The C2 domain calcium-binding motif: structural and functional diversity

mGrb10 interacts with Nedd4

We have utilized the yeast two-hybrid system to identify proteins interacting with mouse Grb10, an adapter protein known to interact with both the insulin and the insulin-like growth factor-I receptors. We have isolated a mouse cDNA clone containing the C2 domain of mouse Nedd4, a ubiquitin protein ligase (E3) that also contains a hect (homologous to the E6-AP carboxyl-terminus) domain and three WW domains. The interaction with Grb10 in the two-hybrid system was confirmed using the full-length Nedd4, and it was abolished by deleting the last 148 amino acids of Grb10, a region that includes the SH2 domain and the newly identified BPS domain. The interaction between Grb10 and Nedd4 was also reproduced in vivo in mouse embryo fibroblasts, where endogenous Nedd4 co-immunoprecipitated constitutively with both the endogenous and an overexpressed Grb10. This interaction was Ca(2+)-independent. Grb10 interacting with Nedd4 was not ubiquitinated in vivo, raising the possibility that this interaction may be used to target other proteins, like tyrosine kinase receptors, for ubiquitination.

An immunoglobulin-like fold in a major plant allergen: the solution structure of Phl p 2 from timothy grass pollen

BACKGROUND

Grass pollen allergens are the most important and widespread elicitors of pollen allergy. One of the major plant allergens which millions of people worldwide are sensitized to is Phl p 2, a small protein from timothy grass pollen. Phl p 2 is representative of the large family of cross-reacting plant allergens classified as group 2/3. Recombinant Phl p 2 has been demonstrated by immunological cross-reactivity studies to be immunologically equivalent to the natural protein.

RESULTS

We have solved the solution structure of recombinant Phl p 2 by means of nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The three-dimensional structure of Phl p 2 consists of an all-beta fold with nine antiparallel beta strands that form a beta sandwich. The topology is that of an immunoglobulin-like fold with the addition of a C-terminal strand, as found in the C2 domain superfamily. Lack of functional and sequence similarity with these two families, however, suggests an independent evolution of Phl p 2 and other homologous plant allergens.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the high homology with other plant allergens of groups 1 and 2/3, the structure of Phl p 2 can be used to rationalize some of the immunological properties of the whole family. On the basis of the structure, we suggest possible sites of interaction with IgE antibodies. Knowledge of the Phl p 2 structure may assist the rational structure-based design of synthetic vaccines against grass pollen allergy.

A SMAD ubiquitin ligase targets the BMP pathway and affects embryonic pattern formation

The TGF-beta superfamily of proteins regulates many different biological processes, including cell growth, differentiation and embryonic pattern formation. TGF-beta-like factors signal across cell membranes through complexes of transmembrane receptors known as type I and type II serine/threonine-kinase receptors, which in turn activate the SMAD signalling pathway. On the inside of the cell membrane, a receptor-regulated class of SMADs are phosphorylated by the type-I-receptor kinase. In this way, receptors for different factors are able to pass on specific signals along the pathway: for example, receptors for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) target SMADs 1, 5 and 8, whereas receptors for activin and TGF-beta target SMADs 2 and 3. Phosphorylation of receptor-regulated SMADs induces their association with Smad4, the 'common-partner' SMAD, and stimulates accumulation of this complex in the nucleus, where it regulates transcriptional responses. Here we describe Smurf1, a new member of the Hect family of E3 ubiquitin ligases. Smurf1 selectively interacts with receptor-regulated SMADs specific for the BMP pathway in order to trigger their ubiquitination and degradation, and hence their inactivation. In the amphibian Xenopus laevis, Smurf1 messenger RNA is localized to the animal pole of the egg; in Xenopus embryos, ectopic Smurf1 inhibits the transmission of BMP signals and thereby affects pattern formation. Smurf1 also enhances cellular responsiveness to the Smad2 (activin/TGF-beta) pathway. Thus, targeted ubiquitination of SMADs may serve to control both embryonic development and a wide variety of cellular responses to TGF-beta signals.

Activation of phospholipase C delta1 through C2 domain by a Ca(2+)-enzyme-phosphatidylserine ternary complex

The concentration of free Ca(2+) and the composition of nonsubstrate phospholipids profoundly affect the activity of phospholipase C delta1 (PLCdelta1). The rate of PLCdelta1 hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate was stimulated 20-fold by phosphatidylserine (PS), 4-fold by phosphatidic acid (PA), and not at all by phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylcholine (PC). PS reduced the Ca(2+) concentration required for half-maximal activation of PLCdelta1 from 5.4 to 0.5 microM. In the presence of Ca(2+), PLCdelta1 specifically bound to PS/PC but not to PA/PC vesicles in a dose-dependent and saturable manner. Ca(2+) also bound to PLCdelta1 and required the presence of PS/PC vesicles but not PA/PC vesicles. The free Ca(2+) concentration required for half-maximal Ca(2+) binding was estimated to be 8 microM. Surface dilution kinetic analysis revealed that the K(m) was reduced 20-fold by the presence of 25 mol % PS, whereas V(max) and K(d) were unaffected. Deletion of amino acid residues 646-654 from the C2 domain of PLCdelta1 impaired Ca(2+) binding and reduced its stimulation and binding by PS. Taken together, the results suggest that the formation of an enzyme-Ca(2+)-PS ternary complex through the C2 domain increases the affinity for substrate and consequently leads to enzyme activation.

Molecular and biochemical properties and physiological roles of plant phospholipase D

Recent advances have thrust the study of plant phospholipase D (PLD) into the molecular era. This review will highlight some of the recent progress made in elucidating the molecular and biochemical nature of plant PLDs as well as their roles in plant physiology.

Selective interaction of the C2 domains of phospholipase C-beta1 and -beta2 with activated Galphaq subunits: an alternative function for C2-signaling modules

Phospholipase C (PLC)-beta1 and PLC-beta2 are regulated by the Gq family of heterotrimeric G proteins and contain C2 domains. These domains are Ca2+-binding modules that serve as membrane-attachment motifs in a number of signal transduction proteins. To determine the role that C2 domains play in PLC-beta1 and PLC-beta2 function, we measured the binding of the isolated C2 domains to membrane bilayers. We found, unexpectedly, that these modules do not bind to membranes but they associate strongly and specifically to activated [guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[gammaS])-bound] Galphaq subunits. The C2 domain of PLC-beta1 effectively suppressed the activation of the intact isozyme by Galphaq(GTP[gammaS]), indicating that the C2-Galphaq interaction may be physiologically relevant. C2 affinity for Galphaq(GTP[gammaS]) was reduced when Galphaq was deactivated to the GDP-bound state. Binding to activated Galphai1 subunits or to Gbetagamma subunits was not detected. Also, Galphaq(GTP[gammaS]) failed to associate with the C2 domain of PLC-delta, an isozyme that is not activated by Galphaq. These results indicate that the C2 domains of PLC-beta1 and PLC-beta2 provide a surface to which Galphaq subunits can dock, leading to activation of the native protein.

