Relationship between arachidonate release and exocytosis in permeabilized human neutrophils stimulated with formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMetLeuPhe), guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) and Ca2+

Munc13-4 Is a Rab11-binding Protein That Regulates Rab11-positive Vesicle Trafficking and Docking at the Plasma Membrane

The small GTPase Rab11 and its effectors control trafficking of recycling endosomes, receptor replenishment and the up-regulation of adhesion and adaptor molecules at the plasma membrane. Despite recent advances in the understanding of Rab11-regulated mechanisms, the final steps mediating docking and fusion of Rab11-positive vesicles at the plasma membrane are not fully understood. Munc13-4 is a docking factor proposed to regulate fusion through interactions with SNAREs. In hematopoietic cells, including neutrophils, Munc13-4 regulates exocytosis in a Rab27a-dependent manner, but its possible regulation of other GTPases has not been explored in detail. Here, we show that Munc13-4 binds to Rab11 and regulates the trafficking of Rab11-containing vesicles. Using a novel Time-resolved Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (TR-FRET) assay, we demonstrate that Munc13-4 binds to Rab11a but not to dominant negative Rab11a. Immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed the specificity of the interaction between Munc13-4 and Rab11, and super-resolution microscopy studies support the interaction of endogenous Munc13-4 with Rab11 at the single molecule level in neutrophils. Vesicular dynamic analysis shows the common spatio-temporal distribution of Munc13-4 and Rab11, while expression of a calcium binding-deficient mutant of Munc13-4 significantly affected Rab11 trafficking. Munc13-4-deficient neutrophils showed normal endocytosis, but the trafficking, up-regulation, and retention of Rab11-positive vesicles at the plasma membrane was significantly impaired. This correlated with deficient NADPH oxidase activation at the plasma membrane in response to Rab11 interference. Our data demonstrate that Munc13-4 is a Rab11-binding partner that regulates the final steps of Rab11-positive vesicle docking at the plasma membrane.

Measurement of phospholipid metabolism in intact neutrophils

Phospholipid-metabolizing enzymes are important participants in neutrophil signal transduction pathways. The methods discussed herein describe assays for assessing the activities of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), phospholipase C (PLC), phospholipase D (PLD), and phosphoinositide 3-OH-kinase in intact neutrophils. PLA2 activity is measured as the release of radiolabeled arachidonic acid. PLC activity is measured as the accumulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), a water-soluble product, using a commercially available radioreceptor assay kit. PLD activity is measured as the appearance of its radiolabeled products, phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylethanol. PI3-K activity is measured as the appearance of its radiolabeled product, phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate.

Vesicular trafficking through cortical actin during exocytosis is regulated by the Rab27a effector JFC1/Slp1 and the RhoA-GTPase-activating protein Gem-interacting protein

The mechanism of cytoskeleton remodeling during exocytosis is not well defined. A combination of vesicular dynamics and functional studies shows that the Rab27a effector JFC1 and the RhoA-GTPase–activating protein Gem-interacting protein are necessary for RhoA regulation, actin depolymerization, and vesicular transport through the actin cortex during exocytosis.

Cytoskeleton remodeling is important for the regulation of vesicular transport associated with exocytosis, but a direct association between granular secretory proteins and actin-remodeling molecules has not been shown, and this mechanism remains obscure. Using a proteomic approach, we identified the RhoA-GTPase–activating protein Gem-interacting protein (GMIP) as a factor that associates with the Rab27a effector JFC1 and modulates vesicular transport and exocytosis. GMIP down-regulation induced RhoA activation and actin polymerization. Importantly, GMIP-down-regulated cells showed impaired vesicular transport and exocytosis, while inhibition of the RhoA-signaling pathway induced actin depolymerization and facilitated exocytosis. We show that RhoA activity polarizes around JFC1-containing secretory granules, suggesting that it may control directionality of granule movement. Using quantitative live-cell microscopy, we show that JFC1-containing secretory organelles move in areas near the plasma membrane deprived of polymerized actin and that dynamic vesicles maintain an actin-free environment in their surroundings. Supporting a role for JFC1 in RhoA inactivation and actin remodeling during exocytosis, JFC1 knockout neutrophils showed increased RhoA activity, and azurophilic granules were unable to traverse cortical actin in cells lacking JFC1. We propose that during exocytosis, actin depolymerization commences near the secretory organelle, not the plasma membrane, and that secretory granules use a JFC1- and GMIP-dependent molecular mechanism to traverse cortical actin.

Rab27a and Rab27b regulate neutrophil azurophilic granule exocytosis and NADPH oxidase activity by independent mechanisms

Neutrophils rely on exocytosis to mobilize receptors and adhesion molecules and to release microbicidal factors. This process should be strictly regulated because uncontrolled release of toxic proteins would be injurious to the host. In vivo studies showed that the small GTPase Rab27a regulates azurophilic granule exocytosis. Using mouse neutrophils deficient in Rab27a (Rab27a(ash/ash)), Rab27b [Rab27b knockout (KO)] or both [Rab27a/b double KO (DoKo)], we investigated the role of the Rab27 isoforms in neutrophils. We found that both Rab27a and Rab27b deficiencies impaired azurophilic granule exocytosis. Rab27a(ash/ash) neutrophils showed upregulation of Rab27b expression which did not compensate for the secretory defects observed in Rab27a-deficient cells, suggesting that Rab27 isoforms play independent roles in neutrophil exocytosis. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy analysis showed that Rab27a(ash/ash) and Rab27b KO neutrophils have a decreased number of azurophilic granules near the plasma membrane. The effect was exacerbated in Rab27a/b DoKo neutrophils. Rab27-deficient neutrophils showed impaired activation of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase at the plasma membrane although intraphagosomal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was not affected. Exocytosis of secretory vesicles in Rab27-deficient neutrophils was functional, suggesting that Rab27 GTPases selectively control the exocytosis of neutrophil granules.

