Automatic segmentation of lysosomes and analysis of intracellular pH with Radachlorin photosensitizer and FLIM

We report application of the fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) for analysis of distributions of intracellular acidity using a chlorin-e6 based photosensitizer Radachlorin. An almost two-fold increase of the photosensitizer fluorescence lifetime in alkaline microenvironments as compared to acidic ones allowed for clear distinguishing between acidic and alkaline intracellular structures. Clusterization of a phasor plot calculated from fits of the FLIM raw data by two Gaussian distributions provided accurate automatic segmentation of lysosomes featuring acidic contents. The approach was validated in colocalization experiments with LysoTracker fluorescence in living cells of four established lines. The dependence of photosensitizer fluorescence lifetime on microenvironment acidity allowed for estimation of pH inside the cells, except for the nuclei, where photosensitizer does not penetrate. The developed method is promising for combined application of the photosensitizer for both photodynamic treatment and diagnostics.

EGF, TGF-α and Amphiregulin Differently Regulate Endometrium-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells

The prototypical receptor tyrosine kinase epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is regulated by a set of its ligands, which determines the specificity of signaling and intracellular fate of the receptor. The EGFR signaling system is well characterized in immortalized cell lines such as HeLa derived from tumor tissues, but much less is known about EGFR function in untransformed multipotent stromal/stem cells (MSCs). We compared the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and amphiregulin (AREG) on physiological responses in endometrial MSCs (enMSC) and HeLa cells. In addition, using Western blotting and confocal microscopy, we studied the internalization and degradation of EGFR stimulated by the three ligands in these cell lines. We demonstrated that unlike HeLa, EGF and TGF-α, but not AREG, stimulated enMSC proliferation and prevented decidual differentiation in an EGFR-dependent manner. In HeLa cells, EGF targeted EGFR for degradation, while TGF-α stimulated its recycling. Surprisingly, in enMSC, both ligands caused EGFR degradation. In both cell lines, AREG-EGFR internalization was not registered. In HeLa cells, EGFR was degraded within 2 h, restoring its level in 24 h, while in enMSC, degradation took more than 4-8 h, and the low EGFR level persisted for several days. This indicates that EGFR homeostasis in MSCs may differ significantly from that in immortalized cell lines.

In vitro monitoring of photoinduced necrosis in HeLa cells using digital holographic microscopy and machine learning

Digital holographic microscopy supplemented with the developed cell segmentation and machine learning and classification algorithms is implemented for quantitative description of the dynamics of cellular necrosis induced by photodynamic treatment in vitro. It is demonstrated that the developed algorithms operating with a set of optical, morphological, and physiological parameters of cells, obtained from their phase images, can be used for automatic distinction between live and necrotic cells. The developed classifier provides high accuracy of about 95.5% and allows for calculation of survival rates in the course of cell death.

Digital holographic microscopy in label-free analysis of cultured cells' response to photodynamic treatment

A methodology providing noninvasive monitoring and evaluation of the effect of photodynamic treatment on live cells in vitro is presented. Variations in morphological characteristics of cells in the course and after treatment are recorded by means of digital holographic microscopy. High-precision measurements of phase shift gained by probe radiation in HeLa and human endometrial mesenchymal stem cell cultures demonstrate for the first time changes of their volume occurred in response to treatment.

EEA1 CARRYING VESICLES ARE NOT AUTOPHAGOSOMES IN SERUM-DEPRIVED HeLa CELLS

According to current model, stimulation of EGF-receptor endocytosis results in recruitment onto early endosomes cytosolic tether protein EEA1 necessary for their further fusions. However, EEA1-positive vesicles are found in the cells not treated with growth factor, that were incubated in serum-free conditions. It is known also that prolonged serum deprivation induces autophagosomes formation, the process possibly involving endocytic compartments. To check whether EEA1-positive vesicles seen in serum-deprived HeLa cells are autophagosomes, we here evaluated colocalization of EEA1 and autophagosome marker LC3 and studied dynamics of the EEA1- and LC3-vesicles’ number and size during 12—36 h cell cultivation in serum-free medium. It was found that the number of autophagosomes per cell is significantly less than the number of EEA1-vesicles. We show that serum starvation results in increase of only mean autophagosomes’ size, while the number and size of EEA1-vesicles did not changed. Colocalization of EEA1 and LC3 in serum-free cells was very low during first 12—18 h of starvation and increased insignificantly only by 36 h. Biosynthetic pathway inhibition by Golgi apparatus disruption by brefeldin A, decreased the number and increased the size of EEA1-vesicles. LC3-vesicles also demonstrated an increase of mean size and growth of colocalization with EEA1. Thus, we conclude that the majority of EEA1-vesicles in serum-starved cells are not autophagosomes. More pronounced effect of brefeldin A indicates that blockade of biosynthetic pathway is more strong stress factor comparing to serum deprivation in HeLa cells. This also suggests that this pathway is involved in EEA1-vesicles biogenesis.

[INHIBITORS OF MAP-KINASE PATHWAY U0126 AND PD98059 DIFFERENTLY AFFECT ORGANIZATION OF TUBULIN CYTOSKELETON AFTER STIMULATION OF EGF RECEPTOR ENDOCYTOSIS]

