Multiple proteins interact at a unique cis-element in the 3'-untranslated region of amyloid precursor protein mRNA

Role of APOC3 3238C/G, APOB 12669G/A and SCARB1 1050C/T polymorphisms, their expression in patients of HIV-associated lipodystrophy

Apolipoproteins and Scavenger Receptor Class B1 (SCARB1) proteins are involved in the etiology of HIV-associated lipodystrophy (HIVLD). APOC3 3238C/G, APOB 12669G/A and SCARB1 1050C/T polymorphisms were linked with increased level of APOB, TG, HDL-C and risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Hence, we evaluated the genetic variations of APOC3 3238C/G, APOB 12669G/A and SCARB1 1050C/T in 187 patients of HIV (64 with HIVLD, 123 without HIVLD) and 139 healthy controls using PCR-RFLP and expression by qPCR. The genotypes of SCARB1 1050 TT and APOB 12669AA showed a risk to severe HIVLD (P = 0.23, OR = 4.95; P = 0.16, OR = 2.02). The APOC3 3238 GG genotype was associated with a lesser risk of severe HIVLD (P = 0.07, OR = 0.22). The APOB 12669 GA genotype was associated with a greater risk of HIVLD severity in patients with impaired LDL, triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol levels (P = 0.34, OR = 4.13; P = 0.25, OR = 3.64; P = 0.26, OR = 5.47). Similarly, APOB 12669AA genotypes in the presence of impaired triglyceride levels displayed the susceptibility to severity of HIVLD (P = 0.77, OR = 2.91). APOB 12669 GA genotype along with impaired HDL and cholesterol levels indicated an increased risk for HIVLD acquisition among patients without HIVLD (P = 0.42, OR = 2.42; P = 0.26, OR = 2.27). In patients with and without HIVLD, APOC3 3238CG genotypes having impaired cholesterol and glucose levels had higher risk for severity and development of HIVLD (P = 0.13, OR = 2.84, P = 0.34, OR = 1.58; P = 0.71, OR = 1.86; P = 0.14, OR = 2.30). An increased expression of APOB and SCARB1 genes were observed in patients with HIVLD (+0.51 vs. -0.93; +4.78 vs. +3.29), and decreased expression of APOC3 gene was observed in patients with HIVLD (-0.35 vs. -1.65). In conclusion, the polymorphisms mentioned above were not associated with the modulation of HIVLD. However, in the presence of impaired triglyceride, HDL, cholesterol and glucose levels, APOB 12669AA and 12669 GA, APOC3 3238CG genotypes indicated a risk for the development and severity of HIVLD.

Role of APOC3 3238C/G polymorphism in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder

Apolipoprotein not only have a role in cholesterol metabolism but also play a role in normal brain function. Apolipoprotein gene polymorphisms are known risk factors for a number of mental and neurological disorders. The expression of brain apolipoproteins is significantly altered in several brain disorders. Therefore, we assed ApoC33238 C/G polymorphism in a total of 248 patient infected with HIV (45 with HAND, 89 without HAND, 114 without ART) and 134 healthy controls using PCR-RFLP. ApoC3 3238CG, 3238 GG genotypes and 3238G allele showed a non-significant increased risk for severity of HAND (P = 0.16, OR = 1.83; P = 0.32, OR = 2.78; P = 0.10, OR = 1.65) while comparing individuals with and without HAND. ApoC3 3238 GG genotype and 3238G allele revealed an increased risk for disease progression when compared between HIV patients with and without ART (P = 0.55, OR = 1.76; P = 0.65, OR = 1.12) though risk could not reach statistical significance. ApoC3 3238 GG genotype and 3238G allele were associated with the reduced risk of acquiring HIV infection when comparing HIV patients who are not on ART with healthy controls (P = 0.05, OR = 0.29; P = 0.04, OR = 0.66). In HIV patients on ART,ApoC3 3238 GG genotype showed an increased susceptibility to development of HAND (P = 0.48, OR = 2.24) when comparing alcohol drinkers and non-drinkers however risk could not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, the genotype ApoC33238GG displayed an inclination of risk for the severity of HAND and HIV disease progression. The polymorphism of APOC3 3238C/G may have a role to reduce the risk for acquisition of HIV infection. ApoC33238GG genotype in presence of alcohol may increase susceptibility to development of HAND.

Dysregulation of Neuronal Iron Homeostasis as an Alternative Unifying Effect of Mutations Causing Familial Alzheimer's Disease

The overwhelming majority of dominant mutations causing early onset familial Alzheimer’s disease (EOfAD) occur in only three genes, PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP. An effect-in-common of these mutations is alteration of production of the APP-derived peptide, amyloid β (Aβ). It is this key fact that underlies the authority of the Amyloid Hypothesis that has informed Alzheimer’s disease research for over two decades. Any challenge to this authority must offer an alternative explanation for the relationship between the PSEN genes and APP. In this paper, we explore one possible alternative relationship – the dysregulation of cellular iron homeostasis as a common effect of EOfAD mutations in these genes. This idea is attractive since it provides clear connections between EOfAD mutations and major characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease such as dysfunctional mitochondria, vascular risk factors/hypoxia, energy metabolism, and inflammation. We combine our ideas with observations by others to describe a “Stress Threshold Change of State” model of Alzheimer’s disease that may begin to explain the existence of both EOfAD and late onset sporadic (LOsAD) forms of the disease. Directing research to investigate the role of dysregulation of iron homeostasis in EOfAD may be a profitable way forward in our struggle to understand this form of dementia.

The regulation of AβPP expression by RNA-binding proteins

Amyloid β-protein precursor (AβPP) is cleaved by β- and γ-secretases to liberate amyloid beta (Aβ), the predominant protein found in the senile plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down syndrome (Masters et al., 1985). Intense investigation by the scientific community has centered on understanding the molecular pathways that underlie the production and accumulation of Aβ Therapeutics that reduce the levels of this tenacious, plaque-promoting peptide may reduce the ongoing neural dysfunction and neuronal degeneration that occurs so profoundly in AD. AβPP and Aβ production are highly complex and involve still to be elucidated combinations of transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational and post-translational events that mediate the production, processing and clearance of these proteins. Research in our laboratory for the past two decades has focused on the role of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in mediating the post-transcriptional as well as translational regulation of APP messenger RNA (mRNA). This review article summarizes our findings, as well as those from other laboratories, describing the identification of regulatory RBPs, where and under what conditions they interact with APP mRNA and how those interactions control AβPP and Aβ synthesis.

