Transcription-Dependent and -Independent Induction of Cerebral Ornithine Decarboxylase

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC; EC 4.1.1.17) is a highly inducible, rate-limiting enzyme of the polyamine pathway. We have studied the mechanisms that lead to the induction of ODC activity in response to electrical stimulation in three brain regions. Hippocampal ODC activity was found to exhibit much larger elevations than that of the neocortex and the cerebellum. The levels of ODC gene expression were also followed to examine its relationship to the existing regional differences in ODC activity. In the neocortex, there was an elevation of both the ODC mRNA and enzyme activity. However, the hippocampal ODC mRNA level was not increased by electroconvulsive shock. Furthermore, the effects of hormonal changes and seizures on these regional differences in ODC induction were also examined. Adrenalectomy did not affect ODC activity, but pretreatment with the anticonvulsant MK-801 caused a depression of the induced levels of enzyme activity. Our data suggest that ODC activity in all the brain regions studied is directly elevated by electrically stimulated seizures. However, this induced ODC activity may or may not involve enhanced gene expression.     

雄激素对人前列腺细胞中鸟氨酸脱羧酶基因表达的调节作用

 为探讨雄激素对人前列腺中鸟氨酸脱羧酶（ Ｏ Ｄ Ｃ）基因表达的调节作用,以研究雄激素诱导前列腺良性增生的分子机理,分离培养了人胎儿前列腺间质细胞,以 Ｍ Ｔ Ｔ 法测定不同浓度 Ｄ Ｈ Ｔ对细胞的促增殖作用;以最适浓度的 Ｄ Ｈ Ｔ（１ ０００ μｇ／ Ｌ）刺激该细胞,分别于 ０,３,６,１２,２４,３０ ｈ 提取总 Ｒ Ｎ Ａ,用斑点杂交及 Ｎｏｒｔｈｅｒｎ ｂｌｏｔ 法分析测定各组细胞中 Ｏ Ｄ Ｃ ｍ Ｒ Ｎ Ａ 的丰度,并对杂交膜进行薄层扫描定量．结果显示：（１） Ｄ Ｈ Ｔ 对前列腺间质细胞的增殖呈双相调节作用,即在低浓度时随着 Ｄ Ｈ Ｔ 浓度的增加,对该细胞的促增殖作用增强,１ ０００ μｇ／ Ｌ时刺激活性最强,高浓度 Ｄ Ｈ Ｔ 对该细胞的刺激作用降低．（２）斑点杂交显示,在 １ ０００ μｇ／ Ｌ Ｄ Ｈ Ｔ 刺激细胞后 ６ ｈ 时, Ｏ Ｄ Ｃ ｍ Ｒ Ｎ Ａ开始明显升高,２４ ｈ 达高峰（约为 ０ ｈ 的 ４８ 倍）,至 ３０ ｈ 有所降低．（３） Ｎｏｒｔｈｅｒｎ ｂｌｏｔ 结果显示,人胎儿前列腺间质细胞中有两种 Ｏ Ｄ Ｃ ｍ Ｒ Ｎ Ａ,分别为 ２０ ｋｂ 和 ２６ ｋｂ,经扫描定量结果显示：１ ０００μｇ／ Ｌ Ｄ Ｈ Ｔ 对两种 Ｏ Ｄ Ｃ ｍ Ｒ Ｎ Ａ     

Ornithine Decarboxylase Induction by Glucocorticoids in Brain and Liver of Adrenalectomized Rats

Abstract: Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamines, was measured in the brain and the liver of adrenalectomized rats after an acute S.C. treatment with glucocorticoids. The effects of corticosterone and dexamethasone were compared in three brain areas, the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. These structures have similar concentrations of cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor, as measured by an in vitro exchange assay using a specific glucocorticoid ligand, [³H]RU 26988, but contain different amounts of mineralocorticoid receptor. Corticosterone and dexamethasone increased ODC activity in the liver and brain areas in a dose dependent manner, dexamethasone being more active than corticosterone in all tissues. Moreover, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were inactive. Aldosterone, at high doses, increased brain ODC activity. Glucocorticoids, selected for their weak binding, or lack of binding to the mineralocorticoid receptor, were tested and found to be highly active in inducing brain and liver ODC, thus showing that ODC induction by steroids is specific for glucocorticoids. These results are among the first to suggest biochemically a central action of glucocorticoids following an acute treatment and confirm that the brain is a glucocorticoid target organ.     

