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J M Arthur

Publications and source records attributed to J M Arthur.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Evaluation of the in situ, time-integrated DGT technique by monitoring changes in heavy metal concentrations in estuarine waters.

Various natural and anthropogenic processes influence heavy metal concentrations within estuaries. In situ, time-integrated DGT measurements made over concurrent tidal phases found significantly higher concentrations of Cu (probability p=0.017), Zn (p=0.003) and Ni (p=0.003) during the flood phase, because the incoming tide passes several point sources. DGT-reactive Cu concentrations significantly decreased with increased tidal-flushing and vice versa within a marina (correlation r=-0.788, p=0.02). DGT measurements also recorded significant increases in Cu (4 out of 4 sites, p<0.001) and Zn (3 out of 4 sites, p< or =0.015) after a 24 mm rainfall event. Finally, DGT-reactive Cu increased significantly (p<0.001) during peak boating times, due to increased numbers of Cu-antifouled boats. This study demonstrates that, with judicious selection of deployment times, DGT measurements enable changes in heavy metal concentrations to be related to various cycles and events within estuaries.

Copper↗
PubMed2001

The calcium-sensing receptor regulates calcium absorption in MDCK cells by inhibition of PMCA.

Calcium transport across a monolayer of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was measured in response to stimulation of the basal surface with calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) agonists. Stimulation of the CaR resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of calcium transport but did not change transepithelial voltage or resistance. Inhibition of transport was not altered by pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin but was blocked by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U-73122. To determine a potential mechanism by which the CaR could inhibit calcium transport, we measured activity of the plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA). Stimulation of the CaR on the basal surface resulted in an inhibition of the PMCA in a concentration- and PLC-dependent manner. Thus stimulation of the CaR inhibits both calcium transport and PMCA activity through a PLC-dependent pathway. These studies provide the first direct evidence that calcium can inhibit its own transcellular absorption in a model of the distal tubule. In addition, they provide a potential mechanism for the CaR to inhibit calcium transport, inhibition of PMCA.

Absorption↗
PubMed2000

The calcium-sensing receptor stimulates JNK in MDCK cells.

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) stimulates ERK1 in rat fibroblasts, but its effect on other MAP kinases is not known. We used a model of renal distal tubule, the MDCK cell, to determine the effects of CaR stimulation on Jun kinase (JNK) activity. Stimulation of the CaR with 5 mM Ca(2+) resulted in a time-dependent increase in JNK activity. Activation of JNK occurred preferentially with stimulation on the basal surface relative to the apical surface. Basal administration of the CaR agonist gadolinium (30 microm) also stimulated JNK activity. Pertussis toxin blocked the ability of both CaR agonists to stimulate JNK, indicating that the effect was mediated through G(ialpha) class G proteins. Finally, we used confocal microscopy to determine that the CaR was located predominantly on the basal surface. These studies demonstrate for the first time that the CaR stimulates JNK activity.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Deficient homologous desensitization of formyl peptide receptors stably expressed in undifferentiated HL-60 cells.

The ability of formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) stably expressed in undifferentiated HL-60 cells to undergo ligand-induced desensitization was compared with their ability in normal and vector-transfected HL-60 cells following granulocyte differentiation with DMSO. fMet-Leu-Phe failed to induce uncoupling of FPRs from G-proteins in FPR-transfected cells, whereas uncoupling was induced in differentiated HL-60 cells and differentiated vector-transfected HL-60 cells, as determined by ligand-stimulated guanosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS) binding and GTPgammaS inhibition of fMet-Leu-Phe binding to isolated membranes. Immunoprecipitation of Galpha(i2) from solubilized, azidoanalide (AA-gammaGTP) photolabeled membranes showed that receptors in desensitized FPR-transfected HL-60 cells remained coupled to Galpha(i2), whereas desensitized receptors in differentiated HL-60 cell membranes were uncoupled from Galpha(i2). As determined by immunoblotting, Galpha(i2) expression was similar in undifferentiated and differentiated HL-60 cells and FPR-transfected cells. Ligand-stimulated receptor internalization and desensitization of calcium redistribution were similar in all three groups of cells. Immunoblotting also indicated that G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) 2 and 4 were present in undifferentiated FPR-transfected HL-60 cells at 50% of the level seen in differentiated HL-60 cells. However, differentiation did not increase GRK2 or GRK4 expression, indicating that differences in GRK expression do not explain deficient desensitization. The data indicated that undifferentiated HL-60 cells are unable to induce homologous desensitization of FPRs.

