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Biomedical subjects

P R Dunkley

Publications and source records attributed to P R Dunkley.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Phosphorylation of Ser(19) alters the conformation of tyrosine hydroxylase to increase the rate of phosphorylation of Ser(40).

The effect of phosphorylation on the shape of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was studied directly using gel filtration and indirectly using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Phosphorylation of Ser(19) and Ser(40) produced a TH molecule with a more open conformation than the non-phosphorylated form. The conformational effect of Ser(19) phosphorylation is less pronounced than that of the Ser(40) phosphorylation. The effect of Ser(19) and Ser(40) phosphorylation appears to be additive. Binding of dopamine produced a more compact form when compared with the non-dopamine-bound TH. The interdependence of Ser(19) and Ser(40) phosphorylation was probed using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The rate constants for the phosphorylation of Ser(19) and Ser(40) were determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry using a consecutive reaction model. The rate constant for the phosphorylation of Ser(40) is approximately 2- to 3-fold higher if Ser(19) is already phosphorylated. These results suggest that phosphorylation of Ser(19) alters the conformation of tyrosine hydroxylase to allow increased accessibility of Ser(40) to kinases.

Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2↗

Tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells: the role of MAPKs after angiotensin II stimulation.

Angiotensin II (AII, 100 nM) stimulation of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells (BACCs) produced angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 (AT1)-mediated increases in extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and stress-activated p38MAPK (p38 kinase) phosphorylation over a period of 10 min. ERK1/2 and p38 kinase phosphorylation preceded Ser31 phosphorylation on tyrosine hydroxylase (TOH). The inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) activation, PD98059 (0.1-50 microM) and UO126 (0.1-10 microM), dose-dependently inhibited both ERK2 and Ser31 phosphorylation on TOH in response to AII, suggesting MEK1/2 involvement. The p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580 (20 microM, 30 min) abolished Ser31 and Ser19 phosphorylation on TOH and partially inhibited ERK2 phosphorylation produced by AII. In contrast, 1 microM SB203580 did not affect AII-stimulated TOH phosphorylation, but fully inhibited heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) phosphorylation produced by AII. Also, 1 microM SB203580 fully inhibited Ser19 phosphorylation on TOH and HSP27 phosphorylation in response to anisomycin (30 min, 10 microg/mL). The results suggest that ERKs mediate Ser31 phosphorylation on TOH in response to AII, but p38 kinase is not involved. Previous studies suggesting a role for p38 kinase in the phosphorylation of Ser31 are explained by the non-specific effects of 20 microM SB203580 in BACCs. The p38 kinase pathway is able to phosphorylate Ser19 on TOH in response to anisomycin, but does not do so in response to AII.

Adrenal Glands↗

Angiotensin II promotes the phosphorylation of cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) at Ser133 through an ERK1/2-dependent mechanism.

In cells from the adrenal medulla, angiotensin II (AII) regulates both the activity and mRNA levels of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes whose expression is thought to be under the control of cAMP-responsive element (CRE) binding protein (CREB). In this study, we evaluated the effect of AII stimulation on CREB phosphorylation at Ser133 (pCREB) in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells (BACC). We found that AII produces a rapid and AII type-1 receptor (AT1)-dependent increase in pCREB levels, which is blocked by the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 but not by H-89, SB203580 or KN-93, suggesting that it is mediated by the extracellular-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and not by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) or Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs) dependent pathways. Gel-shift experiments showed that the increase in pCREB levels is accompanied by an ERK1/2-dependent upregulation of CRE-binding activity. We also found that AII promotes a rapid and reversible increase in the activity of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src and that the inhibition of this enzyme completely blocks the AII-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, the CREB kinase (p90)RSK and CREB. Our data support the hypothesis that in BACC, AII upregulates CREB functionality through a mechanism that requires Src-mediated activation of ERK 1/2 and (p90)RSK.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Ca(2+) influx stimulated phospholipase C activity in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells: responses to K(+) depolarization and histamine.

The role of Ca(2+) influx in activating phospholipase C in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells has been investigated. Phospholipase C activity in response to K(+) depolarization (56 mM) was blocked by the L-type Ca(2+) channel antagonist nifedipine and partially inhibited by the omega-conotoxins GVIA and MVIIC. In contrast, phospholipase C activity in response to histamine receptor activation was unaffected by omega-conotoxin GVIA and partially inhibited by omega-conotoxin MVIIC or nifedipine. This response was however markedly inhibited by the non-selective Ca(2+) channel antagonists La(3+) or 1-[beta-[3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)propoxy]-4-methoyphenethyl]-H-imidazol e (SKF-96365). Despite this Ca(2+) dependence phospholipase C activity was not increased during periods of "capacitative" Ca(2+) inflow generated by histamine-, caffeine- or thapsigargin-mediated depletion of internal Ca(2+) stores. Thus, while Ca(2+) influx in response to K(+) depolarization or G-protein receptor activation can increase phospholipase C activity in these cells, in the latter case it appears to be ineffective unless there is concurrent agonist occupation of the receptor.

