Interactions of manganese(II) and small ligands with Busycon canaliculatum hemocyanin

Cyanide (5 X 10(-3) M) and thioacetamide (5 X 10(-3) M) increase the P50 values (P02 required for 50% oxygenation) of hemocyanin by 100%, respectively. Using an ion-exchange method involving 14CN-, we have found that cyanide forms a 1:1 complex with hemocyanin in the concentration range examined: Kf = 2.3 X Mw M-1 at room temperature, where Kf is association constant and Mw is molecular weight of hemocyanin. This strong binding of cyanide to hemocyanin is to be expected from the effect of this ion on the oxygenation of hemocyanin. The effects of manganese(II) ion and fluoride on the oxygenation of hemocyanin are found to be weak. The nmr measurements, however, suggest that manganese(II) ion does have some interactions with the active site of hemocyanin.     

Unusual structural characteristics and complete amino acid sequence of a protease inhibitor from Phaseolus acutifolius seeds.

Two isoforms of a protease inhibitor were isolated by ion-exchange chromatography of tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius G.) seed proteins. The main isoform was used to determine the amino acid sequence of the protein. It is an 80 amino acid residue protein with a molecular mass of 8765 Da, showing sequence homology with the Bowman-Birk family of protease inhibitors. Several regions with amino acid microheterogeneity were found, corroborating the possible presence of isoforms. Mass spectrometry analysis was carried out to confirm isoforms. The presence of dimer and trimer forms of the inhibitor was shown through electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Another unusual characteristic for this inhibitor was its ability to bind metals. The presence of four sequential histidines at the N-terminal end of the protein could account for this binding. Mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy support the presence of calcium in the native inhibitor.     

Quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry of the native hemocyanin of the deep-sea crab Bythograea thermydron

Since electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) has demonstrated capabilities for observing intact, weak interactions, there has been increasing interest in studying by this method noncovalently bound complexes. In this communication, we report for the first time the structure obtained by a commercial ESI quadrupole time-of-flight spectrometer on a native hemocyanin of deep-sea crab Bythograea thermydron with a molecular mass of 1.3 MDa. ESI-MS analysis of the native hemocyanin revealed the formation of a 18-mer noncovalent assembly with a measured molecular mass of 1354940 +/- 480 Da. ESI-MS data also revealed that this huge structure is an equilibrium with several assemblages, dodecamer (measured molecular weight = 902570 +/- 110 Da), hexamer (measured molecular weight = 450310 +/- 260 Da), and monomeric structures (measured molecular weight = 74999 +/- 85 Da).     

Evidence for more than two metallothionein isoforms in primates

Two isoforms of metallothionein (MT) have in general been identified in mammalian cells. We have analyzed Cd2+-induced MTs of primate origin and demonstrated the presence of more than two isoforms. Four low molecular weight Cd2+-binding proteins were separated from Cd2+-exposed HeLa cells by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography and identified as MTs by amino acid analysis. These were carboxymethylated and analyzed by electrophoresis under denaturing conditions. Three of these proteins were found to be distinct molecules. We also analyzed hepatic MTs from Cd2+-exposed rhesus monkeys, which have previously been partially separated. In this case, five distinct isomers were detected.     

Structure and function of the carboxyl-terminal oxygen-binding domain from the subunit of Octopus dofleini hemocyanin

The C-terminal domain, Od-1, of the 7-domain subunit of Octopus dofleini hemocyanin has been prepared by partial trypsinolysis followed by ion-exchange chromatography. It binds oxygen reversibly and is homogeneous in molecular weight. Its physical properties have been compared with those of the subunit. The domain molecular weight is found by sedimentation equilibrium to be 4.7 X 10(4), in excellent agreement with the result recently obtained in our laboratory from cDNA sequencing of this domain [Lang, W. H. (1988) Biochemistry (preceding paper in this issue)]. It has a sedimentation coefficient of 3.8 S. Both the molecular weight and sedimentation coefficient are consistent with the domain constituting approximately one-seventh of the Mr 3.5 X 10(5) subunit. Its amino acid composition and carbohydrate content differ significantly from that of the whole subunit, confirming the heterogeneity in domains previously established on an immunological basis. Circular dichroism predicts similar secondary structure for the domain and subunit. The domain does not self-associate in the presence of Mg2+ but does bind to the whole molecule in a ratio of approximately 1 domain/subunit. The oxygen affinity of this domain is quite low. It shows intrinsic magnesium and Bohr effects similar to those of the whole molecule but of greatly reduced magnitude.     

