Complete amino acid sequence of human vitronectin deduced from cDNA. Similarity of cell attachment sites in vitronectin and fibronectin

The role of vitronectin as multifunctional regulator in the hemostatic and immune systems

Vitronectin (= complement S-protein) belongs to the group of structurally and functionally homologous adhesive proteins (fibrinogen, fibronectin, von Willebrand factor) which are essential in the procoagulant phase of the hemostatic system, interacting with platelets and the vessel wall. In addition to a structural motif in vitronectin responsible for this interaction (cell attachment domain) other functional domains in the protein molecule exist that contribute to its multifunctional role as regulator in the immune system (complement) as well as in fibrinolysis. These various activities and the ubiquitous distribution of vitronectin in the organism are discussed with regard to structure-function relationships of the protein molecule. Vitronectin may thus provide a conceptual molecular link between cell adhesion, humoral immune response and the hemostatic system, particularly at the blood-vessel wall interphase.

Conformational lability of vitronectin: induction of an antigenic change by alpha-thrombin-serpin complexes and by proteolytically modified thrombin

We previously showed that the alpha-thrombin-antithrombin III complex causes antigenic change in vitronectin as monitored by the monoclonal anti-vitronectin antibody 8E6 (Tomasini & Mosher, 1988). We have extended these studies to other protease-serpin complexes and to gamma-thrombin, a proteolytic derivative of alpha-thrombin. In the presence of heparin, recognition of vitronectin by 8E6 was increased 64- or 52-fold by interaction with the complex of alpha-thrombin and heparin cofactor II or the Pittsburgh mutant (Met358----Arg) of alpha 1-protease inhibitor, respectively. This was comparable to the value obtained with the alpha-thrombin-antithrombin III complex. Factor Xa-serpin complexes were approximately 4-fold less effective than the corresponding thrombin complexes. alpha-Thrombin-serpin complexes but not Xa-serpin complexes formed disulfide-bonded complexes with vitronectin. Antigenic changes and disulfide-bonded complexes were not detected when trypsin- or chymotrypsin-serpin complexes were incubated with vitronectin. gamma-Thrombin caused 7- and 34-fold increases in recognition of vitronectin by MaVN 8E6 in the absence and presence of heparin, respectively. In contrast, alpha-thrombin by itself had no effect. The antigenic change induced by gamma-thrombin was maximal when gamma-thrombin and vitronectin were equimolar, was not dependent on cleavage of vitronectin, and was abolished by inhibition of gamma-thrombin with Phe-Pro-Arg-chloromethyl ketone but not with diisopropyl fluorophosphate. These data indicate that alpha-thrombin is the component in alpha-thrombin-serpin complexes that induces the antigenic change in vitronectin, probably via a region that is preferentially exposed in gamma-thrombin.

Inhibition of tumour cell adhesion by anti-metastatic polypeptide containing a repetitive Arg-Gly-Asp sequence

Anti-cell adhesive activity was examined by the synthetic polypeptide, containing repetitive Arg-Gly-Asp sequence of cell attachment site from fibronectin, poly (Arg-Gly-Asp). The attachment of tumour cells to fibronectin substrate was specifically inhibited by adding poly (Arg-Gly-Asp) in cell surface receptor-mediated and divalent cation-dependent manners, but not by unrelated peptides. In our previous study, the lung metastatic formation of tumour cells was dramatically reduced by intravenous co-injection of anti-cell adhesive poly (Arg-Gly-Asp) with B16-BL6 melanoma cells. These findings suggest that polypeptide-mediated inhibition of pulmonary metastasis is partly due to interference with tumour cell adhesion to the substrates including fibronectin in target organs or tissues.

