Localization of 350K molecular weight and related proteins in both the cytoskeleton and nuclear flecks that increase during G1 phase

Depolymerization of Actin Filament by Cytochalasin E Induces Interleukin-8 Production and Up-Regulates CD54 in the HeLa Epithelial Cell Line

We previously reported that the depolymerization of actin filament by cytochalasin E enhances low affinity Fcepsilon receptor II (CD23) expression on the human monocyte-like cell line, U937 (J. Clin. Immunol. 20: 235, 2000). In this study, we found that cytochalasin E strongly induces interleukin-8 through an epithelial cell line, HeLa, in dose- and time-dependent manners as assessed by enzyme-linked immunoassay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction techniques. In addition, interleukin-8 production in the HeLa cells cultured with cytochalasin E was blocked in the presence of protein kinase C inhibitors, Go6976 and H-7. On the other hand, it was found that CD54 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1; ICAM-1) expression on the HeLa cells and the secretion of soluble CD54 were significantly up-regulated after culturing with cytochalasin E, and that these up-regulations of CD54 were also suppressed by Go6976. Taken together, these findings indicate that cytochalasin E activates protein kinase C under the depolymerization of actin filament, leading to the induction of interleukin-8 production and the up-regulation of CD54 in HeLa cells.

A microfilament formation inhibitor, cytochalasin strongly enhances the low-affinity Fc epsilon receptor II (CD23) expression on the human monocyte-like cell line, U937

Enhancement of the low-affinity Fc epsilon receptor (CD23) expression by cytochalasin was analyzed on the human monocytelike cell line, U937. The CD23 expression on the U937 cells was enhanced at 24 hr after culture with cytochalasin B, D, or E, especially cytochalasin E having the most remarkable effect on it at the low concentration. This enhanced expression was found to be associated with a concomitant increase of a CD23 (about 45-kDa) protein on the U937 cells as assessed by Western blotting analysis. On the other hand, CD11a, CD18, CD31, CD49d, or CD54 was not markedly enhanced on the U937 cells by culture with cytochalasin E, although the mean fluorescence intensities (MFIs) of CD11a, CD18, and CD54 on U937 was partially up-regulated. Cell growth of U937 cultured with cytochalasin E was completely suppressed for 72 hr, but cell viability was sufficiently maintained (more than 95%). Soluble-formed CD23 (sCD23) also was released from the U937 cells at 24 to 72 hr after culture with cytochalasin E. In addition, the protein tyrosine kinase activity was detected in the U937 cells cultured with cytochalasin E for 24 hr using the enzyme immunoassay. Enhancement of the CD23 expression on the U937 cells at 24 to 72 hr cultured with cytochalasin E was sufficiently blocked by protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors herbimycin A and genistein, and a protein synthesis inhibitor, cychloheximide. On the other hand, protein kinase C inhibitors such as H-7 and H-8 had no effect on this CD23 expression. These results suggest that a mechanism underlying enhancement of the CD23 expression on the U937 cells cultured with cytochalasin E is mediated through tyrosine phosphorylation and protein synthesis.

Hypergravity signal transduction in HeLa cells with concomitant phosphorylation of proteins immunoprecipitated with anti-microtubule-associated protein antibodies

We have shown that hypergravity (35g) stimulates production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and decreases adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels in HeLa cells. IP3 production rapidly increased 1.5- and 2.1-fold greater (P less than 0.05) than the control after 2- and 5-min exposures to 35g, respectively. The intracellular cAMP levels, determined in the presence of isobutylmethylxanthine, were decreased by 11% (P less than 0.05) and 16% (P less than 0.01) relative to the control after 10- and 20-min exposures to 35g, respectively. The phosphorylation of proteins which were immunoprecipitated by antibodies recognizing microtubule-associated proteins (ipMAPs) was also apparent after exposure of these cells to hypergravity. In the detergent-insoluble fraction, phosphorylation of a 115-kDa protein was significantly enhanced compared to the control after a 5-min exposure to 35g. In the detergent-soluble fraction, phosphorylation of a 200-kDa protein was observed served after a 20-min exposure to 35g. Our study suggests that IP3 and cAMP may act as second messengers in hypergravity signal transduction. Phosphorylation of ipMAPs in both the detergent-soluble and -insoluble fractions suggests that cytoskeletal structures may be influenced by gravity.

