Activity Of Plasma Membrane Research Articles

Purification and Characterization of Fet3 Protein, a Yeast Homologue of Ceruloplasmin

The FET3 gene product of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an essential component of the high affinity iron transport system. Based on FET3 sequence homology to the multicopper oxidase family and iron oxidation studies in spheroplasts (De Silva, D. M., Askwith, C. C., Eide, D., and Kaplan, J. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 1098-1101), it was hypothesized that the Fet3 protein (Fet3p) was a cell surface ferroxidase. To further characterize the protein, we have isolated Fet3p from yeast membranes and purified the protein to apparent homogeneity. Consistent with its localization at the plasma membrane, Fet3p is a glycosylated protein. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed that the protein was present in two differentially glycosylated forms of approximately 120 and 100 kDa. Purified Fet3p is a copper-containing protein that is able to catalyze the oxidation of a variety of organic compounds in addition to ferrous iron. Azide and metal chelators strongly inhibited enzyme activity. Iron appeared to be the best substrate for the enzyme, and the apparent Km for ferrous oxidation was 2 microM. Interestingly, Fet3p was able to effectively catalyze the incorporation of iron onto apotransferrin. We conclude that Fet3p is a ferro-O2-oxidoreductase in yeast, homologous to the human plasma protein ceruloplasmin.

Ribonucleotide reductase R2 component is a novel malignancy determinant that cooperates with activated oncogenes to determine transformation and malignant potential.

Ribonucleotide reductase is a highly regulated cell cycle-controlled activity that is essential for DNA synthesis and repair. A retroviral vector for the R2 component of mammalian ribonucleotide reductase, the rate-limiting protein for enzyme activity and DNA synthesis in proliferating cells, was constructed and introduced into mammalian cells. Expression of Myc epitope-tagged R2 protein in benign BALB/c 3T3 and NIH 3T3 cells leads to a greatly increased frequency of focus formation in cooperation with H-ras transformation. Four lines of H-ras-transformed mouse 10T1/2 fibroblasts showed increased growth efficiency in soft agar after infection with the recombinant R2 expression virus vector. Furthermore, cells with altered R2 expression also exhibited significantly reduced subcutaneous tumor latency and increased tumor growth rates in syngeneic mice, and showed markedly elevated metastatic potential in lung metastasis assays. The results indicate that altered R2 gene expression cooperates with ras in mechanisms of malignant progression. A major Ras pathway involves the Raf-1 protein, which is recruited to the plasma membrane for activation. We show that recombinant R2 expression leads to significant increases in membrane-associated Raf-1 protein and mitogenactivating protein kinase-2 activity suggesting a mechanism for the observed Ras/R2 synergism. In support of this finding, we observed that activated Rac-1, which operates parallel to Raf-1 and cooperates with Raf-1 in Ras activated pathways, also cooperates with R2 in cellular transformation. These studies demonstrate that the R2 protein can participate in other critical cellular functions in addition to ribonucleotide reduction, and that deregulated R2 is a novel tumor progressor determinant that cooperates in oncogene-mediated mechanisms, which control malignant potential.

Effects of salt stress on root plasma membrane characteristics of salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive buffalograss clones

To test the hypothesis that differences in plasma membrane chemical characters exist between a salt-tolerant and a salt-sensitive buffalograss clone, plasma membrane H +-ATPase activity, membrane phospholipid composition, and corresponding fatty acyl chains were studied for root plasma membrane of two buffalograss ( Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.)) clones. Salt stress caused greater reductions of plasma membrane H +-ATPase activity and total plasma membrane protein concentration in the salt-sensitive buffalograss clone than in the salt-tolerant clone. Salt stress also reduced the amount of plasma membrane phospholipid per gram fresh weight. Fatty acyl chains derived from five phospholipids including phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl glycerol (PG), phosphatidyl choline (PC), phosphatidyl serine (PS) and phosphatidyl inositol (PI) were determined. Salt stress caused a greater reduction, especially of the strong anionic phospholipids (PS and PI), in the salt-sensitive clone than in the salt-tolerant clone. Under conditions without salt stress, the unsaturated fatty acids including C14:1, C18:1 and C18:3 found in the salt-tolerant clone were not detected in the salt-sensitive clone. A double bond index (DBI) (number of double bonds per mole) was used to measure the degree of unsaturation of fatty acids. Under conditions without salt stress, the salt tolerant clone had a DBI of 0.23. Salt stress caused a greater increase of DBI in the salt-tolerant clone than in the salt-sensitive one. The present study documented a difference in salt stress response at the plasma membrane lipid metabolism level between salt tolerant and salt-sensitive buffalograss clones. These plasma membrane chemical characteristics may be at least partially responsible for the salt-tolerance in this species.

