Proton transport is necessary for divalent metal cations release from deenergized mitochondria

The release of divalent cations (Ca2+ and Sr2+) from rat liver mitochondria after membrane depolarization with protonophore (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone, CCCP), sodium azide and K(+)-ionophore (valinomycin) was studied. It is stated that membrane depolarization itself is not sufficient for cations release from mitochondrial matrix (provided that mitochondrial permeability transition pore is blocked by cyclosporin A). Complete delivering of divalent cations is observed only after protonophore (CCCP) addition to suspension of deenergized mitochondria. The data show that membrane permeabilisation to hydrogen ions (H+) is necessary for complete cation release from the mitochondrial matrix. The enhancement in K(+)-conductivity of mitochondrial membrane (by valinomycin), on the contrary, is not able to provide complete delivering of cations from mitochondria. It is shown that quantity of divalent metal cation released from mitochondria (depolarized and permeabilized for K+ as well) is proportional to the concentration of protonophore (but not K(+)-ionophore) introduced in the incubation medium. The data obtained lead to the conclusion that H(+)-permeabilization of the mitochondrial membrane is necessary for the complete release of Ca2+ and Sr2+ from mitochondria after membrane depolarization. The possible mechanism of divalent metal cations release from deenergized mitochondria is discussed.     

Stimulation of phosphatase release from cultured tobacco cells by divalent cations

Upon addition of divalent cations to the incubation medium ofcultured tobacco cells, the release of phosphatase into themedium increased and the time course of the release became biphasic.A rapid release (phase I release) occurred instantaneously afterthe addition and then a release at a constant rate (phase IIrelease) followed. Sodium and potassium ions did not affectthe enzyme release. Lanthanum ions caused the biphasic enzymerelease but inhibited the phase II release. The effects of temperature and metabolic inhibitors indicatedthat phase I release was limited by a diffusion process butphase II release was limited by an enzymatic reaction requiringmetabolic energy. From the results it was concluded that divalent cations enhancedthe enzyme release not only by stimulating the transport ofenzyme to the outside of the cell membrane, but also by liberatingthe enzyme retained on the exterior of the cells, e.g., thecell walls. The released phosphatase could be separated into two fractions,F-I and F-II. Only F-I was released by phase I release, whileboth F-I and F-II resulted from phase II release. This indicatedthat F-I was preferentially trapped on the exterior of the cells. ¹ These experiments were carried out at the Department of Botanyin the Faculty of Science of the University of Tokyo. (Received December 15, 1978; )     

Separation of recombinant antibodies from DNA using divalent cations

New downstream methods for the purification of antibodies are required to meet the demands of current and future antibody applications, e.g. for mass production as cancer therapeutic. The standard chromatographic methods suffer from high material costs and mass transfer limitations. In this study, we established and characterized a method for DNA precipitation for antibody purification using divalent cations, particularly CaCl₂, using four different antibodies. By implementing high‐throughput screening using a factorial design plan, we determined that CaCl₂ concentration and PO₄^3? concentration were significant factors, while temperature and pH were not significant. We detected DNA precipitation as well as host‐cell protein (HCP) reduction. Two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE) revealed that improved HCP removal does not occur via an unspecific random mechanism such as the enclosure of proteins in the precipitate. CaCl₂ precipitation of DNA and HCP can be combined with nonchromatographic methods such as precipitation and protein A affinity chromatography. This additional purification method not only enhances DNA removal, but also the removal of HCP and antibody multimers, which will reduce immunogenicity and increase homogeneity of the resulting drug.     

Improvement of the binding capacity of metal cations by sugar-beet pulp. 2. Binding of divalent metal cations by modified sugar-beet pulp

