Identification and characterization of aminopeptidases from Aplysia californica

Endogenous l- to d-amino acid residue isomerization modulates selectivity between distinct neuropeptide receptor family members

The l- to d-amino acid residue isomerization of neuropeptides is an understudied post-translational modification found in animals across several phyla. Despite its physiological importance, little information is available regarding the impact of endogenous peptide isomerization on receptor recognition and activation. As a result, the full roles peptide isomerization play in biology are not well understood. Here, we identify that the Aplysia allatotropin-related peptide (ATRP) signaling system utilizes l- to d-residue isomerization of one amino acid residue in the neuropeptide ligand to modulate selectivity between two distinct G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). We first identified a novel receptor for ATRP that is selective for the D2-ATRP form, which bears a single d-phenylalanine residue at position 2. Using cell-based receptor activation experiments, we then characterized the stereoselectivity of the two known ATRP receptors for both endogenous ATRP diastereomers, as well as for homologous toxin peptides from a carnivorous predator. We found that the ATRP system displayed dual signaling through both the Gαq and Gαs pathways, and each receptor was selectively activated by one naturally occurring ligand diastereomer over the other. Overall, our results provide insights into an unexplored mechanism by which nature regulates intercellular communication. Given the challenges in detecting l- to d-residue isomerization from complex mixtures de novo and in identifying receptors for novel neuropeptides, it is likely that other neuropeptide-receptor systems may also utilize changes in stereochemistry to modulate receptor selectivity in a manner similar to that discovered here.

Composite Multidimensional Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry for Improved Differentiation of Stereochemical Modifications

Stereochemical modifications (SCMs), mostly present in the form of d-amino acid substitution, have been increasingly identified from a wide range of neuropeptides and disease-associated biomarker proteins. Traditional mass spectrometry-based SCM identification has been effectively enhanced with technological and strategic advancements in ion mobility spectrometry. With the additional separation provided by ion mobility, SCM-induced structural changes can be probed both in theory and in practice, although the structural resolution for low-abundance SCMs still requires further improvement to enable accurate quantification or unambiguous identification of stereoisomers. Herein, we present a multi-component-enabled multidimensional ion mobility-mass spectrometry (3M-IM-MS) analytical workflow, based upon the metal-enhanced chiral amplification strategy we proposed previously (Nat. Commun., 2019, 5038). Notably, the 3M-IM-MS strategy comprises and features the powerful mathematical tools of continuous wavelet transform and Gaussian fitting-enabled peak splitting. Consequently, the resolving capability of ion mobility spectrometry for SCM analysis has been significantly enhanced, providing mobility profiles with baseline separation and more than fivefold improvement in resolving power and overall resolution. This study represents an alternative toward ultrahigh-resolution structural interrogation of mixtures with very small differences, featuring an important and long-lasting topic in chemical measurement.

Biochemical evidences for M1-, M17- and M18-like aminopeptidases in marine invertebrates from Cuban coastline

Metallo-aminopeptidases (mAPs) control many physiological processes. They are classified in different families according to structural similarities. Neutral mAPs catalyze the cleavage of neutral amino acids from the N-terminus of proteins or peptide substrates; they need one or two metallic cofactors in their active site. Information about marine invertebrate's neutral mAPs properties is scarce; available data are mainly derived from genomics and cDNA studies. The goal of this work was to characterize the biochemical properties of the neutral APs activities in eight Cuban marine invertebrate species from the Phyla Mollusca, Porifera, Echinodermata, and Cnidaria. Determination of substrate specificity, optimal pH and effects of inhibitors (1,10-phenanthroline, amastatin, and bestatin) and cobalt on activity led to the identification of distinct neutral AP-like activities, whose biochemical behaviors were similar to those of the M1 and M17 families of mAPs. Additionally, M18-like glutamyl AP activities were detected. Thus, marine invertebrates express biochemical activities likely belonging to various families of metallo-aminopeptidases.

