Binding, internalization, and intracellular processing of protein ligands. Derivation of rate constants by computer modeling

Quantitative modeling of EGF receptor ligand discrimination via internalization proofreading

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a central regulator of cell physiology that is stimulated by multiple distinct ligands. Although ligands bind to EGFR while the receptor is exposed on the plasma membrane, EGFR incorporation into endosomes following receptor internalization is an important aspect of EGFR signaling, with EGFR internalization behavior dependent upon the type of ligand bound. We develop quantitative modeling for EGFR recruitment to and internalization from clathrin domains, focusing on how internalization competes with ligand unbinding from EGFR. We develop two model versions: a kinetic model with EGFR behavior described as transitions between discrete states and a spatial model with EGFR diffusion to circular clathrin domains. We find that a combination of spatial and kinetic proofreading leads to enhanced EGFR internalization ratios in comparison to unbinding differences between ligand types. Various stages of the EGFR internalization process, including recruitment to and internalization from clathrin domains, modulate the internalization differences between receptors bound to different ligands. Our results indicate that following ligand binding, EGFR may encounter multiple clathrin domains before successful recruitment and internalization. The quantitative modeling we have developed describes competition between EGFR internalization and ligand unbinding and the resulting proofreading.

A multiscale computational model of angiogenesis after traumatic brain injury, investigating the role location plays in volumetric recovery

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key protein involved in the process of angiogenesis. VEGF is of particular interest after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), as it re-establishes the cerebral vascular network in effort to allow for proper cerebral blood flow and thereby oxygenation of damaged brain tissue. For this reason, angiogenesis is critical in the progression and recovery of TBI patients in the days and weeks post injury. Although well established experimental work has led to advances in our understanding of TBI and the progression of angiogenisis, many constraints still exist with existing methods, especially when considering patient progression in the days following injury. To better understand the healing process on the proposed time scales, we develop a computational model that quickly simulates vessel growth and recovery by coupling VEGF and its interactions with its associated receptors to a physiologically inspired fractal model of the microvascular re-growth. We use this model to clarify the role that diffusivity, receptor kinetics and location of the TBI play in overall blood volume restoration in the weeks post injury and show that proper therapeutic angiogenesis, or vasculogenic therapies, could speed recovery of the patient as a function of the location of injury.

Multi-physics interactions drive VEGFR2 relocation on endothelial cells

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (VEGFR2) is a pro-angiogenic receptor, expressed on endothelial cells (ECs). Although biochemical pathways that follow the VEGFR2 activation are well established, knowledge about the dynamics of receptors on the plasma membrane remains limited. Ligand stimulation induces the polarization of ECs and the relocation of VEGFR2, either in cell protrusions or in the basal aspect in cells plated on ligand-enriched extracellular matrix (ECM). We develop a mathematical model in order to simulate the relocation of VEGFR2 on the cell membrane during the mechanical adhesion of cells onto a ligand-enriched substrate. Co-designing the in vitro experiments with the simulations allows identifying three phases of the receptor dynamics, which are controlled respectively by the high chemical reaction rate, by the mechanical deformation rate, and by the diffusion of free receptors on the membrane. The identification of the laws that regulate receptor polarization opens new perspectives toward developing innovative anti-angiogenic strategies through the modulation of EC activation.

Correlated receptor transport processes buffer single-cell heterogeneity

Cells typically vary in their response to extracellular ligands. Receptor transport processes modulate ligand-receptor induced signal transduction and impact the variability in cellular responses. Here, we quantitatively characterized cellular variability in erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) trafficking at the single-cell level based on live-cell imaging and mathematical modeling. Using ensembles of single-cell mathematical models reduced parameter uncertainties and showed that rapid EpoR turnover, transport of internalized EpoR back to the plasma membrane, and degradation of Epo-EpoR complexes were essential for receptor trafficking. EpoR trafficking dynamics in adherent H838 lung cancer cells closely resembled the dynamics previously characterized by mathematical modeling in suspension cells, indicating that dynamic properties of the EpoR system are widely conserved. Receptor transport processes differed by one order of magnitude between individual cells. However, the concentration of activated Epo-EpoR complexes was less variable due to the correlated kinetics of opposing transport processes acting as a buffering system.

Cell surface receptors translate extracellular ligand concentrations to intracellular responses. Receptor transport between the plasma membrane and other cellular compartments regulates the number of accessible receptors at the plasma membrane that determines the strength of downstream pathway activation at a given ligand concentration. In cell populations, pathway activation strength and cellular responses vary between cells. Understanding origins of cell-to-cell variability is highly relevant for cancer research, motivated by the problem of fractional killing by chemotherapies and development of resistance in subpopulations of tumor cells. The erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) is a characteristic example of a receptor system that strongly depends on receptor transport processes. It is involved in several cellular processes, such as differentiation or proliferation, regulates the renewal of erythrocytes, and is expressed in several tumors. To investigate the involvement of receptor transport processes in cell-to-cell variability, we quantitatively characterized trafficking of EpoR in individual cells by combining live-cell imaging with mathematical modeling. Thereby, we found that EpoR dynamics was strongly dependent on rapid receptor transport and turnover. Interestingly, although transport processes largely differed between individual cells, receptor concentrations in cellular compartments were robust to variability in trafficking processes due to the correlated kinetics of opposing transport processes.

