Role of lysophosphatidylcholine in T-lymphocyte activation: involvement of phospholipase A2 in signal transduction through protein kinase C

Nerve growth factor signaling, neuroprotection, and neural repair

Nerve growth factor (NGF) was discovered 50 years ago as a molecule that promoted the survival and differentiation of sensory and sympathetic neurons. Its roles in neural development have been characterized extensively, but recent findings point to an unexpected diversity of NGF actions and indicate that developmental effects are only one aspect of the biology of NGF. This article considers expanded roles for NGF that are associated with the dynamically regulated production of NGF and its receptors that begins in development, extends throughout adult life and aging, and involves a surprising variety of neurons, glia, and nonneural cells. Particular attention is given to a growing body of evidence that suggests that among other roles, endogenous NGF signaling subserves neuroprotective and repair functions. The analysis points to many interesting unanswered questions and to the potential for continuing research on NGF to substantially enhance our understanding of the mechanisms and treatment of neurological disorders.

Lysophosphatidylcholine activates transcription factor NF-kappaB and AP-1 in AR42J cells

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) has been suggested in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis, in part through the PLA2-generated phospholipid by-products, most notably lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC). The effects of lyso-PC on pancreatic acinar cells other than necrosis are poorly characterized. Recent studies have suggested a role of the activation of transcription factors such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) for the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. Here we examined the effects of lyso-PC on the activation of transcriptional factors in rat pancreatic AR42J cells. Lyso-PC induced apoptosis at concentrations > or = 10 microM. At 10 and 25 microM, lyso-PC increased the NF-kappaB- and activator protein-1 (AP-1)-specific DNA binding activity as determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Lyso-PC also increased the transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB and AP-1 as assessed by luciferase assay. Lyso-PC increased the mRNA level of pancreatitis-associated protein-I and c-jun. Lyso-PC activated three classes of mitogen activated protein kinases: extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase and p38 kinases. Activation of transcription factors by lyso-PC was not altered by a specific platelet activating factor receptor antagonist, TCV-309, suggesting that the activation was independent of the platelet activating factor receptor. These molecular events may suggest a novel role of lyso-PC for the modulation of acinar cell function.

Corneal epithelial wound healing

One of the important functions of the cornea is to maintain normal vision by refracting light onto the lens and retina. This property is dependent in part on the ability of the corneal epithelium to undergo continuous renewal. Epithelial renewal is essential because it enables this tissue to act as a barrier that protects the corneal interior from becoming infected by noxious environmental agents. Furthermore, the smooth optical properties of the corneal epithelial surface are sustained through this renewal process. The rate of renewal is dependent on a highly integrated balance between the processes of corneal epithelial proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. One experimental approach to characterize these three aspects of the renewal process has been to study the kinetics and dynamics of corneal re-epithelialization in a wound-healing model. This effort has employed in vivo and in vitro studies. From such studies it is evident that the appropriate integration and coordination of corneal epithelial proliferation, adhesion, migration, and cell demise is dependent on the actions of a myriad of cytokines. Our goal here is to provide an overview into how these mediators and environmental factors elicit control of cellular proliferation, adhesion, migration, and apoptosis. To this end we review the pertinent literature dealing with the receptor and the cell signaling events that are responsible for mediating cytokine control of corneal epithelial renewal. It is our hope that a better appreciation can be obtained about the complexity of the control processes that are responsible for assuring continuous corneal epithelial renewal in health and disease.

Carcinogenic potential of duodenal reflux juice from patients with long-standing postgastrectomy

AIM: To determine whether study on the carcinogenic potential of reflux juice from patients with remote gastrectomy could clarify the inherent relationship between duodenal reflux and gastric stump cancer.

METHODS: A total of 37 reflux juice samples (13 Billroth I, 24 Billroth II) were employed in the present study. A two-stage transformation assay using BALB/c 3T3 cells was carried out to test the initiating or promoting activity of these samples.

RESULTS: Two of 18 (11.1%) reflux samples exerted initiating activities, whereas 9/19 (47.4%) samples enhanced the MNNG-initiating cell transformation, suggesting the duodenal reflux juice might more frequently possess the tumor-promoter activity (P = 0.029). In addition, there was no difference in initiating activities of the samples irrespective of surgical procedures (P = 0.488), while Billroth II samples exhibited stronger tumor-promoter activity than Billroth I samples (P = 0.027). Furthermore, the promoter activities were well correlated with the histological changes of the stomas (r_s = 0.625, P = 0.004), but neither their cytotoxicities nor initiating activities had this correlation (Probabilities were 0.523 and 0.085, respectively).

CONCLUSION: The duodenal reflux juice from patients with remote postgastrectomy did have carcinogenic potential, and suggested that tumor-promoting activity should principally account for the high incidence of gastric cancer in gastrectomy patients. In contrast, it is difficult to explain the high stump-cancer incidence with the "N-nitroso compounds" theory-a popular theory for the intact stomach carcinogenesis, and it seemed to be justified to focus chemoprevention of this cancer on the tumor-promoting potential of reflux juice.

Up-regulation of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase promoter by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase gamma /Janus kinase 2/MEK-1-dependent pathway

Our recent study indicates that lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) enhances Sp1 binding and Sp1-dependent endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) promoter activity via the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1 (MEK-1) signaling pathway (Cieslik, K., Lee, C.-M., Tang, J.-L., and Wu, K. K. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 34669-34675). To identify upstream signaling molecules, we transfected human endothelial cells with dominant negative and active mutants of Ras and evaluated their effects on eNOS promoter activity. Neither mutant altered the basal or LPC-induced eNOS promoter function. By contrast, a dominant negative mutant of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase gamma (PI-3Kgamma) blocked the promoter activity induced by LPC. Wortmannin and LY 294002 had a similar effect. AG-490, a selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 2 (Jak2), also reduced the LPC-induced Sp1 binding and eNOS promoter activity to the basal level. LPC induced Jak2 phosphorylation, which was abolished by LY 294002 and the dominant negative mutant of PI-3Kgamma. LY 294002 and AG-490 abrogated MEK-1 phosphorylation induced by LPC but had no effect on Raf-1. These results indicate that PI-3Kgamma and Jak2 are essential for LPC-induced eNOS promoter activity. This signaling pathway was sensitive to pertussis toxin, suggesting the involvement of a G(i) protein in PI-3Kgamma activation. These results indicate that LPC enhances Sp1-dependent eNOS promoter activity by a pertussis toxin-sensitive, Ras-independent novel pathway, PI-3Kgamma/Jak2/MEK-1/ERK1/2.

