用分子模拟方法研究HIV-1整合酶突变体的耐药性机理

二酮酸类化合物(DKAs)是目前最有前景的HIV-1整合酶(integrase, IN)抑制剂．为了解DKAs引起的多种耐药株共有的耐药性机理,选择3种S-1360引起的IN耐药突变体,用分子对接和分子动力学模拟,研究了野生型和突变型IN与S-1360的结合模式,基于该结合模式探讨了3种耐药突变体所共有的耐药性机理．结果表明：在突变体中,S-1360结合到耐药突变IN核心区中的位置靠近功能loop 3区却远离与 DNA结合的关键残基,结合位置不同导致S-1360的抑制作用部分丧失;残基138到166区域的柔性对IN发挥生物学功能很重要,S-1360能与DNA结合的关键残基N155及K159形成氢键,这2个氢键作用降低了该区域的柔性,突变体中无类似氢键,因而该区域柔性增高;在突变体中,S-1360的苯环远离病毒DNA结合区,不能阻止病毒DNA末端暴露给宿主DNA;T66I突变导致残基Ⅰ的长侧链占据IN的活性口袋,阻止抑制剂以与野生型中相同的方式结合到活性中心,这均是产生抗药性的重要原因．这些模拟结果与实验结果吻合,可为抗IN的抑制剂设计和改造提供帮助．     

病毒末端DNA与不同长度HIV-1整合酶四聚体的对接研究(英文)

整合酶(integrase,IN)是HIV病毒复制周期中的一个重要酶,一般认为,IN是以四聚体形式发挥其生物活性。本文用DOT软件包研究了IN四聚体与8个不同长度病毒末端DNA的结合模式,以及病毒DNA长度对二者识别的影响。结果表明,IN有3个DNA结合区域,其中两个是病毒DNA结合区域,另外一个是宿主DNA结合区域。模拟结果与实验数据吻合较好,本研究为基于整合酶结构的药物研发及整合酶整合机理的研究提供了良好的基础。     

白藜芦醇靶点蛋白质的研究

为探讨白藜芦醇在肿瘤细胞中的结合靶点蛋白质.采用亲和甄别磁珠法生物淘洗白藜芦醇的靶点蛋白质.在构建并优化了白藜芦醇结构模型的基础上,通过分子动力学优化分析白藜芦醇与其靶点蛋白质的结构模型,并且使用分子对接分析验证两者的结合作用.结果表明,亲和甄X别磁珠法直接筛选到的能与白藜芦醇的特异性结合的蛋白质是Myosin蛋白质和Actin蛋白质,并且成功构建得到了合理的白藜芦醇分子与Actin蛋白质的复合物的三维结构.通过分析白藜芦醇分子与Actin蛋白活性氨基酸残基结合模式发现,残基Val30,Phe31,Pro32,Thr203,Ala204,Glu205,Pro243,Asp244,等对两者的结合都有重要贡献.白藜芦醇是通过作用于肿瘤细胞的骨架结构蛋白来干扰细胞的有丝分裂过程,从而导致肿瘤细胞的体外增殖受到抑制.     

HIV-1整合酶去整合活性高通量检测方法的建立

HIV-1整合酶催化病毒DNA与宿主细胞基因组整合,是病毒复制所需的关键酶之一,也是抗病毒药物研发的重要靶点.IN及其核心结构域均能在体外催化去整合反应.本研究表达纯化了IN和IN-CCD蛋白,建立了一种检测IN和IN-CCD去整合活性的微孔板式高通量方法.设计了生物素和地高辛修饰的去整合DNA底物,运用链亲和素标记的珠子捕获反应产物,再通过酶标地高辛抗体及随后的酶联免疫吸附实验方法对地高辛定量以检测去整合.结果显示,IN和IN-CCD催化的去整合反应信号（A405）分别达到1.6和1.2,而背景信号值低于0.05;IN去整合反应更倾向于使用Mn2＋而不是Mg2＋作为金属辅助离子;研究还发现,已知的IN抑制剂baicalein是IN-CCD抑制剂.以上结果表明,本工作建立的检测方法能高通量、高灵敏度和高特异性地研究去整合反应,并能够应用于以IN为靶点,特别是以IN-CCD为靶点的HIV抑制剂的筛选.     

