Regulation of an important glycolytic enzyme, pyruvate kinase, through phosphorylation in the larvae of a species of freeze-tolerant insect, Eurosta solidaginis

Larvae of the goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis, rely on a freeze tolerance strategy to survive the sub-zero temperatures of Canadian winter. Critical to their survival is the accumulation of polyol cryoprotectants and global metabolic rate depression, both of which require the regulation of glycolysis and reorganization of carbohydrate metabolism. This study explored the role that pyruvate kinase (PK) regulation plays in this metabolic reorganization. PK was purified from control (5 °C-acclimated) and frozen (-15 °C-acclimated) larvae and enzyme kinetic properties, structural stability, and post-translational modifications were examined in both enzyme forms. The K_m phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) of frozen PK was 20% higher than that of control PK, whereas the V_max of frozen PK was up to 50% lower than that of control PK at the lowest assay temperature, suggesting inhibition of the enzyme during the winter. Additionally, the activity and substrate affinity of both forms of PK decreased significantly at low assay temperatures, and both forms were regulated allosterically by a number of metabolites. Pro-Q™ Diamond phosphoprotein staining and immunoblotting experiments demonstrated significantly higher threonine phosphorylation of PK from frozen animals while acetylation and methylation levels remained constant. Together, these results indicate that PK exists in two structurally distinct forms in E. solidaginis. In response to conditions mimicking the transition to winter, PK appears to be regulated to support metabolic rate depression, the accumulation of polyol cryoprotectants, and the need for extended periods of anaerobic carbohydrate metabolism to allow the animal to survive whole-body freezing.

In vivo visualization and attenuation of oxidized lipid accumulation in hypercholesterolemic zebrafish

Oxidative modification of LDL is an early pathological event in the development of atherosclerosis. Oxidation events such as malondialdehyde (MDA) formation may produce specific, immunogenic epitopes. Indeed, antibodies to MDA-derived epitopes are widely used in atherosclerosis research and have been demonstrated to enable cardiovascular imaging. In this study, we engineered a transgenic zebrafish with temperature-inducible expression of an EGFP-labeled single-chain human monoclonal antibody, IK17, which binds to MDA-LDL, and used optically transparent zebrafish larvae for imaging studies. Feeding a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) supplemented with a red fluorescent lipid marker to the transgenic zebrafish resulted in vascular lipid accumulation, quantified in live animals using confocal microscopy. After heat shock-induced expression of IK17-EGFP, we measured the time course of vascular accumulation of IK17-specific MDA epitopes. Treatment with either an antioxidant or a regression diet resulted in reduced IK17 binding to vascular lesions. Interestingly, homogenates of IK17-EGFP-expressing larvae bound to MDA-LDL and inhibited MDA-LDL binding to macrophages. Moreover, sustained expression of IK17-EGFP effectively prevented HCD-induced lipid accumulation in the vascular wall, suggesting that the antibody itself may have therapeutic effects. Thus, we conclude that HCD-fed zebrafish larvae with conditional expression of EGFP-labeled oxidation-specific antibodies afford an efficient method of testing dietary and/or other therapeutic antioxidant strategies that may ultimately be applied to humans.

Combination of sapacitabine and HDAC inhibitors stimulates cell death in AML and other tumour types

Background:

Alternative treatments are needed for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukaemia, as the disease prognosis is poor and the current treatment is unsuitable for many patients.

Methods:

In this study, we investigated whether combining the nucleoside analogue sapacitabine with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors could be an effective treatment. Synergy and mode-of-action analysis were studied in cultured cell lines and the efficacy of the combination was confirmed in a xenograft model.

Results:

CNDAC (1-(2-C-cyano-2-deoxy-β-D-arabino-pentofuranosyl)-cytosine), the active component of sapacitabine, synergised with vorinostat in cell lines derived from a range of tumour types. Synergy was not dependent on a specific sequence of drug administration and was also observed when CNDAC was combined with an alternative HDAC inhibitor, valproate. Flow cytometry and western blot analysis confirmed that the combination induced a significant increase in apoptosis. Mode-of-action analysis detected changes in Bcl-xl, Mcl-1, Noxa, Bid and Bim, which are all regulators of the apoptotic process. The sapacitabine/vorinostat combination demonstrated significant benefit compared with the single-agent treatments in an MV4-11 xenograft, in the absence of any observed toxicity.

Conclusion:

Sapacitabine and HDAC inhibitors are an effective drug combination that is worthy of clinical exploration.

Poplar for the phytomanagement of boron contaminated sites

Boron (B) is a widespread environmental contaminant that is mobile relative to other trace elements. We investigated the potential of hybrid poplar (Populus sp.) for B phytomanagement using a lysimeter experiment and a field trial on B-contaminated wood-waste. In both studies, poplars enhanced evapotranspiration from the wood-waste, reduced B leaching, and accumulated B in the aerial portions of the tree. When grown in a substrate containing 30 mg/kg B, poplar leaves had an average B concentration of 845 mg/kg, while the stems contained 21 mg/kg B. Leaf B concentrations increased linearly with leaf age. A decomposition experiment revealed that abscised leaves released 14% of their B during the winter months. Fertiliser application enhanced tree growth without decreasing the leaf B concentrations. Harvesting alternate rows of trees on a contaminated site would reduce leaching from the site while removing B. Harvested plant material may provide bioenergy, stock fodder, or an amendment for B-deficient soils.

Understanding auditory distance estimation by humpback whales: a computational approach

Ranging, the ability to judge the distance to a sound source, depends on the presence of predictable patterns of attenuation. We measured long-range sound propagation in coastal waters to assess whether humpback whales might use frequency degradation cues to range singing whales. Two types of neural networks, a multi-layer and a single-layer perceptron, were trained to classify recorded sounds by distance traveled based on their frequency content. The multi-layer network successfully classified received sounds, demonstrating that the distorting effects of underwater propagation on frequency content provide sufficient cues to estimate source distance. Normalizing received sounds with respect to ambient noise levels increased the accuracy of distance estimates by single-layer perceptrons, indicating that familiarity with background noise can potentially improve a listening whale's ability to range. To assess whether frequency patterns predictive of source distance were likely to be perceived by whales, recordings were pre-processed using a computational model of the humpback whale's peripheral auditory system. Although signals processed with this model contained less information than the original recordings, neural networks trained with these physiologically based representations estimated source distance more accurately, suggesting that listening whales should be able to range singers using distance-dependent changes in frequency content.

