Protein profiles of the Chinese hamster ovary cells in the resting and proliferating stages

Co-administration of amygdalin and deoxynivalenol disrupted regulatory proteins linked to proliferation of porcine ovarian cells in vitro

Deoxynivalenol (DON) represents one of the most prevalent trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, causing economic and health impacts. On the other hand, amygdalin has been demonstrated to possess both prophylactic and curative properties, thus it has been used as a traditional drug because of its wide range of medicinal benefits, including curing or preventing cancer, relieving fever, suppressing cough, and quenching thirst. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate potential effects of natural product amygdalin combined with mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) on the key regulators of cell proliferation and apoptosis in porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Ovarian granulosa cells were incubated for 24h with amygdalin (1, 10, 100, 1000, 10 000 μg.mL-1) combined with deoxynivalenol (1 μg.mL-1), while the control group remained untreated. The presence of proliferative (cyclin B1, PCNA) and apoptotic markers (caspase-3) in porcine ovarian granulosa cells after amygdalin treatment (1, 10, 100, 1000, 10 000 μg.mL-1) combined with deoxynivalneol (1 μg.mL-1) was detected by immunocytochemistry. The presence of proliferative (cyclin B1, PCNA) and apoptotic markers (caspase-3) in porcine ovarian granulosa cells was detected by immunocytochemistry. Co-administration of amygdalin plus DON significantly (p <0.05) increased the number of granulosa cells containing cyclin B1 and PCNA at all tested concetrations, when compared to control. However, percentage of granulosa cells containing major apoptotic marker caspase-3 did not differ after co-administration of amygdalin and DON. In summary, results form this in vitro study indicate that co-exposure of amygdalin and deoxynivalenol  may act to stimulate proliferation-associated peptides in porcine ovarian granulosa cells, and thus alter cell proliferation and normal follicular development.

Dietary supplementation of yucca (Yucca schidigera) affects ovine ovarian functions

Yucca (Yucca schidigera) is a popular medicinal plant due to its many positive effects on animal and human physiology, including their reproductive systems. To examine the effect of supplemental yucca feeding on sheep reproduction, including ovarian functions and their hormonal regulators, ewes were fed (or not fed, control) yucca powder (1.5 g/head/day, 30 days). Macromorphometric indexes of the oviduct, ovary, and ovarian folliculogenesis were measured. Reproductive hormone levels in the blood were measured using a radioimmunoassay. Granulosa cells were aspirated from the ovary, and their proliferation and apoptosis were detected using immunocytochemistry. To assess secretory activity and its response to gonadotropin, ovarian fragments of treated and control ewes were cultured with and without follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH; 0, 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 IU/mL), and the release of reproductive hormones into the culture medium was evaluated. Finally, to examine the direct action of yucca on the ovary, ovarian fragments from control ewes were cultured with and without yucca extract (1, 10, or 100 μg/mL), and the release of reproductive hormones was measured. Yucca supplementation significantly decreased the size of small antral follicles (2 to <5 mm in diameter), increased accumulation of the apoptosis marker bax, and decreased serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) levels. It inhibited the release of P4 (but not other hormones), to prevent the stimulatory action of FSH on P4 output and promoted insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) release by fragments cultured with FSH. However, yucca supplementation did not affect the size of larger follicles and number of follicles, volume and weight of ovaries, length and weight of oviducts, caspase 3 accumulation, cell proliferation, testosterone (T) or IGF-I serum levels, or T or E2 release by cultured ovarian fragments and their response to FSH. Yucca addition to culture medium inhibited P4 and IGF-I, but not T or E2 release at the lowest (1 μg/mL) dose, and stimulated P4, but not T, E2, or IGF-I release at the highest (100 μg/mL) dose. These data suggest that yucca supplementation can reduce small antral ovarian follicle development possibly via the stimulation of apoptosis of their granulosa cells, suppression of ovarian P4 and E2 release, and alteration of ovarian IGF-I output and ovarian response to gonadotropin. Thus, yucca can directly affect P4 and IGF-I release by ovine ovarian cells.

