Characterization of the m7G(5')pppN-pyrophosphatase activity from HeLa cells.

The m7(G(5')pppN-pyrophosphatase activity previously detected in HeLa cells has been further characterized. Results from DEAE-cellulose column chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under nondenaturing conditions revealed only one enzyme activity in HeLa cell extracts which was capable of selectively hydrolyzing m7G(5')pppN to yield m7pG + ppN (where N = 2'-O-methylated or unmethylated ribonucleosides or oligonucleotides of up to 8 to 10 nucleosides in length). The majority (approximately 95%) of this activity was found in the cytoplasmic extract but appeared not to be associated with the lysosomal fraction. m7G(5')pppG was hydrolyzed by the partially purified enzyme in the absence of divalent cations at a pH optimum of 7.5 and a temperature optimum of 45 degrees, with a Michaelis constant (Km) of 1.7 micronM. Sedimentation analysis and gel filtration showed the molecular weight of the enzyme as approximately 81,000. Inhibition studies testing the effect of a number of prospective substrates on the rate of m7G(5')pppG hydrolysis have confirmed the importance of the methyl moiety at the N7 position of guanosine for enzyme-substrate interaction. Furthermore, the trimethylated guanosine-containing 5'-terminal structure derived from U-2 RNA was found not to serve as substrate, and 7-methylinosine, unlike 7-methylguanosine, was not an effective inhibitor of m7G(5')pppG hydrolysis. Thus, the 2-amino group of the 7-methylguanosine portion of m7G(5')pppN is also important for substrate interaction with this specific pyrophosphatase.     

Detection of human autoantibodies specific for 5'-m7GMP and m7G(5')ppp(5')N

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized for the detection of spontaneously occurring antibodies with apparent specificities for m7G, 5'-m7GMP, and m7G(5')ppp(5')C. From the sera of 50 patients containing anti-nuclear antibodies, 48 (96%) possessed antibodies which bound to one or more immobilized nucleoside-BSA antigens (A-, G-, C-, U-, and T-BSA). Additionally, 8 (16%) of these sera contained immunoglobulins that reacted with m7G-BSA antigen. In these latter sera, soluble competitors such as m7G, 5'm7GMP, and m7G(5')ppp(5')C (but not 5'-AMP, -GMP, -CMP, -UMP, and -TMP or m1G and m22G) effectively inhibited antibody-binding to immobilized m7G-BSA. These results indicate the existence of spontaneously occurring anti-m7G antibodies in autoimmune diseases which are distinct from anti-G antibody populations.     

Purification and characterization of 5'-deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase from human placenta

5'-Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase has been purified to homogeneity (30,000-fold) from human full-term placenta by a procedure involving covalent chromatography on organomercurial-agarose as the major step. The specific activity of the homogeneous enzyme is 10.2 mumol of 5'-methylthioadenosine cleaved per min per mg of protein, and the overall yield is about 20%. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 98,000, as determined by gel filtration on Sephacryl S-200 and Superose 6B, and is composed by three apparently identical subunits with a molecular weight of 32,500. The isoelectric point is 5.5, and the optimal pH ranges from 7.2 to 7.6. The resistance of the enzyme to thermal inactivation is increased remarkably by the addition of 5'-methylthioadenosine or phosphate. The homogeneous enzyme shows an absolute requirement for -SH-reducing agents and is specifically and rapidly inactivated by thiol-blocking compounds. The reaction catalyzed by the enzyme is fully reversible with a Keq of 1.39 X 10(-2) (in the direction of phosphorolysis) at 37 degrees C and pH 7.4. The Km values for 5'-methylthioadenosine, phosphate, adenine, and 5-methylthioribose 1-phosphate are 5, 320, 23, and 8 microM, respectively.     

