Jack Fransen

Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Provincie Gelderland, Netherlands

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Publications (20)97.17 Total impact

  • Article: Defective mitochondrial translation differently affects the live cell dynamics of complex I subunits.
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    ABSTRACT: Complex I (CI) of the oxidative phosphorylation system is assembled from 45 subunits encoded by both the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Defective mitochondrial translation is a major cause of mitochondrial disorders and proper understanding of its mechanisms and consequences is fundamental to rational treatment design. Here, we used a live cell approach to assess its consequences on CI assembly. The approach consisted of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) imaging of the effect of mitochondrial translation inhibition by chloramphenicol (CAP) on the dynamics of AcGFP1-tagged CI subunits NDUFV1, NDUFS3, NDUFA2 and NDUFB6 and assembly factor NDUFAF4. CAP increased the mobile fraction of the subunits, but not NDUFAF4, and decreased the amount of CI, demonstrating that CI is relatively immobile and does not associate with NDUFAF4. CAP increased the recovery kinetics of NDUFV1-AcGFP1 to the same value as obtained with AcGFP1 alone, indicative of the removal of unbound NDUFV1 from the mitochondrial matrix. Conversely, CAP decreased the mobility of NDUFS3-AcGFP1 and, to a lesser extent, NDUFB6-AcGFP1, suggestive of their enrichment in less mobile subassemblies. Little, if any, change in mobility of NDUFA2-AcGFP1 could be detected, suggesting that the dynamics of this accessory subunit of the matrix arm remains unaltered. Finally, CAP increased the mobility of NDUFAF4-AcGFP1, indicative of interaction with a more mobile membrane-bound subassembly. Our results show that the protein interactions of CI subunits and assembly factors are differently altered when mitochondrial translation is defective.
    Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 12/2011; 1807(12):1624-33. · 4.66 Impact Factor
  • Article: Abnormal actomyosin assembly in proliferating and differentiating myoblasts upon expression of a cytosolic DMPK isoform.
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    ABSTRACT: DMPK, the product of the mutated gene in myotonic dystrophy type 1, belongs to the subfamily of Rho-associated serine-threonine protein kinases, whose members play a role in actin-based cell morphodynamics. Not much is known about the physiological role of differentially localized individual DMPK splice isoforms. We report here that prominent stellar-shaped stress fibers are formed during early and late steps of differentiation in DMPK-deficient myoblast-myotubes upon complementation with the short cytosolic DMPK E isoform. Expression of DMPK E led to an increased phosphorylation status of MLC2. We found no such effects with vectors that encode a mutant DMPK E which was rendered enzymatically inactive or any of the long C-terminally anchored DMPK isoforms. Presence of stellar structures appears associated with changes in cell shape and motility and a delay in myogenesis. Our data strongly suggest that cytosolic DMPK participates in remodeling of the actomyosin cytoskeleton in developing skeletal muscle cells. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 11th European Symposium on Calcium.
    Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 02/2011; 1813(5):867-77. · 4.66 Impact Factor
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    Article: Increased OXPHOS activity precedes rise in glycolytic rate in H-RasV12/E1A transformed fibroblasts that develop a Warburg phenotype.
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    ABSTRACT: The Warburg phenotype in cancer cells has been long recognized, but there is still limited insight in the consecutive metabolic alterations that characterize its establishment. We obtained better understanding of the coupling between metabolism and malignant transformation by studying mouse embryonic fibroblast-derived cells with loss-of-senescence or H-RasV12/E1A-transformed phenotypes at different stages of oncogenic progression. Spontaneous immortalization or induction of senescence-bypass had only marginal effects on metabolic profiles and viability. In contrast, H-RasV12/E1A transformation initially caused a steep increase in oxygen consumption and superoxide production, accompanied by massive cell death. During prolonged culture in vitro, cell growth rate increased gradually, along with tumor forming potential in in vitro anchorage-independent growth assays and in vivo tumor formation assays in immuno-deficient mice. Notably, glucose-to-lactic acid flux increased with passage number, while cellular oxygen consumption decreased. This conversion in metabolic properties was associated with a change in mitochondrial NAD+/NADH redox, indicative of decreased mitochondrial tricarboxic acid cycle and OXPHOS activity. The high rate of oxidative metabolism in newly transformed cells is in marked contrast with the high glycolytic rate in cells in the later tumor stage. In our experimental system, with cells growing under ambient oxygen conditions in nutrient-rich media, the shift towards this Warburg phenotype occurred as a step-wise adaptation process associated with augmented tumorigenic capacity and improved survival characteristics of the transformed cells. We hypothesize that early-transformed cells, which potentially serve as founders for new tumor masses may escape therapies aimed at metabolic inhibition of tumors with a fully developed Warburg phenotype.
