bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peroxynitrite-induced luminol chemiluminescence
Authors: Radi R , Cosgrove T P , Beckman J S , Freeman B A
Published: August 2015

Vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, macrophages, neutrophils, Kupffer cells and other diverse cell types generate superoxide (O2.-) and nitric oxide (.NO), which can react to form the potent oxidant peroxynitrite anion (ONOO-). Peroxynitrite reacted with luminol to yield chemiluminescence which was greatly enhanced by bicarbonate. The quantum chemiluminescence yield of the ONOO- reaction with luminol in bicarbonate was approx. 10(-3). Chemiluminescence was superoxide dismutase-inhibitable, indicating that O2.- was a key intermediate for chemiexcitation. O2.- appears to be formed secondarily to the reaction of a bicarbonate-peroxynitrite complex with luminol, yielding luminol radical and O2.-. Luminol radical reacts with O2.- to form the unstable luminol endoperoxide, which follows the light-emitting pathway. Neither .NO nor O2.- alone were capable of directly inducing significant luminol chemiluminescence in our assay systems. These results suggest that ONOO- can be a critical unrecognized mediator of cell-derived luminol chemiluminescence reported in previous studies. In addition, it is shown that bicarbonate can participate in secondary oxidation reactions after reacting with ONOO-.
Factors which affect the activity of purified rat liver acyl-CoA oxidase
Authors: Hovik R , Osmundsen H
Published: August 2015

The activity of the enzyme acyl-CoA oxidase (EC 1.3.99.3) is influenced by detergents. At concentrations above the critical micellar concentration, Triton X-100, Triton X-114 and Thesit stimulate oxidase activity. Lower concentrations of Triton X-100 and Triton X-114 render the acyl-CoA oxidase less sensitive towards substrate inhibition by palmitoyl-CoA or dec-4-cis-enoyl-CoA. Other detergents inhibited the enzyme activity. CoA was found to be a relatively powerful competitive inhibitor of the enzyme, with a Ki, slope value of 63 +/- 3 microM. This inhibition is dependent on an intact CoA molecule, as dephospho-CoA, dethio-CoA and acetyl-CoA are less potent inhibitors of the enzyme. Dec-2-trans-enoyl-CoA is a product-inhibitor of acyl-CoA oxidase, with a Ki, slope value of 7 +/- 1 microM.
The characterization of glutathione S-transferases from rat olfactory epithelium
Authors: Banger K K , Lock E A , Reed C J
Published: August 2015

The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) of rat olfactory epithelium have been characterized with regard to substrate specificity and subunit composition and compared to those of the liver. The presence of cytosolic GST activity in rat olfactory epithelium was confirmed and, using 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene as substrate, was found to be approximately one-third that of the liver. Olfactory microsomal GST activity was greater than that of liver microsomes and could be activated by treatment with the sulphydryl agent N-ethylmaleimide. The subunit and isoenzyme profile of GSTs in the olfactory epithelium was investigated using a number of techniques. (1) Olfactory GSTs were characterized using a range of relatively subunit-specific substrates. Activities ranged from 40-90% of those found in liver. Most noticeable was the extremely low olfactory activity with the substrate specific for subunit 1. (2) Immunoblotting with antibodies against specific rat hepatic GSTs confirmed the presence of a number of subunits and the absence of subunit 1. (3) F.p.l.c. chromatofocusing and reverse-phase h.p.l.c. indicated that the cytosolic GST profile of olfactory epithelium is unique and is made up of subunits 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 11 with subunits 3 and 4 predominating. There is an absence of isoenzymes containing subunit 1.
Modulatory effect of protein kinase C on thapsigargin-induced calcium entry in thyroid FRTL-5 cells
Authors: Törnquist K
Published: August 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate the regulation of calcium influx in thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Stimulating Fura 2-loaded cells with thapsigargin rapidly increased the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which then stabilized at a new elevated plateau level. The initial increase in [Ca2+]i consisted mainly of the release of sequestered Ca2+. The plateau phase was totally dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The influx of Ca2+ was blocked by Ni2+ and was decreased in depolarized cells. The importance of protein kinase C in regulating influx of Ca2+ was then evaluated. Addition of the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate prior to thapsigargin significantly decreased the influx of extracellular Ca2+. Studies with bisoxonol to measure membrane potential showed that TPA depolarized the plasma membrane in FRTL-5 cells. In cells where protein kinase C was downregulated or was inhibited by staurosporine, the thapsigargin-induced influx of Ca2+ was enhanced. The results indicate that emptying intracellular Ca2+ pools is sufficient to induce influx of Ca2+ in FRTL-5 cells, and that protein kinase C has a modulatory effect on this process.
Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase from Propionibacterium shermanii: characterization of the cobalamin-inhibited form and subunit-cofactor interactions studied by analytical ultracentrifugation
Authors: Marsh E N , Harding S E
Published: August 2015

