scholarly journals Human and Quail Aromatase Activity Is Rapidly and Reversibly Inhibited by Phosphorylating Conditions

Endocrinology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 152 (11) ◽  
pp. 4199-4210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry D. Charlier ◽  
Nobuhiro Harada ◽  
Jacques Balthazart ◽  
Charlotte A. Cornil
Keyword(s):  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
General Mechanism ◽  
Aromatase Activity ◽  
Potential Implication ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Rapid Changes

Besides their slow genomic actions, estrogens also induce rapid physiological responses. To be functionally relevant, these effects must be associated with rapid changes in local concentrations of estrogens. Rapid changes in aromatase activity (AA) controlled by calcium-dependent phosphorylations of the enzyme can alter in a rapid manner local estrogen concentrations, but so far this mechanism was identified only in the avian (quail) brain. We show here that AA is also rapidly down-regulated by phosphorylating conditions in quail ovary homogenates and in various cell lines transfected with human aromatase (HEK 293, Neuro2A, and C6). Enzymatic activity was also rapidly inhibited after depolarization of aromatase-expressing HEK 293 cells with 100 mm KCl, and activity was fully restored when cells returned to control conditions. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the reduction of enzymatic activity is not due to protein degradation. We next investigated by site-directed mutagenesis the potential implication in the control of AA of specific aromatase residues identified by bioinformatic analysis. Mutation of the amino acids S118, S247, S267, T462, T493, or S497 to alanine, alone or in combination, did not block the rapid inhibition of enzymatic activity induced by phosphorylating conditions, but basal AA was markedly decreased in the S118A mutant. Altogether, these results demonstrate that the rapid inhibition of AA is a widespread and fully reversible process and that phosphorylation of specific residues modulate AA. These processes provide a new general mechanism by which local estrogen concentration can be rapidly altered in the brain and other tissues.

scholarly journals Rapid Modulation of Aromatase Activity in the Vertebrate Brain

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. JEN.S11268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry D. Charlier ◽  
Charlotte A. Cornil ◽  
Jacques Balthazart
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Protein Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
General Mechanism ◽  
Aromatase Activity ◽  
Vertebrate Brain ◽  
Rapid Modulation

Numerous steroid hormones, including 17β-estradiol (E2), activate rapid and transient cellular, physiological, and behavioral changes in addition to their well-described genomic effects. Aromatase is the key-limiting enzyme in the production of estrogens, and the rapid modulation of this enzymatic activity could produce rapid changes in local E2 concentrations. The mechanisms that might mediate such rapid enzymatic changes are not fully understood but are currently under intense scrutiny. Recent studies in our laboratory indicate that brain aromatase activity is rapidly inhibited by an increase in intracellular calcium concentration resulting from potassium-induced depolarization or from the activation of glutamatergic receptors. Phosphorylating conditions also reduce aromatase activity within minutes, and this inhibition is blocked by the addition of multiple protein kinase inhibitors. This rapid modulation of aromatase activity by phosphorylating conditions is a general mechanism observed in different cell types and tissues derived from a variety of species, including human aromatase expressed in various cell lines. Phosphorylation processes affect aromatase itself and do not involve changes in aromatase protein concentration. The control of aromatase activity by multiple kinases suggests that several amino acids must be concomitantly phosphorylated to modify enzymatic activity but site-directed mutagenesis of several amino acids alone or in combination has not to date revealed the identity of the targeted residue(s). Altogether, the phosphorylation processes affecting aromatase activity provide a new general mechanism by which the concentration of estrogens can be rapidly altered in the brain.

scholarly journals The methylated-DNA binding protein MBD2 enhances NGFI-A (egr-1)-mediated transcriptional activation of the glucocorticoid receptor

2014 ◽  
Vol 369 (1652) ◽  
pp. 20130513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian C. G. Weaver ◽  
Ian C. Hellstrom ◽  
Shelley E. Brown ◽  
Stephen D. Andrews ◽  
Sergiy Dymov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glucocorticoid Receptor ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Signalling Pathways ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Exon 1 ◽  
Inducible Protein

