Immune-complex-induced transglutaminase activation: its role in the Fc-receptor-mediated transmembrane effect on peritoneal macrophages

Serotonin and Pulmonary Hypertension; Sex and Drugs and ROCK and Rho

Serotonin is often referred to as a "happy hormone" as it maintains good mood, well-being, and happiness. It is involved in communication between nerve cells and plays a role in sleeping and digestion. However, too much serotonin can have pathogenic effects and serotonin synthesis is elevated in pulmonary artery endothelial cells from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is characterized by elevated pulmonary pressures, right ventricular failure, inflammation, and pulmonary vascular remodeling; serotonin has been shown to be associated with these pathologies. The rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of serotonin in the periphery of the body is tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1). TPH1 expression and serotonin synthesis are elevated in pulmonary artery endothelial cells in patients with PAH. The serotonin synthesized in the pulmonary arterial endothelium can act on the adjacent pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), adventitial macrophages, and fibroblasts, in a paracrine fashion. In humans, serotonin enters PASMCs cells via the serotonin transporter (SERT) and it can cooperate with the 5-HT1B receptor on the plasma membrane; this activates both contractile and proliferative signaling pathways. The "serotonin hypothesis of pulmonary hypertension" arose when serotonin was associated with PAH induced by diet pills such as fenfluramine, aminorex, and chlorphentermine; these act as indirect serotonergic agonists causing the release of serotonin from platelets and cells through the SERT. Here the role of serotonin in PAH is reviewed. Targeting serotonin synthesis or signaling is a promising novel alternative approach which may lead to novel therapies for PAH. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12: 1-16, 2022.

Tissue Transglutaminase Appears in Monocytes and Macrophages but Not in Lymphocytes in White Matter Multiple Sclerosis Lesions

Leukocyte infiltration is an important pathological hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS) and is therefore targeted by current MS therapies. The enzyme tissue transglutaminase (TG2) contributes to monocyte/macrophage migration and is present in MS lesions and could be a potential therapeutic target. We examined the cellular identity of TG2-expressing cells by immunohistochemistry in white matter lesions of 13 MS patients; 9 active and chronic active lesions from 4 patients were analyzed in detail. In these active MS lesions, TG2 is predominantly expressed in leukocytes (CD45⁺) but not in cells of the lymphocyte lineage, that is, T cells (CD3⁺) and B cells (CD20⁺). In general, cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage (CD11b⁺ or CD68⁺) are TG2⁺ but no further distinction could be made regarding pro- or anti-inflammatory macrophage subtypes. In conclusion, TG2 is abundantly present in cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage in active white matter MS lesions. We consider that TG2 can play a role in MS as it is associated with macrophage infiltration into the CNS. As such, TG2 potentially presents a novel target for therapeutic intervention that can support available MS therapies targeting lymphocyte infiltration.

Transglutaminases in Monocytes and Macrophages

Macrophages are key players in various inflammatory disorders and pathological conditions via phagocytosis and orchestrating immune responses. They are highly heterogeneous in terms of their phenotypes and functions by adaptation to different organs and tissue environments. Upon damage or infection, monocytes are rapidly recruited to tissues and differentiate into macrophages. Transglutaminases (TGs) are a family of structurally and functionally related enzymes with Ca²⁺-dependent transamidation and deamidation activity. Numerous studies have shown that TGs, particularly TG2 and Factor XIII-A, are extensively involved in monocyte- and macrophage-mediated physiological and pathological processes. In the present review, we outline the current knowledge of the role of TGs in the adhesion and extravasation of monocytes, the expression of TGs during macrophage differentiation, and the regulation of TG2 expression by various pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in macrophages. Furthermore, we summarize the role of TGs in macrophage phagocytosis and the understanding of the mechanisms involved. Finally, we review the roles of TGs in tissue-specific macrophages, including monocytes/macrophages in vasculature, alveolar and interstitial macrophages in lung, microglia and infiltrated monocytes/macrophages in central nervous system, and osteoclasts in bone. Based on the studies in this review, we conclude that monocyte- and macrophage-derived TGs are involved in inflammatory processes in these organs. However, more in vivo studies and clinical studies during different stages of these processes are required to determine the accurate roles of TGs, their substrates, and the mechanisms-of-action.

