Pervanadate-triggered MAP kinase activation and cell proliferation are not sensitive to PD 98059. Evidence for stimulus-dependent differential PD 98059 inhibition mechanism

A tight and stable complex with corresponding protein kinases and phosphatases establishes coupling between activators and inactivators. One such example is emerging from the studies of the Ras-dependent MAP kinase cascade signaling pathway. Pervanadate, a potent inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase, stimulates MAP kinase and elicits cell proliferation in cultured mouse fibroblasts which is insensitive to PD 98059, the major inhibitor of upstream MEK, whereas serum- or TPA-triggered proliferation is sensitive to PD 98059. It is suggested that imbalanced coordination between protein kinase and protein phosphatase determines the cellular responses such as cell proliferation. The PD 98059-insensitive cell proliferation upon protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibition is attributed to a MEK bypass pathway.

cAMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylates and activates nuclear Ca2+-ATPase

A Ca2+-pump ATPase, similar to that in the endoplasmic reticulum, has been located on the outer membrane of rat liver nuclei. The effect of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) on nuclear Ca2+-ATPase (NCA) was studied by using purified rat liver nuclei. Treatment of isolated nuclei with the catalytic unit of PKA resulted in the phosphorylation of a 105-kDa band that was recognized by antibodies specific for sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase type 2b. Partial purification and immunoblotting confirmed that the 105-kDa protein band phosphorylated by PKA is NCA. The stoichiometry of phosphorylation was 0.76 mol of phosphate incorporated/mol of partially purified enzyme. Measurement of ATP-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake into purified nuclei showed that PKA phosphorylation enhanced the Ca2+-pumping activity of NCA. We show that PKA phosphorylation of Ca2+-ATPase enhances the transport of 10-kDa fluorescent-labeled dextrans across the nuclear envelope. The findings reported in this paper are consistent with the notion that the crosstalk between the cAMP/PKA- and Ca2+-dependent signaling pathways identified at the cytoplasmic level extends to the nucleus. Furthermore, these data support a function for crosstalk in the regulation of calcium-dependent transport across the nuclear envelope.

Inhibition of p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase by oxysterols in rat astrocyte primary cultures and C6 glioma cell lines

We previously demonstrated that oxysterols inhibit the growth of experimental glioblastoma induced in the rat brain cortex. Mechanism of action of these compounds remains obscure. In this study, we investigated the effect of 7beta-hydroxycholesterol (7beta-OHCH) and 7ketocholesterol (7k-CH) on the growth and MAP kinase activity in three in vitro biological models: rat astrocyte primary cultures, primary cultures treated by dibutyryl-cAMP (reactive cells), and the C6 glioma cell line. The oxysterols are not lethal to primary astrocytes, even if MAP kinase activity is decreased, particularly when cells were treated with 7k-CH. Both oxysterols are toxic to reactive astrocytes, and as compared with untreated primary cultures, they amplified the MAP kinase activity decrease. However, the mechanism of action of oxysterols on reactive astrocytes seems not to be linked to the MAP kinase pathway. In highly proliferating C6 cell lines, only 7beta-OHCH has an antiproliferative effect and is cytotoxic. The inhibition of MAP kinase activity is a function of 7beta-OHCH concentration. PD098059, a MAP kinase pathway inhibitor, has only a time-limited antiproliferative effect on C6 cell growth. We conclude that in C6 cells, the MAP kinase activity decrease is correlated with the toxic effect of 7beta-OHCH and occurs at first stages of 7beta-OHCH action.

Pervanadate elicits proliferation and mediates activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in the nucleus

There is growing evidence for the role of protein tyrosine phosphatases in controlling such fundamental cellular processes as growth and differentiation. Pervanadate is a potent inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase which has been observed here to induce proliferation in C3H10T1/2 mouse fibroblasts. Pervanadate also translocated/activated p42/44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase to the cell nucleus. An almost similar pattern of nuclear p42/44 MAP kinase stimulation is seen with TPA. On the other hand, TPA treatment results in a rapid activation of cytosolic MAP kinase which declines with time. Thus pervanadate appears as a very useful tool for studying tyrosine phosphorylation.