To confirm the hypothesis about the involvement of EGF-stimulated MAP-kinase ERK1/2 in the regulation of microtubule (MT) system, the influence of two widely used ERK1/2 inhibitors, U0126 and PD98059, on the organization of tubulin cytoskeleton in interphase HeLa cells during EGF receptor endocytosis has been investigated. We have found that addition of U0126 or PD98059 to not-stimulated with EGF ells for 30 min has no effect on radially organized MT system. However, in the case of U0126 addition before EGF endocytosis stimulation, the number of MT per cell decreased within 15 min after such stimulation and was followed by complete MT depolymerization by 60-90 min. Stimulation of EGF endocytosis in the presence of PD98059 resulted only in insignificant depolymerization of MT and it could be detected mainly from their minus-ends. At the same time, MT regions close to plasma membrane became stabilized, which was proved by increase in tubulin acetylation level. This situation was characteristic for all period of the experiment. It has been also found that the inhibitors affect endocytosis dynamics of EGF-receptor complexes. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that the stimulation of endocytosis in the presence of U0126 generated a greater number of endosomes compared to control cells, and their number did not change significantly during the experiment. All these endosomes were localized peripherally. Effect of PD98059 resulted in the formation of lower number of endosomes that in control, but they demonstrated very slow clusterization despite the presence of some intact MT. Both inhibitors decreased EGFR colocolization with early endosomal marker EEA1, which indicated a delay in endosome fusions and maturation. The inhibitors were also shown to affect differently phospho-ERK 1 and 2 forms: U0126 completely inhibited phospho-ERK1 and 2, white, in the presence of PD98059, the two ERK forms demonstrated sharp transient activation in 15 min after stimulation, but only phospho-ERK2 could be detected after 60 min of endocytosis. In both cases, MAP-kinase activation dynamics was significantly different from the control. Our results suggest involvement of EGF-stimulated MAP-kinase pathway in cytoskeleton regulation. At the same time, they demonstrate that the two studied and widely used inhibitors are not equivalent with respect to not only the effect on MAP-kinase activity but also to such interdependent processes such as changes in cytoskeleton organization and signaling receptor' endocytosis.

[Analysis of vesicle subpopulations carrying early endosomal autoantigen EEA1]

Confocal immunofluorescent analysis of interphase HeLa cells has demonstrated that involved in regulation of homotypic fusions early endosomal autoantigene EEA1 is associated with vesicles represented by two populations differing in apparent size, localization and the level of bound EEA1. Before analysis the cells have been preincubated in serum-deprived medium for 12 h to minimize ligand-dependent endocytosis of serum growth factors. The first subpopulation is mainly represented by large vesicles strongly decorated with EEA1. These vesicles are localized presumably in juxtanuclear region. Microtubule depolimerization experiments have shown that this localization is maintained by tubulin cytoskeleton. The second subpopulation consists of numerous small vesicles slightly stained by EEA1 antibody and localized more peripherally. Double indirect immunofluorescent ananlysis of fixed cell images has revealed that juxtanuclear vesicles enriched in EEA1 are fully colocalized with key protein of early endosomes small GTPase Rab5, whereas about 50% of slightly decorated peripheral vesicles are Rab5-negative. It is found that the number of Rab5-positive vesicles per cell is higher than that of EEA1-positive vesicles. Thus, in serum-deprivated HeLa cells with low endocytic activity two subpopulations of EEA1-vesicles are revealed: the first one carries the both EEA1 at high level and Rab5 (EEA1+++/Rab5+), and the second subpopulation oconsists of weakly decorated EEA1-vesicles, that can be both Rab5-positive and -negative (EEA1+/Rab5- and EEA1+/Rab5+). Besides, there are vesicles carrying Rab5 only (EEA1-/Rab5+). The data obtained favor different functional role of all these subpopulations, which are associated with proteins widely considered as equivalent markers of early endosomes.

[Analysis of EGF receptor endocytosis dynamics based on semiquantative processing of confocal immunofluorescent images of fixed cells]

Endocytosis of signaling receptors EGF receptor in particular, starting at the plasma membrane and finishing in perinuclear lysosomes implies endosomes' multiple interactions with homotypic endosomes and vesicles of other origin (lysosomes, trans-Golgi network), which results in endosomal size changes. In addition, the characteristics of endocytic pathway is endosomes' translocation from cell periphery to juxtanuclear region. Thus, endocytosis as a highly dynamic process develops in time and space. Obviously one of the most productive approach is light immunofluorescent microscopy that allows of estimating endocytes dynamics at the level of one or several cells. Different impacts influencing endocytic regulator components are inevitably reflected on dynamics of endosome size and (or) its translocation. This provide possibility to uncover the both crucial and secondary components of regulatory machinery. However, visual estimation of such effects is often too subjective and does not allow getting statistically reliable data. Comparison of different experiments even in the case of the same series is also impeded. In this work we use such parameters as apparent vesicle size (diameter, area or volume) and vesicle number per cell to provide quantitative estimation of fusion efficacy, as well as the coefficient reflecting vesicles' clasterization in perinuclear region as a measure of their translocation along microtubules toward nucleus (D(clust)) and present these parameters application using EGF receptor endocytosis as an example.

[Change in localization of cellular vesicular apparatus during differentiation of myoblasts into myotubules in cell culture]

The study of changes in the intracellular processes during differentiation of myoblasts into myotubules is of great importance for understanding several fundamental problems of cell biology. At first, this concerns the spatial organization of vacuolar apparatus that reflects the alterations in the properties of cell membranes, cytoskeleton elements and dynamics of vesicular transport in the course of differentiation. The distribution of acidic membrane organelles (lysosomes, late endosomes, Golgi cisternae) during the myotubule formation was revealed. It was shown that perinuclear localization of acidic organelles in myoblasts was replaced by diffuse distribution of these structures in the whole volume of myotubules. Using lipophilic fluorescent dyes, RH 414 and di-8-ANEPPS, the process of formation and dynamics of endocytic vesicles in myoblasts and myotubules was investigated. In the present work, semiconductive nanocrystals, quantum dots (QDs), conjugated with TAT-peptide, which belongs to cell-penetrating peptides, were used to characterize nonspecific endocytosis. It was shown that QDs--TAT complexes penetrate myoblasts but do not penetrate myotubules even after 24 h incubation, which might be connected with plasma membrane changes during the process of skeletal muscle differentiation.

