Showing papers in "Biometals in 2009"

Antifungal activity and mode of action of silver nano-particles on Candida albicans

Abstract: In this study, the antifungal effects of silver nano-particles (nano-Ag) and their mode of action were investigated. Nano-Ag showed antifungal effects on fungi tested with low hemolytic effects against human erythrocytes. To elucidate the antifungal mode of action of nano-Ag, flow cytometry analysis, a glucose-release test, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the change in membrane dynamics using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), as a plasma membrane probe, were performed with Candida albicans. The results suggest nano-Ag may exert an antifungal activity by disrupting the structure of the cell membrane and inhibiting the normal budding process due to the destruction of the membrane integrity. The present study indicates nano-Ag has considerable antifungal activity, deserving further investigation for clinical applications.

Microbial responses to environmental arsenic.

Abstract: Microorganisms have evolved dynamic mechanisms for facing the toxicity of arsenic in the environment. In this sense, arsenic speciation and mobility is also affected by the microbial metabolism that participates in the biogeochemical cycle of the element. The ars operon constitutes the most ubiquitous and important scheme of arsenic tolerance in bacteria. This system mediates the extrusion of arsenite out of the cells. There are also other microbial activities that alter the chemical characteristics of arsenic: some strains are able to oxidize arsenite or reduce arsenate as part of their respiratory processes. These type of microorganisms require membrane associated proteins that transfer electrons from or to arsenic (AoxAB and ArrAB, respectively). Other enzymatic transformations, such as methylation-demethylation reactions, exchange inorganic arsenic into organic forms contributing to its complex environmental turnover. This short review highlights recent studies in ecology, biochemistry and molecular biology of these processes in bacteria, and also provides some examples of genetic engineering for enhanced arsenic accumulation based on phytochelatins or metallothionein-like proteins.

Molecular aspects of human cellular zinc homeostasis: redox control of zinc potentials and zinc signals.

Abstract: Zinc(II) ions are essential for all forms of life. In humans, they have catalytic and structural functions in an estimated 3,000 zinc proteins. In addition, they interact with proteins transiently when they regulate proteins or when proteins regulate cellular zinc re-distribution. As yet, these types of zinc proteins have been explored poorly. Therefore the number of zinc/protein interactions is potentially larger than that given by the above estimate. Confronted with such a wide range of functions, which affect virtually all aspects of cellular physiology, investigators have begun to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of cellular homeostatic control of zinc, especially the functions of transporter, sensor, and trafficking proteins, such as metallothioneins, in providing the correct amounts of zinc ions for the synthesis of zinc metalloproteins. The sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine in proteins has an important role in the cellular mobility of zinc ions. Sulfur-coordination environments provide sufficiently strong interactions with zinc ions; they can undergo fast ligand-exchange; and they can serve as molecular redox switches for zinc binding and release. For the cellular functions of zinc, the free zinc ion concentrations (zinc potentials, pZn = −log[Zn2+]) and the zinc buffering capacity are critically important parameters that need to be defined quantitatively. In the cytoplasm, free zinc ions are kept at picomolar concentrations as a minute fraction of the few hundred micromolar concentrations of total cellular zinc. However, zinc ion concentrations can fluctuate under various conditions. Zinc ions released intracellularly from the zinc/thiolate clusters of metallothioneins or secreted from specialized organelles are potent effectors of proteins and are considered zinc signals. The cellular zinc buffering capacity determines the threshold between physiological and pathophysiological actions of zinc ions. When drugs, toxins, other transition metal ions or reactive compounds compromise zinc buffering, large zinc ion fluctuations can injure cells through effects on redox biology and interactions of zinc ions with proteins that are normally not targeted.

Siderophores as drug delivery agents: application of the "Trojan Horse" strategy.

