Expression of Thy-1, H-2, and NS-4 cell surface antigens and tetanus toxin receptors in early postnatal and adult mouse cerebellum

Immunohistochemical profile of CD markers in experimental neural tube defect

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common birth defects worldwide. Stem cells play a critical role in the mechanisms underlying NTDs. We established an experimental NTD model in rats using retinoic acid (RA). We used mesenchymal and hemopoietic stem cell markers to determine their distribution in the mesenchyme in and around the neuroepithelium during the embryonic and fetal periods in both cranial and caudal regions. Adult female rats were given RA on days 5 and 10 of gestation and olive oil was administered to the control group. On days 10.5 and 15.5, embryos in the experimental and control groups were removed from the uterus. Embryos were embedded in paraffin and serial sections of the cranial and caudal neural tube were examined. We found severe cranial and caudal defects including axial rotation in the experimental groups using histochemistry. We used CD44, CD56, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD271 antibodies as mesenchymal stem cell markers and CD14, CD45 as hemopoietic stem cell markers. More CD44, CD56, CD90, CD105 and CD14 were detected during the embryonic period than the fetal period. CD73 was more frequent during the fetal period, whereas CD271 and CD45 were not significantly different. When CD44, CD56, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD271 immunostaining was found, NTDs were decreased early and increased later. We found no significant difference between CD14 and CD45. Formation of NTDs was due to deterioration of the of the neuroepithelial and surrounding stem cells. One reason for the formation of NTDs is that stem cells may develop defective cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions.

Concurrent cell type-specific isolation and profiling of mouse brains in inflammation and Alzheimer's disease

Nonneuronal cell types in the CNS are increasingly implicated as critical players in brain health and disease. While gene expression profiling of bulk brain tissue is routinely used to examine alterations in the brain under various conditions, it does not capture changes that occur within single cell types or allow interrogation of crosstalk among cell types. To this end, we have developed a concurrent brain cell type acquisition (CoBrA) methodology, enabling the isolation and profiling of microglia, astrocytes, endothelia, and oligodendrocytes from a single adult mouse forebrain. By identifying and validating anti-ACSA-2 and anti-CD49a antibodies as cell surface markers for astrocytes and vascular endothelial cells, respectively, and using established antibodies to isolate microglia and oligodendrocytes, we document that these 4 major cell types are isolated with high purity and RNA quality. We validated our procedure by performing acute peripheral LPS challenge, while highlighting the underappreciated changes occurring in astrocytes and vascular endothelia in addition to microglia. Furthermore, we assessed cell type-specific gene expression changes in response to amyloid pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Our CoBrA methodology can be readily implemented to interrogate multiple CNS cell types in any mouse model at any age.

Pro-inflammatory functions of astrocytes correlate with viral clearance and strain-dependent protection from TMEV-induced demyelinating disease

Intracerebral infection of susceptible strains of mice, e.g. SJL/J, with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) leads to a persistent CNS infection accompanied by development of a chronic-progressive inflammatory CNS autoimmune demyelinating disease which is clinically and pathologically similar to human multiple sclerosis. In contrast, resistant strains of mice, e.g. C57BL/6 (B6), effectively clear TMEV from the CNS and do not develop demyelinating disease. Although CD8(+) T cells are crucial for viral clearance in B6 mice, SJL mice also mount potent CD8(+) T cell responses against virus, thus the reason for the viral persistence in the CNS in these mice is unclear. Here, we examined innate anti-viral responses of CNS-resident astrocytes as a potential determinant of viral persistence and disease susceptibility. We demonstrate that B6 astrocytes produce significantly higher levels of cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules in response to TMEV infection, or stimulation with IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha or poly I:C than SJL mice. In addition, TMEV more effectively induces MHC I molecules on B6 astrocytes than SJL, corresponding with an increased ability to activate TMEV-specific CD8(+) T cells directly ex vivo. These results suggest that enhanced anti-viral responses of B6 astrocytes contribute to the ability of these mice to clear TMEV from the CNS and therefore to their resistance to the development of autoimmune demyelinating disease.

NFkappaB in neurons? The uncertainty principle in neurobiology

Nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) is a dynamically modulated transcription factor with an extensive literature pertaining to widespread actions across species, cell types and developmental stages. Analysis of NFkappaB in a complex environment such as neural tissue suffers from a difficulty in simultaneously establishing both activity and location. Much of the available data indicate a profound recalcitrance of NFkappaB activation in neurons, as compared with most other cell types. Few studies to date have sought to distinguish between the various combinatorial dimers of NFkappaB family members. Recent research has illuminated the importance of these problems, as well as opportunities to move past them to the nuances manifest through variable activation pathways, subunit complexity and target sequence preferences.

Regulation of cerebellar neuronal migration and neurite outgrowth by thyroxine and 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine

The timing of granule cell migration in the developing cerebellum is regulated by thyroid hormone. Granule cell migration depends on the recognition of extracellular neuronal guidance molecule(s), such as laminin, and this, in turn, requires cell surface adhesion molecules (integrins) that are anchored on the cell membrane by the actin cytoskeleton. While many of the actions of thyroid hormone, specifically 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3), are mediated by regulated gene expression, both thyroxine (T4) and 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (rT3) also exert direct, positive control of the quantity of polymerized actin in cultured astrocytes without affecting gene expression. T4-dependent actin polymerization has been shown to (i) participate in the immobilization of laminin to the cell surface, (ii) help deposit laminin in the molecular layer of the developing cerebellum, and (iii) anchor integrin(s) that recognize laminin present in the extracellular matrix. In this study, we show that both T4 and rT3, but not T3, directly regulate the F-actin content of elongating neurites of cerebellar neurons. T4 and rT3 also promoted extensive granule cell migration from cerebellar explants, as well as, dense cell clustering and extensive neuronal process formation when granule cells were grown on a laminin-coated surface. Both granule cell migration and neuronal process outgrowth were markedly attenuated by the addition of integrin-blocking antibodies or binding peptides, by the absence of thyroid hormone or the presence of T3. These data suggest that the T4-dependent actin polymerization in developing neurons is necessary for these migrating cells to recognize the laminin guidance molecule, thereby providing a novel molecular mechanism for the profound influence of thyroid hormone on brain development that is independent of regulated gene expression.

Accumulation of N-CAM 180 at Contact Sites Between Neuroblastoma Cells and Latex Beads Coated with Extracellular Matrix Molecules

Neuronal cells expressing neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) accumulate the largest N-CAM component (N-CAM 180) at cell - cell contact sites. To test whether this accumulation is induced by interactions at the surface membrane, latex beads coated with several purified adhesion molecules or extracellular matrix (ECM) components were co-cultured with neuroblastoma cells. Beads coated with L1, N-CAM, the L2/HNK-1 carbohydrate epitope-carrying molecules from adult mouse brain or laminin from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) sarcoma did not induce an accumulation of N-CAM 180 or L1 at sites of contact suggesting that these molecules are not directly involved in N-CAM 180 accumulation or that their mobility is required for this process. Beads coated with ECM components of the PF-HR9 cell line induced accumulation of N-CAM 180 at sites of contact with neuroblastoma cells. Accumulation was seen at cell bodies of undifferentiated and differentiated neuroblastoma cells, as well as on neurites and growth cones of differentiated neuroblastoma cells. Accumulation of the neural adhesion molecule L1 was also seen, but less prominently and reproducibly. These observations suggest that molecules of the ECM can directly or indirectly, e.g. via molecules linked to N-CAM 180 on the cell surface, induce accumulation of N-CAM 180.

