Deoxycytidine methylation does not affect DNA.RNA hybrid formation or B-A transitions of (dG)n.(dC)n sequences.

Optical thermal denaturation and circular dichroism (CD) experiments were performed with the following non-selfcomplementary duplex DNA, RNA and DNA.RNA hybrids: (I) dGAG3C3G3CTC.dGAGC3G3C3TC, (II) dGAG3m5C3G3m5CTC.dGAGm5C3G3m5C3TC, (III) rGAG3C3G3CUC.rGAGC3G3C3UC, (IV) dGAG3C3G3CTC.rGAGC3G3C3UC, (V) rGAG3C3G3CUC.dGAGC3G3C3TC, (VI) dGAG3m5C3G3m5CTC.rGAGC3G3C3UC, (VII) rGAG3C3G3CUC.dGAGm5C3G3m5C3TC. Duplex stabilities (delta G degrees at 60 degrees C) increase in the order: I less than IV less than II = V = VI less than VII less than III. Large enthalpic stabilization is associated with intrastrand stacking of guanosine (rG) residues. CD spectroscopy indicates B-form conformations for the unmethylated and methylated DNA (I,II), A-form geometry for the RNA (III), and DNA.RNA hybrid (IV - VII) conformations resembling but not identical to A-RNA. C5-methyldeoxycytidine does not significantly influence DNA conformation, DNA.RNA hybrid formation, or the ability of DNA to adopt an A-type conformation in trifluoroethanol solutions.     

Epidermal growth factor and the control of proliferation of Balb 3T3 and benzo[a]pyrene-transformed Balb 3T3 cells.

Benzo[a]pyrene-transformed Balb 3T3 cells (BP3T3) exhibit "normal" growth controls at low concentrations of serum. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates DNA synthesis and cell division in both Balb 3T3 and BP3T3 cells at physiological concentrations. The growth response of BP3T3 cells to EGF is qualitatively the same as that of 3T3 cells, however, the transformed cells have a lower quantitative requirement. Both 3T3 and BP3T3 cells show a density-dependent response to EGF, but the shift in the dose response curve for BP3T3 cells at high cell density is smaller than that seen for 3T3 cells. One cause of the restricted growth of 3T3 cells at high cell density compared with BP3T3 cells is the increased concentration of growth factor needed for stimulation of 3T3 cells at higher cell densities. A lower rate of depletion of other growth factory by BP3T3 cells may also explain the smaller effect of cell density on the EGF response of these cells.     

Patterns of Starchy Endosperm Acidification and Protease Gene Expression in Wheat Grains following Germination

The family of 14-3-3 proteins is ubiquitous in eukaryotes and has been shown to exert an array of functions. We were interested in the possible role of 14-3-3 proteins in seed germination. Therefore, we studied the expression of 14-3-3 mRNA and protein in barley (Hordeum distichum L.) embryos during germination. With the use of specific cDNA probes and antibodies, we could detect individual expression of three 14-3-3 isoforms, 14-3-3A, 14-3-3B, and 14-3-3C. Each homolog was found to be expressed in barley embryos. Whereas protein levels of all three isoforms were constant during germination, mRNA expression was found to be induced upon imbibition of the grains. The induction of 14-3-3A gene expression during germination was different from that of 14-3-3B and 14-3-3C. In situ immunolocalization analysis showed similar spatial expression for 14-3-3A and 14-3-3B, while 14-3-3C expression was markedly different. Whereas 14-3-3A and 14-3-3B were expressed throughout the embryo, 14-3-3C expression was tissue specific, with the strongest expression observed in the scutellum and the L2 layer of the shoot apical meristem. These results show that 14-3-3 homologs are differently regulated in barley embryos, and provide a first step in acquiring more knowledge about the role of 14-3-3 proteins in the germination process.     

Synthesis of some S-3''-deoxyadenosyl-L-homocysteine analogues.

Condensation of 3'-deoxy-3-deazaadenosine, 3'-deoxy-7-deazaadenosine and 3'-deoxyadenosine with N,N'-bis-trifluoroacetyl-L-homocystine dimethyl ester and subsequent deprotection of the resulting N-trifluoroacetyl-S-3'-deoxyadenosyl-L-homocysteine analogues afforded S-3'-deoxy-3-deazaadenosyl-L-homocysteine, S-3'-deoxy-7-deazaadenosyl-L-homocysteine and S-3'-deoxyadenosyl-L-homocysteine respectively. 3'-Deoxy-3-deazaadenosine and 3'-deoxy-7-deazaadenosine were prepared by transformation of the corresponding ribonucleosides with 2-acetoxyisobutyryl bromide. 3'-Deoxy-7-deazaadenosine and 3'-deoxyadenosine were also converted into their 5'-chloro-3',5'-dideoxy derivatives which in turn were condensed with L-homocysteine sodium salt to give S-3'-deoxy-7-deazaadenosyl-L-homocysteine and S-3'-deoxyadenosyl-L-homocysteine which were identical with those synthesized by condensation of the protected L-homocystine with the 3'-deoxynucleosides.     

