bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A subunit interface mutant of yeast pyruvate kinase requires the allosteric activator fructose 1,6-bisphosphate for activity
Authors: Collins R A , McNally T , Fothergill-Gilmore L A , Muirhead H
Published: August 2015

A variant form of yeast pyruvate kinase (EC 2.7.1.40) with Ser-384 mutated to proline has been engineered in order to study the allosteric properties of this enzyme. Both the mutant and wild-type enzymes were overexpressed in a strain of yeast in which the genomic copy of the pyruvate kinase gene had been disrupted by an insertion of the Ura3 gene. Both enzymes were purified to homogeneity and their kinetic properties characterized. The wild-type enzyme displays sigmoid kinetics with respect to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) concentration, and is activated by the allosteric effect fructose 1,6-bisphosphate with concomitant reduction in co-operativity. In contrast, the mutant was found to be dependent on the presence of the effector for catalytic activity and was inactive in its absence. The fully activated mutant enzyme had a kcat. 1.6 times greater than that of the wild-type enzyme. The mutation introduced into the enzyme is in an intersubunit contact which is known to be critical for the allosteric properties of the enzyme, and is far removed from the active site. The major effect of the mutation seems to be to stabilize the low-affinity T state of the apoenzyme, although kcat. is also affected. The S0.5 for PEP and S0.5 for ADP of the wild-type enzyme were 0.22 +/- 0.004 and 0.15 +/- 0.01 mM respectively (means +/- S.E.M.). In the activated mutant enzyme, these kinetic parameters increased to 0.67 +/- 0.03 and 0.43 +/- 0.03 mM respectively. The cooperativity between ADP-binding sites was altered in the mutant enzyme, with the Hill coefficient (h) for ADP increasing to 1.65 +/- 0.07 in the presence of the effector, compared with a value of 0.01 +/- 0.07 for the wild-type enzyme under the same conditions. CD spectroscopy revealed the secondary structure of the mutant enzyme to be little different from that of the wild-type enzyme, indicating that the two enzymes have similar secondary structures in solution. Precise tertiary and quaternary structures such as intersubunit and interdomain interactions may be modified. An improved purification procedure has been devised that allows large quantities of enzyme to be rapidly prepared.
Role of hepatic carbonic anhydrase in de novo lipogenesis
Authors: Lynch C J , Fox H , Hazen S A , Stanley B A , Dodgson S , Lanoue K F
Published: August 2015

The role of carbonic anhydrase in de novo lipid synthesis was examined by measuring [1-14C]acetate incorporation into total lipids, fatty acids and non-saponifiable lipids in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. Two carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, trifluoromethylsulphonamide (TFMS) and ethoxozolamide (ETZ) decreased incorporation of 14C into total lipids. Both fatty acid and non-saponifiable lipid components of the total lipid were inhibited to approximately the same extent by 100 microM TFMS (29 +/- 0.3% and 35 +/- 0.3% of control respectively in replicate studies). However, neither drug significantly affected ATP concentrations or the transport activity of Na+/K(+)-ATPase, two measures of cell viability. To establish the site of this inhibition, water-soluble 14C-labelled metabolites from perchloric acid extracts of the radiolabelled cells were separated by ion-exchange chromatography. TFMS inhibited 14C incorporation into citrate, malate, alpha-oxoglutarate and fumarate, but had no effect on incorporation of 14C into acetoacetate. Since ATP citrate-lyase, the cytosolic enzyme that catalyses the conversion of citrate into acetyl-CoA, catalyses an early rate-limiting step in fatty acid synthesis, levels of cytosolic citrate may be rate controlling for de novo fatty acid and sterol synthesis. Indeed citrate concentrations were significantly reduced to 37 +/- 6% of control in hepatocytes incubated with 100 microM TFMS for 30 min. TFMS also inhibited the incorporation of 14C from [1-14C]pyruvate into malate, citrate and glutamate, but not into lactate. This supports the hypothesis that TFMS inhibits pyruvate carboxylation, i.e. since all of the 14C from [1-14C]pyruvate converted into citric acid cycle intermediates must come via pyruvate carboxylase (i.e. rather than pyruvate dehydrogenase). Our findings indicate a role for carbonic anhydrase in hepatic de novo lipogenesis at the level of pyruvate carboxylation.
Diphtheria toxin endocytosis and membrane translocation are dependent on the intact membrane-anchored receptor (HB-EGF precursor): studies on the cell-associated receptor cleaved by a metalloprotease in phorbol-ester-treated cells
Authors: Lanzrein M , Garred O , Olsnes S , Sandvig K
Published: August 2015

Preincubation of Vero cells with 1 microM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) decreased the specific binding of diphtheria toxin by about 50%, whereas the toxic effect, endocytic uptake and membrane translocation were completely blocked. Toxin bound to PMA-treated cells was released upon incubation with heparinase. The effect of PMA was abrogated in the presence of EDTA or N-(DL-[2-(hydroxyaminocarbonyl)methyl]-4-methyl-pentanoyl)-L-3-(2′ - naphthyl)-alanyl-L-alanine 2-aminoethyl-amide (TAPI), a specific inhibitor of matrix metalloproteases. The results indicate that PMA induces proteolytic cleavage of the diphtheria-toxin receptor [heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF)-precursor] outside the membrane anchor, and that about 50% of the growth-factor ecto-domain remains associated with the cells, due to binding to surface proteoglycans containing heparan sulphates. Although the cleaved cell-associated HB-EGF binds diphtheria toxin, it does not serve as a functional receptor, since neither toxin internalization nor translocation occurs. Thus the intact HB-EGF precursor is of crucial importance for its function as the diphtheria-toxin receptor.
Sequencing and expression of a cDNA for human glutathione synthetase
Authors: Gali R R , Board P G
Published: August 2015

