Human cathepsin B1. Inhibition by α2-macroglobulin and other serum proteins

1. Normal human serum was found to inhibit human cathepsin B1. 2. The major inhibitor present in serum was purified and identified as alpha(2)-macroglobulin. 3. alpha(2)-Macroglobulin was found to bind cathepsin B1 in an approximately 1:1 molar ratio. When bound, the enzyme retained about 50% of its proteolytic activity, and up to 80% of its activity against alpha-N-benzoyl-dl-arginine 2-naphthylamide. 4. Pretreatment of alpha(2)-macroglobulin with cathepsin B1 inactivated by exposure to pH8.5 or iodoacetic acid, in large molar excess, did not prevent the subsequent binding of active enzyme. Active enzyme, once bound, was not protected from inhibition by 1-chloro-4-phenyl-3-tosylamido-l-butan-2-one. 5. Cathepsin B1 was also inhibited by human immunoglobulin G, at high concentration. 6. Because it had been suggested that haptoglobin is responsible for the inhibition of ;cathepsin B' by serum, a method was devised for the selective removal of haptoglobin from mixtures of serum proteins by adsorption on haemoglobin covalently linked to Sepharose. No evidence was obtained that haptoglobin has any inhibitory activity against the enzyme.     

LARGE expression augments the glycosylation of glycoproteins in addition to α-dystroglycan conferring laminin binding

Mutations in genes encoding glycosyltransferases (and presumed glycosyltransferases) that affect glycosylation and extracellular matrix binding activity of α-dystroglycan (α-DG) cause congenital muscular dystrophies (CMDs) with central nervous system manifestations. Among the identified genes, LARGE is of particular interest because its overexpression rescues glycosylation defects of α-DG in mutations of not only LARGE but also other CMD-causing genes and restores laminin binding activity of α-DG. It is not known whether LARGE protein glycosylates other proteins in addition to α-DG. In this study, we overexpressed LARGE in DG-deficient cells and analyzed glycosylated proteins by Western blot analysis. Surprisingly, overexpression of LARGE in α-DG-deficient cells led to glycosylation dependent IIH6C4 and VIA4-1 immunoreactivity, despite the prevailing view that these antibodies only recognize glycosylated α-DG. Furthermore, the hyperglycosylated proteins in LARGE-overexpressing cells demonstrated the functional capacity to bind the extracellular matrix molecule laminin and promote laminin assembly at the cell surface, an effect that was blocked by IIH6C4 antibodies. These results indicate that overexpression of LARGE catalyzes the glycosylation of at least one other glycoprotein in addition to α-DG, and that this glycosylation(s) promotes laminin binding activity.     

Calcium regulation of the secretion of α-amylase isoenzymes and other proteins from barley aleurone layers

The effect of calcium on the secretion of α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) and other hydrolases from aleurone layers of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Himalaya) was studied. Withdrawal of Ca²⁺ from the incubation medium of aleurone layers preincubated in 5 μM gibberellic acid (GA₃) and 5 mM CaCl₂ results in a 70–80% reduction in the secretion of α-amylase activity to the incubation medium. Agar-gel electrophoresis shows that the reduction in α-amylase activity following Ca²⁺ withdrawal is correlated with the disappearance of group B isoenzymes from the incubation medium. The secretion of isoenzymes of group A is unaffected by Ca²⁺. The addition of Ca²⁺ stimulates the secretion of group-B isoenzymes but has no measurable effect on either the α-amylase activity or the isoenzyme pattern of aleurone-layer extracts. Pulse-labelling experiments with [³⁵S]methionine show that Ca²⁺ withdrawal results in a reduction in the secretion of labelled polypeptides into the incubation medium. Immunochemical studies also show that, in the absence of Ca²⁺, α-amylase isoenzymes of group B are not secreted into the incubation medium. In addition to its effect on α-amylase, Ca²⁺ influences the secretion of other proteins including several acid hydrolases. The secretion of these other proteins shows the same dependence on Ca²⁺ concentration as does that of α-amylase. Other cations can promote the secretion of α-amylase to less and varying extents. Strontium is 85% as effective as Ca²⁺ while Ba²⁺ is only 10% as effective. We conclude that Ca²⁺ regulates the secretion of enzymes and other proteins from the aleurone layer of barley.     

