Purification of DOPA decarboxylase from bovine striatum

Pyridoxal phosphate-dependent DOPA decarboxylase has been purified from bovine striatum to a specific activity of 1.6 U/mg protein. After ammonium sulfate precipitation (30–60%) it was purified by DEAE-Sephacel, Sephacryl S-200, and TSK Phenyl 5 PW chromatography. The purified enzyme showed a single silver staining band with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under both denaturing and non-denaturing conditions. The bovine striatal DOPA decarboxylase is a dimer (subunit M_r = 56000 by SDS-PAGE) with a native M_r of 106000 as judged by chromatography on Sephacryl S-200 and by sedimentation analysis. Similar to the DOPA decarboxylase purified from non-CNS tissues, the bovine striatal enzyme requires free sulfhydryl groups for activity, is strongly inhibited by heavy metal ions, and can decarboxylate 5-hydroxytryptophan as well. It should be noted, however, that the final enzyme preparation is enriched in DOPA decarboxylase activity. The distribution of the DOPA decarboxylase and 5-HTP decarboxylase activities also varies among several bovine brain regions. In addition, heat treatment of the enzyme preparation inactivated the two decarboxylation activities at different rates.Abbreviations AADC Aromatic L-amino Acid Decarboxylase - CNS Central Nervous System - DOPA 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine - DTT Dithiothreitol, 5-HTP - 5-hydroxytryptophan - Mr relative molecular weight - PLP pyridoxal 5-phosphate - SDS-PAGE Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis Part of this paper was presented at the 1987 Annual Pharmacology and Toxicology Conferences held at University of North Dakota School of Medicine, North Dakota, USA Res Commun Psychol Psychiat Behav 12: 227–228, 1987 (Abstr).     

Purification and characterization of L-mimosine synthase from Leucaena leucocephala

L-Mimosine synthase has been isolated from Leucaena leucocephala seedlings and purified 280-fold by heat treatment, ammonium sulphate fractionation, gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. The enzyme was shown to be homogeneous by gel electrophoresis (MW 64 000±2000) and to consist of two identical subunits with MWs of 32 000±2000. The purified enzyme has a K_m value of 6.25 x 10^?3 M for O-acetyl-L-serine and 5.0 x 10^?3 M for 3,4-dihydroxypyridine. In these and other properties, the enzyme differs from β-(pyrazol-1-yl)-L-alanine synthase from Citrullus vulgaris seedlings.     

Purification and Characterization of Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase from Rat Kidney and Monoclonal Antibody to the Enzyme

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase was purified from rat kidney to homogeneity, as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, in the presence and absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The final preparation showed an activity of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) decarboxylation of approximately 11,000 nmol/min/mg of protein at 37 degrees C. The purified enzyme also catalyzed the decarboxylation of 5-hydroxytryptophan, tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine. The enzyme appeared to be composed of two identical subunits, each possessing a molecular weight of 48,000. The isoelectric point of the enzyme was estimated to be 6.7 in the presence of 8 M urea and 5.60-5.85 in its absence. To examine the identity of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase from various tissues, a monoclonal antibody directed against the enzyme from rat kidney was prepared. Immunotitration and analysis by antibody-affinity chromatography followed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the enzymes from the striatum, adrenal medulla, pineal gland, liver, and kidney were indistinguishable with respect to immunological cross-reactivity and molecular size.     

8-Aza-7,9-dideazaxanthine acyclic nucleoside phosphonate inhibitors of thymidine phosphorylase

3- and 8-(8-phosphonooctyl)-8-aza-7,9-dideazaxanthine, and 1,8-bis(8-aza-7,9-dideazaxanthin-8-yl)octane were prepared and found to inhibit thymidine phosphorylase from Escherichia coli, human recombinant TP expressed in V79, and TP purified from human placenta. The IC₅₀ values ranged from 3.5 to 27 μM.     

Purification of β-galactosidase from Erythrina indica: Involvement of tryptophan in active site

β-Galactosidase (EC: 3.2.1.23), one of the glycosidases detected in Erythrina indica seeds, was purified to 135 fold. Amongst the four major glycosidases detected β-galactosidase was found to be least glycosylated, and was not retained by Con-A CL Seralose affinity matrix. A homogenous preparation of the enzyme was obtained by ion-exchange chromatography, followed by gel filtration. The enzyme was found to be a dimmer with a molecular weight of 74 kDa and 78 kDa, by gel filtration and SDS-PAGE, respectively. The optimum pH and optimum temperature for enzyme activity were 4.4 and 50 °C, respectively. The enzyme showed a K_m value of 2.6 mM and V_max of 3.86 U/mg for p-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside as substrate and was inhibited by Zn²⁺ and Hg²⁺. The enzyme activity was regulated by feed back inhibition as it was found to be inhibited by β-D-galactose. Chemical modification studies revealed involvement of tryptophan and histidine for enzyme activity. Involvement of tryptophan was also supported by fluorescence studies and one tryptophan was found to be present in the active site of β-galactosidase. Circular dichroism studies revealed 37% α helix, 27% β sheet and 38% random coil in the secondary structure of the purified enzyme.     

