Showing papers on "Signal transduction published in 1990"

A cell culture model for T lymphocyte clonal anergy

Abstract: T lymphocytes respond to foreign antigens both by producing protein effector molecules known as lymphokines and by multiplying. Complete activation requires two signaling events, one through the antigen-specific receptor and one through the receptor for a costimulatory molecule. In the absence of the latter signal, the T cell makes only a partial response and, more importantly, enters an unresponsive state known as clonal anergy in which the T cell is incapable of producing its own growth hormone, interleukin-2, on restimulation. Our current understanding at the molecular level of this modulatory process and its relevance to T cell tolerance are reviewed.

Turning off the signal: desensitization of beta-adrenergic receptor function.

Abstract: Cellular responses to many hormones and neurotransmitters wane rapidly despite continuous exposure of cells to these stimuli. This phenomenon, termed desensitization, has been particularly well studied for the stimulation of cAMP levels by plasma membrane beta-adrenergic receptors (beta AR). The molecular mechanisms underlying rapid beta AR desensitization do not appear to require internalization of the receptors, but rather an alteration in the functioning of beta AR themselves that uncouples the receptors from the stimulatory G protein Gs. This uncoupling phenomenon involves phosphorylation of beta AR by at least two kinases, PKA and the beta AR kinase (beta ARK), which are activated under different desensitizing conditions. Receptor phosphorylation by the two kinases leads to desensitization of the receptor response via distinct biochemical mechanisms, and additional cytosolic factors appear to be involved in the case of beta ARK. Numerous experimental approaches have been used recently to elucidate th...

An L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway present in human platelets regulates aggregation

Abstract: Aggregation of human washed platelets with collagen is accompanied by a concentration-dependent increase in cyclic GMP but not cyclic AMP. NG-Monomethyl-L-arginine (L-MeArg), a selective inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis from L-arginine, reduces this increase and enhances aggregation. L-Arginine, which has no effect on the basal levels of cyclic GMP, augments the increase in this nucleotide induced by collagen and also inhibits aggregation. Both of these effects of L-arginine are attenuated by L-MeArg. The anti-aggregatory action of L-arginine is potentiated by prostacyclin and by M&B22948, a selective inhibitor of the cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase, but not by HL725, a selective inhibitor of the cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. L-Arginine also inhibits platelet aggregation in whole blood in a similar manner, although the concentrations required are considerably higher. L-Arginine stimulates the soluble guanylate cyclase and increases cyclic GMP in platelet cytosol. This stimulation is dependent on NADPH and Ca2+ and is associated with the formation of NO. Both the formation of NO and the stimulation of the soluble guanylate cyclase induced by L-arginine are enantiomer specific and abolished by L-MeArg. Thus, human platelets contain an NO synthase which is activated when platelets are stimulated. The consequent generation of NO modulates platelet reactivity by increasing cyclic GMP. Changes in the activity of this pathway in platelets may have physiological, pathophysiological, and therapeutic significance.

Activation in vitro of NF-kappa B by phosphorylation of its inhibitor I kappa B.

Abstract: Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B), which was first detected by its binding to the kappa B site in the immunoglobulin kappa-gene enhancer, is important for the regulated expression of the kappa-gene and is partly responsible for the induction in appropriate cells of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-2 alpha receptor, beta-interferon and serum amyloid A protein. NF-kappa B is present as a nuclear DNA-binding protein in B lymphocytes and mature macrophages, but is found in the cytoplasm of many cells in a form unable to bind to DNA. The cytoplasmic form is bound to an inhibitor protein, I kappa B, from which it can be released in vitro by deoxycholate and other agents. Activation of cells by various agents, notably the phorbol esters that stimulate protein kinase C (PKC), leads to dissociation in vivo of the NF-kappa B/I kappa B complex and migration of NF-kappa B to the nucleus. Therefore, it acts as a second messenger system, transducing activation signals from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. To elucidate the mechanism of signal transfer, we have used an in vitro system in which addition of purified protein kinases to a partially purified NF-kappa B/I kappa B complex leads to the activation of the DNA-binding activity of NF-kappa B. Using gel retardation assays we found that PKC, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and a haem-regulated eIF-2 kinase (HRI) could activate NF-kappa B in vitro, whereas casein kinase II was ineffective. To determine the target for the protein kinases we purified and characterized both NF-kappa B and I kappa B and found that I kappa B is phosphorylated and inactivated in the presence of PKC and HRI but not PKA.