MicroRNA-153 physiologically inhibits expression of amyloid-β precursor protein in cultured human fetal brain cells and is dysregulated in a subset of Alzheimer disease patients

Regulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) precursor protein (APP) expression is complex. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are expected to participate in the molecular network that controls this process. The composition of this network is, however, still undefined. Elucidating the complement of miRNAs that regulate APP expression should reveal novel drug targets capable of modulating Aβ production in AD. Here, we investigated the contribution of miR-153 to this regulatory network. A miR-153 target site within the APP 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) was predicted by several bioinformatic algorithms. We found that miR-153 significantly reduced reporter expression when co-transfected with an APP 3'-UTR reporter construct. Mutation of the predicted miR-153 target site eliminated this reporter response. miR-153 delivery in both HeLa cells and primary human fetal brain cultures significantly reduced APP expression. Delivery of a miR-153 antisense inhibitor to human fetal brain cultures significantly elevated APP expression. miR-153 delivery also reduced expression of the APP paralog APLP2. High functional redundancy between APP and APLP2 suggests that miR-153 may target biological pathways in which they both function. Interestingly, in a subset of human AD brain specimens with moderate AD pathology, miR-153 levels were reduced. This same subset also exhibited elevated APP levels relative to control specimens. Therefore, endogenous miR-153 inhibits expression of APP in human neurons by specifically interacting with the APP 3'-UTR. This regulatory interaction may have relevance to AD etiology, where low miR-153 levels may drive increased APP expression in a subset of AD patients.

Advances in microRNA experimental approaches to study physiological regulation of gene products implicated in CNS disorders

The central nervous system (CNS) is a remarkably complex organ system, requiring an equally complex network of molecular pathways controlling the multitude of diverse, cellular activities. Gene expression is a critical node at which regulatory control of molecular networks is implemented. As such, elucidating the various mechanisms employed in the physiological regulation of gene expression in the CNS is important both for establishing a reference for comparison to the diseased state and for expanding the set of validated drug targets available for disease intervention. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant class of small RNA that mediates potent inhibitory effects on global gene expression. Recent advances have been made in methods employed to study the contribution of these miRNAs to gene expression. Here we review these latest advances and present a methodological workflow from the perspective of an investigator studying the physiological regulation of a gene of interest. We discuss methods for identifying putative miRNA target sites in a transcript of interest, strategies for validating predicted target sites, assays for detecting miRNA expression, and approaches for disrupting endogenous miRNA function. We consider both advantages and limitations, highlighting certain caveats that inform the suitability of a given method for a specific application. Through careful implementation of the appropriate methodologies discussed herein, we are optimistic that important discoveries related to miRNA participation in CNS physiology and dysfunction are on the horizon.

Increased secreted amyloid precursor protein-α (sAPPα) in severe autism: proposal of a specific, anabolic pathway and putative biomarker

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in verbal communication, social interactions, and the presence of repetitive, stereotyped and compulsive behaviors. Excessive early brain growth is found commonly in some patients and may contribute to disease phenotype. Reports of increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other neurotrophic-like factors in autistic neonates suggest that enhanced anabolic activity in CNS mediates this overgrowth effect. We have shown previously that in a subset of patients with severe autism and aggression, plasma levels of the secreted amyloid-β (Aβ) precursor protein-alpha form (sAPPα) were significantly elevated relative to controls and patients with mild-to-moderate autism. Here we further tested the hypothesis that levels of sAPPα and sAPPβ (proteolytic cleavage products of APP by α- and β-secretase, respectively) are deranged in autism and may contribute to an anabolic environment leading to brain overgrowth. We measured plasma levels of sAPPα, sAPPβ, Aβ peptides and BDNF by corresponding ELISA in a well characterized set of subjects. We included for analysis 18 control, 6 mild-to-moderate, and 15 severely autistic patient plasma samples. We have observed that sAPPα levels are increased and BDNF levels decreased in the plasma of patients with severe autism as compared to controls. Further, we show that Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and sAPPβ levels are significantly decreased in the plasma of patients with severe autism. These findings do not extend to patients with mild-to-moderate autism, providing a biochemical correlate of phenotypic severity. Taken together, this study provides evidence that sAPPα levels are generally elevated in severe autism and suggests that these patients may have aberrant non-amyloidogenic processing of APP.

Rck/p54 interacts with APP mRNA as part of a multi-protein complex and enhances APP mRNA and protein expression in neuronal cell lines

Overproduction of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and beta-amyloid likely contribute to neurodegeneration seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD). APP mRNA contains several, 3'-untranslated region (UTR), cis-acting regulatory elements. A 52 base element (52sce), immediately downstream from the stop codon, has been previously shown to complex with uncharacterized cytoplasmic proteins. In this study, we purify and identify six proteins that specifically bind to the 52sce, and show that these proteins interact with each other and with APP mRNA in intact human neuroblastoma cells. We also present evidence that at least one of these proteins, the DEAD-box helicase rck/p54, is involved in post-transcriptional regulation, as its overexpression in cultured cells results in elevated levels of APP mRNA and protein. These findings suggest a novel mechanism for post-transcriptional regulation of APP mRNA.

RNA–protein interactions and control of mRNA stability in neurons

In addition to transcription, posttranscriptional mechanisms play a vital role in the control of gene expression. There are multiple levels of posttranscriptional regulation, including mRNA processing, splicing, editing, transport, stability, and translation. Among these, mRNA stability is estimated to control about 5-10% of all human genes. The rate of mRNA decay is regulated by the interaction of cis-acting elements in the transcripts and sequence-specific RNA-binding proteins. One of the most studied cis-acting elements is the AU-rich element (ARE) present in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of several unstable mRNAs. These sequences are targets of many ARE-binding proteins; some of which induce degradation whereas others promote stabilization of the mRNA. Recently, these mechanisms were uncovered in neurons, where they have been associated with different physiological phenomena, from early development and nerve regeneration to learning and memory processes. In this Mini-Review, we briefly discuss the general mechanisms of control of mRNA turnover and present evidence supporting the importance of these mechanisms in the expression of an increasing number of neuronal genes.

Decoy mRNAs reduce beta-amyloid precursor protein mRNA in neuronal cells

Overproduction of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and beta-amyloid likely contribute to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In an effort to understand neuronal APP gene regulation, we identified a 52 base element (52sce) immediately downstream from the stop codon that stabilizes APP mRNA. Deletion of this domain drastically destabilized APP mRNAs and reduced APP synthesis in vitro. Chimeric globin-APP mRNAs containing the globin coding sequence fused to the entire APP 3'-UTR, showed regulation similar to full-length APP mRNA. A variety of cytoplasmic lysates contain 52sce RNA binding activity, suggesting cis-trans interactions regulate the element's functionality. Finally, the overexpression of chimeric mRNAs, containing the GFP coding sequence and APP 3'-UTR, dramatically reduced endogenous APP steady-state levels in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and suggests a novel approach to reduce the amyloid burden in AD patients.

