Primary Structure of the Precursor for the Anthozoan Neuropeptide Antho-RFamide from Renilla köllikeri: Evidence for Unusual Processing Enzymes

Abstract: Neuropeptides containing the C-terminal sequence Arg-Phe-NH₂ are an important group of hormones mediating or modulating neuronal communication. Arg-Phe-NH₂ peptides are abundant in evolutionary "old" nervous systems such as those of coelenterates, the lowest animal group having a nervous system. Here, we have cloned the precursor protein for the anthozoan neuropep-tide Antho-RFamide (2) from the sea pansy Renilla köllikeri. This precursor contains 36 copies of immature Antho-RFamide (Gln-Gly-Arg-Phe-Gly) and two additional putative neuropeptide sequences, which are regularly distributed over the precursor protein. Of the 36 Antho-RFamide sequences, 29 copies are separated by the five amino acid spacer sequence Arg-Glu/Gly-Asn/Ser/Asp-Glu/Lys-Glu. This implicates processing at single Arg and single Glu residues. Endoproteolytic cleavage at the C-terminal side of paired or single basic residues is a well known initial step in the maturation of precursor proteins. Cleavage at the C-terminal side of acidic residues, however, is unusual and must be catalyzed by a new type of processing enzyme. This processing enzyme is most likely to be an endoprotease, because the simplest way to generate Antho-RFamide is by endoproteolytic cleavage at the C-terminal side of Glu residues. The enzyme could also be an aminopeptidase, but in this case other proteases must be involved. As a possible alternative, one single "unspecific" aminopeptidase could cleave at Glu, Asp, Gly, Asn, Ser, and possibly also at other residues, and thus liberate all Antho-RFamide sequences. The processing of one precursor molecule probably yields 38 neuropeptides. Thus, the Antho-RFamide precursor from Renilla is one of the most productive precursor proteins known so far.     

Expression and developmental regulation of the Hydra-RFamide and Hydra-LWamide preprohormone genes in Hydra: evidence for transient phases of head formation

Hydra magnipapillata has three distinct genes coding for preprohormones A, B, and C, each yielding a characteristic set of Hydra-RFamide (Arg-Phe-NH2) neuropeptides, and a fourth gene coding for a preprohormone that yields various Hydra-LWamide (Leu-Trp-NH2) neuropeptides. Using a whole-mount double-labeling in situ hybridization technique, we found that each of the four genes is specifically expressed in a different subset of neurons in the ectoderm of adult Hydra. The preprohormone A gene is expressed in neurons of the tentacles, hypostome (a region between tentacles and mouth opening), upper gastric region, and peduncle (an area just above the foot). The preprohormone B gene is exclusively expressed in neurons of the hypostome, whereas the preprohormone C gene is exclusively expressed in neurons of the tentacles. The Hydra-LWamide preprohormone gene is expressed in neurons located in all parts of Hydra with maxima in tentacles, hypostome, and basal disk (foot). Studies on animals regenerating a head showed that the prepro-Hydra-LWamide gene is expressed first, followed by the preprohormone A and subsequently the preprohormone C and the preprohormone B genes. This sequence of events could be explained by a model based on positional values in a morphogen gradient. Our head-regeneration experiments also give support for transient phases of head formation: first tentacle-specific preprohormone C neurons (frequently associated with a small tentacle bud) appear at the center of the regenerating tip, which they are then replaced by hypostome-specific preprohormone B neurons. Thus, the regenerating tip first attains a tentacle-like appearance and only later this tip develops into a hypostome. In a developing bud of Hydra, tentacle-specific preprohormone C neurons and hypostome-specific preprohormone B neurons appear about simultaneously in their correct positions, but during a later phase of head development, additional tentacle-specific preprohormone C neurons appear as a ring at the center of the hypostome and then disappear again. Nerve-free Hydra consisting of only epithelial cells do not express the preprohormone A, B, or C or the LWamide preprohormone genes. These animals, however, have a normal phenotype, showing that the preprohormone A, B, and C and the LWamide genes are not essential for the basic pattern formation of Hydra.     