Identifying Determinants of EGFR-Targeted Therapeutic Biochemical Efficacy Using Computational Modeling

We modeled cellular epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine phosphorylation dynamics in the presence of receptor-targeting kinase inhibitors (e.g., gefitinib) or antibodies (e.g., cetuximab) to identify systematically the factors that contribute most to the ability of the therapeutics to antagonize EGFR phosphorylation, an effect we define here as biochemical efficacy. Our model identifies distinct processes as controlling gefitinib or cetuximab biochemical efficacy, suggests biochemical efficacy is favored in the presence of certain EGFR ligands, and suggests new drug design principles. For example, the model predicts that gefitinib biochemical efficacy is preferentially sensitive to perturbations in the activity of tyrosine phosphatases regulating EGFR, but that cetuximab biochemical efficacy is preferentially sensitive to perturbations in ligand binding. Our results highlight numerous other considerations that determine biochemical efficacy beyond those reflected by equilibrium affinities. By integrating these considerations, our model also predicts minimum therapeutic combination concentrations to maximally reduce receptor phosphorylation.

Kinetics of epidermal growth factor/receptor binding on cells measured by total internal reflection/fluorescence recovery after photobleaching

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy is used to measure the dissociation kinetic rate of fluorescein-labeled epidermal growth factor from its specific receptors on the surface of intact but mildly fixed A431 human epidermoid cells in culture. Prior applications of TIRF microscopy have been limited to nonreceptor binding or to model membrane systems. The evanescent field excites fluorescence selectively at the surface of the cell proximal to the coverslip. "Prismless" epiillumination TIR is employed to avoid space limitations and is achieved by passing the excitation laser beam through a high (1.4)-aperture objective so that the light is incident at the glass/water interface beyond the critical angle. Long-term focus is maintained by a special feedback system. Of the possible effects that can influence the time course of the postbleach fluorescence recoveries-the EGF/receptor dissociation ratek 2, the bulk solution diffusion rate of EGF, and the cell surface motion of the receptors-we infer that the dissociation ratek 2 dominates. Several fitting schemes are compared and indicate the presence of a multiplicity of values fork 2, ranging from about 0.05 to 0.004 s(-1), with an average value of about 0.012 s(-1). These results compare well with values previously obtained by radiolabel/washing techniques. The significance of the results in terms of kinetic models and the advantages of the TIRF technique for these sorts of measurements are discussed.

Methods for Evaluating Cell-Specific, Cell-Internalizing RNA Aptamers

Recent clinical trials of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) highlight the need for robust delivery technologies that will facilitate the successful application of these therapeutics to humans. Arguably, cell targeting by conjugation to cell-specific ligands provides a viable solution to this problem. Synthetic RNA ligands (aptamers) represent an emerging class of pharmaceuticals with great potential for targeted therapeutic applications. For targeted delivery of siRNAs with aptamers, the aptamer-siRNA conjugate must be taken up by cells and reach the cytoplasm. To this end, we have developed cell-based selection approaches to isolate aptamers that internalize upon binding to their cognate receptor on the cell surface. Here we describe methods to monitor for cellular uptake of aptamers. These include: (1) antibody amplification microscopy, (2) microplate-based fluorescence assay, (3) a quantitative and ultrasensitive internalization method (“QUSIM”) and (4) a way to monitor for cytoplasmic delivery using the ribosome inactivating protein-based (RNA-RIP) assay. Collectively, these methods provide a toolset that can expedite the development of aptamer ligands to target and deliver therapeutic siRNAs in vivo.

Transport of epidermal growth factor in the stroke-injured brain

Stroke is a neurological disorder that currently has no cure. Intrathecal delivery of growth factors, specifically recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF), stimulates endogenous neural precursor cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and promotes tissue regeneration in animal models of stroke. In this model, rhEGF is delivered with an invasive minipump/catheter system, which causes trauma to the brain. A less invasive strategy is to deliver rhEGF from the brain cortex; however, this requires the protein to diffuse through the brain, from the site of injection to the SVZ. Although this method of delivery has great potential, diffusion is limited by rapid removal from the extracellular space and hence for successful translation into the clinic strategies are needed to increase the diffusion distance. Using integrative optical imaging we investigate diffusion of rhEGF vs. poly(ethylene glycol)-modified rhEGF (PEG-rhEGF) in brain slices of both uninjured and stroke-injured animals. For the first time, we quantitatively show that PEG modification reduces the rate of growth factor elimination by over an order of magnitude. For rhEGF this corresponds to a two to threefold increase in predicted brain penetration distance, which we confirm with in vivo data.