[Acetylation of microtubules during endocytosis of epidermal growth factor receptor (c-ErbB1) in interphase HeLa cells]

Acetylation of microtubules (MT) during endocytosis of epidermal growth factor receptor, c-ErbB1, was studied by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. It was found that stimulation of endocytosis of c-ErbB1 complexed with the epidermal growth factor (EGF), resulted in continuous raising of MT acetylation that reached its maximum at 60-90 min and then went down to the control level. Simultaneously, the receptor-containing endosomes grew in size and were redistributed into juxtranuclear region. Enlarged endosomes formed dense clusters around MTOC in 60-90 min. Another native c-ErbB1 ligand, transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and unlike EGF causing the receptor recycling, also initiated a wave of MT acetylation, but the effect was expressed more poorly. In this case, endosomes did not grow in size and did not form dense clusters near the MTOC. Cell treatment with deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) caused acetylation of the whole cellular MT population. Under these conditions, translocations of EGF-c-ErbB1-containing endosomes had the same pattern as in the cells untreated with the inhibitor, but the size of endosomes didn't increase during their redistribution into juxtranuclear region. Acetylation was especially pronounced in strongly bent MT regions positioned proximally to MTOC and forming there a dense meshwork whereas peripheral MT plus-ends were basically straight and not modified. We assume that MT acetylation is not so much crucial for preferential interaction with dynein or kinesin and, accordingly, for organization of endosome translocations in a certain direction. It is rather the result of stabilization of some MT pool which supports homotypic fusion of endosomes at early stage of their maturation.

[Analysis of tyrphostin AG1478 effect on behavior of internalized EGF receptor at different stages of endocytosis]

In the present work the effect of specific inhibitor of the receptor tyrosine kinase, tyrphostin AG1478, has been analyzed for behavior of internalized EGF receptor at different stages upon stimulation of endocytosis. It was found that tyrphostin addition in 30 min after endocytosis stimulation resulted in recycling of a significant portion of 125I-EGF onto cell surface. This portion was decreasing with time. EGF-receptor complexes, being recycled under action of AG1478, however, did not dissociate possibly because of tyrphostin ability to initiate receptor oligomerization in the absence of the ligand which can possibly affect dissociation constants. It was found that only a portion of EGF receptor localized in early endosomes was able to recycle upon TK inhibition. Addition of the inhibitor in 30 and 60 min after endocytosis stimulation resulted in decrease of labeled EGF degradation. At early stages internalized EGF-receptor complexes was blocked mostly in early endosomes, while at late stages their accumulation occured in incompletely matured late endosomes. These data speak in favor of late endocytic stage existence transition through which depends on the receptor TK. Besides, tyrphostin addition in 90 min after endocytosis led not to decrease, but on the contrary, to increase in degradation. That speaks about theexistence of the mechanisms providing a time window during which receptor TK can carry out the functions which are not connected directly with endocytosis.

[Ubiquitination of EGF receptors with C-terminal domain deletion and point mutations during endocytosis]

Analysis of ubiquitination of EGF receptor carrying different mutations of C-terminal domain was done. The mutants differed both by the set of major autophosphorylation sites that determine the way of interaction with ubiquitin-ligase c-Cbl, and by the presence of lysine residues which can be possible acceptor sites for ubiquitin. It was found that the receptor lacking tyrosine kinase activity due to lysine for phenylalanine substitution at ATP-binding site of tyrosine kinase (TK) domain (K721) failed to be ubiquitinated as well as the receptor without all binding sites for c-Cbl (CD165), while dynamics and pattern of ubiquitination of other deletion mutants was significantly different. The mutant lacking Grb2 binding sites but able to bind c-Cbl directly (CD123) was minimally ubiquitinated and only at early stages upon EGF endocytosis stimulation. At the same time, the receptor possessing all binding sites for Cbl but lacking C-terminal domain of 63 aminoacid residues (CD63) which contains two autophosphorylation sites (Y1148 and 1173) and 4 lysines, was less ubiquitinated and had more low-ubiquitinated forms comparing to the WT one. However, these lysines are not acceptor sites for ubiquitin since the full-size receptor lacking like CD63 the same major autophosphorylation sites underwent ubiquitination similar to the deletion mutant. Thus, C-terminal region of the EGF receptor, being not a substrate for ubiquitination per se, is involved in its regulation. It was also found that ubiquitination pattern at fast endocytosis differed from those at slow one. In the first case the total level of EGFR decreased dramatically as a result of efficient lysosomal degradation. The level of receptor-associated c-Cbl was practically the same, while the total intracellular c-Cbl dropped. Treatment of cells with proteasomal inhibition MG132 blocked the loss of Cbl only partially. In the second case, total amount of both EGF receptor and c-Cbl did not notably change that suggested recycling pathway for receptors even despite them beeng ubiquitinated.

[Untargeted quantum dots in confocal microscopy of living cells]

The problem of non-specific binding of quantum dots (QDs) with cells is very important but not fully understood taking into account the possible application of QDs in medical and fundamental studies. The interactions of untargeted CdSe/ZnS QDs with isolated frog muscle fibres, HeLa cells and J774 cells were investigated. The observations were performed on living cells using laser confocal microscopy (Leica TCS SL). The QDs covered with polyethylenglycol without any functional reactive groups with emission maximum at 565 nm were used in the study. This type of QDs is suggested to prevent an interaction of QDs with biological molecules. It has been shown that QDs do not enter HeLa cells, T-system and sarcoplasm of skeletal muscle fibres. However, during long-term incubation J774 cells can uptake QDs. The data obtained has demonstrated the diversity of interactions of untargeted QDs with different cell types and are important for understanding of the problems of non-selective uptake and cytotoxicity of QDs.

