Biomedical subjects

J Calafat

Publications and source records attributed to J Calafat.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Targeting of proteins to granule subsets is determined by timing and not by sorting: The specific granule protein NGAL is localized to azurophil granules when expressed in HL-60 cells.

The mechanism of protein targeting to individual granules in cells that contain different subsets of storage granules is poorly understood. The neutrophil contains two highly distinct major types of granules, the peroxidase positive (azurophil) granules and the peroxidase negative (specific and gelatinase) granules. We hypothesized that targeting of proteins to individual granule subsets may be determined by the stage of maturation of the cell, at which the granule proteins are synthesized, rather than by individual sorting information present in the proteins. This was tested by transfecting the cDNA of the specific granule protein, NGAL, which is normally synthesized in metamyelocytes, into the promyelocytic cell line HL-60, which is developmentally arrested at the stage of formation of azurophil granules, and thus does not contain specific and gelatinase granules. Controlled by a cytomegalovirus promoter, NGAL was constitutively expressed in transfected HL-60 cells. This resulted in the targeting of NGAL to azurophil granules as demonstrated by colocalization of NGAL with myeloperoxidase, visualized by immunoelectron microscopy. This shows that targeting of proteins into distinct granule subsets may be determined solely by the time of their biosynthesis and does not depend on individual sorting information present in the proteins.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

PubMed1996

Subcellular localization of transforming growth factor-alpha in human eosinophil granulocytes.

Eosinophils are involved in the inflammatory response seen in allergy and helminthic infestations. Eosinophils synthesize transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), which may play a role in the development of the characteristic fibrosis seen in longstanding high eosinophilia. Using immunoelectron microscopic techniques, eosinophils from peripheral blood of healthy individuals and from one patient with high eosinophilia showed presence TGF-alpha in matrix of the specific crystalloid-containing granules. In cryosections, TGF-alpha was also visualized in a vesicular compartment of the cytoplasm. In double-labeling experiments, the TGF-alpha of this latter compartment did not colocalize with CD63, a marker for lysosomes, nor with albumin of secretory vesicles. In extracts from eosinophils, obtained from healthy donors, immunoreactive TGF-alpha could be detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-technique. In addition, sera from two patients with high eosinophilia showed TGF-alpha concentrations of 1.5 ng/mL and 164 pg/mL, respectively, whereas TGF-alpha could not be detected in serum from healthy controls. In conclusion, TGF-alpha is present in the specific granules, and in an additional vesicular compartment of the cytoplasm of eosinophils.

Cryoultramicrotomy↗

PubMed1996

Basolateral localization and export activity of the human multidrug resistance-associated protein in polarized pig kidney cells.

The human multidrug resistance-associated protein MRP confers resistance to various cytotoxic drugs by lowering the intracellular drug concentration. Recent evidence indicates that MRP can also transport glutathione S-conjugates across membranes. To study the transport properties of MRP in intact cells, we have expressed human MRP cDNA in the polarized pig kidney epithelial cell line LLC-PK1. MRP mainly localized to the basolateral plasma membrane of these cells, and not to the apical membrane, as determined by immunocytochemistry using confocal laser scanning and electron microscopy. In accordance with this localization, MRP caused increased transport of the glutathione S-conjugate S-(2, 4-dinitrophenyl)-glutathione and of the anticancer drug daunorubicin to the basal side of the epithelial cell layer. Sulfinpyrazone and probenecid, known inhibitors of multispecific organic anion transport, inhibited this basolateral transport, but not the apical transport of daunorubicin mediated by the apically localized human MDR1 P-glycoprotein in MDR1-transfected LLC-PK1 cells. Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone may therefore be useful lead compounds for the development of clinical reversal agents specific for MRP-mediated drug resistance.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

PubMed1996

Epithelial detachment due to absence of hemidesmosomes in integrin beta 4 null mice.

Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins which are engaged in a variety of cellular functions, such as adhesion, migration and differentiation1. The integrin alpha 6 beta 4 is expressed on squamous epithelia, on subsets of endothelial cells, immature thymocytes and on Schwann cells and fibroblasts in the peripheral nervous system. In stratified epithelia, alpha 6 beta 4 is concentrated in specialised adhesion structures, called hemidesmosomes, which are implicated in the stable attachment of the basal cells to the underlying basement membrane by connecting the intermediate filaments with the extracellular matrix. The nature of the interactions between the various hemidesmosomal proteins, that lead to the formation of hemidesmosome is poorly understood. To study the contribution of the integrin alpha 6 beta 4 in hemidesmosome formation and their anchoring properties, we inactivated the beta 4 gene in mice by targeted gene disruption. Homozygous beta 4 null mice died shortly after birth and displayed extensive detachment of the epidermis and other squamous epithelia. The dramatically reduced adhesive properties of the skin was accompanied by the absence of hemidesmosomes at the basal surface of keratinocytes. No evidence was found for impaired T-cell development, nor for defects in myelination in the peripheral nervous system.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Direct vesicular transport of MHC class II molecules from lysosomal structures to the cell surface.

Newly synthesized MHC class II molecules are sorted to lysosomal structures where peptide loading can occur. Beyond this point in biosynthesis, no MHC class II molecules have been detected at locations other than the cell surface. We studied this step in intracellular transport by visualizing MHC class II molecules in living cells. For this purpose we stably expressed a modified HLA-DR1 beta chain with the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) coupled to its cytoplasmic tail (beta-GFP) in class II-expressing Mel JuSo cells. This modification of the class II beta chain does not affect assembly, intracellular distribution, and peptide loading of the MHC class II complex. Transport of the class II/ beta-GFP chimera was studied in living cells at 37 degrees C. We visualize rapid movement of acidic class II/beta-GFP containing vesicles from lysosomal compartments to the plasma membrane and show that fusion of these vesicles with the plasma membrane occurs. Furthermore, we show that this transport route does not intersect the earlier endosomal pathway.

Biological Transport↗

PubMed1995

A P-glycoprotein protects Caenorhabditis elegans against natural toxins.

P-glycoproteins can cause resistance of mammalian tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. They belong to an evolutionarily well-conserved family of ATP binding membrane transporters. Four P-glycoprotein gene homologs have been found in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans; this report describes the functional analysis of two. We found that PGP-3 is expressed in both the apical membrane of the excretory cell and in the apical membrane of intestinal cells, whereas PGP-1 is expressed only in the apical membrane of the intestinal cells and the intestinal valve. By transposon-mediated deletion mutagenesis we generated nematode strains with deleted P-glycoprotein genes and found that the pgp-3 deletion mutant, but not the pgp-1 mutant, is sensitive to both colchicine and chloroquine. Our results suggest that soil nematodes have P-glycoproteins to protect themselves against toxic compounds made by plants and microbes in the rhizosphere.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B↗

PubMed1995

Is episialin/MUC1 involved in breast cancer progression?

Episialin, also designated MUC1, CA 15-3 antigen and PEM, is an established serum marker for breast cancer. Its function and possible involvement in tumor progression has not yet been completely established. The molecule is an extended rod-like molecule protruding high above the cell surface. It is often highly overexpressed in breast cancer relative to normal breast epithelium cells. Overexpression of episialin on cells in vitro reduces cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion, because the rod-like molecule masks the adhesion receptors. Episialin also exerts its anti-adhesion effect in vivo. In certain human tumors, where episialin was present at the basal side of the cell, abnormal contacts between the plasma membrane and the stroma were observed. As a consequence of its anti-adhesion properties, episialin overexpression reduces the sensitivity of the cells for cytotoxic lymphocytes. This might be one of the reasons why episialin transfected cells are more potent to form experimental metastases after i.v. injection into nude mice.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration to healthy volunteers: analysis of the immediate activating effects on circulating neutrophils.

