Tumor cell surface alpha 4 beta 1 integrin mediates adhesion to vascular endothelium: demonstration of an interaction with the N-terminal domains of INCAM-110/VCAM-1.

Hematogenous metastasis involves adhesive interactions between blood-borne tumor cells and the vessel wall. By the use of in vitro assays, the adhesion of human melanoma, osteosarcoma, and kidney carcinoma (but not colon carcinoma) cell lines was shown to involve the cytokine-inducible endothelial cell surface protein inducible cell adhesion molecule 110 (INCAM-110) and the alpha 4 beta 1 integrin, molecules normally involved in endothelial-leukocyte interactions. Tumor adhesion to human endothelial cell monolayers was increased 1.9- to 8.2-fold by endothelial activation with the cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and inhibited by the anti-INCAM-110 monoclonal antibody (mAb) E1/6. Each of these tumor cells expressed members of the beta 1 integrin family of adhesion molecules, and antibodies to the alpha 4 and beta 1 integrin subunits inhibited tumor-endothelial adhesion (48-87% inhibition). A cDNA encompassing the three N-terminal Ig-like domains of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) encoded a protein recognized by the anti-INCAM-110 mAb E1/6 and, when captured onto plastic, supported melanoma cell adhesion by an alpha 4 integrin-dependent mechanism. In contrast to mAb E1/6, a second anti-INCAM-110 mAb Hu8/4 neither inhibited adhesion to activated endothelium nor bound the first three Ig-like domains of INCAM-110/VCAM-1. These data indicate that the adherence of several human tumors to activated endothelium is mediated by an interaction of alpha 4 beta 1 integrin and the N-terminal Ig-like domains of endothelial INCAM-110/VCAM-1. Tumor acquisition of the alpha 4 integrin subunit and endothelial expression of INCAM-110 may affect the frequency and distribution of metastasis.     

Contrasting roles for domain 4 of VCAM-1 in the regulation of cell adhesion and soluble VCAM-1 binding to integrin alpha4beta1

Cell adhesion mediated by the interaction between integrin alpha4beta1 and VCAM-1 is important in normal physiologic processes and in inflammatory and autoimmune disease. Numerous studies have mapped the alpha4beta1 binding sites in VCAM-1 that mediate cell adhesion; however, little is known about the regions in VCAM-1 important for regulating soluble binding. In the present study, we demonstrate that 6D VCAM-1 (an alternatively spliced isoform of VCAM-1 lacking Ig-like domain 4) binds alpha4beta1 with a higher relative affinity than does the full-length form of VCAM-1 containing 7 Ig-like extracellular domains (7D VCAM-1). In indirect binding assays, the EC50 of soluble 6D VCAM-1 binding to alpha4beta1 on Jurkat cells (in 1 mM MnCl2) was 2 x 10(-9) M, compared with 7D VCAM-1 at 11 x 10(-9) M. When used in solution to inhibit alpha4beta1 mediated cell adhesion, the IC50 of 6D VCAM-1 was 13 x 10(-9) M, compared with 7D VCAM-1 measured at 150 x 10(-9) M. Removal of Ig-like domains 4, 5, or 6, or simply substituting Asp328 in domain 4 of 7D VCAM-1 with alanine, caused increased binding of soluble 7D VCAM-1 to alpha4beta1. In contrast, cells adhered more avidly to 7D VCAM-1 under shear force, as it induced cell spreading at lower concentrations than did 6D VCAM-1. Finally, soluble 6D VCAM-1 acts as an agonist through alpha4beta1 by augmenting cell migration and inducing cell aggregation. These results indicate that the domain 4 of VCAM-1 plays a contrasting role when VCAM-1 is presented in solution or as a cell surface-expressed adhesive substrate.     

Detailed analysis of the IL-5-IL-5R alpha interaction: characterization of crucial residues on the ligand and the receptor.

