A K+-selective,three-state channel from fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum of frog leg muscle

Summary Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles from frog leg muscle were fused with a planar phospholipid bilayer by a method described previously for rabbit SR. As a result of the fusion, K⁺-selective conduction channels are inserted into the bilayer. Unlike the two-state rabbit channel, the frog channel displays three states: a nonconducting (closed) state and two conducting states and . In 0.1m K⁺ the single-channel conductances are 50 and 150 pS for and , respectively. The probabilities of appearearance of the three states are voltage-dependent, and transitions between the closed and states proceed through the state. Both open states follow a quantitatively identical selectivity sequence in channel conductance: K⁺>NH ₄ ⁺ >Rb⁺>Na⁺>Li⁺>Cs⁺. Both open states are blocked by Cs⁺ asymmetrically in a voltage-dependent manner. The zero-voltage dissociation constant for blocking is the same for both open states, but the voltage-dependences of the Cs⁺ block for the two states differ in a way suggesting that the Cs⁺ blocking site is located more deeply inside the membrane in the than in the state.     

In vitro analysis of ion channels in periaxolemmal-myelin and white matter clathrin coated vesicles: Modulation by calcium and GTPγS

This study reports the analysis of K⁺ channel activity in bovine periaxolemmal-myelin and white matter-derived clathrin-coated vesicles. Channel activity was evaluated by the fusion of membrane vesicles with phospholipid bilayers formed across a patch-clamp pipette. In periaxolemmal myelin spontaneous K⁺ channels were observed with amplitudes of 25–30, 45–55, and 80–100 pS, all of which exhibited mean open-times of 1–2 msec. The open state probability of the 50 pS channel in periaxolemmal-myelin was increased by 6-methyldihydro-pyran-2-one. Periaxolemmal-myelin K⁺ channel activity was regulated by Ca²⁺. Little or no change in activity was observed when Ca²⁺ was added to thecis side of the bilayer. Addition of 10 M total Ca²⁺ also resulted in little change in K⁺ channel activity. However, at 80 M total Ca²⁺ all K⁺ channel activity was suppressed along with the activation of a 100 pS Cl^– channel. The K⁺ channel activity in periaxolemmal myelin was also regulated through a G-protein. Addition of GTPS to thetrans side of the bilayer resulted in a restriction of activity to the 45–50 pS channel which was present at all holding potentials. Endocytic coated vesicles, form in part through G-protein mediated events; white matter coated vesicles were analyzed for G proteins and for K⁺ channel activity. These vesicles, which previous studies had shown are derived from periaxolemmal domains, were found to be enriched in the subunits of G₀, G_s, and G_i and the low molecular weight G protein,ras. As with periaxolemmal-myelin treated with GTPS, the vesicle membrane exhibited only the 50 pS channel. The channel was active at all holding potentials and had open times of 1–6 msec. Addition of GTPS to the bilayer fused with vesicle membrane appeared to suppress this channel activity at low voltages yet induced a hyperactive state at holding potentials of 45 mV or greater. The vesicle 50 pS K⁺ channel was also activated by the 6-methyl-dihydropyron-2-one (20 M).Abbreviations CNPase 2–3 cyclic nucleotide phosphohydrolase - EDTA ethylenediamine N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid - G-protein GTP(guanosine triphosphate) binding protein - GTPS guanosine 5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) - MAG myelin associated glycoprotein - Na⁺ K⁺ ATPase, Na⁺ and K⁺ stimulated adenosine triphosphatase - PLP myelin proteolipid protein Special issue dedicated to Dr. Majorie B. Lees.     

Molecular properties of voltage-gated K+ channels

Subfamilies of voltage-activated K⁺ channels (Kv1-4) contribute to controlling neuron excitability and the underlying functional parameters. Genes encoding the multiple subunits from each of these protein groups have been cloned, expressed and the resultant distinct K⁺ currents characterized. The predicted amino acid sequences showed that each subunit contains six putative membrane-spanning -helical segments (S1-6), with one (S4) being deemed responsible for the channels' voltage sensing. Additionally, there is an H5 region, of incompletely defined structure, that traverses the membrane and forms the ion pore; residues therein responsible for K⁺ selectivity have been identified. Susceptibility of certain K⁺ currents produced by the Shaker-related subfamily (Kv1) to inhibition by -dendrotoxin has allowed purification of authentic K⁺ channels from mammalian brain. These are large (M_r 400 kD), octomeric sialoglycoproteins composed of and subunits in a stoichiometry of ()₄()₄, with subtypes being created by combinations of subunit isoforms. Subsequent cloning of the genes for ₁, ₂ and ₃ subunits revealed novel sequences for these hydrophilic proteins that are postulated to be associated with the subunits on the inner side of the membrane. Coexpression of ₁ and Kv1.4 subunits demonstrated that this auxiliary protein accelerates the inactivation of the K⁺ current, a striking effect mediated by an N-terminal moiety. Models are presented that indicate the functional domains pinpointed in the channel proteins.     

