Phycomyces blakesleeanus car B mutants: Their use in assays of phytoene desaturase

Strains of car B (phytoene-accumulating) mutants of Phycomyces blakesleeanus have been characterized with respect to their carotene contents, in vitro formation of isoprenoids from [2-¹⁴C] mevalonic acid and their ability to produce [¹⁴C]phytoene in situ for use in coupled assays of phytoene desaturase activity. All strains produced predominantly (15-Z)-phytoene both in vivo and in vitro. Other isoprenoids were produced by cell extracts including squalene, sterols, prenyl diphosphates and prenyl alcohols. The addition of 1% Tween 60 to crude cell extracts of the mutants partially restored wild type carotenogenic activity and also altered the proportions of other isoprenoids formed. However, in a cytosolic fraction of the car B mutant, the addition of 1% Tween 60 did not result in the production of any carotenoid from phytoene. This fraction was the most effective source of [¹⁴C] phytoene for use in coupled assays of phytoene desaturase activity.     

Mechanism of chain initiation by dextransucrase: Absence of terminal ‘sucrose’ linkage in newly synthesized dextran chains

Dextran was synthesized using dextransucrase from Streptococus sanguis 10558 and (F)-[¹⁴C]sucrose as substrate to test the possibility that sucrose may be the initial acceptor for glucose. If sucrose is the initial acceptor, then dextran chains should have [¹⁴C] fructose in a terminal ‘sucrose’ linkage which can be cleaved under mild conditions. Although incorporation of [¹⁴C]fructose into dextran was observed, the label was not released by mild hydrolysis, indicating that sucrose is not the initiator for dextran synthesis. Incorporation of [¹⁴C]fructose into dextran might represent its ability to act as an acceptor, as suggested by the isolation of leucrose as a by-product in the reaction.     

Steroid metabolism in the hormone dependent MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cell line and its two hormone resistant subpopulations MCF-7/LCC1 and MCF-7/LCC2

Androgen and estrogen metabolism was investigated in the hormone-dependent human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and its two hormone-resistant sublines MCF-7/LCC1 and MCF-7/LCC2. Using the product isolation method, the activity of aromatase, 5-reductase, 3/β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase and 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase were investigated isolating the following steroids: estriol (E₃), estradiol (E₂), estrone (E₁), 3/β-androstanediol (A-diol), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androsterone (AND), androstenedion (4-AD) and androstanedione (A-dion). For all experiments, cells were preincubated with cortisol and subsequently incubated with [¹⁴C]T or [¹⁴C]4-AD as the substrate in medium without phenol red and with serum charcoal stripped of steroids. The results showed no aromatase activity in any of the cell lines under the experimental conditions used, and preincubation with cortisol had no effect on the enzyme activity. With [¹⁴C]T as the substrate, the metabolized level of DHT was very similar in the three cell lines, though MCF-7/LCC1 and MCF-7/LCC2 utilized the substrate to a much lesser extent. The amount of DHT and 4-AD produced were comparable in the two hormone-resistant cell lines, while the amount of 4-AD was significantly higher in MCF-7 cells. No differences in enzyme activity were found in the three cell lines when [¹⁴C]4-AD was used as the substrate. This study showed an altered androgen metabolism in the MCF-7/LCC1 and MCF-7/LCC2 sublines compared to the parent MCF-7. However, since treatment with DHT and T inhibited cell growth equally well in all three tumor cell lines, it is unlikely that the found differences in steroid metabolism was involved in the acquisition of the endocrine resistance of the two MCF-7 sublines.     

Transport in C4 mesophyll chloroplasts. Characterization of the pyruvate carrier

1. Evidence is presented for high rates of carrier-mediated uptake of pyruvate into the stroma of intact mesophyll chloroplasts of the C₄ plant Digitaria sanguinalis, but not the chloroplasts of the C₃ plant Spinacea oleracea. Uptake of pyruvate in the dark with the C₄ mesophyll chloroplasts was followed using two techniques: uptake of [¹⁴C]pyruvate as determined by silicon oil centrifugal filtration and uptake as indicated by absorbance changes at 535 nm (shrinkage/swelling) after addition of 0.1 M pyruvate salts.

