PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H S Earp

Publications and source records attributed to H S Earp.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

A truncated, secreted form of the epidermal growth factor receptor is encoded by an alternatively spliced transcript in normal rat tissue.

Two independent cDNA clones corresponding to a 2.7-kilobase (kb) epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) mRNA were isolated from a rat liver cDNA library. Sequence analysis revealed 100% homology in the external domain when compared with the full-length rat EGF-R nucleotide sequence and 80 to 90% similarity relative to the human EGF-R. However, the 3'-terminal sequence of these clones did not match EGF-R or any other known sequence(s) and was distinct from the 3' end of the 2.8-kb mRNA, which encodes a truncated EGF-R in A431 cells. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed an open reading frame which is homologous to the external domain of the EGF-R but which terminates prior to the transmembrane region. Southern blot analysis of rat genomic DNA indicated that the 3'-terminal sequence of this transcript is derived from the EGF-R gene. Analysis of a genomic clone containing the 3' end of the 2.7-kb transcript revealed that this sequence is present as a discrete exon in the mid-region of the receptor gene in proximity to the exon encoding the transmembrane domain. Introduction of an expression vector containing the truncated EGF-R cDNA into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells led to the expression of a 95-kilodalton protein which was detected in conditioned media, by using antisera directed against the EGF-R. A similarly sized protein was also detected in the media of WB cells, a continuous, nontransformed line of rat hepatic epithelial cells. Northern (RNA blot) analysis established that the truncated receptor is encoded by a 2.7-kb transcript found in normal rat liver. Furthermore, Northern analysis of rat poly(A)+ RNA showed that the 2.7-kb EGF-R transcript is expressed at differing levels in various fetal and adult tissues. These data indicate that alternative splicing of the EGF-R primary transcript yields a 2.7-kb mRNA which codes for a truncated form of the receptor. This receptor is secreted by rat hepatic epithelial cells in culture, which suggests that it may be secreted by normal rat cells or tissues and perhaps serve an as yet unknown physiological function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sequential changes in epidermal growth factor receptor/ligand function in cultured rat liver epithelial cells transformed chemically in vitro.

Diploid WB rat liver epithelial cells contain abundant, rapidly internalized epidermal growth factor receptors, and respond pleiotropically to ligand binding. Signal transduction pathways downstream from the EGF receptor involve activation of elements that are both dependent on and independent of protein kinase C activation. Neoplastic transformation of wild-type WB rat liver epithelial cells by exposure to N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine is associated with progressive alterations in the responses of affected cells to binding of EGF to EGF receptors, including heightened cell proliferation and the expression of several other phenotypic properties. Tumorigenic rat liver epithelial cells acquire the ability to express transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), and to secrete this growth factor in a regulated and then unregulated manner. TGF-alpha expression, together with the presence of abundant EGF receptors, provides affected cells with an autocrine growth cycle. The ability of transformed WB rat liver epithelial cells to produce tumors cosegregates clonally with TGF-alpha expression and with heightened expression of c-myc, c-Ha-ras and c-Ki-ras proto-oncogenes.

Animals↗

Protein kinase C inhibits epidermal growth factor-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C gamma and activation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis.

