Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor can stimulate macrophage proliferation via persistent activation of Na+/H+ antiport. Evidence for two distinct roles for Na+/H+ antiport activation.

Thapsigargin stimulates an increase of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]c) in, and 45Ca2+ efflux from, a clone of GH4C1 pituitary cells. This increase in [Ca2+]c was followed by a lower sustained elevation of [Ca2+]c, which required the presence of extracellular Ca2+, and was not inhibited by a Ca2(+)-channel blocker, nimodipine. Thapsigargin had no effect on inositol phosphate generation. We used thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) to mobilize Ca2+ from an InsP3-sensitive store. Pretreatment with thapsigargin blocked the ability of TRH to cause a transient increase in both [Ca2+]c and 45Ca2+ efflux. The block of TRH-induced Ca2+ mobilization was not caused by a block at the receptor level, because TRH stimulation of InsP3 was not affected by thapsigargin. Rundown of the TRH-releasable store by Ca2(+)-induced Ca2+ release does not appear to account for the action of thapsigargin on the TRH-induced spike in [Ca2+]c, because BAY K 8644, which causes a sustained rise in [Ca2+]c, did not block Ca2+ release caused by TRH. In addition, caffeine, which releases Ca2+ from intracellular stores in other cell types, caused an increase in [Ca2+]c in GH4C1 cells, but had no effect on a subsequent spike in [Ca2+]c induced by TRH or thapsigargin. TRH caused a substantial decrease in the amount of intracellular Ca2+ released by thapsigargin. We conclude that in GH4C1 cells thapsigargin actively discharges an InsP3-releasable pool of Ca2+ and that this mechanism alone causes the block of the TRH-induced increase in [Ca2+]c.     

Nerve growth factor does not activate Na+/H+ exchange in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells

We have reexamined the possible role of the Na+/H+ antiport in the cellular response by PC12 pheochromocytoma cells to nerve growth factor (NGF). In contrast to previous reports, we observe no activation of Na+/H+ exchange in these cells, using a very sensitive assay based on the measurement of cytoplasmic pH with dimethylfluorescein dextran (Rothenberg et al., J. Biol. Chem., 258:4883-4809, 1983). Our measurements indicate that the PC12 pheochromocytoma cells, under all conditions tested, show a high rate of Na+/H+ exchange. The discrepancy between these observations and previous experiments could be due to differences in cells in different laboratories, but also to changes in cell adhesion induced by NGF. We describe conditions where intracellular pH and rates of Na+ uptake can be measured reliably in PC12 cells with adequate controls for cell adhesion. We conclude that activation of Na+/H+ exchange is neither sufficient nor required for the differentiation of PC12 cells induced by NGF.     

Epidermal growth factor up-regulates intestinal Na+/H+ exchange activity.

The present studies were designed to examine the regulation of Na+/H+ exchange activity by epidermal growth factor (EGF) in an in vitro system. Na+/H+ exchange activity was determined in brush-border membranes isolated from rat jejunal enterocytes incubated with epidermal growth factor and a number of second messengers. EGF at physiological concentrations stimulated Na+/H+ exchange activity without affecting vesicle size. The stimulation of Na+/H+ activity was the result of increasing Vmax of Na+/H+ (6.0 +/- 0.4 compared with 3.3 +/- 0.27 nmol/mg protein/5 sec, P < 0.01). Km values of the Na+/H+ exchanger in brush-border membrane from cells stimulated with EGF and controls were similar (16.0 +/- 3.0 vs 13.0 +/- 3.0, respectively). Na+/H+ activity was inhibited by phorbol esters, calmodulin, and cyclic AMP. The effects of EGF, calmodulin, cyclic AMP, and phorbol esters were dependent on ATP, because depleting the cells from ATP masked the effects on Na+/H+ exchange activity. The results suggest that EGF stimulates Na+/H+ exchange activity in the enterocytes. This stimulation is most likely not via activation of the phosphatidylinositol pathway.     

