Biochemical characterization of soluble nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase activity in rat serum

Biochemical properties of nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (NPP) in rat serum have been described by assessing its nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity, using p-nitrophenyl-5′-thymidine monophosphate (p-Nph-5′-TMP) as a substrate. It was demonstrated that NPP activity shares some typical characteristics described for other soluble NPP, such as divalent cation dependence, strong alkaline pH optimum (pH 10.5), inhibition by glycosaminoglycans, and K _m for p-Nph-5′-TMP hydrolysis of 61.8 ± 5.2 μM. In order to characterize the relation between phosphodiesterase and pyrophosphatase activities of NPP, we have analyzed the effects of different natural nucleotides and nucleotide analogs. ATP, ADP, and AMP competitively inhibited p-Nph-5′-TMP hydrolysis with K _i values ranging 13–43 μM. Nucleotide analogs, α,β-metATP, BzATP, 2-MeSATP, and dialATP behaved as competitive inhibitors, whereas α,β-metADP induced mixed inhibition, with K _i ranging from 2 to 20 μM. Chromatographic analysis revealed that α,β-metATP, BzATP, and 2-MeSATP were catalytically degraded in the serum, whereas dialATP and α,β-metADP resisted hydrolysis, implying that the former act as substrates and the latter as true competitive inhibitors of serum NPP activity. Since NPP activity is involved in generation, breakdown, and recycling of extracellular adenine nucleotides in the vascular compartment, the results suggest that both hydrolyzable and non-hydrolyzable nucleotide analogs could alter the amplitude and direction of ATP actions and could have potential therapeutic application.     

Biochemical characterization of ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (E-NPP, E.C. 3.1.4.1) from rat heart left ventricle

In the present study we investigate the biochemical properties of the members of NPP family in synaptosomes prepared from rat heart left ventricles. Using p-nitrophenyl-5′-thymidine monophosphate (p-Nph-5′-TMP) as substrate for E-NPPs in rat cardiac synaptosomes, we observed an alkaline pH dependence, divalent cation dependence and the K _M value corresponded to 91.42 ± 13.97 μM and the maximal velocity (V _max ) value calculated was 63.79 ± 3.59 nmol p-nitrophenol released/min/mg of protein (mean ± SD, n = 4). Levamisole (1 mM), was ineffective as inhibitor of p-Nph-5′-TMP hydrolysis in pH 8.9 (optimum pH for the enzyme characterized). Suramin (0.25 mM) strongly reduced the hydrolysis of p-Nph-5′-TMP by about 46%. Sodium azide (10 and 20 mM) and gadolinium chloride (0.3 and 0.5 mM), E-NTPases inhibitors, had no effects on p-Nph-5′-TMP hydrolysis. RT-PCR analysis of left ventricle demonstrated the expression of NPP2 and NPP3 enzymes, but excluded the presence of NPP1 member. By quantitative real-time PCR we identified the NPP3 as the enzyme with the highest expression in rat left ventricle. The demonstration of the presence of the E-NPP family in cardiac system, suggest that these enzymes could contribute with the fine-tuning control of the nucleotide levels at the nerve terminal endings of left ventricles that are involved in several cardiac pathologies.     

Substrate Specificity of Nuclease P1

Nuclease P₁ cleaved substantially all phosphodiester bonds in rRNA, tRNA, poly(I), poly(U), poly(A), poly(C), poly(G), poly(I)·poly(C), native DNA and heat-denatured DNA to produce exclusively 5′-mononucleotides. Single-stranded polynucleotides were much more susceptible than double-stranded ones. Influence of pH and ionic strength on the hydrolysis rate significantly varied with the kind of polynucleotides. The enzyme also hydrolyzed 3′-phosphomonoester bonds in 3′-AMP, 3′-GMP, 3′-UMP, 3′-CMP, 3′-dAMP, 3′-dGMP, 3′-dCMP and 3′-dTMP. Ribonucleoside 3′-monophosphates were hydrolyzed 20 to 50 times faster than the corresponding 3′-deoxyribonucleotides. Base preference of the enzyme for 3′-ribonucleotides was in the order of G>A>C≧U, whereas that for 3′-deoxyribo-nucleotides was in the order of C≧T>A≧G. The 3′-phosphomonoester bonds in nucleoside 3′, 5′-diphosphates, coenzyme A and dinucleotides bearing 3′-phosphate were hydrolyzed at a rate similar to that for the corresponding 3′-mononucleotides. Adenosine 2′-monophosphate was highly resistant, being split at less than 1/3,000 the rate at which 3′-AMP was split.     

