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C D Funk

Publications and source records attributed to C D Funk.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Chromosomal localization of the human prostanoid receptor gene family.

Prostaglandins (PGD2, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and PGI2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) are biologically active molecules derived from the metabolism of arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenases. They produce a wide variety of physiological and pathophysiological effects mediated through specific G protein-coupled cell surface receptors. In this study, we have mapped the chromosomal positions of the human genes that encode the PGE2 receptor subtypes (PTGER1, PTGER2, and PTGER3), the PGF2 alpha receptor (PTGFR), the PGI2 receptor (PTGIR), and the TXA2 receptor (TBXA2R) using in situ hybridization. The PTGER1, TBXA2R, and PTGIR genes mapped to chromosome 19 at positions 19p13.1, 19p13.3, and 19q13.3, respectively. The PTGFR and PTGER3 genes mapped to chromosome 1 at positions 1p31.1 and 1p31.2, respectively, and PTGER2 gene mapped to chromosome band 5p13.1.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Role of leukotrienes revealed by targeted disruption of the 5-lipoxygenase gene.

Leukotrienes constitute a class of potent biological mediators of inflammation and anaphylaxis (for reviews see refs 1 and 2). Their biosynthesis derives from 5-lipoxygenase-catalysed oxygenation of arachidonic acid in granulocytes, macrophages and mast cells. To examine the physiological importance of leukotrienes, we have disrupted the 5-lipoxygenase gene by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. 5-Lipoxygenase-deficient (5LX-/-) mice develop normally and are healthy. They show a selective opposition to certain inflammatory insults. Although there is no difference in their reaction to endotoxin shock, the 5LX-/- animals resist the lethal effects of shock induced by platelet-activating factor. Reaction to ear inflammation induced by phorbol ester is normal, whereas inflammation induced by arachidonic acid is markedly reduced. Contrasts were also found in two models of leukocyte chemotaxis in vivo. The phenotype of 5LX-/- mice under injurious insult identifies the role for leukotrienes in the pathophysiology of select inflammatory states.

Anaphylaxis↗

Fibronectin-induced cell spreading and down-regulation of 12-lipoxygenase expression in megakaryocytic DAMI cells.

During maturation of small immature megakaryocytes to mature platelet producing megakaryocytes the arachidonic acid metabolizing enzyme 12-lipoxygenase is expressed. Here we show that cells of the megakaryocytic cell line DAMI flatten and spread on fibronectin substrate in a way which may be similar to the spreading observed with bone marrow-derived megakaryocytes. The effect on DAMI cell morphology may be attributed to the RGD motif (Arg-Gly-Asp) of fibronectin. Incubation of DAMI cells with fibronectin down-regulated 12-lipoxygenase expression about 85-90%. We discuss the hypothesis that 12-HETE in megakaryocytes may act as a sensor for megakaryocyte attachment to matrix components.

Arachidonate 12-Lipoxygenase↗

cDNA cloning, expression, mutagenesis of C-terminal isoleucine, genomic structure, and chromosomal localizations of murine 12-lipoxygenases.

Two types of 12-lipoxygenase that catalyze the transformation of arachidonic acid to 12(S)-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HPETE) have been previously classified into platelet-type and leukocyte-type categories. Here, we document, for the first time, a molecular characterization of both forms within the same species. The amino acid sequence of the murine platelet 12-lipoxygenase deduced from its cDNA is 58% identical to the murine spleen/leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase. Expression constructs carrying the cDNAs for the two 12-lipoxygenase forms were introduced into human embryonic kidney 293 cells. The platelet-type enzyme metabolized arachidonic acid exclusively to 12-HPETE, whereas the leukocyte-type enzyme formed both 12-HPETE and 15-hydro(pero)xyeicosatetraenoic acid in a ratio of approximately 3:1. Linoleic acid was metabolized to a similar extent by the latter enzyme to 13-hydro(pero)xyoctadecadienoic acid but not by the platelet enzyme. Mutagenesis and deletion of the highly conserved lipoxygenase C-terminal isoleucine (Ile663), a residue believed to be involved in the non-heme iron atom coordination of all lipoxygenases, was performed. Deletion of Ile663 and substitution with most amino acids abolished enzyme activity. Only a valine substitution retained significant activity. These findings would tend to indicate a stringent requirement for the proper spatial alignment and folding of the C-terminal chain back into the core of the enzyme to interact with the iron atom by analogy with the recently determined crystal structure of a soybean lipoxygenase (Boyington, J. C., Gaffney, B. J., and Amzel, L. M. (1993) Science 260, 1482-1486). The platelet-type and leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase genes were cloned from a murine 129 Sv genomic library. Both genes are divided into a similar 14-exon/13-intron format, with the platelet-type gene being approximately twice the size of the leukocyte-type gene (13 versus 7.5 kilobases). A segment of a third gene was also isolated and probably represents a pseudogene derivative of either of these 12-lipoxygenase genes. All three genes were mapped to the central region of mouse chromosome 11 in a region of homology with human chromosome 17. Antibodies prepared against the two forms of 12-lipoxygenase revealed the differential distribution of the two enzymes throughout the mouse.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase in a baculovirus/insect cell system and its characterization.

