Proton NMR resonance assignments and surface accessibility of tryptophan residues of a dimeric phospholipase A2 from Trimeresurus flavoviridis

Proton NMR spectra of a dimeric phospholipase A₂ from Trimeresurus flavoviridis have been recorded. N-1 proton resonances of the tryptophan indole rings have been detected and assigned to specific positions, Trp-3/Trp-30, Trp-68 and Trp-108, by comparing the spectra of the enzyme derivatives with tryptophans oxidized to differing extents. Photo-CIDNP experiments have revealed that Trp-68 and Trp-108 are exposed while Trp-3 and Trp-30 are buried in the molecule. This is consistent with the X-ray crystal structure of a homologous phospholipase A₂ from Crotalus atrox where residues 3 and 30 are located at a dimer interface, but inconsistent with the results of stepwise oxidation of tryptophan residues.     

Identification of the tryptophan residue located in the calcium binding site of Trimeresurus flavoviridis phospholipase A2

When phospholipase A2 from the venom of Trimeresurus flavoviridis (the Habu snake) was oxidized with N-bromosuccinimide at pH 4.0, its activity decreased linearly with increase in the extent of oxidation of tryptophan residues. Oxidation of two of the four tryptophan residues caused an apparent loss of activity. The accessibilities of the tryptophan residues were analyzed with differently oxidized phospholipase A2 preparations and were determined to be in the following order: Trp-3 approximately Trp-30 greater than Trp-68 greater than Trp-108. The magnitude of the difference spectrum with a negative peak at 292 nm which is produced upon the binding of Ca2+ in the vicinity of tryptophan residue(s) decreased in a concave manner with increase in the extent of oxidation of tryptophan residues and was greatly diminished when 2 mol of tryptophan residues were oxidized. The activity and Ca2+-induced difference spectrum are thus related to either Trp-3 or Trp-30 or both. Des-octapeptide(1-8)-phospholipase A2 (L-fragment) is 14% as active as phospholipase A2 and is able to give a Ca2+-induced difference spectrum which is smaller than, but similar to, that of phospholipase A2. Its activity and the magnitude of the Ca2+-induced difference spectrum decreased along similar paths with increase in the amount of tryptophan residues oxidized, but in a manner indicating that two tryptophan residues are apparently responsible for the activity and the Ca2+-induced difference spectrum. The order of accessibility of the tryptophan residues of L-fragment was Trp-30 approximately Trp-108 greater than Trp-68. Trp-108, however, could be excluded from the residues located in the active site by reference to the tertiary structure of homologous Crotalus atrox phospholipase A2. Thus, Trp-30 is located in the Ca2+ binding site and is responsible for the activity of L-fragment. It is thus concluded that in phospholipase A2 Trp-30 is located in the Ca2+ binding site. From the concave decrease of relative magnitude of the Ca2+-induced difference spectrum and the linear decrease of relative activity upon oxidation of phospholipase A2, it may be assumed that both Trp-3 and Trp-30 are required to produce the Ca2+-induced difference spectrum, while only Trp-30 need be intact for activity. Anomalous binding of Ca2+ was observed for oxidized phospholipase A2.     

Involvement of phospholipase A2 in norepinephrine release from synaptosomes isolated from rat cerebral cortex

Phospholipase A₂ added directly to superfused [³H]norepinephrine-labeled synaptosomes could cause the release of neurotransmitter molecules. Chloroquine and quinacrine, which block the action of phospholipase A₂, inhibited either the phospholipase A₂-stimulated or the high potassium-stimulated release of [³H]norepinephrine from synaptosomes. Only quinacrine blocked the high potassium-stimulated influx of Ca²⁺. It appears that during stimulation of synaptosomes, Ca²⁺ influx leads to the activation of phospholipase A₂, which in turn, hydrolyzes membrane phospholipids in situ. The formation of lysophospholipids may alter the microenvironment and the physicochemical properties of membranes, resulting in the release of neurotransmitter through exocytosis.     

