Intracellular distribution of a cytoplasmic progesterone receptor mutant and of immunophilins cyclophilin 40 and FKBP59: effects of cyclosporin A, of various metabolic inhibitors and of several culture conditions

The effect of cyclosporin A (CsA) on the intracellular distribution of a mutated NLS minus rabbit progesterone receptor (PRm) and the receptor-associated immunophilins, cyclophilin 40 (Cyp40) and FKBP59, was tested in Lc13 cells by indirect immunofluorescent staining. PRm, which is cytoplasmic in absence of progesterone, is shifted to the nucleus by the hormone as well as by CsA, but not by FK506 or Rapamycin [I. Jung-Testas, M.-C. Lebeau, E.E. Baulieu. C.R. Acad. Sci. Paris 318 (1995) 873-878]. However the time course of nuclear import due to CsA and its sensitivity to N-ethyl maleimide (NEM) and to a calmodulin inhibitor (W7) was different from those observed for the hormonal effect. Cyp40 in Lc13 cells is localized mainly in the nucleoli. CsA treatment increased nucleolar staining, while NEM and W7 caused it to decrease; after actinomycin D (1 microM) nucleolar staining of Cyp40 disappeared. FKBP59 is mainly cytoplasmic and concentrated in the perinuclear region, never in the nucleoli. CsA, actino D and W7 treatment did not influence FKBP59 localization. In serum-deprived medium FKBP59 was cytoplasmic, but when the culture medium was enriched (20% serum, insulin and EGF) FKBP59 became perinuclear and hsp 86 was partly shifted to the nucleus, but PRm remained cytoplasmic. CsA has an effect on PRm distribution, while it does not influence Cyp40 and FKBP59 localization. In presence of actino D the labelling of Cyp40 disappears from the nucleoli, while the distribution of PRm and FKBP59 is unaffected. Growth factors influence FKBP59 but not PRm or Cyp40. These results suggest that these proteins shuttle independently and that their association is transient.

Phosphorylation of the immunosuppressant FK506-binding protein FKBP52 by casein kinase II: regulation of HSP90-binding activity of FKBP52

FKBP52 (HSP56, p59, HBI) is the 59-kDa immunosuppressant FK506-binding protein and has peptidyl prolyl isomerase as well as a chaperone-like activity in vitro. FKBP52 associates with the heat shock protein HSP90 and is included in the steroid hormone receptor complexes in vivo. FKBP52 possesses a well conserved phosphorylation site for casein kinase II (CK2) that was previously shown to be associated with HSP90. Here we examined whether FKBP52 is phosphorylated by CK2 both in vivo and in vitro. Recombinant rabbit FKBP52 was phosphorylated by purified CK2. We expressed and purified deletion mutants of FKBP52 to determine the site(s) phosphorylated by CK2. Thr-143 in the hinge I region was identified as the major phosphorylation site for CK2. A synthetic peptide corresponding to this region was phosphorylated by CK2, and the peptide competitively inhibited the phosphorylation of other substrates by CK2. The [32P]phosphate labeling of FKBP52-expressing cells revealed that the same site is also phosphorylated in vivo. FK506 binding to FKBP52 did not affect the phosphorylation by CK2 and, conversely, the FK506-binding activity of FKBP52 was not affected by the phosphorylation. Most importantly, CK2-phosphorylated FKBP52 did not bind to HSP90. These results indicate that CK2 phosphorylates FKBP52 both in vitro and in vivo and thus may regulate the protein composition of chaperone-containing complexes such as those of steroid receptors and certain protein kinases.

Three-dimensional structure of the immunophilin-like domain of FKBP59 in solution

FKBP59 is a protein usually associated with heat-shock protein hsp90 and steroid receptors. The N-terminal domain of the rabbit liver protein (149 amino acids) has a sequence homology with FKBP12, binds FK506 immunosuppressor, and has a peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase activity. The three-dimensional structure of this domain (FKBP59-I) was determined using homo- and heteronuclear multidimensional NMR spectroscopy, distance geometry, and molecular dynamics methods. Structure calculations used 1290 interproton distance restraints derived from nuclear Overhauser enhancement measurements, 29 dihedral phi angle restraints, and 92 hydrogen bond restraints. For the final 22 structures, the root mean square distance from the mean atomic coordinates, calculated for well-defined secondary structure fragments, is 0.47 +/- 0.05 and 1.26 +/- 0.15 A for backbone heavy atoms (N, C alpha, C') and for all non-hydrogen atoms, respectively. The global fold contains a twisted six-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet and a short alpha-helix packed on the hydrophobic side of the sheet. The 20 N-terminal and 12 C-terminal amino acids of the domain are disordered. The main-chain structure of FKBP59-I is globally similar to the NMR-derived and X-ray structures of unbound FKBP12. An unusual hydrogen bond interaction between the indole amino proton of Trp 89 and the aromatic cycle of Phe 129 was observed. This gives a large upfield shift (-4.8 ppm) and a significant exchange protection factor. The implications of the present structure determination on the ligand binding of FKBP59 are discussed.

1H and 15N assignment of NMR spectrum, secondary structure and global folding of the immunophilin-like domain of the 59-kDa FK506-binding protein

FKBP59, a 59-kDa FK506 binding protein, was discovered in heterooligomeric complexes containing nontransformed, non-DNA binding, steroid receptors. Sequence similarity search and secondary structure prediction suggested that the protein has a multi-domain organization, the N-terminal domain having a great similarity to human FKBP12 (12-kDa FK506-binding protein). FKBP59 binds immunosuppressant FK506 and has peptidylprolyl cis-trans-isomerase activity, both properties being localized in the N-terminal domain (FKBP59-I). In order to characterize its conformational features and to better understand its biological significance, we overexpressed and 15N-labeled this domain (149 amino acids) in Escherichia coli and initiated an NMR structural study in solution. Almost complete sequence-specific assignment of the 1H and 15N resonances was achieved using two-dimensional and three-dimensional homonuclear and heteronuclear experiments. Localization of the secondary structure elements was derived essentially from C alpha H chemical shift distribution along the sequence, the short-range and medium-range NOE connectivities and exchange kinetics of amide protons. The domain has a structured part comprising six beta-strands and a three-turn alpha-helix between K87 and M96. The first 17 residues are highly flexible and show no regular secondary structure. The beta-sheet structure, derived from long-range connectivities between backbone protons, consists of six beta-strands defined as follows: B1, V22-I24; B2, V32-K37; B3, D50-L61; B4, T64-S68 and F76-L80; B5, E100-K107; B6, L127-F137. They are organized in an antiparallel beta-sheet with the connecting topology +1, +3, +1, -3, +1. The alpha-helix connects strand B4 to strand B5. Globally, the structure of FKBP59-I, derived from the present work, is similar to the NMR-derived structures of uncomplexed FKBP12. However, several conformational differences were noted at this level of structural analysis. The beta-sheet of the FKBP59 domain has an additional strand at the N-terminal and the alpha-helix is longer by about one helical turn. In addition, strand B4 has two components, separated by a large bulge (seven residues); the first component was observed in the X-ray or NMR structures of complexed FKBP12 but not in the NMR-derived, uncomplexed structure.

Cyclosporin A promotes nuclear transfer of a cytoplasmic progesterone receptor mutant

The effects of cyclosporin A (CsA), FK506 and rapamycin (Rapa) on the intracellular localization of a mutated rabbit progesterone receptor (PR) which lacks the main constitutive nuclear localization signal (NLS) (delta 638-642) and is cytoplasmic in the absence of progesterone (Prog), were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence in Lcl3 cells, a mouse L-cell line stably expressing this mutant. CsA alone, at 5-10 microM concentrations, induced almost complete nuclear transfer of the PR-mutant within 18 h. In contrast, FK506 and Rapa at the same concentrations had no effect. This nuclear transfer induced by CsA was concentration and time dependent and was independent of protein synthesis. It was not a potentiation of hormone action since it took place in the absence of hormone, including in serum-free culture conditions. The implications of this specific effect of CsA are discussed.

Rabbit FKBP-59/HBI does not inhibit calcineurin activity in vitro

The effect of recombinant FKBP-59/HBI or of its first N-terminal domain FKBP-59/HBI-I on the phosphatase activity of calcineurin (a Ca(+2)-calmodulin dependent phosphatase) was tested in vitro in the presence or absence of the immunosuppressant drug FK506. Contrarily to the inhibition observed with the immunosuppressant complex FKBP-12-FK506, no significant inhibition was observed with FKBP-59/HBI or FKBP-59/HBI-I in the presence of FK506, even though FKBP-59/HBI-1 is nearly 55% homologous to the immunophilin FKBP-12. Inhibition was tested both with native calcineurin (calcineurin A: Mr 58-59 kDa) and with protease activated, calmodulin independent calcineurin (calcineurin A: Mr 45 kDa). There was no competitive effect of FKBP-59 on the inhibitory activity of the FKBP-12-FK506 complex, even when the molar concentration of FKBP-59/HBI was 100 times higher than that of FKBP-12. Clearly, although the first domain of FKBP-59/HBI displays several structural and functional features of FKBP-12, it does not interact with calcineurin.

Rabbit FKBP59-heat shock protein binding immunophillin (HBI) is a calmodulin binding protein

FKBP59-HBI, a heat shock protein hsp90-binding immunophilin that was originally detected in heterooligomer forms of steroid receptors, is retained on Calmodulin (CAM)-Sepharose 4B in the presence of 2 mM Ca2+ and is eluted by EGTA, demonstrating a specific p59-CAM interaction. The p59 amino acid sequence reveals the presence of two putative CAM binding sites in a helix regions of the protein, as well as PEST sequences which are generally present in CAM-binding proteins. In vitro proteolysis by calpain II (a Ca(2+)-activated neutral protease), another feature of CAM-binding proteins, generates shorter peptides revealed by the mAb EC1, but not by the pAb 173 which recognizes the C-terminal of the protein. The potential function of CAM binding by the hsp90-binding immunophilin is discussed.

An immunophilin that binds M(r) 90,000 heat shock protein: main structural features of a mammalian p59 protein

In the rabbit, a p59 protein included in the untransformed, non-DNA binding, "8-9S," steroid receptor complexes binds heat shock protein M(r) approximately 90,000 (hsp90). Sequence data [Lebeau, M. C., Massol, N., Herrick, J., Faber, L. E., Renoir, J. M., Radanyi, C. & Baulieu, E. E. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 4281-4284] and hydrophobic cluster analysis delineate, from the N terminus, two successive domains closely related to the immunosuppressant FK506 binding immunophilin FKBP (FK506 binding protein), consistent with recent purification of the human p56 immunophilin cognate protein by FK506 affinity chromatography [Yem, A. W., Tomasselli, A. G., Heinrikson, R. L., Zurcher-Neely, H., Ruff, V. A., Johnson, R. A. & Deibel, M. R., Jr. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 2868-2871]. The first FKBP-like domain demonstrates all structural characteristics known to be necessary for immunosuppressant binding and for peptidylprolyl cis-trans isomerase (rotamase) activity. Hence, p59 is a "hsp binding immunophilin" (HBI). It is thus speculated that hsp binding immunophilin may help the assembly/disassembly mechanisms involved in steroid receptor trafficking and activity and participate in the poorly understood hsp90 function. ATP/GTP binding likely occurs within the second FKBP-like domain, near the FK506 binding site on the FKBP template. A third domain detected by the hydrophobic cluster analysis method is distantly structurally related to the two first FKBP-like domains and is followed by the C-terminal part of the protein, which contains a calmodulin binding consensus sequence. Hsp binding immunophilin may be involved in a number of immunological, endocrinological, and chaperone-mediated pathways.

P59, an hsp 90-binding protein. Cloning and sequencing of its cDNA and preparation of a peptide-directed polyclonal antibody

The primary sequence of the rabbit liver cDNA coding for protein p59 has been determined. The protein binds to the 90-kDa heat shock protein (hsp 90) and is associated with it, including when hsp 90 participates in hetero-oligomeric complexes of untransformed mammalian steroid receptors that sediment at 8-10 S. The cloned cDNA codes for an open reading frame of 458 amino acids defining a yet unknown protein. However, 55% amino acid homology to peptidyl-prolyl isomerase is found between amino acids 41 and 137, suggesting rotamase activity for p59, which speculatively may apply to bound hsp 90 and thus be implied in the intracellular trafficking of hetero-oligomeric forms of steroid hormone receptors. A polyclonal antibody derived from the COOH-terminal peptide 441-458 demonstrates a good affinity for rabbit, rat, and human "p59" protein. It interacts with at least one epitope, available in 8-10 S untransformed steroid receptor complexes and different from that recognized by the monoclonal antibody KN382/EC-1.

Ribosomal protein L27 is identical in chick and rat

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Interaction of oestrogen and progesterone receptors with specific subfractions of laying-hen oviduct chromatin

Salt (NaCl)-extracted nuclear oestrogen receptor from hen oviduct was incubated with salt-depleted oviduct chromatin and dialysed to low salt. The oestrogen receptor (re)associated with chromatin to form a 13-14S-sedimenting fraction, as found in 'native' chromatin, and saturation of this interaction was obtained for very low receptor concentrations (approx. 0.04 nM). Similarly, purified progesterone receptor from chick oviduct cytosol associated with depleted chromatin to form an 11-12S-sedimenting fraction, as in 'native' chromatin; this interaction tended towards saturation for much higher concentrations of progesterone receptor (approx. 8 nM) than that observed for oestrogen receptor. When the two receptors were incubated with depleted chromatin from hen kidney or erythrocytes, their s values were as for oviduct chromatin. However, no saturation of these interactions was seen, even for high concentrations of receptor. Steroid-hormone receptors can therefore bind in vitro to particular subfractions of non-target-tissue chromatin, but with a much lower affinity than to target-tissue chromatin.

Oestrogen and progesterone receptors in chick oviduct chromatin after administration of oestradiol, progesterone or anti-oestrogen

Oestrogen-primed and withdrawn chicks were injected with oestradiol benzoate, progesterone, and/or the anti-oestrogens tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen. Oestrogen receptors were studied in oviduct chromatin solubilized by mild digestion of purified nuclei with micrococcal nuclease. After a single injection of oestradiol benzoate, ultracentrifugation on sucrose gradients of chromatin extracts labelled with [3H]-oestradiol showed two peaks of oestradiol binding sites, sedimenting at 13--14 S and 7--8 S. After repeated injections of oestradiol benzoate, the 13--14 S peak increased more than the 7--8 S peak. After injection of anti-oestrogen alone or together with oestradiol benzoate, no [3H]oestradiol-binding or 4-hydroxy[3H]tamoxifen-binding peaks were detected in the chromatin. Injection of progesterone also produced an increase of the 13--14 S and 7--8 S chromatin oestradiol receptor. Progesterone receptor could only by detected in chromatin early after progesterone administration, and it sedimented in density gradients with the 12 S mononucleosome fraction. Tamoxifen injected together with progesterone gave higher levels of 13--14 S oestrogen binding sites than did progesterone alone. The presence of a 13--14 S peak of oestrogen binding sites in hormonal situations which promote a biological response in the chick oviduct, and the absence of this peak after administration of anti-oestrogens, suggest that this subfraction of chromatin contains elements involved in gene regulation.

Steroid receptors and effects of oestradiol and progesterone on chick oviduct proteins

After a single injection of oestradiol benzoate (1.5 mg/kg) to oestrogen-withdrawn chickens, there was an increase in magnum wet weight, DNA polymerase alpha activity, adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate-dependent protein-kinase activity and estrogen-receptor concentration, as measured over 36 h. Besides these intracellular proteins, the secretory proteins ovalbumin and conalbumin were also augmented, and detailed time-course studies were performed. Early induction kinetics for ovalbumin and conalbumin synthesis, which differed for each protein, were independent of the dose of oestradiol benzoate injected if it exceeded 0.1 mg/kg. After 6 h for ovalbumin and 2 h for conalbumin, the induction curves diverged according to the dose of hormone administered and in correlation with the persistence of elevated nuclear oestrogen-receptor concentrations, a result confirmed with 11 beta-methoxy-17 alpha-ethynyloestradiol (R 2858), a powerful synthetic oestrogen. When oestradiol benzoate (1 mg/kg) and progesterone (3 mg/kg) were injected simultaneously, the rate of conalbumin sythesis, during the first 6-8 h, was lower than that observed in animals injected with oestradiol benzoate alone. However at later times conalbumin synthesis was greater in animals receiving both hormones than with oestradiol alone. In contrast, the rate of ovalbumin synthesis after the combined injection was higher than that induced by either hormone alone throughout the entire experimental period. In order to study further the synergistic and antagonistic activities of these two hormones, a single injection of progesterone (3 mg/kg) was administered 6, 12 or 18 h after 1.5 mg/kg oestradiol benzoate. Progesterone administration resulted in a reduction in cytoplasmic, nuclear and total oestrogen receptor concentration for at least 6 h when compared with the values in birds treated with oestrogen alone. DNA polymerase and protein kinase activities were also reduced during this period. Subsequently, all parameters increased, and by 18-24 h after progesterone treatment, reached values higher than those observed in animals receiving oestrogen alone.

[Production and detection of antibody against estradiol receptor in the calf uterus. Interaction with the estrogen receptor from the hen oviduct]

The antibodies against estrogen receptor were obtained after injecting Rabbits with a cytoplasmic receptor fraction isolated from Calf uterus. The estrogen receptor was partially proteolysed by the action of trypsin and subsequently purified by affinity chromatography (purification 4,000 to 10,000 fold, to a purity of 5-20%). The affinity of the antibody for the proteolysed receptor is KD approximately 1 nM and serum titres have reached values of approximately 50 nM. The values remained constant after the third injection. Preliminary results indicate that the antibody has approximately the same affinity for "native" cytoplasmic estrogen receptor from Calf uterus, as well as for the "trypsinized" forms of estrogen receptor isolated from Calf uterine cytosol and Hen oviduct nuclei.

Estrogen receptor in hen oviduct chromatin, digested by micrococcal nuclease

Nuclei from laying hen oviduct were prepared according to Hewish and Burgoyne i.e. in the presence of spermine and spermidine and in the absence of divalent cations and were then moderately digested by micrococcal nuclease. When the resulting chromatin was analysed by ultracentrifugation on a sucrose gradient, a peak of specific estradiol-binding sites was observed, sedimenting slightly faster (13-14 S) than the mononucleosomes (12 S). When the chromatin was centrifuged on a gradient containing heparin (5 microngram/ml) the sedimentation coefficient of the estradiol receptor peak shifted to 7-8 S; it returned to the 13-14 S position in the absence of heparin, when target organ chromatin was also present in the gradient. The preparation of the chromatin is described and the validity of the method to explore receptor localisation is discussed, as is the specificity of the receptor-DNA interaction.

[Regulation of chick oviduct DNA polymerases by steroid hormones (author's transl)]

DNA polymerase activity was measured in vitro in soluble cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of chick oviduct, after in vivo hormone stimulation. By twelve hours after a subcutaneous injection of oestradiol, cytosolic and nuclear DNA polymerase activity had increased 2 to 5 fold over control levels ane continued to increase until 24 hours after the injection. Progesterone induced a slight rise in DNA polymerase activity and dihydrotestosterone had no effect. When oestradiol + progesterone were given together, the stimulating effect of oestradiol was cancelled for approximately 14 hours, contrasting with their synergist-c effect on transcription in this system. Various quantities and various sequences of hormone administration were studied, and some of the physico chemical parameters of the enzymes were determined after the different hormone stimulations. The demonstration of a sex steriod dependent regulation of chick oviduct DNA polymerases and the opposite effects of the oestradiol + progesterone combination on replication and on transcription can represent a new approach in the study of the mechanism of action of steroid sex hormones.