Cross-linking studies on the conformation and dimerization of myelin basic protein in solution

Antigen specificity of clonally expanded and receptor edited cerebrospinal fluid B cells from patients with relapsing remitting MS

We re-engineered the immunoglobulin rearrangements from clonally expanded CSF B cells of three Multiple Sclerosis patients as Fab fragments, and used three methods to test for their antigen (Ag) specificity. Nine out of ten Fab fragments were reactive to Myelin Basic Protein (MBP). The one Fab that did not react to MBP was a product of receptor editing. Two of the nine MBP reactive Fabs were also reactive to GFAP and CNPase, indicating that these clones were polyreactive. Targeting the mechanisms that allow these self-reactive B cells to reside in the CSF of MS patients may prove to be a potent immunotherapeutic strategy.

Myelin basic protein-diverse conformational states of an intrinsically unstructured protein and its roles in myelin assembly and multiple sclerosis

The 18.5 kDa isoform of myelin basic protein (MBP) is a major component of the myelin sheath in the central nervous system of higher vertebrates, and a member of a larger family of proteins with a multiplicity of forms and post-translational modifications (PTMs). The 18.5 kDa protein is the exemplar of the family, being most abundant in adult myelin, and thus the most-studied. It is peripherally membrane-associated, but has generally been investigated in isolated form. MBP is an 'intrinsically unstructured' protein with a high proportion (approximately 75%) of random coil, but postulated to have core elements of beta-sheet and alpha-helix. We review here the properties of the MBP family, especially of the 18.5 kDa isoform, and discuss how its three-dimensional (3D) structure may be resolved by direct techniques available to us, viz., X-ray and electron crystallography, and solution and solid-state NMR spectrometry. In particular, we emphasise that creating an appropriate environment in which the protein can adopt a physiologically relevant fold is crucial to such endeavours. By solving the 3D structure of 18.5 kDa MBP and the effects of PTMs, we will attain a better understanding of myelin architecture, and of the molecular mechanisms that transpire in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Interaction of bovine myelin basic protein with triphosphoinositide

Despite the essential role played by myelin basic protein (MBP) in stabilizing the multilamellar structure of the myelin membrane, attempts at deciphering the structure of MPB have so far failed. Given that MBP is known to specifically interact with the membrane's lipid components, this study was designed to explore the effects of these lipids on the conformation of the protein by examining its interaction with the lipid triphosphoinositide (TPI). MBP was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in myelin extracted from cow's brain and its molecular weight determined. In aqueous solution, MBP showed a random coil structure confirmed by its circular dichroism (CD) spectra. Possible structural changes to the protein induced by different proportions of TPI were also explored. The CD spectra of these mixtures indicated that this lipid fails to induce the adoption of a secondary structure by MBP. We then performed monolayer experiments to evaluate the type of interaction that occurs between MBP and TPI. First, the molecular weight of the protein sample was established to determine the state of the MBP within the monolayer by applying the equation for gases to the so-called gaseous zone of the monolayer for the conditions under which the expression holds. The similar molecular weights yielded by HPLC performed on dissolved samples and by the monolayers suggests that, as in solution, in the membrane the protein exists as a monomer. Monolayer data suggest forces of attraction between the two components and, through thermodynamic calculations, it was established that this interaction is spontaneous and the interaction is of the electrostatic type.

Cryoelectron microscopy of protein-lipid complexes of human myelin basic protein charge isomers differing in degree of citrullination

Myelin basic protein (MBP) is considered to be essential for the maintenance of stability of the myelin sheath. Reduction in cationicity of MBP, especially due to conversion of positively charged arginine residues to uncharged citrulline (Cit), has been found to be associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, the interactions of an anionic phosphatidylserine/monosialoganglioside-G(M1) (4:1, w:w) lipid monolayer with 18.5-kDa MBP preparations from age-matched adult humans without MS (no Cit residues), with chronic MS (6 Cit), and with acute Marburg-type MS (18 Cit) were studied by transmission and ultralow dose scanning transmission electron microscopy under cryogenic conditions. Immunogold labeling and single particle electron crystallography were used to define the nature of the complexes visualized. These electron microscopical analyses showed that the three different MBP charge isomers all formed uniformly sized and regularly shaped protein-lipid complexes with G(M1), probably as hexamers, but exhibited differential association with and organization of the lipid. The least cationic Marburg MBP-Cit(18) formed the most open protein-lipid complex. The data show a disturbance in lipid-MBP interactions at the ultrastructural level that is related to degree of citrullination, and which may be involved in myelin degeneration in multiple sclerosis.

