Molecular characterization and differential mRNA tissue distribution of rabbit apolipoprotein D

The Lipocalin Apolipoprotein D Functional Portrait: A Systematic Review

Apolipoprotein D is a chordate gene early originated in the Lipocalin protein family. Among other features, regulation of its expression in a wide variety of disease conditions in humans, as apparently unrelated as neurodegeneration or breast cancer, have called for attention on this gene. Also, its presence in different tissues, from blood to brain, and different subcellular locations, from HDL lipoparticles to the interior of lysosomes or the surface of extracellular vesicles, poses an interesting challenge in deciphering its physiological function: Is ApoD a moonlighting protein, serving different roles in different cellular compartments, tissues, or organisms? Or does it have a unique biochemical mechanism of action that accounts for such apparently diverse roles in different physiological situations? To answer these questions, we have performed a systematic review of all primary publications where ApoD properties have been investigated in chordates. We conclude that ApoD ligand binding in the Lipocalin pocket, combined with an antioxidant activity performed at the rim of the pocket are properties sufficient to explain ApoD association with different lipid-based structures, where its physiological function is better described as lipid-management than by long-range lipid-transport. Controlling the redox state of these lipid structures in particular subcellular locations or extracellular structures, ApoD is able to modulate an enormous array of apparently diverse processes in the organism, both in health and disease. The new picture emerging from these data should help to put the physiological role of ApoD in new contexts and to inspire well-focused future research.

Understanding the Exchange of Systemic HDL Particles Into the Brain and Vascular Cells Has Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are complex, heterogenous lipoprotein particles, consisting of a large family of apolipoproteins, formed in subspecies of distinct shapes, sizes, and functions and are synthesized in both the brain and the periphery. HDL apolipoproteins are important determinants of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology and vascular dementia, having both central and peripheral effects on brain amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation and vascular functions, however, the extent to which HDL particles (HLD-P) can exchange their protein and lipid components between the central nervous system (CNS) and the systemic circulation remains unclear. In this review, we delineate how HDL’s structure and composition enable exchange between the brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartment, and vascular cells that ultimately affect brain amyloid metabolism and atherosclerosis. Accordingly, we then elucidate how modifications of HDL-P have diagnostic and therapeutic potential for brain vascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

Apolipoprotein D

ApoD is a 25 to 30 kDa glycosylated protein, member of the lipocalin superfamily. As a transporter of several small hydrophobic molecules, its known biological functions are mostly associated to lipid metabolism and neuroprotection. ApoD is a multi-ligand, multi-function protein that is involved lipid trafficking, food intake, inflammation, antioxidative response and development and in different types of cancers. An important aspect of ApoD's role in lipid metabolism appears to involve the transport of arachidonic acid, and the modulation of eicosanoid production and delivery in metabolic tissues. ApoD expression in metabolic tissues has been associated positively and negatively with insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in a tissue dependent manner. ApoD levels rise considerably in association with aging and neuropathologies such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, meningoencephalitis, moto-neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. ApoD is also modulated in several animal models of nervous system injury/pathology.

[Estimation of the diagnostic potential of APOD, PTOV1, and EPHA4 for prostatic neoplasms]

Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently detected malignancies in men. The gold standard for its diagnosis is morphological examination; at the same time the differential diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), and benign conditions that are able to mimic the malignancies is tremendously difficult in a number of cases, this being so, the hyperdiagnosis rate of HGPIN requiring mandatory repeat biopsy is as high as 24%. The currently available differential diagnostic panel of antibodies is imperfect, which necessitates a search for novel markers.

AIM

to estimate the diagnostic and prognostic value of the expression of PTOV1, APOD, and EPHA4 in prostatic neoplasias.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 90 samples from prostate cancer patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy were examined. The presence of adenocarcinoma and HGPIN was verified by immunohistochemical tests using antibodies to AMACR (P504S) and high molecular weight cytokeratin 34βE12 in serial sections. The latter were also used to immunohistochemically analyze the expression of PTOV1, APOD, and EPHA4.

RESULTS

APOD expression was noted in 76% of cases of both adenocarcinomas and HGPIN, in 4% in only cancer, and in 7% in only HGPIN. All the study samples showed a considerable decrease in PTOV1 expression in cancer and HGPIN compared to morphologically normal glands. Three samples also exhibited no PTOV1 expression in a number of morphologically normal glands. No difference was found in the expression of EPHA4 in morphologically normal glands, HGPIN, or cancer.

CONCLUSION

The high rate of APOD expression in HGPIN and cancer, as well as the absence of its expression in the vast majority of morphologically normal glands allows the use of this protein as an additional marker in the differential diagnosis of prostatic neoplasms. The emerging trends in the difference of PTOV1 expression in morphologically normal prostate tissue, HGPIN, and cancer call for further investigations with a larger sample.