Recent studies have shown that the receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF) can associate with and tyrosine-phosphorylate the gamma-isozyme of phosphoinositide (PtdIns)-specific phospholipase C (PLC gamma), suggesting a possible mechanism for activation of PtdIns hydrolysis by EGF. In the present study, the coupling between PtdIns hydrolysis and PLC gamma tyrosine phosphorylation in WB liver epithelial cells was examined. Peak levels of [P-Tyr]PLC gamma, measured by anti-P-Tyr immunoblotting, occurred at 0.5-2 min of EGF treatment and coincided with the onset of [3H]inositol phosphate production. The termination of PtdIns hydrolysis after EGF stimulation was accompanied by return of [P-Tyr]PLC gamma to near-basal levels. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) with a phorbol ester inhibited (IC50 = 3-10 nM) both EGF-dependent PtdIns hydrolysis and PLC gamma phosphorylation by more than 90%. Both EGF-stimulated responses were potentiated in cells depleted of PKC by prolonged phorbol ester treatment. At physiological ionic strength, monoclonal antibodies to PLC gamma specifically precipitated (in addition to PLC gamma) the EGF receptor and at least six other [P-Tyr]proteins from extracts of EGF-treated cells. PKC activation had differential effects on the tyrosine phosphorylation of these coprecipitating proteins, i.e. the relative abundance of certain [P-Tyr] proteins decreased, whereas that of another protein increased. In conclusion, EGF-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC gamma is broadly correlated with stimulation of PtdIns hydrolysis, consistent with a role for tyrosine phosphorylation in PLC activation. The attendant diacylglycerol release and activation of PKC may terminate PLC gamma activation, in part by inhibiting PLC gamma phosphorylation by the EGF receptor. Our results suggest further that PKC may exert regulatory effects by altering the relationship of PLC gamma to its associated [P-Tyr]proteins.

Animals↗

Characterization of epidermal growth factor receptor induction by retinoic acid in a chemically transformed rat liver cell line.

Levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor expression vary widely among cell lines derived clonally from a chemically transformed population of rat liver epithelial cells. Retinoic acid (RA), a derivative of vitamin A that stimulates differentiation in a number of embryonal cell lines, increases the level of 125I-EGF binding in several clones of the transformed cell lines. One such cell line, GP6ac, which reverts to a less transformed phenotype when treated with RA, exhibited a 3-4-fold increase in surface EGF receptors with prolonged (2-5-day) RA exposure. The increase persisted as long as the cells were treated with RA. The increase in surface EGF receptors was due to induction of receptor biosynthesis, which occurred within 4 h at both the mRNA and protein levels and persisted until the RA was withdrawn. Paradoxically, the RA response was accompanied by an initial 40-50% decrease in 125I-EGF binding during the first 12 h of RA treatment. The decrease was due primarily to a reduction of receptor affinity. Since the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate also decreases 125I-EGF binding and increases EGF receptor biosynthesis in GP6ac cells, we tested the effect of RA in cells depleted of protein kinase C by prolonged treatment (18 h) with 10 microM 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. The absence of protein kinase C did not affect the induction of receptor mRNA and protein or the decrease in binding during the early period of RA exposure. This indicates that RA induction of EGF receptor synthesis in GP6ac cells involves signaling pathways distinct from those utilized by phorbol esters.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

The epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase in liver epithelial cells. The effect of ligand-dependent changes in cellular location.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) activates the intrinsic tyrosine-specific protein kinase of its receptor (EGF-R). We studied the effect of EGF-dependent EGF-R internalization on receptor autophosphorylation and on the appearance of tyrosine phosphoproteins in rat liver epithelial cells. Peak receptor autophosphorylation activity (3- to 6-fold over basal) was found in homogenates of EGF-treated cells at times when the majority of receptors (greater than 90%) had been internalized but not yet degraded (15 to 30 min). Stimulated activity persisted for at least 2 h if EGF-R degradation was blocked by methylamine or 18 degrees C incubation. Detection of stimulated autophosphorylation in homogenates of cells treated with EGF in culture required detergent in the assay. Detergent was not necessary to detect stimulated autophosphorylation when EGF was added directly to homogenates of untreated cells. Immunoblots using antibodies against phosphotyrosine (p-Tyr) demonstrated that EGF treatment of intact cells increased the p-Tyr content of at least seven proteins (EGF-R, 115, 100, 75, 66, 57, and 52 kDa) within 5 s. Incubation of intact cells with EGF at 0 degrees C to prevent endocytosis still resulted in tyrosine phosphorylation of these seven proteins. In contrast, several substrates (120, 78, and 38 kDa) showed delayed increases (45-90 s) in tyrosine phosphorylation at 37 degrees C; their phosphorylation was even slower at 18 degrees C and did not occur at 0 degrees C. In cells incubated with EGF at 18 degrees C or in the presence of methylamine, EGF-R p-Tyr in the intact cell was lost by 2 h even though receptor was not degraded and still exhibited enhanced autophosphorylation in the homogenate assay. These findings suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation in response to EGF occurs predominantly during the initial stages of endocytosis and is mediated for the most part by ligand-receptor complexes at the cell surface. A subset of phosphorylations may require intracellular movement.