A nucleolin-binding 3' untranslated region element stabilizes beta-globin mRNA in vivo

The normal expression of human beta globin is critically dependent upon the constitutively high stability of its encoding mRNA. Unlike with alpha-globin mRNA, the specific cis-acting determinants and trans-acting factors that participate in stabilizing beta-globin mRNA are poorly described. The current work uses a linker-scanning strategy to identify a previously unknown determinant of mRNA stability within the beta-globin 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). The new determinant is positioned on an mRNA half-stem opposite a pyrimidine-rich sequence targeted by alphaCP/hnRNP-E, a factor that plays a critical role in stabilizing human alpha-globin mRNA. Mutations within the new determinant destabilize beta-globin mRNA in intact cells while also ablating its 3'UTR-specific interaction with the polyfunctional RNA-binding factor nucleolin. We speculate that 3'UTR-bound nucleolin enhances mRNA stability by optimizing alphaCP access to its functional binding site. This model is favored by in vitro evidence that alphaCP binding is enhanced both by cis-acting stem-destabilizing mutations and by the trans-acting effects of supplemental nucleolin. These studies suggest a mechanism for beta-globin mRNA stability that is related to, but distinct from, the mechanism that stabilizes human alpha-globin mRNA.

APOC3/A5 haplotypes, lipid levels, and risk of myocardial infarction in the Central Valley of Costa Rica

Genetic variation in the APOC3 and APOA5 genes has been associated with plasma triglyceride concentrations and may affect the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). To assess whether APOC3/A5 haplotypes are associated with risk of MI, we examined three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in APOC3 (3238C>G, -455T>C, and -482C>T) and six SNPs in the APOA5 gene (-1131T>C, c.-3A>G, c.56C>G, IVS3+476G>A, c.553G>T, and c.1259T>C) in incident cases (n = 1,703) of a first nonfatal MI matched for gender, age, and area of residence with population-based controls (n = 1,703). Conditional logistic regression models, adjusted for potential environmental confounders, were used for analysis. The common APOC3*222 haplotype was more frequent in cases than in controls (17.4% and 13.7%, respectively, P < 0.001) and was associated with increased risk of MI [odds ratio (OR) = 1.27; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.09, 1.48] compared with APOC3*111 wild-type haplotype. This association was independent of the APOA5 SNPs. Although the APOC3 3238G, APOA5 -1131C, APOA5 c.-3G, and APOA5 c.1259C alleles were associated with higher triglyceride plasma concentrations, these effects could not explain the associations with MI in this population. In summary, this study supports the hypothesis that haplotypes in the APOC3 gene but not in the APOA5 gene increase susceptibility to MI.

Characterization of two APP gene promoter polymorphisms that appear to influence risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by formation of plaques of amyloid beta peptide (Abeta). Autosomally-inherited or "familial" AD had been demonstrated only in connection with coding sequence mutations. We characterized DNA-protein interaction and expression influence of two polymorphisms that occur in the promoter (C<-->T at -3829 and T<-->C at -1023, +1 transcription start site) of the Abeta precursor protein (APP) gene. We report distinct functional differences in reporter expression and in DNA-protein interaction for variant sequences in both -3829 and -1023 polymorphic regions. The -3829T variant has reduced DNA-protein interaction and reporter expression compared to -3829C, while -1023C has greater DNA-protein interaction and reporter expression than -1023T. Our predictions for likely transcription factors for loss of function (-3829T) are ADR1, MIG1, and PuF, and for gain of function (-1023C) are E12/E47, ITF-2, and RFX2. Characterization of the activity of a regulatory polymorphism of the APP gene points towards understanding mechanisms that likely underlie the majority of AD cases and may contribute to promoter-based drug design.

Fluctuations of intracellular iron modulate elastin production

Production of insoluble elastin, the major component of elastic fibers, can be modulated by numerous intrinsic and exogenous factors. Because patients with hemolytic disorders characterized with fluctuations in iron concentration demonstrate defective elastic fibers, we speculated that iron might also modulate elastogenesis. In the present report we demonstrate that treatment of cultured human skin fibroblasts with low concentration of iron 2-20 microm (ferric ammonium citrate) induced a significant increase in the synthesis of tropoelastin and deposition of insoluble elastin. Northern blot and real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis revealed that treatment with 20 microm iron led to an increase of approximately 3-fold in elastin mRNA levels. Because treatment with an intracellular iron chelator, desferrioxamine, caused a significant decrease in elastin mRNA level and consequent inhibition of elastin deposition, we conclude that iron facilitates elastin gene expression. Our experimental evidence also demonstrates the existence of an opposite effect, in which higher, but not cytotoxic concentrations of iron (100-400 microm) induced the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species that coincided with a significant decrease in elastin message stability and the disappearance of iron-dependent stimulatory effect on elastogenesis. This stimulatory elastogenic effect was reversed, however, in cultures simultaneously treated with high iron concentration (200 microm) and the intracellular hydroxyl radical scavenger, dimethylthiourea. Thus, presented data, for the first time, demonstrate the existence of two opposite iron-dependent mechanisms that may affect the steady state of elastin message. We speculate that extreme fluctuations in intracellular iron levels result in impaired elastic fiber production as observed in hemolytic diseases.

Regulation of mRNA stability in the nervous system and beyond

The ability to control gene expression is central to normal development and function. For a growing number of genes in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, expression is determined by changes in the rate of mRNA decay. At a molecular level, regulated interactions between the mRNA target and sequence-specific binding proteins either inhibit or accelerate decay, affording tight control over gene expression. This review discusses several examples of such posttranscriptional gene regulation.

Extracellular-regulated kinase controls beta-amyloid precursor protein mRNA decay

The precise signaling pathways which contribute to amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene expression remain incompletely characterized. We evaluated the role of protein kinases, calcium and phospholipase C (PLC) in modulating APP mRNA levels. There was a rapid 35-40% reduction in the steady state level of APP mRNA upon stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), A23187 or ionomycin. However the protein kinase C (PKC), protein kinase A (PKA) or PLC pathways did not mediate these changes in APP mRNA levels. Rather, PMA or ionophore caused a rapid activation of extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK). This effect was independent of PKC and sensitive to U0126. After 4 h of PMA treatment, the remaining APP mRNA became indefinitely stable. We propose a model for the biphasic decay of APP mRNA in which ERK activation by PMA causes sequential upregulation of two APP mRNA binding proteins, nucleolin and hnRNP C. We attribute the initial rapid loss of APP mRNA to the helicase activity associated with nucleolin and later stabilization to hnRNP C binding to the 29 base instability element in the 3'-UTR of APP mRNA.

