Frog diazepam-binding inhibitor: peptide sequence, cDNA cloning, and expression in the brain

Roles of acyl-CoA-binding proteins in plant reproduction

Acyl-CoA-binding proteins (ACBPs) constitute a well-conserved family of proteins in eukaryotes that are important in stress responses and development. Past studies have shown that ACBPs are involved in maintaining, transporting and protecting acyl-CoA esters during lipid biosynthesis in plants, mammals, and yeast. ACBPs show differential expression and various binding affinities for acyl-CoA esters. Hence, ACBPs can play a crucial part in maintaining lipid homeostasis. This review summarizes the functions of ACBPs during the stages of reproduction in plants and other organisms. A comprehensive understanding on the roles of ACBPs during plant reproduction may lead to opportunities in crop improvement in agriculture.

Neuropeptidergic control of neurosteroids biosynthesis

Neurosteroids are steroids synthesized within the central nervous system either from cholesterol or by metabolic reactions of circulating steroid hormone precursors. It has been suggested that neurosteroids exert pleiotropic activities within the central nervous system, such as organization and activation of the central nervous system and behavioral regulation. It is also increasingly becoming clear that neuropeptides exert pleiotropic activities within the central nervous system, such as modulation of neuronal functions and regulation of behavior, besides traditional neuroendocrinological functions. It was hypothesized that some of the physiological functions of neuropeptides acting within the central nervous system may be through the regulation of neurosteroids biosynthesis. Various neuropeptides reviewed in this study possibly regulate neurosteroids biosynthesis by controlling the activities of enzymes that catalyze the production of neurosteroids. It is now required to thoroughly investigate the neuropeptidergic control mechanisms of neurosteroids biosynthesis to characterize the physiological significance of this new neuroendocrinological phenomenon.

Cytoprotective and Neurotrophic Effects of Octadecaneuropeptide (ODN) in in vitro and in vivo Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Octadecaneuropeptide (ODN) and its precursor diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI) are peptides belonging to the family of endozepines. Endozepines are exclusively produced by astroglial cells in the central nervous system of mammals, and their release is regulated by stress signals and neuroactive compounds. There is now compelling evidence that the gliopeptide ODN protects cultured neurons and astrocytes from apoptotic cell death induced by various neurotoxic agents. In vivo, ODN causes a very strong neuroprotective action against neuronal degeneration in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. The neuroprotective activity of ODN is based on its capacity to reduce inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. The protective effects of ODN are mediated through its metabotropic receptor. This receptor activates a transduction cascade of second messengers to stimulate protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways, which in turn inhibits the expression of proapoptotic factor Bax and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. In N2a cells, ODN also promotes survival and stimulates neurite outgrowth. During the ODN-induced neuronal differentiation process, numerous mitochondria and peroxisomes are identified in the neurites and an increase in the amount of cholesterol and fatty acids is observed. The antiapoptotic and neurotrophic properties of ODN, including its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and pro-differentiating effects, suggest that this gliopeptide and some of its selective and stable derivatives may have therapeutic value for the treatment of some neurodegenerative diseases.

TSPO: An Evolutionarily Conserved Protein with Elusive Functions

TSPO (18 kDa translocator protein) was identified decades ago in a search for peripheral tissue binding sites for benzodiazepines, and was formerly called the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor. TSPO is a conserved protein throughout evolution and it is implicated in the regulation of many cellular processes, including inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial homeostasis. TSPO, apart from its broad expression in peripheral tissues, is highly expressed in neuroinflammatory cells, such as activated microglia. In addition, emerging studies employing the ligands of TSPO suggest that TSPO plays an important role in neuropathological settings as a biomarker and therapeutic target. However, the precise molecular function of this protein in normal physiology and neuropathology remains enigmatic. This review provides an overview of recent advances in our understanding of this multifaceted molecule and identifies the knowledge gap in the field for future functional studies.

Endozepines

Since their introduction in the 1960s, benzodiazepines (BZs) remain one of the most commonly prescribed medications, acting as potent sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants. The primary neural action of BZs and related compounds is augmentation of inhibitory transmission, which occurs through allosteric modulation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-induced current at the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAAR). The discovery of the BZ-binding site on GABAARs encouraged many to speculate that the brain produces its own endogenous ligands to this site (Costa & Guidotti, 1985). The romanticized quest for endozepines, endogenous ligands to the BZ-binding site, has uncovered a variety of ligands that might fulfill this role, including oleamides (Cravatt et al., 1995), nonpeptidic endozepines (Rothstein et al., 1992), and the protein diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI) (Costa & Guidotti, 1985). Of these ligands, DBI, and affiliated peptide fragments, is the most extensively studied endozepine. The quest for the "brain's Valium" over the decades has been elusive as mainly negative allosteric modulatory effects have been observed (Alfonso, Le Magueresse, Zuccotti, Khodosevich, & Monyer, 2012; Costa & Guidotti, 1985), but recent evidence is accumulating that DBI displays regionally discrete endogenous positive modulation of GABA transmission through activation of the BZ receptor (Christian et al., 2013). Herein, we review the literature on this topic, focusing on identification of the endogenous molecule and its region-specific expression and function.

