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Understanding the process of myeloid differentiation offers important insights into both normal and abnormal developmental processes but is limited by the dearth of experimental models. Here we show that myeloid progenitors can be derived from embryonic stem cells, immortalized, and applied to the study of the mechanisms underlying myeloid differentiation. The embryonic stem cell–derived myeloid progenitors, when immortalized with estrogen-regulated Hoxb8 protein, demonstrate normal karyotyping, are genetically tractable, and can be differentiated into functional neutrophils. Using this model, we identified mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 as a critical regulator of myeloid differentiation. Together, our studies led to a convenient, karyotypically normal, and genetically manipulatable cellular system, which can be used to shed new light on the mechanisms for myeloid differentiation.

PLSCR1−/− mice exhibit normal, steady-state hematologic parameters but impaired emergency granulopoiesis upon in vivo administration of G-CSF. The mechanism by which PLSCR1 contributes to G-CSF-induced neutrophil production is largely unknown. We now report that the expansion of bone marrow myelocytes upon in vivo G-CSF treatment is reduced in PLSCR1−/− mice relative to WT. Using SCF-ER-Hoxb8-immortalized myeloid progenitors to examine the progression of G-CSF-driven granulocytic differentiation in vitro, we found that PLSCR1 prolongs the period of mitotic expansion of proliferative granulocyte precursors, thereby giving rise to increased neutrophil production from their progenitors. This effect of PLSCR1 is blocked by a ΔNLS-PLSCR1, which prevents its nuclear import. By contrast, mutation that prevents the membrane association of PLSCR1 has minimal impact on the role of PLSCR1 in G-CSF-induced granulopoiesis. These data imply that the capacity of PLSCR1 to augment G-CSF-dependent production of mature neutrophils from myeloid progenitors is unrelated to its reported activities at the endofacial surface of the plasma membrane but does require entry of the protein into the nucleus, suggesting that this response is mediated through the observed effects of PLSCR1 on gene transcription.

Phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) is a multiply palmitoylated protein which is localized in either the cell membrane or nucleus depending on its palmitoylated state. The increasing evidence showed the biological roles of PLSCR1 in cell signaling, maturation and apoptosis. To investigate the functions of PLSCR1 in leukemic cells, we generated an inducible PLSCR1-expressing cell line using myeloid leukemic U937 cells. In this cell line, PLSCR1 was tightly regulated and induced upon tetracycline withdrawal. Our results showed that inducible PLSCR1 expression arrested the proliferation of U937 cells at G1 phase. Meanwhile, PLSCR1-overexpressing U937 cells also underwent granulocyte-like differentiation with increased sensitivity to etoposide-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we also found that PLSCR1 induction increased cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p27(Kip1) and p21(Cip1) proteins, together with downregulation of S phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2), an F-box subunit of the ubiquitin-ligase complex that targets proteins for degradation. Additionally, PLSCR1 induction significantly decreased c-Myc protein and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein. Although the exact mechanism by which PLSCR1 regulates these cellular events and gene expression remains unresolved, our results suggest that PLSCR1 plays the antagonistic role regarding leukemia development. These data will shed new insights into understanding the biochemical and biological functions of PLSCR1 protein.

Although phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) was originally identified based on its capacity to promote transbilayer movement of membrane phospholipids, subsequent studies also provided evidence for its role in cell proliferation, maturation, and apoptosis. In this report, we investigate the potential role of PLSCR1 in leukemic cell differentiation. We show that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), an effective differentiation-inducing agent of acute promyelocytic leukemic (APL) cells, can elevate PLSCR1 expression in ATRA-sensitive APL cells NB4 and HL60, but not in maturation-resistant NB4-LR1 cells. ATRA- and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced monocytic differentiation is accompanied by increased PLSCR1 expression, whereas only a slight or no elevation of PLSCR1 expression is observed in U937 cells differentiated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), sodium butyrate, or vitamin D3. Cell differentiation with ATRA and PMA, but not with vitamin D3 or DMSO, results in phosphorylation of protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta), and the PKCdelta-specific inhibitor rottlerin nearly eliminates the ATRA- and PMA-induced expression of PLSCR1, while ectopic expression of a constitutively active form of PKCdelta directly increases PLSCR1 expression. Finally, decreasing PLSCR1 expression with small interfering RNA inhibits ATRA/PMA-induced differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that as a protein induced upon PKCdelta activation, PLSCR1 is required for ATRA- and PMA-triggered leukemic cell differentiation.

Interferons (IFNs) are the principal cytokines responsible for mediating innate immunity against viral infections (7). How IFNs establish an antiviral state in cells has been a subject of investigation since their discovery (21). Nevertheless, mechanisms of IFN action against viral infections remain incompletely understood. IFN antiviral studies have largely focused on several types of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), including the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated protein kinase (PKR), human myxovirus resistance proteins (Mx), 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) and its effector protein RNase L, ISG56 (p56), dsRNA-specific adenosine deaminase, and guanylate binding proteins (GBP) (35). Given the critical role of innate immunity in survival from infections, it is not surprising that the antiviral action of IFNs is complex and involves multiple overlapping or related pathways. For instance, mice that are triply deficient for RNase L, PKR, and Mx1 are nevertheless able to mount a substantial, residual IFN antiviral response (48). Therefore, identification of all of the antiviral ISGs is an important step toward a more complete appreciation and understanding of innate immunity. In this regard, within the past several years, global gene expression profiles from IFN-treated cells, obtained by DNA microarrays, have expanded the number of known ISGs from about 33 to >200 (12, 13). Phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) is a novel ISG identified as such by way of DNA microarray analysis and confirmed by detailed analysis of the PLSCR1 promoter (12, 49, 50). In fact, PLSCR1 is highly induced by IFN-α, -β, and -γ and also by various growth factors, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), stem cell factor, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (30, 51). PLSCR1 is a multiply palmitoylated, lipid-raft-associated endofacial plasma membrane protein, with a proline-rich cytoplasmic domain containing several SH3 and WW domain binding motifs (38). PLSCR1 is proposed to accelerate bidirectional movement of plasma membrane phospholipids during conditions of elevated calcium (50). Transmembrane movement of phospholipids in response to calcium, however, is unaffected by either IFN treatment or PLSCR1 deletion (14, 49, 51). Although the precise biologic function(s) of PLSCR1 and its related isoforms PLSCR2 to 4 remain to be determined (38), recent studies provide intriguing evidence of a role in cell signaling, maturation, and apoptosis. For instance, proliferation and terminal differentiation of certain hematopoietic stem cells (granulocyte precursor) populations is impaired in PLSCR1-null mice (51), and in both monocytic and granulocytic lineages, expression of this protein markedly increases with terminal differentiation into polymorphonuclear leukocytes or macrophages. Conversely, mutations affecting murine PLSCR1 have been associated with a leukemogenic phenotype, which is reversed upon expression of the wild-type (full-length) protein (24, 25). PLSCR1 suppressed ovarian carcinoma in an animal model (37), and elevated expression of PLSCR1 has been shown to be required for normal myeloid differentiation (51). Finally, there is recent evidence that the level of expression of this protein correlates with overall survival in acute myelogenous leukemia (46). PLSCR1 is phosphorylated by select protein kinases, including Abl and Src, tyrosine kinases that participate in multiple growth factor receptor signaling pathways (30, 32, 41). Tyrosine phosphorylation of PLSCR1 by c-Src occurs in response to growth factors such as EGF, resulting in association of phosphorylated PLSCR1 with Shc and the activated EGF receptor complex (30). In the absence of PLSCR1, the activation of c-Src kinase through EGF receptor (and related receptors) is markedly attenuated, suggesting that PLSCR1 plays a role in growth factor-dependent recruitment or activation of c-Src kinase, potentially through its interaction in membrane lipid rafts (30, 40). Palmitoylation of PLSCR1 is required for insertion into the plasma membrane (44). However, when palmitoylation does not occur, the importin α/β nucleopore transport system has recently been shown to import PLSCR1 into the nucleus where it binds DNA (6, 44). Accordingly, newly synthesized PLSCR1 appeared in nuclei after IFN induction of PLSCR1 in the human ovarian carcinoma cell line, Hey1B (44). PLSCR1 is the only member of the PLSCR family thus far shown to be inducible by IFNs. These findings raise the possibility that PLSCR1 may contribute to the antiviral effects of IFNs by affecting viral penetration, IFN-stimulated cell signaling pathways at the plasma membrane, the transcription of antiviral genes in the nucleus, and/or by directly blocking specific stages in the viral replication cycle. To determine the involvement of PLSCR1 in the IFN-induced antiviral state, we have compared viral replication in wild-type and PLSCR1−/− mouse cells as well as in human cells in which PLSCR1 levels were decreased with short interfering RNA (siRNA). Our results demonstrate a marked suppression of viral replication by PLSCR1 which is accompanied by the enhanced expression of a specific subset of antiviral ISGs.