A human brain cDNA clone encoding glutathione synthetase (EC 6.3.2.3) has been sequenced and expressed in Escherichia coli. The protein is 474 amino acids in length with a subunit molecular mass of 52,352 Da. The recombinant protein exhibits glutathione synthetase activity and occurs as a homodimer. The recombinant glutathione synthetase was purified to homogeneity and had a specific activity of 1.73 mumol/min per mg of protein, an isoelectric point of 5.35 and a pH optimum between 7.0 and 7.5. Southern blots of human genomic DNA hybridized with the glutathione synthetase cDNA revealed a relatively simple pattern of strongly hybridizing fragments, indicating the absence of a large gene family and suggesting that there may be only one glutathione synthetase gene in the human genome.
A novel antibacterial peptide family isolated from the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Hara S , Yamakawa M
Published: August 2015

Three structurally related and novel antibacterial peptides have been isolated from the haemolymph of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, immunized with Escherichia coli. These peptides were 32 amino acids long and characteristically rich in proline residues. A unique threonine residue in each peptide was O-glycosylated and the modification seemed to be important for expression of antibacterial activity. The primary structure and antibacterial character of the novel peptides resemble those of abaecin (41% identity in amino acid sequence), an antibacterial peptide of the honeybee, although abaecin is not O-glycosylated. Incubation of the novel peptides with a liposome preparation caused leakage of entrapped glucose under low-ionic-strength conditions, suggesting that a target of the peptides is the bacterial membrane. We propose the name ‘lebocin’ for the novel peptide family isolated from B. mori.
Evidence for an ethanolamine cycle: differential recycling of the ethanolamine moiety of phosphatidylethanolamine derived from phosphatidylserine and ethanolamine
Authors: Shiao Y J , Vance J E
Published: August 2015

Evidence is presented for the operation of an ethanolamine-phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) cycle in Chinese hamster ovary cells. PtdEtn was labelled with [3H]ethanolamine and radioactivity was chased by incubation with 1 mM unlabelled ethanolamine. Radioactivity in [3H]PtdEtn gradually declined over a 23 h time period. In contrast, when the cells were incubated in medium lacking unlabelled ethanolamine, radioactivity in PtdEtn remained constant for at least 23 h. These observations suggest that the ethanolamine moiety is continuously released from PtdEtn and recycled back into PtdEtn. In cells incubated without unlabelled ethanolamine, labelled ethanolamine released from PtdEtn is re-incorporated into PtdEtn without significant dilution. In contrast, in cells incubated with unlabelled ethanolamine the specific radioactivity of the intracellular ethanolamine pool decreases as a result of dilution by the exogenous ethanolamine, hence radioactivity in PtdEtn gradually declines. Similar results were obtained for confluent and non-confluent cells. Our data also demonstrate that when PtdEtn is derived from phosphatidylserine decarboxylation, the ethanolamine cycle operates only in actively dividing, and not in confluent, cells, implying that PtdEtn derived from different biosynthetic origins [i.e. from decarboxylation of phosphatidylserine or from ethanolamine (most likely via the CDP-ethanolamine pathway)] is metabolized differently.
Leukotriene synthesis in calcium-depleted human neutrophils: arachidonic acid release correlates with calcium influx
Authors: Krump E , Pouliot M , Naccache P H , Borgeat P
Published: August 2015

The relationship between intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), the release of arachidonic acid and the synthesis of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) was investigated using Ca(2+)-depleted human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) in which [Ca2+]i can be manipulated by varying the concentration of exogenous Ca2+ added with agonists. In this model, Ca2+, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP), added alone, were unable to induce arachidonic acid release or LTB4 synthesis, as assessed by measurements of the products by MS and HPLC, respectively. However, the simultaneous addition of Ca2+ and either PAF or FMLP to these Ca(2+)-depleted PMNs resulted in an influx of Ca2+ proportional to the extracellular concentration of Ca2+ and caused a substantial release of arachidonic acid and synthesis of LTB4. The [Ca2+]i values for threshold and maximal arachidonic acid release were found to be 150 nM and 350 nM respectively, suggesting the involvement of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). Under stimulatory conditions resulting in similar [Ca2+]i, Ca(2+)-depleted PMNs released significant amounts of arachidonic acid but normal (Ca(2+)-repleted) PMNs did not, indicating that Ca2+ depletion of PMNs altered the normal regulation of arachidonic acid release and facilitated the release of the fatty acid upon stimulation with agonists. cPLA2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) phosphorylation, as assessed by changes of electrophoretic mobility, occurred in both Ca(2+)-depleted and Ca(2+)-depleted PMNs upon addition of agonist. These data demonstrate that in Ca(2+)-depleted PMNs stimulated with agonists, arachidonic acid release and LTB4 synthesis correlated with extracellular Ca2+ influx.
Angiotensin II induces tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 and its association with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in rat heart
Authors: Saad M J A , Velloso L A , Carvalho C R O
Published: August 2015

