Detection of Penicillin-binding Proteins in the Endosymbiont of the Trypanosomatid Crithidia deanei

ABSTRACT. Growth by serial transfers of the trypanosomatid Crithidia deanei in culture medium containing 1 mg/ml of the β-lactam antibiotics ampicillin or cephalexin resulted in shape distortion of its endosymbiont. The endosymbiont first appeared as filamentous structures with restricted areas of membrane damage. An increase of electron lucid areas was also observed in the endosymbiont matrix. The continuous treatment with β-lactam antibiotics, resulted in endosymbiont membranes fragmentation; and later on the space previously occupied by the symbiont was identified as an electron lucid area in the host cytoplasm. The putative targets of β-lactam antibiotic were two membrane-bound penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) detected in the Sarkosyl-soluble fraction of purified symbionts labeled with [³H]-benzylpenicillin. The apparent molecular weight of the proteins were 90 kDa (PBP1) and 45 kDa (PBP2). PBP2 represented 85% of the total PBP content in the membrane fraction of the endosymbionts. Competition experiments using the tested antibiotics and [³H]-benzylpenicillin showed that ampicillin and cephalexin have half saturating concentrations considerably higher than [³H]-benzylpenicillin and indicated that PBP1 is the probable lethal target of the antibiotics tested. These results suggest that a physiologically active PBP is present in the cell envelope of C. deanei endosymbionts and may play important roles in the control of processes such as cell division and shape determination.     

Chemical shift perturbations induced by the acylation of Enterococcus faecium l,d-transpeptidase catalytic cysteine with ertapenem

Penicillin-binding proteins were long considered as the only peptidoglycan cross-linking enzymes and one of the main targets of β-lactam antibiotics. A new class of transpeptidases, the l,d-transpeptidases, has emerged in the last decade. In most Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, these enzymes generally have nonessential roles in peptidoglycan synthesis. In some clostridiae and mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, they are nevertheless responsible for the major peptidoglycan cross-linking pathway. l,d-Transpeptidases are thus considered as appealing new targets for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. Carbapenems are currently investigated in this perspective as they are active on extensively drug-resistant M. tuberculosis and represent the only β-lactam class inhibiting l,d-transpeptidases. The molecular basis of the enzyme selectivity for carbapenems nevertheless remains an open question. Here we present the backbone and side-chain ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N NMR assignments of the catalytic domain of Enterococcus faecium l,d-transpeptidase before and after acylation with the carbapenem ertapenem, as a prerequisite for further structural and functional studies.     

Pseudomonas aeruginosa OspR is an oxidative stress sensing regulator that affects pigment production, antibiotic resistance and dissemination during infection

Oxidative stress is one of the main challenges bacteria must cope with during infection. Here, we identify a new oxidative stress sensing and response ospR ( o xidative s tress response and p igment production R egulator) gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Deletion of ospR leads to a significant induction in H₂O₂ resistance. This effect is mediated by de-repression of PA2826 , which lies immediately upstream of ospR and encodes a glutathione peroxidase. Constitutive expression of ospR alters pigment production and β-lactam resistance in P. aeruginosa via a PA2826 -independent manner. We further discovered that OspR regulates additional genes involved in quorum sensing and tyrosine metabolism. These regulatory effects are redox-mediated as addition of H₂O₂ or cumene hydroperoxide leads to the dissociation of OspR from promoter DNA. A conserved Cys residue, Cys-24, plays the major role of oxidative stress sensing in OspR. The serine substitution mutant of Cys-24 is less susceptible to oxidation in vitro and exhibits altered pigmentation and β-lactam resistance . Lastly, we show that an ospR null mutant strain displays a greater capacity for dissemination than wild-type MPAO1 strain in a murine model of acute pneumonia. Thus, OspR is a global regulator that senses oxidative stress and regulates multiple pathways to enhance the survival of P. aeruginosa inside host.     

