Analysis of cholecystokinin-binding proteins using endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase F

Canine kidney glucagon receptor: evidence for a structurally-different, tissue-specific variant of the glucagon receptor

125I-Glucagon was directly cross-linked to its receptor sites on the MDCK plasma membranes using a UV irradiation procedure. Analysis of the affinity labeled membranes by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography, demonstrated the presence of a single band at 74 kDa. The incorporation of radiolabeled glucagon into this band was abolished by the presence of excess unlabeled hormones, thus indicating a specificity of labeling. Also this band was observed in affinity labeled dog kidney plasma membranes. The size of the MDCK and the dog kidney glucagon receptors were consistently larger than that of the dog liver receptor as judged by electrophoretic mobility. Treatments with neuraminidase, endoglycosidase F, or N-glycanase failed to convert the renal form into the hepatic form of the receptor. Proteolytic mapping of the MDCK and the dog liver glucagon receptors revealed that major domains of both proteins are remarkably similar, yet transient variations in the size of the fragments could be detected after short duration digestions. Overall the data presents evidence that the dog renal receptor represents a structurally unique isoform of the glucagon receptor.

Mutations in putative glycosylation sites of rat 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase affect enzymatic activity

11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11-HSD) catalyzes the interconversion of corticosterone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone in rats, or cortisol and cortisone in humans. The 'liver' or 'Type I' isozyme is a widely distributed glycoprotein that utilizes NADP+ as a co-factor. To study the role of glycosylation in maintaining enzymatic activity, we introduced mutations into the two potential N-linked glycosylation sites (asparagine-X-serine, residues 158-160 and 203-205) predicted from the rat cDNA sequence. Mutagenesis was performed by a PCR based technique, and wild-type (WT) and mutant cDNAs were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells after cloning into the pCMV4 vector. At each putative glycosylation site, asparagine (N) was changed to glutamine (Q) or aspartic acid (D), and serine (S) changed to alanine (A). All three modifications of the first site (N158Q, N158D, S160A) had minimal (75-100% of WT) effects on dehydrogenase activity and caused a mild (50-75% of WT) decrease in reductase activity. In contrast, mutations at the second site had marked effects, with N203Q and N203D completely abolishing both dehydrogenase and reductase activities and S205A decreasing both activities to about 20% of WT. The double mutation of S160A and S205A also abolished all activity, even though the enzyme carrying each mutation alone was, at least, partially active. The results suggest that N203 (which is highly but not completely conserved in short chain dehydrogenase enzymes) is essential for activity of 11-HSD. N-linked glycosylation may be necessary for full activity or stability of the enzyme.

Y2 receptor proteins for peptide YY and neuropeptide Y. Characterization as N-linked complex glycoproteins

Affinity labeling using [125I-Tyr36]PYY and homobifunctional affinity crosslinking reagents of the rabbit Y2 receptor for peptide YY(PYY) results in specifically labeled proteins of both M(r) = 50,000 to 60,000 and M(r) = 96,000 to 115,000 [1,2]. In this work the glycoprotein nature of affinity labeled Y2 receptor proteins were investigated by enzymatic deglycosylation using neuraminidase, endoglycosidase F (endo F), N-glycosidase F (PNGase F), and O-glycanase treatment. Only N-glycosidase F and neuraminidase increased the electrophoretic mobility of the radiolabeled receptor bands, whereas all other glycosidases did not. PNGase F treatment of both radiolabeled receptor bands electroeluted from gel slices reduced the apparent molecular mass of by 16-17 kDa units, that is M(r) = 96,000 to 79,000 and M(r) = 60,000 to 44,000, indicating removal of N-linked oligosaccharide chains of similar size from both species. Neuraminidase treatment caused slight increases in the electrophoretic mobilities suggesting the presence of terminal sialic residues. It is concluded that the Y2 binding proteins are N-linked complex (sialo)glycoproteins with a minimal core protein size of M(r) = 44,000. Furthermore, based on this sensitivity pattern of the glycosidases, the Asn-linked carbohydrate may be of the tri- or tetra-antennary complex type containing terminal sialic acid residues.