Interaction of Bovine Myelin Basic Protein with Cholesterol

The interaction of myelin basic protein with cholesterol and the conformational changes occurring in the protein upon interaction with the lipid were investigated. The myelin basic protein (MBP) plays an important role in stabilizing the multilamellar structure of the myelin membrane. MBP interacts in a specific way with the lipids components of the membrane. The major lipid component is the cholesterol which comprises 40-44 mol% of the lipids. In order to understand the effect of the lipids in the protein conformation we have studied the interaction between MBP and cholesterol. The conformational changes induced in the protein upon interaction with different concentrations of cholesterol were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and monolayer studies. Aqueous solution of MBP from bovine brain (obtained by the method of Cheifetz and Moscarello) exhibited a circular dichroism (CD) spectrum characteristic of random coil protein molecules. Upon addition of cholesterol, MBP-cholesterol complexes were observed by TEM. The monolayer compression experiments show plateaus in their surface pressure-area isotherms. The presence of these plateaus has previously been interpreted as alpha-helix conformation. By seeding the MBP onto the aqueous support, we have determined the compression work for the protein on the surface. Experimental areas of the mixtures MBP-cholesterol are smaller than the area calculated by adding the areas of the pure components, indicating that there are attractive forces between both components. The calculated entropy of compression indicates that the highest organization is reached when lipid and protein are almost in the same proportion. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Specificity of zinc binding to myelin basic protein

Zn2+ appears to stabilize the myelin sheath but the mechanism of this effect is unknown. In a previous report we have shown that zinc binds to CNS myelin basic protein (MBP) in the presence of phosphate and this results in MBP aggregation. For this paper we used a solid phase zinc blotting assay to identify which myelin proteins bind zinc. MBP and a 58 kDa band were found to be the major targets of 65Zn binding. Moreover, using fluorescence, light scattering and electron microscopy we investigated the binding of zinc and other cations to purified MBP in solution. Among the cations tested for their ability to interfere with the binding of zinc, the most effective were cadmium, mercury and copper, but only cadmium and mercury increased the scattering intensity, whereas MBP aggregation was not inhibited by copper ions. Thus, the effect of zinc on the formation of MBP clusters seems to be specific.

Localization of basic proteins in human myelin

The myelin basic protein (MBPs) represent a family of proteins (charge isomers) which account for 35% of the total myelin protein. Localization studies have been inconclusive because MBP is not a single protein. Antibodies obtained by injection of MBP into animals recognized all members of the MBP family. In the studies reported here, we have fractionated the MBPs into specific components or charge isomers. One of these which contains citrulline accounts for about 20% of the total MBP. We report the localization of this single MBP to the intraperiod line of myelin by immunoelectron microscopy. For these studies several specific antibodies were used including antibodies raised against total MBP, specific MBP peptides, and against a tetracitrulline peptide. This latter antibody was specific for component 8 (C-8) of MBP. Since C-8 is the only MBP which contains citrulline it was used to localize this particular form of MBP principally to the intraperiod line by immunogold electron microscopy, while antibody against total MBP (consisting of all charge isomers C-1-->C-8) labelled both the major dense line and the intraperiod line. When the anti-citrulline antibody was used with a 3 nm gold conjugated Fab fragments prepared from the secondary antibody, 66.5% of the gold particles were localized to the intraperiod line, while 11.2% of gold particles were localized to the major dense line. On the other hand, with the monoclonal anti-MBP antibodies reactive with residues 69-74, 59.4% of the gold particles were localized to the major dense line and 23.6% of gold particles at the intraperiod line. Other supporting evidence includes increased labelling of myelin by 125I labelled anti-citrulline IgG when isolated myelin was swollen, a process known to take place at the intraperiod line. Gold particles were demonstrated at the intraperiod line in swollen and recompacted myelin. C-8 was shown to associate preferentially with lipids asymmetrically localized to the intraperiod line.