Aplysia allatotropin-related peptide and its newly identified d-amino acid-containing epimer both activate a receptor and a neuronal target

l- to d-residue isomerization is a post-translational modification (PTM) present in neuropeptides, peptide hormones, and peptide toxins from several animals. In most cases, the d-residue is critical for the biological function of the resulting d-amino acid-containing peptide (DAACP). Here, we provide an example in native neuropeptides in which the DAACP and its all-l-amino acid epimer are both active at their newly identified receptor in vitro and at a neuronal target associated with feeding behavior. On the basis of sequence similarity to a known DAACP from cone snail venom, we hypothesized that allatotropin-related peptide (ATRP), a neuropeptide from the neuroscience model organism Aplysia californica, may form multiple diastereomers in the Aplysia central nervous system. We determined that ATRP exists as a d-amino acid-containing peptide (d2-ATRP) and identified a specific G protein-coupled receptor as an ATRP receptor. Interestingly, unlike many previously reported DAACPs and their all-l-residue analogs, both l-ATRP and d2-ATRP were potent agonists of this receptor and active in electrophysiological experiments. Finally, d2-ATRP was much more stable than its all-l-residue counterpart in Aplysia plasma, suggesting that in the case of ATRP, the primary role of the l- to d-residue isomerization may be to protect this peptide from aminopeptidase activity in the extracellular space. Our results indicate that l- to d-residue isomerization can occur even in an all-l-residue peptide with a known biological activity and that in some cases, this PTM may help modulate peptide signal lifetime in the extracellular space rather than activity at the cognate receptor.

Kinetic studies on aminopeptidase M-mediated degradation of human hemorphin LVV-H7 and its N-terminally truncated products

The human hemorphin LVV-H7 belongs to the class of micro-opiod receptor-binding peptides, which also exhibits significant affinity to insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) thereby affecting IRAP inhibition. The inhibitory potency towards IRAP is of pharmaceutical interest for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Consecutive N-terminal cleavage of the first two amino acid residues of LVV-H7 affects a drastic increase of the binding affinity (V-H7) but ultimately leads to its complete abolition after cleavage of the next amino acid residue (H7). Therefore, we investigated LVV-H7 truncation by aminopeptidase M (AP-M) identified as a LVV-H7 degrading enzyme potentially regulating hemorphin activity towards IRAP in vivo. Using a selective quantitative multi-component capillary zone electrophoretic method (CZE-UV), we analyzed the AP-M-mediated subsequent proteolysis of the hemorphins LVV-H7 (L32-F41), VV-H7 (V33-F41), and V-H7 (V34-F41) in vitro. Incubations were carried out with synthetic hemorphins applied as single substrates or in combination. Maximum velocities (V(max)), catalytic constants (turnover numbers, kcat), and specific enzyme activities (EA) were calculated. L32 cleavage from LVV-H7 happens more than two-times faster (kcat: 140 min(-1) +/- 9%, EA: 1.0 U/mg +/- 9%) than V33 cleavage from VV-H7 (kcat: 61 min(-1) +/- 10%, EA: 0.43 U/mg +/- 10%) or V32 deletion from V-H7 (kcat: 62 min(-1) +/- 8%, EA: 0.46 U/mg +/- 8%). In contrast, we showed that H7 (Y35-F41) was neither degraded by porcine AP-M nor did it act as an inhibitor for this enzyme. Determined turnover numbers were in the same dimension as those reported for dynorphin degradation. This is the first time that AP-M-mediated truncation of natural underivatized LVV-H7 and its physiological metabolites was analyzed to determine kinetic parameters useful for understanding hemorphin processing and designing hemorphin-derived drug candidates.

Purification and properties of an aminopeptidase from the mid-gut gland of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis)

An aminopeptidase was isolated from the mid-gut gland of Patinopecten yessoensis. The enzyme was purified from an acetone-dried preparation by extracting, ammonium sulfate precipitation, Hi-Load Q column chromatography, isoelectric focusing, and POROS HP2 and HQ column chromatography. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 61 kDa by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 59 kDa by gel permeation chromatography. The isoelectric point of the enzyme was 5.2 and the optimum pH was 7.0 toward leucine p-nitroanilide (Leu-pNA). The enzyme was inhibited by o-phenanthroline. The activity of the enzyme treated with o-phenanthroline was completely recovered by adding excess Zn(2+). Relative hydrolysis rates of amino acid-pNAs and amino acid-4-methylcoumaryl-7-amides (amino acid-MCAs) indicated that the enzyme preferred substrates having Ala or Met as an amino acid residue. The enzyme had a K(m) of 32.2 microM and k(cat) of 29.5 s(-1) with Ala-pNA and a K(m) of 11.1 microM and k(cat) of 9.49 s(-1) with Ala-MCA. The enzyme sequentially liberated amino acids from the amino-termini of Ala-Phe-Tyr-Glu.

