Sphingomyelin synthase activity affects TRIF-dependent signaling of Toll-like receptor 4 in cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is recognized by CD14 protein and the Toll-like receptor (TLR)4/MD2 complex localized in the plasma membrane of immune cells. TLR4 triggers two signaling pathways engaging the MyD88 and TRIF adaptor proteins which lead to production of various pro-inflammatory cytokines. These processes are likely to be modulated by sphingomyelin, as the CD14 - TLR4 interaction takes place in plasma membrane rafts enriched in this lipid. To verify this assumption, we analyzed the influence of tricyclodecane-9-yl xanthogenate (D609), which was proven here to be an SMS inhibitor, and silencing of sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) 1 and/or SMS2 on LPS-induced signaling in macrophages. LPS up-regulated the expression and activity of SMS while exposure to D609 or silencing of SMS1 and SMS2 counteracted this action and led (except for SMS2 silencing) to a depletion of sphingomyelin in cells. Concomitantly, the MyD88- and TRIF-dependent signaling pathways of TLR4 were inhibited with the latter being especially sensitive to the reduction of the SMS1 and/or SMS2 activity. The D609 treatment and SMS1 and/or SMS2 depletion all reduced the level of CD14 protein in cells, which likely was an important determinant of the reduction of the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory responses.     

RTVP-1, a novel human gene with sequence similarity to genes of diverse species, is expressed in tumor cell lines of glial but not neuronal origin

A novel gene, RTVP-1, which shows significant sequence identity to the mammalian testis-specific proteins, a family of plant pathogenesis-related proteins and the vespid venom allergen, antigen-5, has been isolated from a cDNA library of the human glioblastoma brain tumor cell line, U-251 MG. The highest degree of sequence identity was with the human testis-specific protein, TPX1 (38.7% over 119 amino acids). Northern hybridization analysis revealed that in fetal tissue RTVP-1 RNA was detected only in the kidney, but its expression was ubiquitous in adult tissues including brain. Multiple mRNAs encoded by RTVP-1 were highly expressed in a panel of cell lines from nervous system tumors arising from glia, although expression was low or absent in non-glial-derived nervous system tumour cell lines. The GenBank DNA database accession number for this sequence is X91911.     

Isolation, molecular characterization, and tissue-specific expression of ECP-51 and ECP-54 (TIP49), two homologous, interacting erythroid cytosolic proteins.

We isolated two proteins, ECP-51 and ECP-54, from human erythrocyte cytosol by affinity chromatography using a peptide of the integral membrane protein stomatin as bait. Partial amino acid sequence information obtained by microsequencing allowed us to clone the respective cDNAs. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences revealed that ECP-51 and ECP-54 are homologous (44.2% amino acid identity) and contain ATP-binding sites. ECP-54 was identified as TIP49/RUVBL1/NMP238, which is a component of a large nuclear protein complex, possibly the RNA polymerase II holoenzyme; ECP-51 is a novel protein. Using the two-hybrid system, we showed that these proteins interact with each other. The interaction of ECP-51 and ECP-54 with the stomatin peptide and the localization to the nucleus and cytoplasm suggest an additional function for these proteins as chaperone components.     

MSJ-1, a New Member of the DNAJ Family of Proteins, Is a Male Germ Cell-Specific Gene Product

A cDNA encoding for a new member of the DnaJ protein family has been isolated by screening a mouse spermatogenic cell expression library. The full-length cDNA obtained by extension of the original clone with RT-PCR has been characterized with respect to its DNA sequence organization and expression. The predicted open reading frame encodes a protein of 242 amino acid residues whose sequence is similar to that of bacterial DnaJ proteins in the amino-terminal portion since it contains the highly conserved J domain which is present in all DnaJ-like proteins and is considered to have a critical role in DnaJ protein–protein interactions. In contrast, the middle and carboxyl-terminal regions of the protein are not similar to any other DnaJ proteins, with the exception of the human neuronal HSJ-1 with which displays a 48% identity in a 175-amino-acid overlap. Analysis of RNAs from a wide spectrum of mouse somatic tissues, including the brain, and from ovary and testis reveals that the gene is specifically expressed in testis only. Developmental Northern blot analysis of testis RNA from mice of different ages andin situhybridization on juvenile and adult testis sections demonstrate that the mRNA is first transcribed in spermatids. A similar pattern of expression is exhibited also in rat testis. Based upon all these observations, we have named this novel mouse gene, MSJ-1, for mouse sperm cell-specific DNAJ first homolog.     

Molecular characterization and tissue distribution of a novel member of the S100 family of EF-hand proteins.

