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UbiA prenyltransferase domain containing protein-1 (UBIAD1) is a polytopic membrane-bound enzyme that synthesizes the vitamin K2subtype menaquinone-4 (MK-4) by conjugating the prenyl group of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGpp) to the aromatic acceptor menadione. The enzyme moonlights as a regulator endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), the rate limiting enzyme in the synthesis of sterol and nonsterol isoprenoids. When cells are replete with isoprenoids, UBIAD1 constitutively cycles between membranes of the medial-trans Golgi and the ER. When ER membranes become depleted of GGpp, UBIAD1 becomes trapped in the organelle where it binds to and inhibits the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) of HMGCR. This inhibition permits continued synthesis of nonsterol isoprenoids, even when sterols are abundant. The resultant accumulation of GGpp in the ER causes dissociation of the HMGCR-UBIAD1 complex, which allows maximal ERAD of HMGCR and translocation of UBIAD1 to the Golgi. These findings disclose a novel GGpp sensing mechanism that allows for metabolically-regulated, intracellular trafficking of UBIAD1. However, the mechanism for this GGpp-induced transport remains to be determined. In the current study, we use cysteine derivatization and protease protection assays to determine the membrane topology of UBIAD1. These findings are key to the determination of mechanisms through which GGpp modulates the intracellular trafficking of UBIAD1 and ultimately, the ERAD of HMGCR.

The autosomal dominant disorder Schnyder corneal dystrophy (SCD) is caused by mutations in UbiA prenyltransferase domain-containing protein-1 (UBIAD1), which uses geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGpp) to synthesize the vitamin K(2) subtype menaquinone-4 (MK-4). SCD is characterized by opacification of the cornea, owing to aberrant build-up of cholesterol in the tissue. We previously discovered that sterols stimulate association of UBIAD1 with ER-localized HMG-CoA reductase, which catalyzes a rate-limiting step in the synthesis of cholesterol and nonsterol isoprenoids, including GGpp. Binding to UBIAD1 inhibits sterol-accelerated ER-associated degradation (ERAD) of reductase and permits continued synthesis of GGpp in cholesterol-replete cells. GGpp disrupts UBIAD1-reductase binding and thereby allows for maximal ERAD of reductase as well as ER-to-Golgi translocation of UBIAD1. SCD-associated UBIAD1 is refractory to GGpp-mediated dissociation from reductase and remains sequestered in the ER to inhibit ERAD. Here, we report development of a biochemical assay for UBIAD1-mediated synthesis of MK-4 in isolated membranes and intact cells. Using this assay, we compared enzymatic activity of WT UBIAD1 with that of SCD-associated variants. Our studies revealed that SCD-associated UBIAD1 exhibited reduced MK-4 synthetic activity, which may result from its reduced affinity for GGpp. Sequestration in the ER protects SCD-associated UBIAD1 from autophagy and allows intracellular accumulation of the mutant protein, which amplifies the inhibitory effect on reductase ERAD. These findings have important implications not only for the understanding of SCD etiology but also for the efficacy of cholesterol-lowering statin therapy, which becomes limited, in part, because of UBIAD1-mediated inhibition of reductase ERAD.

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a clinically heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by the development of anti-nuclear antibodies. Susceptibility to SLE is multifactorial, with a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors contributing to disease development. Like other polygenic diseases, a significant proportion of estimated SLE heritability is not accounted for by common disease alleles analyzed by SNP array-based GWASs. Death-associated protein 1 (DAP1) was implicated as a candidate gene in a previous familial linkage study of SLE and rheumatoid arthritis, but the association has not been explored further.ResultsWe perform deep sequencing across the DAP1 genomic segment in 2032 SLE patients, and healthy controls, and discover a low-frequency functional haplotype strongly associated with SLE risk in multiple ethnicities. We find multiple cis-eQTLs embedded in a risk haplotype that progressively downregulates DAP1 transcription in immune cells. Decreased DAP1 transcription results in reduced DAP1 protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, monocytes, and lymphoblastoid cell lines, leading to enhanced autophagic flux in immune cells expressing the DAP1 risk haplotype. Patients with DAP1 risk allele exhibit significantly higher autoantibody titers and altered expression of the immune system, autophagy, and apoptosis pathway transcripts, indicating that the DAP1 risk allele mediates enhanced autophagy, leading to the survival of autoreactive lymphocytes and increased autoantibody.ConclusionsWe demonstrate how targeted sequencing captures low-frequency functional risk alleles that are missed by SNP array-based studies. SLE patients with the DAP1 genotype have distinct autoantibody and transcription profiles, supporting the dissection of SLE heterogeneity by genetic analysis.

