Deficiency of membrane-bound dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV in a certain rat strain

The Discovery of GLP-2 and Development of Teduglutide for Short Bowel Syndrome

The proglucagon gene encodes multiple structurally related peptides with overlapping actions promoting the absorption and assimilation of ingested energy. Notably, glucagon has been developed pharmaceutically to treat hypoglycemia, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are used for the therapy of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Here I describe the discovery of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), a 33 amino acid peptide cosecreted together with GLP-1 from gut endocrine cells. GLP-2 was found to exhibit robust intestinal growth-promoting activity, following serendipitous observations that proglucagon-producing tumors induced intestinal growth in mice. Key developments in the pharmaceutical development of GLP-2 included the cloning of the GLP-2 receptor, and the recognition of the importance of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 as a critical determinant of GLP-2 bioactivity. A therapeutic focus on short bowel syndrome, a serious medical disorder with compelling unmet medical need, enabled the pharmaceutical development of a simple GLP-2 analogue, teduglutide, suitable for once daily administration.

Deep Digging: Far Red Imaging for the Monitoring of Transplanted Hepatocytes in Rats

Technologies for in vivo imaging of the distribution and integration of cell transplants gain significance for the use of novel cell therapy approaches in regenerative medicine. Applied to adequate animal models, they provide information on the spatio-temporal engraftment and functional performance of the cells transplanted. This chapter includes a detailed description of the in vivo tracking of transplanted hepatocytes in rat liver including the conjugation of antibodies to fluorochromes for far red imaging using a multispectral optical imager.

A novel DPP-4 inhibitor teneligliptin scavenges hydroxyl radicals: In vitro study evaluated by electron spin resonance spectroscopy and in vivo study using DPP-4 deficient rats

AIMS

Recently various dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have emerged because of their high effectiveness and safety. In spite of their common effect of DPP-4 inhibition, the chemical structures are diverse. Here we show that the structure of teneligliptin, a novel DPP-4 inhibitor, has a scavenging activity on hydroxyl radical (·OH).

METHODS

·OH and superoxide (O2(-)) were detected by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. ·OH and O2(-) were generated in vitro by the Fenton reaction and a hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase system, respectively. The level of free radicals was estimated from the ESR signal intensity. The product via teneligliptin and ·OH reaction was identified by thin layer chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis. In vivo effect was also evaluated using DPP-4 deficient rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

RESULTS

ESR spectroscopy analysis showed that teneligliptin did not scavenge O2(-), but scavenged ·OH in a dose dependent manner. Its activity was greater than that of glutathione. The reaction product appeared to have an oxygen-atom added structure to that of teneligliptin, which was identical to the most abundant metabolite of teneligliptin in human plasma. Furthermore, using DPP-4 deficient rat, teneligliptin did not affect plasma glucose levels or body weight, but normalized increased levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in urine, kidney and aorta of diabetic rats, supporting that teneligliptin may have a ·OH scavenging activity in vivo independently of DPP-4 inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

Teneligliptin is not only effective as DPP-4 inhibitor, but may also be beneficial as ·OH scavenger, which may be useful in the prevention of diabetic complications.

The role of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) in the preservation of renal function: DPP4 involvement in hemoglobin expression

In a previous study, we demonstrated that dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4)-deficient rats were susceptible to reduced glomerular filtration rate as a result of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Therefore, we proposed that DPP4 might be responsible for the preservation of renal function. In this study, to verify the role of DPP4 in the preservation of renal function, we performed a microarray analysis of the kidneys of WT and DPP4-deficient rats after STZ treatment, and gene expression analysis using rat kidneys, human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells, and human renal cancer cells (CakI-1). The microarray analysis indicated that the expression levels of the transporter activity, heme-binding, and pheromone binding-related genes changed significantly. The results of gene expression analysis indicated that there were no significant differences in the expression levels of hemoglobin mRNA between the DPP4-deficient and WT rats; however, the expression levels of hemoglobin mRNA in the kidneys of DPP4-deficient rats tended to decrease when compared with those of both the non-STZ-treated and STZ-treated WT rats. The expression levels of hemoglobin in HEK293 and Caki-1 cells were significantly decreased when DPP4 was knocked down by siRNA, were significantly increased by the addition of soluble human DPP4, and were also significantly increased by the addition of the DPP4 inhibitor, sitagliptin. The expression level of DPP4 was also significantly increased by the addition of sitagliptin in both cell types. Our findings indicate that DPP4 regulates the expression of the hemoglobin genes, and might play a role in the preservation of renal function; however, the underlying mechanism of this preservation remains to be elucidated.

Age-dependent hepatocyte transplantation for functional liver tissue reconstitution

The transplantation of hepatocytes could be an alternative therapeutic option to the whole organ transplantation for the treatment of end-stage liver diseases. However, this cell-based therapy needs the understanding of the molecular mechanisms to improve efficacy. This chapter includes a detailed method of a rat model for liver regeneration studies after age-dependent hepatocyte transplantation.

Reduced airway inflammation in CD26/DPP4-deficient F344 rats is associated with altered recruitment patterns of regulatory T cells and expression of pulmonary surfactant proteins

INTRODUCTION

CD26 is highly expressed on lung epithelial cells as well as on immune cells. Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation induces a further increase of CD26 expression. CD26-deficient rat strains exhibit blunted clinical courses in models of experimental asthma.

OBJECTIVE

(1) To investigate the involvement of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the surfactant system in a rat model of genetic CD26 deficiency. (2) To investigate regulatory mechanisms dependent on the endogenous CD26 expression. (3) To investigate the impact of CD26 on surfactant protein (SP)-levels under inflammatory conditions.

METHODS

Wild-type and CD26-deficient F344 rats were sensitized to and challenged with OVA. Subsequently, airway inflammation, SP levels as well as surface tension of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were evaluated.

RESULTS

CD26 deficiency led to decreased airway inflammation, e.g. reduced numbers of eosinophils and activated T cells in the BAL. Remarkably, the CD26-deficient rats exhibited a significantly increased influx of FoxP3(+) Tregs into the lungs and increased IL-10-secretion/production by draining lymph node cells in culture experiments. Furthermore, in OVA-challenged CD26-deficient rats, the increase of the expression of the collectins SP-A and SP-D as well as of the surface tension-active SP-B was significantly less pronounced than in the CD26-positive strain. Only in the wild-type rats, functional alterations of the surfactant system, e.g. the increased surface tension were obvious after OVA challenge.

