Perturbation of hydrogen bonds in the adenine ... thymine base pair by Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and NH4+ cations

Perturbation of the hydrogen bonds in the adenine ... thymine base pair by Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and NH4+ cations has been investigated by means of ab initio SCF calculations with the STO-3G basis set. The geometry of adenine...thymine, as well as those of the perturbed pairs were optimized. Approach of any cation to thymine at O6 leads to destabilization of the adenine...thymine pair; divalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+) have a profound effect on the structure of the base pair. The approach of a cation to other available sites (thymine: O2, adenine N1 and N3) leads, on the other hand, to stabilization of the base pair. If a water molecule is placed between the cation and the base pair, the structure and stability of the base pair are changed only negligibly.     

Effect of metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+) and water coordination on the structure and properties of l-histidine and zwitterionic l-histidine

Interactions between metal ions and amino acids are common both in solution and in the gas phase. The effect of metal ions and water on the structure of l-histidine is examined. The effect of metal ions (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺) and water on structures of His·M(H₂O)m, m = 0.1 complexes have been determined theoretically employing density functional theories using extended basis sets. Of the five stable complexes investigated the relative stability of the gas-phase complexes computed with DFT methods (with one exception of K⁺ systems) suggest metallic complexes of the neutral l-histidine to be the most stable species. The calculations of monohydrated systems show that even one water molecule has a profound effect on the relative stability of individual complexes. Proton dissociation enthalpies and Gibbs energies of l-histidine in the presence of the metal cations Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ were also computed. Its gas-phase acidity considerably increases upon chelation. Of the Lewis acids investigated, the strongest affinity to l-histidine is exhibited by the Cu²⁺ cation. The computed Gibbs energies ΔG are negative, span a rather broad energy interval (from ?130 to ?1,300 kJ/mol), and upon hydration are appreciably lowered.     

Binding effects of Mn2+ and Zn2+ ions on the vibrational properties of guanine-cytosine base pairs in the Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen configurations

The binding effects of Mn(2+) and Zn(2+) ions on the vibrational properties of guanine-cytosine base pairs have been performed using density functional theory investigations. The calculations were carried out on Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen configurations of the base pairs. We have found, that in Watson-Crick configuration, the metal is coordinated to N7 atom of guanine while, in the case of Hoogsteen configuration, the coordination is at N3 atom of guanine. We have pointed out the vibrational bands that can be used to detect the presence of metallic ions in the Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen structures. Our results show that the vibrational amplitudes of metallic atoms are strong for wavenumbers lower than 600?cm(-1). Also, we predict that the distinction between Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen configurations can be seen around 85, 170 and 310?cm(-1).     

Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+ levels in histone fractions from normal and tumor cells

Distribution of some bivalent cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+) in histones isolated from healthy mice liver and ascitic hepatoma 22A cells has been investigated by atomic-absorption analysis. It has been shown that the content of these cations is higher in normal and diseased H3, H2B and H1 fractions and lower--in H2A; however, in the H4 fraction these metals are not detected. A significant increase of Ca2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+ levels has been established in ascitic H3, H2B and H1 fractions. An increase of bivalent cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+) content in some histone fractions apparently is bound with the changes of histone--histone and histone--DNA interactions.     

Raman spectroscopic study of the effects of Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+ ions on calf thymus DNA: binding sites and conformational changes

The interaction of Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+ with calf thymus DNA has been investigated by Raman spectroscopy. These spectra reveal that all of these ions, and particularly Zn2+, bind to phosphate groups of DNA, causing a slight structural change in the polynucleotide at very small metal: DNA (P) concentration ratio (ca. 1:30). This results in increased base-stacking interactions, with negligible change of the B conformation of DNA. Contrary to Zn2+ and Cd2+, which interact extensively with the nucleic bases (particularly at the N7 position of guanine), the alkaline-earth metal ions are bound almost exclusively to the phosphate groups. The affinity of both the Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions for G.C base pairs is comparable, but the Cd2+ ions interact more extensively with A.T pairs than Zn2+ ions. Interstrand cross-linking through the N3 atom of cytosine is suggested in the presence of Zn2+, but not Cd2+.     

