A PARADOXICAL EFFECT OF ACTINOMYCIN D: THE MECHANISM OF REGULATION OF ENZYME SYNTHESIS BY HYDROCORTISONE

Protein Synthesis and Translational Control: A Historical Perspective

Protein synthesis and its regulation are central to all known forms of life and impinge on biological arenas as varied as agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine. Otherwise known as translation and translational control, these processes have been investigated with increasing intensity since the middle of the 20th century, and in increasing depth with advances in molecular and cell biology. We review the origins of the field, focusing on the underlying concepts and early studies of the cellular machinery and mechanisms involved. We highlight key discoveries and events on a timeline, consider areas where current research has engendered new ideas, and conclude with some speculation on future directions for the field.

Kinetics of penicillinase induction and variation of penicillinase translation in Staphylococcus aureus

At neutral pH, the rate of penicillinase synthesis by staphylococci declines gradually after removal of free inducer, while at pH 5.4 enzyme formation is generally linear for an extended period. Linear synthesis of penicillinase was observed at neutral pH in nonsaturating concentrations (1mug/ml) of actinomycin D. The rate of enzyme synthesis, corrected for inhibition of growth caused by the antibiotic, was relatively independent of the time of actinomycin addition. The lag preceding linear enzyme formation increased with the interval between induction and the addition of actinomycin. The findings are consistent with the concept that, at neutral pH, "operons" activated by induction are rapidly repressed, while at pH 5.4, this process is delayed. At a concentration of 4mug/ml, actinomycin D blocked penicillinase messenger synthesis and also elicited a short-lived acceleration of the increase of penicillinase activity in uninduced and, late after induction, in induced cultures. This effect did not require a functional genomic repressor mechanism since it occurred also in a penicillinase-constitutive strain. It required protein synthesis and could not be attributed to a greater enzyme stability in the presence of actinomycin. The results suggest enhanced penicillinase translation after addition of actinomycin D.

Local Gene Expression in Axons and Nerve Endings: The Glia-Neuron Unit

Neurons have complex and often extensively elongated processes. This unique cell morphology raises the problem of how remote neuronal territories are replenished with proteins. For a long time, axonal and presynaptic proteins were thought to be exclusively synthesized in the cell body, which delivered them to peripheral sites by axoplasmic transport. Despite this early belief, protein has been shown to be synthesized in axons and nerve terminals, substantially alleviating the trophic burden of the perikaryon. This observation raised the question of the cellular origin of the peripheral RNAs involved in protein synthesis. The synthesis of these RNAs was initially attributed to the neuron soma almost by default. However, experimental data and theoretical considerations support the alternative view that axonal and presynaptic RNAs are also transcribed in the flanking glial cells and transferred to the axon domain of mature neurons. Altogether, these data suggest that axons and nerve terminals are served by a distinct gene expression system largely independent of the neuron cell body. Such a local system would allow the neuron periphery to respond promptly to environmental stimuli. This view has the theoretical merit of extending to axons and nerve terminals the marginalized concept of a glial supply of RNA (and protein) to the neuron cell body. Most long-term plastic changes requiring de novo gene expression occur in these domains, notably in presynaptic endings, despite their intrinsic lack of transcriptional capacity. This review enlightens novel perspectives on the biology and pathobiology of the neuron by critically reviewing these issues.

Receptors of the thyroid: the thyrotropin receptor is only the first violinist of a symphony orchestra

A basic reason for undertaking these studies was to further our knowledge of the structure and function of the TSH receptor as well as its interaction with other receptors on thyroid cells. The multiplicity of observations suggests the approach is bearing fruit, does not provide a simple answer, and can have pitfalls. We hope they may also contribute to understanding the structure and function of autoantigens in Graves' disease and glycoprotein hormone receptors in general. The authors are grateful to their collaborators in the National Dental Institute, particularly Drs. Bellur Prabhakar, Edward Oates, and Abner Notkins, in the National Cancer Institute, Drs. W. O. McBride and M. Lerman for their contributions to the cloning studies.

No correlation between binding of glucocorticosteroids to specific cytoplasmic proteins in vivo and enzyme induction in the rat liver

Time- and dose-dependence of the formation of the different cytoplasmic hormone-protein complexes were studied in the rat liver after administration in vivo of [3H]cortisol or [3H]dexamethasone and compared with the stimulation of RNA polymerase B and induction of tyrosine aminotransferase and tryptophan oxygenase. No correlation could be found between formation in vivo of any of the five cytoplasmic hormone-protein complexes found and stimulation of RNA polymerase B activity or enzyme induction. After administration of [3H]cortisol, different metabolites of cortisol could be demonstrated in the isolated hormone-protein complexes. No time- or dose-dependence of the metabolite patterns could be observed after application of hormone doses that were in the range of the biologically active doses. After administration of [3H]dexamethasone, the same hormone-protein complexes were observed, which contained, however, the injected steroid instead of metabolites. These results seem to indicate that the cytoplasmic binding components present in the rat liver are enzymes involved in the metabolism of the glucocorticosteroids and that dexamethasone binds to these enzymes as a substrate analogue.

