Intracellular concentrations of inositol, glycerophosphoinositol and inositol pentakisphosphate increase during haemopoietic cell differentiation

Stable Isotopomers of myo-Inositol Uncover a Complex MINPP1-Dependent Inositol Phosphate Network

The water-soluble inositol phosphates (InsPs) represent a functionally diverse group of small-molecule messengers involved in a myriad of cellular processes. Despite their centrality, our understanding of human InsP metabolism is incomplete because the available analytical toolset to characterize and quantify InsPs in complex samples is limited. Here, we have synthesized and applied symmetrically and unsymmetrically ¹³C-labeled myo-inositol and inositol phosphates. These probes were utilized in combination with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry (CE-MS) to investigate InsP metabolism in human cells. The labeling strategy provided detailed structural information via NMR-down to individual enantiomers-which overcomes a crucial blind spot in the analysis of InsPs. We uncovered a novel branch of InsP dephosphorylation in human cells which is dependent on MINPP1, a phytase-like enzyme contributing to cellular homeostasis. Detailed characterization of MINPP1 activity in vitro and in cells showcased the unique reactivity of this phosphatase. Our results demonstrate that metabolic labeling with stable isotopomers in conjunction with NMR spectroscopy and CE-MS constitutes a powerful tool to annotate InsP networks in a variety of biological contexts.

Inositol Phosphates and Retroviral Assembly: A Cellular Perspective

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of retroviral assembly has been a decades-long endeavor. With the recent discovery of inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) acting as an assembly co-factor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), great strides have been made in retroviral research. In this review, the enzymatic pathways to synthesize and metabolize inositol phosphates (IPs) relevant to retroviral assembly are discussed. The functions of these enzymes and IPs are outlined in the context of the cellular biology important for retroviruses. Lastly, the recent advances in understanding the role of IPs in retroviral biology are surveyed.

Direct LC-MS/MS Analysis of Extra- and Intracellular Glycerophosphoinositol in Model Cancer Cell Lines

Glycerophosphoinositols (GPIs) are water-soluble bioactive phospholipid derivatives of increasing interest as intracellular and paracrine mediators of eukaryotic cell functions. The most representative compound of the family is glycerophosphoinositol (GroPIns), an ubiquitous component of mammalian cells that participates in cell proliferation, cell survival and cell response to stimuli. Levels and activity of this compound vary among cell types and deciphering these functions requires accurate measurements in in vitro and in vivo models. The conventional approaches for the analysis of GroPIns pose several issues in terms of sensitivity and product resolution, especially when the product is in the extracellular milieu. Here we present an UPLC-MS study for the quantitative analysis of this lipid derivative in cells and, for the first time, culture supernatants. The method is based on a solid-phase extraction that allows for fast desalting and analyte concentration. The robustness of the procedure was tested on the simultaneous measurements of intra- and extracellular levels of GroPIns in a number of human cell lines where it has been shown that the non-transformed cells are characterized by high extracellular level of GroPIns, whereas the tumor cells tended to have higher intracellular levels.

Antagonizing Retinoic Acid Receptors Increases Myeloid Cell Production by Cultured Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Activities of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR)α and RARγ are important to hematopoiesis. Here, we have investigated the effects of receptor selective agonists and antagonists on the primitive human hematopoietic cell lines KG1 and NB-4 and purified normal human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Agonizing RARα (by AGN195183) was effective in driving neutrophil differentiation of NB-4 cells and this agonist synergized with a low amount (10 nM) of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to drive monocyte differentiation of NB-4 and KG1 cells. Treatment of cultures of human HSCs (supplemented with stem cell factor ± interleukin 3) with an antagonist of all RARs (AGN194310) or of RARα (AGN196996) prolonged the lifespan of cultures, up to 55 days, and increased the production of neutrophils and monocytes. Slowing down of cell differentiation was not observed, and instead, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells had expanded in number. Antagonism of RARγ (by AGN205728) did not affect cultures of HSCs. Studies of CV-1 and LNCaP cells transfected with RAR expression vectors and a reporter vector revealed that RARγ and RARβ are activated by sub-nM all-trans retinoic acid (EC50-0.3 nM): ~50-fold more is required for activation of RARα (EC50-16 nM). These findings further support the notion that the balance of expression and activity of RARα and RARγ are important to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell expansion and differentiation.