Pharmacological and biochemical characterization of cholecystokinin/gastrin receptors in developing rat pancreas. Age-related expression of distinct receptor glycoforms

Cholecystokinin/gastrin receptors in the pancreas of newborn (3-day-old) rats are of type A, as in control mature rats, revealed by pharmacological analysis of specific 125I-Bolton-Hunter-reagent-labelled [Thr34,Ahx37]cholecystokinin(31-39) (Ahx, aminohexanoic acid) binding. Also, by 1 day post-partum, pancreatic cholecystokinin receptors were shown to be coupled to guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory (G) proteins. Scatchard analysis of 125I-Bolton-Hunter-reagent-labelled [Thr34,Ahx37]cholecystokinin(31-39) binding to pancreatic membranes from rats at different times after birth showed a slight increase in the binding capacity of cholecystokinin receptors between days 3 and 14 and a sixfold increase in 21-day-old rats, with no change in receptor affinity during development. SDS/PAGE analysis of pancreatic membranes affinity labelled with the photoactivable ligand 125I-[2-(p-azidosalicylamido)-1,3'-dithiopropionate]-labelled [Thr34,Ahx37]cholecystokinin-(31-39) identified cholecystokinin receptors of 100-135 kDa in 3-day-old rats, 96-130 kDa in 7-day-old rats, 90-125 kDa in 10-day-old rats and 85-100 kDa in 14-day-old and 21-day-old rats, as found in control adult rats. Endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase F treatment yielded a core protein of 42 kDa in all developmental stages. These findings are consistent with an age-related postnatal expression of distinct glycoforms of pancreatic cholecystokinin receptors. Furthermore, it was observed that the period 2-3 weeks after birth, characterized by stabilization of the mass of the cholecystokinin receptor, precedes the dramatic increase in the receptor number.

Biochemical characterization of a subtype pancreatic cholecystokinin receptor and of its agonist binding domain

This study was undertaken in order to improve photoaffinity labelling efficiency of pancreatic cholecystokinin receptor by the cleavable probe 125I-ASD-(Thr28,Ahx31)-CCK-25-33 and to further characterize the denaturated receptor and its agonist binding domain. Membrane bound pancreatic cholecystokinin receptor was specifically labelled by 125I-ASD-(Thr28,Ahx31)-CCK-25-33 as a component of Mr approximately 85,000-100,000. The efficiency of the photolabelling was 3-4%. Performing photolysis on [125I-ASD-(Thr28,Ahx31)-CCK-25-33-receptor] complexes solubilized by CHAPS did not affect specificity of the labelling reaction but enhanced its efficiency so that up to 10% of the receptor site population could be cross-linked. Several lectins were tested for their ability to recognize and purify the cholecystokinin receptor denaturated by Nonidet P-40. Wheat germ agglutinin provided the best recovery and purification rate. The receptor was fully adsorbed on immobilized wheat germ agglutinin, while only a fraction was retained on ricin II (28%) and Ulex europaeus (58%), thus suggesting that the receptor is heterogeneously glycosylated. Finally, major labelled receptor fragments were generated by enzymatic digestion. There were: endoproteinase Glu-C----Mr approximately 34,000; endoproteinase Glu-C/trypsin----Mr approximately 12,000; chymotrypsin/endoproteinase Glu-C----Mr approximately 16,000 and 12,000. The fragment of Mr approximately 34,000 was deglycosylated to a component of Mr approximately 22,000 whereas the other fragments were insensitive to deglycosylation Such results strongly suggest that cholecystokinin binding occurs in a non-glycosylated domain of the cholecystokinin receptor protein.

The biochemical characterization of the native pancreatic cholecystokinin receptor using affinity labeling approaches

Affinity labeling has been a powerful tool for the biochemical characterization of sparse molecules which bind to a ligand probe in a specific, high-affinity manner. The rat pancreatic acinar cell receptor for cholecystokinin (CCK), the major physiologic hormonal stimulant of pancreatic exocrine secretion, has been the target of such investigation. Of interest, affinity-labeling studies have identified two distinct plasma membrane glycoproteins as candidates to represent this receptor. The initial candidate, which was identified using 125I-Bolton Hunter-labeled CCK-33 as probe, migrates on a SDS-polyacrylamide gel as a broad band in the M(r) = 80,000 range. Subsequently, using shorter probes in which the site of covalent attachment was closer to the receptor-binding domain of the probe, a band of M(r) = 85,000-95,000 was specifically labeled. Deglycosylation and protease-peptide mapping demonstrated that these bands represent distinct molecules. Using "intrinsic" probes of the receptor, in which a photolabile residue was sited within the pharmacophoric domain of the ligand, attention was focused on the latter candidate as representing the binding protein. Insight into the relationship between these proteins as they reside in the plasma membrane was contributed by labeling with a "topographical mapping" probe, which incorporates a flexible spacer of variable length between a CCK-like ligand and a photolabile residue. This procedure confirmed that these two minor membrane proteins are spatially associated with each other.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of a novel receptor in toad retina with dual specificity for insulin and insulin-like growth factor I

