EF-G-dependent GTPase on the ribosome. conformational change and fusidic acid inhibition

Protein synthesis studies increasingly focus on delineating the nature of conformational changes occurring as the ribosome exerts its catalytic functions. Here, we use FRET to examine such changes during single-turnover EF-G-dependent GTPase on vacant ribosomes and to elucidate the mechanism by which fusidic acid (FA) inhibits multiple-turnover EF-G.GTPase. Our measurements focus on the distance between the G' region of EF-G and the N-terminal region of L11 (L11-NTD), located within the GTPase activation center of the ribosome. We demonstrate that single-turnover ribosome-dependent EF-G GTPase proceeds according to a kinetic scheme in which rapid G' to L11-NTD movement requires prior GTP hydrolysis and, via branching pathways, either precedes P(i) release (major pathway) or occurs simultaneously with it (minor pathway). Such movement retards P(i) release, with the result that P(i) release is essentially rate-determining in single-turnover GTPase. This is the most significant difference between the EF-G.GTPase activities of vacant and translocating ribosomes [Savelsbergh, A., Katunin, V. I., Mohr, D., Peske, F., Rodnina, M. V., and Wintermeyer, W. (2003) Mol. Cell 11, 1517-1523], which are otherwise quite similar. Both the G' to L11-NTD movement and P(i) release are strongly inhibited by thiostrepton but not by FA. Contrary to the standard view that FA permits only a single round of GTP hydrolysis [Bodley, J. W., Zieve, F. J., and Lin, L. (1970) J. Biol. Chem. 245, 5662-5667], we find that FA functions rather as a slow inhibitor of EF-G.GTPase, permitting a number of GTPase turnovers prior to complete inhibition while inducing a closer approach of EF-G to the GAC than is seen during normal turnover.     

Genetics of symbiosis in Lotus japonicus: recombinant inbred lines, comparative genetic maps, and map position of 35 symbiotic loci

Development of molecular tools for the analysis of the plant genetic contribution to rhizobial and mycorrhizal symbiosis has provided major advances in our understanding of plant-microbe interactions, and several key symbiotic genes have been identified and characterized. In order to increase the efficiency of genetic analysis in the model legume Lotus japonicus, we present here a selection of improved genetic tools. The two genetic linkage maps previously developed from an interspecific cross between L. japonicus Gifu and L. filicaulis, and an intraspecific cross between the two ecotypes L. japonicus Gifu and L. japonicus MG-20, were aligned through a set of anchor markers. Regions of linkage groups, where genetic resolution is obtained preferentially using one or the other parental combination, are highlighted. Additional genetic resolution and stabilized mapping populations were obtained in recombinant inbred lines derived by a single seed descent from the two populations. For faster mapping of new loci, a selection of reliable markers spread over the chromosome arms provides a common framework for more efficient identification of new alleles and new symbiotic loci among uncharacterized mutant lines. Combining resources from the Lotus community, map positions of a large collection of symbiotic loci are provided together with alleles and closely linked molecular markers. Altogether, this establishes a common genetic resource for Lotus spp. A web-based version will enable this resource to be curated and updated regularly.     

Modifying the conserved C‐terminal tyrosine of the peptide hormone PYY3‐36 to improve Y2 receptor selectivity

The Y2 selective PYY derived peptide PYY3‐36 was recently shown to play a role in appetite regulation. Novel PYY3‐36 analogs with high selectivity for the Y2 receptor could be potential drug candidates for the treatment of obesity. The C‐terminal pentapeptide segment of PYY3‐36 is believed to bind to the Y receptors. Tyr‐36 is highly conserved across species and only few successful modifications of Tyr‐36 have been documented. PYY3‐36 analogs were prepared using solid‐phase peptide chemistry and tested for binding to the Y1, Y2 and Y4 receptor subtypes by radioligand displacement assay. The Y2 receptor agonists with the best affinity and selectivity were further investigated for activity towards the Y1 and Y2 receptor subtypes. Unexpectedly, modifications of Tyr‐36 were well‐tolerated, and the analogs of PYY3‐36 in which the Tyr‐36 hydroxyl group was substituted with a halogen or an amino group were particularly well tolerated and yielded an improved selectivity and approximately equipotent affinity to the Y2 receptor. These modifications could be used to design new potential drug candidates for the treatment of obesity. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Marinimicrobium haloxylanilyticum</Emphasis> sp. nov., a new moderately halophilic,polysaccharide-degrading bacterium isolated from Great Salt Lake,Utah