Deamidase inactivates a D-amino acid-containing Aplysia neuropeptide

Membrane-catalyzed degradation of the cardioexcitatory peptide, Asn-D-Trp-Phe-NH(2) (N(d)WF-NH(2)), which was previously isolated from Aplysia, was investigated in relation to its inactivation mechanism. The principal degradation was deamidation of the C-terminal amide, producing biologically inert Asn-D-Trp-Phe-OH (N(d)WF-OH). Among membrane fractions prepared from different organs, the fraction from the ganglia showed the highest specific activity of the deamidation reaction. The deamidase activity was inhibited by Ebelactone B and the serine protease inhibitor, phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), while the degradation of the synthetic stereoisomer, Asn-Trp-Phe-NH(2) (N(l)WF-NH(2)), was sensitive to the divalent cation-chelating agent, o-phenanthroline, and aminopeptidase inhibitors, amastatin and bestatin. The presence of D-Trp residue in the second position of N(d)WF-NH(2) endows this peptide not only with stereospecific bioactivity but also peptidase stability. The deamidation reaction seems to be the major inactivation mechanism for this peptide.

Biological and immunological characterization of multiple GnRH in an opisthobranch mollusk, Aplysia californica

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a neurohormone central to the regulation of reproductive functions in vertebrates. Recently, several studies have reported the presence of GnRH immunoreactivity (IR) in a number of mollusks, suggesting that the distribution of GnRH may not be restricted to Phylum Chordata. In the present study, we extend our investigations to an opisthobranch mollusk, Aplysia californica, to characterize the source, chemical nature, and biological activity of molluscan GnRH-related molecules. Specific radioimmunoassays (RIAs) of various tissue extracts of Aplysia revealed that only ovotestis, hemocytes, and hemolymph contained significant amounts of GnRH that crossreacts with antisera raised against tunicate-I (tI) and mammalian (m) GnRH. Further RIAs and extractions revealed that the GnRH-IR in the hemolymph is biochemically and immunologically distinct from the GnRH-IR in the hemocytes and ovotestis. Using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with RIAs, the GnRH-IR in the hemolymph was resolved into two major peaks. The first peak eluted earlier than most known forms of vertebrate GnRH, and the later peak coeluted with m, lamprey I, chicken II, and tI-GnRH. However, both peaks were broad and may contain a heterogeneous mixture of GnRH-IR. Immunocytochemical study showed that tI-GnRH-IR was present in the connective sheath surrounding the central nervous system, with a strong presence in what appeared to be vascular space, again suggesting the close association between Aplysia GnRH-IR and circulation. Finally, treatment of the neuroendocrine bag cells with chicken II GnRH significantly decreased the duration of the afterdischarge (AD, a characteristic pattern of electrical firing in bag cell neurons) and the number of action potentials fired during an AD, indicating the presence of a corresponding GnRH receptor in the Aplysia central nervous system. Overall, the results demonstrated the presence of multiple forms of GnRH-IR that crossreact with tI- and mGnRH antisera in A. californica and the ability of a vertebrate GnRH to alter Aplysia neural activity. Together, these data suggest that GnRH may be a factor released by the ovotestis and hemocytes into the circulation to alter neural functions. GnRH-IR produced by the latter may serve as a novel mediator of the neural and immune functions in Aplysia.

Molecular cloning, sequence analysis and expression distribution of an aminopeptidase in Aplysia california

We are investigating the role of membrane-bound peptidases in the inactivation of neuropeptides in Aplysia californica. Recently, we reported the biochemical characterization of a membrane-bound neuropeptide-degrading enzyme which has enzymatic characteristics similar to those of the mammalian aminopeptidase N (Bawab W, Querido E, Crine P, DesGroseillers L. Identification and characterization of aminopeptidases from Aplysia californica, Biochem J 1992;286:967-975). We now report the cloning and sequencing of a cDNA encoding an aminopeptidase enzyme (apAP) and the localization of the apAP transcript in Aplysia. The apAP cDNA encodes a putative protein of 1007 amino acids, which shows around 34% sequence identity to mammalian aminopeptidases A and N sequences. The deduced amino acid sequence suggests that apAP is a type II membrane-bound protein, with a long extracellular domain in which the consensus sequence of zinc-binding metallopeptidases (His-Glu-Xxx-Xxx-His) is found. RT-PCR and Northern blot experiments showed that the apAP gene is expressed as a single 6.8-kb transcript in the central nervous system, gill, heart, kidney and ovotestis.