Hyaluronate degradation in 3T3 and simian virus-transformed 3T3 cells

The cellular control of hyaluronate levels was examined in cultures of simian virus 40-transformed 3T3 (SV3T3) and 3T3 cells which are known to differ in their metabolism of hyaluronate. When [3H]hyaluronate was added to cultures of the two cell lines, four times more ligand was bound per mg of protein by the SV3T3 cells than by the 3T3 cells. Of the bound [3H] hyaluronate, 40% was degraded by the SV3T3 cells to oligosaccharides characteristic of the breakdown of hyaluronate, but only 2% was degraded by 3T3 cells. Hyaluronidase activity was found in the cell layer and medium of the SV3T3 cultures, but was not detectable in 3T3 cells. The SV3T3 enzyme was active only at acidic pH, but at neutral pH the secreted SV3T3 hyaluronidase was thermally more stable then the cell-associated enzyme. In contrast, both cell lines were found to contain similar amounts of beta-glucuronidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity. We conclude that the elevated capacity of SV3T3 cells to degrade hyaluronate may be partially responsible for their lack of the hyaluronate-containing pericellular coat which is prominent around 3T3 cells.     

Calcium channel γ subunits provide insights into the evolution of this gene family

The γ subunits of voltage-dependent calcium channels influence calcium current properties and may be involved in other physiological functions. Five distinct γ subunits have been described from human and/or mouse. The first identified member of this group of proteins, γ₁, is a component of the L-type calcium channel expressed in skeletal muscle. A second member, γ₂, identified from the stargazer mouse regulates the targeting of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors to the postsynaptic membrane. We report here the identification of three novel γ subunits from rat and mouse as well as the unidentified rat, mouse and human orthologs of the previously described subunits. Phylogenetic analysis of the 24 mammalian γ subunits suggests the following relationship ((((γ₂, γ₃), (γ₄, γ₈)), (γ₅, γ₇)), (γ₁, γ₆)) that indicates that they evolved from a common ancestral γ subunit via gene duplication. Our analysis reveals that the novel γ subunit γ₆ most closely resembles γ₁ and shares with it the lack of a PSD-95/DLG/ZO-1 (PDZ)-binding motif that is characteristic of most other γ subunits. Rat γ subunit mRNAs are expressed in multiple tissues including brain, heart, lung, and testis. The expression of γ₁ mRNA and the long isoform of γ₆ mRNA is most robust in skeletal muscle, while γ₆ is also highly expressed in cardiac muscle. Based on our analysis of the molecular evolution, primary structure, and tissue distribution of the γ subunits, we propose that γ₁ and γ₆ may share common physiological functions distinct from the other homologous γ subunits.     

Subunit configuration of heteromeric cone cyclic nucleotide-gated channels

Cone photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are thought to be tetrameric assemblies of CNGB3 (B3) and CNGA3 (A3) subunits. We have used functional and biochemical approaches to investigate the stoichiometry and arrangement of these subunits in recombinant channels. First, tandem dimers of linked subunits were used to constrain the order of CNGB3 and CNGA3 subunits; the properties of channels formed by B3/B3+A3/A3 dimers, or A3/B3+B3/A3 dimers, closely resembled those of channels arising from B3+A3 monomers. Functional markers in B3/B3 (or A3/A3) dimers confirmed that both B3 subunits (and both A3 subunits) gained membership into the pore-forming tetramer and that like subunits were positioned adjacent to each other. Second, chemical crosslinking and co-immunoprecipitation studies using epitope-tagged monomer subunits both demonstrated the presence of two CNGB3 subunits in cone channels. Together, these data support a preferred subunit arrangement for cone CNG channels (B3-B3-A3-A3) that is distinct from the 3A:1B configuration of rod channels.     

