Selective renal vasoconstriction, exaggerated natriuresis and excretion rates of exosomic proteins in essential hypertension

AIM

In essential hypertension (EH), the regulation of renal sodium excretion is aberrant. We hypothesized that in mild EH, (i) abnormal dynamics of plasma renin concentration (PRC) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are responsible for the exaggerated natriuresis, and (ii) exosomic protein patterns reflect the renal tubular abnormality involved in the dysregulation of sodium excretion.

METHODS

After 2-week drug washout and 4-day diet, systemic and renal hemodynamics, cardio-renal hormones, glomerular filtration and renal excretion were studied in male patients during saline loading (SL). Excretion rates of exosome-related urinary proteins including apical membrane transporters were determined by proteomics-based methods.

RESULTS

In patients, baseline renal vascular conductance was reduced (-44%, P < 0.001), but non-renal vascular conductances were normal while PRC was reduced and ANP elevated (both P < 0.01). SL induced exaggerated natriuresis and reduced PRC (P < 0.01), at normal suppression rate. SL increased arterial pressure in patients (+11 mmHg, P < 0.001), but not in controls; however, during time control, patients showed identical increases (+10 mmHg, P < 0.005) apparently dissociating arterial pressure from natriuresis. At baseline, excretion rates of 438 proteins ranged from 0.07 to 49.8 pmol (mmol creatinine)(-1); 12 proteins were found in all subjects, and 21 proteins were found in two or more patients, but not in controls. In patients, the excretion rate of retinoic acid-induced gene 2 protein was reduced, and excretion rates of other proteins showed increased variances compatible with pathophysiological and clinical applicability.

CONCLUSION

Essential hypertension patients exhibit selective renal vasoconstriction and individually varying excretion rates of several exosome-related proteins. Hormonal changes, rather than arterial pressure, seem to cause exaggeration of natriuresis.

DJ-1 interactions with α-synuclein attenuate aggregation and cellular toxicity in models of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the presence of Lewy bodies in surviving neurons. These intracellular protein inclusions are primarily composed of misfolded α-synuclein (aSyn), which has also been genetically linked to familial and sporadic forms of PD. DJ-1 is a small ubiquitously expressed protein implicated in several pathways associated with PD pathogenesis. Although mutations in the gene encoding DJ-1 lead to familial early-onset PD, the exact mechanisms responsible for its role in PD pathogenesis are still elusive. Previous work has found that DJ-1--which has protein chaperone-like activity--modulates aSyn aggregation. Here, we investigated possible physical interactions between aSyn and DJ-1 and any consequent functional and pathological relevance. We found that DJ-1 interacts directly with aSyn monomers and oligomers in vitro, and that this also occurs in living cells. Notably, several PD-causing mutations in DJ-1 constrain this interaction. In addition, we found that overexpression of DJ-1 reduces aSyn dimerization, whereas mutant forms of DJ-1 impair this process. Finally, we found that human DJ-1 as well as yeast orthologs of DJ-1 reversed aSyn-dependent cellular toxicity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Taken together, these data suggest that direct interactions between DJ-1 and aSyn constitute the basis for a neuroprotective mechanism and that familial mutations in DJ-1 may contribute to PD by disrupting these interactions.

Recombinant mannan-binding lectin (MBL) for therapy

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a plasma protein involved in the innate immune response. It binds to a number of micro-organisms and promotes killing of these through complement activation either directly or through opsonization. Clinical evidence indicates that in a variety of situations genetically determined low MBL levels are associated with increased susceptibility to infections. Infusions of plasma-derived MBL into MBL-deficient individuals was found to be safe in preliminary trials, but we considered that sufficient production and product safety could only be achieved through synthesis of recombinant MBL. A transfected human cell line produces MBL showing the same biological activity as plasma-derived MBL, and an essentially identical profile on MS. The production has been scaled up and clinical trials will start this year.

alpha-Synuclein fibrils constitute the central core of oligodendroglial inclusion filaments in multiple system atrophy

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) belongs to synucleinopathies and is characterized pathologically by oligodendroglial inclusions (GCIs) composed of 20- to 30-nm tubular filaments. alpha-Synuclein fibrils formed in vitro, however, range between 10 and 12 nm in diameter. To understand the relationship between alpha-synuclein and GCI filaments, we conducted structural analyses of GCIs in fixed brain sections and isolated from fresh-frozen MSA brains. In fixed brain sections, GCIs were composed of amorphous material-coated filaments up to 30 nm in size. The filaments were often organized in parallel bundles extending into oligodendroglial processes. In freshly isolated GCIs, progressive buffer washes removed amorphous material and revealed that GCI filaments consisted of 10-nm-sized central core fibrils that were strongly alpha-synuclein immunoreactive. Image analysis revealed that each core fibril was made of two subfibrils, and each subfibril was made of a string of 3- to 6-nm-sized particles probably alpha-synuclein oligomers. Immunogold labeling demonstrated that epitopes encompassing entire alpha-synuclein molecule were represented in the core fibrils, with the N-terminal 11-26 and C-terminal 108-131 amino acid residues most accessible to antibodies, probably exposed on the surface of the fibril. Our study indicates that GCI filaments are multilayered in structure, with alpha-synuclein oligomers forming the central core fibrils of the filaments.

The glycan structure of albumin Redhill, a glycosylated variant of human serum albumin

Although human serum albumin is synthesized without carbohydrate, glycosylated variants of the protein can be found. We have determined the structure of the glycan bound to the double-mutant albumin Redhill (-1 Arg, 320 Ala-->Thr). The oligosaccharide was released from the protein using anhydrous hydrazine, and its structure was investigated using neuraminidase and a reagent array analysis method, which is based on the use of specific exoglycosidases. The glycan was shown to be a disialylated biantennary complex type oligosaccharide N-linked to 318 Asn. However, a minor part (11 mol%) of the glycan was without sialic acid. The structure is principally the same as that of glycans bound to two other types of glycosylated albumin variants. Glycosylation can affect, for example, the fatty acid binding properties of albumin. Taking the present information into account, it is apparent that different effects on binding are caused not by different glycan structures but by different locations of attachment, with the possible addition of local conformational changes in the protein molecule.

