Immunocytochemical localization of the multicatalytic proteinase (proteasome) in crustacean striated muscles

Subcellular redistribution of components of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway during lens differentiation and maturation

PURPOSE

To determine the subcellular distribution of components of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) in lens epithelium and differentiating fibers and to evaluate potential roles of the UPP in eliminating nuclei and other organelles during maturation of lens fibers.

METHODS

Adult bovine lens cryosections were stained for immunofluorescence and analyzed by confocal microscopy. The specificities of the antibodies used in this study were determined by Western blot. results Cryosections of bovine lenses show that E1 and Ubc1 were present in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus in epithelial cells, whereas Ubc3 and ubiquitin conjugates were mostly confined to the nucleus, and Ubc4/5 was preferentially localized in clusters in the vicinity of the nuclear membrane. The 19S and 20S proteasome complexes were preferentially localized in the cytoplasm. When the epithelial cells differentiated into fiber cells at the transition zone, all components of the UPP were primarily present in the nucleus, with the exception of Ubc4/5, which was associated with the nuclear membrane. conclusions The results show that during lens fiber differentiation and maturation, components of the UPP are redistributed at subcellular levels. Subcellular localization of an enzyme indicates where the reaction takes place. The primary nuclear localization of the UPP components in the differentiating fibers supports the hypothesis that the UPP may play a role in elimination of nuclei and other organelles during differentiation and maturation of lens fibers.

Proteasomes are tightly associated to myofibrils in mature skeletal muscle

Proteasomes are the major actors of nonlysosomal cytoplasmic protein degradation. In particular, these large protein complexes (about 2500 kDa) are considered to be responsible for muscular degradation during skeletal muscle atrophy. Despite their unusual and important size, they are widely described as soluble and mobile in the cytoplasm. In mature skeletal muscle, we have previously observed a sarcomeric distribution of proteasomes, as revealed by the distribution of alpha1/p27K, a subunit of the 20S core-particle (prosome) of proteasome. Here, we extend these observations at the electron microscopic level in vivo. We also show that this sarcomeric pattern is dependent of the extension of the sarcomere. Using isolated myofibrils, we demonstrate that proteasomes are still attached to the myofibrils after the isolation procedure, and reproduce the observations made in vivo. In addition, the extraction of actin by gelsolin largely removes proteasomes from isolated myofibrils, but some of them are held in place after this extraction, showing a sarcomeric disposition in the absence of any detectable actin, and suggesting the existence of another molecular partner for these interactions. From these results, we conclude that most of detectable 20S proteasomes in skeletal muscle cells is tightly attached to the myofibrils.

A complex between peptide:N-glycanase and two proteasome-linked proteins suggests a mechanism for the degradation of misfolded glycoproteins

Peptide:N-glycanase (PNGase) has been proposed to participate in the proteasome-dependent glycoprotein degradation pathway. The finding that yeast PNGase interacts with the 19S proteasome subunit through the protein Rad23 supports this hypothesis. In this report, we have used immunofluorescence, subcellular fractionation, coimmunoprecipitation, and in vitro GST pull-down techniques for detecting intracellular localization and interactions of PNGase, HR23B, and S4 by using human (h) and mouse (m) homologs. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that hPNGase, hHR23B, and hS4 are present in close proximity to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) when calnexin was used as an ER marker in HeLa cells. Subcellular fractionation suggests not only cytoplasmic but also ER association of hPNGase in HeLa cells. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed the interaction of h/mPNGase with the 19S proteasome subunit, hS4, through hHR23B. Using an in vitro GST pull-down assay, we also have shown that recombinant mPNGase requires its N terminus and middle domain for interaction with mHR23B. Finally, using misfolded yeast carboxypeptidase Y and chicken ovalbumin as glycoprotein substrates, we have established that mHR23B acts as a receptor for deglycosylated proteins. Based on this finding, we propose that after deglycosylation of misfolded glycoproteins by PNGase, the aglyco forms of these proteins are recognized by HR23B and targeted for degradation.