CONCLUSION

Reduced airway inflammation in CD26-deficient F344 rats appear to be mediated by differences in the recruitment and activity of Tregs. This altered inflammation is associated with differences in the SP expression as well as function.

Concentration-dependent plasma protein binding of the novel dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor BI 1356 due to saturable binding to its target in plasma of mice, rats and humans

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to characterise the plasma protein binding of BI 1356.

Methods

BI 1356 (proposed trade name ONDERO) is a novel dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, which is under clinical development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. DPP-4 is expressed in various tissues but soluble DPP-4 is also present in plasma. Therefore, binding to soluble DPP-4 may influence the pharmacokinetics of BI 1356. Plasma protein binding of BI 1356 was determined in vitro for wild type mice and rats and the results compared with those for DPP-4 knockout mice and DPP-4 deficient Fischer rats. In addition, protein binding of BI 1356 was examined in plasma from healthy human volunteers and renal excretion of the compound in the DPP-4 knockout mice was compared with that occurring in wild type mice.

Key findings

The results showed that BI 1356 exhibited a prominent concentration-dependent plasma protein binding due to a saturable high affinity binding to the DPP-4 target in plasma. Differences in renal excretion of BI 1356 between DPP-4 knockout mice and wild type mice suggested that saturable binding of BI 1356 to DPP-4 in the body also influenced elimination.

Conclusions

High affinity, but readily saturable binding of BI 1356 to its target DPP-4 accounted primarily for the concentration-dependent plasma protein binding at therapeutic plasma concentrations of BI 1356.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibition and vildagliptin therapy for type 2 diabetes

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibition prevents the rapid degradation of the incretins, glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide. Incretins have beneficial effects on glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes through their effects on both alpha- and beta-cells in the pancreas and possibly through additional non-pancreatic effects. Vildagliptin is a potent and selective oral DPP-4 inhibitor that has been studied both as monotherapy and in combination with other antidiabetic treatments. This agent has been shown to be well tolerated and is efficacious in reducing glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and postprandial glucose levels in trials lasting up to 52 weeks. Vildagliptin is weight neutral, does not cause oedema and is associated with a very low incidence of hypoglycaemia. Recently reported clinical data have helped to further clarify the mechanisms of action and effects of vildagliptin. These results suggest that vildagliptin, as a member of the novel class of DPP-4 inhibitors, has the potential to significantly change the clinical management of diabetes. Future research will further define its use in various patient populations and its possible disease-modifying effects.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV deficiency increases susceptibility to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced peritracheal edema

BACKGROUND

Serum dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) activity is decreased in some individuals with ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema. ACE and DPPIV degrade substance P, an edema-forming peptide. The contribution of impaired degradation of substance P by DPPIV to the pathogenesis of ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine whether DPPIV deficiency results in increased edema formation during ACE inhibition. We also sought to develop an animal model using magnetic resonance imaging to quantify ACE inhibitor-induced edema.

METHODS

The effect of genetic DPPIV deficiency on peritracheal edema was assessed in F344 rats after treatment with saline, captopril (2.5 mg/kg), or captopril plus the neurokinin receptor antagonist spantide (100 mug/kg) by using serial T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

Serum dipeptidyl peptidase activity was dramatically decreased in DPPIV-deficient rats (P < .001). The volume of peritracheal edema was significantly greater in captopril-treated DPPIV-deficient rats than in saline-treated DPPIV-deficient rats (P = .001), saline-treated rats of the normal substrain (P < .001), or captopril-treated rats of the normal substrain (P = .001). Cotreatment with spantide attenuated peritracheal edema in captopril-treated DPPIV-deficient rats (P = .005 vs captopril-treated DPPIV-deficient rats and P = .57 vs saline-treated DPPIV-deficient rats).

CONCLUSIONS

DPPIV deficiency predisposes to peritracheal edema formation when ACE is inhibited through a neurokinin receptor-dependent mechanism. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful for modeling ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema in rats.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Genetic or environmental factors that decrease DPPIV activity might increase the risk of ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema.

Effects of dipeptidyl peptidase IV on the satiety actions of peptide YY

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP IV) inhibitors are currently being developed to prolong the biological activity of insulinotropic peptides as a novel approach in the treatment of diabetes. We hypothesised that DP IV inhibition could attenuate the satiety actions of peptide YY (PYY) by altering the conversion of PYY(1-36) to PYY(3-36).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of PYY delivered by osmotic mini-pumps were assessed in rats treated with a DP IV inhibitor and in a rat model deficient in DP IV.

RESULTS

Pharmacological levels of total PYY were found in the circulation after the exogenous administration of PYY(3-36). While both PYY(1-36) and PYY(3-36) reduced food intake in normal rats, PYY(1-36) was ineffective in rats deficient in DP IV. When re-fed after a 24-h fast, DP IV-deficient rats exhibited higher food intake and weight gain than normal rats. Moreover, unlike controls, there was no postprandial increase in PYY levels in DP IV-deficient rats. Despite these findings, administration of a DP IV inhibitor, Pro-boroPro, did not alter the acute anorectic effects of exogenous PYY(1-36) in normal rats. This could be the result of the protection of other appetite regulatory peptides or the generation of PYY(3-36) by remaining DP IV activity or other dipeptidyl peptidases.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Although DP IV inhibition with Pro-boroPro attenuated the generation of PYY(3-36), our results indicate that short-term DP IV inhibition does not eliminate the satiety actions of exogenously administered PYY(1-36) at the doses tested.