Phospholipid scramblase (PLSCR1) is a multiply palmitoylated, calcium-binding endofacial membrane protein proposed to mediate transbilayer movement of plasma membrane phospholipids. PLSCR1 is a component of membrane lipid rafts and has been shown to both physically and functionally interact with activated epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors and other raft-associated cell surface receptors. Cell stimulation by EGF results in Tyr phosphorylation of PLSCR1, its association with both Shc and EGF receptors, and rapid cycling of PLSCR1 between plasma membrane and endosomal compartments. We now report evidence that upon EGF stimulation, PLSCR1 is phosphorylated by c-Src, within the tandem repeat sequence 68VYNQPVYNQP77. The in vivo interaction between PLSCR1 and Shc requires the Src-mediated phosphorylation on tyrosines 69 and 74. In in vitro pull down studies, phosphorylated PLSCR1 was found to bind directly to Shc through the phosphotyrosine binding domain. Consistent with the potential role of PLSCR1 in growth factor signaling pathways, granulocyte precursors derived from mice deficient in PLSCR1 show impaired proliferation and maturation under cytokine stimulation. Using PLSCR1-/- embryonic fibroblasts and kidney epithelial cells, we now demonstrate that deletion of PLSCR1 from the plasma membrane reduces the activation of c-Src by EGF, implying that PLSCR1 normally facilitates receptor-dependent activation of this kinase. We propose that PLSCR1, through its interaction with Shc, promotes Src kinase activation through the EGF receptor.

Only capacitated sperm cells are able to fertilize egg cells, and this process is triggered by high levels of bicarbonate. Bicarbonate renders the plasma membrane more fluid, which is caused by protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated alterations in the phospholipid (PL) bilayer. We studied exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in human sperm cells. Surface exposure of PS and PE on sperm cell activation in vitro was found to be bicarbonate dependent and restricted to the apical area of the head plasma membrane. The PL scrambling in bicarbonate-triggered human sperm was not related to apoptosis, because the incubated cells did not show any signs of caspases or degeneration of mitochondria or DNA. The PL scramblase (PLSCR) gene family has been implicated in this nonspecific, bidirectional PL movement. A 25-kDa isoform of PLSCR was identified that was homogeneously distributed in human sperm cells. We propose that compartment-dependent activation of PKA is required for the surface exposure of aminophospholipids at the apical plasma membrane of sperm cells. Bicarbonate-induced PL scrambling appears to be an important event in the capacitation process, because the entire intact scrambling sperm subpopulation showed extensive tyrosine phosphorylation, which was absent in the nonscrambling subpopulation. The proportion of live cells with PL scrambling corresponded with that showing capacitation-specific chlortetracyclin staining.

Phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) is a Ca(2+)-binding, endofacial plasma membrane protein thought to contribute to the transbilayer movement of phosphatidylserine and other membrane phospholipids that is observed upon influx of calcium into the cytosol. Expression of PLSCR1 is markedly induced by interferon and other cytokines, and PLSCR1-/- bone marrow cells exhibit defective myeloid proliferation and differentiation in response to stimulation by select growth factors, implying that PLSCR1 also functions in cytokine signaling or response pathways. PLSCR1 is multiply palmitoylated and partitions into membrane lipid raft domains. We have now identified the Cys-rich sequence (184)CCCPCC(189) in PLSCR1 as required for palmitoylation of the polypeptide. Mutation of these five cysteines abrogates PLSCR1 trafficking to the plasma membrane and results in virtually all of the expressed protein localizing to the nucleus. Consistent with this observation, cell treatment with the palmitoylation inhibitor, 2-bromo-palmitate, results in a marked redistribution of endogenous PLSCR1 from plasma membrane to nucleus. In a small percentage of untreated cells, predominantly nuclear localization of PLSCR1 is also observed. Furthermore, PLSCR1 is also found in the nucleus following its cytokine-induced expression. These data suggest that under the circumstance of rapid biosynthesis in response to gene induction by cytokines, PLSCR1 traffics into the nucleus, implying a potential nuclear function for this protein.

Engagement of high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptors (FcεRI) activates two signaling pathways in mast cells. The Lyn pathway leads to recruitment of Syk and to calcium mobilization whereas the Fyn pathway leads to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase recruitment. Mapping the connections between both pathways remains an important task to be completed. We previously reported that Phospholipid Scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) is phosphorylated on tyrosine after cross-linking FcεRI on RBL-2H3 rat mast cells, amplifies mast cell degranulation, and is associated with both Lyn and Syk tyrosine kinases. Here, analysis of the pathway leading to PLSCR1 tyrosine phosphorylation reveals that it depends on the FcRγ chain. FcεRI aggregation in Fyn-deficient mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) induced a more robust increase in FcεRI-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of PLSCR1 compared to wild-type cells, whereas PLSCR1 phosphorylation was abolished in Lyn-deficient BMMC. Lyn association with PLSCR1 was not altered in Fyn-deficient BMMC. PLSCR1 phosphorylation was also dependent on the kinase Syk and significantly, but partially, dependent on detectable calcium mobilization. Thus, the Lyn/Syk/calcium axis promotes PLSCR1 phosphorylation in multiple ways. Conversely, the Fyn-dependent pathway negatively regulates it. This study reveals a complex regulation for PLSCR1 tyrosine phosphorylation in FcεRI-activated mast cells and that PLSCR1 sits at a crossroads between Lyn and Fyn pathways.

SummaryPlasma membrane phospholipid asymmetry is maintained by an aminophospholipid translocase that transports phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) from outer to inner membrane leaflet. Cell activation or injury leads to redistribution of all major lipid classes within the plasma membrane, resulting in surface exposure of PS and PE. Cell surface-exposed PS can serve as receptor sites for coagulation enzyme complexes, and contributes to cell clearance by the reticuloendothelial system. The mechanism(s) by which this PL ”scrambling” occurs is poorly understood. A protein called phospholipid scramblase (PLSCR1) has been cloned that exhibits Ca2+-activated PL scrambling activity in vitro. PLSCR1 belongs to a new family of proteins with no apparent homology to other known proteins. PLSCR1 is palmitoylated and contains a potential protein kinase C phosphorylation site. It further contains multiple PxxP and PPxY motifs, representing potential binding motifs for SH3 and WW domains implicated in mediating protein-protein interactions. Although at least two proteins have been shown to associate with PLSCR1, the functional significance of such interaction remains to be elucidated. Evidence that PLSCR1 may serve functions other than its proposed activity as PL scramblase is also presented.

Interferons (IFNs) mediate their diverse biologic activities through induction of the expression of multiple genes. Whereas the mode of action of certain of these IFN-regulated genes has been well characterized, most of the molecular and cellular events underlying the constellation of biologic responses to the IFNs remain unresolved. This study showed that the newly identified PLSCR1 gene for phospholipid scramblase, previously implicated in remodeling of plasma membrane phospholipids, is regulated at the transcriptional level by IFN-. Analysis of 5′ flanking genomic sequence in reporter constructs showed that transcriptional control of PLSCR1 was entirely regulated by a single IFN-stimulated response element located in the first exon. A similar induction of PLSCR1 by IFN-2a was also observed in a variety of other human tumor cell lines as well as in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In these cell lines, the marked IFN-2a–induced increase in PLSCR1 protein expression, ranging as high as 10-fold above basal levels, was not accompanied by increased cell surface exposure of phosphatidylserine, suggesting that remodeling of the cell surface requires both exposure to IFN and a second yet-to-be identified event to stimulate plasma membrane phospholipid scramblase activity and to mobilize phosphatidylserine to the cell surface.

