The role of calcium and protein kinase C in the IgE-dependent activation of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D in a rat mast (RBL 2H3) cell line

Glial-derived neurotrophic factor regulates enteric mast cells and ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although interactions between enteric glial cells (EGCs) and enteric mast cells have been demonstrated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the exact mechanisms by which EGCs regulate enteric mast cells are still unknown. The aims of this study were to investigate whether glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which has been confirmed to be produced mostly by EGCs, might regulate enteric mast cells and ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis.

METHODS

Recombinant adenoviral vectors encoding GDNF (Ad-GDNF) were administered intracolonically in experimental colitis induced by DSS. The disease activity index and histological score were measured. The expression of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured by ELISA assay. The expression of trypsin and β-hexosaminidase were evaluated. GDNF specific receptor (GFR-α1/RET) was detected. The calcium reflux was tested by microplate reader. The expression p-JNK was analyzed by western blot assay.

RESULTS

GDNF resulted in a significant inhibition of the activation of enteric mast cells by down-regulating JNK signal pathway, lessening intracellular calcium influx, and then reducing the degranulation as well as the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines via combing with its receptor (GFR-α1/RET) in mast cells, and these inhibitory effects were abrogated by treatment with neutralizing antibody against GDNF. Moreover, the administration of GDNF led to an amelioration of experimental colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

GDNF are able to regulate enteric mast cells and ameliorate experimental colitis. GDNF might be an important mediator of the cross-talk between EGCs and enteric mast cells, and GDNF might be a useful therapeutic drug for IBD.

Antimicrobial agent triclosan suppresses mast cell signaling via phospholipase D inhibition

Humans are exposed to the antimicrobial agent triclosan (TCS) through use of TCS-containing products. Exposed tissues contain mast cells, which are involved in numerous biological functions and diseases by secreting various chemical mediators through a process termed degranulation. We previously demonstrated that TCS inhibits both Ca²⁺ influx into antigen-stimulated mast cells and subsequent degranulation. To determine the mechanism linking the TCS cytosolic Ca²⁺ depression to inhibited degranulation, we investigated the effects of TCS on crucial signaling enzymes activated downstream of the Ca²⁺ rise: protein kinase C (PKC; activated by Ca²⁺ and reactive oxygen species [ROS]) and phospholipase D (PLD). We found that TCS strongly inhibits PLD activity within 15 minutes post-antigen, a key mechanism of TCS mast cell inhibition. In addition, experiments using fluorescent constructs and confocal microscopy indicate that TCS delays antigen-induced translocations of PKCβII, PKCδ and PKC substrate myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase. Surprisingly, TCS does not inhibit PKC activity or overall ability to translocate, and TCS actually increases PKC activity by 45 minutes post-antigen; these results are explained by the timing of both TCS inhibition of cytosolic Ca²⁺ (~15+ minutes post-antigen) and TCS stimulation of ROS (~45 minutes post-antigen). These findings demonstrate that it is incorrect to assume that all Ca²⁺ -dependent processes will be synchronously inhibited when cytosolic Ca²⁺ is inhibited by a toxicant or drug. The results offer molecular predictions of the effects of TCS on other mammalian cell types, which share these crucial signal transduction elements and provide biochemical information that may underlie recent epidemiological findings implicating TCS in human health problems.

Munc13-4 functions as a Ca2+ sensor for homotypic secretory granule fusion to generate endosomal exocytic vacuoles

Munc13-4 is a Ca2+-dependent SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor)- and phospholipid-binding protein that localizes to and primes secretory granules (SGs) for Ca2+-evoked secretion in various secretory cells. Studies in mast cell-like RBL-2H3 cells provide direct evidence that Munc13-4 with its two Ca2+-binding C2 domains functions as a Ca2+ sensor for SG exocytosis. Unexpectedly, Ca2+ stimulation also generated large (>2.4 μm in diameter) Munc13-4+/Rab7+/Rab11+ endosomal vacuoles. Vacuole generation involved the homotypic fusion of Munc13-4+/Rab7+ SGs, followed by a merge with Rab11+ endosomes, and depended on Ca2+ binding to Munc13-4. Munc13-4 promoted the Ca2+-stimulated fusion of VAMP8-containing liposomes with liposomes containing exocytic or endosomal Q-SNAREs and directly interacted with late endosomal SNARE complexes. Thus Munc13-4 is a tethering/priming factor and Ca2+ sensor for both heterotypic SG-plasma membrane and homotypic SG-SG fusion. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy imaging revealed that vacuoles were exocytic and mediated secretion of β-hexosaminidase and cytokines accompanied by Munc13-4 diffusion onto the plasma membrane. The results provide new molecular insights into the mechanism of multigranular compound exocytosis commonly observed in various secretory cells.

Antimicrobial agent triclosan is a proton ionophore uncoupler of mitochondria in living rat and human mast cells and in primary human keratinocytes

Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial used widely in hospitals and personal care products, at ~10 mm. Human skin efficiently absorbs TCS. Mast cells are ubiquitous key players both in physiological processes and in disease, including asthma, cancer and autism. We previously showed that non-cytotoxic levels of TCS inhibit degranulation, the release of histamine and other mediators, from rat basophilic leukemia mast cells (RBL-2H3), and in this study, we replicate this finding in human mast cells (HMC-1.2). Our investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect led to the discovery that TCS disrupts adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in RBL-2H3 cells in glucose-free, galactose-containing media (95% confidence interval EC50 = 7.5-9.7 µm), without causing cytotoxicity. Using these same glucose-free conditions, 15 µm TCS dampens RBL-2H3 degranulation by 40%. The same ATP disruption was found with human HMC-1.2 cells (EC50 4.2-13.7 µm), NIH-3 T3 mouse fibroblasts (EC50 4.8-7.4 µm) and primary human keratinocytes (EC50 3.0-4.1 µm) all with no cytotoxicity. TCS increases oxygen consumption rate in RBL-2H3 cells. Known mitochondrial uncouplers (e.g., carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone) previously were found to inhibit mast cell function. TCS-methyl, which has a methyl group in place of the TCS ionizable proton, affects neither degranulation nor ATP production at non-cytotoxic doses. Thus, the effects of TCS on mast cell function are due to its proton ionophore structure. In addition, 5 µm TCS inhibits thapsigargin-stimulated degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells: further evidence that TCS disrupts mast cell signaling. Our data indicate that TCS is a mitochondrial uncoupler, and TCS may affect numerous cell types and functions via this mechanism. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Arsenic inhibits mast cell degranulation via suppression of early tyrosine phosphorylation events

Exposure to arsenic is a global health concern. We previously documented an inhibitory effect of inorganic Arsenite on IgE-mediated degranulation of RBL-2H3 mast cells (Hutchinson et al., 2011; J. Appl. Toxicol. 31: 231-241). Mast cells are tissue-resident cells that are positioned at the host-environment interface, thereby serving vital roles in many physiological processes and disease states, in addition to their well-known roles in allergy and asthma. Upon activation, mast cells secrete several mediators from cytoplasmic granules, in degranulation. The present study is an investigation of Arsenite's molecular target(s) in the degranulation pathway. Here, we report that arsenic does not affect degranulation stimulated by either the Ca(2) (+) ionophore A23187 or thapsigargin, which both bypass early signaling events. Arsenic also does not alter degranulation initiated by another non-IgE-mediated mast cell stimulant, the G-protein activator compound 48/80. However, arsenic inhibits Ca(2) (+) influx into antigen-activated mast cells. These results indicate that the target of arsenic in the degranulation pathway is upstream of the Ca(2) (+) influx. Phospho-Syk and phospho-p85 phosphoinositide 3-kinase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays data show that arsenic inhibits early phosphorylation events. Taken together, this evidence indicates that the mechanism underlying arsenic inhibition of mast cell degranulation occurs at the early tyrosine phosphorylation steps in the degranulation pathway. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Phospholipase D2: a pivotal player modulating RBL-2H3 mast cell structure

