The 58-kDa microspherule protein (MSP58), a nucleolar protein, interacts with nucleolar protein p120.

Protein p120 is a proliferation-related nucleolar protein which is detectable early in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and peaks early in the S phase. Most human malignant tumors contain much higher levels of protein p120 than normal resting cells. To identify p120-associated protein(s), a yeast two-hybrid screen was carried out using protein p120 as the bait. Two positive clones encoded portions of a novel protein, designated microspherule protein 58 kDa (MSP58). MSP58 mRNA is 1.9 kb and encodes an approximately 58-kDa polypeptide of 462 amino acids as shown by Western blotting of HeLa nucleolar proteins. The mouse MSP58 homolog has 97% amino acid similarity to human MSP58, but no MSP58 homolog was found in the yeast genome. The MSP58 N-terminal region contains serine-rich clusters and its C-terminal region has a coiled-coil domain. In insect Sf9 cells, recombinant p120 and MSP58 proteins associated with each other, confirming the results of the yeast two-hybrid assay. Deletion mutations revealed that the binding of MSP58 to p120 required a previously unrecognized coiled-coil domain within the N-terminal region of p120 and the C-terminal region of MSP58 protein. Immunofluorescence indicated that the MSP58 protein is localized in microspherules in the nucleolus. Anti-MSP58 Ig labeled nucleolar 'caps' when HeLa cells were treated with actinomycin D. When the MSP58 protein was overexpressed in COS-7 cells, the nucleolus became irregularly enlarged, which suggests that MSP58 may affect the size and shape of the nucleolus.

CENP-G: a new centromeric protein that is associated with the alpha-1 satellite DNA subfamily.

A new constitutive centromere-specific protein (CENP) has been identified as a result of its recognition as an autoantigen by serum from a patient with gastric antral vascular ectasia disease. Conventional immunoblotting and two-dimensional double blotting with both this antiserum and a known anti-centromere antiserum showed that this antiserum predominantly recognized a Mr 95,000 protein that is different from all known CENPs. We have named this new protein CENP-G. This protein was detected at the centromeric region throughout the cell cycle. In mitosis, it was restricted to the kinetochore inner plate as shown by immunogold labeling and electron microscopy. The centromeres of some human chromosomes are known to contain two subfamilies of alpha-satellite DNA. Using immunofluorescence combined with fluorescent in situ hybridization with subfamily-specific DNA probes, we revealed that CENP-G was specifically associated with one of the subfamilies, which we have named alpha-1, but not the other. The localization and the alpha-1-specific association suggested that CENP-G may play a role in kinetochore organization and function. Like CENP-B and C, but unlike CENP-A, this protein remained with the nuclear matrix after intensive extraction. While CENP-B is absent from the human Y chromosome, the existence of CENP-G on the Y chromosome has been proven by immunofluorescence and whole chromosome painting. CENP-G was also detected in CHO, Indian muntjac and Chinese muntjac cells, suggesting that it is conserved in evolution.

Cloning and characterization of Gu/RH-II binding protein.

Gu/RNA helicase II (Gu/RH-II) is the first reported mammalian nucleolar RNA helicase that is a member of the D-E-A-D (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box family of proteins. It has an ATP-dependent RNA unwinding (helicase) activity and a separate RNA folding activity (introduction of intramolecular secondary structure into single-stranded RNA). To determine which proteins may bind to Gu/RH-II, a yeast two-hybrid system was used. A cDNA which encoded a protein, called Gu/RH-II binding protein or GBP, was isolated and sequenced. The GBP protein is localized to the nucleus in speckled or diffuse nucleoplasmic patterns. The GBP mRNA level is highest in testis, 9- to 49-fold greater than other tissues. When GBP interacts with Gu/RH-II, proteolytic cleavage of Gu/RH-II occurs; the amino-terminal portion of Gu/RH-II is critical for this proteolysis.

C23 interacts with B23, a putative nucleolar-localization-signal-binding protein.

