Characterization of the bifunctional aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme ANT(3')-Ii/AAC(6')-IId from Serratia marcescens

A newly discovered bifunctional antibiotic resistance enzyme from Serratia marcescens catalyzes adenylation and acetylation of aminoglycoside antibiotics. The structure assignment of the enzymic products indicated that acetylation takes place on the 6'-amine of kanamycin A and the adenylation on 3'- and 9-hydroxyl groups of streptomycin and spectinomycin, respectively. The adenyltransferase domain appears to be highly specific to spectinomycin and streptomycin, while the acetyltransferase domain shows a broad substrate profile. Initial velocity patterns indicate that both domains follow a sequential kinetic mechanism. The use of dead-end and product inhibition, the solvent isotope effect, and the solvent viscosity effect reveals that the adenyltransferase domain catalyzes the reaction by a Theorell-Chance kinetic mechanism, where ATP binds to the enzyme prior to the aminoglycoside and the modified antibiotic is the last product to be released. The acetyltransferase domain follows an ordered bi-bi kinetic mechanism, in which the antibiotic is the first substrate that binds to the active site and CoASH is released prior to the modified aminoglycoside. The merging of two genes to create bifunctional resistance enzymes with expanded profiles has now been documented in four instances, including the subject of study in this report, which suggests a new trend in the emergence of resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics among pathogens.     

X-ray structure of the AAC(6')-Ii antibiotic resistance enzyme at 1.8 A resolution; examination of oligomeric arrangements in GNAT superfamily members

The rise of antibiotic resistance as a public health concern has led to increased interest in studying the ways in which bacteria avoid the effects of antibiotics. Enzymatic inactivation by several families of enzymes has been observed to be the predominant mechanism of resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics such as kanamycin and gentamicin. Despite the importance of acetyltransferases in bacterial resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics, relatively little is known about their structure and mechanism. Here we report the three-dimensional atomic structure of the aminoglycoside acetyltransferase AAC(6')-Ii in complex with coenzyme A (CoA). This structure unambiguously identifies the physiologically relevant AAC(6')-Ii dimer species, and reveals that the enzyme structure is similar in the AcCoA and CoA bound forms. AAC(6')-Ii is a member of the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily of acetyltransferases, a diverse group of enzymes that possess a conserved structural motif, despite low sequence homology. AAC(6')-Ii is also a member of a subset of enzymes in the GNAT superfamily that form multimeric complexes. The dimer arrangements within the multimeric GNAT superfamily members are compared, revealing that AAC(6')-Ii forms a dimer assembly that is different from that observed in the other multimeric GNAT superfamily members. This different assembly may provide insight into the evolutionary processes governing dimer formation.     

Mechanistic characterization of the bifunctional aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme AAC(3)-Ib/AAC(6')-Ib' from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A recently discovered bifunctional antibiotic-resistance enzyme named AAC(3)-Ib/AAC(6')-Ib', from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, catalyzes acetylation of aminoglycoside antibiotics. Since both domains are acetyltransferases, each was cloned and purified for mechanistic studies. The AAC(3)-Ib domain appears to be highly specific to fortimicin A and gentamicin as substrates, while the AAC(6')-Ib' domain exhibits a broad substrate spectrum. Initial velocity patterns indicate that both domains follow a sequential kinetic mechanism. The use of dead-end and product inhibition and solvent-isotope effect reveals that both domains catalyze their reactions by a steady-state ordered Bi-Bi kinetic mechanism, in which acetyl-CoA is the first substrate that binds to the active site, followed by binding of the aminoglycoside antibiotic. Subsequent to the transfer of the acetyl group, acetylated aminoglycoside is released prior to coenzyme A. The merger of two genes to create a bifunctional enzyme with expanded substrate profile would appear to be a recent trend in evolution of resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics, of which four examples have been documented in the past few years.     

