Secretion and biological activities of heparin-binding growth-associated molecule. Neurite outgrowth-promoting and mitogenic actions of the recombinant and tissue-derived protein.

The cDNA for the developmentally regulated, neurite outgrowth-promoting protein HB-GAM (heparin-binding growth-associated molecule) was recently cloned and shown to encode a novel lysine-rich sequence that is homologous with retinoic acid-induced sequences suggested to function in cell differentiation (Merenmies, J., and Rauvala, H. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 16721-16724). The same sequence was found for the mitogenic and neurite outgrowth-promoting protein pleiotrophin (Li, Y.-S., Milner, P. G., Chauhan, A. K., Watson, M. A., Hoffman, R. M., Kodner, C. M., Milbrandt, J., and Deuel, T. F. (1990) Science 250, 1690-1694). In this study, we have constructed a recombinant baculovirus using the cDNA that encodes the putative preprotein of HB-GAM. The putative secretion signal of HB-GAM is cleaved off in the baculovirus expression system, and the recombinant protein is rapidly secreted to the culture medium. Recombinant HB-GAM purified from the culture medium retains the biochemical characteristics and the neurite outgrowth-promoting activity found for the tissue-derived protein. Studies on the neurite outgrowth-promoting activity suggest that HB-GAM functions as an extracellular matrix-associated protein that enhances axonal growth in perinatal cerebral neurons of the rat. Since the same predicted amino acid sequence has been ascribed to a mitogenic protein, mitogenic activities of the recombinant HB-GAM and of tissue-derived HB-GAM fractions were also studied. Recombinant HB-GAM did not display any significant mitogenic activity, suggesting that tissue-derived HB-GAM preparations may contain other heparin-binding mitogenic factors. We identified in brain-derived HB-GAM fractions a 17-kDa protein (p17) that is detached from heparin by a slightly higher salt concentration as compared to HB-GAM. We suggest that p17 is structurally distinct from HB-GAM and responsible for the mitogenic actions of tissue-derived HB-GAM fractions.     

Effect of herparin on bovine epithelial lens cell proliferation induced by heparin affin regulatory peptide

HARP (heparin affin regultory peptide) is an 18 kDa heparin binding protein, also known as HB-GAM or pleiotrophin (PTN) which has been primarily isolated from brain and uterus, and displays neurite outgrowth, angiogenic and mitogenic activities. Previously, we have expressed the human cDNA encoding human HARP in NIH 3T3 cells. Purified recombinant HARP displayed mitogenic activity for endothelial cells. Its NH2-terminal sequence indicates that the HARP molecule possesses a three amino acid extension from the signal peptide more than the NH2-terminal described. For HB-GAM or PTN, these three amino acids may be essential for the stability and the mitogenic activity of this growth factor. In an attempt to further study the mode of action of this growth factor, we have investigated the mitogenic effect of HARP on various cell types. In contrast to FGF-2, HARP failed to induce stimulation of DNA synthesis on a CCL39 cell line. However, we found that in quiescent bovine epithelial lens (BEL) cells, the stimulation of DNA synthesis induced by HARP is dose-dependent (EC₅₀: 2.5 ng/ml) and maximal stimulation is as potent as that induced by FGF-2 (EC₅₀: 25 pg/ml). Interestingly, when BEL cells were allowed to quiesce in the presence of serum, the stimulation induced by HARP is considerably less potent. In this highly responsive cell system, heparin could potentiate the mitogenic activity of HARP at very low doses (0.1-1 m?g/ml) and inhibit this activity at concentrations of 10 m?g/ml. In contrast to its protective effect on FGF-1 and -2, heparin was unable to preserve HARP from tryptic and chymotryptic degradations. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Molecular cloning of the 18-kDa growth-associated protein of developing brain

An 18-kDa protein (designated herein as the heparin-binding growth-associated molecule, HB-GAM), the expression of which in rat brain correlates to the rapid postnatal developmental phase, was previously isolated and suggested to have a role in the maturation and growth of brain (Rauvala, H. (1989) EMBO J. 8, 2933-2941). A protein with a similar molecular mass, similar heparin-binding properties, and the same N-terminal sequence was more recently also isolated as a mitogen for NIH 3T3 cells (Milner, P. G., Li, Y.-T., Hoffman, R. M., Kodner, C. M., Siegel, N. R., and Deuel, T. F. (1989) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 165, 1096-1103). This study reports the cloning and sequencing of the cDNA that encodes HB-GAM. The sequence that precedes the structure of the mature molecule has the characteristics of a signal sequence found in secretory proteins. The sequence of HB-GAM is a novel structure that contains 136 amino acid residues. The sequence is very rich in cationic amino acids (24% of the residues); lysine cluster sequences are found in the N-terminal and C-terminal ends of the structure. Cysteine is also abundant in the sequence (7% of the residues). The only homologous sequence found in computer searches is the retinoic acid-induced differentiation factor. The mRNA of HB-GAM detected by the cloned cDNA shows the same kind of developmental regulation as the protein; the mRNA is strongly expressed during the early postnatal growth phase of rat brain as compared with embryonic or adult tissue.     

