A highly selective Hsp90 affinity chromatography resin with a cleavable linker

Over 200 proteins have been identified that interact with the protein chaperone Hsp90, a recognized therapeutic target thought to participate in non-oncogene addiction in a variety of human cancers. However, defining Hsp90 clients is challenging because interactions between Hsp90 and its physiologically relevant targets involve low affinity binding and are thought to be transient. Using a chemo-proteomic strategy, we have developed a novel orthogonally cleavable Hsp90 affinity resin that allows purification of the native protein and is quite selective for Hsp90 over its immediate family members, GRP94 and TRAP 1. We show that the resin can be used under low stringency conditions for the rapid, unambiguous capture of native Hsp90 in complex with a native client. We also show that the choice of linker used to tether the ligand to the insoluble support can have a dramatic effect on the selectivity of the affinity media.     

Selective separation of microorganisms by lectins: yeast and concanavalin A as a model system

Specific aggregation and separation of microorganisms was investigated using yeasts and concanavalin A as a model system. Cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were specifically aggregated and so separated from those of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Optimum aggregation with over 99% of cells aggregated was achieved by adjustment to pH value and applied agitation. Dimeric lectin structure caused a far higher degree of aggregation than did tetrameric. Degree of aggregation was also strongly influenced by the ratio of lectin/cell concentrations, optimum aggregation occurring in the middle range of ratios. A high ratio of lectin to cells inhibited aggregation, occupation of most of the available receptors preventing intercellular bonding by divalent lectins. Detachment and reuse of concanavalin A was demonstrated using switching from moderate to low pH value. Potential uses for species-specific-separation of microorganisms are discussed. (c) 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Stimulation of human platelets with concanavalin A involves phospholipase C activation.

In response to concanavalin A, cytoplasmic calcium movement was observed in human platelets, both in the presence of 1 mM Ca2+ or 1 mM EGTA in the medium. Concanavalin A also caused the activation of inositide turnover and the production of inositol phosphates, suggesting that activation of phospholipase C occurs. The mechanism by which concanavalin A stimulates phospholipase C does not depend on GTP-binding transducers, because it was not inhibited by GDP beta S, while experiments performed in the presence of cytochalasin B suggested a role for membrane glycoprotein IIb-IIIa-cytoskeleton interaction in this process. Ca(2+)-proteases and Na+/H+ antiport also seemed to be related to concanavalin A-induced phospholipase C activation, as suggested by experiments performed in the presence of leupeptin and amiloride.     

Rotational relaxation time of concanavalin A bound to the surface membrane of normal and malignant transformed cells

Fluorescence polarization was used to determine the rotational relaxation time of fluorescein conjugated concanavalin A bound to the surface membrane of normal and malignant cells. The cells used were normal lymphocytes and malignant lymphoma cells, as examples of cells that are in suspension in vivo, and normal and simian virus 40-transformed fibroblasts, as examples of cells that form a solid tissue. The relaxation time of F-concanavalin A² in phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.2, at 24 °C was 58 nseconds. Under the same conditions, the relaxation times of F-concanavalin A bound to cells were: 70 nseconds for normal lymphocytes, 160 nseconds for malignant lymphoma cells, 120 nseconds for normal fibroblasts and 73 nseconds for simian virus 40-transformed fibroblasts. When cells were treated with trypsin or glutaraldehyde before adding F-concanavalin A, trypsin treatment produced a decrease, whereas glutaraldehyde fixation produced an increase of these values. Inhibition of cap formation of concanavalin A binding sites on normal lymphocytes by treating the cells with sodium azide did not change the rotational relaxation time of concanavalin A bound to the cells. These results indicate that the carbohydrate-containing structures on the cells that bind concanavalin A are mobile. In cells that are in suspension in vivo, malignant transformation is associated with reduction in mobility of these sites. However, in cells that form a solid tissue, malignant transformation is associated with an increase in mobility of these sites. Determination of the rotational relaxation time of fluorescent probes bound to specific sites on cell membranes can thus be used to quantitate receptor mobility in relation to cell behaviour.     