Expression and characterization of the chitinases from Serratia marcescens GEI strain for the control of Varroa destructor, a honey bee parasite

Serratia marcescens GEI strain was isolated from the gut of the workers of Chinese honey bee Apis cerana and evaluated in the laboratory for the control of Varroa destructor, a parasite of western honey bee A. mellifera. The supernatant and the collected proteins by ammonium sulfate from the bacterial cultures showed a strong miticidal effect on the female mites, with 100% mite mortality in 5 days. Heat (100 °C for 10 min) and proteinase K treatment of the collected proteins destroyed the miticidal activity. The improved miticial activity of this bacterial strain on chitin medium indicated the involvement of chitinases. The expressed chitinases ChiA, ChiB and ChiC1 from S. marcescens GEI by recombinant Escherichia coli showed pathogenicity against the mites in the laboratory. These chitinases were active in a broad pH range (5-9) and the optimum temperatures were between 60 and 75 °C. Synergistic effects of ChiA and ChiB on the miticidal activity against V. destructor were observed. The workers of both honey bee species were not sensitive to the spraying and feeding chitinases. These results provided alternative control strategies for Varroa mites, by formulating chitinase agents and by constructing transgenetic honey bees.     

Structural characterization of aminoglycoside 4′‐O‐adenylyltransferase ANT(4′)‐IIb from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Aminoglycosides were one of the first classes of broad‐spectrum antibacterial drugs clinically used to effectively combat infections. The rise of resistance to these drugs, mediated by enzymatic modification, has since compromised their utility as a treatment option, prompting intensive research into the molecular function of resistance enzymes. Here, we report the crystal structure of aminoglycoside nucleotidyltransferase ANT(4′)‐IIb in apo and tobramycin‐bound forms at a resolution of 1.6 and 2.15 Å, respectively. ANT(4′)‐IIb was discovered in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and conferred resistance to amikacin and tobramycin. Analysis of the ANT(4′)‐IIb structures revealed a two‐domain organization featuring a mixed β‐sheet and an α‐helical bundle. ANT(4′)‐IIb monomers form a dimer required for its enzymatic activity, as coordination of the aminoglycoside substrate relies on residues contributed by both monomers. Despite harbouring appreciable primary sequence diversity compared to previously characterized homologues, the ANT(4′)‐IIb structure demonstrates a surprising level of structural conservation highlighting the high plasticity of this general protein fold. Site‐directed mutagenesis of active site residues and kinetic analysis provides support for a catalytic mechanism similar to those of other nucleotidyltransferases. Using the molecular insights provided into this ANT(4′)‐IIb‐represented enzymatic group, we provide a hypothesis for the potential evolutionary origin of these aminoglycoside resistance determinants.     

Synthesis and characterization of Os(II)(dpop′) (dpop′ = dipyrido(2,3-a;3′,2′-j)phenazine) complexes with 2,2′-bipyridine(bpy); 2,2′-bipyrimidine(bpm) and 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine(dpp)

New Os(II) complexes including [Os(dpop′)₂](PF₆)₂ (dpop′= dipyrido(2,3-a;3′,2′-j)phenazine) and a series of mixed ligand [Os(dpop′)(N-N)Cl]PF₆ (N-N = 2,2′-bipyridine(bpy); 2,2′-bipyrimidine(bpm) and 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine(dpp)) were synthesized. The Os dπ → dpop′ π^∗ MLCT transitions for [Os(dpop′)₂]²⁺ are observed at lower energy than for Os dπ → tpy π^∗ (tpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) and Os dπ → tppz π^∗ (tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine) (The ligand abbreviations tpd, tpp and tpypz have also appeared in the literature for 2,3,5,6- tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine in addition to tppz.) MLCT transitions in the comparative [Os(tpy)₂]²⁺ and [Os(tppz)₂]²⁺ complexes. The Os dπ → dpop′ π^∗ MLCT transitions are observed at lower energy in mixed bidentate ligand N-N systems compared with [Os(dpop′)₂]²⁺. Cyclic voltammetry shows more positive osmium oxidation, and less negative ligand reduction potentials for [Os(dpop′)₂]²⁺ as compared to [Os(tpy)₂]²⁺ and [Os(tppz)₂]²⁺ complexes. The osmium oxidation potentials in mixed ligand [Os(dpop′)(N-N)Cl]⁺ complexes are at less positive potential than for the [Os(dpop′)₂]²⁺ ion. NMR results show different chemical shifts for ring protons either trans or cis to dpop′ in mixed ligand systems, and also show two geometrical isomers for the [Os(dpop′)(dpp)Cl]⁺ complex. The [Os(dpop′)(dpp)Cl]⁺ geometric isomer with the pyrazine ring of dpp trans to dpop′ is found more predominate by 1.0/0.7 over the isomer with the pyrazine ring of dpp cis to dpop′ and that inter-conversion of geometric isomers does not occur in room temperature solution on the NMR timescale.     