A substrate of the cell-attachment sequence of fibronectin (Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser) is sufficient to promote transition of arterial smooth muscle cells from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype

Extracellular matrix components strongly influence the differentiated properties of isolated rat arterial smooth muscle cells during in vitro cultivation. The attachment and spreading of the cells on a substrate of fibronectin or a 105-kDa cell-binding fragment of fibronectin are accompanied by a structural and functional transformation, referred to as a transition or modulation from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype. Here, the ability of the cell-attachment sequence of fibronectin, Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS), to promote this process was studied. The results demonstrate that freshly isolated smooth muscle cells attached to a substrate of the synthetic peptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Cys (GRGDSC) in a specific manner and as well as to substrates of fibronectin and the 105-kDa fragment. Subsequent spreading of the cells on the peptide substrate followed the same kinetics and was as extensive as on fibronectin, even if protein synthesis was blocked by treatment of the cultures with cycloheximide. Like fibronectin, the peptide substrate induced formation of actin filament bundles, again without ongoing protein synthesis. Moreover, it was as efficient as fibronectin in supporting the transition of the cells from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype as analyzed by electron microscopy. Antibodies against the beta subunit of the fibronectin receptor interfered with the attachment, spreading, and fine structural reorganization of the cells in a similar manner on substrates of fibronectin, the 105-kDa fragment, and GRGDSC. Taken together, the findings indicate that the cell-attachment sequence (RGDS) mimics intact fibronectin in promoting a change in the differentiated properties of arterial smooth muscle cells and does so by interacting with a cell surface receptor for fibronectin.

Identification of the beta-endorphin-binding subunit of the SC5b-9 complement complex: S protein exhibits specific beta-endorphin-binding sites upon complex formation with complement proteins

Beta-Endorphin has been reported to specifically interact with SC5b-9 complement complexes via non-opioid binding sites. Covalent cross-linking of [125I]beta H-endorphin to SC5b-9 and analysis of the cross-linking products by gel electrophoresis and subsequent autoradiography revealed a single specifically labelled species which was identical with the S protein subunit of the complement complex. In contrast to SC5b-9, no cross-linking of labelled beta-endorphin to subunits of C5b-9(m) could be observed, indicating that beta-endorphin binding to SC5b-9 was mediated exclusively via S protein. Beta-Endorphin binding to SC5b-9 was compared with binding to purified S protein. Whereas beta-endorphin binding to purified S protein was only modest, complex formation of S protein with complement proteins led to a strong increase in beta-endorphin-binding site concentration, compatible with the exposure of primarily cryptic beta-endorphin-binding sites on S protein.

Vitronectin exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms in human plasma

Vitronectin (serum spreading factor, S-protein or epibolin) is a plasma glycoprotein implicated in cell adhesion, as well as in the regulation of complement-mediated cytolysis and antithrombin III function. Vitronectin was found to exist in fresh human plasma as a heterogeneous mixture consisting of 2% heparin-binding form and the remainder as a non-binding species. Heparin-binding vitronectin consisted of 6.5 S aggregates with a Stokes radius of 5.6 nm, which was enriched in the 65 kDa polypeptide, with a high content of molecules and a putative unfolded conformation. In contrast, non-heparin-binding vitronectin was a 4.2 S monomer with a Stokes radius of 3.9 nm, which appeared to be in a folded conformation with an immunologically cryptic site. Both vitronectins displayed similar activities in mediating the spreading of BHK fibroblastic cells on substrates. During blood coagulation, 5% more of the non-heparin-binding vitronectin was converted into the heparin-binding form, producing a greater than 3.5-fold increase in this species. Our results indicate that vitronectin normally exists in circulating blood in at least two structurally and functionally distinct forms which may serve different functions.

Purification of high and low molecular weight plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 from fibrosarcoma cell-line HT 1080 conditioned medium

Functionally active (high-Mr) and inactive (low-Mr) plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI) have been purified from fibrosarcoma cell-line HT 1080 conditioned medium, containing 1% fetal calf serum. The two forms were first purified by affinity chromatography on heparin-Sepharose and then separated from each other by gel filtration on Sephadex G-150. The final purification was achieved by affinity chromatography on insolubilized monoclonal antibodies towards human PAI. Alternatively, the low-Mr form was purified by chromatography on carboxymethyl-cellulose. Low-Mr PAI purified in this way, could be almost fully reactivated by treatment with guanidinium chloride. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting revealed that the low-Mr form contained nothing but PAI at an Mr of about 50,000. In addition to PAI, the high-Mr form contained a component, which was not antigenically related to PAI. This compound had a molecular weight of about 75,000 and its NH2-terminal amino acid sequence corresponded to that of human vitronectin. We conclude that the high-Mr form of PAI constitutes a complex between 50,000 Mr PAI and vitronectin from fetal calf serum.