Adrenal Glands↗

Determination of phosphorylation levels of tyrosine hydroxylase by electrospray mass spectrometry.

A novel approach has been developed to quantify the extent of phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The strategy consists of a chemical cleavage and characterization of the products using electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS). The chemical cleavage involves selective hydrolysis of the aspartyl-peptide bond. Of the peptides formed, an 8-kDa NH2-terminus fragment is found to accurately duplicate the phosphorylation of TH using standard mixtures of TH-P/TH. The calibration yields a straight line with an R2 of 0.996, which is valid within the 10-90% range. The ESMS protocol has been used to determine the extent of phosphorylation of TH in the presence of CaM-PKII. The experimental conditions were designed to produce low levels of phosphorylation. Nevertheless, the ESMS analysis yielded single, double, and nonphosphorylation forms of TH. With respect to in vivo measurements, this ESMS protocol may be a generic procedure for determining the extent of phosphorylation of proteins.

Animals↗

The use of permeabilized cells to assay protein phosphorylation and catecholamine release.

A number of approaches can be used to determine the protein kinases and protein phosphatases acting on particular phosphoproteins in vivo. Cell permeabilization represents one such approach. In this overview we discuss the different permeabilization procedures used in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells and in particular the use of digitonin. The effect of various factors on the extent of digitonin-permeabilization, protein phosphorylation and catecholamine release are also discussed. The factors include the permeabilization medium, the ions such as calcium, and the second messengers, such as cAMP, IP3, cADPR and calmodulin. The effect of specific peptide inhibitors of protein kinases on tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation is illustrated. Advantages and disadvantages of cell permeabilization procedures are discussed throughout the text.

Animals↗

Modulation of the phosphorylation and activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II by zinc.

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMPK-II) is a key regulatory enzyme in living cells. Modulation of its activity, therefore, could have a major impact on many cellular processes. We found that Zn(2+) has multiple functional effects on CaMPK-II. Zn(2+) generated a Ca(2+)/CaM-independent activity that correlated with the autophosphorylation of Thr(286), inhibited Ca(2+)/CaM binding that correlated with the autophosphorylation of Thr(306), and inhibited CaMPK-II activity at high concentrations that correlated with the autophosphorylation of Ser(279). The relative level of autophosphorylation of these three sites was dependent on the concentration of zinc used. The autophosphorylation of at least these three sites, together with Zn(2+) binding, generated an increased mobility form of CaMPK-II on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels. Overall, autophosphorylation induced by Zn(2+) converts CaMPK-II into a different form than the binding of Ca(2+)/CaM. In certain nerve terminals, where Zn(2+) has been shown to play a neuromodulatory role and is present in high concentrations, Zn(2+) may turn CaMPK-II into a form that would be unable to respond to calcium signals.

Animals↗

Simultaneous measurement of tyrosine hydroxylase activity and phosphorylation in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