Intracellular acidification mediates the proliferative response of PC12 cells induced by potassium ferricyanide and involves MAP kinase activation

Potassium ferricyanide is known to elicit cell growth and mitogenesis in various cells by stimulating a transplasma membrane electron-transport system. When serum-starved PC12 cells were treated with potassium ferricyanide, stimulation of mitogenesis was evidenced by enhanced DNA synthesis, as well as by increased cell numbers. Intracellular pH (pH(i)) of PC12 cells was measured at 37 degrees C by microfluorimetric analysis of 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5(and -6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). The resting pH(i) of unstimulated cells was 7.52 (external pH 7.40). Addition of potassium ferricyanide (100 microM) decreased pH(i) by about 0.25 pH units. Lowering pH(i) to a similar extent, either by decreasing external pH (pH(o)) or by adding a weak acid, also elicited a mitogenic response, indicating that intracellular acidification by itself has growth factor-mimicking, mitogenic effects. Nerve growth factor (NGF) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) triggered proliferation without changes in pH(i). The mitogenic treatments eliciting intracellular acidification did not activate protein kinase C (PKC) but stimulated the p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. Our results indicate that 2 distinct mitogenic pathways are active in PC12 cells: the first is independent of pH(i) and involves activation of the PKC pathway and the second requires a permissive pH(i) value around 7.25 and involves activation of the p42/p44 MAP kinase pathway.

Calcium transported to isolated rat liver nuclei by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is insensitive to thapsigargin

Calcium uptake by isolated nuclei was mediated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Oxidized nicotinamide nucleotide analogues were more effective mediators of nuclear calcium uptake. Thapsigargin inhibited ATP-mediated nuclear calcium transport without affecting NAD-mediated nuclear calcium uptake. Whilst DBHQ did not influence ATP-induced calcium transport, it did stimulate NAD-mediated nuclear calcium entry. Calcium channel blockers did not influence the action of NAD. This study provides a further mechanism for nuclear calcium transport regulated by changes in the cytosolic NAD(+)/NADH ratio.

High affinity inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate receptor from rat liver nuclei: purification, characterization, and amino-terminal sequence

Inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (InsP4) mediates nuclear calcium signalling [Köppler P., Matter, N., Malviya A.N. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 26248-26252], and a distinct high affinity InsP4 binding site is identified with rat liver nuclei [Köppler, P., Mersel, M., & Malviya, A.N. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 14707-14713] as compared with other rat liver membrane fractions. A novel InsP4 receptor protein derived from rat liver nuclei has been purified to apparent homogeneity employing preparative isoelectric focusing, electrophoretic mobility, nondenaturating polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and electroelution. Isoelectric focusing indicated an isoelectric pH around 4.3 +/- 0.2 which was further confirmed by bidimensional electrophoresis. The high affinity nuclear InsP4 receptor was identified as a 74 kDa protein both on the SDS-PAGE and on the bidimensional electrophoresis. Partial microsequence analysis showed that the N-terminal end of nuclear InsP4 receptor consists of amino acids: PNHKNEIAGNFS. The 74 kDa nuclear InsP4 receptor protein is a distinct protein from the other InsP4 receptors purified from other sources and documented in the literature.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor is located to the inner nuclear membrane vindicating regulation of nuclear calcium signaling by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Discrete distribution of inositol phosphate receptors to inner and outer nuclear membranes

Transient rise in nuclear calcium concentration is implicated in the regulation of events controlling gene expression. Mechanism by which calcium is transported to the nucleus is vehemently debated. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) and inositol-1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (InsP4) receptors have been located to the nucleus and their role in nuclear calcium signaling has been proposed. Outer nuclear membrane was separated from the inner membrane. The two membrane preparations were, as best as possible, devoid of cross contamination as attested by marker enzyme activity, Western blotting with antilamin antibody, and electron microscopy. InsP4 receptor and Ca(2+)-ATPase were located to the outer nuclear membrane. InsP3 receptor was located to the inner nuclear membrane. ATP or InsP4 induced nuclear calcium uptake. External free calcium concentration, in the medium bathing the nuclei, determined the choice for ATP or InsP4-mediated calcium transport. We present a mechanistic model for nuclear calcium transport. According to this model, calcium can reach the nucleus envelope either by the action of ATP or InsP4. However, the calcium release from the nucleus envelope to the nucleoplasm is mediated by InsP3 through the activation of InsP3 receptor, which is located to the inner nuclear membrane. The action of InsP3 in this process was instantaneous and transient and was sensitive to heparin.

