Showing papers on "Cellular compartment published in 2003"

Regulation of cell apoptosis by protein kinase c δ

Abstract: The isoforms of the PKC family are activated in response to mitogenic stimuli, to inflammatory stimuli, and to stress and play important roles in a variety of cellular functions including apoptosis. PKCδ a member of the novel PKC subfamily, is actively involved in cell apoptosis in a stimulus and tissue specific manner; it both regulates the expression and function of apoptotic related proteins and is itself a target for caspases. Activation of PKCδ by various apoptotic stimuli results in the translocation of PKCδ to distinct cellular compartments such as mitochondria, golgi and nucleus, and the differential translocation contributes to its different effects. In addition, phosphorylation of PKCδ on distinct tyrosine residues and its association with specific apoptotic related proteins such as c-Abl, DNA-PK, p73 and lamin B are pivotal to its function in cell apoptosis. Recent findings on these aspects of the PKCδ cascades are the major focus of this review.

The function of genomes in bioenergetic organelles

Abstract: Mitochondria and chloroplasts are energy-transducing organelles of the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. They originated as bacterial symbionts whose host cells acquired respiration from the precursor of the mitochondrion, and oxygenic photosynthesis from the precursor of the chloroplast. The host cells also acquired genetic information from their symbionts, eventually incorporating much of it into their own genomes. Genes of the eukaryotic cell nucleus now encode most mitochondrial and chloroplast proteins. Genes are copied and moved between cellular compartments with relative ease, and there is no obvious obstacle to successful import of any protein precursor from the cytosol. So why are any genes at all retained in cytoplasmic organelles? One proposal is that these small but functional genomes provide a location for genes that is close to, and in the same compartment as, their gene products. This co-location facilitates rapid and direct regulatory coupling. Redox control of synthesis de novo is put forward as the common property of those proteins that must be encoded and synthesized within mitochondria and chloroplasts. This testable hypothesis is termed CORR, for co-location for redox regulation. Principles, predictions and consequences of CORR are examined in the context of competing hypotheses and current evidence.

Nuclear and cytosolic calcium are regulated independently

Abstract: Nuclear calcium (Ca2+) regulates a number of important cellular processes, including gene transcription, growth, and apoptosis. However, it is unclear whether Ca2+ signaling is regulated differently in the nucleus and cytosol. To investigate this possibility, we examined subcellular mechanisms of Ca2+ release in the HepG2 liver cell line. The type II isoform of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptor (InsP3R) was expressed to a similar extent in the endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus, whereas the type III InsP3R was concentrated in the endoplasmic reticulum, and the type I isoform was not expressed. Ca2+ signals induced by low InsP3 concentrations started earlier or were larger in the nucleus than in the cytosol, indicating higher sensitivity of nuclear Ca2+ stores for InsP3. Nuclear InsP3R channels were active at lower InsP3 concentrations than InsP3R from cytosol. Enriched expression of type II InsP3R in the nucleus results in greater sensitivity of the nucleus to InsP3, thus providing a mechanism for independent regulation of Ca2+-dependent processes in this cellular compartment.

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Modulates Cytosolic Redox Status and Contractile Phenotype in Adult Cardiomyocytes

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cell injury contributes to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and myocardial dysfunction. Protection against ROS requires maintenance of endogenous thiol pools, most importantly, reduced glutathione (GSH), by NADPH. In cardiomyocytes, GSH resides in two separate cellular compartments: the mitochondria and cytosol. Although mitochondrial GSH is maintained largely by transhydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase, the mechanisms responsible for sustaining cytosolic GSH remain unclear. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) functions as the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, responsible for the generation of NADPH in a reaction coupled to the de novo production of cellular ribose. We hypothesized that G6PD is required to maintain cytosolic GSH levels and protect against ROS injury in cardiomyocytes. We found that in adult cardiomyocytes, G6PD activity is rapidly increased in response to cellular oxidative stress, with translocation of G6PD to the cell membrane. Furthermore, inhibition of G6PD depletes cytosolic GSH levels and subsequently results in cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction through dysregulation of calcium homeostasis. Cardiomyocyte dysfunction was reversed through treatment with either a thiol-repleting agent (L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid) or antioxidant treatment (Eukarion-134), but not with exogenous ribose. Finally, in a murine model of G6PD deficiency, we demonstrate the development of in vivo adverse structural remodeling and impaired contractile function over time. We, therefore, conclude that G6PD is a critical cytosolic antioxidant enzyme, essential for maintenance of cytosolic redox status in adult cardiomyocytes. Deficiency of G6PD may contribute to cardiac dysfunction through increased susceptibility to free radical injury and impairment of intracellular calcium transport. The full text of this article is available online at http://www.circresaha.org.