Properties of the Group IV phospholipase A2 family

The Group IV phospholipase A₂ family is comprised of six intracellular enzymes commonly called cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂) , cPLA₂β, cPLA₂γ, cPLA₂δ, cPLA₂ε and cPLA₂ζ. They are most homologous to phospholipase A and phospholipase B/lysophospholipases of filamentous fungi particularly in regions containing conserved residues involved in catalysis. However, a number of other serine acylhydrolases (patatin, Group VI PLA₂s, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ExoU and NTE) contain the Ser/Asp catalytic dyad characteristic of Group IV PLA₂s, and recent structural analysis of patatin has confirmed its structural similarity to cPLA₂. A characteristic of all these serine acylhydrolases is their ability to carry out multiple reactions to varying degrees (PLA₂, PLA₁, lysophospholipase and transacylase activities). cPLA₂, the most extensively studied Group IV PLA₂, is widely expressed in mammalian cells and mediates the production of functionally diverse lipid products in response to extracellular stimuli. It has PLA₂ and lysophospholipase activities and is the only PLA₂ that has specificity for phospholipid substrates containing arachidonic acid. Because of its role in initiating agonist-induced release of arachidonic acid for the production of eicosanoids, cPLA₂ activation is important in regulating normal and pathological processes in a variety of tissues. Current information available about the biochemical properties and tissue distribution of other Group IV PLA₂s suggests they may have distinct mechanisms of regulation and functional roles.     

Ergosterol peroxides as phospholipase A2 inhibitors from the fungus Lactarius hatsudake

Four ergosterol derivatives (1–4) have been isolated for the first time from the fruiting bodies of a basidiomycete fungus, Lactarius hatsudake, through activity-guided fractionation. Their structures were determined, using spectroscopic analysis, as: (22E,24R)-ergosta-5,7,22-dien-3β-ol (ergosterol, 1); 5,8-epidioxy-(22E,24R)-ergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol (ergosterol peroxide, 2); 5,8-epidioxy-(24S)-ergosta-6-en-3β-ol (3); and (22E,24R)-ergosta-7,22-dien-3β,5,6β-triol (cerevisterol, 4). Compounds 2 and 3 showed selective inhibitory activity against Crotalus adamenteus venom phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) enzyme, but not against Apis mellifcra bee venom PLA₂. The antiphospholipase A₂ activity of compounds 2 and 3 are reported here for the first time.     

Tryptophan residue essential for activity of Naja naja atra phospholipase A2

When Naja naja atra phospholipase A2, which contains three tryptophan residues at the 18th, 19th, and 61st positions, was oxidized with N-bromosuccinimide at pH 4.0, its activity decreased in a convex manner with increase in the extent of oxidation of tryptophan residues. The curve shape showed that the tryptophan residue oxidized last is most responsible for the activity. The order of accessibilities of the three tryptophan residues, which was analyzed according to the method reported previously (Mohri et al. (1876) J. Biochem. 100, 883-893), was Trp-61 greater than Trp-19 greater than Trp-18. Thus, Trp-18 was evaluated to be essential for activity. Difference spectra of phospholipase A2 produced by titrating with laurylphosphorylcholine in the presence of Ca2+, which are due in large part to perturbation of the tryptophan residue(s), were retained with phospholipase A2 derivatives containing 1.2 and 2.0 mol of tryptophan residues oxidized but not with the derivative containing 3.0 mol of tryptophan residues oxidized. Such observations led us to assume that Trp-18 is involved in the specific site that interacts with phospholipid.     

Optical properties of lysozyme. pH and saccharide binding difference spectra.

Difference spectra associated with changes in pH and with binding of saccharides have been recorded for hen egg white (HEW) lysozyme, turkey egg white (TEW) lysozyme, and for the derivatives of the hen protein in which Tre-62 or Trp-108 had been oxidized specifically to oxindolealanine to give the Oxa-62 or Oxa-108-proteins. Identical pH difference spectra were obtained for HEW, TEW, and Oxa-62-lysozymes. Oxidation of Trp-108 is reflected in both the high and low pH (pH 7 versus 5 and pH 2 versus 5) difference spectra. The magnitude of the low pH difference spectrum is enhanced by binding of saccharide for HEW and Oxa-62-lysozymes but not for TEW lysozyme. The shapes and magnitudes of saccharide binding difference spectra are affected by oxidation of residues 62 or 108. These results can be interpreted in terms of the perturbations responsible for the lysozyme difference spectra. The pH 7 versus 5 difference spectrum results from perturbation by Glu-35 of Trp-108 and another tryptophan, probably Trp-63. Perturbation of Trp-108 and one or more other tryptophan residues by several carboxylate groups is responsible for the low pH difference spectra of the unliganded HEW and TEW lysozyme molecules. Perturbation of Trp-108 makes a principal contribution to the saccharide-binding difference spectrum. Perturbation of the Oxa-108 chromophore by ionization of Glu-35 or by saccharide binding produces absorbance changes in the 250 to 265 nm region.     