Cell Type-specific Effects of the Neural Adhesion Molecules L1 and N-CAM on Diverse Second Messenger Systems

We have previously shown that the neural adhesion molecules L1 and N-CAM influence second messenger systems when triggered with specific antibodies at the surface of the phaeochromocytoma PC12 cell line (Schuch et al., Neuron, 3, 13 - 20, 1989). To determine whether the two molecules are linked to the same intracellular signalling cascades, independent of the cell type expressing them, or whether different neural cell types respond with different signal transduction mechanisms, we have investigated the effects of antibodies to L1 and N-CAM, and the isolated molecules themselves, on second messenger systems in different neural cell types. We have investigated cultures of cerebellar and dorsal root ganglion neurons and transformed Schwann cells and related these results to those obtained with the PC12 cell line. Here we show that addition of L1 and N-CAM antibodies and the isolated molecules themselves elicit cell type-specific responses that can be modulated by the substrate on which the cells are maintained. Depending on the cell type, cells respond to the triggering of L1 and N-CAM with antibodies, or addition of the purified molecules, by either up-regulation or down-regulation of inositol phosphate turnover, by a rise in intracellular Ca2+ levels dependent on or independent of the opening of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, or by an increase or decrease in intracellular pH. Moreover, cerebellar neurons expressing N-CAM respond to addition N-CAM, but not to N-CAM antibodies, in contrast to the other neural cell types studied, which respond to both triggers. Furthermore, cerebellar neurons were the only cells to show a rise in cAMP levels in response to any of the ligands tested. This stimulation of cAMP production by L1 antibodies depended on the cross-linking of L1 molecules at the cell surface, whereas the other responses did not depend on clustering of L1. Simultaneous addition of L1 and N-CAM antibodies either elicited an additive or more than additive effect on the intracellular responses which, for cerebellar neurons, depends on the substrate on which the cells are maintained. These observations indicate that L1 and N-CAM or their antibodies activate cell type-specific intracellular signalling systems and that the two molecules can act interdependently or independently of each other.

Sodium and Calcium Currents in Glial Cells of the Mouse Corpus Callosum Slice

We studied Na+ and Ca2+ currents in glial cells during the development of the corpus callosum in situ. Glioblasts and oligodendrocytes from frontal brain slices of postnatal day (P) 3 to P18 mice were identified based on morphological and ultrastructural features after characterization of the currents with the patch-clamp technique. Slices from P3 - P8 mice contained predominantly glioblasts with immature morphological features. These cells showed Na+ and Ca2+ currents, but the population with these currents decreased between P3 and P8. Na+ currents were blocked in Na+-free bathing solution and in the presence of tetrodotoxin, Ca2+ currents were only observed when a high concentration of extracellular Ba2+ was present. The cells from the corpus callosum of P10 - P18 mice predominantly had morphological features of oligodendrocytes. In these cells, which in some cases were shown to form myelin, neither Na+ nor Ca2+ currents were detected. To compare these in situ results with those from the electrophysiologically and immunocytochemically well-characterized cultured glial cells, we determined the expression pattern of stage-specific antigens in the corpus callosum in situ. The first O4 antigen-positive glial precursors were observed at P1, the earliest stage examined. The oligodendrocytic antigens O7 and O10 appeared at P6 and P14, respectively, and prominent labelling with the corresponding markers was seen at P12 and P18, respectively. Despite the existence of numerous mature, O10-positive oligodendrocytes at P18, which expressed Ca2+ channels in vitro, we failed to detect Ca2+ currents in situ at this stage.

Identification of neuronal cell lineage-specific molecules in the neuronal differentiation of P19 EC cells and mouse central nervous system

P19 embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells are one of the simplest systems for analyzing the neuronal differentiation. To identify the membrane-associated molecules on the neuronal cells involved in the early neuronal differentiation in mice, we generated two monoclonal antibodies, SKY-1 and SKY-2, by immunizing rats with a membrane fraction of the neuronally committed P19 EC cells as an antigen. SKY-1 and SKY-2 recognized the carbohydrate moiety of a 90 kDa protein (RANDAM-1) and the polypeptide core of a 40 kDa protein (RANDAM-2), respectively. In the P19 EC cells, the expression of RANDAM-1 was colocalized to a part of Nestin-positive cells, whereas that of RANDAM-2 was observed in most Nestin-positive cells as well as beta-III-tubulin positive neurons. In the embryonic and adult brain of mice, RANDAM-1 was expressed at embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5), and the localization of antigen was restricted on the neuroepithelium and choroid plexus. The RANDAM-2 expression commenced at E6.0, and the antigen was distributed not only on the neuroepithelium of embryonic brain but on the neurons of adult brain. Collectively, it was concluded that RANDAM-1 is a stage specific antigen to express on the neural stem cells, and RANDAM-2 is constitutively expressed on both the neural stem cells and differentiated neuronal cells in mouse central nervous system (CNS).

Functional blocking of integrin-associated protein impairs memory retention and decreases glutamate release from the hippocampus

We have previously demonstrated that integrin-associated protein is involved in memory consolidation of one-way inhibitory avoidance learning in rats and mice. In the present study, we examined the effects of functional blocking of integrin-associated protein on memory retention, long-term potentiation and glutamate release in mice as well as on cell attachment to extracellular matrix protein in primary cultures. The results indicated that integrin-associated protein monoclonal antibody miap301, when directly injected into the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus at moderate doses, significantly impairs memory retention in mice in the same one-way inhibitory avoidance task and decreases the amplitude of tetanic stimulation-induced long-term potentiation in dentate gyrus neurons. At a dose that effectively impairs both memory retention and long-term potentiation, integrin-associated protein monoclonal antibody also significantly blocks potassium chloride-induced glutamate release from the hippocampus in vivo. Results from western blot confirmed the presence of integrin-associated protein at the synaptic area. Cell adhesion experiments further revealed that integrin-associated protein monoclonal antibody markedly inhibits granular cell attachment to thrombospondin, the extracellular matrix protein known to bind integrin-associated protein, but not to collagen and laminin, the extracellular matrix proteins known to bind integrin. From these results we suggest that integrin-associated protein monoclonal antibody may impair synaptic plasticity and behavioral plasticity in mice through blockade of granular cell attachment to extracellular matrix protein and the subsequent signal transduction, and through inhibition of glutamate release from the hippocampus.

Monoclonal antibody detects oligodendroglial cell surface protein exhibiting temporal regulation during development

As tools to study stage-specific surface molecules expressed during the development of oligodendrocytes, we have generated monoclonal antibodies against peanut agglutinin (PNA)-binding glycoproteins isolated by affinity chromatography from the oligodendroglial precursor cell line Oli-neu. In this paper we report the characterization of the monoclonal antibody 7D10. The 7D10 antibody recognizes a 145-kD cell surface glycoprotein expressed by postmitotic multibranched cells of the oligodendroglial lineage. The antigen stains subpopulations of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and O4-positive cells and is subsequently down-regulated during further differentiation in vitro. The 7D10 antigen is also expressed by a subpopulation of astroglial cells but not by neurons. A truncated form of the protein is released by antigen-expressing cells into the culture supernatant.

