THE SELECTIVE NEURONAL UPTAKE AND RELEASE OF [3H]DL-2,4-DIAMINOBUTYRIC ACID BY RAT CEREBRAL CORTEX

Abstract— At 25°C the accumulation of [³H] dl -2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DABA) into small rat cortical slices was linear with time and a tissue: medium ratio of 35:1 was attained after 60 min. At 37°C the uptake was no longer linear and the tissue: medium ratio at 60 min was 66:1. Uptake was unaffected by the addition of 10 μ m -AOAA and dependent on the presence of Na⁺ in the incubation media. The uptake was shown to have a high affinity component with a K _m of 20.7 μ m and a V _max of 28.6 nmol/g/min. IC50's for the inhibition of [³H]DABA uptake by dl -DABA, l -DABA and GABA were 80, 40 and 17 μ m respectively. Two m m β -alanine, however, caused less than 13% inhibition of [³H]DABA uptake. Electron microscopic autoradiographs showed the [³H]DABA to be accumulated by 22% of the identifiable nerve terminals and, after 14 days exposure, the density of silver grains over nerve terminals was 36–38 times higher than that over the rest of the electron micrograph. On the other hand, [³H]DABA was not taken up into rat sensory ganglia and light level autoradiography showed the small amount of [³H]DABA accumulated by the ganglia to be evenly distributed throughout the tissue. Both electrical stimulation for 30 s and exposure of the tissue to a medium containing 47 m m -K⁺ for 2 min caused a marked increase in the efflux of [³H]DABA from the tissue. Both these effects were abolished by a reduction in Ca²⁺ concentration and an increase in the Mg²⁺ concentration of the superfusing medium. These results suggest that l -DABA acts as a 'false transmitter' for the neuronal uptake, storage and release of GABA.     

林生山黧豆中2,4—二氨基丁酸合成代谢的体外酶学研究

用~3H-天门冬氨酸为底物,林生山黧豆(Lathyrus sylvestris L.)叶片匀浆上清液为粗酶液,进行体外反应。结果表明,天门冬氨酸的放射性掺入到2,4-二氨基丁酸,加入谷氨酸则能抑制这种掺入。将上述粗酶液透析,加入可能的辅助因子,天门冬氨酸的放射性也掺入到2,4-二氨基丁酸。研究证实在体外天门冬氨酸可以作为2,4-二基丁酸合成的底物,在林生山黧豆体内存在催化天门冬氨酸转变为2,4-二氨基丁酸的合成酶(系)。以2,4-二氨基丁酸和γ-氨基丁酸为底物,用氨基酸自动分析仪测定产物含量,结果表明,2,4-二氨基丁酸和γ-氨基丁酸不互相转变。     

In Vitro Enzymological Studies on Anabolism of 2,4-diaminobutyric Acid in Lathyrus sylvestris

An in vitro synthetic reaction system was established with 2,3-3H-aspartic acid (Asp) as a substrate and the homogenate of fiatpea ( Lathyrus sylvestris L. ) leaves as the crude enzyme extract. The results showed that 3H-Asp was incorporated into 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DABA). The incorporation was inhibited by the addition of glutamic acid (Glu). 3H-Asp was also incorporated into DABA after the cmde enzyme was dialyzed, indicating that Asp as a substrate for DABA synthesis was catalyzed by a group of enzymes which converted Asp to DABA in flatpea. From the in vitro reactions it was proved that DABA and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) could not be mutually substituted as substrates.     

Purification and characterization of L-2,4-diaminobutyrate decarboxylase from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus.

Acinetobacter calcoaceticus ATCC 23055 produces a large amount of 1,3-diaminopropane under normal growth conditions. The enzyme responsible, L-2,4-diaminobutyrate (DABA) decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.-), was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from this bacterium. The native enzyme had an M(r) of approximately 108,000, with a pI of 5.0, and was a dimer composed of identical or nearly identical subunits with apparent M(r) 53,000. The enzyme showed hyperbolic kinetics with a Km of 1.59 mM for DABA and 14.6 microM for pyridoxal 5'-phosphate as a coenzyme. The pH optimum was in the range 8.5-8.75, and Ca2+ gave a much higher enzyme activity than Mg2+ as a cationic cofactor. N-gamma-Acetyl-DABA, 2,3-diaminopropionic acid, ornithine and lysine were inert as substrates. The enzyme was different in subunit structure, N-terminal amino acid sequence and immunoreactivity from the DABA decarboxylase of Vibrio alginolyticus previously described.     