Purification and characterization of poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase from human placenta

Poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase has been purified 2,000-fold to apparent homogeneity from human placenta. The purification procedure involves affinity chromatography with 3-aminobenzamide as the ligand. The purified enzyme absolutely requires DNA for the catalytic activity and catalyzes poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of the synthetase itself (automodification) and histone H1. Mg2+ enhances both the automodification and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of histone H1. The enzyme is a monomeric protein with a pI of 10.0 and an apparent molecular weight of 116,000. The sedimentation coefficient and Strokes radius are 4.6 S and 5.9 nm, respectively. The frictional ratio is 1.82. Amino acid analysis and limited proteolysis with papain and alpha-chymotrypsin indicate that the human placental enzyme is very similar to the enzyme from calf thymus, although some differences are noted. Mouse antibody raised against the placental enzyme completely inhibits the activity of enzymes from human placenta and HeLa cells and cross-reacts with the enzymes from calf thymus and mouse testis. Immunoperoxidase staining with this antibody demonstrates the intranuclear localization of the enzyme in human leukemia cells. All these results indicate that molecular properties as well as antigenic determinants of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase are highly conserved in various animal cells.     

Purification and characterization of DNase VII, a 3' leads to 5'-directed exonuclease from human placenta

An exonuclease, DNase VII, has been purified 6000-fold from human placenta. The enzyme has an apparent molecular weight of 43,000, requires Mg2+ for activity, and has a pH optimum of 7.8. The enzyme hydrolyzes single-stranded and nicked duplex DNA at the same rate proceeding in a 3' leads to 5' direction liberating 5'-mononucleotides. It does not measurably hydrolyze polyribonucleotides.     

Purification and characterization of beta-mannosidase from human placenta

Lysosomal beta-mannosidase was purified almost 10,000-fold from human placenta. The final preparation showed several protein bands on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its molecular mass was estimated to be 110 kDa, the optimal pH was 4.5, the Km was 0.56 mM, and the isoelectric point was 4.7. The enzyme was found to bind completely to Con A-Sepharose, and the pI was not changed after neuraminidase treatment. These results indicate that the purified enzyme represents a lysosomal form which contains high mannose type oligosaccharide chains and only a few sialic acids, if any.     

Purification and characterization of aromatase from human placenta

Aromatase from human placenta has been purified to homogeneity (MW 55,000). Enzymatic activity can be reconstituted with reductase from pig liver in an aqueous buffer or after incorporation of the enzyme into liposomes. In both cases the enzyme converts androstenedione to estrone and testosterone to estradiol. Aromatase shows a typical CO-spectrum when reduced with dithionite and a type I spectral shift with both substrates. The NH2 terminal amino acid sequence is hydrophobic but shows no homology to that of other cytochromes P-450. Five cysteine peptides have been isolated by HPLC following tryptic digestion of the [14C]-carboxymethylated protein. Amino acid sequences of these peptides reveal that histidine is the carboxy-terminal amino acid of the protein and that significant homology exists with corresponding peptides from other cytochromes P-450. Unique oligonucleotides (62 and 30 MER) synthesized on the basis of a 45 amino acid sequence near the center of the molecular have been used to clone the aromatase gene from a cDNA expression library from human placenta in lambda gt11.     

Purification and characterization of six annexins from human placenta

Isolation of six calcium-binding proteins from human placenta is described by means of hydrophobic chromatography, calcium-dependent adsorption to heparin-Sepharose and ion-exchange chromatography. These proteins were characterized and identified as PP4, PP4-X, PAP III, p68 and lipocortins I and II belonging to the family of annexins. Antibodies raised against PP4, PAP III and p68 revealed to be highly specific, while those raised against PP4-X reacted with all investigated annexins, except PP4. Cross-reactivity was also observed between lipocortins I and II. All annexins inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner blood coagulation but with different potencies as was determined by means of a modified thromboplastin time test. The most potent inhibitors turned out to be PP4 and PAP III, followed by PP4-X, lipocortin I, p68 and lipocortin II.     

