bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification of mRNA-associated proteins during changes in growth conditions
Authors: Berger Lloyd C. , Sells Bruce H.
Published: December 2009

Following serum stimulation of quiescent 3T6 cells, an elevated in vivo rate of translation was observed. These studies were designed to identify the proteins associated with polysomal mRNA under different growth conditions in an attempt to establish a relationship between translational rate and the mRNA-associated proteins. Ultraviolet cross-linking of proteins to mRNA was employed to ensure that only genuine mRNA-associated proteins were investigated. Our results revealed little change in the population of mRNA-binding proteins, although minor variations in the synthesis of several proteins, most notably a 32 kilodalton species, were observed during growth transitions. These investigations demonstrate further that most of the mRNA-binding proteins were phosphorylated with the degree of phosphorylation of several proteins influenced by growth conditions.Key words: mRNA-associated proteins, phosphorylation, translation.
Accelerated entry of aortic smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats into the S phase of the cell cycle
Authors: Hadrava Vratislav , Tremblay Johanne , Sekaly Rafick-Pierre , Hamet Pavel
Published: December 2009

The present study was designed to characterize the growth kinetics of the exaggerated proliferative response to mitogens of vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats compared with cells from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto controls. Cellular DNA content, analyzed by flow cytometry, demonstrated a 4-h accelerated entry into the S phase of the cell cycle of vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats; the significant (4.5-fold) increase in the percentage of cells in the S phase occurred between 8 and 12 h after calf serum stimulation. A 3.9-fold increase of cells in the S phase was seen in the normotensive controls only between 12 and 16 h. Transit through the cell cycle was quantitated by flow cytometry using the Hoechst 33 342 – bromodeoxyuridine substitution technique. Vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats went through the cell cycle 4 h ahead of cells from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. This accelerated transit of spontaneously hypertensive rat cells was mostly due to an earlier entry into the S phase. Persistence of this new intermediate phenotype in cell culture suggests its primary pathogenetic role in spontaneous hypertension.Key words: hypertension, proliferation, flow cytometry, bromodeoxyuridine substitution, G0/G, phase.
In vivo behaviour of rat transferrin bearing a hybrid glycan and its interaction with macrophages
Authors: Hu Wei-Li , Chindemi Paul A. , Regoeczi Erwin
Published: December 2009

Production of rat transferrin containing a single hybrid glycan was induced by treating rats with swainsonine, an inhibitor of α-mannosidase II. The principal component of this variant transferrin containing one sialic acid residue per mole of protein was separated from other forms of transferrin by anion-exchange chromatography, followed by lectin affinity chromatography. Transferrin bearing the hybrid glycan was degraded in vivo with a half-life of 14 h as compared with 40 h for transferrin containing a standard diantennary glycan. By using 125I-labelled tyramine-cellobiose, a label whose discharge from lysosomes is strongly retarded, organs rich in reticuloendothelial elements (liver, bone marrow, lungs, and spleen) were identified as the major sites of catabolism of the transferrin variant. The liver took up more 59Fe from the variant (26% of the dose in 90 min) than from control rat transferrin (12%). The excess iron uptake was reduced by the intravenous injection of either human transferrin or ovalbumin, and it was abolished by administering both. Macrophages from bone marrow and lungs degraded the transferrin variant in vitro. The degradation was significantly enhanced when transferrin receptors were blocked by human transferrin, and it was significantly reduced by ovalbumin and methyl glucopyranoside.Key words: glycoprotein, iron metabolism, lectin, plasma protein metabolism, transferrin.
Vibrio harveyi RNA polymerase: purification and resolution from gyrase A
Authors: Swartzman Elana , Meighen Edward A.
Published: December 2009

RNA polymerase was purified from Vibrio harveyi and found to contain polypeptides (β,β′, α, and σ) closely corresponding to those of the Escherichia coli enzyme. In vitro transcription studies using V. harveyi and E. coli RNA polymerase demonstrated that the purified V. harveyi RNA polymerase is functional and that the two enzymes have the same promoter specificity. Chromatography through a monoQ column was required to remove a 100-kilodalton protein that was present in large amounts and copurified with the RNA polymerase. N-terminal amino acid sequencing showed that the first 18 amino acids of the 100-kilodalton protein shares 78% sequence identity with the A subunit of gyrase or topoisomerase II. The abundance of the gyrase A protein is unprecedented and may be linked to bioluminescence.Key words: Vibrio harveyi, RNA polymerase, gyrase, bioluminescence.
Estrogen sulfotransferase distribution in tissues of mouse and guinea pig: steroidal inhibition of the guinea pig enzyme
Authors: Hobkirk Ronald , Glasier Mary Ann
Published: December 2009

