Thymus cDNA Library Research Articles

VHL negatively regulates SARS coronavirus replication by modulating nsp16 ubiquitination and stability

Eukaryotic cellular and most viral RNAs carry a 5′-terminal cap structure, a 5′-5′ triphosphate linkage between the 5′ end of the RNA and a guanosine nucleotide (cap-0). SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) nonstructural protein nsp16 functions as a methyltransferase, to methylate mRNA cap-0 structure at the ribose 2′-O position of the first nucleotide to form cap-1 structures. However, whether there is interplay between nsp16 and host proteins was not yet clear. In this report, we identified several potential cellular nsp16-interacting proteins from a human thymus cDNA library by yeast two-hybrid screening. VHL, one of these proteins, was proven to interact with nsp16 both in vitro and in vivo. Further studies showed that VHL can inhibit SARS-CoV replication by regulating nsp16 ubiquitination and promoting its degradation. Our results have revealed the role of cellular VHL in the regulation of SARS-CoV replication.

Thymus cDNA library survey uncovers novel features of immune molecules in Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus

A ranavirus-induced thymus cDNA library was constructed from Chinese giant salamander, the largest extant amphibian species. Among the 137 putative immune-related genes derived from this library, these molecules received particular focus: immunoglobulin heavy chains (IgM, IgD, and IgY), IFN-inducible protein 6 (IFI6), and T cell receptor beta chain (TCRβ). Several unusual features were uncovered: IgD displays a structure pattern distinct from those described for other amphibians by having only four constant domains plus a hinge region. A unique IgY form (IgY(ΔFc)), previously undescribed in amphibians, is present in serum. Alternative splicing is observed to generate IgH diversification. IFI6 is newly-identified in amphibians, which occurs in two forms divergent in subcelluar distribution and antiviral activity. TCRβ immunoscope profile follows the typical vertebrate pattern, implying a polyclonal T cell repertoire. Collectively, the pioneering survey of ranavirus-induced thymus cDNA library from Chinese giant salamander reveals immune components and characteristics in this primitive amphibian.

Identification and analysis of expressed genes using a cDNA library from rat thymus during regeneration following cyclophosphamide-induced T cell depletion

Understanding the mechanisms of thymus regeneration is necessary for designing strategies to enhance host immunity when immune function is suppressed due to Tcell depletion. In this study, expressed sequence tag (EST) analysis was performed following generation of a regenerating thymus cDNA library to identify genes expressed in thymus regeneration. A total of 1,000 ESTs were analyzed, of which 770 (77%) matched to known genes, 178 matched to unknown genes (17.8%) and 52 (5.2%) did not match any known sequences. The ESTs matched to known genes were grouped into eight functional categories: gene/protein synthesis (28%), metabolism (24%), cell signaling and communication (17%), cell structure and motility (6%), cell/organism defense and homeostasis (6%), cell division (3%), cell death/apoptosis (2%), and unclassified genes (14%). Based on the data of RT-PCR analysis, the expression of TLP, E2IG2, pincher, Paip2, TGF-β1, 4-1BB and laminin α3genes was increased during thymus regeneration. These results provide extensive molecular information, for the first time, on thymus regeneration indicating that the regenerating thymus cDNA library may be a useful source for identifying various genes expressed during thymus regeneration.

A CD83-like molecule in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax): Molecular characterization and modulation by viral and bacterial infection

