Association of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase with the human red cell membrane. A kinetic analysis

Hemoglobin: Multiple molecular interactions and multiple functions. An example of energy optimization and global molecular organization

One might think that after over 100 years of study we now know all there is to know about Hemoglobin and its function. However, the purpose of this review is to outline that this fascinating protein has still much to say in the field of biological modulation. Hence, we like to focus on a number of parallel functions of hemoglobin besides its basic function of oxygen transport. Among these we like to recall the following main functions: a) modulation of erythrocyte metabolism; b) Heme oxidation and erythrocytes senescence; c) resistance to malaria; d) molecular heat transducer e) Enzymatic activity; f) Hemorphins, carbon monoxide and nitric oxide.

Compartmentation of GAPDH

The concept of the cytosol as a space that contains discrete zones of metabolites is discussed relative to the contribution of GAPDH. GAPDH is directed to very specific cell compartments. This chapter describes the utilization of GAPDH's enzymatic function for focal demands (i.e. ATP/ADP and NAD(+)/NADH), and offers a speculative role for GAPDH as perhaps moderating local concentrations of inorganic phosphate and hydrogen ions (i.e. co-substrate and co-product of the glycolytic reaction, respectively). Where known, the structural features of the binding between GAPDH and the compartment components are discussed. The nuances, which are associated with the intracellular distribution of GAPDH, appear to be specific to the cell-type, particularly with regards to the various plasma membrane proteins to which GAPDH binds. The chapter includes discussion on the curious observation of GAPDH being localized to the external surface of the plasma membrane in a human cell type. The default perspective has been that GAPDH localization is synonymous with compartmentation of glycolytic energy. The chapter discusses GAPDH translocation to the nucleus and to non-nuclear cellular structures, emphasizing its glycolytic function. Nevertheless, it is becoming clear that alternate functions of GAPDH play a role in compartmentation, particularly in the translocation to the nucleus.

myo-Inositol trispyrophosphate: a novel allosteric effector of hemoglobin with high permeation selectivity across the red blood cell plasma membrane

myo-Inositol trispyrophosphate (ITPP), a novel membrane-permeant allosteric effector of hemoglobin (Hb), enhances the regulated oxygen release capacity of red blood cells, thus counteracting the effects of hypoxia in diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. ITPP-induced shifting of the oxygen-hemoglobin equilibrium curve in red blood cells (RBCs) was inhibited by DIDS and NAP-taurine, indicating that band 3 protein, an anion transporter mainly localized on the RBC membrane, allows ITPP entry into RBCs. The maximum intracellular concentration of ITPP, determined by ion chromatography, was 5.5×10(-3) M, whereas a drop in concentration to the limit of detection was observed in NAP-taurine-treated RBCs. The dissociation constant of ITPP binding to RBC ghosts was found to be 1.72×10(-5) M. All data obtained indicate that ITPP uptake is mediated by band 3 protein and is thus highly tissue-selective towards RBCs, a feature of major importance for its potential therapeutic use.

Resveratrol treatment induces redox stress in red blood cells: a possible role of caspase 3 in metabolism and anion transport

Resveratrol, an important phytoalexine found in many plants, has been shown to be significantly effective in the treatment of several pathological conditions such as cancer, coronary heart disease and osteoarthritis. This study focuses on the effects of this drug on human red blood cells. In particular, we have examined the influence of resveratrol on Band 3, the anion exchanger protein, and hemoglobin as a function of the oxygenation-deoxygenation cycle. Moreover, special attention has been given to the metabolic changes imposed by caspase 3 activation. Resveratrol has proved to lower superoxide production, thereby decreasing heme-iron oxidation and saving the reducing power required for met-hemoglobin reduction. Oxygen binding experiments showed that resveratrol interacts with hemoglobin, shifting the T→R conformational transition towards the higher-affinity R state. This might contribute to altering the metabolic balance of the cell through an intensification of the pentose phosphate pathway. Moreover, at high oxygenation levels of the erythrocytic hemoglobin, resveratrol induces a significant activation of caspase 3, the action of which on Band 3 has a strong impact on cellular metabolism and anion transport.

Inhibition of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity by antibodies present in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis

We have previously shown that B cells and Abs reactive with GAPDH and antitriosephosphate isomerase (TPI) are present in lesions and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in multiple sclerosis (MS). In the current study, we studied the effect of anti-GAPDH and anti-TPI CSF IgG on the glycolytic enzyme activity of GAPDH and TPI after exposure to intrathecal IgG from 10 patients with MS and 34 patients with other neurologic diseases. The degree of inhibition of GAPDH activity by CSF anti-GAPDH IgG in the seven MS samples tested varied from 13 to 98%, which seemed to correlate with the percentage of anti-GAPDH IgG in the CSF IgG (1-45%). Inhibition of GAPDH activity (18 and 23%) by CSF IgG was seen in two of the 34 patients with other neurologic diseases, corresponding to the low percentage of CSF anti-GAPDH IgG (1 and 8%). In addition, depletion of anti-GAPDH IgG from CSF IgG, using immobilized GAPDH, removed the inhibitory effect of the IgG on GAPDH. No inhibition of GAPDH activity was seen with CSF samples not containing anti-GAPDH IgG. No inhibition of TPI activity was seen with any purified CSF IgG sample. These findings demonstrate an increased percentage of anti-GAPDH Abs in the CSF of patients with MS that can inhibit GAPDH glycolytic enzyme activity and may contribute to neuroaxonal degeneration.