Lysophosphatidylcholine induces apoptosis in AR42J cells

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis, in part through the PLA2-generated phospholipid by-products, most notably lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC). The effects of lyso-PC on pancreatic acinar cells, other than the induction of necrosis, are poorly characterized. Here we examined the effects of lyso-PC on the induction of apoptosis in rat pancreatic AR42J cells. Lyso-PC induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner at 10 and 25 microM, but induced cell lysis at > or = 50 microM. Lyso-PC-induced (at 25 microM) apoptosis was not blocked by a protein kinase C inhibitor (staurosporine) or by inhibitors of caspases (acetyl-DEVD-aldehyde and benzoyloxycarbonyl-VAD-fluoromethylketone). Lyso-PC at 10 and 25 microM induced the expression of clusterin mRNA and wild-type p53. Apoptosis induction by lyso-PC (at 25 microM) was not inhibited by a specific antagonist of platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor, suggesting that the action was independent of th

Mouse group X secretory phospholipase A2 induces a potent release of arachidonic acid from spleen cells and acts as a ligand for the phospholipase A2 receptor

Group X secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-X) has recently been shown to possess a powerful potency for releasing arachidonic acid from cell membrane phospholipids. Here, we report the purification of mouse pro- and mature forms of sPLA2-X, as well as its expression and biological functions. Purified pro-sPLA2-X was found to possess a propeptide of 11 amino acid residues attached at the NH2-terminals of the mature protein, and showed as little as 8% of the PLA2 activity of the mature form. Limited proteolysis of pro-sPLA2-X with trypsin resulted in the appearance of the mature form with a concomitant increase in PLA2 activity, suggesting a requirement of proteolytic removal of the propeptide for the optimal activity. The expression of sPLA2-X mRNA was detected in various tissues including the lung, thymus, and spleen, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed its expression in splenic macrophages. In the spleen cells, mature sPLA2-X elicited a prompt release of arachidonic acid with significant production of prostaglandin E2 more efficiently than group IB and IIA sPLA2s. In addition, sPLA2-X was identified as a high-affinity ligand for both native and recombinant form of mouse PLA2 receptor (PLA2R). However, there was no significant difference in the sPLA2-X-induced arachidonic acid release responses in the spleen cells between wild-type and PLA2R-deficient mice. These findings strongly suggest that sPLA2-X possesses two distinct biological functions in mice: it elicits a marked release of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids leading to the production of lipid mediators based on its enzymatic potency, and it acts as a natural ligand for the PLA2R that has been shown to play a critical role in the production of inflammatory cytokines during endotoxic shock.

Phosphatidylcholine participates in the interaction between macrophages and lymphocytes

The role of phosphatidylcholine molecules as mediator for the control of lymphocyte proliferation by macrophages was investigated. Phosphatidylcholine added to the culture medium inhibited the concanavalin A-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. The potency of this effect was dependent on the presence of arachidonic acid in the phosphatidylcholine molecules. The phosphatidylcholine transfer from macrophages to lymphocytes was then investigated. Macrophages incorporated phosphatidylcholine at a much higher rate than lymphocytes and exported phosphatidylcholine to the culture medium. When cocultured, a significant amount of phosphatidylcholine incorporated by macrophages was transferred to lymphocytes. To examine the possible physiological importance of the transfer process, the lymphocyte proliferation was measured in coculture conditions. Macrophages were treated with phosphatidylcholine and washed, and then these cells were cocultured with concanavalin A-stimulated lymphocytes. The effect observed in coculture was an inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation, which was also dependent on the molecular species of the phosphatidylcholine. Therefore, phosphatidylcholine may act as a mediator of the macrophage effect on lymphocyte proliferation.

Ionotrophic 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor activates the protein kinase C-dependent phospholipase D pathway in human T-cells

The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) ionotrophic receptor 5-HT(3) in the activation of human Jurkat T-cells. 5-HT and 2-methyl-5-HT (2Me-5-HT), an agonist of the 5-HT(3) receptor, induced increases in intracellular free Na(+) concentrations, [Na(+)](i), via opening of the ionotrophic receptor in these cells. These two serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptaminergic) agents potentiated phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-induced T-cell activation. However, they failed to potentiate dioctanoglycerol-plus-ionomycin-stimulated T-cell blastogenesis. Interestingly, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), GF 109203X, curtailed significantly 5-HT and 2Me-5-HT-potentiated T-cell activation. These results demonstrate that the opening of the 5-HT(3) ionotrophic receptor is implicated in T-cell activation via the PKC pathway. Furthermore, 5-HT and 2Me-5-HT stimulated phospholipase D (PLD) activity, as measured by the production of phosphatidylethanol and phosphatidylbutanol at the expense of phosphatidic acid (PA). GF 109203X significantly curtailed the 5-HT- and 2Me-5-HT-induced PLD activity and T-cell activation. The PLD/PA pathway stimulated by these two serotonergic agents resulted in the production of 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) mass in Jurkat T-cells. These results altogether suggest that 5-HT and 2Me-5-HT potentiate T-cell activation via increases in [Na(+)](i) and the activation of the PKC-dependent PLD pathway.

Mechanism of radiation-induced diacylglycerol production in primary cultured rat hepatocytes

Protein kinase C (PKC) is known to be a key enzyme in radiation-induced signal transduction pathways. We have previously demonstrated that gamma-irradiation induces PKC activation and translocation from cytosol to membranes as a consequence of membrane lipid peroxidation in cultured rat hepatocytes (Int. J. Radiat. Biol. 70, 473-480, 1996). The present study was undertaken to investigate production of diacylglycerol, an endogenous activator of PKC, following gamma-irradiation of hepatocytes. Diacylglycerol content increased 3 min after irradiation, then decreased at 15 min and increased again at 30 min, indicating a biphasic pattern. This result implies participation of diacylglycerol in the radiation-induced activation of PKC in hepatocytes. In order to clarify the mechanism of the initial process of radiation-induced diacylglycerol production, the effects of reactive oxygens were investigated. Treatment of cells with hydroxyl radical, a major oxygen radical produced by radiation, induced diacylglycerol production without any change in the content of phosphatidylcholine, showing a peak at 1 min after treatment. No change in the diacylglycerol content was observed at that time by hydrogen peroxide treatment. Furthermore, the diacylglycerol production by hydroxyl radical was inhibited by pretreatment with neomycin sulfate, a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) inhibitor. These results suggest that radiation exerts PI-PLC activation through hydroxyl radical generation, followed by diacylglycerol production and PKC activation.