The highest total activity of estrogen sulfotransferase in guinea pig is in liver and the highest specific activities are in the adrenal and the midgestational chorion. Guinea pig gonads contain scarcely detectable activities. In CD-1 mice the highest specific activity is in testis and the highest total activity is in late placenta. Adrenals from both sexes and ovaries contain minimal activities, while liver and fetal membrane activities are remarkably low. In CD-1, DBA, C57BL, and BALB mice, qualitative patterns are similar. Purified or partially purified estrogen sulfotransferase from guinea pig adrenal and chorion were used to study the effect of a number of possible steroidal inhibitors. Considerable structural specificity is evident within a range of steroids, even among some which are not substrates. Pregnenolone is the most effective 21-carbon inhibitor and, in general, more highly hydroxylated forms are less inhibitory. Within a series of 21-, 19- and 18-carbon steroids, the structure of the A ring appears to be extremely important in regard to inhibitory effects.Key words: estrogen sulfotransferase, mouse, guinea pig, enzyme inhibition, steroids.
Kinetics of inactivation of 4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase by 3-bromopyruvate
Authors: Blessinger K. J. , Tunnicliff G.
Published: December 2009

3-Bromopyruvate inhibited 4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.19) from Pseudomonas fluorescens, apparently irreversibly. Kinetics of this inactivation were studied by continuously monitoring the enzyme reaction at 30 °C in the presence of inhibitor. Irrespective of how high an inhibitor concentration was present, a maximum rate of inactivation was eventually achieved (5.9 × 10−3 s−1), indicating the formation of a reversible inhibitor–enzyme complex before the final inactivation step. The dissociation constant of this complex was found to be 6.5 μM. This affinity labelling by 3-bromopyruvate suggests the presence of essential sulphydryl groups on the enzyme, since this compound is known to preferentially alkylate cysteinyl residues.Key words: 4-aminobutyrate, 4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase, inactivation, 3-bromopyruvate, affinity label, Pseudomonas fluorescens.
The largest subunit of RNA polymerase II in Dictyostelium: conservation of the unique tail domain and gene expression
Authors: Lam Tak Yee , Chan Lawrence , Yip Patrick , Siu Chi-Hung
Published: December 2009

cDNAs encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II were isolated from a Dictyostelium cDNA library. A total of 2.9 kilobases (kb) of cDNA was sequenced and the amino acid sequence of the carboxyl-terminal half of the protein was deduced. Similar to other eukaryotic RNA polymerases II, the largest subunit of Dictyostelium RNA polymerase II contains a unique repetitive tail domain at its carboxyl-terminal region. It consists of 24 highly conserved heptapeptide repeats, with a consensus sequence of Tyr-Ser-Pro-Thr-Ser-Pro-Ser. In addition to the tail domain, five segments of the deduced primary structure show > 50% sequence identity with either yeast or mouse protein. RNA blots show that cDNA probes hybridized with a single mRNA species of ~ 6 kb and immunoblots using a monoclonal antibody raised against the tail domain lighted up a single protein band of 200 kilodaltons. Interestingly, expression of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II appears to be under developmental regulation. The accumulation of its mRNA showed a 60% increase during the first 3 h of development, followed by a steady decrease during the next 6 h. Cells began to accumulate a higher level of the RNA polymerase II mRNA after 9 h of development. When cells were treated with low concentrations of cAMP pulses to stimulate the developmental process, the pattern of mRNA accumulation moved 3 h ahead, but otherwise remained similar to that of control cells.Key words: RNA polymerase, cDNA, sequence homology, gene expression, Dictyostelium.
Intermediate filament proteins: many unanswered questions, few unquestioned answers
Authors: Paulin-Levasseur Micheline
Published: December 2009

Major constituents of the cytoskeleton and the nuclear matrix, cytoplasmic intermediate filament subunits and nuclear lamins belong to a multigene family of proteins whose function is poorly understood. It has now become a general contention that important clues to the physiological roles of these proteins may reside in their developmental and tissue-specific expression patterns, as well as their cellular organization. The present review brings into focus experimental strategies that have been developed, over the past few years, to gain insights into the cellular mechanisms regulating the molecular polymorphism and supramolecular assembly of intermediate filaments. In this context new concepts are discussed that may be pivotal for the orientation of future studies on intermediate filament proteins.Key words: intermediate filaments, nuclear lamins, cytoskeleton, nuclear matrix.
G1 cyclins regulate proliferation of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Rowley Adele , Johnston Gerald C. , Singer Richard A.
Published: December 2009

The eukaryotic cell cycle is regulated at two points, the G1-S and G2-M boundaries. The molecular basis for these regulatory activities has recently been elucidated, in large part by the use of molecular and genetic analyses using unicellular yeast. The molecular characterization of cell-cycle regulation has revealed striking functional conservation among evolutionarily diverse cell types. For many eukaryotic cells, regulation of cell proliferation occurs primarily in the G1 interval. The G2 regulatory step, termed start, requires the activation of a highly conserved p34 protein kinase by association with a functionally redundant family of proteins, the G1 cyclins. Here we review studies using the genetically tractable budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which have provided insight into the role of G1 cyclins in the regulation of start.Key words: cell cycle, cyclin proteins, cdc2 protein kinase, start.
Calcium storage in nonmuscle tissues: is the retina special?
Authors: Opas Michal , Michalak Marek
Published: December 2009

