Growth regulatory peptide production by human breast carcinoma cells

The mechanisms by which human breast cancers regulate their own growth have been studied by us in an in vitro model system. We showed that specific growth factors (IGF-I, TGF alpha, PDGF) are secreted by human breast cancer cells. A variety of experiments suggest that they are involved in tumor growth and progression. These activities are induced by estradiol in hormone-dependent breast cancer cells and secreted constitutively by estrogen-independent cells. Concentrates of conditioned medium derived from breast cancer cells can induce the growth of hormone-dependent cells in vivo in athymic nude mice. Hormone-dependent breast cancer cells also secrete TGF beta. TGF beta is growth inhibitory. Growth inhibitors such as antiestrogens or glucocorticoids increase TGF beta secretion. An antiestrogen-resistant mutant of MCF-7 cells does not secrete TGF beta when treated with antiestrogen, but is growth inhibited when treated with exogenous TGF beta. Thus, TGF beta functions as a negative autocrine growth regulator and is probably responsible for some of the growth inhibitory effects of antiestrogens.     

CART is a novel islet regulatory peptide

CART peptides have emerged as important islet regulators. CART is expressed both in islet endocrine cells and in parasympathetic and sensory nerves innervating the islets. In adult rats the intra-islet expression of CART is limited to the somatostatin producing delta-cells, while in adult mice CART is mainly expressed in nerve fibers. During development islet CART is upregulated; in rats in almost all types of islet endocrine cells, including the insulin-producing beta-cells, and in mice mainly in the alpha-cells. This pattern of expression peaks around birth. CART is also expressed in human pancreatic nerves and in islet tumours where the expression level of CART may be related to the degree of differentiation of the tumour. Interestingly, in several rat models of type 2 diabetes CART expression is robustly upregulated in the beta-cells, and is prominent during the phase of beta cell proliferation and hypertrophy. While CART inhibits glucose stimulated insulin secretion from rat islets it augments insulin secretion amplified by cAMP. Mice lacking CART, on the other hand, have islet dysfunction, and humans with a missense mutation in the cart gene are prone to develop type 2 diabetes. These data favor a role of CART in normal islet function and in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes.     

Incorporation of regulatory peptide hormones by individual cells of the adrenal cortex: Prolactin-adrenocorticotrophin differences

Recent refinements in methodology now permit the study of endogenous peptide hormones in their individual target cells. The investigations reported here deal with the question of whether endogenous ACTH can be detected in its target cells in the highly active adrenal gland of the normally lactating rat. This question was examined with immunohistochemistry. ACTH was found in both cytoplasm and nuclei of adrenal glomerulosa cells. In cells of the fasciculata and reticularis layers of the adrenal cortex, it did not appear inside nuclei but was present in the cytoplasm and on the nuclear envelope. The distribution of ACTH was compared with and found to be different from that of PRL. PRL, confirming previous findings, was not detectable at all in glomerulosa cells and, in cells of the inner cortical zones, was present in both cytoplasm and nuclei. In neither case was hormone found in the adrenal medulla. The apparent feasibility of studying peptide regulators such as ACTH and PRL in their individual target cells may be a focal point for an acceleration of our understanding of how these peptides work.     

Effect of herparin on bovine epithelial lens cell proliferation induced by heparin affin regulatory peptide

HARP (heparin affin regultory peptide) is an 18 kDa heparin binding protein, also known as HB-GAM or pleiotrophin (PTN) which has been primarily isolated from brain and uterus, and displays neurite outgrowth, angiogenic and mitogenic activities. Previously, we have expressed the human cDNA encoding human HARP in NIH 3T3 cells. Purified recombinant HARP displayed mitogenic activity for endothelial cells. Its NH2-terminal sequence indicates that the HARP molecule possesses a three amino acid extension from the signal peptide more than the NH2-terminal described. For HB-GAM or PTN, these three amino acids may be essential for the stability and the mitogenic activity of this growth factor. In an attempt to further study the mode of action of this growth factor, we have investigated the mitogenic effect of HARP on various cell types. In contrast to FGF-2, HARP failed to induce stimulation of DNA synthesis on a CCL39 cell line. However, we found that in quiescent bovine epithelial lens (BEL) cells, the stimulation of DNA synthesis induced by HARP is dose-dependent (EC₅₀: 2.5 ng/ml) and maximal stimulation is as potent as that induced by FGF-2 (EC₅₀: 25 pg/ml). Interestingly, when BEL cells were allowed to quiesce in the presence of serum, the stimulation induced by HARP is considerably less potent. In this highly responsive cell system, heparin could potentiate the mitogenic activity of HARP at very low doses (0.1-1 m?g/ml) and inhibit this activity at concentrations of 10 m?g/ml. In contrast to its protective effect on FGF-1 and -2, heparin was unable to preserve HARP from tryptic and chymotryptic degradations. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Upregulation of survivin by HIV-1 Vpr

The human survivin gene belongs to the family of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) and is involved in apoptosis inhibition and regulation of cell division. The survivin gene is the only member of the IAP family whose expression is known to be regulated through the cell cycle. Survivin expression reaches the highest levels during the G₂/M transition and then is rapidly degraded during the G₁ phase. Here we report that the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) upregulates Survivin expression via survivin promoter transactivation. Vpr, an HIV-1 accessory protein that induces cell cycle arrest in G₂/M, is necessary and sufficient for this effect. Blocking Vpr-induced G₂/M arrest leads to elimination of the survivin promoter transactivation by Vpr. Our results suggest that Survivin may be actively involved in regulating cell viability during HIV-1 infection.     