The human protein C23 (nucleolin) is a major nucleolar protein. Its interactions with other proteins were studied with the two-hybrid system which identified nucleolar protein B23 (nucleophosmin) as being associated with C23. Both proteins were co-immunoprecipitated from HeLa cell nuclear extract by either monoclonal anti-C23 or monoclonal anti-B23. Binding studies utilizing deletion mutants indicated that the binding of C23 and B23 involves specific motifs. In addition to an approximately 46-amino-acid-binding domain in B23 (amino acids 194-239), amino acids 540-628 of C23 were required for binding; this region of C23 is required for the nucleolar localization. In addition, nucleolar protein p120 was also found to be co-immunoprecipitated with B23. A fragment of p120 containing a functional nucleolar localization signal bound to the truncated binding domain of B23, as did C23. These results suggest that the interaction of C23 and B23 may represent a nucleolar-targeting mechanism in which B23 acts as a nucleolar-localization signal-binding protein.

A nucleolar RNA helicase recognized by autoimmune antibodies from a patient with watermelon stomach disease.

Watermelon stomach is characterized by prominent stripes of ectatic vascular tissue in the stomach similar to stripes on a watermelon; in patients with this disorder chronic gastrointestinal bleeding occurs and approximately half of these patients have associated autoimmune disorders. In the serum of one patient, an antinucleolar antibody titer of 1:25 600 was found; the antibodies specifically recognized an approximately 100 kDa nucleolar protein, which we referred to as the 'Gu' protein. Its cDNA was cloned and sequenced. The Gu protein is a member of a new subgroup of RNA helicases, the DEXD box family. Gu protein fused with glutathione S-transferase contains ATP-dependent RNA helicase activity which preferably translocates in the 5'-->3' direction. Its RNA folding activity, RNA-dependent ATPase and dATPase activities, and its translocation direction are similar to those of RNA helicase II [Flores-Rozas, H. and Hurwitz, J. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 21372-21383]. Sequencing of 209 amino acids of RNA helicase II peptides showed 96.7% identity with the cDNA-derived amino acid sequence of the Gu protein. The precise biological roles of this RNA helicase in the biogenesis of ribosomal RNA and the pathogenesis of watermelon disease and autoimmune disorder require further study.

Combinatorial effects of monoclonal anti-p120 antibody (MAbp120), liposomes and hyperthermia on MCF-7 and LOX tumor cell lines.

The human nucleolar protein p120 is highly expressed in human cancers. Its high expression in breast cancer correlates with a poor prognosis, and its overexpression in 3T3 mouse fibroblasts causes malignant transformation. This study reports that a combination of monoclonal anti-p 120 antibody (MAbp120), liposomes (Lipo), and hyperthermia (HT) resulted in enhanced antitumor effects in cultured human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and human amelanotic melanoma (LOX) cells. Monoclonal antibody uptake and intracellular localization of the protein p120 were monitored by double labeling indirect immunofluorescence. Cell growth inhibition by the combination of MAbp120 + Lipo + HT was 65% for MCF-7 cells and 96% for LOX cells. When tested on LOX cells, monoclonal antibodies (MAbB23, MAbC23) to other nucleolar proteins (B23, C23) produced only slight cytotoxicity with similar treatment protocols.

Immunodominant RNA recognition motifs of human nucleolin/C23.

Nucleolin/C23 is a nucleolar phosphoprotein implicated in the synthesis, processing and transport of ribosomal RNA and gene transcription. Auto-antibodies to human nucleolin/C23 have been reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other systemic autoimmune disorders. To identify immunodominant regions in nucleolin/C23, deletion fragments of nucleolin/C23 were fused in frame with the glutathione S-transferase gene. Seven monoclonal anti-nucleolin/C23 antibodies were used to determine the immunoreactivity of the bacterially expressed fusion proteins. Two sets of immunogenic regions at amino acids 314-389 and 387-461 were identified; each contained overlapping discontinuous epitopes and a centrally located RNA recognition motif. An auto-immune serum from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus patient was found to contain antibodies against human nucleolin/C23 which recognized amino acids 387-461 of nucleolin/C23.

