Preparation and analysis of seven major, topographically defined fragments of band 3, the predominant transmembrane polypeptide of human erythrocyte membranes

Cryo-EM structures of the human band 3 transporter indicate a transport mechanism involving the coupled movement of chloride and bicarbonate ions

The band 3 transporter is a critical integral membrane protein of the red blood cell (RBC), as it is responsible for catalyzing the exchange of bicarbonate and chloride anions across the plasma membrane. To elucidate the structural mechanism of the band 3 transporter, detergent solubilized human ghost membrane reconstituted in nanodiscs was applied to a cryo-EM holey carbon grid to define its composition. With this approach, we identified and determined structural information of the human band 3 transporter. Here, we present 5 different cryo-EM structures of the transmembrane domain of dimeric band 3, either alone or bound with chloride or bicarbonate. Interestingly, we observed that human band 3 can form both symmetric and asymmetric dimers with a different combination of outward-facing (OF) and inward-facing (IF) states. These structures also allow us to obtain the first model of a human band 3 molecule at the IF conformation. Based on the structural data of these dimers, we propose a model of ion transport that is in favor of the elevator-type mechanism.

Cell Physiology and Molecular Mechanism of Anion Transport by Erythrocyte Band 3/AE1

The major transmembrane protein of the red blood cell, known as band 3, AE1, and SLC4A1, has two main functions: 1) catalysis of Cl^-/HCO₃^- exchange, one of the steps in CO₂ excretion; 2) anchoring the membrane skeleton. This review summarizes the 150 year history of research on red cell anion transport and band 3 as an experimental system for studying membrane protein structure and ion transport mechanisms. Important early findings were that red cell Cl^- transport is a tightly coupled 1:1 exchange and band 3 is labeled by stilbenesulfonate derivatives that inhibit anion transport. Biochemical studies showed that the protein is dimeric or tetrameric (paired dimers) and that there is one stilbenedisulfonate binding site per subunit of the dimer. Transport kinetics and inhibitor characteristics supported the idea that the transporter acts by an alternating access mechanism with intrinsic asymmetry. The sequence of band 3 cDNA provided a framework for detailed study of protein topology and amino acid residues important for transport. The identification of genetic variants produced insights into the roles of band 3 in red cell abnormalities and distal renal tubular acidosis. The publication of the membrane domain crystal structure made it possible to propose concrete molecular models of transport. Future research directions include improving our understanding of the transport mechanism at the molecular level and of the integrative relationships among band 3, hemoglobin, carbonic anhydrase, and gradients (both transmembrane and subcellular) of HCO₃^-, Cl^-, O₂, CO₂, pH, and NO metabolites during pulmonary and systemic capillary gas exchange.

Molecular Simulations of Intact Anion Exchanger 1 Reveal Specific Domain and Lipid Interactions

Anion exchanger 1 (AE1) is responsible for the exchange of bicarbonate and chloride across the erythrocyte plasma membrane. Human AE1 consists of a cytoplasmic and a membrane domain joined by a 33-residue flexible linker. Crystal structures of the individual domains have been determined, but the intact AE1 structure remains elusive. In this study, we use molecular dynamics simulations and modeling to build intact AE1 structures in a complex lipid bilayer that resembles the native erythrocyte plasma membrane. AE1 models were evaluated using available experimental data to provide an atomistic view of the interaction and dynamics of the cytoplasmic domain, the membrane domain, and the connecting linker in a complete model of AE1 in a lipid bilayer. Anionic lipids were found to interact strongly with AE1 at specific amino acid residues that are linked to diseases and blood group antigens. Cholesterol was found in the dimeric interface of AE1, suggesting that it may regulate subunit interactions and anion transport.

A Comprehensive Review of Our Current Understanding of Red Blood Cell (RBC) Glycoproteins

Human red blood cells (RBC), which are the cells most commonly used in the study of biological membranes, have some glycoproteins in their cell membrane. These membrane proteins are band 3 and glycophorins A-D, and some substoichiometric glycoproteins (e.g., CD44, CD47, Lu, Kell, Duffy). The oligosaccharide that band 3 contains has one N-linked oligosaccharide, and glycophorins possess mostly O-linked oligosaccharides. The end of the O-linked oligosaccharide is linked to sialic acid. In humans, this sialic acid is N-acetylneuraminic acid (NeuAc). Another sialic acid, N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc) is present in red blood cells of non-human origin. While the biological function of band 3 is well known as an anion exchanger, it has been suggested that the oligosaccharide of band 3 does not affect the anion transport function. Although band 3 has been studied in detail, the physiological functions of glycophorins remain unclear. This review mainly describes the sialo-oligosaccharide structures of band 3 and glycophorins, followed by a discussion of the physiological functions that have been reported in the literature to date. Moreover, other glycoproteins in red blood cell membranes of non-human origin are described, and the physiological function of glycophorin in carp red blood cell membranes is discussed with respect to its bacteriostatic activity.

