT5823. Furthermore, KT5823 mimicked the effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors. We conclude that nitric oxide and Ca2+ signaling pathways are interconnected in PC-12 cells. Modulation of inositol phosphate generation and Ca2+ release by nitric oxide appears to be exerted primarily at the level of phospholipase C functioning and to be mediated by the activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I.

The actin-binding properties of the Physarum actin-fragmin complex. Regulation by calcium, phospholipids, and phosphorylation

The actin-binding properties of the actin-fragmin complex from Physarum polycephalum microplasmodia were investigated with respect to regulation by Ca2+, phospholipids, and phosphorylation of the actin subunit by the endogenous actin-fragmin kinase. Fragmin possesses two high affinity actin-binding sites and probably also a third, low affinity site. Its nucleating and F-actin severing activities are inhibited by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Actin-fragmin specifically binds PIP2 which competes with actin for the Ca(2+)-sensitive site. However, PIP2 cannot dissociate the actin-fragmin complex nor the actin2-fragmin trimer. Efficient F-actin nucleating activity by actin-fragmin is only observed with unphosphorylated actin-fragmin, in the absence of PIP2 and at high Ca2+ (> microM) concentrations. In the presence of PIP2, actin-fragmin only caps actin filaments when unphosphorylated. The results suggest that in the cell, hydrolysis of PIP2, concomitant with the increase of cytosolic Ca2+, could promote subcortical actin polymerization.

Phosphoinositidase C beta 1 isoform expression is modulated by interferon alpha in Burkitt lymphoma cells

The expression of phosphoinositidase C (PIC) at nuclear and cytoplasmic level has been revealed in control and interferon treated Burkitt lymphoma cells by means of western blotting and immunocytochemical analysis employing specific monoclonal antibodies against beta 1, gamma 1 and delta 1 isozymes. Results have indicated that PIC isoform beta 1, mainly detectable in the nucleus, undergoes transient modifications early after interferon treatment. PIC delta 1 has been found only at cytoplasmic level, apparently insensitive to interferon treatment, while PIC gamma 1 was scarcely or not detected either in the cytoplasmic or in the nuclear compartment. These results suggest that interferon may exert its antiproliferative effect activating at least two distinct pathways of signal transduction, at cytoplasmic and nuclear level, involving inositol lipid cycle mainly in the nucleus by modulation of PIC beta 1 expression.

Modulation of NMDA effects on agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover by memantine in neonatal rat cerebral cortex

1. The ability of memantine (1-amino-3,5-dimethyladamantane) to antagonize the modulatory effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) on phosphoinositide turnover stimulated by muscarinic cholinoceptor- and metabotropic glutamate receptor-agonists has been examined in neonatal rat cerebral cortex slices. 2. Memantine antagonized the inhibitory effect of NMDA (100 microM) on both total [3H]-inositol phosphate ([3H]-InsPx) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) mass accumulations stimulated by carbachol (1 mM) with EC50 values of 21 and 16 microM respectively. 3. Memantine concentration-dependently antagonized (IC50 24 microM) the ability of NMDA (10 microM) to potentiate [3H]-InsPx accumulation in response to a sub-maximal concentration of the metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist, 1S,3R-ACPD (10 microM). 4. The small (approx. 3 fold), concentration-dependent increase in [3H]-InsPx accumulation stimulated by NMDA was completely antagonized by the prototypic NDMA receptor-channel blocker, MK-801 (1 microM) at all concentrations of NDMA studied (1-1000 microM). In contrast, antagonism by memantine (100 microM) was observed only at low concentrations of NMDA (1-10 microM), whilst [3H]-InsPx accumulation stimulated by high concentrations of NMDA (300-1000 microM) was markedly enhanced by memantine. 5. Assessment of the incorporation of [3H]-inositol into inositol phospholipids revealed that memantine (100 microM) caused an approximate 2 fold increase in the labelling of phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. 6H.p.l.c. separation of [3H]-inositol (poly)phosphates demonstrated that whilst memantine (100 microM)alone had no significant effect on the accumulation of any isomer, it substantially altered the profile of accumulation stimulated by NMDA (1 mM), greatly facilitating accumulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4,5)P4).7.These data provide evidence that memantine can antagonize the actions of NMDA in neonatal rat cerebral cortex slices in a manner consistent with this agent acting as a NMDA receptor-channel blocker. In addition, at least two further actions of memantine can be proposed. Memantine increases the rate of [3H]-inositol incorporation into the cellular inositol phospholipid fraction, without significantly stimulating phosphoinositide turnover. Furthermore, memantine can substantially alter patterns of inositol (poly)phosphates stimulated by NMDA, promoting the accumulation of the established and putative second messengers Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 which are not increased by NMDA in the absence of memantine. It is unknown whether these latter loci of memantine action contribute to known therapeutic actions of this agent.

Wheat germ agglutinin stabilization of erythrocyte shape: role of bilayer balance and the membrane skeleton

The effects of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), Limulus lectin, and concanavalin A on cell shape changes were examined in human erythrocytes. These agents inhibited echinocytosis in cells having elevated cytosolic Ca2+ or incorporated foreign phosphatidylcholine, but had no effect on cell stomatocytosis in response to incorporated phosphatidylserine. The role of the membrane skeleton in this selective membrane fixation was examined. WGA inhibited echinocytosis in cells previously depleted of polyphosphoinositides to reduce membrane skeleton binding to transmembrane proteins, treated with phorbol ester to enhance protein 4.1 phosphorylation, heat-treated to denature spectrin, alkylated with p-chloromercuribenzoate to dissociate glycophorin from the membrane skeleton, or subjected to elevated cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate to alter organization of the spectrin-actin-protein 4.1 complex. Limulus lectin and increased concentrations of WGA also stabilized discoid shape in pronase-digested cells containing no detectable intact glycophorin. In contrast, cell digestion with sialidase abolished the shape-stabilizing effect of WGA. The results suggest that the membrane skeleton is not involved in WGA shape stabilization. Rather, they suggest that glycoproteins and glycolipids interact with the lectin to stabilize cell surface molecular associations, forming a superficial calyx that inhibits outward, but not inward, membrane bending.

Regulation of PLC-mediated signalling in vivo by CDP-diacylglycerol synthase

CDP-diacylglycerol synthase (CDS) is an enzyme required for the regeneration of the signalling molecule phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdlnsP2) from phosphatidic acid. A photo-receptor cell-specific isoform of CDS from Drosophila is a key regulator of phototransduction, a G-protein-coupled signalling cascade mediated by phospholipase C. cds mutants cannot sustain a light-activated current as a result of depletion of PtdlnsP2. Overexpression of CDS increases the amplitude of the light response, demonstrating that availability of PtdlnsP2 is a determinant in the gain of this pathway. cds mutants undergo light-dependent retinal degeneration which can be suppressed by a mutation in phospholipase C. Thus, enzymes involved in PtdlnsP2 metabolism regulate phosphoinositide-mediated signalling cascades in vivo.