A type IV modification dependent restriction nuclease that targets glucosylated hydroxymethyl cytosine modified DNAs

The Escherichia coli CT596 prophage exclusion genes gmrS and gmrD were found to encode a novel type IV modification-dependent restriction nuclease that targets and digests glucosylated (glc)-hydroxymethylcytosine (HMC) DNAs. The protein products GmrS (36 kDa) and GmrD (27 kDa) were purified and found to be inactive separately, but together degraded several different glc-HMC modified DNAs (T4, T2 and T6). The GMR enzyme is able to degrade both alpha-glucosy-HMC T4 DNA and beta-glucosyl-HMC T4 DNA, whereas no activity was observed against non-modified DNAs including unmodified T4 cytosine (C) DNA or non-glucosylated T4 HMC DNA. Enzyme activity requires NTP, favors UTP, is stimulated by calcium, and initially produces 4 kb DNA fragments that are further degraded to low molecular mass products. The enzyme is inhibited by the T4 phage internal protein I* (IPI*) to which it was found to bind. Overall activities of the purified GmrSD enzyme are in good agreement with the properties of the cloned gmr genes in vivo and suggest a restriction enzyme specific for sugar modified HMC DNAs. IPI* thus represents a third generation bacteriophage defense against restriction nucleases of the Gmr type.     

Polyphenol oxidase isoenzymes in avocado

Avocado polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was precipitated mainly in the 30–90% saturated ammonium sulfate fraction. The 40–75% saturated ammonium sulfate fraction (the partially purified enzyme) had the highest specific activity in the cultivars Lerman, Horeshim and Fuerte. The PPO was active towards o-dihydroxyphenols. Six active enzymes (a–f) were detected with D,L-DOPA, 4-methylcatechol, catechol, caffeic acid or chlorogenic acid. Band e was the most active in all cases. More isoenzyme bands (fast-moving) were observed with caffeic acid than with 4-methylcatechol. Furthermore, the isoenzyme patterns of the partially purified extracts of the cultivars could be distinguished with respect to caffeic acid.     

P-glycoprotein ATPase from the resistant pest, Helicoverpa armigera: Purification, characterization and effect of various insecticides on its transport function

Helicoverpa armigera is a major pest of agricultural crops and has developed resistance to various insecticides. A P-glycoprotein (Pgp) with ATPase activity likely to be involved in insecticide resistance was purified and characterized from insecticide-resistant H. armigera. The purification was 18-fold with 3% yield. The optimum pH and temperature were found to be 7.4 and 30-40 °C, respectively. Kinetic studies indicated that this enzyme had a K_m value of 1.2 mM for ATP. Pgp from H. armigera was partially sequenced and found to be homologous to conserved sequences of mammalian Pgps. Pesticides stimulated H. armigera Pgp ATPase activity with a maximum stimulation of up to 40%. Quenching of the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence of purified Pgp was used to quantitate insecticide binding. Using the high-affinity fluorescent substrate, tetramethylrosamine, transport was monitored in real time in proteoliposomes containing H. armigera Pgp. The presence of Pgp could be one of the reasons for insecticide resistance in this pest.     

Proteinase 3 carries small unusual carbohydrates and associates with αlpha-defensins

The neutrophil granulocyte is an important first line of defense against intruding pathogens and it contains a range of granules armed with antibacterial peptides and proteins. Proteinase 3 (PR3) is one among several serine proteases of the azurophilic granules in neutrophil granulocytes. Here, we characterize the glycosylation of PR3 and its association with antimicrobial human neutrophil peptides (HNPs, α-defensins) and the effect of these on the mechanism of inhibition of the major plasma inhibitor of PR3, α1-antitrypsin. The glycosylation of purified, mature PR3 showed some heterogeneity with carbohydrates at Asn 102 and 147 carrying unusual small moieties indicating heavy processing. Mass spectrometric analysis and immuno blotting revealed strong association of highly purified PR3 with α-defensins and oligomers hereof. Irreversible inhibition of PR3 by α1-antitrypsin did not affect its association with defensins. Other proteins from neutrophil granules were also found to be associated with defensins, whereas purified plasma proteins did not carry defensins. These results point to a role of defensins in controlling and targeting the activity of neutrophil granule proteins.     