The functions of the amyloid precursor protein gene

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene and its protein products have multiple functions in the central nervous system and fulfil criteria as neuractive peptides: presence, release and identity of action. There is increased understanding of the role of secretases (proteases) in the metabolism of APP and the production of its peptide fragments. The APP gene and its products have physiological roles in synaptic action, development of the brain, and in the response to stress and injury. These functions reveal the strategic importance of APP in the workings of the brain and point to its evolutionary significance.

Self-Cleaving-Ribozyme-Mediated Reduction of βAPP in Human Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells

A self-cleaving hammerhead ribozyme targeted to codon 47 in beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) mRNA was cloned as a eucaryotic transcription cassette into the 3' UTR of enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) mRNA, producing a C-terminal fusion mRNA. CMV promotor-driven vectors bearing this construct or a mutationally inactive ribozyme construct were transiently transfected into human embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma (A-204) cells and their effects studied. Ribozyme self-cleavage in vivo was demonstrated by Northern blotting and the site of self-cleavage was delineated using site-specific deoxyoligonucleotide probes and primer extension arrest. Using this ribozyme reporter we demonstrated that ribozyme expression correlated with lower betaAPP levels in the transfected cells. Control studies with the inactive ribozyme construct showed that both ribozyme cleavage and antisense mechanisms combined to produce the observed effect. Furthermore, production of truncated EGFP mRNA via ribozyme self-cleavage reduced EGFP-reporter expression compared to full-length EGFP control mRNAs, indicating that truncation affects the translatability of the reporter. This occurred because of a slight decrease in the stability of the fusion mRNA. The results of these studies suggest that self-cleaving ribozyme vectors may be an effective means of delivering and visualizing the expression of small active ribozymes in vivo.

Up-regulation of nucleolin mRNA and protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by extracellular-regulated kinase

The signal transduction pathways regulating nucleolin mRNA and protein production have yet to be elucidated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate showed steady state levels of nucleolin mRNA that were 2-2.5-fold greater than untreated control cells. The up-regulation of nucleolin mRNA was substantially repressed by U0126, a specific inhibitor that blocks phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK). Calcium ionophores and ionomycin also activated ERK and substantially elevated nucleolin mRNA levels, demonstrating phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium signaling converge on ERK. Drugs that affected protein kinase C, protein kinase A, and phospholipase C signal transduction pathways did not alter nucleolin mRNA levels significantly. The half-life of nucleolin mRNA increased from 1.8 h in resting cells to 3.2 h with phorbol ester activation, suggesting ERK-mediated posttranscriptional regulation. Concomitantly, full-length nucleolin protein was increased. The higher levels of nucleolin protein were accompanied by increased binding of a 70-kDa nucleolin fragment to the 29-base instability element in the 3'-untranslated region of amyloid precursor protein (APP) mRNA in gel mobility shift assays. Supplementation of rabbit reticulocyte lysate with nucleolin decreased APP mRNA stability and protein production. These data suggest ERK up-regulates nucleolin posttranscriptionally thereby controlling APP production.

In vivo ribozyme targeting of betaAPP+ mRNAs

In Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down's syndrome (DS) patients, posttranscriptional alterations of sequences encoded by exon 9 and exon 10 of the beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) mRNA result in mutant proteins (betaAPP+) that colocalize with neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques. These aberrant messages may contribute to the development of sporadic or late-onset Alzheimer's disease; thus, eliminating them or attenuating their expression could significantly benefit AD patients. In the present work, self-cleaving hammerhead ribozymes targeted to betaAPP exon 9 (Rz9) and betaAPP+ mutant exon 10 (Rz10) were examined for their ability to distinguish between betaAPP and betaAPP+ mRNA. In transiently transfected A-204 cells, quantitative confocal fluorescence microscopy showed that Rz9 preferentially lowered endogenous betaAPP. In contrast, in transient cotransfection experiments with betaAPP+ mRNAs containing a wild-type exon 9 and mutant exon 10 (betaAPP-9/betaAPP-10+1), or a mutant exon 9 and wild-type exon 10 (betaAPP-9+1/betaAPP-10) we found that Rz9 and Rz10 preferentially reduced betaAPP+ -mutant exon 10 mRNA in a concentration and a ribozyme-dependent manner.

Nucleolin and YB-1 are required for JNK-mediated interleukin-2 mRNA stabilization during T-cell activation

Regulated mRNA turnover is a highly important process, but its mechanism is poorly understood. Using interleukin-2 (IL-2) mRNA as a model, we described a role for the JNK-signaling pathway in stabilization of IL-2 mRNA during T-cell activation, acting via a JNK response element (JRE) in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR). We have now identified two major RNA-binding proteins, nucleolin and YB-1, that specifically bind to the JRE. Binding of both proteins is required for IL-2 mRNA stabilization induced by T-cell activation signals and for JNK-induced stabilization in a cell-free system that duplicates essential features of regulated mRNA decay. Nucleolin and YB-1 are required for formation of an IL-2 mRNP complex that responds to specific mRNA stabilizing signals.

Post-transcriptional regulation of H-ferritin mRNA. Identification of a pyrimidine-rich sequence in the 3'-untranslated region associated with message stability in human monocytic THP-1 cells

We have previously demonstrated that phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) up-regulates H-ferritin gene expression in myeloid cells by stabilization of its message. In the present report, we showed that insertion of the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of H-ferritin mRNA at the 3'-end of luciferase coding sequence significantly reduced the stability of luciferase mRNA in human monocytic THP-1 cells. However, the half-life of the chimeric transcript was markedly prolonged after PMA treatment. A cytosolic protein factor from THP-1 cells was found to specifically bind to H-ferritin 3'-UTR. PMA treatment of THP-1 cells resulted in the reduction of the RNA binding activity in a time-dependent manner. Deletion analysis and RNase T1 mapping revealed a pyrimidine-rich sequence within the 3'-UTR which interacts with the protein factor. Competition experiments with homoribopolymers further demonstrated the importance of uridines for the binding activity. Point mutations in uridines of the pyrimidine-rich sequence reduced the protein binding to 3'-UTR, while increasing the stability of the chimeric luciferase transcript. Together, these results demonstrate that the pyrimidine-rich sequence in the 3'-UTR is involved in post-transcriptional regulation of H-ferritin gene expression in myeloid cells.