The CD83 cell surface marker is an important and intriguing component of immune system. It is considered the best marker for mature human dendritic cells, but it is also important for thymic development of T cells, and it also plays a role as a regulator of peripheral B-cell function and homeostasis. A CD83-like molecule was identified in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by EST sequencing of a thymus cDNA library; the CD83 cDNA is composed of 816 bp and the mature CD83 peptide consists of 195 amino acids, with a putative signal peptide of 18 amino acids and two possible N-glycosylation sites. The comparison of sea bass CD83 sequence with its homologues in other fish species and mammals shows some differences, with two cysteine residues conserved from fish to mammals and a high variability both in the total number of cysteines and in mature CD83 sequence polypeptide length. Basal transcripts levels of CD83 mRNA are highest in liver, followed by thymus. The in vitro treatment of head kidney leukocytes with LPS resulted in a down-regulation on CD83 mRNA leves both after 4 and 24 h, whereas with poly I:C an up-regulation after 4h followed by a down-regulation at 24 h was observed. An in vivo infection of sea bass juveniles with nodavirus induced an increase of CD83 expression on head kidney leukocytes both after 6 and 24 h and a decrease after 72 h. On the other hand, an in vivo infection with Photobacterium damselae bacteria induced a decrease of CD83 transcript levels after 6 and 24 h and an increase after 72 h. These findings suggest in sea bass CD83 expression could be modulated by viral and bacterial immune response.

Targeting Human B-Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells with Recombinant Human CD19 Ligand

AbstractAbstract 599CD19 is a 95-kDa B-lineage restricted receptor molecule that functions as a key regulator of transmembrane signals in both B-cells and B-cell precursors. Here we report the cloning and characterization of a novel high-mobility group (HMG)-box protein as the membrane-associated natural ligand of human CD19 receptor (CD19-L) on human immature as well as mature lymphoid cells. We cloned the gene encoding CD19-L from a human thymus cDNA library by yeast two-hybrid screening using the cDNA encoding human CD19 extracellular domain (AA 1 to 273) (CD19ECD) fused to the GAL4 DNA binding domain as the bait plasmid. The cDNA for the surface membrane-associated CD19-L protein is 2290-bp in length encoding a 487-aa protein with a predicted molecular mass of 54-kDa. The comparison of the amino acid sequence of CD19-L protein with reported sequences in Genebank Database revealed that CD19-L is a new member of the HMG-box protein family. CD19-L contains two leucine-rich hydrophobic nuclear export signal (NES) motifs associated with unconventional ER- and Golgi-independent transport of nuclear/cytoplasmic secretory proteins to the surface membrane. Expression of the CD19-L gene expression is limited to the lymphocyte compartment within the human lymphohematopoietic system and particularly abundant in T-lineage cells. CD19-L displays abundant expression on immature double-positive (DP) thymocytes as well as leukemic T-cell precursors from T-lineage ALL patients corresponding to immature double-negative (DN) pro-thymocyte and DP cortico-thymocyte stages of human T-cell ontogeny. CD19-L is also expressed on B-lineage lymphoid cells at all stages of human B-cell ontogeny, including fetal liver derived biphenotypic CD2+CD19+ pro-B/T cells, pro-B cells, pre-B cells and mature B-cells. Soluble recombinant human CD19-L protein produced in a baculovirus expression system exhibited exquisite specificity for the extracellular domain of CD19 and had profound effects on apoptosis-related signaling and gene expression in CD19+ human leukemia cells. Engagement of CD19 co-receptor on B-lineage ALL cells with soluble CD19-L protein perturbed CD19-associated signaling network and triggered tyrosine phosphorylation of CD19 in a time-dependent fashion with peak phosphorylation occurring within 1–5 min. CD19-phosphorylation was associated with rapid and transient activation of SYK tyrosine kinase. Treatment of B-lineage ALL cells with 100 ng/mL CD19-L for 24 h corrupted the regulation of gene expression and altered the expression levels of 13 genes directly involved in regulation of apoptosis. We next examined the ability of CD19-L to induce apoptosis in leukemic B-cell precursors from chemotherapy-resistant CD19-positive human B-lineage ALL cell lines NALM-6 (pre-B ALL), RS4;11 (MLL-AF4+ Pro-B ALL), and ALL-1 (BCR-ABL+ Pre-pre-B ALL). CD19-L (but not control proteins CD19ECD or CD19ICD) caused apoptosis in each of these 3 ALL cell lines. As CD19-L specifically targets CD19ECD, excess CD19ECD protein was able to compete with surface CD19 receptor for CD19-L binding and thereby prevent CD19-L induced apoptosis. Excess CD19 intracellular domain protein (CD19ICD) that was included as a negative control did not affect CD19-L induced apoptosis. CD19-L was also capable of causing apoptosis in chemotherapy-resistant primary leukemic cells from relapsed CD19+ B-lineage ALL patients. This collection of experimental data provides compelling evidence that CD19-L is a potent biotherapeutic new agent candidate against CD19+ lymphoid malignancies. The identification of human CD19-L may lead to therapeutic innovation for B-lineage ALL as well as other B-lineage lymphoid malignancies by providing an effective alternative to CD19-directed monoclonal antibody-based biotherapeutic agents that have encountered several limitations in clinical settings. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Identification and characterization of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) granzyme A/K, a cytotoxic cell granule-associated serine protease