Hemocyanin in the exoskeleton of crustaceans: enzymatic properties and immunolocalization

We investigated the enzymatic properties and immunohistochemical localization of cuticular hemocyanin, a known oxygen transporter in the prawn Penaeus japonicus. The molecular weight of hemocyanin purified from the cuticle was estimated to be 67-77 k using SDS-PAGE, and the purified protein was effectively converted into a phenoloxidase-like enzyme by an SDS-treatment. The activated enzyme catalyzed the o-hydroxylation of monophenols and the oxidation of o-diphenols and was inhibited by typical inhibitors of phenoloxidase. These characteristics were nearly identical to the enzymatic properties of hemolymph hemocyanin. Immunological detection showed a diffuse distribution of hemocyanin over the exocuticle and endocuticle, and a higher signal level was observed in the latter. Based on these results, roles of hemocyanin in various physiological processes such as immune response and sclerotization of the cuticle were discussed.     

Purification, Spectroscopic Characterization and o-Diphenoloxidase Activity of Hemocyanin from a Freshwater Gastropod: Pila globosa

Hemocyanins are multi-subunit oxygen carrier proteins, found in select species of arthropoda and mollusca. Here, we have purified native hemocyanin from Pila globosa, a freshwater gastropod, verified using mass spectrometry and determined its molecular weight, secondary structure and the spectral properties, using Ultraviolet/visible, Fourier transform infra-red and Circular dichroism spectroscopy. Our results reveal the oligomeric and glycosylated nature of the protein, comprising of 400 kDa subunits, organized predominantly into a thermo-stable, alpha-helical conformation. Further, biochemical assays confirm catecholoxidase-like activity in hemocyanin, which has been used to develop a first-generation optical sensor, for the detection of phenols.     

The cDNA sequence of three hemocyanin subunits from the garden snail Helix lucorum

Hemocyanins are blue copper containing respiratory proteins residing in the hemolymph of many molluscs and arthropods. They can have different molecular masses and quaternary structures. Moreover, several molluscan hemocyanins are isolated with one, two or three isoforms occurring as decameric, didecameric, multidecameric or tubule aggregates. We could recently isolate three different hemocyanin isopolypeptides from the hemolymph of the garden snail Helix lucorum (HlH). These three structural subunits were named α_D-HlH, α_N-HlH and β-HlH. We have cloned and sequenced their cDNA which is the first result ever reported for three isoforms of a molluscan hemocyanin. Whereas the complete gene sequence of α_D-HlH and β-HlH was obtained, including the 5′ and 3′ UTR, 180 bp of the 5′ end and around 900 bp at the 3′ end are missing for the third subunit. The subunits α_D-HlH and β-HlH comprise a signal sequence of 19 amino acids plus a polypeptide of 3409 and 3414 amino acids, respectively. We could determine 3031 residues of the α_N-HLH subunit. Sequence comparison with other molluscan hemocyanins shows that α_D-HlH is more related to Aplysia californicum hemocyanin than to each of its own isopolypeptides. The structural subunits comprise 8 different functional units (FUs: a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h) and each functional unit possesses a highly conserved copper-A and copper-B site for reversible oxygen binding. Potential N-glycosylation sites are present in all three structural subunits. We confirmed that all three different isoforms are effectively produced and secreted in the hemolymph of H. lucorum by analyzing a tryptic digest of the purified native hemocyanin by MALDI-TOF and LC-FTICR mass spectrometry.     