We have isolated from a human prostate cDNA library a cDNA encoding a novel member of the S100 family of EF-hand proteins. The encoded 99-amino acid protein, designated S100Z, is capable of interacting with another member of the family, S100P. S100Z cDNA was cloned into a bacterial expression system, and the S100Z protein was purified to homogeneity from bacterial lysates by a combination of hydrophobic column and gel-filtration chromatography. Direct amino acid sequencing of the 20 N-terminal amino acids confirmed that the sequence of the recombinant protein is identical to the sequence deduced from the cDNA. Low-resolution structural data have been obtained using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopies, and equilibrium analytical centrifugation. These results show that S100Z is a dimeric, predominantly alpha-helical protein. Addition of calcium to a solution of S100Z changes the fluorescence intensity of the protein, indicating that S100Z is capable of binding calcium ions. Analysis of the calcium-binding isotherm indicates the existence of two calcium-binding sites with apparent affinities on the order of 5 x 10(6) and 10(2) M(-1). Binding of calcium results in conformational changes and exposure of hydrophobic surfaces on the protein. Using a PCR-based assay, we have detected differences in the expression level of S100Z mRNA in various tissues. The highest levels were found in spleen and leukocytes. S100Z gene expression appears to be deregulated in some tumor tissues, compared to expression in their normal counterparts.     

Characterization and primary sequence of a human hepatic microsomal estriol UDPglucuronosyltransferase

A human liver microsomal UDP glucuronosyltransferase (UDPGT) that demonstrates reactivity with estriol (pI 7.4 UDPGT) has been purified to homogeneity and characterized further. No activity toward morphine, 4-hydroxybiphenyl, bilirubin, or tripelennamine was observed. The estriol UDPGT shows immunoreactivity with antibodies raised against rat hepatic microsomal 3 alpha- and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid UDPGTs but not with antibodies raised against rat hepatic microsomal p-nitrophenol UDPGT. The NH2-terminal sequence of the purified protein was determined and found to correspond to an identical sequence in the deduced amino acid sequence of a cDNA obtained from a human liver library in lambda gt11 (HLUG4). Sequence analysis revealed that HLUG4 is 2094 bp in length and encodes a protein of 523 amino acids which has a 16 amino acid leader sequence, followed by an untranslated 3' region of 525 bp. Three potential N-glycosylation sites were identified in the predicted sequence. The deduced amino acid sequence of estriol UDPGT showed 82% identity with the deduced amino acid sequence of another human hepatic cDNA (HLUG25), which has been expressed as a UDPGT capable of 6 alpha-hydroxyglucuronidation of hyodeoxycholic acid, strongly suggesting that these proteins are members of the same gene subfamily.     

Identification of human intestinal alkaline sphingomyelinase as a novel ecto-enzyme related to the nucleotide phosphodiesterase family

Alkaline sphingomyelinase (alk-SMase) hydrolyzes dietary sphingomyelin and generates sphingolipid messengers in the gut. In the present study, we purified the enzyme, identified a part of the amino acid sequence, and found a cDNA in the GenBank coding for the protein. The cDNA contains 1841 bp, and the open reading frame encodes 458 amino acids. Transient expression of the cDNA linked to a Myc tag in COS-7 cells increased alk-SMase activity in the cell extract by 689-fold and in the medium by 27-fold. High activity was also identified in the anti-Myc immunoprecipitated proteins and the proteins cross-reacted with anti-human alk-SMase. Northern blotting of human intestinal tissues found high levels of alk-SMase mRNA in the intestine and liver. The amino acid sequence shared no similarity with acid and neutral SMases but was related to the ecto-nucleotide phosphodiesterase (NPP) family with 30-36% identity to human NPPs. Alk-SMase has a predicted signal peptide domain at the N terminus and a signal anchor domain at the C terminus. The ion-binding sites and the catalytic residue of NPPs were conserved, but the substrate specificity domain was modified. Alk-SMase had no detectable nucleotidase activity, but its activity against sphingomyelin could be inhibited by orthovanadate, imidazole, and ATP. In contrast to NPPs, alk-SMase activity was not stimulated by divalent metal ions but inhibited by Zn2+. Differing from NPP2, the alk-SMase cleaved phosphocholine but not choline from lysophosphatidylcholine. Phylogenetic tree indicated that the enzyme is a new branch derived from the NPP family. Two cDNA sequences of mouse and rat that shared 83% identity to human alk-SMase were identified in the GenBank. In conclusion, we identified the amino acid and cDNA sequences of human intestinal alk-SMase, and found that it is a novel ecto-enzyme related to the NPP family with specific features essential for its SMase activity.     