Certain Malvaceae Plants Have a Unique Accumulation of myo-Inositol 1,2,4,5,6-Pentakisphosphate

Methods used to quantify inositol phosphates in seeds lack the sensitivity and specificity necessary to accurately detect the lower concentrations of these compounds contained in the leaves of many plants. In order to measure inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP₆) and inositol pentakisphosphate (InsP₅) levels in leaves of different plants, a method was developed to concentrate and pre-purify these compounds prior to analysis. Inositol phosphates were extracted from leaves with diluted HCl and concentrated on small anion exchange columns. Reversed-phase solid phase extraction cartridges were used to remove compounds that give peaks that sometimes interfere during HPLC. The method permitted the determination of InsP₆ and InsP₅ concentrations in leaves as low as 10 µM and 2 µM, respectively. Most plants analyzed contained a high ratio of InsP₆ to InsP₅. In contrast, certain members of the Malvaceae family, such as cotton (Gossypium) and some hibiscus (Hibiscus) species, had a preponderance of InsP₅. Radiolabeling of cotton seedlings also showed increased amounts of InsP₅ relative to InsP₆. Why some Malvaceae species exhibit a reversal of the typical ratios of these inositol phosphates is an intriguing question for future research.

The glycerophosphoinositols: from lipid metabolites to modulators of T-cell signaling

Glycerophosphoinositols (GPIs) are bioactive, diffusible phosphoinositide metabolites of phospholipase A₂ that act both intracellularly and in a paracrine fashion following their uptake by specific transporters. The most representative compound, glycerophosphoinositol (GroPIns), is a ubiquitous component of eukaryotic cells that participates in central processes, including cell proliferation and survival. Moreover, glycerophosphoinositol 4-phosphate (GroPIns4P) controls actin dynamics in several cell systems by regulating Rho GTPases. Recently, immune cells have emerged as targets of the biological activities of the GPIs. We have shown that exogenous GroPIns4P enhances CXCL12-induced T-cell chemotaxis through activation of the kinase Lck in a cAMP/PKA-dependent manner. While highlighting the potential of GroPIns4P as an immunomodulator, this finding raises questions on the role of endogenously produced GroPIns4P as well as of other GPIs in the regulation of the adaptive immune responses under homeostatic and pathological settings. Here we will summarize our current understanding of the biological activities of the GPIs, with a focus on lymphocytes, highlighting open questions and potential developments in this promising new area.

Modulation of inositol polyphosphate levels regulates neuronal differentiation

The modulation of inositol pentakisphosphate (IP5) and hexakisphosphate (IP6) intracellular levels controls the differentiation and survival of PC12 cells and primary neurons. These mechanisms are controlled by the levels of the protein kinase IP5-2K responsible for the conversion of IP5 into IP6.

The binding of neurotrophins to tropomyosin receptor kinase receptors initiates several signaling pathways, including the activation of phospholipase C-γ, which promotes the release of diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃). In addition to recycling back to inositol, IP₃ serves as a precursor for the synthesis of higher phosphorylated inositols, such as inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate (IP₅) and inositol hexakisphosphate (IP₆). Previous studies on the effect of neurotrophins on inositol signaling were limited to the analysis of IP₃ and its dephosphorylation products. Here we demonstrate that nerve growth factor (NGF) regulates the levels of IP₅ and IP₆ during PC12 differentiation. Furthermore, both NGF and brain-derived neurotrophic factor alter IP₅ and IP₆ intracellular ratio in differentiated PC12 cells and primary neurons. Neurotrophins specifically regulate the expression of IP₅-2 kinase (IP₅-2K), which phosphorylates IP₅ into IP₆. IP₅-2K is rapidly induced after NGF treatment, but its transcriptional levels sharply decrease in fully differentiated PC12 cells. Reduction of IP₅-2K protein levels by small interfering RNA has an effect on the early stages of PC12 cell differentiation, whereas fully differentiated cells are not affected. Conversely, perturbation of IP₅-2K levels by overexpression suggests that both differentiated PC12 cells and sympathetic neurons require low levels of the enzyme for survival. Therefore maintaining appropriate intracellular levels of inositol polyphosphates is necessary for neuronal survival and differentiation.

