Role of histidines identified by mutagenesis in the NADPH oxidase-associated H+ channel

Arachidonic Acid and Nitroarachidonic: Effects on NADPH Oxidase Activity

Arachidonic acid (AA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that participates in the inflammatory response mainly through bioactive-lipids formation in macrophages and also in the phagocytic NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) activation. NOX2 is the enzyme responsible for a huge superoxide formation in macrophages, essential to eliminate pathogens inside the phagosome. The oxidase is an enzymatic complex comprised of a membrane-bound flavocytochrome b ₅₅₈ (gp91^phox/p22^phox), three cytosolic subunits (p47^phox, p40^phox and p67^phox) and a Rac-GTPase. The enzyme becomes active when macrophages are exposed to appropriate stimuli that trigger the phosphorylation of cytosolic subunits and its migration to plasmatic membrane to form the active complex. It is proposed that AA stimulates NOX2 activity through AA interaction with different components of the NADPH oxidase complex. In inflammatory conditions, there is an increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that results in the production of nitrated derivatives of AA, such as nitroarachidonic acid (NO₂-AA). NO₂-AA is capable to inhibit NOX2 activity by interfering with p47^phox migration to the membrane without affecting phosphorylation of cytosolic proteins. Also, NO₂-AA is capable to interact with protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), which is involved on NOX2 active complex formation. It has been demonstrated that NO₂-AA forms a covalent adduct with PDI that could prevent the interaction with NOX2 and it would explain the inhibitory effects of the fatty acid upon NOX2. Together, current data indicate that AA is an important activator of NOX2 formed in the early events of the inflammatory response, leading to a massive production of oxidants that may, in turn, promote NO₂-AA formation and shutting down the oxidative burst. Hence, AA and its derivatives could have antagonistic roles on NOX2 activity regulation.

Arachidonic acid: Physiological roles and potential health benefits - A review

It is time to shift the arachidonic acid (ARA) paradigm from a harm-generating molecule to its status of polyunsaturated fatty acid essential for normal health. ARA is an integral constituent of biological cell membrane, conferring it with fluidity and flexibility, so necessary for the function of all cells, especially in nervous system, skeletal muscle, and immune system. Arachidonic acid is obtained from food or by desaturation and chain elongation of the plant-rich essential fatty acid, linoleic acid. Free ARA modulates the function of ion channels, several receptors and enzymes, via activation as well as inhibition. That explains its fundamental role in the proper function of the brain and muscles and its protective potential against Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium infection and tumor initiation, development, and metastasis. Arachidonic acid in cell membranes undergoes reacylation/deacylation cycles, which keep the concentration of free ARA in cells at a very low level and limit ARA availability to oxidation. Metabolites derived from ARA oxidation do not initiate but contribute to inflammation and most importantly lead to the generation of mediators responsible for resolving inflammation and wound healing. Endocannabinoids are oxidation-independent ARA derivatives, critically important for brain reward signaling, motivational processes, emotion, stress responses, pain, and energy balance. Free ARA and metabolites promote and modulate type 2 immune responses, which are critically important in resistance to parasites and allergens insult, directly via action on eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells and indirectly by binding to specific receptors on innate lymphoid cells. In conclusion, the present review advocates the innumerable ARA roles and considerable importance for normal health.

Insights into the structure and function of HV1 from a meta-analysis of mutation studies

The voltage-gated proton channel (HV1) is a widely distributed, proton-specific ion channel with unique properties. Since 2006, when genes for HV1 were identified, a vast array of mutations have been generated and characterized. Accessing this potentially useful resource is hindered, however, by the sheer number of mutations and interspecies differences in amino acid numbering. This review organizes all existing information in a logical manner to allow swift identification of studies that have characterized any particular mutation. Although much can be gained from this meta-analysis, important questions about the inner workings of HV1 await future revelation.

Identification of NOX2 regions for normal biosynthesis of cytochrome b558 in phagocytes highlighting essential residues for p22phox binding

Cytochrome b558, the redox core of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) complex in phagocytes, is composed of NOX2 and p22phox, the synthesis of which is intimately connected but not fully understood. We reproduced 10 rare X-minus chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) mutations of highly conserved residues in NOX1-NOX4, in X0-CGD PLB-985 cells in order to analyse their impact on the synthesis of cytochrome b558. According to the impact of these mutations on the level of expression of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) and its activity, mutants were categorized into group A (W18C, E309K, K315del and I325F), characterized by a linear relationship between NOX2 expression and NOX activity, and group B (H338Y, P339H, G389A and F656-F570del), showing an absence of NOX activity associated with variable levels of NOX2 expression. These last residues belong to the FAD-binding pocket of NOX2, suggesting that this functional domain also plays a role in the structural integrity of NOX2. Finally, we observed an abnormal accumulation of p65 (65-kDa monomer), the NOX2 precursor and p65-p22phox dissociation in the W18C, E309K, I325F and G389A mutants, pointing out a possible role of the first transmembrane domain (Trp18), and the region between the membrane and the dehydrogenase domain of NOX2 (Glu309, Ile325 and Gly389), in the binding with p22phox.

Requirement of translocated lysosomal V1 H(+)-ATPase for activation of membrane acid sphingomyelinase and raft clustering in coronary endothelial cells

The activation of translocated lysosomal H⁺-ATPase is attributed to FasL-induced formation and maintenance of an acid microenvironment around the endothelial cell membrane, which facilitates the activation of ASM and production of ceramide, thereby leading to MR clustering and redox signaling platform formation.

Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) mediates the formation of membrane raft (MR) redox signalosomes in a process that depends on a local acid microenvironment in coronary arterial endothelial cells (CAECs). However, it is not known how this local acid microenvironment is formed and maintained. The present study hypothesized that lysosomal V1 H⁺-ATPase provides a hospitable acid microenvironment for activation of ASM when lysosomes traffic and fuse into the cell membrane. Confocal microscopy showed that local pH change significantly affected MRs, with more fluorescent patches under low pH. Correspondingly, the ASM product, ceramide, increased locally in the cell membrane. Electron spin resonance assay showed that local pH increase significantly inhibited NADPH oxidase–mediated production of O₂^−. in CAECs. Direct confocal microscopy demonstrated that Fas ligand resulted in localized areas of decreased pH around CAEC membranes. The inhibitors of both lysosomal fusion and H⁺-ATPase apparently attenuated FasL-caused pH decrease. V1 H⁺-ATPase accumulation and activity on cell membranes were substantially suppressed by the inhibitors of lysosomal fusion or H⁺-ATPase. These results provide the first direct evidence that translocated lysosomal V1 H⁺-ATPase critically contributes to the formation of local acid microenvironment to facilitate activation of ASM and consequent MR aggregation, forming MR redox signalosomes and mediating redox signaling in CAECs.

Role of putative second transmembrane region of Nox2 protein in the structural stability and electron transfer of the phagocytic NADPH oxidase

Flavocytochrome b(558) (cytb) of phagocytes is a heterodimeric integral membrane protein composed of two subunits, p22(phox) and gp91(phox). The latter subunit, also known as Nox2, has a cytosolic C-terminal "dehydrogenase domain" containing FAD/NADPH-binding sites. The N-terminal half of Nox2 contains six predicted transmembrane α-helices coordinating two hemes. We studied the role of the second transmembrane α-helix, which contains a "hot spot" for mutations found in rare X(+) and X(-) chronic granulomatous disease. By site-directed mutagenesis and transfection in X-CGD PLB-985 cells, we examined the functional and structural impact of seven missense mutations affecting five residues. P56L and C59F mutations drastically influence the level of Nox2 expression indicating that these residues are important for the structural stability of Nox2. A53D, R54G, R54M, and R54S mutations do not affect spectral properties of oxidized/reduced cytb, oxidase complex assembly, FAD binding, nor iodonitrotetrazolium (INT) reductase (diaphorase) activity but inhibit superoxide production. This suggests that Ala-53 and Arg-54 are essential in control of electron transfer from FAD. Surprisingly, the A57E mutation partially inhibits FAD binding, diaphorase activity, and oxidase assembly and affects the affinity of immunopurified A57E cytochrome b(558) for p67(phox). By competition experiments, we demonstrated that the second transmembrane helix impacts on the function of the first intracytosolic B-loop in the control of diaphorase activity of Nox2. Finally, by comparing INT reductase activity of immunopurified mutated and wild type cytb under aerobiosis versus anaerobiosis, we showed that INT reduction reflects the electron transfer from NADPH to FAD only in the absence of superoxide production.

Regulation of NADPH oxidase activity in phagocytes: relationship between FAD/NADPH binding and oxidase complex assembly

The X(+)-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X(+)-CGD) variants are natural mutants characterized by defective NADPH oxidase activity but with normal Nox2 expression. According to the three-dimensional model of the cytosolic Nox2 domain, most of the X(+)-CGD mutations are located in/or close to the FAD/NADPH binding regions. A structure/function study of this domain was conducted in X(+)-CGD PLB-985 cells exactly mimicking 10 human variants: T341K, C369R, G408E, G408R, P415H, P415L, Δ507QKT509-HIWAinsert, C537R, L546P, and E568K. Diaphorase activity is defective in all these mutants. NADPH oxidase assembly is normal for P415H/P415L and T341K mutants where mutation occurs in the consensus sequences of NADPH- and FAD-binding sites, respectively. This is in accordance with their buried position in the three-dimensional model of the cytosolic Nox2 domain. FAD incorporation is abolished only in the T341K mutant explaining its absence of diaphorase activity. This demonstrates that NADPH oxidase assembly can occur without FAD incorporation. In addition, a defect of NADPH binding is a plausible explanation for the diaphorase activity inhibition in the P415H, P415L, and C537R mutants. In contrast, Cys-369, Gly-408, Leu-546, and Glu-568 are essential for NADPH oxidase complex assembly. However, according to their position in the three-dimensional model of the cytosolic domain of Nox2, only Cys-369 could be in direct contact with cytosolic factors during oxidase assembly. In addition, the defect in oxidase assembly observed in the C369R, G408E, G408R, and E568K mutants correlates with the lack of FAD incorporation. Thus, the NADPH oxidase assembly process and FAD incorporation are closely related events essential for the diaphorase activity of Nox2.

Voltage-gated proton channels find their dream job managing the respiratory burst in phagocytes

The voltage-gated proton channel bears surprising resemblance to the voltage-sensing domain (S1-S4) of other voltage-gated ion channels but is a dimer with two conduction pathways. The proton channel seems designed for efficient proton extrusion from cells. In phagocytes, it facilitates the production of reactive oxygen species by NADPH oxidase.

Voltage-gated proton channels

The history of research on voltage-gated proton channels is recounted, from their proposed existence in dinoflagellates by Hastings in 1972 and their demonstration in snail neurons by Thomas and Meech in 1982 to the discovery in 2006 (after a decade of controversy) of genes that unequivocally code for proton channels. Voltage-gated proton channels are perfectly selective for protons, conduct deuterons half as well, and the conductance is strongly temperature dependent. These properties are consistent with a conduction mechanism involving hydrogen-bonded-chain transfer, in which the selectivity filter is a titratable amino acid residue. Channel opening is regulated stringently by pH such that only outward current is normally activated. Main functions of proton channels include acid extrusion from cells and charge compensation for the electrogenic activity of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase. Genetic approaches hold the promise of rapid progress in the near future.

