Regulation of gluconeogenesis in swine kidney proximal tubule cells

Summary Proximal tubule cells were isolated from swine kidney and cultured for periods of more than 30 days. The cells formed confluent monolayers after plating on a collagen surface and they were passaged more than 5 times on this matrix. The cells maintain several metabolic functions of proximal tubule cells, including gluconeogenesis and the ability to respond to epinephrine and parathyroid hormone. Gluconeogenesis, a principal metabolic pathway in proximal tubule cells, was examined as a function of days in culture. The isolated cells showed a nearly constant rate of gluconeogenesis from ¹⁴C-lactate, ¹⁴C-alkaine and 14C-glycerol with no significant loss of activity for at least 30 days in culture. Likewise, the activities of several cytosolic and membrane associated enzymes including, alkaline phosphatase, -glutamyltransferase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and phosphofructokinase were nearly constant over the same time period.The cells responded to treatment with epinephrine and parathyroid hormone, and the rate of gluconeogenesis from ¹⁴C-lactate doubled in the presence of these hormones. The morphological and biochemical evidence obtained in these studies show that the proximal tubule cells isolated from swine kidney provide an excellent well defined system for studying the hormonal regulation of carbohydrate metabolism in this tissue.Abbreviations PTH Parathyroid Hormone - cAMP cyclic 3,5-adenosine Monophosphate     

Epidermal growth factor binding in rat uterus during the peri-implantation period

The profile of epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding to uterine membranes of rats on Day 1 through Day 7 of pregnancy was studied. The binding was lowest on Day 1 and increased gradually through the pre- and postimplantation periods. Binding affinity of the Day 7 uterine membranes was considerably higher than that of the Day 1. Apparent affinity constants (Ka) of Day 1 and Day 7 membranes were 0.29 X 10(-8) M and 1.03 X 10(-8) M respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the modulation of EGF binding to uterine membranes by progesterone-estrogen interaction during early pregnancy.     

Epidermal growth factor (urogastrone)-stimulated gluconeogenesis in isolated mouse hepatocytes

In freshly isolated mouse hepatocytes obtained from fasted animals, we have studied the receptors for epidermal growth factor urogastrone (EGF-URO) in terms of the electrophoretic profile, ligand affinity, and numbers of EGF-URO receptors present on the cells, and also in terms of the ability of EGF-URO to stimulate gluconeogenesis, as reflected by the increased incorporation of [3-14C]pyruvate into glucose. The effects of EGF-URO were compared with those of glucagon. Ligand-binding studies revealed that the mouse hepatocytes possess an unusually high number of EGF-URO receptors (about 3 X 10(6) binding sites/cell), with a ligand dissociation constant of 4.4 nM. The binding of EGF-URO by mouse hepatocytes was more than 10-fold higher than the previously measured binding of EGF-URO by rat hepatocytes. Crosslink-labeling studies, coupled with gel electrophoretic analysis, demonstrated the presence of intact EGF-URO receptors, although some receptor processing had occurred during the isolation procedure. EGF-URO was able to stimulate the incorporation of 3-14C-labeled pyruvate into glucose; glucagon was unable to do so. In contrast, in rat hepatocytes isolated and assayed under identical conditions, glucagon (10 nM) caused a marked (250%) stimulation of the incorporation of pyruvate into glucose. Maximally, EGF-URO caused a 34% increase in the incorporation of [3-14C]pyruvate into glucose; a half-maximal effect was observed at a concentration of 2.5 nM EGF-URO. The stimulatory effect of EGF-URO was not dependent on the concentration of pyruvate, lactate, glucose, or calcium in the incubation medium. Although raising the concentration of pyruvate in the incubation medium increased the incorporation of [3-14C]pyruvate into glycogen, EGF-URO did not cause any change in the incorporation of radioactivity into glycogen. Overall, our data point to marked differences between rat and mouse liver preparations, in terms of the hormonal regulation of glucose metabolism, and our work documents a potential role for the remarkably high number of mouse hepatocyte EGF-URO receptors in terms of the modulation of gluconeogenesis in the mouse.     

