The immunoglobulin-like genetic predetermination of the brain: the protocadherins, blueprint of the neuronal network

The morphogenesis of the brain is governed by synaptogenesis. Synaptogenesis in turn is determined by cell adhesion molecules, which bridge the synaptic cleft and, by homophilic contact, decide which neurons are connected and which are not. Because of their enormous diversification in specificities, protocadherins (pcdh alpha, pcdh beta, pcdh gamma), a new class of cadherins, play a decisive role. Surprisingly, the genetic control of the protocadherins is very similar to that of the immunoglobulins. There are three sets of variable (V) genes followed by a corresponding constant (C) gene. Applying the rules of the immunoglobulin genes to the protocadherin genes leads, despite of this similarity, to quite different results in the central nervous system. The lymphocyte expresses one single receptor molecule specifically directed against an outside stimulus. In contrast, there are three specific recognition sites in each neuron, each expressing a different protocadherin. In this way, 4,950 different neurons arising from one stem cell form a neuronal network, in which homophilic contacts can be formed in 52 layers, permitting an enormous number of different connections and restraints between neurons. This network is one module of the central computer of the brain. Since the V-genes are generated during evolution and V-gene translocation during embryogenesis, outside stimuli have no influence on this network. The network is an inborn property of the protocadherin genes. Every circuit produced, as well as learning and memory, has to be based on this genetically predetermined network. This network is so universal that it can cope with everything, even the unexpected. In this respect the neuronal network resembles the recognition sites of the immunoglobulins.

Endophilin I mediates synaptic vesicle formation by transfer of arachidonate to lysophosphatidic acid

Endophilin I is a presynaptic protein of unknown function that binds to dynamin, a GTPase that is implicated in endocytosis and recycling of synaptic vesicles. Here we show that endophilin I is essential for the formation of synaptic-like microvesicles (SLMVs) from the plasma membrane. Endophilin I exhibits lysophosphatidic acid acyl transferase (LPAAT) activity, and endophilin-I-mediated SLMV formation requires the transfer of the unsaturated fatty acid arachidonate to lysophosphatidic acid, converting it to phosphatidic acid. A deletion mutant lacking the SH3 domain through which endophilin I interacts with dynamin still exhibits LPAAT activity but no longer mediates SLMV formation. These results indicate that endophilin I may induce negative membrane curvature by converting an inverted-cone-shaped lipid to a cone-shaped lipid in the cytoplasmic leaflet of the bilayer. We propose that, through this action, endophilin I works with dynamin to mediate synaptic vesicle invagination from the plasma membrane and fission.

ETA and ETB receptor antagonists synergistically increase extracellular endothelin-1 levels in primary rat astrocyte cultures

Astrocytes produce and bind endothelins (ETs), suggesting that these cells have ET autoregulatory and eliminatory functions. To further investigate these functions in primary rat astrocytes, ET-1 levels in the cell culture media (RIA/HPLC) and intracellular content of ET-1 mRNA (RT PCR) were measured under basal and stimulated (thrombin, 2.2 U/ml) conditions in the presence and absence of ETA and ETB selective antagonists (BQ123 or LU135252, and BQ788, respectively). Neither basal nor stimulated ET-1 levels in astrocyte media were influenced by ETA or ETB antagonists alone, but were significantly increased by a combination of both. ir ET-3 levels were not affected by antagonist treatment. Exogenous ET-1, added to the cultures, was rapidly cleared from the supernatant; this clearance was markedly inhibited by a combination of BQ123 and BQ788. ET-1 mRNA levels were not altered by any treatment. To conclude, in primary rat astrocyte cultures, extracellular ET-1 is cleared by binding to ET-receptors, apparently involving both, ETA and ETB sites. Thus, a blockade of the astrocytic ET eliminatory function as a consequence of the in vivo application of non-selective ET receptor antagonists may lead to increased extracellular ET levels in the brain.

Structure and function of IgE myeloma protein VL from an atopic patient

In a woman suffering from IgE myeloma, hay fever and polyvalent respiratory and skin allergy the IgE monoclonal protein VL was isolated and investigated with respect to structural and functional properties. The amino acid sequence of 22 isolated peptides--especially of the biologically significant C2-C3 part--corresponded with that originally described by Bennich et al. (Immunol Rev 1978;41:3-23; Prog Immunol 1974;13:49-58). However, in mass spectrometry the sugar residues on ASN 99 (219) and 252 (371) were deficient in sialic acids. The native IgE VL protein precipitated with high intensity all mannose-specific lectins as concanavalin A (Con A) and was able to release histamine after triggering by these lectins. The same lectins also elicited more histamine release and more positive skin reactions in atopic than in healthy persons. In sera from atopic patients the binding of IgE on Con A Sepharose 4B column was stronger than in normal persons. It is suggested that changes in the IgE glycosylation state may contribute to IgE-mediated pictures of clinical allergy by the nonimmunological pathway.

