Snapin蛋白与心肌L型钙离子通道Cav1.3的相互作用

[目的]研究Snapin蛋白与心肌L型钙离子通道Cav1．3的相互作用。[方法]利用免疫共沉淀实验确定Snapin蛋白与Cav1．3在体外表达系统和心房组织存在相互作用。[结果]在过表达Snapin和Cav1．3的HEK293细胞及内源性表达二者的心房肌组织中，Snapin蛋白与Cav1．3钙离子通道存在相互作用。     

BKCa-Cav channel complexes mediate rapid and localized Ca2+-activated K+ signaling

Large-conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channels (BKCa) are dually activated by membrane depolarization and elevation of cytosolic calcium ions (Ca2+). Under normal cellular conditions, BKCa channel activation requires Ca2+ concentrations that typically occur in close proximity to Ca2+ sources. We show that BKCa channels affinity-purified from rat brain are assembled into macromolecular complexes with the voltage-gated calcium channels Cav1.2 (L-type), Cav2.1 (P/Q-type), and Cav2.2 (N-type). Heterologously expressed BKCa-Cav complexes reconstitute a functional "Ca2+ nanodomain" where Ca2+ influx through the Cav channel activates BKCa in the physiological voltage range with submillisecond kinetics. Complex formation with distinct Cav channels enables BKCa-mediated membrane hyperpolarization that controls neuronal firing pattern and release of hormones and transmitters in the central nervous system.     

Structure of the cytoplasmic beta subunit-T1 assembly of voltage-dependent K+ channels

The structure of the cytoplasmic assembly of voltage-dependent K+ channels was solved by x-ray crystallography at 2.1 angstrom resolution. The assembly includes the cytoplasmic (T1) domain of the integral membrane alpha subunit together with the oxidoreductase beta subunit in a fourfold symmetric T1(4)beta4 complex. An electrophysiological assay showed that this complex is oriented with four T1 domains facing the transmembrane pore and four beta subunits facing the cytoplasm. The transmembrane pore communicates with the cytoplasm through lateral, negatively charged openings above the T1(4)beta4 complex. The inactivation peptides of voltage-dependent K(+) channels reach their site of action by entering these openings.     

Cell cycle dependence of chloride permeability in normal and cystic fibrosis lymphocytes

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease characterized by abnormal regulation of epithelial cell chloride channels. Nonepithelial cells, including lymphocytes and fibroblasts, may exhibit a similar defect. Two independent techniques were used to assess the macroscopic chloride permeability (PCl) of freshly isolated B lymphocytes and of B and T lymphocyte cell lines. Values for PCl increased specifically during the G1 phase of the cell cycle and could be further enhanced by increasing intracellular adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) or calcium. In lymphocytes from CF patients, regulation of PCl during the cell cycle and by second messengers was absent. Characterization of the cell cycle-dependent expression of the chloride permeability defect in lymphocytes from CF patients increases the utility of these cells in the analysis of the functional consequences of mutations in the CF gene.     

Neonatal thymectomy results in a repertoire enriched in T cells deleted in adult thymus

In B6AF1 mice, T lymphocytes that use the V beta 11-positive (and not V beta 6-positive or V beta 8-positive) segment in their receptor for antigen are greatly reduced in the thymus and peripheral lymphoid tissues, most likely as a result of clonal deletion. The relative number of V beta 11-positive cells in adult lymph nodes was ten times as high in B6AF1 mice thymectomized 1 to 4 days after birth as in normal mice. Moreover, for the first 10 days of life of B6AF1 mice, mature V beta 11-positive T cells were readily detected in the thymus and spleen. Thus neonatal thymectomy results in the maintenance of the receptor repertoire of early postnatal life, and this correlates with the subsequent development of organ-specific autoimmune diseases.     

生物信息学对扩展莫尼茨绦虫cDNA文库Cavβ基因分析与B细胞抗原表位预测

[目的]分离和鉴定扩展莫尼茨绦虫(Moniezia expansa)电压门控钙通道β亚基(cavB)基因,预测蛋白二级结构和B细胞抗原表位,从而探讨Cavβ在寄生虫病治疗中所起的作用.[方法]构建扩展莫尼茨绦虫成虫cDNA文库,随机挑取重组阳性克隆进行测序,对部分序列进行引物步移法测序,获取全长cDNA序列;采用生物信息学方法对其对应的蛋白进行二级结构和B细胞抗原表位的预测.[结果]获得扩展莫尼茨绦虫Cavβ基因,全长946 bp,编码180个氨基酸,理论分子质量为19.788 8 kD,等电点为5.06,属于Ca_channel_B超家族.二级结构以无规则卷曲为主,结构预测存在4个可能的B细胞抗原表位.[结论]研究对于扩展莫尼茨绦虫Cavβ基因的获得和B细胞抗原表位的预测,为该基因功能的试验性鉴定工作奠定了基础.     