2. Uptake of the pyruvate anion by an electrogenic carrier is suggested to be the major mode of transport. Chloroplast swelling was observed in potassium pyruvate plus valinomycin and uptake of [¹⁴C]pyruvate was inhibited by membrane-permeant anions. Valinomycin reduced uptake in the absence of external potassium and the inhibition could be reversed by addition of external potassium.

3. Uptake of pyruvic acid (or a pyruvate ⁻/OH⁻ antiport) is ruled unlikely since [¹⁴C]pyruvate uptake was relatively independent of the pH gradient across the envelope and addition of pyruvate to chloroplasts did not result in an alkalization of the medium. The low rate of swelling observed in ammonium pyruvate may be due to non-mediated permeation of pyruvic acid, which is possible only at high pyruvate concentrations.

4. The concentration of pyruvate in the stroma increased with external concentration over the range tested (up to 40 mM) but the concentration ratio (internal/external) was always less than one. The steady-state concentration of [¹⁴C]pyruvate in the stroma was dependent on the ionic strength of the medium, with saturation at roughly I = 0.04 M, while accumulation of the membrane-permeant cation tetraphenylmethylphosphonium decreased with increasing ionic strength. This suggests that ionic strength modifies a membrane potential (inside negative) across the envelope and that pyruvate uptake responds to the magnitude and direction of that potential (−80 mV at low ionic strength).

5. Chloride and inorganic phosphate were potent inhibitors of [¹⁴C]pyruvate uptake. Of the sulfhydryl reagents tested, N-ethylmaleimide was not inhibitory while mersalyl completely blocked [¹⁴C]pyruvate uptake and swelling in potassium pyruvate plus valinomycin. Pyruvate uptake, as measured by valinomycin induced swelling in potassium pyruvate, was highly temperature sensitive, with an energy of activation of 39 kcal/mol above 9 °C.

6. Phenylpyruvate, -ketoisovalerate, -ketoisocaproate, -cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid and -cyanocinnamic acid inhibited [¹⁴C]pyruvate but not [¹⁴C]-acetate uptake in the dark and also reduced pyruvate metabolism by the chloroplasts in the light.     

Bradykinin effects on phospholipid metabolism and its relation to arachidonic acid turnovers in neuroblastoma × glioma hybrid cells (NG 108-15)

In neuroblastoma × glioma hybrid cells (NG 108-15) labelled with [³²P]-trisodium phosphate, [³H]-inositol and [¹⁴C]-arachidonic acid, bradykinin stimulated the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂) while it had no effect on the release of [¹⁴C]-arachidonic acid (AA). The effect on PIP, was time- and dose-dependent with a maximal effect on [³H]-inositol- and [³²P]-labelled cells after 10–30 s of stimulation with 10⁻⁶ M bradykinin. However, the hydrolysis of [¹⁴C]-AA labelled PIP₂ was delayed compared to the effect on [³H]- and [¹⁴C]-PIP₂ and was not detectable until after 60 s of stimulation. Bradykinin stimulation resulted in an increased formation of [³H]-inositol phosphates (IP) and [³²P]- and [¹⁴P]- and [¹⁴C]-phosphatidic acid (PA) but the time course for PA formation did not allow the time-course for PIP₂ hydrolysis. A reduced labelling of [²³P]- and [¹⁴C]-phosphatidylcholine was also found in stimulated cells suggesting that PA may derive from other sources than PIP₂. In conclusion, our results indicate that bradykinin activates phospholipase C, but not phospholipase A₂, in NG 108-15 cells.     

Quantitative Measurement of the Diastereoisomers of CIS Thymidine Glycol in Gamma-Irradiated DNA

A technique for determing the relative content of each of the diastereoisomers of cis thymidine glycol (dTG) in DNA exposed to ionizing radiation has been developed. [³H]thymidine DNA was gamma-irradiated, digested to 2'-deoxyribonucleosides, authentic [¹⁴C] (+, -) cis dTG added to the digestate and the mixture resolved by HPLC. ³H fractions coeluting with [¹⁴C] (+, -) dTG were collected and acetylated.

