Showing papers in "Biochemical Journal in 1988"

Inhibitory effect of a marine-sponge toxin, okadaic acid, on protein phosphatases. Specificity and kinetics

Abstract: The inhibitory effect of a marine-sponge toxin, okadaic acid, was examined on type 1, type 2A, type 2B and type 2C protein phosphatases as well as on a polycation-modulated (PCM) phosphatase. Of the protein phosphatases examined, the catalytic subunit of type 2A phosphatase from rabbit skeletal muscle was most potently inhibited. For the phosphorylated myosin light-chain (PMLC) phosphatase activity of the enzyme, the concentration of okadaic acid required to obtain 50% inhibition (ID50) was about 1 nM. The PMLC phosphatase activities of type 1 and PCM phosphatase were also strongly inhibited (ID50 0.1-0.5 microM). The PMCL phosphatase activity of type 2B phosphatase (calcineurin) was inhibited to a lesser extent (ID50 4-5 microM). Similar results were obtained for the phosphorylase a phosphatase activity of type 1 and PCM phosphatases and for the p-nitrophenyl phosphate phosphatase activity of calcineurin. The following phosphatases were not affected by up to 10 microM-okadaic acid: type 2C phosphatase, phosphotyrosyl phosphatase, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate phosphatase, acid phosphatases and alkaline phosphatases. Thus okadaic acid had a relatively high specificity for type 2A, type 1 and PCM phosphatases. Kinetic studies showed that okadaic acid acts as a non-competitive or mixed inhibitor on the okadaic acid-sensitive enzymes.

Inhibition by cyclosporin A of a Ca2+-dependent pore in heart mitochondria activated by inorganic phosphate and oxidative stress.

Abstract: The capacity of cyclosporin A to inhibit opening of a Ca2+-dependent pore in the inner membrane of heart mitochondria was investigated. Whereas in the presence of 25 nmol of Ca2+/mg of mitochondrial protein and 5 mM-Pi mitochondria were unable to maintain accumulated Ca2+, inner-membrane potential and sucrose impermeability, all three parameters were preserved when cyclosporin was included. Pore opening was assayed directly by [14C]sucrose entry and entrapment in the matrix space. [14C]Sucrose entry induced by both Ca2+ plus Pi and Ca2+ plus t-butyl hydroperoxide was almost completely inhibited by 60 pmol of cyclosporin/mg of mitochondrial protein. It is concluded that cyclosporin A is a potent inhibitor of the pore.

Hydroxyl radical production and autoxidative glycosylation. Glucose autoxidation as the cause of protein damage in the experimental glycation model of diabetes mellitus and ageing.

Abstract: Protein exposed to glucose is cleaved, undergoes conformational change and develops fluorescent adducts (‘glycofluorophores’). These changes are presumed to result from the covalent attachment of glucose to amino groups. We have demonstrated, however, that the fragmentation and conformational changes observed are dependent upon hydroxyl radicals produced by glucose autoxidation, or some closely related process, and that antioxidants dissociate structural damage caused by the exposure of glucose to protein from the incorporation of monosaccharide into protein. We have also provided further evidence that glycofluorophore formation is dependent upon metal-catalysed oxidative processes associated with ketoaldehyde formation. If experimental glycation is an adequate model of tissue damage occurring in diabetes mellitus, then these studies indicate a therapeutic role for antioxidants.

Proteoglycan-fibrillar collagen interactions

Abstract: The future of biochemistry lies in understanding how single gene products associate and function together. Interactions in connective tissues, including those between the proteoglycans and collagens are especially piquant, evolutionarily conserved and physiologically significant. Connective tissues (e.g. skin, tendon, blood vessels, etc.) are systems of insoluble fibrils and soluble polymers which evolved to take the stresses of movement and the maintenance of shape [1]. The fibrils resist pulling forces, and the interfibrillar soluble polymers resist compressive forces, like the stuffing in a cushion. Cells communicate biochemically through the soluble polymer compartment. Within this simple framework, multicelled organisms developed [1]. It was often speculated that there were specific associations between fibrils and soluble polymers. These ideas were extremely general, lacking chemical knowledge of the participants, and methods for diagnosing interactions. The situation now tends to the other extreme. Sensitive methods discover many 'specific' liaisons in vitro. Even when these are observed at physiological pH, temperature and ionic strength, caution is needed. The very large polymers characteristic of connective tissues (collagens, proteoglycans etc.) have