Interaction of myelin basic protein with artificial membranes. Parameters governing binding, aggregation and dissociation

The interaction of myelin basic protein (MBP) with large unilamellar vesicles, composed of phosphatidylserine (PtdSer), phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine (PtdSer/Ole2GroPCho) and phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol (Ole2GroPCho/cholesterol) was examined. Binding of MBP to the bilayers as well as the kinetics of this process were determined by a resonance energy transfer procedure. The ability of the protein to aggregate the vesicles subsequently was monitored continuously by absorbance measurements. The interaction was further characterized by determining the ability of MBP to induce membrane perturbations, as reflected by release of aqueous vesicle contents, and lipid mixing. The results demonstrate that Ole2GroPCho inhibits, while PtdSer and cholesterol strongly facilitate MBP-induced membrane aggregation. Furthermore, binding of MBP to vesicles and the subsequent aggregation event are separate processes, i.e. the extent of binding does not necessarily reflect the aggregation susceptibility. Overall, aggregation appears to be the rate-limiting step. Interaction of MBP with PtdSer bilayers results in a limited degree of lipid mixing, which is accompanied by extensive release of vesicle contents. For all other compositions, no lipid mixing occurs, while cholesterol effectively prevents release of vesicle contents. pH-dependent experiments indicate distinct mechanisms to be operative in MBP-induced aggregation of PtdSer and Ole2GroPCho/cholesterol bilayers. At neutral pH, protein-protein interactions appear relevant, while at acidic pH intervesicular bridges, established by monomers that may cause aggregation of PtdSer vesicles, but not of Ole2GroPCho/cholesterol vesicles. The observation that divalent cations reverse MBP-induced vesicle aggregation may have physiological relevance.

The basic protein of CNS myelin: its structure and ligand binding

Consideration of the evidence presented in this review leads to the following conclusions: (a) Isolated MBP in aqueous solution has little ordered secondary or tertiary structure. (b) In this state, the protein can associate with a wide range of hydrophobic and amphiphilic compounds, these interactions involving limited sections of the protein. (c) The strength of binding to bilayers and the accompanying conformational changes in the protein are greatest for systems containing acidic lipids, presumably because of the involvement of ionic interactions. (d) When bound to bilayers of acidic lipids, MBP will have substantially more ordered secondary structure than it manifests in aqueous solution, and it is likely to be oligomeric (possibly hexameric). (e) MBP does affect the organization of lipid aggregates. It influences strongly the separation of bilayers in multilayers of purified lipids, and at present this must be viewed as its prime role within myelin. The greatest impediment to our understanding of MBP is the lack of an assayable biological activity. In contrast to the situation with enzymes, for example, we have no functional test for changes in protein structure or changes accompanying interactions with other molecules. Current evidence suggests that the protein has a structural role within myelin and that its own three-dimensional structure is strongly dependent on the molecules with which it is associated. If this picture is correct, studies of the isolated protein or of the protein in reconstituted lipid systems may yield, at best, a rough guide to the structure within its biological environment. Further clarification of the structure and function of MBP may have to await development of more powerful techniques for studying proteins bound to large molecular aggregates, such as lipid bilayers. The paucity of generally applicable methods is reflected in the fact that even low resolution structures are known for only a handful of intrinsic membrane proteins, and even more limited information exists for proteins associated with membrane surfaces. However, the increasing use of a combination of electron microscopy and diffraction on two-dimensional arrays of proteins formed on lipid bilayers (Henderson et al., 1990) offers the hope that it may not be too long before it will be possible to study at moderate resolution the three-dimensional structure of MBP bound to a lipid membrane.

