PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P Bonay

Publications and source records attributed to P Bonay.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Purification and characterization of a beta-xylosidase from potatoes (Solanum tuberosum).

Potatoes are a cheap and easily available source for the preparation of beta 1,2-xylosidase. The soluble enzyme was purified from potato tubers by ammonium sulfate precipitation, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, affinity gel blue chromatography, ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography yielding a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 39-40 kDa, an isoelectric point of 5.1 and a typical plant N-glycosylation pattern. The enzyme releases xylose residues beta1,2-linked to the beta-mannose of an N-glycan core, if the 3-position of this mannose is not occupied. It showed an optimal enzymatic activity at pH 4.0-4.5 and at a temperature of 50 degrees C. The activity was reduced in the presence of Ni(2+) and Cu (2+) and slightly increased by the addition of Mn(2+) or Ca(2+). At 37 degrees C the cleavage of xylose from p-nitrophenyl-beta-xylopyranoside or appropriate pyridylaminated N-glycans was proportional to the time of incubation over a period of 8 h and increased with time for at least 24 h. N-Methoxycarbonylpentyl-1,5-dideoxy-1,5-iminoxylitol inhibits the enzyme effectively. Sequencing of the N-terminus showed a high homology to a number of isoforms of patatin, the main protein of potato tubers. This enzyme will be an important tool for the analysis of N-glycans and in the modification of N-glycans for immunological studies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Minor interspecies variations in the sequence of the gp53 TSL-1 antigen of Trichinella define species-specific immunodominant epitopes.

Among the Trichinella TSL-1 antigens, whose antigenicity is generally due mainly to tyvelose-containing epitopes, gp53 is unusual in that its antigenicity is due mainly to protein epitopes. In the present study we mapped two of these epitopes, recognized by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that specifically recognize gp53 from all encysting Trichinella species (mAb US9), or gp53 from Trichinella spiralis alone (mAb US5). Based on previously published sequences of this glycoprotein [Mol. Biochem. Parasitol. 72 (1995) 253], in this study, we cloned the full gp53 cDNA from a new strain, Trichinella britovi (ISS 11; AN: ), and from another T. spiralis isolate (ISS 115; AN: ). The gp53 sequence comprised an ORF of 1239bp, coding for 412 amino acids, with 61 nucleotide differences (resulting in 38 residue changes) between the two species. Mapping of US5- and US9-recognized epitopes was undertaken through the construction and expression in the pGEX4T vector of truncated gp53 peptides, and by the construction of peptides derived from the antigenic regions. The epitope recognized by mAb US9 was a linear peptide of 8 residues, 33Met- 40Ser, located in the amino-terminal region, while the corresponding epitope recognized by mAb US5 was a 47-amino acid sequence containing two alpha-helix regions flanked by random coils, 290Thr- 336Lys. Molecular modeling of these peptides seems to indicate that recognition of the US9 epitope depends on the presence of two available hydroxyl groups provided by one methionine and one serine on T. spiralis gp53 (not present on Trichinella pseudospiralis gp53). Additionally, the stability of the US5 epitope seems to depend on correct folding of the 47-amino acid sequence (only present in T. spiralis). The relevance of these findings for understanding the antigenic recognition of Trichinella TSL-1 antigens, and for further studies to investigate possible function(s) of gp53 in Trichinella, is discussed.

Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase↗

Apolipoprotein E4 stimulates sulfation of glycosaminoglycans in neural cells.

Apolipoprotein E externally added to neuroblastoma cells in culture stimulates [35S]sulfate incorporation on cell and extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycans (sGAG). This stimulation is mainly observed for ApoE4 compared to ApoE3. The increase in sulfation is not due to increased synthesis as there is no corresponding increase in the [3H]glucosamine incorporation. Since the presence of ApoE is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the presence of sGAG could facilitate the assembly of the main components, beta-amyloid and tau proteins, of the aberrant structures found in AD, the present study indicates a possible relation between those factors.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Binding specificity of mannose-specific carbohydrate-binding protein from the cell surface of Trypanosoma cruzi.