Characteristics of soluble and membrane-bound forms of haemopoietic growth factor receptors: relationships to biological function

In order to understand how extracellular growth factors (colony-stimulating factors, CSFs) induce biological responses in haemopoietic cells it is necessary first to describe the primary binding characteristics of isolated receptors and then to determine how living cells modify these binding characteristics and process the ligand-receptor complexes. We have solubilized multi-CSF (interleukin 3) and granulocyte macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) receptors in 1% Triton X-100 and developed methods to study their binding characteristics in solution. Whilst the multi-CSF receptor exhibits the same binding characteristics in solution and in the cellular state, the GM-CSF receptor appears to be converted to a lower affinity form in solution. In intact cells at biological temperatures both types of receptor and ligand are internalized and degraded under steady-state conditions; the kinetic processes underlying the maintenance of the steady state are characteristic for each type of receptor and each type of cell. We have determined the kinetic constants for a variety of CSFs and cell types and correlated steady-state receptor occupancy with biological responses. The importance of CSF utilization rate by responsive cells has also been evaluated as a mechanism for limiting biological responses.

Cellular signaling is potentially regulated by cell density in receptor trafficking networks

Previous work has shown that receptor trafficking is a potential site for the control of signaling pathways. In most biological experiments, the ligand concentration and cell density vary within a wide range among different systems. However, there is less attention to systematically analyze how much cellular signal response is affected by cell densities. Here, we use a quantitative mathematical model to investigate signal responses in different receptor trafficking networks by simultaneous variations of ligand concentration and cell density. Computational analysis of the model revealed that receptor trafficking networks have potential sigmoid responses to ratio between ligand and surface receptor number per cell, which is a key factor to control the signaling responses in receptor trafficking networks. Furthermore, cell density also affects the robustness of dose-response curve upon the variation of binding affinity.

Kinetics of internalization and degradation of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels: Role of the α2/δ subunit

The contribution of voltage-gated calcium channels to excitable cell function depends, critically, upon the mechanisms that control their expression at the cell surface. While co-assembly of the pore forming alpha(1) and auxiliary beta subunits enhances channel surface expression, the levels are still only 30-40% of those seen with the core alpha(1B)/beta(1b)/alpha(2)delta calcium channel complex. To rationalize this observation, it has been suggested that the alpha(2)/delta subunit might stabilize calcium channel expression at the cell surface. To test this notion, we have resolved the effect of the alpha(2)/delta subunit on the rates of binding, internalization and degradation of defined N-type calcium channel surface complexes expressed in HEK293 cells, through pulse-labeling with the selective, cell impermeable, radioligand [(125)I]-omega-CgTx. Through detailed kinetic and sensitivity analysis we show that alpha(1B)/beta(1b)/alpha(2)delta complexes are internalized slowly (k(int) 0.4/h), whereupon, most become degraded (k(deg) 0.02/h). In contrast, alpha(1B)/beta(1b) complexes are internalized more rapidly (k(int) 0.8/h), following which they are either quickly degraded (k(deg) 0.1/h) or are sequestered slowly (k(tra) 0.1/h) to a pool that is metabolically stable within the time-frame of our experiments (24h). In neither case did we find evidence for recycling via the cell surface. Thus, our data argue for a novel mechanism where complexes lacking an alpha(2)/delta subunit are cleared from the cell surface and are rapidly degraded or stored, possibly for further attempts at complexation as new alpha(2)/delta subunits become available. The slower rate of internalization of complexes containing the alpha(2)/delta subunit rationalizes the stabilizing effect this subunit has upon calcium channel surface expression and suggests a mechanism by which alpha(2)delta mutations may cause severe neurological deficits.

Analysis of compartmental models of ligand-induced endocytosis

Kinetic models have played a pivotal role in the study of ligand-induced endocytosis. However, an analysis that suggests a systematic way to validate such models is lacking. The current work analyses the base model of ligand-induced endocytosis for three widely used experimental protocols. In protocol I cells initially devoid of ligand are incubated in ligand solution, whereas protocols II and III are desorption experiments in which an initial pool of surface or internalized ligand-receptor complexes, respectively, are released into an elution medium that is initially devoid of ligand. A short-time analysis of protocol I using successive substitutions yielded a corrected pre-factor for the In/Sur plot introduced by Wiley and Cunningham (Cell 25 (1981) 433). In contrast, neglecting the variation in receptor numbers yielded an approximation of protocol I that is valid for long times (e.g. tens of minutes). Similarly, the low cell-concentration limits of protocols II and III are derived by neglecting the concentration of free ligand. The simplicity of these approximations provides a simple and reliable method for estimating the parameters governing ligand kinetics, while their definitive nature implies that they can be used to verify the validity of the base model. This analysis also provides insight on the fast endocytosis and recycling limit of protocol III.