Possible dissociation of the heparin-binding and mitogenic activities of heparin-binding (acidic fibroblast) growth factor-1 from its receptor-binding activities by site-directed mutagenesis of a single lysine residue.

Abstract: The fibroblast or heparin-binding growth factors (HBGFs) are thought to be modulators of cell growth and migration, angiogenesis, wound repair, neurite extension, and mesoderm induction. A better understanding of the structural basis for the different activities of these proteins should facilitate the development of agonists and antagonists of specific HBGF activities and identification of the signal transduction pathways involved in the mechanisms of action of these growth factors. Chemical modification studies of Harper and Lobb (Harper, J. W., and R. R. Lobb. 1988. Biochemistry. 27:671-678) implicated lysine 132 in HBGF-1 (acidic fibroblast growth factor) as being important to the heparin-binding, receptor-binding, and mitogenic activities of the protein. We changed lysine 132 to a glutamic acid residue by site-directed mutagenesis of the human cDNA and expressed the mutant protein in Escherichia coli to obtain sufficient quantities for functional studies. Replacement of this lysine with glutamic acid reduces the apparent affinity of HBGF-1 for immobilized heparin (elutes at 0.45 M NaCl vs. 1.1 M NaCl for wild-type). Mitogenic assays established two points: (a) human recombinant HBGF-1 is highly dependent on the presence of heparin for optimal mitogenic activity, and (b) the change of lysine 132 to glutamic acid drastically reduces the specific mitogenic activity of HBGF-1. The poor mitogenic activity of the mutant protein does not appear to be due to a reduced affinity for the HBGF receptor. Similarly, the mutant HBGF-1 can stimulate tyrosine kinase activity and induce protooncogene expression. Differences in the biological properties of the wild-type and mutant proteins were observed in transfection studies. Mutant HBGF-1 expression in transfected NIH 3T3 cells did not induce the same transformed phenotype characteristic of cells expressing wild-type HBGF-1. Together these data indicate that different functional properties of HBGF-1 may be dissociated at the structural level.

Deregulated Bcl-2 gene expression selectively prolongs survival of growth factor-deprived hemopoietic cell lines.

Abstract: The t(14;18) of human follicular B cell lymphoma translocates the Bcl-2 gene into the Ig H chain locus and markedly deregulates Bcl-2 expression. We sought to determine if Bcl-2 could be directly implicated in a growth-factor pathway. Consequently, we introduced a retrovirus containing the murine Bcl-2 gene (N2-M-Bcl-2) or the parental retrovirus (N2) into a series of factor-dependent hemopoietic cell lines. Overexpressed Bcl-2 resulted in no long term IL-2, IL-3, or IL-6 independent clones, indicating that Bcl-2 could not spare the need for a specific ligand-receptor interaction. However, Bcl-2 did extend the short term survival of IL-3-dependent cell lines after factor deprivation. Although viable, IL-3-deprived pro B lymphocytes (FL5.12) bearing N2-M-Bcl-2 were in Go, and deregulated Bcl-2 did not obviously influence cell-cycle progression. Bcl-2 predominant effects were to delay the onset of cell death and to modestly augment viable cell growth in the first 48 h after IL-3 deprivation. This death sparing was associated with increased levels of Bcl-2 RNA and protein in factor-deprived cells possessing N2-M-Bcl-2. This result was not restricted to prolymphocytes because an IL-3-dependent mast cell line (32D) as well as a promyeloid line (FDC-P1) demonstrated the same response to Bcl-2. Moreover, the effect was not limited to the IL-3/IL-3R signal transduction pathway in that promyeloid cells maintained in granulocyte-macrophage-CSF or IL-4 displayed a similar response. Yet, Bcl-2-enhanced cell survival was not universal as an IL-2-dependent T cell line, and an IL-6-dependent myeloma line demonstrated no consistent effect upon IL withdrawal. Thus, Bcl-2 appears to interfere with cell death but in a cell type and/or factor-restricted fashion.