Why chloroplasts and mitochondria contain genomes.

Abstract: Chloroplasts and mitochondria originated as bacterial symbionts. The larger, host cells acquired genetic information from their prokaryotic guests by lateral gene transfer. The prokaryotically-derived genes of the eukaryotic cell nucleus now function to encode the great majority of chloroplast and mitochondrial proteins, as well as many proteins of the nucleus and cytosol. Genes are copied and moved between cellular compartments with relative ease, and there is no established obstacle to successful import of any protein precursor from the cytosol. Yet chloroplasts and mitochondria have not abdicated all genes and gene expression to the nucleus and to cytosolic translation. What, then, do chloroplast- and mitochondrially-encoded proteins have in common that confers a selective advantage on the cytoplasmic location of their genes? The proposal advanced here is that co-location of chloroplast and mitochondrial genes with their gene products is required for rapid and direct regulatory coupling. Redox control of gene expression is suggested as the common feature of those chloroplast and mitochondrial proteins that are encoded in situ. Recent evidence is consistent with this hypothesis, and its underlying assumptions and predictions are described.

Expression of 1L-myoinositol-1-phosphate synthase in organelles.

Abstract: We have studied the expression of 1L-myoinositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS; EC 5.5.1.4) in developing organs of Phaseolus vulgaris to define genetic controls that spatially regulate inositol phosphate biosynthesis. MIPS, the pivotal biosynthetic enzyme in inositol metabolism, is the only enzyme known to catalyze the conversion of glucose 6-phosphate to inositol phosphate. It is found in unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes and has been isolated as a soluble enzyme from both. Thus, it is widely accepted that inositol phosphate biosynthesis is largely restricted to the cytosol. Here, we report findings that suggest the enzyme is also expressed in membrane-bound organelles. Microscopic and biochemical analyses detected MIPS expression in plasma membranes, plastids, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticula, nuclei, and cell walls of bean. To address mechanisms by which the enzyme could be targeted to or through membranes, MIPS genes were analyzed for sorting signals within primary structures and upstream open reading frames that we discovered through our sequence analyses. Comprehensive computer analyses revealed putative transit peptides that are predicted to target the enzyme to different cellular compartments. Reverse transcriptase PCR experiments suggest that these putative targeting peptides are expressed in bean roots and leaves.

Influence of p-glycoprotein, transfer clearances, and drug binding on intestinal metabolism in caco-2 cell monolayers or membrane preparations: a theoretical analysis

Abstract: Studies on the Caco-2 cell monolayer system that contained cytochrome P450 and P-glycoprotein activities had advanced the theory that increased intestinal metabolism resulted with increased drug efflux due to an increase in mean residence time (MRT) in the system. To confirm or refute the claim, we developed compartmental models to study the effects of intestinal secretion on the MRT and rates of metabolism under first-order and nonlinear conditions. The theoretical examinations showed that under first-order conditions, intestinal secretion increased the MRT of drug in all compartments but failed to increase the rate of metabolite formation or the total amount of metabolite formed. Instead, reduced metabolic rates arose with increased efflux from cell, either into the apical or the basolateral compartment. By contrast, under saturable metabolic conditions, there were some conditions found whereby rates of metabolism increased with intestinal secretion and rapid reabsorption, albeit the total amount of metabolite formed eventually equaled the administered dose. Intestinal secretion failed to induce higher rates of metabolism for other conditions (saturable cellular binding, cellular efflux, or cell entry). With saturation of metabolic enzymes, drug efflux brought about desaturation, and, upon rapid recovery of drug into the cellular compartment, higher rates of metabolite formation were attained. The simulation study showed that, under first-order conditions, intestinal secretion reduced the rate of metabolism even though the MRT was prolonged within the cell preparation. With nonlinear metabolism, however, instances may exist whereby higher rates of metabolism would result with secretion.

Suggested role of the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum for crucial sites of hepatitis C virus replication in human lymphoblastoid cells infected in vitro.