Tumor targeting based on the effect of enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) and the mechanism of receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME)

This review is focused on the macromolecular drug carrier systems by the effect of enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) and the mechanism of receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME). The effect of EPR is thought to be useful for the targeting of the macromolecular drugs to the tumor tissues on a vasculolymphatic level. The RME reveals the selective recognition, high affinity binding, and immediate internalization for the ligand on a cellular level. In the receptor, recognizing transferrin, a level of expression on the tumor cells is higher than that on the normal cells. We have used serum albumin and transferrin as drug carriers to deliver mitomycin C (MMC) to the tumor tissues and into the tumor cells. The properties of the conjugates of MMC to serum albumin and transferrin were examined in vitro and in vivo. We concluded that MMC could be delivered to the tumor tissue and cells by the use of albumin and transferrin as drug carriers.

Receptor mediated endocytosis and cytotoxicity of transferrin-mitomycin C conjugate in the HepG2 cell and primary cultured rat hepatocyte

Intracellular disposition and cytotoxicity of macromolecular conjugate of mitomycin C (MMC) with transferrin (TF) were examined in the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 cell and normal cultured rat hepatocyte. The conjugate (TF-MMC) was specifically bound to the HepG2 cell as well as TF. The number of the binding site and the association constant of TF-MMC in the HepG2 cell were 396000+/-31000 molecules/cell and 3.24 x 10(7)+/-0.58 x 10(7) M(-1), respectively. No difference in the binding parameters of TF-MMC and TF can be detected in the HepG2 cell. The association constant for the TF receptor was almost identical between HepG2 cell and hepatocyte, however, the numbers of the binding site of TF-MMC and TF in the HepG2 cell were from 40-times to 50-times greater than those in the hepatocyte. Furthermore, TF-MMC was internalized into the HepG2 cell and the hepatocyte as well as TF. The rates of internalization of TF-MMC and TF into the HepG2 cell were nearly identical to those into the hepatocyte. However, the levels of the internalization into the HepG2 cell were remarkably higher than those into the hepatocyte because the number of receptors in the HepG2 cell was larger than that in the hepatocyte, and the rate of release from the HepG2 cell was slower than that from the hepatocyte. TF-MMC inhibited the growth of the HepG2 cells. The 50% growth inhibition (GI50) of TF-MMC against the HepG2 cell was 0.9 microg MMC/ml, which was a little higher than that of MMC (GI50=0.5 microg/ml). These results indicated that the TF-MMC might be useful for delivery of MMC to the HepG2 cell.

Quantification of short term signaling by the epidermal growth factor receptor

During the past decade, our knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in growth factor signaling has proliferated almost explosively. However, the kinetics and control of information transfer through signaling networks remain poorly understood. This paper combines experimental kinetic analysis and computational modeling of the short term pattern of cellular responses to epidermal growth factor (EGF) in isolated hepatocytes. The experimental data show transient tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor (EGFR) and transient or sustained response patterns in multiple signaling proteins targeted by EGFR. Transient responses exhibit pronounced maxima, reached within 15-30 s of EGF stimulation and followed by a decline to relatively low (quasi-steady-state) levels. In contrast to earlier suggestions, we demonstrate that the experimentally observed transients can be accounted for without requiring receptor-mediated activation of specific tyrosine phosphatases, following EGF stimulation. The kinetic model predicts how the cellular response is controlled by the relative levels and activity states of signaling proteins and under what conditions activation patterns are transient or sustained. EGFR signaling patterns appear to be robust with respect to variations in many elemental rate constants within the range of experimentally measured values. On the other hand, we specify which changes in the kinetic scheme, rate constants, and total amounts of molecular factors involved are incompatible with the experimentally observed kinetics of signal transfer. Quantitation of signaling network responses to growth factors allows us to assess how cells process information controlling their growth and differentiation.

The box-1 region of the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor alpha-chain cytoplasmic domain is sufficient for hemopoietic cell proliferation and differentiation

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that acts on a variety of cell types and regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. The functional receptor for LIF is composed of LIFR alpha-chain (LIFRalpha) and gp130 both of which are shared in the functional receptors for oncostatin M, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and cardiotrophin-1. By using stable transfection of wild-type or cytoplasmic deletion mutants of LIFRalpha together with full-length gp130 into Ba/F3 cells, we found that cells expressing gp130 and an extensively deleted mutant LIFRalpha containing only the box-1 region were capable of proliferating in response to LIF, although LIF-dependent long term growth of these cells was seriously impaired. Using a similar strategy to generate WEHI-3BD+ cells expressing gp130 and wild-type or truncation mutants of LIFRalpha, studies revealed that the box-1 region of the LIFRalpha was also sufficient for LIF-dependent induction of different aspects of differentiation, including up-regulation of macrophage surface marker expression, morphological change, and cell migration in agar culture. However, the C-terminal region of the LIFRalpha, although not essential for intracellular signaling, was important for efficient receptor-mediated ligand internalization. In summary, the membrane-proximal box-1 region plays a dominant role in LIF-induced signal transduction of both proliferation and differentiation.