Differences in the carboxy-terminal (Putative phospholipid binding) domains of Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium bifermentans phospholipases C influence the hemolytic and lethal properties of these enzymes

The phospholipases C of C. perfringens (alpha-toxin) and C. bifermentans (Cbp) show >50% amino acid homology but differ in their hemolytic and toxic properties. We report here the purification and characterisation of alpha-toxin and Cbp. The phospholipase C activity of alpha-toxin and Cbp was similar when tested with phosphatidylcholine in egg yolk or in liposomes. However, the hemolytic activity of alpha-toxin was more than 100-fold that of Cbp. To investigate whether differences in the carboxy-terminal domains of these proteins were responsible for differences in the hemolytic and toxic properties, a hybrid protein (NbiCalpha) was constructed comprising the N domain of Cbp and the C domain of alpha-toxin. The hemolytic activity of NbiCalpha was 10-fold that of Cbp, and the hybrid enzyme was toxic. These results confirm that the C-terminal domain of these proteins confers different properties on the enzymatically active N-terminal domain of these proteins.

Amphitropic proteins: regulation by reversible membrane interactions (review)

What do Src kinase, Ras-guanine nucleotide exchange factor, cytidylyltransferase, protein kinase C, phospholipase C, vinculin, and DnaA protein have in common? These proteins are amphitropic, that is, they bind weakly (reversibly) to membrane lipids, and this process regulates their function. Proteins functioning in transduction of signals generated in cell membranes are commonly regulated by amphitropism. In this review, the strategies utilized by amphitropic proteins to bind to membranes and to regulate their membrane affinity are described. The recently solved structures of binding pockets for specific lipids are described, as well as the amphipathic alpha-helix motif. Regulatory switches that control membrane affinity include modulation of the membrane lipid composition, and modification of the protein itself by ligand binding, phosphorylation, or acylation. How does membrane binding modulate the protein's function? Two mechanisms are discussed: (1) localization with the substrate, activator, or downstream target, and (2) activation of the protein by a conformational switch. This paper also addresses the issue of specificity in the cell membrane targetted for binding.

Role of phosphorylation sites and the C2 domain in regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) mediates agonist-induced arachidonic acid release, the first step in eicosanoid production. cPLA2 is regulated by phosphorylation and by calcium, which binds to a C2 domain and induces its translocation to membrane. The functional roles of phosphorylation sites and the C2 domain of cPLA2 were investigated. In Sf9 insect cells expressing cPLA2, okadaic acid, and the calcium-mobilizing agonists A23187 and CryIC toxin induce arachidonic acid release and translocation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-cPLA2 to the nuclear envelope. cPLA2 is phosphorylated on multiple sites in Sf9 cells; however, only S505 phosphorylation partially contributes to cPLA2 activation. Although okadaic acid does not increase calcium, mutating the calcium-binding residues D43 and D93 prevents arachidonic acid release and translocation of cPLA2, demonstrating the requirement for a functional C2 domain. However, the D93N mutant is fully functional with A23187, whereas the D43N mutant is nearly inactive. The C2 domain of cPLA2 linked to GFP translocates to the nuclear envelope with calcium-mobilizing agonists but not with okadaic acid. Consequently, the C2 domain is necessary and sufficient for translocation of cPLA2 to the nuclear envelope when calcium is increased; however, it is required but not sufficient with okadaic acid.

Interfacial membrane docking of cytosolic phospholipase A2 C2 domain using electrostatic potential-modulated spin relaxation magnetic resonance

The C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (C2cPLA2) plays an important role in calcium-dependent transfer of the protein from the cytosol to internal cellular membranes as a prelude for arachidonate release from membrane phospholipids. By using a recently developed electron paramagnetic resonance approach together with 13 site-specifically nitroxide spin labeled C2cPLA2s and membrane-permeant and -impermeant spin relaxants, we have determined the orientation of C2cPLA2 with respect to the surface of vesicles of the phospholipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphomethanol. The structure reveals that the two calcium-binding regions on C2cPLA2 that display hydrophobic residues, CBR1 and CBR3, are partially inserted into the core of the membrane. CBR2 that contains predominantly hydrophilic residues is close to the membrane but not inserted. The long axis of the cylindrical C2cPLA2 molecule is tilted with respect to the bilayer normal, which brings a cluster of basic protein residues close to the phospholipid headgroups. Such an orientation places the two bound calcium ions close to the membrane surface. All together, the results provide structural support for previous proposals that binding of C2cPLA2 to the membrane interface is driven in part by insertion of hydrophobic surface loops into the membrane core. The results are contrasted with previous studies of the interfacial binding of the first C2 domain of synaptotagmin I, which has shorter surface loops that display basic residues for electrostatic interaction with the bilayer surface.

Modular PH and C2 domains in membrane attachment and other functions

The pleckstrin homology and C2 domains are modular protein structures involved in mediating intermolecular interactions. Although they represent distinct domains, there are several parallels regarding their function and type of interactions in which they participate. Both domains are stable structural entities that incorporate variable regions which, in different proteins, can be adapted to perform a specific function through binding to membrane phospholipids or specific protein ligands. A number of recent examples illustrate the function of some of these domains in regulated membrane attachment, with an important role in many cellular signalling pathways.

The Drosophila melanogaster Suppressor of deltex gene, a regulator of the Notch receptor signaling pathway, is an E3 class ubiquitin ligase

During development, the Notch receptor regulates many cell fate decisions by a signaling pathway that has been conserved during evolution. One positive regulator of Notch is Deltex, a cytoplasmic, zinc finger domain protein, which binds to the intracellular domain of Notch. Phenotypes resulting from mutations in deltex resemble loss-of-function Notch phenotypes and are suppressed by the mutation Suppressor of deltex [Su(dx)]. Homozygous Su(dx) mutations result in wing-vein phenotypes and interact genetically with Notch pathway genes. We have previously defined Su(dx) genetically as a negative regulator of Notch signaling. Here we present the molecular identification of the Su(dx) gene product. Su(dx) belongs to a family of E3 ubiquitin ligase proteins containing membrane-targeting C2 domains and WW domains that mediate protein-protein interactions through recognition of proline-rich peptide sequences. We have identified a seven-codon deletion in a Su(dx) mutant allele and we show that expression of Su(dx) cDNA rescues Su(dx) mutant phenotypes. Overexpression of Su(dx) also results in ectopic vein differentiation, wing margin loss, and wing growth phenotypes and enhances the phenotypes of loss-of-function mutations in Notch, evidence that supports the conclusion that Su(dx) has a role in the downregulation of Notch signaling.

