Abstract P1-05-05: eEF1A2 facilitates PTEN-GSK3β mediated Aurora-A protein degradation during S-G2 phase inactivated in PTEN-deficient breast cancer

The AURKA gene, encoding Aurora kinase-A (Aurora-A), is frequently amplified and overexpressed across multiple cancer types correlating with poor prognosis. Although the AURKA gene is frequently amplified in human cancers, underlying mechanism(s) for Aurora-A protein stability through different phases of cell cycle are not well elucidated. Inhibiting the kinase activity and promoting protein degradation are two well-validated conceptual strategies for targeting protein kinases in cancers. Here, we demonstrate that Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 1 Alpha 2 (eEF1A2) facilitates PTEN-GSK3β mediated Aurora-A protein degradation through the SCF complex (SKP1-Cul1-FBXW7) during the S/G2 phase of proliferating cells. In contrast, this mechanism is inactivated in cancer cells accompanying PTEN-GSK3β pathway deficiency. Mechanistically, eEF1A2 interacts with Aurora-A, GSK3β, FBXW7 and Cul1-E3 ligase, as the SCF complex, to facilitate Aurora-A polyubiquitination for 26S proteasomal degradation. eEF1A2 promotes PTEN phosphorylation at T366 and stability, inactivates AKT and activates GSK3β which in turn phosphorylates Aurora-A at S283, S284 and S342. The phosphorylation of Aurora-A at S342 is detected during S/G2 phase of cell mitosis in parallel with eEF1A2-SCF complex formation with active form of GSK3β and neddylated Cul1. Conversely, genetic ablation of EEF1A2 and PTEN, activation of AKT, inhibition of GSK3β, expression of Aurora-A phosphodeficient-mutant attenuates the Aurora-A protein degradation which is corroborated in Aurora-A overexpressing mouse mammary carcinomas and human breast carcinomas. This study identifies a novel mechanism of Aurora-A protein degradation mediated eEF1A2-PTEN-GSK3β pathway and provides a framework for the discovery of Aurora-A therapeutic targets in breast cancer that harbors deficiency of PTEN tumor suppressor pathway.

Citation Format: Treekitkarnmongkol W, Solis LM, Kai K, Thompson AM, Tian W, Wistuba II, Sasai K, Jltsumori Y, Sahin AA, Hawke DH, Lee JM, Qin L, Bawa-Khalfe T, Rad R, Wong KK, Abbott CM, Katayama H, Sen S. eEF1A2 facilitates PTEN-GSK3β mediated Aurora-A protein degradation during S-G2 phase inactivated in PTEN-deficient breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-05-05.

Coordinate phosphorylation of multiple residues on single AKT1 and AKT2 molecules

Aberrant AKT activation is prevalent across multiple human cancer lineages providing an important new target for therapy. Twenty-two independent phosphorylation sites have been identified on specific AKT isoforms likely contributing to differential isoform regulation. However, the mechanisms regulating phosphorylation of individual AKT isoform molecules have not been elucidated because of the lack of robust approaches able to assess phosphorylation of multiple sites on a single AKT molecule. Using a nanofluidic proteomic immunoassay (NIA), consisting of isoelectric focusing followed by sensitive chemiluminescence detection, we demonstrate that under basal and ligand-induced conditions that the pattern of phosphorylation events is markedly different between AKT1 and AKT2. Indeed, there are at least 12 AKT1 peaks and at least 5 AKT2 peaks consistent with complex combinations of phosphorylation of different sites on individual AKT molecules. Following insulin stimulation, AKT1 was phosphorylated at Thr308 in the T-loop and Ser473 in the hydrophobic domain. In contrast, AKT2 was only phosphorylated at the equivalent sites (Thr309 and Ser474) at low levels. Further, Thr308 and Ser473 phosphorylation occurred predominantly on the same AKT1 molecules, whereas Thr309 and Ser474 were phosphorylated primarily on different AKT2 molecules. Although basal AKT2 phosphorylation was sensitive to inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), basal AKT1 phosphorylation was essentially resistant. PI3K inhibition decreased pThr451 on AKT2 but not pThr450 on AKT1. Thus, NIA technology provides an ability to characterize coordinate phosphorylation of individual AKT molecules providing important information about AKT isoform-specific phosphorylation, which is required for optimal development and implementation of drugs targeting aberrant AKT activation.