Characterization of 14-3-3sigma Dimerization Determinants: Requirement of Homodimerization for Inhibition of Cell Proliferation

The seven highly conserved 14-3-3 proteins expressed in mammalian cells form a complex pattern of homo- and hetero-dimers, which is poorly characterized. Among the 14-3-3 proteins 14-3-3sigma is unique as it has tumor suppressive properties. Expression of 14-3-3sigma is induced by DNA damage in a p53-dependent manner and mediates a cell cycle arrest. Here we show that the 14-3-3sigma protein exclusively forms homodimers when it is ectopically expressed at high levels, whereas ectopic 14-3-3zeta formed heterodimers with the 5 other 14-3-3 isoforms. The x-ray structure of 14-3-3sigma?revealed 5 residues (Ser⁵, Glu²⁰, Phe²⁵, Q⁵⁵, Glu⁸⁰) as candidate determinants of dimerization specificity. Here we converted these amino-acids to residues present in 14-3-3zeta at the analogous positions. Thereby, Ser⁵, Glu²⁰ and Glu⁸⁰ were identified as key residues responsible for the selective homodimerization of 14-3-3sigma. Conversion of all 5 candidate residues was sufficient to switch the dimerization pattern of 14-3-3sigma to a pattern which is very similar to that of 14-3-3zeta. In contrast to wildtype 14-3-3sigma this 14-3-3sigma variant and 14-3-3zeta were unable to mediate inhibition of cell proliferation. Therefore, homodimerization by 14-3-3sigma is required for its unique functions among the 7 mammalian 14-3-3 proteins. As inactivation of 14-3-3sigma sensitizes to DNA-damaging drugs, substances designed to interfere with 14-3-3sigma dimerization may be used to inactivate 14-3-3sigma function for cancer therapeutic purposes.     

Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases from Balb 3T3 cells and other 3T3 derived lines

Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and 3H-cAMP-binding activities were determined in normal Balb 3T3 cells and compared with the same preparations from SV40, chemical, and spontaneous transformants of 3T3 cells. The cytosolic protein kinase activities and protein kinase activity ratios were similar in all cell lines, although when the normal 3T3 cytosol was prepared by homogenization it contained less 3H-cAMP binding activity than the transformed 3T3 cytosols. The Triton X-100 treated particulate fractions from the normal and transformed 3T3 cells contained similar protein kinase and binding activities. The isozymic profile of cAMP-dependent protein kinases was examined by DEAE-chromatography. The 3T3 cells contained only type II isozyme in either cytosolic or membrane fractions. All transformants of the 3T3 cells contained both type I and type II isozymes. Other cell cultures, including chicken embryo fibroblasts, rat kidney cells, and human or calf endothelial cells contained type I and type II isozymes. Binding of the photoaffinity analogue of cAMP, 8-N3 cAMP, to the regulatory subunits of protein kinases in sonicates obtained from Balb 3T3 and SV 3T3 cells followed by separation on SDS polyacrylamide electrophoresis showed that the amount of RII subunit was approximately equal in the two cell lines. RI in Balb 3T3 cells was detectable but in a much lower quantity than in SV 3T3 cells. The cyclic AMP dependent-protein kinases from Balb 3T3 cells appears to be different from SV 3T3 cells by three criteria: 3H-cAMP binding in homogenates, DEAE chromatographic separation of isozymes, and 8-N3 cAMP binding.     

Molecular determinants of desensitization and assembly of the chimeric GABAA receptor subunits (α1/γ2) and (γ2/α1) in combinations with β2 and γ2

Two γ-aminobutyric acid_A (GABA_A) receptor chimeras were designed in order to elucidate the structural requirements for GABA_A receptor desensitization and assembly. The (α1/γ2) and (γ2/α1) chimeric subunits representing the extracellular N-terminal domain of α1 or γ2 and the remainder of the γ2 or α1 subunits, respectively, were expressed with β2 and β2γ2 in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf-9) cells using the baculovirus expression system. The (α1/γ2)β2 and (α1/γ2)β2γ2 but not the (γ2/α1)β2 and (γ2/α1)β2γ2 subunit combinations formed functional receptor complexes as shown by whole-cell patch–clamp recordings and [³H]muscimol and [³H]flunitrazepam binding. Moreover, the surface immunofluorescence staining of Sf-9 cells expressing the (α1/γ2)-containing receptors was pronounced, as opposed to the staining of the (γ2/α1)-containing receptors, which was only slightly higher than background. To explain this, the (α1/γ2) and (γ2/α1) chimeras may act like α1 and γ2 subunits, respectively, indicating that the extracellular N-terminal segment is important for assembly. However, the (α1/γ2) chimeric subunit had characteristics different from the α1 subunit, since the (α1/γ2) chimera gave rise to no desensitization after GABA stimulation in whole-cell patch–clamp recordings, which was independent of whether the chimera was expressed in combination with β2 or β2γ2. Surprisingly, the (α1/γ2)(γ2/α1)β2 subunit combination did desensitize, indicating that the C-terminal segment of the α1 subunit may be important for desensitization. Moreover, desensitization was observed for the (α1/γ2)β2γ2 receptor with respect to the direct activation by pentobarbital. This suggests differences in the mechanism of channel activation for pentobarbital and GABA.     