Analogues of NADP+ as inhibitors and coenzymes for NADP+ malic enzyme from maize leaves

Structural analogues of the NADP⁺ were studied as potential coenzymes and inhibitors for NADP⁺ dependent malic enzyme from Zea mays L. leaves. Results showed that 1, N⁶-etheno-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate ( NADP⁺), 3-acetylpyridine-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (APADP⁺), nicotinamide-hypoxanthine dinucleotide phosphate (NHDP⁺) and -nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 2: 3-cyclic monophosphate (23NADPc⁺) act as alternate coenzymes for the enzyme and that there is little variation in the values of the Michaelis constants and only a threefold variation in V_max for the five nucleotides. On the other hand, thionicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (SNADP⁺), 3-aminopyridine-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (AADP⁺), adenosine 2-monophosphate (2AMP) and adenosine 2: 3-cyclic monophosphate (23AMPc) were competitive inhibitors with respect to NADP⁺, while -nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 3-phosphate (3NADP⁺), NAD⁺, adenosine 3-monophosphate (3AMP), adenosine 2: 5-cyclic monophosphate (25AMPc), 5AMP, 5ADP, 5ATP and adenosine act as non-competitive inhibitors. These results, together with results of semiempirical self-consistent field-molecular orbitals calculations, suggest that the 2-phosphate group is crucial for the nucleotide binding to the enzyme, whereas the charge density on the C₄ atom of the pyridine ring is the major factor that governs the coenzyme activity.Abbreviations NADP⁺ 1, N⁶-etheno-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate - NHDP⁺ nicotinamide-hypoxanthine dinucleotide phosphate - APADP⁺ 3-acetylpyridine-adenine dinucleotide phosphate - SNADP⁺ thionicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate - AADP⁺ 3-aminopyridine-adenine dinucleotide phosphate - 23NADPc⁺ -nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 2: 3-cyclic monophosphate - 3NADP⁺ -nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 3-phosphate - 2AMP adenosine 2-monophosphate - 3AMP adenosine 3-monophosphate - 23AMPc adenosine 2: 3 monophosphate cyclic - A adenosine - RuBP ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate - SCF-MO Self-Consistent Field-Molecular Orbitals (method)     

K+ influx components in ascites cells: The effects of agents interacting with the (Na++K+)-pump

Summary Several agents known to interact with the (Na⁺+K⁺)-pump were tested for their effects on the components of steady-state K⁺ flux in ascites cells.⁸⁶Rb⁺ was used as a tracer for K⁺, and influx was differentiated into a ouabain-inhibitable pump component, a Cl^–-dependent and furosemide-sensitive exchange component, and a residual leak flux. All agents tested (ouabain, quercetin, oligomycin, phosphate) affected both the pump flux and the Cl^–-linked flux. These findings suggest a linkage between the activity of the Na/K ATPase and the Cl^–-dependent K⁺ exchange flux. In the discussion we point out that the mechanism of this linkage could be direct; e.g., Cl^–-dependent exchange may represent a mode of operation of the Na/K ATPase. However, data from this and other systems tend to suggest an indirect linkage between the Na⁺ pump and a KCl symporter, perhaps via a change in the level of intracellular ATP.     

Structural Peculiarities of Na+,K+-ATPase Isozymes from the Calf Brain

Functionally active preparations of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase isozymes from calf brain that contain catalytic subunits of three types (1, 2, and 3) were obtained using two approaches: a selective removal of contaminating proteins by the Jorgensen method and a selective solubilization of the enzyme with subsequent reconstitution of their membrane structure by the Esmann method. The ouabain inhibition constants were determined for the isozymes. The real isozyme composition of the Na⁺ pump from the grey matter containing glial cells and the brain stem containing neurons was determined. The plasma membranes of glial cells were shown to contain mainly Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase of the 11 type and minor amounts of isozymes of the 22(1) and the 31(2) type. The axolemma contains 21 and 31 isozymes. A carbohydrate analysis indicated that 11 enzyme preparations from the brain grey matter substantially differ from the renal enzymes of the same composition in the glycosylation of the 1 isoform. An enhanced sensitivity of the 3 catalytic subunit of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase from neurons to endogenous proteolysis was found. A point of specific proteolysis in the amino acid sequence PNDNR⁴⁹² Y⁴⁹³ was localized (residue numbering is that of the human 3 subunit). This sequence corresponds to one of the regions of the greatest variability in 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-subunits, but at the same time, it is characteristic of the 3 isoforms of various species. The presence of the 3 isoform of tubulin (cytoskeletal protein) was found for the first time in the high-molecular-mass Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase 31 isozyme complex isolated from the axolemma of brain stem neurons, and its binding to the 3 catalytic subunit was shown.     

