Comparison of spectrin isolated from erythroid and non-erythroid sources

A Fresh Look at the Structure, Regulation, and Functions of Fodrin

Fodrin and its erythroid cell-specific isoform spectrin are actin-associated fibrous proteins that play crucial roles in the maintenance of structural integrity in mammalian cells, which is necessary for proper cell function. Normal cell morphology is altered in diseases such as various cancers and certain neuronal disorders. Fodrin and spectrin are two-chain (αβ) molecules that are encoded by paralogous genes and share many features but also demonstrate certain differences. Fodrin (in humans, typically a heterodimer of the products of the SPTAN1 and SPTBN1 genes) is expressed in nearly all cell types and is especially abundant in neuronal tissues, whereas spectrin (in humans, a heterodimer of the products of the SPTA1 and SPTB1 genes) is expressed almost exclusively in erythrocytes. To fulfill a role in such a variety of different cell types, it was anticipated that fodrin would need to be a more versatile scaffold than spectrin. Indeed, as summarized here, domains unique to fodrin and its regulation by Ca²⁺, calmodulin, and a variety of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) endow fodrin with additional specific functions. However, how fodrin structural variations and misregulated PTMs may contribute to the etiology of various cancers and neurodegenerative diseases needs to be further investigated.

The role of βII spectrin in cardiac health and disease

Spectrins are large, flexible proteins comprised of α-β dimers that are connected head-to-head to form the canonical heterotetrameric spectrin structure. Spectrins were initially believed to be exclusively found in human erythrocytic membrane and are highly conserved among different species. βII spectrin, the most common isoform of non-erythrocytic spectrin, is found in all nucleated cells and forms larger macromolecular complexes with ankyrins and actins. Not only is βII spectrin a central cytoskeletal scaffolding protein involved in preserving cell structure but it has also emerged as a critical protein required for distinct physiologic functions such as posttranslational localization of crucial membrane proteins and signal transduction. In the heart, βII spectrin plays a vital role in maintaining normal cardiac membrane excitability and proper cardiac development during embryogenesis. Mutations in βII spectrin genes have been strongly linked with the development of serious cardiac disorders such as congenital arrhythmias, heart failure, and possibly sudden cardiac death. This review focuses on our current knowledge of the role βII spectrin plays in the cardiovascular system in health and disease and the potential future clinical implications.

The spectrin-ankyrin-4.1-adducin membrane skeleton: adapting eukaryotic cells to the demands of animal life

The cells in animals face unique demands beyond those encountered by their unicellular eukaryotic ancestors. For example, the forces engendered by the movement of animals places stresses on membranes of a different nature than those confronting free-living cells. The integration of cells into tissues, as well as the integration of tissue function into whole animal physiology, requires specialisation of membrane domains and the formation of signalling complexes. With the evolution of mammals, the specialisation of cell types has been taken to an extreme with the advent of the non-nucleated mammalian red blood cell. These and other adaptations to animal life seem to require four proteins--spectrin, ankyrin, 4.1 and adducin--which emerged during eumetazoan evolution. Spectrin, an actin cross-linking protein, was probably the earliest of these, with ankyrin, adducin and 4.1 only appearing as tissues evolved. The interaction of spectrin with ankyrin is probably a prerequisite for the formation of tissues; only with the advent of vertebrates did 4.1 acquires the ability to bind spectrin and actin. The latter activity seems to allow the spectrin complex to regulate the cell surface accumulation of a wide variety of proteins. Functionally, the spectrin-ankyrin-4.1-adducin complex is implicated in the formation of apical and basolateral domains, in aspects of membrane trafficking, in assembly of certain signalling and cell adhesion complexes and in providing stability to otherwise mechanically fragile cell membranes. Defects in this complex are manifest in a variety of hereditary diseases, including deafness, cardiac arrhythmia, spinocerebellar ataxia, as well as hereditary haemolytic anaemias. Some of these proteins also function as tumor suppressors. The spectrin-ankyrin-4.1-adducin complex represents a remarkable system that underpins animal life; it has been adapted to many different functions at different times during animal evolution.

Two populations of beta-spectrin in rat skeletal muscle

We use immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, and centrifugation in sucrose density gradients to show that the product of the erythrocyte beta-spectrin gene in rat skeletal muscle (muscle beta-spectrin) is present in two states, one associated with fodrin, and another that is not associated with any identifiable spectrin or fodrin subunit. Immunofluorescence studies indicate that a significant amount of beta-spectrin without alpha-fodrin is present in the myoplasm of some muscle fibers, and, more strikingly, at distinct regions of the sarcolemma. These results suggest that alpha-fodrin and muscle beta-spectrin associate in muscle in situ, but that some muscle beta-spectrin without a paired alpha-subunit forms distinct domains at the sarcolemma.

Interaction of calmodulin with striatin, a WD-repeat protein present in neuronal dendritic spines

Rat striatin, a quantitatively minor protein belonging to the WD-repeat family of proteins, is a Ca2+/calmodulin-binding protein mostly expressed in the striatum and in the motor and olfactory systems (Castets, F., Bartoli, M., Barnier, J. V., Baillat, G., Salin, P., Moqrich, A., Bourgeois, J. P., Denizot, F., Rougon, G., Calothy, G., and Monneron, A. (1996) J. Cell. Biol. 134, 1051-1062). Generally associated with membranes, striatin is mostly found in dendritic spines where it is likely to play a role in Ca2+-signaling events. In this paper, we characterize its calmodulin-binding properties. By using deletion mapping and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified the sequence located between amino acids 149 and 166 as the main calmodulin-binding site. The predicted corresponding peptide is potentially able to form a basic amphiphilic helix, as is often the case for many known calmodulin-binding sites. Calmodulin binding to striatin is Ca2+-dependent, with half-maximal binding occurring around 0.5 microM free Ca2+. In the presence of Ca2+, the equilibrium dissociation constant of calmodulin/striatin fusion protein complex is 40 +/- 5 nM. We also show that brain striatin subcellular localization, as studied by tissue fractionation, is Ca2+-dependent, this effect being probably mediated by calmodulin. Our results are in agreement with the hypothesis that striatin is a transducer involved in Ca2+ signaling or an adapter protein involved in regulating macromolecular assemblies within dendritic spines.

