Mechanism of action of α-galactosidase

The effect ofpH on K_m and V_max values of coconut α-galactosidase indicates the involvement of two ionizing groups with pK_a values of 3.5 and 6.5 in catalysis. Chemical modification has indicated the presence of two carboxyl groups, a tryptophan and a tyrosine, at or near the active site of α-galactosidase. Based on these facts a new mechanism of action for α-galactosidase is proposed in which the ionizing group with a pK_a of 3.5 is a carboxyl group involved in stabilizing a carbonium ion intermediate and the ionizing group with a pK_a of 6.5 is a carboxyl group perturbed due to the presence of a hydrophobic residues in its vicinity which donates a H⁺ ion in catalysis.     

Potentiometric neutralization of oligomers represented by the general formula shown was studied. II (author's transl)

Potentiometric neutralization of oligomers represented by the general formula shown was studied. The intrinsic pK of carboxyl function was found to be 4.40 at 25°C; the variation of the apparent pK_a, ΔK(α), was studied as a function of the degree of neutralization: the influence of the degree of neutralization on the accumulation of ionic sites along the chain is clearly shown. The experimental curves of polyglutamic acid allowed us to deduce the sequence of ionic selectivity and the energy of conformational transition. The theoretical interpretation of the results was proposed in terms of the rod like model from Katchalsky's theory. The intrinsic pK_o for the polymer was set equal to the value experimentally obtained on oligomers. By activity measurements on Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ counterions in salt-free solutions, the free fraction of counterions was deduced on the different samples. The results were interpreted with the electrostatic model previously proposed; in this view, the oligomers are assimilated to imaginary polyelectrolytes. This allowed us to determine the values of ΔpK and the fraction of free ions at the same time.     

Effect of ionic strength on the pKa of ligands bound to DNA

The pK_a of 3,8-diamino-6-phenyl-phenanthridine (DAPP), a nonquaternary analog of ethidium bromide, has been determined spectrophotometrically as a function of sodium ion concentration both free in solution and complexed to DNA. Unwinding angle determinations with this compound were determined with Col El DNA using ethidium bromide as a standard. The unwinding angle for DAPP was 24 ± 2° relative to 26° for ethidium, and this suggests that DAPP binds in a manner quite similar to ethidium and with no significant outside bound DAPP under these experimental conditions. Isobestic behavior was obtained on spectrophotometric pH titration above pH 5 as long as the ratio of DNA-phosphate to ligand was between 100 and 300 and the DNA phosphate concentration was approximately 0.01M or greater. The loss of isosbestic behavior which occurred below pH 5 is probably due to titration of the 8 amino group of the ligand complexed to DNA. To circumvent this problem, pK_a values and the extinction coefficient of the acidic species were both determined by a computer program using experimental data obtained above pH 5. The pK_a of the free compound has only a minor dependence on ionic strength, while the pK_a of the ligand bound to DNA in an intercalated complex depends strongly on the sodium ion concentration. The pK_a of the DAPP-DNA complex is a linear function of –log[Na⁺] as predicted by the ion-condensation theory of polyelectrolytes. It was determined that DAPP is essentially completely bound to DNA under the conditions of these experiments by (1) determination of apparent pK_a values as a function of total DNA concentration, (2) calculation of binding constants for the neutral species of DAPP, and (3) spectral analysis of the protonated and neutral species of DAPP bound to DNA relative to DAPP free in solution. These results support the ion-condensation theory; provide an independent method for measuring ψ*, the average number of counterions associated per phosphate of DNA in the intercalated conformation; and illustrate that there are no specific pH effects or absolute pK_a values for ligands bound to DNA, but only ionic-strength-dependent results.     

Identification of Ionizable Groups Essential to the Activity of Isomalto-dextranase from Arthrobacter globiformis

The active site of isomalto-dextranase from Arthrobacter globiformis was investigated by kinetic and chemical-modification methods. The ionization constants, pK_e1 and pK_e2, of the essential ionizable groups 1 and 2 of the free enzyme were 3.3 and 6.3 for dextran T2000 and 3.5 and 6.1 for isomaltotriose. The pK_el and pK_e2 both shifted to higher pH when the dielectric constant of the reaction mixture decreased. The heats of ionization for groups 1 and 2 were 0 kcal/mol or less with both substrates. These kinetic results suggested that the ionizable groups essential for the enzyme activity were carboxyl and carboxylate. Modification with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide, modifying carboxyl residues specifically, resulted in inactivation of the enzyme, and isomaltotriose protected the enzyme against such inactivation. These findings also indicated that the carboxyl groups were essential to the enzyme activity.     

