Toxicological effects of primary-treated urban wastewaters, before and after ozone treatment, on freshwater mussels (Elliptio complanata)

This study examined the toxic potential of a primary-treated municipal effluent, before and after ozonation, in freshwater mussels. Animals were exposed to various concentrations (0, 1, 3, 10 and 20% v/v) of a primary-treated effluent and also after a treatment with ozone at 10 mg/L in continuous flow-through mode for seven weeks. A suite of biomarkers was used to assess the potential toxic effects of various contaminants typically present in municipal wastewaters: heavy metal metabolism (metallothioneins and labile zinc), cytochrome P4501A1 and 3A4, glutathione S-transferase activities (biotransformation of organic compounds), lipid peroxidation and xanthine oxidoreductase (oxygen radical scavenging), DNA damage, mitochondrial electron transport activity at various temperatures and gonad lipid levels (cellular energy allocation) and aspartate transcarbamoylase and dihydrofolate reductase (gonad activity). On the one hand, some biomarkers, including metallothioneins, labile zinc, glutathione S-transferase, cytochrome P4503A4 activity, dehydrofolate reductase and aspartate transcarbamoylase, were readily decreased. In contrast, these biomarkers, cytochrome P4501A1, gill lipid peroxidation, DNA strand breaks in gills and digestive gland, mitochondrial electron transport at high and low temperatures (temperature-dependent activity) and total gonad lipids, were readily increased. In general, ozone treatment reduced adverse effects by either decreasing the intensity of the toxic responses or increasing the threshold concentration. For gill lipid peroxidation, however, intensity was greater at a higher threshold concentration. Ozone treatment eliminated the temperature sensitivity of the mitochondrial electron transport system, indicating a loss of interaction between temperature and urban pollution in terms of energy expenditure in mussels. Ozone treatment could significantly decrease either the toxic potency or intensity of urban pollutants at the expense of increased oxidative stress in gills of freshwater mussels.     

球孢白僵菌羧基转运蛋白基因BbJEN1及其上游序列的克隆与分析

在分析一株球孢白僵菌TDNA插入突变体T12的Tagging序列的基础上,根据与其具有高度同源性的一条金龟子绿僵菌EST序列（编号为AJ273226）设计简并引物,用YADE法从球孢白僵菌中扩增出该EST的同源序列及其延伸序列。序列分析表明,该片段与粗糙脉孢霉的羧基转运蛋白JEN1具有高度同源性,由此确定该序列为球孢白僵菌羧基转运蛋白JEN1基因的部分序列。然后利用YADE法延伸扩增该序列的上、下游序列,获得球孢白僵菌羧基转运蛋白JEN1的全长DNA序列,命名为GBbJEN1。利用3′RACE扩增出球孢白僵菌羧基转运蛋白JEN1的cDNA序列,命名为BbJEN1。BbJEN1全长1656bp,编码514个氨基酸的蛋白。推测蛋白分子量为55975.37Da,等电点9.32。氨基酸序列与金龟子绿僵菌、粗糙脉孢霉和酿酒酵母羧基转运蛋白JEN1的同源性分别为77%、66%和30%。序列分析表明,GBbJEN1含有2个内含子。Southern杂交表明,GBbJEN1基因在球孢白僵菌基因组中为单拷贝。利用RTPCR法对BbJEN1的表达特性进行了分析,结果发现BbJEN1基因的转录受蟑螂壳、蝉蜕等昆虫体壁的诱导,受葡萄糖的抑制。进一步利用YADE法获得了长为977bp的GBbJEN1上游序列,其中含有可能的葡萄糖抑制调控序列和压力反应元件。     

金龟子绿僵菌羧基转运蛋白基因MaJEN1及其启动子的克隆与分析

用YADE法扩增了球孢白僵菌T—DNA插入突变体T12中与T—DNA左边界相连的基因组序列。在此基础上得到了金龟子绿僵菌的羧基转运蛋白的全长cDNA,MaJEN1。MaJEN1全长1695bp,其中含有长为1524bp的开放阅读框(0RF),编码508个氨基酸的蛋白。氨基酸序列与粗糙脉孢霉和啤酒酵母菌的羧基转运蛋白JEN1相似性分别为69％和31％。采用PCR扩增得到了MaJEN1的基因组序列GMaJEN1,序列分析发现,GMaJEN1含有两个内含子。Southern杂交发现GMaJEN1在金龟子绿僵菌基因组上为单拷贝。利用RT—PCR法对MaJEN1的表达特性进行了分析,结果表明MaJEN1在蟑螂壳诱导培养基中表达,在该培养基中的表达受葡糖糖抑制。进一步采用YADE法得到了长为1626bp的GMaJEN1上游序列,其中含有可能的葡萄糖抑制调控序列。     

