Crystal structure of a calcium-phospholipid binding domain from cytosolic phospholipase A2

An unusual C(2)-domain in the active-zone protein piccolo: implications for Ca(2+) regulation of neurotransmitter release

Ca(2+) regulation of neurotransmitter release is thought to require multiple Ca(2+) sensors with distinct affinities. However, no low-affinity Ca(2+) sensor has been identified at the synapse. We now show that piccolo/aczonin, a recently described active-zone protein with C-terminal C(2)A- and C(2)B-domains, constitutes a presynaptic low-affinity Ca(2+) sensor. Ca(2+) binds to piccolo by virtue of its C(2)A-domain via an unusual mechanism that involves a large conformational change. The distinct Ca(2+)-binding properties of the piccolo C(2)A- domain are mediated by an evolutionarily conserved sequence at the bottom of the C(2)A-domain, which may fold back towards the Ca(2+)-binding sites on the top. Point mutations in this bottom sequence inactivate it, transforming low-affinity Ca(2+) binding (100-200 microM in the presence of phospholipids) into high-affinity Ca(2+) binding (12-14 microM). The unusual Ca(2+)-binding mode of the piccolo C(2)A-domain reveals that C(2)-domains are mechanistically more versatile than previously envisaged. The low Ca(2+) affinity of the piccolo C(2)A-domain suggests that piccolo could function in short-term synaptic plasticity when Ca(2+) concentrations accumulate during repetitive stimulation.

C2 domains from different Ca2+ signaling pathways display functional and mechanistic diversity

The ubiquitous C2 domain is a conserved Ca2+ triggered membrane-docking module that targets numerous signaling proteins to membrane surfaces where they regulate diverse processes critical for cell signaling. In this study, we quantitatively compared the equilibrium and kinetic parameters of C2 domains isolated from three functionally distinct signaling proteins: cytosolic phospholipase A2-alpha (cPLA2-alpha), protein kinase C-beta (PKC-beta), and synaptotagmin-IA (Syt-IA). The results show that equilibrium C2 domain docking to mixed phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine membranes occurs at micromolar Ca2+ concentrations for the cPLA2-alpha C2 domain, but requires 3- and 10-fold higher Ca2+ concentrations for the PKC-beta and Syt-IA C2 domains ([Ca2+](1/2) = 4.7, 16, 48 microM, respectively). The Ca2+ triggered membrane docking reaction proceeds in at least two steps: rapid Ca2+ binding followed by slow membrane association. The greater Ca2+ sensitivity of the cPLA2-alpha domain results from its higher intrinsic Ca2+ affinity in the first step compared to the other domains. Assembly and disassembly of the ternary complex in response to rapid Ca2+ addition and removal, respectively, require greater than 400 ms for the cPLA2-alpha domain, compared to 13 ms for the PKC-beta domain and only 6 ms for the Syt-IA domain. Docking of the cPLA2-alpha domain to zwitterionic lipids is triggered by the binding of two Ca2+ ions and is stabilized via hydrophobic interactions, whereas docking of either the PKC-beta or the Syt-IA domain to anionic lipids is triggered by at least three Ca2+ ions and is maintained by electrostatic interactions. Thus, despite their sequence and architectural similarity, C2 domains are functionally specialized modules exhibiting equilibrium and kinetic parameters optimized for distinct Ca2+ signaling applications. This specialization is provided by the carefully tuned structural and electrostatic parameters of their Ca2+ and membrane-binding loops, which yield distinct patterns of Ca2+ coordination and contrasting mechanisms of membrane docking.

Membrane translocation of novel protein kinase Cs is regulated by phosphorylation of the C2 domain

Ca(2+)-independent or novel protein kinase Cs (nPKCs) contain an N-terminal C2 domain of unknown function. Removal of the C2 domain of the Aplysia nPKC Apl II allows activation of the enzyme at lower concentrations of phosphatidylserine, suggesting an inhibitory role for the C2 domain in enzyme activation. However, the mechanism for C2 domain-mediated inhibition is not known. Mapping of the autophosphorylation sites for protein kinase C (PKC) Apl II reveals four phosphopeptides in the regulatory domain of PKC Apl II, two of which are in the C2 domain at serine 2 and serine 36. Unlike most PKC autophosphorylation sites, these serines could be phosphorylated in trans. Interestingly, phosphorylation of serine 36 increased binding of the C2 domain to phosphatidylserine membranes in vitro. In cells, PKC Apl II phosphorylation at serine 36 was increased by PKC activators, and PKC phosphorylated at this position translocated more efficiently to membranes. Moreover, mutation of serine 36 to alanine significantly reduced membrane translocation of PKC Apl II. We suggest that translocation of nPKCs is regulated by phosphorylation of the C2 domain.

Structural characterization of the C2 domain of novel protein kinase Cepsilon

Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the biophysical properties of the PKCepsilon-C2 domain, a C2 domain that possess special characteristics as it binds to acidic phospholipids in a Ca2+-independent manner and no structural information about it is available to date. When the secondary structure was determined by IR spectroscopy in H2O and D2O buffers, beta sheet was seen to be the major structural component. Spectroscopic studies of the thermal denaturation in D2O showed a broadening in the amide I' band starting at 45 degrees C. Curve fitting analysis of the spectra demonstrated that two components appear upon thermal denaturation, one at 1623 cm(-1) which was assigned to aggregation and a second one at 1645 cm(-1), which was assigned to unordered or open loop structures. A lipid binding assay has demonstrated that PKCepsilon-C2 domain has preferential affinity for PIP2 although it exhibits maximal binding activity for phosphatidic acid when 100 mol% of this negatively charged phospholipid was used. Thus, phosphatidic acid containing vesicles were used to characterize the effect of lipid binding on the secondary structure and thermal stability. These experiments showed that the secondary structure did not change upon lipid binding and the thermal stability was very high with no significant changes occurring in the secondary structure after heating. DSC experiments demonstrated that when the C2-protein was scanned alone, it showed a Tm of 49 degrees C and a calorimetric denaturation enthalpy of 144.318 kJ x mol(-1). However, when phoshatidic acid vesicles were included in the mixture, the transition disappeared and further IR experiments demonstrated that the protein structure was not modified under these conditions.

The N-terminal domain of 5-lipoxygenase binds calcium and mediates calcium stimulation of enzyme activity

Human 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) is a key enzyme in the conversion of arachidonic acid into leukotrienes and lipoxins, mediators and modulators of inflammation. In this study, we localized a stimulatory Ca(2+)-binding site to the N-terminal region of the enzyme. Thus, in a (45)Ca(2+) overlay assay, the N-terminal 128 amino acids of recombinant human 5-LO (fused to glutathione S-transferase) bound radioactive calcium to about the same extent as intact 5-LO. The glutathione S-transferase fusion protein of the C-terminal part of 5-LO (amino acids 120-673) showed much weaker binding. A model of a putative 5-LO N-terminal domain was calculated based on the structure of rabbit reticulocyte 15-LO. This model resembles beta-sandwich C2 domains of other Ca(2+)-binding proteins. Comparison of our model with the C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) suggested a number of amino acids, located in the loops that connect the beta-strands, as potential Ca(2+) ligands. Indeed, mutations particularly in loop 2 (N43A, D44A, and E46A) led to decreased Ca(2+) binding and a requirement for higher Ca(2+) concentrations to stimulate enzyme activity. Our data indicate that an N-terminal beta-sandwich of 5-LO functions as a C2 domain in the calcium regulation of enzyme activity.