The sugar binding specificity of the recently described mannose-specific carbohydrate-binding proteins (CBP) isolated to homogeneity from both the epimastigote and trypomastigote stages of the pathogenic protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi has been studied by quantitative hapten inhibition of the biotinylated CBPs to immobilized thyroglobulin using model oligosaccharides. The results clearly show a differential specificity toward high-mannose glycans between the CBPs from the two developmental stages. Thus, the isolated CBP from epimastigotes exhibited stronger affinity for higher mannose oligomers containing the Manalpha1-2Manalpha1-6Manalpha1-6 structure. Its affinity decreased, as did the number of mannose residues on the oligomer or removal of the terminal Manalpha1-2-linked mannose. By contrast the CBP isolated from the trypomastigote stage showed about 400-fold lower avidity than the epimastigote form, and contrary to it, it was slightly more specific toward Man5GlcNAc than Man9GlcNAc. Analysis of the interaction of epimastigote-Man-CBP with its ligands by UV difference spectroscopy indicates the existence of an extended binding site in that protein with a large enthalpic contribution to the binding. The thermodynamic parameters of binding were obtained by isothermal titration calorimetry and been found that the DeltaH values to be in good agreement with the van't Hoff values. The binding reactions are mainly enthalpically driven and exhibit enthalpy-enthropy compensation. In addition, analysis of the high-mannose glycans from different parts of the digestive tract of the reduviid insect vector of T. cruzi suggest a role of the CBP in the retention of the epimastigote stage in the anterior portion of the gut.

Animals↗

Expression of IkappaBalpha in the nucleus of human peripheral blood T lymphocytes.

According to current models the inhibitory capacity of I(kappa)B(alpha) would be mediated through the retention of Rel/NF-kappaB proteins in the cytosol. However, I(kappa)B(alpha) has also been detected in the nucleus of cell lines and when overexpressed by transient transfection. To gain better insight into the potential role of nuclear I(kappa)B(alpha) in a physiological context we have analysed its presence in the nucleus of human peripheral blood T lymphocytes (PBL). We demonstrate the nuclear localization of I(kappa)B(alpha) in PBL by different techniques: Western blot, indirect immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Low levels of nuclear I(kappa)B(alpha) were detected in resting cells whereas a superinduction was obtained after PMA activation. The nuclear pool of I(kappa)B(alpha) showed a higher stability than cytosolic I(kappa)B(alpha) and was partially independent of the resynthesis of the protein. Unexpectedly, the presence of nuclear I(kappa)B(alpha) did not inhibit NF-kappaB binding to DNA and this phenomenon was not due to the presence of IkappaBbeta at the nuclear level. Immunoprecipitation experiments failed to demonstrate an association between nuclear I(kappa)B(alpha) and NF-kappaB proteins. Our results demonstrate that in resting and PMA-activated human PBL, I(kappa)B(alpha) is present in the nucleus in an apparently inactive form unable to disrupt NF-kappaB binding from DNA.

Blood Cells↗

Cloning and characterization of Rab and Ran/TC4 cDNA clones in Trichinella spp.

The cloning and characterization of seven Rab and three Ran/TC4 partial cDNA sequences in both cystic (Trichinella spiralis and T. britovi) and noncystic species (T. pseudospiralis) are reported. These molecules were cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends via polymerase chain reaction (RACE-PCR), using cDNA from the aforementioned Trichinella spp. coupled to the AP1 adaptor. As primers, AP1 and 5B (derived from the WDTAGQE sequence of region 2 specific for Rab and Ran proteins) sequences were included in the PCR. The cloned cDNAs were sequenced and characterized by both Southern-blot and Northern-blot analysis. Trichinella spp. Rab- and Ran-like molecules showed divergences in both the nucleotide and the deduced amino acid sequences as compared with the corresponding homologues previously described in other organisms. In addition, differences were observed among the Trichinella species, mainly between the cystic and the noncystic species, in both DNA restriction-enzyme polymorphism and expression of the six GTPases isolated.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation and purification of a neutral alpha(1,2)-mannosidase from Trypanosoma cruzi.