Photophysical investigation of the triplet manifold of mono- and bis-phenylethynyl-(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) ruthenium(II) complexes

A complete photophysical study has been carried out on an octahedral ruthenium(II) complex, incorporating two 4′-phenylethynyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine ligands. Weak emission is observed from the complex in fluid solution at room temperature, but both emission yield and lifetime increase as the temperature is lowered. Luminescence is confirmed to occur exclusively from the lowest energy triplet metal-to-ligand, charge-transfer (MLCT) state, though higher-lying MLCT and metal-centered states are required to adequately model the non-radiative decay kinetics. A comparison of parameters associated with deactivation of the complex and its counterpart, where only one terpy ligand incorporates the phenylethynyl unit, indicates that only the electron-vibrational coupling element is affected. It is also revealed that the extent of electron delocalisation at the triplet level does not critically depend on the number of 4-phenylethynyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine ligands in the complex.     

Isolation and characterization of the thrombin-like enzyme from Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus venom

A thrombin-like enzyme, purpurase, was purified from the Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus (mangrove pit viper) venom using high performance ion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The purified sample (termed purpurase) yielded a homogeneous band in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with a molecular weight of 35,000. The N-terminal sequence of purpurase was determined to be VVGGDECNINDHRSLVRIF and is homologous to many other venom thrombin-like enzymes. Purpurase exhibits both arginine ester hydrolase and amidase activities. Kinetic studies using tripeptide chromogenic anilide substrates showed that purpurase is not fastidious towards its substrate. The clotting times of fibrinogen by purpurase were concentration dependent, with optimum clotting activity at 3 mg fibronogen/mL. The clotting activity by purpurase was in the following decreasing order: cat fibrinogen > human fibrinogen > dog fibrinogen > goat fibrinogen >> rabbit fibrinogen. Reversed-phase HPLC analysis of the products of action of purpurase on bovine fibrinogen showed that only fibrinopeptide A was released. Indirect ELISA studies showed that anti-purpurase cross-reacted strongly with venoms of most crotalid venoms, indicating the snake venom thrombin-like enzymes generally possess similar epitopes. In the more specific double-sandwich ELISA, however, anti-purpurase cross-reacted only with venoms of certain species of the Trimeresurus complex, and the results support the recent proposed taxonomy changes concerning the Trimeresurus complex.     

Preparation and properties of ruthenium (II) complexes of 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridines substituted at the 4′-position with heterocyclic groups

Four ligands whose general formula is R-terpy with terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″ terpyridine bearing at the 4′-position a substituent R = 2-furyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 2-thienyl and 5-2,2′bithienyl were synthesised. The absorption spectra and the electrochemical behaviour of the corresponding homoleptic Ru(II) complexes were investigated and compared to those of the parent complex [Ru(terpy)]²⁺. Due to the donor effect of the grafted heterocyclic groups, the absorption and emission maxima are red-shifted and the energy levels of the HOMO Π(t_2g) metal orbitals are slightly higher. The incorporation of these heterocyclic moieties extends the electronic delocalisation over the corresponding ligands, leading to higher emission quantum yields. Cyclic voltammetric studies of pyrrolyl-, thienyl- and bithienyl-functionalised complexes show that an electroactive layer can be deposited on the electrode. Preliminary results point out that an electrodeposited film could be used as a photocathode in an aqueous electrolyte.     

Syntheses and characterization of nano-scale of the Mn complex with 4′-(4-pyridyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (pyterpy): The influence of the nano-structure upon catalytic properties

Nano-scale and single crystals of a new Mn^II complex, {[Mn(pyterpy)(H₂O)(NCS)_1.88Cl_0.12] · DMF} (1) [pyterpy = 4′-(4-pyridyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine] have been synthesized by the reaction of pyterpy and mixtures of manganese(II) acetate and potassium thiocyanate as well as potassium chloride using sonochemical and heat gradient methods, respectively. The nano-structure was characterized by IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the structure of compound 1 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Thermal stability and catalytic properties of nanoparticles and single crystalline samples of compound 1 were studied and are compared with each other.     

