The stimulation of globin synthesis by heme

The crosstalk between metabolism and translation

Metabolism and mRNA translation represent critical steps involved in modulating gene expression and cellular physiology. Being the most energy-consuming process in the cell, mRNA translation is strictly linked to cellular metabolism and in synchrony with it. Indeed, several mRNAs for metabolic pathways are regulated at the translational level, resulting in translation being a coordinator of metabolism. On the other hand, there is a growing appreciation for how metabolism impacts several aspects of RNA biology. For example, metabolic pathways and metabolites directly control the selectivity and efficiency of the translational machinery, as well as post-transcriptional modifications of RNA to fine-tune protein synthesis. Consistently, alterations in the intricate interplay between translational control and cellular metabolism have emerged as a critical axis underlying human diseases. A better understanding of such events will foresee innovative therapeutic strategies in human disease states.

The relationship between plasma amino acids and circulating albumin and haemoglobin in postabsorptive stroke patients

Background

This retrospective study had two main aims: (1) to document possible correlations between plasma Amino Acids (AAs) and circulating Albumin (Alb) and Haemoglobin (Hb); and (2) to identify which AAs were predictors of Alb and Hb.

Methods

The study considered 125 stroke subjects (ST) (61.6% males; 65.6 +/- 14.9 years) who met the eligibility criteria (absence of co morbidities associated with altered plasma AAs and presence of plasma AAs determined after overnight fasting). Fifteen matched healthy subjects with measured plasma AAs served as controls.

Results

The best correlations of Alb were with tryptophan (Trp) and histidine (His) (r = + 0.53; p < 0.0001), and those of Hb were with histidine (r = +0.47) and Essential AAs (r = +0.47) (both p<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, Trp (p< 0.0001) and His (p = 0.01) were shown to be the best positive predictors of Alb, whereas glutamine (p = 0.006) was the best positive predictor of Hb.

Conclusions

The study shows that the majority of plasma AAs were positively correlated with Alb and Hb. The best predictors of circulating Alb and Hb were the levels of tryptophan and glutamine, respectively.

Identification of diverse defense mechanisms in rainbow trout red blood cells in response to halted replication of VHS virus

Background: It has been described that fish nucleated red blood cells (RBCs) generate a wide variety of immune-related gene transcripts when viruses highly replicate inside them and are their main target cell. The immune response and mechanisms of fish RBCs against viruses targeting other cells or tissues has not yet been explored and is the objective of our study. Methods: Rainbow trout RBCs were obtained from peripheral blood, ficoll purified and exposed to Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia virus (VHSV). Immune response was evaluated by means of RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) protein profiling. Results: VHSV N gene transcripts incremented early postexposure and were drastically decreased after 6 hours postexposure (hpe). The expression of type I interferon ( ifn1) gene was significantly downregulated at early postexposure (3 hpe), together with a gradual downregulation of interferon-inducible mx and pkr genes until 72 hpe. Type I IFN protein was downregulated and interferon-inducible Mx protein was maintained at basal levels. Co-culture assays of RBCs, previously exposed to UV-inactivated VHSV, and TSS (stromal cell line from spleen) revealed IFN crosstalk between both cell types. On the other hand, anti-microbial peptide β-defensin 1 and neutrophil chemotactic factor interleukin 8 were slightly upregulated in VHSV-exposed RBCs. iTRAQ profiling revealed that VHSV exposure can induce a global protein downregulation in rainbow trout RBCs, mainly related to RNA stability and proteasome pathways. Antioxidant/antiviral response is also suggested to be involved in the response of rainbow trout RBCs to VHSV. Conclusions: A variety of mechanisms are proposed to be implicated in the antiviral response of rainbow trout RBCs against VHSV halted infection. Ongoing research is focused on understanding the mechanisms in detail.

Identification of diverse defense mechanisms in trout red blood cells in response to VHSV halted viral replication

Background: It has been described that fish nucleated red blood cells (RBCs) generate a wide variety of immune-related gene transcripts when viruses highly replicate inside them and are their main target cell. The immune response and mechanisms of fish RBCs against viruses targeting other cells or tissues has not yet been explored and is the objective of our study. Methods: Trout RBCs were obtained from peripheral blood, ficoll purified and exposed to Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia virus (VHSV). Immune response was evaluated by means of RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) protein profiling Results: VHSV N gene transcripts incremented early postexposure and were drastically decreased after 6 hours postexposure (hpe). The expression of the type I interferon ( ifn1) gene was significantly downregulated at early postexposure (3 hpe), together with a gradual downregulation of interferon-inducible mx and pkr genes until 72 hpe. Type I IFN protein was downregulated and interferon-inducible Mx protein was maintained at basal levels. Co-culture assays of RBCs with TSS (stromal cell line from spleen) revealed the IFN crosstalk between both cell types. On the other hand, anti-microbial peptide β-defensin 1 and neutrophil chemotactic factor interleukin 8 were slightly upregulated in VHSV-exposed RBCs Isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) revealed that VHSV exposure can induce a global protein downregulation in trout RBCs, mainly related to RNA stability and proteasome pathways. The antioxidant/antiviral response is also suggested to be involved in the response of trout RBCs to VHSV. Conclusions: A variety of mechanisms are proposed to be implicated in the antiviral response of trout RBCs against VHSV halted infection. Ongoing research is focused on understanding the mechanisms in detail. To our knowledge, this is the first report that implicates fish RBCs in the antiviral response against viruses not targeting RBCs.

