The downregulation of Kv1 channels in Lgi1-/-mice is accompanied by a profound modification of its interactome and a parallel decrease in Kv2 channels.

In animal models of LGI1-dependent autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy, Kv1 channels are downregulated, suggesting their crucial involvement in epileptogenesis. The molecular basis of Kv1 channel-downregulation in LGI1 knock-out mice has not been elucidated and how the absence of this extracellular protein induces an important modification in the expression of Kv1 remains unknown. In this study we analyse by immunofluorescence the modifications in neuronal Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 distribution throughout the hippocampal formation of LGI1 knock-out mice. We show that Kv1 downregulation is not restricted to the axonal compartment, but also takes place in the somatodendritic region and is accompanied by a drastic decrease in Kv2 expression levels. Moreover, we find that the downregulation of these Kv channels is associated with a marked increase in bursting patterns. Finally, mass spectrometry uncovered key modifications in the Kv1 interactome that highlight the epileptogenic implication of Kv1 downregulation in LGI1 knock-out animals.

Insights into the mechanisms governing P01 scorpion toxin effect against U87 glioblastoma cells oncogenesis.

The emerging concept of small conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels (SKCa) as pharmacological target for cancer treatment has significantly increased in recent years. In this study, we isolated the P01 toxin from Androctonus australis (Aa) scorpion venom and investigated its effect on biological properties of glioblastoma U87, breast MDA-MB231 and colon adenocarcinoma LS174 cancer cell lines. Our results showed that P01 was active only on U87 glioblastoma cells. It inhibited their proliferation, adhesion and migration with IC50 values in the micromolar range. We have also shown that P01 reduced the amplitude of the currents recorded in HEK293 cells expressing SK2 channels with an IC50 value of 3 pM, while it had no effect on those expressing SK3 channels. The investigation of the SKCa channels expression pattern showed that SK2 transcripts were expressed differently in the three cancer cell lines. Particularly, we highlighted the presence of SK2 isoforms in U87 cells, which could explain and rely on the specific activity of P01 on this cell line. These experimental data highlighted the usefulness of scorpion peptides to decipher the role of SKCa channels in the tumorigenesis process, and develop potential therapeutic molecules targeting glioblastoma with high selectivity.

Patient-derived antibodies reveal the subcellular distribution and heterogeneous interactome of LGI1.

Autoantibodies against leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) occur in patients with encephalitis who present with frequent focal seizures and a pattern of amnesia consistent with focal hippocampal damage. To investigate whether the cellular and subcellular distribution of LGI1 may explain the localization of these features, and hence gain broader insights into LGI1's neurobiology, we analysed the detailed localization of LGI1 and the diversity of its protein interactome, in mouse brains using patient-derived recombinant monoclonal LGI1 antibodies. Combined immunofluorescence and mass spectrometry analyses showed that LGI1 is enriched in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic contact sites, most densely within CA3 regions of the hippocampus. LGI1 is secreted in both neuronal somatodendritic and axonal compartments, and occurs in oligodendrocytic, neuro-oligodendrocytic and astro-microglial protein complexes. Proteomic data support the presence of LGI1-Kv1-MAGUK complexes, but did not reveal LGI1 complexes with postsynaptic glutamate receptors. Our results extend our understanding of regional, cellular and subcellular LGI1 expression profiles and reveal novel LGI1-associated complexes, thus providing insights into the complex biology of LGI1 and its relationship to seizures and memory loss.