Differential Expression of Apolipoprotein D in Human Astroglial and Oligodendroglial Cells

Apolipoprotein D (Apo D) is a secreted lipocalin in the nervous system that may be related to processes of reinnervation and regeneration. Under normal conditions, Apo D is present in the central nervous system in oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and some scattered neurons. To elucidate the regional and cellular distribution of Apo D in normal human brain, we performed double immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Apo D in samples of postmortem human cerebral and cerebellar cortices. Most of the GFAP-positive cells in the gray matter had features of protoplasmic astrocytes and were mainly Apo D-positive. Apo D staining was mostly confined to the cell soma and proximal processes, whereas GFAP extended to a rich and extensive array of processes. The fibrous astrocytes in the white matter were immunoreactive for GFAP but not for Apo D. In the white matter, Apo D was mainly detected in oligodendrocytes and extracellularly in the neuropil. The results of the present study support a specific behavior for each astrocyte type. These findings suggest that Apo D expression may be cell-specific, depending on the particular tissue physiology at the time of examination.

Lifelong expression of apolipoprotein D in the human brainstem: correlation with reduced age-related neurodegeneration

The lipocalin apolipoprotein D (Apo D) is upregulated in peripheral nerves following injury and in regions of the central nervous system, such as the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, during aging and progression of certain neurological diseases. In contrast, few studies have examined Apo D expression in the brainstem, a region necessary for survival and generally less prone to age-related degeneration. We measured Apo D expression in whole human brainstem lysates by slot-blot and at higher spatial resolution by quantitative immunohistochemistry in eleven brainstem nuclei (the 4 nuclei of the vestibular nuclear complex, inferior olive, hypoglossal nucleus, oculomotor nucleus, facial motor nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve, and Roller`s nucleus). In contrast to cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, apolipoprotein D was highly expressed in brainstem tissue from subjects (N = 26, 32−96 years of age) with no history of neurological disease, and expression showed little variation with age. Expression was significantly stronger in somatomotor nuclei (hypoglossal, oculomotor, facial) than visceromotor or sensory nuclei. Both neurons and glia expressed Apo D, particularly neurons with larger somata and glia in the periphery of these brainstem centers. Immunostaining was strongest in the neuronal perinuclear region and absent in the nucleus. We propose that strong brainstem expression of Apo D throughout adult life contributes to resistance against neurodegenerative disease and age-related degeneration, possibly by preventing oxidative stress and ensuing lipid peroxidation.

Age-related changes of apolipoprotein D expression in female rat central nervous system with chronic estradiol treatment

Aging is associated with a reduction in metabolic functions, increased incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, and memory or cognitive dysfunction. With aging, a decrease in plasma estrogen levels, related to loss of gonadal function, occurs in females. Estrogens have neuroprotective effects and estradiol treatment improves some aspects of neuronal homeostasis affected by aging. In other way, recent studies show that apo D can play a neuroprotective role in some neuropathologies and during aging. The possible relation between estradiol treatment and the expression of apo D, during aging in the CNS, was investigated in female rats. Our results confirm an expression of apo D zone-dependent, in relation with aging, and an overexpression of apo D related to ovariectomy and estradiol treatment. This overexpression strengthens the idea that apo D plays a neuroprotective role in the CNS.

Antioxidant activities of recombinant amphioxus (Branchiostoma belcheri) apolipoprotein D

Apolipoprotein D (ApoD), a member of lipocalin, has been recently shown to be involved in regulating protection from oxidative stress. The absence of ApoD in mouse and Drosophila can reduce the resistance to oxidative stress and shorten lifespan. However, little information is available regarding the expression in vitro of ApoD and its biochemical properties. Amphioxus (Branchiostoma belcheri) ApoD, BbApoD, is an archetype of vertebrate ApoD proteins. In this study, the prokaryotic expression plasmid pET32a-BbApoD was constructed and recombinant BbApoD expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and purified. Antioxidation assays showed that the recombinant BbApoD protein had the capacities to scavenge hydroxyl radicals (≥ 240 μg/ml) and to prevent nicking of the supercoiled DNA (≥ 100 μg/ml) in vitro, providing a biochemical evidence for antioxidant role of ApoD. This supports the notion that ApoD is part of the mechanisms regulating protection from oxidative stresses.