Phosphatidic acid activation of protein kinase C in LA-N-1 neuroblastoma cells

Phosphatidic acid (PA), a hydrolytic product of phospholipase D activity, stimulated cytosolic protein kinase C (PKC) activity when LA-N-1 neuroblastoma cells in culture were treated with PA, without translocating the enzyme to the membrane. Treatment of cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) translocated and activated PKC in a dogmatic manner. Partially purified PKC activity derived from LA-N-1 neuroblastoma cells was stimulated by PA alone or in the presence of phosphatidylserine or TPA, without affecting [3H]phorbol dibutyrate binding, indicating that the site of action of PA was different from the phorbol ester or diacylglycerol binding site. These results suggest an unorthodox pattern of PKC stimulation mediated by PA which appears to be yet another mode of PA signal transduction.

Subcellular localization of specific inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakis([3H]phosphate) binding sites in rat liver membrane fractions: a comparative evaluation of pH sensitivity and binding characteristics

Inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakis([3H]phosphate) ([3H]IP4) binding sites were investigated in plasma membranes, nuclei and microsomes derived from the rat liver. The pH optimum for maximum [3H]IP4 binding was not the same for plasma membranes, pH 7.5, nuclei, pH 6.5, and microsomes, pH 8.0. Evidence is presented demonstrating that inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakis(phosphate) (IP4) was the most effective inositol phosphate in displacing the binding of the [3H]IP4 in all the membrane fractions studied. Furthermore, the rank order of inhibition in various membrane fractions was identical; i.e., IP5, Ins(3,4,5,6), and IP3. This suggests that similar types of putative IP4 receptor proteins are dealt with in the plasma membranes, nuclei, and microsomes. Scatchard analysis of saturation isotherms revealed a single binding site in the plasma membranes and in the microsomes, whereas two binding sites marked by distinct KD and Bmax values were found in the nuclei. The density of putative IP4 binding sites in the plasma membranes corresponded to that of the high-affinity ones in the nuclei. Microsomes contained fewer binding sites as compared with plasma membranes or nuclei. On the basis of the pH sensitivity of [3H]IP4 binding and the KD and Bmax values in various membrane compartments, it is proposed that inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakis(phosphate) receptor proteins are similar but not identical in membrane fractions in rat liver. Plasma membrane [3H]IP4 binding was displaced with IP4 and IP6, revealing IC50 values of 8 +/- 2 and 150 +/- 20 nM, respectively, indicating that rat liver plasma membrane IP4 receptor is not clathrin assembly protein AP-2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The nuclear inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate receptors

IP3R is located to the inner nuclear membrane. Nuclear IP3R is recognized as a 220 kD immunoreactive protein by antisera raised against purified rat brain IP3R. Antisera against C-terminal 95-108 peptide fragment derived from rat brain IP3R does not reveal immunoreactivity in the nucleus. Nuclear IP3R is sensitive to heparin and is phosphorylated by nuclear PKC, enhancing the efficiency of IP3 in nuclear calcium release. There are two IP4 binding sites located to the nuclear envelope. The nuclear IP4R is sensitive to pH and pH 6.5 is found optimum for the ligand binding. The high affinity IP4R is associated with the outer nuclear membrane and mediates nuclear calcium uptake by IP4. Low affinity IP4R is identified with the inner nuclear membrane and is not involved in IP4 mediated calcium entry into the nucleus. The nature of IP4R associated with the outer nuclear membrane as compared with the one identified with the inner nuclear membrane remains to be elucidated.

Regulation of signalling pathways to the nucleus by dopaminergic receptors

Dopamine regulates postsynaptic gene expression in the central nervous system. The pattern of gene expression is different from chronic vs acute stimulation of dopaminergic receptors. Signalling to the nucleus through dopamine receptors involves different second messenger systems, and each receptor subtype regulates multiple effectors. Long term adaptive changes in neuronal function following administration of dopaminergic drugs such as antipsychotic agent or drugs of abuse is one such example of molecular plasticity triggered by dopaminergic receptors. Role of dopaminergic receptors in the control of transcriptional events and immediate early gene regulation are reviewed.

