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Presynaptic localization of G protein isoforms in the efferent nerve terminals of the mammalian cochlea.

Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) are known to be involved in receptor-mediated synaptic activity. In order to determine which G protein isoforms, if any, are involved in synaptic regulation in the organ of Corti, we performed an extensive immunocytochemical screening. We localized a Galpha(q/11) isoform to the efferent nerve terminals using antibodies specific against the alpha subunit of these proteins. The label was observed in the efferent boutons contacting either the outer hair cells or the afferent fibers at the inner spiral bundle. We compared the localization of this isoform to that of the presynaptic protein SNAP-25 in double labeling experiments. Galpha(q/11) immunoreactivity was present predominantly in the cytoplasm of the presynaptic boutons in a region of high density of synaptic vesicles, while SNAP-25 was localized predominantly in the plasma membrane of the boutons. No label for these proteins was found at the afferent synapses, including the presynaptic terminals on hair cells. These results suggest that an isoform of the Gq subfamily of the G proteins might be involved in presynaptic modulation of neurotransmitter release at the cochlear efferents.

Animals↗

Activation of haptoglobin gene expression by cAMP involves CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein isoforms in intestinal epithelial cells.

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) isoforms are expressed in rodent intestine and in the rat intestinal epithelial cell line IEC-6 but their role remains to be determined. Treatment of IEC-6 cells with the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin led to coordinate induction of C/EBP isoforms alpha, beta and delta at the mRNA and protein levels. Transient transfection assays showed that their expression is controlled at the transcriptional level. Forskolin treatment induced haptoglobin mRNA levels. Electrophoretic mobility shift and supershift assays demonstrated an increase in DNA-binding activities of the three C/EBP isoforms to the haptoA and haptoC C/EBP DNA-binding sites of the proximal haptoglobin promoter. Site-specific mutations of both sites led to a decrease in transcriptional induction by forskolin, suggesting that C/EBP isoforms are involved in the cAMP-dependent regulation of the acute-phase protein gene haptoglobin in intestinal epithelial cells.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗

Widespread production of novel soluble protein isoforms by alternative splicing removal of transmembrane anchoring domains.

We have investigated the effects of alternative splicing on transcripts encoding membrane proteins in 1001 human genes. Out of a total of 464 alternatively spliced genes encoding single-pass transmembrane (TM) proteins, in 188 we observed a splice form that specifically removed the TM domain, producing a soluble protein isoform. For example, in syndecan-4, the new alternative splice form closely parallels the proteolytic ectodomain shedding previously shown in this protein, and recognized as an important regulatory mechanism of receptor function. While many of the soluble isoforms produced by alternative splicing have already been validated, most are novel, and in 57 genes showed a statistically significant association (P-value<0.01) with a specific tissue.

Alternative Splicing↗

Testosterone-induced changes in contractile protein isoforms in the sexually dimorphic temporalis muscle of the guinea pig.

The guinea pig temporalis muscle is sexually dimorphic, classified histochemically as a fast-red muscle in the female, but as a fast-white muscle in the adult male. Since this sexual difference in metabolic properties is related to plasma testosterone levels, we asked if testosterone also affected the contractile protein isoforms. In the newborn guinea pig, both male and female temporalis muscles contained a fast-red isoform of the myosin heavy chain and approximately equal amounts of alpha- and beta-tropomyosins. At puberty, the male began to replace the fast-red isoform with a fast-white isoform of the heavy chain and by 120 days the muscle contained predominantly the fast-white myosin heavy chain. This transition in myosins in the male was accompanied by a shift to greater than 90% alpha-tropomyosin. No changes in myosins or tropomyosins were observed in the female. The changes in the male could be reversed by castration and could be mimicked in the female by the injection of testosterone. Although these same myosins and tropomyosins could be detected in other fast-twitch muscles, postpartum transitions in contractile protein isoforms in those muscles were testosterone-insensitive, and no sexual dimorphism of these proteins was seen in other muscles.