A method for simultaneous measurement of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activation and phosphorylation in permeabilised and intact bovine adrenal chromaffin cells (BACCs) was established. Permeabilised cells were stimulated with cyclic AMP (1--10 microM) in the presence of [32P]ATP and L-[carboxyl-(14)C]tyrosine. Intact BACCs were preincubated with 32P(i) for 3 h and stimulated with forskolin (1--5 microM) in the presence of L-[carboxyl-(14)C]tyrosine. On stimulation each well was covered with a sealed 'chimney' fitted with a small plastic cup containing 300 microl of 1.0 M NaOH that trapped the 14CO(2) released. TH activity was determined by measuring 14C radioactivity. TH phosphorylation was measured in the same cells by separating the solubilized proteins on SDS PAGE followed by autoradiography and/or HPLC analysis. It was found that H89, a protein kinase A inhibitor, significantly blocked both TH phosphorylation and activation in response to cyclic AMP in permeabilised cells. However, in intact cells, H89 was effective only in respect to forskolin-stimulated TH activity and did not block the forskolin-stimulated TH phosphorylation of Ser-40. The reason(s) for this lack of correlation between TH activation and phosphorylation is presently not understood.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Tyrosine hydroxylase in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells: angiotensin II-stimulated activity and phosphorylation of Ser19, Ser31, and Ser40.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of angiotensin II (AII) on tyrosine hydroxylase (TOH) activity and phosphorylation in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells (BACCs). We report here that stimulation of BACCs with AII (100 nM) produced a significant increase in both TOH activity and phosphorylation over a period of 10 min. The increase in TOH activity was receptor-mediated. Tryptic phosphopeptide analysis by HPLC revealed that AII stimulated an increase in phosphorylation of three sites on TOH, Ser19, Ser31, and Ser40, with the largest increase being observed for Ser31 phosphorylation. Pretreatment of the cells with the protein kinase C inhibitor Ro 31-8220 (10 microM, 15 min) did not affect TOH activity or phosphorylation produced by AII. The inhibitor also did not affect the TOH activity or Ser40 phosphorylation produced by forskolin (10 microM, 10 min). In contrast, Ro 31-8220 fully inhibited the TOH activation as well as Ser31 and Ser40 phosphorylation of TOH produced by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (500 nM, 10 min). Removal of extracellular Ca2+ from the incubation medium inhibited the AII-induced TOH activity by 50% and significantly blocked Ser19 and Ser31 phosphorylation but did not affect Ser40 phosphorylation in response to AII. These results indicate that AII activates a complex and perhaps novel signaling pathway leading to the phosphorylation and activation of TOH. The TOH activation by AII appears to be partially independent of Ser40 phosphorylation, suggesting a potentially important role for Ser31 phosphorylation.

Adrenal Glands↗

Protein phosphorylation and calcium uptake into rat forebrain synaptosomes: modulation by the sigma ligand, 1,3-ditolylguanidine.

The sigma ligand 1,3-di-O-tolylguanidine (DTG) increased basal dynamin and decreased depolarization-stimulated phosphorylation of the synaptosomal protein synapsin Ib without having direct effects on protein kinases or protein phosphatases. DTG dose-dependently decreased the basal cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and blocked the depolarization-dependent increases in [Ca2+]i. These effects were inhibited by the sigma antagonists rimcazole and BMY14802. The nitric oxide donors sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and 8-(p-chlorophenylthio)guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate decreased basal [Ca2+]i and the KCI-evoked rise in [Ca2+]i to an extent similar to DTG. SNP, but not DTG, produced a rise in cyclic GMP levels, suggesting that the effect of DTG on [Ca2+]i was not mediated via downstream regulation of cyclic GMP levels. DTG increased 45Ca2+ uptake and efflux under basal conditions and inhibited the 45Ca2+ uptake induced by depolarization with KCI. The KCI-evoked rise in [Ca2+]i was inhibited by omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTx)-GVIA and -MVIIC but not nifedipine and omega-agatoxin-IVA. The effect of DTG on decreasing the KCI-evoked rise in [Ca2+]i was additive with omega-CgTx-MVIIC but not with omega-CgTx-GVIA. These data suggest that DTG was producing some of its effects on synapsin I and dynamin phosphorylation and intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ levels via inhibition of N-type Ca2+ channels.

Animals↗

Tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation in digitonin-permeabilized bovine adrenal chromaffin cells: the effect of protein kinase and phosphatase inhibitors on Ser19 and Ser40 phosphorylation.

The protein kinases and protein phosphatases that act on tyrosine hydroxylase in vivo have not been established. Bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were permeabilized with digitonin and incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP, in the presence or absence of 10 microM Ca2+, 1 microM cyclic AMP, 1 microM phorbol dibutyrate, or various kinase or phosphatase inhibitors. Ca2+ increased the phosphorylation of Ser19 and Ser40. Cyclic AMP, and phorbol dibutyrate in the presence of Ca2+, increased the phosphorylation of only Ser40. Ser31 and Ser8 were not phosphorylated. The Ca2+-stimulated phosphorylation of Ser19 was incompletely reduced by inhibitors of calcium/calmodulin-stimulated protein kinase II (46% with KN93 and 68% with CaM-PKII 273-302), suggesting that another protein kinase(s) was contributing to the phosphorylation of this site. The Ca2+-stimulated phosphorylation of Ser40 was reduced by specific inhibitors of protein kinase A (56% with H89 and 38% with PKAi 5-22 amide) and protein kinase C (70% with Ro 31-8220 and 54% with PKCi 19-31), suggesting that protein kinases A and C contributed to most of the phosphorylation of this site. Results with okadaic acid and microcystin suggested that Ser19 and Ser40 were dephosphorylated by PP2A.

