浙贝母鳞片衰退过程的超微结构研究

通过光镜和电镜手段观察了浙贝母（Ｆｒｉｔｉｌｌａｒｉａ ｔｈｕｎｂｅｒｇｉｉＭｉｑ．）鳞片的衰退过程．开始时,近轴面表皮附近的几层薄壁细胞首先瓦解,形成一条清晰的破碎细胞带．细胞内含物的降解过程是主动有序的．高尔基体和内质网产生许多囊泡,囊泡在细胞内含物的降解和降解产物的运输过程中起着重要的作用．细胞间丰富的胞间连丝是胞间物质运输的良好通道     

Regulation of connexin degradation as a mechanism to increase gap junction assembly and function

Connexins, the integral membrane protein constituents of gap junctions, are degraded at a rate (t(12) = 1.5-5 h) much faster than most other cell surface proteins. Although the turnover of connexins has been shown to be sensitive to inhibitors of either the lysosome or of the proteasome, how connexins are targeted for degradation and whether this process can be regulated to affect intercellular communication is unknown. We show here that reducing connexin degradation with inhibitors of the proteasome (but not with lysosomal blockers) is associated with a striking increase in gap junction assembly and intercellular dye transfer in cells inefficient in both processes under basal conditions. The effect of proteasome inhibitors on wild-type connexin stability, assembly, and function was mimicked by treatment of assembly-inefficient cells with inhibitors of protein synthesis such as cycloheximide. Sensitivity of connexin degradation to cycloheximide, but not to proteasome inhibitors, was abolished when connexins were rendered structurally abnormal by perturbation of essential disulfide bonds or by mutation. Our findings provide the first evidence that intercellular communication can be up-regulated at the level of connexin turnover and that a short-lived protein may be required for conformationally mature connexins to become substrates of proteasomal degradation.     

烃的选择性跨膜传输

研究了烃的跨膜传输过程以及该过程的选择性对细菌降解偏好性的影响。以乳化烷烃实施跨膜传输试验,发现在18h内细胞中的烃含量持续增加。对于各单组分烃,跨膜传输效率没有很大差异;但是,在混合烃的竞争性传输试验中,膜表现出显著的选择性。以分离度衡量膜对4种链长不等烷烃的选择性,发现十六烷,十七烷,二十烷和二十一烷的分离系数分别为1．468,1．121,0．886和0．466,该选择性次序与菌株1.766对混合烃的降解次序相符,说明烃的跨膜传输是决定菌株底物偏好性的重要因素。     

Pollen tube reuses intracellular components of nucellar cells undergoing programmed cell death in Pinus densiflora

Through the process known as programmed cell death (PCD), nucelli of Pinus densiflora serve as the transmitting tissue for growth of the pollen tube. We sought to clarify the processes of degradation of nucellar cell components and their transport to the pollen tube during PCD in response to pollen tube penetration of such nucelli. Stimulated by pollination, synthesis of large amounts of starch grains occurred in cells in a wide region of the nucellus, but as the pollen tube penetrated the nucellus, starch grains were degraded in amyloplasts of nucellar cells. In cells undergoing PCD, electron-dense vacuoles with high membrane contrast appeared, assumed a variety of autophagic structures, expanded, and ultimately collapsed and disappeared. Vesicles and electron-dense amorphous materials were released inside the thickened walls of cells undergoing PCD, and those vesicles and materials reaching the pollen tube after passing through the extracellular matrix were taken into the tube by endocytosis. These results show that in PCD of nucellar cells, intracellular materials are degraded in amyloplasts and vacuoles, and some of the degraded material is supplied to the pollen tube by vesicular transport to support tube growth.     

Import into and Degradation of Cytosolic Proteins by Isolated Yeast Vacuoles

In eukaryotic cells, both lysosomal and nonlysosomal pathways are involved in degradation of cytosolic proteins. The physiological condition of the cell often determines the degradation pathway of a specific protein. In this article, we show that cytosolic proteins can be taken up and degraded by isolated Saccharomyces cerevisiae vacuoles. After starvation of the cells, protein uptake increases. Uptake and degradation are temperature dependent and show biphasic kinetics. Vacuolar protein import is dependent on cytosolic heat shock proteins of the hsp70 family and on protease-sensitive component(s) on the outer surface of vacuoles. Degradation of the imported cytosolic proteins depends on a functional vacuolar ATPase. We show that the cytosolic isoform of yeast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is degraded via this pathway. This import and degradation pathway is reminiscent of the protein transport pathway from the cytosol to lysosomes of mammalian cells.     

