Cell type-specific activation of intracellular transglutaminase 2 by oxidative stress or ultraviolet irradiation: implications of transglutaminase 2 in age-related cataractogenesis

Transglutaminase (TGase) 2 is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme that modifies proteins by cross-linking or polyamination. An aberrant activity of TGase 2 has implicated its possible roles in a variety of diseases including age-related cataracts. However, the molecular mechanism by which TGase 2 is activated has not been elucidated. In this report, we showed that oxidative stress or UV irradiation elevates in situ TGase 2 activity. Neither the expression level nor the in vitro activity of TGase 2 appeared to correlate with the observed elevation of in situ TGase 2 activity. Screening a number of cell lines revealed that the level of TGase 2 activation depends on the cell type and also the environmental stress, suggesting that unrecognized cellular factor(s) may specifically regulate in situ TGase 2 activity. Concomitantly, we observed that human lens epithelial cells (HLE-B3) exhibited about 3-fold increase in in situ TGase 2 activity in response to the stresses. The activated TGase 2 catalyzed the formation of water-insoluble dimers or polymers of alphaB-crystallin, betaB(2)-crystallin, and vimentin in HLE-B3 cells, providing evidence that TGase 2 may play a role in cataractogenesis. Thus, our findings indicate that in situ TGase 2 activity must be evaluated instead of in vitro activity to study the regulation mechanism and function of TGase 2 in biological and pathological processes.     

Development of an isoenzyme-specific colorimetric assay for tissue transglutaminase 2 cross-linking activity

Tissue transglutaminase (TGase 2) belongs to the multigene transglutaminase family of Ca²⁺-dependent protein cross-linking enzymes. Based on the transamidation activity of TGase 2, a novel colorimetric assay has been developed using covalently coupled spermine to carboxy-substituted polystyrene plates and biotinylated pepT26, an excellent acyl-donor substrate, highly specific for TGase 2. The assay is based on the incorporation of the gamma-carboxamide of glutamine of pepT26 into the immobilized spermine. The amount of biotinylated pepT26 bound to the plate, as measured by the activity of streptavidin-peroxidase, is directly proportional to the TGase activity. The colorimetric procedure showed a good correlation (r = 0.995) with the commonly used radiometric filter paper method for TGase2, and provides linear dose-response curves over a wide range of hrTGase2 concentrations (2.5-40 μU/ml). In addition, the assay shows higher sensitivity when compared with our previous TG-colorimetric test (more than 50-fold increase) and other existing assays. PepT26 displays strong reactivity with TGase 2, and no reactivity with TGases 1, 3, and FXIII. The procedure constitutes a rapid, TG2-specific, sensitive, and nonisotopic method for the measurement of TGase 2 activity in as low as 4 ng of hrTGase 2 and purified guinea pig liver transglutaminase, and 1.25 μg of guinea pig liver extracts.     

Transglutaminase activity changes during the hypersensitive reaction, a typical defense response of tobacco NN plants to TMV

The occurrence of glutamyl polyamines (PAs) and changes in activity and levels of transglutaminase (TGase, EC 2.3.2.13), the enzyme responsible for their synthesis, are reported during the progression of the hypersensitive reaction (HR) of resistant NN tobacco plants ( Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Samsun) to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Mature leaves of tobacco were collected over 0–72 h after inoculation with TMV or phosphate buffer (mock). In vivo synthesis of polyamine glutamyl derivatives (glutamyl PAs), catalyzed by TGase activity, was evaluated after supplying labeled putrescine (Pu, a physiological substrate of TGase) to leaves. Results show that, starting from 24 h, mono-( γ -glutamyl)-Pu and bis-( γ -glutamyl)-Sd were recovered in TMV-inoculated samples but not in mock-inoculated ones; 2 days later, in the former, the amount of glutamyl derivatives further increased. An in vitro radiometric assay showed that, in TMV-inoculated leaves, TGase activity increased from 24 h onwards relative to mock controls. An immunoblot analysis with AtPng1p polyclonal antibody detected a 72-kDa protein whose amount increased at 72 h in TMV-inoculated leaves and in the lesion-enriched areas. A biotin-labeled cadaverine incorporation assay showed that TGase activity occurred in S1 (containing soluble proteins), S2 (proteins released by both cell walls and membranes) and S3 (membrane intrinsic proteins) fractions. In S3 fraction, where changes were the most relevant, TGase activity was enhanced in both mock-inoculated and TMV-inoculated samples, but the stimulation persisted only in the latter case. These data are discussed in the light of a possible role of TGase activity and glutamyl PAs in the defense against a viral plant pathogen.     

