Properties of membrane-inserted protein kinase C

Protein kinase C (PKC) interacted with phospholipid vesicles in a calcium-dependent manner and produced two forms of membrane-associated PKC: a reversibly bound form and a membrane-inserted form. The two forms of PKC were isolated and compared with respect to enzyme stability, cofactor requirements, and phorbol ester binding ability. Membrane-inserted PKC was stable for several weeks in the presence of calcium chelators and could be rechromatographed on gel filtration columns in the presence of EGTA without dissociation of the enzyme from the membrane. The activity of membrane-inserted PKC was not significantly influenced by Ca2+, phospholipids, and/or PDBu. Partial dissociation of this PKC from phospholipid was achieved with Triton X-100, followed by dialysis to remove the detergent. The resulting free PKC appeared indistinguishable from original free PKC with respect to its cofactor requirements for activation (Ca2+, phospholipid, and phorbol esters), molecular weight, and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) binding. The binding of PDBu to free and membrane-inserted PKC was measured under equilibrium conditions using gel filtration techniques. At 2.0 nM PDBu, free PKC bound PDBu with nearly 1:1 stoichiometry in the presence of Ca2+ and phospholipid. No PDBu binding to the free enzyme was observed in the absence of Ca2+. In contrast, membrane-inserted PKC bound PDBu in the presence or the absence of Ca2+; calcium did enhance the affinity of this interaction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ca2+-mediated generation of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate in pancreatic islets. Studies with K+, glucose, and carbamylcholine

The role of Ca2+ in the generation of inositol phosphates was investigated using rat pancreatic islets after steady state labeling with myo-[2-3H]inositol. Depolarizing K+ concentrations (24 mM) evoked early (2 s) increases in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins-1,4,5-P3) and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (Ins-1,3,4,5-P4) as measured by high performance anion-exchange chromatography. The increase in Ins-1,4,5-P3 was transient and was followed by a more pronounced rise in Ins-1,3,4-P3. These effects were dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+ but were not secondary to release of either neurotransmitters or metabolites of arachidonic acid. K+ also promoted the breakdown of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns-4,5-P2) and of the other phosphoinositides. Glucose (16.7 mM) was less marked in its effects but still promoted rapid increases in Ins-1,3,4,5-P4 (2 s) and Ins-1,4,5-P3 (10 s) and a slower rise in Ins-1,3,4-P3 (30 s). The levels of all three metabolites rose steadily over 10 min stimulation. These responses to glucose could be largely, although not entirely, inhibited by depletion of extracellular Ca2+ or by Ca2+ channel blockade with verapamil (20 microM). Carbamylcholine (0.5 mM) was the most potent stimulus used evoking early rises in Ins-1,4,5-P3 and Ins-1,3,4,5-P4 (2 s) followed by Ins-1,3,4-P3 (10 s), effects which were only partially dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The results suggest that a Ca2+-mediated PtdIns-4,5-P2 hydrolysis accounts for most of the Ins-1,4,5-P3 generated in response to glucose but not carbamylcholine. In addition, glucose may exert effects on inositol phosphate metabolism which are Ca2+ independent.     

Relationship between inositol polyphosphate production and the increase of cytosolic free Ca2+ induced by vasopressin in isolated hepatocytes