Low-resolution structure of the proteolytic fragments of the Rapana venosa hemocyanin in solution

Rapana venosa hemocyanin (Hc) is a giant oxygen-binding protein consisting of different subunits assembled in a hollow cylinder. The polypeptide chain of each subunit is believed to be folded in several oxygen-binding functional units of molecular mass 50 kDa, each containing a binuclear copper active site. Limited proteolysis with alpha-chymotrypsin of native R. venosa hemocyanin allows the separation of three functional proteolytic fragments with molecular masses of approximately 150, 100, and 50 kDa. The functional fragments, purified by combining gel filtration chromatography and ion-exchange FPLC, were analyzed by means of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The gyration radius of the 50-kDa Rapana Hc fraction (2.4 nm) agrees well with that calculated on the basis of the dimensions determined by X-ray crystallography for one functional unit of Octopus Hc (2.1 nm). Independent shape determination of the 50- and 100-kDa proteolytic fragments yields consistent low-resolution models. Simultaneous fitting of the SAXS data from these fragments provides a higher-resolution model of the 100-kDa species made of two functional units tilted with respect to each other. The model of the 150-kDa proteolytic fragment consistent with the SAXS data displays a linear chain-like aggregation of the 50-kDa functional units. These observations provide valuable information for the reconstruction of the three-dimensional structure of the minimal functional subunit of gastropod hemocyanin in solution. Furthermore, the spatial relationships among the different functional units within the subunit will help in elucidation of the overall quaternary structure of the oligomeric native protein.     

Physical investigations of the hemocyanin of the chiton, Cryptochiton stelleri (Middendorff)

The hemocyanin of the giant Pacific chiton, Cryptochiton stelleri has a molecular weight of 4.2 +/- 0.3 X 10(6), determined by light-scattering, and a sedimentation coefficient of 60S. The fully dissociated subunits in nondenaturing solvents, at pH 10.6, 1 X 10(-2)M EDTA and in 8.0 M urea, pH 7.4 have molecular weights of 4.10 X 10(5) and 4.35 X 10(5), close to one-tenth of the molecular mass of the parent hemocyanin decamers. In the pH region from about 3.5 to 11 the molecular weight (Mw), determined at constant protein concentration of 0.10 g1(-1) exhibits a bell-shaped molecular weight profile centering about the physiological pH of the hemolymph of 7.2. The pH-Mw profile is best accounted for in terms of a three state, decamer-dimer-monomer dissociation scheme. Analysis of the Mg2+ and Ca2+ effects on the molecular weight transitions suggest stabilization of the hemocyanin decamers through one bound divalent ion per hemocyanin monomer or dimer. Urea, GdmCl, and the higher members of the chaotropic salt series are effective dissociating agents for Cryptochiton stelleri hemocyanin. The dissociation profile obtained with urea at pH 8.5, 0.01 M Mg2+, 0.01 M Ca2+ has been analyzed in terms of both the two- and three-species schemes of subunit-dissociation. Hydrophobic stabilization of the subunit contacts is suggested by the large number of apparent amino acid groups (Napp), of the order of 30 between dimers stabilizing the decamers, and 120 apparent amino acid groups between each monomer forming the constituent dimers.     

Developmental expression of two Haliotis asinina hemocyanin isoforms

Hemocyanins are large copper-containing respiratory proteins that play a role in oxygen transport in many molluscs. In some species only one hemocyanin isoform is present while in others two are expressed. The physiological relevance of these isoforms is unclear and the developmental and tissue-specific expression of hemocyanin genes is largely unknown. Here we show that two hemocyanin genes in the gastropod Haliotis asinina, which encode H. asinina hemocyanin (HaH1) and HaH2 isoforms, are developmentally expressed. These genes initially are expressed in a small number of mesenchyme cells at trochophore and pre-torsional veliger stages, with HaH1 expression slightly preceding HaH2. These cells largely are localized to the visceral mass, although a small number of cells are present in head and foot regions. Following metamorphosis the isoforms show overlapping as well as isoform-specific expression profiles, suggesting some degree of isoform-specific function.     