The biologic activity and molecular characterization of a novel synthetic interferon-alpha species, consensus interferon

Consensus interferon (Infergen) is a wholly synthetic type I interferon (IFN), developed by scanning several interferon-alpha nonallelic subtypes and assigning the most frequently observed amino acid in each position, resulting in a consensus sequence. The antiviral, antiproliferative, NK cell activation activity, cytokine induction, and interferon-stimulated gene-induction activity of consensus interferon has been compared with naturally occurring type I interferons. In all of these comparisons, consensus interferon had a higher activity when compared, on a mass basis, with IFN-alpha 2a and IFN-alpha 2b, although the activity was the same for all of these parameters on an antiviral unit basis. That a synthetic type I interferon could have higher activities than naturally occurring molecules is surprising and may be a result of the higher affinity for the array of type I interferon receptors demonstrated for consensus interferon when compared with IFN-alpha. In contrast, consensus interferon was shown to be an inferior inducer of IL-1 beta when compared with IFN-alpha. These results may reflect differential binding to multiple accessory proteins interacting with a type I interferon receptor. These unique biologic properties may lead to a favorable clinical benefit for consensus interferon when compared with the naturally occurring recombinant molecules. Ongoing clinical trials will ascertain whether consensus interferon can be used in a wide array of disease situations, such as chronic viral infections and certain malignancies.

Kinetic analysis of receptor-mediated endocytosis of G-CSF derivative, nartograstim, in rat bone marrow cells

To elucidate the mechanism of the receptor-mediated clearance of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), we performed kinetic analyses of the receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME) processes using a human G-CSF derivative, nartograstim (NTG), and isolated rat bone marrow cells. The first-order rate constants involved in RME processes were obtained by computerized model fitting of the time courses of the ligand-receptor complex on both the cell surface and in the cell interior and the degradation products in the medium in the pulse-chase experiment. They were also calculated based on a kinetic model involving the ligand concentration dependence of the initial binding rate, the steady-state degradation rate, and the steady-state amounts of ligand on both the cell surface and in the interior. The rate constants for the RME processes after receptor binding determined in the different experiments were similar, that is, the half-times for the dissociation, internalization, and degradation of the ligand-receptor complex were 770, 10-30, and 20 min, respectively. However, the association constant obtained by measuring the initial binding was fivefold greater than that calculated under steady-state conditions. These kinetic analyses support the hypothesis that the internalization of the receptor may be accelerated by ligand binding, causing downregulation of the receptor on the cell surface. These overall kinetic analyses based on steady-state and non-steady-state data of the RME processes clarify the dynamics of the interaction between NTG and its receptor.

Cell surface binding characteristics correlate with consensus type I interferon enhanced activity

The binding characteristics of a genetically engineered consensus interferon with unusually high biologic activity were compared to the characteristics of recombinant interferon-alpha 2. Both interferon-alpha 2 and the consensus interferon produced typical biphasic Scatchard plots, indicating multiple independent binding sites. The consensus interferon, which exhibited a biologic potency more than 10-fold greater than all other type I interferons, also exhibited binding site affinities greater than those for IFN-alpha 2b. In addition, a larger number of high, and low-affinity cell surface sites were recognized by the consensus interferon, resulting in equivalent numbers of sites at reduced molar concentrations compared to IFN-a2b. Thus, at any given biologic activity, similar numbers of sites were bound by the consensus interferon and IFN-alpha 2, despite differences in their molar concentrations. No differences in internalization kinetics were identified between the two interferons, indicating that the differences in cell surface binding may be sufficient to produce the differences in biologic activity.

The process of cellular uptake of iron from transferrin. A computer simulation program

In an attempt to improve our understanding of the complex interplay between cell compartments and chemical species during cellular uptake of iron from transferrin, we designed a computer simulation program based on current models of receptor-mediated endocytosis and pinocytosis. The program calculates and visualizes, as a function of time, the changes in transferrin, apotransferrin, and iron concentrations occurring in all relevant cellular compartments during cellular iron acquisition from transferrin. Simulation of literature data showed that the program generates results that are in accordance with experimental data. Furthermore, from measurements of the uptake of [carboxyl-14C]dextran we could utilize the program to suggest rate constants characteristic for the pinocytic process in rat reticulocytes. Moreover, simulations indicate that the apparent difference in the iron uptake process observed between reticulocytes and hepatocytes may be explained by the contribution made by pinocytosis to the iron uptake process. Finally, the present program should have potential as an educational tool during introduction to the field of receptor-mediated endocytosis in general and to cellular iron metabolism in particular.

