Efflux of cellular cholesterol and phospholipid to apolipoprotein A-I mutants

Cholesterol transport between red blood cells and lipoproteins contributes to cholesterol metabolism in blood

Lipoproteins play a key role in transport of cholesterol to and from tissues. Recent studies have also demonstrated that red blood cells (RBCs), which carry large quantities of free cholesterol in their membrane, play an important role in reverse cholesterol transport. However, the exact role of RBCs in systemic cholesterol metabolism is poorly understood. RBCs were incubated with autologous plasma or isolated lipoproteins resulting in a significant net amount of cholesterol moved from RBCs to HDL, while cholesterol from LDL moved in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the bi-directional cholesterol transport between RBCs and plasma lipoproteins was saturable and temperature-, energy-, and time-dependent, consistent with an active process. We did not find LDLR, ABCG1, or scavenger receptor class B type 1 in RBCs but found a substantial amount of ABCA1 mRNA and protein. However, specific cholesterol efflux from RBCs to isolated apoA-I was negligible, and ABCA1 silencing with siRNA or inhibition with vanadate and Probucol did not inhibit the efflux to apoA-I, HDL, or plasma. Cholesterol efflux from and cholesterol uptake by RBCs from Abca1 ^+/+ and Abca1 ^-/- mice were similar, arguing against the role of ABCA1 in cholesterol flux between RBCs and lipoproteins. Bioinformatics analysis identified ABCA7, ABCG5, lipoprotein lipase, and mitochondrial translocator protein as possible candidates that may mediate the cholesterol flux. Together, these results suggest that RBCs actively participate in cholesterol transport in the blood, but the role of cholesterol transporters in RBCs remains uncertain.

A Systematic Investigation of Structure/Function Requirements for the Apolipoprotein A-I/Lecithin Cholesterol Acyltransferase Interaction Loop of High-density Lipoprotein

The interaction of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) with apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) plays a critical role in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) maturation. We previously identified a highly solvent-exposed apoA-I loop domain (Leu(159)-Leu(170)) in nascent HDL, the so-called "solar flare" (SF) region, and proposed that it serves as an LCAT docking site (Wu, Z., Wagner, M. A., Zheng, L., Parks, J. S., Shy, J. M., 3rd, Smith, J. D., Gogonea, V., and Hazen, S. L. (2007) Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 14, 861-868). The stability and role of the SF domain of apoA-I in supporting HDL binding and activation of LCAT are debated. Here we show by site-directed mutagenesis that multiple residues within the SF region (Pro(165), Tyr(166), Ser(167), and Asp(168)) of apoA-I are critical for both LCAT binding to HDL and LCAT catalytic efficiency. The critical role for possible hydrogen bond interaction at apoA-I Tyr(166) was further supported using reconstituted HDL generated from apoA-I mutants (Tyr(166) → Glu or Asn), which showed preservation in both LCAT binding affinity and catalytic efficiency. Moreover, the in vivo functional significance of NO2-Tyr(166)-apoA-I, a specific post-translational modification on apoA-I that is abundant within human atherosclerotic plaque, was further investigated by using the recombinant protein generated from E. coli containing a mutated orthogonal tRNA synthetase/tRNACUA pair enabling site-specific insertion of the unnatural amino acid into apoA-I. NO2-Tyr(166)-apoA-I, after subcutaneous injection into hLCAT(Tg/Tg), apoA-I(-/-) mice, showed impaired LCAT activation in vivo, with significant reduction in HDL cholesteryl ester formation. The present results thus identify multiple structural features within the solvent-exposed SF region of apoA-I of nascent HDL essential for optimal LCAT binding and catalytic efficiency.

Molecular mechanisms of cellular cholesterol efflux

Most types of cells in the body do not express the capability of catabolizing cholesterol, so cholesterol efflux is essential for homeostasis. For instance, macrophages possess four pathways for exporting free (unesterified) cholesterol to extracellular high density lipoprotein (HDL). The passive processes include simple diffusion via the aqueous phase and facilitated diffusion mediated by scavenger receptor class B, type 1 (SR-BI). Active pathways are mediated by the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1, which are membrane lipid translocases. The efflux of cellular phospholipid and free cholesterol to apolipoprotein A-I promoted by ABCA1 is essential for HDL biogenesis. Current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in these four efflux pathways is presented in this minireview.

Influence of C-terminal α-helix hydrophobicity and aromatic amino acid content on apolipoprotein A-I functionality

The apoA-I molecule adopts a two-domain tertiary structure and the properties of these domains modulate the ability to form HDL particles. Thus, human apoA-I differs from mouse apoA-I in that it can form smaller HDL particles; the C-terminal α-helix is important in this process and human apoA-I is unusual in containing aromatic amino acids in the non-polar face of this amphipathic α-helix. To understand the influence of these aromatic amino acids and the associated high hydrophobicity, apoA-I variants were engineered in which aliphatic amino acids were substituted with or without causing a decrease in overall hydrophobicity. The variants human apoA-I (F225L/F229A/Y236A) and apoA-I (F225L/F229L/A232L/Y236L) were compared to wild-type (WT) apoA-I for their abilities to (1) solubilize phospholipid vesicles and form HDL particles of different sizes, and (2) mediate cellular cholesterol efflux and create nascent HDL particles via ABCA1. The loss of aromatic residues and concomitant decrease in hydrophobicity in apoA-I (F225L/F229A/Y236A) has no effect on protein stability, but reduces by a factor of about three the catalytic efficiencies (V(max)/K(m)) of vesicle solubilization and cholesterol efflux; also, relatively large HDL particles are formed. With apoA-I (F225L/F229L/A232L/Y236L) where the hydrophobicity is restored by the presence of only leucine residues in the helix non-polar face, the catalytic efficiencies of vesicle solubilization and cholesterol efflux are similar to those of WT apoA-I; this variant forms smaller HDL particles. Overall, the results show that the hydrophobicity of the non-polar face of the C-terminal amphipathic α-helix plays a critical role in determining apoA-I functionality but aromatic amino acids are not required. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Advances in High Density Lipoprotein Formation and Metabolism: A Tribute to John F. Oram (1945-2010).

Disruption of the murine procollagen C-proteinase enhancer 2 gene causes accumulation of pro-apoA-I and increased HDL levels

Given the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the world, the search for genetic variations that impact risk factors associated with the development of this disease continues. Multiple genetic association studies demonstrate that procollagen C-proteinase enhancer 2 (PCPE2) modulates HDL levels. Recent studies revealed an unexpected role for this protein in the proteolytic processing of pro-apolipoprotein (apo) A-I by enhancing the cleavage of the hexapeptide extension present at the N-terminus of apoA-I. To investigate the role of the PCPE2 protein in an in vivo model, PCPE2-deficient (PCPE2 KO) mice were examined, and a detailed characterization of plasma lipid profiles, apoA-I, HDL speciation, and function was done. Results of isoelectric focusing (IEF) electrophoresis together with the identification of the amino terminal peptides DEPQSQWDK and WHVWQQDEPQSQWDVK, representing mature apoA-I and pro-apoA-I, respectively, in serum from PCPE2 KO mice confirmed that PCPE2 has a role in apoA-I maturation. Lipid profiles showed a marked increase in plasma apoA-I and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in PCPE2 KO mice compared with wild-type littermates, regardless of gender or diet. Changes in HDL particle size and electrophoretic mobility observed in PCPE2 KO mice suggest that the presence of pro-apoA-I impairs the maturation of HDL. ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux is defective in PCPE2 KO mice, suggesting that the functionality of HDL is altered.