Adrenal Glands↗

Vitamin A deficiency exacerbates methotrexate-induced jejunal injury in rats.

Two studies were conducted to investigate whether vitamin A-deficient rats were more susceptible to intestinal injury caused by methotrexate (MTX), since vitamin A deficiency alone causes only mild changes to jejunal structure and function. Weanling male rats were fed a vitamin A-deficient diet (-VA) for 40-42 d and compared to rats either pair-fed (PF) or with free access (+VA) to the same diet. Drinking water of PF and +VA rats was supplemented with 37.5 microg (Study 1) or 75 microg (Study 2) vitamin A (Rovimix A 500W)/d. Rats in each group received MTX (-VAMTX, PFMTX, +VAMTX) or vehicle. MTX administration reduced intestinal mucosal wet weight, protein and DNA concentrations, and sucrase and maltase activities in -VA and PF rats (P < 0.02). In Study 1, -VAMTX rats developed a severe jejunal enteropathy and had a higher incidence of diarrhea (P < 0.005), greater weight loss (P < 0.005), more disruption of villus architecture (P < 0.0001) and lower disaccharidase activity (P < 0.007) than PFMTX rats. Similar results were observed in Study 2. Liver retinol concentration (but no other variable) was greater in rats receiving 75 microg vitamin A/d (P < 0.001) than in those receiving 37.5 microg/d. The interaction of vitamin A deficiency and small intestinal injury may explain the efficacy of vitamin A supplementation in preventing childhood diarrheal disease mortality in developing countries, and highlights the need for ensuring adequate vitamin A status in people worldwide with diseases and/or treatments which may injure the gastrointestinal tract.

Administration, Oral↗

Histamine-stimulated phospholipase C signalling in the adrenal chromaffin cell: effects on inositol phospholipid metabolism and tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation.

1. The present report gives a detailed account of histamine-stimulated phospholipase C (PLC) activity in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. 2. Histamine activation of H1 receptors stimulates PLC with a biphasic sensitivity to extracellular Ca2+. The initial response (the first 15 s stimulation) was not reduced by the removal of extracellular Ca2+, whereas the maintenance of PLC activity beyond this time required Ca2+ influx. 3. Phospholipase C activity in response to a 10 min incubation with histamine was inhibited by La3+ (3 mmol/L) or SKF96365 (10 mumol/L). Nifedipine (10 mumol/L), but not omega-agatoxin IVA (100 nmol/L) or omega-conotoxin GVIA (300 nmol/L), produced a partial inhibition of PLC activity. The response was also partially inhibited by a reduction in the extracellular Cl- concentration (40 mmol/L) or by the inclusion of the Cl- channel blocker N-phenylanthranilic acid (300 mumol/L). 4. Kinetic analysis of the rate of turnover of the various inositol phosphate isomers in response to histamine suggested that the inositol monophosphates were being produced from a source in addition to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) metabolism. This conclusion was supported by the differential action of pertussis toxin and neomycin on Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation compared with inositol monophosphate formation. 5. We have attempted to identify a defined role for the intracellular Ca2+ mobilized in these cells in response to histamine. After short incubations (up to 3 min), histamine was able to regulate the site-specific phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis. This observation has important implications for a possible role for the PLC signalling pathway in controlling the rate of catecholamine biosynthesis.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Intrasynaptosomal free calcium levels in rat forebrain synaptosomes: modulation by sigma (sigma) receptor ligands.

The sigma receptor ligands (+) and (-)pentazocine and BD1008 (1-100 microM) were added to rat forebrain synaptosomes. Their effects on intrasynaptosomal free calcium ([Ca2+(+)]i) levels under basal conditions and after depolarisation with high potassium buffer (45 mM KCl), veratridine (25 microM) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 1 mM) were determined. The sigma ligands elicited significant, concentration-dependent decreases in basal [Ca2+]i levels with an order of potency (-)pentazocine > (+)pentazocine = BD1008. The sigma ligands (at the maximum effective concentrations) also significantly inhibited the rise in [Ca2+]i levels produced by depolarisation with KCl, veratridine and 4-AP. The effect of (+) and (-)pentazocine (100 microM) to inhibit the depolarisation-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i levels was greater when veratridine and 4-aminopyridine were used to depolarise the synaptosomes than with KCl, whereas the effect of BD1008 (100 microM) was approximately equipotent using all three depolarising agents. However, BD1008 was more potent to inhibit the KCl-induced rise in [Ca2+]i compared to (+) and (-)pentazocine. The data demonstrate for the first time that sigma ligands decrease [Ca2+]i levels in rat forebrain synaptosomes and this suggests a possible mechanism for the changes to neuronal protein phosphorylation and neurotransmitter release previously observed with sigma ligands.