Addition of vasopressin to rat hepatocytes prelabeled with myo-[2-3H]inositol resulted in a very rapid decrease [3H]phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (Ptd-Ins-4,5-P2) which was paralleled by increases of up to 3-fold in the levels of [3H]inositol trisphosphate (Ins-P3) and [3H]inositol bisphosphate (Ins-P2). Increases of [3H]inositol phosphate (Ins-P) were not detected until about 5 min after hormone addition. These data indicate that the major pathway for hormone-induced lipid breakdown in liver is through a phosphodiesterase for PtdIns-4,5-P2 and that decreases of phosphatidylinositol are a secondary result of increased PtdIns-4,5-P2 resynthesis. Using the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Quin 2, cytosolic free Ca2+ increased from 160 nM to about 400 nM after vasopressin addition to hepatocytes and preceded the conversion of phosphorylase b to a. Half-maximal and maximal increases of cytosolic free Ca2+ and phosphorylase a activity were observed at 0.2 and 1 nM vasopressin, respectively. The dose-response curve for the initial rate of cytosolic free Ca2+ increase was very similar to those obtained for the initial rates of Ins-P3 production and PtdIns-4,5-P2 breakdown. Pretreatment of hepatocytes with Li+ caused a 3--4-fold potentiation of vasopressin-induced elevations of Ins-P, Ins-P2, and Ins-P3, with half-maximal effects at 0.5, 1, and 5 mM, respectively. The calculated maximal concentrations of Ins-P3 in cells treated with 20 nM vasopressin were 10 and 30 microM, respectively, without and with Li+. Lithium did not affect the initial rate of inositol polyphosphate production or Ca2+ mobilization. The increase of Ins-P3 which correlated with peak cytosolic free Ca2+ elevation was about 0.6 microM. In a saponin-permeabilized hepatocyte preparation, Ins-P3 (1 microM) caused Ca2+ release from a vesicular, ATP-dependent Ca2+ pool. The data presented here suggest that Ins-P3 may be a second messenger for the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ by hormones in liver.     

Maximal Ca2+i stimulation of cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchange requires simultaneous alkalinization and binding of PtdIns-4,5-P2 to the exchanger

Using bovine heart sarcolemma vesicles we studied the effects of protons and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns-4,5-P2) on the affinity of the mammalian Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX1) for intracellular Ca(2+). By following the effects of extravesicular ligands in inside-out vesicles, their interactions with sites of NCX1 facing the intracellular medium were investigated. Two Na(+)-gradient-dependent fluxes were studied: Ca(2+) uptake and Ca(2+) release. PtdIns-4,5-P2 binding to NCX1 was investigated in parallel. Without MgATP (no 'de novo' synthesis of PtdIns-4,5-P2), alkalinization increased the affinity for Ca(2+) and the PtdIns-4,5-P2 bound to NCX1. Vesicles depleted of phosphoinositides were insensitive to alkalinization, but became responsive following addition of exogenous PtdIns-4,5-P2 or PtdIns plus MgATP. Acidification reduced the affinity for Ca(2+)(ev); this was only partially reversed by MgATP, despite the increase in bound PtdIns-4,5-P2 to levels observed with alkalinization. Inhibition of Ca(2+) uptake by increasing extravesicular [Na(+)] indicates that it is related to H(+)(i) and Na(+)(i) synergistic inhibition of the Ca(2+)(i) regulatory site. Therefore, the affinity of the NCX1 Ca(2+)(i) regulatory site for Ca(2+) was maximal when both intracellular alkalinization and an increase in PtdIns-4,5-P2 bound to NCX1 (not just of the total membrane PtdIns-4,5-P2) occurred simultaneously. In addition, protons influenced the distribution, or the exposure, of PtdIns-4,5-P2 molecules in the surroundings and/or on the exchanger protein.     

A pleckstrin homology domain specific for phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate (PtdIns-4,5-P2) and fused to green fluorescent protein identifies plasma membrane PtdIns-4,5-P2 as being important in exocytosis

Kinetically distinct steps can be distinguished in the secretory response from neuroendocrine cells with slow ATP-dependent priming steps preceding the triggering of exocytosis by Ca(2+). One of these priming steps involves the maintenance of phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate (PtdIns-4,5-P(2)) through lipid kinases and is responsible for at least 70% of the ATP-dependent secretion observed in digitonin-permeabilized chromaffin cells. PtdIns-4,5-P(2) is usually thought to reside on the plasma membrane. However, because phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase is an integral chromaffin granule membrane protein, PtdIns-4,5-P(2) important in exocytosis may reside on the chromaffin granule membrane. In the present study we have investigated the localization of PtdIns-4,5-P(2) that is involved in exocytosis by transiently expressing in chromaffin cells a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain that specifically binds PtdIns-4, 5-P(2) and is fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP). The PH-GFP protein predominantly associated with the plasma membrane in chromaffin cells without any detectable association with chromaffin granules. Rhodamine-neomycin, which also binds to PtdIns-4,5-P(2), showed a similar subcellular localization. The transiently expressed PH-GFP inhibited exocytosis as measured by both biochemical and electrophysiological techniques. The results indicate that the inhibition was at a step after Ca(2+) entry and suggest that plasma membrane PtdIns-4,5-P(2) is important for exocytosis. Expression of PH-GFP also reduced calcium currents, raising the possibility that PtdIns-4,5-P(2) in some manner alters calcium channel function in chromaffin cells.     

