Studies of the beta-galactoside transporter in inverted membrane vesicles of Escherichia coli. I. Symmetrical facilitated diffusion and proton gradient-coupled transport.

Facilitated diffusion of [14C]lactose into inverted membrane vesicles of Escherichia coli was measured using HgCl2 as a stopping reagent and polylysine to flocculate the vesicles for filtration. Equilibration of lactose between the internal and external volumes required expression of the y gene of the lac operon and was inhibited by thiodigalactoside or by prior incubation with N-ethylmaleimde or HgCl2. The initial rate of uptake was saturable, with a Kt of 0.95 mM. Counterflow of [14C]lactose was demonstrated in either direction. ATP hydrolysis or respiration drove the efflux of internal lactose. The effect of ATP required addition of F1 coupling factor (ATPase) from E. coli when lactose transport was studied in F1-deficient inverted vesicles. Accumulation of lactose against a concentration gradient was achieved by forming an artificial electrochemical proton gradient consisting of a membrane potential negative inside or a pH gradient basic inside. Addition of ATP inhibited this proton driven uptake showing that it occurred in inverted vesicles. It was concluded that the lactose-proton co-transport protein (M protein) is qualitatively symmetrical with respect to the facilitated diffusion of lactose and the coupling of proton and lactose transport.     

Intranasal administration of an Escherichia coli-expressed codon-optimized rotavirus VP6 protein induces protection in mice

We are developing rotavirus vaccines based on the VP6 protein of the human G1P[8] [corrected] [J. Virol. 73 (1999) 7574] CJN strain of rotavirus. One prototype candidate consisting of MBP::VP6::His6, a chimeric protein of maltose-binding protein, VP6 and hexahistidine, was expressed mainly as truncated polypeptides in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) cells. A possible reason for this extensive truncation is the high frequencies of rare bacterial codons within the rotavirus VP6 gene. Expression of truncated recombinant VP6 was found to be reduced, and expression of complete VP6 protein was simultaneously increased, when the protein was expressed in Rosetta(DE3)pLacI E. coli cells that contain increased amounts of transfer RNAs for a selection of rare codons. The same observation was made when a synthetic codon-optimized CJN-VP6 gene was expressed in E. coli BL21 or Rosetta cells. To increase protein recovery, recombinant E. coli cells were treated with 8M urea. Denatured, full-length MBP::VP6::His6 protein was then purified and used for intranasal vaccination of BALB/c mice (2 doses administered with E. coli heat-labile toxin LT(R192G) as adjuvant). Following oral challenge with the G3P[16] [corrected] [J. Virol. 76 (2002) 560] EDIM strain of murine rotavirus, protection levels against fecal rotavirus shedding were comparable (P>0.05) between groups of mice immunized with denatured codon-optimized or native (not codon-optimized) immunogen with values ranging from 87 to 99%. These protection levels were also comparable to those found after immunization with non-denatured CJN VP6. Thus, expression of complete rotavirus VP6 protein was greatly enhanced by codon optimization, and the protection elicited was not affected by denaturation of recombinant VP6.     