Scott syndrome is a rare inherited bleeding disorder in which platelets and other blood cells fail to promote normal assembly of the membrane-stabilized proteases of the plasma coagulation system. The defect in Scott blood cells is known to reflect inability to mobilize phosphatidylserine from inner plasma membrane leaflet to the cell surface in response to an elevation of Ca2+ at the endofacial surface. To gain insight into the molecular basis of this membrane defect, we examined the expression in Scott cells of plasma membrane proteins that have been implicated to participate in the accelerated transbilayer movement of plasma membrane PL. By both reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and functional assay, the level of expression of the multidrug resistance (MDR)1 and MDR3 P-glycoproteins in immortalized B-lymphoblast cell lines from the patient with Scott syndrome were indistinguishable from matched cell lines derived from normal controls. Whereas the plasma membrane of Scott cells are insensitive to activation of the plasma membrane PL scramblase pathway, it had been shown that PL scramblase protein isolated from detergent-solubilized Scott erythrocytes exhibits normal function when incorporated into proteoliposomes (Stout JG, Basse F, Luhm RA, Weiss HJ, Wiedmer T, Sims PJ: J Clin Invest 99:2232, 1997). Consistent with this finding in Scott erythrocytes, we found that Scott lymphoblasts expressed normal levels of PL scramblase mRNA and protein, and that the deduced sequence of PL scramblase in Scott cells is identical to that of normal controls. These data suggest that the defect in Scott syndrome is related either to aberrant posttranslational processing of the PL scramblase polypeptide or to a defect or deficiency in an unknown cofactor that is required for normal expression of plasma membrane PL scramblase function in situ, or alternatively, reflects the presence of a detergent-dissociable inhibitor of this pathway.© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

Accelerated transbilayer movement of plasma membrane phospholipids (PL) plays a central role in the initiation of plasma clotting and in phagocytic clearance of injured or apoptotic cells. We recently identified a plasma membrane protein that induces rapid transbilayer movement of PL at elevated Ca2+, and we presented evidence that this PL scramblase mediates the transbilayer movement of plasma membrane PL in a variety of cells and tissues exposed to elevated intracellular Ca2+ [Zhou, Q. et al. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 18240-18244]. Activation of PL scramblase entails coordination of Ca2+ by a 12 residue segment resembling an EF hand loop motif that is adjacent to the single transmembrane helix of the polypeptide. On the assumption that correct orientation of the Ca2+-binding loop segment required a distal segment of the polypeptide to orient back toward the membrane, we considered the possibility of membrane anchoring through covalent fatty acid. Human Raji cells transformed with PL scramblase cDNA in the expression vector pEGFP-C2 were metabolically labeled with [3H]palmitate, and fusion protein immunoprecipitated with antibody against GFP-PL scramblase was found to covalently incorporate 3H, whereas no radioactivity was covalently associated with GFP. The identity of the covalently bound 3H in PL scramblase as a thioester-linked [3H]palmitate was confirmed by hydroxylamine cleavage and by thin-layer chromatography of the liberated fatty acid. Consistent with the assumption that activation by Ca2+ might require accessory site(s) of polypeptide attachment to the membrane, hydrolysis of thioester bonds in purified erythrocyte PL scramblase markedly reduced the Ca2+-dependent activity of the membrane-incorporated protein.

The rapid movement of phospholipids (PL) between plasma membrane leaflets in response to increased intracellular Ca2+ is thought to play a key role in expression of platelet procoagulant activity and in clearance of injured or apoptotic cells. We recently reported isolation of a approximately 37-kDa protein in erythrocyte membrane that mediates Ca2+-dependent movement of PL between membrane leaflets, similar to that observed upon elevation of Ca2+ in the cytosol (Basse, F., Stout, J. G., Sims, P. J., and Wiedmer, T. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 17205-17210). Based on internal peptide sequence obtained from this protein, a 1,445-base pair cDNA was cloned from a K-562 cDNA library. The deduced "PL scramblase" protein is a proline-rich, type II plasma membrane protein with a single transmembrane segment near the C terminus. Antibody against the deduced C-terminal peptide was found to precipitate the approximately 37-kDa red blood cell protein and absorb PL scramblase activity, confirming the identity of the cloned cDNA to erythrocyte PL scramblase. Ca2+-dependent PL scramblase activity was also demonstrated in recombinant protein expressed from plasmid containing the cDNA. Quantitative immunoblotting revealed an approximately 10-fold higher abundance of PL scramblase in platelet ( approximately 10(4) molecules/cell) than in erythrocyte ( approximately 10(3) molecules/cell), consistent with apparent increased PL scramblase activity of the platelet plasma membrane. PL scramblase mRNA was found in a variety of hematologic and nonhematologic cells and tissues, suggesting that this protein functions in all cells.

Elevation of cytoplasmic Ca 2+ levels in human erythrocytes induces a progressive loss of membrane phospholipid asymmetry, a process that is impaired in erythrocytes from a patient with Scott syndrome. We show here that porcine erythrocytes are similarly incapable of Ca 2+ -induced redistribution of membrane phospholipids. Because a complex of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP 2 ) and Ca 2+ has been proposed as the mediator of enhanced transbilayer movement of lipids (J Biol Chem 269 :6347,1994), these cell systems offer a unique opportunity for testing this mechanism. Analysis of both total PIP 2 content and the metabolic-resistant pool of PIP 2 that remains after incubation with Ca 2+ ionophore showed no appreciable differences between normal and Scott erythrocytes. Moreover, porcine erythrocytes were found to have slightly higher levels of both total and metabolic-resistant PIP 2 in comparison with normal human erythrocytes. Although loading of normal erythrocytes with exogenously added PIP 2 gave rise to a Ca 2+ -induced increase in prothrombinase activity and apparent transbilayer movement of nitrobenzoxadiazolyl (NBD)-phospholipids, these PIP 2 -loaded cells were also found to undergo progressive Ca 2+ -dependent cell lysis, which seriously hampers interpretation of these data. Moreover, loading Scott cells with PIP 2 did not abolish their impaired lipid scrambling, even in the presence of a Ca 2+ -ionophore. Finally, artificial lipid vesicles containing no PIP 2 or 1 mole percent of PIP 2 were indistinguishable with respect to transbilayer movement of NBD-phosphatidylcholine in the presence of Ca 2+ . Our findings suggest that Ca 2+ -induced redistribution of membrane phospholipids cannot simply be attributed to the steady-state concentration of PIP 2 , and imply that such lipid movement is regulated by other cellular processes.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired stem-cell disorder in which the glycolipid-anchored membrane proteins, including the cell-surface complement inhibitors, CD55 and CD59, are partially or completely deleted from the plasma membranes of mature blood cells. To gain insight into the pathogenesis of thrombosis that is frequently observed in this disorder, the procoagulant responses of PNH platelets exposed to the human terminal complement proteins C5b-9 were investigated. C5b-9 complexes were assembled on gel-filtered platelets by incubation with purified C5b6, C7, C9, and limiting amounts of C8. Platelet microparticle formation and exposure of plasma membrane- binding sites for coagulation factor Va were then analyzed by flow cytometry. PNH platelets exhibiting undetectable levels of surface CD59 antigen showed an approximately 10-fold increase in sensitivity to C5b- 9-stimulated expression of membrane-binding sites for factor Va when compared with platelets from normal controls. Expression of catalytic surface for the prothrombinase complex (VaXa) paralleled the exposure of factor Va-binding sites; the rate of prothrombin conversion by C5b-9- treated PNH platelets exceeded that of C5b-9-treated normal controls by approximately 10-fold at the maximal input of C8 tested (500 ng/mL). These data indicate that PNH platelets deficient in plasma membrane CD59 antigen are exquisitely sensitive to C5b-9-induced expression of prothrombinase activity, and suggest that the tendency toward thrombosis in these patients may be due, at least in part, to the deletion of this complement inhibitor from the platelet plasma membrane.

Activation of human platelets by complement proteins, C5b-9, thrombin plus collagen, or a Ca2+ ionophore results in surface exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS), accompanied by the expression of membrane catalytic activity for the tenase (VIIaIXa) and prothrombinase (VaXa) coagulation enzyme complexes. The mechanism underlying this surface exposure of PS upon platelet activation remains unresolved. Using fluorescent derivatives of PS (NBD-PS), we have investigated how the transmembrane migration of PS is related to microvesiculation of the platelet plasma membrane and to fusion of storage granules with the plasma membrane. Gel-filtered platelets were incubated with NBD-PS, allowing 90 +/- 10% of the incorporated NBD-PS to accumulate into the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. Migration of NBD-PS from the inner leaflet to the plasma membrane surface was monitored by time-based flow cytometry, and correlated with the appearance of platelet microparticles and alpha-granule secretion. Platelet activation by C5b-9 or the Ca2+ ionophore, A23187, increased surface exposure of NBD-PS, due to acceleration of the apparent rate of migration from inner to outer plasma membrane leaflets. The onset of this accelerated migration of NBD-PS to the surface coincided with the onset of plasma membrane vesiculation, and the NBD-PS that partitioned into the membrane of the shed microparticle was also rapidly exposed to the surface (t1/2

Recent evidence suggests that the cytoplasmic domains of platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa are involved in the agonist-initiated transformation of this integrin into a receptor for fibrinogen. To identify intracellular reactions that regulate the receptor function of GP IIb-IIIa, membrane-impermeable agonists and antagonists were introduced into the platelet by permeabilizing the plasma membrane with the pore-forming complement proteins C5b-9. Platelet responses were then analyzed by flow cytometry. Non-lytic concentrations of C5b-9 caused permeabilization of the platelet plasma membrane, as determined by uptake of a water-soluble fluorescent tracer dye. The complement pores were large enough to permit the entry of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled oligopeptides in a size-dependent manner. Under conditions of low external Ca2+, C5b-9 treatment per se did not activate GP IIb-IIIa, as measured by binding of the activation-dependent antibody FITC-PAC1. However, FITC-PAC1 binding to C5b-9-permeabilized platelets was stimulated by a thrombin receptor agonist acting at the cell surface and by guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate), a membrane-impermeable activator of G proteins. Permeabilization also permitted the entry of cyclic AMP and the peptide, RFARKGALRQKNV, a pseudo-substrate inhibitor of protein kinase C. Each of these inhibited agonist-induced FITC-PAC1 binding to permeabilized platelets but not to intact platelets. Agonist-induced GP IIb-IIIa activation in permeabilized platelets was also inhibited by tyrphostin-23, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Thus, C5b-9 can be used to permeabilize the plasma membrane to permit the selective entry of small peptides and other bioactive compounds into permeabilized platelets. Results obtained with these platelets indicate that GP IIb-IIIa receptor function is regulated by a network of signaling reactions involving G proteins, serine/threonine kinases, and tyrosine kinases.