Granzyme (Gzm) is an important member of serine protease family, and key component in the specific and non-specific cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Partial GzmA/K cDNA sequence of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) was isolated from thymus cDNA library by the method of suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). Subsequently, the full length cDNA of carp GzmA/K was obtained by means of 3′ RACE and 5′ RACE, respectively. The full length cDNA of carp GzmA/K was 1053 bp, consisting of a 5′-terminal untranslated region (UTR) of 65 bp, a 3′-terminal UTR of 214 bp, and an open reading frame of 774 bp. Amino acid sequence analysis indicated the existence of a signal peptide, eight consensus cysteine residues, one conserved IIGG motif and three conserved residues as central elements of the GzmA/K active site. Carp GzmA/K shared 36% and 39% amino acid identity to human GzmA and K, respectively, and was phylogenetically related to the granzyme A and K subgroups. Then, a genomic DNA, which covers the promoter region and entire coding region of carp GzmA/K, was obtained by PCR. In the 5.4 k-long genomic sequence, five exons and four introns were identified. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that carp GzmA/K transcript was predominantly detected in the immune-related tissues, and after SVCV infection, was up-regulated in most immune-related tissues in a time-dependent manner. Real-time RT-PCR results also showed that carp GzmA/K transcript was up-regulated in thymus tissue of GH transgenic carp. These results will help to understand the molecular characterization and the potential role of teleost GzmA/K, a cytotoxic cell granule-associated serine protease.

Structure, organization and expression of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) NKEF-B gene

Natural killer (NK) cell enhancing factor (NKEF) belongs to the newly defined peroxiredoxin (Prx) family. Its functions are to enhance NK cell cytotoxicity and to protect DNA and proteins from oxidative damage. In this study, a partial cDNA sequence of carp NKEF-B was isolated from thymus cDNA library. Subsequently, the full-length cDNA of carp NKEF-B was obtained by means of 3′ and 5′ RACE, respectively. The full-length cDNA of carp NKEF-B was 1022 bp, consisting of a 73 bp 5′-terminal untranslated region (UTR), a 355 bp 3′-terminal UTR, and a 594 bp open reading frame coding for a protein of 197 amino acids. Carp NKEF-B contained two consensus Val-Cys-Pro (VCP) motifs and three consensus cysteine (Cys-51, Cys-70 and Cys-172) residues. Sequence comparison showed that the deduced amino acid sequence of carp NKEF-B had an overall similarity of 74–96% to that of other species homologues. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that carp NKEF-B forms a cluster with other known teleost NKEF-Bs. Then, by PCR we obtained a 5.1-k long genomic DNA of carp NKEF-B containing six exons and five introns. Real-time RT-PCR results showed that carp NKEF-B gene was predominantly detected in kidney and head kidney under un-infected conditions. Whereas under SVCV-infection condition, the expression of NKEF-B gene was significantly increased in blood cells, gill, intestine and spleen, but maintained in liver, and decreased significantly in kidney and head kidney. Finally, the rNKEF-B was constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli. By using an antibody against carp rNKEF-B, immunohistochemical study further indicated that NKEF-B positive cells are mainly some RBCs and a few epithelial cells in gill and intestine, and that under SVCV-infection condition, these positive cells or positive products in their cytoplasm were mainly increased in gill and spleen sections of carp. The results obtained in the present study will help to understand the function of NKEF-B in teleost innate immunity.

