Quality of life and financial impacts of permanent colostomy for rectal cancer

Introduction: Returning to work is an important cancer recovery milestone. Permanent colostomy can be required for rectal cancer treatment and can significantly impact well-being. We aimed to evaluate the impact of permanent colostomy on health-related quality of life and return to work in patients with rectal cancer. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study on 23 employed patients receiving curative surgery for rectal cancer requiring permanent colostomy. Demographic and health-related quality-of-life questionnaires (the Colostomy Impact Score (CIS), the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-C30, and the EORTC QLQ-CR29) were posted to eligible patients. Results: On average, patients (10 female, 13 male, mean age 61.8 years) were 5.0 ± 3.5 years post-surgery. At the time of questioning, 73.9% had returned to work (21.7% changed their type of work), while 17.4% never returned to work. Of those that returned to work, 11.8% returned within 1 month of surgery, while 23.5% had not returned after 12 months. Comparison of CIS between patients that returned to the same work (14.6 ± 0.93), changed their work (13.0 ± 0.74), and did not return to work (14.3 ± 2.3) revealed no significant differences (p = 0.36). CIS did not correlate with days worked on return, or time to return to work (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Returning to work following rectal cancer treatment with permanent colostomy is challenging, with 17.4% never returning to work. Of those who returned to work, 23.5% required more than 12 months. This was not associated with CIS in our study. (AU)

Orthogonal external ventricular drain (EVD) trajectory from burr holes sited by junior neurosurgical staff is superior to freehand placement: An in-silico model.

External ventricular drain (EVD) or ventriculostomy placement is one of the most common neurosurgical procedures performed worldwide and is associated with complications including haemorrhage, malposition and infection. Several authors have attempted to define an ideal trajectory for placement, and scalp-mounted guidance devices have been devised to exploit the theoretical ideal orthogonal trajectory from the scalp to the lateral ventricles. However, uptake has been limited due to lack of demonstrated superiority to freehand placement. Previous modelling studies have failed to include a true-to-life sample of patients undergoing EVD insertion and excluded cases with midline shift or non-hydrocephalus indications. Further, none have attempted to model the orthogonal insertion of EVD via actual burr holes placed by junior neurosurgical staff. In our report of 58 cases of frontal EVD insertion in a low-volume Australian neurosurgical unit freehand EVD insertion resulted in acceptable placement in the ipsilateral frontal horn in 62% of cases, any ventricle in 22%, and in eloquent or non-eloquent brain in 16% of cases. The modelled orthogonal trajectory from the same burr holes, using post-procedural computed tomography scans and the S8 Stealth Station (Medtronic), resulted in superior placement; 80% in the ipsilateral frontal horn and 20% contralateral (p = 0.007). There were no significant malpositions associated with the modelled trajectories. In our series, 18% of freehand catheters required multiple placement attempts. In conclusion, our data suggests that an orthogonal trajectory may result in improved EVD positioning compared to freehand placement.

Evidence against dopamine D1/D2 receptor heteromers.

Hetero-oligomers of G-protein-coupled receptors have become the subject of intense investigation, because their purported potential to manifest signaling and pharmacological properties that differ from the component receptors makes them highly attractive for the development of more selective pharmacological treatments. In particular, dopamine D1 and D2 receptors have been proposed to form hetero-oligomers that couple to Gαq proteins, and SKF83959 has been proposed to act as a biased agonist that selectively engages these receptor complexes to activate Gαq and thus phospholipase C. D1/D2 heteromers have been proposed as relevant to the pathophysiology and treatment of depression and schizophrenia. We used in vitro bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, ex vivo analyses of receptor localization and proximity in brain slices, and behavioral assays in mice to characterize signaling from these putative dimers/oligomers. We were unable to detect Gαq or Gα11 protein coupling to homomers or heteromers of D1 or D2 receptors using a variety of biosensors. SKF83959-induced locomotor and grooming behaviors were eliminated in D1 receptor knockout (KO) mice, verifying a key role for D1-like receptor activation. In contrast, SKF83959-induced motor responses were intact in D2 receptor and Gαq KO mice, as well as in knock-in mice expressing a mutant Ala(286)-CaMKIIα that cannot autophosphorylate to become active. Moreover, we found that, in the shell of the nucleus accumbens, even in neurons in which D1 and D2 receptor promoters are both active, the receptor proteins are segregated and do not form complexes. These data are not compatible with SKF83959 signaling through Gαq or through a D1/D2 heteromer and challenge the existence of such a signaling complex in the adult animals that we used for our studies.