The Rab27a effectors JFC1/Slp1 and Munc13-4 regulate exocytosis of neutrophil granules

Neutrophil granules contain secretory molecules that contribute to the implementation of all neutrophil functions. The molecular components that regulate the exocytosis of neutrophil granules have not been characterized. In this study, using small interfering RNA gene-targeting approaches and granulocytes from genetically modified mice, we characterized the Rab27a effectors JFC1/Slp1 and Munc13-4 as components of the exocytic machinery of granulocytes. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy analysis, we show that Rab27a and JFC1 colocalize in predocked and docked vesicles in granulocytes. Next, we demonstrate that JFC1-downregulated granulocytes have impaired myeloperoxidase secretion. Using immunological interference, we confirm that JFC1 plays an important role in azurophilic granule exocytosis in human neutrophils. Interference with Rab27a but not with JFC1 impaired gelatinase B secretion in neutrophils, suggesting that a different Rab27a effector modulates this process. In similar studies, we confirmed that Munc13-4 regulates gelatinase secretion. Immunofluorescence analysis indicates that Munc13-4 localizes at secretory organelles in neutrophils. Using neutrophils from a Munc13-4-deficient mouse model (Jinx), we demonstrate that Munc13-4 plays a central role in the regulation of exocytosis of various sets of secretory organelles. However, mobilization of CD11b was not affected in Munc13-4-deficient neutrophils, indicating that secretory defects in these cells are limited to a selective group of exocytosable organelles.

Measurement of phospholipid metabolism in intact neutrophils

Phospholipid metabolizing enzymes are important participants in neutrophil signal transduction pathways. The methods discussed herein describe assays for assessing the activities of phospholipase (PL)A2, PLC, PLD, and phosphoinositide 3-OH-kinase (PI3-K) in intact neutrophils. PLA2 activity is measured as the release of radiolabed arachidonic acid. PLC activity is measured as the accumulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), a water-soluble product, using a commercially available radioreceptor assay kit. PLD activity is measured as the appearance of its radiolabeled products, phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylethanol. PI3-K activity is measured as the appearance of its radiolabeled product, phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate.

The role of Rho GTPases and SNAREs in mediator release from granulocytes

Granulocytes are defined as the population of granulated white blood cells (eosinophils, neutrophils, and basophils). These cells are involved in inflammation and contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic and inflammatory diseases. Inflammation is induced by the release of mediators from granulocytes recruited to or resident within tissues, resulting in edema, leukocyte recruitment, and tissue injury. Eosinophils and neutrophils express Rac1 and Rac2 guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), 2 members of the Rho GTPase subfamily of ras-related GTPases. Rho GTPases are activated by receptors in the cell membrane and are proposed to function as intracellular molecular switches to regulate mediator release, including exocytosis, from granulocytes. Exocytosis involves granule fusion, which requires the binding of intracellular membrane receptors known as SNAP receptor (SNAREs; soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor [NSF] attachment protein [SNAP] receptors). Eosinophils and neutrophils express similar SNARE isoforms that are important in granule fusion events. Together, these molecules link together to form a common signaling pathway for mediator release from granulocytes. Identifying these molecules and their function may provide novel targets for the prevention of inflammatory reactions.

Granule-specific ATP requirements for Ca2+-induced exocytosis in human neutrophils. Evidence for substantial ATP-independent release

Ca2+-induced exocytosis in neuronal and neuroendocrine cells involves ATP-dependent steps believed to `prime' vesicles for exocytosis. Primed, docked vesicles are released in response to Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Neutrophils, however, do not possess voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and appear to have no docked vesicles. Furthermore, neutrophils have several types of granules with markedly different Ca2+ requirements for exocytosis. These differential Ca2+ dependencies were used as a tool to investigate the ATP dependence of different granule populations. Here we demonstrate distinct ATP requirements for release of neutrophil granule populations, with respect to rate as well as amplitude. Intracellular ATP was depleted to various levels, and exocytosis was stimulated with different Ca2+concentrations and measured with the patch-clamp capacitance technique or by detecting enzyme release. Primary granule exocytosis displayed a distinct ATP dependence with an apparent Km of ∼80 μM ATP and no ATP-independent exocytosis. Release of secondary and tertiary granules displayed a more shallow ATP dependence (Km∼330 μM), and more than 50% of secondary and tertiary granules appeared not to need ATP at all for their release. Individual granules in human neutrophils have distinct ATP requirements for exocytosis, suggesting that the ATP-sensitive elements are localised to the granules. Primary granule exocytosis has a very low affinity for ATP. Furthermore, substantial ATP-independent exocytosis of secondary and tertiary granule occurs despite the absence of docked granules. These characteristics should help neutrophils to fulfil their bactericidal functions at poorly irrigated sites of infection with low glucose supply.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 is required for the activation of the NADPH oxidase associated H+ channel in phagocyte-like cells

The NADPH oxidase producing-superoxide is the major mechanism by which phagocytes kill invading pathogens. The human myeloid cell line PLB-985 was transfected to express p85 cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) antisense mRNA and stable clones were selected which lack detectable cPLA2. cPLA2-deficient PLB-985 cells differentiate similarly to control PLB-985 cells in response to retinoic acid, DMSO or 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 indicating that cPLA2 is not involved in the differentiation process. Despite the normal synthesis of NADPH oxidase subunits during differentiation of cPLA2-deficient PLB-985 cells, these cells fail to activate NADPH oxidase in response to a variety of soluble and particulate stimuli, but addition of exogenous arachidonic acid (AA) fully restores oxidase activity. This establishes an essential requirement of cPLA2 generated AA for activation of phagocyte NADPH oxidase. In order to elucidate the mechanism by which cPLA2 regulates the oxidase, the role of cPLA2 in NADPH oxidase associated H+ channel was studied. Activation of differentiated PLB cells resulted in a Zn+2 sensitive alkalization, indicating H+ channel activity. In contrast, differentiated PLB-D cells failed to activate the H+ channel, but addition of exogenous AA fully restored this activity, indicating an essential and specific physiological requirement of cPLA2-generated AA for activation of the H+ channel. The presence of the H+ channel inhibitor, Zn+2, caused significant inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity, suggesting a role of the NADPH oxidase associated H+ channel in regulating oxidase activity.