Tissue- and developmental stage-specific changes in the subcellular localization of the 26S proteasome in the ovary of Drosophila melanogaster

The intracellular localization of the 26S proteasome in the different ovarian cell types of Drosophila melanogaster was studied by means of immunofluorescence staining and laser scanning microscopy, with the use of antibodies specific for regulatory complex subunits or the catalytic core of the 26S proteasome. During the previtellogenic phase of oogenesis (stages 1-6), strong cytoplasmic staining was observed in the nurse cells and follicular epithelial cells, but the proteasome was not detected in the nuclei of these cell types. The subcellular distribution of the 26S proteasome was completely different in the oocyte. Besides a constant, very faint cytoplasmic staining, there was a gradual nuclear accumulation of proteasomes during the previtellogenic phase of oogenesis. A characteristic subcellular redistribution of the 26S proteasome occurred in the ovarian cells during the vitellogenic phase of oogenesis. There was a gradual decline in the concentration of the 26S proteasome in the nucleus of the oocyte, and in the stage 10 oocyte the proteasome could barely be detected in the nucleus. This was accompanied by a massive nuclear accumulation of proteasomes in the follicular epithelial cells. These results demonstrate that the subcellular distribution of the 26S proteasome in higher eukaryotes is strictly tissue- and developmental stage-specific.

Intracellular localization of proteasomes

Proteasomes are present in the cytoplasm and in the nuclei of all eukaryotic cells, however their relative abundance within those compartments is highly variable. In the cytoplasm, proteasomes associate with the centrosomes, cytoskeletal networks and the outer surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In the nucleus, proteasomes are present throughout the nucleoplasm but are void from the nucleoli. Sometimes they associate with discrete subnuclear domains called the PML nuclear bodies (POD domains). PML bodies in the nucleus, and the pericentrosomal area of the cytoplasm may function as proteolytic centers of the cell, since they are enriched in components of the proteasome system. Under conditions of impaired proteolysis proteasomes and ubiquitinated proteins further accumulate at these locations, forming organized aggregates. In case of the pericentrosomal area those aggregates have been termed "aggresomes". Once formed, aggresomes can impair the function of the proteasome system, which may promote apoptosis. Under favorable conditions they can be cleared, probably by autophagy.

Muscle phenotype remains unaltered after limb autotomy and unloading

Loss of chelipeds in crustaceans results in severe atrophy of the major muscle responsible for lifting the limb, the anterior levator. We decided to test if this loss of mechanical load altered muscle phenotype as measured by SDS-PAGE analysis of levator total protein and actomyosin fractions. Levator muscles of adult crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, with either functional regenerate limbs or lack of limb buds (papilla stage) were compared with those from normal contralateral limbs and those from pristine animals. We find that there is no difference in protein profiles among the three conditions. However, the total protein profile for the dually excited levator muscle is unique compared to those of fast or slow muscles of the abdomen (L and SEL, respectively), which receive only phasic or tonic excitatory innervation. The levator myosin heavy chain profile is similar to that of slow phenotype muscles such as the SEL and opener. We conclude that load does not influence levator phenotype. This is likely due either to the intact innervation and continued activation of the levator during atrophy or to the maintenance of passive tension on the muscle. J. Exp. Zool. 289:10-22, 2001.

Immunocytochemical localization of actin and tubulin in the integument of land crab (Gecarcinus lateralis) and lobster (Homarus americanus)

