Tightly bound calcium of adenosine triphosphatase in sarcoplasmic reticulum from rabbit skeletal muscle

Sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles were shown to possess a class of tightly bound calcium ions, inaccessible to the chelator, ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid at 0 degrees C or 25 degrees C, amounting to 4.5 nmol/mg of protein (approximately 0.5 mol/mol (Ca2+,Mg2+)-ATPase). The calcium ionophores, A23187 and X537A, induced rapid exchange of tightly bound calcium in the presence of chelator. Chelator alone at 37 degrees C, caused irreversible loss of bound calcium, which correlated with uncoupling of transport from (Ca2+,Mg2+)-ATPase activity. Uncoupling was not accompanied by increased permeability to [14C]inulin. Slow exchange of tightly bound calcium with medium calcium was unaffected by turnover of the ATPase or by tryptic cleavage into 55,000- and 45,000-dalton fragments. Binding studies with labeled calcium suggested that tight binding involves a two-step process: Ca2+ + E in equilibrium K E . Ca2+ leads to E < Ca2+ where E and < Ca2+ represent the ATPase and tightly bound calcium, and K = 1.6 X 10(3) M-1. It is suggested that tightly bound calcium is located in a hydrophobic pocket in, or in close proximity to the ATPase, and, together with tightly bound adenine nucleotides (Aderem, A., McIntosh, D. B., and Berman, M. C. (1979) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 76, 3622-03632), is related to the ability of the ATPase to couple hydrolysis of ATP to vectorial transfer of calcium across the membrane.     

Studies on the structure of the calcium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase from rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum

The linear arrangement of the three fragments of Ca²⁺-ATPase from rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum with molecular weights of 20,000, 30,000, and 45,000 obtained by limited tryptic hydrolysis was determined by locating the NH₂-terminal acetylated methionyl residue of the original peptide in the M_r = 20,000 fragment. Since both the M_r = 20,000 and 30,000 polypeptides originate from a M_r = 55,000 fragment which is distinct from the M_r = 45,000 polypeptide, the sequence of these three fragments was determined to be 20,000, 30,000, and 45,000. The M_r = 20,000 fragment was further cleaved by cyanogen bromide to yield a M_r = 7,000 COOH-terminal fragment which is relatively hydrophilic. The NH₂-terminal portion is rich in glutamyl residues. The COOH-terminus of the M_r = 30,000 fragment was determined by both digestion with carboxypeptidases and cyanogen bromide cleavage. Using the partial amino acid sequence of the Ca²⁺-ATPase, it was deduced that the active site phosphoaspartyl residue is 154 amino acids from the COOH-terminus of the M_r = 30,000 fragment and hence approximately 35,000 M_r from the NH₂-terminus of the original Ca²⁺-ATPase molecule. Furthermore, it was shown that the two tryptic cleavages of the Ca²⁺-ATPase generating these three large fragments were both single hydrolyses of arginylalanine peptide bonds.     

The binding of lipid to the lipid-free adenosine triphosphatase protein of sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Dinitrophenylated dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine and its lyso derivative have been shown to bind to the lipid-free ATPase protein derived from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The binding of these lipids is accompained by the quenching of up to 95% of the tryptophyl fluorescence of the protein. This effect is reversed by 9-10 mM deoxycholate. The solubility of the lipid-free ATPase protein in the absence of deoxycholate and the solubility of submillimolar concentrations of the dinitrophenylated monopalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine anion in aqueous media allowed binding experiments using this lipid ligand to be carried out in a simple buffer system. It is shown that in the case of this lipid the initial phase of the binding process displays an apparent positive co-operatively. Data from the second phase in the saturation of the protein with this lipid is consistent with binding to independent, equivalent, non-interacting sites with a microscopic (intrinsic) association constant of 1.63 x 10(6) M-1, the fluorescence being quenched in the geometric fashion. Altogether a total of about 15 molecules of this lipid may be bound by the protein.     

Primary structures of cysteine-containing peptides from the calcium ion-transporting adenosine triphosphatase of rabbit sarcoplasmic reticulum.