Neurite outgrowth-stimulating peptide derived from bovine kappa-casein

We found a novel peptide that stimulates neurite outgrowth in Neuro-2a mouse neuroblastoma cells, from the pepsin-pancreatin digest of bovine kappa-casein. The amino acid sequence of this peptide is Phe-Leu-Pro-Tyr-Pro-Tyr (FLPYPY), corresponding to peptidic sequence 76-81 of bovine kappa-casein. The neurite outgrowth-stimulating activity of FLPYPY was seen over 10(-9) M. On the other hand, FLPYP and FLPYPYY, which corresponded to sequences 76-80 and 76-82 of bovine kappa-casein respectively, were ineffective.     

Synthesis and expression of a gene coding for the calcium-modulated protein S100 beta and designed for cassette-based, site-directed mutagenesis

As an initial step in studies aimed at addressing the question of what common and unique features of the S100 family of proteins are related to their specific functions and localizations, a gene coding for one of the S100 proteins, S100 beta, has been prepared by ligation of 12 overlapping, synthetic oligonucleotides. Automated DNA sequence analysis demonstrated that the final construct has the expected structure. The gene was inserted into a plasmid vector that contains a tac promoter and ampicillin-resistance gene, thus allowing both amplification and direct expression cloning in Escherichia coli. The gene was designed to allow rapid, efficient changes of single or multiple amino acids by using cassette-based mutagenesis while the gene is resident in the vector. The expressed protein (VUSB-1) is indistinguishable from bovine brain S100 beta in terms of electrophoretic mobility, reactivity with antibodies to S100 beta, amino acid composition, and partial amino acid sequence analysis. Preparations of expressed protein are also functionally similar to bovine brain S100 beta as determined by aldolase activator activity and neurite extension factor activity, supporting the concept that these activities are a property of the S100 beta polypeptide.     

Molecular cloning, functional expression and characterization of p15, a novel fungal protein with potent neurite-inducing activity in PC12 cells.

p15 is a novel fungal protein which induces neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells. In the present study, we report molecular cloning, functional expression and characterization of the gene encoding p15. The deduced amino acid sequence suggested that p15 is synthesized as a precursor with 31 extra amino-terminal amino acids including a putative signal sequence, and 20 carboxy-terminal amino acids, in addition to the 118 amino acids-long mature region with neurite-inducing activity. From the poly(A)(+) RNA prepared from the producing fungal strain, a cDNA fragment encoding the mature region of p15 was amplified and His(6)-tagged recombinant p15 was produced in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein purified by a single step on Ni(2+) agarose column chromatography exhibited comparable specific activity as native p15 in the PC12 neurite extension assay. The effect of His(6)-p15 was blocked by nicardipine, suggesting that Ca(2+) influx through the L-type Ca(2+) channels is essential for its neurite-inducing activity. In addition, mutational analysis of His(6)-p15 demonstrated that both intramolecular disulfide bonds are essential for its biological activity.     

The survival of rat cerebral cortical neurons in the presence of trophic APP peptides

One function of Alzheimer amyloid protein precursor (APP) is the regulation of growth and differentiation in several types of cells, including fibroblasts, PC12 cells, and neurons. This activity is represented by a small stretch of amino acids in the center of the molecule around RERMS. The APP 17-mer peptide containing the RERMS domain supported survival and neurite extension of rat cortical neurons in a dose-dependent and sequence-specific manner. The APP fragment synthesized in Escherichia coli supported the survival and neurite extension of rat cortical neurons, whereas the mutant APP fragment lacking the 30 amino acids around the RERMS domain had drastically reduced activity to support the survival and neurite extension. The current study established APP as a neuron survival factor and determined that the sequence around RERMS is important for this function. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A form of human basic fibroblast growth factor with an extended amino terminus

The amino acid sequence of a human placental bFGF was determined by a combination of protein and cDNA sequencing. The placental bFGF consists of 157 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of 17,464 and is highly homologous to bovine pituitary bFGF. The human protein contains an amino terminal extension when compared to the sequence established for bovine bFGF (Esch et al., 1985) and to the sequence of the predicted translation product based on human bFGF cDNA clones (Abraham et al., 1986).     