Plasma membrane Ca 2+ pumping plays a prominent role in adenosine A 1 receptor mediated changes in [Ca 2+] i in DDT 1 MF-2 cells

Adenosine A 1 receptor mediated formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P 3) and accumulation of cytoplasmic Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+] i) were investigated in DDT 1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells. A strong reduction of the adenosine and N 6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) induced rise in [Ca 2+] i was observed after blocking Ca 2+ entry across the plasma membrane with LaCl 3. This effect of LaCl 3 was not observed in the absence of extracellular Ca 2+; it was not caused by reduced Ins(1,4,5)P 3 formation or changed Ins(1,4,5)P 3 induced Ca 2+ release, or influenced by temperature. The inhibition of the CPA induced increase in [Ca 2+] i by LaCl 3 was strongly counteracted in the presence of ortho-vanadate, an inhibitor of plasma membrane Ca 2+ ATPase. Ortho-vanadate might also reduce protein tyrosine-phosphate phosphatase activity involved in tyrosine kinase mediated phospholipase C (PLC) activation. However, ortho-vanadate and tyrphostin 25, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, did not affect the CPA induced formation of Ins(1,4,5)P 3. Taken together, these results show a strong contribution of Ca 2+ pumping across the plasma membrane to the regulation of [Ca 2+] i mediated by adenosine A 1 receptors. Na + Ca 2+ exchange only played a minor role in the initial phase of CPA induced Ca 2+ metabolism as measured in low Na + containing solution. The mechanism by which adenosine A 1 receptors activate plasma membrane Ca 2+ ATPase pumps does not include direct stimulation of pumps, but most likely involves an indirect pathway activated by a rapid increase in [Ca 2+] i.

Use of cysteine replacements and chemical modification to alter XIP, the autoinhibitory region of the Na-Ca exchanger. Inhibition of the activated plasma membrane Ca pump.

Use of cysteine replacements and chemical modification to alter XIP, the autoinhibitory region of the Na-Ca exchanger. Inhibition of the activated plasma membrane Ca pump.

A New Turgor/Membrane Potential Probe Simultaneously Measures Turgor and Electrical Membrane Potential

Abstract: A new combined turgor/membrane potential probe (T‐EP probe) monitored cell turgor and membrane potential simultaneously in single giant cells. The new probe consisted of a silicone oil‐filled micropipette (oil‐microelectrode), which conducted electric current. Measurements of turgor and hydraulic conductivity were performed as with the conventional cell pressure probe besides the membrane potential. In internodal cells of Chara corallina, steady state turgor (0.5‐0.7 MPa) and resting potentials (‐200 to −220 mV) in APW, and hydraulic conductivity (0.07 to 0.21 × 10∼5 m s−1 MPa−1) were measured with the new probe, and cells exhibited healthy cytoplasmic streaming for at least 24 h during measurements. When internodal cells of Chara corallina were treated with 30, 20, 10, and 5 mM KCI, turgor responded immediately to all concentrations, and the osmotic changes in the medium were measured. Action potentials, which brought the membrane potential to a steady depolarization that measured the concentration difference of K+ in the medium, were induced in a concentration — dependent delay and occurred only 30, 20, and 10 mM of KCl. When the solution was changed back to APW, the repolarization of membrane potential consisted of a quick and a following slow phase. During the quick phase, which took place immediately and lasted 1 to 3 min, the plasma membrane remained activated. The membrane was gradually deactivated in the slow phase, and entirely deactivated when the membrane potential recovered to the resting potential in APW. Although the activated plasma membrane was permeable to K+, no major ion channels were activated on the tonoplast, and therefore, internodal cells of Chara corallina did not regulate turgor when osmotic potential changed in the surrounding medium.

Ras recruits Raf-1 to the plasma membrane for activation by tyrosine phosphorylation.