We have investigated whether angiotensin II (AII) is able to induce insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) phosphorylation and its association with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) in the rat heart in vivo. The phosphorylation state of IRS-1 following infusion of insulin or AII via the vena cava was assessed after immunoprecipitation with an anti-peptide antibody to IRS-1 followed by immunoblotting with an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody and an anti-PI 3-kinase antibody. Densitometry indicated a 5.6 +/- 1.3-fold increase in IRS-1 phosphorylation after stimulation with AII and a 12.8 +/- 3.1-fold increase after insulin. The effect was maximal at an AII concentration of 10(-8) M and occurred 1 min after infusion. There was also a 6.1 +/- 1.2-fold increase in IRS-1-associated PI 3-kinase in response to AII. In the isolated perfused heart the result was similar, showing a direct effect of AII on this pathway. When the animals were pretreated for 1 h with DuP 753, a non-peptide AII-receptor 1 (AT1 receptor) antagonist, there was a marked reduction in the AII-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1, suggesting that phosphorylation is initially mediated by the AT1 receptor. We conclude that AII stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and its association with PI 3-kinase. This pathway thus represents an additional signalling mechanism stimulated by AII in the rat heart in vivo.
Early signalling events implicated in leukotriene B4-induced activation of the NADPH oxidase in eosinophils: role of Ca2+, protein kinase C and phospholipases C and D
Authors: Perkins R S , Lindsay M A , Barnes P J , Giembycz M A
Published: August 2015

The early signalling events that may ultimately contribute to the assembly and subsequent activation of the NADPH oxidase in guinea-pig peritoneal eosinophils were investigated in response to leukotriene B4 (LTB4). LTB4 promoted a rapid, transient and receptor-mediated increase in the rate of H2O2 generation that was potentiated by R 59 022, a diradylglycerol (DRG) kinase inhibitor, implicating protein kinase C (PKC) in the genesis of this response. This conclusion was supported by the finding that the PKC inhibitor, Ro 31-8220, attenuated (by about 30%) the peak rate of LTB4-induced H2O2 generation under conditions where the same response evoked by 4 beta-phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) was inhibited by more than 90%. Paradoxically, Ro 31-8220 doubled the amount of H2O2 produced by LTB4 which may relate to the ability of PKC to inhibit cell signalling through phospholipase C (PLC). Indeed, Ro 31-8220 significantly enhanced LTB4-induced Ins(1,4,5)P3 accumulation and the duration of the Ca2+ transient in eosinophils. Experiments designed to assess the relative importance of DRG-mobilizing phospholipases in LTB4-induced oxidase activation indicated that phospholipase D (PLD) did not play a major role. Thus, although H2O2 generation was abolished by butan-1-ol, this was apparently unrelated to the inhibition of PLD, as LTB4 failed to stimulate the formation of Ptd[3H]BuOH in [3H]butan-1-ol-treated eosinophils. Rather, the inhibition was probably due to the ability of butan-1-ol to increase the eosinophil cyclic AMP content. In contrast, Ca(2+)- and PLC-driven mechanisms were implicated in H2O2 generation, as LTB4 elevated the Ins(1,4,5)P3 content and intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in intact cells, and cochelation of extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ significantly attenuated LTB4-induced H2O2 generation. Pretreatment of eosinophils with wortmannin did not affect LTB4-induced H2O2 production at concentrations at which it abolished the respiratory burst evoked by formylmethionyl-leucylphenylalanine in human neutrophils. Collectively, these data suggest that LTB4 activates the NADPH oxidase in eosinophils by PLD- and PtdIns 3-kinase-independent mechanisms that involve Ca2+, PLC and PKC. Furthermore, the activation of additional pathways that do not require Ca2+ is also suggested by the finding that LTB4 evoked a significant respiratory burst in Ca(2+)-depleted cells.
Kinetic and spectroscopic studies on a superoxide dismutase from Propionibacterium shermanii that is active with iron or manganese: pH-dependence
Authors: Meier B , Michel C , Saran M , Hüttermann J , Parak F , Rotilio G
Published: August 2015

Kinetic studies were performed on the superoxide dismutases isolated from the anaerobic bacterium Propionibacterium shermanii as active enzymes with either iron or manganese, which were naturally incorporated into the same molecule depending on the metal supply. Both the Fe- and Mn- forms showed decreasing activity with increasing pH. This suggests the protonation of some groups near the metal, possibly a metal-bound water molecule. Thus the kinetic behaviour of this superoxide dismutase is much more dependent on the protein structure than on the metal incorporated into the active site. The secondary structures of both forms were not influenced by variations in pH, whereas the EPR spectra of the Fe-superoxide dismutase changed as a function of pH. The EPR spectra apparently consist of two overlapping species. Steady-state experiments proved that all iron-containing species show catalytic activity, but the species predominating in the alkaline pH range displays a lower reaction rate. The Michaelis constant and maximal turnover number for the Fe-superoxide dismutase were determined polarographically as Km = 0.54 mmol/l and Vmax. = 2000 mol.s-1 at pH 9.5. These data indicate that, in anaerobic bacteria under physiological conditions, the superoxide dismutase is not saturable with O2-. and the catalytic activity is similar to that of metal-specific Fe- or Mn-superoxide dismutases from aerobic organisms.
The homeodomain protein IPF-1/STF-1 is expressed in a subset of islet cells and promotes rat insulin 1 gene expression dependent on an intact E1 helix-loop-helix factor binding site
Authors: Serup P , Petersen H V , Pedersen E E , Edlund H , Leonard J , Petersen J S , Larsson L I , Madsen O D
Published: August 2015