Animals↗

Tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Clonidine stimulates basal but inhibits nicotinic receptor evoked phosphorylation.

Clonidine inhibited the uptake of calcium and the overall phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase induced by nicotinic receptor activation in bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells in culture. However, clonidine did not inhibit the increase in these parameters that accompanied K+ depolarisation of the cells. There was also no effect of clonidine on the overall phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase when cells were stimulated by muscarine. Nicotinic receptor activation increased the phosphorylation of Ser-19, Ser-31, and Ser-40 on tyrosine hydroxylase, and this was inhibited by clonidine in a concentration-dependent manner. On the other hand, clonidine had no effect on calcium uptake, yet increased the phosphorylation of Ser-19 under basal conditions. Using calcium and calmodulin-stimulated protein kinase II obtained from rat brain clonidine increased the autophosphorylation of the alpha-subunit of the kinase by 37%, and also its activity against an exogenous peptide substrate by 29%. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that clonidine inhibits nicotinic receptor-induced tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation by decreasing calcium influx into chromaffin cells, perhaps by an action at the nicotinic receptor. Clonidine also increases the basal phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase at Ser-19, perhaps by directly activating calcium and calmodulin-stimulated protein kinase II.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Characterization of protein kinase and phosphatase systems in chick ciliary ganglion.

The aim of the present study was to characterize the second messenger activated protein kinase and phosphatase systems in chick ciliary ganglion using biochemical and immunochemical techniques. Using synthetic peptide substrates cyclic-AMP-, cyclic-GMP-, Ca2+/calmodulin- and Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase activities were detected in homogenates of ciliary ganglion dissected from 15-16-day-old embryos. Autophosphorylation of the alpha and beta subunits of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in the presence of Ca2+/calmodulin or 5 mM ZnSO4 was detected by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Protein kinase C was shown to be present using a monoclonal antibody. Two cyclic-AMP binding proteins whose molecular weights corresponded to the regulatory subunits of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (RI and RII) were detected in ciliary ganglia using 8-azido-cyclic-AMP. The most heavily labelled band following incubation with [gamma-32P]ATP under most conditions had an apparent molecular weight of 65,000 which corresponds to the chicken form of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate, a known substrate of protein kinase C. Another substrate for protein kinase C was a 45,000 molecular weight protein which was tentatively identified as neuromodulin (B-50/GAP-43). Although no endogenous substrate proteins for cyclic-GMP-dependent protein kinase were detected, protein kinase A strongly labelled a 40,000 molecular weight protein. Using 32P(i)-labelled glycogen phosphorylase, protein phosphatases 1 and 2A were identified in ciliary ganglia homogenates at levels which were indistinguishable from forebrain at the same age. The major endogenous protein substrates in ciliary ganglion homogenates from 15-16-day-old embryos were also labelled to a similar extent in homogenates of ciliary ganglia from newly hatched chickens. Intact ciliary ganglia remained viable for several hours after dissection and, after incubation with 32P(i), responded to phorbol ester stimulation by an increased endogenous phosphorylation of several proteins, but especially myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate. These results represent the first systematic characterization of the protein phosphorylation systems in chicken ciliary ganglion and provide a basis for future studies on the biochemical mechanisms responsible for regulating synaptic transmission in this tissue.

Animals↗

Teratogenic effects of ethanol in the Quackenbush special mouse.

The intragastric exposure of QS mice to alcohol both under short-term (6-day period) (3.0 g/kg, but not 1.5 g/kg, body weight/day through gestation day (GD) 7 to GD 12) and long-term (chronic) (15% ethanol in drinking water beginning several weeks before mating and continuing into pregnancy) conditions reduced the weight, size, and protein content of GD 12 embryos, and the weight of GD 18 embryos. The incidence of brachydactyly with delayed ossification was also significantly greater in embryos chronically exposed to alcohol than in controls (45% vs. 6.7%). The short-term and long-term exposure regimens produced incidences of only 1% and 5.8%, respectively, of forelimb ectrodactyly in GD 18 embryos. It was concluded that alcohol exerts embryo growth retarding effects in pregnant QS mice without inducing a high incidence of skeletal defects. Thus, the QS mouse could serve as an excellent model to resolve the mechanisms whereby alcohol induces pre- and post-natal growth restrictions during pregnancy.

Animals↗