bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of d-erythro-sphingosine as a pharmacological inhibitor of protein kinase C in human platelets
Authors: Khan W A , Mascarella S W , Lewin A H , Wyrick C D , Carroll F I , Hannun Y A
Published: August 2015

Sphingosine is a naturally occurring long-chain amino diol with potent inhibitory activity against protein kinase C in vitro and in cell systems. The use of sphingosine as a pharmacological tool to probe the activity of protein kinase C has been hampered by its amphiphilicity, possible contamination of its commercial preparations, and the existence of other targets for its action. To address these problems, high-purity D-erythro-sphingosine was prepared and employed to develop an approach for the use of sphingosine as a pharmacological agent. The addition of synthetic D-erythro-sphingosine to intact human platelets resulted in quick uptake and preferential partitioning into the particulate fraction. It was rapidly metabolized by intact platelets, 60% being degraded within 1 min after addition. Sphingosine was found to be a potent inhibitor of gamma-thrombin-induced aggregation and secretion of washed human platelets. Multiple criteria indicated that this effect is probably mediated through the inhibition of protein kinase C: (1) sphingosine inhibited protein kinase C activity in intact platelets with a similar dose/response to its inhibition of platelet aggregation and secretion; (2) sphingosine inhibited phorbol binding to intact platelets under identical conditions and with a similar dose-dependence; (3) exogenous dioctanoylglycerol overcame sphingosine's inhibition of platelet activation. The effectiveness of sphingosine in inhibiting platelet activation was primarily determined by the ratio of sphingosine to total number of platelets. These data are discussed in relation to a general approach for the use of sphingosine and other parameters for determining biological activities of protein kinase C.
Cloning and stable expression of a new member of the human liver phenol/bilirubin: UDP-glucuronosyltransferase cDNA family
Authors: Wooster R , Sutherland L , Ebner T , Clarke D , Da Cruz e Silva O , Burchell B
Published: August 2015

A new human liver UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (HlugP4) has been cloned and expressed in cell culture. The expressed enzyme has a molecular mass of 56 kDa and preferentially catalysed the glucuronidation of halogenated and bulky alkyl phenols. The C-terminal half of the sequence (246 amino acids) is 96% identical with the same portion of HlugP1, whereas the N-terminal half of the deduced protein sequences are only 38% identical. These results suggest that the two isoenzymes may be derived from the same gene by differential splicing of the gene product.
The effect of time of addition of glutamine or nucleosides on proliferation of rat cervical lymph-node T-lymphocytes after stimulation by concanavalin A
Authors: Szondy Z , Newsholme E A
Published: August 2015

1. Addition of concanavalin A to T-cell lymphocytes from rat cervical lymph nodes increases the activity of glutaminase within 1 h and those of carbamoyl-phosphate synthase II and aspartate transcarbamoylase within 3 h. There was a similar time course for the effects of concanavalin A on rates of glutamine utilization, which was increased within 1 h, and on pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis, which was increased by 40% at 2 h and by 100% at 3 h. 2. A delay in the addition of glutamine to the culture medium after addition of concanavalin A caused a decrease in [3H]thymidine incorporation only after 4-6 h. In the absence of glutamine, delay in addition of guanosine or inosine caused a decrease in [3H]thymidine incorporation only after 6-8 h after the addition of concanavalin A. 3. In contrast, a delay in addition of adenosine or uridine to the culture medium had an immediate effect (i.e. within 2 h) on the rate of incorporation of [3H]thymidine. It is suggested that adenosine and uridine have specific effects on proliferation via specific receptors for these nucleosides in the membrane.
Up-regulation of glucose metabolism in Kupffer cells following infusion of tumour necrosis factor
Authors: Spolarics Z , Bagby G J , Lang C H , Spitzer J J
Published: August 2015

Alterations of glucose metabolism and the oxidation of glutamine and palmitate were studied, by using specifically labelled substrates, in freshly isolated Kupffer cells and hepatic endothelial cells after infusion in vivo of human recombinant tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF; 7.5 x 10(5) IU/30 min per kg body wt., intravenously). Cells were incubated in a medium containing 5 mM-glucose, 0.4 mM-palmitate, 1 mM-lactate and 0.5 mM-glutamine. Administration of TNF in vivo increased glucose use in Kupffer cells by 70%. Glucose oxidation in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and flux in the Embden-Meyerhof (EM) pathway were elevated by 40 and 80% respectively. Treatment in vitro with 1 microM-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) resulted in a similar percentage increase in glucose use by Kupffer cells prepared from either saline- or TNF-treated rats. However, PMA increased the activity of the hexose monophosphate shunt (HMS) by 3- and 10-fold in cells isolated from saline- or TNF-infused animals respectively. A phagocyte stimulus in vitro, opsonized zymosan, increased glucose use by 30% and doubled the flux through the HMS in Kupffer cells from saline-infused animals. The activity of the HMS in response to zymosan was increased by 400% after TNF treatment. In endothelial cells, basal glucose utilization was not altered by TNF treatment. PMA increased HMS activity in endothelial cells to a similar degree after saline or TNF infusion. Zymosan, however, increased HMS activity only in endothelial cells from TNF-treated rats. Oxidation of palmitate or glutamine was not affected by TNF treatment either under basal conditions or after challenge in vitro. Our data indicate that, after phagocytosis in vitro or protein kinase C activation, glucose use and flux through the HMS increase in Kupffer cells. This is accompanied by increased glycolytic flux, with no changes in glucose oxidation in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. After TNF exposure, followed by a secondary stimulus, the enhanced glucose use by Kupffer cells is primarily channelled through the HMS pathway. These data suggest that the increased glucose use in vivo by Kupffer cells found after immune-stimulated conditions may subserve primarily the increased need for NADPH and HMS intermediates.
Reconstitution of the renal brush-border membrane sodium/phosphate co-transporter
Authors: Vachon V , Delisle M C , Laprade R , Béliveau R
Published: August 2015