The role of GLUT1 in the sugar-induced dielectric response of human erythrocytes

We propose a key role for the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in mediating the observed changes in the dielectric properties of human erythrocyte membranes as determined by dielectric spectroscopy. Cytochalasin B, a GLUT1 transport inhibitor, abolished the membrane capacitance changes in glucose-exposed red cells. Surprisingly, D-fructose, known to be transported primarily by GLUT5, exerted similar membrane capacitance changes at increasing D-fructose concentrations. In order to evaluate whether the glucose-mediated membrane capacitance changes originated directly from intracellularly bound adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or other components of the glycolysis process, we studied the dielectric responses of swollen erythrocytes with a decreased ATP content and of nucleotide-filled ghosts. Resealed ghosts containing physiological concentrations of ATP yielded the same glucose-dependent capacitance changes as biconcave intact red blood cells, further supporting the finding that ATP is the effector of the glucose-mediated dielectric response where the ATP concentration is also the mediating factor in swollen red blood cells. The results suggest that ATP binding to GLUT1 elicits a membrane capacitance change that increases with the applied concentration gradient of D-glucose. A simplified model of the membrane capacitance alteration with glucose uptake is proposed.

The plasma membrane of erythrocytes plays a fundamental role in the transport of oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitric oxide and in the maintenance of the reduced state of the heme iron

Here we review new insights into the role of the erythrocyte membrane and the implications of its architecture on the several functions accomplished by the red blood cells. The picture which emerges highlights the capability of Hb and band 3 to modulate erythrocyte metabolism and to meet the needs of the cell.

Roles of hemoglobin Allostery in hypoxia-induced metabolic alterations in erythrocytes: simulation and its verification by metabolome analysis

When erythrocytes are exposed to hypoxia, hemoglobin (Hb) stabilizes in the T-state by capturing 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate. This process could reduce the intracellular pool of glycolytic substrates, jeopardizing cellular energetics. Recent observations suggest that hypoxia-induced activation of glycolytic enzymes is correlated with their release from Band III (BIII) on the cell membrane. Based on these data, we developed a mathematical model of erythrocyte metabolism and compared hypoxia-induced differences in predicted activities of the enzymes, their products, and cellular energetics between models with and without the interaction of Hb with BIII. The models predicted that the allostery-dependent Hb interaction with BIII accelerates consumption of upstream glycolytic substrates such as glucose 6-phosphate and increases downstream products such as phosphoenolpyruvate. This prediction was consistent with metabolomic data from capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry. The hypoxia-induced alterations in the metabolites resulted from acceleration of glycolysis, as judged by increased conversion of [(13)C]glucose to [(13)C]lactate. The allostery-dependent interaction of Hb with BIII appeared to contribute not only to maintenance of energy charge but also to further synthesis of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate, which could help sustain stabilization of T-state Hb during hypoxia. Furthermore, such an activation of glycolysis was not observed when Hb was stabilized in R-state by treating the cells with CO. These results suggest that Hb allostery in erythrocytes serves as an O(2)-sensing trigger that drives glycolytic acceleration to stabilize intracellular energetics and promote the ability to release O(2) from the cells.

Reversible post-translational modification of proteins by nitrated fatty acids in vivo

Nitric oxide ((*)NO)-derived reactive species nitrate unsaturated fatty acids, yielding nitroalkene derivatives, including the clinically abundant nitrated oleic and linoleic acids. The olefinic nitro group renders these derivatives electrophilic at the carbon beta to the nitro group, thus competent for Michael addition reactions with cysteine and histidine. By using chromatographic and mass spectrometric approaches, we characterized this reactivity by using in vitro reaction systems, and we demonstrated that nitroalkene-protein and GSH adducts are present in vivo under basal conditions in healthy human red cells. Nitro-linoleic acid (9-, 10-, 12-, and 13-nitro-9,12-octadecadienoic acids) (m/z 324.2) and nitro-oleic acid (9- and 10-nitro-9-octadecaenoic acids) (m/z 326.2) reacted with GSH (m/z 306.1), yielding adducts with m/z of 631.3 and 633.3, respectively. At physiological concentrations, nitroalkenes inhibited glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), which contains a critical catalytic Cys (Cys-149). GAPDH inhibition displayed an IC(50) of approximately 3 microM for both nitroalkenes, an IC(50) equivalent to the potent thiol oxidant peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) and an IC(50) 30-fold less than H(2)O(2), indicating that nitroalkenes are potent thiol-reactive species. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed covalent adducts between fatty acid nitroalkene derivatives and GAPDH, including at the catalytic Cys-149. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of human red cells confirmed that nitroalkenes readily undergo covalent, thiol-reversible post-translational modification of nucleophilic amino acids in GSH and GAPDH in vivo. The adduction of GAPDH and GSH by nitroalkenes significantly increased the hydrophobicity of these molecules, both inducing translocation to membranes and suggesting why these abundant derivatives had not been detected previously via traditional high pressure liquid chromatography analysis. The occurrence of these electrophilic nitroalkylation reactions in vivo indicates that this reversible post-translational protein modification represents a new pathway for redox regulation of enzyme function, cell signaling, and protein trafficking.

