NF-kappaB activation represses tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced autophagy

Activation of NF-kappaB and autophagy are two processes involved in the regulation of cell death, but the possible cross-talk between these two signaling pathways is largely unknown. Here, we show that NF-kappaB activation mediates repression of autophagy in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha)-treated Ewing sarcoma cells. This repression is associated with an NF-kappaB-dependent activation of the autophagy inhibitor mTOR. In contrast, in cells lacking NF-kappaB activation, TNFalpha treatment up-regulates the expression of the autophagy-promoting protein Beclin 1 and subsequently induces the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles. Both of these responses are dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and can be mimicked in NF-kappaB-competent cells by the addition of H2O2. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of beclin 1 and atg7 expression, two autophagy-related genes, reduced TNFalpha- and reactive oxygen species-induced apoptosis in cells lacking NF-kappaB activation and in NF-kappaB-competent cells, respectively. These findings demonstrate that autophagy may amplify apoptosis when associated with a death signaling pathway. They are also evidence that inhibition of autophagy is a novel mechanism of the antiapoptotic function of NF-kappaB activation. We suggest that stimulation of autophagy may be a potential way bypassing the resistance of cancer cells to anti-cancer agents that activate NF-kappaB.

Latent transforming growth factor-beta binding protein domains involved in activation and transglutaminase-dependent cross-linking of latent transforming growth factor-beta

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is secreted by many cell types as part of a large latent complex composed of three subunits: TGF-beta, the TGF-beta propeptide, and the latent TGF-beta binding protein (LTBP). To interact with its cell surface receptors, TGF-beta must be released from the latent complex by disrupting noncovalent interactions between mature TGF-beta and its propeptide. Previously, we identified LTBP-1 and transglutaminase, a cross-linking enzyme, as reactants involved in the formation of TGF-beta. In this study, we demonstrate that LTBP-1 and large latent complex are substrates for transglutaminase. Furthermore, we show that the covalent association between LTBP-1 and the extracellular matrix is transglutaminase dependent, as little LTBP-1 is recovered from matrix digests prepared from cultures treated with transglutaminase inhibitors. Three polyclonal antisera to glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins containing amino, middle, or carboxyl regions of LTBP-1S were used to identify domains of LTBP-1 involved in cross-linking and formation of TGF-beta by transglutaminase. Antibodies to the amino and carboxyl regions of LTBP-1S abrogate TGF-beta generation by vascular cell cocultures or macrophages. However, only antibodies to the amino-terminal region of LTBP-1 block transglutaminase-dependent cross-linking of large latent complex or LTBP-1. To further identify transglutaminase-reactive domains within the amino-terminal region of LTBP-1S, mutants of LTBP-1S with deletions of either the amino-terminal 293 (deltaN293) or 441 (deltaN441) amino acids were expressed transiently in CHO cells. Analysis of the LTBP-1S content in matrices of transfected CHO cultures revealed that deltaN293 LTBP-1S was matrix associated via a transglutaminase-dependent reaction, whereas deltaN441 LTBP-1S was not. This suggests that residues 294-441 are critical to the transglutaminase reactivity of LTBP-1S.

Suppression of aggregate formation and apoptosis by transglutaminase inhibitors in cells expressing truncated DRPLA protein with an expanded polyglutamine stretch

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms whereby expanded polyglutamine stretches elicit a gain of toxic function, we expressed full-length and truncated DRPLA (dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy) cDNAs with or without expanded CAG repeats in COS-7 cells. We found that truncated DRPLA proteins containing an expanded polyglutamine stretch form filamentous peri- and intranuclear aggregates and undergo apoptosis. The apoptotic cell death was partially suppressed by the transglutaminase inhibitors cystamine and monodansyl cadaverine (but not putrescine), suggesting involvement of a transglutaminase reaction and providing a potential basis for the development of therapeutic measures for CAG-repeat expansion diseases.

