Molecular cloning of porcine soluble angiotensin-binding protein

Pharmacological characterization of a novel non-AT1, non-AT2 angiotensin binding site identified as neurolysin

The discovery of a novel non-AT1, non-AT2 binding site for angiotensins in the rodent brain and testis that is unmasked by the organomercurial compound para-chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB) has catalyzed efforts to purify and characterize this protein. We recently reported that this protein is neurolysin and now report upon the specificity of this binding site for various neuropeptides. Competition binding assays in rat brain and testis used (125)I-Sar(1), Ile(8) angiotensin II (Ang II) as the radioligand in the presence of saturating concentrations of AT1 and AT2 receptor antagonists and 100 μM parachloromercuribenzoate. Primary screening of 36 peptides and other compounds at 10 μM concentration revealed seven peptides that inhibited specific binding >50 %: ghrelin, Tyr(1) S36057 (a melanin-concentrating hormone receptor ligand), orphanin FQ and its congeners (Tyr(1) and Tyr(14)), Dynorphin A (1-8), and Ang (1-9). The selective neurolysin inhibitor Proline-Isoleucine dipeptide was inactive at 1 mM. These results suggest that the ability of PCMB to unmask high affinity binding of Ang II to neurolysin is a pharmacological effect and that neurolysin may significantly affect the activity of the renin-angiotensin system.

Intracardiac intracellular angiotensin system in diabetes

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has mainly been categorized as a circulating and a local tissue RAS. A new component of the local system, known as the intracellular RAS, has recently been described. The intracellular RAS is defined as synthesis and action of ANG II intracellularly. This RAS appears to differ from the circulating and the local RAS, in terms of components and the mechanism of action. These differences may alter treatment strategies that target the RAS in several pathological conditions. Recent work from our laboratory has demonstrated significant upregulation of the cardiac, intracellular RAS in diabetes, which is associated with cardiac dysfunction. Here, we have reviewed evidence supporting an intracellular RAS in different cell types, ANG II's actions in cardiac cells, and its mechanism of action, focusing on the intracellular cardiac RAS in diabetes. We have discussed the significance of an intracellular RAS in cardiac pathophysiology and implications for potential therapies.

Identification of membrane-bound variant of metalloendopeptidase neurolysin (EC 3.4.24.16) as the non-angiotensin type 1 (non-AT1), non-AT2 angiotensin binding site

Recently, we discovered a novel non-angiotensin type 1 (non-AT1), non-AT2 angiotensin binding site in rodent and human brain membranes, which is distinctly different from angiotensin receptors and key proteases processing angiotensins. It is hypothesized to be a new member of the renin-angiotensin system. This study was designed to isolate and identify this novel angiotensin binding site. An angiotensin analog, photoaffinity probe 125I-SBpa-Ang II, was used to specifically label the non-AT1, non-AT2 angiotensin binding site in mouse forebrain membranes, followed by a two-step purification procedure based on the molecular size and isoelectric point of the photoradiolabeled binding protein. Purified samples were subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry identification of proteins in the two-dimensional gel sections containing radioactivity. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed eight protein candidates, of which the four most abundant were immunoprecipitated after photoradiolabeling. Immunoprecipitation studies indicated that the angiotensin binding site might be the membrane-bound variant of metalloendopeptidase neurolysin (EC 3.4.24.16). To verify these observations, radioligand binding and photoradiolabeling experiments were conducted in membrane preparations of HEK293 cells overexpressing mouse neurolysin or thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15), a closely related metalloendopeptidase of the same family. These experiments also identified neurolysin as the non-AT1, non-AT2 angiotensin binding site. Finally, brain membranes of mice lacking neurolysin were nearly devoid of the non-AT1, non-AT2 angiotensin binding site, further establishing membrane-bound neurolysin as the binding site. Future studies will focus on the functional significance of this highly specific, high affinity interaction between neurolysin and angiotensins.

The intracellular renin-angiotensin system: a new paradigm

More than a century after its discovery, the physiological implications of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) continue to expand, with the identification of new components, functions and subsystems. These advancements have led to better management and understanding of a broad range of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The RAS has traditionally been viewed as a circulatory system, involved in the short-term regulation of volume and blood pressure homeostasis. Recently, local RASs have been described as regulators of chronic tissue effects. Most recently, studies have provided evidence of a complete, functional RAS within cells, described as an 'intracrine' or intracellular system. A more comprehensive understanding of the intracellular RAS provides for new strategies in system regulation and a more efficacious approach to the management of RAS-related diseases.