A large proportion of adenosylcobalamin-dependent methylmalonyl-CoA mutase from Propionibacterium shermannii is isolated in an inactive form which contains a tightly bound cobalamin. Even when the enzyme was denatured in 5.0 M guanidine hydrochloride the cobalamin remained associated with the protein. However, when dithiothreitol was added to the denatured protein, the pink inhibitor was rapidly converted into a yellow-brown compound which could be removed by dialysis. Enzyme activity could be recovered after removal of the denaturant, although surprisingly this did not depend on prior treatment with dithiothreitol. The interaction between the protein and inhibitor was investigated by using analytical ultracentrifugation under denaturing conditions. The sedimentation coefficient s20,w was measured in various concentrations of guanidine hydrochloride. A complicated picture emerged in which at low denaturant concentrations subunit dissociation, partial unfolding and aggregation occur, whereas at high concentration the protein behaves as a monodisperse species. No major differences in sedimentation were observed between the enzyme-cobalamin complex and the cobalamin-free enzyme, suggesting that the inhibitor does not significantly stabilize higher-order structure within the protein.
Effects of exogenous insulin or vanadate on disposal of dietary triacylglycerols between mammary gland and adipose tissue in the lactating rat: insulin resistance in white adipose tissue
Authors: Da Costa T H M , Williamson D H
Published: August 2015

The effects of exogenous insulin or vanadate (an insulin mimetic) on the disposal of dietary [14C]lipid between oxidation to 14CO2, deposition in adipose tissue or uptake by mammary gland and transfer to suckling pups were studied in virgin and lactating rats. After an oral load of [1-14C]triolein, virgin rats treated with a supraphysiological dose of insulin over 24 h showed a decrease (58%) in 14CO2 production and increased accumulation of [14C]lipid in carcass and white adipose tissue. There was a 2.5-fold increase in lipoprotein lipase activity in the latter. Chronic vanadate administration (12 days) had no effect on these parameters. In lactating rats, the stimulation of the deposition of [14C]lipid in adipose tissue by exogenous insulin was about 10% of that in virgin rats. In prolactin-deficient lactating rats there was no stimulation of [14C]lipid deposition in adipose tissue by insulin. However, both insulin and vanadate treatment increased the accumulation of [14C]lipid in mammary gland to the values seen in the mammary glands plus pups of normal lactating rats. Lipoprotein lipase activity in the gland was also restored to normal values. It is concluded that in lactation there is resistance to insulin stimulation of dietary lipid deposition in adipose tissue, and that this is not due to circulating prolactin. In addition, exogenous insulin plays a role in the regulation of lipoprotein lipase and hence of dietary lipid uptake into lactating mammary gland.
The existence of multiple tetrameric conformers of chicken liver pyruvate carboxylase and their roles in dilution inactivation
Authors: Attwood P V , Johannssen W , Chapman-Smith A , Wallace J C
Published: August 2015

The time-dependent loss of enzymic activity and tetrameric structure of chicken liver pyruvate carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.1) after dilution below 2 units/ml was apparently monophasic and first-order. When examined over a range of initial enzyme concentrations, both activity and tetrameric structure decayed to equilibrium levels which were dependent on the initial concentration. The observed rate constants for the loss of enzymic activity (i) showed no apparent dependence on the initial enzyme concentration, and (ii) were of similar magnitude to the corresponding rate constants of dissociation. Computer simulations of the most likely kinetic model suggest that the predominant form of the dissociated enzyme is the monomer. Dilution of pyruvate carboxylase in the presence of the allosteric activator acetyl-CoA largely prevented the subsequent dissociation of the tetrameric molecule. In addition, acetyl-CoA was able to cause a degree of activation and reassociation when added after dilution inactivation had been allowed to occur. Electron-microscopic observation showed the treatment with avidin before dilution markedly decreased the degree of dissociation of the enzyme tetramer. This structure-stabilizing effect of avidin was dependent on preincubation of the concentrated enzyme solution with acetyl-CoA. We propose that, over a range of protein concentrations, the tetrameric enzyme exists in two forms that are in equilibrium, and that acetyl-CoA alters the equilibrium to favour the more compact form.
Differential feedback regulation of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase mRNA and transcriptional activity by rat bile acids in primary monolayer cultures of rat hepatocytes
Authors: Twisk J , Lehmann E M , Princen H M G
Published: August 2015

We have used primary monolayer cultures of rat hepatocytes to study the effects of physiological concentrations of various bile acids, commonly found in bile of normal rats, on the mechanism of regulation of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase and bile acid synthesis. Addition of taurocholic acid, the most predominant bile acid in rat bile, to the culture medium suppressed cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity and mRNA time- and dose-dependently. The decrease in enzyme activity paralleled the changes in mRNA. Maximal suppression of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase mRNA (-91%) and enzyme activity (-89%) was observed after a 16 h incubation period with 50 microM taurocholic acid. The declines in mRNA and enzyme caused by taurocholic acid were tightly coupled and followed first-order kinetics with a half-life of 4 h. Transcriptional activity, as assessed with nuclear run-on assays, was decreased by 44% at 50 microM taurocholic acid. Mass production of bile acids (chenodeoxycholic acid and beta-muricholic acid) was inhibited to a similar extent as the cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase when different concentrations of taurocholic acid were used, giving maximal inhibition (-81%) at 50 microM taurocholic acid. Glycocholic acid and unconjugated cholic acid were equally effective as taurocholic acid in suppressing cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase mRNA. The more hydrophobic bile acids (chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid) showed profound suppression of the cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase mRNA by 85% and 75% respectively, whereas the other trihydroxy bile acids in rat bile, alpha- and beta-muricholic acid, were not or only marginally active. We conclude that rat bile acids, in particular the more hydrophobic ones, in concentrations commonly observed in portal blood, exert negative feedback control at the level of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase mRNA in cultured rat hepatocytes through a direct effect on the hepatocytes, and that down-regulation of transcription is only one of the mechanisms involved in this regulation.
Glutathione-conjugate transport by human colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2 cells)
Authors: Oude Elferink R P J , Bakker C T M , Jansen P L M
Published: August 2015

