植物螯合肽及其在抗重金属胁迫中的作用

植物螯合肽(PCs)广泛存在于植物体中,与植物抗重金属胁迫关系密切。植物螯合肽及其复合物是一类富含半胱氨酸的低分子量化合物。现有研究证明,PCS由谷胱甘肽(GSH)为底物的酶促反应合成,其合成受相关基因的调控,从模式植物拟南芥的突变体中已分离到与PCS合成有关的几个基因。植物螯合肽首先与重金属离子结合形成低分子量(LMW)复合物,以此形态经由细胞质进入液泡后,再与一个分子的植物螯合肽结合,形成对植物组织毒性较小的高分子量(HMW)复合物,从而达到缓解重金属对植物的危害作用。就植物螯合肽及其复合物的结构、生物合成、基因调控及重金属解毒机理等进行了综述,并对今后的研究方向提出了一些看法。     

Zeta-crystallin catalyzes the reductive activation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene to generate reactive oxygen species: a proposed mechanism for the induction of cataracts

Exposure to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) has been shown to cause induction of cataract in which oxidative stress plays a critical role. From bovine lens we purified to homogeneity and identified an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of TNT, resulting in the production of reactive oxygen species. The final preparation of TNT reductase showed a single band with a subunit molecular weight of 38 kDa on SDS-PAGE. Sequence data from peptides obtained by digestion with lysylendopeptidase Achromobacter protease I (API) revealed that TNT reductase is identical to zeta-crystallin. Superoxide anions were formed during reduction of TNT by zeta-crystallin, though negligible enzyme activity or protein content for superoxide dismutase, a superoxide scavenging enzyme, was found in the lens. Thus, the present results suggest that the induction of cataracts by TNT may be associated with increased oxidative stress, as a result of reductive activation of TNT generating superoxide anions, there being minimal antioxidant enzyme activity for defense against reactive oxygen species exogenously produced in the lens.     

Cadmium-sensitive, cad1 mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana are phytochelatin deficient.

An allelic series of cad1, cadmium-sensitive mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana, was isolated. These mutants were sensitive to cadmium to different extents and were deficient in their ability to form cadmium-peptide complexes as detected by gel-filtration chromatography. Each mutant was deficient in its ability to accumulate phytochelatins (PCs) as detected by high-performance liquid chromatography and the amount of PCs accumulated by each mutant correlated with its degree of sensitivity to cadmium. The mutants had wild-type levels of glutathione, the substrate for PC biosynthesis, and in vitro assays demonstrated that each of the mutants was deficient in PC synthase activity. These results demonstrate conclusively the importance of PCs for cadmium tolerance in plants.     

Crystal structure of the bifunctional dihydroneopterin aldolase/6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase from Streptococcus pneumoniae

The enzymes dihydroneopterin aldolase (DHNA) and 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase (HPPK) catalyse two consecutive steps in the biosynthesis of folic acid. Neither of these enzymes has a counterpart in mammals, and they have therefore been suggested as ideal targets for antimicrobial drugs. Some of the enzymes within the folate pathway can occur as bi- or trifunctional complexes in bacteria and parasites, but the way in which bifunctional DHNA-HPPK enzymes are assembled is unclear. Here, we report the determination of the structure at 2.9 A resolution of the DHNA-HPPK (SulD) bifunctional enzyme complex from the respiratory pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. In the crystal, DHNA is assembled as a core octamer, with 422 point group symmetry, although the enzyme is active as a tetramer in solution. Individual HPPK monomers are arranged at the ends of the DHNA octamer, making relatively few contacts with the DHNA domain, but more extensive interactions with adjacent HPPK domains. As a result, the structure forms an elongated cylinder, with the HPPK domains forming two tetramers at each end. The active sites of both enzymes face outward, and there is no clear channel between them that could be used for channelling substrates. The HPPK-HPPK interface accounts for about one-third of the total area between adjacent monomers in SulD, and has levels of surface complementarity comparable to that of the DHNA-DHNA interfaces. There is no "linker" polypeptide between DHNA and HPPK, reducing the conformational flexibility of the HPPK domain relative to the DHNA domain. The implications for the organisation of bi- and trifunctional enzyme complexes within the folate biosynthesis pathway are discussed.     