Serine 727 phosphorylation and activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 by MNK1-related protein kinases

We have previously reported that in thrombin-stimulated human platelets, cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA2) is phosphorylated on Ser-505 by p38 protein kinase and on Ser-727 by an unknown kinase. Pharmacological inhibition of p38 leads to inhibition of cPLA2 phosphorylation at both Ser-505 and Ser-727 suggesting that the kinase responsible for phosphorylation on Ser-727 is activated in a p38-dependent pathway. By using Chinese hamster ovary, HeLa, and HEK293 cells stably transfected with wild type and phosphorylation site mutant forms of cPLA2, we show that phosphorylation of cPLA2 at both Ser-505 and Ser-727 and elevation of Ca(2+) leads to its activation in agonist-stimulated cells. The p38-activated protein kinases MNK1, MSK1, and PRAK1 phosphorylate cPLA2 in vitro uniquely on Ser-727 as shown by mass spectrometry. Furthermore, MNK1 and PRAK1, but not MSK1, is present in platelets and undergo modest activation in response to thrombin. Expression of a dominant negative form of MNK1 in HEK293 cells leads to significant inhibition of cPLA2-mediated arachidonate release. The results suggest that MNK1 or a closely related kinase is responsible for in vivo phosphorylation of cPLA2 on Ser-727.

A Rab11/Rip11 protein complex regulates apical membrane trafficking via recycling endosomes

Rab11 is a GTPase that regulates endosomal trafficking to apical plasma membrane domains in polarized epithelial cells. We report the identification of a novel Rab11 effector, Rip11. Rip11 is enriched in polarized epithelial cells where, like Rab11, it is localized to subapical recycling endosomes (ARE) and the apical plasma membrane. Using various transport assays, we demonstrate that Rip11 is important for protein trafficking from ARE to the apical plasma membrane. Rip11 is recruited to ARE by binding to Rab11 as well as through a Mg(2+)-dependent interaction of its C2 domain with neutral phospholipids. The association of Rip11 with membranes is regulated by a phosphorylation and dephosphorylation cycle. We propose a model whereby the Rab11/Rip 11 complex regulates vesicle targeting from the ARE.

Functional expression in insect cells, one-step purification and characterization of a recombinant phospholipase D from cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Phospholipase D (PLD) is an important enzyme involved in signal transduction, vesicle trafficking and membrane metabolism. In this study, large amounts of a recombinant plant PLD alpha were secreted into the culture medium of baculovirus-infected insect cells and purified to homogeneity in the form of a fully active enzyme. The transient production of recombinant PLD alpha yielded a protein (rPLD alpha a, 88 kDa) together with a shorter form (rPLD alpha b, 87 kDa), which accumulated in the medium. N-Terminal amino acid sequencing of the rPLD alpha a and rPLD alpha b showed that rPLD alpha b resulted from proteolytic cleavage at Gly8-Ile9. Immunoblotting showed that both rPLD alpha a and rPLD alpha b are recognized by a polyclonal antibody previously raised against native soybean PLD alpha. One-step calcium-dependent octyl-Sepharose chromatography was used to obtain the two highly purified forms of rPLD alpha, as attested by gel electrophoresis, N-terminal amino acid sequence and mass spectrometry. The N-terminal region of PLD alpha is homologous with the C2 domains which are present in a number of enzymes known to be involved in signal transduction and/or phospholipid metabolism. The truncated rPLD alpha b lacks the first acidic amino acid in its N-terminus, which is probably involved in the calcium binding site. The rPLD alpha b was thus easily eluted from the octyl-Sepharose column by decreasing the calcium concentration of the buffer from 50 to 30 mM, whereas, the rPLD alpha a was eluted after chelating calcium ions with EDTA. The purified rPLD alpha yield reached a level of 10 mg per liter of serum-free culture medium. The availability of baculovirus-derived rPLD alpha constitutes a valuable source of enzyme for future crystallographic studies to determine its three-dimensional structure.

The expanding superfamily of phospholipase A(2) enzymes: classification and characterization

The phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) superfamily consists of a broad range of enzymes defined by their ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of the middle (sn-2) ester bond of substrate phospholipids. The hydrolysis products of this reaction, free fatty acid and lysophospholipid, have many important downstream roles, and are derived from the activity of a diverse and growing superfamily of PLA(2) enzymes. This review updates the classification of the various PLA(2)'s now described in the literature. Four criteria have been employed to classify these proteins into one of the 11 Groups (I-XI) of PLA(2)'s. First, the enzyme must catalyze the hydrolysis of the sn-2 ester bond of a natural phospholipid substrate, such as long fatty acid chain phospholipids, platelet activating factor, or short fatty acid chain oxidized phospholipids. Second, the complete amino acid sequence of the mature protein must be known. Third, each PLA(2) Group should include all of those enzymes that have readily identifiable sequence homology. If more than one homologous PLA(2) gene exists within a species, then each paralog should be assigned a Subgroup letter, as in the case of Groups IVA, IVB, and IVC PLA(2). Homologs from different species should be classified within the same Subgroup wherever such assignments are possible as is the case with zebra fish and human Group IVA PLA(2) orthologs. The current classification scheme does allow for historical exceptions of the highly homologous Groups I, II, V, and X PLA(2)'s. Fourth, catalytically active splice variants of the same gene are classified as the same Group and Subgroup, but distinguished using Arabic numbers, such as for Group VIA-1 PLA(2) and VIA-2 PLA(2)'s. These four criteria have led to the expansion or realignment of Groups VI, VII and VIII, as well as the addition of Group XI PLA(2) from plants.

Structure and mechanism of human cytosolic phospholipase A(2)

cPLA(2) is an 85-kDa enzyme whose primary function, the release of arachidonic acid from phospholipid membranes, is a crucial reaction in the metabolism of lipid mediators of inflammation. cPLA(2) consists of two domains: an N-terminal, C2-type unit analogous to those present in other membrane-targeting molecules, and a catalytic domain harboring an active site dyad at the bottom of a deep, mostly hydrophobic catalytic funnel. The absence of a third active site residue in the cPLA(2) cleft, as observed in other lipases, suggests that the enzyme proceeds through a novel catalytic mechanism. Crystallographic and biochemical studies of cPLA(2) will provide essential information for the development of small molecule inhibitors which may be employed in the control of inflammatory and other highly regulated processes.

Localization and regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A(2)

Liberation of arachidonic acid by cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) upon cell activation is often the initial and rate-limiting step in leukotriene and prostaglandin biosynthesis. This review discusses the essential features of cPLA(2) isoforms and addresses intriguing insights into the catalytic and regulatory mechanisms. Gene expression, posttranslational modification and subcellular localization can regulate these isoforms. Translocation of cPLA(2)alpha from the cytosol to the perinuclear region in response to calcium transients is critical for the immediate arachidonic acid release. Therefore, particular emphasis is placed on the mechanism of the translocation and the role of the proteins and lipids implicated in this process. The regional distribution and cellular localization of cPLA(2) may help to better understand its function as an arachidonic acid supplier to downstream enzymes and as a regulator of specific cellular processes.