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) from porcine leukocytes was expressed in insect cells using a baculovirus expression vector. The recombinant 12-LO was expressed as an N-terminal fusion protein with a 31-amino acid polypeptide carrying a six-histidine tag and an enterokinase cleavage site. Maximal intracellular enzyme activity and protein levels were observed 48 h after infection of Spodoptera frugiperda cells with the recombinant virus. Cells were lysed and the recombinant protein was purified in a single step by Ni2+-nitrilotriacetate column chromatography. The purified enzyme migrated as a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacryl-amide gel electrophoresis. Recombinant enzyme catalyzed the formation of 12-hydroperoxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetranoic acid and a small amount of 15-hydroperoxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid. Chiral-phase HPLC analysis indicated that the 12-(S) enantiomer was the predominant product. The purified recombinant 12-lipoxygenase oxygenated linoleic acid to about 19% of the extent of oxygenation of arachidonic acid. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid and 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid inhibited the recombinant enzyme with IC50's of 2.2 and 0.06 micM, respectively. Expression of cloned porcine leukocyte 12-LO in S. frugiperda cells and purification by Ni2+-nitrilotriacetate chromatography provides a straightforward method for isolation of milligram quantities of this form of 12-LO.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗

Epidermis contains platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase that is overexpressed in germinal layer keratinocytes in psoriasis.

Human epidermal cells exhibited none of the cytosolic lipoxygenase activity that is prominent in mucosal epithelial cells, but instead contained a microsomal activity that converted arachidonic acid to 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE). Identification of the extractable 12-HETE-forming activity as a 12-lipoxygenase (distinct from cytochrome P-450) included (S)-12-stereospecificity of product formation, trapping of 12-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid as an intermediate reaction product, and lack of NADPH dependence for activity. Epidermal cell poly(A)+ RNA contained high levels of a 2.3-kb mRNA that selectively hybridized with human platelet 12-lipoxygenase cDNA, and partial cDNA sequence of this mRNA indicated identity to platelet 12-lipoxygenase. The epidermal 12-lipoxygenase was not recognized by antibodies against the leukocyte-type 12- and 15-lipoxygenases (found in leukocytes, reticulocytes, and mucosal epithelial cells) but was detected by an antiplatelet 12-lipoxygenase antibody. The epidermal 12-lipoxygenase antigen was selectively expressed in germinal layer keratinocytes in healthy and psoriatic skin, and these layers exhibited hyperplasia and increased immunostaining in inflamed psoriatic skin. Together with previous results, these observations indicate that 1) epidermis generates 12-HETE by either cytochrome P-450 or lipoxygenase-based mechanisms depending on reaction conditions, and 2) 12-lipoxygenases (originally described in hematopoietic cell types) may be expressed in at least two distinct isoforms in epithelial barriers in humans, and in the case of the skin, a microsomal (platelet-type) 12-lipoxygenase is selectively overexpressed in germinal layer keratinocytes during psoriatic inflammation.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗

Differential inhibition of human prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthases-1 and -2 by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

We developed an in vitro expression system for accurate kinetic analyses of the inhibition of the human prostaglandin H synthase isozymes (hPGHS-1 and -2) by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Assays of instantaneous inhibition in which enzyme, 10 microM arachidonate, and an NSAID were mixed simultaneously were used to determine apparent affinities of 14 common NSAIDs for hPGHS-1 and hPGHS-2. All NSAIDs except salicylate had appreciable apparent affinities (IC50 < or = 100 microM) for hPGHS-1. Most NSAIDs also exhibited appreciable affinities toward hPGHS-2, but three prominent exceptions were indomethacin, piroxicam and phenylbutazone. We subsequently performed measurements of time-dependent inhibition in which either (a) enzyme and an NSAID were preincubated before substrate was added to initiate the reactions or (b) recovery of activity after time-dependent inhibition was measured using intact cells preincubated with various NSAIDs. Indomethacin, flurbiprofen, meclofenamate and diclofenac, but not ibuprofen, piroxicam or phenylbutazone, caused time-dependent inhibition of both hPGHS-1 and -2 in vitro. For cells pretreated with flurbiprofen or meclofenamate, hPGHS-2 activities, but not hPGHS-1 activities, were recovered relatively rapidly; with indomethacin, recoveries of hPGHS-1 and hPGHS-2 activities were both slow. hPGHS-2 is thought to be the target of NSAIDs acting as anti-inflammatory agents. However, our results indicate that neither measurements of affinities of NSAIDs for hPGHS-2 conducted in vitro with 10 microM arachidonate nor measurements of time-dependent inhibition of hPGHS-2 always predict whether a compound (e.g., piroxicam or phenylbutazone) has anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Cloning and expression of a cDNA for the human prostaglandin E receptor EP1 subtype.

