Showing papers in "Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry in 1990"

Collagen and the myocardium: fibrillar structure, biosynthesis and degradation in relation to hypertrophy and its regression.

Abstract: The extracellular matrix of the myocardium contains an elaborate structural matrix composed mainly of fibrillar types I and III collagen. This matrix is responsible for the support and alignment of myocytes and capillaries. Because of its alignment, location, configuration and tensile strength, relative to cardiac myocytes, the collagen matrix represents a major determinant of myocardial stiffness. Cardiac fibroblasts, not myocytes, contain the mRNA for these fibrillar collagens. In the hypertrophic remodeling of the myocardium that accompanies arterial hypertension, a progressive structural and biochemical remodeling of the matrix follows enhanced collagen gene expression. The resultant significant accumulation of collagen in the interstitium and around intramyocardial coronary arteries, or interstitial and perivascular fibrosis, represents a pathologic remodeling of the myocardium that compromises this normally efficient pump. This report reviews the structural nature, biosynthesis and degradation of collagen in the normal and hypertrophied myocardium. It suggests that interstitial heart disease, or the disproportionate growth of the extracellular matrix relative to myocyte hypertrophy, is an entity that merits greater understanding, particularly the factors regulating types I and III collagen gene expression and their degradation.

Cellular fatty acid-binding proteins: current concepts and future directions

Abstract: At least three different proteins are implicated in the cellular transport of fatty acid moieties: a plasmalemmal membrane and a cytoplasmic fatty acid-binding protein (FABPPM and FABPC, respectively) and cytoplasmic acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP). Their putative main physiological significance is the assurance that long-chain fatty acids and derivatives, either in transit through membranes or present in intracellular compartments, are largely complexed to proteins. FABPC distinguishes from the other proteins in that distinct types of FABPC are found in remarkable abundance in the cytoplasmic compartment of a variety of tissues. Although their mechanism of action is not yet fully elucidated, current knowledge suggests that the function of this set of proteins reaches beyond simply aiding cytoplasmic solubilization of hydrophobic ligands, but that they can be assigned several regulatory roles in cellular lipid homeostasis.

Stimulation and inhibition of cardiac myocyte proliferation in vitro.

Abstract: We have examined the effect of crude cardiac tissue extracts as well as that of several growth factors and triiodothyronin (T3) on DNA synthesis of cardiac myocytes in culture. Extracts from embryonic and adult cardiac tissue stimulated DNA synthesis of myocytes. Atrial myocytes exhibited overall higher degree of stimulation than their ventricular counterparts and extracts from adult atrial tissue had the highest apparent mitogenic activity for atrial myocytes. We have shown that adult heart contains basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), especially in the atria [1]. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are also accumulated in cardiac tissues [2, 3]. We found that bFGF and the IGFs stimulate myocyte cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. These factors also stimulate cardiac non-muscle proliferation, especially in the presence of serum. TGFβ inhibited proliferation and DNA synthesis and cancelled the effect of bFGF or IGFs on the myocytes. T3 also diminished the bFGF-induced mitogenic stimulation of cardiomyocytes. Our data suggest that these factors may be involved in the regulation of cardiomyocyte proliferation in vivo.

Cardiac alpha-crystallin

Abstract: A major component of the soluble fraction of rat heart is a homopolymer (Mr about 400–650 k) of a small protein (Mr about 20 k). This cardiac protein, which is highly homologous to alpha-B-crystallin, was isolated in its native state and visualized by electron microscopy. A homogeneous population of globular particles with an average diameter of about 14-16 nM could be seen using either negative staining or rotary shadowing procedures. The structures were globular in nature with a central depression (torus-like structures). Polyclonal antibodies, raised against the cardiac crystallin, were used for the immunocytochemical localization of the macromolecular complexes. Using fluorescent secondary antibodies, a clear and sharp striation of fixed and permeabilized rat heart myocytes could be observed, similar to that observed with anti-desmin antibodies and characteristic for the central region of the I-band. Cardiac crystallin was not found associated with F-actin in preparations of rat heart myofibrils. On the other hand, it was a major contaminant of cardiac desmin preparations. These observations suggest that cardiac crystallin is involved in the organization of cytoskeletal filaments of the Z-lines.