Isolation of two novel neuropeptides from sea anemones: the unusual, biologically active L-3-phenyllactyl-Tyr-Arg-Ile-NH2 and its des-phenyllactyl fragment Tyr-Arg-Ile-NH2

Using a radioimmunoassay for the carboxyl-terminal sequence Arg-Val-NH₂, two novel peptides were purified from extracts of the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima. These peptides were L-3-phenyllactyl-Tyr-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (name: Antho-RIamide I) and its des-phenyllactyl fragment Tyr-Arg-Ile-NH₂ (Antho-RIamide II). Immunocytochemical staining showed that these peptides were localized in neurons of sea anemones. Application of low concentrations (10⁻⁸ M) of Antho-RIamide I inhibited spontaneous contractions in several muscle groups of sea anemones, whereas Antho-RIamide II was inactive. Antho-RIamide I is the second neuropeptide from sea anemones that bears the unusual, amino-terminal L-3-phenyllactyl blocking group. We suggest that this group renders the peptide resistant against degradation by nonspecific aminopeptidases. In addition, the L-3-phenyllactyl residue might also play a role in receptor binding.     

Two-color double-labeling in situ hybridization of whole-mount Hydra using RNA probes for five different Hydra neuropeptide preprohormones: evidence for colocalization

The freshwater polyp Hydra magnipapillata has a primitive nervous system that produces at least three distinct classes of neuropeptides: various peptides having the C-terminal sequence Arg-Phe-NH2 (the Hydra-RFamide family), Leu-Trp-NH2 (the Hydra-LWamide family), and a single peptide having the C-terminal sequence Lys-Val-NH2 (Hydra-KVamide). The various Hydra-RFamides are synthesized by three different preprohormones: preprohormone-A, -B, and -C. The various Hydra-LWamides are synthesized by a single preprohormone (prepro-Hydra-LWamide), as is Hydra-KVamide (prepro-Hydra-KVamide). Using a wholemount double-labeling two-color in situ hybridization technique and RNA probes specific for each of these five Hydra preprohormone mRNAs, we found that specific sets of neurons express each of the five preprohormones, except for the peduncle region of Hydra (an area just above the basal disk), where a population of neurons exists that expresses both preprohormones-A and preproHydra-KVamide mRNAs. The functional significance of this coexpression is unclear. This is the first report on the coexpression of two well-characterized preprohormones (yielding two well-characterized neurohormone families) in cnidarians. This report also shows that there are at least six neurochemically different populations of neurons in Hydra.     

Effects of elevated CO2-grown loblolly pine needles on the growth, consumption, development, and pupal weight of red-headed pine sawfly larvae reared within open-topped chambers

Seedlings of loblolly pine, Pinus taeda , were grown in open-topped chambers under four levels of CO₂: two ambient and two elevated. Larvae of the red-headed pine sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei , were reared from early instar to pupation, primarily on branches within chambers. Larval growth and mortality were assessed and leaf phytochemistry samples of immature and mature leaves collected weekly. Mature leaves grown under elevated CO₂ had significant reductions in leaf nitrogen and increases in non-structural carbohydrate contents, resulting in foliage being a poorer food source for larvae, i.e. higher carbohydrate:nitrogen ratio. Nutritional constituents of immature needles were unaffected by seedling CO₂ treatment. Volatile mono- and sesquiterpenes were unrelated to plant CO₂ treatments for either leaf age class. Larval consumption of immature needles significantly increased on seedlings grown under CO₂ enrichment, while mature needle consumption was not different between the treatments. The average weight gain per larva significantly declined in late instar larvae consuming elevated CO₂-grown needles. In spite of this reduced growth, neither the days to pupation nor pupal weights were different among the CO₂ treatments. This study suggests that enriched CO₂-induced alterations in pine needle phytochemistry can affect red-headed pine sawfly performance. However, compensatory measures by larvae, such as choosing to consume more nutritious immature needles, apparently helps offset enriched CO₂-induced reductions in the leaf quality of mature needles.     