Vitronectin (S protein) is associated with platelets

Vitronectin is a plasma glycoprotein that has regulatory activity in the complement and the coagulation systems, in cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions, and in monocyte/macrophage function. Because of its potential to participate in several of the processes of inflammation and repair, the association of vitronectin with platelets was investigated. Immunochemical studies demonstrated that the majority of the platelet associated vitronectin was intracellular, while a relatively modest amount was localized to the ectoplasmic portion of the plasma membrane. Analysis by Western blot showed that the electrophoretic mobility of platelet associated vitronectin was indistinguishable from that of vitronectin isolated from plasma. In response to thrombin, approximately 1 microgram of vitronectin was released into the supernate of 10(9) platelets, while somewhat less than one-half of the total platelet vitronectin remained cell associated. The binding of vitronectin to platelets was investigated by comparing the capacity of unlabelled vitronectin and fibronectin to inhibit binding of radiolabelled fibronectin to thrombin stimulated platelets. On a weight basis, inhibition by the two proteins was equivalent, suggesting that vitronectin competes with fibronectin for binding to platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa. These results demonstrate that vitronectin is a platelet specific protein which, because of its multifunctional properties, may participate in physiological and pathophysiological events associated with thrombosis and haemostasis.

Identification of a heparin binding domain of the neural cell adhesion molecule N-CAM using synthetic peptides

The neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) plays an integral role in cell interactions during neural development, with the binding of heparan sulfate proteoglycan to the amino-terminal region of N-CAM being required for N-CAM function. In the present study we have used synthetic peptides (HBD-1 and HBD-2), derived from the primary amino acid sequence of rat N-CAM, to identify the region of N-CAM that binds heparan sulfate. The 28 amino acid HBD-1 synthetic peptide was shown to bind both [3H]heparin and dissociated retinal cells. Retinal cells also attach to a substratum of HBD-2 peptide, but fail to bind to a control peptide containing a scrambled amino acid sequence of HBD-2. The HBD-2 peptide also inhibits retinal cell adhesion to N-CAM, demonstrating the physiological importance of the amino acid sequence encoded by the HBD peptide. These data therefore permit the localization of a heparin binding domain to a 17 amino acid region of immunoglobulin-like loop 2.

SC5b-7, SC5b-8 and SC5b-9 complexes of complement: ultrastructure and localization of the S-protein (vitronectin) within the macromolecules

Purified terminal components of the complement system were used together with purified S-protein, the inhibitor of the membrane attack complex, to generate the soluble complexes SC5b-7, SC5b-8 and SC5b-9. These complexes were purified by ultracentrifugation in sucrose density gradients with 50-70% yield, exhibiting sedimentation coefficients of 20 S, 21 S and 23 S, respectively. In Ouchterlony double-diffusion analysis, the purified complexes gave a line of identity against all antisera of the precursor components indicating that complex formation had occurred. The identity of the complexes was also revealed by the appearance of all subunit components after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Since the inhibitor function of S-protein in the terminal complement cascade should also be manifested in the morphology of the macromolecules generated, the ultrastructures of the three complexes were analyzed by electron microscopy. In contrast to aggregated (C5b-7)n and (C5b-8)n, negatively stained SC5b-7 and SC5b-8 imaged mostly as monomeric irregularly shaped cylindrical structures, whereas SC5b-9 less than 27 S) appeared as wedge-shaped structure lacking the tubular polymerized C9. (All three complexes were also generated in the presence of biotinyl-S-protein and labeled with avidin-gold conjugates as electron-dense marker). Analysis of the modified complexes in electron micrographs demonstrated that the complexes were marked exclusively at one site of their ultrastructures, suggesting this region to be the location of S-protein and the critical site for membrane binding of C5b-7 or C5b-8 and for initiation of C9 polymerization. These results support recent findings in which the function of S-protein as complement inhibitor was dependent on conformational changes of the protein molecule with concomitant exposure of the heparin-binding domain.