Regulation of extracellular proteins and α-amylase secretion by temperature inBacillus subtilis

α-Amylase was found to be the main protein secreted byBacillus subtilis, corresponding to 90, 87 and 60% of total extracellular proteins at 30, 40 and 45°C, respectively. A change in temperature can affect the pattern of proteins secreted as detected by gel electrophoresis.¹⁴C-Leucine incorporation into extracellular proteins and their proportion at the end of the growth phase was higher at 30°C than that at 40 or 45°C. The effect of temperature on α-amylase synthesis as determined by its enzymic activity and on the extracellular protein synthesis followed a similar pattern.     

Synthesis of β-glucanase and other extracellular proteins by cells and protoplasts of the yeast Pichia polymorpha

The synthesis of β-glucanase either by cells or by protoplasts of the yeast Pichia polymorpha has been found to occur in the presence of 2-deoxy-d-glucose in the growth medium. On the other hand, the synthesis of typical extracellular proteins such as invertase and acid phosphatase is strongly affected by the presence of the drug. The degree of inhibition is, however, directly related to the 2-deoxy-d-glucose concentration.     

Glycoproteomic characterization of recombinant mouse α-dystroglycan

α-Dystroglycan (DG) is a key component of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. Aberrant glycosylation of the protein has been linked to various forms of congenital muscular dystrophy. Unusually α-DG has previously been demonstrated to be modified with both O-N-acetylgalactosamine and O-mannose initiated glycans. In the present study, Fc-tagged recombinant mouse α-DG was expressed and purified from human embryonic kidney 293T cells. α-DG glycopeptides were characterized by glycoproteomic strategies using both nano-liquid chromatography matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization and electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 14 different peptide sequences and 38 glycopeptides were identified which displayed heterogeneous O-glycosylation. These data provide new insights into the complex domain-specific O-glycosylation of α-DG.     

Development of electrochemiluminescence-based singleplex and multiplex assays for the quantification of α-synuclein and other proteins in cerebrospinal fluid

The need for improved diagnostic accuracy and markers of progression in neurodegenerative diseases motivates the identification of objective biomarkers as well as optimized assays for their quantification. Several potential marker candidates for Parkinson's disease (PD) in cerebrospinal fluid have been identified. These include α-synuclein, a major constituent of the intracellular aggregates. We give a general overview and details of our experience in converting established enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays (for α-synuclein and other proteins) onto an electrochemiluminescence-based platform as well as considerations on multiplexing different assays for PD.     

Inhibition of α-synuclein aggregation by small heat shock proteins

The fibrillization of α-synuclein (α-syn) is a key event in the pathogenesis of α-synucleinopathies. Mutant α-syn (A53T, A30P, or E46K), each linked to familial Parkinson's disease, has altered aggregation properties, fibril morphologies, and fibrillization kinetics. Besides α-syn, Lewy bodies also contain several associated proteins including small heat shock proteins (sHsps). Since α-syn accumulates intracellularly, molecular chaperones like sHsps may regulate α-syn folding and aggregation. Therefore, we investigated if the sHsps αB-crystallin, Hsp27, Hsp20, HspB8, and HspB2B3 bind to α-syn and affect α-syn aggregation. We demonstrate that all sHsps bind to the various α-syns, although the binding kinetics suggests a weak and transient interaction only. Despite this transient interaction, the various sHsps inhibited mature α-syn fibril formation as shown by a Thioflavin T assay and atomic force microscopy. Interestingly, HspB8 was the most potent sHsp in inhibiting mature fibril formation of both wild-type and mutant α-syn. In conclusion, sHsps may regulate α-syn aggregation and, therefore, optimization of the interaction between sHsps and α-syn may be an interesting target for therapeutic intervention in the pathogenesis of α-synucleinopathies.     

The functional roles of the unstructured N- and C-terminal regions in αB-crystallin and other mammalian small heat-shock proteins

Small heat-shock proteins (sHsps), such as αB-crystallin, are one of the major classes of molecular chaperone proteins. In vivo, under conditions of cellular stress, sHsps are the principal defence proteins that prevent large-scale protein aggregation. Progress in determining the structure of sHsps has been significant recently, particularly in relation to the conserved, central and β-sheet structured α-crystallin domain (ACD). However, an understanding of the structure and functional roles of the N- and C-terminal flanking regions has proved elusive mainly because of their unstructured and dynamic nature. In this paper, we propose functional roles for both flanking regions, based around three properties: (i) they act in a localised crowding manner to regulate interactions with target proteins during chaperone action, (ii) they protect the ACD from deleterious amyloid fibril formation and (iii) the flexibility of these regions, particularly at the extreme C-terminus in mammalian sHsps, provides solubility for sHsps under chaperone and non-chaperone conditions. In the eye lens, these properties are highly relevant as the crystallin proteins, in particular the two sHsps αA- and αB-crystallin, are present at very high concentrations.     

