Fatty acid esterification in the yolk sac membrane of the avian embryo

The transfer of lipid from the yolk to the avian embryo is mediated by the yolk sac membrane (YSM). Some, but not all, of the published morphological evidence supports the view that the lipid undergoes a cycle of hydrolysis and re-esterification during translocation across the YSM. The present study aims to test this view by investigating the capacity of the YSM to perform esterification of free fatty acids to form acyl-lipids. YSM pieces (area vasculosa), obtained from the chicken embryo at day 10 of development, were incubated in vitro in medium containing [¹⁴C]-palmitic acid. Radioactivity was rapidly incorporated into the tissue lipid indicating a high capacity for esterification. The incorporation was linear with time during the 1-h incubation. Approximately 84% of the incorporated label was recovered in triacylglycerol, 12% was incorporated into phospholipid and less than 1% was detected in cholesteryl ester. [¹⁴C]-palmitic acid was incorporated primarily at the sn-1/3 positions in the triacylglycerol molecule and at the sn-1 position of phospholipid. The incorporation of label into tissue pieces obtained from the non-vascularized peripheral region of the YSM (area vitellina) was much more limited than that observed for the area vasculosa. The results support the hypothesis that yolk lipid is hydrolyzed and re-esterified during transfer across the YSM.Abbreviations YSM yolk sac membrane - VLDL very-low density lipoprotein Communicated by G. Heldmaier     

Proteome analysis for the identification of in vivo estrogen-regulated proteins in bone

Estrogen deficiency results in a reduced bone mass, which can be prevented by treatment with estrogens. This study used a proteomic approach for the first time to obtain a global perspective of estrogens' effects on whole-bone proteins. Bone proteome profiles were examined in three groups of mice: (1) sham-operated with normal ovarian functions, (2) ovariectomised and (3) ovariectomised with estrogen replacement therapy. Bone proteins extracted from the humerus were separated by 2-DE and visualised by CBB colloidal staining. Spot detection and quantification was done by image analysis. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by MS and database search, using peptide mass fingerprint and peptide sequence analysis. Differential expression analysis in the three experimental groups showed significant changes for 14 proteins. These included proteins related to bone metabolism, cytoskeleton components and energy metabolic pathways. Our data suggest that some proteins related to cytoskeleton and to energy pathways, such as tropomyosins, aconitase 2 and enolase beta, might be new molecular targets responsive to the effects of estrogen. Differentially expressed proteins identified in this model may offer a useful starting point for elucidating novel aspects of the pleiotropic effects of estrogens on bone.     

Formation of primordial yolk granules in the avian oocyte

Summary Electron and light microscopical investigations of early oocytes (between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm in diameter) from the ovary of 28–30 week-old chickens, suggested the formation of primordial yolk granules from cytoplasmic vesicles. These vesicles formed an aggregation which was observed to be surrounded by membranes, giving the aggregate a multivesicular body-like appearance. At a later stage the vesicles inside the membrane disintegrated and the multivesicular bodies acquired the appearance of primordial yolk granules. The contribution of other structures to the formation of yolk granules is discussed.For constructive criticism I am very grateful to Dr. Hadar Emanuelsson, Institute of Zoophysiology, Lund. The excellent technical assistance of Miss Inger Antonsson and Mrs. Annagreta Petersen is gratefully acknowledgedThis work was supported by Kungliga Fysiografiska Sällskapet, Lund     

Interaction of human serum apolipoprotein B with sodium deoxycholate

Preparation of apolipoprotein B (Apo B)-deoxycholate (DOC) complexes by gel filtration chromatography in the presence of 20 mM DOC, pH 8.5, gave two populations of particles with 5% (peak I) and 13% (peak II) lipid remaining bound. These complexes were initially shown to be very large and elongated, with partition radii of approx. 131 +/- 0.5 A, weight average molecular weights of approx. 164 000 +/- 1 000, and an intrinsic viscosity of 80.19 +/- 2.21 ml/g. Additionally, they appeared very similar to native low-density lipoprotein on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, giving one major band. Incubation of these samples for 10 days under nitrogen at 4 degrees C in the presence of antibiotics and protease inhibitor resulted in dissociation to many smaller subunits. Results of scanning molecular sieve chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation showed that dissociation of these complexes was relatively slow and indicated the presence of at least two classes of components in fresh samples: one a very elongated complex with a radius directly correlated to the DOC/Apo B ratio and inversely correlated to sample aging; and another of much smaller radius which was independent of DOC/Apo B ratio but directly correlated to sample aging; indicating that these dissociated subunits interact with each other to an appreciable extent. Furthermore, these complexes were found to undergo a preferential hydration upon interaction with DOC, which may contribute to large changes in their effective specific volumes, as well as to dissociation of subunits.     

