Optimized ferrozine-based assay for dissolved iron

The following report describes a simple and optimized assay for the detection of iron in solution based on the binding of this metal by ferrozine. This assay accurately measures between 1 and 200 μM sample iron concentrations within 2½ hours.     

Transferrin protein and iron uptake by cultured hepatocytes

The binding and uptake of ⁵⁹Fe-loaded ³H-labelled rat transferrin by cultured rat hepatocytes was investigated. At 4°C, there is no evidence for a specific binding of transferrin which could be related to the association of neo-synthesized transferrin with plasma membrane receptors. At 37°C, iron uptake is much more important than transferrin uptake; it proceeds linearly over the time of incubation, is largely proportional to the extracellular transferrin concentration, and is compatible with uptake by fluid phase endocytosis. The difference observed between iron and transferrin uptake implies the existence of a mechanism allowing the reutilization of transferrin after iron delivery.     

A method to assess the lysosomal residence of proteins in cultured cells

Analytical subcellular fractionation is playing an increasingly important role in proteomic studies to identify and validate components of cellular organelles. For lysosomes, definitive studies in this area have been restricted to rodent tissues due to technical constraints. Our goal was to design a quantitative assay that would allow clear demonstration of lysosomal localization in cultured human cells. We found that culturing HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) cells in progesterone-containing medium elicited an extensive shift in the buoyant density of lysosomes as measured by isopycnic centrifugation in sucrose density gradients. The density of other organelles remained essentially unchanged; thus, this shift represents a specific test for lysosomal localization. Progesterone treatment of a variety of other cultured cells also elicited a shift in lysosome density. This approach should represent a valuable tool for identification and validation of both luminal and membrane lysosomal proteins.     

Rapidly-secreting,cultured oat cells serve as a model system for the study of cellular exocytosis. Characterization of cells and isolated secretory vesicles

Summary Callus-derived suspension cultures of oats dramatically increase the viscosity of the culture media after one month in culture. Colorimetric assays for sugars and protein, as well as measurements of viscosity, suggest that the released material is a long-chain polysaccharide, probably a pectinaceous substance. These cells grow slowly in liquid culture, yet despite their low cell density, they are able to increase the viscosity of the media several fold within seven days after media transfer. Ultrastructural observations show that oat cells have features common to actively-secreting cells; especially evident are numerous dictyosomes with hypertrophied cisternae. Using a combination of filtering and centrifugation techniques we were able to recover large numbers of intact secretory vesicles. The interior of the vesicles stain with periodic acid-silver hexamine, and colormetric analysis of the vesicle pellet for total sugars confirms the presence of polysaccharides in this vesicle fraction. Because of the uniformity of these cells, the high rate of secretion, and the accessability of a large vesicle population, this culture system is'a useful model for studying the secretory process in plant cells.Scientific Article No. A-3128, Contribution No. 6196 of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station, College Park, MD.     

Sodium-Dependent Uptake of Nucleosides by Dissociated Brain Cells from the Rat

Sodium-dependent 3H-labeled nucleoside transport was studied using a mixed population of dissociated brain cells from adult rats. The accumulation of [3H]adenosine during brief (15-s) incubation periods was significantly greater in the presence of 110 mM Na+ than in its absence. This occurred at substrate concentrations that ranged from 0.25 to 100 microM. Similar findings were observed for the rapid accumulation of [3H]uridine. Kinetically, the rapid accumulation of [3H]adenosine in both the absence and the presence of Na+ was best described by a two-component system. In the presence of Na+, the KT and Vmax values for the high-affinity affinity component were 0.9 microM and 8.9 pmol/mg of protein/15 s, and those for the low-affinity component were 313 microM and 3,428 pmol/mg of protein/15 s, respectively. In the absence of Na+, the KT value for the high-affinity component was significantly higher (1.8 microM). [3H]Uridine accumulation was best described kinetically by a one-component system that in the presence of Na+ had KT and Vmax values of 1.0 mM and 2.6 nmol/mg of protein/15 s, respectively. As was found for [3H]adenosine, in the absence of Na+, the KT value was significantly higher (1.8 mM). The sodium-dependent transport of [3H]adenosine was inhibitable by ouabain and 2,4-dinitrophenol. Of the three nucleoside transport inhibitors tested, only nitrobenzylthioninosine demonstrated high affinity and selectivity in blocking the sodium component. Thus, high-affinity sodium-dependent nucleoside transport systems, in addition to facilitated diffusion systems, exist on brain cells from adult rats.     