    Molecular Cancer 08/2009; 8:54. · 3.99 Impact Factor
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    Article: PTPRR protein tyrosine phosphatase isoforms and locomotion of vesicles and mice.
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    ABSTRACT: Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are central players in many different cellular processes and their aberrant activity is associated with multiple human pathologies. In this review, we present current knowledge on the PTPRR subfamily of classical PTPs that is expressed in neuronal cells and comprises receptor-type (PTPBR7, PTP-SL) as well as cytosolic (PTPPBSgamma-37, PTPPBSgamma-42) isoforms. The two receptor-type isoforms PTPBR7 and PTP-SL both localize in late endosomes and the Golgi area. PTPBR7, however, is additionally localized at the cell surface and on early endosomes. During cerebellar maturation, PTPBR7 expression in developing Purkinje cells ceases and is replaced by PTP-SL expression in the mature Purkinje cells. All PTPRR isoforms contain a kinase interacting motif that makes them mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases. The distinct subcellular localization of the different PTPRR isoforms may reflect differential roles in growth-factor-induced MAPK-mediated retrograde signaling cascades. Studies in PTPRR-deficient mice established that PTPRR isoforms are physiological regulators of MAPK phosphorylation levels. Surprisingly, PTPRR-deficient mice display defects in motor coordination and balancing skills, while cerebellar morphological abnormalities, which are often encountered in ataxic mouse models, are absent. This is reminiscent of the phenotype observed in a handful of mouse mutants that have alterations in cerebellar calcium ion homeostasis. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms by which PTPRR deficiency imposes impairment of cerebellar neurons and motor coordination may provide candidate molecules for hereditary cerebellar ataxias that still await identification of the corresponding disease genes.
    The Cerebellum 02/2009; 8(2):80-8. · 3.21 Impact Factor
  • Article: Increased OXPHOS activity precedes rise in glycolytic rate in H-RasV12/E1A transformed fibroblasts that develop a Warburg phenotype
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    ABSTRACT: Abstract Background The Warburg phenotype in cancer cells has been long recognized, but there is still limited insight in the consecutive metabolic alterations that characterize its establishment. We obtained better understanding of the coupling between metabolism and malignant transformation by studying mouse embryonic fibroblast-derived cells with loss-of-senescence or H-RasV12/E1A-transformed phenotypes at different stages of oncogenic progression. Results Spontaneous immortalization or induction of senescence-bypass had only marginal effects on metabolic profiles and viability. In contrast, H-RasV12/E1A transformation initially caused a steep increase in oxygen consumption and superoxide production, accompanied by massive cell death. During prolonged culture in vitro , cell growth rate increased gradually, along with tumor forming potential in in vitro anchorage-independent growth assays and in vivo tumor formation assays in immuno-deficient mice. Notably, glucose-to-lactic acid flux increased with passage number, while cellular oxygen consumption decreased. This conversion in metabolic properties was associated with a change in mitochondrial NAD<sup>+</sup>/NADH redox, indicative of decreased mitochondrial tricarboxic acid cycle and OXPHOS activity. Conclusion The high rate of oxidative metabolism in newly transformed cells is in marked contrast with the high glycolytic rate in cells in the later tumor stage. In our experimental system, with cells growing under ambient oxygen conditions in nutrient-rich media, the shift towards this Warburg phenotype occurred as a step-wise adaptation process associated with augmented tumorigenic capacity and improved survival characteristics of the transformed cells. We hypothesize that early-transformed cells, which potentially serve as founders for new tumor masses may escape therapies aimed at metabolic inhibition of tumors with a fully developed Warburg phenotype.