Alterations in cardiac membrane Ca2+ transport during oxidative stress

Abstract: Although cardiac dysfunction due to ischemia-reperfusion injury is considered to involve oxygen free radicals, the exact manner by which this oxidative stress affects the myocardium is not clear. As the occurrence of intracellular Ca2+ overload has been shown to play a critical role in the genesis of cellular damage due to ischemia-reperfusion, this study was undertaken to examine whether oxygen free radicals are involved in altering the sarcolemmal Ca2+-transport activities due to reperfusion injury. When isolated rat hearts were made globally ischemic for 30 min and then reperfused for 5 min, the Ca2+ -pump and Na+-Ca2+ exchange activities were depressed in the purified sarcolemmal fraction; these alterations were prevented when a free radical scavenger enzymes (superoxide dismutase plus catalase) were added to the reperfusion medium. Both the Ca2+- pump and Na+- Ca2+ exchange activities in control heart sarcolemmal preparations were depressed by activated oxygen-generating systems containing xanthine plus xanthine oxidase and H2O2; these changes were prevented by the inclusion of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the incubation medium. These results support the view that oxidative stress during ischemia-reperfusion may contribute towards the occurrence of intracellular Ca2+ overload and subsequent cell damage by depressing the sarcolemmal mechanisms governing the efflux of Ca2+ from the cardiac cell.

Detection, tissue distribution and (sub)cellular localization of fatty acid-binding protein types.

Abstract: This overview of recent work on FABP types is focussed on their detection and expression in various tissues, their cellular and subcellular distribution and their binding properties. Besides the 3 well-known liver, heart and intestinal types, new types as the adipose tissue, myelin and (rat) renal FABPs have been described. Recent observations suggest the occurrence of more tissue-specific types, e.g. in placenta and adrenals. Heart FABP is widely distributed and present in skeletal muscles, kidney, lung, brain and endothelial cells. The cellular distribution of FABP types appears to be related to the function of the cells in liver, muscle and kidney. The presence of FABP in cellular organelles requires more evidence. The functional significance of the occurrence of more FABP types is unclear, in spite of the observed differences in their ligand-protein interaction.

Cardiac alpha-crystallin. III. Involvement during heart ischemia.

Abstract: Rat hearts were perfused in the working heart or Langendorff mode and then subjected to total normothermic ischemia. The content of alpha-crystallin in the water soluble protein fraction obtained from these hearts diminished in a time-dependent manner during ischemia. The protein was recovered in the low g pellet of the homogenate. The redistribution was dramatic, selective for alpha-crystallin and irreversible. Large crystallin clumps formed also when exposing the soluble protein fraction of control hearts to slightly acidic pH (6.5-7.0). Electron microscopic analysis showed that aggregation of the globular homo-oligomeric units of crystallin occurred. The aggregates probably represented denatured protein and were similar in appearance to lenticular alpha H-crystallin. In purified form, however, cardiac crystallin particles did not cluster at pH 6.5. Aggregation only occurred in the presence of other protein components (including, probably, cytosolic actin) of the soluble fraction. A direct and selective interaction between actin and cardiac crystallin could be demonstrated using actin-Sepharose affinity chromatography procedures. The results suggest that large aggregates of cardiac crystallin form very early during ischemia, due to acidification of the cytosol. Cardiac crystallin is highly homologous to stress proteins and is localized on the Z-disks, where it plays probably a structural or protective role. Its rapid and complete denaturation could be involved in the genesis of the irreversible structural damages occurring during ischemia.

Historic overview of studies on fatty acid-binding proteins

Abstract: Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) were first identified in the cytosol of rat intestinal mucosa during studies on the regulation of intestinal fatty acid uptake. The subsequent finding of FABP activity in the cytosol of many other tissues initially was believed to reflect a single protein. However, the FABPs are now recognized as products of an ancient gene family comprised of at least 9 structurally related, soluble intracellular members, a number of which exhibit high-affinity binding of long-chain fatty acids. Despite recent insights into regulation and tissue-specific expression suggesting FABPs to subserve diverse roles, their precise biological functions remain to be elucidated.

Molecular cloning, sequencing and expression of an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor complementary DNA from rat brain.