Is monocyte- and macrophage-derived tissue transglutaminase involved in inflammatory processes?

Monocytes and macrophages are key players in inflammatory processes following an infection or tissue damage. Monocytes adhere and extravasate into the inflamed tissue, differentiate into macrophages, and produce inflammatory mediators to combat the pathogens. In addition, they take up dead cells and debris and, therefore, take part in the resolution of inflammation. The multifunctional enzyme tissue Transglutaminase (TG2, tTG) is known to participate in most of those monocyte- and macrophage-mediated processes. Moreover, TG2 expression and activity can be regulated by inflammatory mediators. In the present review, we selectively elaborate on the expression, regulation, and contribution of TG2 derived from monocytes and macrophages to inflammatory processes mediated by those cells. In addition, we discuss the role of TG2 in certain pathological conditions, in which inflammation and monocytes and/or macrophages are prominently present, including atherosclerosis, sepsis, and multiple sclerosis. Based on the studies and considerations reported in this review, we conclude that monocyte- and macrophage-derived TG2 is clearly involved in various processes contributing to inflammation. However, TG2’s potential as a therapeutic target to counteract the possible detrimental effects or stimulate the potential beneficial effects on monocyte and macrophage responses during inflammation should be carefully considered. Alternatively, as TG2-related parameters can be used as a marker of disease, e.g., in celiac disease, or of disease-stage, e.g., in cancer, we put forward that this could be subject of research for monocyte- or macrophage-derived TG2 in inflammatory diseases.

Cell surface tissue transglutaminase is involved in adhesion and migration of monocytic cells on fibronectin

Expression of tissue transglutaminase (transglutaminase II, tTG) was shown to increase drastically during monocyte differentiation into macrophages; however, its role in monocytic cells remains largely unknown. This study describes a novel function of cell surface tTG as an adhesion and migration receptor for fibronectin (Fn). Two structurally related transglutaminases, tTG and the A subunit of factor XIII (FXIIIA), are expressed on the surface of monocytic cells, whereas only surface tTG is associated with multiple integrins of the beta1 and beta3 subfamilies. Both surface levels of tTG and the amounts of integrin-bound tTG are sharply up-regulated during the conversion of monocytes into macrophages. In contrast, a reduction in biosynthesis and surface expression of FXIIIA accompanies monocyte differentiation. Cell surface tTG is colocalized with beta1- and beta3-integrins in podosomelike adhesive structures of macrophages adherent on Fn. Down-regulation of surface tTG by expression of antisense tTG construct or its inhibition by function-blocking antibodies significantly decreases adhesion and spreading of monocytic cells on Fn and, in particular, on the gelatin-binding fragment of Fn consisting of modules I6II1,2I7-9. Likewise, interfering with the adhesive function of surface tTG markedly reduces migration of myeloid cells on Fn and its gelatin-binding fragment. These data demonstrate that cell surface tTG serves as an integrin-associated adhesion receptor that might be involved in extravasation and migration of monocytic cells into tissues containing Fn matrices during inflammation.

Immunocytochemical detection of factor XIII A--subunit in acute leukemia

Factor XIII (FXIII) is a plasma pro-transglutaminase consisting of A and B subunits in a tetrameric structure. A cellular form of FXIII consisting exclusively of A subunits exists in platelets and monocytes: monocyte FXIII may be involved in connective tissue organization. To evaluate the expression and diagnostic significance of FXIII A subunit (FXIIIA) in acute leukemia, we performed an immunocytochemical study (PAP technique) with rabbit antiserum against FXIIIA on leukemic blasts of 48 cases. FXIIIA was detected only in myelomonocytic (M4), monocytic (M5) and megakaryocytic (M7) cases: in M4 and M5 samples the amount of blast cytoplasmic FXIIIA was closely correlated with the expression of monocyte-specific antigenic and cytochemical markers. Our data show immunocytochemical detection of FXIIIA to be useful for acute leukemia characterization.