Epidermal growth factor in the rat lung

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in pharmacological doses is able to induce precoccious lung maturation in rabbits and sheeps. As EGF is probably acting in a para- or autocrine way, we have searched for EGF in the lungs. We report EGF immunoreactivity to be present in the type II pneumocytes of the rat from a couple of days prior to birth and throughout life. Further, we report EGF immunoreactivity to be present in cells in the bronchi and the bronchioles from day 20-21 of gestation and throughout life. G-200 gelchromatography of lung extracts indicates that the EGF-reactive material is a high molecular weight form of EGF. Since previous studies have shown that EGF in pharmacological doses is able to promote lung maturation, our results may imply a physiological role for EGF in the lungs.     

Epidermal growth factor in the rat lung

Summary Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in pharmacological doses is able to induce precoccious lung maturation in rabbits and sheeps. As EGF is probably acting in a para- or autocrine way, we have searched for EGF in the lungs.We report EGF immunoreactivity to be present in the type II pneumocytes of the rat from a couple of days prior to birth and throughout life. Further, we report EGF immunoreactivity to be present in cells in the bronchi and the bronchioles from day 20–21 of gestation and throughout life. G-200 gelchromatography of lung extracts indicates that the EGF-reactive material is a high molecular weight form of EGF.Since previous studies have shown that EGF in pharmacological doses is able to promote lung maturation, our results may imply a physiological role for EGF in the lungs.     

Epidermal growth factor reactivity in rat milk

The concentration of EGF immunoreactivity in rat whey increases from 0.3 pmol/ml at lactation day 1 to 2.0 pmol/ml at lactation day 19. The concentration of EGF is not influenced when the rats undergo sialoadenectomy prior to mating. On S-200 gel chromatography, almost all EGF-reactivity in rat whey elutes as a broad peak corresponding to a Stokes radius of 4.0 nm (an approximate molecular weight of 80 kDa). Almost no 6 kDa EGF is present. Judged by gel filtration of whey pre-incubated with 125I-EGF (6 kDa), no binding protein for EGF is present in rat whey. When rat milk is incubated overnight at 37 degrees C, the 80 kDa EGF is degraded and elutes as a peak with a Stokes radius of 2.7 nm, corresponding to a molecular weight of approximately 35 kDa EGF and as a peak corresponding to 6 kDa EGF. Also, after partial purification by immuno-affinity chromatography, the EGF-reactive material in rat whey behaves as a peptide with a Stokes radius of 2.7 nm, corresponding to a molecular weight of approximately 35 kDa at gel filtration. Comparative binding studies between EGF purified from the submandibular glands and the EGF purified from rat whey confirm differences in the binding to antibodies raised against submandibular EGF, but not in binding to the EGF-receptor. Our results make it unlikely that EGF in rat whey is derived from the submandibular glands.     

Epidermal growth factor stimulates the phosphorylation of pyruvate kinase in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has previously been shown to stimulate gluconeogenesis in rat liver by decreasing the activity of pyruvate kinase [(1988) Biochem. J. 255, 361-364]. Here we investigate the mechanism underlying the inactivation of the enzyme. EGF was found to increase the incorporation of phosphate into pyruvate kinase, with maximal phosphorylation achieved only after 10 min in the presence of the growth factor. The increase in phosphorylation was not additive with that caused by cyclic AMP. Phosphoamino acid analysis of pyruvate kinase isolated from cells treated with EGF indicated that EGF increases phosphorylation solely on serine residues. The exact site of EGF-mediated phosphorylation has yet to be identified.     

Epidermal growth factor, like glucagon, exerts a short-term stimulation of alanine transport in rat hepatocytes.

Epidermal growth factor causes a transient stimulation of alanine transport in hepatocytes. The stimulation is maximal after 30 min, and the rate returns to the control value after 90 min. These characteristics are very similar to the short-term stimulation of alanine transport by glucagon, which has been attributed to cell membrane hyperpolarization.     

Epidermal growth factor: structure, location, phosphorylation and regulation of its receptor

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a Mr 6045 polypeptide first characterized for its ability to stimulate mitogenesis in epidermal and epithelial cells. The first step in the action of the growth factor is its binding to specific, high affinity membrane receptors. These receptors have been studied in a number of tissues and cell culture lines. The level of EGF receptors is modulated by many agents. EGF down-regulates its receptor. In addition, the number of EGF receptors is decreased by other growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor; transforming growth factor), by many tumor promoters and by viral transformation. Several hormones also can regulate EGF binding in its target tissues.     

