bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The proteoliposomal steady state. Effect of size, capacitance and membrane permeability on cytochrome-oxidase-induced ion gradients
Authors: Wrigglesworth J M , Cooper C E , Sharpe M A , Nicholls P
Published: August 2015

1. The flux pathways for H+ and K+ movements into and out of proteoliposomes incorporating cytochrome c oxidase have been investigated as a function of the electrical and geometrical properties of the vesicles. 2. The respiration-induced pH gradient (delta pH) and membrane potential (delta psi) are mutually dependent and individually sensitive to the permeability properties of the membrane. A lowering or abolition of delta psi by the addition of valinomycin increased the steady-state level of delta pH. Conversely, removal of delta pH by the addition of nigericin resulted in a higher steady-state delta psi. 3. Vesicles prepared by sonication followed by centrifugation maintained similar pH gradients at steady state to those in vesicles prepared by dialysis, although the time taken to reach steady state was longer. Higher pH gradients can be induced in non-centrifuged sonicated preparations. 4. No significant differences were found in H+ and K+ permeability between proteoliposomes prepared by dialysis or by sonication. The permeability coefficient of the vesicle bilayers for H+ was 6.1 x 10(-4) cm.s-1 and that for K+ was 7.5 x 10(-10) cm.s-1. An initial fast change in internal pH was seen on the addition of external acid or alkali, followed by a slower, ionophore-sensitive, change. The initial fast phase can be increased by the lipid-soluble base dibucaine and the weak acid oleate. In the absence of ionophores, increasing concentrations of oleate increased the rate of H+ translocation to a level similar to that seen in the presence of nigericin. Internal alkalinization could also be induced by oleate upon the addition of potassium sulphate. 5. The initial, pre-steady-state and steady-state delta pH and delta psi changes can be simulated using a model in which the enzyme responds to both delta pH and delta psi components of the protonmotive force. At steady state, the electrogenic entry of K+ is countered by electroneutral exit via a K+/H+ exchange. 6. The permeability coefficient, PH, calculated from H+ flux under steady-state turnover conditions, was approx. 100 times higher than the corresponding ‘passive’ measurements of PH. Under conditions of oxidase turnover, the vesicles appear to be intrinsically more permeable to protons.
The fatty acid analogue 11-(dansylamino)undecanoic acid is a fluorescent probe for the bilirubin-binding sites of albumin and not for the high-affinity fatty acid-binding sites
Authors: Wilton D C
Published: August 2015

1. The fluorescent fatty acid probe 11-(dansylamino)undecanoic acid (DAUDA) binds with high affinity to bovine and human serum albumin (BSA and HSA) at three sites. 2. The Kd of the primary binding site could not be determined; however, the two secondary sites appeared to be equivalent, with an apparent Kd of 8 x 10(-7) M for both BSA and HSA. 3. The spectral characteristics of DAUDA when bound to the primary site of the two albumins were different, with HSA producing a greater fluorescence enhancement and emission maximum at a shorter wavelength (480 nm) than for BSA (495 nm). 4. Displacement studies indicated that the DAUDA-binding sites were not equivalent to the primary long-chain fatty acid-binding sites on albumin, but corresponded to the bilirubin sites. Fatty acyl-CoAs also bind to the bilirubin sites, as do medium-chain fatty acids. 5. The solubility, stability and spectral properties of DAUDA make it an excellent probe for investigating the bilirubin-binding sites of albumin, particularly HSA.
Characterization of the soluble leukotriene B4 receptor from sheep lung membranes
Authors: Votta B , Keefer J , Mong S
Published: August 2015

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is an arachidonate metabolite which elicits a variety of pro-inflammatory responses by activation of a guanine-nucleotide-binding protein-coupled membrane receptor. As a prelude to receptor isolation and purification, we have established assay methods for LTB4 receptor solubilization and characterization from sheep lung membranes. [3H]LTB4 binding to the soluble receptor was saturable, specific, protein-concentration- and time-dependent and reversible. Binding of [3H]LTB4 was enhanced by divalent cations and inhibited by sodium ions in a manner analogous to its binding to the human leukocyte membrane receptor. Saturation binding yielded a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.50 +/- 0.05 nM and a receptor density (Bmax) of 330 +/- 90 fmol/mg of protein for [3H]LTB4 binding to detergent-solubilized receptor. In competition experiments, the rank order of binding affinity was LTB4 greater than 20-OH-LTB4 greater than trans-homo-LTB4 greater than 6-trans-LTB4 greater than U-75302. Gel-filtration chromatography showed that the LTB4 receptor protein in the detergent micellar state has a molecular mass in the range 800-1000 kDa. These results demonstrate that the physiologically and pharmacologically important LTB4 receptor may be readily solubilized from sheep lung membranes without alteration in binding specificity and characteristics, suggesting that sheep lung membranes represent a rich source with which to pursue receptor isolation and purification.
Liver inositol, 1,4,5-trisphosphate-binding sites are the Ca2(+)-mobilizing receptors
Authors: Nunn D L , Taylor C W
Published: August 2015