Mechanisms by which elevated intracellular calcium induces S49 cell membranes to become susceptible to the action of secretory phospholipase A2

Exposure of S49 lymphoma cells to exogenous group IIA or V secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) caused an initial release of fatty acid followed by resistance to further hydrolysis by the enzyme. This refractoriness was overcome by exposing cells to palmitoyl lysolecithin. This effect was specific in terms of lysophospholipid structure. Induction of membrane susceptibility by lysolecithin involved an increase in cytosolic calcium and was duplicated by incubating the cells with calcium ionophores such as ionomycin. Lysolecithin also activated cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). Inhibition of this enzyme attenuated the ability of lysolecithin (but not ionomycin) to induce susceptibility to sPLA2. Lysolecithin or ionomycin caused concurrent hydrolysis of both phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine implying that transbilayer movement of phosphatidylethanolamine occurred upon exposure to these agents but that susceptibility is not simply due to exposure of a preferred substrate (i.e. phosphatidylethanolamine) to the enzyme. Microvesicles were apparently released from the cells upon addition of lysolecithin or ionomycin. Both these vesicles and the remnant cell membranes were susceptible to sPLA2. Together these data suggest that lysolecithin induces susceptibility through both cPLA2-dependent and -independent pathways. Whereas elevated cytosolic calcium was required for both pathways, it was sufficient only for the cPLA2-independent pathway. This cPLA2-independent pathway involved changes in cell membrane structure associated with transbilayer phospholipid migration and microvesicle release.

Stimulatory and inhibitory actions of lysophosphatidylcholine, depending on its fatty acid residue, on the phospholipase C/Ca2+ system in HL-60 leukaemia cells

We examined the mechanism of action of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), which is suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and inflammatory disorders, in HL-60 leukaemia cells. Extracellular 1-palmitoyl LPC increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in association with production of inositol phosphate. These actions of LPC were markedly inhibited by treatment of the cells with pertussis toxin and U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor. The lipid-induced stimulation of the phospholipase C/Ca2+ system was also attenuated in the dibutyryl cAMP-induced differentiated (neutrophil-like) cells, in which phospholipase C activation induced by NaF or formyl-Met-Leu-Phe was enhanced. In contrast with the stimulatory action of 1-palmitoyl LPC, 1-stearoyl LPC was inhibitory for the phospholipase C/Ca2+ system stimulated by NaF as well as by 1-palmitoyl LPC or other Ca2+-mobilizing agonists. In a cell-free system, only an inhibitory effect on phospholipase C activity was observed even by 1-palmitoyl LPC; 1-stearoyl LPC was more inhibitive than 1-palmitoyl LPC. Taken together, these results suggest that atherogenic and inflammatory LPC exerts both stimulatory and inhibitory actions on the phospholipase C/Ca2+ system depending on the species of fatty acid residue of the lipid; the stimulatory effect is possibly mediated through G-protein-coupled receptors; the inhibitory effect might be caused by dysfunction of the components involved in the enzyme system owing to the amphiphilic nature of the lipid. 1-Palmitoyl LPC prefers the former receptor stimulation at least in intact cells, but 1-stearoyl LPC preferentially exerts the latter inhibitory action.

Lysophosphatidylcholine induces the production of IL-1beta by human monocytes

There is evidence for the presence of lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) in oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein, human plasma and in atherosclerotic lesions. We studied the effect of lysoPC on the cytokine production by human monocytes. Among all the cytokines tested (IL-8, TNF alpha, MCP-1 and IL-1beta), we found that lysoPC most consistently stimulated human monocytes to produce IL-1beta in a dose and time dependent manner. Adherent monocytes were exposed to lysoPC in cell culture medium containing 0.5% bovine serum albumin. When exposed to lysoPC from 12.5 to 75 microM, the cellular content of IL-1beta increased 2-4 fold. Up to a concentration of 50 microM no cytotoxic effect could be seen. Over 50 microM there was evidence of toxicity. The level of IL-1beta reached its highest level at 24 h and then declined. At 48 h, the cell associated IL-1beta was low, but still the lysoPC stimulated cells produced 4.1 times more IL-1beta than controls. Also the IL-1beta mRNA was augmented by lysoPC in parallel with the IL-1beta protein levels. The stimulatory effect of lysoPC was dependent on its chain length. There was no effect on IL-1beta production when the acyl chain was shorter than 16. We also found that saturated lysoPC 18:0 stimulated IL-1beta production more than the monounsaturated lysoPC 18:1. Thus, the lysoPC in oxidatively modified LDL may stimulate the production of IL-1beta in macrophages, which may contribute to the inflammatory response in atherosclerotic tissue.

Isolation and properties of a novel phospholipase A from rat brain that hydrolyses fatty acids at sn-1 and sn-2 positions

A Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A that releases various fatty acids from sn-1 and sn-2 positions was partially purified from rat brain soluble fraction. The enzyme showed an approximate molecular mass of 300 kDa on gel filtration column chromatography. Its enzymatic properties are distinct from those of well characterized phospholipase A2 enzymes; by using a series of synthetic phosphatidylcholines, the enzyme cleaved oleic, linoleic, and arachidonic acids like phospholipase A2, and released palmitic and stearic acids like phospholipase A1. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidic acid were hydrolysed with almost equal efficiencies by this enzyme. These results indicate that the enzyme isolated is a novel Ca(2+)-independent intracellular phospholipase A that might be responsible for production of various fatty acids from membrane phospholipids.

Lipoprotein-like phospholipid particles inhibit the smooth muscle cell cytotoxicity of lysophosphatidylcholine and platelet-activating factor

Oxidation of LDL is associated with degradation of phosphatidylcholine into platelet-activating factor (PAF)-like phospholipids and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). Exposure of cultured human smooth muscle cells to PAF and LPC in a concentration of 25 micromol/L was found to result in complete cell death, as assessed by the MTT cytotoxicity assay and cell counting. Addition of 50 microg/mL apolipoprotein A-I- and apolipoprotein A-I(Milano)-containing phospholipid particles completely inhibited this cytotoxicity. Phospholipid complexes alone were almost as effective, whereas free apolipoprotein A-I(Milano) and albumin were without effect, suggesting that the effect was phospholipid dependent. Experiments using [14C]LPC demonstrated that apolipoprotein A-I- and apolipoprotein A-I(Milano)-containing phospholipid particles effectively bind LPC. The results show that HDL-like phospholipid particles effectively inhibit the toxic effect of phospholipids and other lipid-soluble factors. The ability of HDL to inhibit the proinflammatory and toxic effects of phospholipids generated during oxidation of LDL may be responsible for part of the antiatherogenic properties of HDL.