Regulation of the synthesis of tyrosine aminotransferase: the relationship to mRNATAT

The activity of the hepatic enzyme tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) is the sum of many diverse regulatory factors. These include the developmental stage of the animal, the hormonal and nutritional environment of the animal (or tissue culture cell), other extrinsic and intrinsic regulatory cycles and factors (including cytoplasmic substances), and chromatin structure. Although TAT is subject to a number of post-translational modifications, alterations in catalytic activity always parallel changes in enzyme amount. In a few instances this is due to a selective change in TAT degradation, but most are due to changes in the rate of aminotransferase synthesis. Recent studies have shown that TAT synthesis is generally directly correlated with the activity, and presumably amount, of the mRNA that codes for tyrosine aminotransferase.

Wound-Induced RNase Activity in Sweet Potato : EVIDENCE FOR REGULATION AT TRANSCRIPTION

Upon wounding of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas, Lam. var. Puerto Rico) RNase activity increases rapidly following a 4-hour lag, peaks in 24 hours, and then declines. Cycloheximide inhibits induction indicating that increased activity is probably due to de novo synthesis. The half-time (t(0.5)) for RNase degradation in presence of cycloheximide (1.8 hours) is constant throughout the rise and decline in RNase activity. Induction is not affected by exogenous ethylene, but is dependent on production of endogenous ethylene. The following evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that the activity of RNase is regulated at transcription. (a) Wound induction of RNase is inhibited by actinomycin D (ACTD), cordycepin, or alpha-amanitin. (b) Addition of ACTD at 9, 12, or 24 hours causes an immediate decline in RNase. (c) Six measurements of the natural decline in RNase between 24 and 36 hours show a t(0.5) of 14.1 +/- 1 hour. (d) Use of proecdures for measurement of the t(0.5) for degradation of mRNA in bacteria and plants show a mean t(0.5) of 14 +/- 1 hour for degradation of RNase mRNA in presence of ACTD. From the fact that both the degradation of RNase in presence of ACTD and the natural decline in RNase have a t(0.5) that is very similar to the t(0.5) for degradation of RNase mRNA, it is postulated that the natural decline in sweet potato RNase is due to repression of the RNase gene as a result of which the rate of degradation of RNase follows the t(0.5) for degradation of RNase messenger.

Effects of actinomycin D on dexamethasone induced hepatic glycogen accumulation: morphological and biochemical observations

Effects of inhibition of protein synthesis by actinomycin D (ACT) on the acute stimulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) by the glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (DEX), in adrenalectomized (ADX) rats, were investigated using both morphological and biochemical means. Examination of ultra-thin sections of liver in the electron microscope revealed that ACT, administered alone or with DEX, resulted in a failure of hepatic glycogen accumulation to occur. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) appeared similar to that of the ADX-untreated animals, with occasional suggestions of increased amounts of membrane in ACT-treated animals. G6Pase activity in homogenates was increased, as was activation of the enzyme under all experimental conditions, when compared with ADX-untreated controls. The DEX-induced increase in G6Pase activity in SER failed to occur to any appreciable extent in ACT-treated animals. Plasma glucose levels increased slightly when ACT and DEX were present simultaneously. It is suggested that ACT countered the inductive effects of DEX on hepatic glycogen synthesis, but only partially suppressed acute stimulation of gluconeogenesis. A possible superinduction of G6Pase enzyme synthesis through increased efficiency of translation of extant mRNA is discussed. It is proposed that ACT inhibited the formation of appropriate SER membranes and/or other components necessary for glycogen accumulation.

Regulation of rat-liver tyrosine-aminotransferase mRNA by hydrocortisone and by N6,O2'-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-phosphate

The intraperitoneal injection of either hydrocortisone of N6,O2'-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-phosphate (Bt2cAMP) results in a specific increase in functional tyrosine aminotransferase mRNA (mRNATAT) activity in rat liver that is proportional to the degree of enzyme induction. Both require continuous RNA synthesis. There are several differences in the response to these inducers: (a) the magnitude of the increase is greater following hydrocortisone injection than after Bt2cAMP; (b) the peak response is seen within 1 h following the injection of Bt2cAMP as compared to the 5 h required for the maximal response following hydrocortisone injection; (c) finally, although both responses are rapid, the lag period which precedes the accumulation of functional tyrosine aminotransferase mRNA activity following the injection of hydrocortisone is at least 20 min whereas following Bt2cAMP it is 5-10 min. The administration of actinomycin D to rats 5 h after they were treated with hydrocortisone causes an additional twofold increase in tyrosine aminotransferase enzymatic activity, a phenomenon known as superinduction, but does not prevent the normal decrease in its mRNA seen at this time. This dissociation of enzyme and mRNA activities indicates that superinduction of tyrosine aminotransferase is not due to a selective stabilization of the mRNA which codes for this protein.