It is now well established that calreticulin is a high capacity Ca2+-binding protein which is a major Ca2+ storage protein of the lumen of endoplasmic reticulum membranes in a wide variety of tissues with the exception of skeletal and cardiac muscles. However, in nervous tissue, confusion exists regarding the nature of the intracellular Ca2+ stores, as the organelle responsible for Ca2+ storage has been identified as the endoplasmic reticulum by some investigators and as the specialized organelle, calciosome by others. Calreticulin, calsequestrin, and calsequestrin-like proteins have all been, on different occasions, reported to be present in calciosomes. Cerebral and cerebellar tissues, moreover, have been shown to contain somewhat different systems of Ca2+-buffering proteins. In the present paper we discuss evidence that the Ca2+ storage systems of the retina may prove to be more complex than those of other neuronal tissues. Biochemical and immunocytochemical evidence indicates the presence of either an isoform of calreticulin or another protein that is antigenically similar to calreticulin, but of slightly higher molecular weight, in the endoplasmic reticulum of both neurons and Müller glia from rabbit neural retina. However, as retinal neurons express Purkinje cell markers, one may expect to observe the presence of calsequestrin in these cells as well. Secondly, antibodies against the onchocercal RAL-1 antigen recognize a protein sharing 62–65% amino acid sequence identity with calreticulin. The anti-RAL-1 antibodies show specificity for the retina. Whether or not the RAL-1 antigen is an active part of the Ca2+ storage systems of the retina remains to be verified. Finally, the retinal epithelial cells of the retina have an additional active system for Ca2+ uptake and storage associated with melanin-containing pigment granules. Thus, taking into account the differences in Ca2+ uptake, storage, and release systems noted for neuronal versus nonneuronal nonmuscle tissues, the retina might show yet another diversification of the intracellular Ca2+ management system.Key words: calcium, calreticulin, endoplasmic reticulum, retina.
Regulation of the gene encoding the p24 actin-binding protein in Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Greenwood Michael T. , Tsang Adrian
Published: December 2009

We have isolated cDNA clones on the basis of sequence similarity to the gene encoding the cyclic cAMP-binding protein CABP1 of Dictyostelium discoideum. The predicted amino acid sequence of the cloned cDNAs shows that the homology to CABP1 is restricted to a region rich in proline, glycine, glutamine, and tyrosine. Sequence comparison indicates that the cloned cDNAs encode the actin-binding protein p24. We have examined by RNA blot hybridization the expression of the gene encoding p24. For cells developed in suspension, the levels of p24 mRNA increase rapidly during early development, reaching a peak at 3–4 h. Addition of high concentrations of exogenous cAMP during the first 4 h of development produced little or no effect on the accumulation of p24 mRNA. Treatment with cAMP during subsequent stages of development reduced the levels of p24 mRNA. We attempted to determine if the synthesis of new proteins during early development is a requirement for the reduction in p24 mRNA levels by treating the cells with protein synthesis inhibitor. Unexpectedly, the addition of the inhibitor cycloheximide resulted in an increase in the level of p24 mRNA. The roles of cycloheximide and cAMP on the expression of the p24 gene are discussed.Key words: Dictyostelium discoideum, actin-binding protein, gene regulation, cAMP, cycloheximide.
Specific interactions of pancreatic amylase at acidic pH. Amylase and the major protein of the zymogen granule membrane (GP-2) bind to immobilized or polymerized amylase
Authors: Jacob Michèle , Lainé Jean , LeBel Denis
Published: December 2009

Regulated secretory proteins are thought to be sorted in the trans-Golgi network towards the secretory granule via acidic aggregation. In the exocrine pancreas, amylase is one of the major zymogens. It is a basic protein of pI 8.6 and does not precipitate in acidic conditions. To identify the mechanism by which amylase aggregates in the acidic cisternæ of the pancreatic trans-Golgi network, we have developed an in vitro model in which amylase was fixed to plastic microtiter plates. The fixed amylase was probed with two ligands: amylase itself and GP-2, the major protein of the zymogen granule membrane. Biotinylated amylase bound to fixed amylase in a strict pH-dependent manner with optimal binding between pH 5.0 and 5.7. The affinity of binding was in the nanogram range (Kd ≈ 20.0 ng/mL) at pH 5.5. Acid binding of amylase was not reversible by incubation at neutral pH, nor could it be displaced by native amylase. GP-2 binding to fixed amylase was also pH dependent with optimal binding between pH 5.0 and 5.7. As for amylase, it was not reversible by incubation at neutral pH. GP-2 binding sites on fixed amylase appeared to be different from those of biotinylated amylase. While native and biotinylated amylase did not bind to GP-2, polymerized amylase precipitated GP-2 at acidic pH. Taken together these data suggest that slight modifications are sufficient to reveal on the amylase molecule binding sites for GP-2 and for amylase itself. These new binding capacities acquired at acidic pH could be involved in the cascade of reactions that lead to the in vivo formation of the immature secretory granule.Key words: regulated secretion, sorting, granules, trans-Golgi network.
Modulation of cytokeratin and actin gene expression and fibrillar organization in cultured rat hepatocytes
Authors: Marceau Normand , Grenier Andrée , Noel Micheline , Mailhot Donald , Loranger Anne
Published: December 2009

