Differential enzymatic characteristics and tissue-specific expression of human TPST-1 and TPST-2

Protein tyrosine sulfation is emerging as a widespread post-translational modification in multicellular eukaryotes. The responsible enzyme, named tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase (TPST), catalyzes the sulfate transfer from 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate to tyrosine residues of proteins. Two distinct TPSTs, designated TPST-1 and TPST-2, had previously been identified. In the present study, we cloned human TPST-1 and TPST-2 expressed and characterized the recombinant enzymes using peptide substrates. These enzymes displayed distinct acidic pH optima and stimulatory effects of Mn(2+). Additionally, the activity of TPST-2, but not TPST-1, was stimulated in the presence of Mg(2+). Compared with TPST-2, TPST-1 displayed considerably lower K(m) and V(max) for the majority of the tested peptide substrates, implying their differential substrate specificity. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that although the two TPSTs were co-expressed in all 20 human tissues examined, the levels of expression of TPST-1 and TPST-2 varied significantly among different tissues. These latter findings may imply distinct physiological functions of TPST-1 and TPST-2.     

Comparison of enzymatic properties between hPADI2 and hPADI4

In the sera of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, autoantibodies directed to citrullinated proteins are found with high specificity for RA. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADIs) are enzymes responsible for protein citrullination. Among many isoforms of PADIs, only PADI4 has been identified as an RA-susceptibility gene. To understand the mechanisms of the initiation and progression of RA, we compared the properties of two PADIs, human PADI2 and human PADI4, which are present in the synovial tissues of RA patients. We confirmed their precise distribution in the RA synovium and compared the stability, Ca2+ dependency, optimal pH range, and substrate specificity. Small but significant differences were found in the above-mentioned properties between hPADI2 and hPADI4. Using LC/MS/MS analysis, we identified the sequences in human fibrinogen indicating that hPADI2 and hPADI4 citrullinate in different manners. Our results indicate that hPADI2 and hPADI4 have different roles under physiological and pathological conditions. Further studies are needed for the better understanding of the role of hPADIs in the initiation and progression of RA.     

核酸酶P1的原核表达、纯化及酶学特性分析

为了建立一种核酸酶P1(Nuclease P1,NP1)的原核表达纯化系统,首先采用重叠延伸PCR将22段寡核苷酸拼接,获得人工合成的NP1基因。将其克隆至分泌型表达载体pMAL-p4X获得重组质粒pMAL-p4X-NP1,然后将重组载体转化T7 Express和Origami B(DE3)菌株诱导表达,利用Amylose亲和层析柱纯化获得重组蛋白,并对其活性、热稳定性和金属离子依赖性进行系统分析。SDS-PAGE结果显示,重组蛋白MBP-NP1(Maltose binding protein-NP1)在T7 Express和Origami B(DE3)菌株中均可表达,且以可溶性形式存在。活性检测表明Origami B(DE3)菌株中获得的重组蛋白活性高于T7 Express菌株(75.48 U/mg:51.50 U/mg);利用蛋白酶Factor Xa切除MBP标签后,两种重组蛋白的比活力均有提高,分别为258.13 U/mg和139.20 U/mg。重组NP1表现出良好的热稳定性,80℃温浴30 min后重组酶仍具有90%以上的活力。2.0 mmol/L Zn2+对NP1有比较明显的激活作用,相同浓度的Cu2+则对该酶有强烈的抑制作用。该研究实现了NP1在大肠杆菌系统中的功能性表达,为NP1纯酶的制备提供一个替代途径。     

4-Thia-trans-2-alkenoyl-CoA derivatives: properties and enzymatic reactions

4-Thiaacyl-CoA analogues, in which the 4-methylene group is replaced by a thioether sulfur atom, represent new chromophoric substrates of acyl-CoA dehydrogenases and oxidase. The corresponding 4-thia-trans-2-enoyl-CoA products exhibit a strong new absorption band (extinction coefficient 22 mM-1 cm-1) that is red shifted from 312 to 338 nm upon binding to the medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase. 4-Thiaoctanoyl-CoA reduces the dehydrogenase several-fold slower than octanoyl-CoA, although in turnover it is dehydrogenated 1.5-fold faster. The redox potential of 4-thia analogues is some 30 mV more negative than that of their unsubstituted counterparts. 4-Thia-trans-2-enoyl-CoA derivatives are slowly hydrated by enoyl-CoA hydratase (EC 4.2.1.17) to the corresponding thiohemiacetal which fragments nonenzymatically to 1 equiv each of malonylsemialdehyde-CoA and alkanethiol. This fragmentation reaction might explain the release of methanethiol during the transamination pathway of methionine degradation. 4-Oxaoctanoyl-CoA is a much poorer substrate and kinetic reductant of acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and oxidase than the 4-thia analogue. The corresponding enoyl-CoA product is also fragmented by the hydratase, yielding butanol and malonylsemialdehyde-CoA. Thus, 4-heterosubstituted acyl-CoA derivatives provide new tools for the study of beta-oxidation enzymes.     

Differential expression of chemokine receptor CXCR4 in Th1 and Th2 subtypes of CD4+ lymphocytes

Different cytokine profiles allow to divide the CD4+ lymphocytes into Th1, Th2 and Th0 subtypes. It has been observed that the Th2 cells are more efficient supporters for HIV-1 replication than the Th1 cells. The Th1 and the Th2 cells were isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes of HIV-1 seronegative individuals and the density of CXCR4 receptors was determined by flow cytometry using antibodies directed against the CXCR4 receptor. Flow cytometric analysis revealed higher expression of the HIV-1 co-receptor CXCR4 on Th2 cells than on the Th1, which might explain better replication of HIV-1 viruses in the Th2 cells.     

Differential expression and function of ABCG1 and ABCG4 during development and aging

ABCG1 and ABCG4 are highly homologous members of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter family that regulate cellular cholesterol homeostasis. In adult mice, ABCG1 is known to be expressed in numerous cell types and tissues, whereas ABCG4 expression is limited to the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we show significant differences in expression of these two transporters during development. Examination of β-galactosidase-stained tissue sections from Abcg1^−/−LacZ and Abcg4^−/−LacZ knockin mice shows that ABCG4 is highly but transiently expressed both in hematopoietic cells and in enterocytes during development. In contrast, ABCG1 is expressed in macrophages and in endothelial cells of both embryonic and adult liver. We also show that ABCG1 and ABCG4 are both expressed as early as E12.5 in the embryonic eye and developing CNS. Loss of both ABCG1 and ABCG4 results in accumulation in the retina and/or brain of oxysterols, in altered expression of liver X receptor and sterol-regulatory element binding protein-2 target genes, and in a stress response gene. Finally, behavioral tests show that Abcg4^−/− mice have a general deficit in associative fear memory. Together, these data indicate that loss of ABCG1 and/or ABCG4 from the CNS results in changes in metabolic pathways and in behavior.     

Differential expression of phospholipases D1 and D2 in mouse tissues

The differential expression of phospholipase D (PLD) isozymes, which include PLD1 and PLD2, was examined in various murine tissues, including the cerebrum, cerebellum, heart, lung, liver, spleen, stomach, pancreas, ileum, colon, adrenal gland, kidneys, testes, ovaries, and uterus. In Western blot analysis, only PLD1 was detected in the heart and ovary, while only PLD2 was detected in the pancreas and ileum. Both PLD1 and PLD2 were strongly expressed in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and lung, and both were also expressed in the liver, spleen, stomach, colon, kidney, testes, and uterus. Immunohistochemistry showed intense PLD immunostaining in the cerebrum, cerebellum, lungs, intestines, and testis, and weak PLD immunostaining in the liver, kidneys, spleen, and heart. These findings suggest that PLD1 and PLD2 are differentially expressed in the various organs of mice, and that each PLD isozyme plays a distinct role in each organ.     

Differential expression of two plant-like enolases with distinct enzymatic and antigenic properties during stage conversion of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii

The precise molecular mechanisms underlying the switch between the two developmental stages of Toxoplasma gondii, and the metabolic adaptations occurring during this stage conversion are poorly understood. Because inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration are known to trigger differentiation from tachyzoite into bradyzoite stages, we believe that some of the switch components may be sought in the regulation of central carbohydrate metabolism. We have previously described a cDNA encoding a bradyzoite-specific enolase, ENO1. We now report the isolation and characterization of another enolase-encoding cDNA (ENO2) that is expressed preferentially in the tachyzoite stage. The deduced amino acid sequences of ENO1 and ENO2 share 73.65 % identity. They both display significant homologies to plant enolases with the presence of two plant-like peptide insertions, a pentapeptide EWGW(Y)C(S) and a dipeptide EK (or DK). We demonstrate that deletions of the ENO1 pentapeptide motif on its own or together with the dipeptide reduce drastically the affinity for the 2PGA substrate, suggesting that the evolutionary acquisition of these peptides in enolases of land plants and apicomplexan parasites contribute a specific function to their enzymatic activities. T. gondii ENO1 and ENO2 were also expressed as active recombinant enzymes in Escherichia coli. While ENO1 and ENO2 display similar K(m) values, the pure tachyzoite-specific enzyme (ENO2) has a threefold specific activity at V(max) compared with that of the bradyzoite-specific enolase (ENO1). Moreover, immunoblot analyses performed using polyclonal antibodies raised against the recombinant enzymes revealed that the native enolase in tachyzoite and bradyzoite are also antigenically distinct. Taken together, our results indicate that the differences witnessed between the two activities may be instrumental in maintaining glycolysis in pace with the distinct stage-specific requirements of carbohydrate metabolism.     

黑芝麻多酚氧化酶的重组表达及其酶学特性

为明确黑芝麻多酚氧化酶的酶学性质,利用大肠杆菌Escherichia coli原核表达了黑芝麻多酚氧化酶(Black sesame polyphenol oxidase,BsPPO).将合成的基因构建至pMAL-c5x载体,并在大肠杆菌中进行表达,对重组蛋白进行分离纯化及融合标签切除,获得的BsPPO蛋白用于酶学性质探...     

Differential expression of neuropilin-1 and neuropilin-2 in arteries and veins.

Neuropilin-1 (np1) and neuropilin-2 (np2) are receptors for class-3 semaphorins and for several isoforms of VEGF. We have cloned and characterized two chick isoforms of np2 cDNA. Expression patterns of np1, np2, and ephrin-B2 were compared in the developing vascular system of 24-72 h old chick embryos. We show for the first time that np2 is expressed in blood vessels in vivo from the earliest stages of their formation. In contrast to ephrin-B2, both np1 and np2 are expressed in blood islands of 24 h old chick embryos. At 48-72 h, np1 expression is localized preferentially in arteries with an expression pattern that resembles that of ephrin-B2. In contrast, np2 is expressed preferentially in veins. Thus, neuropilins may play a role in determining the arterial or venous identity of blood vessels.     

Differential expression of Q4 proteins (Qb-1) in fibroblasts and lymphocytes

The Qb-1 protein is coded for by the Q4 gene. This gene appears to be widely transcribed in murine tissues. We have examined the subcellular localization and processing of Qb-1 in fibroblast cells. This protein has previously been reported to be secreted from activated lymphocytes. However, we report that high levels of Qb-1 are present on the surface of B10.P fibroblast cells. We also observed an unusual intracellular distribution for Qb-1. The protein appears to be highly concentrated in the endoplasmic reticulum, in addition to being on the surface. This distribution is not due to inefficient processing. The kinetics of Qb-1 processing and transport are not unusual for class I molecules. Complete resistance to endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H is acquired, indicating terminal processing. This unusual localization in fibroblast cells and the differential expression of this protein between cell types may reflect a specific role for Qb-1.     

一种嗜热型碳酸酐酶基因的克隆表达及酶学性质

本文将嗜热菌Methanocella conradii HZ254的β型碳酸酐酶基因mtc在大肠杆菌中进行了克隆和表达。将PCR扩增得到mtc基因与p ET-24a(+)载体进行连接,转入大肠杆菌JM109中,得到工程菌JM109-p ET24a-mtc。诱导表达后做SDS-PAGE电泳,显示有与预期分子量大小相近的(约29 k Da)产物条带。该表达产物具有催化CO2水合的活性,但没有酯酶活力。研究表明,重组酶在40℃下稳定,40℃~60℃对酶有激活作用,65℃以上会导致酶的失活。在p H 7.0时,酶有最好的p H稳定性。1 mmol/L的Fe2+、Mg2+、Mn2+和Ca2+均对酶有激活作用,而Cu2+则有明显的抑制作用。1 mmol/L的F-对酶活没有明显的影响,而磺胺和I-则有比较明显的抑制作用,Br-、HCO3-、Cl-、NO3-和SO42-对酶均有一定的抑制作用。     

Differential expression of endophilin 1 and 2 dimers at central nervous system synapses

Endophilin 1 is proposed to participate in synaptic vesicle biogenesis through SH3 domain-mediated interactions with the polyphosphoinositide phosphatase synaptojanin and the GTPase dynamin. Endophilin family members have also been identified as binding partners for a number of diverse cellular proteins. We define here the endophilin 1-binding site within synaptojanin 1 and show that this sequence independently and selectively purifies from brain extracts endophilin 1 and a closely related protein, endophilin 2. Endophilin 2, like endophilin 1, is highly expressed in brain, concentrated in nerve terminals, and found in complexes with synaptojanin and dynamin. Although a fraction of endophilins 1 and 2 coexist in the same complex, the distribution of these endophilin isoforms among central synapses only partially overlaps. Endophilins 1 and 2 are found predominantly as stable dimers through a predicted coiled-coil domain in their conserved NH2-terminal moiety. Dimerization may allow endophilins to link a number of different cellular targets to the endocytic machinery.     

Differential expression of Eya1 and Eya2 during chick early embryonic development

Eyes absent is essential for compound eye formation in Drosophila. Its mammalian homologues of Eya are involved in the development of sensory organs, skeletal muscles and kidneys. Mutations of EYA1 in human cause branchio-oto-renal syndrome, with abnormalities in branchial derivatives, ear and kidney. For an insight into the function of Eya1 and Eya2 in early development, we performed whole-mount in situ hybridization and compared the expression patterns of these two genes in the developing chick embryos. Eya1 was first expressed in the primitive streak at Hamburger and Hamilton stage 4 (HH4) and appeared in the ectoderm and head mesenchyme distinct from migrating neural crest cells at HH6-HH11. At HH15 and HH17, the olfactory, otic and vagal/nodose placodes and cranial ganglia were positive for Eya1. In contrast, Eya2 was already expressed in the endoderm at HH4, and appeared in the endoderm and prospective placodal region at HH6-HH11. Eya2 expression was observed in pharyngeal clefts and pouches as well as cranial placodes at HH15 and HH17. These results indicate differential expression of Eya1 and Eya2, both spatially and temporally, in chick during early development. The expression patterns are somewhat different from those of other species such as Xenopus, zebrafish and mouse. The results suggest distinct and unique functions for Eya1 and Eya2 in early chick development.     

Structural and enzymatic properties of adenine 1-oxide nucleotides.

We decribed the preparation of adenine 1-oxide nucleotides by oxidation of the natural compounds with monopermaleic acid in aqueous solutions at neutral pH, with an overall yield after chromatographic purification between 75 and 80%. If irradiated, the adenine 1-oxide nucleotides undergo a photochemical rearrangement reaction, the main photoproducts in aqueous solution at alkaline pH being the corresponding isoguanine nucleotides. The modified ring vibration pattern of the 1-oxide analogues as well as the 13C chemical shift indicate a loss of aromaticity as compared to the natural compounds. Coupling constant measurements show that the dihedral angle between the 31POC and OC13C planes is around 180degree, i.e., trans, as in the natural adenine nucleotides. The modified adenine nucleotides were tested as potential substrates and/or inhibitors of mitochondrial processes, as substrates of varous phosphotransferases from mitochondria or cytosol, and as allosteric effectors in the reactions catalyzed by glutamate dehydrogenase and phosphofructokinase. Although the adenine 1-oxide nucleotides are not recognized by the translocase system of the inner mitochondrial membrane, they are good substrates for mitochondrial phosphotransferases located in the intermembrane space. Similarly, they participate in the phosphoryl group transfer reactions catalyzed by pyruvate kinase, phosphofructokinase, and hexokinase. As allosteric effectors, the modified nucleotides are less active than the natural compounds, probably because of a lower binding capacity to the allosteric sites of the regulatory enzymes.