Additional file 3. Review history

Additional file 2: Fig. S1. DAP1 genetic association with SLE. Fig. S2. Genomic position of SLE associated DAP1 variants. Fig. S3. DAP1 eQTL with rs2930047. Fig. S4. Autophagy induction data in PBMCs and monocytes. Fig. S5. Gene expression data. Fig. S6 Sm and snRNP antibodies in DAP1 SLE risk allele. Fig. S7. Heatmap of non-nuclear autoantigen signatures. Fig. S8 Expression of antigen presentation pathway. Fig. S9 DAP1 expression in primary B cells. Fig. S10 RNA-Seq data in PBMCs. Fig. S11. HAP3 defining key variants. Fig. S12. Statistical power analysis. Fig. S13. Uncropped blots.

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies and multi-system immune-mediated pathology. Genome-wide association studies have identified >60 SLE risk loci, suggesting a polygenic susceptibility. Although these loci account for significant genetic heritability, a large proportion is still missing. The missing heritability can be explained by the genetic component of intermediate phenotypes contributed by low frequency functional variants not captured on classical SNP arrays. Deep targeted sequencing of SLE associated genes allows comphensive and personalized assessment of genetic risk by annotating all common and rare disease causing variants. This study was performed to investigate functional variants in the gene for Death associated protein 1 (DAP1) that was previously implicated in susceptibility to SLE. Methods We performed deep targeted sequencing of the DAP1 locus in 1221 SLE and 814 healthy control samples capturing both common and rare SLE associated variants. Genetic association analysis was carried out to identify disease associated haplotypes. SLE associated variants were annotated for functional efffects using publically available resources and an eQTL panel of healthy donors. Serum autoantibody signatures and gene expression profiles of SLE patients carrying SLE risk or protective geneotypes were analyzed in combination with the level of DAP1 transcription and translation. Since DAP1 protein is a potent negative regulator of autophagy, the effect of its downregulation in the risk group, was assessed in a functional autophagy assay. Results Sequencing of the DAP1 gene revealed a novel, functional haplotype that poses risk [OR=1.5, p=4.5E-05] for SLE. The association was replicated in two independent cohorts of patients from different ethnic groups. RNA sequencing analysis revealed multiple cis-eQTLs embedded in the risk haplotype that downregulate DAP1 expression in immune cells. Decreased DAP1 transcription in the risk allele was consistent with reduced protein level. Healthy donors with the DAP1 risk genotype had a significantly elevated ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I in PBMCs and monocytes under starvation, suggesting enhanced autophagy mediated by the risk haplotype. SLEs with the risk genotype exhibhited significantly high autoantibody titers and altered expression of autophagy and apoptosis pathway molecules. Conclusions This study reports a regulatory haplotype in the DAP1 locus associated with a reduced DAP1 protein level and enhanced autophagy in immune cells that can promote survival of autoreactive lymphocytes and potentiate autoimmunity. Funding Source(s): Alliance for lupus research, NIH, UTSW Panel a: shows the sequencing depth across DAP1 gene locus on chromosome 5. Panel b: shows the 62 kb LD (Linkage Disequilibrium) block that contain top 19 SLE associated variants (rsIds shown). The peak SLE associated SNP rs267985 and strongest DAP1 eQTL rs2930047 are shown. Panel c: Median-joining (MJ) network analysis on most common DAP1 haplotypes in Caucasian SLEs and healthy controls. Spheres (termed nodes) represent the locations of each haplotype (from table 2) within the network and the size of the node is proportional to the overall frequency of that haplotype in the dataset. Each node is overlaid with a pie chart that reflects the frequency of that haplotype in SLE group (yellow) versus healthy group (black). The lines connecting the nodes are labeled with the variants that distinguish the connected nodes and the length is proportional to the number of variants. Odds ratio (OR) are shown for two most significant alleles. Red highlighted nodes indicate SLE risk clades.. Panel d: Median-joining (MJ) network analysis on most common DAP1 haplotypes in African American SLEs and healthy controls.. Panel e: Median-joining (MJ) network analysis on most common DAP1 haplotypes in Asian SLEs and healthy controls.