Regulation of the stability of poly(I)xpoly(C)-induced human fibroblast interferon mRNA: selective inactivation of interferon mRNA and lack of involvement of 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase activation during the shutoff of interferon production

The inactivation of interferon mRNA during the shutoff phase of interferon production in poly(I)xpoly(C)-induced human fibroblast cultures is selective. We have determined that the shutoff of interferon production, which takes place from 3 to 8 hr after the beginning of induction, is not associated with an appreciable declined in the rate of bulk cellular protein synthesis or of cellular protein secretion. While the amount of translatable interferon mRNA declined markedly during the shutoff phase, the level of translatable bulk cellular mRNA and the stability of [3H]uridine-labeled mRNA were unaffected. Superinduction with actinomycin D selectively stabilized interferon mRNA with no apparent effect on the stability of bulk cellular mRNA. Furthermore, an activation of the 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase/endonuclease system does not appear to be involved in the shutoff phenomenon. Uninduced FS-4 cells contained a low basal level of 2'5'-oligo(A) synthetase activity, which was unchanged in poly(I)xpoly(C)-induced cells during the shutoff phase. Treatment of FS-4 cells with interferon for 16-18 hr prior to induction increased the enzyme activity by approximately 200-fold. However, this did not inhibit interferon production after induction with poly(I)xpoly(C) alone or after superinduction with cycloheximide or actinomycin D or both. Furthermore, the rates of decay of interferon production were comparable in cells with either a basal or an increased level of 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase. Thus a 200-fold increase in 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase level did not affect either the stability of interferon mRNA or the efficacy of interferon superinduction by metabolic inhibitors.

Acute ethanol effects on rat liver tryptophan oxygenase and tyrosine aminotransferase

In starved rats, ethanol administered acutely enhances tryptophan oxygenase (TO) and tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) activities. Ethanol also inhibits the early phase of the cortisol-mediated TO and TAT induction. Ethanol administered at the same time as tryptophan does not modify the tryptophan-mediated TO and TAT induction. In cortisol-pretreated rats, ethanol enhances the subsequent TO and TAT induction whereas no additive effects are observed when ethanol is injected together with tryptophan. These results suggest that ethanol mimics the effects of tryptophan on TO and TAT activities. In fed animals, ethanol alone does not result in increased TO and TAT activities, but inhibits their cortisol induction. It increases TO activities when given together with a tryptophan dose which, when given alone, does not enhance these activities. It is suggested that the observed inhibitory effects of ethanol on cortisol-mediated TO and TAT induction in starved and fed animals are related to a defective cortisol transport in the liver cells.

Superinduction of alpha 2u globulin by actinomycin D: evidence for drug-mediated increase in alpha 2u mRNA

Actinomycin D, an inhibitor of DNA-dependent RNA synthesis, increased the hepatic concentration of alpha 2u globulin, an androgen-inducible protein in the rat. Spayed female rats with a marginally induced state of alpha 2u synthesis showed an approximately 5-fold increase in hepatic alpha 2u globulin within 3-6 hr after treatment with actinomycin D. Initial treatment of these animals with 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, followed by actinomycin D, resulted within 2-3 hr in a more than 2-fold increase in hepatic alpha 2u globulin compared to animals treated with the androgen alone. In spite of inhibition of hepatic synthesis of poly(A)-containing RNA to less than 25% of control, superinduction with actinomycin D resulted in a parallel increase in the translatable mRNA for alpha 2u globulin. These results showing increase in both alpha 2u globulin and its translatable mRNA after superinduction with actinomycin D support the concept of post-transcriptional repression of alpha2u synthesis.

Glucocorticoid induction of tyrosine aminotransferase in cultured cells

For over a decade, tyrosine aminotransferase induction in tissue culture cells has been a useful model system in which to study glucocorticosteroid action. In the 1960s, the establishment in culture of rat hepatomas expressing the inducible enzyme, already known to be induced in liver in vivo, provoked a wide-ranging series of experiments. The data from these experiments have provided considerable information regarding the mechanism of action of steroids. These include the fundamental facts that the steroids act directly on the induced cell in unmetablized form, that removal of steroid results in deinduction, that induction does not require DNA synthesis or massive changes in RNA synthesis, and that cytoplasmic receptor occupancy by active steroids correlates closely with the steroids' ability to affect inductions. Studies in tissue culture cells have led to the analysis of transcriptional and posttranscriptional models attempting to explain enzyme induction. The effects on enzyme induction of nonsteroid hormones and other factors have been studied through the use of tissue culture cells. Finally, cells and clones of cell variants are being used to study enzyme induction, through biochemical analysis and cell genetic approaches, including somatic cell hybridization.