Identification of a mouse brain beta-spectrin cDNA and distribution of its mRNA in adult tissues

A mouse brain beta-spectrin of cDNA was identified within a lambda Gt11 expression library using an antibody which specifically binds with the 235 kDa spectrin beta-subunit. Restriction mapping and DNA sequencing analyses of the brain cDNA revealed that this clone contained 1185 bp of sequence, of which a 999 bp single open reading frame encoding 333 amino acids was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibited homology with beta-spectrins, demonstrating the characteristic 106 amino acid repeating unit. The homology between our mouse brain sequence and human RBC beta-spectrin was approximately 56% beginning at the beta 15 repeat unit and extending to the C-terminus of sequence elucidated for human RBC sequence. An additional 62 amino acids were found at the C-terminus of the 235 kDa brain beta-spectrin subunit not seen in the human RBC sequence. The approximately 1.2 Kb brain spectrin cDNA insert hybridized with a single 9 Kb mRNA transcript in various adult mouse tissues, with the most abundant hybridization demonstrated in RNA isolated from brain tissue. This mRNA was found to be present at high levels in heart tissue and at lower levels in spleen and skeletal muscle tissue. The 9 Kb mRNA was different in content and in size to mRNAs which hybridized with a cDNA encoding the mouse erythroid beta-spectrin subunit, demonstrating that the brain spectrin cDNA is a distinct gene product and represents the first known sequence of a nonerythroid beta-spectrin subunit.

Structure and evolution of the actin crosslinking proteins

The actin crosslinking proteins exhibit marked diversity in size and shape and crosslink actin filaments in different ways. Amino acid sequence analysis of many of these proteins has provided clues to the origin of their diversity. Spectrin, alpha-actinin, ABP-120, ABP-280, fimbrin, and dystrophin share a homologous sequence segment that is implicated as the common actin binding domain. The remainder of each protein consists of repetitive and non-repetitive sequence segments that have been shuffled and multiplied in evolution to produce a variety of proteins that are related in function and in composition, but that differ significantly in structure.

Interaction domains of neurofilament light chain and brain spectrin

We have previously demonstrated that brain spectrin binds to the low-molecular-mass subunit of neurofilaments (NF-L) [Frappier, Regnouf & Pradel (1987) Eur. J. Biochem. 169, 651-657]. In the present study, we seek to locate their respective binding domains. In the first part we demonstrate that brain spectrin binds to a 20 kDa domain of NF-L. This domain is part of the rod domain of neurofilaments and plays a role in the polymerization process. However, the polymerization state does not seem to have any influence on the interaction. In the second part, we provide evidence that NF-L binds to the beta-subunit of not only brain spectrin but also human and avian erythrocyte spectrins. The microtubule-associated protein, MAP2, which has also been shown to bind to microfilaments and neurofilaments, binds to the same domain of NF-L as spectrin does. Finally, among the tryptic peptides of brain spectrin, we show that some peptides of low molecular mass (35, 25, 20 and 18 kDa) co-sediment with either NF-L or F-actin.

A beta-spectrin isoform from Drosophila (beta H) is similar in size to vertebrate dystrophin

Spectrins are a major component of the membrane skeleton in many cell types where they are thought to contribute to cell form and membrane organization. Diversity among spectrin isoforms, especially their beta subunits, is associated with diversity in cell shape and membrane architecture. Here we describe a spectrin isoform from Drosophila that consists of a conventional alpha spectrin subunit complexed with a novel high molecular weight beta subunit (430 kD) that we term beta H. The native alpha beta H molecule binds actin filaments with high affinity and has a typical spectrin morphology except that it is longer than most other spectrin isoforms and includes two knoblike structures that are attributed to a unique domain of the beta H subunit. Beta H is encoded by a different gene than the previously described Drosophila beta-spectrin subunit but shows sequence similarity to beta-spectrin as well as vertebrate dystrophin, a component of the membrane skeleton in muscle. By size and sequence similarity, dystrophin is more similar to this newly described beta-spectrin isoform (beta H) than to other members of the spectrin gene family such as alpha-spectrin and alpha-actinin.

Structural analysis of homologous repeated domains in alpha-actinin and spectrin

The amino acid sequences of chick and slime mould alpha-actinin each contain four repeats of approximately 122 residues. These repeats are homologous to the 18-22 repeats, each of approximately 106 residues, found in the alpha and beta subunits of spectrin and fodrin, and to the multiple repeats of approximately 110 residues found in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy protein (dystrophin). The repeats correspond to the elongated rod-like portion of these molecules. We present a multiple sequence alignment of 21 repeats from this superfamily (8 alpha-actinin and 13 spectrin/fodrin), based on optimal pairwise alignments, from which a characteristic consensus pattern of amino acid types is deduced. Trp 46 is invariant in all but one repeat, and physicochemical classes of amino acids are conserved at 25 other positions. Secondary structure prediction on both the alpha-actinin and spectrin repeats taken together with the distribution of proline residues in the sequences, strongly suggest that each repeated domain consists of a four-helix structure. Our predictions differ significantly from previous three-helix models based on analyses of fewer sequences. To determine possible interdomain regions, sites of limited proteolysis of the native chick alpha-actinin dimer were determined and located in the amino acid sequence. The majority of these sites were in corresponding positions in different repeats within a segment predicted as a long helix. We propose a model, consistent with the overall dimensions of the rod-like portions of the molecules, in which these long, probably interrupted helices, link adjacent domains.