The glycerophosphoinositols and their cellular functions

Interest in the glycerophosphoinositols has been increasing recently, on the basis of their biological activities. The cellular metabolism of these water-soluble bioactive phosphoinositide metabolites has been clarified, with the identification of the specific enzyme involved in their synthesis, PLA2IVα (phospholipase A2 IVα), and the definition of their phosphodiesterase-based catabolism, and thus inactivation. The functional roles and mechanisms of action of these compounds have been investigated in different cellular contexts. This has led to their definition in the control of various cell functions, such as cell proliferation in the thyroid and actin cytoskeleton organization in fibroblasts and lymphocytes. Roles for the glycerophosphoinositols in immune and inflammatory responses are also being defined. In addition to these physiological functions, the glycerophosphoinositols have potential anti-metastatic activities that should lead to their pharmacological exploitation.

The glycerophosphoinositols: cellular metabolism and biological functions

The glycerophosphoinositols are cellular products of phospholipase A(2) and lysolipase activities on the membrane phosphoinositides. Their intracellular concentrations can vary upon oncogenic transformation, cell differentiation and hormonal stimulation. Specific glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterases are involved in their catabolism, which, as with their formation, is under hormonal regulation. With their mechanisms of action including modulation of adenylyl cyclase, intracellular calcium levels, and Rho-GTPases, the glycerophosphoinositols have diverse effects in multiple cell types: induction of cell proliferation in thyroid cells; modulation of actin cytoskeleton organisation in fibroblasts; and reduction of the invasive potential of tumour cell lines. More recent investigations include their effects in inflammatory and immune responses. Indeed, the glycerophosphoinositols enhance cytokine-dependent chemotaxis in T-lymphocytes induced by SDF-1alpha-receptor activation, indicating roles for these compounds as modulators of T-cell signalling and T-cell responses.

Molecular characterization of a glycerophosphoinositol transporter in mammalian cells

The glycerophosphoinositols are ubiquitous phosphoinositide metabolites involved in the control of several cell functions. They exert their actions both intracellularly and by rapidly equilibrating across the plasma membrane when added to cells, implying the existence of a transporter for their membrane permeation. Such a transporter, GIT1, has been cloned in yeast. By PSI-BLAST analysis, we have identified the Glut2 transporter as a human-genome candidate ortholog of GIT1. This was supported directly through the use of inhibitors, siRNAs and competition studies of specific uptake of GroPIns in HeLa cells over-expressing human Glut2. These data identify Glut2 as a GroPIns transporter in mammals, and define a physiologically relevant cell-permeation mechanism.

The behaviour of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate in the presence of magnesium(II) and calcium(II): protein-free soluble InsP6 is limited to 49 microM under cytosolic/nuclear conditions

Progress in the biology of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP(6)) has been delayed by the lack of a quantitative description of its multiple interactions with divalent cations. Our recent initial description of these [J. Torres, S. Dominguez, M.F. Cerda, G. Obal, A. Mederos, R.F. Irvine, A. Diaz, C. Kremer, J. Inorg. Biochem. 99 (2005) 828-840] predicted that under cytosolic/nuclear conditions, protein-free soluble InsP(6) occurs as Mg(5)(H(2)L), a neutral complex that exists thanks to a significant, but undefined, window of solubility displayed by solid Mg(5)(H(2)L).22H(2)O (L is fully deprotonated InsP(6)). Here we complete the description of the InsP(6)-Mg(2+)-Ca(2+) system, defining the solubilities of the Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) (Ca(5)(H(2)L).16H(2)O) solids in terms of K(s0)=[M(2+)](5)[H(2)L(10-)], with pK(s0)=32.93 for M=Mg and pK(s0)=39.3 for M=Ca. The concentration of soluble Mg(5)(H(2)L) at 37 degrees C and I=0.15M NaClO(4) is limited to 49muM, yet InsP(6) in mammalian cells may reach 100muM. Any cytosolic/nuclear InsP(6) in excess of 49muM must be protein- or membrane-bound, or as solid Mg(5)(H(2)L).22H(2)O, and any extracellular InsP(6) (e.g. in plasma) is surely protein-bound.

