Granulogenesis in Non-neuroendocrine COS-7 Cells Induced by EGFP-tagged Chromogranin A Gene Transfection: Identical and Distinct Distribution of CgA and EGFP

Inside the Insulin Secretory Granule

The pancreatic β-cell is purpose-built for the production and secretion of insulin, the only hormone that can remove glucose from the bloodstream. Insulin is kept inside miniature membrane-bound storage compartments known as secretory granules (SGs), and these specialized organelles can readily fuse with the plasma membrane upon cellular stimulation to release insulin. Insulin is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as a biologically inactive precursor, proinsulin, along with several other proteins that will also become members of the insulin SG. Their coordinated synthesis enables synchronized transit through the ER and Golgi apparatus for congregation at the trans-Golgi network, the initiating site of SG biogenesis. Here, proinsulin and its constituents enter the SG where conditions are optimized for proinsulin processing into insulin and subsequent insulin storage. A healthy β-cell is continually generating SGs to supply insulin in vast excess to what is secreted. Conversely, in type 2 diabetes (T2D), the inability of failing β-cells to secrete may be due to the limited biosynthesis of new insulin. Factors that drive the formation and maturation of SGs and thus the production of insulin are therefore critical for systemic glucose control. Here, we detail the formative hours of the insulin SG from the luminal perspective. We do this by mapping the journey of individual members of the SG as they contribute to its genesis.

Hetero-oligomer of dynamin-related proteins participates in the fission of highly divergent mitochondria from Entamoeba histolytica

Entamoeba histolytica is an anaerobic parasitic protist and possesses mitosomes, one of the most highly divergent mitochondrion-related organelles (MROs). Although unique metabolism and protein/metabolite transport machinery have been demonstrated in Entamoeba mitosomes, the mechanism of mitosomal fusion and fission remains to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that two dynamin-related proteins (DRPs) are cooperatively involved in the fission of Entamoeba mitosomes. Expression of a dominant negative form of EhDrpA and EhDrpB, and alternatively, repression of gene expression of EhDrpA and EhDrpB genes, caused elongation of mitosomes, reflecting inhibition of mitosomal fission. Moreover, EhDrpA and EhDrpB formed an unprecedented hetero-oligomeric complex with an approximate 1:2 to 1:3 ratio, suggesting that the observed elongation of mitosomes is likely caused by the disruption and instability of the complex caused by an imbalance in the two DRPs. Altogether, this is the first report of a hetero-oligomeric DRP complex which participates in the fission of mitochondria and MROs.

Comparison of hemolytic activity of the intermediate subunit of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar lectins

Galactose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine-inhibitable lectin of Entamoeba histolytica has roles in pathogenicity and induction of protective immunity in rodent models of amoebiasis. Recently, the intermediate subunit of the lectin, Igl1, of E. histolytica has been shown to have hemolytic activity. However, the corresponding lectin is also expressed in a non-virulent species, Entamoeba dispar, and another subunit, Igl2, is expressed in the protozoa. Therefore, in this study, we compared the activities of Igl1 and Igl2 subunits from E. histolytica and E. dispar using various regions of recombinant Igl proteins expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant E. dispar Igl proteins had comparable hemolytic activities with those of E. histolytica Igl proteins. Furthermore, Igl1 gene-silenced E. histolytica trophozoites showed less hemolytic activity compared with vector-transfected trophozoites, indicating that the expression level of Igl1 protein influences the activity. These results suggest that the lower hemolytic activity in E. dispar compared with E. histolytica reflects the lower expression level of Igl1 in the E. dispar parasite.

PROX1 Promotes Secretory Granule Formation in Medullary Thyroid Cancer Cells

Mechanisms of endocrine secretory granule (SG) formation in thyroid C cells and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) cells have not been fully elucidated. Here we directly demonstrated that PROX1, a developmental homeobox gene, is transcriptionally involved in SG formation in MTC, which is derived from C cells. Analyses using gene expression databases on web sites revealed that, among thyroid cancer cells, MTC cells specifically and highly express PROX1 as well as several SG-forming molecule genes. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that in vivo MTC and C cells expressed PROX1, although follicular thyroid cancer and papillary thyroid cancer cells, normal follicular cells did not. Knockdown of PROX1 in an MTC cells reduced SGs detected by electron microscopy, and decreased expression of SG-related genes (chromogranin A, chromogranin B, secretogranin II, secretogranin III, synaptophysin, and carboxypeptidase E). Conversely, the introduction of a PROX1 transgene into a papillary thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer cells induced the expression of SG-related genes. Reporter assays using the promoter sequence of chromogranin A showed that PROX1 activates the chromogranin A gene in addition to the known regulatory mechanisms, which are mediated via the cAMP response element binding protein and the repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR assays demonstrated that PROX1 binds to the transcriptional regulatory element of the chromogranin A gene. In conclusion, PROX1 is an important regulator of endocrine SG formation in MTC cells.