Purification and properties of the membrane-bound CDP-diglyceride synthetase from Escherichia coli

The enzyme CDP-diglyceride synthetase (CTP: phosphatidate cytidylyltransferase; EC 2.7.7.41) has been purified to 90% homogeneity from Escherichia coli cells that overproduce the enzyme 50-fold through the use of recombinant DNA technology. The purification required the use of different detergents at each step, illustrating the refractory hydrophobic nature of this protein. Apparent physical effects of EDTA on the enzyme were also utilized in the purification. The enzyme has an apparent minimum subunit mass of 27,000 daltons, as estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The amino acid composition of the protein was determined, and it correlates well with the theoretical protein product of the cds gene, the sequence of which is reported in the accompanying paper (Icho, T., Sparrow, C. P., and Raetz, C. R. H. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 12078-12083). The pure enzyme displays surface dilution kinetics when assayed in the presence of Triton X-100. As previously suggested on the basis of studies using partially purified preparations, the enzyme mechanism is sequential, and computer-calculated kinetic constants are reported herein. The substrate specificity of the enzyme is also investigated. This is the first time this enzyme has been purified to homogeneity from any source, despite the fact that it is essential for phospholipid biosynthesis in all organisms.     

Acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase in cultured glioblastoma cells

We investigated the incorporation of radioactive precursors into cholesteryl ester in cultured glioblastoma cells. It was found that polar cholesterol derivatives and exogenous cholesterol contained in lipoprotein complexes greatly enhanced intracellular cholesteryl ester formation. The direct transfer of the acyl moiety from acyl-CoA to free cholesterol was demonstrated in broken cell preparations. Further evidence of the existence of the acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) in glioblastoma cells came from the conversion of radioactive cholesterol to cholesteryl ester by glial cell homogenates. The characteristics of the enzymic assay were studied in detail. This enzymic activity was greatly enhanced in homogenates prepared from 7-ketocholesterol-treated cells. Thus, cells more active in cholesterol esterification possessed a higher ACAT activity. Progesterone inhibited cholesterol esterification in cell-free preparations. The marked inhibition of intracellular cholesteryl ester formation in intact cells by progesterone is a strong argument for the exclusive role of ACAT in glioblastoma cells. Similar properties of cholesteryl ester biosynthesis have been observed in neuroblastoma cells and primary brain cell cultures. In conclusion, the same enzyme is involved in cholesteryl ester biosynthesis in all neural cells. Neural and nonneural cells share many fundamental characteristics of cholesteryl ester formation.     

Structure of the E. coli bifunctional GlmU acetyltransferase active site with substrates and products

The biosynthesis of UDP-GlcNAc in bacteria is carried out by GlmU, an essential bifunctional uridyltransferase that catalyzes the CoA-dependent acetylation of GlcN-1-PO(4) to form GlcNAc-1-PO(4) and its subsequent condensation with UTP to form pyrophosphate and UDP-GlcNAc. As a metabolite, UDP-GlcNAc is situated at a branch point leading to the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan. Consequently, GlmU is regarded as an important target for potential antibacterial agents. The crystal structure of the Escherichia coli GlmU acetyltransferase active site has been determined in complexes with acetyl-CoA, CoA/GlcN-1-PO(4), and desulpho-CoA/GlcNAc-1-PO(4). These structures reveal the enzyme groups responsible for binding the substrates. A superposition of these complex structures suggests that the 2-amino group of GlcN-1-PO(4) is positioned in proximity to the acetyl-CoA to facilitate direct attack on its thioester by a ternary complex mechanism.     

Phytochelatin–metal(loid) transport into vacuoles shows different substrate preferences in barley and Arabidopsis

Cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) are toxic to all living organisms, including plants and humans. In plants, Cd and As are detoxified by phytochelatins (PCs) and metal(loid)‐chelating peptides and by sequestering PC–metal(loid) complexes in vacuoles. Consistent differences have been observed between As and Cd detoxification. Whereas chelation of Cd by PCs is largely sufficient to detoxify Cd, As–PC complexes must be sequestered into vacuoles to be fully detoxified. It is not clear whether this difference in detoxification pathways is ubiquitous among plants or varies across species. Here, we have conducted a PC transport study using vacuoles isolated from Arabidopsis and barley. Arabidopsis vacuoles accumulated low levels of PC₂–Cd, and vesicles from yeast cells expressing either AtABCC1 or AtABCC2 exhibited negligible PC₂–Cd transport activity compared with PC₂–As. In contrast, barley vacuoles readily accumulated comparable levels of PC₂–Cd and PC₂–As. PC transport in barley vacuoles was inhibited by vanadate, but not by ammonium, suggesting the involvement of ABC‐type transporters. Interestingly, barley vacuoles exhibited enhanced PC₂ transport activity when essential metal ions, such as Zn(II), Cu(II) and Mn(II), were added to the transport assay, suggesting that PCs might contribute to the homeostasis of essential metals and detoxification of non‐essential toxic metal(loid)s.     