Virtual-Experimental 2DE Approach in Chromosome-Centric Human Proteome Project

To obtain more information about human proteome, especially about proteoforms (protein species) coded by 18th chromosome, we separated proteins from human cancer cell line (HepG2) by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE). Initially, proteins in major spots were identified by MALDI-MS peptide mass fingerprinting. According to parameters (pI/Mw) of identified proteins the gel was calibrated. Using this calibrated gel, a virtual 2D map of proteoforms coded by Chromosome 18 was constructed. Next, the produced gel was divided into 96 sections with determined coordinates. Each section was cut, shredded, and treated by trypsin according to mass-spectrometry protocol. After protein identification by shotgun mass spectrometry using ESI LC-MS/MS, a list of 20 462 proteoforms (product of 3774 genes) was generated. Among them, 165 proteoforms are representing 39 genes of 18th chromosome. The 3D graphs showing the distribution of different proteoforms from the same gene in 2D map were generated. This is a first step in creation of 2DE-based knowledge database of proteins coded by 18th chromosome.

[Experimental estimation of proteome size for cells and human plasma]

Huge range of concentrations of different protein and insufficient sensitivity of methods for detection of proteins at a single molecule level does not yet allow obtaining the whole image of human proteome. In our investigations, we tried to evaluate the size of different proteomes (cells and plasma). The approach used is based on detection of protein spots in 2-DE after staining by protein dyes with different sensitivities. The function representing the dependence of the number of protein spots on sensitivity of protein dyes was generated. Next, by extrapolation of this function curve to theoretical point of the maximum sensitivity (detection of a single smallest polypeptide) it was calculated that a single human cell (HepG2) may contain minimum 70,000 proteoforms, and plasma--1.5 mln. Utilization of this approach to other, smaller proteomes showed the competency of this extrapolation. For instance, the size of mycoplas ma (Acholeplasma laidlawii) was estimated in 1100 proteoforms, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)--40,000, E. coli--6200, P. furiosus--3400. In hepatocytes, the amount of proteoforms was the same as in HepG2--70,000. Significance of obtained data is in possibilities to estimating the proteome organization and planning next steps in its study.

Possible intracellular regulators of female sexual maturation

Protein kinases, transcription factors and other apoptosis- and proliferation-related proteins can regulate reproduction, but their involvement in sexual maturation remains to be elucidated. The general aim of the in vivo and in vitro experiments with porcine ovarian granulosa cells was to identify possible intracellular regulators of female sexual maturation. For this purpose, proliferation (expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen - PCNA, mitogen-activated protein kinases - ERK 1,2 related MAPK and cyclin B1), apoptosis (expression of the apoptotic protein Bax and apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 protein), expression of some protein kinases (cAMP dependent protein kinase - PKA, cGMP-dependent protein kinase - PKG, tyrosine kinase - TK) and cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB-1) was examined in granulosa cells isolated from ovaries of immature and mature gilts. Expression of PCNA, ERK1,2 related MAPK, cyclin B1, Bcl-2, Bax, PKA, CREB-1, TK and PKG in porcine granulosa cells were detected by immunocytochemistry. Sexual maturation was associated with significant increase in the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, PKA, CREB-1 and TK and with decrease in the expression of ERK1,2 related MAPK, cyclin B1 and PKG in granulosa cells. No significant difference in PCNA expression was noted. The present data obtained from in vitro study indicate that sexual maturation in females is influenced by puberty-related changes in porcine ovarian signaling substances: increase in Bcl-2, Bax, PKA, CREB-1, TK and decrease in ERK1,2 related MAPK, cyclin B1 and PKG. It suggests that these signaling molecules could be potential regulators of porcine sexual maturation.

2DE-based approach for estimation of number of protein species in a cell

Insufficient sensitivity of methods for detection of proteins at a single molecule level does not yet allow obtaining the whole image of human proteome. But to go further, we need at least to know the proteome size, or how many different protein species compose this proteome. This is the task that could be at least partially realized by the method described in this article. The approach used in our study is based on detection of protein spots in 2DE after staining by protein dyes with various sensitivities. As the different protein spots contain different protein species, counting the spots opens a way for estimation of number of protein species. The function representing the dependence of the number of protein spots on sensitivity or LOD of protein dyes was generated. And extrapolation of this function curve to theoretical point of the maximum sensitivity (detection of a single smallest polypeptide) allowed to counting the number of different molecules (polypeptide species) at the concentration level of a single polypeptide per proteome. Using this approach, it was estimated that the minimal numbers of protein species for model objects, Escherichia coli and Pirococcus furiosus, are 6200 and 3400, respectively. We expect a single human cell (HepG2) to contain minimum 70 000 protein species.

Ghrelin and obestatin expression in serous ovarian tumours

OBJECTIVE

To investigate ghrelin and obestatin expression in serous ovarian tumours.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preparations of deparaffinized blocks obtained from the pathology archives of a total of 47 previously diagnosed cases of benign serous tumour (n = 20), borderline serous tumour (n = 7) and malignant serous tumour (n = 20) were subjected to immunohistochemical examination to find out ghrelin and obestatin expressions.

