Purified cytochrome b from human granulocyte plasma membrane is comprised of two polypeptides with relative molecular weights of 91,000 and 22,000

Six different CYBA mutations including three novel mutations in ten families from Turkey, resulting in autosomal recessive chronic granulomatous disease

BACKGROUND

One of the rarest forms of autosomal recessive chronic granulomatous disease (AR-CGD) is attributable to mutations in the CYBA gene, which encodes the alpha polypeptide of cytochrome b(558), (also known as p22-phox), a key transmembrane protein in the phagocyte NADPH oxidase system. This gene is localized on chromosome 16q24, encompasses 8.5 kb and contains six exons.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We report here the clinical and molecular characterization of 12 AR-CGD patients from 10 consanguineous, unrelated Turkish families with clinical CGD and positive family history. The ages of the six male and six female patients were between 1and 18 years. Before mutation analysis, subgroup analysis of patients was made by flow cytometry with antibodies against NADPH-oxidase components and with the DHR assay (flow cytometric assay of NADPH oxidase activity in leucocytes).

RESULTS

Mutation analysis of CYBA showed six different mutations: a frameshift insertion in exon 3 (C after C166); a missense mutation in exon 2 (p.Gly24Arg), a splice-site deletion in intron 1 (4-bp deletion +4_+7 AGTG), a novel nonsense mutation in exon 6 (p.Cys113X), a novel large deletion of exons 3-6 and a novel 1-bp deletion in exon 6 (c.408delC). All mutations were present in homozygous form and all parents investigated were found to be heterozygotes for these mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series of 40 CGD families, approximately 25% of the families have p22-phox defects, with six different mutations, including three novel mutations. The high rate of consanguineous marriages seems to be the underlying aetiology.

Macrophage NADPH oxidase flavocytochrome B localizes to the plasma membrane and Rab11-positive recycling endosomes

Flavocytochrome b(558), the catalytic core of the phagocytic NADPH oxidase, mediates the transfer of electrons from NADPH to molecular oxygen to generate superoxide for host defense. Flavocytochrome b is a membrane heterodimer consisting of a large subunit gp91(phox) (NOX2) and a smaller subunit, p22(phox). Although in neutrophils flavocytochrome b has been shown to localize to the plasma membrane and specific granules, little is known about its distribution in macrophages. Using immunofluorescent staining and live cell imaging of fluorescently tagged gp91(phox) and p22(phox), we demonstrate in a Chinese hamster ovary cell model system and in RAW 264.7 and primary murine bone marrow-derived macrophages that flavocytochrome b is found in the Rab11-positive recycling endocytic compartment, as well as in Rab5-positive early endosomes and plasma membrane. Additionally, we show that unassembled p22(phox) and gp91(phox) subunits localize to the endoplasmic reticulum, which redistribute to the cell surface and endosomal compartments following heterodimer formation. These studies show for the first time that flavocytochrome b localizes to intracellular compartments in macrophages that recycle to the plasma membrane, which may act as a reservoir to deliver flavocytochrome b to the cell surface and phagosome membranes.

The phagocytes: neutrophils and monocytes

The production and deployment of phagocytes are central functions of the hematopoietic system. In the 1950s, radioisotopic studies demonstrated the high production rate and short lifespan of neutrophils and allowed researchers to follow the monocytes as they moved from the marrow through the blood to become tissue macrophages, histiocytes, and dendritic cells. Subsequently, the discovery of the colony-stimulating factors greatly improved understanding the regulation of phagocyte production. The discovery of the microbicidal myeloperoxidase-H2O2-halide system and the importance of NADPH oxidase to the generation of H2O2 also stimulated intense interest in phagocyte disorders. More recent research has focused on membrane receptors and the dynamics of the responses of phagocytes to external factors including immunoglobulins, complement proteins, cytokines, chemokines, integrins, and selectins. Phagocytes express toll-like receptors that aid in the clearance of a wide range of microbial pathogens and their products. Phagocytes are also important sources of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus participating in host defenses through a variety of mechanisms. Over the last 50 years, many genetic and molecular disorders of phagocytes have been identified, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment of conditions which predispose patients to the risk of recurrent fevers and infectious diseases.

Hyperinflammation in chronic granulomatous disease and anti-inflammatory role of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an immunodeficiency caused by the lack of the superoxide-producing phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. However, CGD patients not only suffer from recurrent infections, but also present with inflammatory, non-infectious conditions. Among the latter, granulomas figure prominently, which gave the name to the disease, and colitis, which is frequent and leads to a substantial morbidity. In this paper, we systematically review the inflammatory lesions in different organs of CGD patients and compare them to observations in CGD mouse models. In addition to the more classical inflammatory lesions, CGD patients and their relatives have increased frequency of autoimmune diseases, and CGD mice are arthritis-prone. Possible mechanisms involved in CGD hyperinflammation include decreased degradation of phagocytosed material, redox-dependent termination of proinflammatory mediators and/or signaling, as well as redox-dependent cross-talk between phagocytes and lymphocytes (e.g. defective tryptophan catabolism). As a conclusion from this review, we propose the existence of ROS high and ROS low inflammatory responses, which are triggered as a function of the level of reactive oxygen species and have specific characteristics in terms of physiology and pathophysiology.

Up-regulation of NADPH oxidase components and increased production of interferon-gamma by leukocytes from sickle cell disease patients

We have previously demonstrated that mononuclear leukocytes from patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) release higher amounts of superoxide compared with normal controls. The aim of this study was to further study the NADPH oxidase system in these patients by investigating gene expression of NADPH oxidase components, phosphorylation of p47(phox) component, and the release of cytokines related to NADPH oxidase activation in mononuclear leukocytes from patients with SCD. gp91(phox) gene expression was significantly higher in monocytes from SCD patients compared with normal controls (P=0.036). Monocytes from SCD patients showed higher levels of p47(phox) phosphorylation compared with normal controls. INF-gamma release by lymphocytes from SCD patients was significantly higher compared with normal controls, after 48 h culture with phytohemagglutinin (P=0.02). The release of TNF-alpha by monocytes from SCD patients and normal controls was similar after 24 and 48 h culture with lipopolysaccharide (P>0.05). We conclude that monocytes from SCD patients show higher levels of gp91(phox) gene expression and p47(phox) phosphorylation, along with increased IFN-gamma release by SCD lymphocytes. These findings help to explain our previous observation showing the increased respiratory burst activity of mononuclear leukocytes from SCD patients and may contribute to inflammation and tissue damage in these patients.

Single-step immunoaffinity purification and functional reconstitution of human phagocyte flavocytochrome b

Human neutrophil flavocytochrome b (Cyt b) is a heterodimeric, integral membrane protein that generates high levels of superoxide in the multisubunit NADPH oxidase complex. Since Cyt b is currently isolated in limited quantities, improved methods for purification from low levels of starting membranes (from both neutrophils and other expressing cell types) are important for the analysis of structure and catalytic mechanism. In the present study, the epitope-mapped monoclonal antibody CS9 was coupled to Sepharose beads and used as an affinity matrix for single-step immunoaffinity purification of Cyt b. Following solubilization of both human neutrophil and PLB-985 membrane fractions in the nonionic detergent octylglucoside, Cyt b was absorbed on the CS9-Sepharose affinity matrix and purified protein was eluted under non-denaturing conditions with an epitope-mimicking peptide. The high efficiency of this isolation procedure allowed Cyt b to be reproducibly purified from readily obtainable levels of starting membrane fractions (9x10(8) cell equivalents of neutrophil membranes and 2x10(9) cell equivalents of PLB-985 membranes). Since Cyt b could be affinity-purified in the detergent octylglucoside, high-level functional reconstitution was carried out directly on elution fractions by simple addition of solubilized phospholipid and subsequent dialysis for detergent removal. To our knowledge, this study describes the most efficient method for generating purified, functionally-reconstituted Cyt b and should facilitate analyses that require a highly-defined NADPH oxidase system.