Variations in maternal care in the rat influence the epigenetic state and transcriptional activity of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene in the hippocampus. The mechanisms underlying this maternal effect remained to be defined, including the nature of the relevant maternally regulated intracellular signalling pathways. We show here that increased maternal licking/grooming (LG), which stably enhances hippocampal GR expression, paradoxically increases hippocampal expression of the methyl-CpG binding domain protein-2 (MBD2) and MBD2 binding to the exon 1 7 GR promoter. Knockdown experiments of MBD2 in hippocampal primary cell culture show that MBD2 is required for activation of exon 1 7 GR promoter. Ectopic co-expression of nerve growth factor-inducible protein A (NGFI-A) with MBD2 in HEK 293 cells with site-directed mutagenesis of the NGFI-A response element within the methylated exon 1 7 GR promoter supports the hypothesis that MBD2 collaborates with NGFI-A in binding and activation of this promoter. These data suggest a possible mechanism linking signalling pathways, which are activated by behavioural stimuli and activation of target genes.

Splice variants of a ClC-2 chloride channel with differing functional characteristics

2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (4) ◽  
pp. C1198-C1210 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Pablo Cid ◽  
María-Isabel Niemeyer ◽  
Alfredo Ramírez ◽  
Francisco V. Sepúlveda
Keyword(s):  
Splice Variants ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Proximal Colon ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial ◽  
Chloride Currents ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Internal Donor ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Functional Consequences

We identified two ClC-2 clones in a guinea pig intestinal epithelial cDNA library, one of which carries a 30-bp deletion in the NH2 terminus. PCR using primers encompassing the deletion gave two products that furthermore were amplified with specific primers confirming their authenticity. The corresponding genomic DNA sequence gave a structure of three exons and two introns. An internal donor site occurring within one of the exons accounts for the deletion, consistent with alternative splicing. Expression of the variants gpClC-2 and gpClC-2Δ77–86 in HEK-293 cells generated inwardly rectifying chloride currents with similar activation characteristics. Deactivation, however, occurred with faster kinetics in gpClC-2Δ77–86. Site-directed mutagenesis suggests that a protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation consensus site lost in gpClC-2Δ77–86 is not responsible for the observed change. The deletion-carrying variant is found in most tissues examined, and it appears more abundant in proximal colon, kidney, and testis. The presence of a splice variant of ClC-2 modified in its NH2-terminal domain could have functional consequences in tissues where their relative expression levels are different.

Functional analysis of two isoforms of phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase

2010 ◽  
Vol 432 (2) ◽  
pp. 387-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shin-ya Morita ◽  
Atsuko Takeuchi ◽  
Shuji Kitagawa
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Substrate Specificity ◽  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
The Other ◽  
Human Embryonic Kidney ◽  
Enzymatic Assays ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
High Mannose

The enzyme catalysing the conversion of PE (phosphatidylethanolamine) into PC (phosphatidylcholine), PEMT (PE N-methyltransferase), exists as two isoforms, PEMT-L (longer isoform of PEMT) and PEMT-S (shorter isoform of PEMT). In the present study, to compare the functions of the two isoforms of PEMT, we established HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cell lines stably expressing PEMT-L and PEMT-S. Both PEMT-L and PEMT-S were localized in the ER (endoplasmic reticulum). PEMT-L, but not PEMT-S, was N-glycosylated with high-mannose oligosaccharides. The enzymatic activity of PEMT-S was much higher than that of PEMT-L. By using novel enzymatic assays for measuring PC and PE, we showed that PEMT-L and PEMT-S expression remarkably increased the cellular PC content, whereas the PE content was decreased by PEMT-S expression, but was hardly affected by PEMT-L expression. The cellular content of phosphatidylserine was also reduced by the expression of PEMT-L or PEMT-S. MS analyses demonstrated that the expression of PEMT-S led to more increases in the molecular species of PC and PC-O (ether-linked PC) with longer polyunsaturated chains than that of PEMT-L, whereas the PC-O species with shorter chains were increased more by PEMT-L expression than by PEMT-S expression, suggesting a difference in the substrate specificity of PEMT-L and PEMT-S. On the other hand, various PE and PE-O species were decreased by PEMT-S expression. In addition, PEMT-L and PEMT-S expression promoted the proliferation of HEK-293 cells. Based upon these findings, we propose a model in which the enzymatic activity and substrate specificity are regulated by the glycosylated N-terminal region of PEMT-L localized in the ER lumen.