The secretion of a glutathione-S-conjugate, dinitrophenyl-glutathione (GS-DNP) was studied in the Caco-2 cells, a cultured human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line with many of the characteristics of enterocytes. The labelled glutathione conjugate was generated within the cell by incubation with 14C-labelled 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). This compound is hydrophobic and enters the cell by simple diffusion. Cells incubated with CDNB at 10 degrees C form only one metabolite, GS-DNP. After secretion into the medium GS-DNP is partly converted into one or two slightly more hydrophobic products. This must represent hydrolysis of the glutathione moiety by the action of gamma-glutamyltransferase (EC 2.3.2.2.; gamma-GT) because the reaction was completely inhibited by acivicin, an inhibitor of gamma-GT. Secretion of GS-DNP was a temperature-sensitive, saturable process with an apparent Km of 1.03 +/- 0.26 nmol/mg of protein and a Vmax of 111 +/- 17 pmol/min per mg of protein. The secretion was not sensitive to trans-stimulation by extracellular concentrations of GS-DNP up to 2.5 mM. Furthermore the initial GS-DNP secretion rate was sensitive to dissipation of the membrane potential and correlated closely with the cellular ATP content. Caco-2 cells cultured on nitrocellulose filters secreted GS-DNP significantly faster over the basolateral membrane than over the apical membrane (146 +/- 25 versus 90 +/- 18 pmol/min per mg respectively). Secretion over both membrane domains of the cell was sensitive to ATP depletion. In conclusion, Caco-2 cells contain an active-transport system that is primarily involved in the secretion of glutathione conjugates and that is present in both plasma membrane domains of the cell.
Identification of Gα11 as the phospholipase C-activating G-protein of turkey erythrocytes
Authors: Maurice D H , Waldo G L , Morris A J , Nicholas R A , Harden T K
Published: August 2015

A 43 kDa phospholipase C-activating protein has been purified previously from turkey erythrocytes and shown to express immunological properties expected of that of the Gq family of G-protein alpha-subunits [Waldo, Boyer, Morris and Harden (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 14217-14225]. Internal amino acid sequence has now been obtained from this protein which shares 50-100% sequence identity with sequences encoded by mammalian G alpha 11 and G alpha q cDNAs. To identify the purified protein unambiguously, it was necessary to compare its amino acid sequence with the sequence encoded by avian G-protein alpha-subunit cDNA. As such, mouse G alpha q was used as a probe to screen turkey brain and fetal-turkey blood cDNA libraries. A full-length cDNA was identified that encodes avian G alpha 11, on the basis of its 96-98% amino acid identity with mammalian G alpha 11. All eight peptides sequenced from the turkey erythrocyte phospholipase C-activating protein are completely contained within the deduced amino acid sequence of the avian G alpha 11 cDNA. Expression of this cDNA in Sf9 cells by using a baculovirus expression system resulted in the production of a 43 kDa protein that reacts strongly with antisera to the Gq family of G-protein alpha-subunits and activated purified avian phospholipase C in an AlF4(-)-dependent manner. Taken together, these results unambiguously identify the protein purified from turkey erythrocytes, on the basis of its capacity to activate avian phospholipase C, as G alpha 11.
The hyaluronate synthase from a eukaryotic cell line
Authors: Klewes L , Turley E A , Prehm P
Published: August 2015

The hyaluronate synthase complex was identified in plasma membranes from B6 cells. It contained two subunits of molecular masses 52 kDa and 60 kDa which bound the precursor UDP-GlcA in digitonin solution and partitioned into the aqueous phase, together with nascent hyaluronate upon Triton X-114 phase separation. The 52 kDa protein cross-reacted with poly- and monoclonal antibodies raised against the streptococcal hyaluronate synthase and the 60 kDa protein was recognized by monoclonal antibodies raised against a hyaluronate receptor. The 52 kDa protein was purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography with monoclonal anti-hyaluronate synthase.
Lipoamidase activity in normal and mutagenized pancreatic cholesterol esterase (bile salt-stimulated lipase)
Authors: Hui D Y , Hayakawa K , Oizumi J
Published: August 2015

Purified human milk lipoamidase was digested with endoproteinase Lys-C and the digested peptides were subjected to gasphase microsequence analysis. The sequencing of three isolated peptides of human milk lipoamidase revealed the identity of this protein with human milk bile salt-stimulated lipase (pancreatic cholesterol esterase). The identity of the cholesterol esterase with lipoamidase was confirmed by expressing a recombinant form of rat pancreatic cholesterol esterase and testing for lipoamidase activity of the recombinant protein. The results showed that the recombinant cholesterol esterase displayed both lipolytic and lipoamidase activities and was capable of hydrolysing triacetin and lipoyl-4-aminobenzoate (LPAB). The mechanisms of the esterase and amidase activities of the enzyme were further tested by determining enzyme activity in a mutagenized cholesterol esterase with a His435-->Gln435 substitution. This mutation has been shown previously to abolish enzyme activity against esterase substrates [DiPersio, Fontaine and Hui (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 4033-4036]. We showed that the mutagenized protein was effective in hydrolysing the amidase substrate LPAB and displayed similar enzyme kinetics to those of the native enzyme. These data indicate that the mechanism for the cholesterol esterase hydrolysis of lipoamides is different from that of the hydrolysis of substrates with an ester linkage. The presence of an enzyme in the gastrointestinal tract capable of both ester and amide hydrolysis suggests an important role for this protein in the digestion and absorption processes.
Monoclonal antibodies to phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase: distribution and intracellular localization of the C isoform
Authors: Brooksbank C E L , Hutchings A , Butcher G W , Irvine R F , Divecha N
Published: August 2015