The erythrocytes from a patient with Scott syndrome, a bleeding disorder characterized by an isolated defect in expression of platelet procoagulant activity, have been studied. When incubated with the calcium ionophore A23187, Scott syndrome red blood cells (RBCs) expressed less than 10% of the prothrombinase (enzyme complex of coagulation factors Va and Xa) activity of A23187-treated RBCs obtained from normal controls. Consistent with the results from enzyme assay, the ionophore-treated Scott syndrome erythrocytes exhibited diminished membrane vesiculation and decreased exposure of membrane binding sites for factor Va compared with identically treated controls. When examined by scanning electron microscopy, untreated Scott syndrome RBCs were indistinguishable from normal cells. After incubation with A23187, however, the morphology of Scott syndrome RBCs contrasted markedly from normal erythrocytes. Whereas the Ca2+ ionophore induced marked echinocytosis and spiculation of normal RBCs, Scott syndrome RBCs remained mostly discoid under these conditions, with only an occasional echinocyte-like cell observed. These aberrant responses to intracellular Ca2+ were also observed for resealed ghosts prepared from Scott syndrome erythrocytes, indicating that they are related to a defect in the membrane or membrane-associated cytoskeleton. The finding that the erythrocytes of this patient share many of the membrane abnormalities reported previously for Scott syndrome platelets suggests that this defect is common to both cell lines and involves a membrane component required for vesicle formation and for expression of prothrombinase sites.

Motivation: Phospholipid scramblases (PLSCRs) constitute a family of cytoplasmic membrane-associated proteins that were identified based upon their capacity to mediate a Ca2+-dependent bidirectional movement of phospholipids across membrane bilayers, thereby collapsing the normally asymmetric distribution of such lipids in cell membranes. The exact function and mechanism(s) of these proteins nevertheless remains obscure: data from several laboratories now suggest that in addition to their putative role in mediating transbilayer flip/flop of membrane lipids, the PLSCRs may also function to regulate diverse processes including signaling, apoptosis, cell proliferation and transcription. A major impediment to deducing the molecular details underlying the seemingly disparate biology of these proteins is the current absence of any representative molecular structures to provide guidance to the experimental investigation of their function. Results: Here, we show that the enigmatic PLSCR family of proteins is directly related to another family of cellular proteins with a known structure. The Arabidopsis protein At5g01750 from the DUF567 family was solved by X-ray crystallography and provides the first structural model for this family. This model identifies that the presumed C-terminal transmembrane helix is buried within the core of the PLSCR structure, suggesting that palmitoylation may represent the principal membrane anchorage for these proteins. The fold of the PLSCR family is also shared by Tubby-like proteins. A search of the PDB with the HHpred server suggests a common evolutionary ancestry. Common functional features also suggest that tubby and PLSCR share a functional origin as membrane tethered transcription factors with capacity to modulate phosphoinositide-based signaling. Contact: agb@sanger.ac.uk

The formation of membrane microparticles through vesiculation of the platelet plasma membrane is known to provide catalytic surface for several enzyme complexes of the coagulation system, and to underlie the procoagulant responses elicited with platelet activation. This induced shedding of vesicles from the plasma membrane is most prominent when platelets are activated by the terminal complement proteins, C5b-9, by a Ca2+ ionophore, or by the combination of thrombin plus collagen. Although shown to require elevated [Ca2+], the cellular events that initiate plasma membrane evagination and fusion to form the shed vesicles remain unresolved. To gain additional insight into the cellular events that regulate membrane microparticle formation, we have examined how this process is influenced by the activity of cellular protein kinases. Cytoplasmic [Ca2+] of gel-filtered platelets was increased by membrane assembly of the terminal complement proteins C5b- 9 in the presence of selective inhibitors of protein kinase or phosphatase reactions, and resulting microparticle formation was quantitated by fluorescence-gated flow cytometry. Pre-equilibration of the phosphatase inhibitor vanadate into the platelet cytosol increased microparticle formation by as much as 40%, suggesting that vesiculation of the platelet plasma membrane is influenced by the state of phosphorylation of a cellular constituent. By contrast to the stimulatory effects of vanadate, microparticle formation was partially inhibited in platelets treated with the protein kinase inhibitor sphingosine, the myosin light chain kinase inhibitor ML-7, the calmodulin-antagonist W-7, and under conditions of elevated cytosolic concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. These results indicate that complement-induced platelet microparticle formation is influenced by one or more protein kinase(s) as well as by calmodulin, and suggest a role for the platelet myosin light chain kinase or another Ca(2+)- pluscalmodulin-regulated membrane component.

Many in vivo platelet responses are considered to be mediated, directly or indirectly, by activated components of the complement system. These include the secretion of proteolytic enzymes and the assembly of key enzymes of the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways. In this review, Peter J. Sims and Therese Wiedmer summarize the known interactions of human platelets with the complement system and discuss the implications of these interactions for platelet hemostatic function within the vasculature.

Factor VIII is a cofactor in the tenase enzyme complex which assembles on the membrane of activated platelets. A critical step in tenase assembly is membrane binding of factor VIII. Platelet membrane factor VIII-binding sites were characterized by flow cytometry using either fluorescein maleimide-labeled recombinant factor VIII or a fluorescein-labeled monoclonal antibody against factor VIII. Following activation by thrombin, most platelets bound factor VIII within 90 s. In addition, over the course of several minutes, membranous vesicles (microparticles) were shed from the platelet plasma membrane and each microparticle bound as much factor VIII as a stimulated platelet. Over 30 min, stimulated platelets (but not microparticles) lost the capacity to bind factor VIII. Factor VIII bound saturably to microparticles from platelets stimulated with thrombin, thrombin plus collagen, or the complement proteins C5b-9. The binding of factor VIII was compared to factor V, a structurally homologous coagulation cofactor. Analysis of microparticle binding kinetics yielded similar on and off rates for factor VIII and factor Va and KD values of 2-10 nM. In the presence of 20 nM factor Va, the binding of factor VIII to microparticles was increased, and there was a comparable increase in platelet tenase activity. At higher factor Va concentrations, factor VIII binding and tenase activity were inhibited. Conversely, factor VIII had a similar dose-dependent effect on factor Va binding and platelet prothrombinase activity. Synthetic phospholipid vesicles containing phosphatidylserine competed with microparticles for binding of factor VIII and factor Va. These studies indicate that activated platelets express a transient increase in high affinity receptors for factor VIII, whereas platelet-derived microparticles express a sustained increase in receptors. The binding characteristics of platelet membrane receptors for factor VIII are similar to those for factor Va.

Monoclonal antibodies were raised after injecting mice with isolated human dense granules. Several of these monoclonals were found to recognize a 40-Kd dense granule membrane protein. Western blot and immunofluorescent analysis confirmed the dense-granule specificity. After thrombin activation, the protein was found in patches on the external platelet membrane. By Western blot and slot blot analysis, the protein was found to be markedly deficient in a patient with the Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome. Studies of neutrophils and endothelial cells show the presence of immunologically related granule-membrane protein(s). Western blots using four anti-synaptophysin antibodies and three antibodies to the platelet 40-Kd protein suggest that the protein may share some homology with, but is not identical to, the synaptosomal membrane protein synaptophysin.