Abstract: We have isolated a cDNA clone from rat brain using a human platelet α2-adrenergic receptor genomic clone as a probe. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence (450 residues) corresponding to the rat brain cDNA with that of the human platelet and human kidney α2-adrenergic receptors showed 84% and 44% sequence similarity, respectively. The major sequence difference between the rat brain and human platelet proteins, was a stretch of 48 amino acids within the third cytosolic loop in which the similarity was only 42%. Analysis of the 48 amino acid-region indicated that the two receptors significantly differ in terms of their primary amino acid sequence and the predicted secondary and tertiary structural features. There was no sequence similarity between the human platelet and rat brain clone over the 177 bases of 3′-noncoding sequence and a less than 50% similarity over a stretch of 210 nucleotides in the 5′-untranslated region. Southern-blot analysis with a human platelet α2-adrenergic receptor probe revealed the existence of a single 5.2 kb restriction fragment (KpnI/SacI) in both human and rat genomic DNA; the rat brain α2-receptor probe, however, hybridized to a single 1.9 kb band in rat DNA. Northern-blot analysis of rat brain poly(A+) RNA with the rat brain cDNA probe under stringent hybridization conditions revealed a single 4.5 kb mRNA; none was detected by the human platelet receptor probe. The rat brain 4.5 kb mRNA was not detected in any (other than brain) tested rat tissues utilizing either rat brain or human platelet DNA probes. The rat brain cDNA was expressed in a mammalian cell line (COS-2A) and found to bind the α2-adrenergic antagonist [3H]yohimbine; based on the binding-affinity for prazosin, the presently cloned receptor was pharmacologically closer to the α2A subclass. We conclude that the rat brain cDNA encodes a new α2-adrenergic receptor subtype that may be brain-specific.

Cardiac alpha-crystallin. II. Intracellular localization.

Abstract: A major component of the soluble fraction of rat heart is a homopolymer (Mr about 400-650 k) of a small protein (Mr about 20 k). This cardiac protein, which is highly homologous to alpha-B-crystallin, was isolated in its native state and visualized by electron microscopy. A homogeneous population of globular particles with an average diameter of about 14-16 nM could be seen using either negative staining or rotary shadowing procedures. The structures were globular in nature with a central depression (torus-like structures). Polyclonal antibodies, raised against the cardiac crystallin, were used for the immunocytochemical localization of the macromolecular complexes. Using fluorescent secondary antibodies, a clear and sharp striation of fixed and permeabilized rat heart myocytes could be observed, similar to that observed with anti-desmin antibodies and characteristic for the central region of the I-band. Cardiac crystallin was not found associated with F-actin in preparations of rat heart myofibrils. On the other hand, it was a major contaminant of cardiac desmin preparations. These observations suggest that cardiac crystallin is involved in the organization of cytoskeletal filaments of the Z-lines.

Crystal structure of chicken liver basic fatty acid-binding protein at 2.7 A resolution.

Abstract: The three-dimensional structure of chicken liver basic fatty acid-binding protein has been determined at 2.7 A resolution by X-ray crystallography. Phases were calculated using the multiple isomorphous replacement procedure and a preliminary model was built. This model, with an initial R-factor of 0.57, was then improved by a cycle of refinement by simulated annealing which brought the R factor down to 0.32. The protein is structured as a compact 10-stranded-β-barrel which encapsulates a residual electron density that can be interpreted as a fatty acid molecule. The NH2-terminus portion of the molecule contains two short α-helices. The structure of this liver protein appears very similar to that of the Escherichia coli derived rat intestinal FABP recently determined by X-ray diffraction methods.

Regulation of guanylate cyclase activity by atrial natriuretic factor and protein kinase C.

Abstract: The putative ‘second messenger’ of certain atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) signal transductions is cyclic GMP. Recently, we purified a 180-kDa protein, apparently containing both ANF receptor and guanylate cyclase activities, and hypothesized that this is one of the cyclic GMP transmembrane signal transducers. The enzyme is ubiquitous and appears to be conserved. Utilizing the 180-kDa membrane guanylate cyclase, we now show that the 180-kDa guanylate cyclase is regulated in opposing fashions by two receptor signals—ANF stimulating it and protein kinase C inhibiting it. Furthermore, protein kinase C phosphorylates the 180-kDa enzyme. This suggests a novel ‘switch on’ and ‘switch off’ mechanism of the cyclic GMP signal transduction. ‘Switch off’ represents the phosphorylation while ‘switch on’ the dephosphorylation of the enzyme.

Assay of the binding of fatty acids by proteins: evaluation of the Lipidex 1000 procedure.