Cloning and characterization of Aplysia neutral endopeptidase, a metallo-endopeptidase involved in the extracellular metabolism of neuropeptides in Aplysia californica

Cell surface metallo-endopeptidases play important roles in cell communication by controlling the levels of bioactive peptides around peptide receptors. To understand the relative relevance of these enzymes in the CNS, we characterized a metallo-endopeptidase in the CNS of Aplysia californica, whose peptidergic pathways are well described at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. The membrane-bound activity cleaved Leu-enkephalin at the Gly3-Phe4 bond with an inhibitor profile similar to that of the mammalian neutral endopeptidase (NEP). This functional homology was supported by the molecular cloning of cDNAs from the CNS, which demonstrated that the Aplysia and mammalian NEPs share all the same amino acids that are essential for the enzymatic activity. The protein is recognized both by specific anti-Aplysia NEP (apNEP) antibodies and by the [125I]-labeled NEP-specific inhibitor RB104, demonstrating that the apNEP gene codes for the RB104-binding protein. In situ hybridization experiments on sections of the ganglia of the CNS revealed that apNEP is expressed in neurons and that the mRNA is present both in the cell bodies and in neurites that travel along the neuropil and peripheral nerves. When incubated in the presence of a specific NEP inhibitor, many neurons of the buccal ganglion showed a greatly prolonged physiological response to stimulation, suggesting that NEP-like metallo-endopeptidases may play a critical role in the regulation of the feeding behavior in Aplysia. One of the putative targets of apNEP in this behavior is the small cardioactive peptide, as suggested by RP-HPLC experiments. More generally, the presence of apNEP in the CNS and periphery may indicate that it could play a major role in the modulation of synaptic transmission in Aplysia and in the metabolism of neuropeptides close to their point of release.

Cloning and characterization of Aplysia neutral endopeptidase, a metallo-endopeptidase involved in the extracellular metabolism of neuropeptides in Aplysia californica

Cell surface metallo-endopeptidases play important roles in cell communication by controlling the levels of bioactive peptides around peptide receptors. To understand the relative relevance of these enzymes in the CNS, we characterized a metallo-endopeptidase in the CNS of Aplysia californica, whose peptidergic pathways are well described at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. The membrane-bound activity cleaved Leu-enkephalin at the Gly3-Phe4 bond with an inhibitor profile similar to that of the mammalian neutral endopeptidase (NEP). This functional homology was supported by the molecular cloning of cDNAs from the CNS, which demonstrated that the Aplysia and mammalian NEPs share all the same amino acids that are essential for the enzymatic activity. The protein is recognized both by specific anti-Aplysia NEP (apNEP) antibodies and by the [125I]-labeled NEP-specific inhibitor RB104, demonstrating that the apNEP gene codes for the RB104-binding protein. In situ hybridization experiments on sections of the ganglia of the CNS revealed that apNEP is expressed in neurons and that the mRNA is present both in the cell bodies and in neurites that travel along the neuropil and peripheral nerves. When incubated in the presence of a specific NEP inhibitor, many neurons of the buccal ganglion showed a greatly prolonged physiological response to stimulation, suggesting that NEP-like metallo-endopeptidases may play a critical role in the regulation of the feeding behavior in Aplysia. One of the putative targets of apNEP in this behavior is the small cardioactive peptide, as suggested by RP-HPLC experiments. More generally, the presence of apNEP in the CNS and periphery may indicate that it could play a major role in the modulation of synaptic transmission in Aplysia and in the metabolism of neuropeptides close to their point of release.

TGF-beta1 in Aplysia: role in long-term changes in the excitability of sensory neurons and distribution of TbetaR-II-like immunoreactivity

Exogenous recombinant human transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1) induced long-term facilitation of Aplysia sensory-motor synapses. In addition, 5-HT-induced facilitation was blocked by application of a soluble fragment of the extracellular portion of the TGF-beta1 type II receptor (TbetaR-II), which presumably acted by scavenging an endogenous TGF-beta1-like molecule. Because TbetaR-II is essential for transmembrane signaling by TGF-beta, we sought to determine whether Aplysia tissues contained TbetaR-II and specifically, whether neurons expressed the receptor. Western blot analysis of Aplysia tissue extracts demonstrated the presence of a TbetaR-II-immunoreactive protein in several tissue types. The expression and distribution of TbetaR-II-immunoreactive proteins in the central nervous system was examined by immunohistochemistry to elucidate sites that may be responsive to TGF-beta1 and thus may play a role in synaptic plasticity. Sensory neurons in the ventral-caudal cluster of the pleural ganglion were immunoreactive for TbetaR-II, as well as many neurons in the pedal, abdominal, buccal, and cerebral ganglia. Sensory neurons cultured in isolation and cocultured sensory and motor neurons were also immunoreactive. TGF-beta1 affected the biophysical properties of cultured sensory neurons, inducing an increase of excitability that persisted for at least 48 hr. Furthermore, exposure to TGF-beta1 resulted in a reduction in the firing threshold of sensory neurons. These results provide further support for the hypothesis that TGF-beta1 plays a role in long-term synaptic plasticity in Aplysia.

