草地螟普通气味结合蛋白Ⅰ（Lsti-GOBP1）蛋白表达纯化及结合特性分析

气味结合蛋白在昆虫对寄主挥发性气味识别过程中有着重要的生理功能。本研究通过对草地螟Loxostege sticticalis L. 普通气味结合蛋白Ⅰ（Lsti-GOBP1）进行克隆及原核表达的基础上, 分离纯化得到体外重组的Lsti-GOBP1蛋白。并利用N-苯基-1-萘胺(N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, 1-NPN）作为荧光探针研究了Lsti-GOBP1蛋白与醇类、 醛类、 酯、 烯等50种气味标样的结合特性, 结果表明Lsti-GOBP1可与其中35种气味化合物结合, 但只有1-己醇、 1-庚醇、 肉桂醛和莰烯4种气味标样能在20 μmol/L浓度（探针与蛋白结合的饱和浓度值）下将1-NPN从Lsti-GOBP1中替换50%, 其结合常数分别为8.997, 7.283, 7.289 和9.814 μmol/L。据此可以得出, Lsti-GOBP1蛋白的气味物质结合谱很广, 同时具有较强的特异性, 其中1-己醇、 1-庚醇、 肉桂醛、 莰烯等化合物在草地螟识别寄主植物气味物质的过程中起重要作用。     

家蚕化学感受蛋白BmCSP4表达谱及结合特性分析

化学感受蛋白(chemosensory proteins, CSPs)是昆虫体内存在的一类主要识别和运载非挥发性的气味分子和化学刺激物的可溶性蛋白。本研究运用半定量RT-PCR方法分析了BmCSP4的时空及组织表达谱。结果表明： BmCSP4在家蚕Bombyx mori各发育阶段均表达, 但表达量从4龄到蛹期逐渐减少, 且在雌成虫头部、 胸部和腹部表达量较少。用1-NPN作为荧光探针, 测定了15种外源配基与BmCSP4蛋白的结合特性, 结果显示： 仅芳香醛类和芳香酮类化合物在浓度10 μmol/L能将1-NPN从BmCSP4中替换50%, 苯甲醛解离常数为3.20 μmol/L, 对甲氧基苯甲醛解离常数为2.24 μmol/L, 2-戊基-3-苯丙基-烯醛解离常数为2.88 μmol/L, 1-苯基-1-丁酮解离常数为2.04 μmol/L, 苯乙酮解离常数为2.52 μmol/L。据此推测, BmCSP4在不同的发育阶段执行不同的生理功能, 并可能参与对芳香醛、 芳香酮类气味识别过程。     

中华蜜蜂性信息素结合蛋白ASP1的原核表达及配基结合特性分析

【目的】研究中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana信息素结合蛋白ASP1与蜜蜂信息素及某些植物挥发物分子的结合功能。【方法】构建中蜂ASP1的原核表达载体, 对其进行重组蛋白的诱导表达和分离纯化, 并得到具有生化活性的中蜂ASP1重组蛋白, 最后以1-NPN作为荧光报告探针, 通过荧光竞争结合实验研究中蜂重组ASP1蛋白与蜜蜂信息素及其他气味分子的结合功能。【结果】在22种潜在信息气味物质中, 有7种与中蜂ASP1有较强的结合能力, 能将1-NPN的相对荧光强度降至50%以下。其中发现蜂王信息素两种成分对 羟基苯甲酸甲酯和香草醇的竞争能力最强, 可分别引起1-NPN相对荧光值下降99.31%和95.50%, 解离常数K_D分别为13.39和98.44 μmol/L; 而与除蜂王信息素外的其他信息素如幼虫信息素和工蜂信息素等分子均不结合。此外中蜂ASP1对于水杨酸甲酯、 苯乙醛、 3, 4-二甲基苯甲醛4-烯丙基藜芦醚和β-紫罗兰酮等5种植物挥发物质能产生强度不一的结合。【结论】中蜂信息素结合蛋白ASP1对蜂王信息素具有非常强的特异性, 同时也能结合某些植物挥发性气味分子, 暗示中蜂ASP1是一种以蜂王信息素识别为主要功能、 植物挥发物识别为次要功能的多功能信息素结合蛋白。     