Lysophosphatidylcholine stimulates MAP kinase activity in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC) has been implicated in atherogenesis and the inflammatory process. Although lyso-PC has been reported to contribute to the mitogenic effect of oxidized LDL on rat cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the signaling mechanisms by which lyso-PC promotes its proliferation are poorly characterized. Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are important mediators involved in the intracellular network of interacting proteins that transduces extracellular cues to intracellular responses. We therefore examined the effect of lyso-PC on MAP kinase activation, proto-oncogene expression, and AP-1 binding activity using cultured rat VSMC. Marked activation of MAP kinase occurred within 10 minutes of lyso-PC treatment, whereupon rapid inactivation ensued. MAP kinase activation by lyso-PC was concentration-dependent (6.25 to 25 micromol/L). Pertussis toxin treatment did not affect lyso-PC-induced MAP kinase phosphorylation. Lyso-PC (25 micromol/L) also increased the mRNA expression of c-fos and c-jun genes. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that AP-1 binding activity was enhanced by lyso-PC. To examine the upstream signaling of MAP kinase, we used several inhibitors on MAP kinase activation induced by lyso-PC. Although lyso-PC induced sustained increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, EGTA had no effect on MAP kinase activation induced by lyso-PC. However, protein kinase C inhibitor GF109203X and downregulation of protein kinase C activity by prolonged treatment with phorbol ester inhibited lyso-PC-induced MAP kinase activation. These data suggest that lyso-PC transmits its mitogenic activity through a MAP kinase-AP-1 pathway, which exists downstream of its protein kinase C activation in VSMCs.

Ca2+ -independent cytosolic phospholipase A in HL-60 cells differentiating to granulocytes

The release of various fatty acids (FAs) from permeabilized HL-60 cells, predominantly oleic acid (OA) rather than arachidonic acid, was greatly enhanced by GTP-gamma-S and vanadate [Tsujishita, Y., Asaoka, Y. and Nishizuka, Y., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91 (1994) 6274-62781. The present study shows that phospholipase A (A2/A1) activity which cleaves the acyl group from both sn-2 and sn-1 positions of phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) is increased in HL-60 cells during differentiation to granulocyte-like cells. This enzyme does not require Ca2+ and releases various FAs, preferentially OA from PtdEtn and, to lesser extent, from lysoPtdEtn. Other phospholipids including phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidic acid serve as very poor substrates. Although further studies are necessary to show the direct link of this enzyme activation to receptor stimulation, the results described here imply that this enzyme is responsible for the release of various FAs, particularly OA, from permeabilized HL-60 cells.

Lysophosphatidylcholine stimulates activator protein 1 and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity

Lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC), a natural lipid generated through the action of phospholipase A2 on membrane phosphatidylcholine, has been implicated in atherogenesis and the inflammatory process. In vitro studies have established a role for lyso-PC in modulation of gene expression and other cellular responses including differentiation and proliferation. There is also evidence that lyso-PC may act as an intracellular second messenger transducing signals elicited from membrane-associated receptors. The mechanisms behind the diverse activities of lyso-PC are poorly understood. We report, in this study, that treatment of cultured cells with exogenous lyso-PC, at nontoxic concentrations, potently induced activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA binding and transcriptional activity independent of well known AP-1 activators, protein kinase C or mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1 and ERK2. Lyso-PC also activated the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK/SAPK), a recently characterized member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family, known to activate AP-1. The stimulated JNK and AP-1 activities probably mediate or contribute to some bioactive effects of lyso-PC.

Long-lasting enhancement of ACh receptor currents by lysophospholipids

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPtdCho) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LysoPtdEtn), which are formed by phospholipase A2-catalyzed hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn), respectively, are proposed to be involved in protein kinase C (PKC) activation. Their physiological significance, however, remains unclear. We examined the effects of lysoPtdCho and lysoPtdEtn on acetylcholine (ACh) receptor currents using oocytes expressing Torpedo nicotinic ACh receptors. LysoPtdCho enhanced the currents in a washing time- and dose-dependent manner (10 nM-1 microM), reaching a maximum of 191% at 20 min after treatment. The currents were enhanced to a lesser extent at higher concentrations, and instead, inhibited to 81% at 10 microM. Likewise, lysoPtdEtn also potentiated the currents to 200% at 10 microM, although its dose-dependent curve shifted to right as compared with that of lysoPtdCho. The current potentiation was blocked by a PKC inhibitor, PKC inhibitor peptide (PKCI), or removal of extracellular Ca2+. In addition, lysoPtdCho and lysoPtdEtn enhanced the currents in mutant ACh receptors lacking PKC phosphorylation sites on the alpha and delta subunits. These results suggest that lysophospholipids such as lysoPtdCho and lysoPtdEtn potentiated ACh receptor currents by Ca2+-dependent PKC activation, but that this effect did not require PKC phosphorylation of the ACh receptor.

T cell antigen receptor dependent signalling in human lymphocytes: cholera toxin inhibits interleukin-2 receptor expression but not interleukin-2 synthesis by preventing activation of a protein kinase C isotype, PKC-alpha

Activation and translocation of protein kinases C is a key event in the regulation of T lymphocyte activation, proliferation and function. Stimulation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes with the monoclonal antibody BMA 031 raised against the T cell antigen receptor led to a bimodal activation of protein kinases C. The immediate activation and translocation of the protein kinase C isoform PKC-alpha was followed by activation and translocation of the protein kinase C-beta isoenzyme after 90 min of stimulation. Pretreatment of the cells with cholera toxin for 90 min completely abolished activation of protein kinase C-alpha. In sharp contrast, activation and translocation of protein kinase C-beta was not influenced by the bacterial toxin, suggesting that activation and translocation of different protein kinase C isoenzymes are regulated by distinct mechanisms of transmembrane signalling coupled to the T cell antigen receptor/CD3 complex. The expression of high affinity IL-2 receptors was completely inhibited by cholera toxin, while IL-2 synthesis and secretion were not influenced in BMA 031-stimulated human lymphocytes. Extensive control experiments have shown that the effects of cholera toxin were not mediated by its B subunit, and were independent of elevation of intracellular cAMP concentration, suggesting that cholera toxin interfered with a signalling pathway leading to activation of protein kinase C-alpha, which could be responsible for the inhibition of IL-2 receptor expression. This hypothesis was substantiated by the finding that upon introduction of antibodies against protein kinase C-alpha, IL-2 receptor gene expression was completely suppressed. The results suggest, that protein kinase C-alpha might be the major protein kinase C isoenzyme of a signal transduction cascade regulating IL-2 receptor expression in stimulated human lymphocytes.

