Identification and characterisation of peptides from a boarfish (Capros aper) protein hydrolysate displaying in vitro dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory and insulinotropic activity.

Twenty-two novel dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory peptides (with IC50 values <200 µM) and fifteen novel insulinotropic peptides were identified in a boarfish protein hydrolysate generated at semi-pilot scale using Alcalase 2.4L and Flavourzyme 500L. This was achieved by bioassay-driven semi-preparative reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography fractionation, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and confirmatory studies with synthetic peptides. The most potent DPP-IV inhibitory peptide (IPVDM) had a DPP-IV half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 21.72 ±â€¯1.08 µM in a conventional in vitro and 44.26 ±â€¯0.65 µM in an in situ cell-based (Caco-2) DPP-IV inhibition assay. Furthermore, this peptide stimulated potent insulin secretory activity (1.6-fold increase compared to control) from pancreatic BRIN-BD11 cells grown in culture. The tripeptide IPV exhibited potent DPP-IV inhibitory activity (IC50: 5.61 ±â€¯0.20 µM) comparable to that reported for the known DPP-IV inhibitor IPI (IC50: 3.20 µM). Boarfish proteins contain peptide sequences with potential to play a role in glycaemic management in vivo.

Agonist-dependent internalization and trafficking of the human prostacyclin receptor: a direct role for Rab5a GTPase.

The human prostacyclin receptor (hIP) undergoes rapid agonist-induced internalization by largely unknown mechanism(s). Herein the involvement of Rab5 in regulating cicaprost-induced internalization of the hIP expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells was investigated. Over-expression of Rab5a significantly increased agonist-induced hIP internalization. Additionally, the hIP co-localized to Rab5a-containing endocytic vesicles in response to cicaprost stimulation and there was a coincident net translocation of Rab5 from the cytosol/soluble fraction of the cell. Co-immunoprecipitation studies confirmed a direct physical interaction between the hIP and Rab5a that was augmented by cicaprost. Whilst the dominant negative Rab5a(S34N) did not show decreased interaction with the hIP or fully impair internalization, it prevented hIP sorting to endocytic vesicles. Moreover, the GTPase deficient Rab5a(Q79L) significantly increased internalization and co-localized with the hIP in enlarged endocytic vesicles. While deletion of the carboxyl terminal (C)-tail domain of the hIP did not inhibit agonist-induced internalization, co-localization or co-immunoprecipitation with Rab5a per se, receptor trafficking was altered suggesting that it contains structural determinant(s) for hIP sorting post Rab5-mediated endocytosis. Taken together, data herein and in endothelial EA.hy 926 cells demonstrate a direct role for Rab5a in agonist-internalization and trafficking of the hIP and increases knowledge of the factors regulating prostacyclin signaling.

Peptide identification from a Porphyra dioica protein hydrolysate with antioxidant, angiotensin converting enzyme and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory activities.

A Porphyra dioica protein extract was enzymatically hydrolysed and then fractionated using semi-preparative reverse-phase high performance chromatography. The hydrolysate and its fractions were tested for their oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) along with their angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activities. The most potent fraction was analysed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Eight peptide sequences were selected for synthesis based on their structure-activity criteria for bioactivity. Asp-Tyr-Tyr-Lys-Arg showed the highest ORAC activity (4.27 ± 0.15 µmol Trolox equivalent per µM). Thr-Tyr-Ile-Ala had the highest ACE inhibitory activity (IC50: 89.7 ± 7.10 µM). Tyr-Leu-Val-Ala was the only peptide showing DPP-IV inhibitory activity (IC50: 439 ± 44 µM). Apart from Asp-Tyr-Tyr-Lys-Arg and Thr-Tyr-Ile-Ala, which displayed increased ORAC activity, the bioactivities of the peptides were either maintained or decreased following in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The results indicate that P. dioica-derived peptides may have potential applications as health enhancing ingredients.

Homologous desensitization of signalling by the alpha (alpha) isoform of the human thromboxane A2 receptor: a specific role for nitric oxide signalling.