Expression of Nox1 in 3T3 cells increases cellular acid production but not proton conductance

The role of the NADPH oxidase homolog 1 (Nox1) in plasma membrane H(+) conductance and cellular H(+) production was investigated in 3T3 cells stably expressing Nox1 (Nox1 3T3) compared to vector-expressing control cells (mock 3T3). In whole cell patch clamp experiments both Nox1 and mock 3T3 expressed a similar H(+) conductance (Nox1 3T3, 13.2+/-8.6 pS/pF; mock 3T3, 16.6+/-13.4 pS/pF) with a number of similar characteristics (e.g., current-voltage relations, current activation kinetics, Zn(2+)-sensitivity). When the intracellular pH of cells was alkalinized with NH(4)Cl, rates of intracellular acidification were significantly higher in Nox1 3T3 compared to mock 3T3. Nox1 3T3 showed a time course of acidification that followed a double-exponential function with a fast and a slow component of, on average, tau=165 s and 1780 s, whereas mock 3T3 showed only a single slow tau of 1560 s. Expression of Nox1 also caused cells to acidify the extracellular medium at higher rates than control cells; Nox1 3T3 released 96+/-19 fmol h(-1)cell(-1) of acid equivalents compared to 19+/-12 fmol h(-1)cell(-1) in mock 3T3. These data show that expression of Nox1 results in a mechanism that has the capacity to rapidly acidify the cytosol and generate significant amounts of acid. No significant effect of Nox1 expression on the plasma membrane H(+) conductance was found.

Cell surface oxygen consumption: a major contributor to cellular oxygen consumption in glycolytic cancer cell lines

Oxygen consumption for bioenergetic purposes has long been thought to be the prerogative of mitochondria. Nevertheless, mitochondrial gene knockout (rho(0)) cells that are defective in mitochondrial respiration require oxygen for growth and consume oxygen at the cell surface via trans-plasma membrane electron transport (tPMET). This raises the possibility that cell surface oxygen consumption may support glycolytic energy metabolism by reoxidising cytosolic NADH to facilitate continued glycolysis. In this paper we determined the extent of cell surface oxygen consumption in a panel of 19 cancer cell lines. Non-mitochondrial (myxothiazol-resistant) oxygen consumption was demonstrated to consist of at least two components, cell surface oxygen consumption (inhibited by extracellular NADH) and basal oxygen consumption (insensitive to both myxothiazol and NADH). The extent of cell surface oxygen consumption varied considerably between parental cell lines from 1% to 80% of total oxygen consumption rates. In addition, cell surface oxygen consumption was found to be associated with low levels of superoxide production and to contribute significantly (up to 25%) to extracellular acidification in HL60rho(0) cells. In summary, cell surface oxygen consumption contributes significantly to total cellular oxygen consumption, not only in rho(0) cells but also in mitochondrially competent tumour cell lines with glycolytic metabolism.

Structural consequences of the pH-induced conformational switch in A.polyphemus pheromone-binding protein: mechanisms of ligand release

Olfaction in moths is one of the most impressive examples of chemical communication found in nature for its exquisite sensitivity and selectivity. Pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs), present in the antennae of male moth and other insect species, bind the hydrophobic pheromone molecules and transport them to the G protein-coupled olfactory receptor proteins. The targeted delivery of these non-polar ligands to membrane-bound receptors involves ligand release on or near the target cell membranes, the molecular details of which are still not well understood. The PBP from the giant silk moth Antheraea polyphemus (ApolPBP) binds acetate pheromone only at pH above 6.0, and its structure at pH 6.3 has been determined previously. Here we report the solution NMR structure of ApolPBP at the acidic pH 5.2. Comparison of the present structure to that at neutral pH reveals the details of the pH-induced conformational changes and provides mechanistic clues for ligand release at acidic pH. The ApolPBP pH-induced structural change is quite different from that observed for alcohol binding Bombyx mori PBP (BmorPBP), where the C-terminal segment folds into a helix and occupies the ligand binding cavity. We observe a reorientation of helices alpha1, alpha3, and alpha4 at acidic pH caused by protonation of His69, His70 and His95 in the interior. This provides the driving force behind the opening of the ligand binding cavity and the release of the pheromone molecule from its carrier protein near the membrane.

Expression of gp91phox/Nox2 in COS-7 cells: cellular localization of the protein and the detection of outward proton currents

We have reported previously that gp91phox, expressed in CHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cells, functions as a voltage-dependent proton channel. However, others have reported that COS-7 cells expressing gp91phox failed to exhibit outward proton currents, and concluded that gp91phox does not function as a proton channel. To investigate this clear difference in findings, we have examined the expression and cellular localization of the fusion protein EGFP-C-91, in which gp91phox is fused to the C-terminus of enhanced green fluorescent protein. EGFP-C-91 was observed in the plasma membrane and intracellular membranes of 30% of the transfected COS-7 cells. In the remaining COS-7 cells, EGFP-C-91 was detected in the intracellular membranes only. In CHO cells EGFP-C-91 was present in both the plasma membrane and the intracellular membranes of all transfected cells. Under the whole-cell configuration, outward currents were recorded from COS-7 cells expressing gp91phox. These increased in magnitude and lost their 'droop' over time as the pipette solution equilibrated with the cell cytoplasm (50 min). The threshold activation voltage for the currents was shifted by approximately 60 mV for a 1 unit difference in bath pH. Zn2+ inhibited the outward currents observed in COS-7 cells expressing gp91phox. The tail current reversal potential was -64 mV at a pH(o) (external pH) of 8.0, -40 mV at pH(o) 7.4 and -8 mV at pH(o) 7.0, indicating that the current arises from the movement of protons. Outward currents were exhibited by 37.5% of the COS-7 cells expressing gp91phox. Proton currents were recorded following the excision of inside-out patches from cells transfected with gp91phox. The presence of outward proton currents in COS-7 cells expressing gp91phox provides further support for our proposed role for gp91phox as the NADPH oxidase-associated proton channel.

