The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor is involved in control of Ca2+-induced permeability transition pore opening in rat brain mitochondria

The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is an 18 kDa mitochondrial membrane protein with still elusive function in cell death. Here, we studied whether PBR is involved in Ca2+-induced permeability transition pore (PTP) opening in isolated rat brain mitochondria (RBM). PTP opening is important in mitochondrial events leading to programmed cell death. Immunoblots revealed a single 18 kDa anti-PBR antibody-immunoreactive band in purified RBM. Adenine nucleotide transporter, a key PTP component, was found in the PBR-immunoprecipitate. In isolated intact RBM, addition of a specific anti-PBR antibody [H. Li, Z. Yao, B. Degenhardt, G. Teper, V. Papadopoulos, Cholesterol binding at the cholesterol recognition/interaction amino acid consensus (CRAC) of the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor and inhibition of steroidogenesis by an HIV TAT-CRAC peptide, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 98 (2001) 1267-1272] delayed Ca2+-induced dissipation of membrane potential (psi(m)) and diminished cyclosporine A-sensitive Ca2+ efflux, which are both indicative for the suppression of PTP opening. Moreover, anti-PBR antibody caused partial retention of Ca2+ in the mitochondrial matrix in spite of psi(m) dissipation, and reduced activation of respiratory rate at Ca2+-induced PTP opening. A release of pro-apoptotic factors, AIF and cytochrome c, from RBM was shown at threshold Ca2+ load. Anti-PBR antibody blocked the release of AIF but did not affect the cytochrome c release. Addition of ATP was able to initiate PTP closing, associated with psi(m) restoration and Ca2+ re-accumulation. At the same time mitochondrial protein phosphorylation (incorporation of 32P from [gamma-32P]ATP) occurred and anti-PBR antibody was able to inhibit phosphorylation of these proteins. The endogenous PBR ligand, protoporphyrin IX, facilitated PTP opening and phosphorylation of the mitochondrial proteins, thus, inducing effects opposite to anti-PBR antibody. This study provides evidence for PBR involvement in PTP opening, controlling the Ca2+-induced Ca2+ efflux, and AIF release from mitochondria, important stages of initiation of programmed cell death.     

High-affinity peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand, PK11195, regulates protein phosphorylation in rat brain mitochondria under control of Ca(2+)

The effects of PK11195, a high-affinity peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) ligand, on protein phosphorylation in isolated purified rat brain mitochondria were investigated. The isoquinoline carboxamide ligand of PBR, PK11195, but not the benzodiazepine ligand Ro5-4864, in the nanomolar concentration range strongly increased the phosphorylation of 3.5 and 17 kDa polypeptides. The effect of PK11195 was seen in the presence of elevated Ca(2+) levels (3 x 10(-7) to 10(-6) m), but not at very low Ca(2+) levels (10(-8) to 3 x 10(-8) m). This indicates that PBR involves Ca(2+) as a second messenger in the regulation of protein phosphorylation. Staurosporine, an inhibitor of protein kinase activity was able to suppress the PK11195-promoted protein phosphorylation. When the permeability transition pore (PTP) was opened by threshold Ca(2+) load, phosphorylation of the 3.5-kDa polypeptide was diminished, but strong phosphorylation of the 43-kDa protein was revealed. The 43-kDa protein appears to be a PTP-specific phosphoprotein. If PTP was opened, PK11195 did not increase the phosphorylation of the 3.5 and 17-kDa proteins but suppressed the phosphorylation of the PTP-specific 43-kDa phosphoprotein. The ability of PK11195 to increase the protein phosphorylation, which was lost under Ca(2+)-induced PTP opening, was restored again in the presence of calmidazolium, an antagonist of calmodulin and inhibitor of protein phosphatase PP2B. These results show a tight interaction of PBR with the PTP complex in rat brain mitochondria. In conclusion, a novel function of PBR in brain mitochondria has been revealed, and the PBR-mediated protein phosphorylation has to be considered an important element of the PBR-associated signal transducing cascades in mitochondria and cells.     