Evaluation of Changes in Plasma Protein Profiles during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Using MALDI-TOF/MS Procedure

Background: Comparison of protein profiles of the plasma before chemotherapy and after completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy may reveal tumor markers that could be used to monitor tumor response.Patients and Methods: We examined matching pre- and post-treatment serum samples 39 HER2-postive breast cancer patients (n=78 samples) who all received 6 months of preoperative chemotherapy with or without trastuzumab in the context of a randomized clinical trial. Serum was analyzed with an Applied Biosystems 4700 Proteomics Analyzer matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer. Samples were grouped and pooled into those who achieved pathological complete response (pCR, n=20) and those who had residual disease (RD, n=19). We compared matching baseline and post-chemotherapy/pre-surgery samples separately in both response groups and also compared baseline samples between the two response groups.Results: MALDI-TOF analysis revealed a total of 2329 and 3152 peaks in pooled samples of cases with pCR and RD, respectively. A total of 32 peaks were differentially expressed between base line and post-chemotherapy pCR samples and 643 peaks in cases with RD (false discovery rate ≤ 20%). A total of 8 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the before- and after-chemotherapy samples from their peptides after digestion and LC-MALDI-TOF/TOF. These included 4 AFM, C3, hemopexin, SAP in pCR samples and AP1, hemopexin, Complement B, amyloid P component in the RD group.Conclusion: Our study suggests that MALDI mass spectrometry may be used to detect differences in baseline serum profiles of patients who are highly sensitive to chemotherapy and those who are less sensitive. Also, changes occur in the serum during chemotherapy and this may offer the possibility of monitoring response to treatment in the future.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 2037.

Evaluation of serum profiles changes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer using MALDI-TOF/MS procedure

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Evaluation of serum profiles changes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer using MALDI-TOF / MS procedure. Background: Response to primary chemotherapy (CT) for breast cancer is heterogeneous among patients and a more tailored treatment would be beneficial in term of reducing exposure to an unnecessary toxicity and optimization of response rates. Mass spectrometry analysis of serum might be helpful in detecting specific changes in response to primary CT. Methods: An applied Biosystems 4700 Proteomics Analyzer matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer was used. A breast cancer cohort of 78 sera samples from 39 HER2 positive patients consisting of matched pretreatment and (6 months) posttreatment samples was used. Blood samples were collected serially before each treatment cycle every 3 weeks of neoadjuvant CT. Samples were divided into those who achieved pathological complete response (pCR, n= 20) and those who had residual disease (RD, n=19). Low-mass differentially expressed peptides were identified using MALDI-TOF/TOF. Results: This procedure yielded a total of 2329 and 3152 peaks respectively, for the responders and non-responders. Biological variation analysis revealed a total of 32 peaks for responders and 643 peaks for non-responders to be differentially regulated with a false discovery rate less than 20%. A total of 8 differentially expressed proteins were identified from their peptides after digestion and LC-MALDI-TOF/TOF. Four in tumors with pCR (AFM, C3, hemopexin, SAP) and four proteins in the RD group were identified (AP1, hemopexin, Complement B, amyloid P component) Conclusions: Our study suggests that MALDI mass spectrometry may be used to predict the tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Proteomic analysis may be useful in developing tailored chemotherapy for breast cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A general approach for characterizing glycosylation sites of glycoproteins

Recent advances in glycobiology have greatly stimulated carbohydrate research; however, improving techniques for identification and isolation of specific glycosylation sites in protein structure analysis remains a challenge. We report here a practical approach utilizing a membrane staining technique on Problott, a PVDF-type membrane, to screen glycoproteins and glycopeptides derived from enzymatic digests of glycoproteins. To improve the detection sensitivity, an amplified staining technique using biotinylated lectins, avidin, and biotinylated peroxidase was employed. In addition, we describe a micro-batch affinity binding procedure to isolate glycopeptides from complex glycoprotein enzymatic digests. These protocols allow us to start with a subnanomole quantity of glycoprotein and locate the glycosylation sites; isolate glycopeptides in a homogeneous form; and perform amino acid composition, amino acid sequence, and mass analyses on the isolated glycopeptides. The characterization of glycosylation site of a model glycoprotein, carboxypeptidase P, of which the structure is still largely unknown, has been investigated.