The biochemical properties of insulin receptors from toad retinal membranes were examined in an effort to gain insight into the role this receptor plays in the retina. Competition binding assays revealed that toad retinal membranes contained binding sites that displayed an equal affinity for insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Affinity labeling of toad retinal membrane proteins with 125I-insulin resulted in the specific labeling of insulin receptor alpha-subunits of approximately 105 kDa. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of partially reduced (alpha beta-heterodimer) receptors affinity-labeled with 125I-insulin indicated the presence of a disulfide-linked beta-subunit of approximately 95 kDa. Endoglycosidase F digestion of the affinity-labeled alpha-subunits increased their mobility by reducing their apparent mass to approximately 83 kDa. This receptor was not detected by immunoblot analysis with a site-specific antipeptide antibody directed against residues 657-670 of the carboxy terminal of the human insulin receptor alpha-subunit, whereas this antibody did label insulin receptor alpha-subunits from pig, cow, rabbit, and chick retinas. In in vitro autophosphorylation assays insulin stimulated the tyrosine phosphorylation of toad retina insulin receptor beta-subunits. These data indicate that toad retinal insulin receptors have a heterotetrameric structure whose alpha-subunits are smaller than other previously reported neuronal insulin receptors. They further suggest that a single receptor may account for both the insulin and IGF-I binding activities associated with toad retinal membranes.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors on AR42J rat pancreatic acinar cells

VIP receptors on AR42J rat pancreatic cells were analyzed by competition binding, affinity labeling and by N-glycanase digestion analyses. These studies revealed the presence of specific, high affinity (Kd approximately 1 nM) VIP receptors with a mass of 67 kDa or 59 kDa under reducing or non-reducing conditions, respectively. N-glycanase digestion of affinity labeled membranes generated a core receptor protein of approximately 44 kDa and evidence for at least two N-linked glycans on the mature receptor. The receptor lacked O-linked oligosaccharides but contained terminal sialic acid residues on its N-linked glycan(s) based on digestions with O-glycanase and neuraminidase. The similarity of the AR42J VIP receptor to the recently cloned cDNA for human VIP receptors makes this cell line an attractive model for further analysis of VIP receptor signal transduction events.

Rat and human neutrophil N-formyl-peptide chemotactic receptors. Species difference in the glycosylation of similar 35-38 kDa polypeptide cores

Rat and human neutrophil N-formyl-peptide chemotactic receptors were subjected to glycosidase and proteinase treatments to determine the extent and species differences of glycosylation and the carbohydrate requirement in the high-affinity ligand binding. N-Formyl-Nle-Leu-Phe-Nle-125I-Tyr-Lys was attached to rat and human neutrophils either before or after glycosidase and proteinase treatments, and the labelled receptors were solubilized after glutaraldehyde cross-linking and analysed by SDS/PAGE and autoradiography. Both the rat and human N-formyl-peptide chemotactic receptors contain only N-linked oligosaccharides, as demonstrated by their sensitivity to peptide N-glycosidase F (PNGase F) and resistance to O-glycanase treatment. The N-linked oligosaccharides seem to be of the complex type rather than the high-mannose or hybrid type and lack terminal sialic acid, as demonstrated by their resistance to endoglycosidases D and H and neuraminidase treatments. This sensitivity pattern was similar in both species, and the shift in the molecular size of the receptors to 35-38 kDa after PNGase F treatment occurred through one intermediate product, suggesting that both receptors contain a similar 35-38 kDa polypeptide core with two N-linked complex-type oligosaccharides, the heterogeneity of which is responsible for the species difference in receptor size. Papain treatment alone or followed by PNGase F produced in both species a 33-36 kDa membrane-bound fragment that was still able to bind the ligand, suggesting that the oligosaccharides are located on the approx. 2 kDa papain-cleavable polypeptide fragment of the receptors. The cleavage sites for both papain and PNGase F were hidden in occupied receptors, suggesting a conformational or topographical change in these upon ligand binding. Scatchard analyses and cross-linking experiments demonstrated that carbohydrates are not required for high-affinity ligand binding and that the 33-36 kDa membrane-bound papain fragment of both receptors contains the ligand-binding site.

