Kinetic and immunological differences between the retinal specific C4- and B4-lactate dehydrogenase of the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus

The eye-specific C₄-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the widely distributed B₄-LDH isozymes from the fish Oreochromis mossambicus were purified to homogeneity using DEAE Sepharose ion-exchange chromatography and oxamate-linked sepharose affinity-chromatography. Kinetic analysis was performed on pure B₄- and C₄-LDH. The Michaelis-Menten constant (K_m) for B₄-LDH and pyruvate was 32.3μM, for B₄-LDH and lactate 717 μM for C₄-LDH and pyruvate 14.1 μM and for C₄-LDH and lactate 1898 μM. The pure C₄-isozyme was subjected to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the Coomassie Brilliant Blue-stained band injected into a rat to produce antiserum. The antiserum proved to be C₄-LDH monospecific, which will allow using it to localize the isozyme in the retina at a light and electron microscopical level.     

Human prostatic steroid 5α-reductase isoforms—A comparative study of selective inhibitors

The present study describes the independent expression of the type 1 and 2 isoforms of human 5α-reductase in the baculovirus-directed insect cell expression system and the selectivity of their inhibition. The catalytic properties and kinetic parameters of the recombinant isozymes were consistent with published data. The type 1 isoform displayed a neutral (range 6–8) pH optimum and the type 2 isoform an acidic (5–6) pH optimum. The type 2 isoform had higher affinity for testosterone than did the type 1 isoform (K_m = 0.5 and 2.9 μM, respectively). Finasteride and turosteride were selective inhibitors of the type 2 isoform (K_i (type 2) = 7.3 and 21.7 nM compared to K_i (type 1) = 108 and 330 nM, respectively). 4-MA and the lipido-sterol extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) markedly inhibited both isozymes (K_i (type 1) = 8.4 nM and 7.2 μg/ml, respectively; K_i (type 2) = 7.4 nM and 4.9 μg/ml, respectively). The three azasteroids were competitive inhibitors vs substrate, whereas LSESr displayed non-competitive inhibition of the type 1 isozyme and uncompetitive inhibition of the type 2 isozyme. These observations suggest that the lipid component of LSESr might be responsible for its inhibitory effect by modulating the membrane environment of 5α-reductase. Partially purified recombinant 5α-reductase type 1 activity was preserved by the presence of lipids indicating that lipids can exert either stimulatory or inhibitory effects on human 5α-reductase.     

Ribonucleoside Triphosphate Reductase from Lactobacillus leichmannii: Kinetic Evaluation of a Series of Adenosylcobalamin Competitive Inhibitors, [ω-(Adenosin-5′-O-yl)alkyl]cobalamins, Which Mimic the Post Co-C Homolysis Intermediate

A series of [ω-(adenosin-5′-O-yl)alkyl]cobalamins were examined for their inhibitory properties of ribonucleoside triphosphate reductase (RTPR) from Lactobacillus leichmannii in the presence of 5′-deoxyadenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl, Coenzyme B₁₂). These AdoCbl analogs, in which oligomethylene chains (C₃-C₇) were inserted between the corrin Co-atom and a 5′-O-atom of the adenosine moiety, were designed to probe the Co-C bond posthomolysis state in AdoCbl-dependent enzymes, a state in which the Co and 5′-C distance is believed to be significantly increased. Experimentally, all five analogs were competitive inhibitors, with K_i in the range of 8–56 μM. The [ω-(adenosin-5′-O-yl)alkyl]cobalamin analog with C₅ methylene carbons was the strongest inhibitor. This same pattern of inhibition, in which the C₅-analog is the strongest inhibitor, was previously observed in the AdoCbl-dependent eliminase enzyme systems, diol dehydratase and glycerol dehydratase. However, in methylmalonyl CoA mutase, the strongest inhibition is by the C₆-analog. This supports the hypothesis that the cobalamin posthomolysis intermediate in the eliminase enzymes differs from that in the mutase enzymes. These findings led, in turn, to an examination of the visible spectra of enzyme-bound cob(II)alamin in these two subclasses of AdoCbl-dependent enzymes. The results reveal an additional insight into the difference between the two classes: in the eliminases, the γ-band of bound cob(II)alamin is shifted from the 473 nm for free cob(II)alamin to longer wavelengths, 475–480 nm. However, in mutases, the γ-band of bound cob(II)alamin is shifted to shorter wavelengths, 465–470 nm. Overall, the results (a) provide strong evidence that two subclasses of AdoCbl-dependent enzymes exist, (b) give insights into the probable posthomolysis state in RTPR and other eliminases, and (c) identifies the C₅-analog as the tightest-binding analog for crystallization and other biophysical studies.     

Phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-Kinase Isoforms Exhibit Acyl Chain Selectivity for Both Substrate and Lipid Activator

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate is mostly produced in the cell by phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinases (PIP5K) and has a crucial role in numerous signaling events. Here we demonstrate that in vitro all three isoforms of PIP5K, α, β, and γ, discriminate among substrates with different acyl chains for both the substrates phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns4P) and phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) although to different extents, with isoform γ being the most selective. Fully saturated dipalmitoyl-PtdIns4P was a poor substrate for all three isoforms, but both the 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl and the 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl forms of PtdIns4P were good substrates. V_max was greater for the 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl form compared with the 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl form, although for PIP5Kβ the difference was small. For the α and γ isoforms, K_m was much lower for 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl PtdIns4P, making this lipid the better substrate of the two under most conditions. Activation of PIP5K by phosphatidic acid is also acyl chain-dependent. Species of phosphatidic acid with two unsaturated acyl chains are much better activators of PIP5K than those containing one saturated and one unsaturated acyl chain. PtdIns is a poor substrate for PIP5K, but it also shows acyl chain selectivity. Curiously, there is no acyl chain discrimination among species of phosphatidic acid in the activation of the phosphorylation of PtdIns. Together, our findings indicate that PIP5K isoforms α, β, and γ act selectively on substrates and activators with different acyl chains. This could be a tightly regulated mechanism of producing physiologically active unsaturated phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate species in the cell.     

Transformation of steroids by Bacillus strains isolated from the foregut of water beetles (Coleoptera:Dytiscidae): I. Metabolism of androst-4-en-3,17-dione (AD)

Two Bacillus strains were isolated from the foregut of the water beetle Agabus affinis (Payk.) and tested for their steroid transforming ability. After incubation with androst-4-en-3,17-dione (AD), 13 different transformation products were detected. AD was hydroxylated at C₆, C₇, C₁₁ and C₁₄, resulting in formation of 6β-, 7α-, 11α- and 14α-hydroxy-AD. One strain also produced small amounts of 6β,14α-dihydroxy-AD. Partly, the 6β-hydroxy group was further oxidized to the corresponding 6-oxo steroids. In addition, a specific reduction of the Δ⁴-double bond was observed, leading to the formation of 5α-androstane derivatives. In minor yields the carbonyl functions at C₃ and C₁₇ were reduced leading to the formation of 3ξ-OH or 17β-OH steroids. EI mass spectra of the trimethylsilyl and O-methyloxime trimethylsilyl ether derivatives of some transformation products are presented for the first time.     

Highly conserved modified nucleosides influence Mg2+-dependent tRNA folding

Transfer RNA structure involves complex folding interactions of the TΨC domain with the D domain. However, the role of the highly conserved nucleoside modifications in the TΨC domain, rT₅₄, Ψ₅₅ and m⁵C₄₉, in tertiary folding is not understood. To determine whether these modified nucleosides have a role in tRNA folding, the association of variously modified yeast tRNA^Phe T-half molecules (nucleosides 40–72) with the corresponding unmodified D-half molecule (nucleosides 1–30) was detected and quantified using a native polyacrylamide gel mobility shift assay. Mg²⁺ was required for formation and maintenance of all complexes. The modified T-half folding interactions with the D-half resulted in K_ds (rT₅₄ = 6 ± 2, m⁵C₄₉ = 11 ± 2, Ψ₅₅ = 14 ± 5, and rT₅₄,Ψ₅₅ = 11 ± 3 µM) significantly lower than that of the unmodified T-half (40 ± 10 µM). However, the global folds of the unmodified and modified complexes were comparable to each other and to that of an unmodified yeast tRNA^Phe and native yeast tRNA^Phe, as determined by lead cleavage patterns at U₁₇ and nucleoside substitutions disrupting the Levitt base pair. Thus, conserved modifications of tRNA’s TΨC domain enhanced the affinity between the two half-molecules without altering the global conformation indicating an enhanced stability to the complex and/or an altered folding pathway.     

