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At4g24160, a Soluble Acyl-Coenzyme A-Dependent Lysophosphatidic Acid Acyltransferase1[W][OA]
2009-10-01
Human CGI-58 (for comparative gene identification-58) and YLR099c, encoding Ict1p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, have recently been identified as acyl-CoA-dependent...Full Text Available
At4g24160, a Soluble Acyl-Coenzyme A-Dependent Lysophosphatidic Acid Acyltransferase1[W][OA]
2009-10-01
Full Text Available.Human CGI-58 (for comparative gene identification-58) and YLR099c, encoding Ict1p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, have recently been identified as acyl-CoA-dependent lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases. Sequence database searches for CGI-58 like proteins in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) revealed 24 proteins with At4g24160, a member of the α/β-hydrolase family of proteins being the closest homolog. At4g24160 contains three motifs that are conserved across the plant species: a GXSXG lipase motif, a HX4D acyltransferase motif, and V(X)3HGF, a probable lipid binding motif. Dendrogram analysis of yeast ICT1, CGI-58, and At4g24160 placed these three polypeptides in the same group. Here, we describe and characterize At4g24160 as, to our knowledge, the first soluble lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase in plants. A lipidomics approach revealed that At4g24160 has additional triacylglycerol lipase and phosphatidylcholine hydrolyzing enzymatic activities. These data establish At4g24160, a protein with a previously unknown function, as an enzyme that might play a pivotal role in maintaining the lipid homeostasis in plants by regulating both phospholipid and neutral lipid levels.
SLC1 and SLC4 encode partially redundant acyl-coenzyme A 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferases of budding yeast
2007-01-01
Phosphatidic acid is the intermediate, from which all glycerophospholipids are synthesized. In yeast, it is generated from lysophosphatidic acid, which is acylated by Slc1p, an sn-2-specific, acyl-coenzyme A-dependent 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase. Deletion of SLC1 is not lethal and does not eliminate all microsomal 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase activity, suggesting that an additional enzyme may exist. Here we show that SLC4 (Yor175c), a gene of hitherto unknown function, encodes a second 1-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase. SLC4 harbors a membrane-bound O-acyltransferase motif and down-regulation of SLC4 strongly reduces 1-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase activity in microsomes from slc1Delta cells. The simultaneous deletion of SLC1 and SLC4 is lethal. Mass spectrometric analysis of lipids from slc1Delta and slc4Delta cells demonstrates that in vivo Slc1p and Slc4p generate almost the same glycerophospholipid profile. Microsomes from slc1Delta and slc4Delta cells incubated with [14C]oleoyl-coenzyme A in the absence of lysophosphatidic acid and without CTP still incorporate the label into glycerophospholipids, indicating that Slc1p and Slc4p can also use endogenous lysoglycerophospholipids as substrates. However, the lipid profiles generated by microsomes from slc1Delta and slc4Delta cells are different, and this suggests that Slc1p and Slc4p have a different substrate specificity or have access to different lyso-glycerophospholipid substrates because of a different subcellular location. Indeed, affinity-purified Slc1p displays Mg2+-dependent acyltransferase activity not only toward lysophosphatidic acid but also lyso forms of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol. Thus, Slc1p and Slc4p may not only be active as 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferases but also be involved in fatty acid exchange at the sn-2-position of mature glycerophospholipids.
http://hdl.handle.net/2440/7396
Copyright © 2001, American Society for Microbiology.Previous studies have reported that human vascular endothelial cells lack the membrane-bound lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor, CD14 (mCD14). By optimizing assay conditions, including the selection of anti-CD14 monoclonal antibody, we now demonstrate that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) express CD14 on the cell surface. Single-passage HUVEC showed approximately 20 times less expression of CD14 than monocytes. Interestingly, there was significant loss of surface CD14 expression with increasing numbers of culture passages. Evidence for synthesis of CD14 by HUVEC was provided by the finding that L-[35S]methionine was incorporated into CD14. In addition, the expression of CD14 on HUVEC was upregulated by LPS, lysophosphatidic acid, and tissue culture supplements, and this upregulation was dependent on protein synthesis. Furthermore, the results imply that mCD14 is required for LPS-induced activation of endothelial cells in the absence of serum and that it acts in concert with serum factors (soluble CD14). Our results provide evidence that CD14 is expressed by endothelial cells and suggest that the previous inability to observe expression of this molecule has been due to culture and staining conditions. This finding has important implications for the understanding of the mechanisms by which LPS stimulates endothelial cells and the management of sepsis caused by gram-negative bacteria.Hubertus P. A. Jersmann, Charles S. T. Hii, Greg L. Hodge, and Antonio Ferrante Publisher: American Society for Microbiology Contributor: School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health : Paediatrics Other identifier: Infection and Immunity, 2001; 69 (1):479-485; 0019-9567; 0020010919; 10.1128/IAI.69.1.479-485.2001 Language: en_US Source: http://iai.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/69/1/479
http://hdl.handle.net/2440/54151
The imidazoline I1 receptor (I1-R) is a novel receptor found primarily in the brain and nervous tissue where it modulates neurotransmission. It is named for its high affinity for compounds with an imidazoline structure such as the anti-hypertensive drugs, clonidine and moxonidine. The imidazoline receptor antisera-selected protein (IRAS) is the putative clone of the I1-R. IRAS has a unique structure, which does not resemble any other receptor protein. IRAS is present throughout the body with highest levels in the brain. There is a growing body of research examining the physiological roles of IRAS as an I1-R, in cell survival, migration and protein trafficking. However, there is little research into its neuronal functions. IRAS interacts with other membrane receptors: the mouse homologue of IRAS reorganises the actin cytoskeleton through interaction with the α5β1 fibronectin receptor. IRAS also binds insulin receptor substrate 4 and enhances insulin-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) activation. Actin reorganisation and ERK1/2 activation are important for the development of neurites during neuronal differentiation. Therefore, the work described in this thesis aimed to investigate the effects of IRAS on neuronal differentiation. Studies reported in this thesis also aimed to investigate whether IRAS affected ERK1/2 signalling of other receptors involved in neuronal differentiation such as the NGF receptor, TrkA, and lysophospholipid receptors. The above aims were carried out in neuronal model PC12 cells transfected with either IRAS or a vector plasmid. Fluorescence microscopy and Western blotting techniques were used to examine the effect of IRAS on cell morphology and ERK1/2 signalling. The work described in this thesis found that IRAS reorganises the actin cytoskeleton and enhances growth cone development in PC12 cells. This study also shows that IRAS differentially enhances or inhibits NGF-induced PC12 cell differentiation depending on the presence or absence of serum in the media. In full-serum conditions, IRAS enhanced neurite outgrowth and this was accompanied by an increase in ERK1/2 activation. In serum-starved cells, IRAS inhibited neurite outgrowth with similar levels of ERK1/2 activation observed in vector- and IRAS-transfected cells. Finally, studies presented in this thesis found that IRAS enhances lysophosphatidic acid-induced ERK1/2 activation and that IRAS interacting with lysophospholipid receptor agonists present in serum is a potential mechanism by which it enhances NGF-induced ERK1/2 activation in full-serum conditions.http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url=http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1345359Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Medical Sciences, 2008
This report is designed to assist the Institute in efforts to accelerate progress against prostate cancer by assessing past research investments and identifying future research needs.
Figure 1. E-cadherin in human tumor cell lines regulates RTK activation. One cell line was a human melanoma line (mel. 553B) expressing endogenous E-cadherin (left panels).
