Ternary complex formation of pig heart lactate dehydrogenase with spin-labelled coenzyme and inhibitors as studied by electron spin resonance.

The formation of ternary inhibitor and 'dead end' complexes of pig heart lactate dehydrogenase (L-lactate:NAD+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.27) was studied by means of two NAD derivatives, spin-labelled at N6 and C-8 of the adenine ring. Dissociation constants calculated for the inhibitors oxamate and oxalate from their corresponding ternary complexes are in excellent agreement with data from literature derived from sedimentation experiments. However, the recently postulated enzyme-NADH-sulfite complex was not observed. The mobility of the spin-label, i.e. the protein conformation near the adenine binding pocket in various ternary complexes depends on the type of inhibition or substrate employed.     

Noncovalent interactions in ternary complexes of spermine and copper(II) with adenosine 5'-triphosphate and tripolyphosphate

Thermodynamic characteristics pertinent to the formation equilibria of two ternary systems: 1) Copper(II), 4,9-diazadodecane-1,12-diamine (spermine, Spe), and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and 2) Copper(II), Spe, and tripolyphosphate (TPP) have been determined by means of potentiometric and calorimetric techniques, together with the parent binary complex characteristics. Ternary complexes involving ATP can give information useful in the interpretation of bioenergetic reactions and of biological interactions between nucleic acids and polyamines. As a model system, the TPP-containing ternary complexes have been studied, together with the parent binary complexes. The thermodynamic study of these systems is very important because it can give information about the structural environment of the complexes; moreover, it can help in outlining different noncovalent interactions such as coulombic forces and hydrogen bonds.     

Interaction between the Msh2 and Msh6 Nucleotide-binding Sites in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Msh2-Msh6 Complex

Indirect evidence has suggested that the Msh2-Msh6 mispair-binding complex undergoes conformational changes upon binding of ATP and mispairs, resulting in the formation of Msh2-Msh6 sliding clamps and licensing the formation of Msh2-Msh6-Mlh1-Pms1 ternary complexes. Here, we have studied eight mutant Msh2-Msh6 complexes with defective responses to nucleotide binding and/or mispair binding and used them to study the conformational changes required for sliding clamp formation and ternary complex assembly. ATP binding to the Msh6 nucleotide-binding site results in a conformational change that allows binding of ATP to the Msh2 nucleotide-binding site, although ATP binding to the two nucleotide-binding sites appears to be uncoupled in some mutant complexes. The formation of Msh2-Msh6-Mlh1-Pms1 ternary complexes requires ATP binding to only the Msh6 nucleotide-binding site, whereas the formation of Msh2-Msh6 sliding clamps requires ATP binding to both the Msh2 and Msh6 nucleotide-binding sites. In addition, the properties of the different mutant complexes suggest that distinct conformational states mediated by communication between the Msh2 and Msh6 nucleotide-binding sites are required for the formation of ternary complexes and sliding clamps.     

ATP hydrolysis-dependent formation of a dynamic ternary nucleoprotein complex with MutS and MutL.

Functional interactions of Escherichia coli MutS and MutL in mismatch repair are dependent on ATP. In this study, we show that MutS and MutL associate with immobilised DNA in a manner dependent on ATP hydrolysis and with an ATP concentration near the solution K m of the ATPase of MutS. After removal of MutS, MutL and ATP, much of the protein in this ternary complex is not stably associated, with MutL leaving the complex more rapidly than MutS. The rapid dissociation reveals a dynamic interaction with concurrent rapid association and dissociation of proteins from the DNA. Analysis by surface plasmon resonance showed that the DNA interacting with dynamically bound protein was more resistant to nuclease digestion than the DNA in MutS-DNA complexes. Non-hydrolysable analogs of ATP inhibit the formation of this dynamic complex, but permit formation of a second type of ternary complex with MutS and MutL stably bound to the immobilised DNA.     

Circular dichroism and circular polarization of luminescence of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in solution and bound to dehydrogenases.