Structure of the Janus-faced C2B domain of rabphilin

C2 domains are widespread protein modules that often occur as tandem repeats in many membrane-trafficking proteins such as synaptotagmin and rabphilin. The first and second C2 domains (C2A and C2B, respectively) have a high degree of homology but also specific differences. The structure of the C2A domain of synaptotagmin I has been extensively studied but little is known about the C2B domains. We have used NMR spectroscopy to determine the solution structure of the C2B domain of rabphilin. The overall structure of the C2B domain is very similar to that of other C2 domains, with a rigid beta-sandwich core and loops at the top (where Ca2+ binds) and the bottom. Surprisingly, a relatively long alpha-helix is inserted at the bottom of the domain and is conserved in all C2B domains. Our results, together with the Ca(2+)-independent interactions observed for C2B domains, indicate that these domains have a Janus-faced nature, with a Ca(2+)-binding top surface and a Ca(2+)-independent bottom surface.

Mapping the phospholipid-binding surface and translocation determinants of the C2 domain from cytosolic phospholipase A2

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) plays a key role in the generation of arachidonic acid, a precursor of potent inflammatory mediators. Intact cPLA2 is known to translocate in a calcium-dependent manner from the cytosol to the nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum. We show here that the C2 domain of cPLA2 alone is sufficient for this calcium-dependent translocation in living cells. We have identified sets of exposed hydrophobic residues in loops known as calcium-binding region (CBR) 1 and CBR3, which surround the C2 domain calcium-binding sites, whose mutation dramatically decreased phospholipid binding in vitro without significantly affecting calcium binding. Mutation of a residue that binds calcium ions (D43N) also eliminated phospholipid binding. The same mutations that prevent phospholipid binding of the isolated C2 domain in vitro abolished the calcium-dependent translocation of cPLA2 to internal membranes in vivo, suggesting that the membrane targeting is driven largely by direct interactions with the phospholipid bilayer. Using fluorescence quenching by spin-labeled phospholipids for a series of mutants containing a single tryptophan residue at various positions in the cPLA2 C2 domain, we show that two of the calcium-binding loops, CBR1 and CBR3, penetrate in a calcium-dependent manner into the hydrophobic core of the phospholipid bilayer, establishing an anchor for docking the domain onto the membrane.

Crystal structure of human cytosolic phospholipase A2 reveals a novel topology and catalytic mechanism

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 initiates the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and platelet-activating factor (PAF), mediators of the pathophysiology of asthma and arthritis. Here, we report the X-ray crystal structure of human cPLA2 at 2.5 A. cPLA2 consists of an N-terminal calcium-dependent lipid-binding/C2 domain and a catalytic unit whose topology is distinct from that of other lipases. An unusual Ser-Asp dyad located in a deep cleft at the center of a predominantly hydrophobic funnel selectively cleaves arachidonyl phospholipids. The structure reveals a flexible lid that must move to allow substrate access to the active site, thus explaining the interfacial activation of this important lipase.

A structure-function study of the C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A2. Identification of essential calcium ligands and hydrophobic membrane binding residues

The C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is involved in the Ca2+-dependent membrane binding of this protein. To identify protein residues in the C2 domain of cPLA2 essential for its Ca2+ and membrane binding, we selectively mutated Ca2+ ligands and putative membrane-binding residues of cPLA2 and measured the effects of mutations on its enzyme activity, membrane binding affinity, and monolayer penetration. The mutations of five Ca2+ ligands (D40N, D43N, N65A, D93N, N95A) show differential effects on the membrane binding and activation of cPLA2, indicating that two calcium ions bound to the C2 domain have differential roles. The mutations of hydrophobic residues (F35A, M38A, L39A, Y96A, Y97A, M98A) in the calcium binding loops show that the membrane binding of cPLA2 is largely driven by hydrophobic interactions resulting from the penetration of these residues into the hydrophobic core of the membrane. Leu39 and Val97 are fully inserted into the membrane, whereas Phe35 and Tyr96 are partially inserted. Finally, the mutations of four cationic residues in a beta-strand (R57E/K58E/R59E/R61E) have modest and negligible effects on the binding of cPLA2 to zwitterionic and anionic membranes, respectively, indicating that they are not directly involved in membrane binding. In conjunction with our previous study on the C2 domain of protein kinase C-alpha (Medkova, M., and Cho, W. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 17544-17552), these results demonstrate that C2 domains are not only a membrane docking unit but also a module that triggers membrane penetration of protein and that individual Ca2+ ions bound to the calcium binding loops play differential roles in the membrane binding and activation of their parent proteins.

The Clostridium perfringensα-toxin

The gene encoding the alpha-(cpa) is present in all strains of Clostridium perfringens, and the purified alpha-toxin has been shown to be a zinc-containing phospholipase C enzyme, which is preferentially active towards phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin. The alpha-toxin is haemolytic as a result if its ability to hydrolyse cell membrane phospholipids and this activity distinguishes it from many other related zinc-metallophospholipases C. Recent studies have shown that the alpha-toxin is the major virulence determinant in cases of gas gangrene, and the toxin might play a role in several other diseases of animals and man as diverse as necrotic enteritis in chickens and Crohn's disease in man. In gas gangrene the toxin appears to have three major roles in the pathogenesis of disease. First, it is able to cause mistrafficking of neutrophils, such that they do not enter infected tissues. Second, the toxin is able to cause vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation which might reduce the blood supply to infected tissues. Finally, the toxin is able to detrimentally modulate host cell metabolism by activating the arachidonic acid cascade and protein kinase C. The molecular structure of the alpha-toxin reveals a two domain protein. The amino-terminal domain contains the phospholipase C active site which contains zinc ions. The carboxyterminal domain is a paralogue of lipid binding domains found in eukaryotes and appears to bind phospholipids in a calcium-dependent manner. Immunisation with the non-toxic carboxyterminal domain induces protection against the alpha-toxin and gas gangrene and this polypeptide might be exploited as a vaccine. Other workers have exploited the entire toxin as the basis of an anti-tumour system.