Abstract: Iacovacci et al. [(1997a) Research in Virology 148:147-151] described that the euploid diploid cells, of the normal human bone marrow-derived lymphoblastoid B-cell line TO.FE., are susceptible to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and support long term virus production. Transmission electron microscopy described some steps of HCV replication cycle in this in vitro infected cellular system [Serafino et al. (1997) Research in Virology 148:153-159]. In the present study, in order to identify the intracellular sites involved in HCV replication, the ultrastructural changes associated with infection in TO.FE. cells were correlated with the subcellular localisation of structural and nonstructural viral proteins. Transmission electron microscopy and confocal microscopy data indicate that these viral proteins appeared located in the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting an active involvement of these compartments in viral assembly and morphogenesis. Furthermore, transmission and scanning electron microscopic observations on cultures infected chronically support the hypothesis that these cellular compartments may serve as starting sites of the morphological changes associated to viral infection and replication, leading to cell-cell fusion, syncytia formation, and finally lysis of infected cells and virus release.

Stability of the nuclear protein turnover during cellular senescence of human fibroblasts.

Abstract: The accumulation of oxidized proteins is one of the highlights of age-related changes of cellular metabolism and happens at least partially as a result of a decline in the activity of intracellular proteases (e.g., the proteasome). Because the proteasome is located in numerous cellular compartments, we tested whether and to which extent the proteasome and the protein turnover changes in the cytosolic compartment and in the nucleus of proliferating fibroblasts. We demonstrated that the activity of the proteasomal system declines during proliferative senescence of human fibroblasts in the cytosol dramatically, whereas it is stable within the nucleus. It could be demonstrated in both compartments that an accumulation of oxidized proteins occurs. After oxidative stress, a short timed activation of the proteasomal system in the nucleus occurs. This activation was accompanied by an increase in the protein turnover in response to oxidative stress, which was also present in the nucleus of senescent cells. Taking into account that the nuclear/cytosol ratio of the proteasome content declines during proliferative senescence, we postulated that the senescence-related changes in the cytosolic proteasomal system are more pronounced and that the nuclear proteasomal system is only marginally affected by the senescence process.

Cellular Uptake and Localization of a Cy3-Labeled siRNA Specific for the Serine/Threonine Kinase Pim-1

Abstract: A highly efficient and specific small interfering (siRNA) (PsiR4) for the serine/threonine kinase Pim-1 has been generated that silences the expression of a Pim1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion gene at low nanomolar concentrations ( ,5 nM). Only one of four siRNAs tested against Pim-1 had high potency, whereas the three other siRNAs were completely inefficient up to a concentration of 100 nM. PsiR4 was labeled with Cy3 at the 5 9-end of the sense strand to investigate cellular uptake and localization in living COS-7 and F-11 cells. This modification has only minor effects on the potency of PsiR4 to inhibit Pim1-GFP. Cellular uptake of the Cy3-labeled siRNA by lipofection was observed in more than 90% of the cells and reaches a plateau 4‐ 6 hours after transfection. Cotransfection studies with low PsiR4-Cy3 concentrations demonstrated that most cells that still expressed Pim1-GFP did not show siRNA uptake. Localization studies with PsiR4-Cy3 in the neuronal hybridoma cell line F-11 displayed a dotted, perinuclear accumulation of siRNAs. Moreover, cells with neuritelike structures contain PsiR4 in this cellular compartment.

Cell biology: earthworms and lipid couriers.

Abstract: Lipids can hop between cellular compartments without using the transport vesicles that carry proteins. A key molecule involved in conveying the lipid ceramide has at last been uncovered.

Herpetomonas samuelpessoai: dimethylsulfoxide-induced differentiation is influenced by proteinase expression.

Abstract: In this study, we analyzed the influence of proteinase expression on the cellular differentiation of Herpetomonas samuelpessoai. Along cellular differentiation, which was induced by dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), the trypanosomatids secreted several molecules with variable proteolytic activity. All of them were inhibited by 10 mM 1,10-phenanthroline, suggesting that they are zinc-metalloproteinases. Analysis of parasite extracts revealed the occurrence of a 63-kDa metalloproteinase and a 45-kDa cysteine proteinase. After extraction with Triton X-114 followed by water-detergent partition, the 63-kDa component was present in both aqueous and detergent phases, which indicated that this enzyme may be distributed over different cellular compartments including membrane domains. The 45-kDa component, however, presented hydrophilic properties and was predominantly expressed by DMSO non-treated parasites, suggesting that proteinases may be involved in the process of cellular differentiation in H. samuelpessoai. This was confirmed by the fact that a cysteine proteinase inhibitor abrogated parasite differentiation. The role of proteinases and their relevance in the differentiation of H. samuelpessoai are discussed.