Assembly and regulation of a glycolytic enzyme complex on the human erythrocyte membrane

To characterize the location of glycolytic enzymes (GEs) in intact human erythrocytes, freshly drawn blood was fixed and stained with Abs to GAPDH, aldolase, phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvate kinase (PK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), carbonic anhydrase II, Hb, and band 3 (AE1). Confocal microscopy revealed that in cells where band 3 displays its expected membrane staining and Hb is evenly distributed across the cytoplasm, GEs are largely limited to the membrane. Biochemical studies confirmed that the membrane binding sites for GAPDH, aldolase, and PFK reside on band 3, but related analyses demonstrate that sites for PK and LDH do not. Four lines of evidence demonstrate that the GEs are at least partially assembled into multimeric complexes near the NH2 terminus of band 3. First, a mAb to residues 1-12 of band 3 displaces all of the above GEs from the membrane, including LDH and PK, which do not bind band 3. Second, tyrosine phosphorylation of the NH2 terminus of band 3 (Y8 and Y21) reversibly releases all of the GEs from the membrane, including LDH and PK. Third, deoxygenation of RBCs dislodges all GEs from the membrane, consistent with the established ability of deoxyHb but not oxyHb to bind the NH2 terminus of band 3. Fourth, a large increase in the accessibility of enzyme epitopes is observed upon dissociation of GEs from the membrane. We conclude, therefore, that GEs are organized into complexes on the membrane whose assembly is regulated by oxygenation and phosphorylation.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase Interacts with Rab2 and Plays an Essential Role in Endoplasmic Reticulum to Golgi Transport Exclusive of Its Glycolytic Activity

Rab2 requires atypical protein kinase C iota/lambda (aPKC iota/lambda) to promote vesicle formation from vesicular tubular clusters (VTCs). The Rab2-generated vesicles are enriched in recycling proteins suggesting that the carriers are retrograde-directed and retrieve transport machinery back to the endoplasmic reticulum. These vesicles also contained the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). We have previously established that GAPDH is required for membrane transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex. Moreover, GAPDH is phosphorylated by aPKC iota/lambda and binds to the aPKC iota/lambda regulatory domain. In this study, we employed a combination of in vivo and in vitro assays and determined that GAPDH also interacts with Rab2. The site of GAPDH interaction was mapped to Rab2 residues 20-50. In addition to its glycolytic function, GAPDH has multiple intracellular roles. However, the function of GAPDH in the early secretory pathway is unknown. One possibility is that GAPDH ultimately provides energy in the form of ATP. To determine whether GAPDH catalytic activity was critical for transport in the early secretory pathway, a conservative substitution was made at Cys-149 located at the active site, and the mutant was biochemically characterized in a battery of assays. Although GAPDH (C149G) has no catalytic activity, Rab2 recruited the mutant protein to membranes in a quantitative binding assay. GAPDH (C149G) is phosphorylated by aPKC iota/lambda and binds directly to Rab2 when evaluated in an overlay binding assay. Importantly, VSV-G transport between the ER and Golgi complex is restored when an in vitro trafficking assay is performed with GAPDH-depleted cytosol and GAPDH (C149G). These data suggest that GAPDH imparts a unique function necessary for membrane trafficking from VTCs that does not require GAPDH glycolytic activity.

The Detection of Bovine Lactoferrin Binding Protein on Trypanosoma brucei

Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of sleeping sickness in humans, requires transferrin (TF) for growth. Therefore, T. brucei has a TF receptor that allows it to obtain iron from TF. Lactoferrin (LF), a member of the TF family protein, is an iron-binding protein that is found in most biological fluids of mammals. LF has been shown to interact with some bacteria species by specific receptor-ligand binding. We examined the ability of T. brucei to bind bovine LF (bLF) by using a fluorescence test, streptavidin-biotin (SAB) microplate analysis, and far Western blotting using a biotin-streptavidin system. We found that bLF bound to components of T. brucei, and that bLF hydrolysate disrupted the sites responsible for binding to parasite proteins. Furthermore, bLF, human LF, bovine TF, and ovotransferrin bound same proteins of T. brucei, which exhibited molecular masses of 40 and 43 kDa. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 40 kDa bLF binding protein was identified as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH).

Band-3 protein function in human erythrocytes: effect of oxygenation-deoxygenation

Sulfate transport by band-3 protein in adult human erythrocytes was shown to be modulated by oxygen pressure. In particular, a higher transport activity was measured under high oxygen pressure than at low one (0.0242+/-0.0073 vs. 0.0074+/-0.0010 min(-1)). Other factors, such as magnesium ions and orthovanadate, which can indirectly affect the binding properties of the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 (cdb3), influence significantly the anion exchanger activity. No effect of oxygen pressure on sulfate transport was found in chicken erythrocytes, which may be related to their lacking the cdb3 binding site. These findings are fully consistent with a molecular mechanism where the oxygen-linked transition of hemoglobin (T-->R) could play a key role in the regulation of anion exchanger activity.

The complex of band 3 protein of the human erythrocyte membrane and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase: stoichiometry and competition by aldolase

The cytoplasmic domain of band 3, the main intrinsic protein of the erythrocyte membrane, possesses binding sites for a variety of other proteins of the membrane and the cytoplasm, including the glycolytic enzymes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and aldolase. We have studied the stoichiometry of the complexes of human band 3 protein and GAPDH and the competition by aldolase for the binding sites. In addition, we have tried to verify the existence of mixed band 3/GAPDH/aldolase complexes, which could represent the nucleus of a putative glycolytic multienzyme complex on the erythrocyte membrane. The technique applied was analytical ultracentrifugation, in particular sedimentation equilibrium analysis, on mixtures of detergent-solubilized band 3 and dye-labelled GAPDH, in part of the experiments supplemented by aldolase. The results obtained were analogous to those reported for the binding of hemoglobin, aldolase and band 4.1 to band 3: (1) the predominant or even sole band 3 oligomer forming the binding site is the tetramer. (2) The band 3 tetramer can bind up to four tetramers of GAPDH. (3) The band 3/GAPDH complexes are unstable. (4) Artificially stabilized band 3 dimers also represent GAPDH binding sites. In addition it was found that aldolase competes with GAPDH for binding to the band 3 tetramer, and that ternary complexes of band 3 tetramers, GAPDH and aldolase do exist.

