Similarities of integumentary mucin B.1 from Xenopus laevis and prepro-von Willebrand factor at their amino-terminal regions

Different Molecular Forms of TFF3 in the Human Respiratory Tract: Heterodimerization with IgG Fc Binding Protein (FCGBP) and Proteolytic Cleavage in Bronchial Secretions

The polypeptide TFF3 belongs to the trefoil factor family (TFF) of lectins. TFF3 is typically secreted from mucous epithelia together with mucins. Both intestinal and salivary TFF3 mainly exist as disulfide-linked heterodimers with IgG Fc binding protein (FCGBP). Here, we investigated bronchial tissue specimens, bronchial secretions, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from patients with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) background by fast protein liquid chromatography and proteomics. For the first time, we identified different molecular forms of TFF3 in the lung. The high-molecular mass form represents TFF3-FCGBP oligomers, whereas the low-molecular mass forms are homodimeric and monomeric TFF3 with possibly anti-apoptotic activities. In addition, disulfide-linked TFF3 heterodimers with an M_r of about 60k and 30k were detected in both bronchial secretions and BAL fluid. In these liquids, TFF3 is partly N-terminally truncated probably by neutrophil elastase cleavage. TFF3-FCGBP is likely involved in the mucosal innate immune defense against microbial infections. We discuss a hypothetical model how TFF3 might control FCGBP oligomerization. Furthermore, we did not find indications for interactions of TFF3-FCGBP with DMBT1gp³⁴⁰ or the mucin MUC5AC, glycoproteins involved in mucosal innate immunity. Surprisingly, bronchial MUC5AC appeared to be degraded when compared with gastric MUC5AC.

Trefoil Factor Family (TFF) Modules Are Characteristic Constituents of Separate Mucin Complexes in the Xenopus laevis Integumentary Mucus: In Vitro Binding Studies with FIM-A.1

The skin of the frog Xenopus laeevis is protected from microbial infections by a mucus barrier that contains frog integumentary mucins (FIM)-A.1, FIM-B.1, and FIM-C.1. These gel-forming mucins are synthesized in mucous glands consisting of ordinary mucous cells and one or more cone cells at the gland base. FIM-A.1 and FIM-C.1 are unique because their cysteine-rich domains belong to the trefoil factor family (TFF). Furthermore, FIM-A.1 is unusually short (about 400 amino acid residues). In contrast, FIM-B.1 contains cysteine-rich von Willebrand D (vWD) domains. Here, we separate skin extracts by the use of size exclusion chromatography and analyze the distribution of FIM-A.1 and FIM-C.1. Two mucin complexes were detected, i.e., a high-molecular-mass Complex I, which contains FIM-C.1 and little FIM-A.1, whereas Complex II is of lower molecular mass and contains the bulk of FIM-A.1. We purified FIM-A.1 by a combination of size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and anion-exchange chromatography and performed first in vitro binding studies with radioactively labeled FIM-A.1. Binding of ¹²⁵I-labeled FIM-A.1 to the high-molecular-mass Complex I was observed. We hypothesize that the presence of FIM-A.1 in Complex I is likely due to lectin interactions, e.g., with FIM-C.1, creating a complex mucus network.

The molecular evolution of spiggin nesting glue in sticklebacks

Gene duplication and subsequent divergence can lead to the evolution of new functions and lineage-specific traits. In sticklebacks, the successive duplication of a mucin gene (MUC19) into a tandemly arrayed, multigene family has enabled the production of copious amounts of 'spiggin', a secreted adhesive protein essential for nest construction. Here, we examine divergence between spiggin genes among three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) from ancestral marine and derived freshwater populations, and propose underpinning gene duplication mechanisms. Sanger sequencing revealed substantial diversity among spiggin transcripts, including alternatively spliced variants and interchromosomal spiggin chimeric genes. Comparative analysis of the sequenced transcripts and all other spiggin genes in the public domain support the presence of three main spiggin lineages (spiggin A, spiggin B and spiggin C) with further subdivisions within spiggin B (B1, B2) and spiggin C (C1, C2). Spiggin A had diverged least from the ancestral MUC19, while the spiggin C duplicates had diversified most substantially. In silico translations of the spiggin gene open reading frames predicted that spiggins A and B are secreted as long mucin-like polymers, while spiggins C1 and C2 are secreted as short monomers, with putative antimicrobial properties. We propose that diversification of duplicated spiggin genes has facilitated local adaptation of spiggin to a range of aquatic habitats.