We have raised a panel of monoclonal antibodies to PtdIns4P 5-kinase C purified from bovine brain [Divecha, Brooksbank and Irvine (1992) Biochem. J. 288, 637-642]. This panel includes antibodies which specifically recognize PtdIns4P 5-kinase C both in a native catalytically active condition, and/or when presented on Western blots. Some of the former antibodies will also inhibit PtdIns4P 5-kinase C activity. We have used the blotting antibodies to study the bovine tissue distribution of PtdIns4P 5-kinase C and its distribution in mammalian species. We have also studied its localization in Jurkat cells and found it to be predominantly bound to membranes, with only a minority localized to the cytoskeleton. Neither PtdIns4P 5-kinase activity nor PtdIns4P 5-kinase C, as detected by Western blotting, were increased in the cytoskeleton after stimulation of Jurkat cells with OKT3. These antibodies should prove to be extremely useful tools with which to study the regulation of PtdIns4P 5-kinase C.
Evidence for acidity of prelysosomal autophagic/endocytic vacuoles (amphisomes)
Authors: Strømhaug P E , Seglen P O
Published: August 2015

[14C]Lactose electroinjected into isolated rat hepatocytes is normally autophagocytosed, transferred to lysosomes and degraded by lysosomal beta-galactosidase, but at high concentrations of asparagine the transfer is inhibited and lactose accumulates in prelysosomal autophagic/endocytic vacuoles (amphisomes). The accumulation can be prevented by addition of yeast beta-galactosidase, which is transferred to the lactose-containing vacuoles by endocytosis. Propylamine, a weak base capable of neutralizing acidic vacuoles, protects autophagocytosed lactose against both endogenous and exogenous beta-galactosidase, suggesting that amphisomes, like lysosomes, have an acidic internal environment.
Regulation of the receptor for platelet-activating factor on human platelets
Authors: Burgers J A , Akkerman J W N
Published: August 2015

Human platelets possess about 300 receptors for platelet-activating factor (PAF) per cell with a Kd of about 0.2 nM. In the present study we investigated whether these receptors are subject to intracellular control mechanisms. Preincubation with the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine had no effect, and also agents that increase cyclic AMP failed to change the binding of [3H]PAF. The Ca(2+)-calmodulin inhibitors W-7 and sphingosine decreased PAF binding by 50-80%. Inhibition of energy metabolism induced a fall in adenylate energy charge [AEC = ([ATP] + 1/2[ADP])([ATP + ADP + AMP])] and an almost parallel decrease in specific [3H]PAF binding without changing the Kd. Restoration of the AEC restored the [3H]PAF binding. Abrupt arrest of energy metabolism during binding of [3H]PAF left the binding unchanged until the metabolic ATP level had decreased by about 90%. These data indicate that PAF receptors on human platelets are under close intracellular control, possibly via a Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation/dephosphorylation process.
Expression of rat liver ketohexokinase in yeast results in fructose intolerance
Authors: Donaldson I A , Doyle T C , Matas N
Published: August 2015

Rat liver ketohexokinase (ATP:D-fructose 1-phosphotransferase; EC 2.7.1.3) was purified to homogeneity and the molecular mass of the protein was found by mass spectrometry to be 32,800 Da. The enzyme was cleaved and the amino acid sequences of seven peptides, comprising 24% of the total sequence, were determined. This sequence information was used to design oligonucleotide primers for a PCR using rat liver single-stranded cDNA as a template. The 224 bp PCR product was used as a probe to screen a rat liver cDNA library. A cDNA sequence of 1342 bp was obtained from three positive clones. This contained the entire coding region for ketohexokinase, and all seven peptides were identified in the predicted amino acid sequence. When ketohexokinase was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using the yeast expression vector pMA91, the cells became intolerant of the presence of fructose in their growth media. The growth of an exponential-phase culture was completely arrested within 90 min by the addition of fructose to a final concentration as low as 0.1% (w/v). This response is associated with an accumulation of fructose 1-phosphate. The cDNA for ketohexokinase encodes a protein composed of 299 amino acids with a combined molecular mass of 32,728 Da. This is in close agreement with the value for the isolated protein determined by mass spectrometry. The primary structure does not show any significant homology with those of other eukaryotic hexokinases, but it contains a highly conserved region that is present in three prokaryotic phosphotransferases that have furanose substrates.
Metallothionein protects DNA from oxidative damage
Authors: Chubatsu L S , Meneghini R
Published: August 2015