Abstract: Fatty acid (FA) binding by fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) is frequently monitored with the so-called Lipidex 1000 assay, in which protein associated and non-protein bound FA are separated by selectively binding the latter to Lipidex 1000. Careful evaluation of this assay showed that the use of aqueous FA solutions resulted in a marked decrease (60 to 70%) of FA concentration due to their aspecific binding to the surface of the test-tube used. In addition, solutions of rat heart FABP in the micromolar range also showed a concentration decrease up to 80% due to protein binding to the surface of the test-tube. Introduction of detergents, Triton X-100 or Tween 20, limited the FA loss to less than 20% and totally eliminated FABP adsorption. Kinetic parameters for the binding of [1-14C]oleic acid by purified rat heart FABP, assayed in the presence of Triton X-100, were found to be similar to those assayed in the absence of detergent, when adequate corrections were made for losses of FA and FABP due to surface adsorption. Use of Tween 20 resulted in a substantial increase of the dissociation constant. The addition of 100 microM Triton X-100 to the assay medium considerably facilitates the determination of kinetic parameters of fatty acid-binding by proteins.

Acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP) and its relation to fatty acid-binding protein (FABP): an overview

Abstract: Acyl-CoA-binding protein is a 10 Kd protein which binds medium- and long-chain acyl-CoA esters with high affinity. The concentration in liver is 2-4 times the acyl-CoA concentration. ACBP has much greater affinity for acyl-CoA than FABP. FABP from bovine heart and liver is unable to compete with multilamellar liposomes, Lipidex and microsomal membrane in binding acyl-CoA esters, whereas ACBP effectively extracts acyl-CoA from all those sources. Previously published results on the effect of FABP on acyl-CoA metabolism need to be reevaluated due to possible contamination with ACBP. Recently it was discovered that ACBP is identical to a putative neurotransmitter diazepam binding inhibitor. The possibility therefore exists that ACBP has more than one function.

Calcium sequestration by isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum: real-time monitoring using ratiometric dual-emission spectrofluorometry and the fluorescent calcium-binding dye indo-1.

Abstract: This study demonstrates a simple, rapid, and reproducible microassay for real-time monitoring of Ca2+-sequestration by isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) using ratiometric dual-emission spectrofluorometry and the fluorescent calcium-binding dye indo-1. The SR membranes were isolated by differential centrifugation and suspended in a medium including Ca2+, indo-1, ATP and oxalate. As Ca2+ was sequestered by SR, Ca2+-bound indo-1 fluorescence decreased equivalently but reciprocally to the increase in Ca2+ -free indo-1 fluorescence. The kinetic and thermodynamic properties of Ca2+-transport measured fluorometrically were similar to those measured radiometrically by 45Ca2+, with the exception that the former monitors changes in free Ca2+ whereas the latter monitors total Ca2+. An estimate of the maximal rate of change in total Ca2+ could be made by multiplying the maximal rate of change in free Ca2+ by the ratio of initial total Ca2− to free Ca2− concentration.

Expression of rat intestinal fatty acid binding protein in E. coli and its subsequent structural analysis: a model system for studying the molecular details of fatty acid-protein interaction

Abstract: A prokaryotic expression vector containing the rec A promoter and a translational enhancer element from the gene 10 leader of bacteriophage T7 was used to direct efficient synthesis of rat intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) in E. coli. Expression of I-FABP in E. coli has no apparent, deleterious effects on the organism. High levels of expression of I-FABP mRNA in supE+ strains of E. coli, such as JM101, is associated with suppression of termination at its UGA stop codon. This can be eliminated by using a sup-Estrain as MG1655 and by site-directed mutagenesis of the cDNA to create an in frame UAA stop codon. E. coli-derived rat I-FABP lacks its initiator Met residues. It has been crystallized with and without bound palmitate. High resolution x-ray crystallographic studies of the 131 residue apo- and holo-proteins have revealed the following. I-FABP contains 10 anti-parallel β-strands organized into two orthogonally situated β-sheets. The overall conformation of the protein resembles that of a clam — hence the term β-clam. The bound ligand is located in the interior of the protein. Its carboxylate group forms part of a unique five member hydrogen bonding network consisting of two ordered solvent molecules as well as the side chains of Arg106 and Gln115. The hydrocarbon chain of the bound C16:0 fatty acid has a distinctive bent conformation with a slight left-handed helical twist. This conformation is maintained by interactions with the side chains of a number of hydrophobic and aromatic amino acids. Apo-I-FABP has a similar overall conformation to holo-I-FABP indicating that the β-clam structure is stable even without bound ligand. The space occupied by bound ligand in the core of the holo-protein is occupied by additional ordered solvent molecules in the apo-protein. Differences in the side chain orientations pf several residues located over a potential opening to the cores of the apo- and holo-proteins suggest that solvent may play an important role in the binding mechanism. Comparison of the Cα coordinates of apo- and holo-I-FABP with those of other proteins indicates it is a member of a superfamily that currently includes (i) 10 mammalian intracellular lipid binding proteins, (ii) the photoactive yellow protein from the purple photoautotrophic bacterium Ectothiorhodospira halophila and (iii) a group of extracellular lipid binding proteins from a diverse number of phyla that have a common β ‘barrel’ consisting of 8 anti-parallel β-strands stacked in two nearly orthogonal sheets. In summary, E. coli-derived I-FABP not only represents a useful model for assessing the atomic details of fatty acid-protein interactions and the mechanisms which regulate acquisition and release of this type of ligand, but also structure/function relationships in other superfamily members.