中红侧沟茧蜂化学感受蛋白MmedCSP1的结合特征

化学感受蛋白是一类存在于昆虫化学感受器中的可溶性蛋白, 被认为与昆虫识别外界化学信息有关。本研究使用pGEX-4T-1表达载体在BL21 (DE3)异源表达系统中表达中红侧沟茧蜂Microplitis mediator化学感受蛋白MmedCSP1, 并通过亲和层析法纯化得到去表达标签的MmedCSP1;使用bis-ANS作为荧光配基, 在荧光分光光度计上研究它与50种气味标样的结合特征, 从而得到此类化学感受蛋白在中红侧沟茧蜂嗅觉识别中识别气味的种类。结果表明: MmedCSP1只能与水杨酸甲酯、戊烷、罗勒烯、β-紫罗兰酮、3, 4-二甲基苯甲醛、2-己酮和叶醇结合。但只有脂类化合物β-紫罗兰酮能在浓度为1 mmol/L下将bis-ANS从MmedCSP1中替换50%, β-紫罗兰酮与MmedCSP1的结合常数为16.89 μmol/L。这些结果提示MmedCSP1参与中红侧沟茧蜂对水杨酸甲酯、戊烷、罗勒烯、β-紫罗兰酮、3, 4-二甲基苯甲醛、2-己酮和叶醇等气味的识别过程, 且在不同气味中的识别过程中对于气味的运输能力有差异。     

苜蓿盲蝽气味分子结合蛋白AlinOBP2结合特性初步分析

昆虫具有灵敏的嗅觉系统,能够特异性地识别性信息素和寄主挥发物来进行寻找配偶、定位寄主植物和产卵位点.气味分子结合蛋白在昆虫嗅觉识别过程中发挥关键作用.本研究表达和纯化了一个新的苜蓿盲蝽气味分子结合蛋白AlinOBP2,采用qRT-PCR方法解析了AlinOBP2基因的表达谱,结果表明AlinOBP2绝大部分在触角中表达,且在雌雄触角中的表达量相当,在头部也有少量的表达.以N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine（1-NPN）为荧光探针,采用荧光竞争结合实验研究了5种性信息素类似物和13种棉花挥发物与AlinOBP2蛋白的结合能力.结果显示,5种性信息素类似物均不能和AlinOBP2有效结合,暗示AlinOBP2在苜蓿盲蝽寻找配偶过程中不发挥作用.在13种棉花挥发物中,庚酸乙酯和AlinOBP2的结合能力最强,结合常数为9.22μmol/L.二甲基萘、3-己酮、乙酸叶醇酯、乙酸壬酯、香芹醇5种化合物和AlinOBP2结合能力一般,结合常数分别为15.49,17.31,21.53,18.86和13.47μmol/L.据此推测,AlinOBP2可能为普通气味结合蛋白,能够选择性地结合某些棉花挥发物并参与苜蓿盲蝽识别普通气味过程.     

桔小实蝇气味结合蛋白BdorOBP2的cDNA克隆、组织表达及配基结合特性

为了研究桔小实蝇Bactrocera dorsalis气味结合蛋白(odorant-binding proteins, OBPs)参与其嗅觉识别过程中的功能及其与植物气味的结合特性, 本研究克隆了桔小实蝇的一个气味结合蛋白基因, 命名为BdorOBP2（GenBank登录号为KC773766）, 并对该基因进行了原核表达。BdorOBP2开放阅读框长447 bp, 编码148 个氨基酸, 具有典型的6个半胱氨酸位点。定量PCR结果显示, 桔小实蝇BdorOBP2在不同组织中均有表达, 其中头部中的表达量最高, 翅中表达量最低（为头部表达量的63%±6%）。构建了BdorOBP2原核表达载体, 诱导并获得了重组BdorOBP2并进行了亲和层析纯化。最后以N-苯基-1-萘胺（N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, 1-NPN）为荧光探针, 利用荧光竞争结合实验测定了重组BdorOBP2与7种主要寄主水果气味物质的结合能力, 发现其对多数酯类和醛类化合物亲合力较强, 亲合力最强的气味物质为反-2-己烯醛和β-紫罗兰酮, 结合常数KD分别为9.96和15.37 μmol/L。本研究结果可为高效地开发和设计桔小实蝇的嗅觉引诱剂配方提供一定的理论依据和参考。     

