Circular dichroism studies on the alpha-D-galactopyranosyl binding lectin isolated from the seeds of Bandeiraea simplicifolia.

The conformation of the alpha-D-galactopyranosyl binding lectin isolated from Bandeiraea simplicifolia seeds has been investigated over a broad range of pH in the presence of various solvents by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy in the region 200-300 nm. Analyses of the spectra obtained on the native protein show the lectin to contain a considerable proportion of beta structure (30-40%). The native conformation was found to be largely insensitive to changes in pH, but was influenced by sodium dodecyl sulfate or trifluoroethanol. Alterations in conformation in the presence of these agents were reflected in the CD spectra and show the presence of alpha helix under these conditions. These changes in conformation are accompanied by a loss in polysaccharide-precipitating activity. The protein is irreversibly denatured in 8 M urea. Neither removal of the intrinsic calcium ions from the protein nor addition of methyl alpha-D-galactopyranoside induces any appreciable change in the CD spectra of the protein although the former treatment abolishes the polysaccharide-precipitating capacity of the lectin. The conformational data obtained in the present study are compared with data available from conformational studies of other lectins and leads to the hypothesis that most lectins probably contain beta structure as the predominant conformational feature.     

The luminescence properties of concanavalin A.

1. The luminescence properties of native concanavalin A, both at room temperature and at 77 degrees K, are similar to those of other proteins containing tyrosine and tryptophan. 2. Binding of methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside to concanavalin A causes a slight reduction of its fluorescence at room temperature. 3. Removal of Mn2+ and Ca2+ ions from concanavalin A causes a small increase in its fluoresence. The fluorescence: phosphorescence ratio and phosphorescence lifetime of apo-concanavalin A are similar to those of tryptophan. 4. Denaturation of concanavalin A by urea and by guanidine hydrochloride apparently takes place in two stages. Apo-concanavalin A is more easily denatured than the native molecule, but concavalin A combined with methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside is more resistant to denaturation. 5. The luminescence properties of concanavalin A are pH-dependent. 6. The results have been interpreted in terms of the known structure and properties of concanavalin A.     

Manganese, calcium, and saccharide binding to concanavalin A, as studied by ultrafiltration

The binding of the ligands Mn2+, Ca2+, and methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside to concanavalin A, purified as described (A.J. Sophianopoulos and J.A. Sophianopoulos (1981) Prep. Biochem. 11, 413-435), was studied by ultrafiltration in 0.2 M NaCl, pH 5.2 and pH 6.5 to 7, and at 23 to 25 degrees C. The association constant (Ka) of methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside to concanavalin A was (2 +/- 0.2) X 10(3) M-1, both at pH 5.2 and 7. At pH 5.2 and in the absence of Ca2+, the Ka of Mn2+ to concanavalin A was (5 +/- 1) X 10(3) M-1, and in the presence of 1 mM Ca2+, the Ka was (9.1 +/- 2.1) X 10(5) M-1. At pH 6.5 Mn2+ bound to concanavalin A with a Ka of (7.3 +/- 1.8) X 10(5) M-1, and the binding affinity was virtually independent of the presence of Ca2+. Experiments of binding of 4-methylumbelliferyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside to concanavalin A indicated that at pH 5.2, binding of a single Mn2+ per concanavalin A monomer was sufficient to induce a fully active saccharide binding site. Ca2+ is not necessary for such activation, but rather it increases the affinity of concanavalin A for binding Mn2+.     

Effect of metal ions and EGTA on the optical properties of concanavalin A at alkaline pH

In our earlier communications, we reported the effect of salts and alcohols on alpha-chymotrypsinogen [1] and the existence of stable intermediates at low pH in bromelain [2] and glucose oxidase [3]. In the present study, the role of metal ions and EGTA on the conformation of concanavalin A at alkaline pH was studied by near- and far-UV circular dichroism, fluorescence emission spectroscopy and binding of a hydrophobic dye, 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate (ANS). Far-UV CD spectra showed the transition from an ordered secondary structure at pH 7 with a trough at 223 nm to a relatively unordered state at pH 12. Near-UV CD spectra showed the loss of signal at 290 nm, thereby indicating the disruption of native three dimensional structure. Maximum ANS binding occurred at pH 12 suggesting the presence of an intermediate or molten globule-like state at alkaline pH.     

