Bone acidic glycoprotein-75 self-associates to form macromolecular complexes in vitro and in vivo with the potential to sequester phosphate ions

Monoclonal antibody HTP IV-#1 specifically recognizes a complexation-dependent neoepitope on bone acidic glycoprotein-75 (BAG-75) and a Mr = 50 kDa fragment. Complexes of BAG-75 exist in situ, as shown by immunofluorescent staining of the primary spongiosa of rat tibial metaphysis and osteosarcoma cell micromass cultures with monoclonal antibody HTP IV-#1. Incorporation of BAG-75 into complexes by newborn growth plate and calvarial tissues was confirmed with a second, anti-BAG-75 peptide antibody (#503). Newly synthesized BAG-75 immunoprecipitated from mineralizing explant cultures of bone was present entirely in large macromolecular complexes, while immunoprecipitates from monolayer cultures of osteoblastic cells were previously shown to contain only monomeric Mr = 75 kDa BAG-75 and a 50 kDa fragment. Purified BAG-75 self-associated in vitro to form large spherical aggregate structures composed of a meshwork of 10 nm diameter fibrils. These structures have the capacity to sequester large amounts of phosphate ions as evidenced by X-ray microanalysis and by the fact that purified BAG-75 preparations, even after extensive dialysis against water, retained phosphate ions in concentrations more than 1,000-fold higher than can be accounted for by exchange calculations or by electrostatic binding. The ultrastructural distribution of immunogold-labeled BAG-75 in the primary spongiosa underlying the rat growth plate is distinct from that for other acidic phosphoproteins, osteopontin and bone sialoprotein. We conclude that BAG-75 self-associates in vitro and in vivo into microfibrillar complexes which are specifically recognized by monoclonal antibody HTP IV-#1. This propensity to self-associate into macromolecular complexes is not shared with acidic phosphoproteins osteopontin and bone sialoprotein. We hypothesize that an extracellular electronegative network of macromolecular BAG-75 complexes could serve an organizational role in forming bone or as a barrier restricting local diffusion of phosphate ions. J. Cell. Biochem. 64:547–564. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Luminescent metal-ligand complexes as probes of macromolecular interactions and biopolymer dynamics

The knowledge of microsecond dynamics is important for an understanding of the mechanism and function of biological systems. Fluorescent techniques are well established in biophysical studies, but their applicability to probe microsecond timescale processes is limited. Luminescent metal-ligand complexes (MLCs) have created interest mainly due to their unique luminescent properties, such as the exceptionally long decay times and large fundamental anisotropy values, allowing examination of microsecond dynamics by fluorescence methods. MLC properties also greatly simplify instrumentation requirements and enable the use of light emitting diode excitation for time-resolved measurements. Recent literature illustrates how MLC labels take full advantage of well developed fluorescence techniques and how those methods can be extended to timescales not easily accessible with nanosecond probes. MLCs are now commercially available as reactive labels which give researchers access to methods that previously required more complex approaches. The present paper gives an overview of the applications of MLC probes to studies of molecular dynamics and interactions of proteins, membranes and nucleic acids.     

The emerging role of native mass spectrometry in characterizing the structure and dynamics of macromolecular complexes

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful tool for determining the mass of biomolecules with high accuracy and sensitivity. MS performed under so-called “native conditions” (native MS) can be used to determine the mass of biomolecules that associate noncovalently. Here we review the application of native MS to the study of protein−ligand interactions and its emerging role in elucidating the structure of macromolecular assemblies, including soluble and membrane protein complexes. Moreover, we discuss strategies aimed at determining the stoichiometry and topology of subunits by inducing partial dissociation of the holo-complex. We also survey recent developments in "native top-down MS", an approach based on Fourier Transform MS, whereby covalent bonds are broken without disrupting non-covalent interactions. Given recent progress, native MS is anticipated to play an increasingly important role for researchers interested in the structure of macromolecular complexes.     

