Identification of new M23A mRNA of mouse aquaporin-4 expressed in brain, liver, and kidney.

Aquaporins (AQPs) belong to a transmembrane protein family of water channels that are permeable to water by the osmotic gradient. There are two isoforms of mouse AQP4 - M1 and M23. Their balance in the cell determines water permeability of the plasma membrane. These two isoforms are encoded by three mRNAs: M1 isoform is encoded by M1 mRNA and M23 isoform is encoded by M23 and M23X mRNAs. Here we found a new fourth mRNA of mouse AQP4 - M23A mRNA. The start of transcription is different for M23A mRNA from all the known AQP4 mRNAs. The 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of M23A mRNA is encoded by four new exons (A, B, C, and D), which are located in the 5' region from exon-0 of the AQP4 gene. Alternative splicing between the exons-A, -B, -C, and -D leads to formation of multiple variants of M23A mRNA. We cloned six of these variants, all of which code full length M23 isoform of AQP4. Using RT-PCR we detected tissue-specific expression of the new M23A and already known M23, M23X, and M1 mRNAs. The M23A mRNA is expressed mostly in kidney, liver, and brain. Analysis of mRNA 5'-UTR structure showed low translation efficacy for M1 mRNA in comparison with high translation efficacy for M23A, M23X, and M23 mRNAs. We propose that AQP4 expression is controlled tissue-specifically by independent promoters. Thus multiple AQP4 mRNAs may allow long-term regulation of the balance between M1 and M23 AQP4 isoforms in the cell and thus water permeability of the plasma membrane.

Functional and molecular interactions between aquaporins and Na,K-ATPase.

The water channel aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is abundantly expressed in astrocytes and provides a mechanism by which water permeability of the plasma membrane can be regulated. Astrocytes play a key role in the clearance of both potassium (K(+)) and glutamate released during neuronal activity. Emerging evidence suggests that AQP4 facilitates K(+) clearance by astrocytes and contributes to recovery of neuronal excitability. Here we report that AQP4 can assemble with its regulator metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) and with Na,K-ATPase; the enzyme responsible for active K(+) transport and for establishing the electrochemical gradient across the cell plasma membrane. We have, by use of pull down assays in rat brain tissue, identified the segment in the AQP4 NH(2)-terminus containing the amino acid residues 23-32 as the site for interaction with Na,K-ATPase catalytic subunit and with mGluR5. Mutagenesis studies revealed that the AQP4 amino acids K27 and W30 are of key importance for interaction with both Na,K-ATPase and mGluR5. To confirm that interaction also occurs within intact cells, we have performed fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies in primary astrocytes derived from rat striatum. The results indicate close proximity of wild type AQP4 and Na,K-ATPase in the plasma membrane of rat astrocytes. FRET efficiencies observed with the mutants AQP4 K27A and AQP4 W30A were significantly lower, highlighting the importance of these residues for the interaction between AQP4 and Na,K-ATPase. We conclude that AQP4/Na,K-ATPase/mGluR5 can form a macromolecular complex/transporting microdomain in astrocytes. This complex may be of functional importance for the regulation of water and K(+) homeostasis in the brain, as well as for neuron-astrocyte metabolic crosstalk.

Functional differences between D(1) and D(5) revealed by high resolution imaging on live neurons.

The interaction between the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems governs normal behavior and is perturbed in many psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. Hypofunction of the D1 family of receptors, to which the D(1) and D(5) subtypes belong, is a typical feature of schizophrenia. Here we have used confocal live cell imaging of neurons to examine the distinct roles of the D(1) and D(5) receptors in the intra-neuronal interaction with the glutamatergic system. Using fluorescently tagged D(1) or D(5) expressed in cultured striatal neurons, we show that both receptor subtypes are primarily transported via lateral diffusion in the dendritic tree. D(1) is to a much larger extent than D(5) expressed in spines. D(1) is primarily expressed in the head whereas D(5) is largely localized to the neck of the spine. Activation of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors slowed the diffusion rate and increased the number of D(1) positive spines, while no effect on D(5) diffusion or spine localization could be observed. The observed differences between D(1) and D(5) can be attributed to structural differences in the C-terminus and its capacity to interact with NMDA receptors and PSD-95. Identification of a unique role of D(1) for the intra-neuronal interaction between the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems will have implications for the development of more specific treatments in many neuropsychiatric disorders.

Lead induces increased water permeability in astrocytes expressing aquaporin 4.