The receptor for interleukin-5 (IL-5) is composed of two different subunits. The IL-5 receptor alpha (IL-5R alpha) is required for ligand-specific binding while association with the beta-chain results in increased binding affinity. Murine IL-5 (mIL-5) has similar activity on human and murine cells, whereas human IL-5 (hIL-5) has marginal activity on murine cells. We found that the combined substitution of K84 and N108 on hIL-5 by their respective murine counterpart yields a molecule which is as potent as mIL-5 for growth stimulation of a murine cell line. Since the unidirectional species specificity is due only to the interaction with the IL-5R alpha subunit, we have used chimeric IL-5R alpha molecules to define regions of hIL-5R alpha involved in species-specific hIL-5 ligand binding. We found that this property is largely determined by the NH2-terminal module of hIL-5R alpha, and detailed analysis defined D56 and to a lesser extent E58 as important for binding. Moreover, two additional residues, D55 and Y57, were identified by alanine scanning mutagenesis within the same region. Based on the observed homology between the NH2-terminal module and the membrane proximal (WSXWS-containing) module of hIL-5R alpha we located this stretch of four amino acid residues (D55, D56, Y57 and E58) in the loop region that connects the C and D beta-strands on the proposed tertiary structure of the NH2-terminal module.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Isolation and sequencing of a cDNA clone encoding lysosomal membrane glycoprotein mouse LAMP-1. Sequence similarity to proteins bearing onco-differentiation antigens

We have isolated and sequenced a cDNA clone encoding the mouse LAMP-1 (mLAMP-1) major lysosomal membrane glycoprotein. The deduced protein sequence, which included the NH2-terminal portion of the mLAMP-1 molecule, consisted of 382 amino acids (Mr 41,509). The predicted structure of this protein included an NH2-terminal intralumenal domain consisting of two homology units of approximately 160 residues each separated by a proline-rich hinge region. Each homology unit contained four cysteine residues with two intercysteine intervals of 36-38 residues and one of 68 or 76 residues. The molecule also contained 20 asparagine-linked glycosylation sites within residues 1-287, a membrane-spanning region from residues 347 to 370, and a carboxyl-terminal cytoplasmic domain of 12 residues. The biochemical properties and amino acid sequence of mLAMP-1 were highly similar to those of two other molecules that have been studied as cell surface onco-differentiation antigens: a highly sialylated polylactosaminoglycan-containing glycoprotein isolated from human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells (Viitala, J., Carlsson, S. R., Siebert, P. D., and Fukuda, M. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85, in press) and the mouse gp130 (P2B) glycoprotein, in which an increase in beta 1-6 branching of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides has been correlated with metastatic potential in certain tumor cells (Dennis, J.W., Laferte, S., Waghorne, C., Breitman, M.L., and Kerbel, R.S. (1987) Science 236, 582-585).     

Arrangement of domains, and amino acid residues required for binding of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 to its counter-receptor VLA-4 (alpha 4 beta 1)

Interaction of the vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) with its counter-receptor very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) (integrin alpha 4 beta 1) is important for a number of developmental pathways and inflammatory functions. We are investigating the molecular mechanism of this binding, in the interest of developing new anti-inflammatory drugs that block it. In a previous report, we showed that the predominant form of VCAM-1 on stimulated endothelial cells, seven-domain VCAM (VCAM-7D), is a functionally bivalent molecule. One binding site requires the first and the other requires the homologous immunoglobulin-like domain. Rotary shadowing and electron microscopy of recombinant soluble VCAM-7D molecules suggests that the seven Ig-like domains are extended in a slightly bent linear array, rather than compactly folded together. We have systematically mutagenized the first domain of VCAM-6D (a monovalent, alternately spliced version mission domain 4) by replacing 3-4 amino acids of the VCAM sequence with corresponding portions of the related ICAM-1 molecule. Specific amino acids, important for binding VLA-4 include aspartate 40 (D40), which corresponds to the acidic ICAM- 1 residue glutamate 34 (E34) previously reported to be essential for binding of ICAM-1 to its integrin counter-receptor LFA-1. A small region of VCAM including D40, QIDS, can be replaced by the similar ICAM- 1 sequence, GIET, without affecting function or epitopes, indicating that this region is part of a general integrin-binding structure rather than a determinant of binding specificity for a particular integrin. The VCAM-1 sequence G65NEH also appears to be involved in binding VLA-4.     