绿盲蝽气味结合蛋白AlucOBP7的表达及气味结合特性

气味结合蛋白(odorant binding proteins, OBPs) 在昆虫嗅觉识别中起着重要的作用, 尤其是在运输外界脂溶性气味分子通过嗅觉感器淋巴液到达嗅觉受体(olfactory receptors, ORs)的过程中发挥关键作用。明确OBPs在昆虫同外界进行信息交流过程中的作用有利于阐明昆虫嗅觉识别的机制, 同时可为利用干扰昆虫嗅觉识别来进行害虫防治奠定理论基础。本研究克隆了一个绿盲蝽Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür)气味结合蛋白AlucOBP7基因（GenBank登录号: JQ675724）, 并进行了原核表达, 以1-NPN为荧光探针采用荧光竞争结合实验研究了AlucOBP7蛋白和10种棉花挥发物及 6种性信息素类似物的结合能力。结果表明： 在10种棉花挥发物中, AlucOBP7能够和2 己酮及水杨酸甲酯有效结合, 结合常数分别为55.13 μmol/L和28.26 μmol/L。在6种盲蝽性信息素类似物中, 4-氧代-反-2-己烯醛和AlucOBP7 具有较强的结合能力, 结合常数为23.14 μmol/L。丁酸乙酯、 丁酸丁酯及己酸己酯也能够和AlucOBP7 有效结合, 但结合能力中等, 结合常数分别为30.58, 39.26和35.81 μmol/L。初步推测, AlucOBP7 可能是绿盲蝽性信息素结合蛋白(pheromone binding proteins, PBPs), 并在感受性信息素和植物挥发物的过程中发挥双重功能。     

中华蜜蜂化学感受蛋白AcerCSP3的配基结合功能分析

为研究中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana化学感受蛋白AcerCSP3在化学感受系统中的生理功能, 本实验通过对AcerCSP3进行原核表达、分离纯化后, 利用荧光法研究了体外重组AcerCSP3与1-NPN以及候选化学配基的结合特征。Scatchard方程显示AcerCSP3与1-NPN的解离常数K_D为8.29 μmol/L, 结合位点数约等于1。在候选配基竞争1-NPN与AcerCSP3结合的实验中, 5种配基均能在200 μmol/L浓度下使1-NPN的相对荧光强度下降至50%以下, 其中β-紫罗兰酮甚至能使1-NPN的相对荧光强度下降至10%左右, 表明候选配基均与AcerCSP3有较强的结合能力, 而3, 4-二甲基苯甲醛与中蜂AcerCSP3的结合能力最强, K_D达到18.77 μmol/L。本研究所用化学配基均为植物花与叶片的挥发性的次生代谢产物, 表明AcerCSP3可能作为中蜂化学感受系统的一部分, 在其搜寻某些植物花粉蜜源时作为气味分子运载体发挥一定的作用。     

梨小食心虫气味结合蛋白GmolOBP3的cDNA克隆、表达谱及结合特性分析

【目的】为了更好地了解昆虫气味结合蛋白（odorant binding proteins, OBPs）在梨小食心虫Grapholita molesta（Busck）嗅觉识别中的作用,并明确其与寄主挥发物的结合特性。【方法】利用RT-PCR和RACE技术克隆梨小食心虫OBP基因;采用RT-PCR和实时定量PCR对该基因在成虫不同组织和羽化后不同日龄成虫中的表达情况进行了测定;以N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine（1-NPN）为荧光探针,采用荧光竞争结合试验对GmolOBP3蛋白的结合特性进行了分析。【结果】得到梨小食心虫一个新的气味结合蛋白基因,命名为GmolOBP3（GenBank登录号：KF395363）。GmolOBP3开放阅读框全长492 bp,编码163个氨基酸残基,预测分子量和等电点分别为18.72 kDa和4.93,呈酸性,具有典型的6个半胱氨酸位点。GmolOBP3在雌、雄成虫触角和腹部均有表达,成虫在羽化后5 d内,雌蛾触角中GmolOBP3表达量随羽化后日龄而增加,但雄蛾在羽化后第5天触角中 GmolOBP3表达量显著降低。通过构建GmolOBP3原核表达载体,在大肠杆菌Escherichia coli中诱导表达并获得了GmolOBP3重组蛋白。荧光竞争结合实验对GmolOBP3蛋白与16种寄主挥发物及4种性信息素类似物的结合力发现,在供试的4种梨小食心虫性信息素类似物中,GmolOBP3蛋白与反-8-十二碳烯醋酸酯和十二烷-1-醇不结合,而与顺-8-十二碳烯醋酸酯和顺-8-十二碳烯醇结合,但结合力较弱,结合常数分别为83.00和103.70 μmol/L;与16种寄主挥发物结合能力也不强,其中结合最强的是β 紫罗酮,结合常数为49.36 μmol/L。【结论】由此推断,GmolOBP3具有选择性识别和结合各种配基的特性。     