Ozone-induced inhibition of kiwifruit ripening is amplified by 1-methylcyclopropene and reversed by exogenous ethylene.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the mechanisms involved in climacteric fruit ripening is key to improve fruit harvest quality and postharvest performance. Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. 'Hayward') ripening involves a series of metabolic changes regulated by ethylene. Although 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP, inhibitor of ethylene action) or ozone (O3) exposure suppresses ethylene-related kiwifruit ripening, how these molecules interact during ripening is unknown. RESULTS: Harvested 'Hayward' kiwifruits were treated with 1-MCP and exposed to ethylene-free cold storage (0 °C, RH 95%) with ambient atmosphere (control) or atmosphere enriched with O3 (0.3 µL L- 1) for up to 6 months. Their subsequent ripening performance at 20 °C (90% RH) was characterized. Treatment with either 1-MCP or O3 inhibited endogenous ethylene biosynthesis and delayed fruit ripening at 20 °C. 1-MCP and O3 in combination severely inhibited kiwifruit ripening, significantly extending fruit storage potential. To characterize ethylene sensitivity of kiwifruit following 1-MCP and O3 treatments, fruit were exposed to exogenous ethylene (100 µL L- 1, 24 h) upon transfer to 20 °C following 4 and 6 months of cold storage. Exogenous ethylene treatment restored ethylene biosynthesis in fruit previously exposed in an O3-enriched atmosphere. Comparative proteomics analysis showed separate kiwifruit ripening responses, unraveled common 1-MCP- and O3-dependent metabolic pathways and identified specific proteins associated with these different ripening behaviors. Protein components that were differentially expressed following exogenous ethylene exposure after 1-MCP or O3 treatment were identified and their protein-protein interaction networks were determined. The expression of several kiwifruit ripening related genes, such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO1), ethylene receptor (ETR1), lipoxygenase (LOX1), geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGP1), and expansin (EXP2), was strongly affected by O3, 1-MCP, their combination, and exogenously applied ethylene. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the combination of 1-MCP and O3 functions as a robust repressive modulator of kiwifruit ripening and provide new insight into the metabolic events underlying ethylene-induced and ethylene-independent ripening outcomes.

From Blood to Lesioned Brain: An In Vitro Study on Migration Mechanisms of Human Nasal Olfactory Stem Cells.

Stem cell-based therapies critically rely on selective cell migration toward pathological or injured areas. We previously demonstrated that human olfactory ectomesenchymal stem cells (OE-MSCs), derived from an adult olfactory lamina propria, migrate specifically toward an injured mouse hippocampus after transplantation in the cerebrospinal fluid and promote functional recoveries. However, the mechanisms controlling their recruitment and homing remain elusive. Using an in vitro model of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and secretome analysis, we observed that OE-MSCs produce numerous proteins allowing them to cross the endothelial wall. Then, pan-genomic DNA microarrays identified signaling molecules that lesioned mouse hippocampus overexpressed. Among the most upregulated cytokines, both recombinant SPP1/osteopontin and CCL2/MCP-1 stimulate OE-MSC migration whereas only CCL2 exerts a chemotactic effect. Additionally, OE-MSCs express SPP1 receptors but not the CCL2 cognate receptor, suggesting a CCR2-independent pathway through other CCR receptors. These results confirm that OE-MSCs can be attracted by chemotactic cytokines overexpressed in inflamed areas and demonstrate that CCL2 is an important factor that could promote OE-MSC engraftment, suggesting improvement for future clinical trials.

Coupling of Physiological and Proteomic Analysis to Understand the Ethylene- and Chilling-Induced Kiwifruit Ripening Syndrome.

Kiwifruit [Actinidia deliciosa (A. Chev.) C.F. Liang et A.R. Ferguson, cv. "Hayward"] is classified as climacteric fruit and the initiation of endogenous ethylene production following harvest is induced by exogenous ethylene or chilling exposure. To understand the biological basis of this "dilemma," kiwifruit ripening responses were characterized at 20°C following treatments with exogenous ethylene (100 µL L(-1), 20°C, 24 h) or/and chilling temperature (0°C, 10 days). All treatments elicited kiwifruit ripening and induced softening and endogenous ethylene biosynthesis, as determined by 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) content and ACC synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase (ACO) enzyme activities after 10 days of ripening at 20°C. Comparative proteomic analysis using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE-PAGE) and nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) revealed 81 kiwifruit proteins associated with ripening. Thirty-one kiwifruit proteins were identified as commonly regulated by the three treatments accompanied by dynamic changes of 10 proteins specific to exogenous ethylene, 2 to chilling treatment, and 12 to their combination. Ethylene and/or chilling-responsive proteins were mainly involved in disease/defense, energy, protein destination/storage, and cell structure/cell wall. Interactions between the identified proteins were demonstrated by bioinformatics analysis, allowing a more complete insight into biological pathways and molecular functions affected by ripening. The present approach provides a quantitative basis for understanding the ethylene- and chilling-induced kiwifruit ripening and climacteric fruit ripening in general.