Transglutaminase 2 cross-linking activity is linked to invadopodia formation and cartilage breakdown in arthritis

Introduction

The microenvironment surrounding inflamed synovium leads to the activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), which are important contributors to cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritic (RA) joints. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), an enzyme involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) cross-linking and remodeling, is activated by inflammatory signals. This study was undertaken to assess the potential contribution of TG2 to FLS-induced cartilage degradation.

Methods

Transglutaminase (TGase) activity and collagen degradation were assessed with the immunohistochemistry of control, collagen-induced arthritic (CIA) or TG2 knockdown (shRNA)-treated joint tissues. TGase activity in control (C-FLS) and arthritic (A-FLS) rat FLSs was measured by in situ 5-(biotinamido)-pentylamine incorporation. Invadopodia formation and functions were measured in rat FLSs and cells from normal (control; C-FLS) and RA patients (RA-FLS) by in situ ECM degradation. Immunoblotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and p3TP-Lux reporter assays were used to assess transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) production and activation.

Results

TG2 and TGase activity were associated with cartilage degradation in CIA joints. In contrast, TGase activity and cartilage degradation were reduced in joints by TG2 knockdown. A-FLSs displayed higher TGase activity and TG2 expression in ECM than did C-FLSs. TG2 knockdown or TGase inhibition resulted in reduced invadopodia formation in rat and human arthritic FLSs. In contrast, increased invadopodia formation was noted in response to TGase activity induced by TGF-β, dithiothreitol (DTT), or TG2 overexpression. TG2-induced increases in invadopodia formation were blocked by TGF-β neutralization or inhibition of TGF-βR1.

Conclusions

TG2, through its TGase activity, is required for ECM degradation in arthritic FLS and CIA joints. Our findings provide a potential target to prevent cartilage degradation in RA.     

Study on the biosynthesis of dolichol in yeast: recognition of the prenyl chain length in polyprenol reduction

We synthesized three water-soluble biotin-tagged compounds with different prenyl chain lengths, biotinylated farnesal (BF), biotinylated C(55)-polyprenal (BP55), and biotinylated C(80)-polyprenal (BP80), and examined their effects on in vitro dolichol synthesis from farnesyl diphosphate. BF and BP55 did not affect the dolichol synthesis, whereas BP80 inhibited the reduction pathway from polyprenol to dolichol, accompanied by a decrease in the entire polyprenol and dolichol synthesis. Comparison of BP80 with eighteen detergents, including Triton X-100, CHAPS, octylglucoside, deoxycholate, and Tween 80, revealed the specific effect of BP80 on the reduction pathway. On SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, BP80 was detected in an associated form with a 50 kDa protein. These results suggest that the reduction of polyprenol to dolichol in the dolichol biosynthetic pathway proceeds with the recognition of the polyprenol chain length by a 50 kDa protein.     

Transglutaminase 2 inhibits Rb binding of human papillomavirus E7 by incorporating polyamine

Transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2) is one of a family of enzymes that catalyze protein modification through the incorporation of polyamines into substrates or the formation of protein crosslinks. However, the physiological roles of TGase 2 are largely unknown. To elucidate the functions of TGase 2, we have searched for its interacting proteins. Here we show that TGase 2 interacts with E7 oncoprotein of human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV18) in vitro and in vivo. TGase 2 incorporates polyamines into a conserved glutamine residue in the zinc-binding domain of HPV18 E7 protein. This modification mediates the inhibition of E7's Rb binding ability. In contrast, TGase 2 does not affect HPV16 E7, due to absence of a glutamine residue at this polyamination site. Using E7 mutants, we demonstrate that TGase 2-dependent inhibition of HPV E7 function correlates with the presence of the polyamination site. Our results indicate that TGase 2 is an important cellular interfering factor and define a novel host-virus interaction, suggesting that the inability of TGase 2 to inactivate HPV16 E7 could explain the high prevalence of HPV16 in cervical cancer.     