Neurotoxic,Myotoxic and Cytolytic Activities of the New Basic PLA<Subscript>2</Subscript> Isoforms BmjeTX-I and BmjeTX-II Isolated from the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bothrops marajoensis</Emphasis> (Marajó Lancehead) Snake Venom

The BmjeTX-I and BmjeTX-II isoforms of PLA₂ were purified from Bothrops marajoensis venom by ion-exchange chromatography and reverse phase HPLC. Both isoforms showed a molecular mass of 13808.89 Da (BmjeTX-I) and 13863.97 Da (BmjeTX-II) determined by based on the determined primary structures and SDS–PAGE and confirmed experimentally by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Multiple alignment of BmjeTX-I and BmjeTX-II isoforms of PLA₂ show high degree of homology with basic PLA₂ myotoxins from other Bothrops venoms. Ex vivo, both isoforms caused a blockade of the neuromuscular transmission in young chick biventer cervicis preparations in a similar way to other Bothrops species. In chick preparations, contractures to exogenous acetylcholine (55 and 110 μM) or KCl (13.4 mM) were unaltered after complete blockade for the both isoforms BmjeTX-I and BmjeTX-II of PLA₂. These results, which strongly suggested a presynaptic mechanism of action for these toxins. In mice, both isoforms induced myonecrosis and a systemic interleukin-6 response upon intramuscular injection. Both isoforms BmjeTX-I and BmjeTX-II of PLA₂ also induced moderate marked paw edema, evidencing the local increase in vascular permeability. Since both isoforms of PLA₂ exert a strong proinflammatory effect, the enzymatic hydrolysis of phospholipids might be relevant for this phenomenon and produced cytotoxicity in murine skeletal muscle C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes.     

Purification and Characterization of Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase Isoforms from the Periderm of Eucalyptus gunnii Hook

Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD, EC 1.1.1.195) isoforms were purified from the periderm (containing both suberized and lignified cell layers) of Eucalyptus gunnii Hook stems. Two isoforms (CAD 1P and CAD 2P) were initially characterized, and the major form, CAD 2P, was resolved into three further isoforms by ion-exchange chromatography. Crude extracts contained two aliphatic alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH) and one aromatic ADH, which was later resolved into two further isoforms. Aliphatic ADHs did not use hydroxycinnamyl alcohols as substrates, whereas both aromatic ADH isoforms used coniferyl and sinapyl alcohol as substrates but with a much lower specific activity when compared with benzyl alcohol. The minor form, CAD 1P, was a monomer with a molecular weight of 34,000 that did not co-elute with either aromatic or aliphatic ADH activity. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and western blot analysis demonstrated that this protein was very similar to another CAD isoform purified from Eucalyptus xylem tissue. CAD 2P had a native molecular weight of approximately 84,000 and was a dimer consisting of two heterogenous subunits (with molecular weights of 42,000 and 44,000). These subunits were differentially combined to give the heterodimer and two homodimers. SDS-PAGE, western blots, and nondenaturing PAGE indicated that the CAD 2P heterodimer was very similar to the main CAD isoform previously purified in our laboratory from differentiating xylem tissue of E. gunnii (D. Goffner, I. Joffroy, J. Grima-Pettenati, C. Halpin, M.E. Knight, W. Schuch, A.M. Boudet [1992] Planta 188: 48-53). Kinetic data indicated that the different CAD 2P isoforms may be implicated in the preferential production of different monolignols used in the synthesis of lignin and/or suberin.     

Keyhole limpet hemocyanin type 2 (KLH2): detection and immunolocalization of a labile functional unit h

Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) is a mixture of two hemocyanin isoforms, termed KLH1 and KLH2. Within KLH1 eight oxygen-binding functional units (FUs), 1-a to 1-h, have been identified, in contrast to KLH2, which was previously thought to be organized in seven FUs (2-a to 2-g). By limited proteolysis of KLH2 subunits, isolation of the polypeptide fragments, and N-terminal sequencing, we have now identified an eighth FU of type h, with a molecular mass of 43 kDa. This is unusually small for a FU h from a gastropodan hemocyanin. It is also shown that KLH2 didecamers can be split into a stable and homogeneous population of decamers by dialysis against 50 mM Tris/HCl, pH 7.5, in the absence of divalent cations. Electron microscopic immunolocalization using a specific monoclonal antibody reveals that FU KLH2-h is located at the collar of the decamer.     

