PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Mousli

Publications and source records attributed to M Mousli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

ICBP90 belongs to a new family of proteins with an expression that is deregulated in cancer cells.

ICBP90 (Inverted CCAAT box Binding Protein of 90 kDa) is a recently identified nuclear protein that binds to one of the inverted CCAAT boxes of the topoisomerase IIalpha (TopoIIalpha) gene promoter. Here, we show that ICBP90 shares structural homology with several other proteins, including Np95, the human and mouse NIRF, suggesting the emergence of a new family of nuclear proteins. Towards elucidating the functions of this family, we analysed the expression of ICBP90 in various cancer or noncancer cell lines and in normal or breast carcinoma tissues. We found that cancer cell lines express higher levels of ICBP90 and TopoIIalpha than noncancer cell lines. By using cell-cycle phase-blocking drugs, we show that in primary cultured human lung fibroblasts, ICBP90 expression peaks at late G1 and during G2/M phases. In contrast, cancer cell lines such as HeLa, Jurkat and A549 show constant ICBP90 expression throughout the entire cell cycle. The effect of overexpression of E2F-1 is more efficient on ICBP90 and TopoIIalpha expression in noncancer cells (IMR90, WI38) than in cancer cells (U2OS, SaOs). Together, these results show that ICBP90 expression is altered in cancer cell lines and is upregulated by E2F-1 overexpression with an efficiency depending on the cancer status of the cell line.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Genomic structure and chromosomal mapping of the gene coding for ICBP90, a protein involved in the regulation of the topoisomerase IIalpha gene expression.

We have recently identified a novel CCAAT box binding protein (ICBP90) involved in the regulation of topoisomerase IIalpha gene expression. We have observed that it is expressed in non-tumoral proliferating human lung fibroblast cells whereas in HeLa cells, a tumoral cell line, ICBP90 was still present even when cells were at confluence. In the present study, we have determined the ICBP90 gene structure by screening of a human placenta genomic library and PCR analysis. We report that the ICBP90 gene spans about 35.8 kb and contains six coding exons named A to F. In the 5' upstream sequence of the region containing the coding exons, two additional exons (I and II) were found. Additionally, an internal splicing site was found in exon A. A promoter region, including three putative Sp1 binding sites between exons I and A, was identified by transient transfection. Northern blot analysis of several cancer cell lines revealed the existence of two ICBP90 mRNA species of 5.1 and 4.3 kb that are transcribed from the gene. The relative amounts of these mRNAs depended on the cell type. In MOLT-4 cells and Burkitt's lymphoma Raji cells, the 4.3 kb or the 5.1 kb transcripts were mainly observed, respectively. In other cell lines, such as HL-60 cells, chronic myelogenous leukaemia K-562, lung carcinoma A549, HeLa or colorectal SW480, both 4.3 and 5.1 kb forms of ICBP90 mRNA could be detected. Interestingly, western blot analysis showed several ICBP90 protein bands in HeLa but only a single band in MOLT-4 cell extracts. Taken together our results are consistent with the ICBP90 gene exhibiting alternative splicing and promoter usage in a cell-specific manner.

Alternative Splicing↗

Dimerization of Escherichia coli DNA-gyrase B provides a structural mechanism for activating the ATPase catalytic center.

DNA-gyrase exhibits an unusual ATP-binding site that is formed as a result of gyrase B subunit dimerization, a structural transition that is also essential for DNA capture during the topoisomerization cycle. Previous structural studies on Escherichia coli DNA-gyrase B revealed that dimerization is the result of a polypeptidic exchange involving the N-terminal 14 amino acids. To provide experimental data that dimerization is critical for ATPase activity and enzyme turnover, we generated mutants with reduced dimerization by mutating the two most conserved residues of the GyrB N-terminal arm (Tyr-5 and Ile-10 residues). Our data demonstrate that the hydrophobic Ile-10 residue plays an important role in enzyme dimerization and the nucleotide-protein contact mediated by Tyr-5 side chain residue helps the dimerization process. Analysis of ATPase activities of mutant proteins provides evidence that dimerization enhances the ATP-hydrolysis turnover. The structure of the Y5S mutant of the N-terminal 43-kDa fragment of E. coli DNA GyrB subunit indicates that Tyr-5 residue provides a scaffold for the ATP-hydrolysis center. We describe a channel formed at the dimer interface that provides a structural mechanism to allow reactive water molecules to access the gamma-phosphate group of the bound ATP molecule. Together, these results demonstrate that dimerization strongly contributes to the folding and stability of the catalytic site for ATP hydrolysis. A role for the essential Mg(2+) ion for the orientation of the phosphate groups of the bound nucleotide inside the reactive pocket was also uncovered by superposition of the 5'-adenylyl beta-gamma-imidodiphosphate (ADPNP) wild-type structure to the salt-free ADPNP structure.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