Identification of the main venom protein components of Aphidius ervi, a parasitoid wasp of the aphid model Acyrthosiphon pisum.

BACKGROUND: Endoparasitoid wasps are important natural enemies of the widely distributed aphid pests and are mainly used as biological control agents. However, despite the increased interest on aphid interaction networks, only sparse information is available on the factors used by parasitoids to modulate the aphid physiology. Our aim was here to identify the major protein components of the venom injected at oviposition by Aphidius ervi to ensure successful development in its aphid host, Acyrthosiphon pisum. RESULTS: A combined large-scale transcriptomic and proteomic approach allowed us to identify 16 putative venom proteins among which three γ-glutamyl transpeptidases (γ-GTs) were by far the most abundant. Two of the γ-GTs most likely correspond to alleles of the same gene, with one of these alleles previously described as involved in host castration. The third γ-GT was only distantly related to the others and may not be functional owing to the presence of mutations in the active site. Among the other abundant proteins in the venom, several were unique to A. ervi such as the molecular chaperone endoplasmin possibly involved in protecting proteins during their secretion and transport in the host. Abundant transcripts encoding three secreted cystein-rich toxin-like peptides whose function remains to be explored were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our data further support the role of γ-GTs as key players in A. ervi success on aphid hosts. However, they also evidence that this wasp venom is a complex fluid that contains diverse, more or less specific, protein components. Their characterization will undoubtedly help deciphering parasitoid-aphid and parasitoid-aphid-symbiont interactions. Finally, this study also shed light on the quick evolution of venom components through processes such as duplication and convergent recruitment of virulence factors between unrelated organisms.

Characterization of the first K⁺ channel blockers from the venom of the Moroccan scorpion Buthus occitanus Paris.

The availability of a large variety of specific blockers, which inhibit different K(+) currents, would help to elucidate their differences in physiological function. Short peptide toxins isolated from scorpion venoms are able to block voltage-dependent or Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels. Here, we have studied the venom of the Moroccan scorpion Buthus occitanus Paris (BoP) in order to find new peptides, which could enlarge our structure-function relationship knowledge on the Kv1.3 blocker Kaliotoxin (KTX) that belongs to the α-KTx3.1 family. Indeed and since more a decade, KTX is widely used by international investigators because it exhibits a quite sharp specificity and a high-affinity for the Kv1.3 channel, which is not only a neuronal channel but also a therapeutic target for diverse autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. The BoP venom was first investigated using HPLC and MALDI-TOF/MS. Further, the HPLC fractions were screened by ELISA with antibodies raised against KTX. These antibodies recognized at least three components toxic in mice by intracerebroventricular injection. They were further pharmacologically characterized by competition using (125)I-KTX bound to its specific binding sites on rat brain synaptosomes. A single component (4161 Da) inhibited totally the (125)I-KTX binding and with high-affinity (IC50 = 0.1 nM), while the two other components poorly competed with (IC50 > 100 nM). These toxins were sequenced in full by Edman's degradation. The high-affinity ligand (BoPKTX) shares 86% sequence identity with KTX and was classified as toxin α-KTx3.17. The two others peptides (BoP1 and BoP2, 4093 Da and 4121 Da, respectively) only differ by a Lys/Arg mutation. Their amino acid sequences were related to Martentoxin, which has been characterized from the Chinese scorpion Buthus martenzi Karch and described as both a BKCa and Kv1.3 blocker. Accordingly, they belong to the α-KTx16 family.