The CRAC channel activator STIM1 binds and inhibits L-type voltage-gated calcium channels

Voltage- and store-operated calcium (Ca(2+)) channels are the major routes of Ca(2+) entry in mammalian cells, but little is known about how cells coordinate the activity of these channels to generate coherent calcium signals. We found that STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1), the main activator of store-operated Ca(2+) channels, directly suppresses depolarization-induced opening of the voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel Ca(V)1.2. STIM1 binds to the C terminus of Ca(V)1.2 through its Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) activation domain, acutely inhibits gating, and causes long-term internalization of the channel from the membrane. This establishes a previously unknown function for STIM1 and provides a molecular mechanism to explain the reciprocal regulation of these two channels in cells.     

TRPM4 regulates calcium oscillations after T cell activation

TRPM4 has recently been described as a calcium-activated nonselective (CAN) cation channel that mediates membrane depolarization. However, the functional importance of TRPM4 in the context of calcium (Ca2+) signaling and its effect on cellular responses are not known. Here, the molecular inhibition of endogenous TRPM4 in T cells was shown to suppress TRPM4 currents, with a profound influence on receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization. Agonist-mediated oscillations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which are driven by store-operated Ca2+ influx, were transformed into a sustained elevation in [Ca2+]i. This increase in Ca2+ influx enhanced interleukin-2 production. Thus, TRPM4-mediated depolarization modulates Ca2+ oscillations, with downstream effects on cytokine production in T lymphocytes.     

Altered K+ channel expression in abnormal T lymphocytes from mice with the lpr gene mutation

The observation that voltage-dependent K+ channels are required for activation of human T lymphocytes suggests that pathological conditions involving abnormal mitogen responses might be reflected in ion channel abnormalities. Gigaohm seal techniques were used to study T cells from MRL/MpJ-lpr/lpr mice; these mice develop generalized lymphoproliferation of functionally and phenotypically abnormal T cells and a disease resembling human systemic lupus erythematosus. The number and predominant type of K+ channels in T cells from these mice differ dramatically from those in T cells from control strains and a congenic strain lacking the lpr gene locus. Thus an abnormal pattern of ion channel expression has now been associated with a genetic defect in cells of the immune system.     

Identification of a T3-associated gamma delta T cell receptor on Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal Cell lines

The murine epidermis contains a subpopulation of bone marrow-derived lymphocytes that have a dendritic morphology and that express Thy-1 and T3 cell-surface antigens but not other markers (L3T4 or Lyt-2) characteristic of mature peripheral T lymphocytes. An alternative type of T cell receptor was earlier identified on a subpopulation of murine thymocytes with a similar phenotype (T3+, L3T4-, Lyt-2-), but not on peripheral murine T lymphocytes. Two independently derived Thy-1+, L3T4-, and Lyt-2- dendritic cell lines of epidermal origin that express a T3-associated disulfide-linked heterodimer composed of a 34-kilodalton gamma-chain and 46-kilodalton partner (the delta chain) have now been identified. Analysis of N-linked glycosylation revealed that this receptor is similar to that detected on thymocytes. These results demonstrate that Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal cell lines can express gamma delta T cell receptors in vitro and suggest that Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal cells express such receptors in vivo. The localization of these gamma delta T cell receptor-expressing cells in the epidermis may be of importance for understanding the function of these receptors.     

Voltage-sensitive calcium channels in normal and transformed 3T3 fibroblasts

Patch clamp recordings of whole-cell and single channel currents revealed the presence of two voltage-sensitive calcium channel types in the membrane of 3T3 fibroblasts. The two calcium channel types were identified by their unitary properties and pharmacological sensitivities. Both calcium channel types were present in all control 3T3 cells, but one type was selectively suppressed in 3T3 cells that had been transformed by activated c-H-ras, EJ-ras, v-fms, or polyoma middle T oncogenes. The presence of voltage-sensitive calcium channels in these nonexcitable cells and the control of their functional expression by transforming oncogenes raises questions about their role in the control of calcium-sensitive processes such as cell motility, cytoskeletal organization, and cell growth.     