GTP-dependent permeabilized neutrophil secretion requires a freely diffusible cytosolic protein

Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) has been implicated in the regulation of Ca(2+)-mediated secretion from neutrophils. We further examined the role of GTP in neutrophil secretion using streptolysin O permeabilized cells. We found that, in the presence of GTP, 1.0 microM free Ca(2+) causes maximum secretion-equivalent to that achieved with 100 microM free Ca(2+)-whereas GTPgammaS inhibits Ca(2+)-stimulated secretion. Interestingly, GTP by itself stimulates secretion. These results indicate the existence of a GTP-regulated mechanism of secretion in neutrophils that requires GTP hydrolysis to stimulate secretion in the presence and absence of Ca(2+). The stimulatory effect of GTP is only observed when GTP is present during permeabilization. Addition of GTP after permeabilization, when the cytosolic contents have leaked out from cells, gives no stimulatory response, implying that the GTP-dependent secretory apparatus requires at least one cytosolic protein. GTP-dependent secretion can be reconstituted with crude HL-60 and bovine liver cytosol. The reconstituting activity binds to GTP-agarose, suggesting that the cytosolic factor is a GTP-binding protein or forms a complex with a GTP-binding protein. However, it is not a member of the rho or rac families of GTPases. By gel filtration chromatography, the secretion-reconstituting activity eluted at 870 and 200 kDa, but in the presence of GTP, eluted at 120 kDa, indicating that it is part of a high-molecular-weight complex that dissociates in the presence of GTP. Retention of adenosine diphosphate-ribosylation factor (ARF) in permeabilized cells and insensitivity of the cytosolic reconstituting activity to brefeldin A led to our speculation that ARF6 may be the GTPase involved in GTP-dependent secretion, and that activity from a BFA-insensitive ARF6 guanine nucleotide exchange factor reconstitutes secretion.

Phospholipase D and membrane traffic. Potential roles in regulated exocytosis, membrane delivery and vesicle budding

It is now well-established that phospholipase D is transiently stimulated upon activation by G-protein-coupled and receptor tyrosine kinase cell surface receptors in mammalian cells. Over the last 5 years, a tremendous effort has gone to identify the major intracellular regulators of mammalian phospholipase D and to the cloning of two mammalian phospholipase D enzymes (phospholipase D1 and D2). In this chapter, we review the physiological function of mammalian phospholipase D1 that is synergistically stimulated by ADP ribosylation factor, Rho and protein kinase Calpha. We discuss the function of this enzyme in membrane traffic, emphasising the possible integrated relationships between consumption of vesicles in regulated exocytosis, membrane delivery and constitutive membrane traffic.

Essential requirement of cytosolic phospholipase A2 for activation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase

Arachidonic acid (AA) can trigger activation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase in a cell-free assay. However, a role for AA in activation of the oxidase in intact cells has not been established, nor has the AA generating enzyme critical to this process been identified. The human myeloid cell line PLB-985 was transfected to express p85 cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) antisense mRNA and stable clones were selected that lack detectable cPLA2. cPLA2-deficient PLB-985 cells differentiate similarly to control PLB-985 cells in response to retinoic acid or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, indicating that cPLA2 is not involved in the differentiation process. Neither cPLA2 nor stimulated [3H]AA release were detectable in differentiated cPLA2-deficient PLB-985 cells, demonstrating that cPLA2 is the major type of PLA2 activated in phagocytic-like cells. Despite the normal synthesis of NADPH oxidase subunits during differentiation of cPLA2-deficient PLB-985 cells, these cells fail to activate NADPH oxidase in response to a variety of soluble and particulate stimuli, but the addition of exogenous AA fully restores oxidase activity. This establishes an essential requirement of cPLA2-generated AA for activation of phagocyte NADPH oxidase.

Store-operated Ca2+ influx and stimulation of exocytosis in HL-60 granulocytes

This study addresses the role of store-operated Ca2+ influx in the regulation of exocytosis in inflammatory cells. In HL-60 granulocytes, which do not possess voltage-operated Ca2+ channels, the chemotactic peptide fMet-Leu-Phe (fMLP) was able to stimulate store-operated Ca2+ influx and to trigger exocytosis of primary granules. An efficient triggering of exocytosis by fMLP required the presence of extracellular Ca2+ and was inhibited by blockers of store-operated Ca2+ influx. However, receptor-independent activation of store-operated Ca2+ influx through thapsigargin did not trigger exocytosis. fMLP was unable to stimulate exocytosis in the absence of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]c elevations. However, a second signal generated by fMLP synergized with store-operated Ca2+ influx to trigger exocytosis and led to a left shift of the exocytosis/[Ca2+]c relationship in ionomycin-stimulated cells. The synergistic fMLP-generated signaling cascade was long-lasting, involved a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein and a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. In summary, store-operated Ca2+ influx is crucial for the efficient triggering of exocytosis in HL-60 granulocytes, but, as opposed to Ca2+ influx through voltage-operated Ca2+ channels in neurons, it is not a sufficient stimulus by itself and requires synergistic receptor-generated signals.