Elevated levels and altered fatty acid composition of plasma lysophosphatidylcholine(lysoPC) in ovarian cancer patients

Lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), a product of phosphatidylcholine (PC) hydrolysis via phospholipase A activity, has been proposed to activate cells from a number of lineages. Here, we demonstrate that lysoPC levels are significantly elevated (by 43% overall, relative to normal controls) in the plasma of ovarian cancer patients. This does not appear to be common to all cancers as 5 out of 6 leukemia patients tested had markedly lower (less than one-half of normal) plasma lysoPC. In the plasma of ovarian cancer patients, the percentages of palmitoyl- and stearoyl-lysoPC species were significantly higher, whereas oleoyl and particularly linoleoyl-lysoPC were significantly lower than in control subjects. The molar ratios of lysoPC/PC and palmitoyl-lysoPC/linoleoyl-lysoPC were also significantly elevated in the plasma of ovarian cancer patients compared with those of control subjects. Furthermore, the calculated value of plasma (lysoPC/ PC) x (palmitoyl-lysoPC/linoleoyl-lysoPC) was markedly higher in patients compared with controls.

The bioactive phospholipid, lysophosphatidylcholine, induces cellular effects via G-protein-dependent activation of adenylyl cyclase

The naturally occurring phospholipid, lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC), regulates a broad range of cell processes, including gene transcription, mitogenesis, monocyte chemotaxis, smooth muscle relaxation, and platelet activation. Despite the growing list of cellular effects attributable to lyso-PC, the mechanism(s) by which it alters cell function have not been elucidated. In this report, we have examined the effects of exogenous lyso-PC on signal transduction processes within a variety of lyso-PC-responsive cells, including human platelets, monocyte-like THP-1 cells, and the megakaryoblastic cell line, MEG-01. Pretreatment of each of these cells with increasing concentrations of lyso-PC (25-150 microg/ml) was associated with a progressive increase in the cytosolic concentration of cAMP. The accumulation of cAMP in platelets correlated closely with the ability of lyso-PC to inhibit multiple platelet processes, including platelet aggregation, agonist-induced protein kinase C activation, thromboxane A2 generation, and the tyrosine phosphorylation of platelet proteins. In each of the cell types examined, the ability of lyso-PC to increase the cellular levels of cAMP was synergistically enhanced by pretreating the cells with the cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, theophylline (5 mM), and was specifically inhibited by the P-site inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase, 2,5-dideoxyadenosine. A role for the stimulatory G-protein, Gs, in the lyso-PC-induced activation of adenylyl cyclase was suggested by the ability of the GTPase inhibitor, guanylyl 5'-thiophosphate (0.2 mM), to inhibit the lyso-PC-stimulated increase in cAMP, and also by the ability of cholera toxin to inhibit increases in membrane GTPase activity in response to lyso-PC. The functional significance of lyso-PC-induced activation of adenylyl cyclase was investigated in MEG-01 cells. Treatment of these cells with either lyso-PC or dibutyryl cAMP for 36-40 h resulted in a 3-5-fold increase in the surface expression of the natural anticoagulant protein, thrombomodulin (TM). The ability of lyso-PC to increase TM expression was abolished by pretreating these cells with the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, 2,5-dideoxyadenosine, whereas the dibutyryl cAMP-induced increase in TM remained insensitive to adenylyl cyclase inhibition. These studies define an important role for the adenylyl cyclase signaling system in mediating cellular effects induced by lyso-PC.

Translocation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 to the nuclear envelope elicits topographically localized phospholipid hydrolysis

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is a good candidate for mediating the agonist-stimulated release of arachidonic acid (AA) from membrane phospholipids. This enzyme undergoes a Ca(2+)-dependent translocation from the cytosol to a membrane site in a variety of cell types, and this site has recently been identified as the nuclear envelope in leucocytes. The functional correlate of this finding has not yet been established. The present study was therefore undertaken to determine whether translocation of cPLA2 to the nuclear envelope was associated with localized phospholipid hydrolysis at this site. Rat alveolar epithelial cells, previously shown to contain cPLA2, were prelabelled with [3H]AA and stimulated with the model agonist, ionophore A23187. Ionophore-induced AA release exhibited characteristics typical of a cPLA2-mediated response, in that it was Ca(2+)-dependent, sn-2 AA-selective, and inhibited by arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone. As determined by indirect immunofluorescence microscopic analysis as well as subcellular fractionation with immunoblotting, ionophore treatment resulted in a translocation of cPLA2 protein from the cytoplasm to the nuclear envelope. To determine whether the nuclear membrane was indeed the source of released AA, prelabelled cells were incubated in the presence or absence of A23187, after which the phospholipid radioactivity was quantified in nuclear and non-nuclear membrane fractions. [3H]AA was distributed in both nuclear and non-nuclear membrane phospholipids. Following A23187 stimulation, the loss of [3H]AA from nuclear membrane phospholipids accounted for 88.1 +/- 5.8% of the total loss from phospholipids and for 92.9 +/- 2.3% of the total [3H]AA released into the medium. These results demonstrate for the first time that agonist-stimulated translocation of cPLA2 to the nuclear envelope is associated with phospholipid hydrolysis which is preferentially localized to that site.

