Regulation of the mevalonate pathway

A proteolytic fragment of the oxysterol receptor which retains oxysterol binding activity

The structural organization of the oxysterol receptor, postulated to be involved in the regulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase and cholesterol biosynthesis in mammalian cells, has been explored by limited proteolysis with trypsin, alpha-chymotrypsin, and endoproteinase GluC. Treatment with each of these proteases converts the receptor from a homodimer of approximately 95 kDa subunits to a 44-kDa form, based on hydrodynamic measurements by sucrose density gradient centrifugation and gel filtration chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of photoaffinity-labeled preparations indicates that the oxysterol binding site is on a 28-kDa fragment within the 44-kDa limit form of the receptor. The limit proteolytic form exhibits the high affinity and structural specificity for oxysterols of the native dimeric receptor with an increase in the rate constant of association for 25-hydroxycholesterol. The proteolytic form also shows an increased binding affinity for nonspecific DNA, but no sequence specificity for the oxysterol regulatory element from the reductase gene was detected.

Isoprenoid pathway activity is required for IgE receptor-mediated, tyrosine kinase-coupled transmembrane signaling in permeabilized RBL-2H3 rat basophilic leukemia cells

Previously, we reported that the isoprenoid pathway inhibitor, lovastatin, blocks the activation by IgE receptor cross-linking of 45Ca2+ influx, 1,4,5-inositol trisphosphate production, secretion, and membrane changes (ruffling, spreading) in intact RBL-2H3 rat basophilic leukemia cells. These results indicated that an isoprenoid pathway intermediate, very likely an isoprenylated protein, is importantly involved in the control of IgE receptor-mediated signal transduction. Here, we show that 20 h of pretreatment with lovastatin also inhibits antigen-induced secretion and membrane responses in streptolysin O-(SLO)-permeabilized cells. However, lovastatin does not inhibit secretion stimulated by the nonhydrolyzable GTP analog, GTP gamma S. Furthermore, the membrane responses to GTP gamma S persist, although in an attenuated form, in lovastatin-treated permeabilized cells. The relative insensitivity of GTP gamma S-induced responses to lovastatin was one of several indications that antigen and GTP gamma S may activate separate pathways leading to transmembrane responses in permeabilized cells. Further experiments showed that the beta-thio derivative of GDP, GDPBAS, inhibits the secretory and membrane responses to GTP gamma S, as expected for a GTP-binding protein-dependent signaling pathway, while having little effect on antigen-induced responses. Conversely, genistein blocks the secretory and membrane responses to antigen, as expected for a tyrosine kinase-dependent pathway, without altering the GTP gamma S-induced responses. From these results, and from additional data from cells treated with tyrphostins and sodium orthovanadate, we propose that IgE receptor-mediated secretion from permeabilized RBL-2H3 cells occurs by a tyrosine kinase-dependent pathway that requires isoprenoid pathway activity for function. We propose further that RBL-2H3 cells contain a separate GTP-binding protein-mediated signaling pathway whose direct activation by GTP gamma S is either independent of isoprenoid pathway activity or depends on the activity of an isoprenylated protein that is not significantly depleted after 20 h of lovastatin treatment.

Significance of C-terminal cysteine modifications to the biological activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae a-factor mating pheromone

We have undertaken total synthesis of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae a-factor (NH2-YIIKGVFWDPAC[S-farnesyl]-COOCH3) and several Cys-12 analogs to determine the significance of S-farnesylation and carboxy-terminal methyl esterification to the biological activity of this lipopeptide mating pheromone. Replacement of either the farnesyl group or the carboxy-terminal methyl ester by a hydrogen atom resulted in marked reduction but not total loss of bioactivity as measured by a variety of assays. Moreover, both the farnesyl and methyl ester groups could be replaced by other substituents to produce biologically active analogs. The bioactivity of a-factor decreased as the number of prenyl units on the cysteine sulfur decreased from three to one, and an a-factor analog having the S-farnesyl group replaced by an S-hexadecanyl group was more active than an S-methyl a-factor analog. Thus, with two types of modifications, a-factor activity increased as the S-alkyl group became bulkier and more hydrophobic. MATa cells having deletions of the a-factor structural genes (mfal1 mfa2 mutants) were capable of mating with either sst2 or wild-type MAT alpha cells in the presence of exogenous a-factor, indicating that it is not absolutely essential for MATa cells to actively produce a-factor in order to mate. Various a-factor analogs were found to partially restore mating to these strains as well, and their relative activities in the mating restoration assay were similar to their activities in the other assays used in this study. Mating was not restored by addition of exogenous a-factor to a cross of a wild-type MAT alpha strain and a MATaste6 mutant, indicating a role of the STE6 gene product in mating in addition to its secretion of a-factor.