The acetoxy derivatives.of (+) and (-) cis dTG were easily resolved by a second HPLC analysis and their absolute configuration determined by NMR amd mass spectroscopies. We have constructed a dose-response curve for formation of each isomer in gamma-irradiated DNA and shown that they are formed in equal amounts. This technique may be used to determine the relative formation of cis dTG isomers in DNA resulting from other oxidative stresses and whether repair of these is influenced by their configuration.     

On the mechanism of biosynthesis of leukotrienes and related compounds

[10D-³H; 3-¹⁴C]- and [10L-³H; 3-¹⁴C]arachidonic acids were incubated with human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and with human platelets. Leukotriene B₄ and 5(S),12(S)-dihydroxy-6trans,8cis,10trans,14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (5,12-DHETE) were isolated and the ³H/¹⁴C ratios determined. It could be concluded that the 10D (pro-R)-hydrogen is eliminated in the conversion of 5(S)-hydroperoxy-6trans,8cis,11cis,14cis-eicosatetraenoic acid into leukotriene A₄ whereas in the conversion of arachidonic acid into 5,12-DHETE the 10L (pro-S)-hydrogen is lost. Incubation of the doubly labeled arachidonic acids with human platelets confirmed and extended previous data on the stereochemistry of the hydrogen removal from C-10 during the conversion into 12(S)-hydroperoxy-5cis,8cis,10trans,14cis-eicosatetraenoic acid, i.e., the 10L (pro-S)-hydrogen is eliminated and the 10D (pro-R)-hydrogen retained.     

Modification of isolated subunit c of the F1F0-ATPase from Propionigenium modestum by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide

Subunit c of the F₁F₀-ATPase from Propionigenium modestum was extracted from the particulate cell fraction with chloroform/methanol. The protein was further purified by carboxymethyl cellulose chromatography and anion exchange HPLC in the organic solvent. SDS-PAGE of the purified protein indicated a single stained protein band migrating as expected for the c-subunit. Incubation of isolated subunit c in chlorform/methanol or aqueous buffer containing dodecyl-β- -maltoside with [¹⁴C]dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) resulted in the incorporation of radioactivity into the protein. The rate of this reaction depended on the external pH; it was significantly faster in the more acidic than in the alkaline pH range. In the presence of Na⁺ subunit c was partially protected from labeling with [¹⁴C]DCCD at pH 6.1 and at pH 7.5, whereas no protection was evident at pH 5.5. At pH 7.5, the rate of subunit c labeling by [¹⁴C]DCCD in the presence of 20 mM NaCl was about 50% lower than in the absence of Na⁺ ions. The isolated c-subunit therefore apparently retains in part the Na⁺ binding site which, when occupied, diminishes the reactivity of the protein towards DCCD.     

Effects of vesamicol on acetylcholine metabolism and synaptic transmission in the electric organ of Torpedo

Vesamicol [2-(4-phenylpiperidino)cyclohexanol, formerly AH5183] at a concentration of 10 μM reduced by 16–20% the amount of vesicle-bound ACh in intact pieces of Torpedo electric organ (isolated prisms). When [¹⁴C]acetate was applied to prisms in the presence of 10 μM vesamicol, vesicular translocation of newly synthesized [¹⁴C]ACh was inhibited by 40%. During short trains of field shocks given at 10 Hz to the tissue, vesamicol inhibited by 93% the release of [¹⁴C]ACh, but left the release of prestored ACh unaltered. In spite of these alterations, 10 μM vesamicol did not impair nerve-electroplaque transmission, even after prolonged electrical stimulation and during a recovery period. It is concluded that in the Torpedo electric organ the actions of vesamicol on ACh metabolism have apparently little or no effect on the efficiency of synaptic transmission.     