A method to measure cardiac autophagic flux in vivo

Autophagy, a highly conserved cellular mechanism wherein various cellular components are broken down and recycled through lysosomes, has been implicated in the development of heart failure. However, tools to measure autophagic flux in vivo have been limited. Here, we tested whether monodansylcadaverine (MDC) and the lysosomotropic drug chloroquine could be used to measure autophagic flux in both in vitro and in vivo model systems. Using HL-1 cardiac-derived myocytes transfected with GFP-tagged LC3 to track changes in autophagosome formation, autophagy was stimulated by mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Administration of chloroquine to inhibit lysosomal activity enhanced the rapamycin-induced increase in the number of cells with numerous GFP-LC3-positive autophagosomes. The chloroquine-induced increase of autophagosomes occurred in a dose-dependent manner between 1 microM and 8 microM, and reached a maximum 2 hour after treatment. Chloroquine also enhanced the accumulation of autophagosomes in cells stimulated with hydrogen peroxide, while it attenuated that induced by Bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of V-ATPase that interferes with fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes. The accumulation of autophagosomes was inhibited by 3-methyladenine, which is known to inhibit the early phase of the autophagic process. Using transgenic mice expressing 3 mCherry-LC3 exposed to rapamycin for 4 hr, we observed an increase in mCherry-LC3-labeled autophagosomes in myocardium, which was further increased by concurrent administration of chloroquine, thus allowing determination of flux as a more precise measure of autophagic activity in vivo. MDC injected 1 hr before sacrifice colocalized with mCherry-LC3 puncta, validating its use as a marker of autophagosomes. This study describes a method to measure autophagic flux in vivo even in non-transgenic animals, using MDC and chloroquine.

Primary amines inhibit recycling of alpha 2M receptors in fibroblasts

Receptor-mediated endocytosis of alpha 2M-protease complexes by normal human skin fibroblasts in culture was inhibited by the primary amines, methylamine and mono-dansylcadaverine. The latter was effective at a concentration two orders of magnitude lower than methylamine. Several observations indicated an intracellular mode of action of these amines, excluding interference with binding of alpha 2M to the receptor. Inhibition of endocytosis was dissociated from lysosomotropic effects of these amines by kinetic analysis of endocytosis. As opposed to chloroquine and alkaline incubation conditions (pH 8.0), the amines reduced the maximal rate of endocytosis considerably, indicating a reduction in number of available receptors. This was confirmed by measuring binding at 4 degrees C. Continuous recycling of receptors is indicated by the absence of down-regulation of number of receptors under conditions saturating for endocytosis of alpha 2M complexes. We postulate that the primary amines, methylamine and mono-dansylcadaverine, interfere with the recycling of alpha 2M receptors, while the chemical nature of the amines and the conditions under which inhibition becomes apparent point to the involvement of transglutaminase in this recycling.

A critical role for endocytosis in Wnt signaling

BACKGROUND

The Wnt signaling pathway regulates many processes during embryonic development, including axis specification, organogenesis, angiogenesis, and stem cell proliferation. Wnt signaling has also been implicated in a number of cancers, bone density maintenance, and neurological conditions during adulthood. While numerous Wnts, their cognate receptors of the Frizzled and Arrow/LRP5/6 families and downstream pathway components have been identified, little is known about the initial events occurring directly after receptor activation.

RESULTS

We show here that Wnt proteins are rapidly endocytosed by a clathrin- and dynamin-mediated process. While endocytosis has traditionally been considered a principal mechanism for receptor down-regulation and termination of signaling pathways, we demonstrate that interfering with clathrin-mediated endocytosis actually blocks Wnt signaling at the level of beta-catenin accumulation and target gene expression.

CONCLUSION

A necessary component of Wnt signaling occurs in a subcellular compartment distinct from the plasma membrane. Moreover, as internalized Wnts transit partially through the transferrin recycling pathway, it is possible that a "signaling endosome" serves as a nexus for activated Wnt pathway components.

Polyamines protect Escherichia coli cells from the toxic effect of oxygen

Wild-type Escherichia coli cells grow normally in 95% O(2)/5% CO(2). In contrast, cells that cannot make polyamines because of mutations in the biosynthetic pathway are rapidly killed by incubation in 95% O(2)/5% CO(2). Addition of polyamines prevents the toxic effect of oxygen, permitting cell survival and optimal growth. Oxygen toxicity can also be prevented if the growth medium contains an amino acid mixture or if the polyamine-deficient cells contain a manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) plasmid. Partial protection is afforded by the addition of 0.4 M sucrose or 0.4 M sorbitol to the growth medium. We also report that concentrations of H(2)O(2) that are nontoxic to wild-type cells or to mutant cells pretreated with polyamines kill polyamine-deficient cells. These results show that polyamines are important in protecting cells from the toxic effects of oxygen.