Band 3, the human red cell chloride/bicarbonate anion exchanger (AE1, SLC4A1), in a structural context

The crystal structure of the dimeric membrane domain of human Band 3(1), the red cell chloride/bicarbonate anion exchanger 1 (AE1, SLC4A1), provides a structural context for over four decades of studies into this historic and important membrane glycoprotein. In this review, we highlight the key structural features responsible for anion binding and translocation and have integrated the following topological markers within the Band 3 structure: blood group antigens, N-glycosylation site, protease cleavage sites, inhibitor and chemical labeling sites, and the results of scanning cysteine and N-glycosylation mutagenesis. Locations of mutations linked to human disease, including those responsible for Southeast Asian ovalocytosis, hereditary stomatocytosis, hereditary spherocytosis, and distal renal tubular acidosis, provide molecular insights into their effect on Band 3 folding. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations of phosphatidylcholine self-assembled around Band 3 provide a view of this membrane protein within a lipid bilayer.

Identification of a cross-reacting, monoclonal anti-human CD233 antibody for identification and sorting of rhesus macaque erythrocytes

Erythroid biology research involving rhesus macaques has been applied to several topics including malaria, hemoglobinopathy and gene therapy research. However, analyses of the rhesus red blood cells are limited by the inability to identify and sort those cells in research blood samples using flow cytometry. Here it is reported that the BRIC 6 hybridoma clone raised to the human erythroid surface molecule (referred to as CD233, Band 3, AE1, or SLC4A1) produces cross-reactive and erythroid-specific antibodies for flow cytometric detection and sorting of rhesus macaque erythrocytes.

Epitaxial deposition of calcium oxalate on uric acid rich stone matrix is induced by a 29 kDa protein

BACKGROUND

Association of macromolecules particularly the role of proteins in urolithiasis has been studied for last few centuries, but still a complete profile of stone matrix proteins that mediate co-precipitation of uric acid and calcium oxalate has not been characterized. We isolated and characterize proteins from uric acid rich stone matrix, which have oxalate binding activity.

METHODS

Matrix proteins were isolated from uric acid rich stone matrix using EDTA as a demineralizing agent. The radiolabelled solubilized proteins were fractionated with increasing ionic concentration by DEAE cellulose column chromatography to identify the oxalate binding protein. It was purified using Sephadex G-200 column chromatography. Amino acid composition was determined and monoclonal antibody was produced against the oxalate binding uric acid rich stone matrix protein. Urinary uric acid binding proteins were isolated from stone formers urine, their oxalate binding activity assayed and cross reactivity with the produced monoclonal antibody were checked using ELISA and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Matrix on DEAE column chromatography elution yielded 3 protein peaks and they were named as fraction I, II and III among which fraction I had higher oxalate binding activity which was further purified with Sephadex G-200 column which yielded 2 protein peaks designated as Ia and Ib. Fraction Ib with molecular weight 29 kDa exhibited the maximum oxalate binding activity. Forty percent of this 29 kDa protein is comprised of basic amino acids. Monoclonal antibody (IgG1) was produced against the 29 kDa stone matrix protein. Urinary uric acid binding proteins were isolated from stone formers, 4 protein peaks were obtained named as fraction I to IV. Among them, fraction IV having molecular weight of approximately 29 kDa cross reacted up to 85.6% with 29 kDa stone matrix protein. Moreover, urinary 29 kDa protein exhibited oxalate binding activity of 94.16 +/- 6.08 pmol/mg protein at pH 5.5.

CONCLUSION

The 29 kDa protein isolated from uric acid rich stone matrix and urine are one and the same, thereby insinuating that 29 kDa protein might play a major role in epitaxial deposition of calcium oxalate over uric acid core, consequently favoring the lithogenic events like uric acid and calcium oxalate nucleation, aggregation and retention.

Role of sulfhydryl groups in band 3 in the inhibition of phosphate transport across erythrocyte membrane in visceral leishmaniasis

Membrane destabilization in erythrocytes plays an important role in the premature hemolysis and development of anemia during visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Marked degradation of the anion channel protein band 3 is likely to allow modulation of anion flux across the red cell membrane in infected animals. The present study describes the effect of structural modification of band 3 on phosphate transport in VL using (31)P NMR. The result showed progressive decrease in the rate and extent of phosphate transport during the post-infection period. Interdependence between the intracellular ionic levels seems to be a determining factor in the regulation of anion transport across the erythrocyte membrane in control and infected conditions. Infection-induced alteration in band 3 made the active sites of transport more susceptible to binding with amino reactive agents. Inhibition of transport by oxidation of band 3 and subsequent reversal by reduction using dithiothreitol suggests the contribution of sulfhydryl group in the regulation of anion exchange across the membrane. Quantitation of sulfhydryl groups in the anion channel protein showed the inhibition to be closely related to the decrease of sulfhydryl groups in the infected hamsters. Downregulation of phosphate transport during leishmanial infection may be ascribed to the sulfhydryl modification of band 3 resulting in the impaired functioning of this protein under the diseased condition.