Highly efficient synthesis of alternate alpha- and beta-(1-->3)-linked glucose hepta- and octasaccharides

Two heptasaccharides alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp-1-OMP and beta-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp1-OMP, and two octasaccharides alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp-1-OMP and beta-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Glcp1-OMP were synthesized in a stereospecific way by remote control.     

The effects of BIG-3 on osteoblast differentiation are not dependent upon endogenously produced BMPs

BMPs play an important role in both intramembranous and endochondral ossification. BIG-3, BMP-2-induced gene 3 kb, encodes a WD-40 repeat protein that accelerates the program of osteoblastic differentiation in vitro. To examine the potential interactions between BIG-3 and the BMP-2 pathway during osteoblastic differentiation, MC3T3-E1 cells stably transfected with BIG-3 (MC3T3E1-BIG-3), or with the empty vector (MC3T3E1-EV), were treated with noggin. Noggin treatment of pooled MC3T3E1-EV clones inhibited the differentiation-dependent increase in AP activity observed in the untreated MC3T3E1-EV clones but did not affect the increase in AP activity in the MC3T3E1-BIG-3 clones. Noggin treatment decreased the expression of Runx2 and type I collagen mRNAs and impaired mineralized matrix formation in MC3T3E1-EV clones but not in MC3T3E1-BIG-3 clones. To determine whether the actions of BIG-3 on osteoblast differentiation converged upon the BMP pathway or involved an alternate signaling pathway, Smad1 phosphorylation was examined. Basal phosphorylation of Smad1 was not altered in the MC3T3E1-BIG-3 clones. However, these clones did not exhibit the noggin-dependent decrease in phosphoSmad1 observed in the MC3T3E1-EV clones, nor did it decrease nuclear localization of phosphoSmad1. These observations suggest that BIG-3 accelerates osteoblast differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells by inducing phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad1 independently of endogenously produced BMPs.     

Expression analysis and tissue distribution of two 14-3-3 proteins in silkworm (Bombyx mori)

14-3-3 proteins, which have been identified in a wide variety of eukaryotes, are highly conserved acidic proteins. In this study, we identified two genes in silkworm that encode 14-3-3 proteins (Bm14-3-3ζ and Bm14-3-3ε). Category of two 14-3-3 proteins was identified according to phylogenetic analysis. Bm14-3-3ζ shared 90% identity with that in Drosophila, while Bm14-3-3ε shared 86% identity with that in Drosophila. According to Western blot and real time PCR analysis, the Bm14-3-3ζ expression levels are higher than Bm14-3-3ε in seven tissues and in four silkworm developmental stages examined. Bm14-3-3ζ was expressed during every stage of silkworm and in every tissue of the fifth instar larvae that was examined, but Bm14-3-3ε expression was not detected in eggs or heads of the fifth instar larvae. Both 14-3-3 proteins were highly expressed in silk glands. These results suggest that Bm14-3-3ζ expression is universal and continuous, while Bm14-3-3ε expression is tissue and stage-specific. Based on tissue expression patterns and the known functions of 14-3-3 proteins, it may be that both 14-3-3 proteins are involved in the regulation of gene expression in silkworm silk glands.     

Lipids of whole cells and plasma membrane fractions from Balb/c3T3, SV3T3, and concanavalin A-selected revertant cells.

The lipid composition of Balb/c3T3, SV3T3, and the concanavalin A-selected SV3T3 revertant cells has been analyzed at the whole cell and plasma membrane levels. In comparison to untransformed 3T3 whole cells, SV3T3 cells showed an unchanged content of triacylglycerols, free fatty acids, and glycerylether diesters but a lower concentration of total phospholipids, while no significant difference was found in the phospholipid composition. Whole SV3T3 revertant cells exhibited a lipid composition similar to that in untransformed 3T3 cells with the exception of a higher proportion of sphingomyelin. Analysis of isolated plasma membranes did not reveal any significant differences in the cholesterol to phospholipid molar ratio between 3T3 and SV3T3 or SV3T3 revertant cells. The major changes in the acyl chain pattern SV3T3 compared with whole 3T3 cells consisted of an increase of oleic and palmitoleic acids coupled with a decrease of C20 and C22 polyunsaturated acids in phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine; an increase of oleic acid was also evident in SV3T3 phosphatidylinositol plus phosphatidylserine. An increase of palmitoleic and oleic acids together with a decrease of arachidonic acid was also found in phosphatidylethanolamine of SV3T3 plasma membranes; the only change in SV3T3 plasma membrane phosphatidylcholine was an increase of oleic acid. An increase of monoenoic acids together with a decrease of arachidonic acid was also found in phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol plus phosphatidylserine of SV3T3 revertant cells at the level of both whole cells and plasma membranes.     