Metabolic adaptation in transplastomic plants massively accumulating recombinant proteins.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant chloroplasts are endowed with an astonishing capacity to accumulate foreign proteins. However, knowledge about the impact on resident proteins of such high levels of recombinant protein accumulation is lacking. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we used proteomics to characterize tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plastid transformants massively accumulating a p-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) or a green fluorescent protein (GFP). While under the conditions used no obvious modifications in plant phenotype could be observed, these proteins accumulated to even higher levels than ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), the most abundant protein on the planet. This accumulation occurred at the expense of a limited number of leaf proteins including Rubisco. In particular, enzymes involved in CO(2) metabolism such as nuclear-encoded plastidial Calvin cycle enzymes and mitochondrial glycine decarboxylase were found to adjust their accumulation level to these novel physiological conditions. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The results document how protein synthetic capacity is limited in plant cells. They may provide new avenues to evaluate possible bottlenecks in recombinant protein technology and to maintain plant fitness in future studies aiming at producing recombinant proteins of interest through chloroplast transformation.

Chromatin remodeling as a mechanism for circadian prolactin transcription: rhythmic NONO and SFPQ recruitment to HLTF.

Most clock-controlled genes (CCGs) lack the specific E-box response element necessary for direct circadian regulation. This is the case for the prolactin (Prl) gene, the expression of which oscillates in individual lactotrope pituitary cells. To characterize the processes underlying this oscillation, we used a lactotrope cell line (GH4C1 cells). In these cells, Prl gene expression fluctuated significantly during 24 h (P=0.0418). Circadian Prl transcription depended on an interaction between the pituitary-specific transcription factor, PIT-1, and the helicase-like transcription factor (HLTF), a SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler, shown here to bind the Prl promoter on an E-box that differs from the specific E-box preferentially bound by clock proteins. Circadian Prl transcription was further accompanied by marked daily chromatin transitions. While neither HLTF nor PIT-1 was rhythmically expressed, NONO and SFPQ, identified as HLTF-associated proteins by mass spectrometry, displayed a circadian pattern and bound rhythmically to the Prl promoter. Furthermore, NONO and SFPQ were functionally involved in circadian Prl transcription since overexpression of both proteins greatly reduced Prl promoter activity (P<0.001) and disrupted its circadian pattern. A mechanism involving a rhythm in paraspeckle protein recruitment is proposed to explain how the core oscillator can generate a circadian pattern of CCGs lacking the specific E-box response element.

Classification of ancient mammal individuals using dental pulp MALDI-TOF MS peptide profiling.

BACKGROUND: The classification of ancient animal corpses at the species level remains a challenging task for forensic scientists and anthropologists. Severe damage and mixed, tiny pieces originating from several skeletons may render morphological classification virtually impossible. Standard approaches are based on sequencing mitochondrial and nuclear targets. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We present a method that can accurately classify mammalian species using dental pulp and mass spectrometry peptide profiling. Our work was organized into three successive steps. First, after extracting proteins from the dental pulp collected from 37 modern individuals representing 13 mammalian species, trypsin-digested peptides were used for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis. The resulting peptide profiles accurately classified every individual at the species level in agreement with parallel cytochrome b gene sequencing gold standard. Second, using a 279-modern spectrum database, we blindly classified 33 of 37 teeth collected in 37 modern individuals (89.1%). Third, we classified 10 of 18 teeth (56%) collected in 15 ancient individuals representing five mammal species including human, from five burial sites dating back 8,500 years. Further comparison with an upgraded database comprising ancient specimen profiles yielded 100% classification in ancient teeth. Peptide sequencing yield 4 and 16 different non-keratin proteins including collagen (alpha-1 type I and alpha-2 type I) in human ancient and modern dental pulp, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Mass spectrometry peptide profiling of the dental pulp is a new approach that can be added to the arsenal of species classification tools for forensics and anthropology as a complementary method to DNA sequencing. The dental pulp is a new source for collagen and other proteins for the species classification of modern and ancient mammal individuals.

The seed composition of Arabidopsis mutants for the group 3 sulfate transporters indicates a role in sulfate translocation within developing seeds.