细胞内物质转运调节分子ARFGAP3的克隆表达及生化活性

ADP核糖基化因子-GTP酶活化蛋白(ARF GAP)是重要的细胞内物质转运调节分子.在22周孕龄人胎肝cDNA文库中发现一种新基因,其编码的氨基酸序列与大鼠ARF1 GAP有32%同源性.将这种新基因命名为“ARFGAP3”,对其进行功能研究,利用逆转录-聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR),从人胎盘总RNA中扩增ARFGAP3全长cDNA序列,并将其亚克隆到pGEM-T载体;采用RNA印迹法和斑点杂交法,检测其组织表达谱,发现在多种腺体和睾丸中有很高水平ARFGAP3基因转录,并且只有一种约2.7 kb的转录本.利用基因重组技术,构建表达质粒pBAD/Thio-ARFGAP3,在大肠杆菌中表达,采用亲和层析法纯化表达产物,利用肠激酶切除重组融合蛋白N端引导序列.检测重组ARFGAP3的生化活性,证实ARFGAP3对ARF1具有GAP活性,促进ARF1结合的GTP水解为GDP,磷脂酰肌醇二磷酸(PIP2)增强其GAP活性,而磷脂酰胆碱(PC)抑制其GAP活性.     

ERK2-binding domain is required for phosphorylation of EBITEIN1, a potential downstream interactor of ERK2

EBITEIN1 is a recently identified extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2)-binding protein that is abundant in round spermatids. Here, I further characterized EBITEIN1. EBITEIN1 bound to nonphosphorylated and phosphorylated forms of ERK1 and ERK2. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation experiments indicated that EBITEIN1 is usually phosphorylated in vivo and that it is a substrate of ERK2. The ERK2-binding domain was required for phosphorylation of EBITEIN1. Based on these results, I propose that EBITEIN1 is a phosphoprotein and a downstream interactor of ERK2 that participates in the intracellular signal transduction pathway mediating the morphogenetic development of round spermatids into spermatozoa.     

一种新杨树菇(Agrocybe aegerita)凝集素的纯化及生化特性

用硫酸铵分级沉淀、离子交换和分子筛等方法 ,从食用菌杨树菇子实体中分离纯化了一种凝集素 ,称作为AAVP(Agrocybeaegeritaantiviralprotein) .经SDS PAGE测定其亚基的相对分子质量为15 8kD ,凝胶过滤分析分子量为 32kD .IEF PAGE计算其等电点为 3 8.AAVP不含糖 ,是一种N端焦谷氨酰环化封闭的蛋白质 ,经N端去封闭后测得N端氨基酸序列为QGVNIYNIVAGA ,用胰蛋白酶消化后得到一大片段 ,测定的氨基酸序列为PDGPWLVEK .AAVP可以凝集供试的 12种动物血和3种血型人血的血红细胞 ,但对各种血红细胞凝集滴度不同 .糖抑制实验表明 ,在供试的 18种单糖和 3种糖蛋白中 ,只有猪胃粘蛋白强烈抑制AAVP的凝血活性 .AAVP具有较好的热稳定性 ,能够忍受极端的酸碱条件 .AAVP的凝血活性不受Ca2 + 、Mg2 + 、Zn2 + 等二价阳离子的影响 .抗肿瘤活性检测表明 ,AAVP对胃癌细胞株SGC 790 1,MGC 80 3,BGC82 3及人急性白血病细胞株HL 6 0有明显的抑制作用 .AAVP对小鼠腹腔注射的半致死剂量为 15 85mg kg .     

詹氏甲烷球菌DNA连接酶在大肠杆菌中的表达纯化及连接活性鉴定

对一种耐热性古茵--詹氏甲烷球茵(Methanocaldococcus jannaschii)的DNA连接酶进行了克隆、表达、纯化,并对其生物化学特性和酶学活性进行了初步研究.詹氏甲烷球菌DNA连接酶重组蛋白在ATP及Mg<'2+>二价阳离子存在的条件下具有连接酶活性,能够封闭DNA链上的切割.通过不同温度下的测试,50～80℃为较适合连接温度,其耐热性强,甚至在90℃下加热5 min后仍有连接酶活性;其发挥活性的pH值范围比较宽泛.最适pH值为6.0～9.0.这是国际上对詹氏甲烷球菌DNA连接酶的首次报导.     