Binding of some divalent cations (Ca²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Zn²⁺) in aqueous solution by saponified and cross-linked sugar-beet pulp was investigated. Saponification doubled the cation-exchange capacity, while cross-linking decreased specific surface area and hydration properties to low and stable values independent of pH and ionic strength conditions. The sorption isotherms indicated a high metal-binding capacity which increased with sorbent concentration, and followed a clear order of selectivity: Cu²⁺˜Pb²⁺ Zn²⁺˜Cd²⁺ > Ni²⁺ > Ca²⁺. The sorption data were better represented by the Langmuir isotherm than by the Freundlich one, suggesting that the monolayer sorption, mainly due to ion-exchange, would not be disturbed by lateral interactions between cations sorbed with similar sorption energies. The same order of selectivity could be drawn from the Langmuir parameters, sorption equilibrium constants (K_L) and maximum binding capacities (Me_Amax). Whatever the cation, K_L decreased with increasing sorbent concentration, while Me_bmax increased. Higher quantities of Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ than predicted by the one divalent cation to two carboxyl functions ratio were bound. This was attributed to the partial contribution to the sorption phenomenon of hydroxyl functions close to ionic sites, explaining the higher affinity of such cations for substrates. Cross-linked pulp exhibited higher metalbinding capacity per volume unit than the raw pulp.     

The permeability of endplate channels to monovalent and divalent metal cations

The relative permeability of endplate channels to monovalent and divalent metal ions was determined from reversal potentials. Thallium is the most permeant ion with a permeability ratio relative to Na+ of 2.5. The selectivity among alkali metals is weak with a sequence, Cs+ greater than Rb+ greater than K+ greater than Na+ greater than Li+, and permeability ratios of 1.4, 1.3, 1.1, 1.0, and 0.9. The selectivity among divalent ions is also weak, with a sequence for alkaline earths of Mg++ greater than Ca++ greater than Ba++ greater than Sr++. The transition metal ions Mn++, Co++, Ni++, Zn++, and Cd++ are also permeant. Permeability ratios for divalent ions decreased as the concentration of divalent ion was increased in a manner consistent with the negative surface potential theory of Lewis (1979 J. Physiol. (Lond.). 286: 417--445). With 20 mM XCl2 and 85.5 mM glucosamine.HCl in the external solution, the apparent permeability ratios for the alkaline earth cations (X++) are in the range 0.18--0.25. Alkali metal ions see the endplate channel as a water-filled, neutral pore without high-field-strength sites inside. Their permeability sequence is the same as their aqueous mobility sequence. Divalent ions, however, have a permeability sequence almost opposite from their mobility sequence and must experience some interaction with groups in the channel. In addition, the concentrations of monovalent and divalent ions are increased near the channel mouth by a weak negative surface potential.     

Condensation of nonstochiometric DNA/polycation complexes by divalent cations

This study found that divalent cations induced the further condensation of partially condensed DNA within nonstochiometric polycation complexes. The addition of a few mmol of a divalent cation such as calcium reduced by half the inflection point at which DNA became fully condensed by poly-L-lysine (PLL) and a variety of other polycations. The effect on DNA condensation was initially observed using a new method, which is based on the concentration-dependent self-quenching of fluorescent moieties (e.g., rhodamine) covalently linked to the DNA backbone at relatively high densities. Additional analyses, which employed ultracentrifugation, dynamic light scattering, agarose gel electrophoresis, and atomic force microscopy, confirmed the effect of divalent cations. These results provide an additional accounting of the process by which divalent cations induce greater chromatin compaction that is based on the representation of chromatin fibers as a nonstoichiometric polyelectrolyte complex. They also offer a new approach to assemble nonviral vectors for gene therapy.     

Existence of efficient divalent metal ion-catalyzed and inefficient divalent metal ion-independent channels in reactions catalyzed by a hammerhead ribozyme

The hammerhead ribozyme is generally accepted as a well characterized metalloenzyme. However, the precise nature of the interactions of the RNA with metal ions remains to be fully defined. Examination of metal ion-catalyzed hammerhead reactions at limited concentrations of metal ions is useful for evaluation of the role of metal ions, as demonstrated in this study. At concentrations of Mn²⁺ ions from 0.3 to 3 mM, addition of the ribozyme to the reaction mixture under single-turnover conditions enhances the reaction with the product reaching a fixed maximum level. Further addition of the ribozyme inhibits the reaction, demonstrating that a certain number of divalent metal ions is required for proper folding and also for catalysis. At extremely high concentrations, monovalent ions, such as Na⁺ ions, can also serve as cofactors in hammerhead ribozyme-catalyzed reactions. However, the catalytic efficiency of monovalent ions is extremely low and, thus, high concentrations are required. Furthermore, addition of monovalent ions to divalent metal ion-catalyzed hammerhead reactions inhibits the divalent metal ion-catalyzed reactions, suggesting that the more desirable divalent metal ion–ribozyme complexes are converted to less desirable monovalent metal ion–ribozyme complexes via removal of divalent metal ions, which serve as a structural support in the ribozyme complex. Even though two channels appear to exist, namely an efficient divalent metal ion-catalyzed channel and an inefficient monovalent metal ion-catalyzed channel, it is clear that, under physiological conditions, hammerhead ribozymes are metalloenzymes that act via the significantly more efficient divalent metal ion-dependent channel. Moreover, the observed kinetic data are consistent with Lilley’s and DeRose’s two-phase folding model that was based on ground state structure analyses.     