Thromboxane (TX) A(2) plays a central role in hemostasis, regulating platelet activation status and vascular tone. We have recently established that the TP beta isoform of the human TXA(2) receptor (TP) undergoes rapid, agonist-induced homologous desensitization of signalling largely through a G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) 2/3-dependent mechanism with a lesser role for protein kinase (PK) C. Herein, we investigated the mechanism of desensitization of signalling by the TP alpha isoform. TP alpha undergoes profound agonist-induced desensitization of signalling (intracellular calcium mobilization and inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate generation) in response to the TXA(2) mimetic U46619 but, unlike that of TP beta, this is independent of GRKs. Similar to TP beta, TP alpha undergoes partial agonist-induced desensitization that occurs through a GF 109203X-sensitive, PKC mechanism where Ser(145) within intracellular domain (IC)(2) represents the key phospho-target. TP alpha also undergoes more profound sustained PKC- and PKG-dependent desensitization where Thr(337) and Ser(331), respectively, within its unique C-tail domain were identified as the phospho-targets. Desensitization was impaired by the nitric oxide synthase (NOS), soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and PKG inhibitors L-NAME, LY 83583 and KT5823, respectively, indicating that homologous desensitization of TP alpha involves nitric oxide generation and signalling. Consistent with this, U46619 led to rapid phosphorylation/activation of endogenous eNOS. Collectively, data herein suggest a mechanism whereby agonist-induced PKC phosphorylation of Ser(145) partially and transiently impairs TP alpha signalling while PKG- and PKC-phosphorylation at both Ser(331) and Thr(337), respectively, within its C-tail domain profoundly desensitizes TP alpha, effectively terminating its signalling. Hence, in addition to the agonist-mediated PKC feedback mechanism, U46619-activation of the NOS/sGC/PKG pathway plays a significant role in inducing homologous desensitization of TP alpha.

Investigation of pericytes, hypoxia, and vascularity in bladder tumors: association with clinical outcomes.

The contribution of endothelial cell growth to angiogenesis has been widely studied; however, the involvement of pericytes is less well documented, especially in human tumors. In this study we aimed to quantify and assess the prognostic significance of pericyte coverage, the extent of hypoxia, and microvessel density (MVD) in normal bladder mucosa and urothelial carcinoma. Antibody to alpha-smooth muscle actin was used to assess the distribution of pericytes (mural/smooth muscle cells) in the microvessels of normal human bladder (n = 4) mucosa and in urothelial carcinoma (n = 47) samples; this was quantitated using microvessel pericyte index (MPI). The MVD was measured using two different methods (n = 47) and hypoxia was assessed using glucose transporter-1 (Glut-1) staining (n = 30). There was a 70% reduction in MPI in urothelial carcinomas compared to normal bladder mucosa (p < 0.0012); MPI did not correlate with tumor stage or grade. Ta and T1 superficial tumors were divided into two groups with a MPI of <15% or >15%. Progression-free survival was significantly shorter for tumors with MPI >15% (p = 0.0036). MVD had no prognostic value using either evaluation method. Glut-1 immunoreactivity was not prognostic in superficial urothelial carcinoma samples. Tumors with a higher MPI showed a greater Glut-1 immunoreactivity (p = 0.0051). Microvessels in urothelial carcinoma have a considerable loss of pericyte coverage compared to normal bladder mucosa. The data from this preliminary study indicate that progression-free survival was shorter in patients whose superficial tumors had higher pericyte coverage of the microvessels. This may be due to increased levels of hypoxia, as demonstrated by a significant increase in Glut-1 staining.

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) co-product-derived protein hydrolysates: A source of antidiabetic peptides.

