Jadwiga Marcinkiewicz

The secretory proprotein convertase neural apoptosis-regulated convertase 1 (NARC-1): Liver regeneration and neuronal differentiation

Seven secretory mammalian kexin-like subtilases have been identified that cleave a variety of precursor proteins at monobasic and dibasic residues. The recently characterized pyrolysin-like subtilase SKI-1 cleaves proproteins at nonbasic residues. In this work we describe the properties of a proteinase K-like subtilase, neural apoptosis-regulated convertase 1 (NARC-1), representing the ninth member of the secretory subtilase family. Biosynthetic and microsequencing analyses of WT and mutant enzyme revealed that human and mouse pro-NARC-1 are autocatalytically and intramolecularly processed into NARC-1 at the (Y,I)VV(V,L)(L,M)↓ motif, a site that is representative of its enzymic specificity. In vitro peptide processing studies and/or Ala substitutions of the P1–P5 sites suggested that hydrophobic/aliphatic residues are more critical at P1, P3, and P5 than at P2 or P4. NARC-1 expression is highest in neuroepithelioma SK-N-MCIXC, hepatic BRL-3A, and in colon carcinoma LoVo-C5 cell lines. In situ hybridization and Northern blot analyses of NARC-1 expression during development in the adult and after partial hepatectomy revealed that it is expressed in cells that have the capacity to proliferate and differentiate. These include hepatocytes, kidney mesenchymal cells, intestinal ileum, and colon epithelia as well as embryonic brain telencephalon neurons. Accordingly, transfection of NARC-1 in primary cultures of embryonic day 13.5 telencephalon cells led to enhanced recruitment of undifferentiated neural progenitor cells into the neuronal lineage, suggesting that NARC-1 is implicated in the differentiation of cortical neurons.

The proprotein convertase PCSK9 induces the degradation of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and its closest family members VLDLR and ApoER2.

The proprotein convertase PCSK9 gene is the third locus implicated in familial hypercholesterolemia, emphasizing its role in cardiovascular diseases. Loss of function mutations and gene disruption of PCSK9 resulted in a higher clearance of plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol, likely due to a reduced degradation of the liver low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). In this study, we show that two of the closest family members to LDLR are also PCSK9 targets. These include the very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2) implicated in neuronal development and lipid metabolism. Our results show that wild type PCSK9 and more so its natural gain of function mutant D374Y can efficiently degrade the LDLR, VLDLR, and ApoER2 either following cellular co-expression or re-internalization of secreted human PCSK9. Such PCSK9-induced degradation does not require its catalytic activity. Membrane-bound PCSK9 chimeras enhanced the intracellular targeting of PCSK9 to late endosomes/lysosomes and resulted in a much more efficient degradation of the three receptors. We also demonstrate that the activity of PCSK9 and its binding affinity on VLDLR and ApoER2 does not depend on the presence of LDLR. Finally, in situ hybridization show close localization of PCSK9 mRNA expression to that of VLDLR in mouse postnatal day 1 cerebellum. Thus, this study demonstrates a more general effect of PCSK9 on the degradation of the LDLR family that emphasizes its major role in cholesterol and lipid homeostasis as well as brain development.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9): Hepatocyte‐specific low‐density lipoprotein receptor degradation and critical role in mouse liver regeneration

The gene encoding the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is linked to familial hypercholesterolemia, as are those of the low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and apolipoprotein B. PCSK9 enhances LDLR degradation, resulting in low‐density lipoprotein accumulation in plasma. To analyze the role of hepatic PCSK9, total and hepatocyte‐specific knockout mice were generated. They exhibit 42% and 27% less circulating cholesterol, respectively, showing that liver PCSK9 was responsible for two thirds of the phenotype. We also demonstrated that, in liver, PCSK9 is exclusively expressed in hepatocytes, representing the main source of circulating PCSK9. The data suggest that local but not circulating PCSK9 regulates cholesterol levels. Although transgenic mice overexpressing high levels of liver and circulating PCSK9 led to the almost complete disappearance of the hepatic LDLR, they did not recapitulate the plasma cholesterol levels observed in LDLR‐deficient mice. Single LDLR or double LDLR/PCSK9 knockout mice exhibited similar cholesterol profiles, indicating that PCSK9 regulates cholesterol homeostasis exclusively through the LDLR. Finally, the regenerating liver of PCSK9‐deficient mice exhibited necrotic lesions, which were prevented by a high‐cholesterol diet. However, lipid accumulation in hepatocytes of these mice was markedly reduced under both chow and high‐cholesterol diets, revealing that PCSK9 deficiency confers resistance to liver steatosis. Conclusion: Although PCSK9 is a target for controlling hypercholesterolemia, our data indicate that upon hepatic damage, patients lacking PCSK9 could be at risk. (HEPATOLOGY 2008;48:646–554.)