RESULTS

Mean ghrelin expressions decreased significantly in the benign group, relative to the malignant group (p < 0.05), while there was no significant change in mean obestatin expression. It was established that rates of preparations with moderate and severe ghrelin and obestatin expression displayed a significant increase from benign to malignant ones (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The fact that rates of preparations with severe expression correlated with an increase in malignancy suggests that ghrelin and obestatin may be effective in the malignant transformation in at least some cases.

Proteomics analysis of chinese hamster ovary cells undergoing apoptosis during prolonged cultivation

The degradation of environmental conditions, such as nutrient depletion and accumulation of toxic waste products over time, often lead to premature apoptotic cell death in mammalian cell cultures and suboptimal protein yield. Although apoptosis has been extensively researched, the changes in the whole cell proteome during prolonged cultivation, where apoptosis is a major mode of cell death, have not been examined. To our knowledge, the work presented here is the first whole cell proteome analysis of non-induced apoptosis in mammalian cells. Flow cytometry analyses of various activated caspases demonstrated the onset of apoptosis in Chinese hamster ovary cells during prolonged cultivation was primarily through the intrinsic pathway. Differential in gel electrophoresis proteomic study comparing protein samples collected during cultivation resulted in the identification of 40 differentially expressed proteins, including four cytoskeletal proteins, ten chaperone and folding proteins, seven metabolic enzymes and seven other proteins of varied functions. The induction of seven ER chaperones and foldases is a solid indication of the onset of the unfolded protein response, which is triggered by cellular and ER stresses, many of which occur during prolonged batch cultures. In addition, the upregulation of six glycolytic enzymes and another metabolic protein emphasizes that a change in the energy metabolism likely occurred as culture conditions degraded and apoptosis advanced. By identifying the intracellular changes during cultivation, this study provides a foundation for optimizing cell line-specific cultivation processes, prolonging longevity and maximizing protein production.

A chromatin-bound kinase, ERK8, protects genomic integrity by inhibiting HDM2-mediated degradation of the DNA clamp PCNA

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) acts as a scaffold, coordinator, and stimulator of numerous processes required for faithful transmission of genetic information. Maintaining PCNA levels above a critical threshold is essential, but little is known about PCNA protein turnover. We now show that ERK8 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 8) is required for PCNA protein stability. ERK8 contains a conserved PCNA-interacting protein (PIP) box. Chromatin-bound ERK8 (ERK8(CHROMATIN)) interacts via this motif with PCNA(CHROMATIN), which acts as a platform for numerous proteins involved in DNA metabolism. Silencing ERK8 decreases PCNA levels and increases DNA damage. Ectopic expression of PCNA blocks DNA damage induced by ERK8 loss. ERK8 prevents HDM2-mediated PCNA destruction by inhibiting the association of PCNA with HDM2. This regulation is physiologically relevant as ERK8 activity is inhibited in transformed mammary cells. Our results reveal an unanticipated mechanism to control PCNA levels in normal cycling mammary epithelial cells and implicate ERK8 in the regulation of genomic stability.

Blue Dry Western: simple, economic, informative, and fast way of immunodetection

The analysis by electrophoresis followed by transfer to membranes and immunodetection (Western blot) is probably the most popular technique in protein study. Accordingly, it is a time- and money-consuming procedure. Here a protocol is described where immunodetection can be accomplished in 30 min. This approach also allows permanent staining of proteins by Coomassie Blue R on the membrane before immune staining with clear background and high sensitivity.

Role of ghrelin in regulating rabbit ovarian function and the response to LH and IGF-I