Variable transglutaminase activity in human diploid fibroblasts during in vitro senescence

The specific activity of transglutaminase (TGase) was followed in human diploid fibroblasts (HDF) as a function of in vitro age. It was determined that at least 90% of the TGase activity was found in a soluble fraction at all in vitro ages; but the activity was variable with age. It was high in cells that had completed less than 50% of their lifespan (%LSC), declined to a minimum between 60 and 85% LSC, and again became elevated at more than 90% LSC. These age related variations in TGase activity could not be attributed to cellular growth characteristics, enzyme amount, or clonal selection processes. It is postulated that the variable TGase activity observed during in vitro senescence of HDF may reflect a change in affinity of the enzyme for a particular molecule; possibly fibronectin.     

Enzymic preparation of protein G-peroxidase conjugates catalysed by transglutaminase

Transglutaminases (TGases, EC 2.3.2.13) have proved to be valuable enzymes for site-directed protein coupling via N(epsilon)-(gamma-L-glutamyl)lysine bonds. Their use in conjugate synthesis would overcome many problems caused by chemical reagents. In this approach, we show for the first time that two proteins with different functionalities, namely soybean peroxidase and protein G, can be cross-linked by bacterial TGase with retention of their activities. Soybean peroxidase and protein G were chosen for the enzymic preparation of a bifunctional conjugate among a series of other TGase substrates detected by enzymic incorporation of small fluorescent or biotinylated molecules. The highest yields of conjugate were obtained with a 15-fold excess of peroxidase in phosphate buffer, pH 7.0. Size exclusion chromatography enabled both purification of the conjugates and recovery of the starting materials. Analysis of bifunctionality revealed the coupling of protein G with an average of three peroxidase molecules.     

Bloom's syndrome

Summary The biochemical defect in Bloom's syndrome (BS) remains unknown, but two characteristic features of BS cells point to a disturbance of DNA replication, namely, an excessive number of sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-substibuted cells and an abnormally slow rate of replicon elongation. The hypothesis of an abnormal DNA polymerase as the explanation for these observations was tested using an in situ assay system for DNA polymerase activity and to estimate molecular weights in cellular extracts of cultured BS cells. DNA polymerase subunits in cellular extracts from the BS cells when separated electrophoretically on polyacrylamide gels showed the same mobilities (i.e., molecular weights) as the controls and were equally effective at promoting the incorporation of isotopically labeled nucleosides. It is concluded that the genetic defect in BS has no direct effect on either DNA-polymerase activity or the amounts and molecular weights of the different forms of the enzyme.     

Hepatocyte Growth Factor Induces Transglutaminase Activity That Negatively Regulates the Growth Signal in Primary Cultured Hepatocytes

Transglutaminase (TGase) activity increased 2.5-fold at 6 h after treatment of rat hepatocytes with 117 nMhepatocyte growth factor (HGF). In the same manner, putrescine incorporation into proteins of cells occurred in HGF-treated cells but did not in those pretreated with monodansylcadaverine (MDC), a TGase inhibitor, even in the presence of HGF. These results suggest that HGF-induced TGase was active and catalyzed some cross-linkage reaction. Cycloheximide completely blocked the increase in TGase activity induced by HGF, suggesting that HGF stimulatedde novosynthesis of TGase within 6 h. Both [³⁵S]methionine incorporation and Northern blotting analyses supported this possibility. Pretreatment of cells with MDC additionally increased HGF-induced DNA synthesis and the ratio of cells in S-phase. Similarly, TGase antisense oligonucleotide inhibitedde novosynthesis of TGase, resulting in increase in the ratio of S-phase cells in the presence of HGF. Analyses of cross-linking of HGF to the receptor indicated that the antisense oligonucleotide inhibited the downregulation of HGF receptor subsequent to HGF-addition. These results provide the first evidence for inducibility ofde novosynthesis of TGase by HGF and suggest that TGase negatively regulates the growth signal of HGF through the downregulation of receptor.     

