James T. Slama

Photoaffinity labeling of nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) targets in mammalian cells

Background: Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) activates two-pore channels (TPCs) to release Ca2+ from intracellular acidic Ca2+ stores. Results: A photoactivatable probe based on NAADP labels proteins distinct from TPCs. Conclusion: NAADP may bind to an accessory protein within a larger TPC complex. Significance: First evidence that TPCs act as NAADP-activated Ca2+ release channels, but not NAADP receptors. Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is an agonist-generated second messenger that releases Ca2+ from intracellular acidic Ca2+ stores. Recent evidence has identified the two-pore channels (TPCs) within the endolysosomal system as NAADP-regulated Ca2+ channels that release organellar Ca2+ in response to NAADP. However, little is known about the mechanism coupling NAADP binding to calcium release. To identify the NAADP binding site, we employed a photoaffinity labeling method using a radioactive photoprobe based on 5-azido-NAADP ([32P-5N3]NAADP) that exhibits high affinity binding to NAADP receptors. In several systems that are widely used for studying NAADP-evoked Ca2+ signaling, including sea urchin eggs, human cell lines (HEK293, SKBR3), and mouse pancreas, 5N3-NAADP selectively labeled low molecular weight sites that exhibited the diagnostic pharmacology of NAADP-sensitive Ca2+ release. Surprisingly, we were unable to demonstrate labeling of endogenous, or overexpressed, TPCs. Furthermore, labeling of high affinity NAADP binding sites was preserved in pancreatic samples from TPC1 and TPC2 knock-out mice. These photolabeling data suggest that an accessory component within a larger TPC complex is responsible for binding NAADP that is unique from the core channel itself. This observation necessitates critical evaluation of current models of NAADP-triggered activation of the TPC family.

Photoaffinity Labeling of High Affinity Nicotinic Acid Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NAADP)-Binding Proteins in Sea Urchin Egg

Background: Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) regulates calcium release from internal acidic stores via two-pore channels (TPCs). Results: A novel photosensitive probe (5-azido-NAADP) identified high affinity NAADP binding sites that interact with, but are distinct from, TPCs. Conclusion: High affinity NAADP-binding proteins complex with TPCs. Significance: This work provides new mechanistic insights into how NAADP regulates calcium release via TPCs. Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is a messenger that regulates calcium release from intracellular acidic stores. Recent studies have identified two-pore channels (TPCs) as endolysosomal channels that are regulated by NAADP; however, the nature of the NAADP receptor binding site is unknown. To further study NAADP binding sites, we have synthesized and characterized [32P-5-azido]nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate ([32P-5N3]NAADP) as a photoaffinity probe. Photolysis of sea urchin egg homogenates preincubated with [32P-5N3]NAADP resulted in specific labeling of 45-, 40-, and 30-kDa proteins, which was prevented by inclusion of nanomolar concentrations of unlabeled NAADP or 5N3-NAADP, but not by micromolar concentrations of structurally related nucleotides such as NAD, nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide, nicotinamide mononucleotide, nicotinic acid, or nicotinamide. [32P-5N3]NAADP binding was saturable and displayed high affinity (Kd ∼10 nm) in both binding and photolabeling experiments. [32P-5N3]NAADP photolabeling was irreversible in a high K+ buffer, a hallmark feature of NAADP binding in the egg system. The proteins photolabeled by [32P-5N3]NAADP have molecular masses smaller than the sea urchin TPCs, and antibodies to TPCs do not detect any immunoreactivity that comigrates with either the 45-kDa or the 40-kDa photolabeled proteins. Interestingly, antibodies to TPC1 and TPC3 were able to immunoprecipitate a small fraction of the 45- and 40-kDa photolabeled proteins, suggesting that these proteins associate with TPCs. These data suggest that high affinity NAADP binding sites are distinct from TPCs.

