Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase (calcineurin) catalytic subunit genes.

In the mammalian brain, there are multiple catalytic subunits for the Ca(2+)- and calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase [also called protein phosphatase 2B (PP-2B) and calcineurin] that are derived from two structural genes. The coding sequences of these two genes are distinguished by the absence (PP2B alpha 1) or the presence (PP2B alpha 2) of an amino terminus containing polyproline. Both of these genes can produce intragenic isoforms through alternative splicing. In the present study, a potential phylogenetic relationship of these genes was inferred from analysis of genomic DNA and from studies of mRNA and protein expression. Southern blot analysis showed unique restriction fragments for both genes in seven mammalian species; however, in organisms from two nonmammalian vertebrates (chicken and lizard), hybridization was observed only for PP2B alpha 1. In agreement with these results, Northern blots of mammalian brain RNA showed transcripts for both genes, with about two to three times more of the PP2B alpha 1 mRNAs, whereas in chicken and lizard, only PP2B alpha 1 transcripts were detected. An analysis of protein expression by two-dimensional electrophoresis was also consistent with these findings. For the purified mammalian brain protein, eight to ten variants were observed with isoelectric points of 5.2-5.8; immunoblot analysis using anti-peptide antibodies indicated that the majority of these were PP2B alpha 1 forms. In chicken brain, multiple isoforms were recognized by antibodies against the PP2B alpha 1 forms, but no reactivity was seen with those against the PP2B alpha 2 forms. Taken together, these findings suggest that: (i) in mammals, the predominant catalytic subunit isoforms in brain are PP2B alpha 1 products and (ii) the gene for the polyproline-containing catalytic subunit of calmodulin-dependent phosphatase (PP2B alpha 2) may have evolved after the avian/reptilian branching point, perhaps to carry out a role(s) of particular significance in mammals.

Molecular cloning of a calmodulin-dependent phosphatase from murine testis: identification of a developmentally expressed nonneural isoenzyme.

A unique isoform of the catalytic subunit of calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase (CaM-PrP) was cloned from a murine testis library. The cDNA sequence of 1964 base pairs contained an open reading frame encoding a protein of 513 amino acids (Mr approximately 58,706), the predicted isoelectric point of which (pI 7.1) was much more basic than those of brain isoforms (pI 5.6-5.8). The deduced amino acid sequence was 77-81% identical to two other murine CaM-PrP genes and displayed a distinct Southern blot hybridization pattern, indicating that it was derived from a separate gene (type 3). High amounts of a 2800-nucleotide mRNA transcript were observed in testis, whereas mRNA species were not detectable in brain; thus, it seems likely that this CaM-PrP represents a nonneural isoenzyme. Measurements of CaM-PrP mRNA during testicular development showed a dramatic increase in expression during weeks 4-6, correlating with the later stages of spermatogenesis. These data suggest that this phosphatase isoform may be involved in germ-cell function and are consistent with the report of a flagellum-associated form of CaM-PrP that may regulate sperm motility [Tash, J. S., Krinks, M., Patel, J., Means, R. L., Klee, C. B. & Means, A. R. (1988) J. Cell Biol. 106, 1625-1633].

Chromosomal mapping of the human genes for the calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase (calcineurin) catalytic subunit.

Multiple catalytic subunits of the Ca2+ and calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein phosphatase (PrP) ("calcineurin" or PrP-2B) are derived from at least two structural genes, type 1 ("calcineurin A alpha") and type 2 ("calcineurin A beta "), each of which can produce alternatively spliced transcripts. To examine the possible linkage of these genes, we analyzed genomic DNA from human/hamster hybrid cell lines using probes of 122 base pairs that were designed to bind selectively to exon 3 of the open reading frame. In this region, the nucleotide sequence of the type 2 murine cDNA that we cloned was greater than 99% identical to the type 2 human cDNA but only 78% identical to the type 1 human cDNA. Hybridization to Southern blots containing DNA from all human chromosomes showed that gene 1 was found on chromosome 4, whereas gene 2 segregated to chromosome 10. These data suggest that expression of the two calcineurin genes is not physically linked.

Calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase from Neurospora crassa. Molecular cloning and expression of recombinant catalytic subunit.

A cDNA for the catalytic subunit of a calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein phosphatase was cloned from Neurospora crassa. The open reading frame of 1557 base pairs encoded a protein of Mr approximately 59,580 and was followed by a 3'-untranslated region of 363 base pairs including the poly(A) tail. Based on primer extension analysis, the mRNA transcript in vivo was 2403 base pairs. Expression of this CaM-protein phosphatase mRNA was developmentally regulated, being highest during early mycelial growth; production of the corresponding protein followed mRNA with a time lag of 8-12 h. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of genomic DNA revealed three small introns, the positions of which coincided with those in the mouse gene, indicating evolutionary conservation of these structures. The deduced sequence showed approximately 75% identity with the mammalian homologue, calcineurin, in aligned regions. A region of 40 amino acids preceding the CaM-binding domain was essentially unchanged, suggesting conservation of a crucial interaction site. Three small segments in the carboxyl half of the protein were unrelated to the mammalian gene and may constitute "variable regions" that confer substrate specificity to the enzyme. An active recombinant catalytic subunit was expressed in bacteria and purified by CaM-Sepharose chromatography. This preparation was stimulated 2- 3-fold by CaM and showed a p-nitrophenol phosphatase activity equal to that of the bovine brain holoenzyme, although its dephosphorylation of phosphoprotein substrates was markedly different. These findings demonstrate that the catalytic subunit of this phosphatase can exhibit high activity in the absence of its intrinsic Ca(2+)-binding subunit.

Effect of ethanol on cyclic AMP levels in intact PC12 cells.

Two subclones of the rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12, were used to compare the effects of ethanol on adenylate cyclase activity in isolated membranes with its effects on cyclic AMP accumulation in intact cells. Consistent with previous reports, ethanol increased basal and 2-chloroadenosine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in isolated membrane preparations from both subclones. However, ethanol had opposite effects on agonist-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in intact cells of the two subclones, enhancing accumulation in one subclone, and inhibiting it in the other. The inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation did not result from stimulation of phosphodiesterase activity, activation of the inhibitory guanyl nucleotide regulatory protein, Gi, or stimulation of protein kinase C. The results indicate that extrapolation of the effects of ethanol from one cell type to another, or from in vitro to in vivo systems, may be complicated by the interaction of ethanol with regulatory processes that influence second messenger systems, and can differ in various types of intact cells.

Cloning and characterization of molecular isoforms of the catalytic subunit of calcineurin using nonisotopic methods.

The cloning and characterization of cDNAs for the catalytic subunit of calcineurin (CN) from murine and human brain libraries were carried out using nonisotopic methods. A murine cDNA clone encoding a protein of 521 amino acids (Mr approximately 58,650) was isolated; overlapping clones established a 3'-untranslated region of 554 base pairs preceding the poly(A) tail. Homologous cDNAs from human brain showed greater than 92% nucleotide sequence identity in both coding and non-coding regions with greater than 99% conservation of amino acid sequence. A second class of cDNAs lacking a specific 30-base pair region following the calmodulin-binding domain was found in four murine and human libraries. Oligonucleotide probes for both cDNA isoforms hybridized to mRNA from several brain regions indicating the existence of transcripts in vivo. The nucleotide sequences of the two forms were identical except for the inserted sequence, and Southern blot analysis of mouse and rat DNA was consistent with their having originated from the same gene; these data suggest that alternative splicing may give rise to molecular isoforms of the catalytic subunit in brain. Northern blots showed a predominant mRNA for CN in most tissues of approximately 4.0 kilobases (kb) with lower amounts of a 3.6-kb species. Brain showed 10 times more of these mRNAs than skeletal muscle while other tissues had less than or equal to 5% that in brain. In testis, multiple mRNAs were observed, with the major forms being approximately 2.8 and 1.6 kb; the total amount of CN message was about 15% that in brain. The presence of mRNA isoforms of the catalytic subunit may provide for isoenzymes of this phosphatase having distinct phosphoprotein substrate specificities or regulatory properties. The structural relatedness of CN to other mammalian serine/threonine protein phosphatases was highest over a region of approximately 240 amino acids near the amino terminus of this subunit, with greater similarity to protein phosphatase 2A than protein phosphatase 1. The conservation of many regions found in lambda phage phosphatase (Cohen, P.T.W., and Cohen, P. (1989) Biochem. J. 260, 931-934) indicates a common origin for the catalytic domain of this enzyme.