Apolipoprotein D as a novel marker in human end-stage heart failure: a preliminary study

Apolipoprotein D (Apo D) is reported to be in close association with developing and mature blood vessels, and involved in enhanced smooth muscle cell migration after injury. This study was designed to clarify the expression pattern of Apo D and the possibility of Apo D as a new marker in human end-stage heart failure. Individual RNA samples obtained from independent left ventricular tissue of six heart failure patients derived from cardiomyopathies of different aetiologies during cardiac transplantation and six non-failing control subjects were hybridized to the gene microarray containing, in total, 35 000 well-characterized Homo sapiens genes. Apo D was one of the highly expressed genes (3.3-fold upregulated) detected by microarray, which was further confirmed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (5.88-fold upregulated) in failing hearts compared with non-failing hearts. Both Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses also demonstrated the higher levels of Apo D protein in failing hearts. Importantly, we observed elevated levels of plasma Apo D in heart failure patients compared with non-failing control subjects. We demonstrated, for the first time to our knowledge, that Apo D was highly expressed in the mRNA and protein levels in human failing hearts compared with non-failing hearts. Furthermore, our finding of elevated plasma Apo D levels in patients with heart failure provides clues that Apo D may act not only as a cardiac molecular marker but also as a circulating biomarker in patients with heart failure.

Human ApoD, an apolipoprotein up-regulated in neurodegenerative diseases, extends lifespan and increases stress resistance in Drosophila

Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) expression increases in several neurological disorders and in spinal cord injury. We provide a report of a physiological role for human ApoD (hApoD): Flies overexpressing hApoD are long-lived and protected against stress conditions associated with aging and neurodegeneration, including hyperoxia, dietary paraquat, and heat stress. We show that the fly ortholog, Glial Lazarillo, is strongly up-regulated in response to these extrinsic stresses and also can protect in vitro-cultured cells in situations modeling Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). In adult flies, hApoD overexpression reduces age-associated lipid peroxide accumulation, suggesting a proximal mechanism of action. Similar data obtained in the mouse [Ganfornina, M.D., et al., (2008) Apolipoprotein D is involved in the mechanisms regulating protection from oxidative stress. Aging Cell 10.1111/j.1474-9726.2008.00395.] as well as in plants (Charron et al., personal communication) suggest that ApoD and its orthologs play an evolutionarily conserved role in response to stress, possibly managing or preventing lipid peroxidation.

Modulation of apolipoprotein D expression and translocation under specific stress conditions

Apolipoprotein D is a lipocalin, primarily associated with high density lipoproteins in human plasma. Its expression is induced in several pathological and stressful conditions including growth arrest suggesting that it could act as a nonspecific stress protein. A survey of cellular stresses shows those causing an extended growth arrest, as hydrogen peroxide and UV light increase apoD expression. Alternatively, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a pro-inflammatory agonist showed a time- and dose-dependent effect on apoD expression that correlates with an increase in proliferation. At the promoter level, NF-kB, AP-1 and APRE-3 proved to be the elements implicated in the LPS response. Colocalization of apoDh-GFP fusion constructs with DNA and Golgi markers, immunocytochemistry of the endogenous protein and cell fractionation showed that both serum starvation and LPS treatment caused a displacement of apoD localization. In normal conditions, apoD is mainly perinuclear but it accumulates in cytoplasm and nucleus under these stress conditions. Since nuclear apoD appears derived from the secreted protein, it may act as an extracellular ligand transporter as well as a transcriptional regulator depending on its location. This role of apoD inside the cell is not only dependent of endogenous apoD but may also be provided by exogenous apoD entering the cell.

Novel lipoidal derivatives of pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone and absence of their sulfated counterparts in rodent brain

A new sample preparation method coupled to GC-MS analysis was developed and validated for quantification of sulfate esters of pregnenolone (PREG-S) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA-S) in rat brain. Using a solid-phase extraction recycling protocol, the results show that little or no PREG-S and DHEA-S (<1 pmol/g) is present in rat and mouse brain. These data are in agreement with studies in which steroid sulfates were analyzed without deconjugation. We suggest that the discrepancies between analyses with and without deconjugation are caused by internal contamination of brain extract fractions, supposed to contain steroid sulfates, by lipoidal forms of PREG and DHEA (L-PREG and L-DHEA, respectively). These derivatives can be acylated very efficiently with heptafluorobutyric anhydride and triethylamine, and their levels in rodent brain (approximately 1 nmol/g) are much higher than those of their unconjugated counterparts. They are distinct from fatty acid esters, and preliminary data do not favor structures such as sulfolipids or sterol peroxides. Noncovalent interactions between steroids and proteolipidic elements, such as lipoproteins, could account for some experimental data. Given their abundance in rodent brain, the structural characterization and biological functions of L-PREG and L-DHEA in the central nervous system merit considerable attention.