TGF-β1 in Aplysia: Role in Long-Term Changes in the Excitability of Sensory Neurons and Distribution of TβR-II-Like Immunoreactivity

Exogenous recombinant human transforming growth factor β-1 (TGF-β1) induced long-term facilitation ofAplysia sensory-motor synapses. In addition, 5-HT-induced facilitation was blocked by application of a soluble fragment of the extracellular portion of the TGF-β1 type II receptor (TβR-II), which presumably acted by scavenging an endogenous TGF-β1-like molecule. Because TβR-II is essential for transmembrane signaling by TGF-β, we sought to determine whether Aplysia tissues contained TβR-II and specifically, whether neurons expressed the receptor. Western blot analysis of Aplysia tissue extracts demonstrated the presence of a TβR-II-immunoreactive protein in several tissue types. The expression and distribution of TβR-II-immunoreactive proteins in the central nervous system was examined by immunohistochemistry to elucidate sites that may be responsive to TGF-β1 and thus may play a role in synaptic plasticity. Sensory neurons in the ventral–caudal cluster of the pleural ganglion were immunoreactive for TβR-II, as well as many neurons in the pedal, abdominal, buccal, and cerebral ganglia. Sensory neurons cultured in isolation and cocultured sensory and motor neurons were also immunoreactive. TGF-β1 affected the biophysical properties of cultured sensory neurons, inducing an increase of excitability that persisted for at least 48 hr. Furthermore, exposure to TGF-β1 resulted in a reduction in the firing threshold of sensory neurons. These results provide further support for the hypothesis that TGF-β1 plays a role in long-term synaptic plasticity in Aplysia.

Cloning and functional expression of an Aplysia 5-HT receptor negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase

Serotonin (5-HT) is involved in the control of various behaviors in Aplysia californica, including reproduction, feeding, locomotion, circadian rhythm, synaptic plasticity, and synaptic growth. The large variety of functions of 5-HT is mediated by different receptor subtypes that are coupled to different second-messenger systems. Here, we report the cloning of a cDNA coding for an Aplysia G-protein-coupled 5-HT receptor (5-HTap1). Its deduced amino acid sequence resembles those of the 5-HT1 receptor subfamily. When expressed in stable cell lines, 5-HTap1 exhibits high-affinity binding for the serotonergic radioligand [N-methyl-3H]lysergic acid diethylamide. This binding is competed by several 5-HT agonists and antagonists, and the pharmacological profile of inhibition has some similarities with those of 5-HT1 and 5-HT7 receptors. Application of 5-HT or its agonists 5-carboxamidotryptamine maleate and (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyl-amino) tetralin hydrobromide on cells transformed with 5-HTap1 produced a dose-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. 5-HTap1 is thus negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase. The production of antiserum against the 5-HTap1 receptor allowed us to examine its expression in animal tissues. The receptor protein is detected in every tissue examined, although it seems only weakly expressed in some samples. The receptor is also found in every ganglia of the nervous system, both in the sheath and in the neurons. 5-HTap1 mRNA is absent from the sheath, indicating that the protein observed there is probably located on the nerve terminals.

Cloning and functional expression of an Aplysia 5-HT receptor negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase

Serotonin (5-HT) is involved in the control of various behaviors in Aplysia californica, including reproduction, feeding, locomotion, circadian rhythm, synaptic plasticity, and synaptic growth. The large variety of functions of 5-HT is mediated by different receptor subtypes that are coupled to different second-messenger systems. Here, we report the cloning of a cDNA coding for an Aplysia G-protein-coupled 5-HT receptor (5-HTap1). Its deduced amino acid sequence resembles those of the 5-HT1 receptor subfamily. When expressed in stable cell lines, 5-HTap1 exhibits high-affinity binding for the serotonergic radioligand [N-methyl-3H]lysergic acid diethylamide. This binding is competed by several 5-HT agonists and antagonists, and the pharmacological profile of inhibition has some similarities with those of 5-HT1 and 5-HT7 receptors. Application of 5-HT or its agonists 5-carboxamidotryptamine maleate and (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyl-amino) tetralin hydrobromide on cells transformed with 5-HTap1 produced a dose-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. 5-HTap1 is thus negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase. The production of antiserum against the 5-HTap1 receptor allowed us to examine its expression in animal tissues. The receptor protein is detected in every tissue examined, although it seems only weakly expressed in some samples. The receptor is also found in every ganglia of the nervous system, both in the sheath and in the neurons. 5-HTap1 mRNA is absent from the sheath, indicating that the protein observed there is probably located on the nerve terminals.