Trypanosoma cruzi is an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite that causes Chagas' disease in humans. Although a fair amount is known about the biochemistry of certain trypanosomes, very little is known about the enzymic complement of synthesis and processing of glycoproteins and/or functions of the subcellular organelles in this parasite. There have been very few reports on the presence of acid and neutral hydrolases in Trypanosoma cruzi. Here we report the first purification and characterization of a neutral mannosidase from the epimastigote stage of Trypanosoma cruzi. The neutral mannosidase was purified nearly 800-fold with an 8% recovery to apparent homogeneity from a CHAPS extract of epimastigotes by the following procedures: (1) metal affinity chromatography on Co+2-Sepharose, (2) anion exchange, and (3) hydroxylapatite. The purified enzyme has a native molecular weight of 150-160 kDa and is apparently composed of two subunits of 76 kDa. The purified enzyme exhibits a broad pH profile with a maximum at pH 5.9-6.3. It is inhibited by swainsonine (Ki, 0.1 microM), D-mannono-delta-lactam (Ki, 20 microM), kifunensine (Ki, 60 microM) but not significantly by deoxymannojirimycin. The enzyme is activated by Co2+and Ni2+and strongly inhibited by EDTA and Fe2+. The purified enzyme is active against p-nitrophenyl alpha-D-mannoside (km = 87 microM). High-mannose Man9GlcNAc substrate was hydrolyzed by the purified enzyme to Man7GlcNAc at pH 6.1. The purified enzyme does not show activity against alpha1,3- or alpha1,6-linked mannose residues. Antibodies against the recently purified lysosomal alpha-mannosidase from T.cruzi did not react with the neutral mannosidase reported here.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cellular adhesion mediated by factor J, a complement inhibitor. Evidence for nucleolin involvement.

Factor J (FJ) is a complement inhibitor that acts on the classical and the alternative pathways. We demonstrated FJ-cell interactions in fluid phase by flow cytometry experiments using the cell lines Jurkat, K562, JY, and peripheral blood lymphocytes. FJ bound to plastic plates was able to induce in vitro adhesion of these cells with potency equivalent to fibronectin. As evidence for the specificity of this reaction, the adhesion was blocked by MAJ2, an anti-FJ monoclonal antibody, and by soluble FJ. Attachment of the cells required active metabolism and cytoskeletal integrity. The glycosaminoglycans heparin, heparan sulfate, or chondroitin sulfates A, B, and C inhibited to varying degrees the binding of FJ to cells, as did treatment with chondroitinase ABC. In the search for a putative receptor, a protein of 110 kDa was isolated by affinity chromatography, and microsequence analysis identified this protein as nucleolin. Confocal microscopy evidenced the presence of nucleolin in cell membrane by immunofluorescence with monoclonal (D3) and polyclonal anti-nucleolin antibodies in Jurkat cells. The interaction FJ-nucleolin was evidenced by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, purified nucleolin and D3 inhibited adhesion of Jurkat cells to immobilized FJ, suggesting that the interaction was specific and that nucleolin mediated the binding.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Cloning, sequencing, and expression of the PSA genes from Leishmania infantum.

We describe the molecular cloning of the PSA genes from the Leishmania infantum parasite, which show high sequence similarity with the L. major PSA-2 and L. amazonensis GP46/M2 genes. The PSA genes in L. infantum are arrayed in tandem with a repetition unit of 6 kb. A single-size class of PSA mRNA of 4 kb was detected. The characterised L. infantum PSA genes code for a protein lacking the glycosylphosphatidylinositol addition signal described in other Leishmania species due to the presence of a stop codon located upstream from the DNA sequence coding for the signal. The data obtained after immunoprecipitation of PSA indicate that the protein is present as a water-soluble form, but that also a membrane-anchored form can be detected. The amino acid sequence derived from the isolated PSA gene shows that 60% of the deduced protein is formed by 13 leucine-rich repeats, each one of which is 24 amino acids long. The analysis of the consensus sequence of the repeats revealed that the L. infantum PSA as well as the described L. major PSA-2 and L. amazonensis GP46/M2 proteins may be classified as new members of the leucine-rich repeat-containing protein superfamily. The number of leucine-rich motifs, however, varies considerably between the PSA protein from L. infantum and from the other Leishmania species. The PSA protein is a major antigen determinant during L. infantum infections since 87% of the sera from naturally infected dogs recognise the recombinant PSA purified from Escherichia coli.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Antiparasitic effects of the intra-Golgi transport inhibitor megalomicin.