Borrelia burgdorferi BBB07 interaction with integrin alpha3beta1 stimulates production of pro-inflammatory mediators in primary human chondrocytes

Borrelia burgdorferi , the causative agent of Lyme disease, activates multiple signalling pathways leading to induction of pro-inflammatory mediators at sites of inflammation. Binding of B. burgdorferi to integrin α₃β₁ on human chondrocytes activates signalling leading to release of several pro-inflammatory mediators, but the B. burgdorferi protein that binds integrin α₃β₁ and elicits this response has remained unknown. A search of the B. burgdorferi genome for a canonical integrin binding motif, the RGD (Arg–Gly–Asp) tripeptide, revealed several candidate ligands for integrins. In this study we show that one of these candidates, BBB07, binds to integrin α₃β₁ and inhibits attachment of intact B. burgdorferi to the same integrin. BBB07 is expressed during murine infection as demonstrated by recognition by infected mouse sera. Recombinant purified BBB07 induces pro-inflammatory mediators in primary human chondrocyte cells by interaction with integrin α₃β₁. This interaction is specific, as P66, another integrin ligand of B. burgdorferi , does not activate signalling through α₃β₁. In summary, we have identified a B. burgdorferi protein, BBB07, that interacts with integrin α₃β₁ and stimulates production of pro-inflammatory mediators in primary human chondrocyte cells.     

NIDA522131, a new radioligand for imaging extrathalamic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

A novel radioligand, 6-chloro-3-((2-( S )-azetidinyl)methoxy)-5-(2-fluoropyridin-4-yl)pyridine (NIDA522131), for imaging extrathalamic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) was characterized in vitro and in vivo using positron emission tomography. The K_d and T_1/2 of dissociation of NIDA522131 binding measured at 37°C in vitro were 4.9 ± 0.4 pmol/L and 81 ± 5 min, respectively. The patterns of radioactivity distribution in monkey brain in vivo was similar to that of 2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-3-(2( S )-azetidinylmethoxy)pyridine (2FA), a radioligand that has been successfully used in humans, and matched the α₄β₂* nAChRs distribution. Comparison between [¹⁸F]NIDA522131 and 2FA demonstrated better in vivo binding properties of the new radioligand and substantially greater radioactivity accumulation in brain. Consistent with [¹⁸F]NIDA522131 elevated affinity for nAChRs and its increased lipophilicity, both, the total and non-displaceable distribution volumes were substantially higher than those of 2FA. Estimated binding potential values in different brain regions, characterizing the specificity of receptor binding, were 3–4 fold higher for [¹⁸F]NIDA522131 than those of 2FA. Pharmacological evaluation in mice demonstrated a toxicity that was comparable to 2FA and is in agreement with a 2300 fold higher affinity at α₄β₂* versus α₃β₄* nAChRs. These results suggest that [¹⁸F]NIDA522131 is a promising positron emission tomography radioligand for studying extrathalamic nAChR in humans.     

Differential Coupling of μ-, δ-, and κ-Opioid Receptors to Gα16-Mediated Stimulation of Phospholipase C

Abstract: The μ-opioid receptor has recently been shown to stimulate phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C via the pertussis toxin-sensitive G₁₆ protein. Given the promiscuous nature of G₁₆ and the high degree of resemblance of signaling properties of the three opioid receptors, both δ- and κ-opioid receptors are likely to activate G₁₆. Interactions of δ- and κ-opioid receptors with G₁₆ were examined by coexpressing the opioid receptors and Gα₁₆ in COS-7 cells. The δ-selective agonist [ d -Pen², d -Pen⁵]enkephalin potently stimulated the formation of inositol phosphates in cells coexpressing the δ-opioid receptor and Gα₁₆. The δ-opioid receptor-mediated stimulation of phospholipase C was absolutely dependent on the coexpression of simeter for quality control of blood units and irradiators. 13.   Transfusion 1993 ; 33 : 898 – 901 . [PubMed link] 14.   Butson MJ , Yu PK , Cheung T , et al . Dosimetry of blood irradiation with radiochromic film. Transfus Med 1999 ; 9 : 205 – 8 . [PubMed link] 15.   Nath R , Biggs PJ , Ling CC , et al . AAPM code of practice for radiotherapy accelerators: Report of AAPM Radiation Therapy Task Group No. 45. Med Phys     

Purification and characterization of a feruloyl esterase from the fungus Penicilliumexpansum