Non-random conformation of a mouse IgG2a monoclonal antibody at low pH

The pH dependence of the conformation of a mouse IgG2a, kappa monoclonal antibody (MN12) was investigated by several physical techniques, including fluorescence spectroscopy, near-ultraviolet and far-ultraviolet CD, and electric-field-induced transient birefringence measurements. The intensity of the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence remained constant in the pH range from 3.5 to 10.0. A conformational alteration in the MN12 molecule was observed in the pH region between pH 3.5 and 2.5, as reflected by a substantial enhancement of the fluorescence quantum yield. This effect was more pronounced at high ionic strengths. The fluorescence emission was unaltered, indicating that the acid-induced conformational state is different from a completely unfolded state. This was confirmed by CD and fluorescence polarisation measurements. Iodide and acrylamide fluorescence quenching studies indicated a gradually increasing accessibility of MN12 tryptophan residues with decreasing pH. At low pH precipitation was observed in the presence of iodide. One rotational relaxation time (0.16-0.18 microseconds) was observed for MN12 by electric-field-induced transient birefringence measurements at low ionic strength. After exposure of MN12 to low pH for 1 h, the relaxation time was increased to 0.23 microseconds; a further increase to 0.30 microseconds was observed after 24 h. The combined results suggest an acid-induced expansion and enhanced flexibility of MN12, which eventually leads to irreversible aggregation.     

Binding of concanavalin A to the outer membrane of potato tuber mitochondria detected by flow cytometry

Purified and intact mitochondria isolated from potato tuber show a specific concanavalin A (Con A) binding as deduced from fluorescence labelling studies in the presence of the specific sugar α-D-methylmannose. This specific binding also occurs in mitoplasts, indicating the presence of Con A-binding sites on the inner mitochondrial membrane. In contrast, the binding of wheat germ agglutinin appears non-specific. Flow cytometry with purified mitochondria enables assessment of the binding by individual mitochondria. Thus, three mitochondrial subpopulations were identified by their reactivity towards fluorescent Con A.     

The role of surface carbohydrates on the interaction of microconidia of Trichophyton mentagrophytes with epithelial cells

The presence of carbohydrate-binding adhesins on the microconidia of Trichophyton mentagrophytes surface and their role on cellular interactions were investigated. Flow cytometry showed that this fungus recognizes the sugars mannose and galactose. The binding was inhibited by the addition of methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside and methyl alpha-D-galactopyranoside, and showed higher fluorescence intensity at 37 degrees C than 28 degrees C. Trypsin treatment and heating of the cells reduced the binding, suggesting a (glyco) protein nature of the microconidia adhesin. The interaction of the fungus to Chinese hamster ovary epithelial cells and its glycosylation-deficient mutants demonstrated a higher adhesion index in Lec1 and Lec2 mutants, which express mannose and galactose, respectively, as the terminal carbohydrate on the cell surface. Endocytosed fungi were shown preferentially in Lec2 cells. Addition of the carbohydrates methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside and methyl alpha-D-galactopyranoside to the interaction medium, pretreatment of Lec1 and Lec2 cells with lectins Concanavalina A and Arachis hypogaea and pretreatment with sodium periodate decreased the adhesion and the endocytic index. Examination of thin section by transmission electron microscopy showed that after fungal ingestion by Lec2 cells the fungi are enclosed in a 'loose'-type vacuole while the other cells are found within a 'tight'-type membrane-bound cytoplasmic vacuole. Our results suggest the occurrence of carbohydrate-specific adhesins on microconidia surface that recognize mannose and galactose. This may have a role in the adhesion process during the infectious process of dermatophytosis.     

The minimal structural requirement of concanavalin A that retains its functional aspects

A systematic investigation of the effects of several commonly used detergents on the conformation and function of concanavalin A at pH 7 in solution form was made by using circular dichroism (CD), intrinsic fluorescence, 1-anilino 8-sulphonic acid (ANS) binding, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and sugar inhibition assay. In the presence of 6.0 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), an anionic detergent, and 0.8 mM cetyl tri methyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), a cationic detergent, intermediate states of concanavalin A were obtained having a negative CD peaks at 222 and 208 nm respectively, a characteristic of alpha-helix. These states also retained tertiary contacts with altered tryptophan environment and high ANS binding (exposed hydrophobic area) which can be characterized as molten globule states. Concanavalin A in the presence of 5.0 mM 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl) dimethyl-ammonio]-1-propanesulphonate (CHAPS), a zwitterionic detergent, and 0.07 mM brij-35, a non-ionic detergent, also exists in intermediate states. These intermediates (molten globules) had high ANS binding with native-like secondary (inherent beta-sheet) and tertiary structure. The intermediate states were characterized further by means of dynamic light-scattering measurements and kinetic data. To study the possible functional requirement of the minimum structure, the intermediate states characterized in the presence of detergents were shown to retain the activity with polysaccharide (dextran). The pattern of activity observed was brij-35 > CHAPS > CTAB > SDS. The specific binding and activity of concanavalin A with ovalbumin was investigated as a function of time by turbidity measurements. Cationic and anionic detergents showed significant effects on the structure of concanavalin A as compared with zwitterionic and non-ionic detergents.     