Regulation of protein synthesis by the heme-regulated eIF2alpha kinase: relevance to anemias

During erythroid differentiation and maturation, it is critical that the 3 components of hemoglobin, alpha-globin, beta-globin, and heme, are made in proper stoichiometry to form stable hemoglobin. Heme-regulated translation mediated by the heme-regulated inhibitor kinase (HRI) provides one major mechanism that ensures balanced synthesis of globins and heme. HRI phosphorylates the alpha-subunit of eukaryotic translational initiation factor 2 (eLF2alpha) in heme deficiency, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis globally. In this manner, HRI serves as a feedback inhibitor of globin synthesis by sensing the intracellular concentration of heme through its heme-binding domains. HRI is essential not only for the translational regulation of globins, but also for the survival of erythroid precursors in iron deficiency. Recently, the protective function of HRI has also been demonstrated in murine models of erythropoietic protoporphyria and beta-thalassemia. In these 3 anemias, HRI is essential in determining red blood cell size, number, and hemoglobin content per cell. Translational regulation by HRI is critical to reduce excess synthesis of globin proteins or heme under nonoptimal disease states, and thus reduces the severity of these diseases. The protective role of HRI may be more common among red cell disorders.

Pharmaceutics and drug delivery aspects of heme and porphyrin therapy

The importance of porphyrins and metalloporphyrins as therapeutic drugs has increased significantly over the last decade. This review highlights some of the challenges faced by pharmaceutical scientists in formulating these drugs into stable, effective, and safe dosage forms. Most activity in the clinic has focused on three areas: photodynamic therapy of cancer (e.g., hematoporphyrin derivatives), porphyrias and hematological diseases (e.g., heme), and various forms of jaundice (e.g., tin porphyrins). The biodistribution, stability, aggregation, toxicology, and analytical methodology of porphyrin drugs are all important considerations in the pharmaceutical development of porphyrin drugs. The utility of delivery systems such as liposomes hold promise of increasing the therapeutic potential of these drugs. Future prospects for therapeutic applications of porphyrin drugs are also discussed.

Regulation by heme of mitochondrial protein transport through a conserved amino acid motif

A conserved motif, termed the heme regulatory motif (HRM), was identified in the presequences of the erythroid delta-aminolevulinate synthase precursors and was shown to be involved in hemin inhibition of transport of these proteins into mouse mitochondria in vitro. When the HRM was inserted into the presequence of the ornithine transcarbamoylase precursor, a normally unregulated mitochondrial protein, it conferred hemin inhibition on the transport of the chimeric protein. The conserved cysteine within the HRM was shown by site-directed mutagenesis to be required for hemin inhibition.

Effect of isoniazid, a haem inhibitor, on globin chain synthesis in reticulocytes from non-thalassaemic and beta thalassaemic subjects

The effect of isonicotinic acid hydrazide (INH), a potent haem inhibitor, on globin chain synthesis was studied in reticulocytes from the following groups of patients: four non-thalassaemic patients (group i); five beta thalassaemia heterozygotes (group ii); three Hb S/beta thalassaemia heterozygotes (group iii); and two additional patients--one with homozygous beta thalassaemia and the other with thalassaemia intermedia (group iv). This was done to determine whether haem inhibitors depress alpha globin chain synthesis. The progressive increase of INH concentration (10-40 mmol l-1) in reticulocytes from a beta thalassaemia heterozygote resulted in a remarkable decrease of the alpha and beta chain synthesis, ranging from 80% to 97% and from 74% to 96% of control values, respectively, and in a gradual drop of alpha:beta ratio from 1.87 to 1.38. Furthermore, in the samples incubated with 40 mmol l-1 INH, a pronounced inhibition of globin chain synthesis 77 (19%) for alpha chain and 67 (27%) for beta or beta S chain) and a substantial drop of the alpha:beta or beta S ratio in samples with INH (median 1.16) compared with that in samples without INH (median 1.70) were observed. The inhibitory effect of INH was significantly or completely corrected by adding exogenous haem. It is suggested that haem inhibition and the resulting preferential diminution of alpha chain synthesis could provide a new approach to the treatment of homozygous beta thalassaemia with an excess of detrimental free alpha chain in erythroid cells.

Characterization of a translational inhibitor isolated from rabbit brain following intravenous administration of d-lysergic acid diethylamide

Intravenous administration of d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to rabbits results in a transient inhibition of brain protein synthesis in vivo and in vitro. A translational inhibitor that appears in the postribosomal supernatant fraction of cerebral hemispheres following LSD administration was partially purified by gel filtration on Sephadex G-150 and precipitation with 60% ammonium sulfate. This inhibitor, which was proteinaceous, reduced the translational capacity of an initiating cell-free protein synthesis system derived from brain. It also inhibited a messenger RNA-dependent reticulocyte lysate programmed with brain polysomes and a globin-synthesizing reticulocyte lysate system. Addition of the partially purified inhibitor to a brain cell-free protein synthesis system resulted in the decreased formation of ternary complexes as well as 40 and 80S initiation complexes, suggesting that the inhibitor affects an early step in the initiation of protein synthesis in brain.