Immunoglobulin variable-region-like domains of diverse sequence within the major histocompatibility complex of the chicken

The highly polymorphic B-G antigens are considered to be part of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the chicken, the B system of histocompatibility, because they are encoded in a family of genes tightly linked with the genes encoding MHC class I and class II antigens. To better understand these unusual MHC antigens, full-length B-G cDNA clones were isolated from B21 embryonic erythroid cell cDNA library, restriction-mapped, and sequenced. Five transcript types were identified. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences suggests that the B-G polypeptides are composed of single extracellular domains that resemble immunoglobulin domains of the variable-region (V) type, single membrane-spanning domains typical of integral membrane proteins, and long cytoplasmic tails. Sequence diversity among the five transcript types was found in all domains, notably including the B-G immunoglobulin V-like domains. The cytoplasmic tails of the B-G antigens are made up entirely of units of seven amino acid residues (heptads) that are typical of an alpha-helical coiled-coil conformation. The heptads vary in number and sequence between the different transcripts. The presence within B-G polypeptides of polymorphic immunoglobulin V-like domains warrants further investigations to determine the degree and nature of variability within this domain in these unusual MHC antigens.

The use of micropreparative electrophoresis of protein/peptide isolations for primary structure determinations

High-performance electrophoresis chromatography (HPEC) is a recent development that features continuous-elution gel electrophoresis for isolating proteins or peptides in range of 1 to 300 microgram quantities. Column gel electrophoresis is conducted under thermostated conditions, and the field voltage can be varied within a run with a programmable power supply. Applications of this apparatus in protein purification are presented to demonstrate the utility of the (Model 230A) HPEC. These examples include on-line detection with direct analyte recovery of highly purified sample, which mimics high-performance liquid chromatography, for subsequent structure-function characterization. A method to remove salts from sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresed samples for subsequent sequencing or amino acid analysis is described. This desalting procedure recovers from 90%-95% of the sample and employs a low molecular weight cut-off membrane during sample centrifugation onto a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane. Subsequent washings are performed to efficiently remove salts, free amino acids and detergents that are known to interfere with sequence analysis. Sequence information such as initial recovery, repetitive yields and chromatogram comparisons are presented to demonstrate the utility of this procedure when used following isolation of sample with HPEC.

Microsequence analysis of peptides and proteins: trimethylsilylisothiocyanate as a reagent for COOH-terminal sequence analysis

A reinvestigation of the isothiocyanate-based chemistry for cyclic degradations of peptides and proteins revealed that the reagent trimethylsilylisothiocyanate (TMS-ITC) gives superior results in terms of coupling efficiency and lack of complicating side reactions. Acetic anhydride (10 min at various temperatures) was used to activate the carboxyl terminus, and 6 N HCl (30 min at room temperature) was used for cleavage as originally described by G.R. Stark (Biochemistry 8, 4735, 1968). Reaction conditions for efficient coupling were explored using subtractive chemistry on bradykinin, a nonapeptide, and separation of the reaction products by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The products were analyzed by fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry and shown to be the N-acetylated starting material and the N-acetylated des-Arg9 derivative of bradykinin. The pseudo-first-order rate constants measured at 50, 70, and 90 degrees C were 5.6 X 10(-5), 5.1 X 10(-4), and 8.6 X 10(-4) s-1, respectively. In order to obtain complete couplings within 30-40 min at 50 degrees C, the effect of pyridine catalysis was studied. The addition of 0.225 M pyridine resulted in roughly doubling the rates at 50 and 70 degrees C. In the case of bradykinin, the reaction with TMS-ITC in the presence of the pyridine catalyst at 50 degrees C was complete in 15 min. In order to apply this methodology to the analysis of proteins, the thiohydantoin derivatives of amino acids were synthesized and separated by reverse-phase HPLC. The derivatives were also characterized by mass spectrometry. The above reaction conditions were tested on 3 nmol of sperm whale apomyoglobin for three cycles of degradation. The sample was first coupled to p-phenylene diisothiocyanate-derivatized aminopropyl glass with a 90% yield. The approximate initial yield of glycine at cycle one was 30%. The first three cycles corresponded exactly to the predicted carboxy-terminal sequence of myoglobin. These results demonstrate the feasibility of a new Stark reagent for automated carboxy-terminal chemistry.

Identification of a long form of cystatin from human saliva by rapid microbore HPLC mapping

Microbore HPLC methodology permits rapid and sensitive mapping of human saliva proteins. Saliva is sampled and processed in less than one hour, greatly reducing the likelihood of artifactual protein degradation. As little as 50 microliters of saliva yields proteins in sufficient quantities and purity to obtain amino terminal sequences directly. By this route we have discovered a 14 kDa protein extremely homologous to Cystatin S, but amino-terminally extended by eight amino acids.