[Remodeling of microtubule system during EGF receptor endocytosis]

The idea of microtubules (MTs) as of passive railway tracks, along which transport vesicles travel by use of motor proteins, is widely accepted. In the present work the organization of MT system during EGF-receptor endocytosis was investigated by indirect double immunofluorescence in HeLa and A431 cell lines. Stimulation of cells with EGF resulted in formation of EGF receptor-containing peripheral vesicular endosomes. During time course of endocytosis the endosomes tended to concentrate in juxtranuclear region close to MTOC. This translocation was dependent on MTs since nocodazole treatment resulted in endosomes' scattering throughout the cytoplasm. Parallel staining of the cells with tubulin antibody has revealed significant remodeling of MTs organization during endocytosis. At early stages MTs demonstrated slight retraction at the cell periphery and the increasing intensity of tubulin fluorescence in the juxtranuclear region. Later on, long individual MTs disappeared and peripheral cytoplasm show diffuse staining in combination with a meshwork of short MT fragments. This stage correlated with EGFR localization in juxtranuclear endosomes. Disappearance of EGFR-positive staining due to its lysosomal degradation occurred in parallel to reestablishment of radial MT system. Possible functional significance of described alterations in organization of tubulin cytoskeleton is discussed.

Nocodazole inhibits macronuclear infection with Holospora obtusa in Paramecium caudatum

Holospora obtusa is a Gram-negative bacterium inhabiting the macronucleus of the ciliate Paramecium caudatum. Experimental infection with H. obtusa was carried out under nocodazole treatment. Nocodazole has been shown to cause disassembly of the cytoplasmic microtubules radiating from the cytopharynx and postoral fibers in P. caudatum. Treatment with this drug did not prevent the ingestion of both prey bacteria and H. obtusa, but it reduced the phagosome number and affected cyclosis. In situ hybridization revealed infectious forms of this endobiont very close to the macronucleus, but never inside it. These results indicate that disassembly of microtubules does not impair transportation of the infectious forms of H. obtusa in the cytoplasm, but that it completely blocks the invasion of the nucleus by the bacteria.

[Effect of synthetic proteasomal inhibitor MG132 on dynamics of EGF-receptor complexes endocytosis in A431 cells]

The effect of proteasomal activity suppression induced by MG132, a synthetic proteasomal inhibitor of EGF-receptor complexes endocytosis in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cell line, was studied. Using subcellular fractionation in 17% Percoll gradient, it was demonstrated that the addition of MG132 to the cells 15 min following stimulation of EGF endocytosis resulted in a slight accumulation of 125I-EGF in early endosomes, and in much more significant accumulation of the labeled growth factor in late endosomes/lysosomes, as compared to untreated cells. The release of 125I-EGF degradation products into the incubation medium was significantly (3-12-fold) inhibited in the presence of MG132. At the same time biochemical analysis has demonstrated that the EGF receptor itself is not a direct target of proteasomes, since it is revealed as a full-length protein with native mol. mass (170 kDa) in fractions of early and late endosomes and lysosomes. Possible mechanisms of the MG132 effect on intracellular processing of EGF-receptor complexes are discussed.

[The route of a bacterium Holospora in the cell of Paramecium (Ciliophora, Protista) from phagosome to the nucleus]

Problems encountered at the initial stages of stable symbiotic system formation are discussed in the review. The most studied models for interaction between pathogenic bacteria and metazoan cells are compared with a similar system including Paramecium (a ciliatte)--Holospora (a bacterium). Literary and our own data on the infection of P. caudatum with specific endocytobionts inhabiting the nuclear apparatus (H. obtusa in the macronucleus), and H. undulata (in the micronucleus) are analysed with respect to the modern understanding of the intracellular vesicle trafficking.

[Effect of an vacuolar proton pump inhibitor bafilomycin A1 on the intracellular processing of markers for receptor-mediated and liquid phase endocytosis]

By means of subcellular fractionation in density Percoll gradients, immunoblotting and immunofluorescense, the effect of BafA1 on endocytosis of EGF-receptor complexes and horse radish peroxidase (HRP) in A431, HER14 and HC11 cell lines was studied. It was shown that the pretreatment of all used cell lines with BafA1 completely inhibited EGF degradation, but did not interfere with the delivery of significant portion of EGF-receptor complexes to late endosomes and lysosomes and transition of the receptor to juxtranuclear region. At the same time, BafA1 was found to dramatically inhibit the delivery of fluid phase marker HRP to late endosomes of A431 cells. The BafA1 effect on endocytosis of high concentrations of EGF was similar to that on HRP endocytosis. Regulatory mechanisms of early-to-late endosomal compartment transition are discussed.

[Effect of a hypertonic sucrose solution and 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)-amiloride on receptor-mediated and liquid-phase endocytosis]

Hypertonic sucrose and amiloride or derivatives of the latter are commonly used to selectively inhibit clathrin-dependent (usually considered as a synonim of receptor-mediated endocytosis) or clathrin-independent endocytosis. Though these approaches are widely used in experimental practice, their limitations have not been studied in detail. In the present work, an attempt was made to evaluate possible side effects and selectivity of these agents towards the type of endocytosis. It was found that the incubation of A431 cells in 0.4 M sucrose resulted in a decrease in both intracellular accumulation and surface binding of the RME marker 125I-EGF. However, while the binding drops by about 3 times, the internalization of EGF in low concentrations was inhibited by more than 30 times, and that of high EGF concentrations by 5-10 times. It may evidence that at high EGF concentrations about 10-20% of ligand-receptor complexes can enter the cells through clathrin-independent pathway. Nevertheless, these results cannot be interpreted so unambigously, because we found that at the incubation longer than 30 min a significant portion of cells became dead or damaged, yielding about 50% of the whole population. By immunofluorescent assay, 5-(N,N-hexametylen)-amiloride commonly used to inhibit fluid phase endocytosis was demonstrated to reduce the staining of fluorescein-containing pinocytic vesicles, but it did not inhibit totally the entering of this marker. Under simultaneous stimulation of fluorescein and EGF endocytosis in the presence of the amiloride derivative, such a residual fluorescence shifted with time to the juxtranuclear region, which is characteristic of the late steps of RME. We suppose that a significant portion of extracellular fluid phase can be included in clathrin-dependent vesicles, whose formation is not disturbed by amiloride. It means that conclusions about the degree of pinocytosis inhibition are to be corrected, taking into account the constitutive clathrin-dependent endocytosis.