Abstract: The outer membrane permeability barrier is an important resistance factor of bacterial pathogens. In combination with drug inactivating enzymes, target alteration and efflux, it can increase resistance dramatically. A strategy to overcome this membrane-mediated resistance is the misuse of bacterial transport systems. Most promising are those for iron transport. They are vital for virulence and survival of bacteria in the infected host, where iron depletion is a defense mechanism against invading pathogens. We synthesized biomimetic siderophores as shuttle vectors for active transport of antibiotics through the bacterial membrane. Structure activity relationship studies resulted in siderophore aminopenicillin conjugates that were highly active against Gram-negative pathogens which play a crucial role in destructive lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients and in severe nosocomial infections. The mechanism of action and the uptake of the compounds via specific iron siderophore transport routes were demonstrated. The novel conjugates were active against systemic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in mice with ED(50) values comparable to the quinolone ofloxacin and show low toxicity.

Sideromycins: tools and antibiotics

Abstract: Sideromycins are antibiotics covalently linked to siderophores. They are actively transported into gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Energy-coupled transport across the outer membrane and the cytoplasmic membrane strongly increases their antibiotic efficiency; their minimal inhibitory concentration is at least 100-fold lower than that of antibiotics that enter cells by diffusion. This is particularly relevant for gram-negative bacteria because the outer membrane, which usually forms a permeability barrier, in this case actively contributes to the uptake of sideromycins. Sideromycin-resistant mutants can be used to identify siderophore transport systems since the mutations are usually in transport genes. Two sideromycins, albomycin and salmycin, are discussed here. Albomycin, a derivative of ferrichrome with a bound thioribosyl-pyrimidine moiety, inhibts seryl-t-RNA synthetase. Salmycin, a ferrioxamine derivative with a bound aminodisaccharide, presumably inhibts protein synthesis. Crystal structures of albomycin bound to the outer membrane transporter FhuA and the periplasmic binding protein FhuD have been determined. Albomycin and salmycin have been used to characterize the transport systems of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pneumoniae and of Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The in vivo efficacy of albomycin and salmycin has been examined in a mouse model using Yersinia enterocolitica, S. pneumoniae, and S. aureus infections. Albomycin is effective in clearing infections, whereas salmycin is too unstable to lead to a large reduction in bacterial numbers. The recovery rate of albomycin-resistant mutants is lower than that of the wild-type, which suggests a reduced fitness of the mutants. Albomycin could be a useful antibiotic provided sufficient quantities can be isolated from streptomycetes or synthesized chemically.

Iron uptake regulation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract: The Pseudomonas genus belongs to the γ division of Proteobacteria and many species produce the characteristic yellow–green siderophore pyoverdine, and often a second siderophore, of lower affinity for iron. These bacteria are known for their ability to colonize different ecological niches and for their versatile metabolism. It is therefore not surprising that they are endowed with the capacity to take up exogenous xenosiderophores via different TonB-dependent receptors. Uptake of iron is controlled by the central regulator Fur, and via extracytoplasmic sigma factors or other types of regulators (two-component systems, AraC regulators). In this review the Fur regulon (experimentally proven and/or predicted) of P. aeruginosa will be presented. An interesting feature revealed by this analysis of Fur-regulated genes is the overlap between the iron and the sulfur regulons as well with the quorum sensing system.

The role of siderophores in iron acquisition by photosynthetic marine microorganisms.

Abstract: The photosynthetic picocyanobacteria and eukaryotic microorganisms that inhabit the open ocean must be able to supply iron for their photosynthetic and respiratory needs from the subnanomolar concentrations available in seawater. Neither group appears to produce siderophores, although some coastal cyanobacteria do. This is interpreted as an adaptation to the dilute oceanic environment rather than a phylogenetic constraint, since there are cases in which related taxa from different environments have the capacity to produce siderophores. Most photosynthetic marine microorganisms are presumably, however, capable of accessing iron from strong chelates since the majority of dissolved iron in seawater is complexed by organic ligands, including siderophores. Rather than direct internalization of siderophores and other iron chelates, marine organisms primarily appear to use uptake pathways that involve a reduction step to free bound iron, closely coupled with transport into the cell.