A simple and rapid procedure was developed for the reconstitution of Na(+)-dependent phosphate-transport activity from bovine kidney brush-border membranes. The phosphate transporter appears to be particularly sensitive to extraction conditions. To prevent its inactivation, the phosphate carrier was solubilized in a buffer containing its substrates, Na+ and phosphate, CHAPS, dithiothreitol, brush-border membrane lipids and glycerol. The uptake of phosphate by reconstituted vesicles was strongly stimulated by the presence of a transmembrane Na+ gradient. This stimulation was abolished when the Na+ gradient was dissipated by monensin. The affinity of the carrier for phosphate was similar in proteoliposomes and in brush-border membrane vesicles (apparent Kt = 40 microM). The transporter was also stimulated by the presence of a high concentration of phosphate on the trans side of the membrane. The reconstituted transport activity was inhibited by arsenate, a known inhibitor of phosphate transport. However, the bovine phosphate carrier, intact or reconstituted, was much less sensitive to inhibition by phosphonoformic and phosphonoacetic acids than were those of other species studied so far. SDS/PAGE revealed that only a small number of brush-border membrane proteins were incorporated into the proteoliposomes. This reconstitution procedure should be useful for the purification and identification of the carrier protein.
β-adrenoceptor-agonist and insulin actions on glucose metabolism in rat skeletal muscle in different thyroid states
Authors: Dimitriadis G D , Richards S J , Parry-Billings M , Leighton B , Newsholme E A , Challiss R A J
Published: August 2015

1. The actions of the beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline on glucose and glycogen metabolism, in the presence of various concentrations of insulin, were investigated in isolated soleus muscle preparations taken from eu-, hyper- and hypothyroid rats. 2. Hyperthyroidism, induced by 3,3′,5-tri-iodo-D-thyronine (T3) administration for 5 days, increased the rate of lactate formation and suppressed the rate of glycogen synthesis in soleus muscle in response to isoprenaline, even in the presence of physiological or supraphysiological insulin concentrations. 3. Hypothyroidism, induced by administration of 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil for 4 weeks, decreased the rate of isoprenaline-stimulated lactate formation at all insulin concentrations, but significantly decreased the responsiveness of lactate formation only at low insulin concentrations. In the presence of 100 or 10,000 mu-units of insulin/ml, the ability of isoprenaline to suppress the rate of glycogen synthesis was markedly impaired (inhibition at 100 mu-units of insulin/ml and 1 micro-M-isoprenaline: eu- 72.6 +/- 2.9%; hypo-41.0 +/- 2.1%; P less than 0.001). 4. Hyperthyroidism had no effect on the number or affinity of beta-adrenoceptors, defined by 125I-pindolol binding, or beta-adrenoceptor- or forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in membrane preparations of gastrocnemius muscle, whereas hypothyroidism increased the beta-adrenoceptor density and decreased the beta-adrenoceptor-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, without affecting the receptor affinity or forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. 5. It is concluded that there is a complex interplay between insulin, catecholamines and thyroid hormones to regulate skeletal-muscle glucose metabolism. The changes observed in muscles in hypothyroidism may be explained, at least in part, by changes in beta-adrenoceptor-G-protein-adenylate cyclase coupling affecting the generation of cyclic AMP and the regulation of some of the key enzymes of glycogen metabolism; in contrast, the changes observed in muscles in hyperthyroidism do not appear to result from alterations at the level of the receptor-mediated second-messenger generation.
The role of histidine-118 of inorganic pyrophosphatase from thermophilic bacterium PS-3
Authors: Hirano N , Ichiba T , Hachimori A
Published: August 2015

Treatment of the inorganic pyrophosphatase from thermophilic bacterium PS-3 with diethyl pyrocarbonate resulted in the almost complete loss of its activity, which followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. The presence of Mg2+ prevented the inactivation. Enzyme inactivated with diethyl pyrocarbonate was re-activated by hydroxylamine. The inactivation parallelled the amount of modified histidine residue, and a plot of the activity remaining against the amount of modified histidine residue suggested that the modification of one of two histidine residues totally inactivated the enzyme. The site involved was found to be located in a single lysyl endopeptidase-digest peptide derived from the ethoxy[14C]carbonylated enzyme. Amino acid analysis and sequence analysis of the peptide revealed that it comprised residues 96-119 of the inorganic pyrophosphatase from thermophilic bacterium PS-3. These results, when compared with those reported for the Escherichia coli and yeast enzymes, imply that His-118 of the inorganic pyrophosphatase from thermophilic bacterium PS-3 is located near the Mg(2+)-binding site and thus affects the binding of Mg2+.
Human renin in transgenic mouse kidney is localized to juxtaglomerular cells
Authors: Fukamizu A , Hatae T , Kon Y , Sugimura M , Hasegawa T , Yokoyama M , Nomura T , Katsuki M , Murakami K
Published: August 2015

To examine whether expression of human renin in the transgenic mouse kidney is regulated in a cell-specific manner, we have characterized monoclonal antibodies against human renin and determined the renin-production site by immunohistochemistry. By using a monoclonal antibody specific for human renin, A6-11-6, we demonstrated that human renin in the transgenic mouse kidney is localized to the juxtaglomerular cells of afferent arterioles.
Differential rates of conversion of rat proinsulins I and II. Evidence for slow cleavage at the B-chain/C-peptide junction of proinsulin II
Authors: Sizonenko S V , Halban P A
Published: August 2015