The CD (circular dichroism) and CPL (circular polarization of luminescence) spectra of NADPH in aqueous solution were studied and found to be markedly different. The spectra were not affected by cleavage of the coenzyme molecule with phosphodiesterase. The differences are thus not due to the existence of extended and folded conformations of NADPH and it is concluded that they originate in excited state conformational changes of the nicotinamide--ribose fragment. Opposite signs of both the CD and CPL spectra were observed for NADH bound to horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase and to beef heart lactate dehydrogenase indicating structural differences between the nicotinamide binding sites. The binding of substrate analogues to enzyme--coenzyme complexes did not affect the CD spectra and hence no significant conformational changes are induced upon formation of the ternary complexes. No changes in the CPL spectrum of NADH bound to lactate dehydrogenase were observed upon adding oxalate to form the ternary complex. Marked differences were found between the CPL spectra of binary and ternary complexes with liver alcohol dehydrogenase, while the CD spectra of these complexes were identical. It is concluded that a conformational change of the excited NADH molecule occurs in the binary but not in the ternary complex involving LADH, thus indicating an increased rigidity of the latter complex.     

Intramolecular stacking interactions in ternary copper(II) complexes formed by a heteroaromatic amine and 9-[2-(2-phosphonoethoxy)ethyl]adenine, a relative of the antiviral nucleotide analogue 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]adenine

The stability constants of the mixed-ligand complexes formed between Cu(Arm)2+, where Arm=2,2'-bipyridine (Bpy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen), and the dianions of 9-[2-(2-phosphonoethoxy)ethyl]adenine (PEEA2-) and (2-phosphonoethoxy)ethane (PEE2-), also known as [2-(2-ethoxy)ethyl]phosphonate, were determined by potentiometric pH titrations in aqueous solution (25 degrees C; I=0.1 M, NaNO3). The ternary Cu(Arm)(PEEA) complexes are considerably more stable than the corresponding Cu(Arm)(R-PO3) species, where R-PO3(2-) represents a phosph(on)ate ligand with a group R that is unable to participate in any kind of interaction within the complexes. The increased stability is attributed to intramolecular stack formation in the Cu(Arm)(PEEA) complexes and also, to a smaller extent, to the formation of 6-membered chelates involving the ether oxygen atom present in the -CH2-O-CH2-CH2-PO3(2-) residue of PEEA2-. This latter interaction is separately quantified by studying the ternary Cu(Arm)(PEE) complexes which can form the 6-membered chelates but where no intramolecular ligand-ligand stacking is possible. Application of these results allows a quantitative analysis of the intramolecular equilibria involving three structurally different Cu(Arm)(PEEA) species; e.g., of the Cu(Bpy)(PEEA) system about 11% exist with the metal ion solely coordinated to the phosphonate group, 4% as a 6-membered chelate involving the ether oxygen atom of the -CH2-O-CH2CH2-PO3(2-) residue, and 85% with an intramolecular stack between the adenine moiety of PEEA2- and the aromatic rings of Bpy. In addition, the Cu(Arm)(PEEA) complexes may be protonated, leading to Cu(Arm)(H;PEEA)+ species for which it is concluded that the proton is located at the phosphonate group and that the complexes are mainly formed (50 and 70%) by a stacking adduct between Cu(Arm)2+ and the adenine residue of H(PEEA)-. Finally, the stacking properties of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP2-), of the dianion of 9-[2-(phophonomethoxy)ethyl]adenine (PMEA2-) and of several of its analogues (=PA2-) are compared in their ternary Cu(Arm)(AMP) and Cu(Arm)(PA) systems. Conclusions regarding the antiviral properties of several acyclic nucleoside phosphonates are shortly discussed.     

Ternary complex formation between AmtB, GlnZ and the nitrogenase regulatory enzyme DraG reveals a novel facet of nitrogen regulation in bacteria