The mouse homeodomain protein insulin promoter factor-1 (IPF-1) and the rat homologue somatostatin transactivating factor-1 (STF-1) are involved in early pancreatic development and have been implicated in the cell-specific regulation of insulin- and somatostatin-gene expression in mature islet beta- and delta-cells. The cell specificity of IPF-1/STF-1 expression in mature islets is, however, still unclear. Using antisera against recombinant IPF-1 and STF-1 in combination with antisera against islet hormones we find that all beta-cells in monolayers of newborn rat islet cells express STF-1, as do a fraction of the delta-cells. In adult rat and mouse pancreas we find a similar distribution. IPF-1/STF-1 expression was not detected in glucagon-producing alpha-cells. In islet cell tumour models we found that a glucagon/islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP)-producing pluripotent rat islet cell line (NHI-6F-GLU) expresses STF-1 in all cells prior to insulin gene activation induced by in vivo culture. In contrast, a mouse alpha-cell line (alpha TC1) exclusively expressed IPF-1 in a small subset of insulin-producing cells while an insulin-negative subclone (alpha TC1.9) was negative for IPF-1. In transfection experiments using alpha TC1.9 cells STF-1 activated a rat insulin 1 reporter gene dependent not only on both STF-1-binding sites, but also on the E1-binding site for the helix-loop-helix factor IEF-1. However, the endogenous mouse insulin genes remained inactive in these cells. These results suggest that the insulin promoter acquires its very high, yet cell-specific, activity at least partly through the action of IPF-1/STF-1. This action is dependent on helix-loop-helix factors bound to the E1 element.
Kinetic properties of d-fructose-1,6-bisphosphate 1-phosphohydrolase isolated from human muscle
Authors: Skalecki K , Mularczyk W , Dzugaj A
Published: August 2015

D-Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate 1-phosphohydrolase (EC 3.1.3.11) [Fru(1,6)Pase] was isolated from human muscle in an electrophoretically homogeneous form, free of aldolase contamination. The enzyme is inhibited by the substrate [fructose (1,6)-bisphosphate]. Km is 0.77 microM; Kis is 90 microM. The fructose-2,6-bisphosphate [Fru(2,6)P2], a regulator of gluconeogenesis, inhibits human muscle Fru(1,6)Pase with Ki = 0.13 microM. To determine Km, Kis and Ki the integrated method was used. AMP is an allosteric inhibitor of Fru(1,6)Pase. As with other mammalian isoenzymes, the human muscle enzyme is more strongly inhibited by AMP than is the liver isoenzyme [Dzugaj and Kochman (1980) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 614, 407-412]. Both of the inhibitors [AMP and Fru(2,6)P2] act synergistically on human muscle Fru(1,6)Pase. Ki for Fru(2,6)P2 determined in the presence of 0.4 microM AMP was 0.028 microM. The human muscle enzyme, like other mammalian Fru(1,6)Pases, requires Mg2+ for its activity. The Ka for magnesium was 232 microM, and h (Hill coefficient) = 2.0.
Major changes in complex I activity in mitochondria from aged rats may not be detected by direct assay of NADH:coenzyme Q reductase
Authors: Genova M L , Castelluccio C , Fato R , Parenti Castelli G , Merlo Pich M , Formiggini G , Bovina C , Marchetti M , Lenaz G
Published: August 2015

We have investigated the respiratory activities and the concentrations of respiratory chain components of mitochondria isolated from the livers and hearts of two groups of rats aged 6 and 24 months respectively. In comparison with the adult controls (6 months), in aged rats there was a decline in total aerobic NADH oxidation in both tissues; only minor (non-significant) changes, however, were found in NADH:coenzyme Q reductase and cytochrome oxidase activities, and there was no change in ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase activity. The coenzyme Q levels were slightly decreased in mitochondria from both organs of aged rats. The lowered NADH oxidase activity is not due to the slight decrease observed in the coenzyme Q levels, but is the result of decreased Complex I activity. Since the assay of NADH:coenzyme Q reductase requires quinone analogues, none of which can evoke its maximal turnover [Estornell, Fato, Pallotti and Lenaz (1993) FEBS Lett. 332, 127-131], its activity has been calculated indirectly by taking advantage of the relationship that exists between NADH oxidation and ubiquinol oxidation through the coenzyme Q pool. The results, expressed in this way, show a drastic loss of activity of Complex I in both the heart and the liver of aged animals in comparison with adult controls.
Heterologous processing of rat prosomatostatin to somatostatin-14 by PC2: requirement for secretory cell but not the secretion granule
Authors: Galanopoulou A S , Seidah N G , Patel Y C
Published: August 2015

The role of PC2 in prosomatostatin (PSS) processing was investigated in GH3/GH4C1 pituitary cells. These cells are sparsely granulated, express different amounts of PC2 and no PC1. We described heterologous processing of rat PSS (rPSS) co-expressed with PC2 in stably transfected cells, correlate PC2 protein levels under different conditions of transfection with efficiency of PSS processing to somatostatin-14 (SS-14), determine the effect of modulating cell granularity on enzyme expression and PSS processing, and compare the relative potency of PC2 with that of PC1, PSS and cleavage products were monitored by HPLC and radioimmunoassay of SS-like immunoreactivity (SSLI). Radioimmunoassay analysis of N-terminal PC2-like immunoreactivity (PC2 LI) in GH4C1:rPSS, GH4C1:rPSS + PC2 and GH3:rPSS transfectants showed a gradient of PC2 protein of 1:2.6:3.4 in cell extracts and 1:4.7:9 in secretion media from these cells respectively. The concentration of PC2 protein correlated with SS-14 conversion efficiency was 36 +/- 3% in GH4C1:rPSS cells, 56 +/- 7% in GH4C1:rPSS-PC2 cells and 100% in GH3:rPSS cells. Treatment of GH4C1:rPSS + PC2 cells with epidermal growth factor, insulin, and beta-estradiol to induce granules, significantly increased basal and forskolin-stimulated co-release of SS LI and PC2 LI, but had no influence on SS-14 processing efficiency. Hormone treatment led to a small increase in the ratio of mature PC2 (68 kDa) to proPC2 (75 kDa) forms. PC1 stably transfected in GH4C1 cells produced significantly greater SS-14 conversion (62% in cells, 66% in media) compared with PC2 transfectants (53% in cells, 47% in media) These results provide the first proof that PC2 can effect dibasic processing of mammalian PSS, and, along with PC1, qualifies as an authentic SS-14 convertase. The activity of PC2 requires the milieu of the secretory cell but not the secretory granule.
Mass-spectrometric analysis of ADP-ribosylation factors from bovine brain: identification and evidence for homogeneous acylation with the C14:0 fatty acid (myristate)
Authors: Berger S J , Resing K A , Taylor T C , Melançon P
Published: August 2015