Ethylene regulation of wound-induced ribonuclease in turnip root tissue

Exogenous ethylene enhances the synthesis of wound-induced ribonuclease (RNase) (EC2.7.7.16) in tissue discs of white turnip (Brassica rapa L. var. rapa (L.) Tell.). The half-maximal concentration is <0.01 μl/l ehtylene. Maximal response was obtained with either continuous ethylene treatment, or a 90-min pulse of ethylene followed by flushing with 1500 cm(3) of air/min at standard pressure or 500 cm(3)/min at hypobaric pressure for the remainder of the experiments. Addition of ethylene at 60-75 min after cutting had no effect on RNase activity. Also the effect of ethylene in enhancing RNase decreased about linearly when addition of ethylene was delayed for tissue discs. Since actinomycin-D inhibition of RNase synthesis, observed earlier, is also limited to the initial 45-60 min after cutting, these results are consistent with the view that ethylene is acting at transcription.

Posttranscriptional regulation of glucocorticoid-regulated functions

Relying heavily on studies of TAT regulation in cultured rat hepatoma cell lines, we have attempted in this brief review to discuss possible mechanisms for posttranscriptional regulation of glucocorticoid-sensitive enzymes and to chronicle the evidence for and against posttranscriptional mechanisms for specific enzyme induction by glucocorticoids. Initially, mechanisms were considered that would reconcile results showing sensitivity of both induction and deinduction of TAT to inhibitors of RNA synthesis with studies demonstrating first that glucocorticoids regulate the rates of specific enzyme synthesis and, then, that glucocorticoids regulate levels of enzyme-specific mRNA. Such reconciliation proved unnecessary when it was demonstrated that inhibitors of RNA synthesis such as actinomycin D were not specific for RNA synthesis, but also had effects on mRNA turnover and protein metabolism. The bulk of evidence to date establishes that glucocorticoids promote the production of enzyme-specific mRNA for the proteins whose synthesis is regulated by thses steroids. Nevertheless, there is still very little direct evidence that steroids can modulate rates of specific gene transcription. The glucocorticoid stimulation of mouse mammary tumor virus RNA production in cultured cell lines is the only example to date where such a mechanism is supported by RNA-DNA hybridization studies. Posttranscriptional actions of steroids on the turnover, processing, or extranuclear transport of specific mRNA precursors remain potential steps at which glucocorticoids might function. The rapid turnover of some glucocorticoid-regulated enzymes and their mRNAs not only ensures a rapid response to steroid addition or withdrawal, but also subjects these proteins to relatively large fluctuations upon alterations in overall protein or mRNA metabolism. Thus many of the inductions and repressions of hepatic TAT and TO by mediators other than the glucocorticoids may be attributable entirely to nonspecific mechanisms.

Differences in inducibility by glucocorticoids of rat liver TO and TAT

The modulation of tryptophan-oxygenase (TO) and tyrosine amino-transferase (TAT) in the rat liver after a single dose of hydrocortisone has been studied under various physiological conditions. Differences in the induction behavior of the two enzymes have been observed dependent on sex, age, amount of administered hormone, and presence or absence of the adrenals. Some of the results observed are the following: 1) TO reached its maximum induction level 3 h prior to TAT in normal male rats. This difference disappeared when adrenalectomized male rats or when female animals were tested. 2) The maximal induction values of both enzymes were 50--80% higher in adrenalectomized rats than in normal rats. This effect was independent of sex. 3) Higher doses of hydrocortisone were necessary for optimal induction of TO and TAT in normal than in adrenalectomized rats. 4) The minimum dose of hydrocortisone necessary for enzyme induction was significantly lower for TO than for TAT. 5) Actinomycin D caused a complete inhibition of the induction of TO and TAT when given simultaneously with the glucocorticoid. The inhibition was less complete the longer the interval between hormone and actinomycin D administration. The activity of TAT was suppressed to a larger extent than TO.

Plasma renin substrate sensitivity to oestrogens and oestrogen metabolism in cirrhosis

Oestrogen stimulation of plasma renin substrate (PRS) was studied in men with alcoholic cirrhosis. PRS values, before and 1, 2, 4 and 6 days after a single oral administration of 100 microgram of an oestrogen derivative, 11beta-methoxy-17-ethynyl-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17beta-diol (Moxestrol), were measured by radioimmunoassay of generated angiotensin I in five men with normal liver function and five men with alcoholic cirrhosis. Basal PRS was 0.93 +/- 0.22 nmol/ml (mean +/- 1 SD) in the normal men and significantly lower (P less than 0.01) in the men with cirrhosis (0.33 +/- 0.14 nmol/ml). Two days after administration of Moxestrol, PRS rose significantly but transiently (P less than 0.05) to 1.41 +/- 0.42 nmol/ml in the normal men and to 0.47 +/- 0.15 in the cirrhotic men, the relative increase (approximately 50%) being similar in both groups. A study of the plasma kinetics and urinary excretion of Moxestrol was also performed to evaluate its metabolic clearance rate and absorption. Since the intestinal absorption of [14C] Moxestrol was not depressed in cirrhotic men, the low PRS values recorded are probably the consequence of hepatocyte dysfunction.