    Molecular Cancer. 01/2009;
  • Article: Subunits of mitochondrial complex I exist as part of matrix- and membrane-associated subcomplexes in living cells.
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    ABSTRACT: Mitochondrial complex I (CI) is a large assembly of 45 different subunits, and defects in its biogenesis are the most frequent cause of mitochondrial disorders. In vitro evidence suggests a stepwise assembly process involving pre-assembled modules. However, whether these modules also exist in vivo is as yet unresolved. To answer this question, we here applied submitochondrial fluorescence recovery after photobleaching to HEK293 cells expressing 6 GFP-tagged subunits selected on the basis of current CI assembly models. We established that each subunit was partially present in a virtually immobile fraction, possibly representing the holo-enzyme. Four subunits (NDUFV1, NDUFV2, NDUFA2, and NDUFA12) were also present as highly mobile matrix-soluble monomers, whereas, in sharp contrast, the other two subunits (NDUFB6 and NDUFS3) were additionally present in a slowly mobile fraction. In the case of the integral membrane protein NDUFB6, this fraction most likely represented one or more membrane-bound subassemblies, whereas biochemical evidence suggested that for the NDUFS3 protein this fraction most probably corresponded to a matrix-soluble subassembly. Our results provide first time evidence for the existence of CI subassemblies in mitochondria of living cells.
    Journal of Biological Chemistry 10/2008; 283(50):34753-61. · 4.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: Inherited complex I deficiency is associated with faster protein diffusion in the matrix of moving mitochondria.
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    ABSTRACT: Mitochondria continuously change shape, position, and matrix configuration for optimal metabolite exchange. It is well established that changes in mitochondrial metabolism influence mitochondrial shape and matrix configuration. We demonstrated previously that inhibition of mitochondrial complex I (CI or NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) by rotenone accelerated matrix protein diffusion and decreased the fraction and velocity of moving mitochondria. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between inherited CI deficiency, mitochondrial shape, mobility, and matrix protein diffusion. To this end, we analyzed fibroblasts of two children that represented opposite extremes in a cohort of 16 patients, with respect to their residual CI activity and mitochondrial shape. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) revealed no relationship between residual CI activity, mitochondrial shape, the fraction of moving mitochondria, their velocity, and the rate of matrix-targeted enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (mitoEYFP) diffusion. However, mitochondrial velocity and matrix protein diffusion in moving mitochondria were two to three times higher in patient cells than in control cells. Nocodazole inhibited mitochondrial movement without altering matrix EYFP diffusion, suggesting that both activities are mutually independent. Unexpectedly, electron microscopy analysis revealed no differences in mitochondrial ultrastructure between control and patient cells. It is discussed that the matrix of a moving mitochondrion in the CI-deficient state becomes less dense, allowing faster metabolite diffusion, and that fibroblasts of CI-deficient patients become more glycolytic, allowing a higher mitochondrial velocity.
    AJP Cell Physiology 06/2008; 294(5):C1124-32. · 3.54 Impact Factor
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    Article: Creatine kinase-mediated ATP supply fuels actin-based events in phagocytosis.
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    ABSTRACT: Phagocytosis requires locally coordinated cytoskeletal rearrangements driven by actin polymerization and myosin motor activity. How this actomyosin dynamics is dependent upon systems that provide access to ATP at phagosome microdomains has not been determined. We analyzed the role of brain-type creatine kinase (CK-B), an enzyme involved in high-energy phosphoryl transfer. We demonstrate that endogenous CK-B in macrophages is mobilized from the cytosolic pool and coaccumulates with F-actin at nascent phagosomes. Live cell imaging with XFP-tagged CK-B and beta-actin revealed the transient and specific nature of this partitioning process. Overexpression of a catalytic dead CK-B or CK-specific cyclocreatine inhibition caused a significant reduction of actin accumulation in the phagocytic cup area, and reduced complement receptor-mediated, but not Fc-gammaR-mediated, ingestion capacity of macrophages. Finally, we found that inhibition of CK-B affected phagocytosis already at the stage of particle adhesion, most likely via effects on actin polymerization behavior. We propose that CK-B activity in macrophages contributes to complement-induced F-actin assembly events in early phagocytosis by providing local ATP supply.