Secretion of N-terminal domain of α-dystroglycan in cerebrospinal fluid

α-Dystroglycan (α-DG) plays crucial roles in maintaining the stability of cells. We demonstrated previously that the N-terminal domain of α-DG (α-DG-N) is secreted by cultured cells into the culture medium. In the present study, to clarify its function in vivo, we generated a monoclonal antibody against α-DG-N and investigated the secretion of α-DG-N in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Interestingly, we found that a considerable amount of α-DG-N was present in CSF. α-DG-N in CSF was a sialylated glycoprotein with both N- and O-linked glycan. These observations suggest that secreted α-DG-N may be transported via CSF and have yet unidentified effects on the nervous system.     

Formation of N′-formylkynurenine in proteins from lens and other sources by exposure to sunlight

The photo-oxidative effect of sunlight on the tryptophan residues of proteins and on free tryptophan is described. Evidence is presented that the indole ring is split to yield N'-formylkynurenine. The possible relation of this photo-oxidative change to changes in the lens proteins of brown cataracts is discussed.     

Glycosylation of α-dystroglycan: O-mannosylation influences the subsequent addition of GalNAc by UDP-GalNAc polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases

O-Linked glycosylation is a functionally and structurally diverse type of protein modification present in many tissues and across many species. α-Dystroglycan (α-DG), a protein linked to the extracellular matrix, whose glycosylation status is associated with human muscular dystrophies, displays two predominant types of O-glycosylation, O-linked mannose (O-Man) and O-linked N-acetylgalactosamine (O-GalNAc), in its highly conserved mucin-like domain. The O-Man is installed by an enzyme complex present in the endoplasmic reticulum. O-GalNAc modifications are initiated subsequently in the Golgi apparatus by the UDP-GalNAc polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (ppGalNAc-T) enzymes. How the presence and position of O-Man influences the action of the ppGalNAc-Ts on α-DG and the distribution of the two forms of glycosylation in this domain is not known. Here, we investigated the interplay between O-Man and the addition of O-GalNAc by examining the activity of the ppGalNAc-Ts on peptides and O-Man-containing glycopeptides mimicking those found in native α-DG. These synthetic glycopeptides emulate intermediate structures, not otherwise readily available from natural sources. Through enzymatic and mass spectrometric methods, we demonstrate that the presence and specific location of O-Man can impact either the regional exclusion or the site of O-GalNAc addition on α-DG, elucidating the factors contributing to the glycosylation patterns observed in vivo. These results provide evidence that one form of glycosylation can influence another form of glycosylation in α-DG and suggest that in the absence of proper O-mannosylation, as is associated with certain forms of muscular dystrophy, aberrant O-GalNAc modifications may occur and could play a role in disease presentation.     

Transgenic overexpression of LARGE induces α-dystroglycan hyperglycosylation in skeletal and cardiac muscle

Background

LARGE is one of seven putative or demonstrated glycosyltransferase enzymes defective in a common group of muscular dystrophies with reduced glycosylation of α-dystroglycan. Overexpression of LARGE induces hyperglycosylation of α-dystroglycan in both wild type and in cells from dystroglycanopathy patients, irrespective of their primary gene defect, restoring functional glycosylation. Viral delivery of LARGE to skeletal muscle in animal models of dystroglycanopathy has identical effects in vivo, suggesting that the restoration of functional glycosylation could have therapeutic applications in these disorders. Pharmacological strategies to upregulate Large expression are also being explored.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In order to asses the safety and efficacy of long term LARGE over-expression in vivo, we have generated four mouse lines expressing a human LARGE transgene. On observation, LARGE transgenic mice were indistinguishable from the wild type littermates. Tissue analysis from young mice of all four lines showed a variable pattern of transgene expression: highest in skeletal and cardiac muscles, and lower in brain, kidney and liver. Transgene expression in striated muscles correlated with α-dystroglycan hyperglycosylation, as determined by immunoreactivity to antibody IIH6 and increased laminin binding on an overlay assay. Other components of the dystroglycan complex and extracellular matrix ligands were normally expressed, and general muscle histology was indistinguishable from wild type controls. Further detailed muscle physiological analysis demonstrated a loss of force in response to eccentric exercise in the older, but not in the younger mice, suggesting this deficit developed over time. However this remained a subclinical feature as no pathology was observed in older mice in any muscles including the diaphragm, which is sensitive to mechanical load-induced damage.