Synergy between interleukin-2 and a second factor in the long-term growth of human T cells

It has recently been shown that factors in addition to interleukin-2 (IL-2) are required for the proliferation or differentiation of at least some murine T-cell lines. We have previously shown that conditioned medium from human mononuclear cells stimulated with phorbol ester and staphylococcal enterotoxin A is superior to commercial sources of IL-2 for the long-term growth of human T cells. We have identified in these supernatants a non-IL-2 factor (synergistic factor, SF) which synergizes with JURKAT IL-2 in the long-term growth of human T cells. [3H]TdR incorporation by IL-2-dependent human T cells after growth in IL-2 or SF alone for 14 days was slight, but significant. By contrast, growth in a combination of SF and IL-2 for 14 days stimulated [3H]TdR incorporation 10-20-fold higher, generally equal to the high incorporation measured when cells were grown in the presence of the conditioned medium from which SF was obtained. In a standard 2-day IL-2 assay, there was no correlation between activity and long-term growth-promoting ability. These results suggest that the 14-day assay better discerns the growth-promoting activity of various factors or combinations of factors. The mechanism of this interaction between SF and IL-2 remains to be elucidated. It is clear, however, that T-cell growth factor activity, when assessed by the long-term growth of human T cells, is not due to interleukin-2 alone.

Isolation and structure of the principal products of preproglucagon processing, including an amidated glucagon-like peptide

The principal products derived from in vivo processing of anglerfish preproglucagon II were isolated and their structures determined. The structures were confirmed by a combination of automated Edman degradation, amino acid analysis, and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. The peptide corresponding to anglerfish preproglucagon II-(22-49) (numbering from the amino terminus of preproglucagon) was isolated intact and defines the site of signal cleavage to be between Gln-21 and Met-22. Glucagon from the anglerfish preproglucagon gene II was found to correspond to preproglucagon II-(52-80) (numbering from the amino terminus). Three forms of a glucagon-like peptide derived from preproglucagon II were also isolated. The structure of the longest form was consistent with the sequence of preproglucagon II-(89-122) deduced from the cDNA, His-Ala-Asp-Gly-Thr-Tyr-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser-Ser-Tyr-Leu-Gln-Asp-Gln-Ala- Ala-Lys-Asp-Phe-Val-Ser-Trp-Leu-Lys-Ala-Gly-Arg-Gly-Arg-Arg-Glu. The carboxyl-terminal portion deduced from the cDNA remains intact in this form. A second form, preproglucagon II-(89-119) appears to result from proteolytic processing of the major form at the two adjacent arginine residues occurring at the carboxyl terminus. This second form has a glycine residue at its carboxyl terminus and is processed to the third form (preproglucagon II-(89-118)) which contains a carboxyl-terminal arginineamide. Radiolabeling studies in primary tissue culture support the observation that glucagon (preproglucagon II-(52-80], preproglucagon II-(89-122), and preproglucagon II-(89-119) are products of proglucagon processing in vivo.

Cloning of Drosophila choline acetyltransferase cDNA

Choline acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.6) is the biosynthetic enzyme for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. To isolate choline acetyltransferase cDNA clones, a cDNA library was constructed from poly(A)+ RNA of Drosophila melanogaster heads, these being one of the richest known sources of the enzyme. By screening the cDNA library with a mixture of three different monoclonal antibodies to Drosophila choline acetyltransferase, we isolated 14 positive clones. Only 1 of these clones was identified to be a Drosophila choline acetyltransferase cDNA clone based on the following evidence. (i) The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA insert completely corresponded to that of several tryptic peptides from choline acetyltransferase. (ii) The cDNA insert hybridized specifically to only the region on Drosophila polytene chromosomes that had been identified as the site of the choline acetyltransferase (Cha) gene by cytogenetic analysis. The cDNA insert consisted of a coding region 2190 nucleotides long, a 3'-noncoding region 284 nucleotides long, and EcoRI linkers. RNA analysis of Drosophila head poly(A)+ RNA with the cDNA insert as a probe showed the choline acetyltransferase mRNA to be approximately equal to 4700 nucleotides long.

Isolation and primary structure of the califins, three biologically active egg-laying hormone-like peptides from the atrial gland of Aplysia californica

The atrial gland of the marine mollusk Aplysia californica contains several biologically active peptides that are thought to be important in reproductive function. In the present study, three novel peptides, which we named califin A, B, and C, were purified from extracts of atrial glands by high performance liquid chromatography, and their primary structures were determined. Each consists of a 36-residue subunit bound by a single disulfide bond to an 18-residue subunit. The large subunits differ from each other by one or two residues, whereas the small subunits are identical. The large subunits are 78-83% homologous to egg-laying hormone (ELH), a 36-residue peptide synthesized by the neuroendocrine bag cells of Aplysia. Like ELH, the califins excite LB and LC cells of the abdominal ganglion and cause egg laying when injected into sexually mature animals. Based on previously described DNA sequence data, each califin is likely to be derived from one of several precursor proteins that are encoded by members of the ELH gene family. Califin A is encoded on the peptide A precursor, and califin B may be encoded on the peptide B precursor. No gene encoding califin C has been sequenced. Because peptides A and B are also biologically active, the precursors encoding them and califins A and B are polyproteins. The possible role of atrial gland peptides as pheromones is discussed.