Prevalence of anemia among James Bay Cree infants of northern Quebec

BACKGROUND: Anemia is common among First Nation infants in Canada, often as a result of iron deficiency, which places them at risk for psychomotor impairment. Prevalence data are unavailable, and the risk factors are unknown. This study assessed the prevalence of anemia and associated risk factors among 9-month-old Cree infants in northern Quebec. METHODS: Between January 1995 and October 1998, 6 of 9 Cree villages in the James Bay region adopted a screening protocol for anemia in 9-month-old infants. Cross-sectional data were obtained from medical charts. The data for babies of very low birth weight and those with fever or infection were excluded. Among the 386 babies whose hemoglobin concentration was known, the type of milk consumed at the time of screening was known for 354. Associations between hemoglobin concentration and mean cell volume at 9 months, and milk type and weight gain since birth were analysed. RESULTS: The mean hemoglobin concentration of the 386 infants was 114.1 (standard deviation [SD] 10.6) g/L. The prevalence of anemia was 31.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 27.2%-36.7%) with a hemoglobin cutoff value of 110 g/L, 17.6% 95% CI 13.9%-21.7%) with a cutoff value of 105 g/L, and 7.8% (95% CI 5.3%-10.9%) with a cutoff value of 100 g/L. Babies exclusively fed formula at 9 months had a higher mean hemoglobin concentration (118.5 [SD 9.9] g/L) than those exclusively fed breast milk (109.9 [SD 10.0] g/L), cow''s milk (112.5 [SD 10.1] g/L) or more than one type of milk (112.0 [SD 10.8] g/L) (p < 0.05). Compared with formula, the odds ratio (OR) for anemia was 7.9 (95% CI 3.4-18.2) for breast milk, 5.0 (95% CI 2.0-12.7) for cow''s milk and 5.2 (95% CI 1.9-14.6) for mixed milks. Infants fed formula and those fed cow''s milk had significantly greater weight gains since birth, by 724 g and 624 g respectively, than breast-fed infants (p < 0.05). When milk type was controlled for, weight gain since birth was significantly associated with the presence of microcytic erythrocytes (OR comparing highest tertile of weight gain to lowest tertile 2.9, 95% CI 1.2-6.6). INTERPRETATION: Iron-deficiency anemia is highly prevalent among James Bay Cree infants. Measures to increase iron intake are required.     

Relationships between basic life history parameters and population size

We consider an ideal population with a stable age composition changing according Lotka equation. Additional assumptions are made concerning the constancy of population size, independence of specific mortality rate on age, and linear dependence of female fecundity on its weight. A relationship has been obtained [formula: see text] where N0 is initial numbers of a generation, N[alpha, omega] is total numbers of the mature part of the population, w[alpha, omega] is a mean weight of a mature individual, s is sex ratio, c is specific fecundity (per unit of weight) and l0 is the probability of larval surviving. The growth of an individual is described by the Bertalanffy function. Methods of calculation of life history parameters are discussed. A method is proposed to calculate the age of maturity (alpha) and at the end (omega) of the reproduction period as first and second inflection points of the growth rate curve. Based upon data on development of 27 populations of several species of fishes of inland waters of Russia the following relationship have been obtained: [formula: see text] for populations with [formula: see text] < or = 100 g, [formula: see text] for populations with [formula: see text] > 100 g, and [formula: see text] for all populations.     

Novel ligands for the opioid receptors: synthesis and structure-activity relationships among 5'-aryl and 5'-heteroaryl 17-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5 alpha-epoxypyrido[2',3':6,7]morphinans

A series of pyridomorphinans possessing an aryl (10a-s) or heteroaryl (11a-h) substituent at the 5'-position of the pyridine ring of 17-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5 alpha-epoxypyrido[2',3':6,7]morphinan was synthesized and evaluated for binding and functional activity at the opioid delta, mu, and kappa receptors. All of these pyridomorphinans bound with higher affinity at the delta site than at mu or kappa sites. The binding data on isomeric compounds revealed that there exists greater bulk tolerance for substituents placed at the o-position of the phenyl ring than at m- or p-positions. Among the ligands examined, the 2-chlorophenyl (10l), 2-nitrophenyl (10n), 2-pyridyl (11a), and 4-quinolinyl (11g) compounds bound to the delta receptor with subnanomolar affinity. Compound 10c with the p-tolyl substituent displayed the highest mu/delta selectivity (ratio=42) whereas compound 10l with the 2-chlorophenyl substituent displayed the highest kappa/delta selectivity (ratio=23). At 10 microM concentration, the in vitro functional activity determined using [(35)S]GTP-gamma-S binding assays showed that all of the compounds were antagonists devoid of any significant agonist activity at the delta, mu, and kappa receptors. Antagonist potency determinations of three selected ligands revealed that the p-tolyl compound 10c is a potent delta selective antagonist. In the [(35)S]GTP-gamma-S assays this compound had a functional antagonist K(i) value of 0.2, 4.52, and 7.62 nM at the delta, mu, and kappa receptors, respectively. In the smooth muscle assays 10c displayed delta antagonist potency with a K(e) value of 0.88 nM. As an antagonist, it was 70-fold more potent at the delta receptors in the MVD than at the mu receptors in the GPI. The in vitro delta antagonist profile of this pyridomorphinan 10c resembles that of the widely used delta selective antagonist ligand naltrindole.     