Identification and Characterization of a Novel Trans-membrane Protein Gene, pdh1, from Schizosaccharomyces pombe

We have cloned a new gene, pdh1, from genomic DNA of fissionyeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. pdh1 is actively transcribedas 1400-nucleotide mRNA in vegetatively growing cells and cancode for a 226 amino acid polypeptide (pdh1p). Computationalstructural prediction has revealed that the pdh1p is a highlyhydrophobic protein with seven transmembrane domains. The predictionhas also detected a possible C-kinase phosphorylation site withinthe longest hydrophilic loop.     

Functional and structural dynamics of NhaA,a prototype for Na and H antiporters,which are responsible for Na and H homeostasis in cells

The crystal structure of down-regulated NhaA crystallized at acidic pH 4 [21] has provided the first structural insights into the antiport mechanism and pH regulation of a Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter [22]. On the basis of the NhaA crystal structure [21] and experimental data (reviewed in [2,22,38] we have suggested that NhaA is organized into two functional regions: (i) a cluster of amino acids responsible for pH regulation (ii) a catalytic region at the middle of the TM IV/XI assembly, with its unique antiparallel unfolded regions that cross each other forming a delicate electrostatic balance in the middle of the membrane. This unique structure contributes to the cation binding site and allows the rapid conformational changes expected for NhaA. Extended chains interrupting helices appear now a common feature for ion binding in transporters. However the NhaA fold is unique and shared by ASBTNM [30] and NapA [29]. Computation [13], electrophysiology [69] combined with biochemistry [33,47] have provided intriguing models for the mechanism of NhaA. However, the conformational changes and the residues involved have not yet been fully identified. Another issue which is still enigma is how energy is transduced “in this ‘nano-machine.’” We expect that an integrative approach will reveal the residues that are crucial for NhaA activity and regulation, as well as elucidate the pHand ligand-induced conformational changes and their dynamics. Ultimately, integrative results will shed light on the mechanism of activity and pH regulation of NhaA, a prototype of the CPA2 family of transporters. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 18th European Bioenergetic Conference.     

Theoretical evidence of a salt bridge disruption as the initiating process for the alpha1d-adrenergic receptor activation: a molecular dynamics and docking study

This study reports the building of the three-dimensional structure of the rat alpha1d-adrenergic receptor through a topology approach based on the structure of the rhodopsin receptor from cryoelectron microscopy. The validity and reliability of the receptor model were assessed through exhaustive molecular dynamics and docking studies. Some interesting ligand-receptor interactions were identified along with significant differences between the binding mode of agonists and antagonists. The importance of the disruption of a salt bridge as a possible initial event leading to receptor activation is discussed on the basis of data from mutagenesis and molecular dynamics studies.     

Antinociceptive,anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of 1.5-diphenyl-1H-Pyrazole-3-carbohydrazide,a new heterocyclic pyrazole derivative

Aims

Heterocyclic pyrazole derivative has been described for the treatment of pain and inflammatory diseases. This study evaluated the in vivo, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of 1.5-diphenyl-1H-Pyrazole-3-carbohydrazide (1.5-DHP) and the in vivo or in vitro mechanism of action.

Main methods

Acetic acid-induced writhing, hot-plate and formalin-induced nociception tests were used to evaluate the antinociceptive effect, while the rota-rod test was used to assess the motor activity. Croton oil-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced peritonitis tests were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of 1.5-DHP. The antipyretic effect was assessed using the LPS-induced fever model. The mechanism of action was evaluated by PGE₂ and TNF-α measurement and cyclooxygenase inhibition assay.

Key findings

Oral administration (p.o.) of 1.5-DHP (1, 3, 10 mg/kg) caused a dose-related inhibition of the acetic acid-induced writhing, however the highest dose was not effective on the hot-plate and rota-rod. In the formalin-induced nociception, 1.5-DHP (10 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited only the late phase of nociception. This same dose of 1.5-DHP also reduced the croton oil-induced ear edema. 1.5-DHP (3, 10, 30 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a dose-related reduction of leukocyte migration on the carrageenan-induced peritonitis. 1.5-DHP (60 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the fever and the increase of PGE₂ concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid induced by LPS. 1.5-DHP inhibited both COXs in vitro. Finally, 1.5-DHP (10 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the TNF-α concentration in peritoneal exudates after carrageenan injection.