Sulfate is required for the synthesis of sulfur-containing amino acids and numerous other compounds essential for the plant life cycle. The delivery of sulfate to seeds and its translocation between seed tissues is likely to require specific transporters. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the group 3 plasmalemma-predicted sulfate transporters (SULTR3) comprise five genes, all expressed in developing seeds, especially in the tissues surrounding the embryo. Here, we show that sulfur supply to seeds is unaffected by T-DNA insertions in the SULTR3 genes. However, remarkably, an increased accumulation of sulfate was found in mature seeds of four mutants out of five. In these mutant seeds, the ratio of sulfur in sulfate form versus total sulfur was significantly increased, accompanied by a reduction in free cysteine content, which varied depending on the gene inactivated. These results demonstrate a reduced capacity of the mutant seeds to metabolize sulfate and suggest that these transporters may be involved in sulfate translocation between seed compartments. This was further supported by sulfate measurements of the envelopes separated from the embryo of the sultr3;2 mutant seeds, which showed differences in sulfate partitioning compared with the wild type. A dissection of the seed proteome of the sultr3 mutants revealed protein changes characteristic of a sulfur-stress response, supporting a role for these transporters in providing sulfate to the embryo. The mutants were affected in 12S globulin accumulation, demonstrating the importance of intraseed sulfate transport for the synthesis and maturation of embryo proteins. Metabolic adjustments were also revealed, some of which could release sulfur from glucosinolates.

Sultr4;1 mutant seeds of Arabidopsis have an enhanced sulphate content and modified proteome suggesting metabolic adaptations to altered sulphate compartmentalization.

BACKGROUND: Sulphur is an essential macronutrient needed for the synthesis of many cellular components. Sulphur containing amino acids and stress response-related compounds, such as glutathione, are derived from reduction of root-absorbed sulphate. Sulphate distribution in cell compartments necessitates specific transport systems. The low-affinity sulphate transporters SULTR4;1 and SULTR4;2 have been localized to the vacuolar membrane, where they may facilitate sulphate efflux from the vacuole. RESULTS: In the present study, we demonstrated that the Sultr4;1 gene is expressed in developing Arabidopsis seeds to a level over 10-fold higher than the Sultr4;2 gene. A characterization of dry mature seeds from a Sultr4;1 T-DNA mutant revealed a higher sulphate content, implying a function for this transporter in developing seeds. A fine dissection of the Sultr4;1 seed proteome identified 29 spots whose abundance varied compared to wild-type. Specific metabolic features characteristic of an adaptive response were revealed, such as an up-accumulation of various proteins involved in sugar metabolism and in detoxification processes. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a role for SULTR4;1 in determining sulphate content of mature Arabidopsis seeds. Moreover, the adaptive response of sultr4;1 mutant seeds as revealed by proteomics suggests a function of SULTR4;1 in redox homeostasis, a mechanism that has to be tightly controlled during development of orthodox seeds.

Polydnaviruses of braconid wasps derive from an ancestral nudivirus.

Many species of parasitoid wasps inject polydnavirus particles in order to manipulate host defenses and development. Because the DNA packaged in these particles encodes almost no viral structural proteins, their relation to viruses has been debated. Characterization of complementary DNAs derived from braconid wasp ovaries identified genes encoding subunits of a viral RNA polymerase and structural components of polydnavirus particles related most closely to those of nudiviruses--a sister group of baculoviruses. The conservation of this viral machinery in different braconid wasp lineages sharing polydnaviruses suggests that parasitoid wasps incorporated a nudivirus-related genome into their own genetic material. We found that the nudiviral genes themselves are no longer packaged but are actively transcribed and produce particles used to deliver genes essential for successful parasitism in lepidopteran hosts.

Regulation of cathepsin K activity by hydrogen peroxide.

