Identification of N-linked glycosylation and putative O-fucosylation, C-mannosylation sites in plasma derived ADAMTS13

BACKGROUND

Acquired deficiency of ADAMTS13 causes a rare and life-threatening disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Several studies have shown that aberrant glycosylation can play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.N-linked glycosylation and putative O-fucosylation sites have been predicted or identified in recombinant ADAMTS13. However, it is not known which of these sites are glycosylated in plasma derived ADAMTS13.

OBJECTIVES

Here we investigated the presence of putative O-fucosylation, C-mannosylation and N-linked glycosylation sites on plasma derived ADAMTS13.

METHODS/RESULTS

Sites of N-linked glycosylation were determined by the use of peptide N-glycosidase-F (PNGase F), which removes the entire carbohydrate from the side chain of asparagines. Nine of the 10 predicted N-linked glycosylation sites were identified in or near the metalloproteinase,spacer, thrombospondin type 1 repeat (TSR1) and the CUB domain of plasma ADAMTS13. Moreover, six putative O-fucosylated sites were identified in the TSR domains of plasma ADAMTS13 by performing searches of the tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data for loss of hexose (162 Da), deoxyhexose (146 Da), or hexose deoxyhexose(308 Da). The use of electron transfer dissociation (ETD) allowed for unambiguous identification of the modified sites. In addition to putative O-fucosylation and N-linked glycosylation, two putative C-mannosylation sites were identified within the TSR1 and TSR4 domains of ADAMTS13.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data identify several glycosylation sites on plasma derived ADAMTS13. We anticipate that our findings may be relevant for the initiation of autoimmune reactivity against ADAMTS13 in patients with acquired TTP.

Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate-dependent Rac exchange factor 1 regulates epinephrine-induced exocytosis of Weibel-Palade bodies

BACKGROUND

Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs) function as storage vesicles for von Willebrand factor (VWF) and a number of other bioactive compounds, including angiopoietin-2 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7. WPBs release their content following stimulation with agonists that increase the level of intracellular Ca²⁺, such as thrombin, or agonists that increase intracellular levels of cAMP, such as epinephrine.

OBJECTIVE

Previously, we have shown that the exchange protein activated by cAMP, exchange protein activated by cAMP, and the small GTPase Rap1 are involved in cAMP-mediated release of WPBs. In this study, we explored potential downstream effectors of Rap1 in cAMP-mediated WPB release.

METHODS

Studies were performed in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Activation of the small GTP-binding protein Rac1 was monitored by its ability to bind to the CRIB domain of the serine/threonine kinase P21-activated kinase (PAK)1. Downstream effectors of Rap1 were identified with a proteomic screen using a glutathione-S-transferase fusion of the Ras-binding domain of RalGDS. Functional involvement of candidate proteins in WPB release was determined by RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of gene expression.

RESULTS

Depletion of Rac1 by RNAi prevented epinephrine-induced VWF secretion. Also, the Rac1 inhibitor EHT1864 reduced epinephrine-induced WPB release. We identified the phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate-dependent Rac exchange factor 1 (PREX1) and the regulatory β-subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) as downstream targets of Rap1. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 reduced epinephrine-induced release of VWF. RNAi-mediated downregulation of PREX1 abolished epinephrine-induced but not thrombin-induced release of WPBs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that PREX1 regulates epinephrine-induced release of WPBs.

Shear stress is required for the endocytic uptake of the factor VIII-von Willebrand factor complex by macrophages

BACKGROUND

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family members contribute to the cellular uptake of factor VIII. How von Willebrand factor fits into this endocytic pathway has remained poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

It has been suggested that macrophages contribute to the clearance of the factor VIII (FVIII)-von Willebrand factor (VWF) complex. We now assessed the mechanisms of uptake employing human monocyte-derived macrophages.

METHODS

A confocal microscopy study was employed to study the uptake by monocyte-derived macrophages of a functional green fluorescent FVIII-GFP derivative in the presence and absence of VWF.

RESULTS

The results revealed that FVIII-GFP is internalized by macrophages. We found that FVIII-GFP co-localizes with LDL receptor-related protein (LRP), and that the LRP antagonist Receptor Associated Protein (RAP) blocks the uptake of FVIII-GFP. However, FVIII-GFP was not detected in the macrophages in the presence of VWF, suggesting that the FVIII-VWF complex is not internalized by these cells at all. Apart from static conditions, we also investigated the effect of shear stress on the uptake of FVIII-GFP in presence of VWF. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that VWF does not block endocytosis of FVIII-GFP under flow conditions. Moreover, VWF itself was also internalized by the macrophages. Strikingly, in the presence of RAP, endocytosis of FVIII-GFP and VWF was inhibited.

CONCLUSION

The results show that shear stress is required for macrophages to internalize both constituents of the FVIII-VWF complex.

Factor seven activating protease (FSAP): does it activate factor VII?