Ins(1,4,5)P3 is the intracellular messenger that in many cells mediates the effects of Ca2(+)-mobilizing receptors on intracellular Ca2+ stores. An Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor from cerebellum has been purified and functionally reconstituted, but the relationship between this protein and the high-affinity Ins(1,4,5)P3-binding sites of peripheral tissues is unclear. We compared the Ins(1,4,5)P3-binding sites of liver and cerebellum by measuring inhibition of specific Ins(1,4,[32P]5)P3 binding by various ligands under equilibrium conditions, and find that each ligand binds with similar affinity in the two tissues. Earlier studies in which Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding and Ca2+ mobilization were measured under different conditions demonstrated large differences between KD values for binding and EC50 values (concn. giving half-maximal effect) for Ca2+ release. We show here that, when measured under identical conditions, KD and EC50 values for four agonists are similar. Schild analysis of inhibition of Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding by ATP demonstrates a competitive interaction between the two at the liver Ins(1,4,5)P3-binding site, and this partly accounts for earlier discrepancies in binding and Ca2(+)-release data. We conclude that the high-affinity Ins(1,4,5)P3-binding site of hepatocytes is likely to be the receptor that mediates Ca2+ mobilization, and that this receptor is at present indistinguishable from that in cerebellum.
Treatment of cardiac myocytes with 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate, forskolin or cholera toxin does not stimulate cellular or heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase activities
Authors: Carroll R , Juhasz A , Severson D L
Published: August 2015

Incubation of isolated cardiac myocytes with 500 microM-8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (CPT-cAMP) or 100 microM-forskolin for 2 1/2 h did not increase the heparin-induced release of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) into the medium. When LPL activity in cardiac myocytes was depleted by treatment of rats with cycloheximide (2 mg/kg; 2.5 h) and inclusion of the protein-synthesis inhibitor in the isolation solutions, incubation with CPT-cAMP or forskolin did not influence the rate of repletion of LPL activity in cells or the recovery of heparin-releasable LPL activity. Although the administration of cholera toxin (0.5 mg/kg; 16-17 h) to rats increased LPL activity in a low-speed supernatant fraction from heparin-perfused hearts, LPL activity was not increased in cardiac myocytes from cholera-toxin-treated rat hearts, and the heparin-induced release of LPL was unchanged. Incubation of cultured ventricular myocytes with 1 microgram of cholera toxin/ml or 500 microM-CPT-cAMP for 24 h did not increase cellular LPL activity or LPL released into the culture medium after a 40 min incubation with heparin. Therefore interventions that stimulate adenylate cyclase activity (forskolin, cholera toxin) or incubation with CPT-cAMP do not increase cellular LPL activity or promote the translocation of LPL to a heparin-releasable fraction in cardiac myocytes.
Chromogenic depsipeptide substrates for β-lactamases and penicillin-sensitive dd-peptidases
Authors: Adam M , Damblon C , Plaitin B , Christiaens L , Frère J M
Published: August 2015

Various ester and thioester derivatives of hippuric acid have been prepared which were substrates of both beta-lactamases and DD-peptidases. The thioesters were more rapidly hydrolysed by nearly all the enzymes. Surprisingly, the enzymes acted rather efficiently on substrates which did not contain any chiral centre.
Easy assembly of ligands for glycosidase affinity chromatography
Authors: Bernotas R C , Ganem B
Published: August 2015

An improved, high-yield synthesis of the corresponding N-carboxypentyl derivatives of three iminoalditol glycosidase inhibitors has been developed for affinity chromatography enzyme purification. Reductive amination of 1-deoxynojirimycin (or its D-manno or D-galacto analogues) with methyl 5-formylvalerate and NaBH3CN at neutral pH afforted an aminoester which upon hydrolysis with aqueous 5% HCl gave the desired aminoacid in 97% overall yield. These amino acids could then be covalently attached using water-soluble carbodi-imide to 6-aminohexyl Sepharose 4B.
Localization and partial characterization of ADP-ribosylation products in hearts from adult and neonatal rats
Authors: Piron K J , McMahon K K
Published: August 2015

The subcellular distributions of endogenous ADP-ribosylation products in hearts from 1-day-old neonatal and adult rats were investigated. In adult rat heart a 52 kDa mono-ADP-ribosylation product was identified in the plasma membrane fraction. In contrast, in neonatal rat heart a 130 kDa poly-ADP-ribosylation product was present in the nuclear fraction. The monomeric and polymeric nature of the two ADP-ribosylation products was determined by their sensitivity to thymidine and by analysis of their snake venom phosphodiesterase products. NADP+ enhanced both the mono- and polymeric reactions. The ADP-ribose-protein linkage of the adult 52 kDa product was stable to 1 h of treatment with hydroxylamine (0.5 M) and mercury ions, but was sensitive to alkali and a 12 h treatment with hydroxylamine (1 M). This is suggestive of an arginine linkage. The 130 kDa poly-ADP-ribosylation product from the neonatal rat heart was alkalilabile but stable to both hydroxylamine and HgCl2. This implies the presence of an unusual linkage in the 130 kDa product. The presence of these different ADP-ribosylation products in adult and neonatal rat hearts suggests the possible importance of these proteins and their ADP-ribosylation during cardiac development.
Hydrogen-bonding in enzyme catalysis. Fourier-transform infrared detection of ground-state electronic strain in acyl-chymotrypsins and analysis of the kinetic consequences
Authors: White A J , Wharton C W
Published: August 2015

