Interrelationship between lignin deposition and the activities of peroxidase isoenzymes in differentiating tracheary elements of Zinnia

In a culture system in which single cells isolated from the mesophyll of Zinnia elegans L. differentiate to tracheary elements (TEs), two inhibitors of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.5), L-α-aminooxy-β-phenylpropionic acid (AOPP) at 10 μM inhibited lignification without reducing the number of TEs formed. These inhibitors caused intracellular changes in peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) activities. The inhibitors increased the activity of peroxidases bound to the cell walls and especially the activity of peroxidase bound ionically to the cell walls. In contrast, the activity of extracellular peroxidase decreased. There were five isoenzymes, P1-P5, in the ionically bound peroxidase of cultured Zinnia cells. Among the isoenzymes, P4 and P5 appeared to be specific for TE differentation. Treatment with AOPP and AIP resulted in increases in the activities of P2, P4 and P5 isoenzymes, with the most prominent increase in P5 activity. The addition of lignin precursors, including coniferyl alcohol, to the AOPP-treated cells restored lignification, and suppressed the alteration of peroxidase isoenzyme patterns caused by AOPP. The relationship between the wall-bound peroxidases and lignification during TE differentiation is discussed in the light of these results.     

K+ channels of stomatal guard cells: Abscisic-acid-evoked control of the outward rectifier mediated by cytoplasmic pH

The activation by abscisic acid (ABA) of current through outward-rectifying K⁺ channels and its dependence on cytoplasmic pH (pH_i) was examined in stomatal guard cells of Vicia faba L. Intact guard cells were impaled with multibarrelled and H⁺-selective microelectrodes to record membrane potentials and pH_i during exposures to ABA and the weak acid butyrate. Potassium channel currents were monitored under voltage clamp and, in some experiments, guard cells were loaded with pH buffers by iontophoresis to suppress changes in pH_i. Following impalements, stable pH_i values ranged between 7.53 and 7.81 (7.67±0.04, n = 17). On adding 20 M ABA, pH_i rose over periods of 5–8 min to values 0.27±0.03 pH units above the pH_i before ABA addition, and declined slowly thereafter. Concurrent voltage-clamp measurements showed a parallel rise in the outward-rectifying K⁺ channel current (I_{K, out}) and, once evoked, both pH_i and I_{K, out} responses were unaffected by ABA washout. Acid loads, imposed with external butyrate, abolished the ABA-evoked rise in I_{K, out}. Butyrate concentrations of 10 and 30 mM (pH₀ 6.1) caused pH_i to fall to values near 7.0 and below, both before and after adding ABA, consistent with a cytoplasmic buffer capacity of 128±12 mM per pH unit (n = 10) near neutrality. Butyrate washout was characterised by an appreciable alkaline overshoot in pH_i and concomitant swell in the steady-state conductance of I_{K, out}. The rise in pH_i and i_{K, out} in ABA were also virtually eliminated when guard cells were first loaded with pH buffers to raise the cytoplasmic buffer capacity four- to sixfold; however, buffer loading was without appreciable effect on the ABA-evoked inactivation of a second, inward-rectifying class of K⁺ channels (I_{K, in}). The pH_i dependence of I_{K, out} was consistent with a cooperative binding of at least 2H⁺ (apparent pK_a = 8.3) to achieve a voltage-independent block of the channel. These results establish a causal link previously implicated between cytoplasmic alkalinisation and the activation of I_{K, out} in ABA and, thus, affirm a role for H⁺ in signalling and transport control in plants distinct from its function as a substrate in H⁺-coupled transport. Additional evidence implicates a coordinate control of I_{K, in} by cytoplasmic-free [Ca²⁺] and pH_i.Abbreviations ABA abscisic acid - [Ca²⁺]_i cytoplasmic free [Ca²⁺]_i - E_K K⁺ equilibrium potential - I_{K, out}, I_{K, in} outward-, inward-rectifying K⁺ channel (current) - I-V current-voltage (relation) - Mes 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid - pH_i cytoplasmic pH - Tes 2-{[2-hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]-amino}ethanesulfonic acid - V_m membrane potential We are grateful to G. Thiel (Pflanzenphysiologisches Institut, Universität Göttingen, Germany) for helpful discussions. This work was possible with equipment grants-in-aid from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, the Royal Society and the University of London Central Research Fund. F.A. holds a Sainsbury Studentship.     