Rat proinsulin I is converted into insulin more rapidly than is proinsulin II. To study this further, rat islets were labelled (10 min) and conversion kinetics of the labelled proinsulins were monitored during a 120 min chase. Proinsulins, conversion intermediates and both insulins were separated by h.p.l.c. The accumulation of des-64,65-(split proinsulin II) during the chase suggests that the B-chain/C-peptide junction of proinsulin II is cleaved more slowly than the equivalent site on proinsulin I. This accounts for the differential kinetics of conversion of proinsulins I and II, and is presumed to be caused by one (or more) of the amino acid replacements which distinguish the two proinsulins.
Human salivary cystatin S. Cloning, sequence analysis, hybridization in situ and immunocytochemistry
Authors: Bobek L A , Aguirre A , Levine M J
Published: August 2015

A human submandibular-gland (SMG) cDNA library was constructed in a lambda was constructed in a lambda gt11 Sfi-Not orientation-specific expression vector and then screened with antibody generated against human salivary cystatins. The clone C4-4 encoded an N-terminally truncated cystatin S, whereas the others encoded cystatin SN. The library was then rescreened with the C4-4, and the inserts of several positive clones were directly amplified from the eluted plaques by linear PCR and the PCR products analysed by Southern blotting and direct DNA sequencing. Two clones (C3 and C12) encoded a full-length secreted cystatin S and its leader peptide and included 5′- and 3′-untranslated regions. These clones showed a high degree of sequence similarity to cDNA clones encoding human salivary cystatin SN and genomic clones encoding cystatin SN and SA. Hybridization in situ of normal human SMG and parotid-gland (PG) tissue sections localized the cystatin-gene transcripts to the cytoplasm of serous acinar cells of both glands, with a much higher concentration of cystatin mRNA in the SMG. Immunocytochemistry localized the salivary cystatin gene products also to the serous cells, and the levels of cystatin protein correlated with the amount of cystatin mRNA, with a much stronger signal in the SMG than in the PG.
Purification and partial characterization of a novel lectin from elder (Sambucus nigra L.) fruit
Authors: Mach L , Scherf W , Ammann M , Poetsch J , Bertsch W , März L , Glössl J
Published: August 2015

A previously unknown haemagglutinin, named Sambucus nigra agglutinin-III (SNA-III), has been purified from the fruit of the elder (Sambucus nigra). Whereas elder bark agglutinin I (SNA-I) is highly specific for terminal alpha 2,6-linked sialic acid residues, SNA-III displays a high affinity for oligosaccharides containing exposed N-acetylgalactosamine and galactose residues. Different N-terminal sequences and the amino acid composition distinguish the fruit lectin from elder bark agglutinin II (SNA-II), which shows a similar carbohydrate specificity. The 40-fold higher affinity of SNA-III for asialofetuin than for human asialo-alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and human asialotransferrin respectively suggests a preference for O-linked glycans. SNA-III occurs mainly as a monomeric glycoprotein, but tends to form di- and oligo-meric aggregates. This aggregation seems to mediate the multivalent interaction, leading to agglutination. SDS/PAGE revealed two major polypeptides with apparent molecular masses of 32 and 33 kDa respectively. This heterogeneity is probably a result of proteolysis in the C-terminal region. Binding to concanavalin A and susceptibility to peptide: N-glycosidase F indicated the presence of N-glycosidically linked oligosaccharides.
Regulation of epidermal-growth-factor-receptor signal transduction by cis-unsaturated fatty acids. Evidence for a protein kinase C-independent mechanism
Authors: Casabiell X , Pandiella A , Casanueva F F
Published: August 2015

The effect of acute treatment with non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) on transmembrane signalling has been investigated in three different cell lines. In EGFR T17 cells, pretreatment with cis-unsaturated (oleic and palmitoleic acids) NEFA, but not with saturated or trans-unsaturated NEFA, inhibited the epidermal-growth-factor (EGF)-induced increases in cytosolic [Ca2+], membrane potential and Ins(1,4,5)P3 generation. The blocking effect was found to be time- and dose-dependent and rapidly reversible after washout. However, oleic acid treatment did not block either binding of 125I-EGF to its receptor or EGF-induced autophosphorylation of the EGF receptor. The mechanism of action of NEFA could not be attributed to protein kinase C activation, since (i) down-regulation of the enzyme by long-term treatment with phorbol esters did not prevent blockade by oleic acid, and (ii) the effects of acutely administered phorbol ester and oleic acid were additive. In this cell line, signalling at bradykinin and bombesin receptors was also impaired by oleic acid. In A431 cells, oleic acid also blocked signal transduction at the EGF and B2 bradykinin receptors. Finally, in PC12 cells, oleic acid blocked the Ca2+ influx mediated by the activation of B2 bradykinin receptors. In conclusion: (1) NEFA block signal transduction by interfering with receptor-phospholipase C or phospholipase C-substrate interaction without preventing ligand binding; (2) NEFA do not act by a protein kinase C-mediated mechanism; (3) the effect of NEFA is dependent on their configuration rather than hydrophobicity or chain length; (4) this effect is evident in several different cell lines and receptor systems.
Calcium-dependent opening of a non-specific pore in the mitochondrial inner membrane is inhibited at pH values below 7. Implications for the protective effect of low pH against chemical and hypoxic cell damage
Authors: Halestrap A P
Published: August 2015

1. The rate of opening of the Ca(2+)-induced non-specific, cyclosporin A-inhibited, pore of the mitochondrial inner membrane of rat heart and liver mitochondria at pH 6.0 was less than 10% of that at pH 7.4. 2. The effect could not be explained by inhibition of Ca2+ uptake into the mitochondria, or of the matrix peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase), or of the Ca(2+)-induced conformational change of the adenine nucleotide translocase. 3. It is suggested that the proposed interaction of matrix PPIase with the ‘c’ conformation of the adenine nucleotide carrier in the presence of Ca2+ [Griffiths & Halestrap (1991) Biochem. J. 274, 611-614] is inhibited by low pH. 4. The relevance of this to the protective effect of low pH on hypoxic and chemical-induced cell damage is discussed.
The importance of the negative charge of β-lactam compounds in the interactions with active-site serine dd-peptidases and β-lactamases
Authors: Varetto L , De Meester F , Monnaie D , Marchand-Brynaert J , Dive G , Jacob F , Frère J M
Published: August 2015

The interaction between various penicillins and cephalosporins the carboxylate group of which at C-3 or C-4 had been esterified or amidated and different penicillin-recognizing enzymes was studied. In general, our findings reinforced the common assumption that an anionic group at that position is necessary for the effective acylation of these enzymes. However, the relative activities of the modified beta-lactams as inactivators of the Streptomyces R61 DD-peptidase or as substrates of the Bacillus licheniformis, Streptomyces albus G and Enterobacter cloacae beta-lactamases did not fit a general scheme in which the intrinsic electronic and geometric properties of the beta-lactam compounds would be sufficient to explain their substrate or inactivator properties towards the various types of enzymes investigated.
NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase from bovine heart mitochondria. cDNA sequences of the import precursors of the nuclear-encoded 39 kDa and 42 kDa subunits
Authors: Fearnley I M , Finel M , Skehel J M , Walker J E
Published: August 2015

The 39 kDa and 42 kDa subunits of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase from bovine heart mitochondria are nuclear-coded components of the hydrophobic protein fraction of the enzyme. Their amino acid sequences have been deduced from the sequences of overlapping cDNA clones. These clones were amplified from total bovine heart cDNA by means of the polymerase chain reaction, with the use of complex mixtures of oligonucleotide primers based upon fragments of protein sequence determined at the N-terminals of the proteins and at internal sites. The protein sequences of the 39 kDa and 42 kDa subunits are 345 and 320 amino acid residues long respectively, and their calculated molecular masses are 39,115 Da and 36,693 Da. Both proteins are predominantly hydrophilic, but each contains one or two hydrophobic segments that could possibly be folded into transmembrane alpha-helices. The bovine 39 kDa protein sequence is related to that of a 40 kDa subunit from complex I from Neurospora crassa mitochondria; otherwise, it is not related significantly to any known sequence, including redox proteins and two polypeptides involved in import of proteins into mitochondria, known as the mitochondrial processing peptidase and the processing-enhancing protein. Therefore the functions of the 39 kDa and 42 kDa subunits of complex I are unknown. The mitochondrial gene product, ND4, a hydrophobic component of complex I with an apparent molecular mass of about 39 kDa, has been identified in preparations of the enzyme. This subunit stains faintly with Coomassie Blue dye, and in many gel systems it is not resolved from the nuclearcoded 36 kDa subunit.
Swelling of rat hepatocytes activates acetyl-CoA carboxylase in parallel to glycogen synthase
Authors: Baquet A , Maisin L , Hue L
Published: August 2015

Incubation of hepatocytes in conditions known to increase their volume, i.e. with amino acids or in hypo-osmotic media, resulted in the parallel activation of glycogen synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. The activation of both enzymes by glutamine was antagonized by the addition of raffinose to prevent cell swelling, or by glucagon and microcystin. The findings are consistent with the involvement of a common mechanism for the activation of the two enzymes.
Characterization of a transgenic mouse line over-expressing the human ornithine decarboxylase gene
Authors: Halmekytö M , Alhonen L , Wahlfors J , Sinervirta R , Eloranta T , Jänne J
Published: August 2015

We have produced several transgenic mouse lines over-expressing the human ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) gene. We have now characterized one of the transgenic lines as regards the tissue accumulation of the polyamines and the activities of their metabolizing enzymes. Among the tissues analysed, the polyamine pattern was most strikingly changed in testis and brain of the transgenic animals. ODC activity was greatly enhanced in all tissues, except kidney, of the transgenic animals. The most dramatic increase, 80-fold, was found in brain of the transgenic mice. The activities of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase and spermidine and spermine syntheses were likewise significantly increased in testis of the transgenic animals. The activities of the enzymes involved in the back-conversion of the polyamines, namely spermidine/spermine acetyltransferase and polyamine oxidase, were similar in the transgenic and non-transgenic animals. As analysed by reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction, all the six tissues of the transgenic animals expressed human-specific ODC mRNA. Determination of the half-life of testicular ODC revealed a stabilization of the enzyme in the transgenic males.
Phosphorylation by casein kinase II alters the biological activity of calmodulin
Authors: Sacks D B , Davis H W , Williams J P , Sheehan E L , Garcia J G N , McDonald J M
Published: August 2015