Although cysteine cathepsins, including cathepsin K, are sensitive to oxidation, proteolytically active forms are found at inflammatory sites. Regulation of cathepsin K activity was analyzed in the presence of H2O2 to gain an insight into these puzzling observations. H2O2 impaired processing of procathepsin K and inactivated its mature form in a time- and dose-dependent mode. However, as a result of the formation of a sulfenic acid, as confirmed by trapping in the presence of 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazol, approximately one-third of its initial activity was restored by dithiothreitol. This incomplete inactivation may partially explain why active cysteine cathepsins are still found during acute lung inflammation.

Nitro-thiocyanobenzoic acid (NTCB) reactivity of cysteines beta100 and beta110 in porcine luteinizing hormone: metastability and hypothetical isomerization of the two disulfide bridges of its beta-subunit seatbelt.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) like all other glycoprotein hormones is composed of two dissimilar subunits, alpha and beta, that are non-covalently associated. The heterodimer is stabilized by a region of the beta-subunit called the "seatbelt" because it wraps around the alpha-subunit and it is fastened by a disulfide bridge between cysteines beta26 and beta110. Although all 22 cysteines of porcine LH (pLH) are engaged in disulfide bridges, we previously showed that the free cysteine-specific reagent NTCB could react with pLH: it slowly cyanylated two cysteines in pLH and there was a close relationship between NTCB reaction with pLH and association/dissociation kinetics of its subunits. Therefore, cysteines beta26 and beta110 were considered as the best candidates for NTCB reaction. In order to identify the NTCB-reactive cysteines in pLH we have performed a mass spectroscopic analysis of the peptides released after mild basic hydrolysis of S-cyanylated pLH and its subunits. Only cysteines beta100 and beta110 were found to react with NTCB. Since these residues are not linked by a disulfide bridge in the crystallographic 3D structure of gonadotropins, it is proposed that their respective counterparts (Cysbeta93 and beta26) do not react with NTCB either because they are shielded from solvent or because they form a transient bridge. In the first hypothesis, both seatbelt bridges would be independently metastable; in the second one, a fast reversible isomerization between bridges beta26-beta110 and beta93-beta100 would occur. Such a reaction could be catalyzed by the previously recognized intrinsic protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) activity of gonadotropins.

Inhibition of a cathepsin L-like cysteine protease by a chimeric propeptide-derived inhibitor.

Like other papain-related cathepsins, congopain from Trypanosoma congolense is synthesized as a zymogen. We have previously identified a proregion-derived peptide (Pcp27), acting as a weak and reversible inhibitor of congopain. Pcp27 contains a 5-mer YHNGA motif, which is essential for selectivity in the inhibition of its mature form [Lalmanach, G., Lecaille, F., Chagas, J. R., Authié, E., Scharfstein, J., Juliano, M. A., and Gauthier, F. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 25112-25116]. In the work presented here, a homology model of procongopain was generated and subsequently used to model a chimeric 50-mer peptide (called H3-Pcp27) corresponding to the covalent linkage of an unrelated peptide (H3 helix from Antennapedia) to Pcp27. Molecular simulations suggested that H3-Pcp27 (pI = 9.99) maintains an N-terminal helical conformation, and establishes more complementary electrostatic interactions (E(coul) = -25.77 kcal/mol) than 16N-Pcp27, the 34-mer Pcp27 sequence plus the 16 native residues upstream from the proregion (E(coul) = 0.20 kcal/mol), with the acid catalytic domain (pI = 5.2) of the mature enzyme. In silico results correlated with the significant improvement of congopain inhibition by H3-Pcp27 (K(i) = 24 nM), compared to 16N-Pcp27 (K(i) = 1 microM). In addition, virtual alanine scanning of H3 and 16N identified the residues contributing most to binding affinity. Both peptides did not inhibit human cathepsins B and L. In conclusion, these data support the notion that the positively charged H3 helix favors binding, without modifying the selectivity of Pcp27 for congopain.

Shedding of the germinal angiotensin I-converting enzyme (gACE) involves a serine protease and is activated by epididymal fluid.