Primary sequence of two regions of mouse pro-adrenocorticotropin/endorphin

The amino acid sequences of two previously uncharacterized regions of the mouse anterior pituitary common precursor to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and beta-endorphin (pro-ACTH/endorphin) were determined. Portions of the NH2-terminal region of pro-ACTH/endorphin (called the 16K fragment) and the region between ACTH and beta-endorphin (called gamma-lipotropin) were sequenced by Edman degradations of biosynthetically labeled immunoprecipitated proteins and by Edman degradations of purified 16K fragment and beta-lipotropin. With a combination of these two approaches, 29 of the first 34 residues at the NH2-terminal end of the mouse 16K fragment were determined. The NH2-terminal region of the mouse 16K fragment was found to be nearly identical with the homologous porcine and bovine molecules. The complete amino acid sequence of the NH2-terminal region of gamma-lipotropin was determined. In contrast to the highly conserved nature of the 16K fragment, mouse gamma-lipotropin was found to differ substantially from the gamma-lipotropins of other species. Although the NH2-terminal and beta-melanotropin-like regions of the mouse gamma-lipotropin are similar to the corresponding regions of other gamma-lipotropins, the intervening region of mouse gamma-lipotropin is substantially shorter than it is in other gamma-lipotropins. In addition, mouse gamma-lipotropin lacks the pair of basic amino acids that normally mark the proteolytic cleavage site used to produce beta-melanotropin from gamma-lipotropin.     

Membrane integration and intracellular transport of the coronavirus glycoprotein E1, a class III membrane glycoprotein

The E1-glycoprotein (Mr = 26,014; 228 amino acids) of mouse hepatitis virus A59 is a class III membrane glycoprotein which has been used in this study as a model system in the study of membrane integration and protein transport. The protein lacks an NH2-terminal cleavable signal sequence and spans the viral membrane three times. Hydrophobic domains I and III could serve as signal sequences for cotranslational membrane integration. Domain I alone was sufficient to translocate the hydrophilic NH2 terminus of E1 across the membranes as evidenced by glycosylation of a newly introduced N-glycosylation site. The COOH-terminal part of E1 involving amino acids Leu124 to Thr228 was found to associate tightly with membranes at the post-translational level, although this part of the molecule lacks pronounced hydrophobic sequences. Membrane protection assays with proteinase K showed that a 2-kDa hydrophilic fragment was removed from the COOH terminus of E1 indicating that the protein is largely embedded into the membrane. Microinjection of in vitro transcribed capped and polyadenylated mRNA into CV-1 cells or into secretory AtT20 pituitary tumor cells showed that the E1-protein accumulated in the Golgi but was not detectable at the plasma membrane or in secretory granules. The 28 NH2-terminal hydrophilic amino acid residues play no role in membrane assembly or in intracellular targeting. Various NH2-terminal portions of E1 were fused to Ile145 of the cytoplasmic N-protein of mouse hepatitis virus. The resulting hybrid proteins were shown to assemble into membranes in vitro and were detected either in the rough endoplasmic reticulum or transient vesicles of microinjected cells.     

Induction of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 on human neural cells and mechanisms of mononuclear leukocyte adherence.

We propose that leukocyte-derived cytokines induce the expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of neural cells that facilitates the subsequent attachment of leukocytes. Leukocyte adherence may contribute to some of the neural cell injury seen with various inflammatory diseases of the nervous system. With an in vitro model system, we have shown that mononuclear leukocytes bind to human neuroblastoma and cortical neuron cells only after the neural cells are stimulated with TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha stimulates expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in both of these neural cell lines. VCAM-1 mRNA is increased and VCAM-1 protein can be identified on the neural cell membranes with a new VCAM-1-specific mAb, CL40/2 F8. TNF-alpha also induces ICAM-1 in both of these neural cell lines. Leukocyte beta 1 (CD29) and beta 2 (CD18) integrins and their respective ligands, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, on neural cells appear to be the dominant ligands mediating MNL:neural cell adhesive interactions. mAb to CD18 block 32 to 57% of the MNL binding to neural cells; similar inhibition is seen with mAb to ICAM-1. mAb to CD29 block 16 to 17% of the MNL binding to the neural cells suggesting that leukocyte beta 1 integrins and neural VCAM-1 may be a second route for MNL:neural cell interactions. Addition of both anti-CD18 and anti-CD29 mAb have an additive blocking effect; both ligand pairs may participate in MNL adhesion to neural cells, reminiscent of the multiplicity of ligands used by MNL when binding to endothelium.     