Purification and characterization of beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase I from human placenta

beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidase (hexosaminidase) I, which has an intermediate charge character between those of hexosaminidases A(alpha beta 2) and B[beta beta)2), was purified 1,500-fold from human placenta by procedures including chromatographies on concanavalin A (Con A)-Sepharose and an immunoadsorbent column. The isolated hexosaminidase I was heat-stable, and antigenically cross-reactive to anti-beta chain-IgG but not to anti-alpha chain-IgG. The results of substrate specificity experiments using 3H-labeled natural substrates indicated that the hexosaminidase I hydrolyzed Gb4Cer to Gb3Cer but not GM2 to GM3. The tryptic peptide map of the hexosaminidase I was similar to that of hexosaminidase B, though some differences were observed. The hexosaminidase I after treatment with neuraminidase or endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H was partly converted to less acidic forms. Treatment of the hexosaminidase I with acid phosphatase did not change the charge character. Therefore hexosaminidase I is an acidic variant form of hexosaminidase B, possibly resulting from sialylation and the presence of phosphodiester bonds at the carbohydrate moiety.     

Purification and partial characterization of the phosphoglucomutase isozymes from human placenta

We have developed a simple procedure for the purification of phosphoglucomutase (PGM) isozymes from human placenta of healthy women. The technique involves the ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion-exchange and dye-ligand chromatographies. By this method we obtained homogeneous isozyme preparations of the products ("primary" and "secondary") of the two PGM1 and PGM2 loci. The final specific activities were 1134.6-1441.8 units/mg for PGM1 forms and 40.2-46.5 units/mg for PGM2 forms. On SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis, the final preparations gave a single protein band of 58,500 and 69,000 Mr for PGM1 and PGM2 isozymes, respectively. These forms have the same kinetic properties, but from the substrate specificity experiments we have found that PGM2 forms are more effective for catalyzing the phosphoribomutase and glucose 1,6-bisphosphate synthase reaction than PGM1 forms. All these properties are shared by the same isozymes previously isolated from human erythrocytes but in this procedure the use of human placenta for the PGM isozymes purification takes advantage of high specific activity of PGM in the extracts of this tissue as well as obtaining highly homogeneous protein suitable for studies at molecular level.     

Purification and characterization of lysosomal β-glucuronidase from human placenta

1. Subcellular fractions of human placenta were prepared by nitrogen-bomb homogenization and differential centrifugation. 2. beta-Glucuronidase from placental lysosomes was purified 2100-fold on a protein basis. 3. The lysosomal enzyme, at different stages of purification, was characterized by using 4-methylumbelliferyl beta-d-glucuronide and phenolphthalein beta-d-glucuronide as substrates. 4. Only one isoenzyme of beta-glucuronidase was found in placenta; the enzyme in the endoplasmic reticulum appeared to be the same as the lysosomal enzyme. 5. The isoenzyme contained in normal plasma was different from that of the placenta. 6. The elevated beta-glucuronidase activity found in plasma obtained during pregnancy was due to increased activity of the normal plasma isoenzyme; no contribution was made by placental isoenzyme. 7. Plasma contained a heat-stable, non-diffusible activator of placental beta-glucuronidase. 8. A heat-stable competitive inhibitor of placental and plasma beta-glucuronidase was also present in plasma.     

Purification and partial characterization of lysosomal neuraminidase from human placenta

Lysosomal neuraminidase and beta-galactosidase are present in a complex together with a 32-kDa protective protein. This complex has been purified and the different components have been dissociated using potassium isothiocyanate (KSCN) treatment. beta-Galactosidase remains catalytically active, but neuraminidase loses its activity upon dissociation. The inactive dissociated neuraminidase was purified by removing the remaining non-dissociated beta-galactosidase/protective protein complex using beta-galactosidase-specific affinity chromatography. The dissociated neuraminidase material shows two major polypeptides on SDS-PAGE with an apparent molecular mass of 76 kDa and 66 kDa. Subsequently the 32-kDa protective protein was dissociated from the beta-galactosidase/protective protein complex, and purified. Antibodies raised against the dissociated inactive neuraminidase preparation specifically immunoprecipitate the active neuraminidase present in the complex with beta-galactosidase and protective protein. By immunoblotting evidence is provided that the 76-kDa protein is a subunit of neuraminidase which, in association with the 32-kDa protective protein, is essential for neuraminidase activity.     

