HSP100, a 100-kDa Heat Shock Protein, is a Ca2+-Calmodulin-regulated Actin-binding Protein

Regulation of glucose responsive protein (GRP) gene expression by insulin

While screening for insulin-induced genes, we identified two members of a family of stress-induced genes referred to as glucose-regulated proteins (GRPs). GRPs are members of the stress-responsive superfamily of genes which also includes heat shock proteins (HSPs). The GRP proteins are not normally heat-inducible, but are overproduced when cells are starved of glucose. The two major GRP proteins, GRP78 and GRP94, are highly conserved among vertebrates. We have found that physiological concentrations of insulin stimulate the transcription of GRP78 and GRP94 in rat H4IIE hepatoma cells. The regulation of GRP78 transcription was rapid, with the first induction within minutes, and a further induction after several hours, and both occurred in the presence of glucose. GRP78 transcription was more greatly induced by insulin in the presence of SB202190, a specific p38-MAPK inhibitor. Transcription of GRP94 was also induced, but only after several hours. Calcimycin (A23187) and anisomycin were used to induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/cellular stress, and both induced GRP78 and GRP94 transcription.

Calmodulin as a protein linker and a regulator of adaptor/scaffold proteins

Calmodulin (CaM) is a universal regulator for a huge number of proteins in all eukaryotic cells. Best known is its function as a calcium-dependent modulator of the activity of enzymes, such as protein kinases and phosphatases, as well as other signaling proteins including membrane receptors, channels and structural proteins. However, less well known is the fact that CaM can also function as a Ca²⁺-dependent adaptor protein, either by bridging between different domains of the same protein or by linking two identical or different target proteins together. These activities are possible due to the fact that CaM contains two independently-folded Ca²⁺ binding lobes that are able to interact differentially and to some degree separately with targets proteins. In addition, CaM can interact with and regulates several proteins that function exclusively as adaptors. This review provides an overview over our present knowledge concerning the structural and functional aspects of the role of CaM as an adaptor protein and as a regulator of known adaptor/scaffold proteins.

Ca2+-signaling, alternative splicing and endoplasmic reticulum stress responses

Ca(2+)-signaling, alternative splicing, and stress responses by the endoplasmic reticulum are three important cellular activities which can be strongly interconnected to alter the expression of protein isoforms in a tissue dependent manner or during development depending on the environmental conditions. This integrated network of signaling pathways permits a high degree of versatility and adaptation to metabolic, developmental and stress processes. Defects in its regulation may lead to cellular malfunction.

Protein profile and alpha-lactalbumin concentration in the milk of standard and transgenic goats expressing recombinant human butyrylcholinesterase

The expression of recombinant proteins of pharmaceutical interest in the milk of transgenic farm animals can result in phenotypes exhibiting compromised lactation performance, as a result of the extraordinary demand placed on the mammary gland. In this study, we investigated differences in the protein composition of milk from control and transgenic goats expressing recombinant human butyrylcholinesterase. In Experiment 1, the milk was characterized by gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry in order to identify protein bands that were uniquely visible in the transgenic milk and/or at differing band densities compared with controls. Differences in protein content were additionally evaluated by computer assisted band densitometry. Proteins identified in the transgenic milk only included serum proteins (i.e. complement component 3b, ceruloplasmin), a cytoskeleton protein (i.e. actin) and a stress-induced protein (94 kDA glucose-regulated protein). Proteins exhibiting evident differences in band density between the transgenic and control groups included immunoglobulins, serum albumin, beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin. These results were found to be indicative of compromised epithelial tight junctions, premature mammary cell death, and protein synthesis stress resulting from transgene expression. In Experiment 2, the concentration of alpha-lactalbumin was determined using the IDRing assay and was found to be significantly reduced on day 1 of lactation in transgenic goats (4.33 +/- 0.97 vs. 2.24 +/- 0.25 mg/ml, P < 0.01), but was not different from non-transgenic controls by day 30 (0.99 +/- 0.46 vs. 0.90 +/- 0.11 mg/ml, P > 0.05). We concluded that a decreased/delayed expression of the alpha-lactalbumin gene may be the cause for the delayed start of milk production observed in this herd of transgenic goats.

