Catherine S. Chew

Lasp-1 binds to non-muscle F-actin in vitro and is localized within multiple sites of dynamic actin assembly in vivo

Lasp-1 has been identified as a signaling molecule that is phosphorylated upon elevation of [cAMP]i in pancreas, intestine and gastric mucosa and is selectively expressed in cells within epithelial tissues. In the gastric parietal cell, cAMP-dependent phosphorylation induces the partial translocation of lasp-1 to the apically directed F-actin-rich canalicular membrane, which is the site of active HCl secretion. Lasp-1 is an unusual modular protein that contains an N-terminal LIM domain, a C-terminal SH3 domain and two internal nebulin repeats. Domain-based analyses have recently categorized this protein as an epithelial representative of the nebulin family, which also includes the actin binding, muscle-specific proteins, nebulin, nebulette and N-RAP. In this study, we show that lasp-1 binds to non-muscle filamentous (F) actin in vitro in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. In addition, we provide evidence that lasp-1 is concentrated within focal complexes as well as in the leading edges of lamellipodia and the tips of filopodia in non-transformed gastric fibroblasts. In actin pull-down assays, the apparent Kd of bacterially expressed his-tagged lasp-1 binding to F-actin was 2 μM with a saturation stoichiometry of ∼1:7. Phosphorylation of recombinant lasp-1 with recombinant PKA increased the Kd and decreased the Bmax for lasp-1 binding to F-actin. Microsequencing and site-directed mutagenesis localized the major in vivo and in vitro PKA-dependent phosphorylation sites in rabbit lasp-1 to S99 and S146. BLAST searches confirmed that both sites are conserved in human and chicken homologues. Transfection of lasp-1 cDNA encoding for alanine substitutions at S99 and S146, into parietal cells appeared to suppress the cAMP-dependent translocation of lasp-1 to the intracellular canalicular region. In gastric fibroblasts, exposure to the protein kinase C activator, PMA, was correlated with the translocation of lasp-1 into newly formed F-actin-rich lamellipodial extensions and nascent focal complexes. Since lasp-1 does not appear to be phosphorylated by PKC, these data suggest that other mechanisms in addition to cAMP-dependent phosphorylation can mediate the translocation of lasp-1 to regions of dynamic actin turnover. The localization of lasp-1 to these subcellular regions under a range of experimental conditions and the phosphorylation-dependent regulation of this protein in F-actin rich epithelial cells suggests an integral and possibly cell-specific role in modulating cytoskeletal/membrane-based cellular activities.

Rab11a redistributes to apical secretory canaliculus during stimulation of gastric parietal cells.

Previous investigations in several systems have demonstrated that Rab3 family members redistribute to soluble fractions on fusion of secretory granules with target plasma membranes. Rab proteins are then recycled back onto mature secretory vesicles after reinternalization of the membrane. Although this cycle is well established for Rab3, far less is known about redistribution of other Rab proteins during vesicle fusion and recycling. In the gastric parietal cell, Rab11a is associated with H-K-ATPase-containing tubulovesicles, which fuse with the apical plasma membrane (secretory canaliculus) in response to agonists such as histamine. We have analyzed distribution of Rab11a and other tubulovesicle proteins in resting and histamine-stimulated rabbit parietal cells. Stimulation of isolated gastric glands in the presence of 100 μM histamine and 100 μM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine did not cause a significant increase in soluble Rab11a. H-K-ATPase, Rab11a, Rab25, syntaxin 3, and SCAMPs increased immunoreactivity in stimulus-associated vesicles prepared from rabbits treated with histamine compared with those from ranitidine-treated animals. The large GTPase dynamin was found in both vesicle preparations, but there was no change in amount of immunoreactivity. Immunofluorescence staining of resting and histamine-stimulated primary cultures of parietal cells demonstrated redistribution of H-K-ATPase and Rab11a to F-actin-rich canalicular membranes. Dynamin was present on canalicular membranes in resting and stimulated cells. These results indicate that Rab11a does not cycle off the membrane during the process of tubulovesicle fusion with the secretory canaliculus. Thus Rab11a may remain associated with recycling apical membrane vesicle populations.