Effect of residual side chain blocking groups and side chain charge on polypeptide conformation in aqueous solution

The circular dichroism (CD) spectrum of poly-L-lysine and poly-L -glutamic acid has been investigated in the presence of a small percent of side-chain blocking groups. The blocking groups benzyl, methyl, and carbobenzoxy show qualitatively similar effects. Less than five mole percent of aromatic blocking groups alters the CD spectrum. Consequently, unsuspected blocking groups may account for the variation observed in CD spectra of these polymers. A weak CD band at 235–240 nm was observed for the disordered unblocked polymer even in the absence of electrolyte. Viscosity data indicate that in salt-free solutions these chains at neutral pH still behave as random coils though with reduced conformational freedom, in contrast to some polyelectrolytes which behave as rigid rods in the absence of electrolyte. The viscosity data bring into question the relevance of isolated molecule conformational calculations to experimental CD spectra.     

Thermal denaturation of a recombinant mouse amelogenin: circular dichroism and differential scanning calorimetric studies

Conformational analyses of a recombinant mouse tooth enamel amelogenin (rM179) were performed using circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence, differential scanning calorimetry, and sedimentation equilibrium studies. The results show that the far-UV CD spectra of rM179 at acidic pH and 10 degrees C are different from the spectra of random coil in 6 M GdnHCl. A near-UV CD spectrum of rM179 at 10 degrees C is similar to that of rM179 in 6 M GdnHCl, which indicates that aromatic residues of native structure are exposed to solvent and rotate freely. Far-UV CD values of rM179 at 80 degrees C are different from that of random-coil structure in 6 M GdnHCl, which suggests that rM179 at 80 degrees C has specific secondary structures. A gradual thermal transition was observed by far-UV CD, which is interpreted as a weak cooperative transition from specific secondary structures to other specific secondary structures. The fluorescence emission maximum for the spectrum due to Trp residues in rM179 at 10 degrees C shows the same fluorescence emission maximum as rM179 in 6 M GdnHCl and amino acid Trp, which indicates that the three Trp in rM179 are exposed to solvent. Deconvolution of differential scanning calorimetry curve gives the population of three states (A, I, and C states). These results indicate that three states (A, I, and C) have specific secondary structures, in which hydrophobic and Trp residues are exposed to the solvent. The thermodynamic characteristics of rM179 are unique and different from a typical globular protein, proline-rich peptides, and a molten globule state.     

Effector-induced conformational transitions in Ascaris suum phosphofructokinase. A fluorescence and circular dichroism study.

Results of activity and spectral studies using fluorescence and circular dichroism show that AMP and fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (F-2,6-P2) activate Ascaris suum phosphofructokinase through specific and similar conformational changes. Inorganic compounds like (NH4)2SO4 and KH2PO4 also induce structural alterations in the enzyme in a manner different from those caused by AMP and F-2,6-P2. The enzyme is activated by both AMP and F-2,6-P2, in 20 mM phosphate buffer, pH 6.6, with 0.2 mM ATP and 1 mM F-6-P. The Kact values for AMP and F-2,6-P2 are 25 +/- 3 microM and 1.5 +/- 0.2 microM, respectively. Both effectors quench enzyme tryptophan fluorescence in phosphate, pH 6.6, in a concentration-dependent manner. The Kd values determined from the decrease in emission intensity at 342 nm as a function of effector concentration are 24 +/- 3 microM for AMP and 1.00 +/- 0.15 microM for F-2,6-P2, in excellent agreement with the values of Kact. Both effectors also produce dramatic changes in the CD spectrum of the enzyme, in the region from 240 to 190 nm representing the peptide backbone. Secondary structure calculations suggest an increase in the alpha-helical content of the enzyme in the presence of either effector. The Kd values obtained from the concentration dependence of the decrease in ellipticity at 210 nm are 22.8 +/- 5.3 microM and 1.3 +/- 0.2 microM, respectively, for AMP and F-2,6-P2, once again in close agreement with the Kact values for these effectors. The data imply that activation of phosphofructokinase by these effectors is concomitant with structural changes in the enzyme. Further, comparison of the difference CD spectra for the effects of AMP and F-2,6-P2 show that both of them produce similar conformational changes and probably stabilize a similar final activated state of the enzyme. Other hexose phosphate analogues such as fructose 6-phosphate, glucose 1,6-bisphosphate, and fructose 1,6-bisphosphate do not affect the CD spectrum of the enzyme. Ammonium sulfate has no effect on the CD spectrum of the enzyme in phosphate buffer but does cause a significant alteration in the spectrum obtained in Mes. Gel filtration high performance liquid chromatography using a Borosil TSK 400 column shows that the tetrameric state of the native enzyme is not affected by the presence of the effectors.     