Ca2+ (calmodulin)-dependent phosphorylation of plasma membranes of pig myometrium

The high-purified vesicles of pig myometrium sarcolemma closed, mainly, so that the cytoplasmatic side is outside possess the Ca2+ (calmodulin)-dependent protein kinase activity. The initial rate of the endogenic phosphorylation without exogenic calmodulin is 6.3 and with its presence--10.7 pmol of 32Pi 1 min per 1 mg of protein. Km for ATP is equal to 164 microM, and Vmax--0.27 nmol of 32Pi 1 min per 1 mg of protein. Exogenic calmodulin increases the affinity to ATP (50 microM), Vmax being unchanged. Under optimal concentrations of calmodulin (10(-7)-10(-6) M) and 10(-4) M Ca2+ the protein kinase activity is 0.132 nmol of 32Pi min per 1 mg of protein. Electrophoresis in DS-PAAG has shown that membrane proteins with molecular weight of 105, 58, 25, 12 and 2 kDa are basic substrates of Ca2+ (calmodulin)-dependent phosphorylation. Trifluoperazine++ in the concentration of 40 microM inhibits phosphorylation of all five proteins. Ca2+ (calmodulin)-dependent phosphorylation is supposed to be a regulator of Ca2+-transport processes of sarcolemma.     

Effect of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR/TSPO) ligands on opening of Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript>-induced pore and phosphorylation of 3.5-kDa polypeptide in rat brain mitochondria

The effect of nanomolar concentrations of PBR/TSPO ligands—Ro 5-4864, PK11195, and PPIX—on Ca²⁺-induced permeability transition pore (PTP) opening in isolated rat brain mitochondria was investigated. PBR/TSPO agonist Ro 5-4864 (100 nM) and endogenous ligand PPIX (1 μM) were shown to stimulate PTP opening, while antagonist PK11195 (100 nM) suppressed this process. Correlation between PBR ligand action on PTP opening and phosphorylation of a 3.5 kDa polypeptide was investigated. In intact brain mitochondria, incorporation of [γ-³²P]ATP into 3.5 kDa peptide was decreased in the presence of Ro 5-4864 and PPIX and increased in the presence of PK11195. At threshold Ca²⁺ concentrations leading to PTP opening, PBR/TSPO ligands were found to stimulate dephosphorylation of the 3.5 kDa peptide. Specific anti-PBR/TSPO antibody prevented both PTP opening and dephosphorylation of the 3.5-kDa peptide. The peptide was identified as subunit c of F_oF₁-ATPase by Western blot using specific anti-subunit c antibody. The results suggest that subunit c of F_oF₁-ATPase could be an additional target for PBR/TSPO ligands action, is subjected to Ca²⁺- and TSPO-dependent phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, and is involved in PTP operation in mitochondria.     

Rat liver glucocorticoid receptor isolated by affinity chromatography is not a Mg2+- or Ca2+-dependent protein kinase

The glucocorticoid hormone receptor (92 kDa), purified 9000-fold from rat liver cytosol by steroid affinity chromatography and DEAE-Sephacel chromatography, was assayed for the presence of protein kinase activity by incubations with [gamma-32P]ATP and the photoaffinity label 8-azido-[gamma-32P]ATP. Control preparations isolated by affinity chromatography in the presence of excess steroid to prevent the receptor from binding to the affinity matrix were assayed for kinase activity in parallel. The receptor was not labeled by the photoaffinity label under photoactivation conditions in the presence of Ca2+ or Mg2+. A Mg2+-dependent protein kinase (48 kDa) that could be photoaffinity labeled with 8-azido-ATP copurified with the receptor. This kinase was also present in control preparations. The kinase could phosphorylate several minor contaminants present in the receptor preparation, including a protein (or proteins) of similar molecular weight to the receptor. The phosphorylation of 90-92-kDa proteins was independent of the state of transformation or steroid-binding activity of the receptor. These experiments provide direct evidence that neither the glucocorticoid receptor nor the 90-92-kDa non-steroid-binding protein associated with the molybdate-stabilized glucocorticoid receptor possesses intrinsic Ca2+- or Mg2+-dependent protein kinase activity.     