Ca2+ binding to alpha-synuclein regulates ligand binding and oligomerization

alpha-Synuclein is a protein normally involved in presynaptic vesicle homeostasis. It participates in the development of Parkinson's disease, in which the nerve cell lesions, Lewy bodies, accumulate alpha-synuclein filaments. The synaptic neurotransmitter release is primarily dependent on Ca(2+)-regulated processes. A microdialysis technique was applied showing that alpha-synuclein binds Ca(2+) with an IC(50) of about 2-300 microm and in a reaction uninhibited by a 50-fold excess of Mg(2+). The Ca(2+)-binding site consists of a novel C-terminally localized acidic 32-amino acid domain also present in the homologue beta-synuclein, as shown by Ca(2+) binding to truncated recombinant and synthetic alpha-synuclein peptides. Ca(2+) binding affects the functional properties of alpha-synuclein. First, the ligand binding of (125)I-labeled bovine microtubule-associated protein 1A is stimulated by Ca(2+) ions in the 1-500 microm range and is dependent on an intact Ca(2+) binding site in alpha-synuclein. Second, the Ca(2+) binding stimulates the proportion of (125)I-alpha-synuclein-containing oligomers. This suggests that Ca(2+) ions may both participate in normal alpha-synuclein functions in the nerve terminal and exercise pathological effects involved in the formation of Lewy bodies.

Evaluation and ranking of restoration strategies for radioactively contaminated sites

An international project, whose aim was the development of a transparent and robust method for evaluating and ranking restoration strategies for radioactively contaminated sites (RESTRAT), was carried out under the Fourth Framework of the Nuclear Fission Safety Programme of the EU. The evaluation and ranking procedure used was based on the principles of justification and optimisation for radiation protection. A multi-attribute utility analysis was applied to allow for the inclusion of radiological health effects, economic costs and social factors. Values of these attributes were converted into utility values by applying linear utility functions and weighting factors, derived from scaling constants and expert judgement. The uncertainties and variabilities associated with these utility functions and weighting factors were dealt with by a probabilistic approach which utilised a Latin Hypercube Sampling technique. Potentially relevant restoration techniques were identified and their characteristics determined through a literature review. The methodology developed by this project has been illustrated by application to representative examples of different categories of contaminated sites; a waste disposal site, a uranium tailing site and a contaminated freshwater river.

In situ and in vitro study of colocalization and segregation of alpha-synuclein, ubiquitin, and lipids in Lewy bodies

alpha-Synuclein and ubiquitin are two Lewy body protein components that may play antagonistic roles in the pathogenesis of Lewy bodies. We examined the relationship between alpha-synuclein, ubiquitin, and lipids in Lewy bodies of fixed brain sections or isolated from cortical tissues of dementia with Lewy bodies. Lewy bodies exhibited a range of labeling patterns for alpha-synuclein and ubiquitin, from a homogeneous pattern in which alpha-synuclein and ubiquitin were evenly distributed and overlapped across the inclusion body to a concentric pattern in which alpha-synuclein and ubiquitin were partially segregated, with alpha-synuclein labeling concentrated in the peripheral domain and ubiquitin in the central domain of the Lewy body. Lipids represented a significant component in both homogeneous and concentric Lewy bodies. These results suggest that Lewy bodies are heterogeneous in their subregional composition. The segregation of alpha-synuclein to Lewy body peripheral domain is consistent with the hypothesis that alpha-synuclein is continually deposited onto Lewy bodies.

Are public dose limits necessary?

The distinction between practices and interventions in the System of Radiation Protection has created a lot of confusion in the population and amongst decision-makers, especially with regards to the concepts of dose limits and intervention levels. The experience gained after the Chernobyl accident indicated that many actions taken led to an unnecessarily large expenditure of national resources and many instances occurred of contradictory national responses. A major reason was the mixture of dose limits for the population, which apply only to exposures from practices, and intervention levels, which apply only to protective measures in de-facto exposure situations. The existing System of Radiation Protection is revisited and it is suggested that the System can be revised with no dose limits for the public without causing a lower degree of protection of the population. With the widespread use of source-related dose constraints and practical restrictions on the sources of public exposure from practices, generally applicable dose limits are rarely limiting in any practical situation, even if dose constraints might, at least in principle, fail to take adequate account of the exposures from other practices. Constraints can be expressed as operational protection quantities, e.g., nuclide-specific release rates, dose rate at the fence of a facility, or nuclide-specific surface contamination density in the environment. A revised System of Radiation Protection without public dose limits would not cause any reduced protection of the public compared to the existing System, and it has a potential for removing much of the confusion with regards to application of intervention/action levels. It would also have the potential for improving public perception of radiation protection and radiation risks as well as for saving vast resources in intervention situations for better application in general health care of the public.

Microtubule-associated protein 1B is a component of cortical Lewy bodies and binds alpha-synuclein filaments

Lewy bodies, neuropathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, comprise alpha-synuclein filaments and other less defined proteins. Characterization of Lewy body proteins that interact with alpha-synuclein may provide insight into the mechanism of Lewy body formation. Double immunofluorescence labeling and confocal microscopy revealed approximately 80% of cortical Lewy bodies contained microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP-1B) that overlapped with alpha-synuclein. Lewy bodies were isolated using an immunomagnetic technique from brain tissue of patients dying with dementia with Lewy bodies. Lewy body proteins were resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Immunoblotting confirmed the presence of MAP-1B and alpha-synuclein in purified Lewy bodies. Direct binding studies revealed a high affinity interaction (IC(50) approximately 20 nm) between MAP-1B and alpha-synuclein. The MAP-1B-binding sites were mapped to the last 45 amino acids of the alpha-synuclein C terminus. MAP-1B also bound in vitro assembled alpha-synuclein fibrils. Thus, MAP-1B may be involved in the pathogenesis of Lewy bodies via its interaction with monomeric and fibrillar alpha-synuclein.