rab3A attachment to the synaptic vesicle membrane mediated by a conserved polyisoprenylated carboxy-terminal sequence

rab3A is a small neuronal GTP-binding protein specifically localized to synaptic vesicles. Membrane-bound rab3A behaves like an intrinsic membrane protein in vitro, but reversibly dissociates from synaptic vesicles after exocytosis in vivo. Here we demonstrate that rab3A is attached to synaptic vesicle membranes by a carboxy-terminal Cys-X-Cys sequence that is posttranslationally modified. This modification is inhibited by compactin in a mevalonate-dependent manner, suggesting that the Cys-X-Cys sequence represents a novel polyisoprenylation sequence. Isolation of a rab3 homolog from D. melanogaster reveals high evolutionary conservation of rab3A, including its carboxy-terminal Cys-X-Cys sequence. The posttranslational modifications of soluble and membrane-bound rab3A are biochemically different, but both require the carboxy-terminal Cys-X-Cys sequence and are faithfully reproduced in nonneuronal cells. Our results suggest that the carboxy-terminal Cys-X-Cys sequence of rab3A is polyisoprenylated and is used as its regulatable membrane anchor. Furthermore, the hydrophobic modification of rab3A and its correct intracellular targeting to synaptic vesicles are independent, presumably consecutive events.

Significance of C-terminal cysteine modifications to the biological activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae a-factor mating pheromone

We have undertaken total synthesis of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae a-factor (NH2-YIIKGVFWDPAC[S-farnesyl]-COOCH3) and several Cys-12 analogs to determine the significance of S-farnesylation and carboxy-terminal methyl esterification to the biological activity of this lipopeptide mating pheromone. Replacement of either the farnesyl group or the carboxy-terminal methyl ester by a hydrogen atom resulted in marked reduction but not total loss of bioactivity as measured by a variety of assays. Moreover, both the farnesyl and methyl ester groups could be replaced by other substituents to produce biologically active analogs. The bioactivity of a-factor decreased as the number of prenyl units on the cysteine sulfur decreased from three to one, and an a-factor analog having the S-farnesyl group replaced by an S-hexadecanyl group was more active than an S-methyl a-factor analog. Thus, with two types of modifications, a-factor activity increased as the S-alkyl group became bulkier and more hydrophobic. MATa cells having deletions of the a-factor structural genes (mfal1 mfa2 mutants) were capable of mating with either sst2 or wild-type MAT alpha cells in the presence of exogenous a-factor, indicating that it is not absolutely essential for MATa cells to actively produce a-factor in order to mate. Various a-factor analogs were found to partially restore mating to these strains as well, and their relative activities in the mating restoration assay were similar to their activities in the other assays used in this study. Mating was not restored by addition of exogenous a-factor to a cross of a wild-type MAT alpha strain and a MATaste6 mutant, indicating a role of the STE6 gene product in mating in addition to its secretion of a-factor.

The nature of inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase by garlic-derived diallyl disulfide

A concentration dependent inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA (HMG CoA) reductase was found on preincubation of microsomal preparations with diallyl disulfide, a component of garlic oil. This inhibited state was only partially reversed even with high concentrations of DTT. Glutathione, a naturally occurring reducing thiol agent, was ineffective. The substrate, HMG CoA, but not NADPH, was able to give partial protection for the DTT-dependent, but not glutathione-dependent activity. The garlic-derived diallyl disulfide is the most effective among the sulfides tested for inhibition of HMG CoA reductase. Formation of protein internal disulfides, inaccessible for reduction by thiol agents, but not of protein dimer, is likely to be the cause of this inactivation.

Unstable amplification of the chromosomal gene for 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase in compactin-resistant CR200 cells

CR200 cells, a compactin-resistant clone of mouse FM3A cells, overaccumulate 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. The elevated reductase activity is not regulated normally by low-density lipoprotein, mevalonate and 25-hydroxycholesterol. The amounts of reductase protein and mRNA were elevated in CR200 cells by 40- to 60-fold, as compared to those in parental FM3A cells and the rate of reductase transcription and the number of copies of reductase gene were increased in CR200 cells by 20- to 50-fold. In the parental cells, mevalonate and 25-hydroxycholesterol suppressed reductase transcription by greater than 90%, while that in the mutant cells was suppressed by only 20-50%, suggesting a regulatory alteration in the gene transcription in CR200 cells. When CR200 cells were grown for 10-20 weeks in the absence of compactin, levels of the gene amplification were reduced from approx. 50-fold to approx. 2-fold, along with a marked decrease in reductase activity and compactin-resistance of the cells. While the gene amplification was unstable, minute chromosomes were not seen in the cells and centrifugal fractionation and in situ analysis demonstrated that the amplified reductase gene was present on 2-3 chromosomes in the pseudotetraploidal CR200 cells having approx. 78 chromosomes. From these results it was concluded that the amplified reductase gene, which is responsible for overaccumulation of reductase, is located on chromosomes but is unstable in CR200 cells.