SALT-DEPENDENT PROPERTIES OF HATCHING ENZYME FROM EMBRYOS OF THE SEA URCHIN, HEMICENTROTUS PULCHERRIMUS

The effect of salts on hatching enzyme and protease from the embryo of the sea urchin, Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus , was investigated. The culture medium containing hatching enzyme secreted from the hatched blastula was dialyzed against Tris-HCl (pH 8.0) with or without salts. Both hatching enzyme and protease were activated and stabilized by CaCL₂, NaCI and KCI, while inhibited by MgCI₂. Protease activity was maximal at about 0.25 M NaCI. KCI, NH₄, CI and LiCI. Maximal activity of hatching enzyme was obtained at 0.5 M NaCl, KCI and NH₄ CI, while activity was inhibited by any concentration of LiC1. Among monovalcnt cations, the order of activation was NaCI, KCI > NH₄Cl. The activity of hatching enzyme was stabilized by dialysis against 1 M NaCI or KCI in the presence of CaCl.₂, but was rapidly lost by dialysis against lower concentrations of salts. Reactivation of hatching enzyme was not achieved by redialysis against I M NaCI. On the other hand, protease was reactivated by I M NaCI or KCI. From these results, hatching enzyme of the sea urchin may be called a moderate halophilic enzyme. It was assumed that at least two enzymes exist in the crude enzyme preparation and that they may have different functions.     

Comparison of DABA and GABA Transport into Plasma Membrane Vesicles Derived from Synaptosomes

Abstract: Transport of GABA by a high-affinity transport system ( K _m≃ 10⁻⁵ M) is thought to terminate the action of this postulated neurotransmitter. 2,4-Diaminobutyric acid (DABA), a structural analogue, is taken up by neuronal elements and inhibits GABA uptake. Localization of [³H]DABA by auto-radiography has been used to identify neurons with the GABA high-affinity transport system. After reconstitution of lysed synaptosomal fractions in potassium salts, transfer of these membrane vesicles to sodium salts produces sodium and potassium ion gradients which drive [³H]GABA and [³H]DABA transport. For each, transport requires external sodium, is abolished by ionophores that dissipate the Na⁺ gradient, and is enhanced by conditions which make the intravesicular electromotive force more negative. Some characteristics of the transport of these substances, however, differ. For example, external chloride is required for GABA, but not DABA, transport. Internal potassium is required for DABA, but not GABA, transport. DABA is a competitive inhibitor ( K _i≃ 0.6 MM) of GABA transport into membrane vesicle and synaptosomes. GABA, however, is a feeble inhibitor of DABA uptake into the membrane vesicles. These differences suggest that the two substances are transported by different mechanisms and possibly by different carriers. In addition to these experiments, using enzymatic-fluorometric techniques, it was shown that the artificially imposed ion gradients drive net chemical transport of GABA into the vesicles.     

Kinetic changes with temperature of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase from a CAM plant

Abstract. Purified and crude phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase from the CAM plant Kalanchoë daigremontiana Hamet et Perrier ( Bryophyllum diagremontianum ) was assayed at temperatures between 10 and 45° C. The optimum temperature of the enzyme activity changed with substrate availability and effector concentration in the assay. l -malate inhibited the enzyme activity and lowered the optimum temperature. Glucose-6-phosphate raised the optimum temperature to 43°C. K _m values for phosphoenolpyruvate increased with assay temperature from 0.12 mol m^-3 at 15° C to 0.36 mol^m−3 at 35° C. Inhibition by malate increased with temperature and acidity of the assay. In the crude enzyme 50% of control activity was inhibited by 1.65 mol m^-3 malate at 15° C and by 0.5 mol m^-3 at 35° C (at pH 7.0). With purification malate sensitivity was lost ( K _i values for malate at least 10 times higher). The shift in optimum temperatures for PEP-carboxylase activity thus results from changes in the kinetic parameters with temperature and allosteric effectors. The often low optimum temperatures for CO₂ fixation observed in nature may thus be the result of substrate and effector concentrations in the cytoplasm and the antagonistic effect of temperature on substrate affinity and effector efficiency on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase.     

