IrCL1 - the haemoglobinolytic cathepsin L of the hard tick, Ixodes ricinus

Intracellular proteolysis of ingested blood proteins is a crucial physiological process in ticks. In our model tick, Ixodes ricinus, cathepsin L (IrCL1) is part of a gut-associated multi-peptidase complex; its endopeptidase activity is important in the initial phase of haemoglobinolysis. We present the functional and biochemical characterisation of this enzyme. We show, by RNA interference (RNAi), that cathepsin L-like activity that peaks during the slow feeding period of females is associated with IrCL1. Recombinant IrCL1 was expressed in bacteria and yeast. Activity profiling with both peptidyl and physiological protein substrates (haemoglobin and albumin) revealed that IrCL1 is an acidic peptidase with a very low optimum pH (3-4) being unstable above pH 5. This suggests an endo/lysosomal localisation that was confirmed by indirect fluorescence microscopy that immunolocalised IrCL1 inside the vesicles of digestive gut cells. Cleavage specificity determined by a positional scanning synthetic combinatorial library and inhibition profile indicated that IrCL1 has the ligand-binding characteristics of the cathepsin L subfamily of cysteine peptidases. A non-redundant proteolytic function was demonstrated when IrCL1-silenced ticks had a decreased ability to feed compared with controls. The data suggest that IrCL1 may be a promising target against ticks and tick-borne pathogens.     

Diversity and host specificity of Blastocystis in syntopic primates on Rubondo Island, Tanzania

The isolated ecosystem of Rubondo Island National Park, Tanzania is an interesting model site, inhabited by an assembly of primate species with various histories: two introduced primate species, Pantroglodytes (chimpanzee) and Colobusguereza (colobus), and a single indigenous species Chlorocebusaethiopspygerythrus (vervet monkey). Apart from important lessons for future introduction/re-introduction projects, Rubondo National Park offers a unique place to study the patterns of transmission of primate parasites and their host specificity. Blastocystis was detected using standard microscopy, together with PCR-based determination and the prevalence and subtype identification of Blastocystis was determined in each primate species. Subtype (ST) 1 was detected in all three Rubondo primate populations; ST2, ST3 and ST5 were found in colobus and vervet monkeys. All chimpanzee isolates of Blastocystis belonged exclusively to ST1, which formed a discrete group, suggesting that Rubondo chimpanzees are colonized by a single, host-specific Blastocystis strain that circulates among the members of the group. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that transmission of Blastocystis did not occur between Rubondo primate populations. Observed host specificity of Blastocystis provides a new understanding of the transmission and distribution of Blastocystis among sympatric hosts under natural conditions.     

Docking-dependent ubiquitination of the interferon regulatory factor-1 tumor suppressor protein by the ubiquitin ligase CHIP

Characteristically for a regulatory protein, the IRF-1 tumor suppressor turns over rapidly with a half-life of between 20-40 min. This allows IRF-1 to reach new steady state protein levels swiftly in response to changing environmental conditions. Whereas CHIP (C terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein), appears to chaperone IRF-1 in unstressed cells, formation of a stable IRF-1·CHIP complex is seen under specific stress conditions. Complex formation, in heat- or heavy metal-treated cells, is accompanied by a decrease in IRF-1 steady state levels and an increase in IRF-1 ubiquitination. CHIP binds directly to an intrinsically disordered domain in the central region of IRF-1 (residues 106-140), and this site is sufficient to form a stable complex with CHIP in cells and to compete in trans with full-length IRF-1, leading to a reduction in its ubiquitination. The study reveals a complex relationship between CHIP and IRF-1 and highlights the role that direct binding or "docking" of CHIP to its substrate(s) can play in its mechanism of action as an E3 ligase.     

Cysteine S-glycosylation, a new post-translational modification found in glycopeptide bacteriocins

O-glycosylation is a ubiquitous eukaryotic post-translational modification, whereas early reports of S-linked glycopeptides have never been verified. Prokaryotes also glycosylate proteins, but there are no confirmed examples of sidechain glycosylation in ribosomal antimicrobial polypeptides collectively known as bacteriocins. Here we show that glycocin F, a bacteriocin secreted by Lactobacillus plantarum KW30, is modified by an N-acetylglucosamine β-O-linked to Ser18, and an N-acetylhexosamine S-linked to C-terminal Cys43. The O-linked N-acetylglucosamine is essential for bacteriostatic activity, and the C-terminus is required for full potency (IC₅₀ 2 nM). Genomic context analysis identified diverse putative glycopeptide bacteriocins in Firmicutes. One of these, the reputed lantibiotic sublancin, was shown to contain a hexose S-linked to Cys22.     