Synthesis of S-alkyl and C-terminal analogs of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae a-factor. Influence of temperature on the stability of Fmoc and OFm groups toward HF

The a-mating factor of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Tyr-Ile-Ile-Lys-Gly-Val-Phe-Trp-Asp-Pro-Ala-Cys(farnesyl)OCH3, and 10 analogs modified at the cysteine side chain and/or the terminal carboxyl were synthesized using a combination of solid phase and solution phase methodologies. The strategy of synthesis involved the condensation of an amine terminal protected decapeptide with a carboxyl terminal S-alkylated dipeptide ester or amide using benzotriazol-l-yloxy-tris(methylamino)-phosphonium hexafluorophosphate as the coupling agent. The protected decapeptide was assembled on a PAM-resin using 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) for the protection of the Tyr alpha-amine and Lys epsilon-amine and 9-fluorenylmethyl ester (OFm) for the protection of the Asp beta-carboxyl. Premature loss of the OFm group from the HF cleavage was observed at 0-2 degrees, whereas no loss occurred when the cleavage reaction was conducted at -5 degrees. In contrast to these results, the OFm group in Asp(OFm) was partially removed by HF at -5 degrees and was completely stable to HF only at -20 degrees. The S-alkylated dipeptide esters were prepared, in yields from 64% to 88%, via thioalkylation of amine protected or unprotected dipeptide esters using potassium fluoride dihydrate as the base. The use of a tertiary amine as the base of thiohexadecanylation resulted in low reactivity.

Cellular processes in atherogenesis: potential targets of Ca2+ channel blockers

Atherosclerosis is characterized by increased endothelial permeability, monocyte infiltration, intimal smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, platelet aggregation and the accumulation of lipids, calcium and extracellular matrix components in the vessel wall. In various animal studies and recently in humans it could be established that Ca2+ channel blockers delayed the progression of the atherosclerotic process at the stage of early lesions. This review surveys the interaction of Ca2+ channel blockers with various membrane proteins (purinergic receptors, nucleoside transporter, peripheral benzodiazepine receptors, multi-drug resistance protein) which are involved in signal transduction and their potential impact on the observed antiatherosclerotic effects. Although the precise mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated, it has been clearly shown that these drugs inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, improve cellular lipoprotein metabolism in vascular cells, alter phospholipid turnover, decrease platelet adhesion in the vessel wall, reduce extracellular matrix synthesis and protect against radical induced cell damage. Most of these effects are independent of Ca2+ flux across voltage-operated Ca2+ channels. However, all these processes are relevant to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and therefore the elucidation of the antiatherogenic mechanisms of Ca2+ channel blockers at the cellular level is of great interest. The future development of Ca2+ channel blockers with altered molecular structures optimized for their antiatherosclerotic targets may provide a useful tool in the therapy of atherosclerosis and risk factor intervention. The protective mechanisms are related to a stabilization of cell membrane integrity, the modulation of secretory activities and cell/cell communication processes rather than to a lowering of plasma lipoprotein levels.

Nonlysosomal, pre-Golgi degradation of unassembled asialoglycoprotein receptor subunits: a TLCK- and TPCK-sensitive cleavage within the ER

The human asialoglycoprotein receptor subunit H2a is cotranslationally inserted into the ER membrane. When expressed together with subunit H1 in mouse fibroblasts part forms a hetero-oligomer that is transported to the cell surface, but when expressed alone it is all rapidly degraded. Degradation is insensitive to lysosomotropic agents and the undegraded precursor is last detected in the ER region of the cell. Small amounts of an intermediate 35-kD degradation product can be detected (Amara, J. F., G. Lederkremer, and H. F. Lodish. 1989. J. Cell Biol. 109:3315). We show here that the oligosaccharides on both precursor H2a and the 35-kD fragment are Man6-9GlcNAc2, structures typically found in pre-Golgi compartments. Subcellular fractionation shows that the intermediate degradation product does not cofractionate with the lysosomal enzyme beta-galactosidase, but is found in a part of the ER that contains ribosomes. Thus the intermediate degradation product is localized in the ER, indicating that the initial degradation event does take place in the ER. All degradation of H2a, including the initial endoproteolytic cleavage generating the 35-kD intermediate, is blocked by the protease inhibitors N-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone and N-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone. These drugs do not inhibit ER-to-Golgi transport of H1. Depleting the cells of ATP or inhibiting protein synthesis allows the initial endoproteolytic cleavage to occur, but blocks further degradation of the 35-kD intermediate; thus we can convert all cellular H2 into the 35-kD intermediate. Approximately 50% of H2b, a splicing variant differing from H2a by a five amino acid deletion, can be transported to the cell surface, and the rest appears to be degraded by the same pathway as H2a, both when expressed alone in fibroblasts and together with H1 in HepG2 cells. Addition of N-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone or N-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone blocks degradation of the approximately 50% that is not transported, but does not affect the fraction of H2b that moves to the Golgi region. Thus, a protein destined for degradation will not be transported to the Golgi region if degradation is inhibited.

