The Nutritional Value of the Individual Nonessential Amino Acid as the Nitrogen Source in the Chick Nutrition

The nutritional values of nonessential amino acids as the nitrogen source in the crystalline amino acid diet for the chick growth were examined. The nitrogen of the nonessential amino acids in the basal diet for chick was substituted for a nonessential amino acid to be tested on the nitrogen base. The experimental methods were the same as in the evaluation of the nutritional value of d-amino acids previously reported. Nonessential amino acids were classified into four groups.

1. Very useful nitrogen source: Glutamic acid, Aspartic acid

2. Useful nitrogen source: Alanine, Diammonium citrate

3. Insufficient nitrogen source: Glycine, Proline

4. Harmful for chick growth: Serine

At the end of experiment chicks were killed and the concentration of free amino acids in the serum were measured. The concentration of glycine and serine in the serum increased when glycine was tested, but that of serine in the serum only increased when serine was tested. This result suggested the pathway from glycine to serine was fast and the opposite one was very slow.     

Amino Acid Regions of Family 45 Endoglucanases Involved in Cotton Defibrillation and in Resistance to Anionic Surfactants and Oxidizing Agents

In the detergent industry, fungal endoglucanases are used to release microfibrils from the surfaces of dyed cellulosic fabrics to enhance color brightness. Family 45 endoglucanase (glycoside hydrolase family 45, GH45) EGL3 from Humicola grisea is more resistant to anionic surfactants and oxidizing agents than family 45 endoglucanase RCE1 from Rhizopus oryzae, while in the present study, a catalytic domain of RCE1 had higher defibrillation activity on dyed cotton fabrics than did that of EGL3. To identify the amino acid regions involved in these properties, we compared the characteristics of RCE1, EGL3, and three chimeric endoglucanases, in which each of the three regions of the catalytic domain of EGL3 was replaced by the corresponding region of the catalytic domain of RCE1. Amino acids in the N-terminal region were involved in resistance to anionic surfactants and oxidizing agents. Furthermore, amino acids in the region adjacent to the N-terminal region were involved in releasing microfibrils and in binding to dyed cotton fabrics, indicating that the binding of the amino acids in this region might be important in the release of microfibrils from dyed cotton fabrics.     

Cloning, sequencing, and expression of the cellulase genes of Humicola grisea var. thermoidea

We have cloned an endoglucanase (EGI) gene and a cellobiohydrolase (CBHI) gene of Humicola grisea var. thermoidea using a portion of the Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase I gene as a probe, and determined their nucleotide sequences. The deduced amino acid sequence of EGI was 435 amino acids in length and the coding region was interrupted by an intron. The EGI lacks a hinge region and a cellulose-binding domain. The deduced amino acid sequence of CBHI was identical to the H. grisea CBHI previously reported, with the exception of three amino acids. The H. grisea EGI and CBHI show 39.8% and 37.7% identity with the T. Reesei EGI, respectively. In addition to TATA box and CAAT motifs, putative CREA binding sites were observed in the 5′ upstream regions of both genes. The cloned cellulase genes were expressed in Aspergillus oryzae and the gene products were purified. The optimal temperatures of CBHI and EGI were 60 °C and 55–60 °C, respectively. The optimal pHs of these enzymes were 5.0. CBHI and EGI had distinct substrate specificities: CBHI showed high activity toward Avicel, whereas EGI showed high activity toward carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).     

D- 型氨基酸氧化酶抑制剂的发展

D-型氨基酸氧化酶(D-Amino acid oxidase,DAAO)抑制剂可以阻止D-型氨基酸(主要是D-型丝氨酸)的降解和过氧化氢的生成,在治疗精神分裂症阴性症状和认知障碍与镇痛等方面均表现出较好的疗效。从第一个DAAO抑制剂芳香羧酸类的苯甲酸到经过烯醇互变的α-羟基酮喹类抑制剂喹诺林-2,3-二酮,DAAO抑制剂结构上总共经历了3代变化,抑制剂与酶之间的相互作用模式逐渐加强,其抑制活性升高了数万倍,脂溶性增加,酸性减弱,理化性质逐渐优化。本文就近10年DAAO抑制剂的结构发展与生物活性之间的关系进行综述。     

Structural Contribution of the Carbohydrate Moiety to the Alkaline Hydrolysis of Aryl Glycosylamine Linkages

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms of soybean protein isolate developed two peaks corresponded to 11S and 7S globulin, the denaturation temperatures of which were 93.3 and 76.5°C, respectively, with 94% water. These peaks shifted to higher temperatures with lower water contents of the sample. At 47% water, there were two peaks, at 149 and 118.7°C, and at 11% water, there was one peak at 180°C. The DSC thermogram measured during cooling and reheating gave no peak. The soybean protein isolate was heated with 24.5% water at 100°C and then mixed with more water to the water contents of 94%. This sample gave two peaks at temperatures close to those of the original soybean protein, indicating that the soybean protein was not denatured at temperatures even above 100°C when the water content was low.     