Animals↗

Regulation of transforming growth factor alpha messenger RNA expression in a chemically transformed rat hepatic epithelial cell line by phorbol ester and hormones.

Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) is produced by many transformed cells, but little is known about the regulation of its expression. We examined TGF-alpha mRNA levels in a set of cloned neoplastic cell lines derived by chemical transformation of a normal rat liver epithelial cell. The untransformed parental cell line, WB-344, did not express a detectable level of TGF-alpha mRNA, whereas GP6ac, a transformed line capable of autonomous growth in soft agar, expressed TGF-alpha. When GP6ac cells were treated with agents thought to regulate protein kinase C activity, e.g., the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), TGF-alpha mRNA levels increased by 8- to 11-fold. The induction of TGF-alpha mRNA was detectable at 2 h, was maximal at 8-12 h, and declined by 24 h. Angiotensin, bradykinin, epinephrine, and epidermal growth factor also increased TGF-alpha mRNA by 2- to 5-fold. In contrast, parental WB cells neither expressed TGF-alpha mRNA, nor responded to TPA. TPA also increased epidermal growth factor receptor mRNA in GP6ac cells but the effect was less prolonged; maximal levels were seen at 4 h after TPA exposure and returned to control levels by 12 h. TPA increased TGF-alpha mRNA in GP6ac cells, in part, by increasing transcription of the TGF-alpha gene as measured by run-on transcription rates in isolated nuclei. In addition, the induction of TGF-alpha by TPA was blocked by concurrent incubation with agents that inhibit protein synthesis. However, if TPA was present for at least 2 h, subsequent addition of cycloheximide enhanced the effect of TPA. This indicates that the induction of TGF-alpha in GP6ac cells is comprised of at least two phases demarcated by the requirement for protein synthesis. The time course of induction and the sensitivity to inhibition of protein synthesis distinguish the effect of TPA on TGF-alpha mRNA from that of other genes regulated by TPA, e.g., c-myc and c-fos. These data also suggest that chemical transformation of rat liver epithelial cells leads to expression of TGF-alpha mRNA, and that once expressed, TGF-alpha mRNA can be modulated in a protein kinase C-dependent manner.

Animals↗

The TGF-alpha precursor expressed on the cell surface binds to the EGF receptor on adjacent cells, leading to signal transduction.