[The role of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases P85/P110 and hVPS34 in endocytosis of EGF-receptor complexes]

The previous data (Zheleznova et al., 2001) did not enable the authors to conclude which particular wortmannin sensitive PI-3-kinase--p85/p110 (I class PI-3-K) or hVPS34 (III class PI-3-K)--may be involved in the regulation of EGF-receptor endocytosis. In the present work, we have shown that upon stimulation of EGF-receptor endocytosis additional structures stained with antibody against p85 appear in A431 cells, but the p85-positive compartment never co-localized with EGF-receptor-containing compartments either in control or in wortmannin-treated cells. At the same time, wortmannin treatment prevented association of hVPS34 with endosomal membranes. We have also found that early endosomal markers--Rab5 and EEA1 (membrane association of the latter depends on Rab5 and hVPS34)--co-localized with EGF-receptor in the juxtranuclear region during late stages of endocytosis, both in control and upon wortmannin treatment. These observations favor our suggestions that the transition of EGF-receptors from early to late endosomes may occur directly in this juxtranuclear region and be tightly associated with the formation of so called multivesicular bodies (MVB), which are late endosomes per se. We suggest that wortmannin may have no effect on early EEA1-dependent stage of the receptor endocytosis but blocks a transition of EGF-receptor complexes into the late endosomes by inhibiting activity of hVPS34 and removing it from membranes. The hVPS34 product PI-3-K, according to the known data, is involved in the formation of internal vesicles of MVB. Accumulation of EGF-receptors in these vesicles is believed to be necessary for the receptor degradation.

[Cbl--a polyfunctional regulator of cellular processes]

C-Cb1 protein is a protooncogene product that was initially identified as part of a murine retrovirus transforming protein. C-Cb1 is ubiquitously expressed in cells of different origin. A number of isoforms subsequently identified in vertebrates and invertebrates allows to consider the existence of a family of Cb1 proteins. These proteins contain a set of sequences providing interactions with a wide range of receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases and signaling proteins with SH2- and SH3-domains (for example, EGF and PDGF receptors, Src-kinases, PI-3-kinase p85, Crk, GRB2, Vav, etc.). Cb1 proteins possess also multiple tyrosine, residues, which undergo phosphorylation upon stimulation of several surface receptors. These properties permit Cb1 to take part in many protein-protein interactions as an adaptor, which forms multimolecular signaling complexes, and coordinates the activity of its components. C-Cb1 and its mutant transforming forms can act as both positive and negative regulators of many signaling pathways. Negative action of C-Cb1 on signals stimulated by receptor tyrosine kinases is thought to result from accelerated receptor degradation caused by Cb1. This ability is attributed mostly to ubiquitin-ligase activity of Cb1 proteins, since the latest research evidence suggests that ubiquitination may be a signal of not only proteasomal, but also lysosomal degradation. Thus, Cb1 manifests itself as a many-sided protein working both as an adaptor and a regulator of endocytic trafficking. In spite of numerous studies in this area, the regulation of Cb1 functions, interrelations between these functions, physiological significance of Cb1-mediated interactions, and the place of Cb1 proteins in signaling coordinating still remain obscure. In the present review, an attempt is made to summarize the recent data, with special reference to Cb1 functioning as a regulator of tyrosine kinase receptor endocytosis.

[The role of Src-kinase in the regulation of endocytosis of EGF-receptor complexes. I. Dynamics of EGF internalization, recycling, sorting, and degradation during inhibition of Src-kinase activity]

In the present work, the role of Src-kinase in regulation of different stages of EGF-receptor endocytosis was studied. We used murine fibroblasts with knockout of Src gene and CGP77675, and the inhibitor of Src-family kinases. The absence of Src protein in the cells did not lead to any changes in the rates of 125I-EGF internalization or recycling and caused only slight decrease in the rate of its degradation. At the same time, treatment of the wild type cells with the inhibitor resulted in a small decrease in internalization rate and an increase in recycling. The influence of the inhibitor on 125I-EGF degradation was also more pronounced. But even in this case, the effects were no more than 30% of control values. CGP77675 extended the same effect upon cells of HER14 and HC11 lines. Subcellular fractionation of these cells in Percoll gradient has also demonstrated a slight inhibition of 125I-EGF sorting from early to late endosomes. The more pronounced effect of the Src-family kinase inhibitor on the EGF endocytosis, compared to that of the absence of a single Src protein, suggests a compensating mechanism of the Src-family kinases. A conclusion is made that in spite of a slight influence on practically all stages of intracellular pathway of EGF-receptor complexes, Src-kinases are obviously not the key regulators of their endocytosis.

[The role of Src-kinase in the regulation of endocytosis of EGF-receptor complexes. Distribution of clathrin after stimulation of EGR endocytosis in various cell lines during inhibition of Src-kinase activity]

A distribution of EGF receptor and clathrin during EGF endocytosis in A431, HER14, WT and PURO cell lines was studied by indirect immunofluorescence. Though the initial distribution of EGF-receptors on A431 and HER14 cells was somewhat different, the late stages of endocytosis proceeded equally and were marked by formation of bright spots in the juxtanuclear region characteristic of the late endosomes. The Src-family kinase inhibitor CGP77675 had no influence on the dynamics of receptor endocytosis at the immunofluorescent level in both cell lines. Stimulation of EGF-receptor endocytosis in A431 cells did not also result in any redistribution of clathrin in the areas where the majority of EGF-receptors are localized, i.e. in the lateral plasma membrane both in the control cells and under CGP77675 treatment. Clathrin in A431, WT and PURO cells demonstrated even a punctuated pattern throughout the cytoplasm with some accumulation in the juxtanuclear region. This distribution depended neither on the absence or presence of Src activity nor on EGF addition. The data obtained indicate that 1) EGF-receptors do not serve as the initiation sites during clathrin coated pit assembly; 2) Src-kinase activation does not result in significant clathrin redistribution in the plasma membrane, and its influence on EGF endocytosis can be considered as a secondary effect.