Lasp-1 is a regulated phosphoprotein within the cAMP signaling pathway in the gastric parietal cell

Activation of the cAMP signaling pathway is correlated with increased secretory-related events in a wide variety of cell types including the gastric parietal cell. Within this pathway, as well as in other intracellular signaling pathways, protein phosphorylation serves as a major downstream regulatory mechanism. However, although agonist and cAMP-dependent activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) has been demonstrated, little is currently known about the downstream in vivo phosphoprotein substrates of this enzyme. Here we report the isolation, microsequencing, and cloning of a LIM and SH3 domain-containing, cAMP-responsive, 40-kDa phosphoprotein (pp40) from rabbit gastric parietal cells. The deduced amino acid sequence for pp40 is 93.5%, homologous with the putative protein product of the human gene lasp-1, which was recently identified based on its overexpression in some breast carcinomas. In addition to LIM and SH3 domains, the rabbit homolog contains two highly conserved PKA consensus sequences as well as two conserved SH2 binding motifs and several other putative protein kinase phosphorylation sites, including two for tyrosine kinase(s). Combined Northern and Western blot analyses indicate that pp40/lasp-1 is widely expressed (through a single 3.3-kb message) not only in epithelial tissues but also in muscle and brain. Furthermore, stimulation of isolated parietal cells, distal colonic crypts, and pancreatic cells with the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin leads to the appearance of a higher molecular weight form of pp40/lasp-1, a finding which is consistent with an increase in protein phosphorylation. Thus pp40/lasp-1 appears to be regulated within the cAMP signaling pathway in a wide range of epithelial cell types. Because the cAMP-dependent increase in pp40 phosphorylation is correlated with secretory responses in the parietal cell and because pp40 appears to be widely distributed among various secretory tissues, this newly defined signaling protein may play an important role in modulating ionic transport or other secretory-related activities in many different cell types.Activation of the cAMP signaling pathway is correlated with increased secretory-related events in a wide variety of cell types including the gastric parietal cell. Within this pathway, as well as in other intracellular signaling pathways, protein phosphorylation serves as a major downstream regulatory mechanism. However, although agonist and cAMP-dependent activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) has been demonstrated, little is currently known about the downstream in vivo phosphoprotein substrates of this enzyme. Here we report the isolation, microsequencing, and cloning of a LIM and SH3 domain-containing, cAMP-responsive, 40-kDa phosphoprotein (pp40) from rabbit gastric parietal cells. The deduced amino acid sequence for pp40 is 93.5%, homologous with the putative protein product of the human gene lasp-1, which was recently identified based on its overexpression in some breast carcinomas. In addition to LIM and SH3 domains, the rabbit homolog contains two highly conserved PKA consensus sequences as well as two conserved SH2 binding motifs and several other putative protein kinase phosphorylation sites, including two for tyrosine kinase(s). Combined Northern and Western blot analyses indicate that pp40/lasp-1 is widely expressed (through a single 3.3-kb message) not only in epithelial tissues but also in muscle and brain. Furthermore, stimulation of isolated parietal cells, distal colonic crypts, and pancreatic cells with the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin leads to the appearance of a higher molecular weight form of pp40/lasp-1, a finding which is consistent with an increase in protein phosphorylation. Thus pp40/lasp-1 appears to be regulated within the cAMP signaling pathway in a wide range of epithelial cell types. Because the cAMP-dependent increase in pp40 phosphorylation is correlated with secretory responses in the parietal cell and because pp40 appears to be widely distributed among various secretory tissues, this newly defined signaling protein may play an important role in modulating ionic transport or other secretory-related activities in many different cell types.

Cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV as a marker of protein kinase Cε function in neonatal cardiac myocytes: implications for cytochrome c oxidase activity

We have previously demonstrated that low concentrations of phorbol esters stimulate the selective translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) alpha and epsilon from the cell soluble to the particulate fraction in NCMs (neonatal rat cardiac myocytes). We therefore determined if the in vitro phosphorylation of substrates in these fractions could be used as assays of PKCalpha or epsilon activation. Intact cell phorbol ester treatment caused a decline in the in vitro (32)P-incorporation into several proteins in the cell-soluble fraction. These declines occurred in the presence or absence of in vitro Ca(2+) and probably reflected the exit of PKC isoenzymes from the soluble fraction. In contrast, an approx. 18 kDa protein incorporated (32)P in particulate fractions isolated from 4beta-PMA-treated cells in a Ca(2+)-independent manner. Proteomic and immunoprecipitation analyses indicated that the protein is subunit IV of the cytochrome c oxidase complex (COIV). In vitro phosphorylation of COIV was attenuated by PKC pseudosubstrate peptides. Introduction of an PKCepsilon-selective translocation inhibitor [Johnson, Gray, Chen and Mochly-Rosen (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 24962-24966] into NCMs before 4beta-PMA treatments also attenuated the in vitro phosphorylation of COIV. In mitochondrial extracts from 4beta-PMA-treated NCMs, the PKCepsilon isoenzyme coimmunoprecipitated with COIV, and cytochrome c oxidase activity was enhanced 2-fold. The in vitro phosphorylation of COIV reflects a novel approach for monitoring PKCepsilon function in NCMs. Furthermore, PKCepsilon probably interacts with COIV in NCM mitochondria to enhance electron-transport chain complex IV activity.

Hip1r is expressed in gastric parietal cells and is required for tubulovesicle formation and cell survival in mice

Huntingtin interacting protein 1 related (Hip1r) is an F-actin- and clathrin-binding protein involved in vesicular trafficking. In this study, we demonstrate that Hip1r is abundantly expressed in the gastric parietal cell, predominantly localizing with F-actin to canalicular membranes. Hip1r may provide a critical function in vivo, as demonstrated by extensive changes to parietal cells and the gastric epithelium in Hip1r-deficient mice. Electron microscopy revealed abnormal apical canalicular membranes and loss of tubulovesicles in mutant parietal cells, suggesting that Hip1r is necessary for the normal trafficking of these secretory membranes. Accordingly, acid secretory dynamics were altered in mutant parietal cells, with enhanced activation and acid trapping, as measured in isolated gastric glands. At the whole-organ level, gastric acidity was reduced in Hip1r-deficient mice, and the gastric mucosa was grossly transformed, with fewer parietal cells due to enhanced apoptotic cell death and glandular hypertrophy associated with cellular transformation. Hip1r-deficient mice had increased expression of the gastric growth factor gastrin, and mice mutant for both gastrin and Hip1r exhibited normalization of both proliferation and gland height. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that Hip1r plays a significant role in gastric physiology, mucosal architecture, and secretory membrane dynamics in parietal cells.

Influence of proton and essential histidyl residues on the transport kinetics of the H+/peptide cotransport systems in intestine (PEPT 1) and kidney (PEPT 2)

The mechanism by which H+ alters the kinetics of the H+-coupled peptide transporters PEPT 1 and PEPT 2 was investigated in two different cell lines which differentially express these transporters, namely Caco-2 cells (PEPT 1) and SKPT cells (PEPT 2). The effects of H+ on the affinity and the maximal velocity of Gly-Sar uptake were analyzed in these cells under identical conditions. In both cells, H+ influenced only the maximal velocity of uptake and not the apparent affinity. The effects of H+ on the IC50 values (i.e., concentration necessary to cause 50% inhibition) of the cationic dipeptide Ala-Lys and the anionic dipeptide Ala-Asp for inhibition of Gly-Sar uptake were also investigated. H+ did not change the IC50 value for Ala-Lys but did decrease the IC50 value for Ala-Asp considerably. The influence of diethylpyrocarbonate (DEP) on the kinetic parameters of PEPT 1 and PEPT 2 was then studied. Histidyl residues are the most likely amino acid residues involved in H+ binding and translocation in H+-coupled transport systems and DEP is known to chemically modify histidyl residues and block their function. DEP treatment altered the maximal velocity of Gly-Sar uptake but had no effect on its K(t) (Michaelis-Menten constant) or the IC50 values of Ala-Lys or Ala-Asp for the inhibition of Gly-Sar uptake. It is concluded that H+ stimulates PEPT 1 and PEPT 2 primarily by increasing the maximal velocity of the transporters with no detectable influence on the substrate affinity.

