Identification and in vitro characterization of a Marek’s disease virus encoded ribonucleotide reductase

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Marek’s disease virus (MDV) encodes a ribonucleotide reductase (RR), a key regulatory enzyme in the DNA synthesis pathway. The gene coding for the RR of MDV is located in the unique long (UL) region of the genome. The large subunit is encoded by UL39 (RR1) and is predicted to comprise 860 amino acid...

Marek’s disease virus encoded ribonucleotide reductase large subunit is essential for in vivo replication and plays a critical role in viral pathogenesis.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Marek’s disease virus encodes a ribonucleotide reductase (RR) that consists of two subunits namely RR1 and RR2, both of which associate to form an active holoenzyme and both subunits are necessary for enzyme activity. It is an essential enzyme for the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleo...

Streptococcus sanguinis class Ib ribonucleotide reductase: high activity with both iron and manganese cofactors and structural insights.

PubMed

Makhlynets, Olga; Boal, Amie K; Rhodes, Delacy V; Kitten, Todd; Rosenzweig, Amy C; Stubbe, JoAnne

2014-02-28

Streptococcus sanguinis is a causative agent of infective endocarditis. Deletion of SsaB, a manganese transporter, drastically reduces S. sanguinis virulence. Many pathogenic organisms require class Ib ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) to catalyze the conversion of nucleotides to deoxynucleotides under aerobic conditions, and recent studies demonstrate that this enzyme uses a dimanganese-tyrosyl radical (Mn(III)2-Y(•)) cofactor in vivo. The proteins required for S. sanguinis ribonucleotide reduction (NrdE and NrdF, α and β subunits of RNR; NrdH and TrxR, a glutaredoxin-like thioredoxin and a thioredoxin reductase; and NrdI, a flavodoxin essential for assembly of the RNR metallo-cofactor) have been identified and characterized. Apo-NrdF with Fe(II) and O2 can self-assemble a diferric-tyrosyl radical (Fe(III)2-Y(•)) cofactor (1.2 Y(•)/β2) and with the help of NrdI can assemble a Mn(III)2-Y(•) cofactor (0.9 Y(•)/β2). The activity of RNR with its endogenous reductants, NrdH and TrxR, is 5,000 and 1,500 units/mg for the Mn- and Fe-NrdFs (Fe-loaded NrdF), respectively. X-ray structures of S. sanguinis NrdIox and Mn(II)2-NrdF are reported and provide a possible rationale for the weak affinity (2.9 μM) between them. These streptococcal proteins form a structurally distinct subclass relative to other Ib proteins with unique features likely important in cluster assembly, including a long and negatively charged loop near the NrdI flavin and a bulky residue (Thr) at a constriction in the oxidant channel to the NrdI interface. These studies set the stage for identifying the active form of S. sanguinis class Ib RNR in an animal model for infective endocarditis and establishing whether the manganese requirement for pathogenesis is associated with RNR.

Genetic characterization and role in virulence of the ribonucleotide reductases of Streptococcus sanguinis.

PubMed

Rhodes, DeLacy V; Crump, Katie E; Makhlynets, Olga; Snyder, Melanie; Ge, Xiuchun; Xu, Ping; Stubbe, JoAnne; Kitten, Todd

2014-02-28

Streptococcus sanguinis is a cause of infective endocarditis and has been shown to require a manganese transporter called SsaB for virulence and O2 tolerance. Like certain other pathogens, S. sanguinis possesses aerobic class Ib (NrdEF) and anaerobic class III (NrdDG) ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) that perform the essential function of reducing ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides. The accompanying paper (Makhlynets, O., Boal, A. K., Rhodes, D. V., Kitten, T., Rosenzweig, A. C., and Stubbe, J. (2014) J. Biol. Chem. 289, 6259-6272) indicates that in the presence of O2, the S. sanguinis class Ib RNR self-assembles an essential diferric-tyrosyl radical (Fe(III)2-Y(•)) in vitro, whereas assembly of a dimanganese-tyrosyl radical (Mn(III)2-Y(•)) cofactor requires NrdI, and Mn(III)2-Y(•) is more active than Fe(III)2-Y(•) with the endogenous reducing system of NrdH and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1). In this study, we have shown that deletion of either nrdHEKF or nrdI completely abolishes virulence in an animal model of endocarditis, whereas nrdD mutation has no effect. The nrdHEKF, nrdI, and trxR1 mutants fail to grow aerobically, whereas anaerobic growth requires nrdD. The nrdJ gene encoding an O2-independent adenosylcobalamin-cofactored RNR was introduced into the nrdHEKF, nrdI, and trxR1 mutants. Growth of the nrdHEKF and nrdI mutants in the presence of O2 was partially restored. The combined results suggest that Mn(III)2-Y(•)-cofactored NrdF is required for growth under aerobic conditions and in animals. This could explain in part why manganese is necessary for virulence and O2 tolerance in many bacterial pathogens possessing a class Ib RNR and suggests NrdF and NrdI may serve as promising new antimicrobial targets.

Marek’s Disease Virus Encoded Ribonucleotide Reductase Large Subunit is not Essential for In Vitro Replication

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Marek’s disease virus (MDV) infected cells express a viral ribonucleotide reductase (RR) that is distinguishable from that present in uninfected cells by monoclonal antibody T81. Open reading frames UL39 and UL40 of the MDV genome encode the large (RR1) and small (RR2) subunits of RR enzyme, respe...

Identification of Non-nucleoside Human Ribonucleotide Reductase Modulators

DOE PAGES

Ahmad, Md. Faiz; Huff, Sarah E.; Pink, John; ...

2015-10-21

Ribonucleotide reductase (RR) catalyzes the rate-limiting step of dNTP synthesis and is an established cancer target. Drugs targeting RR are mainly nucleoside in nature. In this study, we sought to identify non-nucleoside small-molecule inhibitors of RR. Using virtual screening, binding affinity, inhibition, and cell toxicity, we have discovered a class of small molecules that alter the equilibrium of inactive hexamers of RR, leading to its inhibition. Several unique chemical categories, including a phthalimide derivative, show micromolar IC 50s and K Ds while demonstrating cytotoxicity. A crystal structure of an active phthalimide binding at the targeted interface supports the noncompetitive modemore » of inhibition determined by kinetic studies. Furthermore, the phthalimide shifts the equilibrium from dimer to hexamer. Finally, together, these data identify several novel non-nucleoside inhibitors of human RR which act by stabilizing the inactive form of the enzyme.« less

Genetic Characterization and Role in Virulence of the Ribonucleotide Reductases of Streptococcus sanguinis * ♦

PubMed Central

Rhodes, DeLacy V.; Crump, Katie E.; Makhlynets, Olga; Snyder, Melanie; Ge, Xiuchun; Xu, Ping; Stubbe, JoAnne; Kitten, Todd

2014-01-01

Streptococcus sanguinis is a cause of infective endocarditis and has been shown to require a manganese transporter called SsaB for virulence and O2 tolerance. Like certain other pathogens, S. sanguinis possesses aerobic class Ib (NrdEF) and anaerobic class III (NrdDG) ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) that perform the essential function of reducing ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides. The accompanying paper (Makhlynets, O., Boal, A. K., Rhodes, D. V., Kitten, T., Rosenzweig, A. C., and Stubbe, J. (2014) J. Biol. Chem. 289, 6259–6272) indicates that in the presence of O2, the S. sanguinis class Ib RNR self-assembles an essential diferric-tyrosyl radical (FeIII2-Y•) in vitro, whereas assembly of a dimanganese-tyrosyl radical (MnIII2-Y•) cofactor requires NrdI, and MnIII2-Y• is more active than FeIII2-Y• with the endogenous reducing system of NrdH and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1). In this study, we have shown that deletion of either nrdHEKF or nrdI completely abolishes virulence in an animal model of endocarditis, whereas nrdD mutation has no effect. The nrdHEKF, nrdI, and trxR1 mutants fail to grow aerobically, whereas anaerobic growth requires nrdD. The nrdJ gene encoding an O2-independent adenosylcobalamin-cofactored RNR was introduced into the nrdHEKF, nrdI, and trxR1 mutants. Growth of the nrdHEKF and nrdI mutants in the presence of O2 was partially restored. The combined results suggest that MnIII2-Y•-cofactored NrdF is required for growth under aerobic conditions and in animals. This could explain in part why manganese is necessary for virulence and O2 tolerance in many bacterial pathogens possessing a class Ib RNR and suggests NrdF and NrdI may serve as promising new antimicrobial targets. PMID:24381171

Characterization of the kinetics of Fe (II) binding by the R2 protein subunit of E. coli ribonucleotide reductase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaudhuri, Dipankar; , Joseph Martin Bollinger, Jr.

2008-07-01

The kinetics of Fe(II) binding to Escherichia coli Ribonucleotide reductase (R2) has been studied using rapid kinetics techniques including chemical quenched flow (CQF) Mössbauer spectroscopy. Based on the stopped flow absorption (SF-Abs) and CQF Mössbauer spectroscopy results, the pre-steady kinetics of binding of Fe(II) to the two sites A and B on R2 have been established with attendant conformational changes. Fe (II) binds to Site B tighter and faster and these and other results provide important information towards the di-iron cofactor assembly mechanism in R2 and could have possible implications for the development of modified and new anticancer and antiviral drugs.

Identification of ribonucleotide reductase mutation causing temperature-sensitivity of herpes simplex virus isolates from whitlow by deep sequencing.

PubMed

Daikoku, Tohru; Oyama, Yukari; Yajima, Misako; Sekizuka, Tsuyoshi; Kuroda, Makoto; Shimada, Yuka; Takehara, Kazuhiko; Miwa, Naoko; Okuda, Tomoko; Sata, Tetsutaro; Shiraki, Kimiyasu

2015-06-01

Herpes simplex virus 2 caused a genital ulcer, and a secondary herpetic whitlow appeared during acyclovir therapy. The secondary and recurrent whitlow isolates were acyclovir-resistant and temperature-sensitive in contrast to a genital isolate. We identified the ribonucleotide reductase mutation responsible for temperature-sensitivity by deep-sequencing analysis.

Direct photoaffinity labeling of an allosteric site on subunit protein M1 of mouse ribonucleotide reductase by dTTP.

PubMed Central

Eriksson, S; Caras, I W; Martin, D W

1982-01-01

The protein M1 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase contains at least two allosteric nucleotide binding sites that control the capacity of the enzyme to reduce ribonucleotides to the deoxyribonucleotides required for DNA synthesis. Direct photoaffinity labeling of partially purified protein M1 from mouse T-lymphoma (S49) cells was observed after UV irradiation in the presence of dTTP at 0 degrees C. The relative molar incorporation of nucleotide per subunit was 4-8%. Competition experiments showed that the dTTP was bound to an allosteric domain genetically and kinetically defined as the substrate specificity site of the enzyme. An altered protein M1 isolated from a thymidine-resistant mutant cell line showed significantly decreased photoincorporation of dTTP, consistent with the fact that its CDP reductase activity is resistant to feedback inhibition by dTTP. Specific photolabeling of several other proteins with pyrimidine and purine nucleotides was also found, indicating the general usefulness of direct photoaffinity labeling in the study of enzymes involved in nucleotide and nucleic acid metabolism. Images PMID:7033963

Studies of Ribonucleotide Reductase in Crucian Carp—An Oxygen Dependent Enzyme in an Anoxia Tolerant Vertebrate

PubMed Central

Sandvik, Guro K.; Tomter, Ane B.; Bergan, Jonas; Zoppellaro, Giorgio; Barra, Anne-Laure; Røhr, Åsmund K.; Kolberg, Matthias; Ellefsen, Stian

2012-01-01

The enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides, the precursors for DNA. RNR requires a thiyl radical to activate the substrate. In RNR of eukaryotes (class Ia RNR), this radical originates from a tyrosyl radical formed in reaction with oxygen (O2) and a ferrous di-iron center in RNR. The crucian carp (Carassius carassius) is one of very few vertebrates that can tolerate several months completely without oxygen (anoxia), a trait that enables this fish to survive under the ice in small ponds that become anoxic during the winter. Previous studies have found indications of cell division in this fish after 7 days of anoxia. This appears nearly impossible, as DNA synthesis requires the production of new deoxyribonucleotides and therefore active RNR. We have here characterized RNR in crucian carp, to search for adaptations to anoxia. We report the full-length sequences of two paralogs of each of the RNR subunits (R1i, R1ii, R2i, R2ii, p53R2i and p53R2ii), obtained by cloning and sequencing. The mRNA levels of these subunits were measured with quantitative PCR and were generally well maintained in hypoxia and anoxia in heart and brain. We also report maintained or increased mRNA levels of the cell division markers proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Ki67 in anoxic hearts and brains. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements on in vitro expressed crucian carp R2 and p53R2 proteins gave spectra similar to mammalian RNRs, including previously unpublished human and mouse p53R2 EPR spectra. However, the radicals in crucian carp RNR small subunits, especially in the p53R2ii subunit, were very stable at 0°C. A long half-life of the tyrosyl radical during wintertime anoxia could allow for continued cell division in crucian carp. PMID:22916159

Arrest of cell cycle by inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase induces accumulation of NAD+ by Mn2+-supplemented growth of Corynebacterium ammoniagenes.

PubMed

Abbouni, Bouziane; Elhariry, Hesham M; Auling, Georg

2003-01-01

Cell division of the wild type strain Corynebacterium (formerly Brevibacterium) ammoniagenes ATCC 6872 which requires 1 microM Mn2+ for balanced growth was inhibited by addition of 20 mM hydroxyurea (HU) or 10 mM p-methoxyphenol (MP) to a Mn2+-supplemented fermentation medium at an appropriate time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a restricted elongation characteristic of arrest of the cell cycle in coryneform bacteria. The cultures treated with HU or MP had, respectively, a fourfold or sixfold enhanced accumulation of NAD+ by a salvage biosynthetic pathway. An assay of nucleotide-permeable cells for ribonucleotide reductase activity using [3H-CDP] as substrate revealed a pre-early and complete decline of DNA precursor biosynthesis not found in the untreated control. Overproduction of NAD+ is an alternative to the conventional fermentation process using Mn2+ deficiency. A simple model is presented to discuss the metabolic regulation of the new process based on the presence of a manganese ribonucleotide reductase (Mn-RNR) in the producing strain.

The Dimanganese(II) Site of Bacillus subtilis Class Ib Ribonucleotide Reductase

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Boal, Amie K.; Cotruvo, Jr., Joseph A.; Stubbe, JoAnne

2014-10-02

Class Ib ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) use a dimanganese-tyrosyl radical cofactor, Mn{sub 2}{sup III}-Y{sm_bullet}, in their homodimeric NrdF ({beta}2) subunit to initiate reduction of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides. The structure of the Mn{sub 2}{sup II} form of NrdF is an important component in understanding O{sub 2}-mediated formation of the active metallocofactor, a subject of much interest because a unique flavodoxin, NrdI, is required for cofactor assembly. Biochemical studies and sequence alignments suggest that NrdF and NrdI proteins diverge into three phylogenetically distinct groups. The only crystal structure to date of a NrdF with a fully ordered and occupied dimanganese site is thatmore » of Escherichia coli Mn{sub 2}{sup II}-NrdF, prototypical of the enzymes from actinobacteria and proteobacteria. Here we report the 1.9 {angstrom} resolution crystal structure of Bacillus subtilis Mn{sub 2}{sup II}-NrdF, representative of the enzymes from a second group, from Bacillus and Staphylococcus. The structures of the metal clusters in the {beta}2 dimer are distinct from those observed in E. coli Mn{sub 2}{sup II}-NrdF. These differences illustrate the key role that solvent molecules and protein residues in the second coordination sphere of the Mn{sub 2}{sup II} cluster play in determining conformations of carboxylate residues at the metal sites and demonstrate that diverse coordination geometries are capable of serving as starting points for Mn{sub 2}{sup III}-Y{sm_bullet} cofactor assembly in class Ib RNRs.« less

Large subunit of the ribonucleotide reductase gene is a virulent factor and plays a critical role in Marek's disease virus pathogenesis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Marek’s disease virus (MDV) encodes a ribonucleotide reductase (RR) gene consisting of two subunits UL39 (RR1) and UL40 (RR2). Both RR1 and RR2 form an active holoenzyme and are necessary for enzyme activity. This gene was indentified by monoclonal antibody T81 in a gt11 MDV expression library and f...

Mutations at Several Loci Cause Increased Expression of Ribonucleotide Reductase in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Feeney, Morgan Anne; Ke, Na

2012-01-01

Production of deoxyribonucleotides for DNA synthesis is an essential and tightly regulated process. The class Ia ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), the product of the nrdAB genes, is required for aerobic growth of Escherichia coli. In catalyzing the reduction of ribonucleotides, two of the cysteines of RNR become oxidized, forming a disulfide bond. To regenerate active RNR, the cell uses thioredoxins and glutaredoxins to reduce the disulfide bond. Strains that lack thioredoxins 1 and 2 and glutaredoxin 1 do not grow because RNR remains in its oxidized, inactive form. However, suppressor mutations that lead to RNR overproduction allow glutaredoxin 3 to reduce sufficient RNR for growth of these mutant strains. We previously described suppressor mutations in the dnaA and dnaN genes that had such effects. Here we report the isolation of new mutations that lead to increased levels of RNR. These include mutations that were not known to influence production of RNR previously, such as a mutation in the hda gene and insertions in the nrdAB promoter region of insertion elements IS1 and IS5. Bioinformatic analysis raises the possibility that IS element insertion in this region represents an adaptive mechanism in nrdAB regulation in E. coli and closely related species. We also characterize mutations altering different amino acids in DnaA and DnaN from those isolated before. PMID:22247510

Allosteric Inhibition of Human Ribonucleotide Reductase by dATP Entails the Stabilization of a Hexamer

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) are responsible for all de novo biosynthesis of DNA precursors in nature by catalyzing the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides. Because of its essential role in cell division, human RNR is a target for a number of anticancer drugs in clinical use. Like other class Ia RNRs, human RNR requires both a radical-generation subunit (β) and nucleotide-binding subunit (α) for activity. Because of their complex dependence on allosteric effectors, however, the active and inactive quaternary forms of many class Ia RNRs have remained in question. Here, we present an X-ray crystal structure of the human α subunit in the presence of inhibiting levels of dATP, depicting a ring-shaped hexamer (α6) where the active sites line the inner hole. Surprisingly, our small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) results indicate that human α forms a similar hexamer in the presence of ATP, an activating effector. In both cases, α6 is assembled from dimers (α2) without a previously proposed tetramer intermediate (α4). However, we show with SAXS and electron microscopy that at millimolar ATP, the ATP-induced α6 can further interconvert with higher-order filaments. Differences in the dATP- and ATP-induced α6 were further examined by SAXS in the presence of the β subunit and by activity assays as a function of ATP or dATP. Together, these results suggest that dATP-induced α6 is more stable than the ATP-induced α6 and that stabilization of this ring-shaped configuration provides a mechanism to prevent access of the β subunit to the active site of α. PMID:26727048

A Functional Approach Reveals a Genetic and Physical Interaction between Ribonucleotide Reductase and CHK1 in Mammalian Cells

PubMed Central

Taricani, Lorena; Shanahan, Frances; Malinao, Maria-Christina; Beaumont, Maribel; Parry, David

2014-01-01

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) enzyme is composed of the homodimeric RRM1 and RRM2 subunits, which together form a heterotetramic active enzyme that catalyzes the de novo reduction of ribonucleotides to generate deoxyribonucleotides (dNTPs), which are required for DNA replication and DNA repair processes. In this study, we show that ablation of RRM1 and RRM2 by siRNA induces G1/S phase arrest, phosphorylation of Chk1 on Ser345 and phosphorylation of γ-H2AX on S139. Combinatorial ablation of RRM1 or RRM2 and Chk1 causes a dramatic accumulation of γ-H2AX, a marker of double-strand DNA breaks, suggesting that activation of Chk1 in this context is essential for suppression of DNA damage. Significantly, we demonstrate for the first time that Chk1 and RNR subunits co-immunoprecipitate from native cell extracts. These functional genomic studies suggest that RNR is a critical mediator of replication checkpoint activation. PMID:25375241

Cell death in response to antimetabolites directed at ribonucleotide reductase and thymidylate synthase

PubMed Central

Asuncion Valenzuela, Malyn M; Castro, Imilce; Gonda, Amber; Diaz Osterman, Carlos J; Jutzy, Jessica M; Aspe, Jonathan R; Khan, Salma; Neidigh, Jonathan W; Wall, Nathan R

2015-01-01

New agent development, mechanistic understanding, and combinatorial partnerships with known and novel modalities continue to be important in the study of pancreatic cancer and its improved treatment. In this study, known antimetabolite drugs such as gemcitabine (ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor) and 5-fluorouracil (thymidylate synthase inhibitor) were compared with novel members of these two drug families in the treatment of a chemoresistant pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1. Cellular survival data, along with protein and messenger ribonucleic acid expression for survivin, XIAP, cIAP1, and cIAP2, were compared from both the cell cytoplasm and from exosomes after single modality treatment. While all antimetabolite drugs killed PANC-1 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, neither family significantly altered the cytosolic protein level of the four inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) investigated. Survivin, XIAP, cIAP1, and cIAP2 were found localized to exosomes where no significant difference in expression was recorded. This inability for significant and long-lasting expression may be a reason why pancreatic cancer lacks responsiveness to these and other cancer-killing agents. Continued investigation is required to determine the responsibilities of these IAPs in their role in chemoresistance in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. PMID:25767396

Methyl-hydroxylamine as an efficacious antibacterial agent that targets the ribonucleotide reductase enzyme.

PubMed

Julián, Esther; Baelo, Aida; Gavaldà, Joan; Torrents, Eduard

2015-01-01

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has encouraged vigorous efforts to develop antimicrobial agents with new mechanisms of action. Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is a key enzyme in DNA replication that acts by converting ribonucleotides into the corresponding deoxyribonucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA replication and repair. RNR has been extensively studied as an ideal target for DNA inhibition, and several drugs that are already available on the market are used for anticancer and antiviral activity. However, the high toxicity of these current drugs to eukaryotic cells does not permit their use as antibacterial agents. Here, we present a radical scavenger compound that inhibited bacterial RNR, and the compound's activity as an antibacterial agent together with its toxicity in eukaryotic cells were evaluated. First, the efficacy of N-methyl-hydroxylamine (M-HA) in inhibiting the growth of different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was demonstrated, and no effect on eukaryotic cells was observed. M-HA showed remarkable efficacy against Mycobacterium bovis BCG and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thus, given the M-HA activity against these two bacteria, our results showed that M-HA has intracellular antimycobacterial activity against BCG-infected macrophages, and it is efficacious in partially disassembling and inhibiting the further formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms. Furthermore, M-HA and ciprofloxacin showed a synergistic effect that caused a massive reduction in a P. aeruginosa biofilm. Overall, our results suggest the vast potential of M-HA as an antibacterial agent, which acts by specifically targeting a bacterial RNR enzyme.

Methyl-Hydroxylamine as an Efficacious Antibacterial Agent That Targets the Ribonucleotide Reductase Enzyme

PubMed Central

Julián, Esther; Baelo, Aida; Gavaldà, Joan; Torrents, Eduard

2015-01-01

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has encouraged vigorous efforts to develop antimicrobial agents with new mechanisms of action. Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is a key enzyme in DNA replication that acts by converting ribonucleotides into the corresponding deoxyribonucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA replication and repair. RNR has been extensively studied as an ideal target for DNA inhibition, and several drugs that are already available on the market are used for anticancer and antiviral activity. However, the high toxicity of these current drugs to eukaryotic cells does not permit their use as antibacterial agents. Here, we present a radical scavenger compound that inhibited bacterial RNR, and the compound's activity as an antibacterial agent together with its toxicity in eukaryotic cells were evaluated. First, the efficacy of N-methyl-hydroxylamine (M-HA) in inhibiting the growth of different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was demonstrated, and no effect on eukaryotic cells was observed. M-HA showed remarkable efficacy against Mycobacterium bovis BCG and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thus, given the M-HA activity against these two bacteria, our results showed that M-HA has intracellular antimycobacterial activity against BCG-infected macrophages, and it is efficacious in partially disassembling and inhibiting the further formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms. Furthermore, M-HA and ciprofloxacin showed a synergistic effect that caused a massive reduction in a P. aeruginosa biofilm. Overall, our results suggest the vast potential of M-HA as an antibacterial agent, which acts by specifically targeting a bacterial RNR enzyme. PMID:25782003

Inhibition of CHK1 sensitizes Ewing sarcoma cells to the ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor gemcitabine

PubMed Central

Goss, Kelli L; Koppenhafer, Stacia L; Harmoney, Kathryn M; Terry, William W; Gordon, David J

2017-01-01

Ewing sarcoma is a bone and soft tissue sarcoma that occurs in children and young adults. The EWS-FLI1 gene fusion is the driver mutation in most Ewing sarcoma tumors and functions, in part, as an aberrant transcription factor. We recently identified that Ewing sarcoma cells are sensitive to inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), which catalyzes the formation of deoxyribonucleotides from ribonucleotides. In this report, we show that Ewing sarcoma cells are sensitive to treatment with clofarabine, which is a nucleoside analogue and allosteric inhibitor of RNR. However, clofarabine is a reversible inhibitor of RNR and we found that the effect of clofarabine is limited when using a short (6-hour) drug treatment. Gemcitabine, on the other hand, is an irreversible inhibitor of the RRM1 subunit of RNR and this drug induces apoptosis in Ewing sarcoma cells when used in both 6-hour and longer drug treatments. Treatment of Ewing sarcoma cells with gemcitabine also results in activation of checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1), which is a critical mediator of cell survival in the setting of impaired DNA replication. Notably, inhibition of CHK1 function in Ewing sarcoma cells using a small-molecule CHK1 inhibitor, or siRNA knockdown, in combination with gemcitabine results in increased toxicity both in vitro and in vivo in a mouse xenograft experiment. Overall, our results provide insight into Ewing sarcoma biology and identify a candidate therapeutic target, and drug combination, in Ewing sarcoma. PMID:29152060

Ribonucleotide Reductase Inhibitors Reduce Atherosclerosis in a Double-Injury Rabbit Model

PubMed Central

Gallaugher, Laura D; Henry, Jon C; Kearns, Patrick N; Elford, Howard L; Bergdall, Valerie K; Cardounel, Arturo J

2009-01-01

Atheroproliferative disorders such as atherosclerosis are an important health problem and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Minimally invasive therapeutic procedures, including angioplasty with stent deployment, are used frequently for obstructive coronary artery disease. However, restenosis, a proliferative vascular response, is a common sequela to this procedure. The current study investigated the effect of inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase (RR), an enzyme necessary for cellular proliferation, in an attempt to ameliorate the proliferative response. Two RR inhibitors, didox and hydroxyurea, were chosen for their potent antiproliferative properties. Studies were carried out by using a double-injury rabbit model, in which endothelial denudation was followed by the administration of a high-fat diet. At 4 wk after initial endothelial denudation, the developing atherosclerotic lesion was subjected to transluminal balloon dilation to simulate clinical intervention with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. The degree of restenosis and atheroproliferation was assessed at 8 wk. Histologic evaluation of the lesion demonstrated that treatment with didox and hydroxyurea significantly decreased lesion area and lumen loss. These results suggest that RR inhibition may be an effective new tool for the treatment of atheroproliferative disorders. PMID:20034432

1-Ene-steroid reductase of Mycobacterium sp. NRRL B-3805.

PubMed

Goren, T; Harnik, M; Rimon, S; Aharonowitz, Y

1983-12-01

The microbial enzymatic reduction of 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione (ADD) to 4-androstene-3,17-dione (AD), testosterone and 1-dehydrotestosterone (DHT) is described. Two reducing activities observed in washed cell suspensions and cell free extracts of Mycobacterium sp. NRRL B-3805 were found to account for these bioconversions. One was a 1-ene-steroid reductase and the other a 17-keto steroid reductase. The first reducing activity was found to appear in the soluble cell fraction whereas the latter could be precipitated by centrifugation. Maximum 1-ene-steroid reductase specific activity was achieved during the exponential growth phase of the organism and significantly increased upon induction with ADD. The 1-ene-steroid reductase was partially purified (30-fold) by ammonium sulfate fractionation, gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography, and was eluted from a Sephacryl S-300 column with an Mr = 115,000. The 1-ene-steroid reductase activity was NADPH-dependent and had specificity towards steroid compounds containing C-1,2 double bond with an apparent Km for ADD of 2.2 X 10(-5) M. The reverse reaction catalyzing C-1,2 dehydrogenation could not be detected in our preparations. The results suggest that in Mycobacterium sp NRRL B-3805 and B-3683 the steroid C-1,2 dehydrogenation and 1-ene reduction are two separable activities.

Comparative genomic analyses of nickel, cobalt and vitamin B12 utilization

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yan; Rodionov, Dmitry A; Gelfand, Mikhail S; Gladyshev, Vadim N

2009-01-01

Background Nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) are trace elements required for a variety of biological processes. Ni is directly coordinated by proteins, whereas Co is mainly used as a component of vitamin B12. Although a number of Ni and Co-dependent enzymes have been characterized, systematic evolutionary analyses of utilization of these metals are limited. Results We carried out comparative genomic analyses to examine occurrence and evolutionary dynamics of the use of Ni and Co at the level of (i) transport systems, and (ii) metalloproteomes. Our data show that both metals are widely used in bacteria and archaea. Cbi/NikMNQO is the most common prokaryotic Ni/Co transporter, while Ni-dependent urease and Ni-Fe hydrogenase, and B12-dependent methionine synthase (MetH), ribonucleotide reductase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase are the most widespread metalloproteins for Ni and Co, respectively. Occurrence of other metalloenzymes showed a mosaic distribution and a new B12-dependent protein family was predicted. Deltaproteobacteria and Methanosarcina generally have larger Ni- and Co-dependent proteomes. On the other hand, utilization of these two metals is limited in eukaryotes, and very few of these organisms utilize both of them. The Ni-utilizing eukaryotes are mostly fungi (except saccharomycotina) and plants, whereas most B12-utilizing organisms are animals. The NiCoT transporter family is the most widespread eukaryotic Ni transporter, and eukaryotic urease and MetH are the most common Ni- and B12-dependent enzymes, respectively. Finally, investigation of environmental and other conditions and identity of organisms that show dependence on Ni or Co revealed that host-associated organisms (particularly obligate intracellular parasites and endosymbionts) have a tendency for loss of Ni/Co utilization. Conclusion Our data provide information on the evolutionary dynamics of Ni and Co utilization and highlight widespread use of these metals in the three domains of life, yet only a

Spectroscopic Studies of the Iron and Manganese Reconstituted Tyrosyl Radical in Bacillus Cereus Ribonucleotide Reductase R2 Protein

PubMed Central

Tomter, Ane B.; Zoppellaro, Giorgio; Bell, Caleb B.; Barra, Anne-Laure; Andersen, Niels H.; Solomon, Edward I.; Andersson, K. Kristoffer

2012-01-01

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the rate limiting step in DNA synthesis where ribonucleotides are reduced to the corresponding deoxyribonucleotides. Class Ib RNRs consist of two homodimeric subunits: R1E, which houses the active site; and R2F, which contains a metallo cofactor and a tyrosyl radical that initiates the ribonucleotide reduction reaction. We studied the R2F subunit of B. cereus reconstituted with iron or alternatively with manganese ions, then subsequently reacted with molecular oxygen to generate two tyrosyl-radicals. The two similar X-band EPR spectra did not change significantly over 4 to 50 K. From the 285 GHz EPR spectrum of the iron form, a g 1-value of 2.0090 for the tyrosyl radical was extracted. This g 1-value is similar to that observed in class Ia E. coli R2 and class Ib R2Fs with iron-oxygen cluster, suggesting the absence of hydrogen bond to the phenoxyl group. This was confirmed by resonance Raman spectroscopy, where the stretching vibration associated to the radical (C-O, ν7a = 1500 cm−1) was found to be insensitive to deuterium-oxide exchange. Additionally, the 18O-sensitive Fe-O-Fe symmetric stretching (483 cm−1) of the metallo-cofactor was also insensitive to deuterium-oxide exchange indicating no hydrogen bonding to the di-iron-oxygen cluster, and thus, different from mouse R2 with a hydrogen bonded cluster. The HF-EPR spectrum of the manganese reconstituted RNR R2F gave a g 1-value of ∼2.0094. The tyrosyl radical microwave power saturation behavior of the iron-oxygen cluster form was as observed in class Ia R2, with diamagnetic di-ferric cluster ground state, while the properties of the manganese reconstituted form indicated a magnetic ground state of the manganese-cluster. The recent activity measurements (Crona et al., (2011) J Biol Chem 286: 33053–33060) indicates that both the manganese and iron reconstituted RNR R2F could be functional. The manganese form might be very important, as it has 8 times higher

Structure-function analysis of ribonucleotide bypass by B family DNA replicases

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Clausen, Anders R.; Murray, Michael S.; Passer, Andrew R.

2013-11-01

Ribonucleotides are frequently incorporated into DNA during replication, they are normally removed, and failure to remove them results in replication stress. This stress correlates with DNA polymerase (Pol) stalling during bypass of ribonucleotides in DNA templates. Here we demonstrate that stalling by yeast replicative Pols δ and ε increases as the number of consecutive template ribonucleotides increases from one to four. The homologous bacteriophage RB69 Pol also stalls during ribonucleotide bypass, with a pattern most similar to that of Pol ε. Crystal structures of an exonuclease-deficient variant of RB69 Pol corresponding to multiple steps in single ribonucleotide bypass reveal thatmore » increased stalling is associated with displacement of Tyr391 and an unpreferred C2´-endo conformation for the ribose. Even less efficient bypass of two consecutive ribonucleotides in DNA correlates with similar movements of Tyr391 and displacement of one of the ribonucleotides along with the primer-strand DNA backbone. These structure–function studies have implications for cellular signaling by ribonucleotides, and they may be relevant to replication stress in cells defective in ribonucleotide excision repair, including humans suffering from autoimmune disease associated with RNase H2 defects.« less

A fluorimetric readout reporting the kinetics of nucleotide-induced human ribonucleotide reductase oligomerization.

PubMed

Fu, Yuan; Lin, Hongyu; Wisitpitthaya, Somsinee; Blessing, William A; Aye, Yimon

2014-11-24

Human ribonucleotide reductase (hRNR) is a target of nucleotide chemotherapeutics in clinical use. The nucleotide-induced oligomeric regulation of hRNR subunit α is increasingly being recognized as an innate and drug-relevant mechanism for enzyme activity modulation. In the presence of negative feedback inhibitor dATP and leukemia drug clofarabine nucleotides, hRNR-α assembles into catalytically inert hexameric complexes, whereas nucleotide effectors that govern substrate specificity typically trigger α-dimerization. Currently, both knowledge of and tools to interrogate the oligomeric assembly pathway of RNR in any species in real time are lacking. We therefore developed a fluorimetric assay that reliably reports on oligomeric state changes of α with high sensitivity. The oligomerization-directed fluorescence quenching of hRNR-α, covalently labeled with two fluorophores, allows for direct readout of hRNR dimeric and hexameric states. We applied the newly developed platform to reveal the timescales of α self-assembly, driven by the feedback regulator dATP. This information is currently unavailable, despite the pharmaceutical relevance of hRNR oligomeric regulation. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A bioinformatic analysis of ribonucleotide reductase genes in phage genomes and metagenomes

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), the enzyme responsible for the formation of deoxyribonucleotides from ribonucleotides, is found in all domains of life and many viral genomes. RNRs are also amongst the most abundant genes identified in environmental metagenomes. This study focused on understanding the distribution, diversity, and evolution of RNRs in phages (viruses that infect bacteria). Hidden Markov Model profiles were used to analyze the proteins encoded by 685 completely sequenced double-stranded DNA phages and 22 environmental viral metagenomes to identify RNR homologs in cultured phages and uncultured viral communities, respectively. Results RNRs were identified in 128 phage genomes, nearly tripling the number of phages known to encode RNRs. Class I RNR was the most common RNR class observed in phages (70%), followed by class II (29%) and class III (28%). Twenty-eight percent of the phages contained genes belonging to multiple RNR classes. RNR class distribution varied according to phage type, isolation environment, and the host’s ability to utilize oxygen. The majority of the phages containing RNRs are Myoviridae (65%), followed by Siphoviridae (30%) and Podoviridae (3%). The phylogeny and genomic organization of phage and host RNRs reveal several distinct evolutionary scenarios involving horizontal gene transfer, co-evolution, and differential selection pressure. Several putative split RNR genes interrupted by self-splicing introns or inteins were identified, providing further evidence for the role of frequent genetic exchange. Finally, viral metagenomic data indicate that RNRs are prevalent and highly dynamic in uncultured viral communities, necessitating future research to determine the environmental conditions under which RNRs provide a selective advantage. Conclusions This comprehensive study describes the distribution, diversity, and evolution of RNRs in phage genomes and environmental viral metagenomes. The distinct distributions of

Lack of a peroxiredoxin suppresses the lethality of cells devoid of electron donors by channelling electrons to oxidized ribonucleotide reductase.

PubMed

Boronat, Susanna; Domènech, Alba; Carmona, Mercè; García-Santamarina, Sarela; Bañó, M Carmen; Ayté, José; Hidalgo, Elena

2017-06-01

The thioredoxin and glutaredoxin pathways are responsible of recycling several enzymes which undergo intramolecular disulfide bond formation as part of their catalytic cycles such as the peroxide scavengers peroxiredoxins or the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). RNR, the rate-limiting enzyme of deoxyribonucleotide synthesis, is an essential enzyme relying on these electron flow cascades for recycling. RNR is tightly regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner at different levels, but little is known about the participation of electron donors in such regulation. Here, we show that cytosolic thioredoxins Trx1 and Trx3 are the primary electron donors for RNR in fission yeast. Unexpectedly, trx1 transcript and Trx1 protein levels are up-regulated in a G1-to-S phase-dependent manner, indicating that the supply of electron donors is also cell cycle-regulated. Indeed, genetic depletion of thioredoxins triggers a DNA replication checkpoint ruled by Rad3 and Cds1, with the final goal of up-regulating transcription of S phase genes and constitutive RNR synthesis. Regarding the thioredoxin and glutaredoxin cascades, one combination of gene deletions is synthetic lethal in fission yeast: cells lacking both thioredoxin reductase and cytosolic dithiol glutaredoxin. We have isolated a suppressor of this lethal phenotype: a mutation at the Tpx1-coding gene, leading to a frame shift and a loss-of-function of Tpx1, the main client of electron donors. We propose that in a mutant strain compromised in reducing equivalents, the absence of an abundant and competitive substrate such as the peroxiredoxin Tpx1 has been selected as a lethality suppressor to favor RNR function at the expense of the non-essential peroxide scavenging function, to allow DNA synthesis and cell growth.

Ribonucleotide reductase class III, an essential enzyme for the anaerobic growth of Staphylococcus aureus, is a virulence determinant in septic arthritis.

PubMed

Kirdis, Ebru; Jonsson, Ing-Marie; Kubica, Malgorzata; Potempa, Jan; Josefsson, Elisabet; Masalha, Mahmud; Foster, Simon J; Tarkowski, Andrzej

2007-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of joint infections. It also contributes to several other diseases such as pneumonia, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and sepsis. Bearing in mind that S. aureus becomes rapidly resistant to new antibiotics, many studies survey the virulence factors, with the aim to find alternative prophylaxis/treatment regimens. One potential virulence factor is the bacterial ability to survive at different oxygen tensions. S. aureus expresses ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs), which help it to grow under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, by reducing ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides. In this study, we investigated the role of RNR class III, which is required for anaerobic growth, as a virulence determinant in the pathogenesis of staphylococcal arthritis. The wild-type S. aureus strain and its isogenic mutant nrdDG mutant were inoculated intravenously into mice. Mice inoculated with the wild-type strain displayed significantly more severe arthritis, with significantly more synovitis and destruction of the bone and cartilage versus mutant strain inoculated mice. Further, the persistence of bacteria in the kidneys was significantly more pronounced in the group inoculated with the wild-type strain. Together these results indicate that RNR class III is an important virulence factor for the establishment of septic arthritis.

Regulation of Small Mitochondrial DNA Replicative Advantage by Ribonucleotide Reductase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Bradshaw, Elliot; Yoshida, Minoru; Ling, Feng

2017-01-01

Small mitochondrial genomes can behave as selfish elements by displacing wild-type genomes regardless of their detriment to the host organism. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, small hypersuppressive mtDNA transiently coexist with wild-type in a state of heteroplasmy, wherein the replicative advantage of the small mtDNA outcompetes wild-type and produces offspring without respiratory capacity in >95% of colonies. The cytosolic enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in dNTP synthesis and its inhibition has been correlated with increased petite colony formation, reflecting loss of respiratory function. Here, we used heteroplasmic diploids containing wild-type (rho+) and suppressive (rho−) or hypersuppressive (HS rho−) mitochondrial genomes to explore the effects of RNR activity on mtDNA heteroplasmy in offspring. We found that the proportion of rho+ offspring was significantly increased by RNR overexpression or deletion of its inhibitor, SML1, while reducing RNR activity via SML1 overexpression produced the opposite effects. In addition, using Ex Taq and KOD Dash polymerases, we observed a replicative advantage for small over large template DNA in vitro, but only at low dNTP concentrations. These results suggest that dNTP insufficiency contributes to the replicative advantage of small mtDNA over wild-type and cytosolic dNTP synthesis by RNR is an important regulator of heteroplasmy involving small mtDNA molecules in yeast. PMID:28717049

Anti-neuroinflammatory efficacy of the aldose reductase inhibitor FMHM via phospholipase C/protein kinase C-dependent NF-κB and MAPK pathways

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zeng, Ke-Wu; Li, Jun; Dong, Xin

2013-11-15

Aldose reductase (AR) has a key role in several inflammatory diseases: diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, AR inhibition seems to be a useful strategy for anti-inflammation therapy. In the central nervous system (CNS), microglial over-activation is considered to be a central event in neuroinflammation. However, the effects of AR inhibition in CNS inflammation and its underlying mechanism of action remain unknown. In the present study, we found that FMHM (a naturally derived AR inhibitor from the roots of Polygala tricornis Gagnep.) showed potent anti-neuroinflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting microglial activation and expression of inflammatory mediators.more » Mechanistic studies showed that FMHM suppressed the activity of AR-dependent phospholipase C/protein kinase C signaling, which further resulted in downstream inactivation of the IκB kinase/IκB/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inflammatory pathway. Therefore, AR inhibition-dependent NF-κB inactivation negatively regulated the transcription and expression of various inflammatory genes. AR inhibition by FMHM exerted neuroprotective effects in lipopolysaccharide-induced neuron–microglia co-cultures. These findings suggested that AR is a potential target for neuroinflammation inhibition and that FMHM could be an effective agent for treating or preventing neuroinflammatory diseases. - Highlights: • FMHM is a natural-derived aldose reductase (AR) inhibitor. • FMHM inhibits various neuroinflammatory mediator productions in vitro and in vivo. • FMHM inhibits neuroinflammation via aldose reductase/PLC/PKC-dependent NF-κB pathway. • FMHM inhibits neuroinflammation via aldose reductase/PLC/PKC-dependent MAPK pathway. • FMHM protects neurons against inflammatory injury in microglia-neuron co-cultures.« less

Mutagenic cost of ribonucleotides in bacterial DNA

PubMed Central

Schroeder, Jeremy W.; Randall, Justin R.; Hirst, William G.; O’Donnell, Michael E.; Simmons, Lyle A.

2017-01-01

Replicative DNA polymerases misincorporate ribonucleoside triphosphates (rNTPs) into DNA approximately once every 2,000 base pairs synthesized. Ribonucleotide excision repair (RER) removes ribonucleoside monophosphates (rNMPs) from genomic DNA, replacing the error with the appropriate deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate (dNTP). Ribonucleotides represent a major threat to genome integrity with the potential to cause strand breaks. Furthermore, it has been shown in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis that loss of RER increases spontaneous mutagenesis. Despite the high rNTP error rate and the effect on genome integrity, the mechanism underlying mutagenesis in RER-deficient bacterial cells remains unknown. We performed mutation accumulation lines and genome-wide mutational profiling of B. subtilis lacking RNase HII, the enzyme that incises at single rNMP residues initiating RER. We show that loss of RER in B. subtilis causes strand- and sequence-context–dependent GC → AT transitions. Using purified proteins, we show that the replicative polymerase DnaE is mutagenic within the sequence context identified in RER-deficient cells. We also found that DnaE does not perform strand displacement synthesis. Given the use of nucleotide excision repair (NER) as a backup pathway for RER in RNase HII-deficient cells and the known mutagenic profile of DnaE, we propose that misincorporated ribonucleotides are removed by NER followed by error-prone resynthesis with DnaE. PMID:29078353

Is the mu-oxo-mu-peroxodiiron intermediate of a ribonucleotide reductase biomimetic a possible oxidant of epoxidation reactions?

PubMed

de Visser, Sam P

2008-01-01

Density functional calculations on a mu-oxo-mu-peroxodiiron complex (1) with a tetrapodal ligand BPP (BPP=N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-3-aminopropionate) are presented that is a biomimetic of the active site region of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). We have studied all low-lying electronic states and show that it has close-lying broken-shell singlet and undecaplet (S=0, 5) ground states with essentially two sextet spin iron atoms. In strongly distorted electronic systems in which the two iron atoms have different spin states, the peroxo group moves considerably out of the plane of the mu-oxodiiron group due to orbital rearrangements. The calculated absorption spectra of (1,11)1 are in good agreement with experimental studies on biomimetics and RNR enzyme systems. Moreover, vibrational shifts in the spectrum due to (18)O(2) substitution of the oxygen atoms in the peroxo group follow similar trends as experimental observations. To identify whether the mu-oxo-mu-1,2-peroxodiiron or the mu-oxo-mu-1,1-peroxodiiron complexes are able to epoxidize substrates, we studied the reactivity patterns versus propene. Generally, the reactions are stepwise via radical intermediates and proceed by two-state reactivity patterns on competing singlet and undecaplet spin state surfaces. However, both the mu-oxo-mu-1,2-peroxodiiron and mu-oxo-mu-1,1-peroxodiiron complex are sluggish oxidants with high epoxidation barriers. The epoxidation barriers for the mu-oxo-mu-1,1-peroxodiiron complex are significantly lower than the ones for the mu-oxo-mu-1,2-peroxodiiron complex but still are too high to be considered for catalytic properties. Thus, theory has ruled out two possible peroxodiiron catalysts as oxidants in RNR enzymes and biomimetics and the quest to find the actual oxidant in the enzyme mechanism continues.

Genome instabilities arising from ribonucleotides in DNA.

PubMed

Klein, Hannah L

2017-08-01

Genomic DNA is transiently contaminated with ribonucleotide residues during the process of DNA replication through misincorporation by the replicative DNA polymerases α, δ and ε, and by the normal replication process on the lagging strand, which uses RNA primers. These ribonucleotides are efficiently removed during replication by RNase H enzymes and the lagging strand synthesis machinery. However, when ribonucleotides remain in DNA they can distort the DNA helix, affect machineries for DNA replication, transcription and repair, and can stimulate genomic instabilities which are manifest as increased mutation, recombination and chromosome alterations. The genomic instabilities associated with embedded ribonucleotides are considered here, along with a discussion of the origin of the lesions that stimulate particular classes of instabilities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ribonucleotide reductase as a drug target against drug resistance Mycobacterium leprae: A molecular docking study.

PubMed

Mohanty, Partha Sarathi; Bansal, Avi Kumar; Naaz, Farah; Gupta, Umesh Datta; Dwivedi, Vivek Dhar; Yadava, Umesh

2018-06-01

Leprosy is a chronic infection of skin and nerve caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The treatment is based on standard multi drug therapy consisting of dapsone, rifampicin and clofazamine. The use of rifampicin alone or with dapsone led to the emergence of rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium leprae strains. The emergence of drug-resistant leprosy put a hurdle in the leprosy eradication programme. The present study aimed to predict the molecular model of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), the enzyme responsible for biosynthesis of nucleotides, to screen new drugs for treatment of drug-resistant leprosy. The study was conducted by retrieving RNR of M. leprae from GenBank. A molecular 3D model of M. leprae was predicted using homology modelling and validated. A total of 325 characters were included in the analysis. The predicted 3D model of RNR showed that the ϕ and φ angles of 251 (96.9%) residues were positioned in the most favoured regions. It was also conferred that 18 α-helices, 6 β turns, 2 γ turns and 48 helix-helix interactions contributed to the predicted 3D structure. Virtual screening of Food and Drug Administration approved drug molecules recovered 1829 drugs of which three molecules, viz., lincomycin, novobiocin and telithromycin, were taken for the docking study. It was observed that the selected drug molecules had a strong affinity towards the modelled protein RNR. This was evident from the binding energy of the drug molecules towards the modelled protein RNR (-6.10, -6.25 and -7.10). Three FDA-approved drugs, viz., lincomycin, novobiocin and telithromycin, could be taken for further clinical studies to find their efficacy against drug resistant leprosy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A stable Fe{sup III}-Fe{sup IV} replacement of tyrosyl radical in a class I ribonucleotide reductase

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Voevodskaya, N.; Lendzian, F.; Graeslund, A.

2005-05-20

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) of Chlamydia trachomatis is a class I RNR enzyme composed of two homodimeric components, proteins R1 and R2. In class I RNR, R1 has the substrate binding site, whereas R2 has a diferric site and normally in its active form a stable tyrosyl free radical. C. trachomatis RNR is unusual, because its R2 component has a phenylalanine in the place of the radical carrier tyrosine. Replacing the tyrosyl radical, a paramagnetic Fe{sup III}-Fe{sup IV} species (species X, normally a transient intermediate in the process leading to radical formation) may provide the oxidation equivalent needed to start themore » catalytic process via long range electron transfer from the active site in R1. Here EPR spectroscopy shows that in C. trachomatis RNR, species X can become essentially stable when formed in a complete RNR (R1/R2/substrate) complex, adding further weight to the possible role of this species X in the catalytic reaction.« less

Copper control of bacterial nitrous oxide emission and its impact on vitamin B12-dependent metabolism

PubMed Central

Sullivan, Matthew J.; Gates, Andrew J.; Appia-Ayme, Corinne; Rowley, Gary; Richardson, David J.

2013-01-01

Global agricultural emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) have increased by around 20% over the last 100 y, but regulation of these emissions and their impact on bacterial cellular metabolism are poorly understood. Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate in soils to inert di-nitrogen gas (N2) via N2O and the biochemistry of this process has been studied extensively in Paracoccus denitrificans. Here we demonstrate that expression of the gene encoding the nitrous oxide reductase (NosZ), which converts N2O to N2, is regulated in response to the extracellular copper concentration. We show that elevated levels of N2O released as a consequence of decreased cellular NosZ activity lead to the bacterium switching from vitamin B12-dependent to vitamin B12-independent biosynthetic pathways, through the transcriptional modulation of genes controlled by vitamin B12 riboswitches. This inhibitory effect of N2O can be rescued by addition of exogenous vitamin B12. PMID:24248380

Nucleotide pools dictate the identity and frequency of ribonucleotide incorporation in mitochondrial DNA.

PubMed

Berglund, Anna-Karin; Navarrete, Clara; Engqvist, Martin K M; Hoberg, Emily; Szilagyi, Zsolt; Taylor, Robert W; Gustafsson, Claes M; Falkenberg, Maria; Clausen, Anders R

2017-02-01

Previous work has demonstrated the presence of ribonucleotides in human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and in the present study we use a genome-wide approach to precisely map the location of these. We find that ribonucleotides are distributed evenly between the heavy- and light-strand of mtDNA. The relative levels of incorporated ribonucleotides reflect that DNA polymerase γ discriminates the four ribonucleotides differentially during DNA synthesis. The observed pattern is also dependent on the mitochondrial deoxyribonucleotide (dNTP) pools and disease-causing mutations that change these pools alter both the absolute and relative levels of incorporated ribonucleotides. Our analyses strongly suggest that DNA polymerase γ-dependent incorporation is the main source of ribonucleotides in mtDNA and argues against the existence of a mitochondrial ribonucleotide excision repair pathway in human cells. Furthermore, we clearly demonstrate that when dNTP pools are limiting, ribonucleotides serve as a source of building blocks to maintain DNA replication. Increased levels of embedded ribonucleotides in patient cells with disturbed nucleotide pools may contribute to a pathogenic mechanism that affects mtDNA stability and impair new rounds of mtDNA replication.

Nucleotide pools dictate the identity and frequency of ribonucleotide incorporation in mitochondrial DNA

PubMed Central

Hoberg, Emily; Szilagyi, Zsolt; Taylor, Robert W.; Gustafsson, Claes M.; Falkenberg, Maria

2017-01-01

Previous work has demonstrated the presence of ribonucleotides in human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and in the present study we use a genome-wide approach to precisely map the location of these. We find that ribonucleotides are distributed evenly between the heavy- and light-strand of mtDNA. The relative levels of incorporated ribonucleotides reflect that DNA polymerase γ discriminates the four ribonucleotides differentially during DNA synthesis. The observed pattern is also dependent on the mitochondrial deoxyribonucleotide (dNTP) pools and disease-causing mutations that change these pools alter both the absolute and relative levels of incorporated ribonucleotides. Our analyses strongly suggest that DNA polymerase γ-dependent incorporation is the main source of ribonucleotides in mtDNA and argues against the existence of a mitochondrial ribonucleotide excision repair pathway in human cells. Furthermore, we clearly demonstrate that when dNTP pools are limiting, ribonucleotides serve as a source of building blocks to maintain DNA replication. Increased levels of embedded ribonucleotides in patient cells with disturbed nucleotide pools may contribute to a pathogenic mechanism that affects mtDNA stability and impair new rounds of mtDNA replication. PMID:28207748

The role of RNase H2 in processing ribonucleotides incorporated during DNA replication.

PubMed

Williams, Jessica S; Gehle, Daniel B; Kunkel, Thomas A

2017-05-01

Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNase H2 resolves RNA-DNA hybrids formed during transcription and it incises DNA at single ribonucleotides incorporated during nuclear DNA replication. To distinguish between the roles of these two activities in maintenance of genome stability, here we investigate the phenotypes of a mutant of yeast RNase H2 (rnh201-RED; ribonucleotide excision defective) that retains activity on RNA-DNA hybrids but is unable to cleave single ribonucleotides that are stably incorporated into the genome. The rnh201-RED mutant was expressed in wild type yeast or in a strain that also encodes a mutant allele of DNA polymerase ε (pol2-M644G) that enhances ribonucleotide incorporation during DNA replication. Similar to a strain that completely lacks RNase H2 (rnh201Δ), the pol2-M644G rnh201-RED strain exhibits replication stress and checkpoint activation. Moreover, like its null mutant counterpart, the double mutant pol2-M644G rnh201-RED strain and the single mutant rnh201-RED strain delete 2-5 base pairs in repetitive sequences at a high rate that is topoisomerase 1-dependent. The results highlight an important role for RNase H2 in maintaining genome integrity by removing single ribonucleotides incorporated during DNA replication. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Gallium Maltolate Disrupts Tumor Iron Metabolism and Retards the Growth of Glioblastoma by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Function and Ribonucleotide Reductase.

PubMed

Chitambar, Christopher R; Al-Gizawiy, Mona M; Alhajala, Hisham S; Pechman, Kimberly R; Wereley, Janine P; Wujek, Robert; Clark, Paul A; Kuo, John S; Antholine, William E; Schmainda, Kathleen M

2018-06-01

Gallium, a metal with antineoplastic activity, binds transferrin (Tf) and enters tumor cells via Tf receptor1 (TfR1); it disrupts iron homeostasis leading to cell death. We hypothesized that TfR1 on brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC) would facilitate Tf-Ga transport into the brain enabling it to target TfR-bearing glioblastoma. We show that U-87 MG and D54 glioblastoma cell lines and multiple glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) lines express TfRs, and that their growth is inhibited by gallium maltolate (GaM) in vitro After 24 hours of incubation with GaM, cells displayed a loss of mitochondrial reserve capacity followed by a dose-dependent decrease in oxygen consumption and a decrease in the activity of the iron-dependent M2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RRM2). IHC staining of rat and human tumor-bearing brains showed that glioblastoma, but not normal glial cells, expressed TfR1 and RRM2, and that glioblastoma expressed greater levels of H- and L-ferritin than normal brain. In an orthotopic U-87 MG glioblastoma xenograft rat model, GaM retarded the growth of brain tumors relative to untreated control ( P = 0.0159) and reduced tumor mitotic figures ( P = 0.045). Tumors in GaM-treated animals displayed an upregulation of TfR1 expression relative to control animals, thus indicating that gallium produced tumor iron deprivation. GaM also inhibited iron uptake and upregulated TfR1 expression in U-87 MG and D54 cells in vitro We conclude that GaM enters the brain via TfR1 on BMECs and targets iron metabolism in glioblastoma in vivo, thus inhibiting tumor growth. Further development of novel gallium compounds for brain tumor treatment is warranted. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(6); 1240-50. ©2018 AACR . ©2018 American Association for Cancer Research.

Quercetin interferes with iron metabolism in Leishmania donovani and targets ribonucleotide reductase to exert leishmanicidal activity.

PubMed

Sen, Gargi; Mukhopadhyay, Sibabrata; Ray, Manju; Biswas, Tuli

2008-05-01

The possibility of developing antileishmanial drugs was evaluated by intervention in the parasite's iron metabolism, utilizing quercetin (Qr) under in vivo conditions, and identifying the target of this lipophilic metal chelator against Leishmania donovani. Interaction between Qr and serum albumin (SA) was studied by using the intrinsic fluorescence of Qr as a probe. The effect of treatment with Qr and SA on the proliferation of amastigotes was determined by evaluating splenic parasite load. Disintegration of parasites in response to combination treatment was assessed from ultrastructural analysis using a transmission electron microscope. Quenching of the tyrosyl radical of ribonucleotide reductase (RR) in treated amastigotes was detected by an electron paramagnetic resonance study. Treatment with a combination of Qr and SA increased bioavailability of the flavonoid and proved to be of major advantage in promoting the effectiveness of Qr towards the repression of splenic parasite load from 75%, P < 0.01 to 95%, P < 0.002. Qr-mediated down-regulation of RR (P < 0.05), catalysing the rate-limiting step of DNA synthesis in the pathogens, could be related to the deprivation of the enzyme of iron which in turn destabilized the critical tyrosyl radical required for its catalysing activity. Results have implications for improved leishmanicidal action of Qr in combination with SA targeting RR and suggest future drug design based on interference with the parasite's iron metabolism under in vivo conditions.

Characterization of two genes encoding the Mycobacterium tuberculosis ribonucleotide reductase small subunit.

PubMed Central

Yang, F; Curran, S C; Li, L S; Avarbock, D; Graf, J D; Chua, M M; Lu, G; Salem, J; Rubin, H

1997-01-01

Two nrdF genes, nrdF1 and nrdF2, encoding the small subunit (R2) of ribonucleotide reductase (RR) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis have 71% identity at the amino acid level and are both highly homologous with Salmonella typhimurium R2F. The calculated molecular masses of R2-1 and R2-2 are 36,588 (322 amino acids [aa]) and 36,957 (324 aa) Da, respectively. Western blot analysis of crude M. tuberculosis extracts indicates that both R2s are expressed in vivo. Recombinant R2-2 is enzymatically active when assayed with pure recombinant M. tuberculosis R1 subunit. Both ATP and dATP are activators for CDP reduction up to 2 and 1 mM, respectively. The gene encoding M. tuberculosis R2-1, nrdF1, is not linked to nrdF2, nor is either gene linked to the gene encoding the large subunit, M. tuberculosis nrdE. The gene encoding MTP64 was found downstream from nrdF1, and the gene encoding alcohol dehydrogenase was found downstream from nrdF2. A nrdA(Ts) strain of E. coli (E101) could be complemented by simultaneous transformation with M. tuberculosis nrdE and nrdF2. An M. tuberculosis nrdF2 variant in which the codon for the catalytically necessary tyrosine was replaced by the phenylalanine codon did not complement E101 when cotransformed with M. tuberculosis nrdE. Similarly, M. tuberculosis nrdF1 and nrdE did not complement E101. Activity of recombinant M. tuberculosis RR was inhibited by incubating the enzyme with a peptide corresponding to the 7 C-terminal amino acid residues of the R2-2 subunit. M. tuberculosis is a species in which a nrdEF system appears to encode the biologically active species of RR and also the only bacterial species identified so far in which class I RR subunits are not arranged on an operon. PMID:9335290

E2F1 promote the aggressiveness of human colorectal cancer by activating the ribonucleotide reductase small subunit M2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fang, Zejun; Gong, Chaoju; Liu, Hong

2015-08-21

As the ribonucleotide reductase small subunit, the high expression of ribonucleotide reductase small subunit M2 (RRM2) induces cancer and contributes to tumor growth and invasion. In several colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines, we found that the expression levels of RRM2 were closely related to the transcription factor E2F1. Mechanistic studies were conducted to determine the molecular basis. Ectopic overexpression of E2F1 promoted RRM2 transactivation while knockdown of E2F1 reduced the levels of RRM2 mRNA and protein. To further investigate the roles of RRM2 which was activated by E2F1 in CRC, CCK-8 assay and EdU incorporation assay were performed. Overexpression ofmore » E2F1 promoted cell proliferation in CRC cells, which was blocked by RRM2 knockdown attenuation. In the migration and invasion tests, overexpression of E2F1 enhanced the migration and invasion of CRC cells which was abrogated by silencing RRM2. Besides, overexpression of RRM2 reversed the effects of E2F1 knockdown partially in CRC cells. Examination of clinical CRC specimens demonstrated that both RRM2 and E2F1 were elevated in most cancer tissues compared to the paired normal tissues. Further analysis showed that the protein expression levels of E2F1 and RRM2 were parallel with each other and positively correlated with lymph node metastasis (LNM), TNM stage and distant metastasis. Consistently, the patients with low E2F1 and RRM2 levels have a better prognosis than those with high levels. Therefore, we suggest that E2F1 can promote CRC proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis by regulating RRM2 transactivation. Understanding the role of E2F1 in activating RRM2 transcription will help to explain the relationship between E2F1 and RRM2 in CRC and provide a novel predictive marker for diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. - Highlights: • E2F1 promotes RRM2 transactivation in CRC cells. • E2F1 promotes the proliferation of CRC cells by activating RRM2. • E2F1 promotes the migration

Inactivation of Lactobacillus leichmannii ribonucleotide reductase by 2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine 5'-triphosphate: adenosylcobalamin destruction and formation of a nucleotide-based radical.

