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Biomedical subjects

F A Baglia

Publications and source records attributed to F A Baglia.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A binding site for heparin in the apple 3 domain of factor XI.

Since heparin potentiates activated factor XI (FXIa) inhibition by protease nexin-2 by providing a template to which both proteins bind (Zhang, Y., Scandura, J. M., Van Nostrand, W. E., and Walsh, P. N. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 26139-26144), we examined binding of factor XI (FXI) and FXIa to heparin. FXIa binds to heparin (Kd approximately 0.7 x 10(-9) M) >150-fold more tightly than FXI (Kd approximately 1.1 x 10(-7) M). To localize the heparin-binding site on FXI, rationally designed conformationally constrained synthetic peptides were used to compete with 125I-FXI binding to heparin. A peptide derived from the Apple 3 (A3) domain of FXI (Asn235-Arg266) inhibited FXI binding to heparin (Kd approximately 3.4 x 10(-6) M), whereas peptides from the A1 domain (Phe56-Ser86), A2 domain (Ala134-Ala176), and A4 domain (Ala317-Gly350) had no such effect. The recombinant A3 domain (rA3, Ala181-Val271) inhibited FXI binding to heparin (Ki approximately 1.4 x 10(-7) M) indicating that all the information necessary for FXI binding to heparin is contained entirely within the A3 domain. The A3 domain also contains a platelet-binding site (Asn235-Arg266), consisting of three surface-exposed loop structures, Pro229-Gln233, Thr741-Leu246, and Thr249-Phe260 (Baglia, F. A., Jameson, B. A., and Walsh, P. N. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 6734-6740). Only peptide Thr249-Phe260 (which contains a heparin binding consensus sequence, RIKKSKA) inhibits FXI binding to heparin (Ki = 2.1 x 10(-7) M), whereas peptides Pro229-Gln233 and Thr241- Leu246 had no effect. Fine mapping of the heparin-binding site using prekallikrein analogue amino acid substitutions of the synthetic peptide Thr249-Phe260 and alanine scanning of the recombinant A3 indicated that the amino acids Lys252 and Lys253 are important for heparin binding. Thus, the sequence Thr249-Phe260 which contains most of the binding energy for FXI interaction with platelets also mediates the binding of FXI to heparin.

Amino Acid Sequence

Tissue-specific expression of functional platelet factor XI is independent of plasma factor XI expression.

Platelet factor XI is an alternatively spliced product of the factor XI gene expressed specifically within megakaryocytes and platelets as an approximately 1.9-kb mRNA transcript (compared with approximately 2.1 kb in liver cells) lacking exon V. Flow cytometry with an affinity-purified factor XI antibody, with PAC1 antibody (to the GPIIb/IIIa complex on activated platelets), and with S12 antibody (to P-selectin, an alpha-granule membrane protein expressed on the platelet surface during secretion) on platelets activated with ADP, thrombin, thrombin receptor peptide (SFLLRN amide), or collagen at various concentrations exposed platelet factor XI and PAC1 antibody binding in parallel. Unactivated platelets expressed approximately 40% of total platelet factor XI but no PAC1 binding sites. Enhanced membrane exposure of platelet factor XI is independent of alpha-granule secretion, because ADP and collagen exposed platelet factor XI but no S12 binding sites. Platelets from four patients with plasma factor XI deficiency (<0.04 U/mL) had normal constitutive and activation-dependent expression of platelet factor XI. Well-washed platelets from normal and from factor XI-deficient donors incubated with low concentrations of thrombin (0. 05 to 0.1 U/mL) corrected the clotting defect observed with factor XI-deficient plasma. Thus, functionally active platelet factor XI is differentially expressed on platelet membranes in a tissue-specific manner both constitutively and in a concentration-dependent fashion by various agonists in the absence of detectable plasma factor XI.

Adult

Prothrombin is a cofactor for the binding of factor XI to the platelet surface and for platelet-mediated factor XI activation by thrombin.

