Continuous monitoring of cholesterol oleate hydrolysis by hormone-sensitive lipase and other cholesterol esterases

Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) contributes importantly to the hydrolysis of cholesteryl ester in steroidogenic tissues, releasing the cholesterol required for adrenal steroidogenesis. HSL has broad substrate specificity, because it hydrolyzes triacylglycerols (TAGs), diacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols, and cholesteryl esters. In this study, we developed a specific cholesterol esterase assay using cholesterol oleate (CO) dispersed in phosphatidylcholine and gum arabic by sonication. To continuously monitor the hydrolysis of CO by HSL, we used the pH-stat technique. For the sake of comparison, the hydrolysis of CO dispersion was also tested using other cholesteryl ester-hydrolyzing enzymes. The specific activities measured on CO were found to be 18, 100, 27, and 3 micromol/min/mg for HSL, cholesterol esterase from Pseudomonas species, Candida rugosa lipase-3, and cholesterol esterase from bovine pancreas, respectively. The activity of HSL on CO is approximately 4- to 5-fold higher than on long-chain TAGs. In contrast, with all other enzymes tested, the rates of TAG hydrolysis were higher than those of CO hydrolysis. The relatively higher turnover of HSL on CO observed in vitro adds further molecular insight on the physiological importance of HSL in cholesteryl ester catabolism in vivo. Thus, HSL could be considered more as a cholesteryl ester hydrolase than as a TAG lipase.     

ATGL and CGI-58 are lipid droplet proteins of the hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6

Lipid droplets (LDs) of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) contain large amounts of vitamin A [in the form of retinyl esters (REs)] as well as other neutral lipids such as TGs. During times of insufficient vitamin A availability, RE stores are mobilized to ensure a constant supply to the body. To date, little is known about the enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of neutral lipid esters, in particular of REs, in HSCs. In this study, we aimed to identify LD-associated neutral lipid hydrolases by a proteomic approach using the rat stellate cell line HSC-T6. First, we loaded cells with retinol and FAs to promote lipid synthesis and deposition within LDs. Then, LDs were isolated and lipid composition and the LD proteome were analyzed. Among other proteins, we found perilipin 2, adipose TG lipase (ATGL), and comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58), known and established LD proteins. Bioinformatic search of the LD proteome for α/β-hydrolase fold-containing proteins revealed no yet uncharacterized neutral lipid hydrolases. In in vitro activity assays, we show that rat (r)ATGL, coactivated by rat (r)CGI-58, efficiently hydrolyzes TGs and REs. These findings suggest that rATGL and rCGI-58 are LD-resident proteins in HSCs and participate in the mobilization of both REs and TGs.     

Influence of the degree of unsaturation of the acyl side chain upon the interaction of analogues of 1-arachidonoylglycerol with monoacylglycerol lipase and fatty acid amide hydrolase

Little is known as to the structural requirements of the acyl side chain for interaction of acylglycerols with monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), the enzyme chiefly responsible for the metabolism of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the brain. In the present study, a series of twelve analogues of 1-AG (the more stable regioisomer of 2-AG) were investigated with respect to their ability to inhibit the metabolism of 2-oleoylglycerol by cytosolic and membrane-bound MAGL. In addition, the ability of the compounds to inhibit the hydrolysis of anandamide by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) was investigated. For cytosolic MAGL, compounds with 20 carbon atoms in the acyl chain and 2-5 unsaturated bonds inhibited the hydrolysis of 2-oleoylglycerol with similar potencies (IC50 values in the range 5.1-8.2 microM), whereas the two compounds with a single unsaturated bond were less potent (IC50 values 19 and 21 microM). The fully saturated analogue 1-monoarachidin did not inhibit the enzyme, whereas the lower side chain analogues 1-monopalmitin and 1-monomyristin inhibited the enzyme with IC50 values of 12 and 32 microM, respectively. The 22-carbon chain analogue of 1-AG was also potent (IC50 value 4.5 microM). Introduction of an alpha-methyl group for the C20:4, C20:3, and C22:4 compounds did not affect potency in a consistent manner. For the FAAH and the membrane-bound MAGL, there was no obvious relationship between the degree of unsaturation of the acyl side chain and the ability to inhibit the enzymes. It is concluded that increasing the number of unsaturated bonds on the acyl side chain of 1-AG from 1 to 5 has little effect on the affinity of acylglycerols for cytosolic MAGL.     