Leukotriene B4 and platelet activating factor production in permeabilized human neutrophils: role of cytosolic PLA2 in LTB4 and PAF generation

The specific type of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) involved in formation of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and platelet activating factor (PAF) in inflammatory cells has been controversial. In a recent report we characterized activation of the 'cytosolic' form of PLA2 (cPLA2) in human neutrophils (PMN) permeabilized with Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin under conditions where the secretory form of PLA2 (sPLA2) was inactive. In the current study, generation of both LTB4 and PAF in porated PMN are demonstrated. PMN, prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid (3H-AA, to assess AA release and LTB4 production) or with 1-O-[9',10'-3H]hexadecyl-2-lyso-glycero-3-phosphocholine (3H-lyso-PAF, for determination of lyso-PAF and PAF formation), were permeabilized with alpha-toxin in a 'cytoplasmic' buffer supplemented with acetyl CoA. Maximum production of both PAF and LTB4 required addition of 500 nM Ca2+, G-protein activation induced with 10 microM GTP gamma S, and stimulation with the chemotactic peptide, N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP, 1 microM); LTB4 production was confirmed by radioimmunoassay. Removal of acetyl CoA from the system had little effect on LTB4 generation but blocked PAF production with a concomitant increase in lyso-PAF formation LTB4 and PAF production occurred in parallel over time and at differing ATP and Ca2+ concentrations. Further work demonstrated that: (i) maximum production of both inflammatory mediators required a hydrolyzable form of ATP; (ii) blocking phosphorylation with staurosporin inhibited production of both; (iii) the reducing agent, dithiotreitol, had little affect on LTB4 formation but slightly enhanced PAF generation. This study clearly shows that cPLA2 activation can provide precursors for both LTB4 and PAF, that maximum PAF and LTB4 formation occur under conditions that induced optimal cPLA2 activation, that a close coupling between LTB4 and PAF formation exists, and that, after substrate generation, no additional requirements are necessary for LTB4 and PAF generation in the permeabilized PMN system.

Purification and identification of FOAD-II, a cytosolic protein that regulates secretion in streptolysin-O permeabilized mast cells, as a rac/rhoGDI complex

Mast cells permeabilized by treatment with streptolysin-O in the presence of Ca2+ and GTP-gamma-S can secrete almost 100% of their contained N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase. If these stimuli are provided to the permeabilized cells after a delay, the response is diminished and the ability of the cells to undergo secretion runs down progressively over a period of about 30 min. This is thought to be due to the loss of key proteins involved in the exocytotic mechanism. Using this effect as the basis of a biological assay, we have isolated a protein from bovine brain cytosol that retards the loss of responsiveness to stimulation by Ca2+ and GTP-gamma-S. Purification of this protein and peptide sequencing have enabled us to identify it as the small GTP-binding protein rac complexed to the guanine nucleotide exchange inhibitor rhoGDI. Both proteins are required to retard the loss of the secretory response, while purified rhoGDI applied alone accelerates the rundown.

Activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 in permeabilized human neutrophils

Neutrophils (PMN) contain two types of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), a 14 kDa 'secretory' Type II PLA2 (sPLA2) and an 85 kDa 'cytosolic' PLA2 (cPLA2), that differ in a number of key characteristics: (1) cPLA2 prefers arachidonate (AA) as a substrate but hydrolyzes all phospholipids; sPLA2 is not AA specific but prefers ethanolamine containing phosphoacylglycerols. (2) cPLA2 is active at nM calcium (Ca2+) concentrations; sPLA2 requires microM Ca2+ levels. (3) cPLA2 activity is regulated by phosphorylation; sPLA2 lacks phosphorylation sites. (4) cPLA2 is insensitive to reduction; sPLA2 is inactivated by agents that reduce disulfide bonds. We utilized PMN permeabilized with Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin to determine whether one or both forms of PLA2 were activated in porated cells under conditions designed to differentiate between the two enzymes. PMN were labeled with [3H]AA to measure release from phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol; gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was utilized to determine total AA release (mainly from phosphatidylethanolamine) and to assess oleate and linoleate mass. A combination of 500 nM Ca2+, a guanine nucleotide, and stimulation with n-formyl-met-leu-phe (FMLP) were necessary to induce maximal AA release in permeabilized PMN measured by either method; AA was preferentially released. [3H]AA and AA mass release occurred in parallel over time. A hydrolyzable form of ATP was necessary for maximum AA release and staurosporin inhibited PLA2 activation. Dithiothreitol treatment had little affect on [3H]AA release and metabolism but inhibited AA mass release. Assay of cell supernatants after cofactor addition did not detect sPLA2 activity and the cytosolic buffer utilized did not support activity of recombinant sPLA2. These results strongly suggested that cPLA2 was the enzyme activated in the permeabilized cell model and this is the first report which unambiguously demonstrates AA release in response to activation of a specific type of PLA2 in PMN.