The reaction of cytochrome c with [Fe(EDTA)(H2O)]

The interaction of horse ferricytochrome c with the reagents [Fe(EDTA)(H₂O)]⁻ and [Cr(CN)₆]³⁻ were studied at pH 7 and 25°C by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Two binding regions near to the heme crevice of cytochrome c were identified. Both regions bound both reagents but they exhibited different selectivities.

The relevance of this finding to the electron-transfer function of cytochrome c is discussed.     

Labeling of v-Src and BCR-ABL tyrosine kinases with [C]herbimycin A and its use in the elucidation of the kinase inactivation mechanism

The ansamycin antibiotic, herbimycin A, selectively inactivates cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases, most likely by binding irreversibly to the reactive SH group(s) of kinases. To further investigate the mechanism of herbimycin A action, we attempted to label tyrosine kinases with [¹⁴C]herbimycin A. p60^v-src and p2 10^BCR-ABL in immune complexes were labeled with [¹⁴C]herbimycin A, demonstrating that the antibiotic binds directly to tyrosine kinases. Digestion of [¹⁴C]herbimycin A-labeled p60^v-src with Staphylococcus taureus V8 protease revealed that the herbimycin A binding site is within the C-terminal 26-kDa fragment of p60^v-src, which contains the tyrosine kinase domain. Herbimycin A treatment inhibited labeling of p60^v-src by [¹⁴]C]fluorosulfonylbenzoyl adenosine, an affinity labeling reagent of nucleotide binding sites, indicating that herbimycin A-modified p60^v-src cannot interact with ATP. The results suggest that herbimycin A inactivates tyrosine kinases by binding directly to the kinase domain, thereby inhibiting access to ATP.     

Effects of dietary paraffin, squalane and sucrose polyester on residue disposition and elimination of hexachlorobenzene in rats

Previous studies have shown addition of light liquid paraffin to enhance the elimination of organochlorine xenobiotics. In the present study the effect of paraffin on the elimination of [¹⁴C]hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was compared with the effect of possible alternative compounds, squalane and sucrose polyester (SPE). Four groups of 7 rats were fed a diet containing 1.5 ppm [¹⁴C]HCB for 4 days followed by 10 days on HCB-free diet. Thereafter one group (control) remained on this diet whereas the other 3 groups received a diet supplemented with 8% (w/w) paraffin, squalane or SPE, respectively. Radioactivity in urine and faeces was measured daily and at the end of the experiment in samples of abdominal fat, muscle, liver, kidney and blood. Dietary treatment with either paraffin, squalane or SPE markedly enhanced faecal excretion of [¹⁴C]HCB, whereas urinary excretion was not affected. Both the time course as well as the extent of faecal [¹⁴C]HCB elimination were similar in the treated groups. After 3 weeks of treatment the amount of [¹⁴C]HCB excreted with faeces was about three times higher in treated animals than in controls. The half-life (t_1/2) of [¹⁴C]HCB elimination from the body was markedly decreased in treated animals (mean 34–38 days) compared to controls (110 days). [¹⁴C]HCB concentrations in some major tissues were significantly reduced to the same extent by all three dietary regimens. Thus squalane and SPE are as effective as paraffin in removing HCB from contaminated animals.     

Activation of [C]chlorobiphenyls to protein-binding metabolites by rat liver microsomes

The irreversible binding of [¹⁴C]2,2′-di- and [¹⁴C]2,4,5,2′,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl ([¹⁴C]DCB and [¹⁴C]HCB) to protein was studied in the presence of rat liver microsomes and a NADPH-generating system. Protein-bound radioactivity was found with [¹⁴C]DCB but not with [¹⁴C]HCB. The binding of ¹⁴C-metabolites was increased by pretreatment of the rats with phenobarbital or polychlorinated biphenyls. Protein binding was linear for 80 min. In contrast, monohydroxy-metabolites of DCB were formed and degraded within 40 min. Inhibition of secondary oxidation of DCB by scavening superoxide anions or by glucuronidation of the monophenols markedly decreased the protein binding. Addition of trichloropropene oxide or styrene oxide, both inhibitors of epoxide hydrase, did not significantly stimulate the binding. The results suggest that the majority of reactive metabolites of DCB arise from secondary metabolism, i.e., the subsequent oxidation of the phenolic metabolites. Arene oxides, the primary products, appear to play a minor role in the protein binding of DCB.     