HSP90, HSP70, and GAPDH directly interact with the cytoplasmic domain of macrophage scavenger receptors

The macrophage scavenger receptor (MSR) is a trimeric membrane protein which binds to modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and has been indicated in the development of atherosclerosis. It has recently been demonstrated that the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain of MSR has an important role in the efficient internalization and cell-surface expression of the receptor. This study shows that the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain in bovine was constructed using a peptide architecture technique in which the peptide chain was bundled at their C-terminus to yield a trimeric form and that this did not form an ordered structure. Furthermore, the binding proteins to the cytoplasmic domain of MSR were determined for the first time using a peptide affinity column. Sequence analyses of the specific binding proteins in bovine revealed that heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), adenocylhomocysteinase, and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were included. GST-pull-down assay and immunoprecipitation analyses on HSP90, HSP70, and GAPDH showed that all these proteins could bind to the cytoplasmic domain of MSR in vitro and in vivo. These proteins interact with the cytoplasmic domain directly and may have an effect on the functions of MSR such as internalization, cell-surface expression, and signal transduction.

H2O2-induced block of glycolysis as an active ADP-ribosylation reaction protecting cells from apoptosis

H2O2 treatment on U937 cells leads to the block of glycolytic flux and the inactivation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase by a posttranslational modification (possibly ADP-ribosylation). Glycolysis spontaneously reactivates after 2 h of recovery from oxidative stress; thereafter cells begin to undergo apoptosis. The specific ADP-ribosylation inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide inhibits the stress-induced inactivation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase and the block of glycolysis; concomitantly, it anticipates and increases apoptosis. Exogenous block of glycolysis (i.e., by culture in glucose-free medium or with glucose analogs or after NAD depletion), turns the transient block into a stable one: this results in protection from apoptosis, even when downstream cell metabolism is kept active by the addition of pyruvate. All this evidence indicates that the stress-induced block of glycolysis is not the result of a passive oxidative damage, but rather an active cell reaction programmed via ADP-ribosylation for cell self-defense.

New insights into an old protein: the functional diversity of mammalian glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) was considered a classical glycolytic protein examined for its pivotal role in energy production. It was also used as a model protein for analysis of protein structure and enzyme mechanisms. The GAPDH gene was utilized as a prototype for studies of genetic organization, expression and regulation. However, recent evidence demonstrates that mammalian GAPDH displays a number of diverse activities unrelated to its glycolytic function. These include its role in membrane fusion, microtubule bundling, phosphotransferase activity, nuclear RNA export, DNA replication and DNA repair. These new activities may be related to the subcellular localization and oligomeric structure of GAPDH in vivo. Furthermore, other investigations suggest that GAPDH is involved in apoptosis, age-related neurodegenerative disease, prostate cancer and viral pathogenesis. Intriguingly, GAPDH is also a unique target of nitric oxide. This review discusses the functional diversity of GAPDH in relation to its protein structure. The mechanisms through which mammalian cells may utilize GAPDH amino acid sequences to provide these new functions and to determine its intracellular localization are considered. The interrelationship between new GAPDH activities and its role in cell pathologies is addressed.

Hydrodynamic properties of human erythrocyte band 3 solubilized in reduced Triton X-100

The oligomeric state and function of band 3, purified by sulfhydryl affinity chromatography in reduced Triton X-100, was investigated. Size exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography showed that a homogeneous population of band 3 dimers could be purified from whole erythrocyte membranes. The elution profile of band 3 purified from membranes that had been stripped of its cytoskeleton before solubilization was a broad single peak describing a heterogeneous population of oligomers with a mean Stokes radius of 100 A. Sedimentation velocity ultracentrifugation analysis confirmed particle heterogeneity and further showed monomer/dimer/tetramer equilibrium self-association. Whether the conversion of dimer to the form described by a Stokes radius of 100 A was initiated by removal of cytoskeletal components, alkali-induced changes in band 3 conformation, or alkali-induced loss of copurifying ligands remains unclear. After incubation at 20 degrees C for 24 h, both preparations of band 3 converted to a common form characterized by a mean Stokes radius of 114 A. This form of the protein, examined by equilibrium sedimentation ultracentrifugation, is able to self-associate reversibly, and the self-association can be described by a dimer/tetramer/hexamer model, although the presence of higher oligomers cannot be discounted. The ability of the different forms of the protein to bind stilbene disulfonates revealed that the dimer had the highest inhibitor binding affinity, and the form characterized by a mean Stokes radius of 114 A to have the lowest.

The staphylococcal transferrin-binding protein is a cell wall glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis possess a 42-kDa cell wall transferrin-binding protein (Tpn) which is involved in the acquisition of transferrin-bound iron. To characterize this protein further, cell wall fractions were subjected to two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis blotted, and the N-terminus of Tpn was sequenced. Comparison of the first 20 amino acid residues of Tpn with the protein databases revealed a high degree of homology to the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Analysis of staphylococcal cell wall fractions for GAPDH activity confirmed the presence of a functional enzyme which, like Tpn, is regulated by the availability of iron in the growth medium. To determine whether Tpn is responsible for this GAPDH activity, it was affinity purified with NAD+ agarose. Both S. epidermidis and S. aureus Tpn catalyzed the conversion of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate to 1,3-diphosphoglycerate. In contrast, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, which lacks a Tpn, has no cell wall-associated GAPDH activity. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the affinity-purified Tpn revealed that it was present in the cell wall as a tetramer, consistent with the structures of all known cytoplasmic GAPDHs. Furthermore, the affinity-purified Tpn retained its ability to bind human transferrin both in its native tetrameric and SDS-denatured monomeric forms. Apart from interacting with human transferrin, Tpn, in common with the group A streptococcal cell wall GAPDH, binds human plasmin. Tpn-bound plasmin is enzymatically active and therefore may contribute to the ability of staphylococci to penetrate tissues during infections. These studies demonstrate that the staphylococcal transferrin receptor protein, Tpn, is a multifunctional cell wall GAPDH.