BACKGROUND

Factor seven activating protease (FSAP) was initially reported as an activator of single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (scuPA) and factor VII (FVII). Subsequently, numerous additional substrates have been identified, and multiple other biological effects have been reported. Due to the apparent lack of specificity, the physiological role of FSAP has become increasingly unclear. Rigorous studies have been limited by the difficulty of obtaining intact FSAP from blood or recombinant sources.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to produce intact recombinant human FSAP, and to assess its role as a trigger of coagulation and fibrinolysis.

RESULTS

Expression of wild-type FSAP in various mammalian cells invariably resulted in the accumulation of degraded FSAP due to autoactivation and degradation. To overcome this problem, we constructed a variant in which Arg(313) at the natural activation site was replaced by Gln, creating a cleavage site for the bacterial protease thermolysin. HEK293 cells produced FSAP(R313Q) in its intact form. Thermolysin-activated FSAP displayed the same reactivity toward the substrate S-2288 as plasma-derived FSAP, and retained its ability to activate scuPA. Polyphosphate and heparin increased V(max) by 2-3-fold, without affecting K(m) (62 nm) of scuPA activation. Surprisingly, FVII activation by activated FSAP proved negligible, even in the presence of calcium ions, phospholipid vesicles and recombinant soluble tissue factor. On membranes of 100% cardiolipin FVII cleavage did occur, but this resulted in transient activation and rapid degradation.

CONCLUSIONS

While FSAP indeed activates scuPA, FVII appears remarkably resistant to activation. Therefore, reappraisal of the putative role of FSAP in hemostasis seems appropriate.

Proteolytic cleavage of factor VIII heavy chain is required to expose the binding-site for low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein within the A2 domain

BACKGROUND

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is an endocytic receptor that contributes to the clearance of coagulation factor (F) VIII from the circulation. Previously, we have demonstrated that region Glu(1811)-Lys(1818) within FVIII light chain constitutes an important binding region for this receptor. We have further found that FVIII light chain and intact FVIII are indistinguishable in their LRP-binding affinities. In apparent contrast to these observations, a second LRP-binding region has been identified within A2 domain region Arg(484)-Phe(509) of FVIII heavy chain.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we addressed the relative contribution of FVIII heavy chain in binding LRP.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Surface plasmon resonance analysis unexpectedly showed that FVIII heavy chain poorly associated to the receptor. The binding to LRP was, however, markedly enhanced upon cleavage of the heavy chain by thrombin. The A2 domain, purified from thrombin-activated FVIII, also showed efficient binding to LRP. Competition studies employing a recombinant antibody fragment demonstrated that region Arg(484)-Phe(509) mediates the enhanced LRP binding after thrombin cleavage.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that LRP binding of non-activated FVIII is mediated via the FVIII light chain while in activated FVIII both the heavy and light chain contribute to LRP binding.

Congenital deficiency of factor XIII caused by two missense mutations in a Dutch family

We present the clinical, biochemical and genomic findings of a family with congenital factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency. Congenital FXIII deficiency is a very rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder, characterized by umbilical cord bleeding at birth and spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage. Routine clotting tests are normal, which may delay the diagnosis, leading to an increased chance of severe sequelae. The propositus and her brother, known with haemorrhagic diathesis, were found to be compound heterozygous with a known missense mutation (1050 G --> T transversion in exon 7, Val316Phe substitution) and a novel mutation 889 G --> A in exon 6, which predicts a Gly262Glu substitution. As these mutations were known in the family, DNA obtained from cord blood of the youngest sister was analysed for mutations in exons 6 and 7 only. We postulate that the diagnosis was facilitated by determining the two different mutations in the genotype of this family. The analysis showed that she was heterozygous for the exon 7 mutation. Hence, she was not at risk of experiencing haemorrhagic diathesis. This diagnosis avoided the administration of FXIII concentrate to the newborn.

Membrane-anchoring interactions of M13 major coat protein

The response to hydrophobic mismatch of membrane-bound M13 major coat protein is measured using site-directed fluorescence and ESR spectroscopy. For this purpose, we investigate the membrane-anchoring interactions of M13 coat protein in model systems consisting of phosphatidylcholine bilayers that vary in hydrophobic thickness. Mutant coat proteins are prepared with an AEDANS-labeled single cysteine residue in the hinge region of the protein or at the C-terminal side of the transmembrane helix. In addition, the fluorescence of the tryptophan residue is studied as a monitor for the N-terminal side of the transmembrane helix. The fluorescence results show that the hinge region and C-terminal side of the transmembrane helix hardly respond to hydrophobic mismatch. In contrast, the N-terminal side of the helical transmembrane domain shifts to a more apolar environment, when the hydrophobic thickness is increased. The apparent strong membrane-anchoring interactions of the C-terminus are confirmed using a mutant that contains a longer transmembrane domain. As a result of this mutation, the tryptophan residue at the N-terminal side of the helical domain clearly shifts to a more polar environment, whereas the labeled position 46 at the C-terminal side is not affected. The phenylalanines in the C-terminal part of the protein play an important role in these apparent strong anchoring interactions. This is demonstrated with a mutant in which both phenylalanines are replaced by alanine residues. The phenylalanine residues in the C-terminus affect the location in the membrane of the entire transmembrane domain of the protein.

