Long-Lived, High-Strength States of ICAM-1 Bonds to β2 Integrin, I: Lifetimes of Bonds to Recombinant αLβ2 Under Force

Using single-molecule force spectroscopy to probe ICAM-1 interactions with recombinant α_Lβ₂ immobilized on microspheres and β₂ integrin on neutrophils, we quantified an impressive hierarchy of long-lived, high-strength states of the integrin bond, which start from basal levels with integrin activation in solutions of divalent cations and shift dramatically upward to hyperactivated states with cell signaling in leukocytes. Taking advantage of very rare events, we used repeated measurements of bond lifetimes under steady ramps of force to achieve a direct assay for the off-rates of ICAM-1 from β₂ integrin in each experiment. Of fundamental importance, the assay for off-rates does not depend on how the force is applied over time, and remains valid when the rates of dissociation change with different levels of force. In this first article, we present results from tests of a monovalent ICAM-1 probe against immobilized α_Lβ₂ in environments of divalent cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Mn²⁺) and demonstrate in detail the method for assay of off-rates. When extrapolated to zero force, the force-free values for the off-rates are found to be consistent with published solution-based assays of soluble ICAM-1 dissociation from immobilized LFA-1, i.e., ∼10⁻²/s in Mg²⁺ or Mn²⁺ and ∼1/s in Ca²⁺. At the same time, as expected for adhesive function, we find that the β₂ integrin bonds activated in Mn²⁺ or Mg²⁺ possess significant and persistent mechanical strength (e.g., >20 pN for >1 s) even when subjected to slow force ramps (<10 pN/s). As discussed in our companion article, using the same assay, we find that although the rates of dissociation for diICAM-1fc bonds to LFA-1 on neutrophils in Mn²⁺ are similar to those for mICAM-1 bonds to recombinant α_Lβ₂ on microspheres, they appear to represent a dimeric attachment to a pair of tightly clustered integrin heterodimers. The mechanical strengths and lifetimes of the dimeric interactions increase dramatically when the neutrophils are stimulated by the chemokine IL-8 or are bound with an allosterically activating (anti-CD18) monoclonal antibody, demonstrating the major impact of cell signaling on LFA-1.     

Aggregation Modulators Interfere with Membrane Interactions of β2-Microglobulin Fibrils

Amyloid fibril accumulation is a pathological hallmark of several devastating disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, prion diseases, type II diabetes, and others. Although the molecular factors responsible for amyloid pathologies have not been deciphered, interactions of misfolded proteins with cell membranes appear to play important roles in these disorders. Despite increasing evidence for the involvement of membranes in amyloid-mediated cytotoxicity, the pursuit for therapeutic strategies has focused on preventing self-assembly of the proteins comprising the amyloid plaques. Here we present an investigation of the impact of fibrillation modulators upon membrane interactions of β₂-microglobulin (β₂m) fibrils. The experiments reveal that polyphenols (epigallocatechin gallate, bromophenol blue, and resveratrol) and glycosaminoglycans (heparin and heparin disaccharide) differentially affect membrane interactions of β₂m fibrils measured by dye-release experiments, fluorescence anisotropy of labeled lipid, and confocal and cryo-electron microscopies. Interestingly, whereas epigallocatechin gallate and heparin prevent membrane damage as judged by these assays, the other compounds tested had little, or no, effect. The results suggest a new dimension to the biological impact of fibrillation modulators that involves interference with membrane interactions of amyloid species, adding to contemporary strategies for combating amyloid diseases that focus on disruption or remodeling of amyloid aggregates.     

Thermodynamic Analyses of Nucleotide Binding to an Isolated Monomeric β Subunit and the α3β3γ Subcomplex of F1-ATPase