Type I Phosphotidylinosotol 4-Phosphate 5-Kinase γ Regulates Osteoclasts in a Bifunctional Manner

Type 1 phosphotidylinosotol-4 phosphate 5 kinase γ (PIP5KIγ) is central to generation of phosphotidylinosotol (4,5)P₂ (PI(4,5)P₂). PIP5KIγ also participates in cytoskeletal organization by delivering talin to integrins, thereby enhancing their ligand binding capacity. As the cytoskeleton is pivotal to osteoclast function, we hypothesized that absence of PIP5KIγ would compromise their resorptive capacity. Absence of the kinase diminishes PI(4,5) abundance and desensitizes precursors to RANK ligand-stimulated differentiation. Thus, PIP5KIγ^−/− osteoclasts are reduced in number in vitro and confirm physiological relevance in vivo. Despite reduced numbers, PIP5KIγ^−/− osteoclasts surprisingly have normal cytoskeletons and effectively resorb bone. PIP5KIγ overexpression, which increases PI(4,5)P₂, also delays osteoclast differentiation and reduces cell number but in contrast to cells lacking the kinase, its excess disrupts the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton-disruptive effects of excess PIP5KIγ reflect its kinase activity and are independent of talin recognition. The combined arrested differentiation and disorganized cytoskeleton of PIP5KIγ-transduced osteoclasts compromises bone resorption. Thus, optimal PIP5KIγ and PI(4,5)P₂ expression, by osteoclasts, are essential for skeletal homeostasis.     

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of phospholipase Cdelta from mud loach, Misgurnus mizolepis

A gene encoding phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC), designated ML-PLCδ, was cloned from mud loach (Misgurnus mizolepis) liver. A complete cDNA encoding ML-PLCδ was isolated by screening the cDNA library of mud loach liver and using the 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. The full-length ML-PLCδ gene contains an open reading frame of 2325 base pairs encoding a 774 amino acid protein with a molecular mass of 88,072 Da; this corresponds to the size of the protein expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) using pET28a vector. It contains all of the characteristic domains found in mammalian PLCδ isozymes (PH domain, EF-hands, X–Y catalytic region, and a C2 domain). A homology search revealed that ML-PLCδ shares relatively high sequence identity with mammalian PLCδ1 (51–52%) and catfish PLCδ (64%). The recombinant ML-PLCδ protein expressed as a histidine-tagged fusion protein in E. coli was purified to apparent homogeneity by Ni²⁺-NTA affinity chromatography. The recombinant ML-PLCδ showed a concentration-dependent PLC activity to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bis-phosphate (PIP₂) and its activity was Ca²⁺-dependent, which was similar to mammalian PLCδ isozymes.     

Structural analysis of 6-S-(benzoxazol-2-yl)-6-deoxy

X-ray crystal analyses of divalent copper, cobalt and calcium complexes of monoanionic (3-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylisonicotinic acid) 5-phosphate (L₁C₈H₉NO₇P⁻) revealed the chemical compositions of Cu ---L·3H₂O(1), Co ---L·5H₂O(2) and Ca·L₂·7H₂O (3) and the coordination structures which depend on the coordination abilities and chemical properties of the respective metal ions. Although 1 and 2 crystals showed similar features, i.e., presence of the metal ion at the crystallographic center of symmetry and octahedral six-coordination, the patterns of coordination with the ligand molecules differed. While direct coordination to the L carboxyl oxygen was observed in 1 crystals, all ligation positions in 2 crystals were occupied by water molecules. On the other hand, 3 crystals formed a pentagonal bipyramidal structure (seven-coordination), where oxygens of L phosphates and water molecules coordinated to the calcium ion. Each of the complex structures showed characteristic molecular packing depending on the pattern of coordination to the respective metal ion. L is monoanionic in all complex crystals, where the phosphate and carboxyl groups are deprotonated and pyridine nitrogen is protonated, and is neutralized by each metal ion. Crystal data: 1, monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, A = 5.4129(6), B = 10.515(2), C = 22.770(2) Å, β = 91.853(9)°, Z = 4, R = 0.0404 for 1834 observed reflections; 2, triclinic, space group