Human retroelements may introduce intragenic polyadenylation signals

In the human genome, the insertion of LINE-1 and Alu elements can affect genes by sequence disruption, and by the introduction of elements that modulate the gene's expression. One of the modulating sequences retroelements may contribute is the canonical polyadenylation signal (pA), AATAAA. L1 elements include these within their own sequence and AATAAA sequences are commonly created in the A-rich tails of both SINEs and LINEs. Computational analysis of 34 genes randomly retrieved from the human genome draft sequence reveals an orientation bias, reflected as a lower number of L1s and Alus containing the pA in the same orientation as the gene. Experimental studies of Alu-based pA sequences when placed in pol II or pol III transcripts suggest that the signal is very weak, or often not used at all. Because the pA signal is highly affected by the surrounding sequence, it is likely that the Alu constructs evaluated did not provide the required recognition signals to the polyadenylation machinery. Although the effect of pA signals contributed by Alus is individually weak, the observed reduction of "sense" oriented pA-containing L1 and Alu elements within genes reflects that even a modest influence causes a change in evolutionary pressure, sufficient to create the biased distribution.

EP24.15 interacts with the angiotensin II type I receptor and bradykinin B2 receptor

The carboxyl-terminal cytoplasmic domain of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) is known to interact with several classes of intracellular proteins that may modulate receptor function. Employing yeast two-hybrid screening of a human embryonic kidney cDNA library with the carboxyl-terminal cytoplasmic domain of the AT1 receptor as a bait, we have isolated EP24.15 (EC 3.4.24.15, thimet oligopeptidase) as a potentially interacting protein. EP24.15 is widely distributed and is known to degrade bioactive peptides such as angiotensin I and II and bradykinin. In addition, EP24.15 was previously identified as a putative soluble angiotensin II binding protein. Two-hybrid screening also determined that EP24.15 can interact with the B2 bradykinin receptor. Transient expression of EP24.15 in a porcine kidney epithelial cell line stably expressing full length AT1 and full length B2 followed by affinity chromatography and co-immunoprecipitation confirmed EP24.15 association with both AT1 and B2 receptors. EP24.15 was also co-immunoprecipitated with AT1 and B2 in rat kidney brush border membranes (BBM) and basolateral membranes (BLM). Both AT1 and B2 undergo ligand-induced endocytosis. Analysis of endosomal fractions following immunoprecipitation with AT1 or B2 antibodies detected strong association of EP24.15 with the receptors in both light and heavy endosomal populations. Therefore, the present study indicates that EP24.15 associates with AT1 and B2 receptors both at the plasma membrane and after receptor internalization and suggests a possible mechanism for endosomal disposition of ligand that may facilitate receptor recycling.

Effect of extracellular and intracellular angiotensins on heart cell function; on the cardiac renin-angiotensin system

In this manuscript, I presented up-to-date evidence that intracellular and extracellular angiotensins have an important regulatory effect on the processes of heart cell communication and inward calcium current and that aldosterone modulates the effect of angiotensin II (Ang II) on the electrical properties of the heart. Moreover, I discussed the most relevant information about the origin of cardiac renin, the presence of a cardiac renin-angiotensin aldosterone system and its possible relevance for heart cell physiology and pathology.

Soluble metalloendopeptidases and neuroendocrine signaling

Peptidases play a vital and often highly specific role in the physiological and pathological generation and termination of peptide hormone signals. The thermolysin-like family of metalloendopeptidases involved in the extracellular processing of neuroendocrine and cardiovascular peptides are of particular significance, reflecting both their specificity for particular peptide substrates and their utility as therapeutic targets. Although the functions of the membrane-bound members of this family, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase, are well established, a role for the predominantly soluble family members in peptide metabolism is only just emerging. This review will focus on the biochemistry, cell biology, and physiology of the soluble metalloendopeptidases EC 3.4.24.15 (thimet oligopeptidase) and EC 3.4.24.16 (neurolysin), as well as presenting evidence that both peptidases play an important role in such diverse functions as reproduction, nociception, and cardiovascular homeostasis.