Bone marrow cells from A/J mice do not proliferate in interleukin-3 but express normal numbers of interleukin-3 receptors

Haemopoietic cells from A/J mice do not form colonies (proliferate) in response to interleukin-3 (multi-CSF, IL-3). We have examined different populations of cells from A/J mice and shown that, despite their failure to proliferate in response to IL-3, cells from bone marrow, spleen and the peritoneum all bound 125I-labelled IL-3. A wide variety of cell types bound IL-3 as determined by autoradiography, including promyelocytes, myelocytes, metamyelocytes, polymorphs, promonocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and lymphocytes, but not nucleated erythroid cells, and the proportion of each cell type binding label was similar when cells from A/J mice were compared with those of C57B1/6 and Balb/c mice. Bone marrow cells from A/J mice internalized interleukin-3 with normal kinetics and mRNA extracted from these cells contains the same species of IL-3 receptor and IL-3 receptor-like mRNAs as are found in the other strains. Collectively the data suggest that the failure of haemopoietic cells from A/J mice to proliferate in response to IL-3 is related to a selective defect in signalling to proliferation specific genes. This defect is apparently not related to internalization or processing of the IL-3/IL-3-receptor complex, but may be due to failure to activate appropriate accessory molecules in the cell.

Receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide on murine lymphocytes turn over rapidly

The interaction of the neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) with its receptors on murine mesenteric lymph node lymphocytes (MLN) has been re-examined in detail. Intact MLN actively internalize surface bound VIP. The rate constants associated with the insertion of receptors at the MLN surface, the internalization of VIP occupied and unoccupied receptors and the elimination of the peptide were determined. At 37 degrees C, MLN insert approximately 140 VIP receptors cell-1 min-1 at their surface, and the rate of internalization of occupied receptors (0.23 min-1) was much greater than that of the unoccupied receptors (0.02 min-1). Exposure of MLN to non-saturating concentrations of VIP markedly altered the expression of VIP receptors at the lymphocyte surface. The rapid turnover of VIP receptors combined with the differential clearance of occupied and unoccupied receptors from the cell surface provides a mechanism by which homologous regulation of VIP receptor expression can occur on these lymphocytes.

Rate transition and regulatory coupling in endocytosis of interferon-alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in human epithelial tumor cells

The time-dependent concentrations of interferon-alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha associated with the membrane and internalized by cells contain information on the kinetics of endocytosis and their cellular processing. This information can be reduced quantitatively by application of the respective compartmental models. In our studies of human epithelial tumor cells interacting with human interferon-alpha and human tumor necrosis factor-alpha, we accounted only for actual endocytosis and elimination of the tracer from cells by a novel method sensitive to changes in the rate of endocytosis, to the delay in tracer elimination, and to the nonlinear regulatory coupling between endocytosis and the internalized ligand. Data reduced by this method resulted in best-fit parameter values statistically superior to values obtained by previous methods (Bajzer et al., 1989). The results indicate a change with time in the rate of endocytosis of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and the inhibition of endocytosis by the endocytosed ligand-receptor complex. We conclude that sorting and processing of interferon-alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha are restricted by the type of both the receptor and the cell.

Differential modulation of two interferon-alpha binding proteins on a human lymphoblastoid cell line

The interaction between human interferon (IFN)-alpha or IFN-beta with its receptor was originally described as the binding to a single class of high-affinity receptors. However, more recently, biphasic Scatchard plots as well as multiple IFN-alpha receptor cross-linked complexes have been reported. In this study using the Daudi B lymphoblastoid cell line, two primary IFN-alpha receptor cross-linked complexes with apparent Mr of 115 and 135 kilodaltons (kDa) were obtained. Both complexes were observed under a variety of cross-linking conditions, including the addition of a mixture of protease inhibitors throughout the binding reaction and solubilization of the cells. These two complexes appear to be caused by the binding and cross-linking of 125I-rIFN-alpha A to two separate proteins because we also observed two IFN-alpha binding proteins using a ligand-blotting technique. At low concentrations of 125I-rIFN-alpha A, it was found that the intensity of the signal in the 135-kDa cross-linked complex was greater than that of the 115-kDa complex. Addition of increasing concentrations of unlabeled rIFN-alpha A to a 4 degrees C binding reaction reversed the ratio in intensities of the two complexes. Moreover, after pretreatment of the cells at 37 degrees C with low concentrations of unlabeled rIFN-alpha A, there was preferential down-regulation of both the 135-kDa complex and the higher affinity binding component of the biphasic Scatchard plot. These results suggest that the 135-kDa complex represents the binding of 125I-rIFN-alpha A to a protein having higher affinity for IFN than the protein that gives rise to the 115-kDa complex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Kinetic analysis of receptor-mediated endocytosis of epidermal growth factor by isolated rat hepatocytes