A new moderately halophilic, strictly aerobic, Gram-negative bacterium, strain SX15^T, was isolated from hypersaline surface sediment of the southern arm of Great Salt Lake (Utah, USA). The strain grew on a number of carbohydrates and carbohydrate polymers such as xylan, starch, carboxymethyl cellulose and galactomannan. The strain grew at salinities ranging from 2 to 22% NaCl (w/v). Optimal growth occurred in the presence of 7–11% NaCl (w/v) at a temperature of 35°C and a pH of 6.7–8.2. Major whole-cell fatty acids were C16:0 (30.5%), C18:0 (14.8%), C18:1ω7c (13.1%) and C12:0 (7.8%). The G+C content of the DNA was 60 ± 0.5 mol%. By 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain SX15^T was shown to be affiliated to members of the gammaproteobacterial genus Marinimicrobium with pair wise identity values of 92.9–94.6%. The pheno- and genotypic properties suggest that strain SX15^T represents a novel species of the genus Marinimicrobium for which the name Marinimicrobium haloxylanilyticum is proposed. The type strain is SX15^T (= DSM 23100^T = CCUG 59572^T).     

Automated ‘X‐Y’ robot for peptide synthesis with microwave heating: application to difficult peptide sequences and protein domains

Precise microwave heating has emerged as a valuable method to aid solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). New methods and reliable protocols, as well as their embodiment in automated instruments, are required to fully use this potential. Here we describe a new automated robotic instrument for SPPS with microwave heating, report protocols for its reliable use and report the application to the synthesis of long sequences, including the β‐amyloid 1‐42 peptide. The instrument is built around a valve‐free robot originally developed for parallel peptide synthesis, where the robotic arm transports reagents instead of pumping reagents via valves. This is the first example of an ‘X‐Y’ robotic microwave‐assisted synthesizer developed for the assembly of long peptides. Although the instrument maintains its capability for parallel synthesis at room temperature, in this paper, we focus on sequential peptide synthesis with microwave heating. With this valve‐free instrument and the protocols developed for its use, fast and efficient syntheses of long and difficult peptide sequences were achieved. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Distribution of the UV filter 3-benzylidene camphor in rat following topical application

A straightforward analytical method for determination of 3-benzylidene camphor (3-BC) in rat adipose tissue, brain, liver, muscle, plasma and testis following topical application was developed and validated. Three exposure levels (60, 180 and 540 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) were tested for 65 days in male Sprague-Dawley rats (24 days postnatal). Sample preparation involving homogenization and n-heptane or methanol extraction of the tissue was applied before injection into the LC-ESI-MS-MS system. The response was linear from 2 to 100 microg l(-1) for the qualifier and the quantifier MRM transitions (R(2) (quantifier) > 0.994). Detection limit of the method corresponded to 0.005 microg g(-1) tissue and 12.5 microg l(-1) plasma, respectively. Recovery was determined for all tissues (adipose tissue: 40%; all other tissues: 80-100%) at three individual levels. 3-(4-Methyl benzylidene camphor) (4-MBC) was used throughout the study as internal standard. 3-Benzylidene camphor was detected in all tissues at all exposure levels at concentrations between 0.05 microg g(-1) (liver) and 36 microg g(-1) (adipose tissue) and in plasma at 16-89 microg l(-1). The method allowed for the quantification of 3-benzylidene camphor in all tested tissues following topical application. Furthermore, it was shown that 3-benzylidene camphor can be found in various tissues in the rat following topical application. These findings may suggest that following use of 3-benzylidene camphor containing sunscreen, similar disposition and distribution may occur in humans.     

Endotoxemia stimulates skeletal muscle Na+-K+-ATPase and raises blood lactate under aerobic conditions in humans

We assessed the hypothesis that the epinephrine surge present during sepsis accelerates aerobic glycolysis and lactate production by increasing activity of skeletal muscle Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. Healthy volunteers received an intravenous bolus of endotoxin or placebo in a randomized order on two different days. Endotoxemia induced a response resembling sepsis. Endotoxemia increased plasma epinephrine to a maximum at t = 2 h of 0.7 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.3 +/- 0.1 nmol/l (P < 0.05, n = 6-7). Endotoxemia reduced plasma K(+) reaching a nadir at t = 5 h of 3.3 +/- 0.1 vs. 3.8 +/- 0.1 mmol/l (P < 0.01, n = 6-7), followed by an increase to placebo level at t = 7-8 h. During the declining plasma K(+), a relative accumulation of K(+) was seen reaching a maximum at t = 6 h of 8.7 +/- 3.8 mmol/leg (P < 0.05). Plasma lactate increased to a maximum at t = 1 h of 2.5 +/- 0.5 vs. 0.9 +/- 0.1 mmol/l (P < 0.05, n = 8) in association with increased release of lactate from the legs. These changes were not associated with hypoperfusion or hypoxia. During the first 24 h after endotoxin infusion, renal K(+) excretion was 27 +/- 7 mmol, i.e., 58% higher than after placebo. Combination of the well-known stimulatory effect of catecholamines on skeletal muscle Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, with the present confirmation of an expected Na(+)-K(+)- ATPase-induced decline in plasma K(+), suggests that the increased lactate release was due to increased Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, supporting our hypothesis. Thus increased lactate levels in acutely and severely ill patients should not be managed only from the point of view that it reflects hypoxia.     

Mechanism of Tet(O)-mediated tetracycline resistance

Tet(O) is an elongation factor-like protein which confers resistance to the protein synthesis inhibitor tetracycline by promoting the release of the drug from its inhibitory site on the ribosome. Here we investigated the interaction of Tet(O) with the elongating ribosome and show, using dimethyl sulfate (DMS) probing and binding assays, that it interacts preferentially with the post-translocational ribosome. Furthermore, using an XTP-dependent mutant of Tet(O), we demonstrated that Tet(O) induces conformational rearrangements within the ribosome which can be detected by EF-Tu, and manifested as a stimulation in the GTPase activity of this elongation factor. As such, these conformational changes probably involve the ribosomal GTPase-associated center and, accordingly, Tet(O) alters the DMS modification pattern of the L11 region. Additionally, tetracycline binding is associated with an E(a) of 58 kJ/mol. These results suggest a model where both Tet(O) and tetracycline induce a conformational change in functionally opposite directions and the Tet(O)-induced conformation persists after it has left the ribosome; this prevents rebinding of the drug while allowing productive A-site occupation by a ternary complex in the presence of tetracycline.     

High-performance liquid chromatography purification of 26-bp serial analysis of gene expression ditags results in higher yields,longer concatemers,and substantial time savings

In contrast to DNA chips, serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) is not dependent on genes having been previously identified for their monitoring. Although useful, the method can be technically challenging, and particularly the last steps including concatenation and cloning may result in less than optimal results. We propose that many of the encountered problems can be attributed to the purification of the 26-bp ditags by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Low yields, gel contaminants, potential exposure to degrading enzymes during handling and lengthy separation all disfavor the method. We introduce purification of 26-bp ditags by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using polystyrene/divinylbenzene columns and tetraethylammonium acetate buffer with acetonitrile as mobile phase. The method is fast and gives excellent results. Ditags purified by HPLC readily ligate to high-molecular-weight concatemers leading to their efficient cloning. The method should substantially facilitate the construction of SAGE libraries.