Reduction of ferricytochrome c by hydrogen atoms: Evidence for intramolecular transfer of reducing equivalent

Direct evidence obtained by means of the technique of pulse radiolysis-kinetic spectrometry, with measurements in the time range 10⁻⁶ to 1 s, is presented that, consequent upon reaction of a single H-atom with a single molecule of ferricytochrome c, a reducing equivalent is transmitted via the protein structure to the ferriheme moiety. Such transmission accounts for at least 70% of the total reduction of the ferri to the ferro state of cytochrome c. The remainder of the total reduction takes place without stages resolvable on the time scale of these experiments. Reduction brought about by H atoms appears to follow a different course than reduction by hydrated electrons. In the latter case, intramolecular transmission of reducing equivalents could not be demonstrated (Lichtin, N. N., Shafferman, A. and Stein, G. (1973) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 314, 117–135).

Not every H-atom reacts with ferricytochrome c at a site which results in conversion of the Fe(III) state to the Fe(II) state. Approximately half of reacting H-atoms do not produce reduction.

The following second order rate constants have been determined in solutions of low ionic strength at 20±2 °C: k[H+ferricytochrome c] = (1.0±0.2) · 10¹⁰ M⁻¹ · s⁻¹ at pH 3.0 and 6.7; k[H+ferrocytochrome c] = (1.3±0.2) · 10¹⁰ M⁻¹ · s⁻¹ at pH 3.0; k[e⁻_aq + ferrocytochrome c] = (1.9±0.4) · 10¹⁰ M⁻¹ · s⁻¹ at pH 6.7.     

Biotransformation of genistein in the rat: elucidation of metabolite structure by product ion mass fragmentology

Biotransformation of the phytoestrogen [¹⁴C]genistein was investigated in male and female rats by application of narrow-bore radio-HPLC-MSⁿ (LCQ, Finnigan) to determine intermediates in metabolism. Urine contained five metabolites, Gm1–Gm5, 24 h after dosing by gavage with [¹⁴C]genistein (4 mg kg⁻¹). Structural analysis following ESI revealed molecular ions [M+H]⁺ of m/z 447, 449, 273, and 271 for metabolites Gm2, Gm3, Gm5 and genistein, respectively and an [M–H]⁻ of m/z 349 for Gm4. Metabolite structure was deduced by evaluation of product ion spectra derived from unlabelled and [¹⁴C]-labelled ions and sensitivity to treatment with β-glucuronidase. These studies indicated identity of metabolites with genistein glucuronide (Gm2), dihydrogenistein glucuronide (Gm3), genistein sulphate (Gm4) and dihydrogenistein (Gm5). Detection of the β-glucuronidase resistant major metabolite Gm1 by ESI was poor and so was analysed by negative ion APCI; this revealed a deprotonated molecular ion of m/z 165 which had chromatographic and mass spectral properties consistent with authentic 4-hydroxyphenyl-2-propionic acid, a novel metabolite of genistein. In vitro metabolism studies with anaerobic caecal cultures derived from male and female rats revealed metabolism of genistein to Gm1 via Gm5 and an additional metabolite (Gm6) which was identified from product ion spectra as 6′-hydroxy-O-desmethylangolensin. Biotransformation of genistein by both isolated hepatocytes and precision-cut liver slices was limited to glucuronidation of parent compound. Commonality of genistein metabolites found in rats with those reported in man suggest similar pathways of biotransformation, primarily involving gut micro-flora.     