Full-size image

, c = 6.789(3) Å, α = 96.84(3), β = 109.10(3), γ = 100.50(2)°, Z = 2, R = 0.0684 for 1605 observed reflections; 3, triclinic, , a = 10.069(2), B = 14.501(3), c = 10.051(1) Å, α = 100.75(1), β = 97.28(2), γ = 76.18(2)°, Z = 2, R = 0.0540 for 3637 observed reflections.     

Metal dependent coordination of biomolecular ligand: X-ray crystal structures of copper, cobalt and calcium complexes of (3-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylisonicotinic acid) 5-phosphate, an oxidized pyridoxal 5-phosphate

X-ray crystal analyses of divalent copper, cobalt and calcium complexes of monoanionic (3-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylisonicotinic acid) 5-phosphate (L₁C₈H₉NO₇P⁻) revealed the chemical compositions of Cu ---L·3H₂O(1), Co ---L·5H₂O(2) and Ca·L₂·7H₂O (3) and the coordination structures which depend on the coordination abilities and chemical properties of the respective metal ions. Although 1 and 2 crystals showed similar features, i.e., presence of the metal ion at the crystallographic center of symmetry and octahedral six-coordination, the patterns of coordination with the ligand molecules differed. While direct coordination to the L carboxyl oxygen was observed in 1 crystals, all ligation positions in 2 crystals were occupied by water molecules. On the other hand, 3 crystals formed a pentagonal bipyramidal structure (seven-coordination), where oxygens of L phosphates and water molecules coordinated to the calcium ion. Each of the complex structures showed characteristic molecular packing depending on the pattern of coordination to the respective metal ion. L is monoanionic in all complex crystals, where the phosphate and carboxyl groups are deprotonated and pyridine nitrogen is protonated, and is neutralized by each metal ion. Crystal data: 1, monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, A = 5.4129(6), B = 10.515(2), C = 22.770(2) Å, β = 91.853(9)°, Z = 4, R = 0.0404 for 1834 observed reflections; 2, triclinic, space group

Full-size image

, c = 6.789(3) Å, α = 96.84(3), β = 109.10(3), γ = 100.50(2)°, Z = 2, R = 0.0684 for 1605 observed reflections; 3, triclinic, , a = 10.069(2), B = 14.501(3), c = 10.051(1) Å, α = 100.75(1), β = 97.28(2), γ = 76.18(2)°, Z = 2, R = 0.0540 for 3637 observed reflections.     

m-Alkyl, α,α,α-trifluoroacetophenones: A new class of potent transition state analog inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase

A series of m-alkyl α,α,α-trifluoroacetophenones (1–5) was synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase from Torpedo california. All ketones (1–5) were found to be potent inhibitors of the enzyme; m-t-butyl α,α,α-trifluoroacetophenone (4) was the most potent inhibitor with a K_i value of 3.7 pM.     