Cross-linking and labeling of the Escherichia coli F1F0-ATP synthase reveal a compact hydrophilic portion of F0 close to an F1 catalytic subunit

The subunit arrangement of the F0 sector of the Escherichia coli ATP synthase is examined using hydrophilic and hydrophobic (cleavable) cross-linking reagents and the water-soluble labeling reagent [35S] diazoniumbenzenesulfonate ( [35S]DABS). Cross-linking is performed on purified ATP synthase and inverted minicell membranes. ATP synthase incorporated into liposomes is labeled with [35S]DABS. Three cross-linked products involving the F0 subunits (a, b, and c) are observed with the purified ATP synthase in solution: a-b, b2, and c2 dimers. A cross-link between the F0 and F1 is detected and occurs between the a and beta subunits. A cross-linker independent association between the b and beta subunits is also evident, suggesting that the two subunits are close enough to form a disulfide bridge. A cross-linking reagent stable to reducing agents produces a b-beta dimer, as detected by immunoblotting with anti-beta serum. The c subunit does not cross-link with any F1 polypeptide. Minicell membranes containing ATP synthase polypeptides radioactively labeled in vivo similarly show b2 and c2 dimers after cross-linking. [35S]DABS labels the a and b, but not c, subunits, showing that the a and b, but not c, subunits possess hydrophilic domains. Thus, certain domains of subunits a and b extend from the membrane and are in close proximity to one another and the F1 catalytic subunit beta.     

Characterization of [3H]naltrindole binding to delta opioid receptors in rat brain.

[3H]Naltrindole binding characteristics were determined using homogenized rat brain tissue. Saturation binding studies at 25 degrees C measured an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) value of 37.0 +/- 3.0 pM and a receptor density (Bmax) value of 63.4 +/- 2.0 fmol/mg protein. Association binding studies showed that equilibrium was reached within 90 min at a radioligand concentration of 30 pM. Naltrindole, as well as the ligands selective for delta (delta) opioid receptors, such as pCI-DPDPE and Deltorphin II inhibited [3H]naltrindole binding with nanomolar IC50 values. Ligands selective for mu (mu) and kappa (kappa) opioid receptors were only effective in inhibiting [3H]naltrindole binding at micromolar concentrations. From these data, we conclude that [3H]naltrindole is a high affinity, selective radioligand for delta opioid receptors.     

鲎源抗菌肽对大肠杆菌的抑杀机理

【目的】研究鲎源抗菌肽鲎素对大肠杆菌抑杀的作用机理,为防治大肠杆菌引起的肠道疾病提供新的潜在抗菌药物。【方法】利用牛津杯法和微量MH肉汤稀释法测定其抗菌活性,激光共聚焦扫描显微镜观察鲎素对大肠杆菌的结合、分布及杀伤过程,透射电镜观察鲎素对大肠杆菌超微结构的影响,并采用琼脂糖凝胶阻滞电泳研究其对大肠杆菌基因组DNA和RNA的影响。【结果】鲎素对大肠杆菌的最小抑菌浓度与最低杀菌浓度分别为5 mg/L和20 mg/L;激光共聚焦扫描显微镜和透射电镜观察发现鲎素能快速作用于细胞表面,并发生聚集现象,随着作用时间的延长能导致细胞膜结构的破坏和细胞内含物的释放;通过琼脂糖电泳结果显示鲎素也能够作用于大肠杆菌基因组DNA,并呈浓度依赖关系,10 mg/L鲎素对基因组DNA无明显影响,80 mg/L鲎素能导致DNA断裂;凝胶阻滞电泳显示鲎素也能与基因组DNA和RNA发生结合。【结论】研究结果为深入探讨鲎素抑杀大肠杆菌的分子机制提供重要的理论依据。     

