Supramolecular gene delivery vectors showing enhanced transgene expression and good biocompatibility

Soluble supramolecular inclusion complexes were formed by threading alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD) molecules over poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) chains of ternary block copolymers of PEG, PCL and polyethylenimine (PEI). Characteristic shifts of PCL absorptions in FTIR, (1)H NMR and UV spectra strongly suggest that alpha-CD is threaded over PEG and PCL blocks. Due to the reduced hydrophobic interaction between PCL blocks, the resulting supramolecular complexes displayed a dramatically increased solubility, in comparison with the ternary block copolymers. Their ability to complex DNA was almost as efficient as that of branched PEI 25 kDa, as shown in the ethidium bromide fluorescence quenching experiments. Resulting DNA polyplexes displayed a size of around 200 nm and a neutral surface charge. Microscopy studies in 3T3 fibroblasts revealed an efficient cellular uptake. Transfection efficiencies of inclusion complexes were in the same order of magnitude as PEI. In contrast to PEI a 100x lower toxicity was observed by MTT-assay, allowing the administration of nitrogen-to-phosphate ratios of up to 20. These new gene delivery systems merit further characterization under in vivo conditions.     

1H NMR spectra of branched-chain cyclomaltohexaoses (alpha-cyclodextrins)

The 1H NMR spectra of seven branched alpha-cyclodextrins (alpha-CDs) were observed and analyzed in detail. They were compared with spectra of alpha-CD and amylose. Although these branched alpha-CDs consist only of alpha-D-glucose with the same alpha-(1-->4) O-glucosyl binding, aside from one exception, differences in chemical shifts of corresponding signals were significantly large. Especially, differences in the chemical shift in anomeric protons were considerably large. Subtle differences in glucosyl binding directly influences chemical shifts of these protons because anomeric protons are located adjacent to the glucosyl binding sites.     

High resolution structures of the 4-4-20 Fab-fluorescein complex in two solvent systems: effects of solvent on structure and antigen-binding affinity.

Three-dimensional structures were determined for three crystal forms of the antigen binding fragment (Fab) of anti-fluorescein antibody 4-4-20 in complex with fluorescein. These included 1) a triclinic (P1) form crystallized in 47% (v/v) 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD); 2) a triclinic (P1) form crystallized in 16% (w/v) poly(ethylene glycol), molecular weight 3350 (PEG); and 3) a monoclinic (P21) form crystallized in 16% PEG. Solvent molecules were added to the three models and the structures were refined to their diffraction limits (1.75-A, 1.78-A, and 2.49-A resolution for the MPD, triclinic PEG, and monoclinic PEG forms, respectively). Comparisons of these structures were interesting because 4-4-20 exhibited a lower antigen-binding affinity in 47% MPD (Ka = 1.3 x 10(8) M-1) than in either 16% PEG (Ka = 2.9 x 10(9) M-1) or phosphate-buffered saline (Ka = 1.8 x 10(10) M-1). Even though the solution behavior of the antibody was significantly different in MPD and PEG, the crystal structures were remarkably similar. In all three structures, the fluorescein-combining site was an aromatic slot formed by tyrosines L32, H96, and H97 and tryptophans L96 and H33. In addition, several active site constituents formed an electrostatic network with the ligand. These included a salt link between arginine L34 and one of fluorescein's enolate oxygen atoms, a hydrogen bond between histidine L27d and the second enolic group, a hydrogen bond between tyrosine L32 and the phenylcarboxylate group, and two medium range (approximately 5 A) electrostatic interactions with lysine L50 and arginine H52. The only major difference between the triclinic MPD and PEG structures was the degree of hydration of the antigen-combining site. Three water molecules participated in the above electrostatic network in the MPD structure, while eight were involved in the PEG structure. Based on this observation, we believe that 4-4-20 exhibits a lower affinity in MPD due to the depletion of the hydration shell of the antigen-combining site.     