G-protein-coupled receptors in HL-60 human leukemia cells

1. HL-60 human leukemia cells are a widely employed model system for the analysis of signal transduction processes mediated via regulatory heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins). HL-60 promyelocytes are pluripotent and can be differentiated into neutrophilic or monocytic cells. 2. HL-60 cells express formyl peptide-, complement C5a-, leukotriene B4 (LTB4)- and platelet-activating factor receptors, receptors for purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, histamine H1- and H2-receptors, beta 2-adrenoceptors and prostaglandin receptors. 3. The major G-proteins in HL-60 cells are pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive Gi-proteins (Gi2 > Gi3). Gs-proteins and G-proteins of the Gq-family (e.g., G16) are expressed, too. 4. G-protein-regulated effector systems in HL-60 cells are adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C-beta 2 (PLC-beta 2) and, possibly, phospholipase D (PLD), nonselective cation (NSC) channels and NADPH oxidase. 5. The expression of signal transduction pathways in HL-60 cells strongly depends on the differentiation state of cells. 6. Formyl peptides, via Gi-proteins, mediate activation of PLC, PLD, NSC channels, NADPH oxidase and azurophilic granule release and are referred to as full secretagogues. In dibutyryl cAMP (Bt2cAMP)-differentiated HL-60 cells, C5a and LTB4 are partial and incomplete secretagogues, respectively. There are substantial differences in the Gi-protein activations induced by formyl peptides, C5a and LTB4. 7. In HL-60 promyelocytes, purine and pyrimidine nucleotides mediate activation of PLC and NSC channels largely via PTX-insensitive G-proteins and induce functional differentiation. In Bt2cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells, they additionally activate PLD, NADPH oxidase and granule release via PTX-sensitive and -insensitive pathways. ATP and UTP are partial secretagogues. Multiple types of receptors (i.e., P2Y- and P2U-receptors and pyrimidinocyeptors) may mediate the effects of nucleotides in HL-60 cells. 8. Bt2cAMP- and 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol-differentiated HL-60 cells express H1-receptors coupled to Gi-proteins and PTX-insensitive G-proteins. In the former cells, histamine mediates activation of PLC and NSC channels, and in the latter, activation of NSC channels. Histamine is an incomplete secretagogue in these cells. 9. HL-60 promyelocytes express H2-receptors coupled to adenylyl cyclase, PLC, and NSC channels. There are substantial differences in the agonist/antagonist profiles of H2-receptor-mediated cAMP formation and rises in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, indicative of the involvement of different H2-receptor subtypes. H2-receptors mediate functional differentiation of HL-60 cells. 10. Certain cationic-amphiphilic histamine receptor ligands (i.e., 2-substituted histamines, lipophilic guanidines, and a histamine trifluoromethyl-toluidide derivative) show stimulatory effects in HL-60 cells that are attributable to receptor-independent activation of Gi-proteins.

ATP-induced beta-glucuronidase release from undifferentiated HL-60 cells is dependent on Ca2+ ions

Extracellular ATP (0.1-100 microM) evoked a biphasic increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in fura-2 loaded undifferentiated HL-60 cells and activated the release of the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase. The EC50 for the elevation of [Ca2+]i was about 0.2 microM. However, the EC50 for the activation of beta-glucuronidase release was two orders of magnitude higher (about 20 microM). These data imply that the ATP-induced elevation in [Ca2+]i is not sufficient to provoke beta-glucuronidase release. The role of [Ca2+]i in ATP-induced beta-glucuronidase release was further investigated using Ca(2+)-free solutions and by loading HL-60 cells with the non-fluorescent Ca(2+)-chelator BAPTA-AM. Ca2+ ions from both intracellular and extracellular sources were necessary for the activation of beta-glucuronidase secretion by extracellular ATP. However, the internal store is the major source of Ca2+ ions for the response.

A survey of GTP-binding proteins and other potential key regulators of exocytotic secretion in eosinophils. Apparent absence of rab3 and vesicle fusion protein homologues

We set out to identify potential key regulators of exocytotic fusion in the eosinophil, in the knowledge that granule exocytosis can be stimulated in these cells by intracellular application of nonhydrolyzable analogues of guanosine triphosphate, with Ca2+ acting as a modulator of guanine nucleotide-dependent secretion. To screen for GTP-binding proteins, guinea pig eosinophils were purified from peritoneal washings and subjected to western blotting analysis using specific immune sera raised against recombinant proteins or consensus peptide sequences within proteins of interest. We found a number of heterotrimeric G proteins (G alpha i3, G alpha o, G alpha q11, G alpha s and G beta subunits) and members of the small GTP-binding proteins expressed in eosinophils. Two subtypes of G-protein alpha subunits (G alpha i1 and G alpha z) could not be detected. Separation of subcellular organelles from homogenized eosinophils by density gradient centrifugation revealed that all of the detected GTP-binding proteins were mainly expressed in fractions containing peak plasma membrane and Golgi marker enzyme activities, while G beta subunits were also detected in secretory granule fractions. However, isoforms of Rab3, a putative GTP-binding regulator of exocytotic fusion, were undetectable in eosinophils. Neither, with the exception of syntaxin-3, could we detect any of the proteins belonging to the proposed synaptic vesicle fusion complex (SNAP-25; synaptobrevin (VAMP) and its non-neuronal homologue, cellubrevin; synaptophysin; synaptotagmin). The results from this study, based on western blotting, suggest that eosinophils express a different class of exocytotic fusion complex proteins from those found in neuronal tissues, although a number of potential candidates fulfilling the role of GE were identified in this important inflammatory cell.

Signal transduction pathways leading to arachidonic acid release from neutrophilic HL-60 cells. The involvement of G protein, protein kinase C and phospholipase A2

Arachidonic acid release from undifferentiated and neutrophilic HL-60 cells was studied. In neutrophilic cells it was stimulated by N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe and mastoparan by a mechanism involving Gi protein and phospholipase C and was largely dependent on diacyglycerol lipase. Maximum release from both cell types was achieved with fluoride and required cellular energy. Inhibitor studies suggest that arachidonic acid release by fluoride stimulation leads to phospholipase A2 activation with signal transduction involving phospholipase C and protein kinase C. Only neutrophilic cells responded to phorbol ester if Ca(2+)-ionophore was simultaneously present but this effect was abolished by extended treatment with phorbol ester. Thus, protein kinase C plays a major role in highly stimulated neutrophilic cells. These cells are differently equipped with protein kinase C isoenzymes compared with undifferentiated cells. In contrast, both cell types contain similar levels of type II and cytosolic phospholipases A2, the former being by far the more prevalent.