A functional cDNA clone coding for the human prostaglandin E receptor EP1 subtype has been isolated from a human erythroleukemia cell cDNA library probed by low-stringency hybridization using a polymerase chain reaction fragment of the human thromboxane receptor. The human EP1 receptor is comprised of 402 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 41,858 and has the topography common to all G-protein-coupled receptors with seven predicted transmembrane spanning domains. Prostaglandin (PG) E2 challenge of Xenopus oocytes injected with EP1 cDNA resulted in an increase in intracellular Ca2+. In addition, the rank order of potency for prostaglandins in competition for [3H]PGE2 specific binding to membranes prepared from EP1 cDNA transfected COS cells was PGE2 > PGE1 > PGF2 alpha > PGD2. Furthermore, the EP1 receptor-selective antagonists AH 6809 and SC19220 were more potent than the EP2 receptor-selective agonist butaprost in these competition binding assays. In summary, therefore, we have cloned the human EP1 receptor subtype which is functionally coupled to an increase in intracellular Ca2+.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Lipoxin synthase activity of human platelet 12-lipoxygenase.

Human platelets and megacaryocytes generate lipoxins from exogenous leukotriene A4 (LTA4). We examined the role of human 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) in lipoxin generation with recombinant histidine-tagged human platelet enzyme (6His-12-LO), partially purified 12-LO from human platelets (HPL 12-LO) and, for the purposes of direct comparison, permeabilized platelets. Recombinant and HPL 12-LO catalysed the conversion of intact LTA4 into both lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and lipoxin B4 (LXB4). In contrast, only negligible quantities of LXA4 were generated when recombinant 12-LO was incubated with the non-enzymic hydrolysis products of LTA4.6His-12-LO also converted a non-allylic epoxide, 5(6)-epoxy-(8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosatrienoic acid. The apparent Km and Vmax. for lipoxin synthase activity of 6His-12-LO were estimated to be 7.9 +/- 0.8 microM and 24.5 +/- 2.5 nmol/min per mg respectively, and the LXB4 synthase activity of this enzyme was selectively regulated by suicide inactivation. Aspirin gave a 2-fold increase in lipoxin formation by platelets but did not enhance the conversion of LTA4 by the recombinant 12-LO. These results provide direct evidence for LXA4 and LXB4 synthase activity of human platelet 12-LO. Moreover, they suggest that 12-LO is a dual-function enzyme that carries both oxygenase and lipoxin synthase activity.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning of an allene oxide synthase: a cytochrome P450 specialized for the metabolism of fatty acid hydroperoxides.

Allene oxide synthases convert lipoxygenase-derived fatty acid hydroperoxides to unstable allene epoxides. In plants, an allene oxide is a precursor of the growth regulator jasmonic acid. Previously, we showed that an allene oxide synthase from flaxseed has the spectral properties of a cytochrome P450. The relationship to the P450 gene family is now established from the primary structure deduced from the cDNA. The encoded protein of 536 amino acids has segments at the C terminus that match certain well conserved regions in cytochrome P450s. The heme-binding cysteine is recognizable at position 489. However, there are unprecedented modifications in this region, with substitution of two of the three most highly conserved amino acids. Also very unusual is the absence of a conserved threonine that normally helps form the O2-binding pocket in cytochrome P450s. Notably, O2 is not involved in the allene oxide synthase reaction and, furthermore, the enzyme is known to have a weak interaction with CO. While allene oxide synthases are usually described as microsomal, the flax cDNA encodes a 58-amino acid signal sequence characteristic of a mitochondrial or chloroplast transit peptide. Therefore, the enzyme is a type I P450 and most likely is located in chloroplasts. Overall, the flax allene oxide synthase has < or = 25% identity to other P450s; it belongs to a newly discovered gene family, to be designated CYP74. The flaxseed enzyme is prototypical of this family of enzymes that remain to be characterized in plants and animals.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Purification and characterization of recombinant histidine-tagged human platelet 12-lipoxygenase expressed in a baculovirus/insect cell system.