The secretory proprotein convertases furin, PC5, and PC7 activate VEGF-C to induce tumorigenesis

The secretory factor VEGF-C has been directly implicated in various physiological processes during embryogenesis and human cancers. However, the importance of the conversion of its precursor proVEGF-C to mature VEGF-C in tumorigenesis, and vessel formation and the identity of the protease(s) that regulate these processes is/are not known. The intracellular processing of proVEGF-C that occurs within the dibasic motif HSIIRR(227)SL suggests the involvement of the proprotein convertases (PCs) in this process. In addition, furin and VEGF-C were found to be coordinately expressed in adult mouse tissues. Cotransfection of the furin-deficient colon carcinoma cell line LoVo with proVEGF-C and different PC members revealed that furin, PC5, and PC7 are candidate VEGF-C convertases. This finding is consistent with the in vitro digestions of an internally quenched synthetic fluorogenic peptide mimicking the cleavage site of proVEGF-C ((220)Q-VHSIIRR downward arrow SLP(230)). The processing of proVEGF-C is blocked by the inhibitory prosegments of furin, PC5, and PACE4, as well as by furin-motif variants of alpha2-macroglobulin and alpha1-antitrypsin. Subcutaneous injection of CHO cells stably expressing VEGF-C into nude mice enhanced angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, but not tumor growth. In contrast, expression of proVEGF-C obtained following mutation of the cleavage site (HSIIRR(227)SL to HSIISS(227)SL) inhibits angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis as well as tumor growth. Our findings demonstrate the processing of proVEGF-C by PCs and highlight the potential use of PC inhibitors as agents for inhibiting malignancies induced by VEGF-C.

Circulating Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9) Regulates VLDLR Protein and Triglyceride Accumulation in Visceral Adipose Tissue

Objective—Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) promotes the degradation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and its gene is the third locus implicated in familial hypercholesterolemia. Herein, we investigated the role of PCSK9 in adipose tissue metabolism. Methods and Results—At 6 months of age, Pcsk9−/− mice accumulated ≈80% more visceral adipose tissue than wild-type mice. This was associated with adipocyte hypertrophy and increased in vivo fatty acid uptake and ex vivo triglyceride synthesis. Moreover, adipocyte hypertrophy was also observed in Pcsk9−/− Ldlr−/− mice, indicating that the LDLR is not implicated. Rather, we show here by immunohistochemistry that Pcsk9−/− males and females exhibit 4- and ≈40-fold higher cell surface levels of very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) in perigonadal depots, respectively. Expression of PCSK9 in the liver of Pcsk9−/− females reestablished both circulating PCSK9 and normal VLDLR levels. In contrast, specific inactivation of PCSK9 in the liver of wild-type females led to ≈50-fold higher levels of perigonadal VLDLR. Conclusion—In vivo, endogenous PCSK9 regulates VLDLR protein levels in adipose tissue. This regulation is achieved by circulating PCSK9 that originates entirely in the liver. PCSK9 is thus pivotal in fat metabolism: it maintains high circulating cholesterol levels via hepatic LDLR degradation, but it also limits visceral adipogenesis likely via adipose VLDLR regulation.

The Subtilisin/Kexin Family of Precursor Convertases: Emphasis on PC1, PC2/7B2, POMC and the Novel Enzyme SKI-1

ABSTRACT: Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is a precursor to various, bioactive peptides including ACTH, βLPH, αMSH, and βendorphin (βEND). Processing of POMC at dibasic residues is tissue‐specific and is performed by either PC1 alone (resulting in ACTH and βLPH, anterior pituitary corticotrophes) or by a combination of PC1 and PC2 (yielding αMSH and βEND, pituitary neurointermediate lobe and hypothalamus). The PC2‐specific binding protein 7B2 is intimately involved in the zymogen activation of proPC2 into PC2. Structure‐function studies of these enzymes demonstrated the presence of N‐ and C‐terminal domains, as well as specific amino acids within the catalytic segment that influence the degree of activity of each enzyme and the interaction of PC2 with 7B2. The tissue distribution, plasticity of expression, and the multiple precursors that are differentially cleaved by PC1 and/or PC2, predict a wide array of combinatorial activities of these convertases within the endocrine and neuroendocrine system. The phenotypic consequences of the absence of genetic expression of either PC1 or PC2 are now explored using knockout mice and in human patients suffering from obesity and diabetes.