Endogenous positive allosteric modulation of GABA(A) receptors by diazepam binding inhibitor

Benzodiazepines (BZs) allosterically modulate γ-aminobutyric acid type-A receptors (GABAARs) to increase inhibitory synaptic strength. Diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) protein is a BZ site ligand expressed endogenously in the brain, but functional evidence for BZ-mimicking positive modulatory actions has been elusive. We demonstrate an endogenous potentiation of GABAergic synaptic transmission and responses to GABA uncaging in the thalamic reticular nucleus (nRT) that is absent in both nm1054 mice, in which the Dbi gene is deleted, and mice in which BZ binding to α3 subunit-containing GABAARs is disrupted. Viral transduction of DBI into nRT is sufficient to rescue the endogenous potentiation of GABAergic transmission in nm1054 mice. Both mutations enhance thalamocortical spike-and-wave discharges characteristic of absence epilepsy. Together, these results indicate that DBI mediates endogenous nucleus-specific BZ-mimicking ("endozepine") roles to modulate nRT function and suppress thalamocortical oscillations. Enhanced DBI signaling might serve as a therapy for epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

The octadecaneuropeptide stimulates somatolactin release from cultured goldfish pituitary cells

The present study aimed to investigate the distribution of the octadecaneuropeptide (ODN) in the goldfish brain and to look for a possible effect of ODN on somatolactin (SL) release from pituitary cells. A discrete population of ODN-immunoreactive neurones was localised in the lateral part of the nucleus lateralis tuberis. These neurones sent projections through the neurohypophyseal tract towards the neurohypophysis, and nerve fibres were seen in the close vicinity of SL-producing cells in the pars intermedia. Incubation of cultured goldfish pituitary cells with graded concentrations of ODN (10(-9) -10(-5 ) m) induced a dose-dependent stimulation of SL-β, but not SL-α, release. ODN-evoked SL release was blocked by the metabotrophic endozepine receptor antagonist cyclo(1-8) [DLeu(5) ]OP but was not affected by the central-type benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil. ODN-induced SL release was suppressed by treatment with the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U-73122 but not with the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H-89. These results indicate that, in fish, ODN produced by hypothalamic neurones acts as a hypophysiotrophic neuropeptide stimulating SL release. The effect of ODN is mediated through a metabotrophic endozepine receptor positively coupled to the PLC/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate/protein kinase C-signalling pathway.

Regulation of neurosteroid biosynthesis by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides

The enzymatic pathways leading to the synthesis of bioactive steroids in the brain are now almost completely elucidated in various groups of vertebrates and, during the last decade, the neuronal mechanisms involved in the regulation of neurosteroid production have received increasing attention. This report reviews the current knowledge concerning the effects of neurotransmitters, peptide hormones, and neuropeptides on the biosynthesis of neurosteroids. Anatomical studies have been carried out to visualize the neurotransmitter- or neuropeptide-containing fibers contacting steroid-synthesizing neurons as well as the neurotransmitter, peptide hormones, or neuropeptide receptors expressed in these neurons. Biochemical experiments have been conducted to investigate the effects of neurotransmitters, peptide hormones, or neuropeptides on neurosteroid biosynthesis, and to characterize the type of receptors involved. Thus, it has been found that glutamate, acting through kainate and/or AMPA receptors, rapidly inactivates P450arom, and that melatonin produced by the pineal gland and eye inhibits the biosynthesis of 7α-hydroxypregnenolone (7α-OH-Δ(5)P), while prolactin produced by the adenohypophysis enhances the formation of 7α-OH-Δ(5)P. It has also been demonstrated that the biosynthesis of neurosteroids is inhibited by GABA, acting through GABA(A) receptors, and neuropeptide Y, acting through Y1 receptors. In contrast, it has been shown that the octadecaneuropetide ODN, acting through central-type benzodiazepine receptors, the triakontatetraneuropeptide TTN, acting though peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors, and vasotocin, acting through V1a-like receptors, stimulate the production of neurosteroids. Since neurosteroids are implicated in the control of various neurophysiological and behavioral processes, these data suggest that some of the neurophysiological effects exerted by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides may be mediated via the regulation of neurosteroid production.

Neurosteroid biosynthesis: enzymatic pathways and neuroendocrine regulation by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides

Neuroactive steroids synthesized in neuronal tissue, referred to as neurosteroids, are implicated in proliferation, differentiation, activity and survival of nerve cells. Neurosteroids are also involved in the control of a number of behavioral, neuroendocrine and metabolic processes such as regulation of food intake, locomotor activity, sexual activity, aggressiveness, anxiety, depression, body temperature and blood pressure. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the existence, neuroanatomical distribution and biological activity of the enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of neurosteroids in the brain of vertebrates, and we review the neuronal mechanisms that control the activity of these enzymes. The observation that the activity of key steroidogenic enzymes is finely tuned by various neurotransmitters and neuropeptides strongly suggests that some of the central effects of these neuromodulators may be mediated via the regulation of neurosteroid production.

Beta-amyloid peptide stimulates endozepine release in cultured rat astrocytes through activation of N-formyl peptide receptors

Astroglial cells synthesize and release endozepines, a family of neuropeptides derived from diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI). The authors have recently shown that beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) stimulates DBI gene expression and endozepine release. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism of action of Abeta in cultured rat astrocytes. Abeta(25-35) and the N-formyl peptide receptor (FPR) agonist N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLF) increased the secretion of endozepines in a dose-dependent manner with EC(50) value of approximately 2 microM. The stimulatory effects of Abeta(25-35) and the FPR agonists fMLF and N-formyl-Met-Met-Met (fMMM) on endozepine release were abrogated by the FPR antagonist N-t-Boc-Phe-Leu-Phe-Leu-Phe. In contrast, Abeta(25-35) increased DBI mRNA expression through a FPR-independent mechanism. Abeta(25-35) induced a transient stimulation of cAMP formation and a sustained activation of polyphosphoinositide turnover. The stimulatory effect of Abeta(25-35) on endozepine release was blocked by the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor somatostatin, the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89, the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122, the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythrine and the ATP binding cassette transporter blocker glyburide. Taken together, these data demonstrate for the first time that Abeta(25-35) stimulates endozepine release from rat astrocytes through a FPR receptor positively coupled to PKA and PKC.

Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO): molecular sensor of brain injury and repair

For over 15 years, the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), recently named translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) has been studied as a biomarker of reactive gliosis and inflammation associated with a variety of neuropathological conditions. Early studies documented that in the brain parenchyma, TSPO is exclusively localized in glial cells. Under normal physiological conditions, TSPO levels are low in the brain neuropil but they markedly increase at sites of brain injury and inflammation making it uniquely suited for assessing active gliosis. This research has generated significant efforts from multiple research groups throughout the world to apply TSPO as a marker of "active" brain pathology using in vivo imaging modalities such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in experimental animals and humans. Further, in the last few years, there has been an increased interest in understanding the molecular and cellular function(s) of TSPO in glial cells. The latest evidence suggests that TSPO may not only serve as a biomarker of active brain disease but also the use of TSPO-specific ligands may have therapeutic implications in brain injury and repair. This review presents an overview of the history and function of TSPO focusing on studies related to its use as a sensor of active brain disease in experimental animals and in human studies.

Acyl-CoA binding proteins; structural and functional conservation over 2000 MYA

Besides serving as essential substrates for beta-oxidation and synthesis of triacylglycerols and more complex lipids like sphingolipids and sterol esters, long-chain fatty acyl-CoA esters are increasingly being recognized as important regulators of enzyme activities and gene transcription. Acyl-CoA binding protein, ACBP, has been proposed to play a pivotal role in the intracellular trafficking and utilization of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA esters. Depletion of acyl-CoA binding protein in yeast results in aberrant organelle morphology incl. fragmented vacuoles, multi-layered plasma membranes and accumulation of vesicles of variable sizes. In contrast to synthesis and turn-over of glycerolipids, the levels of very-long-chain fatty acids, long-chain bases and ceramide are severely affected by Acb1p depletion, suggesting that Acb1p, rather than playing a general role, serves specific roles in cellular lipid metabolism.

Structure−Activity Relationships of a Series of Analogs of the Endozepine Octadecaneuropeptide (ODN11-18) on Neurosteroid Biosynthesis by Hypothalamic Explants

We have previously shown that the endozepine octadecaneuropeptide (ODN) stimulates the biosynthesis of neurosteroids from frog hypothalamic explants. In the present study, we have investigated the structure-activity relationships of a series of analogs of the C-terminal octapeptide of ODN (OP) on neurosteroid formation. We found that OP and its cyclic analog cyclo1-8OP stimulate in a concentration-dependent manner the synthesis of various steroids including 17-hydroxypregnenolone, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone. Deletion or Ala-substitution of the Arg1 or Pro2 residues of OP did not affect the activity of the peptide. In contrast, deletion or replacement of any of the amino acids of the C-terminal hexapeptide fragment totally abolished the effect of OP on neurosteroid biosynthesis. The present study indicates that the C-terminal hexapeptide of ODN/OP is the minimal sequence retaining full biological activity on steroid-producing neurons.

Beta-amyloid peptides stimulate endozepine biosynthesis in cultured rat astrocytes

Accumulation of beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta), which is a landmark of Alzheimer's disease, may alter astrocyte functions before any visible symptoms of the disease occur. Here, we examined the effects of Abeta on biosynthesis and release of diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI), a polypeptide primarily expressed by astroglial cells in the CNS. Quantitative RT-PCR and specific radioimmunoassay demonstrated that aggregated Abeta(25-35), at concentrations up to 10(-4) m, induced a dose-dependent increase in DBI mRNA expression and DBI-related peptide release from cultured rat astrocytes. These effects were totally suppressed when aggregation of Abeta(25-35) was prevented by Congo red. Measurement of the number of living cells revealed that Abeta(25-35) induced a trophic rather than a toxic effect on astrocytes. Administration of cycloheximide blocked Abeta(25-35)-induced increase of DBI gene expression and endozepine accumulation in astrocytes, indicating that protein synthesis is required for DBI gene expression. Altogether, the present data suggest that Abeta-induced activation of endozepine biosynthesis and release may contribute to astrocyte proliferation associated with Alzheimer's disease.

ACBP4 and ACBP5, novel Arabidopsis acyl-CoA-binding proteins with kelch motifs that bind oleoyl-CoA

In plants, fatty acids synthesized in the chloroplasts are exported as acyl-CoA esters to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Cytosolic 10-kDa acyl-CoA-binding proteins (ACBPs), prevalent in eukaryotes, are involved in the storage and intracellular transport of acyl-CoAs. We have previously characterized Arabidopsis thaliana cDNAs encoding membrane-associated ACBPs with ankyrin repeats, designated ACBP1 and ACBP2, which show conservation to cytosolic ACBPs at the acyl-CoA-binding domain. Analysis of the Arabidopsis genome has revealed the presence of three more genes encoding putative proteins with acyl-CoA-binding domains, designated ACBP3, ACBP4 and ACBP5. Homologues of ACBP1 to ACBP5 have not been reported in any other organism. We show by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis that ACBP3 , ACBP4 and ACBP5 are expressed in all plant organs, like ACBP1 and ACBP2 . ACBP4 and ACBP5 that share 81.4 identity and which contain kelch motifs were further investigated. To demonstrate their function in binding acyl-CoA, we have expressed them as (His)6-tagged recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli for in vitro binding assays. Both (His)6-ACBP4 and (His)6-ACBP5 bind [14C]oleoyl-CoA with high affinity, [14C]palmitoyl-CoA with lower affinity and did not bind [14C]arachidonyl-CoA. Eight mutant forms of each protein with single amino acid substitutions within the acyl-CoA-binding domain were produced and analyzed. On binding assays, all mutants were impaired in oleoyl-CoA binding. Hence, these novel ACBPs with kelch motifs have functional acyl-CoA-binding domains that bind oleoyl-CoA. Their predicted cytosol localization suggests that they could maintain an oleoyl-CoA pool in the cytosol or transport oleoyl-CoA from the plastids to the ER in plant lipid metabolism.