Phosphatidylcholine breakdown and signal transduction

PC hydrolysis by PLA2, PLC or PLD is a widespread response elicited by most growth factors, cytokines, neurotransmitters, hormones and other extracellular signals. The mechanisms can involve G-proteins, PKC, Ca2+ and tyrosine kinase activities. Although an agonist-responsive cytosolic PLA2 has been purified, cloned and sequenced, the agonist-responsive form(s) of PC-PLC has not been identified and no form of PC-PLD has been purified or cloned. Regulation of PLA2 by Ca2+ and MAPK is well established and involves membrane translocation and phosphorylation, respectively. PKC regulation of the enzyme in intact cells is probably mediated by MAPK. The question of G-protein control of PLA2 remains controversial since the nature of the G-protein is unknown and it is not established that its interaction with the enzyme is direct or not. Growth factor regulation of PLA2 involves tyrosine kinase activity, but not necessarily PKC. It may be mediated by MAPK. The physiological significance of PLA2 activation is undoubtedly related to the release of AA for eicosanoid production, but the LPC formed may have actions also. There is much evidence that PKC regulates PC-PLC and PC-PLD and this is probably a major mechanism by which agonists that promote PI hydrolysis secondarily activate PC hydrolysis. Since no agonist-responsive forms of either phospholipase have been isolated, it is not clear that PKC exerts its effects directly on the enzymes. Although it is assumed that a phosphorylation mechanism is involved, this may not be the case, and regulation may be by protein-protein interactions. G-protein control of PC-PLD is well-established, although, again, it has not been demonstrated that this is direct, and the nature of the G-protein(s) involved is unknown. In some cell types, there is evidence of the participation of a soluble protein, which may be a low Mr GTP-binding protein. What role this plays in the activation of PC-PLD is obscure. Agonist activation of PC hydrolysis in cells is usually Ca(2+)-dependent, but the step at which Ca2+ is involved is unclear, since PC-PLD and PC-PLC per se are not influenced by physiological concentrations of the ion. Most growth factors promote PC hydrolysis and this is mainly due to activation of PKC as a result of PI breakdown. However, in some cases, PC breakdown occurs in the absence of PI hydrolysis, implying another mechanism that does not involve PI-derived DAG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Bovine chromaffin cells: studies on the biosynthesis of phospholipids in chromaffin granules

We have studied the biosynthesis of chromaffin granules by labelling primary cultures of bovine chromaffin cells with either [35S]methionine or various precursors for lipids. After labelling the cells were subjected to subcellular fractionation including density gradient centrifugation. After [35S]methionine significant label (mainly represented by labelled chromogranin A) was found in the soluble proteins of chromaffin granules, whereas the membranes were relatively little labelled. However incorporation into membrane bound dopamine beta-hydroxylase and cytochrome b-561 could be demonstrated. Neither of the used lipid precursors ([3H]glycerol, [3H]choline, [3H]palmitic acid or [3H]arachidonic acid) was incorporated to any significant extent into the soluble components of chromaffin granules. Thus there is no evidence that this secretory compartment contains any lipids or acylated proteins. Incorporation of lipid precursors into the membranes of chromaffin granules was apparently low. After short chases labelled lysolecithin was not present in these organelles. However with prolonged chase times labelled lysolecithin, apparently appeared in chromaffin granules irrespective of whether the cells were stimulated or not. We can conclude that the reusable membranes of chromaffin granules have a very low lipid turnover. Lysolecithin is not transferred into these organelles during biosynthesis but is formed in them during their long life span. This formation of lysolecithin is independent of stimulation of these cells and therefore unlikely to be involved in exocytosis.

Modulation of GTP-dependent fusion by linoleic and arachidonic acid in derivatives of rough endoplasmic reticulum from rat liver

The effect of modulation of the content of unsaturated free fatty acids on GTP-dependent fusion of stripped rough microsomes from rat liver was determined. Cytidine monophosphate, CDP and CTP were all observed to be able to stimulate free fatty acid accumulation and coincident membrane fusion. GTP was required for membrane fusion in the presence of cytidine nucleotide but was not required for free fatty acid accumulation. In the presence of GTP and cytidine nucleotide, the addition of ATP and CoA led to the synthesis of triacyglycerol and marked inhibition of both free fatty acid accumulation and membrane fusion. Delipidated bovine serum albumin also inhibited both free fatty acid accumulation and membrane fusion. Analysis by gas chromatography indicated that linoleic acid and arachidonic acid were the most actively fluctuating of the accumulated free fatty acids. Comparison by quantitation indicated a high correlation between GTP-dependent membrane fusion and changes in amount of unesterified linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. The results suggest that polyunsaturated free fatty acids may be required for GTP-dependent membrane fusion.

