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E Heimer

Publications and source records attributed to E Heimer.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Ras-dependent maturation of Xenopus oocytes is blocked by modified peptides of GTPase activating protein (GAP).

Guanosine triphosphatase activating protein (GAP) is an important modulator of p21ras (Ras)-dependent signal transduction in mammalian cells and in insulin-induced maturation of Xenopus oocytes. A synthetic octapeptide from the catalytic domain of GAP, residues 899-906 (F899VFLRLIC906), inhibited GAP-stimulated hydrolysis of GTP to GDP by Ras in an in vitro biochemical assay (IC50 = 12 microM). The peptide was assayed for its ability to block insulin- (Ras-dependent) and progesterone- (Ras-independent) induced maturation of stage VI Xenopus laevis oocytes, marked by germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). Microinjection of 50 pmol of the peptide inhibited insulin- but not progesterone-induced GVBD by 50%. A 7-residue peptide lacking F899, GAP(900-906)-NH2, failed to inhibit GAP-stimulated GTPase activity and did not block GVBD. Replacement of the cysteine residue at position 906 with methionine resulted in a peptide with prolonged inhibitory activity in the oocyte. Moreover, sequential replacement of specific L-amino acid residues with the corresponding D-amino acids produced a peptide with a two-fold increased half-life after injection into oocytes. None of the peptides tested affected progesterone induced GVBD, suggesting that the modifications did not result in loss of specificity. These studies show that (a) peptides that were able to inhibit GAP-stimulated Ras GTPase activity in vitro were also able to block Ras-dependent GVBD in oocytes, and (b) specific substitutions in these peptides can result in improved stability in oocytes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Radioimmunoassays for the C-terminus of prothymosin alpha and the N-terminus of parathymosin alpha for the measurement of the levels of alpha-thymosins in human cancer.

A radioimmunoassay specific for the C-terminus of human prothymosin alpha was developed using the synthetic peptide [Cys-Aca degrees]-human prothymosin alpha (90-109)-OH coupled to KLH as antigen and the analogue [Tyr-Aca degrees]-human prothymosin alpha (90-109)-OH labelled with 125I as tracer. The radioimmunoassay measured intact prothymosin alpha, in the range of 2-100 pmol and does not cross-react with the partly homologous polypeptide parathymosin alpha. A major epitope was located in the segment 95-107. A radioimmunoassay specific for the N-terminus of human parathymosin alpha, also measuring intact parathymosin alpha in the range of 1-20 pmol and not cross-reacting with prothymosin alpha, was developed using the synthetic peptide [Cys-Aca degrees]-human parathymosin alpha (1-30)-OH as antigen coupled to KLH and the analogue [Tyr-Aca degrees]-human parathymosin alpha (1-10)-OH labelled with 125I as tracer. A major epitope was located in the segment 1-10. These radioimmunoassays, together with a previously established radioimmunoassay for the N-terminus of prothymosin alpha, permitted the identification of the molecular forms of the cross-reactive materials in both normal and neoplastic breast tissue extracts as intact prothymosin alpha and parathymosin alpha. It was also possible to reveal significantly higher levels of both alpha-thymosins in breast cancer tissue compared to the nearby healthy tissue--the mean of 14 samples was over 14-fold higher--suggesting a role of both prothymosin alpha and parathymosin alpha in cell proliferation. The reported radioimmunoassays are expected to facilitate the search for prognostic and/or diagnostic applications of these polypeptides in human cancer.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Membrane topology of the rat kidney neutral and basic amino acid transporter.

A recently cloned rat kidney protein (NBAT) mediates the sodium-independent transport of neutral as well as basic amino acids and cystine when expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The human equivalent of this transporter may be the one that is defective in cystinuria. Immunocytochemical studies have indicated that NBAT is primarily localized in the brush border membranes of rat kidney and intestinal epithelial cells, a localization consistent with its proposed role in amino acid transport. Two contrasting topological models have been proposed for NBAT: a four membrane-spanning domain (MSD) Nin-Cin model and a single MSD Nin-Cout model. We have investigated the topology of this membrane protein using two different approaches. One method was an immunofluorescent labeling technique in which intact or membrane-permeabilized cells expressing NBAT were probed with antibodies directed against putative extracellular and intracellular domains of the protein. In the second method, fragments generated by limited surface proteolysis of intact brush border membrane vesicles were subjected to immunoblot analysis using several site-specific antibodies. Both approaches yielded results consistent with a four MSD Nin-Cin topological model for NBAT.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Characterization of the rat neutral and basic amino acid transporter utilizing anti-peptide antibodies.