Acceleration by ceramide of calcium-dependent translocation of phospholipase A2 from cytosol to membranes in platelets

The effect of ceramide on Ca2+-dependent translocation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) to membranes was studied. Pretreatment of platelets with sphingomyelinase or C6-ceramide (N-hexanoylsphingosine) led to apparent enhancement of Ca2+-ionophore A23187-stimulated arachidonic acid release but did not affect the cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) activity. Under these conditions, the cPLA2 proteins in membranes increased significantly, compared with those by A23187 alone. Sphingomyelinase and C6-ceramide, but not C6-dihydroceramide, a control analog of C6-ceramide, also facilitated the Ca2+-dependent increase in the cPLA2 protein, as well as the activity, in membranes induced by addition of Ca2+ into platelet lysate. Protein kinase Calpha, which possesses a Ca2+-dependent lipid binding domain, was increased in membranes in a Ca2+-dependent manner, but the increase was not accelerated by sphingomyelinase or C6-ceramide. These findings suggest that ceramide in membranes potentiates Ca2+-dependent cPLA2 translocation from cytosol to membranes, probably through modification of membrane phospholipid organization.

The C1 and C2 domains of protein kinase C are independent membrane targeting modules, with specificity for phosphatidylserine conferred by the C1 domain

Protein kinase C is specifically activated by binding two membrane lipids: the second messenger, diacylglycerol, and the amino phospholipid, phosphatidylserine. This binding provides the energy to release an autoinhibitory pseudosubstrate from the active site. Interaction with these lipids recruits the enzyme to the membrane by engaging two membrane-targeting modules: the C1 domain (present as a tandem repeat in most protein kinase Cs) and the C2 domain. Here we dissect the contribution of each domain in recruiting protein kinase C betaII to membranes. Binding analyses of recombinant domains reveal that the C2 domain binds anionic lipids in a Ca(2+)-dependent, but diacylglycerol-independent, manner, with little selectivity for phospholipid headgroup beyond the requirement for negative charge. The C1B domain binds membranes in a diacylglycerol/phorbol ester-dependent, but Ca(2+)-independent manner. Like the C2 domain, the C1B domain preferentially binds anionic lipids. However, in striking contrast to the C2 domain, the C1B domain binds phosphatidylserine with an order of magnitude higher affinity than other anionic lipids. This preference for phosphatidylserine is, like that of the full-length protein, stereoselective for sn-1, 2-phosphatidyl-L-serine. Quantitative analysis of binding constants of individual domains and that of full-length protein reveals that the full-length protein binds membranes with lower affinity than expected based on the binding affinity of isolated domains. In addition to entropic and steric considerations, the difference in binding energy may reflect the energy required to expel the pseudosubstrate from the substrate binding cavity. This study establishes that each module is an independent membrane-targeting module with each, independently of the other, containing determinants for membrane recognition. The presence of each of these modules, separately, in a number of other signaling proteins epitomizes the use of these modules as discreet membrane targets.

The C2B domain of synaptotagmin is a Ca(2+)-sensing module essential for exocytosis

The synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin I has been proposed to serve as a Ca(2+) sensor for rapid exocytosis. Synaptotagmin spans the vesicle membrane once and possesses a large cytoplasmic domain that contains two C2 domains, C2A and C2B. Multiple Ca(2+) ions bind to the membrane proximal C2A domain. However, it is not known whether the C2B domain also functions as a Ca(2+)-sensing module. Here, we report that Ca(2+) drives conformational changes in the C2B domain of synaptotagmin and triggers the homo- and hetero-oligomerization of multiple isoforms of the protein. These effects of Ca(2)+ are mediated by a set of conserved acidic Ca(2)+ ligands within C2B; neutralization of these residues results in constitutive clustering activity. We addressed the function of oligomerization using a dominant negative approach. Two distinct reagents that block synaptotagmin clustering potently inhibited secretion from semi-intact PC12 cells. Together, these data indicate that the Ca(2)+-driven clustering of the C2B domain of synaptotagmin is an essential step in excitation-secretion coupling. We propose that clustering may regulate the opening or dilation of the exocytotic fusion pore.

C2PA, a new protein expressed during mouse spermatogenesis

C2PA is a novel protein that contains a C2 membrane binding domain, a PDZ protein/protein interaction domain, and an ATP/GTP binding domain. C2PA is expressed during embryogenesis from 8.5 days post-coitum (dpc) until birth. After birth, C2PA expression is mainly observed in the post-natal and adult testis. During spermatogenesis, C2PA transcripts are specifically observed in the spermatocytes, whereas spermatogonia and spermatids are negative. Taken together, these results suggest that C2PA might be involved in cell signaling pathways occurring during spermatogenesis.

Regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) in a new perspective: recruitment of active monomers from an inactive clustered pool

cPLA(2) plays a key role in many signal transduction cascades by hydrolyzing arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids. Tight control of cPLA(2) activity by a number of regulatory mechanisms is essential to its cellular function. We recently described the localization of cPLA(2) in clusters in fibroblasts and now propose that these clusters reflect a localized inactive pool from which active monomers can be recruited to keep cPLA(2) activity under control on the subcellular level. Using an electron microscopic in vitro approach, we show that cPLA(2) monomers, but not the clusters, bind to membranes in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. This binding is accompanied by hydrolytic activity. The present data combined with our previous observation of a relative abundance of clusters over monomers in fixed fibroblasts [Bunt, G., de Wit, J., van den Bosch, H., Verkleij, A., and Boonstra, J. (1997) J. Cell Sci. 110, 2449-2459] gives rise to a concept of cPLA(2) regulation in which small amounts of active monomers are recruited to fulfill their function upon stimulation. This is in contrast to processes described for inflammatory cells, where a substantial part of the cytoplasmically localized cPLA(2) translocates to the perinuclear region upon stimulation to become active. Small-scale regulation of cPLA(2) by the proposed cluster-monomer cycle allows local and strictly confined control of cPLA(2) activity, apparently necessary for its cellular role in fibroblasts.

Distinct Ca2+ binding properties of novel C2 domains of plant phospholipase dalpha and beta