Myelin P0 Glycoprotein: Identification of the Site Phosphorylated In Vitro and In Vivo by Endogenous Protein Kinases

Abstract: Myelin membrane prepared from mouse sciatic nerve possesses both kinase and substrates to incorporate [³²P]PO₄³⁻ from [γ-³²P]ATP into protein constituents. Among these, P₀ glycoprotein is the major phosphorylated species. To identify the phosphorylated sites, P₀ protein was in vitro phosphorylated, purified, and cleaved by CNBr. Two ³²P-phosphopeptides were isolated by HPLC. The exact localization of the sequences around the phosphorylated sites was determined. The comparison with rat P₀ sequence revealed, besides a Lys¹⁷² to Arg substitution, that in the first peptide, two serine residues (Ser¹⁷⁶ and Ser¹⁸¹) were phosphorylated, Ser¹⁷⁶ appearing to be modified subsequently to Ser¹⁸¹. In the second peptide, Ser¹⁹⁷, Ser¹⁹⁹, and Ser²⁰⁴ were phosphorylated. All these serines are clustered in the C-terminal region of P₀ protein. This in vitro study served as the basis for the identification of the in vivo phosphorylation sites of the C terminal region of P₀. We found that, in vivo, Ser¹⁸¹ and Ser¹⁷⁶ are not phosphorylated, whereas Ser¹⁹⁷, Ser¹⁹⁹, Ser²⁰⁴, Ser²⁰⁸, and Ser²¹⁴ are modified to various extents. Our results strongly suggest that the phosphorylation of these serine residues alters the secondary structure of this domain. Such a structural perturbation could play an important role in myelin compaction at the dense line level.     

Transcription of Repetitive and Unique DNA Nucleotide Sequences in Pigeon Erythroid Cells with Different Degrees of Specialization

HnRNA fractions with sedimentation coefficients > 45 S isolated from pigeon bone marrow as well as from the immature and mature erythroid cells of periferal blood were hybridised with a large excess of DNA fractionated on the basis of renaturation kinetics. 58–62% of the input RNAs were recovered as RNAase-resistant hybrids. About ¹/₃ (20%) of bone marrow > 45 S RNA found in the hybrids was hybridised with the repetitive and about ²/₃ (40%) with the unique DNA sequences. In addition, a considerably smaller portion of > 45 S RNA from the "reticulocytes" (13%) and "eryth-rocytes" (∼ 6%) was hybridised with the repetitive DNA.     

A new case of neuropeptide coexpression (RGamide and LWamides) in Hydra,found by whole-mount,two-color double-labeling in situ hybridization

The freshwater polyp Hydra has a primitive nervous system that expresses at least six different neuropeptide genes: (1) three genes, coding for the preprohormones-A, -B, and -C that each gives rise to a variety of peptides with the C-terminal sequence Arg-Phe-NH(2) (the Hydra-RFamides); (2) one gene, coding for a preprohormone that gives rise to five peptides with the C-terminal sequence Leu-Trp-NH(2) (the Hydra-LWamides); (3) one gene, coding for a preprohormone that produces a peptide with the C-terminal sequence Lys-Val-NH(2) (Hydra-KVamide, also called Hym-176); and (4) one gene, coding for a preprohormone that gives rise to a peptide with the C-terminal sequence Arg-Gly NH(2) (Hydra-RGamide, also called Hym-355). In a previous paper, we described that a population of neurons in the peduncle (a region just above the foot) of Hydra coexpresses the preprohormone-A and KVamide genes, whereas neurons in the other regions only express either the preprohormone-A, -B, -C, LWamide, or the KVamide genes. Here, we investigated the RGamide gene expression, using whole-mount, two-color double-labeling in situ hybridization, and found that neurons in the basal disk (foot), gastric region, hypostome (a region around the mouth), and tentacles coexpress this gene together with the LWamide gene. A small population of neurons in the hypostome and upper gastric region expresses only the LWamide gene. No coexpression of the RGamide gene with any of the other neuropeptide genes was observed. This is the second example of coexpression of two neuropeptide genes in cnidarians. It demonstrates that many neurons in the primitive nervous systems of cnidarians use combinations ("cocktails") of neuropeptides for their signaling. It also shows that Hydra has at least seven neurochemically different populations of neurons.     