The Impact of Glu102Lys on the Factor X Function in a Patient with a Doubly Homozygous Factor X Deficiency (Gla14Lys and Glu102Lys)

2000 ◽  
Vol 83 (02) ◽  
pp. 234-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Forberg ◽  
Iris Huhmann ◽  
Ester Jimenez-Boj ◽  
Herbert Watzke
Keyword(s):  
Point Mutations ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Normal System ◽  
Factor X ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Functional Defect ◽  
A Minor ◽  
The Impact

SummaryTwo homozygous point mutations were found in a patient with factor X (FX) deficiency; One results in substitution of Lys for Gla+14 and the second causes a Lys substitution for Glu102. The proposita has a severely reduced FX coagulant activity in the extrinsic (<1% of normal) and in the intrinsic (30% of normal) system of coagulation and after activation with Russel’s viper venom (18% of normal). The FX antigen is reduced in this patient to 20% of normal. The substitution of Lys for Glu102 in FX deficiency has been reported previously in a heterozygous state in conjunction with a Lys for Gla+14 substitution and with a Pro for Ser334 substitution. The contribution of the Lys for Glu102 substitution in the observed combined FX defect in these patients was unclear. The mutation causing the Glu102Lys substitution was introduced by site directed mutagenesis into a wild-type FX cDNA, and recombinant protein was expressed in HEK 293 cells. Compared to the wild-type FX cDNA, the mutant construct had a 67% activity upon activation in the extrinsic system, 93% activity upon activation in the intrinsic system and 72% after activation with RVV. The data presented show that the substitution of Lys for Glu102 results in a minor functional defect of the FX molecule.

scholarly journals 14-3-3 is not essential for Raf-1 function: identification of Raf-1 proteins that are biologically activated in a 14-3-3- and Ras-independent manner.

1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 3390-3397 ◽  
Author(s):  
N R Michaud ◽  
J R Fabian ◽  
K D Mathes ◽  
D K Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Xenopus Oocytes ◽  
Serine Phosphorylation ◽  
General Mechanism ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Presence And Absence ◽  
A Site

Recent reports have demonstrated the in vivo association of Raf-1 with members of the 14-3-3 protein family. To address the significance of the Raf-1-14-3-3 interaction, we investigated the enzymatic activity and biological function of Raf-1 in the presence and absence of associated 14-3-3. The interaction between these two molecules was disrupted in vivo and in vitro with a combination of molecular and biochemical techniques. Biochemical studies demonstrated that the enzymatic activities of Raf-1 were equivalent in the presence and absence of 14-3-3. Furthermore, mixing of purified Raf-1 and 14-3-3 in vitro was not sufficient to activate Raf-1. With a molecular approach, Cys-165 and Cys-168 as well as Ser-259 were identified as residues of Raf-1 required for the interaction with 14-3-3. Cys-165 and Cys-168 are located within the conserved cysteine-rich region of the CR1 domain, and Ser-259 is a conserved site of serine phosphorylation found within the CR2 domain. Mutation of either Cys-165 and Cys-168 or Ser-259 prevented the stable interaction of Raf-1 with 14-3-3 in vivo. Consistent with the model in which a site of serine phosphorylation is involved in the Raf-1-14-3-3 interaction, dephosphorylated Raf-1 was unable to associate with 14-3-3 in vitro. Phosphorylation may represent a general mechanism mediating 14-3-3 binding, because dephosphorylation of the Bcr kinase (known to interact with 14-3-3) also eliminated its association with 14-3-3. Finally, mutant Raf-1 proteins unable to stably interact with 14-3-3 exhibited enhanced enzymatic activity in human 293 cells and Xenopus oocytes and were biologically activated, as demonstrated by their ability to induced meiotic maturation of Xenopus oocytes. However, in contrast to wild-type Raf-1, activation of these mutants was independent of Ras. Our results therefore indicate that interaction with 14-3-3 is not essential for Raf-1 function.