    PLoS Biology 04/2008; 6(3):e51. · 11.45 Impact Factor
  • Article: Rab6 family proteins interact with the dynein light chain protein DYNLRB1.
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    ABSTRACT: The small GTPase Rab6 is a key regulator in the retrograde transfer from endosomes via the Golgi to the ER. Three isoforms of Rab6 have been identified, the ubiquitously expressed Rab6A and Rab6A', and the brain specific Rab6B. Recent studies have shown that Rab6A' is the major isoform regulating this retrograde transport. Cytoplasmic dynein is the main motor protein complex for this transport. Dynein consists of two heavy chains, two intermediate chains, four light intermediate chains and several light chains, called roadblock/LC7 proteins or DYNLRB proteins. In mammalian cells two light chain isoforms have been identified, DYNLRB1 and DYNLRB2. We here show with yeast-two-hybrid, co-immunoprecipitation and pull down studies that DYNLRB1 specifically interacts with all three Rab6 isoforms and co-localises at the Golgi. This is the first example of a direct interaction between Rab6 isoforms and the dynein complex. Pull down experiments showed further preferred association of DYNLRB1 with GTP-bound Rab6A and interestingly GDP-bound Rab6A' and Rab6B. In addition DYNLRB1 was found in the Golgi apparatus where it co-localises with EYFP-Rab6 isoforms. DYNLRB is a putative modulator of the intrinsic GTPase activity of GTP-binding proteins. In vitro we were not able to reproduce this effect on Rab6 GTPase activity.
    Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton 04/2008; 65(3):183-96. · 4.19 Impact Factor
  • Article: Creatine kinase B deficient neurons exhibit an increased fraction of motile mitochondria
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    ABSTRACT: Abstract Background Neurons require an elaborate system of intracellular transport to distribute cargo throughout axonal and dendritic projections. Active anterograde and retrograde transport of mitochondria serves in local energy distribution, but at the same time also requires input of ATP. Here we studied whether brain-type creatine kinase (CK-B), a key enzyme for high-energy phosphoryl transfer between ATP and CrP in brain, has an intermediary role in the reciprocal coordination between mitochondrial motility and energy distribution. Therefore, we analysed the impact of brain-type creatine kinase (CK-B) deficiency on transport activity and velocity of mitochondria in primary murine neurons and made a comparison to the fate of amyloid precursor protein (APP) cargo in these cells, using live cell imaging. Results Comparison of average and maximum transport velocities and global transport activity showed that CK-B deficiency had no effect on speed of movement of mitochondria or APP cargo, but that the fraction of motile mitochondria was significantly increased by 36% in neurons derived from CK-B knockout mice. The percentage of motile APP vesicles was not altered. Conclusion CK-B activity does not directly couple to motor protein activity but cells without the enzyme increase the number of motile mitochondria, possibly as an adaptational strategy aimed to enhance mitochondrial distribution versatility in order to compensate for loss of efficiency in the cellular network for ATP distribution.
    BMC Neuroscience. 01/2008;
  • Article: ATP and FRET--a cautionary note.
    Nature Biotechnology 03/2007; 25(2):170-2. · 23.27 Impact Factor
  • Article: Proteolytic processing of the receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPBR7.
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    ABSTRACT: The single-copy mouse gene Ptprr gives rise to different protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) isoforms in neuronal cells through the use of distinct promoters, alternative splicing, and multiple translation initiation sites. Here, we examined the array of post-translational modifications imposed on the PTPRR protein isoforms PTPBR7, PTP-SL, PTPPBSgamma42 and PTPPBSgamma37, which have distinct N-terminal segments and localize to different parts of the cell. All isoforms were found to be short-lived, constitutively phosphorylated proteins. In addition, the transmembrane isoform, PTPBR7, was subject to N-terminal proteolytic processing, in between amino acid position 136 and 137, resulting in an additional, 65-kDa transmembrane PTPRR isoform. Unlike for some other receptor-type PTPs, the proteolytically produced N-terminal ectodomain does not remain associated with this PTPRR-65. Shedding of PTPBR7-derived polypeptides at the cell surface further adds to the molecular complexity of PTPRR biology.
