bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory antibodies to plasmalemmal Ca2+-transporting ATPases. Their use in subcellular localization of (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-dependent ATPase activity in smooth muscle
Authors: Verbist J , Wuytack F , Raeymaekers L , Casteels R
Published: August 2015

Antibodies directed against the purified calmodulin-binding (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase [(Ca2+ + Mg2+)-dependent ATPase] from pig erythrocytes and from smooth muscle of pig stomach (antral part) were raised in rabbits. Both the IgGs against the erythrocyte (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase and against the smooth-muscle (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase inhibited the activity of the purified calmodulin-binding (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase from smooth muscle. Up to 85% of the total (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity in a preparation of KCl-extracted smooth-muscle membranes was inhibited by these antibodies. The (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity and the Ca2+ uptake in a plasma-membrane-enriched fraction from this smooth muscle were inhibited to the same extent, whereas in an endoplasmic-reticulum-enriched membrane fraction the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity was inhibited by only 25% and no effect was observed on the oxalate-stimulated Ca2+ uptake. This supports the hypothesis that, in pig stomach smooth muscle, two separate types of Ca2+-transport ATPase exist: a calmodulin-binding ATPase located in the plasma membrane and a calmodulin-independent one present in the endoplasmic reticulum. The antibodies did not affect the stimulation of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity by calmodulin.
The effect of polar head group substitution on phospholipid methylation and the β-adrenergic response in C6 glial cells
Authors: McKenzie R C , Gillespie C S , Brophy P J
Published: August 2015

The membranes of intact C6 cells were enriched with phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine or phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine. These cells showed enhanced rates of phospholipid methylation but this was not accompanied by an increased β-adrenergic response. We conclude that phospholipid methylation is not coupled to the activation of adenylate cyclase in the β-adrenergic response of C6 glial cells.
Isolation of a cDNA clone for pea (Pisum sativum) seed lipoxygenase
Authors: Casey R , Domoney C , Nielsen N C
Published: August 2015

A lipoxygenase cDNA clone, pCD45, was identified in a Pisum sativum L. (pea) seed mRNA cDNA library by hybrid-release/translation followed by immunoprecipitation with antiserum raised against lipoxygenase from Glycine max L. (soya bean). pCD45 hybrid-selected an mRNA encoding the larger of the two polypeptides of Mr approximately 95 000 that were immunoprecipitated from cell-free translation products of pea seed poly(A)-containing RNA by the G. max anti-lipoxygenase. ‘Northern’-blot analysis showed the mRNA that hybridized to pCD45 to be approximately 3000 nucleotides in length. Three to five copies of the lipoxygenase gene corresponding to pCD45 were estimated to be present per haploid Pisum genome; hybridization of the cDNA insert from pCD45 to G. max DNA was also detected.
Early changes in inositol lipids and their metabolites induced by platelet-derived growth factor in quiescent Swiss mouse 3T3 cells
Authors: Hasegawa-Sasaki H
Published: August 2015

Inositol lipid turnover was studied in quiescent Swiss mouse 3T3 cells stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Stimulation of the cells by PDGF for 10 min at 37 degrees C induced the following changes in lipids: in cells prelabelled with [32P]Pi, a 28% decrease in [32P]phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, a 41% decrease in [32P]phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and a 1.7-fold increase in the 32P-labelling of phosphatidic acid; in cells prelabelled with [3H8]arachidonic acid, a 17.9-fold increase in [3H]phosphatidic acid, a 20% decrease in [3H]phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), an 8.6-fold increase in [3H]arachidonic acid released into the medium, a 57-fold increase in [3H]prostaglandin E2 in the medium, and a 5.3-fold increase in [3H]monoacylglycerol released into the medium (the last was identified as the 2-acyl derivative); in cells prelabelled with [2-3H]glycerol, a 1.7-fold increase in [3H]diacylglycerol, a 6.7-fold increase in [3H]phosphatidic acid, a 1.6-fold increase in [3H]lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPtdCho), a 9% decrease in [3H]PtdIns, and a 1.6-fold increase in [3H]monoacylglycerol released into the medium. PDGF stimulated the formation of inositol tris-, bis- and mono-phosphates in the cells prelabelled with myo-[2-3H]inositol. These results indicate that, in Swiss 3T3 cells stimulated by PDGF, diacylglycerol produced by the hydrolysis of inositol lipids is partly degraded to 2-acylglycerol and partly converted into phosphatidic acid. The increase in lysoPtdCho indicates that a portion of arachidonic acid released from the stimulated cells is formed by the hydrolysis of PtdCho with a phospholipase A2. Different values of half-maximal doses of the partially purified PDGF used in this study were found for the various responses of quiescent Swiss 3T3 cells to PDGF. The values for half-maximal doses suggest that activation of a fraction of the cell-surface receptor for PDGF is sufficient for mitogenesis and for an increase in the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration, and that the PGDF-stimulated lipid metabolism is probably proportional to the number of receptor sites activated by PDGF.
Effect of fructose 1-phosphate on the activation of liver glycogen synthase
Authors: Gergely P , Tóth B , Farkas I , Bot G
Published: August 2015