Transglutaminase activity is present in highly purified nonsynaptosomal mouse brain and liver mitochondria

Several active transglutaminase (TGase) isoforms are known to be present in human and rodent tissues, at least three of which, namely, TGase 1, TGase 2 (tissue transglutaminase), and TGase 3, are present in the brain. TGase activity is known to be present in the cytosolic, nuclear, and extracellular compartments of the brain. Here, we show that highly purified mouse brain nonsynaptosomal mitochondria and mouse liver mitochondria and mitoplast fractions derived from these preparations possess TGase activity. Western blotting and experiments with TGase 2 knock-out (KO) mice ruled out the possibility that most of the mitochondrial/mitoplast TGase activity is due to TGase 2, the TGase isoform responsible for the majority of the activity ([14C]putrescine-binding assay) in whole brain and liver homogenates. The identity of the mitochondrial/mitoplast TGase(s) is not yet known. Possibly, the activity may be due to one of the other TGase isoforms or perhaps to a protein that does not belong to the classical TGase family. This activity may play a role in regulation of mitochondrial function both in normal physiology and in disease. Its nature and regulation deserve further study.     

Localization of cellular transglutaminase on the extracellular matrix after wounding: characteristics of the matrix bound enzyme.

Extending our previous observation that tissue transglutaminase (TGase) binds to extracellular matrix (ECM) fibronectin, we report here that endogenous tissue TGase is localized on the adjacent ECM after puncture wounding embryonic human lung fibroblasts (WI-38). The bound TGase persisted at the wound site for many hours, demonstrated by immunofluorescence and by catalytic activity using an overlay assay. The binding characteristics of TGase with ECM were studied further by the addition of exogenous TGase to cell monolayers and monitoring by immunofluorescence or overlay catalytic activity assays. Binding occurred equally well at 4 degrees C or 37 degrees C. Prior incubation of exogenous TGase with guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP), guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP), or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) had little effect on the amount bound to matrix, but prior treatment with calcium, magnesium, strontium, or manganese ions enhanced binding 2- to 3-fold. The Ca(++)-dependent change was a concentration-dependent effect on soluble exogenous TGase, rather than an effect on ECM. Immunofluorescent techniques showed that binding of exogenous TGase to ECM was prevented by prior mixing with fibronectin or collagen, but not with several other ECM components, including laminin, elastin, chondroitin sulfate, heparan sulfate, and hyaluronic acid. ECM-bound TGase was released by 2 M potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) treatment but was not released by treatment with a variety of amino acids, salts, reducing agents, glycerol, or other chaotropic agents.     

Increased levels of gamma-glutamylamines in Huntington disease CSF

Transglutaminases (TGases) catalyze several reactions with protein substrates, including formation of γ-glutamyl-ε-lysine cross-links and γ-glutamylpolyamine residues. The resulting γ-glutamylamines are excised intact during proteolysis. TGase activity is altered in several diseases, highlighting the importance of in situ enzymatic determinations. Previous work showed that TGase activity (as measured by an in vitro assay) and free γ-glutamyl-ε-lysine levels are elevated in Huntington disease (HD) and that γ-glutamyl-ε-lysine is increased in HD CSF. Although free γ-glutamyl-ε-lysine was used in these studies as an index of in situ TGase activity, γ-glutamylpolyamines may also be diagnostic. We have devised methods for the simultaneous determination of four γ-glutamylamines in CSF: γ-glutamyl-ε-lysine, γ-glutamylspermidine, γ-glutamylputrescine, and bis-γ-glutamylputrescine and showed that all are present in normal human CSF at concentrations of ∼150, 670, 40, and 240 nM, respectively. The high γ-glutamylspermidine/γ-glutamylputrescine and γ-glutamylspermidine/bis-γ-glutamylputrescine ratios presumably reflect in part the large spermidine to putrescine mole ratio in human brain. We also showed that all four γ-glutamylamines are elevated in HD CSF. Our findings support the hypotheses that (i) γ-glutamylpolyamines are reflective of TGase activity in human brain, (ii) polyamination is an important post-translational modification of brain proteins, and (iii) TGase-catalyzed modification of proteins is increased in HD brain.     