The stimulation of liver phosphorylase b by AMP, fluoride and sulfate. A technical note on the specific determination of the a and b forms of liver glycogen phosphorylase.

1. The activity of liver phosphorylase b from several mammalian species has been studied. The enzyme from rat or mouse has a higher activity than the rabbit enzyme, which is itself more active than pig liver phosphorylase b. 2 The activity of liver phosphorylase b is influenced by anions and by AMP, and these effects are influenced by pH. Fluoride, which is currently added to the assay mixture of phosphorylase a in crude preparations, is about as active as sulfate as a stimulator of phosphorylase b. 3. When assayed at pH 6.1 and in the presence of 0.15 M NaF, the activity of rat liver phosphorylase b reaches 25% of that of the a enzyme; if 1 mM AMP is also present, this value rises to 50%. 4. Methods are described that allow the determination of liver phosphorylase a without interference of b, and the determination of total phosphorylase (a+b) in rat liver.     

The Zn- and Cd-clusters of recombinant mammalian MT1 and MT4 metallothionein domains include sulfide ligands

Recombinant (E. coli ) synthesis of mammalian MT1 and MT4 domains as separate peptides in Zn(II) and Cd(II) enriched growth media has rendered metal complexes containing sulfide anions as additional ligands. The Cd preparations show higher sulfide content than the Zn preparations. Also, the betaMT1 and betaMT4 fragments exhibit higher sulfide/peptide ratios than the respective alpha fragments. Titration of Zn3-betaMT1 with Cd(II) followed by addition of several sodium sulfide equivalents shows that the Cd(II)-betaMT1 species can incorporate sulfide ligands in vitro, with a concomitant evolution of their UV-vis and CD fingerprints to those characteristic of the Cd-S2- chromophores. Current results have also provided full understanding of previous data collected by this group in the characterization of the Cd-betaMT1 preparations obtained from large-scale fermentor synthesis by allowing identification of at least 2S2- ligands per Cd-betaMT1 species. Furthermore, the results here presented have revealed that synthesis of betaMT4 in Cd-supplemented cultures yielded Cd,S(2-)-containing clusters instead of the proposed heterometallic Zn,Cd-betaMT4 complexes. Finally, a global evaluation of our results suggests that the higher the Cu-thionein character of a MT peptide, the higher is its tendency to harbor nonproteic ligands (i.e., sulfide anions) when building divalent metal clusters, especially Cd-MT complexes.     

Possible alternative functions of rat liver malic enzyme

The induction of rat liver malic enzyme by restriction of protein intake has been studied in conjunction with the biosynthesis of fatty acids, fatty acid synthetase, glutathione reductase, and other “lipogenic” enzymes in the various experimental animals. No correlation has been detected between malic enzyme activity and lipogenesis under these conditions. Conversely, a positive correlation between malic enzyme and glutathione reductase has been noted. Possible functions of malic enzyme which appear consistent with these observations are postulated.     

Selective expression of the proprotein convertases furin, pc5, and pc7 in proliferating vascular smooth muscle cells of the rat aorta in vitro.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether transformation of quiescent vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into proliferating secretory cells is accompanied by an expression of processing enzymes that activate de novo-synthesized growth factors. Three enzymes belonging to the family of the kexin/subtilisin-like mammalian proprotein convertases (PCs), furin, PC5, and PC7, were found to be upregulated after balloon denudation in vivo. To determine their importance in these cell processes, we investigated their gene regulation using a short-term organ culture system. After incubation of rat aorta for 4 and 24 hr in serum-free medium, we demonstrated a significant induction of VSMC proliferation. The affected subset of VSMCs, positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin, also expressed proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Our results revealed a parallel upregulation of furin, PC5, and PC7 in PCNA-immunolabeled cells. As a substrate model for comparison with PCs we used nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is known to be activated by PCs. As shown by Northern blotting analysis, NGF mRNA concentration was significantly increased in cultured explants. NGF was released into the culture medium. In conclusion, both PCs and NGF are coordinately modulated on induction of VSMC proliferation.     