The activation (dephosphorylation) of glycogen synthase and the inactivation (dephosphorylation) of phosphorylase in rat liver extracts on the administration of fructose were examined. The lag in the conversion of synthase b into a was cancelled, owing to the accumulation of fructose 1-phosphate. A decrease in the rate of dephosphorylation of phosphorylase a was also observed. The latency re-appeared in gel-filtered liver extracts. Similar latency was demonstrated in extracts from glucagon-treated rats. Addition of fructose 1-phosphate to the extract was able to abolish the latency, and the activation of glycogen synthase and the inactivation of phosphorylase occurred simultaneously. Fructose 1-phosphate increased the activity of glycogen synthase b measured in the presence of 0.2-0.4 mM-glucose 6-phosphate. According to kinetic investigations, fructose 1-phosphate increased the affinity of synthase b for its substrate, UDP-glucose. The accumulation of fructose 1-phosphate resulted in glycogen synthesis in the liver by inducing the enzymic activity of glycogen synthase b in the presence of glucose 6-phosphate in vivo and by promoting the activation of glycogen synthase.
Structure and interactions of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix produced by cultured human fibroblasts
Authors: Johansson S , Hedman K , Kjellén L , Christner J , Vaheri A , Höök M
Published: August 2015

Subconfluent cultures of human embryonic skin fibroblasts were labelled with [35S]sulphate for 3 days, after which cell-free extracellular matrix was isolated. A chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG) and a heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG) were purified from the matrix. Chromatography on Sepharose CL-2B gave peak Kav. values of 0.35 and 0.38 respectively for the CSPG and the HSPG. The polysaccharide chains released from the two PGs were of similar size (Kav. 0.50 on Sepharose CL-4B). Approx. 50% of the CSPG showed affinity for hyaluronic acid (HA). However, it differed immunologically from the HA-aggregating CSPG of human articular cartilage, and had a larger core protein (apparent molecular mass 290 kDa) than had the cartilage PG. Neither metabolically [35S]sulphate-labelled PGs, isolated from the medium of fibroblast cultures, nor chemically 3H-labelled polysaccharides (HA, CS, HS and heparin) were incorporated into the extracellular matrix when added to unlabelled cell cultures. These results indicate that the matrix PGs are not derived from the PGs present in the medium and that an interation between polysaccharide chains and matrix components is not sufficient for incorporation of PGs into the matrix. Incubation of cell-free 35S-labelled matrix with unlabelled polysaccharides did not lead to the release of any 35S-labelled material, supporting this conclusion. Furthermore, so-called ‘link proteins’ were not present in the fibroblast cultures, indicating that the CSPGs were anchored in the matrix in a manner different from the link-stabilized association of CSPG with HA in chondrocyte matrix. The identification of a proteinase, secreted by fibroblasts in culture, that after activation with heparin has the ability to release 35S-labelled PGs from the matrix may also indicate that the core proteins are important for the association of the PGs to the matrix.
Abnormal minor human erythrocyte membrane sialoglycoprotein (β) in association with the rare blood-group antigen Webb (Wb)
Authors: Reid M E , Shaw M A , Rowe G , Anstee D J , Tanner M J
Published: August 2015

Individuals whose erythrocytes are positive for the rare blood-group antigen Webb (Wb) have an altered form of the minor sialoglycoprotein beta (synonyms glycophorin C and glycoconnectin). This altered sialoglycoprotein beta (beta Wb) has an Mr about 2700 lower than that of normal sialoglycoprotein beta. Treatment of normal sialoglycoprotein beta with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase F decreased its Mr by about 3600, but similar treatment of sialoglycoprotein beta Wb had no effect. These results suggest the possibility that sialoglycoprotein beta Wb lacks the N-glycosidically linked oligosaccharide found on normal sialoglycoprotein beta.
The inhibition of protein-lysine 6-oxidase by various lathyrogens. Evidence for two different mechanisms
Authors: Levene C I , Carrington M J
Published: August 2015

Lathyrogens decrease collagen and elastin cross-linking by inhibiting lysine oxidase. The lathyrogens isoniazid and semicarbazide decrease liver pyridoxal phosphate and are teratogenic; all their effects are reversed by pyridoxal. β-Aminopropionitrile, another lathyrogen, does not affect liver pyridoxal phosphate, and its lathyrogenic and teratogenic effects are not reversed by pyridoxal. Time courses of these effects differ greatly, suggesting enzyme inhibition by different mechanisms.
Effect of glutamine on fructose 2,6-bisphosphate and on glucose metabolism in HeLa cells and in chick-embryo fibroblasts
Authors: Mojena M , Bosca L , Hue L
Published: August 2015

Glutamine caused a dose-dependent decrease in fructose 2,6-bisphosphate concentration in both HeLa cells and chick-embryo fibroblasts. The effect was complete within 15 min in HeLa cells, but required more than 9 h in the fibroblasts. Half-maximal effects were obtained with 0.1-0.3 mM-glutamine. In chick-embryo fibroblasts, but not in HeLa cells, glutamine induced a time-dependent decrease in the activity of phosphofructokinase-2, which correlated with the decrease in fructose 2,6-bisphosphate. Glutamine decreased the glycolytic flux by about 25% only in chick-embryo fibroblasts. The difference in glycolytic response between the two types of cells might correspond to a difference in the sensitivity of phosphofructokinase-1 for fructose 2,6-bisphosphate. In HeLa cells, glutamine caused a 2-3-fold stimulation of the synthesis of glycogen, a 50% decrease in the concentration of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and a more than 80% decrease in the concentration of 5-phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate; the concentrations of hexose 6-phosphates and ATP were not affected.
Castanospermine inhibits glucosidase I and glycoprotein secretion in human hepatoma cells
Authors: Sasak V W , Ordovas J M , Elbein A D , Berninger R W
Published: August 2015