Heterogeneous expression of voltage-gated potassium channels of the shaker family (Kv1) in oligodendrocyte progenitors

Outwardly rectifying K(+) channels determine the membrane conductance and influence the proliferation rate of glial progenitor cells. To analyze the molecular identity and the functional role of K(+) channels in glial progenitors of mouse brain, expression of shaker-type Kv1 genes was studied at three levels: (1) presence of Kv1 mRNAs, (2) biosynthesis of channel proteins and (3) electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of K(+) currents. mRNA expression of Kv1.1 to Kv1.6 genes was studied by single-cell reverse transcription-mediated polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using degenerate primers to amplify the six Kv1 transcripts. Most cells expressed several mRNA combinations simultaneously. In more than half of the cells, messages for Kv1.2, Kv1.5 and Kv1.6 were found, while Kv1.1, Kv1.3 and Kv1.4 were detected in only a minority of cells. In contrast, at the level of protein expression - employing immunocytochemistry with subtype-specific antibodies - Kv1. 2 and Kv1.3 were undetectable (<2%), while almost all cells expressed Kv1.4 (85%), Kv1.5 (99%) and Kv1.6 (99%). Kv1.1 was present in a minor cell population (10%). Functional contribution of Kv1 proteins to progenitor membrane conductance was determined by analyzing the voltage-dependence of K(+) current activation and inactivation as well as their current sensitivities to the subtype-preferring blockers and toxins tetraethylammonium (TEA), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), charybdotoxin (CTX), alpha-dendrotoxin (DTX) and mast-cell degranulating peptide (MCDP). From these results, it is concluded: first, glial progenitor cells can express all transcripts of the six Kv1 genes, but do not express all proteins; second, Kv1.4, Kv1.5 and Kv1.6 proteins are most abundant and were found in the majority of cells; and third, K(+) currents flow predominantly either through heteromeric channel complexes or through homomeric Kv1.5 ion pores, but not through homomeric Kv1.4 or Kv1.6 channels.

Role for myelin-associated glycoprotein as a functional tenascin-R receptor

The expression of the immunoglobulin superfamily member myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and the extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-R (TN-R) by oligodendrocytes overlaps in time and space. The two molecules can be neurite outgrowth-inhibitory or -promoting depending on the neuronal cell type and the environment in which they are presented. Here we show that the two molecules directly bind to each other in vitro and that binding sites on TN-R localize to two domains, the fibrinogen domain and the epidermal growth factor-like repeat domain with the N-terminal cysteine-rich stretch. We further show by a functional assay, namely the repulsion of MAG-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) cells from a TN-R substrate, that MAG is part of the signalling pathway of TN-R for cell repulsion. When coated as a uniform substrate, MAG was inhibitory for neurite outgrowth of hippocampal and cerebellar neurons in vitro, when compared to poly-L-lysine, while TN-R enhanced neurite outgrowth. When added to MAG, TN-R neutralized the neurite outgrowth-inhibitory effects of MAG, presumably by blocking the neurite outgrowth-inhibitory domain of MAG.

The close homologue of the neural adhesion molecule L1 (CHL1): patterns of expression and promotion of neurite outgrowth by heterophilic interactions

The close homologue of L1 (CHL1), a member of the L1 family of neural adhesion molecules, is first expressed at times of neurite outgrowth during brain development, and is detectable in subpopulations of neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursors and Schwann cells of the mouse and rat. Aggregation assays with CHL1-transfected cells show that CHL1 does not promote homophilic adhesion or does it mediate heterophilic adhesion with L1. CHL1 promotes neurite outgrowth by hippocampal and small cerebellar neurons in substrate-bound and soluble form. The observation that CHL1 and L1 show overlapping, but also distinct patterns of synthesis in neurons and glia, suggests differential effects of L1-like molecules on neurite outgrowth.

Integrin-associated protein is a ligand for the P84 neural adhesion molecule

P84 (also known as SHPS-1, BIT, and SIRP) is a heterophilic adhesive membrane protein involved in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling that is found at synapses in the mammalian central nervous system and in non-neural tissues. We have identified a binding partner for P84 using an expression cloning strategy. Here we report that integrin-associated protein (IAP/CD47) is a predominant binding partner of P84. Immunohistochemistry reveals a virtually identical distribution of P84 and IAP in a variety of adult brain regions. Because IAP has been implicated in cell signaling in cells of the immune system, P84 and IAP represent a heterophilic binding pair that is likely to be involved in bi-directional signaling at the synapse and in other tissues.

Transcriptional regulation of MHC class I gene expression in rat oligodendrocytes

MHC class I molecules are normally expressed at very low levels in the brain and their up-regulation in response to cytokines and viral infections has been associated with a number of neurological disorders. Here we demonstrate that the down-regulation of surface class I molecules in differentiated primary rat oligodendrocytes was accompanied by reduced steady-state levels of class I heavy-chain mRNA. Transient expression assays were performed in oligodendrocytes and fibroblasts, using a mouse H-2Kb class I promoter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase plasmid termed pH2KCAT (which contained 5'-flanking sequences from -2033 to +5 bp of the H-2Kb gene relative to the transcriptional start site at +1 bp). These assays showed that H-2Kb promoter activity was reduced in oligodendrocytes but not in class I-expressing fibroblasts. H-2Kb promoter activity was up-regulated in oligodendrocytes co-transfected with a plasmid expression vector encoding the transcriptional activator tax of human T-cell leukaemia virus type I, showing that down-regulation of promoter activity was reversible. Deletion mutant analysis of the H-2Kb promoter revealed the presence of negative regulatory elements that were functional in oligodendrocytes at -1.61 to -1.07 kb and -242 to -190 bp. Deletion of sequences in pH2KCAT encompassing the downstream element totally abolished promoter activity in both oligodendrocytes and fibroblasts, whereas a deletion within the upstream negative regulatory element increased promoter activity specifically in oligodendrocytes. The upstream negative regulatory element also down-regulated a linked heterologous herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase promoter in oligodendrocytes, but not in fibroblasts. Gel retardation assays using overlapping DNA probes that spanned the entire -1.61 to -1.07 kb region revealed the presence of a number of DNA-binding activities that were present in oligodendrocyte, but not in fibroblast nuclear extracts.

Expression of myelin-associated glycoprotein transcripts in murine oligodendrocytes

The recognition molecule myelin-associated glycoprotein is expressed by oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system. The myelin-associated glycoprotein gene gives rise to two alternatively spliced transcript variants ("early" and "late" message) which are developmentally regulated. In this study, using mice, we investigated whether both transcripts can be expressed in an individual oligodendrocyte or whether different oligodendrocyte populations exist expressing either one or the other myelin-associated glycoprotein messenger RNA. For this purpose the cytoplasmic RNA content of single oligodendrocytes derived either from cultures of embryonic mouse brain or from the corpus callosum murine slice preparation was harvested during patch-clamping in the whole-cell recording mode by applying negative pressure to the patch pipette. After reverse transcription, cDNA fragments were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis and restriction enzyme maps. Expression of myelin-associated glycoprotein transcripts could first be detected in those oligodendrocytes which already had acquired a more mature developmental stage. This stage could electrophysiologically be characterized by the dominance of passive K+ currents. In addition to oligodendrocytes expressing only the late or the early transcript, many cells were found expressing simultaneously both transcripts with varying levels. The myelin-associated glycoprotein transcript expression is therefore found to be developmentally regulated at a stage when oligodendrocytes have already acquired the channel properties of the adult.

Monoclonal antibody O10 defines a conformationally sensitive cell-surface epitope of proteolipid protein (PLP): evidence that PLP misfolding underlies dysmyelination in mutant mice

Mutations in the gene for proteolipid protein (PLP) have been associated with CNS dysmyelination and abnormal oligodendrocyte death in spontaneous mouse mutants and in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease; however, the effect of mutations on PLP structure and function are little understood. We have identified a monoclonal antibody directed against a novel cell surface epitope of PLP, termed O10. By immunofluorescence analysis, COS-7 cells transiently transfected to express PLP (or its isoform DM20) can be stained with antibody O10 and another antibody (A431) directed against the C terminus of PLP/DM20. The subcellular distribution of immunofluorescence labels for the two antibodies is not identical, suggesting that the O10 epitope is acquired post-translationally. When PLP/DM20 from jimpy, jimpymsd, and rumpshaker mutant mice is expressed in COS-7 cells and compared with wild-type PLP/DM20, none of the mutant isoforms displays the O10 epitope, whereas the C-terminal epitope is detected. Because the O10 but not the A431 epitope is also sensitive to SDS and reducing agents, this strongly suggests abnormal protein folding in the PLP mutants. PLP from jimpymsd mice is obviously misfolded, because the amino acid substitution (Ala242 --> Val) is located within a transmembrane domain to which the O10 antibody does not bind. We propose that the O10 epitope emerges as the full length protein reaches a functional tertiary structure and that the absence of this epitope marks a structural defect of PLP that leads to dysmyelination.