Regulation of endogenously catalyzed ADP-ribosylation in adipocyte plasma membranes by Ca2+ and calmodulin

The effects of Ca2+ and calmodulin on endogenously catalyzed ADP-ribosylation were investigated in adipocyte plasma membranes. Four specific proteins of 70, 65, 61 and 52 kDa were labeled with [32P]ADP-ribose and ADP-ribosylation of the proteins was highly dependent upon the conditions employed. ADP-ribosylation of the 70 kDa protein was observed only in membranes supplemented with Ca2+. Maximal incorporation of [32P] into the protein was achieved with free Ca2+ concentrations of 90 microM. Calcium-stimulated ADP-ribosylation of the 70 kDa protein was inhibited by calmodulin. Half-maximal inhibition was observed in membranes incubated with 1.2 microM calmodulin. The effect of calmodulin was characterized by an inhibition of the incorporation of [32P]ADP-ribose as opposed to a stimulation of its removal. ADP-ribosylation of the 61 kDa protein was not altered by added Ca2+ and/or calmodulin whereas ADP-ribosylation of the 65 kDa protein was partially (50%) inhibited by free Ca2+ concentrations between 10(-6) - 10(-5) M. These results provide evidence that the adipocyte plasma membrane contains ADP-ribosyltransferase activities and demonstrate that ADP-ribosylation of a 70 kDa protein is regulated by Ca2+ and calmodulin.     

Prostacyclin inhibits platelet aggregation induced by phorbol ester or Ca2+ ionophore at steps distal to activation of protein kinase C and Ca2+-dependent protein kinases.

Suspensions of aspirin-treated, 32P-prelabelled, washed platelets containing ADP scavengers in the buffer were activated with either phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PdBu) or the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. High concentrations of PdBu (greater than or equal to 50 nM) induced platelet aggregation and the protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent phosphorylation of proteins with molecular masses of 20 (myosin light chain), 38 and 47 kDa. No increase in cytosolic Ca2+ was observed. Preincubation of platelets with prostacyclin (PGI2) stimulated the phosphorylation of a 50 kDa protein [EC50 (concn. giving half-maximal effect) 0.6 ng of PGI2/ml] and completely abolished platelet aggregation [ID50 (concn. giving 50% inhibition) 0.5 ng of PGI2/ml] induced by PdBu, but had no effect on phosphorylation of the 20, 38 and 47 kDa proteins elicited by PdBu. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 induced shape change, aggregation, mobilization of Ca2+, rapid phosphorylation of the 20 and 47 kDa proteins and the formation of phosphatidic acid. Preincubation of platelets with PGI2 (500 ng/ml) inhibited platelet aggregation, but not shape change, Ca2+ mobilization or the phosphorylation of the 20 and 47 kDa proteins induced by Ca2+ ionophore A23187. The results indicate that PGI2, through activation of cyclic AMP-dependent kinases, inhibits platelet aggregation at steps distal to protein phosphorylation evoked by protein kinase C and Ca2+-dependent protein kinases.     

Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation and passive transport of Ca2+ in the myocardial sarcolemma

Highly purified vesicles of rabbit myocardium sarcolemma with predominant inside-out orientation possess the Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase activity. At optimal concentrations of calmodulin (0.5 microM) and Ca2+ (0.1 mM), the activity of protein kinase is 0.21 nmol 32P X min X mg of protein. The Km(app) value for ATP is 3.0 X 10(-6) M, V = 0.27 nmol 32P X mg of protein X min. Endogenous Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase phosphorylates four protein substrates in sarcolemmal vesicles (Mr = 145, 22, 11.5, and 6-8 KD). Studies with passive efflux of Ca2+ from the SL vesicles showed that the Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation of protein components of sarcolemma inhibits this reaction.     