Hemin inhibits internalization of transferrin by reticulocytes and promotes phosphorylation of the membrane transferrin receptor

Addition of hemin to reticulocytes inhibits incorporation of iron from transferrin [Ponka, P. & Neuwirt, J. (1969) Blood 33, 609-707]. Heme also regulates protein synthesis in immature erythroid cells through its effects on phosphorylation of the initiation factor eIF-2. We have therefore examined its effects on endocytosis of iron-transferrin and phosphorylation of the transferrin receptor. Hemin (10-50 microM) reduced iron transport but increased cell-associated transferrin. When intracellular iron delivery was inhibited by NH4Cl, no such increase in cell-associated transferrin was seen. During uptake of 125I-labeled transferrin in the steady state, the use of a washing technique to dissociate bound transferrin on the cell membrane showed that radioligand accumulated on the surface of hemin-treated cells. Hemin reduced the initial influx of transferrin, thereby diminishing incorporation of iron. Receptor phosphorylation was investigated by immunoprecipitation of reticulocyte extracts after metabolic labeling with [32P]Pi. In the absence of ligand, phosphorylated receptor was chiefly localized on cell stroma. Exposure to transferrin increased cytosolic phosphorylated receptor from 15-30% to approximately 50% of the total, an effect overcome by hemin treatment. Addition of hemin in the presence of transferrin enhanced net phosphorylated receptor in the reticulocyte in association with a redistribution of phosphorylated receptor to stromal membranes. The findings suggest a possible relationship of phosphorylation to endocytosis of the transferrin receptor in reticulocytes.

Role of haem in the induction of cytochrome P-450 by phenobarbitone. Studies in chick embryos in ovo and in cultured chick embryo hepatocytes

The role of haem synthesis during induction of hepatic cytochrome P-450 haemoproteins was studied in chick embryo in ovo and in chick embryos hepatocytes cultured under chemically defined conditions. 1. Phenobarbitone caused a prompt increase in the activity of 5-aminolaevulinate synthase, the rate-limiting enzyme of haem biosynthesis, and in the concentration of cytochrome P-450. This induction response occurred without measurable initial destruction of the haem moiety of cytochrome P-450. 2. When intracellular haem availability was enhanced by exogenous haem or 5-aminolaevulinate, phenobarbitone-medicated induction of cytochrome P-450 was not affected in spite of the well known repression of 5-aminolaevulinate synthase by haem. These data are consistent with the concept that haem does not regulate the synthesis of cytochrome P-450 haemoproteins. 3. Acetate inhibited haem biosynthesis at the level of 5-aminolaevulinate formation. When intracellular haem availability was diminished by treatment with acetate, phenobarbitone-medicated induction was decreased. 4. This inhibitory effect of acetate on cytochrome P-450 induction was reversed by exogenous haem or its precursor 5-aminolaevulinate. These data suggest that inhibition of haem biosynthesis does not decrease synthesis of apo-cytochrome P-450. Moreover, they indicate that exogenous haem can be incorporated into newly formed aop-cytochrome P-450.

X-linked control of globin mRNA and hemoglobin production in erythroleukemia-lymphoma cell hybrids

In somatic cell hybrids formed by the fusion of mouse erythroleukemic cells with cultured mouse lymphoma cells, retention of the X chromosome donated by the lymphoma parent is correlated with inhibition of hemoglobin accumulation in response to dimethyl sulfoxide. The inhibition of hemoglobin production was due to an inhibition of globin mRNA accumulation. Heme can partially overcome the effects of the lymphoma X chromosome and induce globin mRNA and hemoglobin accumulation in the dimethylsulfoxide-treated hybrid cells. The data suggests that the X chromosome contributed by the lymphoma cells inhibits hemoglobin production by inhibiting both inducible globin mRNA accumulation as well as inducible heme biosynthesis, most likely at a step after the formation of delta-aminolevulinic acid. The properties of erythroleukemia x lymphoma cell hybrids are compared with those of a series of erythroleukemia x bone marrow cell hybrids. The data indicate the possibility of multiply loci on the X chromosome capable of regulating the expression of erythroid characteristics.

Protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocytes: characteristics of a postribosomal supernatant factor that reverses inhibition of protein synthesis in heme-deficient lysates and inhibition of ternary complex (Met-tRNAfMet.eIF-2.GTP) formation by heme-regulated inhibitor

During heme deficiency in reticulocyte lysates, a translational inhibitor (heme-regulated inhibitor, HRI) that blocks polypeptide chain initiation is activated. HRI is a protein kinase that specifically phosphorylates the 38,000-dalton subunit of the Met-tRNAfMet binding factor, eIF-2. Phosphorylation of eIF-2 by HRI prevents its interaction with at least two additional factors, resulting in a net reduction in formation of ternary complex (Met-tRNAfMet.eIF-2.GTP) and AUG-dependent transfer of Met-tRNAfMet to 40S ribosomal subunits. A factor (sRF) that reverses protein synthesis inhibition in heme-deficient lysates has been purified from reticulocyte postribosomal supernatant. sRF also reverses the inhibition of ternary complex formation by HRI in a fractionated system. The ternary complex inhibition reversal activity and the protein synthesis inhibition reversal activity cosediment at 12.5 S upon glycerol density gradient centrifugation, and both activities are sensitive to heat or N-ethylmaleimide. Purified sRF does not dephosphorylate eIF-2 whose phosphorylation has been catalyzed by HRI, nor does the sRF prevent the phosphorylation of eIF-2 by HRI in a fractionated system. sRF stimulates ternary complex formation by both phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated eIF-2. These observations suggest that the sensitivity of protein synthesis to phosphorylation of eIF-2 by HRI may be modulated by the concentration and activity of sRF.

Proliferation and morphology of chick embryo cells cultured in the presence of horse serum and hemoglobin

We have shown previously that hemoglobin greatly stimulates chick embryo cell proliferation in Eagle's minimal essential medium supplemented with horse serum. In the present study we compared the effects of horse serum plus 10 micrometers hemoglobin to those of fetal bovine serum on subcultures of chick embryo cells serially propagated at high cell densities. The cells became elongated in the presence of fetal bovine serum and their rate of proliferation progressively decreased, whereas they became polygonal in the presence of horse serum plus hemoglobin and proliferated well in successive cell passages. The polygonal cells obtained in the presence of horse serum plus hemoglobin rapidly elongated if cultured at low cell densities in the presence of fetal bovine serum, but, in contrast, elongated cells did not yield polygonal cells if cultured at low densities in the presence of horse serum plus hemoglobin. It is possible that the polygonal and elongated cells are undifferentiated cells and differentiating myogenic cells, respectively.

Regulation of protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysates: additional initiation factor required for formation of ternary complex (eIF-2.GTP.Met-tRNAf) and demonstration of inhibitory effect of heme-regulated protein kinase

Heme deficiency in rabbit reticulocytes and their lysates leads to the activation of a heme-regulated translational inhibitor (HRI) which causes the cessation of polypeptide initiation. HRI is a protein kinase that specifically phosphorylates the 38,000-dalton subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2). eIF-2 binds Met-tRNA(f) and GTP in ternary complex. As a continuation of the studies on the molecular basis of the inhibition of the formation of 40S ribosomal subunit-Met-tRNA(f) complexes by HRI [Ranu, R. S., London, I. M., Das, A., Dasgupta, A., Majumdar, A., Ralston, R., Roy, R. & Gupta, N. K. (1978) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 75, 745-749], we describe here the isolation and some characteristics of a factor that is required for the HRI-catalyzed inhibition of eIF-2-promoted ternary complex formation. In the presence of 1 mM Mg(2+), ternary complex formation by eIF-2 is dependent on the presence of this stabilization factor (SF). Under these conditions, SF increases the rate and the extent of ternary complex formation. This finding suggests that the interaction of SF with eIF-2 causes a conformational change that stabilizes eIF-2 and promotes efficient ternary complex formation by increasing the affinity of eIF-2 for GTP and Met-tRNA(f). In the absence of Mg(2+), however, eIF-2 efficiently forms the ternary complex and SF has little effect on its ternary complex formation capacity-hence, the name eIF-2 stabilization factor (SF). In the presence of SF, HRI markedly inhibits (70-80%) the ternary complex formation capacity of eIF-2. The inhibitory effect requires both HRI and ATP. Under these conditions, HRI phosphorylates only the 38,000-dalton subunit of eIF-2. Both the rate and the extent of the SF-dependent ternary complex formation are inhibited. These findings are consistent with the idea that phosphorylation causes a conformational change in eIF-2 such that its interactions with other initiation factors in the formation and the binding of ternary complex to 40S ribosomal subunits are inhibited.

Protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocytes: characteristics of a ribosomal factor that reverses inhibition of protein synthesis in heme-deficient lysates

A ribosomal salt (0.5 M KCl) wash factor (RF) that reverses inhibition of protein synthesis in heme-deficient reticulocyte lysates has been resolved from the bulk of Met-tRNAfMet-binding factor (EIF-1), Co-EIF-1, and EIF-2 (ternary complex dissociation factor, TDF). The purified RF restores protein synthesis activity of heme-deficient lysates to the level observed in the presence of hemin. No direct correlation exists between amount of EIF-1 activity and ability to reverse inhibition of protein synthesis in heme-deficient lysates. Homogeneous preparations of EIF-1 are completely inactive in reversal of protein synthesis inhibition in heme-deficient lysates. These findings suggest that RF activity is not due to EIF-1 alone but may or may not require EIF-1 as a component of a complex factor.