In four healthy volunteers, we analyzed in detail the immediate in vivo effects on circulating neutrophils of subcutaneous administration of 300 micrograms of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Neutrophil activation was assessed by measurement of degranulation. Mobilization of secretory vesicles was shown by a decrease in leukocyte alkaline phosphatase content of the circulating neutrophils. Furthermore, shortly postinjection, Fc gamma RIII was found to be upregulated from an intracellular pool that we identified by immunoelectron microscopy as secretory vesicles. Intravascular release of specific granules was shown by increased plasma levels of lactoferrin and by upregulation of the expression of CD66b and CD11b on circulating neutrophils. Moreover, measurement of fourfold elevated plasma levels of elastase, bound to its physiologic inhibitor alpha 1-antitrypsin, indicated mobilization of azurophil granules. However, no expression of CD63, a marker of azurophil granules, was observed on circulating neutrophils. G-CSF--induced mobilization of secretory vesicles and specific granules could be mimicked in whole blood cultures in vitro, in contrast to release of azurophil granules. Therefore, we postulate that the most activated neutrophils leave the circulation, as observed shortly postinjection, and undergo subsequent stimulation in the endothelial microenvironment, resulting in mobilization of azurophil granules. Our data demonstrate that G-CSF should be regarded as a potent immediate activator of neutrophils in vivo.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Reconstitution of a surface transferrin binding complex in insect form Trypanosoma brucei.

In the bloodstream of the mammalian host, Trypanosoma brucei takes up host transferrin by means of a high-affinity uptake system, presumably a transferrin receptor. Transferrin-binding activity is seen in the flagellar pocket and is absent in insect form trypanosomes. By transfection we have reconstituted a transferrin-binding complex in insect form trypanosomes. Formation of this complex requires the products of two genes that are part of a variant surface glycoprotein expression site, expression site-associated gene (ESAG) 6 (encoding a protein with GPI-anchor) and ESAG 7 (encoding a protein without any obvious membrane attachment). This complex can be precipitated by transferrin-Sepharose and by an antibody directed only against the ESAG 6 protein. Transfection of ESAG 6 or 7 alone did not result in transferrin binding. In the transfected trypanosomes, the products of ESAG 6 alone and the combination of ESAG 6 and 7 did not exclusively localize to the flagellar pocket, but were present all over the surface of the trypanosome. The reconstituted transferrin-binding complex also did not result in the uptake of transferrin. Additional proteins present in bloodstream trypanosomes, but not in sufficient amounts in insect form trypanosomes, may therefore be required for the correct routing of the transferrin-binding complex to the flagellar pocket, and for its rapid internalization after ligand binding.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Cytokine-activated endothelial cells internalize E-selectin into a lysosomal compartment of vesiculotubular shape. A tubulin-driven process.

The fate of E-selectin expressed on TNF-activated monolayers of HUVEC was investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cytokine-activated endothelial cells internalized mAb to E-selectin in a very rapid, energy-dependent fashion. By contrast, mAb against ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 remained surface bound. The E-selectin mAb was recovered in intracellular compartments with a tubular morphology, some of which appeared to be interconnected. Cathepsin B, a ubiquitously expressed lysosomal protease, was found to co-localize in these structures. Functional specificity of E-selectin-internalization was observed upon addition of the fluorescent SLex-oligosaccharide to the activated HUVEC monolayers. Uptake into the same E-selectin-positive compartments was observed, whereas the control oligosaccharide Lex was not internalized at all. The process of internalization was found to be unaffected by most inhibitors of protein kinase C, cAMP-dependent PKA, or protein tyrosine kinase activity. Whereas cytochalasin B preincubation of HUVEC failed to inhibit the internalization process, colchicine and vinblastine, reagents that interfere with the metabolism of tubulin, prevented the formation of the elongated structures in which E-selectin would normally be internalized. Concomitantly, the expression of E-selectin at the cell surface was significantly increased.

Cell Adhesion Molecules↗

PubMed1994

Targeting major histocompatibility complex class II molecules to the cell surface by invariant chain allows antigen presentation upon recycling.