TGF-beta(1), regulation of alzheimer amyloid precursor protein mRNA expression in a normal human astrocyte cell line: mRNA stabilization

The transforming growth factor, TGF-beta(1), has been found to be increased in the central nervous system of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, elevates amyloid precursor protein (APP) mRNA levels in rat primary astrocytes, and may initiate or promote the deposition of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide in AD. Excess APP production in AD, which potentially leads to amyloidogenesis, is in part due to over expression of APP mRNA. The production of APP in a normal human cell line in contrast to transformed or animal cells provides a meaningful model to study the regulation of APP gene expression by cytokines that promotes amyloidogenesis. Here, we report that TGF-beta(1) treatment of human astrocytes markedly elevated APP mRNA levels, and also increased the half-life of APP message by at least five-fold. Under this condition, as detected by mobility shift and UV cross-linking analysis, a novel 68 kDa RNA-protein complex was formed, involving an 81 nucleotide (nt) fragment within the 3'-untranslated region (UTR), but not the 5'-UTR and coding region of APP mRNA. Insertion of the 3'-UTR onto the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) mRNA conferred TGF-beta(1) mediated mRNA stability in transfected human astrocytes. On the other hand, the same insert carrying a deletion of the APP mRNA cis-element fragment had no effect on CAT mRNA stability. A model of APP mRNA regulation is presented in which TGF-beta(1) induced stabilization of APP message involves the binding activity of a 68 kDa RNA-protein complex within the 3'-UTR, which is likely linked to a reduction in the rate of APP mRNA decay.

Muscle-specific transcription factors in fibroblasts expressing the alpha-striated tropomyosin 3' untranslated region

The alpha-striated tropomyosin 3' untranslated region (TM UTR) promotes differentiation of fibroblasts into cells resembling skeletal muscle. To investigate the mechanism of this observation, RNA harvested from transfected primary fibroblasts was used for semiquantitative RT-PCR with primers specific for muscle transcription factors, showing that myoD and myogenin transcripts are detected in these cells, but that differentiation after TM UTR expression is independent of a detectable increase in these transcripts. Double immunofluorescent staining with antibodies to myoD family members and to titin confirms that muscle differentiation in TM UTR-transfected fibroblasts is independent of production of any transcription factor in this family. In contrast, the muscle transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2 (mef-2) is strongly expressed after transfection of fibroblasts with the TM UTR. The increase in mef-2 protein is due to an increase in the steady-state level of its mRNA, as shown by Northern analysis. The expression of p21 ordinarily observed in skeletal myogenesis before the expression of muscle-specific proteins is not seen in fibroblasts induced to differentiate by the TM UTR. These results demonstrate that post-transcriptional regulation of myoD family members is seen in fibroblasts, and that the TM UTR induces muscle differentiation independent of the myoD transcription factors and without expressing proteins characteristic of terminal withdrawal from the cell cycle. Finally, an increase in the steady-state level of mef-2 transcripts appears in the proximal pathway of myogenic activation in response to expression of the TM UTR. These results imply that fibroblasts can utilize an additional differentiation route upon TM UTR expression resulting in mature muscle other than that requiring myoD family members.

Identification of a large region of secondary structure in the 3'-untranslated region of chicken elastin mRNA with implications for the regulation of mRNA stability

Synthesis of aortic elastin peaks in the perinatal period and then is strongly down-regulated with postnatal vascular development. Our laboratory has previously shown that changes in elastin mRNA stability contribute to this developmental decrease in elastin production. Here we identify a large region of stable secondary structure in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of chicken elastin mRNA. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction or polymerase chain reaction amplification of the 3'-UTR consistently resulted in products with an approximately 328-bp deletion from the central region of the 3'-UTR, suggesting the presence of secondary structure. The presence of this structure was confirmed by probing the 3'-UTR with RNases with selectivity for single- or double-stranded RNA. Gel migration shift assays using cytosolic extracts from 2-day old chicken aorta demonstrate specific binding of a cytosolic protein to riboprobes containing the 3'-UTR of elastin but not to riboprobes either corresponding to other areas of the message or containing the 3'-UTR but lacking the region of secondary structure. Binding of cytosolic protein was particularly prominent in aortic extracts from 2-day old chickens, a time when elastin message is stable, as compared with 8- and 15-week old chickens, when the elastin message is relatively unstable, suggesting that this region of secondary structure may play a role in developmental regulation of stability of elastin mRNA.

cis-acting regulatory elements in the GAP-43 mRNA 3'-untranslated region can function in trans to suppress endogenous GAP-43 gene expression

The expression of the GAP-43 gene is controlled partly by changes in the stability of its mRNA, a process that is mediated by the interaction of specific sequences in the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) with neuronal-specific RNA-binding proteins. Limiting amounts of these trans-acting factors are available in the cell, thus we proposed that overexpression of the GAP-43 3'UTR could affect the levels of the endogenous mRNA via competitive binding to specific RNA-binding proteins. In this study, we show that chronic expression of GAP-43 3'UTR sequences in PC12 cells causes the depletion of the endogenous mRNA and consequent reduction of GAP-43 protein levels. The levels of the mRNAs for c-fos, the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the microtubule associated protein tau, all three containing similar 3'UTR sequences, were not affected by the treatment. These results thus suggest that the effect of excess GAP-43 3'UTR is specific for its corresponding mRNA. We also used an HSV (herpes simplex virus)-1 vector and a mammalian expression vector with an inducible promoter to acutely express a 10 to 50 fold excess of 3'UTR sequences. Under these conditions, we found that transient expression of the GAP-43 3'UTR was effective in inhibiting both GAP-43 gene expression and neurite outgrowth in nerve growth factor (NGF)-treated PC12 cells and in primary neuronal cultures. These results underscore the role of 3'UTR sequences in the control of GAP-43 gene expression and suggest that overexpression of specific 3'UTR sequences could be used as a potential tool for probing the function of other post-transcriptionally-regulated proteins during neuronal differentiation.

Cyclic nucleotide regulation of PAI-1 mRNA stability. Identification of cytosolic proteins that interact with an a-rich sequence

Incubation of HTC rat hepatoma cells with the cyclic nucleotide analogue 8-bromo-cAMP results in a 3-fold increase in the rate of degradation of type-1 plasminogen activator-inhibitor (PAI-1) mRNA. Previous studies utilizing HTC cells stably transfected with beta-globin:PAI-1 chimeric constructs demonstrated that at least two regions within the PAI-1 3'-untranslated region mediate the cyclic nucleotide-induced destabilization of PAI-1 mRNA; one of these regions is the 3'-most 134 nucleotides (nt) of the PAI-1 mRNA (Heaton, J. H., Tillmann-Bogush, M., Leff, N. S., and Gelehrter, T. D. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 14261-14268). In the present study, ultraviolet cross-linking analyses of this region demonstrate HTC cell cytosolic mRNA-binding proteins ranging from 38 to 76 kDa, with a major complex migrating at approximately 50 kDa. RNA electrophoretic mobility shift analyses demonstrate high molecular weight multiprotein complexes that specifically interact with the 134-nt cyclic nucleotide-responsive sequence. The 50, 61, and 76 kDa and multiprotein complexes form with an A-rich sequence at the 3' end of the cyclic nucleotide-responsive region; a 38-kDa complex forms with a U-rich region at the 5' end of the 134 nt sequence. Mutation of the A-rich region prevents both the binding of the 50-, 61-, and 76-kDa proteins and formation of the multiprotein complexes, as well as cyclic nucleotide-regulated degradation of chimeric globin:PAI-1 transcripts in HTC cells. These data suggest that the proteins identified in this report play an important role in the cyclic nucleotide regulation of PAI-1 mRNA stability.