Alpha-synuclein immunoisolation of glial inclusions from multiple system atrophy brain tissue reveals multiprotein components

Immunohistochemical studies have shown that oligodendroglial inclusions in multiple system atrophy contain alpha-synuclein, a synaptic protein also found in Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease. We have now used density gradient enrichment and an anti-alpha-synuclein immunomagnetic technique to isolate pure and morphologically intact oligodendroglial inclusions from brain white matter of patients dying with multiple system atrophy. Filamentous inclusion structures were obtained only from multiple system atrophy tissue, but not from normal brain tissues, or from multiple system atrophy tissue processed without anti-alpha-synuclein antibody. We confirmed the purity and morphology of isolated inclusions by electron microscopy. The inclusions comprised multiple protein bands after separation by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Immunoblotting demonstrated that these proteins included alpha-synuclein, alphaB-crystallin, tubulins, ubiquitin, and prominent, possibly truncated alpha-synuclein species as high-molecular-weight aggregates. Our study provides the first biochemical evidence that oligodendroglial inclusion filaments consist of multiple protein components, suggesting that these inclusions may form as a result of multiprotein interactions with alpha-synuclein.

Axonal transport of synucleins is mediated by all rate components

Synucleins are abundant nerve terminal proteins of hitherto unknown function. In diseases with Lewy bodies, human alpha-synuclein concentrates in these lesions in the cell body and mutations in alpha-synuclein lead to heritable Parkinson's disease with Lewy bodies. This indicates that changes in the normal metabolism and axonal transport of alpha-synuclein is perturbed in these diseases. To investigate the normal axonal transport of synucleins we studied the rat visual system by nerve crush operations and metabolic labelling of the retinal ganglion cells followed by immunoprecipitation of nerve segments. We found by immunofluorescence microscopy of the crush-operated nerves that synucleins are transported by fast antero- and retrograde transport and colocalize with synaptophysin and SNAP-25 around the lesion. The metabolic labelling studies demonstrated that synucleins were moved through the nerve with all the rate components, the fast component and the slow components a and b, with component b predominating. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that both alpha- and beta-synuclein migrate through the nerve by slow component b in a ratio of 2:1.

Identification of a neuritogenic ligand of the neural cell adhesion molecule using a combinatorial library of synthetic peptides

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) plays a key role in neural development, regeneration, and learning. In this study, we identified a synthetic peptide-ligand of the NCAM Ig1 module by combinatorial chemistry and showed it could modulate NCAM-mediated cell adhesion and signal transduction with high potency. In cultures of dissociated neurons, this peptide, termed C3, stimulated neurite outgrowth by activating a signaling pathway identical to that activated by homophilic NCAM binding. A similar effect was shown for the NCAM Ig2 module, the endogenous ligand of NCAM Ig1. By nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the C3 binding site in the NCAM Ig1 module was mapped and shown to be different from the binding site of the NCAM Ig2 module. The C3 peptide may prove useful as a lead in development of therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, and the C3 binding site of NCAM Ig1 may represent a target for discovery of nonpeptide drugs.

alpha-synuclein binds to Tau and stimulates the protein kinase A-catalyzed tau phosphorylation of serine residues 262 and 356

alpha-Synuclein has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders based on the direct linking of missense mutations in alpha-synuclein to autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease and its presence in Lewy-like lesions. To gain insight into alpha-synuclein functions, we have investigated whether it binds neuronal proteins and modulates their functional state. The microtubule-associated protein tau was identified as a ligand by alpha-synuclein affinity chromatography of human brain cytosol. Direct binding assays using (125)I-labeled human tau40 demonstrated a reversible binding with a IC(50) about 50 pM. The interacting domains were localized to the C terminus of alpha-synuclein and the microtubule binding region of tau as determined by protein fragmentation and the use of recombinant peptides. High concentrations of tubulin inhibited the binding between tau and alpha-synuclein. Functionally, alpha-synuclein stimulated the protein kinase A-catalyzed phosphorylation of tau serine residues 262 and 356 as determined using a phospho-epitope-specific antibody. We propose that alpha-synuclein modulates the phosphorylation of soluble axonal tau and thereby indirectly affects the stability of axonal microtubules.

Structure and interactions of NCAM modules 1 and 2, basic elements in neural cell adhesion

The structure in solution of the second Ig-module fragment of residues 117-208 of NCAM has been determined. Like the first Ig-module of residues 20-116, it belongs to the I set of the immunogloblin superfamily. Module 1 and module 2 interact weakly, and the binding sites of this interaction have been identified. The two-module fragment NCAM(20-208) is a stable dimer. Removal of the charged residues in these sites in NCAM(20-208) abolishes the dimerization. Modeling the dimer of NCAM(20-208) to fit the interactions of these charges produces one coherent binding site for the formation of two antiparallel strands of the first two NCAM modules. This mode of binding could be a major element in trans-cellular interactions in neural cell adhesion.

Caspase I-related protease inhibition retards the execution of okadaic acid- and camptothecin-induced apoptosis and PAI-2 cleavage, but not commitment to cell death in HL-60 cells

We have previously reported that the putative cytoprotective protease inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI-2), is specifically cleaved during okadaic acid-induced apoptosis in a myeloid leukaemic cell line (Br J Cancer (1994) 70: 834-840). HL-60 cells exposed to okadaic acid and camptothecin underwent morphological and biochemical changes typical of apoptosis, including internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and PAI-2 cleavage. Significant endogenous PAI-2 cleavage was observed 9 h after exposure to okadaic acid; thus correlating with other signs of macromolecular degradation, like internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. In camptothecin-treated cells, PAI-2 cleavage was an early event, detectable after 2 h of treatment, and preceding internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. The caspase I selective protease inhibitor, YVAD-cmk, inhibited internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and PAI-2 cleavage of okadaic acid and camptothecin-induced apoptotic cells. YVAD-cmk rather sensitively and non-toxically inhibited camptothecin-induced morphology, but not okadaic acid-induced morphology. In in vitro experiments recombinant PAI-2 was not found to be a substrate for caspase I. The results suggest that caspase I selective protease inhibition could antagonize parameters coupled to the execution phase of okadaic acid- and camptothecin-induced apoptosis, but not the commitment to cell death.