The crustacean integument consists of the exoskeleton and underlying epithelium and associated tissues. The epithelium, which is composed of a single layer of cells, is responsible for the cyclical breakdown and synthesis of the exoskeleton associated with molting (ecdysis). During premolt (proecdysis) the epithelial cells lengthen and secrete the two outermost layers (epicuticle and exocuticle) of the new exoskeleton while partially degrading the two innermost layers (endocuticle and membranous layer) of the overlying old exoskeleton. This increased cellular activity is associated with increased protein synthesis and a change in cell shape from cuboidal to columnar. The cytoskeleton, composed of microfilaments (actin) and microtubules (tubulin), plays important roles in the intracellular organization and motility of eukaryotic cells. Immunoblot analysis shows that the land crab exoskeleton contains actin, tubulin, and actin-related proteins (Varadaraj et al. 1996. Gene 171:177-184). In the present study, immunocytochemistry of land crab and lobster integument showed that both proteins were localized in various cell types, including epithelia, connective tissue, tendinal cells, and blood vessels. Muscle immunostained for actin and myosin, but not for tubulin. The membranous layer of land crab (the other layers of the exoskeleton were not examined) and membranous layer and endocuticle of lobster also reacted specifically with anti-beta-actin and anti-alpha-tubulin monoclonal antibodies, but not with an anti-myosin heavy chain antibody. During proecdysis immunolabeling of the membranous layer decreased probably due to protein degradation. The staining intensity for actin and tubulin in the proecdysial epithelium was similar to that in the intermolt (anecdysial) epithelium, suggesting that there was a net accumulation of both proteins proportional to the increase in cellular volume. These results support the previous biochemical analyses and, more specifically, localize actin and tubulin in exoskeletal structures, suggesting that they may serve both intracellular and extracellular functions in crustaceans. J. Exp. Zool. 286:329-342, 2000.

Localization of the 26S proteasome during mitosis and meiosis in fission yeast

The 26S proteasome is a large multisubunit complex involved in degrading both cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins. We have investigated the localization of this complex in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Immunofluorescence microscopy shows a striking localization pattern whereby the proteasome is found predominantly at the nuclear periphery, both in interphase and throughout mitosis. Electron microscopic analysis revealed a concentration of label near the inner side of the nuclear envelope. The localization of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged 26S proteasomes was analyzed in live cells during mitosis and meiosis. Throughout mitosis the proteasome remained predominantly at the nuclear periphery. During meiosis the proteasome was found to undergo dramatic changes in its localization. Throughout the first meiotic division, the signal is more dispersed over the nucleus. During meiosis II, there was a dramatic re-localization, and the signal became restricted to the area between the separating DNA until the end of meiosis when the signal dispersed before returning to the nuclear periphery during spore formation. These findings strongly imply that the nuclear periphery is a major site of protein degradation in fission yeast both in interphase and throughout mitosis. Furthermore they raise interesting questions as to the spatial organization of protein degradation during meiosis.

Intracellular proteinases of invertebrates: calcium-dependent and proteasome/ubiquitin-dependent systems

Cytosolic proteinases carry out a variety of regulatory functions by controlling protein levels and/or activities within cells. Calcium-dependent and ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent pathways are common to all eukaryotes. The former pathway consists of a diverse group of Ca(2+)-dependent cysteine proteinases (CDPs; calpains in vertebrate tissues). The latter pathway is highly conserved and consists of ubiquitin, ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, deubiquitinases, and the proteasome. This review summarizes the biochemical properties and genetics of invertebrate CDPs and proteasomes and their roles in programmed cell death, stress responses (heat shock and anoxia), skeletal muscle atrophy, gametogenesis and fertilization, development and pattern formation, cell-cell recognition, signal transduction and learning, and photoreceptor light adaptation. These pathways carry out bulk protein degradation in the programmed death of the intersegmental and flight muscles of insects and of individuals in a colonial ascidian; molt-induced atrophy of crustacean claw muscle; and responses of brine shrimp, mussels, and insects to environmental stress. Selective proteolysis occurs in response to specific signals, such as in modulating protein kinase A activity in sea hare and fruit fly associated with learning; gametogenesis, differentiation, and development in sponge, echinoderms, nematode, ascidian, and insects; and in light adaptation of photoreceptors in the eyes of squid, insects, and crustaceans. Proteolytic activities and specificities are regulated through proteinase gene expression (CDP isozymes and proteasomal subunits), allosteric regulators, and posttranslational modifications, as well as through specific targeting of protein substrates by a diverse assemblage of ubiquitin-conjugases and deubiquitinases. Thus, the regulation of intracellular proteolysis approaches the complexity and versatility of transcriptional and translational mechanisms.