Activation and stabilization of human tryptophan hydroxylase 2 by phosphorylation and 14-3-3 binding

2008 ◽  
Vol 410 (1) ◽  
pp. 195-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingeborg Winge ◽  
Jeffrey A. Mckinney ◽  
Ming Ying ◽  
Clive S. D'Santos ◽  
Rune Kleppe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Tryptophan Hydroxylase ◽  
Enzyme Stability ◽  
Enzyme Activation ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Rate Limiting Step ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Dependent Protein

TPH (tryptophan hydroxylase) catalyses the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of serotonin, and exists in two isoforms: TPH1, mainly found in peripheral tissues and the pineal body, and TPH2, a neuronal form. In the present study human TPH2 was expressed in Escherichia coli and in HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells and phosphorylated using several different mammalian protein kinases. TPH2 was rapidly phosphorylated to a stoichiometry of 2 mol of phosphate/mol of subunit by PKA (protein kinase A), but only to a stoichiometry of 0.2 by Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II. Both kinases phosphorylated Ser19, but PKA also phosphorylated Ser104, as determined by MS, phosphospecific antibodies and site-directed mutagenesis of several possible phosphorylation sites, i.e. Ser19, Ser99, Ser104 and Ser306. On average, purified TPH2 WT (wild-type) was activated by 30% after PKA phosphorylation and studies of the mutant enzymes showed that enzyme activation was mainly due to phosphorylation at Ser19. This site was phosphorylated to a stoichiometry of up to 50% in HEK-293 cells expressing TPH2, and the enzyme activity and phosphorylation stoichiometry was further increased upon treatment with forskolin. Purified PKA-phosphorylated TPH2 bound to the 14-3-3 proteins γ, ϵ and BMH1 with high affinity, causing a further increase in enzyme stability and activity. This indicates that 14-3-3 proteins could play a role in consolidating and strengthening the effects of phosphorylation on TPH2 and that they may be important for the regulation of serotonin function in the nervous system.

scholarly journals Human haem oxygenase-1 induction by nitro-linoleic acid is mediated by cAMP, AP-1 and E-box response element interactions

2009 ◽  
Vol 422 (2) ◽  
pp. 353-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcienne M. WRIGHT ◽  
Junghyun KIM ◽  
Thomas D. HOCK ◽  
Norbert LEITINGER ◽  
Bruce A. FREEMAN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Intact Cells ◽  
Response Element ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
E Box ◽  
Haem Oxygenase ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Nitro-fatty acid products of oxidative inflammatory reactions mediate anti-inflammatory cell signalling responses. LNO2 (nitrolinoleic acid) induces expression of HO-1 (haem oxygenase-1), an enzyme that catabolizes haem into products exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory properties. In the present manuscript, the molecular mechanisms underlying HO-1 induction by LNO2 were examined in HAEC (human aortic endothelial cells), HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney 293) cells, and in transcription factor-deficient MEF (mouse embryonic fibroblasts). LNO2 induced HO-1 expression in Nrf2 [NF-E2 (nuclear factor-erythroid 2)-related factor 2]-deficient MEF and in HEK-293 cells transfected with Nrf2-specific shRNA (small-hairpin RNA), supporting the fact that LNO2-mediated HO-1 induction can be regulated by Nrf2-independent mechanisms. LNO2 activated expression of a −4.5 kb human HO-1 promoter construct, whereas a −4.0 kb construct with deletion of 500 bp from the 5′ region was unresponsive. Site-directed mutagenesis of a CRE (cAMP-response element) or of a downstream NF-E2/AP-1 (activating protein-1) element, individually, within this 500 bp region modestly reduced activation of the HO-1 promoter by LNO2. Mutations of both the CRE and the NF-E2/AP-1 site also attenuated LNO2-mediated HO-1 promoter expression, whereas the addition of a third mutation in the proximal E-box sequence completely abolished LNO2-induced HO-1 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed CREB (CRE-binding protein)-1 binding to the CRE (located at −4.0 kb) and E-box regions (located at −44 bp) of the human HO-1 promoter. A 3C (Chromosome Conformation Capture) assay of intact cells showed LNO2-induced interactions between the CRE- and E-box- containing regions. These observations indicate that regulation of human HO-1 expression by LNO2 requires synergy between CRE, AP-1 and E-box sequences and involves the participation of CREB-1.

scholarly journals Differential androgen and estrogen substrates specificity in the mouse and primates type 12 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