Conclusions/Significance

This work shows that potential therapies in the dystroglycanopathies based on LARGE upregulation and α-dystroglycan hyperglycosylation in muscle should be safe.     

Structure determination of α-helical membrane proteins by solution-state NMR: Emphasis on retinal proteins

The biochemical processes of living cells involve a numerous series of reactions that work with exceptional specificity and efficiency. The tight control of this intricate reaction network stems from the architecture of the proteins that drive the chemical reactions and mediate protein–protein interactions. Indeed, the structure of these proteins will determine both their function and interaction partners. A detailed understanding of the proximity and orientation of pivotal functional groups can reveal the molecular mechanistic basis for the activity of a protein. Together with X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy, NMR spectroscopy plays an important role in solving three-dimensional structures of proteins at atomic resolution. In the challenging field of membrane proteins, retinal-binding proteins are often employed as model systems and prototypes to develop biophysical techniques for the study of structural and functional mechanistic aspects. The recent determination of two 3D structures of seven-helical trans-membrane retinal proteins by solution-state NMR spectroscopy highlights the potential of solution NMR techniques in contributing to our understanding of membrane proteins. This review summarizes the multiple strategies available for expression of isotopically labeled membrane proteins. Different environments for mimicking lipid bilayers will be presented, along with the most important NMR methods and labeling schemes used to generate high-quality NMR spectra. The article concludes with an overview of types of conformational restraints used for generation of high-resolution structures of membrane proteins. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Retinal Proteins — You can teach an old dog new tricks.     

Differential rates of α-amylase and acid phosphatase induction by Ga3 in embryoless half-seeds and isolated aleurones of wheat

The induction of α-amylase and acid phosphatase by gibberellic acid (GA₃) was significantly higher (2–4-fold) in embryoless half-seeds of wheat than that observed in the excised aleurones. Addition of endosperm extract to excised aleurones enhanced the stimulatory effect of GA₃ on amylase activity by approximately 2-fold. Substitution of endosperm extract by 19 amino acids in GA₃-treated aleurones also brought about a 2–2.5-fold stimulation of α-amylase activity. Subsequent studies revealed that the addition of seven non-polar amino acids (0.5 mM each) was sufficient for the enhanced induction of α-amylase (1.8–2.5-fold) in GA₃-treated aleurones. A similatory effect of endosperm extract and amino acids on acid phosphatase activity was observed in GA₃-treated wheat aleurones. These observations are of physiological significance since an increased pool of free amino acids (5-fold) was also witnessed in the incubation medium of GA₃-treated half-seeds in comparison to the hormone-treated aleurones. The relative abundance of free amino acids in half-seed seems vital for the maximal induction of α-amylase and acid phosphatase. Thus, the presence of endosperm tissue associated with the aleurone layers is crucial for enhanced rate of production of GA₃-induced α-amylase and acid phosphatase in the wheat system.     

Differential inhibition of α-synuclein oligomeric and fibrillar assembly in parkinson's disease model by cinnamon extract

Background

The oligomeriztion of α-synuclein (α-syn) into ordered assemblies is associated with the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (PD). Yet, it is still debatable whether oligomers are formed as part of a multistep process towards amyloid fibril formation or alternatively as "off-pathway" aggregates.

Methods

100 μM α-syn was incubated with decreasing amounts of cinnamon extract precipitation (CEppt). The fibril formation was measured using spectroscopy and microscopy analyses and oligomers were detected using western blot analysis. The secondary structure of the protein was analyzed using CD. Drosophila brains were studied using immunostaining and confocal microscopy.

Results

Here we probed the inhibition pattern of oligomeric and fibrillar forms of α-syn, using a natural substance, CEppt which was previously shown to effectively inhibit aggregation of β-amyloid polypeptide. We demonstrated that CEppt has a differential inhibitory effect on the formation of soluble and insoluble aggregates of α-synuclein in vitro. This inhibition pattern revokes the possibility of redirection to "off-pathway" oligomers. When administering to Drosophila fly model expressing mutant A53T α-syn in the nervous system, a significant curative effect on the behavioral symptoms of the flies and on α-syn aggregation in their brain was observed.

Conclusions

We conclude that CEppt affects the process of aggregation of α-syn without changing its secondary structure and suggest that increasing amounts of CEppt slow this process by stabilizing the soluble oligomeric phase. When administered to Drosophila fly model, CEppt appears to have a curative effect on the defective flies.

General significance

Our results indicate that CEppt can be a potential therapeutic agent for PD.