Alternansucrase acceptor reactions with methyl hexopyranosides

Alternansucrase (EC 2.4.1.140, sucrose: (1-->6), (1-->3)-alpha-D-glucan 6(3)-alpha-D-glucosyltransferase) is a D-glucansucrase that synthesizes an alternating alpha-(1-->3), (1-->6)-linked D-glucan from sucrose. It also synthesizes oligosaccharides via D-glucopyranosyl transfer to various acceptor sugars. We have studied the acceptor products arising from methyl glycosides as model compounds in order to better understand the specificity of alternansucrase acceptor reactions. The initial product arising from methyl beta-D-glucopyranoside was methyl beta-isomaltoside, which was subsequently glucosylated to yield methyl beta-isomaltotrioside and methyl alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside. These products are analogous to those previously described from methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside. The major initial acceptor product from methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside was methyl alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-alpha-D-mannopyranoside, but several minor products were also isolated and characterized, including a 3,6-di-O-substituted mannopyranoside. Methyl alpha-D-galactopyranoside yielded two initial products, methyl alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-D-galactopyranoside and methyl alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-D-galactopyranoside, in a 2.5:1 molar ratio. Methyl D-allopyranosides were glucosylated primarily at position 6, yielding methyl alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-D-allopyranosides. The latter subsequently gave rise to methyl alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-D-allopyranosides. In general, the methyl alpha-D-hexopyranosides were better acceptors than the corresponding beta-glycosides.     

pH-induced conformational changes in the soluble manganese-stabilizing protein of photosystem II

In this paper, we analyzed the pH-induced changes in the conformational states of the manganese-stabilizing protein (MSP) of photosystem II. Distinct conformational states of MSP were identified using fluorescence spectra, far-UV circular dichroism, and pressure-induced unfolding at varying suspension pH values, and four different conformational states of MSP were clearly distinguished using the center of fluorescence spectra mass when suspension pH was altered from 2 to 12. MSP was completely unfolded at a suspension pH above 11 and partly unfolded below a pH of 3. Analysis of the center of fluorescence spectral mass showed that the MSP structure appears stably folded around pH 6 and 4. The conformational state of MSP at pH 4 seems more stable than that at pH 6. Studies of peak positions of tryptophan fluorescence and MSP-bound 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid fluorescence spectra supported this observation. A decrease in the suspension pH to 2 resulted in significant alterations in the MSP structure possibly because of protonation of unprotonated residues at lower pH, suggesting the existence of a large number of unprotonated amino acid residues at neutral pH possibly useful for proton transport in oxygen evolution. The acidic pH-induced conformational changes of MSP were reversible upon increase of pH to neutral pH; however, N-bromosuccinimide modification of tryptophan (Trp241) blocks the recovery of pH-induced conformational changes in MSP, implying that Trp241 is a key residue for the unfolded protein to form a functional structure. Thus, pH-induced structural changes of stable MSP (pH 6-4) may be utilized to analyze its functionality as a cofactor for oxygen evolution.     

Properties of a new crystal form of the complex of concanavalin A with methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside

The complex of concanavalin A with methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside crystallizes as regular rhombic dodecahedra containing 35% protein by weight. The crystal is of space group I23 with a = 167.8 A (1 A = 0.1 nm) and contains one concanavalin A dimer per asymmetric unit. It diffracts to a resolution of 1.9 A and is suitable for crystallographic investigation of the structure of the saccharide-binding site.     

pH dependent conformational changes in the T- and R-states of insulin in solution: circular dichroic studies in the pH range of 6 to 10.