Localization of a single transglutaminase-reactive glutamine in the third domain of RAP, the alpha2-macroglobulin receptor-associated protein

The 39-kDa receptor-associated protein (RAP) is an intracellular glycoprotein that interacts with hitherto unknown sites in several members of the low-density-lipoprotein receptor gene family. Upon binding to these receptors, RAP inhibits all ligand interactions with the receptors. In the present study, the transglutaminase-catalyzed incorporation of radioactively labeled putrescine and a dansylated glutamine-containing peptide into human RAP has been studied. The results indicate the presence of both glutamine and lysine residues in RAP, accessible for transglutaminase cross-linking. Moreover, enzymatic digestion followed by sequence analysis of radiolabeled fractions demonstrated that Gln261 acts as the amine acceptor site. This residue is located in the third domain of RAP and is conserved among the RAP interspecies homologues. Insertion of a reporter group into the protein could prove useful to assess ligand/receptor interactions.

Binding of alpha-synuclein to brain vesicles is abolished by familial Parkinson's disease mutation

The presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. First, two missense mutations A30P and A53T cause inheritable early onset Parkinson's disease in some families. Secondly, alpha-synuclein is present in Lewy bodies of affected nerve cells in the predominant sporadic type of Parkinson's disease as well as in dementia with Lewy bodies. We demonstrate in the rat optic system that a portion of alpha-synuclein is carried by the vesicle-moving fast component of axonal transport and that it binds to rat brain vesicles through its amino-terminal repeat region. We find alpha-synuclein with the A30P mutation of familial Parkinson's disease devoid of vesicle-binding activity and propose that mutant alpha-synuclein may accumulate, leading to assembly into Lewy body filaments.

The C-D interhelical domain of the serpin plasminogen activator inhibitor-type 2 is required for protection from TNF-alpha induced apoptosis

The serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI-2), has been reported to inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) induced apoptosis. In order to begin to understand the molecular basis for this protection, we have investigated the importance of a structural domain within the PAI-2 molecule, the C-D interhelical region, in mediating the protective effect. The C-D interhelical region is a 33 amino acid insertion which is unique among serpins and has been implicated in transglutaminase catalyzed cross-linking of PAI-2 to cell membranes. We have constructed a mutant of PAI-2 wherein 23 amino acids are deleted from the C-D interhelical region generating a structure predicted to be homologous to the closely related, but non-inhibitory serpin, chicken ovalbumin. The PAI-2Delta65/87 deletion mutant retained inhibitory activity against its known serine proteinase target, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA); however expression of this mutant in HeLa cells failed to protect from TNF-induced apoptosis. Analyses of the cellular distribution of PAI-2 showed that intracellular PAI-2, and not secreted or cell-surface PAI-2, was likely responsible for the observed protection from TNF-induced apoptosis. No evidence was found for specific cross-linking of PAI-2 to the plasma membrane in either control or TNF/cycloheximide treated cells. The data demonstrate that the PAI-2 C-D interhelical domain is functionally important in PAI-2 protection from TNF induced apoptosis and suggest a novel function for the C-D interhelical domain in the protective mechanism.

Expression of tissue transglutaminase in human bladder carcinoma

The expression of cell adhesion proteins is frequently deranged in bladder carcinomas. Since tissue transglutaminase (tTG) can increase cellular adhesiveness, its expression was studied in both superficial and invasive transitional cell carcinomas. No expression of tTG was found in normal urothelium or in grade 1-3 papillary tumours without invasion. Expression of tTG was seen in the invasive processes of five grade 3 tumours with microinvasion and in 49 of 63 solid grade 3 and 4 tumours. In six cases, both primary tumours and biopsies from liver metastases were studied. In all these cases, the liver metastases were tTG-negative, while the primary tumours were tTG-negative in five cases and consisted of both tTG-positive and tTG-negative cells in one case. Analysis of tTG protein in tumour extracts by Western blotting showed expression of the 77 kD tTG, with no evidence for expression of the truncated form found in some cell types. It is suggested that tTG, when expressed, contributes to the deranged adhesive properties of the carcinoma cells and may influence the course of invasion. These results also raise the possibility that lack of tTG expression may increase the risk of developing blood-borne metastases.

Binding of Abeta to alpha- and beta-synucleins: identification of segments in alpha-synuclein/NAC precursor that bind Abeta and NAC

NAC, a 35-residue peptide derived from the neuronal protein alpha-synuclein/NAC precursor, is tightly associated with Abeta fibrils in Alzheimer's disease amyloid, and alpha-synuclein has recently been shown to bind Abeta in vitro. We have studied the interaction between Abeta and synucleins, aiming at determining segments in alpha-synuclein that can account for the binding, as well as identifying a possible interaction between Abeta and the beta-type synuclein. We report that Abeta binds to native and recombinant alpha-synuclein, and to beta-synuclein in an SDS-sensitive interaction (IC50 approx. 20 microM), as determined by chemical cross-linking and solid-phase binding assays. alpha-Synuclein and beta-synuclein were found to stimulate Abeta-aggregation in vitro to the same extent. The synucleins also displayed Abeta-inhibitable binding of NAC and they were capable of forming dimers. Using proteolytic fragmentation of alpha-synuclein and cross-linking to 125I-Abeta, we identified two consecutive binding domains (residues 1-56 and 57-97) by Edman degradation and mass spectrometric analysis, and a synthetic peptide comprising residues 32-57 possessed Abeta-binding activity. To test further the possible significance in pathology, alpha-synuclein was biotinylated and shown to bind specifically to amyloid plaques in a brain with Alzheimer's disease. It is proposed that the multiple Abeta-binding sites in alpha-synuclein are involved in the development of amyloid plaques.