SIMS Investigation of the Distribution of K+, Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ Cations in Birch Pollen

Two microanalytical techniques were used to investigate the inorganic cation content and distributions in birch (Betula verrucosa Ehrh.) pollen. With intact pollen grains. X-ray microanalysis (EDX) could only give a mean ionic composition. Secondary Ion Microscopy and Spectrometry (SIMS) appeared to be a more suitable technique to image ion distributions in the different pollen structures. This was carried out with samples prepared using a new vapour phase technique designed to improve ion retention. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)showed good structural preservation of the samples. Monovalent ion (K⁺, Na⁺) distribution showed features different from those of the divalent cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺). In the vegetative cell, the alkaline cations were mainly distributed in the most internal part of the cytoplasm and they were probably associated with starch grains or concentrated in dry vacuoles. Calcium distribution correlated well with the areas in the cytoplasm of the vegetative cell containing a dense network of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Within the pollen grain, the sperm cell appeared to contain the most calcium. Calcium was also abundant in the sporoderm. These results reveal the potential of SIMS for pollen studies that include germination, the monitoring of air pollutants and the allergens-ion interactions.     

Ca2+, Mg2+, Li+, Na+, and K+ distributions in the headgroup region of binary membranes of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine as seen by deuterium NMR

The binding of calcium, magnesium, lithium, potassium, and sodium to membrane bilayers of 5 to 1 (M/M) 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) and 1-palmitoyl- 2-oleoylphosphatidylserine (POPS) was investigated by using deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance (2H NMR). Both lipids were deuteriated on their polar headgroups, and spectra were obtained at 25 degrees C in the liquid-crystalline phase as a function of salt concentration. The spectra obtained with calcium were correlated with 45CaCl2 binding studies to determine the effective membrane-bound calcium at low calcium binding, up to 0.78 calcium per POPS. Deuterium quadrupolar splittings of both POPC and POPS headgroups were shown to be very sensitive to calcium binding. The behavior of these two headgroups over a wide range of CaCl2 concentrations suggests that Ca2+ binding occurs in at least two steps, the first step being achieved with 0.5 M CaCl2, with a stoichiometry of 0.5 Ca2+ per POPS. Correlations of the deuterium Ca2+ binding data with related data obtained after incorporation of a cationic integral peptide showed that the effects of these two cationic molecules of the POPS headgroup are qualitatively similar, and provided further support for two-step Ca2+ binding to the POPC/POPS 5:1 membranes. The corresponding data obtained with magnesium, lithium, and potassium indicate that these cations interact with both the choline and serine headgroups. The amplitudes of headgroup perturbations could be partly correlated to the relative affinities of the metallic cations for the lipid membrane. The two-step binding described with Ca2+ appears to be relevant to the Mg2+ data, and in certain limits to the Li+ data. The data were interpreted in terms of conformational changes of the lipid headgroups induced by an electric field due to the charges of the membrane-bound metallic cations. A conformational change of the serine headgroup induced by the membrane-bound charges is proposed. We propose that the metallic cations can be differentiated on the basis of their respective spatial distribution functions relative to the choline and serine headgroups. According to this interpretation, the divalent cations Ca2+ and Mg2+ are more deeply buried in the membrane than monovalent Na+ and K+, the case of Li+ being intermediate of the latter two. This conclusion is discussed in relation to fundamental theories of the spatial distribution of ions near the interface between water and smooth charged solid surfaces.     

Microsolvation of Mg2+, Ca2+: strong influence of formal charges in hydrogen bond networks

A stochastic exploration of the quantum conformational spaces in the microsolvation of divalent cations with explicit consideration of up to six solvent molecules [Mg (H ₂ O) _n )]²⁺, (n?=?3, 4, 5, 6) at the B3LYP, MP2, CCSD(T) levels is presented. We find several cases in which the formal charge in Mg²⁺ causes dissociation of water molecules in the first solvation shell, leaving a hydroxide ion available to interact with the central cation, the released proton being transferred to outer solvation shells in a Grotthus type mechanism; this particular finding sheds light on the capacity of Mg²⁺ to promote formation of hydroxide anions, a process necessary to regulate proton transfer in enzymes with exonuclease activity. Two distinct types of hydrogen bonds, scattered over a wide range of distances (1.35–2.15 Å) were identified. We find that in inner solvation shells, where hydrogen bond networks are severely disturbed, most of the interaction energies come from electrostatic and polarization+charge transfer, while in outer solvation shells the situation approximates that of pure water clusters.

