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Nitric oxide synthase and neuronal NADPH diaphorase are identical in brain and peripheral tissues.

NADPH diaphorase staining neurons, uniquely resistant to toxic insults and neurodegenerative disorders, have been colocalized with neurons in the brain and peripheral tissue containing nitric oxide synthase (EC 1.14.23.-), which generates nitric oxide (NO), a recently identified neuronal messenger molecule. In the corpus striatum and cerebral cortex, NO synthase immunoreactivity and NADPH diaphorase staining are colocalized in medium to large aspiny neurons. These same neurons colocalize with somatostatin and neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity. NO synthase immunoreactivity and NADPH diaphorase staining are colocalized in the pedunculopontine nucleus with choline acetyltransferase-containing cells and are also colocalized in amacrine cells of the inner nuclear layer and ganglion cells of the retina, myenteric plexus neurons of the intestine, and ganglion cells of the adrenal medulla. Transfection of human kidney cells with NO synthase cDNA elicits NADPH diaphorase staining. The ratio of NO synthase to NADPH diaphorase staining in the transfected cells is the same as in neurons, indicating that NO synthase fully accounts for observed NADPH staining. The identity of neuronal NO synthase and NADPH diaphorase suggests a role for NO in modulating neurotoxicity.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Aggregation of lipid rafts accompanies signaling via the T cell antigen receptor.

The role of lipid rafts in T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling was investigated using fluorescence microscopy. Lipid rafts labeled with cholera toxin B subunit (CT-B) and cross-linked into patches displayed characteristics of rafts isolated biochemically, including detergent resistance and colocalization with raft-associated proteins. LCK, LAT, and the TCR all colocalized with lipid patches, although TCR association was sensitive to nonionic detergent. Aggregation of the TCR by anti-CD3 mAb cross-linking also caused coaggregation of raft-associated proteins. However, the protein tyrosine phosphatase CD45 did not colocalize to either CT-B or CD3 patches. Cross-linking of either CD3 or CT-B strongly induced tyrosine phosphorylation and recruitment of a ZAP-70(SH2)(2)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein to the lipid patches. Also, CT-B patching induced signaling events analagous to TCR stimulation, with the same dependence on expression of key TCR signaling molecules. Targeting of LCK to rafts was necessary for these events, as a nonraft- associated transmembrane LCK chimera, which did not colocalize with TCR patches, could not reconstitute CT-B-induced signaling. Thus, our results indicate a mechanism whereby TCR engagement promotes aggregation of lipid rafts, which facilitates colocalization of LCK, LAT, and the TCR whilst excluding CD45, thereby triggering protein tyrosine phosphorylation.

Animals↗

Constitutive and vitamin C-induced, NO-catalyzed release of heparan sulfate from recycling glypican-1 in late endosomes.

The recycling heparan sulfate (HS)-containing proteoglycan glypican-1 (Gpc-1) is processed by nitric oxide (NO)-catalyzed deaminative cleavage of its HS chains at N-unsubstituted glucosamines. This generates anhydromannose (anMan)-containing HS degradation products that can be detected by a specific antibody. Here we have attempted to identify the intracellular compartments where these products are formed. The anMan-positive degradation products generated constitutively in human bladder carcinoma cell line (T24) or fibroblasts appeared neither in caveolin-1-associated vesicles nor in lysosomes. In Niemann-Pick C-1 (NPC-1) fibroblasts, where deaminative degradation is abrogated, formation of anMan-positive products can be restored by ascorbate. These products colocalized with Rab7, a marker for late endosomes. When NO-catalyzed degradation of HS was depressed in mouse neuroblastoma cell line (N2a) by using 3-beta[2(diethylamino) ethoxy]androst-5-en-17-one (U18666A), both ascorbate and dehydroascorbic acid restored formation of anMan-positive products that colocalized with Rab7. In T24 cells, constitutively generated anMan-positive products colocalized with both Rab7 and Rab9, whereas Gpc-1 colocalized with Rab9, a marker for transporting endosomes. Inhibition of endosomal acidification, which blocks transfer from early (Rab5) to late (Rab7) endosomes, abrogated deaminative degradation of HS. This could also be overcome by the addition of ascorbate, which induced formation of anMan-positive degradation products that colocalized with Rab7. After (35)S-sulfate labeling, similar degradation products were recovered in Rab7-positive vesicles. We conclude that NO-catalyzed degradation of HS may begin in early endosomes but is mainly taking place in late endosomes.