Purification and characterization of DNA-dependent DNA-polymerase alpha from human placenta

A preparation of human placenta DNA polymerase with specific activity 6000 unit/mg was obtained. The protocol of the enzyme purification includes the crude extract preparation, the subsequent chromatographies on phosphocellulose, red sepharose, DEAE sepharose and hydroxylapatite. The isolated DNA polymerase belongs to alpha-type according to the large molecular mass (greater than 150 kDa), high sensitivity to N-ethylmaleimide, the profound inhibition of DNA polymerization activity by 200 mM KCl and the ability to catalyze DNA synthesis, using the deoxyribonucleic template and ribonucleic primer. The DNA polymerase preparations contain a few forms with Stokes radii 50-60 A and sedimentation coefficients 7.3-9.0 S as found from data of gel-filtration and ultracentrifugation in glycerol density gradient, accordingly. The existence of four various forms of DNA polymerase activity: 150, 170, 220, 480 kDa were revealed by native electrophoresis. The four steps of purification result in DNA polymerase preparation that was shown by electrophoresis to contain 15-20% of protein possessing the polymerase activity. However the preparation obtained seems to be a "chromatographically pure substance", according to following ion-exchange and affinity chromatographies. The other proteins without polymerase activity are suggested to be the components of the replicative complex of human placenta cells.     

Identification and characterization of P(1), P(7)-Di(adenosine-5')-heptaphosphate from human platelets.

Diadenosine pentaphosphate and diadenosine hexaphosphate have been isolated in human platelets and have been postulated to play an important role in the control of vascular tone. Here we describe the isolation and identification of diadenosine heptaphosphate from human platelets. Dinucleoside polyphosphates were concentrated by affinity chromatography from a nucleotide-containing fraction from deproteinated human platelets. Dinucleoside polyphosphates were purified by anion-exchange and reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography to homogeneity. Analysis of one of these fractions with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry revealed a molecular mass of 1076.4 (1077.4 = [M + H](+)) Da. UV spectroscopic analysis of this fraction showed the spectrum of an adenosine derivative. Comparison of the postsource decay matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrum of the fraction minus that of diadenosine heptaphosphate (Ap(7)A) demonstrated that the isolated substance was identical to Ap(7)A. The identity of the retention times of the authentic and the isolated compound confirmed this result. Enzymatic analysis demonstrated an interconnection of the phosphate groups with the adenosines in the 5'-positions of the riboses. With thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, Ap(7)A is released from the platelets into the extracellular space. The vasoconstrictive action of Ap(7)A on the vasculature of the isolated perfused rat kidney Ap(7)A was slightly less than that of Ap(6)A. The threshold of the vasoconstrictive action of Ap(7)A was 10(-5) mol/liter. The vasoconstrictive effect was abolished by suramin and pyridoxal phosphate 6-azophenyl-2', 4'-disulfonic acid, suggesting an activation of P(2x) receptors. Furthermore, Ap(7)A inhibits ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Thus, the potent vasoconstrictor Ap(7)A derived from human platelets, like other diadenosine polyphosphates, may play a role in the regulation of vascular tone and hemostasis.     

Purification and characterization of histone H1 variants from human placenta

Three histone H1 variants were extracted from human placental tissue in a single process using a high-salt buffer solution, and purified by ion exchange, hydroxyapatite, and reversed-phase chromatography. In the first chromatographic step, a cation exchanger resin, SP-Sepharose FF, was used to remove impurities having molecular weights higher than those of histones. In the second chromatographic step, hydroxyapatite resin was used to remove impurities with relatively low molecular weights. A second round of cation exchange chromatography using high-grade HS POROS resin resulted in two main fractions, each of which appeared as a single band following SDS-PAGE. The first fraction showed a single peak in RP-HPLC, while the second fraction showed two main peaks. These three peaks were further separated and polished by semi-preparative RP-HPLC, and their molecular masses and sequences were determined using MALDI-TOF-MS and N-terminal amino acid sequencing, respectively. The sequences and masses of these three variants corresponded with those of histones H1.2, H1.4, and H1.5. Moreover, all three purified histone subtypes demonstrated cytotoxicity in an MTT assay.     