Probing prime substrate binding sites of human dipeptidyl peptidase-IV using competitive substrate approach

Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV is a cell surface protease which plays an important role in glucose homeostasis through proteolytic inactivation of incretin hormones, primarily glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Substrate N-terminal amino acid (S2-S1) specificity is rather clearly defined, while no substantial information is available on the significance of amino acid interactions towards the C-terminus after the scissile bond (so called prime S1'-S4' or distant S5'-S28' sites). In the present study the increasing length of the peptide towards prime sites (S1'-S4') resulted in approximately 7-fold decrease in Km. Moreover, the Km for GLP-1 cleavage was comparable to that of an S2-S4' peptide, suggesting that few, if any, important enzyme-substrate interactions occur beyond the active site. Effect of substrate length on kcat was less obvious, but kcat/Km showed an increasing trend when His-Ala-pNA (representing the natural two N-terminal residues) was compared to GLP-1. To probe the impact of increasing substrate length on the free energy of activation (as has been suggested for elastase and chymotrypsin) we performed temperature studies. To adequately interpret thermodynamic data we sought to understand what steps limit the kcat expression. Steady-state parameters of the reactions catalyzed by serine proteases are composed of microscopic constants describing binding, acylation, and deacylation steps. Viscosity and pre-steady-state studies suggested that His-Ala-pNA cleavage is limited in the deacylation half-reaction, most likely the product release step. Thus, the free energy of activation, as calculated from the Eyring equation, is underestimated (at least for His-Ala-pNA) and the effect of substrate length on the acylation step (and transition-state stabilization) could not be unambiguously assessed.

Cell-surface peptidases

The cell surface has various functions: communicating with other cells, integrating into the tissue, and interacting with the extracellular matrix. Proteases play a key role in these processes. This review focuses on cell-surface peptidases (ectopeptidases, oligopeptidases) that are involved in the inactivation or activation of extracellular regulatory peptides, hormones, paracrine peptides, cytokines, and neuropeptides. The nomenclature of cell-surface peptidases is explained in relation to other proteases, and information is provided on membrane anchoring, catalytic sites, regulation, and, in particular, on their physiological and pharmacological importance. Furthermore, nonenzymatic (binding) functions and participation in intracellular signal transduction of cell surfaces peptidases are described. An overview on the different cell-surface peptidases is given, and their divergent functions are explained in detail. An example of actual pharmacological importance, dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (CD26), is discussed.

Extreme reduction of dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity in F344 rat substrains is associated with various behavioral differences

The enzyme and binding protein dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV/CD26) has a unique enzymatic specificity in cleaving dipeptides from neuropeptides, chemokines, and hormones. Thus, DPPIV is potentially involved in the regulation of functions of the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems. In the present study, we compared DPPIV-deficient, mutant Japanese [F344/DuCrj(DPPIV-)] and German [F344/Crl(Ger/DPPIV-)] F344 rat substrains with a wild-type-like F344 substrain [F344/Crl(Por)] from the United States in a multitiered strategy using a number of different behavioral tests. General health, neurological and motor functions, and sensory abilities of the different F344 substrains were not different. A reduced body weight and a reduced water consumption were observed in mutant animals. DPPIV-deficient rats exhibited increased pain sensitivity in a non-habituated hot plate test, indicative of a reduced stress-induced analgesia. In line with this finding, reduced stress-like responses in tasks like the open field (OF), social interaction (SI), and passive avoidance test were found. Differences in DPPIV-like activity appear to be involved in neurophysiological processes because DPPIV-deficient animals were less susceptible to the sedative effects of ethanol. The varying phenotypes of the F344 substrains are likely to be mediated by differential degradation of DPPIV substrates such as substance P, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, enterostatin, and especially neuropeptide Y (NPY). Potentially, DPPIV-deficient substrains represent an important tool for biomedical research, focusing on the involvement of DPPIV and its substrates in behavioral and physiological processes.

Localization, transmission, spontaneous mutations, and variation of function of the Dpp4 (Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV; CD26) gene in rats

Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPPIV) is involved in endocrine and immune functions via cleavage of regulatory peptides with a N-terminal proline or alanine such as incretins, neuropeptide Y, or several chemokines. So far no systematic investigations on the localization and transmission of the Dpp4 gene or the natural variations of DPPIV-like enzymatic function in different rat strains have been conducted. Here we mapped the Dpp4 gene to rat chromosome 3 and describe a semi-dominant mode of inheritance for Dpp4 in a mutant F344/DuCrj(DPPIV-) rat substrain lacking endogenous DPPIV-like activity. This mutant F344/DuCrj(DPPIV-) rat substrain constantly exhibits a nearly complete lack of DPPIV-like enzymatic activity, while segregation of DPPIV-like enzymatic activity was observed in another DPPIV-negative F344/Crl(Ger/DPPIV-) rat substrain. Screening of 12 different inbred laboratory rat strains revealed dramatic differences in DPPIV-like activity ranging from 11 mU/microl (LEW/Ztm rats) to 40 mU/microl (BN/Ztm and DA/Ztm rats). A lack of DPPIV-like activity in F344 rats was associated with an improved glucose tolerance and blunted natural killer cell function, which indicates the pleiotropic functional role of DPPIV in vivo. Overall, the variations in DPPIV-like enzymatic activity probably represent important confounding factors in studies using rat models for research on regulatory peptides.

Prolyl peptidases: a serine protease subfamily with high potential for drug discovery

Much attention has recently been given to a class of proteases that cleave proteins and peptides after proline residues. This class includes dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV; also termed CD26), fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP; seprase), DPP7 (DPP II; quiescent cell proline dipeptidase), DPP8, DPP9, and prolyl carboxypeptidase (PCP; angiotensinase C). More distant members include prolyl oligopeptidase (POP; post proline cleaving enzyme) and acylaminoacylpeptidase (AAP; acylpeptide hydrolase). The DPPs and related proteins contain both membrane-bound and soluble members and span a broad range of expression patterns, tissue distributions and compartmentalization. These proteins have important roles in regulation of signaling by peptide hormones, and are emerging targets for diabetes, oncology and other indications.

