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Differential regulation of macrophage CCAAT-enhancer binding protein isoforms by lipopolysaccharide and cytokines.

The regulation of the C/EBP family in macrophages by LPS and cytokines is of potentially crucial importance in several pathophysiological conditions. The action of LPS and three cytokines on the expression of C/EBP mRNA, protein and functional DNA binding activity in the murine J774.2 cell line was therefore studied. Exposure of the cells to LPS, IL-1, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha produced a reduction of C/EBP alpha mRNA levels and a corresponding increase in the expression of C/EBP beta and C/EBP delta. EMSA showed time-dependent changes in the DNA binding activity of individual C/EBP isoforms and demonstrated the participation of heterodimers between the different members in DNA-protein interactions. Additionally, mediator-specific changes in the kinetics and magnitude of C/EBP mRNA expression pattern and profile of DNA-protein interactions were observed. These studies provide novel insights into the potential mechanisms that may be responsible for the mediator-specific regulation of macrophage gene expression through the C/EBP family.

Animals↗

Glucocorticoid induction of CRE-binding protein isoform mRNAs in rat C6 glioma cells.

Mammalian cells express several distinct isoforms of transcription factor CREB (cAMP-responsive element binding protein). At least two forms, alpha- and delta CREB, arise through alternative splicing of the CREB gene transcript. In this communication we demonstrate that the mRNAs of several CREB isoforms are expressed in rat C6 glioma cells and that the intracellular levels of these mRNAs are markedly induced by the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Nuclear run-off assays show that the induction occurs, at least in part, through a transcriptional mechanism. The enhanced cellular levels of CREB mRNAs are accompanied by increased CREB protein and CRE-binding activity of nuclear extracts as evaluated by immunoblot and Southwestern blot assays.

Animals↗

Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor isoform proteins in the rat kidney.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear hormone receptors mediating ligand-dependent transactivation. Among the 3 isoforms, PPAR- alpha is involved in lipid metabolism in the liver, while PPAR-gamma(-gamma1 and -gamma2) is involved in adipocyte differentiation. Recently, PPARs have been suggested to be involved in renal electrolyte metabolism as well as atherosclerosis. PPAR-alpha is known to regulate cytochrome P450 gene expression, and may possibly affect sodium retention in the kidney. Moreover, PPAR-gamma is involved in the transcription regulation of blood pressure regulatory genes, including thromboxane and angiotensin II type 1 receptors. In the kidney, although expression of PPARs has been reported, detailed immunohistochemical analyses have not been performed. We here generated isoform-specific anti-PPAR antibodies to localize their proteins in the kidney. Anti-PPAR antibodies were raised against synthetic peptides. Their isoform specificity was confirmed by immunoblot analyses, immunoprecipitations, and antibody supershift experiments by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. We therefore studied the protein expression of PPARs in the kidney of adult Sprague-Dawley rats using these antibodies. Immunoblot analyses demonstrated protein expression of PPAR-alpha and -gamma1, but not of -gamma2, in the kidney nuclear extracts. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that both PPAR-alpha and -gamma1 proteins were widely expressed in the nuclei of mesangial and epithelial cells in glomeruli, proximal and distal tubules, the loop of Henle, medullary collecting ducts, and intima/media of renal vasculatures. PPAR-alpha and -gamma1 proteins are thus widely expressed along the nephron segments, and may affect gene expression at these segments. Further studies will be needed to identify additional target genes for PPARs along the nephron segments.

Animals↗

poirot, a new regulatory gene of Drosophila oskar acts at the level of the short Oskar protein isoform.