The relationship between high density lipoprotein subclass profile and apolipoprotein concentrations

The HDL fraction in human plasma is heterogeneous in terms of size, shape, composition, and surface charge. The HDL subclasses contents were quantified by 2-dimensional non-denaturing gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, and image analysis. This research review systematically analyzed the relationship between the contents of HDL subclasses and the concentrations and ratios of the 5 major plasma apolipoproteins (apo). As the concentration of apoA-I increases, the contents of all HDL subclasses increase significantly. The most significant association was observed between large-sized HDL2b contents and apoA-I. ApoA-II played a dual function in the contents of HDL subclasses, and both small-sized HDL3b and HDL3a and large-sized HDL2b tended to increase with apoA-II concentration. An increase in the concentrations of apoC-II, C-III, and B-100 resulted in higher levels of small-sized HDL particles and lower levels of large-sized HDL particles. Plasma apoB- 100, apoC-II, and apoC-III appear to play a coordinated role in assembly of HDL particles and the determination of their contents. Higher concentrations of apoA-I could inhibit the reduction in content of large-sized HDL2b effected by apoB-100, C-II, and C-III. The preβ1-HDL contents increased significantly and those of HDL2b declined progressively with an increased apoB-100/apoA-I or a decreased apoC-III/apoC-II ratio. In summary, each apo has distinct but interrelated roles in HDL particle generation and metabolism. ApoA-I and apoC-II concentrations are independent determinants of HDL subtypes in circulation and apoA-I levels might be a more powerful factor to influence HDL subclasses distribution. Moreover, apoB- 100/apoA-I ratio could reliably and sensitively reflect the HDL subclass profile.

Influence of apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I structure on nascent high density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size distribution

The principal protein of high density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, in the lipid-free state contains two tertiary structure domains comprising an N-terminal helix bundle and a less organized C-terminal domain. It is not known how the properties of these domains modulate the formation and size distribution of apoA-I-containing nascent HDL particles created by ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1)-mediated efflux of cellular phospholipid and cholesterol. To address this issue, proteins corresponding to the two domains of human apoA-I (residues 1-189 and 190-243) and mouse apoA-I (residues 1-186 and 187-240) together with some human/mouse domain hybrids were examined for their abilities to form HDL particles when incubated with either ABCA1-expressing cells or phospholipid multilamellar vesicles. Incubation of human apoA-I with cells gave rise to two sizes of HDL particles (hydrodynamic diameter, 8 and 10 nm), and removal or disruption of the C-terminal domain eliminated the formation of the smaller particle. Variations in apoA-I domain structure and physical properties exerted similar effects on the rates of formation and sizes of HDL particles created by either spontaneous solubilization of phospholipid multilamellar vesicles or the ABCA1-mediated efflux of cellular lipids. It follows that the sizes of nascent HDL particles are determined at the point at which cellular phospholipid and cholesterol are solubilized by apoA-I; apparently, this is the rate-determining step in the overall ABCA1-mediated cellular lipid efflux process. The stability of the apoA-I N-terminal helix bundle domain and the hydrophobicity of the C-terminal domain are important determinants of both nascent HDL particle size and their rate of formation.

Antiretroviral compounds and cholesterol efflux from macrophages

OBJECTIVE

HIV infection is associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. The effect of antiretroviral drugs on metabolism of atherogenic very low and low density lipoproteins is well studied, but a possible effect of these drugs on reverse cholesterol transport is still unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of various classes of anti-HIV drugs on cellular cholesterol efflux.

METHODS

The effect of pharmacological concentrations of seven commonly used antiretroviral compounds, Stavudine, Efavirenz, Nevirapine, Lopinavir, Amprenavir, Nelfinavir and Ritonavir, on cholesterol efflux from RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages and human monocyte-derived macrophages to apolipoprotein A-I and high density lipoprotein was tested.

RESULTS

At high pharmacological concentration Nelfinavir and Ritonavir inhibited cholesterol efflux, while other compounds had no effect. However, the same concentrations of Nelfinavir and Ritonovir induced apoptosis, suggesting that the effect of these compounds on cholesterol efflux most likely resulted from their cytotoxicity. When tested in non-cytotoxic concentrations, Nelfinavir and Ritonavir did not affect cholesterol efflux from RAW 264.7 cells, human monocyte-derived macrophages, or human macrophages infected with HIV-1.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that tested antiretroviral compounds do not have a specific effect on cholesterol efflux.

A mouse model of harlequin ichthyosis delineates a key role for Abca12 in lipid homeostasis

Harlequin Ichthyosis (HI) is a severe and often lethal hyperkeratotic skin disease caused by mutations in the ABCA12 transport protein. In keratinocytes, ABCA12 is thought to regulate the transfer of lipids into small intracellular trafficking vesicles known as lamellar bodies. However, the nature and scope of this regulation remains unclear. As part of an original recessive mouse ENU mutagenesis screen, we have identified and characterised an animal model of HI and showed that it displays many of the hallmarks of the disease including hyperkeratosis, loss of barrier function, and defects in lipid homeostasis. We have used this model to follow disease progression in utero and present evidence that loss of Abca12 function leads to premature differentiation of basal keratinocytes. A comprehensive analysis of lipid levels in mutant epidermis demonstrated profound defects in lipid homeostasis, illustrating for the first time the extent to which Abca12 plays a pivotal role in maintaining lipid balance in the skin. To further investigate the scope of Abca12's activity, we have utilised cells from the mutant mouse to ascribe direct transport functions to the protein and, in doing so, we demonstrate activities independent of its role in lamellar body function. These cells have severely impaired lipid efflux leading to intracellular accumulation of neutral lipids. Furthermore, we identify Abca12 as a mediator of Abca1-regulated cellular cholesterol efflux, a finding that may have significant implications for other diseases of lipid metabolism and homeostasis, including atherosclerosis.

Enhancing apolipoprotein A-I-dependent cholesterol efflux elevates cholesterol export from macrophages in vivo

Eight proteins potentially involved in cholesterol efflux [ABCA1, ABCG1, CYP27A1, phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), scavenger receptor type BI (SR-BI), caveolin-1, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I)] were overexpressed alone or in combination in RAW 264.7 macrophages. When apoA-I was used as an acceptor, overexpression of the combination of ABCA1, CYP27A1, PLTP, and SR-BI (Combination I) enhanced the efflux by 4.3-fold. It was established that the stimulation of efflux was due to increased abundance of ABCA1 and increased apoA-I binding to non-ABCA1 sites on macrophages. This combination caused only a small increase of the efflux to isolated HDL. When HDL was used as an acceptor, overexpression of caveolin-1 or a combination of caveolin-1 and SR-BI (Combination II) was the most active, doubling the efflux to HDL, without affecting the efflux to apoA-I. When tested in the in vivo mouse model of cholesterol efflux, overexpression of ABCA1 and Combination I elevated cholesterol export from macrophages to plasma, liver, and feces, whereas overexpression of caveolin-1 or Combination II did not have an effect. We conclude that pathways of cholesterol efflux using apoA-I as an acceptor make a predominant contribution to cholesterol export from macrophages in vivo.