The role of calcium and intracellular calpains in the expression of platelet prothrombinase activity was investigated. Incubation of gel-filtered platelets with complement proteins C5b-9 resulted in alpha-granule and dense granule secretion and exposure of membrane binding sites for coagulation factors Va and Xa. This was accompanied by the release of microparticles from the cell surface that incorporated plasma membrane glycoproteins GP Ib, IIb, and IIIa and the alpha-granule membrane protein GMP-140. Generation of these membrane microparticles was dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium and was accompanied by proteolytic degradation of the cytoskeletal proteins, actin binding protein (ABP), talin, and myosin heavy chain. Microparticle formation was also detected when unstirred platelets were activated by thrombin plus collagen, although proteolysis of ABP, talin, or myosin was not observed. Preincorporation of the calpain inhibitor leupeptin into the platelet cytosol completely blocked C5b-9-induced proteolysis of ABP, talin, and myosin. However, inhibition of this calpain-mediated proteolysis had no effect on platelet secretion, the generation of microparticles, the exposure of membrane sites for factors Va and Xa, or the expression of prothrombinase activity. Furthermore, the microparticles that formed in the presence of leupeptin contained intact ABP, talin, and myosin heavy chain. Prior depletion of ATP with metabolic inhibitors eliminated all platelet responses to thrombin plus collagen, but did not affect C5b-9-induced microparticle formation or exposure of binding sites for factor Va on the microparticles. These data indicate that the formation of microparticles and the expression of platelet prothrombinase activity in response to C5b-9 are dependent upon an influx of calcium into the platelet cytosol, but do not require metabolic energy or calpain-mediated proteolysis of cytoskeletal proteins.

Phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) is a multiply palmitoylated, endofacial membrane protein originally identified based on its capacity to promote accelerated transbilayer phospholipid movement in response to Ca(2+). Recent evidence suggests that this protein also participates in cell response to various growth factors and cytokines, influencing myeloid differentiation, tumor growth, and the antiviral activity of interferon. Whereas plasma membrane PLSCR1 was shown to be required for normal recruitment and activation of Src kinase by stimulated cell surface growth factor receptors, PLSCR1 was also found to traffic into the nucleus and to tightly bind to genomic DNA, suggesting a possible additional nuclear function. We now report evidence that PLSCR1 directly binds to the 5'-promoter region of the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor type 1 gene (IP3R1) to enhance expression of the receptor. Probing a CpG island genomic library with PLSCR1 as bait identified four clones with avidity for PLSCR1, including a 191-bp fragment of the IP3R1 promoter. Using electrophoretic mobility shift and transcription reporter assays, the PLSCR1-binding site in IP3R1 was mapped to residues (-101)GTAACCATGTGGA(-89), and the segment spanning Met(86)-Glu(118) in PLSCR1 was identified to mediate its transcriptional activity. The significance of this interaction between PLSCR1 and IP3R1 in situ was confirmed by comparing levels of IP3R1 mRNA and protein in matched cells that either expressed or were deficient in PLSCR1. These data suggest that in addition to its role at the plasma membrane, effects of PLSCR1 on cell proliferative and maturational responses may also relate to alterations in expression of cellular IP3 receptors.

The phospholipid scramblases (PLSCR1 to PLSCR4) are a structurally and functionally unique class of proteins, which are products of a tetrad of genes conserved from Caenorhabditis elegans to humans. The best characterized member of this family, PLSCR1, is implicated in the remodeling of the transbilayer distribution of plasma membrane phospholipids but is also required for normal signaling through select growth factor receptors. Mice with targeted deletion of PLSCR1 display perinatal granulocytopenia due to defective response of hematopoietic precursors to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and stem cell factor. To gain insight into the biologic function of another member of the PLSCR family, we investigated mice with targeted deletion of PLSCR3, a protein that like PLSCR1 is expressed in many blood cells but which, by contrast to PLSCR1, is also highly expressed in fat and muscle. PLSCR3 -/- mice at 2 months of age displayed aberrant accumulation of abdominal fat when maintained on standard rodent chow, which was accompanied by insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia. Primary adipocytes and cultured bone-marrow-derived macrophages from PLSCR3 -/- mice were engorged with neutral lipid, and adipocytes displayed defective responses to exogenous insulin. Plasma of PLSCR3 -/- mice was elevated in non-high-density lipoproteins, cholesterol, triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids, and leptin, whereas adiponectin was low. These data suggest that the expression of PLSCR3 may be required for normal adipocyte and/or macrophage maturation or function and raise the possibility that deletions or mutations affecting the PLSCR3 -/- gene locus may contribute to the risk for lipid-related disorders in humans.

We have identified physical and functional interactions between the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1), an endofacial plasma membrane protein proposed to affect phospholipid organization. PLSCR1, a palmitoylated protein, was found to partition with the EGF receptor in membrane lipid rafts. Cell stimulation with EGF transiently elevated Tyr-phosphorylation of PLSCR1, peaking at 5 min. Although PLSCR1 is a known substrate of c-Abl [Sun, J., et al. (2001) J.Biol. Chem. 276, 28984-28990], the Abl inhibitor STI571 did not substantially affect its EGF-dependent phosphorylation, suggesting PLSCR1 is a substrate of the EGF receptor kinase, or another EGF-activated kinase. Coinciding with phosphorylation, there was a transient increase in physical association of PLSCR1 with both the EGF receptor and the adapter protein Shc, as determined by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. Confocal immunofluorescence analysis revealed that EGF initiates rapid internalization of both the EGF receptor and PLSCR1, with trafficking into both distinct and common endosomal pools. These data also suggested that whereas the EGF receptor is ultimately degraded, much of the endocytosed PLSCR1 is recycled to the cell surface within 3 h after EGF treatment. Consistent with this interpretation, Western blotting revealed neither ubiquitination nor proteolysis of PLSCR1 under these conditions, whereas the ubiquitination and degradation of the EGF receptor were readily confirmed. Finally, stimulation with EGF was also found to markedly increase the total cellular expression of PLSCR1, suggesting that in addition to its initial interactions with activated EGF receptor, PLSCR1 may also contribute to posttranscriptional effector pathway(s) mediating the cellular response to EGF.

Phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) is an endofacial plasma membrane protein proposed to participate in transbilayer movement of phosphatidylserine and other phospholipids. In addition to its putative role in the reorganization of plasma membrane phospholipids, PLSCR1 is a substrate of intracellular kinases that imply its possible participation in diverse signaling pathways underlying proliferation, differentiation, or apoptosis. Because PLSCR1 is prominently expressed in a variety of blood cells, we evaluated PLSCR activity in platelets and erythrocytes, and cytokine-dependent growth of hematopoietic precursor cells, of PLSCR1 knock-out mice. Adult PLSCR1−/− mice showed no obvious hematologic or hemostatic abnormality, and blood cells from these animals normally mobilized phosphatidylserine to the cell surface upon stimulation. Whereas blood cell counts in adult PLSCR1−/− mice were normal, in both fetus and newborn animals neutrophil counts were significantly depressed relative to age-matched wild type (WT). Furthermore, when compared with WT, hematopoietic precursor cells from PLSCR1−/− mice showed defective colony formation and impaired differentiation to mature granulocytes as stimulated by stem cell factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). By contrast, PLSCR1−/− cells showed normal colony formation stimulated by interleukin-3 or granulocyte-macrophage CSF, and expansion of megakaryocytic and erythroid progenitors by thrombopoietin or erythropoietin was unaffected. Stem cell factor and G-CSF were also found to induce marked increases in PLSCR1 levels in WT cells. Consistent with in vitro assays, PLSCR1−/− mice treated with G-CSF showed less than 50% of the granulocytosis observed in identically treated WT mice. These data provide direct evidence that PLSCR1 functionally contributes to cytokine-regulated cell proliferation and differentiation and suggest it is required for normal myelopoiesis.

Phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) is an IFN-inducible, endofacial plasma membrane protein that has been proposed to mediate accelerated transbilayer movement of plasma membrane phospholipids in cells exposed to elevated cytoplasmic [Ca (2+)]. The marked transcriptional up-regulation of this gene by IFN in a wide variety of cell types suggested that PLSCR1 might also contribute to biological effects associated with IFN. To study the potential contribution of cellular PLSCR1 to the antiproliferative and tumor-suppressive activities of IFN, PLSCR1 cDNA was stably expressed in the human ovarian cancer cell line HEY1B, and the growth of these cells was compared with matched vector transfected controls both in vitro and in vivo. Whereas we detected no difference in either growth rate or morphology between PLSCR1-transfected cells and vector controls during in vitro culture in serum, when these cells were implanted s.c. into athymic nude mice, we observed a marked suppression of tumor development from cells transfected to express elevated levels of PLSCR1. Tumors from the PLSCR1-transfected cells were greatly reduced in size, showed increased infiltration of leukocytes and macrophages, and appeared to undergo differentiation to a more uniform and spindle-shaped morphology that markedly contrasted the highly undifferentiated and pleiomorphic cell shape normally observed for HEY1B cells in vitro or for vector-transfected control HEY1B cells both in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that the up-regulation of PLSCR1 expression in tumor cells exposed to IFN may contribute to the observed tumor-suppressive action of this cytokine.

Phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) is a plasma membrane protein that has been proposed to play a role in the transbilayer movement of plasma membrane phospholipids. PLSCR1 contains multiple proline-rich motifs resembling Src homology 3 (SH3) domain-binding sites. An initial screen against 13 different SH3 domains revealed a marked specificity of PLSCR1 for binding to the Abl SH3 domain. Binding between intracellular PLSCR1 and c-Abl was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation of both proteins from several cell lines. Deletion of the proline-rich segment in PLSCR1 (residues 1--118) abolished its binding to the Abl SH3 domain. PLSCR1 was Tyr-phosphorylated by c-Abl in vitro. Phosphorylation was abolished by mutation of Tyr residues Tyr(69)/Tyr(74) within the tandem repeat sequence (68)VYNQPVYNQP(77) of PLSCR1, implying that these residues are the likely sites of phosphorylation. Cellular PLSCR1 was found to be constitutively Tyr-phosphorylated in several cell lines. The Tyr phosphorylation of PLSCR1 was increased upon overexpression of c-Abl and significantly reduced either upon cell treatment with the Abl kinase inhibitor STI571, or in Abl-/- mouse fibroblasts, suggesting that cellular PLSCR1 is a normal substrate of c-Abl. Cell treatment with the DNA-damaging agent cisplatin activated c-Abl kinase and increased Tyr phosphorylation of PLSCR1. The cisplatin-induced phosphorylation of PLSCR1 was inhibited by STI571 and was not observed in Abl-/- fibroblasts. These findings indicate that c-Abl binds and phosphorylates PLSCR1, and raise the possibility that an interaction between c-Abl and plasma membrane PLSCR1 might contribute to the cellular response to genotoxic stress.

Phospholipid (PL) scramblase is a 35 kDa protein that is thought to mediate Ca2+-induced bidirectional transbilayer movement of plasma membrane phospholipids in activated, injured, or apoptotic cells. We recently reported the molecular cloning of a PL scramblase of human (HuPLSCR1) and mouse origin, respectively. In the present study, the gene for HuPLSCR1 was cloned from a human genomic library. The gene size is 29.7 kb and includes nine exons. Analysis of the 5′ flanking genomic sequence with luciferase reporter constructs located the promoter to a region spanning from −95 to +60 of the first (untranslated) exon. Furthermore, we report the molecular cloning of three additional novel cDNAs encoding proteins with high homology to HuPLSCR1. The predicted open reading frames encode proteins with 59% (HuPLSCR2; 224 aa), 47% (HuPLSCR3; 295 aa) and 46% (HuPLSCR4; 329 aa) identity, respectively, to HuPLSCR1. All members of the PLSCR gene family conserve those residues contained in the segment of the PLSCR1 polypeptide that was previously shown to bind Ca2+. With the exception of HuPLSCR2, these proteins also each contain multiple PXXP motifs and a PPXY motif located near the N-terminus, implying the potential for interaction with SH3 or WW domain-containing proteins, respectively. HuPLSCR1, 2, and 4 were found to be closely clustered on chromosome 3 (3q23), whereas HuPLSCR3 is located on chromosome 17. Northern blots revealed that the expression of HuPLSCR2 is restricted to testis, whereas HuPLSCR1, 3 and 4 are expressed in most of the 16 tissues examined. Notable exceptions were HuPLSCR4, which was not detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and HuPLSCR1 and HuPLSCR3, which were not detected in brain.

Apoptosis is generally accompanied by a late phase of ceramide (Cer) production, the significance of which is unknown. This study describes a previously unrecognized link between Cer accumulation and phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure at the cell surface, a characteristic of the execution phase of apoptosis resulting from a loss of plasma membrane phospholipid asymmetry. Using a fluorescent sphingomyelin (SM) analogue, N-(N-[6-[(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]caproyl]–sphingosylphosphorylcholine (C6-NBD-SM), we show that Cer is derived from SM, initially located in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane, which gains access to a cytosolic SMase by flipping to the inner leaflet in a process of lipid scrambling paralleling PS externalization. Lipid scrambling is both necessary and sufficient for SM conversion: Ca2+ ionophore induces both PS exposure and SM hydrolysis, whereas scrambling-deficient Raji cells do not show PS exposure or Cer formation. Cer is not required for mitochondrial or nuclear apoptotic features since these are still observed in Raji cells. SM hydrolysis facilitates cholesterol efflux to methyl-β-cyclodextrin, which is indicative of a loss of tight SM–cholesterol interaction in the plasma membrane. We provide evidence that these biophysical alterations in the lipid bilayer are essential for apoptotic membrane blebbing/vesiculation at the cell surface: Raji cells show aberrant apoptotic morphology, whereas replenishment of hydrolyzed SM by C6- NBD-SM inhibits blebbing in Jurkat cells. Thus, SM hydrolysis, during the execution phase of apoptosis, results from a loss of phospholipid asymmetry and contributes to structural changes at the plasma membrane.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure on the surface of cells has been considered a characteristic feature of apoptosis. However, we demonstrate herein that externalization of PS occurs in a cell-type-specific, albeit caspase-dependent, manner. Moreover, we could find no correlation in six different cell lines between the level of expression of the phospholipid (PL) scramblase and the capacity of these cells to externalize PS during apoptosis. Overexpression of PL scramblase in Raji cells, which exhibit low constitutive expression of this enzyme, by retroviral transduction of PL scramblase or treatment of the cells with interferon-alpha, failed to confer the capacity to expose PS in response to apoptotic stimuli. However, the lack of PS exposure in some cell types was not due to their inability to translocate PS molecules to the cell surface, since incubation with thiol reactive agents, such as N-ethylmaleimide, disulfiram and diamide, yielded rapid and pronounced PS exposure in all cell lines. These data suggest that plasma membrane PS exposure is not an obligatory component of the apoptotic phenotype, and that PL scramblase is not the sole determinant of PS externalization in apoptotic cells when this occurs.

Phospholipid (PL) scramblase is a 35.1 kDa plasma membrane protein that mediates the accelerated transbilayer migration of plasma membrane PL in activated, injured, or apoptotic cells exposed to elevated intracellular Ca2+. We recently identified a conserved segment in the PL scramblase polypeptide (residues Asp273 to Asp284) that is essential for its PL-mobilizing function and was presumed to contain the Ca2+ binding site of the protein (Zhou, Q., Sims, P. J., and Wiedmer, T. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 2356-2360). Whereas the sequence of this peptide segment resembles that of known Ca2+-binding loops within EF-hand containing proteins, it is unusual in being a single such loop in the entire protein and in being closely spaced to the predicted transmembrane helix (Ala291-Gly309). To gain insight into how Ca2+ activates the PL-mobilizing function of PL scramblase, we analyzed conformational changes associated with occupancy of this putative Ca2+ binding site. In addition to activation by Ca2+, the PL-mobilizing function of PL scramblase was found to be activated by other ions, with apparent affinities Tb3+, La3+ >> Ca2+ > Mn2+ > Zn2+ > Sr2+ >> Ba2+, Mg2+. Evidence for coordinate binding of metal ion by the polypeptide was provided by resonance energy transfer from protein Trp to Tb3+, which was competed by excess Ca2+. Metal binding to PL scramblase was accompanied by increased right-angle light scattering and by a prominent change in circular dichroism, suggesting that coordinate binding of the metal ion induces a conformational change that includes self-aggregation of the polypeptide. Consistent with this interpretation, addition of Ca2+ was found to protect PL scramblase from proteolysis by trypsin both in detergent solution as well as in situ, within the erythrocyte membrane. Mutation in the segment Asp273-Asp284 reduced Tb3+ incorporation and attenuated the change in CD spectrum induced by bound metal ligand, confirming that this suspected EF-hand loopike segment of the polypeptide directly contributes to the Ca2+ binding site.

We recently identified a 35-kDa erythrocyte membrane protein, phospholipid scramblase, that promotes Ca2+-dependent transbilayer movement of phosphatidylserine (PS) and other phospholipids (PL) in reconstituted proteoliposomes (Zhou, Q., Zhao, J., Stout, J. G., Luhm, R. A., Wiedmer, T., and Sims, P. J. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 18240-18244). To determine whether this same protein is responsible for the rapid movement of PS from inner-to-outer plasma membrane leaflets in other cells exposed to elevated cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c), we analyzed how induced movement of PS to the cell surface related to expression of PL scramblase. Exposure to Ca2+ ionophore A23187 resulted in rapid PS exposure in those cell lines constitutively high in PL scramblase (HEL, Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-lymphocytes, and Jurkat), whereas this response was markedly attenuated in cells expressing low amounts of this protein (Raji, HL60, and Dami). To confirm this apparent correlation between PL scramblase expression and PS egress at elevated [Ca2+]c, Raji cells were transfected with PL scramblase cDNA in pEGFP-C2, and stable transformants expressing various amounts of GFP-PL scramblase fusion protein were obtained. Clones expressing GFP-PL scramblase showed distinctly plasma membrane-localized fluorescence. When compared either with untransfected Raji cells or with transformants expressing GFP alone, clones expressing GFP-PL scramblase fusion protein showed increased exposure of PS at the cell surface in response to elevated [Ca2+]c, accompanied by increased expression of membrane catalytic function for the prothrombinase enzyme complex. These data indicate that transfection with PL scramblase cDNA promotes movement of PS to cell surfaces and suggest that this protein normally mediates redistribution of plasma membrane phospholipids in activated, injured, or apoptotic cells.