Analysis of differential effects of Pb2+ on protein kinase C isozymes

Protein kinase C has been implicated as a cellular target for Pb2+ toxicity. We have previously proposed that Pb2+ modulates PKC activity by interacting with multiple sites within the enzyme. In order to further characterize the Pb-PKC interactions we compared the effects of Pb2+ on the CA-dependent and -independent protein kinase C isozymes using recombinant human PKC-alpha, PKC-epsilon, and PKC-zeta as well as the catalytic fragment of bovine brain protein kinase C, the PKC-M. The results demonstrate that, whereas at pM concentrations Pb2+ activates PKC-alpha half maximally (KAct approximately 2 pM), it has no effect on PKC-epsilon, PKC-zeta, or PKC-M activities. The activation of PKC-alpha by Pb2+ is additive with Ca2+ in a manner indicating interaction with half of the calcium activation sites. In the micromolar range of concentrations, Pb2+ inhibits all PKCs with estimated K0.5 of 1.0, 2.3, 28, and 93 microM for PKC-M, PKC-alpha, PKC-epsilon, and PKC-zeta, respectively. Examination of Pb2+ effects on PKC-M kinetics indicates a mixed type inhibition with respect to ATP and noncompetitive inhibition with respect to histone. Taken together with the results of our previous study (Tomsig and Suszkiw, J. Neurochem. 64, 2667-2673, 1995) and the evidence for the existence of two Ca2+ coordination sites Ca1 and Ca2 within the C2 domain (Shao et al., Science [Washington, D.C.] 273, 248-251, 1996), the results of the current study provide further support for a multisite Pb-PKC interaction scheme wherein lead (1) partially activates the enzyme through pM-affinity interactions with the Ca1 site and inhibits the divalent cation-dependent activity through nM-affinity interactions with Ca2 site in the C2 domain and (2) inhibits the constitutive kinase activity through microM-affinity interactions with the catalytic domain. The concentration dependence of the differential effects of Pb2+ on the calcium-dependent and -independent PKCs underscores the importance of the C2 motif as a high affinity molecular target for Pb2+.

Molecular cloning of two new human paralogs of 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2

Two new cloned human cDNAs encode paralogs of the 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). We propose to call these cPLA2beta (114 kDa) and cPLA2gamma (61 kDa), giving the name cPLA2alpha to the well known 85-kDa enzyme. cPLA2beta mRNA is expressed more highly in cerebellum and pancreas and cPLA2gamma more highly in cardiac and skeletal muscle. Sequence-tagged site mapping places cPLA2beta on chromosome 15 in a region near a phosphoinositol bisphosphate phosphatase. The mRNA for cPLA2beta is spliced only at a very low level, and Northern blots in 24 tissues show exclusively the unspliced form. cPLA2beta has much lower activity on 2-arachidonoyl-phosphatidylcholine liposomes than either of the other two enzymes. Its sequence contains a histidine motif characteristic of the catalytic center of caspase proteases of the apoptotic cascade but no region characteristic of the catalytic cysteine. Sequence-tagged site mapping places cPLA2gamma on chromosome 19 near calmodulin. cPLA2gamma lacks the C2 domain, which gives cPLA2alpha its Ca2+ sensitivity, and accordingly cPLA2gamma has no dependence upon calcium, although cPLA2beta does. cPLA2gamma contains a prenyl group-binding site motif and appears to be largely membrane-bound. cPLA2alpha residues activated by phosphorylation do not appear to be well conserved in either new enzyme. In contrast, all three previously known catalytic residues, as well as one additional essential arginine, Arg-566 in cPLA2alpha, are conserved in both new enzyme sequences. Mutagenesis shows strong dependence on these residues for catalytic activity of all three enzymes.

The EH and SH3 domain Ese proteins regulate endocytosis by linking to dynamin and Eps15

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is a multistep process which requires interaction between a number of conserved proteins. We have cloned two mammalian genes which code for a number of endocytic adaptor proteins. Two of these proteins, termed Ese1 and Ese2, contain two N-terminal EH domains, a central coiled-coil domain and five C-terminal SH3 domains. Ese1 is constitutively associated with Eps15 proteins to form a complex with at least 14 protein-protein interaction surfaces. Yeast two-hybrid assays have revealed that Ese1 EH and SH3 domains bind epsin family proteins and dynamin, respectively. Overexpression of Ese1 is sufficient to block clathrin-mediated endocytosis in cultured cells, presumably through disruption of higher order protein complexes, which are assembled on the endogenous Ese1-Eps15 scaffold. The Ese1-Eps15 scaffold therefore links dynamin, epsin and other endocytic pathway components.

Critical duration of intracellular Ca2+ response required for continuous translocation and activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2

When cells are exposed to certain external stimuli, arachidonic acid (AA) is released from the membrane and serves as a precursor of various types of eicosanoids. A Ca2+-regulated cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) plays a dominant role in the release of AA. To closely examine the relation between Ca2+ response and AA release by stimulation of G protein-coupled receptors, we established several lines of Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing platelet-activating factor receptor or leukotriene B4 receptor. Measurement of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) demonstrated that cell lines capable of releasing AA elicited a sustained [Ca2+]i increase when stimulated by agonists. The prolonged [Ca2+]i elevation is the result of Ca2+ entry, because this elevation was blocked by EGTA treatment or in the presence of Ca2+ channel blockers (SKF 96365 and methoxyverapamil). cPLA2 fused with a green fluorescent protein (cPLA2-GFP) translocated from the cytosol to the perinuclear region in response to increases in [Ca2+]i. When EGTA was added shortly after [Ca2+]i increase, the cPLA2-GFP returned to the cytosol, without liberating AA. After a prolonged [Ca2+]i increase, even by EGTA treatment, the enzyme was not readily redistributed to the cytosol. Thus, we propose that a critical time length of [Ca2+]i elevation is required for continuous membrane localization and full activation of cPLA2.

Determination of the calcium-binding sites of the C2 domain of protein kinase Calpha that are critical for its translocation to the plasma membrane

The C2 domain is a conserved protein module present in various signal-transducing proteins. To investigate the function of the C2 domain of protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha), we have generated a recombinant glutathione S-transferase-fused C2 domain from rat PKCalpha, PKC-C2. We found that PKC-C2 binds with high affinity (half-maximal binding at 0.6 microM) to lipid vesicles containing the negatively charged phospholipid phosphatidylserine. When expressed into COS and HeLa cells, most of the PKC-C2 was found at the plasma membrane, whereas when the cells were depleted of Ca2+ by incubation with EGTA and ionophore, the C2 domain was localized preferentially in the cytosol. Ca2+ titration was performed in vivo and the critical Ca2+ concentration ranged from 0.1 to 0.32 microM. We also identified, by site-directed mutagenesis, three aspartic residues critical for that Ca2+ interaction, namely Asp-187, Asp-246 and Asp-248. Mutation of these residues to asparagine, to abolish their negative charge, resulted in a domain expressed as the same extension as wild-type protein that could interact in vitro with neither Ca2+ nor phosphatidylserine. Overexpression of these mutants into COS and HeLa cells also showed that they cannot localize at the plasma membrane, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence staining and subcellular fractionation. These results suggest that the Ca2+-binding site might be involved in promoting the interaction of the C2 domain of PKCalpha with the plasma membrane in vivo.

