重组白眉蝮蛇去整合素定点突变对其生物活性的影响

RGD为存在于许多糖蛋白配体中的氨基酸序列,对整合素具有识别作用.此序列也发现于许多蛇毒去整合素分子中.采用基因克隆技术从大连产白眉蝮蛇的毒腺中克隆出的去整合素adinbitor是含73个氨基酸残基的去整合素,分子中含有12个半胱氨酸和RGD模体.实验证明,adinbitor作为去整合素的新成员,具有典型的抗ADP诱导的人血小板聚集作用和抗肿瘤血管新生作用.为了将adinbitor的这2种功能分开,采用PCR基因定点突变的方法,将其cDNA序列中RGD模体改变成KGD.重组adinbitor(KGD)在E.coli BL21得到表达,并通过His•Bind亲和层析予以纯化.实验发现,adinbitor对ADP诱导的人血小板聚集具有明显抑制作用,其IC50=85 nmol/L,明显优于adinbitor(RGD) （IC50=150 nmol/L）.然而,与adinbitor(KGD)相比,adinbitor(KGD)则丧失了对血管生成的抑制作用.结果说明,adinbitor(KGD)可作为专一的抗人血小板聚集药具有潜在的开发前景.     

The cell adhesion domain of type XVII collagen promotes integrin-mediated cell spreading by a novel mechanism

Type XVII collagen (BP180) is a keratinocyte transmembrane protein that exists as the full-length protein in hemidesmosomes and as a 120-kDa shed ectodomain in the extracellular matrix. The largest collagenous domain of type XVII collagen, COL15, has been described previously as a cell adhesion domain (Tasanen, K., Eble, J. A., Aumailley, M., Schumann, H., Baetge, J, Tu, H., Bruckner, P., and Bruckner-Tuderman, L. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 3093-3099). In the present work, the integrin binding of triple helical, human recombinant COL15 was tested. Solid phase binding assays using recombinant integrin alpha(1)I, alpha(2)I, and alpha(10)I domains and cell spreading assays with alpha(1)beta(1)- and alpha(2)beta(1)-expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells showed that, unlike other collagens, COL15 was not recognized by the collagen receptors. Denaturation of the COL15 domain increased the spreading of human HaCaT keratinocytes, which could migrate on the denatured COL15 domain as effectively as on fibronectin. Spreading of HaCaT cells on the COL15 domain was mediated by alpha(5)beta(1) and alpha(V)beta(1) integrins, and it could be blocked by RGD peptides. The collagen alpha-chains in the COL15 domain do not contain RGD motifs but, instead, contain 12 closely related KGD motifs, four in each of the three alpha-chains. Twenty-two overlapping, synthetic peptides corresponding to the entire COL15 domain were tested; three peptides, all containing the KGD motif, inhibited the spreading of HaCaT cells on denatured COL15 domain. Furthermore, this effect was lost by mutation from D to E (KGE instead of KGD). We suggest that the COL15 domain of type XVII collagen represents a specific collagenous structure, unable to interact with the cellular receptors for other collagens. After being shed from the cell surface, it may support keratinocyte spreading and migration.     

RGD peptides grafting onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) with well controlled densities

The aim of this study was to graft RGD peptides with well controlled densities onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film surfaces. Biomimetic modifications were performed by means of a four-step reaction procedure: surface modification in order to create -COOH groups onto polymer surface, coupling agent grafting and finally immobilization of peptides. The originality of this work is to evaluate several grafted densities peptides. Toluidine blue and high-resolution mu-imager (using [(3)H]-Lys) were used to evaluate densities. Moreover, mu-imager has exhibited the stability of peptides grafted onto the surface when treated under harsh conditions. Benefits of the as-proposed method were related to the different concentrations of peptides grafted onto the surface as well as the capacity of RGD peptide to interact with integrin receptors.     

4,4′-Dihydroxy-trans-stilbene,a resveratrol analogue,exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity

Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trans-trihydroxystibene) is a natural phytoalexin present in grapes and red wine, which possesses a variety of biological activities including antioxidant activity. In order to find more active antioxidant with resveratrol as the lead compound we synthesized 4,4′-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene (4,4′-DHS). The antioxidant activities of resveratrol and 4,4′-DHS were evaluated by the reaction kinetics with galvinoxyl radical or Cu(II) ions, and the inhibition effects against free-radical-induced peroxidation of human erythrocyte ghosts. It was found that 4,4′-DHS exhibits remarkably higher antioxidant activity than resveratrol. The oxidative products of resveratrol and 4,4′-DHS in the presence of Cu(II) in acetonitrile were identified as the dihydrofuran dimers by spectroscopic method, and the antioxidant mechanism for 4,4′-DHS was proposed. In addition, 4,4′-DHS exhibits remarkably higher cytotoxicity against human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells than resveratrol.     