Crosstalk among Bcl-2 family members in B-CLL: seliciclib acts via the Mcl-1/Noxa axis and gradual exhaustion of Bcl-2 protection

Seliciclib (R-roscovitine) is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor in clinical development. It triggers apoptosis by inhibiting de novo transcription of the short-lived Mcl-1 protein, but it is unknown how this leads to Bax/Bak activation that is required for most forms of cell death. Here, we studied the effects of seliciclib in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), a malignancy with aberrant expression of apoptosis regulators. Although seliciclib-induced Mcl-1 degradation within 4 h, Bax/Bak activation occurred between 16 and 20 h. During this period, no transcriptional changes in apoptosis-related genes occurred. In untreated cells, prosurvival Mcl-1 was engaged by the proapoptotic proteins Noxa and Bim. Upon drug treatment, Bim was quickly released. The contribution of Noxa and Bim as a specific mediator of seliciclib-induced apoptosis was demonstrated via RNAi. Significantly, 16 h after seliciclib treatment, there was accumulation of Bcl-2, Bim and Bax in the 'mitochondria-rich' insoluble fraction of the cell. This suggests that after Mcl-1 degradation, the remaining apoptosis neutralizing capacity of Bcl-2 is gradually overwhelmed, until Bax forms large multimeric pores in the mitochondria. These data demonstrate in primary leukemic cells hierarchical binding and crosstalk among Bcl-2 members, and suggest that their functional interdependence can be exploited therapeutically.

Antiproliferative effects of sapacitabine (CYC682), a novel 2'-deoxycytidine-derivative, in human cancer cells

This study assessed the antiproliferative activity of sapacitabine (CYC682, CS-682) in a panel of 10 human cancer cell lines with varying degrees of resistance or sensitivity to the commonly used nucleoside analogues ara-C and gemcitabine. Growth inhibition studies using sapacitabine and CNDAC were performed in the panel of cell lines and compared with both nucleoside analogues and other anticancer compounds including oxaliplatin, doxorubicin, docetaxel and seliciclib. Sapacitabine displayed antiproliferative activity across a range of concentrations in a variety of cell lines, including those shown to be resistant to several anticancer drugs. Sapacitabine is biotransformed by plasma, gut and liver amidases into CNDAC and causes cell cycle arrest predominantly in the G(2)/M phase. No clear correlation was observed between sensitivity to sapacitabine and the expression of critical factors involved in resistance to nucleoside analogues such as deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1, cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase and DNA polymerase-alpha. However, sapacitabine showed cytotoxic activity against dCK-deficient L1210 cells indicating that in some cells, a dCK-independent mechanism of action may be involved. In addition, sapacitabine showed a synergistic effect when combined with gemcitabine and sequence-specific synergy with doxorubicin and oxaliplatin. Sapacitabine is therefore a good candidate for further evaluation in combination with currently used anticancer agents in tumour types with unmet needs.

The CC Chemokine MCP-1 Stimulates Surface Expression of CX3CR1 and Enhances the Adhesion of Monocytes to Fractalkine/CX3CL1 via p38 MAPK

The membrane-anchored form of CX3CL1 has been proposed as a novel adhesion protein for leukocytes. This functional property of CX3CL1 is mediated through CX3CR1, a chemokine receptor expressed predominantly on circulating white blood cells. Thus far, it is still uncertain at what stage of the trafficking process CX3CR1 becomes importantly involved and how the CX3CR1-dependent adhesion of leukocytes is regulated during inflammation. The objective of this study was to examine the functional effects of chemokine stimulation on CX3CR1-mediated adhesion of human monocytes. Consistent with previous reports, our data indicate that the activity of CX3CR1 on resting monocytes is sufficient to mediate cell adhesion to CX3CL1. However, the basal, nonstimulated adhesion activity is low, and we hypothesized that like the integrins, CX3CR1 may require a preceding activation step to trigger firm leukocyte adhesion. Compatible with this hypothesis, stimulation of monocytes with MCP-1 significantly increased their adhesion to immobilized CX3CL1, under both static and physiological flow conditions. The increase of the adhesion activity was mediated through CCR2-dependent signaling and obligatory activation of the p38 MAPK pathway. Stimulation with MCP-1 also induced a rapid increase of CX3CR1 protein on the cell surface. Inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway prevented this increase of CX3CR1 surface expression and blunted the effect of MCP-1 on cell adhesion, indicating a causal link between receptor surface density and adhesion activity. Together, our data suggest that a chemokine signal is required for firm CX3CR1-dependent adhesion and demonstrate that CCR2 is an important regulator of CX3CL1-dependent leukocyte adhesion.

The Amino Terminus and the Third Extracellular Loop of CX3CR1 Contain Determinants Critical for Distinct Receptor Functions

The G protein-coupled receptor CX3CR1 is a specific receptor for the CX3C chemokine fractalkine (CX3CL1 according to the new chemokine nomenclature). The aim of this study was to identify receptor elements that contribute independently to agonist binding and receptor activation. Targeted mutation of selected acidic amino acid residues demonstrated that the binding activity of CX3CR1 was critically dependent on the two negatively charged residues Asp25 and Glu254 located on the N-terminal domain and third extracellular loop, respectively. In addition, mutation of the uncharged polar residue Tyr14 in the amino terminus caused a reduction in the ligand binding affinity. In contrast, the three acidic residues Glu13, Asp16, and Asp266 did not contribute to ligand binding but were crucial for receptor activation. The mutant receptors E13A, D16A, and D266A bound fractalkine with high affinity but were unable to induce signaling events necessary to support chemotaxis. These acidic residues may engage in electrostatic interactions with basic residues on fractalkine that are necessary for receptor function but not for binding. Our data are consistent with a model of chemokine receptor activation consisting of a multi-step mechanism. Step one mediates the high-affinity fractalkine binding involving Tyr14, Asp25, and Glu254. The initial interaction then triggers the engagement of Glu13, Asp16, and Asp266, which are necessary for CX3CR1 activation.

Cancer cachexia

Cancer cachexia is a severe debilitating disorder for which there are currently few therapeutic options. It is driven by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cachectic factors by both host and tumour. Over the past few years, basic science advances have begun to reveal the breadth and complexity of the immunological mechanisms involved, and in the process have uncovered some novel potential therapeutic targets. The effectiveness of thalidomide and eicosapentaenoic acid at attenuating weight loss in clinical trials also provides a further rationale for modulating the immune response. We are now entering an exciting period in cachexia research, and it is likely that the next few years will see effective new biological therapies reach clinical practice.