The water channel aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is abundantly expressed in astrocytes. There is now compelling evidence that AQP4 may contribute to an unfavorable course in brain edema. Acute lead intoxication is a condition that causes brain damage preceded by brain edema. Here we report that lead increases AQP4 water permeability (P(f)) in astrocytes. A rat astrocyte cell line that does not express aquaporin 4 was transiently transfected with aquaporin 4 tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP). Using confocal laser scanning microscopy we measured water permeability in these cells and in AQP4-negative cells located on the same plate. AQP4-expressing astrocytes had a three-fold higher water permeability than astrocytes not expressing AQP4. Lead exposure induced a significant, 40%, increase in water permeability in astrocytes expressing AQP4, but had no effect on P(f) in astrocytes not expressing AQP4. The increase in water permeability persisted after lead washout, while treatment with a lead chelator, meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, abolished the lead-induced increase in P(f). The effect of lead was attenuated in the presence of a calcium (Ca(2+))/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor, but not in the presence of a protein kinase C inhibitor. In cells expressing AQP4 where the consensus site for CaMKII phosphorylation was mutated, lead failed to increase water permeability. Lead exposure also increased P(f) in rat astroglial cells in primary culture, which express endogenous AQP4. Lead had no effect on P(f) in astrocytes transfected with aquaporin 3. In situ hybridization studies on rat brain after oral lead intake for three days showed no change in distribution of AQP4 mRNA. It is suggested that lead-triggered stimulation of water transport in AQP4-expressing astrocytes may contribute to the pathology of acute lead intoxication.

Identification of a new form of AQP4 mRNA that is developmentally expressed in mouse brain.

The water channel aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is abundantly expressed in the brain, and also in lung and kidney. Previous studies have suggested that there are at least two AQP4 mRNA. The two mRNA encode for two AQP4 proteins that differ with regard to the length of the N-terminal: AQP4.M1 and AQP4.M23. Here we report, by use of reverse transcriptase PCR and comparison of genomic and cDNA structures, the presence of a third form of mouse AQP4 mRNA. The upstream sequence of this form of mRNA originates from an additional exon, interspaced between exon 0 and exon 1, and an alternatively spliced form of exon 1. Analysis of nucleotide sequence suggests that this new form of AQP4 mRNA also encodes for the AQP4.M23 protein. The two forms of AQP4 mRNA that presumably both encode for M23 have a tissue- and age-specific expression. The new AQP4 mRNA was predominantly expressed in brain. The expression was approximately twofold higher in the adult brain than in the infant brain. In contrast, the expression levels of the new mRNA were low in both infant and adult lung and kidney. The previously described mRNA encoding for AQP4.M23 was predominantly expressed in lung and kidney. In lung, the expression of this form was higher in infancy than in adulthood. In conclusion, we have identified a new form of AQP4 mRNA that is predominantly expressed in the brain and that is developmentally regulated.

Combined antioxidant and COMT inhibitor treatment reverses renal abnormalities in diabetic rats.

The development and progression of diabetic nephropathy is dependent on glucose homeostasis and many other contributing factors. In the present study, we examined the effect of nitecapone, an inhibitor of the dopamine-metabolizing enzyme catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) and a potent antioxidant, on functional and cellular determinants of renal function in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Administration of nitecapone to diabetic rats normalized urinary sodium excretion in a manner consistent with the dopamine-dependent inhibition of proximal tubule Na,K-ATPase activity. Hyperfiltration, focal glomerulosclerosis, and albuminuria were also reversed by nitecapone, but in a manner that is more readily attributed to the antioxidant potential of the agent. A pattern of elevated oxidative stress, measured as CuZn superoxide dismutase gene expression and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance content, was noted in diabetic rats, and both parameters were normalized by nitecapone treatment. In diabetic rats, activation of glomerular protein kinase C (PKC) was confirmed by isoform-specific translocation and Ser23 phosphorylation of the PKC substrate Na,K-ATPase. PKC-dependent changes in Na,K-ATPase phosphorylation were associated with decreased glomerular Na,K-ATPase activity. Nitecapone-treated diabetic rats were protected from these intracellular modifications. The combined results suggest that the COMT-inhibitory and antioxidant properties of nitecapone provide a protective therapy against the development of diabetic nephropathy.

[Characterization of aldehyde dehydrogenase gene fragment from mung bean Vigna radiata using the polymerase chain reaction]. / Kharakteristika fragmenta gena al'degiddegidrogenazy mash Vigna radiata s pomoshch'iu metoda polimeraznoi tsepnoi reaktsii.

Two degenerate oligonucleotide sequence primers and polymerase chain reactions on total DNA have been utilized to clone on 651--bp gene fragment coding the central part of amino acid sequence of an earlier unknown aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) from mung bean. The deduced partial amino acid sequence for this aldehyde dehydrogenase shows about 65% sequence identity to ALDHs of Vibrio cholerae Rhodococcus sp., Alcaligenes eutrophus and about 45% sequence identity to mammalian ALDHs 1 and 2, ALDHs of Aspergillus niger and A, nidulans, the betain aldehyde dehydrogenase from spinach. Alignment of the mung bean aldehyde dehydrogenase partial amino acid sequence with the sequence of 16 NAD(P)(+)-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenases has demonstrated that all strictly conserved amino acid residues and all three conservative regions are identical.

Adenylate cyclase-coupled vasopressin receptor activates AQP2 promoter via a dual effect on CRE and AP1 elements.