Membrane localization of Arabidopsis acyl-CoA binding protein ACBP2

Cytosolic acyl-CoA binding proteins bind long-chain acyl-CoAs and act as intracellular acyl-CoA transporters and pool formers. Recently, we have characterized Arabidopsis thaliana cDNAs encoding novel forms of ACBP, designated ACBP1 and ACBP2, that contain a hydrophobic domain at the N-terminus and show conservation at the acyl-CoA binding domain to cytosolic ACBPs. We have previously demonstrated that ACBP1 is membrane-associated in Arabidopsis. Here, western blot analysis of anti-ACBP2 antibodies on A. thaliana protein showed that ACBP2 is located in the microsome-containing membrane fraction and in the subcellular fraction containing large particles (mitochondria, chloroplasts and peroxisomes), resembling the subcellular localization of ACBP1. To further investigate the subcellular localization of ACBP2, we fused ACBP2 translationally in-frame to GFP. By means of particle gene bombardment, ACBP2-GFP and ACBP1-GFP fusion proteins were observed transiently expressed at the plasma membrane and at the endoplasmic reticulum in onion epidermal cells. GFP fusions with deletion derivatives of ACBPI or ACBP2 lacking the transmembrane domain were impaired in membrane targeting. Our investigations also showed that when the transmembrane domain of ACBP1 or that of ACBP2 was fused with GFP, the fusion protein was targeted to the plasma membrane, thereby establishing their role in membrane targeting. The localization of ACBP1-GFP is consistent with our previous observations using immunoelectron microscopy whereby ACBPI was localized to the plasma membrane and vesicles. We conclude that ACBP2, like ACBP1, is a membrane protein that likely functions in membrane-associated acyl-CoA transfer/metabolism.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) stimulates endozepine release from cultured rat astrocytes via a PKA-dependent mechanism

Astroglial cells synthesize and release endozepines, neuropeptides that are related to the octadecaneuropeptide ODN. Glial cells also express PACAP/VIP receptors. We have investigated the possible effect of PACAP on the release of ODN-like immunoreactivity (ODN-LI) by cultured rat astrocytes. Administration of PACAP27 and PACAP38 induced a concentration-dependent increase in secretion of ODN-LI whereas VIP was approximately 1000-fold less potent. The maximum effect of PACAP38 occurred after 5 min, then gradually declined during the next 10 min. The stimulatory effects of PACAP and VIP were abrogated by the PACAP antagonist PACAP6-38. PACAP38 stimulated cAMP formation, activated polyphosphoinositide turnover, and provoked calcium mobilization from IP3-sensitive pools. The PKA inhibitor H89 suppressed PACAP-induced secretion of ODN-LI, whereas PLC inhibitor U73122 and the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine had no effect. In contrast, U73122 restored the stimulatory action of PACAP on ODN-LI release and cAMP formation during prolonged (15 min) incubation with the peptide, and this effect was prevented by PMA. The present results demonstrate that PACAP stimulates endozepine release through activation of PAC1 receptors coupled to the AC/PKA pathway. Our data also show that activation of the PLC/PKC pathway down-regulates the effect of PACAP on endozepine release.

Novel splice variants of type I pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide receptor in frog exhibit altered adenylate cyclase stimulation and differential relative abundance

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) exerts its various effects through activation of two types of G protein-coupled receptors, a receptor with high affinity for PACAP named PAC1-R and two receptors exhibiting similar affinity for both PACAP and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide named VPAC1-R and VPAC2-R. Here, we report the characterization of PAC1-R and novel splice variants in the frog Rana ridibunda. The frog PAC1-R has 78% homology with human PAC1-R and is highly expressed in the central nervous system. Two splice variants of the frog receptor that display additional amino acid cassettes in the third intracellular loop were characterized. PAC1-R25 carries a 25-amino acid insertion that matches the hop cassette of the mammalian receptor, whereas PAC1-R41 carries a cassette with no homology to any mammalian PAC1-R variant. A third splice variant of PAC1-R, exhibiting a completely different intracellular C-terminal domain, named PAC1-Rmc has also been identified. Determination of cAMP formation in cells transfected with the cloned receptors showed that PACAP activated PAC1-R, PAC1-R25, and PAC1-R41 with similar potency. In contrast, PACAP failed to stimulate adenylate cyclase in cells transfected with PAC1-Rmc. Fusion of PAC1-R or PAC1-Rmc with the green fluorescent protein revealed that both receptors are expressed and targeted to the plasma membrane in transfected cells. The different PAC1-R variants are highly expressed in the frog brain and spinal cord and to a lesser extent in peripheral tissues, where only certain isoforms could be detected. The present data indicate that in frog, PACAP may act through different PAC1-R splice variants that differ in their G(s) protein coupling and their abundance in various tissues.