Action of linoleic acid on phospholipase C activity at the rectal level of the African locust under the control of protein kinase C

Linoleic acid (18:2n-6), linolenic acid and eicosatrienoic acid stimulated fluid reabsorption in locust rectum. Only 18:2n-6 was able to enhance phospholipase C activity, inositol_(1,4,5) trisphosphate production and to increase cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentrations in epithelial cells via the opening of L-type Ca²⁺ channels. These effects resemble those exerted by neuroparsin, an antidiuretic neuronal hormone extracted from the storage lobes of the locust corpora cardiaca. As for neuroparsin, the effects of 18:2n-6 were abolished after pre-treatment with the protein kinase C inhibitor, polymyxin B. The results were consistent with a regulation of neuroparsin-sensitive phospholipase C activity by 18:2n-6 under control of protein kinase C, possibly by increasing membrane fluidity. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors attenuated the effects of 18:2n-6. This demonstrated that the results should be produced via the metabolites of 18:2n-6 HODEs rather than the PUFA itself.     

Crystal structures of the Dab homology domains of mouse disabled 1 and 2

Disabled (Dab) 1 and 2 are mammalian homologues of Drosophila DAB. Dab1 is a key cytoplasmic mediator in Reelin signaling that controls cell positioning in the developing central nervous system, whereas Dab2 is an adapter protein that plays a role in endocytosis. DAB family proteins possess an amino-terminal DAB homology (DH) domain that is similar to the phosphotyrosine binding/phosphotyrosine interaction (PTB/PI) domain. We have solved the structures of the DH domains of Dab2 (Dab2-DH) and Dab1 (Dab1-DH) in three different ligand forms, ligand-free Dab2-DH, the binary complex of Dab2-DH with the Asn-Pro-X-Tyr (NPXY) peptide of amyloid precursor protein (APP), and the ternary complex of Dab1-DH with the APP peptide and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins-1,4,5-P3, the head group of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-diphosphate (PtdIns-4,5-P2)). The similarity of these structures suggests that the rigid Dab DH domain maintains two independent pockets for binding of the APP/lipoprotein receptors and phosphoinositides. Mutagenesis confirmed the structural determinants specific for the NPXY sequence and PtdIns-4,5-P2 binding. NMR spectroscopy confirmed that the DH domain binds to Ins-1,4,5-P3 independent of the NPXY peptides. These findings suggest that simultaneous interaction of the rigid DH domain with the NPXY sequence and PtdIns-4,5-P2 plays a role in the attachment of Dab proteins to the APP/lipoprotein receptors and phosphoinositide-rich membranes.     

Phosphatidyl inositol-4,5-bisphosphate bound to bovine cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger displays a MgATP regulation similar to that of the exchange fluxes.

This work shows the existence of a phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns-4,5-P2) bound form of the cardiac sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. That was demonstrated in Western blots and cross-immunoprecipitation by using specific antibodies against the NCX1 exchanger (NCX1) and against PtdIns-4,5-P2. In addition, PtdIns-4,5-P2 bound to the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and the Na+/Ca2+ exchange fluxes displayed a similar MgATP regulation: (a) both increase by 100-130% when membrane vesicles are incubated (15-20 s at 37 degrees C) with 1 mM MgATP and 1 microM Ca2+ (b) in the presence of 100 microM Ca2+, MgATP fails to stimulate the exchange fluxes and does not modify the levels of PtdIns-4,5-P2 bound to the exchanger. In addition, in the absence of Ca2+, the net synthesis of total membrane PtdIns-4,5-P2 is greatly reduced compared with that in the presence of 1 microM Ca2+. Furthermore, in the absence of Ca2+ there is no effect of MgATP on the levels of PtdIns-4,5-P2 bound to the exchanger. These results indicate that, in bovine heart, MgATP-stimulation of Na+/Ca2+ exchange is associated with intracellular Ca2+-dependent levels of PtdIns-4,5-P2 bound to the exchanger molecule.     

