Induction of translationally active rat liver glutathione S-transferase B messenger RNA by phenobarbital

Phenobarbital induction of AP-1 binding activity mediates activation of glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase gene expression

Phenobarbital is an inducer of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P-450, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and NAD(P)H:quinone reductase, as well as being a promoter of hepatocarcinogenesis. The molecular mechanisms regulating these biological activities are, however, unknown. In this paper we show that induction by phenobarbital of GST Ya and quinone reductase gene expression is mediated by regulatory elements, EpRE and ARE respectively, which are composed of two adjacent AP-1-like binding sites. EpRE was recently found to be activated by a Fos/Jun heterodimeric complex (AP-1). Here we show that phenobarbital induces an increase in AP-1 binding activity in nuclear extracts of cultured hepatoma cells. Furthermore, we observe that the induction of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activity from an EpRE Ya-cat gene construct and of AP-1 binding activity by phenobarbital is inhibited by the thiol compounds N-acetyl-L-cysteine and glutathione. These results suggest that the phenobarbital induction of AP-1 activity, leading to the AP-1-mediated transcriptional activation of the GST Ya and quinone reductase genes, may involve production of reactive oxygen species and an increase in intracellular oxidant levels, which is prevented by thiol compounds. In view of the involvement of AP-1 in the control of cell proliferation and transformation, the induction by phenobarbital of AP-1 binding activity observed here provides a possible molecular mechanism for the tumour-promoting activity of this drug.

Glutathione S-transferases: gene structure and regulation of expression

The current knowledge about the structure of GST genes and the molecular mechanisms involved in regulation of their expression are reviewed. Information derived from the study of rat and mouse GST Alpha-class, Ya genes, and a rat GST Pi-class gene seems to indicate that a single cis-regulatory element, composed of two adjacent AP-1-like binding sites in the 5'-flanking region of these GST genes, is responsible for their basal and xenobiotic-inducible activity. The identification of Fos/Jun (AP-1) complex as the trans-acting factor that binds to this element and mediates the basal and inducible expression of GST genes offers a basis for an understanding of the molecular processes involved in GST regulation. The induction of expression of Fos and Jun transcriptional regulatory proteins by a variety of extracellular stimuli is known to mediate the activation of target genes via the AP-1 binding sites. The modulation of the AP-1 activity may account for the changes induced by growth factors, hormones, chemical carcinogens, transforming oncogenes, and cellular stress-inducing agents in the pattern of GST expression. Recent observations implying reactive oxygen as the transduction signal that mediates activation of c-fos and c-jun genes are presently considered to provide an explanation for the induction of GST gene expression by chemical agents of diverse structure. The possibility that these agents may all induce conditions of oxidative stress by various pathways to activate expression of GST genes that are regulated by the AP-1 complex is discussed.

Trypanosoma cruzi glutathione-binding proteins: immunogenicity during human and experimental Chagas' disease

Following purification by affinity chromatography, three glutathione-binding proteins (TcGBP) of 45, 30, and 25 kDa were co-purified from Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes. Using 1-chloro-2,4 dinitrobenzene as substrate, a glutathione S-transferase activity of 70 nmol/min/mg of proteins was detected in the GSH binding fraction. An increased expression of TcGBP and total GST activity was observed upon incubation of parasites with phenobarbital, which is an inducer of GST synthesis. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopic experiments demonstrated that TcGBP were expressed by all developmental stages of the parasite, including infective forms. The expression of these proteins by intracellular dividing amastigotes could be in favour of a potential defensive role of these molecules against host attack. Results obtained by immunoprecipitation of in vitro translation products using anti-TcGBP antisera suggested that these three polypeptides are not glycosylated. In addition, antibodies directed against the TcGBP were found in a high proportion of T. cruzi-infected chronic chagasic patients' sera and in sera of chronically infected BALB/c mice. In contrast, acute chagasic patients' sera and acute-phase mouse sera were found to be poorly reactive with these proteins. Our results identify a new class of potential target antigens, which may be essential for the development of T. cruzi in its host. Their protective role in experimental models deserves to be investigated.