Calmodulin kinase and a calmodulin-binding 'IQ' domain facilitate L-type Ca2+ current in rabbit ventricular myocytes by a common mechanism.

1. Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK) and a calmodulin (CaM)-binding 'IQ' domain (IQ) are both implicated in Ca2+-dependent regulation of L-type Ca2+ current (I(Ca)). We used an IQ-mimetic peptide (IQmp), under conditions in which CaMK activity was controlled, to test the relationship between these CaM-activated signalling elements in the regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) and I(Ca) in rabbit ventricular myocytes. 2. A specific CaMK inhibitory peptide nearly abolished I(Ca) facilitation, but the facilitation was 'rescued' by cell dialysis with IQmp. 3. IQmp significantly enhanced I(Ca) facilitation and slowed the fast component of I(Ca) inactivation, compared with an inactive control peptide. Neither effect could be elicited by a more avid CaM-binding peptide, suggesting that generalized CaM buffering did not account for the effects of IQmp. 4. I(Ca) facilitation was abolished and the fast component of inactivation eliminated by ryanodine, caffeine or thapsigargin, suggesting that the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is an important source of Ca2+ for I(Ca) facilitation and inactivation. IQmp did not restore I(Ca) facilitation under these conditions. 5. Engineered Ca2+-independent CaMK and IQmp each markedly increased LTCC open probability (P(o)) in excised cell membrane patches. The LTCC P(o) increases with CaMK and IQmp were non-additive, suggesting that CaMK and IQmp are components of a shared signalling pathway. 6. Both CaMK and IQmp induced a modal gating shift in LTCCs that favoured prolonged openings, indicating that CaMK and IQmp affect LTCCs through a common biophysical mechanism. 7. These findings support the hypothesis that CaMK is required for physiological I(Ca) facilitation in cardiac myocytes. Both CaMK and IQmp were able to induce a modal gating shift in LTCCs, suggesting that each of these signalling elements is important for Ca2+-CaM-dependent LTCC facilitation in cardiac myocytes.

Is persistent activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase required for the maintenance of LTP?

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is concentrated in the postsynaptic density (PSD) and plays an important role in the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP). Because this kinase is persistently activated after the induction, its activity could also be important for LTP maintenance. Experimental tests of this hypothesis, however, have given conflicting results. In this paper we further explore the role of postsynaptic CaMKII in induction and maintenance of LTP. Postsynaptic application of a CaMKII inhibitor [autocamtide-3 derived peptide inhibitor (AC3-I), 2 mM] blocked LTP induction but had no detectable affect on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-mediated synaptic transmission, indicating that the primary function of CaMKII in LTP is downstream from NMDA channel function. We next explored various methodological factors that could account for conflicting results on the effect of CaMKII inhibitors on LTP maintenance. In contrast to our previous work, we now carried out experiments at higher temperature (33 degrees C), used slices from adult animals, and induced LTP using a tetanic stimulation. However, we still found that LTP maintenance was not affected by postsynaptic application of AC3-I. Furthermore the inhibitor did not block LTP maintenance under conditions designed to enhance the Ca(2+)-dependent activity of protein phosphatases 1 and 2B (elevated Ca(2+), calmodulin, and an inhibitor of protein kinase A). We also tested the possibility that CaMKII inhibitor might not be able to affect CaMKII once it was inserted into the PSD. In whole-brain extracts, AC3-I blocked autophosphorylation of both soluble and particulate/PSD CaMKII with similar potencies although the potency of the inhibitor toward other CaMKII substrates varied. Thus we were unable to demonstrate a functional role of persistent Ca(2+)-independent CaMKII activity in LTP maintenance. Possible explanations of the data are discussed.