Role of mono- and divalent metal cations in the catalysis by yeast aldolase

The rate of deuterium exchange between [1-(S)-2H]dihydroxyacetone 3-phosphate and the solvent catalyzed by native and metal-substituted yeast aldolases has been measured. In the presence of 0.1 M potassium acetate at 15 degrees C, pH 7.3, the deuterium exchange reaction catalyzed by native yeast aldolase has a kcat of 95 s-1. In contrast to the 7-fold activity enhancement by 0.1 M potassium ion (relative to 0.1 M sodium ion) of the cleavage of D-fructose 1,6-bisphosphate catalyzed by native yeast aldolase, a negligible (1.1-fold) activation by 0.1 M potassium ion is observed in the rate of dedeuteration of [1(S)-2H]dihydroxyacetone 3-phosphate. The order of reactivity of the yeast metalloaldolases in the deuterium exchange roughly parallels that seen in the fructose bisphosphate cleavage reaction. These findings suggest that the carbonyl groups of enzyme-bound D-fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate are both polarized by the active site divalent metal cation. A mechanistic formulation consistent with the results of this and the previous paper is presented.     

Oligonucleotide formation catalyzed by divalent metal ions. The uniqueness of the ribosyl system

Summary Polymerization of various nucleoside-5-phosphorimidazolides has been conducted in neutral aqueous solution using divalent metal ions as catalysts. Oligonucleotide formation took place from each of the ribonucleoside-5-phosphorimidazolides, ImpC, ImpU, ImpA, ImpG, and ImpI. The yields and distributions of the resulting oligonucleotides varied depending on the difference of the nucleic acid base and the metal ions used. The catalytic effect of divalent metal ions on the formation of oligocytidylates occurred in the following order: Pb²⁺>Zn²⁺>Co²⁺, Mn²⁺>Cd²⁺>Cu²⁺>Ni²⁺>Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, none >Hg²⁺. The order changes slightly for other types of oligoribonucleotide formation. Oligoribonucleotides up to hexamers were obtained in 35–55% overall yield, when Pb²⁺ ion was used as a catalyst. Zn²⁺ ions yielded oligoribonucleotides up to tetramers in 10–20% overall yield. The resulting oligonucleotides contained mainly 2–5 internucleotide linkages.Little or no oligonucleotide was obtained from nucleoside-5-phosphorimidazolides modified in the sugars, Imp(3-dA), Imp(2-dA), Imp(Ara), Imp(Aris), and Imp(Nep). The results indicate that a ribosyl system is required for the metal ion-catalyzed synthesis of oligonucleotides. Abbreviations. EDTA, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; Versenol,N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid; Tris, tris-(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane; pN (N is A, C, G, U, I, 3-dA, 2-dA, AraA, Aris, or Nep), nucleoside-5-phosphate; Np, nucleoside-2(3)-phosphate; I, inosine; 3-dA, 3-deoxyadenosine; 2-dA, 2-deoxyadenosine; AraA, arabinosyladenine; Aris, aristeromycin; Nep, neplanocin A; ImpN, nucleoside-5-phosphorimidazolide; NppN, P₁,P₂-dinucleoside-5,5-pyrophosphate; (pN)_n (n=2, 3, ...), oligomers of pN, numbers given between a nucleoside and a phosphate indicate the type of internucleotide linkage, e.g., pC₂ p₅C is 5-phosphorylcytidyl-(2–5)-cytidine; , cyclic dimers of pN; BAP, bacterial alkaline phosphatase; N.Pl, nuclease Pl; VPDase, venom phosphodiesterase; HPLC, high pressure liquid chromatography     