I.r. difference spectra are presented for 3-(indol-3-yl)acryloyl-, cinnamoyl-, 3-(5-methylthien-2-yl)acryloyl-, dehydrocinnamoyl- and dihydrocinnamoyl-chymotrypsins at low pH, where the acyl-enzymes are catalytically inactive. At least two absorption bands are seen in each case in the ester carbonyl stretching region of the spectrum. Cinnamoyl-chymotrypsin substituted at the carbonyl carbon atom with 13C was prepared. A difference spectrum in which 13C-substituted acyl-enzyme was subtracted from [12C]acyl-enzyme shows two bands in the ester carbonyl region and thus confirms the assignment of the features to the single ester carbonyl group. The frequencies of the ester carbonyl bands are interpreted in terms of differential hydrogen-bonding. In each case a lower-frequency relatively narrow band is assigned to a productive potentially reactive binding mode in which the carbonyl oxygen atom is inserted in the oxyanion hole of the enzyme active centre. The higher-frequency band, which is broader, is assigned to a non-productive binding mode in each case, where a water molecule bridges from the carbonyl oxygen atom to His-57; this mode is equivalent to the crystallographically determined structure of 3-(indol-3-yl)acryloyl-chymotrypsin, i.e. the Henderson structure. A difference spectrum of dihydrocinnamoyl-chymotrypsin taken at higher pH shows resolution of a feature centred upon 1731 cm-1, which is assigned to a non-bonded conformer in which the carbonyl oxygen atom is not hydrogen-bonded. Perturbation of the protein spectrum in the presence of acyl groups is interpreted in terms of enhanced structural rigidity. It is reported that the ester carbonyl region of the difference spectrum of cinnamoyl-subtilisin is complicated by overlap of features that arise from protein perturbation. Measurements of carbonyl absorption frequencies in a number of solvents of the methyl esters of the acyl groups used to make acyl-enzymes have permitted determination of the apparent dielectric constants experienced by carbonyl groups in the enzyme active centre as well as a discussion of the effects of polarity. The ester carbonyl bond strengths of the various conformations were estimated by using simple harmonic oscillator theory and an empirical relation between the force constants and bond strengths. The fractional bond breaking induced by hydrogen-bonding was used to calculate rate enhancement factors by using absolute reaction rate theory.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Riboflavin-dependent expression of flavoenzymes of the nicotine regulon of Arthrobacter oxidans
Authors: Brandsch R , Bichler V
Published: August 2015

In cells of an Arthrobacter oxidans riboflavin-dependent mutant the specific activity of the DL-nicotine-inducible nicregulon enzymes nicotine dehydrogenase (NDH, EC 1.5.99.4), 6-hydroxy-L-nicotine oxidase (6-HLNO, EC 1.5.3.5) and 6-hydroxy-D-nicotine oxidase (6-HDNO, EC 1.5.3.6) was shown to be dependent on the supply of the vitamin in the growth medium. Experiments designed to identify at which level riboflavin directs the biosynthesis of these flavoenzymes revealed that the steady-state levels of enzyme protein analysed on Western blots correlated directly with riboflavin supply from the minimal concentration of 0.5 microns-riboflavin required for growth up to 8 microns-riboflavin. Mutant cells grown at the higher riboflavin concentration showed on dot-blots increased levels of RNA which hybridized to 32P-labelled probes derived from the nic-regulon genes. When cells grown at 2 microns-riboflavin were shifted to 8 microns-riboflavin, 6-HDNO expression increased as indicated by elevated enzyme and RNA levels. When the rates of synthesis of the 6-HDNO and 6-HLNO polypeptides after DL-nicotine induction was analysed in cells grown at 0.5 microns and 8 microns-riboflavin, only cells grown at the higher riboflavin concentration showed on Western blots an accumulation of the polypeptides. No 6-HDNO or 6-HLNO polypeptide was identified in cell extracts from cells grown on 0.5 microns-riboflavin. Pulse-chase experiments with [35S]methionine showed that 6-HDNO- and 6-HLNO synthesis was prevented in cells grown at the low riboflavin concentration. The absence of detectable enzyme levels seemed not to be caused by proteolytic breakdown. Incubation in vitro of apo-6HDNO with low- or high-riboflavin-grown-cell extracts showed no increased proteolytic activity in 0.5 microns-riboflavin-grown cells. From these results it is concluded that riboflavin supply co-regulates the expression of the nicregulon genes at the level of transcription and/or mRNA turnover.
Interaction of egg-white glycoproteins and their oligosaccharides with the monomer and the hexamer of chicken liver lectin. A multivalent oligosaccharide-combining site exists within the carbohydrate-recognition domain
Authors: Piskarev V E , Navrátil J , Karásková H , Bezouska K , Kocourek J
Published: August 2015

Binding of egg-white glycoproteins and their oligosaccharides to hexameric solubilized form of the chicken hepatic lectin and the monomeric soluble fragment containing the carbohydrate-recognition domain has been investigated by several techniques. Ligand blotting revealed significant differences in binding to two forms of the lectin only for glycoproteins bearing multiple N-linked oligosaccharide moieties in their molecule (riboflavin-binding glycoprotein, avidin or ovomucoid). Inhibition studies indicated that inhibitory potency in a series of linear and branched N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-terminated oligosaccharides is critically dependent on the number and spatial arrangement of the terminal monosaccharide residues for both forms of the lectin. Direct binding of 4-hydroxyphenyl-derivatized radioiodinated oligosaccharides measured by equilibrium dialysis and frontal affinity chromatography points to the existence of two N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-combining sites per one subunit of the lectin, as has been recently reported for the rabbit and rat liver lectin [Lee & Lee (1988) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 155, 1444-1452]. Highly branch (penta-antennary) oligosaccharides interact with more than one subunit of the hexameric form of the lectin and thus resemble the more complex interaction of the whole glycoprotein.
Expression and processing of procholecystokinin in a rat medullary thyroid carcinoma cell line
Authors: Ødum L , Rehfeld J F
Published: August 2015