Ionization behavior of proteins. I. Spectral titration of the tyrosyl groups of chymotrypsinogen and nitrated-chymotrypsinogen

The ionization constants of the tyrosyl groups of chymotrypsinogen and of nitrated-chymotrypsinogen (two tyrosyl residues nitrated) have been determined by difference spectrophotometry. In chymotrypsinogen, two of the four tyrosyl groups ionize without any time dependence. Above pH greater than ca. 12.5, time-dependent spectral changes are seen for 0.7 group equivalent. The data can be fitted to the values of pK′₁ 9.75 ± 0.07, pK′₂ 11.55 ± 0.05, pK′₃ 13.30 ± 0.05. In nitrated-chymotrypsinogen, the two nitrated tyrosyl residues have pK′₁ 6.44 and pK′₂ 8.30. For both proteins, these pK′ values are in agreement with those evaluated from potentiometric titration and calorimetric data using computer-assisted curve-fitting analysis.     

Ionization behavior of proteins. II. Chymotrypsinogen and its group-modified derivatives: Study of their ionization characteristics by potentiometric and calorimetric titration

Chymotrypsinogen, nitrated chymotrypsinogen (two of the four tyrosyls nitrated), acetylated chymotrypsinogen (all amino groups blocked), and nitrated-acetylated chymotrypsinogen were titrated as f(pH) in an isoperibolic calorimeter at 20°C. After appropriate correction and reduction of both the potentiometric and thermal titration data, the parameters N (ionizable groups per group-set), pK′, and ΔH_i (heat of ionization) were evaluated using the iterative curve-fitting algorithm of the MLAB computer program. The pK′ parameters so obtained for the two normally ionizing tyrosyl groups in chymotrypsinogen and the two nitrated tyrosyl groups in the nitrated proteins essentially agreed with the results of spectral titration. Excellent fits to all data could be obtained using evaluated parameter sets of N and pK′ for the potentiometric titration data (groups vs pH plots) and N, pK′, and ΔH_i sets for the calorimetric data (total heat vs pH plots). The invocation of electrostatic interaction effects was not required to explain the data satisfactorily, despite the differences in charge number and type among the four proteins. Rather, the data can be represented by series expressions of the mass-action law. Using all information, viz., the consequences of functional group modification, the downscale shift in tyrosyl group pK's on nitration, and the numerical values of the evaluated N, pK′, and ΔH_i parameter sets for all proteins, the chemical identity of the various classes of group sets can be assigned with reasonable assurance.     

1H nuclear magnetic resonance studies of histidine-containing di- and tripeptides. Estimation of the effects of charged groups on the pKa value of the imidazole ring.

The nmr titration curves of chemical shifts versus pH were observed for the protons of various histidine-containing di- and tripeptides. With these results, the macroscopic pK_a values and the chemical shifts intrinsic to each ionic species were determined by a computer curve-fitting based on a simple acid dissociation sequence. The pK_a value of the imidazole ring in N-acetyl-L -histidine methylamide was assumed to represent the intrinsic (or unperturbed) pK_a of the imidazole rings of histidine having peptide linkages at both the CO and NH sides. The pK_a values of the imidazole rings observed for most di- and tripeptides were reasonably reproduced by simple calculations using the intrinsic value and the perturbations due to the CO₂^? and NH₃⁺ groups located at various positions. Some other factors affecting the pK_a value of the imidazole ring are also discussed.     

Ion-exchange properties of cell walls of red seaweed <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllophora crispa</Emphasis>

Research into ion-exchange properties of cell walls isolated from thallus of red seaweed Phyllophora crispa was carried out. Ion-exchange capacity and the swelling coefficient of the red alga cell walls were estimated at various pH values (from 2 to 12) and at constant ionic strength of a solution (10 mM). It was established that behavior of cell walls as ion-exchangers is caused by the presence in their matrix of two types of cation-exchange groups and amino groups. The amount of the functional group of each type was estimated, and the corresponding values of pK _a were calculated. It can be assumed that ionogenic groups with pK _a ∼5 are carboxyl groups of uronic acids, and ionogenic groups with pK _a ∼7.5 are carboxyl groups of the proteins. Intervals of pH in which cation-exchange groups are ionized and can take part in exchange reactions with cations in the environment are defined. It was found that protein was a major component of cell wall polymeric matrix because its content was 36%.     