S-protein is synthesized by human monocytes and macrophages in vitro

Human monocytes and alveolar and peritoneal macrophages were cultured in serum-free medium with or without endotoxin (ET), agarose beads, or cycloheximide. The cell culture supernatants were collected after various intervals and examined by a monoclonal anti-S-protein antibody in Western blot and in a solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. We found that the phagocytes synthesize and secrete S-protein. ET stimulation or prolonged incubation of the cells did not favour S-protein production, which was inhibited by cycloheximide. Agarose stimulation increased the S-protein level in supernatants from monocyte but not from macrophage cultures.

Immunohistochemical study of complement S protein (Vitronectin) in normal and diseased human kidneys: relationship to neoantigens of the C5b-9 terminal complex

The localization of S protein (Vitronectin) antigen was studied by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy in normal adult human kidneys and in biopsy specimens from patients with a wide range of renal diseases, and compared with that of neoantigens of the C5b-9 terminal complement complex. S protein antigen was diffusely present in arteriolar perimyocytic matrices, the glomerular basement membrane and mesangial matrix, and tubular basement membranes in the cortex of normal and diseased kidneys without superimposable staining for C5b-9 neoantigens. Cell remnants embedded in normal and sclerotic extracellular matrices expressed S protein antigen and also stained for C5b-9 neoantigens. Several lines of evidence suggested that S protein present in connective matrices most likely represents S protein or C5b-9 complexes trapped from the circulation. Glomerular immune deposits and arteriolar hyalin deposits which contained C5b-9 neoantigens also contained S protein antigen in the same location. In a few specimens from patients with membranous nephritis stage I and IgA nephropathy, immune deposits contained neither detectable C5b-9 neoantigens nor S protein. The observed strong co-staining of immune deposits for S-protein and C5b-9 caution against the generalization that C5b-9 within glomerular immune deposits represent membrane-bound cytolytic complement complexes.

Molecular modeling of protein-glycosaminoglycan interactions

Forty-nine regions in 21 proteins were identified as potential heparin-binding sites based on the sequence organizations of their basic and nonbasic residues. Twelve known heparin-binding sequences in vitronectin, apolipoproteins E and B-100, and platelet factor 4 were used to formulate two search strings for identifying potential heparin-binding regions in other proteins. Consensus sequences for glycosaminoglycan recognition were determined as [-X-B-B-X-B-X-] and [-X-B-B-B-X-X-B-X-] where B is the probability of a basic residue and X is a hydropathic residue. Predictions were then made as to the heparin-binding domains in endothelial cell growth factor, purpurin, and antithrombin-III. Many of the natural sequences conforming to these consensus motifs show prominent amphipathic periodicities having both alpha-helical and beta-strand conformations as determined by predictive algorithms and circular dichroism studies. The heparin-binding domain of vitronectin was modeled and formed a hydrophilic pocket that wrapped around and folded over a heparin octasaccharide, yielding a complementary structure. We suggest that these consensus sequence elements form potential nucleation sites for the recognition of polyanions in proteins and may provide a useful guide in identifying heparin-binding regions in other proteins. The possible relevance of protein-glycosaminoglycans interactions in atherosclerosis is discussed.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI) is bound to vitronectin in plasma

Functionally active plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI) is bound to a discrete binding protein in plasma [(1988) Thromb. Haemost. 59, 392-395]. The binding protein has now been partially purified using conventional chromatographic techniques. After addition of active PAI its complex with the binding protein was purified by chromatography on insolubilized monoclonal antibodies towards PAI. Dodecylsulphate (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed two main compounds with molecular masses of 50 and 75 kDa respectively. NH2-terminal amino acid sequence analysis and immunoblotting analysis suggested that the two compounds were PAI (50 kDa) and vitronectin (75 kDa). We conclude that the PAI-binding protein is identical to vitronectin.

Vitronectin (serum spreading factor): its localisation in normal and fibrotic tissue

The distribution of vitronectin and fibronectin in normal and fibrotic tissue was directly compared using indirect immunofluorescence. Both glycoproteins were ubiquitiously localised to loose connective tissue. Vitronectin, unlike fibronectin, was not detected in basement membranes, in normal renal glomeruli, or around smooth muscle cells of both musculares mucosae and propria of the gastrointestinal tract. The presence of vitronectin could not be shown in washed permeabilised platelets. Vitronectin was very much increased in reactive and fibrotic tissue, as was fibronectin. This was observed in lymph nodes affected by both nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease and by metastatic carcinoma as well as in myelofibrotic bone marrow and sclerotic glomeruli. These findings suggest that vitronectin may have an important role in the processes of inflammation and repair.