Ammonium movement across biological membranes is facilitated by a class of ubiquitous channel proteins from the Amt/Rh family. Amt proteins have also been implicated in cellular responses to ammonium availability in many organisms. Ammonium sensing by Amt in bacteria is mediated by complex formation with cytosolic proteins of the P(II) family. In this study we have characterized in vitro complex formation between the AmtB and P(II) proteins (GlnB and GlnZ) from the diazotrophic plant-associative bacterium Azospirillum brasilense. AmtB-P(II) complex formation only occurred in the presence of adenine nucleotides and was sensitive to 2-oxoglutarate when Mg(2+) and ATP were present, but not when ATP was substituted by ADP. We have also shown in vitro complex formation between GlnZ and the nitrogenase regulatory enzyme DraG, which was stimulated by ADP. The stoichiometry of this complex was 1:1 (DraG monomer : GlnZ trimer). We have previously reported that in vivo high levels of extracellular ammonium cause DraG to be sequestered to the cell membrane in an AmtB and GlnZ-dependent manner. We now report the reconstitution of a ternary complex involving AmtB, GlnZ and DraG in vitro. Sequestration of a regulatory protein by the membrane-bound AmtB-P(II) complex defines a new regulatory role for Amt proteins in Prokaryotes.     

Binding of ATP to eukaryotic initiation factor 2. Differential modulation of mRNA-binding activity and GTP-dependent binding of methionyl-tRNAMetf

Eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) is shown to bind ATP with high affinity. Binding of ATP to eIF-2 induces loss of the ability to form a ternary complex with Met-tRNAf and GTP, while still allowing, and even stimulating, the binding of mRNA. Ternary complex formation between eIF-2, GTP, and Met-tRNAf is inhibited effectively by ATP, but not by CTP or UTP. Hydrolysis of ATP is not required for inhibition, for adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP), a nonhydrolyzable analogue of ATP, is as active an inhibitor; adenosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate) (ATP gamma S) inhibits far more weakly. Ternary complex formation is inhibited effectively by ATP, dATP, or ADP, but not by AMP and adenosine. Hence, the gamma-phosphate of ATP and its 3'-OH group are not required for inhibition, but the beta-phosphate is indispensible. Specific complex formation between ATP and eIF-2 is shown 1) by effective retention of Met-tRNAf- and mRNA-binding activities on ATP-agarose and by the ability of free ATP, but not GTP, CTP, or UTP, to effect elution of eIF-2 from this substrate; 2) by eIF-2-dependent retention of [alpha-32P]ATP or dATP on nitrocellulose filters and its inhibition by excess ATP, but not by GTP, CTP, or UTP. Upon elution from ATP-agarose by high salt concentrations, eIF-2 recovers its ability to form a ternary complex with Met-tRNAf and GTP. ATP-induced inhibition of ternary complex formation is relieved by excess Met-tRNAf, but not by excess GTP or guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate (GMP-PNP). Thus, ATP does not act by inhibiting binding of GTP to eIF-2. Instead, ATP causes Met-tRNAf in ternary complex to dissociate from eIF-2. Conversely, affinity of eIF-2 for ATP is high in the absence of GTP and Met-tRNAf (Kd less than or equal to 10(-12) M), but decreases greatly in conditions of ternary complex formation. These results support the concept that eIF-2 assumes distinct conformations for ternary complex formation and for binding of mRNA, and that these are affected differently by ATP. Interaction of ATP with an eIF-2 molecule in ternary complex with Met-tRNAf and GTP promotes displacement of Met-tRNAf from eIF-2, inducing a state favorable for binding of mRNA. ATP may thus regulate the dual binding activities of eIF-2 during initiation of translation.     

1H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance and kinetic studies of the active site structure of chloroplast CF1 ATP synthase

The interaction of nucleotides and nucleotide analogues and their metal complexes with Mn2+ bound to both the latent and dithiothreitol-activated CF1 ATP synthase has been examined by means of steady-state kinetics, water proton relaxation rate (PRR) measurements, and 1H and 31P nuclear relaxation measurements. Titration of both the latent and activated Mn(2+)-CF1 complexes with ATP, ADP, Pi, Co(NH3)4ATP, Co(NH3)4ADP, and Co(NH3)4AMPPCP leads to increases in the water relaxation enhancement, consistent with enhanced metal binding and a high ternary complex enhancement. Steady-state kinetic studies are consistent with competitive inhibition of CF1 by Co(NH3)4AMPPCP with respect to CaATP. The data are consistent with a Ki for Co(NH3)4AMPPCP of 650 microM, in good agreement with a previous Ki of 724 microM for Cr(H2O)4ATP [Frasch, W., & Selman, B. (1982) Biochemistry 21, 3636-3643], and a best fit KD of 209 microM from the water PRR measurements. 1H and 31P nuclear relaxation measurements in solutions of CF1 and Co(NH3)4AMPPCP were used to determine the conformation of the bound substrate analogue and the arrangement with respect to this structure of high- and low-affinity sites for Mn2+. The bound nucleotide analogue adopts a bent conformation, with the low-affinity Mn2+ site situated between the adenine and triphosphate moieties and the high-affinity metal site located on the far side of the triphosphate chain. The low-affinity metal forms a distorted inner-sphere complex with the beta-P and gamma-P of the substrate. The distances from Mn2+ to the triphosphate chain are too large for first coordination sphere complexes but are appropriate for second-sphere complexes involving, for example, intervening hydrogen-bonded water molecules or residues from the protein.     