We studied the effect of the plant alkaloid castanospermine on the biosynthesis and secretion of human hepatoma glycoproteins. The HepG-2 cells, grown in the presence or absence of the alkaloid, were labelled with [2-3H]mannose and then the labelled glycopeptides were prepared by Pronase digestion. This material was analysed by gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-4 before and after treatment with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H. Castanospermine caused an accumulation of high-mannose oligosaccharides, by 70-75% over control. The major accumulated product, which could also be labelled with [3H]galactose and was only partially susceptible to alpha-mannosidase digestion, was identified by h.p.l.c. as a Glc3Man9GlcNAc. Thus the alkaloid inhibits glucosidase I in the human hepatoma cells. Analysis of total glycoproteins secreted by the cells into the medium revealed the presence of only complex oligosaccharides in both control and treated cultures, and the amount of the oligosaccharides labelled with radioactive mannose, galactose or N-acetylmannosamine, secreted by treated cells, was decreased by about 60%. The rate of secretion of total protein labelled with [35S]methionine and precipitated from the medium with trichloroacetic acid was inhibited by up to 40% in the presence of castanospermine. Pulse-chase studies utilizing [35S]methionine labelling were performed to study the effect of the alkaloid on secretion of individual plasma proteins. Immunoprecipitation at different chase times with monospecific antisera showed that castanospermine markedly decreased the secretion rates of alpha 1-antitrypsin, caeruloplasmin and, to a lesser extent, that of antithrombin-III. Secretions of apolipoprotein E, a glycoprotein containing only O-linked oligosaccharide(s), and albumin, a non-glycosylated protein, were not affected by the drug. It is suggested that castanospermine inhibits secretion of at least some glycoproteins containing N-linked oligosaccharides, owing to the inhibition of oligosaccharide processing.
Use of digitonin extraction to distinguish between autophagic-lysosomal sequestration and mitochondrial uptake of [14C]sucrose in hepatocytes
Authors: Gordon P B , Tolleshaug H , Seglen P O
Published: August 2015

In isolated rat hepatocytes, electroinjected [14C]sucrose is sequestered both by mitochondria and by autophagosomes/lysosomes. Radioactivity can be selectively extracted from the latter organelles by low concentrations of digitonin, thereby providing a specific bioassay for autophagic sequestration. By including a digitonin extraction step in the assay procedure, autophagic [14C]sucrose sequestration could be shown to be virtually completely (greater than 90%) suppressed by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (10 mM), whereas mitochondrial sugar uptake was unaffected. An amino acid mixture likewise suppressed autophagic sequestration very strongly, while having no detectable effect on the mitochondria.
Comparative study of glycophorin A derived O-glycans from human Cad, Sd(a+) and Sd(a-) erythrocytes
Authors: Blanchard D , Capon C , Leroy Y , Cartron J P , Fournet B
Published: August 2015

Glycophorin A was purified from the erythrocyte membranes of blood group Cad, Sd(a+) and Sd(a-) donors and the oligosaccharide alditols, obtained after alkaline borohydride degradation, separated by h.p.l.c. on an alkylamine silica gel column, were characterized by sugar analysis. Structure determination of the major acid components by methylation analysis, g.l.c.-m.s. and 1H-n.m.r. indicated that the three blood group Cad red cells under study (samples Cad., Bui. and Des.) carry the same pentasaccharide GalNAc(beta 1-4)[NeuAc(alpha 2-3)]Gal(beta 1-3)[NeuAc(alpha 2-6)]GalNAc -ol(Cad determinant) but in different amounts. This pentasaccharide, however, was absent from glycophorin A of Sd(a+) and Sd (a-) donors, suggesting that the Sda determinant is not associated with glycophorins. It was calculated that glycophorin A from the original Cad donor (Cad.) carries about 12 O-glycosidically linked pentasaccharide chains per molecule whereas only 2-3 of these chains were present in the samples from the two other unrelated Cad individuals (Bui. and Des.) It is well known from quantitative agglutination studies that the proportion of red cells which can be agglutinated by the Dolichos biflorus lectin varies from one Cad blood sample to another. Some are completely agglutinated (Cad. donor) whereas others are only partially agglutinated (Bui. and Des. donors) suggesting that some red cells might not carry the Cad determinants. From the results presented above and sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis studies it is suggested that Cad red cells from Bui. and Des. do not carry a mixture of glycophorin A molecules with or without the Cad pentasaccharides but a spectrum of glycoprotein molecules with varying amounts of Cad determinants.
Structural and functional analysis of the complement component factor H with the use of different enzymes and monoclonal antibodies to factor H
Authors: Alsenz J , Schulz T F , Lambris J D , Sim R B , Dierich M P
Published: August 2015