Investigation of the contribution of histidine 119 to the conduction of protons through human Nox2

The conduction of protons through human Nox2 has previously been shown to be dependent upon His115. Alignment of sequences for both animal and plant Nox proteins indicated that histidines 115 and 119 are both highly conserved, while His111 was conserved among animal homologues of Nox1-4. To investigate the possible role that these histidine residues might play in the conduction of protons through Nox2, we have introduced both paired and single mutations into these histidine residues. Each construct was used to generate a CHO cell line in which the expression of the mutated Nox2 was assessed. Nox2 was expressed in each of the CHO cell lines generated, however, the level of expression of H111/115L in CHO cells was lower and that of H111L very much reduced, compared to that of wild-type Nox2. The arachidonic acid activated proton flux was absent in the CHO cell lines expressing the mutations of H111/115L, H111/119L or H115/119L, compared to that observed for wild-type Nox2. Similarly only a small efflux of protons was observed from CHO cells expressing either H119L or H111L. In all cases the expected proton flux was elicited through the addition of the protonophore, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone. Conclusions regarding the role of His111 in the conduction of protons cannot be drawn due to the reduced expression. We can, however, conclude that His119, in addition to His115, is required for the conduction of protons through Nox2. His119 has been identified as a highly conserved residue for which no function has previously been proposed.

Nuclear factor kappa B activation by NADPH oxidases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) initiate activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB in a variety of cell systems. Perhaps the most potent biological source of ROS is the NADPH oxidase of phagocytic cells, a multi-component system that catalyzes the formation of superoxide anion. Although phagocytes use this oxidase to kill ingested microorganisms, the products also mediate a broad range of biological oxidation reactions and some evidence exists for activation of NF-kappaB through this mechanism. Moreover, the components of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase are present in certain non-phagocytic cells and recently discovered homologues of the catalytic component gp91(phox) are expressed in a number of tissues. We explored the hypothesis that the products of NADPH oxidases cause the activation of NF-kappaB. K562 human erythrokeukemia cells transfected with constructs for expression of gp91(phox), plus other essential NADPH oxidase components generated substantial amounts of superoxide when activated with phorbol ester, lesser amounts with arachidonic acid exposure, and none with TNFalpha. Gel shift assays demonstrated induction of NF-kappaB in K562 cells exposed to TNFalpha and specificity was shown by oligonucleotide competition. Supershift assays demonstrated the presence in nuclear complexes of the NF-kappaB components p65/RelA and p50. Nuclear complexes of identical electrophoretic mobility were induced in phorbol ester-stimulated K562 cells that expressed the complete NADPH oxidase system, but not in cells lacking one of the essential oxidase components. K562 cells were relatively resistant to NF-kappaB induction by exogenous peroxide, but certain other cell types (HEK293 and HeLaS3) demonstrated such induction upon exposure to reagent hydrogen peroxide or glucose oxidase plus glucose and this was blocked by catalase. Finally, we found a biphasic pattern of gp91(phox) expression in rat liver during aging. High levels observed in young animals decreased in middle age, but increased again in old age. Collectively, these studies demonstrate the potential for NADPH-dependent induction of NF-kappaB and raise the possibility of a role for this pathway in the biology of aging.

NADPH oxidase-dependent acid production in airway epithelial cells

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of NADPH oxidase in H(+) secretion by airway epithelia. In whole cell patch clamp recordings primary human tracheal epithelial cells (hTE) and the human serous gland cell line Calu-3 expressed a functionally similar zinc-blockable plasma membrane H(+) conductance. However, the rate of H(+) secretion of confluent epithelial monolayers measured in Ussing chambers was 9-fold larger in hTE compared with Calu-3. In hTE H(+) secretion was blocked by mucosal ZnCl(2) and the NADPH oxidase blockers acetovanillone and 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF), whereas these same blockers had no effect in Calu-3. We determined levels of transcripts for the NADPH oxidase transmembrane isoforms (Nox1 through -5, Duox1 and -2, and p22(phox)) and found Duox1, -2, and p22(phox) to be highly expressed in hTE, as well as the intracellular subunits p40(phox), p47(phox), and p67(phox). In contrast, Calu-3 lacked transcripts for Duox1, p40(phox), and p47(phox). Anti-Duox antibody staining resulted in prominent apical staining in hTE but no significant staining in Calu-3. When treated with amiloride to block the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger, intracellular pH in hTE acidified at significantly higher rates than in Calu-3, and treatment with AEBSF blocked acidification. These data suggest a role for an apically located Duox-based NADPH oxidase during intracellular H(+) production and H(+) secretion, but not in H(+) conduction.

Voltage-gated proton channels and other proton transfer pathways

Proton channels exist in a wide variety of membrane proteins where they transport protons rapidly and efficiently. Usually the proton pathway is formed mainly by water molecules present in the protein, but its function is regulated by titratable groups on critical amino acid residues in the pathway. All proton channels conduct protons by a hydrogen-bonded chain mechanism in which the proton hops from one water or titratable group to the next. Voltage-gated proton channels represent a specific subset of proton channels that have voltage- and time-dependent gating like other ion channels. However, they differ from most ion channels in their extraordinarily high selectivity, tiny conductance, strong temperature and deuterium isotope effects on conductance and gating kinetics, and insensitivity to block by steric occlusion. Gating of H(+) channels is regulated tightly by pH and voltage, ensuring that they open only when the electrochemical gradient is outward. Thus they function to extrude acid from cells. H(+) channels are expressed in many cells. During the respiratory burst in phagocytes, H(+) current compensates for electron extrusion by NADPH oxidase. Most evidence indicates that the H(+) channel is not part of the NADPH oxidase complex, but rather is a distinct and as yet unidentified molecule.