TrkB-T1 regulates the RhoA signaling and actin cytoskeleton in glioma cells
Recently, the truncated TrkB receptor, T1, has been reported to be involved in the control of cell morphology via the regulation of Rho proteins, through which T1 binds Rho guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (Rho GDI) 1 and dissociates it in a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-dependent manner. However, it is unclear whether T1 signaling regulates the downstream of Rho signaling and the actin cytoskeleton. In this study, we investigated this question using C6 rat glioma cells, which express T1 endogenously. Rho GDI1 was dissociated from T1 in a BDNF-dependent manner, which also causes decreases in the activities of Rho-signaling molecules such as RhoA, Rho-associated kinase, p21-activated kinase, and extracellular-signal regulated kinase1/2. Moreover, BDNF treatment resulted in the disappearance of stress fibers in the cells treated with lysophosphatidic acid, an activator of RhoA, and in morphological changes in cells. Furthermore, a competitive assay with cyan fluorescent protein fusion proteins of T1-specific sequences reduced the effects of BDNF. These results suggest that T1 regulates the Rho-signaling pathways and the actin cytoskeleton.
TrkB-T1 regulates the RhoA signaling and actin cytoskeleton in glioma cells
2006-01-01
Recently, the truncated TrkB receptor, T1, has been reported to be involved in the control of cell morphology via the regulation of Rho proteins, through which T1 binds Rho guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (Rho GDI) 1 and dissociates it in a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-dependent manner. However, it is unclear whether T1 signaling regulates the downstream of Rho signaling and the actin cytoskeleton. In this study, we investigated this question using C6 rat glioma cells, which express T1 endogenously. Rho GDI1 was dissociated from T1 in a BDNF-dependent manner, which also causes decreases in the activities of Rho-signaling molecules such as RhoA, Rho-associated kinase, p21-activated kinase, and extracellular-signal regulated kinase1/2. Moreover, BDNF treatment resulted in the disappearance of stress fibers in the cells treated with ... >>
This volume contains abstracts of oral presentations and poster sessions of made at the LVII Cold Springs Symposium on Quantitative Biology, entitled The Cell Surface.
1992-12-31
This volume contains abstracts of oral presentations and poster sessions of made at the LVII Cold Springs Symposium on Quantitative Biology, entitled The Cell Surface.
1999-10-12
We previously have demonstrated that oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (OxPAPC), a component of minimally modified low density lipoprotein (MM-LDL),...Full Text Available
1999-10-12
Full Text Available.We previously have demonstrated that oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (OxPAPC), a component of minimally modified low density lipoprotein (MM-LDL), activates endothelial cells to bind monocytes. 1-Palmitoyl-2- (5-oxovaleroyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (POVPC) and 1- palmitoyl-2-glutaroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (PGPC), which are present in OxPAPC, MM-LDL, and atherosclerotic lesions, were shown to have a major role in the activation of endothelial cells. We now demonstrate that these two highly similar molecules have dramatically different effects on leukocyte endothelial interactions. POVPC is a potent regulator of monocyte-specific endothelial interactions. Treatment of endothelial cells with POVPC increased monocyte binding by inducing the surface expression of the connecting segment 1 domain of fibronectin; no increase in neutrophil binding was observed. In addition, POVPC strongly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-mediated induction of neutrophil binding and expression of E-selectin protein and mRNA. This inhibition was mediated by a protein kinase A-dependent pathway, resulting in down-regulation of NF-κB-dependent transcription. In contrast, PGPC induced both monocyte and neutrophil binding and expression of E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1. We present evidence to suggest that the two phospholipids act by different novel receptors present in Xenopus laevis oocytes and that POVPC, but not PGPC, stimulates a cAMP-mediated pathway. At concentrations equal to that present in MM-LDL, the effect of POVPC dominates and inhibits PGPC-induced neutrophil binding and E-selectin expression in endothelial cells. In summary, our data provide evidence that both POVPC and PGPC are important regulators of leukocyte-endothelial interactions and that POVPC may play a dominant role in a number of chronic inflammatory processes where oxidized phospholipids are known to be present.
2001-02-01
Full Text Available.Endothelins are a family of biologically active peptides that are critical for development and function of neural crest-derived and cardiovascular cells. These effects are mediated by two G-protein-coupled receptors and involve transcriptional regulation of growth-responsive and/or tissue-specific genes. We have used the cardiac ANF promoter, which represents the best-studied tissue-specific endothelin target, to elucidate the nuclear pathways responsible for the transcriptional effects of endothelins. We found that cardiac-specific response to endothelin 1 (ET-1) requires the combined action of the serum response factor (SRF) and the tissue-restricted GATA proteins which bind over their adjacent sites, within a 30-bp ET-1 response element. We show that SRF and GATA proteins form a novel ternary complex reminiscent of the well-characterized SRF-ternary complex factor interaction required for transcriptional induction of c-fos in response to growth factors. In transient cotransfections, GATA factors and SRF synergistically activate atrial natriuretic factor and other ET-1-inducible promoters that contain both GATA and SRF binding sites. Thus, GATA factors may represent a new class of tissue-specific SRF accessory factors that account for muscle- and other cell-specific SRF actions.
2001-02-01
Endothelins are a family of biologically active peptides that are critical for development and function of neural crest-derived and cardiovascular cells. These effects are mediated by two G-protein-coupled...Full Text Available
Roles of Lysophosphatidic Acid in Cardiovascular Physiology and Disease
2008-09-01
The bioactive lipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) exerts a range of effects on the cardiovasculature that suggest a role in a variety of critical cardiovascular functions and clinically...Full Text Available
Roles of Lysophosphatidic Acid in Cardiovascular Physiology and Disease
2008-09-01
Full Text Available.The bioactive lipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) exerts a range of effects on the cardiovasculature that suggest a role in a variety of critical cardiovascular functions and clinically important cardiovascular diseases. LPA is an activator of platelets from a majority of human donors identifying a possible role as a regulator of acute thrombosis and platelet function in atherogenesis and vascular injury responses. Of particular interest in this context, LPA is an effective phenotypic modulator of vascular smooth muscle cells promoting the de-differentiation, proliferation and migration of these cells that is required for the development of intimal hyperplasia. Exogenous administration of LPA results in acute and systemic changes in blood pressure in different animal species, suggesting a role for LPA in both normal blood pressure regulation and hypertension. Advances in our understanding of the molecular machinery responsible for the synthesis, actions and inactivation of LPA now promises to provide the tools required to define the role of LPA in cardiovascular physiology and disease. In this review we discuss aspects of LPA signaling in the cardiovasculature focusing on recent advances and attempting to highlight presently unresolved issues and promising avenues for further investigation.
Role of the Pi3k Regulatory Subunit in the Control of Actin Organization and Cell Migration
2000-10-16
Full Text Available.Cell migration represents an important cellular response that utilizes cytoskeletal reorganization as its driving force. Here, we describe a new signaling cascade linking PDGF receptor stimulation to actin rearrangements and cell migration. We demonstrate that PDGF activates Cdc42 and its downstream effector N-WASP to mediate filopodia formation, actin stress fiber disassembly, and a reduction in focal adhesion complexes. Induction of the Cdc42 pathway is independent of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) enzymatic activity, but it is dependent on the p85α regulatory subunit of PI3K. Finally, data are provided showing that activation of this pathway is required for PDGF-induced cell migration on collagen. These observations show the essential role of the PI3K regulatory subunit p85α in controlling PDGF receptor–induced cytoskeletal changes and cell migration, illustrating a novel signaling pathway that links receptor stimulation at the cell membrane with actin dynamics.