The aim of these in vivo and in vitro studies was to examine the role of ghrelin in the control of plasma hormone concentrations, the proliferation, apoptosis and secretory activity of ovarian granulosa cells and the response of these cells to hormonal treatments. Female rabbits were injected with ghrelin (10 microg/animal/day for one week before ovulation induced by 25IU PMSG and 0.25IU LHRH). On the day of ovulation, blood samples were collected and analyzed for concentrations of progesterone (P(4)), testosterone (T), estradiol (E(2)), estrone-sulphate (ES), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and leptin (L) by RIA. Some control and ghrelin-treated animals were killed in the periovulatory period, their ovaries were weighed and granulosa cells were isolated and cultured for 2d. Cell proliferation (expression of PCNA) and apoptosis (expression of TdT) were evaluated by immunocytochemistry and TUNEL respectively. Secretion of P(4), T, E(2), IGF-I, and prostaglandin F (PGF) by granulosa cells cultured with and without LH or IGF-I (1, 10 or 100 ng/ml medium) was assessed by RIA. The remaining control and treated animals were kept until parturition, while the number, viability and body weight of pups were recorded. Ghrelin treatment increased rabbit plasma T and decreased ES concentrations but did not influence P(4), E(2), IGF-I or L. Granulosa cells from ghrelin-treated animals showed higher expression of PCNA and lower expression of TdT, than those from control animals. They also secreted less P(4), T, E(2), IGF-I and PGF than granulosa cells from untreated animals. Treatment of cultured granulosa cells with ghrelin (1, 10 or 100 ng/ml medium) either increased (at 1 ng/ml) or decreased (at 10 ng/ml) P(4) secretion, increased (at 100 ng/ml) or decreased (at 10 ng/ml) IGF-I secretion, decreased T (at 1 and 10 ng/ml) and OT (at 1 ng/ml) secretion, and increased (at 100 ng/ml) PGF secretion. LH treatment of cells from control animals stimulated P(4) (at 1 and 10 ng/ml), E(2), and IGF-I (both at 10 and 100 ng/ml), but not T secretion. IGF-I stimulated P(4) (all concentrations) and PGF (at 100 ng/ml) but suppressed T (all concentrations) and E(2) (at 1 and 10 ng/ml) secretion. Pre-treatment of animals with ghrelin stimulated, suppressed or even reversed subsequent LH and IGF-I effects on hormone secretion by cultured granulosa cells. Ghrelin injections did not affect ovarian weight or the number and body mass of pups born, although pup mortality was significantly lower in ghrelin-treated than in control mothers. These observations suggest that ghrelin is involved in the control of ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis and secretion of hormones, as well as in the response of these cells to physiological stimulators such as LH and IGF-I.

The effect of obestatin on porcine ovarian granulosa cells

The aim of our in vitro experiments was to investigate the role of obestatin, a newly discovered metabolic hormone produced in the stomach and other tissues, in the direct control of ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis and secretion. Porcine granulosa cells were cultured in the presence of obestatin (0, 1, 10 and 100ng/ml medium). The expression of intracellular peptides associated with proliferation (PCNA, cyclin B1, MAP kinase), as well as markers of apoptosis (Bax, p53, Caspase 3), were detected using immunocytochemistry and Western immunoblotting. Secretion of progesterone (P4), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) was measured by EIA. Addition of obestatin (1-100ng/ml) to the culture medium significantly stimulated the expression of PCNA and resulted in an increase in expression of cyclin B1 and MAPK. It also significantly increased the percentage of cells containing the apoptotic and anti-proliferating peptides p53, Caspase 3 and Bax. At 10 and 100ng/ml, obestatin promoted the secretion of P4, but not T or E2. Our results are the first demonstration that obestatin directly controls porcine ovarian cell functions: it can stimulate proliferation (accumulation of rPCNA, cyclin B1 and MAPK), apoptosis (expression of p53, Caspase 3 and Bax) and the secretion of progesterone.