High-titer, site-specific antibodies have been produced against the rat kidney broad-spectrum, sodium-independent neutral and basic amino acid transporter (NBAA-Tr) whose cDNA we cloned earlier. These antibodies have allowed us to characterize the transporter protein in normal rat tissues and in various cellular and in vitro expression systems. Western analysis detected 84- to 87-kDa glycosylated species enriched in rat renal and jejunal epithelial cell brush border membranes. In vitro translation of NBAA-Tr complementary RNA in the rabbit reticulocyte lysate system yielded a 78-kDa protein, a molecular mass that was predicted by the amino acid sequence deduced from the cloned cDNA. Translation in the presence of rough microsomal membranes yielded a glycosylated 89-kDa species. Glycosylated 87- to 89-kDa species were also expressed in Xenopus oocytes microinjected with NBAA-Tr complementary RNA and in COS-7 cells transfected with NBAA-Tr cDNA. Localization of NBAA-Tr in renal and intestinal brush border membranes is consistent with its proposed role in transepithelial transport of amino acids.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Thrombospondin sequence motif (CSVTCG) is responsible for CD36 binding.

To clarify the role of CD36 as a TSP receptor and to investigate the mechanisms of the TSP-CD36 interaction, transfection studies were performed using CD36-cDNA in a CDM8 plasmid. Jurkat cells transfected with CD36 cDNA express an 88kD membrane surface protein and acquire the ability to bind thrombospondin. The TSP amino acid sequence, CSVTCG, mediates the interaction of thrombospondin with CD36. CD36 transfectants but not control transfectants bind radiolabeled tyrosinated peptide (YCSVTCG). The hexapeptide inhibits thrombospondin expression on activated human platelets and results in diminished platelet aggregation. CSVTCG-albumin conjugates support CD36-dependent adhesion of tumor cells. We conclude that the CSVTCG repeat sequence is a crucial determinant of CD36 thrombospondin binding.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Type-specific and cross-reactive epitopes in human papillomavirus type 16 capsid proteins.

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 infection is frequently associated with cancer of the uterine cervix, as well as with precancerous lesions. In order to generate serologic reagents which might be useful in the diagnosis of HPV 16 infection, rabbit polyclonal and mouse monoclonal antisera were raised to carboxy terminal peptides from the HPV 16 L1 and L2 open reading frames (ORFs). Anti-L1 and -L2 peptide sera recognized HPV 16 L1 and L2 fusion proteins in Western blots and by immunoprecipitation. In Western blot analysis of L1 proteins from different HPV types, antisera to the L1 peptide reacted only with HPV 16, thus identifying an HPV 16 type-specific linear epitope. Anti-L2 peptide sera reacted with L2 fusion proteins from HPVs 6 and 16, but not from BPV, thus identifying a partially cross-reactive epitope in the HPV 16 L2. Computer analysis of carboxy terminal amino acid sequences of the L1 and L2 ORFs of multiple HPV types supported the Western blot findings. Despite the HPV 16 type specificity found in Western blots, anti-L1 peptide sera identified nuclear antigen by immunocytochemistry in cervical biopsies infected with HPV 16, as well as other genital HPV types. Anti-L2 peptide sera failed to recognize antigen in infected tissue.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

A synthetic peptide corresponding to a sequence in the GTPase activating protein inhibits p21ras stimulation and promotes guanine nucleotide exchange.

Amino acid sequence homology between the GTPase Activating Protein (GAP) and the GTP-binding regulatory protein, Gs alpha, suggests that a specific region of GAP primary structure (residues 891-898) may be involved in its stimulation of p21ras GTP hydrolytic activity (McCormick, F. [1989] Nature 340, 678-679). A peptide, designated p891, corresponding to GAP residues 891-906 (M891RTRVVSGFVFLRLIC906) was synthesized and tested for its ability to inhibit GAP-stimulated p21ras GTPase activity. At a concentration of 25 microM, p891 inhibited GAP activity approximately 50%. Unexpectedly, p891 also stimulated GTP binding to p21N-ras independent of GAP. This stimulation correlated with an enhancement of p21N-ras.GDP dissociation; an approximate 15-fold increase in the presence of 10 microM p891. In contrast, dissociation of the p21N-ras.GTP gamma S complex was unaffected by 10 microM p891. The p21N-ras.GDP complex was unresponsive to 100 microM mastoparan, a peptide toxin shown previously to accelerate GDP dissociation from the guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins, Gi and Go. p21H-ras, as well as the two p21H-ras effector mutants, Ala-38, and Ala-35, Leu-36, also exhibited increased rates of GDP dissociation in the presence of p891. Also tested were three ras-related GTP-binding proteins; rap, G25K and rac. The rap.-GDP complex was unaffected by 10 microM p891. Dissociation of the G25K- and rac.GDP complexes were enhanced slightly; approximately 1.3- and 1.8-fold over control, respectively. Thus, the inhibitory effect of p891 on GAP stimulation of p21ras suggests that amino acids within the region 891-906 of GAP may be essential for interaction with p21ras. In addition, p891 independently affects the nucleotide exchange properties of p21ras.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Opioid control of growth hormone in the suckled sow is primarily mediated through growth hormone releasing factor.