The labeling of lipoproteins for studies of cellular binding with a fluorescent lipophilic dye

N,N-dipentadecylaminostyrylpyridinium iodide is a dye that is approximately 100-fold more intensely fluorescent in a lipid than aqueous environment. This observation suggests its potential as a fluorescence stain for lipoproteins. This work reports the staining of LDL with this dye for use in studies of cellular binding. The staining procedure is simple, resulting in stable attachment of the dye as determined by transfer experiments, physical properties essentially identical to native LDL as demonstrated by virtually identical electrophoretic mobility, and consistent results in studies of cellular binding using flow cytometry. Increased signal to noise ratio over other dyes used for lipoprotein staining including the widely used Dil (3,3'-dioctadecylindocarbocyanine iodide) allows determinations of greater sensitivity and precision to be made. This is demonstrated by the flow cytometric determination of the 4 degrees C binding curve of LDL with freshly isolated human peripheral blood lymphocytes (i.e., cells not LDL receptor upregulated). Mediation of binding by the LDL receptor is demonstrated by correspondence between the LDL receptor dissociation constant derived from this work and literature values; increased specific binding in lymphocytes cultured in lipoprotein-deficient media to up-regulate the LDL receptor; and decreased specific binding in lymphocytes cultured in the presence of 25-hydroxy cholesterol for 48 h to suppress the LDL receptor.

Quiescent astroglia in long-term primary cultures re-enter the cell cycle and require a non-sterol isoprenoid in late G1

Astroglia proliferate during brain growth, and can divide again later, particularly during astrogliosis. We investigated whether astroglia in primary cultures of newborn rat brain similarly achieve a state of prolonged quiescence which enables re-entry into the cell division cycle. In cultures after 2 months, cell number plateaued and there were sharp decreases in [3H]thymidine incorporation (70 +/- 5 vs 4 +/- 0.5 cpm/micrograms protein/h at 30 and 60 days, respectively) and in percentages of cell nuclei incorporating bromodeoxyuridine (BrDU) (from 46 +/- 6% to less than 1%). Replating at 10(4) cells/cm2 yielded secondary cultures which synthesized DNA actively. Forty-eight hours of serum deprivation at 2-3 days from subculturing, followed by addition of 10% serum (time 0), resulted in a return to quiescence which persisted until 12 h (G0 + G1). By 20 h (S phase), there were abrupt increases in DNA synthesis (5-fold) and in BrDU-labeled nuclei (from 19 +/- 2 to 76 +/- 8%) and the percentage of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells declined to 14 +/- 2%. Three days later, GFAP-positive cells numbered around 80%. Cell cycling after prolonged quiescence, in a manner similar to that in early astroglial cultures, required a non-sterol derivative of mevalonate in late G1. These data confirm that astroglia in primary cultures, like their counterparts in vivo, have a flexible capacity to enter and depart from quiescence, and most importantly, provide a system for examining regulation of this process.

Dependence of Ypt1 and Sec4 membrane attachment on Bet2

Many small GTP-binding proteins are synthesized as soluble proteins that are post-translationally modified as a prerequisite for membrane attachment. Ypt1 and Sec4 are homologous Raslike GTP-binding proteins that have been proposed to regulate the specificity of vesicular traffic at different stages of the secretory pathway by cycling on and off membranes. Here we show that BET2, initially identified as a gene required for transport from endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi apparatus in yeast, encodes a factor that is needed for the membrane attachment of Ypt1 and Sec4. DNA sequence analysis has revealed that Bet2 is homologous to Dpr1 (Ram1), an essential component of a protein prenyltransferase that modifies Ras, enabling it to attach to membranes. We propose that Bet2 modifies Ypt1 and Sec4 in an analogous manner.

