Gluthatione S-transferase Research Articles

Isolation and immunolocalization of a putative protective antigen (p26/23) from adult Haemonchus contortus

The putative protective antigen, p26/23, from adult Haemonchus contortus was isolated. A soluble extract from adult helminths obtained from the abomasa of hyperinfected (12,000 infective larvae) female Manchego lambs and treated with a mixture of protease inhibitors was subjected to affinity chromatography (hexylgluthatione) to eliminate the enzyme gluthatione S-transferase. The eluate was analyzed by electrophoresis under denaturing and reducing conditions (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis), electrotransferred to nylon membranes, and assayed by Western blot with sera from immunized lambs. The bands recognized by the lambs' sera corresponding to proteins with a molecular weight of 23-26 kDa (p26/23) were excised, eluted, and separated by reverse-phase chromatography. This allowed the isolation of a single protein, which was expressed in both infective larvae (L3) and the adult stage of the parasite. The first 20 amino acids of the N-terminal end of the purified protein were determined. The partial amino acid sequence revealed a 100% identity with the N terminus of one of the peptides present in the p26/23 immunoprotective fraction previously tested by us against sheep haemonchosis. No significant homology with any reported sequence was found except for the deduced sequence of a hypothetic H.contortus protein (HCC00515). Immunolocalization studies showed that the protein was expressed in the hypodermic chords of the nematode.

The effect of initiating doses of benzo[ a]pyrene and 7,12-dimethylbenz[ a]anthracene on the expression of PAH activating enzymes and its modulation by plant phenols

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including benzo[ a]pyrene (B[ a]P) and 7,12-dimethylbenz[ a]anthracene (DMBA) are environmental pollutants, which undergo metabolic activation to exert their carcinogenic effects. Our earlier studies showed that naturally occurring plant phenols, protocatechuic, chlorogenic, tannic acids and resveratrol, besides inhibiting B[ a]P and DMBA binding to DNA, modulate the activity of the enzymes involved in PAHs activation. The aim of the present study was further examination of the effect of these compounds on the expression and activities of CYP1A1/1A2, CYP1B1, CYP2B, and phase 2 enzymes in female BALB/C mouse epidermis treated with an initiating dose of B[ a]P or DMBA. Application of a single 400 nmol dose of B[ a]P alone significantly (by 119–127%) increased the activities of ethoxy- (EROD) and methoxy- (MROD) resorufin dealkylases and to lesser extent penthoxyresorufin depentylase (PROD) (by 32%). Western blot analysis with CYP1A1/1A2, CYP1B1 and CYP2B-specific antibodies showed the increase of CYP1A1/1A2 and CYP2B levels in B[ a]P-treated animals. Phase 2 enzymes, gluthatione S-transferase and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) were also significantly increased. In contrast to B[ a]P, application of the initiating dose of DMBA (10 nmol) on mouse skin did not change the activities or protein levels of cytochrome P450, however increased the activities of NQO1 and GST. Pretreatment of mice with phenolic compounds one hour before B[ a]P application significantly decreased the activities of all alkoxyresorufin dealkylases in comparison with the group of mice treated only with B[ a]P. The sole exception was tannic acid which did not affect the PROD activity. This polyphenol, however, decreased the protein level of CYP1A1/1A2 and CYP1B1 isozymes enhanced by B[ a]P. All phenolics, particularly resveratrol, significantly (by 129–174%) increased the activity of NQO1 in comparison with B[ a]P-treated animals. On the other hand, pretreatment with phenolic compounds significantly diminished NQO1 activity in comparison with DMBA-treated group. These results indicate that the reduction of B[ a]P-DNA adducts observed in our earlier studies may result from the decreased B[ a]P activation by investigated plant phenols. In case of DMBA-DNA adducts, the scavenging or masking the binding sites to be occupied by DMBA reactive metabolites is more probable. Moreover, the lack of cytochrome P450 induction by the initiating dose of DMBA suggests that the constitutive expression of P450, particularly CYP1B1 is sufficient for DMBA activation and subsequent DNA adducts formation.