Regulation of intracellular pH in eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: The fact that cytoplasmic pH is strictly regulated has only been appreciated during the last 10 years. Eukaryotic cells clamp cytoplasmic pH at 7.0-7.4 by ion transport mechanisms and a high buffering capacity of the cytosol. The values of internal pH observed (pH 7.0-7.4) are higher than expected if the protons had been passively distributed across the cell membrane according to electrochemical gradients. Thus, when the membrane potential is -59 mV, pHi should be 1 unit less than pHo. The equilibrium relation between membrane potential, Vm, and internal and external H+ concentrations is given by the Nernst expression:

The antioxidant action of taurine, hypotaurine and their metabolic precursors.

Abstract: It has been suggested that taurine, hypotaurine and their metabolic precursors (cysteic acid, cysteamine and cysteinesulphinic acid) might act as antioxidants in vivo. The rates of their reactions with the biologically important oxidants hydroxyl radical (.OH), superoxide radical (O2.-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) were studied. Their ability to inhibit iron-ion-dependent formation of .OH from H2O2 by chelating iron ions was also tested. Taurine does not react rapidly with O2.-, H2O2 or .OH, and the product of its reaction with HOCl is still sufficiently oxidizing to inactivate alpha 1-antiproteinase. Thus it seems unlikely that taurine functions as an antioxidant in vivo. Cysteic acid is also poorly reactive to the above oxidizing species. By contrast, hypotaurine is an excellent scavenger of .OH and HOCl and can interfere with iron-ion-dependent formation of .OH, although no reaction with O2.- or H2O2 could be detected within the limits of our assay techniques. Cysteamine is an excellent scavenger of .OH and HOCl; it also reacts with H2O2, but no reaction with O2.- could be measured within the limits of our assay techniques. It is concluded that cysteamine and hypotaurine are far more likely to act as antioxidants in vivo than is taurine, provided that they are present in sufficient concentration at sites of oxidant generation.

The potential diagram for oxygen at pH 7

Abstract: Successive one-electron reductions of molecular oxygen yield the superoxide radical (O2-) H2O2, the hydroxyl radical (OH) and water. Redox potentials at pH 7 for one-, two- and four-electron couples involving these states are presented as a potential diagram. The significance of each of these potentials is explained. The complete potential diagram enables complex systems to be rationalized, such as production of OH by H2O2 plus Fe3+.

The mechanism of vesicle formation.

Abstract: Phospholipid molecules exhibit amphiphilic properties and therefore they aggregate either in their crystalline state or in polar solvents into ordered structures with typical lyotropic liquid crystalline symmetries (de Gennes, 1974). At high lipid concentrations in water these are predominantly lamellar phases (Luzzati, 1968), while in aqueous solutions phospholipid molecules normally form self-closed spherical or oval structures where one or several phospholipid bilayers entrap(s) part of the solvent in its/their interior (Bangham & Home, 1964; Papahadjopoulos, 1978). In the case of one bilayer separating the internal and external solvent these structures are called, with respect to their size, small or large unilamellar vesicles (SUV and LUV, respectively) while the term multilamellar vesicles (MLV) is used in the case of many bilayers entrapping some of the solvent. The terms giant vesicle (GV) and large or small oligolamellar vesicles (LOV, SOV) are also used for very large vesicles and structures where several bilayers surround the entrapped solvent. Sometimes, especially in the case of technological applications, the term liposome is a homonym for SUV, LUV and MLV while in the older literature terms liposome and MLV are often synonyms. Vesicles are very important in many different areas of science and technology. In basic research they serve as models for cell membranes and their fusion, transport studies and investigations of membrane proteins that can be reconstituted in vesicles (i.e. 'proteoliposomes'). They also serve as delivery vehicles for drugs, genetic material, enzymes and other (macro)molecules into living cells and through other hydrophobic barriers in pharmacology, medicine, genetic engineering, cosmetic industry and food industry (Gregoriadis, 1984). They are also used as