Of the isoforms of plant phospholipase D (PLD) that have been cloned and characterized, PLDalpha requires millimolar levels of Ca(2+) for optimal activity, whereas PLDbeta is most active at micromolar concentrations of Ca(2+). Multiple amino acid sequence alignments suggest that PLDalpha and PLDbeta both contain a Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid-binding C2 domain near their N termini. In the present study, we expressed and characterized the putative C2 domains of PLDalpha and PLDbeta, designated PLDalpha C2 and PLDbeta C2, by CD spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and phospholipid binding assay. Both PLD C2 domains displayed CD spectra consistent with anticipated major beta-sheet structures but underwent spectral changes upon binding Ca(2+); the magnitude was larger for PLDbeta C2. These conformational changes, not shown by any of the previously characterized C2 domains of animal origin, occurred at micromolar Ca(2+) concentrations for PLDbeta C2 but at millimolar levels of the cation for PLDalpha C2. PLDbeta C2 exhibited three Ca(2+)-binding sites: one with a dissociation constant (K(d)) of 0.8 microm and the other two with a K(d) of 24 micrometer. In contrast, isothermal titration calorimetry data of PLDalpha C2 were consistent with 1-3 low affinity Ca(2+)-binding sites with K(d) in the range of 590-470 micrometer. The thermodynamics of Ca(2+) binding markedly differed for the two C2 domains. Likewise, PLDbeta C2 bound phosphatidylcholine (PC), the substrate of PLD, in the presence of submillimolar Ca(2+) concentrations, whereas PLDalpha C2 did so only in the presence of millimolar levels of the metal ion. Both C2 domains bound phosphatidylinoistol 4,5-bisphosphate, a regulator of PC hydrolysis by PLD. However, added Ca(2+) displaced the bound phosphatidylinoistol 4,5-bisphosphate. Ca(2+) and PC binding properties of PLDalpha C2 and PLDbeta C2 follow a trend similar to the Ca(2+) requirements of the whole enzymes, PLDalpha and PLDbeta, for PC hydrolysis. Taken together, the results suggest that the C2 domains of PLDalpha and PLDbeta have novel structural features and serve as handles by which Ca(2+) differentially regulates the activities of the isoforms.

Calcium triggers an intramolecular association of the C2 domains in synaptotagmin

Synaptotagmin I is a critical component of the synaptic machinery that senses calcium influx and triggers synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies conducted on synaptotagmin demonstrate that calcium concentrations required for fusion induce a conformational change (EC(50) approximately 3 mM) that brings the two calcium-binding C2 domains in synaptotagmin closer together. Analytical ultracentrifugation studies reveal that synaptotagmin is monomeric under these conditions, indicating that this calcium-triggered association between the C2 domains is intramolecular, rather than intermolecular. These results suggest a mechanism for synaptotagmin function at the presynaptic plasma membrane that involves the self-association of C2 domains.

Specificity of Ca2+-dependent protein interactions mediated by the C2A domains of synaptotagmins

Synaptotagmins represent a family of neuronal proteins thought to function in membrane traffic. The best characterized synaptotagmin, synaptotagmin I, is essential for fast Ca2+-dependent synaptic vesicle exocytosis, indicating a role in the Ca2+ triggering of membrane fusion. Synaptotagmins contain two C2 domains, the C2A and C2B domains, which bind Ca2+ and may mediate their functions by binding to specific targets. For synaptotagmin I, several putative targets have been identified, including the SNARE proteins syntaxin and SNAP-25. However, it is unclear which of the many binding proteins are physiologically relevant. Furthermore, more than 10 highly homologous synaptotagmins are expressed in brain, but it is unknown if they execute similar binding reactions. To address these questions, we have performed a systematic, unbiased study of proteins which bind to the C2A domains of synaptotagmins I-VII. Although the various C2A domains exhibit similar binding activities for phospholipids and syntaxin, we found that they differ greatly in their protein binding patterns. Surprisingly, none of the previously characterized binding proteins for synaptotagmin I are among the major interacting proteins identified. Instead, several proteins that were not known to interact with synaptotagmin I were bound tightly and stoichiometrically, most prominently the NSF homologue VCP, which is thought to be involved in membrane fusion, and an unknown protein of 40 kDa. Point mutations in the Ca2+ binding loops of the C2A domain revealed that the interactions of these proteins with synaptotagmin I were highly specific. Furthermore, a synaptotagmin I/VCP complex could be immunoprecipitated from brain homogenates in a Ca2+-dependent manner, and GST-VCP fusion proteins efficiently captured synaptotagmin I from brain. However, when we investigated the tissue distribution of VCP, we found that, different from synaptic proteins, VCP was not enriched in brain and exhibited no developmental increase paralleling synaptogenesis. Moreover, binding of VCP, which is an ATPase, to synaptotagmin I was inhibited by both ATP and ADP, indicating that the native, nucleotide-occupied state of VCP does not bind to synaptotagmin. Together our findings suggest that the C2A-domains of different synaptotagmins, despite their homology, exhibit a high degree of specificity in their protein interactions. This is direct evidence for diverse roles of the various synaptotagmins in brain, consistent with their differential subcellular localizations. Furthermore, our results indicate that traditional approaches, such as affinity chromatography and immunoprecipitations, are useful tools to evaluate the overall spectrum of binding activity for a protein but are not sufficient to estimate physiological relevance.

Phospholipase A(2) enzymes: structural diversity in lipid messenger metabolism

The phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)s) are a large family of enzymes with varied lipidic products which are involved in numerous signal transduction pathways. The structural and functional characterization of several PLA(2)s have revealed the various mechanisms used by these enzymes to ingeniously manipulate the phospholipidic metabolic machinery.

The N-terminal beta-barrel structure of lipid body lipoxygenase mediates its binding to liposomes and lipid bodies

Phospholipase A2 and a particular isoform of lipoxygenase are synthesized and transferred to lipid bodies during the stage of triacylglycerol mobilization in germinating cucumber seedlings. Lipid body lipoxygenase (LBLOX) is post-translationally transported to lipid bodies without proteolytic modification. Fractionation of homogenates from cucumber cotyledons or transgenic tobacco leaves expressing LBLOX showed that a small but significant amount was detectable in the microsomal fraction. A beta-barrel-forming N-terminal domain in the structure of LBLOX, as deduced from sequence data, was shown to be crucial for selective intracellular transport from the cytosol to lipid bodies. Although a specific signal sequence for targeting protein domains to the lipid bodies could not be established, it was evident that the beta-barrel represents a membrane-binding domain that is functionally comparable with the C2 domains of mammalian phospholipases. The intact beta-barrel of LBLOX was demonstrated to be sufficient to target in vitro a fusion protein of LBLOX beta-barrel with glutathione S-transferase (GST) to lipid bodies. In addition, binding experiments on liposomes using lipoxygenase isoforms, LBLOX deletions and the GST-fusion protein confirmed the role of the beta-barrel as the membrane-targeting domain. In this respect, the cucumber LBLOX differs from cytosolic isoforms in cucumber and from the soybean LOX-1. When the beta-barrel of LBLOX was destroyed by insertion of an additional peptide sequence, its ability to target proteins to membranes was abolished.

Identification of a cellular protein that functionally interacts with the C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A(2)alpha

Cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) alpha plays critical roles in lipid mediator synthesis. We performed far-Western analysis and identified a 60-kDa protein (P60) that interacted with cPLA(2)alpha in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Peptide microsequencing revealed that purified P60 was identical to vimentin, a major component of the intermediate filament. The interaction occurred between the C2 domain of cPLA(2)alpha and the head domain of vimentin. Immunofluorescence microscopic analysis demonstrated that cPLA(2)alpha and vimentin colocalized around the perinuclear area in cPLA(2)alpha-overexpressing human embryonic kidney 293 cells following A23187 stimulation. Forcible expression of vimentin in vimentin-deficient SW13 cells augmented A23187-induced arachidonate release. Moreover, overexpression of the vimentin head domain in rat fibroblastic 3Y1 cells exerted a dominant inhibitory effect on arachidonate metabolism, significantly reducing A23187-induced arachidonate release and attendant prostanoid generation. These results suggest that vimentin is an adaptor for cPLA(2)alpha to function properly during the eicosanoid-biosynthetic process.