The current study examined the role of PLD2 in the maintenance of mast cell structure. Phospholipase D (PLD) catalyzes hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine to produce choline and phosphatidic acid (PA). PLD has two isoforms, PLD1 and PLD2, which vary in expression and localization depending on the cell type. The mast cell line RBL-2H3 was transfected to overexpress catalytically active (PLD2CA) and inactive (PLD2CI) forms of PLD2. The results of this study show that PLD2CI cells have a distinct star-shaped morphology, whereas PLD2CA and RBL-2H3 cells are spindle shaped. In PLD2CI cells, the Golgi complex was also disorganized with dilated cisternae, and more Golgi-associated vesicles were present as compared with the PLD2CA and RBL-2H3 cells. Treatment with exogenous PA led to the restoration of the wild-type Golgi complex phenotype in PLD2CI cells. Conversely, treatment of RBL-2H3 and PLD2CA cells with 1% 1-Butanol led to a disruption of the Golgi complex. The distribution of acidic compartments, including secretory granules and lysosomes, was also modified in PLD2CI cells, where they concentrated in the perinuclear region. These results suggest that the PA produced by PLD2 plays an important role in regulating cell morphology in mast cells.

Adaptive and innate immune reactions regulating mast cell activation: from receptor-mediated signaling to responses

In this article, we have described studies that have demonstrated that mast cells can be activated as a consequence of adaptive and innate immune reactions and that these responses can be modified by ligands for other receptors expressed on the surface of mast cells. These various stimuli differentially activate multiple signaling pathways within the mast cells required for the generation and/or release of inflammatory mediators. Thus, the composition of the suite of mediators released and the physiologic ramifications of these responses are dependent on the stimuli and the microenvironment in which the mast cells are activated. Knowledge of the different signaling molecules used by cell surface receptors may allow selective pharmacologic targeting such that inhibiting the adverse effects of mast cell activation can be achieved without influencing the beneficial effects of mast cell activation. The exact interconnections between the signaling pathways initiated by the surface receptors described in this article remain to be completely worked out; thus, this remains a topic for future investigation.

Phospholipase D2 acts as an essential adaptor protein in the activation of Syk in antigen-stimulated mast cells

Mast cells are responsible for IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Phospholipase D1 (PLD1) and PLD2 regulate mast cell activation, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that PLD2 associates with and promotes activation of Syk, a key enzyme in mast cell activation. Antigen stimulation resulted in increased association and colocalization of Syk with PLD2 on the plasma membrane as indicated by coimmunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy. This association was dependent on tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk but not on PLD2 activity. In vitro, PLD2 interacted via its Phox homology (PX) domain with recombinant Syk to induce phosphorylation and activation of Syk. Furthermore, overexpression of PLD2 or catalytically inactive PLD2K758R enhanced antigen-induced phosphorylations of Syk and its downstream targets, the adaptor proteins LAT and SLP-76, while expression of a PLD2 siRNA blocked these phosphorylations. Apparently, the interaction of PLD2 with Syk is an early critical event in the activation of mast cells.

Activation of RBL-2H3 mast cells is dependent on tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase D2 by Fyn and Fgr

Both phospholipase D1 (PLD1) and PLD2 regulate degranulation when RBL-2H3 cells are stimulated via the immunoglobulin E receptor, Fc epsilon RI. However, the activation mechanism for PLD2 is unclear. As reported here, PLD2 but not PLD1 is phosphorylated through the Src kinases, Fyn and Fgr, and this phosphorylation appears to regulate PLD2 activation and degranulation. For example, only hemagglutinin-tagged PLD2 was tyrosine phosphorylated in antigen-stimulated cells that had been made to express HA-PLD1 and HA-PLD2. This phosphorylation was blocked by a Src kinase inhibitor or by small interfering RNAs directed against Fyn and Fgr and was enhanced by overexpression of Fyn and Fgr but not by other Src kinases. The phosphorylation and activity of PLD2 were further enhanced by the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, Na(3)VO(4). Mutation of PLD2 at tyrosines 11, 14, 165, or 470 partially impaired, and mutation of all tyrosines blocked, PLD2 phosphorylation and activation, although two of these mutations were detrimental to PLD2 function. PLD2 phosphorylation preceded degranulation, both events were equally sensitive to inhibition of Src kinase activity, and both were enhanced by coexpression of PLD2 and the Src kinases. The findings provide the first description of a mechanism for activation of PLD2 in a physiological setting and of a role for Fgr in Fc epsilon RI-mediated signaling.

Phospholipase D1 regulates high-affinity IgE receptor-induced mast cell degranulation

To investigate the role of phospholipase D (PLD) in FcepsilonRI signaling, the wild-type or the catalytically inactive forms of PLD1 or PLD2 were stably overexpressed in RBL-2H3 mast cells. FcepsilonRI stimulation resulted in the activation of both PLD1 and PLD2. However, PLD1 was the source of most of the receptor-induced PLD activity. There was enhanced FcepsilonRI-induced degranulation only in cells that overexpressed the catalytically inactive PLD1. This dominant-negative PLD1 enhanced FcepsilonRI-induced tyrosine phosphorylations of early signaling molecules such as the receptor subunits, Syk and phospholipase C-gamma which resulted in faster release of Ca(2+) from intracellular sources. Therefore, PLD1 negatively regulates signals upstream of the Ca(2+) response. However, FcepsilonRI-induced PLD activation required Syk and was downstream of the Ca(2+)response, suggesting that basal PLD1 activity rather than that activated by cell stimulation controlled these early signaling events. Dominant-negative PLD1 reduced the basal phosphatidic acid formation in unstimulated cells, which was accompanied by an increase in FcepsilonRI within the lipid rafts. These results indicate that constitutive basal PLD1 activity by regulating phosphatidic acid formation controls the early signals initiated by FcepsilonRI aggregation that lead to mast cell degranulation.

Sphingosine kinase 1 is an intracellular effector of phosphatidic acid

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) phosphorylates sphingosine to generate sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). Because both substrate and product of the enzyme are potentially important signaling molecules, the regulation of SK1 is of considerable interest. We report that SK1, which is ordinarily a cytosolic enzyme, translocates in vivo and in vitro to membrane compartments enriched in phosphatidic acid (PA), the lipid product of phospholipase D. This translocation depends on direct interaction of SK1 with PA, because recombinant purified enzyme shows strong affinity for pure PA coupled to Affi-Gel. The SK1-PA interaction maps to the C terminus of SK1 and is independent of catalytic activity or of the diacylglycerol kinase-like domain of the enzyme. Thus SK1 constitutes a novel, physiologically relevant PA effector.