The mouse CCR2 gene is regulated by two promoters that are responsive to plasma cholesterol and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ ligands

We have previously shown that the expression of monocyte CCR2, the receptor for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, is induced by plasma cholesterol. The present study examines the mechanisms that regulate monocyte CCR2 expression in hypercholesterolemia using a mouse model. Our data demonstrate that in the mouse, CCR2 expression in circulating monocytes is controlled by two promoters P1 and P2. The two distinct transcripts, which encode the same protein, are produced by alternative splicing in the 5'-untranslated region. Both promoters are constitutively active, but only P2 is stimulated by cholesterol. However, both promoters are repressed by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma.

Phosphocholine as a pattern recognition ligand for CD36

We have previously shown that CD36 recognizes oxidation products of phospholipids on oxidized LDL (OxLDL) such as 1-palmitoyl-2-(5'-oxovaleroyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POVPC). The current study was designed to examine whether the phosphocholine (PC) headgroup in POVPC constitutes an obligatory binding target for CD36. To examine the contribution of PC in the binding of POVPC to CD36, we used well-defined synthetic oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs) cross-linked to BSA or to a hexapeptide. The OxPL adducts were then tested for their ability to bind to CD36-transfected cells and for their ability to inhibit OxLDL binding to CD36. Both POVPC-BSA and POVPC-peptide adducts were high-affinity ligands for CD36 and potent inhibitors of OxLDL binding. Enzymatic removal of the entire PC moiety of the POVPC-peptide, or of the choline headgroup alone, as well as substitution of the choline headgroup by ethanolamine abrogated the inhibitory activity of POVPC. Interestingly, PC by itself or cross-linked to BSA did not show any intrinsic competition activity. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the PC headgroup of OxPL alone is sufficient for binding to CD36, but only if presented in the correct conformation as in OxPL of OxLDL or as in POVPC-peptide adducts.

Solute movement through an allophanic soil

Allophanic soils are widespread around the world, but little research has been done on their transport properties. This study reveals the effect of two soil water potential heads and two water-flow regimes of continuous and intermittent flow on solute transport through undisturbed soil columns of Horotiu silt loam (Typic Hapludand), an allophanic soil. Two different methods--breakthrough curves (BTCs) and time domain reflectometry (TDR)--were employed to determine the extent of preferential solute transport in the topsoil. The TDR data were also used to look at the depth dependence of the transport properties. The convection-dispersion equation (CDE) with the appropriate boundary conditions adequately described the movement of both Br and Cl under the various flow conditions. Although no preferential flow was found under the imposed unsaturated flow conditions, the flow of water and transport of solute became more uniform with depth. The results show that both Br and Cl are retarded in this allophanic soil. Retardation values range from 1.5 to 1.9, and, as the TDR data showed, increase from the depth of 5.0 to 10.0 cm. Intermittent leaching results showed that there was no effect on solute concentrations in the leachate following no-flow periods. This suggests that water and solute transport in this soil were either relatively uniform or that transverse mixing during flow was already fast enough to eliminate concentration gradients between regions of different "mobility."

LDL activates signaling pathways leading to an increase in cytosolic free calcium and stimulation of CD11b expression in monocytes

In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms by which plasma lipoproteins modulate the integrin-dependent adhesion properties of monocytes. LDL induced the expression of the monocyte CD11b in vitro as well as in vivo via intracellular signaling mechanisms involving calcium transients. The effect on CD11b transcription was specific for native LDL and was blocked by a neutralizing anti-LDL receptor antibody. Neither oxidized LDL nor HDL had any effect on CD11b expression. Although LDL stimulated CD11b surface expression, the integrins were not activated. To initiate the CD11b-specific adhesion to the endothelium, the engagement of chemokine receptor CCR2 and intact chemokine-to-integrin signaling was necessary. However, the activation of CCR2 with monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 not only stimulated the integrins preexisting on the cell surface, but also increased the number of CD11b molecules on the cell surface. This was particularly pronounced in THP-1 cells after treatment with LDL. In a previous study, we showed that LDL induces the expression of CCR2 in monocytes. We conclude that this may be the underlying cause of the enhanced chemokine effect on CD11b expression and activation observed with these cells.

Differential expression of the isoforms for the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 receptor, CCR2, in monocytes

Two isoforms of human CCR2, the receptor for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), have been identified but their relative expression in monocytes and contribution to inflammatory responses mediated by MCP-1 remain uncertain. All available information on CCR2 expression is based on mRNA data because isoform-specific antibodies were not available until now. To analyze the relative expression of each isoform, we made two antibodies that specifically recognized CCR2A and CCR2B. Examination of receptor protein with these isoform-specific antibodies showed that the total expression of CCR2B in monocytes was about 10-fold higher than that of CCR2A with an equal distribution between the cell surface and intracellular pools. A detailed analysis using purified plasma membranes demonstrated that about 90% of all CCR2 on the cell surface were composed of CCR2B. The relatively abundant expression of CCR2B on the cell surface suggests a principal role of this isoform as a mediator of monocyte responses to MCP-1 in inflammation.

Tree species for recovering nitrogen from dairy-farm effluent in New Zealand

Land treatment of dairy-farm effluent is being widely adopted as an alternative to disposal into surface waters in New Zealand. This study investigated water balances and associated N leaching from short-rotation forest (SRF) species irrigated with dairy-farm effluent. Single trees were grown in lysimeters filled with Manawatu fine sandy loam (mixed mesic Dystric Eutrochrept). Dairy-farm effluent was applied during two irrigation periods at 21.5 mm wk(-1) with a total loading equivalent to 870 kg N ha(-1) occurring over 17 mo. Following tree harvest in April 1997, measurements continued until August 1997 to monitor tree reestablishment. Cumulative N leached did not differ between lysimeters in which evergreen Sydney blue gum (Eucalyptus saligna Sm.) and shining gum [Eucalyptus nitens (H. Deane & Maiden) Maiden] and deciduous kinu-yanagi (Salix kinuyanagi Kimura) were grown. Leachate N concentrations of all treatments were on average higher than the New Zealand drinking water standard of 11.3 mg N L(-1). The E. nitens and S. kinuyanagi treatments leached 33 and 35 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1) in 1996 following application of 236 kg N ha(-1) during the first irrigation season. Leaf area was strongly correlated to evapotranspiration, drainage volume, and nitrogen leached. The majority of leaching in the tree treatments occurred after harvest. Reducing the leaching in the regrowth phase may be achieved through timing harvest in the spring when growth rates are higher and leaching potential is lower. Based on N uptake rates observed in this study and average pond discharge, a plantation of 5.4 ha would be required for N recovery on a typical dairy farm in New Zealand.