Ligninolytic enzymes of the white-rot fungus Phlebia radiata

Abstract: One oxidase (EC 1.10.3.2) and three lignin peroxidases (EC 1.11.1.-) were purified from the culture liquid of the white-rot fungus Phlebia radiata Fr. All the enzymes were glycoproteins. The oxidase had Mr 64,000 and the lignin peroxidases I, II and III had Mr values 42,000, 45,000 and 44,000 respectively. The lignin peroxidases were found to share common antigenic determinants: lignin peroxidases II and III were serologically indistinguishable and lignin peroxidase I was related but distinguishable. The oxidase did not share any immunological properties with the lignin peroxidases. Lignin peroxidases of Phlebia contain protoporphyrin IX as a prosthetic group. In the presence of H2O2 and an electron donor, veratryl alcohol, lignin peroxidases exhibit spectral shifts analogous to those of animal catalase (EC 1.11.1.6). Phlebia enzymes show optimal activity at pH 3-4.5 at 40 degrees C and are stable in the pH range 5-6. They modify Kraft lignin and phenolic compounds containing hydroxy and methoxy groups.

Collagen cross-linking in human bone and articular cartilage. Age-related changes in the content of mature hydroxypyridinium residues.

Abstract: The concentration in collagen of hydroxypyridinium cross-linking amino acids was measured in samples of bone and cartilage from human subjects aged from 1 month to 80 years. Cortical and cancellous bone samples were dissected and analysed separately. In both bone and cartilage, the content of this mature form of cross-link reached a maximum by 10-15 years of age (the amount in cartilage being 5-10 times that in bone), then stayed essentially in the same range throughout adult life. In bone the ratio of the two chemical variants of the mature cross-link, hydroxylysylpyridinoline to lysylpyridinoline, was constant throughout adult life at 3.5:1, whereas in cartilage it was always greater than 10:1. The ratio of hydroxypyridinium cross-links to borohydride-reducible keto-amine cross-links also changed with age. The reducible cross-links in bone collagen decreased steeply in content between birth and 25 years, but persisted in significant amounts throughout adult life. Reducible cross-links had virtually disappeared from cartilage by 10-15 years of age, being replaced by hydroxypyridinium residues, their maturation products. Cancellous and cortical bone collagens showed similar trends with age in their content of mature cross-links, though for each subject the concentration in cancellous bone was always lower than in cortical bone, presumably reflecting the higher turnover rate and hence the more immature state of cancellous bone.

Formation of hydroxyl radicals from hydrogen peroxide in the presence of iron. Is haemoglobin a biological Fenton reagent

Abstract: The ability of oxyhaemoglobin and methaemoglobin to generate hydroxyl radicals (OH.) from H2O2 has been investigated using deoxyribose and phenylalanine as 'detector molecules' for OH.. An excess of H2O2 degrades methaemoglobin, releasing iron ions that react with H2O2 to form a species that appears to be OH.. Oxyhaemoglobin reacts with low concentrations of H2O2 to form a 'reactive species' that degrades deoxyribose but does not hydroxylate phenylalanine. This 'reactive species' is less amenable to scavenging by certain scavengers (salicylate, phenylalanine, arginine) than is OH., but it appears more reactive than OH. is to others (Hepes, urea). The ability of haemoglobin to generate not only this 'reactive species', but also OH. in the presence of H2O2 may account for the damaging effects of free haemoglobin in the brain, the eye, and at sites of inflammation.

The complete amino acid sequence of human complement factor H.

