Biomedical subjects

G Egea

Publications and source records attributed to G Egea.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1994

gp74 a membrane glycoprotein of the cis-Golgi network that cycles through the endoplasmic reticulum and intermediate compartment.

A monoclonal antibody CC92 (IgM), raised against a fraction of rat liver enriched in Golgi membranes, recognizes a novel Endo H-resistant 74-kD membrane glycoprotein (gp74). The bulk of gp74 is confined to the cis-Golgi network (CGN). Outside the Golgi gp74 is found in tubulovesicular structures and ER foci. In cells incubated at 37 degrees C the majority of gp74 is segregated from the intermediate compartment (IC) marker p58. However, in cells treated with organelle perturbants such as low temperature, BFA, and [AIF4]- the patterns of the two proteins become indistinguishable. Both proteins are retained in the Golgi complex at 20 degrees C and in the IC at 15 degrees C. Incubation of cells with BFA results in relocation of gp74 to p58 positive IC elements. [AIF4]- induces the redistribution of gp74 from the Golgi to p58-positive vesicles and does not retard the translocation of gp74 to IC elements in cells treated with BFA. Disruption of microtubules by nocodazol results in the rapid disappearance of the Golgi elements stained by gp74 and redistribution of the protein into vesicle-like structures. The responses of gp74 to cell perturbants are in sharp contrast with those of cis/middle and trans-Golgi resident proteins whose location is not affected by low temperatures or [AIF4]-, are translocated to the ER upon addition of BFA, and stay in slow disintegrating Golgi elements in cells treated with nocodazol. The results suggest that gp74 is an itinerant protein that resides most of the time in the CGN and cycles through the ER/IC following the pathway used by p58.

Aluminum Compounds↗

PubMed1993

High resolution labeling of cholinergic nerve terminals using a specific fully active biotinylated botulinum neurotoxin type A.

We report here on the synthesis and characterization of a fully active biotinylated derivative of the botulinum neurotoxin type A. Different ratios of biotin: botulinum toxin were tested to optimize derivatizing conditions and a ratio of 35:1 was selected for further experiments. The average number of biotin groups per toxin molecule was estimated to be 7.8, occurring at both heavy and light chains, and almost all externally located and easily accessible to recognition by streptavidin. The modified toxin retained its toxicity and its ability to interact with biological membranes. Apart from its suitability for detection in Western blots and in microtiter well plates, biotinylated botulinum toxin proved to be adequate for morphological labeling studies at both light and electron microscopy. Peroxidase histochemistry in cryostat sections of intoxicated rat hemidiaphragm muscles showed a distinct labeling of end-plates. Electron microscopy studies were performed on the electric organ of Torpedo marmorata using colloidal gold-conjugated streptavidin for detection. After intoxication of electric organ fragments with the modified toxin, gold labels were found associated with the presynaptic plasma membrane of nerve terminals and with the membrane of synaptic vesicles. Moreover, the distribution of biotinylated botulinum toxin binding sites over the membrane of synaptosomes isolated from the electric organ of Torpedo and their relationship with intramembrane particles were analyzed using the replica-staining label-fracture technique. It was found that the toxin is never associated with intramembrane particles.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

alpha GalNAc is essential for recognition of Exo-1 epithelial antigen by mouse monoclonal antibody Pa-G-14.

Mouse monoclonal antibody Pa-G-14 detects Exo-1, an antigen whose expression is regulated in the processes of epithelial-cell differentiation and transformation. The epitope recognized by Pa-G-14 is present both in glycosphingolipids and in mucin glycoproteins. To characterize the specificity of Pa-G-14, immuno-thin-layer chromatography, biochemical, and enzymatic treatment of glycosphingolipid extracts from human pancreas were used. The antibody bound to all blood-group-A substances; alpha GalNAc, but not fucose, was essential for reactivity. In ELISA, Pa-G-14 also reacted with ovine and bovine submaxillary mucins but not with porcine submaxillary mucin. Binding to ovine submaxillary mucin was resistant to neuraminidase treatment. In solid-phase absorption assays on synthetic carbohydrate structures, Pa-G-14 recognized broadly blood group A, Tn and sialyl-Tn. Using immuno-electron-microscopic techniques, reactivity with all Golgi cisternae and mucin droplets of mucous cells in ovine submaxillary gland was demonstrated. All these assays indicate that Pa-G-14 shows a novel specificity, since it binds blood group A, Tn and sialyl-Tn, the common structural feature of these epitopes being the presence of a terminal alpha GalNAc sugar unit.