Induction of the acute-phase serum protein SAA requires both RNA and protein synthesis

SAA is a normal acute-phase serum protein which has been identified by its cross-reaction with antibodies to the amyloid A fibril protein, AA, that is associated with secondary amyloidosis. The induction of SAA by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been studied with 3 inhibitors of protein synthesis: cycloheximide, actinomycin D, and galactosamine. Each of the 3 agents when administered simultaneously with LPS completely abolishes induction of SAA for at least 6 h. They are all significantly effective when given 1.5 h after LPS but 3 h after LPS the inhibitory effect of actinomycin D on SAA induction is markedly reduced. Cycloheximide alone can also induce significant concentration of SAA, but a longer time is required than for LPS. Thus it appears that the acute-phase SAA response is characterized by both RNA and protein synthesis which is initiated by the acute-phase inducing agent and which precedes the appearance of elevated SAA concentrations in the serum.

Induction and 'superinduction' of sialylation of membrane-bound gamma-glutamyltransferase during liver regeneration

The present paper shows that in the regenerating rat liver the membrane-bound-gamma-glutamyltransferase exists in two molecular forms. Depending on the state of proliferation, a sialic-acid-rich enzyme (in the fetal or regenerating liver) or a sialic-acid-poor enzyme (in the adult or quiescent liver) could be detected. In regeneration liver (24 h after 2/3 resection) only the sialic-acid-rich or fetal enzyme could be found. Since total enzyme activity (adult + fetal type) remained unchanged, it is assumed that the adult type of gamma-glutamyltransferase was modified by sialylation during the initial phase of liver regeneration. This process of sialylation was prevented by inhibitors of RNA or protein synthesis such as D-galactosamine, actinomycin D or cycloheximide, provided that the inhibitor (D-galactosamine) was given within the first 8 h after partial hepatectomy. Sialylation was not impaired by inhibitors of DNA synthesis, e.g. hydroxyurea or cytosine arabinoside. Administration of actinomycin D during a defined phase of proliferation (24 to 48 h after partial hepatectomy) stimulated the transfer of sialic acid to gamma-glutamyltransferase, a finding which describes for the first time the so-called 'superinduction' of a sialylation process.

Postinductive actinomycin D effects on the concentrations of cadmium thionein, zinc thionein, and copper chelatin in rat liver

The time courses of induction in rat liver of copper chelatin by copper, cadmium thionein by cadmium, and zinc thionein by copper, cadmium, and zinc were monitorg metal were used in order to avoid toxic effects, being 5 mg zinc, 0.5 mg copper, and 0.25 mg cadmium per kg body weight. Peak times of induction and half times of decay observed were: copper chelatin (9 h, 8.6 h), cadmium thionein (18 h, 6.80 days), and zinc thionein (zinc rats, 18 h, 10.1 h; copper rats, 9 h, 18.2 h; cadmium rats, 24 h, 4.53 days). Administration of actinomycin D (1 mg per kg body weight) at the peak times of induction of the various proteins had no effect on the concentrations of chelatin or cadmium thionein observed up to 24 hours later, but in the case of zinc thionein, induced by zinc, copper, or cadmium, elevated concentrations were observed up to 23 h after administration of the drug. Such behavior is reminiscent of superinduction previously seen with other proteins and enzymes. We postulate that the intracellular concentration of free zinc in liver is of fundamental importance in the induction of zinc thionein, and this can be distributed by exogenous copper or cadmium resulting in the induction of synthesis of zinc thionein.

Interferon messenger RNA content of human fibroblasts during induction, shutoff, and superinduction of interferon production

Translation of injected mRNA in oocytes of Xenopus laevis has been used as a highly sensitive and quantitative assay for interferon mRNA. Injection into oocytes of polyadenylylated RNA extracted from poly(I).poly(C)-induced human diploid fibroblasts (FS-4) leads to the synthesis of biologically active human fibroblast interferon over a period of 24-32 hr. There is a linear relationship between the amount of mRNA injected and the interferon yield obtained over a range of 1-20 ng of injected RNA. Injection of 40-80 ng of mRNA into each of 15 oocytes, homogenized in 0.3 ml of incubation medium, gave a titer of 128-256 interferon reference units/ml of homogenate.FS-4 cells at the peak of interferon production-i.e., approximately 2.5 hr after the beginning of induction with poly(I).poly(C)-gave mRNA that yielded 24-48 interferon reference units/ml in the oocyte assay (30 ng of RNA injected per oocyte). An equivalent amount of mRNA from FS-4 cells in the shutoff phase, approximately 6 hr after induction, gave </=4 interferon reference units/ml. In contrast, mRNA extracted from FS-4 cells that had been induced and maintained in the presence of 40 muM 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole for 6 hr produced 64-128 interferon reference units/ml. Polyadenylylated RNA obtained from uninduced FS-4 cells did not lead to detectable interferon synthesis (<4 interferon reference units/ml). These data provide a direct verification of the hypothesis that the shutoff of interferon production in FS-4 cells involves a regulatory event leading to the posttranscriptional inactivation or degradation of interferon mRNA. Because the inactivating mechanism is sensitive to inhibition by 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole, a selective inhibitor of nuclear heterogeneous RNA and mRNA synthesis, it is likely that synthesis of an RNA molecule is necessary for the shutoff of interferon production.