6′-substituted and 6′,6″-disubstituted derivatives of raffinose

The reaction of 6′-chloro-6′-deoxyraffinose deca-acetate with a variety of nucleophilic anions (Br^-,I^-,N^-₃) gave the corresponding 6′-substituted raffinoses. The 6′-azide was further converted into 6′-amino-6′-deoxyraffinose, isolated as its N-acetyl derivative, and silver fluoride-induced elimination of hydrogen iodide from the 6′-iodide gave the 6′-deoxy-5′-ene. Treatment of 6′-chloro-6′-deoxyraffinose and 6′,6″-dichloro-6′,6″-dideoxyraffinose with base afforded, respectively, 3′,6′-anhydro-and 3′,6′;3″,6″-dianhydro-raffinose in high yields. In addition, the dichloride was converted into 6′,6″-diazido-6′,6″-dideoxyraffinose.     

Kinetic Properties of Adenine Nucleotide Analogues Against Purified 5-Phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate Synthetases from E. coli,Rat Liver and Human Erythrocytes

Abstract

The nucleoside analogue 2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine (ddA), the phosphonate isostere of 2′,3′-dideoxy-2′,3′-didehydro-adenosine (d4A) 5′-monophosphate (d4API), and the acyclic nucleoside phosphonates PMEoA, PMEA, FPMPA and PMPA are potent and selective antiretroviral agents. We found that these compounds are recognized as substrates by the PRPP synthetases from E. coli, rat liver and human erythrocytes, as their monophosphate and triphosphate form in the reverse and forward reaction, respectively. In particular, ddA-5′-monophosphate (ddAMP) and ddA-5′-triphosphate proved to be excellent substrates for the enzymes. D4API was a relatively good substrate of the rat liver and human erythrocyte PRPP synthetases. The acyclic nucleoside phosphonates were rather poor substrates, as evident from their low V_max values. None of the PRPP synthetases are found to act stereospecifically: they recognized both the S- and R-enantiomers of FPMPA and PMPA in a comparably efficient manner. Our data indicate that PRPP synthetase may recognize a much broader range of adenine nucleotide analogues than previously thought.     

Pyrimidine Nucleotidases/Phosphotransferases from Human Erythrocyte

Abstract

Two cytoplasmic pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase have been purified from human erythrocytes to homogeneity and partially characterized. The two enzymes, indicated as PN-I and PN-II, preferentially hydrolyse pyrimidine 5′-monophosphates and 3′-monophosphates, respectively. The kinetic analysis demonstrate that pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidases, in the presence of suitable nucleoside substrates, can operate as phosphotransferases by transferring phosphate to various nucleoside acceptors, including nucleoside analogues known as important drugs widely used in chemotherapy.     

Human complex-forming glycoprotein, heterogeneous in charge: the primary structure around the cysteine residues and characterization of a disulfide bridge

L-929 cell surface membranes have been assayed in vitro and found to contain significant protein kinase activity. A steady-state kinetic analysis indicated that at least two distinct protein kinases were present. Plots of reaction velocity (v) against substrate (ATP) concentration were distinctly biphasic, as were Lineweaver-Burk plots of $\text{1}\text{v}$ versus $\text{1}\text{ATP}$. Michaelis constants of the two enzymes were calculated to be 22 and 173 μm, respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel analysis of the phosphorylated membrane proteins provided additional support for the existence of more than one protein kinase. Different endogenous proteins were phosphorylated at 1 μm ATP compared to 1 μm ATP. Further studies of the low K_m (22 μm) enzyme suggested that it is a typical cyclic 3′,5′-AMP-independent protein kinase. Its activity was dependent on the presence of Mg²⁺, but it was not affected by cyclic 3′,5′-AMP, cyclic 3′,5′-GMP, or the heat-stable inhibitor of cyclic 3′,5′-AMP-dependent protein kinases. ATP and GTP, but not other nucleoside triphosphates, could serve as phosphoryl donor and maximum kinase activity was expressed at pH 7.0. Phosvitin and casein were superior to histones as exogenous substrates for the low K_m enzyme.     

Catalytic cycloalumination in steroid chemistry II: Selective functionalization of 2′-methylidene-2′,3′-ethano-(5α)-cholestane

The catalytic cycloalumination of 2′-methylidene-2′,3′-ethano-(5α)-cholestane with Et₃Al catalyzed by Cp₂ZrCl₂ was performed for the first time to give spiro[2′,3′-ethano-(5α)-cholestane-2′,3″-aluminacyclopentane] in a ～75% yield and with high stereoselectivity (>98%). The obtained cyclic organoaluminum compound was transformed in situ into heterocyclic spiran derivatives of 2′,3′-ethano-(5α)-cholestane.     