Influence of beta 1 integrin intracytoplasmic domains in the regulation of VLA-4-mediated adhesion of human T cells to VCAM-1 under flow conditions

The VLA-4 integrin supports static cell-cell, cell-matrix adhesion, and dynamic interactions with VCAM-1. Although functions for well-conserved beta(1) integrin cytoplasmic domains in regulating static cell adhesion has been established, the molecular basis for beta(1) integrin-dependent arrest on VCAM-1 under flow conditions remains poorly understood. We have transfected the beta(1) integrin-deficient A1 Jurkat T cell line with beta(1) cDNA constructs with deletions of the NPXY motifs and specific mutations of tyrosine residues. Deletion of either NPXY motif impaired static adhesion induced by CD2 or CD47 triggering or direct beta(1) integrin stimulation. In contrast, PMA-induced adhesion to VCAM-1 was unaffected by deletion of the NPIY motif and only slightly impaired by deletion of NPKY. Moreover, deletion of the NPIY motif resulted in enhanced rolling and reduced arrest on VCAM-1 under shear flow conditions. In contrast, deletion of the NPKY motif did not alter arrest under flow. Although tyrosine to phenylalanine substitutions within two NPXY motifs did not alter static adhesion to VCAM-1, these mutations enhanced arrest on VCAM-1 under flow conditions. Furthermore, although deletion of the C'-terminal 5 AA of the beta(1) cytoplasmic domain dramatically impaired activation-dependent static adhesion, it did not impair arrest on VCAM-1 under flow conditions. Thus, our results demonstrate distinct structural requirements for VLA-4 function under static and shear flow conditions. This may be relevant for VLA-4 activity regulation in different anatomic compartments, such as when circulating cells arrest on inflamed endothelium under shear flow and when resident cells in bone marrow interact with VCAM-1- positive stromal cells.     

A soluble NH(2)-terminally truncated catalytically active form of rat cytochrome P450 2E1 targeted to liver mitochondria(1).

The role of the NH(2)-terminus of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in intracellular targeting was investigated. Two NH(2)-terminal CYP2E1 mutants, Delta(2-29)2E1, lacking the transmembrane domain, and N(++)2E1, having Ala2Lys and Val3Arg substitutions, were generated and expressed in the H2.35 mouse hepatoma cell line. In cells transfected with both constructs, a 40 kDa fragment of CYP2E1 (Delta2E1) was found to be localized to mitochondria as evidenced from immunofluorescence microscopy and subcellular fractionation studies. Delta2E1 was shown to be a soluble protein localized inside the mitochondria, displayed catalytic activity when reconstituted with adrenodoxin and adrenodoxin reductase, and was also present in mitochondria isolated from rat liver. It is concluded that in the absence of the hydrophobic NH(2)-terminal sequence, a putative mitochondrial import signal is exposed which targets CYP2E1 to this organelle where it is further processed.     

Partial characterization of a glycoprotein comprising the NH2-terminal region of mouse tumor cell pro-adrenocorticotropic hormone/endorphin.