The triakontatetraneuropeptide TTN increases [CA2+]i in rat astrocytes through activation of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors

Astrocytes synthesize a series of regulatory peptides called endozepines, which act as endogenous ligands of benzodiazepine receptors. We have recently shown that one of these endozepines, the triakontatetraneuropeptide TTN, stimulates DNA synthesis in astroglial cells. The purpose of the present study was to determine the mechanism of action of TTN on cultured rat astrocytes. Binding of the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor ligand [3H]Ro5-4864 to intact astrocytes was displaced by TTN, whereas its C-terminal fragment (TTN[17-34], the octadecaneuropeptide ODN) did not compete for [3H]Ro5-4864 binding. Microfluorimetric measurement of cytosolic calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) with the fluorescent probe indo-1 showed that TTN (10(-10) to 10(-6) M) provokes a concentration-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i in cultured astrocytes. Simultaneous administration of TTN (10(-8) M) and Ro5-4864 (10(-5) M) induced an increase in [Ca2+]i similar to that obtained with Ro5-4864 alone. In contrast, the effects of TTN (10(-8) M) and ODN (10(-8) M) on [Ca2+]i were strictly additive. Chelation of extracellular Ca2+ by EGTA (6 mM) or blockage of Ca2+ channels with Ni2+ (2 mM) abrogated the stimulatory effect of TTN. The calcium influx evoked by TTN (10(-7) M) or by Ro5-4864 (10(-5) M) was not affected by the N- and T-type calcium channel blockers omega-conotoxin (10(-6) M) and mibefradil (10(-6) M), but was significantly reduced by the L-type calcium channel blocker nifedipine (10(-7) M). Patch-clamp studies showed that, at negative potentials, TTN (10(-7) M) induced a sustained depolarization. Reduction of the chloride concentration in the extracellular solution shifted the reversal potential from 0 mV to a positive potential. These data show that TTN, acting through peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors, provokes chloride efflux, which in turn induces calcium influx via L-type calcium channels in rat astrocytes.

Depletion of acyl-coenzyme A-binding protein affects sphingolipid synthesis and causes vesicle accumulation and membrane defects in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Deletion of the yeast gene ACB1 encoding Acb1p, the yeast homologue of the acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP), resulted in a slower growing phenotype that adapted into a faster growing phenotype with a frequency >1:10(5). A conditional knockout strain (Y700pGAL1-ACB1) with the ACB1 gene under control of the GAL1 promoter exhibited an altered acyl-CoA profile with a threefold increase in the relative content of C18:0-CoA, without affecting total acyl-CoA level as previously reported for an adapted acb1Delta strain. Depletion of Acb1p did not affect the general phospholipid pattern, the rate of phospholipid synthesis, or the turnover of individual phospholipid classes, indicating that Acb1p is not required for general glycerolipid synthesis. In contrast, cells depleted for Acb1p showed a dramatically reduced content of C26:0 in total fatty acids and the sphingolipid synthesis was reduced by 50-70%. The reduced incorporation of [(3)H]myo-inositol into sphingolipids was due to a reduced incorporation into inositol-phosphoceramide and mannose-inositol-phosphoceramide only, a pattern that is characteristic for cells with aberrant endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi transport. The plasma membrane of the Acb1p-depleted strain contained increased levels of inositol-phosphoceramide and mannose-inositol-phosphoceramide and lysophospholipids. Acb1p-depleted cells accumulated 50- to 60-nm vesicles and autophagocytotic like bodies and showed strongly perturbed plasma membrane structures. The present results strongly suggest that Acb1p plays an important role in fatty acid elongation and membrane assembly and organization.

Single amino acid substitutions at the acyl-CoA-binding domain interrupt 14[C]palmitoyl-CoA binding of ACBP2, an Arabidopsis acyl-CoA-binding protein with ankyrin repeats

Cytosolic acyl-CoA-binding proteins (ACBPs) are small proteins (ca. 10 kDa) that bind long-chain acyl-CoAs and are involved in the storage and intracellular transport of acyl-CoAs. Previously, we have characterized an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA encoding a novel membrane-associated ACBP, designated ACBP1, demonstrating the existence of a new form of ACBP in plants (M.-L. Chye, Plant Mol. Biol. 38 (1998) 827-838). ACBP1 likely participates in intermembrane lipid transport from the ER to the plasma membrane, where it could maintain a membrane-associated acyl pool (Chye et al., Plant J. 18 (1999) 205-214). Here we report the isolation of cDNAs encoding ACBP2 (Mr 38,479) that shows conservation in the acyl-CoA-binding domain to previously reported ACBPs, and contains ankyrin repeats at its carboxy terminus. These repeats, which likely mediate protein-protein interactions, could constitute a potential docking site in ACBP2 for an enzyme that uses acyl-CoAs as substrate, in vitro binding assays on recombinant (His)6-ACBP2 expressed in Escherichia coli show that it binds 14[C]palmitoyl-CoA preferentially to 14[C]oleoyl-CoA. Analysis of the acyl-CoA-binding domain in ACBP2 was carried out by in vitro mutagenesis. Mutant forms of recombinant (His)6-ACBP2 with single amino acid substitutions at conserved residues within the acyl-CoA-binding domain were less effective in binding 14[C]palmitoyl-CoA. Northern blot analysis showed that the 1.6 kb ACBP2 mRNA, like that of ACBP1, is expressed in all plant organs. Analysis of the ACBP2 promoter revealed that, like the ACBP1 promoter, it lacks a TATA box suggesting the possibility of a housekeeping function for ACBP2 in plant lipid metabolism.

The triakontatetraneuropeptide (TTN) stimulates thymidine incorporation in rat astrocytes through peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors

Astrocytes and astrocytoma cells actively express the diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI) gene, suggesting that DBI-processing products may regulate glial cell activity. In the present study, we have investigated the possible effect of one of the DBI-derived peptides, the triakontatetraneuropeptide (TTN), on [(3)H]thymidine incorporation in cultured rat astrocytes. Reversed-phase HPLC analysis of incubation media indicated that TTN is the major form of DBI-derived peptides released by cultured astrocytes. At very low concentrations (10(-14)-10(-11) M), TTN induced a dose-dependent increase in [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, whereas at higher concentrations (10(-10)-10(-5) M) the effect of TTN gradually declined. In the same range of concentrations, the specific peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) agonist Ro 5-4864 mimicked the bell-shaped stimulatory effect of TTN on [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. The PBR antagonist PK11195 (10(-6) M) suppressed the stimulatory action of both TTN and Ro 5-4864 on [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, whereas the central-type benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil (10(-6) M) had no effect. The present study demonstrates that the endozepine TTN stimulates DNA synthesis in rat glial cells through activation of PBRs. These data strongly suggest that TTN exerts an autocrine/paracrine stimulatory effect on glial cell proliferation.

