Identification of phosphoproteins associated with human neutrophil granules following chemotactic peptide stimulation

Differences Between Unstimulated and Stimulated Human Male and Female Neutrophils in Protein and Phosphoprotein Profiles

Human males and females show differences in the incidence of neutrophil-associated diseases and differences in neutrophil responses such as a faster response to the chemorepellent Ser-Leu-Ile-Gly-Lys-Val-NH2 (SLIGKV) in males. Little is known about the basis of sex-based differences in human neutrophils. We used mass spectrometry to identify proteins and phosphoproteins in unstimulated human neutrophils and in neutrophils incubated with the SLIGKV, a protease-activated receptor 2 agonist. There were 132 proteins with higher levels in unstimulated male neutrophils; these proteins tended to be associated with RNA regulation, ribosome, and phosphoinositide signaling pathways, whereas 30 proteins with higher levels in unstimulated female neutrophils were associated with metabolic processes, proteasomes, and phosphatase regulatory proteins. Unstimulated male neutrophils had increased phosphorylation of 32 proteins compared to females. After exposure to SLIGKV, male neutrophils showed a faster response in terms of protein phosphorylation compared to female neutrophils. Male neutrophils have higher levels of proteins and higher phosphorylation of proteins associated with RNA processing and signaling pathways. Female neutrophils have higher levels of proteins associated with metabolism and proteolytic pathways. This suggests that male neutrophils might be more ready to adapt to a new environment, and female neutrophils might be more effective at responding to pathogens.

Fracture haematoma proteomics

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the fracture haematoma (fxH) proteome after multiple trauma using label-free proteomics, comparing two different fracture treatment strategies.

Methods

A porcine multiple trauma model was used in which two fracture treatment strategies were compared: early total care (ETC) and damage control orthopaedics (DCO). fxH was harvested and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Per group, discriminating proteins were identified and protein interaction analyses were performed to further elucidate key biomolecular pathways in the early fracture healing phase.

Results

The early fxH proteome was characterized by immunomodulatory and osteogenic proteins, and proteins involved in the coagulation cascade. Treatment-specific proteome alterations were observed. The fxH proteome of the ETC group showed increased expression of pro-inflammatory proteins related to, among others, activation of the complement system, neutrophil functioning, and macrophage activation, while showing decreased expression of proteins related to osteogenesis and tissue remodelling. Conversely, the fxH proteome of the DCO group contained various upregulated or exclusively detected proteins related to tissue regeneration and remodelling, and proteins related to anti-inflammatory and osteogenic processes.

Conclusion

The early fxH proteome of the ETC group was characterized by the expression of immunomodulatory, mainly pro-inflammatory, proteins, whereas the early fxH proteome of the DCO group was more regenerative and osteogenic in nature. These findings match clinical observations, in which enhanced surgical trauma after multiple trauma causes dysbalanced inflammation, potentially leading to reduced tissue regeneration, and gained insights into regulatory mechanisms of fracture healing after severe trauma.

Mechanisms of ERK phosphorylation triggered via mouse formyl peptide receptor 2

Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) are expressed in the cells of the innate immune system and provide binding with pathogen and damage-associated molecular patterns with subsequent activation of the phagocytes for defense reactions such as chemotaxis, secretory degranulation and ROS generation. Probably, FPR2 is one of the unique receptors in the organism; it is able to recognize numerous ligands of different chemical structure, and moreover, these ligands can trigger opposite phagocyte responses promoting either pro- or anti-inflammatory reactions. Therefore, FPR2 and its signaling pathways are of intense research interest. We found only slight activation of ERK1/2 in the response to peptide ligand WKYMVM in the accelerating phase of ROS generation and more intense ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the declining phase of it in mouse bone marrow granulocytes. Lipid agonist BML-111 did not induce significant ERK phosphorylation when applied for 10-1800 s. To some extent co-localization of ERK1/2 and NADPH oxidase subunits was observed even in the intact cells and didn't change under FPR2 stimulation by WKYMVM, while direct PKC activation by PMA resulted to more efficient interaction between ERK1/2 and p47phox/p67phox and their translocation to plasma membrane. We have shown that phosphorylation and activation of ERK1/2 in bone marrow granulocytes depended on FPR2-triggered activity of PI3K and PKC, phosphatase DUSP6, and, the most but not the least, on ROS generation. Since blocking of ROS generation led to a slowdown of ERK activation indicating a significant contribution of ROS to the secondary regulation of ERK activity.