Epidermal growth factor excretion and receptor binding in diabetic rats

Urinary epidermal growth factor (EGF) excretion was calculated as ng EGF per mg creatinine and ng EGF per 24 hr. It was increased 4-9 fold in rats with genetic (BB) or streptozotocin-induced diabetes. It decreased to 2-3 fold control values in insulin-treated animals. In contrast, EGF concentration in serum was lower in diabetic than in control rats (360 +/- 72 vs 524 +/- 150 pg/ml, P .086); EGF level in plasma was unchanged (319 +/- 67 vs 313 +/- 96 pg/ml). In diabetic rats EGF content was increased in submaxillary glands (1018 +/- 259 vs 738 +/- 122 pg/mg protein, P .060) but unchanged in the kidneys (70 +/- 18 vs 65 +/- 6 pg/mg protein in controls). EGF binding to the liver microsomes in diabetic rats was decreased by 30-40% and was not restored by insulin therapy. Binding to the kidneys also showed a tendency to decrease in diabetic animals. The EGF excretion and receptor binding were normal in obese normoglycemic Zucker fa/fa rats. We suggest that hyperglycemia and/or glucosuria may affect EGF synthesis and/or excretion in the kidneys and EGF synthesis or accumulation in the megakaryocytes. The mechanism of decreased EGF receptor binding remains to be clarified.     

Epidermal growth factor receptor-induced activator protein 1 activity controls density-dependent growth inhibition in normal rat kidney fibroblasts

Density-dependent growth inhibition secures tissue homeostasis. Dysfunction of the mechanisms, which regulate this type of growth control is a major cause of neoplasia. In confluent normal rat kidney (NRK) fibroblasts, epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor levels decline, ultimately rendering these cells irresponsive to EGF. Using an activator protein (AP)-1 sensitive reporter construct, we show that AP-1 activity is strongly decreased in density-arrested NRK cells, but is restored after relaxation of density-dependent growth inhibition by removing neighboring cells. EGF could not induce AP-1 activity or S-phase entry in density-arrested cells, but could do so after pretreatment with retinoic acid, which enhances EGF receptor expression. Our results support a model in which the EGF receptor regulates density-dependent growth control in NRK fibroblasts, which is reflected by EGF-induced mitogenic signaling and consequent AP-1 activity.     

The effect of gluconeogenesis on phospholipid turnover in isolated chick proximal tubule cells

Previous work from this laboratory has shown that isolated chick renal proximal tubule cells possess an Na+-dependent Pi transport system and that Pi uptake is stimulated under gluconeogenic conditions. It is shown in the present paper that gluconeogenesis is associated with a rapid incorporation of Pi into membrane phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylinositol, and some evidence has been obtained for a change in the relative amounts of phosphatidylinositol polyphosphates under gluconeogenic conditions. There is no increase in the total phospholipid phosphate content however, suggesting that pyruvate-induced incorporation of Pi into phospholipids represents accelerated turnover rather than a net increase in synthesis. It is suggested that the stimulation of Na+-dependent Pi uptake by pyruvate is related to the increased rate of phospholipid turnover. Thus Pi transport may be a further example of a physiological system that is influenced by phosphatidylinositol metabolism. The role of phosphatidylinositol phosphates could be to stimulate transfer of transporter molecules from internal stores to the brush-border membrane of the cell.     

Epidermal growth factor inhibits 14C-alpha-methyl-D-glucopyranoside uptake in renal proximal tubule cells: involvement of PLC/PKC, p44/42 MAPK, and cPLA2