    FEBS Journal 02/2007; 274(1):96-108. · 3.79 Impact Factor
  • Article: Subcellular localization and differentiation-induced redistribution of the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-BL in Neuroblastoma cells.
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    ABSTRACT: 1. In cells of epithelial origin the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-BL is predominantly localized at the apical membrane of polarized cells. This large submembranous multidomain PTP is also expressed in cells of neuronal origin. We studied the localization of PTP-BL in mouse neuroblastoma cells utilizing EGFP-tagged versions of the protein. 2. In proliferating Neuro-2a cells, immunofluorescence and immuno-electron microscopy revealed a submembranous FERM domain-dependent localization at cell-cell boundaries for EGFP-PTP-BL. Additionally, significant amounts of EGFP-PTP-BL are located in the cytoplasm as well as in nuclei. Upon serum depletion-induced differentiation of Neuro-2a cells, a partial shift of EGFP-PTP-BL from a cortical localization to cytoskeleton-like F-actin-positive structures is observed. Parallel biochemical studies corroborate this finding and reveal a serum depletion-induced shift of EFGP-PTP-BL from a membrane(-associated) fraction to an NP40-soluble cytoskeletal fraction. 3. Different pools of PTP-BL-containing protein complexes can be discerned in neuronal cells, reflecting distinct molecular microenvironments in which PTP-BL may exert its function.
    Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology 01/2006; 25(8):1225-44. · 1.97 Impact Factor
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    Article: Divergent mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum association of DMPK splice isoforms depends on unique sequence arrangements in tail anchors.
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    ABSTRACT: Myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) is a Ser/Thr-type protein kinase with unknown function, originally identified as the product of the gene that is mutated by triplet repeat expansion in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Alternative splicing of DMPK transcripts results in multiple protein isoforms carrying distinct C termini. Here, we demonstrate by expressing individual DMPKs in various cell types, including C(2)C(12) and DMPK(-/-) myoblast cells, that unique sequence arrangements in these tails control the specificity of anchoring into intracellular membranes. Mouse DMPK A and C were found to associate specifically with either the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or the mitochondrial outer membrane, whereas the corresponding human DMPK A and C proteins both localized to mitochondria. Expression of mouse and human DMPK A-but not C-isoforms in mammalian cells caused clustering of ER or mitochondria. Membrane association of DMPK isoforms was resistant to alkaline conditions, and mutagenesis analysis showed that proper anchoring was differentially dependent on basic residues flanking putative transmembrane domains, demonstrating that DMPK tails form unique tail anchors. This work identifies DMPK as the first kinase in the class of tail-anchored proteins, with a possible role in organelle distribution and dynamics.
    Molecular and Cellular Biology 03/2005; 25(4):1402-14. · 5.53 Impact Factor
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    Article: Characterization of multiple transcripts and isoforms derived from the mouse protein tyrosine phosphatase gene Ptprr.
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    ABSTRACT: The use of alternative splice sites, promoters and translation start sites considerably adds to the complexity of organisms. Four mouse cDNAs (PTPBR7, PTP-SL, PTPPBSgamma+ and PTPPBSgamma-) have been cloned that contain different 5' parts but encode identical protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPRR catalytic domains. We investigated the genomic origin and coding potential of these transcripts to elucidate their interrelationship. Mouse gene Ptprr exons were identified within a 260 kbp segment on chromosome 10, revealing PTP-SL- and PTPPBSgamma-specific transcription start sites within introns two and four, respectively, relative to the 14 PTPBR7 exons. Northern and RT-PCR analyses demonstrated differential expression patterns for these promoters. Furthermore, transfection studies and AUG codon mutagenesis demonstrated that in PTP-SL and PTPPBSgamma messengers multiple translation initiation sites are being used. Resulting 72, 60, 42 and 37 kDa PTPRR protein isoforms differ not only in the length of their N-terminal part but also in their subcellular localization, covering all major PTP subtypes; receptor-like, membrane associated and cytosolic. In summary, mouse gene Ptprr gives rise to multiple isoforms through the use of distinct promoters, alternative splicing and differential translation starts. These results set the stage for further investigations on the physiological roles of PTPRR proteins.