Significance

These results indicate that 1.5-DHP produces anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic effects by PGE₂ synthesis reduction through COX-1/COX-2 inhibition and by TNF-α synthesis/release inhibition.     

Anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of VIP and a VPAC1 agonist on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a pleiotropic neuropeptide with potent anti-inflammatory properties, and its receptor, VPAC1, mediates most of the anti-inflammatory effects of VIP. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by increased oxidation and inflammation due to persistent hyperglycemia. This research was performed to investigate the effects of VIP and a VPAC1 agonist on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mice. Intraperitoneal injection of VIP and VPAC1 agonist (50 nmol/kg/day in saline) over a 28-day period (1) decreased food intake, (2) increased body weight, (3) improved visceral index, (4) increased the fasting plasma insulin levels, (5) decreased the fasting plasma glucose, (6) improved the glucose tolerance, (7) decreased pancreas H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde (MDA) and (8) increased total antioxidant activity (T-AOC) in the liver, spleen and pancreas. The results of histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis showed that VIP and the VPAC1 agonist improved the structure and cellularity of islets and ameliorated the insulin-secreting activity of islets. Additionally, administration of VIP or the VPAC1 agonist not only significantly decreased the plasma TNFα and CRP and promoted IL-10 in diabetic mice but also blocked the increased NF-κB activity of pancreatic tissue in diabetic mice. Furthermore, the VPAC1 agonist displayed stronger effects than VIP. These results show that both VIP and VPAC1 agonist ameliorated STZ-induced diabetes and protected mice against oxidative stress and inflammation associated diabetes, with VPAC1 being the receptor most responsible for these positive effects in diabetic mice.     

1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignments of the C-terminal domain of HasB, a specific TonB like protein, from Serratia marcescens

The backbone and side chain resonance assignments of the periplasmic domain of HasB, the energy transducer for heme active transport through the specific receptor HasR of Serratia marcescens, have been determined as a first step towards its structural study. The BMRB accession code is 15440.     

The Schistosoma mansoni tegumental allergen protein,SmTAL1: Binding to an IQ-motif from a voltage-gated ion channel and effects of praziquantel

SmTAL1 is a calcium binding protein from the parasitic worm, Schistosoma mansoni. Structurally it is comprised of two domains – an N-terminal EF-hand domain and a C-terminal dynein light chain (DLC)-like domain. The protein has previously been shown to interact with the anti-schistosomal drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Here, we demonstrated that both EF-hands in the N-terminal domain are functional calcium ion binding sites. The second EF-hand appears to be more important in dictating affinity and mediating the conformational changes which occur on calcium ion binding. There is positive cooperativity between the four calcium ion binding sites in the dimeric form of SmTAL1. Both the EF-hand domain and the DLC-domain dimerise independently suggesting that both play a role in forming the SmTAL1 dimer. SmTAL1 binds non-cooperatively to PZQ and cooperatively to an IQ-motif from SmCa_v1B, a voltage-gated calcium channel. PZQ tends to strengthen this interaction, although the relationship is complex. These data suggest the hypothesis that SmTAL1 regulates at least one voltage-gated calcium channel and PZQ interferes with this process. This may be important in the molecular mechanism of this drug. It also suggests that compounds which bind SmTAL1, such as six from the Medicines for Malaria Box identified in this work, may represent possible leads for the discovery of novel antagonists.     

栝楼籽中一种新的具有蛋白质生物合成抑制活性的多肽——Trichokirin-S1的分离、纯化和性质

改进了常规的核糖体失活蛋白的分离纯化方案 ,首先采用抽提蛋白体的方法 ,提高了分离效果 ,然后再经硫酸铵分级沉淀、FPLCMonoS阳离子交换层析和Superose12凝胶过滤层析等步骤 ,从栝楼种子中分离到一种新的多肽———trichokirin S1。经MALDI TOFMS质谱分析测得其分子量为 114 2 6。该肽的N端氨基酸序列为PRRKEG GSFDECCSE ,与一种存在于南瓜籽中的小分子核糖体失活蛋白 β moschin具有很高的同源性。trichokirin S1对核糖体失活的机制与天花粉蛋白 (TCS)一致 ,是rRNAN 糖苷酶催化型的 ,对兔网织红细胞裂解液系统蛋白质生物合成有较强的抑制作用 ,IC50 为 0 .71nmol L ,因而有可能开发成免疫毒素的高效“弹头”。     