Resistance to Ca2+-induced opening of the permeability transition pore differs in mitochondria from glycolytic and oxidative muscles

This study determined whether susceptibility to opening of the permeability transition pore (PTP) varies according to muscle phenotype represented by the slow oxidative soleus (Sol) and superficial white gastrocnemius (WG). Threshold for Ca2+-induced mitochondrial Ca2+ release following PTP opening was determined with a novel approach using permeabilized ghost myofibers. Threshold values for PTP opening were approximately threefold higher in fibers from WG compared with those from Sol (124+/-47 vs. 30.4+/-6.8 pmol Ca2+/mU citrate synthase). A similar phenomenon was also observed in isolated mitochondria (threshold: 121+/-60 vs. 40+/-10 nmol Ca2+/mg protein in WG and Sol), indicating that this was linked to differences in mitochondrial factors between the two muscles. The resistance of WG fibers to PTP opening was not related to the expression of putative protein modulators (cyclophilin D, adenylate nucleotide translocator-1, and voltage-dependent anion channels) or to difference in respiratory properties and occurred despite the fact that production of reactive oxygen species, which promote pore opening, was higher than in the Sol. However, endogenous matrix Ca2+ measured in mitochondria isolated under resting baseline conditions was approximately twofold lower in the WG than in the Sol (56+/-4 vs. 111+/-11 nmol/mg protein), which significantly accounted for the resistance of WG. Together, these results reveal fiber type differences in the sensitivity to Ca2+-induced PTP opening, which may constitute a physiological mechanism to adapt mitochondria to the differences in Ca2+ dynamics between fiber types.     

A novel Ca2+-dependent protein kinase from Paramecium tetraurelia

The ciliated protozoan Paramecium tetraurelia contained two protein kinase activities that were dependent on Ca2+. We purified one of the enzymes to homogeneity by Ca2+-dependent affinity chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose and ion exchange chromatography. The purified enzyme contained polypeptides of 50 and 55 kDa, with the 50-kDa species predominant. From its Stokes radius (32 A) and sedimentation coefficient (3.9 S), we calculated a native molecular weight of 51,000, suggesting that the active form is a monomer. Its specific activity was 65-130 nmol X min-1 X mg-1 and the Km for ATP was 17-35 microM, depending on the exogenous substrate used. Kinase activity was completely dependent upon Ca2+; half-maximal activation occurred at approximately 1 microM free Ca2+ at pH 7.2. Phosphatidylserine and diacylglycerol did not stimulate activity, nor did the addition of purified Paramecium calmodulin. The enzyme phosphorylated casein and histones, forming primarily phosphoserine and phosphothreonine, respectively. It also catalyzed its own phosphorylation in a Ca2+-dependent reaction; the half-maximal rate of autophosphorylation occurred at approximately 1-1.5 microM free Ca2+, and both the 50- and 55-kDa species were autophosphorylated. After separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and renaturation in situ, the 50-kDa protein retained its Ca2+-dependent ability to phosphorylate casein, suggesting that Ca2+ interacts directly with this polypeptide. This was confirmed by direct binding studies; when the enzyme was subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis transferred to nitrocellulose, and renatured, there was 45Ca2+-binding in situ to both the 50- and 55-kDa polypeptides. The Paramecium enzyme appears to be a new and unique type of Ca2+-dependent protein kinase.     

A monoclonal antibody (PL/IM 430) to human platelet intracellular membranes which inhibits the uptake of Ca2+ without affecting the Ca2+ +Mg2+-ATPase.