Aryl nucleoside H-phosphonates. Part 16: Synthesis and anti-HIV-1 activity of di-aryl nucleoside phosphotriesters

Di-aryl nucleoside phosphotriesters have been explored as a new type of pronucleotides for the purpose of anti-HIV-1 therapy and efficient synthetic protocols, based on H-phosphonate chemistry, have been developed for the preparation of this class of compounds. It was found that anti-HIV-1 activity of the phosphotriesters bearing an antiviral nucleoside moiety (AZT, ddA) and also ddU was due, at least partially, to intracellular conversion into the corresponding nucleoside 5′-monophosphates, and their efficiency correlated well with the pK_a values of the aryloxy groups present.     

Enzymatic characteristics of two novel Myxococcus xanthus enzymes, PdeA and PdeB, displaying 3′,5′- and 2′,3′-cAMP phosphodiesterase, and phosphatase activities

Myxococcus xanthus PdeA and PdeB, enzymes homologous to class III 3′,5′-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases, hydrolyzed 3′,5′- and 2′,3′-cyclic AMP (cAMP) to adenosine, and also demonstrated phosphatase activity toward nucleoside 5′-tri-, 5′-di-, 5′- and 3′-monophosphates with highest activities for nucleoside 5′-monophosphates. The substrate specificities of PdeA and PdeB show no similarity to that of any known cNMP phosphodiesterase, nucleotidase, or phosphatase. The enzyme activities of PdeA and PdeB were stimulated by 50 μM Mn²⁺ or Co²⁺. The K_m values of PdeA and PdeB for 3′,5′-cAMP, 2′,3′-cAMP, 5′-ATP, and 5′-AMP were in the low micromolar range (1.4-12.5  μM).     

Diarylpropanoids from Iryanthera polyneura

The trunk wood of Iryanthera polyneura Ducke (Myristicaceae) contains pinocembrin, 1-(2′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(3″,4″-methylenedioxyphenyl)-propane, 1-(2′,4′-dihydroxy-3′-methylphenyl)-3-(2″-methoxy-4″, 5″-methylenedioxyphenyl)-propane and 4,2′,4′-trihydroxy-3-methoxydihydrochalcone.     

Neolignans of Virola carinata bark

Four neolignans, dehydrodieugenol, its monomethylether, carinatone and carinatin have been isolated from the hexane fraction of the bark of Virola carinata. Three new neolignans were separated from the chloroform fraction and examined by spectroscopy and chemical reactions. Their structures were determined as (2S, 3S)-5-allyl- 7-methoxy-3-hydroxymethyl-2-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran, (2S)- 1-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(3″-allyl-5″-methoxy-6″-hydroxyphenyl)propanone(1) ol(3), (1S,2S)-1-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(3″-allyl-5″-methoxy-6″-hydroxyphenyl) propanol(1) and called dihydrocarinatinol, carinatonol and carinatol, respectively.     

Dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans from Piper cubeba

Six more lignans have been isolated from the hot petrol extract of Piper cubeba fruits. Of these, three compounds which have been isolated from a natural source for the first time were characterized as (2R,3R)-2-(5″-methoxy-3″,4″-methylenedi [(−)-cubebinone], (2R,3R)-2-(3″,4″-methylenedioxybenzyl)-3-(3′,4′,5′-trimethoxybenzyl)butyrolactone [(−)-isoyatein] and (2R,3R)-2-(3″,4″,5″-trimethoxybenzyl)-3-(3′,4′-dimethoxybenzyl)butyrolactone [(−)-di-O-methyl thujaplicatin methyl ether, i.e. (−)-thujaplicatin trimethyl ether]. The other three compounds were identified as (−)-yatein, (−)-cubebininolide and (2R,3R)-2-(3″,4″-methylenedioxybenzyl)-3-(3′,4′-dimethoxybenzyl) butyrolactone.     