PubMed

Lohman, Gregory J S; Gerfen, Gary J; Stubbe, Joanne

2010-02-23

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR, 76 kDa) from Lactobacillus leichmannii is a class II RNR that requires adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl) as a cofactor. It catalyzes the conversion of nucleoside triphosphates to deoxynucleotides and is 100% inactivated by 1 equiv of 2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine 5'-triphosphate (F(2)CTP) in <2 min. Sephadex G-50 chromatography of the inactivation reaction mixture for 2 min revealed that 0.47 equiv of a sugar moiety is covalently bound to RNR and 0.25 equiv of a cobalt(III) corrin is tightly associated, likely through a covalent interaction with C(419) (Co-S) in the active site of RNR [Lohman, G. J. S., and Stubbe, J. (2010) Biochemistry 49, DOI: 10.1021/bi902132u ]. After 1 h, a similar experiment revealed 0.45 equiv of the Co-S adduct associated with the protein. Thus, at least two pathways are associated with RNR inactivation: one associated with alkylation by the sugar of F(2)CTP and the second with AdoCbl destruction. To determine the fate of [1'-(3)H]F(2)CTP in the latter pathway, the reaction mixture at 2 min was reduced with NaBH(4) (NaB(2)H(4)) and the protein separated from the small molecules using a centrifugation device. The small molecules were dephosphorylated and analyzed by HPLC to reveal 0.25 equiv of a stereoisomer of cytidine, characterized by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy, indicating the trapped nucleotide had lost both of its fluorides and gained an oxygen. High-field ENDOR studies with [1'-(2)H]F(2)CTP from the reaction quenched at 30 s revealed a radical that is nucleotide-based. The relationship between this radical and the trapped cytidine analogue provides insight into the nonalkylative pathway for RNR inactivation relative to the alkylative pathway.

Ammonification in Bacillus subtilis Utilizing Dissimilatory Nitrite Reductase Is Dependent on resDE

PubMed Central

Hoffmann, Tamara; Frankenberg, Nicole; Marino, Marco; Jahn, Dieter

1998-01-01

During anaerobic nitrate respiration Bacillus subtilis reduces nitrate via nitrite to ammonia. No denitrification products were observed. B. subtilis wild-type cells and a nitrate reductase mutant grew anaerobically with nitrite as an electron acceptor. Oxygen-sensitive dissimilatory nitrite reductase activity was demonstrated in cell extracts prepared from both strains with benzyl viologen as an electron donor and nitrite as an electron acceptor. The anaerobic expression of the discovered nitrite reductase activity was dependent on the regulatory system encoded by resDE. Mutation of the gene encoding the regulatory Fnr had no negative effect on dissimilatory nitrite reductase formation. PMID:9422613

Structural Analysis of the Mn(IV)/Fe(III) Cofactor of Chlamydia Trachomatis Ribonucleotide Reductase By Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy And Density Functional Theory Calculations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Younker, J.M.; Krest, C.M.; Jiang, W.

2009-05-28

The class Ic ribonucleotide reductase from Chlamydia trachomatis (C{bar A}) uses a stable Mn(lV)/ Fe(lll) cofactor to initiate nucleotide reduction by a free-radical mechanism. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to postulate a structure for this cofactor. Fe and Mn K-edge EXAFS data yield an intermetallic distance of -2.92 {angstrom}. The Mn data also suggest the presence of a short 1.74 {angstrom} Mn-O bond. These metrics are compared to the results of DFT calculations on 12 cofactor models derived from the crystal structure of the inactive Fe2(lll/ III) form of themore » protein. Models are differentiated by the protonation states of their bridging and terminal OH{sub x} ligands as well as the location of the Mn(lV) ion (site 1 or 2). The models that agree best with experimental observation feature a{mu}-1, 3-carboxylate bridge (E120), terminal solvent (H{sub 2}O/OH) to site 1, one {mu}-O bridge, and one {mu}-OH bridge. The site-placement of the metal ions cannot be discerned from the available data.« less

Hydrogen Bond Network between Amino Acid Radical Intermediates on the Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Pathway of E. coli α2 Ribonucleotide Reductase

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) catalyze the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides in all organisms. In all Class Ia RNRs, initiation of nucleotide diphosphate (NDP) reduction requires a reversible oxidation over 35 Å by a tyrosyl radical (Y122•, Escherichia coli) in subunit β of a cysteine (C439) in the active site of subunit α. This radical transfer (RT) occurs by a specific pathway involving redox active tyrosines (Y122 ⇆ Y356 in β to Y731 ⇆ Y730 ⇆ C439 in α); each oxidation necessitates loss of a proton coupled to loss of an electron (PCET). To study these steps, 3-aminotyrosine was site-specifically incorporated in place of Y356-β, Y731- and Y730-α, and each protein was incubated with the appropriate second subunit β(α), CDP and effector ATP to trap an amino tyrosyl radical (NH2Y•) in the active α2β2 complex. High-frequency (263 GHz) pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of the NH2Y•s reported the gx values with unprecedented resolution and revealed strong electrostatic effects caused by the protein environment. 2H electron–nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopy accompanied by quantum chemical calculations provided spectroscopic evidence for hydrogen bond interactions at the radical sites, i.e., two exchangeable H bonds to NH2Y730•, one to NH2Y731• and none to NH2Y356•. Similar experiments with double mutants α-NH2Y730/C439A and α-NH2Y731/Y730F allowed assignment of the H bonding partner(s) to a pathway residue(s) providing direct evidence for colinear PCET within α. The implications of these observations for the PCET process within α and at the interface are discussed. PMID:25516424

The Balancing Act of Ribonucleotides in DNA

PubMed Central

Cerritelli, Susana M.; Crouch, Robert J.

2016-01-01

The abundance of ribonucleotides in DNA remained undetected until recently because they are efficiently removed by the Ribonucleotides Excision Repair pathway, a process similar to Okazaki fragment processing after incision by RNase H2. All DNA polymerases incorporate ribonucleotides during DNA synthesis. How many, when and why they are incorporated has been the focus of intense work during recent years by many labs. In this review, we discuss recent advances in ribonucleotide incorporation by eukaryotic DNA polymerases that suggest an evolutionarily conserved role for ribonucleotides in DNA and review the data that indicate that removal of ribonucleotides plays an important role in maintaining genome stability. PMID:26996833

Determination of triapine, a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, in human plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Feng, Ye; Kunos, Charles A; Xu, Yan

2015-09-01

Triapine is an inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). Studies have shown that triapine significantly decreases the activity of RNR and enhanced the radiation-mediated cytotoxicity in cervical and colon cancer. In this work, we have developed and validated a selective and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the determination of triapine in human plasma. In this method, 2-[(3-fluoro-2-pyridinyl)methylene] hydrazinecarbothioamide (NSC 266749) was used as the internal standard (IS); plasma samples were prepared by deproteinization with acetonitrile; tripaine and the IS were separated on a Waters Xbridge Shield RP18 column (3.5 µm; 2.1 × 50 mm) using a mobile phase containing 25.0% methanol and 75.0% ammonium bicarbonate buffer (10.0 mM, pH 8.50; v/v); column eluate was monitored by positive turbo-ionspray tandem mass spectrometry; and quantitation of triapine was carried out in multiple-reaction-monitoring mode. The method developed had a linear calibration range of 0.250-50.0 ng/mL with correlation coefficient of 0.999 for triapine in human plasma. The IS-normalized recovery and the IS-normalized matrix factor of triapine were 101-104% and 0.89-1.05, respectively. The accuracy expressed as percentage error and precision expressed as coefficient of variation were ≤±6 and ≤8%, respectively. The validated LC-MS/MS method was applied to the measurement of triapine in patient samples from a phase I clinical trial. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Structure-Guided Synthesis and Mechanistic Studies Reveal Sweetspots on Naphthyl Salicyl Hydrazone Scaffold as Non-Nucleosidic Competitive, Reversible Inhibitors of Human Ribonucleotide Reductase.

PubMed

Huff, Sarah E; Mohammed, Faiz Ahmad; Yang, Mu; Agrawal, Prashansa; Pink, John; Harris, Michael E; Dealwis, Chris G; Viswanathan, Rajesh

2018-02-08

Ribonucleotide reductase (RR), an established cancer target, is usually inhibited by antimetabolites, which display multiple cross-reactive effects. Recently, we discovered a naphthyl salicyl acyl hydrazone-based inhibitor (NSAH or E-3a) of human RR (hRR) binding at the catalytic site (C-site) and inhibiting hRR reversibly. We herein report the synthesis and biochemical characterization of 25 distinct analogs. We designed each analog through docking to the C-site of hRR based on our 2.7 Å X-ray crystal structure (PDB ID: 5TUS). Broad tolerance to minor structural variations preserving inhibitory potency is observed. E-3f (82% yield) displayed an in vitro IC 50 of 5.3 ± 1.8 μM against hRR, making it the most potent in this series. Kinetic assays reveal that E-3a, E-3c, E-3t, and E-3w bind and inhibit hRR through a reversible and competitive mode. Target selectivity toward the R1 subunit of hRR is established, providing a novel way of inhibition of this crucial enzyme.

Rice gene SDL/RNRS1, encoding the small subunit of ribonucleotide reductase, is required for chlorophyll synthesis and plant growth development.

PubMed

Qin, Ran; Zeng, Dongdong; Liang, Rong; Yang, Chengcong; Akhter, Delara; Alamin, Md; Jin, Xiaoli; Shi, Chunhai

2017-09-05

A new mutant named sdl (stripe and drooping leaf) was characterized from indica cultivar Zhenong 34 by ethylmethane sulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis. The mutant sdl exhibited development defects including stripe and drooping leaf, dwarfism and deformed floral organs. The gene SDL was found allelic to RNRS1 by map-based cloning, which was homologous to Arabidopsis TSO2 encoding the small subunit of ribonucleotide reductase. The gDNA sequencing results of sdl in mutant showed that there was a repetitive sequence insertion of 138-bp at the 475 th bp in the exon. The redundant sequence was conserved in SDL homologous proteins, which contained the active site (tyrosine), as well as two amino acids glutamate and histidine involved in the binding of iron. There were fewer chloroplasts and grana lamellas in sdl leaf compared with those of wild-type. Additionally, the stripe leaves of sdl seedlings were highly sensitive to temperature, since the chlorophyll content was increased with the temperature rising. The drooping leaf of sdl might be resulted from the disappearance of vascular bundles and mesophyll cells in both leaf midrib and lateral veins. Fittingly to the phenotypes of mutant sdl, the expression levels of genes associated with photosynthesis and chlorophyll synthesis were found to be down- or up-regulated at different temperatures in mutant sdl. Also, the transcriptional levels of genes related to plant height and floral organ formation showed obvious differences between wild-type and sdl. The "SDL/RNRS1" was, hence, required for the chlorophyll biosynthesis and also played pleiotropic roles in the regulation of plant development. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A combination of a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor and histone deacetylase inhibitors downregulates EGFR and triggers BIM-dependent apoptosis in head and neck cancer

PubMed Central

Habtemichael, Negusse; Bier, Carolin; Unruhe, Britta; Weisheit, Simona; Spange, Stephanie; Nonnenmacher, Frank; Fetz, Verena; Ginter, Torsten; Reichardt, Sigrid; Liebmann, Claus; Schneider, Günter; Krämer, Oliver H.

2012-01-01

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are the sixth most common malignant neoplasm and more than 50% of patients succumb to this disease. HNSCCs are characterized by therapy resistance, which relies on the overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins and on the aberrant regulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). As inherent and acquired resistance to therapy counteracts improvement of long-term survival, novel multi-targeting strategies triggering cancer cell death are urgently required. We investigated how induction of replicational stress by the ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor hydroxyurea (HU) combined with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) exerts anti-tumor activity. We treated HNSCC cell lines and freshly isolated tumor cells with HDACi, such as the clinically approved anti-epileptic drug valproic acid (VPA), in combination with HU. Our data demonstrate that at clinically achievable levels VPA/HU combinations efficiently block proliferation as well as clonogenic survival, and trigger apoptosis of HNSCC cells. In the presence of VPA/HU, such tumor cells increase expression of the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family protein BIM, independent of wild-type p53 signaling and in the absence of increased expression of the p53 targets PUMA and BAX. The pro-apoptotic activity of BIM in HNSCCs was found critical for tumor cell death; ectopic overexpression of BIM induced HNSCC apoptosis and RNAi-mediated depletion of BIM protected HNSCC cells from VPA/HU. Also, significantly elevated BIM levels (p<0.01) were detectable in the apoptotic tumor centers versus proliferating tumor margins in HNSCC patients (n=31), underlining BIM's clinical relevance. Importantly, VPA/HU treatment additionally reduces expression and cell surface localization of EGFR. Accordingly, in a xenograft mouse model, VPA/HU efficiently blocked tumor growth (P<0.001) correlating with BIM induction and EGFR downregulation. We provide a molecular rationale for the potent anti

Purification and Thermal Dependence of Glutathione Reductase from Two Forage Legume Species 1

PubMed Central

Kidambi, Saranga P.; Mahan, James R.; Matches, Arthur G.

1990-01-01

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) are forage legumes that differ in their responses to high and low temperature stresses. Thermal limitations on the function of glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) could adversely affect the ability of the plant to cope with adverse temperatures. Our objectives were to (a) purify glutathione reductase from `Cimarron' alfalfa and `PI 212241' sainfoin and (b) investigate the intraspecies variation in the thermal dependency of glutathione reductase from each of three cultivars of alfalfa and two cultivars and an introduction of sainfoin. Glutathione reductase was purified 1222-and 1948-fold to a specific activity of 281 and 273 units per milligram of protein, from one species each of alfalfa and sainfoin, respectively. The relative molecular mass of the protein was approximately 140 kilodaltons with subunits of 57 and 37 kilodaltons under denaturing conditions. The activation energies were approximately 50 kilojoules per mole for both species. Over a 5 to 45°C temperature gradient, large variation among species and genotypes within species was found for: (a) the minimum apparent Michaelis constant (0.6-2.1 micromoles of NADPH), (b) the temperature at which the minimum apparent Michaelis constant was observed (10-25°C), and (c) the thermal kinetic windows (6-19°C width). Future studies will focus on relating the thermal dependence of the Michaelis constant of the glutathione reductases and plant growth rates and forage quality of these species throughout the growing season. PMID:16667283

Transformation of RDX and other energetic compounds by xenobiotic reductases XenA and XenB

PubMed Central

McClay, Kevin; Hawari, Jalal; Paquet, Louise; Malone, Thomas E.; Fox, Brian G.; Steffan, Robert J.

2017-01-01

The transformation of explosives, including hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), by xenobiotic reductases XenA and XenB (and the bacterial strains harboring these enzymes) under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions was assessed. Under anaerobic conditions, Pseudomonas fluorescens I-C (XenB) degraded RDX faster than Pseudomonas putida II-B (XenA), and transformation occurred when the cells were supplied with sources of both carbon (succinate) and nitrogen (NH4+), but not when only carbon was supplied. Transformation was always faster under anaerobic conditions compared to aerobic conditions, with both enzymes exhibiting a O2 concentration-dependent inhibition of RDX transformation. The primary degradation pathway for RDX was conversion to methylenedinitramine and then to formaldehyde, but a minor pathway that produced 4-nitro-2,4-diazabutanal (NDAB) also appeared to be active during transformation by whole cells of P. putida II-B and purified XenA. Both XenA and XenB also degraded the related nitramine explosives octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine and 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane. Purified XenB was found to have a broader substrate range than XenA, degrading more of the explosive compounds examined in this study. The results show that these two xenobiotic reductases (and their respective bacterial strains) have the capacity to transform RDX as well as a wide variety of explosive compounds, especially under low oxygen concentrations. PMID:19455327

Enzymatic Removal of Ribonucleotides from DNA Is Essential for Mammalian Genome Integrity and Development

PubMed Central

Reijns, Martin A.M.; Rabe, Björn; Rigby, Rachel E.; Mill, Pleasantine; Astell, Katy R.; Lettice, Laura A.; Boyle, Shelagh; Leitch, Andrea; Keighren, Margaret; Kilanowski, Fiona; Devenney, Paul S.; Sexton, David; Grimes, Graeme; Holt, Ian J.; Hill, Robert E.; Taylor, Martin S.; Lawson, Kirstie A.; Dorin, Julia R.; Jackson, Andrew P.

2012-01-01

Summary The presence of ribonucleotides in genomic DNA is undesirable given their increased susceptibility to hydrolysis. Ribonuclease (RNase) H enzymes that recognize and process such embedded ribonucleotides are present in all domains of life. However, in unicellular organisms such as budding yeast, they are not required for viability or even efficient cellular proliferation, while in humans, RNase H2 hypomorphic mutations cause the neuroinflammatory disorder Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Here, we report that RNase H2 is an essential enzyme in mice, required for embryonic growth from gastrulation onward. RNase H2 null embryos accumulate large numbers of single (or di-) ribonucleotides embedded in their genomic DNA (>1,000,000 per cell), resulting in genome instability and a p53-dependent DNA-damage response. Our findings establish RNase H2 as a key mammalian genome surveillance enzyme required for ribonucleotide removal and demonstrate that ribonucleotides are the most commonly occurring endogenous nucleotide base lesion in replicating cells. PMID:22579044

Cytochrome b5 reductase is the component from neuronal synaptic plasma membrane vesicles that generates superoxide anion upon stimulation by cytochrome c.

PubMed

Samhan-Arias, Alejandro K; Fortalezas, Sofia; Cordas, Cristina M; Moura, Isabel; Moura, José J G; Gutierrez-Merino, Carlos

2018-05-01

In this work, we measured the effect of cytochrome c on the NADH-dependent superoxide anion production by synaptic plasma membrane vesicles from rat brain. In these membranes, the cytochrome c stimulated NADH-dependent superoxide anion production was inhibited by antibodies against cytochrome b 5 reductase linking the production to this enzyme. Measurement of the superoxide anion radical generated by purified recombinant soluble and membrane cytochrome b 5 reductase corroborates the production of the radical by different enzyme isoforms. In the presence of cytochrome c, a burst of superoxide anion as well as the reduction of cytochrome c by cytochrome b 5 reductase was measured. Complex formation between both proteins suggests that cytochrome b 5 reductase is one of the major partners of cytochrome c upon its release from mitochondria to the cytosol during apoptosis. Superoxide anion production and cytochrome c reduction are the consequences of the stimulated NADH consumption by cytochrome b 5 reductase upon complex formation with cytochrome c and suggest a major role of this enzyme as an anti-apoptotic protein during cell death. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Progesterone and DNA Damage Encourage Uterine Cell Proliferation and Decidualization through Up-regulating Ribonucleotide Reductase 2 Expression during Early Pregnancy in Mice*

PubMed Central

Lei, Wei; Feng, Xu-Hui; Deng, Wen-Bo; Ni, Hua; Zhang, Zhi-Rong; Jia, Bo; Yang, Xin-Ling; Wang, Tong-Song; Liu, Ji-Long; Su, Ren-Wei; Liang, Xiao-Huan; Qi, Qian-Rong; Yang, Zeng-Ming

2012-01-01

Embryo implantation into the maternal uterus is a crucial step for the successful establishment of mammalian pregnancy. Following the attachment of embryo to the uterine luminal epithelium, uterine stromal cells undergo steroid hormone-dependent decidualization, which is characterized by stromal cell proliferation and differentiation. The mechanisms underlying steroid hormone-induced stromal cell proliferation and differentiation during decidualization are still poorly understood. Ribonucleotide reductase, consisting of two subunits (RRM1 and RRM2), is a rate-limiting enzyme in deoxynucleotide production for DNA synthesis and plays an important role in cell proliferation and tumorgenicity. Based on our microarray analysis, Rrm2 expression was significantly higher at implantation sites compared with interimplantation sites in mouse uterus. However, the expression, regulation, and function of RRM2 in mouse uterus during embryo implantation and decidualization are still unknown. Here we show that although both RRM1 and RRM2 expression are markedly induced in mouse uterine stromal cells undergoing decidualization, only RRM2 is regulated by progesterone, a key regulator of decidualization. Further studies showed that the induction of progesterone on RRM2 expression in stromal cells is mediated by the AKT/c-MYC pathway. RRM2 can also be induced by replication stress and DNA damage during decidualization through the ATR/ATM-CHK1-E2F1 pathway. The weight of implantation sites and deciduoma was effectively reduced by specific inhibitors for RRM2. The expression of decidual/trophoblast prolactin-related protein (Dtprp), a reliable marker for decidualization in mice, was significantly reduced in deciduoma and steroid-induced decidual cells after HU treatment. Therefore, RRM2 may be an important effector of progesterone signaling to induce cell proliferation and decidualization in mouse uterus. PMID:22403396

Characterization of enzymatic properties of human ribonucleotide reductase holoenzyme reconstituted in vitro from hRRM1, hRRM2, and p53R2 subunits.

PubMed

Qiu, Weihua; Zhou, Bingsen; Darwish, Dana; Shao, Jimin; Yen, Yun

2006-02-10

Ribonucleotide reductase (RR) is a highly regulated enzyme in the deoxyribonucleotide synthesis pathway. RR is responsible for the de novo conversion of ribonucleoside diphosphates to deoxyribonucleoside diphosphates, which are essential for DNA synthesis and repair. Besides two subunits, hRRM1 and hRRM2, p53R2 is a newly identified member of RR family that is induced by ultraviolet light in a p53-dependent manner. To understand the molecular interaction of RR subunits, we employed a eukaryotic expression system to express and purify all three subunits. After in vitro reconstitution, the results of [(3)H]CDP reduction assay showed that both eukaryotic recombinant hRRM2 and p53R2 proteins could interact with hRRM1 to form functional RR holoenzyme. The reconstituted RR activity was time-dependent and the reaction rate reached the plateau phase after 40min incubation. No matter the concentration, RR holoenzyme reconstituted from p53R2 and hRRM1 could only achieve about 40-75% kinetic activity of that from hRRM2 and hRRM1. The synthetic C-terminal heptapeptide competition assays confirmed that hRRM2 and p53R2 share the same binding site on hRRM1, but the binding site on hRRM1 demonstrated higher affinity for hRRM2 than for p53R2. In allosteric regulation assay, the effect of activation or inhibition of hRRM1 with ATP or dATP suggested that these effectors could regulate RR activity independent of different RR small subunits. Taken together, the eukaryotic expression system RR holoenzyme will provide a very useful tool to understand the molecular mechanisms of RR activity and the interactions of its subunits.

Ribonucleotide reductase inhibition by metal complexes of Triapine (3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone): A combined experimental and theoretical study

PubMed Central

Popović-Bijelić, Ana; Kowol, Christian R.; Lind, Maria E.S.; Luo, Jinghui; Himo, Fahmi; Enyedy, Éva A.; Arion, Vladimir B.; Gräslund, Astrid

2012-01-01

Triapine (3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, 3-AP) is currently the most promising chemotherapeutic compound among the class of α-N-heterocyclic thiosemicarbazones. Here we report further insights into the mechanism(s) of anticancer drug activity and inhibition of mouse ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) by Triapine. In addition to the metal-free ligand, its iron(III), gallium(III), zinc(II) and copper (II) complexes were studied, aiming to correlate their cytotoxic activities with their effects on the diferric/tyrosyl radical center of the RNR enzyme in vitro. In this study we propose for the first time a potential specific binding pocket for Triapine on the surface of the mouse R2 RNR protein. In our mechanistic model, interaction with Triapine results in the labilization of the diferric center in the R2 protein. Subsequently the Triapine molecules act as iron chelators. In the absence of external reductants, and in presence of the mouse R2 RNR protein, catalytic amounts of the iron(III)–Triapine are reduced to the iron(II)–Triapine complex. In the presence of an external reductant (dithiothreitol), stoichiometric amounts of the potently reactive iron (II)–Triapine complex are formed. Formation of the iron(II)–Triapine complex, as the essential part of the reaction outcome, promotes further reactions with molecular oxygen, which give rise to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thereby damage the RNR enzyme. Triapine affects the diferric center of the mouse R2 protein and, unlike hydroxyurea, is not a potent reductant, not likely to act directly on the tyrosyl radical. PMID:21955844

Oxoiron(IV) complexes as synthons for the assembly of heterobimetallic centers such as the Fe/Mn active site of Class Ic ribonucleotide reductases.

PubMed

Zhou, Ang; Crossland, Patrick M; Draksharapu, Apparao; Jasniewski, Andrew J; Kleespies, Scott T; Que, Lawrence

2018-01-01

Nonheme oxoiron(IV) complexes can serve as synthons for generating heterobimetallic oxo-bridged dimetal complexes by reaction with divalent metal complexes. The formation of Fe III -O-Cr III and Fe III -O-Mn III complexes is described herein. The latter complexes may serve as models for the Fe III -X-Mn III active sites of an emerging class of Fe/Mn enzymes represented by the Class 1c ribonucleotide reductase from Chlamydia trachomatis and the R2-like ligand-binding oxidase (R2lox) found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These synthetic complexes have been characterized by UV-Vis, resonance Raman, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, as well as electrospray mass spectrometry. The Fe III -O-Cr III complexes exhibit a three-band UV-Vis pattern that differs from the simpler features associated with Fe III -O-Fe III complexes. The positions of these features are modulated by the nature of the supporting polydentate ligand on the iron center, and their bands intensify dramatically in two examples upon the binding of an axial cyanate or thiocyanate ligand trans to the oxo bridge. In contrast, the Fe III -O-Mn III complexes resemble Fe III -O-Fe III complexes more closely. Resonance Raman characterization of the Fe III -O-M III complexes reveals an 18 O-sensitive vibration in the range of 760-890 cm -1 . This feature has been assigned to the asymmetric Fe III -O-M III stretching mode and correlates reasonably with the Fe-O bond distance determined by EXAFS analysis. The likely binding of an acetate as a bridging ligand to the Fe III -O-Mn III complex 12 lays the foundation for further efforts to model the heterobimetallic active sites of Fe/Mn enzymes.

The expression of ribonucleotide reductase M2 in the carcinogenesis of uterine cervix and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of cancer patients.

PubMed

Su, Ying-Fang; Wu, Tzu-Fan; Ko, Jiunn-Liang; Tsai, Hsiu-Ting; Tee, Yi-Torng; Chien, Ming-Hsien; Chou, Chi-Hung; Lin, Wea-Lung; Low, Hui-Ying; Chou, Ming-Yung; Yang, Shun-Fa; Wang, Po-Hui

2014-01-01

To investigate the implication of ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2) in the carcinogenesis of uterine cervix and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of cancer patients. The impact of RRM2 on cell viability was investigated in SiHa cervical cancer cells after RRM2 knockdown and the addition of cisplatin, which induces inter- and intra-strand DNA crosslinks. RRM2 immunoreactivity was evaluated by semi-quantitative H score among 29 normal, 30 low-grade dysplasia, 30 high-grade dysplasia and 103 invasive cancer tissue specimens of the uterine cervix, using tissue microarrays. RRM2 was then correlated with the clinicopathological variables of cervical cancer and patient survival. A greater toxic effect on cell viability using cisplatin was reflected by the greater reduction in RRM2 protein expression in SiHa cells. The RRM2 expression in cancer tissues was higher than that in high-grade dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia or normal cervical tissues. RRM2 upregulation was correlated with deep stromal invasion, large tumors and parametrial invasion and predicted poor survival. RRM2 is a new molecular marker for the diagnosis and clinical outcomes of cervical cancer. It is involved in cervical carcinogenesis and predicts poor survival, and may be a potential therapeutic target including in cisplatin treatment.

Investigating the intermediates in the reaction of ribonucleoside triphosphate reductase from Lactobacillus leichmannii : An application of HF EPR-RFQ technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manzerova, Julia; Krymov, Vladimir; Gerfen, Gary J.

2011-12-01

In this investigation high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (HFEPR) in conjunction with innovative rapid freeze-quench (RFQ) technology is employed to study the exchange-coupled thiyl radical-cob(II)alamin system in ribonucleotide reductase from a prokaryote Lactobacillus leichmannii. The size of the exchange coupling ( Jex) and the values of the thiyl radical g tensor are refined, while confirming the previously determined (Gerfen et al. (1996) [20]) distance between the paramagnets. Conclusions relevant to ribonucleotide reductase catalysis and the architecture of the active site are presented. A key part of this work has been the development of a unique RFQ apparatus for the preparation of millisecond quench time RFQ samples which can be packed into small (0.5 mm ID) sample tubes used for CW and pulsed HFEPR - lack of this ability has heretofore precluded such studies. The technology is compatible with a broad range of spectroscopic techniques and can be readily adopted by other laboratories.

Modeling and Proposed Molecular Mechanism of Hydroxyurea Through Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulation to Curtail the Action of Ribonucleotide Reductase.

PubMed

Iman, Maryam; Khansefid, Zeynab; Davood, Asghar

2016-01-01

Ribonucleotide Reductase (RNR) is an important anticancer chemotherapy target. It has main key role in DNA synthesis and cell growth. Therefore several RNR inhibitors, such as hydroxyurea, have entered the clinical trials. Based on our proposed mechanism, radical site of RNR protein reacts with hydroxyurea in which hydroxyurea is converted into its oxidized form compound III, and whereby the tyrosyl radical is converted into a normal tyrosine residue. In this study, docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used for proposed molecular mechanism of hydroxyurea in RNR inhibition as anticancer agent. The binding affinity of hydroxyurea and compound III to RNR was studied by docking method. The docking study was performed for the crystal structure of human RNR with the radical scavenger Hydroxyurea and its oxidized form to inhibit the human RNR. hydroxyurea and compound III bind at the active site with Tyr-176, which are essential for free radical formation. This helps to understand the functional aspects and also aids in the development of novel inhibitors for the human RNR2. To confirm the binding mode of inhibitors, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed using GROMACS 4.5.5, based upon the docked conformation of inhibitors. Both of the studied compounds stayed in the active site. The results of MD simulations confirmed the binding mode of ligands, accuracy of docking and the reliability of active conformations which were obtained by AutoDock. MD studies confirm our proposed mechanism in which compound III reacts with the active site residues specially Tyr-176, and inhibits the radical generation and subsequently inhibits the RNR enzyme.

Location of the redox-active thiols of ribonucleotide reductase: sequences similarity between the Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus leichmannii enzymes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, A.N.I.; Ashley, G.W.; Stubbe, J.

1987-11-03

The redox-active thiols of Escherichia coli ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase and of Lactobacillus leichmannii ribonucleoside triphosphate reductase have been located by a procedure involving (1) prereduction of enzyme with dithiothreitol, (2) specific oxidation of the redox-active thiols by treatment with substrate in the absence of exogenous reductant, (3) alkylation of other thiols with iodoacetamide, and (4) reduction of the disulfides with dithiothreitol and alkylation with (1-/sup 14/C)iodoacetamide. The dithiothreitol-reduce E. coli B1 subunit is able to convert 3 equiv of CDP to dCDP and is labeled with 5.4 equiv of /sup 14/C. Sequencing of tryptic peptides shows that 2.8 equiv ofmore » /sup 14/C is on cysteines-752 and -757 at the C-terminus of B1, while 1.0-1.5 equiv of /sup 14/C is on cysteines-222 and -227. It thus appears that two sets of redox-active dithiols are involved in substrate reduction. The L. leichmannii reductase is able to convert 1.1 equiv of CTP to dCTP and is labeled with 2.1 equiv of /sup 14/C. Sequencing of tryptic peptides shows that 1.4 equiv of /sup 14/C is located on the two cysteines of C-E-G-G-A-C-P-I-K. This peptide shows remarkable and unexpected similarity to the thiol-containing region of the C-terminal peptide of E. coli B1, C-E-S-G-A-C-K-I.« less

Mapping Ribonucleotides Incorporated into DNA by Hydrolytic End-Sequencing.

PubMed

Orebaugh, Clinton D; Lujan, Scott A; Burkholder, Adam B; Clausen, Anders R; Kunkel, Thomas A

2018-01-01

Ribonucleotides embedded within DNA render the DNA sensitive to the formation of single-stranded breaks under alkali conditions. Here, we describe a next-generation sequencing method called hydrolytic end sequencing (HydEn-seq) to map ribonucleotides inserted into the genome of Saccharomyce cerevisiae strains deficient in ribonucleotide excision repair. We use this method to map several genomic features in wild-type and replicase variant yeast strains.

The Incorporation of Ribonucleotides Induces Structural and Conformational Changes in DNA.

PubMed

Meroni, Alice; Mentegari, Elisa; Crespan, Emmanuele; Muzi-Falconi, Marco; Lazzaro, Federico; Podestà, Alessandro

2017-10-03

Ribonucleotide incorporation is the most common error occurring during DNA replication. Cells have hence developed mechanisms to remove ribonucleotides from the genome and restore its integrity. Indeed, the persistence of ribonucleotides into DNA leads to severe consequences, such as genome instability and replication stress. Thus, it becomes important to understand the effects of ribonucleotides incorporation, starting from their impact on DNA structure and conformation. Here we present a systematic study of the effects of ribonucleotide incorporation into DNA molecules. We have developed, to our knowledge, a new method to efficiently synthesize long DNA molecules (hundreds of basepairs) containing ribonucleotides, which is based on a modified protocol for the polymerase chain reaction. By means of atomic force microscopy, we could therefore investigate the changes, upon ribonucleotide incorporation, of the structural and conformational properties of numerous DNA populations at the single-molecule level. Specifically, we characterized the scaling of the contour length with the number of basepairs and the scaling of the end-to-end distance with the curvilinear distance, the bending angle distribution, and the persistence length. Our results revealed that ribonucleotides affect DNA structure and conformation on scales that go well beyond the typical dimension of the single ribonucleotide. In particular, the presence of ribonucleotides induces a systematic shortening of the molecules, together with a decrease of the persistence length. Such structural changes are also likely to occur in vivo, where they could directly affect the downstream DNA transactions, as well as interfere with protein binding and recognition. Copyright © 2017 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of metilentetrahidrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism, consumption of vitamins B6, B9, B12 and determination of lipidic hydroperoxides in obese and normal weight Mexican population.

PubMed

Hernández-Guerrero, César; Romo-Palafox, Inés; Díaz-Gutiérrez, Mary Carmen; Iturbe-García, Mariana; Texcahua-Salazar, Alejandra; Pérez-Lizaur, Ana Bertha

2013-11-01

Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of the principal comorbidities of obesity. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme (MTHFR) participates in the metabolism of folate with the action of vitamins B6 and B12. The gene of MTHFR may present a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 677 (C677T), which can promote homocysteinemia associated to the production of free radicals. To determine the frequency of SNP C677T of the MTHFR, evaluate the consumption of vitamins B6, B9, B12 and determine the concentration of plasma lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) in obese and control groups. 128 Mexican mestizo according to their body mass index were classified as normal weight (Nw; n=75) and obesity (ObeI-III; n=53). Identification of SNP C677T of MTHFR was performed by PCR-RFLP technic. The consumption of vitamins B6, B9 and B12 was assessed by a validate survey. LOOH was determined as an indicator of peripheral oxidative stress. There was no statistical difference in the frequency of the C677T polymorphism between the TT homozygous genotype in Nw (0.19) and ObeI-III (0.25). The frequency of T allele in Nw was 0.45 and 0.51 in ObI-III group. There were no statistical differences in the consumption of vitamins B6, B9 and B12 between Nw and ObI-III groups. The LOOH showed statistical difference (p < 0.05) between Nw and ObI–III group. Oxidative stress is present in all grades of obesity although there were no differences in the vitamin consumption and the SNP C677T between Nw and ObeI–III groups. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2013. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Aldo-Keto Reductases 1B in Adrenal Cortex Physiology

PubMed Central

Pastel, Emilie; Pointud, Jean-Christophe; Martinez, Antoine; Lefrançois-Martinez, A. Marie

2016-01-01

Aldose reductase (AKR1B) proteins are monomeric enzymes, belonging to the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily. They perform oxidoreduction of carbonyl groups from a wide variety of substrates, such as aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes or ketones. Due to the involvement of human aldose reductases in pathologies, such as diabetic complications and cancer, AKR1B subgroup enzymatic properties have been extensively characterized. However, the issue of AKR1B function in non-pathologic conditions remains poorly resolved. Adrenal activities generated large amount of harmful aldehydes from lipid peroxidation and steroidogenesis, including 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and isocaproaldehyde (4-methylpentanal), which can both be reduced by AKR1B proteins. More recently, some AKR1B isoforms have been shown to be endowed with prostaglandin F synthase (PGFS) activity, suggesting that, in addition to possible scavenger function, they could instigate paracrine signals. Interestingly, the adrenal gland is one of the major sites for human and murine AKR1B expression, suggesting that their detoxifying/signaling activity could be specifically required for the correct handling of adrenal function. Moreover, chronic effects of ACTH result in a coordinated regulation of genes encoding the steroidogenic enzymes and some AKR1B isoforms. This review presents the molecular mechanisms accounting for the adrenal-specific expression of some AKR1B genes. Using data from recent mouse genetic models, we will try to connect their enzymatic properties and regulation with adrenal functions. PMID:27499746

Measuring ribonucleotide incorporation into DNA in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Clausen, Anders R; Williams, Jessica S; Kunkel, Thomas A

2015-01-01

Ribonucleotides are incorporated into genomes by DNA polymerases, they can be removed, and if not removed, they can have deleterious and beneficial consequences. Here, we describe an assay to quantify stable ribonucleotide incorporation by DNA polymerases in vitro, and an assay to probe for ribonucleotides in each of the two DNA strands of the yeast nuclear genome.

Biophysical characterization of fluorotyrosine probes site-specifically incorporated into enzymes: E. coli ribonucleotide reductase as an example

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oyala, Paul H.; Ravichandran, Kanchana R.; Funk, Michael A.

Here, fluorinated tyrosines (F nY’s, n = 2 and 3) have been site-specifically incorporated into E. coli class Ia ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) using the recently evolved M. jannaschii Y-tRNA synthetase/tRNA pair. Class Ia RNRs require four redox active Y’s, a stable Y radical (Y·) in the β subunit (position 122 in E. coli), and three transiently oxidized Y’s (356 in β and 731 and 730 in α) to initiate the radicaldependent nucleotide reduction process. F nY (3,5; 2,3; 2,3,5; and 2,3,6) incorporation in place of Y 122-β and the X-ray structures of each resulting β with a diferric cluster aremore » reported and compared with wt-β2 crystallized under the same conditions. The essential diferric-FnY· cofactor is self-assembled from apo F nY-β2, Fe 2+, and O 2 to produce ~1 Y·/β2 and ~3 Fe 3+/β2. The F nY· are stable and active in nucleotide reduction with activities that vary from 5% to 85% that of wt-β2. Each F nY·-β2 has been characterized by 9 and 130 GHz electron paramagnetic resonance and high-field electron nuclear double resonance spectroscopies. The hyperfine interactions associated with the 19F nucleus provide unique signatures of each F nY· that are readily distinguishable from unlabeled Y·’s. The variability of the abiotic F nY pK a’s (6.4 to 7.8) and reduction potentials (-30 to +130 mV relative to Y at pH 7.5) provide probes of enzymatic reactions proposed to involve Y·’s in catalysis and to investigate the importance and identity of hopping Y·’s within redox active proteins proposed to protect them from uncoupled radical chemistry.« less

Biophysical characterization of fluorotyrosine probes site-specifically incorporated into enzymes: E. coli ribonucleotide reductase as an example

DOE PAGES

Oyala, Paul H.; Ravichandran, Kanchana R.; Funk, Michael A.; ...

2016-06-08

Here, fluorinated tyrosines (F nY’s, n = 2 and 3) have been site-specifically incorporated into E. coli class Ia ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) using the recently evolved M. jannaschii Y-tRNA synthetase/tRNA pair. Class Ia RNRs require four redox active Y’s, a stable Y radical (Y·) in the β subunit (position 122 in E. coli), and three transiently oxidized Y’s (356 in β and 731 and 730 in α) to initiate the radicaldependent nucleotide reduction process. F nY (3,5; 2,3; 2,3,5; and 2,3,6) incorporation in place of Y 122-β and the X-ray structures of each resulting β with a diferric cluster aremore » reported and compared with wt-β2 crystallized under the same conditions. The essential diferric-FnY· cofactor is self-assembled from apo F nY-β2, Fe 2+, and O 2 to produce ~1 Y·/β2 and ~3 Fe 3+/β2. The F nY· are stable and active in nucleotide reduction with activities that vary from 5% to 85% that of wt-β2. Each F nY·-β2 has been characterized by 9 and 130 GHz electron paramagnetic resonance and high-field electron nuclear double resonance spectroscopies. The hyperfine interactions associated with the 19F nucleus provide unique signatures of each F nY· that are readily distinguishable from unlabeled Y·’s. The variability of the abiotic F nY pK a’s (6.4 to 7.8) and reduction potentials (-30 to +130 mV relative to Y at pH 7.5) provide probes of enzymatic reactions proposed to involve Y·’s in catalysis and to investigate the importance and identity of hopping Y·’s within redox active proteins proposed to protect them from uncoupled radical chemistry.« less

Metallation and mismetallation of iron and manganese proteins in vitro and in vivo: the class I ribonucleotide reductases as a case study.

PubMed

Cotruvo, Joseph A; Stubbe, Joanne

2012-10-01

How cells ensure correct metallation of a given protein and whether a degree of promiscuity in metal binding has evolved are largely unanswered questions. In a classic case, iron- and manganese-dependent superoxide dismutases (SODs) catalyze the disproportionation of superoxide using highly similar protein scaffolds and nearly identical active sites. However, most of these enzymes are active with only one metal, although both metals can bind in vitro and in vivo. Iron(ii) and manganese(ii) bind weakly to most proteins and possess similar coordination preferences. Their distinct redox properties suggest that they are unlikely to be interchangeable in biological systems except when they function in Lewis acid catalytic roles, yet recent work suggests this is not always the case. This review summarizes the diversity of ways in which iron and manganese are substituted in similar or identical protein frameworks. As models, we discuss (1) enzymes, such as epimerases, thought to use Fe(II) as a Lewis acid under normal growth conditions but which switch to Mn(II) under oxidative stress; (2) extradiol dioxygenases, which have been found to use both Fe(II) and Mn(II), the redox role of which in catalysis remains to be elucidated; (3) SODs, which use redox chemistry and are generally metal-specific; and (4) the class I ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs), which have evolved unique biosynthetic pathways to control metallation. The primary focus is the class Ib RNRs, which can catalyze formation of a stable radical on a tyrosine residue in their β2 subunits using either a di-iron or a recently characterized dimanganese cofactor. The physiological roles of enzymes that can switch between iron and manganese cofactors are discussed, as are insights obtained from the studies of many groups regarding iron and manganese homeostasis and the divergent and convergent strategies organisms use for control of protein metallation. We propose that, in many of the systems discussed

Structure of Human B12 Trafficking Protein CblD Reveals Molecular Mimicry and Identifies a New Subfamily of Nitro-FMN Reductases.

PubMed

Yamada, Kazuhiro; Gherasim, Carmen; Banerjee, Ruma; Koutmos, Markos

2015-12-04

In mammals, B12 (or cobalamin) is an essential cofactor required by methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. A complex intracellular pathway supports the assimilation of cobalamin into its active cofactor forms and delivery to its target enzymes. MMADHC (the methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria type D protein), commonly referred to as CblD, is a key chaperone involved in intracellular cobalamin trafficking, and mutations in CblD cause methylmalonic aciduria and/or homocystinuria. Herein, we report the first crystal structure of the globular C-terminal domain of human CblD, which is sufficient for its interaction with MMADHC (the methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria type C protein), or CblC, and for supporting the cytoplasmic cobalamin trafficking pathway. CblD contains an α+β fold that is structurally reminiscent of the nitro-FMN reductase superfamily. Two of the closest structural relatives of CblD are CblC, a multifunctional enzyme important for cobalamin trafficking, and the activation domain of methionine synthase. CblD, CblC, and the activation domain of methionine synthase share several distinguishing features and, together with two recently described corrinoid-dependent reductive dehalogenases, constitute a new subclass within the nitro-FMN reductase superfamily. We demonstrate that CblD enhances oxidation of cob(II)alamin bound to CblC and that disease-causing mutations in CblD impair the kinetics of this reaction. The striking structural similarity of CblD to CblC, believed to be contiguous in the cobalamin trafficking pathway, suggests the co-option of molecular mimicry as a strategy for achieving its function. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Characterization of a flavin reductase from a thermophilic dibenzothiophene-desulfurizing bacterium, Bacillus subtilis WU-S2B.

PubMed

Takahashi, Shusuke; Furuya, Toshiki; Ishii, Yoshitaka; Kino, Kuniki; Kirimura, Kohtaro

2009-01-01

Bacillus subtilis WU-S2B is a thermophilic dibenzothiophene (DBT)-desulfurizing bacterium and produces a flavin reductase (Frb) that couples with DBT and DBT sulfone monooxygenases. The recombinant Frb was purified from Escherichia coli cells expressing the frb gene and was characterized. The purified Frb exhibited high stability over wide temperature and pH ranges of 20-55 degrees C and 2-12, respectively. Frb contained FMN and exhibited both flavin reductase and nitroreductase activities.

Stimulatory effect of insulin on 5alpha-reductase type 1 (SRD5A1) expression through an Akt-dependent pathway in ovarian granulosa cells.

PubMed

Kayampilly, Pradeep P; Wanamaker, Brett L; Stewart, James A; Wagner, Carrie L; Menon, K M J

2010-10-01

Elevated levels of 5α-reduced androgens have been shown to be associated with hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia, the leading causes of ovulatory dysfunction in women. 5α-Dihydrotestosterone reduces ovarian granulosa cell proliferation by inhibiting FSH-mediated mitogenic signaling pathways. The present study examined the effect of insulin on 5α-reductase, the enzyme that catalyses the conversion of androgens to their 5α-derivatives. Granulosa cells isolated from immature rat ovaries were cultured in serum-free, phenol red-free DMEM-F12 media and treated with different doses of insulin (0, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 μg/ml) for different time intervals up to 12 h. The expression of 5α-reductase type 1 mRNA, the predominant isoform found in granulosa cells, showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in response to the insulin treatment up to 12 h compared with control. The catalytic activity of 5α-reductase enzyme was also stimulated in a dose-depended manner (P<0.05). Inhibiting the Akt-dependent signaling pathway abolished the insulin-mediated increase in 5α-reductase mRNA expression, whereas inhibition of the ERK-dependent pathway had no effect. The dose-dependent increase in 5α-reductase mRNA expression as well as catalytic activity seen in response to insulin treatment was also demonstrated in the human granulosa cell line (KGN). In addition to increased mRNA expression, a dose-dependent increase in 5α-reductase protein expression in response to insulin was also seen in KGN cells, which corroborated well with that of mRNA expression. These results suggest that elevated levels of 5α-reduced androgens seen in hyperinsulinemic conditions might be explained on the basis of a stimulatory effect of insulin on 5α-reductase in granulosa cells. The elevated levels of these metabolites, in turn, might adversely affect growth and proliferation of granulosa cells, thereby impairing follicle growth and ovulation.

Stimulatory Effect of Insulin on 5α-Reductase Type 1 (SRD5A1) Expression through an Akt-Dependent Pathway in Ovarian Granulosa Cells

PubMed Central

Kayampilly, Pradeep P.; Wanamaker, Brett L.; Stewart, James A.; Wagner, Carrie L.; Menon, K. M. J.

2010-01-01

Elevated levels of 5α-reduced androgens have been shown to be associated with hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia, the leading causes of ovulatory dysfunction in women. 5α-Dihydrotestosterone reduces ovarian granulosa cell proliferation by inhibiting FSH-mediated mitogenic signaling pathways. The present study examined the effect of insulin on 5α-reductase, the enzyme that catalyses the conversion of androgens to their 5α-derivatives. Granulosa cells isolated from immature rat ovaries were cultured in serum-free, phenol red-free DMEM-F12 media and treated with different doses of insulin (0, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 μg/ml) for different time intervals up to 12 h. The expression of 5α-reductase type 1 mRNA, the predominant isoform found in granulosa cells, showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in response to the insulin treatment up to 12 h compared with control. The catalytic activity of 5α-reductase enzyme was also stimulated in a dose-depended manner (P < 0.05). Inhibiting the Akt-dependent signaling pathway abolished the insulin-mediated increase in 5α-reductase mRNA expression, whereas inhibition of the ERK-dependent pathway had no effect. The dose-dependent increase in 5α-reductase mRNA expression as well as catalytic activity seen in response to insulin treatment was also demonstrated in the human granulosa cell line (KGN). In addition to increased mRNA expression, a dose-dependent increase in 5α-reductase protein expression in response to insulin was also seen in KGN cells, which corroborated well with that of mRNA expression. These results suggest that elevated levels of 5α-reduced androgens seen in hyperinsulinemic conditions might be explained on the basis of a stimulatory effect of insulin on 5α-reductase in granulosa cells. The elevated levels of these metabolites, in turn, might adversely affect growth and proliferation of granulosa cells, thereby impairing follicle growth and ovulation. PMID:20810561

Coupling of NAD+ biosynthesis and nicotinamide ribosyl transport: characterization of NadR ribonucleotide kinase mutants of Haemophilus influenzae.

PubMed

Merdanovic, Melisa; Sauer, Elizabeta; Reidl, Joachim

2005-07-01

Previously, we characterized a pathway necessary for the processing of NAD+ and for uptake of nicotinamide riboside (NR) in Haemophilus influenzae. Here we report on the role of NadR, which is essential for NAD+ utilization in this organism. Different NadR variants with a deleted ribonucleotide kinase domain or with a single amino acid change were characterized in vitro and in vivo with respect to cell viability, ribonucleotide kinase activity, and NR transport. The ribonucleotide kinase mutants were viable only in a nadV+ (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase) background, indicating that the ribonucleotide kinase domain is essential for cell viability in H. influenzae. Mutations located in the Walker A and B motifs and the LID region resulted in deficiencies in both NR phosphorylation and NR uptake. The ribonucleotide kinase function of NadR was found to be feedback controlled by NAD+ under in vitro conditions and by NAD+ utilization in vivo. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the NR phosphorylation step is essential for both NR uptake across the inner membrane and NAD+ synthesis and is also involved in controlling the NAD+ biosynthesis rate.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the NADPH-dependent 3-quinuclidinone reductase from Rhodotorula rubra

PubMed Central

Takeshita, Daijiro; Kataoka, Michihiko; Miyakawa, Takuya; Miyazono, Ken-ichi; Uzura, Atsuko; Nagata, Koji; Shimizu, Sakayu; Tanokura, Masaru

2009-01-01

(R)-3-Quinuclidinol is a useful compound that is applicable to the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals. The NADPH-dependent carbonyl reductase 3-­quinuclidinone reductase from Rhodotorula rubra catalyzes the stereospecific reduction of 3-quinuclidinone to (R)-3-quinuclidinol and is expected to be utilized in industrial production of this alcohol. 3-Quinuclidinone reductase from R. rubra was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using Ni-affinity and ion-exchange column chromatography. Crystals of the protein were obtained by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method using PEG 8000 as the precipitant. The crystals belonged to space group P41212, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 91.3, c = 265.4 Å, and diffracted X-rays to 2.2 Å resolution. The asymmetric unit contained four molecules of the protein and the solvent content was 48.4%. PMID:19478454

Light-dependent gene regulation by a coenzyme B12-based photoreceptor

PubMed Central

Ortiz-Guerrero, Juan Manuel; Polanco, María Carmen; Murillo, Francisco J.; Padmanabhan, S.; Elías-Arnanz, Montserrat

2011-01-01

Cobalamin (B12) typically functions as an enzyme cofactor but can also regulate gene expression via RNA-based riboswitches. B12-directed gene regulatory mechanisms via protein factors have, however, remained elusive. Recently, we reported down-regulation of a light-inducible promoter in the bacterium Myxococcus xanthus by two paralogous transcriptional repressors, of which one, CarH, but not the other, CarA, absolutely requires B12 for activity even though both have a canonical B12-binding motif. Unanswered were what underlies this striking difference, what is the specific cobalamin used, and how it acts. Here, we show that coenzyme B12 (5′-deoxyadenosylcobalamin, AdoB12), specifically dictates CarH function in the dark and on exposure to light. In the dark, AdoB12-binding to the autonomous domain containing the B12-binding motif foments repressor oligomerization, enhances operator binding, and blocks transcription. Light, at various wavelengths at which AdoB12 absorbs, dismantles active repressor oligomers by photolysing the bound AdoB12 and weakens repressor–operator binding to allow transcription. By contrast, AdoB12 alters neither CarA oligomerization nor operator binding, thus accounting for its B12-independent activity. Our findings unveil a functional facet of AdoB12 whereby it serves as the chromophore of a unique photoreceptor protein class acting in light-dependent gene regulation. The prevalence of similar proteins of unknown function in microbial genomes suggests that this distinct B12-based molecular mechanism for photoregulation may be widespread in bacteria. PMID:21502508

Incorporation of deoxyribonucleotides and ribonucleotides by a dNTP-binding cleft mutated reverse transcriptase in hepatitis B virus core particles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Hee-Young; Kim, Hye-Young; Jung, Jaesung

2008-01-05

Our recent observation that hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA polymerase (P) might initiate minus-strand DNA synthesis without primer [Kim et al., (2004) Virology 322, 22-30], raised a possibility that HBV P protein may have the potential to function as an RNA polymerase. Thus, we mutated Phe 436, a bulky amino acid with aromatic side chain, at the putative dNTP-binding cleft in reverse transcriptase (RT) domain of P protein to smaller amino acids (Gly or Val), and examined RNA polymerase activity. HBV core particles containing RT dNTP-binding cleft mutant P protein were able to incorporate {sup 32}P-ribonucleotides, but not HBV coremore » particles containing wild type (wt), priming-deficient mutant, or RT-deficient mutant P proteins. Since all the experiments were conducted with core particles isolated from transfected cells, our results indicate that the HBV RT mutant core particles containing RT dNTP-binding cleft mutant P protein could incorporate both deoxyribonucleotides and ribonucleotides in replicating systems.« less

Role of Arginine 293 and Glutamine 288 in Communication between Catalytic and Allosteric Sites in Yeast Ribonucleotide Reductase

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ahmad, Md. Faiz; Kaushal, Prem Singh; Wan, Qun

2012-11-01

Ribonucleotide reductases (RRs) catalyze the rate-limiting step of de novo deoxynucleotide (dNTP) synthesis. Eukaryotic RRs consist of two proteins, RR1 ({alpha}) that contains the catalytic site and RR2 ({beta}) that houses a diferric-tyrosyl radical essential for ribonucleoside diphosphate reduction. Biochemical analysis has been combined with isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), X-ray crystallography and yeast genetics to elucidate the roles of two loop 2 mutations R293A and Q288A in Saccharomyces cerevisiae RR1 (ScRR1). These mutations, R293A and Q288A, cause lethality and severe S phase defects, respectively, in cells that use ScRR1 as the sole source of RR1 activity. Compared to the wild-typemore » enzyme activity, R293A and Q288A mutants show 4% and 15%, respectively, for ADP reduction, whereas they are 20% and 23%, respectively, for CDP reduction. ITC data showed that R293A ScRR1 is unable to bind ADP and binds CDP with 2-fold lower affinity compared to wild-type ScRR1. With the Q288A ScRR1 mutant, there is a 6-fold loss of affinity for ADP binding and a 2-fold loss of affinity for CDP compared to the wild type. X-ray structures of R293A ScRR1 complexed with dGTP and AMPPNP-CDP [AMPPNP, adenosine 5-({beta},{gamma}-imido)triphosphate tetralithium salt] reveal that ADP is not bound at the catalytic site, and CDP binds farther from the catalytic site compared to wild type. Our in vivo functional analyses demonstrated that R293A cannot support mitotic growth, whereas Q288A can, albeit with a severe S phase defect. Taken together, our structure, activity, ITC and in vivo data reveal that the arginine 293 and glutamine 288 residues of ScRR1 are crucial in facilitating ADP and CDP substrate selection.« less

Vitamin B12–dependent taurine synthesis regulates growth and bone mass

PubMed Central

Roman-Garcia, Pablo; Quiros-Gonzalez, Isabel; Mottram, Lynda; Lieben, Liesbet; Sharan, Kunal; Wangwiwatsin, Arporn; Tubio, Jose; Lewis, Kirsty; Wilkinson, Debbie; Santhanam, Balaji; Sarper, Nazan; Clare, Simon; Vassiliou, George S.; Velagapudi, Vidya R.; Dougan, Gordon; Yadav, Vijay K.

2014-01-01

Both maternal and offspring-derived factors contribute to lifelong growth and bone mass accrual, although the specific role of maternal deficiencies in the growth and bone mass of offspring is poorly understood. In the present study, we have shown that vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency in a murine genetic model results in severe postweaning growth retardation and osteoporosis, and the severity and time of onset of this phenotype in the offspring depends on the maternal genotype. Using integrated physiological and metabolomic analysis, we determined that B12 deficiency in the offspring decreases liver taurine production and associates with abrogation of a growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 (GH/IGF1) axis. Taurine increased GH-dependent IGF1 synthesis in the liver, which subsequently enhanced osteoblast function, and in B12-deficient offspring, oral administration of taurine rescued their growth retardation and osteoporosis phenotypes. These results identify B12 as an essential vitamin that positively regulates postweaning growth and bone formation through taurine synthesis and suggests potential therapies to increase bone mass. PMID:24911144

Structural Basis for Assembly of the MnIV/FeIII Cofactor in the Class Ic Ribonucleotide Reductase from Chlamydia trachomatis‡

PubMed Central

Dassama, Laura M.K.; Krebs, Carsten; Bollinger, J. Martin; Rosenzweig, Amy C.; Boal, Amie K.

2013-01-01

The class Ic ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) from Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) employs a MnIV/FeIII cofactor in each monomer of its β2 subunit to initiate nucleotide reduction. The cofactor forms by reaction of MnII/FeII-β2 with O2. Previously, in vitro cofactor assembly from apo β2 and divalent metal ions produced a mixture of two forms, with Mn in site 1 (MnIV/FeIII) or site 2 (FeIII/MnIV), of which the more active MnIV/FeIII product predominates. Here we have addressed the basis for metal site-selectivity by solving X-ray crystal structures of apo, MnII, and MnII/FeII complexes of Ct β2. A structure obtained anaerobically with equimolar MnII, FeII, and apo protein reveals exclusive incorporation of MnII in site 1 and FeII in site 2, in contrast to the more modest site-selectivity achieved previously. Site-specificity is controlled thermodynamically by the apo protein structure, as only minor adjustments of ligands occur upon metal binding. Additional structures imply that, by itself, MnII binds in either site. Together the structures are consistent with a model for in vitro cofactor assembly in which FeII specificity for site 2 drives assembly of the appropriately configured heterobimetallic center, provided that FeII is substoichiometric. This model suggests that use of an MnIV/FeIII cofactor in vivo could be an adaptation to FeII limitation. A 1.8 Å resolution model of the MnII/FeII-β2 complex reveals additional structural determinants for activation of the cofactor, including a proposed site for side-on (η2) addition of O2 to FeII and a short (3.2 Å) MnII-FeII interionic distance, promoting formation of the MnIV/FeIV activation intermediate. PMID:23924396

Direct cloning of the trxB gene that encodes thioredoxin reductase.

PubMed Central

Russel, M; Model, P

1985-01-01

A strain was constructed which contains mutations in the genes encoding thioredoxin (trxA) and thioredoxin reductase (trxB) such that filamentous phage f1 cannot grow. The complementation of either mutation with its wild-type allele permits phage growth. We used this strain to select f1 phage which contain a cloned trxB gene. The location of the gene on the cloned fragment was determined, and its protein product was identified. Plasmid subclones that contain this gene overproduce thioredoxin reductase. Images PMID:2989245

Coupling of NAD+ Biosynthesis and Nicotinamide Ribosyl Transport: Characterization of NadR Ribonucleotide Kinase Mutants of Haemophilus influenzae

PubMed Central

Merdanovic, Melisa; Sauer, Elizabeta; Reidl, Joachim

2005-01-01

Previously, we characterized a pathway necessary for the processing of NAD+ and for uptake of nicotinamide riboside (NR) in Haemophilus influenzae. Here we report on the role of NadR, which is essential for NAD+ utilization in this organism. Different NadR variants with a deleted ribonucleotide kinase domain or with a single amino acid change were characterized in vitro and in vivo with respect to cell viability, ribonucleotide kinase activity, and NR transport. The ribonucleotide kinase mutants were viable only in a nadV+ (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase) background, indicating that the ribonucleotide kinase domain is essential for cell viability in H. influenzae. Mutations located in the Walker A and B motifs and the LID region resulted in deficiencies in both NR phosphorylation and NR uptake. The ribonucleotide kinase function of NadR was found to be feedback controlled by NAD+ under in vitro conditions and by NAD+ utilization in vivo. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the NR phosphorylation step is essential for both NR uptake across the inner membrane and NAD+ synthesis and is also involved in controlling the NAD+ biosynthesis rate. PMID:15968050

Sulindac inhibits pancreatic carcinogenesis in LSL-KrasG12D-LSL-Trp53R172H-Pdx-1-Cre mice via suppressing aldo-keto reductase family 1B10 (AKR1B10).