Intermediate filaments of rat hepatocytes are composed of cytokeratins 8 and 18 (CK8 and CK18, respectively). Recent work from our laboratory has indicated a close relationship between the synthesis of these cytokeratins, their organization into intermediate filaments, and the promotion of growth and differentiation of cultured rat hepatocytes by insulin, epidermal growth factor, and dexamethasone. In the present study, we examined the mRNA expression, level of protein synthesis, and fibrillar distribution of cytokeratins 8 and 18 and actin in hepatocytes, isolated from normal and dexamethasone-injected rats and cultured as monolayers or spheroids in the presence of insulin, or from normal rat hepatocytes, cultured as monolayers in the presence of dexamethasone, insulin, and dimethyl sulfoxide. The CK8 mRNA level was lower in hepatocytes isolated from noninjected rats and cultured as either monolayers or spheroids, than in those from dexamethasone-injected rats. However, the CK18 mRNA level varied in a manner that was different from that of CK8 mRNA, showing that the modes of expression of the two genes were independent. The various changes in hepatocyte culture conditions led to variations in albumin mRNA levels that largely followed those observed in CK8 mRNA levels. In the case of actin, the amount of mRNAs varied from relatively high levels in hepatocyte monolayers to extremely low levels in hepatocyte spheroids, even though in both cases the cells were isolated from dexamethasone-injected rats. These changes in mRNA levels did not necessarily correlate with changes in the synthesis of cytokeratins 8 and 18, and actin. Changes in culture conditions induced a major reorganization in the distribution of cytokeratin intermediate filaments and actin filament between the region near the surface membrane and the cytoplasm. The most divergent patterns in cytokeratin intermediate filaments and actin filament distributions were observed between hepatocytes cultured as spheroidal aggregates and as monolayers in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide. The former condition resulted in patterns of cytokeratin and actin gene expression and fibrillar organization that best matched those in situ. In the latter condition, inappropriate patterns were obtained, in spite of the fact that dimethyl sulfoxide treated hepatocytes are known to exhibit survival and functional activities equivalent to that of hepatocyte spheroids. These results demonstrate for the first time that the survival and functional activity (i.e., albumin production) of rat hepatocytes in vitro is not necessarily correlated with a particular pattern of cytokeratin and actin gene expression and fibrillar arrangement.Key words: gene expression, cytokeratins, intermediate filaments, cytoskeleton, hepatocytes.
Cross-activation: overriding cAMP/cGMP selectivities of protein kinases in tissues
Authors: Jiang Hang , Shabb John B. , Corbin Jackie D.
Published: December 2009

cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases are homologous proteins and are predicted to exhibit very similar three-dimensional structures. Their cyclic nucleotide binding domains share a high degree of amino acid sequence identity. cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases are activated relatively specifically by cAMP and cGMP, respectively; and a single alanine–threonine difference between cAMP- and cGMP-binding domains partially accounts for this specificity. Thus, it would be expected that cAMP and cGMP mediate separate physiological effects. However, owing in part to the lack of absolute specificity of either enzyme and to the relatively high level of cAMP or cGMP in certain tissues, it is also possible that either cyclic nucleotide could cross-activate the other kinase. Increases in either cAMP or cGMP cause pig coronary artery relaxation. However, only cGMP-dependent protein kinase specific cyclic nucleotide analogues are very effective in causing relaxation, and cAMP elevation in arteries treated with isoproterenol or forskolin activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase, in addition to cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Conversely, increases in either cAMP or cGMP cause Cl− secretion in T-84 colon carcinoma cells, and the cGMP level in T-84 cells can be elevated sufficiently by bacterial enterotoxin to activate cAMP-dependent protein kinase. These results imply specific regulation of cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases by the respective cyclic nucleotides, but either cyclic nucleotide is able to cross-activate the other kinase in certain tissues.Key words: cGMP, cAMP, smooth muscle relaxation, protein phosphorylation.
New expressions to describe solution nonideal osmotic pressure, freezing point depression, and vapor pressure
Authors: Fullerton Gary D. , Zimmerman Robert J. , Cantu iii Carlos , Cameron Ivan L.
Published: December 2009

New empirical expressions for osmotic pressure, freezing point depression, and vapor pressure are proposed based on the concepts of volume occupancy and (or) hydration force. These expressions are in general inverse relationships in comparison to the standard ideal expressions for the same properties. The slopes of the new equations are determined by the molecular weight of the solute and known constants. The accuracy and precision of the molecular weights calculated from the slope are identical and approximately 1% for the experiments reported here. The nonideality of all three colligative expressions is described by a dimensionless constant called the solute–solvent interaction parameter I. The results on sucrose have the same I = 0.26 for all three solution properties. The nonideality parameter I increased from 0.26 on sucrose to 1.7 on hemoglobin to successfully describe the well-known nonideal response of macromolecules.Key words: osmotic pressure, vapor pressure, freezing point depression, colligative properties, aqueous solutions.
Inhibition of mammalian ribonucleotide reductase by cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)
Authors: Chiu Christine S. M. , Chan Arthur K. , Wright Jim A.
Published: December 2009