Barrier function regulates epidermal DNA synthesis

We examined the possibility that the cutaneous permeability barrier regulates epidermal DNA synthesis in two acute and two chronic models of barrier perturbation. In animals treated topically with acetone, DNA synthesis is increased 102%, in tape-stripped animals 127%, in essential fatty acid deficient animals 50%, and in animals chronically treated with topical lovastatin 64%. This linkage between disturbances in barrier function and increased DNA synthesis is further supported by specific and correlative observations: (a) in these disparate models, artificial replacement of the barrier with a water-impermeable membrane inhibits the expected increase in DNA synthesis; (b) the extent of the burst in DNA synthesis is proportional to the degree of barrier abrogation; (c) the inhibition of DNA synthesis by membranes is directly related to the degree of permeability of these occlusive membranes, i.e., the more impermeable the greater the degree of inhibition; (d) topical treatment with lipids that restore barrier function corrects the increase in DNA synthesis; and (e) barrier abrogation with acetone produces an increase in epidermal DNA synthesis without altering bulk protein synthetic rates in contrast to events known to follow injury or cell replacement. Autoradiographic studies show that the increase in DNA synthesis after acetone treatment is limited to the epidermal basal layer. This constellation of findings strongly suggests that cutaneous barrier function is one factor that regulates epidermal DNA synthesis.

Lovastatin selectively inhibits ras activation of the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate response element in mammalian cells

To evaluate ras-mediated signal transduction, an alkaline phosphatase gene (SEAP) was placed under the control of the ras-inducible phorbol ester response element (TRE) in murine fibroblasts (TRE-SEAP cells). The Kirsten ras gene was placed under the control of the glucocorticoid-inducible mouse mammary tumor virus promoter and introduced into the TRE-SEAP cells. Dexamethasone increased ras expression in the TRE-SEAP cells carrying the Kirsten ras gene and stimulated SEAP activity 25-fold. Lavostatin blocked dexamethasone induction of SEAP activity (50% inhibitory concentration, 0.5 microM) but did not affect phorbol ester-induced SEAP activity in the same cells. Lovastatin also did not block forskolin induction of SEAP activity in cells expressing SEAP under the control of the cyclic AMP response element.

Lovastatin selectively inhibits ras activation of the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate response element in mammalian cells

To evaluate ras-mediated signal transduction, an alkaline phosphatase gene (SEAP) was placed under the control of the ras-inducible phorbol ester response element (TRE) in murine fibroblasts (TRE-SEAP cells). The Kirsten ras gene was placed under the control of the glucocorticoid-inducible mouse mammary tumor virus promoter and introduced into the TRE-SEAP cells. Dexamethasone increased ras expression in the TRE-SEAP cells carrying the Kirsten ras gene and stimulated SEAP activity 25-fold. Lavostatin blocked dexamethasone induction of SEAP activity (50% inhibitory concentration, 0.5 microM) but did not affect phorbol ester-induced SEAP activity in the same cells. Lovastatin also did not block forskolin induction of SEAP activity in cells expressing SEAP under the control of the cyclic AMP response element.

The Ras superfamilies: regulatory proteins and post-translational modifications

The Ras-like GTP-binding proteins comprise a large superfamily of proteins that play key roles in a wide variety of cellular activities, including cell growth, differentiation, secretion, and protein trafficking. During the past few years, it has become clear that these GTP-binding proteins are regulated by a variety of manners, including interactions with specific types of regulatory proteins and post-translational modification events.

Synergistic interactions between transcription factors control expression of the apolipoprotein AI gene in liver cells

The gene coding for apolipoprotein AI (apoAI), a plasma protein involved in the transport of cholesterol and other lipids in the plasma, is expressed predominantly in liver and intestine. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that different cis-acting elements in the 5'-flanking region of the human apoAI gene control its expression in human hepatoma (HepG2) and colon carcinoma (Caco-2) cells. Hepatocyte-specific expression is mediated by elements within the -256 to -41 DNA region relative to the apoAI gene transcription start site (+1). In this study it was found that the -222 to -110 apoAI gene region is necessary and sufficient for expression in HepG2 cells. It was also found that this DNA region functions as a powerful hepatocyte-specific transcriptional enhancer. Gel retardation and DNase I protection experiments showed that HepG2 cells contain proteins that bind to specific sites, sites A (-214 to -192), B (-169 to -146), and C (-134 to -119), within this enhancer. Site-directed mutagenesis that prevents binding of these proteins to individual or different combinations of these sites followed by functional analysis of these mutants in HepG2 cells revealed that protein binding to any one of these sites in the absence of binding to the others was not sufficient for expression. Binding to any two of these sites in any combination was sufficient for only low levels of expression. Binding to all three sites was essential for maximal expression. These results indicate that the transcriptional activity of the apoAI gene in liver cells is dependent on synergistic interactions between transcription factors bound to its enhancer.

Mass spectrometric signature of S-prenylated cysteine peptides

The fast atom bombardment mass spectra of peptides containing S-prenylated cysteine display signature fragmentations characteristic of this modified amino acid. The fragmentation is independent of the nature of the cysteine carbonyl substituent, easily differentiates prenyl from nonprenyl alkylation, and readily identifies the oligomer count of the prenyl. This screening method, which requires little time, effort, or material (compared with previous analysis methods based on chemical degradation), greatly facilitates the identification of these prenylated proteins.