Chemical modifications of band 3 protein affect the adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes to CD36

The role of the erythrocyte anion exchanger, band 3 protein (AE1), in the adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes to CD36 and thrombospondin (TSP) was studied. Two specific anion exchange inhibitors that bind covalently to different regions of the band 3 molecule affected cytoadherence in dissimilar ways. Modification of lysine 539 by diisothiocyanostilbene sulfonic acid (DIDS) resulted in a significant reduction in the adhesive properties of parasitized erythrocytes for CD36, but not TSP, whereas treatment with fluorescein-5-maleimide, which modifies lysine 430, was without effect on both TSP and CD36 binding. The adhesive properties of the DIDS binding region (DBR) was demonstrated by competition experiments using synthetic peptides and by direct interaction of such peptides with CD36 transfected CHO cells. The results suggest that host membrane proteins such as AE1 contribute to the adhesion of malaria-infected erythrocytes to CD36.

Band 3 is a host receptor binding merozoite surface protein 1 during the Plasmodium falciparum invasion of erythrocytes

We report the molecular identification of a sialic acid-independent host-parasite interaction in the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite invasion of RBCs. Two nonglycosylated exofacial regions of human band 3 in the RBC membrane were identified as a crucial host receptor binding the C-terminal processing products of merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1). Peptides derived from the receptor region of band 3 inhibited the invasion of RBCs by P. falciparum. A major segment of the band 3 receptor (5ABC) bound to native MSP1(42) and blocked the interaction of native MSP1(42) with intact RBCs in vitro. Recombinant MSP1(19) (the C-terminal domain of MSP1(42)) bound to 5ABC as well as RBCs. The binding of both native MSP1(42) and recombinant MSP1(19) was not affected by the neuraminidase treatment of RBCs, but sensitive to chymotrypsin treatment. In addition, recombinant MSP1(38) showed similar interactions with the band 3 receptor and RBCs, although the interaction was relatively weak. These findings suggest that the chymotrypsin-sensitive MSP1-band 3 interaction plays a role in a sialic acid-independent invasion pathway and reveal the function of MSP1 in the Plasmodium invasion of RBCs.

A 40-kDa polypeptide from papain digestion of the rabbit intestinal Na+/phosphate cotransporter retains Na+ and phosphate cotransport

The rabbit intestinal brush border membrane Na+/phosphate cotransporter was digested with a variety of proteolytic enzymes. Limited papain digestion generated a 40-kDa polypeptide (P40) which retained putative substrate site markers, fluorescein isothiocyanatophenyl glyoxal and eosin n-acetyl imidazole. P40 retained Na+- and phosphate-selective tryptophan fluorescence quenching, pH sensitivity of ion-induced conformational changes, and tight Na+ and H(2)PO(4)(-) binding. Reconstituted into proteoliposomes, P40 catalyzed Na+-dependent phosphate uptake. The N-terminus of P40 was blocked. An internal sequence of P40 demonstrated that it was derived from NaPi II b. These results suggest that P40 may be a useful model system for studies of the molecular mechanism of Na+-dependent phosphate cotransport and a starting point for structural studies.

The red blood cell band 3 variant (band 3Biceêtrel:R490C) associated with dominant hereditary spherocytosis causes defective membrane targeting of the molecule and a dominant negative effect

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS), a common human inherited haemolytic anaemia, is associated with partial deficiency of different erythrocyte membrane proteins. In a subset of dominant HS, a partial membrane expression deficiency of band 3, the erythrocyte anion exchanger (AE1), have previously been characterized, and several mutations in the band 3 gene have been found: amino acid substitutions at conserved positions in the membrane domain, nonsense and frameshift mutations. In HS patients bearing missense mutations, the mutated transcript was present, whereas only the normal transcript was found in HS patients with frameshift mutations. In the former group, the membrane expression deficiency of band 3 was significantly more important than that observed in the latter group of HS patients with frameshift mutations, suggesting that missense mutations may have a dominant negative effect. In the present study, transient and stable transfections of K562 and COS-7 cells were used to demonstrate, by immunoblots of cell lysates and immunofluorescence studies, that the band 3 membrane domain bearing the R490C mutation (band 3Bicetrel) is not targeted to the plasma membrane and is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. Transient cotransfections of K562 cells with plasmid coding for the normal membrane domain of band 3, together with increasing amounts of plasmid coding for the mutated R490C membrane domain, demonstrated that the band 3 mutant polypeptide exerts a dominant negative effect on the plasma membrane targeting of the normal band 3.

Towards the localization of the essential arginine residues in the band 3 protein of human red blood cell membranes

The effects of 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenylglyoxal (HNPG), on the binding of eosin-5-maleimide (EMA), and diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC) to the anion transport system in the human red blood cell membrane, have been investigated. HNPG is a reversibly binding, arginine-specific, anion transport competitive inhibitor, known to act on the anion binding site. The EMA reaction site is an external facing lysine residue (Lys-430) in the 17 kDa transmembrane segment. The DEPC reaction site is an intracellular histidine (His-819) in the 35 kDa fragment. The results show that inhibition of the transport system with EMA increases in presence of HNPG to about 2.3 times. This finding suggests a positive cooperativity between the HNPG and EMA binding site and give evidence that the essential arginine is either nearby or allosterically linked to Lys-430. The inhibition of the cells with DEPC was nearly unchanged or slightly decreased in the presence of 10 mM HNPG. These results suggest that the intracellular His-residue which reacts with DEPC is not a part of the transport pathway. Our experiments with 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DNDS) have shown that its affinity to the transport system does not change after pre-treatment with phenylglyoxal (PG). We also found that the binding of [14C]phenylglyoxal (PG) to band 3 reduces significantly in presence of chloride. This is another evidence for the direct involvement of arginine residues in substrate binding.