Absence of proton channels in COS-7 cells expressing functional NADPH oxidase components

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is an enzyme of phagocytes that produces bactericidal superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) via an electrogenic process. Proton efflux compensates for the charge movement across the cell membrane. The proton channel responsible for the H(+) efflux was thought to be contained within the gp91(phox) subunit of NADPH oxidase, but recent data do not support this idea (DeCoursey, T.E., V.V. Cherny, D. Morgan, B.Z. Katz, and M.C. Dinauer. 2001. J. Biol. Chem. 276:36063-36066). In this study, we investigated electrophysiological properties and superoxide production of COS-7 cells transfected with all NADPH oxidase components required for enzyme function (COS(phox)). The 7D5 antibody, which detects an extracellular epitope of the gp91(phox) protein, labeled 96-98% of COS(phox) cells. NADPH oxidase was functional because COS(phox) (but not COS(WT)) cells stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or arachidonic acid (AA) produced superoxide anion. No proton currents were detected in either wild-type COS-7 cells (COS(WT)) or COS(phox) cells studied at pH(o) 7.0 and pH(i) 5.5 or 7.0. Anion currents that decayed at voltages positive to 40 mV were the only currents observed. PMA or AA did not elicit detectable H(+) current in COS(WT) or COS(phox) cells. Therefore, gp91(phox) does not function as a proton channel in unstimulated cells or in activated cells with a demonstrably functional oxidase.

Molecular and functional characterization of a new X-linked chronic granulomatous disease variant (X91+) case with a double missense mutation in the cytosolic gp91phox C-terminal tail

We report here two atypical cases of X-linked CGD patients (first cousins) in which cytochrome b(558) is present at a normal level but is not functional (X91+). The mutations were localized by single-strand conformational polymorphism of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction amplified fragments and then identified by sequence analysis. They consisted in two base substitutions (C919 to A and C923 to G), changing His303 to Asn and Pro304 to Arg in the cytosolic gp91phox C-terminal tail. Mismatched polymerase chain reaction and genomic DNA sequencing showed that mothers had both wild-type and mutated alleles, confirming that this case was transmitted in an X-linked fashion. A normal amount of FAD was found in neutrophil membranes, both in the X91+ patients and their parents. Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B lymphocytes from the X91+ patients acidified normally upon stimulation with arachidonic acid, indicating that the mutated gp91phox still functioned as a proton channel. A cell-free translocation assay demonstrated that the association of the cytosolic factors p47phox and p67phox with the membrane fraction was strongly disrupted. We concluded that residues 303 and 304 are crucial for the stable assembly of the NADPH oxidase complex and for electron transfer, but not for its proton channel activity.

The neutrophil NADPH oxidase

The NADPH oxidase of phagocytes catalyzes the conversion of oxygen to O2(-). This multicomponent enzyme complex contains five essential protein components, two in the membrane and three in the cytosol. Unassembled and inactive in resting phagocytes, the oxidase becomes active after translocation of cytosolic components to the membrane to assemble a functional oxidase. Multiple factors regulate its assembly and activity, thus serving to maintain this highly reactive system under spatial and temporal control until recruited for antimicrobial or proinflammatory events. The recent identification of homologs of one of the membrane components in nonphagocytic cells will expand understanding of the biological contexts in which this system may function.

Nox/Duox family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) oxidases

Reactive oxygen species are classically described as occurring as an accidental byproduct of respiration, and are generally thought to be deleterious to biologic systems. The phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase provides an example of deliberate reactive oxygen species generation, but the function of this enzyme is to oxidatively modify bacteria as part of bactericidal mechanisms. The discovery of a family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) oxidases related to the phagocyte oxidase, the Nox/Duox family, provides additional examples of deliberate generation of reactive oxygen species. This article describes this new family of enzymes and considers hypotheses for their function. Potential roles of Nox/Duox in generation of reactive oxygen species that function in cell signaling (related to growth and angiogenesis), immune function, hypoxic response, and oxidative modification of extracellular matrix proteins are discussed.

The gp91phox component of NADPH oxidase is not the voltage-gated proton channel in phagocytes, but it helps

During the "respiratory burst," the NADPH oxidase complex of phagocytes produces reactive oxygen species that kill bacteria and other invaders (Babior, B. M. (1999) Blood 93, 1464-1476). Electron efflux through NADPH oxidase is electrogenic (Henderson, L. M., Chappell, J. B., and Jones, O. T. G. (1987) Biochem. J. 246, 325-329) and is compensated by H(+) efflux through proton channels that reportedly are contained within the gp91(phox) subunit of NADPH oxidase. To test whether gp91(phox) functions as a proton channel, we studied H(+) currents in granulocytes from X-linked chronic granulomatous disease patients lacking gp91(phox) (X-CGD), the human myelocytic PLB-985 cell line, PLB-985 cells in which gp91(phox) was knocked out by gene targeting (PLB(KO)), and PLB-985 knockout cells re-transfected with gp91(phox) (PLB(91)). H(+) currents in unstimulated PLB(KO) cells had amplitude and gating kinetics similar to PLB(91) cells. Furthermore, stimulation with the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate increased H(+) currents to a similar extent in X-CGD, PLB(KO), and PLB(91) cells. Thus, gp91(phox) is not the proton channel in unstimulated phagocytes and does not directly mediate the increase of proton conductance during the respiratory burst. Changes in H(+) channel gating kinetics during NADPH oxidase activity are likely crucial to the activation of H(+) flux during the respiratory burst.