Fluorescent phosphoinositide derivatives reveal specific binding of gelsolin and other actin regulatory proteins to mixed lipid bilayers.

Fluorescent derivatives of phosphatidyl inositol (PtdIns)-(4,5)-P2 were synthesized and used to test the effects of the PtdIns-(4, 5)-P2-regulated proteins gelsolin, tau, cofilin, and profilin on labeled PtdIns-(4,5)-P2 that was either in micellar form or mixed with phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) in bilayer vesicles. Gelsolin increased the fluorescence of 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD)- or pyrene-labeled PtdIns-(4,5)-P2 and NBD-PtdIns-(3,4,5)-P3. Cofilin and profilin produced no detectable change at equimolar ratios to PtdIns-(4,5)-P2, while tau decreased NBD-PtdIns-(4,5)-P2 fluorescence. Fluorescence enhancement by gelsolin of NBD-PtdIns-(4, 5)-P2 in mixed lipid vesicles depended on the mole fraction of PtdIns-(4,5)-P2 in the bilayer. Specific enhancement of 3% NBD-PtdIns-(4,5)-P2 : 97% PtdCho was much lower than that of 10% PtdIns-(4,5)-P2 : 90% PtdCho, but the enhancement of 3% NBD-PtdIns-(4,5)-P2 could be increased by addition of 7% unlabeled PtdIns-(4,5)-P2. The gelsolin-dependent increase in NBD-PtdIns-(4, 5)-P2 fluorescence was reversed by addition of Ca2+ or G-actin. Significant, but weaker, fluorescence enhancement was observed with the gelsolin N-terminal domain (residues 1-160) and a peptide comprised of gelsolin residues 150-169. Fluorescence energy transfer from gelsolin to pyrene-PtdIns-(4,5)-P2 was much stronger with intact gelsolin than the N-terminal region of gelsolin containing the PtdIns-(4,5)-P2 binding sites, suggesting that PtdIns-(4,5)-P2 may bind near a site formed by the juxtaposition of the N- and C-terminal domains of gelsolin.     

Effects of nucleotides on the activity of phospholipase C in rabbit thymus lymphocytes. Differences in assays using endogenous [3H]inositol-prelabeled membranes or exogenous [3H]phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate as substrate

The influence of nucleotides and pyrophosphate on phospholipase C from rabbit thymocytes was investigated by using two different methods for the determination of phospholipase C activity. In a first approach the release of radiolabeled inositol phosphates from [3H]inositol-labeled membranes was examined. By a second type of experiment the cleavage of exogenously added radiolabeled phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns-4,5-P2) was measured. Using internally labeled membranes only guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate) exhibited a stimulatory effect on the phospholipase C suggesting the involvement of a G-protein. When exogenous [3H]PtdIns-4,5-P2 was used as substrate, cleavage of PtdIns-4,5-P2 was stimulated by all nucleotides investigated; in addition pyrophosphate showed a stimulatory effect. From these data we conclude that the increased cleavage of exogenous PtdIns-4,5-P2 induced by GTP analogues is not conclusive in terms of the involvement of a G-protein. Rather than induced by a G-protein this activation may be caused by an increased substrate accessibility. Our experiments with endogenous substrate clearly established the regulatory role of G-proteins for membrane-bound phospholipase C.     