Calmodulin is the major intracellular Ca(2+)-binding protein, providing Ca(2+)-dependent regulation of numerous intracellular enzymes. The phosphorylation of calmodulin may provide an additional mechanism for modulating its function as a signal transducer. Phosphocalmodulin has been identified in tissues and cells, and calmodulin is phosphorylated both in vitro and in intact cells by various enzymes. Phosphorylation of calmodulin on serine/threonine residues by casein kinase II decreases its ability to activate both myosin-light-chain kinase and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. For myosin-light-chain kinase the primary effect is an inhibition of the Vmax. of the reaction, with no apparent change in the concentration at which half-maximal velocity is attained (K0.5) for either Ca2+ or calmodulin. In contrast, for phosphodiesterase, phosphorylation of calmodulin significantly increases the K0.5 for calmodulin without noticeably altering the Vmax. or the K0.5 for Ca2+. The higher the stoichiometry of phosphorylation of calmodulin, the greater the inhibition of calmodulin-stimulated activity for both enzymes. Therefore the phosphorylation of calmodulin by casein kinase II appears to provide a Ca(2+)-independent mechanism whereby calmodulin regulates at least two important target enzymes, myosin-light-chain kinase and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase.
Ca2+-dependent changes in the mitochondrial energetics in single dissociated mouse sensory neurons
Authors: Duchen M R
Published: August 2015

Depolarization of neurons promotes Ca2+ influx through voltage-activated channels, raising the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The consequences of such changes in [Ca2+]i for mitochondrial function were assessed in single, freshly dissociated mammalian neurons. Microfluorimetric techniques were used to measure [Ca2+]i, mitochondrial membrane potential [delta psi m, Rhodamine 123 (Rh 123) fluorescence], NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+ autofluorescence and flavoprotein autofluorescence combined with whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques. Brief (100-500 ms) depolarization of the cell membrane by high K+ or by voltage commands raised [Ca2+]i and depolarized delta psi m. The change in delta psi m was dependent on extracellular Ca2+. Under voltage-clamp control of the cell membrane, the voltage-dependence of the change in Rh 123 fluorescence reflected that of the Ca2+ current. The response was reduced by Ca2+ buffers introduced into the cell. The behaviour of this signal is thus consistent with a mitochondrial response to raised [Ca2+]i and does not reflect the change in cell membrane potential per se. Similar stimuli caused a rapid decrease of NAD(P)H autofluorescence, followed by an increase which could last several minutes. Flavoprotein fluorescence increased transiently, followed by a decrease lasting for several minutes. These signals indicate an initial oxidation of NAD(P)H and FADH, followed by a prolonged increase in the reduced state of both coenzymes. All these changes were dependent on extracellular [Ca2+]. Raising [Ca2+]i again during the period of NAD+ reduction caused an oxidizing response. Ruthenium Red applied to the cells (i) reduced both the Ca2+ current and the depolarization-induced [Ca2+]i transient and (ii) directly quenched Rh 123 fluorescence. When introduced into the cells with patch pipettes, it prevented the changes in autofluorescence without interfering with the Ca2+ conductance. Oligomycin blocked neither the response of delta psi m nor of NADH autofluorescence, suggesting that the signals do not reflect a response to falling ATP/ADP.Pi ratios as a consequence of the high [Ca2+]i. The changes in NADH autofluorescence were sustained in the presence of iodoacetic acid with pyruvate as substrate. Thus brief physiological elevations of [Ca2+]i depolarize delta psi m, probably through Ca2+ cycling across the mitochondrial inner membrane. The changes in autofluorescence are consistent with (i) increased respiration which could result from the depolarization of delta psi m, followed rapidly by (ii) increased activity of the Ca(2+)-dependent intramitochondrial enzymes. Changes in [Ca2+]i within a physiological range may thus promote significant and long-lasting changes in mitochondrial energy production.
Purification and characterization of polyamine oxidase from Ascaris suum
Authors: Müller S , Walter R D
Published: August 2015

The interconversion of polyamines in the parasite nematode Ascaris suum by a novel type of polyamine oxidase was demonstrated. The nematode enzyme was clearly distinguishable from monoamine and diamine oxidases as well as from the mammalian polyamine oxidase, as shown by the use of the specific inhibitors pargyline, aminoguanidine and MDL 72527 respectively. All three inhibitors had no effect on the parasite polyamine oxidase, and the enzyme did not accept diamines such as putrescine, cadaverine or histamine as substrates. The parasite polyamine oxidase selectively oxidizes spermine and spermidine but not N-acetylated polyamines, whereas the mammalian tissue-type polyamine oxidase shows preference for the N-acetylated polyamines. These results suggest a regulatory function of the nematode polyamine oxidase in the degradation and interconversion of polyamines in parasite nematodes. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity by gel filtration, preparative isoelectric focusing and subsequent affinity chromatography on spermine- and berenil-Sepharose 4B. With respect to reaction type, the prosthetic group FAD, the molecular mass (66 kDa) and the contents of thiol and carbonyl groups, the polyamine oxidase from A. suum is similar to the isofunctional enzyme of mammalian tissue.
Isolation and characterization of the cytochrome domain of flavocytochrome b2 expressed independently in Escherichia coli
Authors: Brunt C E , Cox M C , Thurgood A G P , Moore G R , Reid G A , Chapman S K
Published: August 2015

The cytochrome domain of flavocytochrome b2 (L-lactate dehydrogenase) was expressed in the bacterium Escherichia coli and a purification procedure was developed. When expressed in E. coli, the b2-cytochrome domain contains protohaem IX and has an electronic absorption spectrum identical with that of the cytochrome b2 ‘core’ produced by proteolytic cleavage of the enzyme isolated from yeast. The b2-cytochrome domain isolated from E. coli has an Mr of 10,500 and a redox potential of -31 +/- 2 mV. High-field n.m.r. studies indicate pKa values for the haem propionate groups to be 4.8 and 4.6, consistent with these groups being exposed to solvent rather than buried inside the protein. Using n.m.r. spectroscopy, we have determined an electron self-exchange rate constant for the b2-cytochrome domain of 2.3 x 10(6) M-1.s-1, which is more than two orders of magnitude larger than the value obtained for microsomal cytochrome b5, a homologue of b2-cytochrome domain.
Identification of the reaction products of the purified hyaluronidase from stonefish (Synanceja horrida) venom
Authors: Sugahara K , Yamada S , Sugiura M , Takeda K , Yuen R , Khoo H E , Poh C H
Published: August 2015