Intracellular angiotensin II stimulates voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels in arterial myocytes

Although the presence of intracellular angiotensin II (Ang II) and of Ang II-binding sites has been reported, their roles in cell function have not been fully clarified. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that intracellular Ang II modifies voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels in vascular smooth muscle. Ca(2+) channel currents were recorded in guinea pig mesenteric arterial myocytes with the whole-cell patch-clamp method. Intracellular dialysis of Ang II increased the amplitudes of Ca(2+) channel current (133 +/- 9% of the control with 10 nmol/L Ang II, n=16). Concomitant dialysis of the Ang II type 1 receptor antagonist, CV-11974 (1 micromol/L, n=11), but not the bath application of this drug, suppressed this Ang II action. In contrast, the dialysis of the Ang II type 2 receptor antagonist, PD123319 (1 micromol/L, n=5), failed to affect the Ang II action. Dialysis of either a phospholipase C inhibitor (U-73122, 10 micromol/L, n=5) or protein kinase C inhibitors (calphostin C, 100 nmol/L, n=5; protein kinase C inhibitor peptide-[19-36], 1 micromol/L, n=5) suppressed the Ang II action. Dialysis of KT5720 (100 nmol/L, n=5), an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, did not affect the Ang II action. Intracellular dialysis of angiotensin I (10 nmol/L) enhanced Ca(2+) channel currents (13 3 +/- 8%, n=6), which were sensitive to intracellular enalaprilat (1 micromol/L, n=5) or CV-11974 (n=5). These results suggest that intracellular Ang II has a stimulating action on voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels in vascular smooth muscle, possibly through intracellular binding sites similar to the Ang II type 1 receptor, which are associated with phospholipase C and protein kinase C.

Mechanisms and functions of AT(1) angiotensin receptor internalization

The type 1 (AT(1)) angiotensin receptor, which mediates the known physiological and pharmacological actions of angiotensin II, activates numerous intracellular signaling pathways and undergoes rapid internalization upon agonist binding. Morphological and biochemical studies have shown that agonist-induced endocytosis of the AT(1) receptor occurs via clathrin-coated pits, and is dependent on two regions in the cytoplasmic tail of the receptor. However, it is independent of G protein activation and signaling, and does not require the conserved NPXXY motif in the seventh transmembrane helix. The dependence of internalization of the AT(1) receptor on a cytoplasmic serine-threonine-rich region that is phosphorylated during agonist stimulation suggests that endocytosis is regulated by phosphorylation of the AT(1) receptor tail. beta-Arrestins have been implicated in the desensitization and endocytosis of several G protein-coupled receptors, but the exact nature of the adaptor protein required for association of the AT(1) receptor with clathrin-coated pits, and the role of dynamin in the internalization process, are still controversial. There is increasing evidence for a role of internalization in sustained signal generation from the AT(1) receptor. Several aspects of the mechanisms and specific function of AT(1) receptor internalization, including its precise mode and route of endocytosis, and the potential roles of cytoplasmic and nuclear receptors, remain to be elucidated.

Regulation of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor function

The type 1 angiotensin receptor (AT1) mediates the important biological actions of the peptide hormone, angiotensin II (AngII), by activating an array of intracellular signaling pathways. The unique temporal arrangement and duration of AngII-stimulated signals suggests a hierarchy of post-AT1 receptor binding events that permits activation of selective effector pathways. Moreover, it predicts that the coupling of AT1 receptors is tightly regulated, allowing cells to differentiate acute responses from those requiring longer periods of stimulation. Recent studies have concentrated on delineating the molecular processes involved in modulating AT1 receptor activity. In addition to AT1 receptor modification (phosphorylation), trafficking (internalization and degradation) and interaction with regulatory intracellular proteins, other processes may include receptor dimerization, cross-regulation by other receptor systems, and receptor isomerization between activated and non-activated forms. This review focuses on recent advances in this area of research, highlighting directions for future investigation.

Targeting of endopeptidase 24.16 to different subcellular compartments by alternative promoter usage