Accelerated transbilayer movement of plasma membrane phospholipids (PL) upon elevation of Ca2+ in the cytosol plays a central role in the initiation of plasma clotting and in phagocytic clearance of injured or apoptotic cells. We recently identified a human erythrocyte membrane protein that induces rapid transbilayer movement of PL at elevated Ca2+. We also presented evidence that this PL scramblase is expressed in a variety of other cells and tissues where transbilayer movement of plasma membrane PL is promoted by intracellular Ca2+ [Zhou, Q., et al. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 18240-18244]. We have now cloned murine PL scramblase for comparison with the human polypeptide. Both human and murine PL scramblase are acidic proteins (pI = 4.9) with a predicted inside-outside (type 2) transmembrane segment at the carboxyl-terminus. Whereas human PL scramblase (318 AA) terminates in a short exoplasmic tail, murine PL scramblase (307 AA) terminates in the predicted membrane-inserted segment. The aligned polypeptide sequences reveal 65% overall identity, including near identity through 12 residues of an apparent Ca2+ binding motif (D[A/S]DNFGIQFPLD) spanning codons 273-284 (human) and 271-282 (murine), respectively. This conserved sequence in the cytoplasmic domain of PL scramblase shows similarity to Ca2+-binding loop motifs previously identified in known EF hand structures. Recombinant murine and human PL scramblase were each expressed in Escherichia coli and incorporated into proteoliposomes. Measurement of transbilayer movement of NBD-labeled PL confirmed that both proteins catalyzed Ca2+-dependent PL flip-flop similar to that observed for the action of Ca2+ at the cytoplasmic face of plasma membranes. Mutation of residues within the putative EF hand loop of human PL scramblase resulted in loss of its PL mobilizing function, suggesting that these residues directly participate in the Ca2+-induced active conformation of the polypeptide.

Phospholipids are normally asymmetrically distributed between leaflets of the plasma membrane, due to the activity of aminophospholipid translocase (APT), a putative plasma membrane Mg2+-ATPase which is thought to selectively transport phosphatidylserine (PS) and other aminophospholipids from outer to inner membrane leaflet. Although several candidate proteins have been proposed to serve this function, positive identification awaits demonstration of their capacity to restore APT activity to a cell line that is deficient in this process. This study describes a simple and rapid protocol for the production and selection of mutant cell lines that are defective in APT activity and suitable for expression cloning of cDNAs coding for candidate APT enzymes. By flow cytometry, we demonstrate the time-dependent uptake of NBD-labeled PS, but not phosphatidylcholine (PC), by the mouse fibroblast cell line SV-T2. This uptake was inhibited by known inhibitors of APT, including o-vanadate and N-ethylmaleimide, and by ATP-depletion. SV-T2 cells were mutagenized with ethyl methanesulfonate, and APT-deficient cells were isolated by fluorescence activated cell sorting using NBD-PS as substrate. From a total of 7.2·106 cells passed through the flow cytometer, 98 clones exhibited APT activity that was less than 50% of that observed for wild-type SV-T2 cells. One clone which exhibited ≤25% of that observed for wild-type cells, mutant M2711, was further characterized. The defect in mutant M2711 was specific for NBD-PS, and cellular ATP was unchanged, suggesting that the defect in APT activity was not due to a decrease in cellular ATP levels. Mutant M2711 exhibited a growth pattern indistinguishable from that of wild-type SV-T2 cells, and SV-40 large T antigen, which is needed for efficient episomal replication of plasmids containing the SV40 origin of replication, was unchanged. Finally, transfection of M2711 with cDNAs for marker membrane proteins consistently resulted in the same high level of protein expression as that observed for identically-transfected wild-type SV-T2. Thus, flow cytometry can be used for rapid identification of mutants with defects in phospholipid transport that are suitable for functional reconstitution by transfection with candidate APT cDNAs.

Phospholipid (PL) scramblase is a plasma membrane protein that mediates accelerated transbilayer migration of PLs upon binding Ca2+, facilitating rapid mobilization of phosphatidylserine to the cell surface upon elevation of internal Ca2+. In patients with Scott syndrome, a congenital bleeding disorder related to defective expression of membrane coagulant activity, circulating blood cells show decreased cell surface exposure of phosphatidylserine at elevated cytosolic [Ca2+], implying an underlying defect or deficiency of PL scramblase. To gain insight into the molecular basis of this disorder, we compared PL scramblase in Scott erythrocyte membranes to those of normal controls. Whereas membranes of Scott cells were unresponsive to Ca2+-induced activation of PL scramblase at neutral pH, apparently normal PL scramblase activity was induced at pH < 6.0. After extraction with octylglucoside, a membrane protein was isolated from the Scott cells which exhibited normal PL scramblase activity when reconstituted in vesicles with exogenous PLs. Like PL scramblase from normal erythrocytes, PL scramblase from Scott erythrocytes was maximally activated either by addition of Ca2+ (at pH 7.4) or by acidification to pH < 6.0, and similar apparent affinities for Ca2+ and rates of transbilayer transfer of PLs were observed. This suggests that the defect in Scott syndrome is related to an altered interaction of Ca2+ with PL scramblase on the endofacial surface of the cell membrane, due either to an intrinsic constraint upon the protein preventing interaction with Ca2+ in situ, or due to an unidentified inhibitor or cofactor in the Scott cell that is dissociated by detergent.

In addition to their well-recognized role in immune defense, there is a growing recognition that the proteins of the complement system impact directly on vascular homeostatic mechanisms, evoking cellular responses that serve to both promote adherence of blood cells to the walls of blood vessels, and the formation of fibrin through the enzyme mechanisms of the coagulation system. This clot-promoting or ‘procoagulant’ activity initiated through the complement system entails both receptor-mediated as well as receptor-independent pathways of cell activation. In this review, I will focus specifically upon the role that is now thought to be played by the membrane attack complex of the complement system (MAC) in the induction of the procoagulant properties of human platelets and endothelium.

The CD59 antigen is a plasma membrane glycoprotein that serves as an inhibitor of the C5b-9 complex of complement. This inhibitory activity appears related to the capacity of CD59 to bind with high affinity to sites that are nascently exposed in the alpha-chain subunit of human C8, as well as within the C9b domain (amino acid residues 245-538) of human C9, during assembly of the C5b-9 complex on the target membrane (Ninomiya, H., and Sims, P. J. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 13675-13680). The CD59 binding site in C9 was first investigated by N-terminal sequencing of CD59-binding peptides generated by limited digest of the isolated C9b domain. These experiments revealed a 17-kDa fragment (starting at C9 residue Thr-320) that retained affinity for CD59, suggesting the possibility for localizing the CD59 binding site by mapping with small C9-derived peptides. Peptides spanning the entire C9b sequence were expressed in Escherichia coli and then probed with CD59. CD59 bound specifically to all peptides starting N-terminal to C9 residue 359 with C termini extending beyond residue 411. Little to no CD59 binding was observed for various C9-derived peptides that started C-terminal to residue 359 or that were truncated N-terminal to residue 411. Affinity-purified antibody against C9 residues 320-411 inhibited CD59 binding to C9 by > 50% and completely inhibited its binding to the isolated C9b domain. Little to no specific binding of CD59 was detected for peptides restricted to the putative hinge domain within C9b (residues 245-271). These results indicate that a CD59 binding site is located between residues 320 and 411 of the C9 polypeptide and suggest that the affinity of this site is principally determined by residues 359-411.