We studied the functional consequences of targeting class II molecules to either the cell surface or to endocytic structures by expressing HLA-DR1 in human kidney cells in the presence or absence of different forms of the invariant chain (Ii). Transfectants expressing class II molecules in the absence of Ii present influenza virus efficiently and co-expression of full length Ii does not further increase antigen presentation. Chimeric Ii containing the cytoplasmic domain of the transferrin receptor (Tfr-Ii) delivers class II molecules associated with Tfr-Ii to endosomal compartments, but this does not result in efficient antigen presentation. When class II molecules are targeted to the cell surface by Ii lacking either 15 (delta 15Ii) or 23 (delta 23Ii) amino acids from the cytoplasmic domain, a fraction of free class II molecules is also observed. Whereas delta 15Ii did not affect antigen presentation by class II molecules, delta 23Ii inhibited, but did not abrogate, the response. We show that class II molecules expressed in the presence of delta 23Ii can be internalized, followed by degradation of delta 23Ii and return of free class II alpha beta heterodimers to the cell surface. A fraction of the resulting free class II molecules is sodium dodecyl sulfate stable, indicating that internalization and reappearance of class II molecules at the cell surface can be an alternative route for antigen presentation. In all transfectants, class II molecules were found in endocytic compartments that labeled for CD63 and resembled the multilaminar MIIC compartments found in B cell lines. Ii is not required for endosomal targeting of class II molecules. The number of class II molecules observed in the multilaminar compartments correlates with the efficiency of antigen presentation.

Antigen Presentation↗

PubMed1994

Major histocompatibility complex class II molecules induce the formation of endocytic MIIC-like structures.

During biosynthesis, major histochompatibility complex class II molecules are transported to the cell surface through a late endocytic multilaminar structure with lysosomal characteristics. This structure did not resemble any of the previously described endosomal compartments and was termed MIIC. We show here that continuous protein synthesis is required for the maintenance of MIIC in B cells. Transfection of class II molecules in human embryonal kidney cells induces the formation of multilaminar endocytic structures that are morphologically analogous to MIIC in B cells. Two lysosomal proteins (CD63 and lamp-1), which are expressed in MIIC of B cells, are also present in the structures induced by expression of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules. Moreover, endocytosed HRP enters the induced structures defining them as endocytic compartments. Exchanging the transmembrane and cytoplasmic tail of the class II alpha and beta chains for that of HLA-B27 does not result in the induction of multilaminar structures, and the chimeric class II molecules are now located in multivesicular structures. This suggests that expression of class II molecules is sufficient to induce the formation of characteristic MIIC-like multilaminar structures.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Modulation of mammary carcinoma cell phenotype and keratin expression patterns by retinoic acid.

Immunohistochemical and biochemical procedures were used to study the influence of retinoic acid (RA) on cellular expression and distribution of cytokeratins (CKs) in feline mammary carcinoma cells. These cells were grown in vitro as established cell lines (K248C and K266) and in vivo as xenografts in athymic mice. The results were compared with the distribution of CKs in normal feline mammary gland and in a series of invasive mammary carcinomas previously probed with a panel of monoclonal antibodies specific for individual CKs. Coexpression of CKs of both major mammary gland cell types (myoepithelial cells, MECs, CKs 5/14 positive, and luminal epithelial cells, LECs CKs8/18 positive) by K248C and K266 cells, suggested a stem cell-like character of both cell lines. RA increased CK19 expression in both cell lines and CK19 was also present in tumors developed in nude mice from both RA untreated (CK19 negative) and RA-treated (CK19 positive) K248C and K266 cells. In addition, RA had cell line specific effects as well. RA treatment induced differentiation of K248C cells to more mature LEC-like cells and this change was accompanied by the loss of the MEC keratins CKs 5/14. Under the same culture conditions however, RA treatment did not induce morphological changes in the K266 cell line and the expression of CKs 5/14 was not significantly reduced. These findings suggest that the modulation of CK19 and CKs 5/14 expression observed in mammary carcinoma cells upon RA treatment might be regulated through different pathways.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Evidence for small intracellular vesicles in human blood phagocytes containing cytochrome b558 and the adhesion molecule CD11b/CD18.