Calmodulin binds to a tubulin binding site of the microtubule-associated protein tau.

Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated that the microtubule - associated proteins MAP-2 and tau interact selectively with common binding domains on tubulin defined by the low-homology segments a (430–441) and β (422–434). It has been also indicated that the synthetic peptide VRSKIGSTENLKHQPGGG corresponding to the first tau repetitive sequence represents a tubulin binding domain on tau. The present studies show that the calcium-binding protein calmodulin interacts with a tubulin binding site on tau defined by the second repetitive sequence VTSKCGSLGNIHHKPGGG. It was shown that both tubulin and calmodulin bind to tau peptide-Sepharose affinity column. Binding of calmodulin occurs in the presence of 1 mM Ca 2+ and it can be eluted from the column with 4 mM EGTA. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of microtubule assembly, since Ca 2+/calmodulin inhibition of tubulin polymerization into microtubules could be mediated by the direct binding of calmodulin to tau, thus preventing the interaction of this latter protein with tubulin.

Characteristics of fatty acid-binding proteins and their relation to mammary-derived growth inhibitor.

Abstract: Based on sequence relationships the cytoplasmic fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) of mammalian origin are divided into at least three distinct types, namely the hepatic-, intestinal- and cardiac-type. Highly conserved sequences of FABPs within the same type correlate with immunological crossreactivities. Isoforms of hepatic-type FABP are found in several mammalian species and for bovine liver FABP specific shifts in isoelectric points upon lipidation with fatty acids are observed. Isoforms of intestinal-type FABP are not known and the occurrence of cardiac-type isoforms so far is confined to bovine heart tissue. A bovine mammary-derived growth inhibitor (MDGI) is 95% homologous to the cardiac-type FABP from bovine heart. Dissociation constants of FABP/fatty acid complexes are in the range of 1 μM and 1:1 stoichiometries are usually found, but the neutral isoform of hepatic FABP from bovine liver binds 2 fatty acids. On subcellular levels hepatic- and cardiac-type FABPs are differently distributed. Though mainly cytosolic in either case, immunoelectron microscopy as well as a gelchromatographic immunofluorescence assay demonstrate the association of hepatic FABP in liver cells with microsomal and outer mitochondrial membranes and with nuclei, whereas in heart cells cardiac FABP is confined to mitochondria' matrix and nuclei. In mammary epithelial cells MDGI is associated with neither mitochondria nor endoplasmic reticulum, and is expressed in a strictly developmental-dependent spatial and temporal pattern. The specific role proposed for MDGI is to arrest growth of mammary epithelial cells when they become committed to differentiation in the mammary gland.

Bifunctional lipid-transfer: fatty acid-binding proteins in plants.

Abstract: A cytosolic protein, able to facilitate intermembrane movements of phospholipids in vitro, has been purified to homogeneity from sunflower seedlings. This protein, which has the properties of a lipid-transfer protein (LTP), is also able to bind oleoyl-CoA, as shown by FPLC chromatography. This finding, in addition to previous observations suggesting that a lipid-transfer protein from spinach leaves can bind oleic acid and that oat seedlings contain a fatty acid-binding protein with similar features than lipid transfer proteins, provides a clear demonstration that plant cells contain bifunctional fatty acid/lipid transfer proteins. These proteins can play an active role in fatty acid metabolism which involves movements of oleyl-CoA between intracellular membranes.

Phosphorylation of smooth muscle myosin by type II Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase

Abstract: Brain type II Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase was found to phoshorylate smooth muscle myosin, incorporating maximally ∼ 2 mol of phosphoryl per mol of myosin, exclusively on the 20,000 dalton light chain subunit. After maximal phosphorylation of myosin or the isolated 20,000 dalton light chain subunit by myosin light chain kinase, the addition of type II Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase led to no further incorporation indicating the two kinases phosphorylated a common site. This conclusion was supported by two dimensional mapping of tryptic digests of myosin phosphorylated by the two kinases. By phosphoamino acid analysis the phosphorylated residue was identified as a serine. The phosphorylation by type II Ca 2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase of myosin resulted in enhancement of its actin-activated Mg2+-ATPase activity. Taken together, these data strongly support the conclusion that type II Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase phosphorylates the same amino acid residue on the 20,000 dalton light chain subunit of smooth muscle myosin as is phosphorylated by myosin light chain kinase and suggest an alternative mechanism for the regulation of actin-myosin interaction.