Rotation of the γ subunit of the F₁-ATPase plays an essential role in energy transduction by F₁-ATPase. Hydrolysis of an ATP molecule induces a 120° step rotation that consists of an 80° substep and 40° substep. ATP binding together with ADP release causes the first 80° step rotation. Thus, nucleotide binding is very important for rotation and energy transduction by F₁-ATPase. In this study, we introduced a βY341W mutation as an optical probe for nucleotide binding to catalytic sites, and a βE190Q mutation that suppresses the hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphate (NTP). Using a mutant monomeric βY341W subunit and a mutant α₃β₃γ subcomplex containing the βY341W mutation with or without an additional βE190Q mutation, we examined the binding of various NTPs (i.e., ATP, GTP, and ITP) and nucleoside diphosphates (NDPs, i.e., ADP, GDP, and IDP). The affinity (1/K_d) of the nucleotides for the isolated β subunit and third catalytic site in the subcomplex was in the order ATP/ADP > GTP/GDP > ITP/IDP. We performed van’t Hoff analyses to obtain the thermodynamic parameters of nucleotide binding. For the isolated β subunit, NDPs and NTPs with the same base moiety exhibited similar ΔH⁰ and ΔG⁰ values at 25°C. The binding of nucleotides with different bases to the isolated β subunit resulted in different entropy changes. Interestingly, NDP binding to the α₃β(Y341W)₃γ subcomplex had similar K_d and ΔG⁰ values as binding to the isolated β(Y341W) subunit, but the contributions of the enthalpy term and the entropy term were very different. We discuss these results in terms of the change in the tightness of the subunit packing, which reduces the excluded volume between subunits and increases water entropy.     

Aminoterminal acetylation of synthetic Nα-desacetyl thymosin α1

A transacetylase associated with the ribosome fraction from wheat germ catalyzes the transfer of acetyl groups from acetyl CoA to synthetic N^α-desacetyl thymosin α₁. The product was identified by high-performance liquid chromatography and by the isolation of a tryptic peptide containing the acetylated NH₂-terminus. In 20 min, with 13 μg of enzyme protein, 15% of the desacetyl thymosin α₁ added was converted to the acetylated form. Under the conditions employed only the α-NH₂ group was acetylated.     

Termination of early pregnancy by ONO-802 (16,16-Dimethyl-trans-δ2-PGE1 methyl ester)

ONO-802 was infused into th euterine cavity for the termination of early pregnancy in 45 healthy volunteers. Forty two (93%) of the 45 cases had compelete abortions and two had incomplete abortions.Nine (20%) of the 45 volunteers complained of nausea, 7 (16%) vomited and 5 (11%) complained of abdominal pain. Neither diarrhea nor weakness was observed.These results suggest that ONO-802 is more acceptable for the termination of early pregnancy than is PGF_2α.     

α2-Adrenergic stimulation enhances growth hormone secretion in the dog: A presynaptic mechanism?

Intravenous administration of clonidine (CLO), (2,4 and 8/micrograms/Kg), a predominantly alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, induced in unanesthetized dogs clear-cut and dose-related rises in plasma GH (cGH) levels. Pretreatment with the selective antagonist of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors prazosin (0.1 mg/Kg iv) left unaltered the cGH rise induced by 4/micrograms/Kg of CLO whilst blockade of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors by yohimbine (2.5 mg/Kg iv) completely prevented it. In dogs treated 24 h previously, with reserpine (0.5 mg/Kg iv), a depletor of brain catecholamine stores, CLO was ineffective to stimulate cGH release. These data indicate that in the dog the GH-releasing effect of CLO occurs via stimulation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and suggest that the latter are located presynaptically in relation to norepinephrine neurons.     

A solid-phase immunosorbent assay to determine the proteinase binding capacity of α2-macroglobulin using 125I-trypsin as indicator proteinase