Testosterone elevates expression of tenascin-R and oligomannosidic carbohydrates in developing male zebra finches

The song system of zebra finches is a model for studying the influence of steroids on neural connectivity and behavior during development. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the song-related and gonadal hormone-regulated development of neural activity, we have chosen to investigate the expression of recognition molecules in the brain nuclei associated with motor control of song production. Here we show that testosterone accelerates expression of the predominantly oligodendroglia-, but also neuron-associated extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-R and the oligomannosidic carbohydrate L3 during the third and seventh posthatching week in the higher vocal center (HVC) and robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA), but not in other brain regions. The results suggest that recognition molecules and associated carbohydrate structures can be regulated by testosterone and that an increased expression of these molecules correlates with testosterone-induced modifications of song behavior.

Structural features of a close homologue of L1 (CHL1) in the mouse: a new member of the L1 family of neural recognition molecules

We have identified a close homologue of L1 (CHL1) in the mouse. CHL1 comprises an N-terminal signal sequence, six immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains, 4.5 fibronectin type III (FN)-like repeats, a transmembrane domain and a C-terminal, most likely intracellular domain of approximately 100 amino acids. CHL1 is most similar in its extracellular domain to chicken Ng-CAM (approximately 40% amino acid identity), followed by mouse L1, chicken neurofascin, chicken Nr-CAM, Drosophila neuroglian and zebrafish L1.1 (37-28% amino acid identity), and mouse F3, rat TAG-1 and rat BIG-1 (approximately 27% amino acid identity). The similarity with other members of the Ig superfamily [e.g. neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM), DCC, HLAR, rse] is 16-11%. The intracellular domain is most similar to mouse and chicken Nr-CAM, mouse and rat neurofascin (approximately 60% amino acid identity) followed by chicken neurofascin and Ng-CAM, Drosophila neuroglian and zebrafish L1.1 and L1.2 (approximately 40% amino acid identity). Besides the high overall homology and conserved modular structure among previously recognized members of the L1 family (mouse/human L1/rat NILE; chicken Ng-CAM; chicken/mouse Nr-CAM; Drosophila neuroglian; zebrafish L1.1 and L1.2; chicken/mouse neurofascin/rat ankyrin-binding glycoprotein), criteria characteristic of L1 were identified with regard to the number of amino acids between positions of conserved amino acid residues defining distances within and between two adjacent Ig-like domains and FN-like repeats. These show a collinearity in the six Ig-like domains and four adjacent FN-like repeats that is remarkably conserved between L1 and molecules containing these modules (designated the L1 family cassette), including the GPI-linked forms of the F3 subgroup (mouse F3/chicken F11/human CNTN1; rat BIG-1/mouse PANG; rat TAG-1/mouse TAX-1/chicken axonin-1). The colorectal cancer molecule (DCC), previously introduced as an N-CAM-like molecule, conforms to the L1 family cassette. Other structural features of CHL 1 shared between members of the L1 family are a high degree of N-glycosidically linked carbohydrates (approximately 20% of its molecular mass), which include the HNK-1 carbohydrate structure, and a pattern of protein fragments comprising a major 185 kDa band and smaller fragments of 165 and 125 kDa. As for the other L1 family members, predominant expression of CHL1 is observed in the nervous system and at later developmental stages. In the central nervous system CHL1 is expressed by neurons, but, in contrast to L1, also by glial cells. Our findings suggest a common ancestral L1-like molecule which evolved via gene duplication to generate a diversity of structurally and functionally distinct yet similar molecules.

Neuron-like physiological properties of cells from human oligodendroglial tumors

One of the most common symptoms of patients with oligodendrogliomas is the high frequency of epileptic seizures. We thus studied the physiological properties of cells in six human oligodendrogliomas and two oligoastrocytomas obtained from surgical material. The majority of tumor cells in living brain slices can generate action potentials as recorded with the patch-clamp technique indicating that this tissue is dominated by electrically excitable cells. In cultures from the same material, the action potential generating cells prevail within the first days and are subsequently replaced by electrically inexcitable cells. From histopathological and immunohistochemical data, the histogenesis of human oligodendroglial tumor is still uncertain. Our physiological study has not settled the debate on the origin of these tumors but revealed important findings with regard to this question. Since action potential generating glial cells have not been described in situ so far their occurrence in oligodendroglial tumors implies that oligodendroglial tumor cells may belong to the neuronal cell lineage.

Human central neurocytoma cells show neuronal physiological properties in vitro

Central neurocytoma is a rare brain tumor composed of small round synaptophysin-positive cells, suggesting a neuronal origin of these tumor cells. Glial properties are inferred, however, from the observation that the tumor cells exhibit a strong morphological similarity to oligodendroglioma cells and show an astrocytic differentiation in vitro. To test for neuronal or glial physiological properties, we studied cultured neurocytoma cells derived from a surgical specimen from a 44-year-old man, employing the patch-clamp technique. Early primary cultures were composed of morphologically unique bi- or multipolar cells which were positive for synaptophysin and negative for the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein. In the majority of these cells, whole-cell membrane current recordings revealed physiological properties of neurons, i.e., a high density of Na+ currents, the capacity to generate action potentials, and the expression of inotropic neurotransmitter receptors. Metabotropic neurotransmitter receptors could be demonstrated by Ca2+ imaging techniques. The remaining bi- or multipolar cells and almost all cells in later culture stages and in vitro passage lacked these neuronal properties and showed physiological features characteristic of glial cells. We conclude that the major population of neurocytoma cells shows physiological properties of neurons and that with time in culture this population is replaced by electrically passive cells.

CD9 of mouse brain is implicated in neurite outgrowth and cell migration in vitro and is associated with the alpha 6/beta 1 integrin and the neural adhesion molecule L1

We describe here a novel monoclonal antibody (mab H6) which recognizes CD9, an integral cell surface constituent previously described in cells of the hematopoietic lineage and involved in the aggregation of platelets. Mab H6 was raised against membranes of immature mouse astrocytes and reacted with a protein of 25-27 kD in detergent extracts of adult mouse brain membranes. Sequence analysis of the N-terminal amino acids revealed an identity of 96% with CD9 from mouse kidney. CD9 was localized in the central and peripheral mouse nervous systems: in the spinal cord of 11-day-old mouse embryos, CD9 was strongly expressed in the floor and roof plates. In the adult mouse sciatic nerve, myelin sheaths were highly CD9-immunoreactive. Mab H6 reacted with the cell surfaces of both glial cells and neurons in culture and inhibited migration of neuronal cell bodies, neurite fasciculation and outgrowth of astrocytic processes from cerebellar microexplants. Neurite outgrowth from isolated small cerebellar neurons was increased in the presence of mab H6 on substrate-coated laminin, but not on substrate-coated poly-L-lysine. Addition of mab H6 elicited an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in these cells on substrate-coated laminin. Immunoprecipitates of CD9 from cultured mouse neuroblastoma N2A cells contained the alpha 6/beta 1 integrin. Moreover, preparations of CD9 immunoaffinity-purified from adult mouse brain using a mab H6 column contained the neural adhesion molecule L1, but not other neural adhesion molecules. CD9 bound to L1, but not to NCAM or MAG. Both the alpha 6/beta 1 integrin and L1 could be induced to coredistribute with CD9 on the surface of cultured neuroblastoma N2A cells. The combined observations suggest that CD9 can associate with L1 and alpha 6/beta 1 integrin to influence neural cell interactions in vitro.