Metallothionein (MT) is a potent hydroxyl radical scavenger but its antioxidant properties in vivo have not been defined. Most of the recent results indicate that it does not afford protection to cells against the lethal action of oxidative stress. However, the possibility that MT confers protection against oxidative damage to a specific cellular target, such as DNA, had not been considered. We compared V79 Chinese hamster cells enriched in and depleted of MT in terms of DNA-strand scission. Zinc induces an increase in MT content of V79 Chinese hamster cells, without concomitant increase in the GSH level. These induced cells are more resistant to the production of DNA-strand scission by H2O2 than the parental cells. Conversely, cells rendered partially deprived of MT, by transfection with a plasmid vector in which the MT-I cDNA is antisense oriented in relation to a simian virus 40 promoter, became more susceptible to the DNA-damaging action of H2O2. The transfected cells did not exhibit alterations of GSH, superoxide dismutase- and H2O2-destroying enzymes. Indirect immunofluorescence indicated that most of the MT was concentrated in the cell nucleus. Neither overexpression nor lower expression of MT resulted in differential resistance to the killing action of H2O2. However, the combined high nuclear concentration of MT and its excellent hydroxyl scavenger properties confer protection to DNA from hydroxyl radical attack.
Site-directed mutagenesis of mouse steroid 7α-hydroxylase (cytochrome P-4507α): role of residue-209 in determining steroid-cytochrome P-450 interaction
Authors: Iwasaki M , Lindberg R L P , Juvonen R O , Negishi M
Published: August 2015

We have cloned a cDNA encoding mouse steroid 7 alpha-hydroxylase P450(7) alpha (cytochrome P-450(7) alpha) and expressed it in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mouse P450(7) alpha is 70% identical in its amino acid sequence with the mouse steroid 15 alpha-hydroxylase P450(15) alpha (2A4). The Leu at position 209 of P450(15) alpha is the most important residue to determine the steroid hydroxylase activity of the P450 [Lindberg and Negishi (1989) Nature (London) 339, 632-634]. The P450(7) alpha contains Asn at the position corresponding to the Leu-209 of P450(15) alpha, although both P450s hydroxylate testosterone. The CO-reduced P450(7) alpha complex is unstable, so that it is quickly converted into the inactive P420, whereas the P450(15) alpha is very stable. The P450(7) alpha, however, is stabilized either by addition of testosterone or by a mutation of Asn-209 to Leu. The mutant P450(7) alpha displays a 17-fold lower Vmax. value than the wild-type enzyme. Unexpectedly, it also has 3-fold lower Km and Kd values. Residue 209 in P450(7) alpha, therefore, appears to be located at a critical site of the haem-substrate-binding pocket. Corticosterone inhibits the testosterone 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity of the wild-type P450(7) alpha, whereas it does not inhibit the mutant P450(7) alpha. Conversely, the P450(15) alpha activity becomes inhibited by corticosterone upon the replacement of Leu-209 by Asn. In addition, this mutation increases the corticosterone 15 alpha-hydroxylase activity of P450(15) alpha at least 20-fold. Whereas the inhibition by corticosterone depends on the presence of Asn at position 209, deoxycorticosterone inhibits the activities of the P450s regardless of the type of residue at 209. The results indicate, therefore, that the identity of residue 209 determines the affinity as well as specificity of steroid binding to both P450(7) alpha and P450(15) alpha.
Different N-terminal forms of α2-plasmin inhibitor in human plasma
Authors: Bangert K , Johnsen A H , Christensen U , Thorsen S
Published: August 2015

Mature alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor in human plasma has 12 more N-terminal residues than hitherto anticipated. The first residue is the methionine at position 28, downstream from the N-terminus of the pre-protein. The cDNA sequence predicts that the site cleaved upon formation of the mature inhibitor is a typical signal-peptidase recognition site. The mature inhibitor (464 residues) and the previously reported, and presumably degraded, form with N-terminal asparagine (452 residues), are present in plasma in about equal amounts. They both form a stable complex with plasmin. Recent studies on a recombinant alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor suggest that the 12 additional residues have functional implications [Sumi, Ichikawa, Nakamura, Miura and Aoki (1989) J. Biochem. 106, 703-707].
Phosphorylation and redistribution of the phosphatidylinositol-transfer protein in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate- and bombesin-stimulated Swiss mouse 3T3 fibroblasts
Authors: Snoek G T , Westerman J , Wouters F S , Wirtz K W A
Published: August 2015

By immunofluorescence microscopy it was shown that the phosphatidylinositol-transfer protein (PI-TP) becomes associated with the Golgi membranes when confluent (quiescent) Swiss mouse 3T3 fibroblast cells are stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and bombesin. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP or dexamethasone had no effect on the intracellular redistribution of PI-TP. In exponentially growing cells and in serum-starved (semi-quiescent) cells, PI-TP is already associated with Golgi structures. Stimulation of semi-quiescent cells by PMA resulted in a rapid redistribution of PI-TP. A similar yet slower response was observed after stimulation with bombesin. Stimulation of semi-quiescent 3T3 cells by PMA significantly increased the phosphorylation of PI-TP, as shown by immunoprecipitation of PI-TP from pre-labelled cells. No significant increase in phosphorylation of PI-TP was observed after stimulation of these cells by bombesin. Purified PI-TP was shown to be a substrate for protein kinase C in vitro. The possibility that the phosphorylation of PI-TP after activation of protein kinase C is involved in the observed redistribution of PI-TP is discussed.
[13C]propionate oxidation in wild-type and citrate synthase mutant Escherichia coli: evidence for multiple pathways of propionate utilization
Authors: Evans C T , Sumegi B , Srere P A , Sherry A D , Malloy C R
Published: August 2015