Crystal structure of glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase from Escherichia coli at 3.0 A resolution. A target enzyme for chemotherapy.

The atomic structure of glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase, an essential enzyme in purine biosynthesis, has been determined at 3.0 A resolution. The last three C-terminal residues and a sequence stretch of 18 residues (residues 113 to 130) are not visible in the electron density map. The enzyme forms a dimer in the crystal structure. Each monomer is divided into two domains, which are connected by a central mainly parallel seven-stranded beta-sheet. The N-terminal domain contains a Rossmann type mononucleotide fold with a phosphate ion bound to the C-terminal end of the first beta-strand. A long narrow cleft stretches from the phosphate to a conserved aspartic acid, Asp144, which has been suggested as an active-site residue. The cleft is lined by a cluster of residues, which are conserved between bacterial, yeast, avian and human enzymes, and likely represents the binding pocket and active site of the enzyme. GAR Tfase binds a reduced folate cofactor and glycinamide ribonucleotide for the catalysis of one of the initial steps in purine biosynthesis. Folate analogs and multi-substrate inhibitors of the enzyme have antineoplastic effects and the structure determination of the unliganded enzyme and enzyme-inhibitor complexes will aid the development of anti-cancer drugs.     

Spectral characteristics of PS II reaction centres: as isolated preparations and when integral to PS II core complexes

The discovery that the native PS II enzyme undergoes charge separation via an absorption extending to 730 nm has led us to re-examine the low-temperature absorption spectra of Nanba-Satoh PS II reaction centre preparations with particular focus on the long wavelength region. It is shown that these preparations do not exhibit absorption in the 700-730 nm region at 1.7 K. Absorption in the Nanba-Satoh type preparations analogous to the 'red tail' as observed in functional PS II core complexes is likely shifted to higher energy by >20 nm. Spectral changes associated with the stable reduction of pheo(a) in chemically treated reaction centre preparations are also revisited. Dithionite treatment of PS II preparations in the dark leads to changes of pigment-pigment and/or pigment-protein interactions, as evidenced by changes in absorption and CD spectra. Absorption and CD changes associated with stable Pheo(D1) photo-reduction in PS II core complexes and Nanba-Satoh preparations are compared. For Nanba-Satoh preparations, Q(y) bleaches are approximately 3x broader than in PS II core complexes and are blue-shifted by approximately 4 nm. These data are discussed in terms of current models of PS II, and suggest a need to consider protein-induced changes of some electronic properties of reaction centre pigments.     

Antifungal activity of Ag(I) and Zn(II) complexes of aminobenzolamide (5-sulfanilylamido-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide) derivatives

Aminobenzolamide (5-sulfanilylamido-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide) is a potent inhibitor of the zinc enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1), being at the same time structurally similar to the antimicrobial sulfonamides. Here we report that the reaction of aminobenzolamide with arylsulfonyl isocyanates affords a series of new arylsulfonylureido derivatives which were subsequently used as ligands (in the form of conjugate bases, as sulfonamide anions) for the preparation of metal complexes containing Ag(I) and Zn(II). All the new compounds proved to be very potent inhibitors of CA (isozymes I, II and IV). The newly synthesized complexes, unlike the free ligands, also act as effective antifungal agents against several Aspergillus and Candida spp., some of them showing activities comparable to ketoconazole, with minimum inhibitory concentrations in the range of 1.8-5 microg/mL. The mechanism of antifungal action of these complexes seem to be unconnected with inhibition of lanosterol-14-alpha-demethylase, since the levels of sterols assessed in the fungi cultures were equal in the absence or in the presence of the tested compounds. Probably the new complexes act as inhibitors of phosphomannose isomerase, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of yeast cell walls.     

Multiple synaptonemal complexes (polycomplexes): origin, structure and function

Multiple synaptonemal complexes (polycomplexes) (PC) are similar in structure to synaptonemal complexes (SC) and are also highly conserved through evolution. They have been described in over 70 organisms throughout all life forms. The appearance of PCs are restricted to meiotic and germ-line derived tissues and are most commonly present after SC formation. However, in a number of animals and plants, both extra- and intranuclear PCs are present during premeiotic and pre-pachytene stages. The structure and biochemical composition of PCs is similar to SCs that the basic unit is tripartite, consisting of two lateral elements and a central region (in which transverse elements are located), and the dimensions of such structures are equivalent. Stacking of SC subunits, while still maintaining equivalent SC dimensions, creates a problem since the lateral elements (LE) would then be twice as thick in the PC as compared to the SC. Recently, it has been shown that the LE of the SC is actually multistranded, thus the LE of each subunit of the PC is half as thick as its counterpart in the SC.     