Growth conditions differentially affect the constitutive expression of primary response genes in cultured cereballar granule cells

Cultured cerebellar granule cells underwent apoptotic degeneration when grown in medium containing 10 instead of 25 mM K⁺. Knowing that apoptosis is associated with changes in the expression of primary response genes, we have measured c-fos, zif/268, and c-jun mRNA levels during maturation of cultured granule cells grown in 10 or 25 mM K⁺. The constitutive expression of c-fos and zif/268 was differentially regulated by extracellular K⁺ concentration at 5 days of maturation in vitro (DIV), when cells grown under suboptimal conditions (i.e. in 10 mM K⁺) are committed to degenerate. At this stage, c-fos mRNA levels were detectable only in cultures grown in 25 mM K⁺, whereas zif/268 mRNA levels were dramatically elevated in cultures grown in 10 mM K⁺. This provides one of the few conditions in which c-fos and zif/268 are differentially regulated in nerve cells. Substantial changes in c-jun, or -actin mRNA levels were detectable only at 7 DIV, when the percentage of apoptotic cells had already reached a plateau in ultures grown in 10 mM K⁺. We speculate that changes in the expression of zif/268 are important in the gene program associated with the induction of apoptosis by trophic deprivation in cultured neurons.Special issue dedicated to Dr. Robert Balázs     

Oxygen-glucose deprivation increases the enzymatic activity and the microvesicle-mediated release of ectonucleotidases in the cells composing the blood-brain barrier

The blood-brain barrier (BBB), the dynamic interface between the nervous tissue and the blood, is composed by endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytes. Extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides and their receptors (the purinergic system) constitute a widely diffused signaling system involved in many pathophysiological processes. However, the role of this system in controlling BBB functions is still largely unknown. By using cultures of these three cell types grown separately and a BBB in vitro model consisting of triple co-cultures, we studied for the first time the expression and distribution of the ecto-enzymes nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases, the enzymes which hydrolyze extracellular nucleotides) under control and ischemic (oxygen-glucose deprivation in vitro; OGD) conditions. NTPDase1 was detected in all three cell types, whereas NTPDase2 was expressed by astrocytes and pericytes and, to a lesser extent, by endothelial cells. Endothelial cells were extremely susceptible to cell death when OGD was applied to mimic in vitro the cytotoxicity induced by ischemia, whereas astrocytes and pericytes were more resistant. A semi-quantitative assay highlighted markedly increased e-ATPase activity following exposure to OGD in all three cell types, either when grown separately or when co-cultured together to resemble the composition of the BBB. Moreover, electron microscopy analysis showed that both endothelial cells and astrocytes shed microvesicles containing NTPDases from their membrane, which may suggest a novel mechanism to increase the breakdown of ATP released to toxic levels by damaged BBB cells. We hypothesize that this phenomenon could have a protective and/or modulatory effect for brain parenchymal cells. This in vitro model is therefore useful to study the role of extracellular nucleotides in modulating BBB responses to ischemic events, and to develop new effective purinergic-based approaches for brain ischemia.     

Transblot and cytochemical identification of avidin-interacting proteins in mitochondria of cultured cells

Cell lysates prepared from 3T3-L1 cells were analyzed by western blotting using the avidin-biotin complex system and anti-Bax antibody. The antibody interacted with bands of proteins with estimated molecular weights of 120, 74, 72, and 25 kDa. However, only the 25-kDa band was detected with the anti-Bax antibody when the direct immunoblotting method was used. Peroxidase-conjugated avidin interacted with the 120-, 74-, and 72-kDa bands. This interaction was not limited to 3T3-L1 cells, because peroxidase-avidin also interacted with these three proteins in MC3T3-E1, YROS, Saos-2, MG63, SCCKN, and SCCTF cells although the staining intensity was different in each cell type. Avidin-peroxidase also interacted with these three proteins in the mitochondria-containing fractions prepared from 3T3-L1 cells. FITC-streptavidin was also localized in mitochondria in the cultured cells. The localization of avidin/streptavidin-interacting proteins in mitochondria was confirmed by using double staining with FITC-streptavidin and Mito-tracker.     