The effect of EGF on (14)C-alpha-methyl-D-glucopyranoside (alpha-MG) uptake and its related signaling pathways were examined in primary cultured rabbit renal proximal tubule cells (PTCs). Epidermal growth factor (EGF) (50 ng/ml) was found to inhibit alpha-MG uptake, a distinctive proximal tubule marker. The EGF effect was blocked by AG1478 (an EGF receptor antagonist) or genistein and herbimycin (tyrosine kinase inhibitors), respectively. In addition, the EGF-induced inhibition of alpha-MG uptake was blocked by neomycin and U73122 (phospholipase C inhibitors) as well as staurosporine, H-7, and bisindolylmaleimide I (protein kinase C inhibitors). EGF was also observed to increase inositol phosphate formation. Furthermore, both the EGF-induced inhibition of alpha-MG uptake and increase of arachidonic acid (AA) release were blocked by AACOCF(3) (a cytosolic phospholipase A(2) inhibitor), indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor), and econazole (a cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase inhibitor). We examined the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in mediating the effect of EGF on alpha-MG uptake. Indeed, EGF increased phosphorylation of p44/p42 MAPK and the EGF-induced inhibition of alpha-MG uptake as well as the stimulatory effect of EGF on AA release was blocked by PD 98059 (a p44/42 MAPK inhibitor), suggesting a causal relationship. However, inhibitors of PKC also prevented the EGF-induced increase of AA release. In conclusion, EGF partially inhibited alpha-MG uptake via PLC/PKC, p44/42 MAPK, and PLA(2) signaling pathways.     

Isosmotic volume reabsorption in rat proximal tubule

A theoretical model incorporation both active and passive forces has been developed for fluid reabsorption from split oil droplets in rat intermediate and late proximal tubule. Of necessity, simplifying assumptions have been introduced; we have assumed that the epithelium can be treated as a single membrane and that the membrane "effective" HCO3 permeability is near zero. Based on this model with its underlying assumptions, the following conclusions are drawn. Regardless of the presence or absence of active NaCl transport, fluid reabsorption from the split oil droplet is isosmotic. The reabsorbate osmolarity can be affected by changes in tubular permeability parameters and applied forces but is not readily altered from an osmolarity essentially equal to that of plasma. In a split droplet, isosmotic flow need not be a special consequence of active Na transport, is not the result of a particular set of permeability properties, and is not merely a trivial consequence of a very high hydraulic conductivity; isosmotic flow can be obtained with hydraulic conductivity nearly an order of magnitude lower than that previously measured in the rat proximal convoluted tubule. Isosmotic reabsorption is, in part, the result of the interdependence of salt and water flows, their changing in parallel, and thus their ratio, the reabsorbate concentration being relatively invariant. Active NaCl transport can cause osmotic water flow by reducing the luminal fluid osmolarity. In the presence of passive forces the luminal fluid can be hypertonic to plasma, and active NaCl transport can still exert its osmotic effect on volume flow. There are two passive forces for volume flow: the Cl gradient and the difference in effective osmotic pressure; they have an approximately equivalent effect on volume flow. Experimentally, we have measured volume changes in a droplet made hyperosmotic by the addition of 50 mM NaCl; the experimental results are predicted reasonably well by our theoretical model.     

Restricted growth of rat kidney proximal tubule cells cultured in serum-supplemented and defined media

Proximal tubules suitable for in vitro culture were prepared from rat kidney cortex by a Ficoll-gradient centrifugation technique which yielded greater than 94% purity. The tubules were seeded into culture dishes, and cell growth was monitored in both Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium containing 10% fetal calf serum and in a defined medium consisting of 50:50 Ham's F12 and Dulbecco's supplemented with insulin, transferrin, and hydrocortisone. Growth in serum-containing medium was continuous; however, the specific activity of the brush border enzyme alkaline phosphatase decreased rapidly with time, and the culture morphology became fibroblastic by 6 days. Neither collagen-coating of the dishes nor addition of the differentiation inducer hexamethylene-bisacetamide had any significant effect on growth or enzyme activity of the cultured cells. Theophylline, another inducer of differentiation, proved cytotoxic. Growth of proximal tubule cells in defined medium proceeded for 4 days before irreversible growth arrest occurred. Alkaline phosphatase activity and epithelial morphology remained relatively constant throughout the culture period. Additions of the growth factors triiodothyronine, prostaglandin E2, and epidermal growth factor were unable to unblock the growth arrest. If cells cultured in defined medium for 3 days were switched to serum-supplemented medium, continuous growth occurred, but both alkaline phosphatase activity and epithelial morphology were rapidly lost. As a test of the culture method, rabbit proximal tubule cells were cultured under similar conditions in defined medium. Growth was prolific and continuous for up to, but not exceeding, 30 days, and differentiated properties were retained. It was concluded that both rat and rabbit proximal tubule cells have a limited proliferative capacity in vitro but that the capacity of the rat cell to divide is much reduced relative to the rabbit cell.     