Vincristine-induced abnormalities of gastrointestinal regulatory peptide cells of the rat

The microtubule-disrupting drug vincristine is a common component of anti-cancer chemotherapeutic regimes, which produces acute constipation as a side effect. Although generally attributed to damage to the myenteric plexus, the precise mechanism of this disturbance is unknown. In addition, vincristine causes marked aberrations in the secretory response of pancreatic endocrine tissue in both man and rats. No information is available on its possible effect on regulatory peptides of the gastrointestinal tract. In this study we have produced vincristine-induced constipation in rats at a dosage comparable with that employed in the treatment of human subjects. Immunocytochemistry revealed concomitant disturbances in cells exhibiting immunoreactivity for gastrin in the antrum, for gastric inhibitory polypeptide and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the duodenum, for enteroglucagon in the colon, and for somatostatin in all three sites. These widespread effects are transient in nature with normal cell numbers and morphology being reestablished within 6 days. It is suggested that the observed effects are a direct result of microtubule disruption and that gastrointestinal regulatory peptide and amine immunoreactive cells have a rapid regeneration potential.     

Opioid peptide biosynthesis: enzymatic selectivity and regulatory mechanisms

Certain general principles determine the biosynthesis of most biologically active peptides, including the opioid peptides, from large protein precursors. In almost all instances, the active peptide is embedded in the precursor flanked on both sides by pairs of basic amino acids. The first step in processing involves a trypsinlike enzyme, cleaving to the carboxyl terminus of basic amino acids, and leaving the active peptide with a basic amino acid on the carboxyl terminus. A carboxy-peptidase peptidase B-like enzyme then removes the remaining basic amino acid. It has been unclear whether any endopeptidases with trypsinlike activity are selective for one or another basic amino acid. Recently a soluble endopeptidase has been identified that can cleave to both the carboxyl and amino termini of basic amino acids. Enkephalin convertase (carboxypeptidase E, H) (EC 3.4.17.10) has considerable selectivity, and appears to be physiologically associated with the biosynthesis of enkephalin as well as a limited number of other neuropeptides. The turnover of opioid peptides and other neuropeptides is most effectively ascertained by measuring levels of mRNA either biochemically or by in situ hybridization. Striking dynamic alterations include a pronounced increase in levels of proenkephalin mRNA in the corpus striatum after blockade of dopamine receptors, but changes in opioid peptide mRNA after opiate addiction are less clear.     

Placental enzymes involved in regulatory peptide metabolism in EPH-gestosis

Essential edema-proteinuria-hypertension (EPH) gestosis still represents an important obstetrical problem. We have investigated the activity of carboxypeptidase H (CPH), phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride inhibited carboxypeptidase (PMSF-CP), carboxypeptidase M (CPM) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), the main carboxypeptidases in human placenta under normal conditions and mild EPH-gestosis. Gestosis was accompanied by the decrease in activity of the enzymes involved into metabolism of regulatory peptides (ACE, CPH, PMSF-CP, CPM) compared with their activity in placenta under physiological pregnancy. Correlation analysis revealed positive correlation between placental CPH and CPM (r = 0.2735*) in EPH-gestosis. These findings suggest involvement of placental proteases into formation of compensatory-adaptive reactions in the fetoplacental complex at EPH-gestosis; the data obtained may be also employed for the development of methods of prophylaxis and corrections of metabolic impairments in pathology of pregnancy.     

Singular contributions of fish neuroendocrinology to mammalian regulatory peptide research

During the past 20 years, several bioactive peptides have been identified in teleost fishes that subsequently have been shown to play important regulatory roles in mammalian physiology. The urophysis, corpuscles of Stannius and Brockmann body are anatomical structures particular to fish that have no obvious counterpart in mammals. Extracts and/or cDNA libraries prepared from these tissues have been used to identify for the first time urotensin II (U-II), urotensin-I (U-I), stanniocalcin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Although U-II and U-I were originally regarded as exclusively the products of the teleost urophysis, the peptides have a wide phylogenetic distribution across the vertebrate lineage, including mammals. U-II is localized to motor neurones in the human spinal cord and is a potent vasoconstrictor that may be implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure. The human ortholog of urotensin-I is urocortin which is synthesized in selected regions of the brain and is the endogenous ligand for the CRF type 2 receptor. Urocortin is believed to important in mediating the effects of stress on appetite. Stanniocalcin is involved in maintaining calcium and phosphate homeostasis in teleost fish. An ortholog of stanniocalcin has a widespread distribution in mammalian tissues and is postulated to regulate renal phosphate excretion and to protect neurons against damage during cerebral ischemia. The biological actions and therapeutic potential of GLP-1 in humans are now fully appreciated but the peptide was first identified as a domain in a preproglucagon cDNA prepared from anglerfish Brockmann bodies. In contrast to mammalian preproglucagons, GLP-1 is present in anglerfish preproglucagon as the bioactive, truncated sequence [corresponding to human GLP-1(7-37)] rather than the inactive, N-terminally extended form [corresponding to GLP-1(1-37)]. Failure to appreciate the significance of this fact retarded progress in the field for several years.     