Bioconversion of phospholipids by immobilized phospholipase A2

Phospholipase A₂ selectively hydrolyses the ester linkage at the sn-2 position of phospholipids forming lysocompounds. This bioconversion has importance in biotechnology since lysophospholipids are strong bioemulsifiers. The aim of the present work was to study the kinetic behaviour and properties of immobilized phospholipase A₂ from bee venom adsorbed into an ion exchange support. The enzyme had high affinity for CM-Sephadex^® support and the non-covalent interaction was optimum at pH 8. The activity of immobilized phospholipase A₂ was comparatively evaluated with the soluble enzyme using a phospholipid/Triton X-100 mixed micelle as assay system. The immobilized enzyme showed high retention activity and excellent stability under storage. The activity of the immobilized system remained almost constant after several cycles of hydrolysis. Immobilized phospholipase A₂ was less sensitive to pH changes compared to soluble form. The kinetic parameters obtained (V_max 883.4 μmol mg⁻¹ min⁻¹ and a K_m 12.9 mM for soluble form and V_max = 306 μmol mg⁻¹ min⁻¹ and a K_m = 3.9 for immobilized phospholipase A₂) were in agreement with the immobilization effect. The results obtained with CM-Sephadex^®-phospholipase A₂ system give a good framework for the development of a continuous phospholipid bioconversion process.     

Triplet state of tryptophan in proteins. 2. Differentiation between tryptophan residues 62 and 108 in lysozyme.

We have used optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) to characterize the degree of solvent availability of the tryptophan residues in lysozyme that are likely to be responsible for the observed phosphorescence. From the phosphorescence spectra, ODMR zero-field splittings (zfs), and ODMR line widths, we concur with the X-ray structure [Blake, C. C., Mair, G. A., North, A. C. T., Phillips, D. C., & Sarma, V. R. (1967) Proc. R. Soc. London, ser. B 167, 365-377] that Trp-62 behaves as an exposed residue and Trp-108 is buried. In addition, we present evidence that ODMR can be used in conjunction with conventional phosphorescence to evaluate the degree of order in the microenvironments of tryptophan in a protein containing several tryptophans. By the specific modification of residues Trp-62 and Trp-108, we have identified those portions of the ODMR lines in the native enzyme that are due to those specific residues. Barring major enzyme conformational changes in the vicinity of unmodified tryptophan residues when Trp-62 or Trp-108 are selectively modified, we find that Trp-108 dominates both the phosphorescence and the ODMR signals in native lysozyme. The results are discussed in view of previous fluorescence findings.     

Tryptophan fluorescence quenching by alkaline pH and ternary complex formation in human beta 1 beta 1 and horse EE alcohol dehydrogenases.

The horse EE and human β₁β₁ alcohol dehydrogenase isoenzymes have almost identical protein backbone folding patterns and contain 2 tryptophans per subunit (Trp-15 and Trp-314). Tyr-286, which had been proposed to quench the fluorescence of Trp-314 by resonance energy transfer at alkaline pH in EE, is substituted by Cys in β₁β₁. The proposed role of Tyr-286 in pH-dependent quenching of EE is confirmed by our observation that tryptophan fluorescence of β₁β₁ is not substantially quenched at alkaline pH. Tyr-286 had also been implicated in the quenching of Trp-314 upon formation of the EE-NAD⁺-trifluoroethanol ternary complex. However, β₁β₁ exhibits the same extent of tryptophan fluorescence quenching as EE upon complexation, which strongly suggests that Tyr-286 is not involved in ternary complex quenching.     

Characterization of phospholipase A2 and acyltransferase activities in squid (Loligo pealei) axoplasm: comparison with enzyme activities in other neural tissues, axolemma and axoplasmic subfractions.

Phospholipase A₂ and acyltransferase were assayed and characterized in pure axoplasm and neural tissues of squid. Intracellular phospholipase A₂ activity was highest in giant fiber lobe and axoplasm, followed by homogenates from retinal fibers, optic lobe and fin nerve. In most preparations, exogenous calcium (5 mM) caused a slight stimulation of activity. EGTA (2 mM) was somewhat inhibitory, indicating that low levels of endogenous calcium may be required for optimum activity. Phospholipase A₂ was inhibited by 0.1 mM p-bromophenacylbromide, and was completely inactivated following heating.

The level of acylCoA: lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase activity was higher in axoplasm and giant fiber lobe than in other neural tissues of the squid. K_m (apparent) and V_max (apparent) for oleoyl-CoA and lysophosphatidylcholine were quite similar for axoplasm and giant fiber lobe enzyme preparations. Acyltransferase activity was inactivated by heat treatment, and greatly inhibited by 0.2 mM p-chloromercuribenzoate, and to a lesser extent by 20 mM N-ethylmaleimide.