Ribonucleotide reductase is a highly regulated, rate-limiting activity in the synthesis of DNA. A previous study has shown that the Escherichia coli enzyme is inhibited by the clinically important antitumor agent cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (DDP), and this has led to the hypothesis that ribonucleotide reductase is an important site of action for this chemotherapeutic agent. This hypothesis has been directly tested in this investigation. We observed that DDP inhibits the mammalian ribonucleotide reductase, with 50% inhibition occurring at 0.3 mM. Unlike the E. coli enzyme where only one of the two protein components is targeted by DDP, we observed that both of the mammalian proteins (R1 and R2) were sites for the inhibitory activity of the drug. Colony-forming experiments, enzyme activity studies, and analyses of R1 and R2 message levels in mutant cell lines containing either high levels of ribonucleotide reductase activity or exhibiting resistance to the cytotoxic effects of DDP were used to further investigate the potential role of ribonucleotide reductase in DDP cytotoxic action and drug resistance. These studies did not support a hypothesis formulated in the earlier investigation that inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase is an important component of DDP cytotoxic activity or that it is a major participant in DDP resistance mechanisms. From a biological point of view, DDP is a very active drug, and in addition to its cytotoxic effects it is capable of inducing a variety of cellular changes. Whether or not the inhibition of mammalian ribonucleotide reductase activity that we have described in this study plays a role in mediating any of these other effects remains to be determined.Key words: cisplatin, ribonucleotide reductase, drug resistance, hydroxyurea.
Soluble endothelin degradation enzyme activities in various rat tissues
Authors: Deng Yilun , Jeng Arco Y.
Published: December 2009

From soluble extract of rat kidney we have previously identified an endothelin degradation enzyme that rapidly and specifically cleaves off the C-terminal tryptophan of endothelin-1, resulting in a peptide that is three orders of magnitude weaker in potency than endothelin-1 in causing smooh muscle contraction. The tissue distribution of this enzyme was examined, and the soluble extracts of rat kidney were found to contain the highest enzyme activity, followed by the spleen and the liver. In contrast, no enzyme activity was detected in the soluble extracts of brain, heart, and lung. The biochemical properties of the partially purified enzyme from kidney were further investigated. The optimal pH of the enzyme was between 5 and 7. The endothelin degrading activity was effectively blocked by thiol protease inhibitors such as benzyloxycarbonyl-Phe-Ala-diazomethyl ketone and p-hydroxymereuribenzoic acid, as well as by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, but not by metalloprotease and other serine protease inhibitors. This enzyme displayed a clear difference in substrate specificity when compared with other thiol proteases such as cathepsin B, cathepsin H, and cathepsin L, known to be present in the kidney. These results suggest that a novel protease with endothelin degrading activity is widely distributed in a number of tissues.Key words: endothelin, endothelin degradation enzyme, thiol protease, carboxypeptidase.
Changes in protein kinase activity within 30 min of induced differentiation in Friend erythroleukemia cells
Authors: Silliman C. C. , Beckman B. S. , Jeter Jr. James R.
Published: December 2009

Induction of maturation in Friend erythroleukemia cells is accompanied by a programmed cessation in cell proliferation and a concomitant increase in hemoglobin production. To investigate the role of protein kinase activity in the initiation of Friend erythroleukemia cell differentiation, autoradiographs of one-dimensional, nondenaturing gels were prepared from Friend erythroleukemia cells either untreated or preincubated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or aphidicolin for a 30-min period. Extracts were treated with cAMP or cGMP prior to electrophoresis and assayed for protein kinase activity in the presence of endogenous or exogenously added histone substrates. The data demonstrated differences in protein kinase activity following exposure of Friend erythroleukemia cells to either DMSO or aphidicolin for 30 min. These changes in enzyme activity varied with the treatment of the cells and the substrate used. Two sets of protein kinases, one responsive to cAMP and the other responsive to cGMP, were activated in control cultures. A different cAMP-responsive enzyme was active only in differentiating cells. Another protein kinase, activated by cGMP, was associated with both DMSO and aphidicolin treatment. All of these protein kinases had a histone substrate preference. One noncyclic nucleotide activated protein kinase phosphorylating endogenous substrates was associated only with DMSO-induced cells. These findings suggest a multifaceted role for protein kinases early in the maturation of Friend erythroleukemia cells.Key words: cell differentiation, cell proliferation, erythroleukemia, protein kinases, protein phosphorylation.
Dibucaine interacts differently with membrane and protein in cytochrome c oxidase systems
Authors: He Jia , Nicholls Peter
Published: December 2009

Dibucaine acts as a weak protonophore in cytochrome c oxidase proteoliposomes. At low concentrations in the presence of permeant anions, it stimulates turnover and collapses enzyme-generated pH gradients. At higher concentrations, dibucaine inhibits activity of cytochrome c oxidase in proteoliposomes and the isolated enzyme. It also induces a red shift in the resting spectrum, indicating a change at the binuclear centre. This spectroscopic effect is kinetically biphasic. Dibucaine inhibits steady-state oxidase activity, but not the rate of the red shift in the cytochrome a3 Soret band during turnover. It reacts faster with the partially reduced state than with resting enzyme. The inhibition is kinetically biphasic with a noncompetitive Ki ≈ 0.5 mM. Excess dibucaine effects a maximal turnover decline of 80%. At low ionic strength only the total Vmax is affected; tight binding of cytochrome c and turnover at the "tight" site are unaffected. Dibucaine may bind to an anionic site in a hydrophobic pocket, modifying electron transfer from cytochrome a and CuA to cytochrome a3 - CuB and the oxidized spectrum of the latter centre. Stimulation of turnover in cytochrome c oxidase in proteoliposomes is due to a separate membrane-dependent proton translocation catalysed by dibucaine in the presence of permeant anions.Key words: dibucaine, cytochrome c oxidase, proteoliposomes, respiratory control, inhibition.
Retinoic acid stimulates the synthesis of a novel heat shock protein in the regenerating forelimb of the newt
Authors: Carlone Robert L. , Boulianne Robert P. , Vijh K. Marion , Karn Heather , Fraser Gordon A. D.
Published: December 2009