Structure and distribution of the mRNAs encoding pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide and growth hormone-releasing hormone-like peptide in the frog, Rana ridibunda

The structure of the neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been characterized in several species including protochordates, fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Although PACAP has been shown to stimulate frog pituitary and adrenal cell activity, the structure of the PACAP precursor and the expression of its gene have not yet been reported in any amphibian species. In this study, we have characterized two cDNA variants encoding PACAP of the frog Rana ridibunda, one of which encodes a second peptide exhibiting strong homologies to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) of fish and mammals. Northern blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses revealed that PACAP/GHRH-like peptide mRNAs are predominantly expressed in the brain and spinal cord and, to a lesser extent, in the neurointermediate lobe of the pituitary. Other tissues including the testis and the distal lobe of the pituitary do not express the PACAP precursor gene. The distribution of PACAP/GHRH-like peptide mRNAs in the frog brain has been determined by in situ hybridization histochemistry. High levels of expression were found in the accessory olfactory bulb, the distal pallium, the ventral part of the magnocellular preoptic nucleus, the ventral hypothalamic nucleus, the posterior tuberculum, and the ventral habenular nucleus. These data contribute to the understanding of the evolution of the PACAP and GHRH genes in vertebrates and provide the anatomical bases to elucidate the roles of PACAP and the GHRH-like peptide in amphibians.

The endozepine ODN stimulates [3H]thymidine incorporation in cultured rat astrocytes

High concentrations of diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI) mRNA have been detected in astrocytoma, suggesting that DBI-derived peptides may play a role in glial cell proliferation. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of a processing product of DBI, the octadecaneuropeptide ODN, on DNA synthesis in cultured rat astrocytes. At very low concentrations (10(-14) to 10(-11) M), ODN caused a dose-dependent increase of [3H]thymidine incorporation. At higher doses (10(-10) to 10(-5) M), the effect of ODN gradually declined. The central-type benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil (10(-6) M) completely suppressed the stimulatory action of ODN whereas the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor ligand, PK11195 (10(-6) M) had no effect. The ODN-induced stimulation of [3H]thymidine incorporation was mimicked by methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM). The GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (10(-4) M) suppressed the effect of both ODN and DMCM on DNA synthesis. Exposure of cultured astrocytes to the specific GABAA agonist 3APS (10(-10) to 10(-4) M) also induced a dose-related increase of [3H]thymidine incorporation. The present study indicates that ODN, acting through central-type benzodiazepine receptors associated with the GABAA receptor complex, stimulates DNA synthesis in rat glial cells. These data provide evidence for an autocrine role of endozepines in the control of glial cell proliferation.

Isolation of a gene encoding Arabidopsis membrane-associated acyl-CoA binding protein and immunolocalization of its gene product

Until recently, only cytosolic acyl-CoA binding proteins (ACBPs) have been characterized. The isolation of an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA encoding a novel membrane-associated ACBP that accumulates in developing seeds, designated ACBP1, has provided evidence for the existence of membrane-associated forms of ACBPs (Chye, 1998, Plant Mol. Biol. 38, 827-838). We now report on the isolation of its corresponding gene from an A. thaliana Columbia genomic library using the ACBP1 cDNA as a hybridization probe. Nucleotide sequence analysis of Arabidopsis ACBP1 showed that its promoter lacks a TATA box, resembling the promoters of rat, Drosophila and human genes encoding cytosolic ACBP and suggesting that it is a housekeeping gene. We show by Western blot analysis that ACBP1 expression in developing seeds coincides with lipid deposition and that homologues of membrane-associated ACBP1 exist in other plants. Using light microscopy, we show that ACBP1 is strongly expressed in the embryo at the cotyledons, hypocotyl, procambium of the axis and in most peripheral cells of the cotyledons and hypocotyl. Immunogold labelling localized ACBP1 to vesicles, to the plasma membrane especially at epidermal cells of heart, torpedo and cotyledonary stage embryos, and to the cell wall of the outer integument cells at the seed coat. Our results suggest that ACBP1 is involved in intermembrane lipid transport from the ER via vesicles to the plasma membrane where it could maintain a membrane-associated acyl pool; its immunolocalization to the cell wall of outer integument cells at the seed coat suggests a role in cuticle and cutin formation.

Characterization of the cDNA encoding the prohormone convertase PC2 and localization of the mRNA in the brain of the frog Rana ridibunda

A number of precursors for neuropeptides have recently been cloned in amphibians, but little is known concerning the endoproteases responsible for the processing of these precursors. Here we report on the molecular cloning of the cDNA encoding the proprotein convertase PC2 and the distribution of the corresponding mRNA in the European green frog Rana ridibunda. The full cDNA structure (2125 bp) was obtained from the analysis of the PCR products combined with the sequence from a clone isolated from a frog pituitary cDNA library. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed that frog PC2 comprises 636 amino acid residues including a 22-residue signal peptide. RT-PCR analysis showed that PC2 is expressed not only in the brain and pituitary but also in various peripheral organs including the pancreas, stomach, intestine, liver, kidney and testis. In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed that, in the central nervous system, PC2 mRNA is widely distributed, the highest concentrations being found in the pallium, the anterior preoptic area, the hypothalamus and the medial amygdala. High levels of PC2 mRNA were also detected in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary. The overall distribution of PC2 mRNA in the frog brain is consistent with its involvement in the processing of a number of neuropeptide and hormone precursors.