Analysis of the interaction between the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MSH2-MSH6 and MLH1-PMS1 complexes with DNA using a reversible DNA end-blocking system

The Lac repressor-operator interaction was used as a reversible DNA end-blocking system in conjunction with an IAsys biosensor instrument (Thermo Affinity Sensors), which detects total internal reflectance and allows monitoring of binding and dissociation in real time, in order to develop a system for studying the ability of mismatch repair proteins to move along the DNA. The MSH2-MSH6 complex bound to a mispaired base was found to be converted by ATP binding to a form that showed rapid sliding along the DNA and dissociation via the DNA ends and also showed slow, direct dissociation from the DNA. In contrast, the MSH2-MSH6 complex bound to a base pair containing DNA only showed direct dissociation from the DNA. The MLH1-PMS1 complex formed both mispair-dependent and mispair-independent ternary complexes with the MSH2-MSH6 complex on DNA. The mispair-independent ternary complexes were formed most efficiently on DNA molecules with free ends under conditions where ATP hydrolysis did not occur, and only exhibited direct dissociation from the DNA. The mispair-dependent ternary complexes were formed in the highest yield on DNA molecules with blocked ends, required ATP and magnesium for formation, and showed both dissociation via the DNA ends and direct dissociation from the DNA.     

Characterization and elucidation of coordination requirements of adenine nucleotides complexes with Fe(II) ions

In spite of the significant role of iron ions-nucleotide complexes in living cells, these complexes have been studied only to a limited extent. Therefore, we fully characterized the ATP:Fe(II) complex including stoichiometry, geometry, stability constants, and dependence of Fe(II)-coordination on pH. A 1:1 stoichiometry was established for the ATP:Fe(II) complex based on volumetric titrations, UV and SEM/EDX measurements. The coordination sites of ferrous ions in the complex with ATP, established by 1H-, 31P-, and 15N-NMR, involve the adenine N7 as well as P(alpha), P(beta), and P(gamma). Coordination sites remain the same within the pH range of 3.1-8.3. By applying fluorescence monitored Fe(II)-titration, we established a logK value of 5.13 for the Fe(ATP)2- complex, and 2.31 for the Fe(HATP)-complex. Ferrous complexes of ADP3- and AMP2- were less stable (log K 4.43 and 1.68, respectively). The proposed major structure for the Fe(ATP)2- complex is the 'open' structure. In the minor 'closed' structure N7 nitrogen is probably coordinated with Fe(II) through a bridging water molecule. The electronic and stereochemical requirements for Fe(II)-coordination with ATP4- were probed using a series of modified-phosphate or modified-adenine ATP analogues. We concluded that: Fe(II) coordinates solely with the phosphate-oxygen atom, and not with sulfur, amine, or borane in the cases of phosphate-modified analogues of ATP; a high electron density on N7 and an anti conformation of the adenine-nucleotide are required for enhanced stability of ATP analogues:Fe(II) complexes as compared to ATP complexes (up to more than 100-fold); there are no stereochemical preferences for Fe(II)-coordination with either Rp or Sp isomers of ATP-alpha-S or ATP-alpha-BH3 analogues.     