Androstenes↗

CD44 associates with EGFR and erbB2 in metastasizing mammary carcinoma cells.

Type I receptor tyrosine kinases, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and erbB2, have been implicated in mammary carcinoma growth and metastasis. Recent evidence suggests that type I receptor signaling may be mediated by the CD44 family of transmembrane glycoproteins that also have been implicated in mammary tumor progression. Here, the authors tested whether CD44, EGFR, and erbB2 interacted and colocalized with one another in four mammary carcinoma cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-435, and MDA-MB-436) and in cytology samples obtained from patients with metastatic breast cancer. CD44 constitutively colocalized and coimmunoprecipitated with erbB2 and EGFR in all four mammary carcinoma cell lines. CD44 also colocalized with erbB2 and EGFR in all cytology samples expressing erbB2. CD44 colocalized with EGFR in cells from only 1 of 16 erbB2-negative cytology samples. These data indicate that CD44-EGFR-erbB2 protein complexes occur in a high proportion of metastatic mammary carcinomas and suggest that CD44-type I receptor colocalization may be a novel prognostic marker for aggressive mammary cancers.

Blotting, Western↗

Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent and Ehrlichia chaffeensis reside in different cytoplasmic compartments in HL-60 cells.

The human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) agent resides and multiplies exclusively in cytoplasmic vacuoles of granulocytes. Double immunofluorescence labeling was used to characterize the nature of the HGE agent replicative inclusions and to compare them with inclusions containing the human monocytic ehrlichia, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, in HL-60 cells. Although both Ehrlichia spp. can coinfect HL-60 cells, they resided in separate inclusions. Inclusions of both Ehrlichia spp. were not labeled with either anti-lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 or anti-CD63. Accumulation of myeloperoxidase-positive granules were seen around HGE agent inclusions but not around E. chaffeensis inclusions. 3-(2, 4-Dinitroanilino)-3'-amino-N-methyldipropylamine and acridine orange were not localized to either inclusion type. Vacuolar-type H+-ATPase was not colocalized with HGE agent inclusions but was weakly colocalized with E. chaffeensis inclusions. E. chaffeensis inclusions were labeled with the transferrin receptor, early endosomal antigen 1, and rab5, but HGE agent inclusions were not. Some HGE agent and E. chaffeensis inclusions colocalized with major histocompatibility complex class I and II antigens. These two inclusions were not labeled for annexins I, II, IV, and VI; alpha-adaptin; clathrin heavy chain; or beta-coatomer protein. Vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 colocalized to both inclusions. The cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor was not colocalized with either inclusion type. Endogenously synthesized sphingomyelin, from C6-NBD-ceramide, was not incorporated into either inclusion type. Brefeldin A did not affect the growth of either Ehrlichia sp. in HL-60 cells. These results suggest that the HGE agent resides in inclusions which are neither early nor late endosomes and does not fuse with lysosomes or Golgi-derived vesicles, while E. chaffeensis resides in an early endosomal compartment which accumulates the transferrin receptor.

Animals↗

Rotavirus NSP4 induces a novel vesicular compartment regulated by calcium and associated with viroplasms.

Rotavirus is a major cause of infantile viral gastroenteritis. Rotavirus nonstructural protein 4 (NSP4) has pleiotropic properties and functions in viral morphogenesis as well as pathogenesis. Recent reports show that the inhibition of NSP4 expression by small interfering RNAs leads to alteration of the production and distribution of other viral proteins and mRNA synthesis, suggesting that NSP4 also affects virus replication by unknown mechanisms. This report describes studies aimed at correlating the localization of intracellular NSP4 in cells with its functions. To be able to follow the localization of NSP4, we fused the C terminus of full-length NSP4 with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and expressed this fusion protein inducibly in a HEK 293-based cell line to avoid possible cytotoxicity. NSP4-EGFP was initially localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as documented by Endo H-sensitive glycosylation and colocalization with ER marker proteins. Only a small fraction of NSP4-EGFP colocalized with the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) marker ERGIC-53. NSP4-EGFP did not enter the Golgi apparatus, in agreement with the Endo H sensitivity and a previous report that secretion of an NSP4 cleavage product generated in rotavirus-infected cells is not inhibited by brefeldin A. A significant population of expressed NSP4-EGFP was distributed in novel vesicular structures throughout the cytoplasm, not colocalizing with ER, ERGIC, Golgi, endosomal, or lysosomal markers, thus diverging from known biosynthetic pathways. The appearance of vesicular NSP4-EGFP was dependent on intracellular calcium levels, and vesicular NSP4-EGFP colocalized with the autophagosomal marker LC3. In rotavirus-infected cells, NSP4 colocalized with LC3 in cap-like structures associated with viroplasms, the site of nascent viral RNA replication, suggesting a possible new mechanism for the involvement of NSP4 in virus replication.

