Partial purification and characterization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from the estuarine copepod Eurytemora affinis (Poppe)

Oligohaline copepods such as Eurytemora affinis are widespread in estuaries of northwestern Europe. These minute crustaceans are highly sensitive to contamination and thus serve as useful bioindicators for the monitoring of pollutant effects. The use of decreased cholinesterase (ChE) activity as a sublethal biomarker of exposure to neurotoxic compounds supposes that ChE has been defined in copepods. This study reports the partial purification and characterization of ChE extracted from E. affinis. Analysis by non-denaturing PAGE and by isoelectric focusing indicated that the enzyme is probably a single dimeric form of 140 KDa, with a pI of 6.2. This enzyme is likely an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) since it hydrolyzes acetylthiocholine iodide at a higher rate than other substrates, such as butyrylthiocholine and propionylthiocholine, at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C, and is inhibited by eserine but not by iso-OMPA. The enzyme exhibited high sensitivity to some of the various pollutants tested. The kinetic properties of this ChE were compared with those of other invertebrate ChEs.     

A novel receptor function for the heat shock protein Grp78: silencing of Grp78 gene expression attenuates alpha2M*-induced signalling

The activated proteinase inhibitor alpha2-macroglobulin (alpha2M*) binds to two receptors, the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP-1) and the alpha2M* signalling receptor (alpha2MSR). Silencing LRP-1 gene expression in macrophages by RNA interference does not block alpha2M* activation of signalling cascades. We now demonstrate that transfection of macrophages with a double-stranded RNA homologous in sequence to the Grp78 gene markedly decreased induction of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and subsequent IP3-dependent elevation of [Ca2+]i induced by alpha2M*. Concomitantly, alpha2M*-induced increase in [3H]thymidine uptake was abolished in these transfected cells. Insulin treatment significantly upregulates alpha2MSR and it also caused a marked increase in Grp78 expression which could be blocked by RNA interference. alpha2M* treatment of cells activates the Ras- and PI 3-kinase-dependent signalling pathways. Suppressing Grp78 expression leads to the loss of these activation events in transfected macrophages. We thus conclude that Grp78 is the alpha2M* signalling receptor.     

Circulating heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and autoantibodies to Hsp90 are increased in patients with atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory dermatoses characterized by persistent itching and recurrent eczematous lesions. While the primary events and key drivers of AD are topics of ongoing debate, cutaneous inflammation due to inappropriate IgE (auto)antibody–related immune reactions is frequently considered. Highly conserved and immunogenic heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a key intra- and extracellular chaperone, can activate the immune response driving the generation of circulating anti-Hsp90 autoantibodies that are found to be elevated in several autoimmune disorders. Here, for the first time, we observed that serum levels of Hsp90 and anti-Hsp90 IgE autoantibodies are significantly elevated (p < 0.0001) in AD patients (n = 29) when compared to age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n = 70). We revealed a positive correlation (0.378, p = 0.042) between serum levels of Hsp90 and the severity of AD assessed by Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD). In addition, seropositivity for anti-Hsp90 IgE has been found in 48.27% of AD patients and in 2.85% of healthy controls. Although further studies on a larger group of patients are needed to confirm presented data, our results suggest that extracellular Hsp90 and autoantibodies to Hsp90 deserve attention in the study of the mechanisms that promote the development and/or maintenance of atopic dermatitis.     

The small heat shock protein Hsp27: Present understanding and future prospects

Heat shock proteins are important for maintaining protein homeostasis and cell survival. Among different classes of highly conserved Hsps, low molecular weight Hsps (sHsps) have significant place, particularly Hsp27, whose role has been demonstrated in wide range of biological processes, including development, immunity, diseases and therapy. In this review, the structure and functions of Hsp27 and related genes, their role in different cellular processes as well as in stress tolerance, is highlighted.     

Advances in the clinical development of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitors in cancers

Hsp90 is an ATP dependent molecular chaperone protein which integrates multiple oncogenic pathways. As such, Hsp90 inhibition is a promising anti-cancer strategy. Several inhibitors that act on Hsp90 by binding to its N-terminal ATP pocket have entered clinical evaluation. Robust pre-clinical data suggested anti-tumor activity in multiple cancer types. Clinically, encouraging results have been demonstrated in melanoma, acute myeloid leukemia, castrate refractory prostate cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma and multiple myeloma. In breast cancer, proof-of-concept was demonstrated by first generation Hsp90 inhibitors in combination with trastuzumab mainly in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+metastatic breast cancer. There are a multitude of second generation Hsp90 inhibitors currently under investigation. To date, however, there is no FDA approved Hsp90 inhibitor nor standardized assay to ascertain Hsp90 inhibition. This review summarizes the current status of both first and second generation Hsp90 inhibitors based on their chemical classification and stage of clinical development. It also discusses the pharmacodynamic assays currently implemented in clinic as well as other novel strategies aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of Hsp90 inhibitors. Ultimately, these efforts will aid in maximizing the full potential of this class of agents. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90).     