Oxidized low density lipoprotein and lysophosphatidylcholine stimulate cell cycle entry in vascular smooth muscle cells. Evidence for release of fibroblast growth factor-2

We have previously shown that oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) but not native LDL stimulated DNA synthesis in cultured smooth muscle cells (SMC) and that alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) inhibited this proliferative response (Lafont, A., Chai, Y. C., Cornhill, J. F. , Whitlow, P. L., Howe, P. H., and Chisolm, G. M.(1995) J. Clin. Invest. 95, 1018-1025). The moiety of oxidized LDL that stimulates DNA synthesis and the cellular mechanism for this potentially mitogenic effect are not known. We now report that lipid fractions containing lysophospholipids from oxidized LDL or phospholipase A2-treated native LDL stimulated SMC DNA synthesis as did palmitoyl lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC). Protein kinase C inhibitors and down-regulation of protein kinase C activity by phorbol ester inhibited oxidized LDL- and lysoPC-induced DNA synthesis. A neutralizing monoclonal antibody against fibroblast growth factor-2 significantly inhibited oxidized LDL and lysoPC-induced DNA synthesis in SMC; irrelevant antibodies were ineffective. Vitamin E inhibited the DNA synthesis stimulated by lysoPC, an observation that distinguished this effect from DNA synthesis induced by another detergent, digitonin. These results suggest that oxidized LDL and its lysoPC moiety stimulate SMC to enter the cell cycle via an oxidative mechanism that causes the release of fibroblast growth factor-2 and a subsequent autocrine or paracrine response.

Activation of protein kinase C by lysophosphatidic acid: dependence on composition of phospholipid vesicles

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has attracted recent attention as a major serum-derived regulator implicated in responses to vascular injury and inflammation, in tumour invasiveness and in neuronal signalling and remodelling. Although the possibility of a specific G-protein-coupled LPA receptor protein has been suggested, characterization of such a receptor is lacking. Since LPA can activate protein kinase C (PKC) pathways in many cells and PKC activators mimic many LPA effects, the possibility of more direct LPA effects on PKC was investigated. Phosphatidylcholine (PC)/phosphatidylserine (PS)/diacylglycerol (DAG) lipid vesicles of defined acyl chain composition were used to activate the enzyme. At total concentrations of saturated PC/PS + DAG vesicles (2-3 mM) that provided maximal PKC activation, 1-10 mol % [18:1]-LPA led to a further approx. 2-fold activation of PKC alpha. At lower lipid concentrations, a greater increase was observed with LPA concentrations up to 16-20 mol %. Higher concentrations of LPA were inhibitory. The LPA activation of PKC was dependent on the presence of DAG, PS and Ca2+. [18:1]-Lysophosphatidylcholine produced similar PKC activation in PC/PS/DAG vesicles. [14:0]-LPA was less effective, and longer-chain saturated lysolipids were ineffective. In unsaturated PC/PS vesicles, very little to no effect of LPA was discernable. These results suggest that physiologically or pathologically relevant concentrations of LPA can contribute to PKC activation depending on the composition of the lipid membrane. We hypothesize that LPA may affect the formation of lipid domains that are recognized by the enzyme.

Purification, cDNA cloning, and regulation of lysophospholipase from rat liver

A lysophospholipase was purified 506-fold from rat liver supernatant. The preparation gave a single 24-kDa protein band on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme hydrolyzed lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, lysophosphatidylinositol, lysophosphatidylserine, and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine at pH 6-8. The purified enzyme was used for the preparation of antibody and peptide sequencing. A cDNA clone was isolated by screening a rat liver lambda gt11 cDNA library with the antibody, followed by the selection of further extended clones from a lambda gt10 library. The isolated cDNA was 2,362 base pairs in length and contained an open reading frame encoding 230 amino acids with a Mr of 24,708. The peptide sequences determined were found in the reading frame. When the cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli cells as the beta-galactosidase fusion, lysophosphatidylcholine-hydrolyzing activity was markedly increased. The deduced amino acid sequence showed significant similarity to Pseudomonas fluorescence esterase A and Spirulina platensis esterase. The three sequences contained the GXSXG consensus at similar positions. The transcript was found in various tissues with the following order of abundance: spleen, heart, kidney, brain, lung, stomach, and testis = liver. In contrast, the enzyme protein was abundant in the following order: testis, liver, kidney, heart, stomach, lung, brain, and spleen. Thus the mRNA abundance disagreed with the level of the enzyme protein in liver, testis, and spleen. When HL-60 cells were induced to differentiate into granulocytes with dimethyl sulfoxide, the 24-kDa lysophospholipase protein increased significantly, but the mRNA abundance remained essentially unchanged. Thus a posttranscriptional control mechanism is present for the regulation of 24-kDa lysophospholipase.

Increase by lysophosphatidylcholines of smooth muscle Ca2+ sensitivity in alpha-toxin-permeabilized small mesenteric artery from the rat

1. Pharmacological characterization of different lysophosphatidylcholines was performed based on their effect on the Ca2+ sensitivity of contraction in alpha-toxin-permeabilized rat mesenteric arteries. Furthermore, the effect of noradrenaline on [3H]-myristate-labelled lysophosphatidylcholine levels was assessed, to investigate whether lysophosphatidylcholines could be second messengers. 2. Palmitoyl or myristoyl L-alpha-lysophosphatidylcholine increased the sensitivity to Ca2+, whereas lysophosphatidylcholines containing other fatty acids had less or no effect. 3. L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine, L-alpha-glycerophosphorylcholine, palmitic acid, myristic acid and choline, potential metabolites of lysophosphatidylcholines, did not affect contractions. 4. Noradrenaline (GTP was required) and GTP gamma S increased the sensitivity to Ca2+, and GDP-beta-S inhibited the effect of noradrenaline. Lysophosphatidylcholines, however, had no requirement for GTP and caused sensitization in the presence of GDP-beta-S. 5. Calphostin C, a relatively specific protein kinase C inhibitor, did not affect contraction induced by Ca2+, but abolished the sensitizing effect of lysophosphatidylcholine. 6. Noradrenaline caused no measurable changes in the levels of [3H]-myristate-labelled phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine at 30 s and 5 min stimulation. 7. These results suggest that lysophosphatidylcholines can increase Ca2+ sensitivity through a G-protein-independent, but a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism. However, the role for lysophosphatidylcholines as messengers causing Ca2+ sensitization during stimulation with noradrenaline remains uncertain because no increase in [3H]-myristate labelled lysophosphatidylcholine could be measured during noradrenaline stimulation.