PubMed

Li, Haonan; Yang, Allison L; Chung, Yeon Tae; Zhang, Wanying; Liao, Jie; Yang, Guang-Yu

2013-09-01

Sulindac has been identified as a competitive inhibitor of aldo-keto reductase 1B10 (AKR1B10), an enzyme that plays a key role in carcinogenesis. AKR1B10 is overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and exhibits lipid substrate specificity, especially for farnesyl and geranylgeranyl. There have been no studies though showing that the inhibition of PDAC by sulindac is via inhibition of AKR1B10, particularly the metabolism of farnesyl/geranylgeranyl and Kras protein prenylation. To determine the chemopreventive effects of sulindac on pancreatic carcinogenesis, 5-week-old LSL-Kras(G12D)-LSL-Trp53(R172H)-Pdx-1-Cre mice (Pan(kras/p53) mice) were fed an AIN93M diet with or without 200 p.p.m. sulindac (n = 20/group). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that average animal survival in Pan(kras/p53) mice was 143.7 ± 8.8 days, and average survival with sulindac was increased to 168.0 ± 8.8 days (P < 0.005). Histopathological analyses revealed that 90% of mice developed PDAC, 10% with metastasis to the liver and lymph nodes. With sulindac, the incidence of PDAC was reduced to 56% (P < 0.01) and only one mouse had lymph node metastasis. Immunochemical analysis showed that sulindac significantly decreased Ki-67-labeled cell proliferation and markedly reduced the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), c-Raf and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 and 2. In in vitro experiments with PDAC cells from Pan(kras/p53) mice, sulindac exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of AKR1B10 activity. By silencing AKR1B10 expression through small interfering RNA or by sulindac treatment, these in vitro models showed a reduction in Kras and human DNA-J homolog 2 protein prenylation, and downregulation of phosphorylated C-raf, ERK1/2 and MEK1/2 expression. Our results demonstrate that sulindac inhibits pancreatic carcinogenesis by the inhibition of Kras protein prenylation by targeting AKR1B10.

FAD-induced in vitro activation of glutathione reductase in the lens of B2 deficient rats.

PubMed

Ono, S; Hirano, H

1984-04-01

We studied the FAD-induced in vitro stimulation of lenticular glutathione reductase in riboflavin-deficient rats. The stimulatory effect of FAD on lenticular glutathione reductase in rats fed a B2-deficient diet for 4 weeks was remarkably higher than in paired control rats fed a B2-supplemented basal diet and control rats had ad libitum access to a B2-supplemented basal diet. The in vitro FAD stimulation effect on rat lenticular glutathione reductase represents a sensitive indicator of the B2 deficient status.

Time-dependent modulation of thioredoxin reductase activity might contribute to sulforaphane-mediated inhibition of NF-kappaB binding to DNA.

PubMed

Heiss, Elke; Gerhäuser, Clarissa

2005-01-01

The chemopreventive agent sulforaphane (SFN) exerts anti-inflammatory activity by thiol-dependent inhibition of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) DNA binding. To further analyze the underlying mechanisms, we focused on the thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) system as a key redox mechanism regulating NF-kappaB DNA binding. Using cultured Raw 264.7 mouse macrophages as a model, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), a known inhibitor of TrxR, was identified as an inhibitor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated nitric oxide (NO) production and of NF-kappaB DNA binding. CDNB and SFN acted synergistically with respect to inhibition of LPS-induced NO release, and we consequently identified SFN as a novel inhibitor of TrxR enzymatic activity in vitro. Short-term treatment of Raw macrophages with SFN or CDNB resulted in the inhibition of TrxR activity in vivo with half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 25.0 +/- 3.5 microM and 9.4 +/- 3.7 microM, respectively, whereas after a 24-h treatment with 25 microM SFN, TrxR activity was >1.5-fold elevated. In additional experiments, we could exclude that inhibition of trans-activating activity of NF-kappaB contributed to the reduced expression of pro-inflammatory proteins by SFN, based on transient transfection experiments with a (kappaB)(2)- chloramphenicol acetyltransferase construct and a lack of inhibition of protein kinase A activity. These findings further emphasize the importance of redox modulation or thiol reactivity for the regulation of NF-kappaB-dependent transcription by SFN. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 7, 1601-1611. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 7, 1601-1611.

Thermal Dependence of the Apparent Km of Glutathione Reductases from Three Plant Species

PubMed Central

Mahan, James R.; Burke, John J.; Orzech, Karen A.

1990-01-01

The thermal dependencies of the apparent Km of the glutathione reductases from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) corn (Zea mays L.), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) were determined. The apparent Km of the enzymes were found to vary up to 9-fold between 12.5 and 45°C. Values of the apparent Km in excess of 200% of the observed minimum are suggested to be detrimental to the normal function of the enzyme. We propose the term “thermal kinetic window” to describe to the range of temperatures over which the apparent Km of the glutathione reductase is within 200% of its minimum and suggest that it may be a useful indicator of the limits of thermal stress for a given species. The thermal kinetic windows determined in this study are: <16°C for spinach, 23 to 32°C for corn, and 35 to 41°C for cucumber. PMID:16667543

Fermentation of 1,2-Propanediol and 1,2-Ethanediol by Some Genera of Enterobacteriaceae, Involving Coenzyme B12-Dependent Diol Dehydratase

PubMed Central

Toraya, Tetsuo; Honda, Susumu; Fukui, Saburo

1979-01-01

Klebsiella pneumoniae (Aerobacter aerogenes) ATCC 8724 was able to grow anaerobically on 1,2-propanediol and 1,2-ethanediol as carbon and energy sources. Whole cells of the bacterium grown anaerobically on 1,2-propanediol or on glycerol catalyzed conversion of 1,2-diols and aldehydes to the corresponding acids and alcohols. Glucose-grown cells also converted aldehydes, but not 1,2-diols, to acids and alcohols. The presence of activities of coenzyme B12-dependent diol dehydratase, alcohol dehydrogenase, coenzyme-A-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase, phosphotransacetylase, and acetate kinase was demonstrated with crude extracts of 1,2-propanediol-grown cells. The dependence of the levels of these enzymes on growth substrates, together with cofactor requirements in in vitro conversion of these substrates, indicates that 1,2-diols are fermented to the corresponding acids and alcohols via aldehydes, acyl-coenzyme A, and acyl phosphates. This metabolic pathway for 1,2-diol fermentation was also suggested in some other genera of Enterobacteriaceae which were able to grow anaerobically on 1,2-propanediol. When the bacteria were cultivated in a 1,2-propanediol medium not supplemented with cobalt ion, the coenzyme B12-dependent conversion of 1,2-diols to aldehydes was the rate-limiting step in this fermentation. This was because the intracellular concentration of coenzyme B12 was very low in the cells grown in cobalt-deficient medium, since the apoprotein of diol dehydratase was markedly induced in the cells grown in the 1,2-propanediol medium. Better cell yields were obtained when the bacteria were grown anaerobically on 1,2-propanediol. Evidence is presented that aerobically grown cells have a different metabolic pathway for utilizing 1,2-propanediol. PMID:378959

A ribonucleotide Origin for Life - Fluctuation and Near-ideal Reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yarus, Michael

2013-02-01

Oligoribonucleotides are potentially capable of Darwinian evolution - they may replicate and can express an independent chemical phenotype, as embodied in modern enzymatic cofactors. Using quantitative chemical kinetics on a sporadically fed ribonucleotide pool, unreliable supplies of unstable activated ribonucleotides A and B at low concentrations recurrently yield a replicating AB polymer with a potential chemical phenotype. Self-complementary replication in the pool occurs during a minority (here ≈ 35 %) of synthetic episodes that exploit coincidental overlaps between 4, 5 or 6 spikes of arbitrarily arriving substrates. Such uniquely productive synthetic episodes, in which near-ideal reaction sequences recur at random, account for most AB oligonucleotide synthesis, and therefore underlie the emergence of net replication under realistic primordial conditions. Because overlapping substrate spikes are unexpectedly frequent, and in addition, complex spike sequences appear disproportionately, a sporadically fed pool can host unexpectedly complex syntheses. Thus, primordial substrate fluctuations are not necessarily a barrier to Darwinism, but instead can facilitate early evolution.

A ribonucleotide Origin for Life--fluctuation and near-ideal reactions.

PubMed

Yarus, Michael

2013-02-01

Oligoribonucleotides are potentially capable of Darwinian evolution - they may replicate and can express an independent chemical phenotype, as embodied in modern enzymatic cofactors. Using quantitative chemical kinetics on a sporadically fed ribonucleotide pool, unreliable supplies of unstable activated ribonucleotides A and B at low concentrations recurrently yield a replicating AB polymer with a potential chemical phenotype. Self-complementary replication in the pool occurs during a minority (here ≈ 35 %) of synthetic episodes that exploit coincidental overlaps between 4, 5 or 6 spikes of arbitrarily arriving substrates. Such uniquely productive synthetic episodes, in which near-ideal reaction sequences recur at random, account for most AB oligonucleotide synthesis, and therefore underlie the emergence of net replication under realistic primordial conditions. Because overlapping substrate spikes are unexpectedly frequent, and in addition, complex spike sequences appear disproportionately, a sporadically fed pool can host unexpectedly complex syntheses. Thus, primordial substrate fluctuations are not necessarily a barrier to Darwinism, but instead can facilitate early evolution.

Formation and Repair of Mismatches Containing Ribonucleotides and Oxidized Bases at Repeated DNA Sequences*

PubMed Central

Cilli, Piera; Minoprio, Anna; Bossa, Cecilia; Bignami, Margherita; Mazzei, Filomena

2015-01-01

The cellular pool of ribonucleotide triphosphates (rNTPs) is higher than that of deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates. To ensure genome stability, DNA polymerases must discriminate against rNTPs and incorporated ribonucleotides must be removed by ribonucleotide excision repair (RER). We investigated DNA polymerase β (POL β) capacity to incorporate ribonucleotides into trinucleotide repeated DNA sequences and the efficiency of base excision repair (BER) and RER enzymes (OGG1, MUTYH, and RNase H2) when presented with an incorrect sugar and an oxidized base. POL β incorporated rAMP and rCMP opposite 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxodG) and extended both mispairs. In addition, POL β was able to insert and elongate an oxidized rGMP when paired with dA. We show that RNase H2 always preserves the capacity to remove a single ribonucleotide when paired to an oxidized base or to incise an oxidized ribonucleotide in a DNA duplex. In contrast, BER activity is affected by the presence of a ribonucleotide opposite an 8-oxodG. In particular, MUTYH activity on 8-oxodG:rA mispairs is fully inhibited, although its binding capacity is retained. This results in the reduction of RNase H2 incision capability of this substrate. Thus complex mispairs formed by an oxidized base and a ribonucleotide can compromise BER and RER in repeated sequences. PMID:26338705

Chlorophyll b degradation by chlorophyll b reductase under high-light conditions.

PubMed

Sato, Rei; Ito, Hisashi; Tanaka, Ayumi

2015-12-01

The light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein complex of photosystem II (LHCII) is the main antenna complex of photosystem II (PSII). Plants change their LHCII content depending on the light environment. Under high-light conditions, the content of LHCII should decrease because over-excitation damages the photosystem. Chlorophyll b is indispensable for accumulating LHCII, and chlorophyll b degradation induces LHCII degradation. Chlorophyll b degradation is initiated by chlorophyll b reductase (CBR). In land plants, NON-YELLOW COLORING 1 (NYC1) and NYC1-Like (NOL) are isozymes of CBR. We analyzed these mutants to determine their functions under high-light conditions. During high-light treatment, the chlorophyll a/b ratio was stable in the wild-type (WT) and nol plants, and the LHCII content decreased in WT plants. The chlorophyll a/b ratio decreased in the nyc1 and nyc1/nol plants, and a substantial degree of LHCII was retained in nyc1/nol plants after the high-light treatment. These results demonstrate that NYC1 degrades the chlorophyll b on LHCII under high-light conditions, thus decreasing the LHCII content. After the high-light treatment, the maximum quantum efficiency of the PSII photochemistry was lower in nyc1 and nyc1/nol plants than in WT and nol plants. A larger light-harvesting system would damage PSII in nyc1 and nyc1/nol plants. The fluorescence spectroscopy of the leaves indicated that photosystem I was also damaged by the excess LHCII in nyc1/nol plants. These observations suggest that chlorophyll b degradation by NYC1 is the initial reaction for the optimization of the light-harvesting capacity under high-light conditions.

Formation and Repair of Mismatches Containing Ribonucleotides and Oxidized Bases at Repeated DNA Sequences.

PubMed

Cilli, Piera; Minoprio, Anna; Bossa, Cecilia; Bignami, Margherita; Mazzei, Filomena

2015-10-23

The cellular pool of ribonucleotide triphosphates (rNTPs) is higher than that of deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates. To ensure genome stability, DNA polymerases must discriminate against rNTPs and incorporated ribonucleotides must be removed by ribonucleotide excision repair (RER). We investigated DNA polymerase β (POL β) capacity to incorporate ribonucleotides into trinucleotide repeated DNA sequences and the efficiency of base excision repair (BER) and RER enzymes (OGG1, MUTYH, and RNase H2) when presented with an incorrect sugar and an oxidized base. POL β incorporated rAMP and rCMP opposite 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxodG) and extended both mispairs. In addition, POL β was able to insert and elongate an oxidized rGMP when paired with dA. We show that RNase H2 always preserves the capacity to remove a single ribonucleotide when paired to an oxidized base or to incise an oxidized ribonucleotide in a DNA duplex. In contrast, BER activity is affected by the presence of a ribonucleotide opposite an 8-oxodG. In particular, MUTYH activity on 8-oxodG:rA mispairs is fully inhibited, although its binding capacity is retained. This results in the reduction of RNase H2 incision capability of this substrate. Thus complex mispairs formed by an oxidized base and a ribonucleotide can compromise BER and RER in repeated sequences. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

The Active Form of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ribonucleotide Reductase Small Subunit Is a Heterodimer in Vitro and in Vivo†

PubMed Central

Perlstein, Deborah L.; Ge, Jie; Ortigosa, Allison D.; Robblee, John H.; Zhang, Zhen; Huang, Mingxia; Stubbe, JoAnne

2015-01-01

The class I ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) are composed of two homodimeric subunits: R1 and R2. R2 houses a diferric-tyrosyl radical (Y•) cofactor. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has two R2s: Y2 (β2) and Y4 (β′2). Y4 is an unusual R2 because three residues required for iron binding have been mutated. While the heterodimer (ββ′) is thought to be the active form, several rnr4Δ strains are viable. To resolve this paradox, N-terminally epitope-tagged β and β′ were expressed in E. coli or integrated into the yeast genome. In vitro exchange studies reveal that when apo-(His6)-β2 (Hisβ2) is mixed with β′2, apo-Hisββ′ forms quantitatively within 2 min. In contrast, holo-ββ′ fails to exchange with apo-Hisβ2 to form holo-Hisββ and β′2. Isolation of genomically encoded tagged β or β′ from yeast extracts gave a 1:1 complex of β and β′, suggesting that ββ′ is the active form. The catalytic activity, protein concentrations, and Y• content of the rnr4Δ and wild type (wt) strains were compared to clarify the role of β′ in vivo. The Y• content of rnr4Δ is 15-fold less than that of wt, consistent with the observed low activity of rnr4Δ extracts (<0.01 nmol min−1 mg−1) versus wt (0.06 ± 0.01 nmol min−1 mg−1). FLAGβ2 isolated from the rnr4Δ strain has a specific activity of 2 nmol min−1 mg−1, similar to that of reconstituted apo-Hisβ2 (10 nmol min−1 mg−1), but significantly less than holo-Hisββ′ (~2000 nmol min−1 mg−1). These studies together demonstrate that β′ plays a crucial role in cluster assembly in vitro and in vivo and that the active form of the yeast R2 is ββ′. PMID:16285741

OsHAC1;1 and OsHAC1;2 Function as Arsenate Reductases and Regulate Arsenic Accumulation1

PubMed Central

Wang, Tao; Tang, Zhong; Wu, Zhongchang; Salt, David E.; Chao, Dai-Yin

2016-01-01

Rice is a major dietary source of the toxic metalloid arsenic (As). Reducing its accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa) grain is of critical importance to food safety. Rice roots take up arsenate and arsenite depending on the prevailing soil conditions. The first step of arsenate detoxification is its reduction to arsenite, but the enzyme(s) catalyzing this reaction in rice remains unknown. Here, we identify OsHAC1;1 and OsHAC1;2 as arsenate reductases in rice. OsHAC1;1 and OsHAC1;2 are able to complement an Escherichia coli mutant lacking the endogenous arsenate reductase and to reduce arsenate to arsenite. OsHAC1:1 and OsHAC1;2 are predominantly expressed in roots, with OsHAC1;1 being abundant in the epidermis, root hairs, and pericycle cells while OsHAC1;2 is abundant in the epidermis, outer layers of cortex, and endodermis cells. Expression of the two genes was induced by arsenate exposure. Knocking out OsHAC1;1 or OsHAC1;2 decreased the reduction of arsenate to arsenite in roots, reducing arsenite efflux to the external medium. Loss of arsenite efflux was also associated with increased As accumulation in shoots. Greater effects were observed in a double mutant of the two genes. In contrast, overexpression of either OsHAC1;1 or OsHAC1;2 increased arsenite efflux, reduced As accumulation, and enhanced arsenate tolerance. When grown under aerobic soil conditions, overexpression of either OsHAC1;1 or OsHAC1;2 also decreased As accumulation in rice grain, whereas grain As increased in the knockout mutants. We conclude that OsHAC1;1 and OsHAC1;2 are arsenate reductases that play an important role in restricting As accumulation in rice shoots and grain. PMID:27702843

Ribonucleotides.

PubMed

Sutherland, John D

2010-04-01

It has normally been assumed that ribonucleotides arose on the early Earth through a process in which ribose, the nucleobases, and phosphate became conjoined. However, under plausible prebiotic conditions, condensation of nucleobases with ribose to give beta-ribonucleosides is fraught with difficulties. The reaction with purine nucleobases is low-yielding and the reaction with the canonical pyrimidine nucleobases does not work at all. The reasons for these difficulties are considered and an alternative high-yielding synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides is discussed. Fitting the new synthesis to a plausible geochemical scenario is a remaining challenge but the prospects appear good. Discovery of an improved method of purine synthesis, and an efficient means of stringing activated nucleotides together, will provide underpinning support to those theories that posit a central role for RNA in the origins of life.

The forkhead-like transcription factor (Fhl1p) maintains yeast replicative lifespan by regulating ribonucleotide reductase 1 (RNR1) gene transcription

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tai, Akiko; Kamei, Yuka; Mukai, Yukio

In eukaryotes, numerous genetic factors contribute to the lifespan including metabolic enzymes, signal transducers, and transcription factors. As previously reported, the forkhead-like transcription factor (FHL1) gene was required for yeast replicative lifespan and cell proliferation. To determine how Fhl1p regulates the lifespan, we performed a DNA microarray analysis of a heterozygous diploid strain deleted for FHL1. We discovered numerous Fhl1p-target genes, which were then screened for lifespan-regulating activity. We identified the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) 1 gene (RNR1) as a regulator of replicative lifespan. RNR1 encodes a large subunit of the RNR complex, which consists of two large (Rnr1p/Rnr3p) and twomore » small (Rnr2p/Rnr4p) subunits. Heterozygous deletion of FHL1 reduced transcription of RNR1 and RNR3, but not RNR2 and RNR4. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that Fhl1p binds to the promoter regions of RNR1 and RNR3. Cells harboring an RNR1 deletion or an rnr1-C428A mutation, which abolishes RNR catalytic activity, exhibited a short lifespan. In contrast, cells with a deletion of the other RNR genes had a normal lifespan. Overexpression of RNR1, but not RNR3, restored the lifespan of the heterozygous FHL1 mutant to the wild-type (WT) level. The Δfhl1/FHL1 mutant conferred a decrease in dNTP levels and an increase in hydroxyurea (HU) sensitivity. These findings reveal that Fhl1p regulates RNR1 gene transcription to maintain dNTP levels, thus modulating longevity by protection against replication stress. - Highlights: • Fhl1p regulates replicative lifespan and transcription of RNR large subunit genes. • Rnr1p uniquely acts as a lifespan regulator independent of the RNR complex. • dNTP levels modulate longevity by protection against replication stress.« less

Measuring the Levels of Ribonucleotides Embedded in Genomic DNA.

PubMed

Meroni, Alice; Nava, Giulia M; Sertic, Sarah; Plevani, Paolo; Muzi-Falconi, Marco; Lazzaro, Federico

2018-01-01

Ribonucleotides (rNTPs) are incorporated into genomic DNA at a relatively high frequency during replication. They have beneficial effects but, if not removed from the chromosomes, increase genomic instability. Here, we describe a fast method to easily estimate the amounts of embedded ribonucleotides into the genome. The protocol described is performed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and allows us to quantify altered levels of rNMPs due to different mutations in the replicative polymerase ε. However, this protocol can be easily applied to cells derived from any organism.

Structural basis for gene regulation by a B12-dependent photoreceptor

PubMed Central

Jost, Marco; Fernández-Zapata, Jésus; Polanco, María Carmen; Ortiz-Guerrero, Juan Manuel; Chen, Percival Yang-Ting; Kang, Gyunghoon; Padmanabhan, S.; Elías-Arnanz, Montserrat; Drennan, Catherine L.

2015-01-01

Summary Photoreceptor proteins enable organisms to sense and respond to light. The newly discovered CarH-type photoreceptors use a vitamin B12 derivative, adenosylcobalamin, as the light-sensing chromophore to mediate light-dependent gene regulation. Here, we present crystal structures of Thermus thermophilus CarH in all three relevant states: in the dark, both free and bound to operator DNA, and after light exposure. These structures provide a visualization of how adenosylcobalamin mediates CarH tetramer formation in the dark, how this tetramer binds to the promoter −35 element to repress transcription, and how light exposure leads to a large-scale conformational change that activates transcription. In addition to the remarkable functional repurposing of adenosylcobalamin from an enzyme cofactor to a light sensor, we find that nature also repurposed two independent protein modules in assembling CarH. These results expand the biological role of vitamin B12 and provide fundamental insight into a new mode of light-dependent gene regulation. PMID:26416754

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 Mediate Species-Specific Modulations of Programmed Necrosis through the Viral Ribonucleotide Reductase Large Subunit R1

PubMed Central

Yu, Xiaoliang; Li, Yun; Chen, Qin; Su, Chenhe; Zhang, Zili; Yang, Chengkui; Hu, Zhilin; Hou, Jue; Zhou, Jinying; Gong, Ling; Jiang, Xuejun

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) and its substrate mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) are core regulators of programmed necrosis. The elimination of pathogen-infected cells by programmed necrosis acts as an important host defense mechanism. Here, we report that human herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 had opposite impacts on programmed necrosis in human cells versus their impacts in mouse cells. Similar to HSV-1, HSV-2 infection triggered programmed necrosis in mouse cells. However, neither HSV-1 nor HSV-2 infection was able to induce programmed necrosis in human cells. Moreover, HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection in human cells blocked tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced necrosis by preventing the induction of an RIP1/RIP3 necrosome. The HSV ribonucleotide reductase large subunit R1 was sufficient to suppress TNF-induced necrosis, and its RIP homotypic interaction motif (RHIM) domain was required to disrupt the RIP1/RIP3 complex in human cells. Therefore, this study provides evidence that HSV has likely evolved strategies to evade the host defense mechanism of programmed necrosis in human cells. IMPORTANCE This study demonstrated that infection with HSV-1 and HSV-2 blocked TNF-induced necrosis in human cells while these viruses directly activated programmed necrosis in mouse cells. Expression of HSV R1 suppressed TNF-induced necrosis of human cells. The RHIM domain of R1 was essential for its association with human RIP3 and RIP1, leading to disruption of the RIP1/RIP3 complex. This study provides new insights into the species-specific modulation of programmed necrosis by HSV. PMID:26559832

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 Mediate Species-Specific Modulations of Programmed Necrosis through the Viral Ribonucleotide Reductase Large Subunit R1.

PubMed

Yu, Xiaoliang; Li, Yun; Chen, Qin; Su, Chenhe; Zhang, Zili; Yang, Chengkui; Hu, Zhilin; Hou, Jue; Zhou, Jinying; Gong, Ling; Jiang, Xuejun; Zheng, Chunfu; He, Sudan

2016-01-15

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) and its substrate mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) are core regulators of programmed necrosis. The elimination of pathogen-infected cells by programmed necrosis acts as an important host defense mechanism. Here, we report that human herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 had opposite impacts on programmed necrosis in human cells versus their impacts in mouse cells. Similar to HSV-1, HSV-2 infection triggered programmed necrosis in mouse cells. However, neither HSV-1 nor HSV-2 infection was able to induce programmed necrosis in human cells. Moreover, HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection in human cells blocked tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced necrosis by preventing the induction of an RIP1/RIP3 necrosome. The HSV ribonucleotide reductase large subunit R1 was sufficient to suppress TNF-induced necrosis, and its RIP homotypic interaction motif (RHIM) domain was required to disrupt the RIP1/RIP3 complex in human cells. Therefore, this study provides evidence that HSV has likely evolved strategies to evade the host defense mechanism of programmed necrosis in human cells. This study demonstrated that infection with HSV-1 and HSV-2 blocked TNF-induced necrosis in human cells while these viruses directly activated programmed necrosis in mouse cells. Expression of HSV R1 suppressed TNF-induced necrosis of human cells. The RHIM domain of R1 was essential for its association with human RIP3 and RIP1, leading to disruption of the RIP1/RIP3 complex. This study provides new insights into the species-specific modulation of programmed necrosis by HSV. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Structural basis for gene regulation by a B 12-dependent photoreceptor

DOE PAGES

Jost, Marco; Fernández-Zapata, Jésus; Polanco, María Carmen; ...

2015-09-28

Photoreceptor proteins enable organisms to sense and respond to light. The newly discovered CarH-type photoreceptors use a vitamin B 12 derivative, adenosylcobalamin, as the light-sensing chromophore to mediate light-dependent gene regulation. Here in this paper, we present crystal structures of Thermus thermophilus CarH in all three relevant states: in the dark, both free and bound to operator DNA, and after light exposure. These structures provide visualizations of how adenosylcobalamin mediates CarH tetramer formation in the dark, how this tetramer binds to the promoter -35 element to repress transcription, and how light exposure leads to a large-scale conformational change that activatesmore » transcription. In addition to the remarkable functional repurposing of adenosylcobalamin from an enzyme cofactor to a light sensor, we find that nature also repurposed two independent protein modules in assembling CarH. Finally, these results expand the biological role of vitamin B 12 and provide fundamental insight into a new mode of light-dependent gene regulation.« less

A SAM-dependent methyltransferase cotranscribed with arsenate reductase alters resistance to peptidyl transferase center-binding antibiotics in Azospirillum brasilense Sp7.

PubMed

Singh, Sudhir; Singh, Chhaya; Tripathi, Anil Kumar

2014-05-01

The genome of Azospirillum brasilense harbors a gene encoding S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase, which is located downstream of an arsenate reductase gene. Both genes are cotranscribed and translationally coupled. When they were cloned and expressed individually in an arsenate-sensitive strain of Escherichia coli, arsenate reductase conferred tolerance to arsenate; however, methyltransferase failed to do so. Sequence analysis revealed that methyltransferase was more closely related to a PrmB-type N5-glutamine methyltransferase than to the arsenate detoxifying methyltransferase ArsM. Insertional inactivation of prmB gene in A. brasilense resulted in an increased sensitivity to chloramphenicol and resistance to tiamulin and clindamycin, which are known to bind at the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) in the ribosome. These observations suggested that the inability of prmB:km mutant to methylate L3 protein might alter hydrophobicity in the antibiotic-binding pocket of the PTC, which might affect the binding of chloramphenicol, clindamycin, and tiamulin differentially. This is the first report showing the role of PrmB-type N5-glutamine methyltransferases in conferring resistance to tiamulin and clindamycin in any bacterium.

Overexpression and enhanced specific activity of aldoketo reductases (AKR1B1 & AKR1B10) in human breast cancers.

PubMed

Reddy, K Ashok; Kumar, P Uday; Srinivasulu, M; Triveni, B; Sharada, K; Ismail, Ayesha; Reddy, G Bhanuprakash

2017-02-01

The incidence of breast cancer in India is on the rise and is rapidly becoming the primary cancer in Indian women. The aldoketo reductase (AKR) family has more than 190 proteins including aldose reductase (AKR1B1) and aldose reductase like protein (AKR1B10). Apart from liver cancer, the status of AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 with respect to their expression and activity has not been reported in other human cancers. We studied the specific activity and expression of AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 in breast non tumor and tumor tissues and in the blood. Fresh post-surgical breast cancer and non-cancer tissues and blood were collected from the subjects who were admitted for surgical therapy. Malignant, benign and pre-surgical chemotherapy samples were evaluated by histopathology scoring. Expression of AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 was carried out by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) while specific activity was determined spectrophotometrically. The specific activity of AKR1B1 was significantly higher in red blood cells (RBC) in all three grades of primary surgical and post-chemotherapy samples. Specific activity of both AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 increased in tumor samples compared to their corresponding non tumor samples (primary surgical and post-chemotherapy). Immunoblotting and IHC data also indicated overexpression of AKR1B1 in all grades of tumors compared to their corresponding non tumor samples. There was no change in the specific activity of AKR1B1 in benign samples compared to all grades of tumor and non-tumors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Swinger RNAs with sharp switches between regular transcription and transcription systematically exchanging ribonucleotides: Case studies.

PubMed

Seligmann, Hervé

2015-09-01

During RNA transcription, DNA nucleotides A,C,G, T are usually matched by ribonucleotides A, C, G and U. However occasionally, this rule does not apply: transcript-DNA homologies are detectable only assuming systematic exchanges between ribonucleotides. Nine symmetric (X ↔ Y, e.g. A ↔ C) and fourteen asymmetric (X ↔ Y ↔ Z, e.g. A ↔ C ↔ G) exchanges exist, called swinger transcriptions. Putatively, polymerases occasionally stabilize in unspecified swinger conformations, possibly similar to transient conformations causing punctual misinsertions. This predicts chimeric transcripts, part regular, part swinger-transformed, reflecting polymerases switching to swinger polymerization conformation(s). Four chimeric Genbank transcripts (three from human mitochondrion and one murine cytosolic) are described here: (a) the 5' and 3' extremities reflect regular polymerization, the intervening sequence exchanges systematically between ribonucleotides (swinger rule G ↔ U, transcript (1), with sharp switches between regular and swinger sequences; (b) the 5' half is 'normal', the 3' half systematically exchanges ribonucleotides (swinger rule C ↔ G, transcript (2), with an intercalated sequence lacking homology; (c) the 3' extremity fits A ↔ G exchanges (10% of transcript length), the 5' half follows regular transcription; the intervening region seems a mix of regular and A ↔ G transcriptions (transcript 3); (d) murine cytosolic transcript 4 switches to A ↔ U + C ↔ G, and is fused with A ↔ U + C ↔ G swinger transformed precursor rRNA. In (c), each concomitant transcript 5' and 3' extremities match opposite genome strands. Transcripts 3 and 4 combine transcript fusions with partial swinger transcriptions. Occasional (usually sharp) switches between regular and swinger transcriptions reveal greater coding potential than detected until now, suggest stable polymerase swinger conformations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

N-terminus determines activity and specificity of styrene monooxygenase reductases.

PubMed

Heine, Thomas; Scholtissek, Anika; Westphal, Adrie H; van Berkel, Willem J H; Tischler, Dirk

2017-12-01

Styrene monooxygenases (SMOs) are two-enzyme systems that catalyze the enantioselective epoxidation of styrene to (S)-styrene oxide. The FADH 2 co-substrate of the epoxidase component (StyA) is supplied by an NADH-dependent flavin reductase (StyB). The genome of Rhodococcus opacus 1CP encodes two SMO systems. One system, which we define as E1-type, displays homology to the SMO from Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120. The other system, originally reported as a fused system (RoStyA2B), is defined as E2-type. Here we found that E1-type RoStyB is inhibited by FMN, while RoStyA2B is known to be active with FMN. To rationalize the observed specificity of RoStyB for FAD, we generated an artificial reductase, designated as RoStyBart, in which the first 22 amino acid residues of RoStyB were joined to the reductase part of RoStyA2B, while the oxygenase part (A2) was removed. RoStyBart mainly purified as apo-protein and mimicked RoStyB in being inhibited by FMN. Pre-incubation with FAD yielded a turnover number at 30°C of 133.9±3.5s -1 , one of the highest rates observed for StyB reductases. RoStyBart holo-enzyme switches to a ping-pong mechanism and fluorescence analysis indicated for unproductive binding of FMN to the second (co-substrate) binding site. In summary, it is shown for the first time that optimization of the N-termini of StyB reductases allows the evolution of their activity and specificity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wei, Yifeng; Li, Bin; Prakash, Divya

Two subtypes of class III anaerobic ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) studied so far couple the reduction of ribonucleotides to the oxidation of formate, or the oxidation of NADPH via thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase. Certain methanogenic archaea contain a phylogenetically distinct third subtype of class III RNR, with distinct active-site residues. Here we report the cloning and recombinant expression of the Methanosarcina barkeri class III RNR and show that the electrons required for ribonucleotide reduction can be delivered by a [4Fe-4S] protein ferredoxin disulfide reductase, and a conserved thioredoxin-like protein NrdH present in the RNR operon. The diversity of class III RNRsmore » reflects the diversity of electron carriers used in anaerobic metabolism« less

Structure of Hordeum vulgare NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase 2. Unwinding the reaction mechanism

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kirkensgaard, Kristine G.; Enzyme and Protein Chemistry, Department of Systems BioIogy, Technical University of Denmark; Hägglund, Per

2009-09-01

The first crystal structure of a cereal NTR, a protein involved in seed development and germination, has been determined. The structure is in a conformation that excludes NADPH binding and indicates that a domain reorientation facilitated by Trx binding precedes NADPH binding in the reaction mechanism. Thioredoxins (Trxs) are protein disulfide reductases that regulate the intracellular redox environment and are important for seed germination in plants. Trxs are in turn regulated by NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductases (NTRs), which provide reducing equivalents to Trx using NADPH to recycle Trxs to the active form. Here, the first crystal structure of a cereal NTR,more » HvNTR2 from Hordeum vulgare (barley), is presented, which is also the first structure of a monocot plant NTR. The structure was determined at 2.6 Å resolution and refined to an R{sub cryst} of 19.0% and an R{sub free} of 23.8%. The dimeric protein is structurally similar to the structures of AtNTR-B from Arabidopsis thaliana and other known low-molecular-weight NTRs. However, the relative position of the two NTR cofactor-binding domains, the FAD and the NADPH domains, is not the same. The NADPH domain is rotated by 25° and bent by a 38% closure relative to the FAD domain in comparison with AtNTR-B. The structure may represent an intermediate between the two conformations described previously: the flavin-oxidizing (FO) and the flavin-reducing (FR) conformations. Here, analysis of interdomain contacts as well as phylogenetic studies lead to the proposal of a new reaction scheme in which NTR–Trx interactions mediate the FO to FR transformation.« less

Purification and Characterization of Ferredoxin-Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Reductase from a Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium

PubMed Central

Yoch, Duane C.

1973-01-01

Evidence suggesting that Bacillus polymyxa has an active ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (EC 1.6.99.4) was obtained when NADPH was found to provide reducing power for the nitrogenase of this organism; direct evidence was provided when it was shown that B. polymyxa extracts could substitute for the native ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase in the photochemical reduction of NADP+ by blue-green algal particles. The ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase was purified about 80-fold by a combination of high-speed centrifugation, ammonium sulfate fractionation, and chromatography on Sephadex G-100 and diethylaminoethyl-cellulose. The molecular weight was estimated by gel filtration to be 60,000. A small amount of the enzyme was further purified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and shown to be a flavoprotein. The reductase was specific for NADPH in the ferredoxin-dependent reduction of cytochrome c and methyl viologen diaphorase reactions; furthermore, NADP+ was the acceptor of preference when the electron donor was photoreduced ferredoxin. The reductase also has an irreversible NADPH-NAD+ transhydrogenase (reduced-NADP:NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.1.1) activity, the rate of which was proportional to the concentration of NAD (Km = 5.0 × 10−3M). The reductase catalyzed electron transfer from NADPH not only to B. polymyxa ferredoxin but also to the ferredoxins of Clostridium pasteurianum, Azotobacter vinelandii, and spinach chloroplasts, although less effectively. Rubredoxin from Clostridium acidi-urici and azotoflavin from A. vinelandii also accept electrons from the B. polymyxa reductase. The pH optima for the various reactions catalyzed by the B. polymyxa ferredoxin-NADP reductase are similar to those of the chloroplast reductase. NAD and acetyl-coenzyme A, which obligatorily activate NADPH- and NADH-ferredoxin reductases, respectively, in Clostridium kluyveri, have no effect on B. polymyxa reductase. PMID:4147648

Regulation of Selenoproteins and Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases A and B1 by Age, Calorie Restriction, and Dietary Selenium in Mice

PubMed Central

Novoselov, Sergey V.; Kim, Hwa-Young; Hua, Deame; Lee, Byung Cheon; Astle, Clinton M.; Harrison, David E.; Friguet, Bertrand; Moustafa, Mohamed E.; Carlson, Bradley A.; Hatfield, Dolph L.

2010-01-01

Abstract Methionine residues are susceptible to oxidation, but this damage may be reversed by methionine sulfoxide reductases MsrA and MsrB. Mammals contain one MsrA and three MsrBs, including a selenoprotein MsrB1. Here, we show that MsrB1 is the major methionine sulfoxide reductase in liver of mice and it is among the proteins that are most easily regulated by dietary selenium. MsrB1, but not MsrA activities, were reduced with age, and the selenium regulation of MsrB1 was preserved in the aging liver, suggesting that MsrB1 could account for the impaired methionine sulfoxide reduction in aging animals. We also examined regulation of Msr and selenoprotein expression by a combination of dietary selenium and calorie restriction and found that, under calorie restriction conditions, selenium regulation was preserved. In addition, mice overexpressing a mutant form of selenocysteine tRNA reduced MsrB1 activity to the level observed in selenium deficiency, whereas MsrA activity was elevated in these animals. Finally, we show that selenium regulation in inbred mouse strains is preserved in an outbred aging model. Taken together, these findings better define dietary regulation of methionine sulfoxide reduction and selenoprotein expression in mice with regard to age, calorie restriction, dietary Se, and a combination of these factors. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 12, 829–838. PMID:19769460

Aldo-keto Reductase 1B15 (AKR1B15)

PubMed Central

Weber, Susanne; Salabei, Joshua K.; Möller, Gabriele; Kremmer, Elisabeth; Bhatnagar, Aruni; Adamski, Jerzy; Barski, Oleg A.

2015-01-01

Aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) comprise a superfamily of proteins involved in the reduction and oxidation of biogenic and xenobiotic carbonyls. In humans, at least 15 AKR superfamily members have been identified so far. One of these is a newly identified gene locus, AKR1B15, which clusters on chromosome 7 with the other human AKR1B subfamily members (i.e. AKR1B1 and AKR1B10). We show that alternative splicing of the AKR1B15 gene transcript gives rise to two protein isoforms with different N termini: AKR1B15.1 is a 316-amino acid protein with 91% amino acid identity to AKR1B10; AKR1B15.2 has a prolonged N terminus and consists of 344 amino acid residues. The two gene products differ in their expression level, subcellular localization, and activity. In contrast with other AKR enzymes, which are mostly cytosolic, AKR1B15.1 co-localizes with the mitochondria. Kinetic studies show that AKR1B15.1 is predominantly a reductive enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of androgens and estrogens with high positional selectivity (17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity) as well as 3-keto-acyl-CoA conjugates and exhibits strong cofactor selectivity toward NADP(H). In accordance with its substrate spectrum, the enzyme is expressed at the highest levels in steroid-sensitive tissues, namely placenta, testis, and adipose tissue. Placental and adipose expression could be reproduced in the BeWo and SGBS cell lines, respectively. In contrast, AKR1B15.2 localizes to the cytosol and displays no enzymatic activity with the substrates tested. Collectively, these results demonstrate the existence of a novel catalytically active AKR, which is associated with mitochondria and expressed mainly in steroid-sensitive tissues. PMID:25577493

Plasma homocysteine and vitamin B12 serum levels, red blood cell folate concentrations, C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation and risk of recurrent miscarriage: a case-control study in Spain.

PubMed

Creus, Montserrat; Deulofeu, Ramon; Peñarrubia, Joana; Carmona, Francisco; Balasch, Juan

2013-03-01

Hyperhomocysteinemia and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation have been postulated as a possible cause of recurrent miscarriage (RM). There is a wide variation in the prevalence of MTHFR polymorphisms and homocysteine (Hcy) plasma levels among populations around the world. The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible association between hyperhomocysteinemia and its causative genetic or acquired factors and RM in Catalonia, a Mediterranean region in Spain. Sixty consecutive patients with ≥ 3 unexplained RM and 30 healthy control women having at least one child but no previous miscarriage were included. Plasma Hcy levels, MTHFR gene mutation, red blood cell (RBC) folate and vitamin B12 serum levels were measured in all subjects. No significant differences were observed neither in plasma Hcy levels, RBC folate and vitamin B12 serum levels nor in the prevalence of homozygous and heterozygous MTHFR gene mutation between the two groups studied. In the present study RM is not associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, and/or the MTHFR gene mutation.

Checkpoint-dependent RNR induction promotes fork restart after replicative stress.

PubMed

Morafraile, Esther C; Diffley, John F X; Tercero, José Antonio; Segurado, Mónica

2015-01-20

The checkpoint kinase Rad53 is crucial to regulate DNA replication in the presence of replicative stress. Under conditions that interfere with the progression of replication forks, Rad53 prevents Exo1-dependent fork degradation. However, although EXO1 deletion avoids fork degradation in rad53 mutants, it does not suppress their sensitivity to the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) inhibitor hydroxyurea (HU). In this case, the inability to restart stalled forks is likely to account for the lethality of rad53 mutant cells after replication blocks. Here we show that Rad53 regulates replication restart through the checkpoint-dependent transcriptional response, and more specifically, through RNR induction. Thus, in addition to preventing fork degradation, Rad53 prevents cell death in the presence of HU by regulating RNR-expression and localization. When RNR is induced in the absence of Exo1 and RNR negative regulators, cell viability of rad53 mutants treated with HU is increased and the ability of replication forks to restart after replicative stress is restored.

A newly-detected reductase from Rauvolfia closes a gap in the biosynthesis of the antiarrhythmic alkaloid ajmaline.

PubMed

Gao, Shujuan; von Schumann, Gerald; Stöckigt, Joachim

2002-10-01

A new enzyme, 1,2-dihydrovomilenine reductase (E.C. 1.3.1), has been detected in Rauvolfia cell suspension cultures. The enzyme specifically converts 2beta( R)-1,2-dihydrovomilenine through an NADPH-dependent reaction into 17-O-acetylnorajmaline, a close biosynthetic precursor of the antiarrhythmic alkaloid ajmaline from Rauvolfia. A five-step purification procedure using SOURCE 30Q chromatography, hydroxyapatite chromatography, 2',5'-ADP Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography and ion exchange chromatography on DEAE Sepharose and Mono Q delivered an approximately 200-fold enriched enzyme in a yield of approximately 6%. SDS-PAGE showed an M r for the enzyme of approximately 48 kDa. Optimum pH and optimum temperature of the reductase were at pH 6.0 and 37 degrees C. The enzyme shows a limited distribution in cell cultures expressing ajmaline biosynthesis, and is obviously highly specific for the ajmaline pathway.

The enzymes with benzil reductase activity conserved from bacteria to mammals.

PubMed

Maruyama, Reiji; Nishizawa, Mikio; Itoi, Yasushi; Ito, Seiji; Inoue, Masami

2002-03-28

The diketone compound, benzil is reduced to (S)-benzoin with living Bacillus cereus cells. Recently, we isolated a gene responsible for benzil reduction, and Escherichia coli cells in which this gene was overexpressed transformed benzil to (S)-benzoin. Although this benzil reductase showed high identity to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family, enzymological features were unknown. Here, we demonstrated that many B. cereus strains had benzil reductase activity in vivo, and that the benzil reductases shared 94-100% amino acid identities. Recombinant B. cereus benzil reductase produced optically pure (S)-benzoin with NADPH in vitro, and the ketone group distal to a benzene ring was asymmetrically reduced. B. cereus benzil reductase showed 31% amino acid identity to the yeast open reading frame YIR036C protein and 28-30% to mammalian sepiapterin reductases, sharing the seven residues consensus for the SDR family. We isolated the genes encoding yeast YIR036C protein and gerbil sepiapterin reductase, and both recombinant proteins also reduced benzil to (S)-benzoin in vitro. Green fluorescent protein-tagged B. cereus benzil reductase distributed in the bipolar cytoplasm in B. cereus cells. Asymmetric reduction with B. cereus benzil reductase, yeast YIR036C protein and gerbil sepiapterin reductase will be utilized to produce important chiral compounds.

Adaptation of cytochrome-b5 reductase activity and methaemoglobinaemia in areas with a high nitrate concentration in drinking-water.

PubMed Central

Gupta, S. K.; Gupta, R. C.; Seth, A. K.; Gupta, A. B.; Bassin, J. K.; Gupta, A.

1999-01-01

An epidemiological investigation was undertaken in India to assess the prevalence of methaemoglobinaemia in areas with high nitrate concentration in drinking-water and the possible association with an adaptation of cytochrome-b5 reductase. Five areas were selected, with average nitrate ion concentrations in drinking-water of 26, 45, 95, 222 and 459 mg/l. These areas were visited and house schedules were prepared in accordance with a statistically designed protocol. A sample of 10% of the total population was selected in each of the areas, matched for age and weight, giving a total of 178 persons in five age groups. For each subject, a detailed history was documented, a medical examination was conducted and blood samples were taken to determine methaemoglobin level and cytochrome-b5 reductase activity. Collected data were subjected to statistical analysis to test for a possible relationship between nitrate concentration, cytochrome-b5 reductase activity and methaemoglobinaemia. High nitrate concentrations caused methaemoglobinaemia in infants and adults. The reserve of cytochrome-b5 reductase activity (i.e. the enzyme activity not currently being used, but which is available when needed; for example, under conditions of increased nitrate ingestion) and its adaptation with increasing water nitrate concentration to reduce methaemoglobin were more pronounced in children and adolescents. PMID:10534899

NADPH-dependent coenzyme Q reductase is the main enzyme responsible for the reduction of non-mitochondrial CoQ in cells.

PubMed

Takahashi, Takayuki; Okuno, Masaaki; Okamoto, Tadashi; Kishi, Takeo

2008-01-01

We purified an NADPH-dependent coenzyme Q reductase (NADPH-CoQ reductase) in rat liver cytosol and compared its enzymatic properties with those of the other CoQ10 reductases such as NADPH: quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), lipoamide dehydrogenase, thioredoxine reductase and glutathione reductase. NADPH-CoQ reductase was the only enzyme that preferred NADPH to NADH as an electron donor and was also different from the other CoQ10 reductases in the sensitivities to its inhibitors and stimulators. Especially, Zn2+ was the most powerful inhibitor for NADPH-CoQ reductase, but CoQ10 reduction by the other CoQ10 reductases could not be inhibited by Zn2+. Furthermore, the reduction of the CoQ9 incorporated into HeLa cells was also inhibited by Zn2+ in the presence of pyrithione, a zinc ionophore. Moreover, NQO1 gene silencing in HeLa cells by transfection of a small interfering RNA resulted in lowering of both the NQO1 protein level and the NQO1 activity by about 75%. However, this transfection did not affect the NADPH-CoQ reductase activity and the reduction of CoQ9 incorporated into the cells. These results suggest that the NADPH-CoQ reductase located in cytosol may be the main enzyme responsible for the reduction of non-mitochondrial CoQ in cells.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and transcobalamin genetic polymorphisms in human spontaneous abortion: biological and clinical implications

PubMed Central

Zetterberg, Henrik

2004-01-01

The pathogenesis of human spontaneous abortion involves a complex interaction of several genetic and environmental factors. The firm association between increased homocysteine concentration and neural tube defects (NTD) has led to the hypothesis that high concentrations of homocysteine might be embryotoxic and lead to decreased fetal viability. There are several genetic polymorphisms that are associated with defects in folate- and vitamin B12-dependent homocysteine metabolism. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T and 1298A>C polymorphisms cause elevated homocysteine concentration and are associated with an increased risk of NTD. Additionally, low concentration of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) or transcobalamin that delivers vitamin B12 to the cells of the body leads to hyperhomocysteinemia and is associated with NTD. This effect involves the transcobalamin (TC) 776C>G polymorphism. Importantly, the biochemical consequences of these polymorphisms can be modified by folate and vitamin B12 supplementation. In this review, I focus on recent studies on the role of hyperhomocysteinemia-associated polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of human spontaneous abortion and discuss the possibility that periconceptional supplementation with folate and vitamin B12 might lower the incidence of miscarriage in women planning a pregnancy. PMID:14969589

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and transcobalamin genetic polymorphisms in human spontaneous abortion: biological and clinical implications.

PubMed

Zetterberg, Henrik

2004-02-17

The pathogenesis of human spontaneous abortion involves a complex interaction of several genetic and environmental factors. The firm association between increased homocysteine concentration and neural tube defects (NTD) has led to the hypothesis that high concentrations of homocysteine might be embryotoxic and lead to decreased fetal viability. There are several genetic polymorphisms that are associated with defects in folate- and vitamin B12-dependent homocysteine metabolism. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T and 1298A>C polymorphisms cause elevated homocysteine concentration and are associated with an increased risk of NTD. Additionally, low concentration of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) or transcobalamin that delivers vitamin B12 to the cells of the body leads to hyperhomocysteinemia and is associated with NTD. This effect involves the transcobalamin (TC) 776C>G polymorphism. Importantly, the biochemical consequences of these polymorphisms can be modified by folate and vitamin B12 supplementation. In this review, I focus on recent studies on the role of hyperhomocysteinemia-associated polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of human spontaneous abortion and discuss the possibility that periconceptional supplementation with folate and vitamin B12 might lower the incidence of miscarriage in women planning a pregnancy.

Structural Basis of Multifunctionality in a Vitamin B[subscript 12]-processing Enzyme

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koutmos, Markos; Gherasim, Carmen; Smith, Janet L.

An early step in the intracellular processing of vitamin B{sub 12} involves CblC, which exhibits dual reactivity, catalyzing the reductive decyanation of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B{sub 12}), and the dealkylation of alkylcobalamins (e.g. methylcobalamin; MeCbl). Insights into how the CblC scaffold supports this chemical dichotomy have been unavailable despite it being the most common locus of patient mutations associated with inherited cobalamin disorders that manifest in both severe homocystinuria and methylmalonic aciduria. Herein, we report structures of human CblC, with and without bound MeCbl, which provide novel biochemical insights into its mechanism of action. Our results reveal that CblC is themore » most divergent member of the NADPH-dependent flavin reductase family and can use FMN or FAD as a prosthetic group to catalyze reductive decyanation. Furthermore, CblC is the first example of an enzyme with glutathione transferase activity that has a sequence and structure unrelated to the GST superfamily. CblC thus represents an example of evolutionary adaptation of a common structural platform to perform diverse chemistries. The CblC structure allows us to rationalize the biochemical basis of a number of pathological mutations associated with severe clinical phenotypes.« less

Ebselen: A thioredoxin reductase-dependent catalyst for {alpha}-tocopherol quinone reduction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fang Jianguo; Zhong Liangwei; Zhao Rong

2005-09-01

The thioredoxin system, composed of thioredoxin (Trx), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and NADPH, is a powerful protein disulfide reductase system with a broad substrate specificity. Recently the selenazol drug ebselen was shown to be a substrate for both mammalian TrxR and Trx. We examined if {alpha}-tocopherol quinone (TQ), a product of {alpha}-tocopherol oxidation, is reduced by ebselen in the presence of TrxR, since TQ was not a substrate for the enzyme itself. Ebselen reduction of TQ in the presence of TrxR was caused by ebselen selenol, generated from fast reduction of ebselen by the enzyme. TQ has no intrinsic antioxidant activity,more » while the product of reduction of TQ, {alpha}-tocopherolhydroquinone (TQH{sub 2}), is a potent antioxidant. The thioredoxin system dependence of ebselen to catalyze reduction of other oxidized species, such as hydrogen peroxide, dehydroascorbate, and peroxynitrite, is discussed. The ability of ebselen to reduce TQ via the thioredoxin system is a novel mechanism to explain the effects of the drug as an antioxidant in vivo.« less

A Novel F420-dependent Thioredoxin Reductase Gated by Low Potential FAD

PubMed Central

Susanti, Dwi; Loganathan, Usha; Mukhopadhyay, Biswarup

2016-01-01

A recent report suggested that the thioredoxin-dependent metabolic regulation, which is widespread in all domains of life, existed in methanogenic archaea about 3.5 billion years ago. We now show that the respective electron delivery enzyme (thioredoxin reductase, TrxR), although structurally similar to flavin-containing NADPH-dependent TrxRs (NTR), lacked an NADPH-binding site and was dependent on reduced coenzyme F420 (F420H2), a stronger reductant with a mid-point redox potential (E′0) of −360 mV; E′0 of NAD(P)H is −320 mV. Because F420 is a deazaflavin, this enzyme was named deazaflavin-dependent flavin-containing thioredoxin reductase (DFTR). It transferred electrons from F420H2 to thioredoxin via protein-bound flavin; Km values for thioredoxin and F420H2 were 6.3 and 28.6 μm, respectively. The E′0 of DFTR-bound flavin was approximately −389 mV, making electron transfer from NAD(P)H or F420H2 to flavin endergonic. However, under high partial pressures of hydrogen prevailing on early Earth and present day deep-sea volcanoes, the potential for the F420/F420H2 pair could be as low as −425 mV, making DFTR efficient. The presence of DFTR exclusively in ancient methanogens and mostly in the early Earth environment of deep-sea volcanoes and DFTR's characteristics suggest that the enzyme developed on early Earth and gave rise to NTR. A phylogenetic analysis revealed six more novel-type TrxR groups and suggested that the broader flavin-containing disulfide oxidoreductase family is more diverse than previously considered. The unprecedented structural similarities between an F420-dependent enzyme (DFTR) and an NADPH-dependent enzyme (NTR) brought new thoughts to investigations on F420 systems involved in microbial pathogenesis and antibiotic production. PMID:27590343

Trichomonas vaginalis: metronidazole and other nitroimidazole drugs are reduced by the flavin enzyme thioredoxin reductase and disrupt the cellular redox system. Implications for nitroimidazole toxicity and resistance.

PubMed

Leitsch, David; Kolarich, Daniel; Binder, Marina; Stadlmann, Johannes; Altmann, Friedrich; Duchêne, Michael

2009-04-01

Infections with the microaerophilic parasite Trichomonas vaginalis are treated with the 5-nitroimidazole drug metronidazole, which is also in use against Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis and microaerophilic/anaerobic bacteria. Here we report that in T. vaginalis the flavin enzyme thioredoxin reductase displays nitroreductase activity with nitroimidazoles, including metronidazole, and with the nitrofuran drug furazolidone. Reactive metabolites of metronidazole and other nitroimidazoles form covalent adducts with several proteins that are known or assumed to be associated with thioredoxin-mediated redox regulation, including thioredoxin reductase itself, ribonucleotide reductase, thioredoxin peroxidase and cytosolic malate dehydrogenase. Disulphide reducing activity of thioredoxin reductase was greatly diminished in extracts of metronidazole-treated cells and intracellular non-protein thiol levels were sharply decreased. We generated a highly metronidazole-resistant cell line that displayed only minimal thioredoxin reductase activity, not due to diminished expression of the enzyme but due to the lack of its FAD cofactor. Reduction of free flavins, readily observed in metronidazole-susceptible cells, was also absent in the resistant cells. On the other hand, iron-depleted T. vaginalis cells, expressing only minimal amounts of PFOR and hydrogenosomal malate dehydrogenase, remained fully susceptible to metronidazole. Thus, taken together, our data suggest a flavin-based mechanism of metronidazole activation and thereby challenge the current model of hydrogenosomal activation of nitroimidazole drugs.

Reductive dehalogenase structure suggests a mechanism for B12-dependent dehalogenation

PubMed Central

Fisher, Karl; Dunstan, Mark S; Collins, Fraser A; Sjuts, Hanno; Levy, Colin; Hay, Sam; Rigby, Stephen EJ; Leys, David

2015-01-01

Organohalide chemistry underpins many industrial and agricultural processes, and a large proportion of environmental pollutants are organohalides1. Nevertheless, organohalide chemistry is not exclusively of anthropogenic origin, with natural abiotic and biological processes contributing to the global halide cycle2–3. Reductive dehalogenases are responsible for biological dehalogenation in organohalide respiring bacteria4–5, with substrates including the notorious polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or dioxins6–7. These proteins form a distinct subfamily of cobalamin (B12) dependent enzymes that are usually membrane-associated and oxygen-sensitive, hindering detailed studies8–12. We report the characterisation of a soluble, oxygen-tolerant reductive dehalogenase and, by combining structure determination with EPR spectroscopy and simulation, show that a direct interaction between the cobalamin cobalt and the substrate halogen underpins catalysis. In contrast to the carbon-Co bond chemistry catalyzed by the other cobalamin-dependent subfamilies13 we propose that reductive dehalogenases achieve reduction of the organohalide substrate via halogen-Co bond formation. This presents a new paradigm in both organohalide and cobalamin (bio)chemistry that will guide future exploitation of these enzymes in bioremediation or biocatalysis. PMID:25327251

The binding sites on human heme oxygenase-1 for cytochrome p450 reductase and biliverdin reductase.

PubMed

Wang, Jinling; de Montellano, Paul R Ortiz

2003-05-30

Human heme oxygenase-1 (hHO-1) catalyzes the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase-dependent oxidation of heme to biliverdin, CO, and free iron. The biliverdin is subsequently reduced to bilirubin by biliverdin reductase. Earlier kinetic studies suggested that biliverdin reductase facilitates the release of biliverdin from hHO-1 (Liu, Y., and Ortiz de Montellano, P. R. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 5297-5307). We have investigated the binding of P450 reductase and biliverdin reductase to truncated, soluble hHO-1 by fluorescence resonance energy transfer and site-specific mutagenesis. P450 reductase and biliverdin reductase bind to truncated hHO-1 with Kd = 0.4 +/- 0.1 and 0.2 +/- 0.1 microm, respectively. FRET experiments indicate that biliverdin reductase and P450 reductase compete for binding to truncated hHO-1. Mutation of surface ionic residues shows that hHO-1 residues Lys18, Lys22, Lys179, Arg183, Arg198, Glu19, Glu127, and Glu190 contribute to the binding of cytochrome P450 reductase. The mutagenesis results and a computational analysis of the protein surfaces partially define the binding site for P450 reductase. An overlapping binding site including Lys18, Lys22, Lys179, Arg183, and Arg185 is similarly defined for biliverdin reductase. These results confirm the binding of biliverdin reductase to hHO-1 and define binding sites of the two reductases.

Human NRDRB1, an alternatively spliced isoform of NADP(H)-dependent retinol dehydrogenase/reductase enhanced enzymatic activity of benzil.

PubMed

Yan, Yinxia; Song, Xuhong; Liu, Gefei; Su, Zhongjing; Du, Yongming; Sui, Xuxia; Chang, Xiaolan; Huang, Dongyang

2012-01-01

Human NRDRB1, a 226 amino acid alternatively spliced isoform of the NADP(H)- dependent retinol dehydrogenase/reductase (NRDR), lacks the complete coding region of exon 3, but preserves all the important functional motifs for NRDR catalytic activity. Nevertheless, its tissue distribution and physiological function remain to be elucidated. Expression of NRDRB1 and NRDR in cells and tissues was analyzed by semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot. NRDRB1 was expressed as a His(6) fusion protein and subjected to kinetics assays. Recombinant NRDRB1 had 1.2 to 8.6 fold higher k(cat)/K(m) values than recombinant NRDR, depending on the substrate. NRDRB1 catalyzed the NADPH-dependent reduction of α-dicarbonyl compounds, such as isatin, 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, and especially benzil. The significantly high catalytic activity and the relatively high expression in human liver of NRDRB1 conferred cellular resistance to benzil-induced cell toxicity and over-expression of NRDRB1 in low expressing Ec109 cells significantly enhanced cell tolerance toward benzil. Based on its substrate specificity, catalytic activity and relatively high expression in human liver tissue, our results suggest that NRDRB1, an alternatively spliced isoform of NRDR in vivo functions better than NRDR as a dicarbonyl reductase for xenobiotics containing reactive carbonyls. Our study is the first reporting this phenomenon of the enzymes involved in biochemical reactions. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Thyroid hormone stimulation of NADPH P450 reductase expression in liver and extrahepatic tissues. Regulation by multiple mechanisms.

PubMed

Ram, P A; Waxman, D J

1992-02-15

The role of thyroid hormone in regulating the expression of the flavoprotein NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase was studied in adult rats. Depletion of circulating thyroid hormone by hypophysectomy, or more selectively, by treatment with the anti-thyroid drug methimazole led to a 75-85% depletion of hepatic microsomal P450 reductase activity and protein in both male and female rats. Thyroxine substantially restored P450 reductase activity at a dose that rendered the thyroid-depleted rats euthyroid. Microsomal P450 reductase activity in several extrahepatic tissues was also dependent on thyroid hormone, but to a lesser extent than in liver (30-50% decrease in kidney, adrenal, lung, and heart but not in testis from hypothyroid rats). Hepatic P450 reductase mRNA levels were also decreased in the hypothyroid state, indicating that the loss of P450 reductase activity is not a consequence of the associated decreased availability of the FMN and FAD cofactors of P450 reductase. Parallel analysis of S14 mRNA, which has been studied extensively as a model thyroid-regulated liver gene product, indicated that P450 reductase and S14 mRNA respond similarly to these changes in thyroid state. In contrast, while the expression of S14 and several other thyroid hormone-dependent hepatic mRNAs is stimulated by feeding a high carbohydrate, fat-free diet, hepatic P450 reductase expression was not increased by this lipogenic diet. Injection of hypothyroid rats with T3 at a supraphysiologic, receptor-saturating dose stimulated a major induction of hepatic P450 reductase mRNA that was detectable 4 h after the T3 injection, and peaked at approximately 650% of euthyroid levels by 12 h. However, this same treatment stimulated a biphasic increase in P450 reductase protein and activity that required 3 days to reach normal euthyroid levels. T3 treatment of euthyroid rats also stimulated a major induction of P450 reductase mRNA that was maximal (12-fold increase) by 12 h, but in this case no major

Modeling the reactions catalyzed by coenzyme B12-dependent enzymes.