Transglutaminase differentiation during maturation of human blood monocytes to macrophages

There are divergent reports in the literature on the character of transglutaminases in monocytes and macrophages. The aim of the present study was to further elucidate the characteristics and functions of various transglutaminases in monocytes and macrophages. Peripheral human blood monocytes were plated and cultured for up to a month and examined for transglutaminase. Freshly prepared monocytes contained cellular Factor XIII only. Successively during culturing, the monocytes matured into macrophages. Cellular Factor XIII correspondingly disappeared and tissue transglutaminase increased during the same time. After approximately 2 weeks in culture only tissue transglutaminase was detected and this remained for the rest of the culturing period. The tissue transglutaminase content was induced by addition of 2 mumols/l retinoic acid. Addition of retinoic acid was not critical for transglutaminase differentiation. Transglutaminase could be associated with phagocytosis of 125I-trypsin-alpha 2-macroglobulin complexes. The phagocytotic capacity of monocytes was approximately 1/4 compared to macrophages cultured for 14 days. Phagocytosis was measured as cellular complex degradation to monoiodo-tyrosine, released to the culture medium. The monocytes and macrophages were incubated at 4 degrees C and 37 degrees C, with and without addition of the transglutaminase inhibitor monodansylthiacadaverine. Addition of 100 mumols/l monodansylthia-cadaverine caused approximately 2/3 inhibition of phagocytosis. These results suggest that transglutaminase differentiates from cellular Factor XIII into tissue type transglutaminase during maturation of monocytes into macrophages and that the differentiation is associated with transglutaminase-dependent phagocytosis.

Bovine aortic endothelial cell transglutaminase. Enzyme characterization and regulation of activity

Bovine aortic endothelial cells contain Ca2+-dependent tissue-type transglutaminase. Its activity in these cells was high, with apparent Km and Vmax. values with respect to putrescine of 0.203 mM and 18.5 nmol/min per mg of protein, and its activity was inhibited by the three competitive inhibitors dansylcadaverine, spermine and methylamine. The molecular mass of endothelial cell transglutaminase estimated by gel filtration chromatography was 88 kDa and it was immunoprecipitated by rabbit monospecific antiserum raised against rat liver transglutaminase. Its enzymic activity rose when the cell cultures reached confluence, and was further increased when their proliferation was arrested (synchronized at G0/G1 phase). Most of the enzymic activity was found in the 15,000 g soluble fraction, with only 4-22% of the activity found in the particulate fraction, depending on the state of cell proliferation. Examination of these cellular fractions by SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting revealed that at confluence endothelial cells have accumulated transglutaminase antigen in their 15,000 g particulate fraction. A series of experiments demonstrated the existence of a latent transglutaminase form in non-proliferating cells, and suggested that this might involve the formation of an inhibitory complex. Treatment of cell lysates and the 15,000 g particulate fraction with high salt concentration showed a significant increase in transglutaminase activity. Mixing experiments using the 100,000 g particulate fraction or purified rat liver transglutaminase on one hand and the cytosolic fraction on the other showed dose-dependent inhibition of the transglutaminase activity of the latter. It is concluded that endothelial cells contain a particulate fraction-residing inhibitor of transglutaminase which interacts via ionic interaction with the enzyme.

Differential expression of tissue transglutaminase in human cells. An immunohistochemical study

Tissue transglutaminase is an intracellular enzyme without established physiological function. Biochemically it can be detected in all organs, but no systematic in situ localization has been carried out so far. Here we report the immunohistochemical localization of transglutaminase in human tissues using an affinity purified, monospecific anti-human transglutaminase antibody. It is shown that the widespread organ distribution of the enzyme is the consequence of its occurrence in ubiquitous cell types such as endothelium and smooth muscle cells. Some organ-specific cell types express the enzyme constitutively (mesangial cells, renomedullary interstitial cells, thymic subcapsular epithelium, colonic pericryptal fibroblasts), while in others it seems to be induced either by external stimuli (epithelium of the female breast) or as part of their differentiation/maturation program (developing nephrons, enterocytes of the small intestine). The presence of tissue transglutaminase can be demonstrated in derivatives of all germ layers and in the trophoblast. The functional implications of these findings are presently unknown; however, based on its distribution the role of this enzyme in compartmentation and preservation of tissue integrity against stress may be suggested.