Differential stability of DNA crossovers in solution mediated by divalent cations

The assembly of DNA duplexes into higher-order structures plays a major role in many vital cellular functions such as recombination, chromatin packaging and gene regulation. However, little is currently known about the molecular structure and stability of direct DNA–DNA interactions that are required for such functions. In nature, DNA helices minimize electrostatic repulsion between double helices in several ways. Within crystals, B-DNA forms either right-handed crossovers by groove–backbone interaction or left-handed crossovers by groove–groove juxtaposition. We evaluated the stability of such crossovers at various ionic concentrations using large-scale atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Our results show that right-handed DNA crossovers are thermodynamically stable in solution in the presence of divalent cations. Attractive forces at short-range stabilize such crossover structures with inter-axial separation of helices less than 20 Å. Right-handed crossovers, however, dissociate swiftly in the presence of monovalent ions only. Surprisingly, left-handed crossovers, assembled by sequence-independent juxtaposition of the helices, appear unstable even at the highest concentration of Mg²⁺studied here. Our study provides new molecular insights into chiral association of DNA duplexes and highlights the unique role divalent cations play in differential stabilization of crossover structures. These results may serve as a rational basis to understand the role DNA crossovers play in biological processes.     

The regulation of integrin function by divalent cations

Integrins are a family of α/β heterodimeric adhesion metalloprotein receptors and their functions are highly dependent on and regulated by different divalent cations. Recently advanced studies have revolutionized our perception of integrin metal ion-binding sites and their specific functions. Ligand binding to integrins is bridged by a divalent cation bound at the MIDAS motif on top of either α I domain in I domain-containing integrins or β I domain in α I domain-less integrins. The MIDAS motif in β I domain is flanked by ADMIDAS and SyMBS, the other two crucial metal ion binding sites playing pivotal roles in the regulation of integrin affinity and bidirectional signaling across the plasma membrane. The β-propeller domain of α subunit contains three or four β-hairpin loop-like Ca²⁺-binding motifs that have essential roles in integrin biogenesis. The function of another Ca²⁺-binding motif located at the genu of α subunit remains elusive. Here, we provide an overview of the integrin metal ion-binding sites and discuss their roles in the regulation of integrin functions.     

The regulation of integrin function by divalent cations

Integrins are a family of α/β heterodimeric adhesion metalloprotein receptors and their functions are highly dependent on and regulated by different divalent cations. Recently advanced studies have revolutionized our perception of integrin metal ion-binding sites and their specific functions. Ligand binding to integrins is bridged by a divalent cation bound at the MIDAS motif on top of either α I domain in I domain-containing integrins or β I domain in α I domain-less integrins. The MIDAS motif in β I domain is flanked by ADMIDAS and SyMBS, the other two crucial metal ion binding sites playing pivotal roles in the regulation of integrin affinity and bidirectional signaling across the plasma membrane. The β-propeller domain of α subunit contains three or four β-hairpin loop-like Ca²⁺-binding motifs that have essential roles in integrin biogenesis. The function of another Ca²⁺-binding motif located at the genu of α subunit remains elusive. Here, we provide an overview of the integrin metal ion-binding sites and discuss their roles in the regulation of integrin functions.     

Influence of divalent cations upon complement-mediated enzyme release from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

The complement component, C5a provokes the selective release of granule-associated enzymes from the intact, viable cytochalasin B-treated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in the absence of phagocytosis or cellular adherence to surfaces. Consquently, in this experimental system the influence of divalent cations on these two processes can be disregarded and their effects on enzymes secretion can be studied directly. Cytochalasin B-treated PMN exposed to C5a in calcium and magnesium-free media consistently secreted significant amounts of the granule-associated enzymes, beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme. The basal secretory response was not diminished if cells were preincubated with 5.0 mM EDTA, nor was it influenced if 1.0 mm or 2.0 mM EDTA were present in the reaction mixtures. The addition of calcium (up to 1.5 to 2.0 mM) produced a concentration-dependent enhancement of beta-glucuronidase release, whereas increasing amounts of calcium (above 2.0 mM) inhibited secretion of this enzyme. Lysozyme release was similarly enhanced by the addition of calcium, but inhibition with high concentrations was not observed. Calcium per se, in the absence of C5a, provoked only the release of lysozyme from these cells. The effects of calcium upon enzyme release were not associated with alterations in the state of assembly of cytoplasmic microtubules. These findings provide another example of the role of calcium in "stimulus-secretion coupling" and provide evidence that exocytosis of various granules in human PMN is regulated by independent mechanisms involving calcium.     