[Effect of wortmannin on endocytosis of epidermal growth factor receptors]

Using subcellular fractionation of human carcinoma A431 cells in Percoll gradient it was shown that P13-kinase (P13-K) inhibitor wortmannin blocked the transition of the EGF-receptor complexes from the early to the late endosomes. Under conditions when the receptor TK-dependent sorting system is mainly involved, i.e. at low EGF concentrations, the efficiency of sorting was seen to fall 5-10-folls in the presence of wortmannin compared to the control. At high EGF concentrations of the toxin inhibitory effect was no more than 30%. Immunofluorescent analysis has demonstrated that wortmannin treatment led to a juxtranuclear localization of EGF-receptors, which is presumably characteristic of the late endosomes. However, this localization became obvious even in 15 min following endocytosis stimulation, when EGF-receptors, according to the Percoll data, were associated mainly with the early endosomes. A possible role of phosphatidylinositol metabolism products in endocytosis regulation is discussed in addition to the structural and functional organization of the early endosomal compartments. A conclusion is made that P13-K may be a component of the EGF receptor-specific sorting system.

[Endocytosis of EGF-receptor complexes at various cell cycle stages]

Parameters of EGF-receptor complex endocytosis have been studied in the early and late G1 phase and in mitosis. As a model, mouse mammary epithelial cells HC11 were used, whose growth depends on EGF presence in the medium. The Scatchard analysis has demonstrated that the surface receptors are represented by two receptor populations: 4800 high affinity (KD = 10(-11) M) receptors, and 73,000 low affinity (KD = 4.10(-9) M) receptors. Incubation of cells with the growth factor (5 ng/ml) resulted in a decrease in 125I-EGF binding, with its level being low until entering the S-phase. Under these conditions, receptors disposed on the plasma membrane presented a homogeneous population (KD = 8.10(-11) M, 14,000 receptors per cell). No reliable difference was revealed between the EGF-receptor complexes, internalized in early and late G1 phases, in respect to the internalization rate, level of recycling, degradation, and dynamics of compartmentalization. However, endocytosis of EGF-receptor complexes was found to be completely blocked in mitosis at the stage of internalization.

[Association of MAP kinases with the endoplasmic reticulum in NIH3T3 (HER14) and A431 cells]

Intracellular distribution of p42/p44 MAP-kinases in HER14 and A431 cell lines was investigated. Using subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence approaches we have shown that in quiescent cells of both types MAP-kinases are associated with endoplasmic reticulum. Moreover, ER-localized MAP-kinases were shown to exist only in a nonphosphorylated form. In HER14 cells the epidermal growth factor (EGF) elevates the level of the ER-associated MAP-kinases. In contrast, exposure of A431 cells to EGF leads to a significant decrease in the observed association. The physiological role of this association is discussed.

[EGF-dependent epithelial cells of the mammary cell line HC11 demonstrate a high degree of synchronized cell cycle during stimulation with epidermal growth factor]

The most popular object for studying endocytosis of EGF-receptor complexes, human epidermoid carcinoma A431, was shown to answer to EGF in high concentration (100 ng/ml) by growth inhibition, being indifferent to lower (0.1-1 ng/ml) concentrations. At the same time, cells NIH 3T3, expressing human EGF receptor (HER14), and epithelial mammary cells HC11 increased 14C-thymidine incorporation into DNA after EGF addition. However, for HER14 cells stimulatory effect of EGF was twice weaker than that induced by serum, whereas the effect of EGF on 14C-thymidine incorporation in DNA of cells HC11 was approximately 5 times stronger compared to serum. Therefore, cells HC11 may be referred to as EGF-dependent. Cell cycle analysis by fluorimetry showed that more than 90% of serum-starved HER14 and HC11 were in G0/G1. Within 19-20 h after stimulation by EGF 70-90% of HC11 cells and only 30-40% of HER14 cells were in S-phase. EGF removing from culture medium earlier than 9-11 h after stimulation blocked entering of HC11 cells into S-phase, whereas such EGF-dependent period was not found for cells HER14. Thus, synchronization of progression through early stages of cell cycle, stimulated by EGF and the presence of well defined "early" (EGF-dependent) and "late" (EGF-independent) phases, make cells HC11 convenient object for studying physiological role of EGF receptor complexes endocytosis.

[Studies of small GTPase Rab7 association with endosomes of cells expressing normal and mutant forms of epidermal growth factor receptors]

A study was made of an association of small GTPase Rab7, commonly considered as a marker of late endosomes, with endosomal compartments of cells expressing EGF receptor with different ability to be sorted for degradative pathway. It was found that in cells HER14, expressing normal EGF receptor, Rab7 was associated with both early and late endosomes and the extent of association correlated with the number of EGF-receptor complexes in the specific endosomal fraction. Cels with a receptor, lacking major sites of autophosphorylation by deletion of 126 C-terminal residues (CD126), demonstrated a low efficiency of EGF-receptor sorting to late endosomes and decreased association dynamics with Rab7. Interaction of Rab7 with endosomes of cells expressing kinase negative receptors (K721) was found to be minimal. At the same time, in cells Cd126 and K721 with a low sorting efficiency Rab7 was mainly associated with early endosomes. These data favor Rab7 involvement in mediating early-to-late endosomal transition.