Developmental studies on the Sigma and Delta-1 glutathione transferases of Lucilia cuprina

The glutathione transferases (GSTs) are a large group of enzymes having both detoxication roles and specialist metabolic functions. The present work represents an initial approach to identifying some of these roles by examining the variation of specific members of the family under differing conditions. The GSTs from Lucilia cuprina have been partially purified, members of two families being isolated, by the use of glutathione immobilised on epichlorhydrin-activated Sepharose 6B. The GSTs were separated by 2D SDS-PAGE and characterised by MALDI-TOF analysis of tryptic peptides. The mass fragments were then matched against the corresponding Drosophila melanogaster and Musca domestica sequences. GSTs were identified as coming from only the Sigma and Delta classes. The multiple Delta zones appear all to be derived from the Lucilia GSTD1 isoform. The distribution of these GST proteins has been studied during different developmental stages of the insect. Delta isoforms were present in all developmental stages of L. cuprina. The Sigma GST was not detectable in the egg, was just detectable in the larval and pupal stages and was the major GST isolated in the adult. Sigma and Delta isoforms were both found in all body segments of the insect. Both isoforms appear to undergo extensive post-translational modification. Activities of the two types of protein with model substrates have been determined.     

Characterization of a multifunctional methyltransferase from the orchid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vanilla planifolia</Emphasis>

The final enzymatic step in the synthesis of the flavor compound vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) is believed to be methylation of 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde. We have isolated and functionally characterized a cDNA that encodes a multifunctional methyltransferase from Vanilla planifolia tissue cultures that can catalyze the conversion of 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde to vanillin, although 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde is not the preferred substrate. The higher catalytic efficiency of the purified recombinant enzyme with the substrates caffeoyl aldehyde and 5-OH-coniferaldehyde, and its tissue distribution, suggest this methyltransferase may primarily function in lignin biosynthesis. However, since the enzyme characterized here does have 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde-O-methyltransferase activity, it may be useful in engineering strategies for the synthesis of natural vanillin from alternate sources.Abbreviations COMT Caffeic acid O-methyltransferase - DOMT 3,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde-O-methyltransferase - OMTs O-Methyltransferases - SAM S-adenosyl-l-methionine     

Effect of hesperetin on tyrosinase: inhibition kinetics integrated computational simulation study

Tyrosinase inhibitors have potential applications in medicine, cosmetics and agriculture to prevent hyperpigmentation or browning effects. Some of the flavonoids mostly found in herbal plants and fruits are revealed as tyrosinase inhibitors. We studied the inhibitory effects of one such flavonoid, hesperetin, on mushroom tyrosinase using inhibition kinetics and computational simulation. Hesperetin reversibly inhibited tyrosinase in a competitive manner with K_i = 4.03 ± 0.26 mM. Measurements of ANS-binding fluorescence showed that hesperetin induced the hydrophobic disruption of tyrosinase. For further insight, we used the docking algorithms to simulate binding between tyrosinase and hesperetin. Simulation was successful (binding energies for Dock6.3: −34.41 kcal/mol and for AutoDock4.2: −5.67 kcal/mol) and showed that a copper ion coordinating with 3 histidine residues (HIS61, HIS85, and HIS259) within the active site pocket was chelated via hesperetin binding. Our study provides insight into the inhibition of tyrosinase in response to flavonoids. A combination of inhibition kinetics and computational prediction may facilitate the identification of potential natural tyrosinase inhibitors such as flavonoids and the prediction of their inhibitory mechanisms.     

Rat atrial natriuretic factor. Purification and vasorelaxant activity

The atrial natriuretic activity of rat heart has been found to exist in multiple forms. One of these factors has been purified to apparent homogeneity by a combination of gel filtration and high pressure liquid chromatography in two different systems and its amino acid composition determined. The purified active peptide is shown to have a molecular weight of approximately 3800. In addition, the vasorelaxant activity of rat atrium has been purified and found to cochromatograph with the natriuretic activity in all chromatographic systems employed. Thus, the vasorelaxant activity resides in the natriuretic factor. The existence of this new multifunctional peptide implies a higher level of complexity for cardiovascular control of blood volume and pressure.     