Robust Glyoxalase activity of Hsp31, a ThiJ/DJ-1/PfpI Family Member Protein,Is Critical for Oxidative Stress Resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive metabolic intermediate generated during various cellular biochemical reactions, including glycolysis. The accumulation of MG indiscriminately modifies proteins, including important cellular antioxidant machinery, leading to severe oxidative stress, which is implicated in multiple neurodegenerative disorders, aging, and cardiac disorders. Although cells possess efficient glyoxalase systems for detoxification, their functions are largely dependent on the glutathione cofactor, the availability of which is self-limiting under oxidative stress. Thus, higher organisms require alternate modes of reducing the MG-mediated toxicity and maintaining redox balance. In this report, we demonstrate that Hsp31 protein, a member of the ThiJ/DJ-1/PfpI family in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, plays an indispensable role in regulating redox homeostasis. Our results show that Hsp31 possesses robust glutathione-independent methylglyoxalase activity and suppresses MG-mediated toxicity and ROS levels as compared with another paralog, Hsp34. On the other hand, glyoxalase-defective mutants of Hsp31 were found highly compromised in regulating the ROS levels. Additionally, Hsp31 maintains cellular glutathione and NADPH levels, thus conferring protection against oxidative stress, and Hsp31 relocalizes to mitochondria to provide cytoprotection to the organelle under oxidative stress conditions. Importantly, human DJ-1, which is implicated in the familial form of Parkinson disease, complements the function of Hsp31 by suppressing methylglyoxal and oxidative stress, thus signifying the importance of these proteins in the maintenance of ROS homeostasis across phylogeny.     

Functional flexibility of electron flow between quinol oxidation Qo site of cytochrome bc1 and cytochrome c revealed by combinatory effects of mutations in cytochrome b,iron-sulfur protein and cytochrome c1

Transfer of electron from quinol to cytochrome c is an integral part of catalytic cycle of cytochrome bc₁. It is a multi-step reaction involving: i) electron transfer from quinol bound at the catalytic Q_o site to the Rieske iron-sulfur ([2Fe-2S]) cluster, ii) large-scale movement of a domain containing [2Fe-2S] cluster (ISP-HD) towards cytochrome c₁, iii) reduction of cytochrome c₁ by reduced [2Fe-2S] cluster, iv) reduction of cytochrome c by cytochrome c₁.In this work, to examine this multi-step reaction we introduced various types of barriers for electron transfer within the chain of [2Fe-2S] cluster, cytochrome c₁ and cytochrome c. The barriers included: impediment in the motion of ISP-HD, uphill electron transfer from [2Fe-2S] cluster to heme c₁ of cytochrome c₁, and impediment in the catalytic quinol oxidation. The barriers were introduced separately or in various combinations and their effects on enzymatic activity of cytochrome bc₁ were compared. This analysis revealed significant degree of functional flexibility allowing the cofactor chains to accommodate certain structural and/or redox potential changes without losing overall electron and proton transfers capabilities. In some cases inhibitory effects compensated one another to improve/restore the function. The results support an equilibrium model in which a random oscillation of ISP-HD between the Q_o site and cytochrome c₁ helps maintaining redox equilibrium between all cofactors of the chain. We propose a new concept in which independence of the dynamics of the Q_o site substrate and the motion of ISP-HD is one of the elements supporting this equilibrium and also is a potential factor limiting the overall catalytic rate.     

Isolation of a Few Metabolites from p-Menthane and Conditions for cis-p-Menthan-1-ol Production by Pseudomonas mendocina-SF

The p-menthane-utilizing microorganism, strain-SF, was identified to be a strain belonging to Pseudomonas mendocina by the physiological and morphological properties. The productivity of cis-p-menthan-l-oI by this strain was examined under various conditions, and as a result it was found that this strain required both magnesium and ferric ions for the hydroxylation of p-menthane, and that the productivity increased up 20% to 35 or 40% by adding 0.1 % (w/v) of agar or a proper emulsifier (PEG nonylphenylether p: 10) into the medium. On the other hand, some new metabolites which were assumed to be the intermediates were identified to be l-hydroxymethyl-4-isopropyl cyclohexanol, l-carboxy-4-isopropyl cyclohexanol, and 3-isopropyl heptanedioic acid by IR, PMR, MS and elementary analyse. From these results, the methabolic pathway of p-menthane by strain-SF was proposed.