The binding of IgG1 containing immune complexes to the FcR of allogenically activated T cells induces changes in the membrane potential and the cell surface charge

The effect on membrane potential and cell surface charge of binding immune complexes containing IgG1 and IgG2a monoclonal antibodies to Fc receptors was studied in resting and allogenically activated murine T cells. IgG1 complexed by antigen or heat aggregation induced electrophysiological changes on activated T cells. A biphasic alteration of membrane potential was detected by measurement of the intra- and extracellular distribution of the fluorescent dye, DiOC6. A short-lived hyperpolarization, detectable for 4-6 min after adding the respective ligand, was followed by a longer lasting depolarization. The cell surface charge, measured by cell electrophoresis, was also changed. This alteration was detected 2-4 hr after addition of immune complexes and disappeared by the 8th hr of incubation. Monoclonal antibody 2.4.G2, reactive with mouse FcR, induced a similar membrane potential response on activated T cells, but did not affect the cell surface charge. Monomeric IgGs and complexes of IgG2a did not modify these parameters. FcR ligands had no effect on the studied characteristics of resting T cells.

Transglutaminase-catalysed cross-linking of proteins phosphorylated in the intact glucose-stimulated pancreatic beta-cell

Incubation of intact islets in the presence of [32P]Pi and stimulatory levels of glucose followed by separation of phosphorylated islet proteins by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of a high molecular weight phosphopolymer which did not transverse a 3% (w/v) acrylamide gel. The majority of this phosphopolymer (approx. 70%) was present in the 600 x g sedimented fraction of islet homogenates. Islet homogenates obtained from intact islets previously incubated with [32P]Pi and stimulatory levels of glucose when incubated under conditions that activated the islet transglutaminase resulted in an increase in the amount of phosphopolymer present in the 600 x g sedimented fraction. Inhibitors of transglutaminase activity which are known to inhibit glucose-stimulated insulin release led to a significant reduction in the fraction of phosphopolymer present in the glucose-stimulated intact islet. These findings suggest that protein cross-linking and phosphorylation reactions may be closely linked in the pancreatic beta-cell.

Searching for the function of tissue transglutaminase: its possible involvement in the biochemical pathway of programmed cell death

Although several details are still missing, the biological role of two of the three well characterized transglutaminases in mammals, namely blood coagulation factor XIII and keratinocyte transglutaminase, is established. The function of the third one called the tissue type is still an enigma. Its constant localization in endothelial and smooth muscle cells of all organs, in heart muscle, in medullary interstitial and mesangial cells of kidney, and its induction in a number of other cell types under a variety of conditions suggest multiple functions. According to our results its participation in the biochemical pathway leading to programmed cell death (apoptosis), a basic cellular phenomenon of physiological significance, may be one of these functions.

Opposite effects of amines on lymphocyte- and monocyte-mediated ADCC

The effect of different amines on antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity of human mononuclear cells was tested. Whereas monocyte cytotoxic capacity was significantly stimulated in the presence of methylamine (MA), dansylcadaverine (DC) and glycine ethylester (GEE), lymphocyte ADCC was markedly suppressed by these agents. The pharmacological actions of these compounds in our system are not related to their ability to inhibit transglutaminase (TGase) enzymes, since tertiary amines such as sarcosine ethylester (SEE) and chloroquine (CQ) elicited identical responses to MA, DC and GEE. The calmodulin (CAM) inhibitors trifluoperazine (TFP) and the more specific N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphtalene sulfonamide (W-7) [Hidaka, Sasaki, Tanaka, Endo, Ohno, Fujii & Nagata (1981) Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 78, 4353-4357] mimicked the effects of amines on ADCC, suggesting the possibility that a CAM-regulated process might be involved in the functional changes provoked by amines on ADCC. Finally, binding of 125I-immune complexes to the effector cells in the presence of amines showed lack of correlation between alterations in ADCC capacity and Fc gamma R expression.

Lipids associated with tissue transglutaminase

A substantial amount of lipids (cholesterol and its esters, mono-, di- and triacylglycerols, free fatty acids and the phospholipids phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol) was found associated with tissue transglutaminase purified to apparent homogeneity from guinea pig liver. Removal of lipids results in an increased tendency of the enzyme for self-association and a decreased stability. Lauric acid was detected following hydroxylamine treatment of the enzyme, suggesting the occurrence of a fatty acid-type, covalent, posttranslational modification of transglutaminase. The results provide support for the idea that part of tissue transglutaminase may be localized in the cell membrane.