Nucleotide sequence of the G6-amylase gene from alkalophilic Bacillus sp. H-167

The nucleotide sequence of the G₆-amylase gene from alkalophilic Bacillus sp. H-167 was determined. The open reading frame of the gene consisted of 2865 base pairs, encoding 955 amino acids. The NH₂-terminal amino acid sequence analysis of the G₆-amylase indicated that the enzyme had a single peptide of 33 amino acid residues and the mature enzyme was composed of 922 amino acids, giving a molecular mass of 102598. Identity of the NH₂-terminal amino acid sequences among each component of the multiform G₆-amylase suggested the proteolytic processing of the COOH-terminal side of the enzyme. The DNA sequence and the deduced amino acid sequence of the G₆-amylase gene showed no homology with those of other bacterial α-amylases although the consensus amino acid sequences of the active center were well conserved.     

Astroglial Cells Express Large Amounts of GABAA Receptor Proteins in Mature Brain

Abstract: GABA_A receptors were characterized in cellular fractions isolated from adult bovine brain. The fraction enriched in cortical astrocytes is very rich in high-affinity binding sites for [³H]flunitrazepam and other "central-type" benzodiazepine ligands. The amount of specific [³H]flunitrazepam binding was more than five times higher in the glial fraction than in synaptosomal and perikaryal fractions. [³H]Flunitrazepam was displaced by low concentrations of clonazepam and other specific ligands for central GABA_A receptors. Specific binding sites for GABA, flunitrazepam, barbiturates, and picrotoxin-like convulsants were characterized. Allosteric interactions between the different sites were typical of central-type GABA_A receptors. The presence of α-subunit(s), as revealed by [³H]flunitrazepam photoaffinity labeling, was demonstrated in all brain fractions at molecular mass 51–53 kDa. Photoaffinity labeling was highest in the glial fraction. However, in primary cultured astrocytes from neonate rat cortex, no photoaffinity labeling was detected. Information obtained from astrocytes in culture should thus be taken with caution when extrapolated to differentiated astroglial cells. Our results actually show that, in mature brain, most of the fully pharmacologically active GABA_A receptors are extrasynaptic and expressed in astroglia.     

Cloning and in vivo expression of functional triose phosphate/phosphate translocators from C3- and C4-plants: evidence for the putative participation of specific amino acid residues in the recognition of phosphoenolpyruvate

The primary sequences of the chloroplast triose phosphate/phosphate translocator precursor proteins from C₄-plants (maize mesophyll cells and Flaveria trinervia ) and from the C₃-type Flaveria pringlei were determined. The mature parts of these translocators possess 83–94% identical amino acid residues. The C₄-translocator protein can be correctly targeted to C₃-type chloroplasts and inserted into the envelope membrane. Expression of the mature parts of these chloroplast translocators (cTPT) in transformed yeast cells and subsequent reconstitution of the functional proteins reveals the difference between the recombinant translocator proteins from the two cell types with respect to the transport of phosphoenolpyruvate. Comparison of the cTPT sequences from F. pringlei and F. trinervia in combination with computer-aided molecular modelling of the substrate translocation pore leads to the suggestion, that only minor exchanges of amino acid residues between the C₃- and C₄-translocator proteins are sufficient to extend their substrate specificities to recognize also phosphoenolpyruvate.     