Endopeptidase 24.16 or mitochondrial oligopeptidase, abbreviated here as EP 24.16 (MOP), is a thiol- and metal-dependent oligopeptidase that is found in multiple intracellular compartments in mammalian cells. From an analysis of the corresponding gene, we found that the distribution of the enzyme to appropriate subcellular locations is achieved by the use of alternative sites for the initiation of transcription. The pig EP 24.16 (MOP) gene spans over 100 kilobases and is organized into 16 exons. The core protein sequence is encoded by exons 5-16 which match perfectly with exons 2-13 of the gene for endopeptidase 24.15, another member of the thimet oligopeptidase family. These two sets of 11 exons share the same splice sites, suggesting a common ancestor. Multiple species of mRNA for EP 24.16 (MOP) were detected by the 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends and they were shown to have been generated from a single gene by alternative choices of sites for the initiation of transcription and splicing. Two types of transcript were prepared, corresponding to transcription from distal and proximal sites. Their expression in vitro in COS-1 cells indicated that they encoded two isoforms (long and short) which differed only at their amino termini: the long form contained a cleavable mitochondrial targeting sequence and was directed to mitochondria; the short form, lacking such a signal sequence, remained in the cytosol. The complex structure of the EP 24.16 (MOP) gene thus allows, by alternative promoter usage, a fine transcriptional regulation of coordinate expression, in the different subcellular compartments, of the two isoforms arising from a single gene.

Tissue distribution and subcellular localization of rabbit liver metalloendopeptidase

We have previously isolated rabbit liver microsomal metalloendopeptidase (MEP) as a candidate for the processing enzyme of vitamin K-dependent plasma proteins. A cDNA coding for MEP has revealed that it is structurally related to metalloendopeptidase-24.15, which catalyzes the proteolytic processing of several bioactive peptides. In this study we examined the tissue distribution and subcellular localization of MEP by light and electron microscopic immunohistochemical methods, in addition to Northern blot analysis. Chicken polyclonal antibodies were raised by using synthetic peptides AG1 (Met31-Asn46) and AG3 (Asp537-Gly551) derived from the sequence of MEP. Both anti-AG1 and anti-AG3 antibodies reacted specifically with MEP, as judged by Western blotting and immunohistochemical methods. Both antibodies gave an identical staining distribution, which was localized on the luminal cell surfaces and in the cytoplasm of the following organs: liver, brain, lungs, kidneys, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, pancreas, placenta, epididymis, uterus, ovary, and oviduct. Northern blot analysis revealed that the expression of MEP mRNA is similar to its immunohistochemical distribution except in the heart. These results suggest that MEP may participate more closely in a degradation role in peptide metabolism in various tissues than in a processing role of the proprotein, like metalloendopeptidase-24.15.

Subcellular localization of angiotensin II immunoreactivity in the rat cerebellar cortex

We localized angiotensin II (Ang II) immunoreactivity in the rat cerebellar cortex with immunogold staining methods. Perfusion fixation with high amounts of glutaraldehyde and the use of cryoultramicrotomy caused remarkable changes in immunostaining versus formaldehyde/picric acid fixation. With the use of monoclonal and polyclonal anti-Ang II, Ang II immunoreactivity was prominent in cerebellar neurons such as Purkinje, granule, basket, and stellate cells. At the subcellular level, the peptide was clearly localized in nuclei, and in some cell types, such as endothelial and granule cells, it was nearly exclusively present in the transcriptionally active euchromatin. Intracellular Ang II immunoreactivity was also detected in vesicle-like structures in cytoplasm and mitochondria and at cell-cell contacts. Additional experiments with liver and adrenal tissue confirmed the nuclear localization of Ang II immunoreactivity, suggesting a role of Ang II in the regulation of gene transcription.

Development of the first potent and selective inhibitor of the zinc endopeptidase neurolysin using a systematic approach based on combinatorial chemistry of phosphinic peptides

A new systematic approach, based on combinatorial chemistry of phosphinic peptides, is proposed for rapid development of highly potent and selective inhibitors of zinc metalloproteases. This strategy first evaluates the effects on the inhibitory potency and selectivity of the following parameters: 1) size of the phosphinic peptides, 2) position of the phosphinic bond in the sequence, and 3) the state (free or blocked) of the peptide extremities. After this selection step, the influence of the inhibitor sequence is analyzed in order to determine the identity of the residues that optimized both the potency and the selectivity. We demonstrate the efficiency of this novel approach in rapid identification of the first potent inhibitor of the mammalian zinc endopeptidase neurolysin(24-16), able to discriminate between this enzyme and the related zinc endopeptidase thimet oligopeptidase(24-15). The most potent and selective inhibitor developed in this study, Pro-LPhePsi(PO2CH2)Gly-Pro, displays a Ki value of 4 nM for 24-16 and is 2000 times less potent on 24-15. The specific recognition of such a free phosphinic tetrapeptide by 24-16, as well as the unique specificity of the 24-16 S2 and S2' subsites for proline, unveiled by this study, are discussed in terms of their possible significance for the function of this enzyme and its related zinc endopeptidase activities.