Type I collagen gel induces Madin-Darby canine kidney cells to become fusiform in shape and lose apical-basal polarity

In the embryo, epithelia give rise to mesenchyme at specific times and places. Recently, it has been reported (Greenburg, G., and E. D. Hay. 1986. Dev. Biol. 115:363-379; Greenberg, G., and E. D. Hay. 1988. Development (Camb.). 102:605-622) that definitive epithelia can give rise to fibroblast-like cells when suspended within type I collagen gels. We wanted to know whether Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, an epithelial line, can form mesenchyme under similar conditions. Small explants of MDCK cells on basement membrane were suspended within or placed on top of extracellular matrix gels. MDCK cells on basement membrane gel are tall, columnar in shape, and ultrastructurally resemble epithelia transporting fluid and ions. MDCK explants cultured on type I collagen gel give rise to isolated fusiform-shaped cells that migrate over the gel surface. The fusiform cells extend pseudopodia and filopodia, lose cell membrane specializations, and develop an actin cortex around the entire cell. Unlike true mesenchymal cells, which express vimentin and type I collagen, fusiform cells produce both keratin and vimentin, continue to express laminin, and do not turn on type I collagen. Fusiform cells are not apically-basally polarized, but show mesenchymal cell polarity. Influenza hemagglutinin and virus budding localize to the front end or entire cell surface. Na,K-ATPase occurs intracellularly and also symmetrically distributes on the cell surface. Fodrin becomes diffusely distributed along the plasma membrane, ZO-1 cannot be detected, and desmoplakins distribute randomly in the cytoplasm. The loss of epithelial polarity and acquisition of mesenchymal cell polarity and shape by fusiform MDCK cells on type I collagen gel was previously unsuspected. The phenomenon may offer new opportunities for studying cytoplasmic and nuclear mechanisms regulating cell shape and polarity.

Functional diversity among spectrin isoforms

The purpose of this review on spectrin is to examine the functional properties of this ubiquitous family of membrane skeletal proteins. Major topics include spectrin-membrane linkages, spectrin-filament linkages, the subcellular localization of spectrins in various cell types and a discussion of major functional differences between erythroid and nonerythroid spectrins. This includes a summary of studies from our own laboratories on the functional and structural comparison of avian spectrin isoforms which are comprised of a common alpha subunit and a tissue-specific beta subunit. Consequently, the observed differences among these spectrins can be assigned to differences in the properties of the beta subunits.

Primary structure of the brain alpha-spectrin

We have determined the nucleotide sequence coding for the chicken brain alpha-spectrin. It is derived both from the cDNA and genomic sequences, comprises the entire coding frame, 5' and 3' untranslated sequences, and terminates in the poly(A)-tail. The deduced amino acid sequence was used to map the domain structure of the protein. The alpha-chain of brain spectrin contains 22 segments of which 20 correspond to the repeat of the human erythrocyte spectrin (Speicher, D. W., and V. T. Marchesi. 1984. Nature (Lond.). 311:177-180.), typically made of 106 residues. These homologous segments probably account for the flexible, rod-like structure of spectrin. Secondary structure prediction suggests predominantly alpha-helical structure for the entire chain. Parts of the primary structure are excluded from the repetitive pattern and they reside in the middle part of the sequence and in its COOH terminus. Search for homology in other proteins showed the presence of the following distinct structures in these nonrepetitive regions: (a) the COOH-terminal part of the molecule that shows homology with alpha-actinin, (b) two typical EF-hand (i.e., Ca2+-binding) structures in this region, (c) a sequence close to the EF-hand that fulfills the criteria for a calmodulin-binding site, and (d) a domain in the middle of the sequence that is homologous to a NH2-terminal segment of several src-tyrosine kinases and to a domain of phospholipase C. These regions are good candidates to carry some established as well as some yet unestablished functions of spectrin. Comparative analysis showed that alpha-spectrin is well conserved across the species boundaries from Xenopus to man, and that the human erythrocyte alpha-spectrin is divergent from the other spectrins.

The reversibility of absorption promoter interaction with red blood cell membranes studied with differential scanning calorimetry

Absorption promoters, or adjuvants, are used to enhance the gastrointestinal absorption of poorly absorbed drugs such as macromolecules. In the present work, adjuvant-membrane interactions have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using red blood cell (RBC) membranes as model membrane. These interactions caused temperature shifts, amplitude changes, and broadening of the RBC transitions. Because more than one transition may be simultaneously affected by a given adjuvant, complex overlappings occur. Gaussian modeling and nonlinear regression analysis, therefore, were used to resolve these transitions. A correlation, which may serve as an indicator of adjuvant potency, was found between adjuvant concentration and induced transition temperature shifts. Further, these shifts recovered to baseline after successive washings with buffer (for most adjuvants). Sodium lauryl sulfate induced transition alterations, however, never recovered. Thus the DSC might be useful in monitoring reversible adjuvant-membrane interactions.

Cytoskeletal architecture and immunocytochemical localization of fodrin in the terminal web of the ciliated epithelial cell

In order to understand the cytoskeletal architecture at the terminal web of the ciliated cell, we examined chicken tracheal epithelium by quick-freeze deep-etch (QFDE) electron microscopy combined with immunocytochemistry of fodrin. At the terminal web, the cilia ended into the basal bodies and then to the rootlets. The rootlets were composed of several filaments and globular structures attached regularly to them. Decoration with myosin subfragment 1 (S1) revealed that some actin filaments ran parallel to the apical plasma membrane between the basal bodies, and other population traveled perpendicularly or obliquely, i.e., along the rootlets. Some actin filaments were connected to the surface of the basal bodies and the basal feet. Among the basal bodies and the rootlets there existed three kinds of fine crossbridges, which were not decorated with S1. In the deeper part of the terminal web, intermediate filaments were observed between the rootlets and were sometimes crosslinked with the rootlets. Immunocytochemistry combined with the QFDE method revealed that fodrin was a component of fine crossbridges associated with the basal bodies. We concluded that an extensive crosslinker system among the basal bodies and the rootlets along with networks of actin and intermediate filaments formed a structural basis for the effective beating of cilia.