Disruption of lipid order by short-chain ceramides correlates with inhibition of phospholipase D and downstream signaling by FcepsilonRI

Specialized plasma membrane domains known as lipid rafts participate in signal transduction and other cellular processes, and their liquid-ordered properties appear to be important for their function. We investigated the possibility of using amphiphiles to disrupt lipid rafts and thereby inhibit IgE-FcepsilonRI signaling. We find that short-chain ceramides - C2-ceramide and C6-ceramide - decrease plasma membrane lipid order and reduce the extent of fluorescence resonance energy transfer between lipid-raft-associated molecules on intact cells; by contrast, biologically inactive C2-dihydroceramide does neither. Structural perturbations by these ceramides parallel their inhibitory effects on antigen-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization in RBL mast cells in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+. Similar inhibition of Ca2+ mobilization is caused by n-butanol, which prevents phosphatidic acid production by phospholipase D, but not by t-butanol, which does not prevent phosphatidic acid production. These results and previously reported effects of short-chain ceramides on phospholipase D activity prompted us to compare the effects of C2-ceramide, C2-dihydroceramide and C16-ceramide on phospholipase D1 and phospholipase D2 activities in vitro. We find that the effects of these ceramides on phospholipase D1 activity strongly correlate with their effects on antigen-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization and with their disruption of lipid order. Our results indicate that phospholipase D activity is upstream of antigen-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization in these cells, and they demonstrate that ceramides can serve as useful probes for investigating roles of plasma membrane structure and phospholipase D activity in cellular signaling.

Regulation of phospholipase D and secretion in mast cells by protein kinase A and other protein kinases

Functions attributed to phospholipase (PL) D include the regulation of intracellular trafficking of Golgi-derived vesicles and secretion of granules from mast cells. We have reported that activation of PLD and secretion in a rat mast cell (RBL-2H3) line is substantially enhanced by cholera toxin, a known activator of protein kinase (PK) A. Here we review the evidence that (1) the synergistic interactions of cholera toxin and other pharmacological agents on mast cell secretion are attributable to the synergistic activation of PLD via PKA, CaM kinase II, and PKC and (2) both PLD1 and PLD2 participate in this process. For example, treatment with cholera toxin, thapsigargin, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (which activate PKA, CaM kinase II, and PKC, respectively) exhibit synergy in the stimulation of both PLD and secretion. These kinases and PLD are likely confined to membrane components, as similar synergistic interactions could be demonstrated in permeabilized cells. The regulation of PLD and secretion by these kinases is also apparent from studies of inhibitors of PKA and other kinases. Also, by overexpression of either PLD1 or PLD2 it is apparent that both isoforms respond to the same stimuli as endogenous PLD, although PLD1 is largely associated with secretory granules and PLD2 with plasma membrane. The studies reveal interesting differences in the regulation of the translocation of granules (regulated by PKA) and the fusion of these granules with the plasma membrane (regulated by Ca(2+) and PKC). The pathological/physiological implications of the regulation of PLD by PKA require further evaluation in other cell systems.

Phospholipases D1 and D2 regulate different phases of exocytosis in mast cells

The rat mast cell line RBL-2H3 contains both phospholipase D (PLD)1 and PLD2. Previous studies with this cell line indicated that expressed PLD1 and PLD2 are both strongly activated by stimulants of secretion. We now show by use of PLDs tagged with enhanced green fluorescent protein that PLD1, which is largely associated with secretory granules, redistributes to the plasma membrane in stimulated cells by processes reminiscent of exocytosis and fusion of granules with the plasma membrane. These processes and secretion of granules are suppressed by expression of a catalytically inactive mutant of PLD1 or by the presence of 50 mM 1-butanol but not tert-butanol, an indication that these events are dependent on the catalytic activity of PLD1. Of note, cholera toxin induces translocation of PLD1-labeled granules to the plasma membrane but not fusion of granules with plasma membrane or secretion. Subsequent stimulation of calcium influx with Ag or thapsigargin leads to rapid redistribution of PLD1 to the plasma membrane and accelerated secretion. Also of note, PLD1 is recycled from plasma membrane back to granules within 4 h of stimulation. PLD2, in contrast, is largely confined to the plasma membrane, but it too participates in the secretory process, because expression of catalytically inactive PLD2 also blocks secretion. These data indicate a two-step process: translocation of granules to the cell periphery, regulated by granule-associated PLD1, and a calcium-dependent fusion of granules with the plasma membrane, regulated by plasma membrane-associated PLD2 and possibly PLD1.

The exocytotic signaling pathway induced by nerve growth factor in the presence of lyso-phosphatidylserine in rat peritoneal mast cells involves a type D phospholipase

Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been previously shown to induce exocytosis in rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMCs) in the presence of lyso-phosphatidylserine (lysoPS) by interacting with high-affinity NGF receptors of the TrkA-type. In RPMCs, type D phosphatidylcholine-selective phospholipases (PLDs) have been postulated to be involved in some exocytotic signaling pathways induced by different agonists. The aim of the present study was to assess a putative functional role of PLD for NGF/lysoPS-induced exocytosis in RPMCs. In 1-[14C]palmitoyl-2-lyso-3-phosphatidylcholine-labelled RPMCs, NGF/lysoPS stimulated the formation of diacylglycerol (DAG) and, in the presence of ethanol (1% [v/v]), phosphatidylethanol (PEtOH). These data indicate PLD-activation by NGF/lysoPS in RPMCs. Preincubation of RPMCs for 2 min with ethanol, an inhibitor of PLD-derived DAG-formation, dose-dependently (IC(50): 0.6% [v/v]) and agonist-selectively inhibited the NGF/lysoPS induced release of [3H]serotonin ([3H]5-HT) in [3H]5-HT-loaded RPMCs, confirming the functional importance of PLD-action. Exocytosis and PEtOH-production was potently inhibited by the broad-spectrum serine/threonine kinase inhibitor staurosporine and activated by the protein kinase C(PKC)-activator PMA (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate) suggesting a role for PKC as mediator for NGF/lysoPS-induced activation of PLD.

Acute sensitization by NGF of the response of small-diameter sensory neurons to capsaicin

We investigated acute sensitization by nerve growth factor (NGF) of the response of small-diameter (<30 microm) dissociated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells to brief repeated puffs of capsaicin as a model for thermal hyperalgesia induced by NGF. We have previously shown that placing NGF in the bath after an initial puff of capsaicin can completely overcome the tachyphylaxis normally observed in response to a second puff 10 min later, and this response is often substantially larger than the first. If tachyphylaxis is abolished by carrying out the experiment in Ca2+-free solution, NGF still elicits potentiation of the second puff. However, the amount of potentiation is considerably less than that observed when tachyphylaxis also takes place. Thus it is concluded that NGF has two effects: overcoming tachyphylaxis and potentiation. With three puffs of capsaicin separated by 10 min, we have found that the potentiation established after 10 min exposure to NGF is no longer evident 10 min after removal of NGF. In Ca2+-free solution the potentiation can last up to 1 h after removal of NGF. These results suggest that the initial behavioral sensitization elicited by NGF could result from a direct effect on the sensory neuron but that its later components most likely involve other mechanisms. We have also investigated the contribution of various second-messenger pathways in these actions of NGF by treating the cells with blockers of MAP kinase (PD98059), protein kinase A (PKA; PKAI14-22, H89), and PKC (Bisindolylmaleimide I). Surprisingly, PD98059, which previously has been shown to diminish the enhancement of capsaicin responses of dissociated neurons when exposed to NGF for several days, had no effect on the acute response to NGF; nor did the PKC inhibitor. However, PKA inhibitors reduced the capsaicin response of the cells to NGF (as determined from the NGF effect on tachyphylaxis). Consistent with these findings we confirmed that forskolin, a PKA activator, enhances the effect of NGF on the capsaicin response. The percentage of small cells sensitized by NGF under these conditions, as determined by its ability to reduce tachyphylaxis, was 64%. This suggests that about two-thirds of DRG cells <30 microm and sensitive to capsaicin express a functional trkA receptor.