The granin VGF promotes genesis of secretory vesicles, and regulates circulating catecholamine levels and blood pressure

Secretion of proteins and neurotransmitters from large dense core vesicles (LDCVs) is a highly regulated process. Adrenal LDCV formation involves the granin proteins chromogranin A (CgA) and chromogranin B (CgB); CgA- and CgB-derived peptides regulate catecholamine levels and blood pressure. We investigated function of the granin VGF (nonacronymic) in LDCV formation and the regulation of catecholamine levels and blood pressure. Expression of exogenous VGF in nonendocrine NIH 3T3 fibroblasts resulted in the formation of LDCV-like structures and depolarization-induced VGF secretion. Analysis of germline VGF-knockout mouse adrenal medulla revealed decreased LDCV size in noradrenergic chromaffin cells, increased adrenal norepinephrine and epinephrine content and circulating plasma epinephrine, and decreased adrenal CgB. These neurochemical changes in VGF-knockout mice were associated with hypertension. Germline knock-in of human VGF1-615 into the mouse Vgf locus rescued the hypertensive knockout phenotype, while knock-in of a truncated human VGF1-524 that lacks several C-terminal peptides, including TLQP-21, resulted in a small but significant increase in systolic blood pressure compared to hVGF1-615 mice. Finally, acute and chronic administration of the VGF-derived peptide TLQP-21 to rodents decreased blood pressure. Our studies establish a role for VGF in adrenal LDCV formation and the regulation of catecholamine levels and blood pressure.

Modulating zymogen granule formation in pancreatic AR42J cells

Zymogen granules (ZG) are specialized organelles in the exocrine pancreas which allow digestive enzyme storage and regulated secretion. To investigate ZG biogenesis, cargo sorting and packaging, suitable cellular model systems are required. Here, we demonstrate that granule formation in pancreatic AR42J cells, an acinar model system, can be modulated by altering the growth conditions in cell culture. We find that cultivation of AR42J cells in Panserin™ 401, a serum-free medium, enhances the induction of granule formation in the presence or absence of dexamethasone when compared to standard conditions including serum. Biochemical and morphological studies revealed an increase in ZG markers on the mRNA and protein level, as well as in granule size compared to standard conditions. Our data indicate that this effect is related to pronounced differentiation of AR42J cells. To address if enhanced expression of ZG proteins promotes granule formation, we expressed several zymogens and ZG membrane proteins in unstimulated AR42J cells and in constitutively secreting COS-7 cells. Neither single expression nor co-expression was sufficient to initiate granule formation in AR42J cells or the formation of granule-like structures in COS-7 cells as described for neuroendocrine cargo proteins. The importance of our findings for granule formation in exocrine cells is discussed.

Matrix metalloproteinase-13 promotes recovery from experimental liver cirrhosis in rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 gene expression in the early phase of recovery from liver fibrosis/cirrhosis.

METHODS

Liver fibrosis was induced in male Wistar rats by administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) for 10 weeks. Recombinant adenovirus-mediated human MMP-13 gene transfer (RAdMMP-13) was performed via the femoral vein on day 3 after the last CCl(4) injection. The role of MMP-13 in stably expressing cell lines was also analyzed.

RESULTS

Fibrous deposition in the liver was decreased in RAdMMP-13-injected rats by day 3 after gene transfer compared with empty vector RAd66-injected rats. Furthermore, MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymatic activity was markedly enhanced in the liver of RAdMMP-13 injected rats. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induction was also increased in RAdMMP-13 injected rats. In established stable HT-1080 cells transfected with MMP-13, HGF-α expression and MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymatic activity were increased. The conversion of precursor HGF into mature HGF was also increased in the MMP-13 expressing cell lines.

CONCLUSION

Forced MMP-13 expression effectively accelerated recovery from liver cirrhosis via the effects of MMP-13-mediated HGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression, which induced the degradation of collagen fibers and promoted hepatic regeneration.