Ornithine Decarboxylase and Trypanothione Reductase Genes in Leishmania braziliensis guyanensis

. Ornithine decarboxylase and trypanothione reductase are the key enzymes in polyamine and trypanothione metabolism in kinetoplastids. Using a heterologous Trypanosoma brucei brucei probe for ornithine decarboxylase and a mixed synthetic probe of 29 oligonucleotides for trypanothione reductase, we have detected the putative genes for these enzymes by Southern blot hybridization using genomic DNA of Leishmania braziliensis guyanensis MHOM/SR/80/CUMC I. The trypanothione reductase probe was constructed both from the conserved codon usage of the redox active site for other flavin oxidoreductases over a wide evolutionary scale, and the preferred codon usage for other genes in species of Leishmania .     

Rapid Methods for Determining Decarboxylase Activity: Ornithine and Lysine Decarboxylases

A rapid biochemical method for the determination of ornithine and lysine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.18) activity has been developed for use in the routine clinical laboratory. It is based on the detection of the amine end product produced in response to the single key amino acid added to a synthetic medium. A modified ninhydrin reagent is used to detect the amine after a chloroform extraction. This procedure can be used with a 1- to 4-hr incubation period (utilizing an initial concentrated inoculum) or with an overnight culture. Thus, measurements based on the alkalinization of the medium after a lengthy incubation period are avoided. Optimal parameters for enzyme activity are discussed.     

人鸟氨酸脱羧酶抗酶1突变基因的克隆与原核表达

克隆人鸟氨酸脱羧酶抗酶1(Homo sapiensornithine decarboxylase antizyme 1,HOAZ1)开放性阅读框+1核糖体移码位点缺失的突变基因,构建突变基因的原核表达质粒,分离纯化其原核表达的重组蛋白。采用巢式-PCR和重叠延伸-PCR技术,从人非小细胞肺癌细胞株A549的cDNA中获得人类鸟氨酸脱羧酶抗酶1开放性阅读框+1核糖体移码(+1RF)位点缺失突变的基因序列(DM-HOAZ1)。将该序列克隆到原核表达载体pET-28a(+)后,转化表达菌Rosseta(DE3)感受态细胞。阳性克隆用IPTG诱导重组蛋白表达,然后在尿素变性条件下经Ni-NTA树脂亲和层析纯化重组HOAZ1。原核表达和纯化的HOAZ1重组蛋白用Western Blot鉴定。结果显示,成功获得HOAZ1开放阅读框中+1RF位点缺失的突变基因和该突变基因的原核表达质粒pET-28a(+)/DM-HOAZ1;用pET-28a(+)/DM-HOAZ1转化大肠杆菌后,HOAZ-1可被IPTG诱导性高表达,且表达量随诱导时间延长递增;原核表达的HOAZ1可用Ni-NTA树脂亲和层析有效纯化。建立了原核表达和分离纯化HOAZ1蛋白的试验方法,为进一步研究HOAZ1的功能和临床应用奠定了基础。     

Inhibition of Multiplication in Acanthamoeba castellanii by Specific Inhibitors of Ornithine Decarboxylase1

Proliferation of Acanthamoeba castellanii (Neff strain) in either a broth medium or a defined medium was arrested by α-monofluoromethyldehydroornithine (Δ-MFMOme), α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), and (R, R')-δ-methyl-α-acetylenic putrescine (MAP), three specific inhibitors of ornithine decarboxylase. Although all three inhibited the ameba enzyme, Δ-MFMOme was the most effective inhibitor of multiplication. Growth inhibition was reversed by the addition of polyamines. The inhibitors did not induce differentiation by themselves although DFMO caused encystment when supplemented with CaC1₂ or MgSO₄.     

Discovery of Potent and Selective Inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei Ornithine Decarboxylase

Human African trypanosomiasis, caused by the eukaryotic parasite Trypanosoma brucei, is a serious health problem in much of central Africa. The only validated molecular target for treatment of human African trypanosomiasis is ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), which catalyzes the first step in polyamine metabolism. Here, we describe the use of an enzymatic high throughput screen of 316,114 unique molecules to identify potent and selective inhibitors of ODC. This screen identified four novel families of ODC inhibitors, including the first inhibitors selective for the parasitic enzyme. These compounds display unique binding modes, suggesting the presence of allosteric regulatory sites on the enzyme. Docking of a subset of these inhibitors, coupled with mutagenesis, also supports the existence of these allosteric sites.     