Embryonic germ cell formation and abdomen development in Drosophila requires localisation and site specific translation of oskar mRNA in the posterior part of the oocyte. Targeting of oskar function to the posterior pole of the oocyte needs a large set of proteins and RNAs, encoded by posterior group genes. Consequently, mutations in the posterior group genes can result in embryos without abdomens and/or germ cells. During a systematic hobo-mediated mutant isolation screen, we identified poirot, a novel posterior group gene, owing to its germ cell-less phenotype. We show that the lack of poirot activity dramatically decreases OSK protein levels, without affecting the oskar mRNA distribution. In poirot mutant oocytes, delocalised OSK protein is observed, indicating that wild-type poirot has a role in the anchoring process of the OSK protein at the posterior pole. Furthermore, we demonstrate that poirot acts in an isoform-specific manner, only the short OSK isoform is affected, while the long OSK isoform remains at wild-type levels in poirot mutants.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Analysis of rainbow trout Ah receptor protein isoforms in cell culture reveals conservation of function in Ah receptor-mediated signal transduction.

Two distinct aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) cDNAs have been isolated from rainbow trout. The encoded receptor protein products termed rtAHR2alpha and rtAHR2ss are 97% identical at the amino acid level but are reported to have distinct functions with regard to AHR-mediated gene regulation. To test this hypothesis, the two proteins were evaluated functionally both in vitro and in a Chinese hamster lung cell line, E36. To facilitate analysis, both rtAHR2 isoforms were tagged with the FLAG peptide and could be expressed and quantified in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate. However, both proteins failed to form functional complexes with mammalian or rainbow trout AHR nuclear translocator protein (ARNT) that could associate with xenobiotic response elements (XREs) in a ligand-dependent manner in vitro. In contrast, both proteins exhibited positive function on AHR-mediated signaling when expressed in the E36 cell line. Both rtAHR2 isoforms showed a cytoplasmic distribution in the unliganded state and could drive the expression of a reporter gene under control of the trout CYP1A3 promoter. Although both proteins induced reporter gene activity to the same magnitude, the EC(50) values of the two isoforms for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) differed by an order of magnitude, with the rtAHR2ss isoform less responsive to TCDD. When the functions of the rtAHR2 isoforms were tested in the context of the dominant negative rtARNT(a) protein, TCDD-mediated induction of reporter gene activity was reduced as the level of rtARNT(a) protein increased. In summary, both rtAHR2 isoforms appear to exhibit positive function in AHR-mediated signaling, suggesting conservation of function.

Animals↗

A dominant negative CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) isoform inhibits thyrocyte growth, thyroid-specific gene expression, differentiation, and function.

cAMP mediates the effects of TSH by regulating thyroid follicular cell proliferation, differentiation, and function. To assess the functional importance of the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in thyroid follicular cell regulation in vivo, we targeted the expression of a dominant negative (DN) CREB isoform to the thyroid glands of transgenic mice using a tissue-specific promoter. Transgenic mice exhibited severe growth retardation and primary hypothyroidism. Serum levels of TSH were elevated 8-fold above normal levels, and T4 and T3 levels were low. Histologically, the mutant thyroid glands were characterized by poorly developed follicles that were heterogeneous in size with diminished colloid. Ciliated thyroid epithelial cells were observed in the transgenic thyroid glands, suggesting a failure of follicular cell differentiation. Consistent with this hypothesis, the DN CREB transgene inhibited the expression of an array of genes including thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase, and the TSH receptor in semiquantitative RT-PCR experiments. Altered expression of the thyroid transcription factors Pax-8, TTF-1, and TTF-2 was also observed. These results demonstrate a critical role for CREB in thyroid growth, differentiation, and function in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of two new protein isoforms of the neurofibromatosis type 1 gene product, neurofibromin, in muscle tissues.

The neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene encodes a tumor suppressor protein, termed neurofibromin, which is expressed predominantly in neurons, Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes, and leukocytes. There are at least three isoforms of neurofibromin produced by the alternative use of exons 23a and 48a. Previously we described the identification of an NF1 mRNA isoform containing an additional 54 nucleotides from exon 48a (type 3 NF1) in human skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle tissues by reverse-transcribed (RT)-PCR. To extend our initial observations, we have produced high titer chicken IgY antibodies which specifically recognize this muscle-specific neurofibromin isoform. An NF1 cDNA was generated containing human exon 48a sequences and expressed as a fusion protein in bacteria. The muscle-specific neurofibromin antibodies detected this exon 48a fusion protein by Western immunoblotting. Immunoprecipitation using these type 3 neurofibromin antibodies also specifically detected a 250 kDa protein in human and rat muscle tissues. Type 3 neurofibromin was found in rat heart and muscle, but not in liver brain, kidney or spleen with levels of expression declining after postnatal day 7. Expression of total NF1 RNA during rat embryonic development was detected at high levels in E15 heart, tongue, and limb bud. In addition, using type 2 neurofibromin-specific antibodies, the existence of a fourth isoform of neurofibromin (type 4 neurofibromin) containing both exon 23a and 48a sequences was demonstrated in rat heart muscle tissues. The identification of two muscle-specific isoforms of neurofibromin expands our definition of this important tumor suppressor protein and suggests additional roles for neurofibromin in muscle development and differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Different interactions of cardiac and skeletal muscle ryanodine receptors with FK-506 binding protein isoforms.

In the present study, we compare functional consequences of dissociation and reconstitution of binding proteins FKBP12 and FKBP12.6 with ryanodine receptors from cardiac (RyR2) and skeletal muscle (RyR1). The skeletal muscle RyR1 channel became activated on removal of endogenously bound FKBP12, consistent with previous reports. Both FKBP12 and FKBP12.6 rebind to FKBP-depleted RyR1 and restore its quiescent channel behavior by altering ligand sensitivity, as studied by single-channel recordings in planar lipid bilayers, and macroscopic behavior of the channels (ryanodine binding and net energized Ca2- uptake). By contrast, removal of FKBP12.6 from the cardiac RyR2 did not modulate the function of the channel using the same types of assays as for RyR1. FKBP12 or FKBP12.6 had no effect on channel activity of FKBP12.6-depleted cardiac RyR2, although FKBP12.6 rebinds. Our studies reveal important differences between the two ryanodine receptor isoforms with respect to their functional interaction with FKBP12 and FKBP12.6.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

A new detergent to purify CNS myelin basic protein isoforms in lipid-bound form.

We have previously shown that CNS myelin basic protein (MBP) can be purified in the lipid-bound, native-like form by using a procedure based on myelin solubilization with detergents at pH above 7, and on the filter-like use of hydroxyapatite to separate non-adsorbed MBP from other myelin proteins. Here, we report on the isolation of MBP in the zwitterionic detergent 3-((3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio)-1-propane sulfonate (CHAPS), which does not interfere at 280 nm and can be removed by dialysis. This detergent appears to improve MBP purification and to be suitable for fluorescence and reconstitution studies that can be useful to understand both structure and function of MBP in its natural environment.

Animals↗

The Gas7 gene encodes two protein isoforms differentially expressed within the brain.

Gas7, a growth arrest-specific gene first isolated from serum-starved NIH3T3 cells, is expressed abundantly in the brain and is essential for the outgrowth of neurites from cultured cerebellar neurons. Here, we report the existence of a Gas7-related cDNA, designated Gas7-cb, isolated from the mouse cerebellum, and we report the finding that Gas7-cb transcripts and protein are expressed at different locations than those of Gas7. Gas7-cb cDNA differs from the Gas7 cDNA only in the 5' region. Its encoded protein shares the same 320 amino acids in its C-terminus with those of Gas7. Analyses of the RNA and protein expression of Gas7-cb and Gas7 by RNase protection assay and Western blot indicated that while Gas7 expression is predominant in the cerebrum and in growth-arrested NIH3T3 fibroblasts, Gas7-cb expression is predominant in the cerebellum. Characterization of Gas7 and Gas7-cb RNAs and of the genomic structure of murine Gas7 cloned in a bacterial artificial chromosome indicated that the Gas7 gene spans more than 60 kb and consists of at least 15 exons. The 5'-terminus of Gas7-cb is located at exon 6a, which is absent in Gas7 transcripts but is retained in its entirety in Gas7-cb transcripts, resulting in the presence of a unique 20-amino-acid sequence at the N-terminus of the Gas7-cb protein. Our results show that the Gas7 gene encodes two Gas7 isoforms, Gas7 and Gas7-cb, whose expression is differentially regulated within mouse brain.