BPOZ‐2 directly binds to eEF1A1 to promote eEF1A1 ubiquitylation and degradation and prevent translation

Bood POZ containing gene type 2 (BPOZ-2), which contains ankyrin repeats, NLS, BTB/POZ domains and LXXLL motifs, is an adaptor protein for the E3 ubiquitin ligase scaffold protein CUL3. We isolated a cDNA encoding eukaryotic elongation factor 1A1 (eEF1A1) as a BPOZ-2 binding protein by screening a human thymus cDNA library using a yeast two-hybrid system. eEF1A1 is essential for translation and is also involved in the 26S proteasome-dependent degradation of misfolded or unfolded proteins. The binding between BPOZ-2 and eEF1A1 was confirmed by pull-down and immunoprecipitation assays in vitro and in vivo, respectively. BPOZ-2 binds to eEF1A1 through the ankyrin repeats and both BTB/POZ domains in BPOZ-2 and Domains I and III in eEF1A1. BPOZ-2 and eEF1A1 over-expressed in HEK 293T cells co-localized as speckles within the cytoplasm. BPOZ-2 promoted eEF1A1 ubiquitylation and degradation, suggesting that eEF1A1 is a substrate of BPOZ-2. BPOZ-2 inhibited GTP binding to eEF1A1 and prevented translation in in vitro translation assay using rabbit reticulocytes.

Bood POZ containing gene type 2 is a human counterpart of yeast Btb3p and promotes the degradation of terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase

Bood POZ containing gene type 2 (BPOZ-2) is involved in the growth suppressive effect of the phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN). We showed that BPOZ-2 is a human counterpart of yeast Btb3p, which is a putative adaptor for Pcu3p-based ubiquitin ligase. BPOZ-2 bound to E3 ligase CUL3 in vitro and in vivo. BPOZ-2 itself was ubiquitinated through the CUL3-based E3 ligase mainly within the nucleus and degraded by the 26S proteasome. Although BPOZ-2 was mainly expressed within the cytoplasm, it accumulated within the nucleus in the presence of the specific 26S proteasome inhibitor MG132. BPOZ-2 may be recruited to the nucleus from the cytoplasm. Terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT) was detected as a BPOZ-2-binding protein using a yeast two-hybrid system by screening a human thymus cDNA library. TdT, BPOZ-2, and CUL3 formed a ternary complex in vivo. TdT was ubiquitinated only within the nucleus and degraded by the 26S proteasome. The ubiqutination or degradation of TdT was markedly promoted by co-expression of BPOZ-2 and CUL3 or BPOZ-2 in 293T cells, respectively.

Structure, organization and expression of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) SLP-76 gene

SLP-76 is an important member of the SLP-76 family of adapters, and it plays a key role in TCR signaling and T cell function. Partial cDNA sequence of SLP-76 of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) was isolated from thymus cDNA library by the method of suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). Subsequently, the full length cDNA of carp SLP-76 was obtained by means of 3′ RACE and 5′ RACE, respectively. The full length cDNA of carp SLP-76 was 2007 bp, consisting of a 5′-terminal untranslated region (UTR) of 285 bp, a 3′-terminal UTR of 240 bp, and an open reading frame of 1482 bp. Sequence comparison showed that the deduced amino acid sequence of carp SLP-76 had an overall similarity of 34–73% to that of other species homologues, and it was composed of an NH2-terminal domain, a central proline-rich domain, and a C-terminal SH2 domain. Amino acid sequence analysis indicated the existence of a Gads binding site R-X-X-K, a 10-aa-long sequence which binds to the SH3 domain of LCK in vitro, and three conserved tyrosine-containing sequence in the NH2-terminal domain. Then we used PCR to obtain a genomic DNA which covers the entire coding region of carp SLP-76. In the 9.2 k-long genomic sequence, twenty one exons and twenty introns were identified. RT-PCR results showed that carp SLP-76 was expressed predominantly in hematopoietic tissues, and was upregulated in thymus tissue of four-month carp compared to one-year old carp. RT-PCR and virtual northern hybridization results showed that carp SLP-76 was also upregulated in thymus tissue of GH transgenic carp at the age of four-months. These results suggest that the expression level of SLP-76 gene may be related to thymocyte development in teleosts.

