Biomedical subjects

R Solari

Publications and source records attributed to R Solari.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

The carboxy-terminal region of human interleukin-5 is essential for maintenance of tertiary structure but not for dimerization.

The C-terminal region of interleukin-5 has previously been suggested to be important for biological activity [Mackenzie et al., (1991), Mol. Immunol. 28, 155-158; Kodama et al. (1991), Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 178, 514-519]. We have investigated this region by making a series of truncation mutants. The proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified from inclusion bodies, and were able to refold with the disulfide homodimeric topology typical of interleukin-5. Analysis of the truncated carboxy-terminal proteins in an interleukin-5-dependent proliferation assay on TF-1 cells showed a rapid loss of activity as the C-terminal was shortened by more than two amino acids. This loss of biological activity correlated with a drop in binding affinity to both the alpha chain of the receptor and the high-affinity complex consisting of the alpha and beta subunits. Analysis of the proteins by 1H-NMR showed that the truncated mutants have higher exchange rates with solvent, indicating a less rigid structure. The carboxy-terminal region is therefore necessary to maintain the stability of the four-helix bundle and to orient correctly the important residues of the fourth helix. Inspection of the structure determined by X-ray crystallography shows that Trp-110 acts as the major residue in anchoring the fourth helix.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Analysis of the localization of STE6/CFTR chimeras in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model for the cystic fibrosis defect CFTR delta F508.

The use of yeast as a model system to study mammalian proteins is attractive, because yeast genetic tools can be utilized if a suitable phenotype is created. STE6, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae a-factor mating pheromone transporter, and CFTR, the mammalian cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, are both members of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) superfamily. Teem et al. (1993) described a yeast model for studying a mutant form of the cystic fibrosis protein, CFTR delta F508. The model involved expression of a chimeric molecule in which a portion of yeast STE6 was replaced with the corresponding region from mammalian CFTR. The STE6/CFTR chimera complemented a ste6 mutant strain for mating, indicating that it could export a-factor. However, mating efficiency was dramatically reduced upon introduction of delta F508, providing a yeast phenotype for this mutation. In human cells, the delta F508 mutation results in retention of CFTR in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and possibly in reduction of its chloride-channel activity. Here we examine the basis for the differences in STE6 activity promoted by the wild-type and mutant STE6/CFTR chimeras. By analysis of protein stability and subcellular localization, we find that the mutant chimera is not ER-retained in yeast. We conclude that the molecular basis for the reduced mating of the STE6/CFTR delta F508 chimera must reflect a reduction in its capacity to transport a-factor, rather than mistrafficking. Thus, STE6/CFTR delta F508 in yeast appears to be a good genetic model to probe certain aspects of protein function, but not to study protein localization.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

PubMed1996

Targeting of P-selectin to two regulated secretory organelles in PC12 cells.

Targeting of P-selectin to the regulated secretory organelles (RSOs) of phaeochromocytoma PC12 cells has been investigated. By expressing from cDNA a chimera composed of HRP and P-selectin, and then following HRP activity through subcellular fractionation, we have discovered that P-selectin contains signals that target HRP to the synaptic-like microvesicles (SLMV) as well as the dense-core granules (DCGs) of these cells. Mutagenesis of the chimera followed by transient expression in PC12 cells shows that at least two different sequences within the carboxy-terminal cytoplasmic tail of P-selectin are necessary, but that neither is sufficient for trafficking to the SLMV. One of these sequences is centred on the 10 amino acids of the membrane-proximal C1 exon that is also implicated in lysosomal targeting. The other sequence needed for trafficking to the SLMV includes the last four amino acids of the protein. The same series of mutations have a different effect on DCG targeting, showing that traffic to the two different RSOs depends on different features within the cytoplasmic domain of P-selectin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Identification of a novel member of the Rab8 family from the rat basophilic leukaemia cell line, RBL.2H3.

We describe the cloning of a cDNA from the rat basophilic leukaemia cell line (RBL.2H3) encoding a novel member of the Rab family of small GTP binding proteins. The novel clone, which we call Rab8b, is most highly related to the Rab8 family with substantial divergence in the variable C-terminal domain. Northern blot analysis reveals highest levels of expression of Rab8b in the spleen, testis and brain, which is in marked contrast to the tissue distribution of Rab8. The Rab8b cDNA was modified to introduce a c-myc epitope tag at the extreme N terminus of the protein, and transient transfection studies were performed to analyse the intracellular localization of Rab8b by confocal microscopy. Transient expression of the c-myc/Rab8b fusion protein in both PC12 and RBL.2H3 cells shows staining of both the plasma membrane and ill-defined vesicular structures, and in the case of RBL.2H3 cells appears to induce striking outgrowths of the plasma membrane.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Surgical research in orthotopic liver transplantation: experiences in the pig model.