Multiple roles of siderophores in free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Abstract: Free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soils need to tightly regulate their uptake of metals in order to acquire essential metals (such as the nitrogenase metal cofactors Fe, Mo and V) while excluding toxic ones (such as W). They need to do this in a soil environment where metal speciation, and thus metal bioavailability, is dependent on a variety of factors such as organic matter content, mineralogical composition, and pH. Azotobacter vinelandii, a ubiquitous gram-negative soil diazotroph, excretes in its external medium catechol compounds, previously identified as siderophores, that bind a variety of metals in addition to iron. At low concentrations, complexes of essential metals (Fe, Mo, V) with siderophores are taken up by the bacteria through specialized transport systems. The specificity and regulation of these transport systems are such that siderophore binding of excess Mo, V or W effectively detoxifies these metals at high concentrations. In the topsoil (leaf litter layer), where metals are primarily bound to plant-derived organic matter, siderophores extract essential metals from natural ligands and deliver them to the bacteria. This process appears to be a key component of a mutualistic relationship between trees and soil diazotrophs, where tree-produced leaf litter provides a living environment rich in organic matter and micronutrients for nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which in turn supply new nitrogen to the ecosystem.

Iron acquisition functions expressed by the human pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii.

Abstract: Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative bacterium that causes serious infections in compromised patients. More recently, it has emerged as the causative agent of severe infections in military personnel wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. This pathogen grows under a wide range of conditions including iron-limiting conditions imposed by natural and synthetic iron chelators. Initial studies using the type strain 19606 showed that the iron proficiency of this pathogen depends on the expression of the acinetobactin-mediated iron acquisition system. More recently, we have observed that hemin but not human hemoglobin serves as an iron source when 19606 isogenic derivatives affected in acinetobactin transport and biosynthesis were cultured under iron-limiting conditions. This finding is in agreement with the observation that the genome of the strain 17978 has a gene cluster coding for putative hemin-acquisition functions, which include genes coding for putative hemin utilization functions and a TonBExbBD energy transducing system. This system restored enterobactin biosynthesis in an E. coli ExbBD deficient strain but not when introduced into a TonB mutant. PCR and Southern blot analyses showed that this hemin-utilization gene cluster is also present in the 19606 strain. Analysis of the 17978 genome also showed that this strain harbors genes required for acinetobactin synthesis and transport as well as a gene cluster that could code for additional iron acquisition functions. This hypothesis is in agreement with the fact that the inactivation of the basD acinetobactin biosynthetic gene did not affect the growth of A. baumannii 17978 cells under iron-chelated conditions. Interestingly, this second iron uptake gene cluster is flanked by perfect inverted repeats and includes transposase genes that are expressed transcriptionally. Also interesting is the observation that this additional cluster could not be detected in the type strain 19606, an observation that suggests some significant differences in the iron uptake capacity between these two A. baumannii strains. Transposome mutagenesis of the strain 19606 resulted in the isolation of a derivative unable to grow under iron-chelated conditions. Gene mapping and protein analysis together with complementation assays showed that a protein related to SecA, which is a component of the Sec protein secretion system in a wide range of bacteria, is needed at least for the production of the BauA acinetobactin outer membrane receptor. Furthermore, this derivative was unable to use hemin as an iron source under limiting conditions. Taken together, these results indicate that A. baumannii expresses siderophore-mediated and hemin acquisition functions, although different isolates differ in their iron acquisition capacity. Unexpectedly, the ability of this pathogen to acquire iron depends on the expression of a SecA protein secretion function, which has not been associated with iron acquisition in bacteria.

Salmochelin, the long-overlooked catecholate siderophore of Salmonella

Abstract: Salmochelin is a C-glucosylated enterobactin produced by Salmonella species, uropathogenic and avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains, and certain Klebsiella strains. It was the first glucosylated siderophore described. The glucosylation has been interpreted as a bacterial evasion mechanism against the mammalian catecholate siderophore-binding protein siderocalin (NGAL-lipocalin). The synthesis, excretion, and uptake of salmochelin requires five genes, iroBCDEN, and also the enterobactin biosynthesis and utilization system. Some salmochelin-producing strains also secrete microcins, which possess a C-terminal, linear glucosyl-enterobactin moiety. These microcins recognize the catecholate siderophore receptors IroN, Cir, Fiu, and FepA, and may inhibit the growth of competitors for catecholate siderophores.