Glial expression of the 90-kDa heat shock protein (HSP90) and the 94-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP94) following an excitotoxic lesion in the mouse hippocampus

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are immediately expressed in neuronal and glial cells under various stressful conditions and play a protective role through molecular chaperones. Although several studies have been focused on the expression of HSPs, little is known about HSP90s expression in glial cells under neuropathological conditions. In this study, we evaluated the expression pattern of the glial cell-related HSP90 and GRP94 proteins, following the induction of an excitotoxic lesion in the mouse brain. Adult mice received an intracerebroventricular injection of kainic acid; the brain tissue was then analyzed immunohistochemically for HSPs and double labeling using glial markers. HSPs expression was quantified by Western blot analysis. Excitotoxic damage was found to cause pyramidal cell degeneration in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. In the injured hippocampus, reactive microglia/macrophages expressed HSP90 from 12 h until 7 days postlesion (PL), showing maximal levels at day 1. In parallel, hippocampal reactive astrocytes showed the expression of GRP94 from 12 h until 7 days PL. In general, HSPs expression was transient, peaked at 1-3 days PL and reached basal levels by day 7. For the first time, our data demonstrate the injury-induced expression of HSP90 and GRP94 in glial cells, which may contribute to the mechanism of glial cell protection and adaptation in response to damage, thereby playing an important role in the evolution of the glial response and the excitotoxic lesion outcome. HSP90 may provide antioxidant protective mechanisms against microglia/macrophages, whereas GRP94 may stabilize the astroglial cytoskeleton and participate in astroglial antioxidant mechanisms.

Quantitative proteomics analysis of specific protein expression and oxidative modification in aged senescence-accelerated-prone 8 mice brain

The senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) is a murine model of accelerated senescence that was established using phenotypic selection. The SAMP series includes nine substrains, each of which exhibits characteristic disorders. SAMP8 is known to exhibit age-dependent learning and memory deficits. In our previous study, we reported that brains from 12-month-old SAMP8 have greater protein oxidation, as well as lipid peroxidation, compared with brains from 4-month-old SAMP8 mice. In order to investigate the relation between age-associated oxidative stress on specific protein oxidation and age-related learning and memory deficits in SAMP8, we used proteomics to identify proteins that are expressed differently and/or modified oxidatively in aged SAMP8 brains. We report here that in 12 month SAMP8 mice brains the expressions of neurofilament triplet L protein, lactate dehydrogenase 2 (LDH-2), heat shock protein 86, and alpha-spectrin are significantly decreased, while the expression of triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) is increased compared with 4-month-old SAMP8 brains. We also report that the specific protein carbonyl levels of LDH-2, dihydropyrimidinase-like protein 2, alpha-spectrin and creatine kinase, are significantly increased in the brain of 12-month-old SAMP8 mice when compared with the 4-month-old SAMP8 brain. These findings are discussed in reference to the effect of specific protein oxidation and changes of expression on potential mechanisms of abnormal alterations in metabolism and neurochemicals, as well as to the learning and memory deficits in aged SAMP8 mice.

Separation techniques for high-molecular-mass proteins

Many high-molecular-mass (HMM) proteins (MW>100 kDa) are known to be involved in cytoskeleton, defence and immunity, transcription and translation in higher eukaryotic organisms. Even in the post-genomic era, purification of HMM protein is the first important step to analyze protein composition in a tissue or a cell (proteomics), to determine protein tertiary structure (structural biology), and to investigate protein function (functional genomics). To separate a HMM protein from a protein mixture, ions, chaotropes (urea and thiourea), detergents and protease inhibitors in extraction media and buffer solutions either for liquid chromatography or for gel electrophoresis should be carefully chosen, since HMM proteins tend to be aggregates under denatured condition and their long polypeptide chains are easily attacked by intrinsic proteases during separation procedure. Among many liquid chromatography techniques, affinity chromatography either with sequence-specific DNA for transcription factor, or with monoclonal antibody specific for myosin heavy chain has been used for preparative isolation of the respective HMM proteins. Though SDS-PAGE could analyze the size and the quantity of megadalton proteins, the resolution of HMM proteins is relatively poor. A newly developed pulse SDS-PAGE would be able to raise the resolution of HMM proteins compared with the conventional SDS-PAGE. The 2-DE method is not particularly suitable in analyzing HMM proteins larger than 200 kDa. However, a 2-DE method that uses an agarose IEF gel in the first dimension (agarose 2-DE) has been shown to produce significant improvements in 2-DE separation of HMM proteins larger than 150 kDa and up to 500 kDa.