Morphogenetic effects of retinoic acid (RA) on the urodele amphibian limb regenerate pattern have been well documented, but little is known regarding the mechanism of this action of RA at the molecular level. Since exogenous RA, at concentrations sufficient to cause proximalization, represents a significant stress to newts and has been shown previously to elicit increased synthesis of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in mouse embryo limb buds, we investigated the effects of this putative morphogen on the synthesis of members of the 70-kilodalton (70-kDa) stress protein family in amputated forelimbs of the newt Notophthalmus viridescens. Injection (i.p.) of RA in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), at a dose sufficient to cause significant proximal–distal reduplication of the pattern in 50% of animals treated, resulted in increased synthesis and accumulation of a 73-kDa protein with a pi of approximately 6.75. The synthesis of this same protein is increased in limb tissues as a result of a brief 35 °C heat shock. This protein is electrophoretically distinct from the newt HSP 70 family members, displays a different partial peptide map, and shows no immunological cross-reactivity with an anti-human HSP 70 monoclonal antibody. It may be a member of a separate family of 70- to 73-kDa HSPs. Interestingly, the synthesis of this protein is increased and it is more abundant in control, proximal moderate-early bud stage regenerates at 6 days after i.p. injection of DMSO than in similarly treated distal regenerates. This protein is, in addition, increased in distal regenerates to proximal levels by a prior injection of RA. The significance of these findings with regard to the possible role of stress proteins in the morphogenetic processes underlying limb regeneration is discussed.Key words: heat shock, limb regeneration, retinoic acid, pattern formation, newt.
A spectrophotometric glutathione S-transferase assay displaying alpha-class selectivity utilizing l-p-chlorophenyl-4,4-dimethyl-5-diethylamino-l-penten-3-one hydrobromide
Authors: Sexton Daniel J. , Dimmock Jonathan R. , Mutus Bulent
Published: December 2009

The conjugation of 1-p-chlorophenyl-4,4-dimethyl-5-diethylamino-1-penten-3-one hydrobromide (CDDP), a Mannich base of an α,β-unsaturated ketone, to glutathione is catalyzed selectively by alpha-class glutathione S-transferase. The reaction of CDDP with glutathione can be monitored continuously by following the conjugation-dependent decrease in absorbance of CDDP at 307 nm. The Km and Vmax for CDDP with alpha-class glutathione S-transferase from horse liver were determined to be 226 μM and 14.6 μmol/(min∙mg), respectively. CDDP is the first example of an alpha-class glutathione S-transferase selective substrate that monitors the glutathione conjugation activity, rather than the glutathione peroxidase activity of the enzyme.Key words: glutathione S-transferase, substrate, immunoblot analysis.
A cooperative conformational change in duplex DNA induced by Zn2+ and other divalent metal ions
Authors: Lee Jeremy S. , Latimer Laura J. P. , Reid R. Stephen
Published: December 2009

Zn2+ and some other divalent metal ions bind to duplex DNA at pHs above 8 and cause a conformational change. This new structure does not bind ethidium, allowing the development of a rapid fluorescence assay. All duplex DNAs, regardless of sequence or G∙C content, can form this structure. The rate of formation shows a strong dependence on temperature, pH, and Zn2+ concentration; at 20 °C, 1 mM Zn2+, and pH 8.6 the dismutation is half complete in 30 min. Addition of EDTA causes rapid reversion to 'B' DNA, showing that the new conformation retains two strands that are antiparallel. Unlike the ultraviolet or circular dichroism spectra, the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum was informative since the imino protons of both A∙T and G∙C base pairs are lost upon addition of a stoichiometric amount of Zn2+. The pitch of the helix was estimated from gel electrophoresis of circular DNAs in the presence of Zn2+ and it contains at least 5% fewer base pairs per turn than 'B' DNA. The transformation is cooperative and shows hysteresis, suggesting that this is a distinct structure and not simply a minor variant of 'B' DNA. It is proposed to call this new structure 'M' DNA because of the intimate involvement of metal ions.Key words: DNA conformation, cooperative transition, ethidium binding, divalent metal ions, proton nuclear magnetic resonance.
Synthesis and characterization of a fragment of an ice nucleation protein
Authors: Ala Paul , Chong Pele , Ananthanarayanan Vettai S. , Chan Neville , Yang Daniel S. C.
Published: December 2009