A specific colorimetric assay for measuring transglutaminase 1 and factor XIII activities

Transglutaminase (TGase) is an enzyme that catalyzes both isopeptide cross-linking and incorporation of primary amines into proteins. Eight TGases have been identified in humans, and each of these TGases has a unique tissue distribution and physiological significance. Although several assays for TGase enzymatic activity have been reported, it has been difficult to establish an assay for discriminating each of these different TGase activities. Using a random peptide library, we recently identified the preferred substrate sequences for three major TGases: TGase 1, TGase 2, and factor XIII. In this study, we use these substrates in specific tests for measuring the activities of TGase 1 and factor XIII.     

GTP, an inhibitor of transglutaminases, is hydrolyzed by tissue-type transglutaminase (TGase 2) but not by epidermal-type transglutaminase (TGase 3)

Epidermal-type transglutaminase (TGase 3) is devoid of GTPase activity, but its TGase activity is inhibited by GTP as in the case of tissue-type TGase (TGase 2). In addition, the inhibition was not affected by the presence of higher concentrations of Ca ion. These results indicate that GTP interacts with TGase 3 in a manner different from its action on TGase 2.     

Detection of in situ activation of transglutaminase during apoptosis: correlation with the cell cycle phase by multiparameter flow and laser scanning cytometry

BACKGROUND: One of the hallmarks of apoptosis is activation of tissue transglutaminase (Tgase; also called transglutaminase type 2 [TGase 2]). Its activation causes cross-linking of cytoplasmic proteins, making them insoluble and presumably less immunogenic. Several biochemical and cytochemical methods to detect activity of TGase 2 exist, but none has been adapted for multiparameter flow or image cytometry. METHODS: Apoptosis of HL-60 or U-937 leukemic cells was induced by camptothecin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, hyperthermia, or the cytotoxic RNase onconase. Two different approaches to detect TGase 2 activation were developed: (a) the unfixed cells were treated with 4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole, and sulforhodamine 101 in solutions of nonionic detergents; (b) the TGase 2 substrate fluoresceinated polyamine cadaverine (F-CDV) was administered into the cultures for several hours before cell harvesting. The cells were then fixed and their DNA counterstained with propidium. Cellular fluorescence was measured by flow or laser scanning cytometry. RESULTS: (a) Exposure of nonapoptotic cells to detergents caused their full lysis, resulting in preparation of isolated nuclei devoid of cytoplasm. Conversely, the cross-linking of cytoplasmic protein by activated TGase 2 in apoptotic cells provided resistance to detergents: the nuclei or nuclear (chromatin) fragments of apoptotic cells remained attached to the cytoplasmic protein, embedded within the proteinaceous "shell." Such cells were identified by their high protein content: intensity of fluorescence after staining with the protein fluorochrome sulforhodamine 101 was markedly higher than that of isolated nuclei. (b) Activation of TGase 2 was also detected by virtue of intense cell labeling with fluoresceinated polyamine cadaverine. Interestingly, in many cells apoptosis progressed without evidence of activation of TGase 2, suggesting that this event may not be a prerequisite for completion of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of TGase 2 can be detected simply by cell resistance to detergents or in situ reactivity with F-CDV. Both methods allow one to correlate activation of TGase 2 with the cell cycle position. However, because activation of TGase 2 is not always detected during apoptosis, the lack of the activation cannot be considered a marker of nonapoptotic cells. Hence, an apoptotic index based solely on TGase 2 activation may underestimate incidence of apoptosis.     