Fluorescence studies on the interactions of myelin basic protein in electrolyte solutions

This paper examines the influence of electrolytes on fluorescence spectral properties of the single tryptophanyl residue, Trp-115, within the 18.5-kDa species of myelin basic protein from bovine brain. Steady-state fluorescence spectra and intensities and time-correlated fluorescence lifetimes increased in the presence of increasing concentrations of mono- and divalent electrolytes (Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl-, ClO4-, SO4(2-), and PO4(3-)). In all cases, the increases closely paralleled the ionic strength of the bulk aqueous medium and resembled that observed upon immersion of the protein in solutions of urea. This behavior was therefore concluded to reflect changes in the solution conformation of myelin basic protein. Bimolecular quenching of Trp-115 by acrylamide was rapid (10(9) M-1 s-1), approaching the diffusion limitation, and markedly dependent on the viscosity of the bulk aqueous medium. Rotational depolarization of myelin basic protein was rapid (phi less than or equal to 1 ns), occurring at rates exceeding those predicted for a rigid particle of revolution, and markedly dependent on the viscosity of the surrounding medium. Whereas the bimolecular quenching constants were unaltered in the presence of electrolytes, rotational depolarization of myelin basic protein underwent substantial slowing as indicated by the appearance of an additional decay component characterized by a correlation time of 5-10 ns. These studies indicate that Trp-115 of myelin basic protein is readily accessible to the bulk aqueous medium and is associated with a highly mobile segment of the protein. The slowing of rotational depolarization upon immersion of myelin basic protein in electrolyte solutions is consistent with an electrolyte-induced self-association of myelin basic protein molecules and indicates a relationship between the lability of solution conformation on the one hand and the capacity for self-association on the other.

Central nervous system myelin: structure, function, and pathology

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and a number of related distinctive diseases are characterized by the active degradation of central nervous system (CNS) myelin, an axonal sheath comprised essentially of proteins and lipids. These demyelinating diseases appear to arise from complex interactions of genetic, immunological, infective, and biochemical mechanisms. While circumstances of MS etiology remain hypothetical, one persistent theme involves recognition by the immune system of myelin-specific antigens derived from myelin basic protein (MBP), the most abundant extrinsic myelin membrane protein, and/or another equally susceptible myelin protein or lipid component. Knowledge of the biochemical and physical-chemical properties of myelin proteins and lipids, particularly their composition, organization, structure, and accessibility with respect to the compacted myelin multilayers, thus becomes central to the understanding of how and why these antigens become selected during the development of MS. This review focuses on current understanding of the molecular basis underlying demyelinating disease as it may relate to the impact of the various protein and lipid components on myelin morphology; the precise molecular architecture of this membrane as dictated by protein-lipid and lipid-lipid interactions; and the relationship, if any, between the protein/lipid components and the destruction of myelin in pathological situations.

Myelin basic protein: interaction with calmodulin and gangliosides

The structural characteristics of myelin basic protein (MBP) involved in protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions were investigated. Rabbit MBP could bind calmodulin (CaM) in the presence of Ca2+ to form a complex that remained undissociated in 8 M urea. However, no tight complex formation was observed when the divalent cation was absent. These results suggest that MBP may contain a hydrophobic domain similar to those in the other well-characterized CaM-binding proteins. The stoichiometry of calmodulin binding to MBP was approximately 1:1. Prior limited proteolysis of MBP with trypsin abolished the formation of the MBP-CaM complex, indicating that the entire MBP polypeptide may be involved in the recognition of the hydrophobic clefts in CaM. MBP also formed tight complexes with gangliosides, but the presence of Ca2+ was not required. Binding of gangliosides to MBP-CaM complex released CaM from the complex. The ganglioside-binding sites in MBP were determined after trisecting the protein at two glutamic acid residues with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease. Subsequent binding studies revealed that a 9.5-kDa polypeptide, which may correspond to the NH2-terminal domain (residues 1-83) of MBP, had higher affinity for the binding of lucifer yellow CH-labeled GM1 than did the other two polypeptides, of apparent molecular mass (Mr) 5,500 and 4,500, respectively. Among the various proteins in purified guinea pig brain myelin, synaptosomes, and synaptosomal membranes, MBP was found to have the highest affinity in binding lucifer yellow CH-GM1.