Activation of the P2Z/P2X7 receptor in human lymphocytes produces a delayed permeability lesion: involvement of phospholipase D

Leukemic lymphocytes possess a cytolytic P2Z/P2X7 receptor which, when activated by extracellular ATP, opens a Ca2+- and Ba2+-permeable ion channel. This ATP-stimulated influx of divalent cations has been shown to activate an intracellular phospholipase D (PLD) which hydrolyzes membrane phosphatidylcholine. Lymphocytes that were exposed to ATP for 20 min at 37 degrees C, washed, and then incubated without ATP for 2 h showed an increased uptake of propidium2+, a dye widely used to measure cytotoxicity. The potent P2Z/P2X7 receptor inhibitor, KN-62, which is known to prevent the channel opening when added with ATP, did not block development of the permeability lesion when added 15 min before dye addition. The activity of lymphocyte PLD was stimulated fourfold by ATP and a proportion of this increased activity persisted for several hours after removal of ATP. Loading lymphocytes with intracellular choline+ by prior incubation of cells with ATP in isotonic choline chloride abolished both ATP-stimulated PLD activity and the ATP-induced permeability lesion. Addition of PLD but not phospholipase C to the extracellular medium increased lymphocyte permeability to propidium2+ and this effect was not observed in a choline medium. The cytolytic effect of exogenous PLD together with the inhibitory effect of choline, a product of the PLD reaction, suggests that sustained activation of intracellular PLD may be involved in the ATP-initiated cytolytic pathway.

Phospholipase D1 localises to secretory granules and lysosomes and is plasma-membrane translocated on cellular stimulation

Phospholipase D (PLD) activity has been implicated in the regulation of membrane trafficking [1,2], superoxide generation and cytoskeletal remodelling [3,4]. Several PLD genes have now been identified and it is probable that different isoforms regulate distinct functions. Defining the subcellular localisation of each isoform would facilitate understanding of their roles. Previous PLD localisation studies have been based largely on enzyme activity measurements, which cannot distinguish between isoforms [2,5]. We have cloned the cDNAs encoding human PLD1a and PLD1b from an HL60 cell cDNA library and expressed them as catalytically active fusion proteins with green fluorescent protein (GFP) in COS-1 cells and RBL-2H3 cells, a mast cell model which degranulates upon cross-linking of the high-affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor. In unstimulated cells, GFP-PLD1b colocalised with secretory granule and lysosomal markers; it was not found at the plasma membrane or nucleus and did not colocalise with markers for the Golgi. Stimulation or RBL-2H3 cells through IgE receptor cross-linking caused plasma membrane recruitment of GFP-PLD1b. Inhibition of IgE-receptor-stimulated, PLD-catalysed phosphatidate formation suppressed secretion of granule and lysosomal contents, but did not affect translocation of GFP-PLD1b. These experiments suggest that PLD1 plays a role in regulated exocytosis rather than endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi membrane transport.

Characterization of mastoparan-induced histamine release from RBL-2H3 cells

Mastoparan (5-30 microM), a tetradecapeptide isolated from wasp venom, caused histamine release from RBL-2H3 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Mastoparan-induced histamine release remained after removing the extracellular Ca2+, whereas the antigen-induced one disappeared. Pertussis toxin did not inhibit mastoparan-induced histamine release from the cells, and mastoparan did not stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis. In agreement with the results, RBL-2H3 cells had a small amount of ADP-ribosylation substrates for pertussis toxin. Neomycin (1-5 mM) suppressed mastoparan-induced histamine release and phospholipase D activation. However, butanol slightly inhibited mastoparan-induced histamine release. Moreover, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate inhibited mastoparan-induced phospholipase D activation, but not it's histamine release. On the other hand, mastoparan caused the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase from the cells in a similar concentration range to the histamine release. This leakage was also suppressed by neomycin. These results suggest that mastoparan enhances the membrane permeability, resulting in histamine release in a pertussis toxin-insensitive manner, and that mastoparan-induced phospholipase D activation may not relate to histamine release.

Comparative cytokine gene expression: regulation and release by human mast cells

Since data on the ability of human mast cells to produce various cytokines are scanty, we examined the mRNA expression, its modulation and the resulting protein expression of a number of well-characterized cytokines, using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of cell extracts and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for analysis of cell supernatants. One million cells/ml of the human mast cell line HMC-1 were stimulated with 25 ng/ml phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), 5 x 10(-7) M calcium ionophore A 23187 (ionophore) or both stimuli combined for various time periods. Constitutive expression in unstimulated cells was found for interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) -3, -4, -8, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Maximal mRNA up-regulation was observed by 2-4 hr, with a second peak for TNF-alpha at 24 hr. After a 4-hr stimulation, IL-13 expression was detectable as well, whereas for IL-12, only the p35 but not the p40 chain was found, and IL-2, -5, -7 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were not expressed at all. Large quantities of IL-8, TNF-alpha, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and IL-3 were secreted time-dependently over a 72-hr period, with lower levels of IL-1 beta, -6, -10 and TGF-beta and no detectable IL-2, -4 and IFN-gamma protein. When IL-6 and IL-8 expression was compared in more detail, IL-6 mRNA was found to be up-regulated only with ionophore but not PMA, whereas both stimuli alone or combined increased IL-8 mRNA expression. Preincubation with cycloheximide inhibited IL-6 but not IL-8 transcription, and incubation of stimulated cells with actinomycin D stabilized IL-8 and also IL-6 mRNA. These data suggest a selective regulation of distinct cytokines in human mast cells at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Furthermore, the spectrum of cytokines produced by HMC-1 cells supports the well-recognized role of mast cells in immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions as well as their potential colony-stimulating and tissue-remodelling abilities.

Platelets from eclampsia patients have reduced membrane microviscosity and lower activities of the signalling enzymes

It has been shown that platelets from patients suffering from eclampsia are hyporesponsive to stimulation by agonists like thrombin and ADP. Although platelet hyporeactivity contributes to the pathogenesis of the disease process, the cause for this is still not known. Platelet aggregation and secretion are membrane-based phenomena initiated by the processes of cell signalling. Hence, to understand the mechanisms underlying platelet hyporeactivity in eclampsia, membrane microviscosity and activities of the signalling enzymes were measured in human platelets stimulated with thrombin. Membrane fluidity was determined from the steady-state fluorescence anisotropy of diphenylhexatriene incorporated in cell membranes. Activities of phospholipase C and protein kinase C in stimulated platelets were assessed from the extents of phosphatidic acid generation and pleckstrin phosphorylation, respectively. Platelet membrane microviscosity in eclampsia (2.3 +/- 0.2 SEM, n = 5) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in the matched gravid control subjects (3.1 +/- 0.2, n = 4). In eclampsia, generation of phosphatidic acid and phosphorylation of pleckstrin were decreased by 25% (P < 0.05, n = 3) and 35% (P < 0.05, n = 3), respectively, after 60 sec of platelet stimulation. It was concluded that the hyporeactive platelets obtained from eclampsia have more fluid membranes and diminished activities of phospholipase C and protein kinase C. In summary, this study shows that alterations in membrane fluidity and activities of the signalling enzymes (phospholipase C and protein kinase C) may contribute to the diminished platelet responsiveness observed in the eclamptic condition.