Induction of functional beta-adrenergic receptors in HeLa cells

HeLa cells contain beta-adrenergic receptors that are characterized by specific binding of I[3H]dihydroalprenolol, increased 3':5'-cyclic AMP production in intact cells after incubation with l-isoproterenol, and increased adenylate cyclase [ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] activity in the presence of l-isoproterenol. After cells were cultured with butyrate, the number of beta-adrenergic receptors, cyclic AMP production in intact cells, and adenylate cyclase activation by l-isoproterenol were increased severalfold over those of untreated cells. The increase involved the induction of synthesis of new receptor molecules with identical affinities for l-[3H]-dihydroalprenolol; all three processes were blocked by cycloheximide and actinomycin D. This induction was relatively specific for butyric acid and only the closely related short-chain fatty acids, propionic and valeric acids, were capable of partially inducing the same effect. In contrast to induction of beta-adrenergic binding sites, there was no increase in basal or fluoride-activated adenylate cyclase activity, indicating that the beta-adrenergic receptor and adenylate cyclase and different molecules that may be controlled separately.

Early events in the steroidal regulation of alpha2mu globulin in rat liver. Evidence for both androgenic and estrogenic induction

1. A double-antibody radioimmunoassay for alpha2mu globulin has been developed. With the help of this highly sensitive radoimmunoassay the early effects of both androgen and estrogen treatments on the hepatic synthesis of alpha2mu globulin in the rat have been investigated. 2. Results show that the earlier observation of the long lag period in the androgenic induction of alpha2mu globulin is more apparent than real. 3. Single injections of either 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone(5alpha-dihydro-17beta-hydroxy-4-androsten-3-one) or its physiological antagonist estradiol-17beta (1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17beta-idol) to castrated female rats resulted in the induction of alphamu globulin reaching maximum hepatic level of the protein between 6--9 h after the hormone administration. Administration of cycloheximide 15 prior to hormone treatment blocked both androgenic andestrogenic induction of alpha2mu globulin. 4. Daily pretreatments with 5alphamu-dihydrotestosterone increased the sensitivity of subsequent androgenic response to alpha2muglobulin synthesis. On the other hand, daily pretreatments with estradiol 17beta decreased and ultimately abolished the estrogenic induction of alpha2mu globulin. 5. The possible mechanism of both androgenic and estrogenic induction of alpha2mu globulin in rat liver mediated through a sex-hormone-binding protein with dual affinity for both dihydrotestosterone and estradiol has been suggested.

Interactions of corticosterone, 5alpha-dihydrocorticosterone and dexamethasone with proteins in rat-liver cytosol

The intracellular binding of [3H]corticosterone and [3H]dexamethasone and their metabolites to macromolecules in rat liver cytosol was studied in vivo and in vitro. The macromolecules binding corticosterone and its metabolites were characterized as (a) a steroid conjugate-binding (Stokes radius 2.5 nm and sedimentation coefficient 4.1 S in high ionic strength; pI 8.7, (b) transcortin and (c) a glucocorticoid "receptor". Competition experiments indicate that corticosterone and dexamethasone bind to the same site of the glucocorticoid receptor molecule. Different Stokes radii between the corticosterone-receptor and the dexamethasone-receptor complexes (6.9 and 6.3 nm, respectively, in high ionic strength) indicate that the two ligands induce different conformations of the receptor protein. This may be of importance when explaining the qualitative differences between the cellular effects of natural and synthetic glucocorticoids. 5alpha-Dihydrocorticosterone, on the other hand, competed to a very limited extent with dexamethasone for binding sites on the receptor. An assay of the inductive effect on liver tyrosine aminotransferase and tryptophan oxygenase indicated that 5alpha-dihydrocorticosterone was practically devoid of glucocorticoid activity. It is concluded that 5alpha-dihydrocorticosterone probably does not act as the mediator of corticosterone action in rat liver.

Galactose metabolism in regenerating rat liver

1. Rats trained on a controlled lighting and feeding schedule were subjected to partial hepatectomy or sham operation. 2. After a large period of about 6h the activity of UDP-galactose 4-epimerase increased threefold, reaching a maximum 4 days after partial hepatectomy, and returned to normal values within a fortnight. 3. The enzyme pattern of the UDP-galactose-glycoprotein galactosyltransferase was biphasic, one peak appearing at 20 h, the second at 72 h after partial hepatectomy. 4. The rise in enzyme activities could be blocked by the injection of actinomycin D, and the Km values for UDP-glucose and UDP-galactose were nearly identical in regenerating and adult liver. It is therefore concluded that the increase in enzyme activity is due to synthesis de novo of enzyme protein.