UbiA prenyltransferase domain-containing protein-1 (UBIAD1) utilizes geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGpp) to synthesize the vitamin K2 subtype menaquinone-4. Previously, we found that sterols trigger binding of UBIAD1 to endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in synthesis of cholesterol and nonsterol isoprenoids, including GGpp. This binding inhibits sterol-accelerated degradation of reductase, which contributes to feedback regulation of the enzyme. The addition to cells of geranylgeraniol (GGOH), which can become converted to GGpp, triggers release of UBIAD1 from reductase, allowing for its maximal degradation and permitting ER-to-Golgi transport of UBIAD1. Here, we further characterize geranylgeranyl-regulated transport of UBIAD1. Results of this characterization support a model in which UBIAD1 continuously cycles between the ER and medial-trans Golgi of isoprenoid-replete cells. Upon sensing a decline of GGpp in ER membranes, UBIAD1 becomes trapped in the organelle where it inhibits reductase degradation. Mutant forms of UBIAD1 associated with Schnyder corneal dystrophy (SCD), a human eye disease characterized by corneal accumulation of cholesterol, are sequestered in the ER and block reductase degradation. Collectively, these findings disclose a novel sensing mechanism that allows for stringent metabolic control of intracellular trafficking of UBIAD1, which directly modulates reductase degradation and becomes disrupted in SCD.

UBIAD1 (UbiA prenyltransferase domain–containing protein-1) utilizes geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGpp) to synthesize vitamin K2. We previously reported that sterols stimulate binding of UBIAD1 to endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–localized 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG) CoA reductase. UBIAD1 binding inhibits sterol-accelerated, ER-associated degradation (ERAD) of reductase, one of several mechanisms for feedback control of this rate-limiting enzyme in the branched pathway that produces cholesterol and nonsterol isoprenoids such as GGpp. Accumulation of GGpp in ER membranes triggers release of UBIAD1 from reductase, permitting its maximal ERAD and ER-to-Golgi transport of UBIAD1. Mutant UBIAD1 variants associated with Schnyder corneal dystrophy (SCD), a human disorder characterized by corneal accumulation of cholesterol, resist GGpp-induced release from reductase and remain sequestered in the ER to block reductase ERAD. Using lines of genetically manipulated cells, we now examine consequences of UBIAD1 deficiency and SCD-associated UBIAD1 on reductase ERAD and cholesterol synthesis. Our results indicated that reductase becomes destabilized in the absence of UBIAD1, resulting in reduced cholesterol synthesis and intracellular accumulation. In contrast, an SCD-associated UBIAD1 variant inhibited reductase ERAD, thereby stabilizing the enzyme and contributing to enhanced synthesis and intracellular accumulation of cholesterol. Finally, we present evidence that GGpp-regulated, ER-to-Golgi transport enables UBIAD1 to modulate reductase ERAD such that synthesis of nonsterol isoprenoids is maintained in sterol-replete cells. These findings further establish UBIAD1 as a central player in the reductase ERAD pathway and regulation of isoprenoid synthesis. They also indicate that UBIAD1-mediated inhibition of reductase ERAD underlies cholesterol accumulation associated with SCD.