Synthetic peptides were used as models for studying the conformation of ice nucleation proteins. We chemically synthesized four peptides (16-, 24-, 32-, and 48-mer) that consisted of two to six repeats of the consensus repeating octapeptide unit of ice nucleation proteins and evaluated their conformation by circular dichroism spectroscopy. These model peptides exist predominantly as random coils in aqueous solution, but adopt α-helical structures in the presence of trifluoroethanol. The stability of their secondary structures was investigated by monitoring the pH and time dependence of their circular dichroism spectra. Our results indicated that the α-helical content of the 48-mer exhibited a significant pH dependence, while that of the 24- and 32-mer peptides did not. The 32-mer was the only peptide that transformed from the α-helical to a β-sheet structure upon storage. We suggest that the overall conformation of the ice nucleation protein could be a β-sheet.Key words: ice nucleation protein, synthetic peptides, circular dichroism.
Purification and characterization of the plasminogen activator inhibitors PAI-1, PAI-2, and PN-1 from the human glioblastoma U138
Authors: Murphy Patricia G. , Lenz Steven P. , Dobson Mark , Arndt Allan D. , Hart David A.
Published: December 2009

This investigation presents data which indicate that the plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity secreted from U138 cells is composed of three separate PAIs: PAI-1, PAI-2, and PN-1. It was demonstrated that the U138 PAI-1-like protein had an apparent molecular mass of 50 kilodaltons (kDa) and was purified to apparent homogeneity by elution from an anti-PAI-1 immunoaffinity column. These fractions were also reactive with a second anti-PAI-1 monoclonal antibody using immunoblotting techniques. Northern blot analysis of RNA isolated from unstimulated U138 cells demonstrated positive hybridization with the cDNA specific for human PAI-1. The U138 PAI-2-like protein was adherent to an anti-PAI-2 immunoaffinity column and was demonstrated to be nonadherent to concanavalin A – agarose, heparin–Sepharose, and the anti-PAI-1 immunoaffinity column. The eluted U138 PAI-2-like protein was demonstrated to have an apparent molecular mass of 60 kDa and was also reactive with a second anti-PAI-2 monoclonal antibody using immunoblotting techniques. Further, the cDNA specific for PAI-2 was demonstrated to hybridize to a 2.5-kilobase message from RNA isolated from U138 cells. A third PAI was detected that was nonadherent to concanavalin A – agarose and both of the anti-PAI columns. This 50-kDa PAI was adherent to heparin–Sepharose and thrombin–agarose columns, and was not reactive with any antibodies for either PAI-1 or PAI-2. Northern blot analysis of U138 RNA demonstrated positive hybridization with an oligodeoxynucleotide specific for PN-1. This investigation demonstrates with biochemical, immunological, and molecular data that the U138 glioblastoma constitutively produces three PAIs.Key words: plasminogen activator inhibitor, U138 glioblastoma, PAI purification, human tumor cell line, proteinase inhibitors.
Nucleosides and glutamine are primary energy substrates for embryonic and adult chicken red cells
Authors: Mathew Anu , Grdisa Mira , Johnstone R. M.
Published: December 2009

It has been assumed that glucose is a major energy yielding substrate for chicken red blood cells. In this report we show that glucose fails to maintain cellular ATP levels in embryonic and mature chicken erythrocytes during overnight incubation. Of over a dozen metabolites tested, inosine, guanosine, and glutamine were the most efficacious ATP-sustaining substrates. Of seven potential citric acid cycle substrates, only glutamine significantly sustained ATP levels. Incubation with inosine plus glutamine sustained the ATP level at over 70% of the initial value found in embryonic chicken red cells. Uridine, cytidine, xanthosine, glutamate, and pyruvate were ineffective substrates. Similar results were obtained with adult erythrocytes, except that glutamine plus inosine fully sustained ATP levels during long-term incubation. Adenosine did not sustain ATP levels. Below 1 mM, the adenosine level was rapidly exhausted and above 1 mM its presence led to cell lysis. The ability of some nucleosides to maintain ATP levels is consistent with the high numbers of nitrobenzylthioinosine binding sites (nucleoside transporter sites) both in mature chicken red cells (~ 10 000 sites/cell) and in embryonic red cells (~ 30 000 sites/cell). Unlike pig red cells which switch from glucose to nucleosides at the erythrocyte stage, chicken cells show primary dependence on nucleoside metabolism at the embryonic stage.Key words: red cells, glucose transport, nucleoside transport, glutamine transport, cellular ATP.
Purification and molecular properties of glycogen phosphorylase b from trout white muscle
Authors: Mehrani Hossein , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: December 2009

