Hexokinase A from mammalian brain: comparative peptide mapping and immunological studies with monoclonal antibodies

Immunological reactivity of partially purified hexokinase A (ATP:D-hexose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.1) from brain of several vertebrate species has been compared by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and seven monoclonal antibodies raised against the rat brain enzyme. The epitopes recognized by three of these antibodies have been rather widely conserved among the species examined (rat, mouse, guinea pig, rabbit, cat, dog, sheep, cow, pig, chicken), while this was not the case for the epitopes recognized by the other antibodies, which differed markedly in their distribution among these species. The domain structure of these enzymes has been examined by peptide mapping (after limited tryptic digestion) in conjunction with immunoblotting techniques employing monoclonal antibodies. The results indicate that the overall domain structure of these enzymes is similar to that previously described for rat brain hexokinase A, but that there are significant differences in the size of these domains in enzymes from different species.     

Pectolytic enzymes co-immobilization on γ-alumina spheres via organophosphate compounds

Endopectinlyase (EC 4.2.2.10), endopolygalacturonase (EC 3.2.1.15) and pectinesterase (EC 3.1.1.11) present in a commercial mixture were co-immobilized on γ-alumina spheres activated with organophosphate compounds. Staining of the alumina-enzyme complexes with a dye specific for protein showed that only the carrier external surface was available for protein binding. When confined in a packed bed reactor, the activity of the co-immobilized enzymes brought about a viscosity decrease of 70–90% in pectin and polygalacturonic acid solutions, respectively. Sixty per cent of the initial activity was retained from the immobilized enzymes after the sixth utilization cycle on both the substrates used. The immobilized enzymes were also active against fresh apple juice producing a 90% reduction in viscosity in the first five cycles of utilization.     

Reexamination of the Intracellular Localization of de Novo Purine Synthesis in Cowpea Nodules

Sucrose and Percoll density gradient centrifugation were used to separate organelles from the central zone tissue of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp. cv Vita 3: Bradyrhizobium strain CB 756) nodules. Enzyme activity analysis has shown that both plastids and mitochondria have a full complement of enzymes for de novo purine synthesis. In vitro activities of individual component enzymes (glycinamide ribonucleotide synthetase, EC 6.3.4.13; glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase, EC 2.1.2.2; aminoimidazole ribonucleotide synthetase, EC 6.3.3.1; aminoimidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide transformylase, EC 6.3.2.6; and adenylosuccinate-AMP lyase, EC 4.3.2.2) as well as of the whole purine pathway (from ribose-5-phosphate to inosine monophosphate) were similar in the two organelles. No significant cytosolic or bacteroidal activity of any of the purine pathway enzymes was detected on assay. These findings are contrary to earlier studies (M.J. Boland, K.R. Schubert [1983] Arch Biochem Biophys 220: 179-187; B.J. Shelp C.A. Atkins, P.J. Storer, D.T. Canvin [1983] Arch Biochem Biophys 224: 429-441) that concluded that enhanced expression of purine synthesis in nodules of ureide-forming species is localized to plastids. Significantly increased recovery of activity of key pathway enzymes (particularly of labile aminoimidazole ribonucleotide synthetase) coupled with improved assay methods and the use of Percoll in addition to sucrose for gradient centrifugation have together contributed to much higher reaction rates and more definitive analyses of particulate fractions.     

Differences in tissue expressions of enzyme activities in interspecific sunfish (Centrarchidae) hybrids and their backcross progeny

The extent of naturally occurring variations of enzyme locus expression was determined for three tissues (liver, muscle, and eye) in two species of sunfish (Centrarchidae), the green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) and the redear sunfish (L. microlophus). The genetic basis for species differences in tissue enzyme specific activities of malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.37), lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27), phosphoglucomutase (EC 2.7.5.1), and glucosephosphate isomerase (EC 5.3.1.9) was investigated by determining enzyme specific activities in the tissues of the reciprocal F1 hybrids and of their backcross progenies. The specific activities for most enzymes in hybrids were intermediate between those of the parental species. Significant differences in enzyme specific activity were detected among the F1 progeny as well as those of backcrosses. Variations in specific activity levels in one tissue were often independent of variations in specific activities in a different tissue. However, the changes in the specific activities of different enzymes within the same tissue were often positively correlated. The tissue glucosephosphate isomerase activity differences appear not to be due to different functional contributions of the glucosephosphate isomerase allelic isozymes. Cluster analysis of distributions of specific activities revealed no simple Mendelian pattern of inheritance for control of tissue enzyme activity. Our results suggest a polygenic control of tissue enzyme specific activity levels.     

Enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis of inorganic pyrophosphate. Current view of problems in characterization of PP1-phosphohydrolytic activity associated with alkaline phosphatases (EC 3.1.3.1).

A survey of the hydrolytic activity of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) reveals that PP1, like phosphomonoesters, can serve as substrate in vitro. This pp1-phosphohydrolytic activity can be distinguished from PP1-phosphohydrolytic activities of inorganic pyrophosphatases (EC 3.6.1.1) and glucose-6-phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.9) by several criteria. Discrimination among these hydrolytic enzymes is possible by their dependence on variation of pH and of magnesium to PP1 ratios in the assay solutions. The true substrates and modifiers are not simply PP1 and magnesium, but the equilibrium species in mixtures of these two. The physiological significance of each of the three enzymes is not predictable from their differential efficiency as catalysts of PP1-hydrolysis in vitro.     

Biochemical, electrophoretic and immunological characterization of peroxisomal enzymes in three soybean organs

Biochemical, electrophoretic and immunological studies were made among peroxisomal enzymes in three organs of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Centennial] to compare the enzyme distribution and characteristics of specialized peroxisomes in one species. Leaves, nodules and etiolated cotyledons were compared with regard to several enzymes localized solely in their peroxisomes: catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), malate synthase (EC 4.1.3.2), glycolate oxidase (EC 1.1.3.1), and urate oxidase (EC 1.7.3.3). Catalase activity was found in all tissue extracts. Electrophoresis on native polyacrylamide gels indicated that leaf catalase migrated more anodally than nodule or cotyledon catalase as shown by both activity staining and Western blotting. Malate synthase activity and immunologically detectable protein were present only in the cotyledon extracts. Western blots of denaturing (lithium dodecyl sulfate) gels probed with anti-cotton malate synthase antiserum, reveal a single subunit of 63 kDa in both cotton and soybean cotyledons. Glycolic acid oxidase activity was present in all three organs, but ca 20-fold lower (per mg protein) in both nodule and cotyledon extracts compared to leaf extracts. Electrophoresis followed by activity staining on native gels indicated one enzyme form with the same mobility in nodule, cotyledon and leaf preparations. Urate oxidase activity was found in nodule extracts only. Native gel electrophoresis showed a single band of activity. Novel electrophoretic systems had to be developed to resolve the urate oxidase and glycolate oxidase activities; both of these enzymes moved cathodally in the gel system employed while most other proteins moved anodally. This multifaceted study of enzymes located within three specialized types of peroxisomes in a single species has not been undertaken previously, and the results indicate that previous comparisons between the enzyme content of specialized peroxisomes from different organisms are mostly consistent with that for a single species, soybean.     

Direct assay for phosphotransacetylase and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase by high-performance liquid chromatography

A simple and specific assay to measure the activity of two coenzyme A derivative-processing enzymes, i.e., phosphotransacetylase (EC 2.3.1.8) and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.2), is described. The assay is based on the HPLC analysis of the short-chain coenzyme A derivatives formed by the enzymatic reaction, viz., acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA. For this purpose, ion-pair reversed-phase HPLC conditions are optimized. Furthermore, the influence of several variables on the enzyme reaction is studied in order to get maximum activity. Due to its short analysis time, good selectivity, and chromatogram information, HPLC proves to be an excellent method for the assay of these enzymes.     

Kinetic and electrophoretic characterization of NADP dependent dehydrogenases from root tissues of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] employing a rapid one-step extraction procedure

Summary The NADPH generating enzymes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.44), and isocitrate-dehydrogenase (NADP dependent; EC 1.1.1.42) have been characterized in spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] roots. Interference from inherent phenolic compounds was minimized by complexation with borate and insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidone in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol and NADP. A further addition of protective substances had no (bovine serum albumin) or even an inhibitory effect (ascorbate) on the enzyme activities. The enzymes were shown to be strictly NADP specific. The optimal pH values and the apparent Michaelis constants from spruce roots are in good agreement with data from different photosynthetic organisms and gametophytic tissues of conifers. Native electrophoresis and subsequent activity staining showed the same banding patterns for enzymes both from root and needle tissues. In addition, the applicability of a highly sensitive dot-blot assay for the accurate quantification of the extracted protein is shown.     