Vitronectin is a substrate for transglutaminases

Vitronectin (VN) was found to be a substrate for both plasma transglutaminase (Factor XIIIa) and guinea pig liver transglutaminase (TG). Incorporation of [3H]-putrescine indicated the presence of reactive glutaminyl residues in VN. When VN was incubated with TG or Factor XIIIa, in the absence of putrescine, multimeric covalent complexes were identified, indicating that VN can also contribute lysyl residues to the bond catalyzed by transglutaminases. Cross-linking of VN by TG and Factor XIIIa may modulate the effects of VN on the complement and coagulation systems in hemostatic plugs and extracellular matrix.

Molecular cloning of a cDNA for human pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein:homology with human carcinoembryonic antigen and related proteins

Human pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) plays an essential role in normal pregnancy. It is also a well-characterized oncodevelopmental antigen, expressed aberrantly by all trophoblastic tumors and some other malignant cell types. Here we report the identification of a human placental cDNA encoding the SP1 polypeptide sequence. The coding sequence shows 95% identity at the nucleotide level with a distinct, recently published SP1 cDNA sequence (PSG16). Unexpectedly, the sequence is also highly homologous to the published sequence of human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). SP1, CEA and CEA-related nonspecific cross-reacting species thus belong to a group of closely related though antigenically diverse tumor-associated glycoproteins. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of the SP1 cDNA with that of CEA provides insight into the modular nature of these related proteins. This may have implications for the genomic organization and evolution of the CEA gene family.

Cell-substratum interactions: serum spreading factor

We have prepared a fraction of commercial fetal calf serum whose major component comprises proteins of apparent molecular mass 65-80 kDa. These preparations elicit cell spreading responses in serum-free medium at concentrations similar to those reported for human vitronectin. In addition, we have identified (by a protein blotting technique) the 65-80 kDa component as the active species in our preparations. Cell spreading responses in the presence of our 'bovine vitronectin' preparations are similar to cell spreading on fetal calf serum. (In contrast, cell spreading on bovine fibronectin showed very different kinetics). Our results suggest that bovine vitronectin may be an important component of fetal calf serum involved in conditioning cell culture substrata.

Migratory behavior of cells on embryonic retina basal lamina

In order to study cell translocation in vitro on a physiological substrate a novel cell migration assay was developed using the inner limiting membrane of the avian embryonic retina. The matrix sheet consists of a laminin-rich basal lamina covered by a dense layer of neuroepithelial endfeet. The retina basal lamina does not contain fibronectin. Cells translocating on this substrate displace the neuroepithelial endfeet, leaving behind tracks in the endfeet monolayer. Motility of cells and the relative forward to lateral migration can be quantitated by measuring lengths, widths, and areas of the tracks. Using this assay system, the conditions and patterns of cell migration for a variety of cells have been examined. In the absence of serum all cell types show only minor migratory activity and addition of serum to the culture medium always enhances the rate of cell migration in a saturable, dose-response manner. The serum cannot be replaced by fibronectin or vitronectin (serum spreading factor). For maximum cell migration, serum has to be constantly present in the medium; however, 58% cell migration is obtained in serum-free medium when the matrix is preincubated with serum. According to the area and linearity of the tracks, the migratory behavior of the different cells can be classified into three groups: (i) fibroblasts and the nonpigmented Bowes melanoma cells form straight and long tracks; (ii) glioma, sarcoma, and carcinoma cells from straight but short tracks, and (iii) neuronal tumor cells, epithelial cells, and pigmented B16 melanoma cells form wide and short tracks. Comparative studies with low and high metastatic clones of tumorgenic cell lines show that migratory activity and metastatic potential of cells do not necessarily correlate. Finally, we show that fibroblasts deposit fibronectin fibrils on their paths as they migrate on the basal lamina. Fibronectin trails are also seen when fibroblasts are cultured on plain basal laminae that are pretreated with detergent to remove the endfeet monolayer. Likewise, when fibroblasts are cultured in the presence of antifibronectin antibodies, the fibronectin secreted by cells is detectable. Due to antibody treatment the cellular fibronectin is precipitated and its normal fibril formation is inhibited; however, the translocation of fibroblasts is not impaired.

