Inhibition of oxidative-stress-induced platelet aggregation by androgen at physiological levels via its receptor is associated with the reduction of thromboxane A2 release from platelets

BACKGROUND: Platelets play a crucial role in the development of arterial thrombosis and other pathophysiologies leading to clinical ischemic events. Defective regulation of platelet activation/aggregation is a predominant cause for arterial thrombosis. The purposes of our study are to assess the effect of androgen at physiological concentration via its receptor on oxidative-stress-induced platelet aggregation and to further elucidate the possible mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was determined by ELISA using a commercially available kit. Platelet aggregometer was used to measure platelet aggregation. The contents of thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) were assayed with radio-immunoassay. Our results showed that addition of DHT (2 nM) significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) (10 mM, 25 mM) in PRP diluted with Tyrode's buffer. Moreover, H(2)O(2)-induced platelet aggregation decreased in sham-operated rats. However, H(2)O(2)-induced platelet aggregation significantly increased in castrated rats. Replacement of DHT inhibited H(2)O(2)-induced platelet aggregation in castrated rats. After PRP was pretreated with flutamide, H(2)O(2)-induced platelet aggregation increased in castrated rats again. Presence of DHT (2 nM) obviously inhibited H(2)O(2)-induced thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) release in castrated rats. Pretreatment of DHT and flutamide increased H(2)O(2)-stimulated TXA(2) release from platelet in castrated rats again. Castration caused a significant reduction in plasma testosterone and DHT levels, whereas DHT replaced at a dose of 0.25 mg/rat restored the circulating DHT to physiological levels, without being altered by treatment with flutamide. The plasma TXB(2) increased in castrated rats as compared with that in sham-operated rats. Replacement with DHT reduced plasma TXB(2) contents in castrated rats. However, flutamide supplementation increased plasma contents of TXB(2) in castrated rats again. CONCLUSION: Androgen at physiological doses via its receptor inhibits oxidative-stress-induced platelet aggregation, which is associated with the reduction of TXA(2) release from platelets.     

Solution structure of a common substrate mimetic of cyclooxygenase-downstream synthases bound to an engineered thromboxane A2 synthase using a high-resolution NMR technique

Understanding the docking mechanism of the common substrate, prostaglandin H(2) (PGH(2)), into the active sites of different cyclooxygenase(COX)-downstream synthases is a key step toward uncovering the molecular basis of the isomerization of PGH(2) to different prostanoids. A high-resolution NMR spectroscopy was used to determine the conformational changes and solution 3D structure of U44069, a PGH(2) analogue, bound to one of the COX-downstream synthases-an engineered thromboxane A(2) synthase (TXAS). The dynamic binding was clearly observed by (1)D NMR titration. The detailed conformational change and 3D structure of U44069 bound to the TXAS were demonstrated by 2D (1)H NMR experiments using transferred NOEs. Through the assignments for the 2D (1)H NMR spectra, TOCSY, DQF-COSY, NOESY, and the structural calculations based on the NOE constraints, they demonstrated that the widely open conformation with a triangle shape of the free U44069 changed to a compact structure with an oval shape when bound to the TXAS. The putative substrate-binding pocket of the TXAS model fits the conformation of the TXAS-bound U44069 appropriately, but could not fit the free form of U44069. It was the first to provide structural information for the dynamic docking of the PGH(2) mimic of the TXAS in solution, and to imply that PGH(2) undergoes conformational changes when bound to different COX-downstream synthases, which may play important roles in the isomerization of PGH(2) to different prostanoids. The NMR technique can be used as a powerful tool to determine the conformations of PGH(2) bound to other COX-downstream synthases.     

Inhibition of thromboxane synthase induces lung cancer cell death via increasing the nuclear p27

The role of thromboxane in lung carcinogenesis is not clearly known, though thromboxane B2 (TXB₂) level is increased and antagonists of thromboxane receptors or TXA2 can induce apoptosis of lung cancer cells. p27, an atypical tumor suppressor, is normally sequestered in the nucleus. The increased nuclear p27 may result in apoptosis of tumor cells. We hypothesize that the inhibition of thromboxane synthase (TXS) induces the death of lung cancer cells and that such inhibition is associated with the nuclear p27 level. Our experiment showed that the inhibition of TXS significantly induced the death or apoptosis in lung cancer cells. The activity of TXS was increased in lung cancer. The nuclear p27 was remarkably reduced in lung cancer tissues. The inhibition of TXS caused the cell death and apoptosis of lung cancer cells, likely via the elevation of the nuclear p27 since the TXS inhibition promoted the nuclear p27 level and the inhibition of p27 by its siRNA recovered the cell death induced by TXS inhibition. Collectively, lung cancer cells produce high levels of TXB₂ but their nuclear p27 is markedly reduced. The inhibition of TXS results in the p27-related induction of cell death in lung cancer cells.     

