Regulation and biochemistry of mouse molybdo-flavoenzymes. The DBA/2 mouse is selectively deficient in the expression of aldehyde oxidase homologues 1 and 2 and represents a unique source for the purification and characterization of aldehyde oxidase

Mouse molybdo-flavoenzymes consist of xanthine oxidoreductase, aldehyde oxidase (AOX1), and two recently identified proteins, AOH1 and AOH2 (aldehyde oxidase homologues 1 and 2). Here we demonstrate that CD-1, C57BL/6, 129/Sv, and other mouse strains synthesize high levels of AOH1 in the liver and AOH2 in the skin. By contrast, the DBA/2 and CBA strains are unique, having a selective deficit in the expression of the AOH1 and AOH2 genes. DBA/2 animals synthesize trace amounts of a catalytically active AOH1 protein. However, relative to CD-1 animals, an over 2 log reduction in the steady-state levels of liver AOH1 mRNA, protein, and enzymatic activity is observed in basal conditions and following administration of testosterone. The DBA/2 mouse represents a unique opportunity to purify AOX1 and compare its enzymatic characteristics to those of the AOH1 protein. The spectroscopy and biochemistry of AOX1 are very similar to those of AOH1 except for a differential sensitivity to the non-competitive inhibitory effect of norharmane. AOX1 and AOH1 oxidize an overlapping set of aldehydes and heterocycles. For most compounds, the substrate efficiency (V(max)/K(m)) of AOX1 is superior to that of AOH1. Alkylic alcohols and acetaldehyde, the toxic metabolite of ethanol, are poor substrates of both enzymes. Consistent with this, the levels of acetaldehyde in the livers of ethanol administered CD-1 and DBA/2 mice are similar, indicating that neither enzyme is involved in the in vivo biotransformation of acetaldehyde.     

Purification of the aldehyde oxidase homolog 1 (AOH1) protein and cloning of the AOH1 and aldehyde oxidase homolog 2 (AOH2) genes. Identification of a novel molybdo-flavoprotein gene cluster on mouse chromosome 1

We report the cloning of the AOH1 and AOH2 genes, which encode two novel mammalian molybdo-flavoproteins. We have purified the AOH1 protein to homogeneity in its catalytically active form from mouse liver. Twenty tryptic peptides, identified or directly sequenced by mass spectrometry, confirm the primary structure of the polypeptide deduced from the AOH1 gene. The enzyme contains one molecule of FAD, one atom of molybdenum, and four atoms of iron per subunit and shows spectroscopic features similar to those of the prototypic molybdo-flavoprotein xanthine oxidoreductase. The AOH1 and AOH2 genes are 98 and 60 kilobases long, respectively, and consist of 35 coding exons. The AOH1 gene has the potential to transcribe an extra leader non-coding exon, which is located downstream of exon 26, and is transcribed in the opposite orientation relative to all the other exons. AOH1 and AOH2 map to chromosome 1 in close proximity to each other and to the aldehyde oxidase gene, forming a molybdo-flavoenzyme gene cluster. Conservation in the position of exon/intron junctions among the mouse AOH1, AOH2, aldehyde oxidase, and xanthine oxidoreductase loci indicates that these genes are derived from the duplication of an ancestral precursor.     

The First Mammalian Aldehyde Oxidase Crystal Structure: INSIGHTS INTO SUBSTRATE SPECIFICITY*

Aldehyde oxidases (AOXs) are homodimeric proteins belonging to the xanthine oxidase family of molybdenum-containing enzymes. Each 150-kDa monomer contains a FAD redox cofactor, two spectroscopically distinct [2Fe-2S] clusters, and a molybdenum cofactor located within the protein active site. AOXs are characterized by broad range substrate specificity, oxidizing different aldehydes and aromatic N-heterocycles. Despite increasing recognition of its role in the metabolism of drugs and xenobiotics, the physiological function of the protein is still largely unknown. We have crystallized and solved the crystal structure of mouse liver aldehyde oxidase 3 to 2.9 Å. This is the first mammalian AOX whose structure has been solved. The structure provides important insights into the protein active center and further evidence on the catalytic differences characterizing AOX and xanthine oxidoreductase. The mouse liver aldehyde oxidase 3 three-dimensional structure combined with kinetic, mutagenesis data, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics studies make a decisive contribution to understand the molecular basis of its rather broad substrate specificity.     

Alcohol-induced breast cancer: a proposed mechanism

Alcohol consumption increases the risk for breast cancer in women by still undefined means. Alcohol metabolism is known to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), and breast cancer is associated with high levels of hydroxyl radical (^·OH) modified DNA, point mutations, single strand nicks, and chromosome rearrangement. Furthermore, ROS modification of DNA can produce the mutations and DNA damage found in breast cancer. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) are expressed and regulated in breast tissues and aldehyde oxidase (AOX) may be present as well. Mammary gland XOR is an efficient source of ROS. Recently, hepatic XOR and AOX were found to generate ROS in two ways from alcohol metabolism: by acetaldehyde consumption and by the intrinsic NADH oxidase activity of both XOR and AOX. The data obtained suggests that: (1) expression of ADH and XOR or AOX in breast tissue provides the enzymes that generate ROS; (2) metabolism of alcohol produces acetaldehyde and NADH that can both be substrates for XOR or AOX and thereby result in ROS formation; and (3) ROS generated by XOR or AOX can induce the carcinogenic mutations and DNA damage found in breast cancer. Accumulation of iron coupled with diminished antioxidant defenses in breast tissue with advancing age provide additional support for this hypothesis because both result in elevated ROS damage that may exacerbate the risk for ROS-induced breast cancer.     

The role of cellular oxidases and catalytic iron in the pathogenesis of ethanol-induced liver injury

Free radical generation and catalytic iron have been implicated in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced liver injury but the source of free radicals is a subject of controversy. The mechanism of ethanol-induced liver injury was investigated in isolated hepatocytes from a rodent model of iron loading in which free radical generation was measured by the determination of alkane production (ethane and pentane). Iron loading (125mg/kg i.p.) increased hepatic non-heme iron 3-fold, increased the prooxidant activity of cytosolic ultrafiltrates 2-fold and doubled ethanol-induced alkane production. The addition of desferrioxamine (20μM), a tight chelator of iron, completely abolished alkane production indicating the importance of catalytic iron. The role of cellular oxidases as a source of ethanol induced free radicals was studied through the use of selective inhibitors. In both the presence and absence of iron loading, selective inhibition of xanthine oxidase with oxipurinol(20μM) diminished ethanol-induced alkane production 0–40%, inhibition of aldehyde oxidase with menadione (20μM) diminished alkane production 36–75%, while the inhibition of aldehyde and xanthine oxidase by feeding tungstate (100mg/kg/day) virtually abolished alkane production. Addition of acetaldehyde(50μM) to hepatocytes generated alkanes at rates comparable to those achieved with ethanol indicating the importance of acetaldehyde metabolism in free radical generation. The cellular oxidases (aldehyde and xanthine oxidase) along with catalytic iron play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of free radical injury due to ethanol.     

ICAM-3, a ligand for DC-SIGN, was duplicated from ICAM-1 in mammalian evolution, but was lost in the rodent genome

ICAM-3 is a DC-SIGN ligand that is constitutively expressed on resting leukocytes, and is thus an important molecule for the first immune response. But, ICAM-3 has not been isolated form rodents. Thus, we compare the ICAM gene clusters in human, dog, mouse, and rat. ICAM-1, -4, -5 and -3 are located close to one another on the same chromosome and show genomic synteny in human and dog. Almost the same ICAM gene clusters were found in rodent genome, but only the ICAM-3 was not present. A phylogenetic tree plotting the cDNAs of human, dog, mouse, rat, and bovine suggested that ICAM-3 was made from a duplication of ICAM-1. Thus, ICAM-3 arose from ICAM-1 in the mammalian evolution, but was lost in the rodent's genome. Our study suggests the different immune response in the rodents in comparison with other mammals.     

Use of a bioelectrochemical cell for the synthesis of (bio)chemicals

A bioelectrochemical cell containing either d-glucose oxidase (β-d-glucose:oxygen 1-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.4) or xanthine oxidase (xanthine:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.2.3.2) plus dichlorophenol-indophenol as electron acceptor in one half-cell, and chloroperoxidase (chloride:hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.10) in the other half-cell is described. Due to a combination of chemical, biochemical and electrochemical reactions, electricity and specific (bio)chemicals can be produced in the cell simultaneously and in both compartments. Furthermore, the oxidases in a bioelectrochemical cell are not inactivated by H₂O₂ and as a result the operational lifetimes of the oxidases were increased about five-fold.     

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating oxidases in the normal rabbit cornea and their involvement in the corneal damage evoked by UVB rays

The corneas of albino rabbits were irradiated (5 min exposure once a day) with UVB rays (312 nm) for 4 days (shorter procedure) or 8 days (longer procedure). The eyes were examined microbiologically and only the corneas of sterile eyes or eyes with non-pathogenic microbes were employed. Histochemically, the activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating oxidases (xanthine oxidase, D-amino acid oxidase and alpha-hydroxy acid oxidase) were examined in cryostat sections of the whole corneas. Biochemically, the activity of xanthine oxidoreductase/xanthine oxidase was investigated in the scraped corneal epithelium. UVB rays significantly changed enzyme activities in the corneas. In comparison to the normal cornea, where of ROS-generating oxidases only xanthine oxidase showed significant activity in the corneal epithelium and endothelium, D-amino acid oxidase was very low and alpha-hydroxy acid oxidase could not be detected at all, in the cornea repeatedly irradiated with UVB rays, increased activities of xanthine oxidase and D-amino acid oxidase were observed in all corneal layers. Only after the longer procedure the xanthine oxidase and D-amino acid oxidase activities were decreased in the thinned epithelium in parallel with its morphological disturbances. Further results show that the xanthine oxidase/xanthine oxidoreductase ratio increased in the epithelium together with the repeated irradiation with UVB rays. This might suggest that xanthine dehydrogenase is converted to xanthine oxidase. However, in comparison to the normal corneal epithelium, the total amount of xanthine oxidoredutase was decreased in the irradiated epithelium. It is presumed that xanthine oxidoreductase might be released extracellularly (into tears) or the enzyme molecules were denatured due to UVB rays (particulary after the longer procedure). Comparative histochemical and biochemical findings suggest that reactive oxygen species-generating oxidases (xanthine oxidase, D-amino acid oxidase) contribute to the corneal damage evoked by UVB rays.     

Xanthine oxidoreductase and xanthine oxidase in human cornea

Xanthine oxidoreductase (xanthine dehydrogenase + xanthine oxidase) is a complex enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine, subsequently producing uric acid. The enzyme complex exists in separate but interconvertible forms, xanthine dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase, which generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), a well known causative factor in ischemia/reperfusion injury and also in some other pathological states and diseases. Because the enzymes had not been localized in human corneas until now, the aim of this study was to detect xanthine oxidoreductase and xanthine oxidase in the corneas of normal post-mortem human eyes using histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Xanthine oxidoreductase activity was demonstrated by the tetrazolium salt reduction method and xanthine oxidase activity was detected by methods based on cerium ion capture of hydrogen peroxide. For immunohistochemical studies. we used rabbit antibovine xanthine oxidase antibody, rabbit antihuman xanthine oxidase antibody and monoclonal mouse antihuman xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase/aldehyde oxidase antibody. The results show that the enzymes are present in the corneal epithelium and endothelium. The activity of xanthine oxidoreductase is higher than that of xanthine oxidase, as clearly seen in the epithelium. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of these enzymes in the diseased human cornea. Based on the findings obtained in this study (xanthine oxidoreductase/xanthine oxidase activities are present in normal human corneas), we hypothesize that during various pathological states, xanthine oxidase-generated ROS might be involved in oxidative eye injury.     