Phospholipase A₂ activity was present in fractions enriched in axolemmal membranes (separated from squid retinal fibers and garfish olfactory nerve) from both tissues, and it was also highly concentrated in vesicles derived from squid axoplasm. In all three preparations, phospholipase A₂ activity was stimulated by Ca⁺⁺ (5 mM) and inhibited by EGTA (2 mM). In addition, axoplasmic cytosol (114,000 g supernatant) retained a substantial portion of a Ca⁺⁺-independent phospholipase A₂, active in the presence of 2 mM EGTA. Acyltransferase activity was present at high content in both axolemma membrane rich fractions, and among subaxoplasmic fractions and axoplasmic vesicles.     

The circular dichroism of lysozyme.

The circular dichroism spectra of hen egg white lysozyme, and of lysozyme derivatives in which tryptophan residues 62 or 108, or both, are selectively oxidized, have been measured as a function of pH over the range of 200 to 310 nm. Neither Trp-62 nor Trp-108 is principally responsible for the positive rotational strength in the 280 to 300 nm region. The spectrum in the 200 to 230 nm region is nearly the same in the native protein and in the derivatives, and is little affected by binding of saccharide. These results are used to reinterpret the circular dichroism spectra of the lysozymes and alpha-lactalbumins.     

Estrogenic activity of triterpene glycosides in yeast two-hybrid assay

Estrogenic potency of six triterpene glycosides, Holothurin A, Holotoxin A₁, Frondoside A, Cucumarioside A₂-2 and Cauloside C, that are natural products and semi-synthesized Ginsenoside-Rh₂, were examined with yeast two-hybrid system, including expressed genes of human estrogen receptor, hER, the co-activator TIF2 and lacZ as a reporter gene. Only Ginsenoside-Rh₂ exhibited significant moderate estrogenic activity in the concentration range of 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻⁶ M. Its effect was approximately 30% of the activity of 17β-estradiol applied at half-effective concentration. This indicates Ginsenosides-Rh₂ is a weak phytoestrogen. The sea cucumber triterpene glycosides, Holothurin A, Holotoxin A₁, Cucumarioside A₂-2 and Frondoside A, and plant glycoside Cauloside C had no appreciable estrogenic activity. Data obtained by yeast two-hybrid assay reflect structure–activity relationship between tested compounds and 17β-estradiol. Only Ginsenoside-Rh₂ has some similarity in chemical structure with 17β-estradiol that might explain affinity of this glycoside to the hER receptor.     

脉冲电场作用对植物释放负离子与气孔特征的关系

植物在自然状态下释放负离子的能力很弱,施加脉冲电场可激发其释放能力。在密闭的玻璃箱中,研究紫背竹芋(Stromanthe sanguinea)、绒叶肖竹芋(Calathea zebrina)和朱顶红(Hippeastrum rutilum)在常态、脉冲电场和光照刺激下释放负离子的浓度,并观察叶片气孔特征,结果表明:(1)不同参数脉冲电场对植物释放负离子的能力影响不同,每种植物均具有高效释放负离子的最佳脉冲电场,紫背竹芋为A3B3C3(A3,U=1.5×104 V;B3,T=1.5 s;C3,?=65 ms);绒叶肖竹芋为A3B4C1(A3,U=1.5×104 V;B4,T=2.0 s;C1,?=5 ms);朱顶红为A4B4C1(A4,U=2.0×104 V;B4,T=2.0 s;C1,?=5 ms)。(2)植物体上所储存的电压越大,其释放负离子的能力越强。(3)脉冲电场作用时,植物释放负离子的能力与光照度呈正相关;无电场刺激时两者差异不显著(P0.05)。(4)植物释放负离子的能力与叶片气孔特征关系密切,脉冲电场作用下叶片气孔的开合度和气孔密度越大,其释放能力越强。     

Antagonists of the human adenosine A2A receptor. Part 1: Discovery and synthesis of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine-4-methanone derivatives

The (−)-(11R,2′S)-enantiomer of the antimalarial drug mefloquine has been found to be a reasonably potent and moderately selective adenosine A_2A receptor antagonist. Further investigation of this compound has led to the discovery of a series of keto-aryl thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives, which are potent and selective antagonists of the adenosine A_2A receptor. These derivatives show selectivity against the A₁ receptor. Furthermore, some of these compounds have been shown to have in vivo activity in a commonly used model, suggesting the potential for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.     