Acetylgalactosamine↗

PubMed1993

Detection of the MUC2 apomucin tandem repeat with a mouse monoclonal antibody.

BACKGROUND: The MUC2 intestinal mucin gene contains tandem repeats of 23 amino acid length that are rich in threonine. METHODS: Mouse monoclonal antibody LDQ10 was raised against chemically deglycosylated mucin isolated from LS174T colon cancer nude mouse xenografts. RESULTS: LDQ10 reacts with deglycosylated colon cancer mucin and with a synthetic peptide encompassing the MUC2 tandem repeat sequence. In immunohistochemical assays, strong reactivity with goblet cells in colon, small bowel, and stomach is observed; weaker reactivity with mucin-producing cells in other epithelial tissues is shown. The epitope recognized by LDQ10 is localized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of normal colonic goblet cells. LDQ10 also shows strong reactivity with colorectal and stomach cancers and weaker reactivity with pancreas, breast, and bladder cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Antibody LDQ10 detects a peptide epitope of MUC2 that becomes cryptic on glycosylation. Altered synthesis of the MUC2 apomucin takes place in a variety of epithelial cancers.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Calcium channel antagonist omega-conotoxin binds to intramembrane particles of isolated nerve terminals.

Voltage-sensitive calcium channels play a key role in evoked neurotransmitter release and their distribution in presynaptic membranes can be critical for fast signalling at chemical synapses. Using a biotinylated derivative of the neuronal calcium channel antagonist, omega-conotoxin, and a combination of colloidal gold labeling and freeze-fracture techniques, we have labeled calcium channels present at the membrane of nerve terminals isolated from the electric organ of Torpedo marmorata. The biotinylated blocker exerts an inhibitory action on the high potassium-evoked release of adenosine triphosphate as the native toxin does and its interaction with biological membranes is specific as shown in displacement experiments. This study shows that an antagonist specific for voltage-activated calcium channels binds to intramembrane particles in presynaptic membranes, reinforcing the idea that these particles, concentrated at neurotransmitter release sites, effectively represent calcium channels.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1993

Glycosyl phosphatidylinositol membrane anchoring of melanotransferrin (p97): apical compartmentalization in intestinal epithelial cells.

Melanotransferrin (p97) is an iron-binding membrane glycoprotein with 40% homology to transferrin and lactoferrin. It was first identified on the basis of its high level of expression in melanoma cells, as compared to normal melanocytes. It is also present in many cultured cell types. In normal tissues, p97 is expressed in fetal intestine, umbilical cord, sweat gland ducts and liver sinusoidal lining cells. Kinetic studies in melanoma cells have suggested that p97 plays a role in iron metabolism. We have examined expression of p97 in cell lines derived from human colorectal carcinomas which express a differentiated phenotype. When polarized, these cells showed a preferred apical distribution of p97, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, immune electron microscopy and domain-selective biotinylation. Correspondingly, p97 was only found on the apical brush border of epithelial cells in the fetal intestine. p97 was shown to be anchored to the membrane through a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol moiety by treatment with phophatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) and labeling with [14C]ethanolamine. These observations provide a basis for the elucidation of the physiological role of p97 in iron metabolism and its possible role in cell proliferation and malignant cell transformation.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

PubMed1993

cis-Golgi resident proteins and O-glycans are abnormally compartmentalized in the RER of colon cancer cells.