PubMed

Sandala, Gregory M; Smith, David M; Radom, Leo

2010-05-18

Enzymes accelerate chemical reactions with an exceptional selectivity that makes life itself possible. Understanding the factors responsible for this efficient catalysis is of utmost importance in our quest to harness the tremendous power of enzymes. Computational chemistry has emerged as an important adjunct to experimental chemistry and biochemistry in this regard, because it provides detailed insights into the relationship between structure and function in a systematic and straightforward manner. In this Account, we highlight our recent high-level theoretical investigations toward this end in studying the radical-based reactions catalyzed by enzymes dependent on coenzyme B(12) (or adenosylcobalamin, AdoCbl). In addition to their fundamental position in biology, the AdoCbl-dependent enzymes represent a valuable framework within which to understand Nature's method of efficiently handling high-energy species to execute very specific reactions. The AdoCbl-mediated reactions are characterized by the interchange of a hydrogen atom and a functional group on adjacent carbon atoms. Our calculations are consistent with the conclusion that the main role of AdoCbl is to provide a source of radicals, thus moving the 1,2-rearrangements onto the radical potential energy surface. Our studies also show that the radical rearrangement step is facilitated by partial proton transfer involving the substrate. Specifically, we observe that the energy requirements for radical rearrangement are reduced dramatically with appropriate partial protonation or partial deprotonation or sometimes (synergistically) both. Such interactions are particularly relevant to enzyme catalysis, because it is likely that the local amino acid environment in the active site of an enzyme can function in this capacity through hydrogen bonding. Finally, our calculations indicate that the intervention of a very stable radical along the reaction pathway may inactivate the enzyme, demonstrating that sustained

Effects of supplementary folic acid and vitamin B(12) on hepatic metabolism of dairy cows according to methionine supply.

PubMed

Preynat, A; Lapierre, H; Thivierge, M C; Palin, M F; Cardinault, N; Matte, J J; Desrochers, A; Girard, C L

2010-05-01

The present experiment was undertaken to study the interactions between dietary supplements of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) and intramuscular injections of folic acid and vitamin B(12), given from 3 wk before calving to 16 wk of lactation, on hepatic metabolism of lactating dairy cows. Sixty multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to 10 blocks of 6 cows each according to their previous milk production. Within each block, 3 cows were fed a diet calculated to supply Met as 1.83% of metabolizable protein, whereas the 3 other cows were fed the same diet supplemented with 18g of RPM calculated to provide Met as 2.23% of metabolizable protein. Within each level of Met, the cows received no vitamin supplement or weekly intramuscular injections of 160mg of folic acid alone or combined with 10mg of vitamin B(12). Liver biopsies were taken at 2, 4, 8, and 16 wk of lactation. Liver concentrations of folates and vitamin B(12) were increased by their respective supplements but this response to vitamin supplements was altered by methionine supply. Concentrations of total lipids and triglycerides increased in livers of cows fed RPM, whereas concentrations of cholesterol ester, cholesterol, diglycerides, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylcholine were not affected. Folic acid, alone or combined with vitamin B(12), tended to increase the ratio of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine. Gene expression of 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase, microsomal transfer protein, and phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase were higher in liver of cows fed RPM supplements. The relative mRNA abundance of 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase were increased by the combined injections of folic acid and vitamin B(12), whereas those of methionine synthase and methionine synthase reductase were not affected by treatments. These results suggest that increasing supply of methyl groups, as preformed labile methyl groups or through

TonB-dependent ligand trapping in the BtuB transporter.

PubMed

Mills, Allan; Le, Hai-Tuong; Duong, Franck

2016-12-01

TonB-dependent transporters are β-barrel outer membrane proteins occluded by a plug domain. Upon ligand binding, these transporters extend a periplasmic motif termed the TonB box. The TonB box permits the recruitment of the inner membrane protein complex TonB-ExbB-ExbD, which drives import of ligands in the cell periplasm. It is unknown precisely how the plug domain is moved aside during transport nor have the intermediate states between TonB recruitment and plug domain movement been characterized biochemically. Here we employ nanodiscs, native gel electrophoresis, and scintillation proximity assays to determine the binding kinetics of vitamin B 12 to BtuB. The results show that ligand-bound BtuB recruits a monomer of TonB (TonB ∆1-31 ), which in turn increases retention of vitamin B 12 within the transporter. The TonB box and the extracellular residue valine 90 that forms part of the vitamin B 12 binding site are essential for this event. These results identify a novel step in the TonB-dependent transport process. They show that TonB binding to BtuB trap the ligand, possibly until the ExbB-ExbD complex is activated or recruited to ensure subsequent transport. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The cryoprotective effects of vitamin B12 supplementation on bovine semen quality.

PubMed

Hu, J-H; Tian, W-Q; Zhao, X-L; Zan, L-S; Xin, Y-P; Li, Q-W

2011-02-01

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin B(12) supplementation on standard bovine semen quality parameters and anti-oxidative enzyme activities. Vitamin B(12) was supplemented at concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 3.75 and 5.0 mg/ml to bovine semen cryoprotective medium. The results indicated that the motility and straight line velocity, curvilinear velocity, mean coefficient, velocity of the average path values of sperm supplemented with 2.50 mg/ml vitamin B(12) were significantly higher than that of other groups (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed for linearity index, lateral head displacement values and the percentage of grade A spermatozoa between the extenders containing 2.50 and 3.75 mg/ml vitamin B(12) (p>0.05). The percentages of acrosome-intact and plasma membrane-intact spermatozoa were significantly improved (p<0.05) by supplementing with 2.50 mg/ml vitamin B(12) . The results of biochemical assay revealed that vitamin B(12) supplementation did not cause significant changes in superoxide dismutase levels compared with control (p>0.05). However, the catalase levels were higher in the treatment supplemented with vitamin B(12) at 2.50 mg/ml, when compared with other groups (p<0.05). The extender supplemented with vitamin B(12) significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase activity compared with the control (p<0.05). The supplementation of 3.75 mg/ml vitamin B(12) caused the highest value of glutathione reductase activity, compared with other groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, the extender supplemented with vitamin B(12) could reduce the oxidative stress provoked by freezing-thawing and improve bovine semen quality. Further studies are required to obtain more concrete results on the determination of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacities of vitamin B(12) in cryopreserved bovine semen. © 2010 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Set2 Methyltransferase Facilitates DNA Replication and Promotes Genotoxic Stress Responses through MBF-Dependent Transcription.

PubMed

Pai, Chen-Chun; Kishkevich, Anastasiya; Deegan, Rachel S; Keszthelyi, Andrea; Folkes, Lisa; Kearsey, Stephen E; De León, Nagore; Soriano, Ignacio; de Bruin, Robertus Antonius Maria; Carr, Antony M; Humphrey, Timothy C

2017-09-12

Chromatin modification through histone H3 lysine 36 methylation by the SETD2 tumor suppressor plays a key role in maintaining genome stability. Here, we describe a role for Set2-dependent H3K36 methylation in facilitating DNA replication and the transcriptional responses to both replication stress and DNA damage through promoting MluI cell-cycle box (MCB) binding factor (MBF)-complex-dependent transcription in fission yeast. Set2 loss leads to reduced MBF-dependent ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) expression, reduced deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) synthesis, altered replication origin firing, and a checkpoint-dependent S-phase delay. Accordingly, prolonged S phase in the absence of Set2 is suppressed by increasing dNTP synthesis. Furthermore, H3K36 is di- and tri-methylated at these MBF gene promoters, and Set2 loss leads to reduced MBF binding and transcription in response to genotoxic stress. Together, these findings provide new insights into how H3K36 methylation facilitates DNA replication and promotes genotoxic stress responses in fission yeast. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The steady-state kinetics of the NADH-dependent nitrite reductase from Escherichia coli K 12. Nitrite and hydroxylamine reduction.

PubMed Central

Jackson, R H; Cole, J A; Cornish-Bowden, A

1981-01-01

The reduction of both NO2- and hydroxylamine by the NADH-dependent nitrite reductase of Escherichia coli K 12 (EC 1.6.6.4) appears to follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics over a wide range of NADH concentrations. Substrate inhibition can, however, be detected at low concentrations of the product NAD+. In addition, NAD+ displays mixed product inhibition with respect to NADH and mixed or uncompetitive inhibition with respect to hydroxylamine. These inhibition characteristics are consistent with a mechanism in which hydroxylamine binds during catalysis to a different enzyme form from that generated when NAD+ is released. The apparent maximum velocity with NADH as varied substrate increases as the NAD+ concentration increases from 0.05 to 0.7 mM with 1 mM-NO2- or 100 mM-hydroxylamine as oxidized substrate. This increase is more marked for hydroxylamine reduction than for NO2- reduction. Models incorporating only one binding site for NAD can account for the variation in the Michaelis-Menten parameters for both NADH and hydroxylamine with [NAD+] for hydroxylamine reduction. According to these models, activation of the reaction occurs by reversal of an over-reduction of the enzyme by NADH. If the observed activation of the enzyme by NAD+ derives both from activation of the generation of the enzyme-hydroxylamine complex from the enzyme-NO2- complex during NO2- reduction and from activation of the reduction of the enzyme-hydroxylamine complex to form NH4+, then the variation of Vapp. for NO2- or hydroxylamine with [NAD+] is consistent with the occurrence of the same enzyme-hydroxylamine complex as an intermediate in both reactions. PMID:6279095

Reductive Detoxication of Arylhydroxylamine Carcinogens by Human NADH Cytochrome b5 Reductase and Cytochrome b5

PubMed Central

Kurian, Joseph R.; Chin, Nathaniel A.; Longlais, Brett J.; Hayes, Kristie L.; Trepanier, Lauren A.

2008-01-01

Heterocyclic and aromatic amine carcinogens are thought to lead to tumor initiation via the formation of DNA adducts, and bioactivation to arylhydroxylamine metabolites is necessary for reactivity with DNA. Carcinogenic arylhydroxylamine metabolites are cleared by a microsomal, NADH-dependent, oxygen-insensitive reduction pathway in humans, which may be a source of inter-individual variability in response to aromatic amine carcinogens. The purpose of this study was to characterize the identity of this reduction pathway in human liver. Based on our findings with structurally similar arylhydroxylamine metabolites of therapeutic drugs, we hypothesized that the reductive detoxication of arylhydroxylamine carcinogens was catalyzed by NADH cytochrome b5 reductase (b5R) and cytochrome b5 (cyt b5). We found that reduction of the carcinogenic hydroxylamines of the aromatic amine 4-aminobiphenyl (4-ABP; found in cigarette smoke) and the heterocyclic amine 2- amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b] pyridine (PhIP; found in grilled meats) was indeed catalyzed by a purified system containing only human b5R and cyt b5. Specific activities were 56 to 346-fold higher in the purified system compared to human liver microsomes (HLM), with similar Michaelis-Menten constants (Km values) in both systems. The stoichiometry for b5R and cyt b5 that yielded the highest activity in the purified system was also similar to that found in native HLM (∼1:8 to 1:10). Polyclonal antisera to either b5R or cyt b5 significantly inhibited N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl (NHOH-4-ABP) reduction by 95 and 89%, respectively, and immunoreactive cyt b5 protein content in individual HLM was significantly correlated with individual reduction of both NHOH-4-ABP and N-hydroxy-PhIP (NHOH-PhIP). Finally, titration of HLM into the purified b5R/cyt b5 system did not enhance the efficiency of reduction activity. We conclude that b5R and cyt b5 are together solely capable of the reduction of arylhydroxylamine carcinogens

Overexpression of NADH-dependent fumarate reductase improves D-xylose fermentation in recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Salusjärvi, Laura; Kaunisto, Sanna; Holmström, Sami; Vehkomäki, Maija-Leena; Koivuranta, Kari; Pitkänen, Juha-Pekka; Ruohonen, Laura

2013-12-01

Deviation from optimal levels and ratios of redox cofactors NAD(H) and NADP(H) is common when microbes are metabolically engineered. The resulting redox imbalance often reduces the rate of substrate utilization as well as biomass and product formation. An example is the metabolism of D-xylose by recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains expressing xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase encoding genes from Scheffersomyces stipitis. This pathway requires both NADPH and NAD(+). The effect of overexpressing the glycosomal NADH-dependent fumarate reductase (FRD) of Trypanosoma brucei in D-xylose-utilizing S. cerevisiae alone and together with an endogenous, cytosol directed NADH-kinase (POS5Δ17) was studied as one possible solution to overcome this imbalance. Expression of FRD and FRD + POS5Δ17 resulted in 60 and 23 % increase in ethanol yield, respectively, on D-xylose under anaerobic conditions. At the same time, xylitol yield decreased in the FRD strain suggesting an improvement in redox balance. We show that fumarate reductase of T. brucei can provide an important source of NAD(+) in yeast under anaerobic conditions, and can be useful for metabolic engineering strategies where the redox cofactors need to be balanced. The effects of FRD and NADH-kinase on aerobic and anaerobic D-xylose and D-glucose metabolism are discussed.

HY5 regulates Nitrite Reductase 1 (NIR1) and Ammonium Transporter1;2 (AMT1;2) in Arabidopsis seedlings

PubMed Central

Huang, Lifen; Zhang, Hongcheng; Zhang, Huiyong; Deng, Xing Wang; Wei, Ning

2016-01-01

HY5 (Long Hypocotyles 5) is a key transcription factor in Arabidopsis thaliana that has a pivotal role in seedling development. Soil nitrogen is an essential macronutrient, and its uptake, assimilation and metabolism are influenced by nutrient availability and by lights. To understand the role of HY5 in nitrogen assimilation pathways, we examined the phenotype as well as the expression of selected nitrogen assimilation-related genes in hy5 mutant grown under various nitrogen limiting and nitrogen sufficient conditions, or different light conditions. We report that HY5 positively regulates nitrite reductase gene NIR1 and negatively regulates the ammonium transporter gene AMT1;2 under all nitrogen and light conditions tested, while it affects several other genes in a nitrogen supply-dependent manner. HY5 is not required for light induction of NIR1, AMT1;2 and NIA genes, but it is necessary for high level expression of NIR1 and NIA under optimal nutrient and light conditions. In addition, nitrogen deficiency exacerbates the abnormal root system of hy5. Together, our results suggest that HY5 exhibits the growth-promoting activity only when sufficient nutrients, including lights, are provided, and that HY5 has a complex involvement in nitrogen acquisition and metabolism in Arabidopsis seedlings. PMID:26259199

Divergent prebiotic synthesis of pyrimidine and 8-oxo-purine ribonucleotides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stairs, Shaun; Nikmal, Arif; Bučar, Dejan-Krešimir; Zheng, Shao-Liang; Szostak, Jack W.; Powner, Matthew W.

2017-05-01

Understanding prebiotic nucleotide synthesis is a long standing challenge thought to be essential to elucidating the origins of life on Earth. Recently, remarkable progress has been made, but to date all proposed syntheses account separately for the pyrimidine and purine ribonucleotides; no divergent synthesis from common precursors has been proposed. Moreover, the prebiotic syntheses of pyrimidine and purine nucleotides that have been demonstrated operate under mutually incompatible conditions. Here, we tackle this mutual incompatibility by recognizing that the 8-oxo-purines share an underlying generational parity with the pyrimidine nucleotides. We present a divergent synthesis of pyrimidine and 8-oxo-purine nucleotides starting from a common prebiotic precursor that yields the β-ribo-stereochemistry found in the sugar phosphate backbone of biological nucleic acids. The generational relationship between pyrimidine and 8-oxo-purine nucleotides suggests that 8-oxo-purine ribonucleotides may have played a key role in primordial nucleic acids prior to the emergence of the canonical nucleotides of biology.

A Ferredoxin- and F 420 H 2 -Dependent, Electron-Bifurcating, Heterodisulfide Reductase with Homologs in the Domains Bacteria and Archaea

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yan, Zhen; Wang, Mingyu; Ferry, James G.

Heterodisulfide reductases (Hdr) of the HdrABC class are ancient enzymes and a component of the anaerobic core belonging to the prokaryotic common ancestor. The ancient origin is consistent with the widespread occurrence of genes encoding putative HdrABC homologs in metabolically diverse prokaryotes predicting diverse physiological functions; but, only one HdrABC has been characterized and that was from a narrow metabolic group of obligate CO 2-reducing methanogenic anaerobes (methanogens) from the domainArchaea. Here we report the biochemical characterization of an HdrABC homolog (HdrA2B2C2) from the acetate-utilizing methanogenMethanosarcina acetivoranswith unusual properties structurally and functionally distinct from the only other HdrABC characterized. Homologsmore » of the HdrA2B2C2 archetype are present in phylogenetically and metabolically diverse species from the domainsBacteriaandArchaea. The expression of the individual HdrA2, HdrB2, and HdrB2C2 enzymes inEscherichia coli, and reconstitution of an active HdrA2B2C2 complex, revealed an intersubunit electron transport pathway dependent on ferredoxin or coenzyme F 420(F 420H 2) as an electron donor. Remarkably, HdrA2B2C2 couples the previously unknown endergonic oxidation of F 420H 2and reduction of ferredoxin with the exergonic oxidation of F 420H 2and reduction of the heterodisulfide of coenzyme M and coenzyme B (CoMS-SCoB). The unique electron bifurcation predicts a role for HdrA2B2C2 in Fe(III)-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (ANME) byM. acetivoransand uncultured species from ANME environments. HdrA2B2C2, ubiquitous in acetotrophic methanogens, was shown to participate in electron transfer during acetotrophic growth ofM. acetivoransand proposed to be essential for growth in the environment when acetate is limiting.IMPORTANCEDiscovery of the archetype HdrA2B2C2 heterodisulfide reductase with categorically unique properties extends the understanding of this ancient family beyond CO 2-reducing

A Ferredoxin- and F 420 H 2 -Dependent, Electron-Bifurcating, Heterodisulfide Reductase with Homologs in the Domains Bacteria and Archaea

DOE PAGES

Yan, Zhen; Wang, Mingyu; Ferry, James G.; ...

2017-02-07

Heterodisulfide reductases (Hdr) of the HdrABC class are ancient enzymes and a component of the anaerobic core belonging to the prokaryotic common ancestor. The ancient origin is consistent with the widespread occurrence of genes encoding putative HdrABC homologs in metabolically diverse prokaryotes predicting diverse physiological functions; but, only one HdrABC has been characterized and that was from a narrow metabolic group of obligate CO 2-reducing methanogenic anaerobes (methanogens) from the domainArchaea. Here we report the biochemical characterization of an HdrABC homolog (HdrA2B2C2) from the acetate-utilizing methanogenMethanosarcina acetivoranswith unusual properties structurally and functionally distinct from the only other HdrABC characterized. Homologsmore » of the HdrA2B2C2 archetype are present in phylogenetically and metabolically diverse species from the domainsBacteriaandArchaea. The expression of the individual HdrA2, HdrB2, and HdrB2C2 enzymes inEscherichia coli, and reconstitution of an active HdrA2B2C2 complex, revealed an intersubunit electron transport pathway dependent on ferredoxin or coenzyme F 420(F 420H 2) as an electron donor. Remarkably, HdrA2B2C2 couples the previously unknown endergonic oxidation of F 420H 2and reduction of ferredoxin with the exergonic oxidation of F 420H 2and reduction of the heterodisulfide of coenzyme M and coenzyme B (CoMS-SCoB). The unique electron bifurcation predicts a role for HdrA2B2C2 in Fe(III)-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (ANME) byM. acetivoransand uncultured species from ANME environments. HdrA2B2C2, ubiquitous in acetotrophic methanogens, was shown to participate in electron transfer during acetotrophic growth ofM. acetivoransand proposed to be essential for growth in the environment when acetate is limiting.IMPORTANCEDiscovery of the archetype HdrA2B2C2 heterodisulfide reductase with categorically unique properties extends the understanding of this ancient family beyond CO 2-reducing

A Ferredoxin- and F420H2-Dependent, Electron-Bifurcating, Heterodisulfide Reductase with Homologs in the Domains Bacteria and Archaea.

PubMed

Yan, Zhen; Wang, Mingyu; Ferry, James G

2017-02-07

Heterodisulfide reductases (Hdr) of the HdrABC class are ancient enzymes and a component of the anaerobic core belonging to the prokaryotic common ancestor. The ancient origin is consistent with the widespread occurrence of genes encoding putative HdrABC homologs in metabolically diverse prokaryotes predicting diverse physiological functions; however, only one HdrABC has been characterized and that was from a narrow metabolic group of obligate CO 2 -reducing methanogenic anaerobes (methanogens) from the domain Archaea Here we report the biochemical characterization of an HdrABC homolog (HdrA2B2C2) from the acetate-utilizing methanogen Methanosarcina acetivorans with unusual properties structurally and functionally distinct from the only other HdrABC characterized. Homologs of the HdrA2B2C2 archetype are present in phylogenetically and metabolically diverse species from the domains Bacteria and Archaea The expression of the individual HdrA2, HdrB2, and HdrB2C2 enzymes in Escherichia coli, and reconstitution of an active HdrA2B2C2 complex, revealed an intersubunit electron transport pathway dependent on ferredoxin or coenzyme F 420 (F 420 H 2 ) as an electron donor. Remarkably, HdrA2B2C2 couples the previously unknown endergonic oxidation of F 420 H 2 and reduction of ferredoxin with the exergonic oxidation of F 420 H 2 and reduction of the heterodisulfide of coenzyme M and coenzyme B (CoMS-SCoB). The unique electron bifurcation predicts a role for HdrA2B2C2 in Fe(III)-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (ANME) by M. acetivorans and uncultured species from ANME environments. HdrA2B2C2, ubiquitous in acetotrophic methanogens, was shown to participate in electron transfer during acetotrophic growth of M. acetivorans and proposed to be essential for growth in the environment when acetate is limiting. Discovery of the archetype HdrA2B2C2 heterodisulfide reductase with categorically unique properties extends the understanding of this ancient family beyond CO 2

Temperature-Dependent Function of the Glutamine Phosphoribosylpyrophosphate Amidotransferase Ammonia Channel and Coupling with Glycinamide Ribonucleotide Synthetase in a Hyperthermophile†

PubMed Central

Bera, Aloke Kumar; Chen, Sihong; Smith, Janet L.; Zalkin, Howard

2000-01-01

Genes encoding glutamine phosphoribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase (GPAT) and glycinamide ribonucleotide synthetase (GARS) from Aquifex aeolicus were expressed in Escherichia coli, and the enzymes were purified to near homogeneity. Both enzymes were maximally active at a temperature of at least 90°C, with half-lives of 65 min for GPAT and 60 h for GARS at 80°C. GPAT activity is known to depend upon channeling of NH3 from a site in an N-terminal glutaminase domain to a distal phosphoribosylpyrophosphate site in a C-terminal domain where synthesis of phosphoribosylamine (PRA) takes place. The efficiency of channeling of NH3 for synthesis of PRA was found to increase from 34% at 37°C to a maximum of 84% at 80°C. The mechanism for transfer of PRA to GARS is not established, but diffusion between enzymes as a free intermediate appears unlikely based on a calculated PRA half-life of approximately 0.6 s at 90°C. Evidence was obtained for coupling between GPAT and GARS for PRA transfer. The coupling was temperature dependent, exhibiting a transition between 37 and 50°C, and remained relatively constant up to 90°C. The calculated PRA chemical half-life, however, decreased by a factor of 20 over this temperature range. These results provide evidence that coupling involves direct PRA transfer through GPAT-GARS interaction rather than free diffusion. PMID:10850988

Temperature-dependent function of the glutamine phosphoribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase ammonia channel and coupling with glycinamide ribonucleotide synthetase in a hyperthermophile.

PubMed

Bera, A K; Chen, S; Smith, J L; Zalkin, H

2000-07-01

Genes encoding glutamine phosphoribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase (GPAT) and glycinamide ribonucleotide synthetase (GARS) from Aquifex aeolicus were expressed in Escherichia coli, and the enzymes were purified to near homogeneity. Both enzymes were maximally active at a temperature of at least 90 degrees C, with half-lives of 65 min for GPAT and 60 h for GARS at 80 degrees C. GPAT activity is known to depend upon channeling of NH(3) from a site in an N-terminal glutaminase domain to a distal phosphoribosylpyrophosphate site in a C-terminal domain where synthesis of phosphoribosylamine (PRA) takes place. The efficiency of channeling of NH(3) for synthesis of PRA was found to increase from 34% at 37 degrees C to a maximum of 84% at 80 degrees C. The mechanism for transfer of PRA to GARS is not established, but diffusion between enzymes as a free intermediate appears unlikely based on a calculated PRA half-life of approximately 0.6 s at 90 degrees C. Evidence was obtained for coupling between GPAT and GARS for PRA transfer. The coupling was temperature dependent, exhibiting a transition between 37 and 50 degrees C, and remained relatively constant up to 90 degrees C. The calculated PRA chemical half-life, however, decreased by a factor of 20 over this temperature range. These results provide evidence that coupling involves direct PRA transfer through GPAT-GARS interaction rather than free diffusion.

Reduction of the degradation activity of umami-enhancing purinic ribonucleotide supplement in miso by the targeted suppression of acid phosphatases in the Aspergillus oryzae starter culture.

PubMed

Marui, Junichiro; Tada, Sawaki; Fukuoka, Mari; Wagu, Yutaka; Shiraishi, Yohei; Kitamoto, Noriyuki; Sugimoto, Tatsuya; Hattori, Ryota; Suzuki, Satoshi; Kusumoto, Ken-Ichi

2013-09-02

Miso (fermented soybean paste) is a traditional Japanese fermented food, and is now used worldwide. The solid-state culture of filamentous fungus, Aspergillus oryzae, grown on rice is known as rice-koji, and is important as a starter for miso fermentation because of its prominent hydrolytic enzyme activities. Recently, commercial miso products have been supplemented with purinic ribonucleotides, such as inosine monophosphate (IMP) and guanine monophosphate, to enhance the characteristic umami taste of glutamate in miso. Because the purinic ribonucleotides are degraded by enzymes such as acid phosphatases in miso, heat inactivation is required prior to the addition of these flavorings. However, heat treatment is a costly process and reduces the quality of miso. Therefore, an approach to lower acid phosphatase activities in koji culture is necessary. Transcriptional analysis using an A. oryzae KBN8048 rice-koji culture showed that eight of the 13 acid phosphatase (aph) genes were significantly down-regulated by the addition of phosphoric acid in the preparation of the culture in a concentration-dependent manner, while aphC expression was markedly up-regulated under the same conditions. The eight down-regulated genes might be under the control of the functional counterpart of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcriptional activator Pho4, which specifically regulates phosphatase genes in response to the ambient phosphate availability. However, the regulatory mechanism of aphC was not clear. The IMP dephosphorylation activities in rice-koji cultures of KBN8048 and the aphC deletion mutant (ΔaphC) were reduced by up to 30% and 70%, respectively, in cultures with phosphoric acid, while protease and amylase activity, which is important for miso fermentation, was minimally affected. The miso products fermented using the rice-koji cultures of KBN8048 and ΔaphC prepared with phosphoric acid had reductions in IMP dephosphorylation activity of 80% and 90%, respectively, without

Evidence That the [beta] Subunit of Chlamydia trachomatis Ribonucleotide Reductase Is Active with the Manganese Ion of Its Manganese(IV)/Iron(III) Cofactor in Site 1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dassama, Laura M.K.; Boal, Amie K.; Krebs, Carsten

2014-10-02

The reaction of a class I ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) begins when a cofactor in the {beta} subunit oxidizes a cysteine residue {approx}35 {angstrom} away in the {alpha} subunit, generating a thiyl radical. In the class Ic enzyme from Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), the cysteine oxidant is the Mn{sup IV} ion of a Mn{sup IV}/Fe{sup III} cluster, which assembles in a reaction between O{sub 2} and the Mn{sup II}/Fe{sup II} complex of {beta}. The heterodinuclear nature of the cofactor raises the question of which site, 1 or 2, contains the Mn{sup IV} ion. Because site 1 is closer to the conserved locationmore » of the cysteine-oxidizing tyrosyl radical of class Ia and Ib RNRs, we suggested that the Mn{sup IV} ion most likely resides in this site (i.e., {sup 1}Mn{sup IV}/{sup 2}Fe{sup III}), but a subsequent computational study favored its occupation of site 2 ({sup 1}Fe{sup III}/{sup 2}Mn{sup IV}). In this work, we have sought to resolve the location of the Mn{sup IV} ion in Ct RNR-{beta} by correlating X-ray crystallographic anomalous scattering intensities with catalytic activity for samples of the protein reconstituted in vitro by two different procedures. In samples containing primarily Mn{sup IV}/Fe{sup III} clusters, Mn preferentially occupies site 1, but some anomalous scattering from site 2 is observed, implying that both {sup 1}Mn{sup II}/{sup 2}Fe{sup II} and {sup 1}Fe{sup II}/{sup 2}Mn{sup II} complexes are competent to react with O{sub 2} to produce the corresponding oxidized states. However, with diminished Mn{sup II} loading in the reconstitution, there is no evidence for Mn occupancy of site 2, and the greater activity of these 'low-Mn' samples on a per-Mn basis implies that the {sup 1}Mn{sup IV}/{sup 2}Fe{sup III}-{beta} is at least the more active of the two oxidized forms and may be the only active form.« less

Reductive dehalogenase structure suggests a mechanism for B12-dependent dehalogenation.

PubMed

Payne, Karl Ap; Quezada, Carolina P; Fisher, Karl; Dunstan, Mark S; Collins, Fraser A; Sjuts, Hanno; Levy, Colin; Hay, Sam; Rigby, Stephen Ej; Leys, David

2015-01-22

Organohalide chemistry underpins many industrial and agricultural processes, and a large proportion of environmental pollutants are organohalides. Nevertheless, organohalide chemistry is not exclusively of anthropogenic origin, with natural abiotic and biological processes contributing to the global halide cycle. Reductive dehalogenases are responsible for biological dehalogenation in organohalide respiring bacteria, with substrates including polychlorinated biphenyls or dioxins. Reductive dehalogenases form a distinct subfamily of cobalamin (B12)-dependent enzymes that are usually membrane associated and oxygen sensitive, hindering detailed studies. Here we report the characterization of a soluble, oxygen-tolerant reductive dehalogenase and, by combining structure determination with EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) spectroscopy and simulation, show that a direct interaction between the cobalamin cobalt and the substrate halogen underpins catalysis. In contrast to the carbon-cobalt bond chemistry catalysed by the other cobalamin-dependent subfamilies, we propose that reductive dehalogenases achieve reduction of the organohalide substrate via halogen-cobalt bond formation. This presents a new model in both organohalide and cobalamin (bio)chemistry that will guide future exploitation of these enzymes in bioremediation or biocatalysis.

Haloarcula marismortui cytochrome b-561 is encoded by the narC gene in the dissimilatory nitrate reductase operon.

PubMed

Yoshimatsu, Katsuhiko; Araya, Osamu; Fujiwara, Taketomo

2007-01-01

The composition of membrane-bound electron-transferring proteins from denitrifying cells of Haloarcula marismortui was compared with that from the aerobic cells. Accompanying nitrate reductase catalytic NarGH subcomplex, cytochrome b-561, cytochrome b-552, and halocyanin-like blue copper protein were induced under denitrifying conditions. Cytochrome b-561 was purified to homogeneity and was shown to be composed of a polypeptide with a molecular mass of 40 kDa. The cytochrome was autooxidizable and its redox potential was -27 mV. The N-terminal sequence of the cytochrome was identical to the deduced amino acid sequence of the narC gene product encoded in the third ORF of the nitrate reductase operon with a unique arrangement of ORFs. The sequence of the cytochrome was homologous with that of the cytochrome b subunit of respiratory cytochrome bc. A possibility that the cytochrome bc and the NarGH constructed a supercomplex was discussed.

Quinone Reductase 2 Is a Catechol Quinone Reductase

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fu, Yue; Buryanovskyy, Leonid; Zhang, Zhongtao

2008-09-05

The functions of quinone reductase 2 have eluded researchers for decades even though a genetic polymorphism is associated with various neurological disorders. Employing enzymatic studies using adrenochrome as a substrate, we show that quinone reductase 2 is specific for the reduction of adrenochrome, whereas quinone reductase 1 shows no activity. We also solved the crystal structure of quinone reductase 2 in complexes with dopamine and adrenochrome, two compounds that are structurally related to catecholamine quinones. Detailed structural analyses delineate the mechanism of quinone reductase 2 specificity toward catechol quinones in comparison with quinone reductase 1; a side-chain rotational difference betweenmore » quinone reductase 1 and quinone reductase 2 of a single residue, phenylalanine 106, determines the specificity of enzymatic activities. These results infer functional differences between two homologous enzymes and indicate that quinone reductase 2 could play important roles in the regulation of catecholamine oxidation processes that may be involved in the etiology of Parkinson disease.« less

[Aldose reductase gene polymorphism and rate of appearance of retinopathy in non insulin dependent diabetics].

PubMed

Olmos, P; Acosta, A M; Schiaffino, R; Díaz, R; Alvarado, D; O'Brien, A; Muñoz, X; Arriagada, P; Claro, J C; Vega, R; Vollrath, V; Velasco, S; Emmerich, M; Maiz, A

1999-04-01

Recent studies suggest that polymorphisms associated to the aldose reductase gene could be related to early retinopathy in noninsulin dependent diabetics (NIDDM). There is also new interest on the genetic modulation of coagulation factors in relation to this complication. To look for a possible relationship between the rate of appearance of retinopathy and the genotype of (AC)n polymorphic marker associated to aldose reductase gene. A random sample of 27 NIDDM, aged 68.1 +/- 10.6 years, with a mean diabetes duration of 20.7 +/- 4.8 years and a mean glycosilated hemoglobin of 10.6 +/- 1.6%, was studied. The genotype of the (AC)n, polymorphic marker associated to the 5' end of the aldose reductase (ALR2) gene was determined by 32P-PCR plus sequenciation. Mutations of the factor XIII-A gene were studied by single stranded conformational polymorphism, sequenciation and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Four patients lacked the (AC)24 and had a higher rate of appearance of retinopathy than patients with the (AC)24 allele (0.0167 and 0.0907 score points per year respectively, p = 0.047). Both groups had similar glycosilated hemoglobin (11.7 +/- 0.2 and 10.5 +/- 1.6% respectively). Factor XIII gene mutations were not related to the rate of appearance of retinopathy. Our data suggest that the absence of the (AC)24 allele of the (AC)n polymorphic marker associated to the 5' end of the aldose reductase gene, is associated to a five fold reduction of retinopathy appearance rate.

Triterpenes and meroterpenes from Ganoderma lucidum with inhibitory activity against HMGs reductase, aldose reductase and α-glucosidase.

PubMed

Chen, Baosong; Tian, Jin; Zhang, Jinjin; Wang, Kai; Liu, Li; Yang, Bo; Bao, Li; Liu, Hongwei

2017-07-01

Seven new compounds including four lanostane triterpenoids, lucidenic acids Q-S (1-3) and methyl ganoderate P (4), and three triterpene-farnesyl hydroquinone conjugates, ganolucinins A-C (5-7), one new natural product ganomycin J (8), and 73 known compounds (9-81) were isolated from fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum. The structures of the compounds 1-8 were determined by spectroscopic methods. Bioactivities of compounds isolated were assayed against HMG-CoA reductase, aldose reductase, α-glucosidase, and PTP1B. Ganolucidic acid η (39), ganoderenic acid K (44), ganomycin J (8), and ganomycin B (61) showed strong inhibitory activity against HMG-CoA reductase with IC 50 of 29.8, 16.5, 30.3 and 14.3μM, respectively. Lucidumol A (67) had relatively good effect against aldose reductase with IC 50 of 19.1μM. Farnesyl hydroquinones ganomycin J (8), ganomycin B (61), ganomycin I (62), and triterpene-farnesyl hydroquinone conjugates ganoleuconin M (76) and ganoleuconin O (79) possessed good inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with IC 50 in the range of 7.8 to 21.5μM. This work provides chemical and biological evidence for the usage of extracts of G. lucidum as herbal medicine and food supplements for the control of hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic symptoms. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Aldo-keto reductase 1B10 promotes development of cisplatin resistance in gastrointestinal cancer cells through down-regulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ-dependent mechanism.

PubMed

Matsunaga, Toshiyuki; Suzuki, Ayaka; Kezuka, Chihiro; Okumura, Naoko; Iguchi, Kazuhiro; Inoue, Ikuo; Soda, Midori; Endo, Satoshi; El-Kabbani, Ossama; Hara, Akira; Ikari, Akira

2016-08-25

Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, CDDP) is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs that are used for treatment of patients with gastrointestinal cancer cells, but its continuous administration often evokes the development of chemoresistance. In this study, we investigated alterations in antioxidant molecules and functions using a newly established CDDP-resistant variant of gastric cancer MKN45 cells, and found that aldo-keto reductase 1B10 (AKR1B10) is significantly up-regulated with acquisition of the CDDP resistance. In the nonresistant MKN45 cells, the sensitivity to cytotoxic effect of CDDP was decreased and increased by overexpression and silencing of AKR1B10, respectively. In addition, the AKR1B10 overexpression markedly suppressed accumulation and cytotoxicity of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal that is produced during lipid peroxidation by CDDP treatment, suggesting that the enzyme acts as a crucial factor for facilitation of the CDDP resistance through inhibiting induction of oxidative stress by the drug. Transient exposure to CDDP and induction of the CDDP resistance decreased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) in MKN45 and colon cancer LoVo cells. Additionally, overexpression of PPARγ in the cells elevated the sensitivity to the CDDP toxicity, which was further augmented by concomitant treatment with a PPARγ ligand rosiglitazone. Intriguingly, overexpression of AKR1B10 in the cells resulted in a decrease in PPARγ expression, which was recovered by addition of an AKR1B10 inhibitor oleanolic acid, inferring that PPARγ is a downstream target of AKR1B10-dependent mechanism underlying the CDDP resistance. Combined treatment with the AKR1B10 inhibitor and PPARγ ligand elevated the CDDP sensitivity, which was almost the same level as that in the parental cells. These results suggest that combined treatment with the AKR1B10 inhibitor and PPARγ ligand is an effective adjuvant therapy for overcoming CDDP resistance of

Structure and biocatalytic scope of thermophilic flavin-dependent halogenase and flavin reductase enzymes.

PubMed

Menon, Binuraj R K; Latham, Jonathan; Dunstan, Mark S; Brandenburger, Eileen; Klemstein, Ulrike; Leys, David; Karthikeyan, Chinnan; Greaney, Michael F; Shepherd, Sarah A; Micklefield, Jason

2016-10-04

Flavin-dependent halogenase (Fl-Hal) enzymes have been shown to halogenate a range of synthetic as well as natural aromatic compounds. The exquisite regioselectively of Fl-Hal enzymes can provide halogenated building blocks which are inaccessible using standard halogenation chemistries. Consequently, Fl-Hal are potentially useful biocatalysts for the chemoenzymatic synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other valuable products, which are derived from haloaromatic precursors. However, the application of Fl-Hal enzymes, in vitro, has been hampered by their poor catalytic activity and lack of stability. To overcome these issues, we identified a thermophilic tryptophan halogenase (Th-Hal), which has significantly improved catalytic activity and stability, compared with other Fl-Hal characterised to date. When used in combination with a thermostable flavin reductase, Th-Hal can efficiently halogenate a number of aromatic substrates. X-ray crystal structures of Th-Hal, and the reductase partner (Th-Fre), provide insights into the factors that contribute to enzyme stability, which could guide the discovery and engineering of more robust and productive halogenase biocatalysts.

Isolation and Characterization of a Soluble NADPH-Dependent Fe(III) Reductase from Geobacter sulfurreducens

PubMed Central

Kaufmann, Franz; Lovley, Derek R.

2001-01-01

NADPH is an intermediate in the oxidation of organic compounds coupled to Fe(III) reduction in Geobacter species, but Fe(III) reduction with NADPH as the electron donor has not been studied in these organisms. Crude extracts of Geobacter sulfurreducens catalyzed the NADPH-dependent reduction of Fe(III)-nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). The responsible enzyme, which was recovered in the soluble protein fraction, was purified to apparent homogeneity in a four-step procedure. Its specific activity for Fe(III) reduction was 65 μmol · min−1 · mg−1. The soluble Fe(III) reductase was specific for NADPH and did not utilize NADH as an electron donor. Although the enzyme reduced several forms of Fe(III), Fe(III)-NTA was the preferred electron acceptor. The protein possessed methyl viologen:NADP+ oxidoreductase activity and catalyzed the reduction of NADP+ with reduced methyl viologen as electron donor at a rate of 385 U/mg. The enzyme consisted of two subunits with molecular masses of 87 and 78 kDa and had a native molecular mass of 320 kDa, as determined by gel filtration. The purified enzyme contained 28.9 mol of Fe, 17.4 mol of acid-labile sulfur, and 0.7 mol of flavin adenine dinucleotide per mol of protein. The genes encoding the two subunits were identified in the complete sequence of the G. sulfurreducens genome from the N-terminal amino acid sequences derived from the subunits of the purified protein. The sequences of the two subunits had about 30% amino acid identity to the respective subunits of the formate dehydrogenase from Moorella thermoacetica, but the soluble Fe(III) reductase did not possess formate dehydrogenase activity. This soluble Fe(III) reductase differs significantly from previously characterized dissimilatory and assimilatory Fe(III) reductases in its molecular composition and cofactor content. PMID:11443080

Cloning, Expression, and Purification of Histidine-Tagged Escherichia coli Dihydrodipicolinate Reductase.

PubMed

Trigoso, Yvonne D; Evans, Russell C; Karsten, William E; Chooback, Lilian

2016-01-01

The enzyme dihydrodipicolinate reductase (DHDPR) is a component of the lysine biosynthetic pathway in bacteria and higher plants. DHDPR catalyzes the NAD(P)H dependent reduction of 2,3-dihydrodipicolinate to the cyclic imine L-2,3,4,5,-tetrahydropicolinic acid. The dapB gene that encodes dihydrodipicolinate reductase has previously been cloned, but the expression of the enzyme is low and the purification is time consuming. Therefore the E. coli dapB gene was cloned into the pET16b vector to improve the protein expression and simplify the purification. The dapB gene sequence was utilized to design forward and reverse oligonucleotide primers that were used to PCR the gene from Escherichia coli genomic DNA. The primers were designed with NdeI or BamHI restriction sites on the 5'and 3' terminus respectively. The PCR product was sequenced to confirm the identity of dapB. The gene was cloned into the expression vector pET16b through NdeI and BamHI restriction endonuclease sites. The resulting plasmid containing dapB was transformed into the bacterial strain BL21 (DE3). The transformed cells were utilized to grow and express the histidine-tagged reductase and the protein was purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. SDS/PAGE gel analysis has shown that the protein was 95% pure and has approximate subunit molecular weight of 28 kDa. The protein purification is completed in one day and 3 liters of culture produced approximately 40-50 mgs of protein, an improvement on the previous protein expression and multistep purification.

1H, 15N and 13C NMR Assignments of Mouse Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase B2

PubMed Central

Breivik, Åshild S.; Aachmann, Finn L.; Sal, Lena S.; Kim, Hwa-Young; Del Conte, Rebecca; Gladyshev, Vadim N.; Dikiy, Alexander

2011-01-01

A recombinant mouse methionine-r-sulfoxide reductase 2 (MsrB2ΔS) isotopically labeled with 15N and 15N/13C was generated. We report here the 1H, 15N and 13C NMR assignments of the reduced form of this protein. PMID:19636904

Human aldo-keto reductases 1B1 and 1B10: a comparative study on their enzyme activity toward electrophilic carbonyl compounds.

PubMed

Shen, Yi; Zhong, Linlin; Johnson, Stephen; Cao, Deliang

2011-05-30

Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B1 (AKR1B1, 1B1 in brief) and aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10, 1B10 in brief) are two proteins with high similarities in their amino acid sequences, stereo structures, and substrate specificity. However, these two proteins exhibit distinct tissue distributions; 1B10 is primarily expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and adrenal gland, whereas 1B1 is ubiquitously present in all tissues/organs, suggesting their difference in biological functions. This study evaluated in parallel the enzyme activity of 1B1 and 1B10 toward alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with cellular and dietary origins, including acrolein, crotonaldehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal, trans-2-hexenal, and trans-2,4-hexadienal. Our results showed that 1B10 had much better enzyme activity and turnover rates toward these chemicals than 1B1. By detecting the enzymatic products using high-performance liquid chromatography, we measured their activity to carbonyl compounds at low concentrations. Our data showed that 1B10 efficiently reduced the tested carbonyl compounds at physiological levels, but 1B1 was less effective. Ectopically expressed 1B10 in 293T cells effectively eliminated 4-hydroxynonenal at 5 μM by reducing to 1,4-dihydroxynonene, whereas endogenously expressed 1B1 did not. The 1B1 and 1B10 both showed enzyme activity to glutathione-conjugated carbonyl compounds, but 1B1 appeared more active in general. Together our data suggests that 1B10 is more effectual in eliminating free electrophilic carbonyl compounds, but 1B1 seems more important in the further detoxification of glutathione-conjugated carbonyl compounds. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A B12-dependent radical SAM enzyme involved in Oxetanocin-A biosynthesis

PubMed Central

Bridwell-Rabb, Jennifer; Zhong, Aoshu; Sun, He G.; Drennan, Catherine L.; Liu, Hung-wen

2017-01-01

Summary Oxetanocin-A (OXT-A, 1) is a potent antitumor, antiviral, and antibacterial compound. Biosynthesis of OXT-A has been linked to a plasmid-borne, Bacillus megaterium gene cluster that contains four genes, oxsA, oxsB, oxrA, and oxrB. Here, we show that the oxsA and oxsB genes are both required for the production of OXT-A. Biochemical analysis of the encoded proteins, a cobalamin (Cbl)-dependent S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) radical enzyme, OxsB, and an HD-domain phosphohydrolase, OxsA, revealed that OXT-A is derived from 2′-deoxyadenosine phosphate in an OxsB-catalyzed ring contraction reaction initiated by H-atom abstraction from C2′. Hence, OxsB represents the first biochemically characterized non-methylating Cbl-dependent AdoMet radical enzyme. X-ray analysis of OxsB reveals the fold of a Cbl-dependent AdoMet radical enzyme for which there are an estimated 7000 members. Overall, this work provides a framework for understanding the interplay of AdoMet and Cbl cofactors and expands the catalytic repertoire of Cbl-dependent AdoMet radical enzymes. PMID:28346939

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 reductase from the green microalga Botryococcus braunii, B race.

PubMed

Tsou, Chung-Yau; Matsunaga, Shigeki; Okada, Shigeru

2018-01-01

The green microalga Botryococcus braunii of the B race accumulates various lipophilic compounds containing a 10,11-oxidosqualene epoxide moiety in addition to large amounts of triterpene hydrocarbons. While 2,3-squalene epoxidases have already been isolated and characterized from the alga, the enzyme that catalyzes the 10,11-epoxidation of squalene has remained elusive. In order to obtain a molecular tool to explore a 10,11-squalene epoxidase, cDNA cloning of an NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) that is required by both squalene epoxidases and cytochrome P450 enzymes was carried out. The isolated cDNA contained an open reading frame (1998 bp) that encoded for a protein with 665 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 71.46 kDa and a theoretical pI of 5.49. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed the presence of conserved motifs, including FMN, FAD, and NADPH binding domains, which are typical of other CPRs and necessary for enzyme activity. By truncation of the N-terminal transmembrane anchor and addition of a 6× His-tag, BbCPR was heterologously produced in Escherichia coli and purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The purified recombinant enzyme showed optimal reducing activity of cytochrome c at around a neutral pH at a temperature range of 30-37°C. For steady state kinetic parameters, the recombinant enzyme had a k m for cytochrome c and NADPH of 11.7±1.6 and 9.4±1.4 μM, and a k cat for cytochrome c and NADPH of 2.78±0.09 and 3.66±0.11 μmol/min/mg protein, respectively. This is the first study to perform the functional characterization of a CPR from eukaryotic microalgae. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of conjugated polyketone reductase C2 (CPR-C2) from Candida parapsilosis IFO 0708.

PubMed

Yamamura, Akihiro; Maruoka, Shintaro; Ohtsuka, Jun; Miyakawa, Takuya; Nagata, Koji; Kataoka, Michihiko; Kitamura, Nahoko; Shimizu, Sakayu; Tanokura, Masaru

2009-11-01

Conjugated polyketone reductase C2 (CPR-C2) from Candida parapsilosis IFO 0708 is a member of the NADPH-dependent aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily and catalyzes the stereospecific reduction of ketopantoyl lactone to d-pantoyl lactone. A diffraction-quality crystal of recombinant CPR-C2 was obtained by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method using PEG 3350 as the precipitant. The crystal diffracted X-rays to 1.7 angstrom resolution on beamline NW12A of the Photon Factory-Advanced Ring (Tsukuba, Japan). The crystal belonged to space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 55.02, b = 68.30, c = 68.93 angstrom. The Matthews coefficient (V(M) = 1.76 angstrom(3) Da(-1)) indicated that the crystal contained one CPR-C2 molecule per asymmetric unit.

ATR inhibition facilitates targeting of leukemia dependence on convergent nucleotide biosynthetic pathways

DOE PAGES

Le, Thuc M.; Poddar, Soumya; Capri, Joseph R.; ...

2017-08-14

It is known that leukemia cells rely on two nucleotide biosynthetic pathways, de novo and salvage, to produce dNTPs for DNA replication. Here, using metabolomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic approaches, we show that inhibition of the replication stress sensing kinase ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) reduces the output of both de novo and salvage pathways by regulating the activity of their respective rate-limiting enzymes, ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) and deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), via distinct molecular mechanisms. Quantification of nucleotide biosynthesis in ATR-inhibited acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells reveals substantial remaining de novo and salvage activities, and could not eliminate the diseasemore » in vivo. However, targeting these remaining activities with RNR and dCK inhibitors triggers lethal replication stress in vitro and long-term disease-free survival in mice with B-ALL, without detectable toxicity. Thus the functional interplay between alternative nucleotide biosynthetic routes and ATR provides therapeutic opportunities in leukemia and potentially other cancers.« less

ATR inhibition facilitates targeting of leukemia dependence on convergent nucleotide biosynthetic pathways

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Le, Thuc M.; Poddar, Soumya; Capri, Joseph R.

It is known that leukemia cells rely on two nucleotide biosynthetic pathways, de novo and salvage, to produce dNTPs for DNA replication. Here, using metabolomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic approaches, we show that inhibition of the replication stress sensing kinase ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) reduces the output of both de novo and salvage pathways by regulating the activity of their respective rate-limiting enzymes, ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) and deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), via distinct molecular mechanisms. Quantification of nucleotide biosynthesis in ATR-inhibited acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells reveals substantial remaining de novo and salvage activities, and could not eliminate the diseasemore » in vivo. However, targeting these remaining activities with RNR and dCK inhibitors triggers lethal replication stress in vitro and long-term disease-free survival in mice with B-ALL, without detectable toxicity. Thus the functional interplay between alternative nucleotide biosynthetic routes and ATR provides therapeutic opportunities in leukemia and potentially other cancers.« less

C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and plasma homocysteine levels among Thai vegans and omnivores.

PubMed

Kajanachumpol, Saowanee; Atamasirikul, Kalayanee; Tantibhedhyangkul, Phieuvit

2013-01-01

Hyperhomocysteinemia among vegetarians and vegans is caused mostly by vitamin B12 deficiency. A C-to-T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene results in a thermolabile MTHFR, which may affect homocysteine (Hcy) levels. The importance of this gene mutation among populations depends on the T allele frequency. Blood Hcy, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin B6, and MTHFR C677T mutation status were determined in 109 vegans and 86 omnivores aged 30 - 50 years. The vegans had significantly higher Hcy levels than the omnivores, geometric means (95 % CI) 19.2 (17.0 - 21.7) µmol/L vs. 8.53 (8.12 - 8.95) µmol/L, p < 0.001. A C-to-T mutation in the vegans increased plasma Hcy, albeit insignificantly; geometric means 18.2 µmol/L, 20.4 µmol/L, and 30.0 µmol/L respectively in CC, CT, and TT MTHFR genotypes. There was also a significant decrease in serum folate; geometric means 12.1 ng/mL, 9.33 ng/mL, and 7.20 ng/mL respectively, in the CC, CT, and TT mutants, p = 0.006, and particularly, in the TT mutant compared with the CC wild type, 7.20 ng/mL vs. 12.1 ng/mL, p = 0.023. These findings were not seen in the omnivores. It was concluded that hyperhomocysteinemia is prevalent among Thai vegans due to vitamin B12 deficiency. C-to-T MTHFR mutation contributes only modestly to the hyperhomocysteinemia.

Solubilization and Resolution of the Membrane-Bound Nitrite Reductase from Paracoccus Halodenitrificans into Nitrite and Nitric Oxide Reductases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grant, Michael A.; Cronin, Sonja E.; Hochstein, Lawrence I.

1984-01-01

Membranes prepared from Paracoccus halodenitrificans reduced nitrite or nitric oxide to nitrous oxide. Extraction of these membranes with the detergent CHAPSO [3-(3-Chlolamidoporopyldimethylammonio)-1-(2- hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate)], followed by ammonium sulfate fractionation of the solubilized proteins, resulted in the separation of nitrite and nitric oxide reductase activities. The fraction containing nitrite reductase activity spectrally resembled a cd-type cytochrome. Several cytochromes were detected in the nitric oxide reductase fraction. Which, if any, of these cytochromes is associated with the reduction of nitric oxide is not clear at this time.

An infant and mother with severe B12 deficiency: vitamin B12 status assessment should be determined in pregnant women with anaemia.

PubMed

Sobczyńska-Malefora, A; Ramachandran, R; Cregeen, D; Green, E; Bennett, P; Harrington, D J; Lemonde, H A

2017-08-01

The vitamin B 12 status of infants depends on maternal B 12 status during pregnancy, and during lactation if breastfed. We present a 9-month-old girl who was admitted to the metabolic unit for assessment of developmental delay. She was exclusively breastfed and the introduction of solids at 5 months was unsuccessful. Investigations revealed pancytopenia, undetectable B 12 and highly elevated methylmalonic acid and homocysteine. Methylmalonic acid and homocysteine normalised following B 12 injections. Marked catch-up of developmental milestones was noted after treatment with B 12 . Investigations of parents showed normal B 12 in the father and combined B 12 and iron deficiency in the mother. Maternal B 12 deficiency, most likely masked by iron deficiency, led to severe B 12 deficiency in the infant. Exclusive breastfeeding and a subsequent failure to wean exacerbated the infant's B 12 deficiency leading to developmental delay. This case highlights the need for development of guidelines for better assessment of B 12 status during pregnancy.

Cloning, Expression, and Purification of Histidine-Tagged Escherichia coli Dihydrodipicolinate Reductase

PubMed Central

Trigoso, Yvonne D.; Evans, Russell C.; Karsten, William E.; Chooback, Lilian

2016-01-01

The enzyme dihydrodipicolinate reductase (DHDPR) is a component of the lysine biosynthetic pathway in bacteria and higher plants. DHDPR catalyzes the NAD(P)H dependent reduction of 2,3-dihydrodipicolinate to the cyclic imine L-2,3,4,5,-tetrahydropicolinic acid. The dapB gene that encodes dihydrodipicolinate reductase has previously been cloned, but the expression of the enzyme is low and the purification is time consuming. Therefore the E. coli dapB gene was cloned into the pET16b vector to improve the protein expression and simplify the purification. The dapB gene sequence was utilized to design forward and reverse oligonucleotide primers that were used to PCR the gene from Escherichia coli genomic DNA. The primers were designed with NdeI or BamHI restriction sites on the 5’and 3’ terminus respectively. The PCR product was sequenced to confirm the identity of dapB. The gene was cloned into the expression vector pET16b through NdeI and BamHI restriction endonuclease sites. The resulting plasmid containing dapB was transformed into the bacterial strain BL21 (DE3). The transformed cells were utilized to grow and express the histidine-tagged reductase and the protein was purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. SDS/PAGE gel analysis has shown that the protein was 95% pure and has approximate subunit molecular weight of 28 kDa. The protein purification is completed in one day and 3 liters of culture produced approximately 40–50 mgs of protein, an improvement on the previous protein expression and multistep purification. PMID:26815040

Identification of the 7-Hydroxymethyl Chlorophyll a Reductase of the Chlorophyll Cycle in Arabidopsis[W

PubMed Central

Meguro, Miki; Ito, Hisashi; Takabayashi, Atsushi; Tanaka, Ryouichi; Tanaka, Ayumi

2011-01-01

The interconversion of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, referred to as the chlorophyll cycle, plays a crucial role in the processes of greening, acclimation to light intensity, and senescence. The chlorophyll cycle consists of three reactions: the conversions of chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b by chlorophyllide a oxygenase, chlorophyll b to 7-hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a by chlorophyll b reductase, and 7-hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a to chlorophyll a by 7-hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a reductase. We identified 7-hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a reductase, which is the last remaining unidentified enzyme of the chlorophyll cycle, from Arabidopsis thaliana by genetic and biochemical methods. Recombinant 7-hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a reductase converted 7-hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a to chlorophyll a using ferredoxin. Both sequence and biochemical analyses showed that 7-hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a reductase contains flavin adenine dinucleotide and an iron-sulfur center. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis elucidated the evolution of 7-hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a reductase from divinyl chlorophyllide vinyl reductase. A mutant lacking 7-hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a reductase was found to accumulate 7-hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a and pheophorbide a. Furthermore, this accumulation of pheophorbide a in the mutant was rescued by the inactivation of the chlorophyll b reductase gene. The downregulation of pheophorbide a oxygenase activity is discussed in relation to 7-hydroxymethyl chlorophyll a accumulation. PMID:21934147

Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of perakine reductase, a new member of the aldo-keto reductase enzyme superfamily from higher plants

PubMed Central

Rosenthal, Cindy; Mueller, Uwe; Panjikar, Santosh; Sun, Lianli; Ruppert, Martin; Zhao, Yu; Stöckigt, Joachim

2006-01-01

Perakine reductase (PR) is a novel member of the aldo-keto reductase enzyme superfamily from higher plants. PR from the plant Rauvolfia serpentina is involved in the biosynthesis of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids by performing NADPH-dependent reduction of perakine, yielding raucaffrinoline. However, PR can also reduce cinnamic aldehyde and some of its derivatives. After heterologous expression of a triple mutant of PR in Escherichia coli, crystals of the purified and methylated enzyme were obtained by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion technique at 293 K with 100 mM sodium citrate pH 5.6 and 27% PEG 4000 as precipitant. Crystals belong to space group C2221 and diffract to 2.0 Å, with unit-cell parameters a = 58.9, b = 93.0, c = 143.4 Å. PMID:17142919

Aldo-Keto Reductases 1B in Endocrinology and Metabolism

PubMed Central

Pastel, Emilie; Pointud, Jean-Christophe; Volat, Fanny; Martinez, Antoine; Lefrançois-Martinez, Anne-Marie

2012-01-01

The aldose reductase (AR; human AKR1B1/mouse Akr1b3) has been the focus of many research because of its role in diabetic complications. The starting point of these alterations is the massive entry of glucose in polyol pathway where it is converted into sorbitol by this enzyme. However, the issue of AR function in non-diabetic condition remains unresolved. AR-like enzymes (AKR1B10, Akr1b7, and Akr1b8) are highly related isoforms often co-expressed with bona fide AR, making functional analysis of one or the other isoform a challenging task. AKR1B/Akr1b members share at least 65% protein identity and the general ability to reduce many redundant substrates such as aldehydes provided from lipid peroxidation, steroids and their by-products, and xenobiotics in vitro. Based on these properties, AKR1B/Akr1b are generally considered as detoxifying enzymes. Considering that divergences should be more informative than similarities to help understanding their physiological functions, we chose to review specific hallmarks of each human/mouse isoforms by focusing on tissue distribution and specific mechanisms of gene regulation. Indeed, although the AR shows ubiquitous expression, AR-like proteins exhibit tissue-specific patterns of expression. We focused on three organs where certain isoforms are enriched, the adrenal gland, enterohepatic, and adipose tissues and tried to connect recent enzymatic and regulation data with endocrine and metabolic functions of these organs. We presented recent mouse models showing unsuspected physiological functions in the regulation of glucido-lipidic metabolism and adipose tissue homeostasis. Beyond the widely accepted idea that AKR1B/Akr1b are detoxification enzymes, these recent reports provide growing evidences that they are able to modify or generate signal molecules. This conceptually shifts this class of enzymes from unenviable status of scavenger to upper class of messengers. PMID:22876234

Plasma Homocysteine, Serum Folic Acid, Serum Vitamin B12, Serum Vitamin B6, MTHFR, and Risk of Normal-Tension Glaucoma.

PubMed

Li, Jinmiao; Xu, Fan; Zeng, Rui; Gong, Haijun; Lan, Yuqing

2016-02-01

This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the association between total homocysteine (tHcy) levels, serum folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 levels, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotype, and risk of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). A systematic search of the EMBASE and PubMed databases was performed to evaluate plasma tHcy levels, serum folic acid, B vitamins' mean difference, and odds ratios of MTHFR C677T genotype between cases and controls. A total of 7 studies including 458 cases and 555 controls meeting the inclusion criteria were involved in this meta-analysis. There were 4 studies for tHcy (149 cases and 148 controls), 2 studies for vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate (90 cases and 82 controls), and 4 studies for MTHFR (343 cases and 449 controls). Overall, the mean plasma tHcy levels, serum folic acids, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 levels were 1.16 μmol/L [95% confidence interval (CI), -0.13, 2.45], -0.62 μmol/L (95% CI, -1.98, 0.74), 5.81 μmol/L (95% CI, -3.53, 15.14), and -16.79 μmol/L (95% CI, -86.09, 52.51). MTHFR TT genotype was found to be unrelated to NTG risk (odds ratio=1.08; 95% CI, 0.69, 1.69). NTG is not associated with elevated plasma tHcy, serum folic acid, serum vitamin B12, serum vitamin B6, and MTHFR C677T genotype.

Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of conjugated polyketone reductase C2 (CPR-C2) from Candida parapsilosis IFO 0708

PubMed Central

Yamamura, Akihiro; Maruoka, Shintaro; Ohtsuka, Jun; Miyakawa, Takuya; Nagata, Koji; Kataoka, Michihiko; Kitamura, Nahoko; Shimizu, Sakayu; Tanokura, Masaru

2009-01-01

Conjugated polyketone reductase C2 (CPR-C2) from Candida parapsilosis IFO 0708 is a member of the NADPH-dependent aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily and catalyzes the stereospecific reduction of ketopantoyl lactone to d-pantoyl lactone. A diffraction-quality crystal of recombinant CPR-C2 was obtained by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method using PEG 3350 as the precipitant. The crystal diffracted X-rays to 1.7 Å resolution on beamline NW12A of the Photon Factory-Advanced Ring (Tsukuba, Japan). The crystal belonged to space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 55.02, b = 68.30, c = 68.93 Å. The Matthews coefficient (V M = 1.76 Å3 Da−1) indicated that the crystal contained one CPR-C2 molecule per asymmetric unit. PMID:19923737

A genetic screen reveals a periplasmic copper chaperone required for nitrite reductase activity in pathogenic Neisseria.

PubMed

Jen, Freda E-C; Djoko, Karrera Y; Bent, Stephen J; Day, Christopher J; McEwan, Alastair G; Jennings, Michael P

2015-09-01

Under conditions of low oxygen availability, Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are able to respire via a partial denitrification pathway in which nitrite is converted to nitrous oxide. In this process, nitrite reductase (AniA), a copper (Cu)-containing protein converts nitrite to NO, and this product is converted to nitrous oxide by nitric oxide reductase (NorB). NorB also confers protection against toxic NO, and so we devised a conditional lethal screen, using a norB mutant, to identify mutants that were resistant to nitrite-dependent killing. After random-deletion mutagenesis of N. meningitidis, this genetic screen identified a gene encoding a Cu chaperone that is essential for AniA function, AccA. Purified AccA binds one Cu (I) ion and also possesses a second binding site for Cu (II). This novel periplasmic Cu chaperone (AccA) appears to be essential for provision of Cu ions to AniA of pathogenic Neisseria to generate an active nitrite reductase. Apart from the Neisseria genus, AccA is distributed across a wide range of environmental Proteobacteria species. © FASEB.

Probing Reversible Chemistry in Coenzyme B12-Dependent Ethanolamine Ammonia Lyase with Kinetic Isotope Effects

PubMed Central

Jones, Alex R; Rentergent, Julius; Scrutton, Nigel S; Hay, Sam

2015-01-01

Coenzyme B12-dependent enzymes such as ethanolamine ammonia lyase have remarkable catalytic power and some unique properties that enable detailed analysis of the reaction chemistry and associated dynamics. By selectively deuterating the substrate (ethanolamine) and/or the β-carbon of the 5′-deoxyadenosyl moiety of the intrinsic coenzyme B12, it was possible to experimentally probe both the forward and reverse hydrogen atom transfers between the 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical and substrate during single-turnover stopped-flow measurements. These data are interpreted within the context of a kinetic model where the 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical intermediate may be quasi-stable and rearrangement of the substrate radical is essentially irreversible. Global fitting of these data allows estimation of the intrinsic rate constants associated with CoC homolysis and initial H-abstraction steps. In contrast to previous stopped-flow studies, the apparent kinetic isotope effects are found to be relatively small. PMID:25950663

H2O2 Production in Species of the Lactobacillus acidophilus Group: a Central Role for a Novel NADH-Dependent Flavin Reductase

PubMed Central

Hertzberger, Rosanne; Arents, Jos; Dekker, Henk L.; Pridmore, R. David; Gysler, Christof; Kleerebezem, Michiel

2014-01-01

Hydrogen peroxide production is a well-known trait of many bacterial species associated with the human body. In the presence of oxygen, the probiotic lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus johnsonii NCC 533 excretes up to 1 mM H2O2, inducing growth stagnation and cell death. Disruption of genes commonly assumed to be involved in H2O2 production (e.g., pyruvate oxidase, NADH oxidase, and lactate oxidase) did not affect this. Here we describe the purification of a novel NADH-dependent flavin reductase encoded by two highly similar genes (LJ_0548 and LJ_0549) that are conserved in lactobacilli belonging to the Lactobacillus acidophilus group. The genes are predicted to encode two 20-kDa proteins containing flavin mononucleotide (FMN) reductase conserved domains. Reductase activity requires FMN, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), or riboflavin and is specific for NADH and not NADPH. The Km for FMN is 30 ± 8 μM, in accordance with its proposed in vivo role in H2O2 production. Deletion of the encoding genes in L. johnsonii led to a 40-fold reduction of hydrogen peroxide formation. H2O2 production in this mutant could only be restored by in trans complementation of both genes. Our work identifies a novel, conserved NADH-dependent flavin reductase that is prominently involved in H2O2 production in L. johnsonii. PMID:24487531

Defective removal of ribonucleotides from DNA promotes systemic autoimmunity

PubMed Central

Günther, Claudia; Kind, Barbara; Reijns, Martin A.M.; Berndt, Nicole; Martinez-Bueno, Manuel; Wolf, Christine; Tüngler, Victoria; Chara, Osvaldo; Lee, Young Ae; Hübner, Norbert; Bicknell, Louise; Blum, Sophia; Krug, Claudia; Schmidt, Franziska; Kretschmer, Stefanie; Koss, Sarah; Astell, Katy R.; Ramantani, Georgia; Bauerfeind, Anja; Morris, David L.; Cunninghame Graham, Deborah S.; Bubeck, Doryen; Leitch, Andrea; Ralston, Stuart H.; Blackburn, Elizabeth A.; Gahr, Manfred; Witte, Torsten; Vyse, Timothy J.; Melchers, Inga; Mangold, Elisabeth; Nöthen, Markus M.; Aringer, Martin; Kuhn, Annegret; Lüthke, Kirsten; Unger, Leonore; Bley, Annette; Lorenzi, Alice; Isaacs, John D.; Alexopoulou, Dimitra; Conrad, Karsten; Dahl, Andreas; Roers, Axel; Alarcon-Riquelme, Marta E.; Jackson, Andrew P.; Lee-Kirsch, Min Ae

2014-01-01

Genome integrity is continuously challenged by the DNA damage that arises during normal cell metabolism. Biallelic mutations in the genes encoding the genome surveillance enzyme ribonuclease H2 (RNase H2) cause Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS), a pediatric disorder that shares features with the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here we determined that heterozygous parents of AGS patients exhibit an intermediate autoimmune phenotype and demonstrated a genetic association between rare RNASEH2 sequence variants and SLE. Evaluation of patient cells revealed that SLE- and AGS-associated mutations impair RNase H2 function and result in accumulation of ribonucleotides in genomic DNA. The ensuing chronic low level of DNA damage triggered a DNA damage response characterized by constitutive p53 phosphorylation and senescence. Patient fibroblasts exhibited constitutive upregulation of IFN-stimulated genes and an enhanced type I IFN response to the immunostimulatory nucleic acid polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid and UV light irradiation, linking RNase H2 deficiency to potentiation of innate immune signaling. Moreover, UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation was markedly enhanced in ribonucleotide-containing DNA, providing a mechanism for photosensitivity in RNase H2–associated SLE. Collectively, our findings implicate RNase H2 in the pathogenesis of SLE and suggest a role of DNA damage–associated pathways in the initiation of autoimmunity. PMID:25500883

Ketopantoyl-lactone reductase from Candida parapsilosis: purification and characterization as a conjugated polyketone reductase.

PubMed

Hata, H; Shimizu, S; Hattori, S; Yamada, H

1989-02-24

Ketopantoyl-lactone reductase (2-dehydropantoyl-lactone reductase, EC 1.1.1.168) was purified and crystallized from cells of Candida parapsilosis IFO 0708. The enzyme was found to be homogeneous on ultracentrifugation, high-performance gel-permeation liquid chromatography and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The relative molecular mass of the native and SDS-treated enzyme is approximately 40,000. The isoelectric point of the enzyme is 6.3. The enzyme was found to catalyze specifically the reduction of a variety of natural and unnatural polyketones and quinones other than ketopantoyl lactone in the presence of NADPH. Isatin and 5-methylisatin are rapidly reduced by the enzyme, the Km and Vmax values for isatin being 14 microM and 306 mumol/min per mg protein, respectively. Ketopantoyl lactone is also a good substrate (Km = 333 microM and Vmax = 481 mumol/min per mg protein). Reverse reaction was not detected with pantoyl lactone and NADP+. The enzyme is inhibited by quercetin, several polyketones and SH-reagents. 3,4-Dihydroxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione, cyclohexenediol-1,2,3,4-tetraone and parabanic acid are uncompetitive inhibitors for the enzyme, the Ki values being 1.4, 0.2 and 3140 microM, respectively, with isatin as substrate. Comparison of the enzyme with the conjugated polyketone reductase of Mucor ambiguus (S. Shimizu, H. Hattori, H. Hata and H. Yamada (1988) Eur. J. Biochem. 174, 37-44) and ketopantoyl-lactone reductase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae suggested that ketopantoyl-lactone reductase is a kind of conjugated polyketone reductase.

Vitamin B12-responsive neuropathies: A case series.

PubMed

Solomon, Lawrence R

2016-05-01

Neuropathies often accompany vitamin B12 deficiency. Since many neuropathies are linked to oxidative stress and since B12 has both antioxidant and neurotrophic properties, B12 may also be effective treatment in non-deficient subjects. Thus, the characteristics and predictors of B12-responsive neuropathies and their relationship to disorders associated with increased oxidative stress (oxidant risks) were examined. Retrospective review of 78 subjects with neurological abnormalities treated with B12 and evaluated by the measurement of B12 and the B12-dependent metabolites, methylmalonic acid (MMA), and homocysteine. Sixty-five subjects had neurological improvement (83%), including 35 with other known causes of neuropathy. Only two responders had B12-responsive macrocytosis. Pretherapy B12, MMA, and homocysteine values were normal in 72, 33 and 54% of responders, with all three normal in 23%. Moreover, B12 therapy did not significantly decrease elevated MMA and homocysteine levels in 20 and 37%, respectively, of responders tested but did decrease both metabolites in 75% of evaluable non-responders. At least one oxidant risk was present in 41 of the 46 responders with normal B12 levels (89%). Oral therapy was effective, but parenteral B12 improved responses in four subjects. B12-responsive neuropathies are thus (1) common even when confounding disorders are present; (2) dissociated from the presence of hematological abnormalities; (3) dissociated from the presence of B12-responsive metabolical abnormalities; and (4) associated with the presence of oxidant risks when B12 levels are normal. Since no predictors of responses to B12 therapy were identified, empiric trials with parenteral B12 should be considered in appropriate subjects.

Retrospective approach to methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutations in children.

PubMed

Özer, Işıl; Özçetin, Mustafa; Karaer, Hatice; Kurt, Semiha G; Şahin, Şemsettin

2011-07-01

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase reduces methyltetrahydrofolate, a cosubstrate in the remethylation of homocysteine, from methylenetetrahydrofolate. Congenital defects, hematologic tumors, and intrauterine growth retardation can occur during childhood. This study evaluated clinical and laboratory treatment approaches in children diagnosed with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutations. Our group included 23 boys and 14 girls, aged 103.4 ± 70.8 months S.D. Clinical findings of patients and homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate, hemogram, electroencephalography, cranial magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography data were evaluated in terms of treatment approach. Our patients' findings included vitamin B12 at 400.4 ± 224.6 pg/mL S.D. (normal range, 300-700 pg/mL), folate at 10.1 ± 4.5 ng/mL S.D. (normal range, 1.8-9 ng/mL), and homocysteine at 8.4 ± 4.7 μmol/L S.D. (normal range, 5.5-17 μmol/L). Eighty-eight percent of patients demonstrated clinical findings. In comparisons involving categorical variables between groups, χ(2) tests were used. No relationship was evident between mutation type, laboratory data, and clinical severity. All mothers who had MTHFR mutations and had babies with sacral dimples had taken folate supplements during pregnancy. To avoid the risk of neural tube defects, pregnant women with a MTHFR mutation may require higher than normally recommended doses of folic acid supplementation for optimum health. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

3,5-Dioxopyrazolidines, Novel Inhibitors of UDP-N- Acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine Reductase (MurB) with Activity against Gram-Positive Bacteria

PubMed Central

Yang, Youjun; Severin, Anatoly; Chopra, Rajiv; Krishnamurthy, Girija; Singh, Guy; Hu, William; Keeney, David; Svenson, Kristine; Petersen, Peter J.; Labthavikul, Pornpen; Shlaes, David M.; Rasmussen, Beth A.; Failli, Amedeo A.; Shumsky, Jay S.; Kutterer, Kristina M. K.; Gilbert, Adam; Mansour, Tarek S.

2006-01-01

A series of 3,5-dioxopyrazolidines was identified as novel inhibitors of UDP-N-acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine reductase (MurB). Compounds 1 to 3, which are 1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,5-dioxopyrazolidine-4-carboxamides, inhibited Escherichia coli MurB, Staphyloccocus aureus MurB, and E. coli MurA with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) in the range of 4.1 to 6.8 μM, 4.3 to 10.3 μM, and 6.8 to 29.4 μM, respectively. Compound 4, a C-4-unsubstituted 1,2-bis(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3,5-dioxopyrazolidine, showed moderate inhibitory activity against E. coli MurB, S. aureus MurB, and E. coli MurC (IC50s, 24.5 to 35 μM). A fluorescence-binding assay indicated tight binding of compound 3 with E. coli MurB, giving a dissociation constant of 260 nM. Structural characterization of E. coli MurB was undertaken, and the crystal structure of a complex with compound 4 was obtained at 2.4 Å resolution. The crystal structure indicated the binding of a compound at the active site of MurB and specific interactions with active-site residues and the bound flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor. Peptidoglycan biosynthesis studies using a strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis revealed reduced peptidoglycan biosynthesis upon incubation with 3,5-dioxopyrazolidines, with IC50s of 0.39 to 11.1 μM. Antibacterial activity was observed for compounds 1 to 3 (MICs, 0.25 to 16 μg/ml) and 4 (MICs, 4 to 8 μg/ml) against gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant S. aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. PMID:16436710

A homogeneous, high-throughput-compatible, fluorescence intensity-based assay for UDP-N-acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine reductase (MurB) with nanomolar product detection.

PubMed

Shapiro, Adam B; Livchak, Stephania; Gao, Ning; Whiteaker, James; Thresher, Jason; Jahić, Haris; Huang, Jian; Gu, Rong-Fang

2012-03-01

A novel assay for the NADPH-dependent bacterial enzyme UDP-N-acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine reductase (MurB) is described that has nanomolar sensitivity for product formation and is suitable for high-throughput applications. MurB catalyzes an essential cytoplasmic step in the synthesis of peptidoglycan for the bacterial cell wall, reduction of UDP-N-acetylenolpyruvylglucosamine to UDP-N-acetylmuramic acid (UNAM). Interruption of this biosynthetic pathway leads to cell death, making MurB an attractive target for antibacterial drug discovery. In the new assay, the UNAM product of the MurB reaction is ligated to L-alanine by the next enzyme in the peptidoglycan biosynthesis pathway, MurC, resulting in hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to adenosine diphosphate (ADP). The ADP is detected with nanomolar sensitivity by converting it to oligomeric RNA with polynucleotide phosphorylase and detecting the oligomeric RNA with a fluorescent dye. The product sensitivity of the new assay is 1000-fold greater than that of the standard assay that follows the absorbance decrease resulting from the conversion of NADPH to NADP(+). This sensitivity allows inhibitor screening to be performed at the low substrate concentrations needed to make the assay sensitive to competitive inhibition of MurB.

The aldo-keto reductase AKR1B7 coexpresses with renin without influencing renin production and secretion.

PubMed

Machura, Katharina; Iankilevitch, Elina; Neubauer, Björn; Theuring, Franz; Kurtz, Armin

2013-03-01

On the basis of evidence that within the adult kidney, the aldo-keto reductase AKR1B7 (aldo-keto reductase family 1, member 7, also known as mouse vas deferens protein, MVDP) is selectively expressed in renin-producing cells, we aimed to define a possible role of AKR1B7 for the regulation and function of renin cells in the kidney. We could confirm colocalization and corecruitment of renin and of AKR1B7 in wild-type kidneys. Renin cells in AKR1B7-deficient kidneys showed normal morphology, numbers, and intrarenal distribution. Plasma renin concentration (PRC) and renin mRNA levels of AKR1B7-deficient mice were normal at standard chow and were lowered by a high-salt diet directly comparable to wild-type mice. Treatment with a low-salt diet in combination with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor strongly increased PRC and renin mRNA in a similar fashion both in AKR1B7-deficient and wild-type mice. Under this condition, we also observed a strong retrograde recruitment of renin-expressing cell along the preglomerular vessels, however, without a difference between AKR1B7-deficient and wild-type mice. The isolated perfused mouse kidney model was used to study the acute regulation of renin secretion by ANG II and by perfusion pressure. Regarding these parameters, no differences were observed between AKR1B7-deficient and wild-type kidneys. In summary, our data suggest that AKR1B7 is not of major relevance for the regulation of renin production and secretion in spite of its striking coregulation with renin expression.

Cytochrome b5 and NADH cytochrome b5 reductase: genotype-phenotype correlations for hydroxylamine reduction.

PubMed

Sacco, James C; Trepanier, Lauren A

2010-01-01

NADH cytochrome b5 reductase (b5R) and cytochrome b5 (b5) catalyze the reduction of sulfamethoxazole hydroxylamine (SMX-HA), which can contribute to sulfonamide hypersensitivity, to the parent drug sulfamethoxazole. Variability in hydroxylamine reduction could thus play a role in adverse drug reactions. The aim of this study was to characterize variability in SMX-HA reduction in 111 human livers, and investigate its association with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in b5 and b5R cDNA. Liver microsomes were assayed for SMX-HA reduction activity, and b5 and b5R expression was semiquantified by immunoblotting. The coding regions of the b5 (CYB5A) and b5R (CYB5R3) genes were resequenced. Hepatic SMX-HA reduction displayed a 19-fold range of individual variability (0.06-1.11 nmol/min/mg protein), and a 17-fold range in efficiency (Vmax/Km) among outliers. SMX-HA reduction was positively correlated with b5 and b5R protein content (P<0.0001, r=0.42; P=0.01, r=0.23, respectively), and expression of both proteins correlated with one another (P<0.0001; r=0.74). A novel cSNP in CYB5A (S5A) was associated with very low activity and protein expression. Two novel CYB5R3 SNPs, R59H and R297H, displayed atypical SMX-HA reduction kinetics and decreased SMX-HA reduction efficiency. These studies indicate that although novel cSNPs in CYB5A and CYB5R3 are associated with significantly altered protein expression and/or hydroxylamine reduction activities, these low-frequency cSNPs seem to only minimally impact overall observed phenotypic variability. Work is underway to characterize polymorphisms in other regions of these genes to further account for individual variability in hydroxylamine reduction.

The importance of folate, vitamins B6 and B12 for the lowering of homocysteine concentrations for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss and MTHFR mutations.

PubMed

Serapinas, Danielius; Boreikaite, Evelina; Bartkeviciute, Agne; Bandzeviciene, Rita; Silkunas, Mindaugas; Bartkeviciene, Daiva

2017-09-01

In patients with MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) mutations and hyperhomocysteinemia, recurrent pregnancy loss is a frequent feature. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 supplementation for the lowering of total homocysteine concentrations and pregnancy. 16 patients who had had 3 or more miscarriages and MTHFR mutations were used in the study. They received methylfolate (5mg/day), vitamin B6 (50mg/day) and vitamin B12 (1mg/week). Supplementation induced a decrease in homocysteine from 19.4±5.3μmol/L to 6.9±2.2μmol/L after folate supplementation (p<0.05). During one year 7 women became pregnant and delivered. Two women delivered from the homozygous C677T mutations group (7 patients) and combined heterozygous C677T/A1298C mutations group (5 patients), while 3 deliveries were in A1298C homozygous mutations group (4 patients). In conclusion, supraphysiologic methylfolate, vitamins B6 and B12 supplementation in woman with MTHFR mutations has a beneficial effect on pregnancy outcome. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Domain Evolution and Functional Diversification of Sulfite Reductases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhillon, Ashita; Goswami, Sulip; Riley, Monica; Teske, Andreas; Sogin, Mitchell

2005-02-01

Sulfite reductases are key enzymes of assimilatory and dissimilatory sulfur metabolism, which occur in diverse bacterial and archaeal lineages. They share a highly conserved domain "C-X5-C-n-C-X3-C" for binding siroheme and iron-sulfur clusters that facilitate electron transfer to the substrate. For each sulfite reductase cluster, the siroheme-binding domain is positioned slightly differently at the N-terminus of dsrA and dsrB, while in the assimilatory proteins the siroheme domain is located at the C-terminus. Our sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the siroheme-binding domain shows that sulfite reductase sequences diverged from a common ancestor into four separate clusters (aSir, alSir, dsr, and asrC) that are biochemically distinct; each serves a different assimilatory or dissimilatory role in sulfur metabolism. The phylogenetic distribution and functional grouping in sulfite reductase clusters (dsrA and dsrB vs. aSiR, asrC, and alSir) suggest that their functional diversification during evolution may have preceded the bacterial/archaeal divergence.

UV-B induction of the E3 ligase ARIADNE12 depends on CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1

PubMed Central

Xie, Lisi; Lang-Mladek, Christina; Richter, Julia; Nigam, Neha; Hauser, Marie-Theres

2015-01-01

The UV-B inducible ARIADNE12 (ARI12) gene of Arabidopsis thaliana is a member of the RING-between-RING (RBR) family of E3 ubiquitin ligases for which a novel ubiquitination mechanism was identified in mammalian homologs. This RING-HECT hybrid mechanism needs a conserved cysteine which is replaced by serine in ARI12 and might affect the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. We have shown that under photomorphogenic UV-B, ARI12 is a downstream target of the classical ultraviolet B (UV-B) UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) pathway. However, under high fluence rate of UV-B ARI12 was induced independently of UVR8 and the UV-A/blue light and red/far-red photoreceptors. A key component of several light signaling pathways is CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1). Upon UV-B COP1 is trapped in the nucleus through interaction with UVR8 permitting the activation of genes that regulate the biosynthesis of UV-B protective metabolites and growth adaptations. To clarify the role of COP1 in the regulation of ARI12 mRNA expression and ARI12 protein stability, localization and interaction with COP1 was assessed with and without UV-B. We found that COP1 controls ARI12 in white light, low and high fluence rate of UV-B. Furthermore we show that ARI12 is indeed an E3 ubiquitin ligase which is mono-ubiquitinated, a prerequisite for the RING-HECT hybrid mechanism. Finally, genetic analyses with transgenes expressing a genomic pmARI12:ARI12-GFP construct confirm the epistatic interaction between COP1 and ARI12 in growth responses to high fluence rate UV-B. PMID:25817546

The endogenous adrenodoxin reductase-like flavoprotein arh1 supports heterologous cytochrome P450-dependent substrate conversions in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

PubMed

Ewen, Kerstin M; Schiffler, Burkhard; Uhlmann-Schiffler, Heike; Bernhardt, Rita; Hannemann, Frank

2008-05-01

Mitochondrial cytochromes P450 are essential for biosynthesis of steroid hormones, vitamin D and bile acids. In mammals, the electrons needed for these reactions are provided via adrenodoxin and adrenodoxin reductase (AdR). Recently, Schizosaccharomyces pombe was introduced as a new host for the functional expression of human mitochondrial steroid hydroxylases without the coexpression of their natural redox partners. This fact qualifies S. pombe for the biotechnological production of steroids and for application as inhibitor test organism of heterologously expressed cytochromes P450. In this paper, we present evidence that the S. pombe ferredoxin reductase, arh1, and ferredoxin, etp1fd provide mammalian class I cytochromes P450 with reduction equivalents. The recombinant reductase showed an unusual weak binding of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which was mastered by modifying the FAD-binding region by site-directed mutagenesis yielding a stable holoprotein. The modified reductase arh1_A18G displayed spectroscopic characteristics similar to AdR and was shown to be capable of accepting electrons with no evident preference for NADH or NADPH, respectively. Arh1_A18G can substitute for AdR by interacting not only with its natural redox partner etp1fd but also with the mammalian homolog adrenodoxin. Cytochrome P450-dependent substrate conversion with all combinations of the mammalian and yeast redox proteins was evaluated in a reconstituted system.

Structural and biochemical characterization of N[superscript 5]-carboxyaminoimidazole ribonucleotide synthetase and N[superscript 5]-carboxyaminoimidazole ribonucleotide mutase from Staphylococcus aureus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brugarolas, Pedro; Duguid, Erica M.; Zhang, Wen

With the rapid rise of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections, new strategies against S. aureus are urgently needed. De novo purine biosynthesis is a promising yet unexploited target, insofar as abundant evidence has shown that bacteria with compromised purine biosynthesis are attenuated. Fundamental differences exist within the process by which humans and bacteria convert 5-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide (AIR) to 4-carboxy-5-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide (CAIR). In bacteria, this transformation occurs through a two-step conversion catalyzed by PurK and PurE; in humans, it is mediated by a one-step conversion catalyzed by class II PurE. Thus, these bacterial enzymes are potential targets for selective antibiotic development. Here,more » the first comprehensive structural and biochemical characterization of PurK and PurE from S. aureus is presented. Structural analysis of S. aureus PurK reveals a nonconserved phenylalanine near the AIR-binding site that occupies the putative position of the imidazole ring of AIR. Mutation of this phenylalanine to isoleucine or tryptophan reduced the enzyme efficiency by around tenfold. The K{sub m} for bicarbonate was determined for the first time for a PurK enzyme and was found to be {approx}18.8 mM. The structure of PurE is described in comparison to that of human class II PurE. It is confirmed biochemically that His38 is essential for function. These studies aim to provide foundations for future structure-based drug-discovery efforts against S. aureus purine biosynthesis.« less

Status of Vitamins B-12 and B-6 but Not of Folate, Homocysteine, and the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphism Are Associated with Impaired Cognition and Depression in Adults123

PubMed Central

Moorthy, Denish; Peter, Inga; Scott, Tammy M.; Parnell, Laurence D.; Lai, Chao-Qiang; Crott, Jimmy W.; Ordovás, José M.; Selhub, Jacob; Griffith, John; Rosenberg, Irwin H.; Tucker, Katherine L.; Troen, Aron M.

2012-01-01

The C677T polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene differs in frequency in various ethnic groups that have differing prevalence of age-related cognitive impairments. We used a series of neuro-psychological tests to examine the association of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism with cognition and depression and also to assess whether genotype modifies the association of folate and homocysteine with these outcomes. This study analyzed pooled cross-sectional data from 2 ethnically diverse cohorts of community-living adults: the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (n = 939) and the Nutrition, Aging, and Memory in Elders study (n = 1017). Individuals in both cohorts underwent anthropometric and laboratory measurements and dietary and health assessments using validated questionnaires between the years 2003 and 2007. Cognitive outcomes included measures of global cognition [Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE)], depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), and 3 factor scores for the domains of attention, executive function, and memory that were derived from a detailed set of neuropsychological tests. Low plasma vitamin B-12 concentrations were associated with poorer MMSE scores and higher depression scores, and low vitamin B-6 concentrations were associated with lower MMSE and worse attention and executive function in the multivariate analysis. In contrast, MTHFR genotype, folate, and homocysteine were not associated with cognition or depression in either ethnicity-pooled or stratified analysis. The current study did not find evidence of an association between the MTHFR C677T TT genotype and impaired cognition or depression in a population with adequate folate status and a high prevalence of cognitive impairment and depression. PMID:22739363

The structure of apo and holo forms of xylose reductase, a dimeric aldo-keto reductase from Candida tenuis.

PubMed

Kavanagh, Kathryn L; Klimacek, Mario; Nidetzky, Bernd; Wilson, David K

2002-07-16

Xylose reductase is a homodimeric oxidoreductase dependent on NADPH or NADH and belongs to the largely monomeric aldo-keto reductase superfamily of proteins. It catalyzes the first step in the assimilation of xylose, an aldose found to be a major constituent monosaccharide of renewable plant hemicellulosic material, into yeast metabolic pathways. It does this by reducing open chain xylose to xylitol, which is reoxidized to xylulose by xylitol dehydrogenase and metabolically integrated via the pentose phosphate pathway. No structure has yet been determined for a xylose reductase, a dimeric aldo-keto reductase or a family 2 aldo-keto reductase. The structures of the Candida tenuis xylose reductase apo- and holoenzyme, which crystallize in spacegroup C2 with different unit cells, have been determined to 2.2 A resolution and an R-factor of 17.9 and 20.8%, respectively. Residues responsible for mediating the novel dimeric interface include Asp-178, Arg-181, Lys-202, Phe-206, Trp-313, and Pro-319. Alignments with other superfamily members indicate that these interactions are conserved in other dimeric xylose reductases but not throughout the remainder of the oligomeric aldo-keto reductases, predicting alternate modes of oligomerization for other families. An arrangement of side chains in a catalytic triad shows that Tyr-52 has a conserved function as a general acid. The loop that folds over the NAD(P)H cosubstrate is disordered in the apo form but becomes ordered upon cosubstrate binding. A slow conformational isomerization of this loop probably accounts for the observed rate-limiting step involving release of cosubstrate. Xylose binding (K(m) = 87 mM) is mediated by interactions with a binding pocket that is more polar than a typical aldo-keto reductase. Modeling of xylose into the active site of the holoenzyme using ordered waters as a guide for sugar hydroxyls suggests a convincing mode of substrate binding.

MITOCHONDRIAL DNA DEPLETION SYNDROME DUE TO MUTATIONS IN THE RRM2B GENE

PubMed Central

Bornstein, Belén; Area, Estela; Flanigan, Kevin M.; Ganesh, Jaya; Jayakar, Parul; Swoboda, Kathryn J.; Coku, Jorida; Naini, Ali; Shanske, Sara; Tanji, Kurenai; Hirano, Michio; DiMauro, Salvatore

2014-01-01

Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDS) is characterized by a reduction in mtDNA copy number and has been associated with mutations in eight nuclear genes, including enzymes involved in mitochondrial nucleotide metabolism (POLG, TK2, DGUOK, SUCLA2, SUCLG1, PEO1) and MPV17. Recently, mutations in The RRM2B gene, encoding the p53-controlled ribonucleotide reductase subunit, have been described in 7 infants from 4 families, who presented with various combinations of hypotonia, tubulopathy, seizures, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and lactic acidosis. All children died before 4 months of age. We sequenced the RRM2B gene in three unrelated cases with unexplained severe mtDNA depletion. The first patient developed intractable diarrhea, profound weakness, respiratory distress, and died at three months. The other two unrelated patients had a much milder phenotype and are still alive at ages 27 and 36 months. All three patients had lactic acidosis and severe depletion of mtDNA in muscle. Muscle histochemistry showed RRF and COX deficiency. Sequencing the RRM2B gene revealed three missense mutations and two single nucleotide deletions in exon 6, 8 and 9, confirming that RRM2B mutations are important causes of MDS and that the clinical phenotype is heterogeneous and not invariably fatal in infancy. PMID:18504129

Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome due to mutations in the RRM2B gene.

PubMed

Bornstein, Belén; Area, Estela; Flanigan, Kevin M; Ganesh, Jaya; Jayakar, Parul; Swoboda, Kathryn J; Coku, Jorida; Naini, Ali; Shanske, Sara; Tanji, Kurenai; Hirano, Michio; DiMauro, Salvatore

2008-06-01

Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDS) is characterized by a reduction in mtDNA copy number and has been associated with mutations in eight nuclear genes, including enzymes involved in mitochondrial nucleotide metabolism (POLG, TK2, DGUOK, SUCLA2, SUCLG1, PEO1) and MPV17. Recently, mutations in the RRM2B gene, encoding the p53-controlled ribonucleotide reductase subunit, have been described in seven infants from four families, who presented with various combinations of hypotonia, tubulopathy, seizures, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and lactic acidosis. All children died before 4 months of age. We sequenced the RRM2B gene in three unrelated cases with unexplained severe mtDNA depletion. The first patient developed intractable diarrhea, profound weakness, respiratory distress, and died at 3 months. The other two unrelated patients had a much milder phenotype and are still alive at ages 27 and 36 months. All three patients had lactic acidosis and severe depletion of mtDNA in muscle. Muscle histochemistry showed RRF and COX deficiency. Sequencing the RRM2B gene revealed three missense mutations and two single nucleotide deletions in exons 6, 8, and 9, confirming that RRM2B mutations are important causes of MDS and that the clinical phenotype is heterogeneous and not invariably fatal in infancy.

Interaction of human biliverdin reductase with Akt/protein kinase B and phosphatidylinositol-dependent kinase 1 regulates glycogen synthase kinase 3 activity: a novel mechanism of Akt activation

PubMed Central

Miralem, Tihomir; Lerner-Marmarosh, Nicole; Gibbs, Peter E. M.; Jenkins, Jermaine L.; Heimiller, Chelsea; Maines, Mahin D.

2016-01-01

., Gibbs, P. E. M., Jenkins, J. L., Heimiller, C., Maines, M. D. Interaction of human biliverdin reductase with Akt/protein kinase B and phosphatidylinositol-dependent kinase 1 regulates glycogen synthase kinase 3 activity: a novel mechanism of Akt activation. PMID:27166089

Interaction of human biliverdin reductase with Akt/protein kinase B and phosphatidylinositol-dependent kinase 1 regulates glycogen synthase kinase 3 activity: a novel mechanism of Akt activation.

PubMed

Miralem, Tihomir; Lerner-Marmarosh, Nicole; Gibbs, Peter E M; Jenkins, Jermaine L; Heimiller, Chelsea; Maines, Mahin D

2016-08-01

-Marmarosh, N., Gibbs, P. E. M., Jenkins, J. L., Heimiller, C., Maines, M. D. Interaction of human biliverdin reductase with Akt/protein kinase B and phosphatidylinositol-dependent kinase 1 regulates glycogen synthase kinase 3 activity: a novel mechanism of Akt activation. © FASEB.

A comparative study on the B12N12, Al12N12, B12P12 and Al12P12 fullerene-like cages.

PubMed

Beheshtian, Javad; Bagheri, Zargham; Kamfiroozi, Mohammad; Ahmadi, Ali

2012-06-01

The stability, geometry and electronic structure of the title nanoclusters were compared by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Their electrical property analysis showed that the relative magnitude of the HOMO-LUMO gaps (eV) that are average values from the calculated results with five different DFT functionals is as follows: B12N12(7:02)>Al12N12(4.09)>B12P12(3.80)>Al12P12(3.39). Computing the standard enthalpy and the Gibbs free energy of formation, it was found that the B(12)N(12) structure is thermodynamically stable at 298 K and 1 atmosphere of pressure, while the Al(12)N(12) structure may be stable at low temperatures. Due to positive values of change of enthalpy and entropy of formation for both the B(12)P(12) and Al(12)P(12) clusters, it seems that their formation from the consisting atoms is not spontaneous at any temperature.

Integron-Associated DfrB4, a Previously Uncharacterized Member of the Trimethoprim-Resistant Dihydrofolate Reductase B Family, Is a Clinically Identified Emergent Source of Antibiotic Resistance.

PubMed

Toulouse, Jacynthe L; Edens, Thaddeus J; Alejaldre, Lorea; Manges, Amee R; Pelletier, Joelle N

2017-05-01

Whole-genome sequencing of trimethoprim-resistant Escherichia coli clinical isolates identified a member of the trimethoprim-resistant type II dihydrofolate reductase gene family ( dfrB ). The dfrB4 gene was located within a class I integron flanked by multiple resistance genes. This arrangement was previously reported in a 130.6-kb multiresistance plasmid. The DfrB4 protein conferred a >2,000-fold increased trimethoprim resistance on overexpression in E. coli Our results are consistent with the finding that dfrB4 contributes to clinical trimethoprim resistance. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Induction of the Nitrate Assimilation nirA Operon and Protein-Protein Interactions in the Maturation of Nitrate and Nitrite Reductases in the Cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120.

PubMed

Frías, José E; Flores, Enrique

2015-07-01

Nitrate is widely used as a nitrogen source by cyanobacteria, in which the nitrate assimilation structural genes frequently constitute the so-called nirA operon. This operon contains the genes encoding nitrite reductase (nirA), a nitrate/nitrite transporter (frequently an ABC-type transporter; nrtABCD), and nitrate reductase (narB). In the model filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, which can fix N2 in specialized cells termed heterocysts, the nirA operon is expressed at high levels only in media containing nitrate or nitrite and lacking ammonium, a preferred nitrogen source. Here we examined the genes downstream of the nirA operon in Anabaena and found that a small open reading frame of unknown function, alr0613, can be cotranscribed with the operon. The next gene in the genome, alr0614 (narM), showed an expression pattern similar to that of the nirA operon, implying correlated expression of narM and the operon. A mutant of narM with an insertion mutation failed to produce nitrate reductase activity, consistent with the idea that NarM is required for the maturation of NarB. Both narM and narB mutants were impaired in the nitrate-dependent induction of the nirA operon, suggesting that nitrite is an inducer of the operon in Anabaena. It has previously been shown that the nitrite reductase protein NirA requires NirB, a protein likely involved in protein-protein interactions, to attain maximum activity. Bacterial two-hybrid analysis confirmed possible NirA-NirB and NarB-NarM interactions, suggesting that the development of both nitrite reductase and nitrate reductase activities in cyanobacteria involves physical interaction of the corresponding enzymes with their cognate partners, NirB and NarM, respectively. Nitrate is an important source of nitrogen for many microorganisms that is utilized through the nitrate assimilation system, which includes nitrate/nitrite membrane transporters and the nitrate and nitrite reductases. Many cyanobacteria

Hyperhomocysteinemia and vitamin B-12 deficiency are more striking in Syrians than in Germans--causes and implications.

PubMed

Herrmann, Wolfgang; Obeid, Rima; Jouma, Muhidien

2003-01-01

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an accepted risk factor for coronary artery disease, but the determining factors are not fully understood. We investigated hyperhomocysteinemia and vitamin deficiency in Syrian coronary patients and apparently healthy Syrian and German controls. We enrolled 273 Syrian patients with angiographically confirmed stenosis, along with 159 Syrian and 75 German controls. Plasma total homocysteine (HCY), cystathionine, methylmalonic acid (MMA), vitamin B-6, B-12, folate, lipids, apolipoproteins and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (C677T-MTHFR) mutation were analysed. There was a very high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (>12 micromol/l) in Syrians (patients 61%, controls 44%, Germans 16%) together with functional vitamin B-12 deficiency diagnosed by elevated MMA (patients 49%, controls 47%, Germans 3%), which was in contrast to the low frequency of decreased serum vitamin B-12 (12% in patients, 7% in Syrian controls). The HCY concentration in German controls was lower than in Syrians, median 8.8 vs. 11.3 micromol/l. The vitamin B-12 deficiency induces folate trapping; higher levels of folate are needed to prevent hyperhomocysteinemia. Germans achieved the HCY level of < or =12 micromol/l at significantly lower folate concentrations > or =4.4 ng/ml, than Syrians with normal MMA (> or =16.7 nmol/l folate) or Syrians with high MMA (> or =23.3 nmol/l folate). Smoking and homozygous state for C677T-MTHFR mutation contributed to hyperhomocysteinemia. We could confirm that the reasons for hyperhomocysteinemia in Syrians were in fact mostly related to a relative folate deficiency, which is due to a vitamin B-12 shortage. Vitamin B-12 deficiency induces folate trapping. Besides lifestyle, other presently unknown factors may contribute to hyperhomocysteinemia and vitamin B-12 deficiency in Syrians.

Differential cytochrome content and reductase activity in Geospirillum barnesii strain SeS3

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stolz, J.F.; Gugliuzza, T.; Switzer, Blum J.; Oremland, R.; Martinez, Murillo F.

1997-01-01

The protein composition, cytochrome content, and reductase activity in the dissimilatory selenate-reducing bacterium Geospirillum barnesii strain SeS3, grown with thiosulfate, nitrate, selenate, or fumarate as the terminal electron acceptor, was investigated. Comparison of seven high-molecular-mass membrane proteins (105.3, 90.3, 82.6, 70.2, 67.4, 61.1, and 57.3 kDa) by SDS-PAGE showed that their detection was dependent on the terminal electron acceptor used. Membrane fractions from cells grown on thiosulfate contained a 70.2-kDa c-type cytochrome with absorbance maxima at 552, 522, and 421 nm. A 61.1-kDa c-type cytochrome with absorption maxima at 552, 523, and 423 nm was seen in membrane fractions from cells grown on nitrate. No c-type cytochromes were detected in membrane fractions of either selenate- or fumarate-grown cells. Difference spectra, however, revealed the presence of a cytochrome b554 (absorption maxima at 554, 523, and 422 nm) in membrane fractions from selenate-grown cells and a cytochrome b556 (absorption maxima at 556, 520, and 416 nm) in membrane fractions from fumarate-grown cells. Analysis of reductase activity in the different membrane fractions showed variability in substrate specificity. However, enzyme activity was greatest for the substrate on which the cells had been grown (e.g., membranes from nitrate-grown cells exhibited the greatest activity with nitrate). These results show that protein composition, cytochrome content, and reductase activity are dependent on the terminal electron acceptor used for growth.

Mössbauer properties of the diferric cluster and the differential iron(II)-binding affinity of the iron sites in protein R2 of class Ia Escherichia coli ribonucleotide reductase: a DFT/electrostatics study.

PubMed

Han, Wen-Ge; Sandala, Gregory M; Giammona, Debra Ann; Bashford, Donald; Noodleman, Louis

2011-11-14

The R2 subunit of class-Ia ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) from Escherichia coli (E. coli) contains a diiron active site. Starting from the apo-protein and Fe(II) in solution at low Fe(II)/apoR2 ratios, mononuclear Fe(II) binding is observed indicating possible different Fe(II) binding affinities for the two alternative sites. Further, based on their Mössbauer spectroscopy and two-iron-isotope reaction experiments, Bollinger et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1997, 119, 5976-5977) proposed that the site Fe1, which bonds to Asp84, should be associated with the higher observed (57)Fe Mössbauer quadrupole splitting (2.41 mm s(-1)) and lower isomer shift (0.45 mm s(-1)) in the Fe(III)Fe(III) state, site Fe2, which is further from Tyr122, should have a greater affinity for Fe(II) binding than site Fe1, and Fe(IV) in the intermediate X state should reside at site Fe2. In this paper, using density functional theory (DFT) incorporated with the conductor-like screening (COSMO) solvation model and with the finite-difference Poisson-Boltzmann self-consistent reaction field (PB-SCRF) methodologies, we have demonstrated that the observed large quadrupole splitting for the diferric state R2 does come from site Fe1(III) and it is mainly caused by the binding position of the carboxylate group of the Asp84 sidechain. Further, a series of active site clusters with mononuclear Fe(II) binding at either site Fe1 or Fe2 have been studied, which show that with a single dielectric medium outside the active site quantum region, there is no energetic preference for Fe(II) binding at one site over another. However, when including the explicit extended protein environment in the PB-SCRF model, the reaction field favors the Fe(II) binding at site Fe2 rather than at site Fe1 by ~9 kcal mol(-1). Therefore our calculations support the proposal of the previous Mössbauer spectroscopy and two-iron-isotope reaction experiments by Bollinger et al.

Crystallization of mitochondrial rhodoquinol-fumarate reductase from the parasitic nematode Ascaris suum with the specific inhibitor flutolanil

PubMed Central

Osanai, Arihiro; Harada, Shigeharu; Sakamoto, Kimitoshi; Shimizu, Hironari; Inaoka, Daniel Ken; Kita, Kiyoshi

2009-01-01

In adult Ascaris suum (roundworm) mitochondrial membrane-bound complex II acts as a rhodoquinol-fumarate reductase, which is the reverse reaction to that of mammalian complex II (succinate-ubiquinone reductase). The adult A. suum rhodoquinol-fumarate reductase was crystallized in the presence of octaethyleneglycol monododecyl ether and n-dodecyl-β-d-maltopyranoside in a 3:2 weight ratio. The crystals belonged to the orthorhombic space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 123.75, b = 129.08, c = 221.12 Å, and diffracted to 2.8 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation. The presence of two molecules in the asymmetric unit (120 kDa × 2) gives a crystal volume per protein mass (V M) of 3.6 Å3 Da−1. PMID:19724139

Aldose reductase inhibitors from the leaves of Myrciaria dubia (H. B. & K.) McVaugh.

PubMed

Ueda, H; Kuroiwa, E; Tachibana, Y; Kawanishi, K; Ayala, F; Moriyasu, M

2004-11-01

Ellagic acid (1) and its two derivatives, 4-O-methylellagic acid (2) and 4-(alpha-rhamnopyranosyl)ellagic acid (3) were isolated as inhibitors of aldose reductase (AR) from Myrciaria dubia (H. B. & K.) McVaugh. Compound 2 was the first isolated from the nature. Compound 3 showed the strongest inhibition against human recombinant AR (HRAR) and rat lens AR (RLAR). Inhibitory activity of compound 3 against HRAR (IC50 value = 4.1 x 10(-8) M) was 60 times more than that of quercetin (2.5 x 10(-6) M). The type of inhibition against HRAR was uncompetitive.

Metabolism of hydroxypyruvate in a mutant of barley lacking NADH-dependent hydroxypyruvate reductase, an important photorespiratory enzyme activity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murray, A.J.S.; Blackwell, R.D.; Lea, P.J.

1989-09-01

A mutant of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), LaPr 88/29, deficient in NADH-dependent hydroxypyruvate reductase (HPR) activity has been isolated. The activities of both NADH (5%) and NADPH-dependent (19%) HPR were severely reduced in this mutant compared to the wild type. Although lacking an enzyme in the main carbon pathway of photorespiration, this mutant was capable of CO{sub 2} fixation rates equivalent to 75% of that of the wild type, in normal atmospheres and 50% O{sub 2}. There also appeared to be little disruption to the photorespiratory metabolism as ammonia release, CO{sub 2} efflux and {sup 14}CO{sub 2} release from L-(U-{supmore » 14}C)serine feeding were similar in both mutant and wild-type leaves. When leaves of LaPr 88/29 were fed either ({sup 14}C)serine or {sup 14}CO{sub 2}, the accumulation of radioactivity was in serine and not in hydroxypyruvate, although the mutant was still able to metabolize over 25% of the supplied ({sup 14}C)serine into sucrose. After 3 hours in air the soluble amino acid pool was almost totally dominated by serine and glycine. LaPr 88/29 has also been used to show that NADH-glyoxylate reductase and NADH-HPR are probably not catalyzed by the same enzyme in barley and that over 80% of the NADPH-dependent HPR activity is due to the NADH-dependent enzyme. We also suggest that the alternative NADPH activity can metabolize a proportion, but not all, of the hydroxypyruvate produced during photorespiration and may thus form a useful backup to the NADH-dependent enzyme under conditions of maximal photorespiration.« less

Ketopantoyl lactone reductase is a conjugated polyketone reductase.

PubMed

Hata, H; Shimizu, S; Hattori, S; Yamada, H

1989-03-01

Ketopantoyl lactone reductase (EC 1.1.1.168) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was found to catalyze the reduction of a variety of natural and unnatural conjugated polyketone compounds and quinones, such as isatin, ninhydrin, camphorquinone and beta-naphthoquinone in the presence of NADPH. 5-Bromoisatin is the best substrate for the enzyme (Km = 3.1 mM; Vmax = 650 mumol/min/mg). The enzyme is inhibited by quercetin, and several polyketones. These results suggest that ketopantoyl lactone reductase is a carbonyl reductase which specifically catalyzes the reduction of conjugated polyketones.

A Ferredoxin- and F420H2-Dependent, Electron-Bifurcating, Heterodisulfide Reductase with Homologs in the Domains Bacteria and Archaea

PubMed Central

Yan, Zhen

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Heterodisulfide reductases (Hdr) of the HdrABC class are ancient enzymes and a component of the anaerobic core belonging to the prokaryotic common ancestor. The ancient origin is consistent with the widespread occurrence of genes encoding putative HdrABC homologs in metabolically diverse prokaryotes predicting diverse physiological functions; however, only one HdrABC has been characterized and that was from a narrow metabolic group of obligate CO2-reducing methanogenic anaerobes (methanogens) from the domain Archaea. Here we report the biochemical characterization of an HdrABC homolog (HdrA2B2C2) from the acetate-utilizing methanogen Methanosarcina acetivorans with unusual properties structurally and functionally distinct from the only other HdrABC characterized. Homologs of the HdrA2B2C2 archetype are present in phylogenetically and metabolically diverse species from the domains Bacteria and Archaea. The expression of the individual HdrA2, HdrB2, and HdrB2C2 enzymes in Escherichia coli, and reconstitution of an active HdrA2B2C2 complex, revealed an intersubunit electron transport pathway dependent on ferredoxin or coenzyme F420 (F420H2) as an electron donor. Remarkably, HdrA2B2C2 couples the previously unknown endergonic oxidation of F420H2 and reduction of ferredoxin with the exergonic oxidation of F420H2 and reduction of the heterodisulfide of coenzyme M and coenzyme B (CoMS-SCoB). The unique electron bifurcation predicts a role for HdrA2B2C2 in Fe(III)-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (ANME) by M. acetivorans and uncultured species from ANME environments. HdrA2B2C2, ubiquitous in acetotrophic methanogens, was shown to participate in electron transfer during acetotrophic growth of M. acetivorans and proposed to be essential for growth in the environment when acetate is limiting. PMID:28174314

Folic acid fortification: why not vitamin B12 also?

PubMed

Selhub, Jacob; Paul, Ligi

2011-01-01

Folic acid fortification of cereal grains was introduced in many countries to prevent neural tube defect occurrence. The metabolism of folic acid and vitamin B12 intersect during the transfer of the methyl group from 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine catalyzed by B12-dependent methioine synthase. Regeneration of tetrahydrofolate via this reaction makes it available for synthesis of nucleotide precursors. Thus either folate or vitamin B12 deficiency can result in impaired cell division and anemia. Exposure to extra folic acid through fortification may be detrimental to those with vitamin B12 deficiency. Among participants of National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey with low vitamin B12 status, high serum folate (>59 nmol/L) was associated with higher prevalence of anemia and cognitive impairment when compared with normal serum folate. We also observed an increase in the plasma concentrations of total homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA), two functional indicators of vitamin B12 status, with increase in plasma folate under low vitamin B12 status. These data strongly imply that high plasma folate is associated with the exacerbation of both the biochemical and clinical status of vitamin B12 deficiency. Hence any food fortification policy that includes folic acid should also include vitamin B12. Copyright © 2011 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Inhibition of aldose reductase activity by Cannabis sativa chemotypes extracts with high content of cannabidiol or cannabigerol.

PubMed

Smeriglio, Antonella; Giofrè, Salvatore V; Galati, Enza M; Monforte, Maria T; Cicero, Nicola; D'Angelo, Valeria; Grassi, Gianpaolo; Circosta, Clara

2018-02-07

Aldose reductase (ALR2) is a key enzyme involved in diabetic complications and the search for new aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) is currently very important. The synthetic ARIs are often associated with deleterious side effects and medicinal and edible plants, containing compounds with aldose reductase inhibitory activity, could be useful for prevention and therapy of diabetic complications. Non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids exert multiple pharmacological effects with therapeutic potential in many diseases such as inflammation, cancer, diabetes. Here, we have investigated the inhibitory effects of extracts and their fractions from two Cannabis sativa L. chemotypes with high content of cannabidiol (CBD)/cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabigerol (CBG)/cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), respectively, on human recombinant and pig kidney aldose reductase activity in vitro. A molecular docking study was performed to evaluate the interaction of these cannabinoids with the active site of ALR2 compared to known ARIs. The extracts showed significant dose-dependent aldose reductase inhibitory activity (>70%) and higher than fractions. The inhibitory activity of the fractions was greater for acidic cannabinoid-rich fractions. Comparative molecular docking results have shown a higher stability of the ALR2-cannabinoid acids complex than the other inhibitors. The extracts of Cannabis with high content of non-psychotropic cannabinoids CBD/CBDA or CBG/CBGA significantly inhibit aldose reductase activity. These results may have some relevance for the possible use of C. sativa chemotypes based preparations as aldose reductase inhibitors. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Resolution and partial characterization of two aldehyde reductases of mammalian liver.

PubMed

Tulsiani, D R; Touster

1977-04-25

Investigation of NADP-dependent aldehyde reductase activity in mouse liver led to the finding that two distinct reductases are separable by DE52 ion exchange chromatography. Aldehyde reductase I (AR I) appears in the effluent, while aldehyde reductase II (AR II) is eluted with a salt gradient. By several procedures AR II was purified over 1100-fold from liver supernatant fraction, but AR I could be pruified only 107-fold because of its instability. The two enzymes are different in regard to pH optimum, substrate specificity, response to inhibitors, and reactivity with antibody to AR II. While both enzymes utilize aromatic aldehydes well, only AR II ACTS ON D-glucuronate, indicating that it is the aldyhyde reductase recently reported to be identical to NADP-L-gulonate dehydrogenase. The presence of two NADP-linked aldehyde reductases in liver has apparently not heretofore been reported.

Enhanced poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production in transgenic tobacco BY-2 cells using engineered acetoacetyl-CoA reductase.

PubMed

Yokoo, Toshinori; Matsumoto, Ken'ichiro; Ooba, Takashi; Morimoto, Kenjiro; Taguchi, Seiichi

2015-01-01

Highly active mutant of NADPH-dependent acetoacetyl-CoA reductase (PhaB) was expressed in Nicotiana tabacum cv. Bright Yellow-2 cultured cells to produce poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)]. The mutated PhaB increased P(3HB) content by three-fold over the control, indicating that the mutant was a versatile tool for P(3HB) production. Additionally, the PhaB-catalyzed reaction was suggested to be a rate-limiting step of P(3HB) biosynthesis in tobacco BY-2 cells.

Phylogeny of the Vitamin K 2,3-Epoxide Reductase (VKOR) Family and Evolutionary Relationship to the Disulfide Bond Formation Protein B (DsbB) Family.

PubMed

Bevans, Carville G; Krettler, Christoph; Reinhart, Christoph; Watzka, Matthias; Oldenburg, Johannes

2015-07-29

In humans and other vertebrate animals, vitamin K 2,3-epoxide reductase (VKOR) family enzymes are the gatekeepers between nutritionally acquired K vitamins and the vitamin K cycle responsible for posttranslational modifications that confer biological activity upon vitamin K-dependent proteins with crucial roles in hemostasis, bone development and homeostasis, hormonal carbohydrate regulation and fertility. We report a phylogenetic analysis of the VKOR family that identifies five major clades. Combined phylogenetic and site-specific conservation analyses point to clade-specific similarities and differences in structure and function. We discovered a single-site determinant uniquely identifying VKOR homologs belonging to human pathogenic, obligate intracellular prokaryotes and protists. Building on previous work by Sevier et al. (Protein Science 14:1630), we analyzed structural data from both VKOR and prokaryotic disulfide bond formation protein B (DsbB) families and hypothesize an ancient evolutionary relationship between the two families where one family arose from the other through a gene duplication/deletion event. This has resulted in circular permutation of primary sequence threading through the four-helical bundle protein folds of both families. This is the first report of circular permutation relating distant a-helical membrane protein sequences and folds. In conclusion, we suggest a chronology for the evolution of the five extant VKOR clades.

Phylogeny of the Vitamin K 2,3-Epoxide Reductase (VKOR) Family and Evolutionary Relationship to the Disulfide Bond Formation Protein B (DsbB) Family

PubMed Central

Bevans, Carville G.; Krettler, Christoph; Reinhart, Christoph; Watzka, Matthias; Oldenburg, Johannes

2015-01-01

In humans and other vertebrate animals, vitamin K 2,3-epoxide reductase (VKOR) family enzymes are the gatekeepers between nutritionally acquired K vitamins and the vitamin K cycle responsible for posttranslational modifications that confer biological activity upon vitamin K-dependent proteins with crucial roles in hemostasis, bone development and homeostasis, hormonal carbohydrate regulation and fertility. We report a phylogenetic analysis of the VKOR family that identifies five major clades. Combined phylogenetic and site-specific conservation analyses point to clade-specific similarities and differences in structure and function. We discovered a single-site determinant uniquely identifying VKOR homologs belonging to human pathogenic, obligate intracellular prokaryotes and protists. Building on previous work by Sevier et al. (Protein Science 14:1630), we analyzed structural data from both VKOR and prokaryotic disulfide bond formation protein B (DsbB) families and hypothesize an ancient evolutionary relationship between the two families where one family arose from the other through a gene duplication/deletion event. This has resulted in circular permutation of primary sequence threading through the four-helical bundle protein folds of both families. This is the first report of circular permutation relating distant α-helical membrane protein sequences and folds. In conclusion, we suggest a chronology for the evolution of the five extant VKOR clades. PMID:26230708

Vitamin B12 deficiency

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Vitamin B12 (B12; also known as cobalamin) is a B vitamin that has an important role in cellular metabolism, especially in DNA synthesis, methylation and mitochondrial metabolism. Clinical B12 deficiency with classic haematological and neurological manifestations is relatively uncommon. However, sub...

Molecular Dynamics Simulations Reveal Proton Transfer Pathways in Cytochrome C-Dependent Nitric Oxide Reductase

PubMed Central

Pisliakov, Andrei V.; Hino, Tomoya; Shiro, Yoshitsugu; Sugita, Yuji

2012-01-01

Nitric oxide reductases (NORs) are membrane proteins that catalyze the reduction of nitric oxide (NO) to nitrous oxide (N2O), which is a critical step of the nitrate respiration process in denitrifying bacteria. Using the recently determined first crystal structure of the cytochrome c-dependent NOR (cNOR) [Hino T, Matsumoto Y, Nagano S, Sugimoto H, Fukumori Y, et al. (2010) Structural basis of biological N2O generation by bacterial nitric oxide reductase. Science 330: 1666–70.], we performed extensive all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of cNOR within an explicit membrane/solvent environment to fully characterize water distribution and dynamics as well as hydrogen-bonded networks inside the protein, yielding the atomic details of functionally important proton channels. Simulations reveal two possible proton transfer pathways leading from the periplasm to the active site, while no pathways from the cytoplasmic side were found, consistently with the experimental observations that cNOR is not a proton pump. One of the pathways, which was newly identified in the MD simulation, is blocked in the crystal structure and requires small structural rearrangements to allow for water channel formation. That pathway is equivalent to the functional periplasmic cavity postulated in cbb 3 oxidase, which illustrates that the two enzymes share some elements of the proton transfer mechanisms and confirms a close evolutionary relation between NORs and C-type oxidases. Several mechanisms of the critical proton transfer steps near the catalytic center are proposed. PMID:22956904

QTL analysis of ferric reductase activity in the model legume lotus japonicus

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Physiological and molecular studies have demonstrated that iron accumulation from the soil into Strategy I plants can be limited by ferric reductase activity. An initial study of Lotus japonicus ecotypes Miyakojima MG-20 and Gifu B-129 identified significant leaf chlorosis and ferric reductase activ...

Carbonyl Reduction of NNK by Recombinant Human Lung Enzymes. Identification of HSD17β12 as the Reductase important in (R)-NNAL formation in Human Lung.

PubMed

Ashmore, Joseph H; Luo, Shaman; Watson, Christy J W; Lazarus, Philip

2018-05-17

4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is the most abundant and carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamine in tobacco and tobacco smoke. The major metabolic pathway for NNK is carbonyl reduction to form the (R) and (S) enantiomers of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) which, like NNK, is a potent lung carcinogen. The goal of the present study was to characterize NNAL enantiomer formation in human lung and identify the enzymes responsible for this activity. While (S)-NNAL was the major enantiomer of NNAL formed in incubations with NNK in lung cytosolic fractions, (R)-NNAL comprised ~60 and ~95% of the total NNAL formed in lung whole cell lysates and microsomes, respectively. In studies examining the role of individual recombinant reductase enzymes in lung NNAL enantiomer formation, AKR1C1, AKR1C2, AKR1C3, AKR1C4 and CBR1 all exhibited (S)-NNAL formation activity. To identify the microsomal enzymes responsible for (R)-NNAL formation, 28 microsomal reductase enzymes were screened for expression by real-time PCR in normal human lung. HSD17β6, HSD17β12, KDSR, NSDHL, RDH10, RDH11 and SDR16C5 were all expressed at levels >HSD11β1, the only previously reported microsomal reductase enzyme with NNK-reducing activity, with HSD17β12 the most highly expressed. Of these lung-expressing enzymes, only HSD17β12 exhibited activity against NNK, forming primarily (>95%) (R)-NNAL, a pattern consistent with that observed in lung microsomes. siRNA knockdown of HSD17β12 resulted in significant decreases in (R)-NNAL formation activity in HEK293 cells. These data suggest that both cytosolic and microsomal enzymes are active against NNK and that HSD17β12 is the major active microsomal reductase that contributes to (R)-NNAL formation in human lung.

Peptide B12: emerging trends at the interface of inorganic chemistry, chemical biology and medicine.