Modulation of Na+-channels by neurotoxins produces different effects on [3H]ACh release with mobilization of distinct Ca2+-channels

1. Voltage-gated Na⁺ channels are responsible for initiation and conduction of action potentials. The arrival of an action potential at nerve terminal increases intracellular Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ concentrations. Calcium entry into neurons through voltage-dependent calcium channels is associated with a variety of intracellular processes. Scorpion neurotoxins have been used as tools to investigate mechanisms involved in neurotransmitter release. Tityustoxin (TsTX) is an -type toxin that delays Na⁺-channel inactivation. Toxin- (TiTX-) is a -type toxin that induces Na⁺-channel activation at resting potentials.2. In the present work, we describe the effects of both toxins on [³H]acetylcholine ([³H]ACh) release from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes, in the presence or absence of the calcium channels blockers: -conotoxin-GVIA (-CgTx), 1 M; -agatoxin-IVA (-Aga), 30 nM; -conotoxin-MVIIC (-MVIIC), 1 M; or verapamil, 1M.3. TsTX evokes [³H]ACh release in a concentration-dependent manner with a gradual increase up to saturation at concentrations of 500 nM. However, release of ACh evoked by TiTX- was not linear regarding the toxin concentration. The [³H]-ACh release evoked by TsTX or TiTX- was partially inhibited by -CgTx or -Aga, and blocked with -MVIIC. Verapamil (1 M) had no effect. Tetrodotoxin blocked [³H]ACh release evoked by both toxins.4. These results show that different actions on Na⁺-channels produce different effects on [³H]ACh release with involvement of distinct presynaptic Ca²⁺-channels, which supports the idea that sodium channels may modulate neurotransmitter release.     

Evidence for two K+ currents activated upon hyperpolarization ofParamecium tetraurelia

Summary Hyperpolarization of voltage-clampedParamecium tetraurelia in K⁺ solutions elicits a complex of Ca²⁺ and K⁺ currents. The tail current that accompanies a return to holding potential (–40 mV) contains two K⁺ components. The tail current elicited by a step to –110 mV of 50-msec duration contains fast-decaying (3.5 msec) and slow-decaying (20 msec) components. The reversal potential of both components shifts by 55–57 mV/10-fold change in external [K⁺], suggesting that they represent pure K⁺ currents. The dependence of the relative amplitudes of the two tail currents on duration of hyperpolarization suggests that the slow K⁺ current activates slowly and is sustained, whereas the fast current activates rapidly during hyperpolarization and then rapidly inactivates. Iontophoretic injection of a Ca²⁺ chelator, EGTA, specifically reduces slow tail-current amplitude without affecting the fast tail component. Both K⁺ currents are inhibited by extracellular TEA⁺ in a concentration-dependent, noncooperative manner, whereas the fast K⁺ current alone is inhibited by 0.7mm quinidine.     

Significance of the β-Subunit in the Biogenesis of Na+/K+-ATPase

This review summarizes our experiments on the significance of the -subunit in the functional expression of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. The -subunit acts like a receptor for the -subunit in the biogenesis of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and facilitates the correct folding of the -subunit in the membrane. The -subunit synthesized in the absence of the -subunit is subjected to rapid degradation in the endoplasmic reticulum. Several assembly sites are assigned in the sequence of the -subunit from the cytoplasmic NH₂-terminal domain to the extracellular COOH-terminus: the NH₂-terminal region of the extracellular domain, the conservative proline in the third disulfide loop, the hydrophobic amino acid residues near the COOH-terminus and the cysteine residues forming the second and the third disulfide bridges. Upon assembly, the -subunit confers a resistance to trypsin on the -subunit. The conformations induced in the -subunit of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase by Na⁺/K⁺- and H⁺/K⁺-ATPase -subunits are somehow different from each other and are named the NK-type and KH-type, respectively. The extracellular domain of the -subunit is involved in the folding of the -subunit leading to trypsin-resistant conformations. The sequences from Cys150 to the COOH-terminus of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase -subunit and from Ile89 to the COOH–terminus of the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase -subunit are necessary to form trypsin-resistant conformations of the NK- and HK-type. respectively. The first disulfide loop of the extracellular domain of the -subunits is critical in the expression of functional Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase.     