Isolation and partial characterization of pneumocin, a novel apical membrane surface glycoprotein marker of rat type II cells

Rat alveolar type II pneumocytes, in situ, label with Maclura pomifera agglutinin (MPA), a plant lectin that recognizes alpha-galactosyl oligosaccharide residues of glycoproteins and glycolipids. To study the glycoproteins recognized by the lectin, MPA lectin affinity chromatography was used to isolate a novel glycoprotein, pneumocin, from type II and whole rat lung cell membranes. Pneumocin isolated from adult rat lungs was a non-disulfide-linked sialoglycoprotein with an Mr of 165 kD. Asparagine-linked oligosaccharides contributed 5 to 10% to the Mr. Two-dimensional chymotryptic peptide maps of pneumocin isolated from whole lung membranes and type II cells were similar. The glycoprotein partitioned in the detergent phase on Triton X-114 phase separation. Murine monoclonal antibodies developed against the purified glycoprotein localized on apical membranes of type II pneumocytes in situ. The antibodies did not label type I cells or lamellar bodies but labeled luminal surfaces of vesicular structures of type II cells. Isolated type II cells labeled with antibodies after 1 d in culture but showed significantly less staining of cells after 4 d of culture. These observations demonstrate that pneumocin is a cell surface sialoglycoprotein marker of type II cells. Western blot analysis of liver and kidney cell membranes suggest that related glycoproteins may also be present in those tissues. The isolation technique and monoclonal antibodies should permit further characterization and functional studies of the glycoprotein.

Functional and molecular characterization of CCK receptors in the rat pancreatic acinar cell line AR 4-2J

Competitive inhibition binding studies on membranes from the rat pancreatic AR 4-2J cell line revealed the predominance (80%) of low selectivity CCK receptors (KD of 1 nM and 4 nM for, respectively, CCK-8 and gastrin-17I (G-17I] over selective receptors (20% with a KD of 1 nM and 1 microM for, respectively, CCK-8 and G-17I). Amylase secretion was stimulated by low concentrations of CCK-8, G-17I and CCK-4. G-17I-induced amylase secretion was unaffected by 100 nM of the selective peripheral CCK-A receptor antagonist L-364,718, suggesting that amylase hypersecretion followed non-selective CCK receptor activation, a function normally assumed by selective CCK-A receptors in rat pancreatic acini. Direct ultraviolet irradiation of AR 4-2J cell membranes preloaded with 125I-BH-CCK-33 or 125I(Leu)G(2-17)I resulted in covalent cross-linking with, respectively, a 90 kDa protein and a 106 kDa protein, both distinct from the 81 kDa CCK binding species revealed in normal rat pancreatic membranes. Gpp[NH]p increased the dissociation rate of CCK-8 and G-17I from AR 4-2J cell membranes, indicating a coupling of receptors with guanyl nucleotide regulatory protein(s) G. [32P]ADP-ribosylation of AR 4-2J cell membranes allowed to detect the presence of two Gs alpha (the 50 kDa form predominating over the 45 kDa form) and one Gi alpha (41 kDa). However, Gi and Gs may not be involved in gastrin stimulation of amylase secretion, as Bordetella pertussis toxin and cholera toxin pretreatment of cells did not suppress G-17I-dependent amylase secretion.

Characterization of vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors in retina

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide having a wide range of effects on a large number of tissues. To gain insight into the role VIP plays in retinal function, VIP receptors in bovine retinal membranes were analyzed in competition binding assays and by affinity labeling studies and compared to VIP receptors in rat liver membranes. In both membrane preparations, high affinity VIP binding sites (KD approximately 1 nM) were detected. Secretin and glucagon, each having close structural homology to VIP, were found to have negligible effects on [125I]VIP binding in retina. In contrast, secretin (KD = 70 nM) was modestly effective in inhibiting [125I]VIP binding to rat liver membranes. Affinity labeling analysis revealed a VIP binding site of 59 kDa in both bovine retinal and rat liver membranes. Digestion of affinity-labeled receptor proteins with endoglycosidase F generated final cleavage products of approx. 45 kDa for both receptors. These results indicate that the retina expresses a high affinity, highly selective VIP receptor thereby supporting a specific function for VIP in this tissue.

Electric properties of photoaffinity-labelled pancreatic A-subtype cholecystokinin

Although the isoelectric point of a protein is very important, electric focusing of intrinsic membrane proteins in polyacrylamide or agarose gels often fails. The recently introduced Bio-Rad Rotofor cell allowed isoelectric focusing of such a protein, cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor. Both the isoelectric point and the molecular weight (Mr) of pancreatic CCK receptor were determined. For this purpose, membrane CCK receptor was photoaffinity labelled by a cleavable agonist probe, subsequently prepurified on immobilized wheat germ agglutinin and analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectrofocusing in solution in the presence of Nonidet P-40. CCK receptor was identified at Mr 85,000-100,000, whereas its deglycosylated product was shifted to Mr 42,000. Further, the isoelectric points of the glycosylated and deglycosylated forms of CCK receptor were pH 4.8 and 4.3, respectively. A knowledge of the isoelectric point should help in characterizing better CCK receptor heterogeneity and/or in purifying CCK receptor proteins.