Abstract: The complete amino acid sequence of the human complement system regulatory protein, factor H, has been derived from sequencing three overlapping cDNA clones. The sequence consists of 1213 amino acids arranged in 20 homologous units, each about 60 amino acids long, and an 18-residue leader sequence. The 60-amino-acid-long repetitive units are homologous with those found in a large number of other complement and non-complement proteins. Two basic C-terminal residues, deduced from the cDNA sequence, are absent from factor H isolated from outdated plasma. A tyrosine/histidine polymorphism was observed within the seventh homologous repeat unit of factor H. This is likely to represent a difference between the two major allelic variants of factor H. The nature of the cDNA clones indicates that there is likely to be an alternative splicing mechanism, resulting in the formation of at least two species of factor H mRNA.

The collagenase gene family in humans consists of at least four members.

Abstract: Stromelysin is a collagenase-related connective-tissue-degrading metalloproteinase. We have detected RNAs capable of hybridizing to a rat stromelysin cDNA in 11 of 69 human tumours tested. Molecular cloning of cDNAs to these RNAs has identified them as a mixture of stromelysin RNA and a transcript of a hitherto-undescribed related human gene, the stromelysin-2 gene. We have also isolated cDNAs corresponding to a more distantly related new human gene, the pump-1 gene. A comparison of the cDNA-derived amino acid sequences of stromelysin-2 and pump-1 with the known sequences of stromelysin and collagenase reveals significant similarities, with conservation of sequence motifs believed to have functional importance in metalloproteinase action. We conclude that the collagenase gene family in humans consists of at least four members, and speculate that expression of these genes plays a role in cancer.

Inhibition of pancreatic lipase in vitro by the covalent inhibitor tetrahydrolipstatin.

Abstract: Tetrahydrolipstatin inhibits pancreatic lipase from several species, including man, with comparable potency. The lipase is progressively inactivated through the formation of a long-lived covalent intermediate, probably with a 1:1 stoichiometry. The lipase substrate triolein and also a boronic acid derivative, which is presumed to be a transition-state-form inhibitor, retard the rate of inactivation. Therefore, in all probability, tetrahydrolipstatin reacts with pancreatic lipase at, or near, the substrate binding or active site. Tetrahydrolipstatin is a selective inhibitor of lipase; other hydrolases tested were at least a thousand times less potently inhibited.

Physiological roles of nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase.

Abstract: From the foregoing considerations, the energy-linked transhydrogenase reaction emerges as a powerful and flexible element in the network of redox and energy interrelationships that integrate mitochondrial and cytosolic metabolism. Its thermodynamic features make it possible for the reaction to respond readily to challenges, either on the side of NADPH utilization or on the side of energy depletion. Yet, the kinetic features are designed to prevent a wasteful input of energy when other sources of reducing equivalents to NADP are available, or to deplete the redox potential of NADPH in other than emergency conditions. By virtue of these characteristics, the energy-linked transhydrogenase can act as an effective buffer system, guarding against an excessive depletion of NADPH, preventing uncontrolled changes in key metabolites associated with NADP-dependent enzymes and calling on the supply of reducing equivalents from NAD-linked substrates only under conditions of high demand for NADPH. At the same time, it can provide an emergency protection against a depletion of energy, especially in situations of anoxia where a supply of reducing equivalents through NADP-linked substrates can be maintained. The flexibility of this design makes it possible that the functions of the energy-linked transhydrogenase vary from one tissue to another and are readily adjustable to different metabolic conditions.

A novel tumour promoter, thapsigargin, transiently increases cytoplasmic free Ca2+ without generation of inositol phosphates in NG115-401L neuronal cells.

Abstract: Thapsigargin, a sesquiterpene lactone with potent irritant and tumour-promoting activities, stimulates a rapid (within 15 s) transient increase in intracellular [Ca2+] in the NG115-401L neural cell line, as measured by the fluorescent indicator dye fura-2. This increase in cytoplasmic free [Ca2+] is concentration-dependent (ED50 around 20 nM) and occurs in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Activation of NG115-401L cells by the inflammatory peptide bradykinin generates inositol phosphates, which parallel increases in intracellular [Ca2+]. However, the rise in cytoplasmic [Ca2+] stimulated by thapsigargin occurs in the absence of detectable production of inositol phosphates. Thapsigargin is unlike phorboid tumour promoters in that it has no action on two non-invasive indicators of phorbol stimulation of these cells, i.e. [3H]choline metabolite production and rise in intracellular pH. These data suggest that thapsigargin releases Ca2+ from an intracellular store by a novel mechanism, independent of the hydrolysis of phosphoinositides and concomitant activation of protein kinase C. Thus thapsigargin may provide a valuable tool for the analysis of intracellular signalling mechanisms.

The active-site-serine penicillin-recognizing enzymes as members of the Streptomyces R61 DD-peptidase family.

Abstract: Homology searches and amino acid alignments, using the Streptomyces R61 DD-peptidase/penicillin-binding protein as reference, have been applied to the beta-lactamases of classes A and C, the Oxa-2 beta-lactamase (considered as the first known member of an additional class D), the low-Mr DD-peptidases/penicillin-binding proteins (protein no. 5 of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis) and penicillin-binding domains of the high-Mr penicillin-binding proteins (PBP1A, PBP1B, PBP2 and PBP3 of E. coli). Though the evolutionary distance may vary considerably, all these penicillin-interactive proteins and domains appear to be members of a single superfamily of active-site-serine enzymes distinct from the classical trypsin or subtilisin families. The amino acid alignments reveal several conserved boxes that consist of strict identities or homologous amino acids. The significance of these boxes is highlighted by the known results of X-ray crystallography, chemical derivatization and site-directed-mutagenesis experiments.

Depletion of plasma-membrane sphingomyelin rapidly alters the distribution of cholesterol between plasma membranes and intracellular cholesterol pools in cultured fibroblasts.

Abstract: This study examines the relationship between cellular sphingomyelin content and the distribution of unesterified cholesterol between the plasma-membrane pool and the putative intracellular regulatory pool. The sphingomyelin content of cultured human skin fibroblasts was reduced by treatment of intact cells with extracellularly added neutral sphingomyelinase, and subsequent changes in the activities of cholesterol-metabolizing enzymes were determined. Exposure of fibroblasts to 0.1 unit of sphingomyelinase/ml for 60 min led to the depletion of more than 90% of the cellular sphingomyelin, as determined from total lipid extracts. In a time-course study, it was found that within 10 min of the addition of sphingomyelinase to cells, a dramatic increase in acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase activity could be observed, whether measured from the appearance of plasma membrane-derived [3H]cholesterol or exogenously added [14C]oleic acid, in cellular cholesteryl esters. In addition, the cholesteryl ester mass was significantly higher in sphingomyelin-depleted fibroblasts at 3 h after exposure to sphingomyelinase compared with that in untreated fibroblasts [7.1 +/- 0.4 nmol of cholesterol/mg equivalents of esterified cholesterol compared with 4.2 +/- 0.1 nmol of cholesterol/mg equivalents of cholesteryl ester in control cells (P less than 0.05)]. The sphingomyelin-depleted cells also showed a reduction in the rate of endogenous synthesis of cholesterol, as measured by incorporation of sodium [14C]acetate into [14C]cholesterol. These results are consistent with a rapid movement of cholesterol from sphingomyelin-depleted plasma membranes to the putative intracellular regulatory pool of cholesterol. This mass movement of cholesterol away from the plasma membranes presumably resulted from a decreased capacity of the plasma membranes to solubilize cholesterol, since sphingomyelin-depleted cells also had a decreased capacity to incorporate nanomolar amounts of [3H]cholesterol from the extracellular medium, as compared with control cells. These findings confirm previous assumptions that the membrane sphingomyelin content is an important determinant of the overall distribution of cholesterol within intact cells.

The complete amino acid sequence of the human erythrocyte membrane anion-transport protein deduced from the cDNA sequence.