To study the physiological significance of thrombin as an initiator of intrinsic blood coagulation, activated human platelets were compared with dextran sulfate as a surface for thrombin-catalyzed factor XI activation. Activated gel-filtered platelets promoted factor XI activation by thrombin at initial rates 2-5-fold greater than dextran sulfate in the presence of high molecular weight kininogen (HK, 45 nM), ZnCl2 (25 microM), and CaCl2 (2 mM), conditions optimal for factor XI binding to platelets. Physiological concentrations of HK (636 nM) inhibited factor XI activation by thrombin in a concentration-dependent manner, and this inhibition was reversed by prothrombin (1-3 microM) and by prothrombin fragment 1.2 (PF1.2), but not by prothrombin fragment 1 (PF1). Since prothrombin and PF1.2 (but not PF1) also displaced HK from its binding site on the Apple 1 domain of factor XI, we conclude that the Kringle II domain of prothrombin competes with HK for binding to the Apple 1 domain of factor XI. Prothrombin (1-3 microM) and PF1.2 (but not PF1) in the presence of CaCl2 (2 mM) were able to replace HK (45 nM) in the presence of ZnCl2 (25 microM) as a cofactor for the specific, reversible, high-affinity (Kd approximately 25 nM) binding of factor XI to 947 +/- 150 sites per platelet. This binding is mediated by residues Asn 235-Arg 266 in the Apple 3 domain since a conformationally constrained, synthetic peptide analogue of this sequence inhibits both factor XI binding to activated platelets and platelet-mediated, thrombin-catalyzed factor XI activation in the presence of prothrombin and CaCl2. Finally, prothrombin (1.2 microM) and CaCl2 (2 mM) could substitute for HK (45 nM) and ZnCl2 (25 microM) in promoting optimal rates of thrombin-catalyzed factor XI activation on the platelet surface, thereby initiating the intrinsic coagulation pathway by mechanisms completely independent of the contact phase proteins, factor XII, HK, and prekallikrein.

Binding Sites

A binding site for thrombin in the apple 1 domain of factor XI.

Previously we defined a binding site for high molecular weight kininogen (HK) in the A1 domain of factor XI (FXI). Since thrombin can activate FXI and HK inhibits the activation of FXI by thrombin, we have identified a thrombin binding site in FXI. Both the recombinant A1 domain (Glu1-Ser90) and a synthetic peptide (Phe56-Ser86) containing the HK binding site inhibited FXI activation by thrombin. Both a monoclonal antibody, 5F7, recognizing the A1 domain, and the rA1 domain were shown to be competitive inhibitors of thrombin-catalyzed FXI activation. The peptides Ala45-Arg54 and Val59-Arg70 acted synergistically to inhibit FXI activation by thrombin. Mutant rA1 domain constructs (Val64 --> Ala and Ile77 --> Ala), which do not inhibit FXI binding to HK, retain full capacity to inhibit FXI activation by thrombin. The peptide Ala45-Arg54 inhibited thrombin-catalyzed FXI activation, whereas it had no effect on FXI binding to HK. In contrast, the peptide Asn72-Leu83 (which inhibited FXI binding to HK) did not inhibit FXI activation by thrombin. Thus, a thrombin binding site exists in the A1 domain of FXI spanning residues Ala45-Arg70 that is contiguous with but separate and distinct from the HK binding site. These sites may regulate which ligand is bound to FXI and through which pathway FXI is activated.

Amino Acid Sequence

The Apple 1 and Apple 4 domains of factor XI act synergistically to promote the surface-mediated activation of factor XI by factor XIIa.

Binding sites for high molecular weight kininogen (HK) and for factor XIIa are present in the Apple 1 (A1) and the A4 domains of factor XI, respectively. To define the roles of these two sites in surface-mediated factor-XI activation we prepared conformationally constrained synthetic peptides and recombinant A1 domain (rA1) and determined their effects on the activation of factor XI by factor XIIa in the presence of HK and either kaolin or dextran sulfate. Surface-mediated factor-XI activation by factor XIIa was inhibited by a conformationally constrained A4 peptide (Ala317-Gly350), by an A1 peptide (Phe56-Ser86), and by rA1 (Glu1-Ser90). When used in combination at equimolar concentrations, rA1 and A4 peptide were 10-fold more effective than either one alone in inhibiting surface-mediated activation of factor XI by factor XIIa. The A4 peptide was a competitive inhibitor of factor XIIa amidolytic activity and a noncompetitive inhibitor of factor-XI activation by factor XIIa, whereas rA1 and the A1 peptide did not inhibit factor XIIa. The rA1 domain inhibited factor XI binding to HK, whereas the A4 peptide did not. We conclude that specific sequences exposed on the surfaces of the A1 (Val59-Lys83) and A4 (Ala317-Gly350) domains of factor XI act synergistically to promote surface-mediated factor-XI activation by factor XIIa in the presence of HK by binding factor XI to surface-bound HK (A1 domain) and by binding factor XIIa near the cleavage site (Arg369-Ile370) of factor XI (A4 domain).