Calcium↗

Visualization of negative signaling in B cells by quantitative confocal microscopy.

Numerous biochemical experiments have invoked a model in which B-cell antigen receptor (BCR)-Fc receptor for immunoglobulin (Ig) G (FcgammaRII) coclustering provides a dominant negative signal that blocks B-cell activation. Here, we tested this model using quantitative confocal microscopic techniques applied to ex vivo splenic B cells. We found that FcgammaRII and BCR colocalized with intact anti-Ig and that the SH2 domain-containing inositol 5'-phosphatase (SHIP) was recruited to the same site. Colocalization of BCR and SHIP was inefficient in FcgammaRII-/- but not gamma chain-/- splenic B cells. We also examined the subcellular location of a variety of enzymes and adapter proteins involved in signal transduction. Several proteins (CD19, CD22, SHP-1, and Dok) and a lipid raft marker were co-recruited to the BCR, regardless of the presence or absence of FcgammaRII and SHIP. Other proteins (Btk, Vav, Rac, and F-actin) displayed reduced colocalization with BCR in the presence of FcgammaRII and SHIP. Colocalization of BCR and F-actin required phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 3-kinase and was inhibited by SHIP, because the block in BCR/F-actin colocalization was not seen in B cells of SHIP-/- animals. Furthermore, BCR internalization was inhibited with intact anti-Ig stimulation or by expression of a dominant-negative mutant form of Rac. From these results, we propose that SHIP recruitment to BCR/FcgammaRII and the resulting hydrolysis of PtdIns-3,4,5-trisphosphate prevents the appropriate spatial redistribution and activation of enzymes distal to PtdIns 3-kinase, including those that promote Rac activation, actin polymerization, and receptor internalization.

Actins↗

Impact of leukocytes and platelets in mediating hepatocyte apoptosis in a rat model of systemic endotoxemia.

Apoptotic hepatocytes have been demonstrated to represent an important signal for transmigration of leukocytes sequestered in sinusoids during endotoxemia in vivo. Beside leukocytes, platelets and their adhesion to endothelial cells and leukocytes have been implicated in inflammatory liver injury. Using in vivo multifluorescence microscopy, we examined the possibility that hepatocellular apoptosis causes both leukocytes and platelets to colocalize within the sinusoidal microvasculature of endotoxemic livers. We further addressed the issue whether cellular colocalization with apoptotic hepatocytes is cause or consequence of apoptosis. Intraperitoneal exposure of rats with LPS (5 mg/kg) induced liver injury after 6 and 16 h, as given by nutritive perfusion failure (20 +/- 2 and 21 +/- 2%), intrahepatic leukocyte (60 +/- 10 and 121 +/- 48 cells/mm(2)), and platelet (12 +/- 4 and 34 +/- 4 cells/mm(2)) accumulation as well as parenchymal cell apoptosis (4 +/- 1 and 11 +/- 2 cells/mm(2)) and caspase cleavage (4.7 +/- 2.4- and 7.0 +/- 3.0-fold increase; P < 0.05 vs. saline-exposed controls). Higher doses of LPS (10 mg/kg ip) further increased intrahepatic leukocyte and platelet accumulation but not the extent of parenchymal apoptosis. Detailed spatial analysis revealed colocalization of leukocytes (range 12-24%) but barely of platelets (<6%) with apoptotic hepatocytes in all endotoxemic groups studied. It is of interest, however, that platelets were found at increasing rates in colocalization with leukocytes at 6 and 16 h after LPS exposure (5 mg/kg LPS: 7 +/- 3 and 25 +/- 6%; 10 mg/kg LPS: 11 +/- 4 and 14 +/- 1%). Platelet-leukocyte events significantly correlated with the extent of caspase cleavage as an indicator of tissue apoptosis (P < 0.05; r = 0.82). Blockade of apoptosis by a pan-caspase inhibitor caused a significant reduction of leukocyte adherence and platelet-leukocyte colocalization on LPS exposure. On the other hand, leukocytopenic animals revealed reduced hepatocyte apoptosis, although values still exceeded those of controls, and in leuko- and thrombocytopenic animals, hepatocyte apoptosis was found reduced to control values. Taken together, LPS-associated hepatocyte apoptosis seems to be initiated by circulating blood cells that become adherent within the liver but might also contribute to further sustain the inflammatory cell-cell response.