Interleukin-8 activates microtubule-associated protein 2 kinase (ERK1) in human neutrophils

The signal transduction initiated by the human cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8), the main chemotactic cytokine for neutrophils, was investigated and found to encompass the stimulation of protein kinases. More specifically, IL-8 caused a transient, dose and time dependent activation of a Ser/Thr kinase activity towards myelin basic protein (MBP) and the MBP-derived peptide APRTPGGRR patterned after the specific concensus sequence in MBP for ERK enzymes. The activated MBP kinase was furthermore identified as an extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1) based on several criteria such as substrate specificity, molecular weight, activation-dependent mobility shift, and recognition by anti-ERK antibodies. For comparison, the chemotactic response of neutrophils to a stimulus of bacterial origin (fMet-Leu-Phe or fMLP) was also examined and found to involve the activation of a similar ERK enzyme. The present data clearly indicate that in terminally differentiated, non-proliferating human cells, the MBP kinase/ERK activity can serve other purposes than mitogenic signaling, and that processes such as chemotaxis, induced by bacterial peptides as well as by human cytokines like IL-8, involve the regulation of ERK enzyme.Abbreviations IL-8 interleukin-8 - fMLP fMet-Leu-Phe - MBP myelin basic protein - ERK extracellular signal regulated kinase - MAP2 microtubule-associated protein 2 - PK-A cAMP dependent protein kinase - PKI protein kinase inhibitor - PMSF phenyl-methanesulfonyl fluoride - PVDF poly-vinylidene difluoride - HBSF Hank's buffered salt solution - DAB 3,3-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride - PNPP p-nitrophenyl-phosphate - HSA human serum albumin - EGTA [ethylenebis (oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid - SDS-PAGE sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis     

Interaction sites on phosphorylase kinase for calmodulin

Holophosphorylase kinase was digested with Glu-C specific protease; from the peptide mixture calmodulin binding peptides were isolated by affinity chromatography and identified by N-terminal sequence analysis. Two peptides originating from the subunit, having a high tendency to form a positively charged amphiphilic helix and containing tryptophane, were synthesized. Additionally, a homologous region of the subunit and a peptide from the subunit present in a region deleted in the isoform were also selected for synthesis. Binding stoichiometry and affinity were determined by following the enhancement in tryptophane fluorescence occurring upon 1:1 complex formation between these peptides and calmodulin. Finally, Ca²⁺ binding to calmodulin in presence of peptides was measured. By this way, the peptides 542–566, 547–571, 660–677 and 597–614 have been found to bind specifically to calmodulin.Together with previously predicted and synthesized calmodulin binding peptides four calmodulin binding regions have been characterized on each the and subunits. It can be concluded that endogenous calmodulin can bind to two calmodulin binding regions in as well as to two regions in and . Exogenous calmodulin can bind to two regions in and in . A binding stoichiometry of 0.8mol of calmodulin/ protomer of phosphorylase kinase has been determined by inhibiting the ubiquitination of calmodulin with phosphorylase kinase. Phosphorylase kinase is half maximally activated by 23nM calmodulin which is in the affinity range of calmodulin binding peptides from to calmodulin. Therefore, binding of exogenous calmodulin to activates the enzyme. A model for switching endogenous calmodulin between , and and modulation of ATP binding to as well as Mg²⁺/ADP binding to by calmodulin is presented.     

Purification and characterization of bovine brain calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. The significance of autophosphorylation in the regulation of 63 kDa calmodulin-dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase isozyme

Bovine brain contains two calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase kinases which are separated on Sephacryl S-300 column. One of these kinases has been purified to homogeneity and shown to belong to the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II family. Phosphorylation of the 63 kDa phosphodiesterase by this purified protein kinase results in the incorporation of 1.0 mol phosphate per mol subunit and an accompanying increase in Ca²⁺ concentrations required for the phosphodiesterase activation by calmodulin. The protein kinase undergoes autophosphorylation to incorporate 1.0 mol phosphate per mol of subunit of the enzyme and the autophosphorylated enzyme is active, independent of the presence of Ca²⁺. The autophosphorylation reaction as well as the protein kinase reaction are rendered Ca²⁺ independent in less than 15 seconds when approximately one mol phosphate per mol protein kinase is incorporated. The result suggests that activation of phosphodiesterase phosphorylation reaction may occur prior to the activation of phosphodiesterase and phosphatase during a cell Ca²⁺ flux via the protein kinase autophosphorylation mechanism.Abbreviations SDS sodium dodecyl sulfate - EGTA ethylene glycol bis (-aminoethyl ether) - N,N,N,N tetra acetic acid - EDTA ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid - cAMP cyclic adenosine 35 monophosphate This work is supported by grants from the Medical Research Council of Canada (JHW), the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta (JHW and RKS) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan (RKS)     

Release of 6-KETO-PGF1α and thromboxane B2 in late appearing cardioprotection induced by the stable PGI analogue: 7-OXO-PGI

We have shown earlier that prostacylin (PGI₂) and its stable analogue: 7-oxo-prostacyclin(7-OXO) may induce a prolonged, late appearing (24–48 h after drug administration), dose dependent protection of the heart from harmful consequences of a subsequent severe ischaemic stress, such as myocardial ischaemia, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and early ischaemic morphological changes. In an other study we observed that a similar but shortlived (less than 1 h) cardioprotection, induced by preconditioning brief coronary artery occlusions, is greatly reduced by blockade of the cyclooxygenase pathway, suggesting that prostanoids might play a role in this shortlasting protection.Objective of our present study was to elucidate the importance of some arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites, such as PGI₂ and thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) in the mechanism of the late appearing, prolonged cardioprotection. Estimation of the metabolites: 6-keto-PGF₁ (6-KETO) and thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) was made from the perfusate of isolated Langendorff hearts of guinea-pigs pretreated with 50 g/kg 7-OXO, 24 and 48 h before preparation. Pretreatment alone produced a slight, but significant elevation of 6-KETO (from 206±11 to 284±19 pg/ml/min after 24 h, and to 261±18 pg/ml/min after 48 h). No change was seen in TXB₂ production. Global ischaemia for 25 min (followed by 25 min reperfusion) markedly increased the release of both AA metabolites; maximal values were observed in the third min of reperfusion (6-KETO from 206±11 to 1275±55 pg/ml/min and TXB₂ from 29±4 to 172±12 pg/ml/min). All values returned to the preischaemic level by the 25th min of reperfusion. Ischaemic increase in 6-KETO level was significantly higher in the perfusate of hearts from pretreated animals (1507±73 pg/ml/min after 24 h, and 1398±54 pg/ml/min after 48 h) that in those of untreated controls. There was no difference in TXB₂ values. Thus both basal and ischaemic release of PGI₂ increased 24 and 48 h after pretreatment with 7-OXO but not TXA₂ production. Results suggest that endogenous prostanoids might play a role in late appearing cardioprotection.     

Sequence, structure and evolutionary relationships between class 2 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases: An update

The seven class 2 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that are α₂ dimers have previously been divided by sequence homology into class 2a (seryl-, threonyl-, prolyl- and histidyl-) and class 2b (aspartyl-, asparaginyl- and lysyl-). It has been more difficult to classify the glycyl-, phenylalanyl- and alanyl-tRNA synthetases which have different subunit stoichiometries and which did not apparently contain all three canonical class 2 motifs. New sequence and structural information relating to the three problematic synthetases will be discussed permitting a step forward to be taken in the understanding of the evolutionary relationships between the class 2 synthetases.     