Biophysical analysis of the endoplasmic reticulum-resident chaperone/heat shock protein gp96/GRP94 and its complex with peptide antigen

Animals vaccinated with heat shock protein (HSP)--peptide complexes develop specific protective immunity against cancers from which the HSPs were originally isolated. This autologous specific immunity has been demonstrated using a number of HSP--peptide antigen complexes. A prototypical HSP-based cancer vaccine is the gp96--peptide antigen complex, which is currently undergoing human clinical trials. Here, we analyzed the structure of a recombinant wild-type and a mutant gp96 protein and their peptide complexes using a number of biophysical techniques. Gel filtration chromatography, dynamic light scattering, and equilibrium analytical ultracentrifugation demonstrated that both a wild-type gp96 and a gp96 mutant lacking a dimerization domain formed higher order structures. More detailed analysis using scanning transmission electron microscopy indicated that both the wild-type and dimerization deletion mutant gp96 protein were organized, unexpectedly, into large aggregates. Size distributions ranged from dimers to octamers and higher. Circular dichroism and intrinsic Trp fluorescence suggested that the gp96 dimerization domain deletion mutant protein was more compact than the wild-type gp96. A fluorescent peptide antigen was synthesized, and the peptide-binding properties of wild-type and the dimerization domain deletion mutant gp96 were studied. Fluorescence lifetime and anisotropy decay showed that the bound antigenic peptide was located in a hydrophobic pocket, with considerable free space for the rotation of the probe. Deletion of the dimerization domain affected the peptide-binding microenvironment, although peptide-binding affinity was reduced by only a small extent. Peptide--gp96 complexes were extremely stable, persisting for many days in the cold. The extraordinary stability of peptide--gp96 complexes and the plasticity of the peptide-binding pocket support the proposed relay of diverse peptides to MHC and/or other molecules via molecular recognition.

Proteomics reveal a link between the endoplasmic reticulum and lipid secretory mechanisms in mammary epithelial cells

The synthesis and secretion of lipids by mammary epithelial cells is a highly ordered process that involves several distinct steps. Triacylglycerols are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and incorporated into microlipid droplets which coalesce into cytoplasmic lipid droplets. These are vectorially transported to the apical plasma membrane where they are secreted into the milk surrounded by a membrane bilayer. The origin of this membrane as well as the mechanism by which cytoplasmic lipid droplets form and become surrounded by membrane is poorly understood. Proteomic analysis of the protein composition of milk fat globules and cytoplasmic lipid droplet has revealed that the endoplasmic reticulum is not only involved in the synthesis of the lipid but also potentially contributes to the membrane component of milk fat globules. The proteins identified suggest possible mechanisms of multiple steps during this process. Completion of the proteome of milk fat globule membranes and cytoplasmic lipid droplets will provide the necessary reporter molecules to follow and dissect the mechanisms of the sorting and ultimate secretion of cytoplasmic lipid droplets.

GRP94, an ER chaperone with protein and peptide binding properties

GRP94 is the ER representative of the HSP90 family of stress-induced proteins. It binds to a limited number of proteins in the secretory pathway, apparently by recognizing advanced folding intermediates or incompletely assembled proteins, GRP94 also binds peptides and can act as a tumor vaccine, delivering the peptides for presentation to T lymphocytes. Here, we review the current data about GRP94 and propose a structural model that integrates the biochemical data and known functions of the protein.

The beta-isoform of heat shock protein hsp-90 is structurally related with human microtubule-interacting protein Mip-90

Through major research advances in the study of cytoskeletal organization, an integrated view of the complexity of this system has emerged. Recent findings on the microtubule-interacting protein Mip-90, which associates with microtubules and actin filaments in different cell domains, have shed light on its roles in cytoskeletal regulation. In order to study structural features of Mip-90, we sequenced several peptide fragments. A comparative sequence analysis revealed a high degree of similarity between the primary structure of this protein and the human heat shock protein of 90 kDa (hsp-90). Taken together, the present studies indicate the identity between Mip-90 and the the beta-isoform of hsp-90 (hsp-90beta). Western blot assays with an anti-hsp-90 monoclonal antibody showed cross-reactivity of hsp-90 and Mip-90 affinity purified from HeLa cells. Furthermore, the observed structural identity of Mip-90 with the hsp-90beta was sustained by immunoblot assays using monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize the alpha- and beta-forms of hsp-90. Comparative fingerprinting analysis, along with the evidence of a remarkably similar biochemical behavior of both hsp-90 and Mip-90 in different affinity chromatographic systems, supported these observations. These studies, along with previous investigations, provide new data to elucidate the functional significance of these interesting cellular components and its relationships with other proteins linked to the cell architecture.