Inhibition of the neutrophil NADPH oxidase and associated H+ channel by diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC), a histidine-modifying agent: evidence for at least two target sites

Diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC), a histidine-modifying reagent, has been utilized to demonstrate the importance of histidine residues in the functioning of proteins. In previous studies of the NADPH oxidase, histidine residues have been determined to be important in the ability of gp91(phox) to function as an H(+) pathway and in the binding of haem and FAD. We have investigated the ability of DEPC to inhibit H(+) flux and superoxide generation by human neutrophils. Proton flux through the NADPH oxidase-associated H(+) channel was inhibited by DEPC only if applied simultaneously with an activator of the channel. This suggested that the site modified by DEPC is not accessible in the closed channel. Superoxide generation by the NADPH oxidase was also inhibited by DEPC when applied after or simultaneously with the activator. Translocation of the NADPH oxidase cytosolic components, p67(phox) and p47(phox), to the membrane was unaffected by DEPC. In a cell-free system, DEPC-treated membranes failed to support superoxide generation or the reduction of Iodonitrotetrazolium Violet and showed a loss of the characteristic cytochrome b(558) spectrum. Superoxide generation by DEPC-treated cytosol was inhibited slightly. Therefore it can be concluded that there are two sites within the NADPH oxidase that interact with DEPC, one in the H(+) pathway, only accessible in the activated oxidase, and a second accessible prior to activation of the NADPH oxidase. The latter non-proton pathway DEPC site is located within the membrane components of the NADPH oxidase and is associated with the binding of haem in the enzyme complex.

Heme histidine ligands within gp91(phox) modulate proton conduction by the phagocyte NADPH oxidase

The membrane subunit of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase, gp91(phox), possesses a H(+) channel motif formed by membrane-spanning histidines postulated to coordinate the two heme groups forming the redox center of the flavocytochrome. To study the role of heme-binding histidines on proton conduction, we stably expressed the gp91(phox) cytochrome in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and measured proton currents with the patch clamp technique. Similar to its shorter homologue, NADPH oxidase homologue 1, which is predicted not to bind heme, gp91(phox) generated voltage-activated, pH-dependent, H(+)-selective currents that were reversibly blocked by Zn(2+). The gp91(phox) currents, however, activated faster, deactivated more slowly, and were markedly affected by the inhibition of heme synthesis. Upon heme removal, the currents had larger amplitude, activated faster and at lower voltages, and became sensitive to the histidine reagent diethylpyrocarbonate. Mutation of the His-115 residue to leucine abolished both the gp91(phox) characteristic 558-nm absorbance peak and voltage-activated currents, indicating that His-115 is involved in both heme ligation and proton conduction. These results indicate that the gp91(phox) proton channel is activated upon release of heme from its His-115 ligand. During activation of the oxidase complex, changes in heme coordination within the cytochrome might increase the mobility of histidine ligands, thereby coupling electron and proton transport.

Involvement of residues 147VYYEIGK153 in binding of lethal factor to protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis

Anthrax toxin is a complex of protective antigen (PA, 735 aa), lethal factor (LF, 776 aa), and edema factor (EF, 767 aa). PA binds to cell surface receptors and is cleaved by cell surface proteases into PA63, while LF and EF compete for binding to PA63. The PA63-LF/EF complex is internalized into the cytosol and causes different pathogenic responses in animals and cultured cells. 1-300 amino acid residues of LF have been viewed as the region responsible for the high affinity binding of LF to PA. Amino acid analysis of LF and EF revealed a common stretch of 7 amino acids (147VYYEIGK153). In the present study, each amino acid of this stretch was replaced by alanine at a time. Y148A, Y149A, I151A, and K153A mutants were found to be deficient in their ability to lyse J774A.1 cells and their binding ability to PA63 was drastically reduced. We propose that these four amino acids play a crucial role in the process of binding of LF to PA63.

NADPH oxidase subunit gp91phox: a proton pathway

The generation of superoxide by the NADPH oxidase is an electrogenic process resulting in a rapid depolarisation of the membrane potential of the cell. The efflux of H+ ions through an arachidonate-activatable, Zn(2+)-inhibitable H+ pathway accompanies the efflux of electrons and provides the necessary charge compensation. Inhibition of H+ flux leads to inhibition of superoxide generation. The protein gp91phox, a transmembrane component of the NADPH oxidase, was demonstrated to be capable of acting as the NADPH oxidase-associated H+ channel in a stable CHO cell line, CHO91. The N-terminal 230 amino acids contain all that is required for the protein to form an H+ channel and specifically histidine 115 is important to the ability of gp91phox to conduct H+ ions. The recording of outward currents from CHO91 cells, in the whole-cell configuration, demonstrated that gp91phox is also capable of functioning as a voltage-gated H+ conductance pathway. The similarity in properties between voltage-elicited outward currents, from both wild type and the mutations, and the arachidonate-activated H+ flux strongly suggests that these H+ pathways are one in the same. Among the recently identified homologues of gp91phox only NOH-1S has so far been demonstrated to also act as an H+ conductance pathway.

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

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

Molecular characterization and localization of the NAD(P)H oxidase components gp91-phox and p22-phox in endothelial cells

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within endothelial cells may have several effects, including alterations in the activity of paracrine factors, gene expression, apoptosis, and cellular injury. Recent studies indicate that a phagocyte-type NAD(P)H oxidase is a major source of endothelial ROS. In contrast to the high-output phagocytic oxidase, the endothelial enzyme has much lower biochemical activity and a different substrate specificity (NADH>NADPH). In the present study, we (1) cloned and characterized the cDNA and predicted amino acid structures of the 2 major subunits of rat coronary microvascular endothelial cell NAD(P)H oxidase, gp91-phox and p22-phox; (2) undertook a detailed comparison with phagocytic NADPH oxidase sequences; and (3) studied the subcellular location of these subunits in endothelial cells. Although these studies revealed an overall high degree of homology (>90%) between the endothelial and phagocytic oxidase subunits, the endothelial gp91-phox sequence has potentially important differences in a putative NADPH-binding domain and in putative glycosylation sites. In addition, the subcellular location of the endothelial gp91-phox and p22-phox subunits is significantly different from that reported for the neutrophil oxidase, in that they are predominantly intracellular and collocated in the vicinity of the endoplasmic reticulum. This first detailed characterization of gp91-phox and p22-phox structure and location in endothelial cells provides new data that may account, in part, for the differences in function between the phagocytic and endothelial NAD(P)H oxidases.