Arabidopsis cDNA encoding a membrane-associated protein with an acyl-CoA binding domain

Acyl-CoA binding proteins (ACBPs) are small (ca. 10 kDa) highly-conserved cytosolic proteins that bind long-chain acyl-CoAs. A novel cDNA encoding ACBP1, a predicted membrane protein of 24.1 kDa with an acyl-CoA binding protein domain at its carboxy terminus, was cloned from Arabidopsis thaliana. At this domain, ACBP1 showed 47% amino acid identity to Brassica ACBP and 35% to 40% amino acid identity to yeast, Drosophila, bovine and human ACBPs. Recombinant (His)6-ACBP1 fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and was shown to bind 14[C]oleoyl-CoA. A hydrophobic domain, absent in the 10 kDa ACBPs, was located at the amino terminus of ACBP1. Using antipeptide polyclonal antibodies in western blot analysis, ACBP1 was shown to be a membrane-associated glycosylated protein with an apparent molecular mass of 33 kDa. The ACBP1 protein was also shown to accumulate predominantly in siliques and was localized to the seed within the silique. These results suggest that the biological role of ACBP1 is related to lipid metabolism in the seed, presumably in which acyl-CoA esters are involved. Northern blot analysis showed that the 1.4 kb ACBP1 mRNA was expressed in silique, root, stem, leaf and flower. Results from Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA suggest the presence of at least two genes encoding ACBPs in Arabidopsis.

The endozepine triakontatetraneuropeptide diazepam-binding inhibitor [17-50] stimulates neurosteroid biosynthesis in the frog hypothalamus

Neurons and glial cells are capable of synthesizing various bioactive steroids, but the neuronal mechanisms controlling neurosteroid-secreting cells are poorly understood. In the present study, we have investigated the possible effect of an endogenous ligand of benzodiazepine receptors, the triakontatetraneuropeptide [17-50] (TTN), on steroid biosynthesis in the frog hypothalamus. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that most hypothalamic neurons expressing 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5-delta 4-isomerase also contained peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor-like immunoreactivity. Confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis revealed that the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor-immunoreactive material was located both in the cytoplasm and at the periphery of the cell bodies. By using the pulse-chase technique, TTN was found to stimulate the conversion of [3H]pregnenolone into various steroids, including 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone, in a dose-dependent manner. The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor agonist Ro5-4864 mimicked the stimulatory effect of TTN on the formation of neurosteroids. The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor antagonist PK11195 significantly reduced the effect of TTN on neurosteroid synthesis, while the central-type benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil did not affect the formation of neurosteroids evoked by TTN. These data indicate that TTN stimulates the biosynthesis of 3-keto-17 alpha-hydroxysteroids in frog hypothalamic neurons through activation of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors likely located at the plasma membrane level.

Role of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA esters in the regulation of metabolism and in cell signalling

The intracellular concentration of free unbound acyl-CoA esters is tightly controlled by feedback inhibition of the acyl-CoA synthetase and is buffered by specific acyl-CoA binding proteins. Excessive increases in the concentration are expected to be prevented by conversion into acylcarnitines or by hydrolysis by acyl-CoA hydrolases. Under normal physiological conditions the free cytosolic concentration of acyl-CoA esters will be in the low nanomolar range, and it is unlikely to exceed 200 nM under the most extreme conditions. The fact that acetyl-CoA carboxylase is active during fatty acid synthesis (Ki for acyl-CoA is 5 nM) indicates strongly that the free cytosolic acyl-CoA concentration is below 5 nM under these conditions. Only a limited number of the reported experiments on the effects of acyl-CoA on cellular functions and enzymes have been carried out at low physiological concentrations in the presence of the appropriate acyl-CoA-buffering binding proteins. Re-evaluation of many of the reported effects is therefore urgently required. However, the observations that the ryanodine-senstitive Ca2+-release channel is regulated by long-chain acyl-CoA esters in the presence of a molar excess of acyl-CoA binding protein and that acetyl-CoA carboxylase, the AMP kinase kinase and the Escherichia coli transcription factor FadR are affected by low nanomolar concentrations of acyl-CoA indicate that long-chain acyl-CoA esters can act as regulatory molecules in vivo. This view is further supported by the observation that fatty acids do not repress expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase or Delta9-desaturase in yeast deficient in acyl-CoA synthetase.

Full-length and N-terminally truncated chicken intestinal diazepam-binding inhibitor. Purification, structural characterization and influence on insulin release

Two forms of diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI) have been purified from chicken intestine and identified as the intact avian polypeptide (residues 1-86) and a truncated variant (residues 35-86). At 10 nM concentration, both the intact and the truncated peptide suppress in vitro-monitored glucose-induced insulin release by 50 (p < 0.02) and 64% (p < 0.01) respectively. The truncation starts at a segment. -Thr-Val-Gly-Asp-, that is strictly conserved between characterized DBI species, indicating special restrictions on the structure. However, overall DBI conservation appears to be complex. A number of differently bioactive fragments with separate processings and tissue distributions have been observed, suggesting multiple functions of DBI and its sub-segments.