A rat medullary thyroid carcinoma cell line, CA-77, was shown to express the cholecystokinin (CCK) gene. Measurements using a library of sequence-specific radioimmunoassays before and after enzymic treatment of extracts and chromatographic fractions showed that the cells contained 1.0 pmol of alpha-carboxyamidated cholecystokinins/10(6) cells, 0.4 pmol of glycine-extended intermediates/10(6) cells and 1.0 pmol of further C-terminal-extended pro-CCK/10(6) cells. Gel chromatography and reverse-phase h.p.l.c. revealed both sulphated and nonsulphated CCK-8 in the cells. The growth medium contained in addition alpha-amidated CCK-33, glycine-extended CCK-8 and pro-CCK. Exposure to 0.1 microM-dexamethasone for 6 days increased the cellular content and secretion of all of the described CCK peptides by 2-3-fold. The increase was first noted after 3 days of treatment. Monensin inhibited the synthesis of alpha-carboxyamidated CCK and the secretion of all of the CCK forms measured. Colchicine at a low concentration (0.2 mumol/l) apparently increased the synthesis and secretion of alpha-carboxyamidated CCK, whereas higher concentrations inhibited CCK synthesis. Finally, chloroquine inhibited the alpha-carboxyamidation of CCK. We conclude that the CA-77 cell line is a useful tool for studies of the expression and post-translational processing of pro-CCK.
Inhibition and recognition studies on the glutathione-binding site of equine liver glutathione S-transferase
Authors: D'Silva C
Published: August 2015

Equine liver glutathione S-transferase has been shown to consist of two identical subunits of apparent Mr 25,500 and a pl of 8.9. Kinetic data at pH 6.5 with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene as a substrate suggests a random rapid-equilibrium mechanism, which is supported by inhibition studies using glutathione analogues. S-(p-Bromobenzyl)glutathione and the corresponding N alpha-, CGlu- and CGly-substituted derivatives have been found, at pH 6.5, to be linear competitive inhibitors, with respect to GSH, of glutathione transferase. N-Acetylation of S-(p-bromobenzyl)glutathione decreases binding by 100-fold, whereas N-benzoylation and N-benzyloxycarbonylation abolish binding of the derivative to the enzyme. The latter effect has been attributed to a steric constraint in this region of the enzyme. Amidation of the glycine carboxy group of S-(p-bromobenzyl)glutathione decreases binding by 13-fold, whereas methylation decreases binding by 70-fold, indicating a steric constraint and a possible electrostatic interaction in this region of the enzyme. Amidation of both carboxy groups decreases binding significantly by 802-fold, which agrees with electrostatic interaction of the glutamic acid carboxy group with a group located on the enzyme.
The tertiary structure of a bacterial cellulase determined by small-angle X-ray-scattering analysis
Authors: Pilz I , Schwarz E , Kilburn D G , Miller R C , Warren R A J , Gilkes N R
Published: August 2015

CenA from Cellulomonas fimi is a β-1,4-endoglucanase that binds tightly to cellulose. X-ray-scattering analyses show that the enzyme is tadpole-shaped: the previously identified catalytic and cellulose-binding domains comprise the head and tail respectively. It appears that this structural and functional organization is common to several cellulases from bacteria and fungi.
Human hepatic N-acetylglutamate content and N-acetylglutamate synthase activity. Determination by stable isotope dilution
Authors: Tuchman M , Holzknecht R A
Published: August 2015

N-Acetyl-L-glutamate (N-acetylglutamate) content and N-acetylglutamate synthase activity ranges were established in human liver tissue homogenates by stable isotope dilution. The methods employ N-[methyl-2H3]acetyl[15N]glutamate as internal standard, extraction of N-acetylglutamate by anion-exchange technique and its determination by g.l.c.-mass spectrometry by using selected ion monitoring. Hepatic N-acetylglutamate content in 16 different human livers, normal in structure and function, ranged from 6.8 to 59.7 nmol/g wet wt. (25.0 +/- 13.4 mean +/- S.D.) or from 64.6 to 497.6 nmol/g of protein (223.2 +/- 104.2 mean +/- S.D.). In vitro, N-acetylglutamate synthase activity in liver tissue homogenate ranged from 44.5 to 374.5 (132.0 +/- 90.6 mean +/- S.D.) nmol/min per g wet wt. or from 491.7 to 3416.9 (1159.6 +/- 751.1 mean +/- S.D.) nmol/min per g of protein. No correlation was found between hepatic N-acetylglutamate concentrations and the respective maximal enzymic activities in vitro of N-acetylglutamate synthase. The marked variability in this system among individual livers may reflect its regulatory role in ureagenesis.
Glucose utilization by skeletal muscles in vivo in experimental hyperthyroidism in the rat
Authors: Sugden M C , Liu Y L , Holness M J
Published: August 2015

In the fed state, hyperthyroidism increased glucose utilization indices (GUIs) of skeletal muscles containing a lower proportion of oxidative fibres. Glycogen concentrations were unchanged, but active pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDHa) activities were decreased. Hyperthyroidism attenuated the effects of 48 h of starvation to decrease muscle GUI. Glycogen concentrations and PDHa activities after 48 h of starvation were low and similar in euthyroid and hyperthyroid rats. The increase in glucose uptake and phosphorylation relative to oxidation and storage in skeletal muscle induced by hyperthyroidism may contribute to increased glucose re-cycling in the fed hyperthyroid state and to glucose turnover in the starved hyperthyroid state.
Isolation of insulin-sensitive phosphatidylinositol-glycan from rat adipocytes. Its impaired breakdown in the streptozotocin-diabetic rat
Authors: Macaulay S L , Larkins R G
Published: August 2015