Gallbladder CCK receptors: species differences in glycosylation of similar protein cores

Receptors for cholecystokinin (CCK) on gallbladder muscularis smooth muscle have different apparent sizes in man (Mr = 85,000-95,000) and cow (Mr = 70,000-85,000). In this work, these receptors were demonstrated to represent N-linked complex glycoproteins with Mr = 43,000 protein cores, based on lectin-affinity chromatography and the deglycosylation of bands affinity labeled with 125I-D-Tyr-Gly-[(Nle28,31, pNO2-Phe33)CCK-26-33] using neuraminidase, O-glycanase and endoglycosidases H and F. Similarities in the core proteins were further demonstrated by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease peptide mapping, in which both proteins yielded similar fragment patterns. Thus, gallbladder CCK receptors present in man and cow are both N-linked complex glycoproteins, with different carbohydrate domains and similar protein cores.

Interaction of CCK with pancreatic acinar cells

Recent studies demonstrate that cholecystokinin-like peptides are widely distributed in the CNS as well as in the peripheral nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Studies with agonists have demonstrated multiple classes of receptors and recently potent receptor antagonists have been described which will distinguish these classes and should allow a better understanding of the role of CCK in various physiological processes. One of the known peripheral physiological functions of CCK is the stimulation of digestive enzymes from pancreatic acinar cells. In recent years the interaction of CCK with pancreatic acinar cells has been extensively studied and significant advances have been made in understanding its cellular basis of action. Robert Jensen and colleagues report on each of these areas.

Protease peptide mapping of affinity-labeled rat pancreatic cholecystokinin-binding proteins

Affinity-labeling probes with sites of cross-linking distributed along the ligand have been used to biochemically characterize the pancreatic cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor. Probes with photolabile sites spanning the receptor-binding domain have labeled a Mr = 85,000-95,000 plasma membrane protein, while a probe cross-linked via the amino terminus of CCK-33, far removed from the carboxyl-terminal receptor-binding domain, has labeled a distinct Mr = 80,000 protein. In this work, protease peptide mapping of the pancreatic proteins labeled by each of these probes has been performed to gain insight into the identities of the bands and to define domains of the labeled proteins. Photolabile decapeptide probes with sites of cross-linking at the amino terminus, mid region, and carboxyl terminus of the receptor-binding domain each labeled a Mr = 85,000-95,000 glycoprotein with a Mr = 42,000 core protein and similar Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease peptide maps. This confirms that each probe labels the same binding protein and the same domain of that protein. Serial slices through the broad labeled band were separately deglycosylated and protease-treated, demonstrating a single protein core with differential glycosylation. The CCK-33-based probe, however, labeled predominantly two proteins, one having similar sizes in its native and deglycosylated forms to that labeled by the decapeptide probes and a distinct Mr = 80,000 protein. Of note, the peptide map of the protein believed to be the same as that labeled by the shorter probes was different, suggesting that this probe labeled the binding subunit at a site distinct from that which was labeled by the short probes.

Purification of the pancreatic cholecystokinin receptor

We have previously shown that the pancreatic cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor can be solubilized in 1% digitonin. In this study, digitonin-solubilized CCK receptors from rat pancreas were purified using sequential affinity chromatography on ricin-II agarose and on AffiGel-CCK. Electrophoresis of the radioiodinated purified receptors on SDS-polyacrylamide gels followed by autoradiography revealed two proteins: a major band of Mr = 80,000-90,000, and a minor band of Mr = 55,000. Through the purification procedure, the receptors preserved their agonist specificity (CCK-8 less than CCK-33 less than desulfated CCK-8 less than CCK-4) and binding affinity. Scatchard transformations of binding data for the purified receptor preparation were best fit by linear plots compatible with a single class of binding sites with Kd = 9.4 nM. The estimated purification was about 80,000 fold and consistent with the expected Bmax for a pure Mr = 80,000 protein binding one CCK molecule. This two-step purification procedure opens the possibility for molecular studies of the CCK receptor.

Use of N,O-bis-Fmoc-D-Tyr-ONSu for introduction of an oxidative iodination site into cholecystokinin family peptides

We report the synthesis of a new reagent for the introduction of an oxidative iodination site into the amino terminus of acid-labile peptides, and the use of this reagent to synthesize a novel affinity-labeling probe for the cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor. The acylation reagent, N,O-bis-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl-D-tyrosine hydroxysuccinimide ester, utilizes base-labile protection of both the alpha amino group and the aromatic ring hydroxyl. This can be safely removed to expose a cross-linkable free amino group on the aminopeptidase-resistant D-enantiomer of tyrosine. The synthetic probe, D-Tyr-Gly-Asp-Tyr(OSO3H)-Nle-Gly-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2, was fully biologically active, could be radioiodinated to high-specific radioactivity (2000 Ci/mmol), bound with high affinity to the pancreatic CCK receptor, and covalently labeled the hormone-binding site. This reagent should be useful for the synthesis of a wide variety of analogues of CCK and other acid-labile peptides.