Predictors of response and survival for neoadjuvant treated patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma

Mainly patients with advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma who respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy show a significant survival benefit after resection. Therefore, prediction of response before treatment is desirable. The aim of this study was to assess genetic predictors of response and survival for patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma prior to neoadjuvant therapy. Thirty-two patients with advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant therapy with resection of their tumor were analyzed for thymidylate synthase (TS), excision repair cross complementing (ERCC1) and Gluthatione S-transferase (GSTP-1) mRNA levels prior to the treatment. These results were analyzed in regards of response and survival. In total, 18 patients responded to this protocol. Seventeen of those did show a gene expression level at or below the respective median of at least one gene. This had a profound impact on survival, demonstrating an increase in survival for patients who have TS, ERCC1, or GSTP-1 mRNA level at or below the median. These results demonstrate a potential predictive value of a gene expression profile available prior to therapy. These data have to be confirmed by a larger prospective trial.

Chronic ethanol intake promotes double gluthatione S‐transferase/transforming growth factor‐α‐positive hepatocellular lesions in male Wistar rats

The chronic ethanol intake influence on the gluthatione S-transferase (GST-P) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) expression in remodeling/persistent preneoplastic lesions (PNLs) was evaluated in the resistant hepatocyte model. Male Wistar rats were allocated into five groups: G1, non-treated, fed water and chow ad libitum; G2, non-treated and pair-fed chow (restricted to match that of G3 group) and a maltodextrin (MD) solution in tap water (matched ethanol-derived calories); G3, fed 5% ethanol in drinking water and chow ad libitum; G4, diethylnitrosamine (DEN, 200 mg/kg, body weight) plus 200 parts per million of 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) for 3 weeks and pair-fed chow (restricted to match that of G5 group) and an MD solution in tap water (matched ethanol-derived calories); G5, DEN/2-AAF treatment, fed ethanol 5% and chow ad libitum. All animals were subjected to 70% partial hepatectomy at week 3 and sacrificed at weeks 12 or 22, respectively. Liver samples were collected for histological analysis or immunohistochemical expression of GST-P, TGF-alpha and proliferating cell nuclear antigen or zymography for matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9. At the end of ethanol treatment, there was a significant increase in the percentage of liver area occupied by persistent GST-P-positive PNLs, the number of TGF-alpha-positive PNLs and the development of liver tumors in ethanol-fed and DEN/2-AAF-treated groups (G5 versus G4, P < 0.001). In addition, ethanol feeding led to a significant increase in cell proliferation mainly in remodeling and persistent PNLs with immunoreactivity for TGF-alpha at week 22 (P < 0.001). Gelatinase activities were not altered by ethanol treatment. The results demonstrated that ethanol enhances the selective growth of PNL with double expression of TGF-alpha and GST-P markers.

Phosphorylation of CK1δ: identification of Ser370 as the major phosphorylation site targeted by PKA in vitro and in vivo

The involvement of CK1 (casein kinase 1) delta in the regulation of multiple cellular processes implies a tight regulation of its activity on many different levels. At the protein level, reversible phosphorylation plays an important role in modulating the activity of CK1delta. In the present study, we show that PKA (cAMP-dependent protein kinase), Akt (protein kinase B), CLK2 (CDC-like kinase 2) and PKC (protein kinase C) alpha all phosphorylate CK1delta. PKA was identified as the major cellular CK1deltaCK (CK1delta C-terminal-targeted protein kinase) for the phosphorylation of CK1delta in vitro and in vivo. This was implied by the following evidence: PKA was detectable in the CK1deltaCK peak fraction of fractionated MiaPaCa-2 cell extracts, PKA shared nearly identical kinetic properties with those of CK1deltaCK, and both PKA and CK1deltaCK phosphorylated CK1delta at Ser370 in vitro. Furthermore, phosphorylation of CK1delta by PKA decreased substrate phosphorylation of CK1delta in vitro. Mutation of Ser370 to alanine increased the phosphorylation affinity of CK1delta for beta-casein and the GST (gluthatione S-transferase)-p53 1-64 fusion protein in vitro and enhanced the formation of an ectopic dorsal axis during Xenopus laevis development. Anchoring of PKA and CK1delta to centrosomes was mediated by AKAP (A-kinase-anchoring protein) 450. Interestingly, pre-incubation of MiaPaCa-2 cells with the synthetic peptide St-Ht31, which prevents binding between AKAP450 and the regulatory subunit RII of PKA, resulted in a 6-fold increase in the activity of CK1delta. In summary, we conclude that PKA phosphorylates CK1delta, predominantly at Ser370 in vitro and in vivo, and that site-specific phosphorylation of CK1delta by PKA plays an important role in modulating CK1delta-dependent processes.