Interleukin 6 (IL6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that not only affects the immune system, but also plays an active role in many physiological events in various organs. Notably, 35% of systemic IL6 originates from adipose tissues under noninflammatory conditions. Here, we describe a previously unknown function of melanocortins in regulating Il6 gene expression and production in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through membrane receptors which are called melanocortin receptors (MCRs). Of the five MCRs that have been cloned, MC2R and MC5R are expressed during adipocyte differentiation. α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) or ACTH treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes induces Il6 gene expression and production in a time- and concentration-dependent manner via various signaling pathways including the protein kinase A, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, cJun N-terminal kinase, and IκB kinase pathways. Specific inhibition of MC2R and MC5R expression with short interfering Mc2r and Mc5r RNAs significantly attenuated the α-MSH-induced increase of intracellular cAMP and both the level of Il6 mRNA and secretion of IL6 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Finally, when injected into mouse tail vein, α-MSH dramatically increased the Il6 transcript levels in epididymal fat pads. These results suggest that α-MSH in addition to ACTH may function as a regulator of inflammation by regulating cytokine production.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a pluripotent lipid mediator that transmits signals through a family of G protein-coupled receptors to control diverse biological processes. Here, we investigated the effects of S1P on the levels of intracellular calcium and cAMP in differentiated rat white adipocytes and two important aspects of adipocyte-specific physiology, lipolysis and leptin production. In adipocytes, S1P signaling pathway was functionally linked to phospholipase C via pertussis-toxin-sensitive G protein. Interestingly, at higher S1P concentration (1-30 microM), it also induced cAMP generation in a concentration-dependent manner, which was pertussis toxin insensitive and was mimicked by dihydro-S1P and sphingosylphosphoryl-choline but not by its related metabolites, ceramide and sphingosine, or by its structural analogs, phyto-S1P and lysophosphatidic acid. Suramin, a known inhibitor of ligand-receptor interactions, reduced S1P-induced cAMP generation by 60% of control, whereas forskolin-induced cAMP increase was not affected by treatment with suramin. The S1P-induced cAMP generation was functionally linked to cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation. Finally, S1P significantly reduced insulin-induced mRNA of ob gene and leptin secretion, whereas S1P increased glycerol release from adipocytes. Both effects of S1P were reversed by a selective adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, SQ22536, without significantly affecting basal values. In conclusion, extracellular S1P elicits the elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ and cAMP with a distinct concentration dependency, and S1P-induced cAMP generation may be mediated by S1P-selective receptors rather than intracellular targets, and the activated adenylyl cyclase-cAMP signaling pathways subsequently increase lipolysis and decrease insulin-induced leptin production in rat white adipocytes.

Neurotransmitter release is modulated in an activity-dependent manner. We showed previously that repetitive stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) induced activity-dependent potentiation (ADP) of large dense-core vesicle (LDCV) exocytosis in chromaffin cells. Here we report that protein kinase C (PKC)-epsilon is critically involved in ADP. Stimulation of nAChR induced activation of PKC-epsilon, and inhibition of PKC-epsilon by expression of the dominant-negative mutant of PKC-epsilon (DN-PKC-epsilon) or short interfering (siRNA) against PKC-epsilon abolished ADP via decreasing the frequency and quantal size of fused vesicles without affecting basal exocytosis, suggesting that PKC-epsilon is specifically involved in ADP. Electron microscopy revealed that inhibition of PKC-epsilon disrupts activity-induced vesicle translocation required for ADP. We also suggest the involvement of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS), which is known as a downstream target of PKC-epsilon, in ADP of LDCV exocytosis. The level of phospho-MARCKS correlated with the time course of ADP and was reduced by transfection with DN-PKC-epsilon. Actin filament disassembly induced by MARCKS phosphorylation was also significantly blocked by transfection of DN-PKC-epsilon. Furthermore, knockdown of MARCKS by siRNA resulted in inhibition of ADP and reduction of the number of fused vesicles. Together, we provide evidence that ADP of LDCV exocytosis is regulated by PKC-epsilon and its downstream target MARCKS via modulating vesicle translocation.