Neurite Outgrowth-Stimulating Peptide Derived from Bovine κ-Casein

We found a novel peptide that stimulates neurite outgrowth in Neuro-2a mouse neuroblastoma cells, from the pepsin-pancreatin digest of bovine κ-casein. The amino acid sequence of this peptide is Phe–Leu–Pro–Tyr–Pro–Tyr (FLPYPY), corresponding to peptidic sequence 76–81 of bovine κ-casein. The neurite outgrowth-stimulating activity of FLPYPY was seen over 10^?9 M. On the other hand, FLPYP and FLPYPYY, which corresponded to sequences 76–80 and 76–82 of bovine κ-casein respectively, were ineffective.     

Complete nucleotide sequence of ovine alpha-lactalbumin mRNA

The nucleotide sequence of ovine alpha-lactalbumin mRNA has been determined by chemical sequencing of two cDNA recombinant plasmids and a primer extension product. Ovine alpha-lactalbumin mRNA contains 723 nucleotides (excluding the poly(A) tail), with a 5' non-coding region of 26 nucleotides, followed by the 426 nucleotides of the coding region which determines a sequence signal of 19 amino acid residues and the 123 amino acid residues of mature alpha-lactalbumin. The coding region is followed by a 3' untranslated sequence of 271 nucleotides. The derived amino acid sequence of ovine pre-alpha-lactalbumin differs from that of its bovine counterpart by 8 amino acid substitutions, all but one originating from single mutations. Comparison of sequences of guinea pig, rat and human alpha-lactalbumin mRNAs with their ovine and bovine counterparts has revealed that these molecules have rapidly evolved. The highest degree of conservation was observed in the region coding for the mature protein and corresponds essentially to sequences which interact with UDP-galactosyltransferase and Ca2+ ions.     

Mitogenic properties of a new endothelial cell growth factor related to pleiotrophin.

A growth factor was isolated from a neutral pH extract of adult bovine brain. Purification of this polypeptide was achieved by a three step procedure including cationic exchange, heparin-Sepharose affinity and Mono S chromatography. This heparin binding protein had a molecular weight of 18,000 as assessed by silver-stained SDS-PAGE and was not immunologically and structurally related to acidic or basic FGF. Freshly purified protein had a maximal mitogenic effect on bovine brain capillary cells at a concentration of 100 pM. Microsequencing revealed an unique amino-terminal sequence homologous to heparin-binding growth-associated molecule (HB-GAM), a neuronal maturation protein, to pleiotrophin (PTN), a fibroblast cell growth factor and to one form of the putative protein product of the MK gene, a retinoic acid induced-gene.     

重组人脑源性神经营养因子的纯化和鉴定

在确定培养条件和发酵参数后 ,工程菌 E.coli BL2 1 ( DE3) /PVBN6在 5 L发酵罐中稳定表达。获得的菌体经超声破碎 ,离心收集包含体。 6mol/L盐酸胍缓冲液溶解包含体 ,用透析法将盐酸胍替换成脲后 ,经过 CM Sepharose F.F.阳离子交换色谱和 C8反相色谱 ,可得到纯度达 95 %以上的rh BDNF。Western- blot表明 ,rh BDNF与抗 - h BDNF多克隆抗体有结合特异性。用 9日龄鸡胚背根神经节测定生物活性 ,rh BDNF活性为 5 0 ng/ml。N-末端氨基酸序列测定表明 rh BDNF N-末端为Met,其后 1 6个氨基酸残基与天然 h BDNF N-末端氨基酸残基序列一致     

Amino acid sequence of the L-arabinose-binding protein from Escherichia coli B/r.

The amino acid sequence of the L-arabinose-binding protein of Escherichia coli B/r was determined by sequenator analyses of reduced and S-pyridylethylated L-arabinose-binding protein and fragments derived by chemical and enzymatic cleavage of the native protein. The fragments were the products of cleavage by cyanogen bromide. BNPS-skatole, hydroxylamine, mild acid hydrolysis, limited trypsin digestion, chymotrypsin subdigestion, and subdigestion with Staphylococcus aureus protease V8. The COOH-terminal sequence was determined using bovine carboxypeptidases A and B and amino acid analyses. The L-arabinose-binding protein was determined to contain 306 amino acid residues, the sequence of which is presented below.     