Viral ribonucleoprotein complex formation and nucleolar-cytoplasmic relocalization of nucleolin in poliovirus-infected cells

The poliovirus 3' noncoding region (3'NCR) is involved in the efficient synthesis of viral negative-stranded RNA molecules. A strong interaction between a 105-kDa host protein and the wild-type 3'NCR, but not with a replication-defective mutant 3'NCR, was detected. This 105-kDa protein was identified as nucleolin which predominantly resides in the nucleolus and has been proposed to function in the folding of rRNA precursor molecules. A functional role for nucleolin in viral genome amplification was examined in a cell-free extract which has been shown to support the assembly of infectious virus from virion RNA. At early times of viral gene expression, extracts depleted of nucleolin produced less infectious virus than extracts depleted of fibrillarin, another resident of the nucleolus, indicating a functional role of nucleolin in the early stages of the viral life cycle in this in vitro system. Immunofluorescence analysis of uninfected and infected cells showed a nucleocytoplasmic relocalization of nucleolin, but not of fibrillarin, in poliovirus-infected cells. Relocalization of nucleolin was not simply a consequence of virally induced inhibition of translation or transcription, because inhibitors of translation or transcription did not induce nucleolar-cytoplasmic relocalization of nucleolin. These findings suggest a novel virus-induced mechanism by which certain nucleolar proteins are selectively redistributed in infected cells.

hnRNP C increases amyloid precursor protein (APP) production by stabilizing APP mRNA

We have previously shown that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNP C) and nucleolin bound specifically to a 29 nt sequence in the 3'-untranslated region of amyloid precursor protein (APP) mRNA. Upon activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, hnRNP C and nucleolin acquired APP mRNA binding activity, concurrent with APP mRNA stabilization. These data suggested that the regulated interaction of hnRNP C and nucleolin with APP mRNA controlled its stability. Here we have directly examined the role of the cis element and trans factors in the turnover and translation of APP mRNA in vitro . In a rabbit reticulocyte lysate (RRL) translation system, a mutant APP mRNA lacking the 29 nt element was 3-4-fold more stable and synthesized 2-4-fold more APP as wild-type APP mRNA. Therefore, the 29 nt element functioned as an APP mRNA destabilizer. RNA gel mobility shift assays with the RRL suggested the presence of endogenous nucleolin, but failed to show hnRNP C binding activity. However, wild-type APP mRNA was stabilized and coded for 6-fold more APP when translated in an RRL system supplemented with exogenous active hnRNP C. Control mRNAs lacking the 29 nt element were unaffected by hnRNP C supplementation. Therefore, occupancy of the 29 nt element by hnRNP C stabilized APP mRNA and enhanced its translation.

Cyclic nucleotide regulation of type-1 plasminogen activator-inhibitor mRNA stability in rat hepatoma cells. Identification of cis-acting sequences

Type-1 plasminogen activator-inhibitor (PAI-1) is a major physiologic inhibitor of plasminogen activation. Incubation of HTC rat hepatoma cells with the cyclic nucleotide analogue, 8-bromo-cAMP, causes a dramatic increase in tissue-type plasminogen activator activity secondary to a 90% decrease in PAI-1 mRNA. Although 8-bromo-cAMP causes a modest decrease in PAI-1 transcription, regulation is primarily the result of a 3-fold increase in the rate of PAI-1 mRNA degradation. To determine the cis-acting sequences required for cyclic nucleotide regulation, we have stably transfected HTC cells with chimeric genes containing sequences from the rat PAI-1 cDNA and the mouse beta-globin gene and examined the effect of cyclic nucleotides on the decay rate of these transcripts. The mRNA transcribed from the beta-globin gene is stable and not cyclic nucleotide-regulated, whereas the transcript from a construct containing the beta-globin coding region and the PAI-1 3'-untranslated region (UTR) is destabilized in the presence of 8-bromo-cAMP, suggesting that this response is mediated by sequences in the PAI-1 3'-UTR. Analyses by deletion of sequences from this chimeric construct indicate that, whereas more than one region of the PAI-1 3'-UTR can confer cyclic nucleotide responsiveness, the 3'-most 134-nucleotide sequence alone is sufficient to do so. Insertion of PAI-1 sequences within the beta-globin 3'-UTR confirms that the 3'-most 134 nucleotides of PAI-1 mRNA can confer cyclic nucleotide regulation of stability on a heterologous transcript, suggesting that this sequence may play a major role in hormonal regulation of PAI-1 mRNA stability.

Characterization of ribonucleoprotein complexes and their binding sites on the neurofilament light subunit mRNA

Levels of neurofilament (NF) gene expression are important determinants of basic neuronal properties, but overexpression can lead to motoneuron degeneration in transgenic mice. In a companion study (Cañete-Soler, R., Schwartz, M. L., Hua, Y., and Schlaepfer, W. W. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 12650-12654), we show that levels of NF expression are regulated by altering mRNA stability and that stability determinants are present in the 3'-coding region (3'-CR) and 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the NF light subunit (NF-L) transcript. This study characterizes the ribonucleoprotein complexes that bind to the NF-L mRNA when cytoplasmic brain extracts are incubated with radioactive probes. Gel retardation assays reveal ribonucleoprotein complexes that are selectively competed with poly(C) or poly(U))/poly(A) homoribopolymers and are referred to as C-binding and U/A-binding complexes, respectively. The C-binding complex forms on the proximal 45 nucleotides of 3'-UTR, but its assembly is markedly enhanced by 23 nucleotides of flanking 3'-CR sequence. U/A-binding complexes form at multiple binding sites in the 3'-CR and 3'-UTR. A pattern of reciprocal binding suggests that the C-binding and U/A-binding complexes interact and may compete for common components or binding sites. Cross-linking studies reveal unique polypeptides in the C-binding and U/A-binding complexes. The findings provide the basis for probing mechanisms regulating NF-L mRNA stability and the relationship between NF overexpression and motoneuron degeneration in transgenic mice.