The action of six different enzymes on the function and structure of Factor H was investigated by use of sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, haemagglutination, two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay systems and an assay for Factor I cofactor activity. Six monoclonal antibodies directed against the 38 kDa tryptic fragment of Factor H [which contains the binding site for C3b (a 180 kDa fragment of the third component of complement) and the cofactor activity] were also used to detect cleavage products derived from the same fragment. Elastase, chymotrypsin A4 or trypsin first cleaved Factor H to 36-38 kDa fragments carrying all six monoclonal anti-(Factor H)-binding sites. In parallel, the interaction of Factor H with surface-bound C3b was lost, whereas the cofactor function was preserved. Further cleavage of the 36-38 kDa fragments into two 13-19 kDa fragments (one carrying the MAH4 and MRC OX 24 epitopes, the other the MAH1, MAH2, MAH3 and MRC OX 23 epitopes) destroyed cofactor activity. Pepsin, bromelain or papain rapidly split off a 13-15 kDa fragment of Factor H carrying the MAH1, MAH2, MAH3 and MRC OX 23 epitopes and destroyed all tested functions of Factor H. Ficin cleaved Factor H into disulphide-linked fragments smaller than 25 kDa, but did not affect the functions of the Factor H molecule. The 38 kDa tryptic fragment of Factor H is the N-terminal end of the Factor H molecule, as determined by N-terminal sequence analysis. A model is presented of the substructure of Factor H.
Interrelationship of active and latent secreted human cathepsin B precursors
Authors: Mort J S , Recklies A D
Published: August 2015

Two high-Mr forms of cathepsin B have been described previously, both of which are stable at alkaline pH, in contrast with the lysosomal proteinase. One form is latent and activated by pepsin treatment; the other form is active as measured with synthetic substrates. In the present study it was shown that the two forms are indistinguishable on the basis of molecular size as determined by gel-filtration chromatography or sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting. Both forms lose their alkali-stability upon exposure to Hg2+, and after Hg2+ treatment the latent form becomes immuneprecipitable by an antiserum that reacts only with denatured cathepsin B. Lysosomal cathepsin B is bound by the plasma proteinase inhibitor alpha 2-macroglobulin, a process that requires proteolytic cleavage of the inhibitor. In contrast, the stable active form of cathepsin B is not bound by this inhibitor unless this enzyme is first destabilized by Hg2+ treatment. These results indicate that cathepsin B exists in three different states of activity, completely latent, partially active and fully proteolytically active. To exhibit true endopeptidase activity it seems that the enzyme must be in an alkali-unstable form.
Activation of V1-receptors by vasopressin stimulates inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and arachidonate metabolism in human platelets
Authors: Siess W , Stifel M , Binder H , Weber P C
Published: August 2015

The activation of platelet V1-receptors by vasopressin (0.01-1 microM) induces the rapid formation of inositol phosphates, 1,2-diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid, indicating inositol phospholipid hydrolysis by phospholipase C. Vasopressin immediately induces the formation of inositol bisphosphate and inositol trisphosphate. Accumulation of inositol 1-monophosphate and inositol 4-monophosphate occurs later after a time lag of 15 s. Low concentrations (10-100 nM) of vasopressin only activate phospholipase C, whereas high concentrations (1 microM) induce activation of phospholipase C and subsequently the production of arachidonate metabolites. Cyclo-oxygenase metabolites are associated with further activation of phospholipase C, release reaction and irreversible platelet aggregation. Vasopressin requires for its action extracellular Mg2+, but not Ca2+. The described platelet changes are not induced by 1-desamino-[8-D-arginine]vasopressin, a V2-receptor agonist, and are blocked by a specific V1-receptor antagonist. The results indicate that platelets possess a V1-receptor that is coupled to polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis by phospholipase C, leading to the formation of 1,2-diacylglycerol and inositol trisphosphate. Those compounds may act as second messengers for platelet responses induced by vasopressin, whereas endoperoxides and thromboxane A2 stimulated by vasopressin may serve as amplifiers for platelet activation.
Chymopapain A. Purification and investigation by covalent chromatography and characterization by two-protonic-state reactivity-probe kinetics, steady-state kinetics and resonance Raman spectroscopy of some dithioacyl derivatives
Authors: Baines B S , Brocklehurst K , Carey P R , Jarvis M , Salih E , Storer A C
Published: August 2015

Chymopapain A was isolated from the dried latex of papaya (Carica papaya) by ion-exchange chromatography followed by covalent chromatography by thiol-disulphide interchange. The latter procedure was used to produce fully active enzyme containing one essential thiol group per molecule of protein, to establish that the chymopapain A molecule contains, in addition, one non-essential thiol group per molecule and to recalculate the literature value of epsilon 280 for the enzyme as 36 000 M−1 × cm −1. The Michaelis parameters for the hydrolysis of L-benzoylarginine p-nitroanilide and of benzyloxy-carbonyl-lysine nitrophenyl ester at 25 degrees C, and I 0.1 at several pH values catalysed by chymopapain A, papaya proteinase omega, papain (EC 3.4.22.2) and actinidin (EC 3.4.22.14) were determined. Towards these substrates chymopapain A has kcat./km values similar to those of actinidin and of papaya proteinase omega and significantly lower than those of papain or ficin. The environment of the catalytic site of chymopapain A is markedly different from those of other cysteine proteinases studied to date, as evidenced by the pH-dependence of the second-order rate constant (k) for the reaction of the catalytic-site thiol group with 2,2′-dipyridyl disulphide. The striking bell-shaped component that is a characteristic feature of the reactions of S-/ImH+ (thiolate/imidazolium) ion-pair components of many cysteine-proteinase catalytic sites with the 2,2′-dipyridyl disulphide univalent cation is not present in the pH-k profile for the chymopapain A reaction. The result is consistent with the presence of an additional positive charge in, or near, the catalytic site that repels the cationic form of the probe reagent. Resonance Raman spectra were collected at pH values 2.5, 6.0 and 8.0 for each of the following dithioacyl derivatives of chymopapain A: N-benzoylglycine-, N-(Beta-phenylpropionl)glycine- and N-methoxycarbonylphenylalanylglycine-. The main conclusion of the spectral study is that in each case the acyl group binds as a single population known as conformer B in which the glycinic N atom is in close contact with the thiol S atom of the catalytic-site cysteine residue, as is the case also for papain and other cysteine proteinases studied. Thus the abnormal catalytic-site environment of chymopapain A detected by the reactivity-probe studies, which may have consequences for the acylation step of the catalytic act, does not perturb the conformation of the bound acyl group at the acyl-enzyme-intermediate stage of catalysis.
The kinetics of bivalent metal ion dissociation from myosin subfragments
Authors: Bennett A J , Bagshaw C R
Published: August 2015