Molecular cloning and characterization of carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) CD8β and CD4-like genes

Partial cDNA sequences of both CD8β and CD4-like ( CD4L) genes of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) were isolated from thymus cDNA library by the method of suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). Subsequently the full length cDNAs of carp CD8β and CD4L were obtained by means of 3′ RACE and 5′ RACE, respectively. The full length cDNA of carp CD8β is 1164 bp and encodes 207 amino acids including a signal peptide region of 24 amino acids, a transmembrane region of 23 amino acids from aa 167 to aa189 and an immunoglobulin V-set from aa 19 to aa 141. Similar to other species CD8βs, carp CD8β also lacks p56 lck domain in the cytoplasmic region. The full length cDNA of carp CD4L is 2001 bp and encodes 458 amino acids including four immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains in the extracellular region, a transmembrane region of 23 amino acids at the C-terminal region from aa 402 to aa 424 and a cytoplasmic tail. Similar to mammalian, avian CD4s and fugu CD4L, carp CD4L also has the conserved p56 lck tyrosine kinase motif (C-X-C) in the cytoplasmic region. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that carp CD8β and CD4L genes were both expressed predominantly in thymus. The results from this study can be used to understand the evolution of both the CD8β and CD4 molecules which can be used as markers for cytotoxic and helper T cells in carp.

Interaction of PRP4 with Krüppel-Like Factor 13 Regulates CCL5 Transcription

Activation of resting T lymphocytes initiates differentiation into mature effector cells over 3-7 days. The chemokine CCL5 (RANTES) and its major transcriptional regulator, Krüppel-like factor 13 (KLF13), are expressed late (3-5 days) after activation in T lymphocytes. Using yeast two-hybrid screening of a human thymus cDNA library, PRP4, a serine/threonine protein kinase, was identified as a KLF13-binding protein. Specific interaction of KLF13 and PRP4 was confirmed by reciprocal coimmunoprecipitation. PRP4 is expressed in PHA-stimulated human T lymphocytes from days 1 and 7 with a peak at day 3. Using an in vitro kinase assay, it was found that PRP4 phosphorylates KLF13. Furthermore, although phosphorylation of KLF13 by PRP4 results in lower binding affinity to the A/B site of the CCL5 promoter, coexpression of PRP4 and KLF13 increases nuclear localization of KLF13 and CCL5 transcription. Finally, knock-down of PRP4 by small interfering RNA markedly decreases CCL5 expression in T lymphocytes. Thus, PRP4-mediated phosphorylation of KLF13 plays a role in the regulation of CCL5 expression in T lymphocytes.

Divergent T-cell receptor delta chains from marsupials

Complementary DNAs (cDNAs) encoding T-cell receptor delta (TRD) chains from the northern brown bandicoot, Isoodon macrourus, were identified while sequencing expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a thymus cDNA library. Surprisingly, the I. macrourus TRD sequences were not orthologous to previously published TRD sequences from another Australian marsupial, the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii. Identification of TRD genes in the recently completed whole genome sequence of the South American opossum, Monodelphis domestica, revealed the presence of two highly divergent TRD loci. To determine whether the presence of multiple TRD loci accounts for the lack of orthology between the I. macrourus and M. eugenii cDNAs, additional TRD sequences were obtained from both species of marsupials. The results of this analysis revealed that, unlike eutherian mammals, all three species of marsupials have multiple, highly divergent TRD loci. One group of marsupial TRD sequences was closely related to TR sequences from eutherian mammals. A second group of TRD sequences formed a unique marsupial-specific clade, separate from TR sequences from eutherians. An interesting expression pattern of TRD variable (TRDV) and constant (TRDC) segments was evident in cDNAs from I. macrourus and M. eugenii. TRDV and TRDC sequences that were closely related to TRD genes from eutherian mammals were only found in association with each other in cDNAs from both marsupial species. A similar pattern was seen between TRDV and TRDC sequences that were most closely related to other marsupial TRD genes.