PTEN and myotubularin phosphoinositide phosphatases: bringing bioinformatics to the lab bench

Phosphoinositides play an integral role in a diverse array of cellular signaling processes. Although considerable effort has been directed toward characterizing the kinases that produce inositol lipid second messengers, the study of phosphatases that oppose these kinases remains limited. Current research is focused on the identification of novel lipid phosphatases such as PTEN and myotubularin, their physiologic substrates, signaling pathways and links to human diseases. The use of bioinformatics in conjunction with genetic analyses in model organisms will be essential in elucidating the roles of these enzymes in regulating phosphoinositide-mediated cellular signaling.

Nicotinic Acid Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Analogues Containing Substituted Nicotinic Acid: Effect of Modification on Ca2+ Release

Analogues of nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) with substitution at either the 4- or the 5-position position of the nicotinic acid moiety have been synthesized from NADP enzymatically using Aplysia californica ADP-ribosyl cyclase or mammalian NAD glycohydrolase. Substitution at the 4-position of the nicotinic acid resulted in the loss of agonist potency for release of Ca(2+)-ions from sea urchin egg homogenates and in potency for competition ligand binding assays using [(32)P]NAADP. In contrast, several 5-substituted NAADP derivatives showed high potency for binding and full agonist activity for Ca(2+) release. 5-Azido-NAADP was shown to release calcium from sea urchin egg homogenates at low concentration and to compete with [(32)P]NAADP in a competition ligand binding assay with an IC(50) of 18 nM, indicating that this compound might be a potential photoprobe useful for specific labeling and identification of the NAADP receptor.

Synthesis of (2R,3R,4S)-2-hydroxymethylpyrrolidine-3,4-diol from (2S)-3,4-dehydroproline derivatives

(2R,3R,4S)-2-Hydroxymethylpyrrolidine-3,4-diol (1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-ribitol) was synthesized in five steps from N-protected (2S)-3,4-dehydroproline methyl esters. The stereoselective reaction of osmium tetraoxide with dehydroproline derivatives gave high yields of (2S,3R,4S)-3,4-dihydroxyprolines (2,3-trans-3,4-cis-3,4-dihydroxy-L-prolines) accompanied by small amounts (< 15%) of the diastereomeric (2S,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxyprolines (2,3-cis-3,4-cis-3,4-dihydroxy-L-prolines). The mixture of the diastereomeric glycols was converted into the isopropylidene acetals, and the isomers separated efficiently on a preparative scale. The resulting protected (2S,3R,4S)-3,4-dihydroxyproline methyl ester was reduced (LiBH4) to the 2-hydroxymethylpyrrolidine and deprotected, resulting in the production of (2R,3R,4S)-2-hydroxymethylpyrrolidine-3,4-diol in high yield and in high purity. The 1H and 13C NMR signals of the product have been unambiguously assigned using two-dimensional NMR techniques, and the identity of the title pyrrolidine confirmed by comparisons of its spectra with those reported for the authentic material.

Radioprotectant and Radiosensitizer Effects on Sterility of γ-irradiated Bone

Gamma radiation is widely used to sterilize bone allografts but may impair their strength. While radioprotectant use may reduce radiation damage they may compromise sterility by protecting pathogens. We assessed the radioprotective potential of various agents (L-cysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, L-cysteine-ethyl-ester and L-cysteine-methyl-ester) to identify those which do not protect spores of Bacillus subtilis. We hypothesized charge of these agents will affect their ability to radioprotect spores. We also determined ability of these radioprotectants and a radiosensitizer (nitroimidazole-linked phenanthridinium) to selectively sensitize spores to radiation damage by intercalating into the nucleic acid of spores. Spores were treated either directly in solutions of these agents or treated after being embedded and sealed in bone to assess the ability of these agents to diffuse into bone. L-cysteine and L-cysteine-ethyl-ester did not provide radioprotection. Positively charged L-cysteine-methyl-ester protected the spores, whereas positively charged L-cysteine-ethyl-ester did not, indicating charge does not determine the extent of radioprotection. The spores were sensitized to radiation damage when irradiated in nitroimidazole-linked phenanthridinium solution and sensitization disappeared after rinsing, suggesting nitroimidazole-linked phenanthridinium was unable to intercalate into the nucleic acid of the spores. Some cysteine-derived radioprotectants do not shield bacterial spores against gamma radiation and may be suitable for curbing the radiation damage to bone grafts while achieving sterility.