Negative control of hemoglobin production in somatic cell hybrids due to heme deficiency

In somatic cell hybrids formed by the fusion of mouse erythroleukemic cells with mouse primary bone marrow cells, retention of the X chromosome contributed by the bone marrow parent is correlated with inhibition of hemoglobin accumulation in response to dimethyl sulfoxide. The inhibition of hemoglobin accumulation is not due to the absence of globin mRNA. Dimethyl sulfoxide-treated hybrid cells accumulate polyribosomal globin mRNA to levels comparable to those of the parental erythroleukemic cells under the same conditions. Heme, or its precursor delta-aminolevulinc acid, can overcome the effects of the bone marrow X chromosome and induce hemoglobin accumulation in the dimethyl sulfoxide-treated hybrid cells. The data suggest that the X chromosome contributed by the bone marrow cells inhibits hemoglobin production by inhibiting inducible heme biosynthesis, most probably at the step catalyzed by delta-aminolevulinic acid synthetase (EC 2.3.1.37).

Regulation of protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysates by the heme-regulated protein kinase: inhibition of interaction of Met-tRNAfMet binding factor with another initiation factor in formation of Met-tRNAfMet.40S ribosomal subunit complexes

Protein synthesis in reticulocytes and their lysates is regulated by heme. In heme deficiency a heme-regulated translational inhibitor (HRI) that blocks initiation of polypeptide chains is activated. HRI is a protein kinase (ATP: protein phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.37) that specifically phosphorylates the 38,000-dalton subunit of the Met-tRNA(f) (Met) binding factor (IF), which forms a ternary complex with Met-tRNA(f) (Met) and GTP, a finding that suggests that the inhibition by HRI involves the phosphorylation of IF. We have investigated the effect of HRI in the partial reactions of protein chain initiation in which the IF-promoted binding of Met-tRNA(f) (Met) to 40S ribosomal subunits is enhanced by another initiation factor [ternary complex dissociation factor (TDF)] and AUG. The results show that HRI at very low concentrations markedly inhibits the binding of Met-tRNA(f) (Met) to 40S subunits. The inhibitory effect of HRI requires ATP. Under these conditions HRI phosphorylates only the 38,000-dalton subunit of IF. The TDF preparations not only promote the binding of the ternary complex to 40S subunits but also promote the dissociation of the ternary complex in the presence of 5 mM Mg(2+) at 0 degrees . The preincubation of purified IF alone with low concentrations of HRI and ATP does not significantly affect its capacity to form the ternary complex; however, the TDF-promoted dissociation of the ternary complex is inhibited. The nonhydrolyzable analog adenosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imido]triphosphate does not substitute for ATP. These findings suggest that phosphorylation causes a conformational modification in IF, which results in inhibition of the interaction between the ternary complex and TDF that is required for the binding of the ternary complex to 40S subunits.

Characterization of a rat liver factor that inhibits initiation of protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysates

Protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocytes and their lysates is regulated by heme. In heme-deficient reticulocyte lysates, protein synthesis proceeds at the initial rate for several minutes and then declines abruptly. Inhibition of protein synthesis is due to the activation of a heme-regulated translational inhibitor (HRI) which blocks the initiation of protein synthesis. Addition of the isolated HRI to hemin-supplemented lysates causes inhibition of initiation similar to that observed in heme-deficiency. HRI has been shown to be a protein kinase that specifically phosphorylates the Met-tRNA(f) binding factor (eIF-2). We have isolated an inhibitor (LI) of protein chain initiation from rat liver which displays properties similar to those of HRI: (i) the chromatographic behavior of LI on DEAE-Sephadex, DEAE-cellulose, and phosphocellulose is similar to that of HRI; (ii) both LI and HRI inhibit protein chain initiation in rabbit reticulocyte lysates with the same kinetics of inhibition-i.e., an initial period of synthesis for several minutes at the control rate followed by an abrupt decline in the rate of initiation; (iii) both inhibitions are prevented or reversed by eIF-2; (iv) GTP (2 mM) prevents, and ATP (2 mM) potentiates, the inhibition of protein synthesis induced by either inhibitor; (v) LI is associated with a protein kinase that also phosphorylates the 38,000-dalton subunit of elF-2. These findings indicate that a mechanism for the regulation of protein synthesis similar to that found in rabbit reticulocytes may be present in rat liver.

Regulation of protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysates: purification and initial characterization of the cyclic 3':5'-AMP independent protein kinase of the heme-regulated translational inhibitor

The heme-regulated translational inhibitor (HRI) has been purified 4800-fold. On electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel, the purified HRI showed one major polypeptide band. The purified HRI inhibits protein synthesis in lysates containing optimal levels of hemin with inhibition kinetics which parallel those observed in heme-deficiency. Data are presented which are consistent with an enzymatic function of HRI in the inhibition of protein synthesis. The HRI is an adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate independent protein kinase which phosphorylates the small subunit (38,000) but not the large subunits (52,000 and 50,000) of the initiation factor which forms a ternary complex with Met-tRNAf and GTP. This evidence supports the hypothesis that inhibition of protein synthesis by HRI involves the phosphorylation of the initiation factor. These findings are discussed in relation to various models for the regulation of protein kinase activity by heme. (see article).