Recently we purified to homogeneity hyaluronidase from stonefish (Synanceja horrida) venom, for the first time from a marine source [Poh, Yuen, Chung & Khoo (1992) Comp. Biochem. Physiol., in the press]. In the present study the reaction products of the hyaluronidase purified from stonefish venom were analysed. It produced tetra-, hexa-, octa- and deca-saccharides as major end products, but not disaccharides. The structure of the tetrasaccharide product was determined by enzymic analysis, in conjunction with h.p.l.c. and by 1H n.m.r., as GlcA beta 1-3GlcNAc beta 1-4GlcA beta 1-3GlcNAc. Chemical shifts of the structural-reporter-group protons of the constituent monosaccharides for the tetrasaccharide have been assigned. The enzyme did not act on chondroitin sulphate or dermatan sulphate. The results indicate that the stonefish hyaluronidase is an endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase specific for hyaluronate.
Localization in the fibrinogen γ-chain of a new site that is involved in the acceleration of the tissue-type plasminogen activator-catalysed activation of plasminogen
Authors: Yonekawa O , Voskuilen M , Nieuwenhuizen W
Published: August 2015

In previous publications [e.g. Voskuilen, Vermond, Veeneman, Van Boom, Klasen, Zegers & Nieuwenhuizen (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 5944-5946] we have shown that fibrin(ogen) chain fragment A alpha-(148-160) contains a site that contributes to the acceleration of Glu-plasminogen activation by tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). In contrast with fibrin, this peptide, however, does not enhance the rate of mini-plasminogen activation. Therefore, possibly more stimulatory sites than A alpha-(148-160) are present in fibrin. In the present investigation we have localized a possible second type of stimulatory site in the fibrin(ogen) molecule. A whole CNBr digest of fibrinogen was applied to a Bio-Gel P-2 column run in water, pH 4. Two peaks with stimulatory activity were observed, one at the void volume and one between the void volume and the total volume. The former contained the previously described stimulating fragment FCB-2 [which comprises A alpha-(148-160)]; the latter had not been observed before and was characterized further. The stimulating material in the low-M(r) fraction of the Bio-Gel P-2 column was precipitated at pH 8.3 in a virtually pure form. It has a high tryptophan content, and an M(r) of 6500 as assessed by SDS/PAGE. On reduction, a main band of M(r) 2500 is seen, plus a weakly staining band of M(r) 4000. These properties plus the amino acid sequence data identify the fragment as FCB-5. FCB-5 consists of two chains, i.e. gamma-(311-336) and gamma-(337-379), linked by a single disulphide bond between Cys-gamma-326 and Cys-gamma-339. Both these chains and the disulphide bond appear to be essential for rate enhancement. FCB-5 enhances the activation rates of Glu-, mini- and micro-plasminogen, with all five kringles, only kringle V and without kringles respectively. FCB-5 binds t-PA, but none of the plasminogen forms binds to FCB-5. This indicates that the rate enhancements induced by FCB-5 are due to an effect on t-PA.
Glutathione transferase isoenzymes from Bufo bufo embryos at an early developmental stage
Authors: Di Ilio C , Aceto A , Bucciarelli T , Dragani B , Angelucci S , Miranda M , Poma A , Amicarelli F , Barra D , Federici G
Published: August 2015

Six forms of glutathione transferase (GST) were resolved from the cytosolic fraction of Bufo bufo embryos at developmental stage 4 by GSH-Sepharose affinity chromatography followed by f.p.l.c. chromatofocusing in the 9-6 pH range. They have apparent isoelectric points at pH 8.37 (GST I), 8.22 (GST II), 8.10 (GST III), 7.84 (GST IV), 7.37 (GST V) and 7.12 (GST VI), and each displayed an apparent subunit molecular mass of 23 kDa by SDS/PAGE. The Bufo bufo embryo enzymes showed very similar structural, catalytic and immunological properties, as indicated by their substrate-specificities, inhibition characteristics, c.d. spectra, h.p.l.c. elution profiles and immunological reactivities, as well as by their N-terminal amino acid sequences. Although Bufo bufo embryo GSTs do not correspond to any other known GSTs, the results of our experiments indicate that amphibian GSTs could be included in the Pi family of GSTs. This conclusion is supported by the analysis of c.d. spectra, and by the fact that mammalian Pi class GSTs and amphibian GSTs showed about 80% identity in their N-terminal amino acid sequences. Furthermore, antisera prepared against Bufo bufo GST III cross-reacted in immunoblotting analysis with Pi class GSTs, and vice versa.
Mechanism of d-fructose isomerization by Arthrobacter
d-xylose isomerase
Authors: Rangarajan M , Hartley B S
Published: August 2015