Targeted intracellular site-specific drug delivery: Photosensitizer targeting to melanoma cell nuclei

Abstract: A number of drugs are regarded as possessing local activity because their effects take place at an extremely short distance from their location site in the cell. The response of different cellular compartments to these effects is different. Such substances as photosensitizers (PSs), which are used in photodynamic cancer therapy, should be targeted to the cell compartments where their effect is the most pronounced. This study describes the construction and properties of the chimeric modular recombinant transporters (MRTs) expressed in Escherichia coli and used for PS targeting. These constructs include (1) the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone as a ligand module, which is internalized by the target cells (mouse melanoma); (2) the optimized SV40 large T-antigen nuclear localization signal; (3) the hemoglobin-like protein from E. coli as a carrier module; (4) the endosomolytic module, the translocation domain of the diphtheria toxin. These MRTs were used for PS targeting to the mouse melanoma cell nuclei, the most PS-damaged intracellular compartment, which resulted in a PS photocytotoxic effect increase of several orders of magnitude. In our opinion, MRTs, which target locally active drugs into the desired cell compartment and thereby enhance the drug response, represent a new generation of the pharmacological agents.

Expression differences in mitochondrial and secretory chaperonin 60 (Cpn60) in pancreatic acinar cells.

Abstract: In pancreatic acinar cells, chaperonin Cpn60 is present in all the cellular compartments involved in protein secretion as well as in mitochondria. To better understand the role Cpn60 plays in pancreatic secretion, we have evaluated its changes under experimental conditions known to alter pancreatic secretion. Quantitative protein A–gold immunocytochemistry was used to reveal Cpn60 in pancreatic acinar cells. Cpn60 immunolabelings in cellular compartments involved in secretion were found to decrease in acute pancreatitis as well as upon stimulation of secretion and in starvation conditions. A major increase in Cpn60 was recorded in diabetic condition. This was normalized by insulin treatment. Although in certain situations changes in secretory enzymes and in Cpn60 correlate well, in others, nonparallel secretion seemed to take place. In contrast, expression of mitochondrial Cpn60 in acinar cells appeared to remain stable in all conditions except starvation, where its levels decreased. Expression of Cpn60 in the secretory pathway and in mitochondria thus appears to behave differently, and Cpn60 in the secretory pathway must be important for quality control and integrity of secretion.

Lipid vector for the delivery of peptides towards intracellular pharmacological targets.

Abstract: The ability of single-chain lipopeptides to gain access to cellular compartments other than those related to degradation/recycling was first deduced from their capacity to deliver peptide antigens into MHC-class I loading mechanisms. The ability of lipopeptides to escape complete endosome degradation was further illustrated by the selective inhibition of different protein kinase C isoenzymes and, more recently, the presentation of agonistic activity towards the interferon gamma receptor. Taken together, several independent results indicate that modification of a peptide by a single lipid chain confers upon it intracellular trafficking properties that can be used to deliver functional cargo peptides into living cells; the endoplasmic reticulum, cytosolic protease activity, sites of kinase activity, or even the signalling pathway associated with cytokine stimulation, all appear accessible to peptide modified by a single lipidic moiety. In this context, the interferon gamma receptor can be considered as a very discriminative pharmacological model, useful for the comparative evaluation of the cellular delivery of lipopeptides, as it allows the unambiguous tracking of their intact delivery into a wide range of cellular compartments. This model is now being used to probe the influence of the nature of the lipid moiety on the trafficking properties of lipopeptides.

Lipidomic processes in homeostatic and LPS-modified cell renewal cycle. Role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway in biomembrane synthesis and restitution of apical epithelial membrane.