Configurations of the N-terminal amphipathic domain of the membrane-bound M13 major coat protein

The M13 major coat protein has been extensively studied in detergent-based and phospholipid model systems to elucidate its structure. This resulted in an L-shaped model structure of the protein in membranes. An amphipathic alpha-helical N-terminal arm, which is parallel to the surface of the membrane, is connected via a flexible linker to an alpha-helical transmembrane domain. In the present study, a fluorescence polarity probe or ESR spin probe is attached to the SH group of a series of N-terminal single cysteine mutants, which were reconstituted into DOPC model membranes. With ESR spectroscopy, we measured the local mobility of N-terminal positions of the protein in the membrane. This is supplemented with relative depth measurements at these positions by fluorescence spectroscopy via the wavelength of maximum emission and fluorescence quenching. Results show the existence of at least two possible configurations of the M13 amphipathic N-terminal arm on the ESR time scale. The arm is bound either to the membrane surface or in the water phase. The removal or addition of a hydrophobic membrane-anchor by site-specific mutagenesis changes the ratio between the membrane-bound and the water phase fraction.

Localization and rearrangement modulation of the N-terminal arm of the membrane-bound major coat protein of bacteriophage M13

During infection the major coat protein of the filamentous bacteriophage M13 is in the cytoplasmic membrane of the host Escherichia coli. This study focuses on the configurational properties of the N-terminal part of the coat protein in the membrane-bound state. For this purpose X-Cys substitutions are generated at coat protein positions 3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24, covering the N-terminal protein part. All coat protein mutants used are successfully produced in mg quantities by overexpression in E. coli. Mutant coat proteins are labeled and reconstituted into mixed bilayers of phospholipids. Information about the polarity of the local environment around the labeled sites is deduced from the wavelength of maximum emission using AEDANS attached to the SH groups of the cysteines as a fluorescent probe. Additional information is obtained by determining the accessibility of the fluorescence quenchers acrylamide and 5-doxyl stearic acid. By employing uniform coat protein surroundings provided by TFE and SDS, local effects of the backbone of the coat proteins or polarity of the residues could be excluded. Our data suggest that at a lipid to protein ratio around 100, the N-terminal arm of the protein gradually enters the membrane from residue 3 towards residue 19. The hinge region (residues 17-24), connecting the helical parts of the coat protein, is found to be more embedded in the membrane. Substitution of one or more of the membrane-anchoring amino acid residues lysine 8, phenylalanine 11 and leucine 14, results in a rearrangement of the N-terminal protein part into a more extended conformation. The N-terminal arm can also be forced in this conformation by allowing less space per coat protein at the membrane surface by decreasing the lipid to protein ratio. The influence of the phospholipid headgroup composition on the rearrangement of the N-terminal part of the protein is found to be negligible within the range thought to be relevant in vivo. From our experiments we conclude that membrane-anchoring and space-limiting effects are key factors for the structural rearrangement of the N-terminal protein part of the coat protein in the membrane.

Membrane assembly of the bacteriophage Pf3 major coat protein

The Pf3 major coat protein of the Pf3 bacteriophage is stored in the inner membrane of the infected cell during the reproductive cycle. The protein consists of 44 amino acids, and contains an acidic amphipathic N-terminal domain, a hydrophobic domain, and a short basic C-terminal domain. The mainly alpha-helical membrane-bound protein traverses the membrane once, leaving the C-terminus in the cytoplasm and the N-terminus in the periplasm. A cysteine-scanning approach was followed to measure which part of the membrane-bound Pf3 protein is inside or outside the membrane. In this approach, the fluorescence probe N-[(iodoacetyl)amino]ethyl-1-sulfonaphthylamine (IAEDANS) was attached to single-cysteine mutants of the Pf3 coat protein. The labeled mutant coat proteins were reconstituted into the phospholipid DOPC/DOPG (80/20 molar ratio) and DOPE/DOPG (80/20 molar ratio) model membranes. We subsequently studied the fluorescence characteristics at the different positions in the protein. We measured the local polarity of the environment of the probe, as well as the accessibility of the probe to the fluorescence quencher acrylamide. The results of this study show a single membrane-spanning protein with both the C- and N-termini remaining close to the surface of the membrane. A nearly identical result was seen previously for the membrane-bound M13 coat protein. On the basis of a comparison between the results from both studies, we suggest an "L-shaped" membrane-bound model for the Pf3 coat protein. DOPE-containing model membranes revealed a higher polarity, and quenching efficiency at the membrane/water interface. Furthermore, from the outside to the inside of the membrane, a steeper polarity gradient was measured at the PE/PG interface as compared to the PC/PG interface. These results suggest a thinner interface for DOPE/DOPG than for DOPC/DOPG membranes.