Characterization of cholecystokinin receptors in toad retina

The binding characteristics, structure, and pharmacologic properties of a cholecystokinin binding protein in toad retinal membranes have been studied. In competition binding studies using 125I-CCK-8, toad retinal membranes exhibited a high affinity binding site having a Ki50 of 1.5 nM using CCK-8 as competitive ligand. The relative potencies of CCK-related peptides in inhibiting radioligand binding were caerulein greater than gastrin II approximately equal to CCK-8 approximately equal to CCK-33 greater than CCK-8-DS approximately equal to gastrin I. L-364,718, a potent inhibitor of peripheral CCK receptors, was ineffective at competition binding at concentrations up to 1 microM; dibutyryl cyclic GMP was modestly effective at competing (KD approximately 10 mM). Covalent binding of 125I-CCK-33 to toad retinal membranes using chemical cross-linkers or UV irradiation resulted in the labeling of a major Mr 62,000 protein and the intermittent labeling of minor components of Mr 105,000 and Mr 40,000 as determined by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography. The binding of 125I-CCK-33 to retinal membranes and the concomitant labeling of the Mr 62,000 component was specifically inhibited by CCK-8 (KD approximately 1.5 nM). Reduction of membranes with DTT abolished specific binding of 125I-CCK. SDS-PAGE analysis of affinity cross-linked membranes under non-reducing conditions revealed that the Mr 62,000 protein migrated with an apparently lower molecular weight. These results suggest that the Mr 62,000 CCK binding protein in the toad retina contains an intramolecular disulfide bond(s). The Mr 62,000 protein was retained on a wheat germ agglutinin-agarose column and eluted with N-acetyl D-glucosamine, suggesting the glycoprotein nature of this protein. Digestion of the Mr 62,000 protein with neuraminidase together with O-glycanase resulted in a discrete product of Mr approximately 60,000. These results indicate that the Mr 62,000 protein is a glycoprotein with O-linked oligosaccharide chains. Taken together, these data indicate that the CCK receptor in toad retina has a distinct structure compared to that described in rat pancreas or brain. It will be important to establish whether this difference is reflected in differences in signal transduction mechanisms.

Cholecystokinin induces the interaction of its receptor with a guanine nucleotide binding protein

To evaluate the relation between the pancreatic cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor and guanine nucleotide-binding protein(s) we studied the effects of nucleotides on 125I-CCK binding to pancreatic acinar plasma membranes, 125I-CCK binding to solubilized 125I-CCK receptors, and the stability of the solubilized 125I-CCK-receptor complex. In plasma membranes, guanine nucleotides both inhibited CCK binding and increased the dissociation of CCK from its receptor. The potency of the nucleotides studied was GTP gamma S = GMP-PNP greater than GTP much greater than ATP. When membranes were solubilized with digitonin, subsequent binding of CCK was insensitive to guanine nucleotides including GTP, GMP-PNP and GTP gamma S. However, if CCK binding occurred before solubilization of the membranes, guanine nucleotides increased dissociation at concentrations and with a specificity similar to that observed for effects on intact pancreatic membranes. It is concluded that guanine nucleotides act via a protein which is separable from the receptor to induce dissociation of bound CCK. Moreover, CCK binding induces an association in the plasma membrane of the CCK receptor with this guanine nucleotide binding protein.

Solubilization and characterization of guinea-pig pancreatic somatostatin receptors