Calmodulin kinase is a molecular switch for cardiac excitation-contraction coupling.

Signaling between cell membrane-bound L-type Ca(2+) channels (LTCC) and ryanodine receptor Ca(2+) release channels (RyR) on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) stores grades excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) in striated muscle. A physical connection regulates LTCC and RyR in skeletal muscle, but the molecular mechanism for coordinating LTCC and RyR in cardiomyocytes, where this physical link is absent, is unknown. Calmodulin kinase (CaMK) has characteristics suitable for an ECC coordinating molecule: it is activated by Ca(2+)/calmodulin, it regulates LTCC and RyR, and it is enriched in the vicinity of LTCC and RyR. Intact cardiomyocytes were studied under conditions where CaMK activity could be controlled independently of intracellular Ca(2+) by using an engineered Ca(2+)-independent form of CaMK and a highly specific CaMK inhibitory peptide. CaMK reciprocally enhanced L-type Ca(2+) current and reduced release of Ca(2+) from the SR while increasing SR Ca(2+) content. These findings support the hypothesis that CaMK is required to functionally couple LTCC and RyR during cardiac ECC.

Agonist-regulated Interaction between alpha2-adrenergic receptors and spinophilin.

Previously, we demonstrated that the third intracellular (3i) loop of the heptahelical alpha2A-adrenergic receptor (alpha2A AR) is critical for retention at the basolateral surface of polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney II (MDCKII) cells following their direct targeting to this surface. Findings that the 3i loops of the D2 dopamine receptors interact with spinophilin (Smith, F. D., Oxford, G. S., and Milgram, S. L. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 19894-19900) and that spinophilin is enriched beneath the basolateral surface of polarized MDCK cells prompted us to assess whether alpha(2)AR subtypes might also interact with spinophilin. [35S]Met-labeled 3i loops of the alpha2A AR (Val(217)-Ala(377)), alpha2BAR (Lys(210)-Trp(354)), and alpha2CAR (Arg(248)-Val(363)) subtypes interacted with glutathione S-transferase-spinophilin fusion proteins. These interactions could be refined to spinophilin amino acid residues 169-255, in a region between spinophilin's F-actin binding and phosphatase 1 regulatory domains. Furthermore, these interactions occur in intact cells in an agonist-regulated fashion, because alpha2A AR and spinophilin coimmunoprecipitation from cells is enhanced by prior treatment with agonist. These findings suggest that spinophilin may contribute not only to alpha2 AR localization but also to agonist modulation of alpha2AR signaling.

Stimulation of unitary T-type Ca(2+) channel currents by calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II.

The effect of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) stimulation on unitary low voltage-activated (LVA) T-type Ca(2+) channel currents in isolated bovine adrenal glomerulosa (AG) cells was measured using the patch-clamp technique. In cell-attached and inside-out patches, LVA channel activity was identified by voltage-dependent inactivation and a single-channel conductance of approximately 9 pS in 110 mM BaCl(2) or CaCl(2). In the cell-attached patch, elevation of bath Ca(2+) from 150 nM to 1 microM raised intracellular Ca(2+) in K(+)-depolarized (140 mM) cells and evoked an increase in the LVA Ca(2+) channel probability of opening (NP(o)) by two- to sixfold. This augmentation was associated with an increase in the number of nonblank sweeps, a rise in the frequency of channel opening in nonblank sweeps, and a 30% reduction in first latency. No apparent changes in the single-channel open-time distribution, burst lengths, or openings/burst were apparent. Preincubation of AG cells with lipophilic or peptide inhibitors of CaMKII in the cell-attached or excised (inside-out) configurations prevented the rise in NP(o) elicited by elevated Ca(2+) concentration. Furthermore, administration of a mutant recombinant CaMKIIalpha exhibiting cofactor-independent activity in the absence of elevated Ca(2+) produced a threefold elevation in LVA channel NP(o). These data indicate that CaMKII activity is both necessary and sufficient for LVA channel activation by Ca(2+).