Cell Differentiation↗
PubMed2000

Interaction of cyclosporine and FK506 with diuretics in transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: The calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine and FK506 are widely used for immunosuppression in solid organ transplantation. One of the side effects of these agents is renal magnesium wasting. The site of action and molecular mechanism of this effect are not known. We hypothesized that agents such as diuretics that cause renal magnesium wasting through a similar action would not have an additive effect on magnesium deficiency with calcineurin inhibitors. METHODS: The records of 50 heart transplant patients on calcineurin inhibitors were reviewed to determine levels of serum magnesium and required replacement dose of magnesium, diuretic usage, and other laboratory values. RESULTS: Loop diuretics did not change either the magnesium level or magnesium replacement requirements in patients on calcineurin inhibitors. In contrast, the thiazide diuretic resulted in an increase in serum magnesium and a decrease in magnesium replacement. Results were similar when the cyclosporine or FK506 groups were evaluated alone. Patients taking FK506 had lower serum magnesium values and higher requirements for magnesium replacement compared with patients taking cyclosporine. CONCLUSION: We conclude that calcineurin inhibitors and loop diuretics have a similar site of action.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2000

The MDCK cell line is made up of populations of cells with diverse resistive and transport properties.

The MDCK cell line has been used as a model for the renal distal tubule. When grown on permeable supports, the cells form tight junctions and transport sodium and calcium. Widely different values have, however, been obtained for resistance and transports by different investigators. Since the MDCK cell line is genetically heterogeneous, one potential reason for observed differences is the use of different populations of cells. Dilutional techniques have been used to obtain eleven MDCK cell clones. The clones exhibit a range of values for resistance (300-4000 ohms cm2), net Ca2+ transport (3.2-81 pmol/cm2/min) and net Na+ transport (0.4-6.0 nmol/cm2/min). To determine if the characteristics of clonal cell lines changed with increasing passage number, resistance was measured at relatively early and late passage number. Resistance increased with increasing passage number in two of six lines and decreased in one. These studies demonstrate that differences between previous studies may be due to differences in cell population, length of time since passage, and passage number. Clonal cell lines should provide a useful tool to investigate ion transport and mechanisms of regulation of transport in this model of renal distal tubule.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Quantitative analysis of formyl peptide receptor coupling to g(i)alpha(1), g(i)alpha(2), and g(i)alpha(3).

The human formyl peptide receptor (FPR) is a prototypical G(i) protein-coupled receptor, but little is known about quantitative aspects of FPR-G(i) protein coupling. To address this issue, we fused the FPR to G(i)alpha(1), G(i)alpha(2), and G(i)alpha(3) and expressed the fusion proteins in Sf9 insect cells. Fusion of a receptor to Galpha ensures a defined 1:1 stoichiometry of the signaling partners. By analyzing high affinity agonist binding, the kinetics of agonist- and inverse agonist-regulated guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) binding and GTP hydrolysis and photolabeling of Galpha, we demonstrate highly efficient coupling of the FPR to fused G(i)alpha(1), G(i)alpha(2), and G(i)alpha(3) without cross-talk of the receptor to insect cell G proteins. The FPR displayed high constitutive activity when coupled to all three G(i)alpha isoforms. The K(d) values of high affinity agonist binding were approximately 100-fold lower than the EC(50) (concentration that gives half-maximal stimulation) values of agonist for GTPase activation. Based on the B(max) values of agonist saturation binding and ligand-regulated GTPgammaS binding, it was previously proposed that the FPR activates G proteins catalytically, i.e. one FPR activates several G(i) proteins. Analysis of agonist saturation binding, ligand-regulated GTPgammaS saturation binding and quantitative immunoblotting with membranes expressing FPR-G(i)alpha fusion proteins and nonfused FPR now reveals that FPR agonist binding greatly underestimates the actual FPR expression level. Our data show the following: (i) the FPR couples to G(i)alpha(1), G(i)alpha(2), and G(i)alpha(3) with similar efficiency; (ii) the FPR can exist in a state of low agonist affinity that couples efficiently to G proteins; and (iii) in contrast to the previously held view, the FPR appears to activate G(i) proteins linearly and not catalytically.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Agonist-induced translocation of Gq/11alpha immunoreactivity directly from plasma membrane in MDCK cells.