盐胁迫下杨树根际系统盐分离子分布特性

在温室条件下,采用盆栽根箱培养的方法研究盐胁迫下I 69杨(PopulusdeltoidesBartr.cv.'Lux')和NL 1381杨〔PopulusdeltoidesBartr.cv.'Lux'×P.euramericana(Dode)GeninierCL'I 45 51'〕根际、非根际土壤盐分分布特征。盐处理浓度共设3个水平:CK(NaCl0g kg)、处理A(NaCl1g kg)和处理B(NaCl2g kg),采用完全随机设计。结果表明,2个杨树无性系根际水溶性K+亏缺,水溶性Na+、Ca2+和Mg2+富集。K+的亏缺率及Na+的富集率随NaCl处理浓度的增大而减小,Ca2+和Mg2+的富集率在非盐渍条件下最低,处理A达最高,处理B较处理A略有下降。在盐胁迫下,无性系NL 1381杨根际土壤Na+的浓度和电导率均低于无性系I 69杨,可以有效减轻盐分对根系的渗透胁迫,相对而言具有较强的抗盐性。     

Disturbances on delta aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) enzyme activity by Pb2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Na+, K+ and Li+: analysis based on coordination geometry and acid-base Lewis capacity

ALA-D (EC 4.2.1.24) is the first cytosolic enzyme in the haem metabolic pathway. Some metals compete with its major cofactor Zn(2+), modifying both enzyme structure and function. Our purpose was to contribute to the understanding of the biochemical role of metals such as Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Cu(2+), Mg(2+), Zn(2+), Na(+), K(+) and Li(+) on ALA-D, using chicken embryos as experimental model. Mg(2+) and Zn(2+) showed enzyme activation in yolk sac membrane (YSM) (113% at 10(-5) M Mg(2+) and from 10(-4) M Zn(2+)), and slight inactivation in liver. Cd(2+) and Cu(2+) caused a non allosteric inhibition in both tissues (100% from 10(-4) M). Surprisingly Pb(2+) was not such a strong inhibitor. Interference of cations during the Schiff base formation in enzymatic catalysis process is explained considering their Lewis acid-base capacity, coordination geometry and electron configuration of valence. Interactions among monovalent cations and biochemical substances are governed chiefly by its electrostatic potential. 0.1 M K(+) and 0.4 M Na(+) produced 30% of enzymatic inhibition by the interference on interactions among the functional subunits. Li(+) activated the YSM enzyme (130% at 10(-5) M) due to a more specific interaction. This study may contribute to elucidate for the first time the possible structural differences between the YSM and liver enzymes from chicken embryo.     

Ionophore-mediated Ca2+ countertransport: role of Na+, Li+ or H+ gradient

Summary In an artificial system, the ionophore A23187, which transports Ca²⁺ but not Na⁺, is able to mediate the uphill translocation of Ca²⁺ from one aqueous medium to another across an organic immiscible phase, provided that a Na⁺, Li⁺ or H⁺ gradient is imposed on the system. Therefore, in the process known as Na-Ca countertransport, the downhill influx of Na⁺ may not be necessary for causing Ca²⁺ extrusion against its electrochemical gradient.     

Evaluation of a role for intracellular Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ in hyperthermic cell killing

A dose of heat which renders 98% of a population of Chinese hamster ovary cells reproductively dead has no significant effect on their Na+, K+, or Mg2+ content by 28 h postheat. In contrast, the cellular Ca2+ content increases in a dose-dependent manner as observed at 22 h after heating for 15-35 min at 45 degrees C. However, the rates of both influx and efflux of Ca2+ were reduced by heating. Increasing the cellular Ca2+ content by incubating the cells in high extracellular Ca2+, either at the time of heating or for a period of 22 h following heat, does not potentiate the lethal effect of heat. Completely blocking the heat-induced increase in Ca2+ content by incubating the cells in medium containing a low Ca2+ concentration does not protect the cells. Therefore, we conclude that heat does not produce any significant changes in the Na+, K+, or Mg2+ content of cells and that the heat-induced increase in Ca2+ does not play an important role in hyperthermic cell killing.     

Daily and seasonal variations in Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ contents in the cingulate cortex of the mouse brain

Daily changes in Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ contents in the cingulate cortex of mice housed under controlled light/dark (LD) conditions were investigated for a 24-hour period in spring, summer, autumn and winter. The total ion content in the mineralized tissue was evaluated by absorption/emission flame spectrophotometry. In nearly all the tested cation contents significant daily concentration changes were found with a maximum in the dark phase of the LD cycle. The differences in wave form and mean cingulate cortex ion contents throughout the year suggest that the rhythms undergo seasonal variations. The functional importance of daily and anual fluctuations in the brain cation concentrations has been discussed.     

Effect of magnesium ions on Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase on plasma membranes of thymocytes]

Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATP-ase of plasmatic membranes of thymocites were studied as affected by Mg ions. A complex character of the reaction rate dependence on Mg2+ concentration in the range of 0.002-25. OmM was revealed. The data obtained indicate the existence of Mg(2+)-binding centre of ATP-ase which regulates the enzyme catalytic activity.     