Integrated analytical approach in veal calves administered the anabolic androgenic steroids boldenone and boldione: urine and plasma kinetic profile and changes in plasma protein expression

Surveillance of illegal use of steroids hormones in cattle breeding is a key issue to preserve human health. To this purpose, an integrated approach has been developed for the analysis of plasma and urine from calves treated orally with a single dose of a combination of the androgenic steroids boldenone and boldione. A quantitative estimation of steroid hormones was obtained by LC-APCI-Q-MS/MS analysis of plasma and urine samples obtained at various times up to 36 and 24 h after treatment, respectively. These experiments demonstrated that boldione was never found, while boldenone alpha- and beta-epimers were detected in plasma and urine only within 2 and 24 h after drug administration, respectively. Parallel proteomic analysis of plasma samples was obtained by combined 2-DE, MALDI-TOF-MS and muLC-ESI-IT-MS/MS procedures. A specific protein, poorly represented in normal plasma samples collected before treatment, was found upregulated even 36 h after hormone treatment. Extensive mass mapping experiments proved this component as an N-terminal truncated form of apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), a protein involved in cholesterol transport. The expression profile of ApoA1 analysed by Western blot analysis confirmed a significant and time dependent increase of this ApoA1 fragment. Then, provided that further experiments performed with a growth-promoting schedule will confirm these preliminary findings, truncated ApoA1 may be proposed as a candidate biomarker for steroid boldenone and possibly other anabolic androgens misuse in cattle veal calves, when no traces of hormones are detectable in plasma or urine.

Advanced glycation of apolipoprotein A-I impairs its anti-atherogenic properties

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

AGE contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, including dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis. However, the precise mechanisms remain to be established. In the present study, we examined whether AGE modification of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) affects its functionality, thus altering its cardioprotective profile.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ability of AGE-modified apoA-I to facilitate cholesterol and phospholipid efflux, stabilise ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and inhibit expression of adhesion molecules in human macrophages and monocytes was studied.

RESULTS

The ability of AGE-modified apoA-I to promote cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophages, isolated human monocytes and from ABCA1-transfected HeLa cells was significantly reduced (>70%) compared with unmodified apoA-I. This effect was reversed by preventing AGE formation with aminoguanidine or reversing AGE modification using the cross-link breaker alagebrium chloride. AGE-modification of HDL also reduced its capacity to promote cholesterol efflux. AGE-apoA-I was also less effective than apoA-I in stabilising ABCA1 in THP-1 cells as well as in inhibiting expression of CD11b in human monocytes.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

AGE modification of apoA-I considerably impairs its cardioprotective, antiatherogenic properties, including the ability to promote cholesterol efflux, stabilise ABCA1 and inhibit the expression of adhesion molecules. These findings provide a rationale for targeting AGE in the management of diabetic dyslipidaemia.

The Role of Different Regions of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1 in Cholesterol Efflux

ABCA1 is a key element of cholesterol efflux, but the mechanism of ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux is still unclear. Monoclonal antibodies against ABCA1 were used to map functional domains of ABCA1. Two antibodies were directed against a fragment of the first extracellular loop of ABCA1, and the third antibody was directed against a fragment of the fourth extracellular loop. One antibody against the first loop inhibited cholesterol efflux from human macrophages without inhibiting apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) binding and internalization. Another antibody against the first loop inhibited apoA-I binding and internalization without inhibiting cholesterol efflux. The antibody against the fourth loop inhibited apoA-I binding to ABCA1 but enhanced cholesterol efflux from macrophages and reduced intracellular cholesterol content. This antibody also increased cholesterol efflux from HeLa cells transfected with ABCA1 but not from cells with DeltaPEST-ABCA1. The mechanism of the stimulating effect of this antibody on cholesterol efflux was found to be stabilization of ABCA1 leading to the increase in abundance of cell surface ABCA1. We conclude that a site on the first extracellular loop is required for cholesterol efflux, whereas a site on the fourth extracellular loop may be responsible for ABCA1 stability.

Human immunodeficiency virus impairs reverse cholesterol transport from macrophages

Several steps of HIV-1 replication critically depend on cholesterol. HIV infection is associated with profound changes in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Whereas numerous studies have investigated the role of anti-HIV drugs in lipodystrophy and dyslipidemia, the effects of HIV infection on cellular cholesterol metabolism remain uncharacterized. Here, we demonstrate that HIV-1 impairs ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1)-dependent cholesterol efflux from human macrophages, a condition previously shown to be highly atherogenic. In HIV-1–infected cells, this effect was mediated by Nef. Transfection of murine macrophages with Nef impaired cholesterol efflux from these cells. At least two mechanisms were found to be responsible for this phenomenon: first, HIV infection and transfection with Nef induced post-transcriptional down-regulation of ABCA1; and second, Nef caused redistribution of ABCA1 to the plasma membrane and inhibited internalization of apolipoprotein A-I. Binding of Nef to ABCA1 was required for down-regulation and redistribution of ABCA1. HIV-infected and Nef-transfected macrophages accumulated substantial amounts of lipids, thus resembling foam cells. The contribution of HIV-infected macrophages to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis was supported by the presence of HIV-positive foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques of HIV-infected patients. Stimulation of cholesterol efflux from macrophages significantly reduced infectivity of the virions produced by these cells, and this effect correlated with a decreased amount of virion-associated cholesterol, suggesting that impairment of cholesterol efflux is essential to ensure proper cholesterol content in nascent HIV particles. These results reveal a previously unrecognized dysregulation of intracellular lipid metabolism in HIV-infected macrophages and identify Nef and ABCA1 as the key players responsible for this effect. Our findings have implications for pathogenesis of both HIV disease and atherosclerosis, because they reveal the role of cholesterol efflux impairment in HIV infectivity and suggest a possible mechanism by which HIV infection of macrophages may contribute to increased risk of atherosclerosis in HIV-infected patients.

HIV1-Nef impairs ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux from infected macrophages, promoting the transformation of virally infected macrophages into foam cells (a condition that may put HIV patients at risk for atherosclerosis).

Assessing the effects of LXR agonists on cellular cholesterol handling: a stable isotope tracer study

The liver X receptors (LXRs) alpha and beta are responsible for the transcriptional regulation of a number of genes involved in cholesterol efflux from cells and therefore may be molecular targets for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the effects of LXR ligands on cholesterol turnover in cells has not been examined comprehensively. In this study, cellular cholesterol handling (e.g., synthesis, catabolism, influx, and efflux) was examined using a stable isotope labeling study and a two-compartment modeling scheme. In HepG2 cells, the incorporation of 13C into cholesterol from [1-13C]acetate was analyzed by mass isotopomer distribution analysis in conjunction with nonsteady state, multicompartment kinetic analysis to calculate the cholesterol fluxes. Incubation with synthetic, nonsteroidal LXR agonists (GW3965, T0901317, and SB742881) increased cholesterol synthesis (approximately 10-fold), decreased cellular cholesterol influx (71-82%), and increased cellular cholesterol efflux (1.7- to 1.9-fold) by 96 h. As a consequence of these altered cholesterol fluxes, cellular cholesterol decreased (36-39%) by 96 h. The increased cellular cholesterol turnover was associated with increased expression of the LXR-activated genes ABCA1, ABCG1, FAS, and sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1c. In summary, the mathematical model presented allows time-dependent calculations of cellular cholesterol fluxes. These data demonstrate that all of the cellular cholesterol fluxes were altered by LXR activation and that the increase in cholesterol synthesis did not compensate for the increased cellular cholesterol efflux, resulting in a net cellular cholesterol loss.