LIM and SH3 Protein -1 Modulates CXCR2-Mediated Cell Migration

Background The chemokine receptor CXCR2 plays a pivotal role in migration of neutrophils, macrophages and endothelial cells, modulating several biological responses such as angiogenesis, wound healing and acute inflammation. CXCR2 is also involved in pathogenesis of chronic inflammation, sepsis and atherosclerosis. The ability of CXCR2 to associate with a variety of proteins dynamically is responsible for its effects on directed cell migration or chemotaxis. The dynamic network of such CXCR2 binding proteins is termed as “CXCR2 chemosynapse”. Proteomic analysis of proteins that co-immunoprecipitated with CXCR2 in neutrophil-like dHL-60 cells revealed a novel protein, LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP-1), binds CXCR2 under both basal and ligand activated conditions. LASP-1 is an actin binding cytoskeletal protein, involved in the cell migration. Methodology/Principal Findings We demonstrate that CXCR2 and LASP-1 co-immunoprecipitate and co-localize at the leading edge of migrating cells. The LIM domain of LASP-1 directly binds to the carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) of CXCR2. Moreover, LASP-1 also directly binds the CTD of CXCR1, CXCR3 and CXCR4. Using a site-directed and deletion mutagenesis approach, Iso323-Leu324 of the conserved LKIL motif on CXCR2-CTD was identified as the binding site for LASP-1. Interruption of the interaction between CXCR2-CTD and LIM domain of LASP-1 by dominant negative and knock down approaches inhibited CXCR2-mediated chemotaxis. Analysis for the mechanism for inhibition of CXCR2-mediated chemotaxis indicated that LASP-1/CXCR2 interaction is essential for cell motility and focal adhesion turnover involving activation of Src, paxillin, PAK1, p130CAS and ERK1/2. Conclusions/Significance We demonstrate here for the first time that LASP-1 is a key component of the “CXCR2 chemosynapse” and LASP-1 interaction with CXCR2 is critical for CXCR2-mediated chemotaxis. Furthermore, LASP-1 also directly binds the CTD of CXCR1, CXCR3 and CXCR4, suggesting that LASP-1 is a general mediator of CXC chemokine mediated chemotaxis. Thus, LASP-1 may serve as a new link coordinating the flow of information between chemokine receptors and nascent focal adhesions, especially at the leading edge. Thus the association between the chemokine receptors and LASP-1 suggests to the presence of a CXC chemokine receptor-LASP-1 pro-migratory module in cells governing the cell migration.

Purification, Cloning, and Expression of a Novel, Endogenous, Calcium-sensitive, 28-kDa Phosphoprotein

In gastric parietal cells, cholinergically induced increases in intracellular free calcium concentrations have been well characterized, but little is known about the signaling events beyond the initial rise in intracellular calcium. In the present study, we report the isolation of a 28-kDa protein, which is rapidly phosphorylated in intact, enriched parietal cells in response to both the cholinergic agonist, carbachol, and the calcium ionophore, ionomycin. A combination of in situ 32P labeling and one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to acquire sufficient quantities of protein to obtain partial amino acid sequence. Cloning of the pp28 cDNA revealed a novel protein which we have named CSPP28 based on its calcium-sensitive phosphorylation. There are three CSPP28 mRNA species (1.7, 2.2, and 3.3 kilobases) that are widely distributed throughout a variety of rabbit tissues. Recombinant CSPP28 was phosphorylated by both crude parietal cell homogenate and purified CaM kinase II in a calcium/calmodulin-dependent manner. We propose that CSPP28 may play an important and ubiquitous role in the calcium signaling pathway.