Role of the Pi3k Regulatory Subunit in the Control of Actin Organization and Cell Migration
2000-10-16
Cell migration represents an important cellular response that utilizes cytoskeletal reorganization as its driving force. Here, we describe a new signaling cascade linking PDGF receptor stimulation to...Full Text Available
Regulation of cardiac excitation and contraction by p21 activated kinase-1
2008-01-01
Full Text Available.Cardiac excitation and contraction are regulated by a variety of signaling molecules. Central to the regulatory scheme are protein kinases and phosphatases that carry out reversible phosphorylation of different effectors. The process of β-adrenergic stimulation mediated by cAMP dependent protein kinase (PKA) forms a well-known pathway considered as the most significant control mechanism in excitation and contraction as well as many other regulatory mechanisms in cardiac function. However, although dephosphorylation pathways are critical to these regulatory processes, signaling to phosphatases is relatively poorly understood. Emerging evidence indicates that regulation of phosphatases, which dampen the effect of β-adrenergic stimulation, is also important. We review here functional studies of p21 activated kinase-1 (Pak1) and its potential role as an upstream signal for protein phosphatase PP2A in the heart. Pak1 is a serine/threonine protein kinase directly activated by the small GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1. Pak1 is highly expressed in different regions of the heart and modulates the activities of ion channels, sarcomeric proteins, and other phosphoproteins through up-regulation of PP2A activity. Coordination of Pak1 and PP2A activities is not only potentially involved in regulation of normal cardiac function, but is likely to be important in patho-physiological conditions.
Regulation of cardiac excitation and contraction by p21 activated kinase-1
2008-01-01
Cardiac excitation and contraction are regulated by a variety of signaling molecules. Central to the regulatory scheme are protein kinases and phosphatases that carry out reversible phosphorylation...Full Text Available
2000-09-01
The fungal metabolite brefeldin A (BFA) induces the disassembly of the Golgi complex in mammalian cells. The drug seems to accentuate tubule formation and causes the subsequent fusion with the endoplasmic...Full Text Available
2000-09-01
Full Text Available.The fungal metabolite brefeldin A (BFA) induces the disassembly of the Golgi complex in mammalian cells. The drug seems to accentuate tubule formation and causes the subsequent fusion with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). To investigate the biochemical requirements and kinetics of BFA-induced Golgi disassembly, we have reconstituted the process of green fluorescent protein–tagged Golgi complex disassembly in streptolysin O–permeabilized semi-intact Chinese hamster ovary cells. For quantitative analysis of the morphological changes to the Golgi complex in semi-intact cells, we developed a novel morphometric analysis. Based on this analysis, we have dissected the BFA-induced Golgi disassembly process biochemically into two processes, Golgi tubule formation and fusion with the ER, and found that the formation is induced by only ATP and the residual factors in the cells and that the subsequent fusion is mediated in an N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor–dependent manner via Golgi tubules. Tubulation occurs by two pathways that depend on either microtubule integrity or exogenously added cytosol. In the presence of GTPγS, coat protein I inhibited the Golgi tubule fusion with the ER but showed no apparent effect on tubulation. Additionally, we analyzed the kinetics of tubulation and fusion independently in nocodazole-treated and -untreated semi-intact cells and found that tubulation is a rate-limiting step of the Golgi disassembly.
Realistic expectations of prepulse inhibition in translational models for schizophrenia research
2008-08-01
IntroductionUnder specific conditions, a weak lead stimulus, or “prepulse”, can inhibit the startling effects of a subsequent intense abrupt stimulus....Full Text Available
Realistic expectations of prepulse inhibition in translational models for schizophrenia research
2008-08-01
Full Text Available.IntroductionUnder specific conditions, a weak lead stimulus, or “prepulse”, can inhibit the startling effects of a subsequent intense abrupt stimulus. This startle-inhibiting effect of the prepulse, termed “prepulse inhibition” (PPI), is widely used in translational models to understand the biology of brain based inhibitory mechanisms and their deficiency in neuropsychiatric disorders. In 1981, four published reports with “prepulse inhibition” as an index term were listed on Medline; over the past 5 years, new published Medline reports with “prepulse inhibition” as an index term have appeared at a rate exceeding once every 2.7 days (n = 678). Most of these reports focus on the use of PPI in translational models of impaired sensorimotor gating in schizophrenia. This rapid expansion and broad application of PPI as a tool for understanding schizophrenia has, at times, outpaced critical thinking and falsifiable hypotheses about the relative strengths vs. limitations of this measure.ObjectivesThis review enumerates the realistic expectations for PPI in translational models for schizophrenia research, and provides cautionary notes for the future applications of this important research tool.ConclusionIn humans, PPI is not “diagnostic”; levels of PPI do not predict clinical course, specific symptoms, or individual medication responses. In preclinical studies, PPI is valuable for evaluating models or model organisms relevant to schizophrenia, “mapping” neural substrates of deficient PPI in schizophrenia, and advancing the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. Across species, PPI is a reliable, robust quantitative phenotype that is useful for probing the neurobiology and genetics of gating deficits in schizophrenia.
Pulmonary macrophage and epithelial cells
Separate abstracts were prepared for the 41 papers presented at the conference. Abstracts of two papers have appeared in previous issues of Energy Research Abstracts. (HLW)
Pulmonary macrophage and epithelial cells
1977-01-01
Separate abstracts were prepared for the 41 papers presented at the conference. Abstracts of two papers have appeared in previous issues of Energy Research Abstracts. (HLW)
Phosphorylation of Claudin-5 and Occludin by Rho Kinase in Brain Endothelial Cells
2008-02-01
Full Text Available.Critical to the proper maintenance of blood-brain-barrier (BBB) integrity are the endothelial tight junctions (TJs). Posttranslational modifications of essential endothelial TJ proteins, occludin and claudin-5, contribute and possibly disrupt BBB integrity. Our previous work has shown that Rho kinase (RhoK) activation mediates occludin and claudin-5 phosphorylation resulting in diminished barrier tightness and enhanced monocyte migration across BBB in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus-1 encephalitis (HIVE). To determine whether RhoK can directly phosphorylate TJ proteins, we examined phosphorylation of cytoplasmic domains of recombinant claudin-5 and occludin by RhoK. We found that RhoK predominately phosphorylated two sites on occludin (T382 and S507) and one site on claudin-5 (T207). Specific anti-phosphopeptide antibodies were developed for these sites, allowing the detection of phosphorylated occludin at T382 and S507, and claudin-5 at T207 from full-length recombinant occludin and claudin-5 transiently expressed in COS-7 cells and mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells. Finally, these phosphospecific antibodies demonstrated enhanced staining of brain endothelial cells in the mouse model for HIVE and human HIVE brains featuring mononuclear cell infiltration across disrupted BBB. Our results demonstrated the direct phosphorylation of occludin and claudin-5 by RhoK at specific sites, which was increased in encephalitic brain tissue. These antibodies could be useful reagents for monitoring BBB dysfunction in vivo.
Phosphorylation of Claudin-5 and Occludin by Rho Kinase in Brain Endothelial Cells
2008-02-01
Critical to the proper maintenance of blood-brain-barrier (BBB) integrity are the endothelial tight junctions (TJs). Posttranslational modifications of essential endothelial TJ proteins, occludin and...Full Text Available
REVIEW ENTIRE DOCUMENT AT: https://pnlweb.pnl.gov/projects/bsd/ERICA%20Manuscripts%20for%20Review/KD%20Rodland%20D7E80/HMEC_transactivation_ms01_15+Figs.pdf ABSTRACT: Using a single nontransformed strain of human mammary epithelial cells, we found that the ability of multiple growth factors and cytokines to induce ERK phosphorylation was dependent on EGFR activity. These included lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), uridine triphosphate, growth hormone, vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and tumor necrosis factoralpha. In contrast, hepatocyte growth factor could stimulate ERK phosphorylation independent of EGFR activity...