Abstract: 1. We have isolated cDNA clones corresponding to the red cell membrane anion-transport protein (Band 3). 2. The cDNA clones cover 3475 bases of the mRNA and contain the entire protein-coding region, 150 bases of the 5' untranslated region and part of the 3' non-coding region, but do not extend to the 3' end of the mRNA. 3. The translated protein sequence predicts that the human red cell anion transporter contains 911 amino acids. 4. The availability of the amino acid sequence allows the interpretation of some of the many studies on the chemical and proteolytic modification of the human protein aimed at examining the structure and mechanism of this membrane transport protein.

Amino acid infusion increases the sensitivity of muscle protein synthesis in vivo to insulin. Effect of branched-chain amino acids.

Abstract: Rates of muscle protein synthesis were measured in vivo in tissues of post-absorptive young rats that were given intravenous infusions of various combinations of insulin and amino acids. In the absence of amino acid infusion, there was a steady rise in muscle protein synthesis with plasma insulin concentration up to 158 mu units/ml, but when a complete amino acids mixtures was included maximal rates were obtained at 20 mu units/ml. The effect of the complete mixture could be reproduced by a mixture of essential amino acids or of branched-chain amino acids, but not by a non-essential mixture, alanine, methionine or glutamine. It is concluded that amino acids, particularly the branched-chain ones, increase the sensitivity of muscle protein synthesis to insulin.

Antioxidant protection by haemopexin of haem-stimulated lipid peroxidation.

Abstract: Haem (ferrous protoporphyrin IX) is a reactive low-molecular-mass form of iron able to participate in oxygen-radical reactions that can lead to the degradation of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and DNA. Oxygen-radical reactions are likely to occur upon tissue damage. Extracellular fluids rely on antioxidant mechanisms different from those found inside the cell, and circulating proteins limit radical reactions by converting pro-oxidant forms of iron into less-reactive forms. Of the compounds tested, only apohaemopexin and the chain-breaking antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene inhibited (by more than 90%) haemin-stimulated peroxidation as measured by formation of conjugated dienes, thiobarbituric acid-reactive material from linolenic acid or peroxidation-induced phospholipid fluorescence. Haptoglobin, the haemoglobin-binding serum protein, was ineffective. Conversely, only haptoglobin significantly inhibited haemoglobin-stimulated lipid peroxidation. Iron-salt-induced lipid peroxidation was inhibited only by apotransferrin and the iron-chelator desferrioxamine. All lipid peroxidations were inhibited by the radical scavengers butylated hydroxytoluene and propyl gallate. These findings support the concept that transport and conservation of body iron stores are closely linked to antioxidant protection.

Characterization of the lipid acyl hydrolase activity of the major potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber protein, patatin, by cloning and abundant expression in a baculovirus vector

Abstract: Patatin is a family of glycoproteins that accounts for 30-40% of the total soluble protein in potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers. This protein has been reported not only to serve as a storage protein, but also to exhibit enzymic activity. By using a baculovirus system to express protein from the patatin cDNA clone pGM01, it was unambiguously shown that the patatin coded by this DNA has lipid acyl hydrolase and acyltransferase activities. The enzyme is active with phospholipids, monoacylglycerols and p-nitrophenyl esters, moderately active with galactolipids, but is apparently inactive with di- and tri-acylglycerols.

Techniques used in the identification and analysis of function of pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide binding proteins

Abstract: All receptors that interact with effector systems to modulate the intracellular levels of a second messenger appear to do so via the intermediacy of members of a family of guanine nucleotide binding proteins (Gproteins). Rodbell and coworkers, whilst studying the ability of the peptide hormone glucagon to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in hepatocytes, were the first to demonstrate definitively a specific requirement for guanine nucleotides in hormonal function (Rodbell et al., 1971a). Since these pioneering studies, it has become increasingly clear that a considerable number of unique but highly homologous G-proteins are the sites of action for guanine nucleotides in these processes. The purpose of this review will be to discuss the techniques that are currently in widespread use to identify and assess the functions of individual members of a subfamily of these signal-transducing G-proteins which are substrates for ADP-ribosylation catalysed by pertussis toxin.

Delta 6-desaturase activity in liver microsomes of rats fed diets enriched with cholesterol and/or omega 3 fatty acids.