Liposomes as a Model for the Biological Membrane: Studies on Daunorubicin Bilayer Interaction

In this study the interaction of the antitumoral drug daunorubicin with egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) liposomes, used as a cell membrane model, was quantified by determination of the partition coefficient (K _p). The liposome/aqueous-phase K _p of daunorubicin was determined by derivative spectrophotometry and measurement of the zeta-potential. Mathematical models were used to fit the experimental data, enabling determination of K _p. In the partition of daunorubicin within the membrane both superficial electrostatic and inner hydrophobic interactions seem to be involved. The results are affected by the two types of interaction since spectrophotometry measures mainly hydrophobic interactions, while zeta-potential is affected by both interpenetration of amphiphilic charged molecules in the bilayer and superficial electrostatic interaction. Moreover, the degree of the partition of daunorubicin with the membrane changes with the drug concentration, due mainly to saturation factors. Derivative spectrophotometry and zeta-potential variation results, together with the broad range of concentrations studied, revealed the different types of interactions involved. The mathematical formalism applied also allowed quantification of the number of lipid molecules associated with one drug molecule.     

Helix–coil transition for poly(L-glutamic acid) in water–ethanol solutions

Potentiometric titrations and some complementary optical rotation data are presented for solutions of poly(L - glutamic acid) (PGA) in several H₂O–ethanol mixtures. The data allow the determination of the intrinsic pK (pK₀), slope of the apparent. pK (pK_app), versus degree of ionization curves and of the enthalpy of ionization as a function of ethanol concentration. The variation of the degree of ionization at which the helix–coil transformation occurs with ethanol and temperature is also determined. Finally free energy, enthalpy, and intropy changes associated with the helix–coil transformation for the uncharged conformers are determined from the titration curves. The effect of the ethanol is to increase the stability of the helical conformation of PGA for both the charged and the uncharged forms of the polymer. The stabilization of the uncharged helix is essentially an entropic effect.     

Analysis of the ionization constants and heats of ionization of reduced and oxidized horse heart cytochrome c

Simultaneous curve fitting for the ionization parameters of oxidized and reduced horse heart cytochrome c in 0.15M KCl and 20°C yields values for the ionization constants (as pK′) and the heats of ionization (ΔH_i) which can reconstruct either the potentiometric or thermal titration curves. Reduced cytochrome c requires 8 sets of groups, whereas oxidized cytochrome c requires 10 sets of groups. The additional groups in the oxidized preparation appear to involve the ferriheme (pK′, 9.25; ΔH_i, 13.7 kcal/mol) and a tyrosine (pK′ ? 10.24) that is not present in the reduced form. The potentiometric and thermal difference curves (reduced – oxidized) involve the appearance of 17 kcal/mol centered at pH 9.7 and 5.8 kcal/mol centered at pH 4.9. The carboxyl groups in both species appear to be normal for the hydrogen-bonded form. Only one histidine has normal ionization properties (pK′, 6.7; ΔH_i, 7.5 kcal/mol), as do 17 of the lysine residues (pK′, 10.8; ΔH_i, 11.5 kcal/mol).     

Fluorescence and absorption studies of DNA–Pd(II) complex interaction: Synthesis,spectroanalytical investigations and biological activities

Novel palladium(II) complexes ( 7a–7e ) of substituted quinoline derivatives were synthesized. The complexes were characterized using various techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis, conductance measurement, mass, absorption, infra‐red (IR), ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Complexes for herring sperm DNA (HS DNA) binding were explored and absorption titration and the binding constant (K_b) as well as Gibb's free energy were evaluated. Complex 7d exhibited the highest binding constant, therefore the thermodynamic parameters of 7d at different temperatures were evaluated. To support the results of the absorption titration, fluorescence titration, viscosity measurement and molecular docking studies were performed. The fluorescence quenching data as evaluated from Stern–Volmer equation were used to calculate K_SV, K_f and the number of binding sites. The results of all these studies were in good agreement with the absorption study. DNA electrophoretic mobility was performed to explore the possible application of metal complexes as artificial metallonucleases. The antibacterial activity of the complexes was accessed against different pathogenic bacteria and cytotoxicity was measured using brine shrimp and S. pombe.     