Local structural difference between human and bovine band 3 in the anion transport inhibitor-binding region

We have examined molecular properties of inhibitor-complexed human and bovine band 3, an anion transport protein of erythrocyte membrane, in order to demonstrate the structural characteristics of the inhibitor binding region. Band 3 modified with DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonate), a potent anion transport inhibitor, generated a positive circular dichroic band at a wavelength of 345 nm, corresponding to a DIDS chromophore. The dichroic spectra of human band 3-DIDS complex and its bovine counterpart differed markedly in their ellipticity. Under the conditions that H2DIDS (the dihydro-derivative of DIDS) cross-linked two chymotryptic fragments of human band 3, the reagent failed to cross-link the equivalent bovine fragments. The inhibitory effect of PLP (pyridoxal 5'-phosphate), a substrate and affinity label, on phosphate influx into red blood cells was more pronounced for human band 3 than for bovine band 3. The residue Lys-562 of human band 3 was found to be modified with PLP, while the corresponding residue of bovine band 3 was devoid of reactivity with PLP.

Proteins immunologically related to erythrocyte anion transporter band 3 are altered in brain areas affected by Alzheimer's disease

Proteins immunologically related to the human erythrocyte anion transporter band 3 are present in neurons of the human neocortex and hippocampus. Immunocytochemical studies show increased band 3 immunoreactivity in neurons in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Immunoblot studies show the presence of band 3-like molecules in brain membrane fractions, and suggest changes in expression and/or processing of band 3-like molecules in Alzheimer's disease-affected regions. We postulate that alterations in membrane-bound, band 3-like molecules may reflect termination of neuronal lifespan in Alzheimer's disease.

An immunoblotting procedure for screening glycophorins and band 3 protein in the same blots. Identification of glycophorin and band 3 variant forms

An immunoblotting procedure is described which makes it possible to screen multiple blood samples for the presence of glycophorin and band 3 variant forms with altered electrophoretic mobility. The procedure can be simplified by using whole red blood cell hemolysates instead of membranes for SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The use of hemolysates also has the advantage that antigens sensitive to proteolysis are not degraded in vitro. The same nitrocellulose blots were used for immunoenzymatic detection of glycophorins with a set of anti-glycophorin monoclonal antibodies, and for autoradiographic detection of band 3-derived bands with 125I-labeled anti-band 3 monoclonal antibody. The screening of 157 Caucasian blood samples revealed the presence of a slower-migrating form of band 3 in seven cases and variant glycophorin in one case. The variant glycophorin exhibited the features of hybrid glycophorin of B-A type.

Amino acid sequence of band-3 protein from rainbow trout erythrocytes derived from cDNA

In this report we present the first complete band-3 cDNA sequence of a poikilothermic lower vertebrate. The primary structure of the anion-exchange protein band 3 (AE1) from rainbow trout erythrocytes was determined by nucleotide sequencing of cDNA clones. The overlapping clones have a total length of 3827 bp with a 5'-terminal untranslated region of 150 bp, a 2754 bp open reading frame and a 3'-untranslated region of 924 bp. Band-3 protein from trout erythrocytes consists of 918 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 101 827 Da. Comparison of its amino acid sequence revealed a 60-65% identity within the transmembrane spanning sequence of band-3 proteins published so far. An additional insertion of 24 amino acid residues within the membrane-associated domain of trout band-3 protein was identified, which until now was thought to be a general feature only of mammalian band-3-related proteins.

Inhibition of phosphate transport across the human erythrocyte membrane by chemical modification of sulfhydryl groups

Effects of sulfhydryl-reactive reagents on phosphate transport across human erythrocyte membranes were examined using 31P NMR. Phosphate transport was significantly inhibited in erythrocytes treated with sulfhydryl modifiers such as N-ethylmaleimide, diamide, and Cu2+/o-phenanthroline. Quantitation of sulfhydryl groups in band 3 showed that the inhibition is closely associated with the decrease of sulfhydryl groups. Data from erythrocytes treated with diamide or Cu2+/o-phenanthroline demonstrated that intermolecular cross-linking of band 3 by oxidation of a sulfhydryl group, perhaps Cys-201 or Cys-317, decreases the phosphate influx by about 10%. The inhibition was reversed by reduction using dithiothreitol. These results suggest that sulfhydryl groups in the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 may play an important role in the regulation of anion exchange across the membrane.