Oxidized LDL reduces monocyte CCR2 expression through pathways involving peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

The CCR2-mediated recruitment of monocytes into the vessel wall plays an important role in all stages of atherosclerosis. In recent studies, we have shown that lipoproteins can modulate CCR2 expression and have identified native LDL as a positive regulator. In contrast, oxidized LDL (OxLDL), which is mainly formed in the aortic intima, reduces CCR2 expression, promotes monocyte retention, and may cause pathological accumulation of monocytes in the vessel wall. We now provide evidence that OxLDL reduces monocyte CCR2 expression by activating intracellular signaling pathways that may involve peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma). Receptor-mediated uptake of the lipoprotein particle was required and allows for delivery of the exogenous ligand to the nuclear receptor. The suppression of CCR2 expression by OxLDL was mediated by lipid components of OxLDL, such as the oxidized linoleic acid metabolites 9-HODE and 13-HODE, known activators of PPARgamma. Modified apoB had no such effect. Consistent with a participation of the PPARgamma signaling pathway, BRL49653 reduced CCR2 expression in freshly isolated human monocytes ex vivo and in circulating mouse monocytes in vivo. These results implicate PPARgamma in the inhibition of CCR2 gene expression by oxidized lipids, which may help retain monocytes at sites of inflammation, such as the atherosclerotic lesion.

The binding of oxidized low density lipoprotein to mouse CD36 is mediated in part by oxidized phospholipids that are associated with both the lipid and protein moieties of the lipoprotein

There is growing evidence that CD36 has an important physiological function in the uptake of oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) by macrophages. However, the ligand specificity and the nature of the ligands on OxLDL that mediate the binding to CD36 remain ill defined. Results from recent studies suggested that some of the macrophage scavenger receptors involved in the uptake of OxLDL recognized both the lipid and the protein moieties of OxLDL, but there was no conclusive direct evidence for this. The present studies were undertaken to test whether a single, well characterized OxLDL receptor, CD36, could bind both the lipid and protein moieties of OxLDL. COS-7 cells transiently transfected with mouse CD36 cDNA bound intact OxLDL with high affinity. This binding was very effectively inhibited ( approximately 50%) both by the reconstituted apoB from OxLDL and by microemulsions prepared from OxLDL lipids. The specific binding of both moieties to CD36 was further confirmed by direct ligand binding analysis and by demonstrating reciprocal inhibition, i.e. apoB from OxLDL inhibited the binding of the OxLDL lipids and vice versa. Furthermore, a monoclonal mouse antibody that recognizes oxidation-specific epitopes in OxLDL inhibited the binding of intact OxLDL and also that of its purified protein and lipid moieties to CD36. This antibody recognizes the phospholipid 1-palmitoyl 2-(5'-oxovaleroyl) phosphatidylcholine. This model of an oxidized phospholipid was also an effective competitor for the CD36 binding of both the resolubilized apoB and the lipid microemulsions from OxLDL. Our results demonstrate that oxidized phospholipids in the lipid phase or covalently attached to apoB serve as ligands for recognition by CD36 and, at least in part, mediate the high affinity binding of OxLDL to macrophages.

Role of the first extracellular loop in the functional activation of CCR2. The first extracellular loop contains distinct domains necessary for both agonist binding and transmembrane signaling

The physiological cellular responses to monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), a potent chemotactic and activating factor for mononuclear leukocytes, are mediated by specific binding to CCR2. The aim of this investigation is to identify receptor microdomains that are involved in high affinity agonist binding and receptor activation. The results from our functional studies in which we utilized neutralizing antisera against CCR2 are consistent with a multidomain binding model, previously proposed by others. The first extracellular loop was of particular interest, because in addition to a ligand-binding domain it contained also information for receptor activation, crucial for transmembrane signaling. Replacement of the first extracellular loop of CCR2 with the corresponding region of CCR1 decreased the MCP-1 binding affinity about 10-fold and prevented transmembrane signaling. A more detailed analysis by site-directed mutagenesis revealed that this receptor segment contains two distinct microdomains. The amino acid residues Asn(104) and Glu(105) are essential for high affinity agonist binding but are not involved in receptor activation. In contrast, the charged amino acid residue His(100) does not contribute to ligand binding but is vital for receptor activation and initiation of transmembrane signaling. We hypothesize that the interaction of agonist with this residue initiates the conformational switch that allows the formation of the functional CCR2-G protein complex.

Expression of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 receptor CCR2 is increased in hypercholesterolemia. Differential effects of plasma lipoproteins on monocyte function

Monocytes are recruited from the circulation into the subendothelial space where they differentiate into mature macrophages and internalize modified lipoproteins to become lipid-laden foam cells. The accumulation of monocytes is mediated by the interaction of locally produced chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) with its receptor CCR2. The objective of the present study is to demonstrate the differential effects of plasma lipoproteins on monocyte CCR2 expression. The CCR2 expression was increased about 2.4-fold in monocytes isolated from hypercholesterolemic patients, compared to monocytes from normal controls. There was a significant correlation between CCR2 expression and plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL). Elevated levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) blunted and even reverted the effects of LDL on CCR2 expression, both in vivo and in vitro. The causal relationship between plasma lipoproteins and CCR2 expression was further confirmed by modulating the lipoprotein profile. Estrogen supplement therapy decreased plasma LDL cholesterol, increased plasma HDL cholesterol, and reduced CCR2 expression in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women, but had no effect on the plasma lipid profile or CCR2 expression in normocholesterolemic subjects. The physiological significance of altered CCR2 expression was tested by chemotaxis assay, and our results demonstrated that treatment of THP-1 monocytes with LDL induced CCR2 expression and substantially enhanced the chemotaxis elicited by MCP-1. Our findings suggest that plasma lipoproteins differentially control monocyte function and that monocytes from hypercholesterolemic subjects are hyperresponsive to chemotactic stimuli. This may increase their accumulation in the vessel wall and accelerate the pathogenic events of atherogenesis.