Is drug release necessary for antimicrobial activity of siderophore-drug conjugates? Syntheses and biological studies of the naturally occurring salmycin “Trojan Horse” antibiotics and synthetic desferridanoxamine-antibiotic conjugates

Abstract: The recent rise in drug resistance found amongst community acquired infections has sparked renewed interest in developing antimicrobial agents that target resistant organisms and limit the natural selection of immune variants. Recent discoveries have shown that iron uptake systems in bacteria and fungi are suitable targets for developing such therapeutic agents. The use of siderophore-drug conjugates as “Trojan Horse” drug delivery agents has attracted particular interest in this area. This review will discuss efforts in our research group to study the salmycin class of “Trojan Horse” antibiotics. Inspired by the natural design of the salmycins, a series of desferridanoxamine-antibiotic conjugates were synthesized and tested in microbial growth inhibition assays. The results of these studies will be related to understanding the role of drug release in siderophore-mediated drug delivery with implications for future siderophore-drug conjugate design.

Interacting signals in the control of hepcidin expression.

Abstract: The amount of iron in the plasma is determined by the regulated release of iron from most body cells, but macrophages, intestinal enterocytes and hepatocytes play a particularly important role in this process. This cellular iron efflux is modulated by the liver-derived peptide hepcidin, and this peptide is now regarded as the central regulator of body iron homeostasis. Hepcidin expression is influenced by systemic stimuli such as iron stores, the rate of erythropoiesis, inflammation, hypoxia and oxidative stress. These stimuli control hepcidin levels by acting through hepatocyte cell surface proteins including HFE, transferrin receptor 2, hemojuvelin, TMPRSS6 and the IL-6R. The surface proteins activate various cell signal transduction pathways, including the BMP-SMAD, JAK-STAT and HIF1 pathways, to alter transcription of HAMP, the gene which encodes hepcidin. It is becoming increasingly apparent that various stimuli can signal through multiple pathways to regulate hepcidin expression, and the interplay between positive and negative stimuli is critical in determining the net hepcidin level. The BMP-SMAD pathway appears to be particularly important and disruption of this pathway will abrogate the response of hepcidin to many stimuli.

Determination of the pKa value of the hydroxyl group in the α-hydroxycarboxylates citrate, malate and lactate by 13C NMR: implications for metal coordination in biological systems

Abstract: Citric acid is an important metal chelator of biological relevance Citric acid helps solubilizing metals, increasing their bioavailability for plants and microbes and it is also thought to be a constituent of both the extracellular and cytoplasmic low molecular iron pools occurring in plants and vertebrates Metal coordination by citric acid involves coordination both by the carboxylate and hydroxyl groups, of particular interest is its alpha-hydroxycarboxylate function This structural feature is highly conserved in siderophores produced by evolutionarily distant species and seems to confer specificity toward Fe(III) binding In order to understand the mechanism of metal coordination by alpha-hydroxycarboxylates and correctly evaluate the respective complex stability constants, it is essential to improve the knowledge about the ionisation of the alcohol group in these compounds We have evaluated the hydroxyl pKa value of citric, malic and lactic acids with the objective of understanding the influence of alpha-carbon substitution Studies at high pH values, utilizing (13)C NMR, permitted estimation of the pKa values for the three acids The pKa (alcohol) values (144 for citric acid, 145 for malic acid, and 151 for lactic acid) are considerably higher than the previously reported value for citric acid (116) but still lower than the value of 155 for methanol A comparative analysis of the three compounds indicates that different substitutions on the alpha-carbon introduce changes to the inductive effect experienced by the hydroxyl group thereby modulating its ionisation behaviour Comparison with the siderophore rhizoferrin, which pKa (alcohol) values were confirmed to be 10 and 113, suggests that intra-molecular hydrogen bonding may also aid in the hydroxyl ionisation by stabilizing the resulting anion Studies of metal coordination by alpha-hydroxycarboxylates should take these factors into account

Utilization of microbial iron assimilation processes for the development of new antibiotics and inspiration for the design of new anticancer agents