Location of the membrane-docking face on the Ca2+-activated C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A2

Docking of C2 domains to target membranes is initiated by the binding of multiple Ca2+ ions to a conserved array of residues imbedded within three otherwise variable Ca2+-binding loops. We have located the membrane-docking surface on the Ca2+-activated C2 domain of cPLA2 by engineering a single cysteine substitution at 16 different locations widely distributed across the domain surface, in each case generating a unique attachment site for a fluorescein probe. The environmental sensitivity of the fluorescein-labeled cysteines enabled identification of a localized region that is perturbed by Ca2+ binding and membrane docking. Ca2+ binding to the domain altered the emission intensity of six fluoresceins in the region containing the Ca2+-binding loops, indicating that Ca2+-triggered environmental changes are localized to this region. Similarly, membrane docking increased the protonation of six fluoresceins within the Ca2+-binding loop region, indicating that these three loops also are directly involved in membrane docking. Furthermore, iodide quenching measurements revealed that membrane docking sequesters three fluorescein labeling positions, Phe35, Asn64, and Tyr96, from collisions with aqueous iodide ion. These sequestered residues are located within the identified membrane-docking region, one in each of the three Ca2+-binding loops. Finally, cysteine substitution alone was sufficient to dramatically reduce membrane affinity only at positions Phe35 and Tyr96, highlighting the importance of these two loop residues in membrane docking. Together, the results indicate that the membrane-docking surface of the C2 domain is localized to the same surface that cooperatively binds a pair of Ca2+ ions, and that the three Ca2+-binding loops themselves provide most or all of the membrane contacts. These and other results further support a general model for the membrane specificity of the C2 domain in which the variable Ca2+-binding loops provide headgroup recognition at a protein-membrane interface stabilized by multiple Ca2+ ions.

Membrane domain formation by calcium-dependent, lipid-binding proteins: insights from the C2 motif

We propose a novel role in cellular function for some membrane-binding proteins and, specifically, the C2 motif. The C2 motif binds phospholipid in a manner that is modulated by Ca2+ and is thought to confer membrane-binding ability on a wide variety of proteins, primarily proteins involved in signal transduction and membrane trafficking events. We hypothesize that in the absence of Ca2+ the C2 motif couples the free energy of binding to a bilayer membrane comprised of zwitterionic and negatively charged lipids to the formation of a domain enriched in the negative lipids. This in turn leads to the dynamic clustering of bound homologous or heterologous proteins incorporating the C2 motif, or other acidic lipid-binding motifs. In the presence of Ca2+, the protein clusters may be further stabilized. In support of this hypothesis we present evidence for membrane domain formation by the first C2 domain of synaptotagmin in the absence of Ca2+. Fluid state phospholipid mixtures incorporating a pyrene-labeled phospholipid probe exhibited a change in pyrene excimer/monomer fluorescence ratio consistent with domain formation upon binding the C2 domain. In addition, we present the results of simulations of the interaction of the C2 domain with the membrane that indicate that protein clusters and lipid domains form in concert.

Phospholipid-binding protein domains

Research into cellular mechanisms for signal transduction is currently one of the most exciting and rapidly advancing fields of biological study. It has been known for some time that numerous intracellular signals are transmitted by specific protein-protein interactions, as exemplified by those involving the Src homology domains. However, after some controversy, it has recently been widely accepted that specific protein-phospholipid interactions also play key roles in many signal transduction pathways. In this review, landmark discoveries and recent advances describing protein domains known to associate with phospholipids are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the interactions of proteins with phospholipids acting as second messengers in signalling pathways. For this purpose, the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain is highlighted, since studies of this domain provided some of the earliest, detailed data about protein-phospholipid interactions occurring downstream of growth factor-mediated receptor stimulation. Moreover, studies of PH domains have given insight into the mechanisms of certain diseases, revealed a number of intriguing functional variations on a common structural theme and recently culminated in providing the missing links in erstwhile mysteries of phosphoinositide-dependent signal transduction pathways. Finally, a short discussion is devoted to the developing field of protein-phospholipid interactions that influence cytoskeletal organisation.

Delineation of the oligomerization, AP-2 binding, and synprint binding region of the C2B domain of synaptotagmin

Biochemical and genetic studies indicate that synaptotagmin I functions as a Ca2+ sensor during synaptic vesicle exocytosis and as a membrane receptor for the clathrin adaptor complex, AP-2, during endocytosis. These functions involve the interaction of two conserved domains, C2A and C2B, with effector proteins. The C2B domain mediates Ca2+-triggered synaptotagmin oligomerization, binds AP-2 and is important for the interaction of synaptotagmin with Ca2+ channels. Here, we report that these are conserved biochemical properties: Ca2+ promoted the hetero-oligomerization of synaptotagmin I with synaptotagmins III and IV, and all three synaptotagmin isoforms bound the synprint region of the alpha1B subunit of N-type Ca2+ channels. Using chimeric and truncated C2 domains, we defined a common region of C2B that mediates oligomerization and AP-2 binding. Within this region, two adjacent lysine residues were identified that were critical for synaptotagmin oligomerization, AP-2, and synprint binding. Competition experiments demonstrated that the synprint fragment was an effective inhibitor of synaptotagmin oligomerization and also blocked binding of synaptotagmin to AP-2. In a model for the structure of C2B, the common effector binding site localized to a putative Ca2+-binding loop and a concave region formed by two beta-strands. These studies provide the first structural information regarding C2B target protein recognition and provide the means to selectively disrupt synaptotagmin-effector interactions for functional studies.

Human phosphoinositide 3-kinase C2beta, the role of calcium and the C2 domain in enzyme activity

The cDNA for a human Class II phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase C2beta) with a C2 domain was cloned from a U937 monocyte cDNA library and the enzyme expressed in mammalian and insect cells. Like other Class II PI 3-kinases in vitro, PI 3-kinase C2beta utilizes phosphatidylinositol (PI) and PI 4-monophosphate but not PI 4, 5-biphosphate as substrates in the presence of Mg2+. Remarkably, and unlike other PI 3-kinases, the enzyme can use either Mg-ATP or Ca-ATP to generate PI 3-monophosphate. PI 3-kinase C2beta, like the Class I PI 3-kinases, but unlike PI 3-kinase C2alpha, is sensitive to low nanomolar levels of the inhibitor wortmannin. The enzyme is not regulated by the small GTP-binding protein Ras. The C2 domain of the enzyme bound anionic phospholipids such as PI and phosphatidylserine in vitro, but did not co-operatively bind Ca2+ and phospholipids. Deletion of the C2 domain increased the lipid kinase activity suggesting that it functions as a negative regulator of the catalytic domain. Although presently it is not known whether PI 3-kinase C2beta is regulated by Ca2+ in vivo, our results suggest a novel role for Ca2+ ions in phosphate transfer reactions.