Phospholipases and activation of the NADPH oxidase

The signal transductional mechanisms regulating the activation of NADPH oxidase, the respiratory burst enzyme in phagocytic cells, are not completely understood. Receptors for most physiologic stimuli trigger the activation of various phospholipases, including phospholipases A2, C, and D. The lipid mediators formed (arachidonic acid, 1,2-diacylglycerol, and phosphatidic acid) have been implicated as second messengers in the induction of the respiratory burst. In intact cells, we have correlated phospholipase D activation and the production of phosphatidic acid with the activation of NADPH oxidase, using the drug propranolol. Phosphatidic acid activated NADPH oxidase in a cell-free system, but the level of activation was low. 1,2-Diacylglycerol markedly enhanced NADPH oxidase activation by phosphatidic acid. The synergistic effect required the diacyl species, since mono- or tri-acylglycerols were ineffective. Phosphatidic acid could be replaced by either lysophosphatidic acid or phosphatidylserine, but not by phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, or phosphatidylinositol, suggesting specificity for an anionic phospholipid. Since other cell-free activators of NADPH oxidase (arachidonic acid, sodium dodecyl sulfate) are also anionic amphiphiles, phosphatidic acid may directly interact with an enzyme component(s). The targets for phosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol in the cell-free system are currently under investigation. These results emphasize the critical importance of phospholipases, particularly phospholipase D, in the regulation of the respiratory burst.

Correlation between secretion and phospholipase D activation in differentiated HL60 cells

Receptor-directed agonists including N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMetLeuPhe), C5a, ATP and UTP all activate phospholipase D (PLD), which is accompanied by secretion in differentiated HL60 cells. Interference in the production of phosphatidase (PA) by the PLD pathway by diverting it towards the production of phosphatidylethanol (PEt) in the presence of ethanol leads to near-total inhibition of the secretion evoked by ATP and UTP and a partial inhibition of that evoked by fMetLeuPhe and C5a. In streptolysin-O-permeabilized cells, fMetLeuPhe is able to activate PLD, and this is dependent on the presence of a low concentration of guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]-triphosphate (GTP[S]). Ca2+ (10 microM) and GTP[S] individually or in combination are also able to activate PLD and secretion. The stimulation of secretion in permeabilized cells stimulated by Ca2+ alone or fMetLeuPhe or GTP[S] is also abrogated when the production of PA is diverted to PEt by the presence of ethanol. Activation of PLD by GTP[S] or fMetLeuPhe is decreased if the cells are permeabilized first and GTP[S] or fMetLeuPhe is added subsequently. This corresponds well with the loss of the secretory response. We conclude that the ability of GTP[S] or fMetLeuPhe to stimulate secretion from permeabilized cells is dependent on a prior activation of the PLD signalling pathway. PA, generated as a consequence of PLD activation, acts as second messenger that can provide an initiating signal for secretion and is not required for exocytosis itself.

Primary sites of actions of staurosporine and H-7 in the cascade of insulin action to glucose transport in rat adipocytes

The insulin-stimulated glucose transporter in rat adipocytes was inhibited by two protein kinase inhibitors, staurosporine (SSP) and H-7 (1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine). However, whereas SSP (10 microM) blocked the insulin-dependent translocation of glucose transporter, H-7 (3 mM) did not. The latter inhibited glucose transporter activity not only in cells, but also in reconstituted liposomes. On the other hand, SSP blocked both the action of insulin and the insulinomimetic action of GTP gamma S (Guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)). GTP gamma S had distinct effects on the glucose transport and cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activities. It is suggest that H-7 may inhibit glucose transport activity per se; a SSP sensitive protein kinases (protein kinase C isoforms?) may be involved in cascade of the insulin action on glucose transporter as modulated by GTP gamma S; and glucose transport and PDE activities may be regulated by distinct GTP gamma S-sensitive factors.

Stimulatory and inhibitory guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory protein involvement in stimulation of arachidonic-acid release by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and platelet-activating factor from guinea-pig alveolar macrophages. Differential receptor/G-protein interaction assessed by pertussis and cholera toxins

The involvement of guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) in the regulation of arachidonic-acid release induced by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMet-Leu-Phe) or platelet-activating factor (PAF) was examined in guinea-pig alveolar macrophages. We report that maximal release of arachidonic acid in permeabilized cells requires the simultaneous addition of the agonist (fMet-Leu-Phe or PAF) and of GTP (or GTP[S]). Prior treatment of cells with increasing concentrations of pertussis toxin induces a parallel decrease of arachidonic-acid release and of the labeling of a 40-kDa protein in membranes incubated with [32P]NAD and pertussis toxin. fMet-Leu-Phe, but not PAF, allows the ADP-ribosylation of a 40-KDa protein by cholera toxin in the presence of Mg2+. This effect is prevented by guanyl nucleotides and by prior treatment with pertussis toxin. The 40-kDa protein ADP-ribosylated seems to be alpha i1 and/or alpha i2. Stimulation of GTPase activity by fMet-Leu-Phe and PAF has the same amplitude and is completely inhibited by pertussis toxin, but only in part by cholera toxin. Prior treatment of alveolar macrophages with cholera toxin, which ADP-ribosylates Gs, inhibits PAF-stimulated and fMet-Leu-Phe-stimulated arachidonic-acid release to the same extent, via a cAMP-protein-kinase-A cascade. The decreased responsiveness of alveolar macrophages previously treated with cholera toxin to fMet-Leu-Phe and PAF is associated with a strong increase of in-vitro [32P]NAD labeling of Gi proteins either by pertussis or by cholera toxin. This effect is mimicked by prior treatment of the cells with dibutyryl cAMP and okadaic acid, a protein-phosphatase inhibitor, suggesting the involvement of protein-kinase A in this process. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that fMet-Leu-Phe and PAF receptors interact differently with Gi1/2 proteins in guinea-pig alveolar macrophages. Gi1/2 proteins are a possible target of the cross-regulation of arachidonic-acid release by a Gs-mediated pathway.