Association of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II with developmentally regulated splice variants of the postsynaptic density protein densin-180.

In a continuing search for proteins that target calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) to postsynaptic density (PSD) substrates important in synaptic plasticity, we showed that the PSD protein densin-180 binds CaMKII. Four putative splice variants (A-D) of the cytosolic tail of densin-180 are shown to be differentially expressed during brain development. Densin-180 splicing affects CaMKII phosphorylation of specific serine residues. Variants A, B, and D, but not C, bind CaMKII stoichiometrically and with high affinity, mediated by a differentially spliced domain. Densin-180 differs from the previously identified CaMKII-binding protein NR2B in that binding does not strictly require CaMKII autophosphorylation. Binding of densin-180 and NR2B to CaMKII is noncompetitive, indicating different interaction sites on CaMKII. Expression of the membrane-targeted CaMKII-binding domain of densin-180 confers membrane localization to coexpressed CaMKII without requiring calcium mobilization, suggesting that densin-180 plays a role in the constitutive association of CaMKII with PSDs.

Mechanism and regulation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II targeting to the NR2B subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor.

Calcium influx through the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor and activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) are critical events in certain forms of synaptic plasticity. We have previously shown that autophosphorylation of CaMKII induces high-affinity binding to the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor (Strack, S., and Colbran, R. J. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 20689-20692). Here, we show that residues 1290-1309 in the cytosolic tail of NR2B are critical for CaMKII binding and identify by site-directed mutagenesis several key residues (Lys(1292), Leu(1298), Arg(1299), Arg(1300), Gln(1301), and Ser(1303)). Phosphorylation of NR2B at Ser(1303) by CaMKII inhibits binding and promotes slow dissociation of preformed CaMKII.NR2B complexes. Peptide competition studies imply a role for the CaMKII catalytic domain, but not the substrate-binding pocket, in the association with NR2B. However, analysis of monomeric CaMKII mutants indicates that the holoenzyme structure may also be important for stable association with NR2B. Residues 1260-1316 of NR2B are sufficient to direct the subcellular localization of CaMKII in intact cells and to confer dynamic regulation by calcium influx. Furthermore, mutation of residues in the CaMKII-binding domain in full-length NR2B bidirectionally modulates colocalization with CaMKII after NMDA receptor activation, suggesting a dynamic model for the translocation of CaMKII to postsynaptic targets.

The RIPE3b1 activator of the insulin gene is composed of a protein(s) of approximately 43 kDa, whose DNA binding activity is inhibited by protein phosphatase treatment.

Glucose-stimulated and pancreatic islet beta cell-specific expression of the insulin gene is mediated in part by the C1 DNA-element binding complex, termed RIPE3b1. In this report, we define the molecular weight range of the protein(s) that compose this beta cell-enriched activator complex and show that protein phosphatase treatment inhibits RIPE3b1 DNA binding activity. Fractionation of beta cell nuclear extracts by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that RIPE3b1 binding was mediated by a protein(s) within the 37-49-kDa ranges. Direct analysis of the proteins within the RIPE3b1 complex by ultraviolet light cross-linking analysis identified three binding species of approximately 51, 45, and 38 kDa. Incubating beta cell nuclear extracts with either calf alkaline phosphatase or a rat brain phosphatase preparation dramatically reduced RIPE3b1 DNA complex formation. Phosphatase inhibition of RIPE3b1 binding was prevented by sodium pyrophosphate, a general phosphatase inhibitor. We discuss how changes in the phosphorylation status of the RIPE3b1 activator may influence its DNA binding activity.

Calmodulin kinase determines calcium-dependent facilitation of L-type calcium channels.