Characterization of the nucleotide binding properties of the 90 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90)

The recent crystallization and structural analysis of the ATP(ADP)-complex of the N-terminal domain of the 90 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90) confirmed our earlier findings on the ATP-binding properties of Hsp90. Here we further characterize the nucleotide binding of Hsp90 by demonstrating that surface plasmon resonance measurements also indicate a low-affinity binding of ATP to Hsp90 and that [α-³²P]ATP seems to have an equal preference for monomers, dimers and oligomers of Hsp90 on native polyacrylamide gels. Finally we discuss some of our results which raise the possibility that Hsp90 has two nucleotide binding sites (one in its N-terminal and another in the C-terminal domain) and that the nucleotide binding to Hsp90 dimers may display a positive cooperativity under some special conditions. The submillimolar binding affinity of ATP to Hsp90 allows the regulation of some Hsp90-related functions just in the range of ATP-level fluctuations during stress or during the cell cycle.     

Evolutionary history of the heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) family of 43 plants and characterization of Hsp90s in Solanum tuberosum

Molecular Biology Reports - Heat shock protein 90 genes/proteins (Hsp90s) are related to the stress resistance found in various plant species. These proteins affect the growth and development of...     

A screen for enhancers of clearance identifies huntingtin as a heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) client protein

Mechanisms to reduce the cellular levels of mutant huntingtin (mHtt) provide promising strategies for treating Huntington disease (HD). To identify compounds enhancing the degradation of mHtt, we performed a high throughput screen using a hippocampal HN10 cell line expressing a 573-amino acid mHtt fragment. Several hit structures were identified as heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitors. Cell treatment with these compounds reduced levels of mHtt without overt toxic effects as measured by time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer assays and Western blots. To characterize the mechanism of mHtt degradation, we used the potent and selective Hsp90 inhibitor NVP-AUY922. In HdhQ150 embryonic stem (ES) cells and in ES cell-derived neurons, NVP-AUY922 treatment substantially reduced soluble full-length mHtt levels. In HN10 cells, Hsp90 inhibition by NVP-AUY922 enhanced mHtt clearance in the absence of any detectable Hsp70 induction. Furthermore, inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide or overexpression of dominant negative heat shock factor 1 (Hsf1) in HdhQ150 ES cells attenuated Hsp70 induction but did not affect NVP-AUY922-mediated mHtt clearance. Together, these data provided evidence that direct inhibition of Hsp90 chaperone function was crucial for mHtt degradation rather than heat shock response induction and Hsp70 up-regulation. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed a physical interaction of mutant and wild-type Htt with the Hsp90 chaperone. Hsp90 inhibition disrupted the interaction and induced clearance of Htt through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Our data suggest that Htt is an Hsp90 client protein and that Hsp90 inhibition may provide a means to reduce mHtt in HD.     

Purification and characterization of porcine testis 90-kDa heat shock protein (HSP90) as a substrate for various protein kinases

We purified a large quantity of HSP90 from porcine testis by hydroxylapatite (HA-HSP90) and SDS-PAGE/electroelution (eluted-HSP90) to explore the molecular mechanism of HSP90 phosphorylation affecting its metabolism. The purified HSP90 was used as an antigen to raise polyclonal antibodies in rabbits. Immunoblot analysis revealed that most purified HSP90 was HSP90. Compared with the commercial anti-HSP90 antibody, the polyclonal antibody raised in this study could specifically detect the testis HSP90 and immunoprecipitate HSP90 from tissue homogenates or cell extracts. Incubation of the purified HSP90 or HSP90 immunoprecipitated from extracts of human A431 cells, Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts, and porcine testis with [-³²P]ATP/Mg²⁺ resulted in phosphorylation of HSP90. However, the eluted-HSP90 lost its phosphorylation ability when incubated with [-³²P]ATP·Mg²⁺ alone but could be phosphorylated by various protein kinases, including PKA, CKII, kinase FA/GSK-3 , and AK. The order of phosphorylation of HSP90 by these kinases is PKA = CKII > AK >> kinase FA/GSK-3 .     