Both Gsalpha and Gqalpha are palmitoylated and both can move from a crude membrane fraction to a soluble fraction in response to stimulation with agonists. This response may be mediated through depalmitoylation. Previous studies have not demonstrated that endogenous guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G protein) alpha-subunits are released directly from the plasma membrane. We have examined the effect of agonist stimulation on the location of Gq/11alpha immunoreactivity in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Bradykinin (BK; 0.1 microM) caused Gq/11alpha, but not Gialpha, to rapidly translocate from purified plasma membranes to the supernatant. AlF and GTP also caused translocation of Gq/11alpha immunoreactivity from purified plasma membranes. BK caused translocation of Gq/11alpha immunoreactivity in intact cells from the basal and lateral plasma membranes to an intracellular compartment as assessed by confocal microscopy. Thus Gq/11alpha is released directly from the plasma membrane to an intracellular location in response to activation by an agonist and direct activation of G proteins. G protein translocation may be a mechanism for desensitization or for signaling specificity.

Aluminum Compounds↗
PubMed1998

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases by formyl peptide receptors is regulated by the cytoplasmic tail.

Wild type formyl peptide receptors (FPRwt) and receptors deleted of the carboxyl-terminal 45 amino acids (FPRdel) were stably expressed in undifferentiated HL-60 promyelocytes. Expression of FPRwt reconstituted N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP)-stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 kinase activity. Expression of FPRdel resulted in a 2-5-fold increase in basal ERK and p38 kinase activity, whereas FMLP failed to stimulate either mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Pertussis toxin abolished FMLP stimulation of both MAPKs in FPRwt cells but had no effect on either basal or FMLP-stimulated MAPK activity in FPRdel cells. FMLP stimulated a concentration-dependent increase in guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS) binding in membranes from FPRwt but not FPRdel cells. GTPgammaS inhibited FMLP binding to FPRwt but not FPRdel membranes. Photoaffinity labeling with azidoanilide-[gamma-32P]GTP in the presence or absence of FMLP showed increased labeling only in FPRwt membranes. Immunoprecipitation of alphai2 and alphaq/11 from solubilized, photolabeled membranes showed that FPRwt were coupled to alphai2 but not to alphaq/11. FPRwt cells demonstrated calcium mobilization following stimulation with FMLP, whereas FPRdel cells showed no increase in intracellular calcium. We conclude that the carboxyl-terminal tail of FPRs is necessary for ligand-mediated activation of Gi proteins and MAPK cascades. Deletion of the carboxyl-terminal tail results in constitutive activation of ERK and p38 kinase through a Gi2-independent pathway.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Formyl peptide receptors are coupled to multiple mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades by distinct signal transduction pathways: role in activation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase.

Formyl peptide receptor activation of three mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), N-terminal kinases (JNKs), and p38 MAPK was examined in differentiated HL-60 granulocytes. FMLP stimulated a concentration- and time-dependent increase in ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK activities, all of which were dependent on a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein. Pharmacologic inhibitors were used to examine the roles of tyrosine kinases, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase C, and phospholipase C. FMLP-stimulated ERK activity was dependent on tyrosine kinases, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase C, and phospholipase C; p38 MAPK activation was dependent on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and phospholipase C; while JNK activation was independent of all of these signaling components. The mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase inhibitor PD098059 reduced ERK activation by 90%, while an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, SB203580, inhibited p38 MAPK activation by 80%. Both PD098059 and SB203580 inhibited FMLP-stimulated superoxide release, as did inhibitors directed against protein kinase C, tyrosine kinases, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. We conclude that formyl peptide receptors are coupled to three MAPK cascades by Gi proteins. ERKs, p38 MAPK, and JNKs are each activated by distinct proximal signal transduction pathways. Activation of p38 MAPK is necessary for FMLP stimulation of respiratory burst activity; however, a second signal that may involve ERK is also required for this activity.

Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases↗
PubMed1997

Specific coupling of a cation-sensing receptor to G protein alpha-subunits in MDCK cells.

Extracellular cations such as Ca2+ stimulate a G protein-coupled, cation-sensing receptor (CaR). We used microphysiometry to determine whether an extracellular cation-sensing mechanism exists in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The CaR agonists Ca2+ and Gd3+ caused cellular activation in a concentration-dependent manner. mRNA for the CaR was identified by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using nested CaR-specific primers, identification of an appropriately located restriction site, and sequencing of the subcloned fragment obtained by PCR. G protein activation was evaluated using the GTP photoaffinity label [alpha-32P]GTP azidoanalide (AA-GTP). After stimulation with Gd3+ and cross-linking, plasma membranes were solubilized and immunoprecipitated with antisera specific for Gq/11 alpha and Gi alpha family members. Gd3+ increased incorporation of AA-GTP into Gq/11 alpha precipitates by 146 +/- 48% and into G alpha i-2 and G alpha i-3 to a lesser extent but not into G alpha i-1. Direct effects of Gd3+ on the G proteins were ruled out using partially purified mammalian G proteins expressed in Escherichia coli or Sf9 cells. We conclude that MDCK cells possess a cell-surface CaR that activates Gq/11 alpha, G alpha i-2, and G alpha i-3 but not G alpha i-1.