Cysteine mutants of human apolipoprotein A-I: a study of secondary structural and functional properties

Apolipoprotein A-I(Milano) (A-I(M)) (R173C), a natural mutant of human apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), and five other cysteine variants of apoA-I at residues 52 (S52C), 74 (N74C), 107 (K107C), 129 (G129C), and 195 (K195C) were generated. Cysteine residues were incorporated in each of the various helices at the same helical wheel position as for the substitution in A-I(M). The secondary structural properties of the monomeric mutants, their abilities to bind lipid and to promote cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophages, and the possibility of antiperoxidation were investigated. Results showed that the alpha helical contents of all of the cysteine mutants were similar to that of wild-type apoA-I (wtapoA-I). The cysteine variant of A-I(M) at residue 173 [A-I(M)(R173C)] exhibited weakened structural stability, whereas A-I(G129C) a more stable structure than wtapoA-I. A-I(G129C) and A-I(K195C) exhibited significantly impaired capabilities to bind lipid compared with wtapoA-I. A-I(K107C) possessed a higher capacity to promote cholesterol efflux from macrophages than wtapoA-I, and A-I(M)(R173C) and A-I(K195C) exhibited an impaired efflux capability. Neither A-I(M)(R173C) nor any other cysteine mutant could resist oxidation against lipoxygenase. In summary, in spite of the similar mutant position on the helix, these variants exhibited different structural features or biological activities, suggesting the potential influence of the local environment of mutations on the whole polypeptide chain.

Expression of Caveolin-1 Enhances Cholesterol Efflux in Hepatic Cells

HepG2 cells were stably transfected with human caveolin-1 (HepG2/cav cells). Transfection resulted in expression of caveolin-1 mRNA, a high abundance of caveolin-1 protein, and the formation of caveolae on the plasma membrane. Cholesterol efflux from HepG2/cav cells was 280 and 45% higher than that from parent HepG2 cells when human plasma and human apoA-I, respectively, were used as acceptors. The difference in efflux was eliminated by treatment of cells with progesterone. There was no difference in cholesterol efflux to cyclodextrin. Cholesterol efflux from plasma membrane vesicles was similar for the two cell types. Transfection led to a 40% increase in the amount of plasma membrane cholesterol in cholesterol-rich domains (caveolae and/or rafts) and a 67% increase in the rate of cholesterol trafficking from intracellular compartments to these domains. Cholesterol biosynthesis in HepG2/cav cells was increased by 2-fold, and cholesterol esterification was reduced by 50% compared with parent HepG2 cells. The proliferation rate of transfected cells was significantly lower than that of non-transfected cells. Transfection did not affect expression of ABCA1 or the abundance of ABCA1 protein, but decreased secretion of apoA-I. We conclude that overexpression of caveolin-1 in hepatic cells stimulates cholesterol efflux by enhancing transfer of cholesterol to cholesterol-rich domains in the plasma membrane.

Apolipoprotein A-I-stimulated apolipoprotein E secretion from human macrophages is independent of cholesterol efflux

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I)-mediated cholesterol efflux involves the binding of apoA-I to the plasma membrane via its C terminus and requires cellular ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA1) activity. ApoA-I also stimulates secretion of apolipoprotein E (apoE) from macrophage foam cells, although the mechanism of this process is not understood. In this study, we demonstrate that apoA-I stimulates secretion of apoE independently of both ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux and of lipid binding by its C terminus. Pulse-chase experiments using (35)S-labeled cellular apoE demonstrate that macrophage apoE exists in both relatively mobile (E(m)) and stable (E(s)) pools, that apoA-I diverts apoE from degradation to secretion, and that only a small proportion of apoA-I-mobilized apoE is derived from the cell surface. The structural requirements for induction of apoE secretion and cholesterol efflux are clearly dissociated, as C-terminal deletions in recombinant apoA-I reduce cholesterol efflux but increase apoE secretion, and deletion of central helices 5 and 6 decreases apoE secretion without perturbing cholesterol efflux. Moreover, a range of 11- and 22-mer alpha-helical peptides representing amphipathic alpha-helical segments of apoA-I stimulate apoE secretion whereas only the C-terminal alpha-helix (domains 220-241) stimulates cholesterol efflux. Other alpha-helix-containing apolipoproteins (apoA-II, apoA-IV, apoE2, apoE3, apoE4) also stimulate apoE secretion, implying a positive feedback autocrine loop for apoE secretion, although apoE4 is less effective. Finally, apoA-I stimulates apoE secretion normally from macrophages of two unrelated subjects with genetically confirmed Tangier Disease (mutations C733R and c.5220-5222delTCT; and mutations A1046D and c.4629-4630insA), despite severely inhibited cholesterol efflux. We conclude that apoA-I stimulates secretion of apoE independently of cholesterol efflux, and that this represents a novel, ABCA-1-independent, positive feedback pathway for stimulation of potentially anti-atherogenic apoE secretion by alpha-helix-containing molecules including apoA-I and apoE.

Identification of an apolipoprotein A-I structural element that mediates cellular cholesterol efflux and stabilizes ATP binding cassette transporter A1

Synthetic peptides were used in this study to identify a structural element of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I that stimulates cellular cholesterol efflux and stabilizes the ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). Peptides (22-mers) based on helices 1 (amino acids 44-65) and 10 (amino acids 220-241) of apoA-I had high lipid binding affinity but failed to mediate ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux, and they lacked the ability to stabilize ABCA1. The addition of helix 9 (amino acids 209-219) to either helix 1 (creates a 1/9 chimera) or 10 (9/10 peptide) endowed cholesterol efflux capability and ABCA1 stabilization activity similar to full-length apoA-I. Adding helix 9 to helix 1 or 10 had only a small effect on lipid binding affinity compared with the 22-mer peptides, indicating that helix length and/or determinants on the polar surface of the amphipathic alpha-helices is important for cholesterol efflux. Cholesterol efflux was specific for the structure created by the 1/9 and 9/10 helical combinations, as 33-mers composed of helices 1 and 3 (1/3), 2/9, and 4/9 failed to mediate cholesterol efflux in an ABCA1-dependent manner. Transposing helices 9 and 10 (10/9 peptide) did not change the class Y structure, hydrophobicity, or amphiphilicity of the helical combination, but the topography of negatively charged amino acids on the polar surface was altered, and the 10/9 peptide neither mediated ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux nor stabilized ABCA1 protein. These results suggest that a specific structural element possessing a linear array of acidic residues spanning two apoA-I amphipathic alpha-helices is required to mediate cholesterol efflux and stabilize ABCA1.

Apolipoprotein A-1 interaction with plasma membrane lipid rafts controls cholesterol export from macrophages

Cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) from cholesterol-loaded macrophages is an important anti-atherosclerotic mechanism in reverse cholesterol transport. We recently provided kinetic evidence for two distinct pathways for cholesterol efflux to apoA-1 [Gaus et al. (2001) Biochemistry 40, 9363]. Cholesterol efflux from two membrane pools occurs sequentially with different kinetics; a small pool rapidly effluxed over the first hour, followed by progressive release from a major, slow efflux pool over several hours. In the present study, we propose that the rapid and slow cholesterol efflux pools represent cholesterol derived from lipid raft and nonraft domains of the plasma membrane, respectively. We provide direct evidence that apoA-1 binds to both lipid raft and nonraft domains of the macrophage plasma membrane. Conditions that selectively deplete plasma membrane lipid raft cholesterol, such as incorporation of 7-ketocholesterol or rapid exposure to cyclodextrins, block apoA-1 binding to these domains but also inhibit cholesterol efflux from the major, slow pool. We propose that cholesterol exported to apoA-1 from this major slow efflux pool derives from nonraft regions of the plasma membrane but that the interaction of apoA-1 with lipid rafts is necessary to stimulate this efflux.