ICBP90, a novel human CCAAT binding protein, involved in the regulation of topoisomerase IIalpha expression.

The one-hybrid system with an inverted CCAAT box as the DNA target sequence was used to identify proteins acting on key DNA sequences of the promoter of the topoisomerase IIalpha gene. Screening of cDNA libraries from the leukemia Jurkat cell line and from the adult human thymus resulted in the isolation of a novel protein of 793 amino acids (89,758 Da). This protein has in vitro CCAAT binding properties and has been called ICBP90. Adult thymus, fetal thymus, fetal liver, and bone marrow, known as active tissues in terms of cell proliferation, are the tissues richest in ICBP90 mRNA. In contrast, highly differentiated tissues and cells such as the central nervous system and peripheral leukocytes are free of ICBP90 mRNA. Western blotting experiments showed a simultaneous expression of topoisomerase IIalpha and ICBP90 in proliferating human lung fibroblasts. Simultaneous expression of both proteins has also been observed in HeLa cells, but in both proliferating and confluent cells. Overexpression of ICBP90 in COS-1-transfected cells induced an enhanced expression of endogenous topoisomerase IIalpha. Immunohistochemistry experiments showed that topoisomerase IIalpha and ICBP90 were coexpressed in proliferating areas of paraffin-embedded human appendix tissues and in high-grade breast carcinoma tissues. We have identified ICBP90, which is a novel CCAAT binding protein, and our results suggest that it may be involved in topoisomerase IIalpha expression. ICBP90 may also be useful as a new proliferation marker for cancer tissues.

Adult↗

A recombinant single-chain antibody fragment that neutralizes toxin II from the venom of the scorpion Androctonus australis hector.

Monoclonal antibody 4C1 specifically binds to and neutralizes the most potent neurotoxin (AahII) of the scorpion Androctonus australis. The cDNAs encoding the variable regions of this antibody were isolated by PCR-mediated cloning. A single-chain Fv gene was engineered and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein had neutralizing activity similar to that of the intact antibody in vitro and in vivo. We have thus neutralized the pharmacological and biological properties of a scorpion neurotoxin with a single-chain Fv, which opens new perspectives for the treatment of envenomizations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isoleucine 10 is essential for DNA gyrase B function in Escherichia coli.

DNA gyrase is an essential enzyme that regulates the DNA topology in bacteria. It belongs to the type II DNA topoisomerase family and is responsible for the introduction of negative supercoils into DNA at the expense of hydrolysis of ATP molecules. The aim of the present work was to study the contribution of I10, one of the most important residues responsible for the stabilization of GyrB dimer and involved in the ATP-binding step, in the ATP-hydrolysis reaction and in the DNA supercoiling mechanism. We constructed MBP-tagged GyrB mutants I10G and Delta4-14. Our results demonstrate that both mutations severely affect the DNA-dependent ATPase activity and DNA supercoiling. Mutation of Y5 residue involved in the formation of ATPase catalytic site (Y5G mutant) had only little effect on the DNA-dependent ATPase activity and DNA supercoiling. Interestingly, the DNA-relaxation activity of MBP-GyrB mutants and wild type was completely inhibited by ATP. Binding of ADPNP to MBP-tagged mutants was significantly decreased. ADPNP had no effect on DNA-relaxation activity of MBP-tagged mutants but was able to inhibit MBP-tagged wild type enzyme. Our results demonstrate that GyrB N-terminal arm, and specially I10 residue is essential for ATP binding/hydrolysis efficiency and DNA transfer through DNA gyrase.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Production and characterization of a bivalent single chain Fv/alkaline phosphatase conjugate specific for the hemocyanin of the scorpion Androctonus australis.