Increased degranulation and phospholipase A2, C, and D activity in RBL cells stimulated through FcepsilonR1 is due to spreading and not simply adhesion

Rat basophilic leukemia cells will adhere to and spread out on fibronectin coated surfaces in an integrin dependent manner. Adhesion and spreading on fibronectin leads to increased degranulation, inositol phosphate production, phospholipase D activation, and increased production of prostaglandin D2 and leukotriene C4 when the cells are activated through the high affinity IgE receptor. Rat basophilic leukemia cells will also adhere to surfaces coated with anti-rat class I antibodies, poly-L-lysine, and a lectin purified from Tetragonolobus purpureas. In all cases, antigen activated cells, which were adherent, displayed increased signaling, degranulation and eicosanoid production as compared to cells which were non-adherent. Cells which adhere to either anti-rat class I antibodies or poly-L-lysine also spread even though this is not mediated through integrins. In contrast, adhesion to the lectin from Tetragonolobus did not cause any appreciable spreading unless the cells were also triggered through the IgE receptor. Cells were also able to bind to fibronectin immobilized on polystyrene beads which mimics adhesion but does not allow spreading. However, these cells exhibited no increased signaling, degranulation, or eicosanoid production. Furthermore, rat basophilic leukemia cells can be modified by incubating them in the presence of biotinylated-phosphatidylserine which becomes incorporated into the membrane. These modified cells will adhere to streptavidin coated plates while unmodified cells will not. However, these modified cells do not spread, even after activation with antigen, and they show no increased degranulation or production of eicosanoids. These results indicate that adhesion itself is not sufficient for upregulation of the cells in response to antigen and that spreading of the cells may be the critical component.

Interleukin-1beta is differentially expressed by human dermal papilla cells in response to PKC activation and is a potent inhibitor of human hair follicle growth in organ culture

The dermal papilla plays an important role in the regulation of hair follicle matrix cell proliferation and hair fiber production, at least in part through mesenchymal-epithelial interactions. In the present study, we have investigated the regulation of interleukin-1 (IL-1) production by protein kinase C in cultured human dermal papilla cells. Treatment of dermal papilla cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) elicited the rapid and transient production of mature (17 kDa) cytosolic IL-1beta protein, but not IL-1alpha, with maximal levels achieved after 12 h. Rapid secretion of IL-1beta into the medium occurred subsequent to increased intracellular cytokine levels, after which medium IL-1beta protein levels were stable for 4 days. Northern blot analysis showed that TPA treatment elicited a transient induction of IL-1beta mRNA expression, maximal after 12 h, indicating that TPA regulates dermal papilla cell IL-1beta production at the transcriptional level. Pretreatment of dermal papilla cells with Ro 31-7549, a selective protein kinase C inhibitor, dose dependently and completely reversed phorbol-induced IL-1beta protein production. In addition, we demonstrated that IL-1beta is a highly potent inhibitor of the growth of human hair follicles in whole-organ culture, with an IC50 value of approximately 5 pg/ml. These findings, taken together with a previous report that follicular matrix cells express type I IL-1 receptors but dermal papilla cells do not, raise the possibility that dermal papilla cell-derived IL-1beta may act as a negative paracrine factor in the regulation of matrix cell proliferation.

Thapsigargin induces rapid, transient growth inhibition and c-fos expression followed by sustained growth stimulation in mouse keratinocyte cultures

Although the sesquiterpene lactone thapsigargin has been shown to possess hyperplastic and tumor-promoting activities when applied topically to mouse skin in vivo, the cellular mechanism(s) which underlie these effects are unclear. We show here that thapsigargin treatment of Primary mouse epidermal keratinocytes increased intracellular free Ca2+ concentration (Cai) in a concentration-dependent manner. Thapsigargin induced a rapid, transient elevation in keratinocyte Cai, in part due to the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. This response was followed by a sustained elevation in Ca2+, resulting entirely from calcium influx. Thapsigargin elicited a biphasic effect on keratinocyte DNA synthesis: a rapid inhibitory effect (50-60% inhibition at 4-8 h), followed by a very marked and sustained elevation. Prolonged treatment of keratinocytes with thapsigargin at relatively high concentrations resulted in cytotoxicity (inhibition of neutral red uptake). The rapid antiproliferative effect of thapsigargin was not associated with cytotoxicity, as determined by either neutral red uptake or by trypan blue exclusion, and was not blocked by pretreatment with Ro 31-7349, a selective inhibitor of protein kinase C. The rapid antiproliferative effect of thapsigargin was associated with rapid, transient activation of keratinocyte c-fos expression and rapid inhibition of total protein synthesis. Taken together, these findings raise the possibility that the hyperplastic and tumor-promoting activities of thapsigargin on epidermis in vivo result from direct keratinocyte growth stimulation as a consequence of a prolonged elevation in levels of Cai.

Phenylarsine oxide (PAO)-mediated activation of phospholipase D in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells: possible involvement of calcium and protein kinase C

Addition of phenylarsine oxide (PAO) to [3H]oleic acid-labeled rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells gave rise to the remarkable formation of [3H]phosphatidylbutanol (PBut), a specific product of phospholipase D (PLD) activation. Preincubation of cells with 2,3-dimercaptopropanol (DMP) or dithiothreitol (DTT), compounds containing sulfhydryls, prevented PAO-stimulated [3H]PBut formation, indicating that PAO-stimulated PLD through interacting with vicinal thiol groups. Treatment of cells with PAO resulted in increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration without significant production of inositol phosphates. Removal of extracellular free Ca2+ by chelating with EGTA was found to inhibit [3H]PBut formation by PAO. Incubation of cells with 20 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for 6 h caused down-regulation of protein kinase C (PKC) alpha and beta isozymes, whereas it had no effect on PKC delta, epsilon and zeta isozymes. Under this condition, decrease in PAO-stimulated [3H]PBut formation was observed to occur with a concomitant decrease in the level of PKC alpha and beta isozymes. These results suggest that a covalent bridge between vicinal thiol groups of cell surface proteins induced by PAO potentiates PLD activation and that PAO-induced PLD activation is regulated by Ca2+ and PKC alpha and/or beta isozymes.