Apolipoprotein D and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB Synergism Mediates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration

We identified apolipoprotein (apo)D in a search for proteins upregulated in a posttranscriptional manner similar to fibronectin in motile smooth muscle cells (SMCs). To address the function of apoD in SMCs, we cloned a partial apoD cDNA from ovine aortic (Ao) SMCs using RT-PCR. We documented a 2.5-fold increase in apoD protein but no increase in apoD mRNA in Ao SMCs 48 hours after a multiwound migration assay ( P <0.01). Confocal microscopy revealed prominent perinuclear and trailing edge expression of apoD in migrating SMCs but not in the confluent monolayer. Stimulation of Ao SMCs with 10 ng/mL platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB increased apoD protein expression ( P <0.05). Moreover, PDGF-BB–stimulated migration of human pulmonary artery SMCs was suppressed by knock-down of apoD using RNAi. Stable overexpression of apoD in Ao SMCs cultured in 10% fetal bovine serum promoted random migration by 62% compared with vector-transfected cells ( P <0.01). Overexpression of apoD or addition of exogenous apoD to a rat aortic SMC line (A10) stimulated their migration in response to a subthreshold dose of PDGF-BB ( P <0.05). This was unrelated to increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 or of phospholipase C-γ1, but correlated with enhanced Rac1 activation. This study shows that apoD can be expressed or taken up by SMCs and can regulate their motility in response to growth factors.

Apolipoprotein D expression in human brain reactive astrocytes

Astrocytosis is a hallmark of damage that frequently occurs during aging in human brain. Astrocytes proliferate in elderly subjects, becoming hypertrophic and highly immunoreactive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). These cells are one type that actively responds in the repair and reorganization of damage to the neural parenchyma and are a source of several peptides and growth factors. One of these biomolecules is apolipoprotein D (apo D), a member of the lipocalin family implicated in the transport of small hydrophobic molecules. Although the role of apo D is unknown, increments in brain apo D expression have been observed in association with aging and with some types of neuropathology. We have found an overexpression of apo D mRNA in reactive astrocytes by in situ hybridization in combination with immunohistochemistry for apo D in normal aged human brains. The number of double-labeled cells varied according to the cerebral area and the gliosis grade. The possible significance of this increased synthesis of apo D in reactive astrocytes is discussed in relation to the role of apo D in aging and in glial function.

Hippocampal apolipoprotein D level depends on Braak stage and APOE genotype

Apolipoprotein (APO, gene; apo, protein) D, a member of the lipocalin family, has been implicated in several, pathological conditions but neither its physiologic function(s) nor ligand(s) has been clearly identified so far. Presuming a role in nerve de- and regeneration, several groups investigated apoD alterations in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Reported data, however, were not unanimous. We determined apoD protein levels in the hippocampus in a large, carefully matched autopsy case sample. ApoD levels were compared with the severity of neuropathological changes as determined by the Braak classification and with APOE genotype, a major risk factor for developing AD. ApoD was found to be related to the severity of AD-related neurofibrillary (NF) changes and not to old age alone. No correlation was found to amyloid deposits. Brain samples with widespread NF changes showed significantly higher apoD than cases with low Braak stages. This increase, however, was restricted to the APOE epsilon3/3 group, whereas the APOE epsilon4 group did not show significant variations in hippocampal apoD.

Modulation of apolipoprotein D and apolipoprotein E mRNA expression by growth arrest and identification of key elements in the promoter

Apolipoprotein D (apoD) and apolipoprotein E (apoE) are co-expressed in many tissues, and, in certain neuropathological situations, their expression appears to be under coordinate regulation. We have previously shown that apoD gene expression in cultured human fibroblasts is up-regulated when the cells undergo growth arrest. Here, we demonstrate that, starting around day 2 of growth arrest, both apoD and apoE mRNA levels increase between 1.5- and 27-fold in other cell types, including mouse primary fibroblasts and fibroblast-like and human astrocytoma cell lines. To understand the regulatory mechanisms of apoD expression, we have used apoD promoter-luciferase reporter constructs to compare gene expression in growing cells and in cells that have undergone growth arrest. Analysis of gene expression in cells transfected with constructs with deletions and mutations in the apoD promoter and constructs with artificial promoters demonstrated that the region between nucleotides -174 and -4 is fully responsible for the basal gene expression, whereas the region from -558 to -179 is implicated in the induction of apoD expression following growth arrest. Within this region, an alternating purine-pyrimidine stretch and a pair of serum-responsive elements (SRE) were found to be major determinants of growth arrest-induced apoD gene expression. Evidence is also presented that SREs in the apoE promoter may contribute to the up-regulation of apoE gene expression following growth arrest.

Increased intrathecal production of apolipoprotein D in multiple sclerosis

Apolipoprotein D (apoD) is a small glycoprotein responsible for the local transport of small hydrophobic ligands. Within the nervous system, apoD may be an acute phase protein that is upregulated in a variety of neuropathological conditions and is involved in the removal of lipids during nerve cell degeneration and provision of lipids during the regenerative phase. In this study, we measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum apoD levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), infectious inflammatory neurological diseases (IND) and non-inflammatory neurological diseases (NND). We found that mean CSF apoD levels are significantly increased in patients with CIDP/GBS reflecting an acute blood-nerve barrier leakage. In contrast, MS is characterized by an increased intrathecal apoD release as measured by the apoD index. Thus, the results of our study provide the first evidence of an increased intrathecal production of apoD in MS. Moreover, we demonstrate that mean apoD indices are highest in MS patients at the time of their first clinical exacerbation. CSF apoD levels and apoD indices correlate with MS disease duration but not with disability or age. Finally, we found that corticosteroid treatment resulted in significantly elevated CSF apoD levels.