Purification and properties of a wheat leaf N-acetyl-β-d-hexosaminidase

An N-acetyl-β-d-hexosaminidase has been purified from primary wheat leaves (Triticum aestivum L.) by freeze-thawing, (NH₄)₂SO₄ precipitation, methanol precipitation, gel filtration, cation exchange chromatography and affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-Sepharose. The activity of the purified preparations could be stabilised by addition of Triton X-100 and the enzyme was stored at -20°C without significant loss of activity. The enzyme hydrolysed pNP-β-d-GlcNAc (optimum pH 5.2, K_m 0.29 mM, V_max 2.56 μkat mg⁻¹) and pNP-β-d-GalNAc (optimum pH 4.4, K_m 0.27 mM, V_max 2.50 μkat mg⁻¹). Five major isozymes were identified, with isoelectric points in the range 5.13–5.36. All five isozymes possessed both N-acety-β-d-glucosaminidase and N-acetyl-β-d-galactosaminidase activity. Inhibition studies and mixed substrate analysis suggested that both substrates are catalysed by the same active site. Both activities were inhibited by GlcNAc, 2-acetamido-2-deoxygluconolactone, GalNAc and the ions of mercury, silver and copper. The K_is for inhibition of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase activity were: GlcNAc (15.3 mM) and GalNAc (3.4mM). For inhibition of N-acety-β-d-galactosaminidase activity the corresponding values were: GlcNAc (18.2 mM) and GalNac (2.5 mM). The enzyme was considerably less active at releasing pNP from pNP-β-d-(GlcNAc)₂ and pNP-β-d-(GlcNAc)₃ than from pNP-β-d-GlcNAc. The ability of the N-acetyl-β-d-hexosaminidase to relase GlcNAc from chitin oligomers (GlcNAc)₂ (optimum pH 5.0) and (GlcNAc)₃₋₆ (optimum pH 4.4) was also low. Analysis of the reaction products revealed that the initial products from the hydrolysis of (GlcNAc)_n were predominantly (GlcNAc)_n−1 and GlcNAc.     

6β,19-Bridged androstenedione analogs as aromatase inhibitors

Inhibition of aromatase is an efficient approach for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. New 6β,19-bridged steroid analogs of androstenedione, 6β,19-epithio- and 6β,19-methano compounds 11 and 17, were synthesized starting from 19-hydroxyandrostenedione (6) and 19-formylandrost-5-ene-3β,17β-yl diacetate (12), respectively, as aromatase inhibitors. All of the compounds including known steroids 6β,19-epoxyandrostenedione (4) and 6β,19-cycloandrostenedione (5) tested were weak to poor competitive inhibitors of aromatase and, among them, 6β,19-epoxy steroid 4 provided only moderate inhibition (K_i: 2.2 μM). These results show that the 6β,19-bridged groups of the inhibitors interfere with binding in active site of aromatase.     

Genetic Evaluation of Physiological Functions of Thiolase Isozymes in the n-Alkane-Assimilating Yeast Candida tropicalis

The n-alkane-assimilating diploid yeast Candida tropicalis possesses three thiolase isozymes encoded by two pairs of alleles: cytosolic and peroxisomal acetoacetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) thiolases, encoded by CT-T1A and CT-T1B, and peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, encoded by CT-T3A and CT-T3B. The physiological functions of these thiolases have been examined by gene disruption. The homozygous ct-t1aΔ/t1bΔ null mutation abolished the activity of acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase and resulted in mevalonate auxotrophy. The homozygous ct-t3aΔ/t3bΔ null mutation abolished the activity of 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase and resulted in growth deficiency on n-alkanes (C₁₀ to C₁₃). All thiolase activities in this yeast disappeared with the ct-t1aΔ/t1bΔ and ct-t3aΔ/t3bΔ null mutations. To further clarify the function of peroxisomal acetoacetyl-CoA thiolases, the site-directed mutation leading acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase without a putative C-terminal peroxisomal targeting signal was introduced on the CT-T1A locus in the ct-t1bΔ null mutant. The truncated acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase was solely present in cytoplasm, and the absence of acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase in peroxisomes had no effect on growth on all carbon sources employed. Growth on butyrate was not affected by a lack of peroxisomal acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase, while a retardation of growth by a lack of peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase was observed. A defect of both peroxisomal isozymes completely inhibited growth on butyrate. These results demonstrated that cytosolic acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase was indispensable for the mevalonate pathway and that both peroxisomal acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase and 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase could participate in peroxisomal β-oxidation. In addition to its essential contribution to the β-oxidation of longer-chain fatty acids, 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase contributed greatly even to the β-oxidation of a C₄ substrate butyrate.     