Calcium signaling in cultured human and rat duodenal enterocytes

Vagal stimuli increase duodenal mucosal[Formula: see text] secretion and may provide anticipatory protection against acid injury, but duodenal enterocyte (duodenocyte) responses and cholinoceptor selectivity have not been defined. We therefore developed a stable primary culture model of duodenocytes from rats and humans. Brief digestion of scraped rat duodenal mucosa or human biopsies with collagenase/dispase yielded cells that attached to the extracellular matrix Matrigel within a few hours of plating. Columnar cells with villus enterocyte morphology that exhibited spontaneous active movement were evident between 1 and 3 days of culture. Rat duodenocytes loaded with fura 2 responded to carbachol with a transient increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), with an apparent EC50 of ∼3 μM. In a first type of signaling pattern, [Ca2+]ireturned to basal or near basal values within 3-5 min. In a second type, observed in cells with enlarged vacuoles characteristic of crypt cell morphology, the initial transient increase was followed by rhythmic oscillations. Human duodenocytes responded with a more sustained increase in [Ca2+]i, and oscillations were not observed. Rat as well as human duodenocytes also responded to CCK-octapeptide but not to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. Equimolar concentrations (100 nM) of the subtype-independent muscarinic antagonist atropine and the M3 antagonist 4-diphenylacetoxy- N-methylpiperidine methiodide prevented the response to 10 μM carbachol, whereas the M1 antagonist pirenzepine and the M2 antagonists methoctramine and AF-DX 116BS had no effect at similar concentrations. Responses in rat and human duodenocytes were similar. A new agonist-sensitive primary culture model for rat and human duodenocytes has thus been established and the presence of enterocyte CCK and muscarinic M3 receptors demonstrated.Vagal stimuli increase duodenal mucosal HCO-3 secretion and may provide anticipatory protection against acid injury, but duodenal enterocyte (duodenocyte) responses and cholinoceptor selectivity have not been defined. We therefore developed a stable primary culture model of duodenocytes from rats and humans. Brief digestion of scraped rat duodenal mucosa or human biopsies with collagenase/dispase yielded cells that attached to the extracellular matrix Matrigel within a few hours of plating. Columnar cells with villus enterocyte morphology that exhibited spontaneous active movement were evident between 1 and 3 days of culture. Rat duodenocytes loaded with fura 2 responded to carbachol with a transient increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), with an apparent EC50 of approximately 3 microM. In a first type of signaling pattern, [Ca2+]i returned to basal or near basal values within 3-5 min. In a second type, observed in cells with enlarged vacuoles characteristic of crypt cell morphology, the initial transient increase was followed by rhythmic oscillations. Human duodenocytes responded with a more sustained increase in [Ca2+]i, and oscillations were not observed. Rat as well as human duodenocytes also responded to CCK-octapeptide but not to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. Equimolar concentrations (100 nM) of the subtype-independent muscarinic antagonist atropine and the M3 antagonist 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide prevented the response to 10 microM carbachol, whereas the M1 antagonist pirenzepine and the M2 antagonists methoctramine and AF-DX 116BS had no effect at similar concentrations. Responses in rat and human duodenocytes were similar. A new agonist-sensitive primary culture model for rat and human duodenocytes has thus been established and the presence of enterocyte CCK and muscarinic M3 receptors demonstrated.

Isolation, Cloning, and Characterization of a New Mammalian Coronin Family Member, Coroninse, Which Is Regulated within the Protein Kinase C Signaling Pathway

In order to understand the regulatory role of protein kinase C (PKC) in secretory epithelia, it is necessary to identify and characterize specific downstream targets. We previously identified one such protein in studies of gastric parietal cells. This protein was referred to as pp66 because it migrated with an apparent molecular mass of 66 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gels. The phosphorylation of pp66 is increased by the cholinergic agonist, carbachol, and by the PKC activator, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, in a calcium-independent manner. In this study, we have purified pp66 to homogeneity and cloned the complete open reading frame. GenBankTM searches revealed a 45% homology with theDictyostelium actin-binding protein, coronin, and ∼67% homology with the previously cloned human and bovine coronin-like homologue, p57. pp66 appears to be most highly expressed in the gastrointestinal mucosa and in kidney and lung. Confocal microscopic studies of an enhanced green fluorescent protein fusion construct of pp66 in cultured parietal cells and in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells indicate that pp66 preferentially localizes in F-actin-rich regions. On the basis of our findings, we propose that pp66 may play an important, PKC-dependent role in regulating membrane/cytoskeletal rearrangements in epithelial cells. We have tentatively named this protein coroninse, because it appears to be highly expressed in secretory epithelia.