Fatty acid oxidation capacity and fatty acid-binding protein content of different cell types isolated from rat heart.

Abstract: Heart tissue contains appreciable amounts of fatty acid-binding protein (FABP). FABP is thought to play a crucial role in the transport of fatty acids from the cellular membrane to the intracellular site of oxidation and also, in case of endothelial cells, in the transfer of fatty acids from the vascular to the interstitial compartment through the endothelial cytoplasm. The present study was designed to delineate a possible quantitative relationship between the capacity of different cell types in the heart to oxidize fatty acids and the presence of FABP. Palmitate oxidation capacity, measured in homogenates of cells isolated from adult rat hearts, was 2 nmol/min per mg tissue protein in freshly isolated cardiomyocytes (CMC), but only 0.09 and 0.31 nmol/min per mg tissue protein in cultivated endothelial (CEC) and fibroblast-like cells (CFLC), respectively. Palmitate oxidation rates were closely related to the cytochrome C oxidase activity and, hence, to the mitochondrial density in the cells under investigation. In CMC the content of cytosolic H-FABP (H-FABPc) was about 4.51 µg/mg tissue protein. However, in CEC and CFLC the FABP content was less than 0.01 and 0.004 µg/mg tissue protein, respectively, corresponding to at maximum 0.2% of the FABP content of CMC. These findings indicate a marked difference between CMC and non-myocytal cells in the heart regarding their capacity to oxidize fatty acids, and a marked disproportion between the fatty acid oxidation capacity and immunochemically determined FABP content in both CEC and CFLC. The functional implication of these observations remains to be elucidated.

Role of fatty acid-binding protein in cardiac fatty acid oxidation.

Abstract: Although abundant in most biological tissues and chemically well characterized, the fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) was until recently in search of a function. Because of its strong affinity for long chain fatty acids and its cytoplasmic origin, this protein was repeatedly claimed in the literature to be the transcytoplas-mic fatty acid carrier. However, techniques to visualize and quantify the movements of molecules in the cytoplasm are still in their infancy. Consequently the carrier function of FABP remains somewhat speculative. However, FABP binds not only fatty acids but also their CoA and carnitine derivatives, two typical molecules of mitochondrial origin. Moreover, it has been demonstrated and confirmed that FABP is not exclusively cytoplasmic, but also mitochondrial. A function for FABP in the mitochondrial metabolism of fatty acids plus CoA and carnitine derivatives would therefore be anticpated. Using spin-labelling techniques, we present here evidence that FABP is a powerful regulator of acylcarnitine flux entering the mitochondrial β-oxidative system. In this perspective FABP appears to be an active link between the cytoplasm and the mitochondria, regulating the energy made available to the cell. This active participation of FABP is shown to be the consequence of its gradient-like distribution in the cardiac cell, and also of the coexistence of multispecies of this protein produced by self-aggregation.

Fuel smoke condensate induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes and protection by turmeric (Curcuma longa).

Abstract: Twigs-dry leaves smoke condensate (TDS) was investigated for its DNA damaging activity in human peripheral lymphocytes, by using a sensitive method, fluorescence analysis of DNA unwinding (FADU). An aqueous turmeric component (Aq.T) was studied as a protective agent. TDS at one to 100 folds dilution induced 55% DNA damage at 20 min, while 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) at 10 ng/ml induced only 25% damage. Aq.T at 300 ng/μ1 afforded 90% protection to DNA against TPA and 65% against TPA. The mechanism of Aq.T protection was investigated by using (i) inhibitors of arachidonate cascade, viz., indomethacin (28 μM), NDGA (10 μM), DBAP (36 μM), (ii) antioxidant enzymes viz., CAT (0.2 U/μl), SOD (0.6 U/μ1), (iii) antioxidants - BHA, curcumin (40 μM), mixed gangliosides (20 nM) and protease inhibitor TLCK (100 μM). These compounds offered the following extents of protection to DNA against TDS: indomethacin-40%, NDGA-83%, DBAP-70%, SOD-38%, CAT-40%, BHA-38%, curcumin-60%, mixed gangliosides-88%, TLCK-85%. Against TPA as clastogenic agent, the extents of protection were: indomethacin-73%, NDGA-32%, DBAP-72%, SOD-60%, CAT, BHA-negligible, curcumin-23%, mixed gangliosides - 60%, TLCK - 59%. These results indicate that (i) TDS and TPA induce DNA damage possibly by different mechanisms, (ii) Aq.T is a more effective protectant against TDS whereas it is on par with other inhibitors against TPA.

