Surface exposed epitopes and structural heterogeneity of in vivo formed transthyretin amyloid fibrils

We have investigated the structure of in vivo formed transthyretin (TTR) amyloid deposits by using antisera raised against short linear sequences of the TTR molecule. In immunohistochemistry, antisera anti-TTR41-50 and anti-TTR115-124-a reacted specifically with both wildtype ATTR and ATTR V30M material, whereas only anti-TTR41-50 recognized ATTR Y114C material. Similar results were obtained by ELISA analysis of ATTR V30M and ATTR Y114C vitreous amyloid, where the anti-TTR115-124-a antiserum failed to react with ATTR Y114C material. Moreover, neither of the antisera recognized natively structured TTR present in pancreatic alpha cells. Our results strongly indicate that the TTR molecule undergoes structural changes during fibrillogenesis in vivo. The finding of a structural difference between wildtype ATTR and ATTR V30M material on one hand and ATTR Y114C material on the other suggests that the fibril formation pathway of these ATTR variants may differ in vivo.     

S-sulfonation of transthyretin is an important trigger step in the formation of transthyretin-related amyloid fibril

Senile systemic amyloidosis and familial amyloid polyneuropathy are caused by oxidative deposition of conformationally altered transthyretin (TTR). We identified oxidative modification of the 10th cysteine of TTR through S-sulfonation in vitro. Based on mass spectrometric analysis, we determined the spectrophotometric, western blotting, and fluororescent microscopic properties of TTR incubated with and without cysteine-S-sulfonate in acidic (pH 4) and alkaline (pH 8) conditions at 37°. The absorption of the aggregated TTR molecules increased more with incubation time and the concentration of cysteine-S-sulfonate at pH 4 than at pH 8. The Congo red binding to the S-sulfonated TTR at pH 4 was saturated with an apparent Bmax of 2.01 mol per mole of the S-sulfonated TTR and apparent K_D of 7.75 × 10⁻⁶ M. On the other hand, the Bmax of cysteinyl TTR was 1.38, and its K_D was 3.52 × 10⁻⁶ M while the Bmax of reduced TTR was 0.86, and its K_D was 2.86 × 10⁻⁶ M. Moreover, we detected positive amyloid fibril staining using Thioflavin T and Congo red with the S-sulfonated TTR but not with untreated or reduced TTR by microscopic fluororescent analysis. After modification of TTR in vitro, oligomers resisted reduction and denaturation was irreversibly induced, and which contributed differences in the Western blotting patterns obtained with four anti-TTR antibodies. In conclusion, this study showed that the formation of S-sulfonation of TTR through oxidative modifications of the thiol residue on the 10th cysteine of TTR is an important trigger step in the formation of transthyretin-related amyloid fibril.     

Proportion between wild-type and mutant protein in truncated compared to full-length ATTR: An analysis on transplanted transthyretin T60A amyloidosis patients

Familial ATTR amyloidosis is caused by point mutations in the transthyretin gene. The clinical manifestations are highly varied but polyneuropathy and/or cardiomyopathy are generally the main symptoms. The amyloid fibrils can either be composed of only intact ATTR molecules or intact together with fragmented ATTR species. As plasma TTR is almost exclusively synthesized in the liver, liver transplantation is performed in order to eliminate the mutant plasma TTR. The procedure has shown best results among patients with the V30M mutation, while a rapid continued cardiac deposition of wild-type (wt) TTR has been seen for many other mutations. In this paper we investigated the proportion of wtATTR in two TTRT60A patients that underwent liver transplantation; one patient died 3 weeks after surgery, the other patient survived for 12 months. As the role of fragmented TTR species in the pathogenesis is far from understood, we investigated the proportion of wt in these species separately to the full-length molecules, which has not been done before in transplanted patients. The results show a higher proportion of wtTTR in the 12-months-surviving patient than the 3-weeks-surviving patient, but interestingly this difference in wt proportion is mainly seen among the full-length, and not the fragmented, molecules.     

On the hydrolysis of the Dysprosium(III) ion

Abstract

The hydrolysis of the Dysprosium (III) (Dy³⁺⁾ ion has been investigated at 25°C in 1, 2 and 3 molal (Na)ClO₄ medium through a combined potentiometric-coulometric methodology. At each perchlorate concentration the formation constants of the complexes DyOH²⁺, Dy₂(OH)₂⁴⁺ and Dy₅(OH)₉⁶⁺ have been determined. The values have then been extrapolated to zero ionic strength by using the Specific Interaction Theory. Analogies with the hydrolysis mechanism of other lanthanides are pointed out.

This paper is just the first to be reported of a series of studies undertaken with the aim to prove that a single mechanism of hydrolysis applies to all the trivalent lanthanides and probably to the corresponding actinides, too radioactive to be investigated directly.     

不同耐铬性青菜中Cr~(6+)的亚细胞分布及其耐性机理

为探明青菜对Cr6+的吸收及其耐性机理,选取2个不同耐铬(Cr)性青菜品种‘美加华’(Cr耐性品种)和‘三月慢’(Cr敏感品种)进行水培试验,比较0、10、50和100μmol·L~(-1) Cr~(6+)处理下青菜地上部和根系Cr含量、Cr的亚细胞分布、非蛋白巯基(NPT)、植物螯合肽(PCs)和抗氧化酶活性的差异。结果表明:(1)2个青菜品种地上部Cr含量显著小于根系的含量,且‘美加华’根系Cr含量、Cr的根系滞留率、地上部和根系细胞壁中Cr含量与总Cr含量的比值均显著大于‘三月慢’,而其可溶性Cr含量与总Cr含量的比值显著小于‘三月慢’。(2)Cr~(6+)处理显著增加了青菜地上部NPT和PCs的含量,且‘美加华’增加的幅度显著高于‘三月慢’。(3)低浓度的Cr~(6+)(10μmol·L~(-1))能够提高青菜SOD、POD和CAT的活性,且‘美加华’的增幅大于‘三月慢’;而高浓度的Cr~(6+)(100μmol·L~(-1))显著降低了SOD、POD和CAT的活性,且‘美加华’的降幅小于‘三月慢’。研究认为,在Cr~(6+)胁迫条件下,与青菜品种‘三月慢’相比品种‘美加华’能将更多的Cr分布于根和细胞壁中,减少了跨膜进入细胞内的Cr,并且具有较高的抗氧化酶活性和PCs含量,从而表现出更强的耐Cr~(6+)性。     

Implications for in vitro studies of the autoxidation of ferrous ion and the iron-catalyzed autoxidation of dithiothreitol

The influences of buffers and iron chelators on the rate of autoxidation of Fe²⁺ were examined in the pH range 6.0–7.4. The catalysis by Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ of the autoxidation of dithiothreitol was also investigated. In buffers which are non- or poor chelators of iron, 0.25 mM Fe²⁺, and 0.3 mM dithiothreitol when present with iron, oxidize within minutes at pH 7.4 and 30°C. The stability of each increases as the pH is decreased and more than 90% of each remains after 1 h at pH 6.0. In the presence of buffers or oxy-ligands which preferentially and strongly chelate Fe³⁺ over Fe²⁺, Fe²⁺ autoxidizes rapidly in the pH range 6.0–7.4 while dithiothreitol is protected. Ligands which preferentially bind strongly to Fe²⁺ stabilize both Fe²⁺ and dithiothreitol at pH 7.4. Dithiothreitol readily reduces Fe³⁺ in non-chelating buffers or in the presence of strong chelators of Fe²⁺, however, the ferrous ions produced are prone to reoxidation at higher pH values. These results show that Fe²⁺ and dithiothreitol are very susceptible to autoxidation in the neutral pH range, and that the rates are strongly influenced by the presence of chelators of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺. The rapid autoxidations of these species need to be taken into account when designing and interpreting experiments involving Fe²⁺ or both dithiothreitol and iron.     

Cr3+和Cd2+对普通小球藻生长及抗氧化酶活性的影响

[目的] 为探究重金属对淡水绿藻生长的影响。[方法] 选取对水质检测具有明显指示作用的普通小球藻（Chlorella vulgaris）为实验材料,CdCl₂·2H₂O和CrCl₃·7H₂O提供重金属离子,探究不同浓度Cr³⁺和Cd²⁺在单一和复合胁迫下对藻细胞浓度、叶绿素a及相关抗氧化酶活性的影响。[结果] 随着Cr³⁺和Cd²⁺浓度不断增加,藻细胞浓度呈先增长后下降趋势;叶绿素a含量呈现先下降后升高再下降的现象,浓度为1 mg/L的单一和复合胁迫下有最大值,且毒性作用表现为Cr³⁺ < Cd²⁺ < Cr³⁺+Cd²⁺;与藻细胞膜相关的丙二醛（MDA）和过氧化氢（H₂O₂）含量随着重金属离子浓度的增大而增长;重金属离子浓度低于10 mg/L时对藻细胞内抗氧化酶系统中的超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）和过氧化物酶（POD）表现为促进作用,而大于10 mg/L时具有抑制作用。[结论] 结果表明在单一或复合重金属胁迫下,普通小球藻会充分调动与抗逆性相关的酶来维持自身的正常生长。     

Enzymatic detection of As(III) in aqueous solution using alginate immobilized pumpkin urease: Optimization of process variables by response surface methodology

Urease immobilized on alginate was utilized to detect and quantify As³⁺ in aqueous solution. Urease from the seeds of pumpkin (vegetable waste) was purified to apparent homogeneity by heat treatment and gel filtration (Sephadex G-200). Further enzyme was entrapped in 3.5% alginate beads. Urea hydrolysis by enzyme revealed a clear dependence on the concentration and interaction time of As³⁺. The process variables effecting the quantitation of As³⁺ was investigated using central composite design with Minitab^® 15 software. The predicted results were found in good agreement (R² = 96.71%) with experimental results indicating the applicability of proposed model. The multiple regression analysis and ANOVA showed that enzyme activity decreased with increase of As³⁺ concentration and interaction time. 3D plot and contour plot between As³⁺ concentration and interaction time was helpful to predict residual activity of enzyme for a particular As³⁺ at a particular time.     

Differences in the binding modes of phytochelatin to cadmium (II) and Zinc(II) ions

An ¹H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopic structural analysis of Cd²⁺ complexes formed with the pentapeptide phytochelatin, (NH₃)⁺−(ψ-Glu-Cys)₂−Gly−COO−(PC₂), at a pH of 7.5 showed that the two thiol groups of the Cys residues and either the carbonyl or amide group of the peptide bond between Glu1 and Cys1 act as possible donor groups in the complexes at Cd²⁺/PC₂ ratios up to 0.4. As the ratio increases, the carboxylate group of Glu2 and either the carbonyl or amide group of the peptide bond between Cys1 and Glu2 comes to serve as a donor group. The manner in which Cd²⁺ forms complexes with PC₂ is distinctly different from Zn²⁺ and might account for the role of phytochelatin in Cd²⁺ detoxification. Electron absorption spectrometry demonstrated that the Cd²⁺ complexes are coordinated in a tetrahedral fashion by four thiol groups and that several sulfur atoms might bridge Cd²⁺ ions, resulting in the formation of polynuclear complexes. This contrasts with Zn²⁺ complex formation, which consists exclusively of a 1:1 complex.     

RYR2 proteins contribute to the formation of Ca(2+) sparks in smooth muscle

Calcium release through ryanodine receptors (RYR) activates calcium-dependent membrane conductances and plays an important role in excitation-contraction coupling in smooth muscle. The specific RYR isoforms associated with this release in smooth muscle, and the role of RYR-associated proteins such as FK506 binding proteins (FKBPs), has not been clearly established, however. FKBP12.6 proteins interact with RYR2 Ca(2+) release channels and the absence of these proteins predictably alters the amplitude and kinetics of RYR2 unitary Ca(2+) release events (Ca(2+) sparks). To evaluate the role of specific RYR2 and FBKP12.6 proteins in Ca(2+) release processes in smooth muscle, we compared spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs), Ca(2+) sparks, Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release, and Ca(2+) waves in smooth muscle cells freshly isolated from wild-type, FKBP12.6(-/-), and RYR3(-/-) mouse bladders. Consistent with a role of FKBP12.6 and RYR2 proteins in spontaneous Ca(2+) sparks, we show that the frequency, amplitude, and kinetics of spontaneous, transient outward currents (STOCs) and spontaneous Ca(2+) sparks are altered in FKBP12.6 deficient myocytes relative to wild-type and RYR3 null cells, which were not significantly different from each other. Ca(2+) -induced Ca(2+) release was similarly augmented in FKBP12.6(-/-), but not in RYR3 null cells relative to wild-type. Finally, Ca(2+) wave speed evoked by CICR was not different in RYR3 cells relative to control, indicating that these proteins are not necessary for normal Ca(2+) wave propagation. The effect of FKBP12.6 deletion on the frequency, amplitude, and kinetics of spontaneous and evoked Ca(2+) sparks in smooth muscle, and the finding of normal Ca(2+) sparks and CICR in RYR3 null mice, indicate that Ca(2+) release through RYR2 molecules contributes to the formation of spontaneous and evoked Ca(2+) sparks, and associated STOCs, in smooth muscle.     

Oligopeptide-mediated acceleration of amyloid fibril formation of amyloid beta(Abeta) and alpha-synuclein fragment peptide (NAC).

The effects of oligopeptides on the secondary structures of Abeta and NAC, a fragment of alpha-synuclein protein, were studied by circular dichroism (CD) spectra. The effects of oligopeptides on the amyloid fibril formation were also studied by fluorescence spectra due to thioflavine-T. The oligopeptides were composed of a fragment of Abeta or NAC and were interposed by acidic or basic amino acid residues. The peptide, Ac-ELVFFAKK-NH2, which involved a fragment Leu-Val-Phe-Phe-Ala at Abeta(17-21), had no effect on the secondary structures of Abeta(1-28) in 60% or 90% trifluoroethanol (TFE) solutions at both pH 3.2 and pH 7.2. However, it showed pronounced effects on the secondary structure of Abeta(1-28) at pH 5.4. The Ac-ELVFFAKK-NH2 reduced the alpha-helical content, while it increased the beta-sheet content of Abeta(1-28). In phosphate buffer solutions at pH 7.0, Ac-ELVFFAKK-NH2 had little effect on the secondary structures of Abeta(1-28). However, it accelerated amyloid fibril formation when monitored by fluorescence spectra due to thioflavine-T. On the other hand, LPFFD, a peptide known as a beta-sheet breaker, caused neither an appreciable extent of change in the secondary structure nor amyloid fibril formation in the same buffer solution. The peptide, Ac-ETVK-NH2, which involved a fragment Thr-Val at NAC(21-22), had no effect on the secondary structure of NAC in 90% TFE and in isotonic phosphate buffer. However, Ac-ETVK-NH2 in water with small amounts of NaN3 and hexafluoroisopropanol greatly increased the beta-sheet content of NAC after standing the solution for more than 1 week. Interestingly, in this solution. Ac-ETVK-NH2, accelerated the fibril formation of NAC. It was concluded that an oligopeptide that involves a fragment of amyloidogenic proteins could be a trigger for the formation of amyloid plaques of the proteins even when it had little effect on the secondary structures of the proteins as monitored by CD spectra for a short incubation time.     

重金属Cr6+胁迫对茳芏生理生态特征的影响

采用盆栽模拟试验,研究了不同水平重金属Cr6+对茳芏生理生态的影响,探索了茳芏对重金属的抗性机理,充实有关盐沼植物的污染生态学研究。结果表明:(1)Cr6+胁迫对茳芏生物量具抑制作用;(2)叶绿素含量及叶绿素a/b比值显著降低,并对净光合速率(Pn)、胞间CO2浓度(Ci)、蒸腾速率(Tr)及气孔导度(Gs)产生显著负面影响;(3)各浓度Cr6+胁迫对茳芏根系活力表现为抑制效应;(4)在Cr6+胁迫下,茳芏过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性均比对照低(除50mg/L外),超氧化歧化酶(SOD)活性随Cr6+浓度增加呈降低趋势,而过氧化物酶(POD)活性则持续上升。丙二醛(MDA)、细胞膜透性和脯氨酸(Pro)随Cr6+浓度增加显著增加,表明Cr6+胁迫对茳芏细胞质膜系统及主要细胞器的结构与功能都具有较强的破坏作用。     

Al(3+) interaction sites of calmodulin and the Al(3+) effect on target binding of calmodulin

The interaction between calmodulin (CaM) and Al(3+) was studied by spectroscopic methods. Heteronuclear two-dimensional NMR data indicated that peaks related to the both lobes and middle of the central helix of CaM are largely affected by Al(3+). But chemical shift perturbation suggested that overall conformation of Ca(2+)-loaded CaM is not changed by Al(3+) binding. It is thought that Al(3+) interaction to the middle of the central helix is a key for the property of CaM's target recognition. If the structure and/or flexibility of the central helix are/is changed by Al(3+), target affinity to CaM must be influenced by Al(3+). Thus, we performed surface plasmon resonance experiments to observe the effect of Al(3+) on the target recognition by CaM. The data clearly indicated that target affinity to CaM is reduced by addition of Al(3+). All the results presented here support a hypothesis that Al(3+) may affect on the Ca(2+) signaling pathway in cells.     

Phosphorus-carbon bond formation via reactions of triphenylphosphine with acetylene and pentamethylcyclopentadienyl coordinated to iridium(III)

Phosphorus-carbon bond is formed via: (i) the apparent HCCH insertion into Ir-P bond to produce Ir-CHCH-PPh₃ group and (ii) the activation of the ring-methyl group of the coordinated Cp^* (C₅Me₅ ⁻) to produce Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₄CH₂-PPh₃) group from reactions of iridium(III)-Cp^* complexes, [Cp^*IrL₃]ⁿ⁺ (n=1, 2); Cp^*=C₅Me₅ ⁻; L₃=Cl(PPh₃)₂ (3), (CH₃CN)₃ (5). The following new P-C bond containing iridium(III) complexes have been prepared: [Cp^*Ir(-CHCH-PPh₃)Cl(PPh₃)]⁺ (4) from 3 with HCCH; [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₄CH₂-PPh₃)(H)(PPh₃)₂]²⁺ (6) from 5 with PPh₃; [Cp^*Ir(-CHCH-PPh₃)₂(PPh₃)]²⁺ (7) from 5 with HCCH and PPh₃; [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₄CH₂-PPh₃)(-CHCH-PPh₃)Cl(PPh₃)]²⁺ (8) from [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₄CH₂-PPh₃)(Cl)(PPh₃)₂]²⁺ (6-Cl) with HCCH; [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₃(1,3-CH₂-PPh₃)₂(H)(PPh₃)₂)]³⁺ (10) from [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₄CH₂-PPh₃)(NCCH₃)₂(PPh₃)]³⁺ (9) with PPh₃; [Ir(η⁵-C₅Me₄CH₂-PPh₃)(-CHCH-PPh₃)₂(PPh₃)]³⁺ (11) from 9 with HCCH and PPh₃.     

Microcalorimetric Studies of the Biological Effects of Ho(III) on Halobacterium halobium R1

The biological effect of Ho³⁺ on Halobacterium halobium R1 growth was analyzed using the microcalorimetric method. Using the LKB-2277 Bioactivity Monitor with the ampoule method at 37°C, the thermogenic curves of the growth of H. halobium R1 were obtained. Then, the maximum power (P _m) and the growth rate constants (k) were determined, and the values of P _m and k were linked to the concentration of Ho³⁺. In all, the addition of Ho³⁺ cause a decrease in the maximum heat production and growth rate constants. To confirm the results, the shapes of H. halobium R1 cell addition with Ho³⁺ using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) were observed. According to the thermogenic curves and TEM photos of H. halobium R1 under different conditions, it is clear that the metabolic mechanism of H. halobium R1 growth has been changed with the addition of Ho³⁺.     

K~(+)、Cr~(6+)对网纹藤壶幼虫发育和存活的影响

以华南沿海污损生物群落优势种网纹藤壶(Balanus reticulatus)的幼虫为研究对象,探讨钾、铬2种金属离子对其幼虫存活及发育的影响。实验所用金属离子溶液是将K+和Cr6+母液添加到过滤消毒海水中配制。将活泼健壮的网纹藤壶无节幼虫置于上述溶液中,以亚心形扁藻(Platymonas subcordiformis)为饵料于30℃左右的黑暗环境中培养5d,镜检观察记录幼虫发育状况并进行统计分析。结果表明,K+对网纹藤壶幼虫发育和存活的影响均不明显;而Cr6+对幼虫发育具有一定的毒杀和抑制作用,不仅幼虫存活率低于对照组,而且金星幼虫所占百分率也低于对照组。     

Structural Basis for the Biological Effects of Pr(III) Ions: Alteration of Cell Membrane Permeability

The biological effects of rare-earth ions on the organism have been studied using Pr³⁺ as a probe ion and Escherichia coli cell as a target. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) observation of the surface of E. coli cells shows that the presence of Pr³⁺ substantially changes the structure of the outer membrane. By induced coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), more Cu²⁺ was found in the cells grown in the presence of Pr³⁺, indicating changes of cell permeability. Using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Ca²⁺ is found on the outer surface of the original cell. It is proposed that Pr³⁺ can replace Ca²⁺ from the binding sites because of their close ionic radii and similar ligand speciality.     

In rat hepatocytes, different adenosine receptor subtypes use different secondary messengers to increase the rate of ureagenesis

In rat hepatocytes, the role of cAMP and Ca(2+) as secondary messengers in the ureagenic response to stimulation of specific adenosine receptor subtypes was explored. Analyzed receptor subtypes were: A(1), A(2A), A(2B) and A(3). Each receptor subtype was stimulated with a specific agonist while blocking all other receptor subtypes with a battery of specific antagonists. For the A(1) and A(3) adenosine receptor subtypes, the secondary messenger was the cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](cyt)). Accordingly, the A(1) or A(3)-mediated increase in [Ca(2+)](cyt) and in ureagenic activity were both inhibited by chelating Ca(2+) with either EGTA or BAPTA-AM. Also, Gd(3+) blocked both the increase in [Ca(2+)](cyt) and ureagenesis, suggesting that a Ca(2+) channel may be involved in the response to both A(1) and A(3). A partial effect was observed with the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin. The concentration of cyclic AMP ([cAMP]) increased in response to stimulation of either the A(2A) or the A(2B) adenosine receptor subtypes, while it decreased slightly in response to stimulation of either A(1) or A(3). The stimulation of either the A(2A) or A(2B) adenosine receptor subtypes resulted in an increase in [cAMP] and an ureagenic response which were not sensitive to EGTA, BAPTA-AM, Gd(3+) or to thapsigargin. In addition, the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor MDL12,330A blocked the ureagenic response to A(2A) and A(2B), but not the response to either A(1) or A(3). Our results indicate that in the ureagenic liver response to adenosine, the secondary messenger for both, the A(1) and A(3) adenosine receptor subtypes is [Ca(2+)](cyt), while the message from the A(2A) and A(2B) adenosine receptor subtypes is relayed by [cAMP].