Behavioral effects of neuropeptide Y in F344 rat substrains with a reduced dipeptidyl-peptidase IV activity

Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPPIV/CD26) is involved in several physiological functions by cleavage of dipeptides with a Xaa-Pro or Xaa-Ala sequence of regulatory peptides such as neuropeptide Y (NPY). Cleavage of NPY by DPPIV results in NPY(3-36), which lacks affinity for the Y(1) but not for other NPY receptor subtypes. Among other effects, the NPY Y(1) receptor mediates anxiolytic-like effects of NPY. In previous studies with F344 rat substrains lacking endogenous DPPIV-like activity we found a reduced behavioral stress response, which might be due to a differential degradation of NPY. Here we tested this hypothesis and administered intracerebroventricularly two different doses of NPY (0.0, 0.2, 1.0 nmol) in mutant and wildtype-like F344 substrains. NPY dose-dependently stimulated food intake and feeding motivation, decreased motor activity in the plus maze and social interaction test, and exerted anxiolytic-like effects. More important for the present hypothesis, NPY administration was found to be more potent in the DPPIV-negative substrains in exerting anxiolytic-like effects (increased social interaction time in the social interaction test) and sedative-like effects (decreased motor activity in the elevated plus maze). These data demonstrate for the first time a differential potency of NPY in DPPIV-deficient rats and suggest a changed receptor-specificity of NPY, which may result from a differential degradation of NPY in this genetic model of DPPIV deficiency. Overall, these results provide direct evidence that NPY-mediated effects in the central nervous system are modulated by DPPIV-like enzymatic activity.

Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV from bench to bedside: an update on structural properties, functions, and clinical aspects of the enzyme DPP IV

Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV/CD26 (DPP IV) is a cell-surface protease belonging to the prolyloligopeptidase family. It selectively removes the N-terminal dipeptide from peptides with proline or alanine in the second position. Apart from its catalytic activity, it interacts with several proteins, for instance, adenosine deaminase, the HIV gp120 protein, fibronectin, collagen, the chemokine receptor CXCR4, and the tyrosine phosphatase CD45. DPP IV is expressed on a specific set of T lymphocytes, where it is up-regulated after activation. It is also expressed in a variety of tissues, primarily on endothelial and epithelial cells. A soluble form is present in plasma and other body fluids. DPP IV has been proposed as a diagnostic or prognostic marker for various tumors, hematological malignancies, immunological, inflammatory, psychoneuroendocrine disorders, and viral infections. DPP IV truncates many bioactive peptides of medical importance. It plays a role in glucose homeostasis through proteolytic inactivation of the incretins. DPP IV inhibitors improve glucose tolerance and pancreatic islet cell function in animal models of type 2 diabetes and in diabetic patients. The role of DPP IV/ CD26 within the immune system is a combination of its exopeptidase activity and its interactions with different molecules. This enables DPP IV/CD26 to serve as a co-stimulatory molecule to influence T cell activity and to modulate chemotaxis. DPP IV is also implicated in HIV-1 entry, malignant transformation, and tumor invasion.

Identification and characterization of human DPP9, a novel homologue of dipeptidyl peptidase IV

We used an in silico approach to identify new cDNAs with homology to dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV). DPP IV (EC 3.4.14.5) is a serine protease with a rare enzyme activity having an important role in the regulation of various processes, such as blood glucose control and immune responses. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a novel DPP IV-like molecule, termed dipeptidyl peptidase-like protein 9 (DPP9). The deduced amino acid sequence of DPP9 has a serine protease motif, GWSYG, identical to that found in DPP IV. The presence of this motif, together with a conserved order and spacing of the Ser, Asp, and His residues that form the catalytic triad in DPP IV, places DPP9 in the "DPP IV gene family". Northern blots showed that DPP9 is ubiquitously expressed, with the highest expression levels in skeletal muscle, heart, and liver, and the lowest in brain. In vitro translation of the cloned full-length DPP9 sequence resulted in a DPP9 protein product that migrated in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at a position similar to the predicted protein size of 98 kDa. Consistent with the lack of predicted transmembrane domains and a signal sequence, DPP9 was found in a soluble, putative cytosolic form. A DPP9 orthologue in mice was identified by expressed sequence tag database searches and verified by cDNA cloning.

Characterization and purification of adenosine deaminase 1 from human and chicken liver

Adenosine deaminase 1 (ADA1) was purified from human and chicken liver. The purified enzyme had a molecular weight of approximately 42,000 Da on SDS-PAGE. In humans, ADA1 was mainly purified concomitant with ADA-binding protein, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV)/CD26; however, in chickens, only ADA1 without DPP IV was purified. Both human and chicken ADA1s showed similar properties on substrate specificities, sensitivities on inhibitors, and pH profile. However, they had different affinities with adenosine-Sepharose and IgG anti-ADA1-Sepharose. Human ADA1 was not adsorbed in adenosine-Sepharose column, but chicken ADA1 was adsorbed. As for IgG anti-ADA1-Sepharose column, the results were converse. Furthermore, human ADA1 could bind to DPP IV whereas chicken ADA1 could not.

Involvement of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) is widely expressed in many tissues; however, its precise biological function is poorly understood. One of its possible physiologic roles is an involvement in the immune system, which plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. The present study focused on the involvement of DPPIV in immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis. Experimental nephritis was induced by anti-Thy-1.1 monoclonal antibody E30 using Wistar or F344 rats. The application of a new monoclonal antibody against DPPIV, F16, completely suppressed E30-induced proteinuria and mesangial proliferation in Wistar rats, whereas these preventive effects of F16 were not observed in F344 rats, which spontaneously lack DPPIV protein. Treatment with F16 inhibited glomerular deposition of complement C3 and complement C4 after the binding of E30 to the mesangial cell surface. Because the preventive effect of F16 was attributable to suppression of the complement cascade, we examined its influences on complement-dependent mesangial cell lysis in vitro. We discovered that the complement cascade was markedly inactivated in F16-treated Wistar rat serum but not in F16-treated F344 rats. These results indicate that DPPIV may play a somewhat crucial role in regulating the complement cascade and that inhibition of DPPIV may serve as a new target for preventing complement-dependent tissue injury.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibition improves impaired glucose tolerance in high-fat diet-fed rats: study using a Fischer 344 rat substrain deficient in its enzyme activity