Induced circular dichroism of eosin-5-maleimide bound to band 3 of human erythrocytes

The inhibition of anion exchange in human erythrocyte membrane by eosin-5-maleimide (EMI) was examined at various pH values. At the pH region between pH 6.0 and 8.0, EMI inhibited the sulfate efflux by about 90%. Further, the interaction of EMI molecules with erythrocyte ghosts was studied by induced circular dichroism (CD). At acidic pH, the EMI-ghost system showed a positive band at about 552 nm and negative bands at about 523 and 505 nm. When the ghosts had been preincubated with N-ethylmaleimide, which is a modifying reagent for cysteine residues, the intensity of the CD bands was decreased. On the other hand, when the ghosts had been preincubated with 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate or eosin-5-isothiocyanate, which inhibit the anion exchange by binding to membrane from outside of the cell, EMI CD was not influenced. These results and the experiment of trypsin digestion, suggested that the induced CD originated from the complexation of EMI molecules with SH groups on band 3 protein. A conventional Gaussian analysis of the CD spectrum at pH 6.0 revealed that the CD spectrum was composed of three components; one of them may be from EMI monomers bound to a cryptic SH group on the 17K fragment and two of them were coupling-type CD bands originating from EMI dimer and/or trimer. The EMI dimer and trimer, which should be located predominantly on the cytoplasmic SH groups on the 43K fragment, were considered as 'stacking' and/or 'head to tail' arrangements. At pH 7.4, the CD spectrum originating from EMI monomers, which showed a negative band at about 560 nm and a positive band at about 535 nm, could be observed.

Antigenic determinants of the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 from bovine erythrocyte membrane

Rabbit antibodies were prepared against the cytoplasmic 38K-Da fragment of bovine band 3 and the immunological cross-reactivity with human, murine, rat, and chicken band 3 was examined. The antibodies cross-reacted with human and rodent band 3, indicating that there is an antigenic determinant(s) common to primate and nonprimate species. However, the antibodies did not recognize chicken band 3. Antigenic sites on the 38K-Da fragment were determined via amino acid sequence and immunoblotting analyses of proteolytic peptides of the fragment. Positions of antigenic determinants which were assumed to be common to primate and nonprimate species were mapped to the areas of residues 127-160 and of residues 259-304 in the primary structure of human band 3. Another epitope(s), which is absent in human band 3, existed in a region having a bovine-specific amino acid sequence. In addition, comparison of sequence data from different species showed that a proposed hinge region and a tryptophan-rich region on the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 [P. S. Low et al. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 13,070-13,076; R. R. Kopito and H. F. Lodish (1985) Nature (London) 316, 234-238] are also conserved in the bovine case.

Alteration in membrane protein band 3 associated with accelerated erythrocyte aging

We report a human band 3 alteration that is associated with anemia as determined by a reticulocyte count of 20%. Erythrocyte defects included increased IgG binding, increased breakdown products of band 3, and altered anion- and glucose-transport activity in middle-aged cells. These changes were observed during normal erythrocyte aging in situ. Binding of ankyrin to band 3 was normal. Serum/cell crossover studies indicated that a neoantigen appears on the propositus' erythrocytes to which IgG from both propositus and control serum binds as measured with a protein A binding assay. IgG eluted from the propositus' erythrocytes appeared to have a specificity for senescent cell antigen as determined by a phagocytosis inhibition assay. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that antibodies to band 3, which do not normally bind to intact erythrocytes, bound to the propositus' erythrocytes. Antibody 980 binds to normal old cells but not young or middle-aged cells. It also binds to a distinct region of band 3 in immunoblots of membranes from the propositus' middle-aged cells. Cells from both of the propositus' parents exhibited increased IgG binding and altered anion and glucose transport. The results of these studies suggest that (i) band 3 is aging prematurely in erythrocytes from the propositus, (ii) senescent cell antigen appears on the propositus' middle-aged red cells, and (iii) band 3 alterations observed in the propositus may have a genetic component.

Accessibility of the N-ethylmaleimide-unreactive sulfhydryl of human erythrocyte Band 3

The human erythrocyte anion exchange protein, Band 3, was reacted with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) in cells to a stoichiometry of 5.3 mol NEM per mol Band 3, indicating that all NEM-reactive cysteines in Band 3 were labeled. Quantitatively NEM-blocked Band 3 was still able to bind to and be eluted by reducing agents from a mercurial affinity resin, [p-(chloromercuribenzamido)ethylene]amino-Sepharose. Reaction of NEM-blocked Band 3 with p-chloromercuribenzoate (pCMB) did not prevent binding to the resin due to exchange of pCMB for the immobilized mercurial. pCMB has been reported to inhibit water and urea permeation across the red cell membrane, and this has been attributed to reaction with a NEM-reactive sulfhydryl in Band 3. The interaction of Band 3 with the immobilized ligand directly demonstrates the reaction of NEM-blocked Band 3 with a mercurial and indicates that the NEM-unreactive, pCMB-reactive sulfhydryl residue is accessible to within approximately equal to 12 A (the distance from the solid support to the Hg) of the surface of the solubilized Band 3 protein.

Reduced water exchange in sickle cell anemia red cells: a membrane abnormality

We have measured the diffusional water permeability of sickle cell anemia red blood cells under isotonic conditions using pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. We have found that the equilibrium diffusional permeability for sickle cells is about 1.61.10(-3) cm/s, or about 60% of the value measured for normal cells. This abnormality is not related to the heterogeneity generally found in cell populations in sickle red cells with different mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations. We speculate that the abnormality of water exchange under isotonic conditions in sickle cells reflects an alteration of membrane proteins responsible for water exchange, possibly caused by oxidation of Band 3 proteins.

