Characterisation of human peroxisomal 2,4-dienoyl-CoA reductase12

Based on the primary structure of the rat peroxisomal 2,4-dienoyl-CoA reductase (M. Fransen, P.P. Van Veldhoven, S. Subramani, Biochem. J. 340 (1999) 561–568), the cDNA of the human counterpart was cloned. It contained an open reading frame of 878 bases encoding a protein of 291 amino acids (calculated molecular mass 30?778 Da), being 83% identical to the rat reductase. The gene, encompassing nine exons, is located at chromosome 16p13. Bacterially expressed poly(His)-tagged reductase was active not only towards short and medium chain 2,4-dienoyl-CoAs, but also towards 2,4,7,10,13,16,19-docosaheptaenoyl-CoA. Hence, the reductase does not seem to constitute a rate limiting step in the peroxisomal degradation of docosahexaenoic acid. The reduction of docosaheptaenoyl-CoA, however, was severely decreased in the presence of albumin.     

Synthesis of 4-epi-2-deoxy-2-Heq-N-acetylneuraminic acid and 2,4-dideoxy-2-Heq N-acetylneuraminic acid

We have continued our work to develop novel analogues of sialic acid [1–4] that may specifically modulate the interaction between endogenous sialic acid and influenza virus haemagglutinin [3,5,6]. Functional groups of sialic acid that have been implicated for this virus-host recongnition are the glycerol side chain, N-acetyl group and the axially oriented carboxylic acid function In this report we describe the synthesis of two analogues, namely, 4-epi-2-deoxy-2-H_eq-N-acetylneuraminic acid (4-epi-2-d-2-H_eq-Neu5Ac) and 2,4-dideoxy-2-H_eq-N-acetylneuraminic acid (2,4-d₂-2-H_eq-Neu5Ac).     

Mechanism for Cd2+ inhibition of (K++ Mg2+)ATPase activity and K+ (86Rb+) uptake join roots of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris)

Steady state kinetics were used to examine the influence of Cd²⁺ both on K⁺ stimulation of a membrane-bound ATPase from sugar beet roots (Beta vulgaris L. cv. Monohill) and on K⁺(⁸⁶Rb⁺) uptake in intact or excised beet roots. The in vitro effect of Cd²⁺ was studied both on a 12000–25000 g root fraction of the (Na⁺+K⁺+Mg²⁺)ATPase and on the ATPase when further purified by an aqueous polymer two-phase system. The observed data can be summarized as follows: 1) Cd²⁺ at high concentrations (>100 μM) inhibits the MgATPase activity in a competitive way, probably by forming a complex with ATP. 2) Cd²⁺ at concentrations <100 μM inhibits the specific K⁺ activation at both high and low affinity sites for K⁺. The inhibition pattern appears to be the same in the two ATPase preparations of different purity. In the presence of the substrate MgATP, and at K⁺ <5 mM, the inhibition by Cd²⁺ with respect to K⁺ is uncompetitive. In the presence of MgATP and K⁺ >10 μM, the inhibition by Cd²⁺ is competitive. 3) At the low concentrations of K⁺, Cd²⁺ also inhibits the 2,4-dinitrophenol(DNP)-sensitive (metabolic) K⁺(⁸⁶Rb⁺) uptake uncompetitively both in excised roots and in roots of intact plants. 4) The DNP-insensitive (non metabolic) K⁺(⁸⁶Rb⁺) uptake is little influenced by Cd²⁺. As Cd²⁺ inhibits the metabolic uptake of K⁺(⁸⁶Rb⁺) and the K⁺ activation of the ATPase in the same way at low concentrations of K⁺, the same binding site is probably involved. Therefore, under field conditions, when the concentration of K⁺ is low, the presence of Cd²⁺ could be disadvantageous.     