Human protein NEFA, a novel DNA binding/EF-hand/leucine zipper protein. Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of the cDNA, isolation and characterization of the protein

The cDNA libraries constructed from the human acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line KM3 in the expression vector lambda gt11, were screened with the anti-CALLA (common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen) mAb (monoclonal antibody) J5. The selected J5-positive clone I containing a partial cDNA insert was isolated and sequenced. For completing the cDNA sequence the cDNA libraries were further screened by hybridization with the DIG (digoxigenin)-labelled DNA probe derived from clone I, the 5'-end region was analysed by 5'-RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) using a sequence specific primer. In total a 1639 bp cDNA sequence was determined. The cDNA sequence contains a 1260 bp open reading frame and the untranslated 3'- and 5'-end sides. The 420 residue amino acid sequence, deduced from the cDNA sequence, unexpectedly differs fundamentally from CALLA (CD10) although clones I and II were J5-positive in immuno screening. The mature protein corresponding to the cDNA was isolated and characterized from the KM3 cells using polyclonal antisera raised against the in vitro expressed polypeptide from clone I. The protein is expressed on plasma membrane, in cytosol and is secreted into culture medium, its relative molecular mass was determined to be 55 kDa on SDS-PAGE. The deduced amino acid sequence from cDNA was confirmed by peptide sequences. The new protein contains a basic amino acid rich putative DNA binding domain (b) with a potential nuclear targeting signal, two helix-loop-helix (HLH) motif regions, concurrently EF-hand motifs, an acidic amino acid rich region (a) between the EF-hands, and a leucine zipper (Z) motif. This DNA binding protein therefore is characterized by a linked motif "b/HLH/a/HLH/Z". The protein was designated NEFA: DNA binding/EF-hand/acidic amino acid rich region.

Migration inhibitory factor-binding sarcolectin from human placenta is indistinguishable from a subfraction of human serum albumin

Human sarcolectin is known as growth promoter and interferon-alpha/beta antagonist. Besides N-acetylneuraminic acid-dependent cell agglutination it also binds to a macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Several types of negatively charged carbohydrates interfere with this binding, indicating importance of a negatively charged cluster. Since human serum albumin that has very similar properties in gel electrophoretic analysis can also bind to this factor with a comparatively reduced extent, sarcolectin and albumin are compared biochemically and immunologically. Their peptide maps, generated by cleavage with cyanogen bromide and N-chlorosuccinimide, reveal no differences. The N-terminal sequences are identical up to the fourteenth position that have unequivocally been determined. Reactivities to anti-human serum albumin antibody that inhibits binding of sarcolectin to MIF are similar. Fractionation of human albumin by chromatography on hydroxyapatite yields a subfraction with increased specific activity, measured by extent of inhibition of sarcolectin-MIF interaction. It exhibits the same inhibitory capacity as a similarly derived subfraction from sarcolectin. Interestingly, rabbit and pig serum albumins are as active as human albumin to inhibit binding of sarcolectin to MIF, whereas hamster, mouse, horse and bovine albumin preparations were ineffective up to 2.5 mg/ml. Thus, sarcolectin appears to be a subfraction of human serum albumin whose functionally relevant molecular peculiarities are presently unknown. Neither treatment with organic solvents nor with lipases, but exposure to trypsin, chymotrypsin and pronase can impair sarcolectin's ability to bind MIF.

Cationic glycoproteins in sera of patients with acute infections identified as kappa light chain glycosylated IgG

In half of the sera from patients with acute bacterial infections and 15% of the sera from patients with acute viral infections glycoproteins were found that form a scalariform pattern in the cationic range upon isoelectric focusing. The cationic glycoproteins appeared with the clinical illness. After subsidence of the symptoms they disappeared within 4 to 6 weeks. The proteins were identified as immunoglobulin G (IgG) by determination of the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence. Remarkably, these IgG only contained light chains of the kappa type with high proportions of carbohydrates. Both, N-glycosidic- and O-glycosidic-bound glycans were present. The glycosylated light chains may render the cationic IgG multireactive. Thus, it may be part of an early nonspecific immune defense mechanism.

The major binding protein of the interferon antagonist sarcolectin in human placenta is a macrophage migration inhibitory factor

The interferon antagonist and growth promotor sarcolectin has affinity for negatively charged carbohydrates. Isolation of cellular binding proteins will be a step to elucidate its physiological significance. Thus, resin-immobilized sarcolectin was employed as affinity ligand for chromatographic fractionation of extract from human placenta. Elution with 0.1 M NH4OH or with 0.1 M N-acetylneuraminic acid and 1 M NaCl resulted primarily in purification of a protein of molecular mass of about 12 kDa according to gel electrophoretic analysis under denaturing conditions in the presence or absence of reductive agent and 12,470 Da by laser desorption mass spectrometry. The native molecular mass, assessed by gel filtration, is approximately 28 kDa. No evidence for detectable post-translational modification by glycosylation was provided by treatment with N-glycosidase F or sialidase and subsequent electrophoretic analysis. The N-terminal sequence of the major sarcolectin-binding protein is identical to that deduced from the cDNA sequence of a human macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), starting from its third amino acid, over the determined stretch of 22 amino acids. Comparison of the calculated molecular mass of 12,221 of this factor to the experimentally determined value of 12,470 excludes any extensive modification of the protein. The sarcolectin-binding protein reduces macrophage migration at a concentration of 100 ng/ml in MIF assays. Recombinant migration inhibitory factor and purified sarcolectin-binding protein reacted equally well with anti-MIF antibody in immunoblot analysis and in assays to block binding to sarcolectin. Binding of biotinylated sarcolectin, too, is nearly identical for the two protein preparations. It is optimal in the range pH 7-9 and is markedly impaired by increasing ionic strength. Chemical modification with group-specific reagents revealed that the integrity of carboxyl groups of the sarcolectin-binding protein and of lysine/arginine groups of sarcolectin are primarily important to maintain binding capacity. In addition to contribute to the understanding of the functional significance of sarcolectin this result provides a convenient procedure to purify a lymphokine.