Constitutive and Aroclor 1254-induced hepatic glutathione S-transferase, peroxidase and reductase activities in genetically inbred mice

1. Constitutive and Aroclor 1254-induced hepatic glutathione (GSH) S-transferases, GSH peroxidase and GSH reductase activities were determined in 12 strains of 8-10 week-old inbred male mice. 2. The constitutive GSH S-transferase activity varied from 2.5 (SJL/JCR) to 8.9 (C57BL/6N) mumol/min/mg protein and the corresponding values for the Aroclor 1254-treated mice were in the range of 7.1-23.0 mumol/min/mg protein. Aroclor 1254 significantly induced GSH S-transferase activity in all mice, however, significant interstrain differences were found in inducibility. 3. Aroclor 1254-treatment caused a 4.2-fold induction of GSH S-transferase in NFS/NCR but only a 1.4-fold increase in AKR/NCR mice. Aroclor 1254 significantly induced GSH reductase in all strains studied while GSH peroxidase activity decreased in these mice. 4. The range of hepatic GSH levels in control and Aroclor 1254-treated mice was relatively narrow for both groups (6.59-11.25 microM/g wet tissue).

Mouse glutathione S-transferase Ya subunit: gene structure and sequence

A mouse glutathione S-transferase gene encoding the Ya subunit was isolated and sequenced. The gene spans about 11 kb, contains seven exons, and encodes an mRNA of 841 nucleotides. Promoter elements, TATA and CAAT box sequences, were located 32 and 70 nucleotides upstream from the initiation of transcription site. The mRNA coding sequences of the mouse gene were highly homologous to a rat liver Ya mRNA species detected by cDNA cloning. The mouse Ya gene produces a 223-amino-acid polypeptide that differs from the 222-amino-acid rat Ya by 10 amino acid substitutions and a carboxyl terminus Phe-Lys-Ile-Gln instead of Phe-Lys-Phe. A genomic clone containing the last three exons of the rat Ya gene was also isolated, sequenced, and compared with the mouse Ya gene. An extensive sequence conservation (70-80%) in the 50 to 200 bases of introns at the exon-intron junctions as well as in the region beyond the cleavage-polyadenylation site of pre-mRNA was observed.

Synthesis of subunits of ligandin by isolated hepatocytes

The pulse-chase technique was employed to determine the synthesis of the subunits of ligandin (glutathione S-transferase 1-2) by isolated hepatocytes. Ligandin comprised 2.5-3% of the total proteins synthesized. A slightly higher incorporation of [35S]methionine into the 22 k than the 25 k subunit was observed. However, the ratio of [35S]methionine incorporation into the subunits remained constant throughout the chase period, suggesting that, in spite of the considerable sequence homology, the conversion of 25 k to 22 k subunit does not occur in vivo.

Transcriptional regulation of rat liver glutathione S-transferase genes by phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene

The relative rates of transcription of the rat liver glutathione S-transferase Ya-Yc and Yb genes were determined in purified liver nuclei isolated at different times after phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene administration. The transcriptional rates of the Ya-Yc and Yb genes were elevated approximately fivefold 8 and 6 h, respectively, after phenobarbital administration. In contrast, the transcriptional rates of the Ya-Yc genes were elevated approximately eightfold at 16 h after 3-methylcholanthrene administration, whereas the transcriptional rates of the Yb genes were elevated approximately fivefold at 6 h after the administration of this xenobiotic. The elevation in transcriptional activity of the glutathione S-transferase genes is sufficient to account for the increase in glutathione S-transferase mRNA levels determined previously by RNA blot hybridization [C. B. Pickett, C. A. Telakowski-Hopkins, G. J-F. Ding, L. Argenbright, and A. Y. H. Lu (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 5182-5188]. Therefore, it appears that phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene elevate the level of the rat liver glutathione S-transferases primarily by augmenting the transcriptional rates of their respective genes.