The solubilization of somatostatin receptors from guinea-pig pancreas by different non-denaturing detergents was investigated after stabilization of the receptors by prior binding of 125I-[Tyr11]somatostatin or its analogue 125I-[Leu8,DTrp22,Tyr25]somatostatin 28, to pancreatic plasma membranes. The somatostatin-receptor complexes were solubilized in a high yield by Zwittergent 3-14 (3-[tetradecyldimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate), a zwitterionic detergent. Other detergents, digitonin, Triton X-100, Chaps (3-[cholamidopropyldimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate) and octyl beta-D-glycopyranoside, achieved only partial solubilization. The recovery of receptor complexes was increased by glycerol. In order to characterize solubilized somatostatin-receptor complexes, membranes receptors were covalently labelled using N-5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyloxysuccinimide as cross-linking reagent before solubilization. Gel filtration chromatography analysis resulted in the identification of a major protein component of apparent Mr = 93,000 which interacted with the two radioligands. In addition, a similar component of Mr = 88,000 was characterized after analysis by SDS-PAGE of membrane receptors covalently cross-linked with 125I-[Leu8,DTrp22,Tyr25]somatostatin 28 by different heterobifunctional reagents: N-5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyloxysuccinimide, N-hydroxysuccinimidyl 4-azidobenzoate, N-succinimidyl 6-(4'-azido-2'-nitrophenylamino)hexanoate. Optimal cross-linking results were obtained with N-5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyloxysuccinimide. The solubilized somatostatin-receptor complex was adsorbed to wheat-germ agglutinin-agarose column and eluted by specific sugars. We concluded that the guinea-pig pancreatic somatostatin receptor in the membrane and in the non-denaturing detergent solution behaves as a protein monomer of apparent Mr approximately 85,000-90,000. The somatostatin receptor is a glycoprotein which contains complex-type carbohydrate chains.

Heterogeneity of cholecystokinin receptors in pancreas

Specific labeling of a major Mr 85-95 K protein was obtained using the SH, NH2 heterobifunctional cross-linker m-maleimidobenzoyl N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (MBS) to affinity label cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors on rat pancreatic plasma membranes, pancreatic acinar cells and acinar cell tumor membranes with 125I-CCK-33. Endoglycosidase F (endo F) digestion of this species in gel slices indicated that at least two components were present which contain N-linked glycans. The smaller protein of Mr approximately 85 K was digested by endo F to a final product of approximately Mr 62 K while the larger Mr approximately 95 K protein generated two endo F products of Mr 55 K and Mr 43 K. These findings suggest that the receptor for CCK on pancreatic acinar cells exhibits an oligomeric structure, possessing two distinct CCK-binding proteins.

Stimulus-secretion coupling in the developing exocrine pancreas: secretory responsiveness to cholecystokinin

We have studied the onset of secretory responsiveness to cholecystokinin (CCK) during development of the rat exocrine pancreas. Although acinar cells of the fetal pancreas (1 d before birth) are filled with zymogen granules containing the secretory protein, alpha-amylase, the rate of amylase secretion from pancreatic lobules incubated in vitro was not increased in response to CCK. In contrast, the rate of CCK-stimulated amylase discharge from the neonatal pancreas (1 d after birth) was increased four- to eightfold above that of the fetal gland. The postnatal amplification of secretory responsiveness was not associated with an increase in the number or cell surface expression of 125I-CCK binding sites. When 125I-CCK-33 binding proteins were analyzed by affinity crosslinking, two proteins of Mr 210,000 and 100,000-160,000 were labeled specifically in both fetal and neonatal pancreas. To determine if cell surface receptors for CCK in the fetal pancreas are functional and able to generate a rise in the cytosolic [Ca++], we measured 45Ca++ efflux from tracer-loaded lobules. 45Ca++ efflux from both fetal and neonatal pancreas was comparably increased by CCK, indicating CCK-induced Ca++ mobilization and elevated cytosolic [Ca++]. The Ca++ ionophore A23187 also stimulated the rate of 45Ca++ extrusion from pancreas of both ages. Increased amylase secretion occurred concurrently with A23187-stimulated 45Ca++ efflux in neonatal pancreas, but not in the fetal gland. A23187 in combination with dibutyryl cAMP potentiated amylase release from the neonatal gland, but not from fetal pancreas. Similarly, the protein kinase C activator, phorbol dibutyrate, did not increase the rate of secretion from the fetal gland when added alone or in combination with A23187 or CCK. We suggest that CCK-receptor interaction in the fetal pancreas triggers intracellular Ca++ mobilization. However, one or more signal transduction events distal to Ca++ mobilization have not yet matured. The onset of secretory response to CCK that occurs postnatally may depend on amplification of these transduction events.

The structure of the hepatic insulin receptor and insulin binding

Hepatocytes or hepatic plasma membranes were photoaffinity-labelled with radioiodinated N epsilon B29-monoazidobenzoyl-insulin. Analysis of the samples by SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and autoradiography revealed the insulin receptor as a predominant band of 450 kDa. When hepatic plasma membranes were first treated with clostridial collagenase and then photolabelled, the insulin receptor appeared as a predominant band of 360 kDa. This effect of collagenase treatment on the insulin receptor was due to Ca2+-dependent heat-labile proteinases contaminating the preparation of collagenase, and it could be mimicked by elastase. The decrease in size of the insulin receptor to 360 kDa resulted from the loss of a receptor component that was inaccessible to photolabelling. In contrast, the size of the insulin receptor of intact cells was not affected by collagenase treatment. This suggests that the site sensitive to proteolysis was located on the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane. In hepatic plasma membranes that were treated with collagenase or elastase, and contained the 360 kDa form of the insulin receptor, the binding affinity for insulin was increased by up to 2-fold. These findings support the concept that a component which is either a part of, or closely associated with, the insulin receptor may regulate its affinity for insulin.