Bacterially produced apolipoprotein D binds progesterone and arachidonic acid, but not bilirubin or E-3M2H

Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) constitutes an atypical lipoprotein in so far as it is predominantly found associated with HDL particles but belongs to the lipocalin structural family. Apart from its involvement in serum lipid transport it is abundant in various tissues, and differing physiological functions have been ascribed to it. We have now developed an E. coli expression system that permits the efficient production of biochemically homogeneous ApoD via secretion into the bacterial periplasm. Detailed ligand binding studies by fluorescence titration revealed that progesterone and arachidonic acid are complexed with dissociation constants both in the 1 microM range, whereas the presumed ligands pregnenolone, bilirubin and E-3M2H are not recognized by the recombinant protein. In contrast with previous reports it thus appears that ApoD discriminates well in its binding function between closely related compounds.

Apolipoprotein D

Apolipoprotein D (apoD) is a 29-kDa glycoprotein that is primarily associated with high density lipoproteins in human plasma. It is an atypical apolipoprotein and, based on its primary structure, apoD is predicted to be a member of the lipocalin family. Lipocalins adopt a beta-barrel tertiary structure and transport small hydrophobic ligands. Although apoD can bind cholesterol, progesterone, pregnenolone, bilirubin and arachidonic acid, it is unclear if any, or all of these, represent its physiological ligands. The apoD gene is expressed in many tissues, with high levels of expression in spleen, testes and brain. ApoD is present at high concentrations in the cyst fluid of women with gross cystic disease of the breast, a condition associated with increased risk of breast cancer. It also accumulates at sites of regenerating peripheral nerves and in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease. ApoD may, therefore, participate in maintenance and repair within the central and peripheral nervous systems. While its role in metabolism has yet to be defined, apoD is likely to be a multi-ligand, multi-functional transporter. It could transport a ligand from one cell to another within an organ, scavenge a ligand within an organ for transport to the blood or could transport a ligand from the circulation to specific cells within a tissue.

Increased expression of apolipoprotein D following experimental traumatic brain injury

Increasing evidence suggests that apolipoprotein D (apoD) could play a major role in mediating neuronal degeneration and regeneration in the CNS and the PNS. To investigate further the temporal pattern of apoD expression after experimental traumatic brain injury in the rat, male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to unilateral cortical impact injury. The animals were killed and examined for apoD mRNA and protein expression and for immunohistological analysis at intervals from 15 min to 14 days after injury. Increased apoD mRNA and protein levels were seen in the cortex and hippocampus ipsilateral to the injury site from 48 h to 14 days after the trauma. Immunohistological investigation demonstrated a differential pattern of apoD expression in the cortex and hippocampus, respectively: Increased apoD immunoreactivity in glial cells was detected from 2 to 3 days after the injury in cortex and hippocampus. In contrast, increased expression of apoD was seen in cortical and hippocampal neurons at later time points following impact injury. Concurrent histopathological examination using hematoxylin and eosin demonstrated dark, shrunken neurons in the cortex ipsilateral to the injury site. In contrast, no evidence of cell death was observed in the hippocampus ipsilateral to the injury site up to 14 days after the trauma. No evidence of increased apoD mRNA or protein expression or neuronal pathology by hematoxylin and eosin staining was detected in the contralateral cortex and hippocampus. Our results reveal induction of apoD expression in the cortex and hippocampus following traumatic brain injury in the rat. Our data also suggest that increased apoD expression may play an important role in cortical neuronal degeneration after brain injury in vivo. However, increased expression of apoD in the hippocampus may not necessarily be indicative of neuronal death.

Modulation of apolipoprotein D and apolipoprotein E expression in rat hippocampus after entorhinal cortex lesion