In this study an insulin-sensitive glycophospholipid from rat adipocytes was isolated and partially characterized. A material that activated pyruvate dehydrogenase was extracted from rat adipocyte membrane supernatants. Its release was stimulated by insulin and phosphatidylinositol-specific-phospholipase C and its activity was destroyed by nitrous acid deamination. These findings suggested that insulin might stimulate breakdown of a glycophospholipid containing inositol and glucosamine, as previously reported for some other cell types [Low & Saltiel (1988) Science 239, 268-275]. A lipid that incorporated [3H]glucosamine, [3H]galactose, [3H]inositol, and [3H]myristate and whose turnover was stimulated by insulin was subsequently isolated from intact adipocytes by sequential t.l.c. using an acidic solvent system followed by a basic solvent system. The effects of insulin on turnover of the lipid in these cells were transient, with maximal effects at 1 min, and there was a typical concentration-response curve to insulin (0.07 nM-7 nM), with effects being detected over the physiological range of insulin concentrations. In contrast with studies in other cells, there was appreciable turnover of the sugar labels. The majority of the [3H]glucosamine and [3H]galactose labels were cycled through to triacylglycerol in the adipocyte. However, of that recovered in the glycophospholipid band, a major proportion (less than 40%) was recovered as the native label. Digestion of the purified molecule with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C generated a material that activated both pyruvate dehydrogenase and low-Km cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. Impairment in insulin-stimulated breakdown of the molecule in adipocytes of streptozotocin-diabetic rats was found, consistent with the impaired insulin activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase and glucose utilization seen in this model. These findings suggest that insulin stimulates breakdown of this glycophospholipid by stimulating an insulin-sensitive phospholipase in adipocytes. This compound may serve a function as a precursor for intracellular insulin mediators.
Development of muscarinic-cholinergic stimulation of inositol phosphate production in cultured embryonic chick atrial cells. Evidence for a switch in guanine-nucleotide-binding protein coupling
Authors: Barnett J V , Shamah S M , Lassegue B , Griendling K K , Galper J B
Published: August 2015

We have demonstrated that muscarinic stimulation of inositol phosphate production in cultured atrial cells from chicks at 14 days in ovo is partially sensitive to inhibition by pertussis toxin. In these cells, muscarinic agonist binding is coupled to phospholipase C activity via at least two guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins), one sensitive to pertussis toxin and the other (Gp) insensitive to pertussis toxin [Barnett, Shamah, Lassegue, Griendling & Galper (1990) Biochem. J. 271, 437-442]. In the current study we demonstrate that during embryonic development of the chick heart, muscarinic stimulation of inositol phosphate production decreases by 50% between days 5 and 14 in ovo in cells cultured from both atrium and ventricle. In atrial cells, however, pertussis toxin-sensitive muscarinic stimulation of inositol phosphate production increased from undetectable levels at day 5 in ovo to 40% of total stimulation at day 12 in ovo. Muscarinic stimulation of inositol phosphate production in the ventricle did not become sensitive to pertussis toxin at any age studied. In permeabilized atrial cells from embryonic chicks at 5 days in ovo, guanosine 5′-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) stimulated InsP1 levels by 40 +/- 10% (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 3), InsP2 levels by 117 +/- 18% and InsP3 levels by 51 +/- 8%, suggesting that at day 5 in ovo all of the muscarinic-stimulated inositol phosphate production was coupled to phospholipase C via Gp. H.p.l.c. analysis demonstrated that, in spite of these changes in coupling of phospholipase C to different G-proteins, no changes could be demonstrated in the isomers of InsP3 produced in response to carbamylcholine at both days 5 and 14 in ovo. These data demonstrate that embryonic development of the chick atrium is associated with a switch in coupling of muscarinic receptors to phospholipase C from Gp to a pertussis toxin substrate. This developmental switch in coupling of G-proteins may be related to possible developmental switches in levels of muscarinic receptor isoforms or switches in the subtype of phospholipase C.
Primary structure and activity of mouse methylmalonyl-CoA mutase
Authors: Wilkemeyer M F , Crane A M , Ledley F D
Published: August 2015

Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MCM) is an adenosylcobalamin-dependent enzyme that catalyses isomerization between methylmalonyl-CoA and succinyl-CoA (3-carboxypropionyl-CoA). Genetic deficiency of this enzyme in man causes an often fatal disorder of organic acid metabolism termed mut methylmalonicacidaemia. We report cloning of a mouse MCM cDNA and the characterization of its primary structure and biological function. Mouse MCM in fibroblasts and crude liver extracts exhibits activity and reaction kinetics similar to those of the human enzyme. The predicted amino acid sequence of mouse MCM exhibits 94% identity with its human homologue and considerable identity with a prokaryotic MCM. Transfection of the mouse cDNA into cultured cells constitutes an active apoenzyme and can complement genetic deficiency of the apoenzyme in cells from patients with mut methylmalonicacidaemia. These results establish that mouse MCM is homologous to human MCM in structure and function and provides a basis for using the mouse as a model for studying this enzyme and its deficiency state.
Calreticulin is a candidate for a calsequestrin-like function in Ca2+-storage compartments (calciosomes) of liver and brain
Authors: Treves S , De Mattei M , Landfredi M , Villa A , Green N M , MacLennan D H , Meldolesi J , Pozzan T
Published: August 2015

In a search for the non-muscle equivalent of calsequestrin (the low-affinity high-capacity Ca2(+)-binding protein responsible for Ca2+ storage within the terminal cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum), acidic proteins were extracted from rat liver and brain microsomal preparations and purified by column chromatography. No calsequestrin was observed in these extracts, but the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the major Ca2(+)-binding protein of the liver microsomal fraction was determined and found to correspond to that of calreticulin. This protein was found to bind approx. 50 mol of Ca2+/mol of protein, with low affinity (average Kd approx. 1.0 mM). A monoclonal antibody, C6, raised against skeletal-muscle calsequestrin cross-reacted with calreticulin in SDS/PAGE immunoblots, but polyclonal antibodies reacted with native calreticulin only weakly, or not at all, after SDS denaturation. Immuno-gold decoration of liver ultrathin cryosections with affinity-purified antibodies against liver calreticulin revealed luminal labelling of vacuolar profiles indistinguishable from calciosomes, the subcellular structures previously identified by the use of anti-calsequestrin antibodies. We conclude that calreticulin is the Ca2(+)-binding protein segregated within the calciosome lumen, previously described as being calsequestrin-like. Because of its properties and intraluminal location, calreticulin might play a critical role in Ca2+ storage and release in non-muscle cells, similar to that played by calsequestrin in the muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Purification and characterization of 4-methylmuconolactone methylisomerase, a novel enzyme of the modified 3-oxoadipate pathway in the gram-negative bacterium Alcaligenes eutrophus JMP 134
Authors: Pieper D H , Stadler-Fritzsche K , Knackmuss H J , Engesser K H , Bruce N C , Cain R B
Published: August 2015

4-Carboxymethyl-4-methylbut-2-en-4-olide (4-methyl-2-enelactone) isomerase, transforming 4-methyl-2-enelactone to 3-methyl-2-enelactone, was purified from a derivative strain of Pseudomonas sp. B13, named B13 FR1, carrying the plasmid pFRC2OP. This plasmid contained the isomerase gene cloned from Alcaligenes eutrophus JMP 134, which uses 4-methyl-2-enelactone as a carbon source. The enzyme consists of a single peptide chain of Mr 40,000 as judged by SDS/PAGE. In addition to 4-methyl-2-enelactone, the putative reaction intermediate, 1-methyl-3,7-dioxo-2,6-dioxy-bicyclo[3.3.0]octane (1-methylbislactone), was a substrate for the enzyme, but kinetic data presented did not favour its role as a reaction intermediate. Isomeric methyl-substituted 4-carboxymethylbut-2-en-4-olides were neither substrates nor inhibitors. Possible reaction mechanisms are discussed.
Purification and properties of a 23 kDa Ca2+-binding protein from Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kelly L E
Published: August 2015

Recent reports have shown that there exists in mammalian brain a number of heat-stable Ca2(+)-binding proteins that are distinct from calmodulin [McDonald & Walsh (1985) Biochem. J. 232, 559-567]. We have attempted to characterize equivalent Ca2(+)-binding proteins from Drosophila. Affigel-phenothiazine chromatography, which can be used to purify calmodulin and other Ca2(+)-binding proteins, allowed the identification of a possible heat-stable 23 kDa Ca2(+)-binding protein. A purification procedure for this protein has been devised. Purified 23 kDa protein shows characteristics typical of a Ca2(+)-binding protein; there is a mobility shift on SDS/polyacrylamide gels in the presence of EGTA, and Western blotting, followed by the use of the 45Ca2+ overlay technique, confirms that the 23 kDa protein does bind Ca2+. 45Ca2+ binding studies indicate that this protein binds 1 mol of Ca2+/mol of protein, with Kd 1.9 microM. A single band with pI 5.2 is obtained on isoelectric focusing. Analysis of Western blots of Drosophila tissues probed with antibodies to the Ca2(+)-binding protein indicates that it has a widespread distribution, but is absent from muscle tissue. The antibodies also cross-react with a protein of identical molecular mass in extracts of sheep brain. The possible similarity between this Drosophila Ca2(+)-binding protein and mammalian proteins is discussed, and comparison is made between this Drosophila protein and other Ca2(+)-binding proteins purified from vertebrates.
Binding of the γ-subunit of retinal rod-outer-segment phosphodiesterase with both transducin and the catalytic subunits of phosphodiesterase
Authors: Cunnick J M , Hurt D , Oppert B , Sakamoto K , Takemoto D J
Published: August 2015

The gamma-subunit of retinal rod-outer-segment phosphodiesterase (PDE-gamma) is a multifunctional protein which interacts directly with both of the catalytic subunits of PDE (PDE alpha/beta) and the alpha-subunit of the retinal G (guanine-nucleotide-binding)-protein transducin alpha (T alpha). We have previously reported that the PDE gamma binds to T alpha at residue nos. 24-45 [Morrison. Rider & Takemoto (1987) FEBS Lett. 222, 266-270]. In vitro this results in inhibition of T alpha GTP/GDP exchange [Morrison, Cunnick, Oppert & Takemoto (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 11671-11681]. We now report that the inhibitory region of PDE gamma for PDE alpha/beta occurs at PDE gamma residues 54-87. This binding results in inhibition of either trypsin-solubilized or membrane-bound PDE alpha/beta. PDE gamma which has been treated with carboxypeptidase Y, removing the C-terminus, does not inhibit PDE alpha/beta, but does inhibit T alpha GTP/GDP exchange. Inhibition by PDE gamma can be removed by T alpha-guanosine 5′-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) addition to membranes. This results in a displacement of PDE gamma, but not in removal of this subunit from the membrane [Whalen, Bitensky & Takemoto (1990) Biochem. J. 265, 655-658]. These results suggest that low levels of T alpha-GTP[S] can result in displacement of PDE gamma from the membrane in vitro as a GTP[S]-T alpha-PDE gamma complex. Further activation by high levels of T alpha-GTP[S] occurs by displacement of PDE gamma from its inhibitory site on PDE alpha/beta, but not in removal from the membrane.
Characterization of a β-lactamase produced in Mycobacterium fortuitum D316
Authors: Amicosante G , Franceschini N , Segatore B , Oratore A , Fattorini L , Orefici G , Van Beeumen J , Frere J M
Published: August 2015

A beta-lactamase from Mycobacterium fortuitum D316 was purified and some physico-chemical properties and substrate profile determined. On the basis of its N-terminal sequence and of its sensitivity to beta-iodopenicillanate inactivation, the enzyme appeared to be a class A beta-lactamase, but its substrate profile was quite unexpected, since nine cephalosporins were among the eleven best substrates. The enzyme also hydrolysed ureidopenicillins and some so-called ‘beta-lactamase-stable’ cephalosporins.
Glycosaminoglycans inhibit formation of the 140 kDa insulin-like growth factor-binding protein complex
Authors: Baxter R C
Published: August 2015

The 140 kDa insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein complex in human serum consists of three subunits: an acid-labile, non-IGF-binding glycoprotein (alpha-subunit), an IGF-binding glycoprotein known as BP-53 or IGFBP-3 (beta-subunit), and IGF-I or IGF-II (gamma-subunit). This study investigates the regulation, by salt and glycosaminoglycans, of ternary (alpha-beta-gamma) complex formation, measured by incubating radioiodinated alpha-subunit with a mixture of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 and precipitating bound radioactivity with an anti-IGFBP-3 antiserum. Increasing NaCl concentrations progressively decreased ternary complex formation without any effect on binary (beta-gamma) complex formation. In 0.15 M-NaCl, the association constant for the ternary complex was 0.318 +/- 0.092 nM-1, 100-fold lower than that for the binary complex. Glycosaminoglycans also inhibited ternary complex formation without affecting the binary complex. Heparin [50% inhibition at 0.27 +/- 0.08 units/ml (1.5 +/- 0.4 micrograms/ml)] was more potent than heparan sulphate (50% inhibition at 15 +/- 7 micrograms/ml), with chondroitin sulphate even less potent. The inhibition by heparin was due principally to a decrease in binding affinity, from 0.604 +/- 0.125 to 0.151 +/- 0.024 nM-1 in the presence of 0.25 units of heparin/ml, with a slight decrease in the number of apparent binding sites from 1.05 +/- 0.08 to 0.85 +/- 0.15 mol of alpha-subunit bound/mol of beta-subunit. Since the ternary IGF-binding protein complex cannot cross the capillary barrier, it is proposed that a decrease in the affinity of the complex, mediated by circulating or cell-associated glycosaminoglycans, may be important in the passage of IGFs and IGFBP-3 to the tissues.
cDNA cloning of a 30 kDa erythrocyte membrane protein associated with Rh (Rhesus)-blood-group-antigen expression
Authors: Avent N D , Ridgwell K , Tanner M J A , Anstee D J
Published: August 2015

The Rh-blood-group antigens (often described as Rhesus antigens) are associated with erythrocyte membrane proteins of approx. 30 kDa. We have determined the N-terminal 54 amino acid residues of the 30 kDa Rh D polypeptide (D30 polypeptide). We used primers based on these sequence data and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on human reticulocyte cDNA and genomic DNA to clone two types of PCR product of identical size. The two PCR products had related translated amino acid sequences between the 3′ ends of the primers, one of which was identical with that found for the D30 polypeptide. We designate the two related mRNA species which gave rise to the PCR products as Rh30A and Rh30B, the latter corresponding to the D30 polypeptide. We have isolated cDNA clones for the Rh30A protein which encode a hydrophobic membrane protein of 417 amino acids. The Rh30A protein has the same N-terminal 41 amino acids as the D30 polypeptide, but beyond this point the sequence differs, but is clearly related. The Rh30A protein probably corresponds to the R6A32 polypeptide, another member of the Rh 30 kDa family of proteins, which may carry the C/c and/or E/e antigens. Hydropathy analysis suggests that the Rh30A protein has up to 12 transmembrane domains. Three of these domains are bordered by a novel cysteine-containing motif, which might signal substitutions at these cysteine residues. Information which supplements this paper (amino-acid-sequence-analysis histograms) is reported in Supplementary Publication SUP 50160 (4 pages), which has been deposited at the British Library Document Supply Centre, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1990) 265, 5.
Independent secretion of proteoglycans and collagens in chick chondrocyte cultures during acute ascorbic acid treatment
Authors: Pacifici M
Published: August 2015

The mechanisms regulating the secretion of proteoglycans and collagens in chondrocytes, in particular those operating at the level of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), are largely unknown. To examine these mechanisms, I studied the effects of acute ascorbate treatment on the secretion of two collagen types (types II and IX) and two proteoglycan types (PG-H and PG-Lb, the major keratan sulphate/chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan and the minor chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan respectively in cartilage) in scorbutic cultures of chick vertebral chondrocytes. I found that the scorbutic chondrocytes synthesized underhydroxylated precursors of types II and IX collagen that were secreted very slowly and accumulated in the RER. When the cultures were treated acutely with ascorbate, both macromolecules underwent hydroxylation within 1-1.5 h of treatment, and began to be secreted at normal high rates starting at about 2 h. Proteoglycan synthesis and secretion, however, remained largely unaffected by ascorbate treatment. Both the half-time of newly synthesized PG-H core protein in the RER and its conversion into completed proteoglycan were unchanged during treatment. Similarly, the overall rates of synthesis and secretion of both PG-H and PG-Lb remained at control levels during treatment. The data indicate that secretion of types II and IX collagen is regulated independently of secretion of PG-H and PG-Lb. This may be mediated by the ability of the RER of the chondrocyte to discriminate between procollagens and proteoglycan core proteins.
Annexin proteins PP4 and PP4-X. Comparative characterization of biological activities of placental and recombinant proteins
Authors: Römisch J , Grote M , Weithmann K U , Heimburger N , Amann E
Published: August 2015