The effect of pH and temperature on haemolysin production by Listeria species

Acetoin reductase (EC 1.1.1.4) from Kluyveromyces marxianus var. marxianus NRRL Y-1196 was found to possess the highest specific activity (3.64 units/mg protein) of the four cultures studied. The enzyme was NADH-dependent and catalysed the conversion of acetoin to 2,3-butanediol. It was stable at 40°C for 30 min, but lost 50% cf its activity after 15 min at 50°C. The optimum pH for the enzymatic reduction of acetoin was 7.0. The K _m values of the crude enzyme for acetoin and NADH were determined to be 0.57 mmol/l and 0.045 mmol/l, respectively.     

Conformational studies of a peptide corresponding to a region of the C-terminus of ribonuclease A: implications as a potential chain-folding initiation site

Conformational properties of the OT-16 peptide, the C-terminal 20 amino acids of RNase A, were examined by nonradiative energy transfer. A modified OT-16 peptide was prepared by solid-phase synthesis with the inclusion of diaminobutyric acid (DABA) at the C-terminus. The OT-16-DABA peptide was labeled with a fluorescent 1,5-dimethylaminonaphthalene sulfonyl (dansyl, DNS) acceptor at the N-terminal amine and a fluorescent naphthoxyacetic acid (NAA) donor at the gamma-amine of the DABA located at the C-terminus of the peptide by using an orthogonal protection scheme. Energy transfer was monitored in DNS-OT-16-DABA-NAA by using both fluorescence intensity (sensitized emission) and lifetime (donor quenching) experiments. The lifetime data indicate that the peptide system is a dynamic, flexible one. A detailed analysis, based on a dynamic model that includes a skewed Gaussian function to model the equilibrium distribution of interprobe distances and a mutual diffusion coefficient between the two probes to model conformational dynamics in the peptide [Beechem & Haas (1989) Biophys. J. 55, 1225.], identified the existence of a partially ordered structure (relatively narrow distribution of interprobe distances) at temperatures greater than or equal to 20 degrees C in the absence of denaturant. The width and the position of the average of the distributions decrease with increasing temperature, in this range; this suggests that the structure is stabilized by hydrophobic interactions. In addition, the peptide undergoes cold denaturation at around 1.5 degrees C as indicated by broadening of the distance distribution. The addition of 6 M guanidine hydrochloride (Gdn-HCl) also broadens the distance distribution significantly, presumably by eliminating the hydrophobic interactions and unfolding the peptide. The results of the analysis of the distance distribution demonstrate that (1) nonradiative energy transfer can be used to study the conformational dynamics of peptides on the nanosecond time scale, (2) a partially ordered structure of OT-16-DABA exists in solution under typical refolding conditions, and (3) structural constraints (presumably hydrophobic interactions) necessary for the formation of a chain-folding initiation site in RNase A are also present in the OT-16-DABA peptide in the absence of denaturant and are disrupted by Gdn-HCl.     