A dynamic positive feedback mechanism, known as 'facilitation', augments L-type calcium-ion currents (ICa) in response to increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. The Ca2+-binding protein calmodulin (CaM) has been implicated in facilitation, but the single-channel signature and the signalling events underlying Ca2+/CaM-dependent facilitation are unknown. Here we show that the Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK) is necessary and possibly sufficient for ICa facilitation. CaMK induces a channel-gating mode that is characterized by frequent, long openings of L-type Ca2+ channels. We conclude that CaMK-mediated phosphorylation is an essential signalling event in triggering Ca2+/CaM-dependent ICa facilitation.

Protein phosphatases PP1 and PP2A are located in distinct positions in the Chlamydomonas flagellar axoneme.

We postulated that microcystin-sensitive protein phosphatases are integral components of the Chlamydomonas flagellar axoneme, positioned to regulate inner arm dynein activity. To test this, we took a direct biochemical approach. Microcystin-Sepharose affinity purification revealed a prominent 35-kDa axonemal protein, predicted to be the catalytic subunit of type-1 protein phosphatase (PP1c). We cloned the Chlamydomonas PP1c and produced specific polyclonal peptide antibodies. Based on western blot analysis, the 35-kDa PP1c is anchored in the axoneme. Moreover, analysis of flagella and axonemes from mutant strains revealed that PP1c is primarily, but not exclusively, anchored in the central pair apparatus, associated with the C1 microtubule. Thus, PP1 is part of the central pair mechanism that controls flagellar motility. Two additional axonemal proteins of 62 and 37 kDa were also isolated using microcystin-Sepharose affinity. Based on direct peptide sequence and western blots, these proteins are the A- and C-subunits of type 2A protein phosphatase (PP2A). The axonemal PP2A is not one of the previously identified components of the central pair apparatus, outer arm dynein, inner arm dynein, dynein regulatory complex or the radial spokes. We postulate PP2A is anchored on the doublet microtubules, possibly in position to directly control inner arm dynein activity.

Brain actin-associated protein phosphatase 1 holoenzymes containing spinophilin, neurabin, and selected catalytic subunit isoforms.

We previously characterized PP1bp134 and PP1bp175, two neuronal proteins that bind the protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit (PP1). Here we purify from rat brain actin-cytoskeletal extracts PP1(A) holoenzymes selectively enriched in PP1gamma(1) over PP1beta isoforms and also containing PP1bp134 and PP1bp175. PP1bp134 and PP1bp175 were identified as the synapse-localized F-actin-binding proteins spinophilin (Allen, P. B., Ouimet, C. C., and Greengard, P. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 94, 9956-9561; Satoh, A., Nakanishi, H., Obaishi, H., Wada, M., Takahashi, K., Satoh, K., Hirao, K., Nishioka, H., Hata, Y., Mizoguchi, A., and Takai, Y. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 3470-3475) and neurabin (Nakanishi, H., Obaishi, H., Satoh, A., Wada, M., Mandai, K., Satoh, K., Nishioka, H. , Matsuura, Y., Mizoguchi, A., and Takai, Y. (1997) J. Cell Biol. 139, 951-961), respectively. Recombinant spinophilin and neurabin interacted with endogenous PP1 and also with each other when co-expressed in HEK293 cells. Spinophilin residues 427-470, or homologous neurabin residues 436-479, were sufficient to bind PP1 in gel overlay assays, and selectively bound PP1gamma(1) from a mixture of brain protein phosphatase catalytic subunits; additional N- and C-terminal sequences were required for potent inhibition of PP1. Immunoprecipitation of spinophilin or neurabin from crude brain extracts selectively coprecipitated PP1gamma(1) over PP1beta. Moreover, immunoprecipitation of PP1gamma(1) from brain extracts efficiently coprecipitated spinophilin and neurabin, whereas PP1beta immunoprecipitation did not. Thus, PP1(A) holoenzymes containing spinophilin and/or neurabin target specific neuronal PP1 isoforms, facilitating efficient regulation of synaptic phosphoproteins.