The human placental proteins PP4 and PP4-X, belonging to the annexin protein family, were expressed in Escherichia coli at high yield. The proteins were purified to homogeneity. The physicochemical parameters of the recombinant proteins were determined and compared with those of their natural placental counterparts. Except for a minor change in the pI, the proteins appeared to be indistinguishable by several criteria. Both recombinant PP4 and recombinant PP4-X were biologically active in a thromboplastin inhibition test and in a phospholipase A2 inhibition test.
Activation of factor V during intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation. Inhibition by heparin, hirudin and d-Phe-Pro-Arg-Ch2Cl
Authors: Yang X J , Blajchman M A , Craven S , Smith L M , Anvari N , Ofosu F A
Published: August 2015

The validity of the hypothesis that Factor Xa activates Factor V in heparinized plasma was examined by establishing the temporal relationships between Factor V proteolysis and prothrombin consumption in plasma. Factor V was cleaved into Factor Va heavy chain (approx. 110 kDa) and an intermediate (approx. 230 kDa) 30 s after CaCl2 was added to contact-activated plasma (CAP). The larger fragment was converted into Factor V activation peptide (approx. 150 kDa) and Factor Va light chain (approx. 80 kDa) 15 s later. Heparin (approx. 0.05 microM) delayed Factor V proteolysis in CAP by at least 30 s. On supplementing CAP with 1 nM-Factor Xa or 1 nM-thrombin, Factor V was activated 15 s later. Heparin prolonged by 15 s and 45 s the time required to demonstrate Factor V activation in CAP supplemented with Factor Xa and thrombin respectively. Factor V was activated 20 s after tissue factor and CaCl2 were added to plasma, both in the absence and in the presence of approx. 0.05 microM-heparin. In contrast, hirudin and D-Phe-Pro-Arg-CH2Cl (two thrombin inhibitors more effective than heparin) delayed Factor V activation in this plasma by at least 30 s. The fragments of Factor V obtained in heparinized CAP suggest thrombin escapes inhibition and contributes to Factor V activation in that plasma. Production of Factor Va heavy chain and the 230 kDa Factor V fragment invariably preceded efficient prothrombin activation. These observations suggest that heparin, hirudin and D-Phe-Pro-Arg-CH2Cl delay Factor V activation by inhibiting thrombin. The availability of Factor Xa markedly moderates the ability of heparin to inhibit Factor V activation.
MgATP-dependent accumulation of calcium ions and inorganic phosphate in a liver reticular pool
Authors: Fulceri R , Bellomo G , Gamberucci A , Benedetti A
Published: August 2015

1. MgATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake by rat liver microsomal preparations and permeabilized hepatocytes was measured in the presence or absence of Pi. 2. Monitoring of free Ca2+ in incubation systems with a Ca2+ electrode in the presence of Pi (2-7 mM) revealed a biphasic Ca2+ uptake, with the onset of a second, Pi-dependent, Ca2+ accumulation. 3. Increasing Pi concentrations (up to 10 mM) caused a progressive enlargement of 45Ca2(+)-loading capacity of microsomal fractions. 4. As a result of Pi stimulation of active Ca2+ uptake, [32P]Pi and 45Ca2+ were co-accumulated. 5. Experiments with permeabilized hepatocytes revealed that the amount of Ca2+ releasable by myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate is unaffected by Pi.
Interaction of heparin with fibronectin and isolated fibronectin domains
Authors: Ingham K C , Brew S A , Atha D H
Published: August 2015

Fluorescence polarization, gel exclusion chromatography and affinity chromatography were used to characterize the interaction of heparins of different size with human plasma fibronectin (Fn) and several of its isolated domains. The fluid-phase interaction of Fn with heparin was dominated by the 30 kDa and 40 kDa Hep-2 domains located near the C-terminal ends of the A and B chains respectively. The 30 kDa Hep-2A domain from the heavy chain was indistinguishable from the 40 kDa Hep-2B domain in this respect; the presence of an additional type III homology unit in the latter had no effect on the binding. Evidence was provided that each Hep-2 domain has two binding sites for heparin. The N-terminal Hep-1 domain reacted weakly in fluid phase even though it binds strongly to immobilized heparin. Fn and Hep-2 fragments were rather undiscriminating in their reaction with fluoresceinamine-labelled heparins of different sizes. However, oligosaccharides smaller than the tetradecasaccharide (14-mer) bound Fn with a 5-10-fold lower affinity. These results suggest that the Hep-2 domains of Fn are able to recognize a broad spectrum of oligosaccharides that presumably vary significantly with respect to the amount and spatial distribution of charge.
Klebsiella pneumoniae nitrogenase. Mechanism of acetylene reduction and its inhibition by carbon monoxide
Authors: Lowe D J , Fisher K , Thorneley R N F
Published: August 2015

The electron flux through the MoFe-protein of nitrogenase from Klebsiella pneumoniae determines the absolute and relative rates of 2H+ reduction to H2 and acetylene (C2H2) reduction to ethylene (C2H4) at saturating levels of reductant (Na2S2O4) and MgATP. High electron flux, induced by a high Fe-protein (Kp2)/MoFe protein (Kp1) ratio, favours C2H2 reduction. These data can be explained if ethylene, the two-electron reduction product of C2H2, is not released until three electrons have been transferred from Kp2 to Kp1. This explanation is also consistent with a pre-steady-state lag phase for C2H4 formation of 250 ms observed when functioning enzyme is quenched with acid. Electron flux through nitrogenase is inhibited by C2H2 at high protein concentrations. This is because the association rate between Kp1 and oxidized Kp2 is enhanced by C2H2, leading to an increased steady-state concentration of the inhibitory complex Kp2oxKp1C2H2. This effect is not relieved by CO. Thus CO and C2H2 (or C2H4) must be bound at the same time to distinct sites, presumably at Mo or Fe centres, on the enzyme.