Arginine vasopressin induces the expression of c-fos in the mouse septum and hippocampus.

Arginine vasopressin is a neuropeptide that has been shown to modulate functional ethanol tolerance and memory processes. These actions of vasopressin in the CNS have been shown by us and others to be mediated by V1 receptors. Intracerebroventricular injection of vasopressin in mice resulted in a substantial increase in mRNA for the proto-oncogene c-fos in septum and hippocampus, but no increase in cerebral cortex. A V1-selective agonist also increased septal c-fos mRNA levels, while a V2-selective agonist was less effective. Similarly, the response to vasopressin was more effectively blocked by a V1- than a V2-selective antagonist. These results indicate that vasopressin acts specifically at V1 receptors in mouse septum and hippocampus to increase c-fos mRNA. The vasopressin metabolite, AVP(4-9), also increased c-fos mRNA levels in septum and hippocampus, while the response to oxytocin, which has different effects from vasopressin on memory and tolerance, was greater in hippocampus than in septum. Nerve growth factor, in contrast to the other peptides, had a more pronounced effect on c-fos mRNA levels in cerebral cortex than in the other brain areas. Increased c-fos expression has been hypothesized to play a role in neuroadaptation, and these results suggest that modulation of septal c-fos expression could be important for vasopressin effects on ethanol tolerance and/or memory.

The role of arginine vasopressin in alcohol tolerance.

Administration of the neuropeptide, arginine vasopressin, to animals that have acquired functional tolerance to ethanol will maintain such tolerance, even in the absence of further ethanol ingestion by the animals. In mice, this action of the peptide is mediated by central nervous system V1 receptors and requires intact brain noradrenergic systems. Autoradiographic studies have shown that some V1 receptors are localized presynaptically on catecholaminergic neuronal terminals in the mouse lateral septum, suggesting that vasopressin may act via modulation of catecholamine release. In addition, vasopressin has been found to increase mRNA levels for the proto-oncogene, c-fos, in septum and hippocampus, possibly by an action at postsynaptic receptors. Expression of c-fos, which has been hypothesized to play a role in central nervous system neuroadaptation, could transform short-term actions of vasopressin into long-term effects on ethanol tolerance. Studies with vasopressin antagonists indicate that the endogenous peptide influences tolerance, and therefore the effect of chronic ethanol ingestion on vasopressin synthesis and release was studied. In mice and rats, hypothalamic vasopressin mRNA is decreased by chronic ethanol exposure, although effects on plasma vasopressin levels differ in the two species. The effect of ethanol on extrahypothalamic vasopressin synthesis in brain is under investigation. The results suggest mechanisms by which vasopressin can produce long-term changes in central nervous system function, and provide evidence for a disturbance of vasopressin regulation during chronic ethanol ingestion.

Cloning and comparative mapping of a human class III (chi) alcohol dehydrogenase cDNA.