Apoptosis in human tumor cells following treatment with p120 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide ISIS 3466.

Previously, we reported that treatment of LOX cells in vitro with phosphorothioate oligonucleotide ISIS 3466 (antisense to the human nucleolar protein p120-FB2) produced a 70% cell kill and morphological changes including nucleolar unravelling, chromatin condensation and fragmentation, and a reduction in mitotic figures consistent with apoptosis. This report shows that HeLa cells treated with ISIS 3466 also developed apoptosis: nucleosomal ladders were found when the DNA from the treated HeLa cells was extracted and run on agarose gels. The morphological changes consistent with apoptosis were found more frequently in the floating cells than in the attached cells. The percentages of floating cells and attached cells were indicators of the toxicity of the different oligonucleotides studied. Of these, oligonucleotide ISIS 3466 produced the highest percent of floating cells (78.4%). Treatment of HeLa cells with other oligonucleotides produced fewer floating cells, and the characteristic nucleosomal ladder was not found following DNA extraction.

Nucleolar and nuclear aberrations in human lox tumor cells following treatment with p120 antisense oligonucleotide ISIS-3466.

Previous reports from this laboratory have shown marked cytocidal effects of the ISIS-3466 antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide to the human nucleolar protein p120 on human cancer cell lines in vitro and inhibition of tumor growth in vivo in an i.p/i.p. LOX cell model (L. Perlaky et al. Anti-Cancer Drug Design 8:3-14, 1993). In this study, light and fluorescence microscopy showed that the number of LOX cells in mitosis decreased by 50% after incubation for 4 h in 0.2-0.4 microM antisense oligonucleotide; a 70% reduction in cell number was found from 8-72 h post-treatment. In addition, marked unravelling of nucleolar structures and chromatin fragmentation was found after a 4-h incubation. The nucleolar unravelling occurred in varying degrees ranging from partial unfolding to almost complete separation of the strands of nucleolar residues. Twenty four hours post-treatment, immunofluorescence staining with the anti-p120 monoclonal antibody showed reduced nucleolar protein p120 and translocation of the p120 protein from the nucleoli to the nucleoplasm. Analysis of the mechanisms of the nucleolar unravelling and inhibition of mitosis will provide further understanding of the cytocidal effects of the ISIS-3466 antisense oligonucleotide.

The effect of antisense p120 construct on p120 expression and cell proliferation in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.

Malignant transformation of NIH3T3 cells was observed by transfection with the pSVX vector containing a sense human p120 cDNA construct (pSVX120). Subsequent transfection of these transformed cells with a dexamethasone inducible antisense p120 construct (pMSG021) markedly reduced the expression of human p120 and the growth rate of these transformed cells (Perklaky et al., Cancer Res., (1992) 52, 428-436). In the present study, a human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) which expresses the p120 protein was transfected by electroporation with a pSVX plasmid-construct containing the antisense p120 cDNA (pSVX021). Clones containing the pSVX021 construct were selected and analyzed for expression of p120 mRNA, protein and growth characteristics. The expression of the p120 protein was inhibited by 44% in the antisense-transfected MCF-7pSVX021 cells; a 56% inhibition of cell-growth and a reduced colony formation in soft agarose were also observed. The growth of MCF-7 cells transfected with the p120 antisense construct was reduced by 93% in nude mice.

Purification and characterization of a DNA-binding heterodimer of 52 and 100 kDa from HeLa cells.

In studies of protein binding to the upstream region of the human proliferation-associated antigen p120 gene, a heterodimer of 52 and 100 kDa proteins was purified from HeLa cells. A 1:1 ratio of p52 and p100 was constant throughout the purification. The heterodimer was localized to cell nuclei, as shown by immunofluorescence. The pI values of the p52 and p100 were 7.8 and 8.6 respectively. The peptide sequences obtained for p52 (QSNKTFNLEKQNHTPRKKHQ and PLRGKQLRVRFAAHSASLTVR) and for p100 (PGGPKPGGGPGLSTPGGHPKPPHRGGGEPPRGRQ and GPGPGQSGPKPPIPPPPPHQQ) were not found in the computer databanks. One p52 peptide sequence, PLRGKQLRVRFA, shows considerable sequence similarity to a conserved motif in topoisomerase II of multiple species. The p52/100 heterodimer bound to different DNA probes. The binding was competed by poly(dI-dC), sonicated salmon sperm DNA, and circular or linearized plasmid DNA. The optimal DNA binding for the heterodimer was at pH 7-9 with low salt. The DNA-binding subunit of the heterodimer was the p100 polypeptide, as shown by u.v.-cross-linking assays and Southwestern blots.