Animals↗

Multiple p53 protein isoforms and formation of oligomeric complexes with heat shock proteins Hsp70 and Hsp90 in the human mammary tumor, T47D, cell line.

At least eleven isoforms of p53 protein were observed in a human mammary tumor cell line. T47D. Comparative 33P and 35S incorporation analysis showed an equal distribution of P53 isoforms within cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, although phosphorylation was unequal among isoforms and the most basic p53 species was unphosphorylated. Using a combination of immunoprecipitation with monoclonal antibodies for p53 and heat shock proteins Hsp70 & Hsp90, and two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analysis, T47D p53 protein oligomers were observed with several species of Hsp70 and Hsp90. The p53/Hsp70/Hsp90 aggregate dissociates after nuclear translocation. Immunoprecipitation of Hsp70 and Hsp90 using monoclonal antibodies showed formation of a heteroligomer between Hsp70 and Hsp90 in cytoplasm but not nucleus. This suggests these Hsp proteins can form a complex in the cytoplasm but undergo a conformational change after nuclear translocation such that Hsp/Hsp binding sites are no longer recognized. These data indicate T47D cells have multiple p53 precursor molecules probably at different stages of phosphorylation, and which may be sequestered from proteases by binding to Hsp proteins. Hsp proteins also can heterocomplex in the cytoplasm, also possibly as protection against protease degradation until bound to p53. After translocation, p53 is freed from Hsp proteins for binding to DNA where Hsp70 and Hsp90 are no longer able to form a nuclear complex probably rendering Hsp's labile to proteolysis.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Lab-on-a-chip technology for determination of protein isoform profiles.

A novel lab-on-a-chip technique for rapid (<15 min) and quantitative isoform-profile determination is presented. Ion-exchange chromatographic separation of protein-isoforms and a sensitive immunoassay detection are combined in a porous monolith chip. Thin lines of immobilized antibodies are used for specific capturing of target molecules, which can be detected by the reaction with antibodies bound to carbon black nano-strings. The bound carbon black is quantified by the use of an image scanner. As demonstrated with transferrin isoforms, differing only by 0.1 pH unit in their pI, this technology can distinguish minor differences in protein carbohydrate structure and enable specific determination of proteins in a complex environment, requiring only a few picogram of isoform for detection.

Chromatography, Ion Exchange↗

The Drosophila melanogaster DmCK2beta transcription unit encodes for functionally non-redundant protein isoforms.

Genes encoding for the two evolutionary highly conserved subunits of a heterotetrameric protein kinase CK2 holoenzyme are present in all examined eukaryotic genomes. Depending on the organism, multiple transcription units encoding for a catalytically active CK2alpha subunit and/or a regulatory CK2beta subunit may exist. The phosphotransferase activity of members of the protein kinase CK2alpha family is thought to be independent of second messengers but is modulated by interaction with CK2beta-like proteins. In the genome of Drosophila melanogaster, one gene encoding for a CK2alpha subunit and three genes encoding for CK2beta-like proteins are present. The X-linked DmCK2beta transcription unit encodes for several CK2beta protein isoforms due to alternative splicing of its primary transcript. We addressed the question whether CK2beta-like proteins are redundant in function. Our in vivo experiments show that variations of the very C-terminal tail of CK2beta isoforms encoded by the X-linked DmCK2beta transcription unit influence their functional properties. In addition, we find that CK2beta-like proteins encoded by the autosomal D. melanogaster genes CK2betates and CK2beta' cannot fully substitute for a loss of CK2beta isoforms encoded by DmCK2beta.

Alleles↗

Internal translation initiation generates novel WT1 protein isoforms with distinct biological properties.