Systematic Identification and Analysis of Mammalian Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier Substrates

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) regulates diverse cellular processes through its reversible, covalent attachment to target proteins. Many SUMO substrates are involved in transcription and chromatin structure. Sumoylation appears to regulate the functions of target proteins by changing their subcellular localization, increasing their stability, and/or mediating their binding to other proteins. Using an in vitro expression cloning approach, we have identified 40 human SUMO1 substrates. The spectrum of human SUMO1 substrates identified in our screen suggests general roles of sumoylation in transcription, chromosome structure, and RNA processing. We have validated the sumoylation of 24 substrates in living cells. Analysis of this panel of SUMO substrates leads to the following observations. 1) Sumoylation is more efficient in vitro than in living cells. Polysumoylation occurs on several substrates in vitro. 2) SUMO isopeptidases have little substrate specificity. 3) The SUMO ligases, PIAS1 and PIASxbeta, have broader substrate specificities than does PIASy. 4) Although SUMO1 and SUMO2 are equally efficiently conjugated to a given substrate in vitro, SUMO1 conjugation is more efficient in vivo. 5) Most SUMO substrates localize to the nucleus, and sumoylation does not generally affect their subcellular localization. Therefore, sumoylation appears to regulate the functions of its substrates through multiple, context-dependent mechanisms.

Genome structure and thymic expression of an endogenous retrovirus in zebrafish.

In a search for previously unknown genes that are required for lymphocyte development in zebrafish, a retroviral sequence was identified in a subtracted thymus cDNA library and in genomic DNA libraries. The provirus is 11.2 kb and contains intact open reading frames for the gag, pol, and env genes, as well as nearly identical flanking long terminal repeat sequences. As determined by in situ hybridization, the thymus appears to be a major tissue for retroviral expression in both larval and adult fish. Several viral transcripts were found by Northern blotting in the adult thymus. The provirus was found at the same genomic locus in sperm from four fish, suggesting that it is an endogenous retrovirus. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that it is closest to, yet distinct from, the cluster of murine leukemia virus-related retroviruses, suggesting that this virus represents a new group of retroviruses.

Expression of Dlx and Lhx family homeobox genes in fetal thymus and thymocytes

Homeobox genes comprise a nearly ubiquitous and highly conserved superfamily of developmental regulatory genes that encode transcription factors involved in the determination of axis and tissue identity. While homeobox gene expression has been well characterized in a variety of embryonic tissues, their expression has not been extensively studied in lymphoid progenitor cells or in sites of lymphogenesis. To examine homeobox gene expression in the developing thymus, we screened an embryonic day 13.5 thymus cDNA library by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using degenerate oligonucleotides within the highly conserved homeodomain region of eight homeobox gene families. The resulting PCR products were then cloned and sequenced. Transcripts for multiple Dlx family members and Lhx2 were repeatedly detected in this screen. Screening of embryonic day 16.5 and adult murine thymus and Thy1 + thymocytes was performed for selected members of these homeobox gene families. Transcripts encoding Lhx2, Lhx3, and Lhx9, as well as Dlx1 and Dlx2 were detected in both thymus and purified thymocytes. Dlx1 is a member of the distal-less homeobox gene family that has been shown to regulate embryonic craniofacial development. Significantly, Dlx1 is expressed in the third branchial arch, which contributes to the thymus. Although Dlx1 knockout mice did not display any obvious developmental defects in thymus or thymocyte development, the expression of these homeobox genes in neural crest derivatives suggests a possible role in cell migration and development that may overlap with other homeobox genes.