Comparative Analysis of the Mechanisms Underlying Nifedipine-Induced Blockade of Three Subtypes of T-Type Ca2+ Channels

We analyzed the effects of nifedipine on a family of recombinant low-threshold Ca²⁺ channels functionally expressed in Xenopus oocytes and formed by three different subunits (1G, 1H, and 1I). The 1G and 1I channels demonstrated a low sensitivity to nifedipine even in high concentrations (IC₅₀ = 98 and 243 M, maximum blocking intensity A_max = 25 and 47%, respectively). At the same time, the above agent effectively blocked channels formed by the 1H-subunit (IC₅₀ = 5 M and A_max = 41%). The nifedipine-caused effects were voltage-dependent, and their changes depended on the initial state of the channel. In the case of 1G-subunits, the blockade was determined mostly by binding of nifedipine with closed channels, whereas in the cases of 1H- and 1I-subunits this resulted from binding of nifedipine with channels in the activated and inactivated states. The obtained data allow us to obtain estimates of the pharmacological properties of the above three subtypes of recombinant channels and, in the future, to compare these characteristics with the properties of low-threshold Ca²⁺ channels in native cells.     

Thermal stability of soluble mitochondrial H+-ATPase

ATPase melting has been studied by circular dichroism and differential scanning microcalorimetry. Decomposition of the -helix of H⁺-ATPase (in which about 80% of the peptide groups of the enzyme are involved) following thermal treatment is shown to proceed gradually, beginning with room temperature. Effect of nucleotides upon melting is detected in the range of 20–40 C. Above 40 C, the pattern of thermal decomposition of the three-dimensional structure of H⁺-ATPase is independent of the nature of nucleotides present. Highly stable -helical sites have been found in the enzyme molecule. Possible mechanism of formation of such sites is discussed, and the results obtained are compared with data on thermal stability of ATPase from thermophilic bacteria. Structural changes in the molecule following thermal treatment are compared with ATPase activity changes under similar experimental conditions.     

Beta-Adrenergic modulation of K+ current in human T lymphocytes

Summary The whole-cell voltage-clamp technique was employed to study the -adrenergic modulation of voltage-gated K⁺ currents in CD8⁺ human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The -receptor agonist, isoproterenol, decreased the peak current amplitude and increased the rate of inactivation of the delayed rectifier K⁺ current. In addition, isoproterenol decreased the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation and shifted the steady-state inactivation curve to the left. Isoproterenol, on the other hand, had no significant effect on the steady-state parameters of current activation. The isoproterenol-induced decrease in peak current amplitude was inhibited by the -blocker propranolol. Bath application of dibutyryl cAMP (1mm) mimicked the effects of isoproterenol on both K⁺ current amplitude and time course of inactivation. Furthermore, the reduction in the peak current amplitude in response to isoproterenol was attenuated when PKI_5–24 (2–5 m), a synthetic peptide inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, was present in the pipette solution. The increase in the rate of inactivation of the K⁺ currents in response to isoproterenol was mimicked by the internal application of GTP--S (300 m) and by exposure of the cell to cholera toxin (1 g/ml), suggesting the involvement of a G protein. These results demonstrate that the voltage-dependent K⁺ conductance in T lymphocytes can be modulated by -adrenergic stimulation. The effects of -agonists, i.e., isoproterenol, appear to be receptor mediated and could involve cAMP-dependent protein kinase as well as G proteins. Since inhibition of the delayed rectifier K⁺ current has been found to decrease the proliferative response in T lymphocytes, the -adrenergic modulation of K⁺ current may well serve as a feedback control mechanism limiting the extent of cellular proliferation.     

