Dalitz plot analysis of the decay D(+)-->K(-)pi(+)pi(+) and indication of a low-mass scalar Kpi resonance.

We study the Dalitz plot of the decay D(+)-->K(-)pi(+)pi(+) with a sample of 15090 events from Fermilab experiment E791. Modeling the decay amplitude as the coherent sum of known Kpi resonances and a uniform nonresonant term, we do not obtain an acceptable fit. If we allow the mass and width of the K(*)(0)(1430) to float, we obtain values consistent with those from PDG but the chi(2) per degree of freedom of the fit is still unsatisfactory. A good fit is found when we allow for the presence of an additional scalar resonance, with mass 797+/-19+/-43 MeV/c(2) and width 410+/-43+/-87 MeV/c(2). The mass and width of the K(*)(0)(1430) become 1459+/-7+/-5 MeV/c(2) and 175+/-12+/-12 MeV/c(2), respectively. Our results provide new information on the scalar sector in hadron spectroscopy.

Direct measurement of the pion valence-quark momentum distribution, the pion light-cone wave function squared.

We present the first direct measurements of the pion valence-quark momentum distribution which is related to the square of the pion light-cone wave function. The measurements were carried out using data on diffractive dissociation of 500 GeV/c pi(-) into dijets from a platinum target at Fermilab experiment E791. The results show that the /q&q> light-cone asymptotic wave function describes the data well for Q2 approximately 10 (GeV/c)(2) or more. We also measured the transverse momentum distribution of the diffractive dijets.

Observation of color-transparency in diffractive dissociation of pions.

We have studied the diffractive dissociation into dijets of 500 GeV/c pions scattering coherently from carbon and platinum targets. Extrapolating to asymptotically high energies (where t(min)-->0), we find that when the per-nucleus cross section for this process is parametrized as sigma = sigma0Aalpha, alpha has values near 1.6, the exact result depending on jet transverse momentum. These values are in agreement with those predicted by theoretical calculations of color-transparency.

Search for rare and forbidden Charm Meson decays D0 --> Vl+l- and hhll.

We report results of a search for flavor-changing neutral current (FCNC), lepton flavor, and lepton-number violating decays of the D0 (and its antiparticle) into three and four bodies. Using data from Fermilab charm hadroproduction experiment E791, we examine modes with two leptons (muons or electrons) and a rho(0), K( *0), or straight phi vector meson or a nonresonant pi(pi), Kpi, or KK pair of pseudoscalar mesons. No evidence for any of these decays is found. Therefore, we present branching-fraction upper limits at 90% confidence level for the 27 decay modes examined (18 new).

Study of the D(+)(s)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decay and measurement of f(0) masses and widths.

From a sample of 848+/-44 D(+)(s)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decays, we find gamma(D(+)(s)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+))/gamma(D(+)(s)-->straight phipi(+)) = 0.245+/-0.028(+0.019)(-0.012). Using a Dalitz plot analysis of this three body decay, we find significant contributions from the channels rho(0)(770)pi(+), rho(0)(1450)pi(+), f(0)(980)pi(+), f(2)(1270)pi(+), and f(0)(1370)pi(+). We also present the values obtained for masses and widths of the resonances f(0)(980) and f(0)(1370).

Experimental evidence for a light and broad scalar resonance in D(+) --> pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decay.

From a sample of 1172 +/- 61 D(+)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decays, we find gamma(D(+)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+))/gamma(D(+)-->K-pi(+)pi(+)) = 0.0311 +/- 0.0018(+0.0016)(-0.0026). Using a coherent amplitude analysis to fit the Dalitz plot of these decays, we find strong evidence that a scalar resonance of mass 478(+24)(-23) +/- 17 MeV/c(2) and width 324(+42)(-40) +/- 21 MeV/c(2) accounts for approximately half of all decays.

Tissue distribution and subcellular localization of the ClC-5 chloride channel in rat intestinal cells.