Abstract: Pathogenic microbes rapidly develop resistance to antibiotics. To keep ahead in the “microbial war”, extensive interdisciplinary research is needed. A primary cause of drug resistance is the overuse of antibiotics that can result in alteration of microbial permeability, alteration of drug target binding sites, induction of enzymes that destroy antibiotics (ie., beta-lactamase) and even induction of efflux mechanisms. A combination of chemical syntheses, microbiological and biochemical studies demonstrate that the known critical dependence of iron assimilation by microbes for growth and virulence can be exploited for the development of new approaches to antibiotic therapy. Iron recognition and active transport relies on the biosyntheses and use of microbe-selective iron-chelating compounds called siderophores. Our studies, and those of others, demonstrate that siderophores and analogs can be used for iron transport-mediated drug delivery (“Trojan Horse” antibiotics) and induction of iron limitation/starvation (Development of new agents to block iron assimilation). Recent extensions of the use of siderophores for the development of novel potent and selective anticancer agents are also described.

Siderophore-mediated iron acquisition in the entomopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas entomophila L48 and its close relative Pseudomonas putida KT2440.

Abstract: Pseudomonas entomophila L48 is a recently identified entomopathogenic bacterium which, upon ingestion, kills Drosophila melanogaster, and is closely related to P. putida. The complete genome of this species has been sequenced and therefore a genomic, genetic and structural analysis of the siderophore-mediated iron acquisition was undertaken. P. entomophila produces two siderophores, a structurally new and unique pyoverdine and the secondary siderophore pseudomonine, already described in P. fluorescens species. Structural analysis of the pyoverdine produced by the closely related P. putida KT2440 showed that this strain produces an already characterised pyoverdine, but different from P. entomophila, and no evidence was found for the production of a second siderophore. Growth stimulation assays with heterologous pyoverdines demonstrated that P. entomophila is able to utilize a large variety of structurally distinct pyoverdines produced by other Pseudomonas species. In contrast, P. putida KT2440 is able to utilize only its own pyoverdine and the pyoverdine produced by P. syringae LMG 1247. Our data suggest that although closely related, P. entomophila is a more efficient competitor for iron than P. putida.

Reduction of molybdate by sulfate-reducing bacteria.

Abstract: Molybdate is an essential trace element required by biological systems including the anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB); however, detrimental consequences may occur if molybdate is present in high concentrations in the environment. While molybdate is a structural analog of sulfate and inhibits sulfate respiration of SRB, little information is available concerning the effect of molybdate on pure cultures. We followed the growth of Desulfovibrio gigas ATCC 19364, Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans DSM 642, and D. desulfuricans DSM 27774 in media containing sub-lethal levels of molybdate and observed a red-brown color in the culture fluid. Spectral analysis of the culture fluid revealed absorption peaks at 467, 395 and 314 nm and this color is proposed to be a molybdate-sulfide complex. Reduction of molybdate with the formation of molybdate disulfide occurs in the periplasm D. gigas and D. desulfuricans DSM 642. From these results we suggest that the occurrence of poorly crystalline Mo-sulfides in black shale may be a result from SRB reduction and selective enrichment of Mo in paleo-seawater.

The ins and outs of biological zinc sites

Abstract: The inner shell coordination properties of zinc proteins have led to the identification of four types of zinc binding sites: catalytic, cocatalytic, structural, and protein interface. Outer shell coordination can influence the stability of the zinc site and its function as exemplified herein by the zinc sites in carbonic anhydrase, promatrix metalloproteases and alcohol dehydrogenase. Agents that disrupt these interactions, can lead to increased off rate constants for zinc. d-penicillamine is the first drug to inhibit a zinc protease by catalyzing the removal of the metal. Since it can accept the released zinc we have referred to it as a catalytic chelator. Agents that catalyze the release of the metal in the presence of a scavenger chelator will also inhibit enzyme catalysis and are referred to as enhanced dechelation inhibitors.

Iron acquisition by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis

Abstract: The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly isolated from the general environment and also infects the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Iron in mammals is not freely available to infecting pathogens although significant amounts of extracellular iron are available in the sputum that occurs in the lungs of CF patients. P. aeruginosa has a large number of systems to acquire this essential nutrient and many of these systems have been characterised in the laboratory. However, which iron acquisition systems are active in CF is not well understood. Here we review recent research that sheds light on how P. aeruginosa obtains iron in the lungs of CF patients.

The redox hypothesis in siderophore-mediated iron uptake.