Structure of Bovine κ-Casein: Spectrophotometric Titration and Molecular Size Changes in Alkaline Solution

The ionization of tyrosyl groups in bovine κ-casein and S-carboxyamidomethyl-κ-casein (CAM-κ) was studied by spectrophotometric titration at 295 mµ. In the denaturing solvent 8 m urea, the titration curves are reversible and the pK_app values of eight tyrosyl groups both in κ-casein and in CMA-κ-casein are 10.7. In 0.2 m KCl solution, κ-casein has six tyrosyl groups with normal pK_app value of 10.5 and two groups with higher pK_app value of 11.4. CAM-κ-casein has eight tyrosyl groups with pK_app value of 10.6 in 0.2 m KCl solution. These observations suggest that -S-S- bondings in κ-casein are concerned with the ‘masking’ of the tyrosyl groups. The evidence of the rupture of intermolecular -S-S- bondings of κ-casein in alkaline solution was shown by the study of gel Chromatograph y on Sephadex G–150. One of the possible explanation is that the ionization of tyrosyl groups with higher pK_app value is associated with the destruction of hydrophobic regions, and this destruction is due to the rupture of intermolecular -S-S- bondings under alkaline conditions.     

Characterisation of acidic sites of Pseudomonas biomass capable of binding protons and cadmium and removal of cadmium via biosorption

Summary The ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to accumulate Cd(II) ions from wastewater industries was experimentally investigated and mathematically modelled. From the potentiometric titration and non-ideal competitive analysis (NICA) model, it was found that the biomass contains three acidic sites. The values of proton binding (pK _i =1.66±3.26×10⁻³, 1.92±1.63×10⁻⁴ and 2.16±3.79×10⁻⁴) and binding constant of cadmium metal ions (pK _M1=1.99±2.45×10⁻³ and pK _M2=1.67±4.08×10⁻³) on the whole surface of biomass showed that protonated functional groups and biosorption of Cd(II) ions could be attributed to a monodentate binding to one acidic site, mainly the carboxylic group. From the isothermal sorption experimental data and Langmuir model, it was also found that the value of Langmuir equilibrium (pK _f) constant is 2.04±2.1×10⁻⁵ suggesting that the carboxyl group is the main active binding site. In addition, results showed that the maximum cadmium capacity (q _max) and affinity of biomass towards cadmium metal ions (b) at pH 5.1 and 20 min were 96.5±0.06 mg/g and 3.40×10⁻³± 2.10×10⁻³, respectively. Finally, interfering metal ions such as Pb(II), Cu(II), Cr(III), Zn(II), Fe(II), Mn(II), Ca(II) and Mg(II) inhibited Cd(II) uptake. Comparing the biosorption of Cd(II) by various Pseudomonas isolates from contaminated environment samples (soil and sewage treatment plant) showed that maximum capacities and equilibrium times were different, indicating that there was a discrepancy in the chemical composition between biomasses of different strains.     

The One-Electron Reduction Potential of 3-Amino-1, 2, 4-benzotriazine 1, 4-dioxide (Tirapazamine): A Hypoxia-Selective Bioreductive Drug

The one-electron reduction potential of 3-amino-l, 2, 4-benzotriazine 1, 4-dioxide, tirapazamine (SR 4233) in aqueous solution has been determined by pulse radiol-ysis. Reversible electron transfer was achieved between radiolytically-generated one-electron reduced radicals of tirapazamine (T), and quinones or benzyl viologen as redox standards. The reduction potential E_m7(T/T^±) was -0.45 ± 0.01 V vs. NHE at pH 7. From the pH dependence of the reduction potential, pK_a = 5.6 ± 0.2 was estimated for the tirapazamine radical, a value similar to the pK_a determined by other methods.     

Characterization and determination of titratable groups of proteins by linearization of titration curves. II. Application to lysozyme

The potentiometric acid-base titration curve of fully protonated lysozyme at ionic strengths of 0.10 and 1.0 m has been performed. The stoichiometry and the pK_a values of each titratable group have been determined through the linearization of titration curves. Two types of carboxylic groups with pK_a values of 3.76 and 5.02, the imidazole group with pK_a 7.37 and the amine group with pK_a 9.63, have been identified at an ionic strength of 0.10 m at 25.0°C. The number of titratable groups found per mole of protein has been 5.12 and 5.60 for the two types of carboxylic groups, 1.13 for the imidazole group, and 3.19 for the amino groups. The endpoint of the titration of the protein obtained by this method accords quite well with the endpoint obtained by the use of Gran function applied to the excess of strong base.     