A preliminary investigation of the primary structure of the Ca(2+-transporting ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase) protein of rabbit skeletal-muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum is reported. The preparation of derivatives of delipidated protein in a form suitable for sequence analysis is described. Tryptic peptides containing S-carboxymethylcysteine residues were isolated from the reduced carboxymethylated protein, and their sequences were partially determined. The results are consistent with mol.wt. about 105000 for the polypeptide, and the absence of extended repeated lengths of sequence. The distribution of tryptophan and cysteine residues between large, aggregated peptides and soluble tryptic peptides shows that these residues are concentrated in different regions of the primary structure. This observation agrees with other evidence that these residues are, on the whole, widely separated in the native protein. The details of the procedures used to isolate the peptides, and the evidence for the determination of their sequences, are given Supplementary Publication SUP 50085 (30 pages), which has been deposited at the British Library Lending Division, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem.J. (1978) 169, 5.     

The activation of sodium-plus-potassium ion-dependent adenosine triphosphatase from marine teleost gills by univalent cations.

The apparent affinity constants for the binding of Cs+, Rb+, K+, Li+, Tl+ and NH4+ to (Na+ + K+)-dependent adenosine triphosphatase from teleost gills were measured and the values discussed in terms of the ion-selectivity isotherm described by Eisenman & Krasne (1975) [in MTP International Review of Science: Biochemistry Series One (Fox, C.F., ed.), vol. 2, pp. 27--59, Butterworths University Park Press, Baltimore]. The ion selectivity of the present enzyme is remarkably similar to that from nerve and brain.     

The adenosine triphosphatase and calcium ion-transporting activities of the sarcoplasmic reticulum of developing muscle

1. The ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase) specific activity and the total nitrogen content of the myofibrillar fraction per g. wet weight of rabbit longissimus dorsi muscle increased steadily during the late foetal stages and the first few weeks after birth. 2. The ATPase specific activity of the sarcoplasmic-reticular fraction isolated by a sucrose-density-gradient procedure rose to a sharp peak 8-10 days after birth and then declined to the adult value, which was about 25% of the maximum. 3. The peak in ATPase activity was a feature of the sarcoplasmic reticulum isolated from muscle, and the time at which it occurred in relation to birth was related to the degree of development and the activity pattern of the muscle. 4. The peak in ATPase activity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum occurred at an earlier age if newborn animals were made to exercise earlier than was normal. 5. The ;extra' ATPase associated with the sarcoplasmic reticulum and the ability to concentrate Ca(2+) increased in a similar manner over the period of development studied. 6. It is postulated that the Ca(2+)-transport system of the sarcoplasmic reticulum consists of two components, namely the ATPase and the system coupling this enzyme to Ca(2+) transport. During development the ATPase develops first and has almost reached maximum activity in the longissimus dorsi muscle of the rabbit after 8-10 days. Subsequently the activity of the coupling system rises rapidly, leading to an increase in the capacity and efficiency of Ca(2+) transport.     

Post-mortem electrical stimulation of muscle and its effects on sarcoplasmic reticulum adenosine triphosphatase.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was isolated from control muscles and from muscles which had been subjected to short-term post-mortem electrical stimulation. Both preparations had similar protein compositions but the SR from electrically stimulated muscle had a lower 'extra' ATPase activity. The ability of the SR preparations from electrically stimulated muscles to accumulate Ca2+ was about the same as the controls. There was, therefore, an apparently greater efficiency of Ca2+ transport in the isolated vesicles, the reason for which is not known, but an alteration in the 'leakiness' of the membrane may be involved. Purified ATPase isolated from control and stimulated SR contained, in addition to the ATPase protein, a polypeptide of molecular weight about 30 000. The purified ATPase vesicles from electrically stimulated muscle had a reduced activity as measured by ATP splitting activity, phosphoenzyme formation from either inorganic orthophosphate (Pi) or ATP, or by an ATP in equilibrium Pi exchange reaction. These reduced activities probably result from an alteration in the binding affinities of the ATPase for ATP and Pi. The low affinity site for calcium binding was not affected by electrical stimulation. Purified ATPase vesicles from stimulated muscle were more susceptible to proteolytic attack, suggesting that the conformation of the protein or its association with the membrane lipids had been altered.     