Simvastatin in severe hypercholesterolaemia: a placebo controlled trial

The effect of simvastatin in 27 patients with severe primary hypercholesterolaemia was assessed by a double-blind placebo controlled parallel group trial. Total serum cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and apoprotein B (ApoB) were significantly reduced by simvastatin 40 mg daily. Reductions in triglyceride and VLDL-cholesterol and an increase in HDL-cholesterol levels were only significant when calculated as a percentage of baseline, because of wide inter-individual variability. No changes in apoprotein A1, lipoprotein (a), fibrinogen, viscosity or blood pressure were observed. Leucocyte HMG-CoA reductase activity was unchanged after 4 weeks of active treatment but increased by 87% after 3 months (n = 21, P less than 0.05). No severe adverse effects or changes in CK or AST levels were noted. We conclude that simvastatin is effective in the treatment of severe and resistant hypercholesterolaemia, and well tolerated in the short term.

Cell cycling of astrocytes and their precursors in primary cultures: a mevalonate requirement identified in late G1, but before the G1/S transition, involves polypeptides

The relationship between mevalonate and cell cycling was investigated in developing glial cells. Primary cultures of newborn rat brains were serum-depleted (0.1%, vol/vol) for 48 h on days 4-6 in vitro, then returned to 10% calf serum (time 0). After 48 h, 70-80% of the cells were glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-negative by indirect immunofluorescence; 79 +/- 7% were GFAP-positive after an additional 3 days. Serum shift-up resulted in 12 h of quiescence, and then by 20 h (S phase) in increased proportions of cells synthesizing DNA (from 15 +/- 6% to 75 +/- 4% by bromodeoxyuridine immunofluorescence at 12 h and 20 h, respectively) and rates of DNA synthesis (42 +/- 6 versus 380 +/- 32 cpm/micrograms of protein/h of [3H]thymidine uptake). Additional mevalonate (25 mM) for 30 min at 10 h reversed the inhibition of DNA synthesis apparent with mevinolin (150 microM), an inhibitor of mevalonate synthesis, present from time 0. Cycloheximide added simultaneously with mevalonate prevented this reversal of inhibition. To cause arrest at G1/S, cultures were exposed to hydroxyurea between 10 and 22 h. By 3 h after hydroxyurea removal, bromodeoxyuridine-labeled nuclei increased from 0% to 75 +/- 9%, and DNA synthesis increased 10-fold. Mevinolin failed to inhibit these increases. Thus, primary astroglial precursors stimulated to progress through the cell cycle express a mevalonate requirement in late G1, but before the G1/S transition. The effect of mevalonate was characterized further as being brief (30 min) and as requiring polypeptides.

Covalent binding of dolichyl phosphate to proteins in rat liver

Rats were injected via the portal vein with (RS)-[5-3H]-mevalonolactone and the lipids were extracted. From fractions of liver homogenate, all labeled dolichol, cholesterol and ubiquinone could be extracted, but about 40% of microsomal and lysosomal dolichyl phosphate was only released after alkaline hydrolysis. Only a small amount of the non-extractable radioactivity was found to be associated with alpha-unsaturated polyprenyl phosphate. There was no difference in the polyisoprenoid pattern when the two pools of dolichyl phosphate were compared. On the other hand, the specific activity of the bound lipid was only half that of the extractable form. After phenyl-Sepharose chromatography, a peak of protein was isolated exhibiting a 25-fold enrichment in bound radioactive dolichyl phosphate. Treatment with a non-specific protease, followed by chromatography, gave polypeptide fragments associated with bound lipids. On SDS/PAGE a major protein band at 23 kDa and some minor bands with higher molecular masses were found to be associated with this lipid. The results indicate the presence of covalently bound dolichyl phosphate in rat liver.

Cholesterol is required for infection by Semliki Forest virus

Semliki Forest virus (SFV) and many other enveloped animal viruses enter cells by a membrane fusion reaction triggered by the low pH within the endocytic pathway. In vitro, SFV fusion requires cholesterol in the target membrane, but the role of cholesterol in vivo is unknown. In this paper, the infection pathway of SFV was studied in mammalian and inset cells substantially depleted of sterol. Cholesterol-depleted cells were unaltered in their ability to bind, internalize, and acidify virus, but were blocked in SFV fusion and subsequent virus replication. Depleted cells could be infected by the cholesterol-independent vesicular stomatitis virus, which also enters cells via endocytosis and low pH-mediated fusion. The block in SFV infection was specifically reversed by cholesterol but not by cholestenone, which lacks the critical 3 beta-hydroxyl group. Cholesterol thus is central in the infection pathway of SFV, and may act in vivo to modulate infection by SFV and other pathogens.