Triton X-100 extractions of central nervous system myelin indicate a possible role for the minor myelin proteins in the stability in lamellae

Isolated CNS myelin membranes were extracted with Triton X-100 under conditions previously established for the isolation of cytoskeletal proteins. Treated myelin retained much of its characteristic lamellar structure despite the removal of most of the major myelin basic protein (18.5 kDa) and the proteolipid protein, which together normally constitute 60% of the total myelin protein. The SDS-PAGE profile of this extract residue demonstrated an enrichment in proteins of Mr 30 to 60 kilodaltons (the Wolfgram group). The major myelin proteins were identified by antibodies on Western immunoblots, as were the 2'3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP), actin, tubulin, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MGP) and the 21.5 kDA MBP. The overall behavior of CNP, the 21.5 kDa MBP, MGP and tubulin towards Triton extraction is reminiscent of the behavior of other membrane-skeletal complexes, supporting the idea that these and other minor myelin proteins might be part of heteromolecular complexes with interactions spanning several lamellae of the myelin sheath.

The association of myelin basic protein with itself and other proteins

Chromatographic studies were performed to measure myelin basic protein (MBP) interactions by covalently binding a number of different proteins to Sepharose and passing radioactive bovine MBP over these columns. Studies at a variety of pH values, ionic strengths and temperatures revealed that the bovine MBP could interact with itself as well as cytochrome c, lysozyme, and ovalbumin. Chromatographic profiles of elution volume vs. pH revealed that the interaction between MBP and these immobilized proteins was biphasic. The self-association of MBP was found to be strongest between pH 7.4 and 8.1 and at an elevated temperature. Titration of the amino acid residues responsible for the association of MBP with other proteins revealed apparent pKs ranging from 6.10 to 6.70. A pH dependence study at an elevated temperature shifted the apparent pK of the MBP interaction to a lower value with all the proteins except ovalbumin. After destroying 60% of the histidine residues in MBP by photooxidation and passing 125I-labeled photooxidized MBP over Sepharose columns containing immobilized protein, the second phase in binding was decreased significantly with immobilized cytochrome c, lysozyme, and MBP and to a smaller extent with ovalbumin. These results are consistent with the involvement of deprotonated histidine residues in the MBP-protein associations.

A comparison of the dodecyl sulfate-induced precipitation of the myelin basic protein with other water-soluble proteins

The interactions of sodium dodecyl sulfate with a number of proteins were examined at a variety of pH values ranging from 4.8 to 11.6. The dodecyl sulfate-induced precipitation of some of these proteins was observed within a relatively limited range of total dodecyl sulfate concentration. Most of the basic proteins precipitated at low pH but as the isoelectric point of the protein was approached the amount of protein that precipitated decreased. Bovine myelin basic protein was unique in that it precipitated at all pH values examined both above and below its isoelectric point. Thus, the dodecyl sulfate-induced precipitation of myelin basic protein appears to be different from the dodecyl sulfate-induced precipitation of most proteins. A comparison of protein precipitation at equivalent dodecyl sulfate:protein molar or weight ratios revealed very little difference in the precipitation behavior of the proteins studied. When the bovine myelin basic protein was cleaved at its single tryptophan residue, the N-terminal fragment (1-115) formed insoluble dodecyl sulfate complexes at pH values ranging from 4.8 to 9.2. The C-terminal fragment (116-169) precipitated almost completely at pH 4.8 but to a lesser extent at pH 7.4 and 9.2. Equimolar mixtures of the N- and C-terminal fragments precipitated in the presence of dodecyl sulfate at pH 7.4 and 9.2 to an extent greater than the C-terminal fragment alone but comparable to the N-terminal fragment alone or the whole basic protein. These results suggest: that the mechanism by which dodecyl sulfate induces the precipitation of myelin basic protein may be unique compared to other proteins and that the intact myelin basic protein is not necessary for its precipitation by dodecyl sulfate.