Affinity labeling of the catalytic and AMP allosteric sites of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase kinase by 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine

The nucleotide analogue 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine (FSBA) reacts irreversibly with rat liver cytosolic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase kinase, causing a rapid loss of the AMP activation capacity and a slower inactivation of the catalytic activity. The rate constant for loss of AMP activation is about 10 times higher (kappa 1 = 0.112 min-1) than the rate constant of inactivation (kappa 2 = 0.0106 min-1). There is a good correspondence between the time-dependent inactivation of reductase kinase and the time-dependent incorporation of 5'-p-sulfonylbenzoyl[14C]adenosine ([14C]SBA). An average of 1.65 mol of reagent/mol of enzyme subunit is bound when reductase kinase is completely inactivated. The time-dependent incorporation is consistent with the postulate that covalent reaction of 1 mol of SBA/mol of subunit causes complete loss of AMP activation, whereas reaction of another mole of SBA/mol of subunit would lead to total inactivation. Protection against inactivation by the reagent is provided by the addition of Mg2+, AMP, Mg-ATP, or Mg-AMP to the incubation mixtures. In contrast, addition of ATP, 2'-AMP, or 3'-AMP has no effect on the rate constants. Mg-ATP protects preferentially the catalytic site against inactivation, whereas Mg-AMP at low concentration protects preferentially the allosteric site. Mg-ADP affords less protection than Mg-AMP to the allosteric site when both nucleotides are present at a concentration of 50 microM with 7.5 mM Mg2+. Experiments done with [14C]FSBA in the presence of some protectants have shown that a close correlation exists between the pattern of protection observed and the binding of [14C]SBA. The postulate is that there exists a catalytic site and an allosteric site in the reductase kinase subunit and that Mg-AMP is the main allosteric activator of the enzyme.     

Light adaptation in turtle cones. Testing and analysis of a model for phototransduction.

Light adaptation in cones was characterized by measuring the changes in temporal frequency responses to sinusoidal modulation of light around various mean levels spanning a range of four log units. We have shown previously that some aspects of cone adaptation behavior can be accounted for by a biochemical kinetic model for phototransduction in which adaptation is mediated largely by a sigmoidal dependence of guanylate cyclase activity on the concentration of free cytoplasmic Ca2+, ([Ca2+]i) (Sneyd and Tranchina, 1989). Here we extend the model by incorporating electrogenic Na+/K+ exchange, and the model is put to further tests by simulating experiments in the literature. It accounts for (a) speeding up of the impulse response, transition from monophasic to biphasic waveform, and improvement in contrast sensitivity with increasing background light level, I0; (b) linearity of the response to moderate modulations around I0; (c) shift of the intensity-response function (linear vs. log coordinates) with change in I0 (Normann and Perlman, 1979); the dark-adapted curve adheres closely to the Naka-Rushton equation; (d) steepening of the sensitivity vs. I0 function with [Ca2+]i fixed at its dark level, [Ca2+]i dark; (Matthews et al., 1988, 1990); (e) steepening of the steady-state intensity-response function when [Ca2+]i is held fixed at its dark level (Matthews et al., 1988; 1990); (f) shifting of a steep template saturation curve for normalized photocurrent vs. light-step intensity when the response is measured at fixed times and [Ca2+]i is held fixed at [Ca2+]i dark (Nakatani and Yau, 1988). Furthermore, the predicted dependence of guanylate cyclase activity on [Ca2+] closely matches a cooperative inhibition equation suggested by the experimental results of Koch and Stryer (1988) on cyclase activity in bovine rods. Finally, the model predicts that some changes in response kinetics with background light will still be present, even when [Ca2+]i is held fixed at [Ca2]i dark.     