Effects of cadmium on nuclear protein kinase C

Cadmium is a carcinogen whose genotoxicity is only weak. Besides its tumor-initiating capacity, cadmium may be tumor-promoting, since it interferes with several steps of cellular signal transduction. We have investigated effects of cadmium(II) on protein kinase C (PKC), which is a key enzyme in the control of cellular growth and differentiation. Tumor-promoting phorbol esters cause an activation and translocation of PKC from the cytosol to the plasma membrane and to the nucleus of mammalian cells. In mouse 3T3/10 T 1/2 fibroblasts, cadmium(II) potentiated the effect of phorbol ester on nuclear binding and activation of PKC. Furthermore, in a reconstituted system consisting of rat liver nuclei and rat brain PKC, cadmium stimulated the binding of the enzyme to a 105-kDa protein. We propose a model in which cadmium(II) substitutes for zinc(II) in the regulatory domain of PKC, thus rendering the putative protein-protein binding site exposed. Further work is required to elucidate the potential role of the nuclear PKC binding protein(s) in the control of cell proliferation.

Neuroleptics differentially induce jun family genes in the rat striatum

The effect of neuroleptics in single administration on the expression of genes of the jun family was studied in the rat striatum. jun B, but not jun D was dose-dependently and transiently induced. This effect was blocked by pretreatment with a specific dopamine D2 agonist. The expression of c-jun was also stimulated, although this did not reach statistical significance. Thus dopamine D2 receptors differentially regulate the expression of jun family members in the striatum.

Evidence for stereospecific inositol 1,3,4,5-[3H]tetrakisphosphate binding sites on rat liver nuclei. Delineating inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate interaction in nuclear calcium signaling process

3H-Labeled inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (IP4) binding sites are observed on nuclei isolated from rat liver and devoid of any microsomal, mitochondrial, or plasma membrane constituents. A pH of about 6.5 is found optimum for maximum [3H]IP4 specific binding that is sensitive to changes in pH. The [3H]IP4 binding on the nuclei can be distinguished into a high affinity site and a low affinity site. The two binding sites are characterized by distinct KD and Bmax (1.6 nM versus 57.0 nM KD; 0.25 pmol/mg protein and 3.7 pmol/mg protein Bmax). IP4 is capable of 45Ca2+ uptake even in the absence of ATP. The calcium uptake by nuclei is highly sensitive to IP4 since it is achieved even at 1 nM IP4 concentration. Furthermore, data are documented demonstrating that a rapid and transient 45Ca2+ release by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) from the intact nuclei can be reversed by IP4. The presence of IP3 potentiates the action of IP4 in nuclear calcium reuptake as attested by the rate of calcium uptake by IP4 in the absence of IP3 (0.16 nmol/s/mg of protein) and in the presence of IP3 (4.0 nmol/s/mg of protein). A novel mechanism of nuclear calcium signaling is proposed where IP4 brings calcium into the nuclei mediated by its specific putative binding sites.

Impaired gene transcription and nuclear protein kinase C activation in the brain and liver of aged rats

The expression of the hsp70 and c-fos genes and the activation of nuclear protein kinase C (PKC) were studied in young and aged whole rats under heat-shock conditions. The induction of hsp70 and c-fos genes by heat shock were decreased several fold in the brain as well as in the liver of senescent animals. Nuclear run-off transcription assay indicated that this age-related impairment could be attributed to a block at the level of transcription. Nuclear PKC activation by heat shock was not apparent in old animals. Nuclear PKC involvement in the repression of transcription during senescence is postulated.

Stimulation of nuclear protein kinase C leads to phosphorylation of nuclear inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and accelerated calcium release by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate from isolated rat liver nuclei

Rat liver nuclei inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (Malviya, A.N., Rogue, P., and Vincendon, G. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci U.S.A. 87, 9270-9274) is identified as a 220-kDa protein on Western blotting employing two types of antibodies (anti-goat and anti-rabbit) raised against purified rat brain inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R). Nuclear IP3R does not seem identical with microsomal IP3R in rat liver. Treatment of isolated rat liver nuclei with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate stimulates native protein kinase C activity severalfold. Nuclear IP3R is phosphorylated by stimulated protein kinase C, with accelerated as well as enhanced maximum 45Ca2+ release by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate from isolated nuclei, without altering 1,4,5-trisphosphate binding characteristics (KD and Bmax). Stimulation of nuclear protein kinase C is found physiologically relevant since lamin B2, a nuclear protein, is concomitantly phosphorylated. These data deal with functional consequences of nuclear IP3R phosphorylation by native protein kinase C in isolated rat liver nuclei. It is postulated that phosphorylation of nuclear IP3R, probably dephosphorylation also, subserves a key mechanism in nuclear calcium homeostasis.