Brefeldin A inhibits antigen- or calcium ionophore-mediated but not PMA-induced phospholipase D activation in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells

Recent reports have indicated that ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) plays a role in the regulation of phospholipase D (PLD) activity in the in vitro assay system. Since a fungal metabolite brefeldin A (BFA) is known to interfere with ARF function, the effect of BFA on antigen-induced PLD activation was examined in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. BFA inhibited the antigen-induced formation of phosphatidylbutanol (PBut), a specific and stable metabolite produced by PLD activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The maximal inhibition obtained at 10 micrograms/ml of the drug was nearly 70% and further inhibition was not observed at higher concentrations. Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187-mediated PLD activation was also prevented by BFA. In contrast, BFA failed to inhibit PLD activation in response to 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an activator of protein kinase C (PKC). This indicates that there are BFA-sensitive and BFA-insensitive pathways leading to PLD activation in RBL-2H3 cells and also that the PKC-mediated pathway may be insensitive to BFA treatment, suggesting the existence of PLD isozymes. BFA inhibited Ag-induced serotonin release at a concentration 20-fold lower than that needed for the inhibition of PLD. Moreover, PMA caused a marked production of PBut, but it failed to elicit secretory response. This implies that PLD may be not a crucial element for secretory responses.

Regulation of phospholipase D by protein kinase C

In nearly all mammalian cells and tissues examined, protein kinase C (PKC) has been shown to serve as a major regulator of a phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D (PLD) activity. At least 12 distinct isoforms of PKC have been described so far; of these enzymes only the alpha- and beta-isoforms were found to regulate PLD activity. While the mechanism of this regulation has remained unknown, available evidence suggests that both phosphorylating and non-phosphorylating mechanisms may be involved. A phosphatidylcholine-specific PLD activity was recently purified from pig lung, but its possible regulation by PKC has not been reported yet. Several cell types and tissues appear to express additional forms of PLD which can hydrolyze either phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylinositol. It has also been reported that at least one form of PLD can be activated by oncogenes, but not by PKC activators. Similar to activated PKC, some of the primary and secondary products of PLD-mediated phospholipid hydrolysis, including phosphatidic acid, 1,2-diacylglycerol, choline phosphate and ethanolamine, also exhibit mitogenic/co-mitogenic effects in cultured cells. Furthermore, both the PLD and PKC systems have been implicated in the regulation of vesicle transport and exocytosis. Recently the PLD enzyme has been cloned and the tools of molecular biology to study its biological roles will soon be available. Using specific inhibitors of growth regulating signals and vesicle transport, so far no convincing evidence has been reported to support the role of PLD in the mediation of any of the above cellular effects of activated PKC.

Receptor-independent G protein activation may account for the stimulatory effects of first-generation H1-receptor antagonists in HL-60 cells, basophils, and mast cells

The first-generation histamine H1-receptor antagonists, chlorpheniramine (CPHE) and diphenhydramine (DPH), may activate histamine release from basophils and mast cells. Because CPHE and DPH are cationic-amphiphilic and because several substances with such physicochemical properties activate heterotrimeric regulatory guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins) in a receptor-independent manner, we asked the question of whether or not H1-receptor antagonists could be G-protein activators as well. In dibutyryl cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells, CPHE and DPH increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and azurophilic granule release in pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive manners. In HL-60 membranes, PTX-sensitive stimulations of GTPase [E.C. 3.6.1.] and binding of guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate by H1 receptor antagonists were observed. CPHE and DPH also increased GTP hydrolysis by the purified PTX-sensitive G-protein, transducin. In all-trans-retinoic acid-differentiated HL-60 cells and rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL 2H3 cells), H1-receptor antagonists induced, unlike in dibutyryl cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells, Ca2+ influx without Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores. CPHE and DPH also induced serotonin release from RBL 2H3 cells. Our data indicate that first-generation H1-receptor antagonists are receptor-independent G-protein activators and that such a mechanism of action accounts for their stimulatory effects in HL-60 cells, basophils, and mast cells.

Phospholipase D activation by P2Z-purinoceptor agonists in human lymphocytes is dependent on bivalent cation influx

The role of bivalent cations in ATP-stimulated phospholipase D (PLD) activity was investigated in human leukaemic lymphocytes. Cells were labelled with [3H]oleic acid and incubated with extracellular ATP or benzoylbenzoic ATP in the presence of 1 mM Ca2+ and butanol, and PLD activity was assayed by the accumulation of [3H]phosphatidylbutanol ([3H]PBut). ATP stimulated PLD activity in a dose-dependent manner, and the inhibitory effects of suramin, oxidized ATP and extracellular Mg2+ suggested that the effect of ATP was mediated by P2Z purinoceptors known to be present on lymphocytes. Thapsigargin increased cytosolic [Ca2+] but did not stimulate PLD activity, whereas preloading cells with a Ca2+ chelator reduced cytosolic [Ca2+] and, paradoxically, potentiated ATP-stimulated [3H]PBut accumulation. ATP-stimulated [3H]PBut formation was supported by both Ba2+ and Sr2+ when they were substituted for extracellular Ca2+. Addition of EGTA to block bivalent cation influx inhibited the majority of ATP-stimulated PLD activity. Furthermore ATP-stimulated PLD activity showed a linear relationship to extracellular [Ba2+], and ATP-induced 133Ba2+ influx also had a linear dependence on extracellular [Ba2+]. These results suggest that ATP stimulates PLD activity in direct proportion to the influx of bivalent cations through the P2Z-purinoceptor ion channel and that this PLD activity is insensitive to changes in bulk cytosolic [Ca2+].

Antigen-mediated phospholipase D activation in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells: possible involvement of calcium/calmodulin

The differential implication of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes in antigen- or PMA-induced phospholipase D (PLD) activation was investigated in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. In [3H]oleic acid-labeled cells, both antigen (100 ng/ml) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (100 nM) produced a specific product of PLD activation, [3H]phosphatidylbutanol (PBut) in the presence of butanol. Pretreatment of cells with a selective PKC inhibitor, Ro31-8425 (1-5 microM) inhibited PMA-stimulated PLD activity by 85%. In contrast, the antigen-stimulated PLD activity was much less sensitive to the inhibitor. RBL-2H3 cells express PKC alpha, beta, delta, epsilon and zeta isozymes and down-regulation of PKC by exposure to PMA (20 nM) for 1-2 h caused rapid decrease in PKC alpha and beta isozymes, leaving PKC delta, epsilon and zeta isozymes intact. Apparent decreases in the levels of PKC alpha and beta to about 50% were observed after adding 20 nM PMA for 1 h, when PMA-stimulated PLD activity was inhibited by up to 70%. Decrease in antigen-stimulated PLD activity was evident after 2 h PMA-treatment, when PKC alpha and beta decreased by nearly 70%. These results suggest that in the antigen-mediated PLD pathway PKC may be implicated but not play such a great role as PMA-stimulated pathway which is mediated through PKC alpha or beta. Then, we have examined the involvement of calcium/calmodulin (CaM) in PLD activation by antigen, since the antigen-stimulated PLD activation showed the absolute requirement for extracellular calcium. Preincubation of RBL-2H3 cells with a CaM antagonist W-7 (20 microM) inhibited the antigen-stimulated PLD activity by 90%, but W-5, a chlorine-deficient analogue of W-7 that only weakly interact with CaM, caused little inhibitory effect. Another non-specific CaM antagonist, trifluoperazine (TFP) also inhibited PLD activation. These results suggest that calcium/CaM may be involved in the antigen-stimulated PLD activation.