Large quantities of low-value protein rich co-products, such as salmon skin and trimmings, are generated annually. These co-products can be upgraded to high-value functional ingredients. The aim of this study was to assess the antidiabetic potential of salmon skin gelatin and trimmings-derived protein hydrolysates in vitro. The gelatin hydrolysate generated with Alcalase 2.4L and Flavourzyme 500L exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.001) insulin and GLP-1 secretory activity from pancreatic BRIN-BD11 and enteroendocrine GLUTag cells, respectively, when tested at 2.5 mg/mL compared to hydrolysates generated with Alcalase 2.4L or Promod 144MG. The gelatin hydrolysate generated with Alcalase 2.4L and Flavourzyme 500L showed significantly more potent (p < 0.01) DPP-IV inhibitory activity than those generated with Alcalase 2.4L or Promod 144MG. No significant difference was observed in the insulinotropic activity mediated by any of the trimmings-derived hydrolysates when tested at 2.5 mg/mL. However, the trimmings hydrolysate generated with Alcalase 2.4L and Flavourzyme 500L exhibited significantly higher DPP-IV inhibitory (p < 0.05:Alcalase 2.4L and p < 0.01:Promod 144MG) and GLP-1 (p < 0.001, 2.5 mg/mL) secretory activity than those generated with Alcalase 2.4L or Promod 144MG. The salmon trimmings hydrolysate generated with Alcalase 2.4L and Flavourzyme 500L when subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) was shown to retain its GLP-1 secretory and DPP-IV inhibitory activities, in addition to improving its insulin secretory activity. However, the gelatin hydrolysate generated with Alcalase 2.4L and Flavourzyme 500L was shown to lose GLP-1 secretory activity following SGID. A significant increase in membrane potential (p < 0.001) and intracellular calcium (p < 0.001) by both co-product hydrolysates generated with Alcalase 2.4L and Flavourzyme 500L suggest that both hydrolysates mediate their insulinotropic activity through the KATP channel-dependent pathway. Additionally, by stimulating a significant increase in intracellular cAMP release (p < 0.05) it is likely that the trimmings-derived hydrolysate may also mediate insulin secretion through the protein kinase A pathway. The results presented herein demonstrate that salmon co-product hydrolysates exhibit promising in vitro antidiabetic activity.

Fractionation and identification of antioxidant peptides from an enzymatically hydrolysed Palmaria palmata protein isolate.

Proteins derived from the macroalgal species Palmaria palmata have emerged as potential substrates for the generation of bioactive peptides. The aim of this study was to fractionate, identify and characterize antioxidant peptides from a P. palmata protein hydrolysate. The P. palmata protein hydrolysate generated with the food-grade proteolytic enzyme Corolase PP was sequentially fractionated using solid phase extraction and semi-preparative (SP) RP-HPLC. The most active SP-RP-HPLC peptide fraction (SP-RP-HPLC-30-F26) was analysed by ESI-MS/MS. Seventeen novel peptide sequences were identified in this fraction. Of the peptides selected for synthesis, Ser-Asp-Ile-Thr-Arg-Pro-Gly-Gly-Asn-Met, showed the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity with values of 152.43±2.73 and 21.23±0.90nmolTE/µmol peptide, respectively. The results presented herein indicate that P. palmata derived peptides may have potential applications as health enhancing ingredients and as food preservatives due to their antioxidant activity.

Bioactive peptides from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) with angiotensin converting enzyme and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory, and antioxidant activities.

The pH shift method was utilised for the recovery of proteins from salmon trimmings (ST), yielding 93% (w/w) protein. ST protein (STP) hydrolysates were generated with different enzyme preparations. STP incubated with Corolase PP for 1h (STP-C1) had the most potent angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) activities. Analysis of fractions of STP-C1 using UPLC-MS/MS identified sixteen peptides/amino acids. Tyr-Pro had the highest ACE inhibitory activity (ACE IC50=5.21±0.94µM). The highest DPP-IV inhibitory activity was found with the amino acid Tyr (DPP-IV IC50=75.15±0.84µM). Val-Pro had the highest ORAC activity (19.45±2.15µmol of TEg-1). To our knowledge, the peptides Gly-Pro-Ala-Val, Val-Cys, and Phe-Phe have not been previously identified to have the activities tested in this study. These results indicate that STP hydrolysates are potential sources of bioactive peptides.

Peptide identification in a salmon gelatin hydrolysate with antihypertensive, dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory and antioxidant activities.