Synthesis of a biocleavable polyrotaxane-plasmid DNA (pDNA) polyplex and its use for the rapid nonviral delivery of pDNA to cell nuclei

This protocol provides a method for synthesizing a biocleavable polyrotaxane/plasmid DNA (pDNA) polyplex and for using it to deliver pDNA into cell nuclei. The biocleavable polyrotaxane is synthesized in four steps: (i) introduction of disulfide linkages at both terminals of PEG, (ii) preparation of an inclusion complex between disulfide-containing PEG and alpha-cyclodextrins (alpha-CDs), (iii) synthesis of polyrotaxane and (iv) modification of alpha-CDs in the polyrotaxane with dimethylethylenediamine. A polyplex of pDNA with the polyrotaxane is formed when the two compounds are dissolved together in a phosphate buffer. Subcellular localization of rhodamine-labeled pDNA in fluorescently labeled organelles is quantified by Z-series of confocal images captured by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Significant amounts of pDNA delivered to the nucleus can be expected as well as high transfection activity of the polyplex. This protocol can be completed in 23-32 d.     

Supramolecular Polypseudorotaxanes composed of star-shaped porphyrin-cored poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and alpha-cyclodextrin

Star-shaped porphyrin-cored poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (SPPCL) was synthesized using a tetrahydroxyethyl-terminated porphyrin as a core initiator and stannous octoate as a catalyst in bulk at 120 degrees C. The molecular weight of as-synthesized polymer could be adjusted linearly by controlling the molar ratio of epsilon-caprolactone to porphyrin core initiator, and the molecular weight distribution was reasonably narrow. Supramolecular polypseudorotaxanes were prepared by inclusion complexation of SPPCL with alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD) and thoroughly characterized by means of FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C CP/MAS NMR, DSC, TGA, and WAXD. The results demonstrated that the porphyrin-cored polypseudorotaxanes formed through alpha-CD molecules threading onto the branch chains of star-shaped SPPCL polymers, and they had a channel-type crystalline structure. Meanwhile, the original crystallization of SPPCL polymers within the polypseudorotaxanes was completely suppressed in the alpha-CD cavities. Moreover, inclusion complexation between SPPCL and alpha-CD enhanced the thermal stability of both the guest SPPCL polymers and the host alpha-CD. Furthermore, both the SPPCL polymers and the polypseudorotaxanes showed similar fluorescent and UV-vis spectra compared with porphyrin core initiator. Consequently, this will not only provide potentially porphyrin-cored poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and its polypseudorotaxanes for photodynamic therapy but also improve the compatibility between poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and peptide drugs for drug delivery.     

Molecular motions and phase transitions. NMR relaxation times studies of several lecithins.

The spin-lattice relaxation time, T1, and the dipolar energy relaxation time, TD, were measured as a function of temperature. The materials studied were samples of anhydrous L-dipalmitoyl lecithin, DL-dipalmitoyl lecithin, L-dimyristoyl lecithin, DL-dimyristoyl lecithin and their monohydrates, and of anhydrous egg yolk lecithin. It is shown that TD is a much more sensitive parameter than T1 for the determination of the Chapman phase transition. Comparison between T1 and TD provides information about new types of slow molecular motions below and above the phase transition temperature. It is suggested that the relaxation mechanisms for T1 and TD in the gel phase are governed by segmental motion in the phospholipid molecule. A new metastable phase was detected in dimyristoyl lecithin monohydrates. This phase could only be detected from the dipolar energy relaxation times.     

Topography of the 1:1 alpha-cyclodextrin-nitromethane inclusion complex

Dissolution of alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD) in 9:1 water-nitromethane smoothly generates the title compound, which crystallizes as the pentahydrate in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with a = 9.452(4), b = 14.299(3), c = 37.380(10) A, and Z = 4. Its crystal structure analysis revealed the alpha-CD macrocycle in an unstrained conformation stabilized through a ring of O-2...O-3' hydrogen bonds between five of the six adjacent glucose residues. The nitromethane is located in the alpha-CD cavity in an orientation parallel to the plane of the macrocycle, and assumes two sites of equal population with the nitro group in excessive thermal motion; the guest is held by van der Waals contacts and C-H...O-type hydrogen bonds to the pyranose H-3 and H-5 protons. The packing of the macrocycles in the crystal lattice is of cage herringbone-type with an extensive intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding network. The ready formation of a nitromethane inclusion complex in aqueous nitromethane, and the subtleties of its molecular structure amply demonstrate the ease with which water is expelled from the alpha-CD cavity by a more hydrophobic co-solvent.     