The two proteins from bovine brain previously shown to be required for the guanosine 5′-[gamma-thio]triphosphate-dependent inhibition of a well-characterized intra-Golgi transport assay, termed GGBF and GGBF, have been definitively identified as members of the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) family by electrospray MS analysis of the intact proteins, and of their tryptic fragments. Extensive protein-sequence information obtained from this analysis identified GGBF and GGBF as bovine ARF1 and ARF3 respectively. The sequence of bovine ARF3, which had not previously been determined, appears identical to that predicted from the rat and human ARF3 cDNAs. Further analysis of the N-terminal tryptic fragments of both bovine ARFs demonstrates N-terminal acylation solely with the C14:0 fatty acid (myristate). This finding establishes that the previously reported specific-activity difference between ARF1 and ARF3 in the intra-Golgi transport assay is not due to lipid heterogeneity at the N-terminus. This finding also indicates that the heterogeneity of N-terminal fatty-acyl groups previously observed on other myristoylated proteins is not universal.
Role of cytosolic phospholipase A2 in arachidonic acid release of rat-liver macrophages: regulation by Ca2+ and phosphorylation
Authors: Ambs P , Baccarini M , Fitzke E , Dieter P
Published: August 2015

In this study we have verified the existence of a cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in rat-liver macrophages. Stimulation of these cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), zymosan and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but not with the Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187, leads to phosphorylation of cPLA2 and activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, supporting the hypothesis that MAP kinase is involved in cPLA2 phosphorylation. We show furthermore, that the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein prevents the LPS- but not the PMA- or zymosan-induced phosphorylation of cPLA2 and activation of MAP kinase, indicating that tyrosine kinases participate in LPS- but not in PMA- and zymosan-induced cPLA2 phosphorylation and MAP kinase activation. Phosphorylation of cPLA2 does not strongly correlate with stimulation of the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade: (1) A23187, a potent stimulator of AA release, fails to induce cPLA2 phosphorylation; (2) withdrawal of extracellular Ca2+, which inhibits PMA-stimulated AA release (Dieter, Schulze-Specking and Decker (1988) Eur. J. Biochem. 177, 61-67), has no effect on PMA-induced phosphorylation of cPLA2; (3) LPS induces cPLA2 phosphorylation within minutes, whereas increased AA release upon treatment with LPS is detectable for the first time after 4 h; and (4) genistein, which prevents LPS-induced cPLA2 phosphorylation, does not inhibit AA release in response to LPS. From these data we suggest that a rise in intracellular Ca2+, but not phosphorylation of cPLA2, is essential for activation of the AA cascade in rat-liver macrophages.
An unusual arrangement of 13 zinc fingers in the vertebrate gene Z13
Authors: Schulz T C , Hopwood B , Rathjen P D , Wells J R
Published: August 2015

The zinc finger is a protein domain that imparts specific nucleic acid-binding activity on a wide range of functionally important proteins. In this paper we report the molecular cloning and characterization of a novel murine zinc-finger gene, mZ13. Analysis of mZ13 cDNAs revealed that the gene expresses a 794-amino-acid protein encoded by a 2.7 kb transcript. The protein has an unusual arrangement of 13 zinc fingers into a ‘hand’ of 12 tandem fingers and a single isolated finger near the C-terminus. This structural organization is conserved with the probable chicken homologue, cZ13. mZ13 also contained an additional domain at the N-terminus which has previously been implicated in the regulation of zinc-finger transcription factor DNA-binding, via protein-protein interactions. mZ13 expression was detected in a wide range of murine embryonic and adult tissues. The structural organization of mZ13 and its expression profile suggest that it may function as a housekeeping DNA-binding protein that regulates the expression of specific genes.
Kukoamine A and other hydrophobic acylpolyamines: potent and selective inhibitors of Crithidia fasciculata trypanothione reductase
Authors: Ponasik J A , Strickland C , Faerman C , Savvides S , Karplus P A , Ganem B
Published: August 2015

The enzyme trypanothione reductase (TR), together with its substrate, the glutathione-spermidine conjugate trypanothione, plays an essential role in protecting parasitic trypanosomatids against oxidative stress and is a target for drug design. Here we show that a naturally occurring spermine derivative, the antihypertensive agent kukoamine A [N1N12-bis(dihydrocaffeoyl)-spermine] inhibits TR as a mixed inhibitor (Ki = 1.8 microM, Kii = 13 microM). Kukoamine shows no significant inhibition of human glutathione reductase (Ki > 10 mM) and thus provides a novel selective drug lead. The corresponding N1N8-bis(dihydrocaffeoyl)spermidine derivative was synthesized and acted as a purely competitive inhibitor with Ki = 7.5 microM. A series of mono- and di-acylated spermines and spermidines were synthesized to gain an insight into the effect of polyamine chain length, the nature and position of the acyl substituent and the importance of conformational mobility. These compounds inhibited TR with Ki values ranging from 11 to 607 microM.
Purification and characterization of a uterine retinol-binding protein in the bitch
Authors: Buhi W C , Alvarez I M , Shille V M , Thatcher M J , Harney J P , Cotton M
Published: August 2015