Zinc insulin hexamer has been shown to undergo a phenol-induced T6 to R6 conformational transition in solution. Our circular dichroic (CD) studies demonstrate that insulin undergoes pH-dependent conformational changes over the pH range of 6-10 in the T-state and in the R- state. In order to determine which specific amino acid residues may be responsible for these pH-dependent changes, a series of insulin analogs were utilized. In the T-state, the pH dependent CD changes monitored in the far UV region have a pK of 8.2 and appear to be related to the titration of the A1-Gly amino group. Using the near UV CD a second pH-dependent conformational change was detected with a pK of 7.5 in the T-state. 1H N.M.R. studies suggest that B5-His may be responsible for this conformational transition. In the presence of m-cresol (R-state), the pK value was found to be 6.9. During this titration, the increased ellipticity for the R-state is diminishing as pH decreases from pH 8 to 6, and no difference in ellipticity was observed at 255 nm between T- and R-states at pH 6. Therefore, this may be due to the transition from the R back to the T-state.     

Formation of molten globule-like state during acid denaturation of Aspergillus niger glucoamylase

Acid denaturation of Aspergillus niger glucoamylase was studied using different conformational probes. Both far-UV CD spectral signal (MRE_222 nm) and tryptophan fluorescence remained unchanged in the pH range, 7.0–3.0 but decreased significantly below pH 3.0, whereas ANS fluorescence showed a marked increase below pH 1.5. Maximal changes in MRE_222 nm and ANS fluorescence were noticed at pH 1.0. Acid-denatured state of glucoamylase at pH 1.0 retained a significant amount of secondary structure as reflected from far-UV CD spectra but showed a deformed tertiary structure with significant exposure of nonpolar groups as well as tryptophan residues as revealed by increased ANS fluorescence, decreased tryptophan fluorescence and three-dimensional fluorescence spectral signals and increase in K_sv value in acrylamide quenching experiments. Acid-denatured state showed no significant variation in the CD spectral signal throughout the temperature range, 0–100 °C. However, a late cooperative transition was observed upon GdnHCl treatment, compared to the native enzyme. All these results suggested that the acid-denatured state of glucoamylase at pH 1.0 represented the molten globule-like state.     

Guidelines for the preparative fractionation of human serum proteins on gradient-eluted columns of concanavalin A-sepharose: elution positions of fourteen well-characterized proteins and evidence for concanavalin A-reactive albumin-IgA and -IgG complexes

Systematic studies on the fractionation of serum proteins on gradient-eluted columns of concanavalin A-Sepharose have been carried out to determine if the oligosaccharide residues were sufficiently different to permit a reasonable separation and to determine where in the chromatogram these proteins would be eluted. Human whole serum and ammonium sulfate fractions derived therefrom were used in conjunction with 2.1 x 75 cm columns of concanavalin A-Sepharose and a 4 x 400 ml gradient (Varigard) with 0.5 M methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside as limit buffer. The elution positions and chromatographic limits of 14 well-characterized human serum proteins have been determined by double diffusion of aliquots of the effluent fractions (10X concentrated) in agarose gel against specific antibody and the general chromatographic distribution of the proteins by immunoelectrophoresis. Overall, the results demonstrate that the composition of the oligosaccharide side chain, like differences in molecular size, solubility, and charge density, is a useful parameter in the chromatographic separation of protein from serum. Although it is well-known that albumin is a nonglycoprotein, 1.0% of the protein was tightly bound by concanavalin A-Sepharose. Subsequent experiments showed that albumin binding was due to complex formation with IgA and IgG both of which possess the necessary complement of concanavalin A-reactive residues for strong binding. Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of 2-mercaptoethanol-reduced albumin-IgA and -IgG complexes produced bands corresponding to the molecular weights of albumin and the heavy and light chains of IgA and IgG whereas unreduced samples were not dissociated. When these complexes were reacted with concanavalin A-Sepharose and treated with 2-mercaptoethanol, free albumin was eluted. The remaining adsorbed glycoprotein(s), IgA and IgG, could be eluted with methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside. These results strongly suggest that these proteins and albumin are linked via a disulfide bond(s).     