An extracellular phenolic acid esterase produced by the fungus Penicillium expansum in solid state culture released ferulic and ρ-coumaric acid from methyl esters of theacids, and from the phenolic-carbohydrate esters O-[5-O-(trans-feruloyl)-α- l -arabinofuranosyl]-(1 → 3)-O-β- d -xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)- d -xylopyranose (FAXX) and O-[5-O-((E)-ρ-coumaroyl)-α- l -arabinofuranosyl]-(1 → 3)-O-β- d -xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)- d -xylopyranose(PAXX). The esterase was purified 360-fold in successive stepsinvolving ultrafiltration and column chromatography by gel filtration, anion exchange andhydrophobic interaction. These chromatographic methods separated the phenolic acid esterasefrom α- l -arabinofuranosidase, pectate and pectin lyase, polygalacturonase,xylanase and β- d -xylosidase activities. The phenolic acid esterase had an apparentmass of 65 kDa under non-denaturing conditions and a mass of 57·5 kDa underdenaturing conditions. Optimal pH and temperature were 5·6 and 37 °C,respectively and the metal ions Cu2+ and Fe³+ atconcentrations of 5 mmol l⁻¹ inhibited feruloyl esterase activity by 95% and44%, respectively, at the optimum pH and temperature. The apparent K_m and V_max of the purified feruloyl esterase for methyl ferulate at pH 5·6 and 37 °Cwere 2·6 mmol l⁻¹ and 27·1 μmol min⁻¹ mg⁻¹. The corresponding constants of ρ-coumaroylesterase for methyl coumarate were 2·9 mmol l⁻¹ and 18·6μmol min−1 mg⁻¹.     

Backbone and side-chain 1H, 15N and 13C assignment of apo- and imipenem-acylated l,d-transpeptidase from Bacillus subtilis

The d,d-transpeptidase activity of Penicillin Binding Proteins (PBPs) is essential to maintain cell wall integrity. PBPs catalyze the final step of the peptidoglycan synthesis by forming 4 → 3 cross-links between two peptide stems. Recently, a novel β-lactam resistance mechanism involving l,d-transpeptidases has been identified in Enterococcus faecium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this resistance pathway, the classical 4 → 3 cross-links are replaced by 3 → 3 cross-links, whose formation are catalyzed by the l,d-transpeptidases. To date, only one class of the entire β-lactam family, the carbapenems, is able to inhibit the l,d-transpeptidase activity. Nevertheless, the specificity of this inactivation is still not understood. Hence, the study of this new transpeptidase family is of considerable interest in order to understand the mechanism of the l,d-transpeptidases inhibition by carbapenems. In this context, we present herein the backbone and side-chain ¹H, ¹⁵N and ¹³C NMR assignment of the l,d-transpeptidase from Bacillus subtilis (Ldt_Bs) in the apo and in the acylated form with a carbapenem, the imipenem.     

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from healthy sheep of different populations in São Paulo, Brazil

Aims:  Sheep are important carriers of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in several countries. However, there are a few reports about ovine STEC in American continent.
Methods and Results:  About 86 E. coli strains previously isolated from 172 healthy sheep from different farms were studied. PCR was used for detection of stx ₁, stx ₂, eae, ehxA and saa genes and for the identification of intimin subtypes. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)–PCR was performed to investigate the variants of stx ₁ and stx ₂, and the flagellar antigen ( fli C) genes in nonmotile isolates. Five isolates were eae ⁺ and stx ⁻, and belonged to serotypes O128:H2/β-intimin (2), O145:H2/γ, O153:H7/β and O178:H7/ε. Eighty-one STEC isolates were recovered, and the stx genotypes identified were stx _1c stx _2d-O118 (46·9%), stx _1c (27·2%), stx _2d-O118 (23·4%), and stx _1c stx _2dOX3a (2·5%). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed 27 profiles among 53 STEC and atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) isolates.
Conclusions:  This study demonstrated that healthy sheep in São Paulo, Brazil, can be carriers of potential human pathogenic STEC and atypical EPEC.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  As some of the STEC serotypes presently found have been involved with haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) in other countries, the important role of sheep as sources of STEC infection in our settings should not be disregarded.     

Structural stability of Sclerotium rolfsii ATCC 201126 β-glucan with fermentation time: a chemical, infrared spectroscopic and enzymatic approach

Aims:  Sclerotium rolfsii ATCC 201126 exopolysaccharides (EPSs) recovered at 48 h (EPS I) and 72 h (EPS II) of fermentation, with differences in rheological parameters, hydrogel topography, salt tolerance, antisyneresis, emulsifying and suspending properties, were subjected to a polyphasic characterization in order to detect structural divergences.
Methods and Results:  Fermenter-scale production led to productivity ( P _r) and yield ( Y _P/C) values higher at 48 h ( P _r = 0·542 g l⁻¹ h⁻¹; Y _P/C = 0·74) than at 72 h ( P _r = 0·336 g l⁻¹ h⁻¹; Y _P/C = 0·50). Both EPSs were neutral glucose-homopolysaccharides with a β-(1,3)-glycosidic backbone and single β-(1,6)-glucopyranosyl sidechains regularly attached every three residues in the main chain, as revealed by chemical analyses. The infra-red diagnostic peak at 890 cm⁻¹ confirmed β-glycosidic linkages, while gentiobiose released by β-(1,3)-glucanases confirmed single β-1,6-glycosidic branching for both EPSs.
Conclusions:  The true modular repeating unit of S. rolfsii ATCC 201126 scleroglucan could be resolved. Structural stability was corroborated and no structural differences could be detected as to account for the variations in EPSs behaviour.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  Recovery of S. rolfsii ATCC 201126 scleroglucan at 48 h might be considered based on better fermentation kinetic parameters and no detrimental effects on EPS structural features.     