C-Terminal Tail Phosphorylation of N-Formyl Peptide Receptor: Differential Recognition of Two Neutrophil Chemoattractant Receptors by Monoclonal Antibodies NFPR1 and NFPR2

The N-formyl peptide receptor (FPR), a G protein-coupled receptor that binds proinflammatory chemoattractant peptides, serves as a model receptor for leukocyte chemotaxis. Recombinant histidine-tagged FPR (rHis-FPR) was purified in lysophosphatidyl glycerol (LPG) by Ni(2+)-NTA agarose chromatography to >95% purity with high yield. MALDI-TOF mass analysis (>36% sequence coverage) and immunoblotting confirmed the identity as FPR. The rHis-FPR served as an immunogen for the production of 2 mAbs, NFPR1 and NFPR2, that epitope map to the FPR C-terminal tail sequences, 305-GQDFRERLI-313 and 337-NSTLPSAEVE-346, respectively. Both mAbs specifically immunoblotted rHis-FPR and recombinant FPR (rFPR) expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. NFPR1 also recognized recombinant FPRL1, specifically expressed in mouse L fibroblasts. In human neutrophil membranes, both Abs labeled a 45-75 kDa species (peak M(r) approximately 60 kDa) localized primarily in the plasma membrane with a minor component in the lactoferrin-enriched intracellular fractions, consistent with FPR size and localization. NFPR1 also recognized a band of M(r) approximately 40 kDa localized, in equal proportions to the plasma membrane and lactoferrin-enriched fractions, consistent with FPRL1 size and localization. Only NFPR2 was capable of immunoprecipitation of rFPR in detergent extracts. The recognition of rFPR by NFPR2 is lost after exposure of cellular rFPR to f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLF) and regained after alkaline phosphatase treatment of rFPR-bearing membranes. In neutrophils, NFPR2 immunofluorescence was lost upon fMLF stimulation. Immunoblotting approximately 60 kDa species, after phosphatase treatment of fMLF-stimulated neutrophil membranes, was also enhanced. We conclude that the region 337-346 of FPR becomes phosphorylated after fMLF activation of rFPR-expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells and neutrophils.

Platelet particle formation by anti GPIIIa49-66 Ab, Ca2+ ionophore A23187, and phorbol myristate acetate is induced by reactive oxygen species and inhibited by dexamethasone blockade of platelet phospholipase A2, 12-lipoxygenase, and NADPH oxidase

An HIV antibody (Ab) against platelet integrin GPIIIa49-66 induces complement-independent platelet particle formation by the elaboration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) downstream of the activation of the platelet NADPH oxidase by the 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) product 12(S)-HETE. To determine whether other inducers of platelet particle formation also function via the induction of ROS, we examined the effects of the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Both agents induced oxidative platelet particle formation in an identical fashion as Ab, requiring Ca(2+) flux and 12(S)-HETE production as well as intact NADPH oxidase and 12-LO pathways. Since HIV-ITP patients with this Ab correct their platelet counts with dexamethasone (Dex), we examined the role of this steroid in this unique autoimmune disorder. Dex at therapeutic concentrations inhibited Ab-, A23187-, or PMA-induced platelet particle formation by inhibiting platelet PLA(2), 12-LO, and NADPH oxidase. The operational requirement of translocation of PLA(2), 12-LO, and NADPH oxidase components (p67 phox) from cytosol to membrane for induction of ROS was both inhibited and partially reversed by Dex in platelets. We conclude that (1) platelet particle formation can be induced by the generation of ROS; and (2) platelet PLA(2), 12-LO, NADPH oxidase, and cytosol membrane translocation, requirements for ROS production, are inhibited by Dex.

Critical roles for p22phox in the structural maturation and subcellular targeting of Nox3

Otoconia are small biominerals in the inner ear that are indispensable for the normal perception of gravity and motion. Normal otoconia biogenesis requires Nox3, a Nox (NADPH oxidase) highly expressed in the vestibular system. In HEK-293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells) transfected with the Nox regulatory subunits NoxO1 (Nox organizer 1) and NoxA1 (Nox activator 1), functional murine Nox3 was expressed in the plasma membrane and exhibited a haem spectrum identical with that of Nox2, the electron transferase of the phagocyte Nox. In vitro Nox3 cDNA expressed an approximately 50 kDa primary translation product that underwent N-linked glycosylation in the presence of canine microsomes. RNAi (RNA interference)-mediated reduction of endogenous p22phox, a subunit essential for stabilization of Nox2 in phagocytes, decreased Nox3 activity in reconstituted HEK-293 cells. p22phox co-precipitated not only with Nox3 and NoxO1 from transfectants expressing all three proteins, but also with NoxO1 in the absence of Nox3, indicating that p22phox physically associated with both Nox3 and with NoxO1. The plasma membrane localization of Nox3 but not of NoxO1 required p22phox. Moreover, the glycosylation and maturation of Nox3 required p22phox expression, suggesting that p22phox was required for the proper biosynthesis and function of Nox3. Taken together, these studies demonstrate critical roles for p22phox at several distinct points in the maturation and assembly of a functionally competent Nox3 in the plasma membrane.

The NOX family of ROS-generating NADPH oxidases: physiology and pathophysiology

For a long time, superoxide generation by an NADPH oxidase was considered as an oddity only found in professional phagocytes. Over the last years, six homologs of the cytochrome subunit of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase were found: NOX1, NOX3, NOX4, NOX5, DUOX1, and DUOX2. Together with the phagocyte NADPH oxidase itself (NOX2/gp91(phox)), the homologs are now referred to as the NOX family of NADPH oxidases. These enzymes share the capacity to transport electrons across the plasma membrane and to generate superoxide and other downstream reactive oxygen species (ROS). Activation mechanisms and tissue distribution of the different members of the family are markedly different. The physiological functions of NOX family enzymes include host defense, posttranlational processing of proteins, cellular signaling, regulation of gene expression, and cell differentiation. NOX enzymes also contribute to a wide range of pathological processes. NOX deficiency may lead to immunosuppresion, lack of otoconogenesis, or hypothyroidism. Increased NOX activity also contributes to a large number or pathologies, in particular cardiovascular diseases and neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the functions of NOX enzymes in physiology and pathology.

Immunoaffinity purification of human phagocyte flavocytochrome b and analysis of conformational dynamics

The heterodimeric integral membrane protein flavocytochrome b (Cyt b) is the catalytic core of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase, an enzyme complex that initiates a cascade of reactive oxygen species critical for the elimination of infectious agents. Many fundamental questions remain concerning the structure and catalytic mechanism of Cyt b, largely because of the inability to isolate this protein in quantities required for both biochemical analysis and meaningful attempts at high-resolution structure determination. In order to facilitate the direct analysis of Cyt b, the following method describes a rapid and efficient procedure for the immunoaffinity purification of Cyt b (under nondenaturing conditions) from neutrophil membrane fractions. The protocol presented here contains a number of steps that have been optimized and improved since the original description of this Cyt b isolation method. In order to address questions concerning the mechanism of superoxide generation by the NADPH oxidase complex, methods are additionally presented for analysis of conformational dynamics of immunoaffinity-purified Cyt b by resonance energy transfer.

Cloning, sequence analysis and confirmation of derived gene sequences for three epitope-mapped monoclonal antibodies against human phagocyte flavocytochrome b

The integral membrane protein flavocytochrome b (Cyt b) is the catalytic core of the NADPH oxidase complex, a multicomponent enzyme system that initiates a cascade of reactive oxygen species that play a critical role in innate immunity and vascular physiology. Epitope-mapped, monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that recognize the large (gp91phox) and small (p22phox) subunits of Cyt b provide valuable reagents that have been used to examine structural and mechanistic aspects of oxidase function. In the present study, the heavy and light chain variable region genes of the Cyt b-specific mAbs 44.1, NS5, and NL7 have been amplified by RT-PCR, cloned and subject to DNA sequence analysis. Since the 5' degenerate primer sets used for mAb gene amplification were observed to introduce extensive heterogeneity into the heavy and light chain FR1 regions, N-terminal protein sequence analysis was also conducted to obtain the correct amino acid sequence of this region. In order to confirm the identity of the cloned genes, intact mAbs were resolved by two-dimensional electrophoresis and subject to in-gel tryptic digestion for analysis by both MALDI and nanospray LC-MS/MS. Databases searches using the derived mAb sequences predicted residues comprising CDR loops, identified candidate germline genes, and showed the respective germline genes to accurately predict the N-terminal amino acid residues for each variable region. The above studies report the amino acid sequence of Cyt b-specific mAb variable region genes with high confidence and provide essential information for future efforts at Cyt b structure analysis by resonance energy transfer and X-ray crystallography.