Guanine nucleotides stimulate soluble phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in the absence of membranes

The effect of guanine nucleotides on platelet and calf brain cytosolic phospholipase C was examined in the absence of membranes or detergents in an assay using labeled lipid vesicles. Guanine nucleotides stimulate hydrolysis of [3H]phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [( 3H]PtdIns-4,5-P2) catalyzed both by enzyme from human platelets and by partially purified enzyme from calf brain. Guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) was the most potent guanine nucleotide with a half-maximal stimulation at 1-10 microM, followed by guanosine 5'-(beta, gamma-imido)triphosphate greater than GTP greater than GDP = guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate). Guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) was able to reverse the GTP gamma S-mediated stimulation. NaF also stimulated phospholipase C activity, further implying a role for a guanine nucleotide-binding protein. In the presence of GTP gamma S, the enzyme cleaved PtdIns-4,5-P2 at higher pH values, and the need for calcium ions was reduced 100-fold. The stimulation of PtdIns-4,5-P2 hydrolysis by GTP gamma S ranged from 2 to 25-fold under various conditions, whereas hydrolysis of [3H]phosphatidylinositol was only slightly affected by guanine nucleotides. We propose that a soluble guanine nucleotide-dependent protein activates phospholipase C to hydrolyze its initial substrate in the sequence of phosphoinositide-derived messenger generation.     

Inhibitory and stimulatory effects of phorbol ester on vasopressin-induced cellular responses in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells

In rat aortic smooth muscle cells, vasopressin (AVP) induces prostacyclin (PGI2) production, probably as the consequence of phospholipase C activation. Our study analyzes the effects of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced protein kinase C (PKC) activation on AVP-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation, cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]c), and PGI2 production. PMA rapidly decreased PKC activity in the cytosol of smooth muscle cells, while increasing it transiently in the membranes with a maximum around 20 min. Prior exposure of the cells to PMA resulted in a transient inhibition of both AVP-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation and [Ca2+]c rise. This was inversely correlated with membraneous PKC activity and partially reversed by the PKC inhibitor staurosporine. In contrast, pretreating the cells with PMA markedly potentiated A23187 or AVP-induced PGI2 production. Under those conditions, AVP-induced PGI2 production did not correlate either with PMA-induced membranous PKC activity or with AVP-induced PLC activation. However, this potentiating effect of PMA was reversed by staurosporine and was not mimicked by the 4 alpha-phorbol, an inactive analogue of PMA. Thus, the possibility is raised that, while inhibiting AVP-induced PLC activation, PMA-induced PKC activation increases the Ca2+ sensitivity of the cellular signaling system leading to PGI2 production.     

Ca2+ ionophores affect phosphoinositide metabolism differently than thyrotropin-releasing hormone in GH3 pituitary cells

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulates hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns-4,5-P2) by a phospholipase C (or phosphodiesterase) and elevates cytoplasmic-free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in GH3 pituitary cells. To explore whether hydrolysis of PtdIns-4,5-P2 is secondary to the elevation of [Ca2+]i, we studied the effects of Ca2+ ionophores, A23187 and ionomycin. In cells prelabeled with [3H]myoinositol, A23187 caused a rapid decrease in the levels of [3H]PtdIns-4,5-P2, [3H]PtdIns-4-P, and [3H]PtdIns to 88 +/- 2%, 88 +/- 4%, and 86 +/- 1% of control, respectively, and increased [3H]inositol bisphosphate to 200 +/- 20% at 0.5 min. There was no increase in [3H] Ins-P3; the lack of a measurable increase in [3H]Ins-P3 was not due to its rapid dephosphorylation. In cells prelabeled with [14C]stearic acid, A23187 increased [14C]diacylglycerol and [14C]phosphatidic acid to 166 +/- 20% and 174 +/- 17% of control, respectively. In cells prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid, A23187, but not TRH, increased unesterified [3H]arachidonic acid to 166 +/- 8% of control. Similar effects were observed with ionomycin. Hence, Ca2+ ionophores stimulate phosphodiesteratic hydrolysis of PtdIns-4-P but not of PtdIns-4,5-P2 and elevate the level of unesterified arachidonic acid in GH3 cells. These data demonstrate that Ca2+ ionophores affect phosphoinositide metabolism differently than TRH and suggest that TRH stimulation of PtdIns-4,5-P2 hydrolysis is not secondary to the elevation of [Ca2+]i.     