Purification and biochemical characterization of β-xylosidase from Humicola grisea var. thermoidea

Abstract β-d-Xylosidase production was maximal for Humicola grisea var. thermoidea grown on xylan as the sole carbon source. The main β-d-xylosidase activity was localised in the periplasm. β-Xylosidase was purified from crude extracts by heat treatment, ammonium sulfate precipitation and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100. The purified enzyme was a monomer of molecular mass estimated to be 43 kDa by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration. Optima of pH and temperature were 6.0 and 50 °C, respectively. The enzyme activity was stimulated by Ca²⁺, Fe²⁺, and Mg²⁺. The purified β-xylosidase did not exhibit xylanase, carboxymethylcelullase, galactosidase, glucosidase, fucosidase or arabinosidase activities. The purified β-xylosidase hydrolysed xylobiose and xylo-oligosaccharides of up to five monosaccharide units. The enzyme had a K _m of 0.49 mM for p -nitrophenyl- β -d-xylopyranoside and was not inhibited by its product, xylose.     

The Nonessentiality of Glycine and the Essentiality of L-Proline in the Chick Nutrition

2-Methylpiperazino[1, 2-a]indole-6, 9-diones were synthesized as the analogues of mitomycin antibiotics. The compounds prepared from 2-carbethoxy-5-methoxyindole showed antibacterial activities.     

Synergistic activity of Paenibacillus sp. BP-23 cellobiohydrolase Cel48C in association with the contiguous endoglucanase Cel9B and with endo- or exo-acting glucanases from Thermobifida fusca

Cellobiohydrolase Cel48C from Paenibacillus sp. BP-23, an enzyme displaying limited activity on most cellulosic substrates, was assayed for activity in the presence of other bacterial endo- or exocellulases. Significant enhanced activity was observed when Cel48C was incubated in the presence of Paenibacillus sp. BP-23 endoglucanase Cel9B or Thermobifida fusca cellulases Cel6A and Cel6B, indicating that Cel48C acts synergistically with them. Maximum synergism rates on bacterial microcrystalline cellulose or filter paper were obtained with a mixture of Paenibacillus cellulases Cel9B and Cel48C, accompanied by T. fusca exocellulase Cel6B. Synergism was also observed in cell extracts from recombinant clone E. coli pUCel9-Cel48 expressing the two contiguous Paenibacillus cellulases Cel9B and Cel48C. The enhanced cellulolytic activity displayed by the cellulase mixtures assayed could be used as an efficient tool for biotechnological applications like pulp and paper manufacturing.     

D型氨基酸氧化酶活性对于D-硝基精氨酸手性转化的影响

D-硝基精氨酸(D-NNA)可在大鼠体内发生手性转化生成其L型异构体,即L-NNA,后者可抑制一氧化氮合酶活性,减少一氧化氮生成,升高动脉血压.研究了D型氨基酸氧化酶(DAAO)在D-NNA手性转化中的作用及DAAO对不同(包括已报道在体内可发生手型转化的)D型氨基酸的选择活性.体内实验显示,DAAO的选择性抑制剂苯甲酸钠(400mg/kg)或肌酐(400mg/kg)均可在不同程度上抑制D-NNA升压作用,进一步研究发现,肾脏或肝脏DAAO酶液在外加DAAO后可提高D-NNA的手性转化约2倍,表明DAAO对于D-NNA在体内的手性转化是必需的.DAAO酶液对可在体内发生手性转化且转化率相似(30%～50%)的D型氨基酸(D-Phe,D-Leu和D-NNA)的选择性表现出显著差异(Kcat/Km相差可达约15倍左右),这从另一方面表明体内D-硝基精氨酸氧化是其发生手性转化的前提条件但非决定因素.     

Distribution of Acid Phosphatase in Chick Hensen's Node

Acid phosphatase distribution and yolk drop infrastructure in Hensen's node of chick blastoderm at Hamburger-Hamilton stages 3 and 4 are described. At stage 3 large deposits of the reaction product are localised in type-A yolk drops, where signs of intensive degradation are seen. It seems that during this degradation lipid droplets are being formed in the degrading yolk drops. Partly digested yolk drops with a vesicular appearance are extruded from the cells, especially in deeper layers of the node. The phosphatase reaction product is also distributed into intercellular spaces. At stage 4 the cells of the node are more vacuolated and contain acid phosphatase and electron-dense yolk drops in lesser amounts. The possible physiological role of acid phosphatase in Hensen's node during g'astrulation is discussed.     

Enzymology of cellulose degradation

In the last few years there has been a considerable improvement in the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the microbial degradation of cellulose, but there are still many uncertainties. As presently understood, it would appear that different mechanisms may operate in the various types of microorganism. Thus degradation of crystalline cellulose is effected by anaerobic bacteria by large Ca-dependent and thiol-dependent multicomponent endoglucanase-containing complexes (cellulosomes) located on concerted action of endo- and exo-glucanases which act some distance from the cell which renders cellulose soluble. All of the endo- and exo-glucanases possess a bifunctional domain structure: one contains the catalytic site, the other is involved in binding the enzyme to crystalline cellulose.     