The respiratory burst oxidase

Sbarra and Karnovsky were the first to present evidence suggesting the presence in phagocytes of a special enzyme designed to generate reactive oxidants for purposes of host defense. In the years since their report appeared, a great deal has been learned about this enzyme, now known as the respiratory burst oxidase. It has been found to be a plasma membrane-bound heme- and flavin-containing enzyme, dormant in resting cells, that catalyzes the one-electron reduction of oxygen to O2- at the expense of NADPH: O2 + NADPH----O2- + NADP+ + H+ Its behavior in whole cells and its response to various activating stimuli have been described in detail, although important insights continue to emerge, as for example a very interesting new series of observations on differences in oxidase activation patterns between suspended and adherent cells. The enzyme has been shown by biochemical and genetic studies to consist of at least six components. In the resting cell, three of these components are in the cytosol and three in the plasma membrane, but when the cell passes from its resting to its activated state the cytosolic components are all transferred to the plasma membrane, presumably assembling the oxidase. Of the components initially bound to the membrane, two constitute cytochrome b558, a heme protein characteristic of the respiratory burst oxidase, and the third may represent an oxidase flavoprotein. With regard to the cytosolic components, one is a phosphoprotein and another is the NADPH-binding component, possibly a second oxidase flavoprotein. The nature of the third (p67phox) is a puzzle. Four of the six oxidase components have now been cloned and sequenced. These findings only scratch the surface, however, and many questions remain. How many oxidase components, for example, remain to be discovered, and how do they fit together to form the active enzyme? How is the route of activation of the oxidase integrated into the general signal transduction systems of the cell? How did the oxidase come to be? Could there be a widespread system that generates small amounts of O2- as an intercellular signaling molecule, as recent work is beginning to suggest, and did the ever-destructive respiratory burst oxidase arise from that innocuous system as the creation of some evolutionary Frankenstein--an oxidase from hell? Finally, will it be possible to develop drugs that specifically block the respiratory burst oxidase, and will such drugs prove to be clinically useful as anti-inflammatory agents?(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Leu505 of Nox2 is crucial for optimal p67phox-dependent activation of the flavocytochrome b558 during phagocytic NADPH oxidase assembly

The role of Leu505 of Nox2 on the NADPH oxidase activation process was investigated. An X-CGD PLB-985 cell line expressing the Leu505Arg Nox2 mutant was obtained, exactly mimicking the phenotype of a previously published X91+-CGD case. In a reconstituted cell-free system (CFS), NADPH oxidase and iodonitrotetrazolium (INT) reductase activities were partially maintained concomitantly with a partial cytosolic factors translocation to the plasma membrane. This suggests that assembly and electron transfer from NADPH occurred partially in the Leu505Arg Nox2 mutant. Moreover, in a simplified CFS using purified mutant cytochrome b558 and recombinant p67phox, p47phox, and Rac1proteins, we found that the Km for NADPH and for NADH was about three times higher than those of purified WT cytochrome b558, indicating that the Leu505Arg mutation induces a slight decrease of the affinity for NADPH and NADH. In addition, oxidase activity can be extended by increasing the amount of p67phox in the simplified CFS assay. However, the maximal reconstituted oxidase activity using WT purified cytochrome b558 could not be reached using mutant cytochrome b558. In a three-dimensional model of the C-terminal tail of Nox2, Leu505 appears to have a strategic position just at the entry of the NADPH binding site and at the end of the alpha-helical loop (residues 484-504), a potential cytosolic factor binding region. The Leu505Arg mutation seems to affect the oxidase complex activation process through alteration of cytosolic factors binding and more particularly the p67phox interaction with cytochrome b558, thus affecting NADPH access to its binding site.

Analysis of human phagocyte flavocytochrome b(558) by mass spectrometry

The catalytic core of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase is a heterodimeric integral membrane protein (flavocytochrome b (Cyt b)) that generates superoxide and initiates a cascade of reactive oxygen species critical for the host inflammatory response. In order to facilitate structural characterization, the present study reports the first direct analysis of human phagocyte Cyt b by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization and nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry. Mass analysis of in-gel tryptic digest samples provided 73% total sequence coverage of the gp91(phox) subunit, including three of the six proposed transmembrane domains. Similar analysis of the p22(phox) subunit provided 72% total sequence coverage, including assignment of the hydrophobic N-terminal region and residues that are polymorphic in the human population. To initiate mass analysis of Cyt b post-translational modifications, the isolated gp91(phox) subunit was subject to sequential in-gel digestion with Flavobacterium meningosepticum peptide N-glycosidase F and trypsin, with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry used to demonstrate that Asn-132, -149, and -240 are genuinely modified by N-linked glycans in human neutrophils. Since the PLB-985 cell line represents an important model system for analysis of the NADPH oxidase, methods were developed for the purification of Cyt b from PLB-985 membrane fractions in order to confirm the appropriate modification of N-linked glycosylation sites on the recombinant gp91(phox) subunit. This study reports extensive sequence coverage of the integral membrane protein Cyt b by mass spectrometry and provides analytical methods that will be useful for evaluating posttranslational modifications involved in the regulation of superoxide production.

Deletion mutagenesis of p22phox subunit of flavocytochrome b558: identification of regions critical for gp91phox maturation and NADPH oxidase activity

The heterodimeric flavocytochrome b558, comprised of the two integral membrane proteins p22phox and gp91phox, mediates the transfer of electrons from NADPH to molecular oxygen in the phagocyte NADPH oxidase to generate the superoxide precursor of microbicidal oxidants. This study uses deletion mutagenesis to identify regions of p22phox required for maturation of gp91phox and for NADPH oxidase activity. N-terminal, C-terminal, or internal deletions of human p22phox were generated and expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells with transgenes for gp91phox and two other NADPH oxidase subunits, p47phox, and p67phox. The results demonstrate that p22phox-dependent maturation of gp91phox carbohydrate, cell surface expression of gp91phox, and the enzymatic function of flavocytochrome b558 are closely correlated. Whereas the 5 N-terminal and 25 C-terminal amino acids are dispensable for these functions, the N-terminal 11 amino acids of p22phox are required, as is a hydrophilic region between amino acids 65 and 90. Upon deletion of 54 residues at the C terminus of p22phox (amino acids 142-195), maturation and cell surface expression of gp91phox was still preserved, although NADPH oxidase activity was absent, as expected, due to removal of a proline-rich domain between amino acids 151-160 that is required for recruitment of p47phox. Antibody binding studies indicate that the extreme N terminus of p22phox is inaccessible in the absence of cell permeabilization, supporting a model in which both the N- and C-terminal domains of p22phox extend into the cytoplasm, anchored by two membrane-embedded regions.

Activation state-dependent interaction between Galphai and p67phox

The phagocyte NADPH oxidase consists of multiple protein subunits that interact with each other to form a functional superoxide-generating complex. Although the essential components for superoxide production have been well characterized, other proteins potentially involved in the regulation of NADPH oxidase activation remain to be identified. We report here that the Galphai subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins is a novel binding partner for p67phox in transfected HEK293T cells and peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes. p67phox preferably interacted with inactive Galphai. Expression of p67phox caused a dose-dependent decrease in intracellular cyclic AMP concentration, suggesting altered function of Galphai. We identified a fragment of p67phox, consisting of the PB1 domain and the C-terminal SH3 domain, to be critical for the interaction with Galphai. Because these domains are involved in the interaction with p47phox and p40phox, the relationship between the respective binding events was investigated. Wild-type Galphai, but not its QL mutant, could promote the interaction between p67phox and p47phox. However, the interaction between p67phox and p40phox was not affected by either Galphai form. These results provide the first evidence for an interaction between p67phox and an alpha subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins, suggesting a potential role for Galphai in the regulation or activation of NADPH oxidase.