Purification of somatostatin from frog brain: coisolation with retinal somatostatin-like immunoreactivity

Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SLI) was purified from frog brain and retina, and the structure of the brain peptide was determined. Frog brain (101 g) and retinal (45 g) tissues were extracted with 3% acetic acid, yielding 9.6 and 0.44 nmol of SLI, respectively. SLI was further purified by chromatography on a somatostatin immunoaffinity column followed by sequential application to reverse-phase C-18 HPLC columns. The brain and retinal peptides, purified roughly 100,000-fold with net yields of 7.5 and 2.3%, respectively, appeared identical in the final steps of purification. The amino acid sequence of brain SLI, as determined by a gas-phase automated Edman degradation technique, was as follows: Ala-Gly-(Cys)-Lys-Asn-Phe-Phe-Trp-Lys-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-(Cys). Our data indicate that despite structural variations in somatostatins of other lower vertebrates, the amino acid sequence of frog brain and, by deduction, retinal SLI is identical to that of somatostatin tetradecapeptide. These findings support the physiological relevance of studies directed at elucidating the neurotransmitter function of somatostatin using the well-established models of frog brain and retina.

Identification and primary structural analysis of peptide II, an end-product of precursor processing in cells R3-R14 of Aplysia

Peptide II, which is encoded on a gene for a precursor protein in abdominal ganglion neurons R3-R14, was purified from extracts of abdominal ganglia of Aplysia californica. Native peptide II comigrates with synthetic standards on HPLC under isocratic conditions. Amino acid sequence and composition analyses indicate that the sequence of peptide II is Glu-Ala-Glu-Glu-Pro-Ser-Phe-Met-Thr-Arg-Leu, as predicted from the precursor. The molluscan cardioexcitatory peptide Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide was also identified in abdominal ganglion extracts by similar means. The large amount of peptide II recovered (100 ng/ganglion), and its location on the precursor between two pairs of basic residues, strongly suggest that the precursor is processed into peptide II and at least two other peptides. Although cells R3-R11 have been postulated to play a role in cardiovascular control, peptide II was without effect at less than or equal to 10(-4) M concentrations on identified abdominal ganglion neurons, the gastroesophageal artery or the heart. The physiological role of peptide II therefore remains to be elucidated.

Routine fast atom bombardment mass spectral analysis of high molecular weight peptides--atrial gland peptides from Aplysia californica

Three peptides isolated from the atrial glands of Aplysia californica were analysed by Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry. Survey scans over the mass range 1650 to 7500 at 500 resolution were used to locate signals for the protonated molecular ion and two subunits which result from cleavage of a single disulfide bond. A more accurate mass determination was made by accumulating scans over a narrow mass range. The amounts of sample used for each measurement ranged between 10 and 30 pmoles. Measured mass values are within 0.5 amu of calculated average molecular weights. Results illustrate the utility of the technique for accurate molecular weight determinations on limited quantities of high molecular weight peptides.

A nonamidated peptide homologous to porcine peptide YY and neuropeptide YY

A 37-residue peptide has been purified from the endocrine pancreas of the anglerfish. The first 36 residues were sequenced by gas phase Edman degradation. The sequence at the carboxyl-terminus was determined by sequencing the carboxyl-terminal tryptic dipeptide. The sequence of the peptide, which is consistent with the amino acid composition, was determined to be: Y X P X P X K X P X E X T X P X G X S X N X A X S X P X E X D X W X A X S X Y X Q X A X A X V X R X H X Y X V X N X L X I X T X R X Q X R X Y X G. Fast atom bombardment/mass spectrometry of the peptide identified a molecular ion with an average mass of 4221.3, in good agreement with the theoretical mass based upon the determined amino acid sequence. The peptide has an equal degree of sequence identity to both porcine neuropeptide YY (64%) and gastrointestinal peptide YY (64%), but less sequence identity to porcine pancreatic polypeptide (47%). Unlike the related mammalian peptides, the major form of the anglerfish peptide terminates in tyrosyl-glycine rather than tyrosineamide.