The two thrombospondin type I repeat domains of the heparin-binding growth-associated molecule bind to heparin/heparan sulfate and regulate neurite extension and plasticity in hippocampal neurons

HB-GAM (heparin-binding growth-associated molecule, also designated as pleiotrophin) and midkine form a two-member family of extracellular matrix proteins that bind tightly to sulfated carbohydrate structures such as heparan sulfate. These proteins are used by developing neurons as extracellular cues in axonal growth and guidance. HB-GAM was recently reported to enhance differentiation of neural stem cells. Based on the solution structure of HB-GAM, we have recently shown that HB-GAM consists of two beta-sheet domains flanked by flexible lysine-rich N- and C-terminal tails with no apparent structure. These domains are homologous to thrombospondin type I repeats present in numerous extracellular proteins that interact with the cell surface. Our findings showed that the two beta-sheet domains fold independently. We showed that the domains (but not the lysine-rich tails) in HB-GAM are required and sufficient for interaction with hippocampal neurons. The individual domains bind heparan sulfate weakly and fail to produce significant biological effects in neurite outgrowth and long term potentiation assays. The amino acids in the linker region joining the two domains may be replaced with glycines with no effect on protein function. These results suggest a co-operative action of the two beta-sheet domains in the biologically relevant interaction with neuron surface heparan sulfate.     

Calcium-ion binding by the potential calcium-ion-binding protein, p9Ka

p9Ka is a polypeptide of apparent molecular mass 9 kDa, present in cultured rat mammary myoepithelial-like cells, but virtually absent in their parental epithelial cells. mRNA for p9Ka is present in normal rodent tissues. The amino acid sequence of a protein of molecular mass 12 KDa, derived from the nucleotide sequence of the p9Ka gene, is related to that of S-100 protein, a calcium-ion-binding protein. p9Ka, isolated from cultured rat mammary myoepithelial-like cells is now shown to bind calcium ions in vitro suggesting that the derived amino acid sequence is correct, and that an apparent discrepancy between the molecular masses of the predicted and isolated p9Ka does not affect this activity.     

The primary structure of human Rieske iron-sulfur protein of mitochondrial cytochrome bc1 complex deduced from cDNA analysis

We isolated a cDNA encoding human Rieske Fe-S protein of mitochondrial cytochrome bc1 complex from a fibroblast cDNA library by colony hybridization. The cDNA contains the nucleotide sequence encoding all of the amino acids (274 residues) comprising the putative precursor to the protein. Based on the known amino acid sequence of bovine Rieske Fe-S protein, the N-terminal extension sequence is presumed to be composed of 78 amino acids with a molecular weight of 8053. The mature protein consists of the same number of amino acid residues as that of its rat and bovine counterparts, having a homology of about 92% with the latter.     

牛RHOQ基因的电子克隆与生物信息学分析

利用电子克隆技术获得牛RHOQ基因cDNA序列,采用生物信息学方法对该基因及其编码蛋白的基本理化性质、疏水性、信号肽、二级结构和亚细胞定位等方面进行预测和分析。结果表明,牛RHOQ基因的cDNA序列全长1 517 bp,包含1个618 bp开放阅读框,编码205个氨基酸;其编码蛋白属疏水性蛋白,不存在信号肽及跨膜结构,定位于分泌系统囊泡;二级结构主要以无规则卷曲和α-螺旋为主。牛RHOQ基因编码蛋白可能具有生长因子功能,可能在神经再生和突触延伸过程中起重要作用。     

Complete cDNA sequence of a Dictyostelium ubiquitin with a carboxy-terminal tail and identification of the protein using an anti-peptide antibody

The complete sequence of a Dictyostelium discoideum cDNA is presented that codes for monoubiquitin extended at its C-terminus by a 52 amino acid tail. The sequence of both the ubiquitin portion and the tail is highly homologous to the one of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and to a partial mouse sequence. The highly basic tail sequence contains a putative metal and nucleic acid-binding motif. The gene encoding the 0.6 kb mRNA of the C-terminally extended ubiquitin is represented only once in the haploid genome. The 0.6 kb mRNA as well as its translation product, a 15 kDa protein, is expressed in exponentially growing cells and remains present for at least 5 h of development. Using antibodies against a synthetic peptide that corresponds to the C-terminal amino acid sequence, a 15 kDa protein containing the extension a synthetic peptide that corresponds to the C-terminal amino acid sequence, a 15 kDa protein containing the extension was also detected in yeast.