Spectrin and related molecules

This review begins with a complete discussion of the erythrocyte spectrin membrane skeleton. Particular attention is given to our current knowledge of the structure of the RBC spectrin molecule, its synthesis, assembly, and turnover, and its interactions with spectrin-binding proteins (ankyrin, protein 4.1, and actin). We then give a historical account of the discovery of nonerythroid spectrin. Since the chicken intestinal form of spectrin (TW260/240) and the brain form of spectrin (fodrin) are the best characterized of the nonerythroid spectrins, we compare these molecules to RBC spectrin. Studies establishing the existence of two brain spectrin isoforms are discussed, including a description of the location of these spectrin isoforms at the light- and electron-microscope level of resolution; a comparison of their structure and interactions with spectrin-binding proteins (ankyrin, actin, synapsin I, amelin, and calmodulin); a description of their expression during brain development; and hypotheses concerning their potential roles in axonal transport and synaptic transmission.

Band 3 and ankyrin homologues are present in eye lens: evidence for all major erythrocyte membrane components in same non-erythroid cell

Although immunological homologues of erythrocyte membrane proteins have been individually discovered in a wide variety of tissues and cultured cells, the major structural components of the membrane have not yet been demonstrated simultaneously in the same cell type. Thus, considerable uncertainty continues to exist concerning whether the red cell homologues form elements of a structure which is similar to or unique from the framework which supports the erythrocyte membrane. Because the red cell cytoskeletal proteins, spectrin, actin and band 4.1, have been previously found in the superficial cortex of the lens, we decided to determine whether the corresponding membrane anchoring components of band 3 and ankyrin also occur in this cell type. Using antiserum specific for band 3 and ankyrin, we report the existence of immunologically cross-reactive proteins of similar molecular weight. Because these anchoring proteins appear and disappear coordinately with the aforementioned cytoskeletal proteins during the intermediate stages of lens cell maturation, it is conceivable that an erythrocyte-like membrane structural organization may occur transiently in the eye lens.

A monoclonal antibody against a synthetic peptide reveals common structures among spectrins and alpha-actinin

A monoclonal antibody (Mab) against a synthetic peptide, SEDYGKDL, corresponding to one conserved sequence in the chicken alpha-fodrin repeats reacts in immunoblotting with avian alpha-spectrin and alpha-fodrin, both mammalian spectrins and with mammalian alpha-fodrin. This Mab also reacts with alpha-actinin in both chicken and human cells. Our results confirm the previously detected structural homology between spectrins and alpha-actinin and implicate their common evolutionary origin.

Changes in the expression of alpha-fodrin during embryonic development of Xenopus laevis

Fodrin (nonerythroid spectrin) and its associated proteins have been previously implicated in the establishment of specialized membrane-cytoskeletal domains in differentiating cells. Using antiserum which is monospecific for the alpha-subunit of fodrin, we demonstrate that alpha-fodrin is present in oocytes and adult tissues of Xenopus laevis. Analyses of the de novo synthesis of alpha-fodrin during embryonic development reveal that alpha-fodrin is synthesized in oocytes, but not during early development. To investigate the level of control of alpha-fodrin expression, we isolated two cDNA clones for oocyte alpha-fodrin. The oocyte cDNA clones were identified as encoding portions of alpha-fodrin based on DNA sequence analysis and on the comparison of the predicted amino acid sequence of the cDNAs with the known sequence of human erythrocyte alpha-spectrin. The Xenopus alpha-fodrin cDNAs hybridize to a transcript of approximately 9 kb on RNA blots, and probably to a single gene type on genomic DNA blots. Both RNA blot analyses and S1 nuclease protection assays with the Xenopus alpha-fodrin cDNAs demonstrate that the observed decline in the de novo synthesis of alpha-fodrin polypeptides is controlled by a dramatic decrease in the abundance of alpha-fodrin transcripts after fertilization. In contrast, levels of actin transcripts do not decrease during this period. Inasmuch as steady-state levels of alpha-fodrin transcripts rise by the neurula stage of development, these results suggest that the synthesis of alpha-fodrin polypeptides during embryonic development of Xenopus is regulated, rather than constitutive, and that the primary level of control is the steady-state abundance of mRNA.

Modulation of fodrin (membrane skeleton) stability by cell-cell contact in Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells

During growth of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells, there is a dramatic change in the stability, biophysical properties, and distribution of the membrane skeleton (fodrin) which coincides temporally and spatially with the development of the polarized distribution of the Na+, K+-ATPase, a marker protein of the basolateral domain of the plasma membrane. These changes occur maximally upon the formation of a continuous monolayer of cells, indicating that extensive cell-cell contact may play an important role in the organization of polarized MDCK cells (Nelson, W. J., and P. J. Veshnock, 1986, J. Cell Biol., 103:1751-1766). To directly analyze the role of cell-cell contact in these events, we have used an assay in which the organization of fodrin and membrane proteins is analyzed in confluent monolayers of MDCK cells in the absence or presence of cell-cell contact by adjusting the concentration Ca++ in the growth medium. Our results on the stability and solubility properties of fodrin reported here show directly that there is a positive correlation between cell-cell contact and increased stability and insolubility of fodrin. Furthermore, we show that fodrin can be recruited from an unstable pool of protein to a stable pool during induction of cell-cell contact; significantly, the stabilization of fodrin is not affected by the addition of cyclohexamide, indicating that proteins normally synthesized during the induction of cell-cell contact are not required. Together these results indicate that cell-cell contact may play an important role in the development of polarity in MDCK cells by initiating the formation of a stable, insoluble matrix of fodrin with preexisting (membrane) proteins at the cell periphery. This matrix may function subsequently to trap proteins targeted to the membrane, resulting in the maintenance of membrane domains.