Intra- and interchain disulfide bridges of the human J chain in secretory immunoglobulin A

All intra J chain disulfide bridges of human sIgA, the disulfide bonds between the J chain and the two IgA monomers, and one inter IgA monomer disulfide bridge were determined. sIgA was isolated from colostrum of healthy women and digested with IgA1-specific protease followed by cyanogen bromide cleavage. This procedure generated fragments of 140 kDa, 60 kDa, and 28 kDa. The 28-kDa polypeptide comprised the complete J chain covalently bound to two alpha 1 chain octapeptides derived from the C-termini of two alpha 1 chains. The 28-kDa fragment was digested with trypsin. The resulting peptides were purified by RP-HPLC, and subsequently characterized by amino-acid analysis, mass spectrometry, and gas phase sequencing. These data unequivocally show that the J chain cysteines C1-C6, C4-C5, and C7-C8 form intra chain disulfide bridges. The second (C2) and the third (C3) J chain cysteines are disulfide linked to two alpha chain cysteines (C17) joining the two IgA monomers of sIgA tail to tail. The remaining two alpha chains of the two monomers are directly bound to each other via their ultimate cysteines (C17-C17). A new model for the J chain in sIgA is presented.

The immunomodulatory beta-galactoside-specific lectin from mistletoe: partial sequence analysis, cell and tissue binding, and impact on intracellular biosignalling of monocytic leukemia cells

Nanogram quantities of the beta-galactoside-specific lectin from mistletoe (ML-I) that is composed of two different types of subunits exhibit immunomodulatory potency and enhance cytokine secretion in vitro and in vivo. Partial sequence analysis of the carbohydrate-binding B chain revealed a ragged N-terminus and overall homologies to the B subunit of Ricin D and Ricin E. Two evolutionarily neutral substitutions were apparent in the otherwise identical N-terminal sequences of the two toxic chains within the lectin preparation. On the basis of the influence of chemical modification by group-specific reagents on ligand binding, the lectin was biotinylated with biotinyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester to allow monitoring of cell binding. Monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) specifically bound the lectin with positive cooperativity at low lectin concentrations. Radiolabelled lectin could be found in several organs and in an experimental solid tumor in biodistribution in mice. Its presence in a notable amount in spleens is especially noteworthy with respect to the already reported immunomodulation. To determine intracellular responses that precede the lectin-dependent augmentation of cytokine secretion, phosphorylation of proteins and phospholipids as well as Ca(2+)-mobilization were assessed in THP-1 cells. Quantitative increases of [32P]-phosphate incorporation were determined for a 28 kDa protein and for phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate. Similarly, the fluorescence activity of the intracellular Ca(2+)-indicator fluo-3 is elevated by approximately 25% after lectin treatment. Apparently, cell binding of the lectin is followed by modulation of biosignalling processes.

Isolation and primary structure of pituitary human galanin, a 30-residue nonamidated neuropeptide

Galanin (Gal), a 29-amino acid C-terminally amidated neuropeptide, is widely distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. The primary structures of rat and bovine Gals were derived from the cDNA sequences of their precursors. To elucidate the structure of human Gal (hGal), we extracted 280 postmortem pituitaries in trifluoroacetic acid and purified hGal binding activity, by three successive HPLC steps, to homogeneity based on a radioreceptor assay. The primary structure of hGal was determined by automatic Edman degradation to be Gly-Trp-Thr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ala-Gly-Tyr-Leu-Leu- Gly-Pro-His-Ala-Val-Gly-Asn-His-Arg-Ser-Phe-Ser-Asp-Lys-Asn-Gly-Leu-Thr- Ser-COOH. The structure was confirmed by plasma desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry, revealing a mass of 3156.1. Compared to the 29-residue porcine, rat, and bovine Gals, hGal uniquely comprises 30 amino acids possessing an additional nonamidated serine residue as C terminus. The nonamidated carboxylic group at the C terminus was proven by synthesis of amidated and nonamidated hGal and by mass spectrometry after selective methylation of all free carboxylic groups. Synthetic hGal possesses full biological activity on isolated rat fundus muscle strips.

Primary structure of the murine monoclonal IgG2a antibody mAb735 against alpha(2-8) polysialic acid. 1) Amino-acid sequence of the light (L-) chain, kappa-isotype

Here we report the complete amino-acid sequence of the anti-alpha(2-8)polysialic acid antibody mAb735 light chain. The sequence was determined after digestion of the reduced and carboxymethylated L-chain with trypsin, SV-8 proteinase, and Asp-N proteinase, isolation of the generated peptides by RP-HPLC and characterization of these fragments by sequence analysis, amino-acid analysis and/or plasma desorption mass spectrometry. According to Kabat et al. the variable region belongs to the V kappa-II subgroup, whilst according to Hum et al. it belongs to the V kappa-1B subgroup. With the exception of proline at position 46, the sequence from position 1 to 95 is identical to the translated DNA sequence of a V kappa-germline gene segment previously reported.

Autoantibodies against triosephosphate isomerase. A possible clue to pathogenesis of hemolytic anemia in infectious mononucleosis

In sera from patients with acute EBV, infection and the clinical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis antibodies of the Ig class M were found that are directed against two cellular proteins. The molecular mass of these proteins was determined to be 29 (p29) and 26 kD (p26), respectively, in SDS-PAGE. P29 was identified as part of the glycolytic enzyme triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) by comparison of the NH2-terminal amino acid sequences. A purified antibody against TPI induces a 51Cr release from human erythrocytes. Possibly, anti-TPI causes hemolysis, which is an infrequent but serious symptom of infectious mononucleosis.

Identification of a cell cycle-dependent gene product as a sialic acid-binding protein

A Ca2+-dependent sialic acid-binding protein was purified on fetuin-Sepharose from various types of human tissue. The molecular mass was determined to be 10,315 Da by laser desorption mass spectrometry. Partial sequence analysis after cyanogen bromide cleavage that yielded one N-terminus accessible for Edman degradation revealed an identity to an internal stretch following the only methionine residue within a putative amino acid sequence (Mr 10,048), deduced from the cDNA of a cell cycle-specific gene. The reported biochemical identification is a prerequisite to infer the biological role of the so far undetected gene product. Initial glycohistochemical studies with sialic acid-(BSA-biotin) raised evidence for nuclear localization of sialic acid-binding sites that might reflect, at least in part, detection of this protein.

Comparison of the NH2-terminal amino acid sequences of the four non-identical subunits of the NAD-linked hydrogenases from Nocardia opaca 1b and Alcaligenes eutrophus H16

The cytoplasmic, NAD-linked hydrogenase of the Gram-positive hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium Nocardia opaca 1b was compared with the analogous enzyme isolated from the Gram-negative bacterium Alcaligenes eutrophus H16. The hydrogenase of N. opaca 1b was purified by a new procedure applying chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose and DEAE-Sephacel with two columns in series. A homogeneous enzyme preparation with a specific activity of 74 mumol H2 oxidized.min-1.mg protein-1 and a yield of 32% was isolated. The A. eutrophus enzyme was purified as previously published. Both enzymes are tetrameric proteins composed of four non-identical subunits (alpha, beta, gamma, delta). The four subunits of both of these enzymes were separated and isolated as single polypeptides by preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Immunological comparison of the four subunits of the Nocardia hydrogenase with those of the Alcaligenes enzyme showed that the alpha, beta, gamma, and delta subunits of one organism were serologically related to the analogous subunits of the other organism. Among themselves, the four subunits do not have any serological relationship. The eight individual polypeptides were also compared with respect to the NH2-terminal amino acid sequences determined by automated Edman degradation and to the amino acid compositions. Strong sequence similarities exist between the analogous subunits isolated from the two bacteria. Within the established N-terminal sequences the similarities between both alpha, beta, gamma and delta subunits amount to 63%, 79%, 80% and 65%, respectively. No similarities exist between the different, non-analogous subunits alpha, beta, gamma and delta.

Immunological comparison of subunits isolated from various hydrogenases of aerobic hydrogen bacteria

Polyclonal, monospecific antibodies were produced against the two subunits (Mr 62,000, and Mr 31,000), isolated from the membrane-bound hydrogenase of Alcaligenes eutrophus H16. The antibodies (IgG fractions) were purified from crude sera by Protein A-Sepharose CL-4B chromatography. By double immunodiffusion assays and tandem-crossed immunoelectrophoresis the large and the small subunit were demonstrated not to be immunologically related. Immunological comparison of these subunits with the four non-identical subunits (Mr 63,000, 56,000, 30,000 and 26,000) of the NAD-linked, soluble hydrogenase from A. eutrophus H16 showed that the subunits of the membrane-bound hydrogenase did not cross-react with any of the antibodies raised against the four subunits of the NAD-linked enzyme and that, vice versa, none of these four subunits cross-reacted with antibodies raised against the two subunits of the membrane-bound hydrogenase. This means that A. eutrophus H16 contains altogether six non-identical immunologically unrelated hydrogenase polypeptides. The membrane-bound hydrogenases were isolated and purified from various aerobic H2-oxidizing bacteria: A. eutrophus H16, A. eutrophus type strain, A. eutrophus CH34, A. eutrophus Z1, A. hydrogenophilus, Paracoccus denitrificans and strain Cd2/01. All these proteins resembled each other and each consisted of two non-identical polypeptides. A complete separation of these subunits was achieved at high-yield by preparative FPLC gel filtration on three Superose 12 columns connected in series, using SDS and DTT-containing sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). The small subunits of these enzymes turned out to be immunologically closely related to each other; they were either identical or almost identical. The large subunits were also related, but less pronounced. Only the large subunits from Z1 and type strain reacted fully identical with the H16 subunit. Of the two isolated, homogeneous subunits of the membrane-bound hydrogenase from A. eutrophus H16, the amino acid compositions and the NH2-terminal sequences have been determined. The results confirmed the diversity of the large and the small subunit. Furthermore, for comparison also the NH2-terminal sequences of the two subunits from the hydrogenase of A. eutrophus CH34 have been analysed.

Properties of a 19-kDa Zn2+-binding protein and sequence of the Zn2+-binding domains

A novel 19-kDa protein has been described recently [Brand, I.A. and Söling, H.-D. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 5895-5900] which is able to inactivate 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase reversibly in a Zn2+-dependent manner. We present now additional biochemical and physicochemical data concerning this protein. It is extremely acidic with 40% glutamic and 15% aspartic acid residues. It contains no sulfur, aromatic amino acids, histidine or isoleucine. The protein has four binding sites for Zn2+ with an apparent Kd of about 6 microM. Two of these binding sites are called unspecific as Zn2+ is displaced from these binding sites at physiological concentrations of free Mg2+ (0.75 mM) and at high salt concentrations (100 mM NaCl). Whereas Mg2+-binding to the two other so-called specific Zn2+-binding sites occurs only at Mg2+ concentrations at about 5 mM. The four Zn2+-binding sites were detected on a tryptic peptide (T8) of 43 amino acid residues, which still possessed biological activity. This peptide has been sequenced and is characterized by four clusters of acidic amino acids separated by only a few neutral amino acids. The two specific Zn2+-binding sites could be detected in the C-terminal portion of T8, the two unspecific Zn2+-binding sites must therefore be located at the N-terminal portion. The Zn2+-binding domains of the 19-kDa Zn2+-binding protein described here are completely different from those of the 'zinc finger' discovered in several DNA-binding proteins.

Isolation and primary structure of tumor-derived peptides related to human pancreastatin and chromogranin A

Using an antiserum raised against a synthetic C-terminal peptide of porcine pancreastatin, we detected pancreastatin-like immunoreactivity (PLI) in human pancreatic islets, adrenal medulla, and endocrine tumors. From a carcinoid liver metastasis, human PLI was extracted and purified by HPLC. Two C-terminally amidated peptides were isolated and characterized by sequence analysis. The first peptide, hCgA-210-301, consists of 92 amino acid residues with glycinamide as C terminus. It is identical to the cDNA-derived sequence of human chromogranin A, positions 210-301, which is preceded by two basic residues indicating a putative processing site. The C-terminal part, positions 250-301, shows 70% sequence identity to porcine pancreastatin and represents the human pancreastatin-like sequence. The second peptide, hCgA-273-301, represents a C-terminally amidated fragment of the human pancreastatin sequence, generated by an Asp-Pro cleavage at the N terminus. Peptide hCgA-273-301 was synthesized to confirm the structure of the natural peptide. Two other peptides derived from human chromogranin A were isolated and partially characterized. They are generated by proteolytic cleavage after dibasic amino acids Lys-Arg (positions 338-339) and after Trp-376 of the human chromogranin A sequence, respectively. These results indicate that chromogranin A may represent the precursor for pancreastatin-related and possibly other yet-unidentified peptides of unknown physiological function.

Cloning of a full-length complementary DNA for fatty-acid-binding protein from bovine heart

A full-length cDNA for bovine heart fatty-acid-binding protein (H-FABP) was cloned from a lambda gt11 cDNA library established from bovine heart muscle. The cDNA sequence shows an open reading frame coding for a protein with 133 amino acids. Colinearity with the amino acid sequences of four tryptic peptides was asserted. H-FABP isolated from bovine heart begins with an N-acetylated valine residue, however, as derived from analysis of the tryptic, amino-terminal-blocked peptide and the molecular mass of the peptide obtained via secondary-ion mass spectrometry. The molecular mass of the total protein is 14673 Da. Bovine H-FABP is 89% homologous to rat H-FABP and 97% homologous to the bovine mammary-derived growth-inhibition factor described recently by Böhmer et al. [J. Biol. Chem. 262, 15137-15143 (1987)]. Significant homologies were also found with bovine myelin protein P2 and murine adipocyte protein p422. Secondary-structure predictions were proposed for these proteins, based on computer analysis, which reveal striking similarities.

Murine Fc gamma receptor proteins: identification of a previously unrecognized molecule with a monoclonal antibody (12-15)

Previously we studied differential expression of cell surface molecules between the metastatic murine lymphoma ESb and an adhesion variant ESb-MP. Here we describe the specificity of a monoclonal antibody (12-15) that showed strong binding to the adhesion variant and weak reactivity against ESb cells. The antibody also reacted to lymphoid but not to macrophage-derived cell lines and immunoprecipitated a molecule of approx. 60-69 kDa from ESb-MP cells. N-terminal sequencing of the antigen revealed identity to the beta protein of mouse Fc gamma receptors. Using monoclonal antibodies against Fc gamma receptors (2.4G2 and K9.361) in immunofluorescence assays and cDNA probes specific for alpha, beta 1 and beta 2 Fc receptor transcripts in Northern blot experiments the differential expression of Fc receptors in ESb and ESb-MP cells was confirmed. Biochemical analysis of endoglycosidase F-treated precipitates revealed that antibody 12-15 reacted to products of all three transcripts with molecular masses for the protein core of 38.5 kDa (beta 1), 34 kDa (beta 2) and 31 kDa alpha). In addition, an unknown protein of 37 kDa (termed beta 3) was identified by antibody 12-15 which could also be detected in ESb cells and EL4 cells. Antibodies 2.4G2 and K9.361 did not react to the beta 3 chain but reacted to varying extents to the other Fc proteins in macrophage and lymphoid cells. Comparison by peptide mapping of the novel beta 3 chain to beta 1, beta 2 and alpha proteins revealed similar, but also distinct peptides. The tissue-specific reactivity of monoclonal antibody 12-15 is likely to be due to a carbohydrate epitope associated with all Fc gamma receptors in lymphoid but not macrophage cell lines.

Structural relationship of an apolipoprotein (a) phenotype (570 kDa) to plasminogen: homologous kringle domains are linked by carbohydrate-rich regions

At least six allelic forms of apolipoprotein(a), differing in molecular mass, could be detected by immunoblot analysis. One of these phenotypes with a molecular mass of 570 kDa has been investigated. After reduction and carboxymethylation it was digested with trypsin and the resulting peptides were separated by gel filtration and reverse phase HPLC. The tryptic fragments sequenced comprised a total of 356 amino acids. The N-terminus of apo(a) was highly homologous to the start of the kringle 4 domain from human plasminogen and the majority of the tryptic peptides isolated was also homologous to sequences from this kringle. At least five homologous "kringle 4" domains are present in apolipoprotein(a) whereby one domain occurs more frequently than the others. A carbohydrate-rich peptide was also obtained in high yield. This glycopeptide connects two "kringle 4" domains and contains one N-glycoside within the kringle and six potential O-glycosides in the linking region. From the recovery it can be estimated that this peptide occurs several times within the whole apolipoprotein (a) sequence. The high carbohydrate content is in sharp contrast to that of human plasminogen. Other peptides sequenced indicate that apo (a) also contains domains homologous to the kringle 5 and protease regions of plasminogen. No unique peptides were found. These studies suggest that apolipoprotein (a) could have arisen through duplication of specific regions from the human plasminogen gene. The size heterogeneity of apo (a) might then be explained by differences in the numbers of gene duplications.

Structure of the yeast isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase gene (ILS1). DNA-sequence, amino-acid sequence of proteolytic peptides of the enzyme and comparison of the structure to those of other known aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases

The ILS1 gene encoding for cytoplasmic isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was subcloned from a 5.4-kb insert of the shuttle vector YEp13 to M13mp8 and M13mp9. Nucleotide sequence analysis of a 4.3-kb BamHI-HpaI fragment revealed a single open reading frame from which we deduced the amino-acid sequence of the enzyme. Independently obtained amino-acid sequence information from ten tryptic peptides of the purified enzyme confirmed the gene-derived structure. The enzyme is comprised of 1073 amino-acids consistent with earlier determinations of its molecular mass. The codon usage of ILS1 is typical of abundant yeast proteins. A significant homology to E. coli isoleucyl- and valyl-tRNA synthetases as well as to yeast valyl-tRNA synthetase was detected. The characteristic amino-acid residues of the aminoacyl-adenylate site and of the potential binding site of the 3'-end of tRNA found in other synthetases are present in the structure.

Isolation and characterization of proSS1-32, a peptide derived from the N-terminal region of porcine preprosomatostatin

A peptide derived from the N-terminal region of porcine prosomatostatin, proSS1-32, has been purified to homogeneity from extracts of porcine upper intestine. Amino acid analysis revealed that the peptide consists of 32 residues. The complete primary structure was determined as: A P S D P R L R Q F L Q K S L A A A A G K Q E L A K Y F L A E L. This sequence obviously comprises residues 1-32 of porcine prosomatostatin since it is identical to the corresponding sequence in human preprosomatostatin. The postulated cleavage site in porcine prosomatostatin is a Leu-Leu bond between residues 32 and 33, thus confirming previous studies of the processing of the somatostatin precursor in the rat and transgenic mouse.

Valosin: isolation and characterization of a novel peptide from porcine intestine

The isolation and primary structure of a novel gastrointestinal peptide, designated valosin, is described. The peptide was purified from porcine upper gut extracts using an HPLC and N-terminal sequence screening strategy which depends on chromatographic and structural characteristics as isolation criterion. The amino acid sequence of this peptide consists of 25 amino acid residues:

[Primary structure of human class II histocompatibility antigens (HLA-D). II. Separation of alpha from beta-chains of HLA-D from a homozygous lymphoblastoid B cell line, H2LCL (HLA-A3,3;B7,7;Dw2,2;MT1,1;DC1,1;MB1,1), and characterization of the isolated chain]

In a previous communication we described the preparation of the alpha/beta-chain complex of HLA-D membrane antigens from a homozygous lymphoblastoid B cell line, H2LCL (HLA-A3,3; B7,7; Dw2,2; DR2,2; MT1,1; DC1,1; MB1,1). In this paper we present the separation of the alpha- and beta-chains in quantitative scale using hydroxylapatite chromatography with a pH 7.15 phosphate buffer, containing sodium dodecyl sulfate. An alternative isolation procedure is electrophoresis, taking advantage of the different isoelectric points of the alpha- and beta-chains. The relative molecular masses, the isoelectric points and the N-terminal sequences are discussed and compared with the results of other investigators. Remarkable is the polymorphism of both the chains, especially the beta-chains. The importance of the previously described three step purification procedure for the preparation of these antigens for sequence studies has been pointed out.

[Primary structure of human class II histocompatibility antigens (HLA-D). I. Isolation, purification and characterization of the HLA-D alpha/beta chain complex from a homozygous lymphoblastoid B cell line, H2LCL (HLA-A3,3;B7,7;Dw2, 2;DR2,2;MT1,1;DC1,1;MB1,1]

The complex of alpha and beta chains of HLA-D membrane antigens has been isolated from a lymphoblastoid homozygous B cell line, H2LCL (HLA-A3,3; B7,7; Dw2,2; DR2,2; MT1,1; DC1,1; MB1,1), by an exclusively chemical two-step procedure and characterized by electrophoresis as well as isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel. Cells were gained using long term cultivation in large scale, the crude membrane by differential centrifugation. The proteins of the crude membrane were then solubilized in NP-40, pH 5.0. The first purification step for HLA-D antigens consisted in an ion-exchange chromatography on carboxymethyl cellulose using the solubilization buffer. By this procedure the complex of proteins with relative molecular masses of Mr approximately 34 000 and Mr approximately 29 000 was in a high percentage not bound to the carboxymethyl cellulose. The bound fraction contained the HLA-A, -B and -C antigens and a component with Mr approximately 31 000 corresponding to the well known Ii-fraction. The bound proteins could be recovered from the column by a sodium chloride gradient. The proteins not bound to the carboxymethyl cellulose were precipitated with acetone, dissolved, dialysed against SDS buffer, pH 7.2 and then submitted to the second purification step, the Sephacryl S-300 chromatography. By this procedure the corresponding complex could be further separated from higher and lower molecular proteins. The complex was used as the starting material for the separation of alpha and beta chains. Amino-acid sequences established of the isolated chains have already been communicated.

Primary structure of human class II histocompatibility antigens 3rd communication. Amino acid sequence comparison between DR and DC subclass antigens derived from a lymphoblastoid B cell line homozygous at the HLA loci (HLA-A3,3; B7,7; Dw2,2; DR2,2: MT1,1; Dc1,1: MB1,1)

Class II histocompatibility antigens from a homozygous human lymphoblastoid B cell line (HLA-A3,3; B7,7; Dw2,2; DR2,2; MT1,1; DC1,1; MB1,1) were isolated by an exclusively chemical procedure. After the separation of the alpha and beta chains the amino acid sequences of the extracellular parts of the DR2 alpha and the DR2 beta chains could be determined, in spite of the heterogeneity of both fractions. Peptides isolated in considerably lower yields indicated at least one more alpha chain and 6 further beta chains. By the investigation of these lower-yield enzymatic fragments, in addition to the DR2 alpha and DR2 beta chains, we can now report on the partial amino acid sequences of a DC alpha chain, a second beta chain of DR type and one beta chain of DC type. Furthermore, the isolation of a characteristic glycopeptide suggests the existence of a second beta chain of DC type. The following class II antigens are therefore identified: DR2 alpha/DR2 beta 1, DR2 alpha/DR2 beta 2, DC1 alpha/DC1 beta 1, DC1 alpha/DC1 beta 2, indicating that each subclass can be subdivided into two antigens because each alpha chain type can associate with at least either beta 1 or beta 2. Further investigations must clarify whether the remaining three beta chains are of the DR, DC, or of a third beta chain type. Amino acid sequence comparisons confirm that the human DR antigens are the equivalent of mouse I-E antigens, while human DC antigens are the equivalent of mouse I-A antigens.

[Primary structure of class II human histocompatibility antigens. 2nd Communication. Amino acid sequence of the N-terminal 179 residues of the alpha-chain of an HLA-Dw2/DR2 alloantigen (author's transl)]

From a lymphoblastoid homozygous cell-line (HLA-A3,3; B7,7; Dw2,2; DR2,2) the alpha-chain of the HLA-Dw2/DR2 antigen was isolated by an exclusively chemical procedure. The alpha- was separated from the beta-chain by chromatography with hydroxylapatite in Na-dodecyl sulfate. Here we describe the amino acid sequence of the alpha-chain up to Position 179. The molecule is divided into two domains which do not appear homologous to each other but show a significant homology to the beta-chain (21.2%). The similarity is larger in the second (27%) than in the first (15.5%) domain, indicating a different evolutionary relationship for both parts. In contrast to the beta-chain both domains contain an N-glycosidically linked carbohydrate. The methionines are positioned only in the N-terminal, the cysteines exclusively in the C-terminal domain. Only the latter can therefore be stabilized by a disulfide bridge. As with the beta-chain the regions around the cysteines show a remarkable similarity with the constant C-terminal domains of k-, lambda-, alpha-, gamma-, sigma-, epsilon- and mu-chains of immunoglobulins. Although to a considerably lesser extent, the alpha-chain preparation also shows a heterogeneity at the protein level. Since the employed cell-line is homozygous with regard to HLA-D/DR, our results indicate that at least two alpha-chain genes exist in the HLA-D/DR-region. Together with the already published sequence of the beta-chain, the extracellular part of an histocompatibility antigen of the HLA-D type is now known.

[Primary structure of class II human histocompatibility antigens. 1st communication. Amino acid sequence of the N-terminal 198 residues of the beta chain of a HLA-Dw2,2;DR2,2-alloantigen (author's transl)]

The beta-chains of HLA-D/DR antigens from a lymphoblastoid homozygous cell line (HLA-A3,3;B7,7;-Dw2,2;DR2,2) were purified by an exclusively chemical three step procedure: 1) Nonidet P-40/CM-cellulose ion-exchange-, 2) Na-dodecyl sulfate/sephacryl S-300- and 3) Na-dodecyl sulfate/hydroxylapatite chromatography. The amino acid sequence of the beta chain was established up to position 198. These residues comprise the extra-cellular part of the molecule which consists of two domains each probably containing a disulfide bridge, like immunoglobulin L chains. Within the first domain the carbohydrate moiety is attached to asparagine in position 19. Sequence work was hampered by the fact that the beta chain preparation of the HLA-Dw2,2;DR2,2 antigen actually consists of a pool of beta chains. The beta chain, the sequence of which has now been established, represents about 70% of the beta chain pool. The remaining 30% consist of at least 6 more chains which are homologous among one another as well as to the described beta chain. Since the antigens were gained from a homozygous lymphoblastoid cell-line our results indicate that the HLA-D region codes for at least 7 beta-chains and must therefore consist of a cluster of beta chain genes.

[Chromatography and rechromatography in high-performance liquid chromatography of peptide mixtures: the complete primary structure of an immunoglobulin L-chain of kappa-type, subgroup I (Bence-Jones Protein Den) (author's transl)]

In continuation of our work on the separation of enzymatic hydrolysates by high-pressure liquid chromatography with reverse-phases we present two new buffer systems: firstly 0.005M potassium phosphate, pH 6.0 and secondly aqueous trifluoroacetic acid, pH 2.15. As organic solvent acetonitrile is always used. The excellent properties are demonstrated by the separation of the tryptic peptides of Bence-Jones protein Den (Mr = 23000). Like ammoniumacetate these buffers are well suited for the first separation of peptide mixtures but can be used rather effectively in rechromatographies. If peaks are not or not fully resolved during the first chromatography they can be separated by a rechromatography in one of the other systems. This was most successful since in both cases the same high resolving technique is employed. From the primary separation 14 peptides could be isolated in analytically pure form. The remaining fragments were completely purified after one rechromatography. The amino acid analysis yielded also integer numbers and by a modified Edman degradation the primary structure could be determined. As with protein Wes (Kratzin, H., Yang, C.Y., Krusche, T.U. & Hilschmann, N. (1980) Hoppe-Seyler's Z. Physiol. Chem. 361, 1591--1598) all the peptides were recovered after high-pressure liquid chromatography, none was missing. From these data and from homology reasons the complete amino acid sequence of protein Den could be established. It contains 214 residues and belongs to subgroup I of the kappa-chains. The valine residue in position 191 indicates that it belongs to allotype Inv b+.

[Preparative separation of the tryptic hydrolysate of a protein by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The primary structure of a monoclonal L-chain of k-type, subgroup I (Bence-Jones Protein Wes) (author's transl)]

The tryptic hydrolysate of Bence-Jones protein Wes (Mr = 23000) was separated by high-pressure liquid chromatography in a volatile buffer system on a reversed-phase column. From the resulting 22 peptides 18 yielded integer numbers after amino acid analysis. They could be used directly for a modified Edman degradation. Two peptides were not separated by this procedure, two were missing. Under different conditions these four peptides could also be prepared in pure form. 3 mg was sufficient to elucidate the primary structure of the variable part of this protein completely. The arrangement of the tryptic peptides was deduced by homology to other k=chains. Protein Wes contains 214 residues and belongs to subgroup I of the k-chains. The valine residue in position 191 indicates that it belongs to allotype Inv b+.

[Rule of antibody structure. Primary structure of a human monoclonal IgA-immunoglobulin (myeloma protein Tro). VII. Purification and characterization of the disulfide bridges]

Myeloma Protein Tro has been isolated from the plasma of a myeloma patient. Monomeric IgA was separated from its polymer (by chromatography on Sephadex G-200). Both the forms were split with pepsin or cyanogen bromide and, if necessary, with thermolysin and subtilisin. The cystin-containing peptides were isolated from the hydrolysates by chromatography on Sephadex, ion-exchange columns, preparative paper chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, electrophoresis or by a combination of these methods. They were characterized by amino acid analyses and by determination of the N-terminal amino acids using the Dansyl-Edman procedure. Thus all the disulfide bridges of an IgA1 immunoglobulin could be established. The monomer has all together 48 cysteins, seven in each L- and seventeen in each H-chain; all these are covalently bonded by SS-bridges. Free SH-groups were not detected. The J-chain could only be identified serologically in the polymeric form of the protein. It is shown that the subunits of the polymers are covalently attached through either Cysl3, Cysl7 or both these residues of the H-chain.

[Rule of antibody structure: the primary structure of a human monoclonal IgA1-immunoglobulin (myeloma protein Tro), I. Purification and characterization of the protein and its L- and H-chains (author's transl)]

Myeloma protein Tro was prepared from the serum of a myeloma patient by ammonium sulfate precipitation. It was purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography or by Pevikon block electrophoresis. The purity of the preparation was tested by several electrophoretic or immunoelectrophoretic methods. L- and H-chains of the purified protein after reduction and alkylation were separated by gel chromatography. The protein and its L- and H-chains were characterized by amino acid analyses and end-group determinations.

Genetic determination of antibody specificity. Gene translocation and fusion, the molecular basis for the differentiation of the antibody-producing cell

The best system for the study of cell differentiation is a cell which in its differentiated state differs only by one product. This is the case in the immune system. The undifferentiated, but omnipotent stem cell differentiates into a committed B cell which produces only one type of specific antibody out of a million different, genetically fixed possibilities. Gene translocation and fusion is the basis of this differentiation process.

[Rule of antibody structure: the primary structure of a human monoclonal IgA1-immunoglobulin (myeloma protein Tro), V. The arrangement of the tryptic peptides and a discussion of the complete primary structure of the H-chain (author's transl)]

This communication deals with the sequence work done with tryptic and chymotryptic peptides and some cyanogen bromide splitting products. With these peptides, and if necessary with their splitting peptides, the whole primary structure of the alpha1-H-chain of myeloma protein Tro is established. The position of the amides is determined by electrophoresis and digestion with aminopeptidase M. The alpha1-chain Tro comprises 475 amino acid residues. Because of its specific exchanges and deletions the variable part of alpha1-chain Tro belongs to subgroup III of variable parts of H-chains. The switch from the variable to the constant part occurs at position 119/120 and is analogous to other chains which have been sequenced up to now. The large number of cysteine residues in the alpha-chain which may influence the tertiary structure, especially in the hinge and the subsequent CH2-region, is noteworthy. Furthermore, myeloma protein Tro is compared with the other alpha1-chain Bur[5] sequenced in the meantime, and protein But[6], which is an IgA2 molecule of the allotype A2m(2).

[Rule of antibody structure: the primary structure of a human monoclonal IgA1-immunoglobulin (myeloma protein Tro), II. Cleavage of the monomer IgA-molecule and the reduced and alkylated H- and L-chains by cyanogen bromide (author's transl)]

The monomer of myeloma protein Tro as well as the reduced and alkylated H- and L-chains were cleaved by cyanogen bromide. All cyanogen-bromide fragments were isolated and characterized by amino acid analyses, end-group and molecular weight determinations. The 4 smaller fragments of the 5 H-chain fragments were split with trypsin. The peptides were isolated and their primary structure was determined.

[The primary structure of a monoclonal IgA-immunoglobulin (IgA Tro.), II. The amino acid sequence of the H-chain, alpha-type, subgroup III; structure of the complete IgA-molecule (author's transl)]

The primary structure of a monoclonal human IgA-immunoglobulin has been determined. Sequence studies were carried out with the isolated L-chain [1], the isolated H-chain and with BrCN-fragments of the H-chain. Tryptic and chymotryptic peptides were prepared from the totally reduced and alkylated alpha-chain or from BrCN-fragments. Sequence work has been done with tryptic as well as chymotryptic peptides. The variable part comprised positions 1-119, the constant part residues 120-472. According to its homology with other variable parts alpha-chain Tro. clearly belongs to subgroup III of the H-chains. The constant part is composed of 3 homology regions (C1-C3) which originated from a common ancestor by repeated gene duplications early in evolution. Each homology region corresponds in its length and its sequence to the C-region of the L-chains. The hinge-region, which connects the C1- and the C2-region, originated from the C-terminal end of the C1-region by a twofold partial gene duplication comprising 8 amino acids. The C3-homology region is termined by an additional C-terminal piece of 18 residues. The alpha-chain 17 cysteine residues, 8 of which form the usual intrapeptidal loop S-S-bridges, and one the connection between the L- and H-chain. Two additional cysteine residues are located in the C1-region, and 5 more in the C2-region, forming intra- and inter-peptidal S-S-bonds.