Bacterial expression and characterization of rat apolipoprotein E

Apolipoprotein (apo) E is a protein involved in both lipid metabolism and neuroprotection. Recently, it has been suggested that apoE may play a role in the regulation of food intake and body weight in rodents. However, rodent plasma apoE is difficult to purify in reasonable amounts due to numerous time-consuming steps. To circumvent this, we created a bacterial expression system for the efficient production of large amounts of rat apoE. We inserted rat apoE DNA into the pET30 expression vector and overexpressed the proteins in Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3). A histidine tag present at the N-terminus allowed for easy purification of the recombinant protein. The tag was removed with an IgA protease (Igase) from Neisseria gonorrhoeae leaving the mature form of the protein. The use of Igase was important as several more common proteases routinely cleave apolipoproteins at undesired sites. The recombinant protein was then compared both structurally and functionally to rat plasma apoE. This expression system will be highly useful for probing the ability of rat apoE to mediate food intake in rats.     

Inhibition of cell proliferation by apolipoprotein E isoform expression

The anti-atherogenic effects of human apolipoprotein E3 (apoE3) have been partially attributed to its anti-proliferation properties. We studied if endogenously expressed apoE elicits isoform-dependent effects on cell proliferation. Rat F111 fibroblasts without native expression of apoE were used to establish cell lines with stable expression of the three human apoE isoforms. Cell growth curve studies showed that expression of apoE isoforms prolonged cell population doubling time in an isoform-dependent manner with apoE3 showing the most potent effect followed by apoE2 and apoE4 exhibiting comparable effects. Interestingly, saturation density of cell population was significantly reduced by the expression of apoE4 isofom. Further analyses revealed that all three apoE isoforms significantly lengthened G0/G1 phase (p < 0.05) of the cell cycle and were associated with the suppression of ERK1/2 activities. However, these changes were not sufficient to explain the isoform-dependent effects of apoE expression on cell population doubling time and saturation density.     

Regulation of apolipoprotein A1 synthesis in avian muscles

Until recently, liver and intestinal mucosa were believed to be the sole sites of synthesis of apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1), the major protein component of serum high density lipoprotein particles. We recently showed (Shackelford, J.E., and Lebherz, H.G. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 7175-7180) that chick breast muscle also synthesizes and secretes Apo-A1 but does so at high rates only around the time of hatching. In the present work, we investigate the regulation of synthesis of Apo-A1 in chicken muscles. 1) The primary translation product encoded for by muscle Apo-A1 mRNA is about 2600 daltons larger than the mature serum protein which is consistent with the idea that, like its mammalian liver counterpart, chick muscle Apo-A1 mRNA codes for an NH2-terminal extension (prepro segment) which is 24 amino acids long. 2) The developmentally regulated rise and fall in muscle Apo-A1 synthesis which occurs around the time of hatching is associated with a large accumulation followed by depletion of Apo-A1 mRNA molecules during this period. 3) Reinitiation of Apo-A1 synthesis to high levels in mature breast muscle occurred in vivo following surgical denervation and in vitro by maintaining breast muscle explants for several days in defined culture media. 4) Cardiac, but not smooth, muscles also synthesize and secrete Apo-A1 at high levels around the time of hatching. These and other observations are discussed in terms of possible regulatory "signals" which may control Apo-A1 synthesis in avian muscles.     

