Interaction of Drosophila melanogaster prohormone convertase 2 and 7B2. Insect cell-specific processing and secretion

Cellular-resolution gene expression mapping reveals organization in the head ganglia of the gastropod, Berghia stephanieae

Gastropod molluscs such as Aplysia, Lymnaea, and Tritonia have been important for determining fundamental rules of motor control, learning, and memory because of their large, individually identifiable neurons. Yet only a small number of gastropod neurons have known molecular markers, limiting the ability to establish brain-wide structure-function relations. Here we combine high-throughput, single-cell RNA sequencing with in situ hybridization chain reaction in the nudibranch Berghia stephanieae to identify and visualize the expression of markers for cell types. Broad neuronal classes were characterized by genes associated with neurotransmitters, like acetylcholine, glutamate, serotonin, and GABA, as well as neuropeptides. These classes were subdivided by other genes including transcriptional regulators and unannotated genes. Marker genes expressed by neurons and glia formed discrete, previously unrecognized regions within and between ganglia. This study provides the foundation for understanding the fundamental cellular organization of gastropod nervous systems.

Unravelling the neuropeptidome of the ornate spiny lobster Panulirus ornatus: A focus on peptide hormones and their processing enzymes expressed in the reproductive tissues

Neuropeptides are commonly produced in the neural tissues yet can have effects on far-reaching targets, with varied biological responses. We describe here the neuropeptidome of the ornate spiny lobster, Panulirus ornatus, a species of emerging importance to closed-system aquaculture, with a focus on peptide hormones produced by the reproductive tissues. Transcripts for a precursor to one neuropeptide, adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide (ACP) were identified in high numbers in the sperm duct of adult spiny lobsters suggesting a role for ACP in the reproduction of this species. Neuropeptide production in the sperm duct may be linked with physiological control of spermatophore production in the male, or alternatively may function in signalling to the female. The enzymes which process nascent neuropeptide precursors into their mature, active forms have seldom been studied in decapods, and never before at the multi-tissue level. We have identified transcripts for multiple members of the proprotein convertase subtisilin/kexin family in the ornate spiny lobster, with some enzymes showing specificity to certain tissues. In addition, other enzyme transcripts involved with neuropeptide processing are identified along with their tissue and life stage expression patterns.

Global characterization of gene expression in the brain of starved immature Rhodnius prolixus

BACKGROUND

Rhodnius prolixus is a vector of Chagas disease and has become a model organism to study physiology, behavior, and pathogen interaction. The publication of its genome allowed initiating a process of comparative characterization of the gene expression profiles of diverse organs exposed to varying conditions. Brain processes control the expression of behavior and, as such, mediate immediate adjustment to a changing environment, allowing organisms to maximize their chances to survive and reproduce. The expression of fundamental behavioral processes like feeding requires fine control in triatomines because they obtain their blood meals from potential predators. Therefore, the characterization of gene expression profiles of key components modulating behavior in brain processes, like those of neuropeptide precursors and their receptors, seems fundamental. Here we study global gene expression profiles in the brain of starved R. prolixus fifth instar nymphs by means of RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq).

RESULTS

The expression of neuromodulatory genes such as those of precursors of neuropeptides, neurohormones, and their receptors; as well as the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and processing of neuropeptides and biogenic amines were fully characterized. Other important gene targets such as neurotransmitter receptors, nuclear receptors, clock genes, sensory receptors, and takeouts genes were identified and their gene expression analyzed.

CONCLUSION

We propose that the set of neuromodulatory-related genes highly expressed in the brain of starved R. prolixus nymphs deserves functional characterization to allow the subsequent development of tools targeting them for bug control. As the brain is a complex structure that presents functionally specialized areas, future studies should focus on characterizing gene expression profiles in target areas, e.g. mushroom bodies, to complement our current knowledge.

Molecular characterization and spatiotemporal expression of prohormone convertase 2 in the Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai

Prohormone convertases (PCs) are subtilisin-like proteases responsible for the intracellular processing of prohormones and proneuropeptides in vertebrates and invertebrates. The full-length PC2 cDNA sequence was cloned from pleuropedal ganglion of Haliotis discus hannai, consisted of 2254-bp with an open reading frame of 1989-bp and encoded a protein of 662 amino acid residues. The architecture of Hdh PC2 displayed key features of PCs, including a signal peptide, a pro-segment domain with sites for autocatalytic activation, a catalytic domain, and a pro-protein domain (P-domain). It shares the highest homology of its amino acid sequence with the PC2 from H. asinina and to lesser extent with that of Homo sapiens and Rana catesbeiana PC2. Sequence alignment analysis indicated that Hdh PC2 was highly conserved in the catalytic domain, including a catalytic triad of serine proteinases of the subtilisin family at positions Asp-195, His-236, and Ser-412. The cloned sequence contained a canonical integrin binding sequence, and four cysteine residues involved in the formation of an intramolecular disulfide link. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Hdh PC2 is robustly clustered with the Has PC2. Quantitative PCR assay demonstrated that the Hdh PC2 was predominantly expressed in the pleuropedal ganglion rather than in other examined tissues. Although PC2 mRNA was expressed throughout the gametogenetic cycle of male and female abalone, the expression level was significantly higher in the ripening stage of female abalone. Also, a significantly higher expression was observed in the pleuropedal ganglion and gonadal tissues at a higher effective accumulative temperature (1000°C). In situ hybridization revealed that the PC2 mRNA expressing neurosecretory cells were distributed in the cortex region of the pleuropedal ganglion. According to the results, it can be concluded that pleuropedal ganglion is the highest site of PC2 activity, and this enzyme might be involved in the abalone reproduction process.

Insights into the molecular evolution of peptidase inhibitors in arthropods

Peptidase inhibitors are key proteins involved in the control of peptidases. In arthropods, peptidase inhibitors modulate the activity of peptidases involved in endogenous physiological processes and peptidases of the organisms with which they interact. Exploring available arthropod genomic sequences is a powerful way to obtain the repertoire of peptidase inhibitors in every arthropod species and to understand the evolutionary mechanisms involved in the diversification of this kind of proteins. A genomic comparative analysis of peptidase inhibitors in species belonging to different arthropod taxonomic groups was performed. The results point out: i) species or clade-specific presence is shown for several families of peptidase inhibitors; ii) multidomain peptidase inhibitors are commonly found in many peptidase inhibitor families; iii) several families have a wide range of members in different arthropod species; iv) several peptidase inhibitor families show species-specific (or clade-specific) gene family expansions; v) functional divergence may be assumed for particular clades; vi) passive expansions may be used by natural selection to fix adaptations. In conclusion, conservation and divergence of duplicated genes and the potential recruitment as peptidase inhibitors of proteins from other families are the main mechanisms used by arthropods to fix diversity. This diversity would be associated to the control of target peptidases and, as consequence, to adapt to specific environments.