NMR spectrometric assay for determining enzymatic hydrolysis of β-lactam antibiotics with bacteria in aqueous solution

Abstract An application of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer for the measurement of β-lactamase activity in clinical material containing bacteria is presented. By means of proton (¹H)-NMR, it was easy to measure quantitatively β-lactamase activity in human bacteriuria, without performing any such pretreatment as isolation of bacteria or extraction of crude enzymes and without preparing special reagents for the detection. This is the first report on the application of ¹H-NMR analysis of structural changes for determining hydrolysis of β-lactam antibiotics with β-lactamase-producing bacteria in aqueous solution.     

Zn(II)- and Cu(II)-induced non-fibrillar aggregates of amyloid-β (1–42) peptide are transformed to amyloid fibrils, both spontaneously and under the influence of metal chelators

Aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides is a central phenomenon in Alzheimer's disease. Zn(II) and Cu(II) have profound effects on Aβ aggregation; however, their impact on amyloidogenesis is unclear. Here we show that Zn(II) and Cu(II) inhibit Aβ₄₂ fibrillization and initiate formation of non-fibrillar Aβ₄₂ aggregates, and that the inhibitory effect of Zn(II) (IC₅₀ = 1.8 μmol/L) is three times stronger than that of Cu(II). Medium and high-affinity metal chelators including metallothioneins prevented metal-induced Aβ₄₂ aggregation. Moreover, their addition to preformed aggregates initiated fast Aβ₄₂ fibrillization. Upon prolonged incubation the metal-induced aggregates also transformed spontaneously into fibrils, that appear to represent the most stable state of Aβ₄₂. H13A and H14A mutations in Aβ₄₂ reduced the inhibitory effect of metal ions, whereas an H6A mutation had no significant impact. We suggest that metal binding by H13 and H14 prevents the formation of a cross-β core structure within region 10–23 of the amyloid fibril. Cu(II)-Aβ₄₂ aggregates were neurotoxic to neurons in vitro only in the presence of ascorbate, whereas monomers and Zn(II)-Aβ₄₂ aggregates were non-toxic. Disturbed metal homeostasis in the vicinity of zinc-enriched neurons might pre-dispose formation of metal-induced Aβ aggregates, subsequent fibrillization of which can lead to amyloid formation. The molecular background underlying metal-chelating therapies for Alzheimer's disease is discussed in this light.     

The roles of membrane estrogen receptor subtypes in modulating dopamine transporters in PC-12 cells

The effects of 17β-estradiol (E₂) on dopamine (DA) transport could explain gender and life-stage differences in the incidence of some neurological disorders. We tested the effects of E₂ at physiological concentrations on DA efflux in nerve growth factor-differentiated rat pheochromocytoma cells that express estrogen receptors (ER) α, ERβ, and G-protein coupled receptor 30 (GPR30), and DA transporter (DAT). DAT efflux was determined as the transporter-specific loss of ³H-DA from pre-loaded cells; a 9–15 min 10⁻⁹ M E₂ treatment caused maximal DA efflux. Such rapid estrogenic action suggests a non-genomic response, and an E₂-dendrimer conjugate (limited to non-nuclear actions) caused DA efflux within 5 min. Efflux dose–responses for E₂ were non-monotonic, also characteristic of non-genomic estrogenic actions. ERα siRNA knockdown abolished E₂-mediated DA efflux, while ERβ knockdown did not, and GPR30 knockdown increased E₂-mediated DA efflux (suggesting GPR30 is inhibitory). Use of ER-selective agonists/antagonists demonstrated that ERα is the predominant mediator of E₂-mediated DA efflux, with inhibitory contributions from GPR30 and ERβ. E₂ also caused trafficking of ERα to the plasma membrane, trafficking of ERβ away from the plasma membrane, and unchanged membrane GPR30 levels. Therefore, ERα is largely responsible for non-genomic estrogenic effects on DAT activity.     