Effect of rat salivary glands extracts on the proliferation of cultured skin cells - a wound healing model

Objective: Salivary gland secretions play an important role in promotion of wound healing. The healing of intra- or extra-oral wounds is delayed in desalivated rats. However, the specific role of each salivary gland in promoting wound healing is unknown. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of crude extracts of rat salivary glands on a simplified in vitro wound healing model. Design/methods: Cultured human keratinocytes (HaCat) and murine fibroblasts (3T3) were subjected to 48 h serum starvation, and were later activated by extracts of rat salivary glands, 1–10 μg protein/ml of each gland. The resultant cellular metabolic activity of the activated cells was determined 24 h later, measuring reduction of XTT by mitochondrial enzymes, and calculated relatively to positive controls [optimal supplementation of 10% fetal calf serum (FCS)], and negative controls (starved non-supplemented cells). Results: The relative stimulatory effect of parotid (P) extract on the cells was significantly lower than either submandibular (SM) or sublingual (SL) extracts. Under the assumption that physiologically, the cells are exposed to the combined effect of saliva secreted from all the glands, different combinations of the extracts were presented to the cells. The relative stimulation was maximal following treatment with the three glands extracts (P + SM + SL) and exceeded the effect of 10% FCS. Conclusion: The results suggest that each salivary gland has a specific effect on wound healing and the combination of the three extracts has an additive effect but no the sum of all individual glands. This model might be useful to study the wound healing effect of salivary glands. In partial fulfillment of the requirement for MD thesis, The Joyce and Irving Goldman School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.     

Uptake of lead and iron by divalent metal transporter 1 in yeast and mammalian cells

Although the divalent metal transporter (DMT1) was suggested to transport a wide range of metals in Xenopus oocytes, recent studies in other models have provided contrasting results. Here, we provide direct evidence demonstrating that DMT1 expressed in yeast mutants defective for high affinity iron transport facilitates the transport of iron with an 'apparent K(m)' of approximately 1.2 microM, and transport of lead with an 'apparent K(m)' of approximately 1.8 microM. DMT1-dependent lead transport was H(+)-dependent and was inhibited by iron. Human embryonic kidney fibroblasts (HEK293 cells) overexpressing DMT1 also showed a higher uptake of lead than HEK293 cells without overexpressing DMT1. These results show that DMT1 transports lead and iron with similar affinity in a yeast model suggesting that DMT1 is a transporter for lead.     

Nitric oxide storage and transport in cells are mediated by glutathione S-transferase P1-1 and multidrug resistance protein 1 via dinitrosyl iron complexes

Nitrogen monoxide (NO) plays a role in the cytotoxic mechanisms of activated macrophages against tumor cells by inducing iron release. We showed that NO-mediated iron efflux from cells required glutathione (GSH) (Watts, R. N., and Richardson, D. R. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 4724-4732) and that the GSH-conjugate transporter, multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), mediates this release potentially as a dinitrosyl-dithiol iron complex (DNIC; Watts, R. N., Hawkins, C., Ponka, P., and Richardson, D. R. (2006) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 103, 7670-7675). Recently, glutathione S-transferase P1-1 (GST P1-1) was shown to bind DNICs as dinitrosyl-diglutathionyl iron complexes. Considering this and that GSTs and MRP1 form an integrated detoxification unit with chemotherapeutics, we assessed whether these proteins coordinately regulate storage and transport of DNICs as long lived NO intermediates. Cells transfected with GSTP1 (but not GSTA1 or GSTM1) significantly decreased NO-mediated 59Fe release from cells. This NO-mediated 59Fe efflux and the effect of GST P1-1 on preventing this were observed with NO-generating agents and also in cells transfected with inducible nitric oxide synthase. Notably, 59Fe accumulated in cells within GST P1-1-containing fractions, indicating an alteration in intracellular 59Fe distribution. Furthermore, electron paramagnetic resonance studies showed that MCF7-VP cells transfected with GSTP1 contain significantly greater levels of a unique DNIC signal. These investigations indicate that GST P1-1 acts to sequester NO as DNICs, reducing their transport out of the cell by MRP1. Cell proliferation studies demonstrated the importance of the combined effect of GST P1-1 and MRP1 in protecting cells from the cytotoxic effects of NO. Thus, the DNIC storage function of GST P1-1 and ability of MRP1 to efflux DNICs are vital in protection against NO cytotoxicity.     