Isoform-specific binding of human apolipoprotein E to the non-amyloid beta component of Alzheimer's disease amyloid

The non-A beta component (NAC) of Alzheimer's disease amyloid is a newly discovered 35 amino acid peptide found to be closely linked to the beta-amyloid fibrils in senile plaques. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is another prominent constituent of senile plaques. In vitro studies have shown that apoE binds beta-amyloid (A beta) with high avidity, but it is unknown to what extent apoE interacts with NAC. We examined the interactions between apoE and NAC and found that apoE bound synthetic NAC, forming a complex that resisted reducing agents and separation on SDS-PAGE. The complex could be formed using apoE from either purified human very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles, unfractionated human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or recombinant protein. The binding was established within 15 min upon mixing, and the interaction between NAC and apoE was dose-dependent and specific as revealed by competition experiments. The NAC-apoE complex was affected by non-physiological pH, but not by reducing agents such as DTT or beta-mercaptoethanol. ApoE exists in different isoforms of which the apoE3 genotype is the most frequent. Notably, the apoE4 genotype has been linked to late-onset Alzheimer's disease. This study presents evidence that apoE3 as well as apoE4 bind NAC, but the binding to apoE4 is about twice as strong as to apoE3. The isoform-specific binding of NAC to apoE may thus play an important role in amyloidogenesis and in the sequestering of apoE in senile plaques during the progress of Alzheimer's disease.

Developmental regulation of tissue transglutaminase during human placentation and expression in neoplastic trophoblast

The expression of tissue transglutaminase (tTG) was studied during the formation of the normal human placenta and in molar pregnancies and choriocarcinoma, in order to correlate its expression with the functional characteristics of the recognized trophoblast cell types. tTG expression was found to be developmentally regulated. Before 6-7 weeks' gestation, only the chorionic villous cytotrophoblast expresses tTG. Thereafter the overlying syncytiotrophoblast becomes positive. tTG expression is gradually downregulated in the intermediate trophoblast cells emerging from the tips of the chorionic villi invading the uterine tissue. In the decidual wall, the intermediate trophoblast does not express tTG, whereas scattered syncytial cells, the placental bed giant cells, express tTG. Villi from complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) show tTG expression in both the cyto- and the syncytiotrophoblast. The intermediate trophoblast cells from CHM show heterogeneous tTG expression, with a majority of negative cells, whereas extravillous syncytia always express tTG. In choriocarcinoma, the tumour cells show heterogeneous tTG expression, with a majority of positive cells. Analysis of tTG protein and mRNA in placental extracts by Western and Northern blotting did not provide evidence for expression of the truncated form of tTG found in some cell types. The regulated expression of tTG in the normal placenta suggests that the enzyme is involved in important trophoblastic functions and may participate in the control of invasion.

Crevice corrosion of cemented titanium alloy stems in total hip replacements

Twenty-eight cemented Müller straight femoral stems of titanium forged alloys were mainly revised for causing pain in the patient. The pain pattern differed from aseptic loosening and pain recurred only 14.5 months on average after implantation. The character of pain was dull, permanent, and increased at rest. Some patients reported pain relief while walking. Revisions were performed on average 25.5 months after primary implantation. Data from medical records, radiographs, histology of tissues taken at revision surgery, intraoperative pH measurements, examination of retrieved stems and bone cement fragments were gathered. In the radiographs debonding was visible only in 3 cases; a spindle shaped thickening of the femora occurred 9 months on average after recurrence of pain. After a further 11 months (average), scalloping osteolyses appeared. Abraded particles like metallic titanium alloy, titanium corrosion products, polymethylmethacrylate, xray contrast medium, and polyethylene were detected. Metallic particles dominated in the joint capsule whereas more corrosion products impregnated the cement to bone interface. The distal surfaces of the stems were corroded at a higher rate, whereas the proximal regions more often were subject to abrasion. Measurements of the pH of the corroded stems revealed values of high acidity. Recurrence of pain and subperiosteal apposition of bone are due to diffusion of acid; subsequent scalloping osteolyses develop due to particle induced foreign body granulomas. The mechanism of crevice corrosion of cemented titanium based alloys does not seem applicable to cobalt and iron based implant alloys. Titanium alloys can no longer be recommended for cementation, but are as safe as ever for anchorage without cement.

The exon 3 encoded sequence of the intracellular serine proteinase inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 is a protein binding domain

We have used a combination of biochemical and immunological methods to probe for proteins that interact with the cytoplasmic form of plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (PAI-2) and to identify the structure in PAI-2 that mediates the binding. By affinity chromatography on immobilized PAI-2, we purified a collection of PAI-2-binding proteins. These proteins bound 125I-labeled PAI-2 in vitro (IC50, approximately 10-100 nM) in a calcium-independent reaction that did not abrogate the proteinase inhibitory function of PAI-2. Annexin I was identified among the eluted proteins, and purified annexins I, II, IV, and V, but not III and VI, possessed 125I-labeled PAI-2 binding activity. Immune precipitation by anti-PAI-2 monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies of metabolically labeled melanoma cells treated with a cleavable cross-linker prior to analysis revealed three prominent proteins with apparent masses of 100, 70, and 50 kDa. We localized the protein binding domain in PAI-2 between amino acid residues 66 and 98, as determined by using a PAI-2 mutant lacking this domain and a synthetic peptide spanning this region. This region of PAI-2 corresponds to exon 3 of the gene sequence thought to be critical for PAI-2 functions.

Residues in the synuclein consensus motif of the alpha-synuclein fragment, NAC, participate in transglutaminase-catalysed cross-linking to Alzheimer-disease amyloid beta A4 peptide

The widespread deposition of amyloid plaques is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer disease (AD). A recently described component of amyloid plaques is the 35-residue peptide, non-A beta component of AD amyloid, which is derived from a larger intracellular neuronal constituent, alpha-synuclein. We demonstrate that transglutaminase catalyses the formation of the covalent non-A beta component of AD amyloid polymers in vitro as well as polymers with beta-amyloid peptide, the major constituent of AD plaques. The transglutaminase-reactive amino acid residues in the non-A beta component of AD amyloid were identified as Gln79 and Lys80. Lys80 is localized in a consensus motif Lys-Thr-Lys-Glu-Gly-Val, which is conserved in the synuclein gene family. Thus transglutaminase might be involved in the formation of insoluble amyloid deposits and participate in the modification of other members of the synuclein family.