Arabidopsis galactinol synthase AtGolS2 improves drought tolerance in the monocot model Brachypodium distachyon

Brachypodium distachyon (purple false brome) is a herbaceous species belonging to the grass subfamily Pooideae, which also includes major crops like wheat, barley, oat and rye. The species has been established as experimental model organism for understanding and improving cereal crops and temperate grasses. The complete genome of Bd21, the community standard line of B. distachyon, has been sequenced and protocols for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation have been published. Further improvements to the experimental platform including better evaluation systems for transgenic plants are still needed. Here we describe the growth conditions for Bd21 plants yielding highly responsive immature embryos that can generate embryogenic calli for transformation. A prolonged 20-h photoperiod produced seeds with superior immature embryos. In addition, osmotic treatment of embryogenic calli enhanced the efficiency of transfection by particle bombardment. We generated transgenic plants expressing Arabidopsis thaliana galactinol synthase 2 (AtGolS2) in these experiments. AtGolS2-expressing transgenics displayed significantly improved drought tolerance, increasing with increased expression of AtGolS2. These results demonstrate that AtGolS2 can confer drought tolerance to monocots and confirm that Brachypodium is a useful model to further explore ways to understand and improve major monocot crop species.     

New preparations and molecular structures of cis-MCl2(Ph2PCH2PPh2)2, M = Ru,Os and trans-RuCl2(Ph2PCH2PPh2)2

The title compounds were made by reacting bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) with reduced solutions of OsCl₆^4? and Ru₂OCl₁₀^4?. The crystal and molecular structures of these compounds have been determined form three-dimensional X-ray study. The cis-isomers crystallize with one CHCl₃ per molecule of the complex. All three compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with unit cell dimensions as follows: Cis-OsCl₂(dppm)₂·CHCl₃: a = 13.415(4) Å, b = 22.859(4) Å, c = 16.693(3) Å, β = 105.77(3)°, V = 4926(3) ų, Z = 4. cis-RuCl₂(dppm)₂·CHCl₃: a = 13.442(3) Å, b = 22.833(7) Å, c = 16.750(4) Å, β = 105.53(2)°, V = 4953(3) ų, Z = 4. trans-RuCl₂(dppm)₂: a = 11.368(7) Å, b = 10.656(6) Å, c = 18.832(12) Å; β = 103.90(6)°, V = 2213(7) ų; Z = 2. The structures were refined to R = 0.044 (R_w = 0.055) for cis-OsCl₂(dppm)₂·CHCl₃; R = 0.065 (R_w = 0.079) for cis-RuCl₂(dppm)₂·CHCl₃ and R = 0.028 (R_w = 0.038) for trans-RuCl₂(dppm)₂. The complexes are six coordinate with stable four-membered chelate rings. The PMP angle in the chelate rings is ca. 71° in each case.     

Studies on the energy-linked Ca2+ accumulation in pig heart mitochondria - role of Mg2'ons

Comparative intracellular distribution of Ca2+, Mg2+ and adenine nucleotides has been studied in pig heart by differential centrifugation or fractional extraction and has shown that Mg2+ and ATP are associated mainly with soluble fractions whereas Ca2+ and ADP are more tightly bound to subcellular structures. Ca2+ accumulation and Ca2+ stimulated respiration were studied in pig heart mitochondria under different energetic conditions in the absence or presence of phosphate. Ca2+ concentrations of about 1200 nmoles/mg protein inhibit Ca2+ accumulation, site I substrate oxidation and induce an efflux of mitochondrial Mg2+. These deleterious effects of Ca2+ on respiration occur even in the absence of phosphate or oxidizable substrate; they are completely prevented by ruthenium red only, and partially prevented by the addition of M2+ to the medium. The kinetics of Ca2+ uptake become of the sigmoidal type when Mg2+ is present. This cation strongly inhibits the rate of Ca2+ uptake in the presence of added phosphate and decreases the affinity of Ca2+ for its transport system. In the absence of phosphate, Mg2+ has no effect on Ca2+ uptake. The possible physiological implications of these findings are discussed     

Incorporation of 14CO2, 14C-phenylalanine and 14C-cinnamate into soluble and insoluble cinnamic derivatives in Mentha arvensis

With the successful development of methods for the isolation and purification of ethanol-insoluble cinnamic acid esters in mint it became possible to initiate kinetic, isotopic studies on purified, ‘insoluble’ derivatives of caffeic acid, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid. Pulse-feeding experiments were conducted with ¹⁴CO₂, phenylalanine-U-¹⁴C and cinnamic acid-3-¹⁴C. The ferulic acid derivative exhibited a significant turnover as compared to the other insoluble derivatives which were relatively stable. Time-course tracer studies were performed to compare the turnover of soluble caffeic acid derivatives with ‘insoluble’ forms of caffeic acid. Caffeic acid associated with a macromolecular fraction consistently showed a higher specific activity than either soluble caffeic acid or the caffeic acid associated with a second insoluble derivative.     