The present report describes how the soluble germinal angiotensin I-converting enzyme (gACE) appears in the epididymal fluid, where it has been identified in some laboratory rodents and domestic ungulates. We showed that this gACE results from an active proteolytic process that releases the enzyme's extracellular domain from sperm in a precise spatiotemporal location during epididymal transit and that this process involves serine protease activity. Using polyclonal antibodies against the C-terminal intracellular sequence of ACE, a fragment of approximately 10 kDa was detected on the sperm extract only in the epididymal region, where the gACE release occurs. The fluid enzyme was purified, and the cleavage site was determined by mass spectrometry to be between Arg622 and Leu623 of the mature sheep gACE sequence (equivalent to Arg627 and Arg1203 of the human mature gACE and somatic ACE sequences, respectively). Thereafter, the C-terminal Arg was removed, leaving Ala621 as a C-terminal. Using an in vitro assay, gACE cleavage from sperm was strongly increased by the presence of epididymal fluid from the release zone, and this increase was inhibited specifically by the serine protease-inhibitor AEBSF but not by para-aminobenzamidine. None of the other inhibitors tested, such as metallo- or cystein-protease inhibitors, had a similar effect on release. It was also found that this process did not involve changes in gACE phosphorylation.

The epididymal soluble prion protein forms a high-molecular-mass complex in association with hydrophobic proteins.

We have shown previously that a 'soluble' form of PrP (prion protein), not associated with membranous vesicles, exists in the male reproductive fluid [Ecroyd, Sarradin, Dacheux and Gatti (2004) Biol. Reprod. 71, 993-1001]. Attempts to purify this 'soluble' PrP indicated that it behaves like a high-molecular-mass complex of more than 350 kDa and always co-purified with the same set of proteins. The main associated proteins were sequenced by MS and were found to match to clusterin (apolipoprotein J), BPI (bacterial permeability-increasing protein), carboxylesterase-like urinary excreted protein (cauxin), beta-mannosidase and beta-galactosidase. Immunoblotting and enzymatic assay confirmed the presence of clusterin and a cauxin-like protein and showed that a 17 kDa hydrophobic epididymal protein was also associated with this complex. These associated proteins were not separated by a high ionic strength treatment but were by 2-mercaptoethanol, probably due to its action on reducing disulphide bonds that maintain the interaction of components of the complex. Our results suggest that the associated PrP retains its GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol) anchor, in contrast with brain-derived PrP, and that it is resistant to cleavage by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. Based on these results, the identity of the associated proteins and the overall biochemical properties of this protein ensemble, we suggest that 'soluble' PrP can form protein complexes that are maintained by hydrophobic interactions, in a similar manner to lipoprotein vesicles or micellar complexes.

Identification, proteomic profiling, and origin of ram epididymal fluid exosome-like vesicles.

Small membranous vesicles, between 25- and 75-nm diameter, were collected by high-speed centrifugation from the ram cauda epididymal fluid and were found to be normal constituents of this fluid and of the seminal plasma. The SDS-PAGE protein pattern of these vesicles was specific and very different from that of the caudal fluid, seminal plasma, sperm extract, and cytoplasmic droplets. After two-dimensional electrophoresis separation and mass spectrometry analysis, several proteins were identified and grouped into i) membrane-linked enzymes, such as dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), neprilysin (NEP), phosphodiesterase-I (E-NPP3), and protein G-beta; ii) vesicle-associated proteins, such as lactadherin (MFEG8-PAS6/7) and vacuolar ATPase; iii) several cytoskeleton-associated proteins, such as actin, ezrin and annexin; and iv) metabolic enzymes. The presence of some of these proteins as well as several different hydrophobic proteins secreted by the epididymis was further confirmed by immunoblotting. These markers showed that the majority of the vesicles originated from the cauda epididymal region. The physical and biochemical characteristics of these vesicles suggest they are the equivalent of the exosomes secreted by several cell types and epithelium. The main membrane-linked proteins of the vesicles were not retrieved in the extract from cauda or ejaculated sperm, suggesting that these vesicles did not fuse with sperm in vivo.