Photoaffinity labeling demonstrates binding between Ia molecules and nominal antigen on antigen-presenting cells

We have used radioiodinated photoreactive bovine insulin as antigen to examine the molecular nature of immunogenic complexes that form on antigen-presenting cells. The probe was allowed to bind to either insulin-presenting B-hybridoma cells, lipopolysaccharide-stimulated blasts, or bovine insulin-specific helper-T-hybridoma cells in the dark. Samples were then exposed to light to induce crosslinkage, solubilized, and analyzed by gel electrophoresis. Two protein bands at about 36 kDa and 27 kDa were specifically labeled on antigen-presenting cells but not on helper T cells. Treatment of these bands with dithiothreitol or endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase F showed that each is composed of a single glycoprotein. These proteins are immunoprecipitable with haplotype-specific but not control anti-Ia antibodies. This identifies the labeled bands as the alpha and beta subunits of class II major histocompatibility antigens. We conclude that a molecular complex may form between Ia and antigen on antigen-presenting cells and that formation of this complex does not require the presence of a helper-T-cell antigen receptor.

Do antagonists of pancreatic cholecystokinin receptors interact with central nervous system cholecystokinin receptors?

The abilities of the pancreatic cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor antagonists dibutyryl cyclic GMP, proglumide, benzotript, CBZ-tryptophan, CBZ-cysteine and CCK-27-32-amide to inhibit CCK binding to its receptor in the pancreas and brain of mice and guinea pigs was examined. In both species, the same relative potencies of the antagonists in brain and pancreas was seen except that dibutyryl cyclic GMP was considerably more potent on pancreas than on cerebral cortex CCK receptors. CCK-27-32-amide was the most potent inhibitor for both brain and pancreas but was more potent in the guinea pig than in the mouse. Proglumide, a relatively weak antagonist, was a more potent inhibitor of the guinea pig than of the mouse pancreas receptor. Thus, these data suggest that there are both tissue-specific and species-specific differences in CCK antagonist interactions with the CCK receptor.

Characterization of insulin receptor carbohydrate by comparison of chemical and enzymatic deglycosylation

To characterize the carbohydrate moieties of the insulin receptor on IM-9 lymphocytes, the cells were surface iodinated and solubilized, and the insulin receptors were precipitated with anti-receptor antibody. The precipitates were resuspended, subjected to either enzymatic digestion or chemical treatment with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and the relative mobilities of the alpha and beta subunits before and after treatment were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. The results indicate that the alpha subunit possesses primarily N-linked carbohydrate which is both complex (Endoglycosidase F sensitive) and polymannose (Endoglycosidase H sensitive). The beta subunit also contains polymannose oligosaccharide units and has, in addition, a substantial amount of carbohydrate which is removed by chemical treatment but is not susceptible to Endoglycosidase F, suggesting the presence of O-linked saccharides. The apparent molecular weights of the core protein of the mature alpha and beta subunits as determined by gel electrophoresis following complete deglycosylation are 98 kDa and 80 kDa, respectively.

Direct cross-linking of 125I-labeled glucagon to its membrane receptor by UV irradiation

125I-labeled glucagon was directly crosslinked to its receptor in isolated liver plasma membranes and on the surface of intact hepatocytes, by using a UV irradiation procedure. This investigation resulted in the identification of a glucagon-receptor complex of apparent Mr 62,000. The specificity of labeling was shown by the interference of unlabeled hormone at physiological concentration with incorporation of radioactive glucagon into the 62,000 Mr species. The receptor behaved as a typical integral membrane protein: it was not released by extraction with lithium diiodosalicylate or at basic pH but was solubilized by digitonin treatment. Reduction of the receptor polypeptide with dithiothreitol resulted in a decrease in its electrophoretic mobility, suggesting the presence of intramolecular disulfide bonds. Soluble glucagon-receptor complexes adsorbed to Con A-Sepharose and could be eluted with methyl alpha-D-mannoside, indicating that the receptor molecule is a glycoprotein. Treatment of glucagon-labeled liver plasma membrane with endoglycosidase F resulted in the appearance of four intermediate species, indicating that glucagon receptor contains at least four N-linked oligosaccharide chains.