[Effect of nocodazole on endocytosis of epidermal growth factor receptor]

During endocytosis EGF-receptor complexes are transported from early peripheral endosomes to late juxtranuclear-located endosomes to be then degraded in lysosomes. It is suggested that such a spatial organization of endosomal compartments is maintained by microtubule system and is necessary for lysosomal degradation of endocytosed cargo. In the present work, a study was made of the influence of Nocodazole, a microtubule depolymerizing agent, on endocytosis of fluid phase marker HRP and EGF entering the cell via receptor-mediated endocytosis. By subcellular fractionation in Percoll gradient it was shown that Nocodazole did not affect HRP internalization but stimulated its accumulation in a fraction sedimented together with late endosomes, thus preventing HRP delivery to lysosomes. On the contrary, Nocodazole exerted no influence on dynamics of compartmentalization and lysosomal degradation of EGF-receptor complexes. Moreover, no alterations were found in the functioning of a so well-known EGF-stimulated signal transduction pathway as MAP-kinase cascade. At the same time microtubule depolymerization dramatically changed the morphology of endosomal compartments abolishing juxtranuclear localization of late endosomes. Our data suggest that translocation of EGF-receptor complexes is not necessary for their normal lysosomal processing. Rab7, traditionally considered as a marker of late endosomes, has been found to demonstrate in Nocodazole-treated cells, in contrast to the control, a low extent of co-localization with endosomal structures. It could be supposed that the role of Rab7 is not so much to mediate early-to-late endosome transition as to maintain spatial organization of endosomal apparatus by mediating endosome-cytoskeleton interactions.

[The dependence of the type of endocytosis of EGF receptor complexes on the basal level of tyrosine kinase activity in the epidermal growth factor receptor]

Two types of EGF-mediated endocytosis have been identified in A431 cells by the method of subcellular fractionation in Percoll density gradients. One ("slow") type of endocytosis is characterized by 125I-EGF retention in the fraction of light endosomes, while the other ("fast") type demonstrates efficient 125I-EGF transition into heavy endosomes and lysosomes. 32P-ATP phosphorylation assay of Percoll fractions, followed by alkaline treatment on the gels, has demonstrated that "slow" cells reveal an increased basal level of EGF-receptor tyrosine kinase (TK) activity compared to the "fast" cells. Pretreatment of "fast" cells with Mn2+, which was shown to induce TK stimulation without EGF (Mohammadi [correction of Muhammedi et al., 1993), caused a dramatic decrease in 125I-EGF transition to heavy endosomes and lysosomes. Analysis of tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor, being performed in Mn(2+)-pretreated A431 cells, has confirmed the significant increase of 32P-incorporation into unoccupied EGFR. Taken together, our data suggest that sorting of internalized EGF-receptor complexes depends on the basal TK activity level of EGFR.

[The association of a protein regulator of intracellular Rab7 membrane transport with endosomes containing an epidermal growth factor receptor with activated and inactivated tyrosine kinase]

By double indirect immunofluorescent microscopy, Rab7, traditionally considered as a late endosomal marker, has been demonstrated to colocalize with an internalized epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) possessing active and inactive tyrosine kinase (TK). The epidermal growth factor (EGF), which induces TK activity of EGFR, and monoclonal antibody Mab 108, which does not, have been exploited as ligands to stimulate endocytosis of EGFR. Colocalization between EGFR and Rab7 has been detected at both early (10 min) and delayed (60 and 120 min) endocytosis of EGFR, while it turned out to be much more obvious at the later ones. A comparison between EGFR-mediated and peroxidase fluid-phase endocytoses has revealed that Rab7 failed to be recruited on endosomal structures, containing peroxidase, even after 180 min endocytosis. Subcellular fractionation of endosomes containing 125I-EGF and 125I-Mab 108 in Percoll density gradients, in parallel with the analysis of ligand degradation, have verified the efficient transition of EGF-receptor complexes into the late endosomes and retention of Mab 108-receptor complexes within the early (sorting) endosomes. Taken together, the data cotained suggest that endogenous Rab7 is able to be recruited not only on late but also on maturating sorting EGFR-containing endosomes, thus mediating sorting along the EGFR endocytotic pathway.

EGF receptor and p185erbB-2-specific single-chain antibody toxins differ in their cell-killing activity on tumor cells expressing both receptor proteins

Many human tumors over-express erbB-2 and EGF receptors. The membrane localization of these receptor tyrosine kinases make them appropriate targets for directed tumor therapy. We have used recombinant DNA technology to produce single-chain antibody exotoxin A (scFv-ETA) fusion proteins which specifically bind the erbB-2 and EGF receptors. The scFv portion is composed of the heavy- and light-chain variable domains of monoclonal antibodies which recognize the extracellular portion of each receptor. We have previously described the anti-tumor activity of the bacterially produced scFv(FRP5)-ETA directed to the erbB-2 receptor. In this paper we describe the characteristics of scFv(225)-ETA, a protein which binds the EGF receptor. The bacterially produced recombinant protein binds to the receptor with high affinity and inhibits the in vitro growth of the EGF receptor over-expressing tumor cell lines A431 and MDA-MB468. Combination treatment with scFv-(FRP5)-ETA and scFv(225)-ETA led to an additive inhibitory effect on the in vitro growth of A431 cells. SKBR3 cells expressing low levels of EGF receptor but high levels of p185erbB-2 were not affected by scFv(225)-ETA treatment but were sensitive to scFv(FRP5)-ETA. Stimulation of SKBR3 cells and HCII RI#11 mouse mammary epithelial cells expressing the human erbB-2 with EGF led to an increase in scFv(FRP5)-ETA activity, showing that the EGF-induced activation of erbB-2 can potentiate the action of the erbB-2-directed toxin. Treatment of athymic nude mice with scFv(FRP5)-ETA and the combination of both scFv-ETA proteins led to the transient arrest of growth of established A431 tumors. scFv(225)-ETA treatment alone was the most effective, leading to tumor shrinkage during the course of treatment, whereas treatment with the parental monoclonal antibody 225 led to retarded tumor growth.