To probe the structure-function relationships of proteins present in the endoplasmic reticulum-like intracellular membranes of human blood platelets a panel of monoclonal antibodies have been raised, using as immunogen highly purified platelet intracellular membrane vesicles isolated by continuous flow electrophoresis [Menashi, Weintroub & Crawford (1981) J. Biol. Chem. 256, 4095-4101]. Four of these antibodies recognize a single 100 kDa polypeptide in the platelet membrane by immunoblotting. One antibody PL/IM 430 (of IgG1 subclass) inhibited (approximately 70%) the energy-dependent uptake of Ca2+ into the vesicles without affecting the Ca2+ +Mg2+-ATPase activity or the protein phosphorylation previously shown to proceed concomitantly with Ca2+ sequestration [Hack, Croset & Crawford (1986) Biochem. J. 233, 661-668]. The inhibition is independent of ATP concentration over a range 0-2 mM-ATP but shows dose-dependency for external [Ca2+] with maximum inhibition of Ca2+ translocation at concentrations of Ca2+ greater than 500 nM. This capacity of the antibody PL/IM 430 functionally to dislocate components of the intracellular membrane Ca2+ pump complex may have value in structural studies.     

Phosphorylated intermediates of (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase in renal plasma membranes

Renal basal-lateral and brush border membrane preparations were phosphorylated in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP. The 32P-labeled membrane proteins were analysed on SDS-polyacrylamide gels. The phosphorylated intermediates formed in different conditions are compared with the intermediates formed in well defined membrane preparations such as erythrocyte plasma membranes and sarcoplasmic reticulum from skeletal muscle, and with the intermediates of purified renal enzymes such as (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase. Two Ca2+-induced, hydroxylamine-sensitive phosphoproteins are formed in the basal-lateral membrane preparations. They migrate with a molecular radius Mr of about 130 000 and 100 000. The phosphorylation of the 130 kDa protein was stimulated by La3+-ions (20 microM) in a similar way as the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase from erythrocytes. The 130 kDa phosphoprotein also comigrated with the erythrocyte (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase. In addition in the same preparation, another hydroxylamine-sensitive 100 kDa phosphoprotein was formed in the presence of Na+. This phosphoprotein comigrates with a preparation of renal (Na+ + K+)-ATPase. In brush border membrane preparations the Ca2+-induced and the Na+-induced phosphorylation bands are absent. This is consistent with the basal-lateral localization of the renal Ca2+-pump and Na+-pump. The predominant phosphoprotein in brush border membrane preparations is a 85 kDa protein that could be identified as the phosphorylated intermediate of renal alkaline phosphatase. This phosphoprotein is also present in basal-lateral membrane preparations, but it can be accounted for by contamination of those membranes with brush border membranes.     

Ca2+-phospholipid-dependent phosphorylation of vesicular preparations of myocardial sarcolemma

A Ca2+-phospholipid-dependent protein kinase C was isolated from the soluble fraction of bovine brain, using hydrophobic chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B and high performance liquid chromatography on a Mono Q column. The enzyme had a specific activity of 822 nmol 32P/mg protein/min with histone H1 as a substrate. Phosphorylation of pig myocardium sarcolemma protein substrates was stimulated by Ca2+ and phosphatidylserine; the optimal concentrations of these compounds were 10(-4) M and 200 micrograms/ml, respectively. The value of Km(app) for Ca2+ was 3.10(-6) M. An addition of exogenous dioleine increased the enzyme affinity for Ca2+ which led to a decrease of Ca2+ concentration necessary for the maximal activation to occur. The optimal concentration of ATP needed for sarcolemmal preparation phosphorylation was 0.3-0.4 mM, which seems to be due to the high activity of sarcolemmal ATPases. The proteins phosphorylated in sarcolemmal preparations were identified, using SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with subsequent autoradiography. The 250, 140, 67, 58, 25 and 11 kD proteins appeared to be phosphorylated in the greatest degree. Since in myocardial sarcolemma protein kinase C predominantly phosphorylates the same proteins as does the cAMP-dependent protein kinase, it was assumed that protein kinase C can also play a role in the regulation of Ca2+-transporting systems of sarcolemma.     