Hyperimmune sera against human α₂macroglobulin were raised in rabbits following immunization with ‘s’ α₂-macroglobulin⁷ over half a year. Immunoglobulins were prepared by DEAE-Sephacel anion exchange chromatography. The immunoglobulin preparations showed a remarkably high and equal titer for ‘s’ and ‘f’ α₂-macroglobulin (plasma α₂-macroglobulin fully saturated with pig pancreas trypsin), which amounted to 6.4·10^?6 as revealed by passive hemagglutination. Immunoimmobilization experiments revealed that at equilibrium, ‘s’ α₂-macroglobulin and both ‘f’ α₂-macroglobulins (27 and 82% saturation of ‘s’ α₂-macroglobulin with trypsin) had been bound to the same degree from the fluid phase to the monospecific antibodies that had been adsorbed to polystyrene tubes. Comparison of quantitative gel scans for disappearance of the intact α₂-macroglobulin subunit (M_r 182 000) with ¹²⁵I-labeled trypsin binding capacity of immunoimmobilized α₂-macroglobulin-trypsin complexes showed conspicuous agreement. Rocket immunoelectrophoresis did not give significant differences between ‘s’ α₂-macroglobulin and ‘f’ α₂-macroglobulin. In the fluid phase, a binding ratio of 2.4 mol trypsin/mol α₂-macroglobulin was observed. Saturation of solid phase immunoimmobilized ‘s’ α₂-macroglobulin with trypsin could be accomplished by incubation with a 100–200-fold molar excess of enzyme for 10 min. The solid-phase experiments showed a binding ratio of 2.0 mol trypsin/mol α₂-macroglobulin. The high molar excess of trypsin needed to saturate solid-phase immunoimmobilized α₂-macroglobulin, which binds 20% less trypsin than in the liquid phase, is partially explained by an enhancement of the negative cooperativity of trypsin binding to α₂-macroglobulin found in the liquid-phase system. Assessment of the trypsin-binding capacity of α₂-macroglobulin immunoadsorbed from synovial fluids (n = 19) of patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis yielded an inactive α₂-macroglobulin of 0–53% when compared to the trypsin-binding capacity of normal plasma α₂-macroglobulin.     

Addition of deoxycholate in electroimmunoassay and crossed immunofocusing for quantification of β2-glycoprotein I and its subfractions

β₂-GlycoproteinI was shown to be a hydrophilic protein exhibiting no charge shift in the presence of a cationic detergent, but a charge shift in the presence of an anionic detergent. The latter was suggested to be caused by a binding of β₂-glycoprotein I to deoxycholate in the Triton X-100/deoxycholate micelles. Quantification by electroimmunoassay of asialo-β₂-glycoprotein and I and subfractions of β₂-glycoprotein I gave different results although identical results were obtained in single radial immunodiffusion. Addition of 0.2% (w/v) of deoxycholate to the agarose gels containing Triton X-100 prior to electrophoresis, however, eliminated these differences. The effect of deoxycholate on the rate of migration of β₂-glycoprotein I was found applicable for electroimmunoassay of the protein. Crossed immunofocusing of plasma from individual donors, electrophoresed in an agarose containing Triton X-100/deoxycholate micelles confirmed a postulated variation in the relative composition of subfractions of β₂-glycoprotein I in plasma earlier suggested by Finlayson and Mushinski (Finlayson, J.S. and Mushinski, J.F. (1967) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 147, 413–420).     

Structural Determination of Aβ25-35 Micelles by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and other amyloidogenic proteins can form a wide range of soluble oligomers of varied morphologies at the early aggregation stage, and some of these oligomers are biologically relevant to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Spherical micelle-like oligomers have been often observed for many different types of amyloids. Here, we report a hybrid computational approach to systematically construct, search, optimize, and rank soluble micelle-like Aβ_25-35 structures with different side-chain packings at the atomic level. Simulations reveal for the first time, to our knowledge, that two Aβ micelles with antiparallel peptide organization and distinct surface hydrophobicity display high structural stability. Stable micelles experience a slow secondary structural transition from turn to α-helix. Energetic analysis coupled with computational mutagenesis reveals that van der Waals and solvation energies play a more pronounced role in stabilizing the micelles, whereas the electrostatic energies present a stable but minor energetic contribution to peptide assemblies. Modeled Aβ micelles with shapes and dimensions similar to those of experimentally derived spherical structures also provide detailed information about the roles of structural dynamics and transition in the formation of amyloid fibrils. The strong binding affinity of our micelles to antibodies implies that micelles may be a biologically relevant species.     