Abstract: The effect of feeding semipurified diets enriched in linseed (rich in C18:3, omega 3 fatty acid) or fish (rich in C20:5, omega 3 and C22:6, omega 3 fatty acid) oil with and without cholesterol supplementation on the desaturation of linoleic acid (C18:2, omega 6) by rat liver microsomal fractions was investigated. Animals fed diets supplemented with beef tallow were used as equal-energy controls. Both linseed-oil and fish-oil diets, without added cholesterol, decrease conversion of C18:2, omega 6 fatty acid to gamma-linolenic acid (C18:3, omega 6). Reduction in delta 6-desaturation was significantly greater for animals fed the diet containing fish oil than with animals fed the linseed-oil diet. The major effect of cholesterol supplementation was to decrease the rate of desaturation of C18:2, omega 6, when fed in combination with the beef-tallow diet, whereas delta 6-desaturation was unaffected when cholesterol was fed along with diets high in omega 3 fatty acids (linseed oil or fish oil). The activity of the delta 6-desaturase in vitro is consistent with the fatty acid composition observed for the microsomal membranes on which this enzyme is localized. Dietary linseed oil and fish oil lowered the arachidonic (C20:4, omega 6) acid content of rat liver microsomes, with an accompanying increase in membrane eicosapentaenoic (C20:5, omega 3) and docosahexaenoic (C22:6, omega 3) acid content, in comparison with the group fed beef tallow. Inclusion of cholesterol into the beef-tallow or linseed-oil diets resulted in decreased membrane C20:4, omega 6-fatty-acid content, with concomitant increase in C18:2, omega 6-fatty-acid content. However, addition of cholesterol to the fish-oil diet did not alter the microsomal membrane content of C20:4, omega 6 fatty acid. Thus it is suggested that (1) the decrease in prostaglandin E2, thromboxane and prostacyclin levels generally observed after fish-oil consumption may be at least partly due to inhibition of C20:4, omega 6-fatty-acid synthesis from C18:2, omega 6 fatty acid; and (2) consumption of fish oil prevents the further decrease in C20:4, omega 6-fatty-acid levels by dietary cholesterol that is apparent when cholesterol is fed in combination with diets high in saturated fat or C18:3, omega 3 fatty acid.

Dephosphorylation of neurofilament proteins enhances their susceptibility to degradation by calpain.

Abstract: The degradation of phosphorylated and dephosphorylated neurofilament proteins by the Ca2+-activated neutral proteinase calpain was studied. Neurofilaments were isolated from bovine spinal cord, dephosphorylated by alkaline phosphatase (from Escherichia coli) and radioiodinated with [125I]-Bolton-Hunter reagent. The radioiodinated neurofilament proteins (untreated and dephosphorylated) were incubated in the presence and absence of calpain from rabbit skeletal muscle, and the degradation rates of large (NF-H), mid-sized (NF-M) and small (NF-L) neurofilament polypeptides were analysed by SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. The degradation of dephosphorylated neurofilament proteins occurred at a higher rate, and to a greater extent, than did that of the phosphorylated (untreated) neurofilament proteins. The dephosphorylated high-molecular-mass neurofilament (NF-HD) was proteolyzed 6 times more quickly than the untreated NF-H. The degradation rate of the NF-M and NF-L neurofilament proteins was also enhanced after dephosphorylation, but less than that of NF-H. This indicates that the dephosphorylation of neurofilament proteins can increase their sensitivity to calpain degradation.

Molecular evidence that insecticide resistance in peach-potato aphids (Myzus persicae Sulz.) results from amplification of an esterase gene.

Abstract: cDNA clones for the esterase (E4) responsible for broad insecticide resistance in peach-potato aphids (Myzus persicae Sulz.) were isolated and used to study the molecular basis of resistance. Increased esterase synthesis by resistant aphids was found to be associated with amplification of the structural gene for the esterase (E4 or its closely related variant, FE4), the degree of amplification being correlated with the activity of the esterase and the level of resistance. Hybridization of the cDNA clones to genomic Southern blots showed that only some of the esterase-related restriction fragments are amplified. Qualitative differences between restriction patterns in different clones of resistant aphids correlated with the presence or absence of a specific chromosome translocation and with production of E4 or FE4.