Bradykinin stimulates phospholipase D in PC12 cells by a mechanism which is independent of increases in intracellular Ca2+

These experiments were designed to learn the role of bradykinin induced changes in intracellular Ca2+ in the activation of phospholipase D activity in PC12 cells. Ionomycin at a concentration of 0.1 microM caused an increase in intracellular Ca2+ comparable to bradykinin, but had no effect on phospholipase D activity. Carbachol, ATP, and thapsigargin also increased intracellular Ca2+ but had no effect on phospholipase D activity. Increases in intracellular Ca2+ may be a necessary but not a sufficient factor in the activation of phospholipase D. To investigate this issue, the bradykinin induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ was blocked by preincubating the cells in Ca(2+)-free media plus EGTA or in media containing the intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA/AM. These preincubations completely blocked the bradykinin induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ but only attenuated the bradykinin mediated activation of phospholipase D. Physiological increases in intracellular Ca2+ apparently do not mediate the effect of bradykinin on phospholipase D.

Regulation of phospholipase D by protein kinase C in human neutrophils. Conventional isoforms of protein kinase C phosphorylate a phospholipase D-related component in the plasma membrane

In a variety of intact cells, phorbol esters are known to activate phospholipase D. In a cell-free system consisting of plasma membrane and cytosol from human neutrophils, phorbol esters activated phospholipase D in an adenosine nucleotide triphosphate-dependent manner. ATP gamma S (adenosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate)) was 2-3-fold more effective than ATP, while ADP and AppNHp (adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate) were ineffective, and activation was blocked by the kinase inhibitor staurosporine. In cytosol deplete of protein kinase C by chromatography on threnoine-Sepharose, phorbol ester-dependent activation was lost, but was restored upon addition of purified rat brain protein kinase C. The target for phosphorylation was shown to be the plasma membrane plasma membrane was phosphorylated using ATP gamma S/phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate and protein kinase C and was reisolated to remove activators. Upon adding nucleotide-depleted cytosol, activator-independent phospholipase D activity was seen. Using this prephosphorylation protocol, PKC-dependent activation of plasma membranes was found to require micromolar calcium, implicating a conventional protein kinase C. Using recombinant isoforms of protein kinase C, only the conventional isoforms showed significant activation, with the following rank order of potency: beta 1 > alpha > gamma; the beta 2, delta, epsilon, eta, and sigma isoforms showed little or no activity. Thus, conventional isoform(s) of protein kinase C activate neutrophil phospholipase D by phosphorylating a target protein located in the plasma membrane.

Increased receptor-mediated phospholipase D activation and Ca2+ mobilization in peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Phospholipase D activation was investigated in peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Stimulation of the cells with formyl-Met-Leu-Phe resulted in a time- and dose-dependent increase in phosphatidylethanol in the presence of ethanol, and this lipid formation in cells prepared from diabetic rats was enhanced as compared to that in the case of nondiabetic rats. Furthermore, the increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration was also enhanced in the stimulated cells from diabetic rats. Under the present conditions, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase release and superoxide generation, which are known to be dependent on phospholipase D activation, were higher in the cells from diabetic rats than those in the cells from control rats. However, there was no difference in the dissociation constant and the number of binding sites for formyl-Met-Leu-Phe between the cells from diabetic and control rats. Phosphatidylethanol formation, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase release and superoxide generation in response to ionomycin or 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate were not enhanced in diabetic rat cells, as compared with those in control rat cells. These results suggest that receptor-mediated phospholipase D activation and Ca2+ mobilization are enhanced in diabetic rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which might be due to acceleration of receptor-mediated signaling.

Biphasic effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on human hair follicle growth and hair fiber production in whole-organ cultures

We have used a whole-organ culture system to investigate the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on human hair follicle growth and hair fiber production. Relatively low concentrations (1-10 nM) of 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulated the cumulative growth of hair follicles and hair fibers, by 52% and 36%, respectively (concentration producing 50% of the maximal response [EC50] values of 0.3 nM). The initial rates of follicle and fiber growth were increased, whereas the respective growth periods were unaffected. At higher concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3, there was a dose-dependent inhibition of both follicle and fiber growth (IC50 values of 100 nM), in part due to reduction in the growth periods. There was a marked delay between the onset of 1,25(OH)2D-induced hair follicle and hair fiber growth inhibition. Incubation of hair follicles with 100 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 resulted in a rapid, transient inhibition of DNA synthesis (55% inhibition at 24 h), followed by a gradual return to control levels at day 4. Prolonged (> 5 h), incubation in the presence of 100 nM of 1,25 (OH)2D3 was required for follicle growth inhibition to be manifest. Ro 31-7549, a selective inhibitor of protein kinase C, did not prevent 1,25(OH)2D3-induced inhibition of hair follicle growth. These data suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 may play a physiologic role in maintaining optimal hair follicle activity, and that elevation of 1,25(OH)2D3 may inhibit hair growth in vivo.

Phosphatidylcholine breakdown and signal transduction

PC hydrolysis by PLA2, PLC or PLD is a widespread response elicited by most growth factors, cytokines, neurotransmitters, hormones and other extracellular signals. The mechanisms can involve G-proteins, PKC, Ca2+ and tyrosine kinase activities. Although an agonist-responsive cytosolic PLA2 has been purified, cloned and sequenced, the agonist-responsive form(s) of PC-PLC has not been identified and no form of PC-PLD has been purified or cloned. Regulation of PLA2 by Ca2+ and MAPK is well established and involves membrane translocation and phosphorylation, respectively. PKC regulation of the enzyme in intact cells is probably mediated by MAPK. The question of G-protein control of PLA2 remains controversial since the nature of the G-protein is unknown and it is not established that its interaction with the enzyme is direct or not. Growth factor regulation of PLA2 involves tyrosine kinase activity, but not necessarily PKC. It may be mediated by MAPK. The physiological significance of PLA2 activation is undoubtedly related to the release of AA for eicosanoid production, but the LPC formed may have actions also. There is much evidence that PKC regulates PC-PLC and PC-PLD and this is probably a major mechanism by which agonists that promote PI hydrolysis secondarily activate PC hydrolysis. Since no agonist-responsive forms of either phospholipase have been isolated, it is not clear that PKC exerts its effects directly on the enzymes. Although it is assumed that a phosphorylation mechanism is involved, this may not be the case, and regulation may be by protein-protein interactions. G-protein control of PC-PLD is well-established, although, again, it has not been demonstrated that this is direct, and the nature of the G-protein(s) involved is unknown. In some cell types, there is evidence of the participation of a soluble protein, which may be a low Mr GTP-binding protein. What role this plays in the activation of PC-PLD is obscure. Agonist activation of PC hydrolysis in cells is usually Ca(2+)-dependent, but the step at which Ca2+ is involved is unclear, since PC-PLD and PC-PLC per se are not influenced by physiological concentrations of the ion. Most growth factors promote PC hydrolysis and this is mainly due to activation of PKC as a result of PI breakdown. However, in some cases, PC breakdown occurs in the absence of PI hydrolysis, implying another mechanism that does not involve PI-derived DAG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Temporal regulation of the IgE-dependent 1,2-diacylglycerol production by tyrosine kinase activation in a rat (RBL 2H3) mast-cell line

We explored the possible role of tyrosine kinases in the IgE-dependent regulation of 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) production in RBL 2H3 cells. When triggered via their high-affinity IgE receptors (Fc epsilon RI), there was a rapid phosphorylation of tyrosine residues on a number of proteins. The phosphorylation of these proteins and ultimately histamine release were inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin. In cells labelled with [3H]myristic acid, we observed a characteristic biphasic increase in [3H]DAG production. In the presence of tyrosine kinase inhibitor, the initial increase in DAG was still observed, but the secondary increase, which was dependent on phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D (PC-PLD) activation, was completely abolished. Tyrphostin significantly inhibited IgE-dependent activation of PC-PLD, suggesting that PC-PLD activation was regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, when proteins from RBL 2H3 cells were immunoprecipitated with an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody, PC-PLD activity was recovered from the immunoprecipitated fraction. These results demonstrate that the secondary, but not the initial, phase of 1,2-DAG production in response to Fc epsilon RI aggregation is regulated by the initial activation of tyrosine kinases and that PC-PLD may be regulated directly by this mechanism.