Effects of ghrelin and its analogues on chicken ovarian granulosa cells

The aim of these in vitro experiments was (1) to examine the effects of ghrelin on the basic functions of ovarian cells (proliferation, apoptosis, secretory activity); (2) to determine the possible involvement of the GHS-R1a receptor and PKA- and MAPK-dependent post-receptor intracellular signalling cascades; (3) to identify the active part of the 28-amino acid molecule responsible for the effects of ghrelin on ovarian cells. We compared the effect of full-length ghrelin 1-28, a synthetic activator of GHS-R1a, GHRP6, and ghrelin molecular fragments 1-18 and 1-5 on cultured chicken ovarian cells. Indices of cell apoptosis (expression of the apoptotic peptide bax and the anti-apoptotic peptide bcl-2), proliferation (expression of proliferation-associated peptide PCNA), and expression of protein kinases (PKA and MAPK) within ovarian granulosa cells were analysed by immunocytochemistry. The secretion of progesterone (P(4)), testosterone (T), estradiol (E(2)) and arginine-vasotocin (AVT) by isolated ovarian follicular fragments was evaluated by RIA/EIA. It was observed that accumulation of bax was increased by ghrelin 1-28, GHRP6 and ghrelin 1-18, but not by ghrelin 1-5. Expression of bcl-2 was suppressed by addition of ghrelin 1-28, GHRP6 and ghrelin 1-5, but promoted by ghrelin 1-18. The occurrence of PCNA was reduced by ghrelin 1-28, GHRP6, ghrelin 1-18 and ghrelin 1-5. An increase in the expression of MAPK/ERK1, 2 was observed after addition of ghrelin 1-28, GHRP6 and ghrelin 1-18, but not ghrelin 1-5. The accumulation of PKA decreased after treatment with ghrelin 1-28 and increased after treatment with GHRP6 and ghrelin 1-18 but not ghrelin 1-5. Secretion of P(4) by ovarian follicular fragments was decreased after addition of ghrelin 1-28 or ghrelin 1-5 but stimulated by GHRP6 and ghrelin 1-18. Testosterone secretion was inhibited by ghrelins 1-28 and 1-18, but not by GHRP6 or ghrelin 1-5. Estradiol secretion was reduced after treatment with ghrelin 1-28 but stimulated by ghrelins 1-18 and 1-5; GHRP6 had no effect. AVT secretion was stimulated by ghrelin 1-28, GHRP6 and ghrelin 1-18, but inhibited by ghrelin 1-5. The comparison of the effects of the four ghrelin analogues on nine parameters of ovarian cells suggest (1) a direct effect of ghrelin on basic ovarian functions-apoptosis, proliferation, steroid and peptide hormone secretion; (2) that the majority of these effects can be mediated through GHS-R1a receptors; (3) an effect of ghrelin on MAPK- and PKA-dependent intracellular mechanisms, which can potentially mediate the action of ghrelin at the post-receptor level; (4) that ghrelin residues 5-18 may be responsible for the major effects of ghrelin on the avian ovary.

Leptin directly controls proliferation, apoptosis and secretory activity of cultured chicken ovarian cells

The aim of our in-vitro experiments was to examine, whether leptin can directly control functions of avian ovarian cells and to outline potential intracellular mediators of its effects. Granulosa cells or fragments of ovarian follicular wall were cultured with leptin (0, 1, 10 or 100 ng/mL medium). The expression of peptides involved in apoptosis (TdT, bax, its binding protein, bcl-2, ASK-1 and p53), cell cycle-related peptides (PCNA and cyclin B1), release of hormones (progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, arginine-vasotocin), as well as the expression of protein kinases (PKA, MAPK/ERK1,2 and CDK/p34) in the ovarian cells were examined by using immunocytochemistry, TUNEL, SDS-PAGE-Western immunoblotting, EIA and RIA. It was found that leptin inhibited expression of all markers of cytoplasmic apoptosis (bax, ASK-1 and p53), stimulated expression of anti-apoptotic peptide bcl-2, but did not affect nuclear DNA fragmentation (TdT). Furthermore, leptin inhibited expression of PCNA (marker of S-phase of mitosis), but not of cyclin B1 (marker of G phase of cell cycle). Moreover, it promoted release of progesterone and estradiol, suppressed release of testosterone, but did not affect arginine-vasotocin. Finally, leptin inhibited expression of MAPK/ERK1,2 and CDK/p34 and stimulated expression of PKA. The present observations demonstrate that leptin can directly control basic chicken ovarian functions - inhibit cytoplasmic apoptosis and proliferation (S-phase, but not G-phases of mitosis), regulate secretory activity (release of steroids, but not nonapeptide hormone) and expression of MAPK, PKA and CDC2, which might be potential intracellular mediators of leptin action.

Characterization of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) isoforms in normal and cancer cells: There is no cancer-associated form of PCNA

In order to clarify the status of PCNA in normal and transformed cells, we performed analysis of this protein by 2D-PAGE, Western blot and mass spectrometry. All the cell lines examined contained the major PCNA form (pI 4.57/30kDa), that is not post-translationally modified. In addition to the major form, two minor isoforms (pI 4.52/30kDa and pI 4.62/30kDa) were also detected in all the cell lines examined. However, the level of PCNA in cancer cells is 5-6 folds higher than those in primary and most of the immortalized cells. Taken together, the significant difference in PCNA status between cancer and normal cells is not at the post-translational modifications but in the overall levels of PCNA.

Proteomic profiling of recombinant cells from large-scale mammalian cell culture processes

Global expression profiling of mammalian cells used for the production of biopharmaceuticals will allow greater insights into the molecular mechanisms that result in a high producing cellular phenotype. These studies may give insights for genetic intervention to possibly create better host cell lines or even to provide clues to more rational strategies for cell line and process development. In this review I will focus on the contribution of proteomic technologies to a greater understanding of the biology of Chinese hamster ovary cells and other producing cell lines such as NS0 mouse cells.