Formation of a compensatory polyamine by Escherichia coli polyamine-requiring mutants during growth in the absence of polyamines

The amounts of normal and compensatory polyamines of polyamine-requiring Escherichia coli mutants grown in the absence of polyamines were determined. Although aminopropylcadaverine, a compensatory polyamine, was synthesized by MA135 (speB) and DR112 (speA speB), no aminopropylcadaverine or only small amounts of aminopropylcadaverine were synthesized by EWH319 (speA speB speC speD) and MA261 (speB speC), respectively. The average mass doubling times of MA135, DR112, MA261, and EWH319 grown in the absence of polyamines were 113, 105, 260, and 318 min, respectively. The correlation of these values with the sum of spermidine plus aminopropylcadaverine suggested that aminopropylcadaverine is important for cell growth in the presence of limiting amounts of normal polyamines. This hypothesis is supported by the results of aminopropylcadaverine stimulation of the in vitro synthesis of polyphenylalanine and MS2 RNA replicase and of its stimulation of the growth of MA261. For the following reasons, it was concluded that aminopropylcadaverine was synthesized preferentially from cadaverine made by ornithine decarboxylase: aminopropylcadaverine was synthesized in relatively large amounts in cells (MA135 and DR112) which possess ornithine decarboxylase; ornithine decarboxylase catalyzed the decarboxylation of lysine in vitro, and the in vivo formation of aminopropylcadaverine was inhibited by an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase.

Tissue transglutaminase has intrinsic kinase activity: identification of transglutaminase 2 as an insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 kinase

Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a ubiquitous enzyme that cross-links glutamine residues with lysine residues, resulting in protein polymerization, cross-linking of dissimilar proteins, and incorporation of diamines and polyamines into proteins. It has not previously been known to have kinase activity. Recently, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) has been reported to be phosphorylated by breast cancer cell membranes. We purified the IGFBP-3 kinase activity from solubilized T47D breast cancer cell membranes using gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography, and IGFBP-3 affinity chromatography. The fractions containing kinase activity were further purified by high pressure liquid chromatography and analyzed by tandem mass spectroscopy. TG2 was detected in fractions containing kinase activity. Antisera to TG2 and protein A-Sepharose were used to immunoprecipitate TG2 from membrane fractions. The immunoprecipitates retained IGFBP-3 kinase, whereas immunoprecipitation deleted kinase activity in the membrane supernatant. The inhibitors of TG2, cystamine and monodansyl cadaverine, abolished the ability of the T47D cell membrane preparation to phosphorylate IGFBP-3. Both TG2 purified from guinea pig liver and recombinant human TG2 expressed in insect cells were able to phosphorylate IGFBP-3. TG2 kinase activity was inhibited in a concentration-dependent fashion by calcium, which has previously been shown to be important for the cross-linking activity of TG2. These data provide compelling evidence that TG2 has intrinsic kinase activity, a function that has not previously been ascribed to TG2. Furthermore, we provide evidence that TG2 is a major component of the IGFBP-3 kinase activity present on breast cancer cell membranes.

Small Artery Remodeling Depends on Tissue-Type Transglutaminase

Remodeling of small arteries is essential in the long-term regulation of blood pressure and blood flow to specific organs or tissues. A large part of the change in vessel diameter may occur through non-growth-related reorganization of vessel wall components. The hypothesis was tested that tissue-type transglutaminase (tTG), a cross-linking enzyme, contributes to the inward remodeling of small arteries. The in vivo inward remodeling of rat mesenteric arteries, induced by low blood flow, was attenuated by inhibition of tTG. Rat skeletal muscle arteries expressed tTG, as identified by Western blot and immunostaining. In vitro, activation of these arteries with endothelin-1 resulted in inward remodeling, which was blocked by tTG inhibitors. Small arteries obtained from rats and pigs both showed inward remodeling after exposure to exogenous transglutaminase, which was inhibited by addition of a nitric oxide donor. Enhanced expression of tTG, induced by retinoic acid, increased inward remodeling of porcine coronary arteries kept in organ culture for 3 days. The activity of tTG was dependent on pressure. Inhibition of tTG reversed remodeling, causing a substantial increase in vessel diameter. In a collagen gel contraction assay, tTG determined the compaction of collagen by smooth muscle cells. Collectively, these data show that small artery remodeling associated with chronic vasoconstriction depends on tissue-type transglutaminase. This mechanism may reveal a novel therapeutic target for pathologies associated with inward remodeling of the resistance arteries.

Inward potassium channel in guard cells as a target for polyamine regulation of stomatal movements

A number of studies show that environmental stress conditions such as drought, high salt, and air pollutants increase polyamine levels in plant cells. However, little is understood about the physiological function of elevated polyamine levels. We report here that polyamines regulate the voltage-dependent inward K(+) channel in the plasma membrane of guard cells and modulate stomatal aperture, a plant "sensor" to environmental changes. All natural polyamines, including spermidine, spermine, cadaverine, and putrescine, strongly inhibited opening and induced closure of stomata. Whole-cell patch-clamp analysis showed that intracellular application of polyamines inhibited the inward K(+) current across the plasma membrane of guard cells. Single-channel recording analysis indicated that polyamine regulation of the K(+) channel requires unknown cytoplasmic factors. In an effort to identify the target channel at the molecular level, we found that spermidine inhibited the inward K(+) current carried by KAT1 channel that was functionally expressed in a plant cell model. These findings suggest that polyamines target KAT1-like inward K(+) channels in guard cells and modulate stomatal movements, providing a link between stress conditions, polyamine levels, and stomatal regulation.

Amantadine and dansylcadaverine inhibit vesicular stomatitis virus uptake and receptor-mediated endocytosis of alpha 2-macroglobulin

The entry of many animal viruses into their host cells often proceeds via a specialized internalization pathway involving clathrin-coated regions of the plasma membrane. We have examined the effect of dansylcadaverine and amantadine on the entry of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) into mouse cells. Both compounds inhibit VSV entry as determined by fluorescence and electron microscopy, 3H-labeled VSV uptake, and VSV-dependent RNA synthesis assays. They also inhibit the uptake of alpha 2-macroglobulin, a protein that binds to specific membrane receptors and follows the same route of internalization. Dansylcadaverine is 20-fold more potent than amantadine in blocking virus and alpha 2-macroglobulin uptake. One cellular target for both of these amine-containing compounds appears to be the clustering of membrane-bound ligands or particles in clathrin-coated pits.

Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor internalization regulates signaling via the Shc/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, but not the insulin receptor substrate-1 pathway

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptors activate divergent signaling pathways by phosphorylating multiple cellular proteins, including insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and the Shc proteins. Following hormone binding, IGF-I receptors cluster into clathrin-coated pits and are internalized via an endocytotic mechanism. This study investigates the relationship between IGF-I receptor internalization and signaling via IRS-1 and Shc. A mutation in the C terminus of the IGF-I receptor decreased both the rate of receptor internalization and IGF-I-stimulated Shc phosphorylation by more than 50%, but did not affect IRS-1 phosphorylation. Low temperature (15 degrees C) decreased IGF-I receptor internalization and completely inhibited Shc phosphorylation. Although receptor and IRS-1 phosphorylation were decreased in accordance with delayed binding kinetics at 15 degrees C, the ratio of IRS-1 to receptor phosphorylation was increased more than 2-fold. Dansylcadaverine decreased receptor internalization and Shc phosphorylation, but did not change receptor or IRS-1 phosphorylation. Consistent with these findings, dansylcadaverine inhibited IGF-I-stimulated Shc-Grb2 association, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase activation, but did not affect the association of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase with IRS-1 or activation of p70 S6 kinase. These data support the concept that Shc/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation requires IGF-I receptor internalization, whereas the IRS-1 pathway is activated by both cell surface and endosomal receptors.

Mechanisms of internalization of Staphylococcus aureus by cultured human osteoblasts

Staphylococcus aureus is an important bone pathogen, and evidence shows that this organism is internalized by chick osteoblasts. Here we report that S. aureus is internalized by human osteoblasts. Internalization was inhibited by monodansylcadaverine and cytochalasin D and to a lesser extent by ouabain, monensin, colchicine, and nocodazole. We propose that internalization occurs via a receptor-mediated pathway, requiring the participation of cytoskeletal elements, principally actin.

Tissue transglutaminase mediates activation of RhoA and MAP kinase pathways during retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells

All-trans-retinoic acid (RA) plays a crucial role in survival and differentiation of neurons. For elucidating signaling mechanisms involved in RA-induced neuronal differentiation, we have selected SH-SY5Y cells, which are an established in vitro cell model for studying RA signaling. Here we report that RA-induced neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells is coupled with increased expression/activation of TGase and in vivo transamidation and activation of RhoA. In addition, RA promotes formation of stress fibers and focal adhesion complexes, and activation of ERK1/2, JNK1, and p38alpha/beta/gamma MAP kinases. Using C-3 exoenzyme (RhoA inhibitor) or monodansylcadaverine (TGase inhibitor), we show that transamidated RhoA regulates cytoskeletal rearrangement and activation of ERK1/2 and p38gamma MAP kinases. Further, by using stable SH-SY5Y cell lines (overexpressing wild-type, C277S mutant, and antisense TGase), we demonstrate that transglutaminase activity is required for activation of RhoA, ERK1/2, JNK1, and p38gamma MAP kinases. Activated MAP kinases differentially regulate RA-induced neurite outgrowth and neuronal marker expression. The results of our studies suggest a novel mechanism of RA signaling, which involves activation of TGase and transamidation of RhoA. RA-induced activation of TGase is proposed to induce multiple signaling pathways that regulate neuronal differentiation.

Mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus invasion of cultured osteoblasts

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial pathogen causing approximately 80% of all cases of human osteomyelitis. This bacterium can adhere to and become internalized by osteoblasts and previous studies indicate that osteoblasts are active in the internalization process. In the current study, we examined the roles of microfilaments, microtubules and clathrin-dependent receptor-mediated endocytosis in the internalization of S. aureus by MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblast cells. Microfilament and microtubule polymerization was inhibited with cytochalasin D and colchicine. Clathrin-coated pit formation was examined by using the transaminase inhibitor, monodanslycadaverine. The results of this study indicate that mouse osteoblasts utilize actin microfilaments, microtubules and clathrin-coated pits in the internalization of S. aureus; however, microfilaments seem to play the most significant role in the invasion process.

Intracellular infection by the human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent inhibits human neutrophil apoptosis

In patients with human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE), the HGE agent has been seen only in the peripheral blood granulocytes, which have a life span too short for ehrlichial proliferation. To determine if the HGE agent delays the apoptosis of human peripheral blood neutrophils for its advantage, peripheral blood granulocytes consisting mostly of neutrophils were incubated with freshly freed host cell-free HGE agent in vitro. The HGE agent induced a significant delay in morphological apoptosis and the cytoplasmic appearance of histone-associated DNA fragments in the granulocytes. This antiapoptotic effect was dose dependent. Although much weaker than the HGE agent freshly freed from the host cells, noninfectious purified HGE agent stored frozen and thawed also had antiapoptotic effect, which was lost with proteinase K treatment but not with periodate treatment. Treatment of neutrophils with a transglutaminase inhibitor, monodansylcadaverine, blocked the antiapoptotic effect of the HGE agent. Addition of oxytetracycline, however, did not prevent or reverse the antiapoptotic effect of the HGE agent. These results suggest that binding of a protein component(s) of the HGE agent to neutrophils and subsequent cross-linking and/or internalization of the receptor and ehrlichiae are required for antiapoptotic signaling, but ehrlichial protein synthesis and/or proliferation is not required. MG-132, a proteasome inhibitor, and cycloheximide accelerated the apoptosis of neutrophils and overrode the antiapoptotic effect of the HGE agent. Studies with specific inhibitors suggest that protein kinase A, NF-kappaB, and interleukin 1beta are not involved in the antiapoptotic mechanism of the HGE agent.

Putrescine transport is greatly increased in human fibroblasts initiated to proliferate

Putrescine (diaminobutane) was previously found to stimulate proliferation of human fibroblasts in tissue culture, and a growth factor produced by these cells was identified as putrescine. In the present paper putrescine transport is studied. The rate of putrescine transport was dependent on temperature, and most of the labeled putrescine was retained by the cells after washing with excess unlabeled putrescine. The concentration of radioactivity after a [14 C]putrescine pulse was 85 times higher in the cells than in the medium, and over 95% of the radioactivity in the cells was as unchanged putrescine. Butanol treatment removed 70% of the radioactivity from the cells. The calculated Km was about the same for rapidly growing and for starved cultures, while Vmax was higher for the former than for the latter cultures. Putrescine transport was inhibited to varying degrees by other polyamines, but not by amino acids or divalent cations. Stimulation of cell proliferation by serum was followed by an 18-100-fold increase in the rate of putrescine transport, which was not inhibitable with cyclic AMP, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, or prostaglandin E1. Removal of serum resulted in a rapid decrease in the rate of putrescine transport. Insulin in low serum medium and trypsin in the absence of serum also accelerated putrescine transport. Moreover, the rate of putrescine transport was dependent on cell density. It was faster in sparsely populated than in densely populated cultures. SV40-transformed human fibroblasts responded to addition and removal of serum in the same way as the untransformed parent cell line.

Tissue transglutaminase-dependent posttranslational modification of the retinoblastoma gene product in promonocytic cells undergoing apoptosis

The retinoblastoma gene product (pRB) plays an important role in controlling both cell release from the G1 phase and apoptosis. We show here that in the early phases of apoptosis, pRB is posttranslationally modified by a tissue transglutaminase (tTG)-catalyzed reaction. In fact, by employing a novel haptenized lysis synthetic substrate which allows the isolation of glutaminyl-tTG substrates in vivo, we identified pRB as a potential tTG substrate in U937 cells undergoing apoptosis. In keeping with this finding, we showed that apoptosis of U937 cells is characterized by the rapid disappearance of the 105,000- to 110,000-molecular-weight pRB forms concomitantly with the appearance of a smear of immunoreactive products with a molecular weight of greater than 250,000. The shift in pRB molecular weight was reproduced by adding exogenous purified tTG to extracts obtained from viable U937 cells and was prevented by dansylcadaverine, a potent enzyme inhibitor. The effect of the pRB posttranslational modification during apoptosis was investigated by determining the E2F-1 levels and by isolating and characterizing pRB-null clones from U937 cells. Notably, the lack of pRB in these U937-derived clones renders these p53-null cells highly resistant to apoptosis induced by serum withdrawal, calphostin C, and ceramide. Taken together, these data suggest that tTG, acting on the pRB protein, might play an important role in the cell progression through the death program.

Involvement of the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase in animal virus entry

Semliki Forest virus (SFV) enters cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis, followed by acidification of endosomes by the action of the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase. Fusion of the viral and the endosomal membrane delivers the viral genome to the cytoplasm. Direct blockade of the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase by the selective inhibitor bafilomycin A1 (BFLA1) prevented the infection of cells by SFV, if the compound was present during the first minutes of infection. Attachment and penetration of virus particles were not the targets of the antibiotic. BFLA1 and the ionophore monensin potently blocked SFV infection even at low pH, indicating that acidic pH is not sufficient for SFV to deliver its genome to the cytoplasm, but the proper functioning of the H(+)-ATPase pump is necessary. Other enveloped RNA-containing viruses, such as vesicular stomatitis virus or influenza virus were also blocked by BFLA1, whereas no effect was observed with Sendai virus, which enters into cells by direct fusion with the plasma membrane. Enveloped DNA-containing viruses, such as herpes-viruses and vaccinia virus, infected the cells even when the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase was inhibited by BFLA1; similar behaviour was observed with poliovirus and adenovirus. Animal virus particles promote the internalization of proteins and other macromolecules during entry. BFLA1 blocked co-entry of the toxin alpha-sarcin when induced by SFV, but not when induced by Sendai virus. The inhibition of the enzyme responsible for acidification of endosomes by means of the potent inhibitor BFLA1 constitutes a selective and powerful tool to analyse the low-pH dependent mechanism(s) during virus entry and will aid in understanding the mechanisms and routes of entry of animal viruses into cells.

Cathepsin D is involved in the regulation of transglutaminase 1 and epidermal differentiation

We previously demonstrated that the aspartate protease cathepsin D is activated by ceramide derived from acid sphingomyelinase. Increased expression of cathepsin D in the skin has been reported in wound healing, psoriasis and skin tumors. We explored specific functions of cathepsin D during epidermal differentiation. Protein expression and enzymatic activity of cathepsin D increased in differentiated keratinocytes in both stratified organotypic cultures and in mouse skin during epidermal barrier repair. Treatment of cultured keratinocytes with exogenous cathepsin D increased the activity of transglutaminase 1, known to cross-link the cornified envelope proteins involucrin and loricrin during epidermal differentiation. Inhibition of cathepsin D by pepstatin A suppressed the activity of transglutaminase 1. Cathepsin D-deficient mice revealed reduced transglutaminase 1 activity and reduced protein levels of the cornified envelope proteins involucrin and loricrin. Also, amount and distribution of cornified envelope proteins involucrin, loricrin, filaggrin, and of the keratins K1 and K5 were significantly altered in cathepsin D-deficient mice. Stratum corneum morphology in cathepsin D-deficient mice was impaired, with increased numbers of corneocyte layers and faint staining of the cornified envelope only, which is similar to the human skin disease lamellar ichthyosis. Our findings suggest a functional link between cathepsin D activation, transglutaminase 1 activity and protein expression of cornified envelope proteins during epidermal differentiation.

Receptor-mediated uptake of 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine by cultured fibroblasts

Using video intensification fluorescence microscopy and tetramethylrhodamine (Rho)-labeled 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3), we studied the uptake of T3 by cultured mouse fibroblasts. After incubation of cells with Rho-T3 for 30 min at 37 degrees C the fluorescent hormone was concentrated in many small bright accumulations. With a 1000-fold excess of unlabeled T3, only weak background fluorescence was seen. Furthermore, when cells were incubated with Rho or Rho-thyronine only background fluorescence was detected. These results indicate that the cellular uptake of Rho-T3 occurred through a T3-specific receptor-mediated process. Most of these accumulations underwent saltatory motion in living cells, indicating that the T3 was contained within endocytic vesicles. When cultured cells were incubated with Rho-T3 for 60 min at 4 degrees C, only diffuse fluorescence was observed, Rho-T3 became concentrated in vesicles upon warming of the cells to either 23 degrees C or 37 degrees C. Simultaneous incubation of cells with fluorescein-labeled alpha 2-macroglobulin and Rho-T3 showed that Rho-T3 was internalized in the same vesicles as alpha 2-macroglobulin. Furthermore, as previously reported for alpha 2-macroglobulin in the presence of methylamine, dansylcadaverine, or bacitracin, clustering and internalization were inhibited but the overall fluorescence intensity of the cells did not appear to be affected. Because it has been previously shown that receptor-mediated endocytosis of alpha 2-macroglobulin occurs through clustering of ligands in coated pits on the cell surface, these results indicate that Rho-T3 follows the same pathway. Thus it has now been demonstrated that a low-molecular weight hormone enters cells by this pathway.

Uptake and intracellular survival of Bordetella pertussis in human macrophages

Recent reports have demonstrated that Bordetella pertussis has invasive behavior in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we investigated the ability of a virulent strain, avirulent mutants, and mutants deficient in specific virulence factors to enter and survive intracellularly in human macrophages in vitro. Uptake of virulent B. pertussis was dose dependent and occurred in the absence of serum or specific antibody, with entry occurring via a microfilament-dependent phagocytic process. The virulent wild-type parental strain was internalized and persisted intracellularly over the 3 days of experiments, as determined by transmission electron microscopy and by recovery of viable plate counts. This is the first report of long-term survival of B. pertussis in human macrophages. Avirulent mutants entered macrophages, but at only an average of 1.5% of virulent parental levels, and did not survive intracellularly. Mutants which did not express adenylate cyclase toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, or pertussis toxin had decreased abilities to enter and to survive inside macrophages. The results suggest that the internalization process, as well as intracellular survival, is virulence dependent and that mutations which inactivate expression of virulence factors may affect both. The ability of B. pertussis to enter and persist inside macrophages may be important not only for survival of the bacteria but also in the pathogenesis of whooping cough.

Entry of poliovirus into cells does not require a low-pH step

The requirement of a low-pH step during poliovirus entry was investigated by using the macrolide antibiotic bafilomycin A1, which is a powerful and selective inhibitor of the vacuolar proton-ATPases. Thus, viruses such as Semliki Forest virus and vesicular stomatitis virus that enter cells through endosomes and need their acidification, are potently inhibited by bafilomycin A1, whereas poliovirus infection is not affected by the antibiotic. The presence of lysosomotropic agents such as chloroquine, amantadine, dansylcadaverine, and monensin during poliovirus entry did not inhibit infection, further supporting the idea that poliovirus does not depend on a low-pH step to enter the cytoplasm. The effect of bafilomycin A1 on other members of the Picornaviridae family was also assayed. Encephalomyocarditis virus entry into HeLa cells was not affected by the macrolide antibiotic, whereas rhinovirus was sensitive. Coentry of toxins, such as alpha-sarcin, with viral particles was potently inhibited by bafilomycin A1, indicating that an active vacuolar proton-ATPase is necessary for the early membrane permeabilization (coentry of alpha-sarcin) induced by poliovirus to take place.