ClC-5 is the Cl- channel that is mutated in Dent's disease, an X-chromosome-linked disease characterized by low molecular weight proteinuria, hypercalciuria, and kidney stones. It is predominantly expressed in endocytically active renal proximal cells. We investigated whether this Cl- channel could also be expressed in intestinal tissues that have endocytotic machinery. ClC-5 mRNA was detected in the rat duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon. Western blot analyses revealed the presence of the 83-kDa ClC-5 protein in these tissues. Indirect immunofluorescence studies showed that ClC-5 was mainly concentrated in the cytoplasm above the nuclei of enterocytes and colon cells. ClC-5 partially colocalized with the transcytosed polymeric immunoglobulin receptor but was not detectable together with the brush-border-anchored sucrase isomaltase. A subfractionation of vesicles obtained by differential centrifugation showed that ClC-5 is associated with the vacuolar 70-kDa H+-ATPase and the small GTPases rab4 and rab5a, two markers of early endosomes. Thus these results indicate that ClC-5 is present in the small intestine and colon of rats and suggest that it plays a role in the endocytotic pathways of intestinal cells.

Cyclosporine stimulates Na+-K+-Cl- cotransport activity in cultured mouse medullary thick ascending limb cells.

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporine (CsA) has been shown to alter the activity of plasma membrane transporters in kidney epithelial cells. In this study, we have investigated the effects of CsA on Na+,K+-ATPase and Na+-K+-Cl- cotransport activities in cultured cells derived from microdissected mouse medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) cells. METHODS: Experiments were carried out on subcultured confluent mouse TAL cells. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction experiments showed that they expressed the mNKCC2 electroneutral Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter and ROM-K1 and ROMK2 potassium channel mRNA. Western blotting also revealed the presence of the 40 kD ROMK protein using an anti-ROMK antibody. The effect of CsA (100 ng/mL) on ion transport was assessed by measuring the influx and efflux of rubidium (86Rb+) and 36Cl-, used as tracers of K+ and Cl- movements, on cells grown on Petri dishes or permeable filters. RESULTS: CsA inhibited by 38% the ouabain-sensitive component of 86Rb+ influx mediated by the Na+,K+-ATPase pumps. CsA also increased by 38% the ouabain-resistant furosemide-sensitive component (Or-Fs) of 86Rb+ influx, reflecting the Na+-K+-Cl- cotransport activity and stimulated the basolateral efflux of 36Cl- from mTAL cells grown on filters. The CsA-stimulated basal efflux of Cl- was prevented by the basal addition of the Cl- channel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoate (NPPB, 10-4 mol/L). Apical addition of the K+ channel blocking agent Ba2+ (10-4 mol/L) partially prevented the CsA-stimulated basal efflux of Cl-. Adding Ba2+ to the luminal side of cells grown on Petri dishes also prevented the rise in apical 86Rb+ efflux and the increased Or-Fs component of 86Rb+ influx caused by CsA. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that CsA may stimulate the Na+-K+-Cl- cotransport activity and also suggested that this immunosuppressive agent may interfere in the recycling of apical K+ in this model of cultured mouse TAL cells.

Tissue and cell distribution of the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) in mouse intestine and kidney.

The multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) that is involved in drug resistance and the export of glutathione-conjugated substrates may not have the same epithelial cell membrane distribution as the P-glycoprotein encoded by the MDR gene. Because intestinal and kidney epithelial cells are polarized cells endowed distinct secreting and absorptive ion and protein transport capacities, we investigated the tissue and cell distribution of MRP in adult mouse small intestine, colon, and kidney by immunohistochemistry. Western blot analyses revealed the 190-kD MRP protein in these tissues. MRP was found in the basolateral membranes of intestinal crypt cells, mainly Paneth cells, but not in differentiated enterocytes. All the cells lining the crypt-villous axis of the colon wall contained MRP. MRP was found in the glomeruli, ascending limb cells, and basolateral membranes of the distal and collecting tubule cells of the kidney but not in proximal tubule cells. Cultured mouse intestinal m-ICcl2 cells and renal distal mpkDCT cells that have retained the features typical of intestinal crypt and renal distal epithelial cells, respectively, also possess MRP in their basolateral membranes. The patterns of subcellular and cellular distribution indicate that MRP may have a specific role in the basolateral transport of endogenous compounds in Paneth, renal distal, and collecting tubule cells.