Dual function of pyrimidine metabolism in potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants: pyrimidine salvage and supply of β-alanine to pantothenic acid synthesis

Uridine and cytidine are major nucleosides and are produced as catabolites of pyrimidine nucleotides. To study the metabolic fates and role of these nucleosides in plants, we have performed pulse (2 h) and chase (12 h) experiments with [2-¹⁴C]uridine and [2-¹⁴C]cytidine and determined the activities of some related enzymes using tubers and fully expanded leaves from 10-week-old potato plants ( Solanum tuberosum L.). In tubers, more than 94% of exogenously supplied [2-¹⁴C]uridine and [2-¹⁴C]cytidine was converted to pyrimidine nucleotides and RNA during 2-h pulse, and radioactivity in these salvage products still remained at 12 h after the chase. Little degradation of pyrimidine was found. A similar pyrimidine salvage was operative in leaves, although more than 20% of the radioactivity from [2-¹⁴C]uridine and [2-¹⁴C]cytidine was released as ¹⁴CO₂ during the chase. Enzyme profile data show that uridine/cytidine kinase (EC 2.7.1.48) activity is higher in tubers than in leaves, but uridine nucleosidase (EC 3.2.2.3) activity was higher in leaves. In leaves, radioactivity from [U-¹⁴C]uracil was incorporated into β-ureidopropionic acid, CO₂, β-alanine, pantothenic acid and several common amino acids. Our results suggest two functions of uridine and cytidine metabolism in leaves; these nucleosides are not only substrates for the classical pyrimidine salvage pathways but also starting materials for the biosynthesis of β-alanine. Subsequently, some β-alanine units are utilized for the synthesis of pantothenic acid in potato leaves.     

High-frequency field measurements of diurnal carbon isotope discrimination and internal conductance in a semi-arid species, Juniperus monosperma

We present field observations of carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) and internal conductance of CO₂ ( g _i) collected using tunable diode laser spectroscopy (TDL). Δ ranged from 12.0 to 27.4‰ over diurnal periods with daily means from 16.3 ± 0.2‰ during drought to 19.0 ± 0.5‰ during monsoon conditions. We observed a large range in g _i, with most estimates between 0.04 and 4.0  µ mol m⁻² s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹. We tested the comprehensive Farquhar, O'Leary and Berry model of Δ (Δ_comp), a simplified form of Δ_comp (Δ_simple) and a recently suggested amendment (Δ_revised). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that varying g _i had a substantial effect on Δ_comp, resulting in mean differences between observed Δ (Δ_obs) and Δ_comp ranging from 0.04 to 9.6‰. First-order regressions adequately described the relationship between Δ and the ratio of substomatal to atmospheric CO₂ partial pressure ( p _i/ p _a) on all 3 d, but second-order models better described the relationship in July and August. The three tested models each best predicted Δ_obs on different days. In June, Δ_simple outperformed Δ_comp and Δ_revised, but incorporating g _i and all non-photosynthetic fractionations improved model predictions in July and August.     

β-Lactam and aminoglycoside production from streptomycetes

Streptomyces cattleya, S. fradiae and S. griseus produced different amounts of growth when cultured sequentially through sporulation, vegetative and antibiotic production media. Only S. griseus grew well on all three types of medium. Streptomyces cattleya grew poorly on both sporulation and vegetative media. Growth was 1·6 and 8·0 mg/1/h respectively. For all three species, biomass yield in the final antibiotic production medium was dependent on amount of inoculum. Antibiotic yields were obtained only from production media. Under slow growth conditions l -cysteine and l -valine supplementation stimulated S. cattleya β-lactam production, giving 1000 μg/ml β-lactam equivalents compared with 45 μg/ml β-lactam equivalents for no supplementation. For aminoglycosides the agar well diffusion bioassay was more sensitive towards the hydrochloride than the neutral salt. Paper chromatography confirmed the main antibiotic classes. R _F values for replicate samples indicated aminoglycoside homogeneity and β-lactam heterogeneity.     

Does the 13C of foliage‐respired CO2 and biochemical pools reflect the 13C of recently assimilated carbon?