Evolution of a novel lysine decarboxylase in siderophore biosynthesis

Structural backbones of iron‐scavenging siderophore molecules include polyamines 1,3‐diaminopropane and 1,5‐diaminopentane (cadaverine). For the cadaverine‐based desferroxiamine E siderophore in Streptomyces coelicolor, the corresponding biosynthetic gene cluster contains an ORF encoded by desA that was suspected of producing the cadaverine (decarboxylated lysine) backbone. However, desA encodes an l ‐2,4‐diaminobutyrate decarboxylase (DABA DC) homologue and not any known form of lysine decarboxylase (LDC). The only known function of DABA DC is, together with l ‐2,4‐aminobutyrate aminotransferase (DABA AT), to synthesize 1,3‐diaminopropane. We show here that S. coelicolor desA encodes a novel LDC and we hypothesized that DABA DC homologues present in siderophore biosynthetic clusters in the absence of DABA AT ORFs would be novel LDCs. We confirmed this by correctly predicting the LDC activity of a DABA DC homologue from a Yersinia pestis siderophore biosynthetic pathway. The corollary was confirmed for a DABA DC homologue, adjacent to a DABA AT ORF in a siderophore pathway in the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis, which was shown to be a bona fide DABA DC. These findings enable prediction of whether a siderophore pathway will utilize 1,3‐diaminopropane or cadaverine, and suggest that the majority of bacteria use DABA AT and DABA DC for siderophore, rather than norspermidine/polyamine biosynthesis.     

Homocholine and Short-Chain N-Alkyl Choline Analogues as Substrates for Torpedo Choline Acetyltransferase

Abstract: The kinetic parameters, K_m and V_max, for the acetylation of choline and several close analogues were determined by using (a) purified choline acetyltransferase and (b) a hypotonically lysed synaptosomal extract prepared from the electric organ of Torpedo marmorata. Whereas the K_m for choline was similar in both cases (0.51 and 0.42 m m ), the crude enzyme showed a three- to fivefold greater affinity for its analogues than the purified enzyme, the activity decreasing rapidly with increased N -alkyl substitution. Homocholine was a poor substrate, but was clearly acetylated by both preparations. The effect of salt on analogue acetylation by the crude enzyme was studied by increasing NaCl concentration from zero to 150 m m . There was an increase in both K_m and V_max for all substrates; choline, N,N,N -dimethylmonoethylaminoethanol, -monomethyldiethylaminoethanol and -dimethylmonobutylaminoethanol showed the greatest changes, whilst N,N,N -triethylaminoethanol and -dimethylmonopropylaminoethanol and homocholine were much less affected. However, in all cases, the kinetic parameter V_max / K_m remained unchanged. The maximal velocities of the different substrates varied more under conditions of high than of low salt. Sodium chloride up to 300 m m had no effect on the amount of enzyme which was bound to membranes in the synaptosomal extract. It is concluded that choline acetyltransferase has a high degree of substrate specificity, which is slightly altered by purification. The effects of salt cannot be explained as a consequence of nonspecific ionic association with membranes.     

Modification of matrix polysaccharides during avocado (Persea americana) fruit ripening: an assessment of the role of Cx-cellulase

The role of C_x-cellulase (EC 3.2.1.4) in fruit ripening and softening is unknown. In the present study, avocado ( Persea americana ) fruit, a rich source of C_x-cellulase, were examined to determine if the enzyme plays a role in ripening-related hemicellulose metabolism. Hemicelluloses (4 M alkali-soluble) from avocado fruit exhibited a very broad distribution of polymer sizes and an overall decrease in M_r during ripening. Polymers affected were primarily those of large M_r (relative molecular mass). The characteristic total hemicellulose M_r distribution and changes with ripening were also evident for xyloglucan (XG), a putative substrate for avocado C_x-cellulase. Hydrolytic activity toward hemicelluloses from preripe fruit was detected in crude buffer-soluble protein extracts derived from ripe avocado mesocarp tissue. XG was also degraded, and in a pattern similar to that observed during ripening. Purified C_x-cellulase also exhibited activity against specific components of isolated hemicelluloses; however, in contrast to the crude protein. C_x-cellulase alone was without influence on the M_r distribution of avocado XG. Protein depleted of C_x-cellulase was capable of moderate XG depolymerization. We conclude from the present studies that the enzyme C_x-cellulase is not involved in the ripening-related depolymerization of XG in avocado fruit.     

