Induction of peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase activity by nerve growth factor in PC12 cells

Pheochromocytoma PC12 cells grown in the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF) undergo marked neuronal differentiation. During this process gene expression is altered, resulting in the activation of genes specific for neuronal properties, including the gene encoding neuropeptide Y (NPY). Here we sought to determine whether NGF also induces the activity of peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM) (EC1.4.17.3). PHM catalyzes the rate limiting step in the formation of alpha-amidated NPY from its glycine extended precursor, a posttranslational modification essential for biologic activity. PC12 cells were grown with or without NGF and assayed for PHM activity under optimal conditions. Whole cell extracts, medium and soluble and membrane bound fractions were assayed; total cellular PHM activity was found to be primarily membrane bound (fivefold greater than in soluble) and very little activity was released into the medium. Compared to control cells, PHM activity was increased significantly by NGF by 24 h but not before 4 h exposure. Through kinetic analysis, it was determined that the NGF-induction of PHM was a result of an increase in Vmax with no change in Km. It was found that the glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (DEX), decreased basal PHM activity and prevented its induction by NGF. Cotreatment with DEX for up to 7 d, however, did not dramatically alter the pronounced changes in cell morphology that occurred in response to NGF. These findings indicate that NGF and glucocorticoids exert reciprocal control over the activity of PHM in PC12 cells. As such, the process of differentiation in PC12 cells is a model for studying the mechanisms that coordinate the expression and activity of peptide processing enzymes with the regulation of their substrates and products.