A Fos-Jun element in the first intron of an α2u-globulin gene

The hepatic expression of the _2u gene family is controlled by a variety of hormones including steroids, growth hormone and insulin. The mechanisms by which these hormones affect -globulin expression are only partially understood. Recently we isolated and characterized clone RAP 01, an _2u-globulin gene expressed in the liver. In preliminary experiments we noted that partial hepatectomy, a procedure which results in a sharp rise in the level of the oncoproteins c-Fos and c-Jun, also causes a transient induction of the messenger RNA corresponding to clone RAP 01. Using the DNAseI footprinting technique we were able to show that this clone contains a TPA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate)-responsive element (TRE) in its first intron. This element (denoted as element X) is identical to the consensus AP-1 binding site (TGACTCAG) and is protected by rat liver nuclear extracts as well as by purified c-Jun. Gel retardation experiments show that an oligonucleotide containing the TRE consensus sequence competes for binding of liver nuclear proteins to element X and that antibodies directed against the M₂ peptide of the mouse Fos protein or the PEP-2 peptide of Jun prevent the formation of specific complexes with the same element. Moreover, element X functions as a TRE in transfected BWTG₃ hepatoma cells treated with TPA. Co-transfection withfos andjun expression vectors mimics the effects of TPA suggesting that AP-1 is in fact the mediator of the observed response. It is concluded that the first intron of RAP 01 contains a functional Fos-Jun element.     

Fractionation of erytroblasts with affinitymediated modifications of their electrical properties using counter-current distribution

Enterally administered, heme is a good source of iron in humans and other animals, but the metabolism of heme by enterocytes has not been fully characterized. Caco-2 cells in culture provide a useful model for studying cells that resemble small intestinal epithelium, both morphologically and functionally. In this paper we show that heme oxygenase, the rate-controlling enzyme of heme catabolism, is present in abundance in Caco-2 cells, and that levels of its mRNA and activity can be increased by exposure of the cells to heme or metal ions (cadmium, cobalt). Caco-2 cells also contain biliverdin reductase activity which, in the basal state, is similar to that of heme oxygenase (approximately 40 pmole of product per mg protein per minute); however, when heme oxygenase is induced, biliverdin reductase may become rate-limiting for bilirubin production.Abbreviations BVR biliverdin reductase - DMEM Dulbecco's modified Eagles medium - DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide - HO heme oxygenase - 1xSSC a solution of 0.015 M sodium citrate/0.15 sodium chloride     

Abnormalities of ADP/ATP carrier protein in J-2-N cardiomyopathic hamsters

ADP/ATP carrier protein (AAC) is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and has an important function in mitochondrial energy supply. This protein transports ATP to the cytoplasm and counter transports ADP into the mitochondria. J-2-N cardiomyopathic hamsters were investigated to determine the AAC content in cardiac mitochondria. After recording an electrocardiogram and collecting blood, the cardiac mitochondria were isolated. The mitochondrial membranes were labelled with eosin-5-maleimide (EMA) and separated on SDS polyacrylamide gels. The position of the AAC component was identified by exposing the gel under UV light, and the AAC content was determined by densitometry after staining with Coomassie blue. The AAC content ratio was significantly decreased in both 10-week-old and 1-year survived J-2-N hamsters when compared to control Golden hamster. Among 10-week-old J-2-N hamsters, the decrease in the AAC content ratio was more marked for the animals with more severe myocardial damage. The H⁺-ATPase activities of mitochondrial membrane were higher in 10-week-old J-2-N hamsters than in control hamsters. These results suggest that the decrease of AAC in J-2-N hamster plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy in J-2-N hamsters.