Recognition of novel amphiphiles with many pendent mannose residues by Con A.

Novel amphiphiles which carry many mannose residues as side chains were prepared by telomerization of N-methacryloylaminopropyl D-mannopyranoside (alpha:beta = 20:1), N-methacryloylaminohexyl D-mannopyranoside (alpha:beta = 20:1), or 3-(2-methacryloylaminoethylthio)propyl D-mannopyranoside (alpha:beta = 4:1) using a lipophilic radical initiator. The mannose-carrying amphiphiles incorporated in liposomes were recognized by a lectin from Canavalia ensiformis (Con A), which was proven by the increase in turbidity of the liposome suspension after mixing with Con A. The interaction between sugar residues on the liposome surface and the lectin was largely affected by the degree of polymerization (DP) and the surface density of the amphiphile in the liposomes. The distance between the sugar residues and the polymer main chain did not affect the specific recognition by the lectin significantly in the liposome system, whereas it appreciably affected the recognition in the water-soluble polymer system. The association constants (Ka) of the amphiphiles (DP approximately 18) with Con A (0.3-2.2 x 10(6) M-1 at 25 degrees C) were much larger than that of alpha-methyl D-mannopyranoside (8.2 x 10(3) M-1) due to the "cluster effect ". The positive entropy change (20-52 J/mol K) for the binding of Con A to mannose residues on the liposome surface showed that the recognition in the liposome system was largely promoted by the release of water molecules from both the sugar residues on the liposome surface and the binding site of Con A.     

Synthesis and characterization of soluble concanavalin A oligomer

Concanavalin A, (Con A, MW 26,500/monomer unit) was crosslinked with glutaraldehyde to form soluble, high-molecular-weight (larger than MW 300,000) Con A Oligomers. After filtration to remove insoluble and low-molecular-weight portions (below 300,000 daltons), the size and molecular-weight distribution were characterized by laser light scattering and gel-filtration chromatography. The molecular-size determined by laser light scattering ranged from 870 to 4070 A, while the molecular weight determined by gel chromatography ranged from 6 x 10(5) to higher than 2 x 10(6) daltons. The affinity and kinetics of Con A oligomer binding to polysaccharide (glycogen) were evaluated by precipitation test and turbidity development, respectively. The binding with glycogen was strongest at neutral pH and showed similar activity to unmodified Con A molecules. The binding constants of alpha-D-glucose and succinyl-aminophenyl alpha-D glucopyranoside-insulin to Con A oligomer were 1.0 x 10(3)M(-1) and 4.5 x 10(4)M(-1), respectively and the binding capacity of the oligomer was nearly 85% to 95% of monomeric Con A. The complexes of saccharides and soluble Con A oligomer were stable for at least 7 days. (c) 1993 Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

An essential role of domain D in the hormone-binding activity of human beta 1 thyroid hormone nuclear receptor

By analogy with steroid receptors, human placental thyroid hormone nuclear receptor (hTR beta 1) could be divided into four functional domains: A/B (Met1-Leu101), C (Cys102-Ala170), D (Thr171-Lys237), and E (Arg238-Asp456). The E domain was thought to bind thyroid hormone. To evaluate whether domain E alone is sufficient to bind T3 or requires the presence of other domains for functional T3-binding activity, a series of deletion mutants was constructed. The mutants were expressed in Escherichia coli, and the expressed proteins were purified. Analysis of the T3-binding affinity and analog specificity of the purified truncated hTR beta 1 indicated that domain E alone did not have T3-binding activity. Extension of the amino-terminal sequence of domain E to include part of domain D yielded a mutant (Lys201-Asp456) with a Ka for T3 of 0.5 +/- 0.2 x 10(9) M-1. Further extension to include the entire domain D (Met169-Asp456) yielded a mutant with T3-binding activity with a Ka of 0.8 +/- 0.1 x 10(9) M-1. Further extension of the amino-terminal sequence to include domain C increased the affinity for T3 by nearly 2-fold (Ka = 1.5 +/- 0.4 x 10(9) M-1). The Ka for the wild-type hTR beta 1 is 1.5 +/- 0.2 x 10(9) M-1. Furthermore, mutant (Met169-Asp456) binds to 3',5',3-triiodo-L-thyropropionic acid, D-T3, L-T4, and L-T3 with 307%, 37%, 7%, and 0.1%, respectively, of the activity of L-T3. This order of analog affinity is similar to that of the wild-type hTR beta 1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Localized and transient changes in plasma membrane fluidity during in vitro myoblast fusion: an 1H-NMR study.