Growth inhibition of human tumor cell lines by antisense oligonucleotides designed to inhibit p120 expression.

The human nucleolar antigen p120 was detected with an anti-p120 monoclonal antibody (MAbp120) in most human malignant tumors (Freeman et al., Cancer Research, 48, 1244-1251, 1988). Stable transfection of the sense p120 cDNA caused malignant transformation of NIH/3T3 cells in vitro, and the antisense p120 constructs markedly delayed the growth of these transformed cells (Perlaky et al., Cancer Research, 52, 428-436, 1992). Several p120 antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides designed to hybridize with different regions of the p120 sequence were screened on human tumor cell lines in vitro. Marked growth inhibition of HeLa, LOX and HRCC cell lines was found, particularly with antisense p120 oligonucleotide ISIS 3466 in combination with N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA); oligonucleotide ISIS 3466 is complementary to a non-translated region at the 3' end of the molecule. Preliminary in vivo studies on human LOX ascites tumor in nude mice showed marked inhibitory effects on tumor growth by the antisense oligonucleotide ISIS 3466 in the presence of DOTMA when treated on alternate days.

A region of antisense RNA from human p120 cDNA with high homology to mouse p120 cDNA inhibits NIH 3T3 proliferation.

The human nucleolar p120 protein is a proliferation-associated antigen which is expressed in G1 and peaks during the early S phase of the cell cycle. Overexpression of the human p120 protein caused the transformation of NIH 3T3 cells and expression of an antisense p120 construct inhibited the growth of NIH 3T3 cells (Perlaky et al., Cancer Res., 52:428-436, 1992). The middle region of the antisense p120 RNA was found to be almost as inhibitory as the full length antisense construct but the 5' and 3' antisense portions did not affect NIH 3T3 cell proliferation. After the mouse p120 complementary DNA was cloned and sequenced, comparison with the human p120 complementary DNA showed a striking conservation of 85% of the nucleotide sequence and 96% of the amino acid sequence. The two ends of the p120 molecule had less homology in their nucleotide and amino acid sequences. Based on this homology, the observed inhibitory effects of the middle portion of antisense human p120 RNA may be related to suppression of mouse p120 expression by RNA:RNA duplex formation. The high evolutionary conservation of the middle region suggests it has a critical role for the function of this protein.

Characterization of antibodies against methyl-pppN cap structure: plant U3 small nucleolar RNA is recognized by these antibodies.

In eukaryotes, many small nuclear RNAs contain either a trimethylguanosine cap structure of a gamma-monomethyl (me) cap structure. Previously, we reported the characterization of anti-mepppG antibodies which recognize methyl-capped RNAs with G as the initiation nucleotide. We report here the preparation of antibodies against mepppN cap structure. Anti-mepppN antibodies recognized only mepppN from a mixture of mepppN and pppN and immunoprecipitated mepppA-capped U3 small nucleolar RNA from a mixture of cowpea cell RNAs. These anti-mepppN antibodies recognized methylated nucleoside triphosphates (mepppA, mepppC, mepppG and mepppU) with nearly equal efficiency; however, these antibodies did not recognize methyl phosphate or methylated mononucleotides. These antibodies will be useful in the identification and characterization of all methyl-capped RNAs no matter which is the initiation nucleotide.

Increased growth of NIH/3T3 cells by transfection with human p120 complementary DNA and inhibition by a p120 antisense construct.