Signaling and subcellular targeting by membrane-binding domains

Protein kinase C homology-1 and -2, FYVE, and pleckstrin homology domains are ubiquitous in eukaryotic signal transduction and membrane-trafficking proteins. These domains regulate subcellular localization and protein function by binding to lipid ligands embedded in cell membranes. Structural and biochemical analysis of these domains has shown that their molecular mechanisms of membrane binding depend on a combination of specific and nonspecific interactions with membrane lipids. In vivo studies of green fluorescent protein fusions have highlighted the key roles of these domains in regulating protein localization to plasma and internal membranes in cells.

Characterisation of the calcium-binding C-terminal domain of Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin

Alpha-toxin is the key determinant in gas-gangrene. The toxin, a phospholipase C, cleaves phosphatidylcholine in eukaryotic cell membranes. Calcium ions have been shown to be required for the specific binding of toxin to membranes prior to phospholipid cleavage. Reported X-ray crystallographic structures of the toxin show that the C-terminal domain has a fold that is analogous to the eukaryotic calcium and membrane-binding C2 domains. We report the binding sites for three calcium ions that have been identified, by crystallographic methods, in the C-terminal domain of the protein close to the postulated membrane-binding surface. The position of these ions at the tip of the domain, and their function (to facilitate membrane binding) is similar to that of calcium ions observed bound to C2 domains. Using the optical spectroscopic techniques of circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy, pronounced changes to both near and far-UV CD and tryptophan emission fluorescence upon addition of calcium to the C-terminal domain of alpha-toxin have been observed. The changes in near-UV CD, fluorescence enhancement and a 2 nm blue-shift in the fluorescence emission spectrum are consistent with tryptophan residue(s) becoming more immobilised in a hydrophobic environment. Calcium binding appears to be low-affinity: Kd approximately 175-250 microM at pH 8 assuming a 1:1 stoichiometry. as measured by spectroscopic methods.

The flattened face of type II beta phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase binds acidic phospholipid membranes

Type II beta phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase is a representative phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase that is active against membrane-bound substrates. The structure of the enzyme contains a flattened basic face that spans the crystallographic dimer interface and is adjacent to the active site. Analytical ultracentrifugation shows that phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase is a dimer in solution. Modeling suggested that the flattened face binds to acidic phospholipids by electrostatic interactions. The enzyme binds to acidic vesicles containing phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acid, or phosphoinositides mixed with phosphatidylcholine, but not to neutral phosphatidylcholine vesicles. Binding to acidic vesicles is abolished in the presence of 1.0 M NaCl, consistent with an essential electrostatic contribution to the free energy of binding. The +14 charge on the flattened face of the dimer was reduced to +2 in the triple mutant Lys72Glu/Lys76Glu/Lys78Glu. The mutation has no effect on dimerization, but reduces the apparent KA for 25% phosphatidylserine/75% phosphatidylcholine mixed vesicles by 16-fold. The reduction in the level of binding can be ascribed to a loss of electrostatic interactions based on the finite difference solution to the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. The mutant reduces catalytic activity toward phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate by approximately 50-fold. The wild-type enzyme binds half-maximally to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-containing vesicles at a mole fraction of 0.3% in a phosphatidylcholine background, as compared to a 22% mole fraction in phosphatidylserine. The binding to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-containing membranes is less sensitive to salt and to the triple mutation than binding to phosphatidylserine-containing membranes, suggesting that at least part of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate's interaction with the enzyme is independent of the flattened face. It is concluded that the flattened face of type II beta phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase binds to membranes through nonspecific interactions, and that this interaction is essential for efficient catalysis.

Crystal structure of colicin E3 immunity protein: an inhibitor of a ribosome-inactivating RNase

BACKGROUND

Colicins are antibiotic-like proteins of Escherichia coli that kill related strains. Colicin E3 acts as an RNase that specifically cleaves 16S rRNA, thereby inactivating the ribosomes in the infected cell. The producing organism is protected against colicin E3 by a specific inhibitor, the immunity protein Im3, which forms a tight 1:1 complex with colicin E3 and renders it inactive. Crystallographic studies on colicin E3 and Im3 have been undertaken to unravel the structural basis for the ribonucleolytic activity and its inhibition.

RESULTS

The crystal structure of Im3 has been determined to a resolution of 1.8 A. The structure consists of a four-standard antiparallel beta sheet flanked by three alpha helices on one side of the sheet. Thr7, Phe9, Phe16 and Phe74 form a hydrophobic cluster on the surface of the protein in the vicinity of Cys47. This cluster is part of a putative binding pocket which also includes nine polar residues.

CONCLUSIONS

The putative binding pocket of Im3 is the probable site of interaction with colicin E3. The six acidic residues in the pocket may interact with some of the numerous basic residues of colicin E3. The involvement of hydrophobic moieties in the binding is consistent with the observation that the tight complex can only be dissociated by denaturation. The structure of Im3 resembles those of certain nucleic acid binding proteins, in particular domain II of topoisomerase I and RNA-binding proteins that contain the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) sequence motif. This observation suggests that Im3 has a nucleic acid binding function in addition to binding colicin E3.

The membrane binding domains of prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthases 1 and 2. Peptide mapping and mutational analysis

Prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthases 1 and 2 (PGHS-1 and -2) are the major targets of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Both isozymes are integral membrane proteins but lack transmembrane domains. X-ray crystallographic studies have led to the hypothesis that PGHS-1 and -2 associate with only one face of the membrane bilayer through a novel, monotopic membrane binding domain (MBD) that is comprised of four short, consecutive, amphipathic alpha-helices (helices A-D) that include residues 74-122 in ovine PGHS-1 (oPGHS-1) and residues 59-108 in human PGHS-2 (hPGHS-2). Previous biochemical studies from our laboratory showed that the MBD of oPGHS-1 lies somewhere between amino acids 25 and 166. In studies reported here, membrane-associated forms of oPGHS-1 and hPGHS-2 were labeled using the hydrophobic, photoactivable reagent 3-trifluoro-3-(m-[(125)I]iodophenyl)diazirine, isolated, and cleaved with AspN and/or GluC, and the photolabeled peptides were sequenced. The results establish that the MBDs of oPGHS-1 and hPGHS-2 reside within residues 74-140 and 59-111, respectively, and thus provide direct provide biochemical support for the hypothesis that PGHS-1 and -2 do associate with membranes through a monotopic MBD. We also prepared HelA, HelB, and HelC mutants of oPGHS-1, in which, for each helix, three or four hydrophobic residues expected to protrude into the membrane were replaced with small, neutral residues. When expressed in COS-1 cells, HelA and HelC mutants exhibited little or no catalytic activity and were present, at least in part, as misfolded aggregates. The HelB mutant retained about 20% of the cyclooxygenase activity of native oPGHS-1 and partitioned in subcellular fractions like native oPGHS-1; however, the HelB mutant exhibited an extra site of N-glycosylation at Asn(104). When this glycosylation site was eliminated (HelB/N104Q mutation), the mutant lacked cyclooxygenase activity. Thus, our mutational analyses indicate that the amphipathic character of each helix is important for the assembly and folding of oPGHS-1 to a cyclooxygenase active form.