The GRKs Reactome: Role in Cell Biology and Pathology

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are protein kinases that function in concert with arrestins in the regulation of a diverse class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) signaling. Although GRKs and arrestins are key participants in the regulation of GPCR cascades, the complex regulatory mechanisms of GRK expression, its alternation, and their function are not thoroughly understood. Several studies together with the work from our lab in recent years have revealed the critical role of these kinases in various physiological and pathophysiological processes, including cardiovascular biology, inflammation and immunity, neurodegeneration, thrombosis, and hemostasis. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying functional interactions with multiple receptor proteins and how these interactions take part in the development of various pathobiological processes may give rise to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize the current research linking the role of GRKs to various aspects of cell biology, pathology, and therapeutics, with a particular focus on thrombosis and hemostasis.

The G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases (GRKs) in Chemokine Receptor-Mediated Immune Cell Migration: From Molecular Cues to Physiopathology

Although G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) have long been known to regulate G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) desensitization, their more recently characterized functions as scaffolds and signalling adapters underscore that this small family of proteins governs a larger array of physiological functions than originally suspected. This review explores how GRKs contribute to the complex signalling networks involved in the migration of immune cells along chemokine gradients sensed by cell surface GPCRs. We outline emerging evidence indicating that the coordinated docking of several GRKs on an active chemokine receptor determines a specific receptor phosphorylation barcode that will translate into distinct signalling and migration outcomes. The guidance cues for neutrophil migration are emphasized based on several alterations affecting GRKs or GPCRs reported to be involved in pathological conditions.

NHERF1 Loss Upregulates Enzymes of the Pentose Phosphate Pathway in Kidney Cortex

(1) Background: We previously showed Na/H exchange regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) loss resulted in increased susceptibility to cisplatin nephrotoxicity. NHERF1-deficient cultured proximal tubule cells and proximal tubules from NHERF1 knockout (KO) mice exhibit altered mitochondrial protein expression and poor survival. We hypothesized that NHERF1 loss results in changes in metabolic pathways and/or mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to increased sensitivity to cisplatin nephrotoxicity. (2) Methods: Two to 4-month-old male wildtype (WT) and KO mice were treated with vehicle or cisplatin (20 mg/kg dose IP). After 72 h, kidney cortex homogenates were utilized for metabolic enzyme activities. Non-treated kidneys were used to isolate mitochondria for mitochondrial respiration via the Seahorse XF24 analyzer. Non-treated kidneys were also used for LC-MS analysis to evaluate kidney ATP abundance, and electron microscopy (EM) was utilized to evaluate mitochondrial morphology and number. (3) Results: KO mouse kidneys exhibit significant increases in malic enzyme and glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase activity under baseline conditions but in no other gluconeogenic or glycolytic enzymes. NHERF1 loss does not decrease kidney ATP content. Mitochondrial morphology, number, and area appeared normal. Isolated mitochondria function was similar between WT and KO. Conclusions: KO kidneys experience a shift in metabolism to the pentose phosphate pathway, which may sensitize them to the oxidative stress imposed by cisplatin.

Leishmania braziliensis isolated from disseminated leishmaniasis patients downmodulate neutrophil function

Aims

The polymorphism observed in Leishmania braziliensis is associated with different clinical forms of leishmaniasis. Neutrophils (PMNs) participate in the pathogenesis of leishmania infection, and here, we evaluate neutrophil function after infection with isolates of L. braziliensis from cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) or disseminated leishmaniasis (DL) patients.

Methods and results

Neutrophils from 30 healthy subjects (HS) were infected with isolates of L. (V.) braziliensis obtained from three CL and three DL patients. They were infected at the ratio of 3:1 parasites per neutrophil, and leishmania uptake was evaluated by microscopy. The neutrophil activation markers and oxidative burst by expression of dihidrorhodamine (DHR) were evaluated by flow cytometry and cytokine production by ELISA. The frequency of infected cells and the number of amastigotes were higher in neutrophils infected with CL isolates compared to DL isolates (P < 0.05). The DHR and CD66b expression after infection with DL isolate was lower than with CL isolates. There was no difference regarding chemokine production.

Conclusion

The L. (V.) braziliensis isolates of DL induced lower respiratory burst and neutrophils activation markers compared with CL isolates which may contribute to parasite survival and dissemination in DL patients.

Biological Roles of Neutrophil-Derived Granule Proteins and Cytokines

Neutrophils, the most abundant white blood cells in human circulation, entertain intense interactions with other leukocyte subsets, platelets, and stromal cells. Molecularly, such interactions are typically communicated through proteins generated during granulopoiesis, stored in granules, or produced on demand. Here, we provide an overview of the mammalian regulation of granule protein production in the bone marrow and the de novo synthesis of cytokines by neutrophils recruited to tissues. In addition, we discuss some of the known biological roles of these protein messengers, and how neutrophil-borne granule proteins and cytokines can synergize to modulate inflammation and tumor development. Decoding the neutrophil interactome is important for therapeutically neutralizing individual proteins to putatively dampen inflammation, or for delivering modified neutrophil-borne proteins to boost host defense.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases in the Inflammatory Response and Signaling