Bivalent metal ions have multiple roles in subunit association and ATPase regulation in scallop adductor-muscle myosin. To help elucidate these functions, the rates of Ca2+ and Mg2+ dissociation from the non-specific high-affinity sites on the regulatory light chains were measured and compared with those of rabbit skeletal-muscle myosin subfragments. Ca2+ dissociation had a rate constant of about 0.7 s-1 in both species, as measured by the time course of the pH change on EDTA addition. Mg2+ dissociation had a rate constant of 0.05 s-1, as monitored by its displacement with the paramagnetic Mn2+ ion. It is concluded that the exchange between Ca2+ and Mg2+ at the non-specific site, on excitation of both skeletal and adductor muscles, is too slow to contribute to the activation itself. The release of bivalent metal ions from the non-specific site is, however, the first step in release of the scallop regulatory light chain (Bennett & Bagshaw (1986) Biochem. J. 233, 179-186). In scallop myosin additional specific sites are present, which can bind Ca2+ rapidly, to effect activation of the ATPase. In the course of this work, Ca2+ dissociation from EGTA was studied as a model system. This gave rates of 1 s-1 and 0.3 s-1 at pH 7.0 and pH 8.0 respectively.
K+-stimulated p-nitrophenyl phosphatase is not a partial reaction of the gastric (H+ + K+)-transporting ATPase. Evidence supporting a new model for the univalent-cation-transporting ATPase systems
Authors: Ray T K , Nandi J
Published: August 2015

Studies with intact and lysed gastric microsomal vesicles demonstrate that there are two pNPP (p-nitrophenyl phosphate)-and one ATP-hydrolytic sites within the gastric H+, K+-ATPase [(H+ + K+)-transporting ATPase] complex. Whereas the ATPase site is located exclusively on the vesicle exterior, the pNPPase sites are distributed equally on both sides of the bilayer. Competition by ATP for the pNPPase reaction on the vesicle exterior suggests that both ATP and pNPP are hydrolysed at the same catalytic site present at the outside surface of the intact vesicles. However, a biphasic inhibition of the K+-pNPPase (K+-stimulated pNPPase) by ATP in the lysed vesicles suggest the pNPPase site of the vesicle interior to have very low affinity (Ki approximately equal to 1.2 mM) for ATP compared with the vesicle exterior (Ki approximately equal to 0.2 mM). Studies with spermine, which competes with K+ for the K+-pNPPase reaction without inhibiting the H+, K+-ATPase, suggest there are two separate K+ sites for the pNPPase reaction and another distinct K+ site for the ATPase reaction. In contrast with the K+ site for the ATPase, which is located opposite to the catalytic site across the bilayer, both the K+ and the catalytic site for the pNPPase are located on the same side. The data clearly demonstrate that the pNPPase is not a manifestation of the phosphatase step of the total H+, K+-ATPase reaction. The K+-pNPPase associated with the Na+, K+-ATPase also has properties strikingly similar to the gastric K+-pNPPase system, suggesting a resemblance in the basic operating principle of the two ion-transporting enzymes. A unified model has been proposed to explain the present data and many other observations reported in the literature for the ATPase-mediated transport of univalent cations.
Effects of the β-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline on insulin-sensitivity in soleus muscle of the rat
Authors: Challiss R A J , Lozeman F J , Leighton B , Newsholme E A
Published: August 2015

The interactions between a beta-adrenoceptor agonist (isoprenaline) and insulin on rates of hexose transport, glucose phosphorylation, glycogen synthesis and glycogenolysis were investigated in the incubated stripped soleus-muscle preparation of the rat. In the presence of 1 microM-isoprenaline, insulin was less effective in stimulating glucose phosphorylation and glycogen synthesis. The stimulation of glycogenolysis by isoprenaline was only slightly decreased even at high (10000 microunits/ml) concentrations of insulin. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of 2-deoxyglucose was decreased by isoprenaline. It is suggested that this decrease in the rate of glucose phosphorylation is caused by the observed elevated concentration of glucose 6-phosphate, which inhibits hexokinase activity. This conclusion is supported by the fact that isoprenaline had no effect on the stimulation of 3-O-methylglucose transport by insulin.
Structural analysis of the asparagine-linked oligosaccharides of human complement component C3
Authors: Hirani S , Lambris J D , Müller-Eberhard H J
Published: August 2015

The asparagine-linked oligosaccharides of human C3 were characterized. The C3 oligosaccharides were released by endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H and were analysed by lectin affinity chromatography and h.p.l.c. The released oligosaccharides bound tightly to concanavalin A-Sepharose and were not retained by agarose-bound wheat-germ agglutinin, indicating that they were only of high-mannose type. Two major oligosaccharide structures were separated from both the alpha- and beta-chains of C3 by h.p.l.c. on Micropak AX-5, calibrated with high-mannose-type oligosaccharides of known structures. The oligosaccharide structures on the alpha-chain have the compositions (Man)9(GlcNAc)2-Asn and (Man)8 (GlcNAc)2-Asn, and those on the beta-chain have the compositions (Man)6(GlcNAc)2-Asn and (Man)5(GlcNAc)2-Asn.
Detection of disulphide bonds and localization of interchain linkages in the third (C3) and the fourth (C4) components of human complement
Authors: Janatova J
Published: August 2015