PubMed

Zelder, Felix; Zhou, Kai; Sonnay, Marjorie

2013-01-28

The sophisticated and efficient delivery of vitamin B(12) ("B(12)") into cells offers promise for B(12)-bioconjugates in medicinal diagnosis and therapy. It is therefore surprising that rather little attention is presently paid to an alternative strategy in drug design: the development of structurally perfect, but catalytically inactive semi-artificial B(12) surrogates. Vitamin B(12) cofactors catalyse important biological transformations and are indispensible for humans and most other forms of life. This strong metabolic dependency exhibits enormous medicinal opportunities. Inhibitors of B(12) dependent enzymes are potential suppressors of fast proliferating cancer cells. This perspective article focuses on the design and study of backbone modified B(12) derivatives, particularly on peptide B(12) derivatives. Peptide B(12) is a recently introduced class of biomimetic cobalamins bearing an artificial peptide backbone with adjustable coordination and redox-properties. Pioneering biological studies demonstrated reduced catalytic activity, combined with inhibitory potential that is encouraging for future efforts in turning natural cofactors into new anti-proliferative agents.

Loss of vitamin B(12) in fish (round herring) meats during various cooking treatments.

PubMed

Nishioka, Michiko; Kanosue, Fuki; Yabuta, Yukinori; Watanabe, Fumio

2011-01-01

The loss of vitamin B(12) in round herring meats during various cooking treatments was evaluated. Although amounts of vitamin B(12) were three times greater in the viscera (37.5 ± 10.6 µg/100 g fresh weight) than in the meats, about 73% of total vitamin B(12) found in the whole fish body (except for head and bones) were recovered in the meats (5.1 ± 1.0 µg of vitamin B(12)). The vitamin B(12) contents of the round herring's meats were significantly decreased up to ~62% during cooking by grilling, boiling, frying, steaming, and microwaving. There was, however, no loss of vitamin B(12) during vacuum-packed pouch cooking. Model experiment using hydroxocobalamin suggest that loss of vitamin B(12) is dependent on the degree of temperature and time used in conventional cooking, and is further affected by the concomitant ingredients of food. Retention of vitamin B(12) was not dependent on vacuum or temperature (or both) used in the vacuum-packed pouch cooking.

Respiratory arsenate reductase as a bidirectional enzyme

USGS Publications Warehouse

Richey, C.; Chovanec, P.; Hoeft, S.E.; Oremland, R.S.; Basu, P.; Stolz, J.F.

2009-01-01

The haloalkaliphilic bacterium Alkalilimnicola ehrlichii is capable of anaerobic chemolithoautotrophic growth by coupling the oxidation of arsenite (As(III)) to the reduction of nitrate and carbon dioxide. Analysis of its complete genome indicates that it lacks a conventional arsenite oxidase (Aox), but instead possesses two operons that each encode a putative respiratory arsenate reductase (Arr). Here we show that one homolog is expressed under chemolithoautotrophic conditions and exhibits both arsenite oxidase and arsenate reductase activity. We also demonstrate that Arr from two arsenate respiring bacteria, Alkaliphilus oremlandii and Shewanella sp. strain ANA-3, is also biochemically reversible. Thus Arr can function as a reductase or oxidase. Its physiological role in a specific organism, however, may depend on the electron potentials of the molybdenum center and [Fe–S] clusters, additional subunits, or constitution of the electron transfer chain. This versatility further underscores the ubiquity and antiquity of microbial arsenic metabolism.

Mechanism of Ribonucleotide Incorporation by Human DNA Polymerase η*

PubMed Central

Su, Yan; Egli, Martin; Guengerich, F. Peter

2016-01-01

Ribonucleotides and 2′-deoxyribonucleotides are the basic units for RNA and DNA, respectively, and the only difference is the extra 2′-OH group on the ribonucleotide sugar. Cellular rNTP concentrations are much higher than those of dNTP. When copying DNA, DNA polymerases not only select the base of the incoming dNTP to form a Watson-Crick pair with the template base but also distinguish the sugar moiety. Some DNA polymerases use a steric gate residue to prevent rNTP incorporation by creating a clash with the 2′-OH group. Y-family human DNA polymerase η (hpol η) is of interest because of its spacious active site (especially in the major groove) and tolerance of DNA lesions. Here, we show that hpol η maintains base selectivity when incorporating rNTPs opposite undamaged DNA and the DNA lesions 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer but with rates that are 103-fold lower than for inserting the corresponding dNTPs. X-ray crystal structures show that the hpol η scaffolds the incoming rNTP to pair with the template base (dG) or 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine with a significant propeller twist. As a result, the 2′-OH group avoids a clash with the steric gate, Phe-18, but the distance between primer end and Pα of the incoming rNTP increases by 1 Å, elevating the energy barrier and slowing polymerization compared with dNTP. In addition, Tyr-92 was identified as a second line of defense to maintain the position of Phe-18. This is the first crystal structure of a DNA polymerase with an incoming rNTP opposite a DNA lesion. PMID:26740629

Nitrate transport is independent of NADH and NAD(P)H nitrate reductases in barley seedlings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warner, R. L.; Huffaker, R. C.

1989-01-01

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has NADH-specific and NAD(P)H-bispecific nitrate reductase isozymes. Four isogenic lines with different nitrate reductase isozyme combinations were used to determine the role of NADH and NAD(P)H nitrate reductases on nitrate transport and assimilation in barley seedlings. Both nitrate reductase isozymes were induced by nitrate and were required for maximum nitrate assimilation in barley seedlings. Genotypes lacking the NADH isozyme (Az12) or the NAD(P)H isozyme (Az70) assimilated 65 or 85%, respectively, as much nitrate as the wild type. Nitrate assimilation by genotype (Az12;Az70) which is deficient in both nitrate reductases, was only 13% of the wild type indicating that the NADH and NAD(P)H nitrate reductase isozymes are responsible for most of the nitrate reduction in barley seedlings. For all genotypes, nitrate assimilation rates in the dark were about 55% of the rates in light. Hypotheses that nitrate reductase has direct or indirect roles in nitrate uptake were not supported by this study. Induction of nitrate transporters and the kinetics of net nitrate uptake were the same for all four genotypes indicating that neither nitrate reductase isozyme has a direct role in nitrate uptake in barley seedlings.

Null Mutation of 5α-Reductase Type I Gene Alters Ethanol Consumption Patterns in a Sex-Dependent Manner

PubMed Central

Nickel, Jeffrey D.; Kaufman, Moriah N.; Finn, Deborah A.

2014-01-01

The neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) is a positive modulator of GABAA receptors, and manipulation of neuroactive steroid levels via injection of ALLO or the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride alters ethanol self-administration patterns in male, but not female, mice. The Srd5a1 gene encodes the enzyme 5α-reductase-1, which is required for the synthesis of ALLO. The current studies investigated the influence of Srd5a1 deletion on voluntary ethanol consumption in male and female wildtype (WT) and knockout (KO) mice. Under a continuous access condition, 6 and 10 % ethanol intake was significantly greater in KO versus WT females, but significantly lower in KO versus WT males. In 2-h limited access sessions, Srd5a1 deletion retarded acquisition of 10 % ethanol intake in female mice, but facilitated it in males, versus respective WT mice. The present findings demonstrate that the Srd5a1 gene modulates ethanol consumption in a sex-dependent manner that is also contingent upon ethanol access condition and concentration. PMID:25416204

Null mutation of 5α-reductase type I gene alters ethanol consumption patterns in a sex-dependent manner.

PubMed

Ford, Matthew M; Nickel, Jeffrey D; Kaufman, Moriah N; Finn, Deborah A

2015-05-01

The neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) is a positive modulator of GABAA receptors, and manipulation of neuroactive steroid levels via injection of ALLO or the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride alters ethanol self-administration patterns in male, but not female, mice. The Srd5a1 gene encodes the enzyme 5α-reductase-1, which is required for the synthesis of ALLO. The current studies investigated the influence of Srd5a1 deletion on voluntary ethanol consumption in male and female wildtype (WT) and knockout (KO) mice. Under a continuous access condition, 6 and 10 % ethanol intake was significantly greater in KO versus WT females, but significantly lower in KO versus WT males. In 2-h limited access sessions, Srd5a1 deletion retarded acquisition of 10 % ethanol intake in female mice, but facilitated it in males, versus respective WT mice. The present findings demonstrate that the Srd5a1 gene modulates ethanol consumption in a sex-dependent manner that is also contingent upon ethanol access condition and concentration.

Role of the NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase NQR and the cytochrome b AIR12 in controlling superoxide generation at the plasma membrane.

PubMed

Biniek, Catherine; Heyno, Eiri; Kruk, Jerzy; Sparla, Francesca; Trost, Paolo; Krieger-Liszkay, Anja

2017-04-01

The quinone reductase NQR and the b-type cytochrome AIR12 of the plasma membrane are important for the control of reactive oxygen species in the apoplast. AIR12 and NQR are two proteins attached to the plant plasma membrane which may be important for generating and controlling levels of reactive oxygen species in the apoplast. AIR12 (Auxin Induced in Root culture) is a single gene of Arabidopsis that codes for a mono-heme cytochrome b. The NADPH quinone oxidoreductase NQR is a two-electron-transferring flavoenzyme that contributes to the generation of O 2 •- in isolated plasma membranes. A. thaliana double knockout plants of both NQR and AIR12 generated more O 2 •- and germinated faster than the single mutant affected in AIR12. To test whether NQR and AIR12 are able to interact functionally, recombinant purified proteins were added to plasma membranes isolated from soybean hypocotyls. In vitro NADH-dependent O 2 •- production at the plasma membrane in the presence of NQR was reduced upon addition of AIR12. Electron donation from semi-reduced menadione to AIR12 was shown to take place. Biochemical analysis showed that purified plasma membrane from soybean hypocotyls or roots contained phylloquinone and menaquinone-4 as redox carriers. This is the first report on the occurrence of menaquinone-4 in eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms. We propose that NQR and AIR12 interact via the quinone, allowing an electron transfer from cytosolic NAD(P)H to apoplastic monodehydroascorbate and control thereby the level of reactive oxygen production and the redox state of the apoplast.

Lamin B receptor regulates the growth and maturation of myeloid progenitors via its sterol reductase domain: implications for cholesterol biosynthesis in regulating myelopoiesis.

PubMed

Subramanian, Gayathri; Chaudhury, Pulkit; Malu, Krishnakumar; Fowler, Samantha; Manmode, Rahul; Gotur, Deepali; Zwerger, Monika; Ryan, David; Roberti, Rita; Gaines, Peter

2012-01-01

Lamin B receptor (LBR) is a bifunctional nuclear membrane protein with N-terminal lamin B and chromatin-binding domains plus a C-terminal sterol Δ(14) reductase domain. LBR expression increases during neutrophil differentiation, and deficient expression disrupts neutrophil nuclear lobulation characteristic of Pelger-Huët anomaly. Thus, LBR plays a critical role in regulating myeloid differentiation, but how the two functional domains of LBR support this role is currently unclear. We previously identified abnormal proliferation and deficient functional maturation of promyelocytes (erythroid, myeloid, and lymphoid [EML]-derived promyelocytes) derived from EML-ic/ic cells, a myeloid model of ichthyosis (ic) bone marrow that lacks Lbr expression. In this study, we provide new evidence that cholesterol biosynthesis is important to myeloid cell growth and is supported by the sterol reductase domain of Lbr. Cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors caused growth inhibition of EML cells that increased in EML-derived promyelocytes, whereas cells lacking Lbr exhibited complete growth arrest at both stages. Lipid production increased during wild-type neutrophil maturation, but ic/ic cells exhibited deficient levels of lipid and cholesterol production. Ectopic expression of a full-length Lbr in EML-ic/ic cells rescued both nuclear lobulation and growth arrest in cholesterol starvation conditions. Lipid production also was rescued, and a deficient respiratory burst was corrected. Expression of just the C-terminal sterol reductase domain of Lbr in ic/ic cells also improved each of these phenotypes. Our data support the conclusion that the sterol Δ(14) reductase domain of LBR plays a critical role in cholesterol biosynthesis and that this process is essential to both myeloid cell growth and functional maturation.

Thioredoxin and NADP-thioredoxin reductase from cultured carrot cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, T. C.; Cao, R. Q.; Kung, J. E.; Buchanan, B. B.

1987-01-01

Dark-grown carrot (Daucus carota L.) tissue cultures were found to contain both protein components of the NADP/thioredoxin system--NADP-thioredoxin reductase and the thioredoxin characteristic of heterotrophic systems, thioredoxin h. Thioredoxin h was purified to apparent homogeneity and, like typical bacterial counterparts, was a 12-kdalton (kDa) acidic protein capable of activating chloroplast NADP-malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.82) more effectively than fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (EC 3.1.3.11). NADP-thioredoxin reductase (EC 1.6.4.5) was partially purified and found to be an arsenite-sensitive enzyme composed of two 34-kDa subunits. Carrot NADP-thioredoxin reductase resembled more closely its counterpart from bacteria rather than animal cells in acceptor (thioredoxin) specificity. Upon greening of the cells, the content of NADP-thioredoxin-reductase activity, and, to a lesser extent, thioredoxin h decreased. The results confirm the presence of a heterotrophic-type thioredoxin system in plant cells and raise the question of its physiological function.

B61 Mod 12 Life Extension Program Tailkit Assembly (B61 Mod 12 LEP TKA)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) RCS: DD-A&T(Q&A)823-468 B61 Mod 12 Life Extension Program Tailkit Assembly ( B61 Mod 12 LEP TKA...REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2013 to 00-00-2013 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE B61 Mod 12 Life Extension Program Tailkit Assembly ( B61 Mod 12 LEP...REPORT unclassified b. ABSTRACT unclassified c. THIS PAGE unclassified Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18 B61 Mod 12

Respiratory arsenate reductase as a bidirectional enzyme

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Richey, Christine; Chovanec, Peter; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282

2009-05-01

The haloalkaliphilic bacterium Alkalilimnicola ehrlichii is capable of anaerobic chemolithoautotrophic growth by coupling the oxidation of arsenite (As(III)) to the reduction of nitrate and carbon dioxide. Analysis of its complete genome indicates that it lacks a conventional arsenite oxidase (Aox), but instead possesses two operons that each encode a putative respiratory arsenate reductase (Arr). Here we show that one homolog is expressed under chemolithoautotrophic conditions and exhibits both arsenite oxidase and arsenate reductase activity. We also demonstrate that Arr from two arsenate respiring bacteria, Alkaliphilus oremlandii and Shewanella sp. strain ANA-3, is also biochemically reversible. Thus Arr can function asmore » a reductase or oxidase. Its physiological role in a specific organism, however, may depend on the electron potentials of the molybdenum center and [Fe-S] clusters, additional subunits, or constitution of the electron transfer chain. This versatility further underscores the ubiquity and antiquity of microbial arsenic metabolism.« less

Identification and cloning of an NADPH-dependent hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA double bond reductase involved in dihydrochalcone formation in Malus×domestica Borkh.

PubMed

Ibdah, Mwafaq; Berim, Anna; Martens, Stefan; Valderrama, Andrea Lorena Herrera; Palmieri, Luisa; Lewinsohn, Efraim; Gang, David R

2014-11-01

The apple tree (Malus sp.) is an agriculturally and economically important source of food and beverages. Many of the health beneficial properties of apples are due to (poly)phenolic metabolites that they contain, including various dihydrochalcones. Although many of the genes and enzymes involved in polyphenol biosynthesis are known in many plant species, the specific reactions that lead to the biosynthesis of the dihydrochalcone precursor, p-dihydrocoumaroyl-CoA (3), are unknown. To identify genes involved in the synthesis of these metabolites, existing genome databases of the Rosaceae were screened for apple genes with significant sequence similarity to Arabidopsis alkenal double bond reductases. Herein described are the isolation and characterization of a Malus hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA double bond reductase, which catalyzed the NADPH-dependent reduction of p-coumaroyl-CoA and feruloyl-CoA to p-dihydrocoumaroyl-CoA and dihydroferuloyl-CoA, respectively. Its apparent Km values for p-coumaroyl-CoA, feruloyl-CoA and NADPH were 96.6, 92.9 and 101.3μM, respectively. The Malus double bond reductase preferred feruloyl-CoA to p-coumaroyl-CoA as a substrate by a factor of 2.1 when comparing catalytic efficiencies in vitro. Expression analysis of the hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA double bond reductase gene revealed that its transcript levels showed significant variation in tissues of different developmental stages, but was expressed when expected for involvement in dihydrochalcone formation. Thus, the hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA double bond reductase appears to be responsible for the reduction of the α,β-unsaturated double bond of p-coumaroyl-CoA, the first step of dihydrochalcone biosynthesis in apple tissues, and may be involved in the production of these compounds. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Engineering Styrene Monooxygenase for Biocatalysis: Reductase-Epoxidase Fusion Proteins.

PubMed

Heine, Thomas; Tucker, Kathryn; Okonkwo, Nonye; Assefa, Berhanegebriel; Conrad, Catleen; Scholtissek, Anika; Schlömann, Michael; Gassner, George; Tischler, Dirk

2017-04-01

The enantioselective epoxidation of styrene and related compounds by two-component styrene monooxygenases (SMOs) has targeted these enzymes for development as biocatalysts. In the present work, we prepare genetically engineered fusion proteins that join the C-terminus of the epoxidase (StyA) to the N-terminus of the reductase (StyB) through a linker peptide and demonstrate their utility as biocatalysts in the synthesis of Tyrain purple and other indigoid dyes. A single-vector expression system offers a simplified platform for transformation and expansion of the catalytic function of styrene monooxygenases, and the resulting fusion proteins are self-regulated and couple efficiently NADH oxidation to styrene epoxidation. We find that the reductase domain proceeds through a sequential ternary-complex mechanism at low FAD concentration and a double-displacement mechanism at higher concentrations of FAD. Single-turnover studies indicate an observed rate constant for FAD-to-FAD hydride transfer of ~8 s -1 . This step is rate limiting in the styrene epoxidation reaction and helps to ensure that flavin reduction and styrene epoxidation reactions proceed without wasteful side reactions. Comparison of the reductase activity of the fusion proteins with the naturally occurring reductase, SMOB, and N-terminally histidine-tagged reductase, NSMOB, suggests that the observed changes in catalytic mechanism are due in part to an increase in flavin-binding affinity associated with the N-terminal extension of the reductase.

Crystal structures of pinoresinol-lariciresinol and phenylcoumaran benzylic ether reductases and their relationship to isoflavone reductases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Min, Tongpil; Kasahara, Hiroyuki; Bedgar, Diana L.; Youn, Buhyun; Lawrence, Paulraj K.; Gang, David R.; Halls, Steven C.; Park, HaJeung; Hilsenbeck, Jacqueline L.; Davin, Laurence B.;

Mercury (II) removal by resistant bacterial isolates and mercuric (II) reductase activity in a new strain of Pseudomonas sp. B50A.

PubMed

Giovanella, Patricia; Cabral, Lucélia; Bento, Fátima Menezes; Gianello, Clesio; Camargo, Flávio Anastácio Oliveira

2016-01-25

This study aimed to isolate mercury resistant bacteria, determine the minimum inhibitory concentration for Hg, estimate mercury removal by selected isolates, explore the mer genes, and detect and characterize the activity of the enzyme mercuric (II) reductase produced by a new strain of Pseudomonas sp. B50A. The Hg removal capacity of the isolates was determined by incubating the isolates in Luria Bertani broth and the remaining mercury quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A PCR reaction was carried out to detect the merA gene and the mercury (II) reductase activity was determined in a spectrophotometer at 340 nm. Eight Gram-negative bacterial isolates were resistant to high mercury concentrations and capable of removing mercury, and of these, five were positive for the gene merA. The isolate Pseudomonas sp. B50A removed 86% of the mercury present in the culture medium and was chosen for further analysis of its enzyme activity. Mercuric (II) reductase activity was detected in the crude extract of this strain. This enzyme showed optimal activity at pH 8 and at temperatures between 37 °C and 45 °C. The ions NH4(+), Ba(2+), Sn(2+), Ni(2+) and Cd(2+) neither inhibited nor stimulated the enzyme activity but it decreased in the presence of the ions Ca(2+), Cu(+) and K(+). The isolate and the enzyme detected were effective in reducing Hg(II) to Hg(0), showing the potential to develop bioremediation technologies and processes to clean-up the environment and waste contaminated with mercury. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bioactive constituents from Chinese natural medicines. XXXII. aminopeptidase N and aldose reductase inhibitors from Sinocrassula indica: structures of sinocrassosides B(4), B(5), C(1), and D(1)-D(3).

PubMed

Morikawa, Toshio; Xie, Haihui; Wang, Tao; Matsuda, Hisashi; Yoshikawa, Masayuki

2008-10-01

From the methanolic extract of the whole plant of Sinocrassula indica (Crassulaceae), six new flavonol glycosides, sinocrassosides B(4) (1), B(5) (2), C(1) (3), D(1) (4), D(2) (5), and D(3) (6), were isolated together with 30 compounds. The structures of 1-6 were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. In addition, several constituents were found to show inhibitory effects on aminopeptidase N and aldose reductase.

Purification and kinetic analysis of cytosolic and mitochondrial thioredoxin glutathione reductase extracted from Taenia solium cysticerci.

PubMed

Plancarte, Agustin; Nava, Gabriela

2015-02-01

Thioredoxin glutathione reductases (TGRs) (EC 1.8.1.9) were purified to homogeneity from the cytosolic (cTsTGR) and mitochondrial (mTsTGR) fractions of Taenia solium, the agent responsible for neurocysticercosis, one of the major central nervous system parasitic diseases in humans. TsTGRs had a relative molecular weight of 132,000, while the corresponding value per subunit obtained under denaturing conditions, was of 62,000. Specific activities for thioredoxin reductase and glutathione reductase substrates for both TGRs explored were in the range or lower than values obtained for other platyhelminths and mammalian TGRs. cTsTGR and mTsTGR also showed hydroperoxide reductase activity using hydroperoxide as substrate. Km(DTNB) and Kcat(DTNB) values for cTsTGR and mTsTGR (88 µM and 1.9 s(-1); 45 µM and 12.6 s(-1), respectively) and Km(GSSG) and Kcat(GSSG) values for cTsTGR and mTsTGR (6.3 µM and 0.96 s(-1); 4 µM and 1.62 s(-1), respectively) were similar to or lower than those reported for mammalian TGRs. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that 12 peptides from cTsTGR and seven from mTsTGR were a match for gi|29825896 thioredoxin glutathione reductase [Echinococcus granulosus], confirming that both enzymes are TGRs. Both T. solium TGRs were inhibited by the gold compound auranofin, a selective inhibitor of thiol-dependent flavoreductases (I₅₀ = 3.25, 2.29 nM for DTNB and GSSG substrates, respectively for cTsTGR; I₅₀ = 5.6, 25.4 nM for mTsTGR toward the same substrates in the described order). Glutathione reductase activity of cTsTGR and mTsTGR exhibited hysteretic behavior with moderate to high concentrations of GSSG; this result was not observed either with thioredoxin, DTNB or NADPH. However, the observed hysteretic kinetics was suppressed with increasing amounts of both parasitic TGRs. These data suggest the existence of an effective substitute which may account for the lack of the detoxification enzymes glutathione reductase

Nitrate Transport Is Independent of NADH and NAD(P)H Nitrate Reductases in Barley Seedlings 1

PubMed Central

Warner, Robert L.; Huffaker, Ray C.

1989-01-01

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has NADH-specific and NAD(P)H-bispecific nitrate reductase isozymes. Four isogenic lines with different nitrate reductase isozyme combinations were used to determine the role of NADH and NAD(P)H nitrate reductases on nitrate transport and assimilation in barley seedlings. Both nitrate reductase isozymes were induced by nitrate and were required for maximum nitrate assimilation in barley seedlings. Genotypes lacking the NADH isozyme (Az12) or the NAD(P)H isozyme (Az70) assimilated 65 or 85%, respectively, as much nitrate as the wild type. Nitrate assimilation by genotype (Az12;Az70) which is deficient in both nitrate reductases, was only 13% of the wild type indicating that the NADH and NAD(P)H nitrate reductase isozymes are responsible for most of the nitrate reduction in barley seedlings. For all genotypes, nitrate assimilation rates in the dark were about 55% of the rates in light. Hypotheses that nitrate reductase has direct or indirect roles in nitrate uptake were not supported by this study. Induction of nitrate transporters and the kinetics of net nitrate uptake were the same for all four genotypes indicating that neither nitrate reductase isozyme has a direct role in nitrate uptake in barley seedlings. PMID:11537465

Topical atorvastatin ameliorates 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate induced skin inflammation by reducing cutaneous cytokine levels and NF-κB activation.

PubMed

Kulkarni, Nagaraj M; Muley, Milind M; Jaji, Mallikarjun S; Vijaykanth, G; Raghul, J; Reddy, Neetin Kumar D; Vishwakarma, Santosh L; Rajesh, Navin B; Mookkan, Jeyamurugan; Krishnan, Uma Maheswari; Narayanan, Shridhar

2015-06-01

Atorvastatin is a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase inhibitor used in the treatment of atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. Studies have evaluated the utility of statins in the treatment of skin inflammation but with varied results. In the present study, we investigated the effect of atorvastatin on TNF-α release and keratinocyte proliferation in vitro and in acute and chronic 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induced skin inflammation in vivo. Atorvastatin significantly inhibited lipopolysacharide induced TNF-α release in THP-1 cells and keratinocyte proliferation in HaCaT cells. In an acute study, topical atorvastatin showed dose dependent reduction in TPA induced skin inflammation with highest efficacy observed at 500 µg/ear dose. In chronic study, topical atorvastatin significantly reduced TPA induced ear thickness, ear weight, cutaneous cytokines, MPO activity and improved histopathological features comparable to that of dexamethasone. Atorvastatin also inhibited TPA stimulated NF-κB activation in mouse ear. In conclusion, our results suggest that atorvastatin ameliorates TPA induced skin inflammation in mice at least in part, due to inhibition of cytokine release and NF-κB activation and may be beneficial for the treatment skin inflammation like psoriasis.

Dissecting the role of NtrC and RpoN in the expression of assimilatory nitrate and nitrite reductases in Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens.

PubMed

López, María F; Cabrera, Juan J; Salas, Ana; Delgado, María J; López-García, Silvina L

2017-04-01

Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, a nitrogen-fixing endosymbiont of soybeans, is a model strain for studying rhizobial denitrification. This bacterium can also use nitrate as the sole nitrogen (N) source during aerobic growth by inducing an assimilatory nitrate reductase encoded by nasC located within the narK-bjgb-flp-nasC operon along with a nitrite reductase encoded by nirA at a different chromosomal locus. The global nitrogen two-component regulatory system NtrBC has been reported to coordinate the expression of key enzymes in nitrogen metabolism in several bacteria. In this study, we demonstrate that disruption of ntrC caused a growth defect in B. diazoefficiens cells in the presence of nitrate or nitrite as the sole N source and a decreased activity of the nitrate and nitrite reductase enzymes. Furthermore, the expression of narK-lacZ or nirA-lacZ transcriptional fusions was significantly reduced in the ntrC mutant after incubation under nitrate assimilation conditions. A B. diazoefficiens rpoN 1/2 mutant, lacking both copies of the gene encoding the alternative sigma factor σ 54 , was also defective in aerobic growth with nitrate as the N source as well as in nitrate and nitrite reductase expression. These results demonstrate that the NtrC regulator is required for expression of the B. diazoefficiens nasC and nirA genes and that the sigma factor RpoN is also involved in this regulation.

Synthesis of Mitochondrial DNA Precursors during Myogenesis, an Analysis in Purified C2C12 Myotubes*

PubMed Central

Frangini, Miriam; Franzolin, Elisa; Chemello, Francesco; Laveder, Paolo; Romualdi, Chiara; Bianchi, Vera; Rampazzo, Chiara

2013-01-01

During myogenesis, myoblasts fuse into multinucleated myotubes that acquire the contractile fibrils and accessory structures typical of striated skeletal muscle fibers. To support the high energy requirements of muscle contraction, myogenesis entails an increase in mitochondrial (mt) mass with stimulation of mtDNA synthesis and consumption of DNA precursors (dNTPs). Myotubes are quiescent cells and as such down-regulate dNTP production despite a high demand for dNTPs. Although myogenesis has been studied extensively, changes in dNTP metabolism have not been examined specifically. In differentiating cultures of C2C12 myoblasts and purified myotubes, we analyzed expression and activities of enzymes of dNTP biosynthesis, dNTP pools, and the expansion of mtDNA. Myotubes exibited pronounced post-mitotic modifications of dNTP synthesis with a particularly marked down-regulation of de novo thymidylate synthesis. Expression profiling revealed the same pattern of enzyme down-regulation in adult murine muscles. The mtDNA increased steadily after myoblast fusion, turning over rapidly, as revealed after treatment with ethidium bromide. We individually down-regulated p53R2 ribonucleotide reductase, thymidine kinase 2, and deoxyguanosine kinase by siRNA transfection to examine how a further reduction of these synthetic enzymes impacted myotube development. Silencing of p53R2 had little effect, but silencing of either mt kinase caused 50% mtDNA depletion and an unexpected decrease of all four dNTP pools independently of the kinase specificity. We suggest that during development of myotubes the shortage of even a single dNTP may affect all four pools through dysregulation of ribonucleotide reduction and/or dissipation of the non-limiting dNTPs during unproductive elongation of new DNA chains. PMID:23297407

The Moraxella catarrhalis nitric oxide reductase is essential for nitric oxide detoxification.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Kinkel, Traci; Martens-Habbena, Willm; Stahl, David A; Fang, Ferric C; Hansen, Eric J

2011-06-01

Moraxella catarrhalis is a Gram-negative obligate aerobe that is an important cause of human respiratory tract infections. The M. catarrhalis genome encodes a predicted truncated denitrification pathway that reduces nitrate to nitrous oxide. We have previously shown that expression of both the M. catarrhalis aniA (encoding a nitrite reductase) and norB (encoding a putative nitric oxide reductase) genes is repressed by the transcriptional regulator NsrR under aerobic conditions and that M. catarrhalis O35E nsrR mutants are unable to grow in the presence of low concentrations of nitrite (W. Wang, et al., J. Bacteriol. 190:7762-7772, 2008). In this study, we constructed an M. catarrhalis norB mutant and showed that planktonic growth of this mutant is inhibited by low levels of nitrite, whether or not an nsrR mutation is present. To determine the importance of NorB in this truncated denitrification pathway, we analyzed the metabolism of nitrogen oxides by norB, aniA norB, and nsrR norB mutants. We found that norB mutants are unable to reduce nitric oxide and produce little or no nitrous oxide from nitrite. Furthermore, nitric oxide produced from nitrite by the AniA protein is bactericidal for a Moraxella catarrhalis O35E norB mutant but not for wild-type O35E bacteria under aerobic growth conditions in vitro, suggesting that nitric oxide catabolism in M. catarrhalis is accomplished primarily by the norB gene product. Measurement of bacterial protein S-nitrosylation directly implicates nitrosative stress resulting from AniA-dependent nitric oxide formation as a cause of the growth inhibition of norB and nsrR mutants by nitrite.

17 CFR 210.12-12B - Open option contracts written.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Open option contracts written. 210.12-12B Section 210.12-12B Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION... § 210.12-12B Open option contracts written. [For management investment companies only] Col. A Col. B Col...

Status of vitamin B-12 and B-6 but not of folate, homocysteine and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism are associated with impaired cognition and depression in adults

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The C677T polymorphism of the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene differs in frequency in different ethnic groups which have differing prevalence of age-related cognitive impairments. We used a battery of neuropsychological tests to examine association of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism w...

Identification of new potent inhibitor of aldose reductase from Ocimum basilicum.

PubMed

Bhatti, Huma Aslam; Tehseen, Yildiz; Maryam, Kiran; Uroos, Maliha; Siddiqui, Bina S; Hameed, Abdul; Iqbal, Jamshed

2017-12-01

Recent efforts to develop cure for chronic diabetic complications have led to the discovery of potent inhibitors against aldose reductase (AKR1B1, EC 1.1.1.21) whose role in diabetes is well-evident. In the present work, two new natural products were isolated from the ariel part of Ocimum basilicum; 7-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3-methyl-8-β-O-d-glucoside-2H-chromen-2-one (1) and E-4-(6'-hydroxyhex-3'-en-1-yl)phenyl propionate (2) and confirmed their structures with different spectroscopic techniques including NMR spectroscopy etc. The isolated compounds (1, 2) were evaluated for in vitro inhibitory activity against aldose reductase (AKR1B1) and aldehyde reductase (AKR1A1). The natural product (1) showed better inhibitory activity for AKR1B1 with IC 50 value of 2.095±0.77µM compare to standard sorbinil (IC 50 =3.14±0.02µM). Moreover, the compound (1) also showed multifolds higher activity (IC 50 =0.783±0.07µM) against AKR1A1 as compared to standard valproic acid (IC 50 =57.4±0.89µM). However, the natural product (2) showed slightly lower activity for AKR1B1 (IC 50 =4.324±1.25µM). Moreover, the molecular docking studies of the potent inhibitors were also performed to identify the putative binding modes within the active site of aldose/aldehyde reductases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lamin B receptor (LBR) regulates the growth and maturation of myeloid progenitors via its sterol reductase domain: Implications for cholesterol biosynthesis in regulating myelopoiesis

PubMed Central

Subramanian, Gayathri; Chaudhury, Pulkit; Malu, Krishnakumar; Fowler, Samantha; Manmode, Rahul; Gotur, Deepali; Zwerger, Monika; Ryan, David; Roberti, Rita; Gaines, Peter

2011-01-01

Lamin B receptor (LBR) is a bifunctional nuclear membrane protein with N-terminal lamin B and chromatin binding domains plus a C-terminal sterol Δ14 reductase domain. LBR expression increases during neutrophil differentiation and deficient expression disrupts neutrophil nuclear lobulation characteristic of Pelger-Huët anomaly. Thus LBR plays a critical role in regulating myeloid differentiation, but how the two functional domains of LBR support this role is currently unclear. We previously identified abnormal proliferation and deficient functional maturation of promyelocytes (EPRO cells) derived from EML-ic/ic cells, a myeloid model of ichthyosis (ic) bone marrow that lacks Lbr expression. Here we provide new evidence that cholesterol biosynthesis is important to myeloid cell growth and is supported by the sterol reductase domain of Lbr. Cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors caused growth inhibition of EML cells that increased in EPRO cells, whereas cells lacking Lbr exhibited complete growth arrest at both stages. Lipid production increased during wild-type neutrophil maturation, but ic/ic cells exhibited deficient levels of lipid and cholesterol production. Ectopic expression of a full length Lbr in EML-ic/ic cells rescued both nuclear lobulation and growth arrest in cholesterol starvation conditions. Lipid production also was rescued, and a deficient respiratory burst was corrected. Expression of just the C-terminal sterol reductase domain of Lbr in ic/ic cells also improved each of these phenotypes. Our data support the conclusion that the sterol Δ14 reductase domain of LBR plays a critical role in cholesterol biosynthesis, and that this process is essential to both myeloid cell growth and functional maturation. PMID:22140257

Two Tropinone Reductases with Distinct Stereospecificities from Cultured Roots of Hyoscyamus niger1

PubMed Central

Hashimoto, Takashi; Nakajima, Keiji; Ongena, Godelieve; Yamada, Yasuyuki

1992-01-01

Tropinone is an alkamine intermediate at the branch point of biosynthetic pathways leading to various tropane alkaloids. Two stereospecifically distinct NADPH-dependent oxidoreductases, TR-I and TR-II, which, respectively, reduce tropinone to 3α-hydroxytropane (tropine) and 3β-hydroxytropane (ψ-tropine), were detected mainly in the root of tropane alkaloid-producing plants but not in nonproducing cultured root. Both reductases were purified to near homogeneity from cultured root of Hyoscyamus niger and characterized. The TR-I reaction was reversible, whereas the TR-II reaction was essentially irreversible, reduction of the ketone being highly favored over oxidation of the alcohol ψ-tropine. Marked differences were found between the two reductase in their affinities for tropinone substrate and in the effects of amino acid modification reagents. Some differences in substrate specificity were apparent. For example, N-propyl-4-piperidone was reduced by TR-II but not by TR-I. Conversely, 3-quinuclidinone and 8-thiabicyclo[3,2,1]octane-3-one were accepted as substrates by TR-I but hardly at all by TR-II. Both enzymes were shown to be class B oxidoreductases, which transfer the pro-S hydrogen of NAD(P)H to their substrates. Possible roles of these tropinone reductases in alkaloid biosynthesis are discussed. Images Figure 6 PMID:16653065

Assay for vitamin B12 absorption and method of making labeled vitamin B12

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anderson, Peter J; Dueker, Stephen; Miller, Joshua

2012-06-19

The invention provides methods for labeling vitamin B12 with .sup.14C, .sup.13C, tritium, and deuterium. When radioisotopes are used, the invention provides for methods of labeling B12 with high specific activity. The invention also provides labeled vitamin B12 compositions made in accordance with the invention.

[Folate, vitamin B12 and human health].

PubMed

Brito, Alex; Hertrampf, Eva; Olivares, Manuel; Gaitán, Diego; Sánchez, Hugo; Allen, Lindsay H; Uauy, Ricardo

2012-11-01

During the past decade the role of folate and vitamin B12 in human nutrition have been under constant re-examination. Basic knowledge on the metabolism and interactions between these essential nutrients has expanded and multiple complexities have been unraveled. These micronutrients have shared functions and intertwined metabolic pathways that define the size of the "methyl donor" pool utilized in multiple metabolic pathways; these include DNA methylation and synthesis of nucleic acids. In Chile, folate deficiency is virtually nonexistent, while vitamin B12 deficiency affects approximately 8.5-51% depending on the cut-off value used to define deficiency. Folate is found naturally mainly in vegetables or added as folic acid to staple foods. Vitamin B12 in its natural form is present only in foods of animal origin, which is why deficit is more common among strict vegetarians and populations with a low intake of animal foods. Poor folate status in vulnerable women of childbearing age increases the risk of neural tube birth defects, so the critical time for the contribution of folic acid is several months before conception since neural tube closure occurs during the first weeks of life. The absorption of vitamin B12 from food is lower in older adults, who are considered to have higher risk of gastric mucosa atrophy, altered production of intrinsic factor and acid secretion. Deficiency of these vitamins is associated with hematological disorders. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also induce clinical and sub-clinical neurological and of other disorders. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on recent advances in the basic and applied knowledge of these vitamins relative to human health.

Catalysis of Methyl Group Transfers Involving Tetrahydrofolate and B12

PubMed Central

Ragsdale, Stephen W.

2011-01-01

This review focuses on the reaction mechanism of enzymes that use B12 and tetrahydrofolate (THF) to catalyze methyl group transfers. It also covers the related reactions that use B12 and tetrahydromethanopterin (THMPT), which is a THF analog used by archaea. In the past decade, our understanding of the mechanisms of these enzymes has increased greatly because the crystal structures for three classes of B12-dependent methyltransferases have become available and because biophysical and kinetic studies have elucidated the intermediates involved in catalysis. These steps include binding of the cofactors and substrates, activation of the methyl donors and acceptors, the methyl transfer reaction itself, and product dissociation. Activation of the methyl donor in one class of methyltransferases is achieved by an unexpected proton transfer mechanism. The cobalt (Co) ion within the B12 macrocycle must be in the Co(I) oxidation state to serve as a nucleophile in the methyl transfer reaction. Recent studies have uncovered important principles that control how this highly reducing active state of B12 is generated and maintained. PMID:18804699

B12 in fetal development.

PubMed

Pepper, M Reese; Black, Maureen M

2011-08-01

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is necessary for development of the fetus and child. Pregnant women who are vegetarian or vegan, have Crohn's or celiac disease, or have undergone gastric bypass surgery are at increased risk of B12 deficiency. Low serum levels of B12 have been linked to negative impacts in cognitive, motor, and growth outcomes. Low cobalamin levels also may be related to depression in adults. Some studies indicate that B12 supplementation may improve outcomes in children, although more research is needed in this area. Overall, the mechanisms of B12 action in development remain unclear. Further studies in this area to elucidate the pathways of cobalamin influence on development, as well as to prevent B12 deficiency in pregnant women and children are indicated. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Glutathione-dependent extracellular ferric reductase activities in dimorphic zoopathogenic fungi

PubMed Central

Zarnowski, Robert; Woods, Jon P.

2009-01-01

In this study, extracellular glutathione-dependent ferric reductase (GSH-FeR) activities in different dimorphic zoopathogenic fungal species were characterized. Supernatants from Blastomyces dermatitidis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii strains grown in their yeast form were able to reduce iron enzymically with glutathione as a cofactor. Some variations in the level of reduction were noted amongst the strains. This activity was stable in acidic, neutral and slightly alkaline environments and was inhibited when trivalent aluminium and gallium ions were present. Using zymography, single bands of GSH-FeRs with apparent molecular masses varying from 430 to 460 kDa were identified in all strains. The same molecular mass range was determined by size exclusion chromatography. These data demonstrate that dimorphic zoopathogenic fungi produce and secrete a family of similar GSH-FeRs that may be involved in the acquisition and utilization of iron. Siderophore production by these and other fungi has sometimes been considered to provide a full explanation of iron acquisition in these organisms. Our work reveals an additional common mechanism that may be biologically and pathogenically important. Furthermore, while some characteristics of these enzymes such as extracellular location, cofactor utilization and large size are not individually unique, when considered together and shared across a range of fungi, they represent an important novel physiological feature. PMID:16000713

Opposing roles of the aldo-keto reductases AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 in colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Taskoparan, Betul; Seza, Esin Gulce; Demirkol, Secil; Tuncer, Sinem; Stefek, Milan; Gure, Ali Osmay; Banerjee, Sreeparna

2017-12-01

Aldo-keto reductases (including AKR1B1 and AKR1B10) constitute a family of oxidoreductases that have been implicated in the pathophysiology of diabetes and cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Available data indicate that, despite their similarities in structure and enzymatic functions, their roles in CRC may be divergent. Here, we aimed to determine the expression and functional implications of AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 in CRC. AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 gene expression levels were analyzed using publicly available microarray data and ex vivo CRC-derived cDNA samples. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) RNA-seq data and The Cancer Proteome Atlas (TCPA) proteome data were analyzed to determine the effect of high and low AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 expression levels in CRC patients. Proliferation, cell cycle progression, cellular motility, adhesion and inflammation were determined in CRC-derived cell lines in which these genes were either exogenously overexpressed or silenced. We found that the expression of AKR1B1 was unaltered, whereas that of AKR1B10 was decreased in primary CRCs. GSEA revealed that, while high AKR1B1 expression was associated with increased cell cycle progression, cellular motility and inflammation, high AKR1B10 expression was associated with a weak inflammatory phenotype. Functional studies carried out in CRC-derived cell lines confirmed these data. Microarray data analysis indicated that high expression levels of AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 were significantly associated with shorter and longer disease-free survival rates, respectively. A combined gene expression signature of AKR1B10 (low) and AKR1B1 (high) showed a better prognostic stratification of CRC patients independent of confounding factors. Despite their similarities, the expression levels and functions of AKR1B1 and AKR1B10 are highly divergent in CRC, and they may have prognostic implications.

Inhibition of Mutation: A Novel Approach to Preventing and Treating Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

Hydroxyurea (HU) is a small molecule chemotherapeutic that is thought to slow tumor growth by inhibiting RNR and thus reducing dNTP...Identification of hydroxyurea as an inhibitor of induced mutation that presumably acts by inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase and thereby decreasing the

Characterization and Quantitation of Vitamin B12 Compounds in Various Chlorella Supplements.

PubMed

Bito, Tomohiro; Bito, Mariko; Asai, Yusuke; Takenaka, Shigeo; Yabuta, Yukinori; Tago, Kazunori; Ohnishi, Masato; Mizoguchi, Toru; Watanabe, Fumio

2016-11-16

Vitamin B 12 was determined and characterized in 19 dried Chlorella health supplements. Vitamin contents of dried Chlorella cells varied from <0.1 μg to approximately 415 μg per 100 g of dry weight. Subsequent liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry analyses showed the presence of inactive corrinoid compounds, a cobalt-free corrinoid, and 5-methoxybenzimidazolyl cyanocobamide (factor IIIm) in four and three high vitamin B 12 -containing Chlorella tablets, respectively. In four Chlorella tablet types with high and moderate vitamin B 12 contents, the coenzyme forms of vitamin B 12 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin (approximately 32%) and methylcobalamin (approximately 8%) were considerably present, whereas the unnaturally occurring corrinoid cyanocobalamin was present at the lowest concentrations. The species Chlorella sorokiniana (formerly Chlorella pyrenoidosa) is commonly used in dietary supplements and did not show an absolute requirement of vitamin B 12 for growth despite vitamin B 12 uptake from the medium being observed. In further experiments, vitamin B 12 -dependent methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and methionine synthase activities were detected in cell homogenates. In particular, methionine synthase activity was significantly increased following the addition of vitamin B 12 to the medium. These results suggest that vitamin B 12 contents of Chlorella tablets reflect the presence of vitamin B 12 -generating organic ingredients in the medium or the concomitant growth of vitamin B 12 -synthesizing bacteria under open culture conditions.

17 CFR 210.12-12B - Open option contracts written.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 3 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Open option contracts written. 210.12-12B Section 210.12-12B Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION... AND CONSERVATION ACT OF 1975 For Management Investment Companies § 210.12-12B Open option contracts...

17 CFR 210.12-12B - Open option contracts written.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Open option contracts written. 210.12-12B Section 210.12-12B Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION... AND CONSERVATION ACT OF 1975 Form and Content of Schedules § 210.12-12B Open option contracts written...

17 CFR 210.12-12B - Open option contracts written.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Open option contracts written. 210.12-12B Section 210.12-12B Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION... AND CONSERVATION ACT OF 1975 Form and Content of Schedules § 210.12-12B Open option contracts written...

A Computational Tale of Two Enzymes: Glycerol Dehydration With or Without B12.

PubMed

Kovačević, Borislav; Barić, Danijela; Babic, Darko; Bilić, Luka; Hanževački, Marko; Sandala, Gregory M; Radom, Leo; Smith, David M

2018-06-12

We present a series of QM/MM calculations aimed at understanding the mechanism of the biological dehydration of glycerol. Strikingly and unusually, this process is catalyzed by two different radical enzymes, one of which is a coenzyme-B 12 - dependent enzyme and the other which is a coenzyme-B 12 - independent enzyme. We show that glycerol dehydration in the presence of the coenzyme-B 12 -dependent enzyme proceeds via a 1,2-OH shift, which benefits from a significant catalytic reduction in the barrier. In contrast, the same reaction in the presence of the coenzyme-B 12 -independent enzyme is unlikely to involve the 1,2-OH shift; instead, a strong preference for direct loss of water from a radical intermediate is indicated. We show that this preference and, ultimately the evolution of such enzymes, is strongly linked with the reactivities of the species responsible for abstracting a hydrogen atom from the substrate. It appears that the hydrogen re-abstraction step involving the product-related radical is fundamental to the mechanistic preference. The unconventional 1,2-OH shift seems to be required to generate a product-related radical of sufficient reactivity to cleave the relatively inactive C-H bond arising from the B 12 cofactor. In the absence of B 12 , it is the relatively weak S-H bond of a cysteine residue that must be homolyzed. Such a transformation is much less demanding and its inclusion apparently enables a simpler overall dehydration mechanism.

Identification and characterization of NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 reductase gene and cytochrome b₅ gene from Plutella xylostella: possible involvement in resistance to beta-cypermethrin.

PubMed

Chen, Xi'en; Zhang, Yalin

2015-03-10

NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) and cytochrome b5 (b5) are essential for cytochrome P450 mediated biological reactions. CPR and b5 in several insects have been found to be associated with insecticide resistance. However, CPR and b5 in the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, are not characterized and their roles remain undefined. A full-length cDNA of CPR encoding 678 amino acids and a full-length cDNA of b5 encoding 127 amino acids were cloned from DBM. Their deduced amino acid sequences shared high identities with those of other insects and showed characteristics of classical CPRs and b5s, respectively. The mRNAs of both genes were detectable in all developmental stages with the highest expression levels occurring in the 4th instar larvae. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that their transcripts were most abundant in gut. Transcripts of CPR and b5 in the beta-cypermethrin resistant DBM strain were 13.2- and 2.84-fold higher than those in the beta-cypermethrin susceptible strain, respectively. The expression levels of CPR and b5 were enhanced by beta-cypermethrin at the concentration of 12 mg L(-1) (~LC10). The results indicate that CPR and b5 may play essential roles in the P450 mediated resistance of DBM to beta-cypermethrin or even other insecticides. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The insertion of the non-heme FeB cofactor into nitric oxide reductase from P. denitrificans depends on NorQ and NorD accessory proteins.

PubMed

Kahle, Maximilian; Ter Beek, Josy; Hosler, Jonathan P; Ädelroth, Pia

2018-06-03

Bacterial NO reductases (NOR) catalyze the reduction of NO into N 2 O, either as a step in denitrification or as a detoxification mechanism. cNOR from Paracoccus (P.) denitrificans is expressed from the norCBQDEF operon, but only the NorB and NorC proteins are found in the purified NOR complex. Here, we established a new purification method for the P. denitrificans cNOR via a His-tag using heterologous expression in E. coli. The His-tagged enzyme is both structurally and functionally very similar to non-tagged cNOR. We were also able to express and purify cNOR from the structural genes norCB only, in absence of the accessory genes norQDEF. The produced protein is a stable NorCB complex containing all hemes and it can bind gaseous ligands (CO) to heme b 3 , but it is catalytically inactive. We show that this deficient cNOR lacks the non-heme iron cofactor Fe B . Mutational analysis of the nor gene cluster revealed that it is the norQ and norD genes that are essential to form functional cNOR. NorQ belongs to the family of MoxR P-loop AAA+ ATPases, which are in general considered to facilitate enzyme activation processes often involving metal insertion. Our data indicates that NorQ and NorD work together in order to facilitate non-heme Fe insertion. This is noteworthy since in many cases Fe cofactor binding occurs spontaneously. We further suggest a model for NorQ/D-facilitated metal insertion into cNOR. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The 2-Cys Peroxiredoxin Alkyl Hydroperoxide Reductase C Binds Heme and Participates in Its Intracellular Availability in Streptococcus agalactiae*

PubMed Central

Lechardeur, Delphine; Fernandez, Annabelle; Robert, Bruno; Gaudu, Philippe; Trieu-Cuot, Patrick; Lamberet, Gilles; Gruss, Alexandra

2010-01-01

Heme is a redox-reactive molecule with vital and complex roles in bacterial metabolism, survival, and virulence. However, few intracellular heme partners were identified to date and are not well conserved in bacteria. The opportunistic pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus) is a heme auxotroph, which acquires exogenous heme to activate an aerobic respiratory chain. We identified the alkyl hydroperoxide reductase AhpC, a member of the highly conserved thiol-dependent 2-Cys peroxiredoxins, as a heme-binding protein. AhpC binds hemin with a Kd of 0.5 μm and a 1:1 stoichiometry. Mutagenesis of cysteines revealed that hemin binding is dissociable from catalytic activity and multimerization. AhpC reductase activity was unchanged upon interaction with heme in vitro and in vivo. A group B Streptococcus ahpC mutant displayed attenuation of two heme-dependent functions, respiration and activity of a heterologous catalase, suggesting a role for AhpC in heme intracellular fate. In support of this hypothesis, AhpC-bound hemin was protected from chemical degradation in vitro. Our results reveal for the first time a role for AhpC as a heme-binding protein. PMID:20332091

Effect of methotrexate/vitamin B12 on DNA methylation as a potential factor in leukemia treatment-related neurotoxicity.

PubMed

Forster, Victoria J; McDonnell, Alex; Theobald, Rachel; McKay, Jill A

2017-09-01

Methotrexate (MTX) is administered to treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It acts by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase which reduces methyltetrahydrofolate, a key component in one carbon metabolism, thus reducing cell proliferation. Further perturbations to one carbon metabolism, such as reduced vitamin B 12 levels via the use of nitrous oxide for sedation during childhood ALL treatment, may increase neurotoxicity risk. With B 12 as an enzymatic cofactor, methyltetrahydrofolate is essential to produce methionine, which is critical for DNA methylation. We investigated global and gene specific DNA methylation in neuronal cell lines in response to MTX treatment and vitamin B 12 concentration individually, and in combination. MTX treatment alone significantly increased LINE-1 methylation in SH-SY5Y (p = 0.040) and DAOY (p < 0.001), and increased FKBP5 methylation in MO3.13 cells (p = 0.009). We conclude that altered DNA methylation of brain/central nervous system cells could be one mechanism involved in MTX treatment-related neurotoxicities and neurocognitive late effects in ALL survivors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License

Partial vinylphenol reductase purification and characterization from Brettanomyces bruxellensis.

PubMed

Tchobanov, Iavor; Gal, Laurent; Guilloux-Benatier, Michèle; Remize, Fabienne; Nardi, Tiziana; Guzzo, Jean; Serpaggi, Virginie; Alexandre, Hervé

2008-07-01

Brettanomyces is the major microbial cause for wine spoilage worldwide and causes significant economic losses. The reasons are the production of ethylphenols that lead to an unpleasant taint described as 'phenolic odour'. Despite its economic importance, Brettanomyces has remained poorly studied at the metabolic level. The origin of the ethylphenol results from the conversion of vinylphenols in ethylphenol by Brettanomyces hydroxycinnamate decarboxylase. However, no information is available on the vinylphenol reductase responsible for the conversion of vinylphenols in ethylphenols. In this study, a vinylphenol reductase was partially purified from Brettanomyces bruxellensis that was active towards 4-vinylguaiacol and 4-vinylphenol only among the substrates tested. First, a vinylphenol reductase activity assay was designed that allowed us to show that the enzyme was NADH dependent. The vinylphenol reductase was purified 152-fold with a recovery yield of 1.77%. The apparent K(m) and V(max) values for the hydrolysis of 4-vinylguaiacol were, respectively, 0.14 mM and 1900 U mg(-1). The optimal pH and temperature for vinylphenol reductase were pH 5-6 and 30 degrees C, respectively. The molecular weight of the enzyme was 26 kDa. Trypsic digest of the protein was performed and the peptides were sequenced, which allowed us to identify in Brettanomyces genome an ORF coding for a 210 amino acid protein.

Role of Conserved Glycine in Zinc-dependent Medium Chain Dehydrogenase/Reductase Superfamily*

PubMed Central

Tiwari, Manish Kumar; Singh, Raushan Kumar; Singh, Ranjitha; Jeya, Marimuthu; Zhao, Huimin; Lee, Jung-Kul

2012-01-01

The medium-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (MDR) superfamily consists of a large group of enzymes with a broad range of activities. Members of this superfamily are currently the subject of intensive investigation, but many aspects, including the zinc dependence of MDR superfamily proteins, have not yet have been adequately investigated. Using a density functional theory-based screening strategy, we have identified a strictly conserved glycine residue (Gly) in the zinc-dependent MDR superfamily. To elucidate the role of this conserved Gly in MDR, we carried out a comprehensive structural, functional, and computational analysis of four MDR enzymes through a series of studies including site-directed mutagenesis, isothermal titration calorimetry, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), quantum mechanics, and molecular mechanics analysis. Gly substitution by other amino acids posed a significant threat to the metal binding affinity and activity of MDR superfamily enzymes. Mutagenesis at the conserved Gly resulted in alterations in the coordination of the catalytic zinc ion, with concomitant changes in metal-ligand bond length, bond angle, and the affinity (Kd) toward the zinc ion. The Gly mutants also showed different spectroscopic properties in EPR compared with those of the wild type, indicating that the binding geometries of the zinc to the zinc binding ligands were changed by the mutation. The present results demonstrate that the conserved Gly in the GHE motif plays a role in maintaining the metal binding affinity and the electronic state of the catalytic zinc ion during catalysis of the MDR superfamily enzymes. PMID:22500022

2'-Deoxy-2'-methylenecytidine and 2'-deoxy-2',2'-difluorocytidine 5'-diphosphates: potent mechanism-based inhibitors of ribonucleotide reductase.

PubMed

Baker, C H; Banzon, J; Bollinger, J M; Stubbe, J; Samano, V; Robins, M J; Lippert, B; Jarvi, E; Resvick, R

1991-06-01

It has been found that 2'-deoxy-2'-methyleneuridine (MdUrd), 2'-deoxy-2'-methylenecytidine (MdCyd), and 2'-deoxy-2',2'-difluorocytidine (dFdCyd) 5'-diphosphates (MdUDP (1) MdCDP (2) and dFdCDP (3), respectively) function as irreversible inactivators of the Escherichia coli ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase (RDPR). 2 is a much more potent inhibitor than its uridine analogue 1. It is proposed that 2 undergoes abstraction of H3' to give an allylic radical that captures a hydrogen atom and decomposes to an active alkylating furanone species. RDPR also accepts 3 as an alternative substrate analogue and presumably executes an initial abstraction of H3' to initiate formation of a suicide species. Both 2 and 3 give inactivation results that differ from those of previously studied inhibitors. The potent anticancer activities of MdCyd and dFdCyd indicate a significant chemotherapeutic potential. The analogous RDPR of mammalian cells should be regarded as a likely target and/or activating enzyme for these novel mechanism-based inactivators.

Substrate specificity and catalytic efficiency of aldo-keto reductases with phospholipid aldehydes

PubMed Central

Spite, Matthew; Baba, Shahid P.; Ahmed, Yonis; Barski, Oleg A.; Nijhawan, Kanchan; Petrash, J. Mark; Bhatnagar, Aruni; Srivastava, Sanjay

2007-01-01

Phospholipid oxidation generates several bioactive aldehydes that remain esterified to the glycerol backbone (‘core’ aldehydes). These aldehydes induce endothelial cells to produce monocyte chemotactic factors and enhance monocyte–endothelium adhesion. They also serve as ligands of scavenger receptors for the uptake of oxidized lipoproteins or apoptotic cells. The biochemical pathways involved in phospholipid aldehyde metabolism, however, remain largely unknown. In the present study, we have examined the efficacy of the three mammalian AKR (aldo-keto reductase) families in catalysing the reduction of phospholipid aldehydes. The model phospholipid aldehyde POVPC [1-palmitoyl-2-(5-oxovaleroyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine] was efficiently reduced by members of the AKR1, but not by the AKR6 or the ARK7 family. In the AKR1 family, POVPC reductase activity was limited to AKR1A and B. No significant activity was observed with AKR1C enzymes. Among the active proteins, human AR (aldose reductase) (AKR1B1) showed the highest catalytic activity. The catalytic efficiency of human small intestinal AR (AKR1B10) was comparable with the murine AKR1B proteins 1B3 and 1B8. Among the murine proteins AKR1A4 and AKR1B7 showed appreciably lower catalytic activity as compared with 1B3 and 1B8. The human AKRs, 1B1 and 1B10, and the murine proteins, 1B3 and 1B8, also reduced C-7 and C-9 sn-2 aldehydes as well as POVPE [1-palmitoyl-2-(5-oxovaleroyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine]. AKR1A4, B1, B7 and B8 catalysed the reduction of aldehydes generated in oxidized C16:0-20:4 phosphatidylcholine with acyl, plasmenyl or alkyl linkage at the sn-1 position or C16:0-20:4 phosphatidylglycerol or phosphatidic acid. AKR1B1 displayed the highest activity with phosphatidic acids; AKR1A4 was more efficient with long-chain aldehydes such as 5-hydroxy-8-oxo-6-octenoyl derivatives, whereas AKR1B8 preferred phosphatidylglycerol. These results suggest that proteins of the AKR1A and B families are

Nitrate and periplasmic nitrate reductases

PubMed Central

Sparacino-Watkins, Courtney; Stolz, John F.; Basu, Partha

2014-01-01

The nitrate anion is a simple, abundant and relatively stable species, yet plays a significant role in global cycling of nitrogen, global climate change, and human health. Although it has been known for quite some time that nitrate is an important species environmentally, recent studies have identified potential medical applications. In this respect the nitrate anion remains an enigmatic species that promises to offer exciting science in years to come. Many bacteria readily reduce nitrate to nitrite via nitrate reductases. Classified into three distinct types – periplasmic nitrate reductase (Nap), respiratory nitrate reductase (Nar) and assimilatory nitrate reductase (Nas), they are defined by their cellular location, operon organization and active site structure. Of these, Nap proteins are the focus of this review. Despite similarities in the catalytic and spectroscopic properties Nap from different Proteobacteria are phylogenetically distinct. This review has two major sections: in the first section, nitrate in the nitrogen cycle and human health, taxonomy of nitrate reductases, assimilatory and dissimilatory nitrate reduction, cellular locations of nitrate reductases, structural and redox chemistry are discussed. The second section focuses on the features of periplasmic nitrate reductase where the catalytic subunit of the Nap and its kinetic properties, auxiliary Nap proteins, operon structure and phylogenetic relationships are discussed. PMID:24141308

Constituents of Musa x paradisiaca cultivar with the potential to induce the phase II enzyme, quinone reductase.

PubMed

Jang, Dae Sik; Park, Eun Jung; Hawthorne, Michael E; Vigo, Jose Schunke; Graham, James G; Cabieses, Fernando; Santarsiero, Bernard D; Mesecar, Andrew D; Fong, Harry H S; Mehta, Rajendra G; Pezzuto, John M; Kinghorn, A Douglas

2002-10-23

A new bicyclic diarylheptanoid, rel-(3S,4aR,10bR)-8-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-9-methoxy-4a,5,6,10b-tetrahydro-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran (1), as well as four known compounds, 1,2-dihydro-1,2,3-trihydroxy-9-(4-methoxyphenyl)phenalene (2), hydroxyanigorufone (3), 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)naphthalic anhydride (4), and 1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hepta-4(E),6(E)-dien-3-one (5), were isolated from an ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the methanol extract of the fruits of Musa x paradisiaca cultivar, using a bioassay based on the induction of quinone reductase (QR) in cultured Hepa1c1c7 mouse hepatoma cells to monitor chromatographic fractionation. The structure and relative stereochemistry of compound 1 were elucidated unambiguously by one- and two-dimensional NMR experiments ((1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, DEPT, COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Isolates 1-5 were evaluated for their potential cancer chemopreventive properties utilizing an in vitro assay to determine quinone reductase induction and a mouse mammary organ culture assay.

In vitro and in silico studies of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitory activity of the cowpea Gln-Asp-Phe peptide.