Glycogen phosphorylase b (EC 2.4.1.1) was isolated from white skeletal muscle of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and purified 214-fold to a final specific activity of 135 U/mg protein (assayed in the direction of glycogen breakdown at 21 °C) by using glycogen – concanavalin A, DEAE-Sephadex, and 3′,5′-cAMP affinity chromatography. Purified phosphorylase b was a dimer with a native molecular weight of 193 000 and a subunit molecular weight of 87 000. Michaelis constants for glycogen, phosphate, and AMP were 128 μM, 31 mM and 142 μM, respectively, at pH 7.2; maximum activity of the enzyme was obtained at pH 7.5 and 25 °C. Glucose and ATP behaved as phosphorylase b inhibitors; glucose inhibition decreased at lower pH values. IMP did not affect the enzyme. The catalytic properties of trout phosphorylase b indicate that the enzyme would be virtually inactive at the physiological concentration of substrates and activators found in resting trout white muscle, but changes in cellular pH, ATP, Pi, and AMP levels during burst muscle work could allow phosphorylase b to augment phosphorylase a activity and make a substantial contribution to overall glycogenolysis in working trout white muscle.Key words: Oncorhynchus mykiss, regulation of glycogenolysis, fish muscle exercise, fish white muscle metabolism.
Quantification of the control of carbohydrate catabolism in the tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta
Authors: Precious Wendy Y. , Barrett John
Published: December 2009

The elasticities for the different steps of carbohydrate catabolism in the tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta were estimated from perturbation experiments. These data were then used to calculate flux and metabolite control coefficients. Enzyme elasticities were also calculated from the rate equations and an independent estimate of the flux control coefficients for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was made by inhibitor titration. The values obtained for the flux control coefficients for carbohydrate breakdown in H. diminuta are consistent with how the pathway is thought to be controlled in vivo. A sensitivity analysis of the flux control coefficients of the important regulatory enzymes in the pathway shows that for hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase there are three or four key elasticities which have a significant effect on the coefficient. For glycogen synthase, the major factor in determining the magnitude of the flux control coefficient is the relative flux through the branch.Key words: Hymenolepis diminuta, metabolic control analysis, control coefficient, enzyme elasticity.
Analysis of lipid composition of sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes from normal and malignant hyperthermic pig skeletal muscle
Authors: Mammar Mohamed Sidi , Vignon Xavier , Rock Edmond , Mathieu Frederique , Gandemer Gilles
Published: December 2009

In search of a general membrane defect hypothesis for malignant hyperthermia syndrome, we analysed the lipid profiles of heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes isolated from normal and malignant hyperthermia longissimus dorsi pig muscle. Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility was assessed by halothane challenge of pigs. Sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes from malignant hyperthermia susceptible pigs differed significantly from control ones in the cholesterol content and phosphatidylethanolamine/phosphatidylcholine ratio; both were higher in former membranes. These latter lipid modifications were in agreement with the significant increase of their bulk lipid viscosity, as evidenced by an increase of diphenyl hexatriene fluorescence anisotropy. The increased level of phosphatidylethanolamine associated with the decreased content of phosphatidylcholine in malignant hyperthermic membranes was shown to be a potential consequence of depressed activities of both phospholipid N-methyltransferase I and II activities. Finally, the distribution of fatty acids in these particular phospholipids showed no change in phosphatidylcholine molecules, whereas the percentage of arachidonate and stearate in the phosphatidylethanolamine species were respectively higher and lower in malignant hyperthermic membranes. These differences in major phospholipids content and the enrichment of a metabolically important fatty acyl chains in malignant hyperthermia sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes strongly suggest that the lipid metabolism may contribute to the molecular mechanism of malignant hyperthermia syndrome.Key words: malignant hyperthermia, sacroplasmic reticulum, ryanodine, phospholipid N-methyltransferase, fluidity.
Proteolytic processing of the proβ chain of β-hexosaminidase occurs at basic residues contained within an exposed disulfide loop structure
Authors: Sagherian Carmelina , Poroszlay Stephen , Vavougios George , Mahuran Don
Published: December 2009

Lysosomal β-hexosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.52) occurs as two major isozymes, Hex A (αβ) and Hex B (ββ). The α and β subunits are encoded by the HEXA and HEXB genes, respectively. Extensive homology in both the gene structures and deduced primary sequences demonstrate their common evolutionary origin. While undergoing similar proteolytic modifications in the lysosome, the proβ polypeptide is additionally cleaved internally to produce the mature 24–30 kilodalton βb and βa chains. Previous data have suggested that this processing event occurs somewhere between residues Ser311 and Lys315. In this report we demonstrate that this area is located in a hydrophilic disulfide-loop structure (between Cys309 and Cys360). The cleavage event is prevented by the deletion through in vitro mutagenesis of the Arg312-Gln-Asn-Lys tetrapeptide or by its substitution with the aligned α residues (Gly-Ser-Glu-Pro). Reintroduction of either Arg312 or Lys315 reinstates the processing. Furthermore, we show that this area is not involved in lysosomal targeting of pro-Hex B, or in the increased stability or the variation in substrate specificity of the β as compared with the a subunit. Our data suggest the presence of a novel lysosomal endoprotease. Like other endoproteases it is specific for basic amino acids; however, it cleaves on the amino-terminal side rather than the conventional carboxy-terminal side of such residues and then only if they are fully exposed to the lysosomal environment. These data are consistent with the idea that the partially degraded enzyme resulting from exposure to the harsh environment of the lysosome is the resistant, but still functional product of the protein's adaptation to its lysosomal role. However, the residues that are removed appear to have been necessary for the initial folding and disulfide bond formation of the propolypeptides in the endoplasmic reticulum.Key words: lysosomal, glycosidase, endoprotease, maturation, transport.