Affinity Labels↗
PubMed1995

5-Hydroxytryptamine2A receptors expressed in rat renal mesangial cells inhibit cyclic AMP accumulation.

Second messenger coupling of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A receptor endogenous to cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells was studied. 5-HT induced an increase in total inositol phosphate levels (EC50 = 265 +/- 55 nM, maximum stimulation = 150 +/- 23%). That effect was sensitive to antagonists of the 5-HT2A receptor and was insensitive to pertussis toxin at doses that eliminated detectable pertussis toxin substrate, as determined by membrane ADP-ribosylation. Surprisingly, 5-HT also induced an inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation (55 +/- 6%, IC50 = 5 +/- 3 nM). This effect was competitively antagonized by the 5-HT2A receptor antagonists ketanserin, ritanserin, and spiperone and could be produced by the 5-HT2 receptor agonists alpha-methyl-5-HT (66 +/- 13%, IC50 = 23 +/- 14 nM) and 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (65 +/- 4%, IC50 = 14 +/- 7 nM). The inhibition of cAMP accumulation occurred in the presence of a number of agents that either stimulate or inhibit protein kinase C activity, arachidonic acid metabolism, or Ca2+ mobilization. In isolated membranes, 5-HT induced a 36 +/- 5% inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity (IC50 = 8 +/- 4 nM). Inhibition of cAMP accumulation in intact cells and of adenylyl cyclase activity in washed membranes was (> 50%) sensitive to pertussis toxin, implicating Gi alpha or Go alpha subunits in the inhibitory signal. These data suggest that the 5-HT2A receptor can be permissive in its coupling to G proteins and second messengers.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1994

Alpha 2A adrenergic receptors inhibit cAMP accumulation in embryonic stem cells which lack Gi alpha 2.

alpha 2A adrenergic receptors are thought to inhibit adenylyl cyclase primarily through Gi alpha 2. We tested the requirement for Gi alpha 2 to inhibit cAMP accumulation by stable expression of alpha 2A adrenergic receptors in mouse embryonic stem cells. Host lines consisted of wild-type CCE cells, and CCE cells with targeted disruption of the Gi alpha 2 gene by two-stage homologous recombination (Mortensen, R. M., Zubiuar, M., Neer, E. J., and Seidman, J. G. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 88, 7036-7040; Mortensen, R. M., Conner, D. A., Chao, S., Geisterfer-Lowrance, A. A., and Seidman, J. G. (1992) Mol. Cell. Biol. 12, 2391-2395). Knockouts were confirmed by Northern blot and immunoblot. We studied three clones derived from wild-type CCE cells (2, 6, and 8) expressing 450 +/- 50, 3000 +/- 120, and 150 +/- 20 fmol of receptor/mg of protein, respectively, and two Gi alpha 2-null clones (7 and 18) expressing 2100 +/- 250 and 300 +/- 40 fmol of receptor/mg of protein. The specific agonist UK14304 caused an inhibition of cAMP accumulation in clones 2, 6 and 8 (58 +/- 16%, 62 +/- 7%, and 52 +/- 12%) and in clones 7 (47 +/- 3%) and 18 (40 +/- 5%), but not in nontransfected CCE cells. IC50 values were similar for all clones (approximately 200 nM). The effect was attenuated by pertussis toxin and the antagonist rauwolscine. These studies show that expression of Gi alpha 2 is not required for alpha 2A adrenergic receptors to inhibit cAMP accumulation.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Human 5-HT1A receptor expressed in insect cells activates endogenous G(o)-like G protein(s).