Apolipoprotein (apo) D is a member of the lipocalin family of proteins. Although its physiological function is unknown, apoD is thought to transport one or more small hydrophobic ligands. A second apolipoprotein, apoE is known to play an important role in lipid transport, and apoE genetic polymorphism has been shown to be associated with susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease. Both apoD and apoE are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and both proteins accumulate at sites of peripheral nerve injury due to increased local synthesis. The two proteins may have overlapping or complementary functions within nervous tissue. In order to define the role of apoD within the CNS, we have studied the regional distribution of apoD and apoE mRNA and protein within the normal rat brain and the changes in apoD and apoE expression in the hippocampus of rats after entorhinal cortex lesion (EC lesion). Within the brains of normal rats, apoD expression in the hippocampus was as high as 180-fold that of the liver. ApoD mRNA levels in other areas of the rat brain ranged from 40 to 120 times the hepatic levels. The distribution of apoE gene expression within the brain was similar to that of apoD, but was much lower than hepatic apoE expression. When rats were subjected to EC lesion, the apoD message increased by 54% at 4 days post lesion (DPL) in the ipsilateral region of hippocampus while apoE mRNA levels (ipsilateral and contralateral) decreased by 43%. At 6 to 8 DPL apoD mRNA in the ipsilateral hippocampus remained elevated (42% above controls) whereas the apoE mRNA levels increased to about 15% above those of controls. At 14 and 31 DPL, both apoD and apoE expression was similar to controls. The increase in immunoreactive apoD in hippocampal extracts was more dramatic. At 1 DPL, immunoreactive apoD levels were already 16-fold higher than those in extracts of non-lesioned animals and, at 31 DPL, levels were still 8-fold higher than those of control animals. Finally, we have demonstrated that the levels of apoD in the brains of apoE-deficient mice are 50-fold those of wildtype control mice. ApoD clearly has an important function within the CNS in both normal and pathological situations.

mRNAs encoding a von Ebner's-like protein and the Huntington disease protein are induced in rat male germ cells by Sertoli cells

The success of spermatogenesis is dependent upon closely coordinated interactions between Sertoli cells and germ cells. To identify specific molecules that mediate interactions between somatic cells and germ cells in the rat testis, Sertoli cell-germ cell co-cultures and mRNA differential display were used. Two cDNAs, clone 1 (660 nucleotides) and clone 2 (390 nucleotides) were up-regulated when Sertoli cells were co-cultured with pachytene spermatocytes or round spermatids. Northern blot analyses confirmed the differential display expression patterns. Sequence analyses indicated that clone 1 was similar to a von Ebner's gland protein (87% at the nucleotide level and 80% at the amino acid level) and clone 2 was identical to a region of the Huntington disease protein. The von Ebner's-like protein mRNA was induced after 4 h of co-culture, while the Huntington disease protein required 18 h of co-culture for expression. The von Ebner's-like protein was induced in germ cells by a secreted Sertoli cell factor(s) smaller than 10 kDa that is sensitive to freezing and thawing or boiling. The Huntington disease protein was induced in germ cells by a Sertoli cell secreted factor(s) larger than 10 kDa which survives freezing and thawing, but is inactivated by boiling.

Apolipoprotein D gene expression in the rat brain and light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry of apolipoprotein D expression in the cerebellum of neonatal, immature and adult rats

Apolipoprotein D gene and protein expression were investigated in the rat brain and cerebellum, respectively, during development. Apolipoprotein D gene expression was first observed in embryonic day 12 rat brain, with a moderate increase in apolipoprotein D messenger RNA levels towards the later part (embryonic days 15-17) of gestation. In the postnatal rat brain, a marked induction of apolipoprotein D messenger RNA occurred at postnatal day 10, with progressively higher levels of apolipoprotein D messenger RNA observed up to postnatal day 20. Somewhat lower, but none the less high, levels of apolipoprotein D messenger RNA continued to be present in brains of adult animals. In the immature cerebellum (day 3 up to one- to two-week-old rats), there were many densely labeled apolipoprotein D-immunoreactive cells that had features of oligodendrocyte precursors. Purkinje neurons showed apolipoprotein D immunoreactivity in one- to two-week-old animals, after which there appeared to be some decrease in staining. Oligodendrocytes in the cerebella of two-week-old animals were strongly apolipoprotein D positive, with immunoreactivity declining in older animals. These results reveal a maturation-associated induction of apolipoprotein D gene expression in the rat brain, and expression of apolipoprotein D in glial (immature oligodendrocyte) cells in the immature cerebellum, followed by specific expression of apolipoprotein D in Purkinje neurons.

Pattern of apolipoprotein D immunoreactivity in human brain

Presence of intracytoplasmatic apolipoprotein D (apo D), a lipophilic ligand transporter, was investigated in normal human brains between 20 and 55 years, using an anti-human apolipoprotein D antibody and extravidin-biotin-enhanced immunohistochemistry. Apo D immunoreactivity was found in neuroglial cells of white matter in all sampled brain regions studied but also in pial cells and perivascular cells. Immunoreactive neurons do not present a uniform pattern throughout the gray matter. The pons and the brainstem show a high immunoreactivity for apo D in several nuclei (olivary, arciforme, cuneado, raphe). In the cerebellum the immunoreactivity appears in some neurons of the Purkinje layer. Finally in the cerebral cortex apo D positive neurons were not observed. These results suggest that apo D role may vary depending of cellular synthesis or location.