Interleukin-3-stimulated haemopoietic stem cell proliferation. Evidence for activation of protein kinase C and Na+/H+ exchange without inositol lipid hydrolysis.

Interleukin 3 (IL-3) is an important regulator of haemopoietic stem cell proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. Little is known about the possible mechanisms whereby this growth factor acts on stem cells to stimulate cell survival and proliferation. Here we have investigated the role of intracellular pH and the Na+/H+ antiport in stem cell proliferation using the multipotential IL-3-dependent stem cell line, FDCP-Mix 1. Evidence is presented that IL-3 can stimulate the activation of an amiloride-sensitive Na+/H+ exchange via protein kinase C activation. IL-3-mediated activation of the Na+/H+ exchange is not observed in FDCP-Mix 1 cells where protein kinase C levels have been down-modulated by treatment with phorbol esters. Also the protein kinase C inhibitor H7 can inhibit IL-3-mediated increases in intracellular pH. This activation of Na+/H+ exchange via protein kinase C has been shown to occur with no measurable effects of IL-3 on inositol lipid hydrolysis or on cytosolic Ca2+ levels. Evidence is also presented that this IL-3-stimulated alkalinization acts as a signal for cellular proliferation in stem cells.     

Role of Na+/H+ exchange in the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-dependent growth of a leukemic cell line

The growth of the human leukemia cell line AML-193 in a serum-free medium is strictly dependent on the presence of the cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which is one of the major regulators of the myelomonocytic lineage. At present, little is known about the mechanisms by which this growth factor transduces the signal intracellularly. The results of this study demonstrate that GM-CSF needs the operation of a Na+/H+ exchanger, which is located in the plasma membrane of almost every vertebrate cell. In fact, the GM-CSF-dependent proliferation of AML-193 cells is strongly reduced in the presence of the amiloride analog EIPA, a specific inhibitor of the Na+/H+ exchanger. When acidified, AML-193 cells are able to recover the original pHi in a Na(+)-dependent and EIPA-inhibitable way; this demonstrates for the first time the presence of the Na+/H+ exchanger in these cells. Finally, GM-CSF, at doses superimposable to those needed for triggering proliferation, induces in AML-193 cells a sustained alkalinization, which is dependent on a operating Na+/H+ exchange, as it is inhibited by EIPA. These results suggest that GM-CSF, like other growth factors in other cell systems, exerts its mitogenic activity in AML-193 cells by inducing a Na+/H+ exchanger-mediated rise in pHi.     

Recombinant human interleukin 1-stimulated Na+/H+ exchange is not required for differentiation in pre-B lymphocyte cell line, 70Z/3

Interleukin-1 a polypeptide hormone produced by activated macrophages is a mixture of at least two proteins, interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). We have previously shown that macrophage-derived interleukin-1 induced new kappa light chain synthesis for surface IgM expression in a murine pre-B like cell line 70Z/3, a finding associated with an early amiloride-sensitive rise in the total intracellular sodium concentration. Because IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta are structurally quite different, in this study their effect on 70Z/3 was examined separately. The results show that both human rIL-1 alpha and rIL-1 beta induce the differentiation of 70Z/3, but a higher concentration of rIL-1 beta compared to rIL-1 alpha is needed for a maximal response. At saturating concentrations, both rIL-1 alpha and rIL-1 beta induce a simultaneous rise in intracellular pH and sodium concentration. Because rIL-1 mediated intracellular alkalinization and sodium rise are amiloride sensitive, they likely occur through stimulation of the Na+/H+ exchanger across the cell membrane. Inhibition of the Na+/H+ antiport with an amiloride analog did not have an effect on rIL-1 induced surface IgM expression or the rIL-1-mediated increase in kappa light chain specific mRNA level. Therefore, these results indicate that an increase in pHi or [Na]i is not required for IL-1 induced 70Z/3 differentiation.     

Extracellular Na+, but not Na+/H+ exchange, is necessary for receptor-mediated arachidonate release in platelets.