Effects of herbimycin A and ST638 on Fc epsilon receptor-mediated histamine release and Ca2+ signals in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells

We examined the effect of the two protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, alpha-cyano-3-ethoxy-4-hydroxy-5-phenylthiomethylcinnamide (ST638) and herbimycin A, on the activation processes of rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells by cross-linking of IgE receptors. RBL-2H3 cells sensitized with DNP-specific monoclonal IgE antibody were stimulated with multivalent antigen (DNP conjugate of bovine serum albumin). Analysis of phosphotyrosine-containing proteins in their lysates by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting revealed that these two inhibitors efficiently inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins (32, 42, 56, 66, 72, 92, 150 kDa) including phospholipase C-gamma 1. The inhibitors also caused parallel inhibitions of the histamine release, the formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, and the increase in cytosolic calcium ion concentration at the late sustained phase. A digital imaging fluorescence microscopic analysis of antigen-dependent calcium signals in individual cells showed that these two tyrosine kinase inhibitors inhibited the calcium influx from the external medium more powerfully than the mobilization of calcium ion from internal stores. In contrast, the inhibitors did not affect the increase in the cytosolic calcium ion concentration or the histamine release induced by the calcium ionophore A23187. Taken together, our results suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation following antigen stimulation regulates phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and the influx of extracellular calcium.

Prostaglandin F2 alpha-stimulated phospholipase D activation in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells: involvement in sustained 1,2-diacylglycerol production

In [3H]myristic acid-labelled osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha)-induced PLD activity was assessed by measuring the [3H]phosphatidylethanol (PEt) formation in the presence of ethanol. Inhibition of the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by U73122, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), or chelation of extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA or of intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA, suppressed PGF2 alpha-induced phospholipase D (PLD) activation. Neither protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors nor PKC down-regulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate affected PGF2 alpha-induced [3H]PEt formation. In permeabilized cells, guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate enhanced PGF2 alpha 's potency in [3H]PEt formation in the presence of Ca2+. The pretreatment of intact cells with pertussis toxin failed to inhibit PGF2 alpha-induced [3H]PEt formation. PGF2 alpha caused a biphasic production of [3H]1,2-diacylglycerol ([3H]1,2-DAG) in [3H]glycerol-labelled cells. The initial transient phase was decreased by U73122, whereas the late sustained phase was decreased by ethanol and the phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase inhibitor, propranolol. From these results, it was suggested that PGF2 alpha-induced PLD activation was mediated by the dual control of the [Ca2+]i increase due to PI-PLC activation and activation of pertussis-toxin-insensitive G-protein, but not mediated by PKC, and also that PLD activation was involved in the late sustained 1,2-DAG generation in MC3T3-E1 cells.

Analysis of protein kinase C requirement for exocytosis in permeabilized rat basophilic leukaemia RBL-2H3 cells: a GTP-binding protein(s) as a potential target for protein kinase C

The role of protein kinase C in calcium-dependent exocytosis was investigated in permeabilized rat basophilic leukaemia cells. When protein kinase C was down-regulated by phorbol myristate acetate (1 microM for 3-6 h) or inhibited by pharmacological agents such as calphostin C (1 microM) or a protein kinase C-specific pseudo-substrate peptide inhibitor (100-200 microM), cells lost the ability to secrete in response to 10 microM free Ca2+. In contrast, a short treatment (15 min) with phorbol myristate acetate, which maximally activates protein kinase C, potentiated the effects of calcium. Biochemical analysis of protein kinase C-deprived cells indicated that loss of the Ca(2+)-induced secretory response correlated with disappearance of protein kinase C-alpha. In addition, at the concentrations effective for exocytosis, calcium caused translocation of protein kinase C-alpha to the membrane fraction and stimulated phospholipase C, suggesting that, in permeabilized cells, protein kinase C can be activated by calcium through generation of the phospholipase C metabolite diacylglycerol. The delta, epsilon and zeta Ca(2+)-independent protein kinase C isoenzymes were insensitive to phorbol myristate acetate-induced down-regulation and did not, as expected, translocate to the particulate fraction in response to calcium. Interestingly, secretory competence was restored in cells depleted of protein kinase C or in which protein kinase C itself was inhibited by non-hydrolysable GTP analogues, but not by GTP, suggesting that protein kinase C might regulate the ability of a G protein(s) directly controlling the exocytotic machinery to be activated by endogenous GTP.

Contribution of phospholipases A2 and D to arachidonic acid liberation and prostaglandin D2 formation with increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in rat peritoneal mast cells

The contribution of phospholipases A2 (PLA2) and D (PLD) activation to arachidonic acid liberation and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) formation was studied in stimulated rat peritoneal mast cells. Stimulation of the cells with ionomycin induced time-dependent and Ca(2+)-concentration-dependent increase in arachidonic acid liberation and PGD2 formation, and the Ca(2+)-dependent increase was especially remarkable at extracellular Ca2+ concentration higher than 200 microM. Staurosporine did not induce any effect on the arachidonic acid liberation, indicating that protein kinase C is not involved in the liberation. Addition of ethanol to the cells decreased the ionomycin-stimulated arachidonic acid liberation to 40% of the control, while it decreased the PGD2 formation almost completely, with the increase in phosphatidylethanol formation. Propranolol, a phosphatidate phosphohydrolase inhibitor, caused similar effects. p-Bromophenacyl bromide, a PLA2 inhibitor, inhibited partially the arachidonic acid liberation. The inhibition of the liberation by combination of p-bromophenacyl bromide and ethanol was additive and reached approximately 90%. Under the conditions used p-bromophenacyl bromide did not influence significantly the PLD activity assessed by the phosphatidylethanol formation. Histamine release was decreased by ethanol treatment to 35% of the control. These results suggest that more than half of the total arachidonic acid liberation is mediated by the sequential pathway of PLD/phosphatidate phosphohydrolase/diacylglycerol lipase and more than half of histamine release is also dependent on PLD activation, while the PGD2 formation is fully mediated by the pathway. PLA2 also contributes to arachidonic acid liberation but to a lower extent.

Phospholipase D and cell signaling

Phospholipase D, which hydrolyzes phospholipids (primarily phosphatidylcholine) to generate phosphatidic acid, has emerged as a critical component in cellular signal transduction. Research during the past year has confirmed and extended the view that phosphatidic acid and its dephosphorylated product, sn-1,2-diacylglycerol, are important intracellular second messengers and that the coupling of phospholipase D to specific receptors occurs through multiple mechanisms involving protein kinase C, protein tyrosine kinase, Ca2+ and GTP-binding proteins.