Accelerated evolution in inhibitor domains of porcine elafin family members

Through the analysis of the porcine gene encoding the elastase inhibitor elafin, we demonstrated that there are at least three closely related members of the elafin family, and their genes have arisen by accelerated evolution. A porcine genomic DNA library was screened with a previously cloned human elafin cDNA probe, and several positive clones were obtained that can be distinguished by a combination of restriction enzymes. Sequence analysis of these clones revealed the presence of three homologous members whose genes, all consisting of three exons and two introns, are almost identical except the exon 2 sequences encoding the inhibitor domain called "WAP motif"; the intron sequences are related to each other with sequence similarities of 93-98%, whereas the exon 2 sequences exhibited only 60-77% similarities among the three members. The extreme divergence in the exon 2 sequences compared to the highly conserved intron sequences may be generated by accelerated mutations confined in a short stretch of the genes following recent duplication events of a single ancestral gene. An RNase protection assay indicated that the messages of the elafin family members are abundantly expressed in the trachea and intestine, suggesting that the most likely selective forces for the accelerated evolution are extrinsic proteinases produced by invasive microorganisms.

Nicotine blocks angiotensin II inhibition of LTP in the dentate gyrus

Angiotensin (ANG)-containing axons, terminals, and receptors have been found in the hippocampus. When angiotensin II (ANG II) is administered to the dentate gyrus, long-term potentiation (LTP) induction, in response to medial perforant path stimulation, is inhibited and it can be blocked by losartan, an ANG II AT1 receptor antagonist. ANG II has been shown to mediate impairment of the retention of an inhibitory shock avoidance response and to be involved in ethanol and diazepam inhibition of dentate gyrus LTP, all of which can be blocked by losartan. Nicotine acetylcholine receptors are found in the hippocampus and nicotine is involved in the enhancement of complex and important psychological functions that are mediated by the hippocampus; therefore, the possibility that nicotine prevents the ANG II inhibition of dentate granule cell LTP was examined. Nicotine pretreatment reduced ANG II inhibition of LTP induction in a dose-dependent manner. Mecamylamine blocked the nicotine antagonism of ANG II-induced LTP inhibition and normal LTP occurred, whereas hexamethonium was ineffective in blocking these central effects of nicotine. Nicotine by itself did not affect normal LTP under these conditions. Nicotinic blocking of the ANG II inhibition of a frequency dependent type of synaptic plasticity provides a function for central nicotinic receptors and a possible mechanism of action a) to explain the enhancement of learning and memory by nicotine, b) an explanation for tobacco smoking while drinking alcohol, and c) a possible basis for the excessive use of tobacco in depression and schizophrenia that supports a possible therapeutic use of nicotine in some mental disorders.

Mapping the soluble angiotensin binding protein (ABP1) locus to porcine chromosome 16

A highly polymorphic (AT)nTm microsatellite located in a PRE1 SINE element in the 3'UTR of the soluble angiotensin binding protein (ABP1) gene has enabled the linkage mapping on the PiGMaP reference families of the ABP1 gene to porcine chromosome 16, to a region homologous with the short arm of human chromosome 5.

Angiotensin II receptor endocytosis involves two distinct regions of the cytoplasmic tail. A role for residues on the hydrophobic face of a putative amphipathic helix

Following agonist stimulation, many receptors are rapidly internalized from the plasma membrane via a mechanism which presumably involves recognition motifs within the cytoplasmic domains of the receptor. We have previously demonstrated (Thomas, W. G., Thekkumkara, T. J., Motel, T. J., and Baker, K. M. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 207-213) that truncation of the angiotensin II (AT1A) receptor, to remove 45 amino acids from the cytoplasmic tail, markedly reduced agonist stimulated receptor endocytosis. In the present study, we have stably and transiently expressed wild type and carboxyl terminus mutated AT1A receptors in Chinese hamster ovary cells to identify regions and specific amino acids important for this process. Wild type AT1A receptors rapidly internalized (t1/2 = 2.5 min; Ymax = 76.4%) after AII stimulation. Using AT1A receptor mutants, truncated and deleted at the carboxyl terminus, two distinct regions important for internalization were identified: one membrane proximal site between residues 315-329 and another distal to Lys333, within the terminal 26 amino acids. Point mutations (Y302A, Y312A, L316F, Y319A, and K325A) were performed to identify residues contributing to the membrane proximal site. Mutation of Y302A, Y312A, and K325A had little effect on the rate (t1/2 = 4.3, 2.8, and 2.8 min) and maximal amount (Ymax = 81.7, 67.8, and 73.5%) of AII induced internalization. In contrast, L316F and Y319A mutations displayed an approximately 2.5-fold reduction in rate (t1/2 = 6.1 and 6.2 min) and L316F a decreased maximal level (Ymax = 38.1 and 71.4%, respectively) compared to wild type. Interestingly, Leu316 and Tyr319 are closely aligned within the hydrophobic aspect of a putative amphipathic helix, possibly representing an internalization motif for the AT1A receptor. We conclude that the AT1A receptor does not use NPXXY (NPLFY302) motif, first described for the beta 2-adrenergic receptor, to mediate agonist stimulated endocytosis. Rather, two distinct regions of the carboxyl terminus are utilized: one involving hydrophobic and aromatic residues on a putative alpha-helix and another serine/threonine-rich domain.