Structure of the protein kinase Cbeta phospholipid-binding C2 domain complexed with Ca2+

BACKGROUND

Conventional isoforms (alpha, beta and gamma) of protein kinase C (PKC) are synergistically activated by phosphatidylserine and Ca2+; both bind to C2 domains located within the PKC amino-terminal regulatory regions. C2 domains contain a bipartite or tripartite Ca2+-binding site formed by opposing loops at one end of the protein. Neither the structural basis for cooperativity between phosphatidylserine and Ca2+, nor the binding site for phosphatidylserine are known.

RESULTS

The structure of the C2 domain from PKCbeta complexed with Ca2+ and o-phospho-L-serine has been determined to 2.7 A resolution using X-ray crystallography. The eight-stranded, Greek key beta-sandwich fold of PKCbeta-C2 is similar to that of the synaptotagmin I type I C2 domain. Three Ca2+ ions, one at a novel site, were located, each sharing common aspartate ligands. One of these ligands is donated by a dyad-related C2 molecule. A phosphoserine molecule binds to a lysine-rich cluster in C2.

CONCLUSIONS

Shared ligation among the three Ca2+ ions suggests that they bind cooperatively to PKCbeta-C2. Cooperativity may be compromised by the accumulation of positive charge in the binding site as successive ions are bound. Model building shows that the C1 domain could provide carboxylate and carbonyl ligands for two of the three Ca2+ sites. Ca2+-mediated interactions between the two domains could contribute to enzyme activation as well as to the creation of a positively charged phosphatidylserine-binding site.

Lipid binding ridge on loops 2 and 3 of the C2A domain of synaptotagmin I as revealed by NMR spectroscopy

The C2A domain of synaptotagmin I, which binds Ca2+ and anionic phospholipids, serves as a Ca2+ sensor during excitation-secretion coupling. We have used multidimensional NMR to locate the region of C2A from rat synaptotagmin I that interacts, in the presence of Ca2+, with phosphatidylserine. Untagged, recombinant C2A was double-labeled with 13C and 15N, and triple-resonance NMR data were collected from C2A samples containing either Ca2+ alone or Ca2+ plus 6:0 phosphatidylserine. Phospholipid binding led to changes in chemical shifts of backbone atoms in residues Arg233 and Phe234 of loop 3 (a loop that also binds Ca2+) and His198, Val205, and Phe206 of loop 2. These residues lie along a straight line on a surface ridge of the C2A domain. The only other residue that exhibited appreciable chemical shift changes upon adding lipid was His254; however, because His254 is located on the other side of the molecule from the phospholipid docking site defined by the other residues, its shifts may result from nonspecific interactions. The results show that the "docking ridge" responsible for Ca2+-dependent membrane association is localized on the opposite side of the C2A domain from the transmembrane and C2B domains of synaptotagmin.

PKC1, encoding a protein kinase C, and FAT1, encoding a fatty acid transporter protein, are neighbors in Cochliobolus heterostrophus

A protein kinase C gene (PKC1) and adjacent DNA of the filamentous ascomycete Cochliobolus heterostrophus was cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence of PKC1 shows high homology to PKCs of other filamentous fungi and all define a new subgroup of PKCs. All attempts to disrupt PKC1 failed, suggesting, but not proving, that disruption of PKC1 function is lethal. About 1 kb 3' of PKC1 is FAT1 encoding a putative bifunctional fatty acid transporter/very-long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase.

Structure of the key toxin in gas gangrene

Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin is the key virulence determinant in gas gangrene and has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of sudden death syndrome in young animals. The toxin is a 370-residue, zinc metalloenzyme that has phospholipase C activity, and can bind to membranes in the presence of calcium. The crystal structure of the enzyme reveals a two-domain protein. The N-terminal domain shows an anticipated structural similarity to Bacillus cereus phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC). The C-terminal domain shows a strong structural analogy to eukaryotic calcium-binding C2 domains. We believe this is the first example of such a domain in prokaryotes. This type of domain has been found to act as a phospholipid and/or calcium-binding domain in intracellular second messenger proteins and, interestingly, these pathways are perturbed in cells treated with alpha-toxin. Finally, a possible mechanism for alpha-toxin attack on membrane-packed phospholipid is described, which rationalizes its toxicity when compared to other, non-haemolytic, but homologous phospholipases C.

Structure of the gangrene alpha-toxin: the beauty in the beast

The crystal and molecular structure of the Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin crowns over a century-long research into the mechanisms of pathogenesis of gas gangrene. The structure reveals a two-domain enzyme, with a catalytic all-helical N-terminal domain, and a C-terminal domain similar in its jelly-roll topology to those found in pancreatic lipase and lipoxygenases.

Calcium-dependent membrane penetration is a hallmark of the C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A2 whereas the C2A domain of synaptotagmin binds membranes electrostatically

C2 domains have been identified in a wide range of intracellular proteins, including lipid modifying enzymes, protein kinases, GTPases, and proteins involved in membrane trafficking. Many C2 domains bind membranes in a calcium-dependent manner. The first C2 domain from synaptotagmin I (SytIC2A) and the C2 domain from cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2C2) are among the best characterized C2 domains in terms of their structures and calcium binding. Here we demonstrate that the protein-lipid interaction is dramatically different for these two domains. Photolabeling with 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(m-[125I]iodophenyl)diazirine ([125I]TID) in the presence of phospholipid vesicles indicates that cPLA2C2 penetrates into the hydrophobic region of the membrane. Hydrophobic surfaces on cPLA2C2 are exposed even in the absence of calcium, but only in its presence does the domain penetrate into the nonpolar core of the membrane. The interaction of SytIC2A with phospholipid membranes is primarily electrostatic with binding being abolished in 500 mM NaCl. Because soluble phospholipid head group analogues do not compete with binding of either SytIC2A or cPLA2C2 to vesicles, it is likely that membrane binding by these domains involves multiple interactions.