A permeabilized cell system identifies the endoplasmic reticulum as a site of protein degradation

Analysis of the fate of a variety of newly synthesized proteins in the secretory pathway has provided evidence for the existence of a novel protein degradation system distinct from that of the lysosome. Although current evidence suggests that proteins degraded by this system are localized to a pre-Golgi compartment before degradation, the site of proteolysis has not been determined. A permeabilized cell system was developed to examine whether degradation by this pathway required transport out of the ER, and to define the biochemical characteristics of this process. Studies were performed on fibroblast cell lines expressing proteins known to be sensitive substrates for this degradative process, such as the chimeric integral membrane proteins, Tac-TCR alpha and Tac-TCR beta. By immunofluorescence microscopy, these proteins were found to be localized to the ER. Treatment with cycloheximide resulted in the progressive disappearance of intracellular staining without change in the ER localization of the chimeric proteins. Cells permeabilized with the pore-forming toxin streptolysin O were able to degrade these newly synthesized proteins. The protein degradation seen in permeabilized cells was representative of that seen in intact cells, as judged by the similar speed of degradation, substrate selectivity, temperature dependence, and involvement of free sulfhydryl groups. Degradation of these proteins in permeabilized cells took place in the absence of transport between the ER and the Golgi system. Moreover, degradation occurred in the absence of added ATP or cytosol, and in the presence of apyrase, GTP gamma S, or EDTA; i.e., under conditions which prevent transport of proteins out of the ER. The efficiency and selectivity of degradation of newly synthesized proteins were also conserved in an isolated ER fraction. These data indicate that the machinery responsible for pre-Golgi degradation of newly synthesized proteins exists within the ER itself, and can operate independent of exogenously added ATP and cytosolic factors.     

Degradation of newly synthesized apolipoprotein B-100 in a pre-Golgi compartment

The synthesis and secretion of apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 have been studied in a human hepatoblastoma cell line, the Hep G2 cells. Pulse-chase analysis showed that apoB-100 was not quantitatively recovered in the culture medium. To reveal the intracellular degradation of apoB-100 prior to secretion, cells were incubated with 1 microgram/ml Brefeldin A (BFA) which impeded protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi apparatus and the fate of apoB-100 retained in the cells was traced at 37 degrees C. A significant amount of intracellular apoB-100 (40-60%/h) was degraded during the chase period, whereas apoA-1 remained intact. ApoB-100 degradation was temperature dependent, no degradation was observed below 20 degrees C. This degradation process was not inhibited by chloroquine, leupeptin, pepstatin, and chymostatin, suggesting that lysosomal proteases were not involved and that apoB-100 was degraded in a pre-Golgi compartment which is either part of, or closely related to, the ER. Preincubation of cells with low density lipoproteins (LDL) induced a 22-32% increase in the degradation of apoB-100. This result raised the possibility that secretion of apoB-100 might be regulated through the intracellular degradation of apoB-100. These results suggest the existence of the degradation pathway for apoB-100 in a pre-Golgi compartment and an unique regulatory mechanism for apoB-100 secretion.     

Alfalfa stem tissues: Impact of lignification and cell length on ruminal degradation of large particles