Activation of cellular invasion by trefoil peptides and src is mediated by cyclooxygenase- and thromboxane A2 receptor-dependent signaling pathways.

We have investigated the possible functional relationships between cellular invasion pathways induced by trefoil factors (TFFs), src, and the cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2. Pharmacological inhibitors of the Rho small GTPase (C3 exoenzyme), phospholipase C (U-73122), cyclooxygenases (SC-560, NS-398), and the thromboxane A2 receptor (TXA2-R) antagonist SQ-295 completely abolished invasion induced by intestinal trefoil factor, pS2, and src in kidney and colonic epithelial cells MDCKts.src and PCmsrc. In contrast, invasion was induced by the TXA2-R mimetic U-46619, constitutively activated forms of the heterotrimeric G-proteins Galphaq (AGalphaq), Galpha12, Galpha13 (AGalpha12/13), which are signaling elements downstream of TXA2-R. Ectopic overexpression of pS2 cDNA and protein in MDCKts.src-pS2 cells and human colorectal cancer cells HCT8/S11-pS2 initiate distinct invasion signals that are Rho independent and COX and TXA2-R dependent. We detected a marked induction of COX-2 protein and accumulation of the stable PGH2/TXA2 metabolite TXB2 in the conditioned medium from cells transformed by src. This led to activation of the TXA2-R-dependent invasion pathway, which is monitored via a Rho- and Galpha12/Galpha13-independent mechanism using the Galphaq/PKC signaling cascade. These findings identify a new intracrine/paracrine loop that can be monitored by TFFs and src in inflammatory diseases and progression of colorectal cancers.     

Substrate inactivation of lung thromboxane synthase preferentially decreases thromboxane A2 production

Bovine lung thromboxane synthase was immobilized on phenyl-Sepharose beads by adsorption. The immobilized enzyme was catalytically active and synthesized both TXA2 and HHT. The production of both products was inhibited by 1-benzylimidazole and furegrelate. Multiple additions of PGH2 dramatically reduced the ability of the enzyme to synthesize TXA2, but did not effect the synthesis of HHT. In addition, 1-benzylimidazole did not protect thromboxane synthase from inactivation with multiple additions of PGH2. When the enzyme was incubated with PGH2 in the presence of 1-benzylimidazole, the synthesis of TXA2 was inhibited. When the inhibitor was removed the enzyme had still been inactivated by PGH2 in the presence of 1-benzylimidazole. Thus the substrate inactivation of the enzyme does not require the production of TXA2. Our data suggests that the synthesis of TXA2 and HHT can be differentially inactivated and may occur at different sites on the enzyme.     

The role of prostacyclin synthase and thromboxane synthase signaling in the development and progression of cancer

Prostacyclin synthase and thromboxane synthase signaling via arachidonic acid metabolism affects a number of tumor cell survival pathways such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and angiogenesis. However, the effects of these respective synthases differ considerably with respect to the pathways described. While prostacyclin synthase is generally believed to be anti-tumor, a pro-carcinogenic role for thromboxane synthase has been demonstrated in a variety of cancers. The balance of oppositely-acting COX-derived prostanoids influences many processes throughout the body, such as blood pressure regulation, clotting, and inflammation. The PGI₂/TXA₂ ratio is of particular interest in-vivo, with the corresponding synthases shown to be differentially regulated in a variety of disease states. Pharmacological inhibition of thromboxane synthase has been shown to significantly inhibit tumor cell growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis in a range of experimental models. In direct contrast, prostacyclin synthase overexpression has been shown to be chemopreventive in a murine model of the disease, suggesting that the expression and activity of this enzyme may protect against tumor development.     