The role of C2 domains in Ca2+-activated and Ca2+-independent protein kinase Cs in aplysia

In the nervous system of the marine mollusk Aplysia there are two protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, the Ca2+-activated PKC Apl I and the Ca2+-independent PKC Apl II. PKC Apl I, but not PKC Apl II is activated by a short-term application of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This may be explained by the fact that purified PKC Apl II requires a higher mole percentage of phosphatidylserine to stimulate enzyme activity than does PKC Apl I. In order to understand the molecular basis for this difference, we have compared the ability of lipids to interact with the purified kinases and with regulatory domain fusion proteins derived from the kinases using a variety of assays including kinase activity, phorbol dibutyrate binding, and liposome binding. We found that a C2 domain fusion protein derived from PKC Apl I binds to lipids constitutively, while a C2 domain fusion protein derived from PKC Apl II does not. In contrast, fusion proteins containing the C1 domains of PKC Apl I and PKC Apl II showed only small differences in lipid interactions. Thus, while the presence of a C2 domain assists lipid-mediated activation of PKC Apl I, it inhibits activation of PKC Apl II.

Solution structure and membrane interactions of the C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A2

The amino-terminal, 138 amino acid C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2-C2) mediates an initial step in the production of lipid mediators of inflammation: the Ca2+-dependent translocation of the enzyme to intracellular membranes with subsequent liberation of arachidonic acid. The high resolution solution structure of this Ca2+-dependent, lipid-binding domain (CaLB) has been determined using heteronuclear three-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Secondary structure analysis, derived from several sets of spectroscopic data, shows that the domain is composed of eight antiparallel beta-strands with six interconnecting loops that fits the "type II" topology for C2 domains. Using a total of 2370 distance and torsional restraints, the structure was found to be a beta-sandwich in the "Greek key" motif. The solution structure of cPLA2-C2 domain is very similar to the X-ray crystal structure of the C2 domain of phospholipase-C-delta and phylogenetic analysis clarifies the structural role of highly conserved residues. Calorimetric studies further demonstrate that cPLA2-C2 binds two Ca2+ with observed Kds of approximately 2 microM in an entropically assisted process. Moreover, regions on cPLA2-C2 interacting with membranes were identified by 15N-HSQC-spectroscopy of cPLA2-C2 in the presence of low molecular weight lipid micelles. An extended binding site was identified that binds the phosphocholine headgroup in a Ca2+-dependent manner and also interacts with proximal regions of the membrane surface. Based upon these results, a structural model is presented for the mechanism of association of cPLA2 with its membrane substrate.

Ca2+ binding to synaptotagmin: how many Ca2+ ions bind to the tip of a C2-domain?

C2-domains are widespread protein modules with diverse Ca2+-regulatory functions. Although multiple Ca2+ ions are known to bind at the tip of several C2-domains, the exact number of Ca2+-binding sites and their functional relevance are unknown. The first C2-domain of synaptotagmin I is believed to play a key role in neurotransmitter release via its Ca2+-dependent interactions with syntaxin and phospholipids. We have studied the Ca2+-binding mode of this C2-domain as a prototypical C2-domain using NMR spectroscopy and site-directed mutagenesis. The C2-domain is an elliptical module composed of a beta-sandwich with a long axis of 50 A. Our results reveal that the C2-domain binds three Ca2+ ions in a tight cluster spanning only 6 A at the tip of the module. The Ca2+-binding region is formed by two loops whose conformation is stabilized by Ca2+ binding. Binding involves one serine and five aspartate residues that are conserved in numerous C2-domains. All three Ca2+ ions are required for the interactions of the C2-domain with syntaxin and phospholipids. These results support an electrostatic switch model for C2-domain function whereby the beta-sheets of the domain provide a fixed scaffold for the Ca2+-binding loops, and whereby interactions with target molecules are triggered by a Ca2+-induced switch in electrostatic potential.

Crystal structure of the C2 domain from protein kinase C-delta

BACKGROUND

The protein kinase C (PKC) family of lipid-dependent serine/theonine kinases plays a central role in many intracellular eukaryotic signalling events. Members of the novel (delta, epsilon, eta, theta) subclass of PKC isotypes lack the Ca2+ dependence of the conventional PKC isotypes and have an N-terminal C2 domain, originally defined as V0 (variable domain zero). Biochemical data suggest that this domain serves to translocate novel PKC family members to the plasma membrane and may influence binding of PKC activators.

RESULTS

The crystal structure of PKC-delta C2 domain indicates an unusual variant of the C2 fold. Structural elements unique to this C2 domain include a helix and a protruding beta hairpin which may contribute basic sequences to a membrane-interaction site. The invariant C2 motif, Pro-X-Trp, where X is any amino acid, forms a short crossover loop, departing radically from its conformation in other C2 structures, and contains a tyrosine phosphorylation site unique to PKC-delta. This loop and two others adopt quite different conformations from the equivalent Ca(2+)-binding loops of phospholipase C-delta and synaptotagmin I, and lack sequences necessary for Ca2+ coordination.

CONCLUSIONS

The N-terminal sequence of Ca(2+)-independent novel PKCs defines a divergent example of a C2 structure similar to that of phospholipase C-delta. The Ca(2+)-independent regulation of novel PKCs is explained by major structural and sequence differences resulting in three non-functional Ca(2+)-binding loops. The observed structural variation and position of a tyrosine-phosphorylation site suggest the existence of distinct subclasses of C2-like domains which may have evolved distinct functional roles and mechanisms to interact with lipid membranes.

Mutagenesis of the C2 domain of protein kinase C-alpha. Differential roles of Ca2+ ligands and membrane binding residues

The C2 domains of conventional protein kinase C (PKC) have been implicated in their Ca2+-dependent membrane binding. The C2 domain of PKC-alpha contains several Ca2+ ligands that bind multiple Ca2+ ions and other putative membrane binding residues. To understand the roles of individual Ca2+ ligands and protein-bound Ca2+ ions in the membrane binding and activation of PKC-alpha, we mutated five putative Ca2+ ligands (D187N, D193N, D246N, D248N, and D254N) and measured the effects of mutations on vesicle binding, enzyme activity, and monolayer penetration of PKC-alpha. Altered properties of these mutants indicate that individual Ca2+ ions and their ligands have different roles in the membrane binding and activation of PKC-alpha. The binding of Ca2+ to Asp187, Asp193, and Asp246 of PKC-alpha is important for the initial binding of protein to membrane surfaces. On the other hand, the binding of another Ca2+ to Asp187, Asp246, Asp248, and Asp254 induces the conformational change of PKC-alpha, which in turn triggers its membrane penetration and activation. Among these Ca2+ ligands, Asp246 was shown to be most essential for both membrane binding and activation of PKC-alpha, presumably due to its coordination to multiple Ca2+ ions. Furthermore, to identify the residues in the C2 domain that are involved in membrane binding of PKC-alpha, we mutated four putative membrane binding residues (Trp245, Trp247, Arg249, and Arg252). Membrane binding and enzymatic properties of two double-site mutants (W245A/W247A and R249A/R252A) indicate that Arg249 and Arg252 are involved in electrostatic interactions of PKC-alpha with anionic membranes, whereas Trp245 and Trp247 participate in its penetration into membranes and resulting hydrophobic interactions. Taken together, these studies provide the first experimental evidence for the role of C2 domain of conventional PKC as a membrane docking unit as well as a module that triggers conformational changes to activate the protein.