Effects of apolipoprotein A-I on ATP-binding cassette transporter A1-mediated efflux of macrophage phospholipid and cholesterol: formation of nascent high density lipoprotein particles

The mechanism of formation of high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles by the action of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is not defined completely. To address this issue, we monitored efflux to apoA-I of phosphatidylcholine (PC), sphingomyelin (SM), and unesterified (free) cholesterol (FC) from J774 macrophages, in which ABCA1 is up-regulated, and investigated the nature of the particles formed. The various apoA-I/lipid particles appearing in the extracellular medium were separated by gel filtration chromatography. The presence of apoA-I in the extracellular medium led to the simultaneous formation of more than one type of poorly lipidated apoA-I-containing particle: there were 9- and 12-nm diameter particles containing approximately 3:1 and 1:1 phospholipid/FC (mol/mol), respectively, which were present together with 6-nm monomeric apoA-I. Removal of the C-terminal alpha-helix (residues 223-243) of apoA-I reduced phospholipid and FC efflux and prevented formation of the 9- and 12-nm HDL particles; the apoA-I variant formed larger particles that eluted in the void volume. FC loading of the J774 cells also led to the formation of larger apoA-I-containing particles that were highly enriched in FC. Besides creating HDL particles, ABCA1 mediated release of larger (20-450-nm diameter) FC-rich particles that were not involved in HDL formation and that are probably membrane vesicles. These particles contained 1:1 PC/SM in contrast to the HDL particles, which contained 2:1 PC/SM. This is consistent with lipid raft and non-raft plasma membrane domains being involved primarily in ABCA1-mediated vesicle release and nascent HDL formation, respectively.

Expression of sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) enhances cholesterol efflux

Cholesterol efflux from CHOP cells transfected with sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) was compared with non-transfected and mock-transfected cells. Transfection caused expression of CYP27A1, formation of 27-hydroxycholesterol, and inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis. Transfection enhanced cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein A-I or human plasma by 2-3-fold but did not affect the efflux in the absence of acceptor. The analysis of released sterols revealed that 27-hydroxycholesterol represented only a small proportion of sterols, most of which was non-oxidized cholesterol. Time course and dose dependence studies showed that expression of CYP27A1 in CHOP cells mostly affected the efflux of the "fast" cholesterol pool, and relatively more cholesterol was released with low concentrations of an acceptor. Preincubation of non-transfected cells with exogenous 27-hydroxycholesterol (10(-9) and 10(-7) m) led to the stimulation of cholesterol efflux by 24-60%. Expression of CYP27A1 in CHOP cells did not affect ABCA1 expression and abundance of ABCA1 protein. Thus, introduction of CYP27A1 into cells stimulates cholesterol efflux and therefore may increase protection against atherosclerosis.

Apolipoprotein composition and particle size affect HDL degradation by chymase: effect on cellular cholesterol efflux

Mast cell chymase, a chymotrypsin-like neutral protease, can proteolyze HDL3. Here we studied the ability of rat and human chymase to proteolyze discoidal pre beta-migrating reconstituted HDL particles (rHDLs) containing either apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) or apoA-II. Both chymases cleaved apoA-I in rHDL at identical sites, either at the N-terminus (Tyr18 or Phe33) or at the C-terminus (Phe225), so generating three major truncated polypeptides that remained bound to the rHDL. The cleavage sites were independent of the size of the rHDL particles, but small particles were more susceptible to degradation than bigger ones. Chymase-induced truncation of apoA-I yielded functionally compromised rHDL with reduced ability to promote cellular cholesterol efflux. In sharp contrast to apoA-I, apoA-II was resistant to degradation. However, when apoA-II was present in rHDL that also contained apoA-I, it was degraded by chymase. We conclude that chymase reduces the ability of apoA-I in discoidal rHDL particles to induce cholesterol efflux by cleaving off either its amino- or carboxy-terminal portion. This observation supports the concept that limited extracellular proteolysis of apoA-I is one pathophysiologic mechanism leading to the generation and maintenance of foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions.

The central helices of ApoA-I can promote ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1)-mediated lipid efflux. Amino acid residues 220-231 of the wild-type ApoA-I are required for lipid efflux in vitro and high density lipoprotein formation in vivo

We have mapped the domains of lipid-free apoA-I that promote cAMP-dependent and cAMP-independent cholesterol and phospholipid efflux. The cAMP-dependent lipid efflux in J774 mouse macrophages was decreased by approximately 80-92% by apoA-I[delta(185-243)], only by 15% by apoA-I[delta(1-41)] or apoA-I[delta(1-59)], and was restored to 75-80% of the wild-type apoA-I control value by double deletion mutants apoA-I[delta(1-41)delta(185-243)] and apoA-I[delta(1-59)delta(185-243)]. Similar results were obtained in HEK293 cells transfected with an ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression plasmid. The double deletion mutant of apoA-I had reduced thermal and chemical stability compared with wild-type apoA-I. Sequential carboxyl-terminal deletions showed that cAMP-dependent cholesterol efflux was diminished in all the mutants tested, except the apoA-I[delta(232-243)] which had normal cholesterol efflux. In cAMP-untreated or in mock-transfected cells, cholesterol efflux was not affected by the amino-terminal deletions, but decreased by 30-40% and 50-65% by the carboxyl-terminal and double deletions, respectively. After adenovirus-mediated gene transfer in apoA-I-deficient mice, wild-type apoA-I and apoA-I[delta(1-41)] formed spherical high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, whereas apoA-I[delta(1-41)delta(185-243)] formed discoidal HDL. The findings suggest that although the central helices of apoA-I alone can promote ABCA1-mediated lipid efflux, residues 220-231 are necessary to allow functional interactions between the full-length apoA-I and ABCA1 that are required for lipid efflux and HDL biogenesis.

The C-terminal domain of apolipoprotein A-I is involved in ABCA1-driven phospholipid and cholesterol efflux

ABCA1, a member of the ATP-binding cassette family, mediates the efflux of cellular lipids to free apolipoproteins, mainly apoA-I. The role of the C-terminal domain of apoA-I in this process has been evaluated by measuring the efflux capacity of a truncated form (apoA-I-(1-192)) versus intact apoA-I in different cellular models. In stimulated J774 macrophages, cholesterol efflux to apoA-I-(1-192) was remarkably lower than that to the intact apoA-I. The truncated apoA-I, lacking an important lipid-binding domain, was also significantly less efficient in removing phospholipids from stimulated macrophages. No difference was detected with stimulated Tangier fibroblasts that do not express functional ABCA1. The C-terminal domain of apoA-I is clearly involved in ABCA1-driven lipid efflux. Independent of the interaction with the cell surface, it may be the decreased ability of the truncated apoA-I to recruit membrane phospholipids that impairs its capacity to promote cell cholesterol efflux.

Delineation of the role of pre-beta 1-HDL in cholesterol efflux using isolated pre-beta 1-HDL

OBJECTIVE

The role of pre-beta1-high density lipoprotein (pre-beta1-HDL) in cholesterol efflux was investigated by separating human plasma into purified pre-beta1-HDL and pre-beta1-HDL-deficient plasma by using a monoclonal antibody specifically reacting with pre-beta1-HDL.

METHODS AND RESULTS

When compared with whole plasma, pre-beta1-HDL-deficient plasma was equally efficient in promoting cholesterol efflux from human skin fibroblasts and THP-1 human macrophage cells. When added at the same apolipoprotein A-I concentration, pre-beta1-HDL was less effective than whole plasma in promoting cholesterol efflux from fibroblasts but equally effective in promoting cholesterol efflux from THP-1 cells. However, pre-beta1-HDL-deficient plasma reconstituted with 16% pre-beta1-HDL was more active than whole plasma, demonstrating that pre-beta1-HDL does promote cholesterol efflux actively. The amount of cellular cholesterol present in reisolated pre-beta1-HDL was 1.5- to 2-fold greater after incubation of the cells with whole plasma than after incubation of the cells with pre-beta1-HDL-deficient plasma or plasma treated with the anti-pre-beta1-HDL antibody. However, the anti-pre-beta1-HDL antibody did not inhibit cholesterol efflux.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that whereas pre-beta1-HDL is capable of taking up cellular cholesterol, its presence in plasma is not essential for cholesterol efflux, at least in vitro. Instead, pre-beta1-HDL may be the first product of apolipoprotein A-I lipidation during the formation of HDL but may not play a major role in transferring cellular cholesterol to HDL.