The macrolide antibiotic megalomicin (MGM) has been shown to inhibit vesicular transport between the medial- and trans-Golgi, resulting in the undersialylation of cellular proteins (P. Bonay, S. Munro, M. Fresno, and B. Alarcón, J. Biol. Chem. 271:3719-3726, 1996). Due to the effects of MGM on the Golgi and on the replication of enveloped viruses, we decided to test whether it has any antiparasitic activity. The results showed that MGM has potent activity against the epimastigote stage of Trypanosoma cruzi, producing a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.2 microg/ml. Furthermore, MGM was also active against the intracellular replicative, amastigote form of T. cruzi, completely preventing its replication in infected murine LLC/MK2 macrophages at a dose of 5 microg/ml. Although less potent, MGM was also active against Trypanosoma brucei epimastigotes (IC50, 2 microg/ml) and Leishmania donovani and Leishmania major promastigotes (IC50, 3 and 8 microg/ml, respectively). MGM also blocked intracellular replication of the asexual stage of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes at 1 microg/ml. Finally, MGM was active in an in vivo model, resulting in the complete protection of BALB/c mice from death caused by acute T. brucei infection and significantly reducing the parasitemia. These results suggest that MGM is a potential drug for the treatment of veterinary and human parasitic diseases.

Animals↗

Massive glycation of protein HC, a low molecular weight lipocalin, in non-diabetic individuals.

Human protein HC is a member of the lipocalin superfamily with unique properties since it carries a covalently bound fluorescent chromophore mediating the linkage of the major part of protein HC to several plasma proteins, with IgA as the dominating complex partner. Native protein HC displays characteristic absorption and fluorescence spectra similar to those of glycated proteins with advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs). In vitro glycation of protein HC induces the formation of fibril aggregates with a corresponding increase of absorption in the visible region of the spectrum. Boronate-affinity chromatography and a novel galactosyltransferase assay indicate that protein HC is modified with residues of glucose exposed in a terminal non-reducing position which is typical of glycated proteins. The glycation level of several isolated batches of protein HC as measured by both assays was around 35%, which represents the highest level described for human plasma-derived proteins from healthy individuals.

Alpha-Globulins↗

IL-2 signaling controls actin organization through Rho-like protein family, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and protein kinase C-zeta.

IL-2 and IL-4 induce proliferation of TS1 alpha beta cells. Activation of the zeta isoform of protein kinase C is an important step in IL-2-, but not IL-4-mediated proliferation. In addition, protein kinase C-zeta is implicated in IL-2-mediated actin organization. Given the established involvement of the Rho family of small guanine nucleotide-binding proteins in organization of actin structures, we analyze the possible relationships between Rho and protein kinase C-zeta. Using the Rho-like protein family-specific toxin B from Clostridium difficile, we report in this work that IL-2, but not IL-4, induces a Rho-dependent activation of protein kinase C-zeta. This signaling event is mediated by the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. In contrast, IL-4 induces a Rho-independent, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-mediated activation of protein kinase C-zeta, but this pathway has no implications in cytoskeleton organization.

Actins↗

Megalomicin disrupts lysosomal functions.

Megalomicin (MGM) has been shown to cause a dilation of the most distal cisternae of the Golgi complex. The effects of MGM on Golgi morphology correlated with an inhibition of protein transport to the trans-Golgi resulting in an accumulation of poorly sialylated glycoproteins. Here we show that the addition of 50 microM MGM caused a rapid swelling of lysosomes in cultured cells and inhibited the degradation of the newly synthesized T cell antigen receptor CD36 subunit. Although MGM did not affect the uptake of fluid phase markers, it prevented their degradation. Interestingly, endocytosed ovalbumin did not colocalize with lysosomes in MGM-treated cells, suggesting an MGM-induced impairment in the delivery to lysosomes. This was confirmed by Percoll density gradients, where the fluid phase marker remained in endosomal fractions, even after long chase times, whereas in control cells the endocytosed marker was located in lysosomes. The effect of MGM was not confined to soluble proteins since it did also inhibit the delivery of the membrane-bound epidermal growth factor receptor to lysosomes. Finally, MGM strongly inhibited the ATP-dependent acidification of lysosomes in vitro, suggesting a possible mechanism for its in vivo activity.

Animals↗

Intra-Golgi transport inhibition by megalomicin.