Sequence requirement for peptide recognition by rat brain p21ras protein farnesyltransferase

We tested 42 tetrapeptides for their ability to bind to the rat brain p21ras protein farnesyltransferase as estimated by their ability to compete with p21Ha-ras in a farnesyltransfer assay. Peptides with the highest affinity had the structure Cys-A1-A2-X, where positions A1 and A2 are occupied by aliphatic amino acids and position X is occupied by a COOH-terminal methionine, serine, or phenylalanine. Charged residues reduced affinity slightly at the A1 position and much more drastically at the A2 and X positions. Effective inhibitors included tetrapeptides corresponding to the COOH termini of all animal cell proteins known to be farnesylated. In contrast, the tetrapeptide Cys-Ala-Ile-Leu (CAIL), which corresponds to the COOH termini of several neural guanine nucleotide binding (G) protein gamma subunits, did not compete in the farnesyl-transfer assay. Inasmuch as several of these proteins are geranylgeranylated, the data suggest that the two isoprenes (farnesyl and geranylgeranyl) are transferred by different enzymes. A biotinylated heptapeptide corresponding to the COOH terminus of p21Ki-rasB was farnesylated, suggesting that at least some of the peptides serve as substrates for the transferase. The data are consistent with a model in which a hydrophobic pocket in the protein farnesyltransferase recognizes tetrapeptides through interactions with the cysteine and the last two amino acids.

Simvastatin but not pravastatin inhibits the proliferation of rat aorta myocytes

The in vitro effect of simvastatin and pravastatin, two competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, on the proliferation of rat aortic smooth muscle cells was investigated. Simvastatin, but not pravastatin, inhibited the replication of arterial myocytes in concentrations ranging between 0.01 microM and 10 microM. The inhibition, evaluated as cell number and nuclear incorporation of [3H]thymidine, was dose-dependent and completely prevented by addition of mevalonate (100 microM), confirming the role of mevalonate or its products in regulating cell division and growth. The present results provide evidence that simvastatin, in addition to its effect on cholesterol biosynthesis, interferes in vitro with other processes involved in atherogenesis.

Synergistic interactions between transcription factors control expression of the apolipoprotein AI gene in liver cells

The gene coding for apolipoprotein AI (apoAI), a plasma protein involved in the transport of cholesterol and other lipids in the plasma, is expressed predominantly in liver and intestine. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that different cis-acting elements in the 5'-flanking region of the human apoAI gene control its expression in human hepatoma (HepG2) and colon carcinoma (Caco-2) cells. Hepatocyte-specific expression is mediated by elements within the -256 to -41 DNA region relative to the apoAI gene transcription start site (+1). In this study it was found that the -222 to -110 apoAI gene region is necessary and sufficient for expression in HepG2 cells. It was also found that this DNA region functions as a powerful hepatocyte-specific transcriptional enhancer. Gel retardation and DNase I protection experiments showed that HepG2 cells contain proteins that bind to specific sites, sites A (-214 to -192), B (-169 to -146), and C (-134 to -119), within this enhancer. Site-directed mutagenesis that prevents binding of these proteins to individual or different combinations of these sites followed by functional analysis of these mutants in HepG2 cells revealed that protein binding to any one of these sites in the absence of binding to the others was not sufficient for expression. Binding to any two of these sites in any combination was sufficient for only low levels of expression. Binding to all three sites was essential for maximal expression. These results indicate that the transcriptional activity of the apoAI gene in liver cells is dependent on synergistic interactions between transcription factors bound to its enhancer.

Effects of female sex hormones on lipid metabolism in the uterine epithelium of the mouse

1. The effects of oestrogen and progesterone on synthesis and composition of lipids in the uterine epithelium were studied. 2. Oestrogen treatment for up to 18 hr resulted in an increased incorporation of [14C]acetate into all classes of lipids, but particularly into cholesterol. 3. Progesterone treatment increased incorporation into all classes of lipids except cholesterol and completely inhibited the oestrogen-induced incorporation into cholesterol. We suggest that this may be the mechanism whereby progesterone blocks uterine epithelial cell proliferation. 4. Oestrogen increased incorporation into all classes of phospholipids, and progesterone pretreatment inhibited the marked oestrogen-induced incorporation into phosphatidylinositol. 5. Both oestrogen and progesterone, but particularly progesterone, increased the epithelial cell phospholipid to cholesterol ratio. 6. Oestrogen induced changes in epithelial phospholipid fatty acyl composition: particularly marked was a time related reduction in 20:4 which was inhibited by progesterone pretreatment to only a minor degree.