Vasopressin plays an essential role for the regulation of water balance by activating the collecting duct-specific water channel, aquaporin-2 (AQP2). Here we present evidence that vasopressin may also act as a long-term, transcriptional regulator of AQP2. The studies were performed on LLC-PK1 cells, which normally express V2 receptor (V2R) and which were transfected with a fragment of the human AQP2 promoter. Activation of the adenylate cyclase-coupled V2R in LLC-PK1 cells induced phosphorylation of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) responsive element binding protein (CREB) and expression of c-Fos. Binding of these factors to the CRE and AP1 site did, in combination, lead to AQP2 promoter activation. These results establish the role of vasopressin as a regulator of transcription and are the first example of how a message from a highly specific receptor is, via a dual effect of the cAMP signal on CREB and immediate early gene expression, transduced to the transcription of a final target protein with known biological effects.

[The structure of the fragments of 3 exons of the myoglobin gene in the Baikal seal Phoca sibirica]. / Struktura fragmentov trekh ékzonov gena mioglobina baikal'skoi nerpy Phoca sibirica.

Three exon regions of the myoglobin gene of Baikal seal Phoca sibirica have been amplified and sequenced. The sequences have been found identical to those for the myoglobin gene of the North Atlantic seal Halichoerus grypus. Thus, these seal species have separated not earlier than 2.2 billion years before present.

[The functional characteristics of Gs-protein in the developing mammalian kidney]. / Funktsional'nye kharakteristiki Gs-belka v razvivaiushcheisia pochke mlekopitaiushchikh.

Characteristics of G-proteins were studied in renal medulla of rats and mice of different ages. It was established that G-protein alpha-subunit gene expression has a specific dynamics with maximum on the 5-8-th day of life and at the end of weaning. It was shown that vasopressin does not stimulate G-protein GTPase activity in membrane preparations from immature kidneys. The differences of G-protein chromatographic characteristics were revealed. It is suggested that the development of vasopressin sensitivity of the kidney is related with the changes in G-protein system.

[Nucleotide sequence of the human tyrosine aminotransferase gene]. / Nukleotidnaia posledovatel'nost' gena tirozinaminotransferazy cheloveka.

Introns of human tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) gene were sequenced. Combined with the literature data about the exon-intron structure of the gene and the sequence of the TAT mRNA, the obtained nucleotide sequences yielded on uninterrupted segment 10989 b. p. long of the human TAT gene.

[Determination of the primary structure of Eco-R1-fragment No. 5 of the rat tyrosine aminotransferase gene in the "Applied Biosystems" 370 automatic sequencer]. / Opredelenie pervichnoi struktury Eco RI-fragmenta No. 5 gena tirozinaminotransferazy krysy na avtomaticheskom sekvenatore "Applied Biosystems" 370A.

EcoRI-fragment No. 5 of the rat tyrosine aminotransferase gene containing exons K, L, intron 11, and a part of the 3'-nontranslatable region was digested with several restriction endonucleases (BspRI, Sau3A, BamHI, Ecl136II, AluI), the subfragments obtained were cloned into M13mp19 and sequenced using the Sanger technique with dye-labelled primers on the automated sequencer "Applied Biosystems", model 370A. The sequences were combined by means of a PC-GENE package and original programs to yield the primary structure (1064 b. p.) of the above fragment No. 5, adjacent to the previously sequenced EcoRI-fragment No. 4 (3677 b.p.).

Nucleotide sequence of cDNA coding for mink proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and its comparative analysis with POMC mRNA primary structures from pituitaries of other animal species and man.

cDNA for proopiomelanocortin (POMC) of mink has been cloned and sequenced. A comparative analysis of the primary structures of mRNAs coding for proopiomelanocortins of eight animal species and man has been performed. The analysis has revealed conserved and variable POMC mRNA regions. High variability of some of the regions is suggested to be due to the peculiarities of their structural organization. A putative mechanism responsible for the mutations in variable regions is proposed. A tree of the evolutionary relations of POMC has been developed.

[The use of a molecular probe containing a specific cDNA consisting of bacteriophage M13 for detecting the hepatitis A virus in clinical specimens]. / Ispol'zovanie molekuliarnogo zonda, soderzhashchego spetsificheskuiu kDNK v sostave bakteriofaga M13, dlia detektsii virusa gepatita A v klinicheskikh obraztsakh.

A probe was constructed containing a fragment of DNA replica of hepatitis A virus (HAV) RNA within bacteriophage M13 single-stranded DNA which allowed 10(-12) g of viral RNA to be tested. Hybridization of 32P-labeled probe with total RNA from 559 samples of blood, saliva, and urine from patients with viral hepatitis A revealed the presence of HAV RNA in 14% of the samples. In the 1st week of the jaundice period HAV RNA was detected in 40% (15 positive samples out of the 39 tested), in the 2nd week 26% (14 out of 54). HAV RNA was demonstrated in 20 out of 236 blood samples from subjects in a focus of HA outbreak. Six out of 9 subjects subsequently developing the disease were detected 7-10 days before the onset of the clinical symptoms. The proposed method may be useful for detection of HAV carriers in the latent period for their isolation in order to prevent further development of epidemic.