Abstract: The viability of iron(III/II) reduction as the initial step in the in vivo release of iron from its thermodynamically stable siderophore complex is explored.

The multi-layered regulation of copper translocating P-type ATPases

Abstract: The copper-translocating Menkes (ATP7A, MNK protein) and Wilson (ATP7B, WND protein) P-type ATPases are pivotal for copper (Cu) homeostasis, functioning in the biosynthetic incorporation of Cu into copper-dependent enzymes of the secretory pathway, Cu detoxification via Cu efflux, and specialized roles such as systemic Cu absorption (MNK) and Cu excretion (WND). Essential to these functions is their Cu and hormone-responsive distribution between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and exocytic vesicles located at or proximal to the apical (WND) or basolateral (MNK) cell surface. Intriguingly, MNK and WND Cu-ATPases expressed in the same tissues perform distinct yet complementary roles. While intramolecular differences may specify their distinct roles, cellular signaling components are predicted to be critical for both differences and synergy between these enzymes. This review focuses on these mechanisms, including the cell signaling pathways that influence trafficking and bi-functionality of Cu-ATPases. Phosphorylation events are hypothesized to play a central role in Cu homeostasis, promoting multi-layered regulation and cross-talk between cuproenzymes and Cu-independent mechanisms.

Use of Galleria mellonella larvae to evaluate the in vivo anti-fungal activity of [Ag2(mal)(phen)3]

Abstract: Larvae of the insect Galleria mellonella were employed to assess the in vivo antifungal efficacy of ([Ag(2)(mal)(phen)(3)]), AgNO(3) and 1,10-phenanthroline. Larvae pre-inoculated with these compounds were protected from a subsequent lethal infection by the yeast Candida albicans while larvae inoculated 1 and 4 h post-infection showed significantly increased survival (P < 0.01) compared to control larvae. Administration of these compounds resulted in an increase over 48 h in the density of insect haemocytes (immune cells) but there was no widespread activation of genes for antimicrobial peptides. This work demonstrates that G. mellonella larvae may be employed to ascertain the antifungal efficacy of silver(I) compounds and offers a rapid and effective means of assessing the in vivo activity of inorganic antimicrobial compounds.

Iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases: an emerging group of molecular targets for nickel toxicity and carcinogenicity.

Abstract: Nickel compounds are important occupational and environmental pollutants. Chronic exposure to these pollutants has been connected with increased risks of respiratory cancers and cardiovascular diseases. However, it is still not clear what are the specific molecular targets for nickel toxicity and carcinogenicity. Here, we propose that the iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase family enzymes are important intracellular targets that mediate the toxicity and carcinogenicity of nickel. In support of this hypothesis, our data show that three different classes of enzymes in this iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase family, including HIF-prolyl hydroxylase PHD2, histone demethylase JHDM2A/JMJD1A, and DNA repair enzyme ABH3, are all highly sensitive to nickel inhibition. Inactivation of these enzymes accounts for a number of deleterious effects caused by nickel in cells, namely hypoxia-mimic stress and aberrant epigenetic changes. Future studies on nickel’s effects on these iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases would deepen our understanding on nickel toxicity and carcinogenicity.

Coupled biogeochemical cycling of iron and manganese as mediated by microbial siderophores

Abstract: Siderophores, biogenic chelating agents that facilitate Fe(III) uptake through the formation of strong complexes, also form strong complexes with Mn(III) and exhibit high reactivity with Mn (hydr)oxides, suggesting a pathway by which Mn may disrupt Fe uptake. In this review, we evaluate the major biogeochemical mechanisms by which Fe and Mn may interact through reactions with microbial siderophores: competition for a limited pool of siderophores, sorption of siderophores and metal-siderophore complexes to mineral surfaces, and competitive metal-siderophore complex formation through parallel mineral dissolution pathways. This rich interweaving of chemical processes gives rise to an intricate tapestry of interactions, particularly in respect to the biogeochemical cycling of Fe and Mn in marine ecosystems.

Substrate role in the accumulation of heavy metals in sporocarps of wild fungi.

