Genetic background influences UPR but not PLP processing in the rumpshaker model of PMD/SPG2.

Mutations of the proteolipid protein gene (PLP1) cause Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) and Spastic paraplegia type 2 (SPG2). The rumpshaker mutation is associated with mild forms of PMD or SPG2 in man and the identical mutation occurs in mice, the phenotype depending on genetic background. The mild phenotype in C3H mice becomes a lethal disease when expressed on the C57BL/6 background. rumpshaker PLP is synthesised at a similar rate to wild type but is rapidly degraded by the proteasome. We show that the rates of synthesis, degradation and myelin incorporation of PLP/DM20 are similar in mutants on both backgrounds and therefore differences in PLP processing are unlikely to be the basis of the phenotypic variation. An unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated in rumpshaker. Whereas activation of CHOP correlates with phenotypic severity, we find no difference in the response of BiP and X-box protein1 (Xbp1) between the two strains.

Genetic background determines phenotypic severity of the Plp rumpshaker mutation.

The rumpshaker mutation of the proteolipid protein (Plp) gene causes dysmyelination in man and mouse. We show that the phenotype in the mouse depends critically on the genetic background in which the mutation is expressed. On the C3H background there is normal longevity whereas changing to a C57BL/6 strain results in seizures and death at around postnatal day 30. The more severe phenotype is associated with less myelin and reduced levels of major myelin proteins. There are also more apoptotic cells, including oligodendrocytes, increased numbers of proliferating cells, increased numbers of NG2+ oligodendrocyte progenitors and increased microglia compared to the milder phenotype. The number of mature oligodendrocytes is similar to wild-type in both strains of mutant, however, suggesting that increased oligodendrocyte death is matched by increased generation from progenitors. The dichotomy of phenotype probably reflects the influence of modifying loci. The localization of these putative modifying genes and their mode of action remain to be determined.

Evidence for possible interactions between PLP and DM20 within the myelin sheath.

PLP and its smaller DM20 isoform constitute the major proteins of CNS myelin. Previous studies indicated a role for the proteins in maintaining the intraperiod line of the myelin sheath and the integrity of axons and suggested that both isoforms were necessary to provide these functions. The present study shows that each isoform is capable individually of inserting into compact myelin. Employing chromatographic extraction procedures designed to maintain the natural conformation of the proteins we found that most PLP and DM20 remained associated. Using an antibody specific to the PLP isoform, we were able to co-immunoprecipitate DM20 from the major fraction of the extracted equine myelin and from mouse native whole myelin. We suggest that PLP and DM20 may form a hetero-oligomeric complex within the myelin sheath, probably in association with specific lipids and that this arrangement is essential for the normal structure of myelin and axons.

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The current Vice President for Students of the American Dental Education Association and a recent graduate who also completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency looks at dental education in light of the current demands on beginning dental practitioners. He describes the didactic curriculum that incorporates much new material on the changing foundations of health and dental materials and the comprehensive care, competency-based clinical model typical of most schools. He also discusses how debt, community service, practice opportunities, and initial licensure affect recent graduates' perceptions of the profession. He concludes that continuous learning is the obligation of all dentists, regardless of when they may have graduated.

Reduced levels of a specific myelin-associated oligodendrocytic basic protein isoform in shiverer myelin.

Myelin-associated oligodendrocytic basic protein (MOBP) and myelin basic protein (MBP) share many structural similarities. MOBP is synthesised by mature oligodendrocytes and localised at the major dense line (MDL), suggesting a role in the myelin compaction process. The shiverer mouse, a deletion mutant of the myelin basic protein (Mbp) gene, has poorly compacted myelin with essentially no MDL. In this study we compare the developmental expression of the Mobp gene in wild-type and shiverer mice. The significant finding is that one of the two abundant MOBP isoforms, the approximately 20-kD species, is poorly incorporated into shiverer myelin. The absence is specific to shiverer and is not a feature of dysmyelinating mutants with an abnormal intraperiod line. Our data suggest that incorporation of this MOBP isoform into shiverer myelin may be influenced by the presence of MBP or be a consequence of a disrupted MDL.

Cytoskeletal and nuclear localization of myelin oligodendrocytic basic protein isoforms.