Thermodynamic Aspects of cAMP Dependent Protein Kinase Catalytic Subunit Allostery

Kinetics of thermal inactivation of acrylodan-labeled cAMP dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit, its binary complexes with ATP and peptide inhibitor PKI[5–24], respectively, and the ternary complex involving both of these ligands were studied at different temperatures (5–50 °C). The thermodynamic parameters ΔH and ΔS for ligand binding equilibria as well as for the allosteric interaction between the binding sites of these ligands were obtained by using the Van’t Hoff analysis. The results indicated that more inter- and intra-molecular non-covalent bonds were involved in ATP binding with the protein when compared to the peptide binding. Similarly, nucleotide and peptide binding steps were accompanied with different entropy effects, while almost no entropy change accompanied PKI[5–24] binding, suggesting that the protein flexibility was not affected in this case. Differently from the binary complex formation the ternary complex formation was accompanied by a significant entropy change and with intensive formation of new non-covalent interactions (ΔH). At the same time both ligand binding steps as well as the allosteric interaction between ligand binding sites could be described by a common entropy–enthalpy compensation plot, pointing to a similar mechanism of these phenomena. It was concluded that numerous weak interactions govern the allostery of cAMP dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit.     

25Mg NMR study of Mg2+-ATP,ADP-creatine kinase complexes

²⁵Mg NMR spectroscopy was first applied to the ternary complexes consisting of Mg²⁺, ATP, ADP and creatine kinase. The ²⁵Mg NMR spectra of the Mg²⁺-ATP (or ADP) complex are remarkably broadened in the ternary Mg²⁺-ATP(or ADP)-creatine kinase complex in contrast with previous prediction. From temperature dependence of the spectra of the protein-bound ion, it is suggested that Mg²⁺ of the protein-bound Mg²⁺-ATP(or ADP) complex is not in the fast exchange regime. The ²⁵Mg NMR signal of the transition state analogue complex is narrower and less temperature-dependent than those of the ternary complex, suggesting that Mg²⁺ in the transition state analogue complex is in a more symmetrical environment or exchanges slower than that of the ternary complex.     

Interaction of myosin.ADP.fluorometal complexes with fluorescent probes and direct observation using quick-freeze deep-etch electron microscopy

Myosin forms stable ternary complexes with ADP and phosphate analogues of fluorometals that mimic different ATPase reaction intermediates corresponding to each step of the cross-bridge cycle. In the present study, we monitored the formation of ternary complexes of myosin.ADP.fluorometal using the fluorescence probe prodan. It has been reported that the fluorescence changes of the probe reflect the formation of intermediates in the ATPase reaction [Hiratsuka (1998) Biochemistry 37, 7167-7176]. Prodan bound to skeletal muscle heavy-mero-myosin (HMM).ADP.fluorometal, with each complex showing different fluorescence spectra. Prodan bound to the HMM.ADP.BeFn complex showed a slightly smaller red-shift than other complexes in the presence of ATP, suggesting a difference in the localized conformation or a difference in the population of BeFn species of global shape. We also examined directly the global structure of the HMM.ADP.fluorometal complexes using quick-freeze deep-etch replica electron microscopy. The HMM heads in the absence of nucleotides were mostly straight and elongated. In contrast, the HMM heads of ternary complexes showed sharply kinked or rounded configurations as seen in the presence of ATP. This is the first report of the direct observation of myosin-ADP-fluorometal ternary complexes, and the results suggest that these complexes indeed mimic the shape of the myosin head during ATP hydrolysis.     

Infrared studies reveal unique vibrations associated with the PGK-ATP-3-PG ternary complex

Phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) catalyzes a reversible phospho-transfer reaction between ATP and 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PG) that is thought to require a hinge-bending motion in the protein that brings two separate substrate-binding domains together. We have used difference infrared spectroscopy to better understand the conformational changes that are unique to the PGK-ATP-3-PG complex. Caged nucleotides (caged-ADP and caged-ATP) were used to initiate nucleotide binding to PGK or PGK-3-PG complexes. The difference spectra include those of PGK-ATP minus PGK, PGK-3-PG-ATP minus PGK-3-PG, PGK-3-PG-ADP minus PGK-3-PG, and PGK-ADP minus PGK. The resulting spectra were compared in attempts to identify bands associated with each PGK complex. In addition, complementary activity assays were performed in the presence of caged-nucleotides. While PGK activity decreased in the presence of caged-ADP, the activity was not influenced by the addition of caged-ATP. The activity assay results suggest that the caged-ADP may interact with PGK substrate binding site(s) and inhibit phospho-transfer. Therefore, additional difference infrared nucleotide exchange experiments were used to isolate the differences between ADP and ATP binding to PGK. Difference FTIR spectra obtained on PGK-nucleotide-3-PG complexes show distinct bands that may result from amino acid side chains as well as structural changes in the hinge region and/or increased interactions such as salt bridges forming between the two domains. The infrared data obtained on the active ternary complexes show evidence of changes in alpha-helix and beta-structures as well as signals consistent with Arg, Asn, His, Lys, Asp, Glu, and additional side chains that are uniquely perturbed in the active ternary complex as compared to other PGK complexes.     

The role of the adenine nucleotide translocator in oxidative phosphorylation. A theoretical investigation on the basis of a comprehensive rate law of the translocator

A minimum model of adenine nucleotide exchange through the inner membrane of mitochondria is presented. The model is based on a sequential mechanism, which presumes ternary complexes formed by binding of metabolites from both sides of the membrane. The model explains the asymmetric kinetics of ADP-ATP exchange as a consequence of its electrogenic character. In energized mitochondria, a part of the membrane potential suppresses the binding of extramitochondrial ATP in competition with ADP. The remaining part of the potential difference inhibits the back exchange of internal ADP for external ATP. The assumption of particular energy-dependent conformational states of the translocator is not necessary. The model is not only compatible with the kinetic properties reported in the literature about the adenine nucleotide exchange, but it also correctly describes the response of mitochondrial respiration to the extramitochondrial ATP/ADP ratio under different conditions. The model computations reveal that the translocation step requires some loss of free energy as driving force. The size of the driving force depends on the flux rate as well as on the extra- and intramitochondrial ATP/ADP quotients. By both quotients the translocator controls the export of ATP formed by oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria.     

Stimulation of the thiol-dependent ADP-ribosyltransferase and NAD glycohydrolase activities of Bordetella pertussis toxin by adenine nucleotides, phospholipids, and detergents

Pertussis toxin catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of the guanyl nucleotide binding protein transducin was stimulated by adenine nucleotide and either phospholipids or detergents. To determine the sites of action of these agents, their effects were examined on the transducin-independent NAD glycohydrolase activity. Toxin-catalyzed NAD hydrolysis was increased synergistically by ATP and detergents or phospholipids; the zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) was more effective than the nonionic detergent Triton X-100 greater than lysophosphatidylcholine greater than phosphatidylcholine. The A0.5 for ATP in the presence of CHAPS was 2.6 microM; significantly higher concentrations of ATP were required for maximal activation in the presence of cholate or lysophosphatidylcholine. In CHAPS, NAD hydrolysis was enhanced by ATP greater than ADP greater than AMP greater than adenosine; ATP was more effective than MgATP or the nonhydrolyzable analogue adenyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate. GTP and guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate were less active than the corresponding adenine nucleotides. Activity in the presence of CHAPS and ATP was almost completely dependent on dithiothreitol; the A0.5 for dithiothreitol was significantly decreased by CHAPS alone and, to a greater extent, by CHAPS and ATP. To determine the site of action of ATP, CHAPS, and dithiothreitol, the enzymatic (S1) and binding components (B oligomer) were resolved by chromatography. The purified S1 subunit catalyzed the dithiothreitol-dependent hydrolysis of NAD; activity was enhanced by CHAPS but not ATP. The studies are consistent with the conclusion that adenine nucleotides, dithiothreitol, and CHAPS act on the toxin itself rather than on the substrate; adenine nucleotides appear to be involved in the activation of toxin but not the isolated catalytic unit.     