Albumin synthesis and effect of betamethasone on albumin synthesis in perfused liver of normal and CCL4-intoxicated rats

Synthesis of plasma albumin was studied in perfused liver of normal and CCl4-intoxicated rats, using 14C-bicarbonate method. 1. In normal liver, albumin synthesis averaged 5.6 mg/hr/100 g body weight. 2. In CCl4-intoxicated liver, albumin synthesis decreased to 4.6 mg at acute stage, but restored to 5.1 mg at non-septal fibrotic stage. At septal fibrotic, cirrhotic and cirrhotic stage with ascites, the synthesis rate averaged 4.5 mg, 4.1 mg and 3.2 mg, respectively. From these results, it is inferred that albumin synthesis rate decreases in accordance with the progress of the liver injury. 3. Effect of betamethasone on plasma albumin synthesis in perfused rat liver was investigated. Albumin synthesis rate in normal liver averaged 5.4 mg, and after addition of betamethasone, the rate averaged 4.3 mg, 3.3 mg and 2.8 mg, respectively. The rate after addition of betamethasone increased to 7.3 mg, 5.5 mg and 4.5 mg, respectively. From these results obtained, it is inferred that betamethasone increases plasma albumin synthesis in both normal and CCl4-intoxicated liver. 4. In normal liver, actinomycin-D did not inhibit basal albumin synthesis, but inhibited the increase of albumin synthesis by betamethasone, when actinomycin-D was added together with betamethasone. From these facts, it is concluded that betamethasone is able to induce albumin synthesis.

Functional level of rat liver tryptophan 2,3-dixoygenase messenger RNA during superinduction of enzyme with actinomycin D

Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase [EC 1.13.11.11; L-tryptophan:oxygen 2,3-oxidoreductase (decyclizing)] activity is induced by glucocorticoid hormones and superinduced by actinomycin D. Previous experiments had shown that hormonal induction of the enzyme activity is accompanied by parallel increases in tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase mRNA level. In this study, we measured the tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase mRNA levels during superinduction as well as hormonal induction, to determine whether superinduction of the enzyme activity is also mediated through changes in mRNA concentration. Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase mRNA was measured in a Krebs ascites cell-free protein synthesizing system supplemented with rabbit reticulocyte initiation factors. We found that during superinduction of the enzyme activity by actinomycin D, the mRNA level is identical to that of the actinomycin D-free controls. Our results do not, therefore, support the hypothesis that hormonal induction and/or superinduction of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase mRNA are regulated by a rapidly turning over repressor.

Regulation of rat liver tryptophan pyrrolase by its cofactor haem: Experiments with haematin and 5-aminolaevulinate and comparison with the substrate and hormonal mechanisms

1. The administration of haematin or 5-aminolaevulinate to rat enhances the activity of liver tryptophan pyrrolase; both endogenous and newly formed apoenzymes become strongly haem-saturated. Haem activation does not stabilize tryptophan pyrrolase. 2. Actinomycin D, puromycin or cycloheximide prevent the activation of the enzyme by 5-aminolaevulinate but not that by haematin. The latter is inhibited by haem-destroying porphyrogens. 3. The combined injection of either haematin or 5-aminolaevulinate with cortisol does not produce an additive effect, whereas potentation is observed when tryptophan is jointly given with either the cofactor or the haem precursor. 4. Further experiments on the substrate (tryptophan) mechanism of pyrrolase regulation are reported, and a comparison between this and the cofactor and hormonal mechanisms is made. 5. It is suggested that the substrate mechanism may also involve increased haem synthesis. 6. The role of tryptophan pyrrolase in the utilization of liver haem, and as a possible model for the exacerbation by drugs of human hepatic porphyrias, is discussed.

The effects of metabolic inhibitors on the synthesis of inducible tyrosine aminotransferase in cultured hepatoma cells

The effects of actinomycin-D and 3'-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin) on the steroid-mediated induction of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) synthesis have been reexamined in view of recent reports that the primary inhibitory action of these compounds may affect synthesis of proteins as well as RNA. The present results confirm that cordycepin blocks the steroid-mediated induction of TAT in rat hepatoma cells (HTC), but unlike actinomycin-D, cordycepin neither increases nor maintains the levels of TAT found in HTC cells preinduced with dexamethasone. Indeed, cordycepin added to preinduced cells, either in the presence or absence of steroid, causes a prompt decline in TAT activity. These data also confirm that both actinomycin-D and cordycepin have an early inhibitory effect on protein synthesis, but the cordycepin effect is observed sooner and the extent of inhibition is greater. When actinomycin-D and cordycepin are added simultaneously to preinduced cells with the steroid removed, the actinomycin-td produced maintenance of preinduced levels of TAT persists. Also, the inhibition of protein synthesis in cultures with both inhibitors approaches that for the cells treated with actinomycin-D alone instead of cordycepin alone. These data suggest that cordycepin inhibits TAT synthesis in preinduced cells by its inhibition of protein synthesis, and this inhibitory effect of cordycepin is blocked by actinomycin-D. It is possible that actinomycin-D does this by preventing the incorporation of cordycepin into RNA. However, regardless of the correctness of this speculation, the multiple effects of cordycepin indicate that this inhibitor cannot be used either to prove or rule out the post-transcriptional model for regulation of gene expression. Also, this requirement that protein synthesis must continue in order to maintain pre-induced levels of TAT is inconsistent with the assumption that the maintenance of these induced TAT levels by actinomycin-D is due to inhibition of TAT degradation.