2007 ◽  
Vol 194 (2) ◽  
pp. 449-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre-Gilles Blanchard ◽  
Van Luu-The
Keyword(s):  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Kidney Cells ◽  
Cdna Fragment ◽  
Steroidogenic Enzyme ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Human Embryonic Kidney Cells ◽  
Mouse Sequence ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Mouse Tissues ◽  
Clitoral Gland

Recently, we have shown that human and monkey type 12 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β-HSD12) are estrogen-specific enzymes catalyzing the transformation of estrone (E1) into estradiol (E2). To further characterize this novel steroidogenic enzyme in an animal model, we have isolated a cDNA fragment encoding mouse 17β-HSD12 and characterized its enzymatic activity. Using human embryonic kidney cells (HEK)-293 cells stably expressing mouse 17β-HSD12, we found that in contrast with the human and monkey enzymes, which are specific for the transformation of E1 to E2, mouse 17β-HSD12 also catalyzes the transformation of 4-androstenedione into testosterone (T), dehydroepiandroster-one (DHEA) into 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol (5-diol), as well as androsterone into 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α-diol). Previously, we have shown that the specificity of human and monkey 17β-HSD12s for C18-steroid is due to the presence of a bulky phenylalanine (F) at position 234 creating steric hindrance, preventing the entrance of C19-steroids into the active site. To determine whether the smaller size of the corresponding leucine (L) in the mouse sequence is responsible for the entrance of androgenic substrates, we performed site-directed mutagenesis to substitute Leu 234 for Phe in the mouse enzyme. In agreement with our hypothesis, the mutated enzyme has a highly reduced ability to metabolize androgens. mRNA quantification in several mouse tissues using real-time PCR shows that mouse 17β-HSD12 mRNA is highly expressed in the female clitoral gland, male preputial gland, as well as in retroperitoneal fat and adrenal of both sexes. The differential androgenic/estrogenic substrate specificity of type 12 17β-HSD in the mouse and primates seems to agree with the observation that androgen and estrogen in the mouse are provided almost exclusively by gonads, while in primates an important part of these steroid hormones are produced locally from adrenal precursors.

Molecular determinants of voltage-gated sodium channel regulation by the Nedd4/Nedd4-like proteins

2005 ◽  
Vol 288 (3) ◽  
pp. C692-C701 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Sébastien Rougier ◽  
Miguel X. van Bemmelen ◽  
M. Christine Bruce ◽  
Thomas Jespersen ◽  
Bruno Gavillet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Voltage ◽  
Tryptophan Fluorescence ◽  
General Mechanism ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Ww Domains ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Molecular Determinants ◽  
Py Motif

The voltage-gated Na+ channels (Nav) form a family composed of 10 genes. The COOH termini of Nav contain a cluster of amino acids that are nearly identical among 7 of the 10 members. This COOH-terminal sequence, PPSYDSV, is a PY motif known to bind to WW domains of E3 protein-ubiquitin ligases of the Nedd4 family. We recently reported that cardiac Nav1.5 is regulated by Nedd4-2. In this study, we further investigated the molecular determinants of regulation of Nav proteins. When expressed in HEK-293 cells and studied using whole cell voltage clamping, the neuronal Nav1.2 and Nav1.3 were also downregulated by Nedd4-2. Pull-down experiments using fusion proteins bearing the PY motif of Nav1.2, Nav1.3, and Nav1.5 indicated that mouse brain Nedd4-2 binds to the Nav PY motif. Using intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence imaging of WW domains, we found that Nav1.5 PY motif binds preferentially to the fourth WW domain of Nedd4-2 with a Kd of ∼55 μM. We tested the binding properties and the ability to ubiquitinate and downregulate Nav1.5 of three Nedd4-like E3s: Nedd4-1, Nedd4-2, and WWP2. Despite the fact that along with Nedd4-2, Nedd4-1 and WWP2 bind to Nav1.5 PY motif, only Nedd4-2 robustly ubiquitinated and downregulated Nav1.5. Interestingly, coexpression of WWP2 competed with the effect of Nedd4-2. Finally, using brefeldin A, we found that Nedd4-2 accelerated internalization of Nav1.5 stably expressed in HEK-293 cells. This study shows that Nedd4-dependent ubiquitination of Nav channels may represent a general mechanism regulating the excitability of neurons and myocytes via modulation of channel density at the plasma membrane.

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