A series of experiments were conducted with alfalfa to determine how extensively rumen microorganisms can degrade various tissues within large stem pieces. The seventh internode from the base of the stem was collected from alfalfa clone 718 after 4 weeks of regrowth. Internode length and diameter were measured, and approximately 2 cm stem pieces were excised from the internodes. Stem pieces were incubated with rumen fluid in vitro for 24 h. Bee's wax was used to coat the stem pieces to prevent microbial access other than at one end of the stem pieces. After exposure to the rumen microorganisms, stem pieces were serially cross-sectioned starting at the exposed surface. Sections were examined by light microscopy to determine which tissues had been degraded and to what depth into the stem piece degradation had occurred. Non-lignified alfalfa stem tissues (chlorenchyma, collenchyma, cambium, and primary xylem parenchyma) were degraded to great depth (3700–8200 μm) in stem pieces, but degradation of lignified tissues (phloem fibres and xylem fibres) was much more limited (150–1360 μm). Depth of degradation was greater in stem pieces derived from long internodes compared to short internodes. Using longitudinal sections and isolated cells of stem tissues, it was found that mean cell length increased by approximately 50% with a doubling of internode length for all tissues examined. Many cell layers of non-lignified tissues were degraded whereas only the exposed cell layer of lignified tissues exposed at the cut end of the internode pieces was susceptible to degradation. Depth of degradation for non-lignified tissues was attributed to a combination of cell wall degradability, cell length, and the presence of intercellular spaces in chlorenchyma tissue. The lignified wall established a complete barrier to degradation of cells below those mechanically ruptured.     

Cytosolic stress reduces degradation of connexin43 internalized from the cell surface and enhances gap junction formation and function

The protein constituents of gap junctions, connexins, have a rapid basal rate of degradation even after transport to the cell surface. We have used cell surface biotinylation to label gap junction-unassembled plasma membrane pools of connexin43 (Cx43) and show that their degradation is inhibited by mild hyperthermia, oxidative stress, and proteasome inhibitors. Cytosolic stress does not perturb endocytosis of biotinylated Cx43, but instead it seems to interfere with its targeting and/or transport to the lysosome, possibly by increasing the level of unfolded protein in the cytosol. This allows more Cx43 molecules to recycle to the cell surface, where they are assembled into long-lived, functional gap junctions in otherwise gap junction assembly-inefficient cells. Cytosolic stress also slowed degradation of biotinylated Cx43 in gap junction assembly-efficient normal rat kidney fibroblasts, and reduced the rate at which gap junctions disappeared from cell interfaces under conditions that blocked transport of nascent connexin molecules to the plasma membrane. These data demonstrate that degradation from the cell surface can be down-regulated by physiologically relevant forms of stress. For connexins, this may serve to enhance or preserve gap junction-mediated intercellular communication even under conditions in which protein synthesis and/or intracellular transport are compromised.     

Unassembled HLA-DR beta monomers are degraded rapidly by a nonlysosomal mechanism.

We previously observed that in a mutant B lymphoblastoid cell line which has a homozygous HLA-DR alpha deletion, DR beta-chains appeared to be unstable. In the present study, we have studied the pathway that leads to degradation of unassembled DR beta-chains. Unassembled DR beta-chains are degraded rapidly in the DR alpha deletion mutant cells, compared with the assembled DR heterodimers present in non-mutant cells. Accelerated DR beta turnover in 9.22.3 cells is specific; class I molecules in these DR alpha-deficient cells turned over slowly. DR beta-chains assemble with Ii in the DR alpha deficient cell line, but this did not protect DR beta-chains from degradation. The maturation of unassembled beta-chains is arrested before their reaching the medial Golgi compartment, and this degradation proceeds by a nonlysosomal, nonendosomal pathway. Degradation of DR beta-chains is blocked when cells are cultured at 16 degrees C, a temperature known to prevent vesicular transport between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi apparatus. Degradation is also inhibited by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, a drug that is also known to inhibit protein transport from the ER. The results, taken together, suggest that degradation of unassembled DR beta-chains occurs by a nonlysosomal, nonendosomal pathway which involves transport of DR beta-chains out of the ER.     