LPS and cytokines regulate extra hepatic mRNA levels of apolipoproteins during the acute phase response in Syrian hamsters

Altered hepatic expression of apolipoproteins occurs during the acute phase response. Here we examined whether the acute phase response alters extra hepatic expression of apolipoproteins. Syrian hamsters were injected with endotoxin (LPS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-1, or the combination of TNF + IL-1 and mRNAs for serum amyloid A (apoSAA), apolipoprotein (apo) J, apo E. apo A-I, and apo D, were analyzed. LPS increased mRNA levels for apoSAA in all tissues examined. LPS and TNF + IL-1 increased mRNA levels for apo J in kidney, heart, stomach, intestine, and muscle. Individually, TNF and IL-1 were less potent than the combination of the two cytokines. LPS decreased mRNA levels for apo E in all tissues, except for mid and distal intestine. TNF and IL-1 were less effective than LPS. LPS, TNF + IL-1 and TNF decreased mRNA levels for apo A-I in duodenum. mRNA for apo D decreased in heart, were unchanged in brain and increased in muscle, following LPS. The widespread extra hepatic regulation of the apolipoproteins during the acute phase response may be important for the alterations in lipid metabolism that occur during infection and inflammation as well as the immune response.

Molecular cloning of the mouse apolipoprotein D gene and its upregulated expression in Niemann-Pick disease type C mouse model

Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) is a member of the lipocalin superfamily. The primary structure and diverse expression of ApoD suggest that this protein is a multiligand, multifunctional glycoprotein. Here we report the structure of the mouse ApoD gene, which is composed of six exons spanning approximately 20 kb in length. All the exon-intron splice junctions follow the consensus GT/AG sequence. The 5'-flanking region of the mouse ApoD gene contains several putative regulatory elements, including FSE-2, GRE, SDR, MRE, IL-6RE, and TATA box. Northern blot analysis revealed that ApoD was highly expressed in the brain and adipose tissue in mouse. Lower levels of expression were observed in the heart, lung, thymus, testis, and salivary glands. In situ hybridization for the brain showed that ApoD mRNA was mainly localized in the subarachnoid space including the pia. In the Niemann-Pick disease type C mouse model, ApoD expression was upregulated in many organs such as brain, adipose tissue, heart, and thymus, presumably due to enhanced ApoD synthesis in perivascular fibroblasts.

The murine gene encoding apolipoprotein D exhibits a unique expression pattern as compared to other species

The ApoD cDNA coding for murine apolipoprotein D (ApoD) was cloned from a mammary gland library and sequenced. The nucleotide sequence and encoded mature protein are highly homologous to those of rabbit and human. Interestingly, unlike in other species, ApoD RNA is not found in spleen, liver, pancreas or kidney.

Identification of a circulatory and oocytic avian apolipoprotein D

Apolipoprotein D (apo D) is an unusual apolipoprotein with respect to structure and sites of synthesis. It has been identified in the circulatory system of certain mammals, but its physiological role remains poorly understood. In this report, it is shown that apo D is not exclusively a mammalian apolipoprotein, and evidence is presented which suggests a novel function for this protein during oogenesis in the chicken. The avian apo D which we identify has the same molecular mass (29 kDa) as the human protein and also associates preferentially with the plasma lipoprotein fraction. In addition to the 29 kDa avian apo D species, an immunoreactive 24 kDa protein is observed in chicken serum. The chicken apo D (along with the 24 kDa species) is also demonstrated to be present in the yolk of the rapidly growing chicken oocyte, a cell with high endocytic activity. Clathrin-coated vesicles from chicken oocytes, which we have previously shown to contain specific lipoproteins along with their oocytic receptors (Bujo et al., 1994: EMBO J 13:5165-5175), also contain chicken apo D. Thus, apo D represents a novel candidate for plasma-to-oocyte transport of lipids and/or their mobilization during embryogenesis in oviparous species.

Molecular characterization and differential mRNA tissue distribution of mouse apolipoprotein D

The mouse apolipoprotein D gene was isolated from a brain cDNA library. The nucleotide sequence contains a unique reading frame coding for a protein sharing 79.5% homology with human apoD, 86.2% homology with rabbit apoD and 92.6% homology with rat apoD. The four sequences have two potential asparagine-linked glycosylation sites at residues 45 and 78, and possess the two consensus sequences of the lipocalin family which coincide with the most conserved regions in the four species studied. The distribution of apoD mRNA among mouse organs was determined by Northern blot and quantitative dot blot analysis. The highest levels of mRNA were found in the central nervous system (CNS), namely in the spinal cord, the cerebellum and the brain. Very low concentrations were detected in all the other organs tested. In some organs (spleen, kidney, intestines, heart), a second messenger of lower molecular weight was detected. Gene expression was also measured in rat tissues. As in the mouse, rat CNS was found to be by far the highest expressor of apoD mRNA, in contrast to the rabbit and human. Levels of expression in most mouse and rat organs appeared to be much lower than in the same organs of the rabbit and human. Since apoD is expressed at sites of nerve regeneration as well as apoE, our results raise the question of whether or not the two proteins play a coordinated role in the CNS.