Characterization of 17 new cases of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease with seven novel mutations in the CYBB gene

OBJECTIVE

Molecular identification and clinical characterization of genetic mutations in patients with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Genomic DNA from 17 male patients with proven X-linked CGD based on clinical history, clinical examination, and specific granulocyte function tests were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for sequences of the CYBB gene encoding gp91-phox. Mutations in the resulting PCR products were identified by DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Sequence analysis revealed four deletions (453_454delAG; 802delC; 962delG; 993delG), one combined deletion/insertion/duplication [156_173delTCAGCACTGGCACTGGCC/174_175insT/175_176insCCTGCCTGAATTTCT(dupl187_200)]; one insertion (574_575insCCTCAT), four nonsense mutations (332G > A; 402C > T; 690C > T; 1340C>G), two missense mutations (933A > C; 1041A > C) and four potential splice-site mutations (5'intron1 gt-->at; 3'intron1ag-->at; 5'intron3 gtaag-->gtaaa; 5'intron4 gtaa-->ctaa). Seven of these mutations were indeed novel, whereas four mutations not previously reported to the X-CGDbase were found to be of the same type as database reports of unrelated families. The six remaining mutations have been reported previously to the X-CGDbase but have as yet not been described in detail.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underline the great heterogeneity of mutations involving the CYBB gene. Neither a mutational hot spot in the gp91-phox gene nor a clear correlation between molecular defect and clinical manifestation in unrelated families could be demonstrated. Remarkable is a splice-site mutation (5'intron3 gtaag-->gtaaa) identified in a 40-year-old patient with late onset "adult" CGD and residual nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced oxidase activity. The enormous delay of clinical symptoms of this particular mutation could be explained by an age-related variable sensitivity of the splicing machinery to the present splice-site mutation.

Evaluation of two anti-gp91phox antibodies as immunoprobes for Nox family proteins: mAb 54.1 recognizes recombinant full-length Nox2, Nox3 and the C-terminal domains of Nox1-4 and cross-reacts with GRP 58

Progress in the study of Nox protein expression has been impeded because of the paucity of immunological probes. The large subunit of human phagocyte flavocytochrome b558 (Cytb), gp91phox, is also the prototype member of the recently discovered family of NADPH oxidase (Nox) proteins. In this study, we have evaluated the use of two anti-gp91phox monoclonal antibodies, 54.1 and CL5, as immunoprobes for Nox family proteins. Sequence alignment of gp91phox with Nox1, Nox3 and Nox4 identified regions of the Nox proteins that correspond to the gp91phox epitopes recognized by mAb 54.1 and CL5. Antibody 54.1 produced positive immunoblots of recombinant C-terminal fragments of these homologous proteins expressed in E. coli. Furthermore, only mAb 54.1 recognized full-length murine and human Nox3 expressed in HEK-293 cells, in immunoblots of alkali-stripped or detergent-solubilized membranes. 54.1 recognized Nox3 expression-specific proteins with Mr 30,000, 50,000, 65,000 and 88,000 for the murine protein and Mr of 38,000-58,000, 90,000, 100,000-130,000 and a broad species of higher than 160,000 for the human protein. We conclude that mAb 54.1 can serve as a probe of Nox3 and possibly other Nox proteins, if precautions are taken to remove GRP 58 and other crossreactive membrane-associated or detergent-insoluble proteins from the sample to be probed.

A donor splice site mutation in intron 1 of CYBA, leading to chronic granulomatous disease

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare congenital disorder in which the patients' phagocytes fail to kill ingested microbes due to an inability to generate superoxide and other microbicidal oxygen derivatives. This inability is caused by mutations in one of the four components of the phagocyte-specific NADPH oxidase. A small subgroup of CGD patients has mutations in the CYBA gene that encodes the p22-phox subunit of the NADPH oxidase. This subunit forms, together with gp91-phox, a flavocytochrome b(558) heterodimer in the phagocyte plasma membrane. Expression of both subunits is required for normal expression of this heterodimer. Here, we report an autosomal recessive CGD patient with neutrophils that did not express flavocytochrome b(558) and did not generate superoxide upon activation. Analysis of genomic DNA revealed a 4-bp deletion at the exon-1/intron-1 boundary in CYBA (IVS1+4_7delAGTG). In the patient's cDNA, we found a low expression of an abnormal product, containing exon 1 extended by 79 nucleotides from intron 1, joined to exon 2. This extension is apparently caused by the activation of a cryptic donor splice site with a GT sequence at position 84-85 in intron 1. Both parents of the patient had the same mutation in their genomic DNA, in heterozygous form, but their cDNA contained exclusively the wild-type p22-phox cDNA sequence, indicating that the mutant mRNA was labile. This is, as far as we know, the first description of the molecular and clinical consequences of a donor splice site mutation in intron 1 of any gene reported so far.

p40phox: The last NADPH oxidase subunit

The phagocytic NADPH-oxidase is a multiprotein system activated during the inflammatory response to produce superoxide anion (O2-), which is the substrate for formation of additional reactive oxygen species (ROS). The importance of this system for innate immunity is established by chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), a primary immunodeficiency caused by defects in the NADPH oxidase. In this review, we present and discuss recent knowledge about p40phox, the last NADPH oxidase component to be identified. Furthermore, its interaction with cellular pathways outside of the NADPH oxidase is discussed. Described in this review is evidence that p40phox participates in NADPH oxidase dynamics within cells, what is known about its role in the oxidase, the possibility that p40phox participates in non-NADPH oxidase processes in phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells and whether p40phox could mediate a similar function in other NADPH oxidases. An improved understanding of p40phox should provide new insights about NADPH oxidase, the physiology of phagocytic cells and the innate immune system.

Long polymerase chain reaction-based fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of female carriers of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease deletions

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare inherited disorder in which antimicrobial activity of phagocytes is impaired due to the lack of reactive oxygen species, or oxidative burst, produced by NADPH oxidase. The X-linked form of CGD, representing approximately 70% of all cases, is caused by mutations in the cytochrome b beta subunit (CYBB) gene, which maps to chromosome Xp21.1. CYBB encodes the gp91-phox protein, a necessary component in the NADPH oxidase pathway. A wide variety of mutations have been identified in X-linked CGD patients, all of which lead to deletion of the functional protein and no oxidative burst activity. The mutations vary from single nucleotide substitutions to deletions of the entire gene. In this article, we report a mutation detection method for probands of female relatives at risk for carrier status of large deletions of the CYBB gene. Through fluorescent in situ hybridization of metaphase chromosomes, we were able to consistently distinguish carriers from noncarriers using polymerase chain reaction-derived, labeled DNA specific for exons 2 to 13 of the CYBB region at Xp21.1.

Monoclonal antibody CL5 recognizes the amino terminal domain of human phagocyte flavocytochrome b558 large subunit, gp91phox

Human phagocyte flavocytochrome b558 (Cytb) is a heterodimeric integral membrane protein that serves as the electron transferase of the beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidephosphate, reduced (NADPH)-oxidase, an enzyme complex important in the host defense function of phagocytic cells. In this study, we report the characterization of monoclonal antibody (mAb) CL5 that is specific for the large subunit, gp91phox, of the oxidase protein. This antibody recognizes gp91phox by immunoblot analysis of membrane extracts and samples of the immunopurified gp91phox/p22phox heterodimer, prepared on anti-p22phox affinity matrices. Phage display analysis confirmed this specificity, indicating that the CL5 epitope contains the region 135-DPYSVALSELGDR of gp91phox. The antibody was used to probe for the presence of gp91phox in membrane preparations from neutrophils of patients with nine genetically distinct forms of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). The causative mutations included missense errors as well as nonsense errors that result in premature termination of gp91phox synthesis. Analysis of the CGD samples by immunoblotting indicated that CL5 recognizes only the full-length wild-type and two missense mutations, consistent with the absence of stable short gp91phox peptide expression in CGD neutrophils. Interestingly, CL5 was also shown to be cross-reactive with cytosolic and membrane-bound gelsolin, identified by purification, mass spectrometry and immunoblot analysis. CL5 probably cross-reacts with the sequence 771-DPLDRAMAEL in the C-terminus of gelsolin. We conclude that mAb CL5 is a useful probe for detection of full length and possibly truncated N-terminal fragments of gp91phox from membranes of Cytb-producing cells.