Amino Acid Chloromethyl Ketones↗

Distribution and localization of vinculin-talin-integrin system and dystrophin-glycoprotein complex in human skeletal muscle. Immunohistochemical study using confocal laser scanning microscopy.

The vinculin-talin-integrin system and the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) are two protein systems with structural and signaling functions, allowing interaction between muscle fibers and extracellular matrix. Although numerous studies have been conducted on these systems, their localization and distribution patterns along the nonjunctional sarcolemma are not clear. On this basis, we carried out an indirect immunofluorescence study on the vastus lateralis muscle of human adults not affected by neuromuscular diseases to better define these patterns. Our results showed that all tested proteins of the two systems have a costameric distribution; all tested proteins of the two systems colocalize with each other (about 90-95% of the cases); only alpha-sarcoglycan in a few cases (about 6%) does not colocalize with other proteins; in about 9-10% of the cases, dystrophin and beta-dystroglycan colocalize partially with other proteins; all tested proteins can be localized in different fibers, both in the region of the sarcolemma over I or A bands. The colocalization between the vinculin-talin-integrin and DGC systems may imply their functional interaction involving the structural aspect, by providing a stronger adhesion between sarcolemma and extracellular matrix in well-defined regions of the muscle fiber. Besides, their colocalization may suggest the existence of a mechanism of mutual modulation of the transmitted signals. This reciprocal control may determine, in different conditions, the prevalence of one system over another with a consequent transmission of different messages to the sarcolemma-associated cytoskeleton.

Dystrophin↗

Expression of p67 (Munc-18), Cdk5, P-NFH and syntaxin during development of the rat cerebellum.

Cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks), which regulate the cell division cycle, have also been found in postmitotic neurons. Cdk5, isolated from neural tissue, has been shown to phosphorylate neurofilaments (NFs). Instead of cyclins, however, other neuron-specific activators of cdk5 have been identified including a 67-kD protein (p67) which is identical to a syntaxin-binding protein (n-sec-1, Munc 18) that is thought to play a role in synaptic vesicle trafficking and transmitter release. These functions for p67 are not mutually exclusive since regulation of edk5 phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins may modulate axonal dynamics during growth, synaptogenesis and vesicle transport. To gain further insight into the role of p67 in neural tissue, we carried out a Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis of the developing rat cerebellum using antibodies to cdk5, p67, syntaxin and phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated neurofilaments. We assumed that spatiotemporal colocalizations of antigens might correlate with proposed functions for p67. The immunoblots showed that all antigens were developmentally regulated, and increased in expression from PN2 to the adult, with p67 and cdk5 showing a close temporal correlation. Immunohistochemically, p67 colocalized with cdk5 and P-NFH in selected fiber tracts, particularly those in the deep cerebellum. For the most part, p67 also showed strong colocalization patterns with syntaxin in regions of synaptogenesis throughout development such as the molecular layer and glomeruli of the inner nuclear layer. Finally, certain fiber tracts, the afferent fibers, climbing and mossy fibers and particularly the basket cell fibers that envelop and innervate Purkinje cell somata and dendrites, displayed colocalization of cdk5 and P-NFH without expressing any p67. Given the limitations of colocalization data in defining functional relationships, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that p67 is a multifunctional protein, its activity during cerebellum development dependent upon the neuronal phenotype, its location and its state of developmental maturation.

Animals↗

Differential regulation of CXCR2 trafficking by Rab GTPases.