Skelemins: cytoskeletal proteins located at the periphery of M-discs in mammalian striated muscle

The cytoskeletons of mammalian striated and smooth muscles contain a pair of high molecular weight (HMW) polypeptides of 220,000 and 200,000 mol wt, each with isoelectric points of about 5 (Price, M. G., 1984, Am. J. Physiol., 246:H566-572) in a molar ratio of 1:1:20 with desmin. The HMW polypeptides of mammalian muscle have been named "skelemins," because they are in the insoluble cytoskeletons of striated muscle and are at the M-discs. I have used two-dimensional peptide mapping to show that the two skelemin polypeptides are closely related to each another. Polyclonal antibodies directed against skelemins were used to demonstrate that they are immunologically distinct from talin, fodrin, myosin heavy chain, synemin, microtubule-associated proteins, and numerous other proteins of similar molecular weight, and are not oligomers of other muscle proteins. Skelemins appear not to be proteolytic products of larger proteins, as shown by immunoautoradiography on 3% polyacrylamide gels. Skelemins are predominantly cytoskeletal, with little extractable from myofibrils by various salt solutions. Human, bovine, and rat cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscles, but not chicken muscles, contain proteins cross-reacting with anti-skelemin antibodies. Skelemins are localized by immunofluorescence at the M-lines of cardiac and skeletal muscle, in 0.4-micron-wide smooth striations. Cross sections reveal that skelemins are located at the periphery of the M-discs. Skelemins are seen in threads linking isolated myofibrils at the M-discs. There is sufficient skelemin in striated muscle to wrap around the M-disc about three times, if the skelemin molecules are laid end to end, assuming a length-to-weight ratio similar to M-line protein and other elongated proteins. The results indicate that skelemins form linked rings around the periphery of the myofibrillar M-discs. These cytoskeletal rings may play a role in the maintenance of the structural integrity of striated muscle throughout cycles of contraction and relaxation.

cDNA cloning, sequencing and chromosome mapping of a non-erythroid spectrin, human alpha-fodrin

Several overlapping cDNA clones encompassing 2760 nucleotides of the alpha-subunit of a human non-erythroid spectrin (termed fodrin) were isolated from a human lung fibroblast cDNA library. DNA and RNA blot analyses indicated that a single copy alpha-fodrin gene encodes a 9-kb transcript. The cDNA clones were sequenced, and all were found to contain long open reading frames. The overlapping regions were identical except for a 60-nucleotide inframe insertion at position 1133 in the composite sequence. This result suggests that at least two distinct transcripts exist in fibroblast cells. The chromosomal location of human alpha-fodrin was assigned to 1p34-1p36.1 by hybridization to somatic cell hybrids, and it is thus distinct from that of human alpha-spectrin which has been mapped to 1q22-1q25. Alignment of the composite 919 amino acids of the predicted protein sequence of human alpha-fodrin with that of human alpha-spectrin indicated that alpha-fodrin has a similar 106-amino-acid repeating structure, which is homologous with alpha-spectrin repeats 7-15. Repeats 10 and 11 are anomalous in sequence and structure from other repeats. A comparison of nucleic acid and amino acid homologies between alpha-spectrin and the alpha-fodrin of several vertebrates indicated that human non-erythroid alpha-fodrin and the common alpha-subunit of erythroid and non-erythroid cells of non-mammalian vertebrates are closely related (90%-96% amino acid homology), whereas alpha-fodrin is only distantly related to the erythroid-specific alpha-spectrin subunit of mammals (55%-59% amino acid homology). These data suggest that mammalian erythroid alpha-spectrin evolved by duplication and rapid divergence from an ancestral alpha-fodrin-like gene.

Brain spectrin fragments and crosslinks actin filaments

The effect of brain spectrin (fodrin) on actin has been studied using viscometry and fluorimetry. Brain spectrin resembles erythrocyte spectrin tetramer in its action on actin. Both proteins crosslink actin filaments giving rise to a large increase in the viscosity but fluorimetry shows that neither affects actin polymerization significantly. In addition, brain spectrin as well as erythrocyte spectrin fragments preformed actin filaments. Actin filaments incubated in the presence of either of the two proteins incorporate actin monomers at a much higher rate showing that more filament ends are generated.

Beta spectrin bestows protein 4.1 sensitivity on spectrin-actin interactions

The ability of protein 4.1 to stimulate the binding of spectrin to F-actin has been compared by cosedimentation analysis for three avian (erythrocyte, brain, and brush border) and two mammalian (erythrocyte and brain) spectrin isoforms. Human erythroid protein 4.1 stimulated actin binding of all spectrins except the brush border isoform (TW 260/240). These results suggested that the beta subunit determined the protein 4.1 sensitivity of the heterodimer, since all avian alpha subunits are encoded by a single gene. Tissue-specific posttranslational modification of the alpha subunit was excluded by examining the properties of hybrid spectrins composed of the purified alpha subunit from avian erythrocyte or brush border spectrin and the beta subunit of human erythrocyte spectrin. A hybrid composed of avian brush border alpha and human erythroid beta spectrin ran on nondenaturing gels as a discrete band, migrating near human erythroid spectrin tetramers. The actin-binding activity of this hybrid was stimulated by protein 4.1, while either chain alone was devoid of activity. Therefore, although both subunits were required for actin binding, the sensitivity of the spectrin-actin interaction to protein 4.1 is a property uniquely bestowed on the heterodimer by the beta subunit. The singular insensitivity of brush border spectrin to stimulation by erythroid protein 4.1 was also consistent with the absence of proteins in avian intestinal epithelial cells which were immunoreactive with polyclonal antisera sensitive to all of the known avian and human erythroid 4.1 isoforms.