Cloning of tropomyosins from lobster (Homarus americanus) striated muscles: fast and slow isoforms may be generated from the same transcript

Complementary DNAs encoding fibre-type-specific isoforms of tropomyosin (Tm) have been isolated from lobster (Homarus americanus) striated muscle expression libraries made from poly(A)+ RNA purified from deep abdominal (fast-type) and crusher-claw closer (slow-type) muscles. A cDNA of slow-muscle Tm (sTm1), containing a complete open reading frame (ORF) and portions of the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs), encodes a protein of 284 amino acid residues with a predicted mass of 32,950, assuming acetylation of the amino terminus. The nucleotide sequence of a fast-muscle tropomyosin (fTm cDNA), which includes the entire ORF and part of the 3' UTR, is identical to that of sTm1 cDNA, except in the region encoding amino acid residues 39-80 (equivalent to exon 2 of mammalian and Drosophila muscle tropomyosin genes). The deduced amino acid sequences, which display the heptameric repeats of nonpolar and charged amino acids characteristic of alpha-helical coiled-coils, are highly homologous to tropomyosins from rabbit, Drosophila, and shrimp (57% to 99% identities, depending on species). Northern blot analysis showed that two transcripts (1.1 and 2.1 kb) are present in both fibre types. Mass spectrometry indicated that fast muscle contains one major isoform (fTm: 32,903), while slow muscle contains two major isoforms (sTm1 and sTm2: 32,950 and 32,884 respectively). Both Tm preparations contained minor species with a mass of about 32,830. Sequences of peptides derived from purified slow and fast Tms were identical to the deduced amino acid sequences of the sTm1 and fTm cDNAs, respectively, except in the C-terminal region of fTm. The difference in mass between that predicted by the deduced sequence (32,880) and that measured by mass spectrometry (32,903) suggests that fTm is posttranslationally modified, in addition to acetylation of the N-terminal methionine. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the fTm and sTm1 are generated by alternative splicing of two mutually-exclusive exons near the 5' end of the same gene.

Crustacean muscle plasticity: molecular mechanisms determining mass and contractile properties

Two crustacean models for understanding molecular mechanisms of muscle plasticity are reviewed. Metabolic changes underlying muscle protein synthesis and degradation have been examined in the Bermuda land crab, Gecarcinus lateralis. During proecdysis, the claw closer muscle undergoes a programmed atrophy, which results from a highly controlled breakdown of myofibrillar proteins by Ca(2+)-dependent and, possibly, ATP/ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic enzymes. The advantage of this model is that there is neither fiber degeneration nor contractile-type switching, which often occurs in mammalian skeletal muscles. The second model uses American lobster, Homarus americanus, to understand the genetic regulation of fiber-type switching. Fibers in the claw closer muscles undergo a developmentally-regulated transformation as the isomorphic claws of larvae and juveniles differentiate into the heteromorphic cutter and crusher claws of adults. This switching occurs at the boundary between fast- and slow-fiber regions, and thus the transformation of a specific fiber is determined by its position within the muscle. The ability to predict fiber switching can be exploited to isolate and identify putative master regulatory factors that initiate and coordinate the expression of contractile proteins.

Imaginal cell-specific accumulation of the multicatalytic proteinase complex (proteasome) during post-embryonic development in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

The multicatalytic proteinase complex is a multi-subunit, high molecular weight proteinase present in the nucleus and cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. This catalytic complex is involved in diverse cellular functions as part of the ubiquitin proteolysis system, including non-lysosomal proteolysis, antigen presentation, cell cycle progression, and cell proliferation, and in the programmed death of intersegmental muscles after adult eclosion in the tobacco hornworm moth, Manduca sexta. We have investigated the distribution of the multicatalytic proteinase complex in the central nervous system of this moth. At all stages of post-embryonic development, most cell types exhibited consistent, low levels of cytoplasmic and nuclear immunoreactivity for the multicatalytic proteinase complex. High levels of cell-specific accumulation of the complex were, however, demonstrated in abdominal neurosecretory cells and in imaginal cells in the larval brain, the larval segmental ganglia, and the developing wing discs. Imaginal cells exhibited intense immunoreactivity for the multicatalytic proteinase complex only until the onset of terminal differentiation. Intersegmental muscles undergoing programmed cell death exhibited intense cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for the multicatalytic proteinase, while persisting flight muscles and dying neurons were characterized by basal levels of staining. These staining patterns suggest that the multicatalytic proteinase of Manduca sexta serves multiple functions and is associated with the period of developmental arrest displayed by imaginal cells prior to metamorphosis.