Physiological levels of PTEN control the size of the cellular Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P(5) pool

To understand how a signaling molecule's activities are regulated, we need insight into the processes controlling the dynamic balance between its synthesis and degradation. For the Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 signal, this information is woefully inadequate. For example, the only known cytosolic enzyme with the capacity to degrade Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 is the tumour-suppressor PTEN [J.J. Caffrey, T. Darden, M.R. Wenk, S.B. Shears, FEBS Lett. 499 (2001) 6 ], but the biological relevance has been questioned by others [E.A. Orchiston, D. Bennett, N.R. Leslie, R.G. Clarke, L. Winward, C.P. Downes, S.T. Safrany, J. Biol. Chem. 279 (2004) 1116 ]. The current study emphasizes the role of physiological levels of PTEN in Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 homeostasis. We employed two cell models. First, we used a human U87MG glioblastoma PTEN-null cell line that hosts an ecdysone-inducible PTEN expression system. Second, the human H1299 bronchial cell line, in which PTEN is hypomorphic due to promoter methylation, has been stably transfected with physiologically relevant levels of PTEN. In both models, a novel consequence of PTEN expression was to increase Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 pool size by 30-40% (p<0.01); this response was wortmannin-insensitive and, therefore, independent of the PtdIns 3-kinase pathway. In U87MG cells, induction of the G129R catalytically inactive PTEN mutant did not affect Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P(5) levels. PTEN induction did not alter the expression of enzymes participating in Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 synthesis. Another effect of PTEN expression in U87MG cells was to decrease InsP6 levels by 13% (p<0.02). The InsP6-phosphatase, MIPP, may be responsible for the latter effect; we show that recombinant human MIPP dephosphorylates InsP6 to D/L-Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5, levels of which increased 60% (p<0.05) following PTEN expression in U87MG cells. Overall, our data add higher inositol phosphates to the list of important cellular regulators [Y. Huang, R.P. Wernyj, D.D. Norton, P. Precht, M.C. Seminario, R.L. Wange, Oncogene, 24 (2005) 3819 ] the levels of which are modulated by expression of the highly pleiotropic PTEN protein.

Glycerophosphoinositols inhibit the ability of tumour cells to invade the extracellular matrix

The naturally occurring phosphoinositide metabolite, glycerophosphoinositol 4-phosphate, has recently been shown to induce rearrangements in the actin cytoskeleton through modulation of the small GTPases, Rac and Rho. Since this is directly linked to cell spreading and remodelling, we have evaluated the potential role of glycerophosphoinositol 4-phosphate and related metabolites in tumour cell invasion. The biological effects of these compounds were tested in a number of cellular activities related to cell spreading, including cell migration and cell invasion. We find that unlike other inositol-containing molecules, such as the inositol phosphates, glycerophosphoinositol and glycerophosphoinositol 4-phosphate prevent the invasion of epithelium-derived MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma and A375MM melanoma cell lines through the extracellular matrix; this is due to a decreased ability to degrade matrix components. These data identify a specific activity of the glycerophosphoinositols that can be exploited for their development as novel anti-invasive drugs.

Complex changes in cellular inositol phosphate complement accompany transit through the cell cycle

Inositol polyphosphates other than Ins(1,4,5)P3 are involved in several aspects of cell regulation. For example, recent evidence has implicated InsP6, Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 and their close metabolic relatives, which are amongst the more abundant intracellular inositol polyphosphates, in chromatin organization, DNA maintenance, gene transcription, nuclear mRNA transport, membrane trafficking and control of cell proliferation. However, little is known of how the intracellular concentrations of inositol polyphosphates change through the cell cycle. Here we show that the concentrations of several inositol polyphosphates fluctuate in synchrony with the cell cycle in proliferating WRK-1 cells. InsP6, Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 and their metabolic relatives behave similarly: concentrations are high during G1-phase, fall to much lower levels during S-phase and rise again late in the cycle. The Ins(1,2,3)P3 concentration shows especially large fluctuations, and PP-InsP5 fluctuations are also very marked. Remarkably, Ins(1,2,3)P3 turns over fastest during S-phase, when its concentration is lowest. These results establish that several fairly abundant intracellular inositol polyphosphates, for which important biological roles are emerging, display dynamic behaviour that is synchronized with cell-cycle progression.