The inhibition of infectivity of bacteriophage phi X174 by high-valency metal cations and cyclic polyamines.

It has been shown previously that many aliphatic polyamines and metal cations decrease the infectivity of bacteriophage phi X174 when lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli C is present. Cations of higher charge are more effective. In the present paper it is shown that certain of the metal cations and cyclic polyamines diminish phage infectivity without lipopolysaccharide. The relation of cation concentration to loss of infectivity is different for the two types of reaction. In the absence of lipopolysaccharide the inhibition increases with the charge of the cation, but that by cyclic polyamines depends also on the hydrocarbon chains and their conformation. Some characteristics of the reactions are discussed.     

Influence of divalent metal activator on the specificity of misincorporation during DNA synthesis catalyzed by DNA polymerase I of Escherichia coli

To test whether the identity of divalent metal activator affects the specificity of misincorporation during polymerization catalyzed by E. coli DNA polymerase I, we carried out the following procedure. A series of oligonucleotide primers, annealed at different positions along the lacZ region of bacteriophage M13mp9 DNA, were elongated in the presence of 3 of the 4 deoxynucleoside 5'-triphosphates (dNTPs) until one or a few misincorporations occurred in each elongated primer. The elongated primers (containing deoxynucleotide residues that had been misincorporated in the presence of either Mg2+ or Mn2+) were then isolated and sequenced by the 'dideoxy' chain termination method to determine the identity of deoxynucleoside monophosphates (dNMPs) that had been misincorporated at different template positions during the original 'minus' reactions, activated by Mg2+ or Mn2+. The results obtained by this approach revealed that both the type of misincorporation and the effect of substituting Mn2+ for Mg2+ depended on the nucleotide sequence of the template. At 40% of the template positions at which misincorporation was compared with both metal ions (8 out of 20), the identity of mispairs differed significantly for synthesis activated by Mn2+ versus Mg2+. Of these 8 sites, 4 exhibited increased transversions in the presence of Mn2+, while 4 exhibited decreased transversions with Mn2+.     

Modulation of linoleic acid-binding properties of human serum albumin by divalent metal cations

Human serum albumin (HSA) is an abundant multiligand carrier protein, linked to progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Blood HSA serves as a depot of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide. Aβ peptide-buffering properties of HSA depend on interaction with its ligands. Some of the ligands, namely, linoleic acid (LA), zinc and copper ions are involved into AD progression. To clarify the interplay between LA and metal ion binding to HSA, the dependence of LA binding to HSA on Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ levels and structural consequences of these interactions have been explored. Seven LA molecules are bound per HSA molecule in the absence of the metal ions. Zn²⁺ binding to HSA causes a loss of one bound LA molecule, while the other metals studied exert an opposite effect (1–2 extra LA molecules are bound). In most cases, the observed effects are not related to the metal-induced changes in HSA quaternary structure. However, the Zn²⁺-induced decline in LA capacity of HSA could be due to accumulation of multimeric HSA forms. Opposite to Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-binding, Zn²⁺ or Cu²⁺ association with HSA induces marked changes in its hydrophobic surface. Overall, the divalent metal ions modulate LA capacity and affinity of HSA to a different extent. LA- and Ca²⁺-binding to HSA synergistically support each other. Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ induce more pronounced changes in hydrophobic surface and quaternary structure of HSA and its LA capacity. A misbalanced metabolism of these ions in AD could modify interactions of HSA with LA, other fatty acids and hydrophobic substances, associated with AD.     