Anti-(Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser) antibody and its interaction with fibronectin, fibrinogen and platelets

An antibody population recognizing the sequence Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) in fibronectin, anti-(RGDS)N, was isolated by immunoadsorption. Between 2.5% and 4.9% of antibodies were obtained from two different anti-fibronectin sera indicating that this region represents an antigenic epitope in native fibronectin. Complete inhibition of binding of 125I-fibronectin to anti-(RGDS)N was produced only by nonreduced and reduced fibronectin. Fibrinogen and synthetic RGDS tetrapeptide, each at concentration of 10 microM, showed only a slight inhibition of 22% and 17%, respectively. Measurements of the conformational constant, the equilibrium constant for the interconversion of the non-native and native conformations of this epitope, showed that less than 0.0001% of the RGDS molecules adopt the native conformation in aqueous solutions. It indicates that long-range interactions in fibronectin and fibrinogen result in different conformations of the RGDS sequence in both proteins. Anti-(RGDS)N antibodies purified from anti-fibronectin serum had a strong inhibitory effect on thrombin-stimulated platelet aggregation. They also inhibited binding of fibronectin and fibrinogen to thrombin-stimulated platelets, supporting the primary role of the RGDS sequence in the direct interaction of these proteins with platelet membrane receptors.

Terminal complement complex (TCC) and S-protein (vitronectin) on follicular dendritic cells in human lymphoid tissues

Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) present in germinal centres trap considerable amounts of C3-containing immune complexes (IC). Activation of the terminal pathway of complement (C) on biological membranes normally generates C5b-9(m), which is the membranolytic form of the terminal complement complex (TCC). By contrast, when C activation takes place in the extracellular fluid phase, S-protein binds to C5b-7 and the non-lytic soluble SC5b-9 is formed. In this study deposits of C3d, C5, C9 TCC neoepitope and S-protein were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry on FDC in human tonsils, lymph nodes, spleens, appendices and colonic mucosae. TCC and S-protein were likewise observed on FDC in imprints from tonsils. The identical spatial distribution revealed by paired staining suggested that TCC had been generated in situ. The staining intensity for TCC and S-protein varied in parallel, which suggested that the S-protein may be incorporated in the membrane-bound TCC--perhaps rendering it non-lytic. However, the actual mechanism and function of the observed TCC and associated S-protein deposition needs further elucidation.

Nucleotide sequence of Acinetobacter baumannii aphA-6 gene: evolutionary and functional implications of sequence homologies with nucleotide-binding proteins, kinases and other aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes

A new kanamycin-resistance gene, detected in Acinetobacter baumannii and designated aphA-6, was sequenced. It specifies a 30319 Dalton 3'-aminoglycoside phosphotransferase (APH(3'] that mediates resistance to kanamycin and structurally related aminoglycosides, including amikacin. Pairwise comparisons of the six types of APH(3') so far detected in human pathogens (types I, II, III and VI) and in amino-glycoside-producing microorganisms (types IV and V), confirm that APH(3') enzymes have diverged from a common ancestor. Three highly retained motifs (1: V--HGD----N; 2: G--D-GR/K-G and 3: D--K/R--Y/F---LDE) located in the C-terminal part of the enzymes were defined. Screening of protein sequence data bases fore each of these motifs revealed that motifs 1 and 2 are both found in nucleotide-binding phosphotransferases associated with a variety of biological processes, namely adenylate kinase, viral oncogenic protein kinases, elongation factors, Na+/K+-transporting ATPase, myosin and antibiotic-modifying enzymes. Motif 2 probably corresponds to the MgATP binding site, while motifs 3 and 1 could be involved in the splitting of the phosphodiester bond and in the phosphate transfer, respectively. Moreover, an additional motif, almost invariably centrally located, was found in all aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes. The occurrence of this motif, possibly a recombination site which would have allowed the association of units of separate functions, is compatible with a modular concept for the structure of aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes.