Pro-hormone secretogranin II regulates dense core secretory granule biogenesis in catecholaminergic cells

Processes underlying the formation of dense core secretory granules (DCGs) of neuroendocrine cells are poorly understood. Here, we present evidence that DCG biogenesis is dependent on the secretory protein secretogranin (Sg) II, a member of the granin family of pro-hormone cargo of DCGs in neuroendocrine cells. Depletion of SgII expression in PC12 cells leads to a decrease in both the number and size of DCGs and impairs DCG trafficking of other regulated hormones. Expression of SgII fusion proteins in a secretory-deficient PC12 variant rescues a regulated secretory pathway. SgII-containing dense core vesicles share morphological and physical properties with bona fide DCGs, are competent for regulated exocytosis, and maintain an acidic luminal pH through the V-type H(+)-translocating ATPase. The granulogenic activity of SgII requires a pH gradient along this secretory pathway. We conclude that SgII is a critical factor for the regulation of DCG biogenesis in neuroendocrine cells, mediating the formation of functional DCGs via its pH-dependent aggregation at the trans-Golgi network.

Formation of secretory granules by chromogranins

This review article covers the molecular mechanisms of secretory granule formation by chromogranin transfection. Recently, a few investigators have reported that the transfection of chromogranin A and B produces the structures of secretory granules. We used the GFP-chromogranin A transfection method to nonendocrine cells, COS-7 cells, which are not equipped with secretory granules. Despite the absence of endogenous secretory granules in nontransfected COS-7 cells, COS-7 cells transfected with chromogranin A contained granule-like structures in electron micrographs. The granules were composed of an outer limiting membrane with core structures that were interpreted as secretory granules. Human chromogranin A (CgA) labeled with 5-nm gold particles was present in several dense-core granules in our previous electron microscopy study. This review depicts the role of chromogranin A in the formation of secretory granules. It emphasizes the application of recently developed new technologies and the genesis of secretory granules.

Immunohistochemical analysis of neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation in testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs): use of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to demonstrate direct NE differentiation from GCTs

Neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation is infrequent in testicular tumors and its histogenesis is not well understood. The present study is aimed at elucidating the pathway of neuroendocrine differentiation in germ cell tumors (GCTs) of the testis. In the analysis of 46 germ cell tumor components from 23 testicular tumors, we focused on GCTs with neuroendocrine differentiation, 7 teratoma, 1 embryonal carcinoma and 1 neuroendocrine carcinoma by immunohistochemical study and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis. NE marker positive cells were noted in the tumor with collision of teratoma and embryonal carcinoma (E&T tumor), in the immature columnar cells of transitional form of embryonal carcinoma to teratoma (E-T cells) and neuroendocrine carcinoma cells, in addition to the well known mature intestinal mucosa in teratoma. Double staining for a NE marker (CGA) and a germ cell marker (PLAP) demonstrated the localization of both proteins in the same E-T cells confirmed by CLSM. Another finding, indicating the intimate relation between embryonal carcinoma and neuroendcrine differentiation, is that neuroendocrine carcinoma expressed a marker of embryonal carcinoma, CD30. The present results indicated that the NE cells might be differentiated from embryonal carcinoma, a view that has not been proposed before, but that is made in the present study using CLSM.

Characterization of the functional and growth properties of cell lines established from ileal and rectal carcinoid tumors

Carcinoids of the intestine are the most common gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. Therapeutic options to treat patients with these tumors are limited. There are very few ileal carcinoid cell lines available for in vitro studies to analyze new drugs that could be effective in treating patients with metastatic tumors. A replication defective recombinant adenovirus with an SV40 early T-antigen insert was used to infect two intestinal carcinoid tumors to create carcinoid cell lines. The cell lines were studied by cell culture, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Both cell lines expressed SV40 large T antigen and receptors for TGFbeta1, TGFbeta2, EGFR, and somatostatin receptors. Treatment with TGFbeta1 led to growth inhibition and increased apoptosis in the cultured cells. Octreotide inhibited cell growth of both cell lines while stimulating apoptosis. Treatment of the HC45 cells with gefitinib also inhibited cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner. TGFbeta treatment stimulated chromogranin A expression while expression of two other granins, chromogranin B and 7B2, did not change significantly. RNA profiling of cells treated with TGFbeta1 showed increased expression of vitamin D3 receptor. This finding was validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. These results indicate that these carcinoid cell lines can be used to study the proliferative and apoptotic mechanisms involved in intestinal carcinoid tumor growth regulation.