Nicotinic Acid Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Plays a Critical Role in Naive and Effector Murine T Cells but Not Natural Regulatory T Cells

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), the most potent Ca2+ mobilizing second messenger discovered to date, has been implicated in Ca2+ signaling in some lymphomas and T cell clones. In contrast, the role of NAADP in Ca2+ signaling or the identity of the Ca2+ stores targeted by NAADP in conventional naive T cells is less clear. In the current study, we demonstrate the importance of NAADP in the generation of Ca2+ signals in murine naive T cells. Combining live-cell imaging methods and a pharmacological approach using the NAADP antagonist Ned-19, we addressed the involvement of NAADP in the generation of Ca2+ signals evoked by TCR stimulation and the role of this signal in downstream physiological end points such as proliferation, cytokine production, and other responses to stimulation. We demonstrated that acidic compartments in addition to the endoplasmic reticulum were the Ca2+ stores that were sensitive to NAADP in naive T cells. NAADP was shown to evoke functionally relevant Ca2+ signals in both naive CD4 and naive CD8 T cells. Furthermore, we examined the role of this signal in the activation, proliferation, and secretion of effector cytokines by Th1, Th2, Th17, and CD8 effector T cells. Overall, NAADP exhibited a similar profile in mediating Ca2+ release in effector T cells as in their counterpart naive T cells and seemed to be equally important for the function of these different subsets of effector T cells. This profile was not observed for natural T regulatory cells.

Nicotinic Acid Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Analogues Substituted on the Nicotinic Acid and Adenine Ribosides. Effects on ReceptorMediated Ca2+ Release

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is a Ca(2+) releasing intracellular second messenger in both mammals and echinoderms. We report that large functionalized substituents introduced at the nicotinic acid 5-position are recognized by the sea urchin receptor, albeit with a 20-500-fold loss in agonist potency. 5-(3-Azidopropyl)-NAADP was shown to release Ca(2+) with an EC50 of 31 μM and to compete with NAADP for receptor binding with an IC50 of 56 nM. Attachment of charged groups to the nicotinic acid of NAADP is associated with loss of activity, suggesting that the nicotinate riboside moiety is recognized as a neutral zwitterion. Substituents (Br- and N3-) can be introduced at the 8-adenosyl position of NAADP while preserving high potency and agonist efficacy and an NAADP derivative substituted at both the 5-position of the nicotinic acid and at the 8-adenosyl position was also recognized although the agonist potency was significantly reduced.

Synthesis of [α-32P]-8-N3-NAD, a photoaffinity labeling reagent for pyridine dinucleotide binding sites

The photoactive pyridine dinucleotide analogue [α-32P]-nicotinamide 8-N3-adenine dinucleotide ([α-32P]-8-N3-NAD) was synthesized in 30–50% radiochemical yield at a specific activity of 0·5 to 1·1 mCi/μmol by first obtaining [32P]-8-N3-5′-AMP and then coupling it to β-NMN. A chemo-enzymatic synthesis of [32P]-8-N3-5′-AMP began with conversion of 3′AMP to 8-N3-3′-AMP. 8-N3-3′-AMP was converted to [32P]-N3-5′-AMP enzymatically by treatment with [γ-32P]ATP and T4 polynucleotide kinase to obtain [5′-32P]-8-N3-adenosine-3′-bisphosphate. The labeled 3′,5′-diphosphate was then transformed into [32P]-N3-5′-AMP using the 3′-specific phosphatase, nuclease P1. The enzymatic reactions were closely monitored by TLC during the course of which it was observed that the composition of the enzyme buffer as well as the incubation time and temperature were critical to the success of the T4 polynucleotide kinase catalyzed reaction. Copyright