Isotopic labelling experiments were conducted to assess relationships among ¹³C of recently assimilated carbon ( δC _A), foliage respiration ( δC _F), soluble carbohydrate ( δC _SC), leaf waxes ( δC _LW) and bulk organic matter ( δC _OM). Slash pine, sweetgum and maize were grown under ¹³C depleted CO₂ to label biomass and then placed under ambient conditions to monitor the loss of label. In pine and sweetgum, δC _F of labelled plants (∼−44 and −35‰, respectively) rapidly approached control values but remained depleted by ∼4–6‰ after 3–4 months. For these tree species, no or minimal label was lost from δC _SC, δC _LW and δC _OM during the observation periods. δC _F and δC _SC of labelled maize plants rapidly changed and were indistinguishable from controls after 1 month, while δC _LW and δC _OM more slowly approached control values and remained depleted by 2–6‰. Changes in δC _F in slash pine and sweetgum fit a two-pool exponential model, with the fast turnover metabolic pool (∼3–4 d half-life) constituting only 1–2% of the total. In maize, change in δC _F fits a single pool model with a half-life of 6.4 d. The ¹³C of foliage respiration and biochemical pools reflect temporally integrated values of δC _A, with change in isotopic composition dampened by the size of metabolic carbon reserves and turnover rates.     

CaMKII associates with CaV1.2 L-type calcium channels via selected β subunits to enhance regulatory phosphorylation

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) facilitates L-type calcium channel (LTCC) activity physiologically, but may exacerbate LTCC-dependent pathophysiology. We previously showed that CaMKII forms stable complexes with voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) β_1b or β_2a subunits, but not with the β₃ or β₄ subunits ( Grueter et al. 2008 ). CaMKII-dependent facilitation of Ca_V1.2 LTCCs requires Thr498 phosphorylation in the β_2a subunit ( Grueter et al. 2006 ), but the relationship of this modulation to CaMKII interactions with LTCC subunits is unknown. Here we show that CaMKII co-immunoprecipitates with forebrain LTCCs that contain Ca_V1.2α₁ and β₁ or β₂ subunits, but is not detected in LTCC complexes containing β₄ subunits. CaMKIIα can be specifically tethered to the I/II linker of Ca_V1.2 α₁ subunits in vitro by the β_1b or β_2a subunits. Efficient targeting of CaMKIIα to the full-length Ca_V1.2α₁ subunit in transfected HEK293 cells requires CaMKII binding to the β_2a subunit. Moreover, disruption of CaMKII binding substantially reduced phosphorylation of β_2a at Thr498 within the LTCC complex, without altering overall phosphorylation of Ca_V1.2α₁ and β subunits. These findings demonstrate a biochemical mechanism underlying LTCC facilitation by CaMKII.     

Patterns of oocyte growth, vitellogenin and gonadal steroid concentrations in greenback flounder

The pattern of oocyte development in association with changes of plasma concentrations of vitellogenin (Vtg), 17β‐oestradiol (E₂) and testosterone (T) was investigated in maturing female greenback flounder Rhombosolea tapirina over the first part of a reproductive season (February to June). Examination of oocyte size‐frequency distributions showed that the oocyte developmental pattern in R. tapirina is multiple group synchrony, and that reproductively mature fish were present at all sampling times. There were no significant temporal variations in the gonado‐somatic index ( I _G), hepato‐somatic index ( I _H), or plasma concentrations of Vtg, E₂ and T during the sampling period, which indicates that reproductive development is not synchronized within the population. Significant increases in I _G, I _H and plasma concentrations of Vtg, E₂ and T, however, were observed in vitellogenic fish, and in fish undergoing final maturation. A positive relationship was also found between the growth of oocytes and plasma concentrations of Vtg, E₂ and T, although the patterns of increase were different for each variable. Plasma concentrations of Vtg and E₂ rose steadily across oocyte sizes from 100 to 450 μm, but the rate of increase of plasma E₂ was slower than that of Vtg, and both reached a saturated concentration at oocyte sizes of c . 450 μm. In contrast, plasma concentrations of T showed no marked increase until oocytes grew beyond 400 μm.     

Purification and characterization of ββ-glucosidase from Aspergillus niger strain 322

An extracellular β-glucosidase enzyme was purified from the fungus Aspergillus niger strain 322 . The molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated to be 64 kDa by SDS gel electrophoresis. Optimal pH and temperature for β-glucosidase were 5·5 and 50 °C, respectively. Purified enzyme was stable up to 50 °C and pH between 2·0 and 5·5. The K_m was 0·1 mmol l⁻¹ for cellobiose. Enzyme activity was inhibited by several divalent metal ions.