The human nucleolar antigen p120 was detected with an anti-p120 monoclonal antibody in most human malignant tumors but not in most resting human tissues (J. W. Freeman et al., Cancer Res., 48: 1244-1251, 1988) and has been used as a prognostic tumor marker in breast cancer patients (J. W. Freeman et al., Cancer Res., 51: 1973-1978, 1991). After the complementary DNA and gene for the human p120 protein were isolated and sequenced (review: H. Busch, Cancer Res., 50: 4830-4838, 1990), constructs were prepared to study the expression of the sense p120 and its antisense, p021 message. NIH/3T3 cells were transfected by electroporation with pSVX plasmids containing either the p120 complementary DNA (pSVX120) or the antisense, p021 DNA (pSVX021), and clones containing these constructs were selected. The expression of p120 or p021 in these constructs was regulated by Moloney murine leukemia virus long terminal repeats. In pSVX120-transfected NIH/3T3 cells, the expressed human p120 protein was localized to the nucleoli as shown by anti-p120 monoclonal antibody immunofluorescence. Expression of the p120 message and protein was confirmed by Northern (mRNA) and Western (protein) blots. Transfection of the p120 complementary DNA in sense orientation caused malignant transformation of NIH/3T3 cells in vitro and produced rapidly growing tumors in nude mice. Transfection of the antisense p120 constructs markedly delayed the growth of these tumors in vitro and in vivo (L. Perlaky et al., Proc. Am. Assoc. Cancer Res., 32: 1682, 1991). When transformed 3T3/pSVX120 cells were transfected with an inducible antisense p120 construct (pMSG021), dexamethasone induction decreased the growth rate by 62%, and the cell line returned to its normal phenotype. Northern blot analysis showed a decreased level of p120 mRNA, and the immunofluorescence was also markedly reduced.

Purification of a group of HeLa nuclear proteins that bind to a regulatory element (-1430/-1327) of the human proliferating cell nucleolar protein P120 gene.

A group of proteins was purified from HeLa nuclear extract by DNA affinity chromatography which bind to an important regulatory element (-1430/-1327) of the P120 gene. The DNA binding activity was enriched 1075 fold. By silver staining three major polypeptides (50, 40, 37 kDa) were detected in the purified fraction. The band shift assay and the southwestern assay showed that the 50 kDa protein (P50) binds to the F1 (-1430/-1327) DNA fragment. The binding specificity of the group of proteins with F1 DNA in the presence of non-specific competitor DNA is much higher than that of P50 alone. On the basis of molecular weight and specific antibody binding, the 37 kDa protein appears to be the B23 nucleolar protein.

Nucleolar protein P120 and its targeting for cancer chemotherapy.

Identification of the G1-P120 antigen with the aid of the monoclonal antibody to its "human-specific epitope" has resulted in rapid development of information on its molecular biology. With the monoclonal antibody, it rapidly became possible to identify and subsequently sequence its cDNA and with cDNA clones to isolate and sequence its genomic DNA. It was demonstrated that the protein had 4 major domains: a basic domain, an acidic domain, a hydrophobic and methionine-rich domain and a domain rich in cysteine and proline residues. In addition to a nuclear recognition signal, the epitope region is juxtaposed to phosphorylation sites. The epitope region contains the sequence Gln-Ala-Ala-Ala-Gly-Ile-Asn-Trp which is unique to the human P120 molecule; this may be a site for drug attack either by analogs to the region or by novel constructs based on antisense oligonucleotides. When tumor cells were transfected with antisense constructs of the P120 gene, growth rates were markedly reduced. 3T3 cells transformed by transfection with the P120 gene reverted to a nontransformed state by subsequent transfection and activation of a P120 antisense construct. Opportunities for control of malignant cells with antisense oligonucleotides are currently under study.

Prognostic significance of proliferation associated nucleolar antigen P120 in human breast carcinoma.