High molecular weight isoforms of growth hormone in cells of the immune system

A substantial body of research exists to support the idea that cells of the immune system produce growth hormone (GH). However, the structure and mechanism of action of lymphocyte-derived GH continues to remain largely unknown. Here we present the results of Western analysis of whole cell extracts showing that different molecular weight isoforms of GH of approximately 100, 65, and 48 kDa can be detected in primary mouse cells of the immune system and in the mouse EL4 cell line. The identity of the 65 and 48 kDa isoforms of GH were confirmed by mass spectrometry. The various isoforms were detected in both enriched T and B spleen cell populations. The large molecular weight isoform appears to reside primarily in the cytoplasm, whereas the lower molecular weight 65 and 48 kDa isoforms were detected primarily in the nucleus. These results also suggest that GH isoforms are induced by oxidative stress. In EL4 cells overexpressing GH, the expression of luciferase controlled by a promoter containing the antioxidant response element is increased almost threefold above control. The data suggest that the induction of isoforms of the GH molecule in cells of the immune system may be an important mechanism of adaptation and/or protection of lymphoid cells under conditions of oxidative stress.     

Hemocyanin of the chiton Acanthopleura granulata

The subunit structure and solution conformation of the hemocyanin of the chiton Acanthopleura granulata were investigated by light-scattering, ultracentrifugation, viscosity, absorbance, and circular dichroism methods. The molecular weight, determined by light scattering at pH 7.4 in the presence of 0.05 M Mg2+ and 0.01 M Ca2+, was (4.2 +/- 0.3) X 10(6), while those of dissociated subunits in the presence of 8.0 M urea (at pH 7.4) and at pH 10.7 were found to be 4.57 X 10(5) and 4.58 X 10(5), respectively. Circular dichroism and absorbance measurements at 222 and 346 nm indicate only minor changes in the conformation of the folded domains of the hemocyanin subunits in these dissociating solvents. As with the hemocyanins of the snails Busycon canaliculatum, Lunatia heros, and Littorina littorea, exposure to 4.0-6.0 M guanidinium chloride (GdmCl) is found to produce unfolding of the domains, resulting in much more pronounced spectral changes and a further drop in molecular weight. A Mw of 3.2 X 10(5) was obtained with Acanthopleura hemocyanin in 6.0 M GdmCl, suggesting hidden breaks in the polypeptide chains analogous to those observed with the gastropodan hemocyanins. Both urea and pH dissociation showed gradual declines in the molecular weights, consistent with a decamer-dimer-monomer scheme of subunit dissociation. The bell-shaped molecular weight profiles obtained in the pH region from 5 to 11 can be accounted for by assuming two proton-linked groups per dimer, characterized by apparent pK values of 5.5 and 9.5, and the further involvement of five to eight acidic and five to eight basic groups per monomer, having apparent pK values of 5.0 and 10.2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Subunit dissociation and denaturation of Fasciolaria tulipa hemocyanin

1. The hemocyanin from the marine snail, Fasciolaria tulipa has a molecular weight of 8.6 +/- 0.6 x 10(6) determined by light-scattering and a sedimentation constant of (105.9 +/- 1.1)S. 2. The dissociated subunits at pH 11 and in 8.0 M urea (pH 7.4) had molecular weights of 4.4 x 10(5) and 4.7 x 10(5), close to one-twentieth of the parent didecameric assembly. 3. The pH dependence of the molecular weight profile exhibited bell-shaped transitions in both the presence and absence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. In the physiological pH range of about 7.5-8.2 in divalent ion-containing buffers neither the molecular weight behavior nor the sedimentation patterns suggest any significant dissociation. 4. Both the urea and the Hofmeister salt series were found to dissociate the didecameric hemocyanin assembly. The ureas exhibit increasing effectiveness as dissociating agents with the higher alkyl substituted members of the series, suggesting hydrophobic stabilization of the subunit assembly. 5. Denaturation of the hemocyanin subunits by the urea series follows the same trend in effectiveness as the dissociation reaction; the reagent concentrations required to cause unfolding of the globular domains of the hemocyanin chains were, however, much higher than those needed for dissociation.     