疆夜蛾Plus-C气味结合蛋白PsauOBP7的组织表达谱及配体结合特性分析

【目的】明确疆夜蛾Peridroma saucia Plus-C气味结合蛋白PsauOBP7在不同化学感受器官中的表达谱，解析PsauOBP7重组蛋白的气味结合特异性。【方法】通过qRT-PCR检测PsauOBP7在疆夜蛾雌蛾和雄蛾的触角、口器、足和翅中的表达谱。原核表达并纯化PsauOBP7重组蛋白，利用Western blot检测PsauOBP7在疆夜蛾不同龄期幼虫头部及成虫不同组织中的表达情况；通过荧光竞争结合实验检测PsauOBP7重组蛋白对39种气味化合物的结合能力。【结果】成功表达并纯化PsauOBP7重组蛋白。qRT-PCR及Western blot检测显示PsauOBP7表达于4-6龄幼虫头部及雌雄成虫的触角、口器、足和翅中。荧光竞争结合实验显示PsauOBP7与反-2-己烯醛的结合能力最强，Ki=1.4 μmol/L。此外，PsauOBP7与5种酯类化合物乙酸月桂酯、顺-3-己烯乙酸酯、乙酸苯乙酯、苯甲酸己酯和肉桂酸甲酯有一定的结合能力，Ki值分别为5.7, 6.5, 8.9, 9.5和10.2 μmol/L。PsauOBP7与两种醇类化合物顺-3-己烯-1-醇和法尼醇也有较强的结合能力, Ki值分别为5.8和5.9 μmol/L。【结论】疆夜蛾Plus-C气味结合蛋白PsauOBP7表达于其幼虫和成虫的多种化学感受器官中，且能结合多种植物气味化合物，说明其在疆夜蛾寻找寄主植物过程中发挥重要作用。     

Possible binding site of thyrotropin binding inhibitor immunoglobulin (TBII) on the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor, which is different from TSH binding site

A synthetic decapeptide, P-194, which has the sequence No. 103 to 111 of hTSH receptor structure with an additional N-terminal tyrosine, did not bind TSH nor affected its receptor binding and thyroid stimulating activity. Preincubation of P-194 with sera from thyroid patients caused a significant decrease in TBII activity in almost all 12 TBII positive sera and an increase of thyroid stimulating activity in 3 of 7 Graves' IgG studied. In addition, [125I] P-194 bound to serum IgG fraction from thyroid patients with a positive correlation with TBII (N = 35, r = 0.509, p less than 0.01). The P-194 portion may be, at least a part of, TBII binding site distinct from the TSH binding site on the TSH receptor.     

FAD binding,cobinamide binding and active site communication in the corrin reductase (CobR)

Adenosylcobalamin, the coenzyme form of vitamin B₁₂, is one Nature''s most complex coenzyme whose de novo biogenesis proceeds along either an anaerobic or aerobic metabolic pathway. The aerobic synthesis involves reduction of the centrally chelated cobalt metal ion of the corrin ring from Co(II) to Co(I) before adenosylation can take place. A corrin reductase (CobR) enzyme has been identified as the likely agent to catalyse this reduction of the metal ion. Herein, we reveal how Brucella melitensis CobR binds its coenzyme FAD (flavin dinucleotide) and we also show that the enzyme can bind a corrin substrate consistent with its role in reduction of the cobalt of the corrin ring. Stopped-flow kinetics and EPR reveal a mechanistic asymmetry in CobR dimer that provides a potential link between the two electron reduction by NADH to the single electron reduction of Co(II) to Co(I).     

MIP-ligand binding assays (pseudo-immunoassays)

Molecular imprint sorbent assays (MIAs) have been applied to an increasing number of analytes of medical and environmental interest: the sensitivities and selectivities of these assays are comparable to immunoassays employing biological antibodies. In a number of cases complete analytical procedures starting from raw samples (blood, plasma and urine) have been demonstrated. There have been significant advances in applying MIPs in new formats and in the use of non-radioisotope labels. Progress in the field is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the technical aspects and new innovations. It is demonstrated that many of the perceived drawbacks of molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) do not hinder their application in competitive binding assays: Many MIAs have been applied in aqueous systems and a heterogenous distribution of binding sites is not problematic, provided the recognition sites which bind the probe most strongly are selective.     

Cu(II) binding by substituted 1, 3, 5-triazine herbicides

s-Triazine herbicides form relatively stable complexes with cupric ions, complexes in which the major binding site was found to be a cyclic nitrogen N5. Polarographic data have shown that cuprous ions also form quite stable complexes with the studied ligands. The stability constants strongly suggest that s-triazines act in solutions as the monodentate ligands, a result which agrees well with earlier X-ray results.     