Unusual polyclonal anti-gp91 peptide antibody interactions with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease-derived human neutrophils are not from compensatory expression of Nox proteins 1, 3, or 4

To obtain topological information about human phagocyte flavocytochrome b558 (Cytb), rabbit anti-peptide antibodies were raised against synthetic peptides mimicking gp91(phox) regions: 1-9 (MGN), 30-44 (YRV), 150-159 (ESY), 156-166 (ARK), 247-257 (KIS-1, KIS-2). Following affinity purification on immobilized peptide matrices, all antibodies but not prebleed controls recognized purified detergent-solubilized Cytb by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Affinity-purified antibodies recognizing KIS, ARK and ESY but not YRV, MGN or prebleed IgG specifically detected gp91(phox) in immunoblot analysis. Antibodies recognizing MGN, ESY, ARK and KIS but not YRV or the prebleed IgG fraction labeled intact normal neutrophils. Surprisingly, all antibodies, with the exception of YRV and pre-immune IgG controls, bound both normal and Cytb-negative neutrophils from the obligate heterozygous mother of a patient with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) and all neutrophils from another patient lacking the gp91(phox) gene. Further immunochemical examination of membrane fractions derived from nine genetically unrelated patients with X-CGD, using an antibody that recognizes other Nox protein family members, suggests that the unusual reactivity observed does not reflect the compensatory expression of gp91(phox) homologs Nox1, 3 or 4. These results suggest that an unusual surface reactivity exists on neutrophils derived from X-linked chronic granulomatous disease patients that most likely extends to normal neutrophils as well. The study highlights the need for caution in interpreting the binding of rabbit polyclonal antipeptide antibodies to human neutrophils in general and, in the specific case of antibodies directed against Cytb, the need for Cytb-negative controls.

Site-specific inhibitors of NADPH oxidase activity and structural probes of flavocytochrome b: characterization of six monoclonal antibodies to the p22phox subunit

The integral membrane protein flavocytochrome b (Cyt b) is the catalytic core of the human phagocyte NADPH oxidase, an enzyme complex that initiates a cascade of reactive oxygen species important in the elimination of infectious agents. This study reports the generation and characterization of six mAbs (NS1, NS2, NS5, CS6, CS8, and CS9) that recognize the p22(phox) subunit of the Cyt b heterodimer. Each of the mAbs specifically detected p22(phox) by Western blot analysis but did not react with intact neutrophils in FACS studies. Phage display mapping identified core epitope regions recognized by mAbs NS2, NS5, CS6, CS8, and CS9. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments indicated that mAbs CS6 and CS8 efficiently compete with Cascade Blue-labeled mAb 44.1 (a previously characterized, p22(phox)-specific mAb) for binding to Cyt b, supporting phage display results suggesting that all three Abs recognize a common region of p22(phox). Energy transfer experiments also suggested the spatial proximity of the mAb CS9 and mAb NS1 binding sites to the mAb 44.1 epitope, while indicating a more distant proximity between the mAb NS5 and mAb 44.1 epitopes. Cell-free oxidase assays demonstrated the ability of mAb CS9 to markedly inhibit superoxide production in a concentration-dependent manner, with more moderate levels of inhibition observed for mAbs NS1, NS5, CS6, and CS8. A combination of computational predictions, available experimental data, and results obtained with the mAbs reported in this study was used to generate a novel topology model of p22(phox).

Functional association of nox1 with p22phox in vascular smooth muscle cells

The vascular NAD(P)H oxidases constitute important sources of ROS in the vessel wall and have been implicated in vascular disease. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from conduit arteries express two gp91phox homologs, Nox1 and Nox4, of which Nox1 is agonist-sensitive. Because p22phox has been shown to be functionally important in vascular cells stimulated with vasoactive hormones, the relationship of Nox1 and p22phox was investigated in VSMCs from rat and human aortas. Coimmunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that p22phox and hemagglutinin-tagged Nox1 associate in unstimulated VSMCs. These findings were confirmed by confocal microscopy, showing colocalization of the two proteins in their native states in the plasma membrane and submembrane areas of the cell. NADPH-driven superoxide production, as measured by electron spin resonance using 1-hydroxy-3-carboxypyrrolidine as a spin probe, is dependent on the coexpression of both subunits, suggesting the importance of the association for the functional integrity of the enzyme. These results indicate that in contrast to the neutrophil enzyme, VSMCs can use Nox1 rather than gp91phox as a catalytic center in the p22phox-based oxidase and that these two proteins are preassembled at or near the plasma membrane and submembrane vesicular structures in unstimulated cells.

Role of oxidative modifications in atherosclerosis

This review focuses on the role of oxidative processes in atherosclerosis and its resultant cardiovascular events. There is now a consensus that atherosclerosis represents a state of heightened oxidative stress characterized by lipid and protein oxidation in the vascular wall. The oxidative modification hypothesis of atherosclerosis predicts that low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation is an early event in atherosclerosis and that oxidized LDL contributes to atherogenesis. In support of this hypothesis, oxidized LDL can support foam cell formation in vitro, the lipid in human lesions is substantially oxidized, there is evidence for the presence of oxidized LDL in vivo, oxidized LDL has a number of potentially proatherogenic activities, and several structurally unrelated antioxidants inhibit atherosclerosis in animals. An emerging consensus also underscores the importance in vascular disease of oxidative events in addition to LDL oxidation. These include the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by vascular cells, as well as oxidative modifications contributing to important clinical manifestations of coronary artery disease such as endothelial dysfunction and plaque disruption. Despite these abundant data however, fundamental problems remain with implicating oxidative modification as a (requisite) pathophysiologically important cause for atherosclerosis. These include the poor performance of antioxidant strategies in limiting either atherosclerosis or cardiovascular events from atherosclerosis, and observations in animals that suggest dissociation between atherosclerosis and lipoprotein oxidation. Indeed, it remains to be established that oxidative events are a cause rather than an injurious response to atherogenesis. In this context, inflammation needs to be considered as a primary process of atherosclerosis, and oxidative stress as a secondary event. To address this issue, we have proposed an "oxidative response to inflammation" model as a means of reconciling the response-to-injury and oxidative modification hypotheses of atherosclerosis.

Direct Interaction of the Novel Nox Proteins with p22phox Is Required for the Formation of a Functionally Active NADPH Oxidase

Nox1 and Nox4, homologues of the leukocyte NADPH oxidase subunit Nox2 (gp91phox) mediate superoxide anion formation in various cell types. However, their interactions with other components of the NADPH oxidase are poorly defined. We determined whether a direct interaction of Nox1 and Nox4 with the p22phox subunit of the NADPH oxidase occurs. Using confocal microscopy, co-localization of p22phox with Nox1, Nox2, and Nox4 was observed in transiently transfected vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and HEK293 cells. Plasmids coding for fluorescent fusion proteins of p22phox and the Nox proteins with cyan- and yellow-fluorescent protein (cfp and yfp, respectively) were constructed and expressed in VSMC and HEK293 cells. The cfp-tagged p22phox expression level increased upon cotransfection with Nox1 or Nox4. Protein-protein interaction between the fluorescent fusion proteins of p22phox and the Nox partners was observed using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer technique. Immunoprecipitation of native Nox1 from human VSMC revealed co-precipitation of p22phox. Immunoprecipitation from transfected HEK293 cells revealed co-precipitation of native p22phox with yfp-tagged Nox1, Nox2, and Nox4. Following mutation of a histidine (corresponding to the position 115 in human Nox2) to leucine, this interaction was abolished. Transfection of rat p22phox (but not Noxo1 and Noxa1) increased the radical generation in cells expressing Nox4. We provide evidence that p22phox directly interacts with Nox1 and Nox4, to form an superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase and demonstrate that mutation of the potential heme binding site in the Nox proteins disrupts the complex formation of Nox1 and Nox4 with p22phox.