The mechanism of D-fructose isomerization by Arthrobacter D-xylose isomerase suggested from X-ray-crystallographic studies was tested by detailed kinetic analysis of the enzyme with various metal ions at different pH values and temperatures. At D-fructose concentrations used in commercial processes Mg2+ is the best activator with an apparent dissociation constant of 63 microM; Co2+ and Mn2+ bind more strongly (apparent Kd 20 microM and 10 microM respectively) but give less activity (45% and 8% respectively). Ca2+ is a strict competitive inhibitor versus Mg2+ (Ki 3 microM) or Co2+ (Ki 105 microM). The kinetics show a compulsory order of binding; Co2+ binds first to Site 2 and then to Site 1; then D-fructose binds at Site 1. At normal concentrations Mg2+ binds at Site 1, then D-fructose and then Mg2+ at Site 2. At very high Mg2+ concentrations (greater than 10 mM) the order is Mg2+ at Site 1, Mg2+ at Site 2, then D-fructose. The turnover rate (kcat.) is controlled by ionization of a residue with apparent pKa at 30 degrees C of 6.0 +/- 0.07 (Mg2+) or 5.3 +/- 0.08 (Co2+) and delta H = 23.5 kJ/mol. This appears to be His-219, which is co-ordinated to M[2]; protonation destroys isomerization by displacing M[2]; Co2+ binds more strongly at Site 2 than Mg2+, so competes more strongly against H+. The inhibition constant (Ki) for the two competitive inhibitors 5-thio-alpha-D-glucopyranose and D-sorbitol is invariant with pH, but Km(app.) in the Mg[1]-enzyme is controlled by ionization of a group with pKa 6.8 +/- 0.07 and delta H = 27 kJ/mol, which appears to be His-53. This shows that Km(app.) is a complex constant that includes the rate of the ring-opening step catalysed by His-53, which explains the pH-dependence. In the Mg[1]Mg[2]-enzyme or Co[1]Co[2]-enzyme, the pKa is lower (6.2 +/- 0.1 or 5.6 +/- 0.08) because of the extra adjacent cation. Hence the results fit the previously proposed pathway, but show that the mechanisms differ for Mg2+ and Co2+ and that the rate-limiting step is isomerization and not ring-opening as previously postulated.
1H-n.m.r. studies of the fibronectin 13kDa collagen-binding fragment. Evidence for autonomous conserved type I and type II domain folds
Authors: Constantine K L , Brew S A , Ingham K C , Llinás M
Published: August 2015

A 1H-n.m.r. study of a 117-residue (13 kDa) gelatin-binding fragment of human fibronectin, which contains the sixth (from the N-terminus) type I domain and the first type II domain, was undertaken. The resolution of the 1H-n.m.r. spectrum indicates that the domains are independent and mobile relative to each other. Analysis of two-dimensional 1H-n.m.r. experiments recorded at 500 MHz afforded spin-system identifications for all aromatic and a number of aliphatic residues. Utilizing the fact that phenylalanine residues occur only in the type II portion of this fragment, many spin systems were localized to either the type I or the type II module via analysis of two-dimensional nuclear-Overhauser-effect (NOESY) experiments. This allowed unambiguous assignment of the two tryptophan residues, as they occur singly in each domain. Patterns of NOESY connectivities are found to be consistent with known type I and type II domain structures; this affords a number of tentative sequence-specific assignments. For both domains, evidence of conserved hydrophobic cores and secondary-structure elements is obtained. In addition, 1H-n.m.r.-monitored thermal-melting studies demonstrate conclusively that the domains are independently folded and that the type I domain has high thermal stability relative to the type II domain. This is consistent with the results of calorimetric studies, and also confirms the localization of spin systems determined from the NOESY data.
Regulation of the expression of the mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase gene. Its role in the control of ketogenesis
Authors: Casals N , Roca N , Guerrero M , Gil-Gómez G , Ayté J , Ciudad C J , Hegardt F G
Published: August 2015

We have explored the role of mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) synthase in regulating ketogenesis. We had previously cloned the cDNA for mitochondrial HMG-CoA synthase and have now studied the regulation in vivo of the expression of this gene in rat liver. The amount of processed mitochondrial HMG-CoA synthase mRNA is rapidly changed in response to cyclic AMP, insulin, dexamethasone and refeeding, and is greatly increased by starvation, fat feeding and diabetes. We conclude that one point of ketogenic control is exercised at the level of genetic expression of mitochondrial HMG-CoA synthase.
Two-site high-affinity interaction between inhibitory and catalytic subunits of rod cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase
Authors: Artemyev N O , Hamm H E
Published: August 2015

Light-activated cyclic GMP-phosphodiesterase (PDE) is the key effector enzyme of vertebrate photoreceptor cells which regulates the level of the internal transmitter cyclic GMP. PDE consists of catalytic P alpha and P beta subunits, and two copies of inhibitory P gamma subunit. The two P gamma subunits block the enzyme's activity in the dark and are removed by the alpha-subunit of transducin (alpha 1) upon light-activation of photoreceptor cells. Here we have examined the role of various regions of P gamma, the N-terminal, the central cationic and the C-terminal regions, in interaction with the catalytic subunits of PDE. N-Terminal truncation of P gamma (12-87-P gamma) did not change the potency of PDE inhibition, and thus we conclude that the P gamma N-terminal region is not critical for P gamma-P alpha beta interaction. The central region, 24-46-P gamma, participates in interaction with the catalytic P alpha beta subunits. A synthetic peptide corresponding to this site inhibited approximately 50% of trypsin-activated PDE (tPDE) (Ki approximately 15 microM) and competed with P gamma for inhibition of tPDE. We demonstrated, by using h.p.l.c. gel filtration, that 125I-Tyr-24-46-P gamma peptide bound with high affinity to tPDE, but not to P alpha beta gamma 2. The C-terminal region of 46-87-P gamma was found to be the major region involved in inhibition of PDE. It fully inhibited tPDE with a Ki of approximately 0.8 microM. It also bound to tPDE, but not P alpha beta gamma 2, in h.p.l.c. gel-filtration experiments. In addition, P gamma was cross-linked by p-phenylenedimaleimide to both P alpha and P beta, as was shown by using subunit-specific anti-P alpha, -P beta and -P gamma antibodies. Cys68 of P gamma, which presumably participates in cross-linking, is located near the P gamma C-terminus. These data provide evidence for two regions of P gamma that interact with, and inhibit, P alpha beta. The central region, 24-46 P gamma, is important in binding, but inhibits PDE only weakly, whereas the C-terminal region is most important for PDE inhibition. These results help to explain the well-known fact that P gamma trypsin-activation and C-terminal truncation both lead to PDE activation. Furthermore, our findings on the mechanism of PDE inhibition of P gamma are relevant for understanding the mechanism of PDE activation by transducin.
Extracellular ATP stimulates three different receptor-signal transduction systems in FRTL-5 thyroid cells. Activation of phospholipase C, and inhibition and activation of adenylate cyclase
Authors: Sato K , Okajima F , Kondo Y
Published: August 2015