Homodimer formation by the individual subunits of bovine lutropin as determined by sedimentation equilibrium.

Although differing in their amino acid sequences, the folding patterns of the alpha and beta subunits of human choriogonadotropin are similar in the crystal structure of the HF-treated glycoprotein hormone. Each subunit forms a cystine-knot motif like that found in several growth factors that form homodimers and heterodimers. In order to ascertain if the alpha and beta subunits can self-associate, e.g. to form homodimers, sedimentation equilibrium at various glycoprotein concentrations and temperatures was used to study the subunits of bovine lutropin, which are expected to exhibit conformations like those of the choriogonadotropin subunits. Each subunit was found to form homodimers with Kd values of 0.3 and 0.1 mM for alpha and beta respectively at 37 degrees C. Self-association was weakly exothermic for alpha and endothermic for beta; entropic factors made a major contribution for each. It is unlikely that homodimer formation of either subunit would be physiologically important, although homodimers may form to some extent intracellularly because of the relatively high concentrations during biosynthesis.

Metabolism of endothelin-1 by neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid (NG108-15) cells.

The endothelin (ET) peptides, ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3, as well as the ETA and ETB receptor subtypes, are known to occur in brain, but there is a dearth of information on the metabolism of these peptides by the central nervous system (CNS). In this study we have investigated the kinetics of ET-1 binding to and dissociation from the hybrid neuroblastoma x glioma cell line, NG108-15, which is known to contain functional ET receptors, and metabolism of bound ET-1. [125I]ET-1 was incubated with cells for various periods of time up to 6 h, and the nature of the radioactivity in the cell medium and lysate was analyzed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was found that NG108-15 cells are capable of degrading [125I]ET-1 to [125I]Tyr and several fragments of intermediate hydrophobicity; however, a portion of the cell-associated [125I]ET-1 was protected from degradation for several hours.

Circular dichroic spectroscopy of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V and its substrate interactions.

beta-1,6-N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (EC 2.4.1.155) catalyzes the transfer of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) from UDP-GlcNAc in beta(1,6)-linkage to the alpha(1,6)-linked mannose of N-linked oligosaccharides. Circular dichroism (CD) was used to investigate the secondary structure of a recombinant, soluble form of the enzyme and its interaction with UDP-GlcNAc and an inhibitory substrate analog. The CD spectrum of the apoenzyme indicated the presence of small amounts of beta-structure and substantial amounts (>50%) of alpha-helicity. The CD spectra of solutions containing UDP-GlcNAc and different ratios of UDP-GlcNAc:enzyme were measured. Interestingly, the spectrum of each mixture could not be accounted for by simple additivity of the two individual spectra, indicating a change in environment of the chromophores and/or a conformational change of the substrate or protein concomitant with binding. Similar results were obtained with mixtures of UDP and the enzyme. Analysis of the CD difference spectra at three wavelengths yielded an estimated average Kd of 4.4 mM for UDP-GlcNAc and 3.8 mM for UDP. By contrast, addition of the CD spectrum of an inhibitory substrate analog of its oligosaccharide acceptor substrate and the CD spectrum of the enzyme could account for that observed of an inhibitor-enzyme mixture; moreover, addition of the inhibitor to a mixture of UDP-GlcNAc and enzyme did not alter the Kd associated with UDP-GlcNAc binding to the enzyme. These results and kinetic studies reported herein suggest an ordered reaction in which UDP-GlcNAc binds first to the enzyme, followed by the sequential binding of the trisaccharide substrate.

Endothelin degradation by vascular smooth muscle cells.