Platinum(II) binding to metallothioneins

The reaction of equine renal metallothionein (MT) with excess K2PtCl4 at pH 2 results in a polymeric adduct containing 17 +/- 2 mol Pt/mol MT. A monomeric adduct containing 7 mol Pt/mol MT is obtained at neutral pH. Rates of reaction of Pt7MT with DTNB and iodoacetic acid are consistent with Pt2+ to cysteine thiolate coordination, and the extent of reaction in both cases is 11 +/- 2 mol cys/mol MT. Adducts from the reaction of K2PtCl4 with apoMT chemically modified at the N-terminal methionine residue, Cd7MT, and native MT are also reported. A structural model of Pt7MT is proposed in which the square planar tetrathiolate Pt(II) unit is incorporated into a three-metal beta cluster. Implications for the metabolism of platinum anticancer drugs are discussed.     

The neural binding problem(s)

The famous Neural Binding Problem (NBP) comprises at least four distinct problems with different computational and neural requirements. This review discusses the current state of work on General Coordination, Visual Feature-Binding, Variable Binding, and the Subjective Unity of Perception. There is significant continuing progress, partially masked by confusing the different versions of the NBP.     

Acyl-coenzyme A binding protein (ACBP)

Acyl-coenzyme A binding proteins are known from a large group of eukaryote species and to bind a long chain length acyl-CoA ester with very high affinity. Detailed biochemical mapping of ligand binding properties has been obtained as well as in-depth structural studies on the bovine apo-protein and of the complex with palmitoyl-CoA using NMR spectroscopy. In the four alpha-helix bundle structure, a set of 21 highly conserved residues present in more that 90% of all known sequences of acyl-coenzyme A binding proteins constitutes three separate mini-cores. These residues are predominantly located at the helix-helix interfaces. From studies of a large set of mutant proteins the role of the conserved residues has been related to structure, function, folding and stability.     

The telomeric poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, tankyrase 1, contains multiple binding sites for telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1) and a novel acceptor, 182-kDa tankyrase-binding protein (TAB182)

Tankyrase 1, a human telomeric poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, was originally identified through its interaction with TRF1, a negative regulator of telomere length. Tankyrase 1 ADP-ribosylates TRF1 in vitro, and its overexpression induces telomere elongation in human cancer cells. In addition to its telomeric localization, tankyrase 1 resides at multiple subcellular sites, suggesting additional functions for this protein. Here we identify TAB182, a novel tankyrase 1-binding protein of 182 kDa. TAB182 displays a complex pattern of subcellular localization. TAB182 localizes to the nucleus in a heterochromatic staining pattern and to the cytoplasm, where it co-stains with the cortical actin network. TAB182 coimmunoprecipitates with tankyrase 1 from human cells and serves as an acceptor of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation by tankyrase 1 in vitro. Like TRF1, TAB182 binds to the ankyrin domain (comprising 24 ankyrin repeats) of tankyrase 1. Surprisingly, dissection of this domain reveals multiple discrete and overlapping binding sites for TRF1 and TAB182. Thus, we demonstrate five well conserved ankyrin repeat clusters in tankyrase 1. Although each of the five ankyrin repeat clusters independently binds to TRF1, only three of the five bind toTAB182. These findings suggest that tankyrase 1 may act as a scaffold for large molecular mass complexes made up of multiple binding proteins. We discuss potential roles for tankyrase 1-mediated higher order complexes at telomeres and at other subcellular sites.     

Synthesis, binding and structure-affinity studies of new ligands for the microsomal anti-estrogen binding site (AEBS)

New compounds have been synthesized based on the structure of the anti-tumoral drug tamoxifen and its diphenylmethane derivative, N,N-diethyl-2-[(4-phenyl-methyl)-phenoxy]-ethanamine, HCl (DPPE). These new compounds have no affinity for the estrogen receptor (ER) and bind with various affinity to the anti-estrogen binding site (AEBS). Compounds 2, 10, 12, 13, 20a, 20b, 23a, 23b, 29 exhibited 1.1-69.5 higher affinity than DPPE, and compounds 23a and 23b have 1.2 and 3.5 higher affinity than tamoxifen. Three-dimensional structure analysis, performed using the intersection of the van der Waals volume occupied by tamoxifen in its crystallographic state and the van der Waals volume of these new compounds in their calculated minimal energy conformation, correlated well with their pKi for AEBS (r = 0.84, P<0.0001, n = 18). This is the first structure-affinity relationship (SAR) ever reported for AEBS ligands. Moreover in this study we have reported the synthesis of new compounds of higher affinity than the lead compounds and that are highly specific for AEBS. Since these compounds do not bind ER they will be helpful to study AEBS mediated cytotoxicity. Moreover our study shows that our strategy is a new useful guide to design high affinity and selective ligands for AEBS.