Evidence for oxylipin synthesis and induction of a new polyunsaturated fatty acid hydroxylase activity in Chondrus crispus in response to methyljasmonate

Signaling cascades involving oxygenated derivatives (oxylipins) of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are known to operate in response to external stimuli. The marine red alga Chondrus crispus uses both oxygenated derivatives of C18 (octadecanoids) and C20 (eicosanoids) PUFAs as developmental or defense hormones. The present study demonstrates that methyljasmonate (MeJA) triggers a cascade of oxidation of PUFAs leading to the synthesis of prostaglandins and other oxygenated fatty acids. As a result of a lipoxygenase-like activation, MeJA induces a concomitant accumulation of 13-hydroxy-9 Z,11 E-octadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) and 13-oxo-9 Z,11 E-octadecadienoic acid (13-oxo-ODE) in a dose-dependent manner in C. crispus. Furthermore, MeJA increases the level of mRNA encoding a gluthatione S-transferase and induces the activity of a new enzyme catalyzing the regio- and stereoselective bisallylic hydroxylation of polyunsaturated fatty acids from C 18 to C 22. The enzyme selectively oxidized the omega minus 7 carbon position (ω-7) and generated the stereoselective ( R)-hydroxylated metabolites with a large enantiomeric excess. The enzyme specificity for the fatty acid recognition was not dependent of the position of double bonds but at least requires a methylene interrupted double bond 1,4-pentadiene motif involving the ω-7 carbon.

Membrane Potential-regulated Transcription of the Resting K+ Conductance TASK-3 via the Calcineurin Pathway

The 2P domain K(+) channel TASK-3 is highly expressed in cerebellar granule neurons where it has been proposed to underlie the K(+) leak conductance, IKso. In a previous work we showed that expression of TASK-3 increases in cerebellar granule neurons as they mature in culture. Here we show that within the cerebellum, levels of TASK-3 mRNA increase as granule neurons migrate to their adult positions and receive excitatory mossy fiber input. To understand the mechanism of this increase in TASK-3 expression we used an in vitro model culturing the neurons in either depolarizing conditions mimicking neuronal activity (25K, 25 mm KCl) or in conditions which approach deafferentation (5K, 5 mm KCl). An important increase in TASK-3 mRNA is uniquely observed in 25K and is specific since other background K(+) channel levels remain unchanged or decrease. The rise in TASK-3 mRNA leads to an increase in TASK-3 protein and the IKso conductance resulting in hyperpolarization. Blocking L-type calcium channels or their downstream effector calcineurin, abrogates TASK-3 expression and IKso, leading to hyperexcitability. This is the first study demonstrating that depolarization-induced Ca(2+) entry can directly regulate cellular excitability by dynamically regulating the transcription of a resting K(+) conductance. The appearance of this conductance may play an important role in the transition of depolarized immature neurons to their mature hyperpolarized state during neuronal development.