Calmodulin stimulates the degradation of brain spectrin by calpain

Brain spectrin has been shown to be a preferential substrate of calcium-dependent proteases (Baudry, Bundman, Smith, and Lynch: Science 212:937-938, 1981) and a major calmodulin-binding protein (Kakiuchi, Sobue, and Fujita: FEBS Lett. 132:144-148, 1981). Since calmodulin, spectrin, and a proteolytically derived spectrin fragment are all components of isolated postsynaptic density preparations (Grab, Berzins, Cohen, and Siekevitz: J. Biol. Chem. 254:8690-8696, 1979; Carlin, Bartelt, and Siekevitz: J. Cell Biol. 96:443-448, 1983), we investigated the functional role of calmodulin binding to brain spectrin with respect to its susceptibility to digestion by proteases. We report that calmodulin's interaction with brain spectrin results in a marked acceleration of the rate of spectrin degradation by calcium-dependent proteases (calpains I and II), but not by chymotrypsin. The cleavage of erythrocyte spectrin (which lacks a high-affinity calmodulin binding site) by calpain I is unaffected by the presence of calmodulin. The stimulatory effect of calmodulin is blocked by trifluoperazine, a calmodulin antagonist, which by itself does not modify brain spectrin proteolysis by calcium-dependent proteases. These results suggest a novel role for calmodulin in neuronal function--namely, a synergistic interaction with calcium-dependent proteases in the regulation of cytoskeletal integrity.

Localization of alpha-spectrin in chicken and monkey ventral horns by immunoelectron microscopy

Localization of alpha-spectrin in chicken and monkey ventral horns has been studied by immunoperoxidase techniques at the electron microscopic level. For this purpose, an antiserum specific for chicken alpha-spectrin (240 kD subunit of spectrin) was prepared. The characteristics of the staining patterns of both chicken and monkey ventral horns were essentially identical. The reaction product for peroxidase was contained in the somata of large cells (presumably motor neurons), dendrites and axons. No specific staining was seen with either preimmune or blocked sera. The staining within the cell somata was primarily localized in cortical cytoplasm. Within dendrites and axons the immunocytochemical label was associated predominantly with the cortical cytoplasm and with microtubules. Staining was heavy over postsynaptic densities. Although presynaptic terminals showed weak staining as a whole, heavy staining was sometimes observed in areas adjacent to the presynaptic plasma membrane facing the postsynaptic density. These results indicate that spectrin distributes widely and functions in many biological activities in the nervous system.

Dynamics of membrane-skeleton (fodrin) organization during development of polarity in Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells

Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells exhibit a polarized distribution of membrane proteins between the apical and basolateral domains of the plasma membrane. We have initiated studies to investigate whether the spectrin-based membrane skeleton plays a role in the establishment and maintenance of these membrane domains. MDCK cells express an isoform of spectrin composed of two subunits, Mr 240,000 (alpha-subunit) and Mr 235,000 (gamma-subunit). This isoform is immunologically and structurally related to fodrin in lens and brain cells, which is a functional and structural analog of alpha beta-spectrin, the major component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton. Analysis of fodrin in MDCK cells by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and metabolic labeling revealed significant changes in the biophysical properties, subcellular distribution, steady-state levels, and turnover of the protein during development of a continuous monolayer of cells. The changes in the cellular organization of fodrin did not appear to coincide with the distributions of microfilaments, microtubules, or intermediate filaments. These changes result in the formation of a highly insoluble, relatively dense and stable layer of fodrin which appears to be localized to the cell periphery and predominantly in the region of the basolateral plasma membrane of MDCK cells in continuous monolayers. The formation of this structure coincides temporally and spatially with extensive cell-cell contact, and with the development of the polarized distribution of the Na+, K+-ATPase, a marker protein of the basolateral plasma membrane.

The 240-kDa subunit of human erythrocyte spectrin binds calmodulin at micromolar calcium concentrations

The binding of the isolated alpha-subunit of human erythrocyte spectrin to calmodulin is demonstrated by partitioning in aqueous two-phase systems. The affinity of the alpha-subunit for calmodulin is slightly higher than that of the spectrin dimer, whereas the beta-subunit interacts only very weakly. The binding is in all cases calcium-dependent and is abolished on addition of chlorpromazine. At an ionic strength close to physiological conditions, about 1 microM free calcium is required to induce maximum binding of calmodulin to spectrin dimer.

Two related but distinct forms of the Mr 36,000 tyrosine kinase substrate (calpactin) that interact with phospholipid and actin in a Ca2+-dependent manner

A method was devised that allows the identification of proteins related to the Mr 36,000 tyrosine kinase substrate calpactin based on their ability to interact with actin and phospholipid in a calcium-dependent manner. Two distinct proteins, detected in human A431 cells and fibroblasts, were resolved by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. One of these proteins (calpactin I) appears identical to the Mr 34,000-39,000 substrate of the pp60src tyrosine kinase and the second (calpactin II) reacts with antibodies to the Mr 35,000 substrate of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Both proteins interact with phospholipid and actin, are rather basic, and share structural and antigenic determinants. A major difference between the two proteins is noted in their state of association with the Mr 10,000 light chain; i.e., calpactin I is associated with the light chain while calpactin II is not.

Brain spectrin(240/235) and brain spectrin(240/235E): two distinct spectrin subtypes with different locations within mammalian neural cells

Adult mouse brain contains at least two distinct spectrin subtypes, both consisting of 240-kD and 235-kD subunits. Brain spectrin(240/235) is found in neuronal axons, but not dendrites, when immunohistochemistry is performed with antibody raised against brain spectrin isolated from enriched synaptic/axonal membranes. A second spectrin subtype, brain spectrin(240/235E), is exclusively recognized by red blood cell spectrin antibody. Brain spectrin(240/235E) is confined to neuronal cell bodies and dendrites, and some glial cells, but is not present in axons or presynaptic terminals.