The 50 amino acid form of TGF-alpha is cleaved from a conserved integral membrane glycoprotein by a protease that, in many tumor cells, appears to be limiting. To test whether the membrane-bound precursor has biological activity in the absence of processing, we introduced amino acid substitutions at the proteolytic cleavage sites. BHK cells transfected with expression vectors containing these altered sequences do not secrete detectable levels of mature TGF-alpha into the medium, but express high levels of proTGF-alpha at the cell surface. Coincubation of these BHK cells with A431 cells demonstrates that membrane-bound proTGF-alpha may bind to EGF receptors on the surface of contiguous cells, induce receptor autophosphorylation, and thereby produce a rapid rise in A431 intracellular calcium levels. Thus, proTGF-alpha can be biologically active in the absence of processing, a fact that may have implications for the integral membrane precursors of related growth factors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Relationship of cytosolic ion fluxes and protein kinase C activation to platelet-derived growth factor induced competence and growth in BALB/c-3T3 cells.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and other agents that activate protein kinase C (PKC) rapidly alter cytosolic pH (pHi) and intracellular free calcium ([Ca++]i) in BALB/c-3T3 fibroblasts. To define whether changes in pHi or [Ca++]i are linked to PDGF-stimulated mitogenesis, these parameters were assessed in control and PKC depleted fibroblasts. PDGF addition to BALB/c-3T3 fibroblasts resulted in transient acidification of the cytoplasm followed by prolonged cytosolic alkalinization. Exposure of cells to 12-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a phorbol ester that activates PKC, resulted in cytosolic alkalinization without prior acidification. Overnight incubation with 600 nM TPA decreased the total cell PKC histone phosphorylating activity in BALB/c-3T3 fibroblasts by greater than 90%. In PKC-deficient fibroblasts, TPA, and PDGF-induced alkalinization was abolished. In addition, the transient drop in pHi seen initially in control cells treated with PDGF is sustained to the point where pHi is fully 0.6-0.7 pH units below control cell values for up to 30 minutes. PDGF increased [Ca++]i threefold; this transient rise in [Ca++]i was only minimally affected (less than 15%) by lowering of the extracellular calcium level with ethylene glycol bis(b-aminoethyl ether)0 N,N,N' tetraacetic acid (EGTA) or blocking calcium influx with CoCl2. In contrast, 8-(diethylamine)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8), an agent thought to inhibit calcium release from intracellular stores, substantially inhibited the rise in [Ca++]i caused by PDGF. TPA and 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG) increased [Ca++]i but in contrast to PDGF this effect was blocked by pretreatment of cells with EGTA or CoCl2. In PKC-deficient fibroblasts, PDGF still increased [Ca++]i and stimulated DNA synthesis as effectively as in controls. TPA and OAG however, no longer increased [Ca++]i. The continued ability of PDGF to stimulate DNA synthesis in the face of sustained acidification and the absence of PKC activity suggests that cytosolic alkalinization and PKC activation are not essential for PDGF-induced competence in BALB/c-3T3 fibroblasts.

Animals↗

Altered growth factor dependence and transforming growth factor gene expression in transformed rat tracheal epithelial cells.

The role of peptide growth factors in neoplastic progression of transformed rat tracheal epithelial (RTE) cells was assessed by examining growth factor requirements and expression of growth factor and growth factor receptor genes in normal and transformed RTE cells. Neoplastically transformed cell lines showed decreased requirements for bovine pituitary extract, insulin, and epidermal growth factor compared to normal primary RTE cells. Neoplastic RTE cell lines expressed significantly increased levels of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) RNA and secreted TGF alpha into the media, suggesting an autocrine role for this growth factor. Increased levels of TGF alpha RNA were also observed in the preneoplastic stages of the same cell lines, indicating that increased TGF alpha expression is an early event in the multistage process of neoplastic transformation of RTE cells. TGF beta transcripts were also overexpressed in neoplastically transformed cell lines. Our studies suggest that aberrant expression of growth factors may play an important role in the development and/or maintenance of the transformed phenotype in RTE cells.

Animals↗

Tyrosine phosphorylation of a c-Src-like protein is increased in membranes of CD4- CD8- T lymphocytes from lpr/lpr mice.