A102 is a monoclonal antibody raised against the hemocyanin of the Tunisian scorpion Androctonus australis. It is directed against the subunit Aa6 and does not cross-react when tested against a variety of similar scorpion hemocyanins. Here, we report the construction of a plasmid encoding a recombinant enzyme-linked antigen-binding protein with the antigen-binding specificity of antibody A102. The DNA fragments encoding the variable domains of A102 were inserted into a prokaryotic expression vector so as to produce a single chain antibody variable fragment (scFv) fused to the bacterial alkaline phosphatase. The fusion protein preserved the IgG binding and alkaline phosphatase activities. Immunoelectron microscopic analysis showed that the recombinant protein bound antigen bivalently as is the case for natural antibodies. Crude preparations containing the conjugate were used in a rapid visual immunoassay for the specific detection of A. australis hemocyanin, using a droplet of hemolymph removed from live animals by puncture. The simplicity of the test made it suitable for the direct identification of animals belonging to this species. It could be useful in areas where A. australis, the most dangerous African scorpion, is found with other species from which it is not easy to distinguish using morphological criteria.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Substance P-related inhibitors of mast cell exocytosis act on G-proteins or on the cell surface.

[p-Glu5,D-Trp(7,9,10)]substance P-(5-11) inhibited mastoparan-stimulated GTPase activity in homogenized rat peritoneal mast cells and decreased histamine secretion induced by mastoparan from streptolysin O-permeabilized mast cells (IC50 of about 30 microM), but not from intact cells. In contrast, [D-Pro4,D-Trp(7,9,10)]substance P-(4-11) inhibited the secretion from intact cells (IC50 of about 10 microM) but had no effect on histamine secretion from permeabilized cells, suggesting that this peptide exerts its inhibitory effect on the plasma membrane, whereas [p-Glu5,D-Trp(7,9,10)]substance P-(5-11) interacts with G proteins. Pretreatment of mast cells with neuraminidase led to an inhibition of the secretory response to mastoparan and related triggers. This response was restored following cell permeabilization, demonstrating the role of the cell surface on the entry of mastoparan and related triggers and on their ability to reach G proteins sensitive to pertussis toxin and [p-Glu5,D-Trp(7,9,10)]substance P-(5-11).

Animals↗

Expression in Escherichia coli of Y5 mutant and N-terminal domain-deleted DNA gyrase B proteins affects strongly plasmid maintenance.

Escherichia coli DNA gyrase B subunit (GyrB) is composed of a 43-kDa N-terminal domain containing an ATP-binding site and a 47-kDa C-terminal domain involved in the interaction with the gyrase A subunit (GyrA). Site-directed mutagenesis was used to substitute, in both the entire GyrB subunit and its 43-kDa N-terminal fragment, the amino acid Y5 by either a serine (Y5S) or a phenylalanine residue (Y5F). Under standard conditions, cells bearing Y5S or Y5F mutant GyrB expression plasmids produced significantly less recombinant proteins than cells transformed with the wild-type plasmid. This dramatic decrease in expression of mutant GyrB proteins was not observed when the corresponding N-terminal 43 kDa mutant plasmids were used. Examination of the plasmid content of the transformed cells after induction showed that the Y5F and Y5S GyrB protein level was correlated with the plasmid copy number. By repressing tightly the promoter activity encoded by these expression vectors during cell growth, it was possible to restore the normal level of the mutant GyrB encoding plasmids in the transformed bacteria. Treatment with chloramphenicol before protein induction enabled large overexpression of the GyrB mutant Y5F and Y5S proteins. In addition, the decrease in plasmid copy number was also observed when the 47-kDa C-terminal fragment of the GyrB subunit was expressed in bacteria grown under standard culture conditions. Analysis of DNA supercoiling and relaxation activities in the presence of GyrA demonstrated that purified Y5-mutant GyrB proteins were deficient for ATP-dependent gyrase activities. Taken together, these results show that Y5F and Y5S mutant GyrB proteins, but not the corresponding 43-kDa N-terminal fragments, compete in vivo with the bacterial endogenous GyrB subunit of DNA gyrase, thereby reducing the plasmid copy number in the transformed bacteria by probably acting on the level of negative DNA supercoiling in vivo. This competition could be mediated by the presence of the intact 47-kDa C-terminal domain in the Y5F and Y5S mutant GyrB subunits. This study demonstrates also that the amino acid Y5 is a crucial residue for the expression of the gyrase B activity in vivo. Thus, our in vivo approach may also be useful for detecting other important amino acids for DNA gyrase activity, as mutations affecting the ATPase activity or GyrB/GyrB, or GyrB/GyrA protein interactions.

Binding Sites↗

Expression in Escherichia coli of Y5-mutant and N-terminal domain-deleted DNA gyrase B proteins affects strongly plasmid maintenance.

Escherichia coli DNA gyrase B subunit (GyrB) is composed of a 43-kDa N-terminal domain containing an ATP-binding site and a 47-kDa C-terminal domain involved in the interaction with the gyrase A subunit (GyrA). Site-directed mutagenesis was used to substitute, in both the entire GyrB subunit and its 43-kDa N-terminal fragment, the amino acid Y5 by either a serine (Y5S) or a phenylalanine residue (Y5F). Under standard conditions, cells bearing Y5S or Y5F mutant GyrB expression plasmids produced significantly less recombinant proteins than cells transformed with the wild-type plasmid. This dramatic decrease in expression of mutant GyrB proteins was not observed when the corresponding N-terminal 43-kDa mutant plasmids were used. Examination of the plasmid content of the transformed cells after induction showed that the Y5F and Y5S GyrB protein level was correlated with the plasmid copy number. By repressing tightly the promoter activity encoded by these expression vectors during cell growth, it was possible to restore the normal level of the mutant GyrB encoding plasmids in the transformed bacteria. Treatment with chloramphenicol before protein induction enabled large overexpression of the GyrB mutant Y5F and Y5S proteins. In addition, the decrease in plasmid copy number was also observed when the 47-kDa C-terminal fragment of the GyrB subunit was expressed in bacteria grown under standard culture conditions. Analysis of DNA supercoiling and relaxation activities in the presence of GyrA demonstrated that purified Y5-mutant GyrB proteins were deficient for ATP-dependent gyrase activities. Taken together, these results show that Y5F and Y5S mutant GyrB proteins, but not the corresponding 43-kDa N-terminal fragments, compete in vivo with the bacterial endogenous GyrB subunit of DNA gyrase, thereby reducing the plasmid copy number in the transformed bacteria by probably acting on the level of negative DNA supercoiling in vivo. This competition could be mediated by the presence of the intact 47-kDa C-terminal domain in the Y5F and Y5S mutant GyrB subunits. This study demonstrates also that the amino acid Y5 is a crucial residue for the expression of the gyrase B activity in vivo. Thus, our in vivo approach may also be useful for detecting other important amino acids for DNA gyrase activity, as mutations affecting the ATPase activity or the GyrB/GyrB or GyrB/GyrA protein interactions.

Catalysis↗

GAIP, a protein that specifically interacts with the trimeric G protein G alpha i3, is a member of a protein family with a highly conserved core domain.