Chemokine receptor CCR2 expression and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1-mediated chemotaxis in human monocytes. A regulatory role for plasma LDL

The subendothelial accumulation of macrophage-derived foam cells is one of the hallmarks of atherosclerosis. The recruitment of monocytes to the intima requires the interaction of locally produced chemokines with specific cell surface receptors, including the receptor (CCR2) for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). We have previously reported that monocyte CCR2 gene expression and function are effectively downregulated by proinflammatory cytokines. In this study we identified low density lipoprotein (LDL) as a positive regulator of CCR2 expression. Monocyte CCR2 expression was dramatically increased in hypercholesterolemic patients compared with normocholesterolemic controls. Similarly, incubation of human THP-1 monocytes with LDL induced a rapid increase in CCR2 mRNA and protein. By 24 hours the number of cell surface receptors was doubled, causing a 3-fold increase in the chemotactic response to MCP-1. The increase in CCR2 expression and chemotaxis was promoted by native LDL but not by oxidized LDL. Oxidized LDL rapidly downregulated CCR2 expression, whereas reductively methylated LDL, which does not bind to the LDL receptor, had only modest effects on CCR2 expression. A neutralizing anti-LDL receptor antibody prevented the effect of LDL, suggesting that binding and internalization of LDL were essential for CCR2 upregulation. The induction of CCR2 expression appeared to be mediated by LDL-derived cholesterol, because cells treated with free cholesterol also showed increased CCR2 expression. These data suggest that elevated plasma LDL levels in conditions such as hypercholesterolemia enhance monocyte CCR2 expression and chemotactic response and potentially contribute to increased monocyte recruitment to the vessel wall in chronic inflammation and atherogenesis.

Importance of ribosomal frameshifting for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 particle assembly and replication

The recent development and use of protease inhibitors have demonstrated the essential role that combination therapy will play in the treatment of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Past clinical experience suggests that due to the appearance of resistant HIV-1 variants, additional therapeutics will be required in the future. To identify new options for combination therapy, it is of paramount importance to pursue novel targets for drug development. Ribosomal frameshifting is one potential target that has not been fully explored. Data presented here demonstrate that small molecules can stimulate frameshifting, leading to an imbalance in the ratio of Gag to Gag-Pol and inhibiting HIV-1 replication at what appears to be the point of viral particle assembly. Thus, we propose that frameshifting represents a new target for the identification of novel anti-HIV-1 therapeutics.

Protein serine/threonine phosphatase Ptc2p negatively regulates the unfolded-protein response by dephosphorylating Ire1p kinase

Cells respond to the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by increasing the transcription of the genes encoding ER-resident chaperone proteins. Ire1p is a transmembrane protein kinase that transmits the signal from unfolded proteins in the lumen of the ER by a mechanism that requires oligomerization and trans-autophosphorylation of its cytoplasmic-nucleoplasmic kinase domain. Activation of Ire1p induces a novel spliced form of HAC1 mRNA that produces Hac1p, a transcription factor that is required for activation of the transcription of genes under the control of the unfolded-protein response (UPR) element. Searching for proteins that interact with Ire1p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we isolated PTC2, which encodes a serine/threonine phosphatase of type 2C. The Ptc2p interaction with Ire1p is specific, direct, dependent on Ire1p phosphorylation, and mediated through a kinase interaction domain within Ptc2p. Ptc2p dephosphorylates Ire1p efficiently in an Mg2+-dependent manner in vitro. PTC2 is nonessential for growth and negatively regulates the UPR pathway. Strains carrying null alleles of PTC2 have a three- to fourfold-increased UPR and increased levels of spliced HAC1 mRNA. Overexpression of wild-type Ptc2p but not catalytically inactive Ptc2p reduces levels of spliced HAC1 mRNA and attenuates the UPR, demonstrating that the phosphatase activity of Ptc2p is required for regulation of the UPR. These results demonstrate that Ptc2p downregulates the UPR by dephosphorylating Ire1p and reveal a novel mechanism of regulation in the UPR pathway upstream of the HAC1 mRNA splicing event.

Identification and kinetic analysis of a functional homolog of elongation factor 3, YEF3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Yeast and other fungi contain a soluble elongation factor 3 (EF-3) which is required for growth and protein synthesis. EF-3 contains two ABC cassettes, and binds and hydrolyses ATP. We identified a homolog of the YEF3 gene in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome database. This gene, designated YEF3B, is 84% identical in protein sequence to YEF3, which we will now refer to as YEF3A. YEF3B is not expressed during growth under laboratory conditions, and thus cannot rescue growth of YEF3A deletion strains. However, YEF3B can take the place of YEF3A in vivo when expressed from the YEF3A or ADH1 promoters. The products of the YEF3A and YEF3B genes, EF-3A and EF-3B, respectively, were expressed from the ADH1 promoter and purified. Both factors possessed basal and ribosomal-stimulated ATPase activity, and had similar affinity for yeast ribosomes (103 to 113 nM). K(m) values for ATP were similar, but the Kcat values differed significantly. Ribosome-dependent ATPase activity of EF-3A was more efficient than EF-3B, since the Kcat and Kcat/K(m) values for EF-3A were about two-fold higher; however, the difference in Kcat/K(m) values between the two factors was small for basal ATPase activity.

Characterization of CLA-1, a human homologue of rodent scavenger receptor BI, as a receptor for high density lipoprotein and apoptotic thymocytes

Recently, a murine scavenger receptor type B class I (SR-BI) was identified that binds high density lipoprotein (HDL) and mediates the selective uptake of cholesterol esters. The human CD36 and LIMPII analogous-1 (CLA-1) receptor shows high sequence homology with SR-BI, but their functional relationship has not been determined. Transfected cells expressing CLA-1 bound HDL with a Kd of about 35 microg/ml, similar to the Kd for HDL binding to rodent SR-BI. This binding resulted in an intracellular accumulation of HDL-derived [3H]cholesterol esters without internalization or degradation of 125I-apolipoprotein. CLA-1 was strongly expressed in the adrenal gland and was also abundant in liver and testis, suggesting that CLA-1, like SR-BI, could play a role in the metabolism of HDL. However, CLA-1 was also expressed in monocytes and, like SR-BI, recognized modified forms of low density lipoproteins as well as native LDL and anionic phospholipids. These findings suggest that CLA-1 might have additional physiological functions. We found that CLA-1 recognizes apoptotic thymocytes. Our results demonstrate that CLA-1, a close structural homologue of SR-BI, is also functionally related to SR-BI and may play an important role as a "docking receptor" for HDL in connection with selective uptake of cholesterol esters. An additional role in recognition of damaged cells is suggested by these studies.