Intracellular distribution of active and inactive transglutaminase in stimulated cultured C6 glioma cells

The cellular distribution of active and inactive transglutaminase (TGase) was studied in C6 glioma cells before and during stimulation by a serum-containing medium. The activity of the enzyme was determined in the soluble and insoluble fractions obtained by freezing and thawing the cells, followed by centrifugation at 12,000g for 5 min. In the soluble fractions, the activity of TGase decreased 2.5 h post-stimulation and increased after 5 and 8 h. In the corresponding insoluble fractions, no significant changes in the activity of the enzyme were noted up to 8 h after stimulating the cells with fresh medium. An immunological approach was next used to determine the quantity of TGase antigen during the stimulation of the cultured glioma cells. In the soluble fraction, the quantity of the antigen decreases significantly at 2.5, 5, and 8 h. In contrast, in the insoluble fraction, a significant increase in TGase antigen was detected 8 h after the addition of fresh medium. Cycloheximide completely inhibited the increase in the quantity of TGase antigen in the insoluble fraction, 8 h post-stimulation, while actinomycin D caused a partial inhibition. Trypsin, neuraminidase, or Sendai viruses increased the activity of TGase significantly, when added to nonstimulated cells. Trypsin had no effect on TGase activity when added to the cells 2 h after stimulation with a serum-containing medium. These findings suggest that an inactive form of the enzyme is present in the insoluble cellular fraction. A model has been proposed to explain the variations in TGase activity, its distribution and translocation during cellular stimulation.

Modulation of transglutaminase activity in mononuclear phagocytes and macrophage-like tumor cell lines by differentiation agents

The effect of glucocorticosteroids, retinoids, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and the tumor promoter phorbol myristate acetate (TPA) on the expression of transglutaminase activity in vitro differentiating bone marrow-derived mouse and rat mononuclear phagocytes (BMDMP) and mouse and human myeloid leukemia cell lines was assessed. Dexamethasone was found to induce an increase of about 100% in transglutaminase activity in mouse and rat BMDMP. The effect was time- and dose-dependent, and specific for steroids with glucocorticoid activity. Retinoic acid (RA) suppressed transglutaminase activity in mouse BMDMP (approximately 50%) and enhanced it in rat BMDMP (100-200%). Other retinoids were less effective. 1,25(OH)2D3 had little effect on transglutaminase expression in mouse BMDMP and suppressed it in rat BMDMP (approximately 60%). TPA exerted a suppressive effect (approximately 50%) on transglutaminase activity of both rat and mouse BMDMP. In murine (P388D1 and J774.2) and human (ML3, HL-60, KG-1, HEL, U937) myeloid leukemia cell lines, dexamethasone enhanced transglutaminase activity to a varying degree (100-1,000%), RA suppressed it in P388D1 cells (approximately 70%) and enhanced it in the other cell lines (100-1,500%), 1,25(OH)2D3 induced a rather small augmentation of enzyme expression, whereas TPA suppressed enzyme expression (70-100%). The species-specific differences previously observed by us for the effect of RA, dexamethasone and 1,25(OH)2D3 on the formation of BMDMP from mouse and rat bone marrow progenitor cells are now shown to extend also to effects on expression of transglutaminase activity. From a mechanistic point of view it is of interest that dexamethasone uniformly enhanced transglutaminase activity, whereas TPA suppressed it. RA and 1,25(OH)2D3 induced either suppression or enhancement in the various cell types, with no correlation between the direction of the effect of the two agents. The data suggest that modulation of transglutaminase activity by the four agents occurs via disparate mechanisms.