Polyubiquitin in crustacean striated muscle: increased expression and conjugation during molt-induced claw muscle atrophy

The claw muscles of decapod crustaceans undergo a molt-induced atrophy to facilitate withdrawal of the claws at ecdysis. Polyubiquitin expression, as well as the levels of ubiquitin conjugates, a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme involved in the ATP/ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathway (crustacean E2(16 kDa) homolog of Drosophila UbcD1), and proteasome, were examined to determine the role of ATP/ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis in the enhanced degradation of myofibrillar proteins during muscle atrophy. A partial-length clone (1.7 kb) of polyubiquitin was isolated from a lobster muscle cDNA library; the 5' end lacked the 5' untranslated region (UTR) and the beginning of the first ubiquitin monomer, while the 3' end contained the terminal ubiquitin monomer and 3' UTR. The deduced amino acid sequence was 100% identical with that from Manduca, Drosophila, and human. In land crab claw muscle, the polyubiquitin mRNA (2.7 kb) increased about 5-fold and ubiquitin-protein conjugates (> 200 kDa) increased about 8-fold during atrophy. In contrast, the level of a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2(16 kDa)) remained unchanged. The proteasome, which constitutes the catalytic core of the ATP/ubiquitin-dependent proteinase complex, increased about 2-fold during proecdysis, reaching its highest level immediately before ecdysis. These results suggest that the ATP/ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathway contributes to the changes in protein metabolism that occur during molt-induced muscle atrophy.

An extracellular proteasome-like structure from C6 astrocytoma cells with serine collagenase IV activity and metallo-dependent activity on alpha-casein and beta-insulin

An extracellular proteasome-like (EP) structure has been isolated from serum-free media conditioned by C6 astrocytoma cells. EP has a native molecular mass of 1000 kDa and is composed of three subunits, two isoelectric variants at 70 kDa and one at 65 kDa. The extracellular proteasome degraded collagen IV, alpha-casein, beta-insulin, and certain synthetic peptide substrates. A 68-kDa type IV collagenase, identified as the activated form of gelatinase A, was also isolated from this medium. The type IV collagenase activity of the proteasome was sensitive to serine protease inhibitors, while the 68-kDa collagenase IV represented the matrix metalloprotease gelatinase A. The general protease activity of the proteasome was sensitive to metalloprotease inhibitors. Western blot analysis indicates a sequence relationship between the 68-kDa type IV collagenase and either one or both of the 70-kDa isoelectric variants of the proteasome; however, the two enzymes appear to be distinct functionally. Comparison with known proteasomes indicates that EP represents a novel proteasome. The complexity of degradative enzymes in the extracellular microenvironment implies that complete inhibition of tumor growth requires at least a combination of serine and metalloprotease inhibitors.

Cloning of a crustacean myosin heavy chain isoform: exclusive expression in fast muscle

A clone of a fast isoform of myosin heavy chain (HC) gene was isolated from a cDNA1 expression library made from mRNA purified from the deep abdominal flexor muscle of the lobster, Homarus americanus. The cDNA (1.5 kb) contained the 3' untranslated region (UTR) and the coding sequence for the last 413 amino acid residues of the carboxyl terminus of the polypeptide. The deduced amino acid sequence showed high homology with that of myosin HCs from Drosophila (73% identity), nematode (57% identity), and vertebrates (49% identities). Hydropathy plots showed a 28-amino acid periodicity that is consistent with the alpha-helical coiled coil structure of the rod region of native myosin. Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization showed that the fast myosin HC isoform was expressed only in fast fibers; the probes did not hybridize to mRNA from slow fibers. The message consisted of a single transcript of 6.6 kb. The intracellular localization of the fast myosin mRNA was not uniform. The mRNA was largely confined to the intermyofibrillar spaces and to the subsarcolemmal cytoplasm of the fiber periphery and large infoldings of the cell membrane. Within these regions the mRNA was concentrated in the cytoplasm immediately surrounding the nuclei. This constitutes the first report of the cloning and expression of a myosin HC gene from a crustacean species.

Proteasomes: multicatalytic proteinase complexes

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