A BIOCHEMICAL AND CYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN THE PHLOEM OF NICOTIAN A TABACUM

A biochemical and cytochemical study has been made of the distribution of ATPase in mature and differentiating phloem cells of Nicotiana tabacum and of the substrate specificity and effects of fixation on enzyme activity. Homogenates of unfixed leaf midveins and midveins fixed in formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde were assayed for enzyme activity by determining the amount of P_i, liberated per milligram of protein from various substrates in a 30 min period at pH 7.2. In fresh homogenates, hydrolysis of ATP was not significantly different from that of ITP, CTP, and UTP. Hydrolysis of GTP was slightly higher than that of ATP. ATP hydrolysis by fresh homogenates was 17% more extensive than that of ADP, 76% more extensive than that of 5'-AMP, and was inhibited by fluoride and p-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB). There was little or no hydrolysis of the competitive inhibitors 2'- and 3'-AMP nor with the alternate substrates p-nitrophenylphosphate (PNP) or β-glycerophosphate (β-GP). In homogenates of material fixed in formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde for 1¼ h, ATPase activity was 13% preserved. Hydrolysis of ATP by fixed homogenates was not significantly different from that of ADP, 5'-AMP, ITP, CTP, and GTP. Hydrolysis of UTP was lower. Fluoride and PCMB inhibited fixed ATPase activity. The results of cytochemical localization experiments using a lead phosphate precipitation technique were in agreement with the biochemical results. Similar localization patterns were obtained with the nucleoside triphosphates ATP, CTP, GTP, ITP, and UTP. Activity was also localized with ADP and 5'-AMP but not with the competitive inhibitors 2'- and 3'-AMP, nor with PNP or β-GP. Little or no reaction product was deposited in other controls incubated without substrate or with substrate plus fluoride, PCMB, or N-ethylmaleimide. ATPase activity was demonstrated chiefly at the plasma membrane of mature and differentiating phloem cells and was associated with the P-protein of mature sieve elements. It is suggested that the phloem transport system derives its energy from the demonstrated nucleoside triphosphatase activity.     

Four isoflavanones from the stem bark of Platycelphium voënse

From the stem bark of Platycelphium voënse (Leguminosae) four new isoflavanones were isolated and characterized as (S)-5,7-dihydroxy-2′,4′-dimethoxy-3′-(3″-methylbut-2″-enyl)-isoflavanone (trivial name platyisoflavanone A), (±)-5,7,2′-trihydroxy-4′-methoxy-3′-(3″-methylbut-2″-enyl)-isoflavanone (platyisoflavanone B), 5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy-2″-(2?-hydroxyisopropyl)-dihydrofurano-[4″,5″:3′,2′]-isoflavanone (platyisoflavanone C) and 5,7,2′,3″-tetrahydroxy-2″,2″-dimethyldihydropyrano-[5″,6″:3′,4′]-isoflavanone (platyisoflavanone D). In addition, the known isoflavanones, sophoraisoflavanone A and glyasperin F; the isoflavone, formononetin; two flavones, kumatakenin and isokaempferide; as well as two triterpenes, betulin and β-amyrin were identified. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. Platyisoflavanone A showed antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the microplate alamar blue assay (MABA) with MIC = 23.7 μM, but also showed cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 21.1 μM) in the vero cell test.     

The neolignans (−)-carinatone and carinatin from Virola carinata

From the bark of Virola carinata two neolignans have been isolated: (?)-carcinatone, [(2S)-1-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(3″-allyl-5″-methoxy-6″-hydroxyphenyl) propanone] and carinatin, [5-allyl-7-methoxy-3-methyl-2-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl)benzofuran].     

Tetronic acid and diarylpropanes from Iryanthera elliptica

The trunk wood of Iryanthera elliptica Ducke (Myristicaceae) contains, besides 2-(ω-piperonyltridecyl) -4-methylidenetetronic acid (iryelliptin), three biogenetically related compounds: (±)-7,4′-dihydroxy-3′-methoxyflavan, 1-(4′-hydroxy-2′-methoxyphenyl)- 3-(4″-hydroxy-3″-methoxyphenyl)-propane and spiro-[3-methoxy-2,5-cyclohexadien-1.1′-6′,7′- dihydroxy-5′-methoxy-1′,2′,3′,4′-tetrahydronaphthalen]-4-one-(spiroelliptin). Spiroelliptin rearranges upon methylation to 2,2′-trimethylene-3,4,5,4′,5′-penta-methoxybiphenyl.     

Substrate Properties of Adenosine- and Uridine- 3′, 5′-bisphenylphosphonates for 3′-Nucleotidase/Nucleases

Abstract

3′, 5′-Bisphenylphosphonate and 5′-phenylphosphonate esters of adenosine and uridine were synthesized to investigate the substrate properties of the 3′, 5′-bisphenylphosphonates for 3′-nucleotidase/nucleases. The V _max/apparent K _m, values of the enzymes for them were found to be 9 to 21-fold higher than those for the corresponding nucleoside 3′-phenylphosphonates.