An X-ray diffraction analysis of oriented lipid multilayers containing basic proteins

X-ray diffraction techniques have been used to study the structures of lipid bilayers containing basic proteins. Highly ordered multilayer specimens have been formed by using the Langmuir-Blodgett method in which a solid support is passed through a lipid monolayer held at constant surface pressure at an air/water interface. If the lipid monolayer contains acidic lipids then basic proteins in the aqueous subphase are transferred with the monolayer and incorporated into the multi-membrane stack. X-ray diffraction patterns have been recorded from multilayers of cerebroside sulphate and 40% (molar) cholesterol both with and without polylysine, cytochrome c and the basic protein from central nervous system myelin. Electron density profiles across the membranes have been derived at between 6 A and 12 A resolution. All of the membrane profiles have been placed on an absolute scale of electron density by the isomorphous exchange of cholesterol with a brominated cholesterol analog. The distributions and conformations of the various basic proteins incorporated within the cerebroside sulphate/cholesterol bilayer are very different. Polylysine attaches to the surface of the lipid bilayer as a fully extended chain while cytochrome c maintains its native structure and attaches to the bilayer surface with its short axis approximately perpendicular to the membrane plane. The myelin basic protein associates intimately with the lipid headgroups in the form of an extended molecule, yet its dimension perpendicular to the plane of the membrane of approx. 15 A is consistent with the considerable degree of secondary structure found in solution. In the membrane plane, the myelin basic protein extends to cover an area of about 2500 A2. There is no significant penetration of the protein into the hydrocarbon region of the bilayer or, indeed, beyond the position of the sulphate group of the cerebroside sulphate molecule.

Investigation of the organisation of the major proteins in bovine myelin membranes. Use of chemical probes and bifunctional crosslinking reagents

Bovine myelin was incubated with a variety of bifunctional reagents and chemical probes. The use of a photosensitive hydrophobic compound, 1-azido-[125I]iodobenzene, led to the suggestion that the proteolipid protein is deeply intercalated into the hydrophobic milieu of the membrane, but did not support the contention that regions of the basic protein behave in a similar fashion. Crosslinking studies indicated that both polypeptides may be present in the membrane as homodimers and these dimers may be part of much larger assemblies. These results give rise to a somewhat different model for the structural organisation of myelin to that proposed earlier.

Binding properties of cerebrospinal fluid IgG in multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases

A solid phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to detect antibodies to myelin or myelin basic protein (MBP) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) or other neurological diseases (OND). When measured at the same IgG concentration, MS samples had higher binding values than OND against myelin, but not against MBP. Using F(ab')2 fragments purified from pools of MS and OND CSF there was no difference in binding to myelin between MS and OND samples. These results indicate that anti-MBP antibodies are nt a feature of MS and binding of CSF IgG to myelin is not due to specific antibody, but is probably the result of non-specific binding to Fc receptors.

Stopped-flow studies of myelin basic protein association with phospholipid vesicles and subsequent vesicle aggregation

When mixed with vesicles containing acidic phospholipids, myelin basic protein causes vesicle aggregation. The kinetics of this vesicle cross-linking by myelin basic protein was investigated by using stopped-flow light scattering. The process was highly cooperative, requiring about 20 protein molecules per vesicle to produce a measurable aggregation rate and about 35 protein molecules per vesicle to produce the maximum rate. The maximum aggregation rate constant approached the theoretical vesicle-vesicle collisional rate constant. Vesicle aggregation was second order in vesicle concentration and was much slower than protein-vesicle interaction. The highest myelin basic protein concentration used here did not inhibit vesicle aggregation, indicating that vesicle cross-linking occurred through protein-protein interactions. In contrast, poly(L-lysine)-induced vesicle aggregation was easily inhibited by increasing peptide concentrations, indicating that it did cross-link vesicles as a peptide monomer. The myelin basic protein:vesicle stoichiometry required for aggregation and the low affinity for protein dimerization suggested that multiple protein cross-links were needed to form a stable aggregate. Stopped-flow fluorescence was used to estimate the kinetics of myelin basic protein-vesicle binding. The half-times obtained suggested a rate constant that approached the theoretical protein-vesicle collisional rate constant.

Self-association of myelin basic protein: enhancement by detergents and lipids

Self-association of basic protein has been proposed to be of functional significance in central nervous system myelin. In aqueous solution this protein self-associates, previous data being consistent with the formation of dimers, which then undergo an indefinite isodesmic self-association [Smith, R. (1980) Biochemistry 19, 1826-1831]. As this protein is membrane bound in vivo, we have now examined the effects of amphiphiles on the self-association equilibria. Contrary to the expected effects, at low molar ratios dodecyl sulfate, deoxycholate, Triton X-100, and lysophosphatidylcholine increased protein intermolecular attraction. The anionic detergents led to partial precipitation even at 1:1 protein:detergent molar ratios whereas the zwitterionic lipid and the nonionic detergent exerted less pronounced effects. Sedimentation velocity and equilibrium measurements have been used to define quantitatively the effects of lysophosphatidylcholine. The sedimentation coefficient increases up to a lipid:protein ratio of 4:1 and then remains constant up to a ratio of 12:1. The sedimentation equilibrium data suggest that the mode of protein-protein interaction is the same as in the absence of lipid but with substantially increased association constants. The dimerization constant is increased from 1.20 X 10(2) M-1 to 1.0 X 10(3) M-1 and the isodesmic association constant from 3.4 X 10(4) M-1 to 1.2 X 10(5) M-1. The effects of detergents on myelin basic protein are compared with the effects on other proteins, and the implications for the state of the protein with myelin are discussed.

Immunological and pathological findings in demyelinating encephalitis associated with canine distemper virus infection

Nine dogs with canine distemper encephalitis (CDE) were examined with immunological techniques including demonstration of antibodies against canine distemper virus (CDV) in the serum and against myelin basic protein (MBP) in serum and in CSF. Mitogen stimulation tests of lymphocytes were also done. The brains were examined pathologically and immunoglobulin and C3 were demonstrated in lesions by means of immunohistological techniques. Six dogs with acute CDE had none or low antibody levels against CDV or MBP, and there was no immunoglobulin in demyelinating lesions. Some of these dogs had depressed lymphocyte mitogen responses. Two dogs with chronic CDE showed recovery of lymphocyte mitogen responses. One of these had a significant antibody response against CDV and MBP in the serum. Both dogs with chronic CDE had very high antibody titers against MBP in the CSF and demyelinating lesions contained immunoglobulin. These results suggest that acute demyelination in CDE is probably due to some direct viral activity and that the progression of demyelination in chronic CDE is associated with a local immune response.

Isolation and identification of large overlapping fragments of rabbit myelin basic protein produced by limited peptic hydrolysis

Treatment of rabbit myelin basic protein component 1 with pepsin (enzyme:substrate, 1:500 w/w) in 0.5 M-ammonium formate (pH 6.00) for 15-20 min at room temperature resulted in limited cleavage of the protein. The resulting fragments were isolated by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration and identified by amino acid and COOH-terminal analyses and by tryptic peptide mapping. All of the possible products resulting from incomplete cleavages at the highly susceptible Phe44-Phe45, Phe87-Phe88, Leu109-Ser110, and Leu151-Phe152 bonds were isolated: peptides (1-151), (1-109), (1-87), (45-168), (45-151), (45-109), (88-168), (88-151), and (110-168). Of these, peptides (1-151), (1-87), and (88-151) were recovered in the greatest yield (0.14-0.19 mol per mol of starting protein). Relatively low yields (0.04 mol/mol starting protein) were obtained for peptides (1-109) and (110-168), indicating that the Leu109-Ser110 bond is somewhat more resistant to peptic cleavage than are the Phe-Phe and Leu-Phe bonds. Smaller fragments of the basic protein were also recovered: peptides (1-44), (1-28), (45-87), (88-109), (110-151), and (152-168). Many of the individual peptides could be readily identified in electrophoretograms of the total peptic digest. The relative electrophoretic mobilities of the above-mentioned peptides, together with the previously isolated peptides (1-14) and (15-44), were determined in 15% (w/w) polyacrylamide slab gels containing 1 M-acetic acid and 8 M-urea.