Characterization of a mitochondrial metallopeptidase reveals neurolysin as a homologue of thimet oligopeptidase

We have isolated a metallopeptidase from rat liver. The peptidase is primarily located in the mitochondrial intermembrane space, where it interacts non-covalently with the inner membrane. The enzyme hydrolyzes oligopeptides, the largest substrate molecule found being dynorphin A1-17; it has no action on proteins, and does not interact with alpha 2-macroglobulin, and can therefore be classified as an oligopeptidase. We term the enzyme oligopeptidase M. Oligopeptidase M acts similarly to thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15) on bradykinin and several other peptides, but hydrolyzes neurotensin exclusively at the -Pro+Tyr- bond (the symbol + is used to indicate a scissile peptide bond) rather than the -Arg+Arg- bond. The enzyme is inhibited by chelating agents and some thiol-blocking compounds, but differs from thimet oligopeptidase in not being activated by thiol compounds. The peptidase is inhibited by Pro-Ile, unlike thimet oligopeptidase, and the two enzymes are separable in chromatography on hydroxyapatite. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of rat mitochondrial oligopeptidase M contains 19 out of 20 residues identical with a segment of rabbit microsomal endopeptidase and 17 matching the corresponding segment of pig-soluble angiotensin II-binding protein. Moreover, the rat protein is recognized by a monoclonal antibody against rabbit soluble angiotensin II-binding protein, all of which is consistent with these proteins being species variants of a single protein that is a homologue of thimet oligopeptidase. The biochemical properties of the mitochondrial oligopeptidase leave us in no doubt that it is neurolysin (EC 3.4.24.16), for which no sequence has previously been reported, and which has not been thought to be mitochondrial.

Cloning, amino acid sequence and tissue distribution of porcine thimet oligopeptidase. A comparison with soluble angiotensin-binding protein

We have previously determined the amino acid sequence of porcine soluble angiotensin-binding protein (sABP) by cDNA cloning and sequencing. In this study, we have cloned a sABP homologue (PABH) from the same porcine cDNA libraries used for sABP cloning. PABH and sABP have 65% sequence identity. Sequence comparisons with other proteins revealed very high similarities between porcine PABH and rat thimet oligopeptidase (90%), and between porcine sABP and rabbit microsomal endopeptidase (93%). This suggests that PABH and thimet oligopeptidase are identical and that sABP and microsomal endopeptidase are also the same. Indeed, sABP was shown to have a peptidase activity that is sensitive to the metal-chelating agents EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline; sABP was also sensitive to the thiol reagent p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid. RNase-protection assays, using RNA preparations from various porcine tissues, indicated that thimet oligopeptidase mRNA is ubiquitously expressed whereas sABP mRNA is predominantly expressed in the liver, kidney and adrenal gland. This assay also revealed tissue-specific alternative splicing of the sABP-encoding message.

The biology of angiotensin II receptors

Angiotensin II is very important in the regulation of blood pressure. This small peptide binds to cell surface receptors, initiating a wide diversity of physiologic responses. There are two major subtypes of angiotensin II receptors referred to as AT1 and AT2. In this article we describe the cloning and the biochemical characterization of the AT1 receptor. Antibodies against this receptor have been used to define its tissue distribution. The AT1 receptor is a member of the seven transmembrane spanning class of receptors. It initiates a complex series of signaling events, including activation of membrane phospholipases and intracellular kinases. In the human a single AT1 receptor protein mediates virtually all the effects of angiotensin II, suggesting that tissue specificity of angiotensin II must be due to organ-specific intracellular signaling.