Neoplastic transformation is commonly associated with altered glycosylation of proteins and lipids. To understand the basis for altered mucin glycosylation, we have examined the distribution of RER markers, a cis-Golgi resident protein, and the GalNAc alpha-O-Ser/Thr epitope (Tn) in human colon cancer cells and in normal colon. In cultured mucin-producing colon cancer cells, Gal-NAc alpha-O-Ser/Thr was found in mucin droplets and in RER cisternae. In addition, the Golgi apparatus was disorganized in a proportion of cells and a 130 kDa cis-Golgi resident protein was also abnormally redistributed to the RER. The distribution of the MUC2 intestinal apomucin, protein disulphide isomerase, Gal-NAc alpha-O-Ser/Thr, and the 130 kDa cis-Golgi resident protein was analysed in normal colon and in colon cancer tissues. In normal colon, MUC2 apomucin and protein disulphide isomerase were located in the RER, whereas the cis-Golgi resident protein and GalNAc alpha-O-Ser/Thr were detected only in the cis-Golgi compartment. In contrast, the two Golgi markers colocalized with the MUC2 apomucin and protein disulphide isomerase in the RER of colon cancer cells. On the basis of these results, we propose that in colon cancer cells a redistribution of molecules normally present in the Golgi apparatus takes place; this alteration may contribute to the abnormal glycosylation of proteins and lipids associated with neoplastic transformation.

Cell Compartmentation↗

PubMed1992

Nuclear location of phosphoglycerate mutase BB isozyme in rat tissues.

We have previously reported (Ureña et al. Eur. J. Cell Biol. 1990) that in skeletal muscle, type MM phosphoglycerate mutase isozyme is present in the nucleus as well as in the cytosol. To determine whether type BB phosphoglycerate mutase isozyme is also present in nucleus, the subcellular location of this isozyme was studied in different rat tissues by cell fractionation and immunogold techniques. With the aid of high affinity-purified anti-phosphoglycerate mutase BB isozyme antibodies, the isozyme was located in the nucleus of neuronal, astroglial and liver cells but not in the nucleus of oligodendroglial and endothelial cells. Biochemical studies on purified nuclear fractions also demonstrated the presence of phosphoglycerate mutase activity in the nucleus. Both immunocytochemical and biochemical techniques showed that nuclear phosphoglycerate mutase-specific activity depended on the type of cell.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Binding of botulinum neurotoxin to pure cholinergic nerve terminals isolated from the electric organ of Torpedo.

Torpedo electric organ has been used to study the binding of botulinum neurotoxin type A to pure cholinergic synaptosomes and presynaptic plasma membrane. 125I-labeled botulinum neurotoxin type A exhibits specific binding to cholinergic fractions. Two binding sites have been determined according to data analysis: a high affinity binding site (synaptosomes: Kd = 0.11 +/- 0.03 nM, Bmax = 50 +/- 10 fmol.mg prot-1; presynaptic plasma membrane: Kd = 0.2 +/- 0.05 nM, Bmax = 150 +/- 15 fmol.mg prot-1) and a low affinity binding site (synaptosomes: Kd approximately 26 nM, Bmax approximately 7.5 pmol.mg prot-1; presynaptic plasma membrane: Kd approximately 30 nM, Bmax approximately 52 pmol.mg prot-1). The binding of 125I-botulinum neurotoxin type A is decreased by previous treatment of synaptosomes by neuraminidase and trypsin, and by a preincubation with bovine brain gangliosides or antiserum raised against Torpedo presynaptic plasma membrane. When presynaptic plasma membranes are blotted to nitrocellulose sheet, either 125I-botulinum neurotoxin or botulinum toxin-gold complexes bind to a M(r) approximately 140,000 protein. Botulinum toxin-gold complexes have also been used to study the toxin internalization process into Torpedo synaptosomes. The images fit the three step sequence model in the pathway of botulinum neurotoxin poisoning.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1992

Carbohydrate patterns of the pure cholinergic synapse of Torpedo electric organ: a cytochemical and immunocytochemical electron microscopic approach.

Using post-embedding gold staining techniques, we investigated the ultrastructural distribution of terminal sugars and carbohydrate chains located at the pure cholinergic electric organ tissue of Torpedo marmorata. Neither alpha-N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-specific lectins (DBA, SBA, HPA) nor monoclonal antibodies (MAb) recognizing Tn (Gal-NAc alpha-O-Ser/Thr; MAb Cu-1) and sialyl-Tn epitopes (NeuAc alpha 2,6GalNAc alpha-O-Ser/Thr; MAb B72.3 and OSM-10) were capable of labeling any of the synaptic structures. The absence of gold labeling was likewise noted with UEA-I (L-fucose) and with PNA (T-antigen, Gal beta 1,3GalNAc alpha). After neuraminidase pre-treatment of ultra-thin sections, PNA labeling was rendered evident, indicating the presence of neuraminic acid-masked T-antigen. Certain synaptic vesicles were labeled for neuraminic acid (LFA) and for N-acetyllactosamine (DSA), whereas others were not labeled at all. Gold labeling with LFA, RCA-I (beta-galactose), and DSA in the membrane infoldings of the dorsal face of the electrocyte was visualized. As noted above, the PNA reaction was revealed only after pre-treatment with neuraminidase. Dorsal (non-synaptic) basal lamina were reactive with DSA, whereas the synaptic portion was likewise labeled with LFA and RCA-I. Finally, RCA-I labeling was noted in the Schwann cell nucleus. Comparisons between these results and those described at the neuromuscular junction were made.