3T3 Cells↗

Characterization of human serum amyloid A protein isoforms separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

A detailed structural analysis of the serum amyloid A proteins (SAA) of an individual with highly active, chronic rheumatoid arthritis is reported. SAA isoforms were separated by high-resolution two dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis. Peptide mapping by reverse-phase chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was applied to correlate the protein(s) contained in each spot with their respective coding gene and to study the post-translational processing and modification events which might result in differential electrophoretic mobility. Nine protein spots were analyzed. The six major spots corresponded to the Arg and des-Arg forms of SAA1 alpha and SAA2 alpha, respectively, and to the glycosylated and nonglycosylated form of constitutive serum amyloid A protein (C-SAA). Two minor spots were identified as SAA1 alpha isoforms containing post-translational modifications. We suggest that these variants contained a gamma-N, N'-dimethylasparagine residue at position 83 and that one of them was additionally oxidized at Trp53 and Trp85. The ninth spot was shown to contain a mixture of SAA1 alpha and SAA2 alpha. To our knowledge, this is the first report in which analysis of peptides has been used to verify the presence of C-SAA in acute-phase serum. Furthermore, the data illustrate that extensive post-translational processing results in a structurally diverse class of acute-phase SAA proteins, which are derived from a small number of genes. Finally, the fast and conclusive technology used in this study promises to be generally useful for the comprehensive investigation of proteins at the level of the primary structure.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The alpha3 isoform protein of the Na+, K(+)-ATPase is associated with the sites of cardiac and neuromuscular impulse transmission.

The alpha (catalytic) subunit of the Na+ pump (Na+, K(+)-ATPase) has three isoforms; alpha1 is ubiquitous, skeletal muscle expresses predominantly alpha2, and alpha3 has been localized to specific types of neurons and, possibly, to axonal processes. The alpha3 isoform mRNA is also expressed in the rat cardiac conduction system. Thus, we studied rat heart and quadriceps muscles by immunohistochemistry using isoform-specific antibodies to the Na+ pump alpha subunit and labeled alpha-bungarotoxin as a probe for the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). We found that alpha3 pump protein is localized to three sites important for impulse transmission: the junctional complex between cardiac myocytes, the heart conduction system, and the NMJ. Specifically, all levels of the conduction system expressed alpha3 immunoreactive protein, as assessed by two isoform-specific antibodies and histological conduction system markers. Specific expression at the junctional complex was confirmed by immuno-EM. Double-labeling and denervation analysis indicated that alpha3-positive areas in skeletal muscle were presynaptic and adjacent to postsynaptic bungarotoxin-positive regions, which had the classic morphology of NMJs. Thus, specific Na+,K(+)-ATPase pump isoforms may be adapted to maintenance of membrane potential and/or intracellular ion concentrations required for impulse transmission in both heart and presynaptic motor terminals contacting skeletal muscle.

Animals↗

Analysis of the expression pattern of the latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein isoforms in normal and diseased human liver reveals a new splice variant missing the proteinase-sensitive hinge region.

Latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein (LTBP), a component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of various tissues, is important for the secretion of TGF-beta and, furthermore, for the storage of TGF-beta in ECM. The proteolytic cleavage of LTBP is assumed to be the prerequisite for the activation of TGF-beta. We investigated the mRNA expression pattern of the three LTBP isoforms (LTBP-1, -2, -3) and the protein distribution of the components of the large latent TGF-beta complex, namely LTBP-1 and -2, latency-associated protein (LAP), and TGF-beta, in human liver using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) staining. Parts of explanted livers diagnosed as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and normal liver tissue were examined. LTBP transcripts were detected in the same manner in all liver specimens. Interestingly, we found a new splice variant of LTBP-1 (LTBP-1D), in which the sequence coding for the proteinase-sensitive hinge region is deleted. The corresponding parts of the human LTBP-2 and LTBP-3 cDNA coding for the hinge region were sequenced and show neither similar proteinase cleavage sites nor deleted cDNA sequences. The proposed proteinase cleavage site of mouse LTBP-3 seems not to be conserved in the human LTBP-3 gene. By immunohistochemistry, LTBP-1, -2, and LAP were detectable in normal and diseased livers and showed a different staining pattern for both LTBP isoforms. By contrast, TGF-beta showed a spotted staining pattern in diseased livers only, predominantly in the area of parenchymal cells that are close to fibrotic tissue. This strongly suggests the release of active TGF-beta from preexisting latent complexes. The LTBP-1D splice variant, which is probably less sensitive against proteolytic degradation and therefore may protect TGF-beta from activation, may have importance for modulating the biological activity of TGF-beta in normal and diseased liver.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Contractile protein isoforms of single and cultured smooth muscle cells from guinea pig ileum.

Single smooth muscle cells isolated from guinea pig ileum using collagenase and papain produce contractile response to muscarinic agents, while the cultured cells do not. Using fluo-3/AM and a confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscope, it was observed that carbachol, a muscarinic agent, caused an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ of both single and cultured cells. SDS-PAGE and Western Blot analyses revealed the expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms of SM1 (204 kDa) and SM2 (200 kDa) in single smooth muscle cells, and non muscle isoform (196 kDa) of myosin heavy chain only in the cultured cells. With respect to actin isoforms, alpha-actin was predominant in single cells and beta-actin was major in the cultured cells. Two types of tropomyosin monomer, 39 kDa and 41 kDa, were detected in single cells, while the 41 kDa monomer was lost in cultured cells. These differences in contractile protein profiles between single and cultured cells were collaborated with the observation of cells using immunofluorescence microscope with responsible antibodies to isoforms of myosin heavy chain, actin and tropomyosin. These results suggest that the loss of contractility in cultured smooth muscle cells is profoundly related to changes in contractile protein profiles from smooth muscle type to non muscle type.

Actins↗

Distinct roles for MAX protein isoforms in proliferation and apoptosis.

MAX is a basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper protein that plays a central role in the transcriptional control of Myc oncoproteins. MYC-MAX heterodimers stimulate transcription, whereas MAX homodimers, or heterodimers between MAX and members of the MAD family of basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper proteins, repress transcription. Max exists in two major isomeric forms, MAX(L) and MAX(S), which differ from one another only by a 9-amino acid insertion/deletion. We show here that MAX(L) is much more effective at homodimeric DNA binding than MAX(S). In NIH3T3 cells, MAX(L) was able to repress a c-Myc-responsive reporter gene whereas MAX(S) either stimulated the reporter gene or had little effect on its expression. In comparison to control cell lines or those stably over-expressing MAX(S), MAX(L)-over-expressing cell lines showed reduced expression of transiently expressed or endogenous c-Myc responsive genes, grew more slowly, possessed a higher growth factor requirement, and showed accelerated apoptosis following growth factor deprivation. Differential effects on growth and apoptosis represent two previously unrecognized properties of MAX proteins. These can at least partly be explained by the differences in their DNA binding abilities and their effects on target gene expression.

3T3 Cells↗

Heat sensitivity in a bentgrass variant. Failure to accumulate a chloroplast heat shock protein isoform implicated in heat tolerance.