2008-11-14
REVIEW ENTIRE DOCUMENT AT: https://pnlweb.pnl.gov/projects/bsd/ERICA%20Manuscripts%20for%20Review/KD%20Rodland%20D7E80/HMEC_transactivation_ms01_15+Figs.pdf ABSTRACT: Using a single nontransformed strain of human mammary epithelial cells, we found that the ability of multiple growth factors and cytokines to induce ERK phosphorylation was dependent on EGFR activity. These included lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), uridine triphosphate, growth hormone, vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and tumor necrosis factoralpha. In contrast, hepatocyte growth factor could stimulate ERK phosphorylation independent of EGFR activity...
Molecular mechanisms of clathrin-independent endocytosis
2009-06-01
SummaryThere is good evidence that, in addition to the canonical clathrin-associated endocytic machinery, mammalian cells possess multiple sets of proteins that are capable of mediating...Full Text Available
Molecular mechanisms of clathrin-independent endocytosis
2009-06-01
Full Text Available.SummaryThere is good evidence that, in addition to the canonical clathrin-associated endocytic machinery, mammalian cells possess multiple sets of proteins that are capable of mediating the formation of endocytic vesicles. The identity, mechanistic properties and function of these clathrin-independent endocytic pathways are currently under investigation. This Commentary briefly recounts how the field of clathrin-independent endocytosis has developed to date. It then highlights recent progress in identifying key proteins that might define alternative types of endocytosis. These proteins include CtBP (also known as BARS), flotillins (also known as reggies) and GRAF1. We argue that a combination of information about pathway-specific proteins and the ultrastructure of endocytic invaginations provides a means of beginning to classify endocytic pathways.
Mississippi State Biodiesel Production Project
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel conventionally generated from vegetable oils and animal fats that conforms to ASTM D6751. Depending on the free fatty acid content of the feedstock, biodiesel is produced via transesterification, esterification, or a combination of these processes. Currently the cost of the feedstock accounts for more than 80% of biodiesel production cost. The main goal of this project was to evaluate and develop non-conventional feedstocks and novel processes for producing biodiesel. One of the most novel and promising feedstocks evaluated involves the use of readily available microorganisms as a lipid source. Municipal wastewater treatment facilities (MWWTF) in the USA produce (dry basis) of microbial sludge annually. This sludge is composed of a variety of organisms, which consume organic matter in wastewater. The content of phospholipids in these cells have been estimated at 24% to 25% of dry mass. Since phospholipids can be transesterified they could serve as a ready source of biodiesel. Examination of the various transesterification methods shows that in situ conversion of lipids to FAMEs provides the highest overall yield of biodiesel. If one assumes a 7.0% overall yield of FAMEs from dry sewage sludge on a weight basis, the cost per gallon of extracted lipid would be $3.11. Since the lipid is converted to FAMEs, also known as biodiesel, in the in Situ extraction process, the product can be used as is for renewable fuel. As transesterification efficiency increases the cost per gallon drops quickly, hitting $2.01 at 15.0% overall yield. An overall yield of 10.0% is required to obtain biodiesel at $2.50 per gallon, allowing it to compete with soybean oil in the marketplace. Twelve plant species with potential for oil production were tested at Mississippi State, MS. Of the species tested, canola, rapeseed and birdseed rape appear to have potential in Mississippi as winter annual crops because of yield. Two perennial crops were investigated, Chinese tallow tree and tung tree. High seed yields from these species are possible because, there stature allows for a third dimension in yield (up). Harvest regimes have already been worked out with tung, and the large seed makes shedding of the seed with tree shakers possible. While tallow tree seed yields can be mind boggling (12,000 kg seed/ha at 40% oil), genotypes that shed seed easily are currently not known. Efficient methods were developed to isolate polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters from bio-diesel. The hypothesis to isolate this class of fatty acids, which are used as popular dietary supplements and prescription medicine (OMACOR), was that they bind transition metal ions much stronger than their harmful saturated analogs. AgBF4 has the highest extraction ability among all the metal ions tested. Glycerol is a key product from the production of biodiesel. It is produced during the transesterification process by cleaving the fatty acids from the glycerol backbone (the fatty acids are used as part of the biodiesel, which is a fatty acid methyl ester). Glycerol is a non-toxic compound with many uses; however, if a surplus exists in the future, more uses for the produced glycerol needs to be found. Another phase of the project was to find an add-on process to the biodiesel production process that will convert the glycerol by-product into more valuable substances for end uses other than food or cosmetics, focusing at present on 1,3-propanediol and lactic acid.All three MSU cultures produced products at concentrations below that of the benchmark microorganisms. There was one notable isolate the caught the eye of the investigators and that was culture J6 due to the ability of this microorganism to co-produce both products and one in particularly high concentrations. This culture with more understanding of its metabolic pathways could prove a useful biological agent for the conversion of glycerol. Heterogeneous catalysis was examined as an alternative to overcome the disadvantages of homogeneous transesterification, such as the presence of salts in the glycerine phase and the continuous lost of catalyst. A maximum soy biodiesel yield of 85% was obtained by BaO in 14 minutes, whereas, PbO, MnO2, CaO and MgO gave a maximum yields of 84%, 80%, 78% and 66% respectively at 215°C. The overall reaction order of PbO, MnO2, BaO, CaO and MgO was found to be 1, 1, 3, 1 and 1 respectively. The highest rate constant was observed for BaO, which was 0.0085 g2.mole-2.min-1. The performance of biodiesel in terms of type (e.g., NOx, and CO) and quantity of emissions was tested using soy biodiesel, blends of biodiesel and ethanol, and differently aged diesel engines. It was determined that saturated methyl esters, and relatively high oxygen content in the fuel, caused by addition of ethanol, increased the NOx emissions from new diesel engines compared to petroleum diesel.
Mississippi State Biodiesel Production Project
2008-03-20
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel conventionally generated from vegetable oils and animal fats that conforms to ASTM D6751. Depending on the free fatty acid content of the feedstock, biodiesel is produced via transesterification, esterification, or a combination of these processes. Currently the cost of the feedstock accounts for more than 80% of biodiesel production cost. The main goal of this project was to evaluate and develop non-conventional feedstocks and novel processes for producing biodiesel. One of the most novel and promising feedstocks evaluated involves the use of readily available microorganisms as a lipid source. Municipal wastewater treatment facilities (MWWTF) in the USA produce (dry basis) of microbial sludge annually. This sludge is composed of a variety of organisms, which consume organic matter in wastewater. The content of phospholipids in these cells have been estimated at 24% to 25% of dry mass. Since phospholipids can be transesterified they could serve as a ready source of biodiesel. Examination of the various transesterification methods shows that in situ conversion of lipids to FAMEs provides the highest overall yield of biodiesel. If one assumes a 7.0% overall yield of FAMEs from dry sewage sludge on a weight basis, the cost per gallon of extracted lipid would be $3.11. Since the lipid is converted to FAMEs, also known as biodiesel, in the in Situ extraction process, the product can be used as is for renewable fuel. As transesterification efficiency increases the cost per gallon drops quickly, hitting $2.01 at 15.0% overall yield. An overall yield of 10.0% is required to obtain biodiesel at $2.50 per gallon, allowing it to compete with soybean oil in the marketplace. Twelve plant species with potential for oil production were tested at Mississippi State, MS. Of the species tested, canola, rapeseed and birdseed rape appear to have potential in Mississippi as winter annual crops because of yield. Two perennial crops were investigated, Chinese tallow tree and tung tree. High seed yields from these species are possible because, there stature allows for a third dimension in yield (up). Harvest regimes have already been worked out with tung, and the large seed makes shedding of the seed with tree shakers possible. While tallow tree seed yields can be mind boggling (12,000 kg seed/ha at 40% oil), genotypes that shed seed easily are currently not known. Efficient methods were developed to isolate polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters from bio-diesel. The hypothesis to isolate this class of fatty acids, which are used as popular dietary supplements and prescription medicine (OMACOR), was that they bind transition metal ions much stronger than their harmful saturated analogs. AgBF4 has the highest extraction ability among all the metal ions tested. Glycerol is a key product from the production of biodiesel. It is produced during the transesterification process by cleaving the fatty acids from the glycerol backbone (the fatty acids are used as part of the biodiesel, which is a fatty acid methyl ester). Glycerol is a non-toxic compound with many uses; however, if a surplus exists in the future, more uses for the produced glycerol needs to be found. Another phase of the project was to find an add-on process to the biodiesel production process that will convert the glycerol by-product into more valuable substances for end uses other than food or cosmetics, focusing at present on 1,3-propanediol and lactic acid.All three MSU cultures produced products at concentrations below that of the benchmark microorganisms. There was one notable isolate the caught the eye of the investigators and that was culture J6 due to the ability of this microorganism to co-produce both products and one in particularly high concentrations. This culture with more understanding of its metabolic pathways could prove a useful biological agent for the conversion of glycerol. Heterogeneous catalysis was examined as an alternative to overcome the disadvantages of homogeneous transesterification, such as the presence of salts in the glycerine phase and the continuous lost of catalyst. A maximum soy biodiesel yield of 85% was obtained by BaO in 14 minutes, whereas, PbO, MnO2, CaO and MgO gave a maximum yields of 84%, 80%, 78% and 66% respectively at 215°C. The overall reaction order of PbO, MnO2, BaO, CaO and MgO was found to be 1, 1, 3, 1 and 1 respectively. The highest rate constant was observed for BaO, which was 0.0085 g2.mole-2.min-1. The performance of biodiesel in terms of type (e.g., NOx, and CO) and quantity of emissions was tested using soy biodiesel, blends of biodiesel and ethanol, and differently aged diesel engines. It was determined that saturated methyl esters, and relatively high oxygen content in the fuel, caused by addition of ethanol, increased the NOx emissions from new diesel engines compared to petroleum diesel.
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Chung turned to an ER alpha blocker used to treat breast cancer, fulvestrant, and tested it on the HPV-positive mice with cervical cancer. After one month, he found that 11 of 13 mice lost all signs of cancer.
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Mechanisms Directing the Nuclear Localization of the CtBP Family Proteins
2006-07-01
The C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) family includes four proteins (CtBP1 [CtBP1-L], CtBP3/BARS [CtBP1-S], CtBP2, and RIBEYE) which are implicated both in transcriptional repression and in intracellular...Full Text Available
Mechanisms Directing the Nuclear Localization of the CtBP Family Proteins
2006-07-01
Full Text Available.The C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) family includes four proteins (CtBP1 [CtBP1-L], CtBP3/BARS [CtBP1-S], CtBP2, and RIBEYE) which are implicated both in transcriptional repression and in intracellular trafficking. However, the precise mechanisms by which different CtBP proteins are targeted to different subcellular regions remains unknown. Here, we report that the nuclear import of the various CtBP proteins and splice isoforms is differentially regulated. We show that CtBP2 contains a unique nuclear localization signal (NLS) located within its N-terminal region, which contributes to its nuclear accumulation. Using heterokaryon assays, we show that CtBP2 is capable of shuttling between the nucleus and cytoplasm of the cell. Moreover, CtBP2 can heterodimerize with CtBP1-L and CtBP1-S and direct them to the nucleus. This effect strongly depends on the CtBP2 NLS. PXDLS motif-containing transcription factors, such as BKLF, that bind CtBP proteins can also direct them to the nucleus. We also report the identification of a splice isoform of CtBP2, CtBP2-S, that lacks the N-terminal NLS and localizes to the cytoplasm. Finally, we show that mutation of the CtBP NADH binding site impairs the ability of the proteins to dimerize and to associate with BKLF. This reduces the nuclear accumulation of CtBP1. Our results suggest a model in which the nuclear localization of CtBP proteins is influenced by the CtBP2 NLS, by binding to PXDLS motif partner proteins, and through the effect of NADH on CtBP dimerization.
Life History of eNOS: Partners and Pathways
2007-07-15
The complex regulation of eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) in cardiovascular physiology occurs at multiple stages. eNOS mRNA levels are controlled both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional...Full Text Available
Life History of eNOS: Partners and Pathways
2007-07-15
Full Text Available.The complex regulation of eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) in cardiovascular physiology occurs at multiple stages. eNOS mRNA levels are controlled both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional phases [1], and epigenetic mechanisms appear to modulate tissue-specific eNOS expression. The eNOS enzyme reversibly associates with a diverse family of protein partners that regulate eNOS subcellular localization, catalytic function, and biological activity. eNOS enzyme activity and subcellular localization are intimately controlled by post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, nitrosylation, and acylation. The multiple extracellular stimuli affecting eNOS function coordinate their efforts through these key modifications to dynamically control eNOS and NO bioactivity in the vessel wall. This review will focus on the biochemical partners and perturbations of the eNOS protein as this vital enzyme undergoes modulation by diverse signal transduction pathways in the vascular endothelium.
2006-09-01
eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) activity is post-translationally regulated in a complex fashion by acylation, protein–protein interactions, intracellular trafficking and phosphorylation,...Full Text Available
2006-09-01
Full Text Available.eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) activity is post-translationally regulated in a complex fashion by acylation, protein–protein interactions, intracellular trafficking and phosphorylation, among others. Signalling pathways that regulate eNOS activity include phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt, cyclic nucleotide-dependent kinases [PKA (protein kinase A) and PKG], PKC, as well as ERKs (extracellular-signal-regulated kinases). The role of ERKs in eNOS activation remains controversial. In the present study, we have examined the role of ERK1/2 in eNOS activation in HUVEC-CS [transformed HUVEC (human umbilical-vein endothelial cells)] as well as a widely used model for eNOS study, transiently transfected COS-7 cells. U0126 pretreatment of HUVEC-CS potentiated ATP-stimulated eNOS activity, independent of changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). In COS-7 cells transiently expressing ovine eNOS, U0126 potentiated A23187-stimulated eNOS activity, but inhibited ATP-stimulated activity. Compensatory changes in phosphorylation of five key eNOS residues did not account for changes in A23187-stimulated activity. However, in the case of ATP, altered phosphorylation and changes in [Ca2+]i may partially contribute to U0126 inhibition of activity. Finally, seven eNOS alanine mutants of putative ERK1/2 targets were generated and the effects of U0126 pretreatment on eNOS activity were gauged with A23187 and ATP treatment. T97A-eNOS was the only construct significantly different from wild-type after U0126 pretreatment and ATP stimulation of eNOS activation. In the present study, eNOS activity was either potentiated or inhibited in COS-7 cells, suggesting agonist dependence for MEK/ERK1/2 signalling [where MEK is MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK kinase] to eNOS and a complex mechanism including [Ca2+]i, phosphorylation and, possibly, intracellular trafficking.
Glycine Inhibitory Dysfunction Turns Touch into Pain through PKCgamma Interneurons
Full Text Available.Dynamic mechanical allodynia is a widespread and intractable symptom of neuropathic pain for which there is a lack of effective therapy. During tactile allodynia, activation of the sensory fibers which normally detect touch elicits pain. Here we provide a new behavioral investigation into the dynamic component of tactile allodynia that developed in rats after segmental removal of glycine inhibition. Using in vivo electrophysiological recordings, we show that in this condition innocuous mechanical stimuli could activate superficial dorsal horn nociceptive specific neurons. These neurons do not normally respond to touch. We anatomically show that the activation was mediated through a local circuit involving neurons expressing the gamma isoform of protein kinase C (PKCγ). Selective inhibition of PKCγ as well as selective blockade of glutamate NMDA receptors in the superficial dorsal horn prevented both activation of the circuit and allodynia. Thus, our data demonstrates that a normally inactive circuit in the dorsal horn can be recruited to convert touch into pain. It also provides evidence that glycine inhibitory dysfunction gates tactile input to nociceptive specific neurons through PKCγ-dependent activation of a local, excitatory, NMDA receptor-dependent, circuit. As a consequence of these findings, we suggest that pharmacological inhibition of PKCγ might provide a new tool for alleviating allodynia in the clinical setting.
Glycine Inhibitory Dysfunction Turns Touch into Pain through PKCgamma Interneurons
Dynamic mechanical allodynia is a widespread and intractable symptom of neuropathic pain for which there is a lack of effective therapy. During tactile allodynia, activation of the sensory fibers which...Full Text Available
Genetics of Breast and Ovarian Cancer (PDQ®) (Health Professional)
Expert-reviewed information summary about the genetics of breast and ovarian cancer, including information about specific genes and family cancer syndromes. The summary also contains information about interventions that may influence the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer in individuals who may be genetically susceptible to these diseases. Psychosocial issues associated with genetic testing are also discussed.
Genetic Tests for Cancer Final--Technology Assessment
EDRN EDRN EDRN Bladder ChondroGene, MSKCC LexisNexis Bladder M.D. Anderson C.C, Matritech Inc. LexisNexis IMI International CHI Epigenomics, Roche Diagnostics LexisNexis Stomach Roche Diagnostics Roche Diagnostics M.D. Anderson LexisNexis EDRN DiagnoCure, McGill U. LexisNexis Immunicon, Veridex.
Exploration of Novel Motifs Derived from Mouse cDNA Sequences
2002-03-01
We performed a systematic maximum density subgraph (MDS) detection of conserved sequence regions to discover new, biologically relevant motifs from a set of 21,050 conceptually translated mouse cDNA...Full Text Available
Exploration of Novel Motifs Derived from Mouse cDNA Sequences
2002-03-01
Full Text Available.We performed a systematic maximum density subgraph (MDS) detection of conserved sequence regions to discover new, biologically relevant motifs from a set of 21,050 conceptually translated mouse cDNA (FANTOM1) sequences. A total of 3202 candidate sequences, which shared similar regions over >20 amino acid residues, were screened against known conserved regions listed in Pfam, ProDom, and InterPro. The filtering procedure resulted in 139 FANTOM1 sequences belonging to 49 new motif candidates. Using annotations and multiple sequence alignment information, we removed by visual inspection 42 candidates whose members were found to be false positives because of sequence redundancy, alternative splicing, low complexity, transcribed retroviral repeat elements contained in the region of the predicted open reading frame, and reports in the literature. The remaining seven motifs have been expanded by hidden Markov model (HMM) profile searches of SWISS-PROT/TrEMBL from 28 FANTOM1 sequences to 164 members and analyzed in detail on sequence and structure level to elucidate the possible functions of motifs and members. The novel and conserved motif MDS00105 is specific for the mammalian inhibitor of growth (ING) family. Three submotifs MDS00105.1–3 are specific for ING1/ING1L, ING1-homolog, and ING3 subfamilies. The motif MDS00105 together with a PHD finger domain constitutes a module for ING proteins. Structural motif MDS00113 represents a leucine zipper-like motif. Conserved motif MDS00145 is a novel 1-acyl-SN-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (AGPAT) submotif containing a transmembrane domain that distinguishes AGPAT3 and AGPAT4 from all other acyltransferase domain-containing proteins. Functional motif MDS00148 overlaps with the kazal-type serine protease inhibitor domain but has been detected only in an extracellular loop region of solute carrier 21 (SLC21) (organic anion transporters) family members, which may regulate the specificity of anion uptake. Our motif discovery not only aided in the functional characterization of new mouse orthologs for potential drug targets but also allowed us to predict that at least 16 other new motifs are waiting to be discovered from the current SWISS-PROT/TrEMBL database.
Evidence that Mono-ADP-Ribosylation of CtBP1/BARS Regulates Lipid Storage
2007-08-01
Mono-ADP-ribosylation is emerging as an important posttranslational modification that modulates a variety of cell signaling pathways. Here, we present evidence that mono-ADP-ribosylation of the transcriptional...Full Text Available
Evidence that Mono-ADP-Ribosylation of CtBP1/BARS Regulates Lipid Storage
2007-08-01
Full Text Available.Mono-ADP-ribosylation is emerging as an important posttranslational modification that modulates a variety of cell signaling pathways. Here, we present evidence that mono-ADP-ribosylation of the transcriptional corepressor C terminal binding protein, brefeldin A (BFA)-induced ADP-ribosylated substrate (CtBP1/BARS) regulates neutral lipid storage in droplets that are surrounded by a monolayer of phospholipid and associated proteins. CtBP1/BARS is an NAD-binding protein that becomes ribosylated when cells are exposed to BFA. Both endogenous lipid droplets and droplets enlarged by oleate treatment are lost after 12-h exposure to BFA. Lipid loss requires new protein synthesis, and it is blocked by multiple ribosylation inhibitors, but it is not stimulated by disruption of the Golgi apparatus or the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response. Small interfering RNA knockdown of CtBP1/BARS mimics the effect of BFA, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from embryos that are deficient in CtBP1/BARS seem to be defective in lipid accumulation. We conclude that mono-ADP-ribosylation of CtBP1/BARS inactivates its repressor function, which leads to the activation of genes that regulate neutral lipid storage.
Full Text Available.BackgroundThe orphan nuclear receptor NR5A1 (steroidogenic factor-1, SF-1) is a master regulator of tissue-specific gene expression in reproductive and steroidogenic tissues. Two activating functions, AF-1 and AF-2, have been described to function in a cooperative manner to recruit transcriptional coactivators to the promoter regions of NR5A1-controlled genes.MethodsThe role of the NR5A1 activating functions AF-1 and AF-2 was studied in primary bovine theca cells. Bovine theca cells were infected with recombinant adenovirus vectors over-expressing wild-type NR5A1 or NR5A1 mutants, in which one of the activating functions of this orphan nuclear receptor had been impaired. Under different culture conditions, theca cell-specific transcript levels were measured by reverse transcription and real-time PCR.ResultsUnder culture conditions optimized for cell growth, transcriptional up-regulation of CYP11A1 (P450 side chain-cleavage enzyme) and INSL3 (Insulin-like factor 3, Relaxin-like factor (RLF)) was found to be dependent on the presence of NR5A1 carrying an intact AF-2. Under conditions inducing luteal differentiation of theca cells, CYP11A1 and STAR (Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) were up-regulated by the action of luteinizing hormone (LH), whereas the differentiation-specific up-regulation of INSL3 was suppressed by LH in luteinizing theca cells. Inhibition of insulin- or IGF1- (insulin-like growth factor I) dependent signal transduction by the RAF1 kinase inhibitor GW5074 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059 resulted in the finding that RAF1 kinase inhibition was able to counteract the LH-dependent regulation of NR5A1-controlled genes, whereas inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) pathway did not have any significant effect.ConclusionThe regulation of the three NR5A1-controlled genes CYPA11, STAR, and INSL3 in luteinizing theca cells apparently is not dependent on NR5A1 activating functions AF-1 or AF-2. Activation of AF-1 here even appears to have an impairing effect on NR5A1 transcriptional activity, implying that up-regulation of NR5A1-controlled genes uses a different pathway. Our results might be explained by the possible existence of an interconnection between the RAF1 kinase and the cyclic AMP-protein kinase A pathway. Such a non-classical regulatory pathway might play an important role in the control of gene expression in reproductive and steroidogenic tissues.