Characterization of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate kinases in human neutrophils

Phosphodiesteric cleavage of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns-4,5-P2) is required for transmembrane signaling by chemoattractants in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Considering the importance of PtdIns-4,5-P2 as a reservoir for second messenger substances, we have characterized the enzyme system that synthesizes this phospholipid in human PMN, consisting of kinases for phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) and phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PtdIns-4-P). The preferred phosphate donor for both enzymes was ATP as compared with GTP. The respective Km for ATP for PtdIns kinase and PtdIns-P kinase were 0.049 +/- 0.013 and 0.062 +/- 0.005 mM and for GTP were 0.242 +/- 0.016 and 0.186 +/- 0.037 mM. PtdIns stimulated the activity of PtdIns kinase to a greater extent than PtdIns-4-P kinase. PtdIns-4-P inhibited the activity of detergent-solubilized PtdIns kinase and stimulated particulate PtdIns-4-P kinase, whereas both enzymes exhibited substrate inhibition to PtdIns-4,5-P2. Mg2+ was the preferred cation for both enzymes, but the apparent Km values (4.1 +/- 0.9 mM for PtdIns kinase and 1.0 +/- 0.7 mM for PtdIns-4-P kinase) were significantly different (p less than 0.005). Mn2+ partially substituted for Mg2+, and both enzymes were inhibited by Ca2+. The polyamine spermine stimulated PtdIns-4-P kinase activity to a greater extent and at lower concentrations than PtdIns kinase. PtdIns kinase was easily solubilized in both Triton X-100 and Nonidet P-40, whereas PtdIns-4-P kinase remained in a detergent-nonextractable membrane fraction. These findings demonstrate that the enzyme system in human PMN that forms PtdIns-4,5-P2 is composed of two distinct enzymes with similar characteristics.     

Phox homology domains specifically bind phosphatidylinositol phosphates

The recruitment of specific cytosolic proteins to intracellular membranes through binding phosphorylated derivatives of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) controls such processes as endocytosis, regulated exocytosis, cytoskeletal organization, and cell signaling. Protein modules such as FVYE domains and PH domains that bind specifically to PtdIns 3-phosphate (PtdIns-3-P) and polyphosphoinositides, respectively, can direct such membrane targeting. Here we show that two representative Phox homology (PX) domains selectively bind to specific phosphatidylinositol phosphates. The PX domain of Vam7p selectively binds PtdIns-3-P, while the PX domain of the CPK PI-3 kinase selectively binds PtdIns-4,5-P(2). In contrast, the PX domain of Vps5p displays no binding to any PtdInsPs that were tested. In addition, the double mutant (Y42A/L48Q) of the PX domain of Vam7p, reported to cause vacuolar trafficking defects in yeast, has a dramatically decreased level of binding to PtdIns-3-P. These data reveal that the membrane targeting function of the Vam7p PX domain is based on its ability to associate with PtdIns-3-P, analogous to the function of FYVE domains.     

cis,cis-cyclohexane 1,3,5-triol polyphosphates release calcium from Neurospora crassa via an unspecific Ins 1,4,5-P3 receptor

We investigated the effects of new inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate analogues on the release of Ca2+ from isolated vacuoles of Neurospora crassa. Tri-O-butyryl-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and a set of cis,cis-cyclohexane 1,3,5-triol bis-(CHT-P2) and trisphosphates (CHT-P3) gave an increase in free Ca2+ as measured directly with fura-2, a Ca2(+)-chelator. However, inositol 1,4-bisphosphate, 6-O-palmitoyl-inositol 4,5-bisphosphate and trans-cyclohexane 1,2-diol bisphosphate (trans CHD-P2) did not induce Ca2(+)-release. These results suggest that the 1,5-bisphosphate position in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins 1,4,5-P3) is the only essential arrangement for receptor binding to vacuoles of Neurospora crassa. The structures of these analogues are discussed on the basis of a general concept for the design of new Ins 1,4,5-P3 analogues.     