Mice homozygous for the autosomal recessive lpr gene have a disorder that results in autoimmunity and massive accumulation of T lymphocytes lacking CD4 and CD8 surface markers. These abnormal T cells exhibit constitutive tyrosine phosphorylation of a component of the CD3-T-cell receptor complex. We compared membrane tyrosine phosphorylation in lpr/lpr CD4- CD8- T cells and control T cells, lpr membranes exhibited a 7.3-fold increase (n = 16) in tyrosine phosphorylation of a 60-kilodalton protein. The increase was correlated with the Lpr but not the CD4- CD8- phenotype in that p60 phosphorylation was not increased in membranes from normal CD4- CD8- thymocytes. To identify the p60 in lpr cells, we examined the activity of several T-cell tyrosine-specific protein kinases. p56lck phosphorylation was only slightly increased in lpr membranes (2.2-fold; n = 16). Phorbol ester treatment of intact T cells before membrane isolation caused p56lck to migrate as pp60lck; however, pp60lck could be clearly distinguished from the pp60 in lpr cells by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The pp60 from lpr cells exhibited several isoforms at pH approximately 6.3 to 6.5. Although on two-dimensional gels pp60c-src had a pI (6.4 to 6.8) within a similar region, p60c-src mRNA, protein, and kinase activities were not increased in lpr cells. In addition, staphylococcal V8 proteolytic cleavage of the lpr pp60 isolated on two-dimensional gels yielded two major fragments, a pattern distinct from that of pp60c-src. However, by using an antiserum against the C-terminal sequence of c-Src and other related kinases, including p59fyn, the pp60 could be immunoprecipitated in greater amounts from lpr than from control T cells. When pp59(fyn) was selectively immunoprecipitated from T-cell membranes with specific antisera, its molecular weight, proteolytic cleavage pattern, and behavior on two-dimensional gels were identical to those of the pp60 from lpr cells. We conclude that p59(fyn) phosphorylation is increased in membranes from lpr/lpr CD4(-) CD8(-) T cells and that the increase is correlated with constitutive tyrosine phosphorylation and perhaps with the expansion of this unusual T-cell population.

Animals↗

Chloride secretory response of cystic fibrosis human airway epithelia. Preservation of calcium but not protein kinase C- and A-dependent mechanisms.

Because the defect in Cl- secretion exhibited by cystic fibrosis (CF) epithelia reflects regulatory rather than conductive abnormalities of an apical membrane Cl- channel, we investigated the role of different regulatory pathways in the activation of Cl- secretion in freshly excised normal and CF nasal epithelia mounted in Ussing chambers. A beta agonist (isoproterenol [ISO]), a Ca2+ ionophore (A23187), and a phorbol ester (PMA) were all effective Cl- secretagogues in normal human nasal epithelia. Agonist addition studies indicated that ISO and PMA but not A23187 may share a common regulatory pathway. In contrast, only A23187 induced Cl- secretion in CF epithelia. Bradykinin raised cytosolic Ca2+ and induced Cl- secretion in both normal and CF tissues, indicating that receptor gated Ca2+ dependent Cl- secretory mechanisms were preserved in CF. The defective Cl- secretory response in CF epithelia to ISO and PMA did not reflect abnormalities in cAMP-dependent (A) and phospholipid Ca2+-dependent (C) kinase activities. We conclude that (a) a Ca2+-sensitive mechanism for regulating Cl- secretion is maintained in CF airway epithelia, and (b) a regulatory pathway shared by two distinct protein kinases is defective in CF, indicating that the CF genetic lesion is not tightly coupled to a single (e.g., cAMP dependent) regulatory mechanism.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Effect of retinoic acid on phorbol ester-stimulated differentiation and protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation in the U937 human monoblastoid cell.