Specific Binding of Glycosylated β-Galactosidase to Bovine Brain Synaptic Membrane

The binding of a series of glycosylated beta-galactosidases to a fraction rich in synaptic membrane of bovine brain was examined. beta-galactosidase modified with p-aminophenyl beta-D-galactopyranoside (beta-D-Gal beta-gal) was found the most effective in binding to synaptic membrane, followed by that modified with beta-D-glucopyranoside, whereas the enzyme modified with p-aminophenyl derivatives of alpha-D-galactopyranoside, alpha-D-glucopyranoside, and alpha- and beta-L-fucopyranoside were found not to bind to the membrane. The binding was dependent on time, temperature, and pH; the maximal binding was obtained within 15 min at 4 degrees C and the optimal pH was approximately 4.0. The binding of beta-D-Gal beta-gal was inhibited by free p-aminophenyl beta-D-galactopyranoside and by the treatment of synaptic membrane with trypsin or phospholipase A2 or C. The equilibrium dissociation constant and the maximal concentration of binding sites were determined by Scatchard analysis to be 470 +/- 35 nM and 27.5 +/- 3.1 pmol/mg protein (n = 1). The results suggest that a specific binding site for the specified carbohydrates exists in synaptic membrane and is involved in the internalization of glycoconjugates into nerve terminals.     

Determination of distances of sugar protons from Mn2+ in concanavalin A

1H NMR spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) measurements have been carried out with various sugars, viz. methyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside (alpha-MeGluP), methyl beta-D-glucopyranoside (beta-MeGluP), methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside (alpha-MeManP), maltose (4-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-D-glucose), nigerose (3-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-D-glucose), p-nitrophenyl alpha-maltoside (PNP-alpha-maltoside) and p-nitrophenyl beta-maltoside (PNP-beta-maltoside) to determine the distances of sugar protons from Mn2+ in concanavalin A (Con A). With a rotational correlation time of 1.58 x 10(-10) s determined, distances were calculated using Solomon-Bloembergen equation. The data obtained indicated differences in disposition of different groups in the binding site of Con A. An average value of about 10 A was obtained for the distances of sugar protons from Mn2+ in Con A. In the case of mono and disaccharides, the non-reducing end sugar unit was found to be closer to Mn2+ than the reducing end one.     

Characterization of molten globule state of cytochrome c at alkaline, native and acidic pH induced by butanol and SDS

In our earlier communications, we had studied the acid induced unfolding of stem bromelain, glucose oxidase and fetuin [Eur. J. Biochem. 269 (2002) 47; Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 303 (2003) 685; Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1649 (2003) 164] and effect of salts and alcohols on the acid unfolded state of alpha-chymotrypsinogen and stem bromelain [Biochim. Biophy. Acta 1481 (2000) 229; Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 413 (2) (2003) 199]. Here, we report the presence of molten globule like equilibrium intermediate state under alkaline, native and acid conditions in the presence of SDS and butanol. A systematic investigation of sodium dodecyl sulphate and butanol induced conformational alterations in alkaline (U(1)) and acidic (U(2)) unfolded states of horse heart ferricytochrome c was examined by circular dichroism (CD), tryptophan fluorescence and 1-anilino-8-napthalene sulfonate (ANS) binding. The cytochrome c (cyt c) at pH 9 and 2 shows the loss of approximately 61% and 65% helical secondary structure. Addition of increasing concentrations of butanol (0-7.2 M) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (0-5 mM) led to an increase in ellipticity value at 208 and 222 nm, which is the characteristic of formation of alpha-helical structure. Cyt c is a heme protein in which the tryptophan fluorescence is quenched in the native state by resonance energy transfer to the heme group attached to cystines at positions 14 and 17. At alkaline and acidic pH protein shows enhancement in tryptophan fluorescence and quenched ANS fluorescence. Addition of increasing concentration of butanol and SDS to alkaline or acid unfolded state leads to decrease in tryptophan and increase in ANS fluorescence with a blue shift in lambda(max), respectively. In the presence of 7.2 M butanol and 5 mM SDS two different intermediate states I(1) and I(2) were obtained at alkaline and acidic pH, respectively. States I(1) and I(2) have native like secondary structure with disordered side chains (loss of tertiary structure) as predicted from tryptophan fluorescence and high ANS binding. These results altogether imply that the butanol and SDS induced intermediate states at alkaline and acid pH lies between the unfolded and native state. At pH 6, in the presence of 7.2 M butanol or 5 mM SDS leads to the loss of CD bands at 208 and 222 nm with the appearance of trough at 228 nm also with increase in tryptophan and ANS fluorescence in contrast to native protein. This partially unfolded intermediate state obtained represents the folding pathway from native to unfolded structure. To summarize; the 7.2 M butanol and 5 mM SDS stabilizes the intermediate state (I(1) and I(2)) obtained at low and alkaline pH. While the same destabilizes the native structure of protein at pH 6, suggesting a difference in the mechanism of conformational stability.