Biochemical and Spectroscopic Characterization of the Human Mitochondrial Amidoxime Reducing Components hmARC-1 and hmARC-2 Suggests the Existence of a New Molybdenum Enzyme Family in Eukaryotes

The mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component mARC is a newly discovered molybdenum enzyme that is presumed to form the catalytical part of a three-component enzyme system, consisting of mARC, heme/cytochrome b₅, and NADH/FAD-dependent cytochrome b₅ reductase. mARC proteins share a significant degree of homology to the molybdenum cofactor-binding domain of eukaryotic molybdenum cofactor sulfurase proteins, the latter catalyzing the post-translational activation of aldehyde oxidase and xanthine oxidoreductase. The human genome harbors two mARC genes, referred to as hmARC-1/MOSC-1 and hmARC-2/MOSC-2, which are organized in a tandem arrangement on chromosome 1. Recombinant expression of hmARC-1 and hmARC-2 proteins in Escherichia coli reveals that both proteins are monomeric in their active forms, which is in contrast to all other eukaryotic molybdenum enzymes that act as homo- or heterodimers. Both hmARC-1 and hmARC-2 catalyze the N-reduction of a variety of N-hydroxylated substrates such as N-hydroxy-cytosine, albeit with different specificities. Reconstitution of active molybdenum cofactor onto recombinant hmARC-1 and hmARC-2 proteins in the absence of sulfur indicates that mARC proteins do not belong to the xanthine oxidase family of molybdenum enzymes. Moreover, they also appear to be different from the sulfite oxidase family, because no cysteine residue could be identified as a putative ligand of the molybdenum atom. This suggests that the hmARC proteins and sulfurase represent members of a new family of molybdenum enzymes.     

Kinetics and specificity of guinea pig liver aldehyde oxidase and bovine milk xanthine oxidase towards substituted benzaldehydes

Molybdenum-containing enzymes, aldehyde oxidase and xanthine oxidase, are important in the oxidation of N-heterocyclic xenobiotics. However, the role of these enzymes in the oxidation of drug-derived aldehydes has not been established. The present investigation describes the interaction of eleven structurally related benzaldehydes with guinea pig liver aldehyde oxidase and bovine milk xanthine oxidase, since they have similar substrate specificity to human molybdenum hydroxylases. The compounds under test included mono-hydroxy and mono-methoxy benzaldehydes as well as 3,4-dihydroxy-, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-, and 3,4-dimethoxy-benzaldehydes. In addition, various amines and catechols were tested with the molybdenum hydroxylases as inhibitors of benzaldehyde oxidation. The kinetic constants have shown that hydroxy-, and methoxy-benzaldehydes are excellent substrates for aldehyde oxidase (Km values 5x10(-6) M to 1x10(-5) M) with lower affinities for xanthine oxidase (Km values around 10(-4) M). Therefore, aldehyde oxidase activity may be a significant factor in the oxidation of the aromatic aldehydes generated from amines and alkyl benzenes during drug metabolism. Compounds with a 3-methoxy group showed relatively high Vmax values with aldehyde oxidase, whereas the presence of a 3-hydroxy group resulted in minimal Vmax values or no reaction. In addition, amines acted as weak inhibitors, whereas catechols had a more pronounced inhibitory effect on the aldehyde oxidase activity. It is therefore possible that aldehyde oxidase may be critical in the oxidation of the analogous phenylacetaldehydes derived from dopamine and noradrenaline.     

Electrophoretic analyses of alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, aldehyde reductase, aldehyde oxidase and xanthine oxidase from horse tissues

Cellulose acetate zymograms of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (AHD), aldehyde reductase (AHR), aldehyde oxidase (AOX) and xanthine oxidase (XOX) extracted from horse tissues were examined. Five ADH isozymes were resolved: three corresponded to the previously reported class I ADHs (EE, ES and SS) (Theorell, 1969); a single form of class II ADH (designated ADH-C2) and of class III ADH (designated ADH-B2) were also observed. The latter isozyme was widely distributed in horse tissues whereas the other enzymes were found predominantly in liver. Four AHD isozymes were differentially distributed in subcellular preparations of horse liver: AHD-1 (large granules); AHD-3 (small granules); and AHD-2, AHD-4 (cytoplasm). AHD-1 was more widely distributed among the horse tissues examined. Liver represented the major source of activity for most AHDs. A single additional form of NADPH-dependent AHR activity (identified as hexonate dehydrogenase), other than the ADHs previously described, was observed in horse liver. Single forms of AOX and XOX were observed in horse tissue extracts, with highest activities in liver.     

Studies on the specificity toward aldehyde substrates and steady-state kinetics of xanthine oxidase

The aldehyde specificity of xanthine oxidase (xanthine:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.2.3.2) has been reinvestigated. The biogenic aldehydes and succinate semialdehyde are reasonable substrates for xanthine oxidase. Pyrophosphate, which binds to xanthine oxidase, does not seem to affect significantly the enzyme's catalytic activity. The steady-state parameters for the oxidation of several substrates by xanthine oxidase and oxygen have been determined. Formaldehyde differs from xanthine and other aldehydes in phi 2, the parameter describing the reaction with oxygen. Substrate inhibition has been studied at high concentrations of xanthine with oxygen as the electron acceptor. The inhibition is hyperbolic and uncompetitive with respect to oxygen. This is possibly due to rate-limiting product release from molybdenum(IV) being slower than from molybdenum(VI).     

Post-Translational Modification of Xanthine Dehydrogenase in a Natural Population of DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Second chromosomes of D. melanogaster were isolated from a single natural population, and 40 were analyzed by gel-sieving electrophoresis for the presence of polymorphic loci on chromosome 2 that act to modify xanthine dehydrogenase and/or aldehyde oxidase, whose structural genes map to chromosome 3. Clear evidence of polymorphism for one or more xanthine dehydrogenase modifier loci was obtained.     

Species-specific evolution of the FcR family in endothermic vertebrates

In primates and rodents, the extended FcR family is comprised of three subsets: classical FcRs, structurally diverse cell surface receptors currently designated FCRL1-FCRL6, and intracellular proteins FCRLA and FCRLB. Using bioinformatic analysis, we revealed the FcR-like genes of the same three subsets in the genome of dog, another representative of placental mammals, and in the genome of short-tailed opossum, a representative of marsupials. In contrast, a single FcR-like gene was found in the current version of the chicken genome. This in silico finding was confirmed by the gene cloning and subsequent Southern blot hybridization. The chicken FCRL gene encodes a cell surface receptor with the extracellular region composed of four Ig-like domains of the D1-, D2-, D3-, and D4-subtypes. The gene is expressed in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues. Phylogenetic analysis of the mammalian and chicken genes suggested that classical FcRs, FCRLA, and FCRLB emerged after the mammalian-avian split but before the eutherian-marsupial radiation. The data obtained show that the repertoire of the classical FcRs and surface FcR-like proteins in mammalian species was shaped by an extensive recombination process, which resulted in domain shuffling and species-specific gain and loss of distinct exons or entire genes.     

The species distribution of xanthine oxidase

1. The distribution of xanthine oxidase in blood and tissues of various animals was studied by means of a radioactive assay capable of detecting 10(-7) unit of enzyme. The method was shown to be applicable to tissues with a high uricase content. 2. Of 16 mammalian species examined, six had low concentrations of xanthine oxidase in the serum. In six non-mammalian species, no activity was detected in the serum. 3. The enzyme was not found in the blood cells of any mammals, but was present in the nucleated red blood corpuscles of chicken, turtle and tortoise. 4. Studies of the tissue distribution in four species demonstrated high activities in the liver and intestinal mucosa and consistently low activities in skeletal muscle, heart and brain. 5. There is a rough correlation between the activity of enzyme in serum and its activity in lung tissue in 12 mammalian species. In the dog, left-atrial blood had higher concentrations of xanthine oxidase than right-atrial blood.