Significance of 14-3-3 self-dimerization for phosphorylation-dependent target binding

14-3-3 proteins via binding serine/threonine-phosphorylated proteins regulate diverse intracellular processes in all eukaryotic organisms. Here, we examine the role of 14-3-3 self-dimerization in target binding, and in the susceptibility of 14-3-3 to undergo phosphorylation. Using a phospho-specific antibody developed against a degenerated mode-1 14-3-3 binding motif (RSxpSxP), we demonstrate that most of the 14-3-3-associated proteins in COS-7 cells are phosphorylated on sites that react with this antibody. The binding of these phosphoproteins depends on 14-3-3 dimerization, inasmuch as proteins associated in vivo with a monomeric 14-3-3 form are not recognized by the phospho-specific antibody. The role of 14-3-3 dimerization in the phosphorylation-dependent target binding is further exemplified with two well-defined 14-3-3 targets, Raf and DAF-16. Raf and DAF-16 can bind both monomeric and dimeric 14-3-3; however, whereas phosphorylation of specific Raf and DAF-16 sites is required for binding to dimeric 14-3-3, binding to monomeric 14-3-3 forms is entirely independent of Raf and DAF-16 phosphorylation. We also find that dimerization diminishes 14-3-3 susceptibility to phosphorylation. These findings establish a significant role of 14-3-3 dimerization in its ability to bind targets in a phosphorylation-dependent manner and point to a mechanism in which 14-3-3 phosphorylation and dimerization counterregulate each other.     

Calyculin A-induced vimentin phosphorylation sequesters 14-3-3 and displaces other 14-3-3 partners in vivo

14-3-3 proteins bind their targets through a specific serine/threonine-phosphorylated motif present on the target protein. This binding is a crucial step in the phosphorylation-dependent regulation of various key proteins involved in signal transduction and cell cycle control. We report that treatment of COS-7 cells with the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A induces association of 14-3-3 with a 55-kDa protein, identified as the intermediate filament protein vimentin. Association of vimentin with 14-3-3 depends on vimentin phosphorylation and requires the phosphopeptide-binding domain of 14-3-3. The region necessary for binding to 14-3-3 is confined to the vimentin amino-terminal head domain (amino acids 1-96). Monomeric forms of 14-3-3 do not bind vimentin in vivo or in vitro, indicating that a stable complex requires the binding of a 14-3-3 dimer to two sites on a single vimentin polypeptide. The calyculin A-induced association of vimentin with 14-3-3 in vivo results in the displacement of most other 14-3-3 partners, including the protooncogene Raf, which nevertheless remain capable of binding 14-3-3 in vitro. Concomitant with 14-3-3 displacement, calyculin A treatment blocks Raf activation by EGF; however, this inhibition is completely overcome by 14-3-3 overexpression in vivo or by the addition of prokaryotic recombinant 14-3-3 in vitro. Thus, phosphovimentin, by sequestering 14-3-3 and limiting its availability to other target proteins can affect intracellular signaling processes that require 14-3-3.     

Inhibition of DNA synthesis in SV3T3 cultures by isolated 3T3 plasma membranes

3T3 plasma membranes were added to subconfluent cultures of SV3T3 cells in the presence of fusogens. If this protocol results in the introduction into the SV3T3 cell membrane of 3T3 plasma membrane components responsible for density-dependent inhibition of growth, then the SV3T3 cell cultures would be expected to show decreased rates of DNA synthesis as they approach confluence. Results of these experiments indicate that rates of DNA synthesis in SV3T3 cultures so treated were as much as 63% less than in untreated controls. This effect could not be attributed to the fusogens or to the 3T3 plasma membranes alone. This growth-inhibitory effect is specific for 3T3 membranes and is not observed when SV3T3 plasma membranes are fused with SV3T3 cell cultures. These data support the hypothesis that one aspect of the loss of density-dependent inhibition of growth in SV3T3 cells is a deletion or alteration in plasma membrane components and, further, that density- dependent inhibition of growth can be in part restored to SV3T3 cell cultures by fusing the cells with 3T3 plasma membranes.