Abstract: The distribution of neodymium, lead, thorium and uranium was investigated in about 100 samples of 12 different species of common, edible and non-edible mushrooms collected in unpolluted areas in the province of Ciudad Real, Central Spain. The quantitative analysis of heavy metals was performed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (a simple, accurate and non-destructive method). The concentration of these elements was related to three factors: mushroom specie, life style/substrate and study area. The results reveal considerable amounts of the four metals in all species analyzed as well as significant differences on the capability to accumulate these elements. The maximum absorption of Nd and Pb was found in the ectomycorrhizal Cantharellus cibarius, reaching values of 7.10 and 4.86 μg g−1, respectively. Thorium and uranium were mainly accumulated (3.63 and 4.13 μg g−1, respectively) in Hypholoma fasciculare although it is an epiphyte species, isolated from the mineral particles of soil. The distribution patterns of these metals in sporocarps of different habitats and locations showed no significant differences, except for thorium, mainly accumulated in mushrooms living on wood regarding these living on soil organic matter. The species-specific is therefore the determining factor for accumulation of Nd, Pb, Th and U, more than substrate, in this study.

Siderocalins: siderophore-binding proteins of the innate immune system

Abstract: Recent studies have revealed that the mammalian immune system directly interferes with siderophore-mediated iron acquisition through siderophore-binding proteins and that the association of certain siderophores, or siderophore modifications, with virulence is a direct response of pathogens to evade these defenses.

DNA binding property, nuclease activity and cytotoxicity of Zn(II) complexes of terpyridine derivatives

Abstract: Two zinc(II) terpyridine complexes Zn(atpy)2(PF6)2 (1) (atpy = 4′-p-N9′-adeninylmethylphenyl-2,2′:6,2′′-terpyridine) and Zn(ttpy)2(PF6)2 (2) (ttpy = 4′-p-tolyl-2,2′:6,2′′-terpyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR and electrospray mass spectroscopy. The structure of complex 2 was also determined by X-ray crystallography, which revealed a ZnN6 coordination in an octahedral geometry with two terpyridine acting as equatorial ligands. The circular dichroism data showed that complex 1 exhibited an ICD signal at around 300 nm and induced more evident disturbances on DNA base stacking than complex 2, reflecting the impact of the adenine moiety on DNA binding modes. Complex 1 exhibited higher cleavage activity to supercoiled pUC 19 DNA than complex 2 under aerobic conditions, suggesting a promotional effect of adenine moiety in DNA nuclease ability. Interestingly, both complexes demonstrated potent in vitro cytotoxicity against a series human tumor cell lines such as human cervix carcinoma cell line (HeLa), human liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2), human galactophore carcinoma cell line (MCF-7) and human prostate carcinoma cell line (pc-3). The cytotoxicity is averagely 10 times more active than the anticancer drug cisplatin.

Quantitative imaging of metals in tissues.

Abstract: Metals and other trace elements play an important role in many physiological processes in all biological systems. Characterization of precise metal concentrations, their spatial distribution, and chemical speciation in individual cells and cell compartments will provide much needed information to explore the metallome in health and disease. Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescent microscopy (SXRF) is the ideal tool to quantitatively measure trace elements with high sensitivity at high resolution. SXRF is based on the intrinsic fluorescent properties of each element and is therefore element specific. Recent advances in synchrotron technology and optimization of sample preparation have made it possible to image metals in mammalian tissue with submicron resolution. In combination with correlative methods, SXRF can now, for example, determine the amount and oxidation state of trace elements in intra-cellular compartments and identify cell-specific changes in the metal ion content during development or disease progression.

The role of copper in drug-resistant murine and human tumors.

Abstract: Multidrug resistance (MDR) is still a major threat to successful clinical application of cancer chemotherapy. Copper plays an important role in biological systems, and copper is also involved in carcinogenesis. In the present investigation, we addressed the question whether metal copper might be involved in drug resistance of murine and human tumors. By means of atomic absorption spectroscopy, we determined serum copper concentrations. We found that the blood serum of tumor-bearing mice contained higher amounts of copper than healthy mice with tumors. Secondly, mice bearing doxorubicin-resistant Ehrlich ascites carcinoma- or cyclophosphamide-resistant Lewis lung carcinoma contained more copper in their serum than mice bearing the corresponding drug-sensitive parental tumors. Furthermore, the analysis of patients with breast cancer, colon carcinoma or lung cancer showed that the serum copper contents were higher in patients not responding to chemotherapy when compared to patients whose tumors responded to treatment. The copper levels in serum of healthy volunteers were lower than in cancer patients irrespective of their response to chemotherapy. Our results imply that the level of serum copper may be considered as a biomarker for treatment response.