Intracellular trafficking of chemokine receptors plays an important role in fine-tuning the functional responses of neutrophils and lymphocytes in the inflammatory process and HIV infection. Although many chemokine receptors internalize through clathrin-coated pits, regulation of the receptor trafficking is not fully understood. The present study demonstrated that CXCR2 was colocalized with transferrin and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) after agonist treatment for different periods of time, suggesting 2 intracellular trafficking pathways for this receptor. CXCR2 was colocalized with Rab5 and Rab11a, which are localized in early and recycling endosomes, respectively, in response to agonist stimulation for a short period of time, suggesting a recycling pathway for the receptor trafficking. However, overexpression of a dominant-negative Rab5-S34N mutant significantly attenuated CXCR2 sequestration. The internalized CXCR2 was recycled back to the cell surface after removal of the agonist and recovery of the cells, but receptor recycling was inhibited by overexpression of a dominant-negative Rab11a-S25N mutant. After prolonged (4-hour) agonist treatment, CXCR2 exhibited significantly increased colocalization with Rab7, which is localized in late endosomes. The colocalization of CXCR2 with LDL and LAMP-1 suggests that CXCR2 is targeted to lysosomes for degradation after prolonged ligand treatment. However, the colocalization of CXCR2 with Lamp1 was blocked by the overexpression of a dominant-negative Rab7-T22N mutant. In cells overexpressing Rab7-T22N, CXCR2 was retained in the Rab5- and Rab11a-positive endosomes after prolonged (4-hour) agonist treatment. Our data suggest that the intracellular trafficking of CXCR2 is differentially regulated by Rab proteins.

Animals↗

Caveolin-2 associates with intracellular chlamydial inclusions independently of caveolin-1.

BACKGROUND: Lipid raft domains form in plasma membranes of eukaryotic cells by the tight packing of glycosphingolipids and cholesterol. Caveolae are invaginated structures that form in lipid raft domains when the protein caveolin-1 is expressed. The Chlamydiaceae are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens that replicate entirely within inclusions that develop from the phagocytic vacuoles in which they enter. We recently found that host cell caveolin-1 is associated with the intracellular vacuoles and inclusions of some chlamydial strains and species, and that entry of those strains depends on intact lipid raft domains. Caveolin-2 is another member of the caveolin family of proteins that is present in caveolae, but of unknown function. METHODS: We utilized a caveolin-1 negative/caveolin-2 positive FRT cell line and laser confocal immunofluorescence techniques to visualize the colocalization of caveolin-2 with the chlamydial inclusions. RESULTS: We show here that in infected HeLa cells, caveolin-2, as well as caveolin-1, colocalizes with inclusions of C. pneumoniae (Cp), C. caviae (GPIC), and C. trachomatis serovars E, F and K. In addition, caveolin-2 also associates with C. trachomatis serovars A, B and C, although caveolin-1 did not colocalize with these organisms. Moreover, caveolin-2 appears to be specifically, or indirectly, associated with the pathogens at the inclusion membranes. Using caveolin-1 deficient FRT cells, we show that although caveolin-2 normally is not transported out of the Golgi in the absence of caveolin-1, it nevertheless colocalizes with chlamydial inclusions in these cells. However, our results also show that caveolin-2 did not colocalize with UV-irradiated Chlamydia in FRT cells, suggesting that in these caveolin-1 negative cells, pathogen viability and very likely pathogen gene expression are necessary for the acquisition of caveolin-2 from the Golgi. CONCLUSION: Caveolin-2 associates with the chlamydial inclusion independently of caveolin-1. The function of caveolin-2, either in the uninfected cell or in the chlamydial developmental cycle, remains to be elucidated. Nevertheless, this second caveolin protein can now be added to the small number of host proteins that are associated with the inclusions of this obligate intracellular pathogen.

Animals↗

Subcellular localization of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein.

Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) is essential for the assembly of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins. Within the endoplasmic reticulum, it transfers lipid from the membrane to the forming lipoprotein. Recent evidence suggests that it may also function within the Golgi apparatus. To address this hypothesis, we developed a polyclonal antibody to MTP and used it in a series of studies on mouse liver and McArdle-RH7777 (McA) cells. Western blot analysis demonstrated the presence of MTP within mouse hepatic-Golgi apparatus-rich fractions. In addition, in vitro lipid transfer assays demonstrated the presence of triglyceride transfer activity within the Golgi fractions. Immunohistochemical studies with mouse liver demonstrated the presence of MTP within all hepatocytes, but not in nonparenchymal cells. The subcellular location of MTP in McA cells was investigated using confocal microscopy. MTP colocalized with the trans-Golgi network (TGN) 38 and Golgi SNARE (soluble N-ethylmalemide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) of 28 kDa (GS28), markers for the trans- and cis-Golgi apparatus, respectively. Morphometric analyses indicated that approximately 17% of the MTP signal colocalized with the TGN38, while 33% of the trans-Golgi marker colocalized with the MTP. Approximately 17% of the MTP signal colocalized with the GS28, whereas 53% of the cis-Golgi marker colocalized with the MTP. The results provide unequivocal evidence for the location of MTP within the Golgi apparatus, and further highlight the importance of this organelle in the assembly of lipoproteins.

Animals↗

Aging impairs galanin expression in luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons: effect of ovariectomy and/or estradiol treatment.

In the medial preoptic area and the diagonal band of Broca, a subset of LHRH neurons coexpresses galanin at a 4- to 5-fold higher rate in female than male rats, suggesting that estradiol (E2) plays a key role in galanin gene expression within LHRH neurons. In the present studies we investigated the incidence of colocalization of these peptides in different age groups, i.e. 2-, 10-, 18-, and 24-month-old intact female Fisher rats; 24-month-old E2-treated rats; 24-month-old ovariectomized (OVX) rats; and 24-month-old OVX E2-treated rats with single or double labeling immunocytochemistry. For cell counting, we took advantage of the typical fusiform morphology of galanin-immunoreactive neurons that colocalize LHRH. The presence of both peptides in the same perikaryon was substantiated by double staining representative sections from each brain. Our observations indicate that the number of galanin/LHRH-coexpressing perikarya dramatically decreased with age. Although in 18-month-old rats a moderate decline was observed, in 24-month-old female rats no, or only a few, faintly stained, fusiform galanin-immunopositive perikarya were present. Although galanin was absent from LHRH neurons of aged rats, their LHRH content was not altered. E2 treatment of intact 24-month-old rats had no effect on the low incidence of colocalization. However, when OVX 24-month-old rats were E2 treated, the incidence of colocalization increased to the level seen in 2- or 10-month-old estrous animals. Our observations on the presence of colocalizing perikarya in intact and E2-treated aged animals provide further evidence for the key role of E2 in galanin gene expression within LHRH neurons and emphasize that some ovarian factor(s) may blunt this effect.

Aging↗

Caveolin-3 is adjacent to a group of extradyadic ryanodine receptors.

Caveolae are present in almost all cells and concentrate a wide variety of signaling molecules, receptors, transporters, and ion pumps. We have investigated the distribution of the ryanodine receptor, the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger, the predominant Na(+) channel isoform rH1, and the L-type calcium channel, Ca(v)1.2, relative to the muscle-specific caveolin isoform, caveolin-3, in adult rat ventricular myocytes. Three-dimensional immunofluorescence images were deconvolved and analyzed. Caveolin-3 colocalizes with all of these molecules at the surface of the cell, but there is no significant colocalization between caveolin-3 and either the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger or the Na(+) channel in the cell interior. The distribution of the surface colocalization indicates that the caveolae that colocalize with each molecule form distinct populations. This organization indicates that there are multiple populations of caveolae separable by location and occupants. In the interior of the cell, caveolin-3 shows a marked colocalization with a population of ryanodine receptors that are separate from those within the dyad. Because of their location, the signaling molecules contained within these caveolae may have preferred access to the neighboring nondyadic ryanodine receptors.

Algorithms↗

Subtype-selective expression of the five somatostatin receptors (hSSTR1-5) in human pancreatic islet cells: a quantitative double-label immunohistochemical analysis.