Ornithine decarboxylase activity in Helianthus tuberosus

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC, EC 4.1.1.17) was studied in crude extracts of parenchyma slices of dormant tubers activated for 12 h, tuber shoots and shoot apices. It was highest in shoot apices. The enzyme activity was measured by the production of ¹⁴CO₂ from labelled ornithine; V_max was 450 nmol (mg protein)^-1h^-1, K_m for ornithine and pyridoxal phosphate were, respectively, 30 m M and 5μ M . Only when partially purified, the ¹⁴CO₂ production was inhibited by α-difluoromethylornithine, while in crude extracts dithiothreitol was inhibitory. Ornithine and arginine decarboxylase (ADC, EC 4.1.1.19) activities from parenchyma tubers were not greatly altered by exogenously supplemented ornithine, even though its endogenous pool increased. Exogenously supplemented arginine enhanced ornithine decarboxylase activity, whereas putrescine decreased it slightly. The possibility of artifactual activities in the crude extract is also discussed.     

The linamarase of Mucor circinelloides LU M40 and its detoxifying activity on cassava

Mucor circinelloides LU M40 produced 12·2 mU ml⁻¹ of linamarase activity when grown in a 3 l fermenter in the following optimized medium (g l⁻¹ deionized water): pectin, 10·0; (NH₄)₂SO₄,
1·0; KH₂PO₄, 2·0; Na₂HPO₄, 0·7; MgSO₄.7H₂O, 0·5; yeast extract, 1·0; Tween-80,
1·0, added after 48 h of fermentation. The purified linamarase was a dimeric protein with a molecular mass of 210 kDa; the enzyme showed optimum catalytic activity at pH 5·5 and 40 °C and had a wide range (3·0–7·0) of pH stability. The enzyme substrate specificity on plant cyanogenic glycosides was wide; the K_m value for linamarin was 2·93 mmol l⁻¹. The addition, before processing, of the fungal crude enzyme to cassava roots facilitated and shortened detoxification; after 24 h of fermentation, all cyanogenic glycosides were hydrolysed.     

Oxygen-dependent inactivation of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase in crude extracts of Rhodospirillum rubrum and establishment of a model inactivation system with purified enzyme.

Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBPC/O) was inactivated in crude extracts of Rhodospirillum rubrum under atmospheric levels of oxygen; no inactivation occurred under an atmosphere of argon. RuBP carboxylase activity did not decrease in dialyzed extracts, indicating that a dialyzable factor was required for inactivation. The inactivation was inhibited by catalase. Purified RuBPC/O is relatively oxygen stable, as no loss of activity was observed after 4 h under an oxygen atmosphere. The aerobic inactivation catalyzed by endogenous factors in crude extracts was mimicked by using a model system containing purified enzyme, ascorbate, and FeSO4 or FeCl3. Dithiothreitol was found to substitute for ascorbate in the model system. Preincubation of the purified enzyme with RuBP led to enhanced inactivation, whereas Mg2+ and HCO3- significantly protected against inactivation. Unlike the inactivation catalyzed by endogenous factors from extracts of R. rubrum, inactivation in the model system was not inhibited by catalase. It is proposed that ascorbate and iron, in the presence of oxygen, generate a reactive oxygen species which reacts with a residue at the activation site, rendering the enzyme inactive.     

Isolation of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase from non-hardened and hardened needles of Pinus sylvestris

Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase, RuBP carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.39), was purified from non-hardened and hardened needles of Pinus sylvestris L. Needles were collected from pine seedlings cultivated in nutrient solution in a climate chamber from seedlings grown outdoors, and from a tree in a natural stand. The enzyme was isolated from crude extracts through quantitative precipitation in polyethylene glycol 4000 and MgCl₂, followed by sucrose gradient centrifugation in a fixed angle rotor. The purified enzyme seemed homogeneous by the criterion of (sodium dodecylsulphate) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Contamination by nucleic acids was negligible. The RuBP carboxylase protein content of the gradient fractions was estimated as A₂₈₀^{1 cm}× 0.61 mg ml⁻¹. Carboxylase activities were determined in a radioactive assay at 25°C. The specific activity of RuBP carboxylase isolated from non-hardened needles was approximately 1 μmol CO₂ (mg protein)⁻¹ min⁻¹. For enzyme isolated from hardened needles collected during winter the specific activity was somewhat lower due to loss of enzyme activity during the preparation. The described two-step procedure provides a means for quantitation of the RuBP carboxylase protein in pine needles during all seasons.     