The metabolism of propionate was examined in wild-type Escherichia coli and cells lacking citrate synthase by high-resolution 13C n.m.r. Spectra of cell extracts from wild-type E. coli show that glutamate becomes highly enriched in 13C when 13C-enriched propionate is the sole carbon source. No glutamate labelling was detected when the tricarboxylic acid cycle was blocked either by deletion of citrate synthase or by inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase by malonate. The 13C fractional enrichment in glutamate C-2, C-3 and C-4 in wild-type cells was quantitatively and qualitatively different when [2-13C]propionate as opposed to [3-13C]propionate was supplied. Approximately equal labelling occurred in the C-2, C-3 and C-4 positions of glutamate when [3-13C]propionate was available, and multiplets due to carbon-carbon spin-spin coupling were observed. However, in cells supplied with [2-13C]propionate, very little 13C appeared in the glutamate C-4 position, and the remaining glutamate resonances all appeared as singlets. The unequal and non-identical labelling of glutamate in cells supplied with [2-13C]- as opposed to [3-13C]propionate is consistent with the utilization of propionate by E. coli via two pathways, oxidation of propionate to pyruvate and carboxylation of propionate to succinate. These intermediates are further metabolized to glutamate by the action of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The existence of an organized tricarboxylic acid cycle is discussed as a consequence of the ability to block utilization of propionate in tricarboxylic acid-cycle-defective E. coli.
Protein engineering of the 2-haloacid halidohydrolase IVa from Pseudomonas cepacia MBA4
Authors: Asmara W , Murdiyatmo U , Baines A J , Bull A T , Hardman D J
Published: August 2015

The chemical modification of L-2-haloacid halidohydrolase IVa (Hdl IVa), originally identified in Pseudomonas cepacia MBA4, produced as a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli DH5 alpha, led to the identification of histidine and arginine as amino acid residues likely to play a part in the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme. These results, together with DNA sequence and analyses [Murdiyatmo, Asmara, Baines, Bull and Hardman (1992) Biochem. J. 284, 87-93] provided the basis for the rational design of a series of random- and site-directed-mutagenesis experiments of the Hdl IVa structural gene (hdl IVa). Subsequent apparent kinetic analyses of purified mutant enzymes identified His-20 and Arg-42 as the key residues in the activity of this halidohydrolase. It is also proposed that Asp-18 is implicated in the functioning of the enzyme, possibly by positioning the correct tautomer of His-20 for catalysis in the enzyme-substrate complex and stabilizing the protonated form of His-20 in the transition-state complex. Comparison of conserved amino acid sequences between the Hdl IVa and other halidohydrolases suggests that L-2-haloacid halidohydrolases contain conserved amino acid sequences that are not found in halidohydrolases active towards both D- and L-2-monochloropropionate.
Evidence for a protein regulator from rat liver which activates acetyl-CoA carboxylase
Authors: Quayle K A , Denton R M , Brownsey R W
Published: August 2015

1. A regulator of acetyl-CoA carboxylase has been identified in high-speed supernatant fractions from rat liver. The regulator was found to activate highly purified acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2-3-fold at physiological citrate concentrations (0.1-0.5 mM). The effects of the regulator on acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity were dose-dependent, and half-maximal activation occurred in 7-8 min at 30 degrees C. 2. The acetyl-CoA carboxylase regulator was non-dialysable and was inactivated by heating or by exposure to carboxypeptidase. The regulator was enriched from rat liver cytosol by first removing the endogenous acetyl-CoA carboxylase and then using a combination of purification steps, including (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography. The regulator activity appeared to be a protein with a molecular mass of approx. 75 kDa, which could be eluted from mono-Q with approx. 0.35 M KCl as a single peak of activity. 3. Studies of the effects of the regulator on phosphorylation or subunit size of acetyl-CoA carboxylase indicated that the changes in enzyme activity are most unlikely to be explained by dephosphorylation or by proteolytic cleavage. 4. The regulator co-migrates with acetyl-CoA carboxylase through several purification steps, including ion-exchange chromatography and precipitation with (NH4)2SO4; however, the proteins may be separated by Sepharose-avidin chromatography, and the association between the proteins is also disrupted by addition of avidin in solution. Furthermore, the binding of the regulator itself to DEAE-cellulose is altered by the presence of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Taken together, these observations suggest that the effects of the regulator on acetyl-CoA carboxylase may be explained by direct protein-protein interaction in vitro.
Differential modulation of degradative and repair responses of interleukin-1-treated chondrocytes by platelet-derived growth factor
Authors: Harvey A K , Stack S T , Chandrasekhar S
Published: August 2015

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) plays a dual role in cartilage matrix degeneration by promoting extracellular proteinase action such as the matrix metalloproteinases (increased degradation) and by suppressing the synthesis of extracellular matrix molecules (inhibition of repair). Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a wound-healing hormone which is released along with IL-1 during the inflammatory response. Since previous studies have shown that PDGF enhances IL-1 alpha effects on metalloproteinase activity, in this report, we have examined whether PDGF modifies IL-1 beta effects on cartilage proteoglycan synthesis. Initially, we confirmed that rabbit articular chondrocytes treated with IL-1 beta + PDGF induced higher proteinase activity, in comparison with IL-1-treated cells. We further observed that the increased proteinase activity correlated with an increase in the synthesis of collagenase/stromelysin proteins and a corresponding increase in the steady-state mRNA levels for both the enzymes. Studies on IL-1 receptor expression suggested that PDGF caused an increase in IL-1 receptor expression which, by augmenting the IL-1 response, may have led to the increase in proteinase induction. Analysis of proteoglycan synthesis confirmed that IL-1 reduced the incorporation of sulphated proteoglycan, aggrecan, into the extracellular matrix of chondrocytes, whereas PDGF stimulated it. However, cells treated with IL-1 + PDGF synthesized normal levels of aggrecan. This is in contrast with cells treated with IL-1 + fibroblast growth factor, in which case only proteinase activity was potentiated. The results allow us to conclude that (a) the two effector functions that play a role in matrix remodelling, namely matrix lysis (proteinase induction) and matrix repair (proteoglycan synthesis), occur via distinct pathways and (b) PDGF may play a crucial role in cartilage repair by initially causing matrix degradation followed by promoting new matrix synthesis.
The molecular cloning of the squid (Loligo forbesi) visual Gq-α subunit and its expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ryba N J P , Findlay J B C , Reid J D
Published: August 2015