Gene induction in response to unfolded protein in the endoplasmic reticulum is mediated through Ire1p kinase interaction with a transcriptional coactivator complex containing Ada5p

In eukaryotic cells, accumulation of unfolded protein in the endoplasmic reticulum induces transcription of a family of genes encoding endoplasmic reticulum protein chaperones through a conserved unfolded protein response element. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, activation of a transmembrane receptor kinase, Ire1p (Ern1p), initiates signaling, although the mediators immediately downstream of Ire1 kinase are unknown. Here we demonstrate interaction of Ire1p with the transcriptional coactivator, Gcn5p (for general control nonrepressed; also known as Ada4p). Gcn5p associates with other Ada (for alteration/deficiency in activation) gene products in a heteromeric complex and has histone acetyltransferase activity. We show that the Gcn5/Ada complex is selectively required for the unfolded protein response but not for the heat shock response. A novel mechanism is proposed in which activation of a receptor kinase recruits a transcription coactivator complex to a specific chromosomal locus to mediate localized histone acetylation, thus making specific gene sequences accessible for transcription.

Influence of patient characteristics, socioeconomic factors, geography, and systemic risk on the use of breast-sparing treatment in women enrolled in adjuvant breast cancer studies: an analysis of two intergroup trials

PURPOSE

To investigate the frequency of breast-sparing treatment among breast cancer patients subsequently enrolled in national cooperative group studies of adjuvant chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A data base was formed of 5,172 patients randomized onto two intergroup trials. Lumpectomy rates were analyzed within study-defined risk strata and across geographic regions. Significant predictors of lower lumpectomy usage were determined in multivariate analyses with variables that described patient and disease characteristics, systemic risk strata, geographic region, and socioeconomic indicators based on zip code of residence.

RESULTS

Breast-conservation rates were 30% in the node-negative and 15% in the node-positive trials, with a wide geographic variation within each study (range, 14% to 49% and 9% to 31%, respectively). Lumpectomy use declined with increasing tumor size and did not exceed 40% even for tumors < or = 1 cm with negative nodes. With increasing risk of systemic relapse, frequency of lumpectomy declined (rates for five strata in order of increasing systemic risk: 41%, 33%, 24%, 18%, and 11%), even though these strata were not known at the time of the surgical decision. A logistic model confirmed the joint significance of geographic region and systemic risk. An exploratory model that adjusted for all important variables identified the following significant predictors of lower lumpectomy use: positive nodes; many positive nodes, increased systemic risk; tumor size > or = 2.0 cm; older age; South, Central or non-New England regions; and either lack of college degree or lower income levels.

CONCLUSION

Breast-sparing therapy was used in the minority of women subsequently accrued to two national adjuvant breast cancer studies, even though this cohort and their referring surgeons represented a select population. Although multiple concrete factors were independent predictors of lower lumpectomy rates, prospective research is needed into how patients and their physicians approach the mastectomy versus lumpectomy decision.

Double-stranded-RNA-dependent protein kinase and TAR RNA-binding protein form homo- and heterodimers in vivo

The yeast two-hybrid system and far-Western protein blot analysis were used to demonstrate dimerization of human double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase (PKR) in vivo and in vitro. A catalytically inactive mutant of PKR with a single amino acid substitution (K296R) was found to dimerize in vivo, and a mutant with a deletion of the catalytic domain of PKR retained the ability to dimerize. In contrast, deletion of the two dsRNA-binding motifs in the N-terminal regulatory domain of PKR abolished dimerization. In vitro dimerization of the dsRNA-binding domain required the presence of dsRNA. These results suggest that the binding of dsRNA by PKR is necessary for dimerization. The mammalian dsRNA-binding protein TRBP, originally identified on the basis of its ability to bind the transactivation region (TAR) of human immunodeficiency virus RNA, also dimerized with itself and with PKR in the yeast assay. Taken together, these results suggest that complexes consisting of different combinations of dsRNA-binding proteins may exist in vivo. Such complexes could mediate differential effects on gene expression and control of cell growth.

Functional characterization of the RNA-binding domain and motif of the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase DAI (PKR)

The double-stranded (ds) RNA-activated protein kinase, DAI (also known as PKR), contains an RNA-binding domain comprising two tandem repeats of a motif, the dsRBM, which is shared with a number of other proteins that interact with structured RNAs. We have expressed the entire domain and the first copy of the motif in Escherichia coli and purified the two proteins, p20 and p10, to apparent homogeneity in order to study their interactions with RNA and with the intact kinase enzyme. Both p20 and p10 bound preferentially to structured RNA molecules. Competition assays showed that in both cases the order of affinity is dsRNA > VA RNA > tRNA, but the isolated motif bound much less tightly than the entire domain. Measurement of the dissociation constants for dsRNA by quantitative gel mobility shift analysis gave apparent Kd values of 4 x 10(-9) M and 3.8 x 10(-7) M for p20 and p10, respectively. The binding of p20 molecules to dsRNA appeared to be cooperative. Multiple complexes were formed between the intact domain and dsRNA, saturating at a density of about one p20 molecule/11.25 base-pairs (or one turn) of duplex, whereas p10 achieved only about half of this packing density. The apparent Kd for the p20-VA RNA interaction was estimated as 3.5 x 10(-7) M and at least three complexes were detected, but no distinct complexes were visualized for the interaction between p10 and VA RNA. Both p20 and p10 inhibited autophosphorylation of intact DAI, probably by binding the dsRNA activator. Once activated, DAI could phosphorylate both p10 and p20, suggesting that intermolecular phosphorylation can occur.