C-nuclear magnetic resonance studies of 85% C-enriched amino acids and small peptides: pH effects on the chemical shifts, coupling constants, kinetics of cis-trans isomerisation and conformation aspects

The ¹³C chemical shifts of several 85% ¹³C-enriched amino acids and small peptides were studied as a function of pH. The results show that the chemical shifts of carbon atoms of ionizable groups vary significantly within the zone of their pK. Generally with the pH going from 7 to 1 all the δC are shifted more or less upfield with the exception of the carbonyl group of the second last residue which is shifted slightly downfield. This suggests the formation of an hydrogen bond at acid pH involving in a seven-membered ring the C=O in question and the COOH terminal.The percentage of cis and trans conformers of glycyl-l-proline and glycyl-l-prolylglycine were studied as a function of pH. The trans form is always preponderant whatever the pH. The accessibility of the carbonyl group to protonation of the proline residue strongly influences the cis-trans equilibrium. Thus, with the pH varying from 7 to 1, the trans isomer changes from 61 to 85% for glycyl-l-proline and only from 77 to 80% for glycyl-l-prolylglycine.The proton NMR studies underline the important differences existing between the two molecular forms of glycyl-l-proline. The cis conformation is characterized with regard to the trans form by the non-equivalence of the α-protons of the glycine residue, by a lower pK₁ and by a larger ΔδH_α of the proline residue as a function of pH. These results could suggest an end-to-end interaction in the cis form of the glycyl-l-proline molecule.The ¹³C-¹³C coupling constants were also studied as a function of pH. The results show that J_Co-Cα of a C-terminal residue, varying from 5 to 6 Hz and reflecting the pK of the carboxylate group, is a linear function of δ_Co and δ_Cα as in the case of the amino acids. The total variation of the electron density of those two carbons in an amino acid is approximately 40% weaker than in a C-terminal residue. The charge distribution along the C_α−C_o bond, however, is practically the same in both cases.Finally the ratios of the conversion rate constants of the two isomers cis-trans of glycyl-proline were calculated at different pH values; the relations between the isomer percentages and δ_Co, δ_Cα on the one hand and the J_Co-Cα on the other were established.     

Synthesis of bent titanocene metalloligands with the (diphenylphosphino)tetramethylcyclopentadienyl moiety. X-ray structure of [(η-C5Me4 2)2TiCl2]Mo(CO)4

The reactions of lithium(diphenylphosphino)tetramethylcyclopentadienide with CpTiCl₃ and secondly with TiCl₃ followed by CCl₄ oxidation lead to the formation of two titanocene phosphines: (η⁵-C₅H₅)[η⁵-C₅Me₄P(C₆H₅)₂]TiCl₂ (2) and [η⁵-C₅Me₄P(C₆H₅)₂]₂TiCl₂ (3), respectively. The metalloligand 3 reacts readily with Mo(CO)₄cod, Mo(CO)₅THF and Mo(CO)₆ to give in each case [(η⁵-C₅Me₄ o(CO)₄ (6) as a sole product. The structure of 6 has been determined by X-ray diffraction. Crystal data: P , a = 11.716(1), b = 11.753(2), c = 16.110(2) Å, α = 99.06(1), β = 92.61(1), γ = 104.20(1)°, Z = 2. The molybdenum-titanium distance of 5.194(1) Å rules out any metal-metal interaction. The chlorine substitution reactions by CO in 2 and 3 and by thiolate group (pH₃C-C₆H₄-S) in 16 are reported.     

Urinary pepsinogen isozymes: A highly polymorphic locus in man

Summary A genetic analysis of human urinary pepsinogen isozymes is presented. Nine discrete phenotypes were identified in a population survey of 215 unrelated Caucasian individuals. The phenotypes were characterized by differences among the staining intensities of the activated group I pepsinogens, Pg 5, Pg 4, Pg 3, and Pg 2. The genetic studies demonstrated that the codominant expression of four alleles, Pg ^A, Pg ^B, Pg ^C and Pg ^D, at a single genetic locus determined the nine phenotypes identified. Linkage analysis excluded close linkage of the Pg locus with the chromosome 6 markers HLA, GLO ₁, and Bf.     