Concerted Interconversion between Ionic Lock Substates of the β2 Adrenergic Receptor Revealed by Microsecond Timescale Molecular Dynamics

The recently solved crystallographic structures for the A_2A adenosine receptor and the β₁ and β₂ adrenergic receptors have shown important differences between members of the class-A G-protein-coupled receptors and their archetypal model, rhodopsin, such as the apparent breaking of the ionic lock that stabilizes the inactive structure. Here, we characterize a 1.02 μs all-atom simulation of an apo-β₂ adrenergic receptor that is missing the third intracellular loop to better understand the inactive structure. Although we find that the structure is remarkably rigid, there is a rapid influx of water into the core of the protein, as well as a slight expansion of the molecule relative to the crystal structure. In contrast to the x-ray crystal structures, the ionic lock rapidly reforms, although we see an activation-precursor-like event wherein the ionic lock opens for ∼200 ns, accompanied by movements in the transmembrane helices associated with activation. When the lock reforms, we see the structure return to its inactive conformation. We also find that the ionic lock exists in three states: closed (or locked), semi-open with a bridging water molecule, and open. The interconversion of these states involves the concerted motion of the entire protein. We characterize these states and the concerted motion underlying their interconversion. These findings may help elucidate the connection between key local events and the associated global structural changes during activation.     

Synthesis and characterization of tetrairon-tungsten cluster complex containing a μ4, η-carbonyl ligand

Reaction of [(PPh₂C₅H₄)Cp₃Fe₄(CO)₄] (1) with (CO)₄W(CH₃CN)₂ at ambient temperature affords [(CO)₄W(PPh₂C₅H₄)Cp₃Fe₄(CO)₄] (2) as the major product, together with a small amount of [(CO)₅W(PPh₂C₅H₄)Cp₃Fe₄(CO)₄] (3). Compound 3 can be obtained in good yield by treating (CO)₅W(CH₃CN) with equal molar of 1, and reaction of 3 with Me₃NO in acetonitrile solvent produces 2 exclusively. The crystal structures of 2 and 3 have been determined by an X-ray diffraction study. Compound 2 contains an interesting μ₄, η²-CO ligand, where two electrons donated by the carbon atom are involved to bridge a Fe₃ face and two electrons from oxygen are donated to the tungsten(0) atom.     

Arming α2-macroglobulin with ricin A chain forms a cytotoxic conjugate that inhibits protein synthesis and kills human fibroblasts

A conjugate containing α₂-macroglobulin and highly purified ricin A chain was made using N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate. Radioimmunoassay indicated that it contained 1.2 mol A chain per mol α₂-macroglobulin. The conjugate inhibited polyuridylic-acid directed translation by rat liver ribosomes and protein synthesis in human fibroblasts. There was a 90 min lag period before the beginning of inhibition in fibroblasts, but complete inhibition could be achieved. By measuring protein synthesis as a function of protein concentration, it was demonstrated that 8.25·10^?9M conjugate was required to inhibit 50% of protein synthesis in 6 h. To achieve the same level of inhibition, 165-times more (1.3·10^?6M) unconjugated A chain was required, and 180-times less ricin (4.6·10^?11M). Ricin was more than 28 000 times more inhibitory than A chain alone. The presence of α₂-macroglobulin did not increase the cytotoxicity of unconjugated A chain, and it even protected the cells to a slight extent. The inhibitory action of the conjugate was blocked by antibodies specific for α₂-macroglobulin or ricin, and it was not prevented by galactose or antibodies specific for ricin B chain. Electron microscopy of the conjugate indirectly labelled with ferritin demonstrated that it was internalized by receptor mediated endocytosis through coated pits. These data indicate that the A chain portion of the conjugate survives the conditions in the lysosomes to the extent that it retains its ability to inactivate cytoplasmic ribosomes.     

Cytochrome c6B of Synechococcus sp. WH 8102 – Crystal structure and basic properties of novel c6-like family representative

Cytochromes c are soluble electron carriers of relatively low molecular weight, containing single heme moiety. In cyanobacteria cytochrome c₆ participates in electron transfer from cytochrome b₆f complex to photosystem I. Recent phylogenetic analysis revealed the existence of a few families of proteins homologous to the previously mentioned. Cytochrome c_6A from Arabidopsis thaliana was identified as a protein responsible for disulfide bond formation in response to intracellular redox state changes and c₅₅₀ is well known element of photosystem II. However, function of cytochromes marked as c_6B, c_6C and c_M as well as the physiological process in which they take a part still remain unidentified. Here we present the first structural and biophysical analysis of cytochrome from the c_6B family from mesophilic cyanobacteria Synechococcus sp. WH 8102. Purified protein was crystallized and its structure was refined at 1.4 Å resolution. Overall architecture of this polypeptide resembles typical I-class cytochromes c. The main features, that distinguish described protein from cytochrome c₆, are slightly red-shifted α band of UV–Vis spectrum as well as relatively low midpoint potential (113.2 ± 2.2 mV). Although, physiological function of cytochrome c_6B has yet to be determined its properties probably exclude the participation of this protein in electron trafficking between b₆f complex and photosystem I.     