Purification and properties of a membrane aminopeptidase from Ascaris suum muscle that degrades neuropeptides AF1 and AF2

We have identified on the membranes of the locomotory muscle of Ascaris suum an amastatin-sensitive aminopeptidase that hydrolyses the bioactive neuropeptides AF1 (KNEFIRF-NH2) and AF2 (KHEYLRF-NH2), by cleavage of the Lys1-Asn2 and Lys1-His2 peptide bonds, respectively. AF2 (1.2 nmol of HEYLRF-NH2 formed min[-1] (mg protein[-1])) was hydrolysed at a faster rate compared to AF1 (0.2 nmol of NEFIRF-NH2 formed min[-1] (mg protein[-1])). AF1 hydrolysis by the aminopeptidase was inhibited by the amastatin (IC50, 9.0 microM), leuhistin (IC50, 1.25 microM) but was insensitive to puromycin, indicating a similarity to mammalian aminopeptidase N. The enzyme was also inhibited by arphamenine B (IC50, 9.0 microM), (2S, 3R)-3-amino-2-hydroxy-4-(4-nitrophenyl)butanoyl-L-leucine (IC50, 8.0 microM), bestatin (IC50, 15.0 microM) and 1 mM 1-10 bis-phenanthroline. The detergent Triton X-100 solubilised enzyme had a pI of 5.0 and after 1000-fold purification by ion-exchange chromatography, appeared to have a Mr of around 240,000 by SDS-PAGE. The purified aminopeptidase had a Km of 534 microM for the hydrolysis of AF1 and cleaved Phe1 from FMRF-NH2, but was unable to hydrolyse DFMRF-NH2 or FDMRF-NH2. The aminopeptidase that we have described in this report might have a role in the extracellular metabolism and inactivation of neuropeptides acting on the locomotory muscle of A. suum.

L5-67 and LUQ-1 peptide precursors of Aplysia californica: distribution and localization of immunoreactivity in the central nervous system and in peripheral tissues

Two genes (L5-67 and LUQ-1) that encode neuropeptide precursors have recently been shown to be expressed in a distinct and non-overlapping manner in the five left upper quadrant (LUQ) cells of the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia (Landry et al. [1992]. J. Neurobiol 23:89-101). By using wholemount immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay (RIA), the pattern of expression of these two genes was assessed at the protein level throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral tissues of Aplysia californica. The distribution of LUQ-1 precursor-like immunoreactivity was fairly limited, occurring in the ventral LUQ cell (L5) and in a total of approximately 20 additional neurons in the abdominal and cerebral ganglia. L5-67 precursor-like immunoreactive material was more prevalent, appearing in a total of approximately 100 neurons distributed among each of the central ganglia. Identified L5-67-immunoreactive neurons included the four dorsal LUQ cells (L2-4 and L6) and two giant neurons (R2 and LPI1). In one group of cells, the H cluster of the cerebral ganglion, L5-67 immunofluorescence was substantially more intense in larger versus smaller animals, suggesting that this peptide precursor is subject to developmental regulation in certain neurons. Immunoelectron microscopic examination of the subcellular localization of L5-67 immunoreactivity in LUQ cell somata and axons revealed its association with dense-core vesicles (approximately 114 nm in diameter). In the periphery, L5-67-immunoreactive fibers were detected in specific regions of the circulatory system (auricle, ventricle, cristae aorta, anterior aorta) and the reproductive system (genital ganglion, large hermaphroditie duct, small hermaphroditie duct, ovotestis). The kidney and the intestine, two tissues in which considerable secretion and absorption occur, contained material immunoreactive to both L5-67 and LUQ-1 antisera. The localization of the two peptide precursors in these tissues differed substantially, with L5-67 occurring in widely ramifying varicose fibers, whereas LUQ-1 was found in restricted foci of fibers and in small spherical cells that appeared to lack processes. These results support previous findings concerning the heterogeneity of neurotransmitter phenotypes in the LUQ cells. Furthermore, they are indicative of a fairly broad role for the L5-67-derived neuropeptides, and a more limited role for the LUQ-1-derived neuropeptides, in the regulation of the visceral organ systems of Aplysia.