Guinea pig apolipoprotein D RNA diversity, and developmental and gestational modulation of mRNA levels

We have isolated and characterized two molecular types of guinea pig (GP) apolipoprotein D (apoD) cDNA. The sequences of cDNA clones GP APO D-20 and -38 are 100 % homologous in their putative exons 2-5, as determined by analogy within human apoD gene, but they differ totally in their putative exon 1. RNase protection assays showed the presence of both apoD RNA types 20 and 38 in cauda epididymis. Northern blot analysis revealed four polyadenylated apoD bands at 3.2, 2.7, 1.7, and 1.0 kb. Types 20 and 38 specific probes hybridized with the major 1-kb mRNA and two of the three other minor RNA transcripts, respectively. Southern blot analysis revealed that the guinea pig genome probably contains one apoD gene. Our data also demonstrated that the cauda epididymis and fallopian tubes had an apoD mRNA concentration 100-fold higher than the liver, suggesting that the apoD gene expression could be associated with the presence of steroids. The levels of the 1-kb mRNA increased in the fallopian tubes and ovaries during gestation and were lower in fetal reproductive tissues and liver than in mature animals. No positive correlation was found between apoD and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta5-delta4 isomerase (3 beta-HSD) mRNA levels in these tissues, thus suggesting that high amounts of apoD mRNA are not necessarily associated with in situ progesterone synthesis. Taken together, our results indicate that both the guinea pig epididymis and fallopian tubes are excellent models to study the local role of apoD in steroid target tissues.

Inverse relationships between cell proliferation and basal or androgen-stimulated apolipoprotein D secretion in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells

We have recently demonstrated that the biphasic action of androgens on LNCaP cell proliferation is opposite to their effect on apolipoprotein D (apo-D) secretion, the stimulation of apo-D secretion being associated with a steroid-induced inhibition of cell proliferation. To further characterize the control of apo-D expression in LNCaP cells, we studied basal as well as androgen-induced apo-D secretion in slowly proliferating, low-passage (LP; 20-29th) and rapidly proliferating high-passage (HP; 111-117th) cell cultures. For comparison, the androgen-induced stimulation of prostate specific antigen secretion was also investigated in LP and HP cell cultures. In the absence of androgens, basal cell proliferation of HP cells was significantly higher than that of LP cells, whereas apo-D secretion was higher in LP cells than in HP cells. Furthermore, the biphasic action of dihydrotestosterone and of the synthetic androgenic compound R1881 on apo-D release and cell proliferation was observed in both LP and HP cells. The stimulation of apo-D secretion was inversely related to that of cell proliferation and influenced by cell density. The inhibition of basal and androgen-induced cell proliferation by the calcium channel blocker nifedipine was also associated with an increase in apo-D secretion. The amount of PSA released and the sensitivity of its response to R1881 were increased in LP cells compared with HP cells. The present study thus demonstrates, for the first time, that apo-D secretion is inversely correlated to cell proliferation and cell density in the absence as well as in the presence of androgens in both LP and HP LNCaP human prostate cancer cells. This finding suggests that apo-D expression can be modulated not only by steroid hormones, but also by other factors involved in the control of cell proliferation.

Structure of the human apolipoprotein D gene promoter region

A human genomic clone of 18.2 kbp encompassing the apolipoprotein D (apoD) exon-1 and 2 and 10 kbp of upstream sequence was isolated and characterized. DNA sequencing and primer extension analysis revealed a transcriptional initiation site located 27 bp downstream of a consensus TATA box sequence. The exon 1 was 66 bp long. Computer analysis of DNA sequence from positions -557 to +129 revealed some putative transcriptional regulatory elements including a stretch of (pyrimidine/purine)26 located from nucleotide -263 to nucleotide -212, which could potentially form Z-DNA. Steroid hormone regulatory elements were identified which may be related to the modulation of apoD gene expression by androgens and estrogens in vitro.

Apolipoprotein D transcription occurs specifically in nonproliferating quiescent and senescent fibroblast cultures

We studied apolipoprotein D (apoD) mRNA in primary cultures of human diploid fibroblasts (HDF). In early-passage HDF no apoD mRNA was detected in replicating cells in sparse culture, but the gene was expressed in quiescent cells in confluent and in serum-starved cultures. In contrast, late-passage HDF expressed apoD mRNA in sparse culture, but the level increased after attainment of confluence. Thus fibroblasts, the common cell-type expressing apoD mRNA in vivo, express this characteristic following growth-arrest. The same pattern of activation was found in another fibroblast cell line deficient in apoB/E (LDL) receptors, excluding a role for cellular cholesterol delivery by the LDL-receptor pathway controlling apoD expression.