Two variants of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera cv palustris), developed using tissue culture, have been used to determine the roles of chloroplast-localized small heat shock proteins (CP-sHSPs) in heat tolerance. Results from previous research indicate that the heat-tolerant variant expressed two additional CP-sHSP isoforms not expressed in the heat-sensitive variant, that accumulation of the additional CP-sHSP isoforms was genetically linked to thermotolerance, and that the presence of the additional isoforms in the heat-tolerant variant provided greater protection to photosystem II during heat stress. To determine the basis of the differential expression, we isolated the genes encoding the CP-sHSPs from both variants and characterized their structure and expression. Two genes, ApHsp26.2 and ApHsp26.7a, were isolated from the heat-tolerant variant, and three genes, ApHsp26.2m, ApHsp26.8, and ApHsp26.7b, were isolated from the heat-sensitive variant. The sequence of ApHsp26.2m from the heat-sensitive variant was identical to ApHsp26.2, except for a point mutation that generated a premature stop codon. Therefore, the protein product of ApHsp26.2m did not accumulate in the heat-sensitive line. Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that ApHsp26.2 encoded for the CP-sHSP isoforms unique to the heat-tolerant variant. An identical mutation was detected in one of the three parental lines used to develop the creeping bentgrass variants. This suggests that ApHsp26.2m was inherited from this parent and did not arise from a mutation that occurred during tissue culture. The presence of two isoforms encoded by the same gene might be due to differential processing of the N-terminal amino acids during or after import into the chloroplast.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Wilms' tumour-suppressor protein isoforms have opposite effects on Igf2 expression in primary embryonic cells, independently of p53 genotype.

The p53 protein has been proposed as a modulator of the Wilms' tumour-suppressor protein (WT1) transcriptional regulation activity. To investigate this putative p53 role, the promoter P3 of the mouse insulin-like growth factor II gene (Igf2) was used as a target for WT1 regulation in primary cell cultures derived from p53 wild-type (p53+/+) and knock-out (p53-/-) mouse embryos. In these cells, the WT1 transcriptional activity was observed to be independent of p53 genotype. Furthermore, the two WT1 zinc finger (ZF) isoforms were for the first time found to have opposite effects on gene expression from a single promoter in the same cell type, WT1[-KTS] activating Igf2 P3, whereas WT1[+KTS] repressed its activity. In addition, we have mapped the WT1 binding sites and investigated the effect on WT1 binding activity of individual ZF deletions and Denys-Drash syndrome point mutations to this target.

Animals↗

Regulation of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein isoforms by serum and glucocorticoids in the rat intestinal epithelial crypt cell line IEC-6.

Members of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) gene family are expressed in murine intestine. However, little is known about their regulation in intestinal epithelial cells. In an attempt to determine regulatory mechanisms involved in their expression, we examined C/EBP alpha, beta, and delta isoform expression in response to serum and glucocorticoids in the rat intestinal epithelial crypt-derived cell line IEC-6, by Northern blot, transcription run-on assays, indirect immunofluorescence, Western blot, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Serum leads to rapid and transient increases in C/EBP alpha and beta mRNA and protein levels by posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms, without affecting transcriptional initiation. However, C/EBP-specific DNA binding capacity is not affected by serum. Whereas C/EBP alpha expression is not regulated by glucocorticoids, C/EBP beta and delta mRNA and protein levels are rapidly induced. These inductions result from both increased transcription rates and posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms as well. Moreover, C/EBP beta and delta containing DNA binding complexes are increased by glucocorticoids as determined by supershift assays, in contrast to C/EBP alpha containing complexes. Immunofluorescence studies show cytoplasmic and nuclear localization for C/EBP alpha, in contrast to a restricted nuclear localization for both C/EBP beta and C/EBP delta. These results confirm C/EBP isoforms expression in intestinal epithelial cells. Differential regulation by serum and glucocorticoids as well as different localization of three C/EBP isoforms suggest a role for this class of transcription factors in the control of gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells.

Animals↗