Large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs), containing neuropeptides, hormones, and amines, play a crucial role in the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and synaptic modulation. In some secretory cells, LDCVs show activity-dependent potentiation (ADP), which represents enhancement of subsequent exocytosis, compared with the previous one. Here we report the signaling mechanism involved in ADP of LDCV release. First, ADP of LDCV release, induced by repetitive stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), was augmented by increasing calcium influx, showing calcium dependence of ADP. Second, translocation of vesicles was involved in ADP. Electron microscope analysis revealed that nAChR stimulation resulted in LDCV translocation to the plasma membrane and increase of fused LDCVs in response to repetitive stimulation was observed by amperometry. Third, we provide evidence for involvement of MAPK signaling in ADP. MAPK signaling was activated by nAChR-induced calcium influx, and ADP as well as vesicle translocation was suppressed by inhibition of MAPK signaling with MAPK kinase blockers, such as PD 098059 and U0126. Fourth, PD 098059 inhibited nAChR stimulation-induced F-actin disassembly, which has been reported to control vesicle translocation. Taken together, we suggest that ADP of LDCV release is modulated by calcium-dependent activation of MAPK signaling via regulating F-actin disassembly.

The therapeutic targeting of nicotinic receptors requires the identification of drugs that selectively activate or inhibit a limited range of nicotine acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In this study, we identified N-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)amide group of the synthetic histamine receptor ligands, histamine-trifluoromethyltoluide, that act as potent inhibitors of nAChRs in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Catecholamine secretion induced by the nAChRs agonist, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP), was significantly inhibited by histamine-trifluoromethyltoluide. Real time carbon-fiber amperometry confirmed the ability of histamine-trifluoromethyltoluide to inhibit DMPP-induced exocytosis in single chromaffin cells. We also found that histamine-trifluoromethyltoluide inhibited DMPP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) and [Na(+)](i) increases, as well as DMPP-induced inward currents in the absence of extracellular calcium. Histamine-trifluoromethyltoluide had no effect on [(3)H]nicotine binding or on calcium increases induced by high K(+), bradykinin, veratridine, histamine, and benzoylbenzoyl ATP. Among the synthetic histamine receptor ligands, clobenpropit exhibited similarity. In addition, 4'-nitroacetanilide also significantly attenuated nAChR-mediated catecholamine secretion. In conclusion, the N-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)amide group of the histamine-trifluoromethyltoluide might be the critical moiety in the inhibition of nAChR-mediated CA secretion.

ATP is co-localized with norepinephrine at the sympathetic nerve terminals and may be released simultaneously upon neuronal stimulation, which results in activation of purinergic receptors. To examine whether leptin synthesis and lipolysis are influenced by P2 purinergic receptor activation, the effects of ATP and other nucleotides on leptin secretion and glycerol release have been investigated in differentiated rat white adipocytes. Firstly, insulin-induced leptin secretion was inhibited by nucleotide treatment with the following efficacy order: 3'-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl ATP (BzATP) > ATP >> UTP. Secondly, treatment of adipocytes with ATP increased both intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and cAMP content. Intracellular calcium concentration was increased by ATP and UTP, but not BzATP, an effect attributed to phospholipase C-coupled P2Y(2). On the other hand, cAMP was generated by treatment with BzATP and ATPgammaS, but not UTP, indicating functional expression of adenylyl cyclase-coupled P2Y(11) receptors in white adipocytes. Thirdly, lipolysis was significantly activated by BzATP and ATP, which correlated with the characteristics of the P2Y(11) subtype. Taken together, the data presented here suggest that white adipocytes express at least two different types of P2Y receptors and that activation of P2Y(11) receptor might be involved in inhibition of leptin production and stimulation of lipolysis, suggesting that purinergic transmission can play an important role in white adipocyte physiology.