PubMed

Silva, Mariana Barros de Cerqueira E; Souza, Caio Alexandre da Cruz; Philadelpho, Biane Oliveira; Cunha, Mariana Mota Novais da; Batista, Fabiana Pacheco Reis; Silva, Jaff Ribeiro da; Druzian, Janice Izabel; Castilho, Marcelo Santos; Cilli, Eduardo Maffud; Ferreira, Ederlan S

2018-09-01

Previous studies have shown that cowpea protein positively interferes with cholesterol metabolism. In this study, we evaluated the ability of the fraction containing peptides of <3 kDa, as well as that of the Gln-Asp-Phe (QDF) peptide, derived from cowpea β-vignin protein, to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase activity. We established isolation and chromatography procedures to effectively obtain the protein with a purity above 95%. In silico predictions were performed to identify peptide sequences capable of interacting with HMG-CoA reductase. In vitro experiments showed that the fraction containing peptides of <3 kDa displayed inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase activity. The tripeptide QDF inhibits HMG-CoA reductase (IC 50  = 12.8 μM) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, in silico studies revealed the binding profile of the QDF peptide and hinted at the molecular interactions that are responsible for its activity. Therefore, this study shows, for the first time, a peptide from cowpea β-vignin protein that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase and the chemical modifications that should be investigated to evaluate its binding profile. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Vitamin B-12 and Perinatal Health.

PubMed

Finkelstein, Julia L; Layden, Alexander J; Stover, Patrick J

2015-09-01

Vitamin B-12 deficiency (<148 pmol/L) is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including developmental anomalies, spontaneous abortions, preeclampsia, and low birth weight (<2500 g). The importance of adequate vitamin B-12 status periconceptionally and during pregnancy cannot be overemphasized, given its fundamental role in neural myelination, brain development, and growth. Infants born to vitamin B-12-deficient women may be at increased risk of neural tube closure defects, and maternal vitamin B-12 insufficiency (<200 pmol/L) can impair infant growth, psychomotor function, and brain development, which may be irreversible. However, the underlying causal mechanisms are unknown. This review was conducted to examine the evidence that links maternal vitamin B-12 status and perinatal outcomes. Despite the high prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency and associated risk of pregnancy complications, few prospective studies and, to our knowledge, only 1 randomized trial have examined the effects of vitamin B-12 supplementation during pregnancy. The role of vitamin B-12 in the etiology of adverse perinatal outcomes needs to be elucidated to inform public health interventions. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Litsea japonica Extract Inhibits Aldose Reductase Activity and Hyperglycemia-Induced Lenticular Sorbitol Accumulation in db/db Mice.

PubMed

Kim, Junghyun; Kim, Chan-Sik; Sohn, Eunjin; Lee, Yun Mi; Jo, Kyuhyung; Kim, Jin Sook

2015-01-01

Aldose reductase (AR) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway. AR-dependent synthesis of excess polyols leads to lens opacification in diabetic cataract. The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effect of Litsea japonica extract (LJE) on diabetes-induced lens opacification and its protective mechanism in db/db mice. Seven-week-old male db/db mice were treated with LJE (100 and 250 mg/kg body weight) once a day orally for 12 weeks. LJE dose dependently inhibited rat lens aldose reductase activity in vitro (IC50 = 13.53 ± 0.74 µg/mL). In db/db mice, lens was slightly opacified, and lens fiber cells were swollen and ruptured. In addition, lenticular sorbitol accumulation was increased in db/db mice. However, the administration of LJE inhibited these lenticular sorbitol accumulation and lens architectural changes in db/db mice. Our results suggest that LJE might be beneficial for the treatment of diabetes-induced lens opacification. The ability of LJE to suppress lenticular sorbitol accumulation may be mediated by the inhibition of AR activity.

DFT and TD-DFT study of the adsorption and detection of sulfur mustard chemical warfare agent by the C24, C12Si12, Al12N12, Al12P12, Be12O12, B12N12 and Mg12O12 nanocages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jouypazadeh, Hamidreza; Farrokhpour, Hossein

2018-07-01

In the present research, the interaction of sulfur mustard, a chemical warfare agent, with the surface of C24, C12Si12, Al12N12, Al12P12, Be12O12, B12N12 and Mg12O12 nanocages was studied using the dispersion corrected density function theory (DFT-D3) method. The calculated adsorption energies of sulfur mustard on the surface of the nanocages showed that the Al12N12, C12Si12 and Mg12O12 are useful for the adsorption of the sulfur mustard. The quantum theory atom in molecule (QTAIM) analysis was used to study the nature of interactions of sulfur mustard with the surface of the selected nanocages. Based on QTAIM analysis, the majority of interactions of sulfur and chlorine atoms of sulfur mustard with the surface of the considered nanocages are covalent and quasi covalent whereas the interactions of hydrogen atoms of sulfur mustard with the surface of the nanocages are generally non-covalent. The charge transfer between sulfur mustard and the nanocages as well as chemical quantum descriptors of complexes were calculated using natural bond orbital (NBO) method. The most electron charge transfers from the sulfur mustard to B12N12 nanocage where the S atom of sulfur mustard donor a chemical bond to B atom of the nanocage. The ability of the considered nanocages for detecting sulfur mustard was studied using time-dependent density function theory (TD-DFT) and density of state (DOS) diagram. It is found that the C24, Al12P12, Be12O12 and B12N12 nanocages are useful sensors for this chemical agent.

Imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines targeting Toxoplasma gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 decrease the parasite burden in mice with acute toxoplasmosis.

PubMed

Moine, Espérance; Moiré, Nathalie; Dimier-Poisson, Isabelle; Brunet, Kévin; Couet, William; Colas, Cyril; Van Langendonck, Nathalie; Enguehard-Gueiffier, Cécile; Gueiffier, Alain; Héraut, Bruno; Denevault-Sabourin, Caroline; Debierre-Grockiego, Françoise

2018-06-01

The current therapeutic arsenal for toxoplasmosis is restricted to drugs non-specific to the parasite which cause important side effects. Development of more efficient and specific anti-Toxoplasma compounds is urgently needed. Imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines designed to inhibit the calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 of Toxoplasma gondii (TgCDPK1) and effective against tachyzoite growth in vitro at submicromolar ranges were modified into hydrochloride salts to be administered in vivo in a mouse model of acute toxoplasmosis. All protonated imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine salts (SP230, SP231 and SP232) maintained their activity on TgCDPK1 and T. gondii tachyzoites. Rat and mouse liver microsomes were used to predict half-life and intrinsic clearance, and the pharmacokinetic profile of the most rapidly degraded imidazo[1,2b]pyridazine salt (SP230) was determined in serum, brain and lungs of mice after a single administration of 50 mg/kg. Compounds were then tested in vivo in a murine model of acute toxoplasmosis. Mice infected with tachyzoites of the ME49 strain of T. gondii were treated for 4, 7 or 8 days with 25 or 50 mg/kg/day of SP230, SP231 or SP232. The parasite burdens were strongly diminished (>90% reduction under some conditions) in the spleen and the lungs of mice treated with imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine salts compared with untreated mice, without the need for pre-treatment. Moreover, no increases in the levels of hepatic and renal toxicity markers were observed, demonstrating no significant signs of short-term toxicity. To conclude, imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine salts have strong efficacy in vivo on acute toxoplasmosis and should be further tested in a model of mouse congenital toxoplasmosis. Copyright © 2018 Australian Society for Parasitology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rosiglitazone attenuates NF-{kappa}B-dependent ICAM-1 and TNF-{alpha} production caused by homocysteine via inhibiting ERK{sub 1/2}/p38MAPK activation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bai, Yong-Ping; Liu, Yu-Hui; Chen, Jia

2007-08-17

Previous studies demonstrated an important interaction between nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-{kappa}B) activation and homocysteine (Hcy)-induced cytokines expression in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. However, the underlying mechanism remains illusive. In this study, we investigated the effects of Hcy on NF-{kappa}B-mediated sICAM-1, TNF-{alpha} production and the possible involvement of ERK{sub 1/2}/p38MAPK pathway. The effects of rosiglitazone intervention were also examined. Our results show that Hcy increased the levels of sICAM-1 and TNF-{alpha} in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. This effect was significantly depressed by rosiglitazone and different inhibitors (PDTC, NF-{kappa}B inhibitor; PD98059,more » MEK inhibitor; SB203580, p38MAPK specific inhibitor; and staurosporine, PKC inhibitor). Next, we investigated the effect of Hcy on ERK{sub 1/2}/p38MAPK pathway and NF-{kappa}B activity in HUVECs. The results show that Hcy activated both ERK{sub 1/2}/p38MAPK pathway and NF-{kappa}B-DNA-binding activity. These effects were markedly inhibited by rosiglitazone as well as other inhibitors (SB203580, PD98059, and PDTC). Further, the pretreatment of staurosporine abrogated ERK{sub 1/2}/p38MAPK phosphorylation, suggesting that Hcy-induced ERK{sub 1/2}/p38MAPK activation is associated with PKC activity. Our results provide evidence that Hcy-induced NF-{kappa}B activation was mediated by activation of ERK{sub 1/2}/p38MAPK pathway involving PKC activity. Rosiglitazone reduces the NF-{kappa}B-mediated sICAM-1 and TNF-{alpha} production induced by Hcy via inhibition of ERK{sub 1/2}/p38MAPK pa0011thw.« less

Aldose Reductase Inhibitory Activity of Compounds from  Zea mays L.

PubMed Central

Kim, Tae Hyeon; Kim, Jin Kyu; Kang, Young-Hee; Lee, Jae-Yong; Kang, Il Jun; Lim, Soon Sung

2013-01-01

Aldose reductase (AR) inhibitors have a considerable therapeutic potential against diabetes complications and do not increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Through bioassay-guided fractionation of an EtOH extract of the kernel from purple corn (Zea mays L.), 7 nonanthocyanin phenolic compounds (compound 1–7) and 5 anthocyanins (compound 8–12) were isolated. These compounds were investigated by rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR) inhibitory assays. Kinetic analyses of recombinant human aldose reductase (rhAR) were performed, and intracellular galactitol levels were measured. Hirsutrin, one of 12 isolated compounds, showed the most potent RLAR inhibitory activity (IC50, 4.78 μM). In the kinetic analyses using Lineweaver-Burk plots of 1/velocity and 1/substrate concentration, hirsutrin showed competitive inhibition against rhAR. Furthermore, hirsutrin inhibited galactitol formation in rat lens and erythrocytes sample incubated with a high concentration of galactose; this finding indicates that hirsutrin may effectively prevent osmotic stress in hyperglycemia. Therefore, hirsutrin derived from Zea mays L. may be a potential therapeutic agent against diabetes complications. PMID:23586057

Bacterial DNA-induced NK cell IFN-gamma production is dependent on macrophage secretion of IL-12.

PubMed

Chace, J H; Hooker, N A; Mildenstein, K L; Krieg, A M; Cowdery, J S

1997-08-01

Bacterial DNA (bDNA) activates B cells and macrophages and can augment inflammatory responses by inducing release of proinflammatory cytokines. We found that bDNA stimulation of mouse spleen cells induced NK cell IFN-gamma production that was dependent upon the presence of unmethylated CpG motifs, and oligonucleotides with internal CpG motifs could also induce splenocytes to secrete IFN-gamma. The bDNA-induced IFN-gamma response was strictly macrophages dependent. While splenocytes from SCID mice secreted IFN-gamma in response to bDNA, depletion of macrophages eliminated this response. Additionally, purified NK cells did not respond to bDNA; however, addition of macrophages restored the NK cell IFN-gamma response. Coculture of NK cells with preactivated macrophages further increased bDNA-induced NK cell IFN-gamma production. Anti-IL-12 or IL-10 inhibited bDNA-induced IFN-gamma response. Treatment of purified macrophages with bDNA resulted in IL-12 secretion accompanied by an increase in IL-12 p40 mRNA level. Although isolated NK cells did not make IFN-gamma in response to bDNA, NK cells costimulated with IL-12 gained the ability to respond to bDNA. These experiments show that bDNA induces macrophage IL-12 production which, in turn, stimulates NK cell IFN-gamma production. Macrophage-derived IL-12 renders NK cells responsive to bDNA permitting an even greater IFN-gamma response to bDNA.

COP9 signalosome subunit 7 from Arabidopsis interacts with and regulates the small subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR2).

PubMed

Halimi, Yair; Dessau, Moshe; Pollak, Shaul; Ast, Tslil; Erez, Tamir; Livnat-Levanon, Nurit; Karniol, Baruch; Hirsch, Joel A; Chamovitz, Daniel A

2011-09-01

The COP9 Signalosome protein complex (CSN) is a pleiotropic regulator of plant development and contains eight-subunits. Six of these subunits contain the PCI motif which mediates specific protein interactions necessary for the integrity of the complex. COP9 complex subunit 7 (CSN7) contains an N-terminal PCI motif followed by a C-terminal extension which is also necessary for CSN function. A yeast-interaction trap assay identified the small subunit of ribonucelotide reductase (RNR2) from Arabidopsis as interacting with the C-terminal section of CSN7. This interaction was confirmed in planta by both bimolecular fluorescence complementation and immuoprecipitation assays with endogenous proteins. The subcellular localization of RNR2 was primarily nuclear in meristematic regions, and cytoplasmic in adult cells. RNR2 was constitutively nuclear in csn7 mutant seedlings, and was also primarily nuclear in wild type seedlings following exposure to UV-C. These two results correlate with constitutive expression of several DNA-damage response genes in csn7 mutants, and to increased tolerance of csn7 seedlings to UV-C treatment. We propose that the CSN is a negative regulator of RNR activity in Arabidopsis.

Colour formation in fermented sausages by meat-associated staphylococci with different nitrite- and nitrate-reductase activities.

PubMed

Gøtterup, Jacob; Olsen, Karsten; Knøchel, Susanne; Tjener, Karsten; Stahnke, Louise H; Møller, Jens K S

2008-04-01

Three Staphylococcus strains, S. carnosus, S. simulans and S. saprophyticus, selected due to their varying nitrite and/or nitrate-reductase activities, were used to initiate colour formation during sausage fermentation. During fermentation of sausages with either nitrite or nitrate added, colour was followed by L(∗)a(∗)b measurements and the content of nitrosylmyoglobin (MbFe(II)NO) quantified by electron spin resonance (ESR). MbFe(II)NO was rapidly formed in sausages with added nitrite independent of the presence of nitrite reducing bacteria, whereas the rate of MbFe(II)NO formation in sausages with added nitrate depended on the specific Staphylococcus strain. Strains with high nitrate-reductase activity showed a significantly faster rate of pigment formation, but other factors were of influence as well. Product stability for the sliced, packaged sausage was evaluated as surface colour and oxidation by autofluorescence and hexanal content, respectively. No significant direct effect of the Staphylococcus addition was observed, however, there was a clear correspondence between high initial amount of MbFe(II)NO in the different sausages and the colour stability during storage. Autofluorescence data correlated well with hexanal content, and may be used as predictive tools. Overall, nitrite- and nitrate-reductase activities of Staphylococcus strains in nitrite-cured sausages were of limited importance regarding colour development, while in nitrate-cured sausages strains with higher nitrate reductase activity were crucial for ensuring optimal colour formation during initial fermentation stages.

The respiratory arsenate reductase from Bacillus selenitireducens strain MLS10

USGS Publications Warehouse

Afkar, E.; Lisak, J.; Saltikov, C.; Basu, P.; Oremland, R.S.; Stolz, J.F.

2003-01-01

The respiratory arsenate reductase from the Gram-positive, haloalkaliphile, Bacillus selenitireducens strain MLS10 was purified and characterized. It is a membrane bound heterodimer (150 kDa) composed of two subunits ArrA (110 kDa) and ArrB (34 kDa), with an apparent Km for arsenate of 34 ??M and Vmax of 2.5 ??mol min-1 mg-1. Optimal activity occurred at pH 9.5 and 150 g l-1 of NaCl. Metal analysis (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) of the holoenzyme and sequence analysis of the catalytic subunit (ArrA; the gene for which was cloned and sequenced) indicate it is a member of the DMSO reductase family of molybdoproteins. ?? 2003 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fine tuning of coenzyme specificity in family 2 aldo-keto reductases revealed by crystal structures of the Lys-274 → Arg mutant of Candida tenuis xylose reductase (AKR2B5) bound to NAD + and NADP +

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leitgeb, Stefan; Petschacher, Barbara; Wilson, David K.

2005-01-11

Aldo-keto reductases of family 2 employ single site replacement Lys → Arg to switch their cosubstrate preference from NADPH to NADH. X-ray crystal structures of Lys-274 → Arg mutant of Candida tenuis xylose reductase (AKR2B5) bound to NAD + and NADP + were determined at a resolution of 2.4 and 2.3 Å, respectively. Due to steric conflicts in the NADP +-bound form, the arginine side chain must rotate away from the position of the original lysine side chain, thereby disrupting a network of direct and water-mediated interactions between Glu-227, Lys-274 and the cofactor 2'-phosphate and 3'-hydroxy groups. Because anchoring contactsmore » of its Glu-227 are lost, the coenzyme-enfolding loop that becomes ordered upon binding of NAD(P) + in the wild-type remains partly disordered in the NADP +-bound mutant. The results delineate a catalytic reaction profile for the mutant in comparison to wild-type.« less

YNL134C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a novel protein with aldehyde reductase activity for detoxification of furfural derived from lignocellulosic biomass.

PubMed

Zhao, Xianxian; Tang, Juan; Wang, Xu; Yang, Ruoheng; Zhang, Xiaoping; Gu, Yunfu; Li, Xi; Ma, Menggen

2015-05-01

Furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) are the two main aldehyde compounds derived from pentoses and hexoses, respectively, during lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment. These two compounds inhibit microbial growth and interfere with subsequent alcohol fermentation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has the in situ ability to detoxify furfural and HMF to the less toxic 2-furanmethanol (FM) and furan-2,5-dimethanol (FDM), respectively. Herein, we report that an uncharacterized gene, YNL134C, was highly up-regulated under furfural or HMF stress and Yap1p and Msn2/4p transcription factors likely controlled its up-regulated expression. Enzyme activity assays showed that YNL134C is an NADH-dependent aldehyde reductase, which plays a role in detoxification of furfural to FM. However, no NADH- or NADPH-dependent enzyme activity was observed for detoxification of HMF to FDM. This enzyme did not catalyse the reverse reaction of FM to furfural or FDM to HMF. Further studies showed that YNL134C is a broad-substrate aldehyde reductase, which can reduce multiple aldehydes to their corresponding alcohols. Although YNL134C is grouped into the quinone oxidoreductase family, no quinone reductase activity was observed using 1,2-naphthoquinone or 9,10-phenanthrenequinone as a substrate, and phylogenetic analysis indicates that it is genetically distant to quinone reductases. Proteins similar to YNL134C in sequence from S. cerevisiae and other microorganisms were phylogenetically analysed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

TaOPR2 encodes a 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductase involved in the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

PubMed

Wang, Yukun; Yuan, Guoliang; Yuan, Shaohua; Duan, Wenjing; Wang, Peng; Bai, Jianfang; Zhang, Fengting; Gao, Shiqing; Zhang, Liping; Zhao, Changping

2016-01-29

The 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductases (OPRs) are involved in the various processes of growth and development in plants, and classified into the OPRⅠ and OPRⅡ subgroups. In higher plants, only OPRⅡ subgroup genes take part in the biosynthesis of endogenous jasmonic acid. In this study, we isolated a novel OPRⅡ subgroup gene named TaOPR2 (GeneBank accession: KM216389) from the thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) wheat cultivar BS366. TaOPR2 was predicted to encode a protein with 390 amino acids. The encoded protein contained the typical oxidored_FMN domain, the C-terminus peroxisomal-targeting signal peptide, and conserved FMN-binding sites. TaOPR2 was mapped to wheat chromosome 7B and located on peroxisome. Protein evolution analysis revealed that TaOPR2 belongs to the OPRⅡ subgroup and shares a high degree of identity with other higher plant OPR proteins. The quantitative real-time PCR results indicated that the expression of TaOPR2 is inhibited by abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), gibberellic acid (GA3), low temperatures and high salinity. In contrast, the expression of TaOPR2 can be induced by wounding, drought and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Furthermore, the transcription level of TaOPR2 increased after infection with Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici and Puccinia recondite f. sp. tritici. TaOPR2 has NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase activity. In addition, the constitutive expression of TaOPR2 can rescue the male sterility phenotype of Arabidopsis mutant opr3. These results suggest that TaOPR2 is involved in the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid (JA) in wheat. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Purification and properties of a dissimilatory nitrate reductase from Haloferax denitrificans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hochstein, L. I.; Lang, F.

1991-01-01

A membrane-bound nitrate reductase (nitrite:(acceptor) oxidoreductase, EC 1.7.99.4) from the extremely halophilic bacterium Haloferax denitrificans was solubilized by incubating membranes in buffer lacking NaCl and purified by DEAE, hydroxylapatite, and Sepharose 6B gel filtration chromatography. The purified nitrate reductase reduced chlorate and was inhibited by azide and cyanide. Preincubating the enzyme with cyanide increased the extent of inhibition which in turn was intensified when dithionite was present. Although cyanide was a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to nitrate, nitrate protected against inhibition. The enzyme, as isolated, was composed of two subunits (Mr 116,000 and 60,000) and behaved as a dimer during gel filtration (Mr 380,000). Unlike other halobacterial enzymes, this nitrate reductase was most active, as well as stable, in the absence of salt.

Glutathione reductase-mediated synthesis of tellurium-containing nanostructures exhibiting antibacterial properties.

PubMed

Pugin, Benoit; Cornejo, Fabián A; Muñoz-Díaz, Pablo; Muñoz-Villagrán, Claudia M; Vargas-Pérez, Joaquín I; Arenas, Felipe A; Vásquez, Claudio C

2014-11-01

Tellurium, a metalloid belonging to group 16 of the periodic table, displays very interesting physical and chemical properties and lately has attracted significant attention for its use in nanotechnology. In this context, the use of microorganisms for synthesizing nanostructures emerges as an eco-friendly and exciting approach compared to their chemical synthesis. To generate Te-containing nanostructures, bacteria enzymatically reduce tellurite to elemental tellurium. In this work, using a classic biochemical approach, we looked for a novel tellurite reductase from the Antarctic bacterium Pseudomonas sp. strain BNF22 and used it to generate tellurium-containing nanostructures. A new tellurite reductase was identified as glutathione reductase, which was subsequently overproduced in Escherichia coli. The characterization of this enzyme showed that it is an NADPH-dependent tellurite reductase, with optimum reducing activity at 30°C and pH 9.0. Finally, the enzyme was able to generate Te-containing nanostructures, about 68 nm in size, which exhibit interesting antibacterial properties against E. coli, with no apparent cytotoxicity against eukaryotic cells. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Glutathione Reductase-Mediated Synthesis of Tellurium-Containing Nanostructures Exhibiting Antibacterial Properties

PubMed Central

Pugin, Benoit; Cornejo, Fabián A.; Muñoz-Díaz, Pablo; Muñoz-Villagrán, Claudia M.; Vargas-Pérez, Joaquín I.; Arenas, Felipe A.

2014-01-01

Tellurium, a metalloid belonging to group 16 of the periodic table, displays very interesting physical and chemical properties and lately has attracted significant attention for its use in nanotechnology. In this context, the use of microorganisms for synthesizing nanostructures emerges as an eco-friendly and exciting approach compared to their chemical synthesis. To generate Te-containing nanostructures, bacteria enzymatically reduce tellurite to elemental tellurium. In this work, using a classic biochemical approach, we looked for a novel tellurite reductase from the Antarctic bacterium Pseudomonas sp. strain BNF22 and used it to generate tellurium-containing nanostructures. A new tellurite reductase was identified as glutathione reductase, which was subsequently overproduced in Escherichia coli. The characterization of this enzyme showed that it is an NADPH-dependent tellurite reductase, with optimum reducing activity at 30°C and pH 9.0. Finally, the enzyme was able to generate Te-containing nanostructures, about 68 nm in size, which exhibit interesting antibacterial properties against E. coli, with no apparent cytotoxicity against eukaryotic cells. PMID:25193000

Tropinone reductases, enzymes at the branch point of tropane alkaloid metabolism.

PubMed

Dräger, Birgit

2006-02-01

Two stereospecific oxidoreductases constitute a branch point in tropane alkaloid metabolism. Products of tropane metabolism are the alkaloids hyoscyamine, scopolamine, cocaine, and polyhydroxylated nortropane alkaloids, the calystegines. Both tropinone reductases reduce the precursor tropinone to yield either tropine or pseudotropine. In Solanaceae, tropine is incorporated into hyoscyamine and scopolamine; pseudotropine is the first specific metabolite on the way to the calystegines. Isolation, cloning and heterologous expression of both tropinone reductases enabled kinetic characterisation, protein crystallisation, and structure elucidation. Stereospecificity of reduction is achieved by binding tropinone in the respective enzyme active centre in opposite orientation. Immunolocalisation of both enzyme proteins in cultured roots revealed a tissue-specific protein accumulation. Metabolite flux through both arms of the tropane alkaloid pathway appears to be regulated by the activity of both enzymes and by their access to the precursor tropinone. Both tropinone reductases are NADPH-dependent short-chain dehydrogenases with amino acid sequence similarity of more than 50% suggesting their descent from a common ancestor. Putative tropinone reductase sequences annotated in plant genomes other that Solanaceae await functional characterisation.

Li2 B12 and Li3 B12 : Prediction of the Smallest Tubular and Cage-like Boron Structures.

PubMed

Dong, Xue; Jalife, Said; Vásquez-Espinal, Alejandro; Ravell, Estefanía; Pan, Sudip; Cabellos, José Luis; Liang, Wei-Yan; Cui, Zhong-Hua; Merino, Gabriel

2018-04-16

An intriguing structural transition from the quasi-planar form of B 12 cluster upon the interaction with lithium atoms is reported. High-level computations show that the lowest energy structures of LiB 12 , Li 2 B 12 , and Li 3 B 12 have quasi-planar (C s ), tubular (D 6d ), and cage-like (C s ) geometries, respectively. The energetic cost of distorting the B 12 quasi-planar fragment is overcompensated by an enhanced electrostatic interaction between the Li cations and the tubular or cage-like B 12 fragments, which is the main reason of such drastic structural changes, resulting in the smallest tubular (Li 2 B 12 ) and cage-like (Li 3 B 12 ) boron structures reported to date. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Structural Understanding of the Glutathione-dependent Reduction Mechanism of Glutathionyl-Hydroquinone Reductases*

PubMed Central

Green, Abigail R.; Hayes, Robert P.; Xun, Luying; Kang, ChulHee

2012-01-01

Glutathionyl-hydroquinone reductases (GS- HQRs) are a newly identified group of glutathione transferases, and they are widely distributed in bacteria, halobacteria, fungi, and plants. GS-HQRs catalyze glutathione (GSH)-dependent reduction of glutathionyl-hydroquinones (GS-hydroquinones) to hydroquinones. GS-hydroquinones can be spontaneously formed from benzoquinones reacting with reduced GSH via Michael addition, and GS-HQRs convert the conjugates to hydroquinones. In this report we have determined the structures of two bacterial GS-HQRs, PcpF of Sphingobium chlorophenolicum and YqjG of Escherichia coli. The two structures and the previously reported structure of a fungal GS-HQR shared many features and displayed complete conservation for all the critical residues. Furthermore, we obtained the binary complex structures with GS-menadione, which in its reduced form, GS-menadiol, is a substrate. The structure revealed a large H-site that could accommodate various substituted hydroquinones and a hydrogen network of three Tyr residues that could provide the proton for reductive deglutathionylation. Mutation of the Tyr residues and the position of two GSH molecules confirmed the proposed mechanism of GS-HQRs. The conservation of GS-HQRs across bacteria, halobacteria, fungi, and plants potentiates the physiological role of these enzymes in quinone metabolism. PMID:22955277

B61 Mod 12 Life Extension Program Tailkit Assembly (B61 Mod 12 LEP TKA)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

Selected Acquisition Report ( SAR ) RCS: DD-A&T(Q&A)823-468 B61 Mod 12 Life Extension Program Tailkit Assembly (B61 Mod 12 LEP TKA) As of FY 2017... SAR March 23, 2016 10:38:20 UNCLASSIFIED 2 Table of Contents Common Acronyms and Abbreviations for MDAP Programs 3 Program Information...Unit Cost B61 Mod 12 LEP TKA December 2015 SAR March 23, 2016 10:38:20 UNCLASSIFIED 3 PB - President’s Budget PE - Program Element PEO - Program

An Electron-bifurcating Caffeyl-CoA Reductase*

PubMed Central

Bertsch, Johannes; Parthasarathy, Anutthaman; Buckel, Wolfgang; Müller, Volker

2013-01-01

A low potential electron carrier ferredoxin (E0′ ≈ −500 mV) is used to fuel the only bioenergetic coupling site, a sodium-motive ferredoxin:NAD+ oxidoreductase (Rnf) in the acetogenic bacterium Acetobacterium woodii. Because ferredoxin reduction with physiological electron donors is highly endergonic, it must be coupled to an exergonic reaction. One candidate is NADH-dependent caffeyl-CoA reduction. We have purified a complex from A. woodii that contains a caffeyl-CoA reductase and an electron transfer flavoprotein. The enzyme contains three subunits encoded by the carCDE genes and is predicted to have, in addition to FAD, two [4Fe-4S] clusters as cofactor, which is consistent with the experimental determination of 4 mol of FAD, 9 mol of iron, and 9 mol of acid-labile sulfur. The enzyme complex catalyzed caffeyl-CoA-dependent oxidation of reduced methyl viologen. With NADH as donor, it catalyzed caffeyl-CoA reduction, but this reaction was highly stimulated by the addition of ferredoxin. Spectroscopic analyses revealed that ferredoxin and caffeyl-CoA were reduced simultaneously, and a stoichiometry of 1.3:1 was determined. Apparently, the caffeyl-CoA reductase-Etf complex of A. woodii uses the novel mechanism of flavin-dependent electron bifurcation to drive the endergonic ferredoxin reduction with NADH as reductant by coupling it to the exergonic NADH-dependent reduction of caffeyl-CoA. PMID:23479729

Crystal structures of a subunit of the formylglycinamide ribonucleotide amidotransferase, PurS, from Thermus thermophilus , Sulfolobus tokodaii and Methanocaldococcus jannaschii

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Watanabe, Yuzo; Yanai, Hisaaki; Kanagawa, Mayumi

2016-07-27

The crystal structures of a subunit of the formylglycinamide ribonucleotide amidotransferase, PurS, fromThermus thermophilus,Sulfolobus tokodaiiandMethanocaldococcus jannaschiiwere determined and their structural characteristics were analyzed. For PurS fromT. thermophilus, two structures were determined using two crystals that were grown in different conditions. The four structures in the dimeric form were almost identical to one another despite their relatively low sequence identities. This is also true for all PurS structures determined to date. A few residues were conserved among PurSs and these are located at the interaction site with PurL and PurQ, the other subunits of the formylglycinamide ribonucleotide amidotransferase. Molecular-dynamics simulations ofmore » the PurS dimer as well as a model of the complex of the PurS dimer, PurL and PurQ suggest that PurS plays some role in the catalysis of the enzyme by its bending motion.« less

Decrease of Nitrate Reductase Activity in Spinach Leaves during a Light-Dark Transition 1

PubMed Central

Riens, Burgi; Heldt, Hans Walter

1992-01-01

In leaves of spinach plants (Spinacia oleracea L.) performing CO2 and NO3− assimilation, at the time of sudden darkening, which eliminates photosystem I-dependent nitrite reduction, only a minor temporary increase of the leaf nitrite content is observed. Because nitrate reduction does not depend on redox equivalents generated by photosystem I activity, a continuation of nitrate reduction after darkening would result in a large accumulation of nitrite in the leaves within a very short time, which is not observed. Measurements of the extractable nitrate reductase activity from spinach leaves assayed under standard conditions showed that in these leaves the nitrate reductase activity decreased during darkening to 15% of the control value with a half-time of only 2 minutes. Apparently, in these leaves nitrate reductase is very rapidly inactivated at sudden darkness avoiding an accumulation of the toxic nitrite in the cells. PMID:16668679

18 CFR 1b.12 - Transcripts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Transcripts. 1b.12 Section 1b.12 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES RULES RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS § 1b.12 Transcripts. Transcripts, if any, of...

18 CFR 1b.12 - Transcripts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Transcripts. 1b.12 Section 1b.12 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES RULES RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS § 1b.12 Transcripts. Transcripts, if any, of...

18 CFR 1b.12 - Transcripts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Transcripts. 1b.12 Section 1b.12 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES RULES RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS § 1b.12 Transcripts. Transcripts, if any, of...

18 CFR 1b.12 - Transcripts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Transcripts. 1b.12 Section 1b.12 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES RULES RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS § 1b.12 Transcripts. Transcripts, if any, of...

Suppression of homocysteine levels by vitamin B12 and folates: age and gender dependency in the Jackson Heart Study.

PubMed

Henry, Olivia R; Benghuzzi, Hamed; Taylor, Herman A; Tucci, Michelle; Butler, Kenneth; Jones, Lynne

2012-08-01

To examine factors potentially contributing to premature cardiovascular disease mortality in African Americans (40% versus 20% all other populations), plasma homocysteine, serum vitamin B12 and folate levels were examined for African American participants in the Jackson Heart Study. Of 5192 African American Jackson Heart Study participants (21-94 years), 5064 (mean age, 55 ± 13 years; 63% female) had homocysteine levels measured via fasting blood samples, with further assessments of participants' vitamin B12 (n = 1790) and folate (n = 1788) levels. Regression analyses were used to examine age, gender, vitamin B12 and folate with homocysteine levels. Homocysteine levels, a purported surrogate risk factor for cardiovascular disease, increased with age, were inversely proportional to folate and vitamin B12 levels (P < 0.001) and were higher for men of all ages. The results show that, as with other populations, age, gender, vitamin B12 and folate may predict homocysteine levels for African Americans. Diet may be an important predictive factor as well, given the relationships that were observed between plasma homocysteine and serum B vitamin levels.

Purification, Characterization, and Overexpression of Flavin Reductase Involved in Dibenzothiophene Desulfurization by Rhodococcus erythropolis D-1

PubMed Central

Matsubara, Toshiyuki; Ohshiro, Takashi; Nishina, Yoshihiro; Izumi, Yoshikazu

2001-01-01

The dibenzothiophene (DBT)-desulfurizing bacterium, Rhodococcus erythropolis D-1, removes sulfur from DBT to form 2-hydroxybiphenyl using four enzymes, DszC, DszA, DszB, and flavin reductase. In this study, we purified and characterized the flavin reductase from R. erythropolis D-1 grown in a medium containing DBT as the sole source of sulfur. It is conceivable that the enzyme is essential for two monooxygenase (DszC and DszA) reactions in vivo. The purified flavin reductase contains no chromogenic cofactors and was found to have a molecular mass of 86 kDa and four identical 22-kDa subunits. The enzyme catalyzed NADH-dependent reduction of flavin mononucleotide (FMN), and the Km values for NADH and FMN were 208 and 10.8 μM, respectively. Flavin adenine dinucleotide was a poor substrate, and NADPH was inert. The enzyme did not catalyze reduction of any nitroaromatic compound. The optimal temperature and optimal pH for enzyme activity were 35°C and 6.0, respectively, and the enzyme retained 30% of its activity after heat treatment at 80°C for 30 min. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified flavin reductase was identical to that of DszD of R. erythropolis IGTS8 (K. A. Gray, O. S. Pogrebinsky, G. T. Mrachko, L. Xi, D. J. Monticello, and C. H. Squires, Nat. Biotechnol. 14:1705–1709, 1996). The flavin reductase gene was amplified with primers designed by using dszD of R. erythropolis IGTS8, and the enzyme was overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The specific activity in crude extracts of the overexpressed strain was about 275-fold that of the wild-type strain. PMID:11229908

Synthetic and Crystallographic Studies of a New Inhibitor Series Targeting Bacillus anthracis Dihydrofolate Reductase

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beierlein, J.; Frey, K; Bolstad, D

2008-01-01

Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, poses a significant biodefense danger. Serious limitations in approved therapeutics and the generation of resistance have produced a compelling need for new therapeutic agents against this organism. Bacillus anthracis is known to be insensitive to the clinically used antifolate, trimethoprim, because of a lack of potency against the dihydrofolate reductase enzyme. Herein, we describe a novel lead series of B. anthracis dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors characterized by an extended trimethoprim-like scaffold. The best lead compound adds only 22 Da to the molecular weight and is 82-fold more potent than trimethoprim. An X-ray crystal structuremore » of this lead compound bound to B. anthracis dihydrofolate reductase in the presence of NADPH was determined to 2.25 A resolution. The structure reveals several features that can be exploited for further development of this lead series.« less

Gallium and its competing roles with iron in biological systems.

PubMed

Chitambar, Christopher R

2016-08-01

Gallium, a group IIIa metal, shares chemical properties with iron. Studies have shown that gallium-based compounds have potential therapeutic activity against certain cancers and infectious microorganisms. By functioning as an iron mimetic, gallium perturbs iron-dependent proliferation processes in tumor cells. Gallium's action on iron homeostasis leads to disruption of ribonucleotide reductase, mitochondrial function, and the regulation of transferrin receptor and ferritin. In addition, gallium nitrate stimulates an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in cells which triggers downstream upregulation of metallothionein and hemoxygenase-1. Gallium's anti-infective activity against bacteria and fungi results from disruption of microbial iron utilization through mechanisms which include gallium binding to siderophores and downregulation of bacterial iron uptake. Gallium compounds lack cross-resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs and antibiotics thus making them attractive agents for drug development. This review will focus on the mechanisms of action of gallium with emphasis on its interaction with iron and iron proteins. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Aerobic Degradation of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene by Enterobacter cloacae PB2 and by Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Reductase

PubMed Central

French, Christopher E.; Nicklin, Stephen; Bruce, Neil C.

1998-01-01

Enterobacter cloacae PB2 was originally isolated on the basis of its ability to utilize nitrate esters, such as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) and glycerol trinitrate, as the sole nitrogen source for growth. The enzyme responsible is an NADPH-dependent reductase designated PETN reductase. E. cloacae PB2 was found to be capable of slow aerobic growth with 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) as the sole nitrogen source. Dinitrotoluenes were not produced and could not be used as nitrogen sources. Purified PETN reductase was found to reduce TNT to its hydride-Meisenheimer complex, which was further reduced to the dihydride-Meisenheimer complex. Purified PETN reductase and recombinant Escherichia coli expressing PETN reductase were able to liberate nitrogen as nitrite from TNT. The ability to remove nitrogen from TNT suggests that PB2 or recombinant organisms expressing PETN reductase may be useful for bioremediation of TNT-contaminated soil and water. PMID:9687442

Characterisation of a Desmosterol Reductase Involved in Phytosterol Dealkylation in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori

PubMed Central

Ciufo, Leonora F.; Murray, Patricia A.; Thompson, Anu; Rigden, Daniel J.; Rees, Huw H.

2011-01-01

Most species of invertebrate animals cannot synthesise sterols de novo and many that feed on plants dealkylate phytosterols (mostly C29 and C28) yielding cholesterol (C27). The final step of this dealkylation pathway involves desmosterol reductase (DHCR24)-catalysed reduction of desmosterol to cholesterol. We now report the molecular characterisation in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, of such a desmosterol reductase involved in production of cholesterol from phytosterol, rather than in de novo synthesis of cholesterol. Phylogenomic analysis of putative desmosterol reductases revealed the occurrence of various clades that allowed for the identification of a strong reductase candidate gene in Bombyx mori (BGIBMGA 005735). Following PCR-based cloning of the cDNA (1.6 kb) and its heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisae, the recombinant protein catalysed reduction of desmosterol to cholesterol in an NADH- and FAD- dependent reaction. Conceptual translation of the cDNA, that encodes a 58.9 kDa protein, and database searching, revealed that the enzyme belongs to an FAD-dependent oxidoreductase family. Western blotting revealed reductase protein expression exclusively in the microsomal subcellular fraction and primarily in the gut. The protein is peripherally associated with microsomal membranes. 2D-native gel and PAGE analysis revealed that the reductase is part of a large complex with molecular weight approximately 250kDa. The protein occurs in midgut microsomes at a fairly constant level throughout development in the last two instars, but is drastically reduced during the wandering stage in preparation for metamorphosis. Putative Broad Complex transcription factor-binding sites detectable upstream of the DHCR24 gene may play a role in this down-regulation. PMID:21738635

45 CFR 5b.12 - Contractors.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Contractors. 5b.12 Section 5b.12 Public Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY ACT REGULATIONS § 5b.12 Contractors. (a) All contracts entered into on or after September 27, 1975 which require a contractor to maintain...

Unchanged thymidine triphosphate pools and thymidine metabolism in two lines of thymidine kinase 2-mutated fibroblasts.

PubMed

Frangini, Miriam; Rampazzo, Chiara; Franzolin, Elisa; Lara, Mari-Carmen; Vilà, Maya R; Martí, Ramon; Bianchi, Vera

2009-02-01

Mitochondrial thymidine kinase (TK2) catalyzes the phosphorylation of thymidine in mitochondria. Its function becomes essential for dTTP synthesis in noncycling cells, where cytosolic dTTP synthesis via R1/R2 ribonucleotide reductase and thymidine kinase 1 is turned down. Mutations in the nuclear gene for TK2 cause a fatal mtDNA depletion syndrome. Only selected cell types are affected, suggesting that the other cells compensate for the TK2 deficiency by adapting the enzyme network that regulates dTTP synthesis outside S-phase. Here we looked for such metabolic adaptation in quiescent cultures of fibroblasts from two TK2-deficient patients with a slow-progressing syndrome. In cell extracts, we measured the activities of TK2, deoxycytidine kinase, thymidine phosphorylase, deoxynucleotidases and the amounts of the three ribonucleotide reductase subunits. Patient cells contained 40% or 5% TK2 activity and unchanged activities of the other enzymes. However, their mitochondrial and cytosolic dTTP pools were unchanged, and also the overall composition of the dNTP pools was normal. TK2-dependent phosphorylation of [(3)H]thymidine in intact cells and the turnover of the dTTP pool showed that even the fibroblasts with 5% residual TK2 activity synthesized dTTP at an almost normal rate. Normal fibroblasts apparently contain more TK2 than needed to maintain dTTP during quiescence, which would explain why TK2-mutated fibroblasts do not manifest mtDNA depletion despite their reduced TK2 activity.

34 CFR 5b.12 - Contractors.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 34 Education 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Contractors. 5b.12 Section 5b.12 Education Office of the Secretary, Department of Education PRIVACY ACT REGULATIONS § 5b.12 Contractors. (a) All contracts entered into on or after September 27, 1975 which require a contractor to maintain or on behalf of the...

Litsea japonica Extract Inhibits Aldose Reductase Activity and Hyperglycemia-Induced Lenticular Sorbitol Accumulation in db/db Mice

PubMed Central

Kim, Junghyun; Kim, Chan-Sik; Sohn, Eunjin; Lee, Yun Mi; Jo, Kyuhyung; Kim, Jin Sook

2015-01-01

Aldose reductase (AR) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway. AR-dependent synthesis of excess polyols leads to lens opacification in diabetic cataract. The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effect of Litsea japonica extract (LJE) on diabetes-induced lens opacification and its protective mechanism in db/db mice. Seven-week-old male db/db mice were treated with LJE (100 and 250 mg/kg body weight) once a day orally for 12 weeks. LJE dose dependently inhibited rat lens aldose reductase activity in vitro (IC50 = 13.53 ± 0.74 µg/mL). In db/db mice, lens was slightly opacified, and lens fiber cells were swollen and ruptured. In addition, lenticular sorbitol accumulation was increased in db/db mice. However, the administration of LJE inhibited these lenticular sorbitol accumulation and lens architectural changes in db/db mice. Our results suggest that LJE might be beneficial for the treatment of diabetes-induced lens opacification. The ability of LJE to suppress lenticular sorbitol accumulation may be mediated by the inhibition of AR activity. PMID:25802544

Vitamin B-12 and Perinatal Health123

PubMed Central

Finkelstein, Julia L; Layden, Alexander J; Stover, Patrick J

2015-01-01

Vitamin B-12 deficiency (<148 pmol/L) is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including developmental anomalies, spontaneous abortions, preeclampsia, and low birth weight (<2500 g). The importance of adequate vitamin B-12 status periconceptionally and during pregnancy cannot be overemphasized, given its fundamental role in neural myelination, brain development, and growth. Infants born to vitamin B-12-deficient women may be at increased risk of neural tube closure defects, and maternal vitamin B-12 insufficiency (<200 pmol/L) can impair infant growth, psychomotor function, and brain development, which may be irreversible. However, the underlying causal mechanisms are unknown. This review was conducted to examine the evidence that links maternal vitamin B-12 status and perinatal outcomes. Despite the high prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency and associated risk of pregnancy complications, few prospective studies and, to our knowledge, only 1 randomized trial have examined the effects of vitamin B-12 supplementation during pregnancy. The role of vitamin B-12 in the etiology of adverse perinatal outcomes needs to be elucidated to inform public health interventions. PMID:26374177

Suppression of Homocysteine Levels by Vitamin B12 and Folates: Age and Gender Dependency in the Jackson Heart Study

PubMed Central

Henry, Olivia R.; Benghuzzi, Hamed; Taylor, Herman A.; Tucci, Michelle; Butler, Kenneth; Jones, Lynne

2011-01-01

Objectives To examine factors potentially contributing to premature cardiovascular disease mortality in African Americans (40% versus 20% all other populations), plasma homocysteine, serum vitamin B12 and folate levels were examined for African American participants in the Jackson Heart Study. Methods Of 5,192 African American Jackson Heart Study participants (21–94 years), 5,064 (mean age, 55±13 years; 63% female) had homocysteine levels measured via fasting blood samples, with further assessments of participants’ vitamin B12 (n=1,790) and folate (n=1,788) levels. We used regression analyses to examine age, gender, vitamin B12, and folate with homocysteine levels. Results Homocysteine levels, a purported surrogate risk factor for cardiovascular disease, increased with age, were inversely proportional to folate and vitamin B12 levels (p<0.001), and higher for men of all ages. Conclusions Our results show that, as with other populations, age, gender, vitamin B12, and folate may predict homocysteine levels for African Americans. Diet may be an important predictive factor as well, given the relationships we observed between plasma homocysteine and serum B vitamin levels. PMID:22173042

Boletus edulis Nitrite Reductase Reduces Nitrite Content of Pickles and Mitigates Intoxication in Nitrite-intoxicated Mice

PubMed Central

Zhang, Weiwei; Tian, Guoting; Feng, Shanshan; Wong, Jack Ho; Zhao, Yongchang; Chen, Xiao; Wang, Hexiang; Ng, Tzi Bun

2015-01-01

Pickles are popular in China and exhibits health-promoting effects. However, nitrite produced during fermentation adversely affects health due to formation of methemoglobin and conversion to carcinogenic nitrosamine. Fruiting bodies of the mushroom Boletus edulis were capable of inhibiting nitrite production during pickle fermentation. A 90-kDa nitrite reductase (NiR), demonstrating peptide sequence homology to fungal nitrite reductase, was isolated from B. edulis fruiting bodies. The optimum temperature and pH of the enzyme was 45 °C and 6.8, respectively. B. edulis NiR was capable of prolonging the lifespan of nitrite-intoxicated mice, indicating that it had the action of an antidote. The enzyme could also eliminate nitrite from blood after intragastric administration of sodium nitrite, and after packaging into capsule, this nitrite-eliminating activity could persist for at least 120 minutes thus avoiding immediate gastric degradation. B. edulis NiR represents the first nitrite reductase purified from mushrooms and may facilitate subsequent applications. PMID:26446494

Boletus edulis Nitrite Reductase Reduces Nitrite Content of Pickles and Mitigates Intoxication in Nitrite-intoxicated Mice.

PubMed

Zhang, Weiwei; Tian, Guoting; Feng, Shanshan; Wong, Jack Ho; Zhao, Yongchang; Chen, Xiao; Wang, Hexiang; Ng, Tzi Bun

2015-10-08

Pickles are popular in China and exhibits health-promoting effects. However, nitrite produced during fermentation adversely affects health due to formation of methemoglobin and conversion to carcinogenic nitrosamine. Fruiting bodies of the mushroom Boletus edulis were capable of inhibiting nitrite production during pickle fermentation. A 90-kDa nitrite reductase (NiR), demonstrating peptide sequence homology to fungal nitrite reductase, was isolated from B. edulis fruiting bodies. The optimum temperature and pH of the enzyme was 45 °C and 6.8, respectively. B. edulis NiR was capable of prolonging the lifespan of nitrite-intoxicated mice, indicating that it had the action of an antidote. The enzyme could also eliminate nitrite from blood after intragastric administration of sodium nitrite, and after packaging into capsule, this nitrite-eliminating activity could persist for at least 120 minutes thus avoiding immediate gastric degradation. B. edulis NiR represents the first nitrite reductase purified from mushrooms and may facilitate subsequent applications.

Aldo-keto reductase family 1 B10 protein detoxifies dietary and lipid-derived alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyls at physiological levels.

PubMed

Zhong, Linlin; Liu, Ziwen; Yan, Ruilan; Johnson, Stephen; Zhao, Yupei; Fang, Xiubin; Cao, Deliang

2009-09-18

Alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyls are highly reactive mutagens and carcinogens to which humans are exposed on a daily basis. This study demonstrates that aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) is a critical protein in detoxifying dietary and lipid-derived unsaturated carbonyls. Purified AKR1B10 recombinant protein efficiently catalyzed the reduction to less toxic alcohol forms of crotonaldehyde at 0.90 microM, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) at 0.10 microM, trans-2-hexanal at 0.10 microM, and trans-2,4-hexadienal at 0.05 microM, the concentrations at or lower than physiological exposures. Ectopically expressed AKR1B10 in 293T cells eliminated immediately HNE at 1 (subtoxic) or 5 microM (toxic) by converting to 1,4-dihydroxynonene, protecting the cells from HNE toxicity. AKR1B10 protein also showed strong enzymatic activity toward glutathione-conjugated carbonyls. Taken together, our study results suggest that AKR1B10 specifically expressed in the intestine is physiologically important in protecting the host cell against dietary and lipid-derived cytotoxic carbonyls.

pH-sensitive interaction of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) with organic anion transporting polypeptide 2B1.

PubMed

Varma, Manthena V; Rotter, Charles J; Chupka, Jonathan; Whalen, Kevin M; Duignan, David B; Feng, Bo; Litchfield, John; Goosen, Theunis C; El-Kattan, Ayman F

2011-08-01

The human organic anion transporting polypeptide 2B1 (OATP2B1, SLCO2B1) is ubiquitously expressed and may play an important role in the disposition of xenobiotics. The present study aimed to examine the role of OATP2B1 in the intestinal absorption and tissue uptake of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins). We first investigated the functional affinity of statins to the transporter as a function of extracellular pH, using OATP2B1-transfeced HEK293 cells. The results indicate that OATP2B1-mediated transport is significant for rosuvastatin, fluvastatin and atorvastatin, at neutral pH. However, OATP2B1 showed broader substrate specificity as well as enhanced transporter activity at acidic pH. Furthermore, uptake at acidic pH was diminished in the presence of proton ionophore, suggesting proton gradient as the driving force for OATP2B1 activity. Notably, passive transport rates are predominant or comparable to active transport rates for statins, except for rosuvastatin and fluvastatin. Second, we studied the effect of OATP modulators on statin uptake. At pH 6.0, OATP2B1-mediated transport of atorvastatin and cerivastatin was not inhibitable, while rosuvastatin transport was inhibited by E-3-S, rifamycin SV and cyclosporine with IC(50) values of 19.7 ± 3.3 μM, 0.53 ± 0.2 μM and 2.2 ± 0.4 μM, respectively. Rifamycin SV inhibited OATP2B1-mediated transport of E-3-S and rosuvastatin with similar IC(50) values at pH 6.0 and 7.4, suggesting that the inhibitor affinity is not pH-dependent. Finally, we noted that OATP2B1-mediated transport of E-3-S, but not rosuvastatin, is pH sensitive in intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells. However, uptake of E-3-S and rosuvastatin by Caco-2 cells was diminished in the presence of proton ionophore. The present results indicate that OATP2B1 may be involved in the tissue uptake of rosuvastatin and fluvastatin, while OATP2B1 may play a significant role in the intestinal absorption of several

Inhibitory effect of rhetsinine isolated from Evodia rutaecarpa on aldose reductase activity.

PubMed

Kato, A; Yasuko, H; Goto, H; Hollinshead, J; Nash, R J; Adachi, I

2009-03-01

Aldose reductase inhibitors have considerable potential for the treatment of diabetic complications, without increased risk of hypoglycemia. Search for components inhibiting aldose reductase led to the discovery of active compounds contained in Evodia rutaecarpa Bentham (Rutaceae), which is the one of the component of Kampo-herbal medicine. The hot water extract from the E. rutaecarpa was subjected to distribution or gel filtration chromatography to give an active compound, N2-(2-methylaminobenzoyl)tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-1-one (rhetsinine). It inhibited aldose reductase with IC(50) values of 24.1 microM. Furthermore, rhetsinine inhibited sorbitol accumulation by 79.3% at 100 microM. These results suggested that the E. rutaecarpa derived component, rhetsinine, would be potentially useful in the treatment of diabetic complications.

Geological investigations in the U12b.03 and U12b.04 tunnels, Nevada Test Site

USGS Publications Warehouse

Diment, W.H.; Wilmarth, V. R.; McKeown, F.A.; Dickey, D.D.; Hinrichs, E.N.; Botinelly, T.; Roach, C.H.; Byers, F.M.; Hawley, C.C.; Izett, G.A.; Clebsch, Alfred

1959-01-01

The U12b.03 and .04 tunnels are part of the U12b (Rainier) tunnel complex that was driven northwestward from the steep east slope of Rainier Mesa (a prominent topographic feature in the northwest part of the Test Site (fig . 2)). The U12b.03 tunnel trends north from a point about 980 feet from the portal of the U12b tunnel (fig. 3). The U12b.03 tunnel consists of 620 feet of tunnel, two alcoves, and a shot chamber. The tunnel is irregular, ranging from 6 to 10 feet in width, and 6 to 9 feet in height. The shot chamber at the north end of the tunnel is 22 feet on each sidee The vertical and minimum cover over the shot chamber are 610 and 510 feet, respectively.

Aerobic degradation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene by Enterobacter cloacae PB2 and by pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

French, C.E.; Bruce, N.C.; Nicklin, S.

1998-08-01

Enterobacter cloacae PB2 was originally isolated on the basis of its ability to utilize nitrate esters, such as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) and glycerol trinitrate, as the sole nitrogen source for growth. The enzyme responsible is an NADPH-dependent reductase designated PETN reductase. E. cloacae PB2 was found to be capable of slow aerobic growth with 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) as the sole nitrogen source. Dinitrotoluenes were not produced and could not be used as nitrogen sources. Purified PETN reductase was found to reduce TNT to its hydride-Meisenheimer complex, which was further reduced to the dihydride-Meisenheimer complex. Purified PETN reductase and recombinant Escherichia colimore » expressing PETN reductase were able to liberate nitrogen as nitrite from TNT. The ability to remove nitrogen from TNT suggests that PB2 or recombinant organisms expressing PETN reductase may be useful for bioremediation of TNT-contaminated soil and water.« less

Eighty routes to a ribonucleotide world; dispersion and stringency in the decisive selection.

PubMed

Yarus, Michael

2018-05-21

We examine the initial emergence of genetics; that is, of an inherited chemical capability. The crucial actors are ribonucleotides, occasionally meeting in a prebiotic landscape. Previous work identified six influential variables during such random ribonucleotide pooling. Geochemical pools can be in periodic danger (e.g., from tides) or constant danger (e.g., from unfavorable weather). Such pools receive Gaussian nucleotide amounts sporadically, at random times, or get varying substrates simultaneously. Pools use cross-templated RNA synthesis (5'-5' product from 5'-3' template) or para-templated (5'-5' product from 5'-5' template) synthesis. Pools can undergo mild or strong selection, and be recently initiated (early) or late in age. Considering > 80 combinations of these variables, selection calculations identify a superior route. Most likely, an early, sporadically fed, cross-templating pool in constant danger, receiving ≥ 1 mM nucleotides while under strong selection for a coenzyme-like product will host selection of the first encoded biochemical functions. Predominantly templated products emerge from a critical event, the starting bloc selection, which exploits inevitable differences among early pools. Favorable selection has a simple rationale; it is increased by product dispersion (sd/mean), by selection intensity (mild or strong), or by combining these factors as stringency, reciprocal fraction of pools selected (1/sfsel). To summarize: chance utility, acting via a preference for disperse, templated coenzyme-like dinucleotides, uses stringent starting bloc selection to quickly establish majority encoded/genetic expression. Despite its computational origin, starting bloc selection is largely independent of specialized assumptions. This ribodinucleotide route to inheritance may also have facilitated 5'-3' chemical RNA replication. Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press for the RNA Society.

The steric gate of DNA polymerase ι regulates ribonucleotide incorporation and deoxyribonucleotide fidelity.

PubMed

Donigan, Katherine A; McLenigan, Mary P; Yang, Wei; Goodman, Myron F; Woodgate, Roger

2014-03-28

Accurate DNA synthesis in vivo depends on the ability of DNA polymerases to select dNTPs from a nucleotide pool dominated by NTPs. High fidelity replicative polymerases have evolved to efficiently exclude NTPs while copying long stretches of undamaged DNA. However, to bypass DNA damage, cells utilize specialized low fidelity polymerases to perform translesion DNA synthesis (TLS). Of interest is human DNA polymerase ι (pol ι), which has been implicated in TLS of oxidative and UV-induced lesions. Here, we evaluate the ability of pol ι to incorporate NTPs during DNA synthesis. pol ι incorporates and extends NTPs opposite damaged and undamaged template bases in a template-specific manner. The Y39A "steric gate" pol ι mutant is considerably more active in the presence of Mn(2+) compared with Mg(2+) and exhibits a marked increase in NTP incorporation and extension, and surprisingly, it also exhibits increased dNTP base selectivity. Our results indicate that a single residue in pol ι is able to discriminate between NTPs and dNTPs during DNA synthesis. Because wild-type pol ι incorporates NTPs in a template-specific manner, certain DNA sequences may be "at risk" for elevated mutagenesis during pol ι-dependent TLS. Molecular modeling indicates that the constricted active site of wild-type pol ι becomes more spacious in the Y39A variant. Therefore, the Y39A substitution not only permits incorporation of ribonucleotides but also causes the enzyme to favor faithful Watson-Crick base pairing over mutagenic configurations.

The Steric Gate of DNA Polymerase ι Regulates Ribonucleotide Incorporation and Deoxyribonucleotide Fidelity*

PubMed Central

Donigan, Katherine A.; McLenigan, Mary P.; Yang, Wei; Goodman, Myron F.; Woodgate, Roger

2014-01-01

Accurate DNA synthesis in vivo depends on the ability of DNA polymerases to select dNTPs from a nucleotide pool dominated by NTPs. High fidelity replicative polymerases have evolved to efficiently exclude NTPs while copying long stretches of undamaged DNA. However, to bypass DNA damage, cells utilize specialized low fidelity polymerases to perform translesion DNA synthesis (TLS). Of interest is human DNA polymerase ι (pol ι), which has been implicated in TLS of oxidative and UV-induced lesions. Here, we evaluate the ability of pol ι to incorporate NTPs during DNA synthesis. pol ι incorporates and extends NTPs opposite damaged and undamaged template bases in a template-specific manner. The Y39A “steric gate” pol ι mutant is considerably more active in the presence of Mn2+ compared with Mg2+ and exhibits a marked increase in NTP incorporation and extension, and surprisingly, it also exhibits increased dNTP base selectivity. Our results indicate that a single residue in pol ι is able to discriminate between NTPs and dNTPs during DNA synthesis. Because wild-type pol ι incorporates NTPs in a template-specific manner, certain DNA sequences may be “at risk” for elevated mutagenesis during pol ι-dependent TLS. Molecular modeling indicates that the constricted active site of wild-type pol ι becomes more spacious in the Y39A variant. Therefore, the Y39A substitution not only permits incorporation of ribonucleotides but also causes the enzyme to favor faithful Watson-Crick base pairing over mutagenic configurations. PMID:24532793

Identification and Characterization of the Missing Pyrimidine Reductase in the Plant Riboflavin Biosynthesis Pathway1[W][OA

PubMed Central

Hasnain, Ghulam; Frelin, Océane; Roje, Sanja; Ellens, Kenneth W.; Ali, Kashif; Guan, Jiahn-Chou; Garrett, Timothy J.; de Crécy-Lagard, Valérie; Gregory, Jesse F.; McCarty, Donald R.; Hanson, Andrew D.

2013-01-01

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is the precursor of the flavin coenzymes flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide. In Escherichia coli and other bacteria, sequential deamination and reduction steps in riboflavin biosynthesis are catalyzed by RibD, a bifunctional protein with distinct pyrimidine deaminase and reductase domains. Plants have two diverged RibD homologs, PyrD and PyrR; PyrR proteins have an extra carboxyl-terminal domain (COG3236) of unknown function. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) PyrD (encoded by At4g20960) is known to be a monofunctional pyrimidine deaminase, but no pyrimidine reductase has been identified. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that plant PyrR proteins have a catalytically competent reductase domain but lack essential zinc-binding residues in the deaminase domain, and that the Arabidopsis PyrR gene (At3g47390) is coexpressed with riboflavin synthesis genes. These observations imply that PyrR is a pyrimidine reductase without deaminase activity. Consistent with this inference, Arabidopsis or maize (Zea mays) PyrR (At3g47390 or GRMZM2G090068) restored riboflavin prototrophy to an E. coli ribD deletant strain when coexpressed with the corresponding PyrD protein (At4g20960 or GRMZM2G320099) but not when expressed alone; the COG3236 domain was unnecessary for complementing activity. Furthermore, recombinant maize PyrR mediated NAD(P)H-dependent pyrimidine reduction in vitro. Import assays with pea (Pisum sativum) chloroplasts showed that PyrR and PyrD are taken up and proteolytically processed. Ablation of the maize PyrR gene caused early seed lethality. These data argue that PyrR is the missing plant pyrimidine reductase, that it is plastid localized, and that it is essential. The role of the COG3236 domain remains mysterious; no evidence was obtained for the possibility that it catalyzes the dephosphorylation that follows pyrimidine reduction. PMID:23150645

21 CFR 184.1945 - Vitamin B12.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2010-04-01 2009-04-01 true Vitamin B12. 184.1945 Section 184.1945 Food and... Substances Affirmed as GRAS § 184.1945 Vitamin B12. (a) Vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin (C63H88Co... is used in food at levels not to exceed current good manufacturing practice. Vitamin B12 also may be...

