Aromatic trivalent arsenicals: covalent yet reversible reagents for the agonist binding site of nicotinic receptors

Identification of arsenic-binding proteins in human breast cancer cells

As a cancer chemotherapeutic drug, arsenic acts on numerous intracellular signal transduction pathways in cancer cells. However, its mechanism of actions is still not fully understood. Previous studies suggest that arsenic reacts with closely spaced cysteine (Cys) residues of proteins with high Cys content and accessible sulfhydryl (SH) groups. In this study, human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was examined as a cellular model to explore arsenic-binding proteins and the mechanism of binding. An arsenic-biotin conjugate was synthesized by coupling the pentafluorophenol ester of biotin with p-aminophenylarsenoxide. Arsenic-binding proteins were eluted with streptavidin resin from arsenic-biotin treated MCF-7 cells, separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and identified by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Arsenic-binding properties of two of these proteins, beta-tubulin and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), were studied further in vitro and the biological consequences of this binding was evaluated. Binding assay with Western blotting confirmed binding of beta-tubulin and PKM2 by arsenic in a concentration-dependent manner. Arsenic binding inhibited tubulin polymerization, but surprisingly had no effect on PKM2 activity. Molecular modeling showed that binding of Cys(12) alone or vicinal Cys residues (Cys(12) and Cys(213)) of beta-tubulin by arsenic blocked the active site for access of GTP, which is necessary for tubulin polymerization. On the contrary, all Cys residues of PKM2 were far away from the active site of the enzyme. In summary, this study confirmed beta-tubulin and PKM2 as arsenic-binding proteins in MCF-7 cells. Functional consequence of such binding may depend on whether arsenic binding causes conformational changes or blocks active sites of target proteins.

The Outer Pore of the Glutamate Receptor Channel Has 2-Fold Rotational Symmetry

The ligand binding domain of glutamate receptors (GluRs) has 2-fold rotational symmetry. The structure including the symmetry of the GluR ion channel remains undefined. Here we used substituted cysteines in the pore-lining M3 segment of the AMPAR GluR-A subunit and various cysteine-reactive agents to study the structure of the channel during gating. We find that cysteines substituted at A+6, located in the highly conserved SYTANLAAF motif, are grouped in pairs consistent with a 2-fold symmetry in the extracellular part of the pore. To account for this symmetry and crosslinking, we propose that the M3 segments in two neighboring GluR subunits are kinked within SYTANLAAF in opposite directions relative to the central axis of the pore. Our results extend the 2-fold rotational symmetry from the ligand binding domain to at minimum the extracellular part of the channel and suggest a model of gating movements in GluR pore-forming domains.

Antisense inhibition of neuronal nicotinic receptors in the tobacco-feeding insect, Manduca sexta

Acetylcholine is the predominant excitatory transmitter in the insect central nervous system with many of its effects mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These receptors are present at very high density and are structurally heterogeneous, although little is known about functional distinctions between them. An interesting system for examining these receptors is the larval stage of Manduca sexta, a nicotine-resistant tobacco-feeding insect. The nicotinic responses of cultured neurons were found to be blocked by mecamylamine and curare but highly resistant to alpha-bungarotoxin. The responses were also unaffected by the reducing agent dithiothreitol and the alkylating agent bromoacetylcholine suggesting that the alpha-subunit dicysteine agonist binding site is protected. To begin determining the functional roles of different subunits in these receptors, cultured neurons were treated with oligonucleotides based on the gene sequence of the alpha subunit, MARA1. Antisense DNA caused a significant downward shift in the amplitude distribution of nicotinic responses compared to sense or reverse antisense treatments. These treatments did not affect currents mediated by the application of GABA. The reduction in the nicotinic depolarization and inward currents did not affect the rate of current onset or recovery, suggesting that antisense MARA1 causes a partial block of all nicotinic responses in these neurons. These results demonstrate that receptor gene expression in insect neurons can be manipulated in a sequence-specific manner by antisense treatment and they provide evidence that MARA1 is important for normal nicotinic responses in Manduca.

Staggering of subunits in NMDAR channels

Functional N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are heteromultimers formed by NR1 and NR2 subunits. The M3 segment, as contributed by NR1, forms the core of the extracellular vestibule, including binding sites for channel blockers, and represents a critical molecular link between ligand binding and channel opening. Taking advantage of the substituted cysteine accessibility method along with channel block and multivalent coordination, we studied the contribution of the M3 segment in NR2C to the extracellular vestibule. We find that the M3 segment in NR2C, like that in NR1, contributes to the core of the extracellular vestibule. However, the M3 segments from the two subunits are staggered relative to each other in the vertical axis of the channel. Compared to NR1, homologous positions in NR2C, including those in the highly conserved SYTANLAAF motif, are located about four amino acids more externally. The staggering of subunits may represent a key structural feature underlying the distinct functional properties of NMDARs.