Enzyme catalysis in ionic liquids

Ionic liquids offer new possibilities for the application of solvent engineering to biocatalytic reactions. Although in many cases ionic liquids have simply been used to replace organic solvents, they have often led to improved process performance. Unlike conventional organic solvents, ionic liquids possess no vapor pressure, are able to dissolve many compounds, and can be used to form two-phase systems with many solvents. To date, reactions involving lipases have benefited most from the use of ionic liquids, but the use of ionic liquids with other enzymes and in whole-cell processes has also been described. In some cases, remarkable results with respect to yield, (enantio)selectivity or enzyme stability were observed.     

Engineering of baker's yeasts, E. coli and Bacillus hosts for the production of Bacillus subtilis Lipase A

Lipases are versatile biocatalists showing multiple applications in a wide range of biotechnological processes. The gene lipA coding for Lipase A from Bacillus subtilis was isolated by PCR amplification, cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis strains, using pBR322, YEplac112 and pUB110-derived vectors, respectively. Lipase activity analysis of the recombinant strains showed that the gene can be properly expressed in all hosts assayed, this being the first time a lipase from bacterial origin can be expressed in baker's S. cerevisiae strains. An important increase of lipase production was obtained in heterologous hosts with respect to that of parental strains, indicating that the described systems can represent a useful tool to enhance productivity of the enzyme for biotechnological applications, including the use of the lipase in bread making, or as a technological additive.     

Organophosphate-sensitive lipases modulate brain lysophospholipids, ether lipids and endocannabinoids

Lipases play key roles in nearly all cells and organisms. Potent and selective inhibitors help to elucidate their physiological functions and associated metabolic pathways. Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are best known for their anticholinesterase properties but selectivity for lipases and other targets can also be achieved through structural optimization. This review considers several lipid systems in brain modulated by highly OP-sensitive lipases. Neuropathy target esterase (NTE) hydrolyzes lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) as a preferred substrate. Gene deletion of NTE in mice is embryo lethal and the heterozygotes are hyperactive. NTE is very sensitive in vitro and in vivo to direct-acting OP delayed neurotoxicants and the related NTE-related esterase (NTE-R) is also inhibited in vivo. KIAA1363 hydrolyzes acetyl monoalkylglycerol ether (AcMAGE) of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) de novo biosynthetic pathway and is a marker of cancer cell invasiveness. It is also a detoxifying enzyme that hydrolyzes chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO) and some other potent insecticide metabolites. Monoacylglycerol lipase and fatty acid amide hydrolase regulate endocannabinoid levels with roles in motility, pain and memory. Inhibition of these enzymes in mice by OPs, such as isopropyl dodecylfluorophosphonate (IDFP), leads to dramatic elevation of brain endocannabinoids and distinct cannabinoid-dependent behavior. Hormone-sensitive lipase that hydrolyzes cholesteryl esters and diacylglycerols is a newly recognized in vivo CPO- and IDFP-target in brain. The OP chemotype can therefore be used in proteomic and metabolomic studies to further elucidate the biological function and toxicological significance of lipases in lipid metabolism. Only the first steps have been taken to achieve appropriate selective action for OP therapeutic agents.     

利用结构多样性的对硝基苯酚羧酸酯和脂肪醇乙酸酯评估7个枯草芽胞杆菌酯水解酶的指纹图谱

基于GenBank公布的枯草芽胞杆菌168基因组序列,克隆表达了30个预测的酯水解酶基因。结果发现:其中7个酶对对硝基苯酚酯表现出明显的酯水解活力。它们在α/β水解酶家族中分属5个不同的亚家族。通过显色底物和pH指示剂进行的高通量筛选,分别绘制了这7个酶的底物指纹谱。考察了酶催化手性酯水解反应的对映选择性,结果表明:对硝基苄基酯酶PnbA和S-脱乙酰化酶Cah对手性醇的乙酸酯具有较广的底物谱,而PnbA和羧酸酯酶Nap分别对DL-薄荷醇乙酸酯和2-氯-1-苯乙醇乙酸酯/2-萘乙醇乙酸酯有极好的对映选择性(E>200)。此外,发现酯酶YitV催化2-氯-1-苯乙醇乙酸酯水解的反应遵循反-Kazlauskas规则。     