The stimulatory effect of the octadecaneuropeptide (ODN) on cytosolic Ca2+ in rat astrocytes is not mediated through classical benzodiazepine receptors

Diazepam-binding inhibitor has been initially isolated from the rat brain from its ability to compete with benzodiazepines for their receptors. We have recently shown that the octadecaneuropeptide (diazepam-binding inhibitor-(33-50) or ODN) induces an increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in astroglial cells. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether central-type benzodiazepine receptors or peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors are involved in the response of cultured rat astrocytes to ODN. The mixed central-/peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor ligand flunitrazepam (10(-10) to 10(-6) M), the specific peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor agonist Ro5-4864 (10(-10) to 10(-6) M) and the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor 'antagonist' PK 11195 (10(-9) to 10(-6) M) all induced a dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i. At high doses (10(-7) to 10(-5) M), the central-type benzodiazepine receptor agonist clonazepam also mimicked the stimulatory effect of ODN on [Ca2+]i. However, the [Ca2+]i rise induced by ODN was blocked neither by PK 11195 nor by the central-type benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil (10(-6) M each). Binding of [3H]flunitrazepam to intact astrocytes was displaced by low concentrations of the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor ligands flunitrazepam, Ro5 4864 and PK 11195, and by high concentrations of clonazepam. In contrast, ODN did not compete for [3H]flunitrazepam binding in intact cells. These data indicate that the effect of ODN on Ca2+ mobilization in rat astrocytes is mediated by high affinity receptors which are not related to classical benzodiazepine receptors.

The transcriptional and translational control of diazepam binding inhibitor expression in rat male germ-line cells

The diazepam binding inhibitor [DBI, also known as acyl-CoA-binding protein, (ACBP), or endozepine] is a 10-kD protein that has been suggested to be involved in the regulation of several biological processes such as acyl-CoA metabolism, steroidogenesis, insulin secretion, and gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A))/benzodiazepine receptor modulation. DBI has been cloned from vertebrates, insects, plants, and yeasts. In mammals, DBI is expressed in almost all the tissues studied. Nevertheless, DBI expression is restricted to specific cell types. Here we have studied DBI gene expression in the germ-line cells of rat testis. The DBI gene was intensively transcribed in postmeiotic round spermatids from stages VI to VIII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle. A prominent, spermatid-specific upstream transcription initiation site was identified in addition to the multiple common transcriptional initiation sites found in the somatic tissues. However, no DBI protein was detected in round spermatids, suggesting that the DBI transcripts were translationally arrested. The DBI protein was detected in the late spermatogenic stages starting from elongating spermatids from step 18 (stage VI) onward. The DBI protein was also detected in mature spermatozoa and in ejaculated human sperms. The majority of DBI was located at the middle piece of the spermatozoons tail enriched with mitochondria. On the basis of this observation and the well-established role of DBI in acyl-CoA metabolism, we propose that DBI expression in spermatozoa reflects the usage of fatty acids as a primary energy source by spermatozoa. The biological function of DBI in spermatozoa could thus be related to the motility function of sperm.

Occurrence of two somatostatin variants in the frog brain: characterization of the cDNAs, distribution of the mRNAs, and receptor-binding affinities of the peptides

In tetrapods, only one gene encoding a somatostatin precursor has been identified so far. The present study reports the characterization of the cDNA clones that encode two distinct somatostatin precursors in the brain of the frog Rana ridibunda. The cDNAs were isolated by using degenerate oligonucleotides based on the sequence of the central region of somatostatin to screen a frog brain cDNA library. One of the cDNAs encodes a 115-amino acid protein (prepro-somatostatin-14; PSS1) that exhibits a high degree of structural similarity with the mammalian somatostatin precursor. The other cDNA encodes a 103-amino acid protein (prepro-[Pro2, Met13]somatostatin-14; PSS2) that contains the sequence of the somatostatin analog (peptide SS2) at its C terminus, but does not exhibit appreciable sequence similarity with PSS1 in the remaining region. In situ hybridization studies indicate differential expression of the PSS1 and PSS2 genes in the septum, the lateral part of the pallium, the amygdaloid complex, the posterior nuclei of the thalamus, the ventral hypothalamic nucleus, the torus semicircularis and the optic tectum. The somatostatin variant SS2 was significantly more potent (4-6 fold) than somatostatin itself in displacing [125I-Tyr0, D-Trp8] somatostatin-14 from its specific binding sites. The present study indicates that the two somatostatin variants could exert different functions in the frog brain and pituitary. These data also suggest that distinct genes encoding somatostatin variants may be expressed in the brain of other tetrapods.

Localization of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and characterization of testosterone in the brain of the male frog

Several enzymes involved in the formation of steroids of the pregnene and pregnane series have been identified in the brain, but the biosynthesis of testosterone has never been reported in the central nervous system. In the present study, we have investigated the distribution and bioactivity of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) (EC 1.1.1.62; a key enzyme that is required for the formation of testosterone and estradiol) in the brain of the male frog Rana ridibunda. By using an antiserum against human type I placental 17beta-HSD, immunoreactivity was localized in a discrete group of ependymal glial cells bordering the telencephalic ventricles. HPLC analysis of telencephalon and hypothalamus extracts combined with testosterone radioimmunoassay revealed the existence of two peaks coeluting with testosterone and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. After HPLC purification, testosterone was identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Incubation of telencephalon slices with [3H]pregnenolone resulted in the formation of metabolites which coeluted with progesterone, 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. The newly synthesized steroid comigrating with testosterone was selectively immunodetected by using testosterone antibodies. These data indicate that 17beta-HSD is expressed in a subpopulation of gliocytes in the frog telencephalon and that telencephalic cells are capable of synthesizing various androgens, including dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone.

The characterization of two diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) transcripts in humans

We have investigated the expression of diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) (also called acyl-CoA-binding protein or endozepine) transcripts in different human tissues and tissue culture cell lines by reverse-transcriptase assisted PCR and RNase protection assay. Two different DBI transcripts capable of encoding polypeptides of 86 and 104 amino acids were detected in all the human tissues and cell lines studied. The transcript coding for the 86 amino acid DBI polypeptide was found to represent the majority of the total DBI transcript pool.