Synthesis and characterization of Pt(II) and Pt(II)/Ru(II) complexes with the bidentate bridging ligand dipyrido(2,3-a:3′,2′-h)phenazine (dpop)

Three new complexes [Pt(dpop)(Cl)₂], [(Cl)₂Pt(dpop)Pt(Cl)₂] and [(bpy)₂Ru(dpop)Pt(Cl)₂](PF₆)₂ (dpop = dipyrido(2,3-a:3′,2′-h)phenazine) were prepared and studied. The electronic absorption spectra of the complexes display Pt dπ → dpop π* and Ru dπ → dpop π* MLCT transitions at longer wavelengths than for previously reported similar complexes. Results of cyclic voltammograms show reversible dpop centered reductions while for the mixed metal [(bpy)₂Ru(dpop)Pt(Cl)₂]²⁺ an irreversible Pt(II) oxidative wave precedes the Ru(II) oxidation/reduction couple. Spectroelectrochemical results show that all oxidative and reductive processes are completely reversible. The [(Cl)₂Pt(dpop)Pt(Cl)₂] complex cleaves in solution with pseudo-first order kinetics resulting in loss of the Pt dπ → dpop π* MLCT transition at 545 nm.     

Dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]quinolino[3,2-j]phenazine (dpqp-OH) - Synthesis, characterization and DNA interaction of the corresponding Ru(II) complex

A mononuclear Ru(II) complex based on a new heptacyclic ligand (dpqp) has been prepared and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, ES mass spectrometry and electrochemistry. It forms dimers and aggregates of up to seven complex units in CH₃CN solution observed by ESMS. The monomer has an extremely weak luminescence in water or even in organic solvent probably due to the existence of a low lying π-π^∗ excited state centered on the heptacycle. In spite of the strong interaction of the complex with DNA, its luminescence is not enhanced by the DNA microenvironment.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and solid state photoluminescence of [Pt(trpy)(CCPh)]SbF6 (trpy=2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine)

The synthesis and characterisation of an orange polymorph of [Pt(trpy)(CCPh)]SbF₆ is described where trpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine. An X-ray crystal structure determination at 293 K reveals that the cations are planar and stacked head-to-tail with alternating Pt?Pt distances of 3.604(1) and 4.412(1) Å. The perpendicular distances between successive cation planes are constant along the stack at a value of 3.33 Å. Crystal structure determinations at 240 and 200 K show that reducing the temperature to 200 K has no significant effect on the cation arrangement. However, below 200 K there is a phase change that we have not been able to characterise, but which has an effect on the solid state photoluminescence exhibited by [Pt(trpy)(CCPh)]SbF₆. Thus, whereas at temperatures of ?200 K, a broad peak with two components at ca. 566 and 597 nm is observed, below 200 K a longer wavelength peak develops that red-shifts as the temperature is lowered [λ(em)_max = 637 nm at 80 K]. We assign the ?200 K emission as ³MLLCT in origin, since the X-ray data show that ligand-ligand (LL) and not metal-metal (MM) interactions are important at T ? 200 K. On the other hand, the long wavelength emission observed below 200 K is typical of ³MMLCT emission, suggesting that the phase change leads to d_z²(Pt)-d_z²(Pt) orbital interactions. Of particular interest is that the cation exhibits ³MLCT emission in dichloromethane that maximizes at 619 nm, i.e., the high temperature solid state emission occurs at a shorter wavelength, an unexpected result since intermolecular interactions in the solid usually cause the emission to occur at longer wavelengths. A possible explanation for this unexpected result is given.     

Efficient synthesis of 6′-sialyllactose, 6,6′-disialyllactose, and 6′-KDO-lactose by metabolically engineered E. coli expressing a multifunctional sialyltransferase from the Photobacterium sp. JT-ISH-224

We have previously reported the efficient conversion of lactose into 3′-sialyllactose by high cell density cultures of a genetically engineered Escherichia coli strain expressing the Neisseria meningitidis gene for α-(2→3)-sialyltransferase [Fierfort, N.; Samain, E. J. Biotechnol. 2008, 134, 261-265.]. First attempts to use a similar strategy to produce 6′-sialyllactose with a strain expressing α-(2→6)-sialyltransferase from the Photobacterium sp. JT-ISH-224 led to the production of a trisaccharide that was identified as KDO-lactose (2-keto-3-deoxy-manno-octonyllactose). This result showed that α-(2→6)-sialyltransferase was able to use CMP-KDO as sugar donor and preferentially used CMP-KDO over CMP-Neu5Ac. By reducing the expression level of the sialyltransferase gene and increasing that of the neuABC genes, we have been able to favour the formation of 6′-sialyllactose and to prevent the formation of KDO-lactose. However, in this case, a third lactose derivative, which was identified as 6,6′-disialyllactose, was also produced. Formation of 6,6′-disialyllactose was mainly observed under conditions of lactose shortage. On the other hand, when the culture was continuously fed with an excess of lactose, 6′-sialyllactose was almost the only product detected and its final concentration was higher than 30 g/L of culture medium.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of [Pt{4′-(Np1)-trpy}(CCPh)]SbF6 and [Pt{4′-(Np1)-trpy}{CC(CH2)2CH3}]SbF6 [4′-(Np1)-trpy = 4′-(1-naphthyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine]