Inosithin neutralization test to measure lupus anticoagulants

The inosithin neutralization test was performed in 14 patients in whom lupus anticoagulant was detected. To test its specificity, it was also performed in 10 patients with severe hemophilia and in three patients with Factor VIII inhibitors. Prolonged kaolin clotting time was corrected by adding varying amounts of inosithin (Asolectin, 0.19 to 100 micrograms), a soybean-derived phospholipid, in all patients with lupus anticoagulant but not in patients with hemophilia or in two patients with Factor VIII inhibitors. In one patient, both Factor VIII inhibitors and lupus anticoagulant were present. The concentration of lupus anticoagulant in a patient was expressed as the amount of inosithin (measured in micrograms) required to normalize the prolonged kaolin clotting time. This amount correlated significantly with the occurrence of thrombosis and/or recurrent abortion. The inosithin neutralization test is useful to measure lupus anticoagulant.

Heat stressing stimulates nuclear protein kinase C raising diacylglycerol levels. Nuclear protein kinase C activation precedes Hsp70 mRNA expression

Protein kinase C (pKC) activity has been studied in rat liver after subjecting animals to heat shocking. Nuclear pKC activity was stimulated owing to heat shocking without any change in the cytosolic enzyme activity. The nuclear diacylglycerol levels were raised owing to heat stress along with the stimulation of polarhead phospholipid hydrolysis. Kinetically, the Vmax of nuclear pKC was enhanced as a result of heat shocking, with no change in apparent Km and with concomitant phosphorylation of nuclear lamin B2. Western blot analysis as well as phorbol dibutyrate binding indicate that pKC protein levels did not change because of heat shocking. The stimulation of nuclear pKC under heat stress conditions represents an in vivo phenomenon and the enzymes stimulation precedes Hsp70 mRNA expression.

Role of cadmium in activating nuclear protein kinase C and the enzyme binding to nuclear protein

Specific effects of cadmium on nuclear protein kinase C activity were found with 3T3/10T1/2 mouse fibroblast and rat liver nuclei. Treatment of the mouse fibroblasts in culture with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate resulted in the stimulation of nuclear protein kinase C activity in a "fixed" pool which is defined by its resistance to chelator extraction, whereas the chelator extractable enzyme activity, defined as the "labile" pool was unaffected. Cadmium was found to potentiate the effect of the phorbol ester, directed specifically to nuclei, since the particulate protein kinase C activity was not changed under similar treatment. In a reconstituted system consisting of rat liver nuclei and rat brain protein kinase C, cadmium stimulated the binding of the enzyme to a 105-kDa nuclear protein. The binding of a 105-kDa protein to protein kinase C is attributed strictly due to the cadmium effect, whereas a 50-kDa protein binding to protein kinase C was only enhanced by cadmium. We propose a mechanistic model, where cadmium substitutes zinc in the regulatory domain of protein kinase C rendering the putative protein-protein binding site exposed.

Evaluation of four coagulation tests to detect plasma lupus anticoagulants

Lupus anticoagulant was detected in 205 newly diagnosed, untreated patients with systemic lupus erythematosus by the following tests: kaolin clotting time, activated partial thromboplastin time, plasma prothrombin time, and, in the last 99 patients, by dilute Russell's viper venom time. In 10 patients, lupus anticoagulant was detected by kaolin clotting time prolongation, corrected by inosithin but not by normal plasma; 12 and 6 of them had prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time and partial plasma prothrombin time, respectively. Only 10 patients had a history of recurrent abortions and/or thrombosis, nine of whom had lupus anticoagulant as shown by the kaolin clotting time test. Of the 99 patients studied by all four tests, 9 showed lupus anticoagulant by both kaolin clotting time and dilute Russell's viper venom time; 7 had a history of abortion and/or thrombosis. The dilute Russell's viper venom time test is easy to perform and not affected by inhibitors to factor VIII or IX. It is recommended as a primary screening test for lupus anticoagulant detection in a hospital clinical laboratory.