We investigated the effect of the phytoestrogen cimicifugoside, one of the pharmacologically active ingredients of the medicinal plant Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) that has been used to treat many kinds of neuronal and menopausal symptoms, such as arthritis, menopausal depression, and nerve pain. Cimicifugoside inhibited calcium increase induced by 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP), a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of 18 +/- 2 microM. In contrast, cimicifugoside did not affect the calcium increases evoked by high K(+), veratridine, and bradykinin. The DMPP-induced sodium increase was also inhibited by cimicifugoside with an IC(50) of 2 +/- 0.3 microM, suggesting that the activity of nAChRs is inhibited by cimicifugoside. Cimicifugoside did not affect the KCl-induced secretion but markedly inhibited the DMPP-induced catecholamine secretion that was monitored by carbon-fiber amperometry in real time and high-performance liquid chromatography through electrochemical detection. The results suggest that cimicifugoside selectively inhibits nAChR-mediated response in bovine chromaffin cells.

Histamine, through H2 receptors, triggers a prominent rise in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in addition to an elevation of cAMP level in HL-60 promyelocytes. Here we show that the histamine-induced [Ca2+]i rise was due to influx of Ca2+ from the extracellular space, probably through nonselective cation channels, as incubation of the cells with SKF 96365 abolished the histamine-induced [Ca2+]i rise, Na+ influx, and membrane depolarization. The Ca2+ influx was specifically inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with PMA or extracellular ATP with 50% inhibitory concentrations of 0.12 ± 0.03 nM and 185 ± 17 μM, respectively. Western blot analysis of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms revealed that PMA (≤1 nM) and ATP (300 μM) caused selective translocation of PKC-δ to the particulate/membrane fraction. Costimulation of the cells with histamine and SKF 96365 partially reduced histamine-induced granulocytic differentiation, which was evaluated by looking at the extent of fMet-Leu-Phe-induced [Ca2+]i rise and superoxide generation. In conclusion, nonselective cation channels are opened by stimulation of the H2 receptor, and the channels are at least in part involved in the induction of histamine-mediated differentiation processes. Both effects of histamine were selectively inhibited probably by the δ isoform of PKC in HL-60 cells.

Function of nicotine, which induces activation of all parts of the body including our brain, has been receiving much attention for a long period of time and also been actively studied by researchers for its pharmacological actions in the central nervous system. The modulation of nicotine concentration and the inhibition of nicotine binding on target receptors in the brain are the key factors for smoking addiction therapy. In previous studies showed that influx of nicotine at the blood-brain barrier was through the pyrilamine-sensitive organic cation transporters. But the direct interacting mechanism of pyrilamine on the nicotine binding target receptors has not yet been clarified. The aim of the present study is to investigate the direct binding mechanisms of a pyrilamine on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We found that pyrilamine shares the same ligand binding pocket of nicotine (NCT) on nAChRs but interacts with more amino acid residues than NCT does. The extended part of pyrilamine interacts with additional residues in the ligand binding pocket of nAChRs which are located nearby the entrance of the binding pocket. The catecholamine (CA) secretion induced by nAChR agonist (NCT') was significantly inhibited by the pyrilamine pretreatment. Real time carbon-fiber amperometry confirmed the inhibition of the NCT'-induced exocytosis by pyrilamine in a single cell level. We also found that pyrilamine inhibited the NCT'-induced [Ca(2+)]i. In contrast, pyrilamine did not affect the increase in calcium induced by high K(+). Overall, these data suggest that pyrilamine directly docks into the ligand binding site of nAChRs and specifically inhibits the nAChR-mediated effects thereby causing inhibition of CA secretion. Therefore, pyrilamine may play an important role to explore new treatments to aid smoking cessation.

Adipogenesis is a complex process that is accompanied by a number of molecular events. In this study, a proteomic approach was adopted to identify secretory factors associated with adipogenesis. A label-free shotgun proteomic strategy was implemented to analyze proteins secreted by human adipose stromal vascular fraction cells and differentiated adipocytes. A total of 474 proteins were finally identified and classified according to quantitative changes and statistical significances. Briefly, 177 proteins were significantly upregulated during adipogenesis (Class I), whereas 60 proteins were significantly downregulated (Class II). Changes in the expressions of several proteins were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting. One obvious finding based on proteomic data was that the amounts of several extracellular modulators of Wnt and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling changed during adipogenesis. The expressions of secreted frizzled-related proteins, dickkopf-related proteins, and latent TGF-beta-binding proteins were found to be altered during adipogenesis, which suggests that they participate in the fine regulation of Wnt and TGF-beta signaling. This study provides useful tools and important clues regarding the roles of secretory factors during adipogenic differentiation, and provides information related to obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases.