Amino Sugars↗

PubMed1991

Mucin production by colon cancer cells cultured in serum-free medium.

Although many colon cancer cell lines are available for study, few of them exhibit differentiated properties. When cultured in medium containing fetal bovine serum, WiDr cells (WiDr-FBS) show an undifferentiated phenotype: growth as a multilayer of cells adherent to plastic and lack of polarization, brush border, and mucin vacuoles. In contrast, WiDr cells cultured in a chemically-defined serum-free medium containing insulin, transferrin and selenium (WiDr-ITS) grow as clusters of nonadherent cells with abundant desmosomes and tight junctions, microvilli and electron-lucid vacuoles. As WiDr-FBS cells, WiDr-ITS are not polarized. WiDr-ITS cells show a marked enhancement in mucin synthesis as demonstrated by: periodic acid-Schiff and Alcian blue stains, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) reactive with mucin-associated epitopes, immune electron microscopy and immunochemical analysis using Western blots. In comparison with WiDr-FBS cells, WiDr-ITS cells showed strong expression of Tn, sialyl-Tn, blood group A and CEA. When mouse MAbs were used, higher levels of the MUCI gene product were detected in WiDr-ITS than in WiDr-FBS cells. The full spectrum of phenotypic changes was observed after I month of culture in ITS medium, and transfer of WiDr-ITS cells to FBS medium was accompanied by a partial phenotypic reversal, suggesting that these phenotypic changes result from an adaptative--rather than selective--process.

Alcian Blue↗

PubMed1991

Ultrastructural changes induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate in pure cholinergic synaptosomes of Torpedo electric organ.

We have studied the morphological changes induced by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) treatment on pure cholinergic synaptosomes from Torpedo electric organ. These changes were studied by both ultrathin sections and freeze-fracture techniques. We found that after a treatment with TPA, a redistribution of synaptic vesicles inside the nerve endings and exocytotic images could be observed. Also, TPA, under conditions that induced the acetylcholine release, did not change the density of intramembrane particles at the synaptosomal protoplasmic hemimembrane leaflet. Similar results were found when calcium was not present in the extrasynaptosomal medium, and our results suggest that acetylcholine release induced by phorbol ester is probably mediated by exocytosis of synaptic vesicles.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1990

Tetanus toxin blocks potassium-induced transmitter release and rearrangement of intramembrane particles at pure cholinergic synaptosomes.

We have studied the action of tetanus toxin on the release of acetylcholine from a subcellular fraction of cholinergic nerve terminals (synaptosomes) isolated from the Torpedo electric organ. We have also studied the morphological changes induced by chemical stimulation on the presynaptic plasma membrane of poisoned synaptosomes. These changes were studied by means of freeze-fracture techniques. We found that tetanus toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine from isolated nerve terminals in a dose-dependent manner. The maximal inhibition is achieved at a concentration of 12.5 nM in 10 min. This effect is prevented by tetanus toxin antiserum. Tetanus toxin also blocks the rearrangement of intramembrane particles at plasma membrane of poisoned synaptosomes, specifically the decrease of small (less than or equal to 9.5 nm diameter) intramembranous particles at the protoplasmic hemimembrane leaflet and the increase of large (greater than 9.5 nm diameter) intramembrane particles at the external hemimembrane leaflet induced by potassium stimulation. These results suggest that intramembrane particle rearrangement could be related to acetylcholine secretion.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1990

The action of botulinum toxin on cholinergic nerve terminals isolated from the electric organ of Torpedo marmorata. Detection of a putative toxin receptor.