Apolipoprotein A-I alpha -helices 7 and 8 modulate high density lipoprotein subclass distribution

Mice have a monodisperse high density lipoprotein (HDL) profile, whereas humans have two major subfractions designated HDL(2) and HDL(3). Human apoA-I transgenic mice exhibit a human-like HDL profile, indicating that the amino acid sequence of apoA-I is a determinant of the HDL profile. Comparison of the primary sequence of mouse and human apoA-I and the previously designated "hinge" domain of apoA-I led us to hypothesize that alpha-helices 7 and 8 (7/8) are determinants of HDL subclass distribution. The following proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli: human apoA-I, T7-hAI; mouse apoA-I, T7-mAI; chimeric human apoA-I containing murine helices 7/8 in place of human helices 7/8, T7-hAI(m7/8); and the reciprocal chimera, T7-mAI(h7/8). The recombinant proteins were examined for their association with human plasma HDL subclasses. The results demonstrated that T7-hAI bound HDL(2) and HDL(3) equally well, whereas T7-mAI bound to HDL(2) preferentially. T7-hAI(m7/8) behaved like T7-mAI, and T7-mAI(h7/8) behaved like T7-hAI. Thus, alpha-helices 7/8 are strong contributors to the pattern of HDL subclass association. Self-association, alpha-helicity, cholesterol efflux, and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity of the recombinant proteins were also assessed. Human apoA-I self-associates more and activates human lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase better than mouse apoA-I. These differential characteristics of human and mouse apoA-I are not dependent on helices 7/8.

Macrophage metalloproteinases degrade high-density-lipoprotein-associated apolipoprotein A-I at both the N- and C-termini

Atheromatous plaques contain various cell types, including macrophages, endothelial cells and smooth-muscle cells. To investigate the possible interactions between secreted matrix metalloproteinases and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) components, we tested the above cell types by culturing them for 24 h. HDL(3) (HDL subfractions with average sizes of between 8.44 nm for HDL(3A) and 7.62 nm for HDL(3C)) were then incubated in their cell-free conditioned media. Proteolytic degradation of apolipoprotein A-I was observed with macrophages, but not with endothelial-cell- or muscle-cell-conditioned supernatant. Absence of calcium or addition of EDTA to incubation media prevented all proteolytic processes. The identified apolipoprotein A-I fragments had sizes of 26, 22, 14 and 9 kDa. Two-dimensional electrophoresis and MS resolved the 26 and the 22 kDa components and identified peptides resulting from both N- and C-terminal cleavage of apolipoprotein A-I. The higher abundance of C- than N-terminally cleaved peptides agrees with data in the literature for a fully structured alpha-helix around Tyr(18) compared with an unstructured region around Gly(185) and Gly(186). The flexibility in the latter region of apolipoprotein A-I may explain its susceptibility to proteolysis. In our experimental set-up, HDL(3C) was more extensively degraded than the other HDL(3) subclasses (HDL(3A) and HDL(3B)). Proteolytic fragments produced by metalloproteinase action were shown by gel filtration and electrophoresis to be neither associated with lipids nor self-associated.

The N-terminal globular domain and the first class A amphipathic helix of apolipoprotein A-I are important for lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activation and the maturation of high density lipoprotein in vivo

To investigate the role of the N terminus of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) in the maturation of high density lipoproteins (HDL), two N-terminal mutants with deletions of residues 1-43 and 1-65 (referred to as Delta 1-43 and Delta 1-65 apoA-I) were studied. In vitro, these deletions had little effect on cellular cholesterol efflux from macrophages but LCAT activation was reduced by 50 and 70% for the Delta 1-43 and Delta 1-65 apoA-I mutants, respectively, relative to wild-type (Wt) apoA-I. To further define the role of the N terminus of apoA-I in HDL maturation, we constructed recombinant adenoviruses containing Wt apoA-I and two similar mutants with deletions of residues 7-43 and 7-65 (referred to as Delta 7-43 and Delta 7-65 apoA-I, respectively). Residues 1-6 were not removed in these mutants to allow proper cleavage of the pro-sequence in vivo. Following injection of these adenoviruses into apoA-I-deficient mice, plasma concentrations of both Delta 7-43 and Delta 7-65 apoA-I were reduced 4-fold relative to Wt apoA-I. The N-terminal deletion mutants, in particular Delta 7-65 apoA-I, were associated with greater proportions of pre beta-HDL and accumulated fewer HDL cholesteryl esters relative to Wt apoA-I. Wt and Delta 7-43 apoA-I formed predominantly alpha-migrating and spherical HDL, whereas Delta 7-65 apoA-I formed only pre beta-HDL of discoidal morphology. This demonstrates that deletion of the first class A amphipathic alpha-helix has a profound additive effect in vivo over the deletion of the globular domain alone (amino acids 1-43) indicating its important role in the production of mature alpha-migrating HDL. In summary, the combined in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate a role for the N terminus of apoA-I in lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activation and the requirement of the first class A amphipathic alpha-helix for the maturation of HDL in vivo.

Recombinant proapoA-I(Lys107del) shows impaired lipid binding associated with reduced binding to plasma high density lipoprotein

In the present study apoA-I (Lys 107del), a naturally occurring human apoA-I variant with a deletion of Lys 107, was expressed in E. coli to examine the effect of this mutation on lipid binding, cholesterol efflux and lecithin:cholesterol acyltranferase (LCAT) activation. Dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) binding studies revealed slow interaction of proapoA-I(Lys107del) with DMPC relative to normal proapoA-I. After preincubation with human plasma lipoprotein (d<1.225 g/ml) for 1 h at 37 degrees C, 125I-labeled normal proapoA-I chromatographed as a single peak with the high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction, whereas 125I-labeled proapoA-I(Lys107del) chromatographed with both HDL and free proapoA-I (26% of the radioactivity). Circular dichroism measurements showed that the alpha-helical content of lipid-bound proapoA-I (Lys107del) was reduced to 64 versus 73% of normal proapoA-I. Non-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of reconstituted HDL assembled with either proapoA-I(Lys107del) or normal proapoA-I showed that the mutation led to the formation of a second population of smaller rHDL particles. DMPC/proapoA-I(Lys107del) and normal DMPC/proapoA-I complexes exhibited a similar capacity to promote cholesterol efflux from fibroblasts. ProapoA-I (Lys107del) also activated LCAT similar to wild type proapoA-I and human plasma apoA-I. We conclude that deletion of Lys 107 substantially alters the lipid binding properties of the protein, which correlated with reduced binding to plasma HDL in vitro, but did not affect the capacity of the mutant/lipid complex to promote cholesterol efflux or activate LCAT.