EXPRESSION OF A BEE-VENOM PHOSPHOLIPASE A2 FROM APIS CERANA CERANA IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

Abstract  The venomous phospholipase A₂ (AcPLA₂) coding reading region of the Chinese honeybee ( Apis cerana cerana ), which is composed of 405 bp encoding a mature glycosylated peptide with 134 amino residues was transformed into the expression vector pETblue-1. Then the recombinant vector was introduced into Escherichia coli Tuner (DE3) plac I for expression. Analysis result of SDS-PAGE showed that the expression products had a protein band of about 15kD. Detection of western blot using ant-European honeybee ( Apis mellifera ) phospholipase A₂ (AmPLA₂) polyclonal serum as the first antibody showed that the expression products appeared a special blot same as the native AmPLA₂.The result demonstrated that the AcPLA₂ peptide had been expressed in E. coli and the AcPLA₂ has the similar antigenicity as the AmPLA₂.     

Effects of manganese toxicity on leaf CO2 assimilation of contrasting common bean genotypes

Parameters related to leaf photosynthesis were evaluated in three genotypes of common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with contrasting tolerance to Mn toxicity. Two short-term studies in solution culture were used to assess the effect of excess Mn on CO₂ assimilation in mature and immature leaves. Mn toxicity decreased total chlorophyll content only in immature leaves, with a consequent reduction of leaf CO₂ assimilation. Mature leaves that showed brown speckles characteristic of Mn toxicity, did not suffer any detriment in their capacity to assimilate CO₂, at least in a 4-day experiment. Stomatal conductance and transpiration were not affected by the presence of high levels of Mn in leaf tissue. Lower stomatal conductance and transpiration rates were observed only in leaves with advanced chlorosis. Differences among genotypes were detected as increased chlorosis in the more sensitive genotype ZPV-292, followed by A-283 and less chlorosis in the tolerant genotype CALIMA. Since CO₂ assimilation expressed per unit of chlorophyll was not different between high-Mn plants and control plants, we conclude that the negative effect of Mn toxicity on CO₂ assimilation can be explained by a reduction in leaf chlorophyll content.     

The role of F-series prostaglandins as reproductive priming pheromones in the brown trout

Electrophysiological studies demonstrated that the olfactory epithelium of mature male brown trout Salmo trutta parr was acutely sensitive to F-series prostaglandins (PGFs) PGF_1α and PGF_2α, with detection threshold concentrations of 10⁻¹¹ M. The olfactory epithelium was also sensitive to the PGF metabolite 15-ketoPGF_2α (threshold 10⁻⁸ m), but did not detect a further metabolite, 13,14,-dihydro-15-ketoPGF_2α Immature brown trout did not detect any of the prostaglandins tested. Exposure of mature male brown trout parr to waterborne PGF_1α and PGF_2α (concentration 10⁻⁸ m), resulted in significant increases in levels of expressible milt and the plasma concentrations of 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone. The olfactory epithelium of both immature and mature male brown trout parr was sensitive to the urine and ovarian fluid from ovulated female brown trout. Exposure of mature male brown trout parr to ovarian fluid resulted in an increase in the levels of plasma 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one whilst exposure to urine increased the levels of expressible milt. In addition, PGF_2α was found to be present within both the urine and ovarian fluid of mature female brown trout. It is suggested that the F-series prostaglandins have a role as priming pheromones in male brown trout.     

The High-Affinity Sulphonylurea Receptor Regulates KATP Channels in Nerve Terminals of the Rat Motor Cortex

Abstract: The coexpression of sulphonylurea binding sites and ATP-sensitive K⁺ (K_ATP) channels was examined in the rat motor cortex, an area of the CNS exhibiting a high density of sulphonylurea binding. These channels were not detected on neuronal cell bodies, but sulphonylurea-sensitive K_ATP channels and charybdotoxin-sensitive, large-conductance calcium-activated K⁺ BK_Ca channels were detected by patch clamping of fused nerve terminals from the motor cortex. Subcellular fractionation revealed that high-affinity sulphonylurea binding sites were enriched in the nerve terminal fraction, whereas glibenclamide increased calcium-independent glutamate efflux from isolated nerve terminals. It is concluded that neuronal sulphonylurea receptors and K_ATP channels are functionally linked in the motor cortex and that they are both selectively expressed in nerve terminals, where the K_ATP channel may serve to limit glutamate release under conditions of metabolic stress.     

Protein Kinase FA/Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Predominantly Phosphorylates the In Vivo Site Thr97-Pro in Brain Myelin Basic Protein: Evidence for Thr-Pro and Ser-Arg-X-X-Ser as Consensus Sequence Motifs

Abstract: In a previous study, protein kinase F_A/glycogen synthase kinase-3 ( F_A/GSK-3 ) was identified as a myelin basic protein (MBP) kinase associated with intact brain myelin. In this report, the phosphorylation sites of MBP by kinase F_A/GSk-3 were further determined by two-dimensional electrophoresis/TLC, phosphoamino acid analysis, tryptic peptide mapping, Edman degradation, and direct sequencing. Kinase F_A/GSK-3 phosphorylates MBP on both threonine and serine residues. Three tryptic phosphopeptide peaks were resolved by C₁₈ reverse-phase HPLC. Sequential manual Edman degradation together with direct sequence analysis revealed that T(p)PPPSQGK is the phosphorylation site sequence for the first major phosphopeptide peak. When mapping with the bovine brain MBP sequence, we finally demonstrate Thr⁹⁷-Pro, one of the in vivo phosphorylation sites in MBP, as the major site phosphorylated by kinase F_A/GSK-3, implicating a physiologically relevant role of F_A/GSK-3 in the regulation of brain myelin function. By using the same approach, we also identified NIVT⁹⁴(p)PR as the phosphorylation site sequence in the second major tryptic phosphopeptide derived from [³²P]MBP phosphorylated by kinase F_A/GSK-3, further indicating that kinase F_A/GSK-3 represents a Thr-Pro motif-directed MBP kinase involved in the phosphorylation of brain myelin.     

Seasonal changes in condition indices in adult mature and non-maturing burbot, Lota lota (L.), in the north-eastern Bothnian Bay, northern Finland

The population structure and seasonal changes in condition factors of the burbot in a shallow coastal region of the north-eastern Bothnian Bay are described. The significance of the so-called rest years is examined by comparing condition indices in immature or sterile and mature burbot. The somatic condition index ( K ₂), liver index ( K ₁), intestine index ( K ₁) and gonad index ( K_g ) are determined monthly in terms of organ weight in relation to body length. Approximately 30% of the whole catch of 1052 burbot were non-maturing but were 40 cm or more in length. K ₂, K ₁ and K ₁ were lowest in the autumn, when the first sign of gonad recrudescence was observed in mature burbot. The non-maturing burbot were never in poorer condition than mature ones. As mature and non-maturing burbot dissipated their energy stores during the warmest period of the summer, it is concluded that burbot spending a rest year do not accumulate and store energy reserves over the summer for the next year, and that such rest years, if they exist, do not occur for nutritional reasons.     

Metabolism of C19- and C20-gibberellins by cell-free preparations from immature Phaseolus coccineus seed

Gibberellin biosynthesis pathways were investigated using isotopically-labelled C₁₉- and C₂₀-gibberellins and cell-free preparations from immature seed of Phaseous coccineus cv. Prizewinner. The initial steps in an early 13-hydroxylation pathway involved the conversion gibberellin A₁₂-aldehyde (GA₁₂-aldehyde) to GA₁₂ which was 13-hydroxylated to yield GA₅₃, Metabolism of GA₅₃ yielded GA₄₄. In contrast to other cell-free systems, GA₄₄ was not further converted, either as a δ-lactone or an open-lactone structure, to the C-20 aldehyde GA₁₉. GA₁₉ was, however, metabolised to GA₂₀, GA₅ and GA₁. GA₂₀ represented a branch point in the pathway as it was converted both to GA₁, which was an end product, and GA₅ which was further converted to GA₆. Like GA₁, GA₆ was also an end-product of the early 13-hydroxylation pathway.
A non-13-hydroxylation pathway involving GA₄, GA₁₅, GA₂₄ GA₃₇ and GA₃₆ also originated from GA₁₂. The terminal product of this pathway was the 3β-hydroxy C₁₉-gibberellin, GA₄.