Eusebio Juaristi

CRTAM: A molecule involved in epithelial cell adhesion

Class I‐restricted T cell associated molecule (CRTAM) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that complies with the structural characteristics of the JAM family of proteins and is phylogenetically more closely related to nectin‐like proteins. Here we demonstrate for the first time, that CRTAM is expressed in epithelial cells along the lateral membrane and is important for early cell–cell contacts and cell–substrate interactions. CRTAM is sensitive to intermediate filament disruption and treatment of monolayers with soluble CRTAM enhances cell–cell dissociation and lowers transepithelial electrical resistance. Incubation of newly plated cells with anti‐CRTAM antibody decreases the formation of cell aggregates and promotes cell detachment. Co‐cultures of epithelial cells and fibroblasts that lack CRTAM expression and in vitro binding assays, demonstrate the participation of CRTAM in homotypic and heterotypic trans‐interactions. Hence we conclude that CRTAM is a molecule involved in epithelial cell adhesion. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 111–122, 2010.

Phosphorylation of Zona Occludens-2 by Protein Kinase Cε Regulates Its Nuclear Exportation

Here, we have analyzed the subcellular destiny of newly synthesized tight junction protein zona occludens (ZO)-2. After transfection in sparse cells, 74% of cells exhibit ZO-2 at the nucleus, and after 18 h the value decreases to 17%. The mutation S369A located within the nuclear exportation signal 1 of ZO-2 impairs the nuclear export of the protein. Because Ser369 represents a putative protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation site, we tested the effect of PKC inhibition and stimulation on the nuclear export of ZO-2. Our results strongly suggest that the departure of ZO-2 from the nucleus is regulated by phosphorylation at Ser369 by novel PKCepsilon. To test the route taken by ZO-2 from synthesis to the plasma membrane, we devised a novel nuclear microinjection assay in which the nucleus served as a reservoir for anti-ZO-2 antibody. Through this assay, we demonstrate that a significant amount of newly synthesized ZO-2 goes into the nucleus and is later relocated to the plasma membrane. These results constitute novel information for understanding the mechanisms that regulate the intracellular fate of ZO-2.

Direct Enzymatic Route for the Preparation of Novel Enantiomerically Enriched Hydroxylated β-Amino Ester Stereoisomers

Enantiomerically enriched hydroxy-substituted β-amino esters have been synthesized through CAL-B-catalyzed enantioselective hydrolysis in organic media. Moderate to good enantiomeric excess values (ee ≥ 52%) were obtained when the CAL-B-catalyzed reactions were performed in t-BuOMe, at 60 ºC with 0.5 equiv. of added H2O as nucleophile.

Stereoselective tandem Michael-intramolecular cyclization approach to functionalized pyrroloisoindolones

A stereoselective synthesis of pyrrolo(2,1-alisoindol-5-ones is described. The synthesis takes place through a tandem Michael addition-intnmolecular cyclization. by the base- promoted condensation of methyl N-phthaloylalaninate with conjugate acceptors at low temperature. The desired products were obtained in good yields as single isomers in only one step. Presumably. the stereoselectivity of the cyclization step is kinetically controlled by a lithum chelate species between the interacting centers. The suucture of the adducts is discussed. being supponed by NMR experiments and X-ray crystallography. Q 1999 Elsevicr Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Insertion of beta-alanine in model peptides for copper binding to His96 and His111 of the human prion protein

The prion protein coordinates copper with high affinity in the regions encompassing residues 92-99 (GGGTHSQW) and 106-115 (KTNMKHMAGA). Cu(II) binding to these sites involves the coordination of the His96/His111 imidazole ring and backbone deprotonated amides that precede the His residue. Such a coordination arrangement involves the formation of hexa- and penta-membered cycles that provide further stabilization of the metal-peptide complex. The purpose of the present study is to introduce a methylene group in the peptide backbone, to evaluate the impact of increasing the size of these cycles in Cu(II) binding. Thus, a β-alanine residue was inserted at different positions preceding the His residue in these prion fragments, and their Cu(II) coordination properties were assessed by UV-Visible absorption, circular dichroism, and electron paramagnetic resonance. Spectroscopic data show that the insertion of a methylene group leads to a completely different Cu(II) coordination that involves the His96/His111 imidazole ring and nitrogen or oxygen atoms provided by the peptide backbone towards the C-terminal. This study clearly shows that two main factors determine the nature of Cu(II)-peptide complexes involving an anchoring His residue and deprotonated amides from the backbone chain: i) the stabilization of Cu(II)-peptide complexes due to the formation of cyclic structures (i.e. chelate effect) and ii) the nature of the residues associated to the deprotonated amide groups that participate in metal ion coordination.