Inhibition of cholesterol efflux by 7-ketocholesterol: comparison between cells, plasma membrane vesicles, and liposomes as cholesterol donors

Cholesterol removal from lipid-loaded macrophages is an important, potentially antiatherogenic process, and we have previously shown that an oxysterol, 7-ketocholesterol (7K), can impair efflux to lipid-free apoprotein A-1 (apoA-1). This publication investigates whether incorporation of 7K into membranes could account for this impairment of cholesterol efflux. Cholesterol efflux was studied from lipoprotein-loaded THP-1 cells, from plasma membrane vesicles obtained from these cells, and from artificial, protein-free liposomes. Impairment of cholesterol efflux by 7K was observed for all cholesterol donor systems whether measured as decline in cholesterol removal rates or as the percentage mass of total cellular cholesterol exported. 7-Ketocholesterol itself was not removed by apoA-1 from any of the cholesterol donor systems. Increasing membrane cholesterol content increased the rate of cholesterol removal by apoA-1 (as seen with plasma membrane vesicles), the quantity of cholesterol removed at equilibrium (liposomes), or both (whole cells). Although the minimum inhibitory 7K concentrations varied between the cholesterol donor systems, 7K inhibited cholesterol efflux in all systems. It was concluded that 7K induces alteration in membranes which decreased the efficiency of cholesterol efflux and the quantity of removed cholesterol induced by apoA-1. As cell membrane proteins are not essential for cholesterol efflux in these systems, the impairment of such by 7K suggests that its effect on membrane lipid composition and its structure are key regulatory elements in this efflux process.

Functional similarities of human and chicken apolipoprotein A-I: dependence on secondary and tertiary rather than primary structure

To investigate the sequence requirements for apolipoprotein (apo) AI functions, comparisons of human and chicken apoAI were performed. In lipid binding assays, chicken apoAI was capable of transforming phospholipid vesicles into discoidal bilayer structures, similar in both size and apolipoprotein content to those produced with human apoAI under the same conditions. Human and chicken apoAI were indistinguishable in their relative abilities to prevent phospholipase C-induced aggregation of human low density lipoprotein. This activity, which is dependent upon formation of a stable interaction with the modified lipoprotein, represents a sensitive measure of apolipoprotein association with spherical lipoprotein particles. The ability of chicken versus human apoAI to mobilize the regulatory pool of cholesterol available for esterification by acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase by human fibroblasts was also assessed. Lipid-free chicken and human apoAI were equivalent in their ability to deplete cholesterol from this pool, as were intact chicken high density lipoprotein (HDL) and human HDL(3). Based on the overall sequence identity of chicken and human apoAI (48%), and comparison of regions thought to be responsible for key apoAI functions, these data indicate that amphipathic alpha-helical structure, rather than specific amino acid sequence, is the major determinant of apoAI lipid binding and ability to mobilize the regulatory pool of cellular cholesterol.

Structural models of human apolipoprotein A-I: a critical analysis and review

Human apolipoprotein (apo) A-I has been the subject of intense investigation because of its well-documented anti-atherogenic properties. About 70% of the protein found in high density lipoprotein complexes is apo A-I, a molecule that contains a series of highly homologous amphipathic alpha-helices. A number of significant experimental observations have allowed increasing sophisticated structural models for both the lipid-bound and the lipid-free forms of the apo A-I molecule to be tested critically. It seems clear, for example, that interactions between amphipathic domains in apo A-I may be crucial to understanding the dynamic nature of the molecule and the pathways by which the lipid-free molecule binds to lipid, both in a discoidal and a spherical particle. The state of the art of these structural studies is discussed and placed in context with current models and concepts of the physiological role of apo A-I and high-density lipoprotein in atherosclerosis and lipid metabolism.

Apolipoprotein A-I, cyclodextrins and liposomes as potential drugs for the reversal of atherosclerosis. A review

Several studies have revealed that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the most reliable predictor for susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. Since apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is the major protein of HDL, it is worthwhile evaluating the potential of this protein to reduce the lipid burden of lesions observed in the clinic. Indeed, apoA-I is used extensively in cell culture to induce cholesterol efflux. However, while there is a large body of data emanating from in-vitro and cell-culture studies with apoA-I, little animal data and scant clinical trials examining the potential of this apolipoprotein to induce cholesterol (and other lipid) efflux exists. Importantly, the effects of oxysterols, such as 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), on cholesterol and other lipid efflux by apoA-I needs to be investigated in any attempt to utilise apoA-I as an agent to stimulate efflux of lipids. Lessons may be learnt from studies with other lipid acceptors such as cyclodextrins and phospholipid vesicles (PLVs, liposomes), by combination with other effluxing agents, by remodelling the protein structure of the apolipoprotein, or by altering the composition of the lipoprotein intended for administration in-vivo. Akin to any other drug, the usage of this apolipoprotein in a therapeutic context has to follow the traditional sequence of events, namely an evaluation of the biodistribution, safety and dose-response of the protein in animal trials in advance of clinical trials. Mass production of the apolipoprotein is now a simple process due to the advent of recombinant DNA technology. This review also considers the potential of cyclodextrins and PLVs for use in inducing reverse cholesterol transport in-vivo. Finally, the potential of cyclodextrins as delivery agents for nucleic acid-based constructs such as oligonucleotides and plasmids is discussed.

Identification of a sequence of apolipoprotein A-I associated with the activation of Lecithin:Cholesterol acyltransferase

We aimed to distinguish between the effects of mutations in apoA-I on the requirements for the secondary structure and a specific amino acid sequence for lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activation. Several mutants were constructed targeting region 140-150: (i) two mutations affecting alpha-helical structure, deletion of amino acids 140-150 and substitution of Ala(143) for proline; (ii) two mutations not affecting alpha-helical structure, substitution of Val(149) for arginine and substitution of amino acids 63-73 for sequence 140-150; and (iii) a mutation in a similar region away from the target area, deletion of amino acids 63-73. All mutations affecting region 140-150 resulted in a 4-42-fold reduction in LCAT activation. Three mutations, apoA-I(Delta140-150), apoA-I(P143A), and apoA-I(140-150 --> 63-73), affected both the apparent V(max) and K(m), whereas the mutation apoA-I(R149V) affected only the V(max). The mutation apoA-I(Delta63-73) caused only a 5-fold increase in the K(m). All mutants, except apoA-I(P143A) and apoA-I(Delta63-73), were active in phospholipid binding assay. All mutants, except apoA-I(P143A), formed normal discoidal complexes with phospholipid. The mutation apoA-I(Delta63-73) caused a significant reduction in the stability of apoA-I.phospholipid complexes in denaturation experiments. Combined, our results strongly suggest that although the correct conformation and orientation of apoA-I in the complex with lipids are crucial for activation of LCAT, when these conditions are fulfilled, activation also strongly depends on the sequence that includes amino acids 140-150.

Identification of an ApoA-I ligand domain that interacts with high-affinity binding sites on HepG2 cells

We have previously described the presence of two (high- and low-affinity) HDL binding sites on the hepatoma cell line (HepG2) (R. Barbaras, X. Collet, H. Chap, and B. Perret (1994) Biochemistry 33, 2335-2340]. Moreover, apoA-I, the major HDL apolipoprotein, interacts with these two binding sites, while lipid-free apoA-I binds only to the high-affinity sites. Using tryptic HDL fragments and HepG2 cell monolayers as an "affinity matrix," we identified an apoA-I peptide of 16 amino acids, spanning between residues 62 and 77, as a ligand domain. The corresponding synthetic peptide displays high-affinity (K(d) approximately 10(-7) M) and low-capacity (B(max) 8 pmol/mg of cell protein) binding components. Competition experiments with this peptide, using (125)I-labeled free apoA-I as a ligand, show that this binding corresponds to the high-affinity binding sites already described. In conclusion, we identified the apoA-I 62-77 region as a specific high-affinity ligand domain of HDL on HepG2 cells.