Crystal structure of the PTEN tumor suppressor: implications for its phosphoinositide phosphatase activity and membrane association

The PTEN tumor suppressor is mutated in diverse human cancers and in hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. PTEN is a phosphatase that can act on both polypeptide and phosphoinositide substrates in vitro. The PTEN structure reveals a phosphatase domain that is similar to protein phosphatases but has an enlarged active site important for the accommodation of the phosphoinositide substrate. The structure also reveals that PTEN has a C2 domain. The PTEN C2 domain binds phospholipid membranes in vitro, and mutation of basic residues that could mediate this reduces PTEN's membrane affinity and its ability to suppress the growth of glioblastoma tumor cells. The phosphatase and C2 domains associate across an extensive interface, suggesting that the C2 domain may serve to productively position the catalytic domain on the membrane.

Kinetics of synaptotagmin responses to Ca2+ and assembly with the core SNARE complex onto membranes

The synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin I binds Ca2+ and is required for efficient neurotransmitter release. Here, we measure the response time of the C2 domains of synaptotagmin to determine whether synaptotagmin is fast enough to function as a Ca2+ sensor for rapid exocytosis. We report that synaptotagmin is "tuned" to sense Ca2+ concentrations that trigger neuronal exocytosis. The speed of response is unique to synaptotagmin I and readily satisfies the kinetic constraints of synaptic vesicle membrane fusion. We further demonstrate that Ca2+ triggers penetration of synaptotagmin into membranes and simultaneously drives assembly of synaptotagmin onto the base of the ternary SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein [NSF] attachment receptor) complex, near the transmembrane anchor of syntaxin. These data support a molecular model in which synaptotagmin triggers exocytosis through its interactions with membranes and the SNARE complex.

Phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 in platelets is mediated by multiple stress-activated protein kinase pathways

Stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs) are stimulated by cell damaging agents as well as by physiological receptor agonists. In this study we show that human platelets contain the isoforms SAPK2a, SAPK2b, SAPK3 and SAPK4 as determined by immunoblotting with specific antibodies. All four kinases were activated in thrombin-stimulated platelets whereas only SAPK2a and SAPK2b were significantly stimulated by collagen. All four isoforms were able to phosphorylate wild-type human cPLA2 in vitro, although to different extents, but not cPLA2 mutants that had Ser505 replaced by alanine. Phosphorylation at Ser505 was confirmed by phosphopeptide mapping using microbore HPLC. SAPK2a and 42-kDa mitogen-activated protein kinase incorporated similar levels of phosphate into cPLA2 relative to the ability of each kinase to stimulate phosphorylation of myelin basic protein. SAPK2b and SAPK4 incorporated less phosphate, and cPLA2 was a poor substrate for SAPK3. The inhibitor of SAPK2a and SAPK2b, SB 202190, completely blocked collagen-induced phosphorylation of cPLA2 at its two phosphorylation sites in vivo, Ser505 and Ser727. We have also reported previously that SB 202190 partially ( approximately 50%) blocks phosphorylation at both sites and to a similar extent in thrombin-stimulated platelets. Inhibition of phosphorylation resulted in a two- to threefold shift to the right in the concentration response curves for arachidonic acid release from thrombin- and collagen-stimulated platelets. Our data suggest that cPLA2 is a substrate for several SAPK cascades and that phosphorylation of cPLA2 augments arachidonic acid release.

Binding of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C to phospholipid interfaces, determined by fluorescence resonance energy transfer

Dissociation constants for binding of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C from Bacillus cereus (bcPI-PLC) and the mammalian phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C-delta(1) to lipid interfaces containing phosphoinositol, phosphocholine, and phosphomethanol head groups were determined by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Dansyl-labeled lipid probes were used as acceptors, with intrinsic tryptophan of the enzyme as the donor. Titration of protein into lipid provided data from which K(d) and N, the limiting number of lipid molecules per protein bound, were calculated by non-linear regression analysis of exact binding equations. These results were compared with apparent K(m) values from kinetic data. K(d) values in the low microM range in terms of lipid monomers or low nM range in terms of binding sites were calculated with good fits of experimental data to theoretical binding curves. bcPI-PLC binds with high affinity to PI interfaces, slightly lower affinity to PC interfaces, and much lower affinity to PM interfaces. The mammalian enzyme also binds with high affinity to PI interfaces, but shows little or no binding with PC interfaces under similar concentration conditions. These K(d) values correlate reasonably with apparent K(m) values from kinetic experiments.

Molecular and biochemical properties and physiological roles of plant phospholipase D

Recent advances have thrust the study of plant phospholipase D (PLD) into the molecular era. This review will highlight some of the recent progress made in elucidating the molecular and biochemical nature of plant PLDs as well as their roles in plant physiology.

New developments in phospholipase A2

Some of the most recent data concerning various phospholipases A2, with special emphasis on secretory, cytosolic, and calcium-independent phospholipases A2 are summarized. Besides their contribution to the production of proinflammatory lipid mediators, the involvement of these enzymes in key cell responses such as apoptosis or tumor cell metastatic potential is also discussed, taking advantage of transgenic models based on gene invalidation by homologous recombination. The possible role of secretory and cytosolic platelet-activating factor acetyl hydrolases is also briefly mentioned. Finally, the ectopic expression in epididymis of an intestinal phospholipase B opens some novel issues as to the possible function of phospholipases in reproduction.

Effect of calcium and phosphatidic acid binding on the C2 domain of PKC alpha as studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the structural and thermal denaturation of the C2 domain of PKC alpha (PKC-C2) and its complexes with Ca(2+) and phosphatidic acid vesicles. The amide I regions in the original spectra of PKC-C2 in the Ca(2+)-free and Ca(2+)-bound states are both consistent with a predominantly beta-sheet secondary structure below the denaturation temperatures. Spectroscopic studies of the thermal denaturation revealed that for the PKC-C2 domain alone the secondary structure abruptly changed at 50 degrees C. While in the presence of 2 and 12.5 mM Ca(2+), the thermal stability of the protein increased to 60 and 70 degrees C, respectively. Further studies using a mutant lacking two important amino acids involved in Ca(2+) binding (PKC-C2D246/248N) demonstrated that these mutations were inherently more stable to thermal denaturation than the wild-type protein. Phosphatidic acid binding to the PKC-C2 domain was characterized, and the lipid-protein binding became Ca(2+)-independent when 100 mol% phosphatidic acid vesicles were used. The mutant lacking two Ca(2+) binding sites was also able to bind to phosphatidic acid vesicles. The effect of lipid binding on secondary structure and thermal stability was also studied. Beta-sheet was the predominant structure observed in the lipid-bound state, although the percentage represented by this structure in the total area of the amide I band significantly decreased from 60% in the lipid-free state to 47% in the lipid-bound state. This decrease in the beta-sheet component of the lipid-bound complex correlates well with the significant increase observed in the 1644 cm(-1) band which can be assigned to loops and disordered structure. Thermal stability after lipid binding was very high, and no sign of thermal denaturation was observed in the presence of lipids under the conditions that were studied.