Interaction between Polyoxin and Active Center of Chitin Synthetase

Various derivatives of polyoxin C, other polyoxins and several uridine analogues have been known as competitive inhibitors of chitin-UDP acetylglucosaminyitransferase (EC 2.4.1.16, chitin synthetase). Their inhibitory activities were more or less dependent on pH. The variation of inhibitor constants Ki or Michaelis-Menten parameters Km and V with pH was investigated and the data obtained were plotted according to the method proposed by Dixon et al. From the results of the pKi-pH plots for the above competitive inhibitors, it was concluded that the ionized amino group at C?2″ position acted a very important role for the binding of polyoxins to chitin synthetase. The carbonyl oxygen atoms at C?1″ and of the carbamoyloxy group probably participated in the hydrogen bond formation with the enzyme. And pH scarcely influenced on the interaction between the carboxyl group at C?5″ and the enzyme. The results of the Dixon plots for variations of Km and V with pH suggested that an unionized imidazole group (pK_a = 6.3) and an ionized amino group (pK_a = 7.7) of chitin synthetase were concerned in the enzyme reaction.     

Ion exchange properties of plant root cell walls

Acid-base properties and the swelling capacity of wheat, lupin and pea root cell walls were investigated. Roots of seedlings and green plants of different age were analysed by the potentiometric method. The ion exchange capacity (S _i) and the swelling coefficient (K ^cw) of root cell walls were estimated at various pH values (from 2 to 12) and at different ionic strength (between 0.3 and 1000 mM). To analyse the polysigmoid titration curves pH_i = f (S _i), the Gregor's equation was employed. It was shown that the Gregor's model fits well the experimental data. The total number of the cation exchange (S _t ^cat) and the anion exchange (S _t ^an) groups were determined in the root cell walls. The number of the functional group of each type (S ^j) was estimated, and the corresponding values of pK _a ^j were calculated. It was shown that for all types of cation exchangeable groups arranged in the cell wall structure the acid properties are enhanced by the increasing concentration of electrolyte. For each ionogenic group the coefficients of Helfferich's equation [pK _a ^j = f (C ^K+)] were determined. It was found that the swelling of root cell walls changes with pH, C ^K+ and strongly depends on plant species. Within the experimental pH and C ^K+ range the swelling coefficient changes as follows: lupin > pea > wheat. The obtained results show that for the plant species under investigation the differences in the swelling coefficients originate from (a) the differences in the cross-linking degrees of polymeric chains arranged in the cell wall structure, (b) the differences in the number of carboxyl groups and (c) the differences in the total number of functional groups. Based on the estimated swelling coefficients in water it could be inferred that for wheat the cross-linking degree of the polymeric chains in the root cell walls is higher than those for lupin or pea. It has been emphasized that the calculated parameters (S ^j, pK _a ^j, K ^cw), the equation {pK _a ^j = f (C^K+)} and the dependencies {K ^cw = f (C^K+, pH)} allow to estimate quantitatively the changes in the ion exchange capacity of the root cell walls in response to the changes in an ionic composition of an outer solution. The results of these estimations allow to suggest that (a) the root apoplast is a compartment where the accumulation of cations takes place during the first stage of cation uptake from an outer medium, and (b) the accumulation degree is defined by pH and ionic composition of an outer solution. On the basis of the literature review and the results of the present experimental study it was proposed that the changes in the cell wall swelling in response to variances of environmental or experimental conditions could lead to a change of the water flow through a root apoplast. It has been supported that there is direct relationship between the swelling of root cell walls and the water flow within the plant root apoplast.     

Cause of the abnormal acidity of ionogenic groups of the lysozyme active center in cell wall lysis <Emphasis Type="Italic">Micrococcus lysodeicticus</Emphasis>

The influence of pH within the range 6.9–10.0 on the kinetic parameters of Micrococcus lysodeicticus cell lysis catalyzed by hen egg lysozyme has been studied at 25°C and 37°C. The effective pK _b values have been calculated for the group determining lysozyme catalytic activity. The ΔH _ion value indicates that this group is a carboxyl, although its pK (9.15 at 25°C) is far beyond the range characteristic of carboxylic groups. The cause of this abnormal pK _b value is supposed to be the strong negative charge of the bacterial cell wall. As a result, the enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of N-acetylglucosamine-N-acetylmuramic acid copolymer, operates in a highly acidic microenvironment.     

Lipase-catalyzed condensation of p-methoxyphenethyl alcohol and carboxylic acids with different steric and electrical properties in acetonitrile

The substrate selectivity of Candida antarctica lipase for various carboxylic acids was systematically investigated for their condensation with p-methoxyphenethyl alcohol in acetonitrile. The electron density of a carboxylic carbon and the projection area of an acid molecule were numerical indicators for evaluating the substrate selectivity. Both the electron density and projection area had an influence on the V/K _m value, while only the projection area affected the K _m value. The presence of conjugation with a carboxyl group in an acid and a branched structure in the non-carboxylic region independently lowered the V/K _m value by an order of 1.