Ca2+ uptake in bovine adrenocortical microsomes: formation of phosphorylated intermediate of Ca2+ dependent ATPase

Bovine adrenocortical microsomes were prepared and partially purified by discontinuous sucrose density gradient. Light fractions of the microsomes at the interface between 15 and 30% sucrose solution, exhibited ATP dependent Ca2+ uptake. The Ca2+ uptake was dependent on temperature and stimulated by free Ca2+ (the concentration for half maximal activation = 1.0 microM) and Mg2+. The Ca2+ uptake was inhibited by ADP but not affected by 10 mM NaN3 or 0.5 mM ouabain. Calcium release from the microsomes was accelerated by a Ca2+ ionophore, A23187, but not by a Ca2+ antagonist, diltiazem. A microsomal protein with a molecular weight of 100-110 kDa was phosphorylated by [gamma-32P]ATP in the presence of Ca2+, and the Ca2+ dependency was over the same range as the Ca2+ uptake (the concentration for half maximal activation = 3.0 microM). The phosphorylated protein (EP) was stable at acidic pH but labile at alkaline pH and sensitive to hydroxylamine. The rate of EP formation at 0 degrees C in the presence of 1 microM ATP and 10 microM Ca2+ (half time = 0.2 s) was less than that in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of rabbit skeletal muscle (half time = 0.1 s). The rate of EP decomposition at 0 degrees C after adding EGTA was about 6.7 times slower (rate constant: kd = 4.3 X 10(-3) s-1) than that of SR. It was suggested that adrenocortical microsomes contain a Ca2+ dependent ATPase which function as a Ca2+ pump with similar properties to that of SR.     

Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein kinase dependent on Ca2+ and calmodulin.

A Ca2+- and calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was partially purified by CaM affinity chromatography of the soluble fraction, and the properties of the enzyme were investigated. The protein kinase activity of the affinity-purified preparation was stimulated at least eightfold by the simultaneous presence of Ca2+ and CaM. The enzyme stimulation was strongly inhibited by trifluoperazine (TFP), a CaM antagonist. When the kinase was incubated in the presence of ATP, Ca2+, and CaM before the assay, the enzyme showed activity even in the presence of the Ca2+ chelator ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and TFP. The conversion to this Ca2+- and CaM-independent form occurred very rapidly under the incubation conditions required for protein phosphorylation by the kinase. At the highest level of conversion, Ca2+- and CaM-independent kinase activity, which was measured in the presence of EGTA and TFP, was nearly equal to the total kinase activity, which was measured in the presence of Ca2+ and CaM. A protein with a molecular weight of 58,000 was the major species that was phosphorylated in a Ca2+- and CaM-dependent manner by incubation of the CaM affinity-purified proteins with [gamma-32P]ATP. The protein kinase activity of the protein with the same molecular weight was demonstrated by in situ protein phosphorylation in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels by using casein as the substrate, after removal of the detergent from electrophoresed CaM-binding proteins. These data indicate that phosphorylation of the kinase is responsible for the conversion of enzyme activity. Enzyme regulation by this mode may play an important role in integrating cellular functions during the cell cycle. A possible role for the Ca2+-and CaM-dependent protein kinase in the signal transduction of the mating pheromone alpha factor is also discussed.     