Since the very beginning of liver transplantation in humans, research in animals has had close relationship with clinical practice. Results obtained in animals have been transferred to the clinics and problems borne in the clinics have been addressed again in animals for to be answered clearly. In this review the authors report their experience of transplantation in the pig model and discuss the significance of a team cooperation in the laboratory as a preparatory step for clinical practice.

Anesthesia↗

PubMed1995

Soluble interleukin-5 receptor alpha-chain binding assays: use for screening and analysis of interleukin-5 mutants.

Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is a key cytokine for the production, differentiation, and activation of eosinophils. IL-5 is a member of the four helical bundle family of cytokines, and in common with many members of the cytokine family it binds to a heterodimeric receptor composed of a ligand binding alpha-chain and a signal-transducing beta-chain. We have established two receptor/ligand binding assays based on the extracellular domain of the receptor alpha-chain which we have produced as a fusion protein. One assay is based on scintillation proximity fluoromicrospheres and radiolabeled ligand and the other on detection of biotinylated ligand binding to immobilized receptor using a chemiluminescent substrate in a 96-well microtiter plate format. Both receptor binding assays have been optimized for high throughput screening for receptor antagonists. These assays were also used for analytical purposes and the binding of ligand to the receptor alpha-chain was compared directly to receptor binding assays performed on TF-1 cells which express the receptor alpha beta-heterodimer. These three assays have been used to study site-directed mutants of IL-5 to determine the important residues for interaction of the cytokine with each chain of the receptor (P. Graber et al. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 15762-15769).

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Identification of key charged residues of human interleukin-5 in receptor binding and cellular activation.

Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is a cytokine that plays a major role in the differentiation and activation of eosinophils. In order to identify which charged residues of human IL-5 are important in binding to its receptor and subsequent cellular activation, we have systematically replaced all of the clusters of charged amino acids with alanine residues. The mutants have been expressed in Escherichia coli, renatured, and purified. They were assayed for ability to cause proliferation of the erythroleukaemic cell line TF-1 and the up-regulation of eosinophil adhesion to ICAM-1. In addition, we studied receptor binding using either immobilized recombinant IL-5 receptor alpha-chain or the alpha/beta-receptor complex expressed on TF-1 cells. The key charged residue involved in binding to the beta-chain of the receptor is Glu-12. This residue is in an identical position to those previously identified in IL-3 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) involved in binding to the receptor beta-chain. The alpha-chain binding site is shown to involve the side chains Arg-90 and Glu-109, located in the second beta sheet and after the end of the fourth helix, respectively. It is unique to IL-5 and does not occur in IL-3 or GM-CSF. Understanding the topology of the interaction of IL-5 with its receptor chains will help in the search for rationally designed antagonists of IL-5 function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Granzyme A is an interleukin 1 beta-converting enzyme.

Apoptosis is critically dependent on the presence of the ced-3 gene in Caenorhabditis elegans, which encodes a protein homologous to the mammalian interleukin (IL)-1 beta-converting enzyme (ICE). Overexpression of ICE or ced-3 promotes apoptosis. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated rapid apoptosis is induced by the proteases granzyme A and B. ICE and granzyme B share the rare substrate site of aspartic acid, after which amino acid cleavage of precursor IL-1 beta (pIL-1 beta) occurs. Here we show that granzyme A, but not granzyme B, converts pIL-1 beta to its 17-kD mature form. Major cleavage occurs at Arg120, four amino acids downstream of the authentic processing site, Asp116. IL-1 beta generated by granzyme A is biologically active. When pIL-1 beta processing is monitored in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophage target cells attacked by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, intracellular conversion precedes lysis. Prior granzyme inactivation blocks this processing. We conclude that the apoptosis-inducing granzyme A and ICE share at least one downstream target substrate, i.e., pIL-1 beta. This suggests that lymphocytes, by means of their own converting enzyme, could initiate a local inflammatory response independent of the presence of ICE.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

CD40 ligand is functionally expressed on human eosinophils.

CD40 ligand (CD40L), a surface molecule which can be expressed by T cells, mast cells and basophils, has been shown to be involved in the control of B cell proliferation, immunoglobulin class switching as well as in the activation of monocytes and T cells. We demonstrate that CD40L can also be expressed constitutively by eosinophils from an hypereosinophilic patient or, upon activation, by the eosinophilic cell line EOL-3 and normal blood eosinophils. Eosinophils were able to induce, in conjunction with IL-4, CD40L-dependent B cell proliferation in vitro. These results suggest that CD40L could play a role in the inflammatory processes during which eosinophil infiltration and activation are observed.

B-Lymphocytes↗

PubMed1995

The structure of rat ADP-ribosylation factor-1 (ARF-1) complexed to GDP determined from two different crystal forms.