Identification of the border between fibronectin type III homologous repeats 2 and 3 of the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 as a neurite outgrowth promoting and signal transducing domain

To determine the domains of the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 involved in neurite outgrowth, we have generated monoclonal antibodies against L1 and investigated their effects on neurite outgrowth of small cerebellar neurons in culture. When the 10 antibodies were coated as substrate, only antibody 557.B6, which recognizes an epitope represented by a synthetic peptide comprising amino acids 818 to 832 at the border between the fibronectin type III homologous repeats 2 and 3, was as efficacious as L1 in promoting neurite outgrowth, increasing intracellular levels of Ca2+, and stimulating the turnover of inositol phosphates. These findings suggest that neurite outgrowth and changes in these second messengers are correlated. Such a correlation was confirmed by the ability of Ca2+ channel antagonists and pertussis toxin to inhibit neurite outgrowth on L1 and antibody 557.B6. These observations indicate for the first time a distinct site on cell surface-bound L1 as a prominent signal-transducing domain through which the recognition events appear to be funneled to trigger neurite outgrowth, increase turnover of inositol phosphates, and elevate intracellular levels of Ca2+.

Several extracellular domains of the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 are involved in homophilic interactions

The neural cell adhesion molecule L1 is a multidomain protein that plays important roles in cell adhesion, migration, and neurite outgrowth. It can interact with itself by a self-binding, i.e., homophilic adhesion mechanism (Kadmon et al.: J Cell Biol 110: 193-208, 1990a). To determine the domains of L1 involved in homophilic binding, we have generated protein fragments of L1 in a prokaryotic and a eukaryotic expression system and used these covalently coupled to fluorescent microspheres to quantify aggregation between them by cytofluorometric analysis. Protein fragments containing the first and second Ig-like domains and the third fibronectin type III homologous repeat showed avid self-binding. Ig-like domains III and IV also showed some self-binding, whereas Ig-like domains V and VI and fibronectin type III homologous repeats 1 and 2 as well as 4 and 5 were less or not active. Binding between different domains was also observed: fibronectin type III homologous repeats 4 and 5 interacted with Ig-like domains I and II, and fibronectin type III homologous repeats 3-5 interacted with all Ig-like domains. These results were confirmed by experiments testing the binding of fragment-conjugated microspheres to substrate-coated L1 or to cell surface-expressed L1 on cultured neurons. Binding of L1 to itself was interfered with by all protein fragments tested, suggesting that also less avidly binding domains of L1 contribute to homophilic binding. These observations indicate prominent functional roles of both Ig-like domains and fibronectin type III homologous repeats in homophilic binding of L1.

Cerebellar granule cells in vitro recapitulate the in vivo pattern of GABAA-receptor subunit expression

GABAA-receptor heterogeneity is based on the combinatorial assembly of a family of 15 subunits (alpha 1-6, beta 1-3, gamma 1-3, delta, rho 1-2) into multiple receptor subtypes. The factors regulating the differential expression of GABAA-receptor subtypes in the CNS are largely unknown. In the present study, we have used primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule cells as model system to analyze to which extent the expression, subunit composition, and subcellular localization of GABAA-receptors depend on signals available in the cerebellum in vivo, in particular GABAergic input which is lost in vitro. GABAA-receptor subunits were visualized immunohistochemically with subunit-specific antibodies and their subcellular localization was investigated by confocal laser microscopy with selective markers for dendritic proteins (microtubule-associated protein 2, non-phosphorylated neurofilaments) and synaptic vesicles (synaptophysin). Triple immunofluorescence staining experiments revealed that dissociated granule cells taken from 7-day-old rats and maintained in culture for 9 days co-expressed the subunits alpha 1 alpha 6 beta 2,3 gamma 2 delta, a subunit repertoire which is identical to that seen in vivo in the adult cerebellum. GABAA-receptor subunits were localized selectively in granule cell somata and in proximal neurites immunopositive for MAP-2. No staining was detected in distal neurites immunopositive for neurofilaments. GABAA-receptor subunits frequently were aggregated in clusters closely apposed to synaptophysin-immunoreactive varicosities, suggesting a post-synaptic localization. Thus, major functional determinants of GABAA-receptors in granule cells (subunit repertoire, subcellular segregation and clustering in post-synaptic sites) develop in vitro, indicating that they are regulated to a large extent by intrinsic factors, independently of GABAergic input.

Functional topography of myelin-associated glycoprotein. II. Mapping of domains on molecular fragments

The myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), an adhesion molecule of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily with five Ig-like domains, was investigated with regard to its binding site(s) for the neuronal cell surface, collagen I, and heparin, using a panel of new monoclonal antibodies and cyanogen bromide cleavage fragments of MAG. All antibodies generated competed with each other for binding to MAG, indicating that they reacted with identical or closely related epitopes. Mapping of the reactive epitopes on recombinant deletion fragments of MAG expressed by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) fibroblasts showed reactivity of monoclonal antibody 513 with domains I, II, and III, comprising the amino-terminal end of the extracellular domain. Monoclonal antibody 15 recognized domain III only. Binding of MAG-containing liposomes to neurons was blocked by antibodies 15 and 513. Cyanogen bromide (CNBr) fragments of domains I, II, and III bound to collagen type I under isotonic buffer conditions. CNBr fragments containing domains I and II were involved in binding to heparin. These observations suggest that domain III may be important for binding to the neuronal cell surface receptor for MAG, while domains I, II, and III interact with collagen type I and domains II and III with heparin.

Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) as a quantitative marker in synaptic remodeling

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) participates in adhesion and neuritic outgrowth during nervous system development. In the adult brain, NCAM is considered to be involved in neuronal sprouting and synaptic remodeling. The NCAM concentration of brain tissue has proved to be a useful marker of these processes, especially when viewed in comparison with the concentration of a marker of mature synapses, e.g. D3-protein (SNAP-25) or synaptophysin. The present review focusses on studies of adult brain in which NCAM concentration estimates and NCAM/D3 ratios have been used to evaluate the rate of synaptic remodeling in brain damage and degenerative diseases.

Effect of persistent mouse hepatitis virus infection on MHC class I expression in murine astrocytes

Neurotropic strains of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) have been used extensively for the study of viral pathogenesis in the central nervous system (CNS), serving as models for human neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). MHV strains A59 and JHMV both cause acute and chronic encephalomyelitis and demyelination in susceptible strains of mice and rats. In acute disease, CNS damage is most likely the result of lytic infection in neurons and oligodendrocytes, and death can be prevented by the adoptive transfer of Class I-restricted CD8+ T cells. However, in later stages of the disease induced by some MHV strains, virus tends to be restricted to astrocytes in a nonlytic infection, and the immune response appears to contribute to CNS damage. These data lead us to suggest that the astrocyte may play a central role in the neuropathogenesis of MHV infection. Consistent with this possibility, A59 has been reported to induce the expression of Class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in glial cells following infection in vivo and in vitro. In this communication, we have examined the influence of persistent infection by both A59 and JHMV on MHC Class I expression in primary murine astrocytes. Persistence was characterized by the presence of intracellular viral antigen and mRNA in the absence of detectable infectious virus particles. Under these conditions, JHMV, but not A59, inhibited constitutive expression of the H-2 Kb molecule, with the magnitude of inhibition increasing with postinfection time. A59 was not able to induce Class I during persistence, presumably due to the lack of infectious virus particles. Class I expression was restored by the addition of gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) to astrocytes persistently infected with either A59 or JHMV. Thus, Class I inhibition is not a permanent consequence of JHMV persistence, and persistence does not interfere with normal signalling pathways for Class I induction.