Molecular structure of tetranuclear [{Mo2O(S2CNEt2)(η-O2CCF3)(μ-N-o-tol)2}2(μ-O)(μ-O2CCF3)2] formed upon addition of trifluoroacetic acid to syn-[MoO(μ-N-o-tol)(S2CNEt2)]2

Addition of trifluoroacetic acid to syn-[MoO(μ-N-o-tol)(S₂CNEt₂)]₂ in chloroform affords tetranuclear [{Mo₂O(S₂CNEt₂)(η¹-O₂CCF₃)(μ-N-o-tol)₂}₂(μ-O)(μ-O₂CCF₃)₂] which has been crystallographically characterised. It consists of four molybdenum(V) centres linked via bridging imido, trifluoroacetate and oxo ligands and results from replacement of a dithiocarbamate by two trifluoroacetate ligands.     

The Shapes of Z-α1-Antitrypsin Polymers in Solution Support the C-Terminal Domain-Swap Mechanism of Polymerization

Emphysema and liver cirrhosis can be caused by the Z mutation (Glu342Lys) in the serine protease inhibitor α1-antitrypsin (α1AT), which is found in more than 4% of the Northern European population. Homozygotes experience deficiency in the lung concomitantly with a massive accumulation of polymers within hepatocytes, causing their destruction. Recently, it was proposed that Z-α1AT polymerizes by a C-terminal domain swap. In this study, small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to characterize Z-α1AT polymers in solution. The data show that the Z-α1AT trimer, tetramer, and pentamer all form ring-like structures in strong support of a common domain-swap polymerization mechanism that can lead to self-terminating polymers.     

Cu(C6H9N3O2)2Cl2对小麦的生态毒理效应

以冬小麦为实验材料,比较研究了(1)不同浓度配合物对小麦生长的影响;(2)相同浓度的CuC l2、配体C6H9N3O2和配合物Cu(C6H9N3O2)2C l2对冬小麦种子萌发、苗期生长及其保护酶活性的影响。结果表明:与对照相比,(1)不同浓度新配合物对小麦生长具有不同程度的抑制作用,随着浓度的增高抑制作用逐渐增大;(2)CuC l2、配合物Cu(C6H9N3O2)2C l2对小麦种子总淀粉酶活性、蛋白酶活性、萌发率、生长势、根长、株高、总生物量均具有显著的抑制作用,配合物Cu(C6H9N3O2)2C l2的抑制作用小于CuC l2,而配体C6H9N3O2对上述生物学参数具有促进作用;(3)CuC l2、配合物Cu(C6H9N3O2)2C l2处理引起膜脂过氧化,显著的提高了幼苗的M DA浓度,导致SOD、POD、CAT活性降低,CuC l2的抑制作用大于配合物Cu(C6H9N3O2)2C l2,而配体C6H9N3O2处理对SOD、POD、CAT活性的提高有促进作用。上述结果说明C6H9N3O2对CuC l2生理胁迫具有保护作用,结合态的Cu2 (配合物Cu(C6H9N3O2)2C l2)的毒性显著的降低。在此基础上探讨了配合物抑制小麦生长发育的生物学机制。     

The reactions of 2-hydroxypyridine ligands with Re2Cl4(μ-dppm)2 (dppm=Ph2PCH2PPh2) that lead to 2-pyridonate complexes