Synthesis and characterization of soluble concanavalin A oligomer

Concanavalin A, (Con A, MW 26,500/monomer unit) was crosslinked with glutaraldehyde to form soluble, high-molecular-weight (larger than MW 300,000) Con A Oligomers. After filtration to remove insoluble and low-molecular-weight portions (below 300,000 daltons), the size and molecular-weight distribution were characterized by laser light scattering and gel-filtration chromatography. The molecular-size determined by laser light scattering ranged from 870 to 4070 A, while the molecular weight determined by gel chromatography ranged from 6 x 10(5) to higher than 2 x 10(6) daltons. The affinity and kinetics of Con A oligomer binding to polysaccharide (glycogen) were evaluated by precipitation test and turbidity development, respectively. The binding with glycogen was strongest at neutral pH and showed similar activity to unmodified Con A molecules. The binding constants of alpha-D-glucose and succinyl-aminophenyl alpha-D glucopyranoside-insulin to Con A oligomer were 1.0 x 10(3)M(-1) and 4.5 x 10(4)M(-1), respectively and the binding capacity of the oligomer was nearly 85% to 95% of monomeric Con A. The complexes of saccharides and soluble Con A oligomer were stable for at least 7 days. (c) 1993 Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Alteration of quaternary structure and biological activity of concanavalin A

A major molecular species of concanavalin A (Con A), a mitogenic lectin from jack bean seeds, has a quaternary structure composed of four homologous subunits and a tetravalent sugar-binding ability. We show that the tetrameric Con A can be converted into a monovalent monomeric form by either photochemical alkylation or hydrogen peroxide/dioxane oxidation of about two tryptophan residues. A divalent dimeric derivative of Con A is also prepared by sulfomethylamidation of about four carboxyl groups. Chemical properties and mitogenic and hemagglutinating activities of these new Con A derivates are compared with those of the tetravalent Con A, as well as of the Con A derivatives that have appeared in the literature on cell biological studies. The significance of the lectin valences in lymphocyte activation and hemagglutination is also discussed.     

Different effects of concanavalin A and its succinylated derivative on superoxide release in peritoneal macrophages

The effects of tetravalent concanavalin A and its succinylated derivative on the intracellular production of superoxide anion (O₂^?) and its release into cell exterior of peritoneal macrophages were observed. Both tetravalent concanavalin A and its succinylated derivative induced marked enhancement of intracellular reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium, which could be inhibited by α-methyl-D-glucoside. The extent of activation of nitroblue tetrazolium reduction induced by both types of the lectin paralleled the activation ratio of oxygen consumption.There was littele difference in the extent of intracellular O₂^? production induced by two types of the lectin. Nitroblue tetrazolium reduction was not affected significantly by pretreatment with colchicine, rotenone or malonate, inhibitors of the cytoskeletal system and of the electron transport system. In contrast, tetravalent concanavalin A induced a higher rate of superoxide release than did succinylated divalent concanavalin A, which lacks the cross-linking activity of surface glycoproteins.These results indicate that superoxide production following oxygen consumption and superoxide release into cell exterior are controlled independently by a separate membrane mechanism and that superoxide production system is not essentially dependent on the involvement of the cytoskeletal system.     

Separation of microvilli from Tubifex eggs upon activation: Its inhibition by concanavalin A hinders ooplasmic segregation and cleavage

The surface of mature eggs of the freshwater oligochaete Tubifex exhibits numerous microvilli. Upon activation, microvilli become narrower at their base and separated from the ooplasmic surface. Here it is shown that concanavalin A (Con A) reversibly inhibits the separation of microvilli from activated Tubifex eggs. The Con A-treated eggs undergo meioses and mitoses at a normal rate. Microvilli on these eggs change their length in a meiotic cycle-dependent manner; their core bundles of microfilaments elongate significantly during the second meiosis. The Con A-treated eggs fail to complete polar body formation, ooplasmic segregation and cleavages. Treatment with Con A of eggs that have accomplished microvillar separation does not exert any inhibitory effect on their development. Succinyl-Con A, a dimeric derivative of Con A, does not prevent microvillar separation, suggesting that the tetravalent form of Con A is essential for Con A to exert its inhibitory effect on microvillar separation.     