Alternative cleavage of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), Gbb, produces ligands with distinct developmental functions and receptor preferences

The family of TGF-β and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling proteins has numerous developmental and physiological roles. They are made as proprotein dimers and then cleaved by proprotein convertases to release the C-terminal domain as an active ligand dimer. Multiple proteolytic processing sites in Glass bottom boat (Gbb), the Drosophila BMP7 ortholog, can produce distinct ligand forms. Cleavage at the S1 or atypical S0 site in Gbb produces Gbb15, the conventional small BMP ligand, whereas NS site cleavage produces a larger Gbb38 ligand. We hypothesized that the Gbb prodomain is involved not only in regulating the production of specific ligands but also their signaling output. We found that blocking NS cleavage increased association of the full-length prodomain with Gbb15, resulting in a concomitant decrease in signaling activity. Moreover, NS cleavage was required in vivo for Gbb-Decapentaplegic (Dpp) heterodimer-mediated wing vein patterning but not for Gbb15-Dpp heterodimer activity in cell culture. Gbb NS cleavage was also required for viability through its regulation of pupal ecdysis in a type II receptor Wishful thinking (Wit)-dependent manner. In fact, Gbb38-mediated signaling exhibits a preference for Wit over the other type II receptor Punt. Finally, we discovered that Gbb38 is produced when processing at the S1/S0 site is blocked by O-linked glycosylation in third instar larvae. Our findings demonstrate that BMP prodomain cleavage ensures that the mature ligand is not inhibited by the prodomain. Furthermore, alternative processing of BMP proproteins produces ligands that signal through different receptors and exhibit specific developmental functions.

Conserved Transcription Factors Steer Growth-Related Genomic Programs in Daphnia

Ecological genomics aims to understand the functional association between environmental gradients and the genes underlying adaptive traits. Many genes that are identified by genome-wide screening in ecologically relevant species lack functional annotations. Although gene functions can be inferred from sequence homology, such approaches have limited power. Here, we introduce ecological regulatory genomics by presenting an ontology-free gene prioritization method. Specifically, our method combines transcriptome profiling with high-throughput cis-regulatory sequence analysis in the water fleas Daphnia pulex and Daphnia magna. It screens coexpressed genes for overrepresented DNA motifs that serve as transcription factor binding sites, thereby providing insight into conserved transcription factors and gene regulatory networks shaping the expression profile. We first validated our method, called Daphnia-cisTarget, on a D. pulex heat shock data set, which revealed a network driven by the heat shock factor. Next, we performed RNA-Seq in D. magna exposed to the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. Daphnia-cisTarget identified coregulated gene networks that associate with the moulting cycle and potentially regulate life history changes in growth rate and age at maturity. These networks are predicted to be regulated by evolutionary conserved transcription factors such as the homologues of Drosophila Shavenbaby and Grainyhead, nuclear receptors, and a GATA family member. In conclusion, our approach allows prioritising candidate genes in Daphnia without bias towards prior knowledge about functional gene annotation and represents an important step towards exploring the molecular mechanisms of ecological responses in organisms with poorly annotated genomes.

Amontillado is required for Drosophila Slit processing and for tendon-mediated muscle patterning

Slit cleavage into N-terminal and C-terminal polypeptides is essential for restricting the range of Slit activity. Although the Slit cleavage site has been characterized previously and is evolutionally conserved, the identity of the protease that cleaves Slit remains elusive. Our previous analysis indicated that Slit cleavage is essential to immobilize the active Slit-N at the tendon cell surfaces, mediating the arrest of muscle elongation. In an attempt to identify the protease required for Slit cleavage we performed an RNAi-based assay in the ectoderm and followed the process of elongation of the lateral transverse muscles toward tendon cells. The screen led to the identification of the Drosophila homolog of pheromone convertase 2 (PC2), Amontillado (Amon), as an essential protease for Slit cleavage. Further analysis indicated that Slit mobility on SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) is slightly up-shifted in amon mutants, and its conventional cleavage into the Slit-N and Slit-C polypeptides is attenuated. Consistent with the requirement for amon to promote Slit cleavage and membrane immobilization of Slit-N, the muscle phenotype of amon mutant embryos was rescued by co-expressing a membrane-bound form of full-length Slit lacking the cleavage site and knocked into the slit locus. The identification of a novel protease component essential for Slit processing may represent an additional regulatory step in the Slit signaling pathway.

Summary: The Drosophila homolog of pheromone convertase 2 (PC2), amontillado (Amon), is shown to contribute to Slit processing and further cleavage into an N-Slit, essential for Slit activity in directing muscle patterning.

Gene expression and variation in social aggression by queens of the harvester ant Pogonomyrmex californicus

A key requirement for social cooperation is the mitigation and/or social regulation of aggression towards other group members. Populations of the harvester ant Pogonomyrmex californicus show the alternate social phenotypes of queens founding nests alone (haplometrosis) or in groups of unrelated yet cooperative individuals (pleometrosis). Pleometrotic queens display an associated reduction in aggression. To understand the proximate drivers behind this variation, we placed foundresses of the two populations into social environments with queens from the same or the alternate population, and measured their behaviour and head gene expression profiles. A proportion of queens from both populations behaved aggressively, but haplometrotic queens were significantly more likely to perform aggressive acts, and conflict escalated more frequently in pairs of haplometrotic queens. Whole-head RNA sequencing revealed variation in gene expression patterns, with the two populations showing moderate differentiation in overall transcriptional profile, suggesting that genetic differences underlie the two founding strategies. The largest detected difference, however, was associated with aggression, regardless of queen founding type. Several modules of coregulated genes, involved in metabolism, immune system and neuronal function, were found to be upregulated in highly aggressive queens. Conversely, nonaggressive queens exhibited a striking pattern of upregulation in chemosensory genes. Our results highlight that the social phenotypes of cooperative vs. solitary nest founding tap into a set of gene regulatory networks that seem to govern aggression level. We also present a number of highly connected hub genes associated with aggression, providing opportunity to further study the genetic underpinnings of social conflict and tolerance.

Global view of the evolution and diversity of metazoan neuropeptide signaling

Neuropeptides are signaling molecules that commonly act via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and are generated in neurons by proneuropeptide (pNP) cleavage. Present in both cnidarians and bilaterians, neuropeptides represent an ancient and widespread mode of neuronal communication. Due to the inherent difficulties of analyzing highly diverse and repetitive pNPs, the relationships among different families are often elusive. Using similarity-based clustering and sensitive similarity searches, I obtained a global view of metazoan pNP diversity and evolution. Clustering revealed a large and diffuse network of sequences connected by significant sequence similarity encompassing one-quarter of all families. pNPs belonging to this cluster were also identified in the early-branching neuronless animal Trichoplax adhaerens. Clustering of neuropeptide GPCRs identified several orthology groups and allowed the reconstruction of the phyletic distribution of receptor families. GPCR phyletic distribution closely paralleled that of pNPs, indicating extensive conservation and long-term coevolution of receptor-ligand pairs. Receptor orthology and intermediate sequences also revealed the homology of pNPs so far considered unrelated, including allatotropin and orexin. These findings, together with the identification of deuterostome achatin and luqin and protostome opioid pNPs, extended the neuropeptide complement of the urbilaterian. Several pNPs were also identified from the hemichordate Saccoglossus kowalevskii and the cephalochordate Branchiostoma floridae, elucidating pNP evolution in deuterostomes. Receptor-ligand conservation also allowed ligand predictions for many uncharacterized GPCRs from nonmodel species. The reconstruction of the neuropeptide-signaling repertoire at deep nodes of the animal phylogeny allowed the formulation of a testable scenario of the evolution of animal neuroendocrine systems.

Structure and expression of a shrimp prohormone convertase 2

Although many crustacean neuroendocrine hormones have been reported, the enzymes responsible for post-translational modification of neuroendocrine hormones have rarely been characterized. A prohormone convertase 2 (PC2)-like enzyme has been isolated from the optic lobe of the giant tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon and referred as PmPC2. The full length cDNA sequence of PmPC2 has been identified and found to resemble evolutionarily conserved PC2 enzymes of vertebrates and invertebrates. PmPC2 was expressed in all larval developmental stages and in neuroendrocrine cells in the adult optic lobe. Its expression was found to be negatively related with shrimp body weight by qPCR (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry results using an anti-rPmPC2 antibody with adult shrimp revealed high staining intensity in specific neurosecretory cells including the sinus gland, the organ of Hanström (also referred to as the medullar terminalis X-organ) and the organ of Bellonci (also referred to as the sensory or X-organ). By using the yeast two hybrid technique, PmPC2 was found to bind with P. monodon hyperglycemic hormone (Pem-CHH1) that plays an important role in glucose metabolism. Since PmPC2 is a subtilisin-like serine proteinase, it is expected to cleave the synthetic substrate, pyr-RTKR-MCA, but the expressed recombinant catalytic domain of PmPC2 (rPmPC2-cat) showed no enzymatic activity as expected. In vivo injection of dsRNA-PmPC2 resulted in reduced transcripts for both PmPC2 and Pem-CHH1 on day 3 post injection, but there was no accompanying reduction of glucose level in the hemolymph. Taken together, PmPC2 localization, expression and activity suggest that it has a function(s) in the shrimp neuroendrocrine system and that it may not only activate Pem-CHH1 but also affect its expression. However, there is no obvious explanation for the negative correlation between PmPC2 expression level and shrimp body weight.

The extended granin family: structure, function, and biomedical implications

The chromogranins (chromogranin A and chromogranin B), secretogranins (secretogranin II and secretogranin III), and additional related proteins (7B2, NESP55, proSAAS, and VGF) that together comprise the granin family subserve essential roles in the regulated secretory pathway that is responsible for controlled delivery of peptides, hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors. Here we review the structure and function of granins and granin-derived peptides and expansive new genetic evidence, including recent single-nucleotide polymorphism mapping, genomic sequence comparisons, and analysis of transgenic and knockout mice, which together support an important and evolutionarily conserved role for these proteins in large dense-core vesicle biogenesis and regulated secretion. Recent data further indicate that their processed peptides function prominently in metabolic and glucose homeostasis, emotional behavior, pain pathways, and blood pressure modulation, suggesting future utility of granins and granin-derived peptides as novel disease biomarkers.

Transcriptome analysis of the desert locust central nervous system: production and annotation of a Schistocerca gregaria EST database

BACKGROUND

The desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) displays a fascinating type of phenotypic plasticity, designated as 'phase polyphenism'. Depending on environmental conditions, one genome can be translated into two highly divergent phenotypes, termed the solitarious and gregarious (swarming) phase. Although many of the underlying molecular events remain elusive, the central nervous system (CNS) is expected to play a crucial role in the phase transition process. Locusts have also proven to be interesting model organisms in a physiological and neurobiological research context. However, molecular studies in locusts are hampered by the fact that genome/transcriptome sequence information available for this branch of insects is still limited.

METHODOLOGY

We have generated 34,672 raw expressed sequence tags (EST) from the CNS of desert locusts in both phases. These ESTs were assembled in 12,709 unique transcript sequences and nearly 4,000 sequences were functionally annotated. Moreover, the obtained S. gregaria EST information is highly complementary to the existing orthopteran transcriptomic data. Since many novel transcripts encode neuronal signaling and signal transduction components, this paper includes an overview of these sequences. Furthermore, several transcripts being differentially represented in solitarious and gregarious locusts were retrieved from this EST database. The findings highlight the involvement of the CNS in the phase transition process and indicate that this novel annotated database may also add to the emerging knowledge of concomitant neuronal signaling and neuroplasticity events.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, we met the need for novel sequence data from desert locust CNS. To our knowledge, we hereby also present the first insect EST database that is derived from the complete CNS. The obtained S. gregaria EST data constitute an important new source of information that will be instrumental in further unraveling the molecular principles of phase polyphenism, in further establishing locusts as valuable research model organisms and in molecular evolutionary and comparative entomology.

Na/H exchanger regulatory factors control parathyroid hormone receptor signaling by facilitating differential activation of G(alpha) protein subunits

The Na/H exchanger regulatory factors, NHERF1 and NHERF2, are adapter proteins involved in targeting and assembly of protein complexes. The parathyroid hormone receptor (PTHR) interacts with both NHERF1 and NHERF2. The NHERF proteins toggle PTHR signaling from predominantly activation of adenylyl cyclase in the absence of NHERF to principally stimulation of phospholipase C when the NHERF proteins are expressed. We hypothesized that this signaling switch occurs at the level of the G protein. We measured G protein activation by [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding and G(alpha) subtype-specific immunoprecipitation using three different cellular models of PTHR signaling. These studies revealed that PTHR interactions with NHERF1 enhance receptor-mediated stimulation of G(alpha)(q) but have no effect on stimulation of G(alpha)(i) or G(alpha)(s). In contrast, PTHR associations with NHERF2 enhance receptor-mediated stimulation of both G(alpha)(q) and G(alpha)(i) but decrease stimulation of G(alpha)(s). Consistent with these functional data, NHERF2 formed cellular complexes with both G(alpha)(q) and G(alpha)(i), whereas NHERF1 was found to interact only with G(alpha)(q). These findings demonstrate that NHERF interactions regulate PTHR signaling at the level of G proteins and that NHERF1 and NHERF2 exhibit isotype-specific effects on G protein activation.

The proprotein convertase encoded by amontillado (amon) is required in Drosophila corpora cardiaca endocrine cells producing the glucose regulatory hormone AKH

Peptide hormones are potent signaling molecules that coordinate animal physiology, behavior, and development. A key step in activation of these peptide signals is their proteolytic processing from propeptide precursors by a family of proteases, the subtilisin-like proprotein convertases (PCs). Here, we report the functional dissection of amontillado (amon), which encodes the Drosophila homolog of the mammalian PC2 protein, using cell-type specific inactivation and rescue experiments, and we show that amon is required in the islet-like adipokinetic hormone (AKH)–producing cells that regulate sugar homeostasis. In Drosophila, AKH acts analogously to vertebrate glucagon to increase circulating sugar levels from energy stores, while insulin-like peptides (DILPs) act to decrease sugar levels. amon mutant larvae have significantly reduced hemolymph sugar levels, and thus phenocopy larvae where the AKH–producing cells in the corpora cardiaca have been ablated. Reduction of amon expression in these cells via cell-specific RNA inactivation also results in larvae with reduced sugar levels while expression of amon in AKH cells in an amon mutant background rescues hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia in larvae resulting from amon RNA inactivation in the AKH cells can be rescued by global expression of the akh gene. Finally, mass spectrometric profiling shows that the production of mature AKH is inhibited in amon mutants. Our data indicate that amon function in the AKH cells is necessary to maintain normal sugar homeostasis, that amon functions upstream of akh, and that loss of mature AKH is correlated with loss of amon activity. These observations indicate that the AKH propeptide is a proteolytic target of the amon proprotein convertase and provide evidence for a conserved role of PC2 in processing metabolic peptide hormones.

Peptide hormones are important signaling molecules that coordinate physiology, behavior, and development. A key step in production of peptide hormones is the proteolytic cleavage of larger inactive precursors by prohormone convertases (PCs). Studies in a variety of organisms, including humans, have shown that deficiencies in PC genes lead to complex and detrimental changes. We used fruitfly genetics to dissect the function of Drosophila PC2, encoded by the amon gene, in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. We found that amon is expressed in endocrine cells of the corpora cardiaca that produce the sugar-mobilizing adipokinetic hormone (AKH), a functional analog of vertebrate glucagon. Previous studies suggest that the AKH–producing cells are homologs of the glucagon-producing islet alpha-cells in the pancreas. We found that flies with amon deficiency had significantly reduced hemolymph (insect “blood”) sugar levels. Using cell-type specific inactivation and rescue experiments, we show that amon expression in the AKH cells is necessary and sufficient for normal sugar regulation. We also demonstrate that AKH production is inhibited in amon mutants. Our results indicate that amon is necessary to maintain normal hemolymph sugar levels by activating AKH and suggest a conservation of PC2 function in processing peptide hormones between flies and mammals.

The proprotein convertase amontillado (amon) is required during Drosophila pupal development

Peptide hormones governing many developmental processes are generated via endoproteolysis of inactive precursor molecules by a family of subtilisin-like proprotein convertases (SPCs). We previously identified mutations in the Drosophila amontillado (amon) gene, a homolog of the vertebrate neuroendocrine-specific Prohormone Convertase 2 (PC2) gene, and showed that amon is required during embryogenesis, early larval development, and larval molting. Here, we define amon requirements during later developmental stages using a conditional rescue system and find that amon is required during pupal development for head eversion, leg and wing disc extension, and abdominal differentiation. Immuno-localization experiments show that amon protein is expressed in a subset of central nervous system cells but does not co-localize with peptide hormones known to elicit molting behavior, suggesting the involvement of novel regulatory peptides in this process. The amon protein is expressed in neuronal cells that innervate the corpus allatum and corpora cardiaca of the ring gland, an endocrine organ which is the release site for many key hormonal signals. Expression of amon in a subset of these cell types using the GAL4/UAS system in an amon mutant background partially rescues larval molting and growth. Our results show that amon is required for pupal development and identify a subset of neuronal cell types in which amon function is sufficient to rescue developmental progression and growth defects shown by amon mutants. The results are consistent with a model that the amon protein acts to proteolytically process a diverse suite of peptide hormones that coordinate larval and pupal growth and development.

Molecular cloning, ontogeny and tissue distribution of zebrafish (Danio rerio) prohormone convertases: pcsk1 and pcsk2

Prohormone convertase subtilisin/kexin (PCSK) enzymes are a family of nine related serine proteases, found in a multitude of tissues, and responsible for the maturation of a variety of protein and peptide precursors. Pcsk1 and Pcsk2 are found within dense core secretory granules in endocrine and neuroendocrine cells and are responsible for cleaving several hormones and neuropeptide precursors. In this work, we cloned and sequenced the cDNA of pcsk1 and pcsk2 from zebrafish (Danio rerio). pcsk1 is a 2268bp ORF, whose 755 amino acid protein product is identical to that predicted from the genome sequence. pcsk2 is a 1941bp ORF, encoding a 646 amino acid peptide. Both Pcsk1 and Pcsk2 display high degrees of similarity to their counterparts in other species, including the conservation of the catalytic triad and other essential residues. The brain contained the highest expression levels of both pcsk1 (1.49+/-0.21) (displayed as ratio to EF-1a), and pcsk2 (0.23+/-0.04). Both transcripts were also detectable in the fore, mid and distal gut. pcsk1 and 2 were detectable at 4.5h post-fertilization, and while pcsk1 expression increased throughout development (0.12+/-0.01 maximum at 3 days post-fertilization), pcsk2 expression was highest at day 5 post-fertilization (0.03+/-0.01), and decreased prior. For the first time, we have identified and characterized a pcsk1 transcript in fish. We have also identified and characterized the pcsk2 transcript in zebrafish, and have assessed the tissue distribution and ontogeny of both.

Identification of proSAAS homologs in lower vertebrates: conservation of hydrophobic helices and convertase-inhibiting sequences

The prohormone convertases (PCs) 1/3 and 2 accomplish the major proteolytic cleavage events in neuroendocrine tissues; each of these convertases has a small associated binding protein that inhibits convertase action in the secretory pathway. The proSAAS protein binds to PC1/3, whereas the 7B2 protein binds to PC2. However, both convertase-binding proteins are more widely expressed than their cognate enzymes, suggesting that they may perform other functions as well. All known mammalian proSAASs are over 85% conserved; thus, identifying functionally important segments has been impossible. Here, we report the first identification of nonmammalian proSAAS molecules, from Xenopus and zebrafish (Danio rerio). Although these two proteins show an overall amino acid sequence identity of only 29 and 30% with mouse proSAAS, two 14-16 residue hydrophobic segments (predicted to form alpha-helices) and two, nine through 11 residue sequences containing basic convertase cleavage sites are highly conserved; therefore, these sequences may be of functional importance. Confidence that these nonmammalian molecules represent authentic proSAAS is supported by the finding that both inhibit mouse PC1/3 with nanomolar inhibition constants; human furin was not inhibited. In vitro, the two proteins were cleaved by PC2 and furin to three or more peptide products. Both zebrafish and Xenopus proSAAS exhibited neural and endocrine distributions, as assessed by in situ and PCR experiments, respectively. In summary, the identification of proSAAS molecules in lower vertebrates provides clues as to functional regions within this widely expressed neuroendocrine protein.

cAMP-responding element-binding protein and c-Ets1 interact in the regulation of ATP-dependent MUC5AC gene expression

Exogenous ATP activates purinoreceptors on the cell surface that regulate diverse cellular functions, including mucous cell secretion in the respiratory epithelium. In this study, ATP increased MUC5AC mRNA in primary human nasal epithelial cells and in NCI-H292 pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. ATP-induced MUC5AC mRNA was mediated by phospholipase Cbeta3. A dominant-negative mutation in the PDZ binding domain of PLCbeta3 inhibited ATP-induced MUC5AC gene expression. ATP sequentially activated the phosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2, p38, RSK1, and cAMP-responding element-binding protein (CREB) in a protein kinase C-independent manner. ATP-induced MUC5AC mRNA levels were regulated by CREB via direct interaction with c-Ets1 on the MUC5AC gene promoter (located -938 to -930). Effects of CREB and c-Ets1 were additive. Inhibition of either CREB or c-Ets1 inhibited ATP-induced MUC5AC gene expression. Stimulation with ATP caused the direct binding of CREB and c-Ets1 to the MUC5AC promoter, increasing the phosphorylation of c-Ets1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that in the presence of ATP, both c-Ets1 and CREB bound to the MUC5AC promoter. The effects of exogenous ATP on MUC5AC gene expression are mediated by a complex regulatory cascade controlling interactions between CREB and c-Ets1 that bind to a promoter element in the MUC5AC gene enhancing MUC5AC gene transcription. ATP-dependent activation of MUC5AC gene expression via CREB-c-Ets1 may contribute to mucous cell hypersecretion associated with common respiratory disorders.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator activation is reduced in the small intestine of Na+/H+ exchanger 3 regulatory factor 1 (NHERF-1)- but Not NHERF-2-deficient mice

Binding of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel to the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 regulatory factor 1 (NHERF-1) and NHERF-2 scaffolding proteins has been shown to affect its localization and activation. We have for the first time studied the physiological role of these proteins in CFTR regulation in native tissue by determining CFTR-dependent chloride current in NHERF-1- and NHERF-2-deficient mice. The cAMP- and cGMP-activated chloride current and the basal chloride current in basolaterally permeabilized jejunum were reduced by approximately 30% in NHERF-1-deficient mice but not in NHERF-2-deficient mice. The duodenal bicarbonate secretion was affected in a similar way, whereas no significant differences in CFTR activity were observed in ileum. CFTR abundance as determined by Western blotting was unaltered in jejunal epithelial cells and brush border membranes of NHERF-1 and NHERF-2 mutant mice. However, semi-quantitative detection of CFTR by confocal microscopy showed that the level of apically localized CFTR in jejunal crypts was reduced by approximately 35% in NHERF-1-deficient and NHERF-1/2 double deficient mice but not in NHERF-2 null mice. Together our results indicate that NHERF-1 is required for full activation of CFTR in murine duodenal and jejunal mucosa and that NHERF-1 affects the local distribution of CFTR in or near the plasma membrane. These studies provide the first evidence in native intestinal epithelium that NHERF-1 but not NHERF-2 is involved in the formation of CFTR-containing functional complexes that serve to position CFTR in the crypt apical membrane and/or to optimize its function as a cAMP- and cGMP-regulated anion channel.

Altered neuropeptide profile of Caenorhabditis elegans lacking the chaperone protein 7B2 as analyzed by mass spectrometry

Cellular synthesis of naturally occurring, bioactive peptides requires the proprotein convertase PC2/EGL-3 for cleavage from the larger peptide precursors. A neuroendocrine chaperone 7B2 is needed for the proteolytical activation of proPC2, as extensively studied in mouse models. To determine the role of its orthologue in Caenorhabditis elegans, we analyzed wild-type and 7B2-null strains by HPLC and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, which allowed the identification of a novel neuropeptide gene, flp-33. The presence and/or absence of some neuropeptides in 7B2-null animals strongly differs form the peptide profile in wild-type, suggesting a specific and determined action of 7B2 in C. elegans.

Neuroendocrine protein 7B2 can be inactivated by phosphorylation within the secretory pathway

The prohormone convertases play important roles in the maturation of neuropeptides and peptide hormone precursors. Prohormone convertase-2 (PC2) is the only convertase that requires the expression of another neuroendocrine protein, 7B2, for expression of enzyme activity. In this study, we determined that 7B2 can be phosphorylated in Rin cells (a rat insulinoma cell line) and cultured chromaffin cells, but not in AtT-20 cells (derived from mouse anterior pituitary). Phosphoamino acid analysis of Rin cell 7B2 indicated the presence of phosphorylated serine and threonine. Phosphorylation of Ser115 (located within the minimally active 36-residue peptide) was confirmed by mutagenesis, although Ser115 did not represent the sole residue phosphorylated. Two independent assays were used to investigate the effect of phosphorylated 7B2 on PC2 activation: the ability of 7B2 to bind to pro-PC2 was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation, and activation of pro-PC2 was assessed in a cell-free assay. Phosphorylated 7B2 was unable to bind pro-PC2, and the phosphorylated 7B2 peptide (residues 86-121, known to be the minimally active peptide for pro-PC2 activation) was impaired in its ability to facilitate the generation of PC2 activity in membrane fractions containing pro-PC2. In vitro phosphorylation experiments using Golgi membrane fractions showed that 7B2 could be phosphorylated by endogenous Golgi kinases. Golgi kinase activity was strongly inhibited by the broad-range kinase inhibitor staurosporine and partially inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I, but not by the other protein kinase A, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II, myosin light chain kinase, and protein kinase G inhibitors tested. We conclude that phosphorylation of 7B2 functionally inactivates this protein and suggest that this may be analogous to the phosphorylating inactivation of BiP, which impairs its ability to bind substrate.

The granin family of uniquely acidic proteins of the diffuse neuroendocrine system: comparative and functional aspects

The chromogranins A (CgA) and B (CgB) and secretogranin II (SgII) constitute the main members of a family of uniquely acidic secretory proteins in elements of the diffuse neuroendocrine system. These genetically distinct proteins, CgA, CgB, SgII and the less well known secretogranins III-VII are collectively referred to as 'granins' and characterised by numerous pairs of basic amino acids as potential cleavage sites for processing by the co-stored prohormone converting enzymes PC 1/3 and PC2. This review is directed towards comparative and functional aspects of the granins with emphasis on their phylogenetically conserved sequences. Recent developments provide ample evidence of widely different effects and targets for the intact granins and their derived peptides, intracellularly in the directed trafficking of storage components during granule maturation and extracellularly in autocrine, paracrine and endocrine interactions. Most of the effects assigned to the granin derived peptides fit into patterns of direct or indirect inhibitory modulations of major functions. So far, peptides derived from CgA (vasostatins, chromacin, pancreastatin, WE-14, catestatin and parastatin), CgB (secretolytin) and SgII (secretoneurin) are the most likely candidates for granin-derived regulatory peptides, of postulated relevance not only for homeostatic processes, but also for tissue assembly and repair, inflammatory responses and the first line of defence against invading microorganisms.

The Interaction of Phospholipase C-β3 with Shank2 Regulates mGluR-mediated Calcium Signal

Phospholipase C-beta isozymes that are activated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) and heterotrimeric G proteins carry a PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ) domain binding motif at their C terminus. Through interactions with PDZ domains, this motif may endow the PLC-beta isozyme with specific roles in GPCR signaling events that occur in compartmentalized regions of the plasma membrane. In this study, we identified the interaction of PLC-beta3 with Shank2, a PDZ domain-containing multimodular scaffold in the postsynaptic density (PSD). The C terminus of PLC-beta3, but not other PLC-beta isotypes, specifically interacts with the PDZ domain of Shank2. Homer 1b, a Shank-interacting protein that is linked to group I metabotropic glutamate receptors and IP3 receptors, forms a multiple complex with Shank2 and PLC-beta3. Importantly, microinjection of a synthetic peptide specifically mimicking the C terminus of PLC-beta3 markedly reduces the mGluR-mediated intracellular calcium response. These results demonstrate that Shank2 brings PLC-beta3 closer to Homer 1b and constitutes an efficient mGluR-coupled signaling pathway in the PSD region of neuronal synapses.

Inhibition of furin by serpin Spn4A from Drosophila melanogaster

The serpin gene Spn4 from Drosophila melanogaster encodes multiple isoforms with alternative reactive site loops (RSL). Here, we show that isoform Spn4A inhibits human furin with an apparent kassoc of 5.5 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1). The serpin forms SDS-stable complexes with the enzyme and the RSL of Spn4A is cleaved C-terminally to the sequence -Arg-Arg-Lys-Arg/ in accord with the recognition/cleavage site of furin. Immunofluorescence studies show that Spn4A is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), suggesting that the inhibitor is an interesting tool for investigating the cellular mechanisms regulating furin and for the design of agents controlling prohormone convertases.

Drosophila uses two distinct neuropeptide amidating enzymes, dPAL1 and dPAL2

Neuropeptide alpha-amidation is a common C-terminal modification of secretory peptides, frequently required for biological activity. In mammals, amidation is catalyzed by the sequential actions of two enzymes [peptidylglycine-alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM) and peptidyl-alpha-hydroxyglycine alpha-amidating lyase (PAL)] that are co-synthesized within a single bifunctional precursor. The Drosophila genome predicts expression of one monofunctional PHM gene and two monofunctional PAL genes. Drosophila PHM encodes an active enzyme that is required for peptide amidation in vivo. Here we initiate studies of the two Drosophila PAL genes. dPAL1 has two predicted transmembrane domains, whereas dPAL2 is predicted to be soluble and secreted. dPAL2 expressed in heterologous cells is secreted readily and co-localized with hormone. In contrast, dPAL1 is secreted poorly, even when expressed with a cleaved signal replacing the predicted transmembrane domains; the majority of dPAL1 stays in the endoplasmic reticulum. Both proteins display PAL enzymatic activity. Compared to the catalytic core of rat PAL, the two Drosophila lyases have higher K(m) values, higher pH optima and similarly broad divalent metal ion requirements. Antibodies to dPAL1 and dPAL2 reveal co-expression in many identified neuroendocrine neurons. Although dPAL1 is broadly expressed, dPAL2 is found in only a limited subset of neurons. dPAL1 expression is highly correlated with the non-amidated peptide proctolin. Tissue immunostaining demonstrates that dPAL1 is largely localized to the cell soma, whereas dPAL2 is distributed throughout neuronal processes.

The Spn4 gene of Drosophila encodes a potent furin-directed secretory pathway serpin

Proprotein convertases (PCs) are an important class of host-cell serine endoproteases implicated in many physiological and pathological processes. Owing to their expanding roles in the proteolytic events required for generating infectious microbial pathogens and for tumor growth and invasiveness, there is increasing interest in identifying endogenous PC inhibitors. Here we report the identification of Spn4A, a previously uncharacterized secretory pathway serine protease inhibitor (serpin) from Drosophila melanogaster that contains a consensus furin cleavage site, -Arg(P4)-Arg-Lys-Arg(P1) downsream-, in its reactive site loop (RSL). Our biochemical and kinetics analysis revealed that recombinant Spn4A inhibits human furin (K(i), 13 pM; k(ass), 3.2 x 10(7) M(-1) x s(-1)) and Drosophila PC2 (K(i), 3.5 nM; k(ass), 9.2 x 10(4) M(-1) x s(-1)) by a slow-binding mechanism characteristic of serpin molecules and forms a kinetically trapped SDS-stable complex with each enzyme. For both PCs, the stoichiometry of inhibition by Spn4A is nearly 1, which is characteristic of known physiological serpin-protease interactions. Mass analysis of furin-Spn4A reaction products identified the actual reactive site center of Spn4A to be -Arg(P4)-Arg-Lys-Arg(P1)-downstream-. Moreover, we demonstrate that Spn4A's highly effective PC inhibition properties are critically dependent on the unusual length of its RSL, which is composed of 18 aa instead of the typical 17-residue RSL found in most other inhibitory serpins. The identification of Spn4A, the most potent and effective natural serpin of PCs identified to date, suggests that Spn4A could be a prototype of endogenous serpins involved in the precise regulation of PC-dependent proteolytic cleavage events in the secretory pathway of eukaryotic cells.

Human pituitary glutaminyl cyclase: expression in insect cells and dye affinity purification

Human pituitary glutaminyl cyclase (hQC) was expressed in Drosophila S2 cells under the control of an inducible metallothionene promoter and fused to the Drosophila immunoglobulin-binding protein signal sequence to enable secretion into the culture media. Expression levels reached 50 microg/mL culture media after 7 days of induction. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity directly from culture media by affinity chromatography on Reactive Blue 4-agarose using a step pH elution. The identity of the expressed protein was confirmed by peptide mass mapping and Western blotting. Glutaminyl cyclase was expressed as a fully active 37 kDa enzyme with kcat/Km values of 14.3, 9.3, and 2.4 mM(-1)s(-1) for the substrates Gln-Gln, Gln-NH(2), and Gln-t-butyl ester, respectively. The two cysteines were disulfide bonded, and the lone predicted glycosylation site, asparagine 49, was shown by both enzymatic deglycosylation of the expressed enzyme and site-directed mutagenesis to be glycosylated.

Ap-let neurons--a peptidergic circuit potentially controlling ecdysial behavior in Drosophila

Here we describe a novel set of peptidergic neurons conserved throughout all developmental stages in the Drosophila central nervous system (CNS). We show that a small complement of 28 apterous-expressing cells (Ap-let neurons) in the ventral nerve cord (VNC) of Drosophila larvae co-express numerous gene products. The products include the neuroendocrine-specific bHLH regulator called Dimmed (Dimm), four neuropeptide biosynthetic enzymes (PC2, Fur1, PAL2, and PHM), and a specific dopamine receptor subtype (dDA1). For the PC2, Fur1, and PAL2 enzymes, and for the dDA1 receptor, this neuronal pattern represents the vast majority of their total expression in the VNC. In addition, while Dimm and PHM are present in the peritracheal Inka cells in larvae, pupae, and adults, Ap, PC2, Fur1, PAL2, and dDA1 are not. PC2, PAL2, and DA1 receptor expression were all controlled by both dimm and ap. Previous genetic analysis of animals deficient in PC2 revealed an abnormal larval ecdysis phenotype. Together, these data support the hypothesis that the small cohort of Ap-let interneurons regulates larval ecdysis behavior by secretion of an unidentified amidated peptide(s). This hypothesis further predicts that the production of the Ap-let neuropeptide(s) is dependent on each of four specific enzymes, and that a certain aspect(s) of its production and/or release is regulated by dopamine input.

Stimulation by Parathyroid Hormone of a NHERF-1-assembled Complex Consisting of the Parathyroid Hormone I Receptor, Phospholipase Cβ, and Actin Increases Intracellular Calcium in Opossum Kidney Cells

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) binds its cognate G-protein-coupled receptor (PTH1R) and signals through both adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C (PLC). C-terminal determinants of the PTH1R interact with the Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF-1) by binding the first of two PDZ (psd95, discs-large, ZO-1) domains. Compared with wild-type opossum kidney (OK) cells, OKH cells, a sub-clone, do not display PTH-mediated increases of [Ca2+]i and express NHERF-1 at markedly lower levels. Stable expression of NHERF-1 in the OKH parent (OKH-N1) restores the PTH-mediated increase of [Ca2+]i that arises from an influx of extracellular calcium and is both PLC-dependent and pertussis toxin-sensitive. From a morphological perspective, NHERF-1 and the PTH1R co-localize to apical patches of OKH-N1 cells, an expression pattern that is absent in OKH cells and depends on a direct NHERF-1-PTH1R interaction in OKH-N1 cells. Actin and PLCbeta1 and -beta3 co-localize with NHERF-1 and the PTH1R in OKH-N1 cell apical patches. Actin is also an integral component of the NHERF-1-assembled complex because cytochalasin D disrupts apical localization of both NHERF-1 and the PTH1R and inhibits the PTH-mediated increase of [Ca2+]i. Expression of the first PDZ domain of NHERF-1 acts as a dominant-negative interactor by blocking apical localization of the PTH1R and inhibiting PTH-elicited increases of [Ca2+]i. Thus, NHERF-1 assembles a signaling complex in the apical domains of OK cells that contains the PTH1R, PLCbeta, and the actin cytoskeleton. Disruption of this complex blocks the PTH mediated increases of intracellular calcium.

Calmodulin is a phospholipase C-beta interacting protein

Phospholipase C-beta 3 (PLC beta 3) is an important effector enzyme in G protein-coupled signaling pathways. Activation of PLC beta 3 by G alpha and G beta gamma subunits has been fairly well characterized, but little is known about other protein interactions that may also regulate PLC beta 3 function. A yeast two-hybrid screen of a mouse brain cDNA library with the amino terminus of PLC beta 3 has yielded potential PLC beta 3 interacting proteins including calmodulin (CaM). Physical interaction between CaM and PLC beta 3 is supported by a positive secondary screen in yeast and the identification of a CaM binding site in the amino terminus of PLC beta 3. Co-precipitation of in vitro translated and transcribed amino- and carboxyl-terminal PLC beta 3 revealed CaM binding at a putative amino-terminal binding site. Direct physical interaction of PLC beta 3 and PLC beta 1 isoforms with CaM is supported by pull-down of both isoenzymes with CaM-Sepharose beads from 1321N1 cell lysates. CaM inhibitors reduced M1-muscarinic receptor stimulation of inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in 1321N1 astrocytoma cells consistent with a physiologic role for CaM in modulation of PLC beta activity. There was no effect of CaM kinase II inhibitors, KN-93 and KN-62, on M1-muscarinic receptor stimulation of inositol phosphate hydrolysis, consistent with a direct interaction between PLC beta isoforms and CaM.

Production, purification, and characterization of rat pro-CCK from serum-free adapted Drosophila cells

The precursor of cholecystokinin (pro-CCK) was expressed and purified from media of stably transfected D.Mel-2 cell as an V5-His tagged fusion protein. Its identity was confirmed using SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, gel filtration chromatography, HPLC, and Mass Spectroscopy. Two major forms of pro-CCK were found with a molecular weight of about 14.4 and 11.3 kDa. The smaller form represents the V5-His tagged pro-CCK after cleavage at a single arginine residue at CCK-58. This cleavage is probably being performed by endogenous proteases in these cells. Purification of the desired larger form of pro-CCK is possible using a nickel column with a recovery of about 20%, yielding 500 microg/L media. The purified protein is stable for several months and can be used for further functional studies of pro-CCK.

Lysophosphatidic acid stimulates brush border Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) activity by increasing its exocytosis by an NHE3 kinase A regulatory protein-dependent mechanism

Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) kinase A regulatory protein (E3KARP) has been implicated in cAMP- and Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition of NHE3. In the current study, a new role of E3KARP is demonstrated in the stimulation of NHE3 activity. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a mediator of the restitution phase of inflammation but has not been studied for effects on sodium absorption. LPA has no effect on NHE3 activity in opossum kidney (OK) proximal tubule cells, which lack expression of endogenous E3KARP. However, in OK cells exogenously expressing E3KARP, LPA stimulated NHE3 activity. Consistent with the stimulatory effect on NHE3 activity, LPA treatment increased the surface NHE3 amount, which occurred by accelerating exocytic trafficking (endocytic recycling) to the apical plasma membrane. These LPA effects only occurred in OK cells transfected with E3KARP. The LPA-induced increases of NHE3 activity, surface NHE3 amounts, and exocytosis were completely inhibited by pretreatment with the PI 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002. LPA stimulation of the phosphorylation of Akt was used as an assay for PI 3-kinase activity. LY294002 completely prevented the LPA-induced increase in Akt phosphorylation, which is consistent with the inhibitory effect of LY294002 on the LPA stimulation of NHE3 activity. The LPA-induced phosphorylation of Akt was the same in OK cells with and without E3KARP. These results show that LPA stimulates NHE3 in the apical surface of OK cells by a mechanism that is dependent on both E3KARP and PI 3-kinase. This is the first demonstration that rapid stimulation of NHE3 activity is dependent on an apical membrane PDZ domain protein.

amontillado, the Drosophila homolog of the prohormone processing protease PC2, is required during embryogenesis and early larval development

Biosynthesis of most peptide hormones and neuropeptides requires proteolytic excision of the active peptide from inactive proprotein precursors, an activity carried out by subtilisin-like proprotein convertases (SPCs) in constitutive or regulated secretory pathways. The Drosophila amontillado (amon) gene encodes a homolog of the mammalian PC2 protein, an SPC that functions in the regulated secretory pathway in neuroendocrine tissues. We have identified amon mutants by isolating ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS)-induced lethal and visible mutations that define two complementation groups in the amon interval at 97D1 of the third chromosome. DNA sequencing identified the amon complementation group and the DNA sequence change for each of the nine amon alleles isolated. amon mutants display partial embryonic lethality, are defective in larval growth, and arrest during the first to second instar larval molt. Mutant larvae can be rescued by heat-shock-induced expression of the amon protein. Rescued larvae arrest at the subsequent larval molt, suggesting that amon is also required for the second to third instar larval molt. Our data indicate that the amon proprotein convertase is required during embryogenesis and larval development in Drosophila and support the hypothesis that AMON acts to proteolytically process peptide hormones that regulate hatching, larval growth, and larval ecdysis.

Regulation of GTP-binding protein alpha q (Galpha q) signaling by the ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein-50 (EBP50)

Although ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) is a PDZ domain-containing protein known to bind to various channels, receptors, cytoskeletal elements, and cytoplasmic proteins, there is still very little evidence for a role of EBP50 in the regulation of receptor signal transduction. In this report, we show that EBP50 inhibits the phospholipase C (PLC)-beta-mediated inositol phosphate production of a Galpha(q)-coupled receptor as well as PLC-beta activation by the constitutively active Galpha(q)-R183C mutant. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that EBP50 interacts with Galpha(q) and to a greater extent with Galpha(q)-R183C. Agonist stimulation of the thromboxane A(2) receptor (TP receptor) resulted in an increased interaction between EBP50 and Galpha(q), suggesting that EBP50 preferentially interacts with activated Galpha(q). We also demonstrate that EBP50 inhibits Galpha(q) signaling by preventing the interaction between Galpha(q) and the TP receptor and between activated Galpha(q) and PLC-beta1. Investigation of the EBP50 regions involved in Galpha(q) binding indicated that its two PDZ domains are responsible for this interaction. This study constitutes the first demonstration of an interaction between a G protein alpha subunit and another protein through a PDZ domain, with broad implications in the regulation of diverse physiological systems.

Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition of Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) requires an NHE3-E3KARP-alpha-actinin-4 complex for oligomerization and endocytosis

Two PDZ domain-containing proteins, NHERF and E3KARP are necessary for cAMP-dependent inhibition of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3). In this study, we demonstrate a specific role of E3KARP, which is not duplicated by NHERF, in Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition of NHE3 activity. NHE3 activity is inhibited by elevation of intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in PS120 fibroblasts stably expressing E3KARP but not those expressing NHERF. In addition, this Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition requires Ca(2+)-dependent association between alpha-actinin-4 and E3KARP. NHE3 is indirectly connected to alpha-actinin-4 in a protein complex through Ca(2+)-dependent interaction between alpha-actinin-4 and E3KARP, which occurs through the actin-binding domain plus spectrin repeat domain of alpha-actinin-4. Elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) results in oligomerization and endocytosis of NHE3 as well as in inhibition of NHE3 activity. Overexpression of alpha-actinin-4 potentiates the inhibitory effect of ionomycin on NHE3 activity by accelerating the oligomerization and endocytosis of NHE3. In contrast, overexpression of the actin-binding domain plus spectrin repeat domain acts as a dominant-negative mutant and prevents the inhibitory effect of ionomycin on NHE3 activity as well as the oligomerization and internalization of NHE3. From these results, we propose that elevated Ca(2+) inhibits NHE3 activity through oligomerization and endocytosis of NHE3, which occurs via formation of an NHE3-E3KARP-alpha-actinin-4 complex.

Phosphorylation and cell cycle-dependent regulation of Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor-1 by Cdc2 kinase

Na(+)/H(+) exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF)-1 is a PDZ domain-containing adaptor protein known to bind to various receptors, channels, cytoskeletal elements, and cytoplasmic signaling proteins. We report here that the phosphorylation state of NHERF-1 is profoundly regulated by the cell cycle: NHERF-1 in HeLa cells is hyperphosphorylated in mitosis phase and much less phosphorylated at other points of the cell cycle. This mitosis phase-dependent phosphorylation of NHERF-1 could be blocked by roscovitine, consistent with phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinases. In vitro studies with purified NHERF-1 fusion proteins and purified kinases revealed that NHERF-1 was robustly phosphorylated by the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc2. In contrast, the NHERF-1 relative NHERF-2 was not phosphorylated at all by Cdc2. NHERF-1 possesses two serines (Ser(279) and Ser(301)) that conform to the SPX(K/R) motif preferred for phosphorylation by Cdc2. Mutation of either of these serines reduced Cdc2-mediated phosphorylation of NHERF-1 in vitro, and mutation of both residues together completely abolished Cdc2-mediated phosphorylation. When the S279A/S301A NHERF-1 mutant was expressed in cells, it failed to exhibit the mitosis phase-dependent phosphorylation observed with wild-type NHERF-1. Mutation of both Ser(279) and Ser(301) to aspartate, to mimic Cdc2 phosphorylation of NHERF-1, resulted in a NHERF-1 mutant with a markedly impaired ability to oligomerize in vitro. Similarly, endogenous NHERF-1 from lysates of mitosis phase HeLa cells exhibited a markedly reduced ability to oligomerize relative to endogenous NHERF-1 from lysates of interphase HeLa cells. Mitosis phase NHERF-1 furthermore exhibited the ability to associate with Pin1, a WW domain-containing peptidylprolyl isomerase that does not detectably bind to NHERF-1 in interphase lysates. The association of NHERF-1 with Pin1 facilitated dephosphorylation of NHERF-1, as shown in experiments in which cellular Pin1 activity was blocked by the selective inhibitor juglone. These data reveal that cellular NHERF-1 is phosphorylated during mitosis phase by Cdc2 at Ser(279) and Ser(301) and that this phosphorylation regulates NHERF-1 oligomerization and association with Pin1.

Evidence for selective coupling of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors to phospholipase C-beta 1 in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes

Activation of phospholipase C (PLC) in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NCM) generates primarily inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P(3)) in response to rises in intracellular Ca(2+), or inositol 1,4-bisphosphate (Ins(1,4)P(2)) in response to norepinephrine (NE) (Matkovich, S. J. and Woodcock, E. A. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 10845-10850). To examine the PLC subtype mediating the alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor response, PLC-beta(1) and PLC-beta(3) were overexpressed in NCM using adenoviral infection (Ad-PLC-beta(1) NCM and Ad-PLC-beta(3) NCM, respectively) and PLC responses assessed from [(3)H]inositol phosphate (InsP) generation in the presence of 10 mm LiCl. The [(3)H]InsP response to NE (100 microm) was enhanced in Ad-PLC-beta(1) NCM relative to cells infected with blank virus (Ad-MX NCM), but was reduced in Ad-PLC-beta(3) NCM. In contrast, the [(3)H]InsP response to ATP (100 microm) was not elevated in Ad-PLC-beta(1) NCM, and was enhanced rather than diminished in Ad-PLC-beta(3) NCM, showing that effects of the two PLC-beta isoforms were specific for particular receptor types. PLC-delta(1) overexpression selectively reduced NE-induced [(3)H]InsP responses, without affecting the ATP stimulation. The reduced NE response was associated with a selective loss of PLC-beta(1) expression in Ad-PLC-delta(1) NCM. alpha(1)-Adrenergic receptor activation caused phosphorylation of PLC-beta(1) but not PLC-beta(3), whereas stimulation by ATP induced phosphorylation of PLC-beta(3) but not PLC-beta(1.) Taken together, these studies provide evidence that NE-stimulated InsP generation in NCM is primarily mediated by PLC-beta(1), despite the presence of both PLC-beta(1) and PLC-beta(3) isoforms.

Neuroendocrine secretory protein 7B2: structure, expression and functions

7B2 is an acidic protein residing in the secretory granules of neuroendocrine cells. Its sequence has been elucidated in many phyla and species. It shows high similarity among mammals. A Pro-Pro-Asn-Pro-Cys-Pro polyproline motif is its most conserved feature, being carried by both vertebrate and invertebrate sequences. It is biosynthesized as a precursor protein that is cleaved into an N-terminal fragment and a C-terminal peptide. In neuroendocrine cells, 7B2 functions as a specific chaperone for the proprotein convertase (PC) 2. Through the sequence around its Pro-Pro-Asn-Pro-Cys-Pro motif, it binds to an inactive proPC2 and facilitates its transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to later compartments of the secretory pathway where the zymogen is proteolytically matured and activated. Its C-terminal peptide can inhibit PC2 in vitro and may contribute to keep the enzyme transiently inactive in vivo. The PC2-7B2 model defines a new neuroendocrine paradigm whereby proteolytic activation of prohormones and proneuropeptides in the secretory pathway is spatially and temporally regulated by the dynamics of interactions between converting enzymes and their binding proteins. Interestingly, unlike PC2-null mice, which are viable, 7B2-null mutants die early in life from Cushing's disease due to corticotropin ('ACTH') hypersecretion by the neurointermediate lobe, suggesting a possible involvement of 7B2 in secretory granule formation and in secretion regulation. The mechanism of this regulation is yet to be elucidated. 7B2 has been shown to be a good marker of several neuroendocrine cell dysfunctions in humans. The possibility that anomalies in its structure and expression could be aetiological causes of some of these dysfunctions warrants investigation.

PHM is required for normal developmental transitions and for biosynthesis of secretory peptides in Drosophila

To understand the roles of secretory peptides in developmental signaling, we have studied Drosophila mutant for the gene peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM). PHM is the rate-limiting enzyme for C-terminal alpha-amidation, a specific and necessary modification of secretory peptides. In insects, more than 90% of known or predicted neuropeptides are amidated. PHM mutants lack PHM protein and enzyme activity; most null animals die as late embryos with few morphological defects. Natural and synthetic PHM hypomorphs revealed phenotypes that resembled those of animals with mutations in genes of the ecdysone-inducible regulatory circuit. Animals bearing a strong hypomorphic allele contain no detectable PHM enzymatic activity or protein; approximately 50% hatch and initially display normal behavior, then die as young larvae, often while attempting to molt. PHM mutants were rescued with daily induction of a PHM transgene and complete rescue was seen with induction limited to the first 4 days after egg-laying. The rescued mutant adults produced progeny which survived to various stages up through metamorphosis (synthetic hypomorphs) and displayed prepupal and pupal phenotypes resembling those of ecdysone-response gene mutations. Examination of neuropeptide biosynthesis in PHM mutants revealed specific disruptions: Amidated peptides were largely absent in strong hypomorphs, but peptide precursors, a nonamidated neuropeptide, nonpeptide transmitters, and other peptide biosynthetic enzymes were readily detected. Mutant adults that were produced by a minimal rescue schedule had lowered PHM enzyme levels and reproducibly altered patterns of amidated neuropeptides in the CNS. These deficits were partially reversed within 24 h by a single PHM induction in the adult stage. These genetic results support the hypothesis that secretory peptide signaling is critical for transitions between developmental stages, without strongly affecting morphogenetic events within a stage. Further, they show that PHM is required for peptide alpha-amidating activity throughout the life of Drosophila. Finally, they define novel methods to study neural and endocrine peptide biosynthesis and functions in vivo.