Purification and characterization of leucine-specific aminopeptidase from the soluble fraction of human placenta

A soluble aminopeptidase distinct from two enzymes described previously was isolated from human placenta and some of its properties were investigated. The three aminopeptidases were separated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The newly found aminopeptidase exhibits specific hydrolysis of leucine derivatives among various synthetic substrates. However, a broad substrate specificity was observed toward some natural bioactive peptides.     

Purification and characterization of thiol aminopeptidase from the cytosolic fraction of human placenta

A thiol-dependent aminopeptidase was purified from the cytosolic fraction of human placenta. The purified enzyme consisted of a single polypeptide chain with a mol wt of 95,000. The enzyme was most active in the neutral region with Ala-pNA as substrate, and the activity was increased about 20-fold in the presence of some -SH compounds. The results of substrate specificity studies indicated that the enzyme hydrolyzes bonds involving the amino groups of neutral and basic amino acid residues. However, higher thiol-dependent activity was only detected with neutral ones. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by microbial aminopeptidase inhibitors, puromycin, o-phenanthroline, and sulfhydryl reactive-reagents. As to several naturally occurring peptides tested, the enzyme showed N-terminal Tyr-releasing activity toward enkephalins and kinin-converting activity.     

Adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase from human placenta: characterization of the catalytic subunit.

The catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (EC 2.7.1.37) was purified for the first time from human placenta by DEAE-cellulose and HTP chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a single band of average molecular weight of 42 kDa (SEM = 0.52). Kinetic experiments showed a Km for ATP of 12.6 +/- 1.2 mumol/l, for histone II-AS of 1.3 +/- 0.05 mg.ml-1, for kemptide of 11.4 +/- 4.4 mumol/l. The synthetic inhibitor IP20-amide showed a competitive mechanism of inhibition with a Ki of 5.0 nmol/l. The protein kinase inhibitors H7 and H9 showed an apparent Ki of 8.3 and 4.9 mumol/l respectively. Preparative isoelectric focusing revealed the presence of 5 different isoforms with an average pI of 6.17, 6.70, 7.15, 7.67, 8.9.     

Specific inhibition of capped mRNA translation in vitro by m7G5''pppp5''G and m7G5''pppp5''m7G.

A unique set of diguanosine cap analogues containing a 5'-5' tetraphosphate linkage instead of the normal triphosphate was synthesized by chemical methylation of G5'pppp5'G. Both 7-methylguanosine products, m7G5'pppp5'G and m7G5'pppp5'm7G, acted as potent inhibitors of capped brome mosaic virus (BMV) RNA translation in the homologous wheat germ protein synthesis system. Inhibition of in vitro protein synthesis required the presence of the 7-methyl group on guanosine and was specific for capped mRNA. In comparison with the partial cap analogue, m7GTP, the methylated diguanosine tetraphosphate structures were 25-50 fold more potent inhibitors of in vitro protein synthesis. Analysis of the in vitro translation products of the four species of BMV RNA showed a differential sensitivity to inhibition by m7G5'pppp5'm7G.     

Purification and partial characterization of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein from human placenta

Cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP) has been purified to homogeneity from human placenta by a series of procedures, including acetone powder extraction, gel filtration on Sephadex G-50, and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and on SP-Sephadex. Cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) was isolated concurrently. CRABP was purified 75,400-fold, based on total soluble acetone powder extract of placenta. The protein is a single polypeptide chain with a molecular mass of 14,600 Da, estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gel electrophoresis or gel filtration, and has an isoelectric point of 4.78 (apo-CRABP, 4.82). On analysis of absorption and fluorescence spectra, the protein was seen to exhibit an absorption peak at 350 nm, fluorescence excitation maxima at 350 and 370 nm, and a fluorescence emission maximum at 475 nm. Human CRABP was immunologically distinct from human CRBP and serum retinol-binding protein.