Isoprenoid metabolism in Plasmodium falciparum during the intraerythrocytic phase of malaria

Products of the isoprenoid metabolism were identified upon incubations of extracts from Plasmodium falciparum infected red blood cells with [14C] mevalonate. Uninfected erythrocytes and wild type yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae extracts were used as controls. In parasitized red blood cells as well as in yeast extracts, mevalonate was converted into the biosynthetic isoprenoid precursors of sterol pathway until farnesyl pyrophosphate. In contrast, no mevalonate conversion was observed in uninfected erythrocyte extracts. The isoprenoid metabolism appeared stage-dependent as shown by the increase of radiolabelled farnesyl pyrophosphate amount at the beginning of the schizogonic phase (30-36 hours).

Effect of a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor (BM 15.766) in the presence and absence of HDL on corticosteroidogenesis of isolated zona glomerulosa and fasciculata cells

The effect of the cholesterol synthesis inhibitor BM 15.766, 4-[2-[1-(4-chlorocinamyl)piperazin-4-yl]ethyl]-benzoic acid on the corticosteroid production was studied in order to reveal the importance of endogenous cholesterol synthesis in the function of zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata cells of rats. Attempts were made to compensate the effect of BM 15.766 through the application of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Electron microscopy was used to trace the binding and intracellular accumulation of colloidal gold-labelled HDL (HDL-Au, a cholesterol carrier), in the presence of the cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor. The stimulation of both types of cells with ACTH was less effective in the presence of 2 x 10(-5) M BM 15.766. The inhibitory effect of BM 15.766 was most marked on the aldosterone production of the zona glomerulosa cells, and could not be reversed by addition of a small amount of HDL-Au. Corticosterone-aldosterone conversion was inhibited by 2 x 10(-5) M BM 15.766. ACTH-stimulated, short-term HDL uptake and internalization was not affected by the cholesterol synthesis inhibitor. The results suggest that certain metabolites of de novo cholesterol biosynthesis may participate in the control of aldosterone production.

Avian liver 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase: distinct genes encode the cholesterogenic and ketogenic isozymes

Full length cDNA (1.85 kb) coding for an avian liver 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) synthase has been isolated and sequenced. The cDNA isolation relied on hybridization to a 32P-labeled oligonucleotide coding for a portion of the active site of HMG-CoA synthase. The identity of the avian liver cDNA was confirmed by comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with experimentally determined protein sequence data generated upon isolation and analysis of several cysteine-containing tryptic peptides prepared from the purified ketogenic avian liver enzyme. Structural comparisons with the hamster enzyme also support this assignment. In liver, two distinct forms of HMG-CoA synthase exist to support cholesterogenic and ketogenic pathways, although this latter pathway accounts for most of the enzyme activity. In order to determine which isozyme is encoded by the isolated avian liver cDNA, the deduced amino acid composition, protein sequence, and pI have been compared with the corresponding protein chemistry data that were experimentally determined using the ketogenic enzyme. Results of these comparisons unambiguously indicate that the cDNA encodes the avian liver cholesterogenic enzyme. Observed differences between deduced and empirically determined sequence data rule out the possibility that differential splicing of a primary transcript derived from one gene can account for both isozymes.

Hyperlipidaemia and hypertension

Hyperlipidaemia and hypertension are commonly found in the population and are independent risk factors for cardiovascular complications. The combined presence of hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia increases considerably the risk for cardiovascular complications. These high-risk patients have to be identified early and treated appropriately in order to avoid complications. The goal of antihypertensive therapy is to reduce the average levels of diastolic pressure to below 90 mm Hg and the systolic pressure to below 140 mm Hg. The goals set for lipid levels in these patients are total cholesterol less than or equal to 200 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol less than or equal to 135 mg/dl and triglycerides less than or equal to 200 mg/dl. The first step in the treatment of patients with both hyperlipidaemia and hypertension is to seek underlying causes and to take appropriate therapeutic measures for both diseases. Non-pharmacological treatment of these high-risk patients includes weight reduction, appropriate dietary measures including alcohol and salt restriction, cessation of smoking and increasing physical activity. If pharmacological antihypertensive treatment is needed, drugs without adverse effects on lipid and lipoprotein levels should be preferred. If, in addition to dietary measures, drug treatment is necessary to reduce high cholesterol levels, bile acid sequestrants are the drug of first choice at present. If long-term safety can be established for HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, these drugs will represent a major advance in the therapy of hypercholesterolaemia.

Diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in mice: prevention by overexpression of LDL receptors

The current studies were designed to determine whether chronic overexpression of low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors in the liver would protect mice from the increase in plasma LDL-cholesterol that is induced by high-fat diets. A line of transgenic mice was studied that express the human LDL receptor gene in the liver under control of the transferrin promoter. When fed a diet containing cholesterol, saturated fat, and bile acids for 3 weeks, the transgenic mice, in contrast to normal mice, did not develop a detectable increase in plasma LDL. The current data indicate that unregulated overexpression of LDL receptors can protect against diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in mice.