Insect cell expression systems are used to characterize signaling components such as G protein-coupled receptors. As such, one must know whether endogenous G proteins couple to non-native receptors. We examined G protein linkages after infection of Sporodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells with a baculovirus encoding the 5-HT1A receptor. Receptor expression was confirmed by immunoblot. Some of the receptors were functional, showing guanine nucleotide-sensitive binding to the specific agonist ligand [3H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-1,2,3,4-tetranaphthalene). Peak expression (approximately 150 fmol/mg of membrane protein) was attained approximately 72-96 h post-infection. 5-HT-increased covalent binding of [32P]GTP-azidoanilide to a 40 kDa band, which was identified as a G protein by nucleotide blocking, Mg2+ dependence, and immunoblot and immunoprecipitation studies. The band comigrated with 1) pertussis toxin substrate(s), and 2) a band recognized by two G(o) alpha antisera and one common to heterotrimeric G protein alpha-subunits, but not by sera specific for Gs alpha or G(i) alpha. Labeled species could be precipitated with a G(o) alpha antiserum. 5-HT-increased labeling of the band was prevented by preincubation with pertussis toxin. These studies suggest that the 5-HT1A receptor couples effectively to native insect cell G(o)-like proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Aluminum-induced DNA synthesis in osteoblasts: mediation by a G-protein coupled cation sensing mechanism.

Aluminum (Al3+) stimulates de novo bone formation in dogs and is a potent stimulus for DNA synthesis in non-transformed osteoblasts in vitro. The recent identification of a G-protein coupled cation-sensing receptor (BoPCaR), which is activated by polyvalent agonists [e.g., gadolinium (Gd3+) > neomycin > calcium (Ca2+)], suggests that a similar physiologically important cation sensing receptor may be present in osteoblasts and pharmacologically activated by Al3+. To evaluate that possibility, we assessed whether known BoPCaR agonists stimulate DNA synthesis in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and examined the additive effects of Al3+ and BoPCaR agonists on DNA synthesis in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells. We found that Al3+, Gd3+, neomycin, and Ca2+ stimulated DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent fashion, achieving 50% effective extracellular concentrations (EC50) of 10 microM, 30 microM, 60 microM, and 2.5 mM, respectively. Al3+ displayed non-additive effects on DNA synthesis with the BoPCaR agonists as well as an unrelated G-protein coupled receptor agonist, PGF2 alpha, suggesting shared mechanisms of action. In contrast, the receptor tyrosine kinase agonist, IGF-I (10 eta g/ml), displayed additive proliferative effects when combined with AlCl3, indicating distinct signalling pathways. AlCl3 (25 microM) induced DAG levels 2-fold and the phosphorylation of the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase (MARCKS) substrate 4-fold, but did not increase intracellular calcium concentrations. Down-regulation of PKC by pre-treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate as well as PKC inhibition by H-7 and staurosporine blocked Al(3+)-induced DNA synthesis. Finally, Al3+, Gd3+, neomycin, and Ca2+ activated G-proteins in osteoblast membranes as evidenced by increased covalent binding of [32P]-GTP-azidoanilide to putative G alpha subunits. Our findings suggest that Al3+ stimulates DNA synthesis in osteoblasts through a cation sensing mechanism coupled to G-protein activation and signalling cascades involving DAG and PKC-dependent pathways.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗
PubMed1994

Role of serum in the developmental expression of alkaline phosphatase in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts.

MC3T3-E1 cells in culture exhibit a temporal sequence of development similar to in vivo bone formation. To examine whether the developmental expression of the osteoblast phenotype depends on serum derived factors, we compared the time-dependent expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-a marker of osteoblastic maturation- in MC3T3-E1 cells grown in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) or resin/charcoal-stripped (AXC) serum. ALP was assessed by measuring enzyme activity, immunoblotting, and Northern analysis. Growth of MC3T3-E1 cells in FBS resulted in the programmed upregulation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) post-proliferatively during osteoblast differentiation. In the presence of complete serum, actively proliferating cells during the initial culture period expressed low ALP levels consistent with their designation as pre-osteoblasts, whereas postmitotic cultures upregulated ALP protein, message, and enzyme activity. In addition, undifferentiated early cultures of MC3T3-E1 cells were refractory to forskolin (FSK) stimulation of ALP, but became forskolin responsive following prolonged culture in FBS containing media. In contrast, MC3T3-E1 cells grown in AXC serum displayed limited growth and failed to show a time-dependent increase in alkaline phosphatase. Neither the addition of IGF-I to AXC serum to augment cell number or plating at high density restored the time-dependent upregulation of alkaline phosphatase. Cells incubated in AXC serum for 14 days, however, though expressing low alkaline phosphatase levels, maintained the capacity to upregulate ALP after FBS re-addition or forskolin activation of cAMP-dependent pathways. Such time-dependent acquisition of FSK responsiveness and serum stimulation of ALP expression only in mature osteoblasts indicate the possible presence of differentiation switches that impart competency for a subset of osteoblast developmental events that require complete serum for maximal expression.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