Analysis of a novel mechanism of neuronal toxicity produced by an apolipoprotein E-derived peptide

The apolipoprotein E (apoE)-derived peptide (141-155)2 has a neurotoxic effect, implying that apoE itself could be a source of toxicity in Alzheimer's disease brain. We characterized the toxicity of this peptide on superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons and compared the death with the apoptotic death that occurs after nerve growth factor (NGF) deprivation in these cells. A dose of 10 microM apoE (141-155)2 resulted in the death of approximately 50% of the neurons within 24 h. Nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation preceded the death. However, most inhibitors of NGF deprivation-induced death, including the caspase inhibitor Boc-aspartyl(O-methyl)fluoromethyl ketone and genetic deletion of bax-/-, had no effect on the toxicity. Inclusion of depolarizing levels of potassium did block the toxicity. Receptor-associated peptide (RAP), an antagonist for apoE receptors, did not protect cells in either SCG or hippocampal cultures. In addition, RAP had no effect on internalization of the apoE peptide. These data support the observation that apoE (141-155)2 is neurotoxic but suggest that the neurotoxicity is distinct from classical apoptosis or necrosis. Furthermore, these results indicate that the toxic effect may occur independently of members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene family.     

Capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection for fast and reliable apolipoprotein E genotyping

The use of capillary electrophoresis (CE) with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection for the rapid determination of apolipoprotein E (apoE) genotypes was studied. High resolution and sensitive detection of the concerned DNA restriction fragments was achieved using CE buffers with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) as sieving polymer and ethidium bromide (EB) as fluorescent intercalating agent. In order to achieve adequate resolutions in short analysis times, parameters such as concentration of HPMC and EB, separation voltage, and length and coating of the capillary were evaluated. Using a separation buffer with 0.8% (w/w) HPMC and 7 microM EB, characteristic DNA-fragment profiles could be obtained for all common apoE genotypes at an overall rate of ten samples per hour. The method allows direct injection of untreated PCR samples and the use of standard fused-silica capillaries which are effectively coated following a short, one-step rinse procedure. With a simple computerized algorithm based on migration-time ratios for pattern assignment, highly reliable apoE genotyping was achieved. Overall, in terms of speed, ease of use and objectivity the presented method provides a significant improvement over previously reported CE-based procedures for apoE genotyping.     

A novel early estrogen-regulated gene gec1 encodes a protein related to GABARAP

We have isolated, in guinea-pig endometrial cells, an estrogen-induced 1.8 kb RNA called gec1. Screening of a guinea-pig genomic library led to identification of gec1 gene consisting of 4 exons and 3 introns. Exon 1 contains the 5'UTR and the ATG initiation codon. A guinea-pig gec1 cDNA was obtained by 5'-RACE. The 351 bp coding sequence shares 76.8% identity with that of the human GABARAP 924 bp cDNA while UTRs of the two cDNAs differ. A gec1 probe from the 3'UTR revealed a 1.9 kb mRNA in human tissues and a human GEC1 cDNA was isolated from placenta. Its coding sequence shares 93 and 79% identity with that of guinea-pig gec1 and human GABARAP, respectively. The human and guinea-pig GEC1 proteins have 100% identity. GEC1 and GABARAP proteins have 87% identity and N terminus featuring a tubulin binding motif. Thus, estrogen-regulated gec1 is a new gene which could encode a microtubule-associated protein.     

A novel human apolipoprotein (apoM).

A novel human apolipoprotein designated apolipoprotein M (apoM) is described. The unique N-terminal amino acid sequence of apoM was found in an approximately 26-kDa protein present in a protein extract of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRLP). The isolated apoM cDNA (734 base pairs) encoded a 188-amino acid residue-long protein, distantly related to the lipocalin family. The mRNA of apoM was detected in the liver and kidney. Western blotting demonstrated apoM to be present in high density lipoprotein (HDL) and to a lesser extent in TGRLP and low density lipoproteins (LDL). The first 20 amino acid residues of apoM constituted a hydrophobic segment with characteristic features of a signal peptide. This was retained in the mature protein because of the lack of a signal peptidase cleavage site. In vitro translation in the presence of microsomes demonstrated translocation of apoM over the membrane and glycosylation but no signal peptide cleavage. The in vitro translated product remained associated with the microsomes after treatment with carbonate at pH 11, demonstrating that apoM is an integral protein. This finding suggests that apoM is linked to the single phospholipid layer of lipoproteins with a hydrophobic signal anchor. In conclusion, a novel human apolipoprotein, the function of which remains to be determined, is described.     