Nuclear factor kappa B activation by NADPH oxidases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) initiate activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB in a variety of cell systems. Perhaps the most potent biological source of ROS is the NADPH oxidase of phagocytic cells, a multi-component system that catalyzes the formation of superoxide anion. Although phagocytes use this oxidase to kill ingested microorganisms, the products also mediate a broad range of biological oxidation reactions and some evidence exists for activation of NF-kappaB through this mechanism. Moreover, the components of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase are present in certain non-phagocytic cells and recently discovered homologues of the catalytic component gp91(phox) are expressed in a number of tissues. We explored the hypothesis that the products of NADPH oxidases cause the activation of NF-kappaB. K562 human erythrokeukemia cells transfected with constructs for expression of gp91(phox), plus other essential NADPH oxidase components generated substantial amounts of superoxide when activated with phorbol ester, lesser amounts with arachidonic acid exposure, and none with TNFalpha. Gel shift assays demonstrated induction of NF-kappaB in K562 cells exposed to TNFalpha and specificity was shown by oligonucleotide competition. Supershift assays demonstrated the presence in nuclear complexes of the NF-kappaB components p65/RelA and p50. Nuclear complexes of identical electrophoretic mobility were induced in phorbol ester-stimulated K562 cells that expressed the complete NADPH oxidase system, but not in cells lacking one of the essential oxidase components. K562 cells were relatively resistant to NF-kappaB induction by exogenous peroxide, but certain other cell types (HEK293 and HeLaS3) demonstrated such induction upon exposure to reagent hydrogen peroxide or glucose oxidase plus glucose and this was blocked by catalase. Finally, we found a biphasic pattern of gp91(phox) expression in rat liver during aging. High levels observed in young animals decreased in middle age, but increased again in old age. Collectively, these studies demonstrate the potential for NADPH-dependent induction of NF-kappaB and raise the possibility of a role for this pathway in the biology of aging.

Structure and regulation of the neutrophil respiratory burst oxidase: comparison with nonphagocyte oxidases

Neutrophils play an essential role in the body's innate defense against pathogens and are one of the primary mediators of the inflammatory response. To defend the host, neutrophils use a wide range of microbicidal products, such as oxidants, microbicidal peptides, and lytic enzymes. The generation of microbicidal oxidants by neutrophils results from the activation of a multiprotein enzyme complex known as the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, which is responsible for transferring electrons from NADPH to O2, resulting in the formation of superoxide anion. During oxidase activation, cytosolic oxidase proteins translocate to the phagosome or plasma membrane, where they assemble around a central membrane-bound component known as flavocytochrome b. This process is highly regulated, involving phosphorylation, translocation, and multiple conformational changes. Originally, it was thought that the NADPH oxidase was restricted to phagocytes and used solely in host defense. However, recent studies indicate that similar NADPH oxidase systems are present in a wide variety of nonphagocytic cells. Although the nature of these nonphagocyte NADPH oxidases is still being defined, it is clear that they are functionally distinct from the phagocyte oxidases. It should be noted, however, that structural features of many nonphagocyte oxidase proteins do seem to be similar to those of their phagocyte counterparts. In this review, key structural and functional features of the neutrophil NADPH oxidase and its protein components are described, including a consideration of transcriptional and post-translational regulatory features. Furthermore, relevant details about structural and functional features of various nonphagocyte oxidase proteins will be included for comparison.

Complement-independent Ab-induced peroxide lysis of platelets requires 12-lipoxygenase and a platelet NADPH oxidase pathway

Antiplatelet GPIIIa49-66 Ab of HIV-related thrombocytopenic patients induces thrombocytopenia and platelet fragmentation by the generation of peroxide and other reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we report the presence of a functional platelet NADPH oxidase pathway that requires activation by the platelet 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) pathway to fragment platelets. A new Ab-mediated mechanism is described in which the platelet 12-LO product, 12(S)-HETE activates the NADPH oxidase pathway to generate ROS.

NOXO1, regulation of lipid binding, localization, and activation of Nox1 by the Phox homology (PX) domain

NOXO1 (Nox organizing protein 1) and NOXA1 (Nox activating protein 1) are homologs of p47phox and p67phox. p47phox functions in phagocytes as an essential organizing protein mediating the binding of other regulatory proteins during activation of the phagocyte oxidase, and its translocation to the membrane is triggered upon cell activation by hyperphosphorylation, which relieves autoinhibition of SH3 and PX domains. NOXO1 lacks an autoinhibitory region and phosphorylation sites that are present in p47phox. Co-transfection of Nox1, NOXO1, and NOXA1 reconstitutes ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation in HEK293 cells in the absence of cell stimulation. NOXO1 binds to the phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) lipids PtdIns 3,5-P2, PtdIns 5-P, and PtdIns 4-P. Unlike p47phox, which is located in the cytosol of resting cells and translocates to the plasma membrane where gp91phox is located, NOXO1 co-localizes with Nox1 in the membranes of resting cells. This localization of NOXO1 is dictated by its PX domain, since this domain but not the remainder of the molecule localizes to membranes. A point mutation in the PX domain of holo-NOXO1 decreases lipid binding resulting in cytosolic localization and also inhibits NOXO1-activation of Nox1. Thus, in transfected HEK293 cells, NOXO1 and NOXA1 activate Nox1 without the need for agonist activation, and this is mediated in part by binding of the NOXO1 PX domain to membrane lipids.

Infections in patients with inherited defects in phagocytic function

Patients with defects in phagocytic function are predisposed to intracellular microorganisms and typically have early dissemination of the infection. Recognition of the underlying disorder and aggressive antimicrobial therapy has been beneficial for the patients. Improved understanding of the pathophysiology has also affected patient management by allowing specific, targeted immunomodulatory intervention. The disorders described in this review are not common but have had a significant impact on our understanding of the role of phagocytic cells in host defense. Conversely, understanding the role of the neutrophil and macrophage in infection has benefited not just the patients described in this review but also other patients with similar disease processes.

Increased expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits, NOX4 and p22phox, in the kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and its reversibity by interventive insulin treatment

AIM/HYPOTHESIS

An increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) could contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy. NAD(P)H oxidase might be an important source of ROS production in kidney as reported in blood vessels. In this study, we show the increased expression of essential subunits of NAD(P)H oxidase, NOX4 and p22phox, in the kidney of diabetic rats.

METHODS

The levels of mRNA of both NOX4 and p22phox were evaluated in kidney from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and age-matched control rats at 4 and 8 weeks after onset of diabetes by Northern blot analysis. The localization and expression levels of these components and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), which is a marker of ROS-induced DNA damage, were also evaluated by immunostaining.

RESULTS

The levels of both NOX4 and p22phox mRNA were increased in the kidney of diabetic rats as compared with control rats. Immunostaining analysis showed that the expression levels of NOX4 and p22phox were clearly increased in both distal tubular cells and glomeruli from diabetic rats. Both the localization and the expression levels of these components were in parallel with those of 8-OHdG. Interventive insulin treatment for 2 weeks completely restored the increased levels of these components in the diabetic kidney to control levels in parallel with those of 8-OHdG.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

This study provides evidence that NAD(P)H oxidase subunits, NOX4 and p22phox, were increased in the kidney of diabetic rats. Thus, NAD(P)H-dependent overproduction of ROS could cause renal tissue damage in diabetes. This might contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy.

Functional epitope on human neutrophil flavocytochrome b558

mAb NL7 was raised against purified flavocytochrome b(558), important in host defense and inflammation. NL7 recognized the gp91(phox) flavocytochrome b(558) subunit by immunoblot and bound to permeabilized neutrophils and neutrophil membranes. Epitope mapping by phage display analysis indicated that NL7 binds the (498)EKDVITGLK(506) region of gp91(phox). In a cell-free assay, NL7 inhibited in vitro activation of the NADPH oxidase in a concentration-dependent manner, and had marginal effects on the oxidase substrate Michaelis constant (K(m)). mAb NL7 did not inhibit translocation of p47(phox), p67(phox), or Rac to the plasma membrane, and bound its epitope on gp91(phox) independently of cytosolic factor translocation. However, after assembly of the NADPH oxidase complex, mAb NL7 bound the epitope but did not inhibit the generation of superoxide. Three-dimensional modeling of the C-terminal domain of gp91(phox) on a corn nitrate reductase template suggests close proximity of the NL7 epitope to the proposed NADPH binding site, but significant separation from the proposed p47(phox) binding sites. We conclude that the (498)EKDVITGLK(506) segment resides on the cytosolic surface of gp91(phox) and represents a region important for oxidase function, but not substrate or cytosolic component binding.