The ARFs are a family of 21,000 M(r) proteins with biological roles in constitutive secretion and activation of phospholipase D. The structure of ARF-1 complexed to GDP determined from two crystal forms reveals a topology that is similar to that of the protein p21 ras with two differences: an additional amino-terminal helix and an extra beta-strand. The Mg2+ ion in ARF-1 displays a five-coordination sphere; this feature is not seen in p21 ras, due to a shift in the relative position of the DXXG motif between the two proteins. The occurrence of a dimer in one crystal form suggests that ARF-1 may dimerize during its biological function. The dimer interface involves a region of the ARF-1 molecule that is analogous to the effector domain in p21 ras and may mediate interactions with its effectors.

ADP-Ribosylation Factors↗

PubMed1995

A survey of GTP-binding proteins and other potential key regulators of exocytotic secretion in eosinophils. Apparent absence of rab3 and vesicle fusion protein homologues.

We set out to identify potential key regulators of exocytotic fusion in the eosinophil, in the knowledge that granule exocytosis can be stimulated in these cells by intracellular application of nonhydrolyzable analogues of guanosine triphosphate, with Ca2+ acting as a modulator of guanine nucleotide-dependent secretion. To screen for GTP-binding proteins, guinea pig eosinophils were purified from peritoneal washings and subjected to western blotting analysis using specific immune sera raised against recombinant proteins or consensus peptide sequences within proteins of interest. We found a number of heterotrimeric G proteins (G alpha i3, G alpha o, G alpha q11, G alpha s and G beta subunits) and members of the small GTP-binding proteins expressed in eosinophils. Two subtypes of G-protein alpha subunits (G alpha i1 and G alpha z) could not be detected. Separation of subcellular organelles from homogenized eosinophils by density gradient centrifugation revealed that all of the detected GTP-binding proteins were mainly expressed in fractions containing peak plasma membrane and Golgi marker enzyme activities, while G beta subunits were also detected in secretory granule fractions. However, isoforms of Rab3, a putative GTP-binding regulator of exocytotic fusion, were undetectable in eosinophils. Neither, with the exception of syntaxin-3, could we detect any of the proteins belonging to the proposed synaptic vesicle fusion complex (SNAP-25; synaptobrevin (VAMP) and its non-neuronal homologue, cellubrevin; synaptophysin; synaptotagmin). The results from this study, based on western blotting, suggest that eosinophils express a different class of exocytotic fusion complex proteins from those found in neuronal tissues, although a number of potential candidates fulfilling the role of GE were identified in this important inflammatory cell.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Receptor mediated endocytosis and intracellular fate of interleukin 1.

We have studied the receptor mediated endocytosis of interleukin 1 (IL1) by the murine thymoma cell line EL4. These cells express the Type I IL1 receptor which binds its ligand with both high (Kd = 65 pM) and low affinity (Kd = 14.5 nM). We have shown that the two affinity states of the receptor have different rates of turnover both in the absence and presence of ligand. The biological responses of cells to IL1 stimulation are rapid and occur at low levels of receptor occupancy, whereas receptor mediated endocytosis of IL1 is relatively slow. Internalized IL1 appears to accumulate within cells in a non-degraded form and a proportion of this is associated with a detergent insoluble intracellular fraction, which may reflect transport to the nucleus. In this article, we review our previous findings and discuss the possible biological significance of IL1 internalization and nuclear targeting.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Polymorphism in human IL-1 receptor antagonist gene intron 2 is caused by variable numbers of an 86-bp tandem repeat.

We have investigated the polymorphism in intron 2 of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene and identified two new alleles of the system. We have shown that the polymorphism is caused by the variable copy number of an 86-bp sequence, by using the polymerase chain reaction and primers immediately flanking the repeat region, and by direct sequencing. The repeat region contains three potential protein-binding sites and therefore the variable copy number may have functional significance.

Alleles↗

PubMed1992

Human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. High yield expression in E. coli and examination of cysteine residues.

The human IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) was produced in a high yield E. coli expression system, and was purified in a rapid two-step purification. This recombinant IL-1ra molecule possessed full binding activity to the IL-1 receptor (type I) and totally inhibited IL-1-induced PGE2 production by human dermal fibroblasts. Radioalkylation and analysis of V8-derived IL-1ra peptides indicate that the four cysteines present in the IL-1ra are not disulphide-linked.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Investigation of guanine-nucleotide-binding protein involvement and regulation of cyclic AMP metabolism in interleukin 1 signal transduction.