Glutathione S-transferase Ya subunit is coded by a multigene family located on a single mouse chromosome

A cloned DNA probe of Ya, the major glutathione S-transferase subunit in rat liver, was used to study the organization of Ya genes in the mouse genome. Southern blot analysis of mouse genomic DNA indicates that the Ya subunit is encoded by a multigene family. The chromosomal distribution of Ya genes was determined by analysis of DNA from a panel of mouse-Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrids. All detectable Ya genes were found to be located on chromosome 9. At least some of the Ya-specific DNA sequences are clustered since, by screening a mouse genomic library, two recombinant phages, each containing two different Ya DNA sequences in the same insert, have been isolated. The finding that Ya is encoded by a cluster of different genes raises the question of the specificity of the different Ya DNA sequences.

Rat ligandin mRNA molecular cloning and sequencing

Recombinant plasmids containing the double-stranded cDNA sequences of mRNA for the Mr 22,000 ligandin (glutathione S-transferase B) subunit (Ya) have been constructed. The DNA sequence of an insert corresponding to the middle and 3' regions of the mRNA was determined and an amino acid sequence was proposed for the ligandin Ya subunit. The proposed sequence reveals a high content of basic amino acids (Arg and Lys) and Leu, is consistent with the amino acid composition, and predicts the correct number of peptides derived from tryptic digests reported for ligandin.

Differential in vitro translation and independent in vivo regulation of mRNA's for subunits of ligandin

Synthesis of both subunits (Ya and Yb) of ligandin in equal amounts was observed when poly(A)+ mRNA isolated from the post-mitochondrial fraction was translated in an in vitro wheat-germ system and the products were immunoprecipitated by monospecific antibody to ligandin and analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorography. When the Mg2+ or K+ concentrations were increased in the in vitro wheat-germ system the ratio of synthesis of Yb/Ya subunits was 3. With a mRNA-dependent reticulocyte lysate, the synthesis of Ya subunits was 20-30% higher than Yb subunits. At a fixed K+ and Mg2+ concentration, the ratio of incorporation of [35S]methionine into Yb/Ya subunits remained 1 and 0.7 in wheat-germ and reticulocyte lysate systems, respectively, up to 60 min. When poly(A)+ mRNA was fractionated on a 5-20% sucrose gradient, ligandin mRNA was present in fractions having a peak sedimentation value of 11 S. When poly(A)+ mRNA was fractionated by gel electrophoresis, fractions enriched in mRNA for each subunit were obtained. By administration of [3H]leucine followed by determination of radioactivity in ligandin and total proteins by immunoprecipitation and trichloroacetic acid precipitation, respectively, synthesis of the Ya subunits was selectively stimulated by phenobarbital administration. When poly(A)+ mRNA from liver of rats administered phenobarbital was translated in vitro a selective increase in the mRNA content of Ya subunits was observed. When poly(A)+ RNA from testes was translated in the wheat-germ system and products analyzed, Yb subunits were the predominant subunit (greater than 90%) synthesized, reflecting the subunit composition of testicular ligandin. These results suggest that in spite of the close sequence homology between the two subunits of ligandin, there are separate mRNA's for each subunit which are independently regulated.

Structural, functional and hybridization studies of the glutathione S-transferases of rat liver

We have purified five forms of glutathione S-transferase from rat liver. One form was the glutathione S-transferase B (ligandin), which is composed of two non-identical subunits with molecular weights of 22,000 (Ya) and 25,000 (Yc). Two of the other transferases were Ya and Yc homodimers. The other two transferases were also homodimers, but their subunit, Yb, had a molecular weight of 24,000. The three proteins containing either Ya or Yc subunits had similar substrate specificities, and all three contained peroxidase activity. The greatest peroxidase activity was present in proteins containing the Yc subunit. Enzymes composed of Yb subunits had minimal peroxidase activity in addition to different substrate specificities. The Ya and Yc containing enzymes bound the ligands bilirubin, and indocyanine green with high affinity (KD less than 5 microM), although the KD values of the YcYc protein were consistently 4- to 12-fold greater than those of the other two transferases. Studies were performed to define the origins of the various isozymes. There was no evidence for conversion of Yc to either Ya or Yb during storage or under conditions favorable to proteolysis. Hybridization studies were performed under denaturing conditions (6 M guanidine-HCl), and a YaYc hybrid was formed from the YaYa and YcYc proteins. In addition, both YaYa and YcYc hybrids were formed from transferase B. The hybrids were functionally similar to the proteins isolated originally from the liver. Attempts to form a YaYb hybrid from the YbYb and YaYa transferases were unsuccessful. This result is consistent with the lack of this enzyme form in the liver. Glutathione S-transferase B and the Ya and Yc homodimers appeared to be hybrids of common subunits. These three transferases had very similar functional and structural characteristics and differed from the transferases that are composed of Yb subunits.