L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine inhibits the transfer function of phosphatidylinositol transfer protein alpha

Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein alpha (PITP-alpha) is a bifunctional phospholipid transfer protein that is highly selective for phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) and phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho). Polar lipid metabolites, including L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (GroPCho), increasingly have been linked to changes in cellular function and to disease. In this study, polar lipid metabolites of PtdIns and PtdCho were tested for their ability to influence PITP-alpha activity. GroPCho inhibited the ability of PITP-alpha to transfer PtdIns or PtdCho between liposomes. The IC(50) of both processes was dependent on membrane composition. D-myo-inositol 1-phosphate and glycerylphosphorylinositol modestly enhanced PITP-alpha-mediated phospholipid transfer. Choline, phosphorylcholine (PCho), CDP-choline, glyceryl-3-phosphate, myo-inositol and D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate had little effect. Membrane surface charge was a strong determinant of the GroPCho inhibition with the inhibition being greatest for highly anionic membranes. GroPCho was shown to enhance the binding of PITP-alpha to anionic vesicles. In membranes of low surface charge, phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) was a determinant enabling the GroPCho inhibition. Anionic charge and PtdEtn content appeared to increase the strength of PITP-alpha-membrane interactions. The GroPCho-enhanced PITP-alpha-membrane binding was sufficient to cause inhibition, but not sufficient to account for the extent of inhibition observed. Processes associated with strengthened PITP-alpha-membrane binding in the presence of GroPCho appeared to impair the phospholipid insertion/extraction process.

Glycerophosphoinositol and dexamethasone improve transendothelial electrical resistance in an in vitro study of the blood–brain barrier

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintains the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment, which is crucial for neuronal activity and function. Under pathological conditions, the BBB may fail due to yet unknown mechanisms. BBB failure is accompanied by an increase in the transendothelial permeability to substances such as sucrose that are normally extruded. Furthermore, altered BBB function may also lead to development of abnormal drug extrusion mechanisms including expression of multiple drug resistance proteins. Therefore, it is not surprising that strategies have been developed to "repair" the BBB in order to restore normal brain homeostasis and penetration/extrusion of pharmacologically active (noxious) substances. To this end, steroidal hormones and synthetic analogues such as dexamethasone (DEX) have been used to counteract BBB failure. However, several side effects limit the usefulness of steroid treatment in humans leading to the quest for developing novel strategies for BBB repair. We here show that, in an in vitro model of the BBB based on a co-culture of endothelial cells (EC) and glia, the natural compound glycerophosphoinositol (GPI) may replicate the effects of DEX. Thus, GPI in concentrations ranging from 3 to 100 microM promoted both BBB formation and repair in a dose dependent fashion. Similar effects were obtained with an elevated dose of DEX (10 microM); at higher concentrations (100 microM), DEX was cytotoxic. We conclude that the endogenous anti-inflammatory agent GPI may ameliorate BBB function with efficacy comparable to that of steroids, but with significantly fewer side effects. Further experiments will confirm the efficacy of this treatment in vivo and elucidate the pathways that lead to BBB repair after exposure to GPI.

Maintenance of PtdIns45P2 pools under limiting inositol conditions, as assessed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and PtdIns45P2 mass evaluation in Ras-transformed cells