胰岛素样生长因子-1(IGF-1)对小鼠卵丘细胞自噬与胞吞相关因子表达的影响

卵丘细胞的质量对卵母细胞的生长发育至关重要,其自噬和胞吞可调控细胞生长及营养运输,以应对恶劣环境对卵母细胞质量的威胁。从促排处理的小鼠输卵管膨大部收集卵丘—卵母细胞复合体(Cumulus oocyte complexes, COCs),分离卵丘细胞进行体外培养,并添加0、50、100、150和200 ng/mL IGF-1处理细胞,分别提取细胞总RNA和总蛋白,实时荧光定量PCR检测各处理组 Atg5、 Beclin1、 LC3、 Cav1和 Cav2 mRNA的相对表达水平。免疫荧光定位不同蛋白在细胞中的表达,并结合蛋白免疫印迹(Western-blot,WB)测定不同质量浓度IGF-1处理组Atg5、Beclin1、LC3、Cav1和Cav2的蛋白表达水平,分析IGF-1对卵丘细胞自噬和胞吞的影响。结果显示:正常培养的卵丘细胞均可表达 Atg5、 Beclin1、 LC3、 Cav1、 Cav2 mRNA和蛋白,蛋白主要定位在细胞质。IGF-1可调控小鼠卵丘细胞Atg5、Beclin1、LC3、Cav1和Cav2蛋白的表达,与对照组相比,各处理组的Atg5蛋白表达量均升高;Beclin1和LC3蛋白表达量显著降低,且在100 ng/mL IGF-1处理组中最低。Cav1和Cav2蛋白在50 ng/mL和200 ng/mL处理组的表达量均显著降低,但在该质量浓度变化范围内,随着IGF-1质量浓度增大,2种蛋白的表达量不是线性降低,而是在100 ng/mL和150 ng/mL处理组表达量有回升现象。表明IGF-1可调控小鼠卵丘细胞的自噬和胞吞相关因子的表达,调控效果与IGF-1的质量浓度有关。     

The IL-2 receptor beta chain (p70): role in mediating signals for LAK, NK, and proliferative activities

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) induces cytolytic activity and proliferation of human blood lymphocytes. Yet, prior to activation, these cells do not express IL-2 receptors recognized by monoclonal antibodies to the Tac antigen. A novel glycoprotein (IL-2R beta), identified on several lymphocytoid cell lines, has the ability to bind IL-2 alone and to associate with Tac antigen (IL-2R alpha) to form high-affinity IL-2 receptors. It is now reported that IL-2R beta is expressed on both circulating T lymphocytes and large granular lymphocytes in quantities approximately proportional to their responsiveness to IL-2. Studies of the responses of these cells to IL-2 suggest that IL-2R beta mediates the initial phase of induction of lymphokine activated killer (LAK), natural killer (NK), and proliferative activities. Subsequently, IL-2R alpha is induced and functional high-affinity IL-2 receptors are expressed.     

Recognition of HLA-A2 by cytotoxic T lymphocytes after DNA transfer into human and murine cells

A gene coding for the major histocompatibility antigen HLA-A2 was transferred into human HLA-A2 negative M1 cells and murine L cells. Following transfection, these cells expressed molecules at the cell surface that are biochemically indistinguishable from HLA-A2 antigens on the human cell line JY from which the HLA-A2 gene was isolated. The M1A2 cells were recognized and lysed by a cytolytic T-cell clone specific for HLA-A2. The transfected L cells which express HLA-A2 in association with human beta 2-microglobulin were not lysed by this T-cell clone. The specific cytolysis of M1A2 cells could be inhibited by monoclonal antibodies to HLA-A2, and monoclonal antibodies to T3, T8, and LFA-1 on cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These results suggest that killing by allospecific T cells requires HLA-A2 antigens as well as other species-specific structures on the target cell surface.     