The effect of extracellular Na+ removal and replacement with other cations on receptor-mediated arachidonate release in platelets was studied to investigate the role of Na+/H+ exchange in this process. Replacement with choline+, K+, N-methylglucamine+ (which abolished the thrombin-induced pHi rise) or Li+ (which allowed a normal thrombin-induced pHi rise) significantly decreased arachidonate release in response to all concentrations (threshold to supra-maximal) of thrombin and collagen. This inhibition was not reversed by NH4Cl (10 mM) addition, which raised the pHi in the absence of Na+, but, on the contrary, NH4Cl addition further decreased the extent of thrombin- and collagen-induced arachidonate release, as well as decreasing 'weak'-agonist (ADP, adrenaline)-induced release and granule secretion in platelet-rich plasma. No detectable pHi rises were seen with collagen (1-20 micrograms/ml) and ADP (10 microM) in bis-(carboxyethyl)carboxyfluorescein-loaded platelets. Inhibition of thrombin-induced pHi rises was seen with 0.5-5 microM-5-NN-ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA), but at these concentrations EIPA had little effect on thrombin-induced arachidonate release. At higher concentrations such as those used in previous studies (20-50 microM), EIPA inhibited aggregation/release induced by collagen and ADP in Na+ buffer as well as in choline+ buffer (where there was no detectable exchanger activity), suggesting that these concentrations of EIPA exert 'non-specific' effects at the membrane level. The results suggest that (i) Na+/H+ exchange and pHi elevations are not only necessary, but are probably inhibitory, to receptor-mediated arachidonate release in platelets, (ii) inhibition of receptor-mediated release in the absence of Na+ is most likely due to the absent Na+ ion itself, and (iii) caution should be exercised in the use of compounds such as EIPA, which, apart from inhibiting the Na+/H+ exchanger, have other undesirable and misleading effects in platelets.     

ATP dependence is not an intrinsic property of Na+/H+ exchanger NHE1: requirement for an ancillary factor

Na⁺/H⁺exchange is a passive process not requiring expenditure of metabolicenergy. Nevertheless, depletion of cellular ATP produces a markedinhibition of the antiport. No evidence has been found for directbinding of nucleotide to exchangers or alteration in their state ofphosphorylation, suggesting ancillary factors may be involved. Thispossibility was tested by comparing the activity of dog red blood cells(RBC) and their resealed ghosts. Immunoblotting experiments usingisoform-specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies indicated RBCmembranes expressNa⁺/H⁺exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1). In intact RBC, uptake ofNa⁺ was greatly stimulated whenthe cytosol was acidified. The stimulated uptake was largely eliminatedby amiloride and by submicromolar concentrations of the benzoylguanidinium compound HOE-694, consistent with mediation by NHE1.Although exchange activity could also be elicited by acidification inresealed ghosts containing ATP, the absolute rate of transport wasmarkedly diminished at comparable pH. Dissipation of the pH gradientwas ruled out as the cause of diminished transport rate in ghosts. Thiswas accomplished by a "pH clamping" procedure based on continuedexport of base equivalents by the endogenous anion exchanger. Theseobservations suggest a critical factor required to maintain optimalNa⁺/H⁺exchange activity is lost or inactivated during preparation of ghosts.Depletion of ATP, achieved by incubation with2-deoxy-D-glucose, inhibitedNa⁺/H⁺exchange in intact RBC, as reported for nucleated cells. In contrast, the rate of exchange was similar in control and ATP-depleted resealed ghosts. Interestingly, the residual rate ofNa⁺/H⁺exchange in ATP-depleted but otherwise intact cells was similar to thetransport rate of ghosts. Therefore, we tentatively conclude that fullactivation of NHE1 requires both ATP and an additional regulatoryfactor, which may mediate the action of the nucleotide. Ancillaryphosphoproteins or phospholipids or the kinases that mediate theirphosphorylation are likely candidates for the regulatory factor(s) thatis inactivated or missing in ghosts.