Increased particulate and decreased soluble guanylate cyclase activity in regenerating liver, fetal liver, and hepatoma

We determined the activities of soluble and particulate guanylate cyclase [GTP pyrophosphatelyase (cyclizing); ?EC 4.6.1.2] IN REGENERATING RAT LIVER, FETAL AND NEONATAL RAT LIVER, AND HEPATOMA. TIn these tissues we found increased particulate and decreased soluble enzyme activities compared to normal adult rat liver. The particulate activity increased 12 hr after partial hepatectomy, reached maximal activity at 48 hr, and then declined. The soluble enzyme activity decreased within 8 hr and continued to decline. The activity of homogenates did not change. Guanylate cyclase activity was increased in plasma membrane and microsome fractions from regenerating liver. The increase in particulate activity was prevented with cycloheximide. Decreased soluble and increased particulate enzyme activities were found in fetal liver. After birth the soluble activity increased and the particulate activity decreased. Seven to 14 days after birth the activities of soluble and particulate fractions were similar to those of adult rat liver. In hepatoma 3924A, the activity of particulate guanylate cyclase was 9-fold greater and that of the soluble enzyme was 50% that of normal liver. These studies suggest that guanylate cyclase activity and its subcellular distribution may be related to liver growth through some unknown mechanism.

Acid Phosphatase Development during Ripening of Avocado

The activity and subcellular distribution of acid phosphatase were assayed during ethylene-induced ripening of whole fruit or thick slices of avocado (Persea americana Mill. var. Fuerte and Hass). The activity increased up to 30-fold during ripening in both the supernatant fraction and the Triton X-100 extract of the precipitate of a 30,000g centrifugation of tissue homogenates from whole fruit or slices ripening in moist air. Enzyme activity in the residual precipitate after Triton extraction remained constant. The development of acid phosphatase in thick slices ripened in moist air was similar to that in intact fruit, except that enzyme development and ripening were accelerated about 24 hours in the slices. The increase in enzyme activity that occurs in slices ripening in moist air was inhibited when tissue sections were infiltrated with solutions, by aspiration for 2 minutes or by soaking for 2 hours, anytime 22 hours or more after addition of ethylene. This inhibition was independent of the presence or absence of cycloheximide or sucrose (0.3-0.5m). However, the large decline in enzyme activity in the presence of cycloheximide, as compared with the controls, indicated that synthesis of acid phosphatase was occurring at all stages of ripening.

Interferon induction: tool for establishing interactions among homopolyribonucleotides

Hitherto unrecognized interactions between homopolyribonucleotides and complexes thereof are suggested by interferon induction data obtained in a highly sensitive assay system of primary rabbit kidney cell cultures superinduced by metabolic inhibitors.

Induction of type-C RNA virus by cycloheximide: increased expression of virus-specific RNA

Mouse cells contain the genetic information for multiple endogenous type-C RNA viruses. The mechanisms by which the cell controls expression of these naturally integrated viruses are not yet known. Recently, chemicals that inhibit protein synthesis have been shown to induce a specific type-C virus at high frequency from BALB/c mouse embryo cells. In the present studies, virus activation in response to a representative translational inhibitor, cycloheximide, is demonstrated to be transient, with virus release primarily occurring within the first 12-24 hr following drug exposure. Analysis of virus-specific RNA in cells by molecular hybridization revealed an absolute increase in viral RNA concentration in cycloheximide-treated cells. This was blocked by simultaneous exposure of the cells to actinomycin D. Further, inhibition of RNA synthesis during but not subsequent to cycloheximide exposure prevented virus activation. These findings show that virus induction by cycloheximide requires de novo RNA synthesis during but not after drug exposure and suggest that the required RNA species may be that of the virus itself. The present results are consistent with the hypothesis that translational inhibitors prevent synthesis of a labile protein whose normal action is to inhibit viral RNA transcription or to cause degradation of viral RNA.

Role of RNA in induction of hepatic microsomal mixed function oxidases

Induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 and ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity by phenobarbital requires de novo synthesis of mRNA. Inhibition of RNA synthesis by alpha-amanitin given up to 8 hr after phenobarbital administration substantially inhibits this induction. However, beyond 8 hr after phenobarbital administration, RNA synthesis is not required for induction of these hepatic microsomal systems. Thus, mRNAs for cytochrome P-450 and ethylmorphine N-demethylase appear to be stable. Furthermore, these experiments reveal that the lag period for RNA synthesis approximates the length of the lag period for induction of the hepatic microsomal enzyme systems.

High-frequency C-type virus induction by inhibitors of protein synthesis

When inhibitors of protein synthesis are added to BALB/c mouse cells in culture, induction of naturally integrated C-type RNA virus occurs in a high percentage of cells. The action of protein synthesis inhibitors differs from that of halogenated pyrimidines, another class of virus inducers, in their effects on biologically distinguishable viruses. The use of such inhibitors to study integrated virus expression provides a means for studying gene regulation in mammalian cells.