Human neutrophils contain a rapidly mobilizable pool of so-called secretory vesicles distinct from the azurophil granules and specific granules. Using human albumin as a marker for these intracellular vesicles in immuno-electron microscopy, we found that part of the cytochrome b558 in non-purified whole blood neutrophils colocalized in these vesicles. This was detected with monoclonal antibody (MoAb) CLB-48, binding to the high molecular weight subunit of cytochrome b558. Approximately 65% of the albumin-containing vesicles showed MoAb CLB-48 labeling. This was also found in eosinophilic granulocytes and in monocytes. Cytofluorimetric determination of cytochrome b558 expression on the plasma membrane of intact, nonpurified granulocytes (and monocytes) with MoAb 7D5, which is directed against an extracellular epitope of cytochrome b558, did not show any binding. However, granulocytes (and monocytes) significantly bound 7D5 after density centrifugation. The positive binding of 7D5 to purified neutrophilic granulocytes correlated with a strongly reduced labeling of cytochrome b558 in the albumin-positive vesicles. Binding of CD11b MoAb CLB-B2.12 to the alpha subunit of the complement receptor type 3 (CR3) on the surface of intact, nonpurified neutrophils was detected to a limited extent in whole blood samples, but was strongly increased upon density gradient centrifugation of the cells, as we have described before. Investigation at the ultrastructural level showed that the CD11b antigen codistributed with albumin in vesicular structures in nonpurified phagocytes, especially in neutrophils and eosinophils. Together, these data substantiate the idea of an intracellular store that can be easily mobilized (even under the simple stress condition of density gradient centrifugation). Such mobilization may result in the expression of cytochrome b558 on the plasma membrane, as was indicated in this study. Apart from cytochrome b558, several other surface membrane molecules, as we show here for the integrin CD11b/CD18 (CR3), are probably also located in these rapidly mobilizable intracellular vesicles.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1993

Biogenesis of von Willebrand factor-containing organelles in heterologous transfected CV-1 cells.

Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a multimeric protein involved in the adhesion of platelets to an injured vessel wall. vWF is synthesized by the endothelial cell and the megakaryocyte as a precursor protein (pro-vWF) that consists of four repeated domains, denoted D1-D2-D'-D3-A1-A2-A3-D4-B1-B2-B3-C1-C2. Previously, we have defined the domains on the pro-vWF molecule involved in dimerization as well as the domains involved in multimer assembly of vWF dimers. In the endothelial cell, part of the vWF multimers is stored in specialized organelles, the Weibel-Palade bodies. By using immunoelectron microscopy, we demonstrate that upon expression of full-length vWF cDNA, vWF-containing organelles are encountered in monkey kidney CV-1 cells that are morphologically similar to the endothelial-specific Weibel-Palade bodies. Expression in CV-1 cells of a series of vWF cDNA deletion mutants, lacking one or more domains, revealed that only those vWF mutant proteins that are able to assemble into multimers are encountered in dense-cored vesicles. Our data show that this process is independent of a particular domain on vWF and indicate that a 'condensed', multimeric vWF is required for targeting to the Weibel-Palade body.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Formation of hemidesmosomes in cells of a transformed murine mammary tumor cell line and mechanisms involved in adherence of these cells to laminin and kalinin.