Localization of transglutaminase-reactive glutamine residues in bovine osteopontin

Here we report the identification of two transglutaminase-reactive glutamines (Gln-34 and Gln-36) in bovine osteopontin (OPN). Sequence alignment revealed that these glutamines are conserved in all known OPN sequences, indicating a functional importance of this region of the protein. Furthermore, immunological analysis of bovine bone demonstrated that OPN is present in high-molecular-mass complexes in vivo. These findings support the functional aspects of a transglutaminase-catalysed cross-linking of OPN in facilitating cellular attachment and tissue calcification.

Cleaved intracellular plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 in human myeloleukaemia cells is a marker of apoptosis

The proteolytic modification of plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (PAI-2) was studied during apoptosis in the human promyelocytic leukaemic NB4 cell line during treatment with the phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid and calyculin A as well as the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. The apoptic type of cell death was ascertained by morphological and biochemical criteria. In cell homogenates PAI-2 was probed by [125I]urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and detected as a sodium dodecyl sulphate-stable M(r) 80,000 complex after reducing sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. During apoptosis a smaller (M(r) 70,000) uPA-PAI-2 complex was consistently detected. The modification was in the PAI-2 moiety, as the [125I]uPA tracer could be extracted in its intact form from the complex. Thus the cleaved PAI-2 isoform is a biochemical marker of apoptosis in the promyelocytic NB4 cell line. The modified PAI-2 isoform was also detected in homogenates made from purified human mononuclear leukaemic cells aspirated from the bone marrow of patients suffering from acute and chronic myeloid leukaemia.

A unique interhelical insertion in plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 contains three glutamines, Gln83, Gln84, Gln86, essential for transglutaminase-mediated cross-linking

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI-2) prevents fibrinolysis by blocking plasminogen activators. It is expressed principally by trophoblast cells and macrophages. PAI-2 in trophoblast membranes has been found cross-linked to large complexes apparently catalyzed by trophoblast transglutaminase (Jensen, P. H., Lorand, L., Ebbesen, P., and Gliemann, J. (1993) Eur. J. Biochem. 214, 141-146). Recombinant human PAI-2 was labeled with [14C]putrescine catalyzed by guinea pig liver transglutaminase. The [14C]putrescine-labeled PAI-2 was digested with cyanogen bromide and trypsin, and the peptides were purified by reverse-phase high performance chromatography. Amino acid sequencing and plasma desorption mass spectrometry of the labeled peptides revealed [14C]putrescine incorporation at Gln83, Gln84, and Gln86. These residues are present in a PAI-2-specific region of 33 amino acids that is inserted between helices C and D and which probably represents a unique solvent-exposed domain. A PAI-2 mutant lacking this insertion was determined not to be a substrate for transglutaminase by [14C]putrescine incorporation and could not form transglutaminase-catalyzed polymers. Thus, the unique PAI-2 insertion represents a functional domain that, by virtue of its transglutaminase acceptor sites, allows participation in binding reactions without affecting the inhibitory function of PAI-2.

Identification of glutamine and lysine residues in Alzheimer amyloid beta A4 peptide responsible for transglutaminase-catalysed homopolymerization and cross-linking to alpha 2M receptor

The beta-amyloid peptide (beta A4), derived from a larger amyloid precursor protein, is the principal component of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease. Here we report that the full-length (1-40) synthetic beta A4 peptide, containing one glutamine and two lysine residues, is able to form homopolymers in a transglutaminase-mediated reaction. Moreover, transglutaminase catalysed the formation of heteropolymers in reactions of beta A4 with alpha 2M receptor, a constituent of amyloid plaques, and with extracellular matrix proteins. Incorporation of site-specific probes followed by enzymatic digestion and sequencing of tracer-containing fractions demonstrated that both Lys16, Lys28 and Gln15 in beta A4 were susceptible to cross-linking by transglutaminase.

Type-2 plasminogen-activator inhibitor is a substrate for trophoblast transglutaminase and factor XIIIa. Transglutaminase-catalyzed cross-linking to cellular and extracellular structures

Plasminogen-activator inhibitor type-2 (PAI-2), a serine-proteinase inhibitor, suppresses fibrinolysis by blocking both urokinase and tissue-type plasminogen activators. The 43-kDa PAI-2 molecule is an abundant cytosolic protein in certain cell types, but can upon appropriate stimulation be secreted as an approximately 60-70-kDa glycoprotein. However, in trophoblast membranes PAI-2 activity is associated with large covalent complexes (Jensen, P. H., Nykjaer, P., Andreasen P. A., Lund, L., Astedt, B. Lecander, I & Gliemann, J. (1989) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 986, 135-140). This study shows that PAI-2 can act as a substrate for both tissue transglutaminase and activated plasma factor XIII. In the presence of Ca2+, either of these will catalyze the incorporation of primary amines, such as putrescine, into PAI-2. Moreover, in reactions with tissue transglutaminase, PAI-2 homopolymers and, in conjunction with other biological substrates, heteropolymers were observed. As judged by the test of incorporating 125I-urokinase into SDS-resistant 125I-urokinase/PAI-2 complexes, polymerized PAI-2 retained its inhibitory activity. Furthermore, syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membranes and trophoblast detergent extracts incorporated 125I-PAI-2 into large structures in a reaction inhibited by putrescine and a synthetic inhibitor of transglutaminase. Trophoblast transglutaminase was identified as a tissue transglutaminase by non-denaturing gel electrophoresis and dansylcadaverine activity staining, fibronectin binding and Western blotting with a specific antibody. The transglutaminase-catalyzed and Ca(2+)-dependent anchoring of PAI-2 to extracellular membrane structures might have the purpose of focally regulating fibrinolysis.