Synthesis of carbon-11 labeled fluorinated 2-arylbenzothiazoles as novel potential PET cancer imaging agents

Fluorinated 2-arylbenzothiazoles are new potential antitumor drugs, which show potent and selective inhibitory activity against breast, lung, and colon cancer cell lines. Carbon-11 labeled fluorinated 2-arylbenzothiazoles may serve as novel probes for positron emission tomography (PET) to image tyrosine kinase in cancers. The preparation of 4-fluorinated 2-arylbenzothiazoles 4-fluoro-2-(3-benzloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)benzothiazole (6a) and 4-fluoro-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)benzothiazole (6b) was achieved by a modification of Jacobson thioanilide radical cyclization chemistry. Hydrogenolytic cleavage of the benzyl ether group of compound 6a using H₂/Pd–C provided the precursor 4-fluoro-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)benzothiazole (7) for radiolabeling. Synthesis of radiolabeling precursors and the reference standards 5- and 6-fluorinated arylbenzothiazoles (11c–n) was achieved via the reaction of o-aminothiophenol disulfides with substituted benzaldehydes under reducing conditions. The target radiotracers carbon-11 labeled 4-, 5-, and 6-fluorinated arylbenzothiazoles (3-[¹¹C]6b, 4-[¹¹C]11c, 3-[¹¹C]11c, 5-[¹¹C]11f, 4-[¹¹C]11f, 4-[¹¹C]11i, 3-[¹¹C]11i, 5-[¹¹C]11l, and 4-[¹¹C]11l) were prepared by O-[¹¹C]methylation of the phenolic hydroxyl precursors (7, 11d, 11e, 11g, 11h, 11j, 11k, 11m, and 11n) with [¹¹C]methyl triflate and isolated by solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification in 30–55% radiochemical yields.     

Ferrocenyl-derived face-capping ligands: syntheses and molecular structures of [(FcTt)Cu]4 and [FcTt]2M (M = Fe, Co, Ni; FcTt = ferrocenyltris((methylthio)methyl)borate)

The synthesis and characterization of a ferrocenyl-derived tridentate ligand, ferrocenyltris((methylthio)methyl)borate (FcTtP⁻), and its representative metal complexes, [(FcTt)Cu]₄ and [FcTt]₂M (M = Fe, Co and Ni), are reported. The M = Fe complex exhibits spin-crossover behavior with a μ_eff = 1.19 μ_B at 25°C. The low-spin Co(II) derivative (1.88 μ_B) exhibits a characteristic axial electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum, g_av = 2.13, A = 53 G and A_¦ = 43 G. The [FcTt]₂M complexes display reversible two-electron redox processes assigned to ligand-centered events about 200 mV negative of the ferrocene-ferrocenium couple. [(FcTt)Cu]₄ and [FcTt]₂Ni have been characterized by X-ray diffraction. X-ray data for [(FcTt)Cu]₄: monoclinic space group C2/c, with a = 24.3747(3) Å, b = 20.0857(2) Å, c = 17.2747(4) Å, β = 95.843(1)°, V = 8413.5(3) ų, and Z = 4; [FcTt]₂Ni: monoclinic space group C2/c, with a = 12.6220(3) Å, b = 11.6002(3) Å, c = 25.0125(7) Å, β = 94.067(1)°, V = 3653.1(2) ų, and Z = 4.     

The effect of exogenous gibberellic acid on gibberellin biosynthesis by Gibberella fujikuroi

The addition of gibberellic acid and some other gibberellins to cultures of Gibberella fujikuroi suppresses the incorporation of [2-¹⁴C]MVA and ¹⁴C-labelled ent-kaurene into the gibberellin metabolises.     

Synthesis of 2-deoxyglucitol from 2-deoxy-D-glucose by the fungus Puccinia graminis

After incubation of glucose-grown mycelium of Puccinia graminis with 2-deoxy-D-[U-¹⁴C]glucose, all cellular ¹⁴C was present in compounds soluble in 80% (v/v) ethanol. Metabolites identified included 2-deoxyglucitol, and free and phosphorylated forms of 2-deoxyglucose and 2-deoxygluconate. This is the first report of 2-deoxyglucitol as a metabolite of 2-deoxyglucose in any organism, and in P. graminis, this confirms previous proposals that the free D-glucose is directly reduced to D-glucitol in vivo.