Upregulation of glucose metabolism by granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor

Alterations of glucose metabolism were investigated for 6 hours following an intraarterial injection of murine recombinant granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) (30 micrograms/kg body weight). GM-CSF resulted in a transient elevation of plasma glucose. The rate of whole body glucose appearance, as measured by infusion of [6-3H] glucose, was increased by about 10% between 0.5 and 3 hours following GM-CSF injection. In vivo glucose utilization of individual tissues was investigated by the tracer 2-deoxyglucose technique. At 30 min, GM-CSF increased glucose utilization by 80-90% in liver and lung, and 50-60% in skin and spleen. At 3 and 6 hours, glucose utilization by these tissues returned toward control levels except for lung. There was a 40-50% increase in glucose utilization by skeletal muscle 30 min after GM-CSF which was sustained for 6 hours. Glucose utilization of testis, ileum and kidney did not change significantly. Plasma concentrations of insulin, glucagon and tumor necrosis factor were not altered in response to GM-CSF. These findings indicate that some of the acute metabolic effects of a short-term administration of GM-CSF are observed in macrophage-rich tissues, and suggest that GM-CSF may be involved in the metabolic upregulation of immunologically active tissues.     

Histidyl-proline diketopiperazine: its biological role as a regulatory peptide

Summary Histidyl-proline diketopiperazine [cyclo(His-Pro)] is a metabolic of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH). This review summarizes the literature concerning cyclo (His-Pro) and, in addition, some studies dealing with TRH and other peptides that are considered of interest. The enzymes concerned with the metabolism of TRH are discussed. Distribution studies of peptides by immunological methods show that, while TRH is concentrated in synaptosomes, cyclo (His-Pro) is not, suggesting that cyclo (His-Pro) is not a classical neurotransmitter. Rat brain contains approximately three times as much cyclo (His-Pro) as TRH, mainly localized in the pituitary and hypothalamus. While the TRH is found in a free form, the cyclo (His-Pro) is bound to a carrier of molecular weight approximately 70 000. While specific membrane receptors for TRH have been detected in pituitary cells, no such receptors for cyclo (His-Pro) have yet been found in brain or pituitary; however, there is a specific binding of cyclo (His-Pro) to adrenal cortex membranes, Both TRH and cyclo (His-Pro) have effects in the central nervous system or pituitary. These include effects on prolactin release, thermoregulation, CNS depression, stereotypic behavior and cyclic nucleotide levels. Possible mechanisms and interrelations of these effects are discussed.     

Detection of mRNAs containing regulatory peptide coding sequences using synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides

To understand the regulation of the production of peptide hormones, it is vital to elucidate their biosynthetic pathways. We chose to study a major regulatory peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a peptide possessing both neurotransmitter and neurohormone actions. To identify the specific peptide mRNA we are using, as hybridization probes, radiolabeled synthetic oligodcoxynucleotides with sequence complementary to the predicted peptide mRNA sequence. Employing this approach, we identified and partially purified a ～ 1600-base long mRNA containing VIP related sequences which can be translated in vitro into VIP-immunoreactive polypeptides. Such mRNA was detected in normal VIP producing tissue (rat brain), as well as in a tumor producing VIP (human buccal tumor). This mRNA differs in size from a known VIP-mRNA identified in human neuro-blastoma cells, suggesting the possibility of different VIP-mRNAs in different cell types.     

Characterization of heparin affin regulatory peptide signaling in human endothelial cells

Heparin affin regulatory peptide (HARP) is an 18-kDa secreted growth factor that has a high affinity for heparin and a potent role on tumor growth and angiogenesis. We have previously reported that HARP is mitogenic for different types of endothelial cells and also affects cell migration and differentiation (12). In this study we examined the signaling pathways involved in the migration and tube formation on matrigel of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) induced by HARP. We report for the first time that receptor-type protein-tyrosine phosphatase beta/zeta (RPTPbeta/zeta), which is a receptor for HARP in neuronal cell types, is also expressed in HUVEC. We also document that HARP signaling through RPTPbeta/zeta leads to activation of Src kinase, focal adhesion kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and Erk1/2. Sodium orthovanadate, chondroitin sulfate-C, PP1, wortmannin, LY294002, and U0126 inhibit HARP-mediated signaling and HUVEC migration and tube formation. In addition, RPTPbeta/zeta suppression using small interfering RNA technology interrupts intracellular signals and HUVEC migration and tube formation induced by HARP. These results establish the role of RPTPbeta/zeta as a receptor of HARP in HUVEC and elucidate the HARP signaling pathway in endothelial cells.