Disulphide bonds contribute significantly to the maintenance of structural/functional integrity of many proteins. Therefore it was of interest to study the distribution and the effect of disulphides on conformation of complement components C3 and C4. These proteins are precursors of several fragments with various binding sites and distinct physiological functions. The constituents of C3c (beta, alpha 27, alpha 43) and those of C4c (beta, alpha 27, alpha 16, gamma) were investigated, since other fragments of C3 or C4 do not participate in interchain linkages. Inter-and intra-chain disulphide bonds in C3c and C4c were localized by using a modification of conventional SDS (sodium dodecyl sulphate)/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis such that the change in mobility of disulphide-bond-containing proteins can be detected throughout the transition from a non-reduced to a fully reduced state. Several forms of the alpha 43 fragment from C3, and of the gamma-chain of C4, with different mobilities can exist, depending on the number of intra-chain disulphide bonds reduced. The intermediates (heterodimers) generated by a partial reduction of C3c or C4c were characterized by two-dimensional SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis performed in the absence, then in the presence, of beta-mercaptoethanol. The inter-chain linkages in C3c were determined to be beta-alpha 27 and alpha 27- alpha 43, thus indicating the presence of only one interchain bond in C3. The two interchain bonds in C4c are beta-alpha 27 and alpha 16-gamma. The third interchain bond in C4 (alpha 27-gamma, tentative) remains to be determined.
Characterization of cuckoo-pint (Arum maculatum) mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatases
Authors: Dunn P P J , Slabas A R , Moore A L
Published: August 2015

The catalytic properties of cuckoo-pint (Arum maculatum) mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase have been analysed. The pH profile, effect of inhibitors, cold-stability and substrate specificity are characteristic of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatases, although a high guanosine triphosphatase activity does appear to be restricted to plant mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatases. The kinetic properties of nucleoside 5′-triphosphate hydrolysis by membrane-bound and soluble enzymes have been studied by means of double-reciprocal plots. These plots were linear in the absence of an activating anion, which may indicate that the catalytic and/or regulatory mechanism of Arum maculatum adenosine triphosphatase is different from that of other enzyme preparations. It is suggested that the differences in subunit composition of plant and mammalian adenosine triphosphatases reported previously [Dunn, Slabas & Moore (1985) Biochem. J. 225, 821-824] are structurally, rather than functionally, significant.
The effects of Mg2+ on certain steps in the mechanisms of the dehydrogenase and esterase reactions catalysed by sheep liver aldehyde dehydrogenase. Support for the view that dehydrogenase and esterase activities occur at the same site on the enzyme
Authors: Dickinson F M , Haywood G W
Published: August 2015

Stopped-flow experiments in spectrophotometric and fluorescence modes reveal different aspects of the aldehyde dehydrogenase mechanism. Spectrophotometric experiments show a rapid burst of NADH production whose course is not affected by Mg2+. The slower burst seen in the fluorescence mode is markedly accelerated by Mg2+. It is argued that the fluorescence burst accompanies acyl-enzyme hydrolysis and, therefore, that Mg2+ increases the rate of this process. Experiments on the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl propionate indicate that acyl-enzyme hydrolysis is indeed accelerated by Mg2+ and a combination of Mg2+ and NADH. Vmax. values for p-nitrophenyl propionate hydrolysis in the presence of NADH and NADH and Mg2+ agree closely with the specific rates of acyl hydrolysis from the E . NADH . acyl and E . NADH . acyl . Mg2+ complexes seen in the dehydrogenase reaction with propionaldehyde. These observations support the view that esterase and dehydrogenase activities occur at the same site on the enzyme. Other evidence is presented to support this conclusion.
Structural analysis of the major urinary oligosaccharides in feline α-mannosidosis
Authors: Abraham D , Daniel P , Dell A , Oates J , Sidebotham R , Winchester B
Published: August 2015

Two homologous series of urinary oligosaccharides were identified by h.p.l.c. and fast-atom-bombardment mass spectrometry in feline alpha-mannosidosis. The predominant series has the composition Man2-8GlcNAc2 and a minor series the composition Man2-9GlcNAc. The structure of the most abundant oligosaccharide, which accounts for over 80% of the urinary oligosaccharide, was shown to be alpha-D-Manp(1—3)[alpha-D-Manp-(1—6)]beta-D-Manp -(1—4)-beta-D-GlcpNA c-(1—4)-D-GlcNAc by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Such a structure is consistent with the incomplete catabolism of complex N-linked glycans due to a deficiency of alpha-D-mannosidase in tissue lacking an endohexosaminidase activity.
Elastinolytic activity of human cathepsin L
Authors: Mason R W , Johnson D A , Barrett A J , Chapman H A
Published: August 2015

The hydrolysis of a tritiated elastin substrate by the human cysteine proteinases cathepsins B and L has been studied. Cathepsin L was found to be at least 100-fold more active on this substrate than cathepsin B. The specific activity of cathepsin L at pH 5.5 for hydrolysis of elastin was about the same as that of pig pancreatic elastase at its optimum pH of 8.8.
Desensitization and antagonism of vasopressin-induced phosphoinositide metabolism and elevation of cytosolic free calcium concentration in human platelets
Authors: Pollock W K , MacIntyre D E
Published: August 2015