Extracellular hydrolysis of formyl peptides and subsequent uptake of liberated amino acids by alveolar macrophages

The mechanism of accumulation of radioactive label from fNle-Leu-[3H]Phe by guinea pig alveolar macrophages was investigated. The binding of fNle-Leu-[3H]Phe to macrophages reached equilibrium within 5 min at 4 degrees C, but equilibrium could not be achieved at temperatures where fNle-Leu-Phe stimulated superoxide anion production is observed (e.g., 21-23 degrees C). At this temperature a rapid phase of initial binding of fNle-Leu-[3H]Phe to its receptor was followed by continued accumulation of cell-associated radioactivity which was linear and was dependent on the extracellular pH, i.e., the rate increased as the pH was lowered from pH 8 to pH 6. Examination for possible intracellular hydrolysis of fNle-Leu-[3H]Phe revealed the presence of extensive amounts of [3H]phenylalanine, both cell-associated and in the medium. The increases in cell-associated [3H]phenylalanine correlated in time and pH with cell-associated radioactivity that was accumulated after stimulation with fNle-Leu-[3H]Phe. The addition of 1 mM unlabelled phenylalanine blocked the long term accumulation of label from fNle-Leu-[3H]Phe by macrophages. 1 mM phenylalanine had no measureable effect on fNle-Leu-Phe stimulated O2- production, fNle-Leu-[3H]Phe hydrolysis or on fNle-Leu-[3H]Phe binding to its receptor. These results indicated that the long term accumulation of radioactivity by alveolar macrophages was due to extracellular hydrolysis of fNle-Leu-[3H]Phe followed by transport of liberated [3H]phenylalanine into the cells. A high affinity (Km = 3.56 X 10(-8) M) transport system for phenylalanine was measured in alveolar macrophages, which was not stimulated by the addition of fNle-Leu-Phe. The extracellular hydrolysis of fNle-Leu-[3H]Phe could not be attributed to release of macrophage enzymes into the medium. The responsible proteinase appears to be membrane bound and has a Km for the hydrolysis of fNle-Leu-[3H]Phe of 2.6 X 10(-7) M which is similar to the Kd (1.5 X 10(-7) M) for fNle-Leu-Phe binding. Taken together, these data suggest that for the alveolar macrophage: (1) formyl peptides are not internalized by a receptor-mediated process; (2) a surface proteinase can catalyze the hydrolysis of formyl peptides; and (3) [3H]phenylalanine formed by fNle-Leu-[3H]Phe hydrolysis is transported into the interior of the macrophage.

A role for transglutaminase in glucose-stimulated insulin release from the pancreatic beta-cell

Preincubation of rat islets of Langerhans with the potent inhibitors of islet transglutaminase activity, monodansylcadaverine (30-100 microM) and N-(5-aminopentyl)-2-naphthalenesulphonamide (100-200 microM), led to significant inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin release from islets. In contrast, the respective N'-dimethylated derivatives of these two compounds, which did not inhibit islet transglutaminase activity, were much less effective as inhibitors of glucose-stimulated insulin release. None of the compounds inhibited rat spleen protein kinase C activity at concentrations which gave rise to inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin release. When tested for their effects on calmodulin-stimulated bovine heart phosphodiesterase activity, of the compounds that inhibited insulin release, only monodansylcadaverine did not act as an effective antagonist of calmodulin at concentrations (up to 50 microM) that gave rise to significant inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin release. Furthermore, at 50 microM, monodansylcadaverine did not inhibit methylation of islet lipids. The inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin release by monodansylcadaverine is therefore likely to be attributable to its interference with islet transglutaminase activity. The sensitivity of islet transglutaminase to activation by Ca2+ was investigated by using a modified assay incorporating dephosphorylated NN'-dimethylcasein as a substrate protein. The Km for Ca2+ obtained (approx. 3 microM) was an order of magnitude lower than previously reported for the islet enzyme [Bungay, Potter & Griffin (1984) Biochem. J. 219, 819-827]. Mg2+ (2 mM) was found to have little effect on the sensitivity of the enzyme to Ca2+. Investigation of the endogenous substrate proteins of islet transglutaminase by using the Ca2+-dependent incorporation of [14C]methylamine into proteins of islet homogenates demonstrated that most of the incorporated radiolabel was present in cross-linked polymeric aggregates which did not traverse 3% (w/v) acrylamide gels. The radiolabelled polymeric aggregates were present in 71 000 g-sedimented material of homogenates, and their formation was transglutaminase-mediated. These findings provide new evidence for the involvement of islet transglutaminase in the membrane-mediated events necessary for glucose-stimulated insulin release.