The gamma and epsilon subunits of the CD3 complex inhibit pre-Golgi degradation of newly synthesized T cell antigen receptors

The T cell receptor for antigen (TCR) is composed of six different transmembrane proteins. T cells carefully control the intracellular transport of the receptor and allow only complete receptors to reach the plasma membrane. In an attempt to understand how T cells regulate this process, we used c-DNA transfection and subunit-specific antibodies to follow the intracellular transport of five subunits (alpha beta gamma delta epsilon) of the receptor. In particular, we assessed the intracellular stability of each chain. Our results showed that the chains were markedly different in their susceptibility to intracellular degradation. TCR alpha and beta and CD3 delta were degraded rapidly, whereas CD3 gamma and epsilon were stable. An analysis of the N-linked oligosaccharides of the glycoprotein subunits suggested that the chains were unable to reach the medial Golgi during the metabolic chase. This was supported by immunofluorescence micrographs that showed both the stable CD3 gamma and unstable CD3 delta chain localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. To study the effects of subunit associations on intracellular transport we used cotransfection to reconstitute precise combinations of subunits. Associations between stable and unstable subunits expressed in the same cell led to the formation of stable complexes. These complexes were retained in or close to the endoplasmic reticulum. The results suggested that the intracellular transport of the T cell receptor could be regulated by two mechanisms. The TCR alpha and beta and CD3 delta subunits were degraded rapidly and as a consequence failed to reach the plasma membrane. CD3 gamma or epsilon were stable but were retained inside the cell. The results also demonstrated that there was an interplay between the two pathways such that the CD3 gamma and epsilon subunits were able to protect labile chains from rapid intracellular degradation. In this way, they could seed subunit assembly in or close to the endoplasmic reticulum and allow a stable receptor to form before its transport to the plasma membrane.     

Pre-Golgi degradation of newly synthesized T-cell antigen receptor chains: intrinsic sensitivity and the role of subunit assembly

The T cell antigen receptor (TCR) is a multisubunit complex composed of at least seven transmembrane chains. The predominant species in most T cells has the composition alpha beta gamma delta epsilon zeta 2. The roles of subunit assembly in transport out of the ER and in the recently described process of pre-Golgi degradation of newly synthesized TCR chains were analyzed in a T-cell line deficient in the synthesis of delta chains (delta 2) and in COS-1 fibroblasts transfected with genes encoding individual TCR chains. Studies with the delta-deficient T-cell line showed that, in the absence of delta, the other TCR chains were synthesized at normal rates, but, instead of being transported to the cell surface, they were retained in the ER. Analysis of the fate of TCR chains retained in the ER showed that they were degraded at vastly different rates by a nonlysosomal pathway. Whereas the alpha chains were degraded rapidly, gamma, zeta, and epsilon were relatively long-lived. To analyze whether this selective degradation was because of different intrinsic susceptibility of the individual chains to degradation or to the formation of resistant oligomers, TCR chains were expressed alone or in combinations in COS-1 fibroblasts. These studies showed that (a) individual TCR chains were degraded at different rates when expressed alone in COS-1 cells, and (b) sensitive chains could be stabilized by coexpression with a resistant chain. Taken together, these observations indicate that both intrinsic sensitivity and subunit assembly play a role in determining the rates at which newly synthesized TCR chains are degraded in the ER.     

Fusion with HDEL protects cell wall invertase from early degradation when N-glycosylation is inhibited

Previous data obtained in different suspension-cultured plant cells have clearly illustrated that N-glycans are absolutely required for transport of glycoproteins to the extracellular compartment, regardless of their oligosaccharide structure [see Lerouge et al. (1998) Plant Mol. Biol. 38: 31 for review]. In the present study the role of N-glycosylation in the transport of glycoproteins to the cell surface was studied in BY2 tobacco cells using both endogenous and recombinant cell wall invertases as markers. When synthesized without their N-glycans, both invertases were very rapidly degraded. This degradation did not occur in an acidic compartment and was brefeldin A-insensitive. Therefore, it most probably represents a pre-Golgi event. However, the low efficiency of specific inhibitors did not favor a strong contribution of proteasomes in this proteolysis. In contrast, addition of a C-terminal His-Asp-Glu-Leu (HDEL) extension prevented arrival of these non-glycosylated glycoproteins in the compartment where they are degraded. These results argue for the presence of an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) domain specialized in protein degradation. Consistent with our results and the well-known stabilization of recombinant proteins retained in the ER, the addition of an ER retention signal to a protein would prevent its targeting to an ER domain devoted to degradation.     

Intracellular degradation of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. Evidence for, and some characteristics of, an endoplasmic reticulum degradation pathway.

