Peptidylglutamyl-peptide Hydrolyzing Activity Research Articles

Discovery of PI-1840, a Novel Noncovalent and Rapidly Reversible Proteasome Inhibitor with Anti-tumor Activity

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib is effective in hematologic malignancies such as multiple myeloma but has little activity against solid tumors, acts covalently, and is associated with undesired side effects. Therefore, noncovalent inhibitors that are less toxic and more effective against solid tumors are desirable. Structure activity relationship studies led to the discovery of PI-1840, a potent and selective inhibitor for chymotrypsin-like (CT-L) (IC50 value = 27 ± 0.14 nm) over trypsin-like and peptidylglutamyl peptide hydrolyzing (IC50 values >100 μm) activities of the proteasome. Furthermore, PI-1840 is over 100-fold more selective for the constitutive proteasome over the immunoproteasome. Mass spectrometry and dialysis studies demonstrate that PI-1840 is a noncovalent and rapidly reversible CT-L inhibitor. In intact cancer cells, PI-1840 inhibits CT-L activity, induces the accumulation of proteasome substrates p27, Bax, and IκB-α, inhibits survival pathways and viability, and induces apoptosis. Furthermore, PI-1840 sensitizes human cancer cells to the mdm2/p53 disruptor, nutlin, and to the pan-Bcl-2 antagonist BH3-M6. Finally, in vivo, PI-1840 but not bortezomib suppresses the growth in nude mice of human breast tumor xenografts. These results warrant further evaluation of a noncovalent and rapidly reversible proteasome inhibitor as potential anticancer agents against solid tumors.

Knockdown of PSMB7 Induces Autophagy in Cardiomyocyte Cultures: Possible Role in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Proteasomal and autophagic pathways of protein degradation are two essential, endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated proteolytic systems involved in the ER stress response. The functional interaction between them has been shown by proteasome pharmacological inhibition. However, little data have been found concerning autophagy induction using an RNA interference approach due to the multisubunit composition of proteolytic systems. We suggested that silencing of single proteasome subunits can induce massive autophagy. Psmb7-specific small interference RNA added to isolated cardiomyocytes significantly affected mRNA expression of essential ER stress marker proteins, including DDIT3/CHOP and HSPA5/GRP78. mRNA expression of the key autophagy regulator MTOR was also increased. These findings were confirmed by single-cell reverse transcription real-time PCR on individual monodansylcadaverine (MDC)-labeled cardiomyocytes. RNA interference that decreased the levels of non-catalytic PSMB7 subunits of the proteasome had no influence on chymotrypsin- and trypsin-like activities, but significantly decreased peptidyl-glutamyl peptide-hydrolyzing activity. Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased levels of LC3-marked vacuoles in the cytoplasm of Psmb7-knockdown cells, and MDC staining showed significantly increased numbers of neonatal cardiomyocytes with autophagic vacuoles. After anoxia-reoxygenation, the number of cells with signs of autophagy after Psmb7 gene silencing was higher. Our results indicate that Psmb7 knockdown induces ER stress and autophagy in cardiomyocytes, which may be a useful approach to activate specific autophagy.

Marchantin M: a novel inhibitor of proteasome induces autophagic cell death in prostate cancer cells

We previously reported that marchantin M (Mar) is an active agent to induce apoptosis in human prostate cancer (PCa), but the molecular mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Mar potently inhibited chymotrypsin-like and peptidyl-glutamyl peptide-hydrolyzing activities of 20S proteasome both in in vitro and intracellular systems and significantly induced the accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins in PCa cells. The computational modeling analysis suggested that Mar non-covalently bound to active sites of proteasome β5 and β1 subunits, resulting in a non-competitive inhibition. Proteasome inhibition by Mar subsequently resulted in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as evidenced by elevated glucose-regulated protein 78 and CHOP, increased phospho-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), splicing of X-box-binding protein-1 and dilation of the ER. However, Mar-mediated cell death was not completely impaired by a pan inhibitor of caspases. Further studies revealed that the Mar-induced cell death was greatly associated with the activation of autophagy, as indicated by the significant induction of microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain-3 beta (LC3B) expression and conversion. Electron microscopic and green fluorescent protein-tagged LC3B analyses further demonstrated the ability of autophagy induction by Mar. Time kinetic studies revealed that Mar induced a rapid and highly sustained processing of LC3B in treated cells and simultaneously decreased the expression of p62/SQSTM1. Pharmacological blockade or knockdown of LC3B and Atg5 attenuated Mar-mediated cell death. The autophagic response triggered by Mar required the activation of RNA-dependent protein kinase-like ER kinase/eIF2α and suppression of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin axis via preventing activation and expression of Akt. Our results identified a novel mechanism for the cytotoxic effect of Mar, which strengthens it as a potential agent in cancer chemotherapy.