Microsequence analysis of peptides and proteins. V. Design and performance of a novel gas-liquid-solid phase instrument

We describe the construction and performance of a novel, automated, Edman chemistry-based microsequencer. The reagent and solvent delivery system, the reaction cartridge for coupling and cleavage, and the conversion flask are all constructed from chemically inert perfluoroelastomers. The delivery valves are of a new design incorporating the use of electromagnetically actuated solenoids and zero-dead-volume construction, and may be connected in a modular fashion resulting in multiple inputs with a single output line which can be flushed with inert gas. The bottle closures are of a new design based on an all-Teflon compression fitting. The reaction cartridge and conversion flask are thermostated by solid-state heaters in an aluminum block. The overall size of the instrument is 25 X 34 X 14 in. The chemistry utilizes 2% aqueous triethylamine as the coupling base which is delivered to the reaction cartridge via a stream of nitrogen. The "gas-phase" delivery of the coupling base and the cleavage acid (trifluoroacetic acid) is modeled after the method described by R. M. Hewick et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 256, 7990-7997,1981). The instrument has performed well over a period of 3 years in terms of low background peaks, sensitivity in the picomole range, and reliability of operation. The use of economical components, ease of construction and operation, and sensitive analytical capability make this instrument a useful tool for microsequence analysis of peptides and proteins.

Primary structure of a glycosylated DNA-binding domain in human plasma fibronectin

The complete amino acid sequence of a DNA-binding domain isolated from human plasma fibronectin after limited trypsin digestion has been obtained. It contains 132 amino acids and one biantennary glycosyl unit at residue 104, for an estimated Mr of 16,931. The fragment can be purified by a two-step procedure consisting of DNA-affinity chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. It can also be purified by heparin-affinity chromatography. The domain is unusual in its susceptibility to tryptic-like cleavages even by neutral or aromatic residue-specific proteases. It has no cysteine residues and is predicted to favor a beta-sheet structure by Chou and Fasman analysis. Based on this analysis we have proposed a model which exhibits a clustering of aromatic and basic residues, consistent with similar involvement of basic and aromatic residues in other DNA-binding proteins. The net charge of the domain at neutral pH (+1, without sialic acid) argues against a nonspecific charge interaction with polyanionic macromolecules such as DNA and heparin. Internal sequence repeats occur at intervals of 30, 60, and 90 residues, thus suggesting a maximum size for a repetitive building block which gave rise to this domain.

Anglerfish preprosomatostatin II is processed to somatostatin-28 and contains hydroxylysine at residue 23

A peptide fraction containing two 28-residue somatostatins, both products of the anglerfish somatostatin II gene, has been isolated, characterized, and subjected to amino acid sequence analysis. The structural data indicate that one of the two forms of the 28-residue peptide contains 5-hydroxylysine. Hydroxylysine was identified in an acid hydrolysate of somatostatin-28 by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry indicated that the two forms of somatostatin-28 have molecular weights of 3220 and 3204, representing the hydroxylated and nonhydroxylated peptides, respectively. The location of the hydroxylated lysine was deduced by analysis of proteolytic fragments to be position 23. This represents the first observation of a hydroxylated peptide hormone and one of the few reported occurrences of hydroxylysine in non-collagen proteins.

The isolation and sequence analysis of vasoactive intestinal peptide from a ganglioneuroblastoma

A ganglioneuroblastoma was excised at surgery from a 1-yr-old girl with severe watery diarrhea. The tumor, weighing 1 g, was extracted in trifluoracetic acid and contained 8.3 nmol immunoreactive vasoactive intestinal peptide. The peptide was isolated by affinity chromatography and high pressure liquid chromatography and was found to be identical to porcine vasoactive intestinal peptide by amino acid analysis and microsequence analysis.

Amino terminal fragments of human progastrin from gastrinoma

Two peptides which copurified from a human gastrinoma were found to correspond to the amino acid sequence deduced for the amino terminal portion of human and porcine progastrin. The sequence of peptide A is Ser-Trp-Lys-Pro-Arg-Ser-Gln-Gln-Pro-Asp-Ala-Pro-Leu-Gly-Thr-Gly-Ala-Asn- Arg-Asp-Leu-Glu-Leu which is identical to an amino terminal portion of human progastrin. The sequence of peptide. B is identical to that of peptide A except it is missing the first five amino acids. If peptide A corresponds to the amino terminus of progastrin, the signal peptidase cleaves at an Ala-Ser bond.