Sequential mechanism of calcium binding and translocation in sarcoplasmic reticulum adenosine triphosphatase

Cooperative calcium binding (apparent Kd = 1.04 X 10(-6) M) to the ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles occurs with a maximal stoichiometry of 2 mols of divalent cation/mol of enzyme in the absence of ATP. The bound calcium is distributed into two pools which undergo fast or slow isotopic exchange, respectively. The two pools retain a 1:1 molar ratio under various conditions and are both located within a protein crevice, as suggested by their cooperative interaction and exchange kinetics. Following enzyme phosphorylation by ATP, both pools of bound calcium are "internalized" (cannot be displaced by quench reagents). If following 45Ca2+ binding, isotopic dilution is obtained in the medium by adding 40Ca2+ with ATP, internalization of both pools of bound 45Ca2+ (2 mol/mol of phosphoenzyme) is still observed within the first enzyme cycle. When the cycle is reversed by addition of excess ADP soon after ATP, only half of the internalized 45Ca2+ is released from the enzyme into the medium outside the vesicles, while the other half remains with the vesicles. If half of the bound 45Ca2+ is exchanged (fast exchange) with 40Ca2+ previous to the addition of ATP, none of the remaining 45Ca2+ is released outside the vesicles upon reversal of the enzyme cycle. Therefore, the pool of bound calcium which undergoes slower exchange with the outside medium, is the first to be released inside the vesicles upon enzyme phosphorylation. A sequential mechanism of calcium binding and translocation is proposed, that accounts for binding cooperativity and exchange kinetics, presteady state transients following addition of ATP, and the Ca2+ concentration dependence of ATPase activity in steady state.     

Cross-linking experiments with the adenosine triphosphatase of sarcoplasmic reticulum.

The proteins of sarcoplasmic reticulum were cross-linked by rapid oxidation of thiol groups with I2. About two-thirds of the thiols were oxidized without any significant cross-linking, implying an extensive formation of intramolecular disulphide bonds. When the thiols were completely oxidized at room temperature a series of oligomers containing up to five molecules were observed, as well as large aggregates which were excluded from the gels. Complete oxidation at -10 degrees C left most of the ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase) as monomer. Similar results were obtained when copper-phenanthroline complexes or dimethyl suberimidate were used as cross-linking reagents. We conclude that most of the cross-linked species arise by linking of randomly colliding ATPase molecules which are present in the membrane at very high concentration.     

Separation and characterisation of tryptic fragments from the adenosine triphosphatase of sarcoplasmic reticulum.

The two halves of the ATPase, M, 115,000, from sarcoplasmic reticulum produ-ed by limited trypsin treatment have been purified in sodium dodecylsulphate. The fragment of Mr60,000 has been purified by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate slabs and that of Mr 55,000 by gel filtration. The two halves of the 60,000 Mr fragment (Mr33,000 and 24,000) produced by more extensive trypsin treatment have also been purified by gel filtration in sodium dodecylsulphate. The sum of the amino acid analyses of the constituent tryptic fragments is in good agreement with that for the whole ATPase. The amino acid compositions of the two halves of the ATPase were strikingly similar. N-terminal analysis shows that the ATPase and its constituent tryptic polypeptides all possess a single N-terminal alanine implying no further cleavage of the polypeptide by trypsin. Attempts to solubilize selectively the tryptic fragments from the membrane by a variety of denaturing and solubilising agents under a variety of conditions have proved unsuccessful, suggesting that the interaction between the tryptic polypeptides is stronger than between the lipid and the protein. The possibility that the interaction between the tryptic polypeptides includes disulphide bonding has been eliminated.     

Calcium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase activity preservation in isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum.

ATPase activity in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles was measured before and after storage for several weeks and under a variety of conditions. Rapid freezing and storage at-80 degrees C provided optimum protection of enzyme activity. Sarcoplasmic reticulum preparations stored at 0 degrees C or frozen slowly and stored at-20 degrees C were not stable. At 0 degrees C sucrose, glycerol, and dithiothreitol had a stabilizing effect while NaCl, dimethylsulfoxide, and antioxidants afforded little or no protection.     