Pathogenesis of peptic ulcer in rheumatoid arthritis

To assess the pathogenesis of the gastro-duodenal mucosal lesions in rheumatoid arthritis, 36 patients, consisting of 23 (group I) receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and 13 (group II) on alternative forms of treatment, were examined by fibreoptic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Ten (43%) of 23 patients receiving NSAIDs showed mucosal damage in the form of erosions or a definite ulcer crater, compared to only one (8%) of 13 in group II (p less than 0.05). There was no correlation between the duration of illness and the incidence of mucosal lesions. These findings indicate that the high incidence of gastroduodenal mucosal abnormalities seen in rheumatoid arthritis is related to the use of NSAIDs and not to the underlying disease process.

Up-regulation of dopamine D2 receptor mRNA in rat striatum by chronic neuroleptic treatment

The effect of prolonged administration of antagonists on rat striatal dopamine D2 receptor binding and mRNA content was examined. Both haloperidol (2 and 4 mg/kg) and sulpiride (10 mg/kg) induced a significant rise in total D2 and D2(444) mRNA level and in Bmax. Regulation of messenger RNA accumulation is thus an important determinant of dopamine D2 receptor density.

Stereospecific inositol 1,4,5-[32P]trisphosphate binding to isolated rat liver nuclei: evidence for inositol trisphosphate receptor-mediated calcium release from the nucleus

It is well known that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate binding and release of calcium are mediated by the same protein. Several reports have indicated the location of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor in organelles other than endoplasmic reticulum. Immunocytochemical studies on the subcellular localization of 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor in the Purkinje cells from two laboratories have given contradictory results regarding the nuclear location of this receptor. In this paper, a high-affinity inositol 1,4,5-[32P]trisphosphate binding site (Kd = 0.11 nM) on nuclei isolated from rat liver and devoid of any microsomal, mitochondrial, or plasma membrane constituents is documented. Furthermore, we present data demonstrating that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate is capable of releasing 45Ca2+ from the intact isolated liver nuclei. A rapid and transient release of calcium that was taken up by nuclei in the presence of ATP is observed. The role of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in the coupling between cytoplasmic second messengers and nuclear events activated during signal transduction is postulated.

Phosphorylation by protein kinase C modulates agonist binding to striatal dopamine D2 receptors

The effect of purified protein kinase C (PKC) on dopamine D2 receptor binding was studied. Saturation binding with [3H]spiperone was not affected. In competition experiments using agonists PKC-treated membranes showed a significant reduction in the proportion of high affinity sites, and the influence of GTP gamma S was abolished. These results suggest that PKC-dependent mechanisms can regulate the coupling between the dopamine D2 receptor and its G-protein.

Rat liver nuclei protein kinase C is the isozyme type II

Rat liver nuclei protein kinase C is identified as type II isozyme employing monospecific antibodies obtained against each three types of rat brain protein kinase C isozymes. (Yoshida, Y., Huang, F. L., Nakabayashi, H., and Huang, K-P. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 9868-9873). A major immunoreactive protein band at 80 kDa was revealed by type II isozyme antibodies at each step of purification, nuclear extract included. The nuclear protein kinase C has been purified to apparent homogeneity as revealed by silver nitrate staining on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showing a single 80 kDa protein band. It does seem that 66 kDa protein (Masmoudi, A., Labourdette, G., Mersel, M., Huang, F. L., Huang, K.-P., Vincendon, G., and Malviya, A. N. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 1172-1179) is a major contaminant devoid of any protein kinase activity. The ratio obtained between protein kinase C enzymatic activity over phorbol dibutyrate bound, at various purification steps, indicates that the nuclear enzyme is a phorbol ester receptor. When isolated nuclei were incubated with 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate, endogenous protein kinase C activity was elevated about 8-10-fold suggesting the existence of phorbol ester signaling pathway at the level of nucleus. The role of nuclear protein kinase C is delineated in the regulation of inducible gene transcription

Pure red cell aplasia with rheumatoid arthritis. A case report and review of literature

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is an extremely uncommon treatable manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. Here we describe a case of long standing rheumatoid arthritis with severe refractory anaemia, which was proven to be due to PRCA.

Protein kinase C located in rat liver nuclei. Partial purification and biochemical and immunochemical characterization

In the rat liver homogenate, maximal protein kinase C activity was found at two calcium concentrations (1.75 and 3.5 mM). Subcellular fractionation of the liver homogenate revealed that the protein kinase C activity requiring 1.75 mM calcium was present only in the cytosolic and particulate subcellular fractions. The protein kinase C activity requiring 3.5 mM calcium concentration was mainly located in the rat liver nuclei preparation. About 19% of the liver homogenate protein kinase C activity requiring 3.5 mM calcium was present in the nuclei. Goat anti-rat brain protein kinase C antibodies revealed a single immunoreactive band at 80-82 kDa in the rat liver nuclear, particulate, or cytosolic fractions. Based on the ratio of plasma membrane marker enzyme activity determined in the nuclear preparation, the purity of the isolated nuclei was ascertained. Rat liver nuclear protein kinase C activity has been partially purified. The purification steps sequentially employed were Triton X-100 extraction of isolated nuclei, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, Phenyl-Superose, and Mono Q (fast protein liquid) chromatography. The final purification step revealed, by silver nitrate staining on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, two protein bands at 80 and 66 kDa, respectively. These findings provide definitive data regarding the nuclear location of protein kinase C. The nuclear location of protein kinase C may lead to an understanding of the molecular pathway involved in signal transduction from the plasma membrane to the nucleus.

Unexpected stimulation of mitochondrial ADP-ribosylation by cyanide

Cyanide, the classical inhibitor of the mitochondrial respiratory chain at site III, stimulates ADP-ribosylation of a number of mitochondrial proteins, the major protein being the 50-55 kDa band. Sodium azide, sharing the same inhibitory site, does not have the same effect. Rotenone or antimycin A have no influence on mitochondrial ADP-ribosylation. Data suggest that no apparent correlation exists between oxidoreductase function and protein ADP-ribosylation. Purified nuclear poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity was not affected by cyanide. The cyanide effect on mitochondrial ADP-ribosylation seems intriguing and may be attributed to NAD+-CN complex formation, since NAD reacts with cyanide at pH greater than 8 with N-substituted nicotinamide which may prevent inhibition of ADP-ribosylation.

Nature and immunochemical characteristics of a Ca2+/calmodulin kinase activity endowed in a highly insoluble protein purified from adult rat brain

Using sequential extraction procedure of proteins from adult rat forebrain, a protein of Mr 52,000, insoluble in neutral detergents, capable of binding calmodulin in the presence of Ca2+, was isolated. Antibodies to this antigen had the capacity to inhibit the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase activity associated with this protein. This protein (52K) (in many respects identical to the major protein of postsynaptic densities) shares by itself the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase activity, thus differing from soluble Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinases isolated by others. Despite its insolubility in most detergents, the 52K protein is not particularly rich in hydrophobic amino acids. Its richness in cysteine and proline residues suggests that the active conformation of the enzyme is sustained by numerous disulfide bridges.

Plasma membrane lipids of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

The lipid composition of plasma membranes isolated from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells has been determined. Choline and ethanolamine phosphatides were predominant; the level of lyso compounds was very low. The amount of cholesterol and the cholesterol/phospholipid molar ratio was low compared to those of the other subcellular fractions of chromaffin cells. A complex pattern of neutral glycolipids was observed in contrast to that of gangliosides.

Modulation of cytosolic protein kinase C activity by ferricyanide: priming event seems transmembrane redox signalling. A study on transformed C3H/10T1/2 cells in culture

Transformed 3T3/10T1/2 cultured cells incubated with ferricyanide caused a decrease of 2 mM EDTA extractable cytosolic protein kinase C activity in 2 min, whereas 5 or 20 min ferricyanide treatment reverted the enzyme activity to that observed without ferricyanide. The ferricyanide effect in 2 min was abolished by amiloride and sustained by ouabain. Thus, deactivation-activation of cytosolic protein kinase C is attributed to an unknown signal generation during H+ accumulation coupled with the Na+/H+ exchange phase. In this mechanism the priming event concerns the transmembrane redox process shedding H+ into the cell interior while impermeant ferricyanide acts as a unique electron acceptor.

The nature of DT-diaphorase (EC 1.6.99.2) activity in plasma membrane of astrocytes in primary cultures

This is the confirmation of an earlier indication (Mersel, M., Malviya, A.N., Hindelang, C. and Mandel, P. (1984) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 778, 144-154) that the plasma membrane of astrocytes in primary cultures is endowed with DT-diaphorase (EC 1.6.99.2) activity. It is observed that the NADPH-2,6-dichloroindophenol diaphorase activity found in the isolated plasma membrane is not inhibited by dicoumarol. DT-diaphorase-type activity is also observed on the cell surface employing dichloroindophenol as external electron acceptor and it is found to be a dicoumarol-sensitive NADH dehydrogenase.