The synthesis and characterisation of [Pt{4′-(Np1)-trpy}(CCPh)]SbF₆ (1) and [Pt{4′-(Np1)-trpy}{CC(CH₂)₂CH₃}]SbF₆ (2) [4′-(Np1)-trpy = 4′-(1-naphthyl)-2,2:6′,2′-terpyridine] are described. Complexes 1 and 2 exhibit unimolecular ³MLCT (MLCT = metal-to-ligand charge transfer) emission in acetonitrile and in a low concentration 77 K glass solution in butyronitrile. The high concentration glass emission as well as the emission in the solid state is from a ³MMLCT (MMLCT, metal-metal-to-ligand charge transfer) excited state, reflecting the presence of interactions in these media.     

Purification and characterization of angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitory peptides from the rotifer, Brachionus rotundiformis

Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide was isolated from the marine rotifer, Brachionus rotundiformis. ACE inhibitory peptides were separated from rotifer hydrolysate prepared by Alcalase, α-chymotrypsin, Neutrase, papain, and trypsin. The Alcalase hydrolysate had the highest ACE inhibitory activity compared to the other hydrolysates. The IC₅₀ value of Alcalase hydrolysate for ACE inhibitory activity was 0.63 mg/ml. We attempted to isolate ACE inhibitory peptides from Alcalase prepared rotifer hydrolysate using gel filtration on a Sephadex G-25 column and high performance liquid chromatography on an ODS column. The IC₅₀ value of purified ACE inhibitory peptide was 9.64 μM, and Lineweaver–Burk plots suggest that the peptide purified from rotifer protein acts as a competitive inhibitor against ACE. Amino acid sequence of the peptide was identified as Asp-Asp-Thr-Gly-His-Asp-Phe-Glu-Asp-Thr-Gly-Glu-Ala-Met, with a molecular weight 1538 Da. The results of this study suggest that peptides derived from rotifers may be beneficial as anti-hypertension compounds in functional foods resource.     

The synthesis and characterization of mixed ligand Ru(II) complexes with dipyrido(2,3-a:3′,2′-j)phenazine (dpop′) and 2,3,5,6-tetra(2-pyridyl)-pyrazine (tppz)

The synthesis of the mixed ligand mono metallic [Ru(dpop′)(tppz)]²⁺ and bimetallic [(dpop′)Ru(tppz)Ru(dpop′)]⁴⁺ (dpop′ = dipyrido(2,3-a:3′,2′-j)phenazine; tppz = 2,3,5,6 tetra-(2-pyridyl)pyrazine) complexes is described. The [Ru(dpop′)(tppz)]²⁺ complex display an intense absorption at 518 nm which is assigned to a Ru(dπ) → dpop′ (π∗) MLCT transition, and at 447 nm which is assigned to a Ru(dπ) → tppz(π∗) MLCT transition. It undergoes emission at RT in CH₃CN with λ_em = 722 nm. The bimetallic [(dpop′)Ru(tppz)Ru(dpop′)]⁴⁺ complex shows a low energy absorption shoulder near 635 nm assigned to a Ru(dπ) → tppz(π∗) MLCT transition and an intense peak at 542 nm due to Ru(dπ) → dpop′ (π∗) MLCT transition. The bimetallic complex also emits at RT in CH₃CN with λ_em = 785 nm. Cyclic voltammetry shows reversible Ru^+2/+3 oxidations at 1.68 V for the monometallic complex and Ru^+2/+3 oxidation couples at +1.94 and +1.70 V for the bimetallic complex.     