Interactions of free and immobilized myelin basic protein with anionic detergents

The interaction of free and immobilized myelin basic protein (MBP) with sodium deoxycholate (DOC) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (NaDodSO4) was studied under a variety of conditions. Free MBP formed insoluble complexes with both detergents. Analysis of the insoluble complexes revealed that the molar ratio of detergent/MBP in the precipitate increased in a systematic fashion with increasing detergent concentration until the complex became soluble. At pH 4.8, equilibrium dialysis studies indicated that approximately 15 mol of NaDodSO4 could bind to the protein without precipitation occurring. Regardless of the surfactant, however, minimum protein solubility occurred when the net charge on the protein-detergent complex was between +18 and -9. Complete equilibrium binding isotherms of both detergents to the protein were obtained by using MBP immobilized on agarose. The bulk of the binding of both detergents was highly cooperative and occurred at or above the critical micelle concentration. At I = 0.1, saturation levels of 2.09 +/- 0.15 g of NaDodSO4/g of protein and 1.03 /+- 0.40 g of DOC/g of protein were obtained. Below pH 7.0 the NaDodSO4 binding isotherms revealed an additional cooperative transition corresponding to the binding of 15-20 mol of NaDodSO4/mol of protein. Affinity chromatography studies indicated that, in the presence of NaDodSO4 (but not in its absence), [125I]MBP interacted with agarose-immobilized histone, lysozyme, and MBP but did not interact with ovalbumin-agarose. These data support a model in which the detergent cross-links and causes precipitation of MBP-anionic detergent complexes. Cross-linking may occur through hydrophobic interaction between detergents electrostatically bound to different MBP molecules.

Induction of antimyelin and antioligodendrocyte antibodies by vaccinia virus. An experimental study in the mouse

The appearance of serum antibodies binding to specific brain antigens was monitored in mice inoculated intracerebrally with a dermotropic or a neurotropic strain of vaccinia virus. Antibodies were measured with a binding assay using [125I]protein. A. Inoculation with the neurotropic strain caused an induction of serum antibodies binding to the myelin membrane, the myelin basic protein and oligodendrocytes while no induction of binding antibodies to neurons was observed. The dermotropic strain failed to elicit the formation of binding antibodies to brain antigens.

Association of myelin basic protein with detergent micelles

Equilibrium measurements of the binding of central nervous system myelin basic protein to sodium dodecyl sulphate, sodium deoxycholate and lysophosphatidylcholine have been obtained by gel permeation chromatography and dialysis. This protein associates with large amounts of each of these surfactants: the apparent saturation weight ratios (surfactant/protein) being 3.58 +/- 0.12 and 2.30 +/- 0.15 for dodecyl sulphate at ionic strengths 0.30 and 0.10, respectively 1.34 +/- 0.10 for deoxycholate (at 0.12 ionic strength) and 4.0 +/- 0.5 for lysophosphatidylcholine. Binding to the ionic surfactants increases markedly close to their critical micelle concentrations. Sedimentation analysis shows that at 0.30 ionic strenght in excess dodecyl sulphate the protein is monomeric. It becomes dimeric when the binding ratio falls below 1 at a free detergent concentration of approximately 0.25 mM: below this concentration much of the protein and deterent forms an insoluble complex. The amount of dodecyl sulphate bound at high concentrations and at both above-mentioned ionic strengths corresponds closely to that expected for interaction of a single poly-peptide with two micelles. Variability of deoxycholate micelle size on interaction with other molecules precludes a similar analysis for this surfactant. Association was observed only with single micelles of lysophosphatidylcholine. The results provide strong evidence for dual lipid-binding sites on basic protein and indicate that lipid bilayer cross-linking by this protein may be effected by single molecules.