Phorbol esters stimulate differentiation of certain human leukemic cell lines. Although activation of protein kinase C may mediate certain effects of phorbol esters, controversy exists as to the role of protein kinase C activation in phorbol ester-induced differentiation. Retinoic acid modulates responses to phorbol esters in several cell types. Retinoic acid has also been found to alter protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation in leukemic cells. We correlated the effects of retinoic acid on protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation and differentiation stimulated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a phorbol ester, in the human monoblastoid U937 cell line. At concentrations less than 1 nM, which were 100-fold less than those directly stimulating differentiation, retinoic acid potentiated TPA-induced differentiation of the U937 cell as assessed by enhanced adherence to plastic and acquisition of nonspecific esterase activity. TPA-stimulated decreases in cellular proliferation were not affected by retinoic acid treatment. Without altering the sensitivity to TPA, retinoic acid increased the maximal response to this agent. Retinoic acid enhanced TPA-stimulated phosphorylation of a Mr 48,000 substrate in intact 32P-labeled U937 cells and also increased the protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation of a similar Mr 48,000 substrate and a Mr 80,000 substrate in cellular extracts. In cellular extracts the retinoic acid-induced enhancement of protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation was predominantly localized to the cytosolic fraction. Increases in protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation were evident within a 12-h exposure to 1 nM retinoic acid and were observed at retinoic concentrations of 0.01 to 1 nM. A retinoic acid-induced increase in the protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation of an exogenous substrate, histone, was observed following diethylaminoethyl extraction of cytosol, but not a solubilized particulate fraction. The conditions of retinoic acid treatment increasing protein kinase C activity and enhancing protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation of endogenous substrates were similar to those conditions potentiating phorbol ester-induced differentiation. Thus, the retinoic acid-induced amplification of phorbol ester signal transduction at the level of protein kinase C activation could mediate the effects of this vitamin on phorbol ester-induced differentiation.

Cell Adhesion↗

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hormones stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis and increase EGF receptor protein synthesis and mRNA levels in rat liver epithelial cells. Evidence for protein kinase C-dependent and -independent pathways.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulated the rapid accumulation of inositol trisphosphate in WB cells, a continuous line of rat hepatic epithelial cells. Since we previously had shown that EGF stimulates EGF receptor synthesis in these cells, we tested whether hormones that stimulate PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis would increase EGF receptor protein synthesis and mRNA levels. Epinephrine, angiotensin II, and [Arg8]vasopressin activate phospholipase C in WB cells as evidenced by the accumulation of the inositol phosphates, inositol monophosphate, inositol bisphosphate, and inositol trisphosphate. A 3-4-h treatment with each hormone also increased the rate of EGF receptor protein synthesis by 3-6-fold as assessed by immunoprecipitation of EGF receptor from [35S]methionine-labeled cells. Northern blot analyses of WB cell EGF receptor mRNA levels revealed that agents linked to the phosphoinositide signaling system increased receptor mRNA content within 1-2 h. A maximal increase of 3-7-fold was observed after a 3-h exposure to EGF and hormones. The phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), which activates protein kinase C also stimulated EGF receptor synthesis. Pretreatment of WB cells for 18 h with high concentrations of TPA "down-regulated" protein kinase C and blocked TPA-directed EGF receptor mRNA synthesis. In contrast, the effect of EGF on EGF receptor mRNA levels was not significantly decreased by TPA pretreatment. Epinephrine-induced increases in EGF receptor mRNA were reduced from 4- to 2-fold. Similarly, 18 h TPA pretreatment abolished the effect of TPA on EGF receptor protein synthesis but did not affect EGF-dependent EGF receptor protein synthesis. The 18-h TPA pretreatment diminished by 30-50% the induction of receptor protein synthesis by epinephrine or angiotensin II. We conclude that in WB cells EGF receptor synthesis can be regulated by EGF and other hormones that stimulate PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis. In these cells, EGF receptor synthesis appears to be regulated by several mechanism: one pathway is dependent upon EGF receptor activation and can operate independently of protein kinase C activation; another pathway is correlated with PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis and is dependent, at least in part, upon protein kinase C activation.

Angiotensin II↗

Long-term phorbol ester treatment down-regulates protein kinase C and sensitizes the phosphoinositide signaling pathway to hormone and growth factor stimulation. Evidence for a role of protein kinase C in agonist-induced desensitization.