High resolution proton NMR was used to study the cell surface molecular events which take place during in vitro myoblast differentiation and fusion. The CH3 and (CH2)n spectral signals were followed throughout in vitro myogenic development. The results show that although both the T1 and T2 relaxation times of the CH3 and (CH2)n groups are sensitive to the fusion process, T1 is the most sensitive. Both T1 of CH3 and (CH2)n increased before fusion indicating a higher degree of molecular motion and then returned to their original values. These results demonstrate how mobile lipid domains observed with proton NMR can be used to study the changes taking place during myoblast differentiation, particularly myoblast membrane fusion.     

Water in agarose gels studied by nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation in the rotating frame.

The dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame (T1rho) on radio frequency (RF) field strength and temperature has been studied for agarose gels in order to investigate molecular motion. The results indicate the presence of slow motions with a correlation time of ca. 5-10(-6) s at room temperature. This interaction is responsible for the short spin-spin relaxation times (T2) for water protons in agarose gels and is ascribed to firmly bound water. The fraction of bound water is estimated to about 0.003 for a 7.3% agarose gel. The motion of the more mobile protons in agarose-water systems can not be characterized by single correlation time. This fraction is presumably composed of water in different motional states and some of the agarose hydroxyl protons. Higher mobilities are the most common.     

Study of molecular dynamics of bovine carbonic anhydrase B by 13C-NMR in two strongly polarizing magnetic fields. I. Intramolecular mobility of polypeptide chains of the native enzyme

The study of the dynamics of enzyme segmental movement is of considerable importance in the understanding of the physics of the catalytic function of these macromolecules, which cannot be adequately described without introduction of intramolecular mobility of their polypeptide chains. At present high resolution [13C]NMR is mostly used as an effective and selective method for the observation of spectral and relaxation parameters that are sensitive to structure, conformation and local motion. The molecular dynamics of bovine carbonic anhydrase B (carbonate hydrolase EC. 4.2.1.1) in the native form was studied. Measurements of the relaxation parameters (T1, T2 and NOE) of the alpha-carbons of the polypeptide chain in two high magnetic fields (4.7 and 11.7 T) were carried out. The model-free approach of Lipari and Szabo to the interpretation of these experimental data show a satisfactory agreement between theory and experiment for these carbon nuclei if an internal degree of motion such as libration or restricted diffusion in a cone with angular amplitude in the 10 degrees less than theta less than or equal to 20 degrees range and an effective correlation time tau e approximately equal to 6 to 7 x 10(-11) S in addition to the tau R = 3 x 10(-8) S reorientation correlation time of the whole molecular is introduced.     

Backbone dynamics of the calcium-signaling protein apo-S100B as determined by 15N NMR relaxation