Surface expression of erbB-2 protein is post-transcriptionally regulated in mammary epithelial cells by epidermal growth factor and by the culture density

The control of expression of the erbB-2 protein was examined in two mammary epithelial cells lines, HC11 and 31E. The erbB-2 protein content varied dramatically depending upon cell density and upon the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the culture medium. The changes in protein content were not due to variation in the erbB-2 mRNA level. Analysis of the metabolic turnover of the erbB-2 protein showed that its rate of degradation was two- to threefold higher in cells growing at low density than in cells confluent for 2 days. The addition of EGF to the culture medium caused an increase in the phosphoamino acid content and an increase in the turnover of the erbB-2 protein. Cell fractionation experiments were performed, and a shift in the cellular localization of the erbB-2 protein towards the lysosomal compartment in EGF-treated HC11 cells was found. This is reflected by an increase in the degradation rate of the erbB-2 protein. These findings suggest that in mammary epithelial cells the stability of the erbB-2 protein is an important regulatory control point in determining the level of the protein. The degradation rate is sensitive to cell confluency and is controlled by EGF receptor activity.

[Demonstration of an intact complex of epidermal growth factor and its receptor in the endosomes of A-431 cells]

The compartmentalization of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors in A-431 cells was studied using centrifugation of the microsomal fraction of these cells in continuous Percoll gradient. The existence of an intact (non-degraded) EGF receptor in plasma membrane and endosome fraction was demonstrated by electrophoretic analysis of in vitro phosphorylated Percoll fractions. No phosphorylated receptor was revealed in lysosomal fraction by this method. The existence of non dissociated EGF-receptor complexes in intracellular compartments 30 minutes after the start of internalization was proven using a synthesized photoreactive labeled EGF derivative (125I-EGF-SANAH). The removing of pH gradient in organellar membranes by 10 mkM of monensin did not affect dissociation from its receptor. The data obtained proved the existence of non-dissociated and non-degraded EGF-receptor complexes in the endosomal compartment of A-431 cells.

Recycling of epidermal growth factor in A431 cells

The fate of epidermal growth factor (EGF) after internalization by A431 cells was studied. First, cells containing 125I-EGF-receptor complexes in endosomes were obtained. Subsequent incubation of the cells at 37 degrees C resulted in the recycling of 125I-EGF from endosomes to the cell surface in the receptor-bound state and the gradual release of recycled ligand into the medium. The excess of unlabeled EGF blocked both rebinding and re-internalization of recycled 125I-EGF to produce enhanced accumulation of ligand in the medium. The rate of recycling was shown to be much higher than that of EGF degradation.

[Compartmentalization dynamics of the epidermal growth factor in A431 cells]

Dynamics of compartmentalization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in human carcinoma A431 cells during the first hour after initiation of endocytosis was examined by methods of the organelle fractionation on a 20% Percoll gradient and of the microfluorimetric visualization of endocytosis of rhodamine-labeled EGF (EGF-R). EGF was revealed in small vesicles localized in the peripheral region of cytoplasm in a few minutes after endocytosis initiation. During centrifugation in Percoll these vesicles (endosomes), with an average density of 1.038 g/ml, were seen co-sedimented with Golgi membranes. By one hour after initiation of endocytosis, EGF-R was accumulated in perinuclear zone, in a trans-Golgi region, as numerous big luminous centres that were apparently MB-endosomes and had the same density in Percoll as did small peripheral endosomes. Such centres appeared in several cells already within 5-10 minutes. In A431 cells EGF did not reach lysosomes within 60 minutes, because no accumulation of 125I-EGF was shown in lysosome corresponding regions of Percoll gradient (average density 1.070 g/ml).

[Uptake of cyclic adenosine-3,5-monophosphate by cultured mammalian cells and frog muscles]

Uptake of 3H-cAMP by isolated frog sartorii muscles and cultured mouse 3T3 and 3T6 cells was studied. It was shown that after 1-2 hours of incubation the intracellular level of cAMP in frog muscles reached 10-20% of its concentration in the incubation medium. About 50% of intracellular radioactivity was represented by chromatographically pure cAMP which testifies to the insignificant cAMP metabolism rate. In the experiments with 3T3 and 3T6 cells the influence of possible admixtures and degradation products on 3H-cAMP uptake was revealed. To avoid these influences it is necessary to measure the uptake of cAMP in the presence of theophylline and with abundance of adenosine. In such experimental conditions the intracellular level of cAMP after 1 hour of incubation did not exceed 10% of its extracellular level, which is similar to values obtained on frog muscles. Permeability coefficient of cAMP for membrane of frog muscles and 3T3 and 3T6 cells was about 10(-9)-10(-8) cm X sec-1.

[Uptake of cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate and its metabolism in 3T6 cells]

Uptake of 3H-cGMP by cultured murine 3T6 cells was studied. The cells were shown to contain radioactivity 1 minute after its addition, with the level of radioactivity increasing during a 3 hour incubation period. By this time, the intracellular non-metabolized cGMP corresponded to 1-5% of the whole intracellular radioactivity. In the presence of theophylline the uptake of 3H-cGMP by cells was seen decreasing, however, the portion of non-metabolized cGMP reached 45-50% of the whole intracellular radioactivity. Thus, the presence of theophylline made it possible to maintain the high level of intracellular cGMP. It is concluded that the incubation of cell cultures in the medium with cGMP may be useful for achieving an elevating intracellular cGMP concentration and for studying the biological effect of cyclic nucleotide.