Myosin subfragment-1 interacts with two G-actin molecules in the absence of ATP

The interaction between G-actin and myosin subfragment-1 (S1) has been monitored by pyrenyl-actin fluorescence and light scattering. In low ionic strength buffer and in the absence of ATP the polymerization of G-actin induced by myosin subfragment-1 is preceded by the formation of binary GS and ternary G2S complexes in which S1 interacts tightly in rapid equilibrium (K greater than 10(7) M-1) with one and two G-actin molecules, respectively. Pyrenyl fluorescence of G-actin is enhanced 4-fold in GS and 3-fold in G2S. At concentrations of G-actin and S1 in the micromolar range and above, G2S is the predominant species at G-actin/S1 ratios equal to or greater than 1. The isomer of myosin subfragment-1 carrying the A1 light chain, S1(A1), forms a tighter ternary complex than the isomer S1(A2). Actin-bound ATP is not hydrolyzed upon formation of GS and G2S. In the presence of one molar equivalent or more of myosin subfragment-1/mol of G-actin, in low ionic strength buffer containing no nucleotides, G-actin polymerizes faster in the presence of S1(A1) than in the presence of S1(A2). The interaction of S1 with G-actin is inhibited by the binding of ATP or ADP to S1, ATP having a higher affinity for S1 than ADP. The possible structural similarity of the G2S complex to the F-acto-S1 complex in the rigor state and the potential significance of a ternary (actin)2-myosin interaction for actomyosin-based motility are discussed.     

Inhibition by local anaesthetics of adenine nucleotide translocation in rat liver mitochondria

1. The mechanism of adenine nucleotide translocation in mitochondria isolated from rat liver was further examined by using the local anaesthetics procaine, butacaine, nupercaine and tetracaine as perturbators of lipid-protein interactions. Each of these compounds inhibited translocation of ADP and of ATP; butacaine was the most effective with 50% inhibition occurring at 30mum for 200mum-ATP and at 10mum for 200mum-ADP. The degree of inhibition by butacaine of both adenine nucleotides was dependent on the concentration of adenine nucleotide present; with low concentrations of adenine nucleotide, low concentrations of butacaine-stimulated translocation, but at high concentrations (greater than 50mum) low concentrations of butacaine inhibited translocation. Butacaine increased the affinity of the translocase for ATP to a value which approached that of ADP. 2. Higher concentrations of nupercaine and of tetracaine were required to inhibit translocation of both nucleotides; 50% inhibition of ATP translocation occurred at concentrations of 0.5mm and 0.8mm of these compounds respectively. The pattern of inhibition of ADP translocation by nupercaine and tetracaine was more complex than that of ATP; at very low concentrations (less than 250mum) inhibition ensued, followed by a return to almost original rates at 1mm. At higher concentrations inhibition of ADP translocation resulted. 3. That portion of ATP translocation stimulated by Ca(2+) was preferentially inhibited by each of the local anaesthetics tested. In contrast, inhibition by the anaesthetics of ADP translocation was prevented by low concentrations of Ca(2+). 4. The data provide further support for our hypothesis that lipid-protein interactions are important determinants in the activity of the adenine nucleotide translocase in mitochondria.     

DNA chain length dependence of formation and dynamics of hMutSalpha.hMutLalpha.heteroduplex complexes.

Formation of a ternary complex between human MutSalpha, MutLalpha, and heteroduplex DNA has been demonstrated by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and electrophoretic gel shift methods. Formation of the hMutLalpha.hMutSalpha.heteroduplex complex requires a mismatch and ATP hydrolysis, and depends on DNA chain length. Ternary complex formation was supported by a 200-base pair G-T heteroduplex, a 100-base pair substrate was somewhat less effective, and a 41-base pair heteroduplex was inactive. As judged by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, ternary complexes produced with the 200-base pair G-T DNA contained approximately 0.8 mol of hMutLalpha/mol of heteroduplex-bound hMutSalpha. Although the steady-state levels of the hMutLalpha.hMutSalpha. heteroduplex were substantial, this complex was found to turn over, as judged by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and electrophoretic gel shift analysis. With the former method, the majority of the complexes dissociated rapidly upon termination of protein flow, and dissociation occurred in the latter case upon challenge with competitor DNA. However, ternary complex dissociation as monitored by gel shift assay was prevented if both ends of the heteroduplex were physically blocked with streptavidin.biotin complexes. This observation suggests that, like hMutSalpha, the hMutLalpha.hMutSalpha complex can migrate along the helix contour to dissociate at DNA ends.