Distribution of photorespiratory enzymes between bundle-sheath and mesophyll cells in leaves of the C3−C4 intermediate species Moricandia arvensis (L.) DC

In order to study the location of enzymes of photorespiration in leaves of the C₃–C₄ intermediate species Moricandia arvensis (L.). DC, protoplast fractions enriched in mesophyll or bundlesheath cells have been prepared by a combination of mechanical and enzymic techniques. The activities of the mitochondrial enzymes fumarase (EC 4.2.1.2) and glycine decarboxylase (EC 2.1.2.10) were enriched by 3.0- and 7.5-fold, respectively, in the bundle-sheath relative to the mesophyll fraction. Enrichment of fumarase is consistent with the larger number of mitochondria in bundle-sheath cells relative to mesophyll cells. The greater enrichment of glycine decarboxylase indicates that the activity is considerably higher on a mitochondrial basis in bundle-sheath than in mesophyll cells. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (EC 2.1.2.1) activity was enriched by 5.3-fold and glutamate-dependent glyoxylate-aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.4) activity by 2.6-fold in the bundle-sheath relative to the mesophyll fraction. Activities of serine- and alanine-dependent glyoxylate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.45 and EC 2.6.1.4), glycollate oxidase (EC 1.1.3.1), hydroxypyruvate reductase (EC 1.1.1.81), glutamine synthetase (EC 6.3.1.2) and phosphoribulokinase (EC 2.7.1.19) were not significantly different in the two fractions. These data provide further independent evidence to complement earlier immunocytochemical studies of the distribution of photorespiratory enzymes in the leaves of this species, and indicate that while mesophyll cells of M. arvensis have the capacity to synthesize glycine during photorespiration, they have only a low capacity to metabolize it. We suggest that glycine produced by photorespiratory metabolism in the mesophyll is decarboxylated predominantly by the mitochondria in the bundle sheath.Abbreviation RuBP ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate     

Identification of isoenzymes in cholinesterase preparations using kinetic data of organophosphate inhibition

Commercial preparations of acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) and of cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) were characterized by organophosphate inhibition. Cholinesterase activities were inhibited by varying organophosphate concentration and time of inhibition. Bimolecular rate constants were determined by plotting log activity vs inhibitor concentration or inhibition time. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase from bovine erythrocytes by diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (Paraoxon), diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP), and N,N′-diisopropylphosphorodiamidic fluoride (Mipafox) in semilogarithmic plots showed a linear decay of activity. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase from electric eel (Electrophorus electricus) and of cholinesterases from horse serum and from human serum did not show linear characteristics, indicating the presence of more than one single enzyme in these preparations. The corresponding inhibition curves were resolved by subtraction of exponential functions. In each case two different activity components were identified and characterized in respect to partial activity, substrate specificity, and reactivity with organophosphorous compounds. The suitability of the method for application on crude homogenates is discussed.     

An NADH coupled assay system for galactose oxidase.

A galactose oxidase (EC 1.1.3.9); NADH-peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.1) coupled assay system is used for the estimation of galactose oxidase activity. Spectrophotometric measurement of NADH consumption yields direct quantitative value of enzymic activity or can be used for the end-point determination of the amount of galactose oxidase substrate present in test solutions. Use of similar coupled systems is suggested for the assay of other H₂O₂-producing enzymes and their substrates.     

Different sensitivity of Ca(2+)-ATPase and cholinesterase to pure and commercial pesticides in nervous ganglia of Phyllocaulis soleiformis (Mollusca)

We measured the effects in vitro of pure and commercial pesticides on Ca(2+)-activated ATPase and cholinesterase (ChE) activities in the nervous system of the slug Phyllocaulis soleiformis. The pesticides used in this study included carbamate and organophosphates, which acts as reversible and irreversible anticholinesterases, respectively. Both enzymes were insensitive to pure carbofuran (1 mM), glyphosate (1 mM) and malathion (120 microM). However, the carbamate carbofuran, in the commercial formulation Furandan 350S, inhibited ATPase and ChE activities. The organophosphate glyphosate used in the commercial preparation of Gliz 480CS inhibited ATPase activity and increased cholinesterase activity. These effects are likely due to the action of adjuvant substances of the chemical formulation. The commercial formulation (Malatol 500CE) did not alter enzymes activities. Our results suggest that cholinesterase present in the slug nervous tissue has a different behavior to those identified in vertebrate nervous tissue, since it was insensitive to pure compounds, known as anticholinesterases in vertebrates. Considering the insensitivity of the Ca(2+)-activated ATPase, we suggested that the purinergic neurotransmission and other roles of ATP might not be affected by the pure pesticides tested.     

Spectrophotometric pyrophosphate assay of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase.