Salmon gelatin (Salmo salar, SG) enzymatic hydrolysates were generated using Alcalase 2.4L, Alcalase 2.4L in combination with Flavourzyme 500L, Corolase PP, Promod 144MG and Brewer's Clarex. The hydrolysate generated with Corolase PP for 1h (SG-C1) had the highest angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE, IC50=0.13±0.05mgmL-1) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV, IC50=0.08±0.01mgmL-1) inhibitory activities, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC, 540.94±9.57µmolTEg-1d.w.). The in vitro bioactivities of SG-C1 were retained following simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Administration of SG and SG-C1 (50mgkg-1 body weight) to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) lowered heart rate along with systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure. The SG-C1 hydrolysate was fractionated using semi-preparative RP-HPLC and the fraction with highest overall in vitro bioactivity (fraction 25) was analysed by UPLC-MS/MS. Four peptide sequences (Gly-Gly-Pro-Ala-Gly-Pro-Ala-Val, Gly-Pro-Val-Ala, Pro-Pro and Gly-Phe) and two free amino acids (Arg and Tyr) were identified in this fraction. These peptides and free amino acids had potent ACE and DPP-IV inhibitory, and ORAC activities. The results show that SG hydrolysates have potential as multifunctional food ingredients particularly for the management of hypertension.

15-deoxy Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 suppresses transcription by promoter 3 of the human thromboxane A2 receptor gene through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in human erythroleukemia cells.

In humans, thromboxane (TX) A2 signals through two receptor isoforms, thromboxane receptor (TP)alpha and TPbeta, which are transcriptionally regulated by distinct promoters, Prm1 and Prm3, respectively, within the single TP gene. The aim of the current study was to investigate the ability of the endogenous peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma ligand 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) to regulate expression of the human TP gene and to ascertain its potential effects on the individual TPalpha and TPbeta isoforms. 15d-PGJ2 suppressed Prm3 transcriptional activity and TPbeta mRNA expression in the platelet progenitor megakaryocytic human erythroleukemia (HEL) 92.1.7 cell line but had no effect on Prm1 or Prm2 activity or on TPalpha mRNA expression. 15d-PGJ2 also resulted in reductions in the overall level of TP protein expression and TP-mediated intracellular calcium mobilization in HEL cells. 15d-PGJ2 suppression of Prm3 transcriptional activity and TPbeta mRNA expression was found to occur through a novel mechanism involving direct binding of PPARgamma-retinoic acid X receptor (RXR) heterodimers to a PPARgamma response element (PPRE) composed of two imperfect hexameric direct repeat (DR) sequences centred at -159 and -148, respectively, spaced by five nucleotides (DR5). These data provide direct evidence for the role of PPARgamma in the regulation of human TP gene expression within the vasculature and point to further critical differences in the modes of transcriptional regulation of TPalpha and TPbeta in humans. Moreover, these data highlight a further link between enhanced risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus associated with increased synthesis and action of thromboxane A2 (TXA2).

Identification of short peptide sequences in complex milk protein hydrolysates.

Numerous low molecular mass bioactive peptides (BAPs) can be generated during the hydrolysis of bovine milk proteins. Low molecular mass BAP sequences are less likely to be broken down by digestive enzymes and are thus more likely to be active in vivo. However, the identification of short peptides remains a challenge during mass spectrometry (MS) analysis due to issues with the transfer and over-fragmentation of low molecular mass ions. A method is described herein using time-of-flight ESI-MS/MS to effectively fragment and identify short peptides. This includes (a) short synthetic peptides, (b) short peptides within a defined hydrolysate sample, i.e. a prolyl endoproteinase hydrolysate of ß-casein and (c) short peptides within a complex hydrolysate, i.e. a Corolase PP digest of sodium caseinate. The methodology may find widespread utilisation in the efficient identification of low molecular mass peptide sequences in food protein hydrolysates.

Purification and identification of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) IV inhibitory peptides from the macroalga Palmaria palmata.

Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-IV inhibitory peptides were purified and identified from an aqueous Palmaria palmata protein extract hydrolysed with Corolase PP. The hydrolysate was fractionated by solid phase extraction (SPE) using a C18 matrix followed by semi-preparative reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (SP RP-HPLC). IC50 values of 1.47 ± 0.09, 0.54 ± 0.03 and 0.36 ± 0.03 mg/ml were obtained for the hydrolysate, the 25%--acetonitrile (ACN) SPE fraction and the most active SP RP-HPLC peptide fraction (SP RP-HPLC 25_F28), respectively. Thirteen peptide sequences were identified following UPLC-ESI MS/MS analysis of SP RP-HPLC 25_F28. Three novel DPP-IV inhibitory peptides, Ile-Leu-Ala-Pro, Leu-Leu-Ala-Pro and Met-Ala-Gly-Val-Asp-His-Ile, with IC50 values in the range 43-159 µM were identified. The results indicate that P. palmata derived peptides may have potential as functional food ingredients in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.

Peptide identification and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity in prolyl endoproteinase digests of bovine α(s)-casein.

Incubation of sodium caseinate (NaCN) and purified α-casein (αs-CN) with an Aspergillus niger derived prolyl endoproteinase (An-PEP) for 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 and 24 h resulted in the generation of potent angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory hydrolysates. An ACE IC50 of 21.1±5.1 µg/ml was obtained on incubation of An-PEP with NaCN for 4 h. Fractionation of the NaCN hydrolysates using 3 kDa centrifugal filters resulted in highly active permeate fractions, the most potent being obtained from the 3 h hydrolysate (ACE IC50=2.9±0.3 µg/ml). The hydrolytic specificity of An-PEP for purified α-CN was assessed using UPLC ESI MS/MS. The analysis confirmed An-PEP's cleavage preference for the C-terminal side of Pro and also confirmed that An-PEP has the ability to cleave at the C-terminal of Ala, Leu, Arg and His residues.

Generation and identification of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from a brewers' spent grain protein isolate.

An alkaline extracted brewers' spent grain protein-enriched isolate (BSG-PI) was hydrolysed using Alcalase, Corolase PP, Flavourzyme and Promod 144MG, yielding Alc hydrolysate (H), CorH, FlavH and ProH, respectively. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) of the protein hydrolysates varied from 4.45% for ProH to 16.4% for CorH. The in vitro ACE inhibitory activity of the BSG-PI increased significantly following 15min incubations with Alcalase, Corolase PP and Flavourzyme. The 5kDa ultrafiltration permeates of FlavH and CorH resulted in lower ACE IC50 values than their respective hydrolysates. The bioactivity of the BSG-PI hydrolysates was retained after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) while SGID also resulted in the release of ACE inhibitory peptides from the BSG-PI and ProH. UPLC-MS/MS analysis resulted in the identification of 34 peptides. Of 12 synthesised peptides, IVY and ILDL were the most potent, having ACE IC50 values at 80.4±11.9 and 96.4±8.36µM, respectively.

Extraction of antioxidant and ACE inhibitory peptides from Thai traditional fermented shrimp pastes.

Antioxidant and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides were extracted and isolated from two different types of Thai traditional fermented shrimp pastes, Kapi Ta Dam (Kp-B6) and Kapi Ta Deang (Kp-R6). Compounds with masses less than 500Da were found to be predominantly presented in both extracts. Following fractionation with sequential anion exchange chromatography and solid phase extraction (C18 matrix), three dipeptides were identified. Ser-Val and Ile-Phe were shown to exhibit ACE inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 60.68±1.06 and 70.03±1.45µM, respectively. Trp-Pro was shown to have high 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity (EC50 17.52±0.46µM). These results indicate that Thai traditional fermented shrimp pastes are potential sources of bioactive peptides possessing ACE inhibitory and antioxidant activities.

Fractionation and identification of Alaska pollock skin collagen-derived mineral chelating peptides.