Inositol-containing molecules are involved in important cellular functions, including signalling, membrane transport and secretion. Our interest is in lysophosphatidylinositol and the glycerophosphoinositols, which modulate cell proliferation and G-protein-dependent activities such as adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase A(2). To investigate the role of glycerophosphoinositol (GroPIns) in the modulation of Ras-dependent pathways and its correlation to Ras transformation, we employed a novel liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technique to directly measure GroPIns in cell extracts. The cellular levels of GroPIns in selected parental and Ras-transformed cells, and in some carcinoma cells, ranged from 44 to 925 microM, with no consistent correlation to Ras transformation across all cell lines. Moreover, the derived cellular inositol concentrations revealed a wide range ( approximately 150 microM to approximately 100 mM) under standard [(3)H]-inositol-loading, suggesting a complex relationship between the inositol pool and the phosphoinositides and their derivatives. We have investigated these pools under specific loading conditions, designing a further HPLC analysis for GroPIns, combined with mass determinations of cellular phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. The data demonstrate that limiting inositol conditions identify a preferred pathway of inositol incorporation and retention into the polyphosphoinositides pool. Thus, under conditions of increased metabolic activity, such as receptor stimulation or cellular transformation, the polyphosphoinositide levels will be maintained at the expense of phosphatidylinositol and the turnover of its aqueous derivatives.

Expanding coincident signaling by PTEN through its inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate 3-phosphatase activity

PTEN, a tumor suppressor among the most commonly mutated proteins in human cancer, is recognized to be both a protein phosphatase and a phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3)) 3-phosphatase. Previous work [Maehama and Dixon, J. Biol. Chem. 273 (1998) 13375-13378] has led to a consensus that inositol phosphates are not physiologically relevant substrates for PTEN. In contrast, we demonstrate that PTEN is an active inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P(5)) 3-phosphatase when expressed and purified from bacteria or HEK cells. Kinetic data indicate Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P(5) (K(m)=7.1 microM) and PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) (K(m)=26 microM) compete for PTEN in vivo. Transient transfection of HEK cells with PTEN decreased Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P(5) levels. We discuss the physiological significance of these studies in relation to recent work showing that dephosphorylation of Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P(5) to inositol 1,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate is a cell signaling event.

GIT1, a gene encoding a novel transporter for glycerophosphoinositol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Phosphatidylinositol catabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells cultured in media containing inositol results in the release of glycerophosphoinositol (GroPIns) into the medium. As the extracellular concentration of inositol decreases with growth, the released GroPIns is transported back into the cell. Exploiting the ability of the inositol auxotroph, ino1, to use exogenous GroPIns as an inositol source, we have isolated mutants (Git-) defective in the uptake and metabolism of GroPIns. One mutant was found to be affected in the gene encoding the transcription factor, SPT7. Mutants of the positive regulatory gene INO2, but not of its partner, INO4, also have the Git- phenotype. Another mutant was complemented by a single open reading frame (ORF) termed GIT1 (glycerophosphoinositol). This ORF consists of 1556 bp predicted to encode a polypeptide of 518 amino acids and 57.3 kD. The predicted Git1p has similarity to a variety of S. cerevisiae transporters, including a phosphate transporter (Pho84p), and both inositol transporters (Itr1p and Itr2p). Furthermore, Git1p contains a sugar transport motif and 12 potential membrane-spanning domains. Transport assays performed on a git1 mutant together with the above evidence indicate that the GIT1 gene encodes a permease involved in the uptake of GroPIns.

Characterization of the pleckstrin homology domain of Btk as an inositol polyphosphate and phosphoinositide binding domain

We previously reported that the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) binds Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 and that missense mutations in this domain which cause either human X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) or murine X-linked immunodeficiency (Xid) also dramatically reduce the Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 binding activity. In this paper, we describe the inositol phosphate binding specificity of the Btk PH domain and different inositol polyphosphate binding properties among the PH domains of Tec family kinases. Our results suggest that certain inositol phosphates and/or phosphoinositides are physiological ligands of some Tec family kinases and that Tec family members are differently regulated by inositol molecules.

The function of inositol high polyphosphate binding proteins

The inositol phosphate metabolism network has been found to be much more complex than previously thought, as more and more inositol phosphates and their metabolizing enzymes have been discovered. Some of the inositol phosphates have been shown to have biological activities, but little is known about their signal transduction mechanisms except for that of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. The recent discovery, however, of a number of binding proteins for inositol high polyphosphate [inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (IP4), inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate, or inositol hexakisphosphate] enables us to speculate on the physiological function of these compounds. In this article we focus on two major issues: (1) the roles of inositol high polyphosphates in vesicular trafficking, especially exocytosis, and (2) pleckstrin homology domain-containing IP4 binding proteins involved in the Ras signaling pathway.