Purified alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/LDL receptor-related protein binds urokinase.plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 complex. Evidence that the alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor mediates cellular degradation of urokinase receptor-bound complexes

Complexes between 125I-labeled urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) bound to purified alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) receptor (alpha 2MR)/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP). No binding was observed when using uPA. The magnitude of uPA.PAI-1 binding was comparable with that of the alpha 2MR-associated protein (alpha 2MRAP). Binding of uPA.PAI-1 was blocked by natural and recombinant alpha 2MRAP, and about 80% inhibited by complexes between tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and PAI-1, and by a monoclonal anti-PAI-1 antibody. In human monocytes, uPA.PAI-1, like uPA and its amino-terminal fragment, bound to the urokinase receptor (uPAR). Degradation of uPAR-bound 125I-uPA.PAI-1 was 3-4-fold enhanced as compared with uncomplexed uPAR-bound uPA. The inhibitor-enhanced uPA degradation was blocked by r alpha 2MRAP and inhibited by polyclonal anti-alpha 2MR/LRP antibodies. This is taken as evidence for mediation of internalization and degradation of uPAR-bound uPA.PAI-1 by alpha 2MR/LRP.

Characterization of carbohydrates in the alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor

Carbohydrates were characterized in the human placental alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor and its associated protein. Carbohydrates, largely N-linked, contributed to about 18% of the size of the receptor alpha-chain and to about 25% of the beta-chain. The 40 kDa receptor-associated protein also contained carbohydrate. The alpha- and beta-chains contained a wide variety of carbohydrates as judged by binding of lectins. Monosaccharide-competing inhibition of alpha 2M-methylamine binding by WGA suggested a functional significance of sugars in binding of ligands to the alpha-chain.

Type-1 inhibitor of plasminogen activators. Distinction between latent, activated and reactive centre-cleaved forms with thermal stability and monoclonal antibodies

Type-1 inhibitor of plasminogen activators (PAI-1) occurs in purified preparations in a latent form that can be activated with denaturants; in vivo, latency is prevented by binding to vitronectin. We have compared latent, denaturant-activated and reactive centre-cleaved human PAI-1 with respect to thermal stability and affinity to monoclonal antibodies. By both criteria, latent and cleaved PAI-1 are very similar or indistinguishable, and clearly different from active PAI-1. Our findings suggest that the conformations of latent and reactive centre-cleaved PAI-1 are similar and resemble the so-called relaxed (R) serpin conformation, while that of active PAI-1 is different and resembles the stressed (S) serpin conformation.

Lysosomal degradation of receptor-bound urokinase-type plasminogen activator is enhanced by its inhibitors in human trophoblastic choriocarcinoma cells

We have studied the effect of plasminogen activator inhibitors PAI-1 and PAI-2 on the binding of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) to its receptor in the human choriocarcinoma cell line JAR. With 125I-labeled ligands in whole-cell binding assays, both uncomplexed u-PA and u-PA-inhibitor complexes bound to the receptor with a Kd of approximately 100 pM at 4 degrees C. Transferring the cells to 37 degrees C led to degradation to amino acids of up to 50% of the cell-bound u-PA-inhibitor complexes, whereas the degradation of uncomplexed u-PA was 15%; the remaining ligand was recovered in an apparently intact form in the medium or was still cell associated. The degradation could be inhibited by inhibitors of vesicle transport and lysosomal hydrolases. By electron microscopic autoradiography, both 125I-u-PA and 125I-u-PA-inhibitor complexes were located over the cell membrane at 4 degrees C, with the highest density of grains over the membrane at cell-cell interphases, but, after incubation at 37 degrees C, 17 and 27% of the grains for u-PA and u-PA-PAI-1 complexes, respectively, appeared over lysosomal-like bodies. These findings suggest that the u-PA receptor possesses a clearance function for the removal of u-PA after its complex formation with a specific inhibitor. The data suggest a novel mechanism by which receptor-mediated endocytosis is initiated by the binding of a secondary ligand.

Pregnancy zone protein: a re-evaluation of serum levels in healthy women and in women suffering from breast cancer or trophoblastic disease

Pregnancy zone protein (PZP) and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) serum concentrations were studied in healthy female donors, in women suffering from benign and malignant breast tumours, and in relation to normal and abnormal pregnancies. PZP was found to be useless as a tumour marker. Thus, PZP levels in breast cancer patients did not differ from those of fibroadenoma patients or healthy women. There was no correlation between PZP (or alpha 2M) concentrations and the pTNM-classification or metastatic burden of the breast cancer patients. Moreover, PZP levels were unaffected by cancer treatment and the course of disease. Neither patients nor control donors showed any age-dependent increase in circulating PZP and the mean serum value (8.38 +/- 4.83 mg/l, mean +/- SD) determined in a population of 154 non-pregnant women was considerably lower than that of most previous reports. Serum concentrations were unchanged during the normal menstrual cycle, but increased during pregnancy. However, late pregnancy sera (35th gestational week) contained significantly less PZP than previously reported by others, and non-pregnancy levels were observed in one out of 22 cases. Results obtained in hydatidiform mole patients were similar to findings in normal pregnancy. Neither serum 17 beta-oestradiol nor morphological differentiation between complete and partial mole showed any correlation with circulting PZP levels. Apart from a moderate increase during gestation, alpha 2M concentrations showed little variation between the populations examined.

Urokinase binds to a plasminogen activator inhibitor type-2-like molecule in placental microvillous membranes

Placental microvillous membranes exhibited saturable binding of urokinase-type plasminogen activator with plateau achieved by 30 min at 4 degrees C and 10 min at 37 degrees C. The binding was essentially irreversible. The capacity was about 8 pmol urokinase per mg membrane protein. Half-maximal displacement of 125I-labelled urokinase was achieved with about 1.0 nM unlabelled urokinase when using 75 micrograms membrane protein/ml. 125I-labelled urokinase did not bind when treated with diisopropylfluorophosphate to block the catalytic activity. Single-chain urokinase (prourokinase), devoid of catalytic activity, did not bind. Catalytically active tissue-type plasminogen activator did compete with 125I-labelled urokinase for binding although less efficiently than urokinase. Binding activity remained in the 100,000 x g pellet after treatment of the membranes with 3 M KCl, alkaline stripping at pH 12 or extraction by the detergent Triton X-100. The binding was essentially blocked by antibodies against plasminogen activator inhibitor-type-2 (PAI-2). Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of solubilized membranes with bound 125I-labelled urokinase showed that the urokinase-PAI-2 complexes largely migrated in fractions corresponding to a very large Mr although no clearly defined peaks were observed. It is suggested that PAI-2 occurs in a form anchored to syncytiotrophoblast microvilli, possibly to the cytoskeleton.