BackgroundThe orphan nuclear receptor NR5A1 (steroidogenic factor-1, SF-1) is a master regulator of tissue-specific gene expression in reproductive and steroidogenic tissues. Two...Full Text Available
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2008-03-01
Phosphatidylinositol (PI) is a component of membrane phospholipids, and it functions both as a signaling molecule and as a compartment-specific localization signal in the form of polyphosphoinositides....Full Text Available
2008-03-01
Full Text Available.Phosphatidylinositol (PI) is a component of membrane phospholipids, and it functions both as a signaling molecule and as a compartment-specific localization signal in the form of polyphosphoinositides. Arachidonic acid (AA) is the predominant fatty acid in the sn-2 position of PI in mammals. LysoPI acyltransferase (LPIAT) is thought to catalyze formation of AA-containing PI; however, the gene that encodes this enzyme has not yet been identified. In this study, we established a screening system to identify genes required for use of exogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in Caenorhabditis elegans. In C. elegans, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) instead of AA is the predominant fatty acid in PI. We showed that an uncharacterized gene, which we named mboa-7, is required for incorporation of PUFAs into PI. Incorporation of exogenous PUFA into PI of the living worms and LPIAT activity in the microsomes were greatly reduced in mboa-7 mutants. Furthermore, the membrane fractions of transgenic worms expressing recombinant MBOA-7 and its human homologue exhibited remarkably increased LPIAT activity. mboa-7 encodes a member of the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase family, suggesting that mboa-7 is LPIAT. Finally, mboa-7 mutants had significantly lower EPA levels in PI, and they exhibited larval arrest and egg-laying defects.
CCR Frontiers in Science | June 2007 | Volume 6
Moving Ahead to a New Communications Frontier t is with sincere gratitude to the CCR research community for the rich content you have provided Frontiers over the past 5 years that I now announce its termination. Although this will be the last issue of Frontiers, it will not be your last opportunity to share your findings with others. In fact, we hope to expand the size and composition of your audience.
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P roper cell growth depends on a com-plex network of interacting proteins and genes, which regulate crucial activities such as DNA synthesis, gene expression, metabolism, and informa-tion processing. Disruptions in the intricate balance between the components of this network may lead to cancer; however, inter-fering with signals transmitted by bioregu-latory networks is an important tool for cancer therapy.
Lysophosphatidic acid-induced chemotaxis of bone cells.
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a platelet-derived bioactive lipid that is postulated to regulate wound healing. LPA activates G protein-coupled receptors to induce Ca2+ signaling in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts, and is a potent chemotactic stimulus for these cells. Since bone fracture healing requires the migration of osteoblast progenitors, we postulate that LPA is among the factors that stimulate bone repair. UMR 106-01 cells, which express a more mature osteoblastic phenotype than MC3T3-E1 cells, did not migrate in response to LPA, although they express LPA receptors and exhibit LPA-induced Ca2+ signals. This suggests that LPA differentially induces pre-osteoblast chemotaxis, consistent with our hypothesis that LPA stimulates the motility of osteoblast progenitors during bone healing. LPA-stimulated MC3T3-E1 cells exhibit striking changes in morphology and F-actin architecture, and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) is required for motility-associated cytoskeletal rearrangements in many cell types. We found a dose-dependent reduction in LPA-induced osteoblast migration when cells also were treated with the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002. Treatment of many cell types with LPA is associated with an autocrine/paracrine transactivation of the EGF receptor (EGFR) via shedding of surface-tethered EGFR ligands, a phenomenon often required for LPA-induced chemotaxis. MC3T3-E1 cells express multiple EGFR ligands (epigen, epiregulin, HB-EGF and amphiregulin) and migrated in response to EGF. However, while EGF-stimulated motility in MC3T3-E1 cells was blocked by an EGFR inhibitor, there was no significant effect on LPA-induced chemotaxis. Activation of MAP kinases is a hallmark of EGFR-mediated signaling, and EGF treatment of MC3T3-E1 cells led to a strong stimulation of ERK1/2 kinase. In contrast, LPA induced only a minor elevation in ERK activity. Thus, it is likely that the increase in ERK activity by LPA is related to cell proliferation associated with lipid treatment. We conclude that LPA-induced MC3T3-E1 cell chemotaxis requires PI3K-associated cytoskeletal changes, but not transactivation of the EGF receptor.
Lysophosphatidic acid-induced chemotaxis of bone cells.
2006-07-01
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a platelet-derived bioactive lipid that is postulated to regulate wound healing. LPA activates G protein-coupled receptors to induce Ca2+ signaling in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts, and is a potent chemotactic stimulus for these cells. Since bone fracture healing requires the migration of osteoblast progenitors, we postulate that LPA is among the factors that stimulate bone repair. UMR 106-01 cells, which express a more mature osteoblastic phenotype than MC3T3-E1 cells, did not migrate in response to LPA, although they express LPA receptors and exhibit LPA-induced Ca2+ signals. This suggests that LPA differentially induces pre-osteoblast chemotaxis, consistent with our hypothesis that LPA stimulates the motility of osteoblast progenitors during bone healing. LPA-stimulated MC3T3-E1 cells exhibit striking changes in morphology and F-actin architecture, and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) is required for motility-associated cytoskeletal rearrangements in many cell types. We found a dose-dependent reduction in LPA-induced osteoblast migration when cells also were treated with the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002. Treatment of many cell types with LPA is associated with an autocrine/paracrine transactivation of the EGF receptor (EGFR) via shedding of surface-tethered EGFR ligands, a phenomenon often required for LPA-induced chemotaxis. MC3T3-E1 cells express multiple EGFR ligands (epigen, epiregulin, HB-EGF and amphiregulin) and migrated in response to EGF. However, while EGF-stimulated motility in MC3T3-E1 cells was blocked by an EGFR inhibitor, there was no significant effect on LPA-induced chemotaxis. Activation of MAP kinases is a hallmark of EGFR-mediated signaling, and EGF treatment of MC3T3-E1 cells led to a strong stimulation of ERK1/2 kinase. In contrast, LPA induced only a minor elevation in ERK activity. Thus, it is likely that the increase in ERK activity by LPA is related to cell proliferation associated with lipid treatment. We conclude that LPA-induced MC3T3-E1 cell chemotaxis requires PI3K-associated cytoskeletal changes, but not transactivation of the EGF receptor.
Lysophosphatidic acid synthesis and phospholipid metabolism in rat mast cells
The role of lysophosphatidic acid in mast cell response to antigen was investigated using an isolated rat serosal mast cell model. The cells were incubated with monoclonal murine immunoglobulin E to the dinitrophenyl hapten and prelabeled with /sup 32/P-orthophosphate or /sup 3/H-fatty acids. Lysophosphatidic acid was isolated form cell extracts by 2-dimensional thin-layer chromatography, and the incorporated radioactivity was assessed by liquid scintillation counting. Lysophosphatidic acid labeling with /sup 32/P was increased 2-4 fold within 5 minutes after the addition of antigen or three other mast cell agonists. Functional group analyses unequivocally showed that the labeled compound was lysophosphatidic acid. Lysophosphatidic acid synthesis was dependent on the activity of diacylglycerol lipase, suggesting formation from monoacylglycerol. In addition, the studies of lysophosphatidic acid synthesis suggest that the addition of antigen to mast cells may initiate more than one route of phospholipid degradation and resynthesis. Whatever the origin of lysophosphatidic acid, the results of this study demonstrated that lysophosphatidic acid synthesis is stimulated by a variety of mast cell agonists. Dose-response, kinetic, and pharmacologic studies showed close concordance between histamine release and lysophosphatidic acid labeling responses. These observations provide strong evidence that lysophosphatidic acid plays an important role in mast cell activation.