Active oxygen species and lysophosphatidylcholine are involved in oxidized low density lipoprotein activation of smooth muscle cell DNA synthesis

It has recently been shown that oxidative modification of LDL enhances the mitogenic effect of LDL on smooth muscle cell (SMC) DNA synthesis. However, because of its complex chemical structure, the mitogenic components have not been well characterized. Exposure of LDL to the oxidant Cu2+ is followed by a rapid accumulation of peroxides that peaks after 8 to 12 hours and a conversion of the phospholipid phosphatidylcholine into lysophosphatidylcholine that continues for up to 48 hours. Most of the mitogenic activity is formed during the first 4 hours of oxidation. Both superoxide dismutase and catalase effectively inhibit the mitogenic activity of oxidized LDL, suggesting involvement of reactive oxygen intermediates. In the presence of 1% serum, low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide activated SMC DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner, with a maximal effect at a concentration of 200 mumol/L, whereas higher concentrations were inhibitory. Lysophosphatidylcholine also enhanced SMC DNA synthesis, with a maximal stimulation at a concentration of 10 mumol/L. Oxysterols, which also accumulate in oxidized LDL, effectively inhibited DNA synthesis. These results demonstrate that oxidation of LDL is associated with formation of several substances affecting the growth of SMCs. Among these substances, low levels of reactive oxygen intermediates and lysophosphatidylcholine stimulate DNA synthesis, whereas at a higher concentration they, as well as oxysterols, are inhibitory.

Inhibition of ACh release at an Aplysia synapse by neurotoxic phospholipases A2: specific receptors and mechanisms of action

1. Monochain (OS2) and multichain (taipoxin) neurotoxic phospholipases A2 (PLA2), purified from taipan snake venom, both inhibited ACh release at a concentration of 20 nM (90% inhibition in 2 h) at an identified synapse from buccal ganglion of Aplysia californica. 2. The Na+ current was unchanged upon application of either OS2 or taipoxin. Conversely, presynaptic K+ currents (IA and IK) were increased by taipoxin but not by OS2. In addition, OS2 induced a significant decrease of the presynaptic Ca2+ current (30%) while taipoxin increased this latter current by 20-30%. 3. Bee venom PLA2, another monochain neurotoxic PLA2, also inhibited ACh release while non-toxic enzymatically active PLA2s like OS1 (also purified from taipan snake venom) or porcine pancreatic PLA2 elicited a much weaker inhibition of ACh release, suggesting a specific action of neurotoxic PLA2s versus non-toxic PLA2s on ACh release. 4. Using iodinated OS2, specific high affinity binding sites with molecular masses of 140 and 18 kDa have been identified on Aplysia ganglia. The maximal binding capacities were 55 and 300-400 fmol (mg protein)-1 for membrane preparations from whole and buccal ganglia, respectively. These binding sites are of high affinity for neurotoxic PLA2s (Kd values, 100-800 pM) and of very low affinity for non-toxic PLA2s (Kd values in the micromolar range), thus indicating that these binding sites are presumably involved in the blockade of ACh release by neurotoxic PLA2s.

Increased lysophosphatidylcholine content in lesional psoriatic skin

Various cell stimuli occur via activation of phospholipase A2, which hydrolyses polyunsaturated fatty acids from the sn-2 position of membrane phospholipids, resulting in the formation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and lysophospholipids. The level of lysophospholipids is determined by the balance between phospholipase A2 activity and the rate of catabolism of the lysophospholipids. One of the lysophospholipid classes, lysophosphatidylcholine, has been shown to stimulate certain leucocyte activities which are of importance for the induction and maintenance of inflammation. In addition, it has been demonstrated that phospholipase A2 activity is increased in psoriatic skin. In the present study, we analysed the levels of lysophosphatidylcholine, by thin layer chromatography, in lesional psoriatic skin, uninvolved psoriatic skin and normal skin. The lysophosphatidylcholine content, expressed as mumol lysophosphatidylcholine/mumol phosphatidylcholine, was 1.55, 0.21 and 0.12% in lesional psoriatic skin, uninvolved psoriatic skin and normal skin, respectively. The level of lysophosphatidylcholine was significantly elevated in lesional compared with uninvolved psoriatic skin (P = 0.004) and normal skin (P = 0.002). The increased lysophosphatidylcholine levels in psoriatic skin indicate that the phospholipase A2 activation is not accompanied by a corresponding increase in the activity of enzymes catabolizing lysoPC. If present in biologically active concentrations, lysophosphatidylcholine may contribute to the induction and maintenance of the inflammatory and immunological processes occurring in lesional psoriatic skin.

Purification and properties of lysophospholipase isoenzymes from pig gastric mucosa

Two lysophospholipases, named gastric lysophospholipases I and II (enzymes I and II), were purified 3730- and 2680-fold from pig gastric mucosa. The preparations showed 22 and 23 kDa single protein bands on SDS/PAGE respectively. Both enzymes lacked transacylase activity and appeared to exist as monomers. Their activities were not affected by Ca2+, Mg2+ or EDTA. Enzyme I was most active at pH 8.5 and hydrolysed a variety of lysophospholipids including acidic lysophospholipids and the acyl analogue of platelet-activating factor, whereas enzyme II was most active at pH 8 and its activity was confined to lysophosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylethanolamine. When 1-palmitoylglycerophosphocholine was used as substrate, enzymes I and II showed half-maximal activities at 11 and 12 microM respectively. The enzymes exhibited no phospholipase B, lipase or general esterase activity. Enzyme II was significantly inhibited by lysophosphatidic acid whereas enzyme I was only moderately inhibited. Peptide mapping with V8 protease and papain revealed structural dissimilarity between the two enzymes. Antiserum raised against enzyme I did not recognize enzyme II, but did recognize the small-sized lysophospholipase purified from rat liver. Anti-(enzyme II) consistently did not cross-react with enzyme I or the liver enzyme. These antisera specifically recognized neither the 60 kDa lysophospholipase transacylase purified from liver nor any peritoneal macrophage protein. Thus gastric mucosa contains two different small-sized lysophospholipases: one is closely related to the small-sized lysophospholipase of liver, but the other appears to be a novel isoform.

T-cell antigen receptor-induced signal-transduction pathways--activation and function of protein kinases C in T lymphocytes

CONTENTS. T-cell activation--Structure of the T-cell antigen receptor--Modular organisation of the T-cell antigen receptor--T-cell antigen receptor-coupled signaling pathways: Activation of protein-tyrosine kinase by the T-cell antigen receptor; Signal transduction in lymphoid cells involves several protein-tyrosine kinases in parallel; Regulation of T-cell antigen receptor signaling by the phosphoprotein phosphatase CD45--Consequences of T-cell antigen receptor-induced tyrosine phosphorylation: Activation of phosphoinositol-lipid-turnover pathways--Activation of phospholipase C-gamma-1: p59fyn or p56lck?--G-protein motif of CD3-gamma: relevance for signal transduction--Association of lipid kinase with the T-cell antigen receptor--Intracellular signaling by phospholipid metabolites and calcium: activation of protein kinase C--Protein kinase C isoenzymes--Heterogenity of protein kinase C and mode of activation--Phospholipid-derived mediators in activation of protein kinase C in T-cells--Role of phospholipase D metabolites in activation of protein kinase C--Polyunsaturated fatty acids and lysophosphatidylcholine as activators of protein kinase C--Potein kinase C and p21ras function in interdependent and distinct signaling pathways during T-cell activation--Raf-1 kinase: regulator or target of protein kinase C?--Summary and perspectives.