Structural requirements for double-stranded RNA binding, dimerization, and activation of the human eIF-2 alpha kinase DAI in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The protein kinase DAI is activated upon viral infection of mammalian cells and inhibits protein synthesis by phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of translation initiation factor 2 (eIF-2 alpha). DAI is activated in vitro by double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), and binding of dsRNA is dependent on two copies of a conserved sequence motif located N terminal to the kinase domain in DAI. High-level expression of DAI in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells is lethal because of hyperphosphorylation of eIF-2 alpha; at lower levels, DAI can functionally replace the protein kinase GCN2 and stimulate translation of GCN4 mRNA. These two phenotypes were used to characterize structural requirements for DAI function in vivo, by examining the effects of amino acid substitutions at matching positions in the two dsRNA-binding motifs and of replacing one copy of the motif with the other. We found that both copies of the dsRNA-binding motif are required for high-level kinase function and that the N-terminal copy is more important than the C-terminal copy for activation of DAI in S. cerevisiae. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that the requirements for dsRNA binding in vitro and for activation of DAI kinase function in vivo closely coincide. Two mutant alleles containing deletions of the first or second binding motif functionally complemented when coexpressed in yeast cells, strongly suggesting that the active form of DAI is a dimer. In accord with this conclusion, overexpression of four catalytically inactive alleles containing different deletions in the protein kinase domain interfered with wild-type DAI produced in the same cells. Interestingly, three inactivating point mutations in the kinase domain were all recessive, suggesting that dominant interference involves the formation of defective heterodimers rather than sequestration of dsRNA activators by mutant enzymes. We suggest that large structural alterations in the kinase domain impair an interaction between the two protomers in a DAI dimer that is necessary for activation by dsRNA or for catalysis of eIF-2 alpha phosphorylation.

Two functionally distinct RNA-binding motifs in the regulatory domain of the protein kinase DAI

The RNA-binding domain of the protein kinase DAI, the double-stranded RNA inhibitor of translation, contains two repeats of a motif that is also found in a number of other RNA-binding proteins. This motif consists of 67 amino acid residues and is predicted to contain a positively charged alpha helix at its C terminus. We have analyzed the effects of equivalent single amino acid changes in three conserved residues distributed over each copy of the motif. Mutants in the C-terminal portion of either repeat were severely defective, indicating that both copies of the motif are essential for RNA binding. Changes in the N-terminal and central parts of the motif were more debilitating if they were made in the first motif than in the second, suggesting that the first motif is the more important for RNA binding and that the second motif is structurally more flexible. When the second motif was replaced by a duplicate of the first motif, the ectopic copy retained its greater sensitivity to mutation, implying that the two motifs have distinct functions with respect to the process of RNA binding. Furthermore, the mutations have the same effect on the binding of double-stranded RNA and VA RNA, consistent with the existence of a single RNA-binding domain for both activating and inhibitory RNAs.

Activation of the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated human protein kinase in vivo in the absence of its dsRNA binding domain

The interferon-induced, dsRNA-activated human protein kinase (PKR) exerts antiviral and antiproliferative effects through inhibition of protein synthesis. Studies of structure-function relationships in PKR have shown that two dsRNA binding motifs are important for its autophosphorylation and activation by dsRNA in vitro. To correlate these findings with the activity of PKR in vivo, we examined the function of various PKR deletion mutants in cultured cells by using an inducible expression system. In a reporter gene assay, mutant forms of the kinase lacking amino acids 1-97 (delta 1-97) and 104-157 (delta 104-157), which are required for dsRNA binding in vitro, retained full activity in vivo. Deletion of amino acids 233-271 (delta 233-271), however, abolished the translational inhibitory activity of the kinase and prevented its phosphorylation. Moreover, cells infected with vaccinia virus recombinants expressing wild-type PKR, the mutant delta 104-157, delta 186-222), developed almost complete inhibition of both viral and cellular protein synthesis was upon induction of PKR. This inhibition of viral protein synthesis was not observed in cells infected with a recombinant expressing delta 233-271 mutant PKR. Our findings establish that the region encompassing amino acids 233-271 of PKR is critical for kinase activity in vivo, whereas its dsRNA binding domain is dispensable.

Two RNA-binding motifs in the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase, DAI

The protein kinase DAI, the double-stranded RNA-activated inhibitor of translation, is an essential component of the interferon-induced cellular antiviral response. The enzyme is regulated by the binding of activator and inhibitor RNAs. We synthesized DAI in vitro and located its RNA-binding domain within the amino-terminal 171 residues. This domain contains two copies of an RNA-binding motif characterized by a high density of basic amino acids, by the presence of conserved residues, and by a probable alpha-helical structure. Deletion of either of the two motifs prevents the binding of dsRNA, but their relative positions can be exchanged, suggesting that they cooperate to interact with dsRNA. Clustered point mutations within the RNA-binding motifs and duplications of the individual motifs indicate that the first copy of the motif plays the more important role. Mutations that impair binding have similar effects on the binding of double-stranded RNAs of various lengths and of adenovirus VA RNAI, implying that discrimination between activator and inhibitory RNAs takes place subsequent to RNA binding.

Organization of the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase DAI and virus-associated VA RNAI in adenovirus-2-infected HeLa cells

We have examined the cellular distribution of the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase DAI in adenovirus 2 (Ad2)-infected and uninfected HeLa cells. In uninfected cells DAI was found to be concentrated in the cytoplasm. In addition, DAI was localized in the nucleoli and diffusely distributed throughout the nucleoplasm. Cells treated with alpha-interferon displayed a similar pattern of distribution for DAI. When RNA polymerase I activity was inhibited by the drug actinomycin D, nucleoli segregated and DAI was found to colocalize with the dense fibrillar region of the nucleoli. During mitosis, the distribution of DAI paralleled that of rRNA. In adenovirus-infected cells the localization of DAI was similar to that in uninfected interphase cells. VA RNAI was detected in Ad2-infected cells by 10–14 hours post-infection as fine dots in the nucleoplasm. By 18–24 hours post-infection, VA RNAI appeared in bigger and more abundant dots in the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm was intensively labeled. Transient expression of the VA RNAI gene in uninfected cells resulted in a similar localization of the RNA. Our results are consistent with a role for DAI and VA RNAI in protein synthesis and suggest that DAI may play an early role in ribosome biogenesis in the nucleolus in addition to its cytoplasmic role in translation.

Tat-responsive region RNA of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 stimulates protein synthesis in vivo and in vitro: relationship between structure and function

The Tat-responsive region (TAR) sequence is present at the 5' end of human immunodeficiency virus 1 mRNAs and as a cytoplasmic form of 58-66 nucleotides. TAR RNA blocks the activation and autophosphorylation of the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase in vitro. We show here that TAR RNA also prevents the double-stranded RNA-mediated inhibition of translation in a cell-free system. Mutagenic and structural analyses of TAR RNA indicate that a stem of at least 14 base pairs is required for this activity, whereas the loop and bulge required for transactivation by Tat are dispensable. Truncation of the RNA to 68 nucleotides results in the loss of translational rescue ability, suggesting that the short cytoplasmic TAR RNA produced by viral transcription in vivo may not have the capability to suppress activation of the kinase. However, because longer TAR transcripts stimulate expression in a transient assay in vivo, the TAR structure at the 5' end of viral mRNAs could still exert this function in cis.