A baculoviral expression vector consisting of a sequence encoding a six-histidine tag apposed to the human platelet 12-lipoxygenase cDNA, under control of the polyhedrin promoter, was constructed. Recombinant 12-lipoxygenase baculoviruses were used to infect Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells (Sf9). At 54 h post-infection, maximal 12-lipoxygenase activity and protein levels were achieved; the enzyme was purified to apparent homogeneity in a single step by nickel-ion-chelation chromatography in which the (His)6-tagged 12-lipoxygenase was eluted with 100 mM imidazole. The purified enzyme metabolized arachidonic acid almost exclusively to 12-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid with little, if any, epoxyalcohol or reduction products and had a Vmax of 2-4 mumol min-1 mg protein-1, Km of 10 microM and kcat of approximately 250 min-1. linoleic acid, on the other hand, was converted to (13S)-13-hydroperoxy-octadecadienoic acid at a rate which was about 2% of that obtained with arachidonic acid as substrate, but displayed the same Km. The enzyme was most active between pH 7.5-8 and activity was stimulated significantly in the presence of 0.006% Tween-20. A polyclonal antibody to the recombinant enzyme was generated and found to recognize a single 75-kDa band in platelets, human erythroleukemia cells and 12-lipoxygenase baculoviral-infected Sf9 cells by immunoblot and immunoprecipitation methods. 12-Lipoxygenase protein represented 0.1% of the total soluble protein in platelet preparations. In immunofluorescence experiments 12-lipoxygenase was observed in the cytoplasm of infected insect cells and in the human megakaryoblastic DAMI cell line. The isolation of large quantities of pure human platelet 12-lipoxygenase should facilitate detailed biochemical structure/function studies.

Animals↗

Structure-function properties of human platelet 12-lipoxygenase: chimeric enzyme and in vitro mutagenesis studies.

Mutant and chimeric lipoxygenases were expressed in human embryonal kidney 293 cells to assess the importance of amino acids and domains for catalytic activity and positional specificity of molecular oxygen insertion. Histidines 360, 365, and 540, when changed to glutamine residues, completely abolished human platelet 12-lipoxygenase activity. Altered histidines at positions 355, 383, and 392 retained enzymatic activity. The former three histidines could possibly serve as ligands for the catalytically essential non-heme iron atom. Amino acids adjacent (residues 398-417) to the five centrally located histidines conserved among all plant and animal lipoxygenases controlled to a limited extent the positional specificity of oxygenation of 12-lipoxygenase. Variant A417I and the triple variant K416Q/A417I/V418M, designed to introduce 15-lipoxygenase substitutions, transformed the platelet 12-lipoxygenase that synthesizes exclusively 12-hydro(pero)xy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-H(P)ETE) to an enzyme capable of 10-20% 15-lipoxygenation. When all amino acids between positions 398-429 of 12-lipoxygenase had the corresponding 15-lipoxygenase sequence, the enzyme made 66% 15-lipoxygenase products. The latter enzyme had markedly reduced enzyme activity, though, indicating an apparent shift in the optimal alignment of substrate at the active site for hydrogen atom abstraction. The platelet enzyme could not be altered to form 5-lipoxygenase products by similar manipulations of sequence within this region. Chimeric enzymes consisting of an NH2-terminal segment from one lipoxygenase and the COOH terminus from another lipoxygenase or large substitutions resulted in nonfunctional enzymes. NH2-terminal extensions, but not short deletions, could be tolerated functionally. These studies provide some new insights into lipoxygenase structure-function in the absence of an unresolved three-dimensional structure.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗

Point mutation in the seventh hydrophobic domain of the human thromboxane A2 receptor allows discrimination between agonist and antagonist binding sites.

Thromboxane A2, a potent platelet agonist and vasoconstrictor, exerts its actions via specific G protein-coupled receptors. cDNAs encoding the full length thromboxane receptor have been isolated from human placenta mRNA by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. An expression construct, under control of the cytomegalovirus promoter, was introduced into human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Membranes from transfected cells bound the thromboxane antagonist SQ29,548 and the agonist [15-(1 alpha,2 beta(5z)-3 alpha(1E,3S)-4 alpha)]-7-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-(p- iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2,2,1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid) with high affinities, and significantly more receptors were expressed in these cells, compared with platelet preparations. The putative seventh transmembrane segment is highly related in all cloned members of the eicosanoid receptor family and forms a critical portion of the ligand binding pocket for G protein-coupled receptors. Several point mutations in this segment were generated. Binding of SQ29,548 was virtually abolished in cells transfected with all the variant receptor constructs. However, one receptor variant (TxR-W299L), in which a tryptophan at position 299 was substituted for a leucine residue, allowed a definite discrimination between agonist and antagonist binding sites in competition and saturation binding experiments. An antibody directed toward the third intracellular loop of the thromboxane receptor was able to immunoprecipitate native thromboxane receptor in solubilized membranes from human erythroleukemia cells and transfected cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