Studies of the regulation of renal gluconeogenesis in normal and Pi depleted proximal tubule cells

Pi depletion of proximal tubule cells isolated from mouse kidney results in a decrease in the cell content of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate and an increase in the rate of gluconeogenesis from pyruvate, malate and succinate. Gluconeogenesis from glycerol is unaffected by Pi depletion. Introduction of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate into the cytosol of ATP-permeabilized cells is accompanied by a fall in gluconeogenesis. The presence of external Ca2+ stimulates gluconeogenesis. When cytosolic Ca2+ is raised to 1.8 microM by permeabilization, the resealed cells still require 2.5 mM Ca2+ in the bathing medium in order to perform gluconeogenesis at the maximum rate. Cells permeabilized in the presence of cAMP show a decreased rate of glucose production. Phorbol ester stimulates gluconeogenesis provided that the phorbol treatment is performed in the absence of Ca2+ ions. It is suggested that Pi depletion may stimulate pyruvate carboxylase activity and facilitate the entry of certain gluconeogenic substrates into mitochondria. It is also proposed that important aspects of the control of renal gluconeogenesis by parathyroid hormone are mediated by protein kinase C.     

Epidermal growth factor receptors: function modulation by phosphorylation and glycosylation interplay

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins induce structural and functional changes that are most often transitory and difficult to follow and investigate in vivo. In silico prediction procedures for PTMs are very valuable to foresee and define such transitory changes responsible for the multifunctionality of proteins. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is such a multifunctional transmembrane protein with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity that is regulated primarily by ligand-stimulated transphosphorylation of dimerized receptors. In human EGFR, potential phosphorylation sites on Ser, Thr and Tyr residues including five autophosphorylation sites on Tyr were investigated using in silico procedures. In addition to phosphorylation, O-GlcNAc modifications and interplay between these two modifications was also predicted. The interplay of phosphorylation and O-GlcNAc modification on same or neighboring Ser/Thr residues is termed as Yin Yang hypothesis and the interplay sites are named as Yin Yang sites. Amongst these modification sites, one residue is localized in the juxtamembrane (Thr 654) and two are found in the catalytic domain (Ser 1046/1047) of the EGFR. We propose that, when EGFR is O-GlcNAc modified on Thr 654, EGFR may be transferred from early to late endosomes, whereas when EGFR is O-GlcNAc modified on Ser 1046/1047 desensitization of the receptor may be prevented. These findings suggest a complex interplay between phosphorylation and O-GlcNAc modification resulting in modulation of EGFR's functionality.     

Epidermal growth factor or okadaic acid stimulates phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4F

Eukaryotic initiation factor 4F, a multi-protein mRNA cap binding complex, was isolated by m7GTP-Sepharose affinity chromatography from human mammary epithelial cells (184A1N4) incubated with [32P] orthophosphate. Treatment of cells with epidermal growth factor resulted in enhanced phosphorylation of both p28 (eIF-4E) and p220 subunits. The identities of the p28 and p220 subunits were confirmed by immunoprecipitation. The phosphorylation was both rapid and sustained in duration; p28 attained maximal levels (2-3-fold) within 30 min of treatment and remained elevated for at least 2 h, while p220 reached one-half maximal levels by 30 min, and maximal levels (3-4-fold) by 2 h of treatment. Two phosphorylated isoforms of p28 and multiple phosphorylated forms of p220 were detected by two-dimensional isoelectric focusing/sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Phosphoamino acid analysis of 6 N HCl hydrolyzates of p28 and p220 isolated from epidermal growth factor-treated and control cells indicated that serine is the predominant phosphorylated amino acid in both instances. In no case was phosphotyrosine observed. Pretreatment of cells with 1 microM okadaic acid resulted in the hyperphosphorylation of both p28 and p220 subunits. These results suggest that mitogenic growth factors and cellular serine/threonine phosphatases (pp1 and/or pp2A) serve essential roles in regulating phosphorylation levels of eukaryotic initiation factor 4F and support the concept that translational control is a component of the signal transduction mechanisms involved in growth regulation.