Cloning and characterization of B delta, a novel regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A.

Variable regulatory subunits of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) modulate activity, substrate selectivity and subcellular targeting of the enzyme. We have cloned a novel member of the B type regulatory subunit family, B delta, which is most highly related to B alpha. B delta shares with B alpha epitopes previously used to generate subunit-specific antibodies. Like B alpha, but unlike B beta and B gamma which are highly brain-enriched, B delta mRNA and protein expression in tissues is widespread. B delta is a cytosolic subunit of PP2A with a subcellular localization different from B alpha and may therefore target a pool of PP2A holoenzymes to specific substrates.

Differential cellular and subcellular localization of protein phosphatase 1 isoforms in brain.

Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) is a gene family with a number of important functions in brain. Association with a wide variety of regulatory/targeting subunits is thought to be instrumental in directing the phosphatase to specific subcellular locations and substrates. By using antibodies directed against specific PP1 isoforms, we asked whether PP1 isoforms are differentially distributed in brain. Immunoblotting detects in brain the PP1gamma2 isoform, which had previously been thought to be testis specific, in addition to alpha, beta, and gamma1 isoforms. PP1 isoform expression varies modestly in extracts from different subdissected brain regions and is relatively constant during postnatal development, except for an about twofold increase in PP1gamma2. By immunohistochemical analyses of rat brain, PP1beta and PP1gamma1 cellular expression is widespread but quite distinct from one another. Subcellular fractionation studies demonstrate that PP1beta and PP1gamma1 are selectively associated with different cytoskeletal elements: PP1beta with microtubules, PP1gamma1 with the actin cytoskeleton. Double-immunofluorescence labeling of cultured cortical neurons further reveals a strikingly different and nonoverlapping localization of PP1beta and PP1gamma1: whereas PP1beta localizes to a discrete area of the soma, PP1gamma1 is highly enriched in dendritic spines and presynaptic terminals of cultured neurons. These results show that PP1 isoforms are targeted to different neuronal cytoskeletal compartments with a high degree of specificity, presumably by isoform-specific association with regulatory/targeting proteins. Furthermore, the synaptic localization of PP1gamma1 indicates that it is this isoform that is involved in the regulation of synaptic phosphoproteins such as neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels implicated in synaptic plasticity.

CaM kinase augments cardiac L-type Ca2+ current: a cellular mechanism for long Q-T arrhythmias.

Early afterdepolarizations (EAD) caused by L-type Ca2+ current (ICa, L) are thought to initiate long Q-T arrhythmias, but the role of intracellular Ca2+ in these arrhythmias is controversial. Rabbit ventricular myocytes were stimulated with a prolonged EAD-containing action potential-clamp waveform to investigate the role of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase) in ICa,L during repolarization. ICa,L was initially augmented, and augmentation was dependent on Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum because the augmentation was prevented by ryanodine or thapsigargin. ICa,L augmentation was also dependent on CaM kinase, because it was prevented by dialysis with the inhibitor peptide AC3-I and reconstituted by exogenous constitutively active CaM kinase when Ba2+ was substituted for bath Ca2+. Ultrastructural studies confirmed that endogenous CaM kinase, L-type Ca2+ channels, and ryanodine receptors colocalized near T tubules. EAD induction was significantly reduced in current-clamped cells dialyzed with AC3-I (4/15) compared with cells dialyzed with an inactive control peptide (11/15, P = 0.013). These findings support the hypothesis that EADs are facilitated by CaM kinase.

Autophosphorylation-dependent targeting of calcium/ calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II by the NR2B subunit of the N-methyl- D-aspartate receptor.

