Role of methyl groups in dynamics and evolution of biomolecules

Recent studies have discovered strong differences between the dynamics of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) and proteins, especially at low hydration and low temperatures. This difference is caused primarily by dynamics of methyl groups that are abundant in proteins, but are absent or very rare in RNA and DNA. In this paper, we present a hypothesis regarding the role of methyl groups as intrinsic plasticizers in proteins and their evolutionary selection to facilitate protein dynamics and activity. We demonstrate the profound effect methyl groups have on protein dynamics relative to nucleic acid dynamics, and note the apparent correlation of methyl group content in protein classes and their need for molecular flexibility. Moreover, we note the fastest methyl groups of some enzymes appear around dynamical centers such as hinges or active sites. Methyl groups are also of tremendous importance from a hydrophobicity/folding/entropy perspective. These significant roles, however, complement our hypothesis rather than preclude the recognition of methyl groups in the dynamics and evolution of biomolecules.     

Modeling Tetrahymena thermophila growth and protease production

Oxygen concentrations stimulated growth (maximum number of cells) and protease secretion by Tetrahymena thermophila. Agitation and aeration conditions for growth and protease secretion were optimised by a central composite design. The best optimised combination was a stirrer speed of 338 rpm and an aeration of 1 vvm. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2000) 25, 58–61. Received 24 September 1999/ Accepted in revised form 06 March 2000     

Identification of a rice RNA- and microtubule-binding protein as the multifunctional protein, a peroxisomal enzyme involved in the beta -oxidation of fatty acids.

The control of subcellular mRNA localization and translation is often mediated by protein factors that are directly or indirectly associated with the cytoskeleton. We report the identification and characterization of a rice seed protein that possesses both RNA and microtubule binding activities. In vitro UV cross-linking assays indicated that this protein binds to all mRNA sequences tested, although there was evidence for preferential binding to RNAs that contained A-C nucleotide sequence motifs. The protein was purified to homogeneity using a two-step procedure, and amino acid sequencing identified it as the multifunctional protein (MFP), a peroxisomal enzyme known to possess a number of activities involved in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids. The recombinant version of this rice MFP binds to RNA in UV cross-linking and gel mobility shift experiments, co-sediments specifically with microtubules, and possesses at least two enzymatic activities involved in peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation. Taken together these data suggest that MFP has an important role in mRNA physiology in the cytoplasm, perhaps in regulating the localization or translation of mRNAs through an interaction with microtubules, in addition to its peroxisomal function.     

A rapid colorimetric assay for heparinase activity.

A rapid, sensitive, assay for enzymes that degrade heparin is described. The procedure is based on the interference of heparin with color development during the interaction of protein with the dye Coomassie brilliant blue. The loss of this property when the glycosaminoglycan is degraded by heparinase can be used to quantify activity of the enzyme in pure form, or in complex biological samples such as tissue homogenates or serum. The assay is also suitable for studying dependence of heparinase activity under conditions such as varying pH and temperature.     

Physiological and psychological response to a three-month mental strain period in students

Biochemical and immunological parameters, physical and mental performance, subjective complaints and behavioural characteristics were compared before and after 14 final examinations undertaken by 64 students during a three-month examination period. A decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, physical performance and an increase in LDL/HDL cholesterol quotient, lactate level, mental performance were accompanied by a lower frequency of mental complaints and higher frequency of physical complaints. From the multidimensional variance and discriminant analysis 17 of the 44 variables discriminated between the state prior to and after the examination period. The results are interpreted in terms of the psychophysiological adaptation to adequate mental stress.     

Flora von Oesterreich-Ungarn

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