The protein-tyrosine kinase substrate, p81, is homologous to a chicken microvillar core protein

p81, a protein-tyrosine kinase substrate previously identified in epidermal growth factor-treated A431 cells, is demonstrated to be homologous to ezrin, an 80-kD component of microvillar core proteins. p81 has been characterized using antiserum raised against purified chicken intestinal ezrin. p81, located by indirect immunofluorescent staining, is concentrated in surface projections of A431 cells such as microvilli and retraction fibers. None of the conditions of biochemical cell fractionation tested completely solubilizes p81; the insoluble p81 partitions as if associated with the cytoskeleton. The soluble form of p81 behaves as a monomer in all extraction procedures studied. EGF-stimulated phosphorylation of p81 does not appear to change its intracellular location. p81 exhibits a wide tissue distribution with highest levels of expression in small intestine, kidney, thymus, and lung. Intermediate levels are found in spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and bone marrow, with low levels in brain, heart, and testes. p81 is undetectable in muscle and liver. In A431 cells, p81 is phosphorylated on serine and threonine residues. Upon EGF treatment, approximately 10% of p81 becomes phosphorylated on tyrosine, and the phosphorylation of threonine residues increases.

Mechanisms of cytoskeletal regulation: functional and antigenic diversity in human erythrocyte and brain beta spectrin

A study of human erythrocyte and brain spectrin with particular emphasis on the beta subunits revealed a structural homology but functional dissimilarity between these two molecules. Six monoclonal antibodies raised to human erythrocyte beta spectrin identify three of the four proteolytically defined domains of erythrocyte beta spectrin. Five of these monoclonal antibodies cross-react with human brain spectrin. None of a previously identified set of alpha erythrocyte spectrin monoclonal antibodies [Yurchenco et al: J Biol Chem 257:9102, 1982] reacted with brain spectrin. A domain map generated by limited tryptic digestion shows that brain spectrin is composed of proteolytically resistant domains analogous to erythrocyte spectrin, but the brain protein is more basic. The binding of brain spectrin to erythrocyte ankyrin, both in solution and on erythrocyte IOVs, yielded an association constant approximately 100 time weaker than for erythrocyte spectrin. The binding of azido-calmodulin under native conditions was specific for the erythrocyte beta subunit but was not calcium dependent. In contrast, azido-calmodulin bound only to the alpha subunit of brain spectrin in a calcium-dependent manner. The similarity of structure but modified functional characteristics of the brain and erythrocyte beta spectrins suggest that these proteins serve different cellular roles.

Phosphorylation of p36 in vitro with pp60src. Regulation by Ca2+ and phospholipid

P36 is a major substrate of the tyrosine protein kinases. P36 isolated from bovine intestine was used in phosphorylation reactions with pp60src. Phosphorylation was stimulated 3-5-fold by Ca2+, however the Km was the same (2.5 microM) at high or low Ca2+. Although the level of free Ca2+ needed for this enhanced phosphorylation was 10(-4)-10(-3) M, phosphatidylserine shifted the Ca2+ sensitivity to the 10(-6)-10(-5) M range. Independent evidence suggested that p36 interacts directly with liposomes containing phosphatidylserine. This raises the possibility that p36, like c-kinase, is a Ca2+-activated, phospholipid-dependent protein.

Localization of nonerythroid spectrin and actin in mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos

Mouse oocytes, cleavage-stage embryos, and blastocyst-stage embryos were studied to show the distribution of both an immunoanalog to nonerythroid spectrin (p 230) and F-actin. Using antibodies to nonerythroid spectrin, diffuse, positive cytoplasmic fluorescence was regularly seen in oocytes and embryo cells. The presence of nonerythroid spectrin in oocytes was confirmed by immunoblotting. Oocytes usually exhibited an inconspicuous submembranous layer of nonerythroid spectrin, which was more pronounced in the area of the polar body. Oocytes regularly exhibited a peripheral concentration of actin. Throughout the cleavage and blastocyst stages, a cortical layer of nonerythroid spectrin and actin was usually observed in embryo cells. These submembranous layers on the outer surface of the embryo were relatively thin as compared to those in areas of intercellular contact. The contact areas regularly showed distinct positive staining, including a concentration of label at the most peripheral region of each contact area. This resulted in the presence of ring-like fluorescence around each blastomere. Nonerythroid spectrin and actin showed concentration to the contact area between the oocyte and the polar body. Although the general localization patterns of nonerythroid spectrin and actin were similar, double-staining experiments revealed that slightly different planes of focus were necessary to obtain sharp definition of the fluorescence of these components in areas of intercellular contact: the ring-like concentration of nonerythroid spectrin appeared to be localized more peripherally than that of actin. The cells of preimplantation embryos show motile features that include actual cell movements and striking changes in cell shape (e.g., during compaction). The submembraneous layers of nonerythroid spectrin and actin may contribute to the regulation of the deformability and thus the shape of embryo cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Separation of fodrin subunits by affinity chromatography on calmodulin-Sepharose

Spectrin is composed of two nonidentical subunits, with the 240-kDa subunit of nonerythroid spectrin (fodrin) able to bind calmodulin (CaM) Ca2+-dependently. It was found that in the presence of chaotropic salts this binding site was still expressed, although the subunits of fodrin were dissociated. This has been exploited for separating the fodrin subunits rapidly and quantitatively by affinity chromatography on calmodulin-Sepharose. When bovine fodrin was dissolved in 2 M KI + 1 mM Ca2+ and applied to CaM-Sepharose the beta subunit (235-kDa) passed through unretarded whereas the alpha subunit (240-kDa) bound and could be eluted with ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)N,N'-tetraacetic acid. These subunits would reform the intact molecule when mixed and dialyzed.