Modification of sarcoplasmic reticulum adenosine triphosphatase by adenosine triphosphate magnesium

Lineweaver-Burk plots of Ca²⁺-activated adenosine triphosphatase from rabbit muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum have been determined for a wide range of substrate concentrations. The plots measured at constant Mg²⁺ concentrations are normally nonlinear, but approach linearity either as the sarcoplasmic reticulum ages, or when small quantities of Triton-X100 are added. Titration with N-ethylmaleimide has the same effect on the activity of the ATPase measured either at high or low substrate concentrations. Lineweaver-Burk plots measured under conditions where the Mg²⁺ concentration is varied so as to be always equal to the ATP concentration are linear. These results have been interpreted as evidence that the adenosine triphosphatase has a single active site which uses MgATP as its substrate and which can be modified by free Mg²⁺.     

Assembly of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Biosynthesis of the adenosine triphosphatase in rat skeletal muscle cell culture.

Temporal patterns of biosynthesis of the Ca2+ + Mg2+-dependent adenosine triphosphatase of sarcomplasmic reticulum were obtained from studies with primary cultures of rat skeletal muscle cells. Rates of synthesis at various stages of differentiation were estimated from the incorporation of tritium-labeled leucine into the ATPase. Cells were solubilized with detergent, and newly synthesized ATPase was isolated from cells by antibody precipitation in the presence of carrier ATPase. Radioactivity incorporated into the ATPase was determined after gel electrophoresis of the precipitates and counting of gel slices containing the ATPase band. In Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 10% horse serum and 0.5% chick embryo extract, mononucleated myoblast cells began to form multinucleated myotubes after about 50 hours in culture. Prior to fusion little ATPase synthesis was detectable; during fusion the ATPase was synthesized at an accelerating rate for a period of about 30 hours. The rate of synthesis levelled off after about 90 hours coincident with termination of fusion. In Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 20% fetal calf serum and 8% embryo extract, the onset of fusion was delayed for 30 to 40 hours. In this medium biosynthesis of the ATPase was also delayed so that biosynthesis of the ATPase appeared to be correlated with fusion of muscle cells. Cells cultured in Culbecco's modified Eagle's medium containgin 10% horse serum, but only 60 muM Ca2+, proliferated but did not fuse. Under these conditions, synthesis of the ATPase was measurable at 50 to 60 hours, and the rate of synthesis accelerated until 120 hours when it declined. Under all conditions degradation of the ATPase occurred with a half-life of 20 hours whereas the half-life of total protein degradation was 40 hours. Synthesis of the sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase, like that of a number of other muscle-specific proteins, is greatly accelerated as myoblasts fuse and differentiate into myotubes. Fusion is not essential for this phenomenon, however, although it is normally concomitant with it.     

The primary structure of the calcium-transporting adenosine triphosphatase of rabbit skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum. Soluble tryptic peptides from the succinylated carboxymethylated protein.

The isolation and the determination of the amino-acid sequences of the soluble tryptic peptides, derived by cleavage at arginine residues, of the succinylated (3-carboxypropionylated) S-carboxymethylated adenosine triphosphatase protein of rabbit skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum are described. Treatment of the protein with succinic anhydride gave a derivative that was readily digested with trypsin, yielding two distinct sets of peptides. One set comprises large, relatively hydrophobic, peptides that are highly aggregated (or insoluble) in aqueous solution and that have been identified, by several criteria, with the portion of the protein embedded in the lipid bilayer in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The second set, which is described here, comprises peptides that have properties typical of those derived from soluble globular proteins and that constitute that part of the protein external to the lipid bilayer. The sequences of these soluble tryptic peptides contain 586 unique residues. Details of the isolation of the peptides and the determination of the sequences are contained in Supplementary Publication SUP 50102 (88 pages) which has been deposited with the British Library Lending Division, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1978) 169, 5.