This study was performed to determine the effects of a high-fat diet on glucose metabolism after an oral glucose challenge in high-fat diet-fed dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) positive (+) and deficient (-) Fischer 344 (F344) rats and the effects of novel DPP-IV inhibitor NVP-DPP728 (1-[2-[(5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)amino]ethylamino]acetyl-2-cyano-(S)-pyrrolidine monohydrochloride salt) on glucose tolerance in high-fat diet-fed F344 rats. In DPP-IV(+) rats, a high-fat diet load caused impaired glucose tolerance, such as increases of plasma insulin and blood glucose concentrations after oral glucose challenge, compared with a standard chow-fed group. In contrast, no marked change in glucose tolerance was induced by the high-fat diet in DPP-IV(-) rats. Blood glucose concentrations in DPP-IV(-) rats after glucose challenge were significantly lower than in DPP-IV(+) rats under high-fat diet load conditions. In standard chow and high-fat diet-fed DPP-IV(+) rats, NVP-DPP728 significantly suppressed glucose excursions after glucose challenge by inhibiting the plasma DPP-IV activity, associated with the stimulation of early insulin secretion. NVP-DPP728 did not affect glucose tolerance in DPP-IV(-) rats under both conditions. These results indicate that the amelioration of glucose tolerance by NVP-DPP728 in DPP-IV(+) rats was directly due to the inhibition of plasma DPP-IV activity, which might be via the subsequent increase in endogenous incretin action.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor NVP-DPP728 ameliorates early insulin response and glucose tolerance in aged rats but not in aged Fischer 344 rats lacking its enzyme activity

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aging on glucose metabolism after oral glucose challenge in aged dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) positive (+) Fischer 344 (F344), DPP-IV deficient (-) F344 and DPP-IV(+) Wistar rats and to determine the effect of a DPP-IV inhibitor NVP-DPP728 (1-[2-[(5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)amino]ethylamino]acetyl-2-cyano-(S)-pyrrolidine monohydrochloride salt) on glucose tolerance in aged rats. Aging caused a decrease in early insulin response after an oral glucose challenge in aged Wistar or DPP-IV(+) F344 rats, but not in aged DPP-IV(-) F344 rats, compared with young control groups. Glucose tolerance after an oral glucose challenge in aged DPP-IV(-) F344 rats was better than in aged DPP-IV(+) F344 and Wistar rats associated with the preservation of the early insulin response. NVP-DPP728 improved the glucose tolerance after an oral glucose challenge by potentiating the early insulin response throughout the inhibition of plasma DPP-IV activity in aged DPP-IV(+) Wistar and F344 rats. In contrast, NVP-DPP728 did not affect the glucose tolerance after an oral glucose challenge in aged DPP-IV(-) F344 rats. These results indicate that treatment with NVP-DPP728 ameliorated glucose tolerance in aged rats by the direct inhibition of plasma DPP-IV activity and presumably the subsequent increase in endogenous incretin action.

Improved glucose tolerance via enhanced glucose-dependent insulin secretion in dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient Fischer rats

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin, which induces glucose-dependent insulin secretion. GLP-1 is rapidly degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) after its release. We investigated whether DPPIV-deficient F344/DuCrj rats show improved glucose tolerance when compared with DPPIV-positive F344/Jcl rats. Oral glucose tolerance test indicated improved glucose tolerance in F344/DuCrj rats, but blood glucose levels of the two strains were almost the same 120 min after the glucose bolus. Valine-pyrrolidide, a DPPIV inhibitor, had no effect on the glucose tolerance of F344/DuCrj rats, but improved that of F344/Jcl rats. Enhanced insulin secretion and high plasma active GLP-1 levels were detected in an intraduodenal glucose tolerance test. Glucose tolerance is improved in DPPIV-deficient F344/DuCrj rats via enhanced insulin release mediated by high active GLP-1 levels. Our results suggest that DPPIV inhibition is a rational strategy to treat diabetic patients by improving glucose tolerance with low risk of hypoglycemia.

Is the Fischer 344/CRJ rat a protein-knock-out model for dipeptidyl peptidase IV-mediated lung metastasis of breast cancer?

Fischer 344/CRJ rats harbor a G633R substitution in dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) that leads to retention and degradation of the mutant protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (Tsuji E, Misumi Y, Fujiwara T et al. Biochemistry 1992; 31 (47): 11921-7). However, when these rats were used as a 'protein knock-out' model in further evaluating the previously established role of DPP IV in metastasis, lung colonization of the highly metastatic MTF7 rat breast cancer cell line was reduced by only 33% relative to normal Fischer 344 rats. To examine whether lung endothelia leak expression of mutant DPP IV and whether mutant DPP IV exhibits the same adhesion qualities as wild type DPP IV, detailed immunohistochemical, biochemical, transfection, and FACS analyses were performed to assess the surface expression of mutant DPP IV on lung endothelia and transfected HEK293 cells and adhesion assay to compare the adhesion qualities of wild-type and mutant DPP IV. Both endothelial and transfected HEK293 cells expressed mutant, enzymatically inactive DPP IV on their surfaces, albeit at greatly reduced levels when compared to expression of wild type DPP IV. Purified mutant DPP IV had identical adhesion qualities for lung-metastatic MTF7 cells as wild type DPP IV, and competitive inhibition of MTF7 lung colonization by truncated DPP IV confirmed involvement of mutant DPP IV in lung metastasis of Fischer 344/CRJ rats. Although metastasis appears to be mediated by several, often parallel mechanisms involving multiple tumor and host factors, these data indicate that altered expression of a single component can drastically change the outcome of metastatic disease.

Enzymatic- and renal-dependent catabolism of the intestinotropic hormone glucagon-like peptide-2 in rats

The intestinotropic hormone glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-2-(1-33) is cleaved in vitro to GLP-2-(3-33) by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP IV). To determine the importance of DP IV versus renal clearance in the regulation of circulating GLP-2-(1-33) levels in vivo, GLP-2-(1-33) or the DP IV-resistant analog [Gly(2)]GLP-2 was injected in normal or DP IV-negative rats and assayed by HPLC and RIA. Normal rats showed a steady degradation of GLP-2-(1-33) to GLP-2-(3-33) over time, whereas little or no conversion was detected for GLP-2-(1-33) in DP IV-negative rats and for [Gly(2)]GLP-2 in normal rats. To determine the role of the kidney in clearance of GLP-2-(1-33) from the circulation, normal rats were bilaterally nephrectomized, and plasma immunoreactive GLP-2 levels were measured. The slope of the disappearance curves for both GLP-2-(1-33) and [Gly(2)]GLP-2 were significantly reduced in nephrectomized compared with non-nephrectomized rats (P < 0.01). In contrast to both GLP-2-(1-33) and [Gly(2)]GLP-2, GLP-2-(3-33) did not stimulate intestinal growth in a murine assay in vivo. Thus the intestinotropic actions of GLP-2-(1-33) are determined both by the actions of DP IV and by the kidney in vivo in the rat.

Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (CD26)--role in the inactivation of regulatory peptides

Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP IV/CD26) has a dual function as a regulatory protease and as a binding protein. Its role in the inactivation of bioactive peptides was recognized 20 years ago due to its unique ability to liberate Xaa-Pro or Xaa-Ala dipeptides from the N-terminus of regulatory peptides, but further examples are now emerging from in vitro and vivo experiments. Despite the minimal N-terminal truncation by DPP IV, many mammalian regulatory peptides are inactivated--either totally or only differentially--for certain receptor subtypes. Important DPP IV substrates include neuropeptides like neuropeptide Y or endomorphin, circulating peptide hormones like peptide YY, growth hormone-releasing hormone, glucagon-like peptides(GLP)-1 and -2, gastric inhibitory polypeptide as well as paracrine chemokines like RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted), stromal cell-derived factor, eotaxin and macrophage-derived chemokine. Based on these findings the potential clinical uses of selective DPP IV inhibitors or DPP IV-resistant analogues, especially for the insulinotropic hormone GLP-1, have been tested to enhance insulin secretion and to improve glucose tolerance in diabetic animals. Thus, DPP IV appears to be a major physiological regulator for some regulatory peptides, neuropeptides, circulating hormones and chemokines.

Dipeptidyl peptidase activity of CD26 in serum and urine as a marker of cholestasis: experimental and clinical evidence

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (CD26) is a membrane-associated enzyme that is expressed on the surface of T cells and on the hepatocyte brush border. In a soluble form it is present in serum. CD26 has been implicated in the regulation of T cell activation and in the metabolism of hormones and cytokines. Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) activity is elevated in the urine and serum of patients with biliary atresia (BA). To clarify the role of cholestasis in the development of increased serum and urinary DPP/CD26 activity, we studied the mechanism of activity increase in experimentally induced cholestasis of CD26-deficient and wild-type rats. The clinical utility of serum and urinary DPP/CD26 activity measurements was tested in adult and pediatric patients with hepatobiliary diseases and in liver transplant recipients. The results establish CD26-associated serum DPP activity as a novel, clinically useful marker of cholestasis and demonstrate that in contrast with alkaline phosphatase levels, DPP levels do not change in metastatic bone disease. Additionally, DPP activity is useful as a urinary test of cholestasis in infants who are not receiving nephrotoxic medication.

The significance of hypersialylation of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (CD26) in the inhibition of its activity by Tat and other cationic peptides. CD26: a subverted adhesion molecule for HIV peptide binding

The functionality of DPP-IV, purified from human placenta and isolated from CD4+/CD26+ T cells of noninfected and HIV-1-infected individuals, was investigated as to its ability to bind certain specific peptides. Using isoelectric focusing and the specificity of substrate-impregnated overlay membranes, we found that DPP-IV from term placenta and from T cells of HIV-infected individuals was significantly more sialylated compared with enzyme isozyme patterns of other tissues. We report here that (1) the number of isoforms of DPP-IV and extent of sialylation are critical to function and peptide binding; (2) the number of sialylated isoforms isolated from PBMCs increases significantly with age greater than 40 years; (3) hypersialylation by extreme anionic isoforms is highly associated with HIV infection and pathognomonic to remaining CD4+ cells in overt AIDS; and (4) highly sialylated DPP-IV is more significantly inhibited by Tat and cationic peptides. We conclude that hypersialylation of DPP-IV modifies surface charge of the CD26 antigen, promoting binding of HIV peptides through their cationic domains to the sialic acid residues of DPP-IV, and that certain HIV moieties are likely to engage this phenomenon as an auxiliary adhesion mechanism to fuse with cells. Furthermore, as a consequence of this occurrence, DPP-IV enzymatic activity can be significantly reduced, competitively.

An aminopeptidase N deficiency in dog small intestine

This study has identified a naturally occurring, specific deficiency of a brush border aminopeptidase N (ApN) in the small intestines of five clinically healthy dogs. ApN activity in mucosal homogenates of dog small intestine was reduced significantly in deficient animals (13.4 (1.1) nmol min-1 mg-1 protein, n = 5, P < 0.002) compared to healthy control dogs (95.1 (6.7), n = 22). Alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, zinc-resistant alpha-glucosidase, maltase, sucrase and lactase in the ApN deficient dogs exhibited comparable activities to those in the control dogs. Microvillar membranes were analysed by one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis. ApN was represented by a single 145kDa band in all control dogs, identified by immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation. Protein maps from deficient dogs were normal apart from the virtual absence of an ApN spot and there were no apparent abnormalities in the glycosylation of microvillar proteins. The findings suggest that intestinal ApN deficiency in these dogs is a primary lesion involving diminished expression of an otherwise normal enzyme protein.

Regulation of the biological activity of glucagon-like peptide 2 in vivo by dipeptidyl peptidase IV

Species-specific differences in the enzymatic inactivation of peptides is an important consideration in the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. We demonstrate that glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2), shown to be highly intestinotrophic in mice, promotes an increase in intestinal villus height but has no trophic effect on small bowel weight in rats. The reduced intestinotrophic activity of GLP-2 in rats is attributable to inactivation by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). GLP-2(1-33) was degraded to GLP-2(3-33) following incubation with human placental DPP-IV or rat serum but not by serum from DPP-IV-deficient rats. Administration of rat GLP-2 to DPP-IV-deficient rats was associated with markedly increased bioactivity of rat GLP-2 resulting in a significant increase in small bowel weight. A synthetic GLP-2 analog, r[Gly2]GLP-2, with an alanine to glycine substitution at position 2, was resistant to cleavage by both DPP-IV and rat serum in vitro. Treatment of wild-type rats with r[Gly2]GLP-2 produced a statistically significant increase in small bowel mass. DPP-IV-mediated inactivation of GLP-2 is a critical determinant of the growth factor-like properties of GLP-2.

CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV does not work as an adenosine deaminase-binding protein in rat cells

In this paper, we describe further characterization of the membrane-associated molecule CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV), which is said to be adenosine deaminase-binding protein (ADA-bp) in humans, to clarify its association with ADA in rat immune cells. For this purpose, we used three types of rats: DPP IV+ rats; DPP IV- rats, which lack enzyme activity and immunological reactivity of DPP IV; and ADA- rats, which have reduced ADA activity due to continuous peritoneal injection of 2'-DCF, a potent inhibitor of ADA. ADA existed in the cells of DPP IV+ and DPP IV- rats, but it did not exist on the cell surface in either rat. ADA- rats showed a decrease in ADA activity and in the number of immune cells, but no effect on DPP IV was observed. These data suggest that in rats, in contrast to humans, DPP IV does not exist as ADA-bp.

Suppression of arthritis by the inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP IV, CD26) is a serine exoprotease which selectively cleaves the penultimate proline residue of polypeptides. This enzyme is also expressed as a surface marker on activated T cells. In order to assess the relevance of DP IV in immunological disorders, we evaluated the in vivo effects of specific DP IV inhibitors using two arthritis models, one which was induced by collagen one by alkyldiamine. These animal models share several pathological features associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The transition state substrate analog of DP IV, (S)-Alanylpyrrolidine-boronic Acid (Ala-boroPro), suppressed hind paw swelling, which was associated with collagen-induced and alkyldiamine-induced arthritis. A competitive inhibitor of DP IV, Lys(Z(NO2))-thiazolidide and an irreversible inhibitor, Ala-Pro-nitrobenzoylhydroxylamine also suppressed alkyldiamine-induced arthritis dose-dependently. We also analyzed the pharmacological effects of Lys(Z(NO2))-thiazolidide on several immune responses in vitro, in order to determine its mode of action. This inhibitor suppressed mitogen-induced and antigen-induced proliferation of T cells. However, studies using splenic cells from DP IV deficient rats showed that the inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation was not exerted through the inhibition of DP IV.

The enteroinsular axis in dipeptidyl peptidase IV-negative rats

Evidence has accumulated that the incretins glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1(7-36) amide) are degraded and rendered biologically inactive in plasma by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPIV). A strain of Fischer rats lacking the DPIV enzyme were used in the current investigation as a model for examining the enteroinsular axis under conditions in which normal inactivation of GIP and GLP-1(7-36) does not occur. This was assessed by comparing GIP and GLP-1(7-36) responses following oral glucose in normal versus DPIV-deficient Fischer rats, and by comparing the insulinotropic potency of both peptides in the perfused pancreas of both groups. The insulin response to an oral glucose challenge was decreased slightly in DPIV-negative rats compared with control animals. Of the two incretins, the GIP response to oral glucose was reduced by 50% compared with controls, whereas GLP-1(7-36) release in response to glucose was unchanged. A decrease of 30% in the sensitivity of the perfused pancreas of DPIV-negative rats to GIP was observed, whereas the insulin response to GLP(7-36) was identical in both groups. Incubation of both peptides in plasma from DPIV-positive and -negative rats was performed to determine the effect of the presence or absence of DPIV on the insulinotropic activity of GLP-1(7-36) and GIP in the isolated perfused rat pancreas. Incubation in plasma from DPIV-positive rats resulted in a 65% decrease in insulinotropic activity of both incretins compared with incubation in plasma from DPIV-deficient rats. It was hypothesized that the reduced GIP response and decreased sensitivity of the pancreas to GIP are compensatory mechanisms that maintain insulin and glucose levels within a normal range despite abnormal degradation of GIP. An explanation of the lack of effect of the absence of DPIV on the GLP-1(7-36) response to oral glucose and insulinotropic action of this peptide must await further study.

Is CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV a really important molecule in T cell activation of a certain rat strain?

A new monoclonal antibody (MS-7 mAb) was raised to investigate the real role of the membrane-associated molecule CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV; EC 3.4.14.5), which transduces activation signals in T cells. A strain of rats which is deficient in DPP IV was used. MS-7 mAb recognized DPP IV (110 kDa) and its 60 kDa fragment, starting at the 281st residue corresponding to the extracellular one comprising the active-site sequence Gly-X-Ser631-X-Gly of DPP IV. MS-7 mAb recognized CD26 on T cells of DPP IV+ rats both before and after mitogen activation. CD26 expression and DPP IV enzyme activity are increased on T cells following their activation; nevertheless, no CD26 was expressed on T cells of DPP IV- rats, and no DPP IV enzyme activity was detected either before or after mitogen activation. In addition, MS-7 mAb inhibited the mitogen-stimulated proliferation of DPP IV+ rats, but did not affect that of DPP IV- rats. These results suggest that CD26/DPP IV is not a necessary molecule in T cell activation, and that there is some other bypass in T cell activation of DPP IV- rats.

N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 60-kDa protein of rat kidney dipeptidyl peptidase IV

The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 60-kDa protein of purified dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) was determined. The protein was isolated from rat kidney by detergent solubilization. The first 22 amino acids were sequenced; these matched the predicted sequence between residues 281 and 302 of the amino-terminal region of rat liver DPP IV.

The evolution of proteinase substrates with special reference to dipeptidylpeptidase IV

The design and development of specific substrates for proteolytic enzymes is reviewed. Particular attention is given to substrates containing the leaving groups 4-methoxy-2-naphthylamide (MNA) and 7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin (AFC). The MNA substrates are used for histochemical and cytochemical purposes, and they yield a coloured final reaction product when azo-coupled with a diazonium salt, an osmiophilic product for electron microscopy when coupled with hexazotized Pararosaniline, or a fluorescent final reaction product when coupled with 5-nitrosalicylaldehyde. AFC substrates are considerably more sensitive, and they yield the fluorescent product AFC after enzymatic cleavage of the substrate. AFC is not sufficiently water-insoluble to allow (intra)cellular localization, but AFC substrates are successfully used for incubations in microwells (Immu-Probe technique) and for the demonstration of banding patterns after gel electrophoresis (enzyme-directed overlay membrane technique). The methods are discussed with the example of the elucidation of the role of dipeptidylpeptidase IV in autoimmune diseases.