Baicalin and Scutellarin Are Proteasome Inhibitors that Specifically Target Chymotrypsin‐like Catalytic Activity

Baicalin and scutellarin are the major active principal flavonoids extracted from the Chinese herbal medicines Scutellaria baicalensis and Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz. It has recently been reported that baicalin and scutellarin have antitumor activity. However, the mechanisms of action are unknown. We previously reported that some flavonoids have a specific role in the inhibition of the activity of proteasome subunits and induced apoptosis in tumor cells. To further investigate these pharmacological effects, we examined the inhibitory activity of baicalin and scutellarin on the extracted proteasomes from mice and cancer cells. Using fluorogenic substrates for proteasome catalytic subunits, we found that baicalin and scutellarin specifically inhibited chymotrypsin-like activity but did not inhibit trypsin-like and peptidyl-glutamyl peptide hydrolyzing activities. These data suggested that baicalin and scutellarin specifically inhibit chymotrypsin-like catalytic activity in the proteasome.

Antiatherogenic effect of quercetin is mediated by proteasome inhibition in the aorta and circulating leukocytes

Quercetin, a plant-derived flavonoid, has attracted considerable attention as promising compound for heart disease prevention and therapy. It has been linked to decreased mortality from heart disease and decreased incidence of stroke. Here, we report new data showing the angioprotective properties of quercetin mediated by its effect on proteasomal proteolysis. This study was designed to investigate the ability of quercetin to modulate proteasomal activity in a rabbit model of cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis. First, we show proteasomal trypsin-like (TL) activity increased up to 2.4-fold, chymotrypsin-like (CTL) activity increased by up to 43% and peptidyl-glutamyl peptide-hydrolyzing (PGPH) activity increased by up to 10% after 8 weeks of a cholesterol-rich diet. A single intravenous injection of the water-soluble form of quercetin (Corvitin) significantly decreased proteasomal TL activity 1.85-fold in monocytes, and decreased the CTL and PGPH activities more than 2-fold in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) after 2h. Prolonged administration (1 month) of Corvitin to animals following a cholesterol-rich diet significantly decreased all types of proteolytic proteasome activities both in tissues and in circulating leukocytes and was associated with the reduction of atherosclerotic lesion areas in the aorta. Additionally, the pharmacological form of quercetin (Quertin) was shown to have an antiatherogenic effect and an ability to inhibit proteasome activities.

Studies of the Synthesis of All Stereoisomers of MG-132 Proteasome Inhibitors in the Tumor Targeting Approach

MG-132 is a tripeptide aldehyde (Z-l-leu-l-leu-l-leu-H, 2) proteasome inhibitor that exerts antitumor activity and enhances cytostatic/cytotoxic effects of chemo- and radiotherapy. Because of a troublesome synthesis of tripeptides with a non-natural configuration and modified side chains of amino acids, only two stereoisomers of MG-132 have been reported. Here, we propose a new approach to the synthesis of tripeptide aldehydes based on the Ugi reaction. Chiral, enantiomerically stable 2-isocyano-4-methylpentyl acetates were used as substrates for Ugi reaction resulting in a formation of tripeptide skeletons. Further functionalization of the obtained products led to a synthesis of tripeptide aldehydes. All stereoisomers of MG-132 were synthesized and studied as potential inhibitors of chymotrypsin-like, trypsin-like, and peptidylglutamyl peptide hydrolyzing activities of proteasome. These studies demonstrated the influence of absolute configuration of chiral aldehydes on the cytostatic/cytotoxic effects of the synthesized compounds and revealed that only (S,R,S)-(-)-2 stereoisomer is a more potent proteasome inhibitor than MG-132.