Metabolism and inactivation of neurotransmitters in nematodes

The nematode nervous system employs many of the same neurotransmitters as are found in higher animals. The inactivation of neurotransmitters is absolutely essential for the correct functioning of the nervous system. In this article we discuss the various mechanisms used generally in animal nervous systems for synaptic inactivation of neurotransmitters and review the evidence for similar mechanisms operating in parasitic and free-living nematodes. The sequencing of the entire Caenorhabditis elegans genome means that the sequence of nematode genes can be accessed from the C. elegans database (ACeDB) and this wealth of information together with the increasing knowledge of the genetics of this free-living nematode will have great impact on all aspects of nematode neurobiology. The review will provide an insight into how this information may be exploited to identify and characterize target proteins for the development of novel anti-nematode drugs.

Metabolism of AF1 (KNEFIRF-NH2) in the nematode, Ascaris suum, by aminopeptidase, endopeptidase and deamidase enzymes

We have studied the metabolism and inactivation of AF1 (KNEFIRF-NH2) by membranes prepared from the locomotory muscle of Ascaris suum. FIRF-NH2 and KNEFIRF were identified as three primary degradation products, resulting from the action of an endopeptidase, aminopeptidase and a deamidase, respectively. The endopeptidase resembled mammalian neprilysin (NEP, endopeptidase 24.11) in that the enzyme activity was inhibited by phosphoramidon and thiorphan and that it cleaved AF1 on the amino side of phenylalanine. The aminopeptidase activity was inhibited by amastatin and bestatin but not by puromycin. The deamidation of AF1 was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, p-chloromercuricphenylsulfonate and mercuric chloride, indicating that the deamidase enzyme is a serine protease with a requirement for a free thiol group for activity. AF1 (1 microM) induces an increase in tension and an increase in the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions of an A. suum muscle strip. None of the aforementioned AF1 metabolites (2-20 microM) retained biological activity in this bioassay, indicating that the endopeptidase, aminopeptidase and deamidase have the potential to terminate the action of AF1 on locomotory muscle of A. suum.

Identification and properties of a neuropeptide-degrading endopeptidase (neprilysin) of Ascaris suum muscle

We have previously identified in membranes of the locomotory muscle of Ascaris suum a phosphoramidon-sensitive endopeptidase which hydrolyses the neuropeptide AF1 (Lys-Asn-Glu-Phe-Ile-Arg-Phe-NH2) by cleavage of the Glu3-Phe4 bond (Sajid & Isaac, 1994). We have determined the properties of this neuropeptide-degrading enzyme of A. suum muscle using AKH-1 (pGlu-Leu-Asn-Phe-Thr-Pro-Asn-Trp-Gly-Thr-NH2) and [D-Ala2, Leu5]enkephalin as convenient endopeptidase substrates. Phosphoramidon, thiorphan and SQ 28603, potent inhibitors of mammalian neprilysin (neutral endopeptidase, endopeptidase 24.11), inhibited the endopeptidase activity towards AKH-I with IC50 values of 0.13 microM, 22 microM and 6.3 microM, respectively. Two other neprilysin inhibitors (SCH 32615 and SCH 39370) and the bivalent metal ion chelators, EDTA (1 mM) and 1, 10 bis-phenanthroline (1 mM) failed to inhibit the nematode enzyme. The endopeptidase had a neutral pH optimum and a significant proportion (45%) of the enzyme activity partitioned into the detergent-rich phase of Triton X-114, indicating that the enzyme is an integral membrane protein. The muscle enzyme also attacked [D-Ala2, Leu5]enkephalin cleaving the Gly3-Phe4 bond and this hydrolytic activity was inhibited by phosphoramidon and thiorphan (IC50, 0.28 microM and 15.8 microM, respectively) but not by EDTA and 1, 10 bis-phenanthroline. The phosphoramidon-sensitive endopeptidase activity was detected on intact muscle cells prepared by collagenase treatment of the body wall musculature, indicating that endopeptidase is accessible to peptide molecules that interact with the cell surface.

Processing of the L5-67 precursor peptide and characterization of LUQIN in the LUQ neurons of Aplysia californica

Metabolic labeling of the dorsal Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) cells of the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia californica and RP-HPLC separation of their peptide content allowed us to identify the L5-67 precursor and its processed peptides. Cleavage of the signal peptide occurred between amino acids 23 and 24 of the prepropeptide and generated a propeptide of 89 amino acids. Further processing by endopeptidases at the twin basic residues Lys12-Arg13 of the precursor generated a peptide of 76 amino acids, as well as an amidated decapeptide, LUQIN. The sequence of LUQIN was determined by amino acid sequencing and by its comigration with the synthetic peptide Ala-Pro-Ser-Trp-Arg-Pro-Gln-Gly-Arg-Phe-amide in three different RP-HPLC systems. The amidation of LUQIN was further demonstrated by its resistance to carboxypeptidase A digestion.