Keratinocytes attach to an underlying basement membrane by adhesion junctions called hemidesmosomes. We have characterized a cell line, RAC-11P/SD, established from a murine mammary tumor, which differentiates into squamous epithelium and forms well defined hemidesmosomes. These hemidesmosomes contain the integrin alpha 6 beta 4 as well as the hemidesmosomal plaque proteins BP230 and HD1 and are associated with a matrix containing kalinin and laminin. We examined how these cells adhere to laminin and to kalinin present in matrices as well as immunopurified kalinin. We show that adhesion to laminin is energy dependent but does not require an intact actin-containing cytoskeleton. The affinity for kalinin proved to be greater and binding to kalinin was still observed when cells had been treated with deoxyglucose and azide to inhibit metabolic energy. Binding to laminin (or fragment E8), but not to kalinin was partially blocked by a monoclonal antibody specific for the integrin alpha 6 subunit, and only in the initial phase of adhesion. The antibody efficiently blocked adhesion to laminin of cells treated with the microfilament disrupting drug cytochalasin B, but only partially blocked the adhesion of cytochalasin B-treated cells to kalinin, while adherence of cells treated with deoxyglucose and azide to kalinin was blocked completely. The integrin alpha 6 beta 4 is redistributed to the basal surface during adhesion and then is organized into ring-like structures when cells are bound to laminin and localized into hemidesmosomes in cells adhered to kalinin. We suggest that anti-alpha 6 hinders the binding of the alpha 6 beta 4 integrins to its ligands laminin and kalinin, but cannot prevent adhesion when clustering of the integrin has become complete. In addition, there is evidence that adhesion to kalinin is mediated by a second receptor, which associates with the actin-containing cytoskeleton. The presence of such a second receptor is suggested because the cells can spread on kalinin, but not when they have been treated with cytochalasin B. On laminin spreading does not occur, irrespective of whether cells have been treated with cytochalasin B or not. The integrin alpha 3 beta 1, which has been identified as a receptor for kalinin but not for laminin, is strongly expressed in RAC-11P/SD cells and it seems likely that this integrin is responsible for spreading of cells on kalinin.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Derivation of tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic mouse alveolar type-II cell lines from fetal type-II cells after a combined in vivo/in vitro carcinogen treatment.

Alveolar type-II cells were isolated from the lungs of fetuses (day 18 of gestation) of the A/WySnAf (A/Sn) mouse strain, which were treated in utero at day 15 with the directly-acting carcinogen N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). The isolated type-II cells were again treated with ENU during their initial growth in vitro. After a prolonged culture period, 5 cell lines were obtained, which were identified as type-II cell lines. Differences between cell lines were found with respect to contact-inhibited growth, cell doubling time and ability to grow in a serum-free medium. Two out of the 5 cell lines produced highly invasive type-II cell carcinomas after s.c. injection of 5 x 10(6) cells into nude mice. Thus, both tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic mouse alveolar type-II cell lines were derived after this combined in vivo and in vitro carcinogen treatment of fetal mouse alveolar type-II cells. This offers the possibility of studying in vitro the factors thought to influence lung tumorigenesis in vivo. In addition, our findings strongly suggest that alveolar type-II cells are the progenitor cells of malignant mouse lung tumors.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Further characterization of the NB 1 antigen as a variably expressed 56-62 kD GPI-linked glycoprotein of plasma membranes and specific granules of neutrophils.

The human neutrophil-specific alloantigen NB1 was identified as a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored N-glycosylated protein of M(r) 56-62 kD under reducing conditions. Under non-reducing conditions its M(r) was 49-55 kD. This glycoprotein antigen was found to be expressed by only a subpopulation of normal donor neutrophils, and could not be detected on other blood cells. The allotypic epitope recognized by human anti-NB1 IgG was also recognized by the mouse monoclonal antibody 1B5. The percentage of neutrophils stained by these antibodies varied greatly among healthy donors (range 0-100%). When 16 donors were repeatedly tested, the NB1-positive neutrophil fraction appeared to remain remarkably constant over time in most donors, but significant fluctuations were seen in some. NB1 antigen was found to be expressed not only on the plasma membrane, but also intracellularly on the membranes of small vesicles and specific granules. The neutrophils which expressed NB1 antigen on the plasma membrane were the same as those with intracellular expression of this antigen. Crosslinking of NB1 antigen on the plasma membrane with monoclonal antibody 1B5 and goat-anti-mouse Ig resulted in internalization of the complex, while in-vitro stimulation of neutrophils caused an increase of the intensity of plasma membrane staining with anti-NB1, but only of those cells that were positive already prior to stimulation. The NB1 glycoprotein thus appears to identify a distinct subset of neutrophils, the size of which greatly varies among healthy donors. The function of the NB1 glycoprotein remains unclear, but its behaviour upon crosslinking and chemotactic peptide stimulation suggests a possible role as receptor molecule.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