    Genes to Cells 11/2004; 9(10):919-33. · 2.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: Cloning and characterization of mCRIP2, a mouse LIM-only protein that interacts with PDZ domain IV of PTP-BL.
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    ABSTRACT: In the mouse submembranous protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-BL five PDZ domains are present in between the N-terminal FERM domain, which directs the protein to the cell cortex, and the C-terminal catalytic phosphatase domain. To understand more on the physical role of PTP-BL in this microenvironment, we started to search for PTP-BL PDZ domain-interacting proteins. Yeast two-hybrid screening for PTP-BL targets resulted in the identification of a novel mouse LIM-only protein termed CRIP2 that is highly homologous to rat ESP1 and human CRP2 sequences. Mouse CRIP2 has a predicted molecular weight of 23 kD and consists of two LIM domains spaced by 68 amino acids. The fourth PDZ domain of PTP-BL is responsible for the binding of CRIP2 protein. Both PTP-BL and CRIP2 mRNAs display a wide, overlapping tissue distribution. Western blot analysis revealed a more restricted expression pattern for CRIP2 with high expression in lung, heart and brain. CRIP2 protein is localized at cell cortical, actin-rich structures, which is concurrent with the subcellular localization of PTP-BL. The observed characteristics of the LIM domain-containing adaptor protein CRIP2 are consistent with a potential role of PTP-BL in the dynamics of the cortical actin cytoskeleton.
    Genes to Cells 08/2003; 8(7):631-44. · 2.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: Adenylate kinase 1 deficiency induces molecular and structural adaptations to support muscle energy metabolism.
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    ABSTRACT: Genetic ablation of adenylate kinase 1 (AK1), a member of the AK family of phosphotransfer enzymes, disturbs muscle energetic economy and decreases tolerance to metabolic stress, despite rearrangements in alternative high energy phosphoryl transfer pathways. To define the mechanisms of this adaptive response, soleus and gastrocnemius muscles from AK1(-/-) mice were characterized by cDNA array profiling, Western blot and ultrastructural analysis. We demonstrate that AK1 deficiency induces fiber-type specific variation in groups of transcripts involved in glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism and in gene products defining structural and myogenic events. This was associated with increased phosphotransfer capacities of the glycolytic enzymes pyruvate kinase and 3-phosphoglycerate kinase. Moreover, in AK1(-/-) mice, fast-twitch gastrocnemius, but not slow-twitch soleus, had an increase in adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) and mitochondrial creatine kinase protein, along with a doubling of the intermyofibrillar mitochondrial volume. These results provide molecular evidence for wide-scale remodeling in AK1-deficient muscles aimed at preservation of efficient energetic communication between ATP producing and utilizing cellular sites.
    Journal of Biological Chemistry 05/2003; 278(15):12937-45. · 4.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: Colocalisation of the protein tyrosine phosphatases PTP-SL and PTPBR7 with beta4-adaptin in neuronal cells.
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    ABSTRACT: The mouse gene Ptprr encodes the neuronal protein tyrosine phosphatases PTP-SL and PTPBR7. These proteins differ in their N-terminal domains, with PTP-SL being a cytosolic, membrane-associated phosphatase and PTPBR7 a type I transmembrane protein. In this study, we further explored the nature of the PTP-SL-associated vesicles in neuronal cells using a panel of organelle markers and noted a comparable subcellular distribution for PTP-SL and the beta4-adaptin subunit of the AP4 complex. PTP-SL, PTPBR7 and beta4-adaptin are localised at the Golgi apparatus and at vesicles throughout the cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that PTP-SL, PTPBR7 and beta4-adaptin are all endogenously expressed in brain. Interestingly, coexpression of PTP-SL and beta4-adaptin leads to an altered subcellular localisation for PTP-SL. Instead of the Golgi and vesicle-type staining pattern, still observable for beta4-adaptin, PTP-SL is now distributed throughout the cytoplasm. Although beta4-adaptin was found to interact with the phosphatase domain of PTP-SL and PTPBR7 in the yeast two-hybrid system, it failed to do so in transfected neuronal cells. Our data suggest that the tyrosine phosphatases PTP-SL and PTPBR7 may be involved in the formation and transport of AP4-coated vesicles or in the dephosphorylation of their transmembrane cargo molecules at or near the Golgi apparatus.