Ferric ion-induced lipid peroxidation in erythrocyte membranes: effects of phytic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene.

Abstract: Ferric ion was found to stimulate the peroxidation of erythrocyte membrane lipids, causing a biphasic and concentration-dependent increase in the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione were able to enhance this lipid peroxidation, presumably by facilitating the reduction of ferric ion. Iron chelators, such as phytic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and uric acid, and the chain-reaction-terminating antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene suppressed the ferric ion-induced peroxidation by actions not likely related to hydroxyl radical scavenging. The effectiveness of phytic acid, a naturally occurring antioxidant, in the inhibition of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation suggests its possible therapeutic application as a non-toxic iron chelator for ameliorating the extent of oxy-radical-induced tissue damage.

Fatty acid-binding protein expression in the liver: its regulation and relationship to the zonation of fatty acid metabolism.

Abstract: Liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) is expressed in a declining gradient between the portal and central zones of the liver acinus. This paper discusses the results of experimental studies which address the questions: (a) What factors regulate L-FABP expression in liver and produce its acinar gradient? (b) What is the relationship between the acinar gradient of L-FABP and acinar gradients in the transport and metabolism of long-chain fatty acids? Both high-fat diets and clofibrate-treatment increase L-FABP proportionally at both extremes of the liver acinus and the small intestine, with preservation of the L-FABP gradient in both tissues. Female rats differ from males, however, in showing a greater hepatic abundance of L-FABP which is expressed almost equally throughout the acinus. Dietary studies show that L-FABP is induced with increased fatty acid flux derived from dietary fat but not from de novo hepatic fatty acid synthesis. Studies of the synthesis and utilization of fatty acids by hepatocytes isolated from the periportal and pericentral zones of the liver acinus suggest that the acinar gradient of L-FABP is not associated with differences in the instrinsic capacity of zone 1 and zone 3 hepatocytes to utilize or synthesize fatty acids. In addition, studies of the acinar uptake pattern of a fluorescent fatty acid derivative by isolated perfused livers indicate that the acinar distribution of L-FABP does not determine the pattern of fatty acid uptake in the intact acinus. Rather, the acinar gradient of L-FABP is most likely to represent a response to physiological conditions existing in the intact acinus which may include gradients in the flux of fatty acids, fatty acid metabolites and hormones.

Regulation of the amiloride-blockable sodium channel from epithelial tissue.

Abstract: The first step in net active transepithelial transport of sodium in tight epithelia is mediated by the amiloride-blockable sodium channel in the apical membrane. This sodium channel is the primary site for discretionary control of total body sodium and, therefore, investigating its regulatory mechanisms is important to our understanding of the physiology of fluid and electrolyte balance. Because essentially all of the regulatory sites on the channel are on the intracellular surface, patch clamp methods have proven extremely useful in the electrophysiological characterization of the sodium channel by isolating it from other channel proteins in the epithelial membrane and by allowing access to the intracellular surface of the protein. We have examined three different regulatory mechanisms. (1) Inhibition of channel activity by activation of protein kinase C; (2) activation of the channel by agents which activate G-proteins; and (3) modulation of channel kinetics and channel number by mineralocorticoids. Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol esters or synthetic diacylglycerols reduces the open probability of sodium channels. Protein kinase C can be activated in a physiological context by enhancing apical sodium entry. Actions which reduce sodium entry (low luminal sodium concentrations or the apical application of amiloride) increase channel open probability. The link between sodium entry and activation of protein kinase C appears to be mediated by intracellular calcium activity linked to sodium via a sodium/calcium exchange system. Thus, the intracellular sodium concentration is coupled to sodium entry in a negative feedback loop which promotes constant total entry of sodium. Activation of G-proteins by pertussis toxin greatly increases the open probability of sodium channels. Since channels can also be activated by pertussis toxin or GTP gamma S in excised patches, the G-protein appears to be closely linked in the apical membrane to the sodium channel protein itself. The mechanism for activation of this apical G-protein, when most hormonal and transmitter receptors are physically located on the basolateral membrane, is unclear. Mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone have at least two distinct effects. First, as expected, increasing levels of aldosterone increase the density of functional channels detectable in the apical membrane. Second, contrary to expectations, application of aldosterone increases the open probability of sodium channels. Thus aldosterone promotes the functional appearance of new sodium channels and promotes increased sodium entry through both new and pre-existant channels.

