The energy-transducing NADH: quinone oxidoreductase,complex I

The energy-transducing NADH: quinone (Q) oxidoreductase (complex I) is the largest and most complicated enzyme complex in the oxidative phosphorylation system. Complex I is a redox pump that uses the redox energy to translocate H(+) (or Na(+)) ions across the membrane, resulting in a significant contribution to energy production. The need to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of complex I has greatly increased. Many devastating neurodegenerative disorders have been associated with complex I deficiency. The structural and functional complexities of complex I have already been established. However, intricate biogenesis and activity regulation functions of complex I have just been identified. Based upon these recent developments, it is apparent that complex I research is entering a new era. The advancement of our knowledge of the molecular mechanism of complex I will not only surface from bioenergetics, but also from many other fields as well, including medicine. This review summarizes the current status of our understanding of complex I and sheds light on new theories and the future direction of complex I studies.     

基于农业体验的城市农业综合体设计探析——以 “FICO Eataly World”为例

城市农业综合体的出现是对城市居民日益增长的田园体验需求的一种全新回应,对乡村振兴、城乡融合发展能够起到推动作用。以探究城市农业综合体的规划方式为目的,通过对城市农业综合体概念的梳理,提出城市农业综合体的基本特征和功能构成。随后对意大利城市农业综合体“FICO Eataly World”的规划设计进行分析,介绍城市农业综合体的设计理念、功能布局、流线组织和景观特色。最终提出城市农业综合体应选择市郊农业用地,在保留田园风貌的基础上,融合城市商业、农业观光体验进行规划设计,为中国城市综合体的发展创新、乡村振兴和城乡融合发展提供新的方向。     

Hypoglycemic Effect of Macrocyclic Binuclear Oxovanadium (IV) Complex on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Though vanadium complexes mimic the action of insulin, owing to their toxicity, research is still in progress for a new vanadium complex with maximum efficacy at low concentration and without any side effects. A novel macrocyclic binuclear oxovanadium complex was synthesized, its composition and structure were confirmed by spectral studies and its efficacy was studied in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats over a period of 30 days. The oral administration of the complex normalizes the blood glucose level in the diabetic rats and also maintains normoglycemia after a glucose load. The biochemical studies revealed that the complex is not toxic to the system. The nontoxic nature of this complex may be due to the presence of the vanadyl ions in an intact form. The study highlights the nontoxic and hypoglycemic effects of the new macrocyclic binuclear oxovanadium complex.     

New species in the New World Natada complex (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae)

The following new species in the New World Natada complex are described: Natada minuscula, Natada cecilia, Natada lalogamezi, Natada kokii, Natada monteverdensis, Narosopsis iangauldi, and Euprosterna wemilleri. Natada minuscula is the smallest known species in the complex. Of the new species, only Natada kokii, Natada cecilia and Narosopsis iangauldi are known to occur outside of Costa Rica. Previously the New World Natada complex had 43 species in the neotropics. It is anticipated that the proportion of new species in the complex will exceed other major lineages of Limacodidae found in Costa Rica.     

Synthesis and study of physico-chemical properties of a new chiral Schiff base ligand and its metal complex

A new chiral amino acid Schiff base ligand (Salarg) and its metal complex (Mn-Salarg) have been synthesized using l-Arginine, a naturally occurring chiral diamine with two kinds of asymmetric α-, ε-NH₂ groups. This new Salarg-ligand and Mn-Salarg complex are characterized with the help of ultraviolet, fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy. Their crystal systems are determined by X-ray powder diffraction method. The elemental analysis has been carried out by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The presence and percentage of metal in the complex have been detected and estimated by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy. Circular dichroism spectroscopy has revealed the chiral nature of the Salarg-ligand and its metal complex. Furthermore, a comparative study of this new chiral Salarg-ligand and its complex has been made with the well known achiral Salen ligand and its metal complex (Mn-Salen).     

New class of bacterial membrane oxidoreductases

A new class of bacterial multisubunit membrane-bound electron-transfer complexes has been identified based on biochemical and bioinformatic data. It contains subunits homologous to the three-subunit molybdopterin oxidoreductases and four additional subunits, two of which are c-type cytochromes. The complex was purified from the filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus, and putative operons for similar complexes were identified in a wide range of bacteria. In most cases, the presence of the new complex is anticorrelated with the cytochrome bc or bf electron-transfer complex, suggesting that it replaces it functionally. This appears to be a widespread yet previously unrecognized protein complex involved in energy metabolism in bacteria.     