Notch signaling regulates lineage decisions at multiple stages of lymphocyte development, and Notch activation requires the endocytosis of Notch ligands in the signal-sending cells. Four E3 ubiquitin ligases, Mind bomb (Mib) 1, Mib2, Neuralized (Neur) 1, and Neur2, regulate the Notch ligands to activate Notch signaling, but their roles in lymphocyte development have not been defined. We show that Mib1 regulates T and marginal zone B (MZB) cell development in the lymphopoietic niches. Inactivation of the Mib1 gene, but not the other E3 ligases, Mib2, Neur1, and Neur2, abrogated T and MZB cell development. Reciprocal bone marrow (BM) transplantation experiments revealed that Mib1 in the thymic and splenic niches is essential for T and MZB cell development. Interestingly, when BM cells from transgenic Notch reporter mice were transplanted into Mib1-null mice, the Notch signaling was abolished in the double-negative thymocytes. In addition, the endocytosis of Dll1 was impaired in the Mib1-null microenvironment. Moreover, the block in T cell development and the failure of Dll1 endocytosis were also observed in coculture system by Mib1 knockdown. Our study reveals that Mib1 is the essential E3 ligase in T and MZB cell development, through the regulation of Notch ligands in the thymic and splenic microenvironments.

Extracellular ATP has recently been identified as an important regulator of cell death in response to pathological insults. When SN4741 cells, which are dopaminergic neurons derived from the substantia nigra of transgenic mouse embryos, are exposed to ATP, cell death occurs. This cell death is associated with prominent cell swelling, loss of ER integrity, the formation of many large cytoplasmic vacuoles, and subsequent cytolysis and DNA release. In addition, the cleavage of caspase-3, a hallmark of apoptosis, is induced by ATP treatment. However, caspase inhibitors do not overcome ATP-induced cell death, indicating that both necrosis and apoptosis are associated with ATP-induced cell death and suggesting that a necrotic event might override the apoptotic process. In this study we also found that P2X(7) receptors (P2X(7)Rs) are abundantly expressed in SN4741 cells, and both ATP-induced swelling and cell death are reversed by pretreatment with the P2X(7)Rs antagonist, KN62, or by knock-down of P2X(7)Rs with small interfering RNAs. Therefore, extracellular ATP release from injured tissues may act as an accelerating factor in necrotic SN4741 dopaminergic cell death via P2X(7)Rs.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) is a dual-specificity phosphatase that is involved in the regulation of cell survival, differentiation and apoptosis through inactivating MAPKs by dephosphorylation. Here, we provide evidence for a role of MKP-1 in the glutamate-induced cell death of HT22 hippocampal cells and primary mouse cortical neurons. We suggest that, during glutamate-induced oxidative stress, protein kinase C (PKC) delta becomes activated and induces sustained activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) through a mechanism that involves degradation of MKP-1. Glutamate-induced activation of ERK1/2 was blocked by inhibition of PKCdelta, confirming that ERK1/2 is regulated by PKCdelta. Prolonged exposure to glutamate caused reduction in the protein level of MKP-1, which correlated with the sustained activation of ERK1/2. Furthermore, knockdown of endogenous MKP-1 by small interfering (si)RNA resulted in pronounced enhancement of ERK1/2 phosphorylation accompanied by increased cytotoxicity under glutamate exposure. In glutamate-treated cells, MKP-1 was polyubiquitylated and proteasome inhibitors markedly blocked the degradation of MKP-1. Moreover, inhibition of glutamate-induced PKCdelta activation suppressed the downregulation and ubiquitylation of MKP-1. Taken together, these results demonstrate that activation of PKCdelta triggers degradation of MKP-1 through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, thereby contributing to persistent activation of ERK1/2 under glutamate-induced oxidative toxicity.