Pregnancy-Specific Glycoproteins Bind Integrin αIIbβ3 and Inhibit the Platelet—Fibrinogen Interaction

Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are immunoglobulin superfamily members encoded by multigene families in rodents and primates. In human pregnancy, PSGs are secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast, a fetal tissue, and reach a concentration of up to 400 ug/ml in the maternal bloodstream at term. Human and mouse PSGs induce release of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and TGFβ1 from monocytes, macrophages, and other cell types, suggesting an immunoregulatory function. RGD tri-peptide motifs in the majority of human PSGs suggest that they may function like snake venom disintegrins, which bind integrins and inhibit interactions with ligands. We noted that human PSG1 has a KGD, rather than an RGD motif. The presence of a KGD in barbourin, a platelet integrin αIIbβ3 antagonist found in snake venom, suggested that PSG1 may be a selective αIIbβ3 ligand. Here we show that human PSG1 binds αIIbβ3 and inhibits the platelet – fibrinogen interaction. Unexpectedly, however, the KGD is not critical as multiple PSG1 domains independently bind and inhibit αIIbβ3 function. Human PSG9 and mouse Psg23 are also inhibitory suggesting conservation of this function across primate and rodent PSG families. Our results suggest that in species with haemochorial placentation, in which maternal blood is in direct contact with fetal trophoblast, the high expression level of PSGs reflects a requirement to antagonise abundant (3 mg/ml) fibrinogen in the maternal circulation, which may be necessary to prevent platelet aggregation and thrombosis in the prothrombotic maternal environment of pregnancy.     

The effect of the single substitution of arginine within the RGD tripeptide motif of a modified neurotoxin dendroaspin on its activity of platelet aggregation and cell adhesion

The Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) tripeptide unit is a cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix recognition sequence of some integrins that is found within several extracellular matrix glycoproteins and dendroaspin, a disintegrin-like venom protein isolated from the snake venom of the Dendroaspis jamsonii. In the present study, the RGD motif in dendroaspin was substituted by Lys-Gly-Asp (KGD), His-Gly-Asp (HGD), Gln-Gly-Asp (QGD) and Ala-Gly-Asp (AGD) denoted as KGD-den, HGD-den, QGD-den and AGD-den, respectively. Each of the mutants exhibited activity as inhibitor of ADP-induced platelet aggregation with IC50 values of 0.26, 2.5, 6, and 17 microM for KGD-den, HGD-den, QGD-den, and AGD-den, respectively, as compared with RGD-den (IC50 = 0.18 microM). Interestingly, HGD-den was approx. two-fold more potent and a more selective inhibitor than either the KGD-den or QGD-den counterpart at blocking A375-SM human melanoma cell adhesion to fibrinogen (beta3-mediated). KGD-den, HGD-den, and QGD-den were preferentially antagonists of A375-SM human melanoma cell adhesion to fibrinogen rather than to fibronectin (alpha5beta1-, beta3-mediated). Both HGD-den and KGD-den were equipotent as inhibitors of human erythroleukaemia (HEL) cell adhesion to fibrinogen (IC50 = 0.15 microM) and also preferential inhibitors of HEL cell adhesion to fibrinogen (beta3 and beta1-mediated) rather than to fibronectin. These findings show that the presence of the arginine within the RGD motif of dendroaspin is not obligatory and substitution of this residue can modulate inhibitory potency and integrin binding selectivity.     

Characterisation of a glycosylated alkyl polyglycoside produced by a cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase by HPLC-ELSD and -MS

A transglycosylation reaction between an alkyl polyglycoside and α-cyclodextrin catalysed by cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) from Bacillus macerans was investigated. The reaction products were identified by comparison with standards generated by CGTase catalysed modification of pure alkyl glycosides using HPLC-ELSD and -MS analysis. The main products were alkyl glucopyranosides (substrates present in the alkyl polyglycoside) glycosylated with 6 (primary coupling products) or 12 (secondary coupling products) glucose residues. Both α and β anomers were glycosylated.     