Nucleolar antigen P120 is detected in rapidly proliferating cells but not in normal resting cells or in many benign and slowly growing malignant tumors. The objective of the study was to determine whether the expression of P120 in breast cancer correlated with histopathological or biological properties associated with prognosis. In this retrospective study, 120 primary breast tumors were analyzed for P120; 114 of these tumors were also stained for the erbB-2 protein. Immunopositive staining was correlated with patient survival, nodal status, estrogen receptor levels, and number of mitoses. Sixty-nine % (83 of 120) of the tumors were positive for P120; 25% (28 of 114) stained positively for erbB-2. Of the 28 erbB-2 positive tumors 26 were also positive for the P120 protein. Forty-six % (55 of 120) of the specimens were from patients who later died from recurrent breast cancer; P120 was detected in 89% (49 of 55) of these specimens. In 52% of the survivors the P120 protein was also expressed. P120 negative tumors were highly correlative with survival (P = 0.0001); 84% (32 of 37) of patients with P120 negative tumors survived more than 7 years without evidence of recurrent disease. Multivariate analysis showed that the worst prognosis was for patients who had tumor positive nodes and expressed P120 (P = 0.0001); death occurred in 73% (30 of 41) of these patients. For the node negative patients who did not express P120, 5-year survival was 90% (19 of 21 patients); 5-year survival for the node negative patients who expressed P120 was significantly less (67%; 28 of 42 patients). Patients with P120 negative tumors had a good prognosis, irrespective of their nodal status. In this group, survival of node negative patients was 86% (18 of 21) and for those with positive nodes survival was 82% (13 of 16). A poor prognosis was found for patients with intense erbB-2 stained tumors (5 of 7 patients died). Weak staining of erbB-2 tumors (21 specimens) was not correlated with patient survival. Compared to P120 negative tumors, P120 positive tumors had greater numbers of mitoses (9.06 versus 6.65) and an almost 2-fold increase in the occurrence of positive nodes (one of every 4.67 versus one of every 8.81). The number of P120 positive tumors was greater in estrogen receptor positive tumors (75%) than in estrogen negative tumors (54%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of U6 small nuclear RNA cap-specific antibodies. Identification of gamma-monomethyl-GTP cap structure in 7SK and several other human small RNAs.

The cap structure in human U6 small nuclear (sn)RNA, gamma-monomethylguanosine triphosphate (meGTP), was conjugated to human serum albumin and used as antigen to raise polyclonal antibodies in rabbits. The resulting antibodies reacted specifically with meGTP but not with GTP, GDP, GMP, meGMP, meATP, meCTP, meUTP, or with methyl phosphate in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and/or in radioimmunoassays. Although less efficiently, meGDP was also recognized by these antibodies. Indirect immunofluorescence studies with anti-meGTP antibodies showed predominantly nuclear immunofluorescence. Anti-meGTP antibodies immunoprecipitated intact U6 snRNA from a mixture of HeLa cell RNAs. In addition to the U6 snRNA, anti-meGTP antibodies immunoprecipitated several additional small RNAs that varied in length from approximately 50 to 330 nucleotides. These RNAs contained the meGTP cap structure and are structurally distinct from U6 snRNA. One of these meGTP-containing RNAs was found to be previously characterized 7SK RNA; human 7SK RNA synthesized in vitro also contained the same cap structure. Results obtained in this study provide evidence for the presence of gamma-monomethyl-GTP cap structure in a wide spectrum of human cellular RNAs. These antibodies will be useful in studying the structure and function of this new family of small RNAs.

Phosphorylation of the human cell proliferation-associated nucleolar protein p120.

The human cell proliferation-associated nucleolar protein p120 was found in a variety of human cancer specimens but not in most normal resting cells. Polyclonal antibodies raised against bacterially expressed p120 were used to immunoprecipitate the p120 protein isolated from 32P-labeled HeLa cells. The p120 protein was phosphorylated at serine, threonine and tyrosine residues. A tryptic peptide map showed it contained three labeled peptides. One of these peptides comigrated with a p120 peptide phosphorylated in vitro by casein kinase II. This peptide was phosphorylated in vitro both at Ser-181 and Thr-185. This region is juxtaposed to the epitope site recognized by the anti-p120 monoclonal antibody.