The recently described single copy myelin-associated oligodendrocytic basic protein (Mobp) gene is expressed exclusively in the central nervous system (CNS). The gene encodes a family of small highly basic polypeptides with predicted amino acid lengths of 69, 71, 81, 99 and 170, all of which share a 68 residue amino terminal. Here we report on the subcellular distribution of two of these polypeptides termed MOBP81 and MOBP170 in transiently transfected Cos7 cells using an antibody raised against a region common to all isoforms of MOBP. Additionally, we describe MOBP trafficking in cultured mouse spinal cord oligodendrocytes. Immunostaining for MOBP81 is intense in the perinuclear region and extends throughout the cytoplasm colocalizing with the microtubular cytoskeletal network. Consistent with this we demonstrate that MOBP partitions with the cytoskeletal fraction prepared from myelin. In contrast, although MOBP170 is present in the cytoplasm it does not colocalize with the cytoskeleton and displays a greater variation in distribution. In the majority of transfectants immunostaining is present throughout the karyoplasm but with increased intensity around the nucleolus. Within mouse primary oligodendrocytes endogenous MOBP is present in the cell body and processes colocalizing with the microtubular network. Immunoreactivity is not detectable in the nucleus in these mature oligodendrocytes. These significant differences in MOBP81 and MOBP170 protein kinesis coupled to different expression profiles of their respective message populations may be indicative of both myelin structural and cellular/regulatory functions, respectively, for these polypeptides.

Late-onset neurodegeneration in mice with increased dosage of the proteolipid protein gene.

Mutations of the proteolipid protein (Plp) gene cause a generalized central nervous system (CNS) myelin deficit in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease of man and various tremor syndromes in animal models. X-linked spastic paraplegia is also due to Plp gene mutations but has a different clinical profile and more restricted pathology involving specific tracts and regions. We have shown previously that PLP overexpression in mice homozygous for a Plp transgene results in premature arrest of CNS myelination and premature death. Here, we demonstrate that a low-level increase in Plp gene expression in transgenic mice causes significant axonal degeneration and demyelination with predilection for specific tracts. Following normal motor development, aged mice develop progressive myelin loss, axonal swellings with resultant Wallerian degeneration, and marked vacuolation of the neuropil associated with ataxia, tremor, and seizures. The age of onset and severity of the phenotype is a function of Plp gene dosage. The corticospinal tracts, optic nerve, fasciculus gracilis cerebellum, and brainstem are particularly involved. Although oligodendrocyte cell bodies show little abnormality, their inner adaxonal tongue is often abnormal, suggesting a perturbation of the axon/glial interface that may underlie the axonal changes. We conclude that abnormal expression of an oligodendrocyte-specific gene can cause axonal damage, a finding that is relevant to the pathogenesis of PLP-associated disorders and probably to other myelin-related diseases.

The selectivity in vitro of the stereoisomers of the beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist BRL 37344.

The stimulation by BRL 37344 of lipolysis in rat adipose tissues, and of relaxation of the rat distal colon, is mediated by the beta-3 adrenoceptor. The stereochemical requirements of the beta-3 adrenoceptor are poorly understood. The activities of the four stereoisomers of BRL 37344 (i.e., two pairs of diastereoisomers) on three beta-3 adrenoceptor-mediated responses (brown and white adipose tissue lipolysis and relaxation of distal colon) have been determined and compared with those responses mediated by beta-1 adrenoceptors (increase in atrial rate) and beta-2 adrenoceptors (uterine relaxation). The potency order for the stereoisomers (RR>RS=SR>>SS) was the same for all tissues, regardless of whether the response was mediated by beta-1, beta-2 or beta-3 adrenoceptors. These results indicate that both chiral centers are determinants of agonist potency at all three subtypes of the beta adrenoceptor. Furthermore, agonist activity at beta-1, beta-2 and beta-3 adrenoceptors resides predominantly with the RR enantiomer. Finally, the RR enantiomer of BRL 37344 was a more potent agonist in brown adipocytes (EC50 = 3.3 +/- 0.8 nM) than in white adipocytes (EC50 = 5.7 +/- 0.9 nM) or colon (EC50 = 27.5 +/- 7.7 nM).

Repeat treatment of obese mice with BRL 49653, a new potent insulin sensitizer, enhances insulin action in white adipocytes. Association with increased insulin binding and cell-surface GLUT4 as measured by photoaffinity labeling.