The electrochemical H+ gradient in the yeastRhodotorula glutinis

The electrochemical gradient of protons, , was estimated in the obligatory aerobic yeastRhodotorula glutinis in the pH₀ range from 3 to 8.5. The membrane potential, , was measured by steady-state distribution of the hydrophobic ions, tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP⁺) for negative above pH₀ 4.5, and thiocyanate (SCN^–) for positive below pH₀ 4.5. The chemical gradient of H⁺ was determined by measuring the chemical shift of intracellular P_i by³¹P-NMR at given pH₀ values. The values of pH_i increased almost linearly from 7.3 at pH₀ 3 to 7.8 at pH₀ 8.5. In the physiological pH₀ range from 3.5 to 6, was fairly constant at values between 17–18 KJ mol^–1, gradually decreasing at pH₀ above 6. In deenergized cells, the intracellular pH_i decreased to values as low as 6, regardless of whether the cell suspension was buffered at pH₀ 4.5 or 7.5. There was no membrane potential detectable in deenergized cells.     

Uptake of sewage derived nitrogen by<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Ulva rigida</Emphasis> (Chlorophyceae) in Bahía Nueva (Golfo Nuevo,Patagonia, Argentine)

Uptake kinetics of nitrogen derived from sewage–seawater mixtures (2.5–20% v/v effluent) were determined in the laboratory for Ulva rigida (Chlorophyceae) native from Bahía Nueva (Golfo Nuevo, Patagonia, Argentine). In terms of nitrogen concentration, experimental enrichment levels varied between 53.7 and 362.3M of ammonium and between 0.77 and 6.21M of nitrate+nitrite. Uptake rates were fitted to the Michaelis–Menten equation, with the following kinetic parameters: ammonium: V_max = 591.2molg^–1h^–1, K _s=262.3M, nitrate+nitrite: V _max=12.9molg^–1h^–1, K _s=3.5M). Both nutrients were taken up simultaneously, but ammonium incorporation was faster in all cases. The results show a high capability of Ulva rigida to remove sewage-derived nitrogen from culture media. In the field, most of the nitrogen provided by the effluent would be tied up in algal biomass, supporting low nitrogen levels found at a short distance away from the source.     

K+-evoked taurine efflux from cerebellar astrocytes: On the roles of Ca2+ and Na+

The ionic requirements for K⁺-evoked efflux of endogenous taurine from primary cerebellar astrocyte cultures were studied. The Ca²⁺ ionophore A23187 evoked taurine efflux in a dose-dependent fashion with a time-course identical to that of K⁺-induced efflux. The Ca²⁺-channel antagonist nifedipine had no effect upon efflux induced by 10 or 50 mM K⁺. In addition, verapamil did not antagonize 50 mM K⁺-evoked efflux except at high, non-pharmacological concentrations (>100 M), and preincubation with 2 M -conotoxin had no effect on 50 mM K⁺-evoked efflux. Similarly, preincubation with 1 mM ouabain had no effect on the amount of taurine released by K⁺ stimulation, but did accelerate the onset of efflux by 2–4 min. Although 2 M tetrodotoxin had no effect on K⁺-evoked release, replacing Na⁺ with choline abolished the taurine efflux seen in response to K⁺ stimulation. Together, these findings suggest that neuronal N- and L-type Ca²⁺- and voltage-dependent Na⁺-channels are not involved in the influx of Ca²⁺ which appears to be necessary for K⁺-evoked taurine efflux, and that in addition to Ca²⁺, extracellular Na⁺ is also required.     

Effects of polymyxin B on the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane

Polymyxin B, a cyclic peptide antibiotic, inhibits Ca²⁺-ATPase, p-nitrophenyl phosphatase and phosphorylase kinase activities associated with rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes; 50% inhibition is induced by 100 M, 130M and 550 M of polymyxin respectively. The fluorescence intensity of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled Ca²⁺-ATPase, decreases in the presence of polymyxin (50% of the total decrease at 70 M polymyxin). On the other hand, the polypeptide inhibits calmodulin-dependent endogenous phosphorylation of 60 kDa, 20 kDa and 14 kDa membrane proteins, while an increase of calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation is observed in 132 kDa and 86 kDa proteins.     

A study on Na+-coupled oxidative phosphorylation: ATP formation supported by artificially imposed ΔpNa and ΔpK inVibrio alginolyticus cells

Addition of Na⁺ to the K⁺-loadedVibrio alginolyticus cells, creating a 250-fold Na⁺ gradient, is shown to induce a transient increase in the intracellular ATP concentration, which is abolished by the Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter, monensin. The pNa-supported ATP synthesis requires an additional driving force supplied by endogenous respiration or, alternatively, by a K⁺ gradient (high [K⁺] inside). In the former case, ATP formation is resistant to the protonophorous uncoupler. Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and diethylstilbestrol, but not vanadate, completely inhibit Na⁺ pulse-induced ATP formation. The data agree with the assumption that Na⁺-ATP-synthase is involved in oxidative phosphorylation inV. alginolyticus. Interrelation of H⁺ and Na⁺ cycles in bacteria is discussed.Abbreviations and electrochemical gradients of H⁺ and Na⁺, respectively - transmembrane electric potential difference - pH, pNa, and pK concentration gradients of H⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺, respectively - CCCP carbonyl cyanidem-chlorophenylhydrazone - DCCD N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide - DES diesthylstilbestrol - HQNO 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinolineN-oxide - Tricine N[2-hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]glycine     

Interleukin-2-dependent long-term cultures of low-density lymphocytes allow the proliferation of lymphokine-activated killer cells with natural killer,Tiγ/δ or TNK phenotype

Summary We have developed a culture system for longterm growth of human lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells exhibiting an elevated, wide-spectrum antitumor cytotoxicity. The system allows the exponential growth of monocyte-depleted low-density lymphocytes in the presence of human serum and recombinant human interleukin-2 (10³ U/ml), alone or in combination with interleukin-1 or (both at 10 U/ml). Eighteen cultures were established from 18 normal adult donors. The membrane phenotypes of the final LAK cell population, assessed by a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAb), consist of three main types: (a) NKH-1⁺, Ti/^–, Ti/^–, and CD3^– lymphocytes; (b) NKH-1⁺, Ti/^–, Ti/⁺, and CD3⁺ lymphocytes and (c) NKH-1⁺, Ti/⁺, Ti/^– and CD3⁺ lymphocytes. Northern blot analysis showed that all these cell populations express relatively high levels of perforin RNA, particularly cells exhibiting the first phenotype. This culture system may provide a tool for cellular and molecular studies on the mechanisms of antitumor cytotoxicity, as well as the basis for new adoptive immunotherapy protocols in advanced cancer.     

ATP is required for K+ active transport in the archaebacterium Haloferax volcanii

The Archaebacterium Haloferax volcanii concentrates K⁺ up to 3.6 M. This creates a very large K⁺ ion gradient of between 500- to 1,000-fold across the cell membrane. H. volcanii cells can be partially depleted of their internal K⁺ but the residual K⁺ concentration cannot be lowered below 1.5 M. In these conditions, the cells retain the ability to take up potassium from the medium and to restore a high internal K⁺ concentration (3 to 3.2 M) via an energy dependent, active transport mechanism with a K _m of between 1 to 2 mM. The driving force for K⁺ transport has been explored. Internal K⁺ concentration is not in equilibrium with m suggesting that K⁺ transport cannot be accounted for by a passive uniport process. A requirement for ATP has been found. Indeed, the depletion of the ATP pool by arsenate or the inhibition of ATP synthesis by N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide inhibits by 100% K⁺ transport even though membrane potential m is maintained under these conditions. By contrast, the necessity of a m for K⁺ accumulation has not yet been clearly demonstrated. K⁺ transport in H. volcanii can be compared with K⁺ transport via the Trk system in Escherichia coli.Abbreviations CCCP Carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenyl-hydrazone - DCCD N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide - MES 2-[N-morpholino] ethane sulfonic acid - MOPS 3-[N-morpholino] propane sulfonic acid - TRIS Tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane - TPP tetraphenyl phosphonium     

Na+-translocating NADH-quinone reductase of marine and halophilic bacteria

The respiratory chain of marine and moderately halophilic bacteria requires Na⁺ for maximum activity, and the site of Na⁺-dependent activation is located in the NADH-quinone reductase segment. The Na⁺-dependent NADH-quinone reductase purified from marine bacteriumVibrio alginolyticus is composed of three subunits, , , and , with apparentM _r of 52, 46, and 32kDa, respectively. The FAD-containing -subunit reacts with NADH and reduces ubiquinone-1 (Q-1) by a one-electron transfer pathway to produce ubisemiquinones. In the presence of the FMN-containing -subunit and the -subunit, Q-1 is converted to ubiquinol-1 without the accumulation of free radicals. The reaction catalyzed by the -subunit is strictly dependent on Na⁺ and is strongly inhibited by 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO), which is tightly coupled to the electrogenic extrusion of Na⁺. A similar type of Na⁺-translocating NADH-quinone reductase is widely distributed among marine and moderately halophilic bacteria. The respiratory chain ofV. alginolyticus contains another NADH-quinone reductase which is Na⁺ independent and has no energy-transducing capacity. These two types of NADH-quinone reductase are quite different with respect to their mode of quinone reduction and their sensitivity toward NADH preincubation.