Nutrients, signal transduction and carcinogenesis

Choline phospholipids play major roles in cellular regulation in addition to their essential function as structural components of membranes and lipoproteins. The unique functions of choline phospholipids as hormones (platelet activating factor, 1-alkyl, 2-acetylphosphatidylcholine, PAF) and sources (phosphatidylcholine, sphingolipids) of second messengers (sphingosine, diacylglycerol, lysophospholipids, arachidonic acid and its metabolites) may explain how dietary choline influences normal physiological processes as well as a diverse group of pathological processes, including carcinogenesis.

Lysophosphatidylcholine: a chemoattractant to human T lymphocytes

Various cell stimuli act through activation of phospholipase A2 resulting in the release of arachidonic acid, the precursor of eicosanoids, from the sn-2 position of cell membrane phospholipids. A byproduct of phospholipase A2 activity is the lysophospholipids which have been found to potentiate T-lymphocyte activation. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the various lysophospholipids modulate the migration of peripheral normal human T lymphocytes in vitro. It was found that lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) induced T-lymphocyte migration in the concentration range 10(-7) to 10(-4) M with a maximum at 10(-6) M (mean chemotactic index, 2.06). The migration was due to chemotaxis rather than chemokinesis. In contrast, lysophosphatidylethanolamine (lysoPE) and lysophosphatidylinositol (lysoPI) did not exhibit chemotactic properties towards T lymphocytes. Further studies showed that the length of the fatty acids in the sn-1 position as well as the presence of double bonds modulated the chemotactic ability. The lysoPC compound with the highest chemotactic activity was lysoPC;1-palmitoyl (C = 16:0). The results demonstrated that lysoPC, a phospholipase A2-generated hydrolysis product of phosphatidylcholine, induced T-lymphocyte chemotaxis in vitro. Because phosphatidylcholine is the major phospholipid in the epidermis, the activation of phospholipase A2 may result in the release of lysoPC in concentrations capable of inducing migration of T lymphocytes into the epidermis.

Regulation of phospholipase A2 in human leukemia cell lines: its implication for intracellular signaling

Permeabilized human leukemia HL-60 and U-937 cells suspended in an acidic or alkaline medium release various unsaturated fatty acids, most abundantly oleic and arachidonic acids. Concomitant production of lysophospholipids suggests that phospholipases A2 play a major role in this fatty acid release reaction. The fatty acid release at acidic conditions depends on the intracellular Ca2+ concentrations at the 10(-8)-10(-7) M range and is enhanced by membrane-permeant diacylglycerols, although this enhancement seems independent of protein kinase C activation. On the other hand, the fatty acid release at alkaline conditions is potentiated by vanadate, and this potentiation is counteracted by genistein, suggesting a role of tyrosine phosphorylation in this release reaction. GTP[gamma S], an activator of G proteins, greatly enhances the fatty acid release. Aluminum fluoride, another activator of heterotrimeric G proteins, also greatly potentiates this release reaction. Phorbol ester increases the fatty acid release at alkaline conditions, to some extent, whereas it counteracts the vanadate-induced potentiation of fatty acid release. The results imply that several phospholipases A2 are coupled to receptors for their activation, thereby functioning in the transmembrane control of cellular events.

Elevated levels and mitogenic activity of lysophosphatidylinositol in k-ras-transformed epithelial cells

In cell lines stably (KiKi) or reversibly (Ts) transformed by the k-ras oncogene originated from a differentiated rat thyroid line (FRTL5 cells), k-ras-induced transformation has been associated with an increased phospholipase A2 activity. Here we provide evidence that this enzymic activity is phosphoinositide specific and leads to the formation of lysophosphatidylinositol. The levels of this lysolipid increased by 2-3-fold in ras-transformed cells (KiKi cells and Ts cells at the permissive temperature of 33 degrees C) as compared to differentiated cells (FRTL5) or to Ts cells maintained at 39 degrees C, i.e. at the temperature where ras-p21, the product of the ras oncogene, is inactive. Since another lysoderivative, lysophosphatidic acid, has been shown to be a mitogen, we have tested whether lysophosphatidylinositol could have a similar activity on thyroid cells. Lysophosphatidylinositol (10-100 microM) induced a 5-10-fold increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation in both FRTL5 and KiKi cells, whereas lysophosphatidic acid was active only in differentiated cells. Lysophosphatidylinositol (approximately 25 microM) and lysophosphatidic acid (50-100 microM) acted synergistically with insulin in increasing [3H]thymidine incorporation. Moreover, lysophosphatidylinositol at concentrations three-fold higher than those found to be mitogenic, inhibited the activity of the GTPase-activating protein. We conclude that lysophosphatidylinositol is a mitogen that might play a role in the modulation of k-ras transformed cell proliferation.

The substrate specificities of four different lysophospholipases as determined by a novel fluorescence assay

A novel fluorescence assay for quantifying lysophospholipase activity is described which utilizes a commercially available acrylodated intestinal fatty-acid-binding protein (ADIFAB) and non-radiolabelled substrate. Quantification of enzyme activity is based on the decrease in ADIFAB fluorescence at 432 nm in the presence of nanomolar concentrations of non-esterified ('free') fatty acids. Lysophospholipase activity measured by the ADIFAB assay and a conventional radiometric assay yield comparable results and have comparable levels of sensitivity (approximately 10 pmol/min per ml). The ADIFAB assay has the advantageous features of continuous monitoring of enzyme activity and the availability of a broad range of potential substrates, because non-radiolabelled lysophospholipids can be employed in the assay. The hydrolytic activities of four lysophospholipases were determined, including a bacterial secreted phospholipase A2/lysophospholipase, the human-eosinophil-secreted lysophospholipase, a human intracellular lysophospholipase (peak 3) isolated from HL-60 cells and a high-molecular-mass cytosolic phospholipase A2/lysophospholipase from a mouse mammary carcinoma. Each of these enzymes was found to have a distinctive hydrolytic profile as determined by an array of lysophospholipids differing in their polar headgroups and sn-1 fatty-acyl substituents.