Synthesis,characterization, biological and catalytic applications of transition metal complexes derived from Schiff base

A novel series of Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Co(II), and Cd(II) complexes have been synthesized from the Schiff base. Structural features were determined by analytical and spectral techniques like IR, ¹H NMR, UV–vis, elemental analysis, molar electric conductibility, magnetic susceptibility and thermal studies. The complexes are found to be soluble in dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide. Molar conductance values in dimethylformamide indicate the non-electrolytic nature of the complexes. Binding of synthesized complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) was studied. There is significant binding of DNA in lanes 2, 3, and 5. Lanes 4 and 6 are showing more florescence when compared to the control indicating that these molecules are strongly bound to the DNA by inserting themselves between the two stacked base pairs and exhibiting their original property of fluorescence. Angiogenesis study has revealed that the compounds B-2, B-4 and B-5 have potent antitumor efficacy and activation of antiangiogenesis could be one of the possible underlying mechanisms of tumor inhibition.     

The simultaneous measurement of densities and absorbances in sucrose gradients, applied to zonal centrifugation

An apparatus is described that continuously and simultaneously registers both densities and absorbances. An application for centrifugation with a zonal rotor is given.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic, and antibacterial activity of tetraazamacrocyclic complexes of trivalent chromium,manganese, and iron

A new series of macrocyclic complexes of type [M(TML)X]X₂, where M = Cr(III), Mn(III), or Fe(III), TML is tetradentate macrocyclic ligand, and X = Cl^?, NO₃^?, CH₃COO^? for Cr(III), Fe(III) and X = CH₃COO^? for Mn (III), has been synthesized by condensation of benzil and succinyldihydrazide in the presence of metal salt. The complexes have been so formulated due to the 1:2 electrolytic nature of these complexes as shown by conductivity measurements. The complexes have been characterized with the help of various physicochemical techniques such as elemental analysis, molar conductance, electronic and infrared spectral studies, and magnetic susceptibility. On the basis of these studies, a five-coordinate distorted square pyramidal geometry, in which two nitrogens and two carbonyl oxygen atoms are suitably placed for coordination toward the metal ion, has been proposed for all the complexes. The complexes have been tested for their in vitro antibacterial activity. Some of the complexes show remarkable antibacterial activities against some selected bacterial strains. The minimum inhibitory concentrations shown by these complexes have been compared with those shown by some standard antibiotics such as linezolid and cefaclor.     

The morphology of cells and cell organelles in the anhydrobiotic tardigrade,Macrobiotus hufelandi

Summary Anhydrobiotic and active hydrated specimens of the tardigradeMacrobiotus hufelandi were investigated by electron microscopy, and the cellular fine structure of both stages was compared. Besides conventional preparation methods, totally anhydrous techniques were used to avoid hydration artefacts in the anhydrobiotic specimens. In the latter the cytoplasm was very electron dense and masked many cell constituents, however, membraneous structures, nuclei, mitochondria, microtubules, and myofilaments could be resolved in the micrographs. After substraction of all peculiarities caused by the preparation methods within the micrographs of cells from anhydrobiotic specimens, the comparison revealed that the basic morphology of the cells and their organelles is not changed in the anhydrobiotic specimens. Maintenance of the structural integrity of its cells is a basic ability of this organism to survive desiccation.This report is part of a doctoral dissertation submitted by the author to the Fakultät für Naturwissenschaften of the University of Heidelberg in 1976. The author would like to thank Prof. Dr. E.Schnepf who guided the dissertation. I would like to thank too the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes for general support by a Promotionsstipendium.     

The key role of atom types, reference states, and interaction cutoff radii in the knowledge-based method: new variational approach

We present a variational method to derive knowledge-based potentials. The method is based on an optimization procedure of objective variables: atom types, reference states, and interaction cutoff radii. We suggest and apply new unsymmetrical reference states. The cutoff radii and atom types are optimized to improve docking accuracy of the corresponding potentials. The atom types are varied along an atom type tree, with 6 root and 49 top atom types, and the set of 18 optimal atom types is obtained. We demonstrate strong dependence between the choice of atom types and the docking accuracy of the potentials derived with these atom types. The averaged root-mean square deviations (RMSDs) of the ligand docked positions relative to the experimentally determined positions decrease when the elements C, N, O are split into the optimal types.     

Syntheses, structure and properties of chiral copper(II) complexes with end-on azide bridge and chiral-bipyridine ligand

A novel one-dimensional chiral copper(II) complex with single end-on (EO) azide bridge and chiral 2,2-bipyridine ligand, [Cu(N₃)₂(L)]_n (1), and a mononuclear chiral copper(II) complex, [Cu(N₃)₂(L)] (2) (L = (1R)-6,6-dimethyl-5,7-methano-2-(2-pyridinyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroquinoline), have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure determination shows that complex 1 is a one-dimensional chiral coordination polymer with non-equivalent Cu-N(azide) bonds, in which the central Cu(II) ion is penta-coordinated in the form of a slightly distorted square-based pyramid. Compound 2 is a four-coordinated mononuclear complex where the Cu(II) ion has a highly distorted tetrahedronal environment. Both complexes 1 and 2 crystallize in the chiral space group: P2₁2₁2₁ and P₁, respectively. The magnetic studies show that there exists antiferromagnetic interaction between the copper(II) ions in complex 1.     

Preparation, characterization, and catalytic properties of (triphenylphosphine)ruthenium complexes bearing N,O,N′-tridentate ligands

Preparation and characterization of (triphenylphosphine)ruthenium complexes bearing N,O,N′-tridentate ligands, [(L₁)RuCl(PPh₃)₂](BF₄) (L₁ = 2-[(2-pyridylmethoxy)methyl]pyridine), 1), [(L₂)RuCl(PPh₃)₂](BF₄) (L₂ = 8-(2-pyridylmethoxy)quinoline, 2) and [(L₃)RuCl₂(PPh₃)] (L₃ = 2-[(2-pyridylmethoxy)methyl]quinoline, 3) are described. Complexes 1-3 have been characterized by NMR and elemental analyses. Molecular structures of 2 and 3 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Both compounds exhibit the octahedral geometry. L₂ adopts the facial configuration in 2 while L₃ is in a mer-arrangement in 3. Complexes 1-3 have proven to be able to catalyze the transfer hydrogenation of several ketones to alcohols in the presence of KOH and 2-propanol at refluxing, among which complex 3 was found to be the most active.     

Synthesis,characterization and luminescent properties of lanthanide complexes with an unsymmetrical tripodal ligand

Solid complexes of lanthanide nitrates with an novel unsymmetrical tripodal ligand, butyl‐N,N‐bis[(2′‐benzylaminofomyl)phenoxyl)ethyl]‐amine ( L ) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra and molar conductivity measurements. At the same time, the luminescent properties of the Sm(III), Eu(III), Tb(III) and Dy(III) nitrate complexes in solid state were also investigated. Under the excitation of UV light, these complexes exhibited characteristic emission of central metal ions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural study of few p-phenylenediacetate complexes of Mn, Cu, Zn and Cd

Different metal carboxylate complexes are prepared by reactions of manganese (+2) acetate, copper (+2) acetate, zinc (+2) acetate and cadmium (+2) acetate with p-phenylenediacetic acid under ambient condition with or without a nitrogen donor ligands and each of them are characterized by conventional spectroscopic techniques along with crystallography.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and properties of supramolecular Cu, Zn, and Cd complexes with Salen-type bisoxime ligands

Three new supramolecular complexes, [Cu(L¹)H₂O]_n (1), [Zn(L²)(H₂O)₂]_n (2), and [Cd(L²)(H₂O)₂]_n (3), have been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR spectra, fluorescence spectra, and thermal analyses. And the structures of complexes 1-3 have been elucidated by X-ray analyses. Complex 1 is square pyramidal geometry with an unusually long bond (2.262 Å) from penta-coodinated Cu^II center to the oxygen atom of the apical coordinated water molecule. Molecules are linked by hydrogen bonding between the coordinated water and the phenolic oxygen atoms of adjacent molecules, thus formed a self-assembling continual zigzag chain supramolecular structure. The crystal structure of complex 2 (or 3) has indicated that the complex consists of one Zn^II (or Cd^II) atom, one L²⁻ unit and two coordinated water molecules, the coordination number of the Zn^II (or Cd^II) atom is six, and formed an infinite metal-water chain supramolecular structure by intermolecular hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking of neighboring benzene rings. Meanwhile, the thermal and photophysical properties of the resulted complexes have also been discussed.     

Cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, cellular uptake, DNA and glutathione interactions of lipophilic trans-platinum complexes tethered to 1-adamantylamine

Cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of trans,trans,trans-[PtCl₂(CH₃COO)₂(NH₃)(1-adamantylamine)] [trans-adamplatin(IV)] and its reduced analog trans-[PtCl₂(NH₃)(1-adamantylamine)] [trans-adamplatin(II)] were examined. In addition, the several factors underlying biological effects of these trans-platinum compounds using various biochemical methods were investigated. A notable feature of the growth inhibition studies was the remarkable circumvention of both acquired and intrinsic cisplatin resistance by the two lipophilic trans-compounds. Interestingly, trans-adamplatin(IV) was considerably less mutagenic than cisplatin. Consistent with the lipophilic character of trans-adamplatin complexes, their total accumulation in A2780 cells was considerably greater than that of cisplatin. The results also demonstrate that trans-adamplatin(II) exhibits DNA binding mode markedly different from that of ineffective transplatin. In addition, the reduced deactivation of trans-adamplatin(II) by glutathione seems to be an important determinant of the cytotoxic effects of the complexes tested in the present work. The factors associated with cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of trans-adamplatin complexes in tumor cell lines examined in the present work are likely to play a significant role in the overall antitumor activity of these complexes.     

Limiting factors of Striped Hyaena,Hyaena hyaena,distribution and densities across climatic and geographical gradients (Mammalia: Carnivora)

Few previous studies on the factors that affect Striped Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena Linnaeus, 1758) occurrence and densities were done on geographically unrelated populations using different methodologies. In Israel, hyaenas occur throughout the country's steep climatic and geographical gradients, presenting a unique opportunity to study densities and habitat use across adjacent ecosystems using a unified methodology and test previous conceptions regarding the species’ habitat selection. We collected hyaena abundance-absence data using 1440 camera traps placed at 80 sites (2012– 2016). Site location ranged from hyper-arid deserts to dense Mediterranean shrubland. We assessed the effect of climate, habitat structure, elevation, geomorphological attributes (proxy for den availability), and anthropogenic development (proximity to settlements and agriculture) on hyaena densities using N-mixture models. Hyaena densities were negatively affected by anthropogenic development, and were limited by den availability. Hyaena densities did not follow a climatic or geographic gradient. Densities were highest at hyper-arid deserts and Mediterranean coastal shrublands. Despite the former conception that hyaenas prefer semi-arid open habitats and avoid extreme deserts and dense vegetation, we show that hyaenas use and even thrive in these habitats when geomorphological conditions are suitable and resources are available.     

Conservation of gene order amongst cell wall and cell division genes in Eubacteria, and ribosomal genes in Eubacteria and Eukaryotic organelles

Comparison of genome sequences from Eubacteria and Eukaryotic organelles shows that the order of genes in gene clusters encoding certain highly conserved cell division proteins and ribosomal proteins is itself highly conserved. Experiments with a cluster of cell division and related genes of E. colihave shown that this gene order is not essential for function. Comparisons between genomes also show that no pair of genes are necessarily adjacent in all genomes. The reason for the extreme conservation of order is therefore unknown, although one possible explanation might be the lateral exchange of tightly-linked groups of genes coding for co-adapted sets of proteins.     

Composition gradient static light scattering: a new technique for rapid detection and quantitative characterization of reversible macromolecular hetero-associations in solution

A method for rapid detection and quantitative characterization of associations between two proteins in solution is presented, based upon continuous measurement of the Rayleigh light scattering and UV absorbance of a solution whose composition is varied with time in a controlled fashion. Collection and subsequent analysis of data are both rapid and semiautomatic. The results of validation experiments demonstrate that the technique can correctly identify complexes and reliably evaluate equilibrium constants for hetero-association.