Phospholipase A(2) with platelet aggregation inhibitor activity from Austrelaps superbus venom: protein purification and cDNA cloning

Four phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) enzymes (Superbins a, b, c, and d) with varying platelet aggregation inhibitor activities have been purified from Austrelaps superbus by a combination of gel filtration, ion-exchange, and reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. Purity and homogeneity of the superbins have been confirmed by high-performance capillary zone electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The electron spray ionization mass spectrometry data showed that their molecular masses range from 13,140 to 13,236 Da. Each of the proteins has been found to be basic and exhibit varying degrees of PLA(2) activity. They also displayed different platelet aggregation inhibitory activities. Superbin a was found to possess the most potent inhibitory activity with an IC(50) of 9.0 nM, whereas Superbin d was found to be least effective with an IC(50) of 3.0 microM. Superbins b and c were moderately effective with IC(50) values of 0.05 and 0.5 microM, respectively. The amino-terminal sequencing confirmed the identity of these superbins. cDNA cloning resulted in the identification of 17 more PLA(2) isoforms in A. superbus venom. It has also provided complete information on the precursor PLA(2). The precursor PLA(2) contained a 27-amino-acid signal peptide and 117- to 125-amino-acid PLA(2) (molecular mass ranging from 13,000 to 14,000 Da). Two of these PLA(2) enzymes resembled more closely (87%) Superbin a in structure. Two unique PLA(2) enzymes containing an extra pancreatic loop also have been identified among the isoforms.     

Gene structure and hemocyanin isoform HtH2 from the mollusc Haliotis tuberculata indicate early and late intron hot spots

We have cloned and sequenced cDNAs coding for the complete primary structure of HtH2, the second hemocyanin isoform of the marine gastropod Haliotis tuberculata. The deduced protein sequence comprises 3399 amino acids, corresponding to a molecular mass of 392 kDa. It shares only 66% of structural identity with the previously analysed first isoform HtH1, and according to a molecular clock, the two isoforms of Haliotis hemocyanin separated ca. 320 million years ago. By genomic polymerase chain reaction and 5' race, we have also sequenced the complete gene of HtH2 (18,598 bp), except of the 5' region in front of the secreted protein. It encompasses 15 exons and 14 introns and shows several microsatellite-rich regions. It mirrors the modular structure of the encoded hemocyanin subunit, with a linear arrangement of eight different functional units separated and bordered by seven phase 1 'linker introns'. In addition, within regions encoding three of the functional units, the HtH2 gene contains six 'internal introns'. Comparison to previously sequenced genes of Octopus dofleini hemocyanin and Haliotis hemocyanin isoform (HtH1) suggests Precambrian and Palaeocoic hot spot of intron gains, followed by 320 million years of absolute stasis.     

Isolation and characterization of an apoptosis-inhibiting component from the hemolymph of Bombyx mori.

Silkworm (Bombyx mori) hemolymph showed an apoptosis-inhibiting activity in insect cells (Sf 9) infected with baculovirus (AcNPV). The addition of silkworm hemolymph into the culture medium increased the host cell longevity due to its apoptosis-inhibition activity. Components with an apoptosis-inhibiting effect were purified from the silkworm hemolymph by heat treatment, gel-filtration chromatography, and ion-exchange chromatography. The component with highest activity was characterized by periodic acid-Schiff staining, isoelectric focusing, MALDI-TOF-mass spectrometry, and N-terminal sequencing and was found to be a nonglycosylated monomeric protein with a molecular weight of ca. 28,000 Da.