Proteome analysis of antibody-producing CHO cell lines with different metabolic profiles

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins associated with a metabolic shift during fed-batch cultures of two recombinant antibody-producing CHO cell lines. The first cell line underwent a marked change in lactate metabolism during culture, initially producing lactate and then consuming it, while the second cell line produced lactate for a similar duration but did not later consume it. The first cell line displayed a declining specific antibody productivity during culture, correlating to the 2-D gel results and the intracellular antibody concentration determined by HPLC. Several statistical analysis methods were compared during this work, including a fixed fold-change criterion and t-tests using standard deviations determined in several ways from the raw data and mathematically transformed data. Application of a variance-stabilizing transformation enabled the use of a global empirical standard deviation in the t-tests. Most of the protein spots changing in each cell line did not change significantly in the other cell line. A substantial fraction of the changing proteins were glycolytic enzymes; others included proteins related to antibody production, protein processing, and cell structure. Enolase, pyruvate kinase, BiP/GRP78, and protein disulfide isomerase were found in spots that changed over time in both cell lines, and some protein changes differed from previous reports. These data provide a foundation for future investigation of metabolism in industrially relevant mammalian cell culture processes, and suggest that along with differences between cell types, the proteins expressed in cultures with low lactate concentrations may depend on how those conditions were generated.

Characterization of the human proliferating cell nuclear antigen physico-chemical properties: aspects of double trimer stability

Its toroidal structure allows the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) to wrap around and move along the DNA fiber, thereby dramatically increasing the processivity of DNA polymerization. PCNA is also involved in the regulation of a wide spectrum of other biological functions, including epigenetic inheritance. We have recently reported that mammalian PCNA forms a double trimer complex, which may be critically important in coordinating DNA replication and other cellular functions. To gain a better understanding of the stability of PCNA complexes, we characterized the physico-chemical properties of the PCNA structure by in vivo and in vitro approaches. The data obtained by gel filtration and nondenaturing gel electrophoresis of native PCNA molecules confirm our previous observations, obtained using formaldehyde crosslinking, in which PCNA exists in the cell as a double trimer. We have also found that optimal pH (pH 6.5–7.5) is critical for the stability of the PCNA structure. The presence or absence of ATP, dithiothreitol, and Mg2+ does not affect the stability of the PCNA trimer or double trimer. However, 0.02% SDS can effectively inhibit PCNA double trimer, but not single trimer, formation. Interestingly, glycerol and ammonium sulfate significantly destabilize both PCNA trimer and double trimer structures.

Novel expression and functional role of ghrelin in chicken ovary

Ghrelin has recently emerged as pleiotropic regulator of a wide array of endocrine and non-endocrine functions. The former likely includes the control of gonadal function, as expression of ghrelin and its putative receptor, the GH secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), has been described in mammalian gonads, and direct effects of ghrelin in the control of testicular secretion and cell proliferation have been reported. Yet, the expression and/or functional role of ghrelin in gonads from non-mammalian species remain to be analyzed. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression of ghrelin and GHS-R genes in the chicken ovary, and to assess the potential involvement of ghrelin in the direct control of chick ovarian function. To this end, RT-PCR assays for ghrelin and GHS-R1a mRNAs were performed in ovarian tissue, and cultures of chicken ovarian cells were conducted in the presence of increasing doses (1, 10 or 100 ng/ml) of the ghrelin analog, ghrelin 1-18. Our results demonstrate that both ghrelin and GHS-R1a mRNAs are expressed in chick ovarian tissue. Moreover, challenge of ovarian granulosa cells with ghrelin 1-18 was able to induce markers of proliferation (i.e. expression of both PCNA and cyclin), and to modulate markers of apoptosis (i.e. decreased expression of caspase-3, bax, bcl-2 and TUNEL-positive cells). Moreover, ghrelin 1-18 increased the expression of PCNA, cyclin, bax and p53 in cultures of ovarian follicular fragments, where it also stimulated the release of progesterone, estradiol, arginine-vasotocin (AVT) and IGF-I, but not of testosterone. In conclusion, our study provides novel evidence for the gonadal expression of the genes encoding ghrelin and its cognate receptor in a non-mammalian species, i.e. the chicken ovary, and unravels the potential involvement of this newly discovered molecule in the control of key gonadal functions in the chick, such as proliferation, apoptosis, and hormone release.