Simultaneous quantification of c-myc oncoprotein, total cellular protein, and DNA content using multiparameter flow cytometry

Variations in total cellular protein content can confound interpretation of the significance of modulations of specific cellular proteins. In an effort to overcome this problem, a technique is described for the simultaneous measurement of a specific cellular protein, total cellular protein, and DNA content. The method utilizes dual-laser (uv and 488 nm) excitation and three fluorescent dyes: FITC, SR101, and DAPI. FITC-labelled antibody coupled with indirect immunofluorescence was used to quantify the c-myc oncoprotein, whereas SR101 and DAPI were used to measure total cellular protein and cellular DNA, respectively. Flow cytometric measurements of c-myc oncoprotein were compared to densitometric readings of p64c-myc. SR101 protein determinations were compared to those obtained by the Lowry technique. Results indicated that flow cytometric measurements correlated well with those obtained by the biochemical methods. The usefulness of the technique was further examined following treatment of exponentially growing HL-60 cells with 2.5 micrograms/ml cycloheximide for 0 to 12 h. Cycloheximide treatment was found to cause a significant decrease in c-myc oncoprotein content within 2 h (P less than 0.05), a relative increase in the proportion of G0/G1 cells and a modest decrease in total cellular protein. This technique appears to provide a rapid, quantitative approach, useful for investigating alterations in cellular growth balance occurring with cell differentiation, neoplastic transformation, or cell treatment with radiation or cytostatic drugs.

Microtubule associated protein (MAP1B) is present in cultured oligodendrocytes and co-localizes with tubulin

Differentiation of oligodendrocytes is accompanied by the extension of processes and the assembly of the myelin membrane. It is likely that the cytoskeleton plays an important role in this process in terms of changes in cell shape, transport of myelin components, and organization of the myelin membrane. Oligodendrocytes contain microtubules (MT) which associate with other components of the cytoskeleton, and microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) may mediate some of these interactions. In this study we have shown the presence of MAP1B in oligodendrocytes grown in primary glial cultures by double-label immunofluorescence using antibodies to galactocerebroside (GC) and MAP1B. The staining of the cultures showed that GC-positive oligodendrocytes were also stained with MAP1B antibodies. However, MAP1B stain was limited to cell bodies and processes, whereas GC stain was also seen in flattened membrane sheets and punctate staining in processes. MAP1B staining was also compared with that of myelin proteolipid (PLP), myelin basic protein (MBP) and beta-tubulin in secondary glial cultures that were enriched for oligodendrocytes. The results showed a typical staining of cell bodies and membranous profiles using PLP antibodies, and the staining of cell bodies and flattened regions of membranous sheets by MBP antibodies. In contrast, both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to MAP1B showed a uniform diffuse staining of cell bodies, major processes, and fine interconnected processes. Double-labeling of the cells showed that MAP1B was co-localized with tubulin, but was not present in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes. Western and Northern blot analyses of primary glial cultures showed that MAP1B had a molecular mass of 320 kDa and a mRNA of 10 kb. These values are identical to those previously reported for brain MAP1B (Safaei and Fischer, 1989) and demonstrate the presence of MAP1B in oligodendrocytes.

Changes in microtubule-associated protein MAP1B phosphorylation during rat brain development

Microtubule-associated protein MAP1B from neonatal rat brain was separated on sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing polyacrylamide gels into two isoforms (high and low MAP1B), both of which were recognized by a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against MAP1B. In addition, SMI31, a monoclonal antibody directed against phosphorylated epitopes of the neurofilament proteins, showed phosphatase-sensitive reactivity against the high isoform of MAP1B. The antigenic relationship between the phosphorylated isoform of MAP1B and neurofilaments was confirmed by the reactivity of SMI31 with the immunoprecipitated MAP1B protein. After dephosphorylation of MAP1B with alkaline phosphatase, the higher-molecular-weight isoform of MAP1B was no longer detectable with phosphate-insensitive anti-MAP1B antibodies, whereas there was a significant increase in the immunoreactivity of the lower-molecular-weight MAP1B isoform. These data suggest that the structural microheterogeneity of MAP1B is due to differences in phosphorylation. The two isoforms were present in all brain regions of the young rat. During brain development, the general decrease in MAP1B levels was accompanied by changes in the relative amount of the two isoforms. In particular, the phosphorylated isoform of MAP1B decreased dramatically to almost undetectable levels in adult brain. This conclusion was further supported by immunoblotting analysis that showed the disappearance of phosphorylated epitopes of MAP1B early during brain development. In addition, dephosphorylation experiments demonstrated the phosphatase sensitivity of the phosphorylated isoform throughout development.

Microtubule-associated protein 1A is the fibroblast HMW MAP undergoing mitogen-stimulated serine phosphorylation

A variety of antibodies to microtubule-associated protein (MAP) have been used to demonstrate that phosphorylation of a 350 kDa microtubule-associated protein is stimulated 2-3 fold by epidermal growth factor or serum in quiescent 3T3-L1 fibroblasts and by insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Phosphorylation occurs on serine residues, and is maximal by 15-20 min. The phosphoprotein has been identified as MAP1A by specific immunoprecipitation with a well-characterized monoclonal antibody.