Peptides with the ability to chelate dietary minerals have been reported to have potential as functional food ingredients. A collagen tryptic hydrolysate (CTH), previously shown to chelate iron, was further investigated for the presence of Ca, Fe and Cu chelating peptides. Sequential purification steps, including immobilised metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were employed for the separation of chelating peptides. GPC analysis showed that the mineral chelating peptides were mainly between 500 and 2000 Da. Subsequent identification was carried out using UPLC-ESI-QTOF MS/MS. Overall, 10 sequences were identified as potential chelating peptides. The Ca, Fe and Cu chelating activity of GPAGPHGPPG was 11.52±2.23 nmol/µmol, 1.71±0.17 nmol/µmol and 0.43±0.02 µmol/µmol, respectively. This study identifies collagen as a good source of peptides with potential applications as functional ingredients in the management of mineral deficiencies.

Characterisation of the hydrolytic specificity of Aspergillus niger derived prolyl endoproteinase on bovine ß-casein and determination of ACE inhibitory activity.

The hydrolytic specificity of Aspergillus niger prolyl endoproteinase (An-PEP) on purified ß-casein (ß-CN) was assessed. This analysis confirmed cleavage at the C-terminal side of Pro residues. An-PEP also had the ability to cleave at the C-terminal side of Ala, Glu, Gly, Ser, Lys and Leu. Incubation of purified ß-CN with An-PEP resulted in the generation of highly potent angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory hydrolysates. The most potent hydrolysate was obtained after 24h incubation (ACE IC50=16.41±6.06µg/mL). Fourteen ß-CN derived C-terminal Pro-containing di-, tri, and tetrapeptides which were predicted in silico to be released following An-PEP hydrolysis or which were detected by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) in the 24h hydrolysate were synthesised and characterised for their ACE inhibitory activity. The most potent inhibitory peptides were Ile-Gln-Ala (ß-CN f187-189) and Val-Glu-Pro (ß-CN f116-118) having ACE IC50 values of 32.9±9.2 and 63.7±12.0µM, respectively. The hydrolysates generated appear to have the most potent ACE IC50 values reported for a food derived hydrolysate to date.

Antioxidant activity of bovine casein hydrolysates produced by Ficus carica L.-derived proteinase.

A Ficus carica L. latex proteinase preparation was investigated for its ability to produce antioxidant hydrolysates/peptides from bovine casein (CN). The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) values for NaCN and ß-CN hydrolysates ranged from 0.06 to 0.18, and from 0.51 to 1.19µmol Trolox equivalents/mg freeze-dried sample, respectively. Gel permeation HPLC showed that the ß-CN hydrolysate with a degree of hydrolysis of 21% had 65% of peptide material with a molecular mass <500Da. The RP-UPLC profiles also indicated that ß-CN was substantially hydrolysed during the early stages of hydrolysis. Analysis of the 4h ß-CN hydrolysate by LC-ESI-MS/MS allowed identification of 8 peptide sequences with potential antioxidant properties.

Recycling of the human prostacyclin receptor is regulated through a direct interaction with Rab11a GTPase.

The human prostacyclin receptor (hIP) undergoes agonist-induced internalization but the mechanisms regulating its intracellular trafficking and/or recycling to the plasma membrane are poorly understood. Herein, we conducted a yeast-two-hybrid screen to identify proteins interacting with the carboxyl-terminal (C)-tail domain of the hIP and discovered a novel interaction with Rab11a. This interaction was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitations in mammalian HEK293 and was augmented by cicaprost stimulation. The hIP co-localized to Rab11-containing recycling endosomes in both HEK293 and endothelial EA.hy 926 cells in a time-dependent manner following cicaprost stimulation. Moreover, over-expression of Rab11a significantly increased recycling of the hIP, while the dominant negative Rab11(S25N) impaired that recycling. Conversely, while the hIP co-localized to Rab4-positive endosomes in response to cicaprost, ectopic expression of Rab4a did not substantially affect overall recycling nor did Rab4a directly interact with the hIP. The specific interaction between the hIP and Rab11a was dependent on a 22 amino acid (Val(299)-Gln(320)) sequence within its C-tail domain and was independent of isoprenylation of the hIP. This study elucidates a critical role for Rab11a in regulating trafficking of the hIP and has identified a novel Rab11 binding domain (RBD) within its C-tail domain that is both necessary and sufficient to mediate interaction with Rab11a.