Changes in cell morphology and actin organization during heat shock in Dictyostelium discoideum: does HSP70 play a role in acquired thermotolerance?

In response to heat shock (34 degrees C, 30 min), cell morphology and actin organization in Dictyostelium discoideum are drastically changed. Loss of pseudopodia and disappearance of F-actin-containing structures were observed by using fluorescence microscopy. These changes were paralleled by a rapid decrease of the F-actin content measured by a TRITC-phalloidin binding assay. The effects of heat shock on cell morphology and actin organization are transient: After heat shock (34 degrees C) or during a long-term heat treatment (30 degrees C), cell morphology, F-actin patterns and F-actin content recovered/adapted to a state which is characteristic for untreated cells. Because F-actin may be stabilized by increased amounts of heat shock proteins, their response and interaction with F-actin was analyzed. After a 1 h heat treatment (34 degrees C), the major heat shock protein of D. discoideum (HSP70) showed maximally increased synthesis rates and levels. During recovery from a 34 degrees C shock or during a continuous heat treatment at 30 degrees C, the HSP70 content first increased and then declined slowly toward normal levels. Pre-treatment of cells with a short heat shock of 30 min at 34 degrees C stabilized the F-actin content when the cells were exposed to a second heat shock. Furthermore, a transient colocalization of HSP70 and actin was observed at the beginning of heat treatment (30 degrees C) using immunological detection of HSP70 in the cytoskeletal actin fraction.

The 90-kDa molecular chaperone family: structure, function, and clinical applications. A comprehensive review

The 90-kDa molecular chaperone family (which comprises, among other proteins, the 90-kDa heat-shock protein, hsp90 and the 94-kDa glucose-regulated protein, grp94, major molecular chaperones of the cytosol and of the endoplasmic reticulum, respectively) has become an increasingly active subject of research in the past couple of years. These ubiquitous, well-conserved proteins account for 1-2% of all cellular proteins in most cells. However, their precise function is still far from being elucidated. Their involvement in the aetiology of several autoimmune diseases, in various infections, in recognition of malignant cells, and in antigen-presentation already demonstrates the essential role they likely will play in clinical practice of the next decade. The present review summarizes our current knowledge about the cellular functions, expression, and clinical implications of the 90-kDa molecular chaperone family and some approaches for future research.

Binding specificity of avian heat shock protein 108

Chicken heat shock protein 108 (HSP108), the avian homolog of GRP94, was originally isolated from hen oviduct and binds Fe-ovotransferrin (Fe-OTf). The liver is also a rich source, and liver membranes bind Fe-OTf with a KD of 1.7 x 10(-7) M, a value similar to oviduct membranes. A competition assay, based on the binding of 125I-Fe-OTf to liver membranes, was utilized to examine the binding specificity of HSP108. Ovalbumin and avidin competed effectively, with KD's of 1.8 x 10(-7) M and 1.4 x 10(-7) M, respectively. Iron-free OTf bound with a 10-fold higher KD. Egg white lysozyme, chicken IgG, human transferrin, rabbit muscle actin, and porcine insulin do not bind. Neither do denatured ovalbumin or ovalbumin tryptic peptides. Thus, the binding activity of HSP108 is not restricted to Fe-OTf, nor is it universal.

Association of glucose-regulated protein (grp78) with human keratin 8

Keratin polypeptides 8 and 18 (K8/18) are intermediate filament proteins that are expressed in 'simple-type' epithelial cells. They associate with several proteins including the 70 kDa cytoplasmic heat shock proteins (hsp70). We identified the human 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (grp78) as a keratin-associated protein. Keratin-grp78 association was noted after co-immunoprecipitation of K8/18 from HT29 detergent solubilized cell lysates, and appears to involve non-posttranslationally modified grp78. The grp78-K8/18 association is induced by culturing cells in the presence of tunicamycin or after glucose starvation. K8/18-bound grp78 can be dissociated by Mg-ATP and the association can be reconstituted in vitro using purified grp78, then redissociated again by Mg-ATP. Binding of grp78 occurs preferentially with K8, and when reconstituted does not depend on the posttranslational modification state of K8/18. Co-incubation of K8/18 with hsp70 and grp78 shows preferential association with hsp70. Our results demonstrate a direct association of grp78 with K8 under conditions that induce grp78 expression.