Transglutaminase activity in testicular homogenates and serum-free Sertoli cell cultures

Transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13) (TGase) activity has been localized in homogenates of rat Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules and is present in cytosol and membrane fractions. The enzyme has a requirement for Ca2+ and when the acceptor substrate casein was deleted from the assay mixture, incorporation of [14C]putrescine into cytosolic and membrane fractions occurred. Transglutaminase was also detected in Sertoli cells cultured in serum-free medium. Sertoli cells reside within the seminiferous tubule and are involved in normal spermatogenesis. Sertoli cell TGase has a strict requirement for Ca2+ and is not activated by Mg2+. Activation of the enzyme occurs with as little as 0.3 microM Ca2+; however, consistent with intracellular calcium levels, maximum stimulation occurred at 1.9 mM Ca2+. Sertoli cell TGase activity is markedly stimulated if the cells are cultured in 10% fetal bovine serum rather than in serum-free medium. Inhibition of Sertoli cell TGase by monodansylcadaverine concomitantly decreased the response of the cells to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced secretion of cAMP but did not change basal cAMP levels. These data suggest that TGase may play a facilitative rather than an absolute role in activation of Sertoli cells by FSH and the resultant secretion of cellular products. This may occur through modulation of activities of membrane and cytosolic components by TGase.     

Transglutaminase-catalyzed modification of cytoskeletal proteins by polyamines during the germination of Malus domestica pollen

 We investigated polyamine linkage to different structural proteins in pollen of Malus domestica Borkh. cv Red Chief at different phases of germination. This linkage has the characteristics of covalent linkages, indeed, it could be catalyzed by transglutaminase (TGase; EC 2.3.2.13). This assumption is supported by: (1) formation of a labelled TCA pellet and selective labelling of endogenous proteins by covalent binding of radioactive polyamines and (2) cross-reactivity of two different polyclonal antibodies against mammalian TGases; western blot analysis allowed us to detect a protein of about 80 kDa in both rehydrated ungerminated and germinated pollen. TGase activity was high at 90 min after germination and was influenced by Ca²⁺ supply only in the rehydrated ungerminated pollen. Extraction by Triton X-100 suggests that pollen TGase was at least partially membrane-bound. The enzyme catalyzed the incorporation of polyamines mainly into proteins having a molecular mass of 43 kDa and 52–58 kDa in both ungerminated and germinated pollen. These bands matched immunolabelled spots identified by mouse monoclonal anti-actin and anti-α-tubulin antibodies. Supplying exogenous actin and tubulin in a cell-free extract of rehydrated ungerminated and germinated pollen enhanced the activity. Autoradiography of the SDS-PAGE of these samples clearly showed that both actin and tubulin were substrates of TGase. Thus, the pollen TGase may be involved in the rapid cytoskeletal rearrangement which takes place during rehydration of ungerminated pollen and organization and growth of pollen tubes. Received: 9 August 1996 / Revision accepted: 26 October 1996     

The natural compound n-butylidenephthalide derived from Angelica sinensis inhibits malignant brain tumor growth in vitro and in vivo

The naturally-occurring compound, n-butylidenephthalide (BP), which is isolated from the chloroform extract of Angelica sinensis (AS-C), has been investigated with respect to the treatment of angina. In this study, we have examined the anti-tumor effects of n-butylidenephthalide on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumors both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, GBM cells were treated with BP, and the effects of proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were determined. In vivo, DBTRG-05MG, the human GBM tumor, and RG2, the rat GBM tumor, were injected subcutaneously or intracerebrally with BP. The effects on tumor growth were determined by tumor volumes, magnetic resonance imaging and survival rate. Here, we report on the potency of BP in suppressing growth of malignant brain tumor cells without simultaneous fibroblast cytotocixity. BP up-regulated the expression of Cyclin Kinase Inhibitor (CKI), including p21 and p27, to decrease phosphorylation of Rb proteins, and down-regulated the cell-cycle regulators, resulting in cell arrest at the G(0)/G(1) phase for DBTRG-05MG and RG2 cells, respectively. The apoptosis-associated proteins were dramatically increased and activated by BP in DBTRG-05MG cells and RG2 cells, but RG2 cells did not express p53 protein. In vitro results showed that BP triggered both p53-dependent and independent pathways for apoptosis. In vivo, BP not only suppressed growth of subcutaneous rat and human brain tumors but also, reduced the volume of GBM tumors in situ, significantly prolonging survival rate. These in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer effects indicate that BP could serve as a new anti-brain tumor drug.