The interaction of epidermal growth factor (EGF) with cell surface receptors and their subsequent endocytosis in isolated rat hepatocytes were analyzed by measuring changes in the concentrations of cell surface-bound, internalized, and degraded EGF. The kinetic model proposed by Wiley and Cunningham (Cell 25: 433-440, 1981) and Gex-Fabry and Delisi [Am. J. Physiol. 247 (Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol. 16): R768-R779, 1984] was basically utilized for the model analysis. The following kinetic parameters were obtained: association and dissociation rate constants for EGF-receptor interaction, internalization rate constant for EGF-receptor complex (kappa e), internalization rate constant for free receptor (kappa t), sequestration rate constant (kappa s) of the complex from shallow (exchangeable) to deep (nonexchangeable) membraneous compartment, intracellular degradation rate constant and initial cell-surface receptor density. The kappa s value, which was obtained by analyzing the time profiles of EGF association with cells, was approximately 5-10 times larger than the kappa e value determined by directly measuring internalized EGF with the acid-washing technique. This suggests the necessary presence of deep (nonexchanging) compartment of the complex in the plasma membrane. The calculated kappa e value is at least several times larger than the kappa t value, yielding the kinetic basis for the occurrence of receptor downregulation induced by excess EGF. We conclude that, in the overall receptor-mediated processing of EGF after bound to the cell surface receptors, the dissociation process is rapid [half-time (t1/2) less than 1 min], the degradation process is much slower (t1/2 approximately equal to 3 h), and the receptor internalization process is intermediate (t1/2 approximately equal to 6-7 min). In addition, two pools for EGF-receptor complex in the plasma membrane seem to be present, although their identification cannot be made.

Tumor necrosis factor production and receptor expression by a human malignant glioma cell line, D54-MG

Human malignant gliomas possess some of the same immune-related functions as astrocytes do. For instance, they are capable of secreting various immunoregulatory molecules and expressing HLA-DR antigens on their surface. The human malignant glioma cell line, D54-MG, was used to investigate the proliferative effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and the expression of specific surface receptors for TNF-alpha. Additionally, we were interested in examining whether D54-MG cells are capable of synthesizing and secreting biologically active TNF-alpha. D54-MG cells responded in a mitogenic fashion upon incubation with TNF-alpha for 48 h under serum-free conditions. 125I-labeled TNF-alpha was used in this study to investigate the expression of receptors specific for TNF-alpha on D54-MG cells. Scatchard analysis of our receptor binding data produced curvilinear plots indicating there are two distinct receptor sites for TNF-alpha. From these data, we calculated that there are approximately 3500 high affinity and 24,666 low affinity binding sites per cell. Pretreating these cells with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) resulted in a 2-fold increase in the number of high affinity binding sites and a moderate increase in the number of low affinity binding sites, with no appreciable change in binding affinity (Kd) of either site. D54-MG cells were unable to constitutively secrete TNF-alpha; however, upon stimulation, these cells synthesize and secrete biologically active TNF-alpha. Polyclonal antisera reactive with human macrophage-derived TNF-alpha neutralized the cytotoxicity of D54-MG-derived TNF-alpha, demonstrating that the cytotoxic activity was in fact due to TNF-alpha. Our observations indicate that TNF-alpha could act in an autocrine fashion to induce the proliferation of this malignant glioma cell line and that TNF-alpha exerts its effect by binding to specific TNF-alpha receptors whose expression was enhanced by IFN-gamma.

Rate constants for binding, dissociation, and internalization of EGF: effect of receptor occupancy and ligand concentration

We measured the kinetic parameters for interaction of epidermal growth factor (EGF) with fetal rat lung (FRL) cells under two sets of experimental conditions and applied sensitivity analysis to see which parameters were well-defined. In the first set of experiments (method 1), the kinetics of internalization and dissociation of radiolabeled EGF were measured with a temperature-shift protocol in medium initially devoid of free ligand. The initial concentration of radiolabeled EGF bound to the cell surface corresponded to levels of receptor occupancy ranging from approximately 200 receptors per cell to approximately 18,000 receptors per cell, a level at which EGF binding approaches saturation. In the second set of experiments (method 2), carried out at a constant temperature, we began with no surface-bound or internalized ligand. The initial free ligand concentration was varied from 0.2 to 50 ng/mL. In both sets of experiments, we measured surface-bound, internalized, and free 125I-EGF as functions of time and evaluated the parameters of a mathematical model of endocytosis. Sensitivity analysis showed that three rate constants were well-defined in this combination of two experimental approaches: ke, the endocytic rate constant; ka, the association rate constant; and kd, the dissociation rate constant. The endocytic parameter ke was found to be independent of initial surface receptor occupancy (method 1); there was some indication that it increased with initial free ligand concentration in method 2. Neither kd nor ka was found to change with extent of initial surface receptor occupancy or initial free ligand concentration, respectively, a finding of significance, since diffusion theory predicts these parameters will vary with surface receptor occupancy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

High- and low-affinity receptors for murine interleukin 6. Distinct distribution on B and T cells

The distribution of the murine receptor for interleukin (IL) 6 was examined on a variety of cells. Binding sites for IL 6 were found on many cell lines including fibroblasts and bone marrow-derived macrophages. The highest density of binding sites was found on B cell hybridomas and plasmacytomas, irrespective of their IL 6 dependence for growth. Scatchard analysis carried out with these cells identified about 1000 high-affinity sites (Kd = 25 pM) and 10,000 low-affinity sites (Kd = 2.5 nM). The binding was specific for IL 6 and led to the internalization of the ligand. Receptors for IL 6 were also present on other B cell lines, but binding on normal resting or activated B cells was below the limit of detection (less than 3 molecules/cell). In contrast, receptors were found on mature thymocytes and on peripheral T cells. However, unlike plasmacytomas and hybridomas, T cells expressed only high-affinity binding sites. The difference in the relative numbers of high- and low-affinity receptors on different cells suggests that IL 6 interacts with several proteins, the expression of which varies from one cell type to another.