Immobilization and characterization of cellulase on concanavalin A (Con A)-layered calcium alginate beads

Cellulase has been immobilized on hybrid concanavalin A (Con A)-layered calcium alginate–starch beads. Immobilized cellulase retained about 82% of its activity. Con A was extracted from jack bean and the obtained crude protein was characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. The immobilized beads showed high mechanical and storage stability; immobilized cellulase retained 100% and 85% activity at 4°C and 30°C, respectively, over one month. The immobilized cellulase retained about 70% of its activity after five cycles of use. The immobilized cellulase retained 70% activity after 120-min exposure to 60°C, whereas the soluble form only retained about 20%, showing that immobilization improved thermal stability. Surface morphology and elemental analysis of immobilized cellulase were examined using scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray. Based on the enzyme stability and reuse, this method of immobilization is both convenient and cheap.     

Phagocytosis of collagen fibrils by periosteal fibroblasts in long bone explants. Effect of concanavalin A

In an attempt to determine whether phagocytosis of collagen by fibroblasts involves binding of the fibril to the plasma membrane, the effect of the lectin concanavalin A (Con A) was studied in an in vitro model system. Metacarpal bone rudiments from 19-day-old mouse fetuses were incubated with varying concentrations of the lectin. Quantitative electron microscopic analysis indicated that Con A caused a dose-related increase in the amount of phagocytosed collagen fibrils in periosteal fibroblasts, suggesting either an enhanced uptake or a decreased intracellular breakdown of fibrils. Since a Con A-inducible increase was not seen in the combined presence of both the lectin and the proteinase inhibitor leupeptin, which is known to inhibit the intracellular digestion of phagocytosed fibrillar collagen, it is unlikely that Con A stimulated phagocytosis. Based on the finding that Con A interfered with the digestion of a synthetic substrate by the collagenolytic lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B it is suggested that the augmentation of intracellular fibrillar collagen under the influence of the lectin was due to a decreased intracellular digestion. Since Con A did not inhibit the uptake of collagen fibrils by the fibroblasts it is concluded that Con A-inhibitable binding sites for collagen molecules are unlikely to be involved in phagocytosis of collagen fibrils by fibroblasts.     

Intracellular calcium mobilization is triggered by clustering of membrane glycoproteins in concanavalin A-stimulated platelets

Stimulation of human platelets with concanavalin A resulted in a significant increase in the concentration of cytoplasmic free Ca²⁺. This effect was due to two different processes: Ca²⁺ mobilization from internal stores and Ca²⁺ influx from the extracellular medium. Kinetic analysis revealed that the release of Ca²⁺ from internal storage sites occurred sooner than the opening of plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channels. The ability of concanavalin A to induce a sustained increase in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentration was antagonized and reversed by methyl ∝-D -mannopyranoside, demonstrating that it was promoted by the interaction of the lectin with cell surface glycoproteins. Succinyl–concanavalin A, a dimeric derivative of the lectin, that does not promote patching/capping of the receptor, was able to bind to the platelet surface, and antagonized the effects of native concanavalin A. In addition, succinyl–concanavalin A, per se, was unable to induce Ca²⁺ mobilization in human platelets. Therefore, the action of the native concanavalin A was mediated by receptor clustering events. Concanavalin A mobilized Ca²⁺ from the same internal stores from which Ca²⁺ was mobilized in response to strong platelet agonists, such as thrombin and arachidonic acid. However, while thrombin was ineffective in inducing Ca²⁺ release after stimulation of platelets with Con A, Con A was able to cause a full discharge of Ca²⁺ from internal stores even in platelets previously stimulated with thrombin. These results demonstrate for the first time that the clustering of specific membrane glycoproteins can trigger platelet activation. The physiological implications during platelet aggregation are discussed.     