Solubilization and stabilization of beta-carotene in niosomes: delivery to cultured cells

Carotenoids exhibit preventive effects against major diseases, including cancer and atherosclerosis. However, experimental studies on carotenoid functions in cultured cells are limited by the absence of an adequate method of solubilizing carotenoids, since they are unstable when exposed to light or oxygen and highly hydrophobic. In this study, we developed a niosomal formulation, consisting of non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol, which both solubilized and stabilized beta-carotene and that allowed to deliver it to cultured cells at concentrations spanning the range of physiological levels. beta-Carotene contained in niosomes was highly resistant to sunlight, high temperatures and oxidative stress induced by different sources of free radicals. The carotenoid was extremely stable in culture medium up to 96 h. Moreover, it was easily taken up by both immortalized and transformed cells at carotenoid concentrations which ranged from 0.1 to 2 microM. Therefore, niosomes provide a convenient, nontoxic and inexpensive vehicle for beta-carotene in cell culture.     

In vitro cultured cells as probes for space radiation effects on biological systems

Near future scenarios of long-term and far-reaching manned space missions, require more extensive knowledge of all possible biological consequences of space radiation, particularly in humans, on both a long-term and a short-term basis. In vitro cultured cells have significantly contributed to the tremendous advancement of biomedical research. It is therefore to be expected that simple biological systems such as cultured cells, will contribute to space biomedical sciences. Space represents a novel environment, to which life has not been previously exposed. Both microgravity and space radiation are the two relevant components of such an environment, but biological adaptive mechanisms and efficient countermeasures can significantly minimize microgravity effects. On the other hand, it is felt that space radiation risks may be more relevant and that defensive strategies can only stem from our deeper knowledge of biological effects and of cellular repair mechanisms. Cultured cells may play a key role in such studies. Particularly, thyroid cells may be relevant because of the exquisite sensitivity of the thyroid gland to radiation. In addition, a clone of differentiated, normal thyroid follicular cells (FRTL5 cells) is available in culture, which is well characterized and particularly fit for space research.     

A bioluminescent assay for glycogen phosphorylase in cultured cells

A new method for the determination of glycogen phosphorylase (1,4 alpha-D-glucose:orthophosphate alpha-glucosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.1) in cultured cells is described. The assay utilizes bacterial luciferase (EC 2.7) in a liquid scintillation spectrometer to measure NAD(P)H formed in a coupled enzyme reaction comprising glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49) and phosphoglucomutase (EC 2.7.5.1). This assay is highly sensitive, easily detecting as little as 10 microU phosphorylase, fast and simple to perform. With modifications this procedure can be extended to measure other glycogenolytic enzymes and intermediates.     

Isolation and characterization of cytoplasts and miniprotoplasts derived from protoplasts of cultured cells

We have isolated and partially characterized subprotoplasts containing nuclei, i.e. miniprotoplasts, and enucleated subprotoplasts, i.e. cytoplasts, from freshly isolated protoplasts of cultured cells from Hyoscyamus muticus, Nicotiana tabacum and especially Zea mays . Protoplasts were fragmentated by centrifugation through discontinuous iso-osmotic density gradients containing colloidal silaca gel (Percoll), calcium chloride and mannitol. Using this method metabolically active miniprotoplasts and highly purified cytoplast fractions with less than 4% contamination with nucleated protoplasts were obtained. The cytoplasts prepared by our method are suitable for use in fusion experiments aimed at transferring nuclear and cytoplasmic genetic information separately.     

Genetic and biochemical analysis of high iron toxicity in yeast: iron toxicity is due to the accumulation of cytosolic iron and occurs under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions

Iron storage in yeast requires the activity of the vacuolar iron transporter Ccc1. Yeast with an intact CCC1 are resistant to iron toxicity, but deletion of CCC1 renders yeast susceptible to iron toxicity. We used genetic and biochemical analysis to identify suppressors of high iron toxicity in Δccc1 cells to probe the mechanism of high iron toxicity. All genes identified as suppressors of high iron toxicity in aerobically grown Δccc1 cells encode organelle iron transporters including mitochondrial iron transporters MRS3, MRS4, and RIM2. Overexpression of MRS3 suppressed high iron toxicity by decreasing cytosolic iron through mitochondrial iron accumulation. Under anaerobic conditions, Δccc1 cells were still sensitive to high iron toxicity, but overexpression of MRS3 did not suppress iron toxicity and did not result in mitochondrial iron accumulation. We conclude that Mrs3/Mrs4 can sequester iron within mitochondria under aerobic conditions but not anaerobic conditions. We show that iron toxicity in Δccc1 cells occurred under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Microarray analysis showed no evidence of oxidative damage under anaerobic conditions, suggesting that iron toxicity may not be solely due to oxidative damage. Deletion of TSA1, which encodes a peroxiredoxin, exacerbated iron toxicity in Δccc1 cells under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, suggesting a unique role for Tsa1 in iron toxicity.