Cloning of a cDNA encoding MAP1B in rat brain: regulation of mRNA levels during development

This article describes the isolation of a microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) cDNA clone from a rat brain lambda gt11 library and the study of MAP1B mRNA expression during brain development. On Northern blots, the cDNA hybridized with an mRNA of greater than 10 kilobases which was present only in the brain. The identity of the cDNA was confirmed by the characterization of the antiserum against the fusion protein, and also by comparing both the original antibody and the anti-fusion protein antiserum with a panel of well-studied monoclonal antibodies against different forms of MAP1 and MAP2. The regulation of MAP1B mRNA during development was studied in whole brain, cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, brainstem, and olfactory bulbs. The steady-state levels of MAP1B mRNA in all tissues examined were relatively low in the adult compared to developing brains. This decrease varied in different brain regions, and its time course appeared to coincide with the pattern of postnatal developmental and morphological events. The developmental patterns of the MAP1B mRNA and protein in the brain were similar, suggesting that expression of this protein is under transcriptional control. The RNA blots were also probed with beta-actin and beta-tubulin to compare the levels of MAP1B mRNA with other cytoskeletal elements and as controls for the quality of the RNA.

Microtubule-associated protein-2 stimulates DNA synthesis catalyzed by the nuclear matrix

Microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) isolated from porcine brains stimulated DNA synthesis catalyzed by the nuclear matrix isolated from Physarum polycephalum in the presence of activated DNA as exogenous templates. The degree of the stimulation depended on the amount of the nuclear matrix, but not on that of the template. MAP-2 also stimulated DNA polymerase alpha activity solubilized from nuclei, but not DNA polymerase beta activity. These results suggest that MAP-2 stimulates DNA synthesis by interacting with the putative DNA replication machinery including DNA polymerase alpha bound to the matrix. Similar stimulation occurred in the nuclear matrix isolated from HeLa and rat ascites hepatoma cells, which strongly suggests that MAP-2 is involved in the control of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells.

Association of casein kinase II with microtubules

A magnesium-dependent heparin-inhibited protein kinase activity associated with brain microtubule preparations has been identified as casein kinase II using a monospecific polyclonal antibody. This enzyme appears enriched in cold-stable microtubule fractions. By immunofluorescence microscopy using an antiserum against casein kinase II, the in situ immunolabeling of some microtubule assays has been observed. Thus, mitotic spindles are stained by the anti-casein kinase II antibody in fibroblast cells. In neuroblastoma cells induced to differentiate, the labeling of microtubule arrays inside developing axon-like processes is also seen. These results support the view that casein kinase II can modulate cytoskeletal assembly and dynamics through phosphorylation of microtubule proteins.

Reversible cAMP-induced translocation of cytoskeleton-associated 300- to 350-kDa proteins from nucleus to cytoplasm

We previously reported that treatment of SV-3Y1 cells in an exponential growth state with 1 mM db-cAMP plus 1 mM theophylline induced reversible disappearance of nuclear dots stained by monoclonal anti-microtubule-associated protein (MAP)-1 antibody [T. Nakayama, K. Nishizawa, G. Kimura, and C. Sato (1986) Exp. Cell Res. 163, 246]. In the present study, we examined the relation between the intracellular localization and phosphorylation of 300- to 350-kDa proteins that are intracellular antigens for our anti-MAP-1 and -2 antibodies. Treatment with 1 mM db-cAMP plus 1 mM theophylline was found to result in a reversible decrease in immunofluorescent staining of the nucleus with polyclonal MAP-1 or -2 antibody, and a reversible increase in that of the cytoplasm. Simultaneous treatment with 2.5 microM colchicine, 2.5 microM colcemid, 20 microM putrescine, or 3 mM alpha-naphthyl phosphate in the presence of db-cAMP plus theophylline almost prevented this effect of db-cAMP plus theophylline. We examined the cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions by immunoperoxidase staining, immunoprecipitation, and 125I-protein A with anti-MAP-1 and -2 antibodies. Treatment with db-cAMP plus theophylline resulted in the increase of 300- to 350-kDa proteins in the cytoplasm and a decrease in the nucleus. This treatment also caused the dephosphorylation of 300- to 350-kDa proteins. The present research indicated that treatment with db-cAMP plus theophylline resulted in the reversible translocation of 300- to 350-kDa proteins from the nucleus to the cytoplasm accompanied by the dephosphorylation of these proteins.