Cholesteryl ester hydrolase activity is abolished in HSL macrophages but unchanged in macrophages lacking KIAA1363

Cholesteryl ester (CE) accumulation in macrophages represents a crucial event during foam cell formation, a hallmark of atherogenesis. Here we investigated the role of two previously described CE hydrolases, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and KIAA1363, in macrophage CE hydrolysis. HSL and KIAA1363 exhibited marked differences in their abilities to hydrolyze CE, triacylglycerol (TG), diacylglycerol (DG), and 2-acetyl monoalkylglycerol ether (AcMAGE), a precursor for biosynthesis of platelet-activating factor (PAF). HSL efficiently cleaved all four substrates, whereas KIAA1363 hydrolyzed only AcMAGE. This contradicts previous studies suggesting that KIAA1363 is a neutral CE hydrolase. Macrophages of KIAA1363^−/− and wild-type mice exhibited identical neutral CE hydrolase activity, which was almost abolished in tissues and macrophages of HSL^−/− mice. Conversely, AcMAGE hydrolase activity was diminished in macrophages and some tissues of KIAA1363^−/− but unchanged in HSL^−/− mice. CE turnover was unaffected in macrophages lacking KIAA1363 and HSL, whereas cAMP-dependent cholesterol efflux was influenced by HSL but not by KIAA1363. Despite decreased CE hydrolase activities, HSL^−/− macrophages exhibited CE accumulation similar to wild-type (WT) macrophages. We conclude that additional enzymes must exist that cooperate with HSL to regulate CE levels in macrophages. KIAA1363 affects AcMAGE hydrolase activity but is of minor importance as a direct CE hydrolase in macrophages.     

Piperazine and piperidine carboxamides and carbamates as inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL)

The key hydrolytic enzymes of the endocannabinoid system, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), are potential targets for various therapeutic applications. In this paper, we present more extensively the results of our previous work on piperazine and piperidine carboxamides and carbamates as FAAH and MAGL inhibitors. The best compounds of these series function as potent and selective MAGL/FAAH inhibitors or as dual FAAH/MAGL inhibitors at nanomolar concentrations. This study revealed that MAGL inhibitors should comprise leaving-groups with a conjugate acid pK_a of 8–10, while diverse leaving groups are tolerated for FAAH inhibitors.     

UV Light-Induced Crosslinking of the Strands of Poly(dA-dT) and Related Alternating Purine-Pyrimidine DNAs

Abstract

Alkaline agarose gel electrophoresis was used to detect UV-induced crosslinking of the strands of poly(dA-dT) and related alternating purine-pyrimidine DNAs in solutions stabilizing various polynucleotide conformations. Strands of the B-form and A-form of poly(dA-dT) were not crosslinked but a UV dose-dependent retarded species appeared in the denaturing gels in parallel with the polynucleotide isomerization into the unusual X-form. Most other polynucleotides adopting the X-form were crosslinked as well. The exceptions include the X-forms of poly(dA-butyl⁵dU) and poly(dA-pentyl⁵dU) whose strands do not crosslink because the long exocyclic substituents attached to uracil make the photodimerization impossible. Strands of poly (amino²dA-dT) and poly(dA, amino ²dA-dT), the latter polynucleotide containing roughly equal amounts of amino ²adenine and adenine, also do not crosslink upon UV irradiation because they isomerize into an A-like conformation which is different from the X- form of poly (dA-dT). In contrast, strands of the mixed copolymers of poly(dA, amino ²dA-dT) containing low amino ²adenine contents are crosslinked upon UV irradiation, in accordance with the observation that they isomerize into the X-form.     