Ornithine decarboxylase, transglutaminase, diamine oxidase and total diamines and polyamines in maternal liver and kidney throughout rat pregnancy

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC; EC 4.1.1.17), transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13), diamine oxidase (DAO; EC 1.4.3.6) and total di- and poly-amines were studied in rat liver and kidney cortex throughout pregnancy. In liver, ODC activity exhibited two major peaks (4.5-5 times the control activities) on days 15 and 17. Also putrescine and spermidine increased biphasically (3-4-fold), but no variation in spermine content was observed. Transglutaminase activity showed slight variations only near the end of gestation. In kidney, ODC activity did not fluctuate significantly during pregnancy, whereas both transglutaminase activity and putrescine content showed three major increases, in very early, middle and late pregnancy. No significant variations in spermidine and spermine were observed. In both organs, DAO activity, very low or undetectable until day 10, dramatically increased (10- and 20-fold in kidney and liver respectively) in the second half of pregnancy, reaching maxima on days 16-17 and 19. The results obtained for transglutaminase, ODC and total di- and poly-amines are interpreted on the basis of hyperplastic and hypertrophic events in the liver and kidney respectively. The behaviour of DAO suggests that the enzyme plays an important role in the control of intracellular diamine concentration.

Factor XIII of blood coagulation in human monocytes

The presence of Factor XIII subunit a was demonstrated in human monocytes by immunoperoxidase staining using specific antisera against Factor XIII and its subunits. This finding was verified by immunobiochemical techniques, as well. In an immunoblotting system after SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of denatured monocyte homogenate a protein band comigrating with Factor XIII subunit a showed positive reaction with antibodies against this subunit or whole Factor XIII. In contrast, no subunit b of Factor XIII could be detected by either of these methods in monocytes. Activity measurements were carried out by the dansylcadaverine incorporation assay in the absence and presence of anti-Factor XIII antibody with and without thrombin activation. The expression of transglutaminase activity required thrombin and was completely abolished in presence of anti- Factor XIII antibody, which clearly indicate that practically all the transglutaminase activity measured in monocytes comes from Factor XIII. Factor XIII of monocytes and macrophages might have a role in formation of focal fibrin thrombi as well as in organization of stable, fibrinolysis resistant fibrin clot at the site of inflammation or around tumor cells.

Fc receptor--more answers, more questions

Fc receptors, belonging to the most important surface structures of a number of cells participating in the immune processes, have been intensely studied during the past decade. The present review summarizes the contemporary knowledge of the specificity and heterogeneity of Fc receptors and of factors influencing their expression, and includes some views on their function. In addition, it mentions their relationship to other cell surface structures, expression of Fc receptors during ontogeny of the organism and in certain diseases. Finally, data concerning the isolation and biochemical characterization of the Fc receptor molecule are presented.

Monocyte activation in patients with Hodgkin's disease

Transglutaminase activity in monocytes and serum lysozyme level were tested in 40 patients with Hodgkin's disease and were found to be significantly increased. Transglutaminase activity in monocytes from patients in a clinically active stage of the disease was higher than in clinically inactive cases of HD, and varied along with the histological subtypes. Serum lysozyme varied with the stage of the disease and with the symptomatology as well as with the histological subtype. The enzyme activities were higher before any treatment than after. A parallel increase of transglutaminase activity in monocytes and of serum lysozyme level suggests an elevated activity of the mononuclear phagocyte system in Hodgkin's disease.

Transglutaminase and receptor-mediated endocytosis in macrophages and cultured fibroblasts

The function of intracellular transglutaminases remains to be clarified. In fibroblasts the links between the activity of this enzyme and receptor-mediated endocytosis are complex and open to interpretation. However, the issue cannot be firmly laid to rest until the structural specificity of the alkylamine inhibitors of endocytosis is explained. In macrophages, there is substantial evidence that the enzyme plays some role in receptor-mediated phagocytosis, but what this role is and how it might relate to endocytosis in other types of cells is at present an unresolved issue.