Effect of stilbenedisulfonate binding on the state of association of the membrane-spanning domain of band 3 from bovine erythrocyte membrane

The membrane-spanning domain of bovine band 3, the anion transport protein of erythrocyte membrane, was purified in the presence of nonaethyleneglycol lauryl ether (C12E9) and the effect of a covalent attachment of 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DIDS), a potent transport inhibitor, on the state of association of the domain isolated (the 58 kDa fragment) was studied via gel filtration, gel electrophoresis and sedimentation velocity experiments. It was indicated that the DIDS-unlabeled fragment in C12E9 solution forms heterogeneous aggregates which are larger in size than the dimer. This contrasted with the behavior that bovine band 3 is present as dimers or tetramers in the same medium (Nakashima and Makino (1980) J. Biochem. 88, 933-947). When DIDS was covalently attached, the fragment was present as a single molecular species which was indicated to be a dimer by molecular weight determination. The secondary structure of the fragment was not affected by DIDS. The change in the state of association caused by the DIDS-binding was also found in the presence of sucrose monolaurate (SE12), which was a more potent detergent for extraction of the 58 kDa fragment from membranes than C12E9. However, the complex with SE12 was extremely unstable.

Degradation of the human erythrocyte membrane band 3 studied with monoclonal antibody directed against an epitope on the cytoplasmic fragment of band 3

The mouse hybridoma monoclonal antibody BIII.136 of the IgG2a class is specific for human erythrocyte band-3 protein. It was shown by means of immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation assays that the antibody recognized an epitope located in the cytoplasmic pole of the band-3 molecule within approximately 20 kDa from the N-terminal end. The N-terminal fragments of band-3 protein, migrating in SDS/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the 60-kDa, 40-kDa and 20-kDa regions, were detected with the antibody in untreated red-cell membranes as products of autolysis of band-3 protein. A correlation was found between the amount of these fragments and erythrocyte age, which suggests that partial degradation of band 3 proceeds in vivo during senescence of erythrocytes. The further degradation of band-3 protein in vitro was not observed in intact erythrocytes stored at 4 degrees C, but progressed distinctly after hemolysis of red cells, during washing and storing the membranes.

Alternative primary structures in the transmembrane domain of the chicken erythroid anion transporter

Isolation and characterization of the chicken erythroid anion transporter (band 3) cDNA clone, pCHB3-1, revealed that the chicken erythroid band 3 polypeptide is 844 amino acids in length with a predicted mass of 109,000 daltons. This polypeptide is composed of a hydrophilic N-terminal cytoplasmic domain and a hydrophobic C-terminal transmembrane domain. The approximately 90 N-terminal amino acids of the human and murine erythroid band 3 polypeptides are absent in the predicted sequence of the chicken erythroid band 3 polypeptide. The absence of this very acidic N-terminal region is consistent with the lack of binding of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase to chicken erythroid band 3, as well as the relatively basic isoelectric point observed for this molecule. The remainder of the cytoplasmic domain shows little similarity to the cytoplasmic domain of the murine and human erythroid band 3, with the exception of the putative ankyrin-binding site, which is highly conserved. In contrast, the transmembrane domain of the chicken band 3 polypeptide is very similar to that of the murine erythroid and human nonerythroid band 3 polypeptides. The transmembrane domain contains 10 hydrophobic regions that could potentially traverse the membrane 12 to 14 times. In addition, a variant of chicken erythroid band 3, pCHB3-2, was cloned in which one of the hydrophobic regions of pCHB3-1 is lacking. The transcript complementary to pCHB3-2 accumulated in chicken erythroid cells in a similar manner as the transcript complementary to pCHB3-1 during embryonic development. This is the first example of a transporter protein or ion channel with alternative primary structures in its membrane-spanning segments.

Alternative primary structures in the transmembrane domain of the chicken erythroid anion transporter

Isolation and characterization of the chicken erythroid anion transporter (band 3) cDNA clone, pCHB3-1, revealed that the chicken erythroid band 3 polypeptide is 844 amino acids in length with a predicted mass of 109,000 daltons. This polypeptide is composed of a hydrophilic N-terminal cytoplasmic domain and a hydrophobic C-terminal transmembrane domain. The approximately 90 N-terminal amino acids of the human and murine erythroid band 3 polypeptides are absent in the predicted sequence of the chicken erythroid band 3 polypeptide. The absence of this very acidic N-terminal region is consistent with the lack of binding of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase to chicken erythroid band 3, as well as the relatively basic isoelectric point observed for this molecule. The remainder of the cytoplasmic domain shows little similarity to the cytoplasmic domain of the murine and human erythroid band 3, with the exception of the putative ankyrin-binding site, which is highly conserved. In contrast, the transmembrane domain of the chicken band 3 polypeptide is very similar to that of the murine erythroid and human nonerythroid band 3 polypeptides. The transmembrane domain contains 10 hydrophobic regions that could potentially traverse the membrane 12 to 14 times. In addition, a variant of chicken erythroid band 3, pCHB3-2, was cloned in which one of the hydrophobic regions of pCHB3-1 is lacking. The transcript complementary to pCHB3-2 accumulated in chicken erythroid cells in a similar manner as the transcript complementary to pCHB3-1 during embryonic development. This is the first example of a transporter protein or ion channel with alternative primary structures in its membrane-spanning segments.