Insulin-stimulated microtubule associated protein kinase is detectable by analytical gel chromatography as a 35-kDa protein in myocytes, adipocytes, and hepatocytes

Insulin stimulates a novel Ser/Thr kinase, which phosphorylates microtubule associated protein-2 (MAP-2) in vitro. MAP kinase was studied in cell models of the principal insulin responsive tissues using analytical fast-protein liquid chromatography for partial purification of the enzyme. Stimulation of MAP kinase (1.3- to 2-fold) by insulin was readily detected in BC3H1 smooth and 23A2 skeletal muscle cells; 3T3-L1 adipocytes; and isolated rat hepatocytes and adipocytes. No phosphatase activity was detectable under the assay conditions used, proving that stimulation of a kinase, not inhibition of a phosphatase, is responsible for the increased incorporation of 32PO4 catalyzed by supernatants from insulin-treated 3T3-L1 cells. In H4 hepatoma cells, stimulation of MAP kinase was much less evident after gel filtration in comparison to the other cell types. The activated enzyme present in supernatants from insulin-treated cells migrated as a single peak of approximately 35 kDa apparent molecular mass (except in the case of isolated hepatocytes in which a shoulder was present). These results suggest that the insulin-stimulatable MAP kinase may be ubiquitous in insulin responsive cells.

Phosphorylated 350 kD protein in the nucleus as it is associated with cell transformation

Protein kinases are thought to play a key role in signal transduction and oncogenesis, but little is known about the intranuclear phosphorylation events associated with transformation. Here we report on cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation of cytoskeleton-associated 350 kD protein and the regular interchange in its location between the nucleus and cytoplasm of normal cells. Persistent intranuclear location of the phosphorylated 350 kD protein was also found throughout the cell cycle in transformed cells, as detected by immunoprecipitation of 32P-phosphorylated 350 kD protein from isolated nuclei and immunofluorescent staining with a monoclonal antibody that recognized phosphorylated site of 350 kD protein. A conditional transformed phenotype induced by a temperature-sensitive (ts) viral oncogene or a transforming growth factor was also associated with the intranuclear presence of the phosphorylated 350 kD protein. Thus the 350 kD protein seems to be a target molecule of protein kinases that are stimulated directly or indirectly by growth factors or by oncogene products in the nucleus, and appears to be a new transformation-related nuclear antigen.

Intranuclear appearance of the phosphorylated form of cytoskeleton-associated 350-kDa proteins in U1-ribonucleoprotein regions after growth stimulation of fibroblasts

Cytoskeleton-associated 350-kDa and 80-kDa polypeptides, which were immunoprecipitated with polyclonal antibody against microtubule-associated protein 1 (MAP-1), were rapidly phosphorylated on mitogenic stimulation of quiescent fibroblasts with serum or growth factors. The enhanced phosphorylation was evident within 5 min and reached a maximum 2 hr after the stimulation. Phosphorylated MAP-1 analogues were first detected in the cytoplasm around the microtubule-organizing center and then in the nucleus by immunofluorescent staining with a monoclonal antibody that recognized the phosphorylated form of MAP-1. The monoclonal antibody reacted with the 350-kDa protein in immunoblot analysis and immunostained intranuclear speckles; both immunoreactions were abolished by treatment with alkaline or acid phosphatase. The nuclear speckles stained by the monoclonal antibody were also stained by anti-U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein antibodies on double immunofluorescence, suggesting that the stained regions are sites of maturation of messenger RNA. These results support the idea that part of the cytoskeleton-associated 350-kDa protein is phosphorylated and transferred to the nuclear region of mRNA modification as a common early process after growth stimulation.

Reversible cAMP-dependent change in nuclear localization of microtubule-associated protein-1 analogues

Intranuclear immunofluorescent staining by monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against microtubule-associated protein-1 (MAP-1) on SV-3Y1 cells disappeared when the cells were treated with 1 mM db-cAMP and 1 mM theophylline for 20-30 min at 37 degrees C. The nuclear dots of immunofluorescence disappeared and reappeared repeatedly on successive incubation of the cells with and without these drugs. The same phenomenon was induced by treatment of the cells with 6 mM theophylline or 6 mM papaverine which inhibits the cAMP-hydrolysing enzyme. The following results seem to support the hypothesis that cAMP-induced transfer of antigenic molecules from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is mediated by microtubules: Partial staining of the nucleus during the transitional period. Bright staining of the cytoplasm on treated cells in contrast to nuclear staining on control cells. Disappearance of the nuclear staining not only by the monoclonal antibody but also by the polyclonal antibody. Complete prevention of disappearance of nuclear dots induced by these drugs by pretreatment of the cells with colchicine (1 microgram/ml) or colcemid (1 microgram/ml).