The effects of tea polyphenols onCandida albicans: inhibition of biofilm formation and proteasome inactivation

The adherence of Candida albicans to one another and to various host and biomaterial surfaces is an important prerequisite for the colonization and pathogenesis of this organism. Cells in established biofilms exhibit different phenotypic traits and are inordinately resistant to antimicrobial agents. Recent studies have shown that black and green tea polyphenols exhibit both antimicrobial and strong cancer-preventive properties. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of these polyphenols on C. albicans. Standard growth curves demonstrated a 40% reduction in the growth rate constant (K) with a 2 mg/mL concentration of Polyphenon 60, a green tea extract containing a mixture of polyphenolic compounds. Cultures treated with 1.0 micromol/L -(-)epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenol, displayed a 75% reduction of viable cells during biofilm formation. Established biofilms treated with EGCG were also reduced, by 80%, as determined through XTT (2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) colorimetric assays. Identical concentrations of epigallocatechin and epicatechin-3-gallate demonstrated similar biofilm inhibition. Further investigations regarding the possible mechanism of polyphenol action indicate that in vivo proteasome activity was significantly decreased when catechin-treated yeast cells were incubated with a fluorogenic peptide substrate that measured proteasomal chymotrypsin-like and peptidyl-glutamyl peptide-hydrolyzing activities. Impairment of proteasomal activity by tea polyphenols contributes to cellular metabolic and structural disruptions that expedite the inhibition of biofilm formation and maintenance by C. albicans.

Characterization and differential expression of a newly identified phosphorylated isoform of the human 20S proteasome β7 subunit in tumor vs. normal cell lines

The search of new pharmacological targets with original mechanism of action within the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is still a goal to be reached in oncopharmacology. Modification by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation has been found to be involved in cancer and to regulate functional activity of proteasome. Until now, phosphorylated forms of alpha subunits of the 20S human proteasome have been mostly reported. Here, we have rationally designed a polyclonal antibody specifically directed against a phosphorylated peptide sequence bearing the beta7 subunit Ser249 residue of the human 20S proteasome. This anti-beta7 phosphoSer249 antibody appeared to be a probe of choice to detect the presence of a phosphorylated isoform of the beta7 subunit of the human 20S proteasome using mono or two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. PhosphoSer249 was sensitive to acid phosphatase treatment of native 20S proteasome. Dephosphorylation affected the peptidylglutamyl-peptide hydrolyzing activity whereas the chymotrypsin-like and trypsin-like activities remained unchanged. A comparative analysis between human normal and tumor cells showed a differential expression of the phosphoSer249 beta7 isoform with a significantly lower detection in the proteasome isolated from tumor cells, suggesting its possible use as a biomarker.

The Novel, Irreversible Proteasome Inhibitor PR-171 Demonstrates Potent Anti-Tumor Activity in Pre-Clinical Models of Multiple Myeloma, and Overcomes Bortezomib Resistance.

Introduction: The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway has been validated as a therapeutic target with the approval of the small molecule proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib (VELCADE®), in multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, the overall response rate of patients with multiple myeloma in phase III clinical trials was 43%, underscoring the need for a next generation of inhibitors with the potential for greater efficacy.Methods: PR-171 is a novel, tetrapeptide epoxomicin-related inhibitor that binds the proteasome irreversibly, and our objectives were to evaluate its activity and mechanism of action in pre-clinical models of multiple myeloma.Results: PR-171 potently bound and inhibited the chymotrypsin-like subunit of the proteasome in vitro, in cellulo, and in vivo at low concentrations. At higher concentrations, however, unlike bortezomib, which targeted the chymotrypsin-like and peptidyl-glutamyl peptide hydrolyzing activities in vivo, PR-171 also displayed significant inhibition of the trypsin-like and the peptidyl-glutamyl peptide hydrolyzing activities. PR-171-induced proteasome inhibition was associated with accumulation of polyubiquitinated substrates and pro-apoptotic Bax. Brief pulse PR-171 exposure, which simulates the in vivo pharmacokinetics of bortezomib, led to PR-171-mediated inhibition of cellular proliferation linked to induction of caspase-3-dependent apoptosis through both intrinsic (caspase-9) and extrinsic (caspase-8-dependent) pathways. Pretreatment with caspase-3, -8, and -9 inhibitors rescued the anti-proliferative effect of PR-171. Furthermore, pulse PR-171 treatment activated c-Jun-N-terminal kinase, a key-signaling molecule in proteasome inhibitor-induced apoptosis, and cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase, while abrogation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase signaling with a dominant-negative c-Jun inhibited PR-171-induced effects. PR-171 displayed enhanced anti-proliferative activity compared to bortezomib in multiple myeloma cell lines and freshly isolated patient-derived CD138+ plasma cells, associated with enhanced phosphorylation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase and capase-3, -8, and -9 activation. Lastly, PR-171 was a potent inhibitor of proliferation in a multiple myeloma cell line model resistant to bortezomib and in isolates from two patients, one with primary and the other with acquired bortezomib-resistance.Conclusions: These data indicate that PR-171 has enhanced activity against preclinical models of multiple myeloma, perhaps owing to its irreversible binding and subunit specificity, and provide a rationale for its translation into the clinic.

Activity of 20S proteosomes and content of oxidized proteins in rat liver after long-term cold exposure

We studied the effect of long-term (5 and 10 days) cold exposure (4 degrees C) on oxidative damage to proteins and proteosomal activity in the liver of Wistar rats. It was shown that core temperature on the 10th day of cold exposure decreased by 1.1 degrees C. The content of oxidized proteins increased at this term. Chymotrypsin-like and peptidylglutamyl peptide hydrolyzing activities increased, while trypsin-like activity decreased during cold exposure.

Comparative Selectivity and Specificity of the Proteasome Inhibitors BzLLLCOCHO, PS-341, and MG-132

The 26S proteasome is a multicatalytic protease responsible for regulated intracellular protein degradation. Its function is mediated by three main catalytic activities: (a) chymotrypsin-like (CT-L), (b) trypsin-like, and (c) peptidylglutamyl peptide hydrolysing (PGPH). Proteasome inhibition is an emerging therapy for many cancers and is a novel treatment for multiple myeloma. Here, we profile the contributions of the three catalytic activities in multiple myeloma cell lines and compare the specificity and cytotoxicity of the novel proteasome inhibitor BzLLLCOCHO and inhibitors PS-341 (Velcade, bortezomib) and MG-132. Using fluorogenic substrates and an active site-directed probe specific for proteasome catalytic subunits, we show differential subunit specificity for each of the inhibitors. Addition of BzLLLCOCHO strongly inhibited all three catalytic activities, treatment with PS-341 completely inhibited CT-L and PGPH activities, and treatment with MG-132 resulted in weak inhibition of the CT-L and PGPH activities. Multiple myeloma cells were more sensitive to induction of apoptosis by PS-341 and MG-132 than BzLLLCOCHO. This study emphasizes the need for further investigation of the effects of these compounds on gene and protein expression in the cell to allow for the development of more specific and targeted inhibitors.

Proteasomal proteolysis in anoxia-reoxygenation, preconditioning and postconditioning of isolated cardiomyocytes

The role of proteasomal proteolysis in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion is being actively studied. To evaluate the participation of the proteasome in the preconditioning and postconditioning phenomena we used primary culture of neonatal cardiomyocytes. This culture was undergone 30 min of anoxia followed by 60 min of reoxygenation. Preconditioning was modeled by three cycles of 3 min anoxia followed by 3 min reoxygenation. Postconditioning was modeled by three cycles of 1 min reoxygenation followed by 1 min anoxia, respectively. Clasto-lactacystin β-lactone, a specific proteasome inhibitor, was added to the culture medium right before the cycles of preconditioning or postconditioning in the dose that does not cause cell death (2.5 μM). Percentages of living, necrotic, and apoptotic cells were determined by staining with bisbenzimide and propidium iodide. Autophagy was demonstrated by staining vacuolar structures with monodansyl cadaverine. Proteasomal activity was determined by cleavage intensity of specific fluorogenic substrates. Trypsin-like, chymotrypsin-like and peptidyl-glutamyl peptide-hydrolyzing (PGPH) activities were decreased after anoxia. Reoxygenation has led to the increase in trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like activities comparing to anoxia, but these parameters have never reached the control levels. PGPH activity has been restored up to the initial level. Preconditioning and postconditioning increased numbers of living cells and decreased that of necrotic, apoptotic and autophagic cells. Paradoxically, it was established that proteasome inhibitors prevented the necrotic and apoptotic cell death of cardiomyocytes in anoxia-reoxygenation, but in the same concentration abolished the effects of preconditioning and postconditioning. Low doses of proteasome inhibitors, particularly the ones used in our experiments, resulted in the abolishing of preconditioning and postconditioning phenomena, but at the same time led to the increase of the population of living cells in anoxia-reoxygenation, and can be considered as potential pharmacological agents of preconditioning and postconditioning.

TGF-β1 enhances degradation of IFN-γ-induced iNOS protein via proteasomes in RAW 264.7 cells

TGF-beta1 is a well-known immunosuppressive cytokine that inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression in various cells including macrophages. In this study, we investigated the suppressive mechanisms of TGF-beta1 on IFN-gamma-induced iNOS gene expression using the murine macrophage-like cell line RAW 264.7. TGF-beta1 decreased iNOS protein amount through enhanced degradation, although TGF-beta1 did not affect IFN-gamma-induced iNOS mRNA level or stability. In addition, the enhancement of iNOS protein degradation by TGF-beta1 treatment was almost completely blocked by MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. Furthermore, TGF-beta1 enhanced the trypsin-like activity of proteasomes in the presence of IFN-gamma, although did not enhance the peptidylglutamyl-peptide hydrolyzing and chymotrypsin-like activities of proteasomes. The level of ubiquitinated iNOS protein was not significantly altered by IFN-gamma or IFN-gamma plus TGF-beta1 treatment. Because MG132 inhibited iNOS protein degradation and IFN-gamma plus TGF-beta1 treatment increased the trypsin-like activity of proteasomes, we hypothesized that TGF-beta1 might enhance iNOS protein degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in the presence of IFN-gamma. We propose that these mechanisms of TGF-beta1 in the posttranslational regulation of iNOS gene expression may contribute to suppression of excess nitric oxide during inflammatory processes.

Integrin-mediated Adhesion and Soluble Ligand Binding Stabilize COX-2 Protein Levels in Endothelial Cells by Inducing Expression and Preventing Degradation

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a key enzyme in prostaglandin synthesis, is highly expressed during inflammation and cellular transformation and promotes tumor progression and angiogenesis. We have previously demonstrated that endothelial cell COX-2 is required for integrin alphaVbeta3-dependent activation of Rac-1 and Cdc-42 and for endothelial cell spreading, migration, and angiogenesis (Dormond, O., Foletti, A., Paroz, C., and Ruegg, C. (2001) Nat. Med. 7, 1041-1047; Dormond, O., Bezzi, M., Mariotti, A., and Ruegg, C. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 45838-45846). In this study, we addressed the question of whether integrin-mediated cell adhesion may regulate COX-2 expression in endothelial cells. We report that cell detachment from the substrate caused rapid degradation of COX-2 protein in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) independent of serum stimulation. This effect was prevented by broad inhibition of cellular proteinases and by neutralizing lysosomal activity but not by inhibiting the proteasome. HUVEC adhesion to laminin, collagen I, fibronectin, or vitronectin induced rapid COX-2 protein expression with peak levels reached within 2 h and increased COX-2-dependent prostaglandin E2 production. In contrast, nonspecific adhesion to poly-L-lysine was ineffective in inducing COX-2 expression. Furthermore, the addition of matrix proteins in solution promoted COX-2 protein expression in suspended or poly-L-lysine-attached HUVEC. Adhesion-induced COX-2 expression was strongly suppressed by pharmacological inhibition of c-Src, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, p38, extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2, and, to a lesser extent, protein kinase C and by the inhibition of mRNA or protein synthesis. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that integrin-mediated cell adhesion and soluble integrin ligands contribute to maintaining COX-2 steady-state levels in endothelial cells by the combined prevention of lysosomal-dependent degradation and the stimulation of mRNA synthesis involving multiple signaling pathways.

Mechanical ventilation induces alterations of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in the diaphragm

Prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) results in diaphragmatic atrophy due, in part, to an increase in proteolysis. These experiments tested the hypothesis that MV-induced diaphragmatic proteolysis is accompanied by increased expression of key components of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP). To test this postulate, we investigated the effect of prolonged MV on UPP components and determined the trypsin-like and peptidylglutamyl peptide hydrolyzing activities of the 20S proteasome. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to either control or 12-h MV groups (n=7/group). MV animals were anesthetized, tracheostomized, and ventilated with room air for 12 h. Animals in the control group were acutely anesthetized but not exposed to MV. Compared with controls, MV animals demonstrated increased diaphragmatic mRNA levels of two ubiquitin ligases, muscle atrophy F-box (+8.3-fold) and muscle ring finger 1 (+19.0-fold). However, MV did not alter mRNA levels of 14-kDa ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, polyubiquitin, proteasome-activating complex PA28, or 20S alpha-subunit 7. Protein levels of 14-kDa ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme and proteasome-activating complex PA28 were not altered following MV, but 20S alpha-subunit 7 levels declined (-17.7%). MV increased diaphragmatic trypsin-like activity (+31%) but did not alter peptidylglutamyl peptide hydrolyzing activity. Finally, compared with controls, MV increased ubiquitin-protein conjugates in both the myofibrillar (+24.9%) and cytosolic (+54.7%) fractions of the diaphragm. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that prolonged MV increases diaphragmatic levels of key components within the UPP and that increases in 20S proteasome activity contribute to MV-induced diaphragmatic proteolysis and atrophy.

Lithium chloride inactivates the 20S proteasome from WEHI-3B D + leukemia cells

LiCl interacts synergistically with all- trans-retinoic acid, promoting the terminal differentiation of WEHI-3B D + cells, a phenomenon partially due to the ability of the monovalent lithium cation to inhibit the proteasome-dependent degradation of retinoic acid receptor α protein. In this report, the 20S proteasome was purified from WEHI-3B D + cells and the effects of LiCl on chymotrypsin-like (Chtl) activity and peptidyl-glutamyl peptide hydrolyzing (PGPH) activity were determined. LiCl functions to inactivate both proteasomal activities in a time-dependent manner, without affecting non-proteasomal proteases. The half-lives for inactivation of Chtl and PGPH hydrolyzing activities were approximately 23 and 36 min, respectively, at 10 mM LiCl. Both SDS and peptide substrate increased the rate of inactivation. Partial enzymatic activity was recovered after dialysis in the absence of SDS, indicating that the off-rate for lithium was extremely slow. The findings suggest that the inactivation of Chtl and PGPH activities by LiCl occurs through a proteasomal conformational change.

Alteration of 20S proteasome-subtypes and proteasome activator PA28 in skeletal muscle of rat after induction of diabetes mellitus

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is known to go along with enhanced muscle protein breakdown. Since evidence has been presented that the ubiquitin–proteasome system is significantly involved in muscle wasting under this condition, we have investigated, whether this biological role goes along with alterations of the proteasome system in skeletal muscle of streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Previously, we have found a drop of overall proteasome activity in muscle extracts of rats after induction of diabetes but no change in total amount of 20S proteasome was detected. In the present investigation under the same diabetic conditions we have measured a significant decrease in the amount of proteasome activator PA28, a finding that explains the loss of total proteasome activity. Since increased mRNA levels of proteasome subunits have been measured in muscle tissue of rats after induction of diabetes, we have isolated and purified 20S proteasomes from muscle tissue of control and 6 days diabetic rats. The specific chymotrypsin-like, trypsin-like, and peptidylglutamylpeptide-hydrolysing activities of proteasomes from diabetic and control rats were found to be not significantly different. Therefore, we have fractionated 20S proteasomes into their subtypes and detected that induction of diabetes mellitus effects a redistribution of subtypes of all three proteasome populations but only the increase in subtype V (immuno-subtype) was statistically significant. This altered subtype pattern obviously meets the requirements to the system under wasting conditions. Since this process goes along with de novo biogenesis of 20S proteasomes, it most likely explains the phenomenon of elevated mRNA concentrations of proteasome subunits after induction of diabetes mellitus.

Proteasome activity in human lens nuclei and correlation with age, gender and severity of cataract

Purpose. The aim of this study was to measure proteasome activity in human lens nuclei resulting from cataract surgery and in different regions of donor lenses. Methods. The chymotrypsin-like, the trypsin-like and the peptidylglutamyl-peptide hydrolysing activities of the proteasome were studied using synthetic flourogenic substrates. Results. Proteasome activity did not show any correlation with age of the patients or with gender. Increased opacification of the lens nucleus, as estimated prior to surgery using a 4-grade scale, was significantly correlated with decreased activity of all peptidase activities in the insoluble fraction. In the donor lenses, all peptidase activities were highest in the epithelium and decreased rapidly towards the nucleus. Conclusions. The present study demonstrates that proteasome activity is preserved in the nucleus of lenses from elderly individuals, although a decrease can be seen with cataract formation. This finding may be of importance for elucidating the mechanism behind the formation of nuclear cataract.

Changes in proteasome activity during postmortem aging of bovine muscle

Changes in the chymotrypsin-like, trypsin-like, peptidylglutamylpeptide hydrolyzing and caseinolytic activities of proteasomes in bovine rectus abdominis muscle were measured during the first seven days of postmortem storage. Enzyme assays were performed in crude extracts under near-physiological conditions, since the activities are likely to be altered by purification. The different proteasome activities at cellular pH were stable at different times postmortem, and were 40, 76, 50 and 61% of their at-death value after 7 days of storage at 4 °C. This considerable postmortem stability of proteasome activities, despite the marked decrease in pH, allows them to play a role in meat tenderization in synergy with other proteolytic systems.

Electrophoretic analysis of phosphorylation of the yeast 20S proteasome.

The 26S proteasome complex, consisting of two multisubunit complexes, a 20S proteasome and a pair of 19S regulatory particles, plays a major role in the nonlysosomal degradation of intracellular proteins. The 20S proteasome was purified from yeast and separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). A total of 18 spots separated by 2-DE were identified as the 20S proteasome subunits by peptide mass fingerprinting with matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The alpha2-, alpha4- and alpha7-subunits gave multiple spots, which converged into one spot for each subunit when treated with alkaline phosphatase. The difference of pI between phosphorylated and dephosphorylated spots and their reaction against anti-phosphotyrosine antibody suggested that the alpha2- and alpha4-subunits are phosphorylated either at Ser or at Thr residue, and the alpha7-subunit is phosphorylated at Tyr residue(s). These phosphorylated subunits were analyzed by electrospray ionization-quadrupole time of flight-tandem MS (ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) to deduce the phosphorylation sites. The 20S proteasome has three different protease activities: chymotrypsin-like, trypsin-like and peptidylglutamyl peptide-hydrolyzing activities. The phosphatase treatment increased K(m) value for chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome, indicating that phosphorylation may play an important role in regulating the proteasome activity.