In the proposed investigation we intend to extend our studies of a low-molecular-weight calcium-binding protein which we have identified in the optic lobe of the squid. Our studies to date have shown that this protein is present in the optic lobe in large amounts, comparable to the amounts of calmodulin present, yet is chemically and functionally distinct from squid calmodulin, which we have also isolated. We have raised a specific antibody to the squid protein and have found no cross-reaction with other members of the family of high-affinity, intracellular calcium-binding proteins from squid or other species. The proposed study has two long-term objectives. The first is to characterize the physicochemical and structural properties of the squid protein using spectroscopic, sequencing and crystallographic procedures. The second is to characterize the functional properties of the protein, using immunological techniques to localize the protein in squid nervous tissue, and using affinity chromatography, gel blotting, gel overlay and other procedures, to identify interacting proteins or other substances. An understanding of the structure and function of this protein will add to our knowledge on the mode of action of high-affinity calcium-binding proteins as a class, and will provide further insight into processes involving calcium regulation in squid nervous tissue. It will also be valuable in interpreting data already obtained by others concerning calcium regulation and calcium metabolism in this tissue. Since the squid has provided an important model for characterizing many of the events involved in nervous function an improved understanding of its properties, its similarities and dissimilarities from the vertebrate system, will be valuable in extending our understanding of vertebrate nervous function and ultimately disorders of the human nervous system.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS020357-02
Application #
3400692
Study Section
Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry B Study Section (BBCB)
Project Start
1985-12-01
Project End
1988-11-30
Budget Start
1986-12-01
Budget End
1987-11-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Boston University
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
604483045
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02118
Concha, N O; Head, J F; Kaetzel, M A et al. (1993) Rat annexin V crystal structure: Ca(2+)-induced conformational changes. Science 261:1321-4
Concha, N O; Head, J F; Kaetzel, M A et al. (1992) Annexin V forms calcium-dependent trimeric units on phospholipid vesicles. FEBS Lett 314:159-62
Kataoka, M; Head, J F; Vorherr, T et al. (1991) Small-angle X-ray scattering study of calmodulin bound to two peptides corresponding to parts of the calmodulin-binding domain of the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump. Biochemistry 30:6247-51
Kataoka, M; Head, J F; Persechini, A et al. (1991) Small-angle X-ray scattering studies of calmodulin mutants with deletions in the linker region of the central helix indicate that the linker region retains a predominantly alpha-helical conformation. Biochemistry 30:1188-92
Seaton, B A; Head, J F; Kaetzel, M A et al. (1990) Purification, crystallization, and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of rat kidney annexin V, a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein. J Biol Chem 265:4567-9
Kataoka, M; Head, J F; Seaton, B A et al. (1989) Melittin binding causes a large calcium-dependent conformational change in calmodulin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 86:6944-8
Head, J F (1989) Amino acid sequence of a low molecular weight, high affinity calcium-binding protein from the optic lobe of the squid Loligo pealei. J Biol Chem 264:7202-9
Oberdorf, J A; Lebeche, D; Head, J F et al. (1988) Identification of a calsequestrin-like protein from sea urchin eggs. J Biol Chem 263:6806-9
Sheldon, A; Head, J F (1988) Calcium-binding properties of two high affinity calcium-binding proteins from squid optic lobe. J Biol Chem 263:14384-9