Activation and Thr286 autophosphorylation of calcium/calmodulindependent kinase II (CaMKII) following Ca2+ influx via N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors is essential for hippocampal long term potentiation (LTP), a widely investigated cellular model of learning and memory. Here, we show that NR2B, but not NR2A or NR1, subunits of NMDA receptors are responsible for autophosphorylation-dependent targeting of CaMKII. CaMKII and NMDA receptors colocalize in neuronal dendritic spines, and a CaMKII.NMDA receptor complex can be isolated from brain extracts. Autophosphorylation induces direct high-affinity binding of CaMKII to a 50 amino acid domain in the NR2B cytoplasmic tail; little or no binding is observed to NR2A and NR1 cytoplasmic tails. Specific colocalization of CaMKII with NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in transfected cells depends on receptor activation, Ca2+ influx, and Thr286 autophosphorylation. Translocation of CaMKII because of interaction with the NMDA receptor Ca2+ channel may potentiate kinase activity and provide exquisite spatial and temporal control of postsynaptic substrate phosphorylation.

Brain protein phosphatase 2A: developmental regulation and distinct cellular and subcellular localization by B subunits.

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a heterotrimeric enzyme consisting of a catalytic subunit (C), a structural subunit (A), and a variable regulatory subunit (B). We have investigated the spatial and temporal expression patterns of three members of the B subunit family, Balpha, Bbeta, and Bgamma, both at the message level by using ribonuclease protection analysis and at the protein level by using specific antibodies. Although A, Balpha, and C protein are expressed in many tissues, Bbeta and Bgamma were detectable only in brain. Balpha, Bbeta, and Bgamma are components of the brain PP2A heterotrimer, because they copurified with A and C subunits on immobilized microcystin. Whereas Balpha and Bbeta are mainly cytosolic, Bgamma is enriched in the cytoskeletal fraction. In contrast to A, C, and Balpha, which are expressed at constant levels, Bbeta and Bgamma RNA and protein are developmentally regulated, with Bbeta levels decreasing and Bgamma levels increasing sharply after birth. RNA and immunoblot analyses of subdissected brain regions as well as immunohistochemistry demonstrated that B subunits are expressed in distinct but overlapping neuronal populations and cellular domains. These data indicate that B subunits confer tissue and cell specificity, subcellular localization, and developmental regulation to the PP2A holoenzyme. The Balpha-containing heterotrimer may be important in general neuronal functions that involve its partially nuclear localization. Holoenzymes containing B likely function in early brain development as well as in somata and processes of subsets of mature neurons. Bgamma may target PP2A to cytoskeletal substrates that are important in the establishment and maintenance of neuronal connections.

Protein serine/threonine phosphatase 1 and 2A associate with and dephosphorylate neurofilaments.

The phosphorylation state of neurofilaments plays an important role in the control of cytoskeletal integrity, axonal transport, and axon diameter. Immunocytochemical analyses of spinal cord revealed axonal localization of all protein phosphatase subunits. To determine whether protein phosphatases associate with axonal neurofilaments, neurofilament proteins were isolated from bovine spinal cord white matter by gel filtration. approximately 15% of the total phosphorylase a phosphatase activity was present in the neurofilament fraction. The catalytic subunits of PP1 and PP2A, as well as the A and B alpha regulatory subunits of PP2A, were detected in the neurofilament fraction by immunoblotting, whereas PP2B and PP2C were found exclusively in the low molecular weight soluble fractions. PP1 and PP2A subunits could be partially dissociated from neurofilaments by high salt but not by phosphatase inhibitors, indicating that the interaction does not involve the catalytic site. In both neurofilament and soluble fractions, 75% of the phosphatase activity towards exogenous phosphorylase a could be attributed to PP2A, and the remainder to PP1 as shown with specific inhibitors. Neurofilament proteins were phosphorylated in vitro by associated protein kinases which appeared to include protein kinase A, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, and heparin-sensitive and -insensitive cofactor-independent kinases. Dephosphorylation of phosphorylated neurofilament subunits was mainly (60%) catalyzed by associated PP2A, with PP1 contributing minor activity (10-20%). These studies suggest that neurofilament-associated PP1 and PP2A play an important role in the regulation of neurofilament phosphorylation.