The Wilms' tumor 1 gene, WT1, is homozygously mutated in a subset of Wilms' tumors. Heterozygous mutations in WT1 give rise to congenital anomalies. During embryogenesis, WT1 is expressed mainly in the kidneys, uterus, and testes. Alternative splicing of the WT1 mRNA results in synthesis of four main WT1 protein isoforms with molecular masses of 52-54 kDa. In addition, translation initiation at a CUG upstream of the initiator AUG generates four larger WT1 proteins of 60-62 kDa. We describe here the existence of novel WT1 isoforms and demonstrate that they are derived from translation initiation at the second in-frame AUG of the WT1 mRNA. These N-terminally truncated WT1 proteins of 36-38 kDa can be detected in several cell lines, mouse testes, and Wilms' tumor specimens. They can bind to DNA and direct transcription from reporter constructs. The shorter WT1 protein lacking the two splice inserts has a greater transcription activation potential than the corresponding main WT1 protein isoform but shows no transcription repression potential. Overexpression of full-length or N-terminally truncated WT1 efficiently induces apoptosis. These data show that additional WT1 isoforms with distinct transcription-regulatory properties exist, which further increases the complexity of WT1 expression and activity.

Alternative Splicing↗

Differential expression of C-protein isoforms in developing and degenerating mouse striated muscles.

With the aim of clarifying the roles of C-protein isoforms in developing mammalian skeletal muscle, we cloned the complementary DNA (cDNAs) encoding mouse fast (F) and slow (S) skeletal muscle C-proteins and determined their entire sequences. Northern blotting with these cDNAs together with mouse cardiac (C) C-protein cDNA was performed. It revealed that in adult mice, C, F, and S isoforms are expressed in a tissue-specific fashion, although the messages for both F and S isoforms are transcribed in extensor digitorum longus muscle, which has been categorized as a fast muscle. In addition, although C isoform is expressed first and transiently during development of chicken skeletal muscles, C isoform is not expressed in mouse skeletal muscles at all through the developmental stages; S isoform is first expressed, followed by the appearance of F isoform. Finally, in dystrophic mouse skeletal muscles, the expression of S isoform is increased as it is in dystrophic chicken muscle. These observations suggest that mutations in C isoform (MyBP-C) do not lead to any disturbance in skeletal muscle, although they may lead to familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We also suggest that the expression of S isoform may be stimulated in degenerating human dystrophic muscles.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The human aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase gene can be alternatively spliced to generate unique protein isoforms.

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) is expressed in a wide variety of tissues, including those where it is known to convert L-DOPA and 5-hydroxytryptophan to dopamine and serotonin, respectively. AADC has been cloned from many species and shown to undergo alternative splicing within its 5' untranslated region. Here, we report that the human AADC gene can undergo additional alternative splicing of exon 3, generating two different protein isoforms (termed AADC480 and AADC442). Both transcripts are widely expressed, with AADC442 predominating in many neuronal and nonneuronal tissues. When homogenates were prepared from COS-7 cells transfected with expression vectors containing either cDNA, AADC480 catalyzed the decarboxylation of both L-DOPA and 5-hydroxytryptophan. AADC442 was inactive in either assay. These findings suggested that AADC442 may have a different function in non-monoamine-expressing tissues. Taken together, these results suggest that the human AADC gene undergoes complex processing, leading to the formation of both tissue-specific transcripts as well as unique protein isoforms.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗

Calcineurin homologous protein isoform 2 (CHP2), Na+/H+ exchangers-binding protein, is expressed in intestinal epithelium.

The Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) comprise a family of membrane proteins that catalyze the electroneutral exchange of Na+ and H+. Calcineurin homologous protein (CHP) acts as a crucial cofactor for NHE activity through direct interaction with the carboxyl-terminal tail region of NHEs. We have cloned a new rat CHP isoform (rCHP2) and characterized the binding property to NHEs and the tissue distribution. rCHP2 binds to the juxtamembrane region of plasma membrane-type NHE isoforms (NHE1-5) in vivo and in vitro as well as rCHP1 (original rat CHP). Interestingly, CHP2 is predominantly expressed in the small and large intestine although rCHP1 shows relatively ubiquitous expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. In situ hybridization experiments demonstrated the abundant expression of CHP2 in the epithelial cell layer of villi of the small intestine in contrast with the expression of CHP1 in both the epithelial layer and connective tissues. These results suggest that CHP2 functions in the absorptive epithelium for the intestine with NHE(s).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Functional significance of alterations in cardiac contractile protein isoforms.