Megalomicin (MGM) is a macrolide antibiotic which has been demonstrated previously to cause an anomalous glycosylation of viral proteins. Here we show that MGM produces profound alterations on Golgi morphology and function. The addition of MGM at 50 microM for 1 h caused a dilation of the Golgi detected by immunofluorescence staining for medial- and trans-Golgi markers. The effect of MGM was clearly more intense on the trans-side of the Golgi, as evidenced in electron microscope preparations. The effect on Golgi morphology was reversible and correlated with an impairment of glycoprotein processing in the trans-Golgi. Thus, although the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein was processed in the presence of MGM to an endoglycosidase H-resistant form, it was poorly sialylated. The sialylation of cellular proteins was also inhibited, resulting in cells with low level of sialylation on the cell surface. However MGM did not inhibit the activities of the galactosyl- or sialyltransferase as measured in vitro. MGM inhibited cis- to medial-, and more strongly, medial- to trans-Golgi transport of vesicular stomatitis virus G protein in an in vitro system, suggesting that the impairment in glycoprotein maturation observed in vivo is the result of intra-Golgi transport inhibition.

Animals↗

The antitumoral compound Kahalalide F acts on cell lysosomes.

The target for the antitumoral peptidic drug, Kahalalide F, has been studied in cultured cells. In the presence of the compound, the cells became impressively swollen, showing the formation of large vacuoles. The formation of these vacuoles appears to be the consequence of changes in lysosomal membranes. Thus, lysosomes are a target for Kahalalide F action.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of carbohydrate binding proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi.

Trypanosoma cruzi is an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite that causes Chagas' disease in humans and invades a great variety of mammalian cells. The nature of the ligand(s) and receptor components in both T. cruzi and target cells remains controversial, although it seems to involve an interaction with oligosaccharides. In an attempt to identify possible ligands on the parasite, we have searched for the presence of carbohydrate binding proteins (CBPs) in T. cruzi. By fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis using a panel of fluoresceinated glyco- and neoglycopeptides with well characterized glycans, the presence of at least two different CBPs was identified on the surface of T. cruzi epimastigotes and trypomastigotes. The specificity of binding of the two CBPs seems to be mediated by galactose and mannose residues. The mannose- and galactose-mediated CBPs from epimastigotes and trypomastigotes were purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography on immobilized thyroglobulin and identified as 60-70-kDa glycoproteins. Purified CBPs were able to specifically bind with high affinity to murine and human macrophages as well as other cell types susceptible to infection by T. cruzi but not to fat or neuronal cells. This binding was inhibited by the corresponding ligands. Moreover, the mannose-mediated CBP binding was completely abolished by alpha-mannosidase treatment of the cells. These results suggest a possible role for the CBPs in the recognition events between the parasite and target cells and/or in the interaction of the epimastigotes with the insect gut cells.

Animals↗

Physical association and functional relationship between protein kinase C zeta and the actin cytoskeleton.

Protein kinase C (PKC) was initially identified as a serine/threonine protein kinase dependent on calcium and phospholipids and shown to be involved in intracellular signaling pathways. PKC isoforms have been classified into four groups: Ca(2+)-dependent conventional PKC alpha, beta I, beta II, gamma; Ca(2+)-independent, novel PKC delta, epsilon, eta, phi; atypical PKC zeta, lambda, iota which are not activated by Ca2+ or diacylglycerol, and the recently discovered PKCmu. We reported that activation of the zeta PKC isoform is an important step in interleukin-2 (IL-2)-mediated proliferation (Gómez, J., Pitton, C., García, A., Martínez, A., Silva, A. and Rebollo, A., Exp. Cell Res. 1995. 218: 105.). zeta PKC is also required for mitogenic activation of fibroblasts and for the maturation pathway activated by insulin and Ras. Contradictory results have been reported regarding the subcellular redistribution of zeta PKC upon activation. We report here, using confocal microscopy, that IL-2 induces expression, translocation and association of zeta PKC to a structure coincident with the actin cytoskeleton. Furthermore, we show that zeta PKC has a role in maintaining the integrity of the actin cytoskeletal structure in IL-2-stimulated cells. On the contrary, zeta PKC is not involved in the actin cytoskeleton organization when cells are maintained in IL-4, confirming our previous results showing that IL-4-induced signal transduction is PKC independent.

Actins↗