High levels of Cdc7 and Dbf4 proteins can arrest cell-cycle progression

Cdc7-Dbf4 serine/threonine kinase is essential for initiation of DNA replication. It was previously found that overexpression of certain replication proteins such as Cdc6 and Cdt1 in fission yeast resulted in multiple rounds of DNA replication in the absence of mitosis. Since this phenomenon is dependent upon the presence of wild-type Cdc7/Hsk1, we hypothesized that high levels of Cdc7 and/or Dbf4 could also cause multiple rounds of DNA replication, or could facilitate entry into S phase. To test this hypothesis, we transiently overexpressed hamster Cdc7, Dbf4 or both in CHO cells. Direct observations of individual cells by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometric analysis on cell populations suggest that overexpression of Cdc7 and/or Dbf4 does not result in multiple rounds of DNA replication or facilitating entry into S phase. In contrast, moderately increased levels of Dbf4, but not Cdc7, cause cell-cycle arrest in G2/M. This G2/M arrest coincides with hyperphosphorylation of Cdc2/Cdk1 at Tyr-15, raising the possibility that high levels of Dbf4 may activate a G2/M cell-cycle checkpoint. Further increase in Cdc7 and/or Dbf4 by 2-4 fold can arrest cells in G1 and significantly slow down S-phase progression for the cells already in S phase.

The role of protein kinase A and cyclin-dependent (CDC2) kinase in the control of basal and IGF-II-induced proliferation and secretory activity of chicken ovarian cells

The aim of these experiments was to study the role of protein kinase A (PKA), cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDC2) and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) in the control of ovarian function in domestic fowl, as well as the role of PKA and CDC2 in mediating the effects of IGF-II on the ovary. For this purpose, we studied the influence of an inhibitor of PKA (KT5720; 50 ng/ml), a CDC2 blocker (olomoucine; 1 microg/ml), IGF-II (0, 1, 10 or 100 ng/ml) and their combinations on cultured fragments of chicken ovarian follicular wall. Accumulation of PKA and CDC2 and secretion of progesterone (P4), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and arginine-vasotocin (AVT) were evaluated by using SDS-PAGE-Western blotting and RIA/EIA. IGF-II addition to culture medium stimulated T, E2 and AVT secretion and inhibited P4 secretion. These changes were associated with an increase in PKA and a decrease in CDC2 accumulation. The PKA blocker KT5720, when given alone, increased accumulation of PKA and secretion of T and E2, but not AVT and inhibited P4 secretion. The PKA blocker also prevented and even reversed the effects of IGF-II on PKA and steroid hormones secretion, but enhanced the action of IGF-II on AVT. The inhibitor of CDC2, olomoucine, when given alone, suppressed the expression of CDC2 and the secretion of P4 and AVT (but not T and E2). When given together with IGF-II, it augmented IGF-II-induced suppression of CDC2 and reversed the effects of IGF-II on P4 (but not on T, E2 or AVT). These observations demonstrate the involvement of PKA, CDC2 and IGF-II in regulating the secretory activity of avian ovarian cells. Our data also suggest the involvement of PKA in the mediation of IGF-II effects on P4, T, E2 and AVT secretion. CDC2 can mediate the effects of IGF-II on ovarian P4 secretion but not on other hormones.

Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) May Function as a Double Homotrimer Complex in the Mammalian Cell

The diverse function of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) may be regulated by interactions with different protein partners. Interestingly, the binding sites for all known PCNA-associating proteins are on the outer surface or the C termini ("front") sides of the PCNA trimer. Using cell extracts and purified human PCNA protein, we show here that two PCNA homotrimers form a back-to-back doublet. Mutation analysis suggests that the Arg-5 and Lys-110 residues on the PCNA back side are the contact points of the two homotrimers in the doublet. Furthermore, short synthetic peptides encompassing either Arg-5 or Lys-110 inhibit double trimer formation. We also found that a PCNA double trimer, but not a homotrimer alone, can simultaneously accommodate chromatin assembly factor-1 and polymerase delta. Together, our data supports a model that chromatin remodeling by chromatin assembly factor-1 (and, possibly, many other cellular activities) are tightly coupled with DNA replication (and repair) through a PCNA double trimer complex.

The Post-translational Modifications of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen

The diverse function of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is thought to be due, in large part, to post-translational modifications. Here we show by high resolution two-dimensional PAGE analysis that there are three distinct PCNA isoforms that differ in their acetylation status. The moderately acetylated main (M) form was found in all of the subcellular compartments of cycling cells, whereas the highly acetylated acidic form was primarily found in the nucleoplasm, nuclear matrix, and chromatin. Interestingly, the deacetylated basic form was most pronounced in the nucleoplasm of cycling cells. The cells in G(0) and the cytoplasm of cycling cells contained primarily the M form only. Because p300 and histone deacetylase (HDAC1) were co-immunoprecipitated with PCNA, they are likely responsible for the acetylation and deacetylation of PCNA, respectively. We also found that deacetylation reduced the ability of PCNA to bind to DNA polymerases beta and delta. Taken together, our data support a model where the acidic and M forms participate in DNA replication, whereas the basic form is associated with the termination of DNA replication.