Translation and stability of human globin mRNA in Xenopus oocytes

Human globin messenger RNA (mRNA) prepared from erythroid cells of patients with sickle cell anemia has been translated in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Addition of hemin to the injected mRNA causes total globin synthesis to increase and the ratio of alpha- to betas-globin synthesis (alpha/betas ratio) to approach unity. To determine the effect of the length of the poly-(A) segment on human globin mRNA stability, 10 S globin mRNA was fractionated into poly-(A)-poor fractions by oligo (dT)-cellulose column chromatography. When oocytes are injected with each of these fractions, translation of the poly-(A)-rich globin mRNA is sustained for a longer period than that of the poly-(A)-poor mRNA. Regardless of the mRNA fraction injected, the alpha/betas ratio of the synthesized globin decreases as the injected oocytes are incubated for longer periods. The results indicate that in frog oocytes poly-(A)-rich mRNA has greater translational stability than poly-(A)-poor mRNA, AND beta-mRNA has greater stability than alpha-mRNA with comparable poly-(A) content.

Regulation of protein synthesis in reticulocyte lysates: phosphorylation of methionyl-tRNAf binding factor by protein kinase activity of translational inhibitor isolated from hemedeficient lysates

A previous study demonstrated that the translational inhibitor from lysates of heme-deficient rabbit reticulocytes is associated with a protein kinase activity. Chromatography of this inhibitor preparation on phosphocellulose yields two distinct protein kinase activities, PC1 and PC2. PC1, which consitutes about 90% of the activity in the unresolved preparation, does not inhibit protein synthesis in lysates, but actively phosporylates calf thymus histone II in a 3':5'-cyclic AMP-denpendent reaction. PC2 contains the translational inhibitor, phosphorylates histone poorly, and is not cyclic AMP-dependent. While [gamma-32P]ATP as the phosphate donor, the two kinase fractions were analyzed with the putative substrates, salt-washed 40S ribosomal subunits, and the initiation factor that mediates the binding of Met-tRNAf to the 40S subunit. PC1 is inactive with the initiation factor, but phosphorylates 40S subunits at a single major site that migrates as a 31,000-dalton band in sodium dodecyl sulfate-acrylamide gels; phosphorylation requires cyclic AMP. Similar phosphorylation of the reticulocyte 40S site (31,000 daltons) can be demonstrated with other cyclic AMP-dependent kinases from reticulocytes, rat liver, and bovine heart muscle. PC2 phosphorylates the small subunit (38,000 daltons) but not the large subunit(s) of the initiation factor; the reaction does not require cyclic AMP. PC2 does not phosphorylate 40S subunits. In the presence of 40S subunits, the initiation factor appears to be rapidly bound in a manner that effectively blocks phosphorylation of the initiation factor by PC2; under the same conditions phosphorylation of the 40S subunit by PC1 is not affected. The initiation factor has been shown to reverse the inhibitions of protein chain initiation induced in lysates by heme deficiency, double-stranded RNA, oxidized glutathione, or the purified translational inhibitor. The observation that the Met-tRNAf binding factor is phosphorylated by PC2 supports the hypothesis that this initiation factor is a target for the action of the translational inhibitor activated in heme deficiency.

Regulation of protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysates: characteristics of inhibition of protein synthesis by a translational inhibitor from heme-deficient lysates and its relationship to the initiation factor which binds Met-tRNAf

In heme-deficient reticulocyte lysates a translational inhibitor which regulates protein synthesis is formed or activated. To define the mechanism of action of the translational inhibitor (RI), RI was partially purified. We have utilized the isolated RI to examine its relationship to the translational inhibitor formed in situ in heme-deficiency, some quantitative aspects of inhibition of protein synthesis, and the relationship of RI concentration to the initiation factor (IF-MP) which forms a ternary complex with Met-tRNAf and GTP (IF-MP-Met-tRNAf-GTP). The results demonstrate that the activity of isolated RI is related to the in situ heme-deficiency inhibitor by several criteria: (a) the biphasic kinetics of inhibition manifested by RI in lysates containing optimal levels of hemin are very similar to those observed in heme-deficiency, i.e., an initial period in which several rounds of protein synthesis proceed at the control rate followed by an abrupt decline in the rate of protein synthesis. (b) Both inhibitions are accompanied by the disaggreagation of polyribosomes with a concomitant increase in 80S ribosomes. (c) Both inhibitions are reversed by IF-MP. The isolated RI blocked protein synthesis in lysates at temperatures ranging from 15 degrees to 30 degrees. Although the rate of protein synthesis was a function of the temperature of incubation, the number of rounds of protein synthesis prior to shut-off was essentially the same at various temperatures. When RI was added to lysates, at increasing intervals after the start of incubation, the period of synthesis before shut-off (lag) progressively decreased. The inhibition of protein synthesis by RI was immediately reversed by the addition of IF-MP. The extent of reversal increased with increasing concentrations of IF-MP; at low levels of RI almost complete reversal of inhibition by IF-MP was obtained. However, at high levels of RI which did not appreciably increase the degree of inhibition of protein synthesis, equivalent amounts of IF-MP were less effective in reversing inhibition. These results suggest that the inhibition of protein synthesis by the isolated inhibitor involves the initiation factor IF-MP.