Ca2+-dependent protein phosphorylation associated with microsomal fraction of rat pancreas

Microsomes isolated from cat pancreas were incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP in the presence or absence of Ca2+. Following fractionation of phosphoproteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis a single microsomal protein with an apparent molecular mass of 77,000 dalton (77K) was found to be phosphorylated in a Ca2+-dependent mechanism. Maximal phosphate incorporation into the 77K protein was observed at 10(-6) mol/l [Ca2+] and was 4-fold higher than in the absence of Ca2+. The 77K phosphoprotein showed characteristic of a stable phosphoester rather than an acyl phosphate. Measurable phosphate incorporation into the 77K protein was noted 5 s following addition of [gamma-32P]ATP and reached maximum at 9-10th min. The lack of effect of exogenous cyclic AMP, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, calmodulin, the calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine, leupeptin and the suppression of phosphorylation by some phospholipid-interacting drugs suggested that the 77K protein is a substrate for cyclic AMP- and calmodulin-independent, Ca2+-activated phospholipid-sensitive kinase activity. Centrifugation of the pancreatic homogenate in a ficoll-sucrose density gradient indicated that both the 77K protein and enzyme were associated in a fraction enriched in rough endoplasmic reticulum.     

Comparison of Ca2+ -dependent phosphorylation in viable dispersed brain cells with calmodulin-dependent protein kinase activity in cell-free preparations of rat brain.

Using two depolarizing agents, veratrine and high concentrations of extracellular KCl, we studied depolarization-stimulated phosphorylations in 32P-labelled dispersed brain tissue in order to identify phosphoprotein substrates for Ca2+ - and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase activity at the cellular level, for comparison with findings in cell-free preparations. In intact brain cells, the only prominent depolarization-stimulated phosphorylation was a 77 kDa protein separated on sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. This phosphorylation was dependent on external Ca2+, since chelation of Ca2+ in media with 6 mM-EGTA or the presence of verapamil (a Ca2+ -channel blocker) in the incubation media inhibited depolarization-stimulated phosphorylation of the 77 kDa protein. Phosphorylation of the 77 kDa protein also appeared to be dependent on calmodulin, because depolarization-stimulated phosphorylation was significantly decreased (P less than 0.05) when 100 microM-trifluoperazine was present in the incubation media. Polymyxin B, an inhibitor of Ca2+- and phospholipid-dependent phosphorylation, and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate, the phorbol ester enhancing Ca2+- and phospholipid-dependent phosphorylation, had no effect on the phosphorylation of the 77 kDa protein. The 77 kDa phosphoprotein was identified as a protein previously named synapsin I [Ueda, Maeno & Greengard (1973) J. Biol. Chem 248, 8295-8305] on the basis of similar migration of native and proteolytic fragments of the 77 kDa protein with those of authentic synapsin I on sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Whereas several studies with cell-free preparations showed that 57 kDa and 54 kDa endogenous phosphoproteins were the most prominent species phosphorylated in a Ca2+ and calmodulin-dependent manner, these results indicate that synapsin is the most prominent Ca2+-and calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation in intact cells. The phosphorylations of 54 kDa and 57 kDa proteins may not be as important in vivo, but instead occur as a result of the disruption of cellular integrity inherent in preparation of cell-free subfractions of brain tissue.     

Regulation of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria by external free Ca2+ concentrations

The rate of oxidative phosphorylation was studied in rat liver mitochondria incubated with free Ca2+ concentrations that range from 10(-9) to 5 X 10(-6) M. The highest rate was observed between 0.5-1.0 microM Ca2+. ATP synthesis was measured by polarographic and spectrophotometric techniques and by uptake of radioactive inorganic phosphate. The concentration of Ca2+ at which maximal rates of ATP synthesis take place is modified by Mg2+ and phosphate. The dependence of oxidative phosphorylation on Ca2+ was observed with alpha-ketoglutarate, glutamate + malate, and succinate, but not with beta-hydroxybutyrate. At 10(-9) M Ca2+ there is a continuous exit of endogenous Ca2+, while with 10(-6) M Ca2+, intramitochondrial Ca2+ levels remained constant throughout time. Apparently the control of the level of internal Ca2+ by external Ca2+ modulates the rate of oxidative phosphorylation. Uncoupler-stimulated respiration also depends on Ca2+ concentration, even though at 10(-9) to 10(-6) M Ca2+ the rate of oxidative phosphorylation is lower than the rate of uncoupled respiration. The contribution of the ADP/ATP carrier and the ATP synthase to the kinetic regulation of ATP synthesis at 10(-9) and 10(-6) M Ca2+ was evaluated by titrations with carboxyatractyloside and oligomycin, respectively. The contribution of the carrier and the synthase to the regulation of the final rate of ATP synthesis was different at the two concentrations of Ca2+; therefore, the concentration of extramitochondrial Ca2+ influences the overall kinetics of oxidative phosphorylation.     