Cell cycle-dependent protein fingerprint from a single cancer cell: image cytometry coupled with single-cell capillary sieving electrophoresis

Study of cell cycle-dependent protein expression is important in oncology, stem cell research, and developmental biology. In this paper, we report the first protein fingerprint from a single cell with known phase in the cell cycle. To determine that phase, we treated HT-29 colon cancer cells with Hoescht 33342, a vital nuclear stain. A microscope was used to measure the fluorescence intensity from one treated cell; in this form of image cytometry, the fluorescence intensity is proportional to the cell's DNA content, which varies in a predictable fashion during the cell cycle. To generate the protein fingerprint, the cell was aspirated into the separation capillary and lysed. Proteins were fluorescently labeled with 3-(2-furoylquinoline-2-carboxaldehyde, separated by capillary sieving electrophoresis, and detected by laser-induced fluorescence. This form of electrophoresis is the capillary version of SDS-PAGE. The single-cell electropherogram partially resolved approximately 25 components in a 30-min separation, and the dynamic range of the detector exceeded 5000. There was a large cell-to-cell variation in protein expression, averaging 40% relative standard deviation across the electropherogram. The dominant source of variation was the phase of the cell in the cell cycle; on average, approximately 60% of the cell-to-cell variance in protein expression was associated with the cell cycle. Cells in the G1 and G2/M phases of the cell cycle had 27 and 21% relative standard deviations in protein expression, respectively. Cells in the G2/M phase generated signals that were twice the amplitude of the signals generated by G1 phase cells, as expected for cells that are soon to divide into two daughter cells. When electropherograms were normalized to total protein content, the expression of only one component was dependent on cell cycle at the 99% confidence limit. That protein is tentatively identified as cytokeratin 18 in a companion paper.

Role of tyrosine kinase- and MAP kinase-dependent intracellular mechanisms in control of ovarian functions in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) and in mediating effects of IGF-II

The aim of our study was to examine the involvement of IGF-II, tyrosine kinases (TK)- and MAP kinases (MAPK)-dependent intracellular mechanisms in the control of ovarian functions in the domestic fowl, as well as the role of these kinases in mediating the IGF-II effect on this process. For this purpose, we studied the influence of IGF-II (0,1,10 or 100 ng/ml), inhibitors of TK (AG1024, 1 microg/ml), MAPK (PD98059, 5 microg/ml), and their combinations, on proliferation (expression of proliferation-related substances PCNA), apoptosis (apoptosis-associated protein bax), TK (phosphotyrosine), MAPK (ERK1,2), cyclin-dependent protein kinase 2 (p34/cdc2) and transcription factor CREB-1, as well as on the release of progesterone (P), testosterone (T), estradiol (E) and arginine-vasotocin (AVT) in cultured fragments of ovarian follicles. The presence of substances within ovarian cells was evaluated by SDS PAGE-Western immunoblotting, and release of the substances was measured by using RIA/EIA of ovarian fragments-conditioned medium. It was found, that the addition of IGF-II to the culture medium (1-100 ng/ml) substantially increased expression of PCNA, MAPK and CREB, and decreased the level of p34/cdc2 and bax, but not TK. Furthermore, exogenous IGF-II inhibited P (at a concentration of 100 ng IGF-II/ml medium), and stimulated T (1,10,100 ng/ml), E (10,100 ng/ml) and AVT (1 ng/ml) release by cultured ovarian cells. Inhibitor of TK, when given alone, increased MAPK and E, inhibited p34/cdc2 and AVT, and did not affect accumulation of TK, P or T. Furthermore, TK blocker prevented effects of IGF-II on T, E and AVT, but not on TK, MAPK, p34/cdc2 and P. MAPK blocker augmented PCNA, MAPK, T and AVT expression, but not P or E, and suppressed expression of p34/cdc2 and bax. Furthermore, MAPK inhibitor, given together with IGF-II, prevented or even reversed the action of IGF-II on PCNA, P, T and AVT, but not on MAPK, p34/cdc2, CREB, bax or E. These observations suggest the involvement of IGF-II, TK and MAPK in the control of proliferation, apoptosis, steroid and peptide hormones by avian ovarian cells, as well as of the involvement of these kinases in mediation of some IGF-II effects on ovarian cells.