Abstract: Background Nuclear transcriptome initiates specific proteome that facilitates metabolic events culminating in restitution of cell components and reproduction of the discrete cellular function, but the magnitude of various genes induction and following proteomic, lipidomic, and glycomic processes provide distinctness to the final product and its function. In homeostasis, the challenged cell responds to stimuli in defined and predictable mode but in the disease such as ulcerative erosions the ablation of cell survival signals and cell apoptosis is enhanced. Therefore, to uncover the discreteness and dissimilarity of the pathological processes induced by elicobacter pylori (H. pylori) lipopolysaccharide (LPS), not only measurement of the genomic events is crucial, but a complete cycle of events reproducing the cell specific proteins, lipids, and cell-specific environment created in situ require thorough investigation. Methods An impact of H. pylori LPS-induced processes on posttranslational lipidomic activity in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi and apical membrane was evaluated in the in vitro paradigm assembled with components of the rat gastric mucosal epithelial cells. Results In ER, the signals commanding synthesis of biomembrane in the presence of control, the LPS-derived or LPS-admixed cytosol was identical. The assembled vesicles contained the same amount of apoprotein and had the same lipid composition. Their biomembrane contained the same amount of sphingolipids in form of ceramide, which is determining factor of the ER-transport vesicle completion. The transport of apoprotein in ER vesicles to Golgi was also not changed. In Golgi, LPS-derived cytosol affected two distinct and concurrent with assembly of Golgi transport vesicles processes. The LPS-derived cytosol affected formation of Golgi transport vesicles destined to apical membrane and the incorporation (fusion) of Golgi vesicles with apical epithelial membrane. The LPS-derived cytosol decreased the production of Golgi vesicles by 15% and their fusion with the apical epithelial membrane by 83%. In contrast with wortmannin, the LPS-derived cytosol had no impact on Golgi transport vesicles association with the epithelial membrane. Conclusions We concluded that LPS interferes with MAPK-dependent activation of cytosolic PLA(2) since MAPKs immunoprecipitate added to the LPS-cytosol restored activation of cytosolic PLA(2)-specific fusion of the Golgi transport vesicles with apical mucosal cell membrane. On the other hand, wortmannin that inhibited the association of Golgi transport vesicles with apical membrane, interferes with cytosolic activity that controls association of PI3K-containing Golgi vesicles with the apical membrane. Together, our studies present evidence that allow to conclude that LPS affects MAPK-specific phosphorylation and PLA(2)-assisted membranes' fusion, whereas wortmannin affects association of PI3K- and PI3P-containing Golgi-derived transport vesicles with the membrane. In the final outcome, both actions result in a diminished or inhibited restitution of apical membrane.

CHAPTER 313 – RNA Localization and Signal Transduction

Abstract: Sorting of mRNA to specific compartments of the cell determines cell asymmetry. This sorting occurs in oocytes and embryos as well as somatic cells such as fibroblasts and neurons. Translation of localized mRNAs spatially directs protein synthesis. The cellular signals that direct specific RNA sequences to particular cellular compartments have recently been examined in fibroblasts, neurons, and Drosophila embryos. This chapter examines the regulation of mRNA localization through signal transduction pathways in organisms and their tissues.

Pathways of mammalian protein degradation

Abstract: Publisher Summary Protein degradation in mammalian cells is essential for regulating a variety of cellular processes including the cell cycle and for protecting the cell during times of stress or invasion by pathogens. Proteinases have been localized to virtually every cellular compartment of eukaryotic cells. Selective limited proteolysis mediated by endopeptidases is essential for processing pre- and pro-proteins to their mature forms, modulating signal transduction pathways, regulating cell death, and presenting antigens. These endopeptidases include the family of calpains and caspases. On the other hand, complete proteolysis is mediated by both exopeptidases and endopeptidases resulting in the degradation of proteins to dipeptides and amino acids. This process may be selective or nonselective. Selective degradation is necessary for regulating the cell cycle and for removing damaged or nonessential proteins, while nonselective degradation provides amino acids that are used to maintain protein synthesis. Protein degradation also provides the cell a defense mechanism against environmental stresses and intracellular pathogens. Complete proteolysis is performed by proteinases assembled within the proteasome complex or compartmentalized within the lysosome. Protein degradation in some neoplastic cells is suppressed resulting in rapid growth while protein degradation in some disease states is enhanced resulting in cell death. Protein degradation is a carefully regulated process that is vital for cell survival.

The Anfinsen machinery: Molecular Chaperones in the Cell

Abstract: edited by Peter Lund Oxford University Press (2001) 281 pages. ISBN 0-19-963868-3 £32.50 ![Figure][1] Molecular chaperones are everywhere in the cell — topologically and functionally. There are huge quantities of them in the cytosol and in almost every cellular compartment.