Vitamin K-dependent protein S is an anticoagulant plasma protein serving as cofactor to activated protein C in degradation of coagulation factors Va and VIIIa on membrane surfaces. In addition, it forms a noncovalent complex with complement regulatory protein C4b-binding protein (C4BP), a reaction which inhibits its anticoagulant function. Both forms of protein S have affinity for negatively charged phospholipids, and the purpose of the present study was to elucidate whether they bind to the surface of activated platelets or to platelet-derived microparticles. Binding of protein S to human platelets stimulated with various agonists was examined with FITC-labeled monoclonal antibodies and fluorescence-gated flow cytometry. Protein S was found to bind to membrane microparticles which formed during platelet activation but not to the remnant activated platelets. Binding to microparticles was saturable and maximum binding was seen at approximately 0.4 microM protein S. It was calcium-dependent and reversed after the addition of EDTA. Inhibition experiments with monoclonal antibodies suggested the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid containing module of protein S to be involved in the binding reaction. An intact thrombin-sensitive region of protein S was not required for binding. The protein S-C4BP complex did not bind to microparticles or activated platelets even though it bound to negatively charged phospholipid vesicles. Intact protein S supported binding of both protein C and activated protein C to microparticles. Protein S-dependent binding of protein C/activated protein C was blocked by those monoclonal antibodies against protein S that inhibited its cofactor function. In conclusion, we have found that free protein S binds to platelet-derived microparticles and stimulates binding of protein C/activated protein C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The human complement system is an important early host defense against infection. Entamoeba histolytica activates the complement system but is resistant to killing by complement C5b-9 complexes deposited on the membrane surface. Our aim was to identify components of the amebic plasma membrane that mediate resistance to human complement C5b-9 by screening for neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. A monoclonal antibody was identified that abrogated amebic resistance to C5b-9, and the mAb was shown to recognize the parasite's galactose-specific adhesin. The purified adhesin bound to C8 and C9 and conferred C5b-9 resistance to sensitive ameba upon reconstitution; these activities of the adhesin were inhibited by the antiadhesin mAb. The E. histolytica adhesin shared sequence similarities and antigenic cross-reactivity with CD59, a membrane inhibitor of C5b-9 in human blood cells, suggesting both molecular mimicry and shared complement-inhibitory functions.

Metabolic profiling of mice deficient in phospholipid scramblase 3 reveals a possible molecular link between obesity and inflammation., Background The obesity epidemic has prompted the search for candidate genes capable of influencing adipose function. One such candidate, that encoding phospholipid scramblase 3 (PLSCR3), was recently identified, as genetic deletion of it led to lipid accumulation in abdominal fat pads and changes characteristic of metabolic syndrome. Because adipose tissue is increasingly recognized as an endocrine organ, capable of releasing small molecules that modulate disparate physiological processes, we examined the plasma from wild-type, Plscr1-/-, Plscr3-/- and Plscr1&3-/- mice. Using an untargeted comprehensive metabolite profiling approach coupled with targeted gene expression analyses, the perturbed biochemistry and functional redundancy of PLSCR proteins was assessed. Results Nineteen metabolites were differentially and similarly regulated in both Plscr3-/- and Plscr1&3-/- animals, of which five were characterized from accurate mass, tandem mass spectrometry data and their correlation to the Metlin database as lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) species enriched with C16:1, C18:1, C20:3, C20:5 and C22:5 fatty acids. No significant changes in the plasma metabolome were detected upon elimination of PLSCR1, indicating that increases in pro-inflammatory lipids are specifically associated with the obese state of Plscr3-deficient animals. Correspondingly, increases in white adipose lipogenic gene expression confirm a role for PLSCR3 in adipose lipid metabolism. Conclusion The untargeted profiling of circulating metabolites suggests no detectable functional redundancies between PLSCR proteins; however, this approach simultaneously identified previously unrecognized lipid metabolites that suggest a novel molecular link between obesity, inflammation and the downstream consequences associated with PLSCR3-deficiency.

We derive equations that describe changes in the steady-state fluorescence polarization of the probe 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) or in the spectrum of electron spin resonance (ESR) nitroxide spin-labeled lipid probes as a function of the intrinsic molecule concentration in lipid bilayer membranes. We make use of an assumption used by us in an earlier paper. The equations are independent of any membrane model. They are valid when a DPH probe or a spin-labeled chain is equivalent to an unlabeled lipid hydrocarbon chain only as far as their general space-filling properties are concerned. We consider cases where the bilayer is either in a single homogeneous phase or in a two-phase region. We apply our equations to analyze ESR data from delipidated sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes and from egg yolk phosphatidylcholine bilayers containing Ca2+-ATPase, and DPH data from dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayers containing Ca2+-ATPase, both for T greater than Tc. The following conclusions were derived: (i) Ca2+-ATPase oligomers are "randomly" distributed, for the concentrations studied, in the fluid phase. (ii) There is no fixed stoichiometric ratio of "boundary" lipids and oligomers. (iii) Between 24k and 28k lipid molecules are able to surround each isolated oligomer composed of k Ca2+-ATPase monomers. Finally, we apply our equations to analyze DPH studies on DPPC bilayers containing Ca2+-ATPase for T less than Tc. We find that the results reported are in accord with the predictions of the model. In the Appendix, we show that an analytical expression for probabilities used by us is in very good agreement with the results of computer simulation.

Membrane assembly of complement proteins C5b-9 on human platelets results in a dose-dependent increase in the binding of coagulation factors Va and Xa to the plasma membrane, concomitant with a marked increase in platelet prothrombinase activity. Factor Va binding increased by 6-15-fold in platelets treated with the C5b-9 proteins as compared to controls. In the presence of near-saturating concentrations of factor Xa, factor Va binding to C5b-9-treated platelets approximately doubled. In the absence of added factor Va, C5b-9-treated platelets bound 1700 molecules of factor Xa versus 50 molecules/cell bound to controls, suggesting that C5b-9 assembly on the platelet surface initiates the release of platelet factor V from the alpha-granules. The capacity of the C5b-9 proteins to initiate the nonlytic release of the platelet alpha-granule storage pool was confirmed by assay for platelet factor 4. When measured in the presence of exogenous factor Va (2 micrograms/ml), factor Xa uptake by C5b-9 platelets increased to approximately 5500 molecules/cell (versus 330 molecules/cell for controls). Removal of external Ca2+ inhibited the C5b-9-initiated release of the alpha-granule storage pool and reduced by approximately 50% the expression of new factor Va binding sites, suggesting that these two events contributing to increased platelet prothrombinase activity are mediated in part by the influx of Ca2+ across the C5b-9 pore.

Membrane assembly of the C5b-9 proteins on gel-filtered human platelets has been shown to initiate the nonlytic release of alpha-granule contents and expression of membrane prothrombinase sites, suggesting cellular activation by these ostensibly cytolytic plasma proteins (Wiedmer, T., Esmon, C. T., and Sims, P. J. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 14587-14592). We now examine the mechanism of the C5b-9-induced release reaction. The release of alpha-granule contents upon C5b-9 assembly is accompanied by expression of alpha-granule membrane glycoprotein 140 on the platelet surface, confirming that the complement-mediated release reaction occurs by secretory fusion of the alpha-granule with the plasma membrane. C5b-9 binding initiates the phosphorylation of both 40- and 20-kDa platelet proteins, indicative of activation of protein kinase C and myosin light chain kinase, respectively. Activation of cellular protein kinases under these conditions was not accompanied by the formation of inositol phosphates and was found to strictly depend upon extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that the platelet's secretory response to the C5b-9 proteins is triggered directly by the influx of Ca2+ across the plasma membrane. measurement of intracellular Ca2+ confirmed that elevation of this ion in the cytosol was strictly dependent upon increased plasma membrane permeability due to C5b-9 assembly and was not accompanied by mobilization of this ion from internal storage pools. The C5b-9-mediated secretory response was blocked by sphingosine, a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C, but was unaffected by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, suggesting that feedback (receptor-linked) by thromboxane is not required for platelet activation after C5b-9 insertion.

The carbocyanine dye 3,3'-dipropylthiodicarbocyanine iodide has been used to investigate changes in membrane potential (Em) which occur upon binding of complement proteins C5b-9 to the plasma membrane of blood platelets. Gel-filtered platelets exposed to C5b6 and C7 in serum-free medium show no change in Em from that of controls, as indicated by either 3,3,'-dipropylthiodicarbocyanine iodide fluorescence or by the distribution of [14C]tetraphenylphosphonium bromide. Addition of complement proteins C8 and C9 to the C5b67 platelets results in partial depolarization of Em, which spontaneously repolarizes to basal levels within 15-20 min at 37 degrees C. Under these conditions, C5b-9-treated platelets show no increase in lysis over complement-free controls. Isotonic replacement of external sodium by either potassium or choline alters both the rate and extent of membrane depolarization and inhibits the platelets' capacity to repolarize after C5b-9 assembly. Repolarization of Em to basal levels is also completely blocked by addition of ouabain, confirming that this recovery is mediated by the plasma membrane Na+/K+ pump. These results demonstrate that membrane binding of the C5b-9 proteins can induce a transient change in Em when bound to the plasma membrane at a sublytic concentration, providing a mechanism for target cell activation by these potentially cytolytic proteins.