The glycoprotein accounting for most of the nonadrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), non-beta-lipotropin (beta LPH) region of mouse tumor cell pro-ACTH/endorphin was purified from tumor cell culture medium and shown to contain 1/2 cystine residues. Preparations of the 16,000-dalton fragment-related material (referred to as 16K fragment) were heterogeneous with respect to size and charge. Despite this heterogeneity, a partial amino acid sequence for the NH2-terminal region of the molecule was determined by automated Edman degradationof the 16K fragment labeled by reduction and alkylation with [3H]iodoacetic acid or labeled biosynthetically with [3H]tryptophan. The sequence of 1/2 cystine and tryptophan residues in the mouse tumor 16K fragment can be aligned with one region of the amino acid sequence predicted from the cDNA for a bovine precursor to ACTH/beta LPH (Nakanishi, S., Inoue, A., Kita, T., Nakamura, M., Chang, A.C.Y., Cohen, S.N., and Numa, S. (1979) Nature 278, 423--427).     

Residues within a conserved amino acid motif of domains 1 and 4 of VCAM- 1 are required for binding to VLA-4

Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), a member of the Ig superfamily originally identified on activated endothelium, binds to the integrin very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), also known as alpha 4 beta 1 or CD49d/CD29, to support cell-cell adhesion. Studies based on cell adhesion to two alternatively spliced forms of VCAM-1 or to chimeric molecules generated from them and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) have demonstrated two VLA-4 binding sites on the predominate form of VCAM-1. Here, we studied VLA-4-dependent adhesion of the lymphoid tumor cell line Ramos to cells expressing wild type and mutant forms of VCAM-1. Results based on domain deletion mutants demonstrated the existence and independence of two VLA-4-binding sites located in the first and fourth domains of VCAM-1. Results based on amino acid substitution mutants demonstrated that residues within a linear sequence of six amino acids found in both domain 1 and 4 were required for VLA-4 binding to either domain. Five of these amino acids represent a conserved motif also found in ICAM domains. We propose that integrin binding to these Ig-like domains depends on residues within this conserved motif. Specificity of integrin binding to Ig-like domains may be regulated by a set of nonconserved residues distinct from the conserved motif.     

The integrin alpha(9)beta(1) binds to a novel recognition sequence (SVVYGLR) in the thrombin-cleaved amino-terminal fragment of osteopontin

The integrin alpha(9)beta(1) mediates cell adhesion to tenascin-C and VCAM-1 by binding to sequences distinct from the common integrin-recognition sequence, arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD). A thrombin-cleaved NH(2)-terminal fragment of osteopontin containing the RGD sequence has recently been shown to also be a ligand for alpha(9)beta(1). In this report, we used site-directed mutagenesis and synthetic peptides to identify the alpha(9)beta(1) recognition sequence in osteopontin. alpha(9)-transfected SW480, Chinese hamster ovary, and L-cells adhered to a recombinant NH(2)-terminal osteopontin fragment in which the RGD site was mutated to RAA (nOPN-RAA). Adhesion was completely inhibited by anti-alpha(9) monoclonal antibody Y9A2, indicating the presence of a non-RGD alpha(9)beta(1) recognition sequence within this fragment. Alanine substitution mutagenesis of 13 additional conserved negatively charged amino acid residues in this fragment had no effect on alpha(9)beta(1)-mediated adhesion, but adhesion was dramatically inhibited by either alanine substitution or deletion of tyrosine 165. A synthetic peptide, SVVYGLR, corresponding to the sequence surrounding Tyr(165), blocked alpha(9)beta(1)-mediated adhesion to nOPN-RAA and exposed a ligand-binding-dependent epitope on the integrin beta(1) subunit on alpha(9)-transfected, but not on mock-transfected cells. These results demonstrate that the linear sequence SVVYGLR directly binds to alpha(9)beta(1) and is responsible for alpha(9)beta(1)-mediated cell adhesion to the NH(2)-terminal fragment of osteopontin.     