RGD peptides micro-patterning on poly(ethylene terephthalate) surfaces

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of RGD micro-patterned poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) on human osteoblast progenitor (HOP) cells attachment. Biomimetic modifications were performed by means of a four-step reaction: surface hydrolysis, oxidation in order to create COOH functions, coupling agent grafting (EDC, NHS) and finally immobilization of peptides. In addition to homogeneous or statistically distribution of peptides, micro-patterns of RGD were generated by: optical photolithography and UV excimer laser ablation. Modification steps were validated by physico-chemical techniques: XPS was used to prove covalent grafting at each stage of the surface functionalization, toluidine blue assay and high resolution µ-imager (using [3H]-Lys) to evaluate peptide densities and validate micro-patterns formation. Finally, the efficiency of this biomodification of PET was demonstrated onto homogeneous surfaces by measuring the adhesion between 1 and 24 h of osteoprogenitor cells isolated from HBMSC.     

Distinct activation states of alpha5beta1 integrin show differential binding to RGD and synergy domains of fibronectin

alpha5beta1 integrin can occupy several distinct conformational states which support different strengths of binding to fibronectin [García, A. J., et al. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 34710-34715]. Using a model system in which specific activating monoclonal antibodies were used to achieve uniform activated states, the binding of alpha5beta1 to full-length wild-type fibronectin and mutants of fibronectin in the defined RGD and PHSRN synergy sites was analyzed using a novel method that measures the strength of the coupling between integrin and its ligand. Neither TS2/16- nor AG89-activated alpha5beta1 showed significant mechanical coupling to RGD-deleted fibronectin. However, peptide competition assays demonstrated a 6-fold difference in the binding affinities of these two states for RGD. The mutant synergy site reduced the AG89 (low)-activated state to background levels, but the TS2/16-activated state still retained approximately 30% of the wild-type activity. Thus, these two active binding states of alpha5beta1 interact differently with both the RGD and synergy domains. The failure of the AG89-activated state to show mechanical coupling to either the RGD or synergy domain mutants was unexpected and implies that the RGD domain itself does not contribute significant mechanical strength to the alpha5beta1-fibronectin interaction. The lack of RGD alone to support alpha5beta1 coupling was further confirmed using a synthetic polymer presenting multiple copies of the RGD loop. These results suggest a model in which the RGD domain serves to activate and align the alpha5beta1-fibronectin interface, and the synergy site provides the mechanical strength to the bond.     

Resveratrol protects against 4-HNE induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts

Here we report on the marked protective effect of resveratrol on 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) induced oxidative stress and apoptotic death in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. 4-HNE, one of the major aldehydic products of the peroxidation of membrane w-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, has been suggested to contribute to oxidant stress mediated cell injury. Indeed, in vitro treatment of 3T3 fibroblasts with 4-HNE induced a condition of oxidative stress as monitored by the oxidation of dichlorofluorescein diacetate; this reaction was prevented when cells were pretreated with resveratrol. Further, 4-HNE-treated fibroblasts eventually underwent apoptotic death as determined by differential staining and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Resveratrol pretreatment also prevented 4-HNE induced DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. These observations are consistent with a potential role of lipid peroxidation-derived products in programmed cell death and demonstrate that resveratrol can counteract this effect by quenching cell oxidative stress.     

两种不同植物来源白藜芦醇生物合成关键酶——芪合酶催化效率比较

白藜芦醇是一种天然植保素,且具有特殊的药理和保健功能,芪合酶(Stilbene synthase,STS)是该化合物生物合成的关键酶和限速酶。白藜芦醇存在于有限几种植物且含量差异很大,虎杖中白藜芦醇含量比葡萄、花生高1 000倍以上,推测不同STS的催化能力有可能是白藜芦醇含量差异的原因之一。为验证上述推测,文中通过overlap PCR技术从葡萄叶片基因组DNA中克隆得到葡萄STS基因,连同前期工作中获得的虎杖STS基因(PcPKS5),进行了原核表达分析。诱导表达产物经过Ni2+亲和柱纯化和PD-10柱脱盐后,均得到分子量约43 kDa的可溶性纯化蛋白。酶促产物分析结果表明,两种酶催化产物均为白藜芦醇。酶动力学分析表明,虎杖STS催化效率(Kcat/Km)是葡萄STS的2.4倍。文中从植物类型Ⅲ聚酮化合物合酶(Polyketide synthase,PKS)超家族催化活性位点和保守位点角度分析了造成上述两种酶活性产生差异可能存在的原因。     