Transepithelial Taurine Transport in Caco-2 Cell Monolayers

Here we characterized transepithelial taurine transport in monolayers of cultured human intestinal Caco-2 cells by analyzing kinetic apical and basolateral uptake and efflux parameters. Basolateral uptake was Na⁺- and Cl⁻- dependent and was inhibited by β-amino acids. Uptake by this membrane showed properties similar to those of the apical TauT system. In both membranes, taurine uptake fitted a model consisting of a non-saturable plus a saturable component, with a higher half-saturation constant and transport capacity at the apical membrane (K_m, 17.1 μmol/L; V_max, 28.4 pmol·cm⁻²·5 min⁻¹) than in the basolateral domain (K_m, 9.46 μmol/L; V_max, 5.59 pmol·cm⁻²·5 min⁻¹). The non-saturable influx component, estimated in the absence of Na⁺ and Cl⁻, showed no significant differences between apical and basolateral membranes (K_D, 89.2 and 114.7 nL·cm⁻² · 5 min⁻¹, respectively). Taurine efflux from the cells is a diffusive process, as shown in experiments using preloaded cells and in trans-stimulation studies (apical K_D,72.7 and basolateral K_D, 50.1 nL·cm⁻²·5 min⁻¹). Basolateral efflux rates were significantly lower than passive influx rates. We conclude that basolateral taurine uptake in Caco-2 cells is mediated by a transport mechanism that shares some properties with the apical system TauT. Moreover, calculation of unidirectional and transepithelial taurine fluxes reveals that apical influx of this amino acid is higher than basolateral efflux rates, thereby enabling epithelial cells to accumulate taurine against a concentration gradient.     

A unique phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase is activated by ADP-ribosylation factor in Plasmodium falciparum

In eukaryotes, calcium signalling has been linked to hydrolysis of the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P₂). The final enzyme in the synthesis of this phosphoinositide, a Type I phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K), is activated by the small G protein ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1). In mammals, the ARF-PIP5K pathway is a key regulator of cell motility, secretion and cell signalling. We report the characterisation of a unique, putative bifunctional PIP5K in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The protein comprises a C-terminal, functional PIP5K domain with catalytic specificity for phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate. The recombinant enzyme is activated by ARF1 but not phosphatidic acid. The protein also incorporates an unusual N-terminal domain with potential helix-loop-helix EF-hand-like motifs that is a member of the neuronal calcium sensor family (NCS). Intriguingly, NCS-1 has been shown to stimulate phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate synthesis by activating mammalian and yeast phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase β in vitro in a calcium-dependent manner. The unexpected physical attachment of an NCS-like domain to the plasmodial PIP5K might reflect a unique functional link between the calcium and PtdIns(4,5)P₂ pathways allowing modulation of PtdIns(4,5)P₂ production in response to changes in intracellular calcium concentrations within the parasite.     

Synthesis and structure of an organosamarium aryloxide complex, (C5 Me5)2 Sm(OC6HMe4-2,3,5,6)

Bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)samarium bis- (tetrahydrofuranate), (C₅Me₅)₂Sm(THF)₂, reacts with 2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenol in toluene to yield (C₅Me₅)₂Sm(OC₆HMe₄-2,3,5,6). The compound crystallizes in the space group P2₁/c with a = 8.725(3) Å, b=18.821(6) Å, c=18.461(6) Å, β= 111.17(2)°, V = 2827(2) ų and D_c=1.340 g cm⁻³ for Z = 4. Molecules of the aryloxide complex are monomeric and exhibit a bent metallocene structure with a nearly linear Sm---O---C(aryloxide) linkage: Sm---O = 2.13(1) Å, O---C = 1.29(2) Å, and Sm---O---C = 172.3(13)°. Reaction of the samarium complex with phenyllithium produces the previously- characterized species (C₅Me₅)₂Sm(C₆H₅)(THF).