Preliminary characterisation of the promoter of the human p22(phox) gene: identification of a new polymorphism associated with hypertension

The p22(phox) subunit is an essential protein in the activation of NAD(P)H oxidase. Here we report the preliminary characterisation of the human p22(phox) gene promoter. The p22(phox) promoter contains TATA and CCAC boxes and Sp1, gamma-interferon and nuclear factor kappaB sites. We screened for mutations in the p22(phox) promoter and identified a new polymorphism, localised at position -930 from the ATG codon, which was associated with hypertension. Mutagenesis experiments showed that the G allele had higher promoter activity than the A allele. These results suggest that the -930(A/G) polymorphism in the p22(phox) promoter may be a novel genetic marker associated with hypertension.

Single-step immunoaffinity purification and characterization of dodecylmaltoside-solubilized human neutrophil flavocytochrome b

Flavocytochrome b (Cyt b) is a heterodimeric, integral membrane protein that serves as the central component of an electron transferase system employed by phagocytes for elimination of bacterial and fungal pathogens. This report describes a rapid and efficient single-step purification of Cyt b from human neutrophil plasma membranes by solubilization in the nonionic detergent dodecylmaltoside (DDM) and immunoaffinity chromatography. A similar procedure for isolation of Cyt b directly from intact neutrophils by a combination of heparin and immunoaffinity chromatography is also presented. The stability of Cyt b was enhanced in DDM relative to previously employed solubilizing agents as determined by both monitoring the heme spectrum in crude membrane extracts and assaying resistance to proteolytic degradation following purification. Gel filtration chromatography and dynamic light scattering indicated that DDM maintains a predominantly monodisperse population of Cyt b following immunoaffinity purification. The high degree of purity obtained with this isolation procedure allowed for direct determination of a 2:1 heme to protein stoichiometry, confirming previous structural models. Analysis of the isolated heterodimer by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry allowed for accurate mass determination of p22(phox) as indicated by the gene sequence. Affinity-purified Cyt b was functionally reconstituted into artificial bilayers and demonstrated that catalytic activity of the protein was efficiently retained throughout the purification procedure.

Increased superoxide generation is associated with pulmonary hypertension in fetal lambs: a role for NADPH oxidase

Ligation of the ductus arteriosus in utero produces pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling in fetal and newborn lambs. However, the mechanisms producing these vascular changes are not well defined. Because reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated as mediators of smooth muscle cell proliferation, we hypothesized that increased formation of ROS may be involved in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension after in utero ductal ligation. Using ethidium fluorescence, we demonstrated an increase in superoxide levels after 9 days of ductal ligation compared with control lungs (P<0.05) that was localized to the adventitia and smooth muscle cells of hypertensive vessels. SOD-1 and SOD-2 protein levels and activities in lung, vein, and artery of hypertensive lambs were unchanged relative to controls after 2 days of ductal ligation. However, after 9 days, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly decreased in arteries from ligated lambs without associated changes in SOD protein expression (P<0.05). Examination of NADPH oxidase expression as a potential source of the superoxide production indicated that the levels of p67phox, a subunit of the NADPH oxidase complex, were significantly increased in the pulmonary arteries, but not veins, from the ligated lung as early as 2 days (P<0.05). Functional analyses demonstrated that reducing superoxide levels significantly increased the NO-mediated relaxation of pulmonary arteries isolated after 9 days, but not 2 days, of ductal ligation (P<0.05). These results suggest that increased NADPH oxidase expression may increase levels of superoxide in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn lung tissue, and that increased superoxide blunts vascular relaxations to exogenous NO while stimulating smooth muscle cell growth.

Structural changes are induced in human neutrophil cytochrome b by NADPH oxidase activators, LDS, SDS, and arachidonate: intermolecular resonance energy transfer between trisulfopyrenyl-wheat germ agglutinin and cytochrome b(558)

Anionic amphiphiles such as sodium- and lithium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, LDS), or arachidonate (AA) initiate NADPH oxidase and proton channel activation in cell-free systems and intact neutrophils. To investigate whether these amphiphiles exert allosteric effects on cytochrome b, trisulfopyrenyl-labeled wheat germ agglutinin (Cascade Blue-wheat germ agglutinin, CCB-WGA) was used as an extrinsic fluorescence donor for resonance energy transfer (RET) to the intrinsic heme acceptors of detergent-solubilized cytochrome b. In solution, cytochrome b complexed with the CCB-WGA causing a rapid, saturable, carbohydrate-dependent quenching of up to approximately 55% of the steady-state fluorescence. Subsequent additions of SDS, LDS, or AA to typical cell-free oxidase assay concentrations completely relaxed the fluorescence quenching. The relaxation effects were specific, and not caused by dissociation of the CCB-WGA-cytochrome b complex or alterations in the spectral properties of the chromophores. In contrast, addition of the oxidase antagonist, arachidonate methyl ester, caused an opposite effect and was able to partially reverse the activator-induced relaxation. We conclude that the activators induce a cytochrome b conformation wherein the proximity or orientation between the hemes and the extrinsic CCB fluorescence donors has undergone a significant change. These events may be linked to NADPH oxidase assembly and activation or proton channel induction.

Repression of rac2 mRNA expression by Anaplasma phagocytophila is essential to the inhibition of superoxide production and bacterial proliferation

Anaplasma phagocytophila, the etiologic agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, is an emerging bacterial pathogen that invades neutrophils and can be cultivated in HL-60 cells. Infected neutrophils and HL-60 cells fail to produce superoxide anion (O(2)(-)), which is partially attributable to the fact that A. phagocytophila inhibits transcription of gp91(phox), an integral component of NADPH oxidase. cDNA microarray and RT-PCR analyses demonstrated that transcription of the gene encoding Rac2, a key component in NADPH oxidase activation, was down-regulated in infected HL-60 cells. Quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that rac2 mRNA expression was reduced 7-fold in retinoic acid-differentiated HL-60 cells and 50-fold in neutrophils following A. phagocytophila infection. Rac2 protein expression was absent in infected HL-60 cells. Rac1 and Rac2 are interchangeable in their abilities to activate NADPH oxidase. HL-60 cells transfected to express myc-tagged rac1 and gp91(phox) from the CMV immediate early promoter maintained the ability to generate O(2)(-) 120 h postinfection. A. phagocytophila proliferation was severely inhibited in these cells. These results directly attribute the inhibition of rac2 and gp91(phox) transcription to the loss of NADPH oxidase activity in A. phagocytophila-infected cells and demonstrate its importance to bacterial intracellular survival.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor can act as a pronecrotic factor through transcriptional and translational activation of NADPH oxidase

Several lines of evidence suggest that neurotrophins (NTs) potentiate or cause neuronal injury under various pathological conditions. Since NTs enhance survival and differentiation of cultured neurons in serum or defined media containing antioxidants, we set out experiments to delineate the patterns and underlying mechanisms of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-induced neuronal injury in mixed cortical cell cultures containing glia and neurons in serum-free media without antioxidants, where the three major routes of neuronal cell death, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and apoptosis, have been extensively studied. Rat cortical cell cultures, after prolonged exposure to NTs, underwent widespread neuronal necrosis. BDNF-induced neuronal necrosis was accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and was dependent on the macromolecular synthesis. cDNA microarray analysis revealed that BDNF increased the expression of cytochrome b558, the plasma membrane-spanning subunit of NADPH oxidase. The expression and activation of NADPH oxidase were increased after exposure to BDNF. The selective inhibitors of NADPH oxidase prevented BDNF-induced ROS production and neuronal death without blocking antiapoptosis action of BDNF. The present study suggests that BDNF-induced expression and activation of NADPH oxidase cause oxidative neuronal necrosis and that the neurotrophic effects of NTs can be maximized under blockade of the pronecrotic action.