Using the yeast two-hybrid system we have identified a human protein, GAIP (G Alpha Interacting Protein), that specifically interacts with the heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein G alpha i3. Interaction was verified by specific binding of in vitro-translated G alpha i3 with a GAIP-glutathione S-transferase fusion protein. GAIP is a small protein (217 amino acids, 24 kDa) that contains two potential phosphorylation sites for protein kinase C and seven for casein kinase 2. GAIP shows high homology to two previously identified human proteins, GOS8 and 1R20, two Caenorhabditis elegans proteins, CO5B5.7 and C29H12.3, and the FLBA gene product in Aspergillus nidulans--all of unknown function. Significant homology was also found to the SST2 gene product in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is known to interact with a yeast G alpha subunit (Gpa1). A highly conserved core domain of 125 amino acids characterizes this family of proteins. Analysis of deletion mutants demonstrated that the core domain is the site of GAIP's interaction with G alpha i3. GAIP is likely to be an early inducible phosphoprotein, as its cDNA contains the TTTTGT sequence characteristic of early response genes in its 3'-untranslated region. By Northern analysis GAIP's 1.6-kb mRNA is most abundant in lung, heart, placenta, and liver and is very low in brain, skeletal muscle, pancreas, and kidney. GAIP appears to interact exclusively with G alpha i3, as it did not interact with G alpha i2 and G alpha q. The fact that GAIP and Sst2 interact with G alpha subunits and share a common domain suggests that other members of the GAIP family also interact with G alpha subunits through the 125-amino-acid core domain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structural requirements for neuropeptide Y in mast cell and G protein activation.

Incubation of neuropeptide Y or its C-terminal fragments with rat peritoneal mast cells resulted in a dose-dependent histamine release. Fragment 18-36 of neuropeptide Y was the most biologically active peptide. EC25 value on rat mast cells was 7.2 +/- 2.2 nM. Neuropeptide Y was also able to induce a flare response after intradermal injection in humans. The histamine releasing effects of neuropeptide Y related peptides were greatly inhibited by pretreatment of rat mast cells with pertussis toxin or benzalkonium chloride. Neuropeptide Y and C-terminal related peptides also stimulated the GTPase activity of purified heterotrimeric G proteins in a dose-dependent manner from 1 to 50 microM. Binding studies with [125I]neuropeptide Y were unable to provide evidence for the presence of specific binding sites on the surface of mast cells. The alpha helical conformation of neuropeptide Y fragments was studied by measuring the circular dichroism spectra. Neuropeptide Y-(18-36) was the smallest fragment having a strong helical conformation. Our results demonstrate that neuropeptide Y activates mast cells through a non-specific process leading to G protein activation.

Adult↗

Human and rat cutaneous mast cells: involvement of a G protein in the response to peptidergic stimuli.

Recent evidence suggests that peptides induce the release of mediators from rat peritoneal mast cell by means of a receptor-independent mechanism, possibly involving an interaction with sialic acid residues at the cell surface followed by the activation of a guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein). We have now examined the potential involvement of sialic acid residues and of G protein stimulation in the activation of both human and rat cutaneous mast cells by neuropeptide Y, its C-terminal fragments and the wasp venom peptide, mastoparan. Neuropeptide Y-(18-36) was the most effective histamine releaser of the fragments tested, the order of potency being neuropeptide Y-(18-36) > neuropeptide Y-(22-36) > neuropeptide Y-(1-36). This order of potency suggests that the effects of the peptides are not mediated through classical NPY receptors. The hydrolysis of sialic acid residues by neuraminidase and the inhibition of G proteins by benzalkonium chloride or pertussis toxin significantly inhibited the secretory response of cutaneous mast cells to neuropeptide Y-(18-36) and mastoparan. These results demonstrate that the peptidergic pathway described for the activation of peritoneal rat mast cells is also involved in the response of cutaneous human and rat mast cells to peptides.

Animals↗

Co-solubilization of bradykinin B2 receptors and angiotensin-converting enzyme from guinea pig lung membranes.

Bradykinin B2 receptor-like binding activity was solubilized from guinea pig lung using the zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulphonate (Chaps). The binding of [3H]bradykinin to the soluble fraction was time-dependent and saturable. Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding data indicated that the soluble extract contained a single class of binding sites with a Kd of 696 pM and a Bmax of 57 fmol/mg protein. Unlabelled bradykinin and B2 antagonists inhibited the binding of [3H]bradykinin to Chaps-solubilized extracts with relative potencies similar to those observed with the low-affinity membrane-bound binding sites. Following partial purification of the soluble preparation, using anion exchange (DEAE-Sephacel) and gel filtration (Aca 34) column chromatography steps, two peaks eluted off the column were able to bind [3H]bradykinin and have molecular masses of 168 and 98.5 kDa. The former seems to represent binding of bradykinin to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE, EC 3.4.15.1) and the latter binding to bradykinin receptor. Using purified commercial ACE, we show that the binding of [3H]bradykinin to ACE can easily be distinguished from that of the bradykinin receptor, since both B1 and B2 ligands were able to inhibit bradykinin binding with affinities clearly different from that expected for a bradykinin receptor.