Fast receptor-induced formation of glycerophosphoinositol-4-phosphate, a putative novel intracellular messenger in the Ras pathway

Glycerophosphoinositols are phosphoinositide metabolites whose levels are constitutively elevated in Ras-transformed cells. Here, we show that one of these compounds, glycerophosphoinositol-4-phosphate (GroPIns-4-P) responds acutely to the stimulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor, with a fast, massive and transient increase. The mechanism leading to GroPIns-4-P formation involves the activation of phosphoinositide-3 kinase and the small GTP-binding protein Rac, since GroPIns-4-P was neither formed in cells expressing the dominant negative form of Rac nor in cells treated with the phosphoinositide-3 kinase inhibitor wortmannin. GroPIns-4-P has been previously shown to inhibit adenylyl cyclase. Accordingly, epidermal growth factor also decreased the basal, cholera toxin-stimulated, and forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP levels with kinetics similar to those of GroPIns-4-P formation, suggesting that GroPIns-4-P mediates this inhibitory effect. The hormone-induced formation of GroPIns-4-P was detected in several cell lines of various origin, suggesting that GroPIns-4-P is a novel intracellular messenger of the Ras pathway, possibly able to convey information from tyrosine kinase receptors to the cyclic AMP cascade.

Mutation of the pleckstrin homology domain of Bruton's tyrosine kinase in immunodeficiency impaired inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate binding capacity

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), a cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase, plays a pivotal role in B cell activation and development. Mutations in the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of the Btk gene cause human X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) and murine X-linked immunodeficiency (Xid). In this paper, we report that the PH domain of Btk functions as an inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (IP4), inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate, and inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate (IP6) binding domain (Kd of approximately 40 nM for IP4), and that all of the XLA (Phe replaced by Ser at position 25 (F25S), R28H, T33P, V64F, and V113D) and Xid mutations (R28C) found in the PH domain result in a dramatic reduction of IP4 binding activity. Furthermore, the rare alternative splicing variant, with 33 amino acids deleted in the PH domain, corresponding to exon 3 of the Btk gene, also impaired IP4 binding capacity. In contrast, a gain-of-function mutant called Btk*, which carries a E41K mutation in the PH domain, binds IP6 with two times higher affinity than the wild type. Our data suggest that B cell differentiation is closely correlated with the IP4 binding capacity of the PH domain of Btk.

Changes in the levels of glycerophosphoinositols during differentiation of hepatic and neuronal cells

Glycerophosphoinositols are metabolites formed by a phosholipase A2 and a lysolipase specifically acting on membrane phosphoinositol lipids. High levels of these compounds characterize epithelial cells and fibroblasts transformed by ras and other cellular oncogenes. Here we have analyzed the glycerophosphoinositol levels in cells that are considered models of cell differentiation. Using rat hepatocytes at different stages of liver development we have shown that the glycerophosphoinositol basal levels of fetal cells were up to fourfold higher than in adult hepatocytes. No changes in glycerophosphoinositol were observed in regenerating rat liver, a model of differentiated cells proliferating in a synchronous manner, where only glycerophosphoinositol 4-phosphate increased by 80%. Similarly to fetal hepatocytes, a modest but significant increase (30%) in the levels of glycerophosphoinositols was observed in undifferentiated NG-108-15 cells as compared to the same cells induced to differentiate by cAMP. In a different neuronal cell line, PC12 cells, increased glycerophosphoinositol levels characterized the differentiated cells. Based on these observations we suggest that high glycerophosphoinositol levels characterize cellular phenomena associated with the activation of ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways.

Down-regulation but not phosphorylation of stathmin is associated with induction of HL60 cell growth arrest and differentiation by physiological agents

Stathmin is a cytosolic phosphoprotein that has an important but, as yet, undefined role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Induction of growth arrest and differentiation of HL60 cells to monocytes by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate is associated with rapid phosphorylation of the protein. Stathmin phosphorylation was not seen when HL60 cells were induced to differentiate to monocytes, by 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and to neutrophils, by all-trans retinoic acid and granulocyte colony stimulating factor. In all the above instances, stathmin expression was down-regulated. Thus, increased stathmin phosphorylation is not required for cell growth arrest or differentiation or down-regulation of stathmin expression.