The receptor mechanisms underlying vasopressin-induced human platelet activation were investigated with respect to stimulation of phosphoinositide metabolism and changes in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Vasopressin stimulated phosphoinositide metabolism, as indicated by the early formation of [32P]phosphatidic acid ([32P]PtdA) and later accumulation of [32P]phosphatidylinositol ([32P]PtdIns). In addition, vasopressin elicited a transient depletion of [glycerol-3H]PtdIns and accumulation of [glycerol-3H]PtdA. The effects of vasopressin on phosphoinositide metabolism were concentration-dependent, with half maximal [32P]PtdA formation occurring at 30 +/- 15 nM-vasopressin. In the presence of 1 mM extracellular free Ca2+, vasopressin induced a rapid, concentration-dependent elevation of [Ca2+]i in quin2-loaded platelets: half-maximal stimulation was observed at 53 +/- 20 nM-vasopressin. The V1-receptor antagonist [1-(beta-mercapto-beta, beta-cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid),2-(O-methyl)tyrosine,8-arginine]-vasopressin selectively inhibited vasopressin (100 nM)-induced [32P]PtdA formation [I50 (concn. giving 50% inhibition) = 5.7 +/- 2.4 nM] and elevation of [Ca2+]i (I50 = 3 +/- 1.5 nM). Prior exposure of platelets to vasopressin rendered them unresponsive, in terms of [32P]PtdA formation and elevation of [Ca2+]i, to a subsequent challenge with vasopressin, but responsive to a subsequent challenge with U44069, a thromboxane-A2 mimetic. These results indicate that vasopressin-induced human platelet activation is initiated by combination with specific V1 receptors on the platelet, and that the sequelae of receptor occupancy (stimulation of phosphoinositide metabolism and elevation of [Ca2+]i) are equally susceptible to inhibition by receptor antagonists and by receptor desensitization.
Human liver sulphamate sulphohydrolase. Determinations of native protein and subunit Mr values and influence of substrate agylcone structure on catalytic properties
Authors: Freeman C , Hopwood J J
Published: August 2015

Human sulphamate sulphohydrolase was purified at least 20,000-fold to homogeneity from liver with a three-step four-column procedure, which consisted of a concanavalin A-Sepharose/Blue A agarose coupled step, and Bio-Gel HT step and then a CM-Sepharose step. The procedure was also used to purify enzyme from kidney and placenta. The subunit Mr of liver, kidney and placenta sulphamate sulphohydrolase was assessed to be 56,000 by using SDS/polacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. The native protein Mr of enzyme from all three tissue sources was assessed by gel-permeation chromatography to be approx. 120,000 on Sephacryl S-300 and 100,000 on Fractogel TSK. It is probable that the native enzyme results from dimerization of subunits. Kinetic parameters (km and kcat.) of human liver sulphamate sulphohydrolase were determined with a variety of substrates matching structural aspects of the physiological substrates in vivo, namely heparin and heparan sulphate. More structurally complex substrates, in which several aspects of the aglycone structure of the natural substrate were maintained, are turned over up to 372000 times faster than the monosaccharide substrate 2-sulphaminoglucosamine. Aglycone structures that influence substrate binding and/or enzyme activity were penultimate-residue C-6 carboxy and C-2 sulphate ester groups and a post-penultimate 2-sulphaminoglucosamine residue. The C-4 hydroxy group of the 2-sulphaminoglucosamine under enzymic attack is involved in binding of substrate to enzyme. The presence of C-6 sulphate ester on the non-reducing end 2-sulphaminoglucosamine stimulates sulphamate bond hydrolysis and substrate affinity if the adjacent monosaccharide residue is idose or 2-sulphoidose, but strongly inhibits hydrolysis if the adjacent monosaccharide residue is iduronic acid. Sulphamate sulphohydrolase is an exoenzyme, since activity toward internal sulphamate bonds was not detected. The effect of incubation pH on enzyme activity towards the variety of substrates evaluated was complex and dependent on substrate aglycone structure. The presence of aglycone C-2 sulphate ester and aglycone C-6 carboxy groups and C-6 sulphate ester groups on the 2-sulphaminoglucosamine residue under attack considerably affect the pH response. Structurally complex substrates had two pH optima. Incubation temperature and buffer ionic strength markedly influenced pH optima and enzyme activity. Cu2+ and SO4(2-)ions are potent inhibitors of enzyme activity.
Response of tissue diamine oxidase activity to polyamine administration
Authors: Perin A , Sessa A , Desiderio M A
Published: August 2015

The administration to rats of putrescine (750 mumol/kg body wt.) caused in liver, kidney and heart an increase in putrescine at 1 h and in diamine oxidase (EC 1.4.3.6) activity within 3-6 h. An increase in spermidine was observed at 9 h in liver and at 6 h in kidney, whereas in heart there was no change. The increase in diamine oxidase activity by exogenous putrescine was prevented by the administration of actinomycin D and cycloheximide, suggesting that syntheses of mRNA and protein are involved. Equimolar doses of 1,3-diaminopropane, 1,5-diaminopentane and monoacetylputrescine stimulated, similarly to putrescine, hepatic, renal and cardiac diamine oxidase activity. After the injection of a non-toxic dose of spermidine (750 mumol/kg body wt.), the increase in diamine oxidase activity occurred at 9 h in all the tissues studied, when a substantial putrescine formation from spermidine occurred. sym-Norspermidine, which is unable to form putrescine, did not cause an increase in enzyme activity. The possibility that the tissue contents of putrescine might regulate diamine oxidase activity is discussed.
Catalytic unit-independent phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of type II regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase in rat liver plasma membranes
Authors: Kiss Z , Luo Y , Vereb G
Published: August 2015