Purification of the human placental alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor

The alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor was solubilized from human placental membranes, purified and characterized. Affinity cross-linking of labelled ligand to intact membranes showed a receptor size compatible with 400-500 kDa. The membranes were solubilized in 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]propane sulfonate (CHAPS) and affinity chromatography was performed using Sepharose-immobilized alpha 2-macroglobulin-methylamine with elution in buffer containing 2 mM EDTA, pH 6.0. SDS-PAGE of the resulting receptor preparation showed a predominant approx. 440 kDa band (reducing conditions) and some minor accompanying proteins of 70-90 kDa and 40 kDa. The yield was 400-800 micrograms receptor preparation per placenta. The receptor preparation immobilized on nitrocellulose bound the alpha 2-macroglobulin-trypsin complex with a dissociation constant of about 400 pM. 125I-iodinated receptor preparation bound almost quantitatively to Sepharose-immobilized alpha 2-macroglobulin-methylamine in the presence of CHAPS alone, and bound 70-80% in the presence of 0.2% SDS. The labelled proteins were separated in the presence of 0.2% SDS by gel filtration or SDS-PAGE (unboiled samples). The 440 kDa protein accounted for the major part of the binding, although some approx. 80 kDa proteins, perhaps proteolytic degradation products, also showed binding activity.

Immunosuppressive properties of electrophoretically "slow" and "fast" form alpha 2-macroglobulin. Effects on cell-mediated cytotoxicity and (allo-) antigen-induced T cell proliferation

Lymphokine activated killer cell lysis of K562 cells was inhibited by alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M), soybean trypsin inhibitor, and alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor. In serum free medium 2 mg/ml alpha 2M suppressed target cell lysis in a 4-h cytotoxic assay with about 40%. Suppression was dose and time dependent. Cytotoxicity was unaffected by alpha 2M concentrations less than 0.25 mg/ml, and by alpha 2M added later than 1.5 h from start of assay. Pre-treatment of effector (but not of target) cells with alpha 2M was even more suppressive than the presence of alpha 2M during assay. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity was not inhibited by alpha 2M treated with methylamine or by various alpha 2M-proteinase complexes. In contrast, alpha 2M-proteinase complex as well as native alpha 2M suppressed the proliferation of Ag-activated T cells. However, methylamine-treated alpha 2M did not inhibit T cell proliferation, and suppression by alpha 2M-proteinase complex was significantly reduced after inhibition of the alpha 2M-bound proteinase. On incubation at 4 degrees C with lymphokine-activated killer cells, alpha 2M reacted with cell associated proteinases and changed from electrophoretically "slow" to "fast" form. Cell associated proteinases bound by alpha 2M showed chymotrypsin- and trypsin-like specificities and their activity surpassed activity caused by cellular leakage and secretion. The present results strongly indicate that alpha 2M mediates immunosuppression in its capacity as a proteinase inhibitor and suggest inhibition of (T)cell surface-associated proteinases as a possible mode of suppression.

Immunosuppressive properties of electrophoretically "slow" and "fast" form alpha 2-macroglobulin. Effects on cell-mediated cytotoxicity and (allo-) antigen-induced T cell proliferation

Lymphokine activated killer cell lysis of K562 cells was inhibited by alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M), soybean trypsin inhibitor, and alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor. In serum free medium 2 mg/ml alpha 2M suppressed target cell lysis in a 4-h cytotoxic assay with about 40%. Suppression was dose and time dependent. Cytotoxicity was unaffected by alpha 2M concentrations less than 0.25 mg/ml, and by alpha 2M added later than 1.5 h from start of assay. Pre-treatment of effector (but not of target) cells with alpha 2M was even more suppressive than the presence of alpha 2M during assay. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity was not inhibited by alpha 2M treated with methylamine or by various alpha 2M-proteinase complexes. In contrast, alpha 2M-proteinase complex as well as native alpha 2M suppressed the proliferation of Ag-activated T cells. However, methylamine-treated alpha 2M did not inhibit T cell proliferation, and suppression by alpha 2M-proteinase complex was significantly reduced after inhibition of the alpha 2M-bound proteinase. On incubation at 4 degrees C with lymphokine-activated killer cells, alpha 2M reacted with cell associated proteinases and changed from electrophoretically "slow" to "fast" form. Cell associated proteinases bound by alpha 2M showed chymotrypsin- and trypsin-like specificities and their activity surpassed activity caused by cellular leakage and secretion. The present results strongly indicate that alpha 2M mediates immunosuppression in its capacity as a proteinase inhibitor and suggest inhibition of (T)cell surface-associated proteinases as a possible mode of suppression.

Low alpha 2-macroglobulin-proteinase complex binding: a common but not exclusive characteristic of malignant cells

125I-labelled alpha 2-macroglobulin complexed with trypsin bound to human cancer cell lines (HTB 144, CRL 1427, CCL 30, HB 8065, CCL 2, CRL 1593) but to a lesser degree than to normal cells. Malignant transformation of murine BALB/c 3T3 cells with Kirsten sarcoma virus caused a 50% reduction in the alpha 2-macroglobulin-trypsin complex binding. Two cloned revertants derived from the malignant BALB/c 3T3 cells did not induce tumors upon syngrafting. One exhibited normal binding and the other reduced binding. A reduced alpha 2M-proteinase complex binding is thus common in tumor cells but is not a unique property of the malignant state.