The Synthesis of Hyaluronic Acid by Ectoderm During Early Organogenesis in the Chick Embryo

This study demonstrates that the dorsal ectoderm of the stage 14 chick embryo synthesizes hyaluronic acid. About 49 to 52% of the H³ glucosamine-labeled glycosaminoglycan that is synthesized by explanted ectoderm can be identified as hyaluronic acid on the basis of its susceptibility to Streptomyces hyaluronidase or isolation of chondroitinase ABC digestion products. In addition, autoradiographic evidence shows that the ectoderm, unlike adjacent tissues like epithelial somites or neural tube, incorporates glucosamine into hyaluronidase-sensitive material which becomes largely extracellular and localized in the subectodermal cell-free space. Ultrastructural evidence shows that there is a fine fibrillar matrix between the ectodermal cells and in the subectodermal spaces when tannic acid is included in the primary fixative. This material resembles authentic hyaluronate, similarly fixed, and is absent when tannic acid is omitted from the fixative or when embryos have been previously treated in ovo with Streptomyces hyaluronidase. The concomitant reduction in the intercellular and subectodermal cell-free spaces after in ovo treatment with Streptomyces hyaluronidase supports the hypothesis that the dorsal ectoderm plays a morphogenetic role by contributing hyaluronate to the forming extracellular spaces. It is proposed that ectodermally derived hyaluronate might influence the morphogenesis of subjacent tissues such as the dermatome and neural crest.     

华南主要野生蔬菜氨基酸含量及营养价值评价

通过分析华南地区八种主要野生蔬菜的氨基酸含量,对其氨基酸营养进行评价,并和菜心进行对比,发现八种野生蔬菜除不含胱氨酸外,其它氨基酸含量均很丰富,是有利用人体氨基酸营养平衡的天然绿色食品。     

RNA干涉在提高植物营养价值上的应用

RNA干涉(RNAi)是由具同源性的外源dsRNA引起的序列特异性转录后基因沉默现象,广泛存在于各种动、植物中。人类大多数疾病,像心脏病和癌症,都能够通过食用添加具有特殊营养成分养的饮食来预防。应用RNAi技术可为人和动物提高植物的营养价值。     

Enzymatic transformations of cellulose assessed by quantitative high-throughput fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (QHT-FTIR)

Enzymatic hydrolysis of bacterial microcrystalline cellulose was performed with the thermophile enzyme system of Thermobifida fusca Cel5A (a classical endocellulase), Cel6B (a classical exocellulase), Cel9A (a processive endoglucanase), and a synergistic mixture of endo- and exocellulases. Different concentrations of enzymes were used to vary the extent of hydrolysis. Following standardization, the concentration of cellulose was directly correlated to the absorbance of the cellulose signals. Crystallinity indexes (Lateral Order Index (LOI), Total Crystallinity Index, Hydrogen Bonding Index), allomorphic composition, conversion of specific atomic bonds (including the β-glucosidic bonds) were extracted from the spectral data obtained by QHT-FTIR. By quantifying the disruption of the H-bonding in complement to the sugar production, a more dynamic and complex picture of the role of cellulases in the hydrolysis of cellulose was demonstrated. The disruption of the H-bonding within the cellulose matrix appears as a quantifiable activity of the enzymes which was not correlated with the production of sugars in solution. The results also demonstrate that Cel9A activities from the cellulose transformation standpoint were partially similar to the activities of the synergistic mixture. In addition, Cel9A preferentially degraded the I(α) fraction of the crystalline cellulose while the Cel5A and Cel6B synergistic mixture preferentially degraded the I(β) fraction.     

Two noncellulosomal cellulases of Clostridium thermocellum, Cel9I and Cel48Y, hydrolyse crystalline cellulose synergistically

The genome of Clostridium thermocellum contains a number of genes for polysaccharide degradation-associated proteins that are not cellulosome bound. The list includes beta-glucanases, glycosidases, chitinases, amylases and a xylanase. One of these 'soluble'-enzyme genes codes for a second glycosyl hydrolase (GH)48 cellulase, Cel48Y, which was expressed in Escherichia coli and biochemically characterized. It is a cellobiohydrolyse with activity on native cellulose such as microcrystalline and bacterial cellulose, and low activity on carboxymethylcellulose. It is about 100 times as active on amorphic cellulose and mixed-linkage barley beta-glucan compared with cellulase Cel9I. The enzyme Cel48Y shows a distinct synergism of 2.1 times with the noncellulosomal processive endoglucanase Cel9I on highly crystalline bacterial cellulose at a 17-fold excess of Cel48Y over Cel9I. These data show that C. thermocellum has, besides the cellulosome, the genes for a second cellulase system for the hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose that is not particle bound.