Phospholipase A2 in human placental serum

Intervillous blood was collected from term placentae at delivery, and sera were tested for phospholipase A₂ under various experimental conditions. Enzyme activity was found to develop upon extended storage in the cold or at 37°C. The enzyme is reversibly inhibited by dithiothreitol, requires Ca⁺⁺ ions for activity, and tolerates various detergents. The apparent molecular weight is 42 kDa. In all these parameters the serum enzyme behaves similar to the 42 kDa phospholipase A₂ which we recently purified to homogeneity from thoroughly washed placental tissue. Serum phospholipase A₂ appears to be generated by proteolytic processing from a slightly larger inactive precursor which was detected immunochemically. Most likely this protein originates from fetal cells and may be released by membrane damage. We conclude that both placental serum and tissue harbour a novel type of phospholipase A₂ which is distinct from cytosolic and secretory phospholipases A₂. Preference for arachidonate containing substrate suggests a role in eicosanoid production within gestational tissues.     

Bradykinin effects on phospholipid metabolism and its relation to arachidonic acid turnovers in neuroblastoma × glioma hybrid cells (NG 108-15)

In neuroblastoma × glioma hybrid cells (NG 108-15) labelled with [³²P]-trisodium phosphate, [³H]-inositol and [¹⁴C]-arachidonic acid, bradykinin stimulated the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂) while it had no effect on the release of [¹⁴C]-arachidonic acid (AA). The effect on PIP, was time- and dose-dependent with a maximal effect on [³H]-inositol- and [³²P]-labelled cells after 10–30 s of stimulation with 10⁻⁶ M bradykinin. However, the hydrolysis of [¹⁴C]-AA labelled PIP₂ was delayed compared to the effect on [³H]- and [¹⁴C]-PIP₂ and was not detectable until after 60 s of stimulation. Bradykinin stimulation resulted in an increased formation of [³H]-inositol phosphates (IP) and [³²P]- and [¹⁴P]- and [¹⁴C]-phosphatidic acid (PA) but the time course for PA formation did not allow the time-course for PIP₂ hydrolysis. A reduced labelling of [²³P]- and [¹⁴C]-phosphatidylcholine was also found in stimulated cells suggesting that PA may derive from other sources than PIP₂. In conclusion, our results indicate that bradykinin activates phospholipase C, but not phospholipase A₂, in NG 108-15 cells.     

Synthesis of 4-amino-6-(hetero)arylalkylamino-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one derivatives as potent A(2A) adenosine receptor antagonists

In previous papers (Colotta, V. et al. Arch. Pharm. Pharm. Med. Chem. 1999, 332, 39. Colotta, V. et al. J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 1158) we reported the synthesis and binding affinity at bovine (b) A₁ and A_2A and human (h) A₃ adenosine receptors (ARs) of the 4-amino-6-benzylamino-2-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (compound A) which resulted in a potent and selective A_2A AR antagonist. Compound A provided the lead compound of a series of 6- or 8-(hetero)arylalkylamino-4-amino-2-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one derivatives (compounds 1–20) which are the object of this paper. Most of the newly synthesized compounds are inactive at hA₃ ARs while they possess both nanomolar bA_2A affinities and different degrees of bA_2A versus bA₁ selectivity. The binding data show that hydrophilic substituents on the benzyl moiety are the most profitable for bA_2A receptor affinity. Furthermore, their steric hindrance seems to play an important role for the bA_2A AR interaction, thus suggesting that the 6-aralkylamino moiety of these ligands interacts with a size-limited binding pocket of this AR subtype. Thus, the SAR studies provided us some new insights about the structural requirements of the bA_2A AR recognition site.     

The environments of Trp-248 and Trp-330 in tryptophan indole-lyase from Escherichia coli

The two tryptophan residues, Trp-248 and Trp-330, in tryptophan indole-lyase (tryptophanase) from E. coli have been separately mutated to phenylalanine using site-directed mutagenesis. Both single tryptophan mutant enzymes have full catalytic activity, but exhibit different fluorescence and near-UV circular dichroism spectra. These results indicate that Trp-330 is more deeply buried than is Trp-248, and is in a more asymmetric environment. Neither residue reacts with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), although tryptophan indole-lyase is inactivated by NBS. These results demonstrate that the tryptophan residues in tryptophan indole-lyase are not catalytically essential.     

Antagonists of the human adenosine A2A receptor. Part 2: Design and synthesis of 4-arylthieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives

We describe herein the discovery and development of a series of 4-arylthieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines which are potent adenosine A_2A receptor antagonists. These novel compounds show high degrees of selectivity against the human A₁, A_2B and A₃ receptor sub-types. Moreover, a number of these compounds show promising activity in vivo, suggesting potential utility in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.