A nonradioactive multiwell spectrophotometric assay for the interferon-induced enzyme 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase measuring the inorganic pyrophosphate produced during oligoadenylate synthesis has been developed. A coupled enzymatic reaction results in a mole to mole formation of NADPH compared to the inorganic pyrophosphate through the use of the three enzymes UDP-Glc pyrophosphorylase (EC2.7.7.9), phosphoglucomutase (EC5.4.2.2), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC1.1.1.49). The assay is at least as sensitive for measurements of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity as the conventional assays using radioactive nucleotides as substrates. Even higher sensitivity of the assay can be obtained by taking advantage of the strong fluorescence of NADPH.     

Ascorbate-dependent hydrogen peroxide detoxification and ascorbate regeneration during germination of a highly productive maize hybrid: Evidence of an improved detoxification mechanism against reactive oxygen species

Ascorbate content and the activities of some key enzymes involved in the detoxification from reactive oxygen species were investigated in germinated embryos of two Zea mays L. inbred lines (B73 and Mo17) and of their heterotic F1 hybrid (B73×Mo17). The F1 hybrid showed a higher ascorbate biosynthetic capability owing to a higher activity of l -galactono- Γ -lactone dehydrogenase (EC 1.6.5.4), the last enzyme in ascorbate biosynthesis. Ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11), ascorbate free radical reductase (EC 1.6.5.4) and dehydroascorbate reductase (EC 1.8.5.1) activities were much higher in the F1 hybrid than in either inbred line, whereas catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) activity was similar in the three genotypes. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis showed three forms of cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase, both in parental lines and in the F1 hybrid. On the other hand, a complex pattern of proteins with dehydroascorbate reductase activity was observed, with the hybrid combining the different dehydroascorbate-reducing proteins expressed by the inbred lines. The possible involvement of the enzymes of the ascorbate system in the phenomenon of hybrid vigour is discussed.     

Predominant localization of mitochondria enriched with glycine-decarboxylating enzymes in bundle sheath cells of Alternanthera tenella, a C3–C4 intermediate species

Mesophyll protoplasts and bundle sheath cells were prepared by enzymatic digestion of leaves of Alternanthera tenella, a C₃-C₄ intermediate species. The intercellular distribution of selected photosynthetic, photorespiratory and respiratory (mitochondrial) enzymes in these meso-phyll and bundle sheath cells was studied. The activity levels of photosynthetic enzymes such as PEP carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.31) or NAD-malic enzyme (EC 1.1.1.39) and photorespiratory enzymes such as glycolate oxidase (EC 1.1.3.1) or NADH-hydroxypyruvate reductase (EC 1.1.1.29) were similar in the two cell types. The activity levels of mitochondrial TCA cycle enzymes such as citrate synthase (EC 4.1.3.7) or fumarase (EC 4.2.1.2) were 2- to 3-fold higher in bundle sheath cells. On the other hand, the activity levels of mitochondrial photorespiratory enzymes, namely glycine decarboxylase (EC 2.1.2.10) and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (EC 2.1.2.1), were 6-9-fold higher in bundle sheath cells than in mesophyll protoplasts. Such preferential localization of mitochondria enriched with the glycine-decarboxylating system in the inner bundle sheath cells would result in efficient refixa-tion of CO₂ from not only photorespiration but also dark respiration before its exit from the leaf. We propose that predominant localization of mitochondria specialized in glycine decarboxylation in bundle sheath cells may form the basis of reduced photorespiration in this C₃-C₄ intermediate species.     

The relationship between the activity of various iron-containing and iron-free enzymes and the presence of nicotianamine in tomato seedlings

The influence of nicotianamine (NA) and iron on the activities of 4 iron-containing and two iron-free enzymes in leaves and roots of the NA-free tomato mutant chloronerva and its NA-containing wild-type ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Bonner Beste) was investigated. Aconitase (EC 4.2.1.3) activity in both leaves and roots was much higher in the mutant under normal iron supply (10 μ M FeEDTA) and in wild-type under iron deficiency than in wild-type supplied with 10 μ M FeEDTA. Application of NA to chloronerva leaves led to a decrease of aconitase activity in leaves and roots. NA had no effect on the enzyme activity when added to the assay medium.
Similar results were obtained for the iron-containing enzymes catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), ascorbate-dependent peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11) and guaiacol-dependent peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) in roots. NA treatment of the mutant leaves decreased enzyme activities in roots down to wild-type values. In vivo NA application had no effect on enzyme activities in leaf extracts.
The activities of the iron-free enzymes NAD⁺-malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.37) and phosphofructokinase (EC 2.7.1.11) in root and leaf extracts were not influenced by the iron supply to the plants.     