Genetic, biochemical, and clinical features of chronic granulomatous disease

The reduced nicotinamide dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex allows phagocytes to rapidly convert O2 to superoxide anion which then generates other antimicrobial reactive oxygen intermediates, such as H2O2, hydroxyl anion, and peroxynitrite anion. Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) results from a defect in any of the 4 subunits of the NADPH oxidase and is characterized by recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections and abnormal tissue granuloma formation. Activation of the NADPH oxidase requires translocation of the cytosolic subunits p47phox (phagocyte oxidase), p67phox, and the low molecular weight GT-Pase Rac, to the membrane-bound flavocytochrome, a heterodimer composed of the heavy chain gp91phox and the light chain p22phox. This complex transfers electrons from NADPH on the cytoplasmic side to O2 on the vacuolar or extracellular side, thereby generating superoxide anion. Activation of the NADPH oxidase requires complex rearrangements between the protein subunits, which are in part mediated by noncovalent binding between src-homology 3 domains (SH3 domains) and proline-rich motifs. Outpatient management of CGD patients relies on the use of prophylactic antibiotics and interferon-gamma. When infection is suspected, aggressive effort to obtain culture material is required. Treatment of infections involves prolonged use of systemic antibiotics, surgical debridement when feasible, and, in severe infections, use of granulocyte transfusions. Mouse knockout models of CGD have been created in which to examine aspects of pathophysiology and therapy. Gene therapy and bone marrow transplantation trials in CGD patients are ongoing and show great promise.

A mammalian H+ channel generated through alternative splicing of the NADPH oxidase homolog NOH-1

Voltage-gated proton (H+) channels are found in many human and animal tissues and play an important role in cellular defense against acidic stress. However, a molecular identification of these unique ion conductances has so far not been achieved. A 191-amino acid protein is described that, upon heterologous expression, has properties indistinguishable from those of native H+ channels. This protein is generated through alternative splicing of messenger RNA derived from the gene NOH-1 (NADPH oxidase homolog 1, where NADPH is the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate).

Kinetic study of the activation of the neutrophil NADPH oxidase by arachidonic acid. Antagonistic effects of arachidonic acid and phenylarsine oxide

The O(2)(-) generating NADPH oxidase complex of neutrophils comprises two sets of components, namely a membrane-bound heterodimeric flavocytochrome b which contains the redox centers of the oxidase and water-soluble proteins of cytosolic origin which act as activating factors of the flavocytochrome. The NADPH oxidase can be activated in a cell-free system consisting of plasma membranes and cytosol from resting neutrophils in the presence of GTPgammaS and arachidonic acid. NADPH oxidase activation is inhibited by phenylarsine oxide (PAO), a sulfhydryl reagent for vicinal or proximal thiol groups. The site of action of PAO was localized by photolabeling in the beta-subunit of flavocytochrome b [Doussière, J., Poinas, A, Blais, C., and Vignais, P. V. (1998) Eur. J. Biochem. 251, 649-658]. Moreover, the spin state of heme b is controlled by interaction of arachidonic acid with the flavocytochrome b [Doussière, J., Gaillard, J., and Vignais, P. V. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 13400-13410]. Here we report that the promoting effect of arachidonic acid on the activation of NADPH oxidase is due to specific binding of arachidonic acid to flavocytochrome b. Elicitation of NADPH oxidase activity by arachidonic acid is in part associated with an increased affinity of flavocytochrome b for O(2), an effect that was counteracted by the methyl ester of arachidonic acid. On the other hand, the affinity for NADPH was not affected by arachidonic acid. We further demonstrate that PAO antagonizes the effect of arachidonic acid on oxidase activation by decreasing the affinity of the oxidase for O(2), but not for NADPH. PAO induced a change in the spin state of heme b, as arachidonic acid does, with, however, some differences in the constraints imposed to the heme. It is concluded that the opposite effects of arachidonic acid and PAO are exerted on the beta-subunit of flavocytochrome b at two different interacting sites.

pH-dependent inhibition of voltage-gated H(+) currents in rat alveolar epithelial cells by Zn(2+) and other divalent cations

Inhibition by polyvalent cations is a defining characteristic of voltage-gated proton channels. The mechanism of this inhibition was studied in rat alveolar epithelial cells using tight-seal voltage clamp techniques. Metal concentrations were corrected for measured binding to buffers. Externally applied ZnCl(2) reduced the H(+) current, shifted the voltage-activation curve toward positive potentials, and slowed the turn-on of H(+) current upon depolarization more than could be accounted for by a simple voltage shift, with minimal effects on the closing rate. The effects of Zn(2+) were inconsistent with classical voltage-dependent block in which Zn(2+) binds within the membrane voltage field. Instead, Zn(2+) binds to superficial sites on the channel and modulates gating. The effects of extracellular Zn(2+) were strongly pH(o) dependent but were insensitive to pH(i), suggesting that protons and Zn(2+) compete for external sites on H(+) channels. The apparent potency of Zn(2+) in slowing activation was approximately 10x greater at pH(o) 7 than at pH(o) 6, and approximately 100x greater at pH(o) 6 than at pH(o) 5. The pH(o) dependence suggests that Zn(2+), not ZnOH(+), is the active species. Evidently, the Zn(2+) receptor is formed by multiple groups, protonation of any of which inhibits Zn(2+) binding. The external receptor bound H(+) and Zn(2+) with pK(a) 6.2-6.6 and pK(M) 6.5, as described by several models. Zn(2+) effects on the proton chord conductance-voltage (g(H)-V) relationship indicated higher affinities, pK(a) 7 and pK(M) 8. CdCl(2) had similar effects as ZnCl(2) and competed with H(+), but had lower affinity. Zn(2+) applied internally via the pipette solution or to inside-out patches had comparatively small effects, but at high concentrations reduced H(+) currents and slowed channel closing. Thus, external and internal zinc-binding sites are different. The external Zn(2+) receptor may be the same modulatory protonation site(s) at which pH(o) regulates H(+) channel gating.

Evidence that the product of the human X-linked CGD gene, gp91-phox, is a voltage-gated H(+) pathway

Expression of gp91-phox in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO91) cells is correlated with the presence of a voltage-gated H(+) conductance. As one component of NADPH oxidase in neutrophils, gp91-phox is responsible for catalyzing the production of superoxide (O(2).(2)). Suspensions of CHO91 cells exhibit arachidonate-activatable H(+) fluxes (Henderson, L.M., G. Banting, and J.B. Chappell. 1995. J. Biol. Chem. 270:5909-5916) and we now characterize the electrical properties of the pathway. Voltage-gated currents were recorded from CHO91 cells using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique under conditions designed to exclude a contribution from ions other than H(+). As in other voltage-gated proton currents (Byerly, L., R. Meech, and W. Moody. 1984. J. Physiol. 351:199-216; DeCoursey, T.E., and V.V. Cherny. 1993. Biophys. J. 65:1590-1598), a lowered external pH (pH(o)) shifted activation to more positive voltages and caused the tail current reversal potential to shift in the manner predicted by the Nernst equation. The outward currents were also reversibly inhibited by 200 microM zinc. Voltage-gated currents were not present immediately upon perforating the cell membrane, but showed a progressive increase over the first 10-20 min of the recording period. This time course was consistent with a gradual shift in activation to more negative potentials as the pipette solution, pH 6.5, equilibrated with the cell contents (reported by Lucifer yellow included in the patch pipette). Use of the pH-sensitive dye 2'7' bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5(and 6) carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) suggested that the final intracellular pH (pH(i)) was approximately 6.9, as though pH(i) was largely determined by endogenous cellular regulation. Arachidonate (20 microM) increased the amplitude of the currents by shifting activation to more negative voltages and by increasing the maximally available conductance. Changes in external Cl(-) concentration had no effect on either the time scale or the appearance of the currents. Examination of whole cell currents from cells expressing mutated versions of gp91-phox suggest that: (a) voltage as well as arachidonate sensitivity was retained by cells with only the NH(2)-terminal 230 amino acids, (b) histidine residues at positions 111, 115, and 119 on a putative membrane-spanning helical region of the protein contribute to H(+) permeation, (c) histidine residues at positions 111 and 119 may contribute to voltage gating, (d) the histidine residue at position 115 is functionally important for H(+) selectivity. Mechanisms of H(+) permeation through gp91-phox include the possible protonation/deprotonation of His-115 as it is exposed alternatively to the interior and exterior faces of the cell membrane (see Starace, D.M., E. Stefani, and F. Bezanilla. 1997. Neuron. 19:1319-1327) and the transfer of protons across an "H-X-X-X-H-X-X-X-H" motif lining a conducting pore.

Essential requirement of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) for activation of the H(+) channel in phagocyte-like cells

The NADPH oxidase-producing superoxide is the major mechanism by which phagocytes kill invading pathogens. We previously established a model of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2))-deficient differentiated PLB-985 cells (PLB-D cells) and demonstrated that cPLA(2)-generated arachidonic acid (AA) is essential for NADPH oxidase activation (Dana, R., Leto, T., Malech, H., and Levy, R. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 441-445). In the present study, we used this model to determine the physiological role of cPLA(2) in the regulation of both the H(+) channel and the Na(+)/H(+) antiporter and to study whether NADPH oxidase activation is regulated by either of these transporters. PLB-D cells and two controls: parent PLB-985 cells and PLB-985 cells transfected with the vector only (PLB cells) were differentiated using 1.25% Me(2)SO or 5 x 10(-8) M 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). Activation of differentiated PLB cells resulted in a Zn(2+)-sensitive alkalization, indicating H(+) channel activity. In contrast, differentiated PLB-D cells failed to activate the H(+) channel, but the addition of exogenous AA fully restored this activity, indicating the role of cPLA(2) in H(+) channel activation. The presence of the H(+) channel inhibitor Zn(2+) caused significant inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity, suggesting a role of the H(+) channel in regulating oxidase activity. Na(+)/H(+) antiporter activity was stimulated in differentiated PLB-D cells, indicating that cPLA(2) does not participate in the regulation of this antiporter. These results establish an essential and specific physiological requirement of cPLA(2)-generated AA for activation of the H(+) channel and suggest the participation of this channel in the regulation of NADPH oxidase activity.

A novel H(+) conductance in eosinophils: unique characteristics and absence in chronic granulomatous disease

Efficient mechanisms of H(+) ion extrusion are crucial for normal NADPH oxidase function. However, whether the NADPH oxidase-in analogy with mitochondrial cytochromes-has an inherent H(+) channel activity remains uncertain: electrophysiological studies did not find altered H(+) currents in cells from patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), challenging earlier reports in intact cells. In this study, we describe the presence of two different types of H(+) currents in human eosinophils. The "classical" H(+) current had properties similar to previously described H(+) conductances and was present in CGD cells. In contrast, the "novel" type of H(+) current had not been described previously and displayed unique properties: (a) it was absent in cells from gp91- or p47-deficient CGD patients; (b) it was only observed under experimental conditions that allowed NADPH oxidase activation; (c) because of its low threshold of voltage activation, it allowed proton influx and cytosolic acidification; (d) it activated faster and deactivated with slower and distinct kinetics than the classical H(+) currents; and (e) it was approximately 20-fold more sensitive to Zn(2+) and was blocked by the histidine-reactive agent, diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC). In summary, our results demonstrate that the NADPH oxidase or a closely associated protein provides a novel type of H(+) conductance during phagocyte activation. The unique properties of this conductance suggest that its physiological function is not restricted to H(+) extrusion and repolarization, but might include depolarization, pH-dependent signal termination, and determination of the phagosomal pH set point.