Biological characteristics of cultured papilla cells--localization of androgen receptors and chemotactic factor(s) for epithelial cells]

We have reported that cultured papilla cells (PCs) grown by isolation and cultivation of human hair papillae show some biological characteristics. In the present report, some important biological characteristics of PCs are showed. 1) localization of androgen receptors on PCs Localization of androgen binding protein in PCs was examined. Cytochemical staining of PCs using DHT-peroxidase conjugate gave positive reactions in the niclei of PCs originating from scalp and axilla-dermal papillae. These results suggest that androgen receptors exist in PCs. 2) chemotactic factor (s) for keratinocytes It has been demonstrated in animal experiments by Oliver, et al. that the hair papillae have an induction effect on the hair follicles. The mechanism is unknown, but PCs potentially produce and secrete chemotactic factor (s) for keratinocytes. Chemotactic response of epithelial cells to chemoattractants derived from papilla cells was examined using Bayden chamber assay. These results suggest that PCs have keratinocyte-chemotactic factors.     

Aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetases and their high molecular weight complexes in the regenerating rat liver

Glutamyl- and lysyl-tRNA synthetase activities in total preparations and high-molecular complexes from rat liver increase 21 h after partial hepatectomy. Glutamyl-tRNA synthetase has been highly purified from normal and regenerating liver. Km, Vmax values and molecular activity were practically the same for both enzyme preparations. Total methyltransferase activity and that as a part of high-molecular complexes increase 1.5 fold 21 h after the operation but the changes of individual methyltransferase activities differ. The level of tRNA methylation in vivo is also higher during regeneration. Proteinkinases of high-molecular complexes from regenerating liver are sensitive to cyclic AMP and GMP in contrast to control.     

Phosphatidylcholine Alteration Identified Using MALDI Imaging MS in HBV-Infected Mouse Livers and Virus-Mediated Regeneration Defects

In this study, we investigated whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes the alteration of lipid metabolism and composition during acute infection and liver regeneration in a mouse model. The liver controls lipid biogenesis and bile acid homeostasis. Infection of HBV causes various liver diseases and impairs liver regeneration. As there are very few reports available in the literature on lipid alterations by HBV infection or HBV-mediated liver injury, we have analyzed phospholipids that have important roles in liver regeneration by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) in the livers of HBV model mice. As a result, we identified different phosphatidylcholines (PCs) showing significant changes in their composition as well as cationized ion adduct formation in HBV-infected mouse livers which are associated with virus-mediated regeneration defects. To find the factor of altered PCs, the expression kinetics of enzymes was also examined that regulate PC biosynthesis during liver regeneration. It is noteworthy that the expression of choline-phosphate cytidylyltransferase A (PCYT1A) was significantly delayed in wild type HBV-expressing livers. Moreover, the amount of hepatic total PC was also significantly decreased in wt HBV-expressing mice. These results suggest that infection of HBV alters the composition of PCs which may involve in HBV-mediated regeneration defects and liver disease.     

Composition of the first enzyme of histidine biosynthesis isolated from wild-type and mutant operator strains of Salmonella typhimurium.

The first enzyme of histidine biosynthesis in Salmonella typhimurium, adenosine triphosphate phosphoribosyltransferase (EC 2.4.2.17), has been purified from two bacterial strains containing histidine operator deletions and compared to the eenzyme from a strain that has a normal operator. The enzymes isolated in different ways also are compared. Evidence as to the separateness of the operator and first structural gene or covalent modification of the first enzyme was sought. Specific activity, histidine feedback inhibition, amino acid analysis, discontinuous-gel electrophoresis, and gel filtration of the native enzyme, and Ouchterlony double-immunodiffusion tests were carried out. The purified enzyme contains little phosphorous and has five cysteine residues per subunit, which all are readily titratable. No evidence for differences in the enzyme preparations was obtained. Thus, no evidence for overlap of the histidine operator with the first structural gene was obtained.