Purification and characterization of arsenite oxidase from Arthrobacter sp.

Abstract: The chemolithoautotroph, Arthrobacter sp.15b oxidizes arsenite to arsenate using a membrane bound arsenite oxidase. The enzyme arsenite oxidase is purified to its homogeneity and identified using MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Upon further characterization, it was observed that the enzyme is a heterodimer showing native molecular mass as ~100 kDa and appeared as two subunits of ~85 kDa LSU and 14 kDa SSU on SDS–PAGE. The V max and K m values of the enzyme was found to be 2.45 μM (AsIII)/min/mg) and 26 μM, respectively. The purified enzyme could withstand wide range of pH and temperature changes. The enzyme, however, gets deactivated in the presence of 1 mM of DEPC suggesting the involvement of histidine at the binding site of the enzyme. The peptide analysis of large sub unit of the enzyme showed close match with the arsenite oxidases of Burkholderia sp. YI019A and arsenite oxidase, Mo-pterin containing subunit of Alcaligenes faecalis. The small subunit, however, differed from other arsenite oxidases and matched only with 2Fe–2S binding protein of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This indicates that Rieske subunits containing the iron–sulfur clusters present in the large as well as small subunits of the enzyme are integral part of the protein.

Anti-diabetic effects of vanadium(III, IV, V)–chlorodipicolinate complexes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract: Vanadium(III, IV, V)–chlorodipicolinate (dipic-Cl) complexes, including H[VIII(dipic-Cl)2] · 5H2O (V3dipic-Cl), VIVO(dipic-Cl)(H2O)2 (V4dipic-Cl) and K[VVO2(dipic-Cl)] (V5dipic-Cl), were prepared with the indicated oxidation states. Our aim was to evaluate the anti-diabetic effects of V3dipic-Cl, V4dipic-Cl and V5dipic-Cl in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Vanadium complexes were orally administered to diabetic rats at concentrations of 0.1–0.3 mg/ml in the drinking water. We found that vanadium–chlorodipicolinate (V–dipic-Cl) complexes at the concentration of 0.1 mg/ml did not exhibit blood glucose-lowering effects when administered to diabetic rats for 20 days. However, the levels of fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats were decreased after treatment with 0.3 mg/ml of V4dipic-Cl and V5dipic-Cl complexes for the following 20 days. Although administration of both V4dipic-Cl and V5dipic-Cl significantly lowered diabetic hyperglycemia, the vanadium intake from administration of V4dipic-Cl is nearly 1.5-fold greater compared to that of V5dipic-Cl. Treatment with the H2dipic-Cl ligand and all three V–dipic-Cl complexes significantly lowered serum cholesterol, while administration of the V5dipic-Cl complex lowered serum cholesterol significantly more than administration of the ligand alone. Treatment with ligand alone did not have an effect on serum triglyceride, while administration of the V4dipic-Cl and V5dipic-Cl significantly lowered the elevated serum triglyceride associated with diabetes. Oral administration of the ligand and all V–dipic-Cl complexes did significantly lower diabetes elevated serum alkaline phosphatase. Treatment with H2dipic-Cl ligand and V4dipic-Cl and V5dipicCl significantly lowered diabetes elevated aspartate amino transferase. These results indicate that the health of the treated animals did not seem to be further compromised compared to that of diabetic animals. In addition, oral administration of H2dipic-Cl, V3dipic-Cl, V4dipic-Cl and V5dipic-Cl did not alter diabetic serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, suggesting no significant side effects of vanadium treatment on renal functions at the dose of 0.3 mg/ml in diabetic rats. The results presented here suggest that the anti-diabetic effects of treatment with V–dipic-Cl complexes were likely associated in part with the oxidation state of vanadium.