TFF2, a MUC6-binding lectin stabilizing the gastric mucus barrier and more (Review)

The peptide TFF2 (formerly 'spasmolytic polypeptide'), a member of the trefoil factor family (TFF) containing two TFF domains, is mainly expressed together with the mucin MUC6 in the gastric epithelium and duodenal Brunner's glands. Pathologically, TFF2 expression is observed ectopically during stone diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions and in several metaplastic and neoplastic epithelia; most prominent being the 'spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia' (SPEM), which is an established gastric precancerous lesion. TFF2 plays a critical role in maintaining gastric mucosal integrity and appears to restrain tumorigenesis in the stomach. Recently, porcine TFF2 has been shown to interact with the gastric mucin MUC6 and thus stabilize the gastric mucus barrier. On the one hand, TFF2 binds to MUC6 via non-covalent lectin interactions with the glycotope GlcNAcα1→4Galβ1→R. On the other hand, TFF2 is probably also covalently bound to MUC6 via disulfide bridges. Thus, implications for the complex multimeric assembly, cross-linking, and packaging of MUC6 as well as the rheology of gastric mucus are discussed in detail in this review. Furthermore, TFF2 is also expressed in minor amounts in the immune and nervous systems. Thus, similar to galectins, its lectin activity would perfectly enable TFF2 to form multivalent complexes and cross-linked lattices with a plethora of transmembrane glycoproteins and thus modulate different signal transduction processes. This could explain the multiple and diverse biological effects of TFF2 [e.g., motogenic, (anti)apoptotic, and angiogenic effects]. Finally, a function during fertilization is also possible for TFF domains because they occur as shuffled modules in certain zona pellucida proteins.

Multiple occurrences of spiggin genes in sticklebacks

The threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is known to have a unique reproductive mode including male nest-building with a secreted glue-like protein named spiggin. Spiggin is a key character for studying the molecular mechanism in the evolution of this intriguing nest-building behavior, since the glue-like protein is essential for nest-building. However, it is unclear whether spiggin is encoded by a single gene or multiple genes; there are conflicting reports on this point. To resolve this discrepancy, we cloned this gene in a threespine stickleback collected in Japan. We found seven types of cDNAs including at least four genes, indicating that spiggin is encoded by a multi-gene family. On close inspection of the cDNAs, we found that one of these spiggin genes had four splicing variants. Although the cDNA sequences conserved functional domain structures, considerable diversity was observed in the sequence of each domain. Altogether, the current results imply that the structure and function of the spiggins are more complex than ever previously thought. Phylogenetic analysis of the cDNAs with related sequences including ninespine stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) spiggin genes and homologues of zebrafish (Danio rerio), torafugu (Takifugu rubripes), and spotted green pufferfish (Tetraodon nigroviridis) implied the existence of an ancestral "spiggin" gene and multiple duplication events of the gene in the stickleback lineage before and after the divergence of the threespine and ninespine sticklebacks.

Cell type specific expression of secretory TFF peptides: colocalization with mucins and synthesis in the brain

The "TFF domain" is an ancient cysteine-rich shuffled module forming the basic unit for the family of secretory TFF peptides (formerly P-domain peptides and trefoil factors). It is also an integral component of mosaic proteins associated with mucous surfaces. Three mammalian TFF peptides are known (i.e., TFF1-TFF3); however, in Xenopus laevis the pattern is more complex (xP1, xP4.1, xP4.2, and xP2). TFF peptides are typical secretory products of a variety of mucin-producing epithelial cells (e.g., the conjunctiva, the salivary glands, the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory tract, and the uterus). Each TFF peptide shows an unique expression pattern and different mucin-producing cells are characterized by their specific TFF peptide/secretory mucin combinations. TFF peptides have a pivotal role in maintaining the surface integrity of mucous epithelia in vivo. They are typical constituents of mucus gels, they modulate rapid mucosal repair ("restitution") by their motogenic and their cell scattering activity, they have antiapoptotic effects, and they probably modulate inflammatory processes. Pathological expression of TFF peptides occurs as a result of chronic inflammatory diseases or certain tumors. TFF peptides are also found in the central nervous system, at least in mammals. In particular, TFF3 is synthesized from oxytocinergic neurons of the hypothalamus and is released from the posterior pituitary into the bloodstream.