A major canine endometrial secreted protein (cP6, 23,000-M(r)) was purified by ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography and characterized by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Anti-[human retinol-binding protein (hRBP)] serum identified cP6 on immunoblot analysis and immunoprecipitated cP6 from culture medium. This major protein was also shown to bind [3H]retinol. N-terminal and internal amino acid sequences were determined and compared with previously identified protein, RNA, or DNA sequences. N-terminal analysis revealed that cP6 had high identity and similarity to serum retinol-binding proteins (RBPs), while internal sequence analysis showed a strong similarity to rat androgen-dependent epididymal protein and beta-lactoglobulins. Amino acid analysis, however, showed significant differences between these proteins and cP6 in both total amino acid content and certain selected amino acids. Immunohistochemical analysis showed staining for RBP only in the uterine luminal epithelium. These studies suggest that bitch endometrium secretes a family of proteins (cP6), some of which bind [3H]retinol, are immunologically related to the RBP family, and have N-terminal and internal sequences with a high similarity to RBP, beta-lactoglobulins and other members of the lipocalin family. This family of proteins may be important in early development for supplying retinol or derivatives to the developing embryo.
The 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine-induced cell death signalling pathway in human thymocytes is different from that induced by 2-chloroadenosine
Authors: Szondy Z
Published: August 2015

2-chloroadenosine induced DNA fragmentation and cell death in human thymocytes primarily by Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms. Incubation of human thymocytes with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (5-1000 nM) also induced cell death (apoptosis) which was dependent on macromolecule synthesis and involved activation of an endonuclease which was inhibited by Zn2+. The effect of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine was prevented by addition of dipyridamole, a strong nucleoside transport inhibitor, or of deoxycytidine, previously shown to compete for uptake by deoxycytidine kinase. 2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine-induced apoptosis did not involve increases in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, but required the presence of intracellular Ca2+. It was not inhibited by activators of protein kinase C previously shown to inhibit Ca(2+)-dependent cell death. Addition of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine induced an increase in the amount of p53 in human thymocytes, while 2-chloroadenosine had no effect. These data suggest that 2-chloroadenosine and 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine induce cell death in human thymocytes via different signalling pathways.
Evidence that Asn542 of neprilysin (EC 3.4.24.11) is involved in binding of the P2′ residue of substrates and inhibitors
Authors: Dion N , Le Moual H , Fournié-Zaluski M C , Roques B P , Crine P , Boileau G
Published: August 2015

Neprilysin (EC 3.4.24.11) is a Zn2+ metallopeptidase involved in the degradation of biologically active peptides, e.g. enkephalins and atrial natriuretic peptide. The substrate specificity and catalytic activity of neprilysin resemble those of thermolysin, a crystallized bacterial Zn2+ metalloprotease. Despite little overall homology between the primary structures of thermolysin and neprilysin, many of the amino acid residues involved in catalysis, as well as Zn2+ and substrate binding, are highly conserved. Most of the active-site residues of neprilysin have their homologues in thermolysin and have been characterized by site-directed mutagenesis. Furthermore, hydrophobic cluster analysis has revealed some other analogies between the neprilysin and thermolysin sequences [Benchetrit, Bissery, Mornon, Devault, Crine and Roques (1988) Biochemistry 27, 592-596]. According to this analysis the role of Asn542 in the neprilysin active site is analogous to that of Asn112 of thermolysin, which is to bind the substrate. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to change Asn542 to Gly or Gln residues. The effect of these mutations on substrate catalysis and inhibitor binding was examined with a series of thiorphan-like compounds containing various degrees of methylation at the P2′ residue. For both mutated enzymes, determination of kinetic parameters with [D-Ala2,Leu5]enkephalin as substrate showed that the large decrease in activity was attributable to an increase in Km (14-16-fold) whereas kcat values were only slightly affected (2-3-fold decrease). This is in agreement with Asn542 being involved in substrate binding rather than directly in catalysis. Finally, the IC50 values for thiorphan and substituted thiorphans strongly suggest that Asn542 of neprilysin binds the substrate on the amino side of the P2′ residue by formation of a unique hydrogen bond.
Chloroquine augments the binding of insulin to its receptor
Authors: Bevan A P , Christensen J R , Tikerpae J , Smith G D
Published: August 2015