Backbone dynamics of homodimeric apo-S100B were studied by (15)N nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation at 9.4 and 14.1 T. Longitudinal relaxation (T(1)), transverse relaxation (T(2)), and the (15)N-[(1)H] NOE were measured for 80 of 91 backbone amide groups. Internal motional parameters were determined from the relaxation data using the model-free formalism while accounting for diffusion anisotropy. Rotational diffusion of the symmetric homodimer has moderate but statistically significant prolate axial anisotropy (D( parallel)/D( perpendicular) = 1.15 +/- 0.02), a global correlation time of tau(m) = 7.80 +/- 0.03 ns, and a unique axis in the plane normal to the molecular symmetry axis. Of 29 residues at the dimer interface (helices 1 and 4), only one has measurable internal motion (Q71), and the order parameters of the remaining 28 were the highest in the protein (S(2) = 0.80 to 0.91). Order parameters in the typical EF hand calcium-binding loop (S(2) = 0.73 to 0.87) were slightly lower than in the pseudo-EF hand (S(2) = 0.75 to 0.89), and effective internal correlation times, tau(e), distinct from global tumbling, were detected in the calcium-binding loops. Helix 3, which undergoes a large, calcium-induced conformational change necessary for target-protein binding, does not show evidence of interchanging between the apo and Ca(2+)-bound orientations in the absence of calcium but has rapid motion in several residues throughout the helix (S(2) = 0.78 to 0.88; 10 < or = tau(e) < or = 30 ps). The lowest order parameters were found in the C-terminal tail (S(2) = 0.62 to 0.83). Large values for chemical exchange also occur in this loop and in regions nearby in space to the highly mobile C-terminal loop, consistent with exchange broadening effects observed.     

Conformational flexibility of angiotensin II. A carbon-13 spin-lattice relaxation study.

Carbon-13 spin-lattice relaxation times (T1) have been determined for the carbon in the octapeptide hormone [5-isoleucine]-angiotensin II in aqueous solution. Two possible models for molecular motion are considered: isotropic overall motion of the hormone with internal motion of some residues and anisotropic overall molecular motion. The data are interpreted in detail using the former model. The alpha carbons of the peptide backbone are all equally restricted in their motion. The correlation time for overall molecular reorientation, calculated from an everage T1 value of 95 msec for the alpha carbons in the peptide backbone, is ca. 5 times 10-10 sec. The carbons in the side chains are more mobile than those in the peptide backbone, with the exception of the side chain of the Tyr residue which does not undergo rapid segmental motion. We propose that [5-isoleucine]-angiotensin II has a restricted backbone conformation and that the alpha carbons of the N- and C-terminal residues are constrained to nearly the same extent as the remaining alpha carbons in the peptide backbone. Chemical shift data indicate that the Pro residue adopts the trans conformation about the His-Pro bond and that the imidazole ring of His has a strong preference for the N-tau -H tautomer.     

A homology model for the human theta-class glutathione transferase T1–1

A manual threading approach is used to model the human glutathione transferase T1–1 based on the coordinates of the related Theta class enzyme T2–2. The low level of sequence identity (about 20%), found in the C-terminal extension in conjunction with a relative deletion of about five residues makes this a challenging modeling problem. The C-terminal extension contributes to the active site of the molecule and is thus of particular interest for understanding the molecular mechanism of the enzyme. Manual docking of known substrates and non-substrates has implicated potential candidates for the T1–1 catalytic residues involved in the dehalogenation and epoxide-ring opening activities. These include the conserved Theta class residues Arg 107, Trp 115, and the conserved GSTT1 subclass residue His 176. Also, the residue at position 234 is implicated in the modulation of T1–1 activity with different substrates between species. Proteins 33:444–454, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Effects of peptide molecular mass and PEG chain length on the vasoreactivity of VIP and PACAP(1-38) in pegylated phospholipid micelles