Adipokinetic hormones provide inference for the phylogeny of odonata

Adipokinetic neuropeptides from the corpora cardiaca of 17 species of Odonata encompassing mainly the families Corduliidae and Libellulidae were isolated and structurally elucidated using liquid chromatography coupled with ion trap electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. It became evident that all species of the family Corduliidae studied express the peptide code-named Libau-AKH (pGlu-Val-Asn-Phe-Thr-Pro-Ser-Trp amide), which is also present in all but one libellulid species, Erythemis simplicicollis which expresses Erysi-AKH (pGlu-Leu-Asn-Phe-Thr-Pro-Ser-Trp amide). This divergence from all other Libellulids is due to a nonsynonymous missense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the nucleotide coding sequence (CDS) of prepro-AKH CDS and supports the polyphyletic nature of Sympetrinae and other subfamilies of libellulids. Despite this exception, these findings then support the hypothesis that Corduliidae and Libellulidae are closely related as stated in most phylogenies. The presence of Anaim-AKH (pGlu-Val-Asn-Phe-Ser-Pro-Ser-Trp amide) in Macromiidae likely distinguishes species in this family from Corduliidae. Current molecular genetic phylogenies and our AKH findings suggest that Syncordulia gracilis, which expresses Anaim-AKH, does not belong in Corduliidae. Evolution of AKHs in anisopteran Odonata are likely due to nucleotide substitution involving nonsynonymous missense SNPs in the CDS of prepro-AKH.     

Chemical communication in termites: syn-4,6-dimethylundecan-1-ol as trail-following pheromone, syn-4,6-dimethylundecanal and (5E)-2,6,10-trimethylundeca-5,9-dienal as the respective male and female sex pheromones in Hodotermopsis sjoestedti (Isoptera, Archotermopsidae)

The trail-following pheromone and sex pheromones were investigated in the Indomalayan termite Hodotermopsis sjoestedti belonging to the new family Archotermopsidae.Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) after solid phase microextraction (SPME) of the sternal gland secretion of pseudergates and trail-following bioassays demonstrated that the trail-following pheromone of H. sjoestedti was syn-4,6-dimethylundecan-1-ol, a new chemical structure for termite pheromones. GC–MS after SPME of the sternal gland secretion of alates also allowed the identification of sex-specific compounds. In female alates, the major sex-specific compound was identified as (5E)-2,6,10-trimethylundeca-5,9-dienal, a compound previously identified as the female sex pheromone of the termite Zootermopsis nevadensis. In male alates, the major sex-specific compound was identified as syn-4,6-dimethylundecanal, a homolog of syn-4,6-dimethyldodecanal, which has previously been confirmed as the male sex pheromone of Z. nevadensis. The presence of sex-specific compounds in alates of H. sjoestedti strongly suggests for this termite the presence of sex-specific pairing pheromones which were only known until now in Z. nevadensis. Our results showed therefore a close chemical relationship between the pheromones of the taxa Hodotermopsis and Zootermopsis and, in contrast, a clear difference with the taxa Stolotermes and Porotermes, which is in total agreement with the recent creation of the families Archotermopsidae and Stolotermitidae as a substitute for the former family Termopsidae.     

STIM1-directed reorganization of microtubules in activated mast cells

Activation of mast cells by aggregation of the high-affinity IgE receptors (FcεRI) initiates signaling events leading to the release of inflammatory and allergic mediators stored in cytoplasmic granules. A key role in this process play changes in concentrations of intracellular Ca(2+) controlled by store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE). Although microtubules are also involved in the process leading to degranulation, the molecular mechanisms that control microtubule rearrangement during activation are largely unknown. In this study, we report that activation of bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) induced by FcεRI aggregation or treatment with pervanadate or thapsigargin results in generation of protrusions containing microtubules (microtubule protrusions). Formation of these protrusions depended on the influx of extracellular Ca(2+). Changes in cytosolic Ca(2+)concentration also affected microtubule plus-end dynamics detected by microtubule plus-end tracking protein EB1. Experiments with knockdown or reexpression of STIM1, the key regulator of SOCE, confirmed the important role of STIM1 in the formation of microtubule protrusions. Although STIM1 in activated cells formed puncta associated with microtubules in protrusions, relocation of STIM1 to a close proximity of cell membrane was independent of growing microtubules. In accordance with the inhibition of Ag-induced Ca(2+) response and decreased formation of microtubule protrusions in BMMCs with reduced STIM1, the cells also exhibited impaired chemotactic response to Ag. We propose that rearrangement of microtubules in activated mast cells depends on STIM1-induced SOCE, and that Ca(2+) plays an important role in the formation of microtubule protrusions in BMMCs.     

Accessibility changes within diphtheria toxin T domain upon membrane penetration probed by hydrogen exchange and mass spectrometry

The translocation domain of diphtheria toxin inserts in membrane and becomes functional when the pH inside endosomes is acid. At that stage, the domain is in a partially folded state; this prevents the use of high-resolution methods for the characterization of its functional structure. On that purpose, we report here the use of hydrogen/deuterium exchange experiments coupled to mass spectrometry. The conformation changes during the different steps of insertion into lipid bilayer are monitored with a resolution of few residues. Three parts of the translocation domain can be distinguished. With a high protection against exchange, the C-terminal hydrophobic helical hairpin is embedded in the membrane. Despite a lower protection, a significant effect in the presence of lipid vesicles shows that the N-terminal part is in interaction with the membrane interface. The sensitivity to the ionic strength indicates that electrostatic interactions are important for the binding. The middle part of the domain has an intermediate protection; this suggests that this part of the domain can be embedded within the membrane but remains quite dynamic. These results provide unprecedented insight into the structure reorganization of the protein to go from a soluble state to a membrane-inserted one.     

The steroid metabolome in lamotrigine-treated women with epilepsy

Background

Epilepsy in women may be associated with reproductive disorders and alterations in serum steroid levels. Some steroids can be induced by epilepsy and/or treatment with antiepileptic drugs; however, there are still limited data available concerning this effect on the levels of other neuroactive steroid metabolites such as 3a-hydroxy-5a/b-reduced androstanes.

Aim

To evaluate steroid alterations in women with epilepsy (WWE) on lamotrigine monotherapy.

Subjects and methods

Eleven WWE and 11 age-matched healthy women underwent blood sampling in both phases of their menstrual cycles (MCs). The steroid metabolome, which included 30 unconjugated steroids, 17 steroid polar conjugates, gonadotropins, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), was measured using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and radioimmunoassay (RIA).

Results

WWE had lower cortisol levels (status p < 0.001), but elevated levels of unconjugated 17-hydroxypregnenolone (status p < 0.001). Progesterone was higher in the follicular menstrual phase (FP) in WWE than in the controls (status × menstrual phase p < 0.05, Bonferroni multiple comparisons p < 0.05), whereas 17-hydroxyprogesterone was higher in WWE in both menstrual phases (status p < 0.001). The steroid conjugates were mostly elevated in WWE. The levels of 5α/β-reduced androstanes in WWE that were significantly higher than the controls were etiocholanolone (status p < 0.001), 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (status p < 0.001), and the 5α/β-reduced androstane polar conjugates (status p < 0.001).

Conclusions

WWE showed a trend toward higher circulating 3α-hydroxy-5α/β-reduced androstanes, increased activity of 17α-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase in the Δ⁵-steroid metabolic pathway, and increased levels of the steroid polar conjugates.     

N9-substituted derivatives of kinetin: effective anti-senescence agents

The first isolated cytokinin, 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin or Kin), was identified almost 55 years ago. Its biological effects on plant cells and tissues include influences on such processes as gene expression, cell cycle, chloroplast development, chlorophyll biosynthesis, stimulation of vascular development, delay of senescence, and mobilization of nutrients. In the present study we prepared a series of eight N9-substituted Kin derivatives, and characterized them with available physicochemical methods such as CI+ mass spectrometry and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. All compounds were tested in three classical cytokinin bioassays: a tobacco callus assay, an Amaranthus assay, and a senescence assay with excised wheat leaves. The ability of the compounds to interact with Arabidopsis cytokinin receptors CRE1/AHK4 and AHK3 was tested in a bacterial receptor assay. Prepared derivatives with certain substitutions of the N9-atom of the purine moiety enhanced the cytokinin activity of the parent compound in the bioassays to a remarkable degree but negatively affected its perception by CRE1/AHK4 and AHK3. The ability of compounds to delay the senescence of excised wheat leaves in both dark and light conditions, was highly correlated with their ability to influence membrane lipid peroxidation, which is a typical symptom of senescence. Our results were corroborated by gene expression profiling of those genes involved in cytokinin metabolism and perception, plant senescence, and the stress response, and suggest that prepared kinetin derivatives might be used as potent anti-senescence agents.