E92A是HIV-1整合酶耐药突变N155S的活性回复突变

HIV-1整合酶是目前抗艾滋病药物研发的重要靶点之一,整合酶的耐药突变是导致整合酶抑制剂类药物治疗失败的主要原因,但突变产生耐药性的机理仍不清楚.本工作通过人工构建突变型整合酶,测试其活性和耐药性,对整合酶的耐药机理进行初步探索.构建整合酶的突变型包括E92A、N155S两种单突变及E92A/N155S双突变.通过基因工程操作引入突变、构建质粒、表达纯化得到整合酶蛋白.用基于磁珠的整合酶链转移ELISA测试整合酶的链转移活性,用S-1360和Raltegravir两种抑制剂测试整合酶的耐药性.另外,用Autodock软件做了S-1360和整合酶核心区(包括野生型和突变型)的分子对接.结果表明,N155S突变使整合酶链转移活性下降约80%,而E92A/N155S双突变仅使活性下降约42%,这表明N155S突变基础上的E92A突变可使整合酶的活性大幅回复.E92A和E92A/N155S对不同的抑制剂可产生不同的耐药性,它们对Raltegravir的耐药性强于对S-1360.突变对整合酶活性和耐药性的影响主要是通过改变整合酶活性中心结构实现的,E92A突变可能导致其与周围残基静电相互作用减弱,间接影响到D64和D116残基,产生活性回复作用.     

蛋白质-核酸复合物界面氨基酸与核苷酸偏好性分析

蛋白质-核酸相互作用机制到目前还不是很清楚,尤其是蛋白质与RNA的相互作用。目前,可得到的蛋白质-核酸复合物结构数据不断增多,作者收集了Protein Data Bank数据库中所有的蛋白质-核酸复合物结构数据,对复合物中结合残基和结合核苷酸的偏好性进行了统计分析。发现：1）不同功能的蛋白质-核酸复合物间的结合残基数量存在显著差异;2）在蛋白 质-DNA和蛋白质-RNA复合物界面,碱性氨基酸都是最受欢迎的;3）氨基酸的极性大小及方向在决定它是否与RNA分子进行结合时起到重要的作用,同时发现氨基酸侧链形成的空间位阻会影响氨基酸残基与RNA分子的相互作用;4）随着定义结合残基距离阈值的增大,其氨基酸使用的特异性降低,而受欢迎与不受欢迎的氨基酸种类均没有变化。     

纤维素酶解速度的可视化表征与限制因素分析

纤维素酶解效率是木质纤维素高效生物转化的限制瓶颈,利用原子力显微镜(atomic force microscope,AFM)可以在水相中原位可视化表征纤维素酶分子运动行为,分析单个酶分子的运动速度及其影响因素.研究发现,高效降解结晶纤维素酶分子仅结合于特定结晶表面上的特定位点上,通过单方向运动完成逐层降解,过量酶分子结合于特定表面上会导致持续性运动"塞车"现象.结晶微纤丝的降解不仅取决于酶分子运动速度及其糖苷键断裂效率,更取决于酶分子可及底物的晶面大小及其晶面氢键解聚程度.以新结合模式、新运动模式或新组织模式的纤维素酶系或复合体应是纤维素酶研究的重点方向.     

基于各向异性网络模型研究δ阿片受体的动力学与关键残基

目的 阿片受体是一种G蛋白偶联受体(GPCR),主要通过变构转导胞外区内源性配体结合信号,使其与胞内区效应蛋白偶联来介导镇痛反应。δ阿片受体(DOP)除了与疼痛控制有关外,还与情绪控制有关,是一个很有吸引力的治疗靶点。本文旨在分析DOP的结构动力学和变构效应。方法 首先利用各向异性网络模型(anisotropic network model,ANM)对DOP进行建模,通过慢运动模式和快运动模式残基涨落探索DOP的结构动力学与功能的关系。然后,结合微扰响应扫描(perturbation-response scanning,PRS)对DOP中与变构通信相关的关键残基进行识别。结果 慢运动模式可以很好地识别DOP的结构以及功能性钠离子结合位点,快运动模式可以识别出对蛋白质结构稳定起重要作用的关键残基。残基运动相关性分析发现胞外/胞内的跨膜螺旋与环状区域之间存在正相关性,这些区域相互作用促进DOP与配体的结合。PRS分析中敏感性高和效应性高的关键残基在DOP的变构通信中发挥重要作用。结论 这项工作有助于加强对δ阿片受体变构通讯机制的理解,并为药物设计提供有价值的信息。     

高峰淀粉酶的分子可及性的研究

依据高峰淀粉酶的晶体结构数据对它的分子可及性进行了计算和分析,得到了极性与非极性氨基酸的分布、极性原子与非级性原子对可及性的贡献、催化活性中心裂隙的构象、Ｃ末端结构域空间拓扑等信息。活性部位氨基酸残基的可及性研究结果与酶－底物复合物模型相符。     

豆壳过氧化物酶的盐酸胍变性与化学修饰研究

研究了盐酸胍对豆壳过氧化物酶(soybeanhullperoxidase,SHP,EC1.11.1.7)构象与活力的影响,发现去辅基SHP的盐酸胍变(复)性及荧光变化关系与SHP全酶分子的盐酸胍变(复)性及荧光变化关系明显不同。应用过碘酸氧化法去除SHP分子表面糖链,研究糖链去除对酶性质的影响,则证实了SHP分子表面的糖链去除导致酶热稳定性下降。应用不同的蛋白质侧链修饰剂对SHP进行化学修饰则表明,巯基、酪氨酸和色氨酸残基为酶活力非必需,而羧基、组氨酸和精氨酸残基为酶活力所必需。     

Substrate Recognition and Motion Mode Analyses of PFV Integrase in Complex with Viral DNA via Coarse-Grained Models

HIV-1 integrase (IN) is an important target in the development of drugs against the AIDS virus. Drug design based on the structure of IN was markedly hampered due to the lack of three-dimensional structure information of HIV-1 IN-viral DNA complex. The prototype foamy virus (PFV) IN has a highly functional and structural homology with HIV-1 IN. Recently, the X-ray crystal complex structure of PFV IN with its cognate viral DNA has been obtained. In this study, both Gaussian network model (GNM) and anisotropy network model (ANM) have been applied to comparatively investigate the motion modes of PFV DNA-free and DNA-bound IN. The results show that the motion mode of PFV IN has only a slight change after binding with DNA. The motion of this enzyme is in favor of association with DNA, and the binding ability is determined by its intrinsic structural topology. Molecular docking experiments were performed to gain the binding modes of a series of diketo acid (DKA) inhibitors with PFV IN obtained from ANM, from which the dependability of PFV IN-DNA used in the drug screen for strand transfer (ST) inhibitors was confirmed. It is also found that the functional groups of keto-enol, bis-diketo, tetrazole and azido play a key role in aiding the recognition of viral DNA, and thus finally increase the inhibition capability for the corresponding DKA inhibitor. Our study provides some theoretical information and helps to design anti-AIDS drug based on the structure of IN.     

Human Vection Perception Using Inertial Nulling and Certainty Estimation: The Effect of Migraine History

Vection is an illusory perception of self-motion that can occur when visual motion fills the majority of the visual field. This study examines the effect of the duration of visual field movement (VFM) on the perceived strength of self-motion using an inertial nulling (IN) and a magnitude estimation technique based on the certainty that motion occurred (certainty estimation, CE). These techniques were then used to investigate the association between migraine diagnosis and the strength of perceived vection. Visual star-field stimuli consistent with either looming or receding motion were presented for 1, 4, 8 or 16s. Subjects reported the perceived direction of self-motion during the final 1s of the stimulus. For the IN method, an inertial nulling motion was delivered during this final 1s of the visual stimulus, and subjects reported the direction of perceived self-motion during this final second. The magnitude of inertial motion was varied adaptively to determine the point of subjective equality (PSE) at which forward or backward responses were equally likely. For the CE trials the same range of VFM was used but without inertial motion and subjects rated their certainty of motion on a scale of 0–100. PSE determined with the IN technique depended on direction and duration of visual motion and the CE technique showed greater certainty of perceived vection with longer VFM duration. A strong correlation between CE and IN techniques was present for the 8s stimulus. There was appreciable between-subject variation in both CE and IN techniques and migraine was associated with significantly increased perception of self-motion by CE and IN at 8 and 16s. Together, these results suggest that vection may be measured by both CE and IN techniques with good correlation. The results also suggest that susceptibility to vection may be higher in subjects with a history of migraine.     

HIV-1 integrase interacts with yeast microtubule-associated proteins

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase (IN) mediates the insertion of viral DNA into the human genome. In addition to IN, cellular and viral proteins are associated to proviral DNA in the so-called preintegration complex (PIC). We previously reported that the expression of HIV-1 IN in yeast leads to the emergence of a lethal phenotype. This effect may be linked to the IN activity on infected human cells where integration requires the cleavage of genomic DNA. To isolate and characterize potential cellular partners of HIV-1 IN, we used it as a bait in a two-hybrid system with a yeast genomic library. IN interacted with proteins belonging to the microtubule network, or involved in the protein synthesis apparatus. We focused our interest on one of the selected inserts, L2, which corresponds to the C-end half of the yeast STU2p, a microtubule-associated protein (MAP). STU2p is an essential component of the yeast spindle pole body (SPB), which is able to bind microtubules in vitro. After expressing and purifying L2 as a recombinant protein, we showed its binding to IN by ELISA immunodetection. L2 was also able to inhibit IN activity in vitro. In addition, the effect of L2 was tested using the "lethal yeast phenotype". The coexpression of IN and the L2 peptide abolished the lethal phenotype, thus showing important in vivo interactions between IN and L2. The identification of components of the microtubule network associated with IN suggest a role of this complex in the transport of HIV-1 IN present in the PIC to the nucleus, as already described for other human viruses.     

Seasonal differences in the effects of oscillatory and uni‐directional flow on the growth and nitrate‐uptake rates of juvenile Laminaria digitata (Phaeophyceae)

The influence of oscillatory versus unidirectional flow on the growth and nitrate‐uptake rates of juvenile kelp, Laminaria digitata, was determined seasonally in experimental treatments that simulated as closely as possible natural environmental conditions. In winter, regardless of flow condition (oscillatory and unidirectional) or water velocity, no influence of water motion was observed on the growth rate of L. digitata. In summer, when ambient nitrate concentrations were low, increased water motion enhanced macroalgal growth, which is assumed to be related to an increase in the rate of supply of nutrients to the blade surface. Nitrate‐uptake rates were significantly influenced by water motion and season. Lowest nitrate‐uptake rates were observed for velocities <5 cm · s^?1 and nitrate‐uptake rates increased by 20%–50% under oscillatory motion compared to unidirectional flow at the same average speed. These data further suggested that the diffusion boundary layer played a significant role in influencing nitrate‐uptake rates. However, while increased nitrate‐uptake in oscillatory flow was clear, this was not reflected in growth rates and further work is required to understand the disconnection of nitrate‐uptake and growth by L. digitata in oscillatory flow. The data obtained support those from related field‐based studies, which suggest that in summer, when insufficient nitrogen is available in the water to saturate metabolic demand, the growth rate of kelps will be influenced by water motion restricting mass transfer of nitrogen.     

A structural model of the HIV-1 Rev-integrase complex: the molecular basis of integrase regulation by Rev

The HIV-1 Rev and integrase (IN) proteins control important functions in the viral life cycle. We have recently discovered that the interaction between these proteins results in inhibition of IN enzymatic activity. Peptides derived from the Rev and IN binding interfaces have a profound effect on IN catalytic activity: Peptides derived from Rev inhibit IN, while peptides derived from IN stimulate IN activity by inhibiting the Rev-IN interaction. This inhibition leads to multi integration, genomic instability and specific death of virus-infected cells. Here we used protein docking combined with refinement and energy function ranking to suggest a structural model for the Rev-IN complex. Our results indicate that a Rev monomer binds IN at two sites that match our experimental binding data: (1) IN residues 66-80 and 118-128; (2) IN residues 174-188. According to our model, IN binds Rev and its cellular cofactor, lens epithelium derived growth factor (LEDGF), through overlapping interfaces. This supports previous observations that IN is regulated by a tight interplay between Rev and LEDGF. Rev may bind either the IN dimer or tetramer. Accordingly, Rev is suggested to inhibit IN by two possible mechanisms: (i) shifting the oligomerization equilibrium of IN from an active dimer to an inactive tetramer; (ii) displacing LEDGF from IN, resulting in inhibition of IN binding to the viral DNA. Our model is expected to contribute to the development of lead compounds that inhibit the Rev-IN interaction and thus lead to multi-integration of viral cDNA and consequently to apoptosis of HIV-1 infected cells.     

Lysine metabolism in a barley mutant resistant to S(2-aminoethyl)cysteine

Lysine and S(2-aminoethyl)cysteine (AEC) metabolism were investigated in normal barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Bomi) and a hemozygous recessive AEC-resistant mutant (R906). Feedback regulation of lysine and threonine synthesis from [¹⁴C] acetate was unimpaired in plants of the mutant 3 d after germination. Seeds of Bomi and R906 contained similar total amounts of lysine, threonine, methionine and isoleucine. Concentrations of these amino acids in the soluble fraction of plants grown 6 d without AEC were also similar. The concentration of AEC in R906 plants was less than in the parent variety when both were grown in the presence of 0.25 mM AEC for 6 d. The uptake of [³H]AEC and [³H]lysine by roots of R906 was, respectively, 33% and 32% of that by Bomi roots whereas the uptake of these compounds into the scutellum was the same in both the mutant and its parent. The uptake of [³H]leucine and its incorporation into proteins was also the same in Bomi and R906 plants. These results suggest that a transport system specific for lysine and AEC but not leucine is altered or lost in roots of the mutant R906. AEC is incorporated into protein and this could be the reason for inhibition of growth rather than action as a false-feedback inhibitor of lysine biosynthesis.Abbreviations AEC S(2-aminoethyl)cysteine - LYS lysine - THR threonine     

Observers'' bias in the assessment of pest and disease symptoms in leek

In the vegetable crop leek, Allium porrum L., the performance of observers was compared to the real situation of pest and disease infestation. In two experiments the infestation of plants in a number of rows was meticulously investigated thus reflecting the real situation as contrasted with the results of one or more observers. Included were the symptoms of leek moth (Acrolepiopsis assectella Zeller) feeding, both fresh and old, of onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) feeding and of infestation with rust (Puccinia allii Rud.). The method of scouting was similar to growers' practice in commercial leek growing. The results show that even trained scouts vary considerably in accuracy when assessing infestation in rows at the same field. A group of observers show individual patterns of estimation, a wide variation in ability to make a correct assessment and a strong density dependencey of deviations of the real situation with the perceived density of the symptoms in the crop.     

Modeling Vortex Swarming In Daphnia

Based on experimental observations in Daphnia, we introduce an agent-based model for the motion of single and swarms of animals. Each agent is described by a stochastic equation that also considers the conditions for active biological motion. An environmental potential further reflects local conditions for Daphnia, such as attraction to light sources. This model is sufficient to describe the observed cycling behavior of single Daphnia. To simulate vortex swarming of many Daphnia, i.e. the collective rotation of the swarm in one direction, we extend the model by considering avoidance of collisions. Two different ansatzes to model such a behavior are developed and compared. By means of computer simulations of a multi-agent system we show that local avoidance—as a special form of asymmetric repulsion between animals—leads to the emergence of a vortex swarm. The transition from uncorrelated rotation of single agents to the vortex swarming as a function of the swarm size is investigated. Eventually, some evidence of avoidance behavior in Daphnia is provided by comparing experimental and simulation results for two animals.     

Spatial vision in binocular and monocular common field grasshoppers (Chorthippus brunneus)

Abstract The ability of the common field grasshopper Chorthippus brunneus to discriminate between different distances under binocular and monocular stimulus conditions is investigated based upon the peering‐jump behaviour. The results show that information obtained from only one eye is sufficient for the grasshopper to determine the jump direction and distance. However, information obtained from both eyes is advantageous for relative distance determination. It is hypothesized that the motion parallax signals from the left and right eye may be summed, thus improving performance. There is no behavioural evidence of a more complex correlation of the information from the two eyes.     

Detection of Variation of the R-Domain Structure of Ice Nucleation Genes in Erwinia herbicola-Group Bacteria by PCR-RFLP Analysis

The structure of ice nucleation (IN) genes was compared among 20 strains of Erwinia herbicola-group bacterium of plant- and insect-origin including E. herbicola M1 (IceE) and E. ananas IN10 (inaA) that had been previously reported. When the DNAs of N-domain or C-domain were amplified, PCR products with similar size were obtained in all strains, while the size of the PCR products from the whole genes containing the R domain varied remarkably within a range of 3.8 kb to 4.4 kb. RFLP analysis of the IN genes revealed that the size of the R-domains were varied within the region from the PvuII site to DraI site, and 20 IN genes were classified into 12 groups. Furthermore, all the strains identified as E. ananas based on six bacteriological properties were different from those of E. herbicola. These results suggest that the IN genes may be distributed only in E. ananas strains among “herbicola group bacteria.” Received: 18 March 1998 / Accepted: 28 April 1998