Expression, immobilization, and enzymatic characterization of cellulose-binding domain-organophosphorus hydrolase fusion enzymes

Bifunctional fusion proteins consisting of organophosphate hydrolase (OPH) moieties linked to a Clostridium-derived cellulose-binding domain (CBD) were shown to be highly effective in degrading organophosphate nerve agents, enabling purification and immobilization onto different cellulose materials in essentially a single step. Enzyme kinetics studies were performed for the CBD-OPH fusions using paraoxon as the substrate. The kinetics values of the unbound fusion enzymes were similar to OPH with a modest increase in K(m). Immobilization of the enzymes onto microcrystalline cellulose resulted in a further increase in the K(m) values of approximately twofold. The pH profile of the cellulose-immobilized enzymes was also only minimally affected. The CBD-OPH fusion proteins could be immobilized onto a variety of cellulose matrixes, and retained up to 85% of their original activity for 30 days. The durability of the bound fusions increased with the amount of Avicel used, suggesting that protein/cellulose interactions may have a dramatic stabilizing effect. Repeated hydrolysis of paraoxon was achieved in an immobilized enzyme reactor with 100% degradation efficiency over 45 days. These fusion proteins should prove to be invaluable tools for the development of low cost, OPH-based cellulose materials for the simultaneous adsorption and degradation of stored or spilled organophosphate wastes.     

Changes in the antioxidative systems in mitochondria during ripening of pepper fruits

The presence of enzymes of the ascorbate–glutathione cycle was studied in mitochondria purified from green and red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits. All four enzymes, ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR; EC 1.6.5.4), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR; EC 1.8.5.1) and glutathione reductase (GR; EC 1.6.4.2) were present in the isolated mitochondria of both fruit ripening stages. The activity of the reductive ascorbate–glutathione cycle enzymes (MDHAR, GR and DHAR) was higher in mitochondria isolated from green than from red fruits, while APX and the antioxidative enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1) were higher in the red fruits. The levels of ascorbate and L-galactono-γ-lactone dehydrogenase (GLDH; EC 1.3.2.3) activity were found to be similar in the mitochondria of both fruits. The higher APX and Mn-SOD specific activities in mitochondria from red fruits might play a role in avoiding the accumulation of any activated oxygen species generated in these mitochondria, and suggests an active role for these enzymes during ripening.     

Some thaumatin-like proteins hydrolyse polymeric β-1,3-glucans

Thaumatin and 12 purified thaumatin-like (TL) proteins were surveyed for their capacity to hydrolyse beta-1,3-glucans by using an in-gel glucanase assay. Six TL proteins identified by N-terminal amino acid microsequencing were found to be active on carboxymethyl(CM)-pachyman: a barley leaf stress-related permatin, two tomato fruit osmotins, a cherry fruit and two tobacco stigma proteins. TL enzymes ranged in specific activity from 0.07 to 89 nkat mg-1 with CM-pachyman as substrate. Hydrolytic activities were not restricted to TL proteins strongly binding to water-insoluble beta-1,3-glucans since the two osmotins were active without tight binding to pachyman. Some TL proteins hydrolysed crude fungal walls and one barley TL enzyme even lysed fungal spores. No activity was observed on laminarin in the in-gel hydrolase assay. Thin-layer chromatography revealed that the six enzymes acted as endo-beta-1, 3-glucanases leading to the formation of various oligoglucosides. Thus far, the TL enzymes (EC 3.2.1.x) appeared different from the well-known beta-1,3-glucanases (EC 3.2.1.39). No activity was found with thaumatin, zeamatin, tobacco leaf PR-R protein and four stress-related TL proteins from barley and pea. This is the first demonstration that diverse TL proteins are enzymatically active. The functions of some TL proteins must be reassessed because they display endo-beta-1,3-glucanase activity on polymeric beta-1, 3-glucans.     

The complete primary structure of the allosteric L-lactate dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus casei

The polypeptide chain of the allosteric L-lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) of Lactobacillus casei consists of 325 amino acid residues. Despite the strikingly different enzymatic characteristics of the allosteric L-lactate dehydrogenase of L. casei and of the non-allosteric vertebrate enzymes, the sequence of the allosteric enzyme shows a distinct homology with that of the non-allosteric vertebrate enzymes (average identity: 37%). An especially high sequence homology can be identified within the active center (average identity: 70%). A clear deviation of the L. casei enzyme from the vertebrate enzyme is the lack of the first 12 amino acid residues at the N terminus and an additional 7 amino acid residues at the C terminus. The localization of the binding site of the allosteric effector D-fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and pH and effector-induced changes of the spectroscopic properties are discussed on the basis of the primary structure.