Detecting distant homologies of mosaic proteins. Analysis of the sequences of thrombomodulin, thrombospondin complement components C9, C8 alpha and C8 beta, vitronectin and plasma cell membrane glycoprotein PC-1

Recognition of homologies may give hints about the structure and function of proteins; therefore, we are developing strategies to aid sequence comparisons. Detecting homology of mosaic proteins is especially difficult since the modules constituting these proteins are usually distantly related and their homology is not readily recognized by conventional computer programs. In the present work we show that the rules of the evolution of mosaic proteins can guide the identification of modules of mosaic proteins and can delineate the group of sequences in which the presence of homologous sequences may be expected. By this approach we can concentrate the search for homology to a limited group of sequences; thus ensuring a more intense and more fruitful search. The power of this approach is illustrated by the fact that it could detect homologies not identified by earlier methods of sequence comparison. In this paper we show that thrombomodulin contains a domain homologous with animal lectins, that complement components C9, C8 alpha and C8 beta have modules homologous with one of the repeat units of thrombospondin and that the somatomedin B module of vitronectin is homologous with the internal repeats of plasma cell membrane glycoprotein PC-1.

Monoclonal antibodies to distinctive epitopes on the alpha and beta subunits of the fibronectin receptor

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) have been developed that can recognize epitopes that are unique to either the alpha or beta subunit of the fibronectin receptor (FnR). MAbs 11B4 and 7A8 immunoblot the alpha subunit of FnR either in purified form from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells or in nonionic detergent extracts of cells of human and rodent origin electrophoresed under reducing or nonreducing conditions. The MAbs seem to be more reactive to the subunit when it has been electrophoresed under reducing conditions, suggesting that the epitope may be partially masked by the conformation conferred by disulfide bonding. A second set of MAbs, 7E2 and 7F9, is directed to an epitope on the beta subunit that is conformationally dependent upon disulfide bonding, as reduction of the subunit leads to loss of reactivity with both MAbs. Further, 7E2/7F9 immunoblots of nonionic detergent extracts of CHO cells, run under nonreducing conditions, reveal the presence of a third band (90-kDa), immunologically related to the beta subunit, which is not surface-labeled with 125I in intact cells and which does not copurify with the alpha and beta subunits isolated by immunoaffinity purification of FnR using the MAb PB1. The 90-kDa component is not found associated with a plasma membrane fraction prepared by crude cell fractionation, but is abundant in a low-speed pellet containing nuclei and intracellular membranes. This finding suggests that the 90-kDa component is a precursor to the beta subunit. Finally, the epitope of 7E2/7F9 is unique to CHO cells, as cross-reactivity to other cell types cannot be demonstrated by either immunoblotting or immunoprecipitation.

Epithelial and neural localization and heparin binding of the cell-substratum adhesion molecule, epinectin

Epinectin, a cell-substratum adhesion promoting molecule, was first isolated from the extracellular matrix of A431 human squamous carcinoma cells. In order to determine the biologic significance of epinectin, we determined the distribution of epinectin in various rat epithelial tissues by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Polyclonal antibodies to epinectin stained basal cells and basilar regions of skin, urinary bladder, and vagina. There was predominantly cytoplasmic staining along with amorphous extracellular staining. Strong staining was also noted in sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The immunoreactivity for epinectin in the skin was distinct from that for fibronectin, laminin, and type IV collagen. Antibodies to epinectin also stained subpopulations of neurons in the cerebrum and cerebellum. Epinectin antibodies strongly stained the cytoplasm of some pineal cells and cells of the pars intermedia of the pituitary. The distribution of epinectin suggests a role not only in epithelial cell-substratum adhesion, but in neuronal cell function. Heparan sulfate is known to be involved in the binding of several adhesion promoting molecules to cell surfaces. In order to assess the mechanism of adhesion of epinectin to cells, we measured the binding of 3H-heparin to epinectin. Binding of 3H-heparin was concentration dependent and inhibitable with cold heparin.