A 29-kDa protein associated with p67phox expresses both peroxiredoxin and phospholipase A2 activity and enhances superoxide anion production by a cell-free system of NADPH oxidase activity

Production of toxic oxygen metabolites provides a mechanism for microbicidal activity of the neutrophil. The NADPH oxidase enzyme system initiates the production of oxygen metabolites by reducing oxygen to form superoxide anion (O(2)()). With stimulation of the respiratory burst, cytosolic oxidase components, p47(phox), p67(phox), and Rac, translocate to the phagolysomal and plasma membranes where they form a complex with cytochrome b(558) and express enzyme activity. A 29-kDa neutrophil protein (p29) was identified by co-immunoprecipitation with p67(phox). N-terminal sequence analysis of p29 revealed homology to an open reading frame gene described in a myeloid leukemia cell line. A cDNA for p29 identical to the open reading frame protein was amplified from RNA of neutrophils. Significant interaction between p29 and p67(phox) was demonstrated using a yeast two-hybrid system. A recombinant (rh) p29 was expressed in Sf9 cells resulting in a protein with an apparent molecular weight of 34,000. The rh-p29 showed immunoreactivity with the original rabbit antiserum that detected p47(phox) and p67(phox). In addition, rh-p29 exhibited PLA(2) activity, which was Ca(2+) independent, optimal at low pH, and preferential for phosphatidylcholine substrates. The recombinant protein protected glutathione synthetase and directly inactivated H(2)O(2). By activity and sequence homology, rh-p29 can be classified as a peroxiredoxin. Finally, O(2)() production by plasma membrane and recombinant cytosolic oxidase components in the SDS-activated, cell-free NADPH oxidase system were enhanced by rh-p29. This effect was not inhibited by PLA(2) inhibitors. Thus, p29 is a novel protein that associates with p67 and has peroxiredoxin activity. This protein has a potential role in protecting the NADPH oxidase by inactivating H(2)O(2) or altering signaling pathways affected by H(2)O(2).

Mutagenesis of p22(phox) histidine 94. A histidine in this position is not required for flavocytochrome b558 function

The NADPH oxidase is a multicomponent enzyme that transfers electrons from NADPH to O2 to generate superoxide (O2*-), the precursor of microbicidal oxygen species that play an important role in host defense. Flavocytochrome b558, a heterodimeric oxidoreductase comprised of gp91(phox) and p22(phox) subunits, contains two nonidentical, bis-histidine-ligated heme groups imbedded within the membrane. Four histidine residues that appear to serve as noncovalent axial heme ligands reside within the hydrophobic N terminus of gp91(phox), but the role of p22(phox) in heme binding is unclear. We compared biochemical and functional features of wild type flavocytochrome b558 with those in cells co-expressing gp91(phox) with p22(phox) harboring amino acid substitutions at histidine 94, the only invariant histidine residue within the p22(phox) subunit. Substitution with leucine, tyrosine, or methionine did not affect heterodimer formation or flavocytochrome b558 function. The heme spectrum in purified preparations of flavocytochrome b558 containing the p22(phox) derivative was unaffected. In contrast, substitution of histidine 94 with arginine appeared to disrupt the intrinsic stability of p22(phox) and, secondarily, the stability of mature gp91(phox) and abrogated O2*- production. These findings demonstrate that His94 p22(phox) is not required for heme binding or function of flavocytochrome b558 in the NADPH oxidase.

NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase in the plasma membrane modulates the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1

Hypoxia induces a group of physiologically important genes that include erythropoietin (EPO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) was identified as a hypoxia-activated transcription factor; however, the molecular mechanisms that underlie hypoxia signal transduction in mammalian cells remain undefined. In this study, we found that a flavoprotein, NADPH-P450 reductase (NPR), could regulate the induction of EPO mRNA under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxic EPO mRNA induction in Hep3B cells was inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium chloride, which is an inhibitor of NADPH-dependent enzymes. NPR antisense cDNA was transfected into Hep3B cells, and NPR-deficient hepatocyte cells (NPR(-) cells) were established. NPR(-) cells lacked EPO induction under hypoxia, and HIF-1alpha in NPR(-) cells did not respond to either transcriptional activation or translocation to the nucleus based on electrophoretic mobility shift assays and reporter gene assay including hypoxia response element. In contrast, NPR overexpression in Hep3B cells enhanced the DNA binding activity of HIF-1alpha by luciferase reporter gene assay. A study with HeLa S3 cells produced the same results. Furthermore, anti-NPR IgG inhibited EPO induction. EPO induction inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium chloride was recovered by bovine serum albumin-NADPH (a covalent binding complex of bovine serum albumin and NADPH) as well as NADPH. These results suggested that NPR located at the plasma membrane regulates EPO expression in hypoxia, including HIF-1 activation and translocation. We further studied the expression of NPR and VEGF mRNAs in human tumor tissues and found that the NPR mRNA levels were correlated with the VEGF mRNA levels, suggesting that NPR might be an important factor in the hypoxic induction of genes such as VEGF in vivo.

Creation of a genetic system for analysis of the phagocyte respiratory burst: high-level reconstitution of the NADPH oxidase in a nonhematopoietic system

The phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced form) (NADPH) oxidase was functionally reconstituted in monkey kidney COS-7 cells by transfection of essential subunits, gp91(phox), p22(phox), p47(phox), and p67(phox). COS-7 cells express the essential small guanosine 5'-triphosphatase, Rac1. Transgenic COS-phox cells were capable of arachidonic acid-induced NADPH oxidase activity up to 80% of that of human neutrophils, and of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced activity up to 20% of that of neutrophils. Expression of all 4 phox components was required for enzyme activity, and enzyme activation was associated with membrane translocation of p47(phox), p67(phox), and Rac1. Expression of p47(phox) Ser303Ala/Ser304Ala or Ser379Ala phosphorylation-deficient mutants resulted in significantly impaired NAPDH oxidase activity, compared with expression of wild-type p47(phox) or the p47(phox) Ser303Glu/Ser304Glu phosphorylation mimic, suggesting that p47(phox) phosphorylation contributes to enzyme activity in the COS system, as is the case in neutrophils. Hence, COS-phox cells should be useful as a new whole-cell model that is both capable of high-level superoxide production and readily amenable to genetic manipulation for investigation of NADPH oxidase function. PMA-elicited superoxide production in COS-phox cells was regulated by activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and Rac. Although COS-7 cells differ from human neutrophils in PKC isoform expression, transient expression of major neutrophil isoforms in COS-phox cells did not increase PMA-induced superoxide production, suggesting that endogenous isoforms were not rate limiting. Val204 in p67(phox), previously shown to be required for NADPH oxidase activity under cell-free conditions, was found to be essential for superoxide production by intact COS-phox cells, on the basis of transfection studies using a p67(phox) (Val204Ala) mutant.

Mapping of functional domains in the p22(phox) subunit of flavocytochrome b(559) participating in the assembly of the NADPH oxidase complex by "peptide walking"

The superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase complex of phagocytes consists of a membranal heterodimeric flavocytochrome (cytochrome b(559)), composed of gp91(phox) and p22(phox) subunits, and four cytosolic proteins, p47(phox), p67(phox), p40(phox), and the small GTPase Rac (1 or 2). All redox stations involved in electron transport from NADPH to oxygen are located in gp91(phox). NADPH oxidase activation is the consequence of assembly of cytochrome b(559) with cytosolic proteins, a process reproducible in a cell-free system, consisting of phagocyte membranes, and recombinant cytosolic components, activated by an anionic amphiphile. p22(phox) is believed to act as a linker between the cytosolic components and gp91(phox). We applied "peptide walking" to mapping of domains in p22(phox) participating in NADPH oxidase assembly. Ninety one synthetic overlapping pentadecapeptides, spanning the p22(phox) sequence, were tested for the ability to inhibit NADPH oxidase activation in the cell-free system and to bind individual cytosolic NADPH oxidase components. We conclude the following. 1) The p22(phox) subunit of cytochrome b(559) serves as an anchor for both p47(phox) and p67(phox). 2) p47(phox) binds not only to the proline-rich region, located at residues 151-160 in the cytosolic C terminus of p22(phox), but also to a domain (residues 51-63) located on a loop exposed to the cytosol. 3) p67(phox) shares with p47(phox) the ability to bind to the proline-rich region (residues 151-160) and also binds to two additional domains, in the cytosolic loop (residues 81-91) and at the start of the cytosolic tail (residues 111-115). 4) The binding affinity of p67(phox) for p22(phox) peptides is lower than that of p47(phox). 5) Binding of both p47(phox) and p67(phox) to proline-rich p22(phox) peptides occurs in the absence of an anionic amphiphile. A revised membrane topology model of p22(phox) is proposed, the core of which is the presence of a functionally important cytosolic loop (residues 51-91).