In FRTL-5 thyroid cells, extracellular ATP, a P2-agonist, not only stimulates phospholipase C but also inhibits forskolin- or thyrotropin (TSH)-induced stimulation of adenylate cyclase in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner [Okajima, Sato, Nazarea, Sho, & Kondo (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 13029-13037]. We have now found that, in pertussis toxin-treated cells, ATP can directly stimulate adenylate cyclase. Although adenylate cyclase modulation occurs through ATP metabolites such as AMP and adenosine, we show that extracellular ATP itself also regulates cyclic AMP production, based on the following: (1) the actions of ATP were imitated by hydrolysis-resistant ATP analogues, (2) the elimination of adenosine by adenosine deaminase decreased the effect of ATP only partially, at least at concentrations greater than 10 microM-ATP, and (3) the amount of AMP produced from ATP was too low to account for the ATP effects. To identify the respective receptors for the three different actions of ATP, we established an antagonist profile. Suramin, which has been reported to be a P2-receptor antagonist, inhibited ATP-induced phospholipase C activation in a competitive fashion, but did not affect ATP-induced adenylate cyclase modulation. On the other hand, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-diphenylxanthine competitively antagonized both the stimulatory and inhibitory ATP actions on cyclic AMP levels, but did not influence the activation of phospholipase C by ATP. The order of potency for various xanthine derivatives was clearly different with respect to their antagonistic effects on the stimulation and inhibition of adenylate cyclase induced by ATP. We conclude that ATP activates three receptors, each of which is coupled to a different signal transduction system in FRTL-5 cells, i.e. phospholipase C activation, and adenylate cyclase activation and inhibition.
New Ca2+ pump isoforms generated by alternative splicing of rPMCA2 mRNA
Authors: Adamo H P , Penniston J T
Published: August 2015

Alternative splices capable of generating proteins with altered functions were found (by PCR) in isoform 2 of the rat plasma membrane Ca2+ pump. These splices were concentrated in two hypervariable regions. One of these regions, near the N-terminus and the lipid-binding region, could be altered by the insertion of either or both of inserts x and y. Insertion of both x and y would add 45 amino acids to the molecule. The y insert causes the appearance of a rather hydrophobic stretch of amino acids in the middle of a highly polar region. The second variable region begins in the middle of the calmodulin-binding domain. Insertion of 229 nucleotides at this point of the message converts the b form to the a form, which has an altered (and shorter) C-terminus. The calmodulin-binding domain of this shortened form has a less basic character, which would decrease the affinity for calmodulin. The b form of isoenzyme 2 contains relatively weak protein kinase A substrate sequences, such as KQNSS and KNNS. These sequences are eliminated in form a, and a strongly activated kinase substrate sequence, RRQSS, appears in a different place. Different tissues use different combinations of alternative splices, with heart and brain showing the greatest diversity.
The complete sequences of trout (Salmo gairdneri) thymosin β11 and its homologue thymosin β12
Authors: Yialouris P P , Coles B , Tsitsiloni O , Schmid B , Howell S , Aitken A , Voelter W , Haritos A A
Published: August 2015

Two forms of beta-thymosins, designated thymosin beta 11 and thymosin beta 12, were isolated from trout (Salmo gairdneri) spleen. This suggests that the presence of two beta-thymosins, previously thought to be a property of mammalian tissues only, is a more general phenomenon in vertebrate species. Both trout beta-thymosins were found to be N-terminally blocked by a group identified as acetyl by m.s. Automated protein sequencing of tryptic, thermolytic and Staphylococcus aureus in 41-residue V8 proteinase fragments revealed that one of the two beta-thymosins corresponds to the previously reported 41-residue-long sequence of thymosin beta 11 with two substitutions at positions 5 and 7, i.e. Asn instead of Asp, and Glu instead of Gln, whereas the other beta-thymosin, designated thymosin beta 12, was found to be a 42-residue polypeptide closely similar in sequence to thymosin beta 11, with five substitutions (i.e. at positions 5, 7, 10, 11 and 41, with Asp, Ala, Ser, Asn and Thr instead of Asn, Glu, Ala, Ser and Ser respectively) and one addition at position 42 (Ala). Comparison of the known six sequences of beta-thymosins together with the sequences reported here showed that the sequence similarity of the two beta-thymosins in trout (86%) is greater than that of the two beta-thymosins in mammalian species (74%) and that residues at 28 positions are identical in all beta-thymosins, the longer conserved segments located at positions 16-26 and 31-38.