A self-cleaving DNA enzyme modified with amines, guanidines and imidazoles operates independently of divalent metal cations (M2+)

The selection of modified DNAzymes represents an important endeavor in expanding the chemical and catalytic properties of catalytic nucleic acids. Few examples of such exist and to date, there is no example where three different modified bases have been simultaneously incorporated for catalytic activity. Herein, dCTP, dATP and dUTP bearing, respectively, a cationic amine, an imidazole and a cationic guanidine, were enzymatically polymerized on a DNA template for the selection of a highly functionalized DNAzyme, called DNAzyme 9-86, that catalyzed (M²⁺)-independent self-cleavage under physiological conditions at a single ribo(cytosine)phosphodiester linkage with a rate constant of (0.134 ± 0.026) min⁻¹. A pH rate profile analysis revealed pK_a's of 7.4 and 8.1, consistent with both general acid and base catalysis. The presence of guanidinium cations permits cleavage at significantly higher temperatures than previously observed for DNAzymes with only amines and imidazoles. Qualitatively, DNAzyme 9-86 presents an unprecedented ensemble of synthetic functionalities while quantitatively it expresses one of the highest reported values for any self-cleaving nucleic acid when investigated under M²⁺-free conditions at 37°C.     

Inhibition of 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase by divalent metal ions.

OAS1 is the small form and OAS2 is the medium form of the human interferon-induced 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetases. The p42 isoform of OAS1 and the p69 isoform of OAS2 have been expressed in insect cells and purified to give pure, highly active 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase. The catalysis of 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthesis is strictly dependent on double-stranded RNA and magnesium ions. We have examined the effect of a series of divalent metal ions: copper, iron and zinc ions strongly inhibited the enzymatic activity, cobalt and nickel ions were partly inhibitory whereas calcium and manganese ions were without effect. However, manganese ions can replace magnesium ions as activator. The inhibitory effect of zinc ions was characterised in detail. The inhibitory constants of Zn(2+) were estimated to be 0.10 mM for OAS1p42 and to 0.02 mM for OAS2p69. Cross-linking experiments showed that zinc ions can control the oligomerisation by enhancing the formation of tetrameric forms of OAS1p42     

Differential Ca2+ and Sr2+ regulation of intracellular divalent cations release in ventricular myocytes

The regulation of the Ca2+ -induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from intracellular stores is a critical step in the cardiac cycle. The inherent positive feedback of CICR should make it a self-regenerating process. It is accepted that CICR must be governed by some negative control, but its nature is still debated. We explore here the importance of the Ca2+ released from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) on the mechanisms that may control CICR. Specifically, we compared the effect of replacing Ca2+ with Sr2+ on intracellular Ca2+ signaling in intact cardiac myocytes as well as on the function of single ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca2+ release channels in panar bilayers. In cells, both CICR and Sr2+ -induced Sr2+ release (SISR) were observed. Action potential induced Ca2+ -transients and spontaneous Ca2+ waves were considerably faster than their Sr2+ -mediated counterparts. However, the kinetics of Ca2+ and Sr2+ sparks was similar. At the single RyR channel level, the affinities of Ca2+ and Sr2+ activation were different but the affinities of Ca2+ and Sr2+ inactivation were similar. Fast Ca2+ and Sr2+ stimuli activated RyR channels equally fast but adaptation (a spontaneous slow transition back to steady-state activity levels) was not observed in the Sr2+ case. Together, these results suggest that regulation of the RyR channel by cytosolic Ca2+ is not involved in turning off the Ca2+ spark. In contrast, cytosolic Ca2+ is important in the propagation global Ca2+ release events and in this regard single RyR channel sensitivity to cytosolic Ca2+ activation, not low-affinity cytosolic Ca2+ inactivation, is a key factor. This suggests that the kinetics of local and global RyR-mediated Ca2+ release signals are affected in a distinct way by different divalent cations in cardiac muscle cells.     

Winding of the DNA helix by divalent metal ions.

When supercoiled pBR322 DNA was relaxed at 0 or 22 degrees C by topoisomerase I in the presence of the divalent cations Ca2+, Mn2+ or Co2+, the resulting distributions of topoisomers observed at 22 degrees C had positive supercoils, up to an average delta Lk value of +8.6 (for Ca2+at 0 degrees C), corresponding to an overwinding of the helix by 0.7 degrees/bp. An increase of the divalent cation concentration in the reaction mixture above 50 mM completely reversed the effect. When such ions were present in agarose electrophoresis gels, they caused a relaxation of positively supercoiled DNA molecules, and thus allowed a separation of strongly positively supercoiled topoisomers. The effect of divalent cations on DNA adds a useful tool for the study of DNA topoisomers, for the generation as well as separation of positively supercoiled DNA molecules.