Molecular characterization,sexually dimorphic expression,and functional analysis of 3′-untranslated region of vasa gene in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)

Vasa is a highly conserved ATP-dependent RNA helicase expressed mainly in germ cells. The vasa gene plays a crucial role in the development of germ cell lineage and has become an excellent molecular marker in identifying germ cells in teleosts. However, little is known about the structure and function of the vasa gene in flatfish. In this study, the vasa gene (Csvasa) was isolated and characterized in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis), an economically important flatfish in China. In the obtained 6425-bp genomic sequence, 23 exons and 22 introns were identified. The Csvasa gene encodes a 663-amino acid protein, including highly conserved domains of the DEAD-box protein family. The amino acid sequence also shared a high homology with other teleosts. Csvasa expression was mainly restricted to the gonads, with little or no expression in other tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that Csvasa expression levels decreased during embryonic and early developmental stages and increased with the primordial germ cell proliferation. A typical sexually dimorphic expression pattern of Csvasa was observed during early development and sex differentiation, suggesting that the Csvasa gene might play a differential role in the proliferation and differentiation of male and female primordial germ cells (PGCs). Csvasa mRNA expression levels in neomales were significantly lower than those in normal males and females, indicating that the Csvasa gene might be implicated in germ cell development after sex reversal by temperature treatment. In addition, medaka (Oryzias latipes) PGCs could be transiently labeled by microinjection of synthesized mRNA containing the green fluorescence protein gene and 3′-untranslated region of Csvasa, which confirmed that the Csvasa gene has the potential to be used as a visual molecular marker of germ cells and laid a foundation for manipulation of PGCs in tongue sole reproduction.     

Non-covalent interactions between cations in the crystal structure of [Pt{4′-(p-tolyl)trpy}Cl]SbF6, where trpy is 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine, underpin the salt’s complex solid-state luminescence spectrum

The synthesis and characterization of [Pt{4′-(p-tolyl)trpy}Cl]SbF₆ is described where trpy is 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine. A single crystal X-ray structure determination at 100 K shows that the cations are stacked in columns that comprise cations arranged in a staircase motif. Successive cations within a column are linked by π(trpy)-π(phenyl) stabilizing interactions; and each cation in one column is linked to a cation in an adjacent column by a weakly stabilizing Pt···Pt interaction. The Pt···Pt distance is 3.434(1) Å. The metrics governing non-covalent interactions between [Pt{4′-(aryl)trpy}Cl]⁺ cations have been analyzed for the present structure and related structures in the CSD (Cambridge Structural Database). Cation dimers cluster into three distinct groups based on their lateral shifts and, to a lesser extent, the angular parameters governing their relative displacements; the dominant grouping exhibits Pt···Pt and π(trpy)-π(trpy) stabilizing interactions. An emission spectrum recorded at 77 K on a solid sample of the compound is best interpreted as arising from the decay of three photoexcited states: a ³MLCT (MLCT = metal-to-ligand charge transfer) state; a ³MMLCT (MMLCT = metal-metal-to-ligand charge transfer) state, and an excimeric ³π-π^∗ state.     

Isolation and characterization of the thrombin-like enzyme from Cryptelytrops albolabris (white-lipped tree viper) venom

A thrombin-like enzyme (termed albolabrase) was isolated in purified form from the venom of Cryptelytrops albolabris (white-lipped tree viper) using high performance anion ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The molecular mass of albolabrase was 33.7 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE and 35.8 kDa as determined by Superose gel filtration chromatography. The N-terminal sequence was determined to be VVGGDECNINE which is homologous to many snake venom thrombin-like enzymes. Albolabrase exhibits both arginine ester hydrolase and arginine amidase activities and the enzyme is fastidious towards tripeptide chromogenic anilide substrates. The fibrinogen clotting activity was optimum at 3 mg/mL bovine fibrinogen, and showed distinct species differences in the following decreasing order: bovine fibrinogen > dog fibrinogen ≈ human fibrinogen > goat fibrinogen. The enzyme failed to clot both rabbit and cat fibrinogens. Reversed-phase HPLC analysis on the breakdown products of fibrinogenolytic action of albolabrase indicated that the enzyme belongs to the AB class of snake venom thrombin-like enzyme. In the indirect ELISA, IgG anti-albolabrase reacted extensively with most crotalid venoms, except with Tropidolaemus wagleri and Calloselasma rhodostoma venoms. The double sandwich ELISA, however, showed that anti-albolabrase reacted strongly only with venoms from the Trimeresurus complex, and that the results support the proposed new taxonomy changes concerning the Trimeresurus complex.