Amphitropic proteins: regulation by reversible membrane interactions (review)

What do Src kinase, Ras-guanine nucleotide exchange factor, cytidylyltransferase, protein kinase C, phospholipase C, vinculin, and DnaA protein have in common? These proteins are amphitropic, that is, they bind weakly (reversibly) to membrane lipids, and this process regulates their function. Proteins functioning in transduction of signals generated in cell membranes are commonly regulated by amphitropism. In this review, the strategies utilized by amphitropic proteins to bind to membranes and to regulate their membrane affinity are described. The recently solved structures of binding pockets for specific lipids are described, as well as the amphipathic alpha-helix motif. Regulatory switches that control membrane affinity include modulation of the membrane lipid composition, and modification of the protein itself by ligand binding, phosphorylation, or acylation. How does membrane binding modulate the protein's function? Two mechanisms are discussed: (1) localization with the substrate, activator, or downstream target, and (2) activation of the protein by a conformational switch. This paper also addresses the issue of specificity in the cell membrane targetted for binding.

Role of phosphorylation sites and the C2 domain in regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) mediates agonist-induced arachidonic acid release, the first step in eicosanoid production. cPLA2 is regulated by phosphorylation and by calcium, which binds to a C2 domain and induces its translocation to membrane. The functional roles of phosphorylation sites and the C2 domain of cPLA2 were investigated. In Sf9 insect cells expressing cPLA2, okadaic acid, and the calcium-mobilizing agonists A23187 and CryIC toxin induce arachidonic acid release and translocation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-cPLA2 to the nuclear envelope. cPLA2 is phosphorylated on multiple sites in Sf9 cells; however, only S505 phosphorylation partially contributes to cPLA2 activation. Although okadaic acid does not increase calcium, mutating the calcium-binding residues D43 and D93 prevents arachidonic acid release and translocation of cPLA2, demonstrating the requirement for a functional C2 domain. However, the D93N mutant is fully functional with A23187, whereas the D43N mutant is nearly inactive. The C2 domain of cPLA2 linked to GFP translocates to the nuclear envelope with calcium-mobilizing agonists but not with okadaic acid. Consequently, the C2 domain is necessary and sufficient for translocation of cPLA2 to the nuclear envelope when calcium is increased; however, it is required but not sufficient with okadaic acid.

Interfacial membrane docking of cytosolic phospholipase A2 C2 domain using electrostatic potential-modulated spin relaxation magnetic resonance

The C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (C2cPLA2) plays an important role in calcium-dependent transfer of the protein from the cytosol to internal cellular membranes as a prelude for arachidonate release from membrane phospholipids. By using a recently developed electron paramagnetic resonance approach together with 13 site-specifically nitroxide spin labeled C2cPLA2s and membrane-permeant and -impermeant spin relaxants, we have determined the orientation of C2cPLA2 with respect to the surface of vesicles of the phospholipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphomethanol. The structure reveals that the two calcium-binding regions on C2cPLA2 that display hydrophobic residues, CBR1 and CBR3, are partially inserted into the core of the membrane. CBR2 that contains predominantly hydrophilic residues is close to the membrane but not inserted. The long axis of the cylindrical C2cPLA2 molecule is tilted with respect to the bilayer normal, which brings a cluster of basic protein residues close to the phospholipid headgroups. Such an orientation places the two bound calcium ions close to the membrane surface. All together, the results provide structural support for previous proposals that binding of C2cPLA2 to the membrane interface is driven in part by insertion of hydrophobic surface loops into the membrane core. The results are contrasted with previous studies of the interfacial binding of the first C2 domain of synaptotagmin I, which has shorter surface loops that display basic residues for electrostatic interaction with the bilayer surface.

Modular PH and C2 domains in membrane attachment and other functions

The pleckstrin homology and C2 domains are modular protein structures involved in mediating intermolecular interactions. Although they represent distinct domains, there are several parallels regarding their function and type of interactions in which they participate. Both domains are stable structural entities that incorporate variable regions which, in different proteins, can be adapted to perform a specific function through binding to membrane phospholipids or specific protein ligands. A number of recent examples illustrate the function of some of these domains in regulated membrane attachment, with an important role in many cellular signalling pathways.

Structure of the Janus-faced C2B domain of rabphilin

C2 domains are widespread protein modules that often occur as tandem repeats in many membrane-trafficking proteins such as synaptotagmin and rabphilin. The first and second C2 domains (C2A and C2B, respectively) have a high degree of homology but also specific differences. The structure of the C2A domain of synaptotagmin I has been extensively studied but little is known about the C2B domains. We have used NMR spectroscopy to determine the solution structure of the C2B domain of rabphilin. The overall structure of the C2B domain is very similar to that of other C2 domains, with a rigid beta-sandwich core and loops at the top (where Ca2+ binds) and the bottom. Surprisingly, a relatively long alpha-helix is inserted at the bottom of the domain and is conserved in all C2B domains. Our results, together with the Ca(2+)-independent interactions observed for C2B domains, indicate that these domains have a Janus-faced nature, with a Ca(2+)-binding top surface and a Ca(2+)-independent bottom surface.

Investigating the role played by protein-lipid and protein-protein interactions in the membrane association of the p120GAP CaLB domain

The GTPase activating protein, p120GAP, contains an amino acid sequence motif called the Ca2+-dependent lipid binding domain (CaLB) which mediates a protein-protein interaction between p120GAP and annexin VI and also binds to negatively charged phospholipids. Because membrane association of p120GAP is important for the regulation of p21 Ras activity, we have studied the roles played by Ca2+, phospholipids and annexin VI in the membrane association of p120GAP. Here we demonstrate that a truncated CaLB domain GST fusion protein (GSTGAP618-632), lacking the ability to bind to phospholipids, is able to bind to rat fibroblast membranes in a Ca2+- and concentration-dependent manner. In addition, this fusion protein also binds to annexin VI in an amino acid sequence specific but Ca2+ independent manner. Also, when bound to annexin VI in the presence of Ca2+, this fusion protein has the ability to co-bind to phosphatidylserine vesicles. Thus, annexin VI may simultaneously mediate an interaction with p120GAP and also an interaction with membrane phospholipids. This may in part explain the mechanism by which p120GAP associates with membranes in response to Ca2+ elevation and suggests the potential importance of annexin VI in the regulation of p21 Ras and the role CaLB domains may play in the specific recognition of cellular membranes.