     

Interactions of external and internal H+ and Na+ with Na+/Na+ and Na+/H+ exchange of rabbit red cells: Evidence for a common pathway

Summary We have studied the kinetic properties of rabbit red cell (RRBC) Na⁺/Na⁺ and Na⁺/H⁺ exchanges (EXC) in order to define whether or not both transport functions are conducted by the same molecule. The strategy has been to determine the interactions of Na⁺ and H⁺ at the internal (i) and external (o) sites for both exchanges modes. RRBC containing varying Na _i and H _l were prepared by nystatin and DIDS treatment of acid-loaded cells. Na⁺/Na⁺ EXC was measured as Na _o -stimulated Na⁺ efflux and Na⁺/H⁺ EXC as Na _o -stimulated H⁺ efflux and pH _o -stimulated Na⁺ influx into acid-loaded cells.The activation of Na⁺/Na⁺ EXC by Na _o at pH _i 7.4 did not follow simple hyperbolic kinetics. Testing of different kinetic models to obtain the best fit for the experimental data indicated the presence of high (K _m 2.2 mM) and low affinity (K _m 108 mM) sites for a single- or two-carrier system. The activation of Na⁺/H⁺ EXC by Na _o (pH _i 6.6, Na _i <1 mM) also showed high (K _m 11 mM) and low (K _m 248 mM) affinity sites. External H⁺ competitively inhibited Na⁺/Na⁺ EXC at the low affinity Na _o site (K _H 52 nM) while internally H⁺ were competitive inhibitors (pK 6.7) at low Na _i and allosteric activators (pK 7.0) at high Na _i .Na⁺/H₊ EXC was also inhibited by acid pH _o and allosterically activated by H _i (pK 6.4). We also established the presence of a Na _i regulatory site which activates Na⁺/H⁺ and Na⁺/Na⁺ EXC modifying the affinity for Na _o of both pathways. At low Na _i , Na⁺/Na⁺ EXC was inhibited by acid pH _i and Na⁺/H⁺ stimulated but at high Na _i , Na⁺/Na⁺ EXC was stimulated and Na⁺/H⁺ inhibited being the sum of both pathways kept constant. Both exchange modes were activated by two classes of Na _o sites,cis-inhibited by external H _o , allosterically modified by the binding of H⁺ to a H _i regulatory site and regulated by Na _i . These findings are consistent with Na⁺/Na⁺ EXC being a mode of operation of the Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger.Na⁺/H⁺ EXC was partially inhibited (80–100%) by dimethyl-amiloride (DMA) but basal or pH _i -stimulated Na⁺/Na⁺ EXC (pH _i 6.5, Na _i 80 mM) was completely insensitive indicating that Na⁺/Na⁺ EXC is an amiloride-insensitive component of Na⁺/H⁺ EXC. However, Na⁺ and H⁺ efflux into Na-free media were stimulated by cell acidification and also partially (10 to 40%) inhibited by DMA: this also indicates that the Na⁺/H⁺ EXC might operate in reverse or uncoupled modes in the absence of Na⁺/Na⁺ EXC.In summary, the observed kinetic properties can be explained by a model of Na⁺/H⁺ EXC with several conformational states, H _i and Na _i regulatory sites and loaded/unloaded internal and external transport sites at which Na⁺ and H⁺ can compete. The occupancy of the H⁺ regulatory site induces a conformational change and the occupancy of the Na _i regulatory site modulates the flow through both pathways so that it will conduct Na⁺/H⁺ and/or Na⁺/Na⁺ EXC depending on the ratio of internal Na⁺:H⁺.     

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation is required for fibroblast growth factor-2-stimulated cell proliferation but not differentiation.