Exposure of a nontransformed, continuous line of epithelial cells derived from rat liver (WB cells) to epidermal growth factor, angiotensin II, [Arg8]vasopressin, and epinephrine resulted in rapid accumulation of the inositol phosphates (InsP) InsP1, InsP2, and InsP3. Although short-term (5-60 min) pretreatment of WB cells with the phorbol ester 4 beta-phorbol 12 beta-myristate 13 alpha-acetate (PMA) markedly attenuated InsP accumulation in response to all agonists, the inhibitory effects on the InsP response were lost after 2 h incubation with PMA; and, with extended (6-24 h) preincubation, a time-dependent potentiation of the InsP response to angiotensin II, epidermal growth factor and [Arg8]vasopressin was observed. The InsP response during a 15-min challenge with angiotensin II in cells pretreated for 18 h with 600 nM and 10 microM PMA was increased by 2-3-fold and 4-6-fold, respectively. Long-term (18 h) treatment with 600 nM and 10 microM PMA caused a similar 90-100% loss of measurable Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent enzyme (protein kinase C) activity in cytosolic and soluble particulate fractions. The effects of long-term PMA pretreatment do not represent a general enhancement of hormone responsiveness since the InsP response to epinephrine was not affected. In control cells, the InsP response to angiotensin II and epinephrine desensitized very rapidly. Long-term pretreatment with PMA greatly reduced the contribution of agonist-induced desensitization to the angiotensin II response; in contrast, the extent of desensitization occurring during incubation of WB cells with epinephrine was unaltered by long-term treatment with PMA suggesting that an additional mechanism may be involved in alpha 1-adrenergic receptor desensitization. No PMA-induced change in resting levels of [3H]phosphoinositides or the metabolism of exogenous [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate by WB homogenates occurred. Stimulation of InsP formation in intact cells by NaF and activation of phospholipase C by GTP gamma S in membranes both were unaltered by short-term or long-term PMA pretreatment. These data are consistent with the idea that following long-term treatment of WB cells with PMA, the occurrence of agonist-induced desensitization of receptors linked to the phosphoinositide/Ca2+ signaling system is reduced, apparently at least in part due to the loss of contribution of a negative feedback regulatory role of protein kinase C.

Angiotensin II↗

Dissimilar effects of phorbol ester and diacylglycerol derivative on protein kinase activity in the monoblastoid U937 cell.

Mechanism, in addition to protein kinase C activation may mediate 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) stimulated differentiation of leukemic cells. We compared the effect of pretreating intact monoblastoid U937 cells with TPA or the diacylglycerol derivative, 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG), by studying the protein kinase C dependent and independent histone phosphotransferase activity, the phosphorylation of endogenous substrates, and the ability to stimulate differentiation. In cellular fractions derived from cells treated with TPA or OAG, cytosolic protein kinase C activity decreased. In the detergent extracted particulate fraction, TPA produced a time and dose dependent decrease in protein kinase C activity. In contrast, OAG increased particulate protein kinase C activity. In addition, the particulate fraction derived from cells treated with TPA exhibited increased phosphatidyl serine and diolein independent histone phosphotransferase activity as well as an increase in the phosphorylation of two endogenous substrates with molecular weights of 120,000 and 80,000. OAG did not mimic these effects. When exposed to 32P-labeled intact cells, OAG and TPA stimulated phosphorylation of three substrates. Thus, the inability of OAG to mimic the effects of TPA was not due to lack of protein kinase C activation. TPA, but not OAG, stimulated differentiation of the U937 cell to a monocyte-like cell. These data demonstrate that TPA and OAG have dissimilar effects on protein kinase activity and differentiation in the U937 monoblastoid cell.

Cell Compartmentation↗

Epidermal growth factor stimulates the rapid accumulation of inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate and a rise in cytosolic calcium mobilized from intracellular stores in A431 cells.