A single amino acid deletion in the carboxy terminal of apolipoprotein A-I impairs lipid binding and cellular interaction

The carboxy-terminal region of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I has been shown by mutagenesis or synthetic peptides to play an important role in lipid binding. However, the precise functional domain of the C-terminal remains to be defined. In this study, apoA-I Nichinan, a naturally occurring human apoA-I variant with a deletion of glutamic acid 235, was expressed in Escherichia coli to examine the effect of this mutation on the functional domain of apoA-I for lipid binding and related consequences. A dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine binding study with recombinant (r-) proapoA-I Nichinan showed a significantly slow initial rate of lipid binding. On preincubation with human plasma lipoprotein fractions (d<1.225 g/mL) at 37 degrees C for 1 hour, (125)I-labeled normal r-proapoA-I was chromatographed as a single peak at the high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction, whereas (125)I-labeled r-proapoA-I Nichinan was chromatographed into the HDL fraction as well as the free r-proapoA-I fraction (23% of radioactivity). Circular dichroism measurements showed that the alpha-helix content of lipid-bound r-proapoA-I Nichinan was reduced, being 62% (versus 73%) of normal r-proapoA-I. Nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of reconstituted HDL particles assembled with r-proapoA-I Nichinan and normal r-proapoA-I showed similar particle size. To study cholesterol efflux, human skin fibroblasts were labeled with [(3)H]cholesterol, followed by incubation with either lipid-free r-proapoA-I or DMPC/r-proapoA-I complex. Fractional cholesterol efflux from [(3)H]cholesterol-labeled fibroblasts to lipid-free r-proapoA-I Nichinan or DMPC/r-proapoA-I Nichinan complexes was significantly reduced relative to that of normal r-proapoA-I or DMPC/r-proapoA-I during the 6-hour incubation. Binding assays of human skin fibroblasts by lipid-free r-proapoA-I showed that r-proapoA-I Nichinan was 32% less bound to fibroblasts than was normal r-proapoA-I. Our data demonstrate that the deletion of glutamic acid 235 at the C-terminus substantially reduces the lipid-binding properties of r-proapoA-I Nichinan, which may cause a reduction in its capacity to interact with plasma membranes as well as to promote cholesterol efflux from cultured fibroblasts.

Deletion of the C-terminal domain of apolipoprotein A-I impairs cell surface binding and lipid efflux in macrophage

The contribution of the amphipathic alpha-helices of apoA-I toward lipid efflux from human skin fibroblasts and macrophage was examined. Four apoA-I mutants were designed, each by deletion of a pair of predicted adjacent helices. Three mutants lacked two consecutive central alpha-helices [Delta(100-143), Delta(122-165), and Delta(144-186)], whereas the final mutant lacked the C-terminal domain [Delta(187-243)]. When compared to recombinant wild-type apoA-I and mutants with central domain deletions, Delta(187-243) exhibited a marked reduction in its ability to promote either cholesterol or phospholipid efflux from THP-1 macrophages. This mutant also demonstrated a decreased ability to bind lipids and to form lipoprotein complexes. In contrast, the four mutants and apoA-I equally supported cholesterol efflux from fibroblasts, albeit with a reduced capacity when compared to macrophages. Delta(187-243) bound poorly to the macrophage cell surface when compared to apoA-I, and competitive binding studies with the central domain and C-terminal deletions mutants showed that only Delta(187-243) did not compete effectively with [(125)I]apoA-I. Omission of PMA during cholesterol loading enhanced cholesterol efflux to both apoA-I (1.5-fold) and the C-terminal deletion mutant (2.5-fold). Inclusion of the Sandoz ACAT inhibitor (58-035) during loading and, in the absence of PMA, increased and equalized cholesterol efflux to apoA-I and Delta(187-243). Surprisingly, omission of PMA during cholesterol loading had minimal effects on the binding of apoA-I or Delta(187-243) to the THP-1 cell surface. Overall, these results show that cholesterol efflux from cells such as fibroblasts does not require any specific sequence between residues 100 and 243 of apoA-I. In contrast, optimal cholesterol efflux in macrophages requires binding of the C-terminal domain of apoA-I to a cell surface-binding site and the subsequent translocation of intracellular cholesterol to an efflux-competent pool.

Effectivity of expression of mature forms of mutant human apolipoprotein A-I

In order to probe the structural and functional properties of a central region of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), we engineered mutants of the mature form of the protein and expressed them using the baculovirus/insect cell expression system. The mutations which targeted the region of apoA-I between amino acids 140 and 150 included: (i) deletion of the region 140-150 (apoA-I(Delta140-150)); (ii) substitution of arginine 149 with valine (apoA-I(R149V)); (iii) substitution of proline 143 with alanine (apoA-I(P143A)); (iv) deletion of region 63-73 (apoA-I(Delta63-73)), which has structural properties similar to 140-150; and (v) a chimeric protein substituting amino acids 140-150 with amino acids 63-73 (apoA-I(140-150 --> 63-73)). The efficiencies of synthesis were vastly different for the various mutants as follows: apoA-I(R149V) > apoA-I(140-150 --> 63-73) > apoA-I(Delta63-73) > apoA-I(P143A) > apoA-I > apoA-I(Delta140-150). About 50% of the synthesized wild type and all apoA-I mutants was retained in the cells. During expression of apoA-I(R149V) an unusual spontaneous recombination occurred. In addition to the expected mutant, another form of apoA-I with an apparent M(r) of 36K was produced which consisted of a duplication of the amino-terminal end of apoA-I, from the prepeptide through to amino acid 62, linked to the original pre-apoA-I(R149V) sequence via a 4-amino-acid linker. Despite the fact that this form of apoA-I carries two prepeptides and consequently two cleavage sites, there was little, if any, cleavage at the internal cleavage site. During expression, less than 20% of this mutant was retained in the cells. These results demonstrate that at least in the model of insect cells, the efficiency of apoA-I synthesis, processing, and secretion depends on apoA-I secondary structure and/or folding.

Matrix metalloproteinases-3, -7, and -12, but not -9, reduce high density lipoprotein-induced cholesterol efflux from human macrophage foam cells by truncation of the carboxyl terminus of apolipoprotein A-I. Parallel losses of pre-beta particles and the high affinity component of efflux

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been suggested to function in remodeling of the arterial wall, but no information is available on their possible role in early atherogenesis, when cholesterol accumulates in the cells of the arterial intima, forming foam cells. Here, we incubated the major component responsible for efflux of cholesterol from foam cells, high density lipoprotein 3 (HDL(3)), with MMP-1, -3, -7, -9, or -12 at 37 degrees C before adding it to cholesterol-loaded human monocyte-derived macrophages. After incubation with MMP-3, -7, or -12, the ability of HDL(3) to induce the high affinity component of cholesterol efflux from the macrophage foam cells was strongly reduced, whereas preincubation with MMP-1 reduced cholesterol efflux only slightly and preincubation with MMP-9 had no effect. These differential effects of the various MMPs were reflected in their differential abilities to degrade the small pre-beta migrating particles present in the HDL(3) fraction. NH(2)-terminal sequence and mass spectrometric analyses of the apolipoprotein (apo) A-I fragments generated by MMPs revealed that those MMPs that strongly reduced cholesterol efflux (MMPs-3, -7, and -12) cleaved the COOH-terminal region of apoA-I and produced a major fragment of about 22 kDa, whereas MMPs-1 and -9, which had little and no effect on cholesterol efflux, degraded apoA-I only slightly and not at all, respectively. These results show, for the first time, that some members of the MMP family can degrade the apoA-I of HDL(3), so blocking cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells. This expansion of the substrate repertoire of MMPs to include apoA suggests that these proteinases are directly involved in the accumulation of cholesterol in atherosclerotic lesions.