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) is a member of a family of polypeptides that have roles in a wide range of biological processes. To determine why different cell types show distinct responses to treatment with FGF-2, the array of FGF receptors present on the surface of a cell which differentiates in response to FGF-2 (PC12 cells) was compared with that present on the surface of a cell that proliferates in response to FGF-2 (Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts). Both cell types express exclusively FGFR1, suggesting that there are cell type-specific FGFR1 signaling pathways. Since mitogen-activated protein kinases function as mediators of cellular responses to a variety of stimuli, the roles of these proteins in FGF-mediated responses were examined. FGF-2 activates extracellular signal-regulated kinases with similar kinetics in both fibroblasts and PC12 cells, and a specific inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation blocks differentiation but has little effect on proliferation. In contrast, while p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is activated weakly and transiently in PC12 cells treated with FGF-2, a much stronger and sustained activation of this kinase is seen in FGF-2-treated fibroblasts. Furthermore, specific inhibitors of this kinase block proliferation but have no effect on differentiation. This effect on proliferation is specific for FGF-2 since the same concentrations of inhibitors have little or no effect on proliferation induced by serum.     

Epidermal growth factor and cyclic AMP stimulate Na+/H+ exchange in isolated rat hepatocytes

Na+/H+ exchange in acid-loaded isolated hepatocytes was measured using the intracellular pH indicator biscarboxyethyl-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) to follow intracellular pH (pHi). The rate of amiloride-sensitive Na(+)-dependent recovery from cytoplasmic-acid-loading was found to be increased in cells treated with epidermal growth factor (EGF), 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (ClPhScAMP) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). These three agents increased the rate of Na+/H+ exchange to similar extents and their effects were not additive. The stimulation was shown in all three cases to be due an alkaline shift of 0.1 in the set point pH of the Na+/H+ exchanger. Experiments measuring the uptake of 22Na+ into acid-loaded primary hepatocyte monolayer cultures confirmed these results. EGF, ClPhScAMP and PMA significantly increased the amiloride-inhibitable accumulation of 22Na+, thus providing further evidence that Na+/H+ exchange is stimulated by these effectors.     

Na+/H+ exchange is not necessary for protein kinase C-mediated effects in platelets

The role of Na+/H+ exchange in protein kinase C-mediated effects in platelets was investigated by studying the effect of removal of extracellular Na+ ([Na+]e) on the different responses induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (diC8). None of the responses studied, namely, protein phosphorylation, translocation of enzyme activity to the membrane fraction, potentiatory and inhibitory effect on platelet activation ([Ca2+]i, arachidonate and granule release) showed an absolute dependence on [Na+]e. With the exception of dense-granule release, which was clearly potentiated by the removal of [Na+]e and showed a negative correlation with exchanger activity, the other effects of PMA and diC8 were not affected by [Na+]e removal. It is concluded that Na+/H+ exchange is not essential for protein kinase C activation in platelets.     

The Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor stabilizes epidermal growth factor receptors at the cell surface

Ligand binding to cell surface receptors initiates both signal transduction and endocytosis. Although signaling may continue within the endocytic compartment, down-regulation is the major mechanism that controls the concentration of cell surface receptors, their ability to receive environmental signals, and the ultimate strength of biological signaling. Internalization, recycling, and trafficking of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) within the endosome compartment are each regulated to control the overall process of down-regulation. We have identified the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF) as an important molecular component that stabilizes epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) at the cell surface to restrict receptor down-regulation. The NH(2)-terminal PDZ domain (PDZ 1) of NHERF specifically binds to an internal peptide motif located within the COOH-terminal regulatory domain of EGFR. Expression of NHERF slows the rate of EGF-induced receptor degradation. A point mutation that abolishes the PDZ 1 recognition sequence of EGFR enhances the rate of ligand-induced endocytosis and down-regulation of EGFR. Similarly, expression of a dominant negative mutant of NHERF enhances EGF-induced receptor down-regulation. In contrast to beta-adrenergic receptors where NHERF enhances recycling of internalized receptors, NHERF stabilizes EGFR at the cell surface and slows the rate of endocytosis without affecting recycling. Although the mechanisms differ, for both RTKs and G protein-coupled receptors, the overall effect of NHERF is to enhance the fraction of receptors present at the cell surface.     