Inositol polyphosphate production and regulation of cytosolic calcium during the biphasic activation of adrenal glomerulosa cells by angiotensin II

Stimulation of aldosterone production by angiotensin II in the adrenal glomerulosa cell is mediated by increased phosphoinositide turnover and elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration. In cultured bovine glomerulosa cells, angiotensin II caused rapid increases in inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins-1,4,5-P3) levels and cytosolic Ca2+ during the first minute of stimulation, when both responses peaked between 5 and 10 s and subsequently declined to above-baseline levels. In addition to this temporal correlation, the dose-response relationships of the angiotensin-induced peak increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations and Ins-1,4,5-P3 levels measured at 10 s were closely similar. However, at later times (greater than 1 min) there was a secondary elevation of Ins-1,4,5-P3, paralleled by increased formation of inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate that was associated with cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations only slightly above the resting value. These results are consistent with the primary role of Ins-1,4,5-P3 in calcium mobilization during activation of the glomerulosa cell by angiotensin II. They also suggest that Ins-1,4,5-P3 participates in the later phase of the target-cell response, possibly by acting alone or in conjunction with its phosphorylated metabolites to promote calcium entry and elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ during the sustained phase of aldosterone secretion.     

Role of a guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein in the hydrolysis of hepatocyte phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate by calcium-mobilizing hormones and the control of cell calcium. Studies utilizing aluminum fluoride

Treatment of isolated hepatocytes with NaF produced a concentration-dependent activation of phosphorylase, inactivation of glycogen synthase, efflux of Ca2+, rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), increase in myo-inositol-1,4,5,-P3 levels, decrease in phosphatidylinositol-4,5-P2 levels, and increase in 1,2-diacylglycerol levels. These changes were evident within 1 min and maximum at 2-5 min. Maximum effects on Ca2+ efflux, [Ca2+]i, glycogen synthase, and phosphorylase were observed with 15 mM NaF, whereas myo-inositol-1,4,5-P3 and 1,2-diacylglycerol levels were maximally stimulated by 50 mM NaF. The levels of intracellular cAMP were decreased by NaF (up to 10 mM) in the absence or presence of glucagon (0.1-1 nM) or forskolin (2 microM). The effects of low doses of NaF (2-15 mM) to inhibit basal or glucagon-stimulated cAMP accumulation, mobilize Ca2+, activate phosphorylase, and inactivate glycogen synthase were all potentiated by AlCl3. This potentiation was abolished by the Al3+ chelator deferoxamine. These results illustrate that AlF4- can mimic the effects of Ca2+-mobilizing hormones in hepatocytes and suggest that the coupling of the receptors for these hormones to the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-P2 to myo-inositol 1,4,5-P3 is through a guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein. This is because AlF4- is known to modulate the activity of other guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (Ni, Ns, and transducin).     

Pollen tube tip growth depends on plasma membrane polarization mediated by tobacco PLC3 activity and endocytic membrane recycling

Phosphatidyl inositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI 4,5-P2) accumulates in a Rac/Rop-dependent manner in the pollen tube tip plasma membrane, where it may control actin organization and membrane traffic. PI 4,5-P2 is hydrolyzed by phospholipase C (PLC) activity to the signaling molecules inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacyl glycerol (DAG). To investigate PLC activity during tip growth, we cloned Nt PLC3, specifically expressed in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) pollen tubes. Recombinant Nt PLC3 displayed Ca2+-dependent PI 4,5-P2-hydrolyzing activity sensitive to U-73122 and to mutations in the active site. Nt PLC3 overexpression, but not that of inactive mutants, inhibited pollen tube growth. Yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fused to Nt PLC3, or to its EF and C2 domains, accumulated laterally at the pollen tube tip plasma membrane in a pattern complementary to the distribution of PI 4,5-P2. The DAG marker Cys1:YFP displayed a similar intracellular localization as PI 4,5-P2. Blocking endocytic membrane recycling affected the intracellular distribution of DAG but not of PI 4,5-P2. U-73122 at low micromolar concentrations inhibited and partially depolarized pollen tube growth, caused PI 4,5-P2 spreading at the apex, and abolished DAG membrane accumulation. We show that Nt PLC3 is targeted by its EF and C2 domains to the plasma membrane laterally at the pollen tube tip and that it maintains, together with endocytic membrane recycling, an apical domain enriched in PI 4,5-P2 and DAG required for polar cell growth.