Human D2 Research Articles

Loss of a metal-binding site in gelsolin leads to familial amyloidosis-Finnish type.

Mutations in domain 2 (D2, residues 151-266) of the actin-binding protein gelsolin cause familial amyloidosis-Finnish type (FAF). These mutations, D187N or D187Y, lead to abnormal proteolysis of plasma gelsolin at residues 172-173 and a second hydrolysis at residue 243, resulting in an amyloidogenic fragment. Here we present the structure of human gelsolin D2 at 1.65 A and find that Asp 187 is part of a Cd2+ metal-binding site. Two Ca2+ ions are required for a conformational transition of gelsolin to its active form. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggest that the Cd2+-binding site in D2 is one of these two Ca2+-binding sites and is essential to the stability of D2. Mutation of Asp 187 to Asn disrupts Ca2+ binding in D2, leading to instabilities upon Ca2+ activation. These instabilities make the domain a target for aberrant proteolysis, thereby enacting the first step in the cascade leading to FAF.

Interaction of intracellular loops of dopamine d1 receptor with g protein subunits

A simple and rapid method for qualitative and quantitative estimation of Ga subunit interactions with the second and the third intracellular loop, as well as with C-terminal part of human D1 dopamine receptor has been developed. For this purpose, D1-ICL2 and D1-ICL3 were cloned in pGEX-2T vector and expressed in E. coli BL21 as fusion proteins with glutathione-S-transferase (D1-ICL2-GST and D1-ICL3-GST). C-terminal part was cleaved into two fragments which were cloned in pGEX-2T and expressed in E. coli BL21 DE3 as fusion proteins with glutathione-S-transferase (D1-CTSF-GST and D1-CTLF-GST). The resulting soluble constructs were purified by affinity chromatography on glutathione-Sepharose. Ga subunits were expressed and purified as His-tagged proteins (Gao and Gai1 in E. coli BL21 DE3 and Gas in E. coli JM 109). For quantitative assay, varying concentrations of pure His-tagged Ga subunits were immobilized on His-Bind resin and titrated with fusion proteins and the interactions were estimated by a colorimetric assay for GST activity determination. Similar assay was employed to qualitatively demonstrate the interactions. For this purpose pure fusion proteins were immobilized on glutathione-Sepharose in known concentrations and treated with known concentrations of pure His-tagged Ga subunits. Thus created complexes were eluted from glutathione-Sepharose and analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). It was shown that D1-CTSF interacts specifically with Gas subunit, and D1- CTLF with Gao. No other interactions were observed. Based on saturation binding analyses, Kd values in nanomolar range of concentrations demonstrated the highest binding affinity of His-Gas for D1-CTSF-GST and of His-Gao for D1-CTLF-GST.

Pharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants for Activity at Dopamine Receptor Subtypes. I. Activation of D1-Like Receptor Linked Adenylyl Cyclase

Nearly 100 aqueous, organic and alcoholic extracts of 46 Bolivian, Chinese and Indian medicinal plants were evaluated for their ability to stimulate adenylyl cyclase using Sf9 cells expressing rat D1a dopamine receptors in a broken cell assay. The aqueous extract of Cestrum parqui, a Bolivian plant of the Solanaceae, stimulated adenylyl cyclase in Sf9 cells expressing either rat D1a or rat D1b receptors, but no stimulation was observed in uninfected Sf9 cells. Flupenthixol, a nonselective dopaminergic antagonist, was found to attenuate both dopamine- and extract-dependent stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. The extract stimulated adenylyl cyclase in a concentration-dependent manner. However, adenylyl cyclase activity returned to basal levels at the highest concentration of extract that was tested. The extract was also evaluated for the ability to stimulate adenylyl cyclase in stably transfected HEK cells expressing human D1 receptors using a cAMP accumulation, whole cell assay. The extract stimulated HEK cells expressing human D1a dopamine receptors, but no enzyme stimulation was observed in untransfected HEK cells. Studies using transfected HEK cells expressing D2 receptors indicate that this extract also has intrinsic activity at D2 dopamine receptor. These studies suggest that this plant extract contains a component that is an agonist at dopamine receptors.

Human platelets activate porcine endothelial cells through a CD154-dependent pathway.

Delayed xenograft rejection is associated with endothelial cell activation, platelet sequestration, and subsequent thrombosis. We evaluated whether human platelets could directly activate porcine endothelium (PEC), and if so, whether this was mediated by an interaction between platelet-bound CD154 and PEC CD40. Platelet activation was achieved by thrombin exposure and confirmed by evaluation of up-regulated CD62P and CD154. Co-incubation of platelets or D1.1 cells with PEC was performed, and PEC activation was evaluated by up-regulation of CD62E. Co-incubation of resting platelets that lacked significant expression of CD62P and were void of CD154 did not activate PEC. In contrast, thrombin-activated human platelets expressing considerable amounts of both CD62P and CD154 induced PEC activation. This activation could be completely inhibited by coincubation with a humanized monoclonal antibody directed at human CD154 (hu5c8). Similarly, human D1.1 cells expressing CD154 were shown to activate PEC in a CD154-dependent manner. Human CD154 expressed on activated human platelets or on T cells interacts with CD40 expressed on PEC leading to PEC activation. This interaction can be inhibited by a monoclonal antibody directed against CD154, suggesting that an interaction between human CD154 and PEC CD40 is at least in part responsible for PEC activation seen in delayed xenograft rejection. These data strengthen the rationale for the use of CD154-directed therapy in discordant xenotransplantation.

Influence of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) exon 8 genotype on efficacy of tiapride and clinical outcome of alcohol withdrawal.

We tested the hypothesis that allelic variants of the human dopamine D2 receptor E8 genotype are associated with (i) dopamine D2 antagonist tiapride dose in treatment of alcohol withdrawal (n = 50) and (ii) with anxiety and depression in patients during alcoholism detoxification therapy (admission n = 87; discharge n = 50). DRD2 E8 A/A genotype was associated with increased dose of tiapride during a 9-day detoxification therapy and with increased anxiety and depression scores on admission and 2 weeks later. The findings suggest a pharmacogenetic influence of DRD2 E8 genotype on tiapride efficacy in alcohol withdrawal. In an earlier report, DRD2 E8 A/A genotype was associated with reduced responsiveness to the dopamine D2 agonist apomorphine; however, it is not clear whether both findings share the same biological basis. Earlier findings concerning association of DRD2 E8 A/A with increased anxiety and depression are replicated for the first time.

Mammalian class Sigma glutathione S-transferases: catalytic properties and tissue-specific expression of human and rat GSH-dependent prostaglandin D2 synthases

GSH-dependent prostaglandin D2 synthase (PGDS) enzymes represent the only vertebrate members of class Sigma glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) identified to date. Complementary DNA clones encoding the orthologous human and rat GSH-dependent PGDS (hPGDS and rPGDS, respectively) have been expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant proteins isolated by affinity chromatography. The purified enzymes were both shown to catalyse specifically the isomerization of prostaglandin (PG) H2 to PGD2. Each transferase also exhibited GSH-conjugating and GSH-peroxidase activities. The ability of hPGDS to catalyse the conjugation of aryl halides and isothiocyanates with GSH was found to be less than that of the rat enzyme. Whilst there is no difference between the enzymes with respect to their Km values for 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, marked differences were found to exist with respect to their Km for GSH (8mM versus 0.3mM for hPGDS and rPGDS, respectively). Using molecular modelling techniques, amino acid substitutions have been identified in the N-terminal domain of these enzymes that lie outside the proposed GSH-binding site, which may explain these catalytic differences. The tissue-specific expression of PGDS also varies significantly between human and rat; amongst the tissues examined, variation in expression between the two species was most apparent in spleen and bone marrow. Differences in catalytic properties and tissue-specific expression of hPGDS and rPGDS appears to reflect distinct physiological roles for class Sigma GST between species. The evolution of divergent functions for the hPGDS and rPGDS is discussed in the context of the orthologous enzyme from chicken.

Mammalian class Sigma glutathione S-transferases: catalytic properties and tissue-specific expression of human and rat GSH-dependent prostaglandin D2 synthases

GSH-dependent prostaglandin D(2) synthase (PGDS) enzymes represent the only vertebrate members of class Sigma glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) identified to date. Complementary DNA clones encoding the orthologous human and rat GSH-dependent PGDS (hPGDS and rPGDS, respectively) have been expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant proteins isolated by affinity chromatography. The purified enzymes were both shown to catalyse specifically the isomerization of prostaglandin (PG) H(2) to PGD(2). Each transferase also exhibited GSH-conjugating and GSH-peroxidase activities. The ability of hPGDS to catalyse the conjugation of aryl halides and isothiocyanates with GSH was found to be less than that of the rat enzyme. Whilst there is no difference between the enzymes with respect to their K(m) values for 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, marked differences were found to exist with respect to their K(m) for GSH (8 mM versus 0.3 mM for hPGDS and rPGDS, respectively). Using molecular modelling techniques, amino acid substitutions have been identified in the N-terminal domain of these enzymes that lie outside the proposed GSH-binding site, which may explain these catalytic differences. The tissue-specific expression of PGDS also varies significantly between human and rat; amongst the tissues examined, variation in expression between the two species was most apparent in spleen and bone marrow. Differences in catalytic properties and tissue-specific expression of hPGDS and rPGDS appears to reflect distinct physiological roles for class Sigma GST between species. The evolution of divergent functions for the hPGDS and rPGDS is discussed in the context of the orthologous enzyme from chicken.

Expression and localization of human dopamine D2 and D4 receptor mRNA in the adrenal gland, aldosterone-producing adenoma, and pheochromocytoma.

Aldosterone secretion is evidently regulated by a dopaminergic inhibitory mechanism. Pharmacological characterization and autoradiographic studies revealed D2-like receptors in the adrenal cortex, especially in the zona glomerulosa. However, the subtype of the dopamine receptors involving this regulation has not been elucidated. To investigate which subtype of receptors expresses in the adrenal cortex, we examined the messages of D2-like receptors, D2, D3, and D4, by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization of adrenal glands and adrenal neoplasm. Both D2 and D4 receptors were expressed in normal adrenal glands, pheochromocytoma, and aldosterone-producing adenoma. However, the D2 receptors were not universally expressed, in contrast with the D4 receptors that were detected in all cases of aldosterone-producing adenoma and adrenal remnant. No D3 receptor message was detected by RT-PCR in any adrenal sample. Both D2 and D4 receptors were expressed in significant amounts in the adrenal medulla and pheochromocytoma. In the adrenal cortex, the expression of the D2 receptors was in the zona glomerulosa and zona reticularis, with no different signal intensities between the two zones. D4 receptors were mainly localized in the zona glomerulosa and, to a lesser extent, in the zona reticularis. Both receptors were expressed at low levels in the zona fasciculata. In aldosterone-producing adenoma, the expression of D2 and D4 was especially found in nonzona fasciculata-like cells. To elucidate which dopamine receptor regulates aldosterone secretion, the effects of specific D2 and D4 antagonists, raclopride and clozapine, respectively, were examined in cultured NCI-H295 cells. Dopamine further increased angiotensin II-induced aldosterone secretion by 20%. In the presence of 1 microM dopamine and angiotensin II, 10(-5)-10(-7) M clozapine decreased aldosterone levels by 40-55%. The decrease in aldosterone secretion by clozapine was completely reversed when raclopride was added simultaneously. These data suggest that dopamine exerts dual effects on aldosterone secretion in NCI-H295 cells. Activation of D4 receptors can increase aldosterone secretion, whereas an inhibitory effect is mediated via D2 receptors. In summary, we demonstrated the existence of both D2 and D4 receptors in the human adrenal gland and adrenal neoplasm. Both receptors play significant roles in the modulation of aldosterone secretion, but in opposite directions.

Expression and Localization of Human Dopamine D2 and D4 Receptor mRNA in the Adrenal Gland, Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma, and Pheochromocytoma

Expression and Localization of Human Dopamine D2 and D4 Receptor mRNA in the Adrenal Gland, Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma, and Pheochromocytoma

A Truncated Form of Teratocarcinoma-Derived Growth Factor-1 (Cripto-1) mRNA Expressed in Human Colon Carcinoma Cell Lines and Tumors

The human teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor (TDGF)-1 gene encodes a 188-amino acid protein, cripto-1. The TDGF-1 gene is overexpressed in the majority of human primary colorectal carcinomas and hepatic metastases, in breast carcinomas and in testicular nonseminoma germ cell embryonal carcinomas. In the human embryonal carcinoma cell line NTERA-2 clone D1, a 2-kb TDGF-1 mRNA transcript is expressed. The present study shows that a 1.7-kb mRNA transcript lacking the first two exons of the TDGF-1 gene is expressed in the human colon carcinoma cell line GEO. This shorter mRNA is the only TDGF-1 transcript that is present in the majority of primary human colorectal carcinomas and hepatic metastases and in adult human tissues such as the pancreas, heart, stomach, mammary gland, skeletal muscle, liver and placenta. In contrast, in the kidney, brain, testis, ovary and spleen, the longer 2-kb TDGF-1 mRNA transcript is expressed. The putative shorter protein starts at a CUG codon 129 nucleotides downstream of the starting AUG codon of the longer protein. These data indicate the potential for differential transcriptional regulation of the TDGF-1 gene in different normal and tumor tissues.

Design and synthesis of [(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]alkylfluorenylcarboxamides as novel ligands selective for the dopamine D3 receptor subtype.

The dopamine D3 receptor subtype has been recently targeted as a potential neurochemical modulator of the behavioral actions of psychomotor stimulants, such as cocaine. However, definitive behavioral investigations have been hampered by the lack of highly selective D3 agonists and antagonists. In an attempt to design a novel class of D3 ligands with which to study this receptor system, a series of chemically divergent compounds that possessed various structural features that exist within several classes of reputed D3 agents was screened and compared to the recently reported NGB 2904 (58b). On the basis of these results, a novel series of compounds was designed that included functional moieties that were required for high-affinity and selective binding to D3 receptors. All the compounds in this series included an aryl-substituted piperazine ring, a varying alkyl chain linker (C3-C5), and a terminal aryl amide. The compounds were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for binding in CHO cells transfected with human D2, D3, or D4 receptor cDNAs. D3 binding affinities ranged from K(i) = 1.4 to 1460 nM. The most potent analogue in this series, 51, demonstrated a D3/D2 selectivity of 64 and a D3/D4 selectivity of 1300. Structure-activity relationships for this class of ligands at D3 receptors will provide new leads toward the development of highly selective and potent molecular probes that will prove useful in the elucidation of the role D3 receptors play in the psychomotor stimulant and reinforcing properties of cocaine.

The Human Type 2 Iodothyronine Deiodinase Is a Selenoprotein Highly Expressed in a Mesothelioma Cell Line

Types 1 and 3 iodothyronine deiodinases are known to be selenocysteine-containing enzymes. Although a putative human type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase (D2) gene (hDio2) encoding a similar selenoprotein has been identified, basal D2 activity is not selenium (Se)-dependent nor has D2 been labeled with (75)Se. A human mesothelioma cell line (MSTO-211H) has recently been shown to have approximately 40-fold higher levels of hDio2 mRNA than mesothelial cells. Mesothelioma cell lysates activate thyroxine (T(4)) to 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine with typical characteristics of D2 such as low K(m) (T(4)), 1.3 nm, resistance to propylthiouracil, and a short half-life ( approximately 30 min). D2 activity is approximately 30-fold higher in Se-supplemented than in Se-depleted medium. An antiserum prepared against a peptide deduced from the Dio2 mRNA sequence precipitates a (75)Se protein of the predicted 31-kDa size from (75)Se-labeled mesothelioma cells. Bromoadenosine 3'5' cyclic monophosphate increases D2 activity and (75)Se-p31 approximately 2.5-fold whereas substrate (T(4)) reduces both D2 activity and (75)Se-p31 approximately 2-3-fold. MG132 or lactacystin (10 microm), inhibitors of the proteasome pathway by which D2 is degraded, increase both D2 activity and (75)Se-p31 3-4-fold and prevent the loss of D2 activity during cycloheximide or substrate (T(4)) exposure. Immunocytochemical studies with affinity-purified anti-hD2 antibody show a Se-dependent increase in immunofluorescence. Thus, human D2 is encoded by hDio2 and is a member of the selenodeiodinase family accounting for its highly catalytic efficiency in T(4) activation.

Solution structure and function of a conserved protein SP14.3 encoded by an essential Streptococcus pneumoniae gene

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major human pathogen that causes high mortality and morbidity rates and has developed resistance to many antibiotics. The genome of S. pneumoniae has recently been completely sequenced revealing many genes encoding hypothetical proteins of unknown function. We have found that the gene encoding one such conserved protein, SP14.3, is essential for growth of S. pneumonia. Since it is essential, SP14.3 represents a potential target for drug discovery. Here, we describe the three-dimensional solution structure of SP14.3 as determined by NMR spectroscopy. The structure consists of two domains each with an α/β-fold. The N-terminal domain contains two α-helices and a three-stranded β-sheet, while the C-terminal domain is composed of one α-helix and a five-stranded β-sheet. The N-terminal domain of the protein contains a highly negatively charged surface and resembles the fold of the N-terminal domain of Thermus thermophilus ribosomal protein S3. The C-terminal domain has a protein fold similar to human small nuclear ribonucleoprotein Sm D3 and Haloarcula marismortui ribosomal protein L21E. The two domains of the protein tumble in solution overall as a whole with an overall molecular rotational correlation time (τm) of 12.9 ns at 25°C. The relative orientation of the two domains is not defined by the nuclear Overhauser effect data. Indeed, residual dipolar couplings and the structure calculations indicate that the relative orientation of the two domains is not rigidly oriented with respect to one another in solution.

Human CD154 induces activation of porcine endothelial cells and up-regulation of MHC class II expression.

CD40 is expressed on a number of antigen-presenting cells and also on vascular endothelium. It has been shown that engagement of CD40 on vascular endothelium by CD154 on platelets and CD154-bearing cell lines leads to the induction of adhesion molecule expression. Having cloned porcine CD40, and shown that it is capable of binding human CD154, we investigate whether human CD154 can activate porcine endothelial cells (EC) through CD40 ligation. Human Jurkat clone D1.1 (CD154+), or clone E6.1 (CD154-), were co-cultured with EC from pig aorta and human aorta and umbilical vein for various times in the presence or absence of blocking antibody to CD154. Human and pig EC were shown to express CD40 by flow cytometry by using soluble human CD154 (CD154Ckappa). Co-culture of pig EC with CD154-expressing Jurkat D1.1 cells led to the induction of E-selectin by 6 hr (peak 24 hr) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) by 6 hr (peak 48 hr). Similar results were also observed with human EC. Porcine EC were induced to up-regulate major histocompatibility complex class II at 24 hr by co-culture with Jurkat D1.1 cells through a CD40-dependent mechanism. In contrast, no up-regulation was observed on human EC. A number of cells can express CD154, including T cells, natural killer cells, and platelets, and these could signal graft EC through the CD40 pathway. These results demonstrate a possible role for the CD40 pathway in the activation of vascular endothelium in the rejection of porcine xenografts.

RNA binding in an Sm core domain: X-ray structure and functional analysis of an archaeal Sm protein complex.

Eukaryotic Sm and Sm-like proteins associate with RNA to form the core domain of ribonucleoprotein particles involved in pre-mRNA splicing and other processes. Recently, putative Sm proteins of unknown function have been identified in Archaea. We show by immunoprecipitation experiments that the two Sm proteins present in Archaeoglobus fulgidus (AF-Sm1 and AF-Sm2) associate with RNase P RNA in vivo, suggesting a role in tRNA processing. The AF-Sm1 protein also interacts specifically with oligouridylate in vitro. We have solved the crystal structures of this protein and a complex with RNA. AF-Sm1 forms a seven-membered ring, with the RNA interacting inside the central cavity on one face of the doughnut-shaped complex. The bases are bound via stacking and specific hydrogen bonding contacts in pockets lined by residues highly conserved in archaeal and eukaryotic Sm proteins, while the phosphates remain solvent accessible. A comparison with the structures of human Sm protein dimers reveals closely related monomer folds and intersubunit contacts, indicating that the architecture of the Sm core domain and RNA binding have been conserved during evolution.

Leiomodins: Larger Members of the Tropomodulin (Tmod) Gene Family

The 64-kDa autoantigen D1 or 1D, first identified as a potential autoantigen in Graves' disease, is similar to the tropomodulin (Tmod) family of actin filament pointed end-capping proteins. A novel gene with significant similarity to the 64-kDa human autoantigen D1 has been cloned from both humans and mice, and the genomic sequences of both genes have been identified. These genes form a subfamily closely related to the Tmods and are here named the Leiomodins (Lmods). Both Lmod genes display a conserved intron–exon structure, as do three Tmod genes, but the intron–exon structure of the Lmods and the Tmods is divergent. mRNA expression analysis indicates that the gene formerly known as the 64-kDa autoantigen D1 is most highly expressed in a variety of human tissues that contain smooth muscle, earning it the name smooth muscle Leiomodin (SM-Lmod; HGMW-approved symbol LMOD1). Transcripts encoding the novel Lmod gene are present exclusively in fetal and adult heart and adult skeletal muscle, and it is here named cardiac Leiomodin (C-Lmod; HGMW-approved symbol LMOD2). Human C-Lmod is located near the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy locus CMH6 on human chromosome 7q3, potentially implicating it in this disease. Our data demonstrate that the Lmods are evolutionarily related and display tissue-specific patterns of expression distinct from, but overlapping with, the expression of Tmod isoforms.

Direct trans-activation of the human cyclin D2 gene by the oncogene product Tax of human T-cell leukemia virus type I.

Cyclins are one of the pivotal determinants regulating cell cycle progression. We previously reported that the trans-activator Tax of human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) induces endogenous cyclin D2 expression along with cell cycle progression in a resting human T-cell line, Kit 225, suggesting a role of cyclin D2 in Tax-mediated cell cycle progression. The cyclin D2 gene has a typical E2F binding element, raising the possibility that induction of cyclin D2 expression is a consequence of cell cycle progression. In this study, we examined the role and molecular mechanism of induction of the endogenous human cyclin D2 gene by Tax. Introduction of p19(INK4d), a cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor of the INK4 family specific for D-type CDK, inhibited Tax-mediated activation of E2F, indicating requirement of D-type CDK in Tax-mediated activation of E2F. Previously indicated E2F binding element and two NF-kappaB-like binding elements in the 1.6 kbp cyclin D2 promoter fragment had little, if any, effect on responsiveness to Tax. We found that trans-activation of the cyclin D2 promoter by Tax was mainly mediated by a newly identified NF-kappaB-like element with auxiliary contribution of a CRE-like element residing in sequences downstream of -444 which were by themselves sufficient for trans-activation by Tax. These results indicate that Tax directly trans-activates the cyclin D2 gene, resulting in growth promotion and perhaps leukemogenesis through activation of D-type CDK.

Cytochrome P450 enzymes in the bioactivation of vitamin D to its hormonal form (review).

The formation of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 requires a 25-hydroxylation followed by a 1alpha-hydroxylation catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in liver and kidney. The aim of this review is to give a brief summary of our research on the cytochrome P450 enzymes catalyzing the 25-hydroxylation and 1alpha-hydroxylation and to discuss the results in relation to other published literature on these enzymes. Two hepatic P450 enzymes catalyzing 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D3 exist in mammalian liver - one mitochondrial and one microsomal. The mitochondrial vitamin D3 25-hydroxylase is apparently identical with CYP27A, an obligatory enzyme in bile acid biosynthesis in liver. The microsomal 25-hydroxylase has been purified to apparent homogeneity from pig liver. The enzyme catalyzed 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D3, 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3, vitamin D2 and 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D2. A cDNA encoding pig liver microsomal vitamin D3 25-hydroxylase has been isolated in this laboratory. The primary structure of vitamin D3 25-hydroxylase shows 70-80% identity with members of the CYP2D subfamily and has been designated CYP2D25. Three different 1alpha-hydroxylating cytochromes P450 in kidney, i.e. CYP27A, CYP27B and a microsomal 1alpha-hydroxylase, have been described. Mitochondrial cytochrome P450, catalyzing 1alpha-hydroxylation and 27-hydroxylation but not 24-hydroxylation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, was partially purified from pig kidney. Purification and inhibition experiments as well as experiments with a monoclonal antibody against CYP27A indicated that one single enzyme catalyzes both 1alpha- and 27-hydroxylation. Treatment of rats with a single i.v. dose of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 resulted in a marked suppression of CYP27A mRNA levels in kidney. The results suggest a role for CYP27A as a renal mitochondrial 1alpha-hydroxylase. Subsequently, several research groups reported the isolation of cDNA encoding mouse, rat and human kidney 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1alpha-hydroxylase. The amino acid sequences deduced from these cDNA clones were similar but differed from that of CYP27A. This 1alpha-hydroxylase constitutes a new CYP27 subfamily, CYP27B. The expression of CYP27B was found to be influenced by vitamin D status and parathyroid hormone. Mutations in the CYP27B gene have been identified in patients with pseudovitamin D-deficiency rickets. A microsomal P450 catalyzing 1alpha-hydroxylation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 has been purified to apparent homogeneity from pig kidney. This finding demonstrate the presence of a microsomal 1alpha-hydroxylase in addition to the mitochondrial 1alpha-hydroxylases in kidney. The relative importance and regulation of the different renal 1alpha-hydroxylases in the bioactivation of vitamin D3 under normal and pathological conditions will be subject for future studies.

Characterization of 125I‐IABN, a novel azabicyclononane benzamide selective for D2‐like dopamine receptors

The properties of an 125I-labeled structural analog of 2,3-dimethoxy-N-[9-(4-fluorobenzyl)-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3β-yl]benzamide (MABN), 125I-IABN, are described. 125I-IABN was developed as a high-affinity radioligand selective for the D2-like (D2, D3, and D4) dopamine receptor subtypes. 125I-IABN binds with picomolar affinity and nonselectively to rat D2 and D3 dopamine receptors expressed in Sf9 and HEK 293 cells. 125I-IABN binds with 7- to 25-fold lower affinity to human D4.4 dopamine receptors expressed in HEK 293 cells. Dissociation constants (Kd) calculated from kinetic experiments were in agreement with equilibrium Kd values obtained from saturation binding studies. Saturation plots of the binding of 125I-IABN with rat caudate membrane preparations were monophasic and exhibited low nonspecific binding. The pharmacologic profile of the binding of 125I-IABN to rat caudate was consistent with a D2-like receptor, suggesting that the ligand binds primarily to D2 dopamine receptors. In addition, IABN was found to bind with low affinity to D1 dopamine receptors, as well as to the σ1 and σ2 receptor subtypes. Quantitative autoradiographic studies using rat brain slices indicate that 125I-IABN selectively labels the striatum and the olfactory tubercle area, which is consistent with the labeling of D2-like receptors. IABN blocks dopamine-dependent inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity at D2 or D4.4 receptors expressed in HEK cells. Therefore, 125I-IABN appears to be a high-affinity, selective antagonist at D2-like dopamine receptors. Finally, a unique property of the azabicyclononane benzamide 125I-IABN compared to previously studied substituted benzamides is that the binding of this radioligand is not effected by variations in Na+ concentration. Synapse 38:438–449, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Structure and expression of the human glycosylphosphatidylinositol phospholipase D1 ( GPLD1) gene

Here we report the structure of the human glycosylphosphatidylinositol phospholipase D1 gene, which covers at least 80 kb on chromosome 6p22. The gene comprises 25 exons and encodes a 5.8 kb mRNA, which was detected only in the liver. Southern blot analysis shows that the human genome contains only one GPLD gene and we could only detect one of the two previously reported cDNAs.