Possible interference of lactose-fermenting marine vibrios in coliform -D-galactosidase assays

C.M. DAVIES, S.C. APTE AND S.M. PETERSON. 1995. An investigation into possible interferences in β-D-galactosidase-based assays for coliform bacteria in marine waters was carried out. A rapid instrumental fluorescence assay for β-D-galactosidase activity, using 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-galactosidase as a substrate, was used to investigate activities of this enzyme in non-coliform bacterial isolates from coastal waters. Only 2% of isolates showed slight enzyme activity after a 1-h incubation period at 44.5βC. At a lower incubation temperature of 20βC, 51% and 94% of the isolates showed some enzyme activity within 6 h and 48 h, respectively. Fifty-nine out of 67 of these isolates were identified as Vibrio species. A lac⁺ strain of Vibrio vulnificus was found to produce β-D-galactosidase which caused significant false-positive reactions in the Colilert-Marine Water assay when present at concentrations of 10 cfu ml⁻¹ or greater. This interference could be overcome by addition of the vibriostatic agent O/129. The high fluorescence of this reagent, however, precluded the simultaneous determination of Escherichia coli in the Colilert test and also its use in instrumental fluorescence assays. It was concluded that in assays employing high temperatures and short incubation times, Vibrio species are unlikely to cause significant interferences.     

Comparison of the specific activity of ribulose-1,5-bis-phosphate carboxylase-oxygenase from some C3 and C4 plants

The specific activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco, EC 4.1.1.39) was measured from the crude extracts of five C₃ plants consisting of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. cv. Maris Mink), spinach ( Spinacia oleracea L.), pea ( Pisum sativum L. cv. Greenfeast), pumpkin ( Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Jättiläismeloni) and Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid., and two C₄ plants, maize ( Zea mays L. ETA F₁) and sugar sorghum [ Sorghum saccharatum (L. emend, L.) Moench]. The amount of Rubisco in the crude extracts was estimated by polyacrylamide gel electro-phoresis with the Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining procedure. The amounts of the dye bound to the purified Rubisco of different higher plants were similar. The method gave a linear response for both purified enzyme and crude extracts, and the results agreed with those observed by immunochemical methods. The addition of positive effectors such as inorganic phosphate was necessary to obtain maximal activity in the crude extracts of all the studied plants except in that of maize. No significant differences in the specific carboxylase activity at 25°C were found between the C₃ and C₄ plants.     

Amylolytic activity of Byssochlamys fulva

Byssochlamys fulva was found to produce a glucoamylase (EC 3.2.1.3) that exhibited its maximal activity at 50°C and had a broad optimum pH range of 4.0–5.2. The K_m and V_max values of the crude enzyme for amylopectin were 0.15% and 17.9 mg glucose l^-1 min-^-1, respectively. The molecular weight of the enzyme as estimated by the gel-filtration method was 34 kDa.     

The seven NAD(H)-glutamate dehydrogenase isoenzymes exhibit similar anabolic and catabolic activities

The specific activities of aminating NADH- and deaminating NAD⁺-glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH, EC 1.4.1.2) varied considerably in crude extracts of grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sultanina) callus and were dependent on the nitrogen source of the culture medium. However, dialysis of the enzyme preparations resulted in a significant decrease in the deaminating GDH specific activity while the aminating activity was not affected. The presence of malate in the crude extract resulted in erroneous overestimation of the NAD⁺-GDH activity through the malate dehydrogenase reaction. Thus, in dialysed extracts, the ratio of the NADH-GDH/NAD⁺-GDH specific activities remained relatively constant irrespective of the nitrogen source. In view of this evidence, we now have modified methods for staining both the NADH-GDH and NAD⁺-GDH activities on gels in order to compare the aminating and deaminating activities of each of the 7 GDH isoenzymes. The results from the staining of NADH-GDH and NAD⁺-GDH activity of enzyme preparations from calluses revealed the same isoenzyme profile. Furthermore, separated leaf isoenzymes showed similar activity ratios and kinetic properties. These results may suggest that each one of the 7 isoenzymes have similar in vitro anabolic and catabolic activities.