Analysis of the fate of HIV-1 envelope protein gp160 (Env) has shown that newly synthesized proteins may be degraded within the biosynthetic pathway and that this degradation may take place in compartments other than the lysosomes. The fate of newly synthesized Env was studied in living BHK-21 cells with the recombinant vaccinia virus expression system. We found that gp160 not only undergoes physiological endoproteolytic cleavage, producing gp120, but is also degraded, producing proteolytic fragments of 120 kDa to 26 kDa in size, as determined by SDS/PAGE in non reducing conditions. Analysis of the 120-kDa proteolytic fragment, and comparison with gp120, showed that it is composed of peptides linked by disulfides bonds and lacks the V3-loop epitope and the C-terminal domain of gp120 (amino acids 506-516). A permeabilized cell system, with impaired transport of labeled Env from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi compartments, was developed to determine the site of degradation and to define some biochemical characteristics of the intracellular degradation process. In the semipermeable BHK-21 cells, there was: (a) no gp120 production (b), a progressive decrease in the amount of newly synthesized gp160 and a concomitant increase in the amount of a 120-kDa proteolytic fragment. This fragment had the same biochemical characteristics as the 120-kDa proteolytic fragment found in living nonpermeabilized cells, and (c) susceptibility of the V3 loop. This degradation process occurred in the ER, as shown by both biochemical and indirect immunofluorescence analysis. Furthermore, there was evidence that changes in redox state are involved in the ER-dependent envelope degradation pathway because adding reducing agents to permeabilized cells caused dose-dependent degradation of the 120-kDa proteolytic fragment and of the remaining gp160 glycoprotein. Thus our results provide direct evidence that regulated degradation of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein may take place in the ER of infected cells.     

Connexins: a myriad of functions extending beyond assembly of gap junction channels

Connexins constitute a large family of trans-membrane proteins that allow intercellular communication and the transfer of ions and small signaling molecules between cells. Recent studies have revealed complex translational and post-translational mechanisms that regulate connexin synthesis, maturation, membrane transport and degradation that in turn modulate gap junction intercellular communication. With the growing myriad of connexin interacting proteins, including cytoskeletal elements, junctional proteins, and enzymes, gap junctions are now perceived, not only as channels between neighboring cells, but as signaling complexes that regulate cell function and transformation. Connexins have also been shown to form functional hemichannels and have roles altogether independent of channel functions, where they exert their effects on proliferation and other aspects of life and death of the cell through mostly-undefined mechanisms. This review provides an updated overview of current knowledge of connexins and their interacting proteins, and it describes connexin modulation in disease and tumorigenesis.     

Internalization of large double-membrane intercellular vesicles by a clathrin-dependent endocytic process

Beyond its well-documented role in vesicle endocytosis, clathrin has also been implicated in the internalization of large particles such as viruses, pathogenic bacteria, and even latex beads. We have discovered an additional clathrin-dependent endocytic process that results in the internalization of large, double-membrane vesicles at lateral membranes of cells that are coupled by gap junctions (GJs). GJ channels bridge apposing cell membranes to mediate the direct transfer of electrical currents and signaling molecules from cell to cell. Here, we report that entire GJ plaques, clusters of GJ channels, can be internalized to form large, double-membrane vesicles previously termed annular gap junctions (AGJs). These internalized AGJ vesicles subdivide into smaller vesicles that are degraded by endo/lysosomal pathways. Mechanistic analyses revealed that clathrin-dependent endocytosis machinery-components, including clathrin itself, the alternative clathrin-adaptor Dab2, dynamin, myosin-VI, and actin are involved in the internalization, inward movement, and degradation of these large, intercellular double-membrane vesicles. These findings contribute to the understanding of clathrin's numerous emerging functions.     