A photoaffinity label for the thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor in human blood platelets

A photoactive iodoarylazide derivative (I-APA-PhN3) of the competitive thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) antagonist 13-azaprostanoic acid is evaluated. Upon photoactivation, the compound was found to inhibit specifically and irreversibly human platelet aggregation induced by the TXA2/PGH2 mimetic U46619. In receptor-binding studies using [3H]U46619, I-APA-PhN3 exhibited an IC50 of 300 nM for inhibition of U46619 binding. Photoactivation of I-APA-PhN3 resulted in an irreversible 58% reduction in specific binding of U46619. This compound and its corresponding ratio-iodinated form will prove to be useful tools for the isolation and purification of the TXA2/PGH2-binding protein in human platelets.     

Characteristics of arachidonic acid metabolism of human endothelial cells in culture

Human umbilical endothelial cells in culture retain differentiated morphological and functional characterization in primary culture and even in the early subcultures, after which they begin to degenerate. We have studied the morphological and biochemical characterization (ability to produce prostacyclin, prostaglandin E₂ and thromboxane A₂ in culture) of endothelial cells in the first seven subcultures. In addition the influence of serum and endothelial cell growth factor added to the culture medium have been evaluated. With 20% normal human serum, cell proliferation is faster than with the same concentration of human fetal or bovine fetal serum.After the 3rd passage, morphological and growth alterations become observable in the endothelial cells. However, prostacyclin, prostaglandin E₂ and thromboxane A₂ production showed no variations during the study.     

Isoelectric and mass characterization of human platelet thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptors

To further characterize the human thromboxane A2 (TXA2)/prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) receptor, preparative isoelectric focusing (IEF) was performed on solubilized platelet membranes. TXA2/PGH2 receptors, assayed by specific binding of the TXA2/PGH2 antagonist [125I]PTA-OH, were electrofocused at pH 5.6. Scatchard analysis of IEF fraction pH 5.6 revealed a 180-fold concentration of TXA2/PGH2 receptors (Bmax = 3650 +/- 228 pM/mg focused, 19 +/- 4 pM/mg unfocused) with no change in binding affinity (Kd = 47 +/- 7 nM focused, 36 +/- 14 nM unfocused). SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of photoaffinity-labelled electrofocused receptors revealed concentration of specifically labelled proteins having molecular masses of 49,000 and 27,000 Daltons. These results suggest that the human platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptor has a pI of 5.6, molecular mass of 49,000 Daltons, and may exist as a dimer. Preparative IEF should prove useful in the eventual purification of this receptor.     

On the mechanism of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 biosynthesis

The present research describes studies which address the mechanism of prostacyclin (PGI2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) biosynthesis. In addition to prostaglandin H1 (PGH1), PGG2, PGH2, and PGH3, also 8-iso-PGH2, 13(S)-hydroxy-PGH2, and 15-keto-PGH2 were applied to determine the substrate specificities and kinetics of prostacyclin and thromboxane synthase in more detail. Human platelet thromboxane synthase converted PGH1, 8-iso-PGH2, 13(S)-hydroxy-PGH2 and 15-keto-PGH2 into the corresponding heptadecanoic acid (C17) plus malondialdehyde, whereas the thromboxane derivative was formed only from PGG2, PGH2, and PGH3 together with the corresponding C17 metabolite and malondialdehyde in a 1:1:1 ratio. In contrast, PGG2, PGH2, 13(S)-hydroxy-PGH2, 15-keto-PGH2 and PGH3 were almost completely isomerized to the corresponding prostacyclin derivative by bovine aortic prostacyclin synthase, whereas PGH1 and 8-iso-PGH2 only produced the corresponding C17 hydroxy acid plus malondialdehyde. Isotope-labeling experiments with [5,6,8,9,11,12,14,15-2H]PGH2 revealed complete retention of label and no isotope effect in the course of thromboxane biosynthesis, but the loss of one 2H atom at C-6 with an isotope effect of 1.20 during PGI2 formation. Prostacyclin and thromboxane synthase bind both 9,11-epoxymethano-PGF2 alpha and 11,9-epoxymethano-PGF2 alpha at the heme iron, but according to their difference spectra in opposite ways with respect to the 9- and 11-position. In agreement with published model studies, a cage radical mechanism is proposed for both enzymes according to which the initial radical process is terminated through oxidation of carbon-centered radicals by the iron-sulfur catalytic site, followed by ionic rearrangement to PGI2 or TXA2. Various Fe(III) model compounds as well as liver microsomes or cytochrome P-450CAM can also form small amounts of PGI2 and TXA2, but mainly yield 12(S)-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid plus malondialdehyde probably by a radical fragmentation pathway.     