Ultrastructural localization of concanavalin A receptors in the plasma membrane: association with underlying actin filaments

Whole-mount cell preparations of cultured rat 3Y1 cells were examined by stereo electron microscopy to identify the ultrastructural localization of concanavalin A (Con A) receptors in the plasma membrane, and to clarify the relationship between Con A receptors and cytoskeletal components. Well spread monolayer cells were extracted with saponin, briefly fixed, and then partially broken open with shearing force to facilitate the introduction of antibodies for identification of actin filaments. Stereo electron microscopy of such treated cells revealed a 3-dimensional image of filamentous structures such as fine filaments, microtubules (MT) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the flattened areas of each cell. Just beneath the plasma membrane were meshworks of actin-containing fine filaments, as identified by an immunogold staining method. Microtubules and ER were observed to be either directly or indirectly associated with this meshwork. The broken open part of each cell exhibited a meshwork of filaments which were associated with the cytoplasmic surface of the plasma membrane. Some of the filaments were connected to the plasma membrane either by their ends or by their lateral surfaces. The localization of Con A receptors was examined by binding colloidal gold-labelled Con A to the surface of fixed, saponin-extracted cells. Virtually all gold particles bound externally at the same membrane sites where intracellular actin filaments attached internally. The observations strongly suggest that the distribution of Con A receptors was regulated by the underlying meshwork of actin filaments.     

Resilience of inshore, juvenile snapper Pagrus auratus to angling and release

This study assessed the mortality of 157 snapper Pagrus auratus (9-29 cm, total length, L(T) ) after being conventionally angled and then released into cages (along with 48 controls) for 4 days off south-eastern Australia. Fatalities were restricted to 12 angled fish (7·6%) and mostly attributed to the ingestion of hooks and especially their subsequent removal, which caused substantial blood loss and immediate death. Hook ingestion was significantly biased towards smaller fish (<21 cm L(T)) and attributed to a lower chance of anglers initially detecting these individuals on the line (allowing them to consume more of the baits). While mortalities might be reduced in future via (1) choosing terminal rigs that promote mouth hooking and (2) cutting the line on any-hook ingested fish, the results nevertheless validate releasing unwanted angled inshore juvenile P. auratus as a means for managing their exploitation.     

Concanavalin A induced apoptosis in murine macrophage PU5-1.8 cells through clustering of mitochondria and release of cytochrome c

Concanavalin A (ConA), normally a mitogen of T-lymphocytes, was found to be a cell cycle-independent apoptosis-inducing agent in cultured murine macrophage PU5-1.8 cells. This assertion is based on the following observations: (1) ConA increased the number of cells with hypo-diploid DNA in a dose dependent manner as revealed by flow cytometry; (2) ConA elicited DNA fragmentation and the cytotoxicity of ConA was suppressed by -D-methylmannoside which blocks the lectin site of ConA; (3) ConA was able to release cytochrome c (cyto c) into the cytosol of PU5-1.8 cells. When isolated mitochondria were incubated with ConA, release of cyto c was observed too. Interestingly, clustering of mitochondria was found in the cytosol under a confocal microscope after ConA treatment. When cells were incubated with ConA-FITC and subsequently with mitotracker red (a probe for mitochondria), co-localization of fluorescence signals was observed. These results suggest that ConA was delivered to the mitochondria, induced mitochondrial clustering and released cyto c. Our results also show that introduction of exogenous cyto c electroporationally into ConA-untreated cells elicited DNA fragmentation. On the other hand, introduction of specific antibody against cyto c into PU5-1.8 cells suppressed the ConA-mediated cell death. Taken together, our results indicate that ConA induced apoptosis in PU5-1.8 cells through mitochondrial clustering and release of cyto c and the release of cyto c was sufficient to elicit apoptosis in PU5-1.8 cells.     

Biochemical properties of canine serum ferritin: iron content and nonbinding to concanavalin A

A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using H-subunit-rich canine heart ferritin as a standard has been developed for measuring canine serum ferritin which is H-subunit-rich. Serum ferritin concentrations in 51 normal dogs ranged from 143 to 1766 ng ml^–1, with a mean value of 479±286 (SD) ng ml^–1. Serum ferritin iron concentrations as determined by an immunoprecipitation technique ranged from 30.4 to 115.9 ng ml^–1 in 15 normal dogs with serum ferritin protein levels of 298 to 959 ng ml^–1. There was a significant linear correlation between the serum ferritin iron and protein levels (r=0.9441, P<0.001), and the mean iron/protein ratio of serum ferritin was 0.112±0.017. When canine sera were incubated with concanavalin A-Sepharose 4B, we observed the apparent binding of serum ferritin to concanavalin A. However, ferritin obtained by heat-treating the sera at pH 4.8 to remove the ferritin-binding proteins did not bind to the lectin. These results suggest that canine serum ferritin contains a considerable amount of iron but no concanavalin A-binding G subunit present in human serum ferritin.     