The sequence of the alpha-subunit of the major G-protein from the squid (Loligo forbesi) retina was predicted from its cDNA to be a member of the Gq subclass. The abundance of the squid Gq-alpha in the squid photoreceptor membranes suggests that the protein functions in phototransduction; the sequence of this G-protein is consistent with it mediating the light-dependent activation of a phospholipase C. The squid G-alpha was expressed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where it was unable to replace the function of GPA1, the yeast G-alpha homologue that regulates the mating response, suggesting that Gq-alpha was unable to interact with the endogenous G-beta gamma (STE4-STE18).
A comparative study of class-D β-lactamases
Authors: Ledent P , Raquet X , Joris B , Van Beeumen J , Frère J M
Published: August 2015

Three class-D beta-lactamases (OXA2, OXA1 and PSE2) were produced and purified to protein homogeneity. 6 beta-Iodopenicillanate inactivated the OXA2 enzyme without detectable turnover. Labelling of the same beta-lactamase with 6 beta-iodo[3H]penicillanate allowed the identification of Ser-70 as the active-site serine residue. In agreement with previous reports, the apparent M(r) of the OXA2 enzyme as determined by molecular-sieve filtration, was significantly higher than that deduced from the gene sequence, but this was not due to an equilibrium between a monomer and a dimer. The heterogeneity of the OXA2 beta-lactamase on ion-exchange chromatography contrasted with the similarity of the catalytic properties of the various forms. A first overview of the enzymic properties of the three ‘oxacillinases’ is presented. With the OXA2 enzyme, ‘burst’ kinetics, implying branched pathways, seemed to prevail with many substrates.
Protective actions of tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen against oxidative damage to human low-density lipoproteins: a mechanism accounting for the cardioprotective action of tamoxifen?
Authors: Wiseman H , Paganga G , Rice-Evans C , Halliwell B
Published: August 2015

Tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen protect isolated human low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) against copper-ion-dependent lipid peroxidation: 4-hydroxytamoxifen is more protective than tamoxifen or 17 beta-oestradiol. 4-Hydroxytamoxifen and 17 beta-oestradiol also prevent the increase in the electrophoretic mobility of LDL caused by exposure to copper ions, presumably by protection of the apoprotein B of LDL against oxidative modification. Our observations may help to account for the cardioprotective benefits reported to be associated with tamoxifen therapy and prophylaxis in breast cancer.
Cloning of a cDNA encoding bovine mitochondrial NADP+-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase and structural comparison with its isoenzymes from different species
Authors: Huh T L , Ryu J H , Huh J W , Sung H C , Oh I U , Song B J , Veech R L
Published: August 2015

Mitochondrial NADP(+)-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDP) was co-purified with the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex from bovine kidney mitochondria. The determination of its N-terminal 16-amino-acid sequence revealed that it is highly similar to the IDP from yeast. A cDNA clone (1.8 kb long) encoding this protein was isolated from a bovine kidney lambda gt11 cDNA library using a synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide. The deduced protein sequence of this cDNA clone rendered a precursor protein of 452 amino-acid residues (50,830 Da) and a mature protein of 413 amino-acid residues (46,519 Da). It is 100% identical to the internal tryptic peptide sequences of the autologous form from pig heart and 62% similar to that from yeast. However, it shares little similarity with the mitochondrial NAD(+)-specific isoenzyme from yeast. Structural analyses of the deduced proteins of IDP isoenzymes from different species indicated that similarity exists in certain regions, which may represent the common domains for the active sites or coenzyme-binding sites. In Northern-blot analysis, one species of mRNA (about 2.2 kb for both bovine and human) was hybridized with a 32P-labelled cDNA probe. Southern-blot analysis of genomic DNAs verified simple patterns of hybridization with this cDNA. These results strongly indicate that the mitochondrial IDP may be derived from a single gene family which does not appear to be closely related to that of the NAD(+)-specific isoenzyme.
Monoclonal antibodies for structure-function studies of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, a lipid-dependent membrane-bound enzyme
Authors: Adami P , Duncan T M , McIntyre J O , Carter C E , Fu C , Melin M , Latruffe N , Fleischer S
Published: August 2015