Separation from protein kinase C--a calcium-independent TPA-activated phosphorylating system

A calcium-independent but 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)- or diacylglycerol-activated phospholipid-dependent phosphorylating activity has been separated from protein kinase C. This has been made possible by employing calcium-dependent hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The material bound to phenyl-Sepharose in the presence of calcium at low ionic strength was eluted with EGTA and was protein kinase C. While the unbound material passing through the phenyl-Sepharose column showed no appreciable protein kinase C activity, instead it had a high phosphorylating activity manifested in the absence of calcium and in the presence of TPA plus phospholipid. The identification of this phosphorylating activity, distinct from protein kinase C, leads to important clues to cellular responses monitored by TPA in the absence of calcium.

Protein kinase C catalyzes phosphorylation of guanylate cyclase in vitro

Protein kinase C catalyzes phosphorylation of purified rat brain guanylate cyclase. The phosphorylation is marked by concomitant increase in guanylate cyclase activity. TPA further enhances both phosphorylation and activity of guanylate cyclase. Data seem to provide clues to the molecular mechanism of one of the transformation-like responses mimicked by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, i.e. the elevation of cyclic GMP. It is envisaged that protein kinase C may have a central role in the understanding of molecular events triggering carcinogenesis.

Plasma membrane isolated from astrocytes in primary cultures. Its acceptor oxidoreductase properties

Rat astrocytes in primary cultures were employed to isolate the plasma membrane. The method for the isolation of plasma membrane was based on the capacity of the cytoskeleton to adhere to the substratum entrapping intracellular organelles during freezing-thawing cycle performed on the cell. By washing the 'surface adherent framework', the untrapped plasma membrane were recovered and density equilibrium centrifugation resulted in the isolated membrane. The isolated plasma membrane was characterized on the basis of a variety of marker enzymes positive to the plasma membrane such as (Na+ + K+)-ATPase or 5'-nucleotidase as well as the lack of conventional markers of other endomembranes. Ultrastructurally the membranes, as isolated here, were mainly vesicular in nature. The isolated plasma membrane was devoid of the dehydrogenase responsible for NADH-cytochrome c reductase activity. However, NADH-ferricyanide reductase activity and the dehydrogenase system catalyzing the transfer of reducing equivalents from NADH or NADPH to dichloroindophenol seems plasma membrane redox system. The identical specific activity employing dichloroindophenol as an electron acceptor with NADH or NADPH as donor indicate a DT-diaphorase (EC 1.6.99.2) like activity in the astrocytes plasma membrane.

Interaction of antimycin with cytochrome b-561. A study in secretory granules and in plasma membrane isolated from chromaffin cells of bovine adrenal medulla

Cytochrome b-561 in chromaffin granules interacts with antimycin and its alpha-peak shifts 1 nm towards red. When chromaffin granules were treated with Triton X-100 antimycin no effect was observed. Cytochrome b-561 is located in the plasma membrane isolated from the chromaffin cells. The plasma membrane b-561 does not seem to interact with antimycin. A number of NADH or NADPH (acceptor) oxidoreductase activity has been observed in isolated plasma membrane providing clues to the origin of plasma membrane dehydrogenase. The possible role of cytochrome b-561 in secretory granules other than its accredited energy conserving electron transport property is projected.

Oxygen uptake, ATPase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity in isolated rat liver mitochondria are not influenced by the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate

The tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) influences neither the State 3 nor the State 4 respiration in rat liver mitochondria. The respiratory control and ADP/O ratio were also unaffected by TPA. The oligomycin-sensitive ATPase activity in submitochondrial particles remained unaltered upon TPA addition, whereas the NADH oxidase activity was slightly inhibited at a very high concentration of TPA (15% decrease at 17 microM TPA). The activity of the superoxide dismutase located to the mitochondria was insensitive to the tumor promoter, and no change in the rate of H2O2 production was found on TPA treatment in vitro. Thus, the mitochondrion is not a likely candidate for the site of action of the tumor promoter.