Accumulation of humic acid and fulvic acid during root humification of three diameters of two dominant subalpine trees in western Sichuan,China

Aims Plant roots store large amount of terrestrial carbon, but little is known about humus formation processes during the decomposing root litter. Compared with coarse roots, fine roots have greater nutrients, which may be favorable to humus formation. The objective of the study was to examine how root diameters affect their humus formation processes. Methods In this study, in order to examine the accumulation of humic acid and fulvic acid of three root diameter classes (0-2, 2-5 and 5-10 mm) of two subalpine tree species (Abies faxoniana and Picea asperata) on the eastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau of China, a two-year field experiment was conducted using a litter-bag method. Air-dried roots of A. faxoniana and P. asperata were placed in litterbags and incubated at 10 cm of soil depth in October 11th, 2013. Duplicate litter bags were collected in May (late winter) and October (late in the growing season) of 2014 and 2015, respectively. Concentrations of humic acid and fulvic acid were measured, and net accumulations were calculated for different periods. Important findings The concentrations of humic acid and fulvic acid were significantly influenced by root diameter that humic acid and fulvic acid decreased with increase in root diameter. Root diameter had significant effects on the net accumulation of humic acid, but not for the accumulation of fulvic acid. However, there were no significant differences in both humic acid and fulvic acid between A. faxoniana and P. asperata roots. Regardless of tree species, humic acid degraded during the winter but accumulated during the growing season. After two years of decomposition, the net accumulations of humic acid in 0-2, 2-5 and 5-10 mm roots were 8.0, 10.8 and 7.6 g·kg^-1 for P. asperata and 15.2, 8.0 and 7.8 g·kg^-1 for A. faxoniana, respectively. Conversely, the degradation of fulvic acid in 0-2, 2-5 and 5-10 mm roots were 178.0, 166.0 and 118.0 g·kg^-1 for P. asperata and 170.0, 160.0 and 128.0 g·kg^-1 for A. faxoniana, respectively. Our results suggest that diameter-associated variations in substrate quality could be an important driver for root litter humification in this subalpine forest. Moreover, diameter effect is dependent on decomposition period in this specific area.     

2-amino-4-acetylaminobutyric acid, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid and 2-amino-6N-oxalylureidopropionic acid (oxalylalbizziine) in seeds of acacia angustissima

A new amino acid previously detected in 17 species of Acacia has been isolated from seeds of Acacia angustissima and identified as oxalylalbizziine. These seeds also contain more than 6% dry weight of 2-amino-4-acetylaminobutyric acid, which has not been reported previously in a legume, and lower concentrations of 2,4-diaminobutyric acid.     

X-ray crystal Structure of [1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane]bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazole-N)platinum(II) tetrafluoroborate dichloromethane solvate, [(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)Pt(3,4-Me2pzH)2][BF4]2·CH2Cl2

The crystal structure of the compound [(Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂)Pt(3,5-Me₂pzH)₂][BF₄]₂·CH₂Cl₂ has shown that the ligands around the Pt atom are approximately in a square planar coordination, whereas the pyrazole rings point roughly in the same direction, away from the coordination plane. This unusual conformation is probably due to the hydrogen bonds with fluorine atoms of the BF₄^? anion. Bond distances and angles are compared with those in other pyrazole complexes.     

Partial purification and characterization of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase from squid optic nerve plasma membrane

A membrane fraction enriched in axolemma was obtained from optic nerves of the squid (Sepiotheutis sepioidea) by differential centrifugation and density gradient fractionation. The preparation showed an oligomycin- and NaN₃-insensitive (Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺)-ATPase activity. The dependence of the ATPase activity on calcium concentration revealed the presence of two saturable components. One had a high affinity for calcium ($\text{K}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>1</mtext><mtext>2</mtext>}}{}^1\text{= 0.12 μ}\text{M}$) and the second had a comparatively low affinity ($\text{K}{}^2{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>1</mtext><mtext>2</mtext>}}\text{= 49.5 μ}\text{M}$). Only the high-affinity component was specifically inhibited by vanadate (K₁ = 35 μM). Calmodulin (12.5 μ/ml) stimulated the (Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺)-ATPase by approx. 50%, and this stimulation was abolished by trifluoperazine (10 μM). Further treatment of the membrane fraction with 1% Nonidet P-40 resulted in a partial purification of the ATPase about 15-fold compared to the initial homogenate. This (Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺)-ATPase from squid optic nerve displays some properties similar to those of the uncoupled Ca²⁺-pump described in internally dialyzed squid axons, suggesting that it could be its enzymatic basis.     