Modification of the glyoxalase system in human red blood cells by glucose in vitro.

Abstract: The human red-blood-cell glyoxalase system was modified by incubation with high concentrations of glucose in vitro. Red-blood-cell suspensions (50%, v/v) were incubated with 5 mM- and 25 mM-glucose to model normal and hyperglycaemic glucose metabolism. There was an increase in the flux of methylglyoxal metabolized to D-lactic acid via the glyoxalase pathway with high glucose concentration. The increase was approximately proportional to initial glucose concentration over the range studied (5-100 mM). The activities of glyoxalase I and glyoxalase II were not significantly changed, but the concentrations of the glyoxalase substrates, methylglyoxal and S-D-lactoylglutathione, and the percentage of glucotriose metabolized via the glyoxalase pathway, were significantly increased. The increase in the flux of intermediates metabolized via the glyoxalase pathway during periodic hyperglycaemia may be a biochemical factor involved in the development of chronic clinical complications associated with diabetes mellitus.

Veratryl alcohol oxidases from the lignin-degrading basidiomycete Pleurotus sajor-caju.

Abstract: The basidiomycete Pleurotus sajor-caju mineralizes ring-14C-labelled lignin (dehydrogenative polymer) when grown in mycological broth. Under these conditions, two veratryl alcohol oxidase (VAO) enzymes were found in the culture medium. They oxidized a number of aromatic alcohols to aldehydes and reduced O2 to H2O2. The enzymes were purified by ion-exchange and gel-permeation chromatography. The final step of purification on Mono Q resolved the activity into two peaks (VAO I and VAO II). Both enzymes had the same Mr, approx. 71,000, but their isoelectric points differed slightly, 3.8 for VAO I and 4.0 for VAO II. Their amino acid compositions were similar except for aspartic acid/asparagine and glycine. Both enzymes are glycoproteins and contain flavin prosthetic groups. Their pH optima were around 5, and kinetic constants and specificities were similar. 4-Methoxybenzyl alcohol was oxidized the most rapidly, followed by veratryl alcohol. Not all aromatic alcohols were oxidized, neither were non-aromatic alcohols. Cinnamyl alcohol was oxidized at the gamma position. The VAO enzymes thus represent a significantly different route for veratryl alcohol oxidation from that catalysed by the previously found lignin peroxidases from Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The role of the oxidases in biodegradation might be to produce H2O2 during oxidation of lignin fragments.

Understanding the GABAA receptor: a chemically gated ion channel.

Abstract: y-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. The predominant effect of GABA is the interaction with a specific receptor protein which results in an increase of the chloride ion conductance of the post-synaptic membrane to produce an inhibition of neuronal firing. In recent years, much attention has been focused on this specific receptor, the GABAA receptor, and the reasons for this are two-fold. Firstly, the pharmacology of the receptor is extremely rich and a minimum of three interacting allosteric drug binding sites are known to occur within the same receptor oligomer. These include those for the site of action of the tranquillizer drugs, the benzodiazepines, and the central nervous system depressant barbiturates. Secondly, and uniquely, opposing pharmacological actions appear to be mediated through this one receptor protein. Thus compounds which interact at the benzodiazepine site can be anxiolytic, as exemplified by the often-prescribed valium, or conversely they can have anxiogenic and convulsant properties; this phenomenon has led to the unorthodox concept of the 'inverse agonist' (Haefely & Polc, 1986). The purpose of this review is to present current views on the molecular structure of the GABAA receptor, as derived from biochemical investigations. Included also will be an exciting new development in this field, the indication that the neurotransmitter receptor proteins that are ligand-gated ion channels, that is the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, the GABAA receptor, the glycine receptor and possibly the receptors for the excitatory amino acids, belong to a superfamily of chemically gated ion channels.