Strontium and barium induce exocytosis in electropermeabilized neutrophils

Calcium, strontium and barium induced an exocytotic response in electropermeabilized rabbit neutrophils while magnesium was without any effect. The extent of enzyme release was found to depend upon the concentration of these cations. For all cations, an optimum concentration was found with the same maximum enzyme release. At concentrations higher than optimum a decrease in lysozyme release was observed. Efficiency to induce enzyme release was in the order: Ca2+ > Sr2+ > Ba2+. Enzyme release was significantly enhanced by guanosine-5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S) resulting in a shift to the left of the dose/response curve. The enhancement by GTP gamma S was strongest with Ca2+, was less with Sr2+, and was very little with Ba2+. The time course of lysozyme release was the same for Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+ in the presence and absence of GTP gamma S when suboptimal cation concentrations were used. A decrease in responsiveness to the effectors after electropermeabilization was observed with Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ in the presence and absence of GTP gamma S. The lysozyme release induced by the different cations was not inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine and was slightly affected by pertussis toxin. Ca2+ and Sr2+, but not Ba2+, potentiated formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMet-Leu-Phe) induced enzyme release in intact neutrophils. The divalent cation ionophore A23187 induced enzyme release in the presence of Ca2+ and Sr2+ but not in the presence of Ba2+. The results obtained with electropermeabilized neutrophils indicate that Sr2+ and Ba2+ can act as substitutes for Ca2+ in activating exocytosis, and that permeabilized neutrophils provide the best tool to investigate the effects of alkaline earth ions in exocytosis.

G-protein activators induce a potassium conductance in murine macrophages

The whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to test whether intracellular application of G-protein activators affect ionic currents in murine macrophages. Both the J774.1 macrophage-like cell line and primary bone marrow derived macrophages were used. Cells were bathed in Na Hanks' solution and intracellularly dialyzed (via the patch pipette) with K Hanks (145 mM KCl, < 100 nM Ca) plus or minus the G-protein activators GTP gamma S (10 microM), GppNHp (10 microM), or AIF4- (200 microM AlCl3 + 5 mM KF). In the absence of G-protein activators, only two K currents, an inwardly rectifying K current (Kir) and an outward, inactivating K current (Ko) were observed. In the presence of protein activators, two effects were observed: (i) the Kir conductance, which is stable for up to 30 min under control conditions, decayed twice as fast and (ii) an outwardly rectifying, noninactivating current appeared. The induced outward current appeared < 2 min after attaining the whole-cell patch clamp configuration. The current could be distinguished from the Kir and Ko currents on the basis of its direction of rectification (outward), barium sensitivity (> 1 mM), and kinetics (no time-dependent inactivation). Intracellular application of GTP (500 microM), GDP (500 microM), cAMP (100 microM + 0.5 mM ATP), or IP3 (20 microM) did not induce the current; 100 microM ATP gamma S activated a half-maximal amount of current. Induction of outward current by 10 microM GTP gamma S could be prevented by pre-exposing cells to pertussis toxin but not cholera toxin. This current is K selective since (i) its induction was accompanied by hyperpolarization of the cell toward EK, even after Kir had "washed out", (ii) it was present after > 90% of both intracellular and extracellular Cl were replaced by isethionate, and (iii) the induced outward conductance was absent when Ki was completely replaced by Cs, and was reduced by approximately 1/3 when [K]i was reduced by 1/3. Quinidine (1 mM) and 4-aminopyridine (10 mM) inhibited the current, but apamin (1 microM) and charybdotoxin (1 microM) did not.

Exocytosis in electropermeabilized neutrophils. Responsiveness to calcium and guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate

Electropermeabilized neutrophils were used to study the exocytotic response in rabbit neutrophils. Enzyme release from electropermeabilized neutrophils could be induced by elevating the Ca2+ concentration. Ca(2+)-induced secretion was significantly enhanced by guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of GTP[S] could be blocked by guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (GDP[S]) and was not affected by pertussis toxin. GTP[S] did not induce enzyme release in the absence of Ca2+. Induction of an exocytotic response did not require addition of ATP. However, neutrophils permeabilized in the absence of ATP became refractory to stimulation due to a reduction in their affinity for Ca2+. Responsiveness to the effectors Ca2+ or Ca2+ + GTP[S] could be prolonged or restored by ATP. ATP was not the only agent that prolonged responsiveness; other nucleotides and inorganic phosphates were also effective. The protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporine and 1-O-hexadecyl-2-methyl-sn-glycerol did not inhibit exocytosis and had only a small effect on the prolongation and restoration of responsiveness by ATP. A hypothesis is presented suggesting that the loss of responsiveness is caused by dephosphorylation and that the restoration or prolongation of responsiveness is not mediated by protein kinase C. It is possible that an as yet unidentified Ca(2+)-binding protein is dephosphorylated, resulting in a decrease in Ca2+ affinity.

Chemotactic peptide stimulation of arachidonic acid release in HL60 cells, an interaction between G protein and phospholipase C mediated signal transduction

The mechanism of phospholipase A2 activation by chemotactic peptide was investigated in human promyelocytic HL60 cells. N-Formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMetLeuPhe) and the non-hydrolyzable GTP analogue guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) induced arachidonic acid release in permeabilized and metabolically inhibited HL60 cells, a preparation in which calcium was buffered and inositol phospholipid hydrolysis was inhibited. Inositol phosphate generation and arachidonic acid were shown to be temporally dissociated. These results suggest that receptor-dependent phospholipase C activity is not required for fMetLeuPhe to induce arachidonic acid release. However, fMetLeuPhe effects were highly calcium-dependent and inhibition of phospholipase C reduced fMetLeuPhe stimulation of arachidonic acid release even in the permeabilized cell preparation. We conclude that although phospholipase A2 activation is linked to the fMetLeuPhe receptor independent of phospholipase C, actions of phospholipase C to mobilize calcium and release diacylglycerol may be important to phospholipase A2 activation in the intact cell.