T cell receptor peptide therapy triggers autoregulation of experimental encephalomyelitis

Encephalitogenic T cells specific for myelin basic protein share common V beta 8 peptide sequences in their T cell receptor (TCR) that can induce autoregulatory T cells and antibodies that prevent clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). It is not known, however, if TCR peptides can treat established disease. To test its therapeutic value, TCR-V beta 8-39-59 peptide was injected into rats with clinical signs of EAE. This treatment reduced disease severity and speeded recovery, apparently by boosting anti-V beta 8 T cells and antibodies raised naturally in response to encephalitogenic V beta 8+ T cells. These results demonstrate that synthetic TCR peptides can be used therapeutically, and implicate the TCR-V beta 8-39-59 sequence as a natural idiotope involved in EAE recovery. Similarly, human TCR peptides may be effective in enhancing natural regulation of autoreactive T cells that share common V genes.     

Kaposi's sarcoma cells: long-term culture with growth factor from retrovirus-infected CD4+ T cells

Studies of the biology and pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) have been hampered by the inability to maintain long-term cultures of KS cells in vitro. In this study AIDS-KS-derived cells with characteristic spindle-like morphology were cultured with a growth factor (or factors) released by CD4+ T lymphocytes infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type I or II (HTLV-I or HTLV-II) or with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 or 2 (HIV-1 or HIV-2). Medium conditioned by HTLV-II-infected, transformed lines of T cells (HTLV-II CM) contained large amounts of this growth activity and also supported the temporary growth of normal vascular endothelial cells, but not fibroblasts. Interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulated the growth of the KS-derived cells, but the growth was only transient and these could be distinguished from that in HTLV-II CM. Other known endothelial cell growth promoting factors, such as acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors and epidermal growth factor, did not support the long-term growth of the AIDS-KS cells. The factor released by CD4+ T cells infected with human retroviruses should prove useful in studies of the pathogenesis of KS.     

Characterization of T cell receptor gamma chain expression in a subset of murine thymocytes

While much information exists about the structure and function of the clonally distributed T cell receptor (TCR) alpha beta heterodimer, little is known about the gamma protein, the product of a third rearranging TCR gene. An antiserum to a carboxyl-terminal peptide common to several of the murine gamma chain constant regions and a monoclonal antibody to the murine T3 complex were used to identify products of this TCR gene family in a subpopulation of Lyt2-, L3T4- thymocytes. This subpopulation does not express TCR alpha or full-length TCR beta messenger RNA. The gamma chain is a 35-kilodalton (kD) protein that is disulfide-bonded to a 45-kD partner and is associated with the T3 complex. Analysis of the glycosylation pattern of this thymic gamma chain revealed that the major variable region gamma (V gamma) gene transcribed in activated peripheral T cells is absent from this subpopulation. The cells that bear this second T cell receptor may therefore represent a distinct lineage differentiating within the thymus.     

Activation of gamma delta T cells in the primary immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Although the immunologic role of T cells bearing the conventional alpha beta T cell receptor (TCR) has been well characterized, little is known about the function of the population of T cells bearing the gamma delta TCR. Therefore, the role of gamma delta T cells in the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) was investigated. The number of TCR gamma delta cells in the draining lymph nodes of mice immunized with MT was greatly increased in comparison with the number of TCR alpha beta cells. Three biochemically distinct gamma delta TCRs were detected. Analyses of cell cycle, of interleukin-2 receptor expression, and of interleukin-2 responsiveness showed that a large proportion of the gamma delta T cells were activated in vivo. TCR gamma delta cells responded to solubilized MT antigens in vitro but, in contrast to MT-specific alpha beta T cells, the response of gamma delta T cells to MT did not require major histocompatability complex class II recognition. These results provide an example of antigen-specific activation of gamma delta T cells in vivo and indicate that gamma delta T cells may have a distinct role in generating a primary immune response to certain microorganisms.     

A conserved domain in axonal targeting of Kv1 (Shaker) voltage-gated potassium channels

Axonal voltage-gated potassium (Kv1) channels regulate action-potential invasion and hence transmitter release. Although evolutionarily conserved, what mediates their axonal targeting is not known. We found that Kv1 axonal targeting required its T1 tetramerization domain. When fused to unpolarized CD4 or dendritic transferrin receptor, T1 promoted their axonal surface expression. Moreover, T1 mutations eliminating Kvbeta association compromised axonal targeting, but not surface expression, of CD4-T1 fusion proteins. Thus, proper association of Kvbeta with the Kv1 T1 domain is essential for axonal targeting.