Dicarboxylic acid anhydrides as dissociating agents of protein-containing structures.

Abstract: Dissociation of protein-containing structures by modification of protein amino groups with dicarboxylic acid anhydrides is a mild procedure which, in some cases, offers advantages over treatment with alternative dissociating agents, such as urea, guanidine hydrochloride, detergents, high ionic strength, and extremes of pH: In addition to dissociating multimeric proteins and protein aggregates, dicarboxylic acid anhydrides are effective dissociating agents for membrane-bound proteins and nucleoprotein particles. With most dicarboxylic acid anhydrides reviewed, the introduced reagent residues can be eliminated under moderate acid conditions, which allows the purification of unmodified individual components, and the use of disassembly-reconstitution systems valuable for investigating the structural and functional roles played by the individual components of complex particles:

Purification and characterization of L-DOPA decarboxylase from human kidney

Abstract: L-dopa decarboxylase has been purified to homogeneity from post mortem removed human kidneys. Homogeneity was examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis both in the presence and absence of SDS. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 100,000 daltons estimated by gel filtration and 50,000 daltons determined after SDS-PAGE. Human L-dopa decarboxylase therefore is a dimer. Polyclonal antibodies produced against human L-dopa decarboxylase react with the 50,000 daltons enzyme subunit after immuno-blotting and also precipitates enzyme activity. Activity against L-dopa is partially inhibited by 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). The effect of various cations on L-dopa decarboxylase activity has also been tested.

Molecular events regulating messenger RNA stability in eukaryotes.

Abstract: The regulation of mRNA turnover plays a major role in the overall control of gene expression. Transcriptional control of eukaryotic gene regulation by external and/or internal stimuli has received considerable attention and the purpose of this review is to highlight recent work elucidating the mechanisms underlying the steady-state levels of mRNAs in the cytoplasm. Protection of mRNA from the action of nucleases as it passes from the nucleus to the ribosomes for translation is achieved, at least in part, by its union with mRNA binding proteins and the presence of poly(A) tail. The half-life of a message represents a balance between the transcriptional activity and intracellular degradative processes. These properties can be modulated by the presence of specific nucleotide sequences in a mRNA along with cis- and trans-acting elements and accompanied by post-translational feed back mechanisms. Presently, various regulatory mechanisms involved in the mRNA decay process are ill-defined. The work described here illustrates the complexity of this emerging field of study and outlines its contribution to our understanding of gene regulation in eukaryotes.

Differential energetic metabolism during Trypanosoma cruzi differentiation. II. Hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase.

Abstract: The activities of hexokinase (ATP:hexose-6-phosphate transferase, E.C. 2.7.1.1), phosphofructokinase (ATP: fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase, E. C. 2.7.1.11) and pyruvate kinase (ATP: pyruvate transferase, E.C. 2.7.1.40), and their kinetic behaviour in two morphological forms of Trypanosoma cruzi (epimastigotes and metacyclic trypomastigotes) have been studied. The kinetic responses of the three enzymes to their respective substrates were normalized to hyperbolic forms on a velocity versus substrate concentration plots. Hexokinase and phosphofructokinase showed a higher activity in epimastigotes than in metacyclics, whereas pyruvate kinase had similar activity in both forms of the parasite. The specific activity of hexokinase from epimastigotes was 102.00 mUnits/mg of protein and the apparent Km value for glucose was 35.4 μM. Metacyclic forms showed a specific activity of 55.25 mUnits/mg and a Km value of 46.3 μM. The kinetic parameters (specific activity and Km for fructose 6-phosphate) of phosphofructokinase for epimastigotes were 42.60 mUnits/mg and 0.31 mM and for metacyclics 13.97 mUnits/mg and 0.16 mM, respectively. On the contrary, pyruvate kinase in both forms of T. cruzi did not show significant differences in its kinetic parameters. The specific activity in epimastigotes was 37.00 mUnits/mg and the Km for phosphoenolpyruvate was 0.47 mM, whereas in metacyclics these values were 42.94 mUnits/mg and 0.46 mM, respectively. The results presented in this work, clearly demonstrate a quantitative change in the glycolytic pathway of both culture forms of T. cruzi.