Purified Membrane Fractions Research Articles

Cloning, expression, and genetic mapping of Sema W, a member of the semaphorin family.

The semaphorins comprise a large family of membrane-bound and secreted proteins, some of which have been shown to function in axon guidance. We have cloned a transmembrane semaphorin, Sema W, that belongs to the class IV subgroup of the semaphorin family. The mouse and rat forms of Sema W show 97% amino acid sequence identity with each other, and each shows about 91% identity with the human form. The gene for Sema W is divided into 15 exons, up to 4 of which are absent in the human cDNAs that we sequenced. Unlike many other semaphorins, Sema W is expressed at low levels in the developing embryo but was found to be expressed at high levels in the adult central nervous system and lung. Functional studies with purified membrane fractions from COS7 cells transfected with a Sema W expression plasmid showed that Sema W has growth-cone collapse activity against retinal ganglion-cell axons, indicating that vertebrate transmembrane semaphorins, like secreted semaphorins, can collapse growth cones. Genetic mapping of human SEMAW with human/hamster radiation hybrids localized the gene to chromosome 2p13. Genetic mapping of mouse Semaw with mouse/hamster radiation hybrids localized the gene to chromosome 6, and physical mapping placed the gene on bacteria artificial chromosomes carrying microsatellite markers D6Mit70 and D6Mit189. This localization places Semaw within the locus for motor neuron degeneration 2, making it an attractive candidate gene for this disease.

Reconstitution of membrane fusion between pancreatic islet secretory granules and plasma membranes: Catalysis by a protein constituent recognized by monoclonal antibodies directed against glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

An isoform of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) isolated and purified from rabbit brain cytosol has previously been demonstrated to catalyze membrane fusion (Glaser and Gross, Biochemistry 33 (1994) 5805–5812; Glaser and Gross, Biochemistry 34 (1995) 12193–12203). Herein, we provide evidence suggesting that this GAPDH isoform can reconstitute in vitro protein-catalyzed fusion between naturally occurring subcellular membrane fractions involved in insulin exocytosis. Utilizing purified rat pancreatic β-cell plasma membranes and secretory granules, we show that a brain cytosolic factor catalyzed the rapid and efficient fusion of these two purified membrane fractions which could be inhibited by a monoclonal antibody directed against the brain isoform of GAPDH. Moreover, the brain cytosolic factor also catalyzed the fusion of reconstituted vesicles prepared from lipid extracts of islet plasma membranes and secretory granules. Although the brain cytosolic factor rapidly catalyzed membrane fusion between islet plasma membranes and secretory granules, it did not catalyze fusion between one secretory granule population with another. To identify the potential importance of brain cytosolic factor catalyzed membrane fusion in islet cells, we examined extracts of hamster insulinoma tumor cells (HIT cells) for fusion-catalyzing activity. A protein constituent was present in HIT cell cytosol which was immunologically similar to the rabbit brain GAPDH isoform. Although native HIT cell cytosol did not catalyze membrane fusion, removal of an endogenous protein inhibitor unmasked the presence of the protein which catalyzed membrane fusion activity and such fusion was ablated by a monoclonal antibody directed against the brain isoform of GAPDH. Collectively, these results suggest the possibility that an isoform of brain GAPDH, also evident in HIT cells, can catalyze fusion between the two naturally occurring subcellular membrane compartments involved in insulin secretion and suggest a novel paradigm potentially coupling glycolytic flux with insulin release.

Sensory and Motor Neuron-derived Factor Is a Transmembrane Heregulin That Is Expressed on the Plasma Membrane with the Active Domain Exposed to the Extracellular Environment

The beta-heregulin sensory and motor neuron-derived factor (SMDF) has been suggested to be an important regulator of Schwann cell development and proliferation. In the present study, human SMDF was expressed in cultured cell lines. The cells and the recombinant protein were used to examine the membrane association and biological activity of the growth factor. Transfection of cells with SMDF cDNA constructs bearing FLAG epitope tags at either the amino- or carboxyl-terminal ends of the polypeptide resulted in expression of anti-FLAG immunoreactive polypeptides of approximately 44 and 83 kDa. The 83-kDa polypeptide was the major form expressed on the cell surface, as demonstrated by sensitivity to proteolysis in intact cells and surface biotinylation. SMDF was tightly associated with membranes isolated from transfected cells but was solubilized by Triton X-100. Immunofluorescent staining and immunoprecipitation experiments using cells expressing amino- or carboxyl-terminal tagged SMDF revealed that only the carboxyl-terminal end of the protein is exposed on the cell surface. Membranes from SMDF-transfected cells stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the beta-heregulin receptor ErbB3 in Schwann cells. Conditioned medium from transfected cells contained a similar activity, suggesting that SMDF is subject to proteolytic release from the plasma membrane. In contrast with other beta-heregulin isoforms, SMDF failed to bind heparin. Stimulation of Schwann cell ErbB3 receptor phosphorylation by SMDF was not affected by inhibition of Schwann cell heparan sulfate proteoglycan synthesis. These results demonstrate that SMDF is a type II transmembrane protein. This orientation places the active epidermal growth factor homology domain, which is located near the carboxyl-terminal end of the polypeptide, on the cell surface, where it can function as a membrane-anchored growth factor.

Acute and chronic regulation of Na+/K+-ATPase transport activity in the RN22 Schwann cell line in response to stimulation of cyclic AMP production.

Na+/K+-ATPase-dependent Rb+ uptake of RN22 Schwann cells was stimulated by cholera toxin (0.25 microg/ml), forskolin (2 mM), or 8-bromo cAMP (1 mM). At 2 h Rb+ uptake was increased by 162+/-6% (cholera toxin), 151+/-14% (forskolin), and 207+/-15% (8-bromo cAMP). Cholera toxin or 8-bromo cAMP treatment for 12-24 h resulted in a second peak of Na+/K+-ATPase-dependent Rb+ transport activity of 186+/-12 and 265+/-9% of control, respectively. Cholera toxin also transiently stimulated the activity of the Na+, K+, 2Cl- -cotransporter with a peak at 2 h (179+/-9%), returning to basal levels by 24 h. Inhibition of the Na+,K+,2Cl- -cotransporter by bumetanide (0.1 mM) or by reduction of the Na+ gradient (10 mM veratridine treatment) prevented the early peak in ATPase activity but not the second peak. These results indicated that the early transient stimulation of Na+/K+ ATPase activity by cholera toxin was due to an increase in cellular Na+, secondary to stimulation of Na+,K+,2Cl -cotransport activity. Western blot analysis of cellular homogenates and purified membrane fractions showed that the second peak of Rb+ uptake activity was a result of translocation of transport protein from an intracellular microsomal pool to the plasma membrane. Rb+ uptake by dominant negative protein kinase A mutants of the RN22 cell was not stimulated by cholera toxin treatment (acute or chronic) confirming the cAMP/protein kinase A dependency of both acute and long-term regulation of transport activity. In the absence of a change in Michaelis constants or of an increase in total transport protein of cellular homogenates, neither a change in enzyme kinetics nor an increase in de novo synthesis of transport protein could account for the increase in transport activity.

A Mucosal Intranet: Intestinal Epithelial Cells Down-Regulate Intraepithelial, But Not Peripheral, T Lymphocytes

Epithelial cells and lymphocytes, including gammadelta and alphabeta T cells, in the gastrointestinal tract epithelium represent a major host defense intranet that is incompletely understood. Cell-to-cell interactions between intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) comprise this intranet, and we have assessed the role of IECs in the regulation of gammadelta and alphabeta T cell responses. When highly purified CD3+ IEL T cells were stimulated via the TCR-CD3 complex, high proliferative responses and cytokine synthesis were induced. However, the addition of viable IECs or purified IEC membranes (mIEC) down-regulated T cell proliferative and cytokine responses. Further, the inhibitory effect of mIEC was not restored by antibodies to TGF-beta, CD1d, E-cadherin, or MHC class I or II. This inhibitory effect was noted for both gammadelta and alphabeta T cell subsets from IELs, and mRNA levels were reduced for both Th1 (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) and Th2 (IL-4 and IL-5) cytokines in gammadelta and alphabeta IELs. In contrast, a purified membrane fraction obtained from thymocytes did not inhibit IEL proliferative responses. Further, mIEC did not inhibit splenic alphabeta T cell proliferative responses. These findings show that cell-to-cell interactions between intraepithelial gammadelta and alphabeta T cells and IECs occur via cell surface molecules, suggesting an intranet to prevent potential inflammatory responses at the intestinal mucosal surface.

Guanine nucleotides protect Rho proteins from endogenous proteolytic degradation in renal membranes

Purified membrane fractions have been widely used for the study of the factors regulating the functions of Rho small GTP-binding proteins. Using brush border membranes from the rat kidney as a model, we observed that in vitro incubation of these membranes resulted in time- and temperature-dependent proteolytic degradation of Cdc42 and RhoA. Treatment of kidney brush border membranes with various nucleotides showed that GDP and GTP weakly protected Cdc42 but not RhoA and that their nonhydrolyzable counterparts, guanosine 5'-O-[β-thio]diphosphate (GDPβS) and guanosine 5'-O-[γ-thio]triphosphate (GTPγS), were highly efficient in protecting both proteins from endogenous proteolytic activity whereas ADP and ATP were without effect. GTPγS also protected Cdc42 and RhoA from proteolytic degradation in crude cell membranes from several rat tissues including intestine, kidney, liver, and testis. In addition, Cdc42 and RhoA associated with brush border membranes were largely resistant to increased proteolytic degradation induced by membrane treatment with the denaturing reagent urea as well as to added trypsin when incubated in the presence of GTPγS. In brush border membranes, the resistance to endo- and exo-genous proteolytic activity conferred by GTPγS was usually lower for RhoA than for Cdc42. GTPγS also protected recombinant Cdc42 and RhoA from the action of proteases associated with brush border membranes. The only protease inhibitor protecting Cdc42 but not RhoA from proteolytic degradation in brush border membranes was the synthetic peptide acetyl-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-aldehyde, a selective inhibitor of interleukin-1β-converting enzyme. This latter result showed that different proteases cleaved the two Rho proteins. Taken together, these results suggest that the GTPγS-bound forms of Cdc42 and RhoA are maintained in a conformation that protects them from proteases found in many cell membranes.Key words: rho proteins, GTP, proteolysis, kidney.

Membranes with dopamine receptors coupled to G proteins: Purification from theLymnaea central nervous system

A membrane fraction, which contained dopamine receptors and heterotrimeric G proteins, was purified from homogenate of molluscan (Lymnaea) CNS tissues. Radioligand binding analysis with the use of [7.8-3H] dopamine detected the presence of a high-affinity binding site in this fraction. [7.8-3H] Dopamine was displaced in a dose-dependent manner by dopamine antagonists, S(-)-sulpiride, (±)-SKF83566, and fluphenazine. Radioligand binding analysis of purified membranes with the use of labelled GDP showed the presence of a high affinity binding site withBmax=92±5 pmol/mg of protein andKd=64±10 nM. GDP, in contrast to GTP, markedly increased [7.8-3H] dopamine binding in the absence of metal cations (the maximum increase was 2.5-fold). Added separately, Na and Mg ions decreased the stimulatory influence of GDP. Jointly, these ions completely abolished this GDP influence on the [7.8-3H] dopamine binding. In the membrane fraction, GTPase activity in the presence of dopamine increased during an initial period and then decreased below the basal level. Therefore, we have demonstrated that in our experiments dopamine receptors in the purified membrane fraction are functionally coupled with heterotrimeric G proteins, but their interaction displays some specific features.

Guanine nucleotides protect Rho proteins from endogenous proteolytic degradation in renal membranes

Purified membrane fractions have been widely used for the study of the factors regulating the functions of Rho small GTP-binding proteins. Using brush border membranes from the rat kidney as a model, we observed that in vitro incubation of these membranes resulted in time- and temperature-dependent proteolytic degradation of Cdc42 and RhoA. Treatment of kidney brush border membranes with various nucleotides showed that GDP and GTP weakly protected Cdc42 but not RhoA and that their nonhydrolyzable counterparts, guanosine 5'-O-[beta-thio] diphosphate (GDP beta S) and guanosine 5'-O-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S), were highly efficient in protecting both proteins from endogenous proteolytic activity whereas ADP and ATP were without effect. GTP gamma S also protected Cdc42 and RhoA from proteolytic degradation in crude cell membranes from several rat tissues including intestine, kidney, liver, and testis. In addition, Cdc42 and RhoA associated with brush border membranes were largely resistant to increased proteolytic degradation induced by membrane treatment with the denaturing reagent urea as well as to added trypsin when incubated in the presence of GTP gamma S. In brush border membranes, the resistance to endo- and exo-genous proteolytic activity conferred by GTP gamma S was usually lower for RhoA than for Cdc42. GTP gamma S also protected recombinant Cdc42 and RhoA from the action of proteases associated with brush border membranes. The only protease inhibitor protecting Cdc42 but not RhoA from proteolytic degradation in brush border membranes was the synthetic peptide acetyl-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-aldehyde, a selective inhibitor of interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme. This latter result showed that different proteases cleaved the two Rho proteins. Taken together, these results suggest that the GTP gamma S-bound forms of Cdc42 and RhoA are maintained in a conformation that protects them from proteases found in many cell membranes.

The hydrolysis of cell surface glycosphingolipids by endoglycoceramidase reduces epidermal growth factor receptor phosphorylation in A431 cells.

This paper presents a new method to evaluate the biological significance of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) using a GSL-specific enzyme, endoglycoceramidase (EGCase), by which GSL-sugar chains are removed from the cell surface of living cells. In this report, the effects of EGCase on epidermal growth factor (EGF)-dependent tyrosine-specific EGF receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation of A431 cells are described. After treatment of A431 cells with EGCase II (20 mU/ml) in the presence of the activator for 12 h, all acidic GSLs tested were reduced to approximately 70% of control, but no hydrolysis occurred on Gal alpha 1,4Gal beta 1,4Glc beta 1,1Cer (Gb3Cer) and GalNAc beta 1,3Gal alpha 1,4Gal beta 1,4Glc beta 1,1Cer (Gb4Cer). In plasma membrane fractions of A431 cells, the reduction of gangliosides by EGCase II was found to be much faster than that of intact cells and reached 54.8% reduction of total gangliosides after 2 h incubation with the enzyme. EGF-dependent phosphorylation of EGFR of A431 cells was inhibited by the reduction of cell surface GSLs by EGCase when either intact A431 cells or their plasma membrane fractions were used, while EGF binding to their receptors was not changed. Neither hydrolysis of cell surface GSLs nor reduction of EGFR phosphorylation occurred when A431 cells were incubated with the activator or EGCase alone. The exogenous addition of ceramides or sphingosines, and treatment of cell membranes with sphingomyelinase, had no effect on the EGFR phosphorylation of purified membrane fractions, while the inhibitory effect of EGCase II on EGFR phosphorylation was restored by the addition of GM3-sugar chains, but not by lactose or sialic acid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Feeding Colostrum Rapidly Alters Enzymatic Activity and the Relative Isoform Abundance of Jejunal Lactase in Neonatal Pigs ,

Our objective was to determine the short-term effects of feeding colostrum and mature milk on the enzyme activity and relative isoform abundance of lactase in neonatal pigs. We studied newborn pigs that were fed colostrum, mature milk and water for 6 h (Study 1). We also studied unfed pigs shortly after birth, and newborn pigs fed either colostrum or mature milk for 24 h (Study 2). The specific activity (µmol·min-1·g protein-1) of lactase in a jejunal mucosal homogenate and a purified membrane fraction was lower in pigs fed colostrum than in unfed newborns or those fed either milk or water. However, after 24 h, total jejunal lactase activity (µmol·mol-1), jejunal mass and protein content were higher in the colostrum- and milk-fed pigs than in the unfed newborns. In colostrum-fed pigs, the reduction in lactase specific activity after 6 h was associated with 1) a marked increase in the relative abundance of a 180-kDa protein, which was shown to be one of three pro-lactase isoforms, and 2) a lower relative abundance of the 160-kDa isoform, considered to be the mature form of the enzyme. Our evidence suggests that feeding either colostrum or mature milk increases total jejunal lactase activity. The reduction in both the specific activity and abundance of the mature isoform in conjunction with an increased relative abundance of the 180-kDa pro-lactase isoform suggests that feeding colostrum alters the post-translational processing of intestinal lactase in neonatal pigs.

Expression of vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP-2)/synaptobrevin II and cellubrevin in rat skeletal muscle and in a muscle cell line

Molecular studies have identified a family of synaptic vesicle-associated membrane proteins (VAMPs, also known as synaptobrevins) which have been implicated in synaptic vesicle docking and/or fusion with plasma membrane proteins. Here we demonstrate the expression of two members of this family, VAMP-2/synaptobrevin II and cellubrevin, in skeletal muscle, a tissue with both constitutive and regulated membrane traffic. The 18 kDa VAMP-2 polypeptide was detected in purified membrane fractions from adult skeletal muscle and from L6 myotubes in culture, demonstrating that the presence of this protein in the isolated muscle membrane fractions is not the result of contamination by ancillary tissues such as peripheral nerve. Furthermore, skeletal muscle and the muscle cell line also expressed cellubrevin, a VAMP-2 homologue of 17 kDa; which is much less abundant in brain cells. Both VAMP-2 and cellubrevin were preferentially isolated in membrane fractions rich in plasma membranes, and were less concentrated in light microsomes and other internal membrane fractions of mature muscle or muscle cells in culture. Interestingly, both VAMP-2 and cellubrevin were much more abundant in the differentiated L6 myotubes than in their precursor myoblasts, suggesting that they are required for functions of differentiated muscle cells. The identity of both polypeptides was further confirmed by their susceptibility to proteolysis by Clostridium tetanus toxin. Expression of these products was further established by the presence of mRNA transcripts of VAMP-2 and cellubrevin, but not of VAMP-1, in both skeletal muscle and L6 myotubes. In contrast, other synaptic vesicle and docking/fusion components were undetectable, such as VAMP-1, SNAP25 and syntaxin 1A/1B, as were synaptophysin and synapsin Ia/Ib, proteins which are believed to be involved in sensing the signal for neuronal exocytosis. It is concluded that VAMP-2 and cellubrevin are expressed in skeletal muscle cells and may each participate in specific processes of intracellular membrane traffic.

Ryanodine and dihydropyridine binding patterns and ryanodine receptor mRNA levels in myopathic hamster heart.

We have determined the densities of sarcolemmal voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCC) and Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release channels (CICR) of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the cardiomyopathic hamster heart using [3H]PN-200 and [3H]ryanodine, respectively. Partially purified cardiac membrane preparations from myopathic animals exhibit a twofold higher capacity to bind both [3H]PN-200 and [3H]ryanodine. Crude particulate membrane fractions from normal and cardiomyopathic animals reveal no significant difference in receptor densities for [3H]PN-200, whereas densities for [3H]ryanodine binding sites and mRNA levels are significantly (P < 0.05) diminished in cardiomyopathic animals. Inhibition of [3H]ryanodine binding by either Ca2+ or Mg2+ (in mM) as well as temperature dependence for receptor activation for [3H]ryanodine (Q10) is not significantly different, whereas membranes isolated from cardiomyopathic hearts are 1.4-fold and threefold more sensitive to activation by doxorubicin and Ca2+ (in microM), respectively. Vesicles isolated from myopathic hearts are more sensitive to inhibition of Ca2+ uptake by doxorubicin. The higher densities of binding sites for [3H]PN-200 and [3H]ryanodine observed in partially purified membrane fractions from cardiomyopathic hearts are more likely the result of altered patterns with which T-tubule and CICR channels fractionate in preparations from cardiomyopathic hamster heart rather than transcriptional upregulation and may be a consequence of the deficiency in a dystrophin-associated glycoprotein recently identified. Downregulation and functional changes in CICR channels may alter SR Ca2+ transport and contribute to the progression of cardiomyopathy in the hamster.

Membrane localization of the kinase which phosphorylates p34cdc2 on threonine 14.

The key regulator of entry into mitosis is the serine/threonine kinase p34cdc2. This kinase is regulated both by association with cyclins and by phosphorylation at several sites. Phosphorylation at Tyr 15 and Thr 14 are believed to inhibit the kinase activity of cdc2. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the wee1 (and possibly mik1) protein kinase catalyzes phosphorylation of Tyr 15. It is not clear whether these or other, as yet unidentified, protein kinases phosphorylate Thr 14. In this report we show, using extracts of Xenopus eggs, that the Thr 14-directed kinase is tightly membrane associated. Specifically, we have shown that a purified membrane fraction, in the absence of cytoplasm, can promote phosphorylation of cdc2 on both Thr 14 and Tyr 15. In contrast, the cytoplasm can phosphorylate cdc2 only on Tyr 15, suggesting the existence of at least two distinctly localized subpopulations of cdc2 Tyr 15-directed kinases. The membrane-associated Tyr 15 and Thr 14 kinase activities behaved similarly during salt or detergent extraction and were similarly regulated during the cell cycle and by the checkpoint machinery that delays mitosis while DNA is being replicated. This suggests the possibility that a dual-specificity membrane-associated protein kinase may catalyze phosphorylation of both Tyr 15 and Thr 14.

Production of the serum form of the transferrin receptor by a cell membrane-associated serine protease.

Recent investigations have demonstrated that the soluble form of the transferrin receptor in human serum is an 85-kDa fragment of intact receptor containing most of the extracellular domain. The recent demonstration of a remnant of the truncated receptor in cell membranes suggests that the soluble form arises from proteolytic cleavage of intact receptor. In the present investigation, domain-specific antibodies were used to further examine the subcellular location and nature of this proteolysis. HL60 cells were used in the investigation because the cells release an 85-kDa soluble form of the receptor to the culture supernatant that is identical to that found in serum. When intact, purified transferrin receptor from human placenta was incubated with the culture supernatant, no proteolytic activity could be demonstrated. However, when purified membrane fractions from HL60 cells were used in this incubation system, the 85-kDa fragment was produced. This activity was inhibited by serine protease inhibitors indicating that cell membrane fractions contain a serine protease capable of producing the serum form of the transferrin receptor.

S-layer protein from Thermus thermophilus HB8 assembles into porin-like structures.

The cells of the extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus are surrounded by a regular layer (S-layer) built up by a protein with an apparent molecular mass of 100 kDa (P100). From purified membrane fractions, three different class of two-dimensional crystals can be obtained by following alternative extractive procedures. One of these crystals, with p6 symmetry, clearly represents the native S-layer detected by freeze etching on whole cells, while the other two, showing p2 and p3 symmetries respectively, closely resemble aggregates of bacterial porins. We demonstrate here by limited proteolysis and Western blotting the surprising fact that the protein component of the three crystals is the P100 protein. Our biochemical data also show how this protein forms Ca(2+)-stabilized trimers in each crystal, which support the structural analysis that points to p3 units as the common structural block in all of them, and again resembles the situation found in bacterial porins.

Increase of apamin receptors in skeletal muscle induced by colchicine: possible role in myotonia.

We have shown an increase of apamin receptors in rat skeletal muscle membranes following the application of colchicine to the sciatic nerve. 125I-apamin binding to partially purified membrane fractions was observed since day 4, reached a maximum around days 6-15, and was negligible at day 35 after the application of colchicine. Control muscles (nerves treated with buffer solution) showed low binding values (11 fmol/mg protein). Maximal 125I-apamin binding values to partially purified muscle membranes of colchicine-treated rats (42 fmol/mg protein) were lower than those obtained in denervated muscle (95 fmol/mg protein). The affinity binding constant values were 37 (colchicine) and 95 pM (denervation). No signs of muscle denervation were observed on histological examination of the nerve submitted to colchicine treatment nor in the muscles innervated by it. Muscle tension developed by indirect stimulation was the same as in controls. We here show also that partially purified membranes of normal untreated muscles have measurable amounts of 125I-apamin binding (13 fmol/mg protein), similar to those obtained in control muscles. Electromyographic recordings of the muscles after colchicine treatment of the nerve showed abnormal repetitive electrical discharges, similar to myotonic discharges, that were present with a similar temporal course as the increase in apamin receptors. The myotonic-like discharges were suppressed by the topical application of apamin to the muscle, whereas the toxin had no effect on anthracene-9-carbolytic acid-induced myotonia. Our results suggest that a neurotrophic factor that travels by axonal flow is involved in the regulation of the expression of apamin receptors in skeletal muscle membranes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Density of 1,4-dihydropyridine receptors decreases in the hearts of aging hamsters

To determine whether density and properties of myocardial voltage-sensitive calcium channels may change in the hearts of aged animals, we have compared specific binding of [ 3H]-nitrendipine ([ 3H]-NTP) to 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) receptors in ventricular homogenate and membrane fractions prepared from the hearts of adult hamsters of different ages. In crude homogenate preparations from young adult animals (70 days) the density ( B max) of [ 3H]-NTP binding was 82±6 fmol/mg protein ( n=5 hearts). By contrast, B max values for 400-, 500- and 600-day-old animals were 54±5, 59±11 and 50±2 fmol/mg protein, respectively (significantly lower than control, P=0.004, n=4–5 hearts/group). The affinity ( K d) of [ 3H]-NTP binding was not affected by increasing age. Similar results were obtained in a partially purified membrane fraction. Allosteric modulation of [ 3H]-NTP binding by the phenylalkylamine, verapamil and the benzothiazepine, diltiazem were preserved in aging heart. These studies demonstrate that the density of myocardial DHP receptors declines in the aged hamster, although the properties of these receptors are unchanged. This suggests that a decrease in voltage-sensitive calcium channels may be associated with normal myocardial aging.

Occurrence of a Photosystem II polypeptide in non-photosynthetic membranes of cyanobacteria.

Cytoplasmic and thylakoid membranes have been purified from the cyanobacteria Anacystis nidulans R2 and Phormidium laminosum by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Probing of Western blots of proteins from these purified membrane fractions with antibodies directed against the 33 kDa polypeptide of Photosystem II from pea indicates that this protein is present in both the thylakoid and cytoplasmic membranes, rather than just the thylakoid membranes. This has been confirmed by immunogold labelling of cells. Oxygen evolution assays have been used to show that the 33 kDa polypeptide is not assembled into a functional Photosystem II complex in the cytoplasmic membranes. This may be due to the absence of other Photosystem II components.

Local renin-angiotensin systems.

The existence of a local cardiovascular renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is often invoked to explain the long-term beneficial effects of RAS inhibitors in heart failure and hypertension. The implicit assumption is that all components of the RAS are synthesized in situ, so that local angiotensin II formation may occur independently of the circulating RAS. Evidence for this assumption however is lacking. The angiotensin release from isolated perfused rat hearts or hindlimbs depends on the presence of renal renin. When calculating the in vivo angiotensin production at tissue sites in humans and pigs, taking into account the extensive regional angiotensin clearance by infusing radiolabeled angiotensin I or II, it was found that angiotensin production correlated closely with plasma renin activity. Moreover, in pigs the cardiac tissue levels of renin and angiotensin were directly correlated with their respective plasma levels, and both in tissue and plasma the levels were undetectably low after nephrectomy. Similarly, rat vascular renin and angiotensin decrease to low or undetectable levels within 48 h after nephrectomy. Aortic renin has a longer half life than plasma renin, suggesting that renin may be bound by the vessel wall. In support of this assumption, both renin receptors and renin-binding proteins have been described. Like ACE, renin was enriched in a purified membrane fraction prepared from cardiac tissue. Binding of renin to cardiac vascular membranes may therefore be part of a mechanism by which renin is taken up from plasma. It appears that the concept of a local RAS needs to be reassessed. Local angiotensin formation in heart and vessel wall does occur, but depends, at least under normal circumstances, on the uptake of renal renin from the circulation. Tissues may regulate their local angiotensin concentrations by varying the number of renin receptors and/or renin-binding proteins, the ACE level, the amount of metabolizing enzymes and the angiotensin receptor density.

Localisation of the [ 32P]IP 3 binding site on human platelet intracellular membranes isolated by high-voltage free-flow electrophoresis

This Study reports the localisation of the [ 32P]IP 3 binding site on highly purified membrane fractions prepared using high-voltage free-flow electrophoresis. Binding studies on mixed membranes, carried out at 4°C, revealed a binding site with a K d = 86 nM and β max = 5.3 pmol/mg protein. The binding was potently inhibited by heparin. High-voltage free-flow electrophoresis was used to further purify surface and intracellular membranes. The intracellular membranes showed a 5-fold enrichment of binding sites with respect to the parent mixed membranes with the same K d(80 nM), but the surface membranes showed an absence of binding activity. The results indicate the localisation of the IP 3 receptor on highly purified intracellular membranes.