Exposure of A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells to epidermal growth factor (EGF), bradykinin, and histamine resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent accumulation of the inositol phosphates (InsP) inositol monophosphate, inositol bisphosphate, and inositol trisphosphate (InsP3). Maximal concentrations of EGF (316 ng/ml; approximately 50 nM), bradykinin (1 microM), and histamine (1 mM) resulted in 3-, 6-, and 3-fold increases, respectively, in the amounts of inositol phosphates formed over a 10-min period. The K0.5 values for stimulation were approximately 10 nM, 3 nM, and 10 microM for EGF, bradykinin, and histamine, respectively. EGF and bradykinin stimulated the rapid accumulation of the two isomers of InsP3, Ins(1,3,4)P3, and Ins(1,4,5)P3 as determined by high performance liquid chromatography analysis; maximal accumulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 occurred within 15 s. EGF and bradykinin also stimulated a rapid (maximal levels attained within 30 s after addition of hormone) and a sustained 4- and 6-fold rise, respectively, in cytosolic free Ca2+ levels as measured by Fura-2 fluorescence. EGF and bradykinin also produced a rapid, although transient, 3- and 5-fold increase, respectively, in cytosolic free Ca2+ after chelation of extracellular Ca2+ with 3 mM EGTA. These data are consistent with the idea that EGF elevates intracellular Ca2+ levels in A431 cells, at least in part, as a result of the rapid formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and the consequential release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores.

Bradykinin↗

Inconsistent effects of all-trans retinoic acid on different clones of chemically transformed rat liver epithelial cells.

The effects of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) on the growth and biochemical properties of five clonal strains of neoplastically transformed rat liver epithelial cells were studied. These cell strains were derived clonally from a single line of normal diploid rat liver epithelial cells that had been transformed by treatment with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. The results show that RA induces inconsistent alterations in selected phenotypic properties of these five different cell strains. Retinoic acid either depressed, enhanced or produced no effect on the colony-forming ability in soft agar, on the activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, on the amount of cell-associated fibronectin, and on the binding capacity of 125I-epidermal growth factor (EGF). The only consistent correlation observed among cell strains was between the cellular ability to grow in soft agar and the amount of cell-associated fibronectin. Enhancement of anchorage-independent growth by retinoic acid was not mediated through changes in the number of EGF receptors. Our data demonstrate that the responses to retinoic acid of clonal subpopulations of chemically transformed rat liver epithelial cells are inconsistent, even when the clonal subpopulations are derived from a common precursor.

Animals↗

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 enhances phorbol ester-stimulated differentiation and protein kinase C-dependent substrate phosphorylation activity in the U937 human monoblastoid cell.

In the U937 human monoblastoid cell line, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3] through a specific interaction with the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor promotes differentiation toward a more mature phenotype. In addition to this direct effect, 1,25(OH)2D3 also potentiates differentiation in response to lymphokines and (Bu)2cAMP. We examined the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on phorbol ester-stimulated differentiation. Either preincubation with or simultaneous exposure to 1,25(OH)2D3 enhanced phorbol ester-stimulated differentiation. Over a 72-h period, the increase in phorbol ester responsiveness was dependent on the duration of 1,25(OH)2D3 exposure. Enhancement of phorbol ester-induced differentiation was observed with 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations ranging from 0.1-10 nM. The 1,25(OH)2D3 vitamin D metabolite was more potent than the 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 metabolites in potentiating phorbol ester-induced differentiation. Phorbol esters can exert at least a portion of their effects on cellular function by activating protein kinase C. Thus, one mechanism by which 1,25(OH)2D3 could amplify signal transduction leading to potentiation of phorbol ester-stimulated differentiation would be by enhancing phorbol ester-stimulated phosphorylation. To examine this possibility, we measured protein kinase C-dependent substrate phosphorylation in extracts derived from cells pretreated with 1,25(OH)2D3. In extracts derived from cells treated with 1,25(OH)2D3, the protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation of endogenous U937 substrates stimulated by calcium, phosphatidyl serine, and diolein was increased compared to that observed in vehicle-treated cells. The conditions required for 1,25(OH)2D3 to increase protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation of endogenous substrates (concentration, duration of exposure, and metabolite specificity) were similar to those required to enhance phorbol ester-stimulated differentiation. Possibly mediating this enhanced phosphorylation was an increase in protein kinase C activity observed in extracts derived from 1,25(OH)2D3-treated cells.

Calcitriol↗