Effect of temperature on the concentration of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+ in the hemolymph and urine of Procambarus clarkii, Girard

The concentration variability of Ca, Mg, Na, K ions in the haemolymph and urine has been analyzed in Procambarus clarkii during interecdysis instar, the animals having been kept under several temperature conditions (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 degrees C) during two different periods of time (48 h and 7 days). The environmental temperature did not affect the concentration of sodium and calcium in the haemolymph. Nevertheless the above parameter had an effect on the concentration of potassium and magnesium in the haemolymph as well as on the concentration of the four cations considered in the urine of Procambarus clarkii. No significant differences have been found in relation to the time of exposure.     

Inhibition kinetics of brain butyrylcholinesterase by Cd2+ and Zn2+, Ca2+ or Mg2+ reactivates the inhibited enzyme

• 1.1. The inhibition kinetics of sheep brain butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (acylcholine acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.8) by Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ has been studied.
• 2.2. K_s has been determined as 0.14mM. Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ were the hyperbolic mixed-type inhibitors of BChE. Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ had no effect on the enzyme activity in the experimental conditions.
• 3.3. But when the enzyme was inhibited by 0.1 mM Cd²⁺ or Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ reactivated the inhibited form of BChE.

     

Effects of intracellular and extracellular concentrations of Ca2+, K+, and Cl- on the Na+-dependent Mg2+ efflux in rat ventricular myocytes

Intracellular Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) was measured in rat ventricular myocytes with the fluorescent indicator furaptra (25 degrees C). After the myocytes were loaded with Mg2+, the initial rate of decrease in [Mg2+]i (initial Delta[Mg2+]i/Deltat) was estimated upon introduction of extracellular Na+, as an index of the rate of Na+-dependent Mg2+ efflux. The initial Delta[Mg2+]i/Deltat values with 140 mM [Na+]o were essentially unchanged by the addition of extracellular Ca2+ up to 1 mM (107.3+/-8.7% of the control value measured at 0 mM [Ca2+]o in the presence of 0.1 mM EGTA, n=5). Intracellular loading of a Ca2+ chelator, either BAPTA or dimethyl BAPTA, by incubation with its acetoxymethyl ester form (5 microM for 3.5 h) did not significantly change the initial Delta[Mg2+]i/Deltat: 115.2+/-7.5% (seven BAPTA-loaded cells) and 109.5+/-10.9% (four dimethyl BAPTA loaded cells) of the control values measured in the absence of an intracellular chelator. Extracellular and/or intracellular concentrations of K+ and Cl- were modified under constant [Na+]o (70 mM), [Ca2+]o (0 mM with 0.1 mM EGTA), and membrane potential (-13 mV with the amphotericin-B-perforated patch-clamp technique). None of the following conditions significantly changed the initial Delta[Mg2+]i/Deltat: 1), changes in [K+]o between 0 mM and 75 mM (65.6+/-5.0% (n=11) and 79.0+/-6.0% (n=8), respectively, of the control values measured at 140 mM [Na+]o without any modification of extracellular and intracellular K+ and Cl-); 2), intracellular perfusion with K+-free (Cs+-substituted) solution from the patch pipette in combination with removal of extracellular K+ (77.7+/-8.2%, n=8); and 3), extracellular and intracellular perfusion with K+-free and Cl--free solutions (71.6+/-5.1%, n=5). These results suggest that Mg2+ is transported in exchange with Na+, but not with Ca2+, K+, or Cl-, in cardiac myocytes.     

Regulation of Na+-K+-ATPase: effect of Mg and Ca ions

The participation of Mg2+ and Ca2+ in complicated mechanisms of Na+, K(+)-ATPase regulation is discussed in the survey. The regulatory actions of Mg2+ on Na+, K(+)-ATPase such as its participation in phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the enzyme, ADP/ATP-exchange inhibition, cardiac glycosides and vanadate binding with the enzyme, conformational changes induction during ATPase cycle are reviewed in detail. Some current views of mechanisms of above mentioned Mg2+ regulatory effects are discussed. The experimental evidence of Ca2+ immediate influence on the functional activity of Na+, K(+)-ATPase (catalytic, transport and glycoside-binding) are given. It's noted that these effects are based on the conformational changes in the enzyme and also on the phase transition in membrane induced by Ca2+. Unimmediate action of Ca2+ on Na+, K(+)-ATPase is also discussed, especially due to its effect on other membrane systems functionally linked with Na(+)-pump (for instance, due to Na+/Ca(+)-exchanger activation). It's concluded that Mg2+ and Ca2+ as "universal regulators" of the cell effectively influence the functional activity and conformational states of Na+, K(+)-ATPase.