Effects of P-Aminophenyl Dichloroarsine on Reduced High-affinity [3H]Nicotine Binding Sites from Chick Brain: A Covalent, Yet Reversible, Agent for Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) alpha-subunits contain a conserved disulphide that is essential for function. Here, we have examined the effects of sulphydryl redox reagents on [3H]nicotine binding to chick brain nAChR immunoisolated with the monoclonal antibody mAb35. The disulphide reducing agent, dithiothreitol (DTT), inhibited [3H]nicotine binding [50% inhibitory concentration (IC50)=146 microM] but this effect was reversed (93 +/- 1.5%) by subsequent reoxidation with 1 mM dithio-bis(nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB). The trivalent arsenical, p-aminophenyl dichloroarsine (APA), which reacts with pairs of spatially close sulphydryls, was a potent inhibitor of reoxidation by DTNB (IC50=35 nM). However, application of the 'anti-arsenical', 2,3-dimercaptopropane sulphonic acid (DMPS), restored agonist binding after APA treatment (50% effective concentration=120 microM). Paradoxically, DMPS was also found to be a potent oxidizing agent of these receptors. Affinity alkylation of reduced nAChRs with bromoacetylcholine (BAC; 100 microM) irreversibly blocked nicotine binding (>90%). We propose (but have not proven) that APA interacts with the cysteines homologous to Cys192 - 193 in Torpedo AChRs, since APA pretreatment of reduced neuronal receptors protected against irreversible BAC alkylation, as shown by subsequent reversal of DMPS (2 mM; 20 min). This study illustrates the potent and reversible nature of the arsenical's covalent interaction with an isolated nAChR and suggests that modified arsenicals could be useful nAChR probes.

Gated access to the pore of a voltage-dependent K+ channel

Voltage-activated K+ channels are integral membrane proteins that open or close a K(+)-selective pore in response to changes in transmembrane voltage. Although the S4 region of these channels has been implicated as the voltage sensor, little is known about how opening and closing of the pore is accomplished. We explored the gating process by introducing cysteines at various positions thought to lie in or near the pore of the Shaker K+ channel, and by testing their ability to be chemically modified. We found a series of positions in the S6 transmembrane region that react rapidly with water-soluble thiol reagents in the open state but not the closed state. An open-channel blocker can protect several of these cysteines, showing that they lie in the ion-conducting pore. At two of these sites, Cd2+ ions bind to the cysteines without affecting the energetics of gating; at a third site, Cd2+ binding holds the channel open. The results suggest that these channels open and close by the movement of an intracellular gate, distinct from the selectivity filter, that regulates access to the pore.

Inhibition by ajoene of protein tyrosine phosphatase activity in human platelets

The effects of ajoene (a potent antithrombotic agent obtained from garlic) on the tyrosine phosphorylation status of human platelet proteins were investigated by immunoblotting-based experiments using an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody. Incubation of platelets with ajoene enhanced the phosphorylation of at least four proteins (estimated MWs 76, 80, 84 and 120 kDa), both in resting platelets and in platelets subsequently stimulated with thrombin (0.1 U/ml). This effect was both dose- and incubation-time-dependent. High concentrations of ajoene (50 microM) or long periods of incubation (10 min) led to nonselective 'hyperphosphorylation' of numerous proteins. The effects of ajoene on protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity in platelet lysates were also investigated, PTP activity was inhibited when platelets were incubated with ajoene before lysis, but not when ajoene was added to lysates of platelets which had not been pre-exposed to ajoene.

Dynamic rearrangement of the outer mouth of a K+ channel during gating

With prolonged stimulation, voltage-activated K+ channels close by a gating process called inactivation. This inactivation gating can occur by two distinct molecular mechanisms: N-type, in which a tethered particle blocks the intracellular mouth of the pore, and C-type, which involves a closure of the external mouth. The functional motion involved in C-type inactivation was studied by introducing cysteine residues at the outer mouth of Shaker K+ channels through mutagenesis, and by measuring state-dependent changes in accessibility to chemical modification. Modification of three adjacent residues in the outer mouth was 130-10,000-fold faster in the C-type inactivated state than in the closed state. At one position, state-dependent bridging or crosslinking between subunits was also possible. These results give a consistent picture in which C-type inactivation promotes a local rearrangement and constriction of the channel at the outer mouth.

Site-directed disulfide reduction using an affinity reagent: application on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

The aim of this study was to present a new concept of site-directed reduction of disulfide bonds based upon the use of an affinity ligand harbouring a readily oxidizable dithiol. The cysteine bond involved in the acetylcholine binding site of the AChoR was specifically reduced by a carbamylcholine analogue. The ligand, in its oxidized form, was characterized by an affinity constant of 20 microM for the agonist binding site. In its dithiol form, it specifically reduced the disulfide between Cys-192 and Cys-193 on the alpha-subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. This reduction needed 10 times lower concentration when carried out with site-directed reducing agent (ARA) than with DTT, and was highly specific for the alpha-subunits. The contribution of the carbamylcholine moiety of the site-directed reducing agent was clearly demonstrated in kinetic studies where reduction abilities of ARA, DTT and the methylated analogue of ARA (MeRA) were compared. At the same concentration (20 microM), DTT and MeRA had a 25 times lower initial rate of reduction than ARA. With 200 microM of DTT this initial reduction was still 4 times lower. Furthermore, the use of a maleimido undecagold cluster which specifically labeled the reduced nicotinic receptor opens the way to structural analysis of the agonist binding site by electron microscopy. These results demonstrate the potency of this kind of site-directed reducing agent for structural study of receptors or enzymes involving a disulfide bond in their active site.