Molecular cloning and characterization of spiggin. An androgen-regulated extraorganismal adhesive with structural similarities to von Willebrand Factor-related proteins

One of the most definitive examples of a vertebrate extraorganismal structural protein can be found in three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). In the breeding male the kidney hypertrophies and synthesizes an adhesive protein called "spiggin," which is secreted into the urinary bladder from where it is employed as a structural thread for nest building. This paper describes the first molecular characterization of spiggin and demonstrates that this adhesive is a protein complex assembled from a potential of three distinct subunits (alpha, beta, and gamma). These subunits arise by alternative splicing, and 11-ketoandrogens induce their expression in stickleback kidneys. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence of each subunit reveals a modular organization whose structural elements display a similarity to the multimerization domains found within von Willebrand Factor-related proteins. These results implicate that spiggin utilizes a conserved multimerization mechanism for the formation of a viscous agglutinate from its constituent subunits in the urinary bladders of male sticklebacks. This novel extraorganismal structural protein is therefore ideally suited to its function as an adhesive thread.

Evolution of the large secreted gel-forming mucins

Mucins, the major component of mucus, contain tandemly repeated sequences that differ from one mucin to another. Considerable advances have been made in recent years in our knowledge of mucin genes. The availability of the complete genomic and cDNA sequences of MUC5B, one of the four human mucin genes clustered on chromosome 11, provides an exemplary model for studying the molecular evolution of large mucins. The emerging picture is one of expansion of mucin genes by gene duplications, followed by internal repeat expansion that strictly preserves frameshift. Computational and phylogenetic analyses have permitted the proposal of an evolutionary history of the four human mucin genes located on chromosome 11 from an ancestor gene common to the human von Willebrand factor gene and the suggestion of a model for the evolution of the repeat coding portion of the MUC5B gene from a hypothetical ancestral minigene. The characterization of MUC5B, a member of the large secreted gel-forming mucin family, offers a new model for the comparative study of the structure-function relationship within this important family.

Conformational Changes in the A3 Domain of von Willebrand Factor Modulate the Interaction of the A1 Domain With Platelet Glycoprotein Ib

Bitiscetin has recently been shown to induce von Willebrand factor (vWF)-dependent aggregation of fixed platelets (Hamako J, et al,Biochem Biophys Res Commun 226:273, 1996). We have purified bitiscetin from Bitis arietans venom and investigated the mechanism whereby it promotes a form of vWF that is reactive with platelets. In the presence of bitiscetin, vWF binds to platelets in a dose-dependent and saturable manner. The binding of vWF to platelets involves glycoprotein (GP) Ib because it was totally blocked by monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 6D1 directed towards the vWF-binding site of GPIb. The binding also involves the GPIb-binding site of vWF located on the A1 domain because it was inhibited by MoAb to vWF whose epitopes are within this domain and that block binding of vWF to platelets induced by ristocetin or botrocetin. However, in contrast to ristocetin or botrocetin, the binding site of bitiscetin does not reside within the A1 domain but within the A3 domain of vWF. Thus, among a series of vWF fragments, 125I-bitiscetin only binds to those that overlap the A3 domain, ie, SpIII (amino acid [aa] 1-1365), SpI (aa 911-1365), and rvWF-A3 domain (aa 920-1111). It does not bind to SpII corresponding to the C-terminal part of vWF subunit (aa 1366-2050) nor to the 39/34/kD dispase species (aa 480-718) or T116 (aa 449-728) overlapping the A1 domain. In addition, bitiscetin that does not bind to DeltaA3-rvWF (deleted between aa 910-1113) has no binding site ouside the A3 domain. The localization of the binding site of bitiscetin within the A3 domain was further supported by showing that MoAb to vWF, which are specific for this domain and block the interaction between vWF and collagen, are potent inhibitors of the binding of bitiscetin to vWF and consequently of the bitiscetin-induced binding of vWF to platelets. Thus, our data support the hypothesis that an interaction between the A1 and A3 domains exists that may play a role in the function of vWF by regulating the ability of the A1 domain to bind to platelet GPIb.

Identification of the half-cystine residues in porcine submaxillary mucin critical for multimerization through the D-domains. Roles of the CGLCG motif in the D1- and D3-domains

Plasmids encoding the amino-terminal region of porcine submaxillary mucin were modified by site-specific mutagenesis to assess the roles of individual half-cystine residues in the assembly of disulfide-linked multimers of mucin. COS-7 cells with the plasmid containing C1199A expressed primarily monomers, suggesting that half-cystine 1199 in the D3-domain is involved in forming mucin multimers. This residue is in the sequence C1199SWRYEPCG, which is highly conserved in the D3-domain of other secreted mucins and human prepro-von Willebrand factor. In contrast, cells with the plasmid containing C1276A expressed trimers like those with unmutated plasmid, suggesting that half-cystine 1276 is not involved in formation of disulfide-bonded multimers. The roles of the half-cystines in the CGLCG motifs in the assembly of disulfide-bonded multimers of mucin were also assessed. Cells with plasmids in which both half-cystines in the motif in the D1- or D3-domain of mucin are replaced by alanine expressed proteins that were poorly secreted, suggesting that these mutations impair normal folding of the expressed proteins. A plasmid with a mutant D1-domain motif expressed monomers, whereas one with a mutant D3-domain motif expressed monomers and trimers. However, the trimers expressed by the latter plasmid were assembled in non-acidic compartments, as judged by expression studies in the presence of monensin, which inhibits trimer formation by unmutated plasmid, but not by the mutant plasmid. These results suggest that the CGLCG motif in the D1-domain is required for multimerization in the trans-Golgi complex. However, the CGLCG motif in the D3-domain appears to prevent formation of mucin multimers in non-acidic compartments of the cell. Plasmids encoding the D1- and D2-domains, the D1- and D3-domains, or only the D3-domain also expressed oligomers in the presence of monensin, suggesting that the three D-domains must be contiguous to avoid multimerization in non-acidic compartments. It is possible that these motifs in mucins are engaged in the thiol-disulfide interchange reactions during the assembly of disulfide-bonded multimers of mucin.

Genomic organization of the human mucin gene MUC5B. cDNA and genomic sequences upstream of the large central exon

The complete structure of the DNA encoding the polypeptide chain of human mucin MUC5B has been determined. In this paper, we report the full-length cDNA (3886 bp) and genomic (15,143 bp) sequences upstream of the unusually large central exon of the human mucin gene MUC5B. This region, composed of 29 exons, encodes 1283 amino acid residues. Exon sizes vary from 44 to 262 bp, and intron sizes range from 87 to 1703 bp. We determined the 5'-end of MUC5B by performing rapid amplification of cDNA ends-polymerase chain reaction experiments leading to the same length of the amplified product and by using primer extension experiments. A putative translation start site was found at nucleotide +37. We compared the amino-terminal region of MUC5B with those of pro-von Willebrand Factor, MUC2 and MUC5AC, and animal mucins, RMuc2, PSM, and FIM-B.1. The primary amino acid sequence with a high content of cysteine residues demonstrates a high degree of similarity with other members of the 11p15 mucin gene family, particularly MUC5AC. The complete genomic organization and both full-length genomic and cDNA sequences of MUC5B have been elucidated. This gene contains 48 exons and encodes 5662 amino acid residues to give a polypeptide with a Mr approximately 600,000.

Porcine submaxillary mucin forms disulfide-linked multimers through its amino-terminal D-domains

COS-7 cells expressing 1,360 residues from the amino terminus of porcine submaxillary mucin were used to determine whether this region, containing the D1, D2, and D3 domains, is involved in forming mucin multimers. Analysis of the proteins immunoprecipitated from the medium of transfected cells by reducing SDS-gel electrophoresis showed a single N-glycosylated protein with no indication of proteolytically processed forms. Without prior reduction, only two proteins, corresponding to monomeric and disulfide-linked trimeric species, were observed. The expressed protein devoid of N-linked oligosaccharides also formed trimers, but was secreted from cells in significantly less amounts than glycosylated trimers. Pulse-chase studies showed that the disulfide-linked trimers were assembled inside the cells no earlier than 30 min after protein synthesis commenced and after the intracellular precursors were N-glycosylated. Trimer formation was inhibited in cells treated with brefeldin A, monensin, chloroquine, or bafilomycin A1, although only brefeldin A prevented the secretion of the protein. These results suggest that trimerization takes place in compartments of the Golgi complex in which the vacuolar H+-ATPase maintains an acidic pH. Coexpression in the same cells of the amino-terminal region and the disulfide-rich carboxyl-terminal domain of the mucin showed that these structures were not disulfide-linked with one another. Cells expressing a DNA construct encoding a fusion protein between the amino- and carboxyl-terminal regions of the mucin secreted disulfide-linked dimeric and high molecular weight multimeric species of the recombinant mucin. The presence of monensin in the medium was without effect on dimerization, but inhibited the formation of disulfide-linked multimers. These studies suggest that disulfide-linked dimers of mucin are subsequently assembled into disulfide-linked multimers by the amino-terminal regions. They also suggest that the porcine mucin forms branched disulfide-linked multimers. This ability of the amino-terminal region of mucin to aid in the assembly of multimers is consistent with its amino acid identities to the amino-terminal region of human von Willebrand factor, which also serves to form disulfide-linked multimers of this protein.

Bovine submaxillary mucin contains multiple domains and tandemly repeated non-identical sequences

A number of cDNA fragments coding for bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) were cloned, and the nucleotide sequence of the largest clone, BSM421, was determined. Two peptide sequences determined from the purified apoBSM were found near the N-terminus of the mucin-coding region of BSM421. This clone does not contain a start or stop codon, but its 3' end overlaps with the 5' end of a previously isolated clone, lambdaBSM10. The composite sequence of 1589 amino acid residues consists of five distinct protein domains, which are numbered from the C-terminus. The cysteine-rich domain I can be further divided into a von Willebrand factor type C repeat and a cystine knot. Domains III and V consist of similar repeated peptide sequences with an average of 47 residues. Domains II and IV do not contain such sequences but are similar to domains III and V in being rich in serine and threonine, many of which are predicted to be potential O-glycosylation sites. Domain III also contains two sequences that match the ATP/GTP-binding site motif A (P-loop). Only beta-strands and no alpha-helices are predicted for the partial deduced amino acid sequence. Northern analysis of submaxillary gland RNA with the BSM421 probe detected multiple messages of BSM with sizes from 1.1 to over 10 kb. The tandemly repeated, non-identical peptide sequences of approx. 47 residues in domains III and V of BSM differ from the tandemly repeated, identical 81-residue sequences of pig submaxillary mucin (PSM), although both BSM and PSM contain similar C-terminal domains. In contrast, two peptide sequences of ovine submaxillary mucin are highly similar (86% and 65% identical respectively) to the corresponding sequences in domain V of BSM.

The carboxyl-terminal 90 residues of porcine submaxillary mucin are sufficient for forming disulfide-bonded dimers

COS-7 cells transfected with expression vectors encoding 90 and 154 amino acid residues, respectively, from the carboxyl terminus of the disulfide-rich domain (240 residues) of porcine submaxillary mucin were shown to form disulfide-bonded dimers. Cells with expression vectors that encoded the disulfide-rich domain lacking the last 90 and 150 carboxyl-terminal residues, respectively, from the carboxyl terminus of the disulfide-rich domain were unable to secrete truncated domains. These results indicate that the information required to form disulfide-bonded dimers resides in only 90 residues, including 11 half-cystines. Site-specific mutagenesis was employed to change, one at a time, each codon for the 11 half-cystines to serine. Eight of the 11 mutants formed disulfide-bonded dimers indistinguishable from those produced by unmutated vector, although 6 of the 8 mutants also produced aggregates thought to be misfolded protein with scrambled disulfide bonds. Two additional mutant vectors encoding serine instead of half-cystine at residues 13244 and 13246 in submaxillary mucin expressed both monomers and dimers of the disulfide-rich domain but no aggregates. The final mutant vector, C13223S, expressed protein aggregates that were poorly secreted from transfected cells. A mutant vector with two codon changes, C13244A/C13246A, expressed both monomers and dimers, just like the single mutants at these half-cystines. These results suggest that three half-cystine residues (Cys13223, Cys13244, and Cys13246) may be involved in forming interchain disulfide bonds in mucin dimers. Two of these half-cystines, Cys13244 and Cys13246, are in the highly conserved sequence C13244LC13246C in the disulfide-rich domain of several other human mucins and in prepro-von Willebrand factor and norrin, a protein that in mutant forms gives rise to Norrie disease. Support for the involvement of these half-cystines in formation of disulfide-bonded dimers of these molecules is also provided by known mutations in prepro-von Willebrand factor and norrin.

Species diversity in the structure of zonadhesin, a sperm-specific membrane protein containing multiple cell adhesion molecule-like domains

A hallmark of gamete interactions at fertilization is relative or absolute species specificity. A pig sperm protein that binds to the extracellular matrix of the egg in a species-specific manner was recently identified and named zonadhesin (Hardy, D. M., and Garbers, D. L. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 26025-26028). We have now cloned a cDNA for mouse zonadhesin (16.4 kb), and it demonstrates a large species variation in the numbers and arrangements of domains. Expression of mouse zonadhesin mRNA is evident only within the testis, and the protein is found exclusively on the apical region of the sperm head. There are 20 partial D-domains, found as tandem repeats, inserted between two of the four full D-domains and an additional partial D-domain. These domains are homologous to the D-domains of von Willebrand factor and alpha-tectorin. A region at the N terminus of the mouse cDNA contains three tandem repeats homologous to MAM domains. These are domains comprised of about 160 amino acids that are present in transmembrane proteins such as the meprins and receptor protein-tyrosine phosphatases, where they appear to function in cell/cell interactions. Additionally, mouse zonadhesin contains a mucin-like domain and a domain homologous to epidermal growth factor (EGF). A putative single transmembrane segment separates a short carboxyl tail from the extracellular region. The existence of MAM, mucin, D-, and EGF domains suggest that mouse zonadhesin functions in multiple cell adhesion processes, where binding to the extracellular matrix of the egg is but one of the functions of this sperm-specific membrane protein.

Otogelin: a glycoprotein specific to the acellular membranes of the inner ear

Efforts to identify the specific components of the mammalian inner ear have been hampered by the small number of neuroepithelial cells and the variety of supporting cells. To circumvent these difficulties, we used a PCR-based subtractive method on cDNA from 2-day-old mouse cochlea. A cDNA encoding a predicted 2910-amino acid protein related to mucin has been isolated. Several lines of evidence indicate, however, that this protein does not undergo the O-glycosylation characteristic to mucins. As confirmed by immunocytochemistry and biochemical experiments, this protein is specific to the inner ear. Immunohistofluorescence labeling showed that this protein is a component of all the acellular membranes of the inner ear: i.e., the tectorial membrane of the cochlea, the otoconial and accessory membranes of the utricule and saccule, the cupula of the semicircular canals, and a previously undescribed acellular material covering the otoconia of the saccule. The protein has been named otogelin with reference to its localization. A variety of nonsensory cells located underneath these membranes could be identified as synthesizing otogelin. Finally, this study revealed a maturation process of the tectorial membrane, as evidenced by the progressive organization of otogelin labeling into thick and spaced radial fiber-like structures.