Induction of tissue transglutaminase in human peripheral blood monocytes

The levels and activity of tissue transglutaminase were studied in human peripheral blood monocytes during differentiation into macrophages in vitro. The enzyme was present at low levels in freshly isolated monocytes (less than 20 ng/mg cell protein) but increased 50-fold during 10 d of adherent culture in autologous serum, reaching levels of 0.1% of total cellular protein. The rate of appearance of tissue transglutaminase in monocytes was accelerated by low levels of lipopolysaccharide. The half-life of disappearance of transglutaminase from human monocytes was 11 and 7 h in 2-d-old and 10-d-old cells, respectively. Treatment of 1-day-old monocytes with actinomycin D for 24 h blocked the increase in transglutaminase levels. These results indicated that the induction of gene transcription and protein synthesis was responsible for the increased transglutaminase levels and activity observed with cultured human monocytes. The induction of tissue transglutaminase may be a component in the in vivo differentiation of human monocytes into macrophages.

Enhanced transglutaminase activity in transformed human lung fibroblast cells after exposure to sodium butyrate

The low level of transglutaminase activity in virus-transformed human embryonic lung fibroblasts (WI-38 VA13A) increased markedly when cells were exposed to sodium butyrate. The effect of sodium butyrate was time- and concentration-dependent and fully reversible. Transformed cells exposed for 5 days to 1 mM sodium butyrate had fewer cells, showed an 8-10 fold higher transglutaminase activity, and stained more abundantly for transglutaminase and pericellular fibronectin than control cells when examined by indirect immunofluorescence. Non-transformed cells (WI-38) showed only a 2-4-fold increase in transglutaminase activity when treated in a similar manner. Studies with metabolic inhibitors revealed the increase in activity was the result of synthesis of new protein. Kinetic studies showed the affinity of putrescine for the enzyme was essentially unchanged but the number of active sites increased 9-fold following exposure to sodium butyrate. Enhanced transglutaminase activity returned to control levels within 7 days after subculture and sodium butyrate removal. These findings suggest that sodium butyrate offers a potential model system to understand better the role of transglutaminase in cells in culture; particularly growth control in transformed cells.

IgG-Fc receptors differ in sensitivity to primary amines

The effect of 12 different amines was tested on the IgG-Fc receptor (IgG-FcR) function of human peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PMBCs). While histamine and to a lesser extent dopamine resulted in a higher ratio of EA-rosette forming cells, a group of amines, like methylamine, dansylcadaverine, hydroxylamine and some others inhibited the EA-rosette formation. Neither the enhancement nor the inhibition was found to be mediated through direct interaction of amines with the Fc portion of the IgG molecule or the IgG-FcR. Only a portion of IgG-FcRs are sensitive to the amine-mediated inhibition and the results suggest that amines inhibit the cluster formation of IgG-FcRs.

Transglutaminase and polyamine dependence of effector functions of human immunocompetent cells. The effect of specific inhibitors on lymphocyte proliferation and granulocyte chemiluminescence

The effects of the transglutaminase inhibitor dansyl cadaverine (DC) and the polyamine antagonist methyl glyoxal-bis-(guanylhydrazone) (MeGbG) on the response of lymphocytes towards allogeneic and lectin stimulation and on the zymosan-induced chemiluminescence of neutrophilic granulocytes was studied. Application of DC resulted in dose-dependent suppression of chemiluminescence and lymphocyte proliferation; no difference of inhibitory potential occurred with variation of incubation time in the latter system. MeGbG was inactive in granulocytes, but inhibited lymphocyte proliferation; its effect increased with time. The experiments provide further evidence for the importance of transglutaminases and polyamines for the function of immunocompetent cells.

The influence of tissue transglutaminase on the function of Fc receptors

In contrast to FcRII the soluble Fc receptor (FcRI) of human peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PMBC) is shed from PMBC following a 4-37 degrees C temperature shift and inhibits rosette formation of nonshed PMBC with antibody-coated erythrocytes (EA). Purified FcR, could be polymerized by tissue transglutaminase as was revealed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Comparing the Sephadex G-150 elution profile of the EA rosette inhibitory capacity of FcRI vs FcRI incubated in the presence of transglutaminase, the latter was found in a higher mol. wt region and could inhibit rosette formation by both FcRI and FcRII. Furthermore, the shedding of FcRI could be prevented by the addition of transglutaminase or Ca2+-ionophore A23187 (which leads to the activation of PMBC transglutaminase) to the cell suspension. The function of FcRII was not affected by either the addition of transglutaminase or Ca2+-ionophore to the cells. The results point to the involvement of transglutaminase in the determination of the functional state of the Fc receptor on the cell surface.