Cloning of alkaline sphingomyelinase from rat intestinal mucosa and adjusting of the hypothetical protein XP_221184 in GenBank

Intestinal alkaline sphingomyelinase (alk-SMase) digests sphingomyelin and the process may influence colonic tumorigenesis and cholesterol absorption. We recently identified the gene of human alk-SMase and cloned the cDNA. Cross-species screening of homology in GenBank found a hypothetical rat protein, XP_221184, with 491 amino acid residues, which shares 73% identity with human alk-SMase. Based on the cDNA sequence of this protein, we cloned a cDNA from rat intestinal mucosa by RT-PCR. The cloned cDNA encodes a protein with 439 amino acid residues and higher (85%) identity with human alk-SMase. The cloned cDNA differed from the XP_221184 cDNA in splice sites linking exons 2 and 3, and exons 3 and 4, respectively. In the sequence of the cloned protein, the predicted activity motif, sphingomyelin binding sites, and potential glycosylation sites in human alk-SMase are all conserved. To confirm the cloned protein is the real form of alk-SMase, native alk-SMase was purified from rat intestine and subjected to proteolytic digestion followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry. Seven tryptic peptides were found to match the cloned protein sequence. Transient expression of the cloned cDNA linked with a myc tag in COS-7 cells demonstrated high SMase activity, with an optimal pH at 9.0 and a specific dependence on taurocholate and taurochenodeoxycholate. The expressed protein reacted with both anti-myc and anti-human alk-SMase antibodies. Northern blotting of rat tissues revealed high levels of mRNA in jejunum but not in other tissues. In conclusion, we cloned rat alk-SMase cDNA from rat intestine, adjusted the putative rat alk-SMase protein in GenBank, and confirmed the specific expression of the gene in the small intestine.     

类产碱假单胞菌杀虫蛋白的N端鉴定及抗体制备

The insecticidal protein from Pseudomonas pseudoaligenes was and exotoxin which had toxicity on locusts.In order to elucidate its molecular properties an amino acid sequence,the insecticidal protein was purified from the culture supernatant by ultrafiltration,ion\|exchange chromatography and gel filtration,and showed a single band on SDS\|PAGE.Analysis of the purified insecticidal protein dentified N\|terminal sequence of ten amino acid residues.Its polyclonal antibody was also obtained by immunizing rabb…     

一个富含谷氨酸的人类分泌蛋白基因hMGRAP的克隆与表达分析

为了筛选有功能意义的新的分泌蛋白,并对其功能进行探索,采用生物信息学工具预测得到一个新的人类分泌蛋白基因hMGRAP(Human Multiple Glutamine Repeat Acidic Protein)。该基因定位于染色体7q22.1,全长cDNA为1547bp,编码含有248个氨基酸的蛋白,该蛋白富含重复的谷氨酸序列, 等电点为4.6。用PCR方法从正常人的混合cDNA文库中克隆到hMGRAP。 Western blot实验表明hMGRAP能大量地从瞬时转染的cos-7细胞中分泌到细胞培养液中。RT-PCR结果显示,hMGRAP相对表达较高的组织为睾丸、骨骼肌和肾。总之,筛选并克隆到一个新的人类分泌蛋白基因hMGRAP,其生物学功能可能因其重复的谷氨酸编码序列而具有一定特殊性。Abstract: To search for human novel secreted proteins and study their biological functions, using bioinformatical tools and experimental approaches, a novel secreted protein, human hMGRAP (Human Multiple Glutamine Repeat Acidic Protein) was obtained. hMGRAP consists of six coding exons spanning 1547bp of genomic DNA on the human chromosome 7q22.1, which encodes a protein with 248 amino acids. hMGRAP is rich of glutamic acid repeated sequence and the PI is 4.6. The coding sequence of hMGRAP was cloned by PCR method from the cDNA pool composed of nine human tissues. Western blot showed that hMGRAP protein was massively secreted out from the transiently transfected Cos-7 cells. RT-PCR result indicated hMGRAP mRNA was abundantly expressed in testis. In summary, a novel human gene encoding a secreted protein hMGRAP has been screened and cloned, and its biological function may specifically relate to its repeated glutamic acid sequence.     

Purification, molecular cloning, and expression of a human stratum corneum trypsin-like serine protease with possible function in desquamation.

A new human 33-kDa serine protease was purified from human epidermis, and its cDNA was cloned from a keratinocyte library, from mRNA from a human keratinocyte line (HaCat) and from mRNA from human skin. Polyclonal antibodies specific for the new protein detected three groups of proteins in partially purified extracts of cornified eptihelium of human plantar skin. The three components are proposed to correspond to proenzyme, active enzyme, and proteolytically modified active enzyme. After N-deglycosylation, there was a decrease in apparent molecular mass of all detected components. Expression of the cloned cDNA in a eukaryotic virus-derived system yielded a recombinant protein that could be converted to an active protease by treatment with trypsin. Polymerase chain reaction analyses of cDNA from a number of human tissues showed high expression of the new enzyme in the skin and low expression in brain, placenta, and kidney. Homology searches yielded the highest score for porcine enamel matrix protease (55% amino acid sequence homology). High scores were also obtained for human and mouse neuropsin and for human stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme. The function of this new protease, tentatively named stratum corneum tryptic enzyme, may be related to stratum corneum turnover and desquamation in the epidermis.