Interactions between double-stranded RNA regulators and the protein kinase DAI

The interferon-induced protein kinase DAI, the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated inhibitor of translation, plays a key role in regulating protein synthesis in higher cells. Once activated, in a process that involves autophosphorylation, it phosphorylates the initiation factor eIF-2, leading to inhibition of polypeptide chain initiation. The activity of DAI is controlled by RNA regulators, including dsRNA activators and highly structured single-stranded RNAs which block activation by dsRNA. To elucidate the mechanism of activation, we studied the interaction of DAI with RNA duplexes of discrete sizes. Molecules shorter than 30 bp fail to bind stably and do not activate the enzyme, but at high concentrations they prevent activation by long dsRNA. Molecules longer than 30 bp bind and activate the enzyme, with an efficiency that increases with increasing chain length, reaching a maximum at about 85 bp. These dsRNAs fail to activate at high concentrations and also prevent activation by long dsRNA. Analysis of complexes between dsRNA and DAI suggests that at maximal packing the enzyme interacts with as little as a single helical turn of dsRNA (11 bp) but under conditions that allow activation the binding site protects about 80 bp of duplex. When the RNA-binding site is fully occupied with an RNA activator, the complex appears to undergo a conformational change.

Synthesis of human initiation factor-2 alpha in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A human eIF-2 alpha cDNA (encoding alpha-subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor-2) was expressed under the control of the galactose-regulated GAL1, 10 promoter, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in order to study the possible interactions of human eIF-2 alpha with the yeast protein synthesis apparatus. Isoelectric focusing coupled with Western-blot analysis demonstrated that the human eIF-2 alpha subunit synthesized in yeast under a variety of growth conditions was detected as two bands which co-migrated with the phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms of rabbit eIF-2 alpha, suggesting covalent modification in vivo. Cell fractionation studies further demonstrated that the synthesised human eIF-2 alpha protein, though present in the cytoplasm, was largely associated with the yeast ribosomes, but could be removed from these by washing with 0.3 M KCl. This possible association of the synthesised human subunit into a three-subunit (alpha, beta and gamma) eIF-2 complex was further examined by partial purification of the yeast eIF-2 complex and estimation of the molecular mass of this complex. Immunoreactive eIF-2 alpha was found in fractions with eIF-2 activity and the estimated molecular mass (130 kDa) corresponded to that predicted for the eIF-2 trimer. These analyses suggest that human eIF-2 alpha subunit synthesised in yeast can become involved with the yeast protein synthetic apparatus, though whether this is a functional incorporation requires further genetic studies.

Isolation and characterisation of a bovine cDNA encoding eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha

Two cDNA clones have been isolated, from a bovine lymphosarcoma library, that encode the alpha-subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2 alpha). The predicted 315 amino acid sequence showed more than 99% amino acid identity with rat and human eIF-2 alpha. Galactose-regulated expression of a full length bovine eIF-2 alpha cDNA in yeast resulted in the synthesis of a polypeptide of the predicted molecular mass (36 kDa). Furthermore, the expressed polypeptide cross-reacted with an antibody raised against rabbit eIF-2 alpha confirming the identity of the cDNA.

Selective uptake of cholesteryl esters from low density lipoproteins in vitro and in vivo

Evidence for the direct uptake ("selective uptake") of cholesteryl esters (CE) from low density lipoproteins (LDL) by perfused luteinized rat ovaries (Azhar, S., A. Cooper, L. Tsai, W. Maffe, and E. Reaven. 1988. J. Lipid Res. 29: 869-882) led to this examination of LDL selective uptake in cultured cells and in rats using LDL doubly labeled with intracellularly trapped tracers of the CE and apoB moieties. Studies in vitro demonstrated LDL selective uptake by human fibroblasts at a low rate relative to LDL particle uptake; the fractional rate of this selective uptake increased with decreasing LDL particle size. Mouse Y1-BS1 adrenal cortical tumor cells also selectively took up LDL CE; on ACTH treatment, LDL selective uptake increased in parallel with high density lipoproteins (HDL) selective uptake, and accounted for the majority of LDL CE uptake. Metabolism of doubly labeled LDL was examined in rats. Adrenal gland and liver selectively took up CE from rat LDL, as did lung and adipose tissue. Selective uptake from human LDL was at a lower fractional rate than from rat LDL, and could not be demonstrated in as many organs. Although selective uptake from LDL by ovaries of adult rats was not significant, ovaries of immature rats consistently exhibited LDL selective uptake; on treatment of these rats with hormones to produce superovulated, luteinized ovaries, LDL selective uptake increased in the ovaries and nowhere else. Selective uptake was also apparent in liver, where it accounted for 27% of total hepatic uptake of rat LDL CE. These studies indicate a significant contribution of selective uptake to LDL CE metabolism in rats, suggesting the possibility of a role in other animals as well.

Comparative acyl specificities for transfer and selective uptake of high density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters

This study compares the specificities of selective uptake and transfer mediated by plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) for various species of cholesteryl esters in high density lipoproteins (HDL). [3H]Cholesterol was esterified with a series of variable chain length saturated acids and a series of variably unsaturated 18-carbon acids. These were incorporated into synthetic HDL particles along with 125I-labeled apoA-I as a tracer of HDL particles and [14C]cholesteryl oleate as an internal standard for normalization between preparations. Selective uptake by Y1-BS1 mouse adrenal cortical tumor cells was most extensively studied, but uptake by human HepG2 hepatoma cells and fibroblasts of human, rat, and rabbit origin were also examined. Acyl chain specificities for selective uptake and for CETP-mediated transfer were conversely related; selective uptake by all cell types decreased with increasing acyl chain length and increased with the extent of unsaturation of C18 chains. In contrast, CETP-mediated transfer increased with acyl chain length, and decreased with unsaturation of C18 chains. The specificities of human and rabbit CETP were also compared, and were found to differ little. Associated experiments showed that HDL-associated triglycerides, traced by [3H]glyceryl trioleyl ether, were selectively taken up but at a lesser rate than cholesteryl esters. The mechanism of this uptake appears to be the same as for selective uptake of cholesteryl esters.