Inhibition of Ornithine Decarboxylase and Growth of the Fungus Helminthosporium maydis

α-dl-Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a specific enzyme-activated inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, at 0.5 to 2.0 millimolar significantly inhibited mycelial growth and especially sporulation of Helminthosporium maydis in the dark; its inhibitory effect on sporulation was greatly increased under light conditions. Putrescine at 0.25 millimolar fully prevented the inhibitory effects of DFMO; the inhibition caused by the latter could not be prevented by cadaverine or CaCl₂. α-dl-Difluoromethylarginine, a specific enzyme-activated inhibitor of arginine decarboxylase, at 0.1 to 2.0 millimolar had a weak inhibitory effect on the fungus. The effect was not dependent on the inhibitor concentration and there was no detectable arginine decarboxylase activity in the fungus.     

Agrobacterium-mediated Transfer of Arginine Decarboxylase and Ornithine Decarboxylase Genes to Datura innoxia Enhances Shoot Regeneration and Hyoscyamine Biosynthesis

The genes (adc and odc) for two enzymes, arginine decarboxylase and ornithine decarboxylase involved in polyamine biosynthesis, were introduced into anther-derived calli of Datura innoxia through Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The transformed calli exhibited increased regeneration frequency as compared to control. Transgenic lines showed higher polyamine levels, mainly in the putrescine titre, and such lines also yielded a high level of the alkaloid, hyoscyamine. The results suggest that polyamines can modulate in vitro morphogenesis and polyamine biosynthetic pathway can be exploited for enhancement of polyamine-derived alkaloids of pharmaceutical importance.     

Ornithine Decarboxylase Activity and Edema Formation in Cerebral Ischemia of Conscious Gerbils

Abstract: General anesthetic agents often affect the biochemical and physiologic changes triggered by cerebral ischemia. This study examined the regional activities of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in gerbils subjected to 5 min of bilateral carotid occlusion without anesthesia. At 2, 4, and 6 h of reperfusion, significant ODC activity was observed in both the cortex and the hippocampus. Pretreatment with α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) significantly blocked the ODC activity at 2, 4, and 6 h. Significant edema formation was found at 2, 4, and 6 h. At 2 h, edema formation was unaffected by administration of DFMO. However, DFMO treatment reduced later edema formation at 4 and 6 h. These results demonstrate that ODC activity and edema formation are delayed in gerbils after the induction of transient ischemia even with the removal of anesthetic agents and their potentially protective effects. These findings suggest that ODC activity and its induction of delayed cerebral edema are specific to cerebral ischemia and not to an anesthetic effect. DFMO treatment reduced both the ODC activity and edema formation, indicating a role for polyamines in postischemic edema formation.     

Polyamine Biosynthetic Enzymes in Chlorella: Characterization of Ornithine and Arginine Decarboxylase

In a Chlorella culture grown asynchronously under autotrophicconditions, two biosynthetic enzymes of putrescine—ornithinedecarboxylase (ODC) and arginine decarboxylase (ADC)—weredetected. Both enzymes require pyridoxal phosphate and dithiothreitolfor their activity but differ in their optimal pH, the ionicstrength of their buffer, temperature of inactivation, and Km.In addition, L-canaline was found to inhibit the activity ofODC but not that of ADC. During the logarithmic phase of growth,ODC activity increased sharply, then decreased before the onsetof the stationary phase. ADC activity changed only slightlyduring growth. ³The work was performed in partial fulfillment of the requirementsfor the Ph.D. Thesis of E.C. (Received September 25, 1982; Accepted June 1, 1983)     

ATP-Dependent Inactivation and Sequestration of Ornithine Decarboxylase by the 26S Proteasome Are Prerequisites for Degradation

The 26S proteasome is a eukaryotic ATP-dependent protease, but the molecular basis of its energy requirement is largely unknown. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is the only known enzyme to be degraded by the 26S proteasome without ubiquitinylation. We report here that the 26S proteasome is responsible for the irreversible inactivation coupled to sequestration of ODC, a process requiring ATP and antizyme (AZ) but not proteolytic activity. Neither the 20S proteasome (catalytic core) nor PA700 (the regulatory complex) by itself contributed to this ODC inactivation. Analysis with a C-terminal mutant ODC revealed that the 26S proteasome recognizes the C-terminal degradation signal of ODC exposed by attachment of AZ, and subsequent ATP-dependent sequestration of ODC in the 26S proteasome causes irreversible inactivation, possibly unfolding, of ODC and dissociation of AZ. These processes may be linked to the translocation of ODC into the 20S proteasomal inner cavity, centralized within the 26S proteasome, for degradation.     

The Response of Ornithine Decarboxylase During Neuronal Degeneration and Regeneration in Olfactory Epithelium

Mature olfactory neurons are continually replaced from a population of progenitor cells. Olfactory nerve section, bulbectomy, or treatment with certain chemicals induces degeneration of olfactory neurons followed in some cases by regeneration. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity was measured in mouse olfactory tissues as an indicator of cellular regeneration. ODC activity in olfactory tissue (0.2–0.4 nmol/mg protein/h) is 10-30 times higher than in a variety of other cerebral tissues. Within 3 h after unilateral olfactory nerve section, ODC activity in the epithelium declines to 50% of control followed by a slow return to basal activity by 6 days. In the same animals, ODC activity increases severalfold in bulb (1 day) with a gradual decline to normal (9 days). Except for an early transient increase, the effects of unilateral bulbectomy on epithelial ODC activity are similar to those seen after nerve section. The changes in ODC activity following intranasal irrigation with 10 mm -colchicine also closely mimic those seen after nerve section. The effects of intranasal irrigation on ODC activity with 0.5% Triton X-100 or 0.17 m -ZnSO₄ are more complex. Thus, when the mature neuronal population is degenerating after surgery or chemical treatments, ODC activity decreases in the epithelium. The subsequent increase of ODC activity prior to reconstitution of the mature neuronal population probably reflects the regeneration mechanism of the olfactory epithelium. The increase of ODC activity in the olfactory bulb after nerve section is best interpreted as a cellular injury response. These alterations in ODC activity in olfactory tissues after chemical and surgical treatments constitute the earliest biochemical events observed in these tissues in response to cellular damage.     

Use of Gas Chromatography for Detecting Ornithine and Lysine Decarboxylase Activity in Bacteria

A gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) procedure for the detection of L-ornithine and L-lysine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17 and EC 4.1.1.18, respectively) activities of bacteria was developed and evaluated against M?ller's method, a conventional biochemical test. Cultures were incubated for 2 to 4 h in a simple growth medium and tested by GLC for putrescine and cadaverine, the direct decarboxylation products of ornithine and lysine, respectively. Results obtained with various Enterobacteriaceae, pseudomonads, and vibrios showed that the GLC procedure was superior to the conventional test; clear, well-defined results were obtained within 3 to 5 h, even with cultures which gave weak, delayed, or variable reactions by M?ller's method. This GLC procedure for the determination of decarboxylase reactions would be useful in microbiological laboratories for culture identification and for various other enzymatic studies.     

Correlation between Ornithine Decarboxylase and Putrescine in Tomato Plants Infected by Citrus Exocortis Viroid or Treated with Ethephon

We have investigated the arginine decarboxylase (ADC, EC 4.1.1.19) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC, EC 4.1.1.17) activities and the levels of conjugated polyamines to explain the decrease of free putrescine level caused by citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) and ethephon treatment in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv Rutgers) plants (J.M. Belles, J. Carbonell, V. Conejero [1991] Plant Physiol 96: 1053-1059). This decrease correlates with a decrease in ODC activity in CEVd-infected or ethephon-treated plants; ADC activity was not altered. CEVd infection had no effect on polyamine conjugates, and ethephon produced a decrease in putrescine conjugates. Interference with ethylene action by silver ions prevented the decrease in ODC activity and in free and conjugated putrescine. It is suggested that changes in putrescine level after CEVd infection and ethephon treatment are regulated via ODC activity and that conjugation is not involved.     

Arginase,Arginine Decarboxylase,Ornithine Decarboxylase,and Polyamines in Tomato Ovaries (Changes in Unpollinated Ovaries and Parthenocarpic Fruits Induced by Auxin or Gibberellin)

Arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) activity has been found in the ovaries and Young fruits of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv Rutgers).Changes in arginase, arginine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.19), and ornithine decarboxylase activity (EC 4.1.1.17) and levels of free and conjugated putrescine, spermidine, and spermine were determined in unpollinated ovaries and in parthenocarpic fruits during the early stages of development induced by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) or gibberellic acid (GA3). Levels of arginase, free spermine, and conjugates of the three polyamines were constant in unpollinated ovaries and characteristic of a presenescent step. A marked decrease in arginase activity, free spermine, and polyamine conjugates was associated with the initiation of fruit growth due to cell division, and when cell expansion was initiated, the absence of arginase indicated a redirection of nitrogen metabolism to the synthesis of arginine. A transient increase in arginine decarboxylase and ornithine decarboxylase was also observed in 2,4-D-induced fruits. In general, 2,4-D treatments produced faster changes than GA3, and without treatment, unpollinated ovaries developed only slightly and senescence was hardly visible. Sensitivity to 2,4-D and GA3 treatment remained for at least 2 weeks postanthesis.