S-nitrosoglutathione reductase in human lung cancer.

PubMed

Marozkina, Nadzeya V; Wei, Christina; Yemen, Sean; Wallrabe, Horst; Nagji, Alykhan S; Liu, Lei; Morozkina, Tatiana; Jones, David R; Gaston, Benjamin

2012-01-01

S-Nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) reductase regulates cell signaling pathways relevant to asthma and protects cells from nitrosative stress. Recent evidence suggests that this enzyme may prevent human hepatocellular carcinoma arising in the setting of chronic hepatitis. We hypothesized that GSNO reductase may also protect the lung against potentially carcinogenic reactions associated with nitrosative stress. We report that wild-type Ras is S-nitrosylated and activated by nitrosative stress and that it is denitrosylated by GSNO reductase. In human lung cancer, the activity and expression of GSNO reductase are decreased. Further, the distribution of the enzyme (including its colocalization with wild-type Ras) is abnormal. We conclude that decreased activity of GSNO reductase could leave the human lung vulnerable to the oncogenic effects of nitrosative stress, as is the case in the liver. This potential should be considered when developing therapies that inhibit pulmonary GSNO reductase to treat asthma and other conditions.

Degradation of vitamin B12 in dietary supplements.

PubMed

Yamada, Keiko; Shimodaira, Michiko; Chida, Seiko; Yamada, Noriko; Matsushima, Norio; Fukuda, Morimichi; Yamada, Shoji

2008-01-01

Beverages and solid dietary supplements rich in various added vitamins and minerals have recently become available. It seems reasonable to consider that the intake of these foods is convenient for easy ingestion of nutrients, but problems caused by blending different nutrients in high concentrations have arisen. We focused on vitamin B12 (B12) among vitamins and determined the B12 contents of beverages and solid dietary supplements purchased from a retail shop. The B12 contents of three of five beverages were less than stated on the labels. On the other hand, certain beverages unexpectedly contained much more B12 than stated on the labels. In these beverages the amount of B12 decreased rapidly with time, whereas B12 content was lower than stated on the label in only one of four solid dietary supplements. The content of B12 was affected by storage time, light exposure, temperature and vitamin C. From experimental analysis with a competitive binding assay method employing a ACS Chemiluminescent B12 kit, examining differential binding by intrinsic factors and spectral analysis of B12, it was determined that some of the B12 might have been converted into B12 analogues or small degradation products by multinutrient interaction during storage.

Application of B{sub 12}N{sub 12} and B{sub 12}P{sub 12} as two fullerene-like semiconductors for adsorption of halomethane: Density functional theory study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rad, Ali Shokuhi, E-mail: a.shokuhi@gmail.com

We examined and discussed the interaction of two halomethanes (mono-chloromethane (MCM), and mono-fluoromethane (MFM)) with B{sub 12}N{sub 12} and B{sub 12}P{sub 12} fullerene-like nanocages as semiconductor based on density functional theory (DFT). We calculated adsorption energies and followed the changes in the electronic structure of semiconductors upon adsorption of MCM and MFM. We found that the adsorption on the B{sub 12}N{sub 12} nano-cluster is energetically more favorable compared to B{sub 12}P{sub 12} nano-cluster. Also for both systems we found higher values of adsorption energy for MFM than for MCM. We found that upon adsorption of above-mentioned species on these twomore » fullerene-like semiconductors, the HOMO–LUMO distributions and also the gap energy for each system did not change significantly, which correspond to the physisorption process. As a result, B{sub 12}N{sub 12} is a more appropriate nano-cluster to be used as a selective sensor for halomethanes, especially for MFM.« less

Heat shock factors HsfB1 and HsfB2b are involved in the regulation of Pdf1.2 expression and pathogen resistance in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Kumar, Mukesh; Busch, Wolfgang; Birke, Hannah; Kemmerling, Birgit; Nürnberger, Thorsten; Schöffl, Friedrich

2009-01-01

In order to assess the functional roles of heat stress-induced class B-heat shock factors in Arabidopsis, we investigated T-DNA knockout mutants of AtHsfB1 and AtHsfB2b. Micorarray analysis of double knockout hsfB1/hsfB2b plants revealed as strong an up-regulation of the basal mRNA-levels of the defensin genes Pdf1.2a/b in mutant plants. The Pdf expression was further enhanced by jasmonic acid treatment or infection with the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicicola. The single mutant hsfB2b and the double mutant hsfB1/B2b were significantly improved in disease resistance after A. brassicicola infection. There was no indication for a direct interaction of Hsf with the promoter of Pdf1.2, which is devoid of perfect HSE consensus Hsf-binding sequences. However, changes in the formation of late HsfA2-dependent HSE binding were detected in hsfB1/B2b plants. This suggests that HsfB1/B2b may interact with class A-Hsf in regulating the shut-off of the heat shock response. The identification of Pdf genes as targets of Hsf-dependent negative regulation is the first evidence for an interconnection of Hsf in the regulation of biotic and abiotic responses.

Heat Shock Factors HsfB1 and HsfB2b Are Involved in the Regulation of Pdf1.2 Expression and Pathogen Resistance in Arabidopsis

PubMed Central

Kumar, Mukesh; Busch, Wolfgang; Birke, Hannah; Kemmerling, Birgit; Nürnberger, Thorsten; Schöffl, Friedrich

2009-01-01

In order to assess the functional roles of heat stress-induced class B-heat shock factors in Arabidopsis, we investigated T-DNA knockout mutants of AtHsfB1 and AtHsfB2b. Micorarray analysis of double knockout hsfB1/hsfB2b plants revealed as strong an up-regulation of the basal mRNA-levels of the defensin genes Pdf1.2a/b in mutant plants. The Pdf expression was further enhanced by jasmonic acid treatment or infection with the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicicola. The single mutant hsfB2b and the double mutant hsfB1/B2b were significantly improved in disease resistance after A. brassicicola infection. There was no indication for a direct interaction of Hsf with the promoter of Pdf1.2, which is devoid of perfect HSE consensus Hsf-binding sequences. However, changes in the formation of late HsfA2-dependent HSE binding were detected in hsfB1/B2b plants. This suggests that HsfB1/B2b may interact with class A-Hsf in regulating the shut-off of the heat shock response. The identification of Pdf genes as targets of Hsf-dependent negative regulation is the first evidence for an interconnection of Hsf in the regulation of biotic and abiotic responses. PMID:19529832

Staying green postharvest: how three mutations in the Arabidopsis chlorophyll b reductase gene NYC1 delay degreening by distinct mechanisms.

PubMed

Jibran, Rubina; Sullivan, Kerry L; Crowhurst, Ross; Erridge, Zoe A; Chagné, David; McLachlan, Andrew R G; Brummell, David A; Dijkwel, Paul P; Hunter, Donald A

2015-11-01

Stresses such as energy deprivation, wounding and water-supply disruption often contribute to rapid deterioration of harvested tissues. To uncover the genetic regulation behind such stresses, a simple assessment system was used to detect senescence mutants in conjunction with two rapid mapping techniques to identify the causal mutations. To demonstrate the power of this approach, immature inflorescences of Arabidopsis plants that contained ethyl methanesulfonate-induced lesions were detached and screened for altered timing of dark-induced senescence. Numerous mutant lines displaying accelerated or delayed timing of senescence relative to wild type were discovered. The underlying mutations in three of these were identified using High Resolution Melting analysis to map to a chromosomal arm followed by a whole-genome sequencing-based mapping method, termed 'Needle in the K-Stack', to identify the causal lesions. All three mutations were single base pair changes and occurred in the same gene, NON-YELLOW COLORING1 (NYC1), a chlorophyll b reductase of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily. This was consistent with the mutants preferentially retaining chlorophyll b, although substantial amounts of chlorophyll b were still lost. The single base pair mutations disrupted NYC1 function by three distinct mechanisms, one by producing a termination codon, the second by interfering with correct intron splicing and the third by replacing a highly conserved proline with a non-equivalent serine residue. This non-synonymous amino acid change, which occurred in the NADPH binding domain of NYC1, is the first example of such a mutation in an SDR protein inhibiting a physiological response in plants. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The urinary excretion of assayable vitamin B12 and radioactivity after parenteral 58Co B12 in man

PubMed Central

Adams, J. F.

1961-01-01

Evidence is presented that after injection of radioactive vitamin B12 in man, there is a close correlation between the amount of radioactivity excreted and the amount of assayable vitamin B12 excreted, and thus that the amount of radioactivity excreted is a true measure of the vitamin B12 excreted. The possible reasons for this occurrence are discussed and it is suggested that in the body vitamin B12 does not exist as such but as an analogue or active derivative. PMID:13681399

Auranofin inactivates Trichomonas vaginalis thioredoxin reductase and is effective against trichomonads in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Hopper, Melissa; Yun, Jeong-Fil; Zhou, Bianhua; Le, Christine; Kehoe, Katelin; Le, Ryan; Hill, Ryan; Jongeward, Gregg; Debnath, Anjan; Zhang, Liangfang; Miyamoto, Yukiko; Eckmann, Lars; Land, Kirkwood M; Wrischnik, Lisa A

2016-12-01

Trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common, non-viral, sexually transmitted infection in the world, but only two closely related nitro drugs are approved for its treatment. New antimicrobials against trichomoniasis remain an urgent need. Several organic gold compounds were tested for activity against T. vaginalis thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) in cell-free systems as well as for activity against different trichomonads in vitro and in a murine infection model. The organic gold(I) compounds auranofin and chloro(diethylphenylphosphine)gold(I) inhibited TrxR in a concentration-dependent manner in assays with recombinant purified reductase and in cytoplasmic extracts of T. vaginalis transfected with a haemagglutinin epitope-tagged form of the reductase. Auranofin potently suppressed the growth of three independent clinical T. vaginalis isolates as well as several strains of another trichomonad (Tritrichomonas foetus) in a 24 h-assay, with 50% inhibitory concentrations of 0.7-2.5 µM and minimum lethal concentrations of 2-6 µM. The drug also compromised the ability of the parasite to overcome oxidant stress, supporting the notion that auranofin acts, in part, by inactivating TrxR-dependent antioxidant defences. Chloro(diethylphenylphosphine)gold(I) was 10-fold less effective against T. vaginalis in vitro than auranofin. Oral administration of auranofin for 4 days cleared the parasites in a murine model of vaginal T. foetus infection without displaying any apparent adverse effects. The approved human drug auranofin may be a promising agent as an alternative treatment of trichomoniasis in cases when standard nitro drug therapies have failed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. and International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

Vitamin B12 in Health and Disease

PubMed Central

O’Leary, Fiona; Samman, Samir

2010-01-01

Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis and for cellular energy production.This review aims to outline the metabolism of vitamin B12, and to evaluate the causes and consequences of sub-clinical vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common, mainly due to limited dietary intake of animal foods or malabsorption of the vitamin. Vegetarians are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency as are other groups with low intakes of animal foods or those with restrictive dietary patterns. Malabsorption of vitamin B12 is most commonly seen in the elderly, secondary to gastric achlorhydria. The symptoms of sub-clinical deficiency are subtle and often not recognized. The long-term consequences of sub-clinical deficiency are not fully known but may include adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes, vascular, cognitive, bone and eye health. PMID:22254022

Hydroxylamine-dependent anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) by "Candidatus Brocadia sinica".

PubMed

Oshiki, Mamoru; Ali, Muhammad; Shinyako-Hata, Kaori; Satoh, Hisashi; Okabe, Satoshi

2016-09-01

Although metabolic pathways and associated enzymes of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) of 'Ca. Kuenenia stuttgartiensis' have been studied, those of other anammox bacteria are still poorly understood. NO2- reduction to NO is considered to be the first step in the anammox metabolism of 'Ca. K. stuttgartiensis', however, 'Ca. Brocadia' lacks the genes that encode canonical NO-forming nitrite reductases (NirS or NirK) in its genome, which is different from 'Ca. K. stuttgartiensis'. Here, we studied the anammox metabolism of 'Ca. Brocadia sinica'. (15) N-tracer experiments demonstrated that 'Ca. B. sinica' cells could reduce NO2- to NH2 OH, instead of NO, with as yet unidentified nitrite reductase(s). Furthermore, N2 H4 synthesis, downstream reaction of NO2- reduction, was investigated using a purified 'Ca. B. sinica' hydrazine synthase (Hzs) and intact cells. Both the 'Ca. B. sinica' Hzs and cells utilized NH2 OH and NH4+, but not NO and NH4+, for N2 H4 synthesis and further oxidized N2 H4 to N2 gas. Taken together, the metabolic pathway of 'Ca. B. sinica' is NH2 OH-dependent and different from the one of 'Ca. K. stuttgartiensis', indicating metabolic diversity of anammox bacteria. © 2016 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Comparative Bioavailability and Utilization of Particular Forms of B12 Supplements With Potential to Mitigate B12-related Genetic Polymorphisms

PubMed Central

Paul, Cristiana; Brady, David M.

2017-01-01

Context Three natural forms of vitamin B12 are commercially available: methylcobalamin (MeCbl), adenosylcobalamin (AdCbl), and hydroxycobalamin (OHCbl), all of which have been shown in clinical studies to improve vitamin B12 status. They are bioidentical to the B12 forms occurring in human physiology and animal foods. In contrast, cyanocobalamin (CNCbl), a synthetic B12 compound used for food fortification and in some supplements, occurs only in trace amounts in human tissues as a result of cyanide intake from smoking or other sources. Objective This study had 3 objectives: (1) To summarize and compare assimilation pathways for 4 B12 forms; (2) to determine whether supplementation with a particular B12 form (or combination of forms) presents any advantages for the general population or for individuals with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in B12-related pathways; and (3) to address misconceptions regarding B12 forms, methylation pathways, and various SNPs reported in commercially available tests. Design PubMed was systematically searched for articles published up to June 2016 using specific key words. Human, animal, and in vitro studies that were published in English, French, and German were included. Other studies considered were found by selecting in PubMed the suggested “related studies” and also some referenced studies. Setting The study occurred in Los Angeles, CA, USA. Results The studies reviewed provide evidence that all supplemental or food-derived B12 forms are reduced to a core cobalamin molecule, which converts to the intracellular active forms: MeCbl and AdCbl, in a ratio not influenced by the form of B12 ingested. The methyl and adenosyl components of supplemental MeCbl and AdCbl are cleaved inside cells and are not used in the synthesis of intracellular MeCbl and AdCbl, respectively. However, the overall bioavailability of each form of supplemental B12 may be influenced by many factors such as gastrointestinal pathologies, age, and genetics

Comparative Bioavailability and Utilization of Particular Forms of B12 Supplements With Potential to Mitigate B12-related Genetic Polymorphisms.

PubMed

Paul, Cristiana; Brady, David M

2017-02-01

Three natural forms of vitamin B 12 are commercially available: methylcobalamin (MeCbl), adenosylcobalamin (AdCbl), and hydroxycobalamin (OHCbl), all of which have been shown in clinical studies to improve vitamin B 12 status. They are bioidentical to the B 12 forms occurring in human physiology and animal foods. In contrast, cyanocobalamin (CNCbl), a synthetic B 12 compound used for food fortification and in some supplements, occurs only in trace amounts in human tissues as a result of cyanide intake from smoking or other sources. This study had 3 objectives: (1) To summarize and compare assimilation pathways for 4 B 12 forms; (2) to determine whether supplementation with a particular B 12 form (or combination of forms) presents any advantages for the general population or for individuals with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in B 12 -related pathways; and (3) to address misconceptions regarding B 12 forms, methylation pathways, and various SNPs reported in commercially available tests. PubMed was systematically searched for articles published up to June 2016 using specific key words. Human, animal, and in vitro studies that were published in English, French, and German were included. Other studies considered were found by selecting in PubMed the suggested "related studies" and also some referenced studies. The study occurred in Los Angeles, CA, USA. The studies reviewed provide evidence that all supplemental or food-derived B 12 forms are reduced to a core cobalamin molecule, which converts to the intracellular active forms: MeCbl and AdCbl, in a ratio not influenced by the form of B 12 ingested. The methyl and adenosyl components of supplemental MeCbl and AdCbl are cleaved inside cells and are not used in the synthesis of intracellular MeCbl and AdCbl, respectively. However, the overall bioavailability of each form of supplemental B 12 may be influenced by many factors such as gastrointestinal pathologies, age, and genetics. Polymorphisms on B 12 -related

Induction of a massive endoplasmic reticulum and perinuclear space expansion by expression of lamin B receptor mutants and the related sterol reductases TM7SF2 and DHCR7.

PubMed

Zwerger, Monika; Kolb, Thorsten; Richter, Karsten; Karakesisoglou, Iakowos; Herrmann, Harald

2010-01-15

Lamin B receptor (LBR) is an inner nuclear membrane protein involved in tethering the nuclear lamina and the underlying chromatin to the nuclear envelope. In addition, LBR exhibits sterol reductase activity. Mutations in the LBR gene cause two different human diseases: Pelger-Huët anomaly and Greenberg skeletal dysplasia, a severe chrondrodystrophy causing embryonic death. Our study aimed at investigating the effect of five LBR disease mutants on human cultured cells. Three of the tested LBR mutants caused a massive compaction of chromatin coincidental with the formation of a large nucleus-associated vacuole (NAV) in several human cultured cell lines. Live cell imaging and electron microscopy revealed that this structure was generated by the separation of the inner and outer nuclear membrane. During NAV formation, nuclear pore complexes and components of the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton complex were lost in areas of membrane separation. Concomitantly, a large number of smaller vacuoles formed throughout the cytoplasm. Notably, forced expression of the two structurally related sterol reductases transmembrane 7 superfamily member 2 and 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase caused, even in their wild-type form, a comparable phenotype in susceptible cell lines. Hence, LBR mutant variants and sterol reductases can severely interfere with the regular organization of the nuclear envelope and the endoplasmic reticulum.

A mutant of barley lacking NADH-hydroxypyruvate reductase

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blackwell, R.; Lea, P.

1989-04-01

A mutant of barley, LaPr 88/29, deficient in peroxisomal NADH-hydroxypyruvate reductase (HPR) activity has been identified. Compared to the wild type the activities of NADH-HPR and NADPH-HPR were severely reduced but the mutant was still capable of fixing CO{sub 2} at rates equivalent to 75% of that of the wild type in air. Although lacking an enzyme in the main photorespiratory pathway, there appeared to be little disruption to photorespiratory metabolism as ammonia release, CO{sub 2} efflux and {sup 14}CO{sub 2} release from L-(U-{sup 14}C) serine were similar in both mutant and wild type. LaPr 88/29 has been used tomore » show that NADH-glyoxylate reductase (GR) and NADH-HPR are probably not catalyzed by the same enzyme in barley and that over 80% of the NADPH-HPR activity is due to the NADH-HPR enzyme. Immunological studies, using antibodies raised against spinach HPR, have shown that the NADH-dependent enzyme protein is absent in LaPr 88/29 but there appears to be enhanced synthesis of the NADPH-dependent enzyme protein.« less

Peach MYB7 activates transcription of the proanthocyanidin pathway gene encoding leucoanthocyanidin reductase, but not anthocyanidin reductase

PubMed Central

Zhou, Hui; Lin-Wang, Kui; Liao, Liao; Gu, Chao; Lu, Ziqi; Allan, Andrew C.; Han, Yuepeng

2015-01-01

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are a group of natural phenolic compounds that have a great effect on both flavor and nutritious value of fruit. It has been shown that PA synthesis is regulated by R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) via activation of PA-specific pathway genes encoding leucoanthocyanidin reductase and anthocyanidin reductase. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a MYB gene designated PpMYB7 in peach. The peach PpMYB7 represents a new group of R2R3-MYB genes regulating PA synthesis in plants. It is able to activate transcription of PpLAR1 but not PpANR, and has a broader selection of potential bHLH partners compared with PpMYBPA1. Transcription of PpMYB7 can be activated by the peach basic leucine-zipper 5 TF (PpbZIP5) via response to ABA. Our study suggests a transcriptional network regulating PA synthesis in peach, with the results aiding the understanding of the functional divergence between R2R3-MYB TFs in plants. PMID:26579158

Vitamin B12

MedlinePlus

... Guidelines for Americans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPlate . Where can I find out more about ... food sources of vitamin B12: U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) National Nutrient Database Nutrient List for vitamin ...

The evolution of respiratory O2/NO reductases: an out-of-the-phylogenetic-box perspective

PubMed Central

Ducluzeau, Anne-Lise; Schoepp-Cothenet, Barbara; van Lis, Robert; Baymann, Frauke; Russell, Michael J.; Nitschke, Wolfgang

2014-01-01

Complex life on our planet crucially depends on strong redox disequilibria afforded by the almost ubiquitous presence of highly oxidizing molecular oxygen. However, the history of O2-levels in the atmosphere is complex and prior to the Great Oxidation Event some 2.3 billion years ago, the amount of O2 in the biosphere is considered to have been extremely low as compared with present-day values. Therefore the evolutionary histories of life and of O2-levels are likely intricately intertwined. The obvious biological proxy for inferring the impact of changing O2-levels on life is the evolutionary history of the enzyme allowing organisms to tap into the redox power of molecular oxygen, i.e. the bioenergetic O2 reductases, alias the cytochrome and quinol oxidases. Consequently, molecular phylogenies reconstructed for this enzyme superfamily have been exploited over the last two decades in attempts to elucidate the interlocking between O2 levels in the environment and the evolution of respiratory bioenergetic processes. Although based on strictly identical datasets, these phylogenetic approaches have led to diametrically opposite scenarios with respect to the history of both the enzyme superfamily and molecular oxygen on the Earth. In an effort to overcome the deadlock of molecular phylogeny, we here review presently available structural, functional, palaeogeochemical and thermodynamic information pertinent to the evolution of the superfamily (which notably also encompasses the subfamily of nitric oxide reductases). The scenario which, in our eyes, most closely fits the ensemble of these non-phylogenetic data, sees the low O2-affinity SoxM- (or A-) type enzymes as the most recent evolutionary innovation and the high-affinity O2 reductases (SoxB or B and cbb3 or C) as arising independently from NO-reducing precursor enzymes. PMID:24968694

The evolution of respiratory O2/NO reductases: an out-of-the-phylogenetic-box perspective.

PubMed

Ducluzeau, Anne-Lise; Schoepp-Cothenet, Barbara; van Lis, Robert; Baymann, Frauke; Russell, Michael J; Nitschke, Wolfgang

2014-09-06

Complex life on our planet crucially depends on strong redox disequilibria afforded by the almost ubiquitous presence of highly oxidizing molecular oxygen. However, the history of O2-levels in the atmosphere is complex and prior to the Great Oxidation Event some 2.3 billion years ago, the amount of O2 in the biosphere is considered to have been extremely low as compared with present-day values. Therefore the evolutionary histories of life and of O2-levels are likely intricately intertwined. The obvious biological proxy for inferring the impact of changing O2-levels on life is the evolutionary history of the enzyme allowing organisms to tap into the redox power of molecular oxygen, i.e. the bioenergetic O2 reductases, alias the cytochrome and quinol oxidases. Consequently, molecular phylogenies reconstructed for this enzyme superfamily have been exploited over the last two decades in attempts to elucidate the interlocking between O2 levels in the environment and the evolution of respiratory bioenergetic processes. Although based on strictly identical datasets, these phylogenetic approaches have led to diametrically opposite scenarios with respect to the history of both the enzyme superfamily and molecular oxygen on the Earth. In an effort to overcome the deadlock of molecular phylogeny, we here review presently available structural, functional, palaeogeochemical and thermodynamic information pertinent to the evolution of the superfamily (which notably also encompasses the subfamily of nitric oxide reductases). The scenario which, in our eyes, most closely fits the ensemble of these non-phylogenetic data, sees the low O2-affinity SoxM- (or A-) type enzymes as the most recent evolutionary innovation and the high-affinity O2 reductases (SoxB or B and cbb3 or C) as arising independently from NO-reducing precursor enzymes. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Thermophilic Coenzyme B12-Dependent Acyl Coenzyme A (CoA) Mutase from Kyrpidia tusciae DSM 2912 Preferentially Catalyzes Isomerization of (R)-3-Hydroxybutyryl-CoA and 2-Hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA.

PubMed

Weichler, Maria-Teresa; Kurteva-Yaneva, Nadya; Przybylski, Denise; Schuster, Judith; Müller, Roland H; Harms, Hauke; Rohwerder, Thore

2015-07-01

The recent discovery of a coenzyme B12-dependent acyl-coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) mutase isomerizing 3-hydroxybutyryl- and 2-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA in the mesophilic bacterium Aquincola tertiaricarbonis L108 (N. Yaneva, J. Schuster, F. Schäfer, V. Lede, D. Przybylski, T. Paproth, H. Harms, R. H. Müller, and T. Rohwerder, J Biol Chem 287:15502-15511, 2012, http://dx.doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M111.314690) could pave the way for a complete biosynthesis route to the building block chemical 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid from renewable carbon. However, the enzyme catalyzes only the conversion of the stereoisomer (S)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA at reasonable rates, which seriously hampers an efficient combination of mutase and well-established bacterial poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) overflow metabolism. Here, we characterize a new 2-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA mutase found in the thermophilic knallgas bacterium Kyrpidia tusciae DSM 2912. Reconstituted mutase subunits revealed highest activity at 55°C. Surprisingly, already at 30°C, isomerization of (R)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA was about 7,000 times more efficient than with the mutase from strain L108. The most striking structural difference between the two mutases, likely determining stereospecificity, is a replacement of active-site residue Asp found in strain L108 at position 117 with Val in the enzyme from strain DSM 2912, resulting in a reversed polarity at this binding site. Overall sequence comparison indicates that both enzymes descended from different prokaryotic thermophilic methylmalonyl-CoA mutases. Concomitant expression of PHB enzymes delivering (R)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA (beta-ketothiolase PhaA and acetoacetyl-CoA reductase PhaB from Cupriavidus necator) with the new mutase in Escherichia coli JM109 and BL21 strains incubated on gluconic acid at 37°C led to the production of 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid at maximal titers of 0.7 mM. Measures to improve production in E. coli, such as coexpression of the chaperone MeaH and repression of

Vitamin B12 absorption from eggs.

PubMed

Doscherholmen, A; McMahon, J; Ripley, D

1975-09-01

The assimilation of 57Co B12 from in vivo labeled eggs was much inferior to that of a comparable amount of crystalline 57Co B12. Furthermore, the absorption varied with the form in which the eggs were served. Judged by the urinary excretion test and the plasma absorption of radioactivity the average absorption from boiled and fried eggs was more than twice that from scrambled whole eggs, but less than half that absorbed from crystalline 57Co B12.

Vitamin B-12 and Cognition in Children.

PubMed

Venkatramanan, Sudha; Armata, Ilianna E; Strupp, Barbara J; Finkelstein, Julia L

2016-09-01

Vitamin B-12 is essential for brain development, neural myelination, and cognitive function. Inadequate vitamin B-12 status during pregnancy and early childhood has been associated with adverse child health outcomes, including impaired cognitive development. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. This review was conducted to examine the evidence that links vitamin B-12 and cognition in children. The search strategy resulted in 17 studies: 3 cross-sectional, 1 case-control, and 12 cohort studies, and 1 randomized trial. Cognitive processes assessed included attention, memory, and perception. Developmental outcomes, academic performance, and intelligence quotient were also considered. Despite the high prevalence of vitamin B-12 insufficiency and associated risk of adverse cognitive outcomes in children, to our knowledge, no studies to date have been conducted to examine the effects of vitamin B-12 supplementation on cognition in children. The role of vitamin B-12 in the etiology of child cognitive outcomes needs to be elucidated to inform public health interventions. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Functional properties and structural characterization of rice δ 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase

DOE PAGES

Forlani, Giuseppe; Bertazzini, Michele; Zarattini, Marco; ...

2015-07-28

The majority of plant species accumulate high intracellular levels of proline to cope with hyperosmotic stress conditions. Proline synthesis from glutamate is tightly regulated at both the transcriptional and the translational levels, yet little is known about the mechanisms for post-translational regulation of the enzymatic activities involved. The gene coding in rice ( Oryza sativa L.) for δ 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the second and final step in this pathway, was isolated and expressed in Escherichia coli. The structural and functional properties of the affinity-purified protein were characterized. As for most species, rice P5C reductase was ablemore » to use in vitro either NADH or NADPH as the electron donor. However, strikingly different effects of cations and anions were found depending on the pyridine nucleotide used, namely inhibition of NADH-dependent activity and stimulation of NADPH-dependent activity. Moreover, physiological concentrations of proline and NADP + were strongly inhibitory for the NADH-dependent reaction, whereas the NADPH-dependent activity was mildly affected. Our results suggest that only NADPH may be used in vivo and that stress-dependent variations in ion homeostasis and NADPH/NADP + ratio could modulate enzyme activity, being functional in promoting proline accumulation and potentially also adjusting NADPH consumption during the defense against hyperosmotic stress. The apparent molecular weight of the native protein observed in size exclusion chromatography indicated a high oligomerization state. We also report the first crystal structure of a plant P5C reductase at 3.40-Å resolution, showing a decameric quaternary assembly. It was possible to identify dynamic structural differences among rice, human, and bacterial enzymes.« less

7 CFR 15b.12 - Discrimination prohibited.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Discrimination prohibited. 15b.12 Section 15b.12... ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Employment Practices § 15b.12 Discrimination prohibited. (a... discrimination in employment under any program or activity receiving assistance from this Department. (2) A...

7 CFR 15b.12 - Discrimination prohibited.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Discrimination prohibited. 15b.12 Section 15b.12... ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Employment Practices § 15b.12 Discrimination prohibited. (a... discrimination in employment under any program or activity receiving assistance from this Department. (2) A...

7 CFR 15b.12 - Discrimination prohibited.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Discrimination prohibited. 15b.12 Section 15b.12... ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Employment Practices § 15b.12 Discrimination prohibited. (a... discrimination in employment under any program or activity receiving assistance from this Department. (2) A...

7 CFR 15b.12 - Discrimination prohibited.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Discrimination prohibited. 15b.12 Section 15b.12... ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Employment Practices § 15b.12 Discrimination prohibited. (a... discrimination in employment under any program or activity receiving assistance from this Department. (2) A...

Vitamin B12 and Semen Quality.

PubMed

Banihani, Saleem Ali

2017-06-09

Various studies have revealed the effects of vitamin B12, also named cobalamin, on semen quality and sperm physiology; however, these studies collectively are still unsummarized. Here, we systematically discuss and summarize the currently understood role of vitamin B12 on semen quality and sperm physiology. We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases for only English language articles or abstracts from September 1961 to March 2017 (inclusive) using the key words "vitamin B12" and "cobalamin" versus "sperm". Certain relevant references were included to support the empirical as well as the mechanistic discussions. In conclusion, the mainstream published work demonstrates the positive effects of vitamin B12 on semen quality: first, by increasing sperm count, and by enhancing sperm motility and reducing sperm DNA damage, though there are a few in vivo system studies that have deliberated some adverse effects. The beneficial effects of vitamin B12 on semen quality may be due to increased functionality of reproductive organs, decreased homocysteine toxicity, reduced amounts of generated nitric oxide, decreased levels of oxidative damage to sperm, reduced amount of energy produced by spermatozoa, decreased inflammation-induced semen impairment, and control of nuclear factor-κB activation. However, additional research, mainly clinical, is still needed to confirm these positive effects.

Aldo-keto reductase family 1 B10 protein detoxifies dietary and lipid-derived alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyls at physiological levels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhong, Linlin; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001; Liu, Ziwen

2009-09-18

Alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyls are highly reactive mutagens and carcinogens to which humans are exposed on a daily basis. This study demonstrates that aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) is a critical protein in detoxifying dietary and lipid-derived unsaturated carbonyls. Purified AKR1B10 recombinant protein efficiently catalyzed the reduction to less toxic alcohol forms of crotonaldehyde at 0.90 {mu}M, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) at 0.10 {mu}M, trans-2-hexanal at 0.10 {mu}M, and trans-2,4-hexadienal at 0.05 {mu}M, the concentrations at or lower than physiological exposures. Ectopically expressed AKR1B10 in 293T cells eliminated immediately HNE at 1 (subtoxic) or 5 {mu}M (toxic) by converting to 1,4-dihydroxynonene,more » protecting the cells from HNE toxicity. AKR1B10 protein also showed strong enzymatic activity toward glutathione-conjugated carbonyls. Taken together, our study results suggest that AKR1B10 specifically expressed in the intestine is physiologically important in protecting the host cell against dietary and lipid-derived cytotoxic carbonyls.« less

Geraniol and beta-ionone inhibit proliferation, cell cycle progression, and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 activity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells independent of effects on HMG-CoA reductase activity.

PubMed

Duncan, Robin E; Lau, Dominic; El-Sohemy, Ahmed; Archer, Michael C

2004-11-01

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase catalyzes the formation of mevalonate, a precursor of cholesterol that is also required for cell proliferation. Mevalonate depletion results in a G1 phase cell cycle arrest that is mediated in part by impaired activity of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2, and decreased expression of positive regulators of G1 to S phase progression. Inhibition of mevalonate synthesis may, therefore, be a useful strategy to impair the growth of malignant cells. Plant isoprenoids, including beta-ionone and geraniol, have previously been shown to inhibit rodent mammary tumor development, and rodent and avian hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity. We hypothesized that the putative anti-proliferative and cell cycle inhibitory effects of beta-ionone and geraniol on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in culture are mediated by mevalonate depletion resulting from inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase activity. Flow cytometric analysis showed a G1 arrest in isoprenoid-treated MCF-7 cells, and also a G2/M arrest at higher concentrations of isoprenoids. These compounds minimally affected the growth of MCF-10F normal breast epithelial cells. Both beta-ionone and geraniol inhibited CDK 2 activity and dose-dependently decreased the expression of cyclins D1, E, and A, and CDK 2 and 4, without changing the expression of p21cip1 or p27kip1. Although both beta-ionone and geraniol also inhibited MCF-7 proliferation, only geraniol inhibited HMG-CoA reductase activity. While these effects were significantly correlated (r2=0.89, P <0.01), they were not causally related, since exogenous mevalonate did not restore growth in geraniol-inhibited cells. These findings indicate that mechanisms other than impaired mevalonate synthesis mediate the anti-proliferative and cell cycle regulatory effects of beta-ionone and geraniol in human breast cancer cells.

Interventions with vitamins B6, B12 and C in pregnancy

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The water-soluble vitamins B6, B12 and C play important roles in maternal health as well as fetal development and physiology during gestation. This systematic review evaluates the risks and benefits of interventions with vitamins B6, B12 and C during pregnancy on maternal, neonatal and child health ...

Cell Cycle Inhibition To Treat Sleeping Sickness.

PubMed

Epting, Conrad L; Emmer, Brian T; Du, Nga Y; Taylor, Joann M; Makanji, Ming Y; Olson, Cheryl L; Engman, David M

2017-09-19

African trypanosomiasis is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei During infection, this pathogen divides rapidly to high density in the bloodstream of its mammalian host in a manner similar to that of leukemia. Like all eukaryotes, T. brucei has a cell cycle involving the de novo synthesis of DNA regulated by ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), which catalyzes the conversion of ribonucleotides into their deoxy form. As an essential enzyme for the cell cycle, RNR is a common target for cancer chemotherapy. We hypothesized that inhibition of RNR by genetic or pharmacological means would impair parasite growth in vitro and prolong the survival of infected animals. Our results demonstrate that RNR inhibition is highly effective in suppressing parasite growth both in vitro and in vivo These results support drug discovery efforts targeting the cell cycle, not only for African trypanosomiasis but possibly also for other infections by eukaryotic pathogens. IMPORTANCE The development of drugs to treat infections with eukaryotic pathogens is challenging because many key virulence factors have closely related homologues in humans. Drug toxicity greatly limits these development efforts. For pathogens that replicate at a high rate, especially in the blood, an alternative approach is to target the cell cycle directly, much as is done to treat some hematologic malignancies. The results presented here indicate that targeting the cell cycle via inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase is effective at killing trypanosomes and prolonging the survival of infected animals. Copyright © 2017 Epting et al.

NAD(P)H-dependent aldose reductase from the xylose-assimilating yeast Candida tenuis. Isolation, characterization and biochemical properties of the enzyme.

PubMed Central

Neuhauser, W; Haltrich, D; Kulbe, K D; Nidetzky, B

1997-01-01

During growth on d-xylose the yeast Candida tenuis produces one aldose reductase that is active with both NADPH and NADH as coenzyme. This enzyme has been isolated by dye ligand and anion-exchange chromatography in yields of 76%. Aldose reductase consists ofa single 43 kDa polypeptide with an isoelectric point of 4.70. Initial velocity, product inhibition and binding studies are consistent with a compulsory-ordered, ternary-complex mechanism with coenzyme binding first and leaving last. The catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) in d-xylose reduction at pH 7 is more than 60-fold higher than that in xylitol oxidation and reflects significant differences in the corresponding catalytic centre activities as well as apparent substrate-binding constants. The enzyme prefers NADP(H) approx. 2-fold to NAD(H), which is largely due to better apparent binding of the phosphorylated form of the coenzyme. NADP+ is a potent competitive inhibitor of the NADH-linked aldehyde reduction (Ki 1.5 microM), whereas NAD+ is not. Unlike mammalian aldose reductase, the enzyme from C. tenuis is not subject to oxidation-induced activation. Evidence of an essential lysine residue located in or near the coenzyme binding site has been obtained from chemical modification of aldose reductase with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. The results are discussed in the context of a comparison of the enzymic properties of yeast and mammalian aldose reductase. PMID:9307017

Impact of Vitamin B12 and Nitrate Availability on the Concentration of Particulate Dimethylsulfoniopropionate in Phytoplankton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zavala, J.; Lee, P. A.; Schanke, N. L.; Pound, H.; Penta, W. B.; Shore, S. K.

2016-02-01

The production of particulate dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSPp) was examined in natural phytoplankton communities from the South Atlantic Bight near Savannah, Georgia, during an expedition in June 2015. Vitamin B12 and nitrate were added to seawater samples from a coastal and an oceanic site, both of which contained low-biomass, cyanobacteria-dominated communities. Under nitrate-limited conditions, irrespective of changes in B12 levels, DMSPp concentrations increased. DMSPp concentrations of these mixed phytoplankton communities did not appear to be limited by the availability of B12. In a laboratory experiment, DMSPp concentrations in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum were measured after the removal of vitamin B12 and nitrate from a synthetic seawater culture media. DMSPp concentrations increased under nitrate-limited conditions, irrespective of changes in B12 levels, and are argued to be the result of increased biosynthesis. DMSPp concentrations in P. tricornutum were unaffected by B12 limitation. It is hypothesized that P. tricornutum is using the B12-independent methionine synthase MetE to synthesize DMSPp rather than the B12-dependent methionine synthase MetH.

Dimethyl sulfoxide reductase activity by anaerobically grown Escherichia coli HB101.

PubMed Central

Bilous, P T; Weiner, J H

1985-01-01

Escherichia coli grew anaerobically on a minimal medium with glycerol as the carbon and energy source and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the terminal electron acceptor. DMSO reductase activity, measured with an artificial electron donor (reduced benzyl viologen), was preferentially associated with the membrane fraction (77 +/- 10% total cellular activity). A Km for DMSO reduction of 170 +/- 60 microM was determined for the membrane-bound activity. Methyl viologen, reduced flavin mononucleotide, and reduced flavin adenine dinucleotide also served as electron donors for DMSO reduction. Methionine sulfoxide, a DMSO analog, could substitute for DMSO in both the growth medium and in the benzyl viologen assay. DMSO reductase activity was present in cells grown anaerobically on DMSO but was repressed by the presence of nitrate or by aerobic growth. Anaerobic growth on DMSO coinduced nitrate, fumarate, and and trimethylamine-N-oxide reductase activities. The requirement of a molybdenum cofactor for DMSO reduction was suggested by the inhibition of growth and a 60% reduction in DMSO reductase activity in the presence of 10 mM sodium tungstate. Furthermore, chlorate-resistant mutants chlA, chlB, chlE, and chlG were unable to grow anaerobically on DMSO. DMSO reduction appears to be under the control of the fnr gene. PMID:3888958

12 CFR Appendix B to Subpart B of... - [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 9 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false [Reserved] B Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 1750 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF FEDERAL HOUSING ENTERPRISE OVERSIGHT, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS CAPITAL Risk-Based Capital Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 1750 [Reserved] ...

12 CFR Appendix B to Subpart B of... - [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 9 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false [Reserved] B Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 1750 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF FEDERAL HOUSING ENTERPRISE OVERSIGHT, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS CAPITAL Risk-Based Capital Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 1750 [Reserved] ...

12 CFR Appendix B to Subpart B of... - [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 7 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false [Reserved] B Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 1750 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF FEDERAL HOUSING ENTERPRISE OVERSIGHT, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS CAPITAL Risk-Based Capital Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 1750 [Reserved] ...

12 CFR Appendix B to Subpart B of... - [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 7 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false [Reserved] B Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 1750 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF FEDERAL HOUSING ENTERPRISE OVERSIGHT, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS CAPITAL Risk-Based Capital Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 1750 [Reserved] ...

12 CFR Appendix B to Subpart B of... - [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 10 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false [Reserved] B Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 1750 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF FEDERAL HOUSING ENTERPRISE OVERSIGHT, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS CAPITAL Risk-Based Capital Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 1750 [Reserved] ...

21 CFR 184.1945 - Vitamin B12.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Vitamin B12. 184.1945 Section 184.1945 Food and....1945 Vitamin B12. (a) Vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin (C63H88CoN14O14P, CAS Reg. No. 68-0919.../code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. (c) In accordance with § 184.1(b)(1), the ingredient is...

Molybdenum effector of fumarate reductase repression and nitrate reductase induction in Escherichia coli.

PubMed Central

Iuchi, S; Lin, E C

1987-01-01

In Escherichia coli the presence of nitrate prevents the utilization of fumarate as an anaerobic electron acceptor. The induction of the narC operon encoding the nitrate reductase is coupled to the repression of the frd operon encoding the fumarate reductase. This coupling is mediated by nitrate as an effector and the narL product as the regulatory protein (S. Iuchi and E. C. C. Lin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:3901-3905, 1987). The protein-ligand complex appears to control narC positively but frd negatively. In the present study we found that a molybdenum coeffector acted synergistically with nitrate in the regulation of frd and narC. In chlD mutants believed to be impaired in molybdate transport (or processing), full repression of phi(frd-lac) and full induction of phi(narC-lac) by nitrate did not occur unless the growth medium was directly supplemented with molybdate (1 microM). This requirement was not clearly manifested in wild-type cells, apparently because it was met by the trace quantities of molybdate present as a contaminant in the mineral medium. In chlB mutants, which are known to accumulate the Mo cofactor because of its failure to be inserted as a prosthetic group into proteins such as nitrate reductase, nitrate repression of frd and induction of narC were also intensified by molybdate supplementation. In this case a deficiency of the molybdenum coeffector might have resulted from enhanced feedback inhibition of molybdate transport (or processing) by the elevated level of the unutilized Mo cofactor. In addition, mutations in chlE, which are known to block the synthesis of the organic moiety of the Mo cofactor, lowered the threshold concentration of nitrate (< 1 micromole) necessary for frd repression and narC induction. These changes could be explained simply by the higher intracellular nitrate attainable in cells lacking the ability to destroy the effector. PMID:3301812

Is Oxidized Thioredoxin a Major Trigger for Cysteine Oxidation? Clues from a Redox Proteomics Approach

PubMed Central

García-Santamarina, Sarela; Boronat, Susanna; Calvo, Isabel A.; Rodríguez-Gabriel, Miguel; Ayté, José; Molina, Henrik

2013-01-01

Abstract Cysteine oxidation mediates oxidative stress toxicity and signaling. It has been long proposed that the thioredoxin (Trx) system, which consists of Trx and thioredoxin reductase (Trr), is not only involved in recycling classical Trx substrates, such as ribonucleotide reductase, but it also regulates general cytoplasmic thiol homeostasis. To investigate such a role, we have performed a proteome-wide analysis of cells expressing or not the two components of the Trx system. We have compared the reversibly oxidized thiol proteomes of wild-type Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells with mutants lacking Trx or Trr. Specific Trx substrates are reversibly-oxidized in both strain backgrounds; however, in the absence of Trr, Trx can weakly recycle its substrates at the expense of an alternative electron donor. A massive thiol oxidation occurs only in cells lacking Trr, with 30% of all cysteine-containing peptides being reversibly oxidized; this oxidized cysteine proteome depends on the presence of Trxs. Our observations lead to the hypothesis that, in the absence of its reductase, the natural electron donor Trx becomes a powerful oxidant and triggers general thiol oxidation. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 18, 1549–1556. PMID:23121505

Structural insights into the neuroprotective-acting carbonyl reductase Sniffer of Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Sgraja, Tanja; Ulschmid, Julia; Becker, Katja; Schneuwly, Stephan; Klebe, Gerhard; Reuter, Klaus; Heine, Andreas

2004-10-01

In vivo studies with the fruit-fly Drosophila melanogaster have shown that the Sniffer protein prevents age-dependent and oxidative stress-induced neurodegenerative processes. Sniffer is a NADPH-dependent carbonyl reductase belonging to the enzyme family of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs). The crystal structure of the homodimeric Sniffer protein from Drosophila melanogaster in complex with NADP+ has been determined by multiple-wavelength anomalous dispersion and refined to a resolution of 1.75 A. The observed fold represents a typical dinucleotide-binding domain as detected for other SDRs. With respect to the cofactor-binding site and the region referred to as substrate-binding loop, the Sniffer protein shows a striking similarity to the porcine carbonyl reductase (PTCR). This loop, in both Sniffer and PTCR, is substantially shortened compared to other SDRs. In most enzymes of the SDR family this loop adopts a well-defined conformation only after substrate binding and remains disordered in the absence of any bound ligands or even if only the dinucleotide cofactor is bound. In the structure of the Sniffer protein, however, the conformation of this loop is well defined, although no substrate is present. Molecular modeling studies provide an idea of how binding of substrate molecules to Sniffer could possibly occur.

Effects of paraquat on Escherichia coli: Differences between B and K-12 strains

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kitzler, J.W.; Minakami, H.; Fridovich, I.

1990-02-01

Escherichia coli B and K-12 are equally susceptible to the bacteriostatic effects of aerobic paraquat, but they differed strikingly when the lethality of paraquat was evaluated. E. coli B suffered an apparent loss of viability when briefly exposed to paraquat, whereas E. coli K-12 did not. This difference depended on the ability of the B-strain, but not the K-12 strain, to retain internalized paraquat; the B strain was killed on aerobic tryptic soy-yeast extract plates during the incubation which preceded the counting of colonies. This difference in retention of paraquat between strains was demonstrated by delayed loss of viability, bymore » growth inhibition, and by cyanide-resistant respiration after brief exposure to paraquat, washing, and testing in fresh medium. This difference was also shown by using ({sup 14}C)paraquat. This previously unrecognized difference between E. coli B and K-12 has been the cause of apparently contradictory reports and should lead to some reevaluation of the pertinent literature.« less

Potency of a novel saw palmetto ethanol extract, SPET-085, for inhibition of 5alpha-reductase II.

PubMed

Pais, Pilar

2010-08-01

The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-dependent membrane protein 5alpha-reductase irreversibly catalyses the conversion of testosterone to the most potent androgen, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In humans, two 5alpha-reductase isoenyzmes are expressed: type I and type II. Type II is found primarily in prostate tissue. Saw palmetto extract (SPE) has been widely used for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The mechanisms of the pharmacological effects of SPE include the inhibition of 5alpha-reductase, among other actions. Clinical studies of SPE have been equivocal, with some showing significant results and others not. These inconsistent results may be due, in part, to varying bioactivities of the SPE used in the studies. The aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro potency of a novel saw palmetto ethanol extract (SPET-085), an inhibitor of the 5alpha-reductase isoenzyme type II, in a cell-free test system. On the basis of the enzymatic conversion of the substrate androstenedione to the 5alpha-reduced product 5alpha-androstanedione, the inhibitory potency was measured and compared to those of finasteride, an approved 5alpha-reductase inhibitor. SPET-085 concentration-dependently inhibited 5alpha-reductase type II in vitro (IC(50)=2.88+/-0.45 microg/mL). The approved 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, finasteride, tested as positive control, led to 61% inhibition of 5alpha-reductase type II. SPET-085 effectively inhibits the enzyme that has been linked to BPH, and the amount of extract required for activity is very low compared to data reported for other extracts. It can be concluded from data in the literature that SPET-085 is as effective as a hexane extract of saw palmetto that exhibited the highest levels of bioactivity, and is more effective than other SPEs tested. This study confirmed that SPET-085 has prostate health-promoting bioactivity that also corresponds favorably to

Structure-Based Insight into the Asymmetric Bioreduction of the C=C Double Bond of α,β-Unsaturated Nitroalkenes by Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Reductase

PubMed Central

Toogood, Helen S.; Fryszkowska, Anna; Hare, Victoria; Fisher, Karl; Roujeinikova, Anna; Leys, David; Gardiner, John M.; Stephens, Gill M.; Scrutton, Nigel S.

2009-01-01

Biocatalytic reduction of α- or β-alkyl-β-arylnitroalkenes provides a convenient and efficient method to prepare chiral substituted nitroalkanes. Pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase (PETN reductase) from Enterobacter cloacae st. PB2 catalyses the reduction of nitroolefins such as 1-nitrocyclohexene (1) with steady state and rapid reaction kinetics comparable to other old yellow enzyme homologues. Furthermore, it reduces 2-aryl-1-nitropropenes (4a-d) to their equivalent (S)-nitropropanes 9a-d. The enzyme shows a preference for the (Z)-isomer of substrates 4a-d, providing almost pure enantiomeric products 9a-d (ees up to > 99%) in quantitative yield, whereas the respective (E)-isomers are reduced with lower enantioselectivity (63-89% ee) and lower product yields. 1-Aryl-2-nitropropenes (5a, b) are also reduced efficiently, but the products (R)-10 have lower optical purities. The structure of the enzyme complex with 1-nitrocyclohexene (1) was determined by X-ray crystallography, revealing two substrate-binding modes, with only one compatible with hydride transfer. Models of nitropropenes 4 and 5 in the active site of PETN reductase predicted that the enantioselectivity of the reaction was dependent on the orientation of binding of the (E)- and (Z)-substrates. This work provides a structural basis for understanding the mechanism of asymmetric bioreduction of nitroalkenes by PETN reductase. PMID:20396603

Cytochrome b 5 reductase and the control of lipid metabolism and healthspan.

PubMed

Martin-Montalvo, Alejandro; Sun, Yaning; Diaz-Ruiz, Alberto; Ali, Ahmed; Gutierrez, Vincent; Palacios, Hector H; Curtis, Jessica; Siendones, Emilio; Ariza, Julia; Abulwerdi, Gelareh A; Sun, Xiaoping; Wang, Annie X; Pearson, Kevin J; Fishbein, Kenneth W; Spencer, Richard G; Wang, Miao; Han, Xianlin; Scheibye-Knudsen, Morten; Baur, Joe A; Shertzer, Howard G; Navas, Placido; Villalba, Jose Manuel; Zou, Sige; Bernier, Michel; de Cabo, Rafael

2016-01-01

Cytochrome b 5 reductases (CYB5R) are required for the elongation and desaturation of fatty acids, cholesterol synthesis and mono-oxygenation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, all of which are associated with protection against metabolic disorders. However, the physiological role of CYB5R in the context of metabolism, healthspan and aging remains ill-defined. We generated CYB5R-overexpressing flies (CYB5R-OE) and created a transgenic mouse line overexpressing CYB5R3 (CYB5R3-Tg) in the C57BL/6J background to investigate the function of this class of enzymes as regulators of metabolism and age-associated pathologies. Gender- and/or stage-specific induction of CYB5R, and pharmacological activation of CYB5R with tetrahydroindenoindole extended fly lifespan. Increased expression of CYB5R3 was associated with significant improvements in several metabolic parameters that resulted in modest lifespan extension in mice. Diethylnitrosamine-induced liver carcinogenesis was reduced in CYB5R3-Tg mice. Accumulation of high levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, improvement in mitochondrial function, decrease in oxidative damage and inhibition of chronic pro-inflammatory pathways occurred in the transgenic animals. These results indicate that CYB5R represents a new target in the study of genes that regulate lipid metabolism and healthspan.

Thioredoxin and NADPH-Dependent Thioredoxin Reductase C Regulation of Tetrapyrrole Biosynthesis.

PubMed

Da, Qingen; Wang, Peng; Wang, Menglong; Sun, Ting; Jin, Honglei; Liu, Bing; Wang, Jinfa; Grimm, Bernhard; Wang, Hong-Bin

2017-10-01

In chloroplasts, thioredoxin (TRX) isoforms and NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase C (NTRC) act as redox regulatory factors involved in multiple plastid biogenesis and metabolic processes. To date, less is known about the functional coordination between TRXs and NTRC in chlorophyll biosynthesis. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential functions of TRX m and NTRC in the regulation of the tetrapyrrole biosynthesis (TBS) pathway. Silencing of three genes, TRX m1 , TRX m2 , and TRX m4 ( TRX ms ), led to pale-green leaves, a significantly reduced 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-synthesizing capacity, and reduced accumulation of chlorophyll and its metabolic intermediates in Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana ). The contents of ALA dehydratase, protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase, the I subunit of Mg-chelatase, Mg-protoporphyrin IX methyltransferase (CHLM), and NADPH-protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase were decreased in triple TRX m- silenced seedlings compared with the wild type, although the transcript levels of the corresponding genes were not altered significantly. Protein-protein interaction analyses revealed a physical interaction between the TRX m isoforms and CHLM. 4-Acetoamido-4-maleimidylstilbene-2,2-disulfonate labeling showed the regulatory impact of TRX ms on the CHLM redox status. Since CHLM also is regulated by NTRC (Richter et al., 2013), we assessed the concurrent functions of TRX m and NTRC in the control of CHLM. Combined deficiencies of three TRX m isoforms and NTRC led to a cumulative decrease in leaf pigmentation, TBS intermediate contents, ALA synthesis rate, and CHLM activity. We discuss the coordinated roles of TRX m and NTRC in the redox control of CHLM stability with its corollary activity in the TBS pathway. © 2017 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

Immunoproteomic tools are used to identify masked allergens: Ole e 12, an allergenic isoflavone reductase from olive (Olea europaea) pollen.

PubMed

Castro, Lourdes; Crespo, Jesús F; Rodríguez, Julia; Rodríguez, Rosalía; Villalba, Mayte

2015-12-01

Proteins performing important biochemical activities in the olive tree (Olea europaea) pollen have been identified as allergens. One novel 37-kDa protein seems to be associated to the IgE-binding profile of a group of patients suffering allergy to peach and olive pollen. Three previously described olive pollen allergens exhibit very similar molecular mass. Our objective was to identify this allergen by using immunoproteomic approaches. After 2D-electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, peptide sequences from several IgE-binding spots, allowed identifying this new allergen, as well as cloning and DNA sequencing of the corresponding gene. The allergen, named Ole e 12, is a polymorphic isoflavone reductase-like protein of 308 amino acids showing 80% and 74% identity with birch and pear allergens, Bet v 6 and Pyr c 5, respectively. A prevalence of 33% in the selected population is in contrast to 4%-10% in groups of subjects suffering from pollinosis. Recombinant allergen was produced in Escherichia coli, and deeply characterised. Immunoblotting and ELISA detection as well as inhibition experiments were performed with polyclonal antisera and allergic patients' sera. The recombinant allergen retains the IgE reactivity of its natural counterpart. Close structural and immunological relationships between members of this protein family were supported by their IgG recognition in vegetable species. In summary, Ole e 12 is a minor olive pollen allergen, which gains relevance in patients allergic to peach with olive pollinosis. Proteomic approaches used to analyse this allergen provide useful tools to identify hidden allergens, relevant for several allergic populations and thus complete allergenic panels. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The aldo-keto reductase superfamily homepage.

PubMed

Hyndman, David; Bauman, David R; Heredia, Vladi V; Penning, Trevor M

2003-02-01

The aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) are one of the three enzyme superfamilies that perform oxidoreduction on a wide variety of natural and foreign substrates. A systematic nomenclature for the AKR superfamily was adopted in 1996 and was updated in September 2000 (visit www.med.upenn.edu/akr). Investigators have been diligent in submitting sequences of functional proteins to the Web site. With the new additions, the superfamily contains 114 proteins expressed in prokaryotes and eukaryotes that are distributed over 14 families (AKR1-AKR14). The AKR1 family contains the aldose reductases, the aldehyde reductases, the hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and steroid 5beta-reductases, and is the largest. Other families of interest include AKR6, which includes potassium channel beta-subunits, and AKR7 the aflatoxin aldehyde reductases. Two new families include AKR13 (yeast aldose reductase) and AKR14 (Escherichia coli aldehyde reductase). Crystal structures of many AKRs and their complexes with ligands are available in the PDB and accessible through the Web site. Each structure has the characteristic (alpha/beta)(8)-barrel motif of the superfamily, a conserved cofactor binding site and a catalytic tetrad, and variable loop structures that define substrate specificity. Although the majority of AKRs are monomeric proteins of about 320 amino acids in length, the AKR2, AKR6 and AKR7 family may form multimers. To expand the nomenclature to accommodate multimers, we recommend that the composition and stoichiometry be listed. For example, AKR7A1:AKR7A4 (1:3) would designate a tetramer of the composition indicated. The current nomenclature is recognized by the Human Genome Project (HUGO) and the Web site provides a link to genomic information including chromosomal localization, gene boundaries, human ESTs and SNPs and much more.

STM investigations of Au(1 1 1) electrodes coated with vitamin B 12 derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szőcs, E.; Durrer, L.; Luginbühl, R.; Simic, N.; Viana, A. S.; Abrantes, L. M.; Keese, R.; Siegenthaler, H.

2006-01-01

Vitamin B 12 derivatives immobilized at flame-annealed Au(1 1 1) electrode surfaces have been investigated in close correlation with their structural properties and spatial arrangement at the electrode substrate by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in air and in aqueous 0.1 M NaClO 4 solution. The investigated compounds were symmetrical (B 12C 10S-SC 10B 12) and nonsymmetrical (B 12C 10S-SC 10) dialkyl disulfide derivatives of vitamin B 12, attached to the electrode surfaces by the S-Au bond. The ex situ and in situ STM experiments show the formation of a surface layer, whose packing density and structure is presumably controlled by the spatial arrangement of the large cobyrinate head groups. In presence of the symmetrical B 12 compound, a disordered surface layer is observed. Voltammetric investigations show that, in 0.1 M NaClO 4, this layer becomes unstable at potentials approximately ⩽ -1000 mV vs. MSE and is almost completely removed at more negative potentials. The STM imaging properties of the nonsymmetrical B 12 surface layer show a significant dependence on the tunneling distance. In particular, at small tunneling distances, a highly regular hexagonal surface pattern is observed that suggests strongly the presence of an ordered surface assembly. Modeling of the B 12 head group has been performed to provide information for a structure-related interpretation of the high-resolution STM images. The investigations are first STM results obtained at such B 12 modified electrodes.

21 CFR 184.1945 - Vitamin B12.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Vitamin B12. 184.1945 Section 184.1945 Food and... Substances Affirmed as GRAS § 184.1945 Vitamin B12. (a) Vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin (C63H88Co....archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. (c) In accordance with § 184...

Vitamin B12 Production by Marine Bacteria in Organic Substrate Limited, Slow Growth Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villegas-Mendoza, J.; Cajal-Medrano, R.; Maske, H.

2016-02-01

The conditions and processes governing the B12 vitamin dissemination through planktonic organisms are little understood. It is generally assumed that bacteria produce B12 vitamin and the whole auxotrophic plankton community consumes it. We used natural marine bacteria communities and marine bacteria Dinoroseobacter shibae cultures, growing in substrate-limited continuous cultures at low specific growth rates [0.1 to 1 d-1] to measure intracellular and dissolved B12 production, bacterial and viral abundance, particulate organic carbon, and nitrogen, bacterial production, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, ETS activity, and taxonomic composition. We find dissolved B12 vitamin at concentrations between 0 to 1.4 pM with no relation to growth or respiration rates. The intracellular B12 vitamin normalized to cell volume ranged between 1x10-2 to 4.6x10-2 pmol μm3 showing a significant relationship with growth rate [y=0.02(m)1.07; r2=0.78; p≤0.05; y=intracellular B12 production, pmol μm3 day-1; m=specific growth rate, day-1], and respiration rates [y=2.4ln(x)-2.66; r2=0.87; p≤0.05; x=CO2 production, μM day-1]. The vitamin B12 producing bacteria D. shibae, showed a dissolved B12 concentration between 0 and 1.8 pM, whereas intracellular B12 normalized to cell volume varied between 1.1x10-2 to 1.8x10-2 pmol μm-3, responding significantly to growth rate [y=0.01(m)0.56; r2=0.85; p≤0.05], and to respiration rates [y=3.01ln(x)-7.56, r2=0.97, p≤0.05; x=CO2 production, μM day-1]. The lack of correlation of dissolved B12 vitamin with the metabolic activity suggests that the dissolved B12 concentration depends on the interactions among vitamin B12 producers and consumers while the bacterial metabolism is regulating the intracellular production of B12 vitamin.

17 CFR 210.12-12B - Open option contracts written.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR