Biosynthesis of gallotannins: beta-glucogallin-dependent formation of 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylglucose by enzymatic galloylation of 1,2,3,6-tetragalloylglucose

An acyltransferase was detected in young leaves of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) that catalyzed the formation of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose, the common precursor of gallotannins and the related ellagitannins. This enzyme depended on beta-glucogallin (1-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose) as acyl donor; 1,2,3,6-tetra-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose was specifically required as acceptor molecule, whereas no reaction occurred with the 1,2,4,6-isomer of this substrate. The partially purified enzyme (Mr 260,000) was stable between pH 5.0 and 6.5; highest activities were observed at pH 6.3 and 40 degrees C. Km values of 2.3 and 1.0 mM, respectively, were determined for the substrates beta-glucogallin and tetragalloylglucose. In accordance with stoichiometric studies, the systematic name "beta-glucogallin: 1,2,3,6-tetra-O-galloylglucose 4-O-galloyltransferase" is proposed for this new enzyme.     

Gallotannin biosynthesis: two new galloyltransferases from Rhus typhina leaves preferentially acylating hexa- and heptagalloylglucoses

Current enzyme studies on the biosynthesis of gallotannins with cell-free extracts from leaves of staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina L.) revealed the existence of two new beta-glucogallin-dependent galloyltransferases (EC 2.3.1.-) that preferentially catalyzed the acylation of hexa- and heptagalloylglucoses. One enzyme was most active with the hexagalloylglucose, 3-O-digalloyl-1,2,4,6-tetra-O-galloylglucose, to form the corresponding heptagalloylglucose, 3-O-trigalloyl-1,2,4,6-tetra-O-galloylglucose. This polyester, in turn, was the preferred substrate for a second enzyme that catalyzed its conversion to higher substituted derivatives. This latter enzyme also displayed considerable affinity towards 2-O-digalloyl-1,3,4,6-tetra-O-galloylglucose which was acylated to various hepta- and octagalloylglucoses. These recent findings, together with data from earlier reported related enzymes, allowed the presentation of a scheme that summarizes the major transitions in the biogenetic routes from 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylglucose to complex gallotannins.     

Oxidation of pentagalloylglucose to the ellagitannin,tellimagrandin II,by a phenol oxidase from Tellima grandiflora leaves

A new enzyme has been isolated from leaves of the weed Tellima grandiflora (fringe cups, Saxifragaceae) that catalyzed the O(2)-dependent oxidation of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranose to tellimagrandin II, the first intermediate in the (4)C(1)-glucose derived series of ellagitannins. CD-spectra revealed that the 4,6-O-HHDP-residue of the in vitro product had the (S)-stereoconfiguration characteristic of tellimagrandin II from natural sources. The enzyme, for which a M(r) of ca. 60,000 was determined, was purified to apparent homogeneity. It had a pH-optimum at pH 5.0, an isoelectric point at pH 6.3 and was most stable at pH 4.2. Inhibition studies suggested that this new enzyme, for which the systematic name 'pentagalloylglucose: O(2) oxidoreductase' is proposed, belongs to the vast group of laccase-type phenol oxidases (EC 1.10.3.2).     

Ellagitannin biosynthesis: laccase-catalyzed dimerization of tellimagrandin II to cornusiin E in Tellima grandiflora

An enzyme has been purified from leaves of the weed Tellima grandiflora (fringe cups, Saxifragaceae) that catalyzed the O2-dependent oxidation of the monomeric ellagitannin, tellimagrandin II, to a dimeric derivative, cornusiin E. The apparently homogeneous enzyme preparation had a Mr of ca. 160,000 (with four subunits of Mr 40,000), a pH-optimum and an isoelectric point at pH 5.2, and was most stable at pH 4.3. Inhibition studies revealed that this new enzyme, for which the systematic name 'tellimagrandin II: O2 oxidoreductase' is proposed, is a member of the laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) family of phenol oxidases. The properties of this enzyme differed from that of a related laccase that catalyzed the transition of 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylglucopyranose to tellimagrandin II, the preceding step in the biosynthetic route to cornusin E.     

Enzymology of gallotannin and ellagitannin biosynthesis

Gallotannins and ellagitannins, the two subclasses of hydrolyzable tannins, are derivatives of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranose. Enzyme studies with extracts from oak leaves (Quercus robur, syn. Quercus pedunculata; Quercus rubra) and from staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) revealed that this pivotal intermediate is synthesized from beta-glucogallin (1-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranose) by a series of strictly position-specific galloylation steps, affording so-called 'simple' gallotannins, i.e., mono- to pentagallyoylglucose esters. Besides its role as starter molecule, beta-glucogallin was also recognized as the principal energy-rich acyl donor required in these transformations. Subsequent pathways to 'complex' gallotannins have recently been elucidated by the isolation of five different enzymes from sumac leaves that were purified to apparent homogeneity. They catalyzed the beta-glucogallin-dependent galloylation of pentagallyoylglucose to a variety of hexa- and heptagalloylglucoses, plus several not yet characterized higher substituted analogous galloylglucoses. With respect to the biosynthesis of ellagitannins, postulates that had been formulated already decades ago were proven by the purification of a new laccase-like phenol oxidase from leaves of fringe cups (Tellima grandiflora) that regio- and stereospecifically oxidized pentagallyoylglucose to the monomeric ellagitannin, tellimagrandin II. This compound was further oxidized by a similar but different laccase-like oxidase to yield a dimeric ellagitannin, cornusiin E.     

Inositol phosphatase activity of the Escherichia coli agp-encoded acid glucose-1-phosphatase

When screening an Escherichia coli gene library for myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) phosphatases (phytases), we discovered that the agp-encoded acid glucose-1-phosphatase also possesses this activity. Purified Agp hydrolyzes glucose-1-phosphate, p-nitrophenyl phosphate, and InsP6 with pH optima, 6.5, 3.5, and 4.5, respectively, and was stable when incubated at pH values ranging from 3 to 10. Glucose-1-phosphate was hydrolyzed most efficiently at 55 degrees C. while InsP6 and p-nitrophenyl phosphate were hydrolyzed maximally at 60 degrees C. The Agp exhibited Km values of (0.39 mM, 13 mM, and 0.54 mM for the hydrolysis of glucose-1-phosphate, p-nitrophenyl phosphate, and InsP6, respectively. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of inositol phosphate hydrolysis products of Agp demonstrated that the enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphate from each of InsP6, D-Ins(1,2,3,4,5)P5, Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5, and Ins(1,2,3,4,6)P5, producing D/L-Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5. D-Ins(1,2,4,5)P4, D/L-Ins(1,4,5,6)P4 and D/L-Ins(1,2,4,6)P4, respectively. These data support the contention that Agp is a 3-phosphatase.     

T-cell receptor-mediated metabolism of inositol polyphosphates in Jurkat T-lymphocytes. Identification of a D-myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,6-pentakisphosphate-2-phosphomonoesterase activity, a D-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate-1/3-phosphatase activity and a D/L-myo-inositol 1,2,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate-1/3-kinase activity.

Stimulation of the human T-lymphocyte cell line Jurkat via the T-cell receptor/CD3 complex by an anti-CD3 antibody (OKT3) induced time-dependent changes in the intracellular concentrations of multiple inositol polyphosphate (InsPn) isomers. Quantitative mass analysis by anion-exchange HPLC and a recently developed postcolumn dye system (Mayr, G. W. (1988) Biochem. J. 254, 585-591) revealed basal intracellular concentrations between less than 5 pmol/10(9) cells for Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 and 6380 +/- 355 pmol/10(9) cells for InsP6. Time course analysis of samples from stimulated Jurkat T-cells showed an increase of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 to 1125 +/- 125 pmol/10(9) cells within 10 min and remained elevated over more than 30 min. Moreover, increases of the intracellular concentrations of Ins(1,3,4,6)P4, Ins(1,4,5,6)P4, and/or Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 (determined as the enantiomeric mixture), Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5, Ins(1,2,3,4,6)P5 and InsP6 were observed. In contrast, the concentration of Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5 and/or Ins(2,3,4,5,6)P5 (determined as the enantiomeric mixture) decreased after stimulation. Using cytosolic extracts from Jurkat T-lymphocytes incubated with purified Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5, Ins(1,2,3,4,6)P5, or Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5/Ins(2,3,4,5,6)P5 three enzyme activities were observed. Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 was dephosphorylated by a phosphatase removing a phosphate group at the 1 and/or 3 position resulting in the formation of Ins(1,4,5,6)P4 and/or Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 (determined as the enantiomeric mixture). Ins(1,2,3,4,6)P5 was metabolized by a specific phosphatase that cleaved the phosphate group at the 2 position, thereby generating the product Ins(1,3,4,6)P4. On the other hand, Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5/Ins(2,3,4,5,6)P5 was phosphorylated by a 1/3-kinase activity to InsP6. Together novel receptor-mediated metabolic pathways of inositol polyphosphates were demonstrated in human T-lymphocytes, and corresponding enzyme activities for the inositol pentakisphosphate metabolism were found in cell lysates.     

Chemo-selectivity of the N,O-enzymatic acylation in organic media and in ionic liquids

This paper shows that Lecitase Ultra is an enzyme preparation with a great interest as regioselective biocatalyst in the deprotection of 4 different peracetylated sugars: 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-acetyl-β-d-galactopyranose (1), 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranose (4), 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-acetyl--d-mannopyranose (7) and 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-galacto pyranosyl-(1 → 4)-1,2,3,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (9). The enzyme properties (specificity, preference for the per-acetylated sugar and regio-selectivity) were strongly modulated by the immobilization conditions, for example the octyl-LECI preparation was 10 fold more active than the PEI-LECI preparation, while it was more than 40 fold less active against some other substrates. Very interestingly, these changes also affected the regioselectivity, depending on the preparation used it was possible to get free OH groups in anomeric position, position 6 or the mixture of both. Finally, the octyl-LECI preparation did not recognize the -sugars, favouring the β-isomers (in opposition to most commercial lipases or the other LECI preparations). This is potentially useful to obtain pure -peracetylated monosaccharides from a mixture of anomers.     

Further Characterization of a Myelin-Associated Neuraminidase: Properties and Substrate Specificity

A neuraminidase activity in myelin isolated from adult rat brains was examined. The enzyme activity in myelin was first compared with that in microsomes using N-acetylneuramin(alpha 2----3)lactitol (NL) as a substrate. In contrast to the microsomal neuraminidase which exhibited a sharp pH dependency for its activity, the myelin enzyme gave a very shallow pH activity curve over a range between 3.6 and 5.9. The myelin enzyme was more stable to heat denaturation (65 degrees C) than the microsomal enzyme. Inhibition studies with a competitive inhibitor, 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid, showed the Ki value for the myelin neuraminidase to be about one-fifth of that for the microsomal enzyme (1.3 X 10(-6) M versus 6.3 X 10(-6) M). The apparent Km values for the myelin and the microsomal enzyme were 1.3 X 10(-4) M and 4.3 X 10(-4) M, respectively. An enzyme preparation that was practically devoid of myelin lipids was then prepared and its substrate specificity examined. The "delipidated enzyme" could hydrolyze fetuin, NL, and ganglioside substrates, including GM1 and GM2. When the delipidated enzyme was exposed to high temperature (55 degrees C) or low pH (pH 2.54), the neuraminidase activities toward NL and GM3 decreased at nearly the same rate. Both fetuin and 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid inhibited NL and GM3 hydrolysis. With 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid, inhibition of NL was greater than that of GM3; however, the Ki values for each substrate were almost identical. GM3 and GM1 also competitively inhibited the hydrolysis of NL and NL similarly inhibited GM3 hydrolysis by the enzyme. These results indicate that rat brain myelin has intrinsic neuraminidase activities toward nonganglioside as well as ganglioside substrates, and that these two enzyme activities are likely catalyzed by a single enzyme entity.     

The crystal structures of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-trimethylacetyl- and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-dimethylacetyl-beta-D-glucopyranose

The crystal structures of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-trimethylacetyl-beta-D-glucopyranose (1) and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-dimethylacetyl-beta-D-glucopyranose (2) have been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis and compared with that reported for 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranose (3). Whereas 1 has a well ordered structure, the acyl groups in 2 at positions 1 and 2 of the pyranose ring show disorder with respect to the positions of the alpha-methyl groups. As with 3, the C=O bonds of the acyl groups at positions 1-4 show a preference for near alignment with respective ring C-H bonds, but there are, nevertheless, significant differences in the torsional angles defining this arrangement. Intermolecular weak hydrogen bonding in the three compounds is not significantly different and involves carbonyl oxygen atoms as the acceptors.     

Metabolism of inositol phosphates in the protozoan Paramecium. Characterization of a novel inositol-hexakisphosphate-dephosphorylating enzyme.

Basal and stimulated levels of inositol phosphates were determined in the protozoan Paramecium labelled with myo-[3H]inositol. Under resting conditions, intracellular InsP6 (phytic acid), InsP5 and InsP4 concentrations were 140, 10 and 2 microM, respectively. InsP5 was comprised of 56% Ins(1,2,3,4,5)P5 and/or Ins(1,2,3,5,6)P5, 40% Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5 and/or Ins(2,3,4,5,6)P5 and small amounts of Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 and Ins(1,2,3,4,6)P5. InsP4 was mainly Ins(1, 4, 5, 6)P4 and/or Ins(3, 4, 5, 6)P4. Other inositol phosphates were not detected at a detection limit of 50-85 nM. Using various depolarizing and hyperpolarizing stimuli, no significant changes in level of inositol phosphates were observed in vivo, indicating that in the ciliate a contribution of inositol phosphates to signal-transduction mechanisms is unlikely. In homogenates prepared from myo-[3H]inositol-labelled cells, a marked relative increase in InsP3 and InsP4 over the concentrations in vivo was observed. These inositol phosphates were identified as degradation products of endogenous InsP6. A novel separation methodology for inositol phosphates was established to allow unequivocal assignment of phosphate locations of all dephosphorylated InsP6-derived products. The dephosphorylation was catalyzed by a phytase-like enzyme with a molecular mass of 240 kDa, most likely of a hexameric structure. The enzyme had a pH optimum of 7.0 and did not require divalent cations for activity. Substrate concentrations above 300 microM were inhibitory. Dephosphorylation of InsP6 by the Paramecium enzyme differs from that of phytases from plants in that it proceeds via a sequential release of phosphate groups from positions 6, 5, 4 and 3 of the myo-inositol ring or/and positions 4, 5, 6 and 1.     

Identification and partial characterisation of a chitinase from Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Measurement of chitinase activity in extracts from stomach, intestine, and serum of Nile tilapia with the artificial substrates 4-methylumbelliferil beta-D-N,N'-diacetylchitobioside and 4-methylumbelliferil beta-D-N,N'N"-triacetylchitotrioside (4MU[GlcNAc](2,3)) showed that an endochitinase was involved in the liberation of the fluorophore 4-methylumbelliferone (MU). Enzymes were isolated from tilapia serum by a combination of gel filtration, ion exchange, and reverse-phase chromatography. The molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated to be 75 kDa by SDS-PAGE, suggesting that the enzyme occurs as a monomer. The partially purified enzyme showed maximal activity at pH 7.0 when assayed with 4MU[GlcNAc](2) and lost its activity below pH 5.0 and above pH 8.0. The optimal pH of the purified enzyme toward the substrate 4MU[GlcNAc](3) was pH 9.0 and activity was lost below pH 8.0 and above pH 9.0. Our study has revealed the presence of a chitinolytic enzyme in the gastrointestinal tract and serum that may play a role in digestion and/or defense.     

One-copper laccase-related enzyme from Marasmius sp.: purification, characterization and bleaching of textile dyes

In the culture filtrate of a Marasmius sp. strain isolated in Indonesia during a screening for fungi with the ability to decolorize textile dyes, two laccase-related enzymes (laccase-related enzyme I and II) were detected. Laccase-related enzyme I was purified to homogeneity by ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The native enzyme was shown to have a molecular mass of 53 kDa, an N-terminal amino acid sequence characteristically seen in laccases and an isoelectric point of pH 3.8. The enzyme accepts typical laccase substrates including 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), syringaldazine and guaiacol, but has no tyrosinase activity. The pH optimum is at pH 3.0 for ABTS and at 6.0 for syringaldazine and the enzyme is stable up to pH 10. The UV/vis spectrum of the laccase-related enzyme is non-typical for laccases and metal content analysis revealed that the enzyme contains only a single copper atom per enzyme molecule. This suggests that this enzyme could be related to the group of the so-called "white" laccases, however, no zinc or any other metal ion could be detected in this enzyme, suggesting that the enzyme is a unique laccase-related enzyme. Comparison of the bleaching activity of the whole fungus with that of the isolated laccase-related enzyme showed that this enzyme is the major bleaching enzyme produced by this Marasmius sp. strain and was able to bleach violet, red, orange and yellow dyes in addition to a number of blue dyes.     

Seed phosphorus and inositol phosphate phenotype of barley low phytic acid genotypes

myo-Inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate (Ins P(6) or "phytic acid") typically represents approximately 75% of the total phosphorus and >80% of soluble myo-inositol (Ins) phosphates in seeds. The seed phosphorus and Ins phosphate phenotypes of four non-lethal barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) low phytic acid mutations are described. In seeds homozygous for M 635 and M 955 reductions in Ins P(6), approximately 75 and >90% respectively, are accompanied by reductions in other Ins phosphates and molar-equivalent increases in Pi. This phenotype suggests a block in supply of substrate Ins. In seeds homozygous for barley low phytic acid 1-1 (lpa1-1), a 45% decrease in Ins P(6) is mostly matched by an increase in Pi but also accompanied by small increases in Ins(1,2,3,4,6)P(5). In seeds homozygous for barley lpa2-1, reductions in seed Ins P(6) are accompanied by increases in both Pi and in several Ins phosphates, a phenotype that suggests a lesion in Ins phosphate metabolism, rather than Ins supply. The increased Ins phosphates in barley lpa2-1 seed are: Ins(1,2,3,4,6)P(5); Ins(1,2,4,6)P(4) and/or its enantiomer Ins(2,3,4,6)P(4); Ins(1,2,3,4)P(4) and/or its enantiomer Ins(1,2,3,6)P(4); Ins(1,2,6)P(3) and/or its enantiomer Ins(2,3,4)P(3); Ins(1,5,6)P(3) and/or its enantiomer Ins(3,4,5)P(3) (the methods used here cannot distinguish between enantiomers). This primarily "5-OH" series of Ins phosphates differs from the "1-/3-OH" series observed at elevated levels in seed of the maize lpa2 genotype, but previous chromosomal mapping data indicated that the maize and barley lpa2 loci might be orthologs of a single ancestral gene. Therefore one hypothesis that might explain the differing lpa2 phenotypes is that their common ancestral gene encodes a multi-functional, Ins phosphate kinase with both "1-/-3-" and "5-kinase" activities. A putative pyrophosphate-containing Ins phosphate, possibly an Ins P(7), was also observed in the mature seed of all barley genotypes except lpa2-1. Barley M 955 indicates that at least for this species, the ability to accumulate Ins P(6) can be nearly abolished while retaining at least short-term ( approximately 1.0 years) viability.     

Isolation and Characterization of a Cellobiose Dehydrogenase Formed by a Nonsporulating Mycelial Fungus INBI 2-26(-)

A nonsporulating fungus isolated from dioxin-containing tropical soils forms cellobiose dehydrogenase when grown in media supplemented by a source of cellulose. The enzyme purified to homogeneity by SDS-PAGE (yield, 43%) had an M_r of 95 kDa; its pH optimum was in the range 5.5–7.0; more than 50% activity was retained at pH 4.0–8.0 (citrate–phosphate buffer). The absorption spectrum of the enzyme in the visible range had the characteristic appearance of flavocytochrome proteins. Cellobiose dehydrogenase oxidized cellobiose and lactose (the respective K _M values at pH 6.0 equaled 4.5 ± 1.5 and 56 M) in the presence of dichlorophenolindophenol (K _M,_app = 15 ± 3 M at pH 6.0) taken as an electron acceptor. Other sugars were barely if at all oxidized by the enzyme. Neither ethyl--D-cellobioside, heptobiose, nor chitotriose inhibited the enzymatic oxidation of lactose, even under the conditions of 100-fold molar excess. The enzyme was weakly inhibited by sodium azide dichlorophenolindophenol reduction and exhibited an affinity for amorphous cellulose. At 55°C and pH 6.0 (optimum stability), time to half-maximum inactivation equaled 99 min. The enzyme reduced by cellobiose was more stable than the nonreduced form. Conversely, the presence of an oxidizer (dichlorophenolindophenol) decreased the stability eight times at pH 6.0. In addition, the enzyme acted as a potent reducer of the one-electron acceptor cytochrome c ³⁺ (K _{M app} = 15 M at pH 6.0).     

Alkaline-active xylanase produced by an alkaliphilicBacillus sp isolated from kraft pulp

ABacillus sp (V1-4) was isolated from hardwood kraft pulp. It was capable of growing in diluted kraft black liquor at pH 11.5 and produced 49 IU (mol xylose min^–1 ml^–1) of xylanase when cultivated in alkaline medium at pH 9. Maximal enzyme activity was obtained by cultivation in a defined alkaline medium with 2% birchwood xylan and 1% corn steep liquor at pH 9, but high enzyme production was also obtained on wheat bran. The apparent pH optimum of the enzyme varied with the pH used for cultivation and the buffer system employed for enzyme assay. With cultivation at pH 10 and assays performed in glycine buffer, maximal activity was observed at pH 8.5; with phosphate buffer, maximal activity was between pH 6 and 7. The xylanase temperature optimum (at pH 7.0) was 55°C. In the absence of substrate, at pH 9.0, the enzyme was stable at 50°C for at least 30 min. Elecrophoretic analysis of the crude preparation showed one predominant xylanase with an alkaline pl. Biobleaching studies showed that the enzyme would brighten both hardwood and softwood kraft pulp and release chromophores at pH 7 and 9. Because kraft pulps are alkaline, this enzyme could be used for prebleaching with minimal pH adjustment.     

Properties of immobilized fig alpha-galactosidase and effect on ceramide-3 content of plasma from patients with Fabry's disease.

The possibility of lowering the level of ceramide-3 (galactosyl-alpha(1 leads to 4)-galactosyl-beta(1 leads to 4)-glucosyl-beta(1 leads to 1)-ceramide) in the plasma of patients with Fabry's disease was investigated. An immobilized alpha-galactosidase (alpha-D-galactoside galactohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.22) was prepared by coupling purified fig alpha-galactosidase to Sepharose 4B. The pH optimum for the hydrolysis of the artificial substrate p-nitro-phenyl-alpha-D-galactopyranoside was shifted by approx. 0.5--1.0 pH unit to higher pH values upon coupling of the enzyme to Sepharose 4B. The immobilized enzyme was more stable than the native enzyme to incubation at 60 degrees C. The immobilized enzyme was able to hydrolyse ceramide-3 either at pH 4.5 or at pH 7.4 in an artificial system in which sodium taurocholate was used to solubilize the substrate. In contrast, when the immobilized enzyme was incubated with normal plasma or plasma from a patient with Fabry's disease, in which elevated levels of ceramide-3 occur, no hydrolysis of the glycosphingo-lipid could be detected. The results suggest that lowering of level of ceramide-3 in plasma from patients with Fabry's disease by enzymic means is not feasible.     

Proton slip in the ATP synthase of Rhodobacter capsulatus: induction, proton conduction, and nucleotide dependence

FOF1-ATP synthase converts two energetic "currencies" of the cell (ATP and protonmotive force, pmf) by coupling two rotary motors/generators. Their coupling efficiency is usually very high. Uncoupled proton leakage (slip) has only been observed in chloroplast enzyme at unphysiologically low nucleotide concentration. We investigated the properties of proton slip in chromatophores (sub-bacterial vesicles) from Rhodobacter capsulatus in the single-enzyme-per-vesicle mode. The membrane was energized by excitation with flashing light and the relaxation of the transmembrane voltage and pH difference was photometrically detected. We found that: (1) Proton slip occurred only at low nucleotide concentration (<1 microM) and after pre-illumination over several seconds. (2) Slip induction by pmf was accompanied by the release of approximately 0.25 mol ADP per mole of enzyme. There was no detectable detachment of F1 from FO. (3) The transmembrane voltage and the pH difference were both efficient in slip induction. Once induced, slip persisted for hours, and was only partially reverted by the addition of ADP or ATP (>1 microM). (4) There was no pmf threshold for the proton transfer through the slipping enzyme; slip could be driven both by voltage and pH difference. (5) The conduction was ohmic and weakly pH-dependent in the range from 5.5 to 9.5. The rate constant of proton transfer under slip conditions was 185 s(-1) at pH 8. Proton slip probably presents the free-wheeling of the central rotary shaft, subunit gamma, in an open structure of the (alphabeta)3 hexagon with no nucleotides in the catalytic sites.     

Aluminum: a pH-dependent inhibitor of NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase from porcine heart

Aluminum showed a pH-dependent inhibitory effect on NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase from porcine heart. Aluminum ions (Al³⁺) acted as a partial competitive inhibitor of the enzyme with respect to the substratethreo-Ds-isocitrate and inhibited the enzyme non-competitively with respect to NADP at pH 6.85. Fractional velocity plot analysis showed theK _i of the enzyme for aluminum ions to be 0.88m. When pH was elevated to 8.0, aluminum ions, which occur as a form of the Al(OH)₄ ^– anion, acted as partial uncompetitive and non-competitive inhibitors of the enzyme with respect to the substrates isocitrate and NADP, respectively. TheK _i of the enzyme was determined to be 5.64 m at pH 8.0 by fractional velocity plot analysis. The inhibition of NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase by two forms of aluminum ions may explain aluminum toxicity in various tissues and organs.     

Interaction of 5-fluoro-4-thio-2'-deoxyuridine 5'-phosphate with mammalian tumour thymidylate synthase: role of the pyrimidine N(3)-H dissociation

The role of the pyrimidine N(3)-H in binding of dUMP derivatives to thymidylate synthase was evaluated with the aid of a new dUMP analogue, 5-fluoro-4-thio-dUMP, synthesized by an improved thiation and enzymatic phosphorylation. The interaction of this analogue, and of 5-FdUMP, with the enzyme, and the pH-dependence of these interactions, were compared. Both were slow-binding competitive inhibitors of the enzyme from Ehrlich carcinoma, L1210 and CCRF-CEM cells, with Ki an order of magnitude higher for 5-fluoro-4-thio-dUMP than for 5-FdUMP. With both nucleotides, as well as the parent nucleosides, enzyme inactivation increased as the pH was lowered from 8 to 6. Maximum inactivation with 5-FdUrd was at pH 7.0, and with 5-fluoro-4-thio-dUrd at pH 6.0, in agreement with the higher pKa for the N(3)-H dissociation of the former, and pointing to participation of the N(3)-H as a hydrogen donor in binding to the enzyme.