Dextran Sulfate

Identification and characterization of a binding site for platelets in the Apple 3 domain of coagulation factor XI.

Activated platelets expose a specific, reversible high affinity (Kdapp congruent to 10 nM) binding site (n congruent to 1500 sites/platelet) for factor XI that requires the presence of high molecular weight kininogen (HK) and ZnCl2 (Greengard, J. S., Heeb, M. J., Ersdal, E., Walsh, P. N., and Griffin, J. H. (1986) Biochemistry 25, 3884-3890). Synthetic, conformationally constrained peptides from four tandem repeat (Apple) domains were tested for their capacity to inhibit 125I-factor XI binding to platelets. A peptide from the Apple 3 (A3) domain (Asn235-Arg266) inhibits factor XI binding to platelets in the presence of HK (42 nM), CaCl2 (2 mM), and ZnCl2 (25 microM), with a Ki congruent to 10 nM which is identical to the Kd for factor XI binding to platelets. A peptide from the A1 domain (Phe56-Ser86) partially inhibits factor XI binding to platelets (Ki congruent to 6 microM) by inhibiting factor XI binding to HK, whereas peptides from the A2 and A4 domains have no effect. Using computer modeling for rational design, conformationally constrained peptides were synthesized (Pro229-Gln233, Thr241-Leu246, and Ser248-Ser261) each of which acted alone and synergistically when added together to inhibit factor XI binding to platelets. Finally, the 125I-labeled A3 domain peptide (Asn235-Arg266) was found to bind to thrombin-activated platelets in a specific, reversible, and saturable manner. Thus, the sequence of amino acids Asn235-Arg266 of the A3 domain of factor XI comprises a contact surface for interaction with a platelet receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence

Binding of high-molecular-mass kininogen to the Apple 1 domain of factor XI is mediated in part by Val64 and Ile77.

We have previously demonstrated the presence of a binding site for high-molecular-mass kininogen (HK), spanning residues Val59-Lys83, in the first Apple (A1) domain in the heavy-chain region of factor XI. We have now prepared conformationally constrained synthetic peptides and recombinant A1 domain (rA1) constructs to identify the specific amino acid residues that constitute the HK-binding site. Expression of the A1 domain (Glu1-Ser90) was achieved in a bacterial expression system following PCR amplification of the A1 domain from factor XI cDNA and ligation into an expression plasmid. The rA1 inhibited factor XI binding to HK [Ki approximately (2-3) x 10(-7) M] in a manner indistinguishable from purified factor XI, indicating that all the information necessary for binding HK is contained within the A1 domain. To identify specific amino acid residues involved in binding HK, conformationally constrained peptides were synthesized containing conservative amino acid substitutions at residues suspected to contain side chains involved in binding, including Val64-->Ala, Glu66-->Ala, Arg73-->Ala and Ile77-->Ala. Because normal results were obtained with all peptides with the exception of Val64-->Ala and Ile77-->Ala, which failed to compete normally with factor XI for binding to HK, we prepared two mutant rA1 domains (Val64-->Ala and Ile77-->Ala) by PCR-based site-directed mutagenesis, both of which exhibited diminished capacity to inhibit factor XI binding to HK. Competition studies with prekallikrein (PK) and a PK-dependent synthetic peptide suggested that PK and factor XI have a common surface in the A1 domain for binding HK of which Val64 is a part. We conclude that the binding of factor XI to HK is mediated at least in part by Val64 and Ile77 in the A1 domain of factor XI.

Amino Acid Sequence

Identification and characterization of a binding site for factor XIIa in the Apple 4 domain of coagulation factor XI.

Previously we have characterized a binding site for high M(r) kininogen in the first of four tandem-repeat (Apple) domains within the heavy chain region of factor XI (Baglia, F. A., Jameson, B. A., and Walsh, P. N. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 4149-4154; Baglia, F. A., Jameson, B. A., and Walsh, P. N. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 4247-4252), whereas a substrate binding site for factor IX was localized to the second Apple (A2) domain (Baglia, F. A., Jameson, B. A., and Walsh, P. N. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 24190-24197). To define the factor XI domain that binds factor XIIa, we have screened a panel of synthetic peptides for their capacity to inhibit factor XI activation by factor XIIa. Peptide Gly326-Lys357 (located in the A4 domain) is a noncompetitive inhibitor of factor XI activation by factor XIIa (Ki = 3.75 microM), whereas structurally similar peptides from the A1, A2, and A3 domains were required at > 1000-fold higher concentrations for similar effects. The same peptide (Gly326-Lys357) is a competitive inhibitor of factor XIIa amidolytic activity (Ki = 3.8 microM) suggesting that it binds near the active site of factor XIIa. Computer modeling was used to predict the secondary and tertiary structure of the A4 domain of factor XI that interacts with factor XIIa. Rationally designed, conformationally constrained peptides were synthesized comprising residues Ala317-Gly326, Lys331-Lys340, and Gly344-Gly350, which act in concert to inhibit factor XI-activation by factor XIIa. Finally, a conformationally constrained peptide spanning residues Ala317-Gly350 inhibits factor XIIa-catalyzed factor XI activation 50% at a concentration of 5 x 10(-7) M. These results, interpreted in the context of the model, suggest that the sequence of amino acids from Ala317 through Gly350 of the heavy chain of the A4 domain of factor XI contains three peptide structures, possibly consisting of three antiparallel beta-strands that together comprise a contact surface for interacting with factor XIIa.

Amino Acid Sequence

Fine mapping of the high molecular weight kininogen binding site on blood coagulation factor XI through the use of rationally designed synthetic analogs.

Using immunological and chemical cleavage techniques, we have previously identified a domain contained within residues Phe56-Ser86 in the first tandem repeat (A1) of the heavy chain of factor XI which binds high Mr kininogen (Baglia, F. A., Jameson, B. A., and Walsh, P. N. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 4149-4154). We have now chemically synthesized peptides from corresponding homologous regions in the second (A2), third (A3), and fourth (A4) tandem repeats of the heavy chain (A2: Asn145-Ala176; A3: Asn235-Arg266; and A4: Gly326-Lys357). These peptides had no effect on the binding of factor XI to high Mr kininogen. Because of a lack of detailed structural information for the A1 domain, a molecular model of this region was constructed. This hypothetical model made distinct and testable predictions regarding potential surfaces and concomitant secondary structure. Specifically, the resulting structure depicted two juxtaposed beta-stranded stem-loops that, in conjunction with biological information, constitute a candidate surface for contact with high Mr kininogen. The hypothetical A1 model was, consequently, used as a predictive template in the rational design of two synthetic peptides (Val59-Arg70 and Asn72-Lys83). When both these peptides were added together and the binding of factor XI to high Mr kininogen was examined, a synergistic inhibitory effect was observed compared with each peptide added individually. Our data are consistent with the notion that the sequence of amino acids from Val59-Lys83 of the heavy chain of factor XI contains two antiparallel beta-strands connected by beta-turns that together comprise a continuous surface utilized for the binding of high Mr kininogen.

Amino Acid Sequence

Identification and chemical synthesis of a substrate-binding site for factor IX on coagulation factor XIa.

We have previously used monoclonal antibodies to identify an epitope on the heavy chain of factor XIa that is a substrate-binding site for factor IX (Sinha, D., Seaman, F.S., and Walsh, P.N. (1987) Biochemistry 26, 3768-3775; Baglia, F.A., Sinha, D., and Walsh, P.N. (1989) Blood 74, 244-251). To define the factor XIa domain that binds factor IX, we have now screened a panel of factor XI heavy chain-derived synthetic peptides for their capacity to inhibit the formation of an activation peptide reflecting factor IX activation by factor XIa. Peptide Asn145-Ala176 (which is located in the second tandem repeat or A2 domain of the factor XI heavy chain) is a competitive inhibitor of factor IX activation by factor XIa with a Ki of 30 nM, whereas structurally similar peptides in the A1, A3, and A4 domains were required at 10-1000-fold higher concentrations for similar effects, and a synthetic peptide identical with a highly homologous region of the heavy chain A2 domain of prekallikrein (Tyr143-Ala176) had no effect on factor IX activation by factor XIa. Because detailed structural information is lacking, a potential three-dimensional structure for the factor XI A2 domain was calculated based on its sequence information in conjunction with previously determined structural constraints. The resulting structure depicted three juxtaposed beta-stranded stem-loops that, based on biological information, constitute a candidate surface for contact with factor IX. The A2 model was therefore used as a template in the rational design of three synthetic peptides (Ala134-Ile146 (peptide a), Leu148-Arg159 (peptide b), and Ile160-Leu172 (peptide c]. When peptides a and b or a and c were added together and the activation of factor IX by factor XIa was examined, a synergistic inhibitory effect was observed, compared with each peptide added individually, whereas peptides b and c showed additive effects. Our data suggest that the sequence of amino acids from Ala134 through Leu172 of the heavy chain of factor XI contains three antiparallel beta-strands connected by beta-turns that together comprise a continuous surface utilized for the binding of factor IX.

Amino Acid Sequence

Localization of the high molecular weight kininogen binding site in the heavy chain of human factor XI to amino acids phenylalanine 56 through serine 86.

We have previously demonstrated that a monoclonal antibody (5F7) directed against the heavy chain region of factor XI inhibits the binding of factor XI to high molecular weight kininogen (high Mr kininogen) and the surface-mediated proteolytic activation of factor XI by factor XIIa in the presence of high Mr kininogen. In order to identify the structural domain of factor XI that binds high Mr kininogen, CNBr-digested factor XI was passed over a 5F7 antibody affinity column. One of two CNBr peptides that bound to this 5F7 affinity column inhibited binding of 125I-factor XI to high Mr kininogen, as did intact factor XI. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate of an inhibitory peptide purified by high performance liquid chromatography revealed an Mr of 10,000-15,000. Gas-phase sequencing of this peptide revealed the following amino-terminal sequence: X-X-Val-Thr-Gln-Leu-Leu-Lys-Asp-Thr. These data together with the amino acid composition of the isolated peptide indicate that both the epitope recognized by antibody 5F7 and at least a portion of the high Mr kininogen binding site are contained within the amino-terminal portion of factor XI comprising residues Glu-1 through Met-102. Further cleavage of this peptide with o-iodosobenzoic acid at a tryptophanyl peptide bond revealed that an Mr 5,000 peptide (with the amino-terminal sequence Trp-Phe-Thr-Cys-Val-Leu) bound to a high Mr kininogen affinity column and inhibited binding of 125I-factor XI to high Mr kininogen. Finally, a synthetic peptide comprising residues Phe-56 through Ser-86 inhibited 125I-factor XI binding to high Mr kininogen. These experiments strongly suggest that the high Mr kininogen binding site is contained within the domain in the heavy chain region of factor XI comprising residues Phe-56 through Ser-86.

Amino Acid Sequence

Functional domains in the heavy-chain region of factor XI: a high molecular weight kininogen-binding site and a substrate-binding site for factor IX.

To probe the molecular interactions of factor XI we have prepared two monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs; 5F7 and 3C1), each of which binds the heavy chain of reduced and alkylated factor XIa. Competitive solid phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) binding studies revealed that 5F7 and 3C1 are directed against different epitopes within factor XI. One antibody (5F7) blocked the surface-mediated proteolytic activation of factor XI and its binding to HMW kininogen, but had no effect on factor-XIa-catalyzed factor IX activation. The other antibody (3C1) is a competitive inhibitor of factor-IX activation by factor XIa, but blocked factor-XI binding to HMW kininogen only at 1,000-fold higher concentration than 5F7. Moreover, HMW kininogen had no effect on the kinetics of factor-XIa-catalyzed factor-IX activation. Furthermore, factor XI CNBr peptide fragments that bind to the 5F7 and 3C1 antibodies were isolated. The peptides that bound to the 5F7 antibody blocked the binding of HMW kininogen to factor XI but did not inhibit factor-XIa-catalyzed factor-IX activation. However, the peptides isolated by the 3C1 antibody inhibited factor-XIa-catalyzed factor-IX activation and had no effect on factor-XI binding to HMW kininogen. Our results indicate that distinct functional domains within the heavy chain region of factor XI are important for the binding of factor XI to HMW kininogen and for activation of factor IX by factor XIa.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Naturally occurring human antibodies against two distinct functional domains in the heavy chain of FXI/FXIa.

We have isolated and probed the mechanism of action of two naturally occurring antibodies (Baltimore and Winston-Salem) against factor XI (FXI), that developed in patients congenitally deficient in FXI after replacement therapy. Purification on immobilized protein A and neutralization with monospecific antibodies against IgG heavy and light chain subtypes indicated that both antibodies were of restricted heterogeneity. Both Winston-Salem (IgG3 kappa) and Baltimore (IgG1 kappa) completely inhibited FXI coagulant activity at titers of 200 and 8 Bethesda units, respectively. Immunoaffinity columns prepared from each antibody were able to bind the heavy but not the light chain of reduced and alkylated activated FXI (FXIa). The activation of purified FXI by activated bovine factor XII (FXIIa), a reaction independent of high molecular weight kininogen (HK), was not inhibited by either antibody. The active site on the FXIa light chain was unaffected by either patient's IgG, as measured by its amidolytic activity. In contrast, one antibody (Baltimore) or its Fab' blocked the surface-mediated proteolytic activation of FXI by human FXIIa in a concentration-dependent fashion by preventing its binding to HK, but had no effect on the rate of activation of FIX by FXIa. In contrast, the other antibody (Winston-Salem) or its Fab' inhibited the activation of FIX by FXIa in a concentration-dependent fashion but did not inhibit binding of FXI to HK. We conclude that each of these two naturally occurring antibodies is directed against a specific, separate, and distinct epitope located in the heavy chain of FXIa, one near or at the domain essential for the activation of FIX by FXIa and the other close to the domain required for binding to HK.

Amides

[3H]UTP incorporation in permeabilized mouse L-cells is inhibited by antibodies directed against a structural nuclear protein.

Newly transcribed RNA is apparently attached to a nuclear structural framework whose main proteins are lamins A, C and B. Whether this attachment is fortuitous or has some functional importance was tested by measuring [3H]UTP incorporation into RNA of permeabilized mouse L-cells after incubation with antibodies against these polypeptides. Antibodies against only lamin B and not against lamins A, C inhibited low concentration alpha-amanitin-sensitive RNA transcription. Lamin B antibodies inhibited only in an assay system with whole nuclei and not in a soluble assay system. Anti-lamin B therefore does not block the actual transcriptional machinery, but rather seems to crosslink the structural framework on which transcription takes place in the intact nucleus, inhibiting dynamic changes essential to RNA synthesis.

Animals

The major 67 000 molecular weight protein of the clam oocyte nuclear envelope is lamin-like.

Nuclear envelopes of somatic cells have at least two different major proteins in the 60-70(X 10(3] molecular weight range (lamins A(C) and B) that seem to be involved in chromatin attachment. In contrast, nuclear envelopes from clam germinal vesicles have only a single major protein of the same size class (approximately 67 X 10(3) Mr) and have no chromatin attached to them. The data presented in this report show that this 67 X 10(3) Mr clam protein shares a variety of physical properties with lamins A(C) and B, derived from rat liver nuclei. These properties include similar size, although different isoelectric points; phosphorylated forms; strong tendencies to cross-link by disulphide bonds; presence of carbohydrates, demonstrated by direct incorporation of mannose and labelling with borohydride; and shared epitopes, demonstrated using both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Taken together, these observations identify the clam 67 X 10(3) Mr protein, the major structural protein of a nuclear envelope that lacks attached chromatin, as being lamin-like and demonstrate that it is more closely related to lamin A(C) than to lamin B.

Animals

Nuclear ribonucleoprotein release and nucleoside triphosphatase activity are inhibited by antibodies directed against one nuclear matrix glycoprotein.

Circumstantial evidence suggests that nucleocytoplasmic exchange or transport is an active process involving the nuclear pore complex of the nuclear envelope. To test this hypothesis, antibodies were generated against nuclear envelope components from a highly enriched pore complex fraction from Spisula solidissima oocytes. Some of these antibodies inhibited ATP-dependent ribonucleoprotein release from prelabeled, isolated rat nuclei and inhibited nucleoside triphosphatase activity essential in nucleocytoplasmic transport. Inhibition of both functions by lectins indicated that the antigen was a glycoprotein. It was identified as lamin B, a major component of the nuclear envelope and nuclear matrix. This glycoprotein may not only be a structural nuclear protein but also may have nucleoside triphosphatase activity. We speculate that lamin B represents the solid support for ribonucleoprotein transport. This protein is expected to be highly conserved if active transport in and out of the nucleus is essential in the eukaryotic system.

Adenosine Triphosphate