Alpha 4 beta 1 integrin/VCAM-1 interaction activates alpha L beta 2 integrin-mediated adhesion to ICAM-1 in human T cells

Modulation of integrin affinity and/or avidity provides a regulatory mechanism by which leukocyte adhesion to endothelium is strengthened or weakened at different stages of emigration. In this study, we demonstrate that binding of high-affinity alpha 4 beta 1 integrins to VCAM-1 strengthens alpha L beta 2 integrin-mediated adhesion. The strength of adhesion of Jurkat cells, a human leukemia T cell line, or MnCl2-treated peripheral blood T cells to immobilized chimeric human VCAM-1/Fc, ICAM-1/Fc, or both was quantified using parallel plate flow chamber leukocyte detachment assays in which shear stress was increased incrementally (0.5-30 dynes/cm2). The strength of adhesion to VCAM-1 plus ICAM-1, or to a 40-kDa fragment of fibronectin containing the CS-1 exon plus ICAM-1, was greater than the sum of adhesion to each molecule alone. Treatment of Jurkat or blood T cells with soluble cross-linked VCAM-1/Fc or HP2/1, a mAb to alpha 4, significantly increased adhesion to ICAM-1. These treatments induced clustering of alpha L beta 2 integrins, but not the high-affinity beta 2 integrin epitope recognized by mAb 24. Up-regulated adhesion to ICAM-1 was abolished by cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of cytoskeletal rearrangement. Taken together, our data suggest that the binding of VCAM-1 or fibronectin to alpha 4 beta 1 integrins initiates a signaling pathway that increases beta 2 integrin avidity but not affinity. A role for the cytoskeleton is implicated in this process.     

Deposition of laminin 5 by keratinocytes regulates integrin adhesion and signaling

Deposition of laminin 5 over exposed dermal collagen in epidermal wounds is an early event in repair of the basement membrane. We report that deposition of laminin 5 onto collagen switches adhesion and signaling from collagen-dependent to laminin 5-dependent. Ligation of laminin 5 by integrin alpha(6)beta(4) activates phosphoinositide 3-OH-kinase (PI3K) signaling. This activation allows for adhesion and spreading via integrin alpha(3)beta(1) on laminin 5 independent of RhoGTPase, a regulator of actin stress fibers. In contrast, adhesion and spreading on collagen via alpha(2)beta(1) is Rho-dependent and is inhibited by toxin B, a Rho inhibitor. Deposition of laminin 5 and ligation of alpha(6)beta(4) increases PI3K-dependent production of phosphoinositide di- and triphosphates, PI3K activity, and phosphorylation of downstream target protein c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase. Conversely, blocking laminin 5-deposition with brefeldin A, an inhibitor of vesicle transport, or with anti-laminin 5 monoclonal antibodies abolishes the PI3K-dependent spreading mediated by alpha(3)beta(1) and phosphorylation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase. Studies with keratinocytes lacking alpha(6)beta(4) or laminin 5 confirm that deposition of laminin 5 and ligation by alpha(6)beta(4) are required for PI3K-dependent spreading via alpha(3)beta(1). We suggest that deposition of laminin 5 onto the collagen substratum, as in wound repair, enables human foreskin keratinocytes to interact via alpha(6)beta(4) and to switch from a RhoGTPase-dependent adhesion on collagen to a PI3K-dependent adhesion and spreading mediated by integrin alpha(3)beta(1) on laminin 5.     

Pyruvoyl-dependent histidine decarboxylases. Preparation and amino acid sequences of the beta chains of histidine decarboxylase from Clostridium perfringens and Lactobacillus buchneri