The amino acid sequence of a fluorescein-labeled peptide from the active site of (Na,K)-ATPase

(Na,K)-ATPase in an active-transport protein that couples the energy obtained from the hydrolysis of ATP to the transport of Na+ and K+ across animal cell membranes. In order to investigate the enzymatic mechanism of this activity, a peptide derived from the ATP-binding site of (Na,K)-ATPase has been purified and its amino acid sequence has been determined. The peptide was identified by the covalent incorporation of a fluorescent probe, fluorescein 5'-isothiocyanate, into the active site before trypsin digestion of the protein. The labeling of (Na,K)-ATPase by fluorescein 5'-isothiocyanate was associated with the irreversible inhibition of enzymatic activity, and both the labeling of the tryptic peptide and inhibition of activity were prevented when the reaction was performed in the presence of ATP. An apparent KD of 5.7 microM was calculated when the reaction between (Na,K)-ATPase and fluorescein 5'-isothiocyanate was performed under pseudo first-order conditions. The amino acid sequence of the active-site peptide, His-Leu-Leu-Val-Met-Lys-Gly-Ala-Pro-Glu-Arg, is similar to the sequence of a fluorescein-labeled peptide derived from the active site of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-transport ATPase (Mitchinson, C., Wilderspin, A. F., Trinaman, B. J., and Green, N. M. (1982) FEBS Lett. 146, 87-92).

Isolation and characterization of rat vasoactive intestinal peptide

We have used gel filtration, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography and reversed-phase HPLC to isolate vasoactive intestinal peptide from rat intestine. Microsequence analysis of 1 nmole peptide indicated that the sequence was identical to the porcine octacosapeptide VIP. In radioimmunoassay with four antisera and in the turkey pancreas bioassay, rat VIP was equipotent with highly purified preparations of porcine, human and canine VIP. A less basic rat VIP-variant was also isolated and the N-terminal decapeptide region that was sequenced was identical with that of porcine VIP.

Structure of somatostatin isolated from bovine retina

Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SLI) from bovine retina was purified and its structure determined. Retinal tissue (1868 g) extracted with 3% acetic acid yielded 18.6 nmol SLI. This peptide was purified by chromatography on an affinity column made with anti-somatostatin antiserum, a reverse-phase C-18 HPLC column, and three sequential applications on a reverse-phase phenyl HPLC column. The peptide was purified 103,000-fold from the initial extract with an overall yield of 14.4%. Amino acid sequence determination by an automatic Edman degradation technique revealed the sequence to be as follows: Ser-Ala-Asn-Ser-Asn-Pro-Ala-Met- Ala-Pro-Arg-Glu-Arg-Lys-Ala-Gly-(Cys)-Lys- Asn-Phe-Phe-Trp-Lys-Thr-(Phe, Thr, Ser, Cys). The apparent identity of this peptide with somatostatin octacosapeptide (S28) purified from other mammalian tissue indicates the phylogenetic conservation of its structure and facilitates the use of the retina as a model system for studying the neurotransmitter function of somatostatin.

Cloning the heavy chain of human HLA-DR antigen using synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides as hybridization probes

The recent development of the amino acid microsequence technique allows us to obtain partial sequence information using an extremely small amount of protein. Two sets of mixed oligonucleotide probes were chemically synthesized using the amino acid sequence information for the heavy chain of human HLA-DR antigen obtained by the microsequence technique. These two hybridization probes were used to screen cDNA clones constructed from cytoplasmic poly(A)+ mRNA from a human B lymphoblastoid homozygous cell line (LG-2). Of the 10,000 clones screened, two clones hybridized with the probes. DNA sequence analysis showed that the longer one of the two cDNA clones was 1183 nucleotides long, including the entire coding region, the signal peptide region, and the complete 3'-noncoding region. The deduced amino acid sequence of the HLA-DR alpha chain is identical to that of other cell lines with a different HLA-DR typing. However, several nucleotide differences are found in the 3'-untranslated region compared with that of other DR haplotypes.

Amino acid sequences of three bombesin-like peptides from canine intestine extracts