EX-1, a surface antigen of mouse neuronal progenitor cells and mature neurons

Using membrane fragments of PCC7-Mz1 embryonal carcinoma cells, an established in vitro model of neural differentiation (Lang et al., J. Cell Biol., 109 (1989) 2481-2493), we have raised monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against developmental stage-specific cell surface antigens. As shown by double-immunofluorescence labeling studies, employing differentiating PCC7-Mz1 cells, primary cultures of mouse cerebellum cells and cryosections of mouse brain and other tissues, rat mAb anti-mouse EX-1 recognizes a membrane protein which is exclusively expressed by cells of the neuronal cell lineage. EX-1-expressing neuronal precursor cells were identified by double labeling with antibodies directed against stem cell markers or BrdU, EX-1-expressing postmitotic neurons by labeling with antibodies directed against phenotypic markers. In the developing mouse brain, the EX-1 antigen is expressed in the neuroepithelium already at prenatal day 8, i.e. clearly before the onset of mature neuron-specific marker expression. Increasing co-expression with the latter is observed from embryonic day E10 throughout neuronal maturation, but not with markers of other cell types tested. From these studies, the EX-1 antigen is the earliest marker for the mouse brain neuronal cell lineage so far discovered.

Coronavirus induction of class I major histocompatibility complex expression in murine astrocytes is virus strain specific

Neurotropic strains of mouse hepatitis viruses (MHV) such as MHV-A59 (A59) and MHV-4 (JHMV) cause acute and chronic encephalomyelitis and demyelination in susceptible strains of mice and rats. They are widely used as models of human demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), in which immune mechanisms are thought to participate in the development of lesions in the central nervous system (CNS). The effects of MHV infection on target cell functions in the CNS are not well understood, but A59 has been shown to induce the expression of MHC class I molecules in glial cells after in vivo and in vitro infection. Changes in class I expression in infected cells may contribute to the immunopathogenesis of MHV infection in the CNS. In this communication, a large panel of MHV strains was tested for their ability to stimulate class I expression in primary astrocytes in vitro. The data show that the more hepatotropic strains, such as MHV-A59, MHV-1, MHV-2, MHV-3, MHV-D, MHV-K, and MHV-NuU, were potent inducers of class I expression in astrocytes during acute infection, measured by radioimmunoassay. The Kb molecule was preferentially expressed over Db. By contrast, JHMV and several viral strains derived from it did not stimulate the expression of class I molecules. Assays of virus infectivity indicated that the class I-inducing activity did not correlate with the ability of the individual viral strain to replicate in astrocytes. However, exposure of the viruses or the supernatants from infected astrocytes to ultraviolet light abolished the class I-inducing activity, indicating that infectious virus is required for class I expression. These data also suggest that class I expression was induced directly by virus infection, and not by the secretion of a soluble substance into the medium by infected astrocytes. Finally, analyses of A59/JHMV recombinant viral strains suggest that class I-inducing activity resides in one of the A59 structural genes.

Impaired neurite outgrowth of src-minus cerebellar neurons on the cell adhesion molecule L1

The nonreceptor tyrosine protein kinases pp60c-src, p59fyn, and pp62c-yes are localized in growth cones of developing neurons, but their function is undefined. To determine whether these tyrosine kinases were capable of regulating substrate-dependent axon growth, cultures of cerebellar neurons from wild-type, src-, fyn-, and yes- mice were analyzed for neurite outgrowth on the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 or the extracellular matrix protein laminin. The rate of neurite extension on L1 was reduced in src-, but not in fyn- or yes- neurons. Neurite extension on laminin was unaltered in src-, fyn-, or yes- neurons, indicating that pp60c-src, p59fyn, or pp62c-yes is not likely to participate in integrin-dependent axon growth. These results demonstrate that pp60c-src is a component of the intracellular signaling pathway in L1-mediated axonal growth and suggest that Src-related nonreceptor tyrosine kinases may have distinct, nonredundant functions in the nervous system.

Myelin-associated glycoprotein is phosphorylated by protein kinase C

The myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is a neural recognition molecule involved in heterophilic interactions between myelin-forming cells and neurons. To characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying post-translational modifications which may be instrumental in signal transduction following the recognition event, we have studied the stimuli leading to modification of 32P-orthophosphate incorporation into MAG in cultures of oligodendrocytes or transformed differentiated Schwann cells. Here we show that in oligodendrocytes both the 67 and 72 kD isoforms of MAG were phosphorylated exclusively on serine, while in the transformed Schwann cells only the 67 kD isoform was found to be present and phosphorylated. The phorbol ester phorbol-12-myristoyl-13-acetate (PMA) did not affect biosynthesis of the protein backbone, but enhanced incorporation of phosphate by a factor of 2-3, indicating the involvement of protein kinase C. Exclusive phosphorylation of serine residues was also observed, when purified MAG was incubated with protein kinase C in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP. In searching for the physiological stimuli which may trigger phosphorylation of MAG, cultures of oligodendrocytes were exposed to extracellular signals, such as coculture with dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord neurons carrying the MAG receptor, to membrane fractions of these neurons, monoclonal MAG antibody 513 binding to the recognition site of MAG, or platelet-derived growth factor. None of these additives modified the phosphorylation of MAG. These observations point to the possibility that phosphorylation of MAG is controlled by yet unknown intracellular cues rather than by extracellular signals interacting with cell surface receptors of oligodendrocytes.

The fourth immunoglobulin-like domain of NCAM contains a carbohydrate recognition domain for oligomannosidic glycans implicated in association with L1 and neurite outgrowth

We have previously shown that the neural adhesion molecules L1 and NCAM interact with each other to form a complex which binds more avidly to L1 than L1 to L1 alone (Kadmon, G., A. Kowitz, P. Altevogt, and M. Schachner. 1990a. J. Cell Biol. 110:193-208). This cis-association between L1 and NCAM is carbohydrate-dependent (Kadmon, G., A. Kowitz, P. Altevogt, and M. Schachner. 1990b. J. Cell Biol. 110:209-218). In the present study, we report that L1 and NCAM bind to each other via oligomannosidic carbohydrates expressed by L1, but not by NCAM, as shown in several experiments: (a) complex formation between L1 and NCAM is inhibited by a mAb to oligomannosidic carbohydrates and by the oligosaccharides themselves; (b) NCAM binds to oligomannosidic carbohydrates; (c) within the L1/NCAM complex, the oligomannosidic carbohydrates are hidden from accessibility to a mAb against oligomannosidic carbohydrates; (d) the recombinant protein fragment of NCAM containing the immunoglobulin-like domains and not the fragment containing the fibronectin type III homologous repeats binds to oligomannosidic glycans. Furthermore, the fourth immunoglobulin-like domain of NCAM shows sequence homology with carbohydrate recognition domains of animal C-type lectins and, surprisingly, also with plant lectins. A peptide comprising part of the C-type lectin consensus sequence in the fourth immunoglobulin-like domain of NCAM interferes with the association between L1 and NCAM. The functional importance of oligomannosidic glycans at the cell surface was shown for neurite outgrowth in vitro. When neurons from early postnatal mouse cerebellum were maintained on laminin or poly-L-lysine, neurite outgrowth was inhibited by oligomannosidic glycans, by glycopeptides, glycoproteins, or neoglycolipids containing oligomannosidic glycans, but not by nonrelated oligosaccharides or oligosaccharide derivates. Neurite outgrowth was also inhibited by the peptide comprising part of the C-type lectin consensus sequence in the fourth immunoglobulin-like domain of NCAM. The combined results suggest that carbohydrate-mediated cis-associations between adhesion molecules at the cell surface modulate their functional properties.

Sensitivity of neurite outgrowth to microfilament disruption varies with adhesion molecule substrate

Interactions between the cytoskeleton and cell adhesion molecules are presumed responsible for neurite extension. We have examined the role of microfilaments in neurite outgrowth on the cell adhesion molecules L1, P84, N-CAM, and on laminin. Cerebellar neurons growing on each substrate exhibited differing growth cone morphologies and rates of neurite extension. Growth of neurites in the presence of cytochalasin B (CB) was not inhibited on substrates of L1 or P84 but was markedly inhibited on N-CAM. Neurons on laminin were initially unable to extend neurites in the presence of CB but recovered this ability within 9 h. These studies suggest that neurite outgrowth mediated by different cell adhesion molecules proceeds via involvement of distinct cytoskeletal interactions.

Expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes in astrocytes correlates with the presence of nuclear factors that bind to constitutive and inducible enhancers

The molecular basis of constitutive and inducible major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene expression was studied in murine astrocytes in primary culture. Astrocytes constitutively expressed MHC class I molecules and treatment of these cells with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) further induced expression. The conserved region containing the upstream MHC class I regulatory element (MHC-CRE) and juxtaposed interferon consensus sequence (ICS) enhanced constitutive MHC class I promoter activity. As seen with cell surface expression of MHC molecules, treatment of astrocytes with IFN-gamma increased MHC class I promoter activity. Inducible expression required the presence of the MHC-CRE/ICS enhancer region. Nuclear factors that bind to the MHC-CRE and ICS were constitutively expressed in cultured astrocytes and IFN-gamma treatment further induced binding activity both to the MHC-CRE and ICS and correlated with induction of MHC class I gene expression. This study identifies the MHC-CRE and ICS as the major cis elements in controlling MHC class I promoter activity and suggests that the expression of nuclear factor binding activities to these enhancer elements is a basic transactivating mechanism for the expression of MHC class I genes in astrocytes.

Neurons and neuroblastoma as a source of macrophage colony-stimulating factor

Accumulation of macrophages in brain tissue as observed in nervous system injury may be due to local production of hematopoietic colony-stimulating factors (CSF). The present work shows human neuroblastoma cells and murine neurons, namely granule cells of the cerebellum, to produce macrophage (M)-CSF which guides expansion and differentiation of macrophage lineage cells. The mRNA-encoding M-CSF but not the respective protein is present in mouse brain including cerebellum. Neither granulocyte M-CSF nor IL-3 is produced by cerebellar neurons or neuroblastoma. By their production of M-CSF, neurons may regulate the macrophage response and lead to local expansion and enhanced function of macrophages in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system.

Nectadrin, the heat-stable antigen, is a cell adhesion molecule

Nectadrin, the cell surface glycoprotein recognized by the novel mAb 79, was found to be immunologically identical to the heat-stable antigen (HSA). It is a glycoprotein with a polypeptide core of only 30 amino acids and a very high carbohydrate content (Wenger, R. H., M. Ayane, R. Bose, G. Köhler, and P. J. Nielsen. 1991. Eur. J. Immunol. 21:1039-1046). Immunocytological studies using cultured splenic B-lymphocytes, neuroblastoma cells, and cerebellar cells indicated that nectadrin is preferentially expressed at sites of cell-cell contact. Purified nectadrin and monoclonal nectadrin antibody 79, but not other monoclonal nectadrin antibodies, inhibited the aggregation of B-lymphocytes by 70%, suggesting that nectadrin may act as a cell adhesion molecule. Nectadrin was purified from a mouse lymphoma cell line in two forms of 40-60 and 23-30 kD. The lower molecular weight form appears to be generated from the higher molecular weight form by degradative removal of saccharide residues characteristic of complex type oligosaccharide side chains. Latex beads coated with purified nectadrin aggregated and the rate of their aggregation depended on the molecular form of nectadrin, with the larger form being more potent than the smaller one in mediating bead aggregation. Nectadrin thus appears to be a self-binding cell adhesion molecule of a structurally novel type in that its extensive glycan structures may be implicated in mediating cell adhesion.

Macrophage-induced cytotoxicity of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor positive neurons involves excitatory amino acids rather than reactive oxygen intermediates and cytokines

The co-localization of activated macrophages and damaged neurons observed in brain injury and degenerative brain diseases may hint to macrophage-induced neuronal cytotoxicity. Recently, macrophages have been found to secrete neurotoxic molecules such as radical oxygen intermediates and glutamate, the latter interacting with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. As shown in the present study, brain macrophages termed microglial cells co-cultured with differentiated cerebellar neurons excert potent neurotoxic effects. Neurotoxicity is unlikely to be due to cytokines since tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6 and interferon (IFN)-alpha/IFN-beta/IFN-gamma had no such effects. In contrast, when treating neurons with H2O2 or oxygen radical-generating systems cytotoxicity was induced. Furthermore, microglia were found to produce O2- and H2O2 when triggered with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. However, in co-cultures of neurons and microglia, oxygen-radical scavengers catalase and superoxide dismutase, failed to protect neurons from microglia-induced killing. Moreover, when using undifferentiated neurons which are susceptible to H2O2 but not to NMDA receptor-dependent killing, microglia did not destroy the neurons. Thus, the amount of reactive oxygen intermediates produced by microglia in co-culture do not reach the critical concentrations required for neurotoxicity. As dibenzocyclohepteneimide, an antagonist to NMDA receptors neutralized neurotoxicity in microglia-neuronal co-cultures, excitatory amino acids released by microglia are suggested to compose the major determinant of neurotoxicity.

Occupancy of upstream regulatory sites in vivo coincides with major histocompatibility complex class I gene expression in mouse tissues

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I HLA-B7 transgene carrying a 660-bp upstream sequence is expressed in the mouse with tissue specificity that parallels that of the expression of endogenous mouse MHC class I (H-2) genes. We have performed in vivo genomic footprinting for the HLA-B7 transgene and the endogenous H-2Kb gene. We show that the upstream region of both the transgene and the endogenous gene was extensively occupied in spleen tissue, where these genes are expressed at high levels. In contrast, no occupancy was detected in brain tissue, where expression of these genes is virtually absent. Sites exhibiting in vivo protection correspond to cis elements previously shown to bind to nuclear factors in vitro, including the constitutive enhancer region I and the interferon response element. The strongest tissue-specific protection was detected at site alpha, located downstream from the interferon response element. Site alpha bound a constitutively expressed nuclear factor(s) in vitro that exhibited an overlapping specificity which may involve a nuclear hormone receptor, RXR, and an AP-1-related factor. Site alpha was functional in vivo, as it enhanced MHC class I transcription in lymphocytes. These results show that the tissue-specific occupancy of the MHC class I regulatory sequences in vivo correlates with their expression and suggest that in vivo occupancy is controlled by a mechanism other than the mere presence of factors capable of binding to these sites. Our results suggest that a sequence present in the 660-bp upstream region in a human leukocyte antigen gene directs tissue-specific occupancy of MHC class I genes in vivo, independently of their position and copy number, illustrating a potential advantage of using a transgene for delimitation of the sequence requirement for in vivo occupancy.

Occupancy of upstream regulatory sites in vivo coincides with major histocompatibility complex class I gene expression in mouse tissues

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I HLA-B7 transgene carrying a 660-bp upstream sequence is expressed in the mouse with tissue specificity that parallels that of the expression of endogenous mouse MHC class I (H-2) genes. We have performed in vivo genomic footprinting for the HLA-B7 transgene and the endogenous H-2Kb gene. We show that the upstream region of both the transgene and the endogenous gene was extensively occupied in spleen tissue, where these genes are expressed at high levels. In contrast, no occupancy was detected in brain tissue, where expression of these genes is virtually absent. Sites exhibiting in vivo protection correspond to cis elements previously shown to bind to nuclear factors in vitro, including the constitutive enhancer region I and the interferon response element. The strongest tissue-specific protection was detected at site alpha, located downstream from the interferon response element. Site alpha bound a constitutively expressed nuclear factor(s) in vitro that exhibited an overlapping specificity which may involve a nuclear hormone receptor, RXR, and an AP-1-related factor. Site alpha was functional in vivo, as it enhanced MHC class I transcription in lymphocytes. These results show that the tissue-specific occupancy of the MHC class I regulatory sequences in vivo correlates with their expression and suggest that in vivo occupancy is controlled by a mechanism other than the mere presence of factors capable of binding to these sites. Our results suggest that a sequence present in the 660-bp upstream region in a human leukocyte antigen gene directs tissue-specific occupancy of MHC class I genes in vivo, independently of their position and copy number, illustrating a potential advantage of using a transgene for delimitation of the sequence requirement for in vivo occupancy.