Identification of a novel cis-element in the 3'-untranslated region of mammalian peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase messenger ribonucleic acid

Peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM; EC 1.14.17.3) catalyzes the COOH-terminal alpha-amidation of peptidylglycine substrates, yielding amidated products. Growing evidence suggests that the metabolism of PAM messenger RNAs (mRNAs) can be regulated within the cytoplasm. To understand the mechanisms controlling the metabolism of PAM mRNAs, we sought to identify cis elements of the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of PAM mRNA that are recognized by cytoplasmic factors. From gel retardation assays, one sequence element is shown to form a specific RNA-protein complex. The protein-binding site of the complex was determined by ribonuclease T1 mapping, by blocking the putative binding site with antisense oligonucleotide, and by competition assays. Using 3'-end-labeled RNA in gel shift and UV cross-linking analyses, we detected in the 3'-UTR a novel 20-nucleotide cis element that interacted with a widely distributed cellular cytosolic protease-sensitive factor(s) to form a 60-kDa PAM mRNA-binding protein complex. The binding activity was redox sensitive. Tissue distribution of the protein in the rat showed a marked tissue-specific expression, with ovary, testis, lung, heart septum, anterior pituitary and hypothalamus containing large amounts compared with liver, ventricle, atrium, and neurointermediate lobe. No binding activity was detectable in pancreas, intestine, or kidney extracts. Northwestern blot analysis of AtT-20 (mouse corticotrope tumor cell line) cytoplasmic extracts revealed a protein of 46 kDa. Thus, we have identified a widely distributed cellular protein that binds to a conserved domain within the 3'-UTR of PAM mRNA from many animal species. Although these data suggest that cis element-binding activity could be a cytoplasmic regulator of PAM mRNA metabolism, the functional consequences of this binding remain to be determined.

Regulation of p56(lck) messenger turnover upon T cell activation: involvement of the 3' untranslated region in stability as determined in cell-free extracts

Full activation of T lymphocytes transiently downregulates the steady state level of the tyrosine kinase p56(lck) mRNA. Here, we show that a decrease in messenger stability is involved in this downmodulation followed thereafter by a rapid and marked increase in mRNA half-life. In order to facilitate the study of p56(lck) messenger stability, an in vitro mRNA decay assay was developed and used to determine whether the 451 nucleotide long 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of the messenger is implicated in the regulation of mRNA stability. Indeed, deletion of most of the 3'UTR led to a substantial increase in transcript half-life whereas deletion of a limited 3' portion did not, thus showing that the 146 nucleotides located in 5' of the 3'UTR contain destabilizing elements. Furthermore, the stability of both truncated transcripts was still modulated upon activation, thereby suggesting that the activation-responsive elements are located in a region distinct from the 3'UTR.

Characterization of two nuclear proteins that interact with cytochrome P-450 1A2 mRNA. Regulation of RNA binding and possible role in the expression of the Cyp1a2 gene

Regulation of the expression of the cytochrome P-450 la2 gene (cyp1a2) occurs mainly at the transcriptional level, but the molecular events involved in the induction process are partly unknown. Some reports have proposed involvement of post-transcriptional mechanisms [Adesnik, M. & Atchison, M. (1986) Crit. Rev. Biochem. 19, 247-305; Silver, G. & Krauter, K. S. (1990) Mol. Cell. Biol. 10, 6765-6768]. Here we report the identification of two proteins in the nuclear fraction of mouse liver, with specific binding characteristics towards CYP1A2 mRNA. The proteins have apparent molecular masses of 37 kDa and 46 kDa and exhibit a high affinity for a poly(U) motif in the 3' untranslated region of CYP1A2 mRNA. This motif seems to be important for their specific and apparently competitive binding to CYP1A2 mRNA. Treatment of mice with an inducer of CYP1A2, 3-methylcholanthrene, increases the binding of the 46-kDa protein and decreases the binding of the 37-kDa protein to the mRNA, suggesting that changes in the binding of the proteins to the mRNA could play a role in the upregulation of CYP1A2 mRNA by 3-methylcholanthrene. Phosphorylation of the 46-kDa protein, or of an intermediary factor, may play a role in its binding activity. Furthermore, the 46-kDa but not the 37-kDa protein is recognized by a monoclonal antibody against the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C, a nuclear protein probably involved in pre-mRNA processing. While more work is needed to understand the function of the proteins that bind to the 3' untranslated region of CYP1A2, it is possible that the 37-kDa protein has a role in the maintenance of uninduced levels of CYP1A2 mRNA, while the 46-kDa protein could be important in the maturation of elevated levels of CYP1A2 pre-mRNA, during induction.

Regulation of eukaryotic messenger RNA turnover

We have demonstrated the existence of multiple mRNA binding proteins that interact specifically with defined regions in posttranscriptionally regulated mRNAs. These domains appear to be destabilizers whose function can be attenuated by the interaction with the specific binding proteins. Thus, the ability to alter mRNA decay rates on demand, given different environmental or intracellular conditions, appears to be mediated by controlling the localization, activity, and overall function of the cognate binding protein. Based on our limited experience, we predict that most, if not all, of similarly regulated mRNAs will ultimately be found to interact with regulatory mRNA binding proteins. Under conditions whereby the mRNA binding proteins are constitutively active (e.g., tumor cell lines), abnormal mRNA decay will result, with accumulation and overtranslation. Such appears to be the case for cytokines and possibly amyloid protein precursor mRNAs in cancer and Alzheimer's disease, respectively. Conversely, mutagenesis of these critical 3' untranslated region elements will likely have comparable deleterious effects on the regulation of gene expression. To the extent that such derangements exist in human disease, attention to understanding the mechanistic detail at this level may provide insights into the development of appropriate therapeutics or treatment strategies.

Defining a novel cis-element in the 3'-untranslated region of mammalian ribonucleotide reductase component R2 mRNA. cis-trans-interactions and message stability

Mammalian ribonucleotide reductase is a highly regulated activity essential for DNA synthesis and repair. The 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of mammalian ribonucleotide reductase R2 mRNA has been implicated in the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-mediated stabilization of mouse BALB/c 3T3 R2 message. We investigated the possibility that the 3'-UTR contains regulatory information for R2 mRNA turnover. Using 3'-end-labeled RNA in gel shift and UV cross-linking analyses, we detected in the 3'-UTR a novel 9-nucleotide cis-element, 5'-UCGUGUGCU-3', which interacted with a widely distributed cellular cytosolic protease-sensitive factor(s) in a sequence-specific manner to form a 45-kDa R2 binding protein complex. The binding activity was redox-sensitive and down-regulated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and okadaic acid in a dose-dependent manner. Insertion of a 154-base pair fragment containing the cis-element led to markedly reduced accumulation of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase hybrid mRNA relative to the same insert carrying a series of G --> A mutations within this element that eliminated binding. We suggest that the 9-nucleotide region functions as a destabilizing element. These results provide a model for ribonucleotide reductase gene expression through a novel and specific mRNA cis-trans-interaction involving a phosphorylation signal pathway that leads to changes in the stability of R2 message.