Histidine decarboxylase (HisDCase) from Lactobacillus buchneri was purified to homogeneity. Its subunit structure, (alpha beta)6, and enzymatic properties resemble closely those of the immunologically cross-reactive HisDCase of Lactobacillus 30a (Recsei, P. A., and Snell, E. E. (1984) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 53, 357-387). The complete amino acid sequences of the beta chains of the HisDCase from L. buchneri (81 residues) and Clostridium perfringens (86 residues) were then determined to be a and b, respectively. (a) SEFDKKLNTLGVDRISVSPYKKWSRGYMEPGNIGNGYVSGLKVDAG VVDKTDDMVLDGIGSYDRAETKNAYIGQINMTTAS. (b) TLSEGIHKNIKNIKVRAP KIDKTAISPYDRYCDGYGMPGAYGDGYVSVLKVSVGTVKK TDDILLDGIVSYDRAEINDAYVGQINMLTAS. SEFDKKLNTLGVDRISVSPYKKWSRGYMEPGNIGNGYVSGLKVDAGVV. Although these sequences differ substantially near the NH2-terminal ends, there is striking homology near the COOH termini and also near the NH2 terminus of the two alpha chains (pyruvoyl-Phe-X-Gly-Val-, where X is Ser or Cys). If the four known pyruvoyl-dependent HisDCases arise from inactive proenzymes by the mechanism previously demonstrated for the HisDCase of Lactobacillus 30a (Recsei, P. A., Huynh, Q. K. and Snell, E. E. (1983) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80, 973-977), then each of these proenzymes has the sequence -Thr-Ala-Ser-Ser-Phe- at the activation site (where -Ser- becomes the COOH terminus of the beta chain and -Ser- becomes the pyruvoyl group blocking the NH2 terminus of the alpha chain), and the sequences around this activation site are highly conserved in all four enzymes. These facts support the assumptions that the four enzymes have evolved from a common ancestral protein, are formed from inactive pyruvate-free proenzymes by similar mechanisms, and have similar catalytic mechanisms.     

The lymphocyte-specific protein LSP1 binds to F-actin and to the cytoskeleton through its COOH-terminal basic domain

The lymphocyte-specific phosphoprotein LSP1 associates with the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane and with the cytoskeleton. Mouse LSP1 protein contains 330 amino acids and contains an NH2-terminal acidic domain of approximately 177 amino acids. The COOH-terminal half of the LSP1 protein is rich in basic residues. In this paper we show that LSP1 protein which is immunoprecipitated with anti-LSP1 antibodies from NP-40-soluble lysates of the mouse B-lymphoma cell line BAL17 is associated with actin. In vitro binding experiments using recombinant LSP1 (rLSP1) protein and rabbit skeletal muscle actin show that LSP1 binds along the sides of F-actin but does not bind to G-actin. rLSP1 does not alter the initial polymerization kinetics of actin. The highly conserved COOH-terminal basic domains of mouse and human LSP1 share a significant homology with the 20-kD COOH-terminal F-actin binding fragment of caldesmon. A truncated rLSP1 protein containing the entire COOH-terminal basic domain from residue 179 to 330, but not the NH2-terminal acidic domain binds to F-actin at least as well as rLSP1. When LSP1/CAT fusion proteins are expressed in a LSP1-negative T-lymphoma cell line, only fusion proteins containing the basic COOH-terminal domain associate with the NP-40-insoluble cytoskeleton. These data show that LSP1 binds F-actin through its COOH-terminal basic domain and strongly suggest that LSP1 interacts with the cytoskeleton by direct binding to F-actin. We propose that LSP1 plays a role in mediating cytoskeleton driven responses in lymphocytes such as receptor capping, cell motility, or cell-cell interactions.     

Angiotensin II differentially regulates interleukin-1-beta-inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression: role of p38 MAPK

Angiotensin II is implicated in pathophysiological processes associated with vascular injury and repair, which include regulating the expression of numerous NF-kappaB-dependent genes. The present study examined the effect of angiotensin II on interleukin-1beta-induced NF-kappaB activation and the subsequent expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Neither NF-kappaB activation nor iNOS or VCAM-1 expression was induced in cells treated with angiotensin II alone. However, when added together with interleukin-1beta, angiotensin II, through activation of the AT(1) receptor, inhibited iNOS expression and enhanced VCAM-1 expression induced by the cytokine. The inhibitory effect of angiotensin II on iNOS expression was associated with a down-regulation of the sustained activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and NF-kappaB by interleukin-1beta, whereas the effect on VCAM-1 was independent of ERK activation. The effect of angiotensin II on iNOS was abolished by inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) with SB203580, but not by inhibition of PI3 kinase with wortmannin or stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) with JNK inhibitor II. Thus, angiotensin II, by a mechanism that requires the participation of p38 MAPK, differentially regulates the expression of NF-kappaB-dependent genes in response to interleukin-1beta stimulation by controlling the duration of activation of ERK and NF-kappaB.