We have developed a panel of rabbit polyclonal antipeptide antibodies against the five human somatostatin receptor subtypes (hSSTR1-5) and used them to analyze the pattern of expression of hSSTR1-5 in normal human islet cells by quantitative double-label confocal fluorescence immunocytochemistry. All five hSSTR subtypes were variably expressed in islets. The number of SSTR immunopositive cells showed a rank order of SSTR1 > SSTR5 > SSTR2 > SSTR3 > SSTR4. SSTR1 was strongly colocalized with insulin in all beta-cells. SSTR5 was also an abundant isotype, being colocalized in 87% of beta-cells. SSTR2 was found in 46% of beta-cells, whereas SSTR3 and SSTR4 were relatively poorly expressed. SSTR2 was strongly colocalized with glucagon in 89% of alpha-cells, whereas SSTR5 and SSTR1 colocalized with glucagon in 35 and 26% of alpha-cells, respectively. SSTR3 was detected in occasional alpha-cells, and SSTR4 was absent. SSTR5 was preferentially expressed in 75% of SST-positive cells and was the principal delta-cell SSTR subtype, whereas SSTR1-3 were colocalized in only a few delta-cells, and SSTR4 was absent. These studies reveal predominant expression of SSTR1, SSTR2, and SSTR5 in human islets. Beta-cells, alpha-cells, and delta-cells each express multiple SSTR isoforms, beta-cells being rich in SSTR1 and SSTR5, alpha-cells in SSTR2, and delta-cells in SSTR5. Although there is no absolute specificity of any SSTR for an islet cell type, SSTR1 is beta-cell selective, and SSTR2 is alpha-cell selective. SSTR5 is well expressed in beta-cells and delta-cells and moderately well expressed in alpha-cells, and thereby it lacks the islet cell selectivity displayed by SSTR1 and SSTR2. Subtype-selective SSTR expression in islet cells could be the basis for preferential insulin suppression by SSTR1-specific ligands and of glucagon inhibition by SSTR2-selective compounds.

Animals↗

Autophagosome-lysosome fusion depends on the pH in acidic compartments in CHO cells.

Autophagy is the bulk degradation of cytoplasmic constituents in response to starvation and other environmental or intracellular cues. During this process, most of the cytoplasm is sequestered into autophagosomes, which then fuse with lysosomes where the degradation of the sequestered material proceeds. We investigated the relationship between autophagosome-lysosome fusion and the pH in acidic compartments by visualizing the fusion process using fluorescence in CHO cells. In this experiment, mitochondria were labeled with GFP by transfecting CHO cells with the presequence of ornithine transcarbamylase, and lysosomes were labeled with Texas Red Dextran; any fusion was identified by the colocalization of mitochondria (in autophagosomes) and lysosomes using fluorescence microscopy. When CHO cells were treated with rapamycin or starvation medium to induce autophagy, the colocalization of fluorescence was observed. Whereas when they were treated with 3-MA, an inhibitor of autophagy, the colocalization disappeared. We conclude that the colocalization reflects the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes. Moreover, when the CHO cells were treated with drugs that increase the pH of acidic compartments, the colocalization disappeared. This suggests that the autophagosome-lysosome fusion is inhibited by increasing pH in acidic compartments independently of V-ATPase activity in CHO cells.

Animals↗

Immunoreactivity for intracellular androgen receptors in identified subpopulations of neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in primate prefrontal cortex.

Sex differences in and hormone malleability of a variety of cognitive and mnemonic functions suggest that the association cortices in human and nonhuman primates are targets of gonadal hormone stimulation. One mechanism involved in this stimulation may be genomic actions mediated by intracellular androgen receptors. To identify potential cellular targets of this influence, single- and double-labeling immunohistochemical methods were used to precisely localize androgen receptor proteins in the prefrontal association cortex of adult rhesus monkeys. In both the dorsolateral and orbitofrontal regions, receptor antibodies labeled substantial populations of small intensely immunoreactive nuclei, as well as much larger and less strongly immunoreactive nuclei in all major cellular layers and/or in underlying white matter. Double-labeling studies revealed that large and small immunolabeled nuclei were further distinguished by colocalization with different classes of cell-specific markers. Whereas the large, pale receptor-immunoreactive nuclei colocalized with immunomarkers for neurons, the small, strongly immunoreactive nuclei colocalized exclusively with glial markers. Among androgen receptor-immunoreactive glia, a majority were immunoreactive for astrocyte markers, with smaller numbers of nuclei colocalized with oligodendrocyte markers; immunolabels for microglia failed to colocalize with androgen receptor immunoreactivity. This discovery of an unexpectedly large population of androgen receptor bearing glia suggests that direct functional interactions between endocrine signaling pathways and glial cells such as those coming into view in studies in subcortical and allocortical structures may also take place in the cerebral cortex and contribute to gonadal hormone stimulation of cortical processing of cognitive information.

Aging↗