Transforming growth factor-beta1 stimulates multiple protein interactions at a unique cis-element in the 3'-untranslated region of the hyaluronan receptor RHAMM mRNA

The receptor for hyaluronan mediated motility (RHAMM) gene expression is markedly elevated in fibrosarcomas exposed to transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). The half-life of RHAMM mRNA was increased by 3 fold in cells treated with TGF-beta1, indicating that growth factor regulation of RHAMM gene expression at least in part involves a posttranscriptional mechanism. Our studies demonstrated that a unique 30-nucleotide (nt) region that has three copies of the sequence, GCUUGC, was the TGF-beta1-responsive region in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) that mediated message stability. This region interacted specifically with cytoplasmic trans-factors to form multiple protein complexes of approximately 175, 97, 63, 26, and 17 kDa post-TGF-beta1 treatment, suggesting a role for these complexes in the mechanism of action of TGF-beta1-induced message stabilization. Insertion of the 3'-UTR into the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene conferred TGF-beta1 induced stability of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase-hybrid RNA in stably transfected cells, while the same insert carrying a deletion containing the 30-nt region had no significant effect on mRNA stability. These results provide a model of RHAMM message regulation in which TGF-beta1-mediated alteration of RHAMM message stability involves the up-regulation of multiple protein interactions with a 30-nt cis-element stability determinant in the 3'-UTR. This model also suggests that this 30-nt base region functions in cis to destabilize RHAMM mRNA in resting normal cells.

AUUUA-specific mRNA binding proteins in astrocytes

Binding of ribonucleoproteins to specific regions of mRNA can alter mRNA stability. This level of posttranscriptional regulation has been shown to play a major role in gene expression of eukaryotic cells. This process involves the binding of ribonucleoproteins to specific region(s) of unstable, rapidly degrading mRNAs such as those found in various cytokines, lymphokines, and oncogenes, thereby increasing the mRNA's stability. In many instances the instability of the mRNA has been mapped to an AU-rich motif in the 3' untranslated region. We transcribed RNA molecules containing four reiterations of an AUUUA motif, and demonstrated with RNA- band shift experiments that the AUUUA motif complexes with phosphorylated AUUUA-specific 43-47 kDa mRNA binding protein(s) found in the cytosol of both rat brain and cultured rat astrocytes.

Role of highly conserved pyrimidine-rich sequences in the 3' untranslated region of the GAP-43 mRNA in mRNA stability and RNA-protein interactions

We have shown previously that the mRNA for the growth-associated protein GAP-43 is selectively stabilized during neuronal differentiation. In this study, we explored the role of its highly conserved 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) in mRNA stability and RNA-protein interactions. The 3'UTRs of the rat and chicken GAP-43 mRNAs show 78% sequence identity, which is equivalent to the conservation of their coding regions. In rat PC12 cells stably transfected with the full-length rat or chicken GAP-43 cDNAs, the transgene mRNAs decayed with same half-life of about 3 h. The GAP-43 3'UTR also caused the rabbit beta-globin mRNA to decay with a half-life of 4 h, indicating that the major determinants for GAP-43 mRNA stability are localized in its highly conserved 3'UTR. Three brain cytosolic RNA-binding proteins (molecular mass 40, 65 and 95 kDa) were found to interact with both the rat and chicken GAP-43 mRNAs. These RNA-protein interactions were specific and involved pyrimidine-rich sequences in the 3'UTR. Like the GAP-43 mRNA, the activity of these proteins was enriched in brain and increased during development. We propose that highly conserved pyrimidine-rich sequences in the 3'UTR of this mRNA regulate GAP-43 gene expression via interactions with specific RNA-binding proteins.

Molecular cloning of human cardiac troponin T isoforms: expression in developing and failing heart

Troponin T, which links the troponin complex to tropomyosin, is found as multiple isoforms in the hearts of many animal species. Changes in isoform composition have been correlated with variation in myofilament sensitivity to calcium. In order to determine the origin of diversity of the cardiac troponin T (cTnT) isoforms indicated by existing protein data, we have determined the sequences and patterns of expression of mRNAs encoding troponin T in fetal and adult heart and those present in adult heart in end-stage failure. Three main regions of alternative splicing within the cTnT coding region were identified using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Alternatively spliced RNAs are developmentally regulated and some of the fetal forms are expressed in adult failing heart. The molecular structure of the spliced regions was determined from cloned cDNAs and RT-PCR products. In the 5' region of the mRNA, isoforms are generated by the inclusion or exclusion of 15-, 3- and 27-nucleotide (nt) sequences and by the inclusion or exclusion of a separate 3-nt sequence. In the 3' region of the mRNA, alternative splicing involves a 9-nt sequence which can be present in full, in part or not at all. A further splicing site was identified in the central region involving a 234-nt sequence and resulting in rare but detectable mRNAs. This work demonstrates the complexity of cTnT RNA composition in human heart and provides the information necessary to address the function of cTnT isoforms in contraction.

Nucleolin and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C proteins specifically interact with the 3'-untranslated region of amyloid protein precursor mRNA

The central nervous system deposition by neurons and glia of beta A4 amyloid protein is an important contributing factor to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Amyloidogenic cells overexpress amyloid precursor protein (APP) mRNAs suggesting a transcriptional or post-transcriptional defect may contribute to this process. We have previously shown that APP mRNAs display regulated stability which is dependent on a 29-base element within the 3'-untranslated region (UTR). This domain specifically interacted with several cytoplasmic RNA-binding proteins. We have purified these APP RNA-binding proteins from a human T-cell leukemia and demonstrate that five cytoplasmic proteins of 70, 48, 47, 39, and 38 kDa form the previously observed APP RNA protein complexes. Amino acid sequence analyses showed that the 70-, 48-, and 47-kDa proteins were fragments of nucleolin and that the 39- and 38-kDa proteins were heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) C protein. Northwestern and Western blot analyses of purified material further confirmed these data. Nucleolin protein is known to shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm but hnRNP C has not been reported within the cytoplasm. This report of sequence specific, mRNA binding by nucleolin and hnRNP C suggests that these proteins participate in the post-transcriptional regulation of APP mRNA through 3'-UTR, site-specific interactions.