The involvement of guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins) and regulation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in interleukin 1 (IL1) signal transduction has been investigated in EL4 and 7OZ/3 cells expressing Type 1 and Type 2 IL1 receptors respectively. Results show that in both cell types IL1 alone failed to induce changes in cellular cAMP levels, and in membrane preparations the cytokine had no significant effect on adenylate cyclase activity. In contrast, forskolin stimulated cAMP levels in cells and membranes. IL1 did not significantly alter GTPase activity or rate of guanosine 5'-[gamma-[35S]thio]triphosphate binding measured in membrane preparations from the EL4 and 7OZ/3 cells. In EL4-cell membrane preparations the kinetics of 125I-IL1 binding were altered in the presence of guanosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]triphosphate, resulting in the formation of a higher-affinity state for IL1 binding. Adenosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]triphosphate at the same concentration was without effect. These results suggest that IL1 receptor function may be regulated by guanine nucleotides; however, the mechanism appears to differ from that exhibited by conventional G-protein-linked receptors. The lack of significant effects of IL1 on cAMP metabolism in these cells suggests that alternative pathways must exist to mediate the intracellular responses to stimulation via both types of the IL1 receptor.

Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose↗

PubMed1992

Cloning and chromosome mapping of the human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene.

By screening a human genomic library with an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) cDNA probe, we have isolated a 15 kb clone which contains the entire coding region of the gene as expressed in monocytes, and includes 6 kb of 5'-upstream sequence. The gene contains four exons which code for the secreted form of the IL-1ra, however, our clone does not contain the alternative first exon used to generate an intracellular form of the protein as the protein as found in epithelial cells. Analysis of the sequence reveals a consensus TATA box, and three Alu repeats, two of which are in the upstream region and one in intron 3. The sequence also reveals an 86 bp motif tandomly repeated four times within intron 2, and may reflect the polymorphism known to exist in this region of the gene. By in-situ fluorescence hybridization we have shown that the IL-1ra gene is found on the long arm of chromosome 2 and maps to 2q13-14.1. Previous studies have revealed that IL-1 alpha, and IL-1 beta and both type I and type II forms of the IL-1 receptor all map close to this region of chromosome 2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Acute upregulation of interleukin-1 receptor by ligand.

In this study we have investigated the effect that interleukin 1 (IL-1) has on cell surface IL-1 receptor expression in the murine thymoma cell line, EL4 6.1. These cells express IL-1 receptors with both high affinity (Kd = 65 pM, 986 receptors/cell) and low affinity (Kd = 14.5 nM, 10,417 receptors/cell). The high- and low-affinity receptors are indistinguishable by crosslinking studies performed at both high and low ligand concentrations. However, the two affinity states could be functionally distinguished on the basis of their internalization of ligand. Receptor-mediated endocytosis was dependent upon the concentration of ligand bound to the cells. In the presence of low IL-1 concentrations receptor-mediated endocytosis was slow, whereas at high IL-1 concentrations, endocytosis was more rapid. Furthermore, receptor-mediated endocytosis of IL-1 did not result in downregulation of surface IL-1 receptors. Indeed, both kinetic and equilibrium binding studies revealed that pre-incubation of cells with IL-1 alpha resulted in an acute upregulation of 125IL-1 alpha binding to high affinity surface receptors in a time and energy dependent manner. Examination of the association kinetics suggested that increased binding was not attributable to positive co-operativity of the high affinity IL-1 receptor, but was due to increasing IL-1 receptor number. This observation was confirmed by equilibrium binding studies. Moreover, receptor numbers were not enhanced by de novo synthesis, nor release of receptors from an intracellular pool. The observed increases in surface ligand binding were most probably due to conversion of the surface pool of low affinity receptors into high affinity receptors.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Analysis of mutations in the putative nuclear localization sequence of interleukin-1 beta.

Previous studies have shown that, after receptor-mediated endocytosis, interleukin-1 alpha (IL1 alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL1 beta) are translocated to the nucleus, where they appear to accumulate. It has been suggested that nuclear translocation may be involved in the biological responsiveness of target cells to IL1 stimulation. The human IL1 beta molecule contains a seven-amino-acid sequence (-Pro208-Lys-Lys-Lys-Met-Glu-Lys-) that shows some sequence identity with the nuclear localization sequence of the simian-virus-40 large T-antigen. The effects of point mutations within this putative nuclear localization sequence on IL1 beta binding, receptor-mediated endocytosis and biological activity have been characterized. Mutants M49 (Lys210----Ala), M50 (Lys211----Ala) and M51 (Pro208----Ala) all retained the ability to bind to the IL1 receptor, albeit with lower affinity than the wild-type molecules. However, mutants M49, M50 and M51 showed greater biological potency than wild-type IL1 alpha or IL1 beta, as measured by the induction of IL2 secretion. However, receptor-mediated endocytosis and nuclear accumulation of M50 were comparable with those in the wild-type. These observations suggest that the putative nuclear localization sequence may play an important role in the generation of biological responses to IL1 stimulation, even though it may not influence internalization of the ligand.

Amino Acid Sequence↗