(+/-)-5-([4-[2-Methyl-2(pyridylamino)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl) 2,4-thiazolidinedione (BRL 49653) is a new potent antidiabetic agent that improves insulin sensitivity in animal models of NIDDM. In C57BL/6 obese (ob/ob) mice, BRL 49653, included in the diet for 8 days, improved glucose tolerance. The half-maximal effective dose was 3 mumol/kg diet, which is equivalent to approximately 0.1 mg/kg body wt. Improvements in glucose tolerance were accompanied by significant reductions in circulating triacylglycerol, nonesterified fatty acids, and insulin. The insulin receptor number of epididymal white adipocytes prepared from obese mice treated with BRL 49653 (30 mumol/kg diet) for 14 days was increased twofold. The affinity of the receptor for insulin was unchanged. In the absence of added insulin, the rates of glucose transport in adipocytes from untreated and BRL 49653-treated obese mice were similar. Insulin (73 nmol/l) produced only a 1.5-fold increase in glucose transport in adipocytes from control obese mice, whereas after BRL 49653 treatment, insulin stimulated glucose transport 2.8-fold. BRL 49653 did not alter the sensitivity of glucose transport to insulin. The increase in insulin responsiveness was accompanied by a 2.5-fold increase in the total tissue content of the glucose transporter GLUT4. Glucose transport in adipocytes from lean littermates was not altered by BRL 49653. To establish the contribution of changes in glucose transporter trafficking to the BRL 49653-mediated increase in insulin action, the cell-impermeant bis-mannose photolabel 2-N-[4-(1-azi-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)benzoyl]-1,3-bis-(D-mannos++ +-4-yloxy) -2-[2-3H]-propylamine was used to measure adipocyte cell-surface-associated glucose transporters.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of adenylyl cyclase in goldfish brain.

The rate of production of cAMP by the adenylyl cyclase enzyme from goldfish brain was linear with time and with protein concentration. In agreement with mammalian adenylyl cyclase systems the enzyme is divalent cation dependent, being activated in the presence of either Mg2+ or Mn2+. Forskolin also stimulated the rate of reaction in a dose-dependent manner with a half-maximal effect of 1 microM. The activated enzyme was inhibited by high concentrations of Ca2+ but was independent of Na+ concentration. The presence of guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G-proteins) was demonstrated by the fact that both NaF and guanosine 5'-[beta gamma-imido]triphosphate (p[NH]ppG) stimulated the basal rate. In addition, the p[NH]ppG dose-response curve of the forskolin-stimulated enzyme was biphasic, similar to that observed for other systems. At low concentrations of p[NH]ppG a small inhibition was observed while higher concentrations produced a stimulation. These data suggest that the goldfish brain adenylyl cyclase enzyme complex includes both stimulatory and inhibitory G-proteins in addition to the catalytic unit. A series of known and putative goldfish neurotransmitter substances failed to either stimulate or inhibit the adenylyl cyclase activity. The endogenous neurotransmitters which interact with this second messenger system remain to be determined.

Interaction of guanine nucleotides with [3H]kainate and 6-[3H]cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione binding in goldfish brain.

Recent reports have suggested that a major proportion of [3H]kainate binding in goldfish brain is to a novel form of G-protein-linked glutamate receptor. Here we confirm that guanine nucleotides decrease [3H]kainate binding in goldfish brain membranes, but that binding is also reduced to a similar extent under conditions where G-protein modulation should be minimised. Inclusion of GTP gamma S resulted in an approximately twofold decrease in the affinity of [3H]kainate binding and a 50% reduction in the apparent Bmax values in both Mg2+/Na+ and Mg2+/Na(+)-free buffer when assayed at 0 degrees C. The pharmacology of [3H]kainate binding is similar to that of well-characterised ionotropic kainate receptors but unlike that of known metabotropic glutamate receptors, with neither 1S,3R-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD) nor ibotenic acid being effective competitors. The molecular mass of the [3H]kainate binding protein, as determined by radiation inactivation, was 40 kDa, similar to the subunit sizes of other lower vertebrate kainate binding proteins that are believed to comprise ligand-gated ion channels. Furthermore, GTP gamma S also inhibited the binding of the non-NMDA receptor-selective antagonist 6-[3H]cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione. These data strongly suggest that the regulatory interaction between guanine nucleotides and [3H]kainate and 6-[3H]cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione binding is complex and involves competition at the agonist/antagonist binding site in addition to any G-protein-mediated modulation.

Correlation of beta 3-adrenoceptor-induced activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase with activation of lipolysis in rat white adipocytes.

The lipolytic action of the beta 3-adrenoceptor-selective agonist 4-[2-[(2-hydroxy-2-(3-chlorophenyl)ethyl)-amino]propyl]-phenoxyacetic acid (BRL 37344) was compared to that of isoprenaline in adipocytes derived from rat white adipose tissue. Concentration-response curves for activation of lipolysis by each agonist correlated well with the dose-response curves for activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (A-Kinase). Addition of propranolol at a concentration (0.1 microM) sufficient to block beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors did not affect the stimulation of either parameter by BRL 37344 or isoprenaline, indicating that lipolysis was predominantly dependent on beta 3-adrenoceptor stimulation. Blockade of beta 3-adrenoceptors by 3 microM propranolol antagonized both A-Kinase activation and glycerol release. Activation of lipolysis by BRL 37344 was blocked by treatment of the cells with N-[2-p-(bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulphonamide (H89) a potent and selective isoquinolinesulphonamide inhibitor of A-Kinase activity. Taken together, these results indicate that lipolysis in rat white adipocytes is primarily controlled by beta 3-adrenoceptors, and that cyclic AMP generation alone is responsible for activation of lipolysis in this tissue.

Developmental expression of major myelin protein genes in the CNS of X-linked hypomyelinating mutant rumpshaker.

Rumpshaker (rsh) is an X-linked mutation causing hypomyelination of the CNS of mice and has recently been identified as an allele of jimpy (jp). The mutation (known as jprsh) differs in several respects from other X-linked myelin mutants, including jp, in that mice have normal longevity, oligodendrocyte numbers are not decreased, and cell death is not a feature. Myelin sheaths are deficient in immunostainable PLP protein. The present study examines the developmental expression of the major myelin protein genes and translatability of PLP and MBP mRNA. Differences between the spinal cord and brain of mutants are evident in that mRNA levels are more markedly decreased in the brain. Protein levels are severely reduced in both locations and to a proportionately greater extent than the mRNA, particularly in the spinal cord where PLP RNA and protein are approximately 80% and 10-20%, respectively, of age-matched wild type mice. DM-20 protein, the other major product of the PLP gene, is disproportionately expressed in rumpshaker as is a 10 kDa proteolipid. In vitro translation studies indicate a marked decrease in PLP translation products from mutant RNA. There is no deficiency in the number of PLP mRNA-expressing oligodendrocytes although the abundance per cell is reduced. The data suggest that the phenotypic effects of the mutation may be associated with reduced translation of major myelin proteins, in particular PLP and its incorporation into compact myelin. However, the mutation is compatible with survival of oligodendrocytes and their differentiation to the stage of expressing PLP/DM-20 mRNA.

Demonstration of inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein (Gi) function in liver and hepatocyte membranes from streptozotocin-treated rats.

By using a defined plasma-membrane preparation, functional inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity by the inhibitory G-protein (Gi) was observed in liver and hepatocyte membranes from rats made diabetic by streptozotocin. These observations contrast with previous reports which have shown a defect in Gi in this diabetic animal model. These results suggest that Gi function is not impaired in the livers of streptozotocin-treated rats and that plasma-membrane preparation procedures should be clearly defined before ascribing Gi defects to a pathological state such as diabetes.

P0 gene expression in cultured Schwann cells.

This study examines the expression of the major myelin protein gene P0 in cultured Schwann cells, grown on their own or in association with neurons. Many freshly dissociated Schwann cells from actively myelinating nerves express Po mRNA in high abundance. If neurons are not present, signal intensity falls markedly with time so that by 7 days in culture only a basal expression is evident which is negligible compared to the level in vivo. Dorsal root ganglia from embryo day 16 (E16) rats contain no significant levels of Po mRNA but when grown in full myelinating medium (containing serum and embryo extract) increasing expression is seen from 4 to 5 days onward even though myelination does not occur until after the second week. In this intervening period the intensity of P0 mRNA expression is lower than that found in the actively myelinating cell. Neurons from sympathetic ganglia are also capable of inducing P0 mRNA expression. Schwann cells in dorsal root ganglia explants grown in serum-free defined medium do not assemble a basal lamina and will not wrap or myelinate axons. Nevertheless P0 mRNA, but not protein, is expressed in levels similar to those found in full myelinating medium prior to myelination. Such Schwann cells also exhibit galactocerebroside and the sulphatide recognised by the 04 antibody. It appears that in defined medium or in myelinating medium prior to myelination axonal signals can induce P0 mRNA expression to a certain degree. However, full up-regulation is usually associated with the rapid membrane expansion accompanying myelination. Whether this augmented up-regulation is due to further axonal signalling or events in the Schwann cell is unknown, but the results suggest that P0 expression can be regulated at several stages of synthesis.

Evaluation of inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein Gi function in hepatocyte and liver membranes from obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats and their lean (Fa/?) littermates.

Previous studies have shown that hepatocyte and liver membranes from insulin resistant animals exhibit an impairment of inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding regulatory protein, Gi function, such that a Gi defect may contribute towards the diabetic syndrome. In the current studies, it is shown that the demonstration of Gi activity in liver and hepatocyte membranes is dependent critically on the membrane preparation technique. A technique is defined that allows functional Gi activity to be demonstrated in liver and hepatocyte membranes from both lean (Fa/?) and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats. Consequently, previous reports on the loss of Gi function in insulin resistant states require revaluation.