Selective suppression of growth factor-induced cell cycle gene expression by Na+/H+ antiport inhibitors.

Activation of Na+/H+ exchange activity is a ubiquitous response to growth factors and has been implicated in the mitogenic response. Little is known of how the antiport influences events in the nucleus which ultimately control the cell cycle. Using potent Na+/H+ exchange inhibitors we show for normal mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages that this activity is required for the colony-stimulating factor-1-induced gene expression of the M1 and M2 subunits of ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme critical for DNA synthesis. Suppression of M1 and M2 mRNA levels occurred when the inhibitors were added up to 8 h after the growth factor, mirroring their ability to prevent entry into S phase at similar times. Antiport activity was not required for the induction of other genes associated with cell cycle progression including proliferating cell nuclear antigen and the G1 cyclin, CYL1. These results highlight the differential expression of various cell cycle-associated genes and demonstrates that non-coordinate regulation of CYL1 cyclin and DNA synthesis gene expression can occur. The selective dependence of ribonucleotide reductase subunit gene expression on Na+/H+ exchange activity may provide a biochemical basis for the requirement of persistent antiporter activity during G1 for subsequent entry into S phase.     

Prostaglandin release but not superoxide production by rat Kupffer cells stimulated in vitro depends on Na+/H+ exchange

The release of the prostaglandins E2 and D2, induced by zymosan and phorbol ester in cultured rat Kupffer cells, was found to depend on the extracellular concentration of Na+. Eicosanoid formation following the administration of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 or of arachidonic acid, however, did not require the presence of sodium ions in the medium. A half-maximal rate of prostaglandin release by zymosan-treated Kupffer cells was obtained between 4 mM and 5 mM Na+; and a Na+ concentration of greater than or equal to 30 mM was required to maximally stimulate prostaglandin E2 and D2 formation in the cultured liver macrophages. In contrast, the superoxide production following the administration of zymosan or of phorbol ester was quite independent of extracellular Na+. The zymosan and phorbol-ester-stimulated release of prostaglandins E2 and D2 was inhibited by amiloride. Artificial intracellular alkalization enhanced the prostanoid production of unstimulated and of zymosan-stimulated cells whereas artificial intracellular acidification inhibited the zymosan-elicited prostaglandin synthesis. In contrast, the superoxide formation was independent of the pH changes. The data presented here suggest that the prostaglandin production elicited by zymosan or phorbol ester in cultured rat Kupffer cells requires an activated Na+/H+ exchange.     

Phosphorylation and cell cycle-dependent regulation of Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor-1 by Cdc2 kinase

Na(+)/H(+) exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF)-1 is a PDZ domain-containing adaptor protein known to bind to various receptors, channels, cytoskeletal elements, and cytoplasmic signaling proteins. We report here that the phosphorylation state of NHERF-1 is profoundly regulated by the cell cycle: NHERF-1 in HeLa cells is hyperphosphorylated in mitosis phase and much less phosphorylated at other points of the cell cycle. This mitosis phase-dependent phosphorylation of NHERF-1 could be blocked by roscovitine, consistent with phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinases. In vitro studies with purified NHERF-1 fusion proteins and purified kinases revealed that NHERF-1 was robustly phosphorylated by the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc2. In contrast, the NHERF-1 relative NHERF-2 was not phosphorylated at all by Cdc2. NHERF-1 possesses two serines (Ser(279) and Ser(301)) that conform to the SPX(K/R) motif preferred for phosphorylation by Cdc2. Mutation of either of these serines reduced Cdc2-mediated phosphorylation of NHERF-1 in vitro, and mutation of both residues together completely abolished Cdc2-mediated phosphorylation. When the S279A/S301A NHERF-1 mutant was expressed in cells, it failed to exhibit the mitosis phase-dependent phosphorylation observed with wild-type NHERF-1. Mutation of both Ser(279) and Ser(301) to aspartate, to mimic Cdc2 phosphorylation of NHERF-1, resulted in a NHERF-1 mutant with a markedly impaired ability to oligomerize in vitro. Similarly, endogenous NHERF-1 from lysates of mitosis phase HeLa cells exhibited a markedly reduced ability to oligomerize relative to endogenous NHERF-1 from lysates of interphase HeLa cells. Mitosis phase NHERF-1 furthermore exhibited the ability to associate with Pin1, a WW domain-containing peptidylprolyl isomerase that does not detectably bind to NHERF-1 in interphase lysates. The association of NHERF-1 with Pin1 facilitated dephosphorylation of NHERF-1, as shown in experiments in which cellular Pin1 activity was blocked by the selective inhibitor juglone. These data reveal that cellular NHERF-1 is phosphorylated during mitosis phase by Cdc2 at Ser(279) and Ser(301) and that this phosphorylation regulates NHERF-1 oligomerization and association with Pin1.     