Animals↗

Bradykinin-induced contraction of guinea pig lung in vitro.

We have investigated the contractile effect of bradykinin (BK) in guinea pig lung in vitro. BK induces a dose-related contraction of lung parenchymal strips which is increased significantly in the presence of 10(-5) M captopril (an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) or 10(-5) M DL-thiorphan (a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor). The kininase I inhibitor, DL-2-mercaptomethyl-3-guanidino-ethylthiopropionic acid (MGTPA), has no effect on the BK-induced contraction. BK is more potent in contracting parenchymal lung strips than other contractile agents (histamine, carbachol and substance P), however the BK-induced maximal contraction is lower than those obtained with histamine and carbachol. The B1 agonist, des-Arg9-BK, does not contract lung parenchymal strips. The new BK B2 receptor antagonists (Hoe 140, NPC 17731 and NPC 17761), which possess binding affinities in the nanomolar range, inhibit the BK-induced contractile response in a dose-dependent manner. The BK-induced contraction was unaffected by propranolol, atropine, tetrodotoxin, capsaicin pre-treatment, triprolidine, methysergide, Ro 19-3704 and N omega-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME), excluding the involvement of nervous pathways, preformed mast cell mediators, platelet-activating factor and nitric oxide. However, indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, AA-861, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, and furegrelate, a thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor, decreased the contractile response to BK, suggesting that both cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase products are involved in this contraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Role of positive charges of neuropeptide Y fragments in mast cell activation.

The incubation of neuropeptide Y (NPY) or of NPY C-terminal fragments with rat peritoneal mast cells resulted in a dose-dependent histamine secretion (10(-9)-10(-5) M). A linear correlation between the number of net positive charges of the peptides and histamine release potencies was obtained. The histamine secretion induced by NPY fragments was inhibited by the treatment of mast cells with benzalkonium chloride and pertussis toxin indicating the involvement of G proteins.

Animals↗

The mechanism of inhibition of alkylamines on the mast-cell peptidergic pathway.

GTP-binding proteins are known to play an important role in controlling mast-cell exocytosis and are described as the primary targets of peptidic mast-cell histamine releasers. The mechanism of inhibition of the mast-cell peptidergic pathway by alkylamines, which are selective inhibitors of this pathway, was investigated using intact or permeabilized rat peritoneal mast cells. Histamine release induced by GTP gamma S and by mastoparan (a venom peptide activating G proteins) was inhibited by pretreating mast cells with 0.1 to 3 micrograms/ml of a mixture of benzalkonium chloride containing in majority a twelve-carbon-atom aliphatic chain (BAC(C approximately 12)). Pure benzalkonium chloride, with a fourteen-carbon-atom aliphatic chain (BAC (C14)), at 5 to 10 microM also inhibited histamine release induced by GTP gamma S and mastoparan. The dose-response curve of mastoparan-induced histamine release from intact mast cells was shifted to the right by various concentrations of BAC (C14). Similar results were obtained with another alkylamine differing from BAC (C14) by the absence of the benzene ring, tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide, TAB (C14). This illustrates that the presence of the phenyl radical is not required for the inhibitory effect of benzalkonium chloride. BAC (C approximately 12) and BAC (C14) inhibited the generation of inositol polyphosphates induced by GTP gamma S. BAC (C approximately 12) and TAB (C14) inhibited the mastoparan-stimulated GTPase activity from mast-cell Gi-like proteins. These results suggest that alkylamines exert selectively their inhibitory effect via an interaction with mast-cell Gi-like proteins coupled to phospholipase C, i.e., at an early stage in the stimulus-secretion coupling process.

Benzalkonium Compounds↗