Identification and characterization of a neutral endopeptidase activity in Aplysia californica

Kidney plasma membranes of Aplysia californica were shown to contain an endopeptidase activity which cleaved [Leu]enkephalin (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu) and [Leu]enkephalinamide (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-NH2) at the Gly3-Phe4 bond, as determined by reverse-phase h.p.l.c. analysis of metabolites. The optimal pH was shown to be 6.5. The bivalent cation chelating agent, 1,10-phenanthroline protected [Leu]enkephalin from degradation, suggesting that this enzyme is a metallopeptidase. The degradation of [Leu]enkephalin was also abolished by the neutral endopeptidase-24.11 inhibitors RB104 (2-[(3-iodo-4-hydroxyl)-phenylmethyl]-4-N-[3-(hydroxyamino-3-oxo-1- phenylmethyl)-propyl]amino-4-oxobutanoic acid), HABCO-Gly [(3-hydroxy-aminocarbonyl-2-benzyl-1-oxypropyl)glycine], phosphoramidon and thiorphan, with IC50 values of 1 nM, 1 microM, 20 microM and 30 microM respectively. By contrast, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril and the serine proteinase inhibitor phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride were without effect. Phase separation experiments using Triton X-114 showed that about 64% of the neutral endopeptidase activity in the Aplysia kidney membrane corresponds to an integral membrane protein. A specific radioiodinated inhibitor ([125I]RB104) was shown to bind the Aplysia endopeptidase with high affinity; the KD and Bmax. values were 21 +/- 5 pM and 20.3 +/- 5 fmol/mg of proteins respectively. This inhibitor was used to determine the molecular form of the enzyme, after separation of solubilized membrane proteins on SDS/PAGE and transfer on to nitrocellulose membranes. A single protein band with an apparent molecular mass of 140 kDa was observed. The labelling was abolished by specific neutral endopeptidase inhibitors. This study provides the first biochemical characterization of an endopeptidase with catalytic properties similar to those of neutral endopeptidase-24.11 in the mollusc Aplysia californica.

Characterization of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 in dog glomeruli

Neutral endopeptidase (NEP; also known as neprilysin and enkephalinase; EC 3.4.24.11) is a cell-surface metallopeptidase that is present in many mammalian tissues. It is particularly abundant on the brush-border membranes of the kidney proximal tubule. In this paper, the presence of NEP in purified glomeruli from dog kidney was assessed by measuring phosphoramidon- and thiorphan-sensitive [D-Ala2,Leu5]enkephalin-degrading activity. Using this assay, the Km and kcat. of the glomerular enzyme were found to be identical to those of the tubular enzyme. By Western blotting the apparent M(r) of the glomerular enzyme was found to be 104,000, compared with 94,000 for the tubular enzyme. This might be due to a different glycosylation pattern, since endoglycosidase F treatment of NEP obtained from both tissues yielded deglycosylated enzymes with similar electrophoretic mobilities. The glomerular enzyme also appears to be membrane-bound, since it was retained in the detergent-rich phase after phase separation with Triton X-114. Autoradiography experiments performed with RB104, a new highly selective and potent NEP inhibitor, showed that NEP was expressed in both glomeruli and proximal tubules. The presence in glomeruli of NEP and some other brush-border peptidases (dipeptidyl-dipeptidase IV, aminopeptidase N and angiotensin I-converting enzyme) suggests that cell-surface peptidases might play an important role as regulators of plasma-derived peptides in this part of the nephron.

Molecular cloning of myomodulin cDNA, a neuropeptide precursor gene expressed in neuron L10 of Aplysia californica

Screening of an abdominal ganglion cDNA library of Aplysia californica with a synthetic oligonucleotide based on the myomodulin peptide sequence has been used to identify and characterize a cDNA clone expressed in interneuron L10. The complete sequence of 1,534 nucleotides in length shows an open reading frame of 370 amino acids that encodes a 42-kD pre-propeptide. Proteolytic cleavage of the precursor potentially gives rise to 10 copies of myomodulin A, single copies of 6 myomodulin-related peptides, and other unrelated sequences. Southern blot analysis of sperm DNA shows that the haploid Aplysia genome contains only one copy of the gene. RNA blot analyses of central nervous system (CNS) mRNA show that the myomodulin gene is expressed in all major ganglia and that a single transcript of around 1,600 nucleotides can be detected in pooled CNS mRNA, suggesting that the same sequence is transcribed in each ganglia. Nucleotide sequences of partial cDNA clones isolated from a cerebral ganglion and a CNS cDNA library are identical to the abdominal ganglion sequence, further suggesting that the same myomodulin gene is expressed in other ganglia.