The mechanism(s) of degradation of the potent vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) by rat vascular smooth muscle A-10 cells, which possess the ETA receptor subtype, was investigated by incubating [125I]ET-1 (0.1 nM) with cells for 0-4 h at 37 degrees C in the presence and absence of lysosomal enzyme inhibitors, NH4Cl and chloroquine, and a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, phosphoramidon. The assay buffer and cell extracts were analyzed by reverse-phase HPLC, and the radioactivity in the fractions was measured. In the absence of inhibitors, most of the radioactivity in the medium was in the form of [125I]Tyr after a 4 h incubation. When [125I]ET-1 was incubated with A-10 cells at 4 degrees C, six radiolabeled peaks, including some [125I]Tyr and about 30% of the original [125I]ET-1, were present in the medium. In the presence of 5 microM chloroquine there was no [125I]Tyr peak in the medium, indicating that internalization and putative lysosomal degradation of ET-1 were blocked. NH4Cl (50 and 100 mM) also reduced the amount of [125I]Tyr formed. The presence of ET-1 fragments indicated that, in addition to lysosomal degradation, some of the ligand is metabolized by enzymes located on the cell membrane; we demonstrated, however, that secreted proteases from A-10 cells are not involved in the degradation of ET-1. The neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, phosphoramidon, did not completely inhibit the metabolism of [125I]ET-1 to [125I]Tyr. These results establish that various cell-associated enzymes are capable of degrading ET-1 in A-10 cells. Moreover, analysis of the cell lysates indicated the presence of a relatively stable pool of ET-1-occupied receptors or compartmentalized ET-1, protected from cell proteases, which may contribute to the potent contractility of ET-1.

Circular dichroic spectroscopy of Arg46-nicked ovine lutropin alpha and derived fragments.

The alpha subunit of ovine lutropin can be nicked with the endoproteinase Arg-C to give a single cleavage of the Arg46-Ser47 peptide bond. Following reduction by sulfitolysis, the N-terminal (residues 1-46) and C-terminal (residues 47-96) fragments can be separated and then recombined and reoxidized to yield a reconstituted nicked alpha that binds to the beta subunit but exhibits only 2-3% of the receptor-binding potency of intact lutropin. We have investigated nicked alpha, the two separated fragments, and reconstituted nicked alpha by circular dichroic spectroscopy and compared the spectra with those of intact alpha and reduced, reoxidized intact alpha. Between 200 and 225 nm the spectra of the two intact preparations are similar, as are the spectra of the two nicked preparations. However, the extremum negative ellipticities of the nicked preparations are substantially less than those of the intact preparations between 210 and 220 nm, indicating a loss in secondary structure accompanying cleavage of the Arg46-Ser47 bond. The sum of the spectra of the two fragments is significantly different from that of reconstituted nicked alpha, showing that the secondary structures in the isolated fragments are quite different from that of the reconstituted nicked protein. Reduced receptor binding by lutropin preparations containing a nicked alpha subunit may be attributable in part to the loss of secondary structure, probably helicity.

Analysis of human red cell spectrin tetramer (head-to-head) assembly using complementary univalent peptides.

The mass-driven assembly of spectrin dimers to form tetramers involves two equal head-to-head alpha-beta associations and requires at least 30 degrees C for interconversion to occur readily. In this paper, the properties of tetramer formation were investigated using two complementary univalent peptides (the alpha I domain and beta monomers). Since the alpha I domain lacks an essential nucleation site required for side-to-side (lateral) heterodimer assembly [Speicher et al. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 14775-14782], these two peptides can only assemble head-to-head at a single site. This head-to-head assembly readily occurs at lower temperatures, indicating the temperature barrier for dimer-tetramer interconversion is caused by a conformational constraint of the dimer. This constraint, a closed hairpin loop, is released when the laterally associated partner is removed. The univalent alpha I-beta binding affinity at 37 degrees C (Ka = 1.4 x 10(5) M-1) is similar to the dimer-tetramer association constant at the same temperature. As the temperature is decreased from 37 to 0 degrees C, the alpha I-beta binding affinity increases about 32-fold. In contrast with head-to-head associations involving dimers, the second-order rate constants of two complementary univalent peptides (i.e., alpha I and beta) are dramatically higher, and the estimated activation energy (about 50 kJ mol-1) is about 5-fold lower. An open dimer conformation is an obligatory high-energy intermediate required for dimer-tetramer interconversion, and opening the dimer hairpin loop contributes about 190 kJ mol-1 to the activation energy for tetramer association.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)