Rat liver plasma membranes contain a 55 kDa protein which proved to be identical with type II regulatory subunit (RII) of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (kinase A) by several criteria (gel electrophoretic behaviour, peptide map, position of the autophosphorylated site). Analysis of phosphopeptide maps revealed that the membrane-bound RII was phosphorylated by a kinase which is unrelated to the catalytic unit (C) of kinase A. Dephosphorylation of the membrane-bound RII by an endogenous phosphatase was stimulated by both cyclic AMP and fluoride. Addition of C did not stimulate dephosphorylation even in the presence of ADP; moreover, protein inhibitor of C did not modify the effects of cyclic AMP or fluoride. The effects of both cyclic AMP and fluoride were, however, inhibited by C. Results indicate that rat liver plasma membranes contain a phosphorylation-dephosphorylation system for which RII is a relatively specific substrate.
Glycoprotein Ibβ is the only phosphorylated major membrane glycoprotein in human platelets
Authors: Wyler B , Bienz D , Clemetson K J , Luscher E F
Published: August 2015

Platelets were metabolically labelled with 32P and the phosphoproteins examined by two-dimensional non-reduced/reduced gel electrophoresis and isoelectric-focusing/gel electrophoresis. Comparison with similar separations of surface-labelled platelets showed that the only major glycoprotein which is phosphorylated is the beta-subunit of glycoprotein Ib, indicating that this subunit contains a cytoplasmic segment. The identification was confirmed using immunoblotting with an antibody to the beta-subunit. Phosphoserine was the principal phosphorylation site, with some phosphothreonine, but phosphotyrosine was absent. No quantitative or qualitative differences could be detected in the phosphorylation of glycoprotein Ib beta from resting or activated platelets. These results exclude changes in phosphorylation of the major platelet membrane glycoproteins as a method of signal transmission by these receptors.
T-cell recognition of human haemoglobin. Localization of the full T-cell recognition profile of the β-chain by a comprehensive synthetic strategy
Authors: Yoshioka M , Yoshioka N , Atassi M Z
Published: August 2015

This paper reports the localization of the regions on the beta-chain that are recognized by T cells from mice immunized with haemoglobin. The 14 overlapping peptides encompassing the entire beta-chain were examined in vitro for their ability to stimulate lymph-node cells from haemoglobin-primed B10.D2 (H-2d) and SJL (H-2s) mice. Several regions of the molecule (T sites) were found to stimulate haemoglobin-primed lymph-node cells. This strategy has enabled the localization of the full profile of T-cell recognition of the beta-chain by these mouse strains. Some of the regions that stimulated T cells appeared to coincide with those recognized by antibodies (i.e. B cells). It is noteworthy that, in addition to sites recognized by both T and B cells, the protein has other sites that are recognized exclusively by T cells and to which no detectable antibody response is directed.
Binding of heparin to human platelet factor 4
Authors: Cowan S W , Bakshi E N , Machin K J , Isaacs N W
Published: August 2015

Platelet factor 4 is a small protein (Mr 7756) from the alpha-granules of blood platelets which binds strongly to and neutralizes the anticoagulant properties of heparin. From an analysis of X-ray crystallographic data a model for the binding of platelet factor 4 to heparin is proposed.
Phosphorylation of fibrinogen by casein kinase 2
Authors: Guasch M D , Plana M , Pena J M , Itarte E
Published: August 2015

Casein kinase 2 from rat liver cytosol phosphorylated human fibrinogen in a reaction that was not stimulated by Ca2+ or cyclic AMP, but was markedly inhibited by heparin, and proceeded at a similar rate when either ATP or GTP was used as phosphate donor. Analysis of casein kinase 2 by glycerol-density-gradient centrifugation showed that the activities towards fibrinogen, casein, phosvitin, high-mobility-group protein 14 and glycogen synthase coincided. Maximal incorporation into fibrinogen by casein kinase 2 averaged 1 mol of phosphate/mol of protein substrate, most of it in the alpha-chain, although some phosphorylation of the beta-chain was also detected. Analysis of phosphorylated alpha-chain revealed that most of the phosphate was incorporated on serine. Phosphorylation of human fibrinogen was also performed by casein kinase 2 from human polymorphonuclear leucocytes, lymphocytes and platelets.
Binding of peptides that are specified by complementary RNAs
Authors: Blalock J E , Bost K L
Published: August 2015

An interesting pattern in the genetic code was reported previously [Blalock & Smith (1984) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 121, 203-207]. In the 5′-to-3′ direction, codons for hydrophilic and hydrophobic amino acids are generally complemented by codons for hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids respectively. The average tendency of codons for ‘unchanged’ (slightly hydrophilic) amino acids was to be complemented by codons for ‘unchanged’ amino acids. We now show that the same pattern results when the complementary codon is read in the 3′-to-5′ direction. This pattern is further shown to result in the interaction of peptides specified by complementary RNAs regardless of whether the amino acids are assigned in the 5′-to-3′ or the 3′-to-5′ direction. Here we demonstrate that peptides specified by complementary RNAs bind to each other with specificity and high affinity.