High-throughput synthesis of conopeptides: a safety-catch linker approach enabling disulfide formation in 96-well format.

Conotoxins exhibit a high degree of selectivity and potency for a range of pharmacologically relevant targets. The rapid access to libraries of conotoxin analogues, containing multiple intramolecular disulfide bridges for use in drug development, can be a very labor intensive, multi-step task. This work describes a high-throughput method for the synthesis of cystine-bridged conopeptides.Peptides were assembled on a peptide synthesizer employing the Fmoc solid-phase strategy using a safety-catch amide linker (SCAL). Side-chain protecting groups were removed on solid phase before SCAL activation with ammonium iodide in TFA, finally releasing the peptide into the TFA solution. Disulfide bond formation was performed in the cleavage mixture employing DMSO.This improved method allows mixtures of oxidized peptides to be obtained in parallel directly from a peptide synthesizer. A single HPLC purification of the resulting crude oxidized material produced peptides of > 95% purity.     

Impact of operating variables on the expanded bed adsorption of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells using a concanavalin A derivatized perfluorocarbon

The use of fluidizable affinity adsorbents for the adsorption of cells in expanded mode is investigated. Affinity adsorbents have been synthesized by immobilizing the lectin Concanavalin A onto the surface of triazine-activated perfluorocarbon-solids. The adsorbents were found to adsorb Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells from solution with adsorption capacities of up to 6.8 x 10(9) cells mL(-1). Adsorption kinetics were rapid with a time constant of 相似文献   

Effects of concanavalin A on the net formation of zoospores in Hydrodictyon reticulatum (Chlorococcales, Chlorophyceae)

In the green alga Hydrodictyon reticulatum (L.) Lager‐heim (Chlorococcales, Chlorophyceae), zoospores are arranged in a regular fashion to form an intricate hexagonal network during the asexual reproductive cycle. Polypeptides that bind concanavalin A (Con A) in zoospores increased in amount during net formation and decreased after the completion of the adhesion between zoospores. Fluorescein isothiocyanate‐Con A‐binding sites corresponded to the contact sites of zoospores immediately after cessation of the movement. Treatment with 25 μg mL^?1 Con A inhibited adhesion of isolated immotile zoospores obtained from parental cells, and Con A‐treated zoospores could not form hexagonal nets. Moreover, when isolated immotile zoospores were treated with Con A, the cessation of the zoospore movement was retarded in dose‐dependent manner. These results suggest that the Con A‐binding sites may participate in the adhesion of zoospores during hexagonal net formation.     

The attachment to human buccal epithelial cells by Candida albicans: An in vitro kinetic study using concanavalin A

The early in vitro kinetics of Candida albicans attachment to human buccal epithelial cells was studied with the aid of an adhesion assay and solutions of concanavalin A (Con A), a lectin which is capable of inhibiting yeast adhesion. Various saccharides and putative receptor analogues were also tested. Solutions of each single reagent were added to tubes containing aliquots of mucosal cells and germinated yeasts at the beginning of a 1-hour incubation period (time O) or at 10 minute intervals during the assay. The number of yeasts attached to 200 mucosal cells was subsequently determined microscopically. Yeast adhesion remained constant following addition of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at time 0 or at any time thereafter. However, addition of Con A at 0, 10 or 20 minutes of incubation decreased adhesion significantly to 38%, 45% and 63% of control values. This inhibitory effect dwindled as time of incubation prior to lectin addition increased and Con A could not inhibit adhesion significantly after twenty minutes. Results obtained with Con A using live germinated yeasts were similar to those obtained with formalin-killed C. albicans. The other reagents tested failed to decrease adhesion significantly. These included the putative receptor analogues fibronectin, N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and d-galactose, and several non-specific saccharides such as -d-methylglucopyranoside, d-ribose and d-xylose. It is suggested that in vitro attachment to human mucosal cells by C. albicans is inhibitable up to a defined point in time by a lectin with affinity for mannosecontaining surface moieties, but becomes non-reversible thereafter. This experimentally-observed irreversibility is independent of yeast cell viability.