Bioactive properties of certain amphipathic peptides are amplified when self-associated with sterically stabilized micelles (SSM) composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated phospholipids. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of amphipathic peptide molecular mass and PEG chain length on vasoreactivity evoked by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a 28-amino acid neuropeptide, and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide(1-38) (PACAP(1-38)), a 38-amino acid neuropeptide, associated with PEGylated phospholipid micelles in vivo. Both peptides were incubated for 2 h with SSM composed of PEG with molecular mass of 2000 or 5000 grafted onto distearoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE-PEG2000 or DSPE-PEG5000) before use. We found that regardless of peptide molecular mass, PEG chain length had no significant effects on peptide-SSM interactions. Using intravital microscopy, VIP associated with DSPE-PEG5000 SSM or DSPE-PEG2000 SSM incubated at 25 degrees C evoked similar vasodilation in the intact hamster cheek pouch microcirculation. Likewise, PACAP(1-38)-induced vasodilation was PEG chain length-independent. However, SSM-associated PACAP(1-38) evoked significantly smaller vasodilation than that evoked by SSM-associated VIP (P < 0.05) at 25 degrees C. When the incubation temperature was increased to 37 degrees C, SSM-associated PACAP(1-38)-induced vasodilation was now similar to that of SSM-associated VIP. This response was associated with a corresponding increase in alpha-helix content of both peptides in the presence of phospholipids. Collectively, these data indicate that for a larger amphipathic peptide, such as PACAP(1-38), greater kinetic energy or longer incubation period is required to optimize peptide-SSM interactions and amplify peptide bioactivity in vivo.     

Despite having a common P1 Leu, eglin C inhibits alpha-lytic proteinase a million-fold more strongly than does turkey ovomucoid third domain

Results of the inhibition of alpha-lytic proteinase by two standard mechanism serine proteinase inhibitors, turkey ovomucoid third domain (OMTKY3) and eglin C, and many of their variants are presented. Despite similarities, including an identical P1 residue (Leu) in their primary contact regions, OMTKY3 and eglin C have vastly different association equilibrium constants toward alpha-lytic proteinase, with Ka values of 1.8 x 10(3) and 1.2 x 10(9) M(-1), respectively. Although 12 of the 13 serine proteinases tested in our laboratory for inhibition by OMTKY3 and eglin C are more strongly inhibited by the latter, the million-fold difference observed here with alpha-lytic proteinase is the largest we have seen. The million-fold stronger inhibition by eglin C is retained when the Ka values of the P1 Gly, Ala, Ser, and Ile variants of OMTKY3 and eglin C are compared. Despite the small size of the S1 pocket in alpha-lytic proteinase, interscaffolding additivity for OMTKY3 and eglin C holds well for the four P1 residues tested here. To better understand this difference, we measured Ka values for other OMTKY3 variants, including some that had residues elsewhere in their contact region that corresponded to those of eglin C. Assuming intrascaffolding additivity and using the Ka values obtained for OMTKY3 variants, we designed an OMTKY3-based inhibitor of alpha-lytic proteinase that was predicted to inhibit 10,000-fold more strongly than wild-type OMTKY3. This variant (K13A/P14E/L18A/R21T/N36D OMTKY3) was prepared, and its Ka value was measured against alpha-lytic proteinase. The measured Ka value was in excellent agreement with the predicted one (1.1 x 10(7) and 2.0 x 10(7) M(-1), respectively). Computational protein docking results are consistent with the view that the backbone conformation of eglin C is not significantly altered in the complex with alpha-lytic proteinase. They also show that the strong binding for eglin C correlates well with more favorable atomic contact energy and desolvation energy contributions as compared to OMTKY3.     

Low-frequency motion in membranes. The effect of cholesterol and proteins

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation techniques have been used to study the effect of lipid-protein interactions on the dynamics of membrane lipids. Proton enhanced (PE) 13C-NMR measurements are reported for the methylene chain resonances in red blood cell membranes and their lipid extracts. For comparison similar measurements have been made of phospholipid dispersions containing cholesterol and the polypeptide gramicidin A+. It is found that the spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating reference frame (T1 rho) is far more sensitive to protein, gramicidin A+ or cholesterol content than is the laboratory frame relaxation time (T1). Based on this data it is concluded that the addition of the second component to a lipid bilayer produces a low-frequency motion in the region of 10(5) to 10(7) Hz within the membrane lipid. The T1 rho for the superimposed resonance peaks derived from all parts of the phospholipid chain are all influenced in the same manner suggesting that the low frequency motion involves collective movements of large segments of the hydrocarbon chain. Because of the molecular co-operativity implied in this type of motion and the greater sensitivity of T1 rho to the effects of lipid-protein interactions generally, it is proposed that these low-frequency perturbations are felt at a greater distance from the protein than those at higher frequencies which dominate T1.     

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.