Functional topography of band 3: specific structural alteration linked to functional aberrations in human erythrocytes

Band 3 is the major anion transport polypeptide of erythrocytes. It appears to be the binding site of several glycolytic enzymes. Structurally, band 3 is the major protein spanning the erythrocyte membrane and connects the plasma membrane to band 2.1, which binds to the cytoskeleton. In the present study, we report an alteration of band 3 molecule that is associated with the following changes: erythrocyte shape change from discoid to "thorny cells" (acanthocytes), restriction of rotational diffusion of band 3 in the membrane, increase in anion transport, and decrease in the number of high-affinity ankyrin-binding sites. Changes in erythrocyte IgG binding, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, fluorescence polarization (indicative of membrane fluidity), and other membrane proteins as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were not detected. Cells containing the altered band 3 polypeptide were obtained from individuals with abnormal erythrocyte morphology. Two-dimensional peptide maps revealed differences in the Mr 17,000 anion transport segment of band 3 consistent with additions of tyrosines or tyrosine-containing peptides. The data suggest that (i) this alteration of band 3 does not result in accelerated aging as does cleavage and (ii) structural changes in the anion transport region result in alterations in anion transport.

Carboxypeptidase Y digestion of band 3, the anion transport protein of human erythrocyte membranes

The exposure of the carboxyl-terminal of the Band 3 protein of human erythrocyte membranes in intact cells and membrane preparations to proteolytic digestion was determined. Carboxypeptidase Y digestion of purified Band 3 in the presence of non-ionic detergent released amino acids from the carboxyl-terminal of Band 3. The release of amino acids was very pH dependent, digestion being most extensive at pH 3, with limited digestion at pH 6 or above. The 55,000 dalton carboxyl-terminal fragment of Band 3, generated by mild trypsin digestion of ghost membranes, had the same carboxyl-terminal sequence as intact Band 3, based on carboxypeptidase Y digestion. Treatment of intact cells with trypsin or carboxypeptidase Y did not release any amino acids from the carboxyl-terminal of Band 3. In contrast, carboxypeptidase Y readily digested the carboxyl-terminal of Band 3 in ghosts that were stripped of extrinsic membrane proteins by alkali or high salt. This was shown by a decrease in the molecular weight of a carboxyl-terminal fragment of Band 3 after carboxypeptidase Y digestion of stripped ghost membranes. No such decrease was observed after carboxypeptidase Y treatment of intact cells. In addition, Band 3 purified from carboxypeptidase Y-treated stripped ghost membranes had a different carboxyl-terminal sequence from intact Band 3. Cleavage of the carboxyl-terminal of Band 3 was also observed when non-stripped ghosts or inside-out vesicles were treated with carboxypeptidase Y. However, the digestion was less extensive. These results suggest that the carboxyl-terminal of Band 3 may be protected from digestion by its association with extrinsic membrane proteins. We conclude, therefore, that the carboxyl-terminal of Band 3 is located on the cytoplasmic side of the red cell membrane. Since the amino-terminal of Band 3 is also located on the cytoplasmic side of the erythrocyte membrane, the Band 3 polypeptide crosses the membrane an even number of times. A model for the folding of Band 3 in the erythrocyte membrane is presented.

Hybrid polypeptide heavy chains produced by two hybridoma lines

Two anti-TNP antibodies exhibiting unusual features are described. They were obtained in two independent fusions. Spleen cells from CB20 mice sensitized with TNP-Ficoll and challenged with TNP-LPS were fused with SP2/0 myeloma cells. One of these hybridomas, CBT3, secretes antibodies which react with both monospecific anti-gamma 2b and anti-gamma 3 anti-isotypic sera; the second hybridoma, CBT4, secretes antibodies reacting with monospecific anti-mu and anti-gamma 2b sera. Only one type of immunoglobulin is secreted by each hybridoma, ruling out the hypothesis of hybrid molecules formed by distinct heavy chains. These results imply that the two heavy chains are made up from elements encoded by gamma 3 and gamma 2b genes in CBT3 and by gamma 2b and mu genes in CBT4. The molecular mechanisms underlying the production of these singular heavy chains are discussed.

Control of red cell urea and water permeability by sulfhydryl reagents

The binding constant for pCMBS (p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate) inhibition of human red cell water transport has been determined to be 160 +/- 30 microM and that for urea transport inhibition to be 0.09 +/- 0.06 microM, indicating that there are separate sites for the two inhibition processes. The reaction kinetics show that both processes consist of a bimolecular association between pCMBS and the membrane site followed by a conformational change. Both processes are very slow and the on rate constant for the water inhibition process is about 10(5) times slower than usual for inhibitor binding to membrane transport proteins. pCMBS binding to the water transport inhibition site can be reversed by cysteine while that to the urea transport inhibition site can not be reversed. The specific stilbene anion exchange inhibitor, DBDS (4,4'-dibenzamidostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate) causes a significant change in the time-course of pCMBS inhibition of water transport, consistent with a linkage between anion exchange and water transport. Consideration of available sulfhydryl groups on band 3 suggests that the urea transport inhibition site is on band 3, but is not a sulfhydryl group, and that, if the water transport inhibition site is a sulfhydryl group, it is located on another protein complexed to band 3, possibly band 4.5.

