Real time fluorescence imaging of PLC gamma translocation and its interaction with the epidermal growth factor receptor.

The translocation of fluorescently tagged PLC gamma and requirements for this process in cells stimulated with EGF were analyzed using real time fluorescence microscopy applied for the first time to monitor growth factor receptor--effector interactions. The translocation of PLC gamma to the plasma membrane required the functional Src homology 2 domains and was not affected by mutations in the pleckstrin homology domain or inhibition of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase. An array of domains specific for PLC gamma isoforms was sufficient for this translocation. The dynamics of translocation to the plasma membrane and redistribution of PLC gamma, relative to localization of the EGF receptor and PI 4,5-biphosphate (PI 4,5-P(2)), were shown. Colocalization with the receptor was observed in the plasma membrane and in membrane ruffles where PI 4,5-P(2) substrate could also be visualized. At later times, internalization of PLC gamma, which could lead to separation from the substrate, was observed. The data support a direct binding of PLC gamma to the receptor as the main site of the plasma membrane recruitment. The presence of PLC gamma in membrane structures and its access to the substrate appear to be transient and are followed by a rapid incorporation into intracellular vesicles, leading to downregulation of the PLC activity.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies on ADP-ribosylation factor 1.

ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF-1) is a member of a family of small G-proteins that regulate both intracellular vesicle transport and phospholipase D activity. Crystals of ARF-1 suitable for X-ray diffraction analysis have been grown in the presence of GDP by the hanging drop vapour diffusion method. Crystals grow in space group C2 with cell dimensions a = 122.36 A, b = 45.01 A, c = 91.96 A and beta = 133.62 degrees and diffract to at least 2.3 A resolution. A second crystal form has been characterized (space group C2, a = 69.70 A, b = 45.25 A, c = 60.45 A, beta = 109.6 degrees) but does not grow reproducibly.

A neutral magnesium-dependent sphingomyelinase isoform associated with intracellular membranes and reversibly inhibited by reactive oxygen species.

Activation of neutral sphingomyelinase(s) and subsequent generation of ceramide has been implicated in a wide variety of cellular responses. Although this enzyme(s) has not been purified and cloned from higher organisms, one mammalian cDNA has been previously isolated based on its similarity to the bacterial enzyme. To further elucidate the function of this neutral sphingomyelinase, we studied its relationship with enzymes present in mammalian cells and tissues, its subcellular localization, and properties that could be important for the regulation of its activity. Using specific antibodies, it is suggested that the enzyme could represent one of several forms of neutral sphingomyelinases present in the extract from brain particulate fraction. In PC12 cells, the enzyme is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and is not present in the plasma membrane. The same result has been obtained in several cell lines transfected or microinjected with plasmids encoding this enzyme. The molecular and enzymatic properties of the cloned neutral magnesium-dependent sphingomyelinase, produced using baculovirus or bacterial expression systems, have been analyzed, demonstrating the expected ion dependence and substrate specificity. The enzyme activity also has a strong requirement for reducing agents and is reversibly inhibited by reactive oxygen species and oxidized glutathione. The studies demonstrate that the cellular localization and some properties of this enzyme are distinct from properties previously associated with neutral magnesium-dependent sphingomyelinases in crude or partially purified preparations.

Structural requirements for catalysis and membrane targeting of mammalian enzymes with neutral sphingomyelinase and lysophospholipid phospholipase C activities. Analysis by chemical modification and site-directed mutagenesis.

The sequence similarity with bacterial neutral sphingomyelinase resulted in the isolation of putative mammalian counterparts and, subsequently, identification of similar molecules in a number of other eukaryotic organisms. Based on sequence similarities and previous characterization of the mammalian enzymes, we have chemically modified specific residues and performed site-directed mutagenesis in order to identify critical catalytic residues and determinants for membrane localization. Modification of histidine residues and the substrate protection experiments demonstrated the presence of reactive histidine residues within the active site. Site directed mutagenesis suggested an essential role in catalysis for two histidine residues (His-136 and His-272), which are conserved in all sequences. Mutations of two additional histidines (His-138 and His-151), conserved only in eukaryotes, resulted in reduced neutral sphingomyelinase activity. In addition to sphingomyelin, the enzyme also hydrolyzed lysophosphatidylcholine. Exposure to an oxidizing environment or modification of cysteine residues using several specific compounds also inactivated the enzyme. Site-directed mutagenesis of eight cysteine residues and gel-shift analysis demonstrated that these residues did not participate in the catalytic reaction and suggested the involvement of cysteines in the formation/breakage of disulfide bonds, which could underlie the reversible inactivation by the oxidizing compounds. Cellular localization studies of a series of deletion mutants, expressed as green fluorescent protein fusion proteins, demonstrated that the transmembrane region contains determinants for the endoplasmic reticulum localization.