DIGE-based protein expression analysis of B[a]P-exposed hepatoma cells reveals a complex stress response including alterations in oxidative stress, cell cycle control, and cytoskeleton motility at toxic and subacute concentrations

Although the effects of high concentrations of the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) have been studied extensively, little is known about its effects at subacute toxic concentrations, which are typical for environmental pollutants. We exposed murine Hepa1c1c7 cells to a toxic concentration (5 μM) and a subacute concentration (50 nM) of B[a]P over a period of 2-24 h to differentiate between acute and pseudochronic effects and conducted a time-course analysis of B[a]P-influenced protein expression by DIGE. In total, a set of 120 spots were found to be significantly altered due to B[a]P exposure of which 112 were subsequently identified by mass spectrometry. Clustering and principal component analysis were conducted to identify sets of proteins responding in a concerted manner to the exposure. Our results indicate an immediate response to the contaminant at the protein level and demonstrate that B[a]P exposure alters the cellular response by disturbing proteins involved in oxidative stress, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and cytoskeleton organization. Furthermore, network analysis of protein-protein interactions revealed a complex network of interacting, B[a]P-regulated proteins mostly belonging to the cytoskeleton organization and several signal transduction pathways.     

Identification of Rv3230c as the NADPH oxidoreductase of a two-protein DesA3 acyl-CoA desaturase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv

DesA3 is a membrane-bound stearoyl-CoA Delta(9)-desaturase that produces oleic acid, a precursor of mycobacterial membrane phospholipids and triglycerides. The sequence of DesA3 is homologous with those of other membrane desaturases, including the presence of the eight-His motif proposed to bind the diiron center active site. This family of desaturases function as multicomponent complexes and thus require electron transfer proteins for efficient catalytic turnover. Here we present evidence that Rv3230c from Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv is a biologically relevant electron transfer partner for DesA3 from the same pathogen. For these studies, Rv3230c was expressed as a partially soluble protein in Escherichia coli; recombinant DesA3 was expressed in Mycobacterium smegmatis as a catalytically active membrane protein. The addition of E. coli lysates containing Rv3230c to lysates of M. smegmatis expressing DesA3 gave strong conversion of [1-(14)C]-18:0-CoA to [1-(14)C]-cis-Delta(9)-18:1-CoA and of [1-(14)C]-16:0-CoA to [1-(14)C]-cis-Delta(9)-16:1-CoA. Both M. tuberculosis proteins were required for reconstitution of activity, as various combinations of control lysates lacking either Rv3230c or DesA3 gave minimal or no activity. Furthermore, the specificity of interaction between Rv3230c and DesA3 was implied by the inability of other related redox systems to substitute for Rv3230c. The reconstituted activity was dependent upon the presence of NADPH, could be saturated by increasing the amount of Rv3230c added, and was also sensitive to the salt concentration in the buffer. The results are consistent with the formation of a protein-protein complex, possibly with electrostatic character. This work defines a multiprotein, acyl-CoA desaturase complex from M. tuberculosis H37Rv to minimally consist of a soluble Rv3230c reductase and integral membrane DesA3 desaturase. Further implications of this finding relative to the properties of other multiprotein iron-enzyme complexes are discussed.     

Mode of antibacterial action by gramicidin S

To elucidate the mode of antibacterial action by gramicidin S (GS), a detailed experiment on GS distribution on bacteria cells was carried out. 14C-Labeled gramicidin S ([14C]GS) was incubated with cells of Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, and the amount of [14C]GS adsorbed on the cells was measured. Adsorption on B. subtilis cells was observed from 1 microgram/ml of [14C]GS. As the concentration of [14C]GS increased, the amount adsorbed on B. subtilis increased discontinuously, producing a curve which had three plateaus. On the other hand, [14C]GS was not easily adsorbed on E. coli cells at lower concentrations, but the amount adsorbed increased above 6 micrograms/ml, and the cells were temporarily saturated with GS at 10 micrograms/ml, which is the minimum inhibitory concentration for E. coli. The amount of [14C]GS adsorbed on the protoplast membrane of B. subtilis was the same as that of natural cells. However, the amount of [14C]GS adsorbed on the cell wall dropped to about 20% of that of natural bacteria. These facts indicate that GS is adsorbed on the cell membrane of bacteria particularly. The uptake of amino acid or glucose in B. subtilis was inhibited by GS. Therefore, it is concluded that GS damages the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane by adsorption, and prevents the functioning of the cell membrane. The amount of [14C]GS adsorbed on the spheroplast membrane of E. coli increased remarkably as compared with natural cells, even at a lower concentration of GS. The poor GS adsorption on E. coli cells may be due to the permeability barrier of the E. coli cell wall.     

hsBAFF对小鼠脾脏B淋巴细胞增殖与免疫应答及胞内Ca2+水平的影响

目的：探讨大肠杆菌表达的人源可溶性B淋巴细胞激活因子hsBAFF对小鼠脾脏B淋巴细胞免疫反应及其对胞内游离Ca^2＋信号变化的影响。方法：选择20只健康ICR小鼠,雌雄各半,随机分成两组（n=10）：①对照组;②hsBAFF实验组。实验组小鼠腹腔注射含hsBAFF（0．1mg／kgbw）的PBS溶液,对照组注射同等剂量的PBS溶液．连续8d。用MTT法检测小鼠脾脏B淋巴细胞的增殖及其对LPS刺激的免疫反应,并用激光共聚焦显微镜分析脾脏B淋巴细胞胞内钙离子水平（[Ca^2＋]i）变化。结果：hsBAFF注射小鼠的脾脏B淋巴细胞增殖和对LPS刺激的免疫反应均明显高于对照组（P〈0．05）;hsBAFF注射组[Ca^2＋]i荧光强度维持在相对稳定的高水平上波动,平均荧光强度显著高于对照组（P〈0．01）,且荧光强度变化率小于对照组。结论：大肠杆菌表达的hsBAFF能促进B淋巴细胞的增殖和免疫应答,从而增强机体免疫功能。hsBAFF激活小鼠脾脏B淋巴细胞可能与[Ca^2＋]i升高有关。     

牛分枝杆菌Mb0950c的免疫特性及其血清学检测方法的建立

【目的】利用原核表达系统对牛分枝杆菌Mb0950c蛋白进行表达和纯化,通过小鼠模型评价其免疫原性,建立血清学间接ELISA方法用于牛结核病的临床检测。【方法】构建pET32a-Mb0950c原核表达质粒,并转化至BL21(DE3)中诱导蛋白的表达,对蛋白进行纯化。使用流式细胞术(flow cytometry,FCM)、ELISA等对该蛋白在小鼠中的免疫原性进行分析。建立基于Mb0950c的间接ELISA方法,评价该方法的临床检测潜力。【结果】SDS-PAGE和Western blotting结果显示,成功获得了可溶性Mb0950c蛋白,且具有良好免疫反应性;FCM结果显示,Mb0950c蛋白上调了T细胞表面CD69分子的表达。细胞因子和抗体结果表明,该蛋白能够诱导特异性的IFN-γ和IL-4的分泌,同时能诱导机体分泌特异性的抗体,且以IgG1型为主。建立了ELISA检测方法应用于牛结核临床检测,结果显示,该方法与牛结核外周血IFN-γ外释放试验和皮试试验结果的阳性符合率、阴性符合率和总符合率分别为65.7%、97.9%和72.4%。【结论】在原核表达系统中可溶性表达Mb0950c蛋白,...     

Glucose excretion by the symbiotic Chlorella of Spongilla fluviatilis

Chlorella sorokiniana strain 211-40c, a symbiotic Chlorella isolated from a freshwater sponge, excreted between 3% and 5% of assimilated ¹⁴CO₂ as glucose in the light, with a pH optimum around 5. This percentage increased when the illuminance was lowered (to 15% at 20 lx). Release of [¹⁴C]glucose continued in the dark and could be inhibited by the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP). Net efflux of glucose occurred even at a concentration ratio of extracellular/intracellular glucose of 4. This, together with the sensitivity to FCCP, is taken as evidence for active transport. Exogenous [¹⁴C]glucose was taken up by the cells under conditions of net glucose efflux, showing uptake and excretion to take place simultaneously.Abbreviations FCCP carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone - p.c. packed cells     

Stringent control of peptidoglycan biosynthesis in Escherichia coli K-12.

[3H]Diaminopimelic acid (Dap) was incorporated exclusively into peptidoglycan by Escherichia coli strains auxotrophic for both lysine and Dap. The rate of [3H]Dap incorporation by stringent (rel+) strains was significantly decreased when cells were deprived of required amino acids. The addition of chloramphenicol to amino acid-starved rel+ cultured stimulated both peptidoglycan and ribonucleic acid synthesis. In contrast, a relaxed (relA) derivative incorporated [3H]Dap at comparable rates in the presence or absence of required amino acids. Physiologically significant concentrations of guanosine 5'-diphosphate 3'-diphosphate (ppGpp) inhibited the in vitro synthesis of both carrier lipid-linked intermediate and peptidoglycan catalyzed by a particulate enzyme system. The degree of inhibition was dependent on the concentration of ppGpp in the reaction mixture. Thus, the results of in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that peptidoglycan synthesis is stringently controlled in E. coli.     

Assessment of intra-SR free [Ca] and buffering in rat heart.

To measure the free intrasarcoplasmic reticulum [Ca] ([Ca]SR) in isolated rat cardiac microsomes, ventricular tissue was homogenized in the presence of the low-affinity Ca indicator furaptra. Stepwise increases in cuvette [Ca] ([Ca]c) in the presence of ATP caused progressive increases in steady-state intravesicular fluorescence ratio to a maximum (Rmax). Steady-state [Ca]SR/[Ca]c was approximately 7000. Therefore the resting [Ca]SR may approach 700 microM in the rat cardiac myocyte at [Ca]c = 100 nM. The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca pump requires a free energy of deltaG approximately 44 kJ x mol(-1) to generate this [Ca] gradient (e.g., approximately 74% of deltaG(ATP)). Total SR 45Ca uptake was also measured in digitonin-permeabilized myocytes as a function of [Ca]c in the absence of precipitating ions. The steady-state SR Ca content at 100 nM [Ca]c was approximately 400 micromol/liter cytosolic volume. Used together, these data allowed evaluation of the in situ SR Ca-buffering properties. The SR Ca-binding site concentration was approximately 14 mM, and Kd(Ca) approximately 0.638 mM [Ca]SR.     

About and beyond the Henri-Michaelis-Menten rate equation for single-substrate enzyme kinetics

For more than a century the simple single-substrate enzyme kinetics model and related Henri-Michaelis-Menten (HMM) rate equation have been thoroughly explored in various directions. In the present paper we are concerned with a possible generalization of this rate equation recently proposed by F. Kargi (BBRC 382 (2009) 157-159), which is assumed to be valid both in the case that the total substrate or enzyme is in excess and the quasi-steady-state is achieved. We demonstrate that this generalization is grossly inadequate and propose another generalization based on application of the quasi-steady-state condition and conservation equations for both enzyme and substrate. The standard HMM equation is derived by (a) assuming the quasi-steady-state condition, (b) applying the conservation equation only for the enzyme, and (c) assuming that the substrate concentration at quasi-steady-state can be approximated by the total substrate concentration [S](0). In our formula the rate is already expressed through [S](0), and we only assume that when quasi-steady-state is achieved the amount of product formed is negligible compared to [S](0). Numerical simulations show that our formula is generally more accurate than the HMM formula and also can provide a good approximation when the enzyme is in excess, which is not the case for the HMM formula. We show that the HMM formula can be derived from our expression by further assuming that the total enzyme concentration is negligible compared to [S](0).