Identification of lipases with activity towards monoacylglycerol by criterion of conserved cap architectures

Monoacylglycerol lipases (MGL) are a subclass of lipases that predominantly hydrolyze monoacylglycerol (MG) into glycerol and fatty acid. MGLs are ubiquitous enzymes across species and play a role in lipid metabolism, affecting energy homeostasis and signaling processes. Structurally, MGLs belong to the α/β hydrolase fold family with a cap covering the substrate binding pocket. Analysis of the known 3D structures of human, yeast and bacterial MGLs revealed striking similarity of the cap architecture. Since MGLs from different organisms share very low sequence similarity, it is difficult to identify MGLs based on the amino acid sequence alone. Here, we investigated whether the cap architecture could be a characteristic feature of this subclass of lipases with activity towards MG and whether it is possible to identify MGLs based on the cap shape. Through database searches, we identified the structures of five different candidate α/β hydrolase fold proteins with unknown or reported esterase activity. These proteins exhibit cap architecture similarities to known human, yeast and bacterial MGL structures. Out of these candidates we confirmed MGL activity for the protein LipS, which displayed the highest structural similarity to known MGLs. Two further enzymes, Avi_0199 and VC1974, displayed low level MGL activities. These findings corroborate our hypothesis that this conserved cap architecture can be used as criterion to identify lipases with activity towards MGs.     

A novel assay for monoacylglycerol hydrolysis suitable for high-throughput screening

A simple assay for monoacylglycerol hydrolysis suitable for high-throughput screening is described. The assay uses [(3)H]2-oleoylglycerol as substrate, with the tritium label in the glycerol part of the molecule and the use of phenyl sepharose gel to separate the hydrolyzed product ([(3)H]glycerol) from substrate. Using cytosolic fractions derived from rat cerebella as a source of hydrolytic activity, the assay gives the appropriate pH profile and sensitivity to inhibition with compounds known to inhibit hydrolysis of this substrate. The assay could also be adapted to a 96-well plate format, using C6 cells as the source of hydrolytic activity. Thus the assay is simple and appropriate for high-throughput screening of inhibitors of monoacylglycerol hydrolysis.     

The Pharmacology of the Cannabinoid System—A Question of Efficacy and Selectivity

Our knowledge of the function of the cannabinoid system in the body has been aided by the availability of pharmacological agents that affect its function. This has been achieved by the design of agents that either directly interact with the receptor (agonists and antagonist/inverse agonists) and agents that indirectly modulate the receptor output by changing the levels of the endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids). In this review, examples of the most commonly used receptor agonists, antagonists/inverse agonists, and indirectly acting agents (anandamide uptake inhibitors, fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors, monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors) are given, with particular focus upon their selectivity and, in the case of the directly acting compounds, efficacy. Finally, the links between the endocannabinoid and cyclooxygenase pathways are explored, in particular, with respect to agents whose primary function is to inhibit cyclooxygenase activity, but which also interact with the endocannabinoid system.     

Anticholinesterase insecticide action at the murine male reproductive system

The present report describes for the first time that anticholinesterase type insecticides specifically inhibit the fatty acid amide hydrolase and/or monoacylglycerol lipase, as secondary target(s), in the murine male reproductive system (testis and epididymis cauda), thereby presumably being involved with spermatotoxicity such as deformity, underdevelopment, and reduced motility.     

Structural basis of phospholipase activity of Staphylococcus hyicus lipase

Staphylococcus hyicus lipase differs from other bacterial lipases in its high phospholipase A1 activity. Here, we present the crystal structure of the S. hyicus lipase at 2.86 A resolution. The lipase is in an open conformation, with the active site partly covered by a neighbouring molecule. Ser124, Asp314 and His355 form the catalytic triad. The substrate-binding cavity contains two large hydrophobic acyl chain-binding pockets and a shallow and more polar third pocket that is capable of binding either a (short) fatty acid or a phospholipid head-group. A model of a phospholipid bound in the active site shows that Lys295 is at hydrogen bonding distance from the substrate's phosphate group. Residues Ser356, Glu292 and Thr294 hold the lysine in position by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. These observations explain the biochemical data showing the importance of Lys295 and Ser356 for phospholipid binding and phospholipase A1 activity.     

Immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase on colloidal gas aphrons (CGAs)

A novel technique for immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase onto anionic colloidal gas aphrons (CGAs) is described. CGAs are spherical microbubbles (10-100 microm) composed of an inner gas core surrounded by a surfactant shell. In this initial study, greater than 80% lipase (w/w) was effectively retained on the CGAs. Leakage of protein from the CGAs and the activity of the adsorbed lipase decreased with increasing enzyme loading; this indicates that multilayers of lipase may be adsorbing onto the CGAs. The CGA-immobilised lipase displayed normal Michaelis-Menten dependence on substrate concentration and also exhibited greater activity than the free enzyme.     

Synthesis of Several Fructo-oligosaccharides by Asparagus Fructosyltransferases

Nine fructo-oligosaccharides, synthesized in vitro from sucrose by an enzyme preparation from asparagus roots, were isolated and their structures were elucidated to be 1^F (1-β-fructofuranosyl)_n sucrose [n = 1 (1-kestose), 2 (nystose) and 3], 6^G (1-β-fructofuranosyl)_n sucrose [n=1 (neokestose), 2 and 3] and 1^F (1-β-fructofuranosyl)_m-6^G (1-β-fructofuranosyl)_n sucrose [m=1, n=1; m=2, n =1; and m =1, n=2]. These saccharides are all known to occur naturally in asparagus roots, but 6^G (1-β-fructofuranosyl)₃ sucrose and 1^F (1-β-fructofuranosyl)_m-6^G-(1-β-fructofuranosyl)_n sucrose (m=1, n =1; and m=1, n=2) were the first saccharides enzymatically synthesized in vitro. Also three types of fructosyltransferases were presumed to be involved in the biosynthesis of these oligosaccharides in asparagus roots.     

Differential induction, purification and characterization of cold active lipase from Yarrowia lipolytica NCIM 3639

The production, purification and characterization of cold active lipases by Yarrowia lipolytica NCIM 3639 is described. The study presents a new finding of production of cell bound and extracellular lipase activities depending upon the substrate used for growth. The strain produced cell bound and extracellular lipase activity when grown on olive oil and Tween 80, respectively. The organism grew profusely at 20 °C and at initial pH of 5.5, producing maximum extracellular lipase. The purified lipase has a molecular mass of 400 kDa having 20 subunits forming a multimeric native protein. Further the enzyme displayed an optimum pH of 5.0 and optimum temperature of 25 °C. Peptide mass finger printing reveled that some peptides showed homologues sequence (42%) to Yarrowia lipolytica LIP8p. The studies on hydrolysis of racemic lavandulyl acetate revealed that extracellular and cell bound lipases show preference over the opposite antipodes of irregular monoterpene, lavandulyl acetate.     

N-Acyl pyrazoles: Effective and tunable inhibitors of serine hydrolases

A series of N-acyl pyrazoles was examined as candidate serine hydrolase inhibitors in which the active site acylating reactivity and the leaving group ability of the pyrazole could be tuned not only through the nature of the acyl group (reactivity: amide?>?carbamate?>?urea), but also through pyrazole C4 substitution with electron-withdrawing or electron-donating substituents. Their impact on enzyme inhibitory activity displayed pronounced effects with the activity improving substantially as one alters both the nature of the reacting carbonyl group (urea?>?carbamate?>?amide) and the pyrazole C4 substituent (CN?>?H?>?Me). It was further demonstrated that the acyl chain of the N-acyl pyrazole ureas can be used to tailor the potency and selectivity of the inhibitor class to a targeted serine hydrolase. Thus, elaboration of the acyl chain of pyrazole-based ureas provided remarkably potent, irreversible inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH, apparent K_i?=?100–200?pM), dual inhibitors of FAAH and monoacylglycerol hydrolase (MGLL), or selective inhibitors of MGLL (IC₅₀?=?10–20?nM) while simultaneously minimizing off-target activity (e.g., ABHD6 and KIAA1363).