Interleukin-6 upregulates GP96 expression in breast cancer

Interleukin-6 is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Expression of GP96, a glucose regulated stress protein, is related to drug resistance in tumor cells. Interleukin-6 has previously been shown to induce GP96 expression in a murine myeloblastic cell line. BT474 or MDA-MB231 cells were incubated with recombinant Interleukin-6 (100 to 750 U/ml) for 24 hr. To establish a time course for GP96 induction, MDA-MB231 cells were incubated with 250 U/ml recombinant interleukin-6 for 0-48 hr. Following incubation, cells were washed twice in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and cell lysates were prepared by adding 100 microliters of PBS and freezing at -20 degrees C. GP96 was assessed by immunoblotting. Breast tumor tissue and histologically normal breast tissue were obtained within 1 hr of resection and flash frozen in liquid nitrogen. Tissue was homogenized in ice-cold PBS and cell debris was pelleted by centrifugation at 300g at 4 degrees C for 5 min. Supernatants were collected and assayed for interleukin-6 by ELISA, and GP96 by immunoblotting. Both interleukin-6 (P < 0.001) and GP96 are elevated in breast tumor tissue compared to histologically normal tissue. Interleukin-6 (> or = 250 U/ml for > or = 12 hr) induces GP96 in the metastatic breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB231, but has no effect on GP96 levels in the primary cell line, BT474. Elevated interleukin-6 in breast tumors may induce GP96 expression in tumor cells conferring a survival advantage by rendering them resistant to cytotoxic therapy and other forms of stress.

Autophosphorylation of grp94 (endoplasmin)

The 94-kDa glucose-regulated protein (endoplasmin, grp94) is an abundant member of the 90-kDa molecular chaperone family in the endoplasmic reticulum. We have found earlier that the 50% homologous 90-kDa heat shock protein, hsp90, has ATP-binding site(s) and autophosphorylating activity (Csermely, P., and Kahn, C. R. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 4943-4950). In the present paper we demonstrate that highly purified grp94 is also able to autophosphorylate itself on serine and threonine residues. grp94 can be freed from the co-purifying casein kinase II by concanavalin A affinity chromatography, and its phosphorylation is unaffected by activators and inhibitors of numerous protein kinases known to associate with the homologous hsp90. The autophosphorylation persists in immunoprecipitates and in SDS-polyacrylamide gel-purified and renatured grp94. Autophosphorylation displays a monomolecular kinetics, is activated by micromolar calcium concentrations, has an extreme heat stability, and can utilize both ATP and GTP with relatively high km values of 243 +/- 14 microM and 116 +/- 23 microM, respectively. Sequence analysis of grp94 shows the presence of two ATP-binding sites. The major product of limited proteolysis of grp94 by chymotrypsin or papain is an N-terminal 85-kDa fragment that can bind to ATP-agarose but does not show autophosphorylation. Our data suggest that grp94 has an enzymatic function analogous in many respects to the similar activity of hsp70, hsp90, and grp78 (BiP). Autophosphorylation may participate in/regulate the complex formation of these proteins, so it may be involved in their chaperone function.

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent regulation of the NH2-terminal F-actin binding domain of utrophin

The cytoskeletal proteins utrophin, dystrophin and alpha-actinin are predicted to form antiparallel dimers thus potentially bringing their NH2-terminal F-actin binding domains in close proximity to their EF-hand containing COOH-terminal domains. This arrangement would allow for calcium-dependent regulation of F-actin binding. We tested this hypothesis by determining the effect of the ubiquitous calcium binding protein calmodulin on their F-actin binding capabilities. Binding of the NH2-terminal F-actin binding domain of utrophin to F-actin was inhibited by increasing concentrations of calmodulin in a calcium-dependent manner. The homologous F-actin binding domains from dystrophin and alpha-actinin were not regulated by calmodulin in the presence or absence of calcium. These findings have implications for the structural organisation of utrophin dimers and also for the replacement of dystrophin by over-expression of utrophin in dystrophic muscle.

Calmodulin: effects of cell stimuli and drugs on cellular activation

The activity, localization and cellular content of CaM can be regulated by drugs, hormones and neurotransmitters. Regulation of physiological responses of CaM can depend upon local Ca(2+)-entry domains in the cells and phosphorylation of CaM target proteins, which would either decrease responsiveness of CaM target enzymes or increase CaM availability for binding to other target proteins. Despite the abundance of CaM in many cells, persistent cellular activation by a variety of substances can lead to an increase in CaM, reflected both in the nucleus and other cellular compartments. Increases in CaM-binding proteins can accompany stimuli-induced increases in CaM. A role for CaM in vesicular or protein transport, cell morphology, secretion and other cytoskeletal processes is emerging through its binding to cytoskeletal proteins and myosins in addition to the more often investigated activation of target enzymes. More complete knowledge of the physiological regulation of CaM can lead to a greater understanding of its role in physiological processes and ways to alter its actions through pharmacology.

Calreticulin--a stress protein induced in the renal epithelial cell line NBL-1 by amino acid deprivation

Confluent monolayer cultures of the bovine kidney cell line NBL-1 were starved of amino acids in the presence of tracer concentrations of [35S]-methionine. Fluorographs of SDS-polyacrylamide gel separated membrane proteins revealed increased labelling of at least two proteins in starved cells relative to those in cells grown in complete medium. The patterns of Coomassie blue stained proteins from Concanavalin A-purified fractions of cells grown under fed and amino acid-starved conditions were similar but fluorography indicated the presence of one major labelled glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 62 kD in starved cells which was not present in fed cells. N-terminal amino acid analysis of the first 15 amino acids of the 62 kD protein and a protein of 60 kD found in control cells identified both proteins as calreticulin. N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of a second amino acid starvation-up-regulated protein identified it as glucose-regulated protein GRP78. The amino acid sequences of calreticulin, GRP78 and two transport proteins known to be induced in amino acid starvation, have a common motif near the C-terminal end of the molecule. It is suggested that calreticulin is a member of a novel class of stress proteins induced by amino acid starvation.

Characterization of a testis specific protein localized to endoplasmic reticulum of spermatogenic cells

BACKGROUND

In order to understand the mechanism of spermiogenesis, it is important to characterize germ cell specific genes and proteins expressed during spermatogenesis. We previously reported that a mouse monoclonal antibody, 1C9, raised against golden hamster testis homogenate, recognized a 103 kDa protein in hamster spermatogenic cells (Ohsako et al.; J. Vet. Med. Sci., 53:969-974, 1991). In the present study, we have determined the precise stage and intracellular localization of this protein.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hamster, mouse, and rat tissues were used for immunocytochemistry, SDS-PAGE, and immunoblotting. Immunoelectron microscopy was performed using Lowicryl K4M embedded hamster testis and colloidal gold conjugated second antibody. Furthermore, immuno-affinity purification was carried out using a 1C9-Sepharose column.

RESULTS

In immunoblot analysis, 1C9 also recognized a 103 kDa protein and a 101 kDa protein in the rat and the mouse testes, respectively. Ten different hamster tissues other than testis did not show reactivity against 1C9. In immunostained paraffin sections of hamster testis, the initial staining appeared in middle pachytene spermatocytes and persisted until maturation phase spermatids (step 15). However, it was no longer detectable in the subsequent steps of spermatids. In addition, strong staining was observed in the post-nuclear region of elongated spermatids. Immunoelectron microscopic analysis showed that the protein was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nuclear envelope of spermatogenic cells, but not in the other organelles, such as Golgi apparatus and acrosome of the spermatids. This protein appears to be associated with ER membrane. Furthermore, this protein is found exclusively in the testicular microsomal fraction, not in the cytosol. By affinity purification, approximately 320 micrograms of the 103 kDa protein was obtained from 10 hamster testes. The purified 103 kDa protein was unaffected by N-glycanase, indicating it does not have asparagine-linked glycoconjugates.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that the protein recognized by 1C9 appears to be a unique protein that is localized in the ER and nuclear envelope of spermatogenic cells.

Stress causes alteration in attachment of rat hepatocytes to matrix protein substratum

The effect of different types of stress on the attachment of rat hepatocytes to various matrix protein substrata, such as collagen IV, fibronectin and laminin, was investigated. Study of the kinetics of attachment of adult hepatocytes subjected to heat-shock at 45 degrees C for 30 min showed significantly lower attachment to collagen IV, fibronectin and laminin substrata when compared to untreated controls. The alteration in attachment was observed after heat-treatment for 10 min and the extent of alteration appeared to increase with duration of the heat-treatment, as well as with increase in temperature. Foetal rat hepatocytes, which appeared to attach much more readily than adult rat hepatocytes to these substrata, particularly to laminin, also showed significantly lower attachment to all three substrata after heat-treatment at 45 degrees C for 30 min. This alteration in attachment appeared to be specific for matrix proteins as there was no significant effect on interaction of cells with non-matrix proteins, such as Con A and asialoglycoproteins. While the attachment of adult hepatocytes appeared to attain near control levels in about 4 h, the foetal cells recovered in about 2 h after heat-shock, indicating that the heat-shock effect is reversible and the recovery is faster in foetal hepatocytes. Other stress-causing agents, such as heavy metals, also caused an alteration in attachment of hepatocytes to these matrix proteins. Attachment of adult and foetal hepatocytes to collagen substratum was reduced by 100-microM concentrations of heavy metals in the order Zn > Cd > La > As > Cu for adult cells and La > Zn > As/Cu > Cd for foetal cells. These heavy metals also caused significant reduction in attachment of adult hepatocytes to fibronectin and laminin, although the extent of inhibition was less than that for collagen substrata. However, these heavy metals did not significantly affect the attachment of foetal hepatocytes to laminin substratum indicating that the effect of heavy metals appeared to vary with the nature of the matrix protein substratum. On heat-shock, incorporation of [3H]leucine into cytoskeletal proteins such as cytokeratins CK8 and CK18 was reduced and significant amounts of two new proteins having an average molecular mass of 80 kDa and 90 kDa were found to be tightly associated with cytoskeletal proteins.

Stress proteins in aquatic organisms: an environmental perspective

The cellular stress response protects organisms from damage resulting from exposure to a wide variety of stressors, including elevated temperatures, ultraviolet (UV) light, trace metals, and xenobiotics. The stress response entails the rapid synthesis of a suite of proteins referred to as stress proteins, or heat-shock proteins, upon exposure to adverse environmental conditions. These proteins are highly conserved and have been found in organisms as diverse as bacteria, molluscs, and humans. In this review, we discuss the stress response in aquatic organisms from an environmental perspective. Our current understanding of the cellular functions of stress proteins is examined within the context of their role in repair and protection from environmentally induced damage, acquired tolerance, and environmental adaptation. The tissue specificity of the response and its significance relative to target organ toxicity also are addressed. In addition, the usefulness of using the stress response as a diagnostic in environmental toxicology is evaluated. From the studies discussed in this review, it is apparent that stress proteins are involved in organismal adaptation to both natural and anthropogenic environmental stress, and that further research using this focus will make important contributions to both environmental physiology and ecotoxicology.

Heavy chain binding protein (BiP/GRP78) and endoplasmin are exported from the endoplasmic reticulum in rat exocrine pancreatic cells, similar to protein disulfide-isomerase

Previously we found that in rat exocrine pancreatic cells, protein disulfide-isomerase (PDI), one of the major resident proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of many cells, is localized not only in the ER but also in the Golgi apparatus, secretory granules, plasma membranes, and even in the glandular lumens, despite possessing the ER retention signal KDEL (Lys-Asp-Glu-Leu) at the carboxyl terminus. In this report, we examined whether other ER luminal proteins bearing the KDEL signal at their C-termini, such as BiP/GRP78 and endoplasmin/GRP94 are also exported from the ER. We prepared two kinds of affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies; one against a synthetic peptide with 12 amino acids which is identical to the carboxyl terminus of BiP and another against purified endoplasmin. Immunoblot analysis using these two antibodies showed that BiP and endoplasmin exist in both the plasma membrane and the microsomal fractions, similar to the intracellular distribution of PDI in rat exocrine pancreas. The ratios of the amount of the three proteins in the two fractions, however, were variable, suggesting that the KDEL-bearing proteins such as PDI, BiP, and endoplasmin are exported from the ER with different efficiencies. Postembedding protein A-immunogold electron microscopy revealed that endoplasmin was exported from the ER and secreted to the extracellular space. The secretion of PDI in rat pancreatic lobules was inhibited by Brefeldin A (BFA) and by guanidino acid esters (FOY-305), which are known to be the inhibitors of the intracellular transport. Taken together with the previous immunogold electron microscopic analyses by Akagi et al. (1988), it is strongly suggested that in rat exocrine pancreatic cells PDI and the other KDEL-bearing proteins found in the extracellular space were not artificially released by cell damage during incubation but were secreted via the normal secretory pathway.

Noncytoplasmic and filamentous appearance of calbindin-D28k and tubulin in double, indirect immunofluorescent staining of embryonic chick tissue

Double indirect immunofluorescent labeling of embryonic chick tissue was undertaken for the vitamin D-induced calcium binding protein, calbindin-D28k, and microtubules. Immunoreactivities for both calbindin-D28k and tubulin were found to exhibit a filamentous staining pattern in mesonephros, metanephros, intestine, and brain. In the intestine, staining was absent at 19 days, while immunolabeling of tubulin became evident at 20 days, and both antigens were present in 21-day tissue. In intestinal epithelium, as well as in 10-day metanephros, it was strikingly evident that cells either stained for both antigens or were negative for both calbindin-D28k and tubulin. In 11-12-day metanephros, an increased number of cells with both immunoreactivities were found. In 15-17-day brain, tubulin was evident within all cells but stained most intensely in Purkinje cells which were also positive for calbindin-D28k. Mesonephros from 4-5-day embryos revealed immunolabeling of both tubulin and the calcium binding protein. A statistical analysis of the various cell types revealed that the vast majority contained either both antigens or neither of the immunoreactivities. Of the more than 600 cells scored, none were found to be positive for calbindin-D28k, while at the same time negative for tubulin. It is concluded that calbindin-D28k exhibits a noncytoplasmic distribution in all tissues tested and that the filamentous appearance may reflect localization of the antigen in tubulo-vesicular organelles associated with cytoskeleton.

Soluble and membrane-associated human low-affinity adenosine binding protein (adenotin): properties and homology with mammalian and avian stress proteins

A low-affinity adenosine binding protein has recently been distinguished from the adenosine A2 receptor and purified from human placental membranes. Soluble human placental extracts contain an adenosine binding activity that has properties similar to those of the membrane low-affinity adenosine binding protein. The binding protein was purified from soluble human placental extracts 134-fold to 89% purity with a Bmax of 2.5 nmol/mg. It comprises 0.7-0.9% of the soluble protein. The major purified soluble protein has a subunit molecular mass of 98 kDa and a Stokes radius identical with that of the membrane-bound adenosine binding protein. Competition analysis of the soluble protein revealed similar affinities and an identical potency order for displacement of 5'-(N-ethylcarbamoyl)[2,8-3H]adenosine ([3H]NECA) as follows: NECA greater than 2-chloroadenosine greater than adenosine greater than (R)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine. The soluble binding protein was more acidic than the membrane binding protein as revealed by a comparison of the elution properties during ion exchange chromatography. A second form of soluble adenosine binding activity comprised 17% of the major form and had a charge similar to that of the membrane binding protein, a smaller Stokes radius, and a subunit molecular mass of 74 kDa. Carbohydrate composition analysis revealed that the major soluble form has 4.3% carbohydrate by weight as compared to the membrane-associated form, which has 5.5% carbohydrate by weight.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Isolation and some properties of bovine brain 100 kDa heat shock protein

1. The 100 kDa protein was purified from bovine brains. 2. The antibody against the 100 kDa brain protein was prepared and was monospecific to the antigen. 3. The antibody cross-reacted with HeLa cell HSP100 (100 kDa heat shock protein). 4. The physicochemical, immunochemical properties and a partially amino acid sequence indicated that the 100 kDa protein was HSP100. 5. Peptide mapping using Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease showed a core peptide with 10 kDa molecular mass common to both HSP100 and HSP90. 6. The amino acid sequence of the 10 kDa fragment of the 100 kDa protein showed a high homology with that of human HSP90 (38-60); the difference was only two of 23 amino acid residues determined.