Functional relationships between a reticulocyte polypeptide-chain-initiation factor (IF-MP) and the translational inhibitor involved in regulation of protein synthesis by haemin

The rate of initiation of protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysates is regulated by a translational inhibitor protein which is activated in the absence of added haemin. The effects of this inhibitor on amino acid incorporation are overcome by the protein synthesis initiation factor IF-MP which binds Met-tRNAf in a ternary complex with GTP and which can transfer this complex to small ribosomal subunits. Addition of this factor to haemin-deficient lysates prevents loss of polysomes and regenerates polysomes from 80-S single ribosomes, thus confirming an effect at the level of polypeptide initiation. The ability of the initiation factor to overcome the effects of various concentrations of the translational inhibitor suggests that the inhibitor inactivates the factor catalytically rather than stoichiometrically. In a system in vitro consisting of salt-washed 40-S ribosomal subunits, initiator Met-tRNAf and GTP, the initiation factor IF-MP transfers Met-tRNAf to the subunits in the absence of any other factor or mRNA. Equilibrium buoyant density gradient analysis in CsCl shows that formaldehyde-fixed subunits carrying Met-tRNAf bound under these conditions have a buoyant density approximately 0.02 g/cm3 lower than the bulk of salt-washed subunits, suggesting that approximately 100000 daltons of additional protein are associated with these subunits. This is in marked contrast to the amounts of protein bound to subunits incubated with Met-tRNAf and GTP in the presence of a crude ribosomal salt-wash fraction. The translational inhibitor has no effect on formation of the ternary complex IF-MP-Met-tRNAf-GTP but does impair the factor-catalysed transfer of Met-tRNAf to washed subunits. The possible mechanisms of action of the inhibitor on polypeptide chain initiation are reviewed in the light of these results.

A rabbit reticulocyte model for the role of hemin-controlled repressor in hypochromic anemias

Hemin allows maximal protein synthesis in intact rabbit reticulocytes and their cell-free lysate preparations by retarding the formation of a translational repressor (HCR) found in the postribosomal supernate. In order to evaluate the role of HCR in the pathogenesis of hypochromic anemias, HCR was isolated and partially purified from intact rabbit reticulocytes incubated in vitro with either 0.1 mM alpha,alpha-dipyridyl (an iron-chelating agent) or 0.1 M ethanol. Both of these agents inhibit reticulocyte protein synthesis. Hemin (50 muM) protects against the inhibition by both agents. A ferrous iron-transferrin mixture, however, protects only against alpha,alpha-dipyridyl. Both alpha,alpha-dipyridyl and ethanol inhibit heme synthesis before the time that protein synthesis is affected, while neither lowers either ATP or GSH levels. These results indicate that while both agents inhibit heme synthesis, alpha,alpha-dipyridyl does so by inducing iron deficiency while ethanol works at a non-iron-requiring step. When HCR was isolated from intact cells and assayed in the reticulocyte cell-free systems, plus and minus hemin, premature appearance of HCR was found in cells incubated in vitro with alpha,alpha-dipyridyl or ethanol. When hemin was present in the intact cell incubation, the appearance of HCR was retarded. The HCR from alpha,alpha-dipyridyl ethanol-treated cells was partially purified and eluted at the same location on a Sephadex G-200 column (molecular weight approximately 3 x 10(5)) as that from postribosomal supernates incubated minus hemin. In addition rabbits with phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia were given intravenous ethanol in vivo at a dose of 0.4 ml/kg. This concentration of alcohol resulted in an inhibition of the rate of heme synthesis and protein synthesis as well as an acceleration of HCR formation in reticulocytes. The HCR from these in vivo treated rabbits was isolated, partially purified, and assayed in an identical fashion as the in vitro experiments. These in vivo experiments further support the physiological and pathophysiological role of HCR in reticulocytes. On the basis of these results a model for a role of HCR in some of the hypochromic anemias is proposed. In iron deficiency or chronic disease (where iron is not available to the erythroblast for heme synthesis) HCR appears prematurely and inhibits protein synthesis. When heme synthesis is inhibited by ethanol but there is sufficient intracellular iron, HCR appears prematurely and inhibits protein synthesis, iron accumulates in the erythroblast, and the end result is sideroblastic anemia.

Subcellular localization of a lesion in protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocytes incubated at elevated temperatures

When rabbit reticulocytes are incubated at 43-45 degrees C their rate of protein synthesis rapidly decreases, compared to a contol 37 degrees C incubation. Lysates prepared from cells incubated at this supra-optimal temperature have an equally decreased capacity for endogenous, but not poly(uridylic acid)-directed, protein synthesis. Subcellular fractionation traced the lesion to the crude ribosomal pellet, 0.5 M KCl ribosomal wash and postribosomal supernatant of the temperature-shocked cells. Preparation of purified ribosomal subparticles showed, however, that they were as active as the control in protein synthesis. In this paper we present evidence that the decreased activity of the heated lysate, 0.5 mM KCl wash and postribosomal supernatant is due to an inhibitor and can be overcome by the addition of 0.5 M KCl or supernatant from control cells. The results are discussed in terms of the inactivation of a component, essential for initiation of endogenous protein synthesis, which is probably partitioned between ribosomes and supernatant. We also suggest that the decreased protein synthetic activity of the heated cells may be related to their decreased synthesis of haem.