The effect of chloroquine on the interaction of insulin with its receptor has been investigated under both equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. Chloroquine was found to augment insulin binding in a pH-dependent manner between pH 6.0 and pH 8.5, with the maximum occurring at approximately pH 7.0. Analysis of the equilibrium binding data in terms of independent binding sites gave equivocal results but suggested an increase in the high-affinity component. Analysis using the negative co-operativity binding model of De Meyts, Bianco and Roth [J. Biol. Chem. (1976) 251, 1877-1888] suggested that the affinity at both high and low occupancy was increased equally. The kinetics of association of insulin with the plasma-membrane receptor indicated that, although the net rate of association increased in the presence of chloroquine, this was due to a reduction in the dissociation rate rather than an increase in the association rate. This was confirmed by direct measurement of the rates of dissociation. Dissociation was found to be distinctly biphasic, with fast and slow components. Curve fitting suggested that the decrease in dissociation rate in the presence of chloroquine was not due to a decrease in either of the two dissociation rate constants, but rather to an increase in the amount of insulin dissociating by the slow component. It was also found that the increase in dissociation rate in the presence of excess insulin, ascribed to negative co-operativity, could be accounted for by an increase in the amount of insulin dissociating by the faster pathway, rather than by an increase in the dissociation rate constant. Thus chloroquine appears to have the opposite effect to excess insulin, and evidence was found for the induction of positive co-operativity in the insulin-receptor interaction at high chloroquine concentrations. Evidence was also found for the presence of low-affinity chloroquine binding sites with binding parameters similar to the concentration dependence of the chloroquine-induced augmentation of insulin binding.
An anti-neoplastic glycan isolated from Mycobacterium bovis (BCG vaccine)
Authors: Wang R , Klegerman M E , Marsden I , Sinnott M , Groves M J
Published: August 2015

Tice substrain BCG is used clinically as an immunotherapeutic agent against superficial bladder cancer. A boiling-water extract of this BCG showed anti-tumour activity against a murine S180 sarcoma model and was fractionated into three fractions, A, B and C, by the use of Sephadex LH-20 chromatography. An anti-tumour glucan, PS1A1, was isolated from fraction PS1A with Sephadex G-75. The molecular mass of PS1A1 was between 65 and 87 kDa by Sephadex G-100 chromatography. The structure of PS1A1 was investigated by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and methylation analysis and was demonstrated to be primarily 1-->6-alpha-linked glucose units. We postulate that the repeating unit is: [Formula: see text]
Phosphonate inhibitors of protein-tyrosine and serine/threonine phosphatases
Authors: Kole H K , Smyth M S , Russ P L , Burke T R
Published: August 2015

In all, 15 aryl-containing phosphonates have been synthesized and tested for their effect on protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) activity. Two compounds, (naphth-2-yl) difluoromethylphosphonic acid (12) and (napthy-1-yl) difluoromethylphosphonic acid (13) have been found to inhibit dephosphorylation of [32P]insulin receptors by PTP-1B, a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase), with IC50 values of 40-50 microM. Compound 12 competitively inhibited insulin-receptor dephosphorylation by PTP-1B. Compound 12 also inhibited PTP-1B-catalysed dephosphorylation of a synthetic tyrosine phosphorylated substrate poly(Glu80-Tyr20) at the same potency, indicating that 12 acted via interaction with the PTPase. Additionally, 12 inhibited insulin-receptor PTPase(s) and epridermal-growth-factor-receptor PTPase(s) present in solubilized membranes from CHO (Chinese-hamster ovary)/HIRc and A431 cells respectively. IC50 values of 40-50 microM were obtained in all cases with compound 12. Of note is the fact that these compounds did not have any effect on insulin-receptor autophosphorylation. Nine out of the 15 compounds potently inhibited serine/threonine phosphatase PP-2A activity without any effect on serine/threonine phosphatase PP-1 when tested at a concentration as high as 675 microM. The most potent compounds acting toward PP-2A had IC50 values of 45-50 microM. These PP-2A inhibitors could be useful tools for studying serine/threonine-phosphatase-mediated signal transduction. Two compounds, 12 and 13, inhibited both tyrosine phosphatase PTP-1B and serine/threonine phosphatase PP-2A with similar potency; IC50 values being 40-50 microM in both cases. Details of the synthesis of compounds 10, 11 and 13 are given in Supplementary Publication SUP 50177 (6 pages), which has been deposited at the British Library Document Supply Centre, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1995) 305, 9.
2′,3′-Dideoxycytidine metabolism in a new drug-resistant cell line
Authors: Magnani M , Brandi G , Casabianca A , Fraternale A , Schiavano G F , Rossi L , Chiarantini L
Published: August 2015

2′,3′-Dideoxycytidine (ddC) is a nucleoside analogue that inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication in vitro and is currently used in the therapy of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This compound exerts a delayed cytotoxicity due to inhibition of mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) synthesis. Long-term exposure of U937 human monoblastoid cells to ddC resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in mDNA content and Rhodamine 123 fluorescence. However, after 2 months on 0.1 microM ddC, a drug-resistant cell line (U937-R) with 66% of the normal amount of mDNA was isolated. ddC transport in U937 and U937-R cell lines was similar. In contrast, U937-R accumulated ddC phosphorylated derivatives at a much lower rate and to a reduced concentration into acid-soluble material. The rate of 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine 5′-triphosphate (ddCTP) formation in U937-R cells was almost one-third of that measured in normal cells, although the rate of ddCTP catabolism was similar in both cell lines. Dideoxyliponucleotide (ddCDP-choline and ddCDP-ethanolamine) formation was also much slower (between one-half and one-third as fast) in U937-R than in control cells, although catabolism occurred at similar rates. ddC was phosphorylated by a cytoplasmic deoxycytidine kinase in both cell lines. This enzyme showed Km values for ddC of 80 +/- 7 and 140 +/- 9 microM in U937 and U937-R cells respectively. Furthermore, Vmax was 12 +/- 1.1 and 7.8 +/- 0.5 pmol/min per mg of protein in U937 and U937-R. Thus resistance to ddC toxicity may be due to cells' decreased ability to accumulate intracellular ddC anabolites, which may depend on cytoplasmic deoxycytidine kinase.
Glycerol 3-phosphate-induced ATP production in intact mitochondria from pancreatic B-cells
Authors: Idahl L Å , Lembert N
Published: August 2015