Different extracellular domains of the neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) are involved in different functions

The neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) engages in diverse functional roles in neural cell interactions. Its extracellular part consists of five Ig-like domains and two fibronectin type III homologous (type III) repeats. To investigate the functional properties of the different structural domains of the molecule in cell interactions and signal transduction to the cell interior, we have synthesized, in a bacterial expression system, the individual domains and tandem sets of individual domains as protein fragments. These protein fragments were tested for their capacity to influence adhesion and spreading of neuronal cell bodies, promote neurite outgrowth, and influence cellular migration patterns from cerebellar microexplants in vitro. Ig-like domains I and II and the combined type III repeats I-II were most efficient for adhesion of neuronal cell bodies, when coated as substrates. Neurite outgrowth was best on the substrate-coated combined type III repeats I-II, followed by the combined Ig-like domains I-V and Ig-like domain I. Spreading of neuronal cell bodies was best on substrate-coated combined type III repeats I-II, followed by Ig-like domain I and the combined Ig-like domains I-V. The cellular migration pattern from cerebellar microexplant cultures plated on a mixture of laminin and poly-L-lysine was modified by Ig-like domains I, III, and IV, while Ig-like domains II and V and the combined type III repeats I-II did not show significant modifications, when added as soluble fragments. Outgrowth of astrocytic processes from the explant core was influenced only by Ig-like domain I. Metabolism of inositol phosphates was strongly increased by Ig-like domain I and less by the Ig-like domains II, III, IV, and V, and not influenced by the combined type III repeats I-II. Intracellular concentrations of Ca2+ and pH values were increased only by the Ig-like domains I and II. Intracellular levels of cAMP and GMP were not influenced by any protein fragment. These experiments indicate that different domains of N-CAM subserve different functional roles in cell recognition and signal transduction, and are functionally competent without nervous system-derived carbohydrate structures.

A novel monoclonal antibody against carbohydrates of L1 cell adhesion molecule causes an influx of calcium in cultured cortical neurons

We have studied the function of carbohydrates of the L1 molecule, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of adhesion molecules, using a novel monoclonal antibody, mAb-L1(2E12), against L1 molecule. This antibody was specific for the 200 kDa component of mouse L1 molecule and its epitope was N-linked for complex-type oligosaccharides. The mAb-L1(2E12) was found to induce a rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured mouse embryonic cortical neurons. The rise in [Ca2+]i was dependent on the concentrations of mAb-L1(2E12). The rise seemed to be due to an influx of extracellular Ca2+ as EGTA treatment abolished it. Both cadmium and nifedipine blocked the effect of mAb-L1(2E12), suggesting the Ca2+ influx was through voltage-operated Ca2+ channels, particularly L-type Ca2+ channels. These results provide an important insight for understanding the mechanisms by which oligosaccharides of the L1 molecule influence various functions of neural cells.

Monoclonal M6 antibody interferes with neurite extension of cultured neurons

Monoclonal M6 antibody binds to the surface of murine central nervous system neurons as well as to apical surfaces of epithelial cells in the choroid plexus and proximal tubules of the kidney. M6 antigen is expressed in the central nervous system as early as embryonic day 10, most strongly in the marginal zone of the neural tube, and remains detectable in adulthood. IgG or Fab fragments of M6 antibody interfere with the extension of neurites by cultured cerebellar neurons. Effects of the antibody on neurite extension are readily detectable after 24 h. No reduction of cell viability is detected during the first 3 days of antibody treatment. Cultures maintained in the presence of antibody for longer than 5 days exhibit reduced viability of neurons. This reduction in long-term viability in the presence of M6 antibody is largely avoided when 25 mM KCl is included in the culture medium. The antibody-mediated perturbation of neurite outgrowth is not blocked by the presence of elevated KCl. The unusually short and flattened appearance of neurites in these cultures suggests that the M6 antibody selectively affects neurite extension. Time-lapse cinematography of anti-M6-treated neurons reveals no apparent effect on movement of lamellipodia and filopodia of growth cones. Only the overall extension of the neurite appears to be inhibited. M6 antigen is a 35 kD glycoprotein that can be isolated from a deoxycholate- (DOC) solubilized membrane fraction from adult mouse brain.

Murine brain macrophages induced NMDA receptor mediated neurotoxicity in vitro by secreting glutamate

Supernatants (SN) of brain macrophages in culture induce death of cerebellar granule cells in vitro, while those of astrocytes and endothelial cells do not. This toxicity can be prevented by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. Macrophage SN contain high concentrations of glutamate. Reducing the glutamate level of macrophage SN, either by exposure to astrocytes or by enzymatic degradation abolished the toxic effect. Thus, macrophage neurotoxicity is mediated by glutamate acting on NMDA receptors, and might play a role in vivo in traumatic and cerebrovascular brain lesions.

Expression of carbohydrate epitopes L2/HNK-1 and L3 in the larva and imago of Drosophila melanogaster and Calliphora vicina

The carbohydrate epitopes L2/HNK-1 and L3 belong to two overlapping families of adhesion molecules in the vertebrate, and probably the invertebrate nervous systems. To investigate their pattern of expression during the development of insects, cryosections of late third instar larvae and imagoes of Drosophila melanogaster and Calliphora vicina were studied by indirect immunofluorescence using several monoclonal antibodies to the L2/HNK-1 and one monoclonal antibody to the L3 epitope. Each monoclonal antibody to the L2/HNK-1 epitope showed a different immunohistological staining pattern, which differed from that of the L3 monoclonal antibody. In both insect species the immunohistological staining patterns for the two carbohydrate epitopes were similar at the two developmental stages, with immunoreactivity not confined to the nervous system. In larvae, immunoreactivities of the monoclonal antibodies L2.334 and L3.492 were predominantly associated with the extracellular matrix as indicated by co-localization with laminin, particularly in the imaginal discs, while L2.349 revealed a more cell surface-associated distribution. In imagoes, immunoreactivities were detectable in most organs studied.

Single K+ channel properties in cultured mouse Schwann cells: conductance and kinetics

Cultured Schwann cells are characterized by a strong outward rectification of the membrane; the threshold of the outward currents is close to the resting membrane potential of about -50 mV (Gray et al.: In Ritchie, Keynes (eds): Ion Channels in Neural Membranes. New York: Alan R. Liss, Inc., pp 145-157, 1986). These outward currents show up a heterogeneity among the cultured Schwann cells: some cells displayed inactivating, others non-inactivating outward currents (Hoppe et al.: Pflügers Arch 415:22-28, 1989). In this study we characterized the single channel currents using the patch-clamp technique in the intact patch recording configuration. The conductance of all recorded channels was 10-12 pS (5.6 mM [K+]o). These channels were K+ selective since changes in extracellular [K+] resulted in changes of the reversal potential as predicted for an exclusively K+ selective pore. The reversal potentials also predicted an intracellular [K+] of 60 mM indicating that the K+ equilibrium potential is slightly negative to the membrane potential. Analysis of the kinetic behavior of the channels resolved two different types of behaviour: 40% inactivated during a depolarizing voltage step, the others showing no sign of inactivation. The analysis of open probability and gating properties in the steady state showed up more differences between these two channel types: mean open probability peaked at about 10 mV for inactivating channels, while it continuously increased for non-inactivating channels. The inactivation time constants of averaged single channel and whole cell currents were similar and showed both a similar voltage dependency. We conclude that cultured Schwann cells express either two types of K+ channels with similar conductance or a channel which can acquire two functional states and that these channels can account for the different types of K+ currents observed in these cells.