Mechanism of cytoskeletal regulation (I): functional differences correlate with antigenic dissimilarity in human brain and erythrocyte spectrin

Human erythrocyte and brain spectrin (fodrin, calspectin) have been compared quantitatively with respect to the extent and sites of antigenic and functional similarity. Brain spectrin cross-reacts strongly with approx. 1% of the epitopes in erythrocyte spectrin, but weakly with at least 50%. The distribution of shared determinants is not uniform. Brain spectrin is most deficient in epitopes characteristic of the 80 kDa and 52 kDa domains of the alpha-subunit (alpha-I and alpha-III) and of terminal portions of the 28 kDa and 74 kDa domains of the beta-subunit (beta-I and beta-IV). The functions associated with these domains also differ between the two proteins. Brain spectrin does not undergo extensive polymerization and binds calmodulin at a different site. The unique ability of erythrocyte spectrin to oligomerize beyond the tetramer reflects its role in the membrane skeleton. Non-erythroid spectrins probably function as specific linkers between membrane receptors and the filamentous cytoskeleton. In this sense, they may act as regulated transducers of information flow between the membrane and the cytoplasmic matrix.

Synapsin I is a spectrin-binding protein immunologically related to erythrocyte protein 4.1

The membrane-associated cytoskeleton is considered to be the apparatus by which cells regulate the properties of their plasma membranes, although recent evidence has indicated additional roles for the proteins of this structure, including an involvement in intracellular transport and exocytosis (see refs 1-3 for review). Of the membrane skeletal proteins, to date only spectrin (fodrin) and ankyrin have been purified and characterized from non-erythroid sources. Protein 4.1 in the red cell is a spectrin-binding protein that enhances the binding of spectrin to actin and can apparently bind to at least one transmembrane protein Immunoreactive forms of 4.1 have been detected in several cell types, including brain. Here we report the purification of brain 4.1 on the basis of its cross-reactivity with erythrocyte 4.1 and spectrin-binding activity. We further show that brain 4.1 is identical to the synaptic vesicle protein, synapsin I, one of the brain's major substrates for cyclic AMP and Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent kinases. Spectrin and synapsin are present in brain homogenates in an approximately 1:1 molar ratio. Although synapsin I has been implicated in synaptic transmission, no activity has been previously ascribed to it.

Comparison of Ca++-regulated events in the intestinal brush border

The intestinal epithelial cell and specifically the cytoskeleton of the brush border are thought to be controlled by micromolar levels of free calcium. Calcium-binding proteins of this system include intestinal calcium binding protein (CaBP), calmodulin (CaM), villin, and a 36,000-mol-wt protein substrate of tyrosine kinases. To assess the sequence of events as the intracellular Ca++ level rises, we determined the amount of CaM and CaBP in the intestinal epithelium by western blotting and tested the Ca++ binding of CaM and CaBP by equilibrium dialysis. The Ca++-dependent actin severing activity of villin was analyzed in the presence of physiological CaM levels and increasing calcium concentrations. In addition, we analyzed the Ca++ levels required for interaction between CaM and the microvillus 110,000-mol-wt protein as well as fodrin and the interaction between a polypeptide of 36,000 mol wt (P-36) and actin. The results suggest that CaBP serves as the predominant Ca++ buffer in the cell, but CaM can effectively buffer ionic calcium in the microvillus and thus protect actin from the severing activity of villin. CaM binds to its cytoskeletal receptors, 110,000-mol-wt protein and fodrin differently, governed by the free Ca++ and pH. The interaction between P-36 and actin, however, appears to require an unphysiologically high calcium concentration (10(-4) to 10(-3) M) to be meaningful. The results provide a coherent picture of the different Ca++ regulated events occurring when the free calcium rises into the micromolar level in this unique system. This study would suggest that as the Ca++ rises in the intestinal epithelial cell an ordered sequence of Ca++ saturation of intracellular receptors occurs with the order from the lowest to highest Ca++ requirements being CaBP less than CaM less than villin less than P-36.

Ankyrin and synapsin: spectrin-binding proteins associated with brain membranes

Brain membranes contain an actin-binding protein closely related in structure and function to erythrocyte spectrin. The proteins that attach brain spectrin to membranes are not established, but, by analogy with the erythrocyte membrane, may include ankyrin and protein 4.1. In support of this idea, proteins closely related to ankyrin and 4.1 have been purified from brain and have been demonstrated to associate with brain spectrin. Brain ankyrin binds with high affinity to the spectrin beta subunit at the midregion of spectrin tetramers. Brain ankyrin also has binding sites for the cytoplasmic domain of the erythrocyte anion channel (band 3), as well as for tubulin. Ankyrins from brain and erythrocytes have a similar domain structure with protease-resistant domains of Mr = 72,000 that contain spectrin-binding activity, and domains of Mr = 95,000 (brain ankyrin) or 90,000 (erythrocyte ankyrin) that contain binding sites for both tubulin and the anion channel. Brain ankyrin is present at about 100 pmol/mg membrane protein, or about twice the number of copies of spectrum beta chains. Brain ankyrin thus is present in sufficient amounts to attach spectrin to membranes, and it has the potential to attach microtubules to membranes as well as to interconnect microtubules with spectrin-associated actin filaments. Another spectrin-binding protein has been purified from brain membranes, and this protein cross-reacts with erythrocyte 4.1. Brain 4.1 is identical to the membrane protein synapsin, which is one of the brain's major substrates for cAMP-dependent and Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases with equivalent physical properties, immunological cross-reaction, and peptide maps. Synapsin (4.1) is present at about 60 pmol/mg membrane protein, and thus is a logical candidate to regulate certain protein linkages involving spectrin.