A bioluminescent method is presented that allows monitoring of ATP production from mitochondria corresponding to one islet of Langerhans per sample. In mitochondria from ob/ob mice Ca2+ stimulates the ATP production in the presence of L-glycerol 3-phosphate (GP) by reducing the Km for GP by one order of magnitude to about 3 mM. Maximal ATP production in the presence of Ca2+ (200 nM) is obtained at 10 mM GP. The free calcium concentration required to reach half-maximal stimulation (K0.5Ca2+) depends on the GP concentration, thus half-maximal effects are observed at about 80 nM at low GP (1 mM) and 10 nM at high GP (10 mM). Sodium can replace Ca2+ as a stimulator of GP-induced ATP production. It activates ADP phosphorylation by B-cell mitochondria in a sigmoidal concentration-dependent manner in the absence of Cs2+ (Hill coefficient 2.3 +/- 0.2) but does not change K0.5ca2+ nor the maximal mitochondrial activity. Ca2+ concentrations higher than 300 nM are inhibitory at all tested substrate concentrations. Mitochondria from ob/ob mice showed no functional defect when compared with normal controls. It is concluded that activation of the glycerol phosphate shuttle may not be the main coupling site for glucose-induced insulin release at maximal cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels.
Purification of pancreas type-I ATP diphosphohydrolase and identification by affinity labelling with the 5′-p-fluorosulphonylbenzoyladenosine ATP analogue
Authors: Sévigny J , Côté Y P , Beaudoin A R
Published: August 2015

The enzyme recently identified as type-I ATP diphosphohydrolase (ATPDase; EC 3.6.1.5) has been purified from the zymogen granule membrane of pig pancreas. After solubilization with Triton X-100 and chromatographies on ion-exchange and Affi-Gel Blue columns an approximate 3500-fold purification was obtained. The enzyme preparation with a specific activity of 45 units/mg of protein was much further purified by PAGE under non-denaturing conditions. The active band localized on the gel contained two proteins after SDS/PAGE and silver staining, corresponding to apparent molecular masses of 56 and 54 kDa. The identity of the ATPDase was confirmed by an affinity labelling technique with 5′-p-fluorosulphonylbenzoyladenosine (FSBA) as an ATP analogue. The latter was detected by a Western blot technique. A strong reaction was observed with the band corresponding to 54 kDa. N-terminal sequence analysis revealed that the 56 kDa protein has significant similarities (50-72%) with lipases, whereas the 54 kDa enzyme has no significant similarity with any known proteins. N-glycosidase F treatment confirmed the glycoprotein nature of the enzyme and suggested that the enzyme bears several N-glycosylation sites. Comparisons of molecular masses and biochemical properties show that this ATPDase is different from other reported mammalian ATPDases.
Locally formed dopamine modulates renal Na-Pi co-transport through DA1 and DA2 receptors
Authors: Perrichot R , Garcia-Ocaña A , Couette S , Comoy E , Amiel C , Friedlander G
Published: August 2015

The involvement of dopamine (DA) receptor subtypes in regulation of renal phosphate transport by DA, either exogenous or locally synthesized from L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) was evaluated in opossum kidney (OK) cells with proximal tubular phenotype. DA synthesis from L-dopa by OK cells was abolished by carbidopa and benserazide, two dissimilar inhibitors of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase. L-Dopa stimulated cyclic AMP generation and inhibited Na-dependent Pi uptake, and these effects were abolished by carbidopa and benserazide. The effects of L-dopa or DA on cyclic AMP generation and on Na-Pi co-transport were mimicked by SKF 38393, a DA1 receptor agonist, and were potentiated by S-sulpiride, a DA2 receptor antagonist. Bromocriptine, a DA2 receptor agonist, blunted in a pertussis toxin-dependent manner parathyroid hormone (PTH)-induced cyclic AMP generation and inhibition of Pi uptake. In contrast with PTH, neither L-dopa nor DA affected significantly the cytosolic calcium concentration. These results support the involvement of DA1 and DA2 receptors, positively and negatively coupled into adenylate cyclase respectively, in modulation of renal phosphate transport.
Activation of P2z purinoceptors diminishes the muscarinic cholinergic-induced release of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and stored calcium in rat parotid acini. ATP as a co-transmitter in the stimulus-secretion coupling
Authors: Jørgensen T D , Gromada J , Tritsaris K , Nauntofte B , Dissing S
Published: August 2015

The effect of extracellular ATP on the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and inositol phosphate production following stimulation with the muscarinic cholinergic agonist acetylcholine (ACh) was investigated in isolated rat parotid acinar cells. Stimulation of rat parotid acinar cells with ATP4- results in a rise in [Ca2+]i that is due to influx of extracellular Ca2+ and mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Stimulation with purinergic agonists revealed that both influx as well as Ca2+ release from intracellular stores was mediated through activation of P2z receptors. The Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores was due to production of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and was inhibited by U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C-coupled processes. Under Ca(2+)-free conditions ATP4- caused a dose-dependent inhibition (IC50 = 8 microM) of the ACh-evoked Ca2+ release. The inhibitory effect of ATP4- is due to activation of the P2z purinoceptors, which results in a strong reduction in the ACh-induced inositol phosphate production. Prestimulation with 100 microM ATP4- reduced the amount of Ins(1,4,5)P3 formed after maximal ACh stimulation by 91%. In conclusion, the inhibitory effect of ATP4- on the ACh-mediated response is due to interactions of the activated P2z receptor with the phospholipase C-coupled processes underlying the muscarinic cholinergic response.