The human calcium-independent phospholipase A2 gene multiple enzymes with distinct properties from a single gene

Recently, we reported the human 88-kDa calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) cDNA sequence, as well as extensive alternative splicing of the iPLA2 mRNA. In this report we identified the gene coding for iPLA2, which was localized on chromosome 22q13.1. The gene consists of at least 17 exons spanning > 69 kb. Based on the iPLA2 gene organization the splice variants can be explained. The putative promotor for the iPLA2 gene lacks a TATA-box and contains a CpG island as well as several potential Sp-1-binding sites. Furthermore, the 5'-flanking region also contains one medium reiteration frequency repeat (MER53) and an Alu repetitive sequence. Northern blot analysis of iPLA2 mRNA in various human tissues demonstrated tissue-specific expression of four distinct iPLA2 transcripts. The native human 3.2-kb iPLA2 transcript was predominantly expressed in heart, brain, skeletal muscle, prostate, testis, thyroid and spinal cord, and to a lesser extent in peripheral blood leucocytes, stomach, trachea and bone marrow. Studies on the subcellular localization of the native iPLA2 protein were performed in COS-7 cells overexpressing this enzyme. The cytosolic fraction of untransfected and cells overexpressing iPLA2 contained equal amounts of calcium-independent PLA2 activity. However, the membrane fraction displayed a 5.5-fold increased activity in iPLA2 overexpressing cells. This increased calcium-independent PLA2 activity correlated with the presence of iPLA2 immunoreactive protein in the membrane fraction, indicating that this form of iPLA2 protein was membrane associated. Studies of iPLA2 in rat vascular smooth muscle cells verified the membrane association of this form of iPLA2. The major difference between this form of iPLA2 enzyme and the soluble forms of iPLA2 studied previously is the presence of 54 additional amino acid residues derived from exon 9. We suggest that the addition of these 54 amino acids leads to a membrane-associated protein. In summary, these results demonstrate that alternative splicing of the human iPLA2 transcript generates multiple iPLA2 isoforms with distinct tissue distribution and cellular localization.

Mapping the phospholipid-binding surface and translocation determinants of the C2 domain from cytosolic phospholipase A2

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) plays a key role in the generation of arachidonic acid, a precursor of potent inflammatory mediators. Intact cPLA2 is known to translocate in a calcium-dependent manner from the cytosol to the nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum. We show here that the C2 domain of cPLA2 alone is sufficient for this calcium-dependent translocation in living cells. We have identified sets of exposed hydrophobic residues in loops known as calcium-binding region (CBR) 1 and CBR3, which surround the C2 domain calcium-binding sites, whose mutation dramatically decreased phospholipid binding in vitro without significantly affecting calcium binding. Mutation of a residue that binds calcium ions (D43N) also eliminated phospholipid binding. The same mutations that prevent phospholipid binding of the isolated C2 domain in vitro abolished the calcium-dependent translocation of cPLA2 to internal membranes in vivo, suggesting that the membrane targeting is driven largely by direct interactions with the phospholipid bilayer. Using fluorescence quenching by spin-labeled phospholipids for a series of mutants containing a single tryptophan residue at various positions in the cPLA2 C2 domain, we show that two of the calcium-binding loops, CBR1 and CBR3, penetrate in a calcium-dependent manner into the hydrophobic core of the phospholipid bilayer, establishing an anchor for docking the domain onto the membrane.

Crystal structure of human cytosolic phospholipase A2 reveals a novel topology and catalytic mechanism

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 initiates the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and platelet-activating factor (PAF), mediators of the pathophysiology of asthma and arthritis. Here, we report the X-ray crystal structure of human cPLA2 at 2.5 A. cPLA2 consists of an N-terminal calcium-dependent lipid-binding/C2 domain and a catalytic unit whose topology is distinct from that of other lipases. An unusual Ser-Asp dyad located in a deep cleft at the center of a predominantly hydrophobic funnel selectively cleaves arachidonyl phospholipids. The structure reveals a flexible lid that must move to allow substrate access to the active site, thus explaining the interfacial activation of this important lipase.

5-lipoxygenase binds calcium

5-Lipoxygenase (5LO) catalyzes the first two steps in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes and lipoxins and has therefore become an important target for pharmacological treatment of inflammatory disorders. Binding of calcium to 5LO was shown using several different approaches. Human recombinant enzyme was expressed in E. coli and purified. Association of Ca2+ to 5LO was demonstrated by a calcium-induced mobility shift in gel electrophoresis, by calcium overlay, by gel filtration in the presence of calcium, and by equilibrium dialysis. The two latter methods also showed that calcium binds reversibly to 5LO. Equilibrium dialysis gave a Kd close to 6 microM; the stoichiometry of maximum calcium binding seemed to average around two Ca2+ per 5LO. Similar results were obtained when 5LO was inactivated during equilibrium dialysis, indicating that the calcium binding site(s) is (are) different from the active site. By Triton X-114 partitioning, it was confirmed that calcium increases the hydrophobicity of 5LO.

A structure-function study of the C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A2. Identification of essential calcium ligands and hydrophobic membrane binding residues

The C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is involved in the Ca2+-dependent membrane binding of this protein. To identify protein residues in the C2 domain of cPLA2 essential for its Ca2+ and membrane binding, we selectively mutated Ca2+ ligands and putative membrane-binding residues of cPLA2 and measured the effects of mutations on its enzyme activity, membrane binding affinity, and monolayer penetration. The mutations of five Ca2+ ligands (D40N, D43N, N65A, D93N, N95A) show differential effects on the membrane binding and activation of cPLA2, indicating that two calcium ions bound to the C2 domain have differential roles. The mutations of hydrophobic residues (F35A, M38A, L39A, Y96A, Y97A, M98A) in the calcium binding loops show that the membrane binding of cPLA2 is largely driven by hydrophobic interactions resulting from the penetration of these residues into the hydrophobic core of the membrane. Leu39 and Val97 are fully inserted into the membrane, whereas Phe35 and Tyr96 are partially inserted. Finally, the mutations of four cationic residues in a beta-strand (R57E/K58E/R59E/R61E) have modest and negligible effects on the binding of cPLA2 to zwitterionic and anionic membranes, respectively, indicating that they are not directly involved in membrane binding. In conjunction with our previous study on the C2 domain of protein kinase C-alpha (Medkova, M., and Cho, W. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 17544-17552), these results demonstrate that C2 domains are not only a membrane docking unit but also a module that triggers membrane penetration of protein and that individual Ca2+ ions bound to the calcium binding loops play differential roles in the membrane binding and activation of their parent proteins.

Molecular cloning of two new human paralogs of 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2

Two new cloned human cDNAs encode paralogs of the 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). We propose to call these cPLA2beta (114 kDa) and cPLA2gamma (61 kDa), giving the name cPLA2alpha to the well known 85-kDa enzyme. cPLA2beta mRNA is expressed more highly in cerebellum and pancreas and cPLA2gamma more highly in cardiac and skeletal muscle. Sequence-tagged site mapping places cPLA2beta on chromosome 15 in a region near a phosphoinositol bisphosphate phosphatase. The mRNA for cPLA2beta is spliced only at a very low level, and Northern blots in 24 tissues show exclusively the unspliced form. cPLA2beta has much lower activity on 2-arachidonoyl-phosphatidylcholine liposomes than either of the other two enzymes. Its sequence contains a histidine motif characteristic of the catalytic center of caspase proteases of the apoptotic cascade but no region characteristic of the catalytic cysteine. Sequence-tagged site mapping places cPLA2gamma on chromosome 19 near calmodulin. cPLA2gamma lacks the C2 domain, which gives cPLA2alpha its Ca2+ sensitivity, and accordingly cPLA2gamma has no dependence upon calcium, although cPLA2beta does. cPLA2gamma contains a prenyl group-binding site motif and appears to be largely membrane-bound. cPLA2alpha residues activated by phosphorylation do not appear to be well conserved in either new enzyme. In contrast, all three previously known catalytic residues, as well as one additional essential arginine, Arg-566 in cPLA2alpha, are conserved in both new enzyme sequences. Mutagenesis shows strong dependence on these residues for catalytic activity of all three enzymes.