Amino acid sequences of three canine bombesin-like peptides were determined after sequential purification of an extract obtained from 820 g of intestinal muscle. These three peptides contained 27, 23, and 10 amino acid residues. The sequences of the two shorter forms were identical to the corresponding carboxyl-terminal sequence of the heptacosapeptide. The sequence of the largest peptide is H2N-Ala-Pro-Val-Pro-Gly-Gly-Gln-Gly-Thr-Val-Leu-Asp-Lys-Met-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Gly-Asn - His(Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-Met-CONH2). The sequence of the 23-residue peptide is H2N-Gly-Gly-Gln-Gly-Thr-Val-Leu-Asp-Lys-Met-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Gly-Asn-His-Trp-Ala- Val-Gly(His-Leu-Met-CONH2). The sequence of the decapeptide is: H2N-Gly-Asn-His-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-Met-CONH2. Comparison of the 27-residue peptide with the known structure of porcine gastrin-releasing peptide, another bombesin-like heptacosapeptide, reveals four amino acid substitutions: canine bombesin-like peptide had Pro 4, Gly 5, Gln 7, Asp 12, whereas porcine gastrin-releasing peptide had Ser 4, Val 5, Gly 7, Ala 12. Radioimmunoassay of brain extracts after similar purification revealed the presence of similar large and small forms of immunoreactive bombesin peptides, but with apparent tissue concentrations of about 4% of those present in intestinal muscle. Canine bombesin-like peptides represent another example of mammalian neuropeptides existing in more than one biologically active molecular form.

Partial structure of a large canine cholecystokinin (CCK58): amino acid sequence

A cholecystokinin molecule larger than any previously chemically characterized was purified from canine proximal small intestine mucosa. The purification procedure consisted of sequential steps of affinity chromatography, gel filtration, and high pressure liquid chromatography. Activity was detected and quantitated by radioimmunoassay with an antibody that recognized the carboxyl terminal sequence of porcine cholecystokinin. Microsequencing of the purified peptide revealed an amino terminal nonadecapeptide sequence (AQKVNSGEPRAHLGALLAR) not present in known cholecystokinin molecules followed by a nonadecapeptide sequence (YIQQARKAPSGRMSVIKNL) that corresponds exactly to the amino terminal sequence of porcine cholecystokinin 39 except for reversed positions of a Met and a Val residue. Based on the sequence analysis, immunoreactivity, and presence of biological activity in two bioassay systems, this peptide, tentatively named cholecystokinin 58, may be a biosynthetic precursor of the smaller forms previously characterized in gastrointestinal and brain tissues.

Unique amino terminal structure of rat little gastrin

The heptadecapeptide form of rat gastrin was purified by a combination of DEAE cellulose, Sephadex G50 affinity, and high performance liquid chromatography. An amino terminal pyroglutamyl blocking group was removed by incubation with PCA peptidase. Amino acid analysis before and after the unblocking reaction revealed the presence of one additional residue of arginine and proline compared with porcine gastrin. Microsequencing analysis of the unblocked peptide revealed that the sequence of the remaining hexadecapeptide was RPPMEEEEEAYGWMDF. The corresponding sequence of porcine gastrin is GPWMEEEEEAYGWMDF amide. The presence of carboxyl-terminal amide group in rat gastrin is strongly supported by complete immunoreactivity with antibodies specific for amidated C-terminal sequences of mammalian gastrins. The Arg and Pro substitutions in the amino terminal region can explain poor crossreactivity of rat gastrin with antibodies specific for the amino-terminal portion of porcine or human gastrin and its more basic chromatography pattern on ion exchange resins.

Serum and tissue immune complexes in infective endocarditis

Serial circulating immune complex (IC) determinations were performed in 24 patients with infective endocarditis (IE) using the solid phase Clq, solid phase conglutinin and 3.5% polyethylene glycol precipitation assays. Circulating IC were detected in 67% of IE patients at presentation, but in only 7% of valve lesion controls. Serial determinations produced a 75% prevalence of IC in IE. The presence of circulating IC correlated with "subacute" disease, the presence of tissue deposits of immunoglobulin and/or complement components and with certain extravalvular manifestations (immune complex type glomerulonephritis cutaneous vasculitis and musculoskeletal manifestations). Effective therapy was associated with a fall in circulating IC levels, an effect which was well demonstrated by 3 patients in whom IC rapidly fell to zero following artificial valve replacement. The results support a role for circulating IC in the pathogenesis of this disorder, and suggest that serial IC determinations are useful in following clinical progress, particularly in culture negative endocarditis.

Mixed-function oxidase activity in a desert rodent, Notomys alexis

1. The levels of enzymes associated with the hapatic mixed-function oxidase system, and the rates of oxidation of three substrates, are compared in the desert rodent, Notomys alexis, and the laboratory mouse, Mus musculus. 2. In general, the activity of the mixed-function oxidase system in Notomys alexis is greater than in Mus musculus. 3. Previous reports of the low rates of elimination of lipophilic compounds in the desert rodent are therefore not explicable by differences in metabolism. It is suggested that the lower rates of urine production is a more likely explanation. 4. The production of small volumes of concentrated urine is suggested to result in the longer retention of some foreign compounds.