Rapid and simple one-step F-18 labeling of peptides

Labeling biomolecules with 1?F is usually done through coupling with prosthetic groups, which requires several time-consuming radiosynthesis steps and therefore in low labeling yield. In this study, we designed a simple one-step 1?F-labeling strategy to replace the conventional complex and the long process of multiple-step radiolabeling procedure. Both monomeric and dimeric cyclic RGD peptides were modified to contain 4-NO?-3-CF? arene as precursors for direct 1?F labeling. Binding of the two functionalized peptides to integrin α(v)β? was tested in vitro using the MDA-MB-435 human breast cell line. The most promising functionalized peptide, the dimeric cyclic RGD, was further evaluated in vivo in an orthotopic MDA-MB-435 tumor xenograft model. The use of relatively low amount of precursor (~0.5 μmol) gave reasonable yield, ranging from 7 to 23% (decay corrected, calculated from the start of synthesis) after HPLC purification. Overall reaction time was 40 min, and the specific activity of the labeled peptide was high. Modification of RGD peptides did not significantly change the biological binding affinities of the modified peptides. Small animal PET and biodistribution studies revealed integrin specific tumor uptake and favorable biokinetics. We have developed a novel one-step 1?F radiolabeling strategy for peptides that contain a specific arene group, which shortens reaction time and labor significantly, requires low amount of precursor, and results in specific activity of 79 ± 13 GBq/μmol. Successful introduction of 4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylbenzamide into RGD peptides may be a general strategy applicable to other biologically active peptides and proteins.     

Electron beam-induced graft polymerization of acrylic acid and immobilization of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-containing peptide onto nanopatterned polycaprolactone

Electron beam- (EB-) induced graft polymerization of acrylic acid and the subsequent immobilization of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide onto nanopatterned polycaprolactone with parallel grooves is reported. A high concentration of carboxylic groups was introduced onto the polymer substrate by EB-induced polymerization of acrylic acid. In the coupling of the RGD peptide to the carboxylated polymer surface, a three-step peptide immobilization process was used. This process included the activation of surface carboxylic acid into an active ester intermediate by use of 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS), the introduction of disulfide groups by use of 2-(2-pyridinyldithio)ethanamine hydrochloride (PDEA), and final immobilization of the peptide via a thiol-disulfide exchange reaction. The extent of coupling was measured by UV spectroscopy. A preliminary study of the in vitro behavior of keratinocytes (NCTC 2544) cultured on the acrylic acid-grafted and RGD peptide-coupled surface showed that most cells grown on the coupled samples had a spread-rounded appearance, while the majority of cells tended to be elongated along the grooves on uncoupled substrates.     

Electroactive oligoaniline-containing self-assembled monolayers for tissue engineering applications

A novel electroactive silsesquioxane precursor, N-(4-aminophenyl)-N'-(4'-(3-triethoxysilyl-propyl-ureido) phenyl-1,4-quinonenediimine) (ATQD), was successfully synthesized from the emeraldine form of amino-capped aniline trimers via a one-step coupling reaction and subsequent purification by column chromatography. The physicochemical properties of ATQD were characterized using mass spectrometry as well as by nuclear magnetic resonance and UV-vis spectroscopy. Analysis by cyclic voltammetry confirmed that the intrinsic electroactivity of ATQD was maintained upon protonic acid doping, exhibiting two distinct reversible oxidative states, similar to polyaniline. The aromatic amine terminals of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of ATQD on glass substrates were covalently modified with an adhesive oligopeptide, cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) (ATQD-RGD). The mean height of the monolayer coating on the surfaces was approximately 3 nm, as measured by atomic force microscopy. The biocompatibility of the novel electroactive substrates was evaluated using PC12 pheochromocytoma cells, an established cell line of neural origin. The bioactive, derivatized electroactive scaffold material, ATQD-RGD, supported PC12 cell adhesion and proliferation, similar to control tissue-culture-treated polystyrene surfaces. Importantly, electroactive surfaces stimulated spontaneous neuritogenesis in PC12 cells, in the absence of neurotrophic growth factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF). As expected, NGF significantly enhanced neurite extension on both control and electroactive surfaces. Taken together, our results suggest that the newly electroactive SAMs grafted with bioactive peptides, such as RGD, could be promising biomaterials for tissue engineering.     

Racemization free coupling of peptide segments. Synthesis of an insect neuropeptide.