辛伐他汀和非诺贝特对HepG2细胞载脂蛋白M表达的影响

目的:观察辛伐他汀和非诺贝特及两者联合对HepG2细胞载脂蛋白M表达的影响。方法:分别以不同浓度的辛伐他汀(0、1、5、10、25μmol/L)和非诺贝特(0、50、100mmol/L)及辛伐他汀(5.0μmol/L)+非诺贝特(50mmol/L)干预HepG2细胞24h。提取各组细胞总RNA和蛋白质,分别采用实时RT-PCR和WesternBlot检测apoM的mRNA和蛋白的表达。结果:辛伐他汀和非诺贝特均呈剂量依赖性上调载脂蛋白M基因和蛋白的表达(P<0.05)。联合用药比单药更能显著上调载脂蛋白M的表达(P<0.05)。结论:他汀类和贝特类药物均可上调载脂蛋白M表达,两药联合的作用更为显著。     

Interspecies variation in yolk selenium concentrations among eggs of free-living birds: The effect of phylogeny

Birds deposit the trace element selenium (Se) into their eggs because an adequate supply of this micronutrient is essential for embryonic development. Although there is considerable interest in egg Se with regard to topics as diverse as poultry nutrition and environmental pollution, data on the natural levels of Se in eggs of free-living avian species are currently very limited. To address this lack of information, we measured the yolk Se concentrations in eggs of 14 avian species collected in the wild. The concentrations (ng/g wet yolk) varied from 394 to 2238, with a mean value of 1040. Values (means+/-SD) for eggs from the UK, Canada and New Zealand were, respectively, 522+/-192 (3 species), 1194+/-584 (8 species) and 1147+/-200 (3 species). However, analysis by appropriate statistical models indicates that the effect of phylogenetic relatedness among these species is so significant that it removes any effect of geographical location. In particular, species belonging to the order Passeriformes displayed significantly higher yolk Se levels than Non-Passeriforme species. In marked contrast to the free-living species, our previously published data indicate that the Se concentration in egg yolk of the domestic chicken is only about 100 ng/g wet yolk when the birds are maintained on a basal commercial diet without supplementary Se. The results reveal an extensive interspecies variation in yolk Se (across a 6-fold range) for eggs collected from the wild. Nevertheless, the Se concentrations in the yolks of all the free-living species were far higher (4-21-fold) than that achieved in the yolk of the domestic chicken consuming a standard basal diet.     

Lipid dependant disorder-to-order conformational transitions in apolipoprotein CI derived peptides

In contrast to the notion established for many years that protein function depends on rigid 3D structures, nowadays there is important evidence suggesting that non-structured segments of proteins play important roles in protein function. Therefore, disorder-to-order dynamic conformational transitions have been proposed as an attractive mechanism involved in protein-protein recognition. Our laboratory using Langmuir monolayers of apolipoproteins has previously shown that upon lateral compression at the air/water and phospholipid/water interfaces, there is an important movement of the C-terminal segment of apolipoprotein CI towards the air, considered the hydrophobic region of the monolayer and the acyl-chain region of the interface when phospholipids are used. Here, in an attempt to define secondary structure changes that might occur within this C-terminal segment of apoCI while moving from the monolayer interface back and forth its hydrophobic region, employing three peptides derived from apoCI we studied by circular dichroism and dynamic light scattering their conformational properties when associated to a series of amphipathic lipids and lipid-like molecules. Our results show that a series of lysophospholipids present the ability to modulate the formation of an α helix at the C-terminal peptide of apoCI through a disorder-to-order transition while forming small lipid/peptide aggregates below 10 nm in diameter.     

Systemic identification of estrogen-regulated genes in breast cancer cells through cap analysis of gene expression mapping

To explore the estrogen-regulated genes genome-widely in breast cancer, cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) sequencing was performed in MCF-7 cells under estrogen treatment. Estrogen-regulated expressional changes were found in 1537 CAGE tag clusters (TCs) (?1.5 or ?0.66-folds). Among them, 15 TCs were situated in the vicinity of (?10 kb) reported estrogen receptor-binding sites. Knockdown experiments of the 15 TC-associated genes demonstrated that the genes such as RAMP3, ISOC1 and GPRC5C potentially regulate the growth or migration of MCF-7 cells. These results suggest that CAGE sequencing will reveal novel estrogen target genes in breast cancer.