Platelet shape change and Ca2+ mobilization induced by collagen, but not thrombin or ADP, are inhibited by phenylarsine oxide

In this report we have examined the effects of the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor phenylarsine oxide (PAO) on receptor-mediated platelet shape change, secretion and aggregation. PAO was found to inhibit platelet aggregation induced by collagen, thrombin, ADP and epinephrine at IC50 values of 0.35 mumol/l, 2.5 mumol/l, 0.2 mumol/l and 0.3 mumol/l, respectively. Agonist-induced secretion of ATP was inhibited at similar or lower concentrations of PAO. The specificity of the interaction of PAO with platelet proteins was demonstrated by the ability of the disulfhydryl compound 2,3-dimercaptopropanol, which abstracts PAO from proteins to form a stable cyclic adduct, to reverse PAO inhibition of both agonist-induced platelet secretion and aggregation. Dimercaptopropanesulphonic acid, a membrane-impermeable analogue of dimercaptopropanol, did not reverse inhibition of collagen-induced shape change or aggregation by PAO, thereby demonstrating that PAO acted intracellularly. PAO inhibited collagen-induced shape change and internal Ca2+ mobilization but had no effect on these two phenomena when induced by thrombin or ADP. PAO was also unable to prevent arachidonic acid-induced shape change, indicating that PAO acts at a site prior to the phospholipase A2-mediated release of arachidonic acid to inhibit collagen-induced shape change. PAO induced the accumulation of a number of phosphotyrosine-containing proteins and inhibited the collagen-induced phosphorylation of a 40 kD protein. The potency and agonist-specific effects of PAO on platelet activation suggest that this inhibitor will be of value in elucidation of signal transduction pathways involved in receptor-mediated platelet function.

Interaction of p-aminophenyldichloroarsine, an arsenical with specificity for vicinal cysteines, with [3H]cytisine binding sites in rat brain membranes

The arsenical compound p-aminophenyldichloroarsine (APA) is selective for spatially close thiols with which it forms a stable complex. The alpha subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are defined by the presence of a pair of adjacent cysteines close to the agonist binding site. Here the interaction of APA with [3H]cytisine binding sites, which correspond to the major subtype of nicotinic receptors in rat brain has been examined. Incubation of brain membranes with 10 microM APA abolished [3H]cytisine binding. The action of APA was dependent on prior reduction of sulphydryls with dithiothreitol. APA effects could not be reversed by oxidizing agents but could be reversed by the antiarsenical reagent 2,3-dimercapto-1-propane sulphonic acid. Under the conditions used, the concentration of APA producing a half-maximal decrease in binding was 130 nM. The loss of [3H]cytisine binding was due to a decrease in the number of binding sites (Bmax) with no effect on affinity for the radioligand (Kd). Nicotinic ligands failed to protect against the reduction and arsenylation of neuronal receptor sites. These observations are consistent with the potent interaction of APA with this neuronal nicotinic receptor.

Effects of redox reagents and arsenical compounds on [3H]-cytisine binding to immunoisolated nicotinic acetylcholine receptors from chick brain containing alpha 4 beta 2 subunits

All known nicotinic receptor alpha subunits include a conserved disulfide bond that is essential for function and is a site for labeling via biochemical modification. In an effort to develop a universal ligand for all subtypes of nicotinic receptors, we previously studied the effects of arsenylation with two compounds, p-aminophenyldichloroarsine (APA) and bromoacetyl-p-aminophenylarsenoxide (BAPA) on nicotinic receptors from Torpedo electroplax. Here we apply these reagents to immunoisolated receptors containing alpha 4, beta 2, and possibly other subunits from chick brain that bind [3H]cytisine with high affinity (KD approximately 5 nM). These are distinct from another receptor subtype that also binds [3H]cytisine and [3H]nicotine and can be arsenylated with APA, but instead contains alpha 5, beta 2, and probably other subunits. Reduction of alpha 4 beta 2 receptors with dithiothreitol blocked [3H]cytisine binding and this effect was reversed upon reoxidation by dithiobisnitrobenzoic acid. APA or BAPA prevented the dithiobisnitrobenzoic acid reactivation of dithiothreitol-treated receptors with IC50 values of 15 and 70 nM, respectively. However, the antiarsenical dimercaptopropanesulfonic acid restored function to APA- or BAPA- "arsenylated" receptors (EC50 approximately 100 microM). APA-treated receptors remained blocked for up to 24 h, but treatment with dimercaptopropanesulfonic acid at any time restored [3H]cytisine binding. APA treatment of reduced receptors protected against irreversible alkylation by bromoacetylcholine, indicating that arsenylation occurs at least in part in the agonist binding site. Thus, these reagents have similar effects on different nicotinic receptor subtypes from both muscle and nerves.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)