Classification of plant associations based on a 20 hm2 dynamics plot of evergreen broad- leaved forest in Mt. Tiantong,Zhejiang, China

为获取能够代表浙江天童山的森林植被典型群丛类型, 同时也为植被分类中如何发现过渡类型和确定典型类型提供参考, 该研究利用天童20 hm ²森林大样地资料, 运用双向指示种分析(TWINSPAN)与除趋势对应分析(DCA), 剔除过渡群落, 进行群丛划分。结果表明, 去除过渡地段后更利于研究区域典型群丛类型的确定。大样地的植被类型可划分为宜昌荚蒾-厚皮香/港柯+云山青冈群丛(Viburnum erosum-Ternstroemia gymnanthera/Lithocarpus harlandii + Cyclobalanopsis sessilifolia Ass.); 虎皮楠-柯/木荷+米槠群丛(Daphniphyllum oldhami-Lithocarpus glaber/Schima superba + Castanopsis carlesii Ass.); 红毒茴-紫楠/南酸枣+薄叶润楠群丛(Illicium lanceolatum-Phoebe sheareri/Choerospondias axillaries + Machilus leptophylla Ass.)。DCA排序同时能反映各群丛类型分布与环境的相关关系, 结果显示, 海拔和凹凸度对群丛分布有较大影响, 坡度和坡向对群丛分布影响较小。     

Crystal structure and thermal characterization of cadmium oxalate [CdC2O4 · 3H2O] and barium-doped cadmium oxalate [Ba0.5Cd0.5(C2O4)2 · 5H2O] single crystals grown in silica gel

Pure cadmium oxalate trihydrate (COT) and barium added cadmium oxalate (BCO) single crystals were grown by controlled diffusion of Cd²⁺ and Ba²⁺ ions in silica gel at ambient temperature. A single test tube technique coupled with gel aging conferred maximum size crystals by controlling the nucleation rate. It was found that the pH and age of the gel greatly influenced the crystal quality, their size and transparency. Grown crystals CdC₂O₄ · 3H₂O and Ba_0.5Cd_0.5(C₂O₄)₂ · 5H₂O were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. Effect of barium dopant on the growth and morphology of cadmium oxalate was studied. Pure cadmium oxalate crystallized in triclinic system and the barium-doped cadmium oxalate crystallized in hexagonal system with massive changes in their unit cell parameters. The infrared spectrum revealed the presence of oxalate ligands and water of hydration in both the pure and barium-doped crystals. Thermal analysis showed that the grown crystals were dehydrated thermally even from lower temperatures and the doped crystals were found more stable.     

Studies of gastric Ca2+-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase I. characterization and general properties

Gastric microsomes do not contain any significant Ca²⁺-stimulated ATPase activity. Trypsinization of pig gastric microsomes in presence of ATP results in a significant (2–3-fold) increase in the basal (with Mg²⁺ as the only cation) ATPase activity, with virtual elimination of the K⁺-stimulated component. Such treatment causes unmaksing of a latent Mg²⁺-dependent Ca²⁺-stimulated ATPase. Other divalent cations such as Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Mn²⁺ were found ineffective as a substitute for Ca²⁺. Moreover, those divalent cations acted as inhibitors of the Ca²⁺-stimulated ATPase activity. The pH optimum of the enzyme is around 6.8. The enzyme has a $\text{K}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>m</mtext>}}$ of 70 μM for ATP and the $\text{K}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>a</mtext>}}$ values for Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ are about $\text{4 · 10}{}^{\mathrm{?4}}\text{M}$ and 10^?7 M, respectively. Studies with inhibitors suggest the involvement of sulfhydryl and primary amino groups in the operation of the enzyme. Possible roles of the enzyme in gastric H⁺ transport have been discussed.     