Lysophosphatidic acid synthesis and phospholipid metabolism in rat mast cells
1986-01-01
The role of lysophosphatidic acid in mast cell response to antigen was investigated using an isolated rat serosal mast cell model. The cells were incubated with monoclonal murine immunoglobulin E to the dinitrophenyl hapten and prelabeled with /sup 32/P-orthophosphate or /sup 3/H-fatty acids. Lysophosphatidic acid was isolated form cell extracts by 2-dimensional thin-layer chromatography, and the incorporated radioactivity was assessed by liquid scintillation counting. Lysophosphatidic acid labeling with /sup 32/P was increased 2-4 fold within 5 minutes after the addition of antigen or three other mast cell agonists. Functional group analyses unequivocally showed that the labeled compound was lysophosphatidic acid. Lysophosphatidic acid synthesis was dependent on the activity of diacylglycerol lipase, suggesting formation from monoacylglycerol. In addition, the studies of lysophosphatidic acid synthesis suggest that the addition of antigen to mast cells may initiate more than one route of phospholipid degradation and resynthesis. Whatever the origin of lysophosphatidic acid, the results of this study demonstrated that lysophosphatidic acid synthesis is stimulated by a variety of mast cell agonists. Dose-response, kinetic, and pharmacologic studies showed close concordance between histamine release and lysophosphatidic acid labeling responses. These observations provide strong evidence that lysophosphatidic acid plays an important role in mast cell activation.
Lysophosphatidic acid synthesis and phospholipid metabolism in rat mast cells
1986-01-01
The role of lysophosphatidic acid in mast cell response to antigen was investigated using an isolated rat serosal mast cell model. The cells were incubated with monoclonal murine immunoglobulin E to the dinitrophenyl hapten and prelabeled with 32P-orthophosphate or 3H-fatty acids. Lysophosphatidic acid was isolated form cell extracts by 2-dimensional thin-layer chromatography, and the incorporated radioactivity was assessed by liquid scintillation counting. Lysophosphatidic acid labeling with 32P was increased 2-4 fold within 5 minutes after the addition of antigen or three other mast cell agonists. Functional group analyses unequivocally showed that the labeled compound was lysophosphatidic acid. Lysophosphatidic acid synthesis was dependent on the activity of diacylglycerol lipase, suggesting formation from ... >>
Thrombomodulin (TM) is an anticoagulant glycoprotein highly expressed on endothelial cell surfaces. Increased levels of soluble TM in circulation have been widely accepted as an indicator of endothelial damage or dysfunction. Previous studies indicated that various proinflammatory factors stimulate TM shedding in various cell types such as smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator present in biological fluids during endothelial damage or injury. In the present study, we first observed that LPA triggered TM shedding in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). By Cyflow analysis, we showed that the LPA-induced accessibility of antibodies to the endothelial growth factor (EGF)-like domain of TM is independent of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), while LPA-induced TM lectin-like domain shedding is MMP-dependent. Furthermore, a stable cell line expressing TM without its lectin-like domain exhibited a higher cell proliferation rate than a stable cell line expressing full-length TM. These results imply that LPA induces TM lectin-like domain shedding, which might contribute to the exposure of its EGF-like domain for EGF receptor (EGFR) binding, thereby stimulating subsequent cell proliferation. Based on our findings, we propose a novel mechanism for the exposure of TM EGF-like domain, which possibly mediates LPA-induced EGFR transactivation.
2008-01-01
Thrombomodulin (TM) is an anticoagulant glycoprotein highly expressed on endothelial cell surfaces. Increased levels of soluble TM in circulation have been widely accepted as an indicator of endothelial damage or dysfunction. Previous studies indicated that various proinflammatory factors stimulate TM shedding in various cell types such as smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator present in biological fluids during endothelial damage or injury. In the present study, we first observed that LPA triggered TM shedding in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). By Cyflow analysis, we showed that the LPA-induced accessibility of antibodies to the endothelial growth factor (EGF)-like domain of TM is independent of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), while LPA-induced TM lectin-like domain shedding is ... >>
Lysophosphatidic acid induces chemotaxis in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid that has pleiotropic effects on a variety of cell types and enhances the migration of endothelial and cancer cells, but it is not known if this lipid can alter osteoblast motility. We performed transwell migration assays using MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells and found LPA to be a potent chemotactic agent. Quantitative time-lapse video analysis of osteoblast migration after wounds were introduced into cell monolayers indicated that LPA stimulated both migration velocity and the average migration distance per cell. LPA also elicited substantial changes in cell shape and actin cytoskeletal structure; lipid-treated cells contained fewer stress fibers and displayed long membrane processes that were enriched in F-actin. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that MC3T3-E1 cells express all four known LPA-specific G protein-coupled receptors (LPA1-LPA4) with a relative mRNA abundance of LPA1 > LPA4 > LPA2 >> LPA3. LPA-induced changes in osteoblast motility and morphology were antagonized by both pertussis toxin and Ki16425, a subtype-specific blocker of LPA1 and LPA3 receptor function. Cell migration in many cell types is linked to changes in intracellular Ca2+. Ki16425 also inhibited LPA-induced Ca2+ signaling in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting a link between LPA-induced Ca2+ transients and osteoblast chemotaxis. Our data show that LPA stimulates MC3T3-E1 osteoblast motility via a mechanism that is linked primarily to the G protein-coupled receptor LPA1.
Lysophosphatidic acid induces chemotaxis in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells
2006-07-01
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid that has pleiotropic effects on a variety of cell types and enhances the migration of endothelial and cancer cells, but it is not known if this lipid can alter osteoblast motility. We performed transwell migration assays using MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells and found LPA to be a potent chemotactic agent. Quantitative time-lapse video analysis of osteoblast migration after wounds were introduced into cell monolayers indicated that LPA stimulated both migration velocity and the average migration distance per cell. LPA also elicited substantial changes in cell shape and actin cytoskeletal structure; lipid-treated cells contained fewer stress fibers and displayed long membrane processes that were enriched in F-actin. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that MC3T3-E1 cells express all four known LPA-specific G protein-coupled receptors (LPA1-LPA4) with a relative mRNA abundance of LPA1 > LPA4 > LPA2 >> LPA3. LPA-induced changes in osteoblast motility and morphology were antagonized by both pertussis toxin and Ki16425, a subtype-specific blocker of LPA1 and LPA3 receptor function. Cell migration in many cell types is linked to changes in intracellular Ca2+. Ki16425 also inhibited LPA-induced Ca2+ signaling in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting a link between LPA-induced Ca2+ transients and osteoblast chemotaxis. Our data show that LPA stimulates MC3T3-E1 osteoblast motility via a mechanism that is linked primarily to the G protein-coupled receptor LPA1.
2007-11-01
It is recently become clear that activated immune cells and immune-like glial cells can dramatically alter neuronal function. By increasing neuronal excitability, these non-neuronal cells are...Full Text Available
2007-11-01
Full Text Available.It is recently become clear that activated immune cells and immune-like glial cells can dramatically alter neuronal function. By increasing neuronal excitability, these non-neuronal cells are now implicated in the creation and maintenance of pathological pain, such as occurs in response to peripheral nerve injury. Such effects are exerted at multiple sites along the pain pathway, including at peripheral nerves, dorsal root ganglia, and spinal cord. In addition, activated glial cells are now recognized as disrupting the pain suppressive effects of opioid drugs and contributing to opioid tolerance and opioid dependence/withdrawal. While this review focuses on regulation of pain and opioid actions, such immune-neuronal interactions are broad in their implications. Such changes in neuronal function would be expected to occur wherever immune-derived substances come in close contact with neurons.
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