A central feature of signal transduction downstream of both receptor and oncogenic tyrosine kinases is the Ras-dependent activation of a protein kinase cascade consisting of Raf-1, Mek (MAP kinase kinase) and ERKs (MAP kinases). To study the role of tyrosine kinase activity in the activation of Raf-1, we have examined the properties of p74Raf-1 and oncogenic Src that are necessary for activation of p74Raf-1. We show that in mammalian cells activation of p74Raf-1 by oncogenic Src requires pp60Src to be myristoylated and the ability of p74Raf-1 to interact with p21Ras-GTP. The Ras/Raf interaction is required for p21Ras-GTP to bring p74Raf-1 to the plasma membrane for phosphorylation at tyrosine 340 or 341, probably by membrane-bound pp60Src. When oncogenic Src is expressed with Raf-1, p74Raf-1 is activated 5-fold; however, when co-expressed with oncogenic Ras and Src, Raf-1 is activated 25-fold and this is associated with a further 3-fold increase in tyrosine phosphorylation. Thus, p21Ras-GTP is the limiting component in bringing p74Raf-1 to the plasma membrane for tyrosine phosphorylation. Using mutants of Raf-1 at Tyr340/341, we show that in addition to tyrosine phosphorylation at these sites, there is an additional activation step resulting from p21Ras-GTP recruiting p74Raf-1 to the plasma membrane. Thus, the role of Ras in Raf-1 activation is to bring p74Raf-1 to the plasma membrane for at least two different activation steps.

Platelet-activating factor mediated potentiation of stimulation-evoked catecholamine release and the rise in intracellular free Ca 2+ concentration in adrenal chromaffin cells

The effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on catecholamine (CA) release and intracellular free Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+] i) were studied in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. PAF (1 nM−1 μM) alone had no effect on [Ca 2+]i and basal CA release, but potentiated the [Ca 2+]i rise and CA release evoked by acetylcholine (ACh) and by elevated extracellular K+. PAF did not potentiate the responses to caffeine in Ca 2+-deficient medium or to Bay K 8644. In chromaffin cells pretreated with either BN 50739, tetrodotoxin and amiloride or in Na+-deficient medium, PAF failed to potentiate the stimulation-evoked [Ca 2+]i rise and CA release. In contrast, neomycin, U 73122, 5-( N-ethyl- N-isopropyl)amiloride or pertussis toxin were ineffective in blocking the potentiating effect of PAF. In a membrane fraction prepared from fresh bovine adrenal medulla, ligand-binding studies using [3H]WEB 2086 identified a PAF-displaceable binding site. These results are consistent with a model in which PAF modulates CA release by activating plasma membrane receptors that can enhance the [Ca 2+]i rise via an Na +-dependent mechanism.

Ca2+]i inhibition of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ influx underlies agonist- and thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations in salivary acinar cells.

Inhibition of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases by thapsigargin elicits [Ca2+]i oscillations in rat salivary gland (parotid) acinar cells which are similar to those activated by agonists but are nevertheless independent of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) or IP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores (Foskett, J. K., Roifman, C. M., and Wong, D. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 2778-2782). Neither bafilomycin alone or together with monensin or chloroquine inhibited thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations, ruling out the involvement of vacuolar-type proton pumps or organellar acidity in the mechanisms underlying them. Acute inhibition of plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase by 1 mM La3+ inhibited the decline of [Ca2+]i during the falling phase of the oscillation. Acute inhibition of plasma membrane Ca2+ influx by removal of extracellular Ca2+, membrane depolarization, or inorganic channel blockers immediately abolished oscillations, even when applied during the [Ca2+]i rising phase of the cycle. Ca2+ influx rate oscillated during [Ca2+]i oscillations, varying 1.5-13-fold during a cycle. Modification of the rate of Ca2+ influx, by titrating the extent of depletion of IP3-sensitive stores or manipulating extracellular [Ca2+], indicated that oscillations depended on a high rate of Ca2+ influx. In thapsigargin- or carbachol-treated cells which did not exhibit a sustained [Ca2+]i rise or [Ca2+]i oscillations, inhibition of Ca2+ influx activated plasma membrane Ca2+ permeability. Thus, agonist- and thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations in parotid acinar cells appear to be generated by plasma membrane-based mechanisms which involve periodic inactivation by [Ca2+]i of the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ influx pathway.

Role of Extracellular ATP in Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity: A Study with ATP-Sensitive and ATP-Resistant Macrophages

It has been proposed that extracellular ATP (ATPo) may function as a cytotoxic molecule in Ca21-independent cell-mediated lysis by activating plasma membrane P2 purinergic receptors. In the present study the involvement of the P2z purinergic receptor in ATPo as well as cell-mediated lysis was investigated by using the J774 mouse macrophage cell line, which expresses this receptor, and a panel of J774-derived mutant cell clones selected for the lack of P2z receptor activity. We confirmed that the P2z receptor in J774 is associated with ATPo-induced colloido-osmotic lysis but not with apoptosis. Furthermore, we observed that the lack or the inhibition of the P2z purinergic receptor does not affect lytic activity mediated by different types of cytotoxic cell populations. These results on the whole indicate that the P2z receptor is involved in cell membrane damage induced by ATPo but not in cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Insulin and IGF-1 signaling in oocyte maturation.

Xenopus laevis oocytes possess insulin and/or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptors and respond to respective hormones by increasing glucose transport and progressing from the G2 to M phase of the cell cycle (maturation). While molecular transduction mechanisms involving mitogen-activating kinases and cyclin-dependent kinases begin to be elucidated, missing links remain between the initial receptor tyrosine phosphorylation events and downstream signaling. The discovery that phosphotyrosines produced by receptor autophosphorylation or during substrate phosphorylation serve as an anchor for src homology 2 domains of several signaling proteins had a major impact on understanding how cytoplasmic enzymes are recruited at the level of the plasma membrane for subsequent activation.

Functional expression and photoaffinity labeling of a cloned P2U purinergic receptor.

ATP and UTP can function as extracellular signaling molecules by activating plasma membrane receptors termed P2 purinergic receptors. In the present study a P2U receptor cDNA has been expressed in K-562 human leukemia cells, one of the few available mammalian cell lines that lacks an endogenous P2U receptor. In stably transfected cells, low micromolar concentrations of ATP or UTP activated the receptor, resulting in the mobilization of intracellular calcium but not the influx of extracellular calcium. A photoaffinity agonist of the P2U receptor, 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine 5'-[alpha-32P]triphosphate ([alpha-32P]BzATP), photolabeled several proteins in plasma membranes from the stable transfectant or from untransfected K-562 cells. The photolabeling of a 53-kDa protein was significantly greater in plasma membranes from the stable transfectant than from untransfected cells. A mutant receptor containing six consecutive histidine residues at its carboxyl terminus was constructed and used to verify that this 53-kDa protein was the P2U receptor. In plasma membranes from cells expressing the histidine-tagged P2U receptor, but not from cells expressing the wild-type receptor, a single [alpha-32P]BzATP-labeled protein with a molecular mass of 53 kDa was retained on a Ni(2+)-charged Sepharose column, which binds many proteins containing a polyhistidine tag. Photolabeling of the 53-kDa protein by [alpha-32P]BzATP was inhibited by ATP but not by UTP, raising the possibility that the P2U receptor may have distinct binding sites for each nucleotide.

Receptor-activated currents in mouse fibroblasts expressing transfected bombesin receptor subtype cDNAs

BALB/c 3T3 cells do not normally express receptors for bombesin-like peptides [bombesin (Bn), gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), and neuromedin B (NmB)]. Transfection of BALB/c 3T3 cells with complementary DNA-encoding GRP receptors or NmB receptors leads to stable expression of functional GRP receptors (GRP Rt) or NmB receptors (NmB Rt), respectively, which are coupled to cell membrane ion channels. Whole cell current analysis using patch electrodes shows that the activation of these newly expressed receptors induces cation conductance increases, most frequently a Ca(2+)-activated plasma membrane K+ conductance. The dose-response (peak-current) relations of both transfected receptor subtypes were sigmoidal and exhibited threshold activation concentration in the picomole range and the saturation of responses to higher concentrations than 10(-8) M. The GRP Rt responded about equally to GRP, NmB, and Bn when compared at equimolar levels, despite their known difference in binding affinity for the three peptides (GRP, Bn > NmB). In contrast, for the NmB Rt, the NmB was more potent than GRP or Bn. Among four GRP/Bn-receptor antagonists tested, the [D-Phe6]Bn(6-13) ethyl ester suppressed GRP Rt responses at low concentrations (10(-7) M). N-acetyl-GRP-(20-26) amide, [Leu13-psi(CH2NH)-Leu14]Bn, and [D-Arg1,D-Phe5,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]substance P also blocked GRP Rt responses but at higher concentrations (10(-5) M). However, at these concentrations, these four antagonists had little effect on NmB Rt responses, thereby showing a specificity of these antagonists for the GRP receptors.

A GTP-dependent step in the activation mechanism of capacitative calcium influx.

Calcium influx in electrically non-excitable cells is regulated by the filling state of intracellular calcium stores. Depletion of stores activates plasma membrane channels that are voltage-independent and highly selective for Ca2+ ions. We report here that the activation of plasma membrane Ca2+ currents induced by depletion of Ca2+ stores requires a diffusible cytosolic factor that washes out with time when dialyzing cells in the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. The activation of calcium release-activated calcium current (ICRAC) by ionomycin- or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced store depletion is blocked by guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) and guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate, non-hydrolyzable analogs of GTP, suggesting the involvement of a GTP-binding protein. The inhibition by GTP gamma S occurs at a step prior to the activation of ICRAC and is prevented by the addition of GTP. We conclude that the activation mechanism of depletion-induced Ca2+ influx encompasses a GTP-dependent step, possibly involving an as yet unidentified small GTP-binding protein.

Influence of oral treatment with ursodeoxycholic and tauroursodeoxycholic acids on estrogen‐induced cholestasis in rats: effects on bile formation and liver plasma membranes

In this study, we examined whether ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC) and its taurine conjugate, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDC), given per os, can prevent the cholestasis induced in rats by 17-alpha-ethynyl estradiol (EE) and whether this protection is mediated by choleretic activity or altered plasma membrane composition. EE (5 mg/kg body weight/day for 5 days) markedly reduced bile flow and bile salt secretion without significantly affecting plasma membrane composition and function. Treatment with UDC or TUDC (100, 150 or 200 (TUDC only) mumol/100 g body weight/day for 5 days) did not significantly modify bile flow, but the bile salt secretion rate increased in a dose-dependent manner. UDC was the main biliary bile acid secreted in groups given higher doses of UDC or TUDC. At these dose levels, bile acid treatment did not affect plasma membrane fluidity as assessed by fluorescence anisotropy, the cholesterol/phospholipid molar ratio as well as Na+K(+)- and Mg(++)-ATPase activities. The highest dose of UDC and TUDC prevented the reduction of both bile flow and bile salt secretion induced by EE, re-establishing these parameters to the values of the corresponding control for the UDC group. In conclusion, UDC and TUDC, given per os, improve EE-induced cholestasis, an effect that cannot be attributed to choleretic activity or altered plasma membrane composition.

Flash photolysis of caged inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate activates plasma membrane calcium current in human T cells.

Sustained elevation of intracellular Ca2+ by cell surface receptors is often dependent on influx of Ca2+ across the plasma membrane through routes not involving voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. We demonstrate that intracellular release of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3), either from stimulation of transfected human muscarinic receptors or from photolytic release of caged InsP3, activates whole cell Ca2+ current in the Jurkat T cell line. Whole cell voltage clamp recordings indicate that the current is carried by a Ca(2+)-selective channel that resembles T-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in relative conductance of different cation species. Elevation of internal Ca2+ inactivates the channel, whereas internal perfusion with inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (InsP4) does not affect it. Photolytic release of caged 1-(alpha-glycerophosphoryl)-inositol 4,5-bisphosphate, an analog of InsP3 which activates InsP3 receptors but is not readily metabolized to InsP4, also activates the current. We conclude that generation of InsP3 is sufficient to activate Ca(2+)-selective channels in the plasma membrane of T cells. InsP3 may have its effect indirectly through depletion of Ca2+ stores, or directly with a plasma membrane-associated InsP3 receptor.

Polyclonal IgG Anti-dsDNA Antibodies Exert Cytotoxic EfFect on Cultured Rat Mesangial Cells by Binding to Cell Membrane and Augmenting Apoptosis

IgG anti-double stranded DNA antibodies (anti-dsDNA) purified from serum of patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), have been found to be cytotoxic to the cultured rat mesangial cells (MC). In the present study, by use of immunofluorescent staining, immunoblotting, radioimmunoprecipitation, and cell cycle analysis, we showed that IgG anti-dsDNA could bind to the membrane of MC. The bound epitope was a 28 kDa protein, which would disappear if the cells were treated in advance with proteinase K (100 micrograms/ml). In addition, binding of MC by 20 micrograms/ml of anti-dsDNA IgG F(ab')2 activated plasma membrane (equivalent to 80 IU/ml of calf thymus double-stranded DNA binding activity) resulted in release of much more 3H-arachidonic acid than binding by 20 micrograms/ml of human IgG F(ab')2 (26.71 +/- 3.75% in the case of anti-dsDNA vs. 4.73 +/- 2.86% in the case of IgG). To understand further the cytotoxic mechanism of anti-dsDNA, we incubated MC with anti-dsDNA, for a variety of periods (from 10 minutes to 24 hours). After incubation, the cells were fixed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for morphologic observation. Simultaneously, the genomic DNA was extracted and analyzed in 1.8% agarose gel electrophoresis. We found that cell death caused anti-dsDNA followed a process of apoptosis rather than necrosis. These results suggest that binding of anti-dsDNA with MC membrane may activate endonuclease which will fracture the DNA and lead to programmed cell death.

Purification to homogeneity and characterization of a 1,3-β-glucan (callose) synthase from germinating Arachis hypogaea cotyledons

A 1,3-β- d-glucan (callose) synthase (CS) from a plasma membrane fraction of germinating peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) cotyledons has been purified to apparent homogeneity as evidenced by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), aminoterminal analysis, and the Western blots pattern. The purification protocol involved preparation of a high specific activity plasma membrane fraction, selective solubilization of the enzyme from the membrane with 0.5% digitonin at a protein-to-detergent ratio of 1:6, sucrose gradient centrifugation, and chromatography on hydroxylapatite and DEAE-Sephadex A-50. The purified CS shows a molecular mass of approximately 48,000 by SDS-PAGE, pH optimum of 7.4, leucine as the aminoterminal residue, K m for UDP-glucose of 0.67 m m, and V max of 6.25 μmol/min/mg protein. The enzyme is specific for UDP-glucose as the glucosyl donor and required Ca 2+, at an optimum concentration of 2–5 m m, for activity. The enzyme activity was inhibited by nucleotides (ATP, GTP, CTP, UTP, UDP, and UMP). The enzyme activity was also inhibited by the addition of EDTA or EGTA to the enzyme, but this inhibition was fully reversible by the addition of Ca 2+. The reaction product formed during incubation of UDP-[ 14C]glucose and cellobiose with purified enzymes was susceptible to digestion by exo-(1,3)-β-glucanase, but was resistant to α- and β-amylases and to periodate oxidation, indicating that the polymer formed was 1,3-β-glucan, and β-1,4 and β-1,6 linkages were absent.

Oscillations: a key event in transformed renal epithelial cells.

Intracellular pH (pHi) plays a critical role in the entry of cells into the DNA-synthesis phase of the cell cycle. Alterations in pHi may contribute to abnormal proliferative responses such as those seen in tumorigenic cells. We observed that alkaline stress leads to genomic transformation of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Transformed cells (F cells) form "foci" in culture, lack contact inhibition, and are able to migrate, typical characteristics of dedifferentiated tumorigenic cells. F cells exhibit spontaneous biorhythmicity. Rhythmic transmembrane Ca2+ flux activates plasma membrane K+ channels and Na+/H+ exchange. This leads to periodic changes of membrane voltage and pHi at about one cycle per minute. We conclude that endogenous oscillatory activity could be a trigger mechanism for DNA synthesis, proliferation, and abnormal growth of renal epithelial cells in culture.

Epidermal growth factor disrupts gap-junctional communication and induces phosphorylation of connexin43 on serine.

Growth factors regulate cellular proliferation and differentiation by activating plasma membrane tyrosine kinase receptors and triggering a cascade of events mediated by intracellular signaling proteins. The mechanism underlying growth factor modification of cellular functions, such as gap-junctional communication (gjc), has not been established clearly. Addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to T51B rat liver epithelial cells resulted in the rapid activation of EGF receptor tyrosine kinase activity followed by a transient dose-dependent disruption of gjc. This change did not result from the gross disturbance of membrane gap junction plaques as measured by immunofluorescence microscopy, but instead correlated with markedly elevated phosphorylation of the connexin43 (cx43) gap junction protein, a profound shift to predominantly phosphorylated forms of cx43, and the appearance of a novel phosphorylated cx43 protein. These changes in cx43 phosphorylation involved only serine residues. On restoration of gjc, these alterations in cx43 phosphorylation reverted to the pre-EGF treatment state. Both events were inhibited by the serine/threonine protein phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid. Therefore, unlike the case for pp60v-src, EGF-induced disruption of gjc is not associated with tyrosine phosphorylation of cx43, but instead may result from phosphorylation of cx43 by activated intracellular signaling serine protein kinase(s).