A novel Aspergillus oryzae esterase that hydrolyzes 4-hydroxybenzoic acid esters

In this study we report the biochemical characterization of a hypothetical protein from Aspergillus oryzae exhibiting sequence identity with feruloyl esterase and tannase from the genus Aspergillus. The purified recombinant protein showed a hydrolytic activity toward the ethyl, propyl, or butyl esters of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, but did not show feruloyl esterase or tannase activity. Finally, the enzyme decreased the antimicrobial activity of parabens against A. oryzae via hydrolysis of the ester bond present in butyl 4-hydroxybenzoic acid.     

Concentrations of 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine and Catecholamines and Metabolites in Brain in an Anhepatic Model of Hepatic Encephalopathy

Abstract: Alterations in the catecholaminergic neurotransmitter systems have been shown to occur in hepatic failure and may contribute to development of hepatic encephalopathy. In the present study we used the rat after complete hepatectomy as a model for study of changes that occur in brain in acute liver failure. We attempted to identify processes in the synthesis, storage, and metabolism of catecholamine neurotransmitters that might be changed during liver failure by measuring levels of, together with those of norepinephrine and dopamine, the precursor (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) and the neuronal metabolites of dopamine and norepinephrine (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, respectively) in different regions of brains of control rats and of rats after hepatectomy. We found that in most brain regions of hepatectomized rats there were increases in the concentration of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine or of dopamine but decreases in the concentrations of norepinephrine or of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol. The particulate/supernatant ratios of catecholamines are indices of retention of neurotransmitters in storage sites. These ratios were not different in brain regions between control rats and hepatectomized rats, suggesting that vesicular retention of catecholamines in brain was not impaired after hepatectomy. The data suggest that inhibition of dopamine-β-hydroxylase might be a characteristic of hepatic failure.     

Mechanistic Implications for the Chorismatase FkbO Based on the Crystal Structure

Chorismate-converting enzymes are involved in many biosynthetic pathways leading to natural products and can often be used as tools for the synthesis of chemical building blocks. Chorismatases such as FkbO from Streptomyces species catalyse the hydrolysis of chorismate yielding (dihydro)benzoic acid derivatives. In contrast to many other chorismate-converting enzymes, the structure and catalytic mechanism of a chorismatase had not been previously elucidated. Here we present the crystal structure of the chorismatase FkbO in complex with a competitive inhibitor at 1.08 Å resolution. FkbO is a monomer in solution and exhibits pseudo-3-fold symmetry; the structure of the individual domains indicates a possible connection to the trimeric RidA/YjgF family and related enzymes. The co-crystallised inhibitor led to the identification of FkbO's active site in the cleft between the central and the C-terminal domains. A mechanism for FkbO is proposed based on both interactions between the inhibitor and the surrounding amino acids and an FkbO structure with chorismate modelled in the active site. We suggest that the methylene group of the chorismate enol ether takes up a proton from an active-site glutamic acid residue, thereby initiating chorismate hydrolysis. A similar chemistry has been described for isochorismatases, albeit implemented in an entirely different protein scaffold. This reaction model is supported by kinetic data from active-site variants of FkbO derived by site-directed mutagenesis.     

采用杆状病毒/昆虫表达系统纯化蛋白制备抗hUTP14a多克隆抗体

为制备兔抗人hUTP14a多克隆抗体并鉴定其抗体的特异性,本研究通过杆状病毒/昆虫表达系统制备并纯化Flag-hUTP14a-his蛋白,免疫新西兰家兔。ELISA方法检测免疫兔的抗血清滴度达到1∶10~5(体积比)时取血清,并通过Protein A免疫亲和层析柱纯化抗体。在人脐静脉内皮细胞(human umbilical vein endothelial cells,HUVEC)中过表达Flag-hUTP14a,或用小干扰RNA(small interference RNA, siRNA)沉默内源的hUTP14a蛋白表达后,提取细胞总蛋白质。经Western印迹分析制备的多克隆抗体的特异性;通过细胞免疫化学染色、细胞免疫荧光、免疫组织化学染色和免疫沉淀(immunoprecipitation, IP)实验对hUTP14a抗体的特异性进行鉴定。研究证实,制备的抗hUTP14a多克隆抗体能够特异性识别内源及外源表达的hUTP14a蛋白。该抗体可以用于细胞免疫荧光、细胞免疫化学染色、免疫组织化学染色、Western印迹及免疫沉淀等技术,为进一步研究hUTP14a的生物学功能提供了特异性抗体。