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been used to study structure-function relationships of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (BDH) (EC 1.1.1.30), a lipid-requiring mitochondrial membrane enzyme with an absolute and specific requirement for phosphatidylcholine (PC) for enzymic activity. The purified enzyme (apoBDH, devoid of phospholipid and thereby inactive) can be re-activated with preformed phospholipid vesicles containing PC or by short-chain soluble PC. Five of six mAbs cross-react with BDH from bovine heart and rat liver, including two mAbs to conformational epitopes. One mAb was found to be specific for the C-terminal sequence of BDH and served to: (1) map endopeptidase cleavage and epitope sites on BDH; and (2) demonstrate that the C-terminus is essential for the activity of BDH. Carboxypeptidase cleavage of only a few (< or = 14) C-terminal amino acids from apoBDH (as detected by the loss of C-terminal epitope for mAb 3-10A) prevents activation by either bilayer or soluble PC. Further, for BDH in bilayers containing PC, the C-terminus is protected from carboxy-peptidase cleavage, whereas in bilayers devoid of PC the C-terminus is cleaved, and subsequent activation by PC is precluded. We conclude that: (1) the C-terminus of BDH is essential for enzymic activity, consistent with the prediction, from primary sequence analysis, that the PC-binding site is in the C-terminal domain of BDH; and (2) the allosteric activation of BDH by PC in bilayers protects the C-terminus from carboxypeptidase cleavage, indicative of a PC-induced conformational change in the enzyme.
ADP modifies the function of the glucose transporter: studies with reconstituted liposomes
Authors: Sofue M , Yoshimura Y , Nishida M , Kawada J
Published: August 2015

Modification of function of the glucose transporter by nucleotides was studied by using liposomes reconstituted with the human erythrocyte glucose transporter. ADP enclosed in the liposomes inhibited the uptake of D-glucose and nicotinamide in a dose-dependent manner, but other enclosed nucleotides (ATP, AMP, CDP, GDP, UDP) showed no effect on the uptake of both. Only intraliposomal ADP was effective, and extra-liposomal ADP was not, under our experimental conditions. Intraliposomal ADP did not change Km, but decreased Vmax to approximately one-third of control for uptake of both D-glucose and nicotinamide. However, the binding and the affinity of cytochalasin B to the reconstituted liposomes were not affected by intraliposomal ADP. The uptake of uridine was not changed in the presence of ADP, indicating that the nucleoside transporter co-existing in the liposomal membranes is not regulated by ADP. Human erythrocytes whose intracellular ATP was decreased by Ca2+ ionophore A23187 also showed decreased uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose and nicotinamide. This phenomenon was very similar to that found in the liposomes. These findings suggest the possibility that the function of the glucose transporter is directly and negatively modified by an increased concentration of intracellular ADP.
Interaction of acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) on processes for which acyl-CoA is a substrate, product or inhibitor
Authors: Rasmussen J T , Rosendal J , Knudsen J
Published: August 2015

It is shown that acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP), in contrast with fatty acid binding protein (FABP), stimulates the synthesis of long-chain acyl-CoA esters by mitochondria. ACBP effectively opposes the product feedback inhibition of the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase by sequestration of the synthesized acyl-CoA esters. Feedback inhibition of microsomal long-chain acyl-CoA synthesis could not be observed, due to the formation of small acyl-CoA binding vesicles during preparation and/or incubation. Microsomal membrane preparations are therefore unsuitable for studying feedback inhibition of long-chain acyl-CoA synthesis. ACBP was found to have a strong attenuating effect on the long-chain acyl-CoA inhibition of both acetyl-CoA carboxylase and mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocase. Both processes were unaffected by the presence of long-chain acyl-CoA esters when the ratio of long-chain acyl-CoA to ACBP was below 1, independent of the acyl-CoA concentration used. It is therefore not the acyl-CoA concentration as such which is important from a regulatory point of view, but the ratio of acyl-CoA to ACBP. The cytosolic ratio of long-chain acyl-CoA to ACBP was shown to be well below 1 in the liver of fed rats. ACBP could compete with the triacylglycerol-synthesizing pathway, but not with the phospholipid-synthesizing enzymes, for acyl-CoA esters. Furthermore, in contrast with FABP, ACBP was able to protect long-chain acyl-CoA esters against hydrolysis by microsomal acyl-CoA hydrolases. The results suggest that long-chain acyl-CoA esters synthesized for either triacylglycerol synthesis or beta-oxidation have to pass through the acyl-CoA/ACBP pool before utilization. This means that acyl-CoA synthesized by microsomal or mitochondrial synthetases is uniformly available in the cell. It is suggested that ACBP has a duel function in (1) creating a cytosolic pool of acyl-CoA protected against acyl-CoA hydrolases, and (2) protecting vital cellular processes from being affected by long-chain acyl-CoA esters.
Turnover and transformation of mitochondrial acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase into CoA-modified forms
Authors: Schwerdt G , Huth W
Published: August 2015

Rat liver mitochondrial acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase (acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase, EC 2.3.1.9) exists additionally in the CoA-modified forms A1 and A2. After a pulse of radioactivity using [35S]methionine in hepatocytes, the highest radioactivity was obtained in the unmodified enzyme. Over the chase time, the radioactivity in the unmodified enzyme decreased, but simultaneously increased in both CoA-modified forms, thus proving that the fully active unmodified enzyme exists before the partially active modified forms A1 and A2. Also, the specific radioactivity (ratio % radioactivity/% immunoreactive area) of A1 > A2 demonstrates a sequential CoA modification of form A1 to form A2. Acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase was degraded with an apparent half-life of 38.0 h: the modified forms A1 and A2 have half-lives of 24.5 and 7.2 h. The physiological meaning of the CoA modification of acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase is not yet understood.