What to Eat: Evidence for Selective Autophagy in Plants

Autophagy is a macromolecular degradation pathway by which cells recycle their contents as a developmental process, housekeeping mechanism, and response to environmental stress. In plants, autophagy involves the sequestration of cargo to be degraded, transport to the cell vacuole in a double-membrane bound autophagosome, and subsequent degradation by lytic enzymes. Autophagy has generally been considered to be a non-selective mechanism of degradation. However, studies in yeast and animals have found numerous examples of selective autophagy, with cargo including proteins, protein aggregates, and organelles. Recent work has also provided evidence for several types of selective autophagy in plants. The degradation of protein aggregates was the first selective autophagy described in plants, and, more recently, a hybrid protein of the mammalian selective autophagy adaptors p62 and NBR1, which interacts with the autophagy machinery and may function in autophagy of protein aggregates, was described in plants. Other intracellular components have been suggested to be selectively targeted by autophagy in plants, but the current evidence is limited. Here, we discuss recent findings regarding the selective targeting of cell components by autophagy in plants.     

Patterns of cells and extracellular material of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus (Echinodermata; Echinoidea) embryo,from hatched blastula to late gastrula

Scanning electron microscopy of six stages of Lytechinus variegatus embryos from hatching through gastrulation reveals changes in the shapes of the ectodermal cells and morphological changes in the extracellular material (ECM) in relation to the locations and migratory activities of mesenchyme cells. The classical optical patterns in the blastular wall (Okazaki patterns) are due to differential orientations of the cells, which bend and extend sheet-like lamellipodia over adjoining cells toward the eventual location of the primary mesenchymal ring. The blastocoelic surfaces of the blastomeres become covered with a thin basal lamina (BL) composed of fibers and nonfibrous material. During primary mesenchyme cell (PMC) ingression, a web-like ECM is located in the blastocoel overlying the amassed PMCs. This ECM becomes sparse in migratory mesenchyme blastulae, and is confined to the animal hemisphere. Localized regions of intertwining basal cell processes in the blastular wall are also present during PMC migration. While a distinct BL is present during early and midgastrulation, blastocoelic ECM is absent. Late gastrulae, on the other hand, have an abundance of blastocoelic ECM concentrated near secondary mesenchyme cell protrusive activity. ECM appearing at both the early mesenchyme and late gastrula stages are probably remnants of degraded BL and intercellular matrix preserved by fixation for SEM. Thus, early mesenchyme ECM is formed of BL material whose degradation is necessary for entry of PMCs into the blastocoel. Late gastrula ECM is apparently a degradation product of BL and intercellular material whose destruction is required for fusion of the gut with oral ectoderm in formation of the mouth.     

Crosstalk between Endo/Exocytosis and Autophagy in Health and Disease

Imbalance between the main intracellular degradative, trafficking and intercellular shuttling pathways has been implicated in disease pathogenesis. Autophagy controls degradation of cellular components, while vesicular trafficking permits transport of material in and out of the cell. Emerging evidence has uncovered the extensive interconnectivity between these pathways, which is crucial to maintain organismal homeostasis. Thus, therapeutic intervention and drug development strategies targeting these processes, particularly in neurodegeneration, should account for this broad crosstalk, to maximize effectiveness. Here, recent findings underlining the highly dynamic nature of the crosstalk between autophagy, endosomal transport, and secretion is reviewed. Synergy of autophagy and endosomes for degradation, as well as, competition of autophagy and secretion are discussed. Perturbation of this crosstalk triggers pathology especially neurodegeneration.     

Down-Regulation of Desmosomes in Cultured Cells: The Roles of PKC,Microtubules and Lysosomal/Proteasomal Degradation

Desmosomes are intercellular adhesive junctions of major importance for tissue integrity. To allow cell motility and migration they are down-regulated in epidermal wound healing. Electron microscopy indicates that whole desmosomes are internalised by cells in tissues, but the mechanism of down-regulation is unclear. In this paper we provide an overview of the internalisation of half-desmosomes by cultured cells induced by calcium chelation. Our results show that: (i) half desmosome internalisation is dependent on conventional PKC isoforms; (ii) microtubules transport internalised half desmosomes to the region of the centrosome by a kinesin-dependent mechanism; (iii) desmosomal proteins remain colocalised after internalisation and are not recycled to the cell surface; (iv) internalised desmosomes are degraded by the combined action of lysosomes and proteasomes. We also confirm that half desmosome internalisation is dependent upon the actin cytoskeleton. These results suggest that half desmosomes are not disassembled and recycled during or after internalisation but instead are transported to the centrosomal region where they are degraded. These findings may have significance for the down-regulation of desmosomes in wounds.