A cDNA encoding human class III (chi ADH5) alcohol dehydrogenase was isolated, sequenced and used to comparatively map this unusual ADH. In their coding sequences, the three major ADH classes were approximately equisimilar, class II and III ADHs sharing the highest sequence identity (67%). A class III-like ADH was mapped to mouse chromosome 3, site of the ADH gene complex, and synteny of ADH5 with four other ADH loci on human chromosome 4 was confirmed. The nearly full-length 1613 nucleotide cDNA contained 433 nucleotides of 3' nontranslated sequence and two possible initiation sites for translation. A protein of 374 amino acid residues could be synthesized using the potential initiation codon at nucleotide 59. However, use of the likely initiation codon at nucleotide 5 would produce a protein of 392 residues with 19 additional N-terminal residues as compared to the known protein sequence. The derived protein sequence also differs at residue 166, where Tyr is found. This difference, due to a single base substitution, could result from cloning artifact, polymorphism, or two expressed class III ADH genes.

Acceleration of ethanol metabolism by past thiamine deficiency.

Six months after severe thiamine deficiency, when their body and liver weights had normalized, male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to constant ethanol vapor concentrations for 6 days in an inhalation chamber and blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) were determined. Previously induced thiamine deficiency was associated with about a 50% reduction of BECs and a significant increase in liver alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity suggesting a persistent acceleration of ethanol metabolism. No significant changes were found in liver aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, plasma levels of thyroxine, testosterone, or estradiol, or brain or liver histology. Plasma growth hormone concentrations were about 60% lower in the experimental group than in controls, but this effect of previous thiamine deprivation did not correlate with changes in ADH activity. Therefore, it remains to be elucidated how thiamine deficiency-induced central nervous system alterations may contribute to the development of metabolic tolerance to ethanol.

Distribution and possible metabolic role of class III alcohol dehydrogenase in the human brain.

In human brain, the sole alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) present in significant quantity has been shown to be Class III (chi) ADH and this ADH is ineffective in generating potentially toxic and reactive acetaldehyde from ethanol at concentrations attainable in living brain tissue. We have extended this finding to show that Class I ADH potentially present is undetectable even when concentrated several hundred-fold. Purified Class III ADH from human brain is identical in its pattern of tryptic peptides and in other properties to Class III ADH from human liver. Immunohistochemical staining and western immunoblots using polyclonal antibodies reveal that Class III ADH is widely distributed in brian and most concentrated in the subependymal layer and perivascular areas. Class III ADH closely resembles omega-hydroxyfatty acid dehydrogenase and a possible role for the brain enzyme is in the oxidation of long chain fatty alcohols and omega-hydroxyfatty acids.

A shortened synthesis of 4-(3-aminopropyl) pyrazole, an affinity ligand for alcohol dehydrogenase purification.

The most efficient, specific and rapid procedures for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) purification utilize immobilized 4-(3-aminopropyl) pyrazole to which pyrazole sensitive ADHs, i.e. class I isozymes, bind. Because of the length of the reported synthesis of this affinity resin, we synthesized the 4-(3-aminopropyl) pyrazole ligand by a new method in two steps from commercially available nicotinaldehyde. The ligand synthesized by this simplified procedure was directly coupled to the chain-extended support, Activated CH-Sepharose 4B, to yield the same ligand-spacer combination as reported by L.G. Lange and B.L. Vallee (Biochem. 15: 4681-4686, 1976). Human and hamster class I ADHs purified using this resin were homogeneous by SDS-PAGE followed by silver staining. Specific activity and recovery of human class I ADH were comparable to those previously reported.

A molecular phylogeny of the hominoid primates as indicated by two-dimensional protein electrophoresis.

A molecular phylogeny for the hominoid primates was constructed by using genetic distances from a survey of 383 radiolabeled fibroblast polypeptides resolved by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE). An internally consistent matrix of Nei genetic distances was generated on the basis of variants in electrophoretic position. The derived phylogenetic tree indicated a branching sequence, from oldest to most recent, of cercopithecoids (Macaca fascicularis), gibbon-siamang, orangutan, gorilla, and human-chimpanzee. A cladistic analysis of 240 electrophoretic characters that varied between ape species produced an identical tree. Genetic distance measures obtained by 2DE are largely consistent with those generated by other molecular procedures. In addition, the 2DE data set appears to resolve the human-chimpanzee-gorilla trichotomy in favor of a more recent association of chimpanzees and humans.