Control of haemoglobin synthesis. The effects of iron deprivation, cobalt and temperature on the rate and extent of globin synthesis in reticulocytes

A detailed examination of the kinetics of protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocytes in the presence of the iron chelating agent 2,2'-dipyridyl showed that between 30 degrees C and 42 degrees C there were characteristically two distinct phases of protein synthesis. An initial phase (I), in which no inhibition of protein synthesis was apparent, was followed by a gradual decline in the rate of protein synthesis leading to the second phase (II) in which protein synthesis occurred at a linear but inhibited rate for extended periods. In contrast, below 30 degrees C, incubation in the presence of dipyridyl caused no inhibition of protein synthesis. Between 30 degrees C and 42 degrees C the duration and amount of protein synthesis occurring in phase I before the onset of inhibition were inversely related of the inhibition as was the final rate of incorporation in phase II. During phase II, a partial reversal of the inhibition caused by dipyridyl was obtained by lowering the incubation temperature. This resulted in a burst of protein synthesis at the uninhibited rate until the amount of protein synthesis reached the same level as that in reticulocytes maintained continuously with dipyridyl at the lower incubation temperature. This burst of synthesis was observed in reticulocytes which had been held in phase II for as long as 90 min. It was also possible to reverse the inhibition by addition of haemin to cells in phase II. At any particular incubation temperature, a fixed number of rounds of protein synthesis had to occur before the onset of phase II became apparent. By the use of puromycin we showed that this was not a requirement for the synthesis of globin or of any other protein. We believe that this critical amount of protein synthesis reflects the residual ability of reticulocytes to initiate new protein chains in the absence of concurrent haem synthesis. Reticulocytes preincubated in the presence of cobaltous ions showed almost no inhibition of protein synthesis upon subsequent incubation with dipyridyl. The results are compared to those obtained in reticulocyte lysates and are discussed in terms of current theories to account for control of protein chain initiation by haemin.

Ethanol inhibition of reticulocyte protein synthesis: the role of haem

Ethanol, in concentrations of 0.05-0.8 M, inhibited intact human and rabbit reticulocyte protein synthesis in the presence of iron-transferrin for endogenous haem synthesis. Associated with this effect there was a conversion of polyribosomes to monoribosomes and a decreased incorporation of radioactive leucine into nascent globin chains. When physiological levels of ethanol (0.05-0.1 M) were used, these effects were prevented by incubation with 50 muM haemin and reversed by removing the alcohol and reincubating with iron-transferrin or haemin. The polyribosomal disaggregation was also prevented by stopping ribosomal movement with 5 mM cycloheximide. Neither ATP nor GSH levels were altered in the presence of ethanol. When non-physiological levels of 0.8 M ethanol were used, haemin did not prevent the inhibition of protein synthesis. Likewise, in the rabbit reticulocyte cell-free lysate system containing haemin inhibition was noted at concentrations greater than 0.05 M ethanol. The polyribosomal disaggregation in reticulocytes incubated with 0.8 M ethanol was associated with decreased dissociation of monoribosomes into subunits. Similarly, when ribosomes were directly suspended cell-free in 0.1 or 0.8 M ethanol there was a decreased percentage of subunits. These results indicate that physiological concentrations of ethanol inhibit initiation of reticulocyte protein synthesis secondary to a block in haem synthesis. When intact cells are exposed to high non-physiological concentrations of ethanol the inhibition is secondary to decreased ribosomal dissociation. The cell-free lysate inhibition is also through this effect on ribosomal dissociation. This study supports the view that alcohol is a direct toxin to developing red cell precursors via its effect on mitochondrial haem synthesis. The physiological role of the decreased dissociation of monoribosomes into subunits is not yet clear.

The effects of hemin and double-stranded RNA on alpha and beta globin synthesis in reticulocyte and Krebs II ascites cell-free systems and the relationship of these effects to an initiation factor preparation

Protein synthesis in reticulocyte lysates ceases abruptly in the absence of added hemin or in the presence of double-stranded RNA. A similar effect of double-stranded RNA is observed in Krebs II ascites cell-free systems translating exogenous globin mRNA. The shut-off of protein synthesis is due to inhibition of initiation and can be prevented or reversed by addition of the initiation factor preparation M(3). Preparations of M(1), M(2), and dissociation factor are ineffective under these conditions. The effects of added hemin, M(3), and globin mRNA on the synthesis of alpha and beta globin chains have been studied in the reticulocyte and ascites cell extracts. When the concentration of M(3) is rate limiting, the synthesis of beta chains exceeds that of alpha chains. When the concentration of mRNA is rate limiting, synthesis of alpha and beta chains is more nearly equal.