CARD11 mediates factor-specific activation of NF-kappaB by the T cell receptor complex.

NF-kappaB is a critical target of signaling downstream of the T cell receptor (TCR) complex, but how TCR signaling activates NF-kappaB is poorly understood. We have developed an expression cloning strategy that can identify catalytic and noncatalytic molecules that participate in different pathways of NF-kappaB activation. Screening of a mouse thymus cDNA library yielded CARD11, a membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family member containing CARD, PDZ, SH3 and GUK domains. Using a CARD-deleted variant of CARD11 and RNA interference (RNAi), we demonstrate that CARD11 mediates NF-kappaB activation by alphaCD3/alphaCD28 cross-linking and PMA/ionomycin treatment, but not by TNFalpha or dsRNA. CARD11 is not required for TCR-mediated induction of NFAT or AP-1. CARD11 functions upstream of the IkappaB-kinase (IKK) complex and cooperates with Bcl10 in a CARD domain-dependent manner. RNAi-rescue experiments suggest that the CARD, coiled-coil, SH3 and GUK domains of CARD11 are critical for its signaling function. These results implicate CARD11 in factor- specific activation of NF-kappaB by the TCR complex and establish a role for a MAGUK family member in antigen receptor signaling.

Calpain-dependent cleavage of cain/cabin1 activates calcineurin to mediate calcium-triggered cell death.

Cain/cabin1 is an endogenous inhibitor of calcineurin (Cn), a calcium-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase involved in various cellular functions including apoptosis. We show here that during apoptosis cain/cabin1 is cleaved by calpain at the carboxyl terminus to generate a cleavage product with a molecular mass of 32 kDa as a necessary step leading to Cn-mediated cell death. Mouse cain/cabin1 was identified from a thymus cDNA library by an in vitro substrate-screening assay with calpain. Exposure of Jurkat cells to the calcium ionophore, induced cain/cabin1 cleavage and cell death, accompanied by activation of calpain and Cn. The calpain inhibitors, calpeptin and zLLY, suppressed both -induced cain/cabin1 cleavage and Cn activation, indicating that Cn activation and cain/cabin1 cleavage are calpain-dependent. Expression of cain/cabin1 or a catalytically inactive Cn mutant [CnA beta(2)(1-401/H160N)] and treatment with FK506 reduced -induced cell death. In vitro calpain cleavage and immunoprecipitation assays with deletion mutants of cain/cabin1 showed that cleavage occurred in the Cn-binding domain of cain/cabin1, indicating that the cleavage at its C terminus by calpain prevented cain/cabin1 from binding to Cn. In addition, in vitro binding assays showed that cain/cabin1 bound to the Cn B-binding domain of Cn A. Taken together, these results indicate that calpain cleaves the calcineurin-binding domain of cain/cabin1 to activate Cn and elicit calcium-triggered cell death.

BRCT Domain-containing Protein TopBP1 Functions in DNA Replication and Damage Response

Topoisomerase IIbeta-binding protein (TopBP1), a human protein with eight BRCT domains, is similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Dpb11 and Schizosaccharomyces pombe Cut5 checkpoint proteins and closely related to Drosophila Mus101. We show that human TopBP1 is required for DNA replication and that it interacts with DNA polymerase epsilon. In S phase TopBP1 colocalizes with Brca1 to foci that do not represent sites of ongoing DNA replication. Inhibition of DNA synthesis leads to relocalization of TopBP1 together with Brca1 to replication forks, suggesting a role in rescue of stalled forks. DNA damage induces formation of distinct TopBP1 foci that colocalize with Brca1 in S phase, but not in G(1) phase. We also show that TopBP1 interacts with the checkpoint protein hRad9. Thus, these results implicate TopBP1 in replication and checkpoint functions.

Proteomic analysis of rare molecular species of translated polypeptides from a mouse fetal thymus cDNA library

Proteomic analysis of rare molecular species of translated polypeptides from a mouse fetal thymus cDNA library