    Histochemie 02/2003; 119(1):1-13. · 2.59 Impact Factor
  • Article: Creatine kinase B-driven energy transfer in the brain is important for habituation and spatial learning behaviour, mossy fibre field size and determination of seizure susceptibility.
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    ABSTRACT: Creatine kinases are important in maintaining cellular-energy homeostasis, and neuroprotective effects have been attributed to the administration of creatine and creatine-like compounds. Herein we examine whether ablation of the cytosolic brain-type creatine kinase (B-CK) in mice has detrimental effects on brain development, physiological integrity or task performance. Mice deficient in B-CK (B-CK-/-) showed no gross abnormalities in brain anatomy or mitochondrial ultrastructure, but had a larger intra- and infrapyramidal mossy fibre area. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine (PCr) levels were unaffected, but demonstrated an apparent reduction of the PCr left arrow over right arrow ATP phosphorus exchange capacity in these mice. When assessing behavioural characteristics B-CK-/- animals showed diminished open-field habituation. In the water maze, adult B-CK-/- mice were slower to learn, but acquired the spatial task. This task performance deficit persisted in 24-month-old, aged B-CK-/- mice, on top of the age-related memory decline normally seen in old animals. Finally, a delayed development of pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures (creating a high-energy demand) was observed in B-CK-/- mice. It is suggested that the persistent expression of the mitochondrial isoform ubiquitous mitochondrial CK (UbCKmit) in the creatine/phospho-creatine shuttle provides compensation for the loss of B-CK in the brain. Our studies indicate a role for the creatine-phosphocreatine/CK circuit in the formation or maintenance of hippocampal mossy fibre connections, and processes that involve habituation, spatial learning and seizure susceptibility. However, for fuelling of basic physiological activities the role of B-CK can be compensated for by other systems in the versatile and robust metabolic-energy network of the brain.
    European Journal of Neuroscience 06/2002; 15(10):1692-706. · 3.63 Impact Factor
  • Article: The dendritic cell-specific adhesion receptor DC-SIGN internalizes antigen for presentation to T cells.
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    ABSTRACT: Dendritic cells (DCs) capture Ags or viruses in peripheral tissue to transport them to lymphoid organs to induce cellular T cell responses. Recently, a DC-specific C-type lectin was identified, DC-specific ICAM-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN), that functions as cell adhesion receptor mediating both DC migration and T cell activation. DC-SIGN also functions as an HIV-1R that captures HIVgp120 and facilitates DC-induced HIV transmission of T cells. Internalization motifs in the cytoplasmic tail of DC-SIGN hint to a function of DC-SIGN as endocytic receptor. In this study we demonstrate that on DCs DC-SIGN is rapidly internalized upon binding of soluble ligand. Mutating a putative internalization motif in the cytoplasmic tail reduces ligand-induced internalization. Detailed analysis using ratio fluorescence imaging and electron microscopy showed that DC-SIGN-ligand complexes are targeted to late endosomes/lysosomes. Moreover, ligands internalized by DC-SIGN are efficiently processed and presented to CD4+ T cells. The distinct pattern of expression of C-type lectins on DCs in situ and their nonoverlapping Ag recognition profile hint to selective functions of these receptors to allow a DC to recognize a wide variety of Ags and to process these to induce T cell activation. These data point to a novel function of the adhesion receptor DC-SIGN as an efficient DC-specific Ag receptor that can be used as a target to induce viral and antitumor immunity.
    The Journal of Immunology 04/2002; 168(5):2118-26. · 5.79 Impact Factor