Structural and functional properties of a Ca2+-ATPase from human platelets

An antibody prepared against highly purified rabbit muscle Ca2+-ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum has been observed to cross-react with proteins in human platelet membrane vesicles. The antibody specifically precipitated Ca2+-ATPase activity from solubilized human platelet membranes and recognized two platelet polypeptides denatured in sodium dodecyl sulfate with Mr = 107,000 and 101,000. Ca2+-ATPase activity from Brij 78-solubilized platelet membranes was purified up to 10-fold. The purified preparation consisted mainly of two polypeptides with Mr approximately 100,000, and 40,000. The lower molecular weight protein appeared unrelated to Ca2+-ATPase activity. The Ca2+-ATPase in human platelet membrane vesicles exhibited "negative cooperativity" with respect to the kinetics of ATP hydrolysis. The apparent Km for Ca2+ activation of ATPase activity was 0.1 microM. Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation of platelet vesicles by [gamma-32P]ATP at 0 degrees C yielded a maximum of 0.2-0.4 nmol of PO4/mg of protein that was labile at pH 7.0 and 20 degrees C. This result suggests that only about 2-4% of the total protein in platelet membrane vesicles is the Ca2+-ATPase, which agrees with an estimate based on the specific activity of the Ca2+-ATPase in platelet membranes (20-50 nmol of ATP hydrolyzed/min/mg of protein at 30 degrees C). Calmodulin resulted in only a 1.6-fold stimulation of Ca2+-ATPase activity even after extensive washing of membranes with a calcium chelator or chlorpromazine. It is concluded that human platelets contain a Ca2+-ATPase immunochemically related to the Ca2+ pump from rabbit sarcoplasmic reticulum and that the enzymatic characteristics and molecular weight of the platelet ATPase are quite similar to those of the muscle ATPase.     

Correlation of Ca2+-and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase activity with secretion of insulin from islets of Langerhans.

A Ca2+-activated and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase activity which phosphorylates predominantly two endogenous proteins of 57kDa and 54kDa was found in a microsomal fraction from islet cells. Half-maximal activation of the protein kinase occurs at approx. 1.9 microM-Ca2+ and 4 micrograms of calmodulin/ml (250 nM) for phosphorylation of both protein substrates. Similar phosphoprotein bands (57kDa and 54kDa) were identified in intact islets that had been labelled with [32P]Pi. Islets prelabelled with [32P]Pi and incubated with 28 mM-glucose secreted significantly more insulin and had greater incorporation of radioactivity into the 54 kDa protein than did islets incubated under basal conditions in the presence of 5 mM-glucose. Thus the potential importance of the phosphorylation of these proteins in the regulation of insulin secretion is indicated both by activation of the protein kinase activity by physiological concentrations of free Ca2+ and by correlation of the phosphorylation of the substrates with insulin secretion in intact islets. Experiments undertaken to identify the endogenous substrates indicated that this calmodulin-dependent protein kinase may phosphorylate the alpha- and beta-subunits of tubulin. These findings suggest that Ca2+-stimulated phosphorylation of islet-cell tubulin via a membrane-bound calmodulin-dependent protein kinase may represent a critical step in the initiation of insulin secretion from the islets of Langerhans.