2-Hydroxypyridine (Hhp), 2-hydroxynicotinic acid (HnicOH) and 6-hydroxypicolinic acid (HpicOH) react with Re₂Cl₄(μ-dppm)₂ (dppm=Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) to afford the complexes Re₂(η²-hp)Cl₃(μ-dppm)₂ (1), Re₂(η²-HnicO)Cl₃(μ-dppm)₂ (2) and Re₂(μ-picO)₂(μ-dppm)₂ (3). The identities of 1 and 2 have been established by single-crystal X-ray structure determinations (Re-Re distances of 2.2602(3) and 2.2539(3) Å, respectively) and they are shown to have unsymmetrical structures with staggered rotational geometries and trans, cis coordination of the pair of μ-dppm ligands. The crystal of 2 that was used in the structure determination was found to be of composition 2Re₂(η²-HnicO)Cl₃(μ-dppm)₂ · Re₂Cl₆(μ-dppm)₂ · 2.906CH₂Cl₂. The structure of Re₂Cl₆(μ-dppm)₂ in this crystal is compared with structures reported in the literature for other crystals that contain this edge-sharing bioctahedral dirhenium(III) complex.     

A cyclic osmastannyl complex, Os(κ(Sn,P)-SnMe2C6H4PPh2)(κ-S2CNMe2)(CO)(PPh3) derived from the osmastannol complex, Os(SnMe2OH)(κ-S2CNMe2)(CO)(PPh3)2

Treatment of the six-coordinate trimethylstannyl complex, Os(SnMe₃)(κ²-S₂CNMe₂)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (1) with SnMe₂Cl₂ produces Os(SnMe₂Cl)(κ²-S₂CNMe₂)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (2), which in turn reacts readily with hydroxide ion to give, Os(SnMe₂OH)(κ²-S₂CNMe₂)(CO)(PPh₃)₂ (3). The osmastannol complex 3 undergoes a reaction with 2 equivalents of ^tBuLi, in which one of the phenyl rings of a triphenylphosphine ligand is “ortho-stannylated”, without cleavage of the Os-Sn bond, to give the cyclic complex, Os(κ²(Sn,P)-SnMe₂C₆H₄PPh₂)(κ²-S₂CNMe₂)(CO)(PPh₃) (4). This novel cyclic complex is selectively functionalised at the tin atom by reaction with SnMe₂Cl₂ which exchanges one methyl group for chloride giving the diastereomeric mixture, Os(κ²(Sn,P)-SnMeClC₆H₄PPh₂)(κ²-S₂CNMe₂)(CO)(PPh₃) (5a/5b). Crystal structure determination reveals that both diastereomers occur in the unit cell. The mixture, 5a/5b, undergoes reaction with hydroxide ion to give the diastereomeric osmastannol complexes, Os(κ²(Sn,P)-SnMeOHC₆H₄PPh₂)(κ²-S₂CNMe₂)(CO)(PPh₃) (6a/6b) and with sodium borohydride to give the corresponding tin-hydride mixture, Os(κ²(Sn,P)-SnMeHC₆H₄PPh₂)(κ²-S₂CNMe₂)(CO)(PPh₃) (7a/7b). Crystal structure determinations for 2, 4, and 5a/5b have been obtained.     

Ca2+位于H2O2上游参与H2S诱导的拟南芥气孔关闭过程

以拟南芥为材料,利用药理学实验,结合分光光度法和激光共聚焦显微技术,研究了Ca2+在硫化氢(H2S)诱导拟南芥气孔关闭过程中的作用及其与过氧化氢(H2O2)的关系。结果表明:H2S诱导气孔关闭,Ca2+螯合剂EGTA和质膜Ca2+通道阻断剂硝苯地平(Nif)能不同程度抑制H2S诱导的气孔关闭,而内质网钙泵阻断剂毒胡萝卜素(Thaps)对H2S的作用无显著影响。由此推测,Ca2+参与调节H2S诱导的拟南芥气孔关闭过程,且胞质中Ca2+来源于胞外Ca2+的内流。另外,H2S诱导拟南芥叶片NADPH氧化酶基因At RBOHD和At RBOHF以及细胞壁过氧化物酶基因At PRX34表达增强,促进叶片和保卫细胞中H2O2积累,EGTA对此起抑制作用,而外源Ca Cl2处理上调At RBOHD、At RBOHF和At PRX34的表达。表明Ca2+可能位于H2O2上游参与H2S诱导的拟南芥气孔关闭过程。