Immunopurification of a sarcomeric junctional protein complex containing GAPDH

We have isolated a monoclonal antibody, P4B2, which localizes to multiple anchorage junctions, namely, a subset of focal adhesions, the Z-disk of muscle, and neuromuscular junctions. Immunopurification of the antigen to this antibody from chicken brain tissue yielded a complex of three prominent proteins with mobilities of 36, 30, and 18 kDa. Amino acid sequencing of the purified proteins identified the 36-kDa protein as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). The other two protein bands were heterogeneous, containing proteins found in the synaptic vesicle fusion core complex. Immunolocalization of P4B2 antigen in developing cultured muscle cells showed that the antigen is incorporated into Z-lines soon after the sarcomeric architecture was positive for alpha-actinin. Together, the data indicate the P4B2 antigen is part of a unique GAPDH-containing protein complex that may be involved in reinforcement of established cytoskeletal structures.

S-nitrosylation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase decreases the enzyme affinity to the erythrocyte membrane

The effects of nitric oxide (NO) or related molecules on the binding of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) to the red blood cell (RBC) membrane were investigated. It was demonstrated that submillimolar concentrations of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) not only strongly inactivated GAPDH by S-nitrosylation of the enzyme thiols but also decreased the binding affinity of GAPDH for the RBC membrane. In fact, the incubation with SNP for 60 min at 30 degrees C and at a concentration > 50 microM induced the dissociation of the native GAPDH from the white unsealed membranes (standard ghosts) in a concentration-dependent manner with a partial recovery of the enzyme activity and thiols when SNP concentrations higher of 1 mM were used. Binding experiments under saturating conditions indicate a Ka value for the nitrosylated GAPDH of 3.5 +/- 0.8 x 10(6) M-1, which was more than 50% less than the Ka value of 7.6 +/- 0.6 x 10(6) M-1 observed for the native enzyme. These data were also confirmed in reassociation experiments under nonsaturating conditions. Dithiothreitol (DTT), which at concentrations of less than 1 mM catalyzed the S-nitrosylation of GAPDH and the consequent modification of the binding properties described above, the concentrations higher than 5 mM restored both the enzyme activity and the binding properties. Furthermore, the enzyme-membrane association induced before the incubation step afforded at least partial protection from the loss of titrable thiols and from the inactivation induced either spontaneously or by SNP. Taken together, these data not only confirm the key role of the active site cysteine residues in the catalytic function of GAPDH but also suggest that they may be involved in the NO-dependent regulation of GAPDH binding to the RBC membrane.

Inhibition of immunoglobulin production stimulating activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase by nucleotides

We have previously identified glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as an immunoglobulin production stimulating factor (IPSF) which facilitated immunoglobulin production by hybridomas and lymphocytes. The IPSF activity of this enzyme was suppressed by the coexistence of some sorts of nucleotides. We now report that the IPSF effect of GAPDH was suppressed by the coexistence of DNA, the inhibiting effect of degraded DNA being inferior to that of long-chain DNA. Both single-stranded and double-stranded synthetic polyribonucleotides also inhibited the IPSF activity of GAPDH. Moreover, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) repressed the IPSF effect.

Complete Deficiency of Glycophorin A in Red Blood Cells From Mice With Targeted Inactivation of the Band 3 (AE1) Gene

Glycophorin A is the major transmembrane sialoglycoprotein of red blood cells. It has been shown to contribute to the expression of the MN and Wright blood group antigens, to act as a receptor for the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and Sendai virus, and along with the anion transporter, band 3, may contribute to the mechanical properties of the red blood cell membrane. Several lines of evidence suggest a close interaction between glycophorin A and band 3 during their biosynthesis. Recently, we have generated mice where the band 3 expression was completely eliminated by selective inactivation of the AE1 anion exchanger gene, thus allowing us to study the effect of band 3 on the expression of red blood cell membrane proteins. In this report, we show that the band 3 −/− red blood cells contain protein 4.1, adducin, dematin, p55, and glycophorin C. In contrast, the band 3 −/− red blood cells are completely devoid of glycophorin A (GPA), as assessed by Western blot and immunocytochemistry techniques, whereas the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of GPA mRNA. Pulse-label and pulse-chase experiments show that GPA is not incorporated in the membrane and is rapidly degraded in the cytoplasm. Based on these findings and other published evidence, we propose that band 3 plays a chaperone-like role, which is necessary for the recruitment of GPA to the red blood cell plasma membrane.

Complete Deficiency of Glycophorin A in Red Blood Cells From Mice With Targeted Inactivation of the Band 3 (AE1) Gene

Glycophorin A is the major transmembrane sialoglycoprotein of red blood cells. It has been shown to contribute to the expression of the MN and Wright blood group antigens, to act as a receptor for the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and Sendai virus, and along with the anion transporter, band 3, may contribute to the mechanical properties of the red blood cell membrane. Several lines of evidence suggest a close interaction between glycophorin A and band 3 during their biosynthesis. Recently, we have generated mice where the band 3 expression was completely eliminated by selective inactivation of the AE1 anion exchanger gene, thus allowing us to study the effect of band 3 on the expression of red blood cell membrane proteins. In this report, we show that the band 3 −/− red blood cells contain protein 4.1, adducin, dematin, p55, and glycophorin C. In contrast, the band 3 −/− red blood cells are completely devoid of glycophorin A (GPA), as assessed by Western blot and immunocytochemistry techniques, whereas the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of GPA mRNA. Pulse-label and pulse-chase experiments show that GPA is not incorporated in the membrane and is rapidly degraded in the cytoplasm. Based on these findings and other published evidence, we propose that band 3 plays a chaperone-like role, which is necessary for the recruitment of GPA to the red blood cell plasma membrane.

Characterization of Escherichia coli strains with gapA and gapB genes deleted

We obtained a series of Escherichia coli strains in which gapA, gapB, or both had been deleted. Delta gapA strains do not revert on glucose, while delta gapB strains grow on glycerol or glucose. We showed that gapB-encoded protein is expressed but at a very low level. Together, these results confirm the essential role for gapA in glycolysis and show that gapB is dispensable for both glycolysis and the pyridoxal biosynthesis pathway.

Glutathione conjugates recognize the Rossmann fold of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

Leukotriene (LT) C4 and other glutathione conjugates are synthesized intracellularly and then move to the plasma membrane for export. The intracellular proteins that bind these molecules and the significance of these interactions are poorly understood. To identify the binding sites of membrane-associated proteins that recognize these molecules, we utilized photoaffinity probes to label the inner leaflet of erythrocytes. The predominant molecule labeled with S-(p-nitrobenzyl)glutathione-[125I]4-azidosalicylic acid (PNBG-[125I]ASA) or LTC4-[125I]4-azidosalicylic acid (LTC4-[125I]ASA) was 38 kDa. The protein was labeled with PNBG-[125I]ASA, electroblotted to polyvinylidene difluoride membranes, digested in situ with lysyl endopeptidase, and two radiolabeled peptides isolated by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography. These contained an identity of 7/11 with amino acids 119-129, and 11/11 with amino acids 67-77 of human liver glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), respectively. Photoaffinity labeling with PNBG-[125I]ASA was blocked completely by 100 microM ATP and greater than 50% with 100 microM NAD+. LTC4-[125I]ASA binding to the NAD+ site was confirmed by V8 protease digestion of purified GAPDH labeled with LTC4-[125I]ASA or PNBG-[125I]ASA, with both labels localized to the 6.8-kDa N-terminal fragment. Photoaffinity labeling of HL-60 cells with LTC4-125I-ASA identified GAPDH as the predominant cytoplasmic binding protein in these cells. These data indicate that GAPDH is a membrane-associated and cytoplasmic protein which binds glutathione conjugates including LTC4.

Structure within eukaryotic cytoplasm and its relationship to glycolytic metabolism

Taken together, the results reviewed here indicate that both structural proteins and enzymes exist in a relatively mobile, uncomplexed form and in a relatively immobile form, complexed with the matrix. The relative amounts of free and complexed forms of each protein are dependent upon the local concentrations of both small molecules and other macromolecules and hence may vary in time and space throughout the cell. Free and cytomatrix-bound enzymes exchange rapidly, while free and cytomatrix-bound structural proteins exchange more slowly. These two distinct time scales suggest that the slowly exchanging structural proteins form the core of fibrous structural elements--having many stabilizing intermolecular contacts with near neighbours--whereas the more rapidly exchanging enzymes adsorb to the surface of the structural elements and have fewer near neighbour contacts. The hierarchical nature of these associations is depicted schematically in Figure 3. Metabolism is proposed to proceed primarily via transport of small metabolites rather than by transport of enzymes, which may be organized in functional clusters to facilitate, metabolic regulation.

Associations between erythrocyte band 3 protein and aldolase in detergent solution. Determining their stoichiometry by analytical ultracentrifugation

The cytoplasmic domain of band 3, the predominant polypeptide of the erythrocyte membrane, represents a binding site for certain glycolytic enzymes. We have studied the association between human band 3 protein and aldolase, in order to clarify the role of the different band 3 oligomers as ligand binding sites. The experiments were performed on mixtures of solubilized band 3 and aldolase in solutions of a nonionic detergent, nonaethyleneglycol lauryl ether. The main technique applied was sedimentation equilibrium analysis in an analytical ultracentrifuge. In addition, nonequilibrium centrifugation techniques were used. To facilitate the evaluations, the aldolase was labelled with a dye. The following results were obtained. (1) With unmodified band 3, aldolase is bound exclusively or at least predominantly to the band 3 tetramer (but not to monomers or dimers). (2) The band 3 tetramer can bind up to four aldolase tetramers. (3) The band 3 tetramer/aldolase complex is unstable on the time scale of the techniques used. (4) Stable band 3 dimers (stabilized either covalently or noncovalently) can also associate with aldolase and can bind up to two aldolase tetramers. The results described, together with those reported previously, point at a prominent role of the band 3 tetramer in ligand binding.

Hereditary spherocytosis: a review of the clinical and molecular aspects of the disease

Hereditary spherocytosis is a common and very heterogeneous hemolytic anemia caused by defects of the red cell membrane proteins. In recent years, major advances in our understanding of the red cell membrane skeleton and a better characterization of its individual components have allowed a brighter insight into the pathogenesis of the disease. In this article, we present an overview of the erythrocyte skeleton and its individual constituents. We also review the clinical aspects of the disease and describe the currently known molecular defects involving the membrane proteins which have been shown to play an essential role in the underlying mechanism of hereditary spherocytosis. Finally we examine several models that have been proposed in an attempt to clarify the mechanism leading from the initial molecular insult to the clinical phenotype.

Minireview. Emerging new functions of the glycolytic protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, in mammalian cells

Recent evidence indicates new, intriguing roles for the glycolytic protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), in fundamental mammalian cell processes. These include its role in DNA repair, in the translational control of gene expression, in DNA replication and in endocytosis. These findings have the potential to alter our basic understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which human or mammalian cells utilize individual proteins in vital, yet unrelated, cell processes.

Partial characterization of the cytoplasmic domain of human kidney band 3

The major anion exchanger in type A intercalated cells of the cortical and medullary collecting ducts of the human kidney is a truncated isoform of erythrocyte band 3 (AE1) that lacks the N-terminal 65 residues. Because this missing sequence has been implicated in the binding of ankyrin, protein 4.1, several glycolytic enzymes, hemoglobin, and hemichromes in erythrocytes, we have undertaken examination of the structure and peripheral protein interactions of this kidney isoform. The cytoplasmic domain of kidney band 3, kidney CDB3, was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. The kidney isoform exhibited a circular dichroism spectrum and Stokes radius similar to its larger erythrocyte counterpart. Kidney CDB3 was also observed to engage in the same conformational equilibrium characteristic of erythrocyte CDB3. In contrast, the tryptophan and cysteine clusters of kidney CDB3 behaved very differently from erythrocyte CDB3 in response to pH changes and oxidizing conditions. Furthermore, kidney CDB3 did not bind ankyrin, protein 4.1, or aldolase, and expression of erythrocyte CDB3 was toxic to its bacterial host, whereas expression of kidney CDB3 was not. Taken together, these data suggest that the absence of the N-terminal 65 amino acids in kidney CDB3 eliminates the major function currently ascribed to CDB3 in erythrocytes, i.e. that of peripheral protein binding. The primary function of residues 66-379 found in kidney CDB3 thus remains to be elucidated.

The mode of actions of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase identified as an immunoglobulin production stimulating factor

Immunoglobulin production stimulating factor-II alpha, which enhances immunoglobulin production of human and mouse hybridomas was purified from cell lysate of human Burkitt's lymphoma, Namalwa cells, and identified as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. The enhancement of immunoglobulin production with this enzyme was not linked with its enzymatic activity. The enzyme enhanced immunoglobulin productivity of transcription-suppressed hybridomas, but did not enhance that of translation-suppressed hybridomas. From these results, it is suggested that this enzyme takes part in the post-translational control or the enhancement of translation activity to stimulate immunoglobulin production of hybridomas.

Characterization of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene family from Kluyveromyces marxianus--polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism as a tool for the study of multigenic families

Three glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) genes from Kluyveromyces marxianus were identified and characterized. The coding region of two of them (GAP2 and GAP3) is very similar (99.6% homology). The other gene (GAP1) is only 86% homologous to GAP2 or GAP3 and is responsible for the expression of Gap1p. This protein is extremely homologous to the K. marxianus cell wall protein p37, presumably involved in flocculation. However, no leader sequence could be detected in this gene. The identification of the three genes was possible with the use of polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP), as it permits us to overcome the difficulties caused by the high homology amongst the genes. Expression of the GAPDH genes under different carbon sources (glucose or ethanol) was assessed either by Northern blot or reverse transcription-PCR-SSCP analysis, revealing that genes GAP1 and GAP2, but not GAP3, are transcribed. The results also indicate that the transcription of the gene encoding the cell wall protein p37 (Gap1p) is not dependent on the carbon source, in contrast with the expression of the gene GAP2, which is affected in cells growing in a glucose-depleted medium.

Interaction of bovine heart pyruvate kinase with phospholipids

The interaction between bovine heart pyruvate kinase and liposomes was investigated for various phospholipids as function of pH, and salt concentration using steady-state kinetics and ultracentrifugation. Liposomes made from erythrocyte total lipid fraction and individual phospholipids were used. Pyruvate kinase specific activity increases upon the interaction with the phospholipids. The activation is specifically sensitive to presence of phosphatidylserine in liposomes. L-serine, and phospho-L-serine which are main components of phosphatidylserine head group show also some activation effect. Efficient adsorption of pyruvate kinase to phosphatidylserine liposomes occurs in the pH range 6.0-8.0 and at low ionic strength. Interaction with phosphatidylserine liposomes results in the change of Vmax and Km values for phospho enol pyruvate without marked effect on Km value for ADP, and Hill coefficients for both substrates. The interaction does not seem to influence the cooperativity between binding sites.

The multiple functions of hemoglobin

The aim of this review is to focus and discuss several parallel biological functions of hemoglobin besides its basic function of oxygen transport. In light of the information present in the literature the following possible physiological roles of hemoglobin are discussed: (1) hemoglobin as molecular heat transducer through its oxygenation-deoxygenation cycle, (2) hemoglobin as modulator of erythrocyte metabolism, (3) hemoglobin oxidation as an onset of erythrocyte senescence, (4) hemoglobin and its implication in genetic resistance to malaria, (5) enzymatic activities of hemoglobin and interactions with drugs, and (6) hemoglobin as source of physiological active catabolites.

Glycolytic enzyme-tubulin interactions: role of tubulin carboxy terminals

Tubulin and microtubules were modified with the protease, subtilisin. The modification reduced the length of alpha- or beta-tubulin by cleaving a peptide fragment from the C-terminals. Generation of alpha'beta'-tubulin, which is cleaved at both the alpha- and beta-subunit terminals, and alpha beta'-tubulin, which is cleaved at the beta-subunit C-terminal, have already been reported. In this work an isotype, alpha'beta-tubulin, was produced. The three modified tubulin isotypes were compared for their ability to interact with glycolytic enzymes. Cleavage of alpha led to a poorer interaction when tested via affinity chromatography. Tubulin also inhibits the activity of aldolase and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase. When the alpha-subunit C-terminal was intact, inhibition was greatest. These results imply that the C-terminal of the tubulin alpha-subunit is responsible for interactions with glycolytic enzymes.

Stimulatory effect of phospholipase A2 treatment on glucose utilization in human erythrocytes

We examined whether modification of membrane phospholipids of human erythrocytes by hydrolysis with phospholipase A2 (PLA2 from bee venom) would affect glucose utilization, chosen as a typical model of intracellular metabolism, and, if so, intended to clarify the mechanism of the alteration of glycolysis. Treatment of erythrocytes with PLA2 induced a marked shape change (i.e., crenation) and significantly increased the rate of lactate production from glucose. Available evidence indicated that there is no relevance of this cell-shape change to the alteration of glycolysis. The lack of a detectable effect of papain treatment on glycolysis in PLA2-treated cells suggested that the increase in glycolysis by PLA2 treatment might not be caused by the conformational change of band-3 protein through modulation of membrane phospholipids. The result of the measurement of lactate production in the presence and absence of ouabain did not support the idea that hydrolysis of phospholipids by PLA2 treatment makes plasma membranes leaky to Na+ and consequently enhances glycolysis through activation of Na+/K(+)-ATPase. The action of PLA2 on glycolysis was abolished by extraction of free fatty acids in the cell membrane with bovine serum albumin. Loading erythrocytes with free fatty acid (oleic acid, linoleic acid, or arachidonic acid) caused a significant increase in glycolysis. Analysis of glycolytic intermediates suggested that the enhancement of glycolysis was induced by activation of 6-phosphofructokinase. The data, thus, indicate that treatment of human erythrocytes with PLA2 significantly accelerates glucose utilization and suggest that the stimulation of glycolysis is caused by activation of 6-phosphofructokinase through liberation of free fatty acids of membrane phospholipids by PLA2.

Compartmentalized ATP synthesis in skeletal muscle triads

Isolated skeletal muscle triads contain a compartmentalized glycolytic reaction sequence catalyzed by aldolase, triosephosphate isomerase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and phosphoglycerate kinase. These enzymes express activity in the structure-associated state leading to synthesis of ATP in the triadic junction upon supply of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate or fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. ATP formation occurs transiently and appears to be kinetically compartmentalized, i.e., the synthesized ATP is not in equilibrium with the bulk ATP. The apparent rate constants of the aldolase and the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphoglycerate kinase reaction are significantly increased when fructose 1,6-bisphosphate instead of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate is employed as substrate. The observations suggest that fructose 1,6-bisphosphate is especially effectively channelled into the junctional gap. The amplitude of the ATP transient is decreasing with increasing free [Ca2+] in the range of 1 nM to 30 microM. In the presence of fluoride, the ATP transient is significantly enhanced and its declining phase is substantially retarded. This observation suggests utilization of endogenously synthesized ATP in part by structure associated protein kinases and phosphatases which is confirmed by the detection of phosphorylated triadic proteins after gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Endogenous protein kinases phosphorylate proteins of apparent Mr 450,000, 180,000, 160,000, 145,000, 135,000, 90,000, 54,000, 51,000, and 20,000, respectively. Some of these phosphorylated polypeptides are in the Mr range of known phosphoproteins involved in excitation-contraction coupling of skeletal muscle, which might give a first hint at the functional importance of the sequential glycolytic reactions compartmentalized in triads.

Association of glycolytic enzymes with the cytoskeleton

The diverse physical associations of the glycolytic enzymes with structural components of the cell suggest that the glycolytic enzymes are not entirely soluble in the cell. The relatively low affinities of the associations are likely responsible for the apparently transient interactions. The binding phenomenon is suggested to regulate metabolism through changes in enzymatic activity and facilitates localized enrichment of the enzymes.

Rotational diffusion of band 3 in erythrocyte membranes. 2. Binding of cytoplasmic enzymes

Time-resolved phosphorescence anisotropy has been used to study the rotational diffusion of eosin-labeled human erythrocyte band 3 in the presence of an enzyme bound at its cytoplasmic pole. With increasing amounts of G3PD (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) added to ghosts, the infinite time anisotropy (r infinity) increases, and at saturating concentrations, very little decay of the anisotropy r(t) occurs at all. These phenomena are reversed by elution of the enzyme with 150 mM NaCl. Prior proteolytic removal of the N-terminal 41-kDa cytoplasmic fragment of band 3 also disenables the G3PD effect. When ghosts are stripped of their residually bound G3PD, a small reduction in the fraction of immobile band 3 is observed. Finally, titration of band 3 sites with aldolase shows effects on the r(t) qualitatively similar to those observed with G3PD. On the basis of our interpretation of the heterogenous anisotropy decay of eosin-labeled band 3 [Matayoshi, E. D., & Jovin, T. M. (1991) Biochemistry (preceding paper in this issue)], we conclude that the binding of G3PD and aldolase results in the immobilization of band 3 oligomers.