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are serine/threonine kinases that regulate a large and diverse class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Through GRK phosphorylation and β-arrestin recruitment, GPCRs are desensitized and their signal terminated. Recent work on these kinases has expanded their role from canonical GPCR regulation to include noncanonical regulation of non-GPCR and nonreceptor substrates through phosphorylation as well as via scaffolding functions. Owing to these and other regulatory roles, GRKs have been shown to play a critical role in the outcome of a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes including chemotaxis, signaling, migration, inflammatory gene expression, etc. This diverse set of functions for these proteins makes them popular targets for therapeutics. Role for these kinases in inflammation and inflammatory disease is an evolving area of research currently pursued in many laboratories. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge on various GRKs pertaining to their role in inflammation and inflammatory diseases.

TREM-like transcript 2 is stored in human neutrophil primary granules and is up-regulated in response to inflammatory mediators

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell locus encodes a family of receptors that is emerging as an important class of molecules involved in modulating the innate immune response and inflammation. Of the 4 conserved members, including triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 and 2 and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-like transcripts 1 and 2, relatively little is known about triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-like transcript 2 expression and function, particularly in humans. In this study, experiments were performed to determine if triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-like transcript 2 expression is conserved between mouse and human, demonstrating that human triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-like transcript 2 is expressed on cells of the lymphoid, as well as myeloid/granuloid lineages, similar to murine triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-like transcript 2. Consistent with studies in the mouse, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-like transcript 2 expression is up-regulated in response to inflammatory mediators on human neutrophils. Importantly, it was shown that triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-like transcript 2, in resting human neutrophils, is predominantly localized to intracellular vesicles, including secretory vesicles and primary granules; with the majority of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-like transcript 2 stored in primary granules. In contrast to other primary granule proteins, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-like transcript 2 is not expelled on neutrophil extracellular traps but is retained in the plasma membrane following primary granule exocytosis. In summary, these findings establish that triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-like transcript 2 expression is conserved between species and is likely to be important in regulating neutrophil antimicrobial function following primary granule exocytosis.

Identification of a Novel Splice Variant Isoform of TREM-1 in Human Neutrophil Granules

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is critical for inflammatory signal amplification. Humans have two forms of TREM-1: a membrane receptor, associated with the adaptor DAP12, and a soluble receptor detected at times of infection. The membrane receptor isoform acts synergistically with the TLR pathway to promote cytokine secretion and neutrophil migration, whereas the soluble receptor functions as a counterregulatory molecule. In multiple models of sepsis, exogenous administration of soluble forms of TREM-1 attenuates inflammation and markedly improves survival. Despite intense interest in soluble TREM-1, both as a clinical predictor of survival and as a therapeutic tool, the origin of native soluble TREM-1 remains controversial. Using human neutrophils, we identified a 15-kDa TREM-1 isoform in primary (azurophilic) and secondary (specific) granules. Mass spectrometric analysis, ELISA, and immunoblot confirm that the 15-kDa protein is a novel splice variant form of TREM-1 (TREM-1sv). Neutrophil stimulation with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, LPS, or PAM(3)Cys4 resulted in degranulation and release of TREM-1sv. The addition of exogenous TREM-1sv inhibited TREM-1 receptor-mediated proinflammatory cytokine production. Thus, these data reveal that TREM-1 isoforms simultaneously activate and inhibit inflammation via the canonical membrane TREM-1 molecule and this newly discovered granular isoform, TREM-1sv.

Mining the granule proteome: a potential source of endocrine biomarkers

Proteomics of secretory granules is an emerging strategy for identifying secreted proteins, including potentially novel candidate biomarkers and peptide hormones. In addition, proteomics can provide information about the abundance, localization and structure (post-translational modification) of granule proteins and peptides. Analytical strategies within this research line include so-called 'subtractive proteomics', 'peptidomics' and granule purification by the use of multiple gradient centrifugations. Here we review the literature, and describe the challenges and opportunities in proteomics of secretory granules.

Baclofen, a GABABR agonist, ameliorates immune-complex mediated acute lung injury by modulating pro-inflammatory mediators