Cloning of a novel gene in the human kidney homologous to rat munc13s: its potential role in diabetic nephropathy

Glomerular mesangial cells (MC) are believed to play a pivotal role in development of diabetic nephropathy. We employed differential display reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (DDRT-PCR) comparing human MC grown under 25 mM and 5.5 mM D-glucose and osmolarity control as a first step to identify possible candidate genes regulated by hyperglycemia. This strategy resulted in cloning of a novel gene in human MC, human munc13 (hmunc13), a human homologue of rat munc13s with the N-terminal segment similar to munc13-1 and the C-terminal segment more similar to munc13-2. Hmunc13 is also expressed in human kidney cortical epithelial cells. By using relative RT-PCR and Northern blot, we have confirmed that expression of hmunc13 in MC is up-regulated by high D-glucose treatment. Together with previous reports that munc13s binds to diacylglycerol (DAG) and that hyperglycemia increases DAG levels, these findings point to a potential role of hmunc13 in mediating some of the acute and chronic changes in MC produced by exposure to hyperglycemia.

Direct interaction of a Ca2+-binding loop of synaptotagmin with lipid bilayers

Synaptotagmin 1 binds Ca2+ and membranes via its C2A-domain and plays an essential role in excitation-secretion coupling. In this study, we sought to identify Ca2+- and membrane-induced local conformational changes in the C2A-domain of synaptotagmin and to delineate the C2A-lipid binding interface. To address these questions native phenylalanine residues were replaced, at each face of the domain, with tryptophan reporters. Changes in tryptophanyl fluorescence indicated that Ca2+ induced long range conformational changes throughout C2A, including regions distant from an established Ca2+-binding site. Addition of liposomes resulted in Ca2+-dependent increases in the fluorescence of tryptophans 193, 231, and 234. Only the tryptophan residues at positions 234 and 231, which lie within a Ca2+-binding loop of C2A, exhibited liposome-induced blue shifts in their emission spectra. Quenching experiments, using membrane-imbedded doxyl spin labels, revealed that tryptophan residues 231 and 234 penetrated lipid bilayers. These data delineate the lipid binding interface of C2A and provide the first evidence for adjacent Ca2+- and lipid-binding sites within a C2-domain. The penetration of C2A into membranes may function to bring components of the fusion machinery into contact with the lipid bilayer to initiate exocytosis.

The C2 domains of Rabphilin3A specifically bind phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate containing vesicles in a Ca2+-dependent manner. In vitro characteristics and possible significance

In the present study we investigated the lipid binding characteristics of the C2 domains of Rabphilin3a. We found that the tandem C2 domain of Rabphilin3a specifically bound lipid vesicles containing phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) in a Ca2+-dependent manner. There was little binding to vesicles containing PtdIns(3,4)P2 in the presence or absence of Ca2+. Binding to phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate-containing vesicles was similar to binding to PtdIns(4,5)P2-containing vesicles. The presence of physiological amounts of phosphatidylserine (PS) greatly potentiated the ability of PtdIns(4,5)P2 to cause vesicle binding. As with the C2 domains together, the binding of individual C2 domain of Rabphilin3a was much greater to PtdIns(4,5)P2-containing vesicles than PtdIns(3,4)P2-containing vesicles. Both C2 domains also bound 29 mol % PS-containing vesicles in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Because of the importance of the C2B domain in the enhancement of secretion from chromaffin cells by Rabphilin3a, its biochemistry was further investigated. The mutation of aspartates 657 and 659 to asparagines in C2B decreased Ca2+-dependent and increased Ca2+-independent vesicle binding, indicating the Ca2+ dependence of the domain is provided by aspartic acid residues in the putative Ca2+-binding pocket. A peptide from the COOH-terminal region of the C2B domain specifically inhibited ATP-dependent secretion from permeabilized chromaffin cells and the binding of Rabphilin3a to phosphatidylcholine/PS/PtdIns(4,5)P2-containing lipid vesicles, suggesting a role of this sequence in secretion through its ability to interact with acidic lipid vesicles.

Dual mechanisms of apoptosis induction by cytotoxic lymphocytes

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells together comprise the means by which the immune system detects and rids higher organisms of virus-infected or transformed cells. Although differing considerably in the way they detect foreign or mutated antigens, these cells utilize highly analogous mechanisms for inducing target cell death. Both types of effector lymphocytes utilize two principal contact-dependent cytolytic mechanisms. The first of these, the granule exocytosis mechanism, depends on the synergy of a calcium-dependent pore-forming protein, perforin, and a battery of proteases (granzymes), and it results in penetration by effector molecules into the target cell cytoplasm and nucleus. The second, which requires binding of FasL (CD95L) on the effector cell with trimeric Fas (CD95) molecules on receptive target cells, is calcium independent and functions by generating a death signal at the inner leaflet of the target cell membrane. Exciting recent developments have indicated that both cytolytic mechanisms impinge on an endogenous signaling pathway that is strongly conserved in species as diverse as helminths and humans and dictates the death or survival of all cells.

Exocytosis in chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla

The chromaffin cell has been used as a model to characterize releasable components present in secretory granules and to understand the cellular mechanisms involved in catecholamine release. Recent physiological and biochemical developments have revealed that molecular mechanisms implicated in granule trafficking are conserved in all eukaryotic species: a rise in intracellular calcium triggers regulated exocytosis, and highly conserved proteins are essential elements which interact with each other to form a molecular scaffolding, ensuring the docking of granules at the plasma membrane, and perhaps membrane fusion. However, the mechanisms regulating secretion are multiple and cell specific. They operate at different steps along the life of a granule, from the time of granule biosynthesis up to the last step of exocytosis. With regard to cell specificity, noradrenaline and adrenaline chromaffin cells display different receptor and signaling characteristics that may be important to exocytosis. Characterization of regulated exocytosis in chromaffin cells provides not only fundamental knowledge of neurosecretion but is of additional importance as these cells are used for therapeutic purposes.