Gene Inactivation of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Reduces Atherosclerosis in Mice

Background— The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) promotes independently of its enzymatic activity the degradation of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor. PCSK9 gain of function in humans leads to autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia, whereas the absence of functional PCSK9 results in ≈7-fold lower levels of LDL cholesterol. This suggests that lowering PCSK9 may protect against atherosclerosis. Methods and Results— We investigated the role of PCSK9 in atherosclerosis in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), apolipoprotein E–deficient, and LDL receptor–deficient mouse models. Circulating cholesterol levels, fast protein liquid chromatography profiles, aortic cholesteryl esters (CE), and plaque sizes were determined. Intima-media thicknesses were measured by ultrasound biomicroscopy. First, mice expressing null (knockout [KO]), normal (WT), or high (transgenic [Tg]) levels of PCSK9 were fed a 12-month Western diet. KO mice accumulated 4-fold less aortic CE than WT mice, whereas Tg mice exhibited high CE and severe aortic lesions. Next we generated apolipoprotein E–deficient mice, known to spontaneously develop lesions, that expressed null (KO/e), normal (WT/e), or high (Tg/e) levels of PCSK9. After a 6-month regular diet, KO/e mice showed a 39% reduction compared with WT/e mice in aortic CE accumulation, whereas Tg/e mice showed a 137% increase. Finally, LDL receptor–deficient mice expressing no (KO/L), normal (WT/L), or high (Tg/L) levels of PCSK9 were fed a Western diet for 3 months. KO/L and Tg/L mice exhibited levels of plasma cholesterol and CE accumulation similar to those of WT/L mice, suggesting that PCSK9 modulates atherosclerosis mainly via the LDL receptor. Conclusions— Altogether, our results show a direct relationship between PCSK9 and atherosclerosis. PCSK9 overexpression is proatherogenic, whereas its absence is protective.Background —The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) promotes independently of its enzymatic activity the degradation of the LDL receptor (LDLR). PCSK9 gain-of-function in humans leads to autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia, whereas the absence of functional PCSK9 results in ~7-fold lower levels of LDL-cholesterol. This suggests that lowering PCSK9 may protect against atherosclerosis. Methods and Results —We investigated the role of PCSK9 in atherosclerosis in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), apolipoprotein E (apoE)-deficient and LDLR-deficient mouse models. Circulating cholesterol levels, FPLC profiles, aortic cholesteryl esters (CE) and plaque size were determined. Intima-media thicknesses were measured by ultrasound biomicroscopy. First, mice expressing null (KO), normal (WT) or high (Tg) levels of PCSK9 were fed a 12 month-Western diet. KO mice accumulated 4-fold less aortic CE than WT mice, whereas Tg mice exhibited high CE and severe aortic lesions. Next, we generated apoE-deficient mice, known to spontaneously develop lesions, that expressed null (KO/e), normal (WT/e) or high (Tg/e) levels of PCSK9. Following a 6 month-regular diet, KO/e mice showed a 39% reduction compared to WT/e mice in aortic CE accumulation, while Tg/e mice showed a 137% increase. Finally, LDLR-deficient mice expressing no (KO/L), normal (WT/L) or high (Tg/L) levels of PCSK9 were fed a Western diet for 3 months. KO/L and Tg/L mice exhibited similar levels of plasma cholesterol and CE accumulation to WT/L, suggesting that PCSK9 modulates atherosclerosis mainly via the LDLR. Conclusions —Altogether, our results show a direct relationship between PCSK9 and atherosclerosis. PCSK9 overexpression is pro-atherogenic, while its absence is protective.