The total synthesis of the insect neuropeptide derivative Z-Gly-Gly-Ser-Leu-Tyr-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-NH2 has been carried out by a convergent solid phase strategy. For the coupling of the N-terminal pentapeptide to the C-terminal tetrapeptide, three different methods were assayed. Racemization of the acyl activated amino acid during the fragment condensation reaction was monitored by HPLC. Best results were obtained by enzymatic coupling in a low water containing media using adsorbed alpha-chymotrypsin. An optically pure product was obtained in 82% yield after 1 h of reaction. Chemical methods such as DIC/HOBt and BOP/HOBt/NMM always rendered highly optically impure products containing 10-20% of the D-epimer.     

NMR analysis of the fibronectin cell-adhesive sequence, Arg-Gly-Asp, in a recombinant silk-like protein and a model peptide

It is well established that by introducing the cell-adhesive sequence Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) from fibronectin into Bombyx mori silk fibroin by covalent coupling or bioengineering techniques, excellent biomaterials have been developed with the modified silk fibroin. However, there is no report about the structure and dynamics of the RGD moiety in the silk fibroin. To clarify the origin of such a high cell adhesion character and to design new recombinant silk protein with higher cell adhesion ability, it is necessary to characterize the structure and dynamics of the RGD moiety introduced into silk fibroin. In this study, the structure and dynamics of the RGD moiety in a recombinant silk-like protein, SLPF(10), consisting of the repeated silk fibroin sequence (AGSGAG)(3) and the sequence ASTGRGDSPA including the RGD moiety, were studied using solution NMR. The (1)H, (15)N, and (13)C chemical shifts indicate that the RGD moiety, as well as the silk fibroin sequence, takes a random coil form with high mobility in aqueous solution. Next, a (13)C solid-state NMR study was performed on a (13)C selectively labeled model peptide, AGSGAG[3-(13)C]A(7)GSGAGAGSGGT[2-(13)C]G(19)R[1-(13)C]G(21)DSPAGGGAGAGSGAG. After formic acid treatment, an increase in the β-sheet fraction for the AGSGAG sequence and peak narrowing of the residues around the RGD moiety were observed in the dry state. The latter indicates a decrease in the chemical shift distribution although the RGD moiety is still in random coil. A decrease in the peak intensities of the RGD moiety in the swollen state after immersing it in distilled water was observed, indicating high mobility of the RGD sequence in the peptide in the swollen state. Thus, the random coil state of the RGD moiety in the recombinant silk-like protein is maintained in aqueous solution and also in both dry and swollen state. This is similar to the case of the RGD moiety in fibronectin. The presence of the linker ASTG at the N-terminus and SPAGG at the C-terminus seems important to maintain the random coil form and the flexible state of the RGD sequence in order to permit access for binding to various integrins.     

The antioxidant effect of imine resveratrol analogues

Twenty five Imine resveratrol analogues (IRAs) were synthesized, replacing the CC bond in resveratrol with CN bond, as well as substitution modifications on aromatic rings. Radical scavenging activities against DPPH, along with singlet oxygen quenching capacities were evaluated, and further confirmed using density functional theory calculations (DFT). It was found that IRAs bearing ortho-OH on B ring have better radical scavenging activities against DPPH than resveratrol, these compounds were also found to be effective (1)O(2) quenchers. Theoretical studies on the reaction mechanism of these compounds with (1)O(2) suggest that the 1,3-addition to a double bond with a -OH group with the formation of allylic hydroperoxide is the most probable reaction route.     

Resveratrol scavenges reactive oxygen species and effects radical-induced cellular responses

Scavenging or quenching of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in oxidative stress has been the subject of many recent studies. Resveratrol, found in various natural food products, has been linked to decreased coronary artery disease and preventing cancer development. The present study measured the effect of resveratrol on several different systems involving the hydroxyl, superoxide, metal/enzymatic-induced, and cellular generated radicals. The rate constant for reaction of resveratrol with the hydroxyl radical was determined, and resveratrol was found to be an effective scavenger of hydroxyl, superoxide, and metal-induced radicals as well as showing antioxidant abilities in cells producing ROS. Resveratrol exhibits a protective effect against lipid peroxidation in cell membranes and DNA damage caused by ROS. Resveratrol was also found to have a significant inhibitory effect on the NF-kappaB signaling pathway after cellular exposure to metal-induced radicals. It was concluded that resveratrol in foods plays an important antioxidant role.