The active essential CFNS3d protein complex

The NS2B-NS3 protease complex is essential for the replication of dengue virus, which is the etiologic agent of dengue and hemorrhagic fevers, diseases that are a burden for the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The active form of the NS3 protease linked to the 40 residues of the NS2B cofactor shows highly flexible and disordered region(s) that are responsible for its high propensity to aggregate at the concentrations necessary for NMR spectroscopy studies or for crystallization. Limited proteolysis of this active form of the protease enabled us to obtain a folded and new essential form of the NS2B-NS3 protease complex. We found that the region from residues D50 to E80 of NS2B interacts directly and strongly with the NS3 protease domain. The proteolytic activity of the noncovalently binding complex was determined by a rapid and continuous fluorescence resonance energy transfer activity assay using a depsipeptide substrate. The new protein-cofactor complex obtained, encompassing the NS2B fragment (D50-E80) and the NS3 protease, shows proteolytic activity. The (1)H-(15)N-heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectrum of the isotopically enriched protein complex shows good cross-peak dispersion; this is indicative of a stable folded state. Our results significantly complement the X-ray structure of the NS2B-NS3pro complex published recently. Moreover, these results open the way to performing direct structural and interaction studies in solution on a new active NS2B-NS3pro complex with libraries of substrates and inhibitors in order to identify new drugs that prevent viral polyprotein processing.     

Actinoplanes brasiliensis INA 3802--a producer of peptide antibiotics]

In the screening programme for new antibiotics an actinomycete culture designated as 3802 was isolated from a soil sample. The culture produced a complex of peptide antibiotics belonging to the group of lantibiotics. The antibiotic complex included gardimycin (actagardin) and new antibiotics of the same group. By the taxonomic properties strain 3802 was classified as Actinoplanes brasiliensis not previously known to produce gardimycin. Conditions of the antibiotic complex biosynthesis by strain 3802, the isolation methods and biological properties were studied.     

Molecular base of biochemical complex I deficiency

The oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system, consisting of five enzyme complexes (I-V) together with 2 electron carriers, has an important role in the energy metabolism of the cell. With 45 subunits, complex I is the first and largest complex of the respiratory chain. It is under bigenomic control and a proper interaction between the mitochondrial and the nuclear genome is important for a good biogenesis and functioning of the complex. Isolated complex I deficiency is the most frequently diagnosed form of mitochondrial disorders caused by the disturbance of the OXPHOS system. It has a wide clinical variety and, at present, in many patients the underlying genetic cause of the complex I deficiency is still not known. In this review, the role of complex I in the oxidative phosphorylation and the localization and function of the different complex I subunits will be described. Furthermore, a brief overview of the assembly process and biochemical studies, performed when a patient is suspected of a mitochondrial disorder is given. Finally, the present knowledge for molecular base of complex I deficiency is described and the findings in a research cohort of patients with complex I deficiency are reported. Identifying new genes encoding proteins involved in complex I biogenesis is challenging and in the near future new powerful techniques will make high throughput screening possible. Progress in elucidating the genetic defect causing complex I deficiencies is important for a better genetic counseling, prenatal diagnostic possibilities and further development of new treatment strategies to cure the complex I deficiencies in the future.     

Identification of actin kinase activity in purified fragmin-actin complex.

Actin kinase phosphorylates actin of fragmin-actin complex, resulting in the inactivation of the nucleation and capping activities of the complex. Fragmin-actin complex was prepared by a new purification procedure. Incubation with ATP caused inactivation of the purified complex and phosphorylation of actin of fragmin-actin complex. The detailed analysis of the complex by SDS-gel electrophoresis showed that actin kinase was co-purified with the fragmin-actin complex. Formation of such an association between actin kinase and substrate suggests that the kinase is localized on the fragmin-actin complex to efficiently regulate actin cytoskeletons.     

Antrodiella chinensis sp. nov., a Chinese representative of the Antrodiella americana complex

A new wood-decaying polypore, Antrodiella chinensis, is described and illustrated from China based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of rDNA ITS sequences. The new species belongs to the Antrodiella americana complex, and is characterized by an annual habit, resupinate basidiocarps, cream to straw coloured pore surface with larger and regular pores, and oblong-ellipsoid basidiospores. Discriminating characteristics between the new species and the closely related species in the complex are discussed.     

Design, syntheses, and kinetic evaluation of 3-(phenylamino)oxazolidine-2,4-diones as potent cytochrome bc₁ complex inhibitors

The cytochrome bc? complex (EC 1.10.2.2, bc?) is one of the most promising targets for new drugs and agricultural fungicides. Among the existing bc? complex inhibitors specifically binding to the Q(o) site, oxazolidinedione derivatives have attracted great attention. With the aim to understand the substituent effects of oxazolidinedione derivatives on the inhibition activity against the bc? complex, a series of new oxazolidinedione derivatives were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. The further inhibitory kinetics studies against porcine succinate-cytochrome c reductase (SCR) revealed that the representative compound 8d and famoxadone are both non-competitive inhibitors with respect to the substrate cytochrome c, but competitive inhibitors with respect to substrate decylubiquinol (DBH?). In addition, compound 8d and famoxadone showed, respectively, 35-fold and 15-fold greater inhibitory activity against the porcine SCR than the porcine bc? complex, indicating that these two inhibitors not only inhibited the activity of the bc? complex, but possibly affect the interaction between the complex II and the bc? complex. To our knowledge, this is the first report that famoxadone and its analogs have effects on the interaction between the complex II and the bc? complex.     

A new MIG-3 gyrotron complex for creation and heating of plasma in the L-2M stellarator and the first experimental results

The characteristics of a new MIG-3 gyrotron complex for creating and heating plasma in the L-2M stellarator are presented. The first experimental results using the complex are reported. The complex consists of two three-electrode GYCOM gyrotrons of the new generation with electron beam energy recuperation, a high-voltage modulator that enables both separate and simultaneous operation of the two gyrotrons, and a control/data-recording unit. The total specific power to be inserted into plasma reaches 5 MW/m³ when both gyrotrons in operation.     

复合微生物菌剂对重茬苹果园土壤细菌群落的影响

【目的】了解抗重茬复合微生物菌剂对重茬苹果园土壤细菌数量及多样性的影响。【方法】对重茬苹果园土壤进行复合微生物菌剂处理后,采用自动核糖体内转录间隔区序列分析方法(Automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis,ARISA)对新茬苹果园、重茬苹果园土壤细菌群落多样性进行分析。【结果】经复合微生物菌剂处理2年后,重茬果园土壤OTUs总数和Shannon-Weiner指数分别为250和4.44,新茬果园OTUs总数和Shannon-Weiner指数分别为234和3.81,经One-Way ANOSIM法分析得到二者差异系数P分别为0.108 3和0.084 3。另外,重茬园和新茬园共享核心OTUs有89个,二者的Jaccard群落相似性系数为0.47,相似程度中等。【结论】复合微生物菌剂具有提高重茬果园土壤微生物多样性,促进重茬苹果园土壤微生物生态系统恢复的作用。     

Design,synthesis and DNA interaction studies of new fluorescent platinum complex containing anti-HIV drug didanosine

Abstract

Forming coordination complexes with nucleoside analogues may be helpful in studying anti-tumour activity of them. Therefore, to improve the clinical efficacy of nucleoside analogue and design new ones, a new fluorescent platinum (Pt) complex with anti-human immunodeficiency virus drug didanosine (ddI); K[PtCl(OCH₃)₂(ddI)]; was synthesized and characterized. The ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, mass assignments and elemental analysis confirmed the preparation of the complex. The molecular ion peaks seen at the positive mass spectrum of Pt complex confirm coordination of the drug to metal centre. The interaction of this complex with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) was studied using several spectroscopic techniques such as UV absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic viscosity measurements. Hyperchromism of the band in the UV-vis spectra and the intrinsic binding constant (0.56?±?0.25) × 10⁴ M^?1, decreasing in Hoechst-DNA fluorescence by adding Pt complex concentration and also relatively small changes in DNA viscosity indicated that this complex could interact as a groove-binder. According to the UV spectra and the fluorescence quenching of the complex in our case seems to be primarily caused by complex formation between the Pt complex and DNA. The thermodynamic parameters showed that hydrogen bond and van der Waals interactions play main roles in the binding of Pt complex to ct-DNA. The free energy values are negative, showing the spontaneity of the Pt complex–DNA binding. The docking simulation was performed and the results confirm a preference of groove site of synthesized complex on DNA helix. The knowledge gained from this study will be helpful to further understand the DNA binding mechanism and can also provide much fruitful information for designing a new type of anti-cancer drugs.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma     

H-prune-nm23-H1 protein complex and correlation to pathways in cancer metastasis

Cancer is a multi-step process, one of the latest events correspond to metastasis formation and dissemination, to date the major cause of deaths. The h-prune-nm23-H1 protein complex and its activation of PDE-cAMP activity have been shown to correlate with breast cancer progression and metastasis formation. Here, we describe the protein complex formation and its involvement in cell migration. By gene expression studies and protein-protein pull-down analyses coupled to mass spectrometry we have identified new genes and pathways along which the h-prune-nm23-H1 complex exerts its function. We review here h-prune binding to the glycogen synthase kinase (GSK-3β) and identify a new h-prune protein partner, Gelsolin, an ATP severing protein acting in focal adhesions, in a MDA-435 breast cancer cellular model. The results presented here underline the importance of this protein complex leading to new translational studies involved into the inhibition of cell migration, thus enhancing the potential of using this knowledge to direct inhibition of metastases formation in humans.     

The Cytoplasmic Capping Complex Assembles on Adapter Protein Nck1 Bound to the Proline-Rich C-Terminus of Mammalian Capping Enzyme

Cytoplasmic capping is catalyzed by a complex that contains capping enzyme (CE) and a kinase that converts RNA with a 5′-monophosphate end to a 5′ diphosphate for subsequent addition of guanylic acid (GMP). We identify the proline-rich C-terminus as a new domain of CE that is required for its participation in cytoplasmic capping, and show the cytoplasmic capping complex assembles on Nck1, an adapter protein with functions in translation and tyrosine kinase signaling. Binding is specific to Nck1 and is independent of RNA. We show by sedimentation and gel filtration that Nck1 and CE are together in a larger complex, that the complex can assemble in vitro on recombinant Nck1, and Nck1 knockdown disrupts the integrity of the complex. CE and the 5′ kinase are juxtaposed by binding to the adjacent domains of Nck1, and cap homeostasis is inhibited by Nck1 with inactivating mutations in each of these domains. These results identify a new domain of CE that is specific to its function in cytoplasmic capping, and a new role for Nck1 in regulating gene expression through its role as the scaffold for assembly of the cytoplasmic capping complex.