Reduced levels of hsp90 compromise steroid receptor action in vivo

Abstract: Signalling by steroid hormones is mediated by receptor proteins that bind hormonal ligands and regulate the transcription of specific genes. The heat-shock protein hsp90 seems to associate selectively with unliganded receptors (aporeceptors), but it has not been determined whether this interaction affects receptor function in vivo. To address the role of hsp90, we have taken advantage of the capacity of mammalian steroid receptors to function in yeast. We constructed a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in which hsp90 expression was regulatable and could be reduced more than 20-fold relative to wild type. At low levels of hsp90, aporeceptors seem to be mostly hsp90-free, yet fail to enhance transcription; on hormone addition, the receptors are activated but with markedly reduced efficiency. Thus hsp90 does not inhibit receptor function solely by steric interference; rather, hsp90 seems to facilitate the subsequent response of the aporeceptor to the hormonal signal. This is the first biological evidence that hsp90 acts in the signal transduction pathway for steroid receptors.

Signal transduction in bacteria.

Abstract: Cells display a remarkable ability to respond to small fluctuations in their surroundings. In simple microbial systems, information from sensory receptors feeds into a circuitry of regulatory proteins that transfer high energy phosphoryl groups from histidine to aspartate side chains. This phosphotransfer network couples environmental signals to an array of response elements that control cell motility and regulate gene expression.

Primary structure and functional expression of a cyclic nucleotide-activated channel from olfactory neurons.

Abstract: ODORANT signal transduction occurs in the specialized cilia of the olfactory sensory neurons. Considerable biochemical evidence now indicates that this process could be mediated by a G protein-coupled cascade using cyclic AMP as an intracellular second messenger1. A stimulatory G protein α subunit is expressed at high levels in olfactory neurons and is specifically enriched in the cilia2, as is a novel form of adenylyl cyclase3. This implies that the olfactory transduction cascade might involve unique molecular components. Electrophysiological studies have identified a cyclic nucleotide-activated ion channel in olfactory cilia4. These observa-tions provide evidence for a model in which odorants increase intracellular cAMP concentration, which in turn activates this channel and depolarizes the sensory neuron. An analogous cascade regulating a cGMP-gated channel mediates visual transduction in photoreceptor cells (see refs 5,6 for review). The formal similarities between olfactory and visual transduction suggest that the two systems might use homologous channels. Here we report the molecular cloning, functional expression and characterization of a channel that is likely to mediate olfactory transduction.

Structure and Function of G Protein Coupled Receptors

Abstract: The G protein coupled receptors (GPC-Rs) comprise a large superfamily of genes encoding numerous receptors which all show common structural features, e.g., seven putative membrane spanning domains. Their biological functions are extremely diverse, ranging from vision and olfaction to neuronal and endocrine signaling. The GPC-Rs couple via multiple G proteins to a growing number of recognized second messenger pathway, e.g., cAMP and phosphatidyl inositol turnover. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms by which the GPC-Rs activate second messenger systems, and it addresses their regulation and structure.

Receptor-coupled signal transduction in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils: effects of a novel inhibitor of phospholipase C-dependent processes on cell responsiveness.

Abstract: 1-[6-[[17 beta-3-Methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl]- 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U-73122), an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC)-dependent processes in human platelets, was found to be a potent inhibitor of human polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) activation by structurally unrelated receptor-specific agonists. U-73122 caused a time- and concentration-dependent (0.1-1 microM) inhibition of myeloperoxidase and vitamin B12-binding protein release from PMNs exposed to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, recombinant human C5a, leukotriene B4 and platelet-activating factor. Activation of the respiratory burst, as measured by superoxide anion production, in PMNs stimulated with these agonists was also suppressed by U-73122. These data suggested that U-73122 inhibited a component of signal transduction that was common to the mechanisms of action of these stimuli. Production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and 1,2-diacylglycerol and the rise in the cytosolic free calcium concentration, which are early postreceptor events in PMN activation, were all suppressed in U-73122-treated PMNs stimulated with the agonists. These signal transduction events require activation of PLC. Receptor-coupled activation of PLC in membranes isolated from PMNs was potently inhibited by U-73122. U-73122, however, had no direct effect on PMN protein kinase C activity. 1-[6-[[17 beta-3-Methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl] -2,5- pyrrolidine-dione (U-73343), a close analog of U-73122 that does not suppress PLC activity, did not inhibit receptor-specific agonist-induced PMN responsiveness. U-73122, therefore, is a novel reagent that is useful in investigating PLC function in receptor-mediated PMN activation.