Inhibition of phosphate transport in human erythrocytes by 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-Cl)

Treatment of intact human erythrocytes with 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-Cl) leads to inhibition of anion transport as measured by [32P]phosphate exchange for intracellular chloride. Inhibition is rapid at 37 degrees C (80% inhibition, 1.7 mM NBD-Cl, 3 min, pH 6.9) and not reversed by washing the cells with 1% bovine serum albumin in isotonic sucrose citrate buffer. Pretreatment of cells with N-ethylmaleimide and p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonic acid enhanced transport inhibition by NBD-Cl. Transport inhibition caused by brief incubations of erythrocytes with NBD-Cl could be almost completely reversed with dithiothreitol or beta-mercaptoethanol. Prolonged incubation (60 min, 37 degrees C, pH 6.4, sucrose-citrate buffer) following NBD-Cl treatment leads to partial reversal of transport inhibition. The residual inhibition is then only partially reversed by dithiothreitol treatment. Reversal of transport inhibition of dithiothreitol or beta-mercaptoethanol may be prevented by incubation of the erythrocytes with sodium dithionite. Phosphate transport was readily inhibited by other tyrosine-directed reagents, tetranitromethane (55% inhibition, 1.6 mM, 3 min, 37 degrees C, pH 8.3 in sucrose-citrate medium) and p-nitrobenzene sulfonyl fluoride (31% inhibition, 1.8 mM, 3 min, 37 degrees C, pH 8.1 in sucrose-citrate medium) but not by N-acetylimidazole (10% inhibition, 37.5 mM, 30 min, 37 degrees C, pH 7.5). These results suggest that NBD-Cl inhibits anion exchange by two mechanisms; a rapid inhibition reversible by sulfhydryl reagents, possibly due to modification of a tyrosine residue(s), and a slower irreversible inhibition due to modification of an essential amino group in the transporter.

Erythrocyte echinocytosis in liver disease. Role of abnormal plasma high density lipoproteins

Echinocytes were frequently found in patients with liver disease when their blood was examined in wet films, but rarely detected in dried, stained smears. When normal erythrocytes (discocytes) were incubated with physiologic concentrations of the abnormal high density lipoproteins (HDL) from some jaundiced patients, echinocytosis developed within seconds. Other plasma fractions were not echinocytogenic. There was a close correlation between the number of echinocytes found in vivo and the ability of the corresponding HDL to induce discocyte-echinocyte transformation. On incubation with normal HDL, echinocytes generated in vitro rapidly reverted to a normal shape, and echinocytes from patients showed a similar trend. Echinocytosis occurred without change in membrane cholesterol content, as did its reversal, and was not caused by membrane uptake of lysolecithin or bile acids. Abnormal, echinocytogenic HDL showed saturable binding to approximately 5,000 sites per normal erythrocyte with an association constant of 10(8) M-1. Nonechinocytogenic patient HDL and normal HDL showed only nonsaturable binding. Several minor components of electrophoretically separated erythrocyte membrane proteins bound the abnormal HDL; pretreatment of the cells with trypsin or pronase reduced or eliminated binding. Echinocytosis by abnormal HDL required receptor occupancy, rather than transfer of constituents to or from the membrane, because cells reversibly prefixed in the discoid shape by wheat germ agglutinin, and then exposed to abnormal HDL, did not become echinocytes when the HDL and lectin were successively removed. Binding did not cause dephosphorylation of spectrin. We conclude that the echinocytes of liver disease are generated from discocytes by abnormal HDL, and we infer that the shape change is mediated by cell-surface receptors for abnormal HDL molecules.

Structural characterization of the cytoplasmic pole of band 3 from bovine erythrocyte membranes

In an earlier study, we found that chymotryptic digestion of band 3 isolated from bovine erythrocyte membranes produces a 38,000-Da fragment in nonaethyleneglycol-n-dodecylether solution or a 50,000-Da fragment in deoxycholate solution as a primary fragment [Makino et al. (1984) J. Biochem. 95, 1019]. In the present study, these fragments were purified in an aqueous medium without detergent and their structural properties were examined. Several lines of evidence showed that the 50,000-Da fragment constitutes the entire cytoplasmic pole of bovine band 3 and that the 38,000-Da fragment is a subfragment of the 50,000-Da fragment. The large fragment was suggested to be divided into two distinct regions, the 12,000- and 38,000-Da portions, differing in their conformational thermal stability. However, attempts to identify the 12,000-Da portion as an isolable segment were without success. The cytoplasmic pole was characterized as a dimer which adopts an elongated gross conformation with helix of approximately 35%. Treatment of the fragments with dimethylmaleic anhydride dissociated the dimers into the monomers, accompanied by a significant conformational change of the 38,000-Da portion. Comparative studies suggested that the cytoplasmic domain of bovine band 3 has structurally different region(s) from that of human band 3, though their gross conformation shows extensive similarity.