The cellular receptor of the alpha-beta interferons

This is a selective review of recent trends in research on the cellular receptor for the alpha-beta interferons. It deals mainly with work published in the last three years (1985-88), and therefore mainly with receptors for the human interferons. The binding characteristics of several human alpha interferons are examined, and the importance of in vitro experimental models for establishing the relationship between receptor binding and the cellular response is emphasized.

Detection of low and high affinity binding sites with fluoresceinated human recombinant interleukin-2

In this study, we describe a new methodology to detect and quantify lymphokine receptors, using interleukin-2 as a prototype. Human recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) was conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate. Binding of fluoresceinated IL-2 to different cell types was assessed by flow cytometry analysis, on a FACS 440 calibrated using fluoresceinated Sephadex G-25 beads. This calibration procedure allowed us to quantify the actual number of binding sites for IL-2. Fluoresceinated IL-2 did not bind to normal resting T cells, whereas a highly significant binding was observed on PHA-activated human T cells. The binding was inhibited by an excess of unlabeled IL-2 and by an excess of anti-IL-2 receptor p55 antibodies (anti-TAC). Dose curves of IL-2 showed a two plateau saturation, the first plateau corresponding to the saturation of high affinity binding sites, as assessed by correlation with the biological activity on IL-2-dependent T cells. Among the cell types tested, fluoresceinated IL-2 bound to IL-2-dependent mouse T cells (the binding in that case was not inhibited by anti-IL-2 receptor p55 antibodies), and to different p70 expressing cell lines or normal cells (MLA 144, normal large granular lymphocytes). Taken together, these results indicate that fluoresceinated IL-2 can be used to detect high as well as low affinity IL-2 binding sites.

Binding, internalization, and degradation of 125I-multipotential colony-stimulating factor (interleukin-3) by FDCP-1 cells

The kinetic parameters involved in determining the steady-state interaction of Multi-CSF with FDCP-1 cells at 37 degrees C have been determined by kinetic analysis under steady-state conditions and by curve-fitting the rate of approach to steady-state conditions. The two methods are in substantial agreement and yield values of Vr = 28 receptors/cell/min for the rate of appearance of receptors at the cell surface, ke and kt = 0.061 min-1 and 0.0044 min-1 for the rate constants of internalization of occupied and unoccupied receptors, respectively, kh = 0.008 min-1 for the rate constant of degradation of internalized ligand, ka = 2.9 X 10(8) M-1 min-1 for the rate constant of association and kd = 0.11 min-1 for the rate constant of dissociation of ligand with receptor. Analysis of steady-state conditions indicated that Multi-CSF caused substantial down-regulation of surface receptors and that considerably more Multi-CSF was inside the cell than at the cell surface. The implications of these results for utilization rates of Multi-CSF by FDCP-1 cells and the relationship of receptor occupancy to biological activity are discussed.

Cellular processing of murine colony-stimulating factor (Multi-CSF, GM-CSF, G-CSF) receptors by normal hemopoietic cells and cell lines

The binding, internalization and degradation rates of three different murine colony-stimulating factors (Multi-CSF or interleukin-3, GM-CSF and G-CSF) and their receptor turnover rates were determined for normal bone marrow cells and a number of different cell lines at 37 degrees C. The kinetic parameters were extracted from a curve-fitting analysis of the approach to steady-state of surface-bound and internalized CSFs by methods described by Myers et al. (1987). The primary binding kinetic constants (association and dissociation) for each CSF on different cell types were similar, suggesting a single type of receptor for each CSF. In all cases, CSF binding induced a faster rate of internalization of occupied receptors than unoccupied receptors and resulted in significant accumulation of CSF inside the cell under steady-state conditions. The steady-state constant, determining the relationship between CSF concentration and receptor occupancy, indicated that, in all cases, more receptors were occupied at a given CSF concentration under steady-state conditions than would be under equilibrium conditions. Nevertheless, the data predicted that maximal biological effects of the CSFs were exerted at concentrations that did not result in full receptor occupancy. Comparison of the kinetic constants derived for the same CSF interacting with different types of cells or different CSFs interacting with the same cell type indicated that CSF and receptor processing resulted from a dynamic interplay of receptor-determined and cell-determined events. This resulted in a flexibility of the kinetic parameters that matched the variety of biological responses elicited by CSFs in different cell types.