Characterization of Flavonoid 7-O-Glucosyltransferase fromArabidopsis thaliana

Most flavonoids found in plants exist as glycosides, and glycosylation status has a wide range of effects on flavonoid solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Glycosylation of flavonoids is mediated by Family 1 glycosyltransferases (UGTs), which use UDP-sugars, such as UDP-glucose, as the glycosyl donor. AtGT-2, a UGT from Arabidopsis thaliana, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli as a gluthatione S-transferase fusion protein. Several compounds, including flavonoids, were tested as potential substrates. HPLC analysis of the reaction products indicated that AtGT-2 transfers a glucose molecule into several different kinds of flavonoids, eriodictyol being the most effective substrate, followed by luteolin, kaempferol, and quercetin. Based on comparison of HPLC retention times with authentic flavonoid 7-O-glucosides and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the glycosylation position in the reacted flavonoids was determined to be the C-7 hydroxyl group. These results indicate that AtGT-2 encodes a flavonoid 7-O-glucosyltransferase.

Stillbirth and slow metabolizers of caffeine: comparison by genotypes

Cytochrome P4501A2 (CYP1A2) and N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) are key enzymes in the metabolism of caffeine. The polymorphism of these genes facilitates the detection of fast and slow metabolizers, and if caffeine is causally related to stillbirth, we expect slow metabolizers to have a higher risk of stillbirth at any given intake of caffeine. Gluthatione S-transferase alpha1 (GSTA1) may also be active in the metabolism of caffeine as it conjugates glutathione to aromatic amines. Our study, therefore, included analyses of the association between GSTA1 and stillbirth. A nested case non-case study among women who participated in the Danish National Birth Cohort: 142 cases of singleton stillbirths and 157 controls of singleton live births. Slow oxidizer status (CYP1A2), slow acetylator status (NAT2), and low activity of GSTA1 were not individually associated with the risk of stillbirth [odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.67-1.67, OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.60-1.51, and OR = 1.42, 95% CI 0.88-2.28, respectively]. We did, however, observe that subjects with a combination of slow CYP1A2, slow NAT2, and low GSTA1 genes had almost a 2-fold risk of stillbirth compared with subjects with other combinations of genotypes. We found no link between any single genotype and the risk of stillbirth. An association between a combination of genotypes and stillbirth was discovered. Caffeine may be causally related to stillbirth, but larger studies using Mendelian randomization are needed to verify this.

Fe65 Interacts with P2X2 Subunits at Excitatory Synapses and Modulates Receptor Function

Ionotropic receptors in the neuronal plasma membrane are organized in macromolecular complexes, which assure their proper localization and regulate signal transduction. P2X receptors, the ionotropic receptors activated by extracellular ATP, have been shown to influence synaptic transmission. Using a yeast two-hybrid approach with the P2X(2) subunit C-terminal domain as bait we isolated the beta-amyloid precursor protein-binding proteins Fe65 and Fe65-like 1 as the first identified proteins interacting with neuronal P2X receptors. We confirmed the direct interaction of Fe65 and the P2X(2) C-terminal domain by glutathione S-transferase pull-down experiments. No interaction was observed between Fe65 and the naturally occurring P2X(2) splice variant P2X(2(b)), indicating that alternative splicing can regulate the receptor complex assembly. We generated two antibodies to Fe65 to determine its subcellular localization using postembedding immunogold labeling electron microscopy. We found labeling for Fe65 at the pre- and postsynaptic specialization of CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cell/Schaffer collateral synapses. By double immunogold labeling, we determined that Fe65 colocalizes with P2X(2) subunits at the postsynaptic specialization of excitatory synapses. Moreover, P2X(2) and Fe65 could be coimmunoprecipitated from brain membrane extracts, demonstrating that the interaction occurs in vivo. The assembly with Fe65 regulates the functional properties of P2X(2) receptors. Thus, the time- and activation-dependent change in ionic selectivity of P2X(2) receptors was inhibited by coexpression of Fe65, suggesting a novel role for Fe65 in regulating P2X receptor function and ATP-mediated synaptic transmission.

Long-term ototoxicity in testicular cancer survivors (TCSs) after cisplatin-based chemotherapy: associations with Gluthatione-S-Transferase (GST)-T1, -P1, and -M1 genotypes

4575 Background: Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity shows considerable inter-individual variations. Genetic variations in enzymes involved in detoxification of cisplatin could contribute to the observed toxicity variation. We aimed to investigate potential associations among polymorphisms in GST-T1, -P1, and -M1, their combinations, and ototoxicity in TCSs. Methods: Audiograms were obtained from 174 Norwegian TCSs at a median of 12 years (range: 4–20) after primary treatment. All TCSs had cumulatively received ≥600mg cisplatin (median 800mg, range: 600-1950). “Impaired hearing” was scored when decibel values were above the 75 percentile at 4000 Hertz of age-matched Norwegian men. For all TCSs, DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and submitted to genetic analyses. Known functional polymorphisms (positive/nulltype) in GSTT1 and GSTM1, and (codon 105 A/G (Ile/Val)) in GSTP1 were analyzed by multiplex PCR, followed by restriction enzyme cutting, and separated by gel electrophoresis. Different genotypes and their combinations were tested against ototoxicity. Results: Five of the 12 possible GST genotype combinations comprised more than 10 TCSs, and these were submitted to a χ2-test versus “Impaired hearing”. Two significant associations were found: χ2(Pattern1=GST-T1-positive,-P1,-AA,-M1- positive): p=0.045; OR 0.4, (95%CI 0.2–1.0) χ2(Pattern2=GST-T1- positive,-P1,-AA,-M1-nulltype): p=0.016; OR 2.7, (95%CI 1.2–6.1) No significant associations were found for the single genotypes. Conclusion: The prevalence of impaired hearing was lower in TCSs with Pattern 1 than in those without this pattern (19% vs. 37%). The opposite association was found for Pattern 2 (54% vs. 30%). Genetic variations in detoxifying enzymes may play a role in the development of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Combined analysis of P53 Arg72Pro, GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms as predisposing factors for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development

9581 Background: Gluthatione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) genetic polymorphisms are involved in biotransformation and detoxification of potential carcinogens. Arg72Pro P53 gene polymorph...

植物のアルミニウム(Al)ストレスでの2つのグルタチオン-S-トランスフェラーゼ遺伝子(AtGST)の発現誘導機構に関する解析

植物のアルミニウム(Al)ストレスでの2つのグルタチオン-S-トランスフェラーゼ遺伝子(AtGST)の発現誘導機構に関する解析

Serum Clara-Cell Protein and β2-Microglobulin as Early Markers of Occupational Exposure to Nitric Oxides

Biochemical effects of NOx on 60 workers (both genders) of nitric acid production were studied. The control group consisted of 61 nonexposed people employed elsewhere in the plant. Although the actual threshold limit value–time weighted averages (TLV-TWA) were not exceeded in the specific conditions of our study, the subjects were exposed to NObm2 and NO during several exposure episodes with peak maximal concentrations of 140 ppm and 515 ppm, respectively. Additional cross-week evaluation of several biochemical biomarkers in 15 NOx-exposed workers from one shift was performed. The objective of the study was to evaluate the value of serum Clara-cell protein (CC16) as a marker of bronchoalveolar epithelium activity. Antioxidant status was assessed by measuring activity of enzymes: glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), ceruloplasmin (Cp) in plasma, or superoxide dismutase (SOD), gluthatione S-transferase (GST), and nonenzymatic α-tocopherol in erythrocytes and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma. Serum hyaluronic acid (HA) determining the connective tissue matrix status of airways, and β2-microglobulin in serum (β2M-S) and urine (β2M-U) as a marker of renal function in occupational exposure to NOx were also employed. Exposure to NOx initiates peroxidative chain depleting of lipoprotein pool (α-tocopherol) in blood. Serum CC16 levels in NOx-exposed workers were found to be closely connected with α-tocopherol content. In NOx-exposed workers, the β2M-S level was significantly higher than in the nonexposed ones, with the exception of smokers. Results of the cross-week study confirm cumulative systemic effects of NOx on several examined biomarkers. SOD and GST were found to be depleted. A transient higher level of HA after a 5-d shift significantly inversely correlated with CC16 level. The data imply that NOx-depleted levels of CC16 are detectable already after an 8-h shift. Our results demonstrate that even low NOx human exposure can cause characteristic changes in bronchiolar epithelium cells and renal effects. Serum CC16 level, although a nonspecific marker, was lowest in NOx-exposed subjects. The most sensitive parameters in exposed workers were β2M-S and α-tocopherol. Spirometric assessment was not useful to describe low occupational exposure to NOx. In studying the effects of NOx on biomarkers, it is essential to carefully select suitable time of sampling. Screening of CC16, β2M-S, and α-tocopherol can be successfully employed for biological monitoring of exposure to NOx.

Caractérisation d’une protéase extracellulaire de Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile is an intestinal pathogen, which produces two main virulence factors, the exotoxins A and B. Other bacterial structures have been implicated in the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract, which is the first step of the pathogenic process. C. difficile expresses adherence factors and also, displays some surface-associated proteolytic activity, which could play a role in the physiopathology of this bacterium. The aim of this work was to study the protein named Cwp84 which displays significant homologies with many cysteine proteases. The coding catalytic domain of this protein has been cloned in the expression system pGEX-6P-1, as an in-frame fusion with the gluthatione S-transferase, and subsequently purified. The purified fraction showed proteolytic activity on gelatine and BAPNA, but not on azocoll, suggesting a highly selective substrate specificity. The results obtained from inhibition experiments confirmed that Cwp84 belongs to the cysteine protease family. Cwp84 could play a role in degrading some specific host proteins or in the maturation of surface-associated bacterial proteins.

Maternal and fetal single nucleotide polymorphisms in the epoxide hydrolase and gluthatione S-transferase P1 genes are not associated with pre-eclampsia in the Coloured population of the Western Cape, South Africa

Oxidative stress is thought to play an important role in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. A defect in certain enzymes responsible for detoxification may cause prolonged exposure to reactive by-products and contribute to maternal endothelial as well as placental damage. Two polymorphisms affecting the function of the biotransformation enzymes epoxide hydrolase and glutathione S-transferase P1 were shown previously to be associated with pre-eclampsia in a Dutch population. The aim of this study was to determine if these two polymorphisms (maternal or fetal) contribute to pre-eclampsia in an anthropologically distinct population (the Western Cape region of South Africa) with a high incidence of the disease. Genomic DNA of mother - infant pairs with severe pre-eclampsia (n = 144), a population control group (n = 156) and control mother - infant pairs with uncomplicated pregnancy outcome (n = 45) were analysed for the EPHX and GSTP1 polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction amplification and restriction enzyme digestion. Each polymorphism had a similar distribution in case and control subjects (mother and infant). The Val105/Val105 genotype of GSTP1 occurred at a higher frequency than reported for other populations. Neither maternal nor fetal EPHX Tyr113His and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms appear to contribute significantly to the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia in the Coloured population of the Western Cape region of South Africa.

Subcellular localization of 14-3-3 proteins in Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and evidence for a lipid raft-associated form

A polyclonal antibody was raised against a Toxoplasma gondii 14-3-3–gluthatione S-transferase fusion protein obtained by cloning a 14-3-3 cDNA sequence determined from the T. gondii database. This antibody specifically recognized T. gondii 14-3-3 without any cross-reaction with mammalian proteins. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies of the tachyzoites or the T. gondii-infected cells suggested cytosolic and membranous localizations of 14-3-3 protein. Different subcellular fractions were prepared for electrophoresis analysis and immunodetection. 14-3-3 proteins were found in the cytosol, the membrane fraction and Triton X-100-resistant membranes. Two 14-3-3 isoforms were detected. The major one was mainly cytoplasmic and to a lesser extent membrane-associated, whereas the minor isoform was associated with the detergent-resistant lipid rafts.

CD4 Is Active as a Signaling Molecule on the Human Monocytic Cell Line Thp-1

CD4 is a 56-kDa membrane glycoprotein expressed by a subset of T cells, by cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, and by eosinophils and dendritic cells. CD4 serves as a coreceptor for HIV and IL-16. T cell CD4 mediates signal transduction by associating with the protein tyrosine kinase p56 lck ; this interaction does not exist in monocytes. We wished to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which monocyte CD4 transduces signals. Stimulation of CD4 on Thp-1 monocytic cells induced a Ca 2+ flux and the time-dependent activation of phosphotyrosine proteins ranging from 35 to 180 kDa. We identified the 140- and 85-kDa proteins as phospholipase C gamma (PLC-γ) and the regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K), respectively. Using immunoprecipitation/Western immunoblotting however, we were unable to show any direct association between CD4 and PLC-γ, PI-3K, or other known signaling proteins. To identify proteins capable of associating with the cytoplasmic tail of CD4, we fused it with gluthatione S-transferase and used the fusion protein in far Western and pull-down experiments. In both types of experiments, the fusion protein routinely associated with 45- and 55-kDa proteins. Mass spectrometry analysis of the tryptic peptides generated from these two proteins indicated novel sequences.

Expression in E. coli and purification of recombinant fragments of wild type and mutant human prion protein

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders of the CNS of men and animals, characterized by spongiform degeneration of the CNS, astrogliosis and deposition of amyloid into the brain. The conversion of a cellular glycoprotein (the prion protein, PrP C) into an altered isoform (the prion scrapie, PrP Sc), which accumulates within the brain tissue by virtue of its resistance to the intracellular catabolism, is currently believed to represent the etiologic agent responsible for these diseases. Synthetic or recombinant polypeptides are commonly used to elucidate the mechanism of proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Here we describe a procedure, which allows the synthesis and purification in its native folding, of the human prion protein fragment 90–231, corresponding to the protease resistant core of PrP Sc. We synthesized the polypeptides 90–231 of both the wild type and the E200K mutant isoforms of PrP. Using a gluthatione S -transferase (GST) fusion protein approach, milligram amounts of polypeptides were obtained after expression in E. coli. The recovery of the purified fusion protein was monitored following the evaluation of the GST activity. The PrP fragment was released from the fusion protein immobilized on a glutathione-coupled agarose resin by direct cleavage with thrombin. The recombinant protein was identified by comassie stained acrylamide gel and by immunoblotting employing a monoclonal anti-PrP antibody. The peptide purified by gel filtration chromatography showed mainly an α-helix structure, as analysed by circular dichroism (CD) and an intact disulfide bridge. The same procedure was also successfully employed to synthesize and purify the E200 K mutant PrP fragment.

Structure, expression, and functional analysis of the gene coding for calmodulin in the chytridiomycete Blastocladiella emersonii.

The single calmodulin (CaM) gene and the corresponding cDNA of the chytridiomycete Blastocladiella emersonii were isolated and characterized. The CaM gene is interrupted by three introns and transcribed in a single 0.7-kb mRNA species encoding a predicted protein 91% identical to human CaM. B. emersonii CaM has been expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with gluthatione S-transferase (GST) and purified by affinity chromatography and cleavage from the GST portion using a site-specific protease. In the presence of Ca(2+), B. emersonii CaM exhibited a shift in apparent molecular mass similar to that observed with bovine CaM and was able to activate the autophosphorylation of CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) from rat brain. CaM expression is developmentally regulated in B. emersonii, with CaM mRNA and protein concentrations increasing during sporulation to maximum levels observed just prior to the release of the zoospores into the medium. Both CaM protein and mRNA levels decrease drastically at the zoospore stage, increasing again during germination. The CaM antagonists compound 48/80, calmidazolium, and W7 were shown to completely inhibit B. emersonii sporulation when added to the cultures at least 120, 150, and 180 min after induction, respectively. All these drugs also inhibited growth and zoospore production in this fungus. The Ca(2+) channel blocker TMB-8 and the CaMKII inhibitor KN93 completely inhibited sporulation if added up to 60 min after induction of this stage, but only KN93 affected fungal growth. The data presented suggest that the Ca(2+)-CaM complex and CaMKII play an important role during growth and sporulation in B. emersonii.