Peroxiredoxin-4 interacts with and regulates the thromboxane A(2) receptor

We identified peroxiredoxin-4 (Prx-4) as a protein interacting with the beta isoform of the thromboxane A(2) receptor (TPbeta) by yeast two-hybrid analysis. Prx-4 co-immunoprecipitated constitutively with TPbeta in HEK293 cells. The second and third intracellular loops as well as the C-terminus of TPbeta interacted directly with Prx-4. Co-expression of Prx-4 caused a 60% decrease in cell surface expression of TPbeta. Prx-4 and TPbeta predominantly co-localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Co-expression of Prx-4 in cells treated with H(2)O(2) targeted TPbeta for degradation. We show for the first time an interaction between a receptor involved in oxidative stress and Prx-4, an anti-oxidative enzyme.     

The affinities of prostaglandin H2 and thromboxane A2 for their receptor are similar in washed human platelets

Both thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and its precursor prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) are labile and share a common receptor. The affinities of these two compounds for their putative common receptor are unknown. We compared the potencies of TXA2 and PGH2 to aggregate human platelets and bind to the TXA2/PGH2 receptor. TXA2 was more potent than PGH2 in initiating aggregation in platelet-rich plasma, EC50 of 66 +/- 15 nM and 2.5 +/- 1.3 microM, respectively. In washed platelets, however, PGH2 was more potent than TXA2 with EC50 values of 45 +/- 2 nM and 163 +/- 21 nM, respectively. The affinity of these two compounds in washed platelets was determined in radioligand competition binding assays employing [125I]-PTA-OH. The Kd values for PGH2 and TXA2 were 43 nM and 125 nM, respectively. The results demonstrate that the affinity of PGH2 for the platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptor is greater than previously thought. The data raise the possibility that PGH2 may significantly contribute to the responses attributed to TXA2 in vivo.     

Identification of a putative thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor in human platelet membranes

The binding of the competitive thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) antagonist (9,11-dimethylmethano-11, 12-methano-16-(3-aza-15 alpha beta-omega-tetranor-TXA2) ([125I]PTA-OH) to membranes prepared from human platelets was characterized. [125I]PTA-OH binding to membranes from human platelets was saturable, displaceable, and dependent on protein concentration. Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding carried out at 30 degrees C revealed one class of binding sites with a Kd of 30 +/- 4 nM and a Bmax of 1.8 +/- 0.3 pmol/mg of protein (n = 5). Kinetic analysis of the binding of [125I]PTA-OH at 0 degrees C yielded a k1 of 1.35 X 10(6) M-1 min-1 and a k-1 of 0.032 min-1, Kd = k-1/k1 = 24 nM. The potencies of a series of TXA2/PGH2 antagonists as inhibitors of [125I]PTA-OH binding was correlated with their potencies as inhibitors of platelet aggregation induced by the TXA2/PGH2 mimetic, U46619 (1 microM) (r = 0.93, p less than 0.01). A series of TXA2/PGH2 mimetics also displaced [125I]PTA-OH from its binding site, and their potencies as inhibitors of [125I]PTA-OH binding were correlated with their potencies as stimulators of platelet aggregation (r = 0.91, p less than 0.05). The IC50 values for displacement of [125I]PTA-OH by PGF2 alpha, PGD2, and the stable PGI2 analog Iloprost were greater than 25 microM, suggesting that [125I]PTA-OH does not bind to other known platelet prostaglandin receptors. These data are consistent with the notion that this binding site may represent the platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptor.     