Selective cell-surface expression of dipeptidyl peptidase IV with mutations at the active site sequence

The cell surface expression of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) was examined in COS-1 cells transfected with its cDNA with or without mutations at the active site sequence Gly-Trp-Ser-Tyr-Gly (positions 629-633). Mutants with substitution of Trp630----Glu or Ser631----Ala were expressed on the cell surface as normally as the wild-type DPPIV, although the mutant with Ala631 had no enzyme activity. In contrast, any single substitutions of Gly at positions 629 and 633 resulted in no surface expression of the mutants, which were, instead, detected within the cells. When Tyr632 was substituted, one mutant (Tyr----Phe) was expressed on the surface, whereas the others (Tyr----Gly or Leu) were intracellularly retained. These results indicate that the surface expression of DPPIV is critically influenced by mutations at the active site sequence.

Transport of peptides in renal brush border membrane vesicles. Suitability of 125I-labelled tyrosyl peptides as substrates

Three tyrosine-containing peptides (Tyr-Pro, Tyr-Pro-Phe and Tyr-Pro-Phe-Pro) were [125I]iodo-labelled and their uptake characteristics in renal brush border membrane vesicles was investigated to assess the suitability of these peptides as substrates in peptide transport studies. Hydrolysis of these peptides during uptake measurements was avoided by using brush border membrane vesicles prepared from the kidneys of Japan Fisher 344 rats which genetically lack dipeptidylpeptidase IV activity. The uptake of 125I-Tyr-Pro and 125I-Tyr-Pro-Phe in these membrane vesicles was found to be stimulated by an inwardly directed H+ gradient. In both cases, the time course of uptake exhibited an overshoot, an indication for active transport. The uptake processes were electrogenic since they were stimulated by an inside-negative membrane potential. Free amino acids had no effect on the uptake of Tyr-Pro and Tyr-Pro-Phe whereas many di- and tripeptides effectively blocked the uptake. These results demonstrated that the [125I]iodo-labelled Tyr-Pro and Tyr-Pro-Phe are suitable substrates for peptide transport studies because their uptake characteristics clearly suggest participation of the peptide transporter in their uptake. In contrast, the uptake of 125I-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Pro was not active, and was not stimulated by the H+ gradient or by the membrane potential. In addition, competition experiments with unlabelled amino acids and peptides indicated that the uptake did not occur via the peptide transporter. However, when allowed to be hydrolyzed to 125I-Tyr-Pro and Phe-Pro by using dipeptidylpeptidase IV-positive renal brush border membrane vesicles prepared from USA Fisher 344 rats, the radiolabel from the [125I]iodo-labelled tetrapeptide was found to be taken up into the vesicles via the peptide transporter. These data provide direct evidence to show that intact tetrapeptides are not substrates for the renal peptide transporter.

Proton-coupled solute transport in the animal cell plasma membrane

This review focuses primarily on the progress made in the last couple of years in the understanding of the intestinal peptide transporter, a prototype for H(+)-coupled solute transport systems in the animal cell plasma membrane. The impressive number of transport systems currently known to be energized by the components of the proton-motive force indicates that the role of H+ as the coupling ion for active transport has not been lost during evolution.

Identification of a rat liver dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV with a liver plasma membrane glycoprotein (gp110). A study using dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV-deficient rats

A rat liver plasma membrane glycoprotein, gp110, was compared with dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV (DAP IV) by using Wistar rats (DAP IV-positive rats) and Fischer 344 rats (DAP IV-negative rats). Fischer rats also lacked gp110 and gp110 of Wistar rats had DAP IV activity. Furthermore, we showed that the C-terminal sequence of gp110 was Ser-Leu-Arg, which was the same as the C-terminal amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA of DAP IV. According to these results, we concluded that gp110 was identical with DAP IV.

A Fischer rat substrain deficient in dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity makes normal steady-state RNA levels and an altered protein. Use as a liver-cell transplantation model

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) is a serine exoproteinase expressed at high levels in epithelial cells of kidney, liver and small intestine. Recently Watanabe, Kohima & Fujimoto [(1987) Experientia 43, 400-401] and Gossrau et al. [(1990) Histochem. J. 22, 172-173] reported that Fischer 344 rats are deficient in this enzyme. We have examined DPPIV expression in Fischer 344 rats available from U.S. and German suppliers and find that livers of the U.S. Fischer rats, in contrast with their German counterparts, express active DPPIV (D+). Northern analysis of liver RNA showed comparable levels of 3.4 kb and 5.6 kb DPPIV transcripts in both D+ rats from the U.S. and German (D-) rats. Monoclonal antibody (MAb) 236.3 to DPPIV immunoprecipitated at 150 kDa enzymically active (105 kDa, denatured) protein from surface-labelled D+ hepatocytes and reacted with canalicular and sinusoidal membranes (as shown by immunofluorescence microscopy). MAb 236.3 failed to immunoprecipitate a labelled peptide from D- cell extract or to stain D- liver sections. Polyclonal antibody (PAb) specific for DPPIV immunoprecipitated an enzymically active peptide from D+ hepatocyte extracts and a smaller, inactive peptide from D- hepatocyte extracts. Peptide maps of DPPIV immunoprecipitated from D+ extracts with MAb 236.3 and PAb were identical, but differed from that of the D- hepatocyte component recognized by PAb. The molecular basis of the DPPIV deficiency in the D- rats thus appears to be the translation of an enzymically inactive protein missing the epitope recognized by MAb 236.3. We have exploited these D- rats as hosts for syngeneic transplantation of liver cells from D+ Fischer rats. DPPIV expression is stable in the transplanted cells and allows them to be readily distinguished from the surrounding D- tissue.

Localization of a putative cell adhesion molecule (gp110) in Wistar and Fischer rat tissues

A plasma membrane glycoprotein (gp110) involved in cellular adhesion was studied in Wistar and Fischer rats. For quantitative analysis of the gp110 molecule a sandwich-ELISA was used. High quantities of gp110 were found especially in the liver, small intestine, submandibular gland and lung. The distribution and localization of the gp110 were investigated by immunohistochemistry utilizing soluble complexes of alkaline phosphatase and monoclonal anti-alkaline phosphatase antibodies. Immunoreactivity was present in plasma membranes of vascular endothelial cells of some organs. Furthermore, immunostaining also occurred in plasma membranes of lymphocytes, exocrine gland cells, excretory duct cells, hepatocytes, epithelial cells of the small intestine, kidney and vesicular gland and in the cytoplasm of renal connecting and collecting duct cells. The localization of gp110 in the luminal domain of the plasma membrane at many sites suggests that this glycoprotein is also involved in processes distinct from cell adhesion.