二化螟热休克蛋白70基因的克隆及热胁迫下的表达分析

热休克蛋白70是已知热休克蛋白家族中最重要的一种, 它在细胞内的大量表达可以明显改善细胞的生存能力, 提高对环境胁迫的耐受性。为探讨热胁迫对二化螟Chilo suppressalis幼虫热休克蛋白70表达的影响, 采用RT-PCR及RACE技术从二化螟血淋巴细胞中克隆了热休克蛋白70基因全长cDNA序列。该基因全长2 102 bp, 开放阅读框 (open reading frame, ORF)为1 959 bp, 编码652个氨基酸; 5′非编码区（untranslated region, UTR)为81 bp, 3′UTR为62 bp。从该基因推导的氨基酸序列与其他昆虫的同源序列比较有很高的相似性（73%~97%)。实时定量PCR显示二化螟HSP70基因能被热胁迫诱导表达, 幼虫血淋巴细胞的HSP70基因在36℃时表达量最高。流式细胞术研究发现HSP70在蛋白质水平上的表达变化与在mRNA水平上高度一致, 说明二化螟HSP70基因在转录及翻译水平上受到热应激的调节。     

朱砂叶螨HSP90基因克隆及原核表达

采用RT-PCR及RACE技术克隆朱砂叶螨Tetranychus cinnabarinus的热激蛋白90(HSP90)基因, 并进行序列分析, 得到一条长2 595 bp的cDNA序列, 该序列开放阅读框（open reading frame, ORF）为2 169 bp, 编码722个氨基酸, 分子量约为83.45 kDa, 理论等电点为4.81, 3′非编码区（untranslated region, UTR）为249 bp, 5′UTR为177 bp。通过Antheprot分析发现5个HSP90家族的签名序列及胞质HSP90特征序列MEEVD。同源性分析表明, 朱砂叶螨HSP90编码区核苷酸序列和其他已知的HSP90, 尤其是节肢动物昆虫的HSP90, 具有很高的相似性。将鉴定正确的原核重组表达质粒pET43a-TcHSP90, 转化大肠杆菌Escherichia coli BL21(origami) 进行原核表达, 应用SDS-PAGE和Western blotting技术分离并检测融合蛋白, 结果表明构建的原核表达质粒可以在宿主菌中稳定、正确表达。朱砂叶螨TcHSP90基因的克隆、原核表达, 为进一步研究HSP90的性质和功能的研究提供有用的实验材料。     

Characterization of the 90 kDa heat shock protein (HSP90)-associated ATP/GTPase

The 90 kDa heat shock protein (HSP90) is an ATP-binding molecular chaperone with an associated ATPase activity having nucleoplasmin and HSP70-binding homology domains and containing Ca-binding EF-hands and a nuclear localization signal. Here we characterize the HSP90-associated ATPase and show that it is (i) a P-type ATPase inhibited by molybdate and vanadate, (ii) able to hydrolyze methylfluorescein phosphate with a 5–6-fold higher affinity, (iii) a 3-times better GTPase than ATPase in the presence of calcium and (iv) HSP27 and F-actin, but not HSP10 can “convert” the HSP90-associated ATPase activity to HSP90 autokinase activity. The HSP90-associated ATP/GTPase may participate in the regulation of complex formation of HSP90 with other proteins, such as F-actin, tubulin and heat shock proteins.     

cDNA cloning and mRNA expression of heat shock protein 90 gene in the haemocytes of Zhikong scallop Chlamys farreri

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a highly conserved molecular chaperone contributing to the folding, maintenance of structural integrity and proper regulation of a subset of cytosolic proteins. The full-length cDNA of Zhikong scallop Chlamys farreri HSP90 (designated CfHSP90) was cloned by EST and rapid RACE techniques. It was of 2710 bp, including an open reading frame (ORF) of 2181 bp encoding a polypeptide of 726 amino acids with all the five HSP90 family signatures. BLAST analysis revealed that the CfHSP90 gene shared high similarity with other known HSP90 genes. Fluorescent real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to examine the expression pattern of CfHSP90 mRNA in haemocytes of scallops exposed to Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ for 10 and 20 days, respectively. All the three heavy metals could induce CfHSP90 expression. There was a clear dose-dependent expression pattern of CfHSP90 after heavy metals exposure for 10 days or 20 days. Different concentrations of the same metal resulted in different effects on CfHSP90 expression. The results indicated that CfHSP90 responded to various heavy metal stresses with a dose-dependent expression pattern as well as exposure time effect, and could be used as a molecular biomarker in a heavy metal polluted environment.