Isolation and characterization of a DNA sequence complementary to rat liver glutathione S-transferase B mRNA

Total rat liver poly(A+)-RNA has been isolated from phenobarbital-treated rats and fractionated on sucrose gradients to enrich for glutathione S-transferase B mRNA. Poly(A+)-RNA fractions were assayed for glutathione S-transferase B mRNA activity by in vitro translation and those fractions enriched in glutathione S-transferase B mRNA were used as a template for cDNA synthesis. The cDNA was cloned into the PstI site of pBR322 by G-C tailing. Bacterial clones harboring inserts complementary to glutathione S-transferase mRNA were identified by colony hybridization using a [32P]cDNA probe reverse transcribed from poly(A+)-RNA enriched significantly in glutathione S-transferase B mRNA and by hybrid-select translation. Two recombinant clones, pGTB6 and pGTB15 hybrid-selected the mRNAs specific for the Ya and Yc subunits, indicating these two mRNAs share significant sequence homology. Radiolabeled pGTB6 was utilized in RNA gel-blot experiments to determine that the size of glutathione S-transferase B mRNA is 980 nucleotides and the degree of induction of the mRNA in response to 3-methylcholanthrene administration is threefold.

Cloning and sequence analysis of a cDNA plasmid for one of the rat liver glutathione S-transferase subunits

We describe the construction and characterization of a cDNA plasmid for one of the rat liver glutathione S-transferase subunits. Poly(A)-RNA isolated from rat livers was enriched for glutathione S-transferase mRNA activity and used as templates to synthesize double stranded cDNA. The double stranded cDNAs were annealed to pBR322 through terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase generated GC-tails followed by transformation into E. coli. Several candidate clones were selected by colony hybridization using polynucleotide kinase labeled liver and testis poly(A)-RNA probes. These candidate clones were further characterized by hybrid-selected translation of mRNA followed by immunoprecipitation and SDS gel electrophoresis. The positive clone, pGTR112 was mapped with restriction endonuclease analysis and sequenced by the chemical method of Maxam and Gilbert. The largest upen reading frame contains 142 amino acids very rich in Arg and Lys residues. The C-terminal residue phenylalanine of this open reading frame is consistent with what was reported for one of the ligandin subunits by Bhargava et al., (J. Biol. Chem. 253, 4116-4119, 1978). Among the 352 nucleotides covered by both pGTR112 and pGST94 described by Kalinyak and Taylor (J. Biol. Chem. 257, 523-530, 1982), there are only 9 nucleotide differences resulting in four changes of amino acid sequences.

Evidence that the Ya and Yc subunits of glutathione transferase B (ligandin) are the products of separate genes

A study of the structure of glutathione transferase B (ligandin) has been made with a view to understanding the relationship between the structures of the subunits of which it is composed. It consists of a mixture of a homodimer (YaYa) and a heterodimer (YaYc) in which the monomers are defined by their apparent molecular weights, that of Ya being 22000 and Yc 25000. Soluble tryptic peptides from the native homodimer YaYa have been compared with those from an artificial homodimer YcYc produced by rehybridization of native YaYc. Approximately 10 peptides specific to YaYa, 12 specific to YcYc and 21 common to both have been detected. Some of the above peptides are derived from variants of the monomers themselves. YaYa and YcYc have two C termini which are the same in both dimers, namely phenylalanine and lysine. Also there are four cysteinyl peptides, of which three are common to YaYa and YcYc and one specific to each. These results suggest that Ya and Yc are derived from at least two different but related genes.