Mitochondrial localization of cyclooxygenase-2 and calcium-independent phospholipase A2 in human cancer cells: implication in apoptosis resistance

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is inducible by myriad stimuli. The inducible COX-2 in primary cultured human cells has been reported to localize to nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, nucleus and caveolae. As COX-2 plays an important role in tumor growth, we were interested in its subcellular location in cancer cells. We examined COX-2 localization in several cancer cell lines by confocal microscopy. A majority of COX-2 was colocalized with heat shock protein 60, a mitochondrial protein, in colon cancer (HT-29, HCT-15 and DLD-1), breast cancer (MCF7), hepatocellular cancer (HepG2) and lung cancer cells (A549) with a similar distribution pattern. By contrast, COX-2 was not localized to mitochondria in human foreskin fibroblasts or endothelial cells. Immunoblot analysis of COX-2 in mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions confirmed localization of COX-2 to mitochondria in HT-29 and DLD-1 cells but not in fibroblasts. Calcium-independent phospholipase A2 was colocalized with heat shock protein 60 to mitochondria not only in cancer cells (HT-29 and DLD-1) but also in fibroblasts. HT-29 which expressed more abundant mitochondrial COX-2 than DLD-1 was highly resistant to arachidonic acid and H2O2-induced apoptosis whereas DLD-1 was less resistant and human fibroblasts were highly susceptible. Treatment of HT-29 cells with sulindac or SC-236, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, resulted in loss of resistance to apoptosis. These results suggest that mitochondrial COX-2 in cancer cells confer resistance to apoptosis by reducing the proapoptotic arachidonic acid.     

The biological role of thromboxane A2 in the process of hemostasis and thrombosis; pharmacology and perspectives of therapeutical use of thromboxane synthetase inhibitors and receptor PGH2/TXA2 antagonists

The biological role of thromboxane A2 in the process of hemostasis and thrombosis; pharmacology and perspectives of the therapeutical use of thromboxane synthetase inhibitors and receptor PGH2/TXA2 antagonists. Acta physiol. pol., 1985, 36 (3): 153-164. The biology of thromboxane A2 and pharmacology of drugs that selectively inhibit generation and action of this eicosanoid are reviewed. Author's opinion on therapeutical perspectives for thromboxane synthetase inhibitors and receptor PGH2/TXA2 antagonists is also presented.     

Characterization of the prostaglandin H2 mimic: binding to the purified human thromboxane A2 receptor in solution

For decades, the binding of prostaglandin H₂ (PGH₂) to multiple target proteins of unrelated protein structures which mediate diverse biological functions has remained a real mystery in the field of eicosanoid biology. Here, we report that the structure of a PGH₂ mimic, U46619, bound to the purified human TP, was determined and compared with that of its conformation bound to the COX-downstream synthases, prostacyclin synthase (PGIS) and thromboxane A₂ synthase (TXAS). Active human TP protein, glycosylated and in full length, was expressed in Sf-9 cells using a baculovirus (BV) expression system and then purified to near homogeneity. The binding of U46619 to the purified receptor in a nonionic detergent-mimicked lipid environment was characterized by high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. The conformational change of U46619, upon binding to the active TP, was evidenced by the significant perturbation of the chemical shifts of its protons at H3 and H4 in a concentration-dependent manner. The detailed conformational changes and 3D structure of U46619 from the free form to the TP-bound form were further solved by 2D ¹H NMR experiments using a transferred NOE (trNOE) technique. The distances between the protons of H11 and H18, H11 and H19, H15 and H18, and H15 and H19 in U46619 were shorter following their binding to the TP in solution, down to within 5 Å, which were different than that of the U46619 bound to PGIS and U44069 (another PGH₂ mimic) bound to TXAS. These shorter distances led to further separation of the U46619 α and ω chains, forming a unique “rectangular” shape. This enabled the molecule to fit into the ligand-binding site pocket of a TP model, in which homology modeling was used for the transmembrane (TM) domain, and NMR structures were used for the extramembrane loops. The proton perturbations and 3D conformations in the TP-bound U46619 were different with that of the PGH₂ mimics bound to PGIS and TXAS. The studies indicated that PGH₂ can adopt multiple conformations in solution to satisfy the specific and unique shapes to fit the different binding pockets in the TP receptor and COX-downstream enzymes. The results also provided sufficient information for speculating the molecular basis of how PGH₂ binds to multiple target proteins even though unrelated in their protein sequences.     

Binding of an [125I] labelled thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor agonist to baboon platelets

To characterize the thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) receptor on baboon platelets the binding of [125I]BOP was studied. [125I]BOP bound to washed baboon platelets in a saturable manner. Scatchard analysis of binding isotherms revealed a Kd of 1.12 +/- 0.08 nM and a binding capacity of 54 +/- 5 fmoles/10(8) platelets (326 sites/platelet). Several TXA2/PGH2 agonists and antagonists displaced [125I]BOP from its baboon platelet binding site with a rank order of potency similar to human platelets: I-BOP greater than SQ29548 greater than U46619 = I-PTA-OH greater than PTA-OH. I-BOP aggregated washed baboon platelets with an EC50 of 10 +/- 4 nM. The results indicate that [125I]BOP binds to the TXA2/PGH2 receptor on baboon platelets and that this receptor is similar to its human counterpart.     