Gene Inactivation of PCSK9 Reduces Atherosclerosis in Mice

Background— The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) promotes independently of its enzymatic activity the degradation of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor. PCSK9 gain of function in humans leads to autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia, whereas the absence of functional PCSK9 results in ≈7-fold lower levels of LDL cholesterol. This suggests that lowering PCSK9 may protect against atherosclerosis. Methods and Results— We investigated the role of PCSK9 in atherosclerosis in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), apolipoprotein E–deficient, and LDL receptor–deficient mouse models. Circulating cholesterol levels, fast protein liquid chromatography profiles, aortic cholesteryl esters (CE), and plaque sizes were determined. Intima-media thicknesses were measured by ultrasound biomicroscopy. First, mice expressing null (knockout [KO]), normal (WT), or high (transgenic [Tg]) levels of PCSK9 were fed a 12-month Western diet. KO mice accumulated 4-fold less aortic CE than WT mice, whereas Tg mice exhibited high CE and severe aortic lesions. Next we generated apolipoprotein E–deficient mice, known to spontaneously develop lesions, that expressed null (KO/e), normal (WT/e), or high (Tg/e) levels of PCSK9. After a 6-month regular diet, KO/e mice showed a 39% reduction compared with WT/e mice in aortic CE accumulation, whereas Tg/e mice showed a 137% increase. Finally, LDL receptor–deficient mice expressing no (KO/L), normal (WT/L), or high (Tg/L) levels of PCSK9 were fed a Western diet for 3 months. KO/L and Tg/L mice exhibited levels of plasma cholesterol and CE accumulation similar to those of WT/L mice, suggesting that PCSK9 modulates atherosclerosis mainly via the LDL receptor. Conclusions— Altogether, our results show a direct relationship between PCSK9 and atherosclerosis. PCSK9 overexpression is proatherogenic, whereas its absence is protective.Background —The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) promotes independently of its enzymatic activity the degradation of the LDL receptor (LDLR). PCSK9 gain-of-function in humans leads to autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia, whereas the absence of functional PCSK9 results in ~7-fold lower levels of LDL-cholesterol. This suggests that lowering PCSK9 may protect against atherosclerosis. Methods and Results —We investigated the role of PCSK9 in atherosclerosis in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), apolipoprotein E (apoE)-deficient and LDLR-deficient mouse models. Circulating cholesterol levels, FPLC profiles, aortic cholesteryl esters (CE) and plaque size were determined. Intima-media thicknesses were measured by ultrasound biomicroscopy. First, mice expressing null (KO), normal (WT) or high (Tg) levels of PCSK9 were fed a 12 month-Western diet. KO mice accumulated 4-fold less aortic CE than WT mice, whereas Tg mice exhibited high CE and severe aortic lesions. Next, we generated apoE-deficient mice, known to spontaneously develop lesions, that expressed null (KO/e), normal (WT/e) or high (Tg/e) levels of PCSK9. Following a 6 month-regular diet, KO/e mice showed a 39% reduction compared to WT/e mice in aortic CE accumulation, while Tg/e mice showed a 137% increase. Finally, LDLR-deficient mice expressing no (KO/L), normal (WT/L) or high (Tg/L) levels of PCSK9 were fed a Western diet for 3 months. KO/L and Tg/L mice exhibited similar levels of plasma cholesterol and CE accumulation to WT/L, suggesting that PCSK9 modulates atherosclerosis mainly via the LDLR. Conclusions —Altogether, our results show a direct relationship between PCSK9 and atherosclerosis. PCSK9 overexpression is pro-atherogenic, while its absence is protective.

In vivo functions of the proprotein convertase PC5/6 during mouse development: Gdf11 is a likely substrate

The proprotein convertase PC5/6 cleaves protein precursors after basic amino acids and is essential for implantation in CD1/129/Sv/C57BL/6 mixed-background mice. Conditional inactivation of Pcsk5 in the epiblast but not in the extraembryonic tissue bypassed early embryonic lethality but resulted in death at birth. PC5/6-deficient embryos exhibited Gdf11-related phenotypes such as altered anteroposterior patterning with extra vertebrae and lack of tail and kidney agenesis. They also exhibited Gdf11-independent phenotypes, such as a smaller size, multiple hemorrhages, collapsed alveoli, and retarded ossification. In situ hybridization revealed overlapping PC5/6 and Gdf11 mRNA expression patterns. In vitro and ex vivo analyses showed that the selectivity of PC5/6 for Gdf11 essentially resides in the presence of a P1′ Asn in the RSRR↓N cleavage motif. This work identifies Gdf11 as a likely in vivo specific substrate of PC5/6 and opens the way to the identification of other key substrates of this convertase.

Deletion of the Gene Encoding Proprotein Convertase 5/6 Causes Early Embryonic Lethality in the Mouse

ABSTRACT PC5 belongs to the proprotein convertase family and activates precursor proteins by cleavage at basic sites during their transit through the secretory pathway and/or at the cell surface. These precursors include prohormones, proreceptors, growth factors, adhesion molecules, and viral glycoproteins. The Pcsk5 gene encodes two alternatively spliced isoforms, the soluble PC5A and transmembrane PC5B. We have carefully analyzed the expression of PC5 in the mouse during development and in adulthood by in situ hybridization, as well as in mouse tissues and various cell lines by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. The data show that adrenal cortex and intestine are the richest sources of PC5A and PC5B, respectively. To better define the specific physiological roles of PC5, we have generated a mouse Pcsk5 Δ4 -deficient allele missing exon 4 that encodes the catalytic Asp173. While Δ4/+ heterozygotes were healthy and fertile, genotyping of progeny obtained from Δ4/+ interbreeding indicated that Δ4/Δ4 embryos died between embryonic days 4.5 and 7.5. These data demonstrate that Pcsk5 is an essential gene.