Endogenous opioid peptides mediate the effect of suckling on LH and PRL in the domestic pig. However, the role of opioids in modulating GH during lactation in swine is not known. Primiparous sows that had been immunized against GRF(1-29) conjugated to human serum albumin (GRF-HSA, n = 5) or HSA (n = 4) were used to determine changes in GH after naloxone. Treatments were imposed in all sows on day 21 of lactation when antibody titers were 9100 +/- 1629. All sows received (i.v.) naloxone (0.25 mg/kg) or saline (0.0125 ml/kg) at 15 min intervals for 165 min. Active immunization against GRF-HSA during lactation decreased (P less than 0.05) mean concentration (4.8 +/- 0.2 vs 2.6 +/- 0.1 ng/ml) and frequency (1.5 +/- 0.3 vs 0.4 +/- 0.2 peaks/4 hr). Concentrations of LH and PRL were similar in GRF-HSA and HSA immunized sows. Naloxone suppressed (P less than 0.05) GH in all sows. In HSA sows, naloxone abolished episodic release of GH and decreased average, but not basal, concentrations of GH. In sows immunized against GRF-HSA, naloxone decreased (P less than 0.05) average and basal GH but failed to decrease frequency of GH release. Naloxone failed to alter frequency of LH release. Concentrations of PRL decreased (P less than 0.05) after naloxone in all sows. In conclusion, immunization against GRF-HSA blocked most of the effect of lactation on GH. Blocking opioid receptors with naloxone decreased GH and PRL in all sows. In contrast to previous findings naloxone had no effect on LH. Opioids alter concentrations of GH through a GRF dependent and GRF independent pathway.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Active immunization of pigs against growth hormone-releasing factor: effect on concentrations of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1.

Cyclic gilts (96 +/- 1 kg) were used to determine the effect of active immunization against growth hormone-releasing factor GRF(1-29)-NH2 on concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Gilts were immunized against GRF conjugated to human serum albumin (GRF-HSA, n = 5) or HSA alone at 180 d of age (wk 0). Booster doses were administered at wk 9 and 13. Seven days after the second booster (wk 14), blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals for 6 h before feeding and 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min after feeding. Eight days after the second booster, all gilts were administered a GRF analog, [desNH2Tyr1,Ala15]-GRF(1-29)-NH2, followed by an opioid agonist, FK33-824. Blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals from -30 to 240 min after injection. Immunization against GRF-HSA resulted in antibody titers, expressed as dilution required to bind 50% of [125I]GRF, ranging from 1:11,000 to 1:60,000 (wk 11 and 14); binding was not detectable or was less than 50% at 1:100 in HSA gilts (P less than .05). Episodic release of GH was abolished by immunization against GRF-HSA (P less than .05). Mean GH was decreased (P less than .07), but basal GH concentrations were not altered (P greater than .15) by immunization against GRF-HSA. Serum concentrations of IGF-1 were similar at wk 0, but concentrations were lower in GRF-HSA than in HSA gilts (P less than .05) at wk 14.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Structural determinants of the factor IX molecule mediating interaction with the endothelial cell binding site are distinct from those involved in phospholipid binding.

Previous studies have indicated that Factor IX/IXa interacts in a specific and high affinity manner with a binding site on the endothelial cell surface. In this study, the contributions of the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing (GLA) and growth factor domains to the finding of Factor IX to the endothelium were assessed. While GLA-containing peptides from Factors IX, X, and prothrombin were inhibitors of 125I-Factor IX-endothelial cell binding, the GLA peptide from Factor IX was about 250-800-fold more effective than those from prothrombin and Factor X, respectively. In contrast to its relative efficacy as an inhibitor of Factor IX-cell surface interaction, the Factor IX-GLA peptide neither bound to lipid vesicles nor inhibited Factor IX-lipid interaction. A synthetic peptide comprising the entire first epidermal growth factor (EGF) exon was also an inhibitor of 125I-Factor IX-endothelial cell binding, although it did not interact with lipid vesicles. Experiments with synthetic peptides comprising each of the three loops of the first EGF domain or the entire first EGF region with specific substitutions indicated the importance of determinants in both the first and probably third loops for Factor IX-endothelial interaction. In contrast, the second loop of the first EGF domain and the first loop of the second EGF exon are probably not involved in Factor IX-endothelial interaction based on their inability to block 125I-Factor IX binding to cells. These results indicate that determinants in both the GLA and the first EGF domain contribute to the specific binding of Factor IX to the endothelial cell surface and that structural requirements for Factor IX-cell surface interaction are distinct from those for Factor IX binding to lipids.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

Site-directed antibodies for probing the structure and biogenesis of phosphatidylinositol glycan-linked membrane proteins: application to placental alkaline phosphatase.

An immunological approach to the study of the structure and biogenesis of the phosphatidylinositol glycan (PI-G) membrane anchor at the carboxyl terminus of human placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) is described. Based on the protein sequence predicted from full length PLAP cDNA, two epitopes were chosen in the region of the carboxyl terminus for the production of site-directed antibodies. The exo site represents the last nine residues of preproPLAP, (res. 505-513), which is part of the sequence that is expected to be cleaved from the nascent protein during processing and addition of the PI-G tail. A second site, the endo sequence, was selected close to the expected carboxyl terminus in mature PI-G-tailed PLAP (res. 474-484 of proPLAP). The two peptides were synthesized, polyclonal antibodies to the conjugated peptides were prepared, and the antisera were characterized. Analytical methods for both synthetic peptides and proteins are presented. Preliminary applications to the isolation and characterization of the PI-G-linked carboxyl terminus of mature PLAP and to the characterization of nascent PLAP are described. The application of both carboxyl terminal-directed antibodies, and a third antibody directed to the amino terminus of mature PLAP, in studies employing mutant forms of PLAP and to the PI-G tailing process itself are discussed. The immunological approach used here for PLAP should be applicable generally to the study of other PI-G-tailed proteins.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed1988

Genetic restriction of the murine humoral response to a recombinant Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein.

The antibody response of inbred and congenic strains of mice immunized with a recombinant Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein was investigated. Only mice of the H-2k and H-2a haplotypes developed antibodies that react with P. vivax sporozoite in an indirect immunofluorescence assay and with the recombinant protein in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Congenic recombinant strains were used to map Ir gene control to the I-Ak locus. A similar pattern of genetic restriction was found when congenic strains were immunized with a carrier-free synthetic peptide corresponding to the repeat region of the P. vivax circumsporozoite protein. The results suggest that the ability of T helper cells to recognize a T cell epitope(s) in the repeat region of the P. vivax circumsporozoite protein is genetically restricted.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Comparison of recombinant human immunodeficiency virus gag precursor and gag/env fusion proteins and a synthetic env peptide as diagnostic reagents.

Diagnostic reagents for detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exposure with improved reliability may be provided by viral encoded proteins produced by recombinant DNA techniques or by synthetic peptides corresponding to appropriate viral epitopes. We have expressed at high levels in E. coli a gag gene segment corresponding to approximately 97% of the p55 gag precursor protein, as well as a novel gag/env fusion protein that contains antigenic determinants in common with gag p24, env gp41, and env gp120. The gag and gag/env proteins were purified from insoluble inclusion bodies by sequential extraction with increasing concentrations of urea. These components were tested for reactivity with antisera to HIV proteins and peptides. We have also chemically synthesized a peptide corresponding to env residues 578-608, representing a portion of env gp41. The final preparation of gag and gag/env proteins in 8 M urea reacted with sheep anti-HTLV-III p24 gag antibodies and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient sera. The gag/env fusion protein also reacted with rabbit anti-HIV env 500-511 peptide antibody. Both recombinant proteins and the env peptide were suitable as reagents for evaluation of serum samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results of ELISA assays utilizing the recombinant viral proteins and synthetic peptide were in good agreement with results obtained using disrupted virus as antigen in ELISA assays and immunoblotting.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1985

Human placental alkaline phosphatase in liver and intestine.

Three distinct forms of human alkaline phosphatase, presumably isozymes, are known, each apparently associated with a specific tissue. These are placental, intestinal, and liver (kidney and bone). We have used a specific immunoassay and HPLC to show that placental alkaline phosphatase is also present in extracts of liver and intestine in appreciable amounts.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