Immune-complexes play an important role in the inflammatory diseases of the lung. Neutrophil activation mediates immune-complex (IC) deposition-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Components of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) signaling, including GABA B receptor 2 (GABA_BR2), GAD65/67 and the GABA transporter, are present in the lungs and in the neutrophils. However, the role of pulmonary GABA_BR activation in the context of neutrophil-mediated ALI has not been determined. Thus, the objective of the current study was to determine whether administration of a GABA_BR agonist, baclofen would ameliorate or exacerbate ALI. We hypothesized that baclofen would regulate IC-induced ALI by preserving pulmonary GABA_BR expression. Rats were subjected to sham injury or IC-induced ALI and two hours later rats were treated intratracheally with saline or 1 mg/kg baclofen for 2 additional hours and sacrificed. ALI was assessed by vascular leakage, histology, TUNEL, and lung caspase-3 cleavage. ALI increased total protein, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α and interleukin-1 receptor associated protein (IL-1R AcP), in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Moreover, ALI decreased lung GABA_BR2 expression, increased phospho-p38 MAPK, promoted IκB degradation and increased neutrophil influx in the lung. Administration of baclofen, after initiation of ALI, restored GABA_BR expression, which was inhibited in the presence of a GABA_BR antagonist, CGP52432. Baclofen administration activated pulmonary phospho-ERK and inhibited p38 MAPK phosphorylation and IκB degradation. Additionally, baclofen significantly inhibited pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-1βAcP release and promoted BAL neutrophil apoptosis. Protective effects of baclofen treatment on ALI were possibly mediated by inhibition of TNF-α- and IL-1β-mediated inflammatory signaling. Interestingly, GABA_BR2 expression was regulated in the type II pneumocytes in lung tissue sections from lung injured patients, further suggesting a physiological role for GABA_BR2 in the repair process of lung damage. GABA_BR2 agonists may play a potential therapeutic role in ALI.

Inhibition of neutrophil exocytosis ameliorates acute lung injury in rats

Exocytosis of neutrophil granules contributes to acute lung injury (ALI) induced by infection or inflammation, suggesting that inhibition of neutrophil exocytosis in vivo could be a viable therapeutic strategy. This study was conducted to determine the effect of a cell-permeable fusion protein that inhibits neutrophil exocytosis (TAT-SNAP-23) on ALI using an immune complex deposition model in rats. The effect of inhibition of neutrophil exocytosis by intravenous administration of TAT-SNAP-23 on ALI was assessed by albumin leakage, neutrophil infiltration, lung histology, and proteomic analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Administration of TAT-SNAP-23, but not TAT-control, significantly reduced albumin leakage, total protein levels in the BALF, and intra-alveolar edema and hemorrhage. Evidence that TAT-SNAP-23 inhibits neutrophil exocytosis included a reduction in plasma membrane CD18 expression by BALF neutrophils and a decrease in neutrophil granule proteins in BALF. Similar degree of neutrophil accumulation in the lungs and/or BALF suggests that TAT-SNAP-23 did not alter vascular endothelial cell function. Proteomic analysis of BALF revealed that components of the complement and coagulation pathways were significantly reduced in BALF from TAT-SNAP-23-treated animals. Our results indicate that administration of a TAT-fusion protein that inhibits neutrophil exocytosis reduces in vivo ALI. Targeting neutrophil exocytosis is a potential therapeutic strategy to ameliorate ALI.

Proteome profiling of human neutrophil granule subsets, secretory vesicles, and cell membrane: correlation with transcriptome profiling of neutrophil precursors

Neutrophils are indispensable in the innate immune defense against invading microorganisms. Neutrophils contain SVs and several subsets of granules that are essential for their function. Proteins present in neutrophil SVs and granules are synthesized during terminal granulopoiesis in the bone marrow. The heterogeneity of granules, as determined by marker proteins characteristic of each granule subset, is thought to result from differences in the biosynthetic windows of major classes of granule proteins, a process referred to as targeting by timing. Qualitative proteomic analysis of neutrophil granules, SVs, and plasma membrane has been performed before. Here, we performed subcellular fractionation on freshly isolated human neutrophils by nitrogen cavitation and density centrifugation on a four-layer Percoll gradient. Granule subsets were pooled and subjected to SDS-PAGE, and gel pieces were in-gel-digested with trypsin. The resulting peptides were analyzed using LTQ Orbitrap XL tandem MS. A total of 1292 unique proteins were identified and grouped, according to the neutrophil fraction, in which they displayed maximal expression. In addition to various known neutrophil proteins, several uncharacterized proteins were found, as well as proteins not described previously in neutrophils. To study the correlation between mRNA expression in neutrophil precursors and the localization of their cognate proteins, the distribution of 126 identified proteins was compared with their mRNA expression profiles. The neutrophil subcellular proteome profiles presented here may be used as a database in combination with the mRNA array database to predict and test the presence and localization of proteins in neutrophil granules and membranes.

Technical note: proteomic approaches to fundamental questions about neutrophil biology

Proteomics is one of a group of technologies that generates high-throughput, large-scale datasets that can be used to understand cell or organ functions at a systems level. This review will focus on the application of proteomics to the understanding of neutrophil biology. The strengths and weaknesses of common proteomic methods and their application to neutrophils are reviewed, with the goal of evaluating whether the technology is ready to advance our understanding of neutrophil biology.