Multiple closely related, yet distinct, isoforms exist for each of the cardiac contractile proteins. The isoform composition of the heart changes in response to developmental and physiologic cues. This paper reviews the molecular basis for cardiac contractile protein isoform diversity and the functional consequences of isoform shifts.

Animals↗

Identification of sequence, protein isoforms, and distribution of the hyaluronan-binding protein RHAMM in adult and developing rat brain.

The protein RHAMM (for "receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility"; CD168) is a member of the hyaladherin family of hyaluronan-binding proteins. RHAMM has a role in cell signaling, migration, and adhesion via interactions with hyaluronan, microtubules, actin, calmodulin, and components of the extracellular regulated kinase (erk) signaling pathway. Based on previous findings of potentially similar roles in neural cells in culture, we investigated the molecular characteristics, protein expression profile, and distribution of RHAMM in rat brain. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using RNA isolated from adult rat brain yielded a single RHAMM sequence of 2.1 kilobases encoding a protein of 82.4 kDa. RHAMM is subject to alternate splicing in other systems, but no RT-PCR evidence was found for splice variants in brain, although our analysis does not rule out this possibility. The amino acid sequence displayed homology with human and murine RHAMM (74% and 80%, respectively) but contained only one copy of a 21-amino-acid sequence that is repeated five times in the murine homologue. By using anti-RHAMM antibodies, several RHAMM isoforms were identified in brain. Immunohistochemically, RHAMM was found in the vast majority of neurons and in many oligodendrocytes throughout brain, with heterogeneous levels among cell populations, and was confined to the somata and initial processes of these cells. RHAMM was detected in neurons of cerebral cortex and most subcortical and brainstem structures at postnatal day 1 and exhibited an adult distribution pattern by postnatal day 5. High levels were detected in oligodendrocytes by postnatal day 10. The widespread expression of RHAMM in adult and developing brain implies a role for this protein and its ligand hyaluronan in key events of cell signaling and cytoskeletal regulation in the CNS.

Aging↗

Phosphor image analysis of human p53 protein isoforms.

Phosphor imaging was evaluated for detection, quantitation and resolution of multiphosphorylated protein isoforms separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. A nuclear phosphoprotein, p53, was isolated by immunoprecipitation after biosynthetic labeling with 35S, 32P or 33P in cultured human cells. Of the three radionuclides, 35S was the most sensitive in detection after a 1-week exposure, although shorter exposure times were effective. In dividing cells, 11 35S-labeled isoforms were found, of which 10 were phosphorylated by 33P and 32P. Exposure of phosphonuclides for one half-life showed that 33P radiolabeling produced better resolution among isoforms than 32P but was less sensitive in detection. Volume integration showed phosphorylated isoforms comprised from 1% to 25% of total isoform signal. The relative phosphorylation of each p53 isoform was estimated by normalizing 33P or 32P isoform volumes with the corresponding 35S volume and showed progressive phosphorylation of acidic isoforms. Additionally, phosphor imaging capably detected quantitative changes among individual isoforms after experimental modulation of the isoform pattern by serum deprivation. The described electrophoretic isolation and quantitation procedures should find general application in discerning active and inactive phosphoisoforms for eventual identification.

Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel↗

Kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK) family mRNA variants and protein isoforms in hormone-related cancers: do they have a function?

The kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK) gene family of 15 serine proteases encodes many proteins, including prostate specific antigen (PSA or KLK3), that are well described and/or are potential biomarkers for hormone-related cancers. Variant mRNA transcripts produced by alternative splicing, polyadenylation or AUG sites, or intron retention have been found for each of the KLK genes. The predicted protein for many of these alternative transcripts is different from that of the classical kallikrein-related peptidases and would not be an active serine protease. The majority of these novel protein isoforms have not been studied in vivo. The possible function(s) of the variant transcripts/protein isoforms and potential roles that they may play in hormone-related cancers are still unknown and are the focus of this short review.

Genetic Variation↗

Localization of C-protein isoforms in chicken skeletal muscle: ultrastructural detection using monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) specific for the fast (MF-1) and slow (ALD-66) isoforms of C-protein from chicken skeletal muscle have been produced and characterized. Using these antibodies it was possible to demonstrate that skeletal muscles of varying fiber type express different isoforms of this protein and that in the posterior latissimus dorsi muscle both isoforms are co-expressed in the same myofiber (17, 18). Since we had shown that both isoforms were present in all sarcomeres, it was feasible to test whether the two isoforms co-distributed in the same 43-nm repeat within the A-band, thereby establishing a minimum number of C-proteins per repeat in the thick filaments. Here we describe the ultrastructural localization of C-protein in myofibers from three muscle types of the chicken using these same McAbs. We observed that although C-protein was present in a 43-nm repeat along the filaments in all three muscles, there were marked differences in the absolute number and position occupied by the different isoforms. Since McAbs MF-1 and ALD-66 decorated the same 43-nm repeats in the A-bands of the posterior latissimus dorsal muscle, we suggest that at least two C-proteins can co-localize at binding sites 43 nm apart along thick filaments of this muscle.

Animals↗

Protein isoforms observed by ultrahigh resolution capillary isoelectric focusing electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

On-line coupling of capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF) to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) as a two-dimensional separation/analysis system was employed for high-resolution analysis of the protein isoforms observed during CIEF process. The analytical system was established by using neutral coated long capillary (80 cm), active capillary positioning and sheath-liquid interface. Proteins were separated and resolved in CIEF according to their differences in isoelectric point (pI), and then characterized by ESI-MS. The focused protein zones were eluted to the entrance of MS by combining cathodic mobilization with gravity. The ultrahigh resolution (difference in pI<0.04) of this technique obtained under certain conditions led to the detection of three isoforms in hemoglobin A and in sickle cell hemoglobin (with similar charge distribution and same molecular weight, but their differences in pIranging from 0.04 to 0.08) and two isoforms of beta-lactoglobulin A (difference in pI is 0.6). The isoelectric points, relative amounts, and molecular masses of these isoforms were determined simultaneously by CIEF-ESI-MS.

Carbonic Anhydrase II↗

Alternative splicing of the Oct-2 transcription factor RNA is differentially regulated in neuronal cells and B cells and results in protein isoforms with opposite effects on the activity of octamer/TAATGARAT-containing promoters.

The RNA encoding the octamer-binding transcription factor Oct-2 is alternatively spliced in both neuronal cells and in B cells to yield multiple mRNAs encoding different isoforms of the protein. We show that, compared with B cells, neuronal cells overexpress the mRNAs encoding Oct 2.4 and 2.5 which differ from the other forms (Oct 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3) at the C terminus of the protein. When introduced into cells lacking endogenous Oct-2, the various Oct-2 isoforms have different effects on octamer-containing promoters. The Oct 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 forms stimulate all octamer-containing promoters. However, the Oct 2.4 and 2.5 forms can repress some promoters and stimulate others, depending on the sequence of the octamer motif and its context within the promoter. In contrast, when introduced into neuronal cells which express a high endogenous level of the inhibitory Oct 2.4 and 2.5 forms, all the Oct-2 isoforms can repress octamer-mediated gene expression. The significance of these findings is discussed with regard to the known inhibitory effect of the octamer motif on viral and cellular gene expression in neuronal cells.

Alternative Splicing↗