Inositol 1,2,3-trisphosphate and inositol 1,2- and/or 2,3-bisphosphate are normal constituents of mammalian cells

1. An inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) distinct from Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4)P3, which we previously observed in myeloid and lymphoid cells [French, Bunce, Stephens, Lord, McConnell, Brown, Creba and Michell (1991) Proc R. Soc. London B 245, 193-201; Bunce, French, Allen, Mountford, Moore, Greaves, Michell and Brown (1993) Biochem. J. 289, 667-673], is present in WRK1 rat mammary tumour cells and pancreatic endocrine beta-cells. 2. It has been identified as Ins(1,2,3)P3 by a combination of oxidation to ribitol, a structurally diagnostic polyol, and ammoniacal hydrolysis to identified inositol monophosphates. 3. Ins(1,2,3)P3 concentration in HL60 cells changed little during stimulation by ATP or fMetLeuPhe or during neutrophilic or monocytic differentiation, and Ins(1,2,3)P3 was unresponsive to vasopressin in WRK1 cells. 4. Ins(1,2,3)P3 was usually more abundant than Ins(1,4,5)P3, often being present at concentrations between approximately 1 microM and approximately 10 microM. 5. HL60, WRK-1 and lymphoid cells also contain Ins(1,2)P2 or Ins(2,3)P2, or a mixture of these two enantiomers, as a major InsP2 species. 6. Ins(1,2,3)P3 and Ins(1,2)P2/Ins(2,3)P2 are readily detected in cells labelled for long periods, but not in acutely labelled cells. This behaviour resembles that of InsP6, the most abundant cellular inositol polyphosphate that includes the 1,2,3-trisphosphate motif, which also achieves isotopic equilibrium with inositol only slowly. 7. Ins(1,2,3)P3 is the major InsP3 that accumulates during metabolism of InsP6 by WRK-1 cell homogenates. 8. Possible metabolic relationships between Ins(1,2,3)P3, Ins(1,2)P2/Ins(2,3)P2 and other inositol polyphosphates in cells, and a possible role for Ins(1,2,3)P3 in cellular iron handling, are considered.

The intracellular distribution of inositol polyphosphates in HL60 promyeloid cells

1. HL60 promyeloid cells contain high intracellular concentrations of inositol polyphosphates, notably inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate (InsP5) and inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6). To determine their intracellular location(s), we studied the release of inositol (poly)phosphates, of ATP, and of cytosolic and granule-enclosed enzymes from cells permeabilized by four different methods. 2. When cells were treated with digitonin, all of the inositol phosphates were released in parallel with the cytosolic constituents. Most of the InsP5 and InsP6 was released before significant permeabilization of azurophil granules. 3. Similar results were obtained from cells preloaded with ethylene glycol and permeabilized by osmotic lysis. 4. Electroporation at approximately 500 V/cm caused rapid release of free inositol. Higher field strengths provoked release of most of the ATP, InsP5 and InsP6, but only slight release of the intracellular enzymes. Multiple discharges released approximately 80-90% of total InsP5 and InsP6. In the absence of bivalent-cation chelators, InsP5 and InsP6 were released less readily than ATP. 5. Treatment of cells with Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin caused quantitative release of inositol and ATP, without release of intracellular enzymes. However, inositol phosphates were released much less readily than inositol or ATP. Even after prolonged incubation with a high concentration of alpha-toxin, only approximately 50-70% of InsP2, InsP3 and InsP4 and < or = 20% of InsP5 and InsP6 were released, indicating that the high charge or large hydrated radius of InsP5 and InsP6 might limit their release through small toxin-induced pores. 6. These results indicate that most intracellular inositol metabolites are either in, or in rapid exchange with, the cytosolic compartment of HL60 cells. However, they leave open the possibility that a small proportion of cellular InsP5 and InsP6 (< or = 10-20%) might be in some intracellular bound form.