Nitric oxide. A novel signal transduction mechanism for transcellular communication.

Abstract: Nitric oxide first captured the interest of biologists when this inorganic molecule was found to activate cytosolic guanylate cyclase and stimulate cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) formation in mammalian cells. Further studies led to the finding that nitric oxide causes vascular smooth muscle relaxation and inhibition of platelet aggregation by mechanisms involving cyclic GMP and that several clinically used nitrovasodilators owe their biological actions to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide possesses physicochemical and pharmacological properties that make it an ideal candidate for a short-term regulator or modulator of vascular smooth muscle tone and platelet function. Nitric oxide is synthesized by various mammalian tissues including vascular endothelium, macrophages, neutrophils, hepatic Kupffer cells, adrenal tissue, cerebellum, and other tissues. Nitric oxide is synthesized from endogenous L-arginine by a nitric oxide synthase system that possesses different cofactor requirements in different cell types. The nitric oxide formed diffuses out of its cells of origin and into nearby target cells, where it binds to the heme group of cytosolic guanylate cyclase and thereby causes enzyme activation. This interaction represents a novel and widespread signal transduction mechanism that links extracellular stimuli to the biosynthesis of cyclic GMP in nearby target cells. The small molecular size and lipophilic nature of nitric oxide enable communication with nearby cells containing cytosolic guanylate cyclase. The extent of transcellular communication is limited by the short half-life of nitric oxide, thereby ensuring a localized response. Labile nitric oxide-generating molecules such as S-nitrosothiols may be involved as precursors or effectors. Further research will provide a deeper understanding of the biology of nitric oxide and the nature of associated pathophysiological states.

Inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation prevents T-cell receptor-mediated signal transduction.

Abstract: The binding of antigen to the multicomponent T-cell receptor (TCR) activates several signal transduction pathways via coupling mechanisms that are poorly understood. One event that follows antigen receptor engagement is the activation of inositol phospholipid-specific phospholipase C (PLC). TCR activation by antigen, lectins, or anti-TCR monoclonal antibody has also been shown to cause increases in tyrosine phosphorylation of TCR-zeta and other substrates, suggesting stimulation of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activity. A critical question is whether these two pathways, PLC and PTK, are independently activated or whether one initiates and/or regulates the other. In the former case, PLC activation could be coupled to the TCR via a GTP-binding protein (G protein). We have reported, however, that tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular substrates precedes detection of PLC activation and intracellular calcium elevation, suggesting that inositol phospholipid turnover in T cells is initiated by a PTK pathway. In this study, we test this hypothesis by treating T cells with the drug herbimycin A. We demonstrate that this agent inhibits substrate tyrosine phosphorylation, TCR-mediated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, and calcium elevation. In contrast, under these conditions G-protein-mediated PLC activity, as tested by addition of aluminum fluoride, remains intact. Furthermore, whereas herbimycin treatment prevents TCR-mediated interleukin 2 production and interleukin 2 receptor expression, phorbol ester-induced effects are substantially resistant to herbimycin. The drug thus appears to abrogate TCR-mediated signaling without affecting distal signaling mechanisms.

Src homology region 2 domains direct protein-protein interactions in signal transduction.

Abstract: Cytoplasmic proteins that regulate signal transduction or induce cellular transformation, including cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinases, p21ras GTPase-activating protein (GAP), phospholipase C gamma, and the v-crk oncoprotein, possess one or two copies of a conserved noncatalytic domain, Src homology region 2 (SH2). Here we provide direct evidence that SH2 domains can mediate the interactions of these diverse signaling proteins with a related set of phosphotyrosine ligands, including the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. In src-transformed cells GAP forms heteromeric complexes, notably with a highly tyrosine phosphorylated 62-kDa protein (p62). The stable association between GAP and p62 can be specifically reconstituted in vitro by using a bacterial polypeptide containing only the N-terminal GAP SH2 domain. The efficient phosphorylation of p62 by the v-Src or v-Fps tyrosine kinases depends, in turn, on their SH2 domains and correlates with their transforming activity. In lysates of EGF-stimulated cells, the N-terminal GAP SH2 domain binds to both the EGF receptor and p62. Fusion proteins containing GAP or v-Crk SH2 domains complex with similar phosphotyrosine proteins from src-transformed or EGF-stimulated cells but with different efficiencies. SH2 sequences, therefore, form autonomous domains that direct signaling proteins, such as GAP, to bind specific phosphotyrosine-containing polypeptides. By promoting the formation of these complexes, SH2 domains are ideally suited to regulate the activation of intracellular signaling pathways by growth factors.

Tyrosine phosphatase CD45 is essential for coupling T-cell antigen receptor to the phosphatidyl inositol pathway

Abstract: Stimulation of T lymphocytes through their antigen receptor (T-cell receptor; TCR) results in the activation of a tyrosine kinase and the generation of phosphatidyl inositol (PtdIns)-derived second messengers. Several reports have indicated that CD45, a haematopoietic cell-specific surface glycoprotein with tyrosine phosphatase activity in its cytoplasmic domain, is important in lymphocyte activation. To examine the possibility that CD45 might influence proximal signal transduction events through the TCR, we have isolated a variant of the human T-cell leukaemic line, HPB-ALL, which fails to express this phosphatase. Unlike cells expressing CD45, stimulation of the TCR in the CD45-negative cell does not result in PtdIns-derived second messengers. Reconstitution of CD45 expression restored early signalling events through the TCR. To localize the site of CD45 action, the human muscarinic type 1 receptor, which also activates the PtdIns second messenger pathway, was transfected into the CD45-negative cell. Although stimulation of the TCR failed to generate PtdIns-derived second messengers, there was normal activity of the PtdIns pathway when human muscarinic receptor type 1 was stimulated, despite the absence of CD45. These data indicate that CD45 influences a cellular component that is essential for effective coupling of the TCR to the PtdIns second messenger pathway.

G0 is a major growth cone protein subject to regulation by GAP-43.

Abstract: G0, a GTP-binding protein that transduces information from transmembrane receptors, has been found to be a major component of the neuronal growth cone membrane. GAP-43, an intracellular growth cone protein closely associated with neuronal growth, stimulates GTP-gamma-S binding to G0. It does so through an amino-terminal domain homologous to G-linked transmembrane receptors. Thus, G0 in the growth cone may be regulated by intracellular as well as extracellular signals.

Human interleukin 4 receptor confers biological responsiveness and defines a novel receptor superfamily.

Abstract: IL-4, a pleiotropic cytokine produced by T lymphocytes, plays an important role in immune responsiveness by regulating proliferation and differentiation of a variety of lymphoid and myeloid cells via binding to high affinity receptors In this report we describe the isolation and functional expression of a human IL-4-R cDNA When transfected into COS-7 cells, the cDNA encodes a 140-kD cell-surface protein After transfection into a murine T cell line, the cDNA encodes a protein that binds human IL-4 with high affinity and can confer responsiveness to human IL-4 The predicted extracellular domain of the IL-4-R exhibits significant amino acid sequence homology with the beta subunit of the IL-2-R (p75), and the receptors for IL-6, erythropoietin, and prolactin These receptors comprise a novel superfamily with extracellular domains characterized by four conserved cysteine residues and a double tryptophan-serine (WSXWS) motif located proximal to the transmembrane region

Integrin-associated protein : a 50-kd plasma membrane antigen physically and functionally associated with integrins

Abstract: Phagocytosis by monocytes or neutrophils can be enhanced by interaction with several proteins or synthetic peptides containing the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence. Recently we showed that an mAb, B6H12, specifically inhibited this enhancement of neutrophil phagocytosis by inhibiting Arg-Gly-Asp binding to the leukocyte response integrin (Gresham, H. D., J. L. Goodwin, P. M. Allen, D. C. Anderson, and E. J. Brown. 1989. J. Cell Biol. 108:1935-1943). Now, we have purified the antigen recognized by B6H12 to homogeneity. Surprisingly, it is a 50-kD molecule that is expressed on the plasma membranes of all hematopoietic cells, including erythrocytes, which express no known integrins. On platelets and placenta, but not on erythrocytes, this protein is associated with an integrin that can be recognized by an anti-beta 3 antibody. In addition, both the anti-beta 3 and several mAbs recognizing the 50-kD protein inhibit Arg-Gly-Asp stimulation of phagocytosis. These data demonstrate an association between integrins and the 50-kD protein on several cell types. For this reason, we call it Integrin-associated Protein (IAP). We hypothesize that IAP may play a role in signal transduction for enhanced phagocytosis by Arg-Gly-Asp ligands.