Differential binding of anions to the active site of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase. A study of the Co,Zn enzyme derivative

The reaction of N3- with Co,Zn superoxide dismutase, a good analogue of the native Cu,Zn enzyme, was studied in the presence and absence of phosphate, which is known to perturb the spectroscopic properties of the cobalt chromophore in the Co,Zn enzyme. EPR, NMR, and optical titrations demonstrated the formation of different adducts for N3- depending on the presence of phosphate, at variance with results previously obtained with CN- [3]. This evidence indicates that the mechanism of anion binding to Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase cannot be described on the basis of data obtained with a single type of anions.     

Structure-function relationship in Escherichia coli translational initiation factors. Characterization of IF1 by high-resolution 1H-NMR spectroscopy

Escherichia coli translational initiation factor IF1 was studied by 1H-NMR spectroscopy at 400 MHz. IF1 displays a very well resolved spectrum in both aromatic and aliphatic regions. Other spectral characteristics include relatively narrow resonance lines and lack of relevant cross-relaxation phenomena. The resonances of the aromatic residues, in particular of the two His and two Tyr, were assigned by selective chemical modifications and spectroscopic techniques to individual residues in the protein sequence. The relative mobility of various residues of IF1 has been evaluated on the basis of the spin-lattice relaxation times which are rather short and homogeneous. Overall the factor appears to have a complex secondary and tertiary structure and to be a flexible protein whose residues have a high degree of internal mobility.     

Distribution and Pharmacological Properties of the GABAA/ Benzodiazepine/Chloride Ionophore Receptor Complex in the Brain of the Fish Anguilla anguilla

In the present study, we characterized the distribution and the pharmacological properties of the different components of the GABAA receptor complex in the brain of the eel (Anguilla anguilla). Benzodiazepine recognition sites labeled "in vitro" with [3H]flunitrazepam ([3H]FNT) were present in highest concentration in the optic lobe and in lowest concentration in the medulla oblongata and spinal cord. A similar distribution was observed in the density of gamma-[3H]aminobutyric acid ([3H]GABA) binding sites. GABA increased the binding of [3H]FNT in a concentration-dependent manner, with a maximal enhancement of 45% above the control value, and, vice versa, diazepam stimulated the binding of [3H]GABA to eel brain membrane preparations. The density of benzodiazepine and GABA recognition sites and their reciprocal regulation were similar to those observed in the rat brain. In contrast, the binding of the specific ligand for the Cl- ionophore, t-[35S]butylbicyclophosphorothionate ([35S]TBPS), to eel brain membranes was lower than that found in the rat brain. In addition, [35S]TBPS binding in eel brain was less sensitive to the inhibitory effects of GABA and muscimol and much more sensitive to the stimulatory effect of bicuculline, when compared with [35S]TBPS binding in the rat brain. Moreover, the uptake of 36Cl- into eel brain membrane vesicles was only marginally stimulated by concentrations of GABA or muscimol that significantly enhanced the 36Cl- uptake into rat brain membrane vesicles. Finally, intravenous administration of the beta-carboline inverse agonist 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (20 mg/kg) and of the chloride channel blocker pentylenetetrazole (80 mg/kg) produced convulsions in eels that were antagonized by diazepam at doses five to 20 times higher than those required to produce similar effects in rats. The results may indicate a different functional activity of the GABA-coupled chloride ionophore in the fish brain as compared with the mammalian brain.     

Assignment of imidazole resonances from two-dimensional proton NMR spectra of bovine Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase. Evidence for similar active site conformation in the oxidized and reduced enzyme

Two-dimensional 1H-NMR spectra were carried out on bovine Cu(I),Zn superoxide dismutase. The ring protons of the single tyrosine and of the 4 phenylalanines were identified from COSY spectra. From NOESY spectra all imidazole C-resonances could be specifically assigned to each of the 8 histidines using the crystal coordinates of the Cu(II),Zn enzyme. Since 6 histidines are involved in the structure of the active site, this result implies nearly identical active site conformations for the two oxidation states of the catalytic cycle of this enzyme, in line with its diffusion-limited rate.     

Mitochondrial non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss: a clinical, audiological and pathological study from Italy, and revision of the literature

Over the last decade, a number of distinct mutations in the mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA) have been found to be associated with both syndromic and non-syndromic forms of hearing impairment. Their real incidence as a cause of deafness is poorly understood and generally underestimated. Among the known mtDNA mutations, the A1555G mutation in the 12S gene has been identified to be one of the most common genetic cause of deafness, and it has been described to be both associated to non-syndromic progressive SNHL (sensorineural hearing loss) and to aminoglycoside-induced SNHL. In the present study, we have investigated the presence of mtDNA alterations in patients affected by idiopathic non-syndromic SNHL, both familiar and sporadic, in order to evaluate the frequency of mtDNA alterations as a cause of deafness and to describe the audiological manifestations of mitochondrial non-syndromic SNHL. In agreement with previous studies, we found the A1555G mutation to be responsible for a relevant percentage (5.4%) of cases affected with isolated idiopathic sensorineural hearing impairment.     

Flexibility within the Rotor and Stators of the Vacuolar H+-ATPase

The V-ATPase is a membrane-bound protein complex which pumps protons across the membrane to generate a large proton motive force through the coupling of an ATP-driven 3-stroke rotary motor (V₁) to a multistroke proton pump (V_o). This is done with near 100% efficiency, which is achieved in part by flexibility within the central rotor axle and stator connections, allowing the system to flex to minimise the free energy loss of conformational changes during catalysis. We have used electron microscopy to reveal distinctive bending along the V-ATPase complex, leading to angular displacement of the V₁ domain relative to the V_o domain to a maximum of ~30°. This has been complemented by elastic network normal mode analysis that shows both flexing and twisting with the compliance being located in the rotor axle, stator filaments, or both. This study provides direct evidence of flexibility within the V-ATPase and by implication in related rotary ATPases, a feature predicted to be important for regulation and their high energetic efficiencies.     

Investigation on the genetic variability of the american Pit Bull Terrier dogs belonging to an Italian breeder using microsatellite markers and genealogical data

The genetic variability of 18 American Pit Bull Terriers bred in Italy was studied using 21 STR markers from the panels recommended for the 2006, 2008 and 2010 ISAG canine comparison test and the genealogical information. As expected, all statistical analysis showed a reduced genetic variability. It is there-fore recommended greater attention in the programming of mating with an increase of gene flow among farmers, which would reduce the average inbreeding in the population and increase genetic variability.