Caffeine complexes of platinum(II): crystal structure of cis-[Pt(C8H10N4O2)2Cl2]·0.4H2O

The preparations are reported of cis[Pt(caffeine)₂Cl₂]·0.4H₂O, Pd(caffeine)₂Cl₂, the methanol adduct of the previously known compound K[Pt(caffeine)Cl₃], and Pt(caffeine)(cytidine)Cl₂. Crystals of [Pt(caffeine)₂Cl₂]·0.4H₂O are tetragonal P4₂/n with a = 13.156(2) 0?, c = 12.734(2) 0?, Z = 4. The structure was refined on 945 reflections to R = 0.025. The molecule is cis with a crystallographic two-fold axis bisecting the ClPtCl and NPtN angles. The Pt is square planar with PtN and PtCl bonds of 2.029(5) Å and 2.271(2) Å respectively. There is a 5.4° dihedral angle between the imidazole and pyrimidine rings, and the imidazole ring is rotated away from the coordination plane by 86.4°. Symmetry related caffeine units pack parallel to each other with an inter-ring separation of 3.45 Å.     

Synthesis and characterization of uranyl(VI) and thorium(IV) complexes with phosphine oxides. The crystal structure of UO2(NO3)2(NO2-C6H4Ph2PO)2

Uranyl(VI) and thorium(IV) complexes of the type UO₂(NO₃)₂(L¹)₂, UO₂(NO₃)₂(L²)₂, UO₂(CH₃COO)₂L¹, UO₂(CH₃COO)₂L², Th(NO₃)₄(L¹)₂ and Th(NO₃)₄(L²)₂ (L¹ = (2-nitro)phenyl-bis-phenyl phosphine oxide, L² = triferrocenylphosphine oxide) are reported, together with their physico-chemical properties.The crystal structure of UO₂(NO₃)₂(L¹)₂ is also reported. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2₁/n with a = 17.78(1), b = 13.88(1), c = 17.37(1) Å, β = 114.8(1)° for Z = 4. The uranium atom is 8-coordinated, the uranyl(VI) group being equatorially surrounded by an irregular hexagon of six oxygen atoms from two trans neutral ligands and two nitrato groups.     

Metabolism of [2-3H]- and [6-3H]-nicotinic acid in intact Nicotiana tabacum plants

Earlier observations of Dawson on the relative incorporation of [2-³H]- and [6-³H]-nicotinic acid into nicotine have been confirmed in intact Nicotiana tabacum plants. All the tritium in the nicotine derived from [2-³H]-nicotinic acid was located at C-2 of the pyridine ring. However the radioactive nicotine derived from [6-³H]-nicotinic acid was not labelled specifically at C-6 with tritium. By carrying out feeding experiments with [6-¹⁴-C, 2-³H]- and [6-¹⁴C, ³H]-nicotinic acids, it was established that there was very little loss of tritium from C-2 and C-6 of nicotinic acid during 5 days of metabolism in the tobacco plant.     

Preparation and structural characterization of di-μ-azido-bis[azido(2-aminopyridine)aquo]dicopper(II), [Cu(2-ampy)(N3)2(H2O)]2

Di-μ-azido-bis[azido(2-aminopyridine)aquo]dicopper(II), [Cu(2-ampy)(N₃)₂(H₂O)]₂, was synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The crystals are triclinic, space group P$\text{1}$, with a = 7.142(1), b = 7.812(1), c = 9.727(1) Å, a = 96.52(1), β = 95.52(1), γ = 113.47(1)°, and Z = 1. The structure was refined to R_F = 0.030 for 1960 observed MoKα diffractometer data. The dimeric molecule, which possesses a crystallographic inversion center, contains both terminal and μ(1)-bridging azido groups. Each copper(II) atom is further coordinated by a 2-aminopyridine ligand (via its ring N atom) and a water molecule to give a distorted square pyramid, with the metal atom raised by 0.17 Å above the N₄ basal plane [CuN (ring) = 2.001(2), CuN (azide) = 1.962(3)–2.018(2) Å] towards the apical aquo ligand [CuO = 2.371(2) Å]. Each water molecule forms an intramolecular O?HN (amine) acceptor hydrogen bond, and is linked by two OH?N (terminal azide) intermolecular donor hydrogen bonds to adjacent dimeric complexes to yield a layer structure parallel to (001). Infrared and electronic spectral data are presented and discussed.