Insulin-like growth factors and somatomedin B in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type

Cerebrospinal fluid levels of radioreceptor assayable insulin-like growth factors (RRA-IGFs) and immunoreactive somatomedin B (SMB) (RIA-B) were determined in apparently healthy individuals and in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (AD). The CSF levels of RIA-B and RRA-IGFs did not alter from the healthy controls. After being acidified, the CSF from the controls and from the presenile ADs were separated over a G-50 fine Sephadex . The RRA-IGFs activity eluted in three peaks. The results indicate that the major constituent of CSF RRA in both AD patients and controls is an IGF binding protein. The two minor peaks eluted at approximately 9 K and 6 K, corresponding to the elution positions of "big" IGF-2 and IGF-2.

Site-directed mutagenesis of the cell-binding domain of human fibronectin: separable, synergistic sites mediate adhesive function

Polypeptide sequences required for function of the cell-binding domain of human fibronectin were analyzed by site-directed mutagenesis. Site-specific deletion of the putative recognition sequence Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser or an Asp-to-Glu mutation decreased the adhesive activity of fibronectin fusion proteins expressed in E. coli by greater than or equal to 97%. A second functional site over 0.5 kb away was identified by deletion mutagenesis. These mutants also showed a greater than or equal to 96% loss of activity, indicating cooperativity between sites. The two classes of mutant protein displayed synergism of activity in a trans complementation assay. Effective actin microfilament bundle organization was also dependent on the combined function of both sites. Thus, fibroblast adhesion and intracellular response to the fibronectin cell-binding domain involve two synergistic sites, each of major quantitative importance.

Characterization of three constituent chains of collagen type VI by peptide sequences and cDNA clones

Pepsin-solubilized collagen VI was prepared from human placenta and used to separate three constituent chains for determining partial amino acid sequences. Antibodies raised against the chains assisted in the identification and purification of several cDNA clones from three expression lambda gt11 libraries. Most of the clones hybridized to either a 3.5-kb or 4.2-kb mRNA species which by matching peptide and nucleotide sequences could be identified as coding for the alpha 2(VI) or alpha 1(VI) chain, respectively. Other clones hybridized to either an 8.5-kb mRNA which very likely encoded the alpha 3(VI) chain or to an unknown 2.0-kb mRNA. Northern blots revealed a considerable variation in the mRNA levels for each collagen VI chain in both skin and cornea fibroblasts and in several tumor cell lines. Limited sequence data generated from peptides and cDNA clones demonstrated a characteristic cysteine pattern at the junction between N-terminal globular domain and triple helix in all three chains. In addition, the data showed occasional interruptions of triplet sequences within the triple-helical domain and the presence of two Arg-Gly-Asp sequences which are potential cell-binding structures.

Isolation and characterization of four heparin-binding cyanogen bromide peptides of human plasma apolipoprotein B

Apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100) is the major protein constituent of human plasma low-density lipoproteins (LDL). On the basis of its amino acid sequence [Chen, S.-H., Yang, C.-Y., Chen, P.-F., Setzer, D., Tanimura, M., Li, W.-H., Gotto, A. M., Jr., & Chan, L. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 12918-12921], apo B-100 is one of the largest monomeric proteins known with a calculated molecular weight of 512937. Heparin binds to the LDL surface by interacting with positively charged amino acid residues of apoB-100, forming soluble complexes in the absence of divalent metals and insoluble complexes in their presence. The purpose of this study was to isolate and characterize the heparin-binding domain(s) of apoB-100. Human plasma LDL were fragmented with cyanogen bromide (CNBr). After delipidation and reduction-carboxymethylation, the CNBr peptides were fractionated by sequential chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel, Mono S, and high reactive heparin (HRH) AffiGel-10; HRH was purified by chromatography of crude bovine lung heparin on LDL AffiGel-10. Heparin-binding peptides were further purified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Heparin-binding activity was monitored by a dot-blot assay with 125I-HRH. The amino-terminal sequences of four CNBr heparin-binding peptides (CNBr-I-IV) were determined. CNBr-I-IV correspond to residues 2016-2151, 3109-3240, 3308-3394, and 3570-3719, respectively, of the amino acid sequence of apoB-100. Each CNBr peptide contains a domain(s) of basic amino acid residues which we suggest accounts for their heparin-binding activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)