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTx) inhibits the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from Torpedo electric organ synaptosomes. We have studied several biochemical and morphological aspects in order to characterize the molecular interactions of BoNTx intoxication in our preparation. 1. We are describing for the first time an electrophoretic band from cholinergic presynaptic plasma membrane (PSPM) that is recognized by 125I-BoNTx as a putative BoNTx receptor. 2. Furthermore we describe direct interaction of botulinum toxin-gold complexes with synaptic vesicles through the three-step model of the BoNTx intoxication.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Location of phosphoglycerate mutase in rat skeletal muscle. An immunocytochemical and biochemical study.

The subcellular distribution of phosphoglycerate mutase was studied by immunogold techniques. With the aid of highly affinity-purified anti-phosphoglycerate mutase antibodies, the enzyme was found in both cytosol and nucleus of rat skeletal muscle. No evidence of interaction with contractile proteins was observed in cytosol. Nuclear location was also confirmed biochemically using purified nuclear preparations from rat skeletal muscle. Only one immunoreactive nuclear band was observed by Western blot experiments and corresponded to that of phosphoglycerate mutase mobility. Activity measurements from nuclear extracts showed that 25% of total specific activity is found in the nuclei.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Light and electron microscopic detection of (3 Gal beta 1,4 GlcNAc beta 1) sequences in asparagine-linked oligosaccharides with the Datura stramonium lectin.

The Datura stramonium lectin recognizes with high affinity the disaccharide N-acetyllactosamine (Gal beta 1,4 GlcNAc). We have developed a highly specific cytochemical affinity technique in which an ovomucoid-gold complex serves as second step reagent for the visualization of this lectin bound to reactive sequences present in tissue sections. The lectin binding sites were detected in semithin and ultrathin sections of aldehyde-fixed and low temperature Lowicryl K4M embedded tissues. For light microscopical labeling the photochemical silver reaction for signal amplification was required. The application of this technique for the detection of N-acetyllactosamine containing asparagine-linked oligosaccharides in various intracellular organelles and the plasma membrane is demonstrated.

Acetylgalactosamine↗

PubMed1989

Increase in reactive cholesterol in the presynaptic membrane of depolarized Torpedo synaptosomes: blockade by botulinum toxin type A.

We have investigated the redistribution of filipin-cholesterol complexes at freeze-fractured presynaptic membrane of pure cholinergic synaptosomes isolated from Torpedo electric organ during acetylcholine release. After chemical depolarization, filipin-induced lesions increase at the presynaptic membrane. These changes do not take place when synaptosomes are stimulated in a calcium-free medium. Botulinum neurotoxin type A blocks both acetylcholine release and the rearrangement of filipin-induced lesions induced by depolarization. Since botulinum neurotoxin type A does not block either membrane depolarization or calcium entry into the nerve terminal, our results suggest that the redistribution of filipin-cholesterol complexes is linked to the acetylcholine release process.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1989

Botulinum toxin type A blocks the morphological changes induced by chemical stimulation on the presynaptic membrane of Torpedo synaptosomes.

The action of botulinum neurotoxin on acetylcholine release, and on the structural changes at the presynaptic membrane associated with the transmitter release, was studied by using a subcellular fraction of cholinergic nerve terminals (synaptosomes) isolated from the Torpedo electric organ. Acetylcholine and ATP release were continuously monitored by chemiluminescent methods. To catch the membrane morphological changes, the quick-freezing method was applied. Our results show that botulinum neurotoxin inhibits the release of acetylcholine from these isolated nerve terminals in a dose-dependent manner, whereas ATP release is not affected. The maximal inhibition (70%) is achieved at neurotoxin concentrations as low as 125 pM with an incubation time of 6 min. This effect is not linked to an alteration of the integrity of the synaptosomes since, after poisoning by botulinum neurotoxin type A, they show a nonmodified occluded lactate dehydrogenase activity. Moreover, membrane potential is not altered by the toxin with respect to the control, either in resting condition or after potassium depolarization. In addition to acetylcholine release inhibition, botulinum neurotoxin blocks the rearrangement of the presynaptic intramembrane particles induced by potassium stimulation. The action of botulinum neurotoxin suggests that the intramembrane particle rearrangement is related to the acetylcholine secretion induced by potassium stimulation in synaptosomes isolated from the electric organ of Torpedo marmorata.

Acetylcholine↗