The human leukemia oncogene bcr-abl abrogates the anchorage requirement but not the growth factor requirement for proliferation.

Proliferation of normal cells in a multicellular organism requires not only growth factors but also the proper attachment to the extracellular matrix. A hallmark of neoplastic transformation is the loss of anchorage dependence which usually accompanies the loss of growth factor requirement. The Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase of human leukemias is shown here to abrogate only the anchorage, not the growth factor, requirement. Bcr-Abl-transformed cells grow in soft agar but do not proliferate in serum-free media. Bcr-Abl does not activate the mitogenic pathway, as indicated by its inability to induce enhancers such as the serum response element or the tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate response element (TRE). However, Bcr-Abl can alleviate the anchorage requirement for the induction of the TRE enhancer; i.e., it allows serum to activate the TRE in detached cells. This activity is dependent on the association of an active Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase with the actin filaments. Despite its association with the adapter protein Grb2, Bcr-Abl's effect on the TRE enhancer is not blocked by dominant negative Ras or Raf. The finding that Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase abrogates only anchorage dependence may have important implications on the pathogenesis of chronic myelogenous leukemia.     

Evidence that both G + C rich and G + C poor isochores are replicated early and late in the cell cycle.

Since the G + C content of a gene is correlated to that of the isochore in which it resides, and early replicating isochores are thought to be relatively G + C rich, early replicating genes should also be rich in G + C. This hypothesis is tested on a sample of 44 mammalian genes for which replication time data and sequence information are available. Early replicating genes do not appear to be more G + C rich than late replicating genes, instead there is considerable variation in the G + C content of genes replicated during both halves of S phase. These results show that both G + C rich and poor fractions of the genome are replicated early and late in the cell cycle, and suggest that isochores are not maintained by the replication of DNA sequences in compositionally biased free nucleotide pools.     

Endogenous thrombospondin-1 is not necessary for proliferation but is permissive for vascular smooth muscle cell responses to platelet-derived growth factor.

We have reexamined the role of endogenous thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) in growth and motility of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Based on the ability of aortic-derived SMCs isolated from TSP1 null mice and grown in the absence of exogenous TSP1 to grow at comparable rates and to a slightly higher density than equivalent cells from wild-type mice, TSP1 is not necessary for their growth. Low concentrations of exogenous TSP1 stimulate growth of TSP1 null SMCs, but higher doses of TSP1 or its C-terminal domain are inhibitory. However, SMCs from TSP1 null mice are selectively deficient in chemotactic and proliferative responses to platelet-derived growth factor and in outgrowth in three-dimensional cultures. Recombinant portions of the N- and C-terminal domains of TSP1 stimulate SMC chemotaxis through different integrin receptors. Based on these data, the relative deficiency in SMC outgrowth during an ex vivo angiogenic response of muscle tissue from TSP1 null mice is probably due to restriction of platelet-derived growth factor dependent SMC migration and/or proliferation.