Photoaffinity labelling of a thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 antagonist binding site in human platelets

The diazonium salt of 9,11-dimethylmethano-11,12-methano-16-(4-aminophenoxy)13,14- dihydro-13-aza-15 alpha beta-omega-tetranor TXA2 (PTA-POA) was synthesized and used as a photoaffinity ligand for the putative human platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptor. Incubation of human platelet membranes with the diazonium salt of PTA-POA followed by photolysis at 290 nm(hv) resulted in a 40% decrease in the specific binding of [125I]PTA-OH as measured in the radioligand binding assay. Co-incubation with a TXA2/PGH2 agonist followed by photolysis resulted in no decrease in specific binding. Incubation of the diazonium salt of PTA-POA with solubilized platelet membranes without photolysis followed by Scatchard analysis resulted in no change in the Kd for [125I]PTA-OH (38 nM) and the preparation which was incubated with the diazonium salt (42 nM). However, the Bmax for [125I]PTA-OH binding was reduced from 2.4 pmole/mg protein for control to 1.4 pmole/mg protein. These studies show that the diazonium salt of PTA-POA may be a useful photoaffinity ligand for human platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptors.     

Protein engineering of thromboxane synthase: conversion of membrane-bound to soluble form

Thromboxane A2 synthase (TXAS) binds to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and catalyzes both an isomerization of prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) to form thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and a fragmentation of PGH2 to form 12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid (HHT) and malondialdehyde (MDA). TXAS is a non-classic cytochrome P450 in that it does not require molecular oxygen or an external electron donor for catalysis. Difficulty in obtaining crystals from the membrane-bound TXAS prompted us to modify the protein to a soluble form. Results from site-directed mutagenesis, hydropathy analysis, and homology modeling led us to identify a putative membrane association segment near the end of helix F in TXAS. We report here the generation of a soluble form of TXAS by deletion of the amino-terminal membrane-anchoring domain and replacement of the helix F and F-G loop region with the corresponding region of the structurally characterized microsomal P450 2C5. The resultant TXAS/2C5 chimera is expressed in bacteria as a cytosolic and monomeric protein. Addition of an amino-terminal leader sequence to enhance expression and a tetra-histidine segment at the carboxyl-terminus to facilitate purification yielded approximately 4 mg of nearly homogeneous TXAS/2C5 per liter of bacterial culture. The TXAS/2C5 chimera contains heme at nearly a 1:1 molar ratio and catalyzes the formation of TXA2, MDA, and HHT at a 1:1:1 ratio, although with a reduced catalytic activity compared to wild type TXAS. TXAS/2C5 exhibits electronic absorption spectra similar to wild type TXAS and has similar affinities toward distal heme ligands such as imidazole and U44069. The chimera was mono-dispersive and thus is promising for crystallization trials.     

Structural and functional characterization of the first intracellular loop of human thromboxane A2 receptor

The conformation of a constrained peptide mimicking the putative first intracellular domain (iLP1) of thromboxane A(2) receptor (TP) was determined by (1)H 2D NMR spectroscopy. Through completed assignments of TOCSY, DQF-COSY, and NOESY spectra, a NMR structure of the peptide showed a beta-turn in residues 56-59 and a short helical structure in the residues 63-66. It suggests that residues 63-66 may be part of the second transmembrane domain (TM), and that Arg60, in an exposed position on the outer surface of the loop, may be involved in signaling through charge contact with Gq protein. The sequence alignment of Lys residue in the same position of other prostanoid receptors mediates different G protein couplings, suggesting that the chemical properties of Arg and Lys may also affect the receptor signaling activity. These hypotheses were supported by mutagenesis studies, in which the mutant of Arg60Leu completely lost activity in increasing intracellular calcium level through Gq coupling, and the mutant of Arg60Lys retained only about 35% signaling activity. The difference between the side chain functions of Lys and Arg in effecting the signaling was discussed.