Altered synthesis and stability of RNA polymerase holoenzyme subunits in mutants of Escherichia coli with mutations in the β or β′ subunit genes

Summary Bacteria with specific temperature sensitive lethal mutations in the gene for the subunit of RNA polymerase synthesize both the and subunits at a several fold higher rate at 42°C than wildtype cells relative to total protein. Synthesis of the and subunits proceeds at essentially the wild-type rates under these conditions. In contrast, a mutant with a temperature sensitive lethal mutation in the subunit gene synthesizes and at 42°C at slightly lower rates than wild-type, while and synthesis is not significantly altered. In all of the mutants at 42°C, newly synthesized subunits are stable, while the , and subunits are rapidly degraded. The apparent uncoupling of from subunit synthesis seen in the mutants at 42°C might suggest that the synthesis of these subunits is at least in part controlled by different mechanisms.     

Genetic control of chalcone-flavanone isomerase activity in Callistephus chinensis

A mutant blocked in anthocyanin synthesis leads to an accumulation of 4,2,4,6-tetrahydroxy-chalcone-2-glucoside (isosalipurposide) in blossoms of Callistephus chinesis (L.) Nees, whereas in geno-types with the wild-type allele, higher oxidized flavonoids and anthocyanins are synthesized. Measurements of chalcone-flavanone isomerase activity of 18 lines of Callistephus chinensis showed a clear correlation between accumulation of chalcone in the recessive genotypes (ch ch) and deficiency of this enzyme activity. Both the chemogenetic and the enzymologic evidence lead to the following conclusions: 1. The first product of the synthesis of the flavonoid skeleton should be tetrahydroxychalcone.-2. The chalcone-flavanone isomerase catalyzes the formation of flavanone from chalcone in a stereospecific way and there-with furnishes the substrate for the further reactions in the flavonoid biosynthesis.Abbreviations EGME ethylene glycol monomethyl ether - HOAc acetic acid - MeOH methanol - PVP polyvinylpyrrolidone - TBA tert. butanol-acetic acid-water, 3:1:1 - TLC thin-layer chromatography     

Uptake and metabolism of benzyladenine during shoot organogenesis in Petunia leaf explants

Benzyladenine (BAP) uptake and metabolism were characterized during the key stages of shoot organogenesis in leaf explants of Petunia MD1. Using leaf explant transfer experiments, it was shown that exposure to 2.2 M BAP for 6, 8 or 10 days induced shoot formation on 27, 80 and 100% of the explants respectively, with a concomitant increase in the number of shoots per explant. BAP uptake and metabolism were characterized in leaf explants after 1, 3, 6 or 10 days exposure to [³H]BAP or 10 days exposure plus an additional 2 days on basal medium (10+2). BAP and 9--D-ribofuranosyl-BAP ([9R]BAP) were detected at days 1 and 3 only. Therefore, the BAP free base was not detectable during the shoot induction period between days 6 and 10, as defined by leaf transfer experiments. The BAP ribotide pool was largest on day 1 and decreased to day 10+2. It is possible that the BAP ribotide pool provided either the active cytokinin itself or acted as a short-term storage form for the active cytokinin in petunia shoot organogenesis. Other metabolites detected in petunia leaf tissue included 7--D-glucopyranosyl-BAP ([7G]BAP), 9--D-glucopyranosyl-BAP ([9G]BAP) and an unidentified metabolite C.Abbreviations BAP benzyladenine - [7G]BAP 7--D-glucopyranosyl-BAP - [9G]BAP 9--D-glucopyranosyl-BAP - [9R]BAP 9--D-ribofuranosyl-BAP - [9R-5P]BAP 5-monophosphate of [9R]BAP - [9R-5PP]BAP 5-diphosphate of [9R]BAP - [9R-5PPP]BAP 5-triphosphate of [9R]BAP - TEA Triethylamine This research was supported in part by NSF Grant DCB-8917378 to J.D.C. and USDA-CRGO Grant 89-37261-4791 to T.J.C.     

Metabolism of a phenylcoumaran substructure lignin model compound in ligninolytic cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The degradation of the phenylcoumaran substructure model compound methyl dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol by the white-rot wood decay fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium was investigated using culture conditions optimized for lignin oxidation. Initial attack was in the cinnamyl alcohol side chain, which was oxidized to a glycerol structure. This was subsequently converted by loss of the two terminal carbon atoms, C and C, to yield a C-aldehyde structure, which was further oxidized to the C-acid compound. The next detected intermediate, a phenylcoumarone, was produced by double bond formation between C and C, and oxidation of the C-alcohol to an aldehyde group. Further oxidation of C to an acid yielded the next intermediate. The final identified degradation product was veratric acid. No products from the 5-substituted aromatic ring, and no phenolic products, were found. The initial glycerol-containing intermediate was a mixture of the threo and erythro forms, and no optical activity could be found, suggesting that its formation might have involved nonstereospecific C-C epoxidation followed by non-enzymatic hydrolysis of the epoxide.Abbreviations TLC thin layer chromatography - LDA lithium diisopropyl amide - DDQ 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone - MS mass spectrometry - UV ultraviolet spectroscopy     

Degradation of the diarylpropane lignin model compound 1-(3′,4′-diethoxyphenyl)-1,3-dihydroxy-2-(4′'-methoxyphenyl)-propane and derivatives by the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The white rot basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium metabolized 1-(3,4-diethoxyphenyl)-1,3(dihydroxy)-2-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-propane (XII) in low nitrogen stationary cultures, conditions under which the ligninolytic enzyme system is expressed. 3,4-Diethoxybenzyl alcohol (IV), 1,2(dihydroxy)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethane (XX) and anisyl alcohol were isolated as metabolic products indicating an initial , bond cleavage of this dimer. Exogenously added XX was rapidly converted to anisyl alcohol, indicating that XX is an intermediate in the metabolism of XII. Fungal cleavage of the , bond of 1-(3-4-diethoxyphenyl)-1-(hydroxy)-2-(4'-methoxyphenyl)ethane (XI) also occurred, indicating that a hydroxymethyl group is not a prerequisite for this reaction. P. chrysosporium also metabolized 1-(4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2,2(dihydroxy)-2-(4'-methoxyphenyl)propane-1-ol (XIII). The major products of the degradation of this triol included 4-ethoxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol (III) and 2-hydroxy-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxoethane (XXI). The nature of the products formed indicates that this triol is also cleaved directly at the , bond. The significant difference in the nature of the products formed from the diaryl propane (XII) and the triol (XIII), however, suggests that XIII is not an intermediate in the major pathway for the degradation of XII. Metabolites were identified after comparison with chemically synthesized standards by GLC-mass spectrometry.Abbreviations GLC Gas liquid chromatography - TMSi trimethylsilyl - TLC thin layer chromatography - MS mass spectrometry     

Occurrence of pppApp-synthesizing activity in actinomycetes and isolation of purine nucleotide pyrophosphotransferase

The occurrence of adenosine 5-triphosphate-3-diphosphate-synthesizing activity was detected in five strains of actinomycetes; Streptomyces morookaensis, Streptomyces aspergilloides, Streptomyces hachijoensis, Actinomyces violascens and Streptoverticillium septatum, out of 825 strains of actinomycetes, bacteria, fungi and imperfecti. Purine nucleotide pyrophosphotransferase were extracellularly excreted associating with the cell growth, and were purified partially or to apparent homogeniety from the culture filtrate. The enzymes are a monomeric protein with a molecular weight of 18000–26000 and synthesize adenosine, guanosine and inosine 5-phosphate (mono, di or tri)-3-diphosphate such as pApp, ppApp, pppApp, pGpp, ppGpp, pppGpp and pppIpp by transferring a pyrophosphoryl group from the 5-position of ATP, dATP and pppApp to the 3-position of purine nucleotides in the presence of a divalent cation and in alkaline state.Abbreviations pppApp adenosine 5-triphosphate 3-diphosphate - ppApp adenosine 5-diphosphate 3-diphosphate - pApp adenosine 5-monophosphate 3-diphosphate - pppGpp guanosine 5-triphosphate 3-diphosphate     

Changes in brain components during the development of mice homozygous for the locus “dwarf” (dw)1,5

Brain composition and developmental changes were investigated in mice homozygous for the locus dwarf, and characterized by a reduced level of growth hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, and prolactin, and by secondary hypothyroidism. The difference in adult brain weight (–32%) between the dwarf and the normal mice was not found to parallel the difference in body weight (–71%), whereas the differences in the weight of the liver (–79%) and that of the kidney (–75%) did. Several biochemical parameters of brain development were assayed in dwarf and normal mice between the ages of 15 and 210 days. Levels of cerebrosides, sulfatides, gangliosides, phospholipids, cholesterol, protein, and RNA (per gram wet weight) were the same for the dwarf and the controls, but the net difference in total brain DNA was less than the net total brain RNA difference (–11% vs. –27%). Total brain lipids (absolute quantities) were the same at 15 days. The difference was –37% by the 50th day, and remained constant thereafter. No change in the specific activity of 2,3-cyclic nucleotide 3-phosphohydrolase or 3-phosphoadenosine-5-phosphosulfate: galactocerebroside sulfotransferase was observed. These data suggest that the regulation of the development of brain structures is maintained, but the level of the synthesis of the various brain constituents is reduced in proportion to the brain weight. The development of the dwarf brain seems to proceed harmoniously.Abbreviations used PAPS 3-phosphoadenosine-5-phosphosulfate - PAPS-CST 3-phosphoadenosine-5-phosphosulfate:galactocerebroside sulfotransferase - CNP 2, 3-cyclic nucleotide 3-phosphohydrolase - Neu NAc N-acetylneuraminic acid This paper is part of the Doctorat d'Etat thesis of L. L. Sarliève.     

Nucleic acid metabolism in yeast

Summary The three haploid yeast strains T2tmp1-3, T2tmp1-1, and T6tmp1-51 auxotrophic for 5-dTMP differ in their requirement for thymidylate: 72, 16, and 3 g 5-dTMP/ml will restore optimal growth, respectively. Thymidylate low requirement in strain T2tmp1-1 and T6tmp1-51 is termed tlrA and tlrC, respectively. When the growth medium is made 5x10^-4 M for 5-dTMP only strain T6tmp1-51 is severely inhibited in RNA and DNA synthesis. This inhibition is reversible after removal of excessive 5-dTMP. The inhibitory characteristic is in marked contrast to thymineless death due to the lack of 5-dTMP in strain T6tmp1-51 where only DNA synthesis stops while RNA synthesis continues. The inhibitory effect of 5x10^-4 M 5-dTMP is not due to the 5-dTMP auxotrophy but to the thymidylate low requiring character (tlrC) in strain T6tmp1-51. The arrest of RNA and DNA synthesis by high concentrations of exogenous 5-dTMP suggests a regulatory role of either the monoor triphosphate on nucleoside or nucleotide biosynthesis in yeast.     

Formation of the imidazolides of dinucleotides under potentially prebiotic conditions

Summary Imidazolides of dinucleotides such as ImpApA can be formed from the corresponding dinucleotides in a two-stage process, which gives up to 15% yields under potentially prebiotic conditions. First a solution of the dinucleotide and sodium trimetaphosphate is dried out at constant temperature and humidity. This produces polyphosphates such as pnApA in excellent yield (80%). The products are dissolved in water, imidazole is added, and the solution is dried out again. This yields the 5-phosphorimidazolides.Abbreviations P₃! trimetaphosphate - A adenosine - U uridine - EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid - Ap adenosine 2(3)-phosphate - Ap! adenosine cyclic 2:3-phosphate - pA adenosine 5-phosphate - pA²p adenosine 2, 5-diphosphate - pA³p adenosine 3, 5-diphosphate - pAp! 5-phospho-adenosine cyclic 2:3-phosphate - ATP adenosine 5-triphosphate - ImpA adenosine 5-phosphorimidazolide - A²pA adenylyl-[25]-adenosine - A³pA adenylyl-[35]-adenosine - A²pU adenylyl-[25]-uridine - A³pU adenylyl-[35]-uridine - pA²pA 5-phosphoadenylyl-[25]-adenosine - pA³pA 5-phospho-adenylyl-[35]-adenosine - pA²pU 5-phospho-adenylyl-[25]-uridine - pA³pU 5-phospho-adenylyl-[35]-uridine - pApN (N= A, U) 5-phosphate of a dinucleoside phosphate - p_nApN (N = A, U; n = 2, 3, 4.) 5-polyphosphate of a dinucleoside phosphate - ImpA²pA imidazolide of pA²pA - ImpA³pA imidazolide of pA³pA - ImpA²pU imidazolide of pA²pU - ImpA³pU imidazolide of pA³pU - ImpApN imidazolide of pApN     

Cleavage of nucleotides by Ce4+ and the lanthanide metal complexes

The cleavage of adenosine-5-monophosphate (5-AMP) and guanosine-5-monophosphate (5-GMP) by Ce⁴⁺ and lanthanide complex of 2-carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide (Ge-132) in acidic and near neutral conditions was investigated by NMR , HPLC and measuring the liberated inorganic phosphate at 37°C and 50°C. The results showed that 5-GMP and 5-AMP was converted to guanine (G), 5-monophosphate (depurination of 5-GMP), ribose (depurination and dephosphorylation of 5-GMP), phosphate and adenine (A), 5-monophosphate (depurination of 5-AMP), ribose (depurination and dephosphorylation of 5-AMP), phosphate respectively by Ce⁴⁺. In presence of lanthanide complexes, 5-GMP and 5-AMP were converted to guanosine (Guo) and phosphate and adenosine (Ado) and phosphate respectively. The mechanism of cleaving 5-GMP and 5-AMP is hydrolytic scission     

2′(3′),5′-ADP inhibits initiation-dependent protein synthesis in a cell-free system from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

When tested in a poly(U)-dependent polyphenylalanine synthesizing system and in a postnuclear supernatant, both derived from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, 2(3),5-ADP did not affect chain elongation of polypeptide synthesis. In a cell-free system which was dependent on initiation and programmed by natural mRNA, however, the amino acid incorporating activity was suppressed to about 10% of the control in the presence of 1 mM 2(3),5-ADP. The inhibitor was shown not to interfere with the attachment of poly(U) to the small ribosomal subunit and with the formation of mRNA-80S ribosome complexes in a complete protein synthesizing system. The subsequent attachment of a 40S ribosomal subunit to the mRNA-80S ribosome complex and the formation of polysomes, however, was depressed by the inhibitor. The experimental results suggest that 2(3),5-ADP inhibits initiation-dependent protein synthesis between monosome formation and the formation of the first peptide bond(s).     

Isolation,structure determination and biological activity of A-16686 factors A′ 1, A′ 2 and A′ 3 glycolipodepsipeptide antibiotics

Summary WhenActinoplanes strain ATCC 33076, the producer of A-16686 A1, A2 and A3 complex, is fermented in a suitable medium three additional factors, designated A1, A2 and A3 are produced. These were isolated and characterized, and were shown to differ from the parent components of the original complex by lacking one mannose unit. Bioconversion of A factors into A factors was achieved by incubation with the mycelium ofActinoplanes ATCC 33076. Factor A2 has better antibacterial activity than A2 against some bacteria.     

The formation of peptides from the 2′(3′)-glycyl ester of a nucleotide

Summary We have synthesized 2(3)-O-(glycyl)-adenosine-5-(O-methylphos-phate), an analogue of the 3-terminus of aminoacylated tRNA. A 0.4M solution of this compound maintained at pH 8.2, yields 5.5% of diglycine and 11.5% of diketopiperazine, in addition to the hydrolysis products glycine and adenosine-5-(O-methylphosphate). Under the same conditions, glycine ethyl ester reacts much more slowly, but ultimately gives similar yields of diglycine and diketopiperazine.The aminolysis of 2(3)-O-(glycyl)-adenosine-5-(O-methylphosphate) by free glycine is relatively inefficient, but serine reacts 20 times more rapidly and yields up to 50% of N-glycylserine. The prebiotic significance of these reactions is discussed.Abbreviations MepA adenosine-5-(O-methylphosphate) - MepA-gly 2(3)-O-(glycyl)-adenosine-5-(O-methylphosphate) - MepA-bis-gly 2,3-O-(bis-glycyl)-adenosine-5-(O-methylphosphate) - DKP diketopiperazine - gly Et glycine ethyl ester - gly-ser N-glycylserine - O-gly-ser O-glycylserine - O-(gly)-gly-ser O-(glycyl)-glycylserine - Boc-gly N-tert-butyloxycarbonylglycine - MepA-Boc-gly 2(3)-O-(Boc-glycyl)-adenosine-5-(O-methylphosphate) - MepA-bis-Boc-gly 2,3-O-(bis-Boc-glycyl)-adenosine-5(O-methylphosphate) - (gly)₂ diglycine - (gly)₃ triglycine     

The effect of the methyl substituent on the bioconversion of cyclohexene derivatives

Summary The absence of the methyl substituent at the 2position of the cyclohexene ring of TCHP enhances the conversion rate as well as the yields of the 3-hydroxy product obtained byStreptomyces natalensis and the 3-keto product obtained byMycobacterium smegmatis.Abbreviations TCHP 1-(2-thienyl)-3-(1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1-propanone - TCHP-OH 1-(2-thienyl)-3-(3-hydroxyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1-propanone - TCHP-ketone 1-(2-thienyl)-3-(1-cyclohexen-1-yl-3-one)-1-propane - TMCHP 1-(2-thienyl)-3-(2-methyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-propanone     

Amino acid esters of 9-(2′,3′-dihydroxypropyl-1′)-adenine are the specific inhibitors of protein synthesis on ribosomes

Peptide acceptor properties of phenylalanine and glycine esters of 9-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl-1)-adenine and 1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl-1)-4-thiouracyl were investigated. All these esters appeared to be powerful inhibitors of polyphenylalanine synthesis in E. coli MRE-600 ribosomes charged with poly U. Like puromycin, esters of adenine derivatives accepted the AcPhe residue from Ac-[¹⁴C] Phe-tRNA in a ribosomal system charged with poly U. However, peptidyl esters of 9-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl-1)-adenine remained bound with ribosomes. The structure of the peptide esters synthesized was ascertained after dissociation of ribosomes into subparticles by direct comparison with the synthetic specimens.Abbreviations AcPhe acetyl-l-phenylalanine - HP-Ade 9-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl-1)-adenine - Phe-HP-Ade and Gly-HP-Ade l-phenylalanine and glycine esters of HP-Ade - Phe-HP-TUra l-phenylalanine ester 1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl-1)-4-thiouracyl - AcPhePhe-HP-Ade and AcPheGly-HP-Ade acetyl-l-diphenylalanine and acetyl-l-phenylalanylglycine esters of HP-Ade respectively - AcPhe-puromycin acetyl-l-phenylalanyl-puromycin     

Synthesis of a new neoglycopeptide for inhibition of lactose permease. Dedicated to Professor Fritz J?hnig, who inspired this work

A new neoglycopeptide was synthesized and tested for its capability to bind to lactose permease of Escherichia coli and to inhibit the transport of lactose. The free 5- carboxypentyl-1-thio--D-galactopyranoside or the protected 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-5-carboxypentyl-1-thio--D- galactopyranoside was linked to the N-terminal -amino group of the resin bound heptapeptide H-Phe-Phe-Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Ala-OH by different activation methods. Upon cleavage from the resin, deacetylation and purification, a neoglycopeptide which showed a significant inhibition of lactose permease was obtained.     

Mineral catalysis of the formation of dimers of 5′-AMP in aqueous solution: The possible role of montmorillonite clays in the prebiotic synthesis of RNA

The reaction of the 5-AMP with water soluble carbodiimide (EDAC) in the presence of Na⁺-montmorillonite 22A results in the formation of 2,5-(pA)₂ (18.9%), 3,5-(pA)₂ (11%), and AppA (4.8%). When poly(U) is used in place of the clay the product yields are 2,5-(pA)₂ (15.5%), 3,5-(pA)₂ (3.7%) and AppA (14.9%). The 3,5-cyclic dinucleotide, 3,5-c(pA)₂, is also formed when poly(U) is used. AppA is the principal reaction product when neither clay nor poly(U) is present in the reaction mixture. Products which contain the phophodiester bond are formed at different ionic strengths, pH and temperatures using Na⁺-montmorillonite. Phosphodiester bond formation was not observed when Cu²⁺-montmorillonite was used or when DISN was used in the place of EDAC. The extent catalysis of phophodiester bond formation varied with the particular clay mineral used. Those Na⁺-clays which bind 5-AMP more strongly are better catalysts. Cu²⁺-montmorillonite, which binds 5-AMP strongly, exhibits no catalytic activity.     

Analysis of temperature dependence of cytoplasmic streaming using tonoplast-free cells of Characeae

Summary The temperature dependence of cytoplasmic streaming in intact and tonoplast-free cells ofNitellopsis obtusa was studied using a cryomicroscope. The streaming velocity decreases linearly with decrease in the temperature in well-buffered tonoplast-free cells but non-linearly in some intact cells. These results suggest that low temperature causes a disturbance in the homeostasis of calcium and protons, which inhibit cytoplasmic streaming in intact cells.Abbreviations ADP adenosine 5-diphosphate - APW artificial pond water - ATP adenosine 5-triphosphate - EGTA ethylene glycol-bis(-aminoethyl ether)N,N,N-tetraacetic acid - HEPES N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N-(2-ethanesulfonic acid) - PIPES piperazine-N, N-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid) - Tris tris(hydroxymethyl)aminoethane     

Sequence analysis of linked maize 22 kDa α-zein genes

We have determined the nucleotide sequence of a 7343 bp zein genomic clone (gZ22.8H3) from the maize inbred W64A. Computer-aided analysis of the DNA sequence revealed two contiguous 22 kDa -zein genes. The 5 gene (gZ22.8) encodes a complete polypeptide and contains putative regulatory sequences in both the 5 and 3 flanking regions that are typical of zein genes. In contrast, the 3 gene (gZ22.8) appears to be a pseudogene, because it contains numerous insertions and deletions that would prevent translation of the mRNA. Alignment of the 5 and 3 flanking sequences of both genes indicated that they resulted from a 3.3 kb DNA duplication event.     

The role of light in nitrite reduction; Studies with leaf discs

Summary The reduction of nitrite by leaf discs has been studied. In short term experiments the reduction is markedly stimulated by light, but is not affected by the absence of oxygen or carbon dioxide from the gas phase. Carbon dioxide assimilation is more sensitive than nitrite reduction to 3-(3,4-dichloro-)-1,1-dimethyl urea (DCMU) inhibition. Uncouplers such as carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl-hydrazone (CCCP) do not inhibit nitrite reduction although dinitrophenol (DNP) has a small effect.Although nitrite stimulates oxygen evolution in the light in the absence of CO₂ the stoichiometry of nitrite reduction to oxygen evolution is much less than would be predicted if nitrite is simply acting as a classical Hill reagent.Abbreviations DCMU 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethyl urea - DNP 2,4-dinitrophenol - CCCP carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone