Purification and characterization of Phaseolus vulgaris alpha-D-galactosidase isozymes.

PubMed

Dhar, M; Mitra, M; Hata, J; Butnariu, O; Smith, D

1994-11-01

A highly purified preparation of alpha-D-galactosidase [E.C. 3.2.1.22] isozymes was obtained from Phaseolus vulgaris (pinto bean) seeds by extraction, salt precipitation, ion exchange, and affinity chromatography. The final preparation was homogeneous by SDS-PAGE but revealed isozymes of relative mass of 38.3 and 39.6 kDa. The N-terminal sequence for both isozymes was identical, LANGLAKT (one letter code for amino acids). Relative native molecular mass was estimated at 149.3 kDa by Sephacryl S-200 chromatography. Activity was unaffected by ionic strength at high enzyme concentrations, and was specific for alpha-D-galactoside conjugates. No protease or hemagglutinin activity was detected, and activity was stable at 4 degrees C. Studies with soluble oligosaccharides demonstrated high activity against the selected straight and branched-chain substrates. The enzyme was active against terminal alpha 1-3 galactosyl residues on human and rabbit erythrocyte membranes. Because of its activity against membrane glycoconjugates, these isozymes may have potential utility for modifying membrane epitopes on native erythrocytes.

Rapid Immunochromatographic Detection of Serum Anti-α-Galactosidase A Antibodies in Fabry Patients after Enzyme Replacement Therapy.

PubMed

Nakano, Sachie; Tsukimura, Takahiro; Togawa, Tadayasu; Ohashi, Toya; Kobayashi, Masahisa; Takayama, Katsuyoshi; Kobayashi, Yukuharu; Abiko, Hiroshi; Satou, Masatsugu; Nakahata, Tohru; Warnock, David G; Sakuraba, Hitoshi; Shibasaki, Futoshi

2015-01-01

We developed an immunochromatography-based assay for detecting antibodies against recombinant α-galactosidase A proteins in serum. The evaluation of 29 serum samples from Fabry patients, who had received enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alpha and/or agalsidase beta, was performed by means of this assay method, and the results clearly revealed that the patients exhibited the same level of antibodies against both agalsidase alpha and agalsidase beta, regardless of the species of recombinant α-galactosidase A used for enzyme replacement therapy. A conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay supported the results. Considering these, enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alpha or agalsidase beta would generate antibodies against the common epitopes in both agalsidase alpha and agalsidase beta. Most of the patients who showed immunopositive reaction exhibited classic Fabry phenotype and harbored gene mutations affecting biosynthesis of α-galactosidase A. As immunochromatography is a handy and simple assay system which can be available at bedside, this assay method would be extremely useful for quick evaluation or first screening of serum antibodies against agalsidase alpha or agalsidase beta in Fabry disease with enzyme replacement therapy.

Cyclo(dehydroala-L-Leu), an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor from Penicillium sp. F70614.

PubMed

Kwon, O S; Park, S H; Yun, B S; Pyun, Y R; Kim, C J

2000-09-01

A diketopiperazine (1) has been isolated from the culture broth of Penicillium sp. F70614 and its structure has been determined to be cyclo(dehydroala-L-Leu) by various spectroscopic analyses. This compound selectively inhibited yeast alpha-glucosidase and porcine intestinal alpha-glucosidase with IC50 values of 35 and 50 microg/ml, respectively. However, it did not show significant inhibitory effects against almond beta3-glucosidase, Aspergillus alpha-galactosidase, Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase and jack bean alpha-mannosidase.

Synthesis and characterization of a new fluorogenic substrate for alpha-galactosidase

PubMed Central

Shi, Zhen-Dan; Motabar, Omid; Goldin, Ehud; Liu, Ke; Southall, Noel; Sidransky, Ellen; Austin, Christopher P.; Griffiths, Gary L.

2009-01-01

Alpha-galactosidase A hydrolyzes the terminal alpha-galactosyl moieties from glycolipids and glycoproteins in lysosomes. Mutations in α-galactosidase cause lysosomal accumulation of the glycosphingolipid, globotriaosylceramide, which leads to Fabry disease. Small-molecule chaperones that bind to mutant enzyme proteins and correct their misfolding and mistrafficking have emerged as a potential therapy for Fabry disease. We have synthesized a red fluorogenic substrate, resorufinyl α-D-galactopyranoside, for a new α-galactosidase enzyme assay. This assay can be measured continuously at lower pH values, without the addition of a stop solution, due to the relatively low pKa of resorufin (~6). In addition, the assay emits red fluorescence, which can significantly reduce interferences due to compound fluorescence and dust/lint as compared to blue fluorescence. Therefore, this new red fluorogenic substrate and the resulting enzyme assay can be used in high-throughput screening to identify small-molecule chaperones for Fabry disease. PMID:19521690

Rapid Immunochromatographic Detection of Serum Anti-α-Galactosidase A Antibodies in Fabry Patients after Enzyme Replacement Therapy

PubMed Central

Nakano, Sachie; Tsukimura, Takahiro; Togawa, Tadayasu; Ohashi, Toya; Kobayashi, Masahisa; Takayama, Katsuyoshi; Kobayashi, Yukuharu; Abiko, Hiroshi; Satou, Masatsugu; Nakahata, Tohru; Warnock, David G.; Sakuraba, Hitoshi; Shibasaki, Futoshi

2015-01-01

We developed an immunochromatography-based assay for detecting antibodies against recombinant α-galactosidase A proteins in serum. The evaluation of 29 serum samples from Fabry patients, who had received enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alpha and/or agalsidase beta, was performed by means of this assay method, and the results clearly revealed that the patients exhibited the same level of antibodies against both agalsidase alpha and agalsidase beta, regardless of the species of recombinant α-galactosidase A used for enzyme replacement therapy. A conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay supported the results. Considering these, enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alpha or agalsidase beta would generate antibodies against the common epitopes in both agalsidase alpha and agalsidase beta. Most of the patients who showed immunopositive reaction exhibited classic Fabry phenotype and harbored gene mutations affecting biosynthesis of α-galactosidase A. As immunochromatography is a handy and simple assay system which can be available at bedside, this assay method would be extremely useful for quick evaluation or first screening of serum antibodies against agalsidase alpha or agalsidase beta in Fabry disease with enzyme replacement therapy. PMID:26083343

Glycosidases induced in Aspergillus tamarii. Secreted alpha-D-galactosidase and beta-D-mannanase.

PubMed Central

Civas, A; Eberhard, R; Le Dizet, P; Petek, F

1984-01-01

An alpha-D-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.22) and a beta-D-mannanase (EC 3.2.1.78), which were secreted into the growth medium when Aspergillus tamarii was cultivated in the presence of galactomannan, were purified by a procedure including chromatography on hydroxyapatite and DEAE-cellulose columns. Each of these enzymes showed a single protein band, corresponding to their respective activities, on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Both enzymes were shown to be glycoproteins containing N-acetylglucosamine, mannose and galactose, with molar proportions of 1:6:1.5 for alpha-D-galactosidase and 1:13:8 for beta-D-mannanase. Mr values as determined by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate and by the electrophoretic method of Hedrick & Smith [(1968) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 126, 155-164] were 56000 and 53000 respectively. The alpha-D-galactosidase differed markedly from the mycelial forms I and II studied in the preceding paper [Civas, Eberhard, Le Dizet & Petek (1984) Biochem. J. 219, 849-855] with regard to both its kinetic and structural properties. Images Fig. 1. PMID:6331399

Flavonoids inhibit cytokine-induced endothelial cell adhesion protein gene expression.

PubMed Central

Gerritsen, M. E.; Carley, W. W.; Ranges, G. E.; Shen, C. P.; Phan, S. A.; Ligon, G. F.; Perry, C. A.

1995-01-01

Treatment of human endothelial cells with cytokines such as interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or interferon-gamma induces the expression of specific leukocyte adhesion molecules on the endothelial cell surface. Interfering with either leukocyte adhesion or adhesion protein upregulation is an important therapeutic target as evidenced by the potent anti-inflammatory actions of neutralizing antibodies to these ligands in various animal models and in patients. In the present study we report that cotreatment of human endothelial cells with certain hydroxyflavones and flavanols blocks cytokine-induced ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin expression on human endothelial cells. One of the most potent flavones, apigenin, exhibited a dose- and time-dependent, reversible effect on adhesion protein expression as well as inhibiting adhesion protein upregulation at the transcriptional level. Apigenin also inhibited IL-1 alpha-induced prostaglandin synthesis and TNF-alpha-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production, suggesting that the hydroxyflavones may act as general inhibitors of cytokine-induced gene expression. Although apigenin did not inhibit TNF-alpha-induced nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B(p50(NFKB1)/p65(RelA)) we found this flavonoid did inhibit TNF-alpha induced beta-galactosidase activity in SW480 cells stably transfected with a beta-galactosidase reporter construct driven by four NF-kappa B elements, suggesting an action on NF-kappa B transcriptional activation. Adhesion of leukocytes to cytokine-treated endothelial cells was blocked in endothelial cells cotreated with apigenin. Finally, apigenin demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced rat paw edema and delayed type hypersensitivity in the mouse. We conclude that flavonoids offer important therapeutic potential for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases involving an increase in leukocyte adhesion and trafficking. Images Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 11 PMID:7543732

Degradative Enzymes from the Pharmacy or Health Food Store: Interesting Examples for Introductory Biology Laboratories

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deutch, Charles E.

2007-01-01

Degradative enzymes in over-the-counter products from pharmacies and health food stores provide good examples of biological catalysis. These include [beta]-galactosidase in Lactaid[TM], [alpha]-galactosidase in Beano[R], [alpha]-amylase and proteases in digestive aids, and proteases in contact lens cleaners. These enzymes can be studied…

Two novel mutations in the alpha-galactosidase gene in Japanese classical hemizygotes with Fabry disease.

PubMed

Okumiya, T; Takenaka, T; Ishii, S; Kase, R; Kamei, S; Sakuraba, H

1996-09-01

Four alpha-galactosidase gene mutations were identified in Japanese male patients with Fabry disease who had no detectable alpha-galactosidase activity. Two of them were novel mutations, an 11-bp deletion in exon 2 and a g-1 to t substitution at the 3' end of the splice acceptor site in intron 1. The former caused a frameshift and led to the creation of a new stop codon at codon 118. The latter was predicted to provoke aberrant mRNA splicing followed by accelerated degradation of the mRNA. A nonsense mutation, R301X, and a 2-bp deletion starting at nucleotide position 718, which were reported previously, were also identified in unrelated patients.

Use of an alpha-galactosidase gene as a food-grade selection marker for Streptococcus thermophilus.

PubMed

Labrie, S; Bart, C; Vadeboncoeur, C; Moineau, S

2005-07-01

The alpha-galactosidase gene (aga) of Lactococcus raffinolactis ATCC 43920 was previously shown to be an efficient food-grade selection marker in Lactococcus lactis and Pediococcus acidilactici but not in Streptococcus thermophilus. In this study, we demonstrated that the alpha-galactosidase of L. raffinolactis is thermolabile and inoperative at 42 degrees C, the optimal growth temperature of S. thermophilus. An in vitro assay indicated that the activity of this alpha-galactosidase at 42 degrees C was only 3% of that at 30 degrees C, whereas the enzyme retained 23% of its activity at 37 degrees C. Transformation of Strep. thermophilus RD733 with the shuttle-vector pNZ123 bearing the aga gene of L. raffinolactis (pRAF301) generated transformants that were stable and able to grow on melibiose and raffinose at 37 degrees C or below. The transformed cells possessed 6-fold more alpha-galactosidase activity after growth on melibiose than cells grown on lactose. Slot-blot analyses of aga mRNA indicated that repression by lactose occurred at the transcriptional level. The presence of pRAF301 did not interfere with the lactic acid production when the transformed cells of Strep. thermophilus were grown at the optimal temperature in milk. Using the recombinant plasmid pRAF301, which carries a chloramphenicol resistance gene in addition to aga, we showed that both markers were equally efficient at differentiating transformed from nontransformed cells. The aga gene of L. raffinolactis can be used as a highly efficient selection marker in Strep. thermophilus.

Interconversion of the Specificities of Human Lysosomal Enzymes Associated with Fabry and Schindler Diseases

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

Tomasic, Ivan B.; Metcalf, Matthew C.; Guce, Abigail I.

2010-09-03

The human lysosomal enzymes {alpha}-galactosidase ({alpha}-GAL, EC 3.2.1.22) and {alpha}-N-acetylgalactosaminidase ({alpha}-NAGAL, EC 3.2.1.49) share 46% amino acid sequence identity and have similar folds. The active sites of the two enzymes share 11 of 13 amino acids, differing only where they interact with the 2-position of the substrates. Using a rational protein engineering approach, we interconverted the enzymatic specificity of {alpha}-GAL and {alpha}-NAGAL. The engineered {alpha}-GAL (which we call {alpha}-GALSA) retains the antigenicity of {alpha}-GAL but has acquired the enzymatic specificity of {alpha}-NAGAL. Conversely, the engineered {alpha}-NAGAL (which we call {alpha}-NAGAL{sup EL}) retains the antigenicity of {alpha}-NAGAL but has acquired themore » enzymatic specificity of the {alpha}-GAL enzyme. Comparison of the crystal structures of the designed enzyme {alpha}-GAL{sup SA} to the wild-type enzymes shows that active sites of {alpha}-GAL{sup SA} and {alpha}-NAGAL superimpose well, indicating success of the rational design. The designed enzymes might be useful as non-immunogenic alternatives in enzyme replacement therapy for treatment of lysosomal storage disorders such as Fabry disease.« less

Involvement of Sp1 elements in the promoter activity of genes affected in keratoconus.

PubMed

Maruyama, Y; Wang, X; Li, Y; Sugar, J; Yue, B Y

2001-08-01

Keratoconus is a progressive disease that thins and scars the corneal stroma. In keratoconus corneas, levels of degradative enzymes, including lysosomal acid phosphatase (LAP) and cathepsin B, are elevated, and those of the inhibitors alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1-PI) and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2-M) are reduced, especially in the epithelial layer. An increased expression of the transcription factor Sp1 was also demonstrated. The role of Sp1 in regulation of the genes affected in keratoconus was examined in this study. DNA segments, containing 5'-flanking promoter sequences of the alpha 1-PI, LAP, cathepsin B, and alpha 2-M genes were ligated into the secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter gene vector. These constructs, along with the pSV beta-galactosidase control vector, were transfected into cultured human corneal epithelial and stromal cells and skin fibroblasts. Cotransfection with the Sp1 expression vector was performed in parallel. SEAP and beta-galactosidase enzyme activities were assayed. In corneal epithelial cells, as in stromal cells, alpha 1-PI promoter activity was suppressed by cotransfection of pPacSp1. The LAP, cathepsin B, and alpha 2-M promoters were functional in corneal cells, whereas activities of these promoters were much lower in skin fibroblasts. Cotransfection experiments indicated that the up- or downregulation of LAP, cathepsin B, and alpha 2-M observed in keratoconus-affected corneas was not mediated by Sp1. These results support the theory that the corneal epithelium, along with the stroma, is involved in keratoconus. An upstream role of Sp1 is indicated and the Sp1-mediated downregulation of the alpha 1-PI gene may be a key event in the disease development.

Immobilized alpha-Galactosidase in the Biochemistry Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mulimani, V. H.; Dhananjay, K.

2007-01-01

This laboratory experiment was designed to demonstrate the application of immobilized galactosidase in food industry to hydrolyze raffinose family oligosaccharides in soymilk. This laboratory experiment was conducted for postgraduate students of biochemistry and developed for graduate and undergraduate students of biochemistry, biotechnology,…

Molecular cloning and characterization of alpha - galactosidase gene from Glaciozyma antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moheer, Reyad Qaed Al; Bakar, Farah Diba Abu; Murad, Abdul Munir Abdul

2015-09-01

Psychrophilic enzymes are proteins produced by psychrophilic organisms which recently are the limelight for industrial applications. A gene encoding α-galactosidase from a psychrophilic yeast, Glaciozyma antarctica PI12 which belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 27, was isolated and analyzed using several bioinformatic tools. The cDNA of the gene with the size of 1,404-bp encodes a protein with 467 amino acid residues. Predicted molecular weight of protein was 48.59 kDa and hence we name the gene encoding α-galactosidase as GAL48. We found that the predicted protein sequences possessed signal peptide sequence and are highly conserved among other fungal α-galactosidase.

Enzyme replacement therapy of Fabry disease.

PubMed

Clarke, Joe T R; Iwanochko, R Mark

2005-08-01

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A and results in pain, progressive renal impairment, cardiomyopathy, and cerebrovascular disease. The results of two major randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials and open-label extensions have shown that replacement of the deficient enzyme with either of two preparations of recombinant human alpha-galactosidase A, agalsidase-alfa, and agalsidase-beta is safe. Biweekly i.v. infusions of 0.2 mg/kg of agalsidase-alfa were associated with a significant decrease in pain and stabilization of renal function. Biweekly infusions of 1 mg/kg of agalsidase-beta were associated with virtually complete clearing of accumulated glycolipid substrate from renal and cutaneous capillary endothelial cells. Several smaller, open-label studies, along with observations made in the course of monitoring large numbers of patients on enzyme replacement therapy, indicated that treatment stabilizes renal function and produces significant improvements in myocardial mass and function. Treatment of Fabry disease by enzyme replacement has a significant impact on at least some serious complications of the disease.

Substrate specificity and kinetic properties of alpha-galactosidases from Vicia faba.

PubMed

Dey, P M; Pridham, J B

1969-10-01

1. The hydrolysis of a variety of galactosides and other glycosides by alpha-galactosidases I and II of Vicia faba was studied. 2. The effect of temperature on kinetic parameters was also examined. 3. Both enzymes are inhibited by excess of substrate (p-nitrophenyl alpha-d-galactoside); with enzyme I this is competitive and is caused by the galactosyl moiety. 4. Enzyme I is inhibited by oligosaccharides possessing terminal non-reducing galactose residues and to a smaller extent by l-arabinose and d-fucose. 5. The effect of pH on K(m) and V(max.) values suggests that carboxyl and imidazole groups are involved in the catalytic activity of enzyme I. 6. Photo-oxidation experiments with enzyme I also suggest that an imidazole group is present at the active site.

Treatment with agalsidase beta during pregnancy in Fabry disease.

PubMed

Politei, Juan M

2010-04-01

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A, which leads to excessive accumulation of glycosphingolipids in most tissues in the body, with life-threatening clinical consequences in the kidney, heart, and cerebrovascular system. Enzyme replacement therapy using exogenously produced alpha-galactosidase has been available for treatment of this multisystem progressive disease since 2001. Two different preparations of enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease are available outside of the USA: agalsidase alfa and agalsidase beta. Despite being X-linked, Fabry disease affects many female patients, and this report presents a successful pregnancy of a female patient receiving agalsidase beta.

Purification and characterization of thermostable alpha-galactosidase from Aspergillus terreus (GR).

PubMed

Shankar, S K; Dhananjay, S K; Mulimani, V H

2009-02-01

An extracellular thermostable alpha-galactosidase producing Aspergillus terreus (GR) strain was isolated from soil sample using guar gum as sole source of carbon. It was purified to apparent homogeneity by acetone precipitation, gel filtration followed by DEAE-Sephacel chromatographic step. The purified enzyme showed a single band after sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The molecular weight of the purified enzyme after SDS-PAGE was 108 kDa. The enzyme showed optimum pH and temperature of 5.0 and 65 degrees C, respectively, for artificial substrate pNPalphaGal. alpha-Galactosidase from A. terreus (GR) is found to be thermostable, as it was not inactivated after heating at 65 degrees C for 40 min. The K (m) for pNPalphaGal, oNPalphaGal, raffinose, and stachyose are 0.1, 0.28, 0.42, and 0.33 mM, respectively. Inhibitors such as 1,10-phenanthroline, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, mercaptoethanol, and urea have no effect, whereas N-bromosuccinamide inhibited enzyme activity by 100%. Among metal ions tested, Mg(2+), Ni(2+), Ca(2+), Co(2+), and Mn(2+) had no effect on enzyme activity, but Ag(+), Hg(2+), and Cu(2+) have inhibited complete activity.

All-transglycolytic synthesis and characterization of sialyl(alpha2-3)galactosyl(beta1-4)xylosyl-p-nitrophenyl(beta1-), an oligosaccharide derivative related to glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis.

PubMed

Vetere, A; Ferro, S; Bosco, M; Cescutti, P; Paoletti, S

1997-08-01

Beta-D-Xylopyranosides, such as p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside (Xyl-Np) or 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside (Xyl-MeUmb), when added to the culture medium of human skin fibroblasts have previously been shown to produce some Np- or MeUmb-oligosaccharides related to the regulation of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. Among these oligosaccharide derivatives, we synthesized the trisaccharide derivative NeuAc(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)Xyl-Np(beta1- as a potential inhibitor of human skin fibroblast glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. This synthesis was achieved by sequential use of transglycosylating activities of Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase and Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase. The structure of the oligosaccharide obtained was determined by HPLC, ion-spray mass spectrometry, and NMR.

Fabry disease in children: a federal screening programme in Russia.

PubMed

Namazova-Baranova, Leyla Seymurovna; Baranov, Alexander Alexandrovich; Pushkov, Aleksander Alekseevich; Savostyanov, Kirill Victorovich

2017-10-01

Our objective was to examine the prevalence of Fabry disease in Russian children with chronic pain in the distal limbs. This non-interventional, multi-centre study included children 2-18 years of age with chronic recurrent unilateral or bilateral pain, burning, or acroparesthesia in the hands or feet. The presence of Fabry disease was defined by abnormal alpha-galactosidase A activity in males or alpha-galactosidase gene (GLA) mutation in females. Among 214 patients (110 males), 84.1% had bilateral limb pain and 31.8% had unilateral limb pain recorded at some time point; 61 (28.5%) patients had a positive family history possibly associated with Fabry disease. Alpha-galactosidase A activity was within the normal range in all 109 of the male patients tested. One female patient had a GLA mutation (C937G > T) and alpha-galactosidase A activity within the normal range. We did not find definitive evidence of Fabry disease in these children with a history of chronic recurrent unilateral or bilateral limb pain or acroparesthesia. The presence of chronic limb pain does not appear to be highly predictive of a diagnosis of Fabry disease in Russian children and adolescents, suggesting that key early signs and symptoms of Fabry disease are not specific to the disease. What is Known: • Signs and symptoms of Fabry disease are seen in children < 10 years of age; pain in the distal limbs is a common early symptom. What is New: • Fabry disease was not diagnosed in this population of Russian children with a history of chronic limb pain. • The presence of acroparesthesia or chronic limb pain does not appear to be highly predictive of a diagnosis of Fabry disease in Russian children and adolescents, suggesting that these early symptoms of Fabry disease are not specific to the disease.

Non-specific gastrointestinal features: Could it be Fabry disease?

PubMed

Hilz, Max J; Arbustini, Eloisa; Dagna, Lorenzo; Gasbarrini, Antonio; Goizet, Cyril; Lacombe, Didier; Liguori, Rocco; Manna, Raffaele; Politei, Juan; Spada, Marco; Burlina, Alessandro

2018-05-01

Non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms, including pain, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting, can be the first symptoms of Fabry disease. They may suggest more common disorders, e.g. irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. The confounding clinical presentation and rarity of Fabry disease often cause long diagnostic delays and multiple misdiagnoses. Therefore, specialists involved in the clinical evaluation of non-specific upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms should recognize Fabry disease as a possible cause of the symptoms, and should consider Fabry disease as a possible differential diagnosis. When symptoms or family history suggest Fabry disease, in men, low alpha-galactosidase A enzyme levels, and in women, specific Fabry mutations confirm the diagnosis. In addition to symptomatic treatments, disease-specific enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant human alpha-galactosidase A enzyme or chaperone therapy (migalastat) in patients with amenable mutations can improve the disease, including gastrointestinal symptoms, and should be initiated as early as possible after Fabry disease has been confirmed; starting enzyme replacement therapy at as young an age as possible after diagnosis improves long-term clinical outcomes. Improved diagnostic tools, such as a modified gastrointestinal symptom rating scale, may facilitate diagnosing Fabry disease in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms of unknown cause and thus assure timely initiation of disease-specific treatment. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Reduction of globotriaosylceramide in Fabry disease mice by substrate deprivation.

PubMed

Abe, A; Gregory, S; Lee, L; Killen, P D; Brady, R O; Kulkarni, A; Shayman, J A

2000-06-01

We used a potent inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase to test whether substrate deprivation could lower globotriaosylceramide levels in alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-gal A) knockout mice, a model of Fabry disease. C57BL/6 mice treated twice daily for 3 days with D-threo-1-ethylendioxyphenyl-2-palmitoylamino-3-pyrrolidi no-propanol (D-t-EtDO-P4) showed a concentration-dependent decrement in glucosylceramide levels in kidney, liver, and spleen. A single intraperitoneal injection of D-t-EtDO-P4 resulted in a 55% reduction in renal glucosylceramide, consistent with rapid renal glucosylceramide metabolism. A concentration-dependent decrement in renal and hepatic globotriaosylceramide levels was observed in alpha-Gal A(-) males treated for 4 weeks with D-t-EtDO-P4. When 8-week-old alpha-Gal A(-) males were treated for 8 weeks with 10 mg/kg twice daily, renal globotriaosylceramide fell to below starting levels, consistent with an alpha-galactosidase A-independent salvage pathway for globotriaosylceramide degradation. Complications observed with another glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor, N-butyldeoxynojirimycin, including weight loss and acellularity of lymphatic organs, were not observed with D-t-EtDO-P4. These data suggest that Fabry disease may be amenable to substrate deprivation therapy.

Galactosidase Alpha p.A143T Variant Fabry Disease May Result in a Phenotype With Multifocal Microvascular Cerebral Involvement at a Young Age.

PubMed

Hauth, Lothar; Kerstens, Jeroen; Yperzeele, Laetitia; Eyskens, François; Parizel, Paul M; Willekens, Barbara

2018-01-01

A 16-year-old male presented with episodic headaches and a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that showed multifocal punctate to patchy white matter lesions. The diagnosis of Fabry disease (FD) was suggested upon the finding of significantly reduced plasma alpha-galactosidase A activity (0.62 µmol/L or 13% of normal; normal range ≥ 1.65 μmol/L) and genetic investigation confirmed the presence of a hemizygous missense variant in the galactosidase alpha (GLA) gene (p.A143T). Baseline assessment of other systemic involvement showed only a discrete proteinuria. FD is a rare lysosomal storage disorder. Genetic screening studies have revealed over 600 variants in the GLA gene. The p.A143T variant is a genetic variant of unknown significance, with its associated phenotype ranging from classical FD to healthy unaffected patients. Some authors, however, deem this variant non-pathogenic. We describe the case of a 16-year-old male with multifocal white matter lesions on brain MRI, who was diagnosed with FD and carried this genetic variant. The causative p.A143T mutation can be associated with a more severe subclinical phenotype than has been reported to date. Furthermore, a diagnosis of FD should be considered when finding asymptomatic cerebral white matter lesions in a young patient.

Melibiose permease and alpha-galactosidase of Escherichia coli: Identification by selective labeling using a T7 RNA polymerase/promoter expression system

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

Pourcher, T.; Bassilana, M.; Sarkar, H.K.

1990-01-23

Identification and selective labeling of the melibiose permease and alpha-galactosidase in Escherichia coli, which are encoded by the melB and melA genes, respectively, have been accomplished by selectively labeling the two gene products with a T7 RNA polymerase expression system. Following generation of a novel EcoRI restriction site in the intergenic sequence between the two genes of the mel operon by oligonucleotide-directed, site-specific mutagenesis, melA and melB were separately inserted into plasmid pT7-6 of the T7 expression system. Expression of melB was markedly enhanced by placing a strong, synthetic ribosome binding site at an optimal distance upstream from the initiationmore » codon of melB. Expression of cloned gene products was characterized functionally and by performing autoradiographic analysis on total cell, inner membrane, and cytoplasmic proteins from cells pulse labeled with (35S)methionine in the presence of rifampicin and resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results first confirm that alpha-galactosidase is a cytoplasmic protein with an Mr of 50K; in contrast, the membrane-bound melibiose permease is identified as a protein with an apparent Mr of 39K, a value significantly higher than that of 30K previously suggested.« less

Isolation of human hexosaminidase. cap alpha. cDNA and expression of. cap alpha. chains in E. coli

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

Wiktorowicz, J.E.; Whitman, J.M.

1986-05-01

Pooled antisera against homogeneous, glutaraldehyde cross-linked hexosaminidase (hex) A was adsorbed with E. coli lysate insolubilized on Sepharose 4B. Aliquots of a human liver lambdagtll cDNA library (50,000-100,000 pfu) were plated on E. coli Y1090. Expression of cloned cDNA, after sufficient plaque growth at 42/sup 0/, was accomplished by induction with isopropylthiogalactoside soaked nitrocellulose filters. Identification of hex cDNA clones was performed by incubation of the filters with purified antisera. Protein A labelled with I-125 was used to develop the reactive plaques. Positive plaques, identified by autoradiography, were picked, replated at a lower density, and rescreened. This was repeated severalmore » more times until all plaques yielded positive signals. Identification of the clones as containing ..cap alpha.. or ..beta.. cDNA was accomplished by replating the purified phage and rescreening the plaques with anti-hex B antiserum preadsorbed with E. coli lysate. According to this protocol several hex ..cap alpha.. clones have been identified. While these clones generate ..beta..-galactosidase: hex ..cap alpha.. fusion proteins, these findings suggest that in the future it may be possible to obtain large quantities of unmodified hex ..cap alpha.. and ..beta.. polypeptides from E. coli for the study of the structural and enzymatic properties of these polypeptides and for diagnostic purposes in the GM2 gangliosidoses.« less

Comparison of the canine and human acid {beta}-galactosidase gene

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

Ahern-Rindell, A.J.; Kretz, K.A.; O`Brien, J.S.

Several canine cDNA libraries were screened with human {beta}-galactosidase cDNA as probe. Seven positive clones were isolated and sequenced yielding a partial (2060 bp) canine {beta}-galactosidase cDNA with 86% identity to the human {beta}-galactosidase cDNA. Preliminary analysis of a canine genomic library indicated conservation of exon number and size. Analysis by Northern blotting disclosed a single mRNA of 2.4 kb in fibroblasts and liver from normal dogs and dogs affected with GM1 gangliosidosis. Although incomplete, these results indicate canine GM1 gangliosidosis is a suitable animal model of the human disease and should further efforts to devise a gene therapy strategymore » for its treatment. 20 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.« less

Small molecular antioxidants effectively protect from PUVA-induced oxidative stress responses underlying fibroblast senescence and photoaging.

PubMed

Briganti, Stefania; Wlaschek, Meinhard; Hinrichs, Christina; Bellei, Barbara; Flori, Enrica; Treiber, Nicolai; Iben, Sebastian; Picardo, Mauro; Scharffetter-Kochanek, Karin

2008-09-01

Exposure of human fibroblasts to 8-methoxypsoralen plus ultraviolet-A irradiation (PUVA) results in stress-induced cellular senescence in fibroblasts. We here studied the role of the antioxidant defense system in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the effect of the antioxidants alpha-tocopherol, N-acetylcysteine, and alpha-lipoic acid on PUVA-induced cellular senescence. PUVA treatment induced an immediate and increasing generation of intracellular ROS. Supplementation of PUVA-treated fibroblasts with alpha-tocopherol (alpha-Toc), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or alpha-lipoic acid (alpha-LA) abrogated the increased ROS generation and rescued fibroblasts from the ROS-dependent changes into the cellular senescence phenotype, such as cytoplasmic enlargement, enhanced expression of senescence-associated-beta-galactosidase and matrix-metalloproteinase-1, hallmarks of photoaging and intrinsic aging. PUVA treatment disrupted the integrity of cellular membranes and impaired homeostasis and function of the cellular antioxidant system with a significant decrease in glutathione and hydrogen peroxide-detoxifying enzymes activities. Supplementation with NAC, alpha-LA, and alpha-Toc counteracted these changes. Our data provide causal evidence that (i) oxidative stress due to an imbalance in the overall cellular antioxidant capacity contributes to the induction and maintenance of the PUVA-induced fibroblast senescence and that (ii) low molecular antioxidants protect effectively against these deleterious alterations.

Xyloglucan mobilisation in cotyledons of developing plantlets of Hymenaea courbaril L. (Leguminosae-Caesalpinoideae).

PubMed

Tiné; Cortelazzo; Buckeridge

2000-05-29

Many seeds contain storage compounds that are used by the embryo/plantlet as a source of nutrients after germination. In seeds of Hymenaea courbaril, a leguminous tree, the main reserve consists of a structurally unusual xyloglucan stored in thickened walls of the cotyledon cells. The present work aimed to study H. courbaril xyloglucan metabolism during and after germination in order to compare its degrading system with the other known xyloglucan containing seeds. Polysaccharide degradation occurred after germination between 35 and 55 days after planting. The activities of alpha-xylosidase, beta-glucosidase, beta-galactosidase and XET rose during the period of xyloglucan disassembling but a low level of endo-beta-glucanase activity was detected, suggesting that this XET has high affinity for the oligosaccharides. The pH optimum of beta-galactosidase was different from the alpha-xylosidase, beta-glucosidase and XET optima suggesting that the former may be important in the control of the mobilisation process. A tentative model for xyloglucan disassembling in vivo is proposed, where beta-galactosidase allows the free oligosaccharides to bypass a transglycosylation cycle and be disassembled by the other exo-enzymes. Some ecophysiological comparisons among H. courbaril and other xyloglucan storing seeds are discussed.

A beta-l-Arabinopyranosidase from Streptomyces avermitilis is a novel member of glycoside hydrolase family 27.

PubMed

Ichinose, Hitomi; Fujimoto, Zui; Honda, Mariko; Harazono, Koichi; Nishimoto, Yukifumi; Uzura, Atsuko; Kaneko, Satoshi

2009-09-11

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are a family of plant cell surface proteoglycans and are considered to be involved in plant growth and development. Because AGPs are very complex molecules, glycoside hydrolases capable of degrading AGPs are powerful tools for analyses of the AGPs. We previously reported such enzymes from Streptomyces avermitilis. Recently, a beta-l-arabinopyranosidase was purified from the culture supernatant of the bacterium, and its corresponding gene was identified. The primary structure of the protein revealed that the catalytic module was highly similar to that of glycoside hydrolase family 27 (GH27) alpha-d-galactosidases. The recombinant protein was successfully expressed as a secreted 64-kDa protein using a Streptomyces expression system. The specific activity toward p-nitrophenyl-beta-l-arabinopyranoside was 18 micromol of arabinose/min/mg, which was 67 times higher than that toward p- nitrophenyl-alpha-d-galactopyranoside. The enzyme could remove 0.1 and 45% l-arabinose from gum arabic or larch arabinogalactan, respectively. X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals that the protein had a GH27 catalytic domain, an antiparallel beta-domain containing Greek key motifs, another antiparallel beta-domain forming a jellyroll structure, and a carbohydrate-binding module family 13 domain. Comparison of the structure of this protein with that of alpha-d-galactosidase showed a single amino acid substitution (aspartic acid to glutamic acid) in the catalytic pocket of beta-l-arabinopyranosidase, and a space for the hydroxymethyl group on the C-5 carbon of d-galactose bound to alpha-galactosidase was changed in beta-l-arabinopyranosidase. Mutagenesis study revealed that the residue is critical for modulating the enzyme activity. This is the first report in which beta-l-arabinopyranosidase is classified as a new member of the GH27 family.

Host-Pathogen Interactions: I. A Correlation Between α-Galactosidase Production and Virulence 1

PubMed Central

English, Patricia D.; Albersheim, Peter

1969-01-01

Resistance or susceptibility of Red Kidney, Pinto and Small White beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) to the alpha, beta, and gamma strains of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum was either confirmed or established. These fungal strains secrete α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase and β-xylosidase when grown on cell walls isolated from the hypocotyls of any of the above bean varieties. These enzymes effectively degrade cell walls isolated from susceptible 5-day old hypocotyls but degrade only slightly the walls isolated from resistant 18-day old hypocotyls. The amounts of the β-galactosidase and β-xylosidase secreted by the 3 fungal strains are relatively low and are approximately equivalent. The secretion of these 2 enzymes is not dependent upon the bean variety from which the hypocotyl cell walls used as a carbon source were isolated. However, the fungal strains secrete greater amounts of α-galactosidase when grown on hypocotyl cell walls isolated from susceptible plants than when grown on walls from resistant plants. Virulent isolates of the fungus, when grown on hypocotyl cell walls isolated from a susceptible plant, secrete more α-galactosidase than do attenuated (avirulent) isolates of the same fungal strain grown under the same conditions. The α-galactosidase secreted by each of the fungal strains is capable of removing galactose from the hypocotyl cell walls of each bean variety tested. Galactose is removed from the cell walls of each variety at the same rate regardless of whether the cell walls were isolated from a susceptible or resistant plant. PMID:16657049

The specificity of induction of alpha-galactosidase from Saccharomyces carlsbergensis.

PubMed

Flórez, I G; Lazo, P S; Ochoa, A G; Gascón, S

1981-04-17

A number of sugars and derivatives have been tested for their ability to induce the synthesis of alpha-galactosidase from Saccharomyces carlsbergensis. Besides galactose and the substrates of the enzyme melibiose, raffinose and stachyose, D-galacturonic acid, L-arabinose, D-tagatose, methyl-alpha-D-galactoside, lactose and isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside were able to act as inducers. Of these, methyl-alpha-D-galactoside, lactose, isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside and L-arabinose have been shown to be gratuitous inducers with which kinetic studies of induction have been carried out. Lactose was the most efficient inducer, giving a maximal differential rate of synthesis of the enzyme of 110 mU/10(7) cells at a concentration of 180 mM, followed by L-arabinose (60 mU/10(7) cells at 40 mM), isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside (43 mU/10(7) cells at 60 mM) and methyl-alpha-D-galactoside (25 mU/10(7) cells at 150 mM). The concentration of inducer required to obtain half-maximal induction was similar for lactose, L-arabinose and isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside and about 5-fold higher for methyl-alpha-D-galactoside. The property of the compounds to act as inducers was compared to their ability to interact with the enzyme and the results discussed in terms of the molecular structures which are recognized by the enzyme and by the induction machinery.

A novel method for determination of alpha1,6fucosyltransferase activity using a reducing oligosaccharide from egg yolk as a specific acceptor.

PubMed

Yazawa, S; Kochibe, N; Nishimura, T; Shima, C; Takai, I; Adachi, M; Asao, T; Hada, T; Enoki, Y; Juneja, L R

1998-09-01

A new method for determination of alpha1,6fucosyltransferase activity has been described. Recently, the disialyl-biantennary undecasaccharide was prepared in high yield from egg yolk [(1996), Carbohydr Lett 2: 137-42]. By treatment of this oligosaccharide with neuraminidase and beta-galactosidase, we readily obtained an asialo-agalacto-biantennary heptasaccharide (GlcNAcbeta 1,2Manalpha1,6[GlcNAcbeta1,2Manalpha1,3]Manbeta1 ,4GlcNAcbeta1,4GlcNAc). Using this asialo-agalacto-oligosaccharide as an acceptor, fucosyltransferases from human plasma and extracts of various human hepatoma cell lines were assayed in the presence of GDP-[3H]fucose. The reaction mixture was applied to a column of GlcNAc-binding, Psathyrella velutina lectin coupled gel. All the fucosylated acceptor were bound to the column which was eluted with 50 mM GlcNAc. Structural analyses revealed that only the innermost GlcNAc residue of the acceptor was fucosylated through an alpha1,6-linkage, and the oligosaccharide prepared could be used as a specific acceptor for alpha1,6fucosyltransferase. The present method was used to screen plasma alpha1,6fucosyltransferase in several patient groups, and significantly elevated activities were found in samples from patients with liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Structural modification of serum vitamin D3-binding protein and immunosuppression in AIDS patients.

PubMed

Yamamoto, N; Naraparaju, V R; Srinivasula, S M

1995-11-01

A serum glycoprotein, vitamin D3-binding protein (Gc protein), can be converted by beta-galactosidase of stimulated B lymphocytes and sialidase of T lymphocytes to a potent macrophage-activating factor (MAF), a protein with N-acetylgalactosamine as the remaining sugar moiety. Thus, Gc protein is a precursor for MAF. Treatment of purified Gc protein with immobilized beta-galactosidase and sialidase generates an extremely high-titered MAF (GcMAF). When peripheral blood monocytes/macrophages of 46 HIV-infected patients were treated with GcMAF (100 pg/ml), the monocytes/macrophages of all patients were efficiently activated. However, the MAF precursor activity of plasma Gc protein was low in 16 (35%) of of these patients. Loss of the MAF precursor activity appeared to be due to deglycosylation of plasma Gc protein by alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase found in the patient blood stream. Levels of plasma alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity in individual patients had an inverse correlation with the MAF precursor activity of their plasma Gc protein. Thus, precursor activity of Gc protein and alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity in patient blood can serve as diagnostic and prognostic indices.

Enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease: influence on cardiac manifestations.

PubMed

Caballero, L; Climent, V; Hernández-Romero, D; Quintanilla, M A; de la Morena, G; Marín, F

2010-01-01

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked glycosphingolipid storage disorder caused by deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. This leads to a progressive accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in the lysosomes of different cells and tissues, causing principally ventricular hypertrophy, renal failure and cerebrovascular accidents, reducing lifespan both in hemizygous males and heterozygous females. Residual enzyme activity might lead to slow progression of the disease and result in the so-called cardiac or renal variants with delayed presentation. Two different forms of alpha-galactosidase A enzyme replacement therapies (ERT) are available for the treatment of FD, one genetically engineered in human cell line (agalsidase alfa, Replagal, Shire) and the other produced in a Chinese hamster ovary cell line (agalsidase beta, Fabrazyme, Genzyme). Although both proteins are structurally and functionally very similar, with the same amino acid sequence as the native human enzyme, they differ in the pattern of glycosilation of the protein depending on the originating cell line. Studies with both preparations have described a reduction in plasma, urinary sediment and tissue levels of Gb3, a decrease in the frequency of pain crisis and a reduction in left ventricular mass and improvement or stabilization of renal function. Studies have generally shown the greatest benefit when treatment is started at an early stage of the disease before extensive fibrosis or other irreversible tissue damage takes place. However, more data are needed to document long-term treatment outcomes. The aim of the present review is to provide an update overview of the two different forms of ERT for FD, their clinical effects in cardiac manifestations and their possible differences in terms of efficacy, side effects and safety profiles.

Evaluation of a low dose, after a standard therapeutic dose, of agalsidase beta during enzyme replacement therapy in patients with Fabry disease.

PubMed

Lubanda, Jean-Claude; Anijalg, Ene; Bzdúch, Vladimír; Thurberg, Beth L; Bénichou, Bernard; Tylki-Szymanska, Anna

2009-04-01

Fabry disease, a genetic deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A, is characterized by pathogenic cellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. During clinical trials, recombinant human alpha-galactosidase A (agalsidase beta; Fabrazyme, Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA), infused intravenously at 1.0 mg/kg every 2 weeks for 6 months, cleared or reduced globotriaosylceramide in renal, cardiac, and dermal microvascular endothelia and other cells, with results sustained for up to 5 years in most patients evaluated. This study explored whether a lower dose could maintain globotriaosylceramide clearance achieved with 1.0 mg/kg. Cellular globotriaosylceramide levels were assessed histologically in kidney and skin biopsies from 21 adult Fabry males treated for 6 months at 1.0 mg/kg/2 weeks followed by 18 months at 0.3 mg/kg/2 weeks. In kidney interstitial capillary endothelium, the primary endpoint, globotriaosylceramide clearance was achieved in 100% of patients with 1.0 mg/kg and maintained in 90% with 0.3 mg/kg. In seven other renal cell types and superficial dermal capillary endothelium, globotriaosylceramide reduction or clearance was maintained with 0.3 mg/kg in approximately 70% of patients. A lower dose of agalsidase beta may be sufficient in some, but not all, patients with Fabry disease to maintain the cellular globotriaosylceramide clearance achieved with 1.0 mg/kg/2 weeks. Long-term clinical effects of transitioning to the lower dose have not been evaluated.

Cecal parameters of rats fed diets containing grapefruit polyphenols and inulin as single supplements or in a combination.

PubMed

Zduńczyk, Zenon; Juśkiewicz, Jerzy; Estrella, Isabel

2006-09-01

We compared the effects of grapefruit flavonoids and inulin, as single dietary components or in a combination, on cecal fermentation in rats adapted to a semipurified diet. The experimental diets contained 0.3% flavonoid extract and 5% or 10% inulin and a combination of both supplements. The large bowel metabolism assessment was based on cecal parameters: bulk effect, pH, microbial enzymes activity, and short-chain fatty acid production. Both supplements induced significant enlargement of the cecal digesta weight. Acidification of cecal digesta was more pronounced, with a higher inulin addition to the diet. Cecal pH was the highest with the flavonoid-rich diets and lowest in the case of a simultaneous addition of flavonoids and a high content of inulin. The flavonoid extract applied as a single dietary supplement was observed to decrease the activity of bacterial beta-glucosidase and beta- and alpha-galactosidases in the cecal digesta. In contrast, addition of the grapefruit extract to inulin-containing diets increased the activity of alpha-glucosidase, alpha-galactosidase, and beta-galactosidase. Great accumulation of cecal digesta in rats consuming the flavonoid-diet caused a considerable increase in the short-chain fatty acid pool, mainly acetic acid. Inulin added to the diet decreased the excessive enlargement of digesta caused by dietary flavonoids. Dietary addition of inulin to the flavonoid-diet also normalized hydration of cecal digesta and significantly decreased the pH of digesta. The presence of polyphenols in the inulin-containing diets did not change total short-chain fatty acid production in the cecum of rats. Our results suggested that simultaneous intake of inulin and polyphenols can decrease the detrimental effects of the latter on cecal fermentation.

Enhanced alpha-galactosidase expression in pseudomonas chlororaphis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Pseudomonas chlororaphis is a non-pathogenic bacterium useful for fermentative production of biopolymer (i.e., poly(hydroxyalkanoates); PHA) and biosurfactant (i.e., rhamnolipid; RhL). In order to enable P. chlororaphis to better fermentatively utilize the residual soy sugars in soy molasses – a lo...

Galacto-oligosaccharide hydrolysis by genetically-engineered alpha-galactosidase-producing Pseudomonas chlororaphis strains

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Various Pseudomonas chlororaphis strains have been shown to produce rhamnolipid (a biosurfactant), poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA; a biopolymer), and/or antifungal compounds for plants. An ability to metabolize galacto-oligosaccharides in soy molasses would allow P. chlororaphis to use the byproduct as...

The activity of hydrolases of larval stages of Anisakis simplex (Nematoda).

PubMed

Lopieńska-Biernat, Elzbieta; Zółtowska, Krystyna; Rokicki, Jerzy

2004-01-01

Activity of hydrolases during the third and fourth larval stage of Anisakis simplex was identified by applying the API ZYM test method. In A. simplex larvae the activity of phosphatases was high, particularly that of acid phosphatase (40 nmol/mg(-1)). Among esterases lack of activity of lipase (C14) is worth noticing while the activity of esterases (C4) and (C8) was high. The activity of those later two enzymes was higher in L3 larvae than in L4 larvae. The highest activity in the subclass of glucosidases was recorded for beta-fucosidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase. A higher activity in L3 larvae than in L4 larvae was recorded for: beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (2-fold) and beta-fucosidase (3-fold). Differently the activity of beta-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase was higher in L4 larvae than in L3 larvae. The tests did not show activity of alpha-galactosidase, beta-glucosidase and alpha-mannosidase on both larval forms.

Anderson-Fabry disease in heart failure.

PubMed

Akhtar, M M; Elliott, P M

2018-06-16

Anderson-Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene that result in deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. The worldwide incidence of Fabry's disease is reported to be in the range of 1 in 40,000-117,000, although this value may be a significant underestimate given under recognition of symptoms and delayed or missed diagnosis. Deficiency in alpha-galactosidase A causes an accumulation of neutral glycosphingolipids such as globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in lysosomes within various tissues including the vascular endothelium, kidneys, heart, eyes, skin and nervous system. Gb3 accumulation induces pathology via the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth-promoting factors and by oxidative stress, resulting in myocardial extracellular matrix remodelling, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), vascular dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis. Cardiac involvement manifesting as ventricular hypertrophy, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, valvular abnormalities and conduction tissue disease is common in AFD and is associated with considerable cardiovascular morbidity and mortality from heart failure, sudden cardiac death and stroke-related death.

[Fabry's disease and hypoparathyroidism].

PubMed

Misery, Laurent; Gregoire, Madeleine; Prieur, Fabienne; Froissart, Régis; Guffon, Nathalie; Maitre, Séverine; Fond, Laurent; Denis, Laurence; Perrot, Jean-Luc; Cambazard, Frédéric

2002-06-01

Fabry's disease is due to alpha-galactosidase deficiency. This rare lysosomal storage disease is transmitted by recessive X-linked heredity. Sphingolipids (galactosyl-glucosyl-ceramide) accumulate in many organs. A 19-year-old man with known hypoparathyroidism presented with telangiectasia and angiokeratomas on the buttocks, the hips, the hands and around the navel. For many years, he suffered from paroxysmal pain in the hands and feet. From childhood, he had complained of diffuse abdominal pain, associated with diarrhea. Ophthalmological slit lamp fundus examination showed corneal telangiectasia and cornea verticella. There was no kidney or heart involvement. The diagnosis of Fabry's disease was confirmed by very low levels of alpha-galactosidase. We did not find any other association of hypoparathyroidism and Fabry's disease in the literature. Hypoparathyroidism is not a manifestation of Fabry's disease. Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism is very rare and a genetic origin is known. This disease can be recessive X-linked. A co-transmission of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism and Fabry's disease is probable in our patient.

Deglycosylation of serum vitamin D3-binding protein by alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase detected in the plasma of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Yamamoto, N; Naraparaju, V R; Moore, M; Brent, L H

1997-03-01

A serum glycoprotein, Gc protein (vitamin D3-binding protein), can be converted by beta-galactosidase of B cells and sialidase of T cells to a potent macrophage-activating factor (MAF), a protein with N-acetylgalactosamine as the remaining sugar moiety. Thus, Gc protein is the precursor for MAF. Treatment of Gc protein with immobilized beta-galactosidase and sialidase generates a remarkably high titered macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF). When peripheral blood monocytes/ macrophages (designated macrophages) of 33 systemic lupus erythematosus patients were incubated with GcMAF (100 pg/ml), the macrophages of all patients were activated as determined by superoxide generation. However, the precursor activity of patient plasma Gc protein was lost or reduced in these patients. Loss of the precursor activity was the result of deglycosylation of plasma Gc protein by alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity found in the patient plasma. Levels of plasma alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity in individual patients had an inverse correlation with the MAF precursor activity of their plasma Gc protein. Deglycosylated Gc protein cannot be converted to macro-phage-activating factor. The resulting defect in macro-phage activation may lead to an inability to clear pathogenic immune complexes. Thus, elevated plasma alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity resulting in the loss of MAF precursor activity and reduced macro-phage activity may play a role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Deglycosylation of serum vitamin D3-binding protein leads to immunosuppression in cancer patients.

PubMed

Yamamoto, N; Naraparaju, V R; Asbell, S O

1996-06-15

Serum vitamin D3-binding protein (Gc protein) can be converted by beta-galactosidase of B cells and sialidase of T cells to a potent macrophage activating factor, a protein with N-acetylgalactosamine as the remaining sugar moiety. Thus, Gc protein is the precursor of the macrophage activating factor (MAF). Treatment of Gc protein with immobilized beta-galactosidase and sialidase generates an extremely high titered MAF, Gc-MAF. When peripheral blood monocytes/macrophages of 52 patients bearing various types of cancer were incubated with 100 pg/ml of GcMAF, the monocytes/macrophages of all patients were efficiently activated. However, the MAF precursor activity of patient plasma Gc protein was found to be severely reduced in about 25% of this patient population. About 45% of the patients had moderately reduced MAF precursor activities. Loss of the precursor activity was found to be due to deglycosylation of plasma Gc protein by alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase detected in the patient's bloodstream. The source of the enzyme appeared to be cancerous cells. Radiation therapy decreased plasma alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity with concomitant increase of precursor activity. This implies that radiation therapy decreases the number of cancerous cells capable of secreting alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase. Both alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity and MAF precursor activity of Gc protein in patient bloodstream can serve as diagnostic and prognostic indices.

A biochemical and pharmacological comparison of enzyme replacement therapies for the glycolipid storage disorder Fabry disease.

PubMed

Lee, Karen; Jin, Xiaoying; Zhang, Kate; Copertino, Lorraine; Andrews, Laura; Baker-Malcolm, Jennifer; Geagan, Laura; Qiu, Huawei; Seiger, Keirsten; Barngrover, Debra; McPherson, John M; Edmunds, Tim

2003-04-01

Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disease arising from deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. Two recombinant protein therapeutics, Fabrazyme (agalsidase beta) and Replagal (agalsidase alfa), have been approved in Europe as enzyme replacement therapies for Fabry disease. Both contain the same human enzyme, alpha-galactosidase A, but they are produced using different protein expression systems and have been approved for administration at different doses. To determine if there is recognizable biochemical basis for the different doses, we performed a comparison of the two drugs, focusing on factors that are likely to influence biological activity and availability. The two drugs have similar glycosylation, both in the type and location of the oligosaccharide structures present. Differences in glycosylation were mainly limited to the levels of sialic acid and mannose-6-phosphate present, with Fabrazyme having a higher percentage of fully sialylated oligosaccharides and a higher level of phosphorylation. The higher levels of phosphorylated oligomannose residues correlated with increased binding to mannose-6-phosphate receptors and uptake into Fabry fibroblasts in vitro. Biodistribution studies in a mouse model of Fabry disease showed similar organ uptake. Likewise, antigenicity studies using antisera from Fabry patients demonstrated that both drugs were indistinguishable in terms of antibody cross-reactivity. Based on these studies and present knowledge regarding the influence of glycosylation on protein biodistribution and cellular uptake, the two protein preparations appear to be functionally indistinguishable. Therefore, the data from these studies provide no rationale for the use of these proteins at different therapeutic doses.

[Morphological characteristics and physiological properties of aflatoxin B1 producing and non-producing Aspergillus flavus strains].

PubMed

Kogbo, W; Lemarinier, S; Boutibonnes, P

1985-09-01

Comparison between about 80 strains of Aspergillus flavus, belonging to the series flavus and oryzae, obtained from international collections but also isolated from French or African substrates revealed the following observations: 1. Cultural and morphological characteristics of toxicogenic and atoxicogenic strains of A. flavus are similar. However, the former produce a diffusible yellow pigment in 83% of isolates. 2. The two groups of conidiospores have the same resistance to UV irradiation (254 nm, 5 and 10 min). All the strains are equally sensitive to 4 antifungal antibiotics: nystatine, ketoconazole, clotrimazole and amphotericine. 3. A difference was seen in the capacity to produce enzymes as alpha-galactosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase, implicated in the glucid metabolism. The specific hydrolytic activity has been confirmed by the characterization of a large amount of beta-galactosidase and by a diauxic growth on glucose medium supplemented by lactose. Possible relationship between these characters and aflatoxin B1 production by A. flavus strains is discussed.

Reduction of soybean oligosaccharides and properties of alpha-D-galactosidase from Lactobacillus curvatus R08 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides [corrected] JK55.

PubMed

Yoon, Mi Young; Hwang, Han-Joon

2008-09-01

This study was undertaken to investigate the potential for reducing non-digestive oligosaccharides (NDO) in soy foods, as well as the influence of exogenous conditions on intracellular alpha-galactosidase (alpha-Gal) producing lactic acid bacteria. Two strains, Lactobacillus curvatus R08 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides [corrected]JK55, showed the highest levels of raffinose degrading activity at over 40 U mL(-1), and presented maximum activities during the stationary phase in a medium where raffinose was the only carbon source. Raffinose was the most effective inducer, followed by melibiose, and galactose; the enzymes were partially inhibited by fructose and sucrose. On the other hand, limited activity was observed in glucose. The strains displayed optimum activity levels at neutral pH and a 35-37 degrees C temperature range. The alpha-Gal activities of L. curvatus R08 and Leu. mesenteroides [corrected] JK55 were maintained at pH 6.5-10.0. The activity of the alpha-Gal enzyme was stable in a relatively broad range of temperatures from 0 to 40 degrees C for 3h. In soymilk, Leu. mesenteroides [corrected] JK55 and L. curvatus R08 completely hydrolyzed the NDO after 18-24h of fermentation. The abilities of L. curvatus R08 and Leu. mesenteroides [corrected] JK55 to degrade raffinose sugars and, particularly, to produce organic acids from sugar, could contribute to reductions in the anti-nutritional properties of soy, and to the accumulation of compounds with beneficial properties during food processing. Furthermore, this study provides the optimum conditions to induce alpha-Gal from these strains.

Creation of an In vivo cytosensor using engineered mesangial cells. Automatic sensing of glomerular inflammation controls transgene activity.

PubMed

Kitamura, M; Kawachi, H

1997-09-15

Automatic control over exogenous gene expression in response to the activity of disease is a crucial hurdle for gene transfer-based therapies. Towards achieving this goal, we created a "cytosensor" that perceives local inflammatory states and subsequently regulates foreign gene expression. alpha-Smooth muscle actin is known to be expressed in glomerular mesangial cells exclusively in pathologic situations. CArG box element, the crucial regulatory sequence of the alpha-smooth muscle actin promoter, was used as a sensor for glomerular inflammation. Rat mesangial cells were stably transfected with an expression plasmid that introduces a beta-galactosidase gene under the control of CArG box elements. In vitro, the established cells expressed beta-galactosidase exclusively after stimulation with serum. To examine whether the cells are able to automatically control transgene activity in vivo, serum-stimulated or unstimulated cells were transferred into normal rat glomeruli or glomeruli subjected to anti-Thy 1 glomerulonephritis. When stimulated cells were transferred into the normal glomeruli, beta-galactosidase expression was switched off in vivo within 3 d. In contrast, when unstimulated cells were transferred into the nephritic glomeruli, transgene expression was substantially induced. These data indicate the feasibility of using the CArG box element as a molecular sensor for glomerular injury. In the context of advanced forms of gene therapy, this approach provides a novel concept for automatic regulation of local transgene expression where the transgene is required to be activated during inflammation and deactivated when the inflammation has subsided.

Development and Analytical Characterization of Pegunigalsidase Alfa, a Chemically Cross-Linked Plant Recombinant Human α-Galactosidase-A for Treatment of Fabry Disease.

PubMed

Ruderfer, Ilya; Shulman, Avidor; Kizhner, Tali; Azulay, Yaniv; Nataf, Yakir; Tekoah, Yoram; Shaaltiel, Yoseph

2018-05-16

The current treatment of Fabry disease by enzyme replacement therapy with commercially available recombinant human α-Galactosidase A shows a continuous deterioration of the disease patients. Human recombinant α-Galactosidase A is a homodimer with noncovalently bound subunits and is expressed in the ProCellEx plant cell-based protein expression platform to produce pegunigalsidase alfa. The effect of covalent bonding between two α-Galactosidase A subunits by PEG-based cross-linkers of various lengths was evaluated in this study. The results show that cross-linking by a bifunctional PEG polymer of 2000 Da produces a more stable protein with improved pharmacokinetic and biodistribution properties. The chemical modification did not influence the tertiary protein structure but led to an increased thermal stability and showed partial masking of immune epitopes. The developed pegunigalsidase alfa is currently tested in phase III clinical trials and has a potential to show superior efficacy versus the currently used enzyme replacement therapies in the treatment of Fabry disease patients.

Enzymatic degradation of oligosaccharides in pinto bean flour.

PubMed

Song, Danfeng; Chang, Sam K C

2006-02-22

The use of dry edible beans is limited due to the presence of flatulence factors, the raffinose oligosaccharides. Our objective was to investigate the process for the removal of oligosaccharides from pinto bean using enzymatic treatment and to compare it to removal by soaking and cooking methods. Crude enzyme preparation was produced by six fungal species on wheat bran- and okara-based substrates with soy tofu whey. The loss of raffinose oligosaccharides after soaking pinto beans for 16 h at the room temperature was 10%, after cooking for 90 min was 52%, and after autoclaving for 30 min was 58%. On the other hand, the treatment using crude alpha-galactosidase (60 U mL(-1)) produced by Aspergillus awamori NRRL 4869 from wheat bran-based substrate with soy tofu whey on pinto bean flour for 2 h completely hydrolyzed raffinose oligosaccharides. These results supported that the enzymatic treatment was the most effective among various processing methods tested for removing the raffinose oligosaccharides, and hence, crude alpha-galactosidases from fungi have potential use in the food industry.

The construction of recombinant industrial yeasts free of bacterial sequences by directed gene replacement into a nonessential region of the genome.

PubMed

Xiao, W; Rank, G H

1989-03-15

The yeast SMR1 gene was used as a dominant resistance-selectable marker for industrial yeast transformation and for targeting integration of an economically important gene at the homologous ILV2 locus. A MEL1 gene, which codes for alpha-galactosidase, was inserted into a dispensable upstream region of SMR1 in vitro; different treatments of the plasmid (pWX813) prior to transformation resulted in 3' end, 5' end and replacement integrations that exhibited distinct integrant structures. One-step replacement within a nonessential region of the host genome generated a stable integration of MEL1 devoid of bacterial plasmid DNA. Using this method, we have constructed several alpha-galactosidase positive industrial Saccharomyces strains. Our study provides a general method for stable gene transfer in most industrial Saccharomyces yeasts, including those used in the baking, brewing (ale and lager), distilling, wine and sake industries, with solely nucleotide sequences of interest. The absence of bacterial DNA in the integrant structure facilitates the commercial application of recombinant DNA technology in the food and beverage industry.

Nicotiana benthamiana α-galactosidase A1.1 can functionally complement human α-galactosidase A deficiency associated with Fabry disease.

PubMed

Kytidou, Kassiani; Beekwilder, Jules; Artola, Marta; van Meel, Eline; Wilbers, Ruud H P; Moolenaar, Geri F; Goosen, Nora; Ferraz, Maria J; Katzy, Rebecca; Voskamp, Patrick; Florea, Bogdan I; Hokke, Cornelis H; Overkleeft, Herman S; Schots, Arjen; Bosch, Dirk; Pannu, Navraj; Aerts, Johannes M F G

2018-04-19

α-Galactosidases (EC 3.2.1.22) are retaining glycosidases that cleave terminal α-linked galactose residues from glycoconjugate substrates. α-Galactosidases take part in the turnover of cell wall-associated galactomannans in plants and in the lysosomal degradation of glycosphingolipids in animals. Deficiency of human α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) causes Fabry disease (FD), a heritable, X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, characterized by accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lysoGb3). Current management of FD involves enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT). An activity-based probe (ABP) covalently labeling the catalytic nucleophile of α-Gal A has been previously designed to study α-galactosidases for use in FD therapy. Here, we report that this ABP labels proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf extracts, enabling the identification and biochemical characterization of an N. benthamiana α-galactosidase we name here A1.1 (gene accession GJZM-1660). The transiently overexpressed and purified enzyme was a monomer lacking N-glycans and was active toward 4-methylumbelliferyl-α-D-galactopyranoside substrate (Km = 0.17 mM) over a broad pH range. A1.1 structural analysis by X-ray crystallography revealed marked similarities with human α-Gal A, even including A1.1's ability to hydrolyze Gb3 and lysoGb3, which are not endogenous in plants. Of note, A1.1 uptake into FD fibroblasts reduced the elevated lysoGb3 levels in these cells, consistent with A1.1 delivery to lysosomes as revealed by confocal microscopy. The ease of production and the features of A1.1, such as stability over a broad pH range, combined with its capacity to degrade glycosphingolipid substrates, warrant further examination of its value as a potential therapeutic agent for ERT-based FD management. Published under license by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Protein Kinase CK2 Regulates Cytoskeletal Reorganization during Ionizing Radiation-Induced Senescence of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

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

Wang, Daojing; Jang, Deok-Jin

2009-08-21

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are critical for tissue regeneration. How hMSC respond to genotoxic stresses and potentially contribute to aging and cancer remain underexplored. We demonstrated that ionizing radiation induced cellular senescence of hMSC over a period of 10 days, showing a critical transition between day 3 and day 6. This was confirmed by senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-{beta}-gal) staining, protein expression profiles of key cell cycle regulators (retinoblastoma (Rb) protein, p53, p21{sup waf1/Cip1}, and p16{sup INK4A}), and senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs) (IL-8, IL-12, GRO, and MDC). We observed dramatic cytoskeletal reorganization of hMSC through reduction of myosin-10, redistribution of myosin-9,more » and secretion of profilin-1. Using a SILAC-based phosphoproteomics method, we detected significant reduction of myosin-9 phosphorylation at Ser1943, coinciding with its redistribution. Importantly, through treatment with cell permeable inhibitors (4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1H-benzotriazole (TBB) and 2-dimethylamino-4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1H-benzimidazole (DMAT)), and gene knockdown using RNA interference, we identified CK2, a kinase responsible for myosin-9 phosphorylation at Ser1943, as a key factor contributing to the radiation-induced senescence of hMSC. We showed that individual knockdown of CK2 catalytic subunits CK2{alpha} and CK2{alpha}{prime} induced hMSC senescence. However, only knockdown of CK2{alpha} resulted in morphological phenotypes resembling those of radiation-induced senescence. These results suggest that CK2{alpha} and CK2{alpha}{prime} play differential roles in hMSC senescence progression, and their relative expression might represent a novel regulatory mechanism for CK2 activity.« less

Involvement of both the V2 and V3 regions of the CCR5-tropic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope in reduced sensitivity to macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha.

PubMed

Maeda, Y; Foda, M; Matsushita, S; Harada, S

2000-02-01

To determine whether C-C chemokines play an important role in the phenotype switch of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from CCR5 to CXCR4 usage during the course of an infection in vivo, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha-resistant variants were isolated from CCR5-tropic (R5) HIV-1 in vitro. The selected variants displayed reduced sensitivities to MIP-1alpha (fourfold) through CCR5-expressing CD4-HeLa/long terminal repeat-beta-galactosidase (MAGI/CCR5) cells. The variants were also resistant to other natural ligands for CCR5, namely, MIP-1beta (>4-fold) and RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) (6-fold). The env sequence analyses revealed that the variants had amino acid substitutions in V2 (valine 166 to methionine) and V3 (serine 303 to glycine), although the same V3 substitution appeared in virus passaged without MIP-1alpha. A single-round replication assay using a luciferase reporter HIV-1 strain pseudotyped with mutant envelopes confirmed that mutations in both V2 and V3 were necessary to confer the reduced sensitivity to MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, and RANTES. However, the double mutant did not switch its chemokine receptor usage from CCR5 to CXCR4, indicating the altered recognition of CCR5 by this mutant. These results indicated that V2 combined with the V3 region of the CCR5-tropic HIV-1 envelope modulates the sensitivity of HIV-1 to C-C chemokines without altering the ability to use chemokine receptors.

A retrospective analysis of the potential impact of IgG antibodies to agalsidase beta on efficacy during enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease.

PubMed

Bénichou, Bernard; Goyal, Sunita; Sung, Crystal; Norfleet, Andrea M; O'Brien, Fanny

2009-01-01

Fabry disease results from a genetic deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A (alpha GAL) and the impaired catabolism of globotriasoylceramide (GL-3) and other glycosphingolipid substrates, which then accumulate pathogenically within most cells. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with agalsidase beta (Fabrazyme), one of two available forms of recombinant human alpha GAL, involves regular intravenous infusions of the therapeutic protein. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to recombinant alpha GAL develop in the majority of patients upon repeated infusion. To explore whether anti-alpha GAL IgG interferes with therapeutic efficacy, retrospective analyses were conducted using data obtained from a total of 134 adult male and female patients with Fabry disease who were treated with agalsidase beta at 1mg/kg every 2 weeks for up to 5 years during placebo-controlled trials and the corresponding open-label extension studies. The analyses did not reveal a correlation between anti-alpha GAL IgG titers and the onset of clinical events or the rate of change in estimated GFR during treatment, and no statistically significant association was found between anti-alpha GAL IgG titers and abnormal elevations in plasma GL-3 during treatment. However, a statistically significant association was found between anti-alpha GAL IgG titers and observation of some GL-3 deposition in the dermal capillary endothelial cells of skin during treatment, suggesting that GL-3 clearance may be partially impaired in some patients with high antibody titers. Determination of the long-term impact of circulating anti-alpha GAL IgG antibodies on clinical outcomes will require continued monitoring, and serology testing is recommended as part of the routine care of Fabry disease patients during ERT.

Sustained, long-term renal stabilization after 54 months of agalsidase beta therapy in patients with Fabry disease.

PubMed

Germain, Dominique P; Waldek, Stephen; Banikazemi, Maryam; Bushinsky, David A; Charrow, Joel; Desnick, Robert J; Lee, Philip; Loew, Thomas; Vedder, Anouk C; Abichandani, Rekha; Wilcox, William R; Guffon, Nathalie

2007-05-01

Fabry disease, an inherited deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A, causes progressive intralysosomal accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) and premature death from renal, cardiac, and cerebrovascular manifestations. To determine the long-term safety and efficacy of recombinant human alpha-galactosidase A, an open-label, phase III extension study was conducted, involving 58 patients who had classic Fabry disease and completed a 20-wk, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III study of agalsidase beta and were transitioned to an extension trial to receive biweekly 1 mg/kg agalsidase beta for up to an additional 54 mo. GL-3 accumulation was evaluated in the capillary endothelia of the skin, kidney, and heart. Renal function was assessed. By month 54, all patients with optional kidney biopsies (n = 8) maintained complete GL-3 clearance in renal capillary endothelial cells and multiple cell types. Continued, complete clearance of skin (31 of 36) and heart (six of eight) capillary endothelium was demonstrated. Mean plasma GL-3 levels remained decreased in the normal range. Median serum creatinine and estimated GFR remained stable (normal) in patients with renal data at month 54 (n = 41). Six patients had renal disease progression; most (four of six) were older than 40 yr and had significant proteinuria at baseline and evidence of sclerotic glomeruli pretreatment. Adverse events were generally mild and unrelated to treatment. The most common treatment-related adverse events were infusion-associated reactions, which decreased over time. Long-term agalsidase beta therapy stabilizes renal function in patients without renal involvement at baseline, maintains reduction of plasma GL-3, and sustains GL-3 clearance in capillary endothelial cells and multiple renal cell types.

Impact of lysosomal storage disorders on biology of mesenchymal stem cells: Evidences from in vitro silencing of glucocerebrosidase (GBA) and alpha-galactosidase A (GLA) enzymes.

PubMed

Squillaro, Tiziana; Antonucci, Ivana; Alessio, Nicola; Esposito, Anna; Cipollaro, Marilena; Melone, Mariarosa Anna Beatrice; Peluso, Gianfranco; Stuppia, Liborio; Galderisi, Umberto

2017-12-01

Lysosomal storage disorders (LDS) comprise a group of rare multisystemic diseases resulting from inherited gene mutations that impair lysosomal homeostasis. The most common LSDs, Gaucher disease (GD), and Fabry disease (FD) are caused by deficiencies in the lysosomal glucocerebrosidase (GBA) and alpha-galactosidase A (GLA) enzymes, respectively. Given the systemic nature of enzyme deficiency, we hypothesized that the stem cell compartment of GD and FD patients might be also affected. Among stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a commonly investigated population given their role in hematopoiesis and the homeostatic maintenance of many organs and tissues. Since the impairment of MSC functions could pose profound consequences on body physiology, we evaluated whether GBA and GLA silencing could affect the biology of MSCs isolated from bone marrow and amniotic fluid. Those cell populations were chosen given the former's key role in organ physiology and the latter's intriguing potential as an alternative stem cell model for human genetic disease. Our results revealed that GBA and GLA deficiencies prompted cell cycle arrest along with the impairment of autophagic flux and an increase of apoptotic and senescent cell percentages. Moreover, an increase in ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated staining 1 hr after oxidative stress induction and a return to basal level at 48 hr, along with persistent gamma-H2AX staining, indicated that MSCs properly activated DNA repair signaling, though some damages remained unrepaired. Our data therefore suggest that MSCs with reduced GBA or GLA activity are prone to apoptosis and senescence due to impaired autophagy and DNA repair capacity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Construction of the industrial ethanol-producing strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae able to ferment cellobiose and melibiose.

PubMed

Zhang, L; Guo, Z P; Ding, Z Y; Wang, Z X; Shi, G Y

2012-01-01

The gene mel1, encoding alpha-galactosidase in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and the gene bgl2, encoding and beta-glucosidase in Trichoderma reesei, were isolated and co-expressed in the industrial ethanol-producing strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The resulting strains were able to grow on cellobiose and melibiose through simultaneous production of sufficient extracellular alpha-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase activity. Under aerobic conditions, the growth rate of the recombinant strain GC 1 co-expressing 2 genes could achieve 0.29 OD600 h(-1) and a biomass yield up to 7.8 g l(-1) dry cell weight on medium containing 10.0 g l(-1) cellobiose and 10.0 g l(-1) melibiose as sole carbohydrate source. Meanwhile, the new strain of S. cerevisiae CG 1 demonstrated the ability to directly produce ethanol from microcrystalline cellulose during simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process. Approximately 36.5 g l(-1) ethanol was produced from 100 g of cellulose supplied with 5 g l(-1) melibose within 60 h. The yield (g of ethanol produced/g of carbohydrate consumed) was 0.44 g/g, which corresponds to 88.0% of the theoretical yield.

Glycosidases in Brachionus plicatilis (Rotifera).

PubMed

Kühle, K; Kleinow, W

1990-01-01

1. Tests for glycosidases were performed in homogenates of Brachionus plicatilis. 2. Hydrolytic activity was detected with the following substrates: (a) with synthetic substrates (NP = 4-nitrophenyl): NP-alpha- and NP-beta-D-glucopyranoside, NP-alpha- and NP-beta-D-galactopyranoside, NP-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide, NP-N-acetyl-beta-D-galactosaminide, NP-alpha- and NP-beta-D-mannopyranoside and NP-alpha-L-fucopyranoside; (b) with disaccharides: sucrose, maltose, trehalose, isomaltose, cellobiose, gentiobiose and lactose; (c) with polysaccharides: laminarine, carboxymethyl-cellulose, avicel, Micrococcus luteus (for lysozyme) and 4-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-maltoheptaoside (for amylase). 3. The pH dependence of the glycosidase activities was determined. 4. The distribution of enzyme activities within fractions from the homogenate was studied in order to localize them within the cell. 5. Proteins from Brachionus homogenate were separated by SDS-gel electrophoresis and the positions of the following glycosidase activities were detected by assays performed on the gels (estimated molecular weights in parentheses): alpha-glucosidase (250,000); beta-glucosidase (200,000); beta-galactosidase (70,000); N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (60,000).

Structural studies of sialylated oligosaccharides of human midcycle cervical mucin.

PubMed

Yurewicz, E C; Matsuura, F; Moghissi, K S

1987-04-05

It was previously shown that reductive alkali treatment of purified human cervical mucin releases a heterogeneous population of reduced neutral, sialylated, and sulfated oligosaccharides (Yurewicz, E. C., and Moghissi, K. S. (1981) J. Biol. Chem. 256, 11895-11904). Four major sialylated oligosaccharide fractions were isolated with approximate compositions of Fuc:GlcNac:Gal:NeuAc:N-acetylgalactosaminitol (GalNAcol) = 0:0:0:1:1 (B1a), 0:0:1:1:1 (B2b), 0:1:2:1:1 (B3a), and 1:1:2:1:1 (B4a), where Fuc is fucose. They comprised roughly 3, 11, 7, and 6% of recovered oligosaccharide chains, respectively. On the basis of periodate oxidations, methylation analyses, and sequential degradations with glycosidases, the following structures were determined. (Formula: see text) Oligosaccharides 1 and 2 are characterized by the presence of N-acetylneuraminic acid in alpha 2,6-linkage to N-acetylgalactosaminitol. The remaining oligosaccharides contain N-acetylneuraminic acid in alpha 2,3-linkage to galactose residues. Oligosaccharides 3 and 4 and oligosaccharides 5 and 6 were isolated as unresolved isomeric mixtures in fractions B3a and B4a, respectively. Oligosaccharides 3 and 4 were distinguished on the basis of susceptibility to digestion with Aspergillus niger beta-galactosidase whereas oligosaccharides 5 and 6 were distinguished on the basis of differential rates of digestion with beef kidney alpha-fucosidase. The structural data indicate the presence of at least two sialyltransferases in human cervical epithelium and further suggest a potential physiologically significant competition between sialyltransferase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase for C-6 of the N-acetylgalactosamine residue O-glycosidically linked to serine/threonine of the polypeptide core.

Thio-isoglobotrihexosylceramide, an agonist for activating invariant natural killer T cells.

PubMed

Xia, Chengfeng; Zhou, Dapeng; Liu, Chengwen; Lou, Yanyan; Yao, Qingjia; Zhang, Wenpeng; Wang, Peng George

2006-11-23

Thio-isoglobotrihexosylceramide (S-iGb3) might be resistant to alpha-galactosidases in antigen-presenting cells and have a longer retaining time in the lysosome before being loaded to CD1d. The biological assay showed that S-iGb3 demonstrates a much higher increase as a stimulatory ligand toward invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells as compared to iGb3. [structure: see text].

Structure and regulation of KGD1, the structural gene for yeast alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase.

PubMed

Repetto, B; Tzagoloff, A

1989-06-01

Nuclear respiratory-defective mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been screened for lesions in the mitochondrial alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex. Strains assigned to complementation group G70 were ascertained to be deficient in enzyme activity due to mutations in the KGD1 gene coding for the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase component of the complex. The KGD1 gene has been cloned by transformation of a representative kgd1 mutant, C225/U1, with a recombinant plasmid library of wild-type yeast nuclear DNA. Transformants containing the gene on a multicopy plasmid had three- to four-times-higher alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity than did wild-type S. cerevisiae. Substitution of the chromosomal copy of KGD1 with a disrupted allele (kgd1::URA3) induced a deficiency in alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. The sequence of the cloned region of DNA which complements kgd1 mutants was found to have an open reading frame of 3,042 nucleotides capable of coding for a protein of Mw 114,470. The encoded protein had 38% identical residues with the reported sequence of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli. Two lines of evidence indicated that transcription of KGD1 is catabolite repressed. Higher steady-state levels of KGD1 mRNA were detected in wild-type yeast grown on the nonrepressible sugar galactose than in yeast grown on high glucose. Regulation of KGD1 was also studied by fusing different 5'-flanking regions of KGD1 to the lacZ gene of E. coli and measuring the expression of beta-galactosidase in yeast. Transformants harboring a fusion of 693 nucleotides of the 5'-flanking sequence expressed 10 times more beta-galactosidase activity when grown under derepressed conditions. The response to the carbon source was reduced dramatically when the same lacZ fusion was present in a hap2 or hap3 mutant. The promoter element(s) responsible for the regulated expression of KGD1 has been mapped to the -354 to -143 region. This region contained several putative activation sites with sequences matching the core element proposed to be essential for binding of the HAP2 and HAP3 regulatory proteins.

Impact of cysteine variants on the structure, activity, and stability of recombinant human α-galactosidase A

PubMed Central

Qiu, Huawei; Honey, Denise M; Kingsbury, Jonathan S; Park, Anna; Boudanova, Ekaterina; Wei, Ronnie R; Pan, Clark Q; Edmunds, Tim

2015-01-01

Recombinant human α-galactosidase A (rhαGal) is a homodimeric glycoprotein deficient in Fabry disease, a lysosomal storage disorder. In this study, each cysteine residue in rhαGal was replaced with serine to understand the role each cysteine plays in the enzyme structure, function, and stability. Conditioned media from transfected HEK293 cells were assayed for rhαGal expression and enzymatic activity. Activity was only detected in the wild type control and in mutants substituting the free cysteine residues (C90S, C174S, and the C90S/C174S). Cysteine-to-serine substitutions at the other sites lead to the loss of expression and/or activity, consistent with their involvement in the disulfide bonds found in the crystal structure. Purification and further characterization confirmed that the C90S, C174S, and the C90S/C174S mutants are enzymatically active, structurally intact and thermodynamically stable as measured by circular dichroism and thermal denaturation. The purified inactive C142S mutant appeared to have lost part of its alpha-helix secondary structure and had a lower apparent melting temperature. Saturation mutagenesis study on Cys90 and Cys174 resulted in partial loss of activity for Cys174 mutants but multiple mutants at Cys90 with up to 87% higher enzymatic activity (C90T) compared to wild type, suggesting that the two free cysteines play differential roles and that the activity of the enzyme can be modulated by side chain interactions of the free Cys residues. These results enhanced our understanding of rhαGal structure and function, particularly the critical roles that cysteines play in structure, stability, and enzymatic activity. PMID:26044846

The g.1170C>T polymorphism of the 5' untranslated region of the human alpha-galactosidase gene is associated with decreased enzyme expression--evidence from a family study.

PubMed

Oliveira, J P; Ferreira, S; Reguenga, C; Carvalho, F; Månsson, J-E

2008-12-01

Subnormal leukocyte α-galactosidase (α-Gal) activity was found during evaluation of an adolescent male with cryptogenic cerebrovascular small-vessel disease. The only molecular abnormality found was the g.1170C>T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 5' untranslated region of exon 1 in the α-Gal gene (GLA). Historically, this polymorphism has been considered to be biologically neutral. To test the hypothesis that the g.1170T allele might be associated with lower α-Gal expression, we genotyped GLA exon 1 and measured leukocyte and plasma α-Gal in the parents, brother and sister of the index case. The g.1170T allele co-segregated with a subnormal leukocyte α-Gal activity in the three siblings. Although plasma enzyme activities were within the normal range in all five relatives, the ranking of their values suggested a dosage effect of the g.1170T allele. Western blotting assays of leukocyte protein extracts showed that the relative expression of α-Gal in both the patient and his sister was significantly lower than in sex-matched hemizygous or homozygous controls for the g.1170C allele, either normalized to the β-actin immunoblot expression or standardized to a known amount of recombinant human α-Gal. These family data, in combination with results from a recent GLA SNP screening study among healthy Portuguese individuals, suggest that the g.1170C>T SNP may be co-dominantly associated with a relatively decreased GLA expression at the transcription and/or translation level. Larger population studies are needed to confirm these findings and to test the hypothesis that the GLA g.1170C>T may contribute to the multifactorial risk of ischaemic small-vessel cerebrovascular disease.

Methotrexate inhibits the viability of human melanoma cell lines and enhances Fas/Fas-ligand expression, apoptosis and response to interferon-alpha: Rationale for its use in combination therapy

PubMed Central

Nihal, Minakshi; Wu, Jianqiang; Wood, Gary S.

2015-01-01

Melanoma, a highly aggressive form of cancer, is notoriously resistant to available therapies. Methotrexate (MTX), an antifolate, competitively inhibits DNA synthesis and is effective for several types of cancer. In cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), MTX increases Fas death receptor by decreasing Fas promoter methylation by blocking the synthesis of SAM, the principal methyl donor for DNMTs, resulting in enhanced Fas-mediated apoptosis. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of MTX in human melanoma. MTX variably inhibited the survival of melanoma cells and induced apoptosis as evident by annexin V positivity and senescence associated β-galactosidase activity induction. Furthermore, MTX caused increased transcript and protein levels of extrinsic apoptotic pathway factors Fas and Fas-ligand, albeit at different levels in different cell lines. Our pyrosequencing studies showed that this increased expression of Fas was associated with Fas promoter demethylation. Overall, the ability of MTX to up-regulate Fas/FasL and enhance melanoma apoptosis through extrinsic as well as intrinsic pathways might make it a useful component of novel combination therapies designed to affect multiple melanoma targets simultaneously. In support of this concept, combination therapy with MTX and interferon-alpha (IFNα) induced significantly greater apoptosis in the aggressive A375 cell line than either agent alone. PMID:24862567

Overexpression and characterization of a novel transgalactosylic and hydrolytic β-galactosidase from a human isolate Bifidobacterium breve B24.

PubMed

Yi, Sung Hun; Alli, Inteaz; Park, Kwan Hwa; Lee, Byonghoon

2011-10-01

After the complete gene of a β-galactosidase from human isolate Bifidobacterium breve B24 was isolated by PCR and overexpressed in E. coli, the recombinant β-galactosidase was purified to homogeneity and characterized for the glycoside transferase (GT) and glycoside hydrolase (GH) activities on lactose. One complete ORF encoding 691 amino acids (2,076 bp) was the structural gene, LacA (galA) of the β-gal gene. The recombinant enzyme shown by activity staining and gel-filtration chromatography was composed of a homodimer of 75 kDa with a total molecular mass of 150 kDa. The K(m) value for lactose (95.58 mM) was 52.5-fold higher than the corresponding K(m) values for the synthetic substrate ONPG (1.82 mM). This enzyme with the optimum of pH 7.0 and 45°C could synthesize approximately 42.00% of GOS from 1M of lactose. About 97.00% of lactose in milk was also quickly hydrolyzed by this enzyme (50 units) at 45°C for 5h to produce 46.30% of glucose, 46.60% of galactose and 7.10% of GOS. The results suggest that this recombinant β-galactosidase derived from a human isolate B. breve B24 may be suitable for both the hydrolysis and synthesis of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) in milk and lactose processing. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Long-term safety and efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease.

PubMed

Wilcox, William R; Banikazemi, Maryam; Guffon, Nathalie; Waldek, Stephen; Lee, Philip; Linthorst, Gabor E; Desnick, Robert J; Germain, Dominique P

2004-07-01

Elsewhere, we reported the safety and efficacy results of a multicenter phase 3 trial of recombinant human alpha -galactosidase A (rh-alpha GalA) replacement in patients with Fabry disease. All 58 patients who were enrolled in the 20-wk phase 3 double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study received subsequently 1 mg/kg of rh-alpha GalA (agalsidase beta, Fabrazyme, Genzyme Corporation) biweekly in an ongoing open-label extension study. Evidence of long-term efficacy, even in patients who developed IgG antibodies against rh- alpha GalA, included the continuously normal mean plasma globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) levels during 30 mo of the extension study and the sustained capillary endothelial GL-3 clearance in 98% (39/40) of patients who had a skin biopsy taken after treatment for 30 mo (original placebo group) or 36 mo (original enzyme-treated group). The mean serum creatinine level and estimated glomerular filtration rate also remained stable after 30-36 mo of treatment. Infusion-associated reactions decreased over time, as did anti-rh- alpha GalA IgG antibody titers. Among seroconverted patients, after 30-36 mo of treatment, seven patients tolerized (no detectable IgG antibody), and 59% had > or =4-fold reductions in antibody titers. As of 30 mo into the extension trial, three patients were withdrawn from the study because of positive serum IgE or skin tests; however, all have been rechallenged successfully at the time of this report. Thus, enzyme replacement therapy for 30-36 mo with agalsidase beta resulted in continuously decreased plasma GL-3 levels, sustained endothelial GL-3 clearance, stable kidney function, and a favorable safety profile.

Enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease: lessons from two alpha-galactosidase A orphan products and one FDA approval.

PubMed

Desnick, Robert J

2004-07-01

Two virtually identical products have been developed for enzyme replacement therapy for the treatment of Fabry disease, which is a rare and debilitating genetic disease caused by decreased activity of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. Lack of this enzyme results in progressive tissue accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GL-3), resulting in life-threatening renal, cardiac and cerebrovascular complications. Both enzyme replacement products, agalsidase alfa (Replagal; Transkaryotic Therapies, Cambridge, MA, USA) and agalsidase beta (Fabrazyme; Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA, USA), were approved by the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products in 2001; agalsidase alfa at a recommended dose of 0.2 mg/kg and agalsidase beta at a recommended dose of 1 mg/kg. In the US, however, orphan drug laws dictated that only one of these products could be approved. In April 2003, after a rigorous evaluation of both products by the US FDA, this approval was granted to agalsidase beta. This decision reflected clinical trial design, how dosages were determined, antibody effects and the ability of each product to demonstrate either clinical efficacy or reduction of tissue storage of GL-3 in major organs of pathology when administered at the recommended dosage. The process also highlighted important issues in the evaluation of drugs to treat life-threatening genetic diseases for which the pathological basis is well-defined.

Effects of pH and Iminosugar Pharmacological Chaperones on Lysosomal Glycosidase Structure and Stability

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

Lieberman, Raquel L.; D’aquino, J. Alejandro; Ringe, Dagmar

2009-06-05

Human lysosomal enzymes acid-{beta}-glucosidase (GCase) and acid-{alpha}-galactosidase ({alpha}-Gal A) hydrolyze the sphingolipids glucosyl- and globotriaosylceramide, respectively, and mutations in these enzymes lead to the lipid metabolism disorders Gaucher and Fabry disease, respectively. We have investigated the structure and stability of GCase and {alpha}-Gal A in a neutral-pH environment reflective of the endoplasmic reticulum and an acidic-pH environment reflective of the lysosome. These details are important for the development of pharmacological chaperone therapy for Gaucher and Fabry disease, in which small molecules bind mutant enzymes in the ER to enable the mutant enzyme to meet quality control requirements for lysosomal trafficking.more » We report crystal structures of apo GCase at pH 4.5, at pH 5.5, and in complex with the pharmacological chaperone isofagomine (IFG) at pH 7.5. We also present thermostability analysis of GCase at pH 7.4 and 5.2 using differential scanning calorimetry. We compare our results with analogous experiments using {alpha}-Gal A and the chaperone 1-deoxygalactonijirimycin (DGJ), including the first structure of {alpha}-Gal A with DGJ. Both GCase and {alpha}-Gal A are more stable at lysosomal pH with and without their respective iminosugars bound, and notably, the stability of the GCase-IFG complex is pH sensitive. We show that the conformations of the active site loops in GCase are sensitive to ligand binding but not pH, whereas analogous galactose- or DGJ-dependent conformational changes in {alpha}-Gal A are not seen. Thermodynamic parameters obtained from {alpha}-Gal A unfolding indicate two-state, van't Hoff unfolding in the absence of the iminosugar at neutral and lysosomal pH, and non-two-state unfolding in the presence of DGJ. Taken together, these results provide insight into how GCase and {alpha}-Gal A are thermodynamically stabilized by iminosugars and suggest strategies for the development of new pharmacological chaperones for lysosomal storage disorders.« less

Identification of a Novel GLA Mutation (L206 P) in a Patient with Fabry Disease.

PubMed

Kim, Ji-Hoon; Kim, Gee-Hee; Park, Hoon-Suk; Choi, Jin-A; Bae, Jung-Min; Cho, Uiju

2017-03-01

We report a new α-Galactosidase A (αGal-A) mutation in a 39-year-old Korean born, male Fabry disease patient. Fabry disease is a devastating, progressive inborn error of metabolism caused by X-linked genetic mutations. In this case, the first clinical symptom to occur was in childhood consisting of a burning pain originating in the extremities then radiating inwards to the limbs. This patient also stated to have ringing in his ears, angiokeratomas on his trunk, and cornea verticillata. He visited an outpatient cardiologist due to intermittent and atypical chest discomfort at the age of 39. Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examination showed left ventricular hypertrophy. A physical examination revealed proteinuria without hematuria. The patient's plasma αGal-A activity was markedly lower than the mean value of the controls. After genetic counseling and obtaining written informed consent, we identified one hemizygous mutation in exon 4 of galactosidase alpha, c.617T>C (p.Leu206 Pro). He was eventually diagnosed as having Fabry disease.

Direct Real-Time Monitoring of Prodrug Activation by Chemiluminescence.

PubMed

Gnaim, Samer; Scomparin, Anna; Das, Sayantan; Blau, Rachel; Satchi-Fainaro, Ronit; Shabat, Doron

2018-05-22

The majority of theranostic prodrugs reported so far relay information through a fluorogenic response generated upon release of the active chemotherapeutic agent. A chemiluminescence detection mode offers significant advantages over fluorescence, mainly due to the superior signal-to-noise ratio of chemiluminescence. Here we report the design and synthesis of the first theranostic prodrug monitored by a chemiluminescence diagnostic mode. As a representative model, we prepared a prodrug from the chemotherapeutic monomethyl auristatin E, which was modified for activation by β-galactosidase. The activation of the prodrug in the presence of β-galactosidase is accompanied by emission of a green photon. Light emission intensities, which increase with increasing concentration of the prodrug, were linearly correlated with a decrease in the viability of a human cell line that stably expresses β-galactosidase. We obtained sharp intravital chemiluminescent images of endogenous enzymatic activity in β-galactosidase-overexpressing tumor-bearing mice. The exceptional sensitivity achieved with the chemiluminescence diagnostic mode should allow the exploitation of theranostic prodrugs for personalized cancer treatment. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ability of Lactobacillus fermentum to overcome host α-galactosidase deficiency, as evidenced by reduction of hydrogen excretion in rats consuming soya α-galacto-oligosaccharides

PubMed Central

LeBlanc, Jean Guy; Ledue-Clier, Florence; Bensaada, Martine; de Giori, Graciela Savoy; Guerekobaya, Theodora; Sesma, Fernando; Juillard, Vincent; Rabot, Sylvie; Piard, Jean-Christophe

2008-01-01

Background Soya and its derivatives represent nutritionally high quality food products whose major drawback is their high content of α-galacto-oligosaccharides. These are not digested in the small intestine due to the natural absence of tissular α-galactosidase in mammals. The passage of these carbohydrates to the large intestine makes them available for fermentation by gas-producing bacteria leading to intestinal flatulence. The aim of the work reported here was to assess the ability of α-galactosidase-producing lactobacilli to improve the digestibility of α-galacto-oligosaccharides in situ. Results Gnotobiotic rats were orally fed with soy milk and placed in respiratory chambers designed to monitor fermentative gas excretion. The validity of the animal model was first checked using gnotobiotic rats monoassociated with a Clostridium butyricum hydrogen (H2)-producing strain. Ingestion of native soy milk by these rats caused significant H2 emission while ingestion of α-galacto-oligosaccharide-free soy milk did not, thus validating the experimental system. When native soy milk was fermented using the α-galactosidase-producing Lactobacillus fermentum CRL722 strain, the resulting product failed to induce H2 emission in rats thus validating the bacterial model. When L. fermentum CRL722 was coadministered with native soy milk, a significant reduction (50 %, P = 0.019) in H2 emission was observed, showing that α-galactosidase from L. fermentum CRL722 remained active in situ, in the gastrointestinal tract of rats monoassociated with C. butyricum. In human-microbiota associated rats, L. fermentum CRL722 also induced a significant reduction of H2 emission (70 %, P = 0.004). Conclusion These results strongly suggest that L. fermentum α-galactosidase is able to partially alleviate α-galactosidase deficiency in rats. This offers interesting perspectives in various applications in which lactic acid bacteria could be used as a vector for delivery of digestive enzymes in man and animals. PMID:18230145

Enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase beta in kidney transplant patients with Fabry disease: a pilot study.

PubMed

Mignani, Renzo; Panichi, Vincenzo; Giudicissi, Antonio; Taccola, Daniele; Boscaro, Francesca; Feletti, Carlo; Moneti, Gloriano; Cagnoli, Leonardo

2004-04-01

We sought to assess the safety and efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human-alpha-galactosidase A (rh-alpha-Gal A) in kidney transplant recipients with Fabry disease, a previously unstudied population. Three male kidney transplant recipients with biochemically, genetically, and histologically confirmed Fabry disease and documented Fabry myocardiopathy received the rh-alpha-Gal A, agalsidase beta, 1 mg/kg of body weight every 2 weeks by intravenous infusion and were monitored biochemically, clinically, and electrocardiographically and echocardiographically for 18 months. Patients showed biochemical, clinical/functional, and morphologic response to ERT. Plasma globotriaosylceramide decreased 23% to 50%. Extremity pain resolved within 2 months in the patient with this manifestation. On echocardiography, left ventricular mass, end diastolic diameter (EDD), and cardiac contractility, shown by ejection fraction (EF), improved in 2 of the 3 patients receiving essentially all planned infusions. EDD and EF remained basically stable, but cardiac morphologic abnormalities progressed in the other patient, who had a 5-month interruption in ERT after the initial month. Mild mitral insufficiency persisted in all patients, as did atrial fibrillation in the affected individual. After a combined total of 116 infusions, no treatment-related adverse event, intolerance, or seroconversion was seen. Renal function remained stable and the immunosuppression regimen unchanged in all patients. Our pilot study provides preliminary evidence that ERT with agalsidase beta, 1 mg/kg every 2 weeks, is safe and often effective against extra-renal manifestations in kidney transplant patients with Fabry disease. Studies with longer courses of this and higher doses of ERT are merited in this population.

Cardiomyopathy and response to enzyme replacement therapy in a male mouse model for Fabry disease.

PubMed

Nguyen Dinh Cat, Aurelie; Escoubet, Brigitte; Agrapart, Vincent; Griol-Charhbili, Violaine; Schoeb, Trenton; Feng, Wenguang; Jaimes, Edgar; Warnock, David G; Jaisser, Frederic

2012-01-01

Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder of glycosphingolipid metabolism that results in progressive accumulation of neutral glycosphingolipids, (predominately globotriaosylceramide; GL-3) in lysosomes, as well as other cellular compartments and the extracellular space. Our aim was to characterize the cardiac phenotype of male knock-out mice that are deficient in alpha-galactosidase A activity, as a model for Fabry disease and test the efficacy of Enzyme Replacement Therapy with agalsidase-beta. Male mice (3-4 months of age) were characterized with awake blood pressure and heart rate measurements, cardiac echocardiography and electrocardiography measurements under light anesthesia, histological studies and molecular studies with real-time polymerase chain reaction. The Fabry knock-out mouse has bradycardia and lower blood pressure than control wild type (CB7BL/6J) mice. In Fabry knock-out mice, the cardiomyopathy associated mild hypertrophy at echography with normal systolic LV function and mild diastolic dysfunction. Premature atrial contractions were more frequent in without conduction defect. Heart weight normalized to tibial length was increased in Fabry knock-out mice. Ascending aorta dilatation was observed. Molecular studies were consistent with early stages of cardiac remodeling. A single dose of agalsidase-beta (3 mg/kg) did not affect the LV hypertrophy, function or heart rate, but did improve the mRNA signals of early cardiac remodeling. In conclusion, the alpha-galactosidase A deficient mice at 3 to 4 months of age have cardiac and vascular alterations similar to that described in early clinical stage of Fabry disease in children and adolescents. Enzyme replacement therapy affects cardiac molecular remodeling after a single dose.

A thermodynamic assay to test pharmacological chaperones for Fabry disease.

PubMed

Andreotti, Giuseppina; Citro, Valentina; Correra, Antonella; Cubellis, Maria Vittoria

2014-03-01

The majority of the disease-causing mutations affect protein stability, but not functional sites and are amenable, in principle, to be treated with pharmacological chaperones. These drugs enhance the thermodynamic stability of their targets. Fabry disease, a disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding lysosomal alpha-galactosidase, represents an excellent model system to develop experimental protocols to test the efficiency of such drugs. The stability of lysosomal alpha-galactosidase under different conditions was studied by urea-induced unfolding followed by limited proteolysis and Western blotting. We measured the concentration of urea needed to obtain half-maximal unfolding because this parameter represents an objective indicator of protein stability. Urea-induced unfolding is a versatile technique that can be adapted to cell extracts containing tiny amounts of wild-type or mutant proteins. It allows testing of protein stability as a function of pH, in the presence or in the absence of drugs. Results are not influenced by the method used to express the protein in transfected cells. Scarce and dispersed populations pose a problem for the clinical trial of drugs for rare diseases. This is particularly true for pharmacological chaperones that must be tested on each mutation associated with a given disease. Diverse in vitro tests are needed. We used a method based on chemically induced unfolding as a tool to assess whether a particular Fabry mutation is responsive to pharmacological chaperones, but, by no means is our protocol limited to this disease. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structural characterisation of galactoglucomannan secreted by suspension-cultured cells of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia.

PubMed

Sims, I M; Craik, D J; Bacic, A

1997-08-25

Galactoglucomannan (GGM) from cultures of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia has Man:Glc:Gal:Ara:Xyl in 1.0:1.1:1.0:0.1:0.04 ratio. Linkage analysis contained 4- and 4,6-Manp, 4-Glcp, terminal Galp and 2-Galp, small amounts and terminal Arap and terminal Xylp, and approximately 0.03 mol acetyl per mol of glucosyl residue. Treatment with alpha- and beta-D-galactosidases showed that the majority of the side-chains were either single Galp-alpha-(1-->residues or the disaccharide Galp-beta-(1-->2)-Galp-alpha-(1-->linked to O-6 of the 4-Manp residues of the glucomannan backbone. Analysis of the oligosaccharides generated by endo-(1-->4)-beta-mannanase digestion confirmed that the GGM comprises a backbone of predominantly alternating-->4)-D-Manp-beta-(1-->and-->4)-D-Glcp-beta-(1-->branch ed at O-6 of 65% of the 4-Manp residues. The major oligosaccharide identified was D-Glcp-beta-(1-->4)-[D-Galp-beta-(1-->2)-D-Galp-alpha-(1-->6)]-D-Man p-beta-(1-->4)-D-Glcp-beta-(1-->4)-[D-Galp-alpha-(1-->6)]-D-Manp -beta-(1-->(27%), and most of the other oligosaccharides produced in significant quantities were based on this structure.

Substrate and Substrate-Mimetic Chaperone Binding Sites in Human α-Galactosidase A Revealed by Affinity-Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moise, Adrian; Maeser, Stefan; Rawer, Stephan; Eggers, Frederike; Murphy, Mary; Bornheim, Jeff; Przybylski, Michael

2016-06-01

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare metabolic disorder of a group of lysosomal storage diseases, caused by deficiency or reduced activity of the enzyme α-galactosidase. Human α-galactosidase A (hαGAL) hydrolyses the terminal α-galactosyl moiety from glycosphingolipids, predominantly globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). Enzyme deficiency leads to incomplete or blocked breakdown and progressive accumulation of Gb3, with detrimental effects on normal organ functions. FD is successfully treated by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with purified recombinant hαGAL. An emerging treatment strategy, pharmacologic chaperone therapy (PCT), employs small molecules that can increase and/or reconstitute the activity of lysosomal enzyme trafficking by stabilizing misfolded isoforms. One such chaperone, 1-deoxygalactonojirimycin (DGJ), is a structural galactose analogue currently validated in clinical trials. DGJ is an active-site-chaperone that binds at the same or similar location as galactose; however, the molecular determination of chaperone binding sites in lysosomal enzymes represents a considerable challenge. Here we report the identification of the galactose and DGJ binding sites in recombinant α-galactosidase through a new affinity-mass spectrometry-based approach that employs selective proteolytic digestion of the enzyme-galactose or -inhibitor complex. Binding site peptides identified by mass spectrometry, [39-49], [83-100], and [141-168], contain the essential ligand-contacting amino acids, in agreement with the known X-ray crystal structures. The inhibitory effect of DGJ on galactose recognition was directly characterized through competitive binding experiments and mass spectrometry. The methods successfully employed in this study should have high potential for the characterization of (mutated) enzyme-substrate and -chaperone interactions, and for identifying chaperones without inhibitory effects.

Transient detection of beta-galactosidase activity in hematopoietic cells, following reinjection of retrovirally marked autologous blood progenitors in patients with breast or ovarian cancer receiving high-dose chemotherapy.

PubMed

Bagnis, Claude; Chabannon, Christian; Gravis, Gwenaelle; Imbert, Anne-Marie; Maroc, Christine; Bardin, Florence; Ladaique, Patrick; Viret, Frédéric; Genre, Dominique; Faucher, Catherine; Stoppa, Anne-Marie; Vey, Norbert; Blaise, Didier; Maraninchi, Dominique; Viens, Patrice; Mannoni, Patrice

2002-02-01

The aim of this report is to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of genetically modifying autologous human blood CD34(+) cells in vitro, with a retroviral vector that encodes a marker gene. The fate of genetically modified cells and their progeny was followed in vivo, after reinfusion in patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy for poor-prognosis breast or ovarian carcinomas. Six patients received genetically modified autologous peripheral blood progenitors, together with unmanipulated aphereses, following high-dose chemotherapy. CD34(+) cells were immunoselected from aphereses, and retrovirally transduced by coculture with the retroviral vector producing cell line, to express a nuclear localized version of E. coli beta-galactosidase, encoded by a defective Moloney-murine leukemia virus-derived retroviral vector. Cells were reinfused to the patients after myeloablation, without prior ex vivo selection. Five out of six patients showed the transient presence of low numbers of beta-galactosidase(+) cells, as detected with an immunocytochemical assay, in the peripheral blood, during the first month following infusion. One patient had beta-galactosidase(+) clonogenic progenitors in her marrow at two months after transplantation, including HPP-CFC; intriguingly, this patient had the lowest percentage of X-gal(+) cells in her graft. Patients experienced side effects that are often observed after high-dose chemotherapy. Feasibility and safety of genetic modification of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are demonstrated by this study. Ex vivo or in vivo selection is not mandatory, even in clinical situations where transduced cells have no survival advantage over wild-type cells; however, significant improvements in gene transfer technology are needed to achieve potentially useful levels of expression in such clinical situations.

Beta-galactosidase deficiency in a Korat cat: a new form of feline GM1-gangliosidosis.

PubMed

De Maria, R; Divari, S; Bo, S; Sonnio, S; Lotti, D; Capucchio, M T; Castagnaro, M

1998-09-01

A 7-month-old Korat cat was referred for a slowly progressive neurological disease. Circulating monocytes and lymphocytes showed the presence of single or multiple empty vacuoles and blood leukocytes enzyme assay revealed a very low beta-galactosidase activity level (4.7 nmol/mg per h) as compared to unaffected parents and relatives. Histologically, the cat, euthanized at the owner request at 21 months of age, presented diffuse vacuolization and enlargement of neurons throughout the brain, spinal cord and peripheral ganglia, severe cerebellar neuronal cell loss, and moderate astrocytosis. Stored material was stained with periodic acid-Schiff on frozen sections and with the lectins Ricinus conmmunis agglutinin-I, concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin on paraffin-embedded sections. Ultrastructurally, neuronal vacuoles were filled with concentrically whorled lamellae and small membrane-bound vesicles. In the affected cat, beta-galactosidase activity was markedly reduced in brain (18.9%) and liver (33.25%), while total beta-hexosaminidase activity showed a remarkable increase. Quantitation of total gangliosides revealed a 3-fold increase in brain and 1.7-fold in liver of affected cat. High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) detected a striking increase of GM1-ganglioside. On densitometric analysis of HPTLC bands, the absorption of GM1-ganglioside band was 98.52% of all stained bands (GD1a, GD1b, GT1b). Based on clinical onset, morphological and histochemical features, and biochemical findings, the Korat cat GM1-gangliosidosis is comparable with the human type II (juvenile) form. However, clinical progression, survival time and level of beta-galactosidase deficiency do not completely fit with those of human type II GM1-gangliosidosis. The disease in the Korat cat is also different from other reported forms of feline GM1-gangliosidosis.

From by-product to valuable components: Efficient enzymatic conversion of lactose in whey using β-galactosidase from Streptococcus thermophilus.

PubMed

Geiger, Barbara; Nguyen, Hoang-Minh; Wenig, Stefanie; Nguyen, Hoang Anh; Lorenz, Cindy; Kittl, Roman; Mathiesen, Geir; Eijsink, Vincent G H; Haltrich, Dietmar; Nguyen, Thu-Ha

2016-12-15

β-Galactosidase from Streptococcus thermophilus was overexpressed in a food-grade organism, Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1. Laboratory cultivations yielded 11,000 U of β-galactosidase activity per liter of culture corresponding to approximately 170 mg of enzyme. Crude cell-free enzyme extracts obtained by cell disruption and subsequent removal of cell debris showed high stability and were used for conversion of lactose in whey permeate. The enzyme showed high transgalactosylation activity. When using an initial concentration of whey permeate corresponding to 205 g L -1 lactose, the maximum yield of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) obtained at 50°C reached approximately 50% of total sugar at 90% lactose conversion, meaning that efficient valorization of the whey lactose was obtained. GOS are of great interest for both human and animal nutrition; thus, efficient conversion of lactose in whey into GOS using an enzymatic approach will not only decrease the environmental impact of whey disposal, but also create additional value.

A beta-galactosidase gene is expressed during mature fruit abscission of 'Valencia' orange (Citrus sinensis).

PubMed

Wu, Zhencai; Burns, Jacqueline K

2004-07-01

beta-galactosidases have been detected in a wide range of plants and are characterized by their ability to hydrolyse terminal non-reducing beta-D-galactosyl residues from beta-D-galactosides. These enzymes have been detected in a wide range of plant organs and tissues. In a search for differentially expressed genes during the abscission process in citrus, sequences encoding beta-galactosidase were identified. Three cDNA fragments of a beta-galactosidase gene were isolated from a cDNA subtraction library constructed from mature fruit abscission zones 48 h after the application of a mature fruit-specific abscission agent, 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMN-pyrazole). Based on sequence information derived from these fragments, a full-length cDNA of 2847 nucleotides (GenBank accession number AY029198) encoding beta-galactosidase was isolated from mature fruit abscission zones by 5'- and 3'-RACE approaches. The beta-galactosidase cDNA encoded a protein of 737 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of 82 kDa. The deduced protein was highly homologous to plant beta-galactosidases expressed in fruit ripening. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that at least two closely related beta-galactosidase genes were present in 'Valencia' orange. Temporal expression patterns in mature fruit abscission zones indicated beta-galactosidase mRNA was detected 48 h after treatment of CMN-pyrazole and ethephon in mature fruit abscission zones. beta-galactosidase transcripts were detected in leaf abscission zones only after ethephon application. The citrus beta-galactosidase was expressed in stamens and petals of fully opened flowers and young fruitlets. The results suggest that this beta-galactosidase may play a role during abscission as well as early growth and development processes in flowers and fruitlets.

Inactivation of the srtA Gene Affects Localization of Surface Proteins and Decreases Adhesion of Streptococcus pneumoniae to Human Pharyngeal Cells In Vitro

PubMed Central

Kharat, Arun S.; Tomasz, Alexander

2003-01-01

Inactivation of sortase gene srtA in Streptococcus pneumoniae strain R6 caused the release of β-galactosidase and neuraminidase A (NanA) from the cell wall into the surrounding medium. Both of these surface proteins contain the LPXTG motif in the C-terminal domain. Complementation with plasmid-borne srtA reversed protein release. Deletion of murM, a gene involved in the branching of pneumococcal peptidoglycan, also caused partial release of β-galactosidase, suggesting preferential attachment of the protein to branched muropeptides in the cell wall. Inactivation of srtA caused decreased adherence to human pharyngeal cells in vitro but had no effect on the virulence of a capsular type III strain of S. pneumoniae in the mouse intraperitoneal model. The observations suggest that—as in other gram-positive bacteria—sortase-dependent display of proteins occurs in S. pneumoniae and that some of these proteins may be involved in colonization of the human host. PMID:12704150

Preparation of Gc protein-derived macrophage activating factor (GcMAF) and its structural characterization and biological activities.

PubMed

Mohamad, Saharuddin Bin; Nagasawa, Hideko; Uto, Yoshihiro; Hori, Hitoshi

2002-01-01

Gc protein has been reported to be a precursor of Gc protein-derived macrophage activation factor (GcMAF) in the inflammation-primed macrophage activation cascade. An inducible beta-galactosidase of B cells and neuraminidase of T cells convert Gc protein to GcMAF. Gc protein from human serum was purified using 25(OH)D3 affinity column chromatography and modified to GcMAF using immobilized glycosidases (beta-galactosidase and neuraminidase) The sugar moiety structure of GcMAF was characterized by lectin blotting by Helix pomatia agglutinin. The biological activities of GcMAF were evaluated by a superoxide generation assay and a phagocytosis assay. We successfully purified Gc protein from human serum. GcMAF was detected by lectin blotting and showed a high biological activity. Our results support the importance of the terminal N-acetylgalactosamine moiety in the GcMAF-mediated macrophage activation cascade, and the existence of constitutive GcMAF in human serum. These preliminary data are important for designing small molecular GcMAF mimics.

A novel near-infrared fluorescent probe for sensitive detection of β-galactosidase in living cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Jingtuo; Li, Cong; Dutta, Colina; Fang, Mingxi; Zhang, Shuwei; Tiwari, Ashutosh; Werner, Thomas; Luo, Fen-Tair; Liu, Haiying

2017-05-22

A novel near-infrared fluorescent probe for β-galactosidase has been developed based on a hemicyanine skeleton, which is conjugated with a d-galactose residue via a glycosidic bond. The probe serves as a substrate of β-galactosidase and displays rapid and sensitive turn-on fluorescent responses to β-galactosidase in aqueous solution. A 12.8-fold enhancement of fluorescence intensity at 703 nm was observed after incubation of 10 nM of β-galactosidase with 5 μM probe for 10 min. The probe can sensitively detect as little as 0.1 nM of β-galactosidase and shows linear responses to the enzyme concentration below 1.4 nM. The kinetic study showed that the probe has high binding affinity to β-galactosidase with K m  = 3.6 μM. The probe was used to detect β-galactosidase in living cells by employing the premature cell senescence model. The probe exhibited strong fluorescent signals in senescent cells but not in normal cells, which demonstrates that the probe is able to detect the endogenous senescence-associated β-galactosidase in living cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lactococcus lactis expressing food-grade β-galactosidase alleviates lactose intolerance symptoms in post-weaning Balb/c mice.

PubMed

Li, Jingjie; Zhang, Wen; Wang, Chuan; Yu, Qian; Dai, Ruirui; Pei, Xiaofang

2012-12-01

The endogenous β-galactosidase expressed in intestinal microbes is demonstrated to help humans in lactose usage, and treatment associated with the promotion of beneficial microorganism in the gut is correlated with lactose tolerance. From this point, a kind of recombinant live β-galactosidase delivery system using food-grade protein expression techniques and selected probiotics as vehicle was promoted by us for the purpose of application in lactose intolerance subjects. Previously, a recombinant Lactococcus lactis MG1363 strain expressing food-grade β-galactosidase, the L. lactis MG1363/FGZW, was successfully constructed and evaluated in vitro. This study was conducted to in vivo evaluate its efficacy on alleviating lactose intolerance symptoms in post-weaning Balb/c mice, which were orally administered with 1 × 10⁶ CFU or 1 × 10⁸ CFU of L. lactis MG1363/FGZW daily for 4 weeks before lactose challenge. In comparison with naïve mice, the mice administered with L. lactis MG1363/FGZW showed significant alleviation of diarrhea symptoms in less total feces weight within 6 h post-challenge and suppressed intestinal motility after lactose challenge, although there was no significant increase of β-galactosidase activity in small intestine. The alleviation also correlated with higher species abundance, more Bifidobacterium colonization, and stronger colonization resistance in mice intestinal microflora. Therefore, this recombinant L. lactis strain effectively alleviated diarrhea symptom induced by lactose uptake in lactose intolerance model mice with the probable mechanism of promotion of lactic acid bacteria to differentiate and predominantly colonize in gut microbial community, thus making it a promising probiotic for lactose intolerance subjects.

The lysosomal enzyme alpha-Galactosidase A is deficient in Parkinson's disease brain in association with the pathologic accumulation of alpha-synuclein.

PubMed

Nelson, Michael P; Boutin, Michel; Tse, Tonia E; Lu, Hailin; Haley, Emily D; Ouyang, Xiaosen; Zhang, Jianhua; Auray-Blais, Christiane; Shacka, John J

2018-02-01

The aberrant accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is believed to contribute to the onset and pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). The autophagy-lysosome pathway (ALP) is responsible for the high capacity clearance of α-syn. ALP dysfunction is documented in PD and pre-clinical evidence suggests that inhibiting the ALP promotes the pathological accumulation of α-syn. We previously identified the pathological accumulation of α-syn in the brains of mice deficient for the soluble lysosomal enzyme alpha-Galactosidase A (α-Gal A), a member of the glycosphingolipid metabolism pathway. In the present study, we quantified α-Gal A activity and levels of its glycosphingolipid metabolites in postmortem temporal cortex specimens from control individuals and in PD individuals staged with respect to α-syn containing Lewy body pathology. In late-state PD temporal cortex we observed significant decreases in α-Gal A activity and the 46kDa "active" species of α-Gal A as determined respectively by fluorometric activity assay and western blot analysis. These decreases in α-Gal A activity/levels correlated significantly with increased α-syn phosphorylated at serine 129 (p129S-α-syn) that was maximal in late-stage PD temporal cortex. Mass spectrometric analysis of 29 different isoforms of globotriaosylceramide (Gb 3 ), a substrate of α-Gal A indicated no significant differences with respect to different stages of PD temporal cortex. However, significant correlations were observed between increased levels of several Gb 3 isoforms and with decreased α-Gal A activity and/or increased p129S-α-syn. Deacylated Gb 3 (globotriaosylsphingosine or lyso-Gb 3 ) was also analyzed in PD brain tissue but was below the limit of detection of 20pmol/g. Analysis of other lysosomal enzymes revealed a significant decrease in activity for the lysosomal aspartic acid protease cathepsin D but not for glucocerebrosidase (GCase) or cathepsin B in late-stage PD temporal cortex. However, a significant correlation was observed between decreasing GCase activity and increasing p129S-α-syn. Together our findings indicate α-Gal A deficiency in late-stage PD brain that correlates significantly with the pathological accumulation of α-syn, and further suggest the potential for α-Gal A and its glycosphingolipid substrates as putative biomarkers for PD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cardiomyopathy and Response to Enzyme Replacement Therapy in a Male Mouse Model for Fabry Disease

PubMed Central

Nguyen Dinh Cat, Aurelie; Escoubet, Brigitte; Agrapart, Vincent; Griol-Charhbili, Violaine; Schoeb, Trenton; Feng, Wenguang; Jaimes, Edgar; Warnock, David G.; Jaisser, Frederic

2012-01-01

Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder of glycosphingolipid metabolism that results in progressive accumulation of neutral glycosphingolipids, (predominately globotriaosylceramide; GL-3) in lysosomes, as well as other cellular compartments and the extracellular space. Our aim was to characterize the cardiac phenotype of male knock-out mice that are deficient in alpha-galactosidase A activity, as a model for Fabry disease and test the efficacy of Enzyme Replacement Therapy with agalsidase-beta. Male mice (3–4 months of age) were characterized with awake blood pressure and heart rate measurements, cardiac echocardiography and electrocardiography measurements under light anesthesia, histological studies and molecular studies with real-time polymerase chain reaction. The Fabry knock-out mouse has bradycardia and lower blood pressure than control wild type (CB7BL/6J) mice. In Fabry knock-out mice, the cardiomyopathy associated mild hypertrophy at echography with normal systolic LV function and mild diastolic dysfunction. Premature atrial contractions were more frequent in without conduction defect. Heart weight normalized to tibial length was increased in Fabry knock-out mice. Ascending aorta dilatation was observed. Molecular studies were consistent with early stages of cardiac remodeling. A single dose of agalsidase-beta (3 mg/kg) did not affect the LV hypertrophy, function or heart rate, but did improve the mRNA signals of early cardiac remodeling. In conclusion, the alpha-galactosidase A deficient mice at 3 to 4 months of age have cardiac and vascular alterations similar to that described in early clinical stage of Fabry disease in children and adolescents. Enzyme replacement therapy affects cardiac molecular remodeling after a single dose. PMID:22574107

Actinomyces timonensis sp. nov., isolated from a human clinical osteo-articular sample.

PubMed

Renvoise, Aurélie; Raoult, Didier; Roux, Véronique

2010-07-01

Gram-positive, non-spore-forming rods were isolated from a human osteo-articular sample (strain 7400942(T)). Based on cellular morphology and the results of biochemical analysis, this strain was tentatively identified as a novel species of the genus Actinomyces. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons showed that the bacterium was closely related to the type strain of Actinomyces denticolens (96.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). A comparison of biochemical traits showed that strain 7400942(T) was distinct from A. denticolens in a number of characteristics, i.e. in contrast with A. denticolens, strain 7400942(T) was negative for nitrate reduction and for beta-galactosidase, alpha-glucosidase and alanine arylamidase activities, it was positive for acid production from N-acetylglucosamine, melezitose and glycogen, and it was negative for acid production from turanose. Matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight MS protein analysis confirmed that strain 7400942(T) represents a novel species, as scores obtained for its spectra were significant (>2.2) only with strain 7400942(T). On the basis of phenotypic data and phylogenetic inference, it is proposed that this strain should be designated Actinomyces timonensis sp. nov.; the type strain is strain 7400942(T) (=CSUR P35(T)=CCUG 55928(T)).

Control of protein synthesis in Escherichia coli: strain differences in control of translational initiation after energy source shift-down.

PubMed Central

Jacobson, L A; Jen-Jacobson, L

1980-01-01

We have studied the parameters of protein synthesis in a number of Escherichia coli strains after a shift-down from glucose-minimal to succinate-minimal medium. One group of strains, including K-12(lambda) (ATCC 10798) and NF162, showed a postshift translational yield of 50 to 65% and a 2- to 2.5-fold increase in the functional lifetime of general messenger ribonucleic acid. There was no change in the lag time for beta-galactosidase induction in these strains after the shift-down. A second group, including W1 and W2, showed no reduction in translational yield, no change in the functional lifetime of messenger ribonucleic acid, and a 50% increase in the lag time for beta-galactosidase induction. Evidence is presented which indicates that this increased lag time is not the result of a decreased rate of polypeptide chain propagation. A third group of strains, including NF161, CP78, and NF859, showed an intermediate pattern: translational yield was reduced to about 75% of normal, and the messenger ribonucleic acid functional lifetime was increased by about 50%. Calculation of the relative postshift rates of translational initiation gave about 0.2, 1.0, and 0.5, respectively, for the three groups. There was no apparent correlation between the ability to control translation and the genotypes of these strains at the relA, relX, or spoT loci. Measurements of the induction lag for beta-galactosidase during short-term glucose starvation or after a down-shift induced by alpha-methylglucoside indicated that these regimens elicit responses that are physiologically distinct from those elicited by a glucose-to-succinate shift-down. PMID:6155375

Control of protein synthesis in Escherichia coli: strain differences in control of translational initiation after energy source shift-down.

PubMed

Jacobson, L A; Jen-Jacobson, L

1980-06-01

We have studied the parameters of protein synthesis in a number of Escherichia coli strains after a shift-down from glucose-minimal to succinate-minimal medium. One group of strains, including K-12(lambda) (ATCC 10798) and NF162, showed a postshift translational yield of 50 to 65% and a 2- to 2.5-fold increase in the functional lifetime of general messenger ribonucleic acid. There was no change in the lag time for beta-galactosidase induction in these strains after the shift-down. A second group, including W1 and W2, showed no reduction in translational yield, no change in the functional lifetime of messenger ribonucleic acid, and a 50% increase in the lag time for beta-galactosidase induction. Evidence is presented which indicates that this increased lag time is not the result of a decreased rate of polypeptide chain propagation. A third group of strains, including NF161, CP78, and NF859, showed an intermediate pattern: translational yield was reduced to about 75% of normal, and the messenger ribonucleic acid functional lifetime was increased by about 50%. Calculation of the relative postshift rates of translational initiation gave about 0.2, 1.0, and 0.5, respectively, for the three groups. There was no apparent correlation between the ability to control translation and the genotypes of these strains at the relA, relX, or spoT loci. Measurements of the induction lag for beta-galactosidase during short-term glucose starvation or after a down-shift induced by alpha-methylglucoside indicated that these regimens elicit responses that are physiologically distinct from those elicited by a glucose-to-succinate shift-down.

Immunotherapy of BALB/c mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor with vitamin D-binding protein-derived macrophage activating factor.

PubMed

Yamamoto, N; Naraparaju, V R

1997-06-01

Vitamin D3-binding protein (DBP; human DBP is known as Gc protein) is the precursor of macrophage activating factor (MAF). Treatment of mouse DBP with immobilized beta-galactosidase or treatment of human Gc protein with immobilized beta-galactosidase and sialidase generated a remarkably potent MAF, termed DBPMAF or GcMAF, respectively. The domain of Gc protein responsible for macrophage activation was cloned and enzymatically converted to the cloned MAF, designated CdMAF. In Ehrlich ascites tumor-bearing mice, tumor-specific serum alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (NaGalase) activity increased linearly with time as the transplanted tumor cells grew in the peritoneal cavity. Therapeutic effects of DBPMAF, GcMAF, and CdMAF on mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor were assessed by survival time, the total tumor cell count in the peritoneal cavity, and serum NaGalase activity. Mice that received a single administration of DBPMAF or GcMAF (100 pg/mouse) on the same day after transplantation of tumor (1 x 10(5) cells) showed a mean survival time of 35 +/- 4 days, whereas tumor-bearing controls had a mean survival time of 16 +/- 2 days. When mice received the second DBPMAF or GcMAF administration at day 4, they survived more than 50 days. Mice that received two DBPMAF administrations, at days 4 and 8 after transplantation of 1 x 10(5) tumor cells, survived up to 32 +/- 4 days. At day 4 posttransplantation, the total tumor cell count in the peritoneal cavity was approximately 5 x 10(5) cells. Mice that received two DBPMAF administrations, at days 0 and 4 after transplantation of 5 x 10(5) tumor cells, also survived up to 32 +/- 4 days, while control mice that received the 5 x 10(5) ascites tumor cells only survived for 14 +/- 2 days. Four DBPMAF, GcMAF, or CdMAF administrations to mice transplanted with 5 x 10(5) Ehrlich ascites tumor cells with 4-day intervals showed an extended survival of at least 90 days and an insignificantly low serum NaGalase level between days 30 and 90.

Hydrolases of Hysterothylacium aduncum (Nematoda).

PubMed

Zółtowska, Krystyna; Dmitryjuk, Małgorzata; Rokicki, Jerzy; Lopieńska-Biernat, Elzbieta

2007-01-01

Enzymatic activity is an indicator of an organism's metabolic rate which depends on, i.e., environmental conditions, developmental stage, physiological stage, and sex. The API ZYM test was applied to compare activities of 19 hydrolases of female and male Hysterothylacium aduncum. Sexually mature nematodes were isolated from eelpout individuals caught in the Gulf of Gdańsk. Enzymatic activity of the hydrolases and the protein content was determined in nematode extracts using API ZYM and Bradford's method, respectively. The females and males tested showed a total of 13 enzymes to be active. The males showed additionally the presence of alpha-fucosidase. Acidic and alkaline phosphatases had very high activities in both sexes; short-chain fatty acid esterases, leucine and valine aminopeptidases, alpha-glucosidase, and N-acetylglucosaminidase were highly active. H. aduncum showed no trypsin- and chymotrypsin-specific activities; similarly, no activity of alpha-galactosidase, alpha-mannosidase, and beta-glucuronidase was revealed. Except for lipase (C14), hydrolases were more active in females than in males, which is related to metabolic rate being higher in females due to their reproductive function. Comparison of the results obtained with earlier data produced with API ZYM allowed suggesting that the hydrolase pattern may be more affected by habitat in the host than by the taxonomic affiliation of nematode.

Transplantation of transduced chondrocytes protects articular cartilage from interleukin 1-induced extracellular matrix degradation.

PubMed Central

Baragi, V M; Renkiewicz, R R; Jordan, H; Bonadio, J; Hartman, J W; Roessler, B J

1995-01-01

Gene therapy used in the context of delivering a therapeutic gene(s) to chondrocytes offers a new approach for treating chondrocyte-mediated cartilage degradation associated with various human arthropathies including osteoarthritis. In this study, gene delivery to human osteoarthritis chondrocytes in monolayer culture was demonstrated using two adenoviral vectors (Ad.CMVlacZ and Ad.RSVntlacZ) carrying the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase marker gene, and a third vector (Ad.RSV hIL-1ra) containing the cDNA for human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. At an moi of 10(3) plaque-forming units/chondrocyte, > 90% of the infected cells stained positive for E. coli beta-galactosidase activity, indicating a high efficiency of transduction. Genetically modified chondrocytes were then transplanted onto the articular surface of osteoarthritic cartilage organ cultures with and without the underlying subchondral bone. Both in situ staining of the cartilage organ cultures for E. coli beta-galactosidase activity and examination by scanning electron microscopy indicated that the transplanted chondrocytes adhered and integrated into the articular surface and continued to express transgenic protein. Chondrocytes transduced with Ad.RSV hIL-1ra and seeded onto the surface of osteoarthritic cartilage secreted high levels of biologically active IL-1 receptor antagonist. The Ad.RSV hIL-1ra-treated cartilage samples were resistant to IL1-induced proteoglycan degradation over 10 d of sustained organ culture. These data demonstrate that transplantation of transduced chondrocytes onto the articular surface protects cartilage from IL-1-induced extracellular matrix degradation. Images PMID:7593634

Reaction kinetics and galactooligosaccharide product profiles of the β-galactosidases from Bacillus circulans, Kluyveromyces lactis and Aspergillus oryzae.

PubMed

Yin, Huifang; Bultema, Jelle B; Dijkhuizen, Lubbert; van Leeuwen, Sander S

2017-06-15

β-Galactosidase enzymes are used in the dairy industry to convert lactose into galactooligosaccharides (GOS) that are added to infant formula to mimic the molecular sizes and prebiotic functions of human milk oligosaccharides. Here we report a detailed analysis of the clearly different GOS profiles of the commercial β-galactosidases from Bacillus circulans, Kluyveromyces lactis and Aspergillus oryzae. Also the GOS yields of these enzymes differed, varying from 48.3% (B. circulans) to 34.9% (K. lactis), and 19.5% (A. oryzae). Their incubation with lactose plus the monosaccharides Gal or Glc resulted in altered GOS profiles. Experiments with 13 C 6 labelled Gal and Glc showed that both monosaccharides act as acceptor substrates in the transgalactosylation reactions. The data shows that the lactose isomers β-d-Galp-(1→2)-d-Glcp, β-d-Galp-(1→3)-d-Glcp and β-d-Galp-(1→6)-d-Glcp are formed from acceptor reactions with free Glc and not by rearrangement of Glc in the active site. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Discovery and Testing of Ricin Therapeutics

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

variants lung disease ER degradation Fabri disease α -D-galactosidase neurological disease ER degradation Oculocutaneous albinism tyrosinase...against other pathogens and human diseases . 15. SUBJECT TERMS Ricin toxin, dislocation, small weight compounds, chemical inhibitors, high-content screen...the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The toxin’s ability to kill cells and

Frequency of unrecognized Fabry disease among young European-American and African-American men with first ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Wozniak, Marcella A; Kittner, Steven J; Tuhrim, Stanley; Cole, John W; Stern, Barney; Dobbins, Mark; Grace, Marie E; Nazarenko, Irina; Dobrovolny, Robert; McDade, Eric; Desnick, Robert J

2010-01-01

The cause of initial ischemic stroke in up to 30% of young patients remains unclear. Fabry disease, due to deficient alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-Gal A) activity, is a vascular endothelial glycosphingolipid storage disease typically presenting in childhood. With advancing age, patients develop renal, cardiac, and cerebrovascular disease and die prematurely. A European study suggested an increased prevalence of unrecognized Fabry disease in patients with cryptogenic stroke. We hypothesized that alpha-Gal A deficiency is a rare cause of initial early-onset ischemic stroke in men. The Stroke Prevention in Young Men Study enrolled >550 men (15 to 49 years) with first ischemic stroke in the Baltimore-Washington area in 2004 to 2007. Frozen plasma samples were assayed for alpha-Gal A activity, and DNA from patients with consistently low plasma alpha-Gal A activities were sequenced. The study sample consisted of 558 men (42% African-American; median age 44 years). Stroke was cryptogenic in 154 men (40% African-American). In 10 patients with low plasma alpha-Gal A activities, DNA sequencing identified alterations in the alpha-Gal A gene in 2 patients. The polymorphism, D313Y, which results in low plasma enzyme activity, but near normal levels of cellular activity was seen in one European-American male. The Fabry disease-causing A143T mutation was seen in an African-American male with cryptogenic stroke (0.18% of all strokes: upper 95% CI=0.53%; 0.65% of cryptogenic strokes: upper 95% CI=1.92%). In this biracial population, unrecognized Fabry disease is a rare but treatable cause of initial ischemic stroke in young men.

Purification and chemical characterisation of a cell wall-associated β-galactosidase from mature sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruit.

PubMed

Gerardi, Carmela; Blando, Federica; Santino, Angelo

2012-12-01

Using four different chromatographic steps, β-galactosidase was purified from the ripe fruit of sweet cherry to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity with approximately 131-fold purification. The Prunus avium β-galactosidase showed an apparent molecular mass of about 100 kDa and consisted of four different active polypeptides with pIs of about 7.9, 7.4, 6.9 and 6.4 as estimated by native IEF and β-galactosidase-activity staining. The active polypeptides were individually excised from the gel and subjected to SDS-PAGE. Each of the four native enzymes showing β-galactosidase activity was composed of two polypeptides with an estimated mass of 54 and 33 kDa. Both of these polypeptides were subjected to N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis. The 54 kDa polypeptide of sweet cherry β-galactosidase showed a 43% identity with the 44 kDa subunit of persimmon and apple β-galactosidases and the 48 kDa subunit of carambola galactosidase I. The sweet cherry β-galactosidase exhibited a strict specificity towards p-nitrophenyl β-D-galactopyranoside, a pH optimum of 4.0 and K(m) and V(max) values of 0.42 mM and 4.12 mmol min(-1) mg(-1) of protein respectively with this substrate. The enzyme was also active towards complex glycans. Taken together the results of this study prompted a role for this class of enzymes on sweet cherry fruit ripening and softening. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Enhanced sialylation and in vivo efficacy of recombinant human α-galactosidase through in vitro glycosylation

PubMed Central

Sohn, Youngsoo; Lee, Jung Mi; Park, Heung-Rok; Jung, Sung-Chul; Park, Tai Hyun; Oh, Doo-Byoung

2013-01-01

Human α-galactosidase A (GLA) has been used in enzyme replacement therapy for patients with Fabry disease. We expressed recombinant GLA from Chinese hamster ovary cells with very high productivity. When compared to an approved GLA (agalsidase beta), its size and charge were found to be smaller and more neutral. These differences resulted from the lack of terminal sialic acids playing essential roles in the serum half-life and proper tissue targeting. Because a simple sialylation reaction was not enough to increase the sialic acid content, a combined reaction using galactosyltransferase, sialyltransferase, and their sugar substrates at the same time was developed and optimized to reduce the incubation time. The product generated by this reaction had nearly the same size, isoelectric points, and sialic acid content as agalsidase beta. Furthermore, it had better in vivo efficacy to degrade the accumulated globotriaosylceramide in target organs of Fabry mice compared to an unmodified version. [BMB Reports 2013; 46(3): 157-162] PMID:23527859

Purification and properties of a beta-galactosidase from carambola fruit with significant activity towards cell wall polysaccharides.

PubMed

Balasubramaniam, Sumathi; Lee, Heng Chin; Lazan, Hamid; Othman, Roohaida; Ali, Zainon Mohd

2005-01-01

beta-Galactosidase (EC. 3.2.1.23) from ripe carambola (Averrhoa carambola L. cv. B10) fruit was fractionated through a combination of ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography into four isoforms, viz. beta-galactosidase I, II, III and IV. This beta-galactosidases had apparent native molecular masses of 84, 77, 58 and 130 kDa, respectively. beta-Galactosidase I, the predominant isoform, was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity; analysis of the protein by SDS-PAGE revealed two subunits with molecular masses of 48 and 36 kDa. N-terminal amino acid sequence of the respective polypeptides shared high similarities albeit at different domains, with the deduced amino acid sequence of certain plant beta-galactosidases, thus, explaining the observed low similarity between the two subunits. beta-Galactosidase I was probably a heterodimer that have glycoprotein properties and a pI value of 7.2, with one of the potential glycosylation sites appeared to reside within the 48-kDa-polypeptide. The purified beta-galactosidase I was substantially active in hydrolyzing (1-->4)beta-linked spruce and a mixture of (1-->3)beta- and (1-->6)beta-linked gum arabic galactans. This isoform also had the capability to solubilize and depolymerize structurally intact pectins as well as to modify alkaline-soluble hemicelluloses, reflecting in part changes that occur during ripening.

The influence of soy oligosaccharides on apparent and true ileal amino acid digestibilities and fecal consistency in growing pigs.

PubMed

Smiricky, M R; Grieshop, C M; Albin, D M; Wubben, J E; Gabert, V M; Fahey, G C

2002-09-01

Fourteen ileally cannulated pigs (BW = 35 +/- 2 kg) were randomly allotted to a replicated 7 x 7 Latin square design experiment to evaluate the influence of the soybean oligosaccharides (OS), raffinose and stachyose, on ileal nutrient digestibility and fecal consistency. Semipurified diets containing soy protein concentrate (SPC) or soybean meal (SBM) as the sole protein sources were fed. Soy solubles (SS), a by-product of SBM processing containing 3.5% raffinose and 11.5% stachyose, were used to increase dietary raffinose and stachyose concentrations. The seven dietary treatments were SPC, SPC + 9% SS, SBM, SBM + 9% SS, SBM + 18% SS, SBM + 24,000 U alpha-galactosidase enzyme preparation/kg diet, and a low-protein casein (LPC) diet used to calculate true digestibility. Diets, with the exception of the LPC diet, were formulated to contain 17% CP. All diets contained 0.5% chromic oxide as a marker for ileal digestibility determination. The experimental periods were divided into a 5-d diet adaptation followed by 2-d of ileal digesta collection. Diets and digesta were analyzed for DM, N, Cr, amino acids (AA), raffinose, and stachyose. Fecal consistency was determined on d 6 and 7 of each experimental period. The apparent and true ileal AA digestibilities were not different (P < 0.05) for the SPC and SBM control diets. When SS was added to the SPC diet, apparent and true N and AA digestibilities were depressed (P < 0.05) with the exception of Trp and Pro. The apparent and true ileal N and AA digestibilities were not different (P > 0.05) between the SBM control and SBM + 9% SS diets with the exception of Glu. There was a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in apparent and true DM, Val, Gly, and Tyr digestibilities when increasing levels of SS were added to the SBM diet. The addition of alpha-galactosidase did not improve apparent or true ileal N or AA digestibilities except for apparent and true Val and Tyr. Ileal raffinose digestibility was improved (P < 0.05) by addition of a-galactosidase, but was not affected by any other dietary treatment. Ileal stachyose digestibility was not affected (P > 0.58) by treatment. Fecal consistency likewise was not affected (P > 0.36) by dietary treatment. In conclusion, soy OS reduced nutrient digestibilities, but the reductions were small, ranging from approximately 1.1 to 7.4 percentage units. This suggests that other factors may be negatively impacting SBM digestibility.

Grape seed proanthocyanidins ameliorates isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in rats by stabilizing mitochondrial and lysosomal enzymes: an in vivo study.

PubMed

Karthikeyan, K; Sarala Bai, B R; Niranjali Devaraj, S

2007-11-30

This study was designed to examine the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSP) against myocardial injury (MI) induced by isoproterenol (ISO), in a rat model. Induction of rats with ISO (85 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously) for 2 days resulted in a significant decrease in the activities of heart mitochondrial enzymes (isocitrate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase) and respiratory chain enzymes (NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase). The activities of lysosomal enzymes (alpha-d-glucuronidase, alpha-d-N-acetylglucosaminidase, cathepsin-D, acid phosphatases and alpha-d-galactosidase) were increased significantly in the heart and serum of ISO-induced rats. The prior administration of GSP for 6 days a week for 5 weeks significantly increased the activities of mitochondrial and respiratory chain enzymes and significantly decreased the activities of lysosomal enzymes in the heart tissues of ISO-induced rats, which proves the stress stabilizing action of GSP. Oral administration of grape seed proanthocyanidins alone (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) to normal rats did not show any significant effect in all the parameters studied. These biochemical functional alterations were supported by the macroscopic enzyme mapping assay of ischemic myocardium. Thus, this study shows that 100 and 150 mg/kg of GSP gives protection against ISO-induced MI and demonstrates that GSP has a significant effect in the protection of heart.

Comparison of melibiose utilizing baker's yeast strains produced by genetic engineering and classical breeding.

PubMed

Vincent, S F; Bell, P J; Bissinger, P; Nevalainen, K M

1999-02-01

Yeast strains currently used in the baking industry cannot fully utilize the trisaccharide raffinose found in beet molasses due to the absence of melibiase (alpha-galactosidase) activity. To overcome this deficiency, the MEL1 gene encoding melibiase enzyme was introduced into baker's yeast by both classical breeding and recombinant DNA technology. Both types of yeast strains were capable of vigorous fermentation in the presence of high levels of sucrose, making them suitable for the rapidly developing Asian markets where high levels of sugar are used in bread manufacture. Melibiase expression appeared to be dosage-dependent, with relatively low expression sufficient for complete melibiose utilization in a model fermentation system.

Two subunits of the 55 K porcine zona pellucida glycoprotein family are immunologically distinct

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

Subramanian, M.G.; Yurewicz, E.C.; Sacco, A.G.

1986-03-01

The 55K glycoprotein family (ZP3) of the porcine zona pellucida is comprised of two subunits of 46 K and 45 K which can be resolved by endo-..beta..-galactosidase digestion of ZP3 followed by reversed phase HPLC on Vydac C4 resin. Gel electrophoresis revealed that the 46 K component (EBDG..cap alpha..) is approx. 95% pure and the 45 K component (EBGD..beta..) is 100% pure. In the present study, these two subunits were evaluated immunologically by RIA. Under similar reaction protocols (chloramine-T iodination procedure) comparable specific activities were obtained for EBGD..cap alpha.. (33.06 +/- 7.5 ..mu..ci/..mu..gm), EBGD..beta.. (30.45 +/- 1.6) and ZP3 (26.3more » +/- 1.3). Antibody (Ab) titration studies revealed that EBGD..cap alpha.. and ..beta.. are potent immunogens and /sup 125/I-EBGD..cap alpha.. showed minimal cross reactivity to EBGD..beta..-Ab (8% bound at 1:500 dilution), whereas, /sup 125/I-EBGD..beta.. showed a greater degree of cross reactivity to EBGD..cap alpha..-Ab (23% bound at 1:500 dilution). Maximum binding for the two labeled antigens against homologous Abs (1:500) was > 60%. Dose response studies revealed that in the /sup 125/I-EBGD..cap alpha.. vs EBGD..cap alpha.. -Ab system, the 50% intercept was 3.25 +/- 0.32 ng for EBGD..cap alpha.. and 472.43 +/- 30.26 ng for EBGD..beta.. (p < 0.01), whereas, in the /sup 125/I-EBGD..beta.. vs EBGD..beta..-Ab system the 50% intercept was 3.51 +/- 0.58 for EBGD..beta.. and 166.77 +/- 49.20 for EBGD..cap alpha.. (p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in the slopes of the dose response curves. It is concluded that the two subunits of ZP3 possess distinct immunologic characteristics as evaluated by RIA.« less

Optimization of Streptomyces bacteriophage phi C31 integrase system to prevent post integrative gene silencing in pulmonary type II cells.

PubMed

Aneja, Manish Kumar; Geiger, Johannes; Imker, Rabea; Uzgun, Senta; Kormann, Michael; Hasenpusch, Guenther; Maucksch, Christof; Rudolph, Carsten

2009-12-31

phi C31 integrase has emerged as a potent tool for achieving long-term gene expression in different tissues. The present study aimed at optimizing elements of phi C31 integrase system for alveolar type II cells. Luciferase and beta-galactosidase activities were measured at different time points post transfection. 5-Aza-2'deoxycytidine (AZA) and trichostatin A (TSA) were used to inhibit DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase complex (HDAC) respectively. In A549 cells, expression of the integrase using a CMV promoter resulted in highest integrase activity, whereas in MLE12 cells, both CAG and CMV promoter were equally effective. Effect of polyA site was observed only in A549 cells, where replacement of SV40 polyA by bovine growth hormone (BGH) polyA site resulted in an enhancement of integrase activity. Addition of a C-terminal SV40 nuclear localization signal (NLS) did not result in any significant increase in integrase activity. Long-term expression studies with AZA and TSA, provided evidence for post-integrative gene silencing. In MLE12 cells, both DNA methylases and HDACs played a significant role in silencing, whereas in A549 cells, it could be attributed majorly to HDAC activity. Donor plasmids comprising cellular promoters ubiquitin B (UBB), ubiquitin C (UCC) and elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1 alpha) in an improved backbone prevented post-integrative gene silencing. In contrast to A549 and MLE12 cells, no silencing could be observed in human bronchial epithelial cells, BEAS-2B. Donor plasmid coding for murine erythropoietin under the EF1 alpha promoter when combined with phi C31 integrase resulted in higher long-term erythropoietin expression and subsequently higher hematocrit levels in mice after intravenous delivery to the lungs. These results provide evidence for cell specific post integrative gene silencing with C31 integrase and demonstrate the pivotal role of donor plasmid in long-term expression attained with this system.

Purification and properties of beta-galactosidase from Aspergillus nidulans.

PubMed

Díaz, M; Pedregosa, A M; de Lucas, J R; Torralba, S; Monistrol, I F; Laborda, F

1996-12-01

Beta-Galactosidase from mycelial extract of Aspergillus nidulans has been purified by substrate affinity chromatography and used to obtain anti-beta-galactosidase polyclonal antibodies. A. nidulans growing in lactose as carbon source synthesizes one active form of beta-galactosidase which seems to be a multimeric enzyme of 450 kDa composed of monomers with 120 and 97 kDa. Although the enzyme was not released to the culture medium, some enzymatic activity was detected in a cell-wall extract, thus suggesting that it can be an extracellular enzyme. Beta-Galactosidase of A. nidulans is a very unstable enzyme with an optimum pH value of 7.5 and an optimum temperature of 30 degrees C. It was only active against beta-galactoside substrates like lactose and p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactoside (PNPG).

Statistical approach for the enhanced production of cold-active β-galactosidase from Thalassospira frigidphilosprofundus: a novel marine psychrophile from deep waters of Bay of Bengal.

PubMed

Pulicherla, K K; Kumar, P Suresh; Manideep, K; Rekha, V P B; Ghosh, Mrinmoy; Sambasiva Rao, K R S

2013-01-01

In the present investigation Thalassospira frigidphilosprofundus, a novel species from the deep waters of the Bay of Bengal, was explored for the production of cold-active β-galactosidase by submerged fermentation using marine broth medium as the basal medium. Effects of various medium constituents, namely, carbon, nitrogen source, pH, and temperature, were investigated using a conventional one-factor-at-a-time method. It was found that lactose, yeast extract, and bactopeptones are the most influential components for β-galactosidase production. Under optimal conditions, the production of β-galactosidase was found to be 3,864 U/mL at 20 ± 2°C, pH 6.5 ± 0.2, after 48 hr of incubation. β-Galactosidase production was further optimized by the Taguchi orthogonal array design of experiments and the central composite rotatable design (CCRD) of response surface methodology. Under optimal experimental conditions the cold-active β-galactosidase enzyme production from Thalassospira frigidphilosprofundus was enhanced from 3,864 U/mL to 10,657 U/mL, which is almost three times higher than the cold-active β-galactosidase production from the well-reported psychrophile Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis.

Enzyme replacement therapy in a patient with Fabry disease and the development of IgE antibodies against agalsidase beta but not agalsidase alpha.

PubMed

Tanaka, Akemi; Takeda, Taisuke; Hoshina, Takao; Fukai, Kazuyoshi; Yamano, Tsunekazu

2010-12-01

Fabry disease is an X-linked inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by an inborn deficiency of the enzyme α-galactosidase A. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with agalsidase alpha or beta isozymes is an effective treatment. Cross-reactivity of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies with agalsidase alpha and beta has been reported, but no such reaction has been recorded for IgE antibodies. We present the case of a patient with Fabry disease who developed antiagalsidase beta IgE antibodies without cross-reactivity to agalsidase alpha. A 17-year-old boy with Fabry disease had suffered from severe atopic dermatitis since infancy, and he complained for several years of peripheral pain during the summer months and when exercising. Fabry disease was confirmed by family history and a positive enzyme test, and ERT was commenced. Following infusion of agalsidase beta (1.0 mg/kg), the patient complained of a high temperature in his hands and feet, and purulent eczema developed. The infusion dose was reduced to 0.2 mg/kg, but the hyperthermia did not change, although its duration decreased. After three infusions, eosinophilia developed (9.4%; 573 cells/μl blood) and remained unresolved after four infusions with agalsidase beta. Treatment with this enzyme was discontinued, and agalsidase alpha (0.2 mg/kg) started. This produced immediate resolution of the eosinophilia, which has been maintained during follow-up. In conclusion, this patient developed IgE antibodies against agalsidase beta, which demonstrated no cross-reactivity to agalsidase alpha. These findings emphasize the importance of analyzing IgE antibodies against both enzymes when patients exhibit severe infusion-related events.

The Hematopoietic Stem Cell Therapy for Exploration of Deep Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohi, Seigo; Roach, Allana-Nicole; Ramsahai, Shweta; Kim, Bak C.; Fitzgerald, Wendy; Riley, Danny A.; Gonda, Steven R.

2004-02-01

Astronauts experience severe/invasive disorders caused by space environments. These include hematological and cardiac abnormalities, bone and muscle losses, immunodeficiency, neurological disorders and cancer. Exploiting the extraordinary plasticity of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which differentiate not only to all types of blood cells, but also to various tissues, including muscle, bone, skin, liver, and neuronal cells, we advanced a hypothesis that some of the space-caused disorders might be amenable to hematopoietic stem cell therapy (HSCT) so as to maintain astronauts' homeostasis. If this were achievable, the HSCT could promote human exploration of deep space. Using mouse models of human anemia (β-thalassemia) and spaceflight (hindlimb suspension unloading system), we have obtained feasibility results of HSCT for space anemia, muscle loss, and immunodeficiency. For example, the β-thalassemic mice were successfully transplanted with isologous HSCs, resulting in chimerism of hemoglobin species and alleviation of the hemoglobinopathy. In the case of HSCT for muscle loss, β-galactosidase-marked HSCs, which were prepared from β-galactosidase-transgenic mice, were detected by the X-gal wholemount staining procedure in the hindlimbs of unloaded mice following transplantation. Histochemical and physical analyses indicated structural contribution of HSCs to the muscle. To investigate HSCT for immunodeficiency, β-galactosidase-transformed Escherichia coli was used as the reporter bacteria, and infected to control and the hindlimb suspended mice. Results of the X-gal stained tissues indicated that the HSCT could help eliminate the E. coli infection. In an effort to facilitate the HSCT in space, growth of HSCs has been optimized in the NASA Rotating Wall Vessel (RWV) culture systems, including Hydrodynamic Focusing Bioreactor (HFB).

Neurosteroid hydroxylase CYP7B: vivid reporter activity in dentate gyrus of gene-targeted mice and abolition of a widespread pathway of steroid and oxysterol hydroxylation.

PubMed

Rose, K; Allan, A; Gauldie, S; Stapleton, G; Dobbie, L; Dott, K; Martin, C; Wang, L; Hedlund, E; Seckl, J R; Gustafsson, J A; Lathe, R

2001-06-29

The major adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) enhances memory and immune function but has no known dedicated receptor; local metabolism may govern its activity. We described a cytochrome P450 expressed in brain and other tissues, CYP7B, that catalyzes the 7alpha-hydroxylation of oxysterols and 3beta-hydroxysteroids including DHEA. We report here that CYP7B mRNA and 7alpha-hydroxylation activity are widespread in rat tissues. However, steroids related to DHEA are reported to be modified at positions other than 7alpha, exemplified by prominent 6alpha-hydroxylation of 5alpha-androstane-3beta,17beta-diol (A/anediol) in some rodent tissues including brain. To determine whether CYP7B is responsible for these and other activities we disrupted the mouse Cyp7b gene by targeted insertion of an IRES-lacZ reporter cassette, placing reporter enzyme activity (beta-galactosidase) under Cyp7b promoter control. In heterozygous mouse brain, chromogenic detection of reporter activity was strikingly restricted to the dentate gyrus. Staining did not exactly reproduce the in situ hybridization expression pattern; post-transcriptional control is inferred. Lower level staining was detected in cerebellum, liver, and kidney, and which largely paralleled mRNA distribution. Liver and kidney expression was sexually dimorphic. Mice homozygous for the insertion are viable and superficially normal, but ex vivo metabolism of DHEA to 7alpha-hydroxy-DHEA was abolished in brain, spleen, thymus, heart, lung, prostate, uterus, and mammary gland; lower abundance metabolites were also eliminated. 7alpha-Hydroxylation of 25-hydroxycholesterol and related substrates was also abolished, as was presumed 6alpha-hydroxylation of A/anediol. These different enzyme activities therefore derive from the Cyp7b gene. CYP7B is thus a major extrahepatic steroid and oxysterol hydroxylase and provides the predominant route for local metabolism of DHEA and related molecules in brain and other tissues.

Suppression of adenoviral gene expression in the liver: role of innate vs adaptive immunity and their cell lysis mechanisms.

PubMed

Minagawa, Masahiro; Kawamura, Hiroki; Liu, Zhangxu; Govindarajan, Sugantha; Dennert, Gunther

2005-06-01

Injection of adenoviral constructs causes liver infection prompting immunity, which suppress viral gene expression. Innate and adaptive immunity mediate these processes raising the question which pathways are the most prominent. Adenovirus expressing the beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) gene was injected into normal and immunodeficient mice. Elimination of beta-gal-expressing hepatocytes and increases in liver enzymes were assayed. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I densities, perforin channel insertion and apoptosis by Fas and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were assayed. At high virus doses, suppression of viral gene expression was as efficient in immunodeficient as in normal mice, while at low doses effects of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) were demonstrable. Despite CTL priming and elimination of infected hepatocytes no liver injury is detected. Hepatocyte MHC I densities were able to trigger CTL granule exocytosis and perforin lysis in vitro but not in vivo. This is we show is because of decreased sensitivity of hepatocytes from infected mice to perforin and increased sensitivity to Fas and TNF-alpha lysis. Effector cells of the innate immune system are exceedingly effective in suppressing adenoviral gene expression. Perforin-independent pathways, those mediated by TNF-alpha and Fas are very efficient in hepatocytes from virus-infected livers.

Survey of Some Actinomycetales for α-Galactosidase Activity1

PubMed Central

Lyons, A. J.; Pridham, T. G.; Hesseltine, C. W.

1969-01-01

The enzyme α-galactosidase offers potential to (i) eliminate possibly the flatus-inducing factor(s) in edible beans, (ii) eliminate raffinose during beet-sugar processing, and (iii) determine raffinose analytically. Accordingly, 20 genera of the order Actinomycetales Buchanan 1917 were tested for evidence of α-galactosidase activity. Test filtrates were prepared with a medium containing D-galactose and soybean meal. Enzyme activity was demonstrated through cellulose thin-layer chromatography. Of 123 strains tested, 28 produced extracellular α-galactosidase. Almost all were streptomycetes. Members of the genera Actinoplanes Couch 1950, Micromonospora ϕOrskov 1923, and Promicromonospora Krasil'nikov et al. 1961 also exhibited α-galactosidase activity. Additional tests led to the selection of five strains whose filtrates degraded melibiose, raffinose, and stachyose but not lactose and sucrose. Tests also were made with several soybean preparations. PMID:5392462

Novel high-performance metagenome β-galactosidases for lactose hydrolysis in the dairy industry.

PubMed

Erich, Sarah; Kuschel, Beatrice; Schwarz, Thilo; Ewert, Jacob; Böhmer, Nico; Niehaus, Frank; Eck, Jürgen; Lutz-Wahl, Sabine; Stressler, Timo; Fischer, Lutz

2015-09-20

The industrially utilised β-galactosidases from Kluyveromyces spp. and Aspergillus spp. feature undesirable kinetic properties in praxis, such as an unsatisfactory lactose affinity (KM) and product inhibition (KI) by galactose. In this study, a metagenome library of about 1.3 million clones was investigated with a three-step activity-based screening strategy in order to find new β-galactosidases with more favourable kinetic properties. Six novel metagenome β-galactosidases (M1-M6) were found with an improved lactose hydrolysis performance in original milk when directly compared to the commercial β-galactosidase from Kluyveromyces lactis (GODO-YNL2). The best metagenome candidate, called "M1", was recombinantly produced in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) in a bioreactor (volume 35 L), resulting in a total β-galactosidase M1 activity of about 1100 μkatoNPGal,37 °C L(-1). Since milk is a sensitive and complex medium, it has to be processed at 5-10 °C in the dairy industry. Therefore, the β-galactosidase M1 was tested at 8 °C in milk and possessed a good stability (t1/2=21.8 d), a desirably low apparent KM,lactose,8 °C value of 3.8±0.7 mM and a high apparent KI,galactose,8 °C value of 196.6±55.5 mM. A lactose hydrolysis process (milk, 40 nkatlactose mLmilk,8 °C(-1)) was conducted at a scale of 0.5L to compare the performance of M1 with the commercial β-galactosidase from K. lactis (GODO-YNL2). Lactose was completely (>99.99%) hydrolysed by M1 and to 99.6% (w/v) by K. lactis β-galactosidase after 25 h process time. Thus, M1 was able to achieve the limit of <100 mg lactose per litre milk, which is recommended for dairy products labelled as "lactose-free". Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Active-site-directed inactivation of Aspergillus oryzae beta-galactosidase with beta-D-galactopyranosylmethyl-p-nitrophenyltriazene.

PubMed

Mega, T; Nishijima, T; Ikenaka, T

1990-04-01

beta-D-Galactopyranosylmethyl-p-nitrophenyltriazene (beta-GalMNT), a specific inhibitor of beta-galactosidase, was isolated as crystals by HPLC and its chemical and physicochemical characteristics were examined. Aspergillus oryzae beta-galactosidase was inactivated by the compound. We studied the inhibition mechanism in detail. The inhibitor was hydrolyzed by the enzyme to p-nitroaniline and an active intermediate (beta-galactopyranosylmethyl carbonium or beta-galactopyranosylmethyldiazonium), which inactivated the enzyme. The efficiency of inactivation of the enzyme (the ratio of moles of inactivated enzyme to moles of beta-GalMNT hydrolyzed by the enzyme) was 3%; the efficiency of Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase was 49%. In spite of the low efficiency, the rate of inactivation of A. oryzae enzyme was not very different from that of the E. coli enzyme, because the former hydrolyzed beta-GalMNT faster than the latter did. A. oryzae beta-galactosidase was also inactivated by p-chlorophenyl, p-tolyl, and m-nitrophenyl derivatives of beta-galactopyranosylmethyltriazene. However, E. coli beta-galactosidase was not inactivated by these triazene derivatives. The results showed that the inactivation of A. oryzae and E. coli beta-galactosidases by beta-GalMNT was an enzyme-activated and active-site-directed irreversible inactivation. The possibility of inactivation by intermediates produced nonenzymatically was ruled out for E. coli, but not for the A. oryzae enzyme.

Mini review on role of β-galactosidase in lactose intolerance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

A, Nivetha; V, Mohanasrinivasan

2017-11-01

This review mainly focuses on the role and properties of β-galactosidase in lactose intolerance and its industrial application. β-Galactosidase, hydrolyses the lactose into glucose and galactose and it is most commonly used in food based technology, particularly in the dairy manufacturing industry. This catalyst mainly focus for the improvement of new and novel products with hydrolyzed lactose, which can be appropriate for the lactose-intolerant persons, to improve the technological, texture and scientific properties of non-fermented dairy products. β-Galactosidase derived from the group of saccharides which is a converting enzymes in the family of hydrolases. They are broadly distributed in the several biological living systems. The enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose is also preferred in food based technology due to the low soluble range of lactose. The concentration lactose was found to be high in fermented dairy products such as ice cream, butter, cheese curd, yogurt, etc., can prompt extreme lactose crystallization bringing about items through a coarse, abrasive surface. Lactose hydrolysis in dairy products enhances adaptability also, richness altogether. These products are extra edible. Also for this purpose, the utilization of β-galactosidase enzyme prior to the condensing operation can reduce the lactose content to a point where lactose was no longer a problem industrial application of β-galactosidase. In Industries, due to the positive and constructive effect on intestinal bacterial microflora, different types of applications are possible in β-galactosidase enzyme.

Differential diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy: usefulness of multimodality imaging and tissue characterization with cardiac magnetic resonance.

PubMed

Izgi, Cemil; Vassiliou, Vassilis; Baksi, A John; Prasad, Sanjay K

2016-11-01

Differential diagnosis of asymmetrical left ventricular hypertrophy may be challenging, particularly in patients with history of hypertension. A middle-aged man underwent an echocardiographic examination during workup for hypertension, which unexpectedly showed significant asymmetrical septal hypertrophy and raised suspicion for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance confirmed the asymmetrical hypertrophy. No myocardial late gadolinium contrast enhancement was seen. However, precontrast T1 mapping revealed a low native myocardial T1 value. This was highly suggestive of Anderson-Fabry disease, which was subsequently proved with very low alpha galactosidase enzyme levels and mutation analysis. The case illustrates clinical usefulness of multimodality imaging and the novel tissue characterization techniques for assessment of left ventricular hypertrophy. © 2016, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Development and sensory evaluation of soy milk based yoghurt.

PubMed

Trindade, C S; Terzi, S C; Trugo, L C; Della Modesta, R C; Couri, S

2001-03-01

Yoghurts were prepared by fermentation of soy milk using a mixed starter culture containing Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Soy milk at 9 degrees Brix was homogenised under pressure (17 MPa) and fermented with and without addition of sucrose (2.0 and 2.5 g per 100 g) for 4, 5, 6 and 7 hours. The yoghurts were evaluated in terms of sensory quality, pH, titrable acidity, phytic acid and oligosaccharides: A yoghurt with the best sensory quality was obtained using the homogenised soy milk with 2% sucrose addition and fermented for 6 h. Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus did not produce phytases and alpha-galactosidases at the experimental conditions, consequently, phytic acid and galactosides were not affected by the process.

High-level expression of recombinant beta-galactosidases in Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus sakei using a Sakacin P-based expression system.

PubMed

Halbmayr, Elisabeth; Mathiesen, Geir; Nguyen, Thu-Ha; Maischberger, Thomas; Peterbauer, Clemens K; Eijsink, Vincent G H; Haltrich, Dietmar

2008-06-25

This work presents the cloning and expression of the genes encoding heterodimeric beta-galactosidases from Lactobacillus reuteri L103, Lactobacillus acidophilus R22, Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1, and Lactobacillus sakei Lb790. These enzymes consist of two subunits of approximately 73 and 35 kDa, which are encoded by two overlapping genes, lacL and lacM, respectively. We have cloned these genes into the lactobacillal expression vectors pSIP403 and pSIP409, which are based on the sakacin P operon of L. sakei ( Sørvig et al. Microbiology 2005, 151, 2439- 2449 ), and expressed them in the host strains L. plantarum WCFS1 and L. sakei Lb790. Results varied considerably, ranging from 2.23 to 61.1 U/mg of beta-galactosidase activity, depending on the origin of the lacLM genes, the host strain, and the expression vector used. Highest expression levels were obtained in a laboratory cultivation of L. plantarum WCFS1 harboring the plasmid pEH3R containing the lacLM gene from L. reuteri L103. These cultivations yielded approximately 23 000 U of beta-galactosidase activity per liter, corresponding to the formation of roughly 100 mg of recombinant protein per liter of fermentation medium, and beta-galactosidase levels amounted to 55% of the total intracellular protein of the host organism. To further verify the suitability of this expression system, recombinant beta-galactosidase from L. reuteri was purified to apparent homogeneity. The properties of the purified enzyme were essentially identical with the properties of purified native beta-galactosidase from L. reuteri L103. The presented results lead the way to efficient overproduction of beta-galactosidase in a food-grade expression system, which is of high interest for applications in food industry.

CK2(beta)tes gene encodes a testis-specific isoform of the regulatory subunit of casein kinase 2 in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Kalmykova, Alla I; Shevelyov, Yuri Y; Polesskaya, Oksana O; Dobritsa, Anna A; Evstafieva, Alexandra G; Boldyreff, Brigitte; Issinger, Olaf-Georg; Gvozdev, Vladimir A

2002-03-01

An earlier described CK2(beta)tes gene of Drosophila melanogaster is shown to encode a male germline specific isoform of regulatory beta subunit of casein kinase 2. Western-analysis using anti-CK2(beta)tes Ig revealed CK2(beta)tes protein in Drosophila testes extract. Expression of a CK2(beta)tes-beta-galactosidase fusion protein driven by the CK2(beta)tes promoter was found in transgenic flies at postmitotic stages of spermatogenesis. Examination of biochemical characteristics of a recombinant CK2(beta)tes protein expressed in Escherichia coli revealed properties similar to those of CK2beta: (a) CK2(beta)tes protein stimulates CK2alpha catalytic activity toward synthetic peptide; (b) it inhibits phosphorylation of calmodulin and mediates stimulation of CK2alpha by polylysine; (c) it is able to form (CK2(beta)tes)2 dimers, as well as (CK2alpha)2(CK2(beta)tes)2 tetramers. Using the yeast two-hybrid system and coimmunoprecipitation analysis of protein extract from Drosophila testes, we demonstrated an association between CK2(beta)tes and CK2alpha. Northern-analysis has shown that another regulatory (beta') subunit found recently in D. melanogaster genome is also testis-specific. Thus, we describe the first example of two tissue-specific regulatory subunits of CK2 which might serve to provide CK2 substrate recognition during spermatogenesis.

Mannostatin A, a new glycoprotein-processing inhibitor.

PubMed

Tropea, J E; Kaushal, G P; Pastuszak, I; Mitchell, M; Aoyagi, T; Molyneux, R J; Elbein, A D

1990-10-30

Mannostatin A is a metabolite produced by the microorganism Streptoverticillium verticillus and reported to be a potent competitive inhibitor of rat epididymal alpha-mannosidase. When tested against a number of other arylglycosidases, mannostatin A was inactive toward alpha- and beta-glucosidase and galactosidase as well as beta-mannosidase, but it was a potent inhibitor of jack bean, mung bean, and rat liver lysosomal alpha-mannosidases, with estimated IC50's of 70 nM, 450 nM, and 160 nM, respectively. The type of inhibition was competitive in nature. This compound also proved to be an effective competitive inhibitor of the glycoprotein-processing enzyme mannosidase II (IC50 of about 10-15 nM with p-nitrophenyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside as substrate, and about 90 nM with [3H]mannose-labeled GlcNAc-Man5GlcNAc as substrate). However, it was virtually inactive toward mannosidase I. The N-acetylated derivative of mannostatin A had no inhibitory activity. In cell culture studies, mannostatin A also proved to be a potent inhibitor of glycoprotein processing. Thus, in influenza virus infected Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, mannostatin A blocked the normal formation of complex types of oligosaccharides on the viral glycoproteins and caused the accumulation of hybrid types of oligosaccharides. This observation is in keeping with other data which indicate that the site of action of mannostatin A is mannosidase II. Thus, mannostatin A represents the first nonalkaloidal processing inhibitor and adds to the growing list of chemical structures that can have important biological activity.

Mycobacterium intermedium sp. nov.

PubMed

Meier, A; Kirschner, P; Schröder, K H; Wolters, J; Kroppenstedt, R M; Böttger, E C

1993-04-01

Strains of a new type of slowly growing mycobacterium were repeatedly isolated from sputum from a patient with pulmonary disease. This photochromogenic organism grew at 22, 31, 37, and 41 degrees C, possessed catalase, acid phosphatase, esterase, beta-galactosidase, and arylsulfatase activities, and hydrolyzed Tween. It did not produce nicotinic acid or have nitrate reductase, acetamidase, benzamidase, isonicotinamidase, nicotinamidase, pyrazinamidase, succinidamidase, and acid phosphatase activities. Urease activity was variable. The organism is susceptible to ethambutol and resistant to isoniazid and streptomycin. A mycolic acid analysis revealed the presence of alpha-mycolates, alpha'-mycolates, and keto-mycolates. The results of comparative 16S rRNA sequencing placed this organism at an intermediate position between the rapidly and slowly growing mycobacteria. On the basis of the pattern of enzymatic activities and metabolic properties, the results of fatty acid analyses, and the unique 16S rRNA sequence, we propose that this organism represents a new species, for which we propose the name Mycobacterium intermedium. The type strain is strain 1669/91; a culture of this strain has been deposited in the Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen as strain DSM 44049.

alpha,beta-poly(asparthylhydrazide)-glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride copolymers (PAHy-GTA): novel polymers with potential for DNA delivery.

PubMed

Pedone, E; Cavallaro, G; Richardson, S C; Duncan, R; Giammona, G

2001-11-09

Hydrophilic polycations form complexes when mixed with plasmids. Following functionalisation with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTA) alpha,beta-poly(asparthylhydrazide) (PAHy), a water-soluble synthetic macromolecule, becomes polycationic and potentially useful for systemic gene delivery. Initially the biocompatibility of PAHy and PAHy-GTA derivatives with different degrees of positive charge substitution were studied and it was shown that PAHy-GTA was neither haemolytic nor cytotoxicity up to 1 mg/ml. After intravenous injection (125)I-labelled PAHy-GTA derivative containing 46 mol% (PAHy-GTA(b)) of trimethylammonium groups did not accumulate in the liver (4.1+/-0.9% of the recovered dose after 1 h) but was subjected to renal excretion (45+/-21% of the recovered dose was in the kidneys after 1 h). PAHy-GTA formed complexes with DNA (gel retardation) and they protected against degradation by DNase II. Finally the ability of the PAHy-GTA(b) derivative to mediate the transfection of HepG2 cells using the marker gene beta-galactosidase was studied. The optimum plasmid/polymer mass ratio was examined in comparison to LipofectACE, Lipofectin and polyethylenimine.

Production of 2-Aminophenoxazin-3-one by Staphylococcus aureus Causes False-Positive Results in β-Galactosidase Assays

PubMed Central

Tse, Herman; Chan, Elaine; Lam, Ching-Wan; Leung, Ka-Fai; Chow, Pat; Lee, Kim-Chung; Sze, Kong-Hung; Cheung, Stanley K. K.; Tse, Man-Kit; Ho, Pak-Leung; Leung, Sze-Pui; Lau, Susanna K. P.; Woo, Patrick C. Y.

2012-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus can be distinguished from similar coagulase-positive staphylococci by its absence of β-galactosidase activity. This is commonly tested using o-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside (ONPG) as the substrate. Unexpectedly, 111 and 58 of 123 isolates displayed apparent β-galactosidase activity in the ONPG assay and on the Vitek 2 system, respectively. Compositional analysis showed that the yellow coloration of the positive ONPG assay resulted from production of 2-aminophenoxazin-3-one. Alternative β-galactosidase substrates like X-Gal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-d-galactopyranoside) should be used for testing staphylococci. PMID:22972831

Enzyme replacement for GM1-gangliosidosis: Uptake, lysosomal activation, and cellular disease correction using a novel β-galactosidase:RTB lectin fusion.

PubMed

Condori, Jose; Acosta, Walter; Ayala, Jorge; Katta, Varun; Flory, Ashley; Martin, Reid; Radin, Jonathan; Cramer, Carole L; Radin, David N

2016-02-01

New enzyme delivery technologies are required for treatment of lysosomal storage disorders with significant pathologies associated with the so-called "hard-to-treat" tissues and organs. Genetic deficiencies in the GLB1 gene encoding acid β-galactosidase lead to GM1-gangliosidosis or Morquio B, lysosomal diseases with predominant disease manifestation associated with the central nervous system or skeletal system, respectively. Current lysosomal ERTs are delivered into cells based on receptor-mediated endocytosis and do not effectively address several hard-to-treat organs including those critical for GM1-gangliosidosis patients. Lectins provide alternative cell-uptake mechanisms based on adsorptive-mediated endocytosis and thus may provide unique biodistribution for lysosomal disease therapeutics. In the current study, genetic fusions of the plant galactose/galactosamine-binding lectin, RTB, and the human acid β-galactosidase enzyme were produced using a plant-based bioproduction platform. β-gal:RTB and RTB:β-gal fusion products retained both lectin activity and β-galactosidase activity. Purified proteins representing both fusion orientations were efficiently taken up into GM1 patient fibroblasts and mediated the reduction of GM1 ganglioside substrate with activities matching mammalian cell-derived β-galactosidase. In contrast, plant-derived β-gal alone was enzymatically active but did not mediate uptake or correction indicating the need for either lectin-based (plant product) or mannose-6-phosphate-based (mammalian product) delivery. Native β-galactosidase undergoes catalytic activation (cleavage within the C-terminal region) in lysosomes and is stabilized by association with protective protein/cathepsin A. Enzymatic activity and lysosomal protein processing of the RTB fusions were assessed following internalization into GM1 fibroblasts. Within 1-4h, both β-gal:RTB and RTB:β-gal were processed to the ~64kDa "activated" β-gal form; the RTB lectin was cleaved and rapidly degraded. The activated β-gal was still detected at 48h suggesting interactions with protective protein/cathepsin A. Uptake-saturation analyses indicated that the RTB adsorptive-mediated mechanisms of β-gal:RTB supported significantly greater accumulation of β-galactose activity in fibroblasts compared to the receptor-mediated mechanisms of the mammalian cell-derived β-gal. These data demonstrate that plant-made β-gal:RTB functions as an effective replacement enzyme for GM1-gangliosidosis - delivering enzyme into cells, enabling essential lysosomal processing, and mediating disease substrate clearance at the cellular level. RTB provides novel uptake behaviors and thus may provide new receptor-independent strategies that could broadly impact lysosomal disease treatments. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Combinational Use of CRISPR/Cas9 and Targeted Toxin Technology Enables Efficient Isolation of Bi-Allelic Knockout Non-Human Mammalian Clones.

PubMed

Watanabe, Satoshi; Sakurai, Takayuki; Nakamura, Shingo; Miyoshi, Kazuchika; Sato, Masahiro

2018-04-04

Recent advances in genome editing systems such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein-9 nuclease (CRISPR/Cas9) have facilitated genomic modification in mammalian cells. However, most systems employ transient treatment with selective drugs such as puromycin to obtain the desired genome-edited cells, which often allows some untransfected cells to survive and decreases the efficiency of generating genome-edited cells. Here, we developed a novel targeted toxin-based drug-free selection system for the enrichment of genome-edited cells. Cells were transfected with three expression vectors, each of which carries a guide RNA (gRNA), humanized Cas9 ( hCas9 ) gene, or Clostridium perfringens -derived endo-β-galactosidase C ( EndoGalC ) gene. Once EndoGalC is expressed in a cell, it digests the cell-surface α-Gal epitope, which is specifically recognized by BS-I-B₄ lectin (IB4). Three days after transfection, these cells were treated with cytotoxin saporin-conjugated IB4 (IB4SAP) for 30 min at 37 °C prior to cultivation in a normal medium. Untransfected cells and those weakly expressing EndoGalC will die due to the internalization of saporin. Cells transiently expressing EndoGalC strongly survive, and some of these surviving clones are expected to be genome-edited bi-allelic knockout (KO) clones due to their strong co-expression of gRNA and hCas9. When porcine α-1,3-galactosyltransferase gene, which can synthesize the α-Gal epitope, was attempted to be knocked out, 16.7% and 36.7% of the surviving clones were bi-allelic and mono-allelic knockout (KO) cells, respectively, which was in contrast to the isolation of clones in the absence of IB4SAP treatment. Namely, 0% and 13.3% of the resulting clones were bi-allelic and mono-allelic KO cells, respectively. A similar tendency was seen when other target genes such as DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 2 and transforming growth factor-β receptor type 1 gene were targeted to be knocked out. Our results indicate that a combination of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and targeted toxin technology using IB4SAP allows efficient enrichment of genome-edited clones, particularly bi-allelic KO clones.

Acrylamide induces accelerated endothelial aging in a human cell model.

PubMed

Sellier, Cyril; Boulanger, Eric; Maladry, François; Tessier, Frédéric J; Lorenzi, Rodrigo; Nevière, Rémi; Desreumaux, Pierre; Beuscart, Jean-Baptiste; Puisieux, François; Grossin, Nicolas

2015-09-01

Acrylamide (AAM) has been recently discovered in food as a Maillard reaction product. AAM and glycidamide (GA), its metabolite, have been described as probably carcinogenic to humans. It is widely established that senescence and carcinogenicity are closely related. In vitro, endothelial aging is characterized by replicative senescence in which primary cells in culture lose their ability to divide. Our objective was to assess the effects of AAM and GA on human endothelial cell senescence. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured in vitro were used as model. HUVECs were cultured over 3 months with AAM or GA (1, 10 or 100 μM) until growth arrest. To analyze senescence, β-galactosidase activity and telomere length of HUVECs were measured by cytometry and semi-quantitative PCR, respectively. At all tested concentrations, AAM or GA reduced cell population doubling compared to the control condition (p < 0.001). β-galactosidase activity in endothelial cells was increased when exposed to AAM (≥10 μM) or GA (≥1 μM) (p < 0.05). AAM (≥10 μM) or GA (100 μM) accelerated telomere shortening in HUVECs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, in vitro chronic exposure to AAM or GA at low concentrations induces accelerated senescence. This result suggests that an exposure to AAM might contribute to endothelial aging. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biosynthesis, processing, and subcellular localization of rat spermbeta-D-galactosidase.

PubMed

Chayko, C A; Orgebin-Crist, M C; Skudlarek, M D; Tulsiani, D R

2000-09-01

During spermatogenesis, spermatids synthesize constituent proteins present in mature spermatozoa; however, little information exists on the molecular processes involved. In previous studies, this laboratory reported the characterization of rat sperm beta-D-galactosidase. In this paper, we report the localization of this enzyme along with its biosynthesis and processing. An antibody against rat luminal fluid beta-D-galactosidase was used to immunolocalize the enzyme in the testis and in epididymal spermatozoa. We found that beta-D-galactosidase is localized within the acrosomal cap of spermatids and in the acrosome and cytoplasmic droplet of epididymal spermatozoa. A combination of germ cell radiolabeling, immunoprecipitation, SDS-PAGE, and autoradiography revealed that spermatids produce two forms of beta-D-galactosidase, 90 and 88 kDa. During pulse-chase analysis, a 56-kDa form appeared. Treatment of beta-D-galactosidase immunoprecipitates from testicular spermatozoa with N-glycanase or Endo H revealed that both the 90- and 88-kDa forms become a 70-kDa polypeptide on SDS-PAGE. Since Endo H or N-glycanase treatment provided similar results, the presence of extensive N-linked high mannose/hybrid-type glycans on these proteins is indicated. Treatment of the 56-kDa form of beta-D-galactosidase with Endo H or N-glycanase resulted in the appearance of 52- and 50-kDa forms, respectively. This result suggests that the 56-kDa form contains N-linked high mannose/hybrid as well as complex oligosaccharides. During epididymal maturation, the 90-kDa form of beta-D-galactosidase persists in caput epididymal spermatozoa and is gradually converted to a major 74-kDa form in cauda spermatozoa. In addition to the 90- to 74-kDa forms, cauda spermatozoa show a 56- to 52-kDa form on Western immunoblots. Since only the high-molecular weight forms of beta-D-galactosidase are present on immunoblots of isolated sperm heads, we suggest that they are acrosomal in origin and that the 56-kDa form, which is processed to 52 kDa in cauda spermatozoa, is associated with the cytoplasmic droplet.

A Blended- Rather Than Whole-Lentil Meal with or without α-Galactosidase Mildly Increases Healthy Adults’ Appetite but Not Their Glycemic Response123

PubMed Central

Anguah, Katherene O-B; Wonnell, Brittany S; Campbell, Wayne W; McCabe, George P; McCrory, Megan A

2014-01-01

Background: Disrupting the physical structure of pulses by blending them or by using a digestive supplement (α-galactosidase) to reduce intestinal discomfort could potentially negate the previously observed beneficial effects of whole pulses of lowering appetitive and glycemic responses because of more rapid digestion. Objective: We hypothesized that blended lentils, α-galactosidase, or both increase postprandial appetite and blood glucose responses vs. whole lentils. Methods: Men and women [n = 12; means ± SDs body mass index (kg/m2): 23.3 ± 3.1; aged 28 ± 10 y] consumed breakfast meals containing whole (W), blended (B), or no lentils [control (C)], each with 3 α-galactosidase or placebo capsules in a randomized, crossover, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Between each test day there was a 3- to 5-d washout period. Results: Mixed-model ANOVA showed effects of meal on postprandial appetite and glucose (P = 0.0001–0.031). The B meal resulted in higher postprandial appetite ratings than did the W meal but not the C meal for hunger, desire to eat, and prospective consumption (Δ = 0.4–0.5 points; P = 0.002–0.044). Postprandial glucose concentration was 4.5 mg/dL lower for the B meal than for the C meal (P < 0.0001) but did not differ from the W meal. There were no main effects of α-galactosidase, but there were meal × α-galactosidase interaction effects, with a greater postprandial desire to eat and lower postprandial fullness with the B meal than with the 2 other meals in the placebo condition but not in the α-galactosidase condition. Conclusions: Blending lentils increased appetite (∼6%), but not glycemic response, compared with whole lentils, whereas α-galactosidase did not. Both B and W meals may be consumed (with or without an α-galactosidase supplement) with little impact on appetite, without increasing glycemic response. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02110511. PMID:25411033

Mutually exclusive expression of human red and green visual pigment-reporter transgenes occurs at high frequency in murine cone photoreceptors.

PubMed

Wang, Y; Smallwood, P M; Cowan, M; Blesh, D; Lawler, A; Nathans, J

1999-04-27

This study examines the mechanism of mutually exclusive expression of the human X-linked red and green visual pigment genes in their respective cone photoreceptors by asking whether this expression pattern can be produced in a mammal that normally carries only a single X-linked visual pigment gene. To address this question, we generated transgenic mice that carry a single copy of a minimal human X chromosome visual pigment gene array in which the red and green pigment gene transcription units were replaced, respectively, by alkaline phosphatase and beta-galactosidase reporters. As determined by histochemical staining, the reporters are expressed exclusively in cone photoreceptor cells. In 20 transgenic mice carrying any one of three independent transgene insertion events, an average of 63% of expressing cones have alkaline phosphatase activity, 10% have beta-galactosidase activity, and 27% have activity for both reporters. Thus, mutually exclusive expression of red and green pigment transgenes can be achieved in a large fraction of cones in a dichromat mammal, suggesting a facile evolutionary path for the development of trichromacy after visual pigment gene duplication. These observations are consistent with a model of visual pigment expression in which stochastic pairing occurs between a locus control region and either the red or the green pigment gene promotor.

Homodimeric β-Galactosidase from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus DSM 20081: Expression in Lactobacillus plantarum and Biochemical Characterization

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

The lacZ gene from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus DSM 20081, encoding a β-galactosidase of the glycoside hydrolase family GH2, was cloned into different inducible lactobacillal expression vectors for overexpression in the host strain Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1. High expression levels were obtained in laboratory cultivations with yields of approximately 53000 U of β-galactosidase activity per liter of medium, which corresponds to ∼170 mg of recombinant protein per liter and β-galactosidase levels amounting to 63% of the total intracellular protein of the host organism. The wild-type (nontagged) and histidine-tagged recombinant enzymes were purified to electrophoretic homogeneity and further characterized. β-Galactosidase from L. bulgaricus was used for lactose conversion and showed very high transgalactosylation activity. The maximum yield of galacto-oligosaccharides (GalOS) was approximately 50% when using an initial concentration of 600 mM lactose, indicating that the enzyme can be of interest for the production of GalOS. PMID:22283494

Homodimeric β-galactosidase from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus DSM 20081: expression in Lactobacillus plantarum and biochemical characterization.

PubMed

Nguyen, Tien-Thanh; Nguyen, Hoang Anh; Arreola, Sheryl Lozel; Mlynek, Georg; Djinović-Carugo, Kristina; Mathiesen, Geir; Nguyen, Thu-Ha; Haltrich, Dietmar

2012-02-22

The lacZ gene from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus DSM 20081, encoding a β-galactosidase of the glycoside hydrolase family GH2, was cloned into different inducible lactobacillal expression vectors for overexpression in the host strain Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1. High expression levels were obtained in laboratory cultivations with yields of approximately 53000 U of β-galactosidase activity per liter of medium, which corresponds to ~170 mg of recombinant protein per liter and β-galactosidase levels amounting to 63% of the total intracellular protein of the host organism. The wild-type (nontagged) and histidine-tagged recombinant enzymes were purified to electrophoretic homogeneity and further characterized. β-Galactosidase from L. bulgaricus was used for lactose conversion and showed very high transgalactosylation activity. The maximum yield of galacto-oligosaccharides (GalOS) was approximately 50% when using an initial concentration of 600 mM lactose, indicating that the enzyme can be of interest for the production of GalOS.

Safety and efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy in the nephropathy of Fabry disease

PubMed Central

Fervenza, Fernando C; Torra, Roser; Warnock, David G

2008-01-01

Kidney involvement with progressive loss of kidney function (Fabry nephropathy) is an important complication of Fabry disease, an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder arising from deficiency of α-galactosidase activity. Clinical trials have shown that enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human α-galactosidase clears globotriaosylceramide from kidney cells, and can stabilize kidney function in patients with mild to moderate Fabry nephropathy. Recent trials show that patients with more advanced Fabry nephropathy and overt proteinuria do not respond as well to ERT alone, but can benefit from anti-proteinuric therapy given in conjunction with ERT. This review focuses on the use of enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase-alfa and agalsidase-beta in adults with Fabry nephropathy. The current results are reviewed and evaluated. The issues of dosing of enzyme replacement therapy, the use of adjunctive agents to control urinary protein excretion, and the individual factors that affect disease severity are reviewed. PMID:19707461

Thermostability of Probiotics and Their α -Galactosidases and the Potential for Bean Products.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaoli; Champagne, Claude P; Lee, Byong H; Boye, Joyce I; Casgrain, Michel

2014-01-01

Soybeans and other pulses contain oligosaccharides which may cause intestinal disturbances such as flatulence. This study was undertaken to investigate α -galactosidase-producing probiotics added to frozen foods which can survive warming treatments used in thawing and consumption of the pulses. The maximum α -galactosidase activity (1.26 U/mg protein) was found in Bifidobacterium breve S46. Lactobacillus casei had the highest α -galactosidase thermostability among the various strains, with D values of 35, 29, and 9.3 minutes at 50°C, 55°C, and 60°C, respectively. The enzyme activity was less affected than viable cells by heating. However, the D values of two bacterial enzymes were lower than those of three commercial α -galactosidase-containing products. Freshly grown cells and their enzymes were more stable than the rehydrated cultures and their enzymes. Practical Application. Enzymes and cultures can be added to foods in order to enhance the digestibility of carbohydrates in the gastrointestinal tract. However since many foods are warmed, it is important that the thermostability of the enzymes be assessed. This paper provides data on the stability of α -galactosidase, which could potentially be added to food matrices containing stachyose or raffinose, such as beans.

The expression of β-galactosidase during long-term cultured goat skin fibroblasts and the effect of donor cell passage on in vitro development of nuclear transfer embryos.

PubMed

Liu, Haijun; Peng, Hui; Liu, Fang; Ma, Qun; Zhang, Wenchang

2016-05-01

The present study aimed to detect the expression of β-galactosidase during long-term cultured goat skin fibroblasts and investigate the effects of donor goat age, sex, and cell passage on senescence and the effects of donor cell passage on in vitro development of nuclear transfer embryos. The results showed that, in the same cell passage, more β-galactosidase-positive cells were detected in cells from older donors than younger donors. Irrespective of the donor age, the number of positive cells was higher in later passages from passages 20 to 50. In the same passage from 20 to 50, the β-galactosidase-positive rate was higher in cells from 5-yr female goat than 5-yr male goat. Using fibroblasts from male goats at various passages as donor cells, reconstructed embryos had similar fusion and cleavage rates, but the blastocyst rate was higher for cells at passages 10 and 20 than passage 30. In conclusion, donor goat age and cell passage had significant effects on the β-galactosidase-positive rate; also, cells from 5-yr female goat had a higher β-galactosidase-positive rate than those from 5-yr male goat, and the donor cell passage affected the developmental potential of nuclear transfer embryos.

Lactose Hydrolysis in Milk and Dairy Whey Using Microbial β-Galactosidases

PubMed Central

Dutra Rosolen, Michele; Gennari, Adriano; Volpato, Giandra; Volken de Souza, Claucia Fernanda

2015-01-01

This work aimed at evaluating the influence of enzyme concentration, temperature, and reaction time in the lactose hydrolysis process in milk, cheese whey, and whey permeate, using two commercial β-galactosidases of microbial origins. We used Aspergillus oryzae (at temperatures of 10 and 55°C) and Kluyveromyces lactis (at temperatures of 10 and 37°C) β-galactosidases, both in 3, 6, and 9 U/mL concentrations. In the temperature of 10°C, the K. lactis β-galactosidase enzyme is more efficient in the milk, cheese whey, and whey permeate lactose hydrolysis when compared to A. oryzae. However, in the enzyme reaction time and concentration conditions evaluated, 100% lactose hydrolysis was not reached using the K. lactis β-galactosidase. The total lactose hydrolysis in whey and permeate was obtained with the A. oryzae enzyme, when using its optimum temperature (55°C), at the end of a 12 h reaction, regardless of the enzyme concentration used. For the lactose present in milk, this result occurred in the concentrations of 6 and 9 U/mL, with the same time and temperature conditions. The studied parameters in the lactose enzymatic hydrolysis are critical for enabling the application of β-galactosidases in the food industry. PMID:26587283

Lactose Hydrolysis in Milk and Dairy Whey Using Microbial β-Galactosidases.

PubMed

Dutra Rosolen, Michele; Gennari, Adriano; Volpato, Giandra; Volken de Souza, Claucia Fernanda

2015-01-01

This work aimed at evaluating the influence of enzyme concentration, temperature, and reaction time in the lactose hydrolysis process in milk, cheese whey, and whey permeate, using two commercial β-galactosidases of microbial origins. We used Aspergillus oryzae (at temperatures of 10 and 55°C) and Kluyveromyces lactis (at temperatures of 10 and 37°C) β-galactosidases, both in 3, 6, and 9 U/mL concentrations. In the temperature of 10°C, the K. lactis β-galactosidase enzyme is more efficient in the milk, cheese whey, and whey permeate lactose hydrolysis when compared to A. oryzae. However, in the enzyme reaction time and concentration conditions evaluated, 100% lactose hydrolysis was not reached using the K. lactis β-galactosidase. The total lactose hydrolysis in whey and permeate was obtained with the A. oryzae enzyme, when using its optimum temperature (55°C), at the end of a 12 h reaction, regardless of the enzyme concentration used. For the lactose present in milk, this result occurred in the concentrations of 6 and 9 U/mL, with the same time and temperature conditions. The studied parameters in the lactose enzymatic hydrolysis are critical for enabling the application of β-galactosidases in the food industry.

Thermostability of Probiotics and Their α-Galactosidases and the Potential for Bean Products

PubMed Central

Liu, Xiaoli; Champagne, Claude P.; Lee, Byong H.; Boye, Joyce I.; Casgrain, Michel

2014-01-01

Soybeans and other pulses contain oligosaccharides which may cause intestinal disturbances such as flatulence. This study was undertaken to investigate α-galactosidase-producing probiotics added to frozen foods which can survive warming treatments used in thawing and consumption of the pulses. The maximum α-galactosidase activity (1.26 U/mg protein) was found in Bifidobacterium breve S46. Lactobacillus casei had the highest α-galactosidase thermostability among the various strains, with D values of 35, 29, and 9.3 minutes at 50°C, 55°C, and 60°C, respectively. The enzyme activity was less affected than viable cells by heating. However, the D values of two bacterial enzymes were lower than those of three commercial α-galactosidase-containing products. Freshly grown cells and their enzymes were more stable than the rehydrated cultures and their enzymes. Practical Application. Enzymes and cultures can be added to foods in order to enhance the digestibility of carbohydrates in the gastrointestinal tract. However since many foods are warmed, it is important that the thermostability of the enzymes be assessed. This paper provides data on the stability of α-galactosidase, which could potentially be added to food matrices containing stachyose or raffinose, such as beans. PMID:24744923

Sensitive spectroscopic detection of large and denatured protein aggregates in solution by use of the fluorescent dye Nile red.

PubMed

Sutter, Marc; Oliveira, Sabrina; Sanders, Niek N; Lucas, Bart; van Hoek, Arie; Hink, Mark A; Visser, Antonie J W G; De Smedt, Stefaan C; Hennink, Wim E; Jiskoot, Wim

2007-03-01

The fluorescent dye Nile red was used as a probe for the sensitive detection of large, denatured aggregates of the model protein beta-galactosidase (E. coli) in solution. Aggregates were formed by irreversible heat denaturation of beta-galactosidase below and above the protein's unfolding temperature of 57.4 degrees C, and the presence of aggregates in heated solutions was confirmed by static light scattering. Interaction of Nile red with beta-galactosidase aggregates led to a shift of the emission maximum (lambda (max)) from 660 to 611 nm, and to an increase of fluorescence intensity. Time-resolved fluorescence and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) measurements showed that Nile red detected large aggregates with hydrodynamic radii around 130 nm. By steady-state fluorescence measurements, it was possible to detect 1 nM of denatured and aggregated beta-galactosidase in solution. The comparison with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) showed that native beta-galactosidase and small aggregates thereof had no substantial effect on the fluorescence of Nile red. Large aggregates were not detected by SEC, because they were excluded from the column. The results with beta-galactosidase demonstrate the potential of Nile red for developing complementary analytical methods that overcome the size limitations of SEC, and can detect the formation of large protein aggregates at early stages.

Successful reinstitution of agalsidase beta therapy in Fabry disease patients with previous IgE-antibody or skin-test reactivity to the recombinant enzyme.

PubMed

Bodensteiner, David; Scott, C Ronald; Sims, Katherine B; Shepherd, Gillian M; Cintron, Rebecca D; Germain, Dominique P

2008-05-01

To determine if enzyme replacement therapy, involving intravenous infusions of recombinant human alpha-galactosidase A (agalsidase beta; Fabrazyme), could be safely continued in patients with Fabry disease who had been withdrawn from a previous clinical trial as a precautionary, protocol-specified measure due to detection of serum IgE antibodies or skin-test reactivity to agalsidase beta. The rechallenge infusion protocol specified strict patient monitoring conditions and graded dosing and infusion-rate schemes that were adjusted according to each patient's tolerance to the infusion. Six males (age: 26-66 years) were enrolled. During rechallenge, five patients received between 4 and 27 infusions; one patient voluntarily withdrew after one infusion because of recurrence of infusion-associated reactions. No anaphylactic reactions occurred. All adverse events, including four serious adverse events, were mild or moderate in intensity. Most treatment-related adverse events occurred during infusions (most commonly urticaria, vomiting, nausea, chills, pruritus, hypertension) and were resolved by infusion rate reductions and/or medication. After participation in the study, all patients, including the one who withdrew after one infusion, transitioned to commercial drug. Agalsidase beta therapy can be successfully reinstated in patients with Fabry disease who have developed IgE antibodies or skin test reactivity to the recombinant enzyme.

Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer with Gc Protein-Derived Macrophage-Activating Factor, GcMAF.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Nobuto; Suyama, Hirofumi; Yamamoto, Nobuyuki

2008-07-01

Serum Gc protein (known as vitamin D(3)-binding protein) is the precursor for the principal macrophage-activating factor (MAF). The MAF precursor activity of serum Gc protein of prostate cancer patients was lost or reduced because Gc protein was deglycosylated by serum alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (Nagalase) secreted from cancerous cells. Therefore, macrophages of prostate cancer patients having deglycosylated Gc protein cannot be activated, leading to immunosuppression. Stepwise treatment of purified Gc protein with immobilized beta-galactosidase and sialidase generated the most potent MAF (termed GcMAF) ever discovered, which produces no adverse effect in humans. Macrophages activated by GcMAF develop a considerable variation of receptors that recognize the abnormality in malignant cell surface and are highly tumoricidal. Sixteen nonanemic prostate cancer patients received weekly administration of 100 ng of GcMAF. As the MAF precursor activity increased, their serum Nagalase activity decreased. Because serum Nagalase activity is proportional to tumor burden, the entire time course analysis for GcMAF therapy was monitored by measuring the serum Nagalase activity. After 14 to 25 weekly administrations of GcMAF (100 ng/week), all 16 patients had very low serum Nagalase levels equivalent to those of healthy control values, indicating that these patients are tumor-free. No recurrence occurred for 7 years.

Functional metagenomics reveals novel β-galactosidases not predictable from gene sequences.

PubMed

Cheng, Jiujun; Romantsov, Tatyana; Engel, Katja; Doxey, Andrew C; Rose, David R; Neufeld, Josh D; Charles, Trevor C

2017-01-01

The techniques of metagenomics have allowed researchers to access the genomic potential of uncultivated microbes, but there remain significant barriers to determination of gene function based on DNA sequence alone. Functional metagenomics, in which DNA is cloned and expressed in surrogate hosts, can overcome these barriers, and make important contributions to the discovery of novel enzymes. In this study, a soil metagenomic library carried in an IncP cosmid was used for functional complementation for β-galactosidase activity in both Sinorhizobium meliloti (α-Proteobacteria) and Escherichia coli (γ-Proteobacteria) backgrounds. One β-galactosidase, encoded by six overlapping clones that were selected in both hosts, was identified as a member of glycoside hydrolase family 2. We could not identify ORFs obviously encoding possible β-galactosidases in 19 other sequenced clones that were only able to complement S. meliloti. Based on low sequence identity to other known glycoside hydrolases, yet not β-galactosidases, three of these ORFs were examined further. Biochemical analysis confirmed that all three encoded β-galactosidase activity. Lac36W_ORF11 and Lac161_ORF7 had conserved domains, but lacked similarities to known glycoside hydrolases. Lac161_ORF10 had neither conserved domains nor similarity to known glycoside hydrolases. Bioinformatic and structural modeling implied that Lac161_ORF10 protein represented a novel enzyme family with a five-bladed propeller glycoside hydrolase domain. By discovering founding members of three novel β-galactosidase families, we have reinforced the value of functional metagenomics for isolating novel genes that could not have been predicted from DNA sequence analysis alone.

Heterologous expression of a recombinant lactobacillal β-galactosidase in Lactobacillus plantarum: effect of different parameters on the sakacin P-based expression system.

PubMed

Nguyen, Tien-Thanh; Nguyen, Hoang-Minh; Geiger, Barbara; Mathiesen, Geir; Eijsink, Vincent G H; Peterbauer, Clemens K; Haltrich, Dietmar; Nguyen, Thu-Ha

2015-03-07

Two overlapping genes lacL and lacM (lacLM) encoding for heterodimeric β-galactosidase from Lactobacillus reuteri were previously cloned and over-expressed in the food-grade host strain Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1, using the inducible lactobacillal pSIP expression system. In this study, we analyzed different factors that affect the production of recombinant L. reuteri β-galactosidase. Various factors related to the cultivation, i.e. culture pH, growth temperature, glucose concentration, as well as the induction conditions, including cell concentration at induction point and inducer concentration, were tested. Under optimal fermentation conditions, the maximum β-galactosidase levels obtained were 130 U/mg protein and 35-40 U/ml of fermentation broth corresponding to the formation of approximately 200 mg of recombinant protein per litre of fermentation medium. As calculated from the specific activity of the purified enzyme (190 U/mg), β-galactosidase yield amounted to roughly 70% of the total soluble intracellular protein of the host organism. It was observed that pH and substrate (glucose) concentration are the most prominent factors affecting the production of recombinant β-galactosidase. The over-expression of recombinant L. reuteri β-galactosidase in a food-grade host strain was optimized, which is of interest for applications of this enzyme in the food industry. The results provide more detailed insight into these lactobacillal expression systems and confirm the potential of the pSIP system for efficient, tightly controlled expression of enzymes and proteins in lactobacilli.

Application of α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase and α-galactosidase in AB to O red blood cells conversion.

PubMed

Gao, Hongwei; Li, Subo; Tan, Yingxia; Ji, Shouping; Wang, Yingli; Bao, Guoqiang; Xu, Lijuan; Gong, Feng

2013-02-01

Enzymatical conversion of A or B RBCs into group O RBCs (ECORBCs) was achieved by using α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase and α-galactosidase, respectively. Now, we initiated AB to O-RBC conversion by using these two enzymes together. But α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase and α-galactosidase's preserving and their reaction buffer were quite different. The aim of this study is to confirm an available system for converting AB to O RBCs, especially to study the maximal permission amount of PCS which was brought to the system-accompanied enzyme addition. Enzyme activity was detected by using GalNAc-pNp or Gal-pNp as substrates. The efficiency of the conversion of A or B antigen was evaluated by routine method and measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. The optimal buffer component and the doses of α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase and α-galactosidase were confirmed according to A and B antigen epitope removal efficiency. The activity of α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase and α-galactosidase was not decreased drastically when they were kept in PCS Buffer in 4°C. The optimal reaction buffer composed of glycine 250 mM and NaCl 3 mM, pH 6.8 and PCS less than 10%(v/v). For converting A(1)B to O RBCs completely, the doses of α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase and α-galactosidase were confirmed as 0.015 mg/ml packed RBCs(pRBCs) for A(1) antigen epitopes and 0.005 mg/ml pRBCs for B epitopes. Approximately 0.004 mg α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase and 0.005 mg α-galactosidase were required to convert 1 ml pRBCs. Our studies indicated that α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase and α-galactosidase were stable in PCS buffer and a modified protocol which was propitious to converting AB to O RBCs was provided.

Hooked on α-d-galactosidases: from biomedicine to enzymatic synthesis.

PubMed

Bakunina, Irina Yu; Balabanova, Larissa A; Pennacchio, Angela; Trincone, Antonio

2016-01-01

α-d-Galactosidases (EC 3.2.1.22) are enzymes employed in a number of useful bio-based applications. We have depicted a comprehensive general survey of α-d-galactosidases from different origin with special emphasis on marine example(s). The structures of natural α-galactosyl containing compounds are described. In addition to 3D structures and mechanisms of action of α-d-galactosidases, different sources, natural function and genetic regulation are also covered. Finally, hydrolytic and synthetic exploitations as free or immobilized biocatalysts are reviewed. Interest in the synthetic aspects during the next years is anticipated for access to important small molecules by green technology with an emphasis on alternative selectivity of this class of enzymes from different sources.

MALDI-TOF and cluster-TOF-SIMS imaging of Fabry disease biomarkers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Touboul, David; Roy, Sandrine; Germain, Dominique P.; Chaminade, Pierre; Brunelle, Alain; Laprevote, Olivier

2007-02-01

Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder of glycosphingolipid metabolism, in which a partial or total deficiency of [alpha]-galactosidase A, a lysosomal enzyme, results in the progressive accumulation of neutral glycosphingolipids (globotriaosylceramide and digalactosylceramide) in most fluids and tissues of the body. Few information is available about the composition and distribution in tissues of the accumulated glycosphingolipids species. Mass spectrometry imaging is an innovative technique, which can provide pieces of information about the distribution of numerous biological compounds, such as lipids, directly on the tissue sections. MALDI-TOF and cluster-TOF-SIMS imaging approaches were used to study the localization of lipids (cholesterol, cholesterol sulfate, vitamin E, glycosphingolipids ...) on skin and kidney sections of patients affected by the Fabry disease. Numerous information on pathophysiology were enlightened by both techniques.

Modification to the Capsid of the Adenovirus Vector That Enhances Dendritic Cell Infection and Transgene-Specific Cellular Immune Responses

PubMed Central

Worgall, Stefan; Busch, Annette; Rivara, Michael; Bonnyay, David; Leopold, Philip L.; Merritt, Robert; Hackett, Neil R.; Rovelink, Peter W.; Bruder, Joseph T.; Wickham, Thomas J.; Kovesdi, Imi; Crystal, Ronald G.

2004-01-01

Adenovirus (Ad) gene transfer vectors can be used to transfer and express antigens and function as strong adjuvants and thus are useful platforms for the development of genetic vaccines. Based on the hypothesis that Ad vectors with enhanced infectibility of dendritic cells (DC) may be able to evoke enhanced immune responses against antigens encoded by the vector in vivo, the present study analyzes the vaccine potential of an Ad vector expressing β-galactosidase as a model antigen and genetically modified with RGD on the fiber knob [AdZ.F(RGD)] to more selectively infect DC and consequently enhance immunity against the β-galactosidase antigen. Infection of murine DC in vitro with AdZ.F(RGD) showed an eightfold-increased transgene expression following infection compared to AdZ (also expressing β-galactosidase, but with a wild-type capsid). Binding, cellular uptake, and trafficking in DC were also increased with AdZ.F(RGD) compared to AdZ. To determine whether AdZ.F(RGD) could evoke enhanced immune responses to β-galactosidase in vivo, C57BL/6 mice were immunized with AdZ.F(RGD) or AdZ subcutaneously via the footpad. Humoral responses with both vectors were comparable, with similar anti-β-galactosidase antibody levels following vector administration. However, cellular responses to β-galactosidase were significantly enhanced, with the frequency of CD4+ as well as the CD8+ β-galactosidase-specific gamma interferon response in cells isolated from the draining lymph nodes increased following immunization with AdZ.F(RGD) compared to Ad.Z (P < 0.01). Importantly, this enhanced cellular immune response of the AdZ.F(RGD) vector was sufficient to evoke enhanced inhibition of the growth of preexisting tumors expressing β-galactosidase: BALB/c mice implanted with the CT26 syngeneic β-galactosidase-expressing colon carcinoma cell line and subsequently immunized with AdZ.F(RGD) showed decreased tumor growth and improved survival compared to mice immunized with AdZ. These data demonstrate that addition of an RGD motif to the Ad fiber knob increases the infectibility of DC and leads to enhanced cellular immune responses to the Ad-transferred transgene, suggesting that the RGD capsid modification may be useful in developing Ad-based vaccines. PMID:14963160

ATF6α regulates morphological changes associated with senescence in human fibroblasts

PubMed Central

Martin, Nathalie; Saas, Laure; Cormenier, Johanna; Malaquin, Nicolas; Huot, Ludovic; Slomianny, Christian; Bouali, Fatima; Vercamer, Chantal; Hot, David; Pourtier, Albin; Chevet, Eric; Abbadie, Corinne; Pluquet, Olivier

2016-01-01

Cellular senescence is known as an anti-tumor barrier and is characterized by a number of determinants including cell cycle arrest, senescence associated β-galactosidase activity and secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators. Senescent cells are also subjected to enlargement, cytoskeleton-mediated shape changes and organelle alterations. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for these last changes remain still uncharacterized. Herein, we have identified the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) as a player controlling some morphological aspects of the senescent phenotype. We show that senescent fibroblasts exhibit ER expansion and mild UPR activation, but conserve an ER stress adaptive capacity similar to that of exponentially growing cells. By genetically invalidating the three UPR sensors in senescent fibroblasts, we demonstrated that ATF6α signaling dictates senescence-associated cell shape modifications. We also show that ER expansion and increased secretion of the pro-inflammatory mediator IL6 were partly reversed by silencing ATF6α in senescent cells. Moreover, ATF6α drives the increase of senescence associated-β-galactosidase activity. Collectively, these findings unveil a novel and central role for ATF6α in the establishment of morphological features of senescence in normal human primary fibroblasts. PMID:27563820

ATF6α regulates morphological changes associated with senescence in human fibroblasts.

PubMed

Druelle, Clémentine; Drullion, Claire; Deslé, Julie; Martin, Nathalie; Saas, Laure; Cormenier, Johanna; Malaquin, Nicolas; Huot, Ludovic; Slomianny, Christian; Bouali, Fatima; Vercamer, Chantal; Hot, David; Pourtier, Albin; Chevet, Eric; Abbadie, Corinne; Pluquet, Olivier

2016-10-18

Cellular senescence is known as an anti-tumor barrier and is characterized by a number of determinants including cell cycle arrest, senescence associated β-galactosidase activity and secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators. Senescent cells are also subjected to enlargement, cytoskeleton-mediated shape changes and organelle alterations. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for these last changes remain still uncharacterized. Herein, we have identified the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) as a player controlling some morphological aspects of the senescent phenotype. We show that senescent fibroblasts exhibit ER expansion and mild UPR activation, but conserve an ER stress adaptive capacity similar to that of exponentially growing cells. By genetically invalidating the three UPR sensors in senescent fibroblasts, we demonstrated that ATF6α signaling dictates senescence-associated cell shape modifications. We also show that ER expansion and increased secretion of the pro-inflammatory mediator IL6 were partly reversed by silencing ATF6α in senescent cells. Moreover, ATF6α drives the increase of senescence associated-β-galactosidase activity. Collectively, these findings unveil a novel and central role for ATF6α in the establishment of morphological features of senescence in normal human primary fibroblasts.

Structural Explanation for Allolactose (lac Operon Inducer) Synthesis by lacZ β-Galactosidase and the Evolutionary Relationship between Allolactose Synthesis and the lac Repressor

PubMed Central

Wheatley, Robert W.; Lo, Summie; Jancewicz, Larisa J.; Dugdale, Megan L.; Huber, Reuben E.

2013-01-01

β-Galactosidase (lacZ) has bifunctional activity. It hydrolyzes lactose to galactose and glucose and catalyzes the intramolecular isomerization of lactose to allolactose, the lac operon inducer. β-Galactosidase promotes the isomerization by means of an acceptor site that binds glucose after its cleavage from lactose and thus delays its exit from the site. However, because of its relatively low affinity for glucose, details of this site have remained elusive. We present structural data mapping the glucose site based on a substituted enzyme (G794A-β-galactosidase) that traps allolactose. Various lines of evidence indicate that the glucose of the trapped allolactose is in the acceptor position. The evidence includes structures with Bis-Tris (2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2′,2″-nitrilotriethanol) and l-ribose in the site and kinetic binding studies with substituted β-galactosidases. The site is composed of Asn-102, His-418, Lys-517, Ser-796, Glu-797, and Trp-999. Ser-796 and Glu-797 are part of a loop (residues 795–803) that closes over the active site. This loop appears essential for the bifunctional nature of the enzyme because it helps form the glucose binding site. In addition, because the loop is mobile, glucose binding is transient, allowing the release of some glucose. Bioinformatics studies showed that the residues important for interacting with glucose are only conserved in a subset of related enzymes. Thus, intramolecular isomerization is not a universal feature of β-galactosidases. Genomic analyses indicated that lac repressors were co-selected only within the conserved subset. This shows that the glucose binding site of β-galactosidase played an important role in lac operon evolution. PMID:23486479

Two Distinct States of Escherichia coli Cells That Overexpress Recombinant Heterogeneous β-Galactosidase*

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yun; He, Wei; Liu, Wei-Feng; Liu, Chun-Chun; Feng, Li-Kui; Sun, Lei; Yan, Yong-Bin; Hang, Hai-Ying

2012-01-01

The mechanism by which inclusion bodies form is still not well understood, partly because the dynamic processes of the inclusion body formation and its solubilization have hardly been investigated at an individual cell level, and so the important detailed information has not been acquired for the mechanism. In this study, we investigated the in vivo folding and aggregation of Aspergillus phoenicis β-d-galactosidase fused to a red fluorescence protein in individual Escherichia coli cells. The folding status and expression level of the recombinant β-d-galactosidase at an individual cell level was analyzed by flow cytometry in combination with transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting. We found that individual E. coli cells fell into two distinct states, one containing only inclusion bodies accompanied with low galactosidase activity and the other containing the recombinant soluble galactosidase accompanied with high galactosidase activity. The majority of the E. coli cells in the later state possessed no inclusion bodies. The two states of the cells were shifted to a cell state with high enzyme activity by culturing the cells in isopropyl 1-thio-β-d-galactopyranoside-free medium after an initial protein expression induction in isopropyl 1-thio-β-d-galactopyranoside-containing medium. This shift of the cell population status took place without the level change of the β-d-galactosidase protein in individual cells, indicating that the factor(s) besides the crowdedness of the recombinant protein play a major role in the cell state transition. These results shed new light on the mechanism of inclusion body formation and will facilitate the development of new strategies in improving recombinant protein quality. PMID:22303013

Differential Expression of Three α-Galactosidase Genes and a Single β-Galactosidase Gene from Aspergillus niger

PubMed Central

de Vries, Ronald P.; van den Broeck, Hetty C.; Dekkers, Ester; Manzanares, Paloma; de Graaff, Leo H.; Visser, Jaap

1999-01-01

A gene encoding a third α-galactosidase (AglB) from Aspergillus niger has been cloned and sequenced. The gene consists of an open reading frame of 1,750 bp containing six introns. The gene encodes a protein of 443 amino acids which contains a eukaryotic signal sequence of 16 amino acids and seven putative N-glycosylation sites. The mature protein has a calculated molecular mass of 48,835 Da and a predicted pI of 4.6. An alignment of the AglB amino acid sequence with those of other α-galactosidases revealed that it belongs to a subfamily of α-galactosidases that also includes A. niger AglA. A. niger AglC belongs to a different subfamily that consists mainly of prokaryotic α-galactosidases. The expression of aglA, aglB, aglC, and lacA, the latter of which encodes an A. niger β-galactosidase, has been studied by using a number of monomeric, oligomeric, and polymeric compounds as growth substrates. Expression of aglA is only detected on galactose and galactose-containing oligomers and polymers. The aglB gene is expressed on all of the carbon sources tested, including glucose. Elevated expression was observed on xylan, which could be assigned to regulation via XlnR, the xylanolytic transcriptional activator. Expression of aglC was only observed on glucose, fructose, and combinations of glucose with xylose and galactose. High expression of lacA was detected on arabinose, xylose, xylan, and pectin. Similar to aglB, the expression on xylose and xylan can be assigned to regulation via XlnR. All four genes have distinct expression patterns which seem to mirror the natural substrates of the encoded proteins. PMID:10347026

Generation and Characterization of Environmentally Sensitive Variants of the β-Galactosidase from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus

PubMed Central

Yoast, Sienna; Adams, Robin M.; Mainzer, Stanley E.; Moon, Keith; Palombella, Anthony L.; Schmidt, Brian F.

1994-01-01

A method is described for generating and screening variants of the β-galactosidase from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus sensitive to several environmental stresses, with potential application in the food industry. Chemical mutagenesis with hydroxylamine or methoxylamine was performed on the β-galactosidase gene carried on an Escherichia coli expression vector. Mutants sensitive to cold, heat, low pH, low magnesium concentration, and the presence of urea were isolated by screening for reduced color development on β-galactosidase indicator plates. The mutations responsible for three variant β-galactosidases were localized, and the base substitutions were determined by DNA sequencing. The amino acid alterations associated with one low-pH-sensitive (pHs) and two urea-sensitive (Us) variants correspond to P584L (pHs1), G400S/R479Q (Us26), and G167E/E168K/E363K/V492M (Us17), respectively. Mutant pHs1 is also heat, cold, low magnesium, and urea sensitive; Us26 is also cold sensitive; and Us17 is also low-pH sensitive. PMID:16349230

Fabry disease

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Fabry disease (FD) is a progressive, X-linked inherited disorder of glycosphingolipid metabolism due to deficient or absent lysosomal α-galactosidase A activity. FD is pan-ethnic and the reported annual incidence of 1 in 100,000 may underestimate the true prevalence of the disease. Classically affected hemizygous males, with no residual α-galactosidase A activity may display all the characteristic neurological (pain), cutaneous (angiokeratoma), renal (proteinuria, kidney failure), cardiovascular (cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia), cochleo-vestibular and cerebrovascular (transient ischemic attacks, strokes) signs of the disease while heterozygous females have symptoms ranging from very mild to severe. Deficient activity of lysosomal α-galactosidase A results in progressive accumulation of globotriaosylceramide within lysosomes, believed to trigger a cascade of cellular events. Demonstration of marked α-galactosidase A deficiency is the definitive method for the diagnosis of hemizygous males. Enzyme analysis may occasionnally help to detect heterozygotes but is often inconclusive due to random X-chromosomal inactivation so that molecular testing (genotyping) of females is mandatory. In childhood, other possible causes of pain such as rheumatoid arthritis and 'growing pains' must be ruled out. In adulthood, multiple sclerosis is sometimes considered. Prenatal diagnosis, available by determination of enzyme activity or DNA testing in chorionic villi or cultured amniotic cells is, for ethical reasons, only considered in male fetuses. Pre-implantation diagnosis is possible. The existence of atypical variants and the availability of a specific therapy singularly complicate genetic counseling. A disease-specific therapeutic option - enzyme replacement therapy using recombinant human α-galactosidase A - has been recently introduced and its long term outcome is currently still being investigated. Conventional management consists of pain relief with analgesic drugs, nephroprotection (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptors blockers) and antiarrhythmic agents, whereas dialysis or renal transplantation are available for patients experiencing end-stage renal failure. With age, progressive damage to vital organ systems develops and at some point, organs may start to fail in functioning. End-stage renal disease and life-threatening cardiovascular or cerebrovascular complications limit life-expectancy of untreated males and females with reductions of 20 and 10 years, respectively, as compared to the general population. While there is increasing evidence that long-term enzyme therapy can halt disease progression, the importance of adjunctive therapies should be emphasized and the possibility of developing an oral therapy drives research forward into active site specific chaperones. PMID:21092187

Influence of Camembert consumption on the composition and metabolism of intestinal microbiota: a study in human microbiota-associated rats.

PubMed

Lay, Christophe; Sutren, Malène; Lepercq, Pascale; Juste, Catherine; Rigottier-Gois, Lionel; Lhoste, Evelyne; Lemée, Riwanon; Le Ruyet, Pascale; Doré, Joël; Andrieux, Claude

2004-09-01

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the consequence of Camembert consumption on the composition and metabolism of human intestinal microbiota. Camembert cheese was compared with milk fermented by yoghurt starters and Lactobacillus casei as a probiotic reference. The experimental model was the human microbiota-associated (HM) rat. HM rats were fed a basal diet (HMB group), a diet containing Camembert made from pasteurised milk (HMCp group) or a diet containing fermented milk (HMfm group). The level of micro-organisms from dairy products was measured in faeces using cultures on a specific medium and PCR-temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis. The metabolic characteristics of the caecal microbiota were also studied: SCFA, NH3, glycosidase and reductase activities, and bile acid degradations. The results showed that micro-organisms from cheese comprised 10(5)-10(8) bacteria/g faecal sample in the HMCp group. Lactobacillus species from fermented milk were detected in HMfm rats. Consumption of cheese and fermented milk led to similar changes in bacterial metabolism: a decrease in azoreductase activity and NH3 concentration and an increase in mucolytic activities. However, specific changes were observed: in HMCp rats, the proportion of ursodeoxycholic resulting from chenodeoxycholic epimerisation was higher; in HMfm rats, alpha and beta-galactosidases were higher than in other groups and both azoreductases and nitrate reductases were lower. The results show that, as for fermented milk, Camembert consumption did not greatly modify the microbiota profile or its major metabolic activities. Ingested micro-organisms were able to survive in part during intestinal transit. These dairy products exert a potentially beneficial influence on intestinal metabolism.

HSV-1 infection of human corneal epithelial cells: receptor-mediated entry and trends of re-infection.

PubMed

Shah, Arpeet; Farooq, Asim V; Tiwari, Vaibhav; Kim, Min-Jung; Shukla, Deepak

2010-11-20

The human cornea is a primary target for herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection. The goals of the study were to determine the cellular modalities of HSV-1 entry into human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells. Specific features of the study included identifying major entry receptors, assessing pH dependency, and determining trends of re-infection. A recombinant HSV-1 virus expressing beta-galactosidase was used to ascertain HSV-1 entry into HCE cells. Viral replication within cells was confirmed using a time point plaque assay. Lysosomotropic agents were used to test for pH dependency of entry. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry were used to determine expression of three cellular receptors--nectin-1, herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), and paired immunoglobulin-like 2 receptor alpha (PILR-a). The necessity of these receptors for viral entry was tested using antibody-blocking. Finally, trends of re-infection were investigated using viral entry assay and flow cytometry post-primary infection. Cultured HCE cells showed high susceptibility to HSV-1 entry and replication. Entry was demonstrated to be pH dependent as blocking vesicular acidification decreased entry. Entry receptors expressed on the cell membrane include nectin-1, HVEM, and PILR-α. Receptor-specific antibodies blocked entry receptors, reduced viral entry and indicated nectin-1 as the primary receptor used for entry. Cells re-infected with HSV-1 showed a decrease in entry, which was correlated to decreased levels of nectin-1 as demonstrated by flow cytometry. HSV-1 is capable of developing an infection in HCE cells using a pH dependent entry process that involves primarily nectin-1 but also the HVEM and PILR-α receptors. Re-infected cells show decreased levels of entry, correlated with a decreased level of nectin-1 receptor expression.

Identification and characterization of a novel β-galactosidase from Victivallis vadensis ATCC BAA-548, an anaerobic fecal bacterium.

PubMed

Temuujin, Uyangaa; Chi, Won-Jae; Park, Jae-Sun; Chang, Yong-Keun; Song, Jae Yang; Hong, Soon-Kwang

2012-12-01

Victivallis vadensis ATCC BAA-548 is a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium that was isolated from a human fecal sample. From the genomic sequence of V. vadensis, one gene was found to encode agarase; however, its enzymatic properties have never been characterized. The gene encoding the putative agarase (NCBI reference number ZP_01923925) was cloned by PCR and expressed in E. coli Rosetta-gami by using the inducible T(7) promoter of pET28a(+). The expressed protein with a 6×His tag at the N-terminus was named His6-VadG925 and purified as a soluble protein by Ni(2+)-NTA agarose affinity column chromatography. The purification of the enzyme was 26.8-fold, with a yield of 73.2% and a specific activity of 1.02 U/mg of protein. The purified His6-VadG925 produced a single band with an approximate MW of 155 kDa, which is consistent with the calculated value (154,660 Da) including the 6×His tag. Although VadG925 and many of its homologs were annotated as agarases, it did not hydrolyze agarose. Instead, purified His(6)-VadG925 hydrolyzed an artificial chromogenic substrate, p-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside, but not p-nitrophenyl-α-D-galactopyranoside. The optimum pH and temperature for this β-galactosidase activity were pH 7.0 and 40°C, respectively. The K(m) and V(max) of His6-VadG925 towards p-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside were 1.69 mg/ml (0.0056 M) and 30.3 U/mg, respectively. His6-VadG925 efficiently hydrolyzed lactose into glucose and galactose, which was demonstrated by TLC and mass spectroscopy. These results clearly demonstrated that VadG925 is a novel β-galactosidase that can hydrolyze lactose, which is unusual because of its low homology to validated β-galactosidases.

[Development of an orphan drug to treat a genetic disease: the paradigm of agalsidase beta].

PubMed

Germain, Dominique P; Benistan, Karelle

2007-03-01

Preclinical and phase I/II studies gave the proof of principle of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant alpha-galactosidase A through the demonstration of the clearance of the accumulated subtrate from plasma and tissues. In a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase Ill study, the biological efficacy of recombinant alpha-galactosidose A (agalsidase beta 1 mg/kg/714 days) was demonstrated on the basis of complete clearance of accumulated globotriaosylceramide from the endothelia of the kidney, heart and skin. The phase III extension study data gives additional results: kidney function appears to be stabilized after 54 to 60 months of treatment with agolsidase beta in most patients. Intent-to-treat analysis of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase IV study, showed that, adjusted for on imbalance in baseline proteinuria, agalsidase beta significantly reduces by 53% the risk of a first clinical event (renal, cardiac and cerebrovascular), compared with placebo. Clinical benefits of ERT depend on patients' clinical status at baseline, therefore prompting for onset of ERT before irreversible damage occur and underlying the need to stratify patients' populations to better understand the outcome of ERT.

Potential Applications of Immobilized β-Galactosidase in Food Processing Industries

PubMed Central

Panesar, Parmjit S.; Kumari, Shweta; Panesar, Reeba

2010-01-01

The enzyme β-galactosidase can be obtained from a wide variety of sources such as microorganisms, plants, and animals. The use of β-galactosidase for the hydrolysis of lactose in milk and whey is one of the promising enzymatic applications in food and dairy processing industries. The enzyme can be used in either soluble or immobilized forms but the soluble enzyme can be used only for batch processes and the immobilized form has the advantage of being used in batch wise as well as in continuous operation. Immobilization has been found to be convenient method to make enzyme thermostable and to prevent the loss of enzyme activity. This review has been focused on the different types of techniques used for the immobilization of β-galactosidase and its potential applications in food industry. PMID:21234407

Disulfide Bond Formation and Activation of Escherichia coli β-Galactosidase under Oxidizing Conditions

PubMed Central

Seras-Franzoso, Joaquin; Affentranger, Roman; Ferrer-Navarro, Mario; Daura, Xavier; Villaverde, Antonio

2012-01-01

Escherichia coli β-galactosidase is probably the most widely used reporter enzyme in molecular biology, cell biology, and biotechnology because of the easy detection of its activity. Its large size and tetrameric structure make this bacterial protein an interesting model for crystallographic studies and atomic mapping. In the present study, we investigate a version of Escherichia coli β-galactosidase produced under oxidizing conditions, in the cytoplasm of an Origami strain. Our data prove the activation of this microbial enzyme under oxidizing conditions and clearly show the occurrence of a disulfide bond in the β-galactosidase structure. Additionally, the formation of this disulfide bond is supported by the analysis of a homology model of the protein that indicates that two cysteines located in the vicinity of the catalytic center are sufficiently close for disulfide bond formation. PMID:22286993

Cold active β-galactosidase from Thalassospira sp. 3SC-21 to use in milk lactose hydrolysis: a novel source from deep waters of Bay-of-Bengal.

PubMed

Ghosh, Mrinmoy; Pulicherla, K K; Rekha, V P B; Raja, P Kumar; Sambasiva Rao, K R S

2012-09-01

The cold active β-galactosidase from psychrophilic bacteria accelerate the possibility of outperforming the current commercial β-galactosidase production from mesophilic sources. The present study is carried out to screen and isolate a cold active β-galactosidase producing bacterium from profound marine waters of Bay-of-Bengal and to optimize the factors for lactose hydrolysis in milk. Isolated bacterium 3SC-21 was characterized as marine psychrotolerant, halophile, gram negative, rod shaped strain producing an intracellular cold active β-galactosidase enzyme. Further, based upon the 16S rRNA gene sequence, bacterium 3SC-21 was identified as Thalassospira sp. The isolated strain Thalassospira sp. 3SC-21 had shown the enzyme activity between 4 and 20 °C at pH of 6.5 and the enzyme was completely inactivated at 45 °C. The statistical method, central composite rotatable design of response surface methodology was employed to optimize the hydrolysis of lactose and to reveal the interactions between various factors behind this hydrolysis. It was found that maximum of 80.18 % of lactose in 8 ml of raw milk was hydrolysed at pH of 6.5 at 20 °C in comparison to 40 % of lactose hydrolysis at 40 °C, suggesting that the cold active β-galactosidase from Thalassospira sp. 3SC-21 would be best suited for manufacturing the lactose free dairy products at low temperature.

Transition-State Ensembles Navigate the Pathways of Enzyme Catalysis.

PubMed

Mickert, Matthias J; Gorris, Hans H

2018-06-07

Transition-state theory (TST) provides an important framework for analyzing and explaining the reaction rates of enzymes. TST, however, needs to account for protein dynamic effects and heterogeneities in enzyme catalysis. We have analyzed the reaction rates of β-galactosidase and β-glucuronidase at the single molecule level by using large arrays of femtoliter-sized chambers. Heterogeneities in individual reaction rates yield information on the intrinsic distribution of the free energy of activation (Δ G ‡ ) in an enzyme ensemble. The broader distribution of Δ G ‡ in β-galactosidase compared to β-glucuronidase is attributed to β-galactosidase's multiple catalytic functions as a hydrolase and a transglycosylase. Based on the catalytic mechanism of β-galactosidase, we show that transition-state ensembles do not only contribute to enzyme catalysis but can also channel the catalytic pathway to the formation of different products. We conclude that β-galactosidase is an example of natural evolution, where a new catalytic pathway branches off from an established enzyme function. The functional division of work between enzymatic substates explains why the conformational space represented by the enzyme ensemble is larger than the conformational space that can be sampled by any given enzyme molecule during catalysis.

A Family of at Least Seven β-Galactosidase Genes Is Expressed during Tomato Fruit Development

PubMed Central

Smith, David L.; Gross, Kenneth C.

2000-01-01

During our search for a cDNA encoding β-galactosidase II, a β-galactosidase/exogalactanase (EC 3.2.1.23) present during tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruit ripening, a family of seven tomato β-galactosidase (TBG) cDNAs was identified. The shared amino acid sequence identity among the seven TBG clones ranged from 33% to 79%. All contained the putative active site-containing consensus sequence pattern G-G-P-[LIVM]-x-Q-x-E-N-E-[FY] belonging to glycosyl hydrolase family 35. Six of the seven single-copy genes were mapped using restriction fragment length polymorphisms of recombinant inbred lines. RNA gel-blot analysis was used to evaluate TBG mRNA levels throughout fruit development, in different fruit tissues, and in various plant tissues. RNA gel-blot analysis was also used to reveal TBG mRNA levels in fruit of the rin, nor, and Nr tomato mutants. The TBG4-encoded protein, known to correspond to β-galactosidase II, was expressed in yeast and exo-galactanase activity was confirmed via a quantified release of galactosyl residues from cell wall fractions containing β(1→4)-d-galactan purified from tomato fruit. PMID:10889266

Genital angiokeratoma in a woman with Fabry disease: the dermatologist's role.

PubMed

Jesus, Patricia Moraes Resende de; Martins, Ana Maria; Chiacchio, Nilton Di; Aranda, Carolina Sanchez

2018-06-01

Fabry disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder, inherited in an X-linked manner. It is characterized by the deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase, leading to a buildup of glycosphingolipids in the cells. Angiokeratoma is one of the cutaneous manifestations of this condition, and it helps making the diagnosis. The typical site involves the genital area in men and lumbosacral, buttocks and trunk region in both sexes. We report a case of genital angiokeratoma in a woman with Fabry disease. The diagnosis is through molecular analysis and, when made early, starting treatment reduces the morbidity and mortality of the disease. Thus, the dermatologist has an important role in the identification of angiokeratoma as a cutaneous marker, and the knowledge of its different presentations is essential for the early diagnosis and management of Fabry disease.

Glycan structure of Gc Protein-derived Macrophage Activating Factor as revealed by mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Borges, Chad R; Rehder, Douglas S

2016-09-15

Disagreement exists regarding the O-glycan structure attached to human vitamin D binding protein (DBP). Previously reported evidence indicated that the O-glycan of the Gc1S allele product is the linear core 1 NeuNAc-Gal-GalNAc-Thr trisaccharide. Here, glycan structural evidence is provided from glycan linkage analysis and over 30 serial glycosidase-digestion experiments which were followed by analysis of the intact protein by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Results demonstrate that the O-glycan from the Gc1F protein is the same linear trisaccharide found on the Gc1S protein and that the hexose residue is galactose. In addition, the putative anti-cancer derivative of DBP known as Gc Protein-derived Macrophage Activating Factor (GcMAF, which is formed by the combined action of β-galactosidase and neuraminidase upon DBP) was analyzed intact by ESI-MS, revealing that the activating E. coli β-galactosidase cleaves nothing from the protein-leaving the glycan structure of active GcMAF as a Gal-GalNAc-Thr disaccharide, regardless of the order in which β-galactosidase and neuraminidase are applied. Moreover, glycosidase digestion results show that α-N-Acetylgalactosamindase (nagalase) lacks endoglycosidic function and only cleaves the DBP O-glycan once it has been trimmed down to a GalNAc-Thr monosaccharide-precluding the possibility of this enzyme removing the O-glycan trisaccharide from cancer-patient DBP in vivo. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Utilization of galactooligosaccharides by Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis isolates

PubMed Central

Garrido, Daniel; Ruiz-Moyano, Santiago; Jimenez-Espinoza, Rogelio; Eom, Hyun-Ju; Block, David E.; Mills, David A.

2013-01-01

Prebiotics are non-digestible substrates that stimulate the growth of beneficial microbial populations in the intestine, especially Bifidobacterium species. Among them, fructo- and galacto-oligosaccharides are commonly used in the food industry, especially as a supplement for infant formulas. Mechanistic details on the enrichment of bifidobacteria by these prebiotics are important to understand the effects of these dietary interventions. In this study the consumption of galactooligosaccharides was studied for 22 isolates of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, one of the most representative species in the infant gut microbiota. In general all isolates showed a vigorous growth on these oligosaccharides, but consumption of larger galactooligosaccharides was variable. Bifidobacterium infantis ATCC 15697 has five genes encoding β-galactosidases, and three of them were induced during bacterial growth on commercial galactooligosaccharides. Recombinant β-galactosidases from B. infantis ATCC 15697 displayed different preferences for β-galactosides such as 4′ and 6′-galactobiose, and four β-galactosidases in this strain released monosaccharides from galactooligosaccharides. Finally, we determined the amounts of short chain fatty acids produced by strain ATCC 15697 after growth on different prebiotics. We observed that biomass and product yields of substrate were higher for lactose and galactooligosaccharides, but the amount of acids produced per cell was larger after growth on human milk oligosaccharides. These results provide a molecular basis for galactooligosaccharide consumption in B. infantis, and also represent evidence for physiological differences in the metabolism of prebiotics that might have a differential impact on the host. PMID:23200660

Brain transplantation of immortalized human neural stem cells promotes functional recovery in mouse intracerebral hemorrhage stroke model.

PubMed

Lee, Hong J; Kim, Kwang S; Kim, Eun J; Choi, Hyun B; Lee, Kwang H; Park, In H; Ko, Yong; Jeong, Sang W; Kim, Seung U

2007-05-01

We have generated stable, immortalized cell lines of human NSCs from primary human fetal telencephalon cultures via a retroviral vector encoding v-myc. HB1.F3, one of the human NSC lines, expresses a normal human karyotype of 46, XX, and nestin, a cell type-specific marker for NSCs. F3 has the ability to proliferate continuously and differentiate into cells of neuronal and glial lineage. The HB1.F3 human NSC line was used for cell therapy in a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) stroke. Experimental ICH was induced in adult mice by intrastriatal administration of bacterial collagenase; 1 week after surgery, the rats were randomly divided into two groups so as to receive intracerebrally either human NSCs labeled with beta-galactosidase (n = 31) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (n = 30). Transplanted NSCs were detected by 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-d-galactoside histochemistry or double labeling with beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) and mitogen-activated protein (MAP)2, neurofilaments (both for neurons), or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (for astrocytes). Behavior of the animals was evaluated for period up to 8 weeks using modified Rotarod tests and a limb placing test. Transplanted human NSCs were identified in the perihematomal areas and differentiated into neurons (beta-gal/MAP2(+) and beta-gal/NF(+)) or astrocytes (beta-gal/GFAP(+)). The NSC-transplanted group showed markedly improved functional performance on the Rotarod test and limb placing after 2-8 weeks compared with the control PBS group (p < .001). These results indicate that the stable immortalized human NSCs are a valuable source of cells for cell replacement and gene transfer for the treatment of ICH and other human neurological disorders. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.

2-(Benzothiazol-2-yl)-phenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside derivatives as fluorescent pigment dyeing substrates and their application for the assay of β-d-galactosidase activities.

PubMed

Otsubo, Tadamune; Minami, Akira; Fujii, Haruna; Taguchi, Risa; Takahashi, Tadanobu; Suzuki, Takashi; Teraoka, Fumiteru; Ikeda, Kiyoshi

2013-04-01

2-(Benzothiazol-2-yl)-phenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside derivatives were synthesized as novel artificial fluorescent pigment dyeing substrates for β-d-galactosidase. The substrates, which exhibited non-fluorescence or weak fluorescence in solution phase, were smoothly hydrolyzed by β-d-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae and yielded a water-insoluble strong fluorescent pigment. The difference of fluorescent intensity exhibited a linear relationship with the amount of enzyme. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Induction of bphA, encoding biphenyl dioxygenase, in two polychlorinated biphenyl-degrading bacteria, psychrotolerant Pseudomonas strain Cam-1 and mesophilic Burkholderia strain LB400.

PubMed

Master, E R; Mohn, W W

2001-06-01

We investigated induction of biphenyl dioxygenase in the psychrotolerant polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) degrader Pseudomonas strain Cam-1 and in the mesophilic PCB degrader Burkholderia strain LB400. Using a counterselectable gene replacement vector, we inserted a lacZ-Gm(r) fusion cassette between chromosomal genes encoding the large subunit (bphA) and small subunit (bphE) of biphenyl dioxygenase in Cam-1 and LB400, generating Cam-10 and LB400-1, respectively. Potential inducers of bphA were added to cell suspensions of Cam-10 and LB400-1 incubated at 30 degrees C, and then beta-galactosidase activity was measured. Biphenyl induced beta-galactosidase activity in Cam-10 to a level approximately six times greater than the basal level in cells incubated with pyruvate. In contrast, the beta-galactosidase activities in LB400-1 incubated with biphenyl and in LB400-1 incubated with pyruvate were indistinguishable. At a concentration of 1 mM, most of the 40 potential inducers tested were inhibitory to induction by biphenyl of beta-galactosidase activity in Cam-10. The exceptions were naphthalene, salicylate, 2-chlorobiphenyl, and 4-chlorobiphenyl, which induced beta-galactosidase activity in Cam-10, although at levels that were no more than 30% of the levels induced by biphenyl. After incubation for 24 h at 7 degrees C, biphenyl induced beta-galactosidase activity in Cam-10 to a level approximately four times greater than the basal level in cells incubated with pyruvate. The constitutive level of beta-galactosidase activity in LB400-1 grown at 15 degrees C was approximately five times less than the level in LB400-1 grown at 30 degrees C. Thus, there are substantial differences in the effects of physical and chemical environmental conditions on genetic regulation of PCB degradation in different bacteria.

Transgalactosylation and hydrolytic activities of commercial preparations of β-galactosidase for the synthesis of prebiotic carbohydrates.

PubMed

Guerrero, Cecilia; Vera, Carlos; Conejeros, Raúl; Illanes, Andrés

2015-03-01

β-Galactosidases exhibit both hydrolytic and transgalactosylation activities; the former has been used traditionally for the production of delactosed milk and dairies, while the latter is being increasingly used for the synthesis of lactose-derived oligosaccharides: balance between both activities was highly dependent on the enzyme origin: β-galactosidases from Aspegillus oryzae and Bacillus circulans exhibited high transgalactosylation activity, while those from one from Kluyveromyces exhibited high hydrolytic activity but quite low transgalactosylation activity. Also the affinity for the donors (lactose or lactulose) and the acceptors (lactose, lactulose or fructose) of transgalactosylated galactose was dependent on the enzyme origin, as reflected by the Michaelis constants obtained in the synthesis of galacto-oligosaccharides, fructosyl-galacto-oligosaccharides and lactulose. Finally, the balance between transgalactosylation and hydrolytic activities of β-galactosidases could be tuned by changing the concentration of galactose donor. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nano-coating of beta-galactosidase onto the surface of lactose by using an ultrasound-assisted technique.

PubMed

Genina, Natalja; Räikkönen, Heikki; Heinämäki, Jyrki; Veski, Peep; Yliruusi, Jouko

2010-06-01

We nano-coated powdered lactose particles with the enzyme beta-galactosidase using an ultrasound-assisted technique. Atomization of the enzyme solution did not change its activity. The amount of surface-attached beta-galactosidase was measured through its enzymatic reaction product D-galactose using a standardized method. A near-linear increase was obtained in the thickness of the enzyme coat as the treatment proceeded. Interestingly, lactose, which is a substrate for beta-galactosidase, did not undergo enzymatic degradation during processing and remained unchanged for at least 1 month. Stability of protein-coated lactose was due to the absence of water within the powder, as it was dry after the treatment procedure. In conclusion, we were able to attach the polypeptide to the core particles and determine precisely the coating efficiency of the surface-treated powder using a simple approach.

Effect of cultivating conditions on α-galactosidase production by a novel Aspergillus foetidus ZU-G1 strain in solid-state fermentation

PubMed Central

Liu, Cai-qin; Chen, Qi-he; Cheng, Qian-jun; Wang, Jin-ling; He, Guo-qing

2007-01-01

The work is intended to achieve optimum culture conditions of α-galactosidase production by a mutant strain Aspergillus foetidus ZU-G1 in solid-state fermentation (SSF). Certain fermentation parameters involving moisture content, incubation temperature, cultivation period of seed, inoculum volume, initial pH value, layers of pledget, load size of medium and period of cultivation were investigated separately. The optimal cultivating conditions of α-galactosidase production in SSF were 60% initial moisture of medium, 28 °C incubation temperature, 18 h cultivation period of seed, 10% inoculum volume, 5.0~6.0 initial pH of medium, 6 layers of pledget and 10 g dry matter loadage. Under the optimized cultivation conditions, the maximum α-galactosidase production was 2 037.51 U/g dry matter near the 144th hour of fermentation. PMID:17542067

Enzyme Characteristics of β-d-Galactosidase- and β-d-Glucuronidase-Positive Bacteria and Their Interference in Rapid Methods for Detection of Waterborne Coliforms and Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Tryland, I.; Fiksdal, L.

1998-01-01

Bacteria which were β-d-galactosidase and β-d-glucuronidase positive or expressed only one of these enzymes were isolated from environmental water samples. The enzymatic activity of these bacteria was measured in 25-min assays by using the fluorogenic substrates 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-d-galactoside and 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-d-glucuronide. The enzyme activity, enzyme induction, and enzyme temperature characteristics of target and nontarget bacteria in assays aimed at detecting coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli were investigated. The potential interference of false-positive bacteria was evaluated. Several of the β-d-galactosidase-positive nontarget bacteria but none of the β-d-glucuronidase-positive nontarget bacteria contained unstable enzyme at 44.5°C. The activity of target bacteria was highly inducible. Nontarget bacteria were induced much less or were not induced by the inducers used. The results revealed large variations in the enzyme levels of different β-d-galactosidase- and β-d-glucuronidase-positive bacteria. The induced and noninduced β-d-glucuronidase activities of Bacillus spp. and Aerococcus viridans were approximately the same as the activities of induced E. coli. Except for some isolates identified as Aeromonas spp., all of the induced and noninduced β-d-galactosidase-positive, noncoliform isolates exhibited at least 2 log units less mean β-d-galactosidase activity than induced E. coli. The noncoliform bacteria must be present in correspondingly higher concentrations than those of target bacteria to interfere in the rapid assay for detection of coliform bacteria. PMID:9501441

The transplantation of neural stem cells and predictive factors in hematopoietic recovery in irradiated mice.

PubMed

Filip, S; Mokrý, J; Karbanová, J; Vávrová, J; Vokurková, J; Bláha, M; English, D

2005-04-01

A number of surprising observations have shown that stem cells, in suitable conditions, have the ability to produce a whole spectrum of cell types, regardless, whether these tissues are derived from the same germ layer or not. This phenomenon is called stem cell plasticity, which means that tissue-specific stem cells are mutually interchangeable. In our experiments, as a model, we used neural stem cells (NSCs) harvested from fetal (E14-15) neocortex and beta-galactosidase positive. In the first experiment we found that on days 12 and 30 after sub-lethal irradiation (LD 8.5 Gy) and (beta-galactosidase(+)) NSCs transplantation all mice survived, just as the group with bone marrow transplantation. Moreover, the bone marrow of mice transplanted NSCs contained the number of CFU-GM colonies with beta-galactosidase(+) cells which was as much as 50% higher. These differences were statistically significant, p<0.001. In the second experiment, we studied kinetics of (beta-galactosidase(+)) NSCs after their transplantation to sub-lethally irradiated mice. Histochemistry of tissues was performed on days 12 and 30 post-transplantation, and beta-galactosidase(+) cells were detected with the help of histochemical examination of removed tissues (lung, liver, spleen, thymus, and skeletal muscle). In tissues removed on day 12 post-transplantation, we found a significantly higher number of beta-galactosidase(+) cells in the spleen and thymus on day 30. While we presumed the presence beta-galactosidase(+) cells in the spleen, as spleen and reticuloendothelial system represent an important retaining system for different cell types, the presence of beta-galactosidase(+) cells in the thymus was rather surprising but very interesting. This indicates a certain mutual and close interconnection of transplanted stem cells and immune system in an adult organism. In the third experiment, we verified the mutual interchange of Sca-1 surface antigen in the bone marrow cells and NSCs before transplantation. Analysis of this antigen showed 24.8% Sca-1 positive cells among the bone marrow cells, while NSCs were Sca-1 negative. Our experiments show that NSCs share hemopoietic identity and may significantly influence the recovery of damaged hematopoiesis but do not have typical superficial markers as HSCs. This result is important for the determination of predictive factors for hemopoiesis recovery, for stem cell plasticity and for their use in the cell therapy.

Safety and efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase beta: an international, open-label study in pediatric patients with Fabry disease.

PubMed

Wraith, J Edmond; Tylki-Szymanska, Anna; Guffon, Nathalie; Lien, Y Howard; Tsimaratos, Michel; Vellodi, Ashok; Germain, Dominique P

2008-04-01

To evaluate the safety and explore the efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase beta (recombinant human alpha-galactosidase A; Fabrazyme [Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA]) in pediatric patients with Fabry disease, a genetic disorder in which deficient endogenous enzyme causes pathogenic tissue accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GL-3). Fourteen male and 2 female patients, 8 to 16 years old, were treated in this open-label study. A 12-week observation period to collect baseline data preceded the 48-week treatment period when agalsidase beta (1 mg/kg) was infused intravenously every 2 weeks. No primary efficacy end point was specified. Before treatment, results of skin biopsies from 12 male patients showed moderate or severe GL-3 accumulation in superficial dermal capillary endothelial cells; with treatment, these cells were completely cleared of GL-3 in week-24 biopsies from all 12 male patients and in all available week-48 biopsies. With treatment, reports of gastrointestinal symptoms declined steadily. Patient diaries documented significant reductions in school absences due to sickness. Agalsidase beta was generally well tolerated; most treatment-related adverse events were mild or moderate infusion-associated reactions involving rigors, fever, or rhinitis. Agalsidase beta safely and effectively reduced the GL-3 accumulation in dermal endothelium already evident in children with Fabry disease. Early intervention may prevent irreversible end-organ damage from chronic GL-3 deposition.

An efficient deletion mutant packaging system for defective herpes simplex virus vectors: Potential applications to human gene therapy and neuronal physiology

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

Geller, A.I.; Keyomarsi, K.; Bryan, J.

1990-11-01

The authors have previously described a defective herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) vector system that permits that introduction of virtually any gene into nonmitotic cells. pHSVlac, the prototype vector, stably expresses Escherichia coli {beta}-galactosidase from a constitutive promoter in many human cell lines, in cultured rat neurons from throughout the nervous system, and in cells in the adult rat brain. HSV-1 vectors expressing other genes may prove useful for studying neuronal physiology or performing human gene therapy for neurological diseases, such as Parkinson disease or brain tumors. A HSV-1 temperature-sensitive (ts) mutant, ts K, has been used as helper virus; tsmore » mutants revert to wild type. In contrast, HSV-1 deletion mutants essentially cannot revert to wild type; therefore, use of a deletion mutant as helper virus might permit human gene therapy with HSV-1 vectors. They now report an efficient packaging system for HSV-1 VECTORS USING A DELETION MUTANT, d30EBA, as helper virus; virus is grown on the complementing cell line M64A. pHSVlac virus prepared using the deletion mutant packaging system stably expresses {beta}-galactosidase in cultured rat sympathetic neurons and glia. Both D30EBA and ts K contain a mutation in the IE3 gene of HSV-1 strain 17 and have the same phenotype; therefore, changing the helper virus from ts K to D30EBA does not alter the host range or other properties of the HSV-1 vector system.« less

Reversal of Myoblast Aging by Tocotrienol Rich Fraction Posttreatment

PubMed Central

Wan Ngah, Wan Zurinah; Mouly, Vincent; Abdul Karim, Norwahidah

2013-01-01

Skeletal muscle satellite cells are heavily involved in the regeneration of skeletal muscle in response to the aging-related deterioration of the skeletal muscle mass, strength, and regenerative capacity, termed as sarcopenia. This study focused on the effect of tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) on regenerative capacity of myoblasts in stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS). The myoblasts was grouped as young control, SIPS-induced, TRF control, TRF pretreatment, and TRF posttreatment. Optimum dose of TRF, morphological observation, activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-galactosidase), and cell proliferation were determined. 50 μg/mL TRF treatment exhibited the highest cell proliferation capacity. SIPS-induced myoblasts exhibit large flattened cells and prominent intermediate filaments (senescent-like morphology). The activity of SA-β-galactosidase was significantly increased, but the proliferation capacity was significantly reduced as compared to young control. The activity of SA-β-galactosidase was significantly reduced and cell proliferation was significantly increased in the posttreatment group whereas there was no significant difference in SA-β-galactosidase activity and proliferation capacity of pretreatment group as compared to SIPS-induced myoblasts. Based on the data, we hypothesized that TRF may reverse the myoblasts aging through replenishing the regenerative capacity of the cells. However, further investigation on the mechanism of TRF in reversing the myoblast aging is needed. PMID:24349615

The validation of pharmacogenetics for the identification of Fabry patients to be treated with migalastat.

PubMed

Benjamin, Elfrida R; Della Valle, Maria Cecilia; Wu, Xiaoyang; Katz, Evan; Pruthi, Farhana; Bond, Sarah; Bronfin, Benjamin; Williams, Hadis; Yu, Julie; Bichet, Daniel G; Germain, Dominique P; Giugliani, Roberto; Hughes, Derralynn; Schiffmann, Raphael; Wilcox, William R; Desnick, Robert J; Kirk, John; Barth, Jay; Barlow, Carrolee; Valenzano, Kenneth J; Castelli, Jeff; Lockhart, David J

2017-04-01

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the α-galactosidase A gene. Migalastat, a pharmacological chaperone, binds to specific mutant forms of α-galactosidase A to restore lysosomal activity. A pharmacogenetic assay was used to identify the α-galactosidase A mutant forms amenable to migalastat. Six hundred Fabry disease-causing mutations were expressed in HEK-293 (HEK) cells; increases in α-galactosidase A activity were measured by a good laboratory practice (GLP)-validated assay (GLP HEK/Migalastat Amenability Assay). The predictive value of the assay was assessed based on pharmacodynamic responses to migalastat in phase II and III clinical studies. Comparison of the GLP HEK assay results in in vivo white blood cell α-galactosidase A responses to migalastat in male patients showed high sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (≥0.875). GLP HEK assay results were also predictive of decreases in kidney globotriaosylceramide in males and plasma globotriaosylsphingosine in males and females. The clinical study subset of amenable mutations (n = 51) was representative of all 268 amenable mutations identified by the GLP HEK assay. The GLP HEK assay is a clinically validated method of identifying male and female Fabry patients for treatment with migalastat.Genet Med 19 4, 430-438.

Structural prediction and comparative docking studies of psychrophilic β- Galactosidase with lactose, ONPG and PNPG against its counter parts of mesophilic and thermophilic enzymes.

PubMed

Kumar, Ponnada Suresh; Pulicherla, Kk; Ghosh, Mrinmoy; Kumar, Anmol; Rao, Krs Sambasiva

2011-01-01

Enzymes from psychrophiles catalyze the reactions at low temperatures with higher specific activity. Among all the psychrophilic enzymes produced, cold active β-galactosidase from marine psychrophiles revalorizes a new arena in numerous areas at industrial level. The hydrolysis of lactose in to glucose and galactose by cold active β-galactosidase offers a new promising approach in removal of lactose from milk to overcome the problem of lactose intolerance. Herein we propose, a 3D structure of cold active β-galactosidase enzyme sourced from Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis by using Modeler 9v8 and best model was developed having 88% of favourable region in ramachandran plot. Modelling was followed by docking studies with the help of Auto dock 4.0 against the three substrates lactose, ONPG and PNPG. In addition, comparative docking studies were also performed for the 3D model of psychrophilic β-galactosidase with mesophilic and thermophilic enzymes. Docking studies revealed that binding affinity of enzyme towards the three different substrates is more for psychrophilic enzyme when compared with mesophilic and thermophilic enzymes. It indicates that the enzyme has high specific activity at low temperature when compared with mesophilic and thermophilic enzymes.

Human alpha 7 acetylcholine receptor: cloning of the alpha 7 subunit from the SH-SY5Y cell line and determination of pharmacological properties of native receptors and functional alpha 7 homomers expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

PubMed

Peng, X; Katz, M; Gerzanich, V; Anand, R; Lindstrom, J

1994-03-01

The alpha-bungarotoxin-binding acetylcholine receptors from the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y were found to cross-react with some monoclonal antibodies to alpha 7 subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors from chicken brain. The human alpha 7 subunit cDNA from SH-SY5Y was cloned, revealing 94% amino acid sequence identity to rat alpha 7 subunits and 92% identity to chicken alpha 7 subunits. Native human alpha 7 receptors showed affinities for some ligands similar to those previously observed with native chicken alpha 7 receptors, but for other ligands there were large species-specific differences in binding affinity. These results paralleled properties of alpha 7 homomers expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Human alpha 7 homomers exhibited rapidly desensitizing, inwardly rectifying, agonist-induced, cation currents that triggered Ca(2+)-sensitive Cl- channels in the oocytes. A change in efficacy from partial agonist for chicken alpha 7 homomers to full agonist for human alpha 7 homomers was exhibited by 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium. This result reveals a large species-specific pharmacological difference, despite small differences in alpha 7 sequences. This is important for understanding the effects of these drugs in humans and for identifying amino acids that may contribute to the acetylcholine binding site, for analysis by in vitro mutagenesis. These results also characterize properties of native alpha 7 receptors and alpha 7 homomers that will provide criteria for functional properties expected of structural subunits, when these can be identified, cloned, and coexpressed with alpha 7 subunits.

Studies on the interaction of the Sophora japonica lectin and concanavalin A with erythrocytes and lymphocytes.

PubMed Central

Poretz, R D; Barth, R F

1976-01-01

The agglutinating activity of lectins from the seeds of Sophora japonica and Canavalia ensiformis (concanavalin A) with human and murine erythrocytes and lymphocytes have been compared to one another and related to the mitogenic and immunosuppressive properties of these purified proteins. The S. japonica lectin, which demonstrates blood group specificity, is more active than concanavalin A with human erythrocytes, but has a much lower reactivity than concanavalin A with murine red blood cells. Ficin treatment of human erythrocytes results in an increase in agglutinability by both lectins as well as causing the appearance of S. japonica lectin receptors on type O cells. Treatment of murine reythrocytes with ficin alone or followed by beta-galactosidase causes the cells to be more reactive with concanavalin A. Beta-Galactosidase alone has no observable affect on the cells. In contrast, the agglutinability of cells by the S. japonica lectin increases after ficin treatment but is not affected by beta-galaetosidose treatment either after or in the absence of ficinization. Murine lymphocytes react with both lectins in a manner paralleling the agglutination patterns of murine erythrocytes. The S. japonica lectin appears to be devoid of mitogenic and immuno-suppressive activity, in contrast to concanavalin A which suppresses the T helper-dependent antibody response to sheep erythrocytes. These results are discussed in terms of the types of lectin receptors on lymphocytes related to agglutination, induction of blastogenesis and immuno-suppression. PMID:955676

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{alpha} enhances fatty acid oxidation in human adipocytes

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

Lee, Joo-Young; Hashizaki, Hikari; Goto, Tsuyoshi

2011-04-22

Highlights: {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation increased mRNA expression levels of adipocyte differentiation marker genes and GPDH activity in human adipocytes. {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation also increased insulin-dependent glucose uptake in human adipocytes. {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation did not affect lipid accumulation in human adipocytes. {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation increased fatty acid oxidation through induction of fatty acid oxidation-related genes in human adipocytes. -- Abstract: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{alpha} (PPAR{alpha}) is a key regulator for maintaining whole-body energy balance. However, the physiological functions of PPAR{alpha} in adipocytes have been unclarified. We examined the functions of PPAR{alpha} using human multipotent adipose tissue-derived stem cells as a humanmore » adipocyte model. Activation of PPAR{alpha} by GW7647, a potent PPAR{alpha} agonist, increased the mRNA expression levels of adipocyte differentiation marker genes such as PPAR{gamma}, adipocyte-specific fatty acid-binding protein, and lipoprotein lipase and increased both GPDH activity and insulin-dependent glucose uptake level. The findings indicate that PPAR{alpha} activation stimulates adipocyte differentiation. However, lipid accumulation was not changed, which is usually observed when PPAR{gamma} is activated. On the other hand, PPAR{alpha} activation by GW7647 treatment induced the mRNA expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes such as CPT-1B and AOX in a PPAR{alpha}-dependent manner. Moreover, PPAR{alpha} activation increased the production of CO{sub 2} and acid soluble metabolites, which are products of fatty acid oxidation, and increased oxygen consumption rate in human adipocytes. The data indicate that activation of PPAR{alpha} stimulates both adipocyte differentiation and fatty acid oxidation in human adipocytes, suggesting that PPAR{alpha} agonists could improve insulin resistance without lipid accumulation in adipocytes. The expected effects of PPAR{alpha} activation are very valuable for managing diabetic conditions accompanied by obesity, because PPAR{gamma} agonists, usually used as antidiabetic drugs, induce excessive lipid accumulation in adipocytes in addition to improvement of insulin resistance.« less

Synthesis of Oligosaccharides Derived from Lactulose (OsLu) Using Soluble and Immobilized Aspergillus oryzae β-Galactosidase

PubMed Central

Cardelle-Cobas, Alejandra; Olano, Agustin; Irazoqui, Gabriela; Giacomini, Cecilia; Batista-Viera, Francisco; Corzo, Nieves; Corzo-Martínez, Marta

2016-01-01

β-Galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae offers a high yield for the synthesis of oligosaccharides derived from lactulose (OsLu) by transgalactosylation. Oligosaccharides with degree of polymerization (DP) ≥ 3 have shown to possess higher in vitro bifidogenic effect than di- and tetrasaccharides. Thus, in this work, an optimization of reaction conditions affecting the specific selectivity of A. oryzae β-galactosidase for synthesis of OsLu has been carried out to enhance OsLu with DP ≥ 3 production. Assays with β-galactosidase immobilized onto a glutaraldehyde–agarose support were also carried out with the aim of making the process cost-effective and industrially viable. Optimal conditions with both soluble and immobilized enzyme for the synthesis of OsLu with DP ≥ 3 were 50 °C, pH 6.5, 450 g/L of lactulose, and 8 U/mL of enzyme, reaching yields of ca. 50% (w/v) of total OsLu and ca. 20% (w/v) of OsLu with DP 3, being 6′-galactosyl-lactulose the major one, after a short reaction time. Selective formation of disaccharides, however, was favored at 60 °C, pH 4.5, 450 g/L of lactulose and 8 U/mL of enzyme. Immobilization increased the enzymatic stability to temperature changes and allowed to reuse the enzyme. We can conclude that the use, under determined optimal conditions, of the A. oryzae β-galactosidase immobilized on a support of glutaraldehyde–agarose constitutes an efficient and cost-effective alternative to the use of soluble β-galactosidases for the synthesis of prebiotic OsLu mixtures. PMID:27014684

Association between the organoleptic scores, oral condition and salivary β-galactosidases in children affected by halitosis.

PubMed

Petrini, M; Costacurta, M; Ferrante, M; Trentini, P; Docimo, R; Spoto, G

2014-08-01

The goal of this work is to evaluate the association between organoleptic scores, oral condition and salivary β-galactosidases, to facilitate the differential diagnosis of halitosis in children. Fifty systemically healthy children with a primary complaint of oral malodour were included in this cross-sectional study. The organoleptic evaluation was carried out by two judges, evaluating the intensity of malodour of the air exhaled 5 s through the mouth of the patients, at a distance of approximately 10 cm from their noses; the level of salivary β-galactosidases was quantified spectrophotometrically after a chromatic reaction between a salivary sample of each patient and a specific chromatic substrate of the enzyme. Clinical conditions, such as visible plaque and gingival bleeding index, tongue coating score, localized food stagnation and other oral parameters, were evaluated by qualified dentists through an oral check-up. The β-galactosidase level was significantly related to the organoleptic scores and clinical parameters, such as the tongue coating score and the visible plaque index. Stratifying results with respect to the different phase of the day at which parents complained halitosis in their children, statistical analysis showed that the organoleptic scores and the level of β-galactosidases were significantly higher in children who suffered of halitosis during the whole day, A = 40%, with respect to those without this problem, N = 20% (P = 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Certain oral parameters such as halitosis during the whole day, high tongue coating score and high visible plaque index were particularly associated with an increase in the salivary β-galactosidase level. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Strong inhibitory effect of furanoses and sugar lactones on beta-galactosidase Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Huber, R E; Brockbank, R L

1987-03-24

Various sugars and their lactones were tested for their inhibition of beta-galactosidase (Escherichia coli). L-Ribose, which in the furanose form has a hydroxyl configuration similar to that of D-galactose at positions equivalent to the 3- and 4-positions of D-galactose, was a very strong inhibitor, and D-lyxose, which in the furanose form also resembles D-galactose, was a much better inhibitor than expected. Structural comparisons prelude the pyranose forms of these sugars from being significant contributors to the inhibition, and inhibition at different temperatures (at which there are different furanose concentrations) strongly supported the conclusion that the furanose form is inhibitory. Studies with sugar derivatives that can only be in the furanose form also supported the conclusion. This is the first report of the inhibitory effect of furanose on beta-galactosidase. Lactones were also inhibitory. Every lactone tested was much more inhibitory than was its parent sugar. D-Galactonolactone was especially good. Experiments indicated that it was D-galactono-1,5-lactone rather than D-galactono-1,4-lactone which was inhibitory. Inhibition of beta-galactosidases from mammalian sources by lactones has been reported previously, but this is the first report of the effect of beta-galactosidase from E. coli. Since furanoses in the envelope form are analogous (in some ways) to half-chair or sofa conformations and since lactones with six-membered rings probably have half-chair or sofa conformations, the results indicate that beta-galactosidase probably destabilizes its substrate into a planar conformation of some type and that the galactose in the transition state may, therefore, also be quite planar.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biosensors based on β-galactosidase enzyme: Recent advances and perspectives.

PubMed

Sharma, Shiv K; Leblanc, Roger M

2017-10-15

Many industries are striving for the development of more reliable and robust β-galactosidase biosensors that exhibit high response rate, increased detection limit and enriched useful lifetime. In a newfangled technological atmosphere, a trivial advantage or disadvantage of the developed biosensor may escort to the survival and extinction of the industry. Several alternative strategies to immobilize β-galactosidase enzyme for their utilization in biosensors have been developed in recent years in the quest of maximum utility by controlling the defects seen in the previous biosensors. The overwhelming call for on-line measurement of different sample constituents has directed science and industry to search for best practical solutions and biosensors are witnessed as the best prospect. The main objective of this paper is to serve as a narrow footbridge by comparing the literary works on the β-galactosidase biosensors, critically analyze their use in the construction of best biosensor by showing the pros and cons of the predicted methods for the practical use of biosensors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Crystal structure of β1→6-galactosidase from Bifidobacterium bifidum S17: trimeric architecture, molecular determinants of the enzymatic activity and its inhibition by α-galactose.

PubMed

Godoy, Andre Schutzer; Camilo, Cesar Moises; Kadowaki, Marco Antonio; Muniz, Heloisa Dos S; Espirito Santo, Melissa; Murakami, Mario Tyago; Nascimento, Alessandro S; Polikarpov, Igor

2016-11-01

In a search for better comprehension of β-galactosidase function and specificity, we solved the crystal structures of the GH42 β-galactosidase BbgII from Bifidobacterium bifidum S17, a well-adapted probiotic microorganism from the human digestive tract, and its complex with d-α-galactose. BbgII is a three-domain molecule that forms barrel-shaped trimers in solution. BbgII interactions with d-α-galactose, a competitive inhibitor, showed a number of residues that are involved in the coordination of ligands. A combination of site-directed mutagenesis of these amino acid residues with enzymatic activity measurements confirmed that Glu161 and Glu320 are fundamental for catalysis and their substitution by alanines led to catalytically inactive mutants. Mutation Asn160Ala resulted in a two orders of magnitude decrease of the enzyme k cat without significant modification in its K m , whereas mutations Tyr289Phe and His371Phe simultaneously decreased k cat and increased K m values. Enzymatic activity of Glu368Ala mutant was too low to be detected. Our docking and molecular dynamics simulations showed that the enzyme recognizes and tightly binds substrates with β1→6 and β1→3 bonds, while binding of the substrates with β1→4 linkages is less favorable. Structural data are available in the PDB under the accession numbers 4UZS and 4UCF. © 2016 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

A defect in inducible beta-galactosidase of B lymphocytes in the osteopetrotic (mi/mi) mouse.

PubMed Central

Yamamoto, N; Naraparaju, V R

1996-01-01

Macrophages were activated by administration of an inflammatory lipid metabolite, lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-Pc), to wild type mice but not murine (microphthalmic) osteopetrotic (mi/mi) mutant mice. In vitro treatment of wild type mouse peritoneal cells with lyso-Pc efficiently activated macrophages whereas lyso-Pc-treatment of mi mutant mouse peritoneal cells resulted in no activation of macrophages. Generation of macrophage activating factor requires a precursor protein, serum vitamin D binding protein (DBP), and participation of lyso-Pc-inducible beta-galactosidase of B lymphocytes. Lyso-Pc-inducible beta-galactosidase of B lymphocytes was found to be defective in mi mutant mice. PMID:8881764

Adsorption of β-galactosidase on silica and aluminosilicate adsorbents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atyaksheva, L. F.; Dobryakova, I. V.; Pilipenko, O. S.

2015-03-01

It is shown that adsorption of β-galactosidase of Aspergillus oryzae fungi on mesoporous and biporous silica and aluminosilicate adsorbents and the rate of the process grow along with the diameter of the pores of the adsorbent. It is found that the shape of the adsorption isotherms changes as well, depending on the texture of the adsorbent: the Michaelis constant rises from 0.3 mM for the enzyme in solution to 0.4-0.5 mM for the enzyme on a surface in the hydrolysis of o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside. It is concluded that β-galactosidase displays its maximum activity on the surface of biporous adsorbents.

Study on beta-galactosidase enzymatic activity of herbal yogurt.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Banani Ray; Chakraborty, Runu; Raychaudhuri, Utpal

2008-03-01

Different types of herbal yogurts were developed by mixing standardized milk with pretreated herbs, namely tulsi leaf (Ocimum sanctum), pudina leaf (Mentha arvensis) and coriander leaf (Coriandrum sativum), with leaves separately and a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of the strains of lactic starter cultures---Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCIM 2903) and Lactobacillus plantarum (NCIM 2083)-followed by incubation at 40 degrees C for 6 h. The beta-galactosidase enzymatic activity of the abovementioned herbal yogurts was determined and interestingly noted to exhibit higher enzymatic activity compared with the control yogurt (without any herbs). Among all herbal yogurts, tulsi yogurt had the maximum beta-galactosidase activity.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction data of β-galactosidase from Aspergillus niger.

PubMed

Rico-Díaz, Agustín; Vizoso Vázquez, Ángel; Cerdán, M Esperanza; Becerra, Manuel; Sanz-Aparicio, Julia

2014-11-01

β-Galactosidase from Aspergillus niger (An-β-Gal), belonging to the family 35 glycoside hydrolases, hydrolyzes the β-galactosidase linkages in lactose and other galactosides. It is extensively used in industry owing to its high hydrolytic activity and safety. The enzyme has been expressed in yeasts and purified by immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography for crystallization experiments. The recombinant An-β-Gal, deglycosylated to avoid heterogeneity of the sample, has a molecular mass of 109 kDa. Rod-shaped crystals grew using PEG 3350 as the main precipitant agent. A diffraction data set was collected to 1.8 Å resolution.

Phytotoxic effects of Sicyos deppei (Cucurbitaceae) in germinating tomato seeds.

PubMed

Lara-Núñez, Aurora; Sánchez-Nieto, Sobeida; Luisa Anaya, Ana; Cruz-Ortega, Rocio

2009-06-01

The phytotoxic effect of allelochemicals is referred to as allelochemical stress and it is considered a biotic stress. Sicyos deppei G. Don (Cucurbitaceae) is an allelopathic weed that causes phytotoxicity in Lycopersicon esculentum, delaying seed germination and severely inhibiting radicle growth. This paper reports in in vitro conditions, the effects of the aqueous leachate of S. deppei-throughout tomato germination times-on (1) the dynamics of starch and sugars metabolism, (2) activity and expression of the cell wall enzymes involved in endosperm weakening that allows the protrusion of the radicle, and (3) whether abscisic acid (ABA) is involved in this altered metabolic processes. Results showed that S. deppei leachate on tomato seed germination mainly caused: (1) delay in starch degradation as well as in sucrose hydrolysis; (2) lower activity of sucrose phosphate synthase, cell wall invertase, and alpha-amylase; being sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) gene expression down-regulated, and the last two up regulated; (3) also, lower activity of endo beta-mannanase, beta-1,3 glucanase, alpha-galactosidase, and exo-polygalacturonase with altered gene expression; and (4) higher content of ABA during all times of germination. The phytotoxic effect of S. deppei aqueous leachate is because of the sum of many metabolic processes affected during tomato seed germination that finally is evidenced by a strong inhibition of radicle growth.

Low levels of citrin (SLC25A13) expression in adult mouse brain restricted to neuronal clusters.

PubMed

Contreras, Laura; Urbieta, Almudena; Kobayashi, Keiko; Saheki, Takeyori; Satrústegui, Jorgina

2010-04-01

The mitochondrial aspartate-glutamate carriers (AGC) aralar (SLC25A12) and citrin (SLC25A13) are components of the malate aspartate shuttle (MAS), a major intracellular pathway to transfer reducing equivalents from NADH to the mitochondrial matrix. Aralar is the main AGC isoform present in the adult brain, and it is expressed mainly in neurons. To search for the other AGC isoform, citrin, in brain glial cells, we used a citrin knockout mouse in which the lacZ gene was inserted into the citrin locus as reporter gene. In agreement with the low citrin levels known to be present in the adult mouse brain, beta-galactosidase expression was very low. Surprisingly, unlike the case with astroglial cultures that express citrin, no beta-galactosidase was found in brain glial cells. It was confined to neuronal cells within discrete neuronal clusters. Double-immunolabelling experiments showed that beta-galactosidase colocalized not with glial cell markers but with the pan-neuronal marker NeuN. The deep cerebellar nuclei and a few midbrain nuclei (reticular tegmental pontine nuclei; magnocellular red nuclei) were the regions where beta-galactosidase expression was highest, and it was up-regulated in fasted mice, as was also the case for liver beta-galactosidase. The results support the notion that glial cells have much lower AGC levels and MAS activity than neurons. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Functional analysis of variant lysosomal acid glycosidases of Anderson-Fabry and Pompe disease in a human embryonic kidney epithelial cell line (HEK 293 T).

PubMed

Ebrahim, Hatim Y; Baker, Robert J; Mehta, Atul B; Hughes, Derralynn A

2012-03-01

The functional significance of missense mutations in genes encoding acid glycosidases of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) is not always clear. Here we describe a method of investigating functional properties of variant enzymes in vitro using a human embryonic kidney epithelial cell line. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed on the parental plasmids containing cDNA encoding for alpha-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) and acid maltase (α-Glu) to prepare plasmids encoding relevant point mutations. Mutant plasmids were transfected into HEK 293 T cells, and transient over-expression of variant enzymes was measured after 3 days. We have illustrated the method by examining enzymatic activities of four unknown α-Gal A and one α-Glu variants identified in our patients with Anderson-Fabry disease and Pompe diseases respectively. Comparison with control variants known to be either pathogenic or non-pathogenic together with over-expression of wild-type enzyme allowed determination of the pathogenicity of the mutation. One leader sequence novel variant of α-Gal A (p.A15T) was shown not to significantly reduce enzyme activity, whereas three other novel α-Gal A variants (p.D93Y, p.L372P and p.T410I) were shown to be pathogenic as they resulted in significant reduction of enzyme activity. A novel α-Glu variant (p.L72R) was shown to be pathogenic as this significantly reduced enzyme activity. Certain acid glycosidase variants that have been described in association with late-onset LSDs and which are known to have variable residual plasma and leukocyte enzyme activity in patients appear to show intermediate to low enzyme activity (p.N215S and p.Q279E α-Gal A respectively) in the over-expression system.

Immunotherapy of metastatic colorectal cancer with vitamin D-binding protein-derived macrophage-activating factor, GcMAF.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Nobuto; Suyama, Hirofumi; Nakazato, Hiroaki; Yamamoto, Nobuyuki; Koga, Yoshihiko

2008-07-01

Serum vitamin D binding protein (Gc protein) is the precursor for the principal macrophage-activating factor (MAF). The MAF precursor activity of serum Gc protein of colorectal cancer patients was lost or reduced because Gc protein is deglycosylated by serum alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (Nagalase) secreted from cancerous cells. Deglycosylated Gc protein cannot be converted to MAF, leading to immunosuppression. Stepwise treatment of purified Gc protein with immobilized beta-galactosidase and sialidase generated the most potent macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) ever discovered, but it produces no side effect in humans. Macrophages treated with GcMAF (100 microg/ml) develop an enormous variation of receptors and are highly tumoricidal to a variety of cancers indiscriminately. Administration of 100 nanogram (ng)/ human maximally activates systemic macrophages that can kill cancerous cells. Since the half-life of the activated macrophages is approximately 6 days, 100 ng GcMAF was administered weekly to eight nonanemic colorectal cancer patients who had previously received tumor-resection but still carried significant amounts of metastatic tumor cells. As GcMAF therapy progressed, the MAF precursor activities of all patients increased and conversely their serum Nagalase activities decreased. Since serum Nagalase is proportional to tumor burden, serum Nagalase activity was used as a prognostic index for time course analysis of GcMAF therapy. After 32-50 weekly administrations of 100 ng GcMAF, all colorectal cancer patients exhibited healthy control levels of the serum Nagalase activity, indicating eradication of metastatic tumor cells. During 7 years after the completion of GcMAF therapy, their serum Nagalase activity did not increase, indicating no recurrence of cancer, which was also supported by the annual CT scans of these patients.

The effects of SB 216469, an antagonist which discriminates between the alpha 1A-adrenoceptor and the human prostatic alpha 1-adrenoceptor.

PubMed Central

Chess-Williams, R.; Chapple, C. R.; Verfurth, F.; Noble, A. J.; Couldwell, C. J.; Michel, M. C.

1996-01-01

1. The affinity of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist SB 216469 (also known as REC 15/2739) has been determined at native and cloned alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes by radioligand binding and at functional alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes in isolated tissues. 2. In radioligand binding studies with [3H]-prazosin, SB 216469 had a high affinity at the alpha 1A-adrenoceptors of the rat cerebral cortex and kidney (9.5-9.8) but a lower affinity at the alpha 1B-adrenoceptors of the rat spleen and liver (7.7-8.2). 3. At cloned rat alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes transiently expressed in COS-1 cells and also at cloned human alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes stably transfected in Rat-1 cells, SB 216469 exhibited a high affinity at the alpha 1a-adrenoceptors (9.6-10.4) with a significantly lower affinity at the alpha 1b-adrenoceptor (8.0-8.4) and an intermediate affinity at the alpha 1d-adrenoceptor (8.7-9.2). 4. At functional alpha 1-adrenoceptors, SB 216469 had a similar pharmacological profile, with a high affinity at the alpha 1A-adrenoceptors of the rat vas deferens and anococcygeus muscle (pA2 = 9.5-10.0), a low affinity at the alpha 1B-adrenoceptors of the rat spleen (6.7) and guinea-pig aorta (8.0), and an intermediate affinity at the alpha 1D-adrenoceptors of the rat aorta (8.8). 5. Several recent studies have concluded that the alpha 1-adrenoceptor present in the human prostate has the pharmacological characteristics of the alpha 1A-adrenoceptor subtype. However, the affinity of SB 216469 at human prostatic alpha 1-adrenoceptors (pA2 = 8.1) determined in isolated tissue strips, was significantly lower than the values obtained at either the cloned alpha 1a-adrenoceptors (human, rat, bovine) or the native alpha 1A-adrenoceptors in radioligand binding and functional studies in the rat. 6. Our results with SB 216469, therefore, suggest that the alpha 1-adrenoceptor mediating contractile responses of the human prostate has properties which distinguish it from the cloned alpha 1a-adrenoceptor or native alpha 1A-adrenoceptor. Since it has previously been shown that the receptor is not the alpha 1B- or alpha 1D-adrenoceptor, the functional alpha 1-adrenoceptor of the human prostate may represent a novel receptor with properties which differ from any of the alpha 1-adrenoceptors currently defined by pharmacological means. PMID:8937710

Neuroendocrine mediators up-regulate alpha1b- and alpha1d-adrenergic receptor subtypes in human monocytes.

PubMed

Rouppe van der Voort, C; Kavelaars, A; van de Pol, M; Heijnen, C J

1999-03-01

Beta2- and alpha2-adrenergic receptors (AR) are thought to be the main AR subtypes to exert the effects of catecholamines on the immune system. However, in the present study, we demonstrate that another subtype of AR can be induced in human monocytes. Expression of alpha1b- and alpha1d-AR mRNA can be obtained by culturing freshly isolated human peripheral blood monocytes with the neuroendocrine mediators dexamethasone or the beta2-AR agonist terbutaline. Using the human monocytic cell line THP-1, we demonstrate that increased levels of alpha1b- and alpha1d-mRNA are accompanied by increased levels of receptor protein as determined by Western blot analysis and radioligand binding assays. This study describes for the first time regulated expression of alpha1-AR subtypes in human monocytes.

Structural definition of a potent macrophage activating factor derived from vitamin D3-binding protein with adjuvant activity for antibody production.

PubMed

Yamamoto, N

1996-10-01

Incubation of human vitamin D3-binding protein (Gc protein), with a mixture of immobilized beta-galactosidase and sialidase, efficiently generated a potent macrophage activating factor, a protein with N-acetylgalactosamine as the remaining sugar. Stepwise incubation of Gc protein with immobilized beta-galactosidase and sialidase, and isolation of the intermediates with immobilized lectins, revealed that either sequence of hydrolysis of Gc glycoprotein by these glycosidases yields the macrophage-activating factor, implying that Gc protein carries a trisaccharide composed of N-acetylgalactosamine and dibranched galactose and sialic acid termini. A 3 hr incubation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with picomolar amounts of the enzymatically generated macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) resulted in a greatly enhanced phagocytic activity. Administration of a minute amount (10-50 pg/mouse) of GcMAF resulted in a seven- to nine-fold enhanced phagocytic activity of macrophages. Injection of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) along with GcMAF into mice produced a large number of anti-SRBC antibody secreting splenic cells in 2-4 days.

Ultrastructural studies of human and rabbit alpha-M-globulins.

PubMed

Bloth, B; Chesebro, B; Svehag, S E

1968-04-01

Electron micrographs of isolated human alpha(2)M-molecules, obtained by the negative contrast technique, revealed morphologically homogenous structures resembling a graceful monogram of the two letters H and I. The modal values for the length and width of the alpha(2)M particles were 170 A and 100 A, respectively. Purified rabbit alphamacroglobulins contained about 80% alpha(1)M- and 20% alpha(2)M-globulins. The isolated rabbit alpha(1)M- and alpha(2)M-molecules were morphologically indistinguishable from one another and from human alpha(2)M-molecules. Preliminary immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that the two rabbit alphaM-globulins were antigenically different. Sedimentation constant determinations gave s(20, w) values of 18.8 and 18.2 for rabbit alpha(1)M and alpha(2)M, respectively.

Molecular weight of Escherichia coli β-galactosidase in concentrated solutions of guanidine hydrochloride

PubMed Central

Erickson, Robert P.

1970-01-01

The molecular weight of Escherichia coli β-galactosidase was determined in 6m- and 8m-guanidine hydrochloride by meniscus-depletion sedimentation equilibrium, sedimentation velocity and viscosity. Sedimentation equilibrium revealed heterogeneity with the smallest component having a molecular weight of about 50000. At lower speeds, the apparent weight-average molecular weight is about 80000. By use of a calculation based on an empirical correlation for proteins that are random coils in 6m-guanidine hydrochloride, sedimentation velocity gave a molecular weight of 91000, and the intrinsic viscosity indicated a viscosity-average molecular weight of 84000. Heating in 6m-guanidine hydrochloride lowered the viscosity of β-galactosidase in a variable manner. PMID:4924171

Characterization of two trpE genes encoding anthranilate synthase {alpha}-subunit in Azospirillum brasilense

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

Ge Shimei; Xie Baoen; Chen Sanfeng

2006-03-10

The previous report from our laboratory has recently identified a new trpE gene (termed trpE {sub 2}) which exists independently in Azospirillum brasilense Yu62. In this study, amplification of trpE(G) (termed trpE {sub 1}(G) here) confirmed that there are two copies of trpE gene, one trpE being fused into trpG while the other trpE existed independently. This is First report to suggest that two copies of the trpE gene exist in this bacterium. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence demonstrated that putative leader peptide, terminator, and anti-terminator were found upstream of trpE {sub 1}(G) while these sequence features did not existmore » in front of trpE {sub 2}. The {beta}-galactosidase activity of an A. brasilense strain carrying a trpE {sub 2}-lacZ fusion remained constant at different tryptophan concentrations, but the {beta}-galactosidase activity of the same strain carrying a trpE {sub 1}(G)-lacZ fusion decreased as the tryptophan concentration increased. These data suggest that the expression of trpE {sub 1}(G) is regulated at the transcriptional level by attenuation while trpE {sub 2} is constantly expressed. The anthranilate synthase assays with trpE {sub 1}(G){sup -} and trpE {sub 2} {sup -} mutants demonstrated that TrpE{sub 1}(G) fusion protein is feedback inhibited by tryptophan while TrpE{sub 2} protein is not. We also found that both trpE {sub 1}(G) and trpE {sub 2} gene products were involved in IAA synthesis.« less

The alpha-galactosidase A p.Arg118Cys variant does not cause a Fabry disease phenotype: data from individual patients and family studies.

PubMed

Ferreira, Susana; Ortiz, Alberto; Germain, Dominique P; Viana-Baptista, Miguel; Caldeira-Gomes, António; Camprecios, Marta; Fenollar-Cortés, Maria; Gallegos-Villalobos, Ángel; Garcia, Diego; García-Robles, José Antonio; Egido, Jesús; Gutiérrez-Rivas, Eduardo; Herrero, José Antonio; Mas, Sebastián; Oancea, Raluca; Péres, Paloma; Salazar-Martín, Luis Manuel; Solera-Garcia, Jesús; Alves, Helena; Garman, Scott C; Oliveira, João Paulo

2015-02-01

Lysosomal α-galactosidase A (α-Gal) is the enzyme deficient in Fabry disease (FD), an X-linked glycosphingolipidosis caused by pathogenic mutations affecting the GLA gene. The early-onset, multi-systemic FD classical phenotype is associated with absent or severe enzyme deficiency, as measured by in vitro assays, but patients with higher levels of residual α-Gal activity may have later-onset, more organ-restricted clinical presentations. A change in the codon 118 of the wild-type α-Gal sequence, replacing basic arginine by a potentially sulfhydryl-binding cysteine residue - GLA p.(Arg118Cys) -, has been recurrently described in large FD screening studies of high-risk patients. Although the Cys118 allele is associated with high residual α-Gal activity in vitro, it has been classified as a pathogenic mutation, mainly on the basis of theoretical arguments about the chemistry of the cysteine residue. However its pathogenicity has never been convincingly demonstrated by pathology criteria. We reviewed the clinical, biochemical and histopathology data obtained from 22 individuals of Portuguese and Spanish ancestry carrying the Cys118 allele, including 3 homozygous females. Cases were identified either on the differential diagnosis of possible FD manifestations and on case-finding studies (n=11; 4 males), or on unbiased cascade screening of probands' close relatives (n=11; 3 males). Overall, those data strongly suggest that the GLA p.(Arg118Cys) variant does not segregate with FD clinical phenotypes in a Mendelian fashion, but might be a modulator of the multifactorial risk of cerebrovascular disease. The Cys118 allelic frequency in healthy Portuguese adults (n=696) has been estimated as 0.001, therefore not qualifying for "rare" condition. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Translational autocontrol of the Escherichia coli ribosomal protein S15.

PubMed

Portier, C; Dondon, L; Grunberg-Manago, M

1990-01-20

When rpsO, the gene encoding the ribosomal protein S15 in Escherichia coli, is carried by a multicopy plasmid, the mRNA synthesis rate of S15 increases with the gene dosage but the rate of synthesis of S15 does not rise. A translational fusion between S15 and beta-galactosidase was introduced on the chromosome in a delta lac strain and the expression of beta-galactosidase studied under different conditions. The presence of S15 in trans represses the beta-galactosidase level five- to sixfold, while the synthesis rate of the S15-beta-galactosidase mRNA decreases by only 30 to 50%. These data indicate that S15 is subject to autogenous translational control. Derepressed mutants were isolated and sequenced. All the point mutations map in the second codon of S15, suggesting a location for the operator site that is very near to the translation initiation codon. However, the creation of deletion mutations shows that the operator extends into the 5' non-coding part of the message, thus overlapping the ribosome loading site.

Study of muscle cell dedifferentiation after skeletal muscle injury of mice with a Cre-Lox system.

PubMed

Mu, Xiaodong; Peng, Hairong; Pan, Haiying; Huard, Johnny; Li, Yong

2011-02-03

Dedifferentiation of muscle cells in the tissue of mammals has yet to be observed. One of the challenges facing the study of skeletal muscle cell dedifferentiation is the availability of a reliable model that can confidentially distinguish differentiated cell populations of myotubes and non-fused mononuclear cells, including stem cells that can coexist within the population of cells being studied. In the current study, we created a Cre/Lox-β-galactosidase system, which can specifically tag differentiated multinuclear myotubes and myotube-generated mononuclear cells based on the activation of the marker gene, β-galactosidase. By using this system in an adult mouse model, we found that β-galactosidase positive mononuclear cells were generated from β-galactosidase positive multinuclear myofibers upon muscle injury. We also demonstrated that these mononuclear cells can develop into a variety of different muscle cell lineages, i.e., myoblasts, satellite cells, and muscle derived stem cells. These novel findings demonstrated, for the first time, that cellular dedifferentiation of skeletal muscle cells actually occurs in mammalian skeletal muscle following traumatic injury in vivo.

Transgenic mice overexpressing tyrosine-to-cysteine mutant human alpha-synuclein: a progressive neurodegenerative model of diffuse Lewy body disease.

PubMed

Zhou, Wenbo; Milder, Julie B; Freed, Curt R

2008-04-11

Abnormal aggregation of human alpha-synuclein in Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites is a pathological hallmark of Parkinson disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Studies have shown that oxidation and nitration of alpha-synuclein lead to the formation of stable dimers and oligomers through dityrosine cross-linking. Previously we have reported that tyrosine-to-cysteine mutations, particularly at the tyrosine 39 residue (Y39C), significantly enhanced alpha-synuclein fibril formation and neurotoxicity. In the current study, we have generated transgenic mice expressing the Y39C mutant human alpha-synuclein gene controlled by the mouse Thy1 promoter. Mutant human alpha-synuclein was widely expressed in transgenic mouse brain, resulting in 150% overexpression relative to endogenous mouse alpha-synuclein. At age 9-12 months, transgenic mice began to display motor dysfunction in rotarod testing. Older animals aged 15-18 months showed progressive accumulation of human alpha-synuclein oligomers, associated with worse motor function and cognitive impairment in the Morris water maze. By age 21-24 months, alpha-synuclein aggregates were further increased, accompanied by severe behavioral deficits. At this age, transgenic mice developed neuropathology, such as Lewy body-like alpha-synuclein and ubiquitin-positive inclusions, phosphorylation at Ser(129) of human alpha-synuclein, and increased apoptotic cell death. In summary, Y39C human alpha-synuclein transgenic mice show age-dependent, progressive neuronal degeneration with motor and cognitive deficits similar to diffuse Lewy body disease. The time course of alpha-synuclein oligomer accumulation coincided with behavioral and pathological changes, indicating that these oligomers may initiate protein aggregation, disrupt cellular function, and eventually lead to neuronal death.

Disabled infectious single cycle herpes simplex virus (DISC-HSV) is a candidate vector system for gene delivery/expression of GM-CSF in human prostate cancer therapy.

PubMed

Parkinson, Richard J; Mian, Shahid; Bishop, Michael C; Gray, Trevor; Li, Geng; McArdle, Stephanie E B; Ali, Selman; Rees, Robert C

2003-06-15

DISC-HSV is a replication incompetent herpes simplex virus that is a highly efficient vector for the transduction of genes in vivo and in vitro. We examine the ability of DISC-HSV to infect human prostate cancer cell-lines and xenograft tumor models, and induce expression of reporter and therapeutic cytokine genes. Infection was confirmed by cellular staining for the beta-galactosidase reporter gene product, and by EM. Human GM-CSF production following DISC-hGMCSF infection was measured using ELISA. The metabolic activity of infected cells was determined by NADP/NADPH assay. Cell death was estimated by cell-cycle analysis using flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining. Infection of DU145, PC3 and LNCaP cells with DISC-HSV was dose dependent. Cells infected with DISC-hGM-CSF released significant levels of hGM-CSF for 3 days. NADP/NADPH assay suggested that infected cells continued to be metabolically active for 3 days post-infection, which was consistent with flow cytometry findings that cell death did not occur within 7 days of infection. Tumor xenografts injected with DISC-HSV expressed beta-galactosidase, and intracellular viral particles were demonstrated using EM. We have previously reported the rejection of established tumors following intra-tumoral injection of DISC-GMCSF. This study demonstrates the ability of DISC-HSV to infect prostate cancer and express GMCSF at significant levels. We suggest that prostate cancer is a potential target for therapy using DISC-HSV containing GM-CSF. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Production of a Highly Protease-Resistant Fungal α-Galactosidase in Transgenic Maize Seeds for Simplified Feed Processing

PubMed Central

Zhou, Xiaojin; Zhang, Wei; Xu, Xiaolu; Chen, Rumei; Meng, Qingchang; Yuan, Jianhua; Yang, Peilong; Yao, Bin

2015-01-01

Raffinose-family oligosaccharide (RFO) in soybeans is one of the major anti-nutritional factors for poultry and livestocks. α-Galactosidase is commonly supplemented into the animal feed to hydrolyze α-1,6-galactosidic bonds on the RFOs. To simplify the feed processing, a protease-resistant α-galactosidase encoding gene from Gibberella sp. strain F75, aga-F75, was modified by codon optimization and heterologously expressed in the embryos of transgentic maize driven by the embryo-specific promoter ZM-leg1A. The progenies were produced by backcrossing with the commercial inbred variety Zheng58. PCR, southern blot and western blot analysis confirmed the stable integration and tissue specific expression of the modified gene, aga-F75m, in seeds over four generations. The expression level of Aga-F75M reached up to 10,000 units per kilogram of maize seeds. In comparison with its counterpart produced in Pichia pastoris strain GS115, maize seed-derived Aga-F75M showed a lower temperature optimum (50°C) and lower stability over alkaline pH range, but better thermal stability at 60°C to 70°C and resistance to feed pelleting inactivation (80°C). This is the first report of producing α-galactosidase in transgenic plant. The study offers an effective and economic approach for direct utilization of α-galactosidase-producing maize without any purification or supplementation procedures in the feed processing. PMID:26053048

Production of a Highly Protease-Resistant Fungal α-Galactosidase in Transgenic Maize Seeds for Simplified Feed Processing.

PubMed

Yang, Wenxia; Zhang, Yuhong; Zhou, Xiaojin; Zhang, Wei; Xu, Xiaolu; Chen, Rumei; Meng, Qingchang; Yuan, Jianhua; Yang, Peilong; Yao, Bin

2015-01-01

Raffinose-family oligosaccharide (RFO) in soybeans is one of the major anti-nutritional factors for poultry and livestocks. α-Galactosidase is commonly supplemented into the animal feed to hydrolyze α-1,6-galactosidic bonds on the RFOs. To simplify the feed processing, a protease-resistant α-galactosidase encoding gene from Gibberella sp. strain F75, aga-F75, was modified by codon optimization and heterologously expressed in the embryos of transgentic maize driven by the embryo-specific promoter ZM-leg1A. The progenies were produced by backcrossing with the commercial inbred variety Zheng58. PCR, southern blot and western blot analysis confirmed the stable integration and tissue specific expression of the modified gene, aga-F75m, in seeds over four generations. The expression level of Aga-F75M reached up to 10,000 units per kilogram of maize seeds. In comparison with its counterpart produced in Pichia pastoris strain GS115, maize seed-derived Aga-F75M showed a lower temperature optimum (50 °C) and lower stability over alkaline pH range, but better thermal stability at 60 °C to 70 °C and resistance to feed pelleting inactivation (80 °C). This is the first report of producing α-galactosidase in transgenic plant. The study offers an effective and economic approach for direct utilization of α-galactosidase-producing maize without any purification or supplementation procedures in the feed processing.

A Naturally Occurring Mutation in an Arabidopsis Accession Affects a β-d-Galactosidase That Increases the Hydrophilic Potential of Rhamnogalacturonan I in Seed Mucilage[W

PubMed Central

Macquet, Audrey; Ralet, Marie-Christine; Loudet, Olivier; Kronenberger, Jocelyne; Mouille, Gregory; Marion-Poll, Annie; North, Helen M.

2007-01-01

The Arabidopsis thaliana accession Shahdara was identified as a rare naturally occurring mutant that does not liberate seed mucilage on imbibition. The defective locus was found to be allelic to the mum2-1 and mum2-2 mutants. Map-based cloning showed that MUCILAGE-MODIFIED2 (MUM2) encodes the putative β-d-galactosidase BGAL6. Activity assays demonstrated that one of four major β-d-galactosidase activities present in developing siliques is absent in mum2 mutants. No difference was observed in seed coat epidermal cell structure between wild-type and mutant seed; however, weakening of the outer tangential cell wall by chemical treatment resulted in the release of mucilage from mum2 seed coat epidermal cells, and the mum2 mucilage only increased slightly in volume, relative to the wild type. Consistent with the absence of β-d-galactosidase activity in the mutant, the inner layer of mucilage contained more Gal. The allocation of polysaccharides between the inner and outer mucilage layers was also modified in mum2. Mass spectrometry showed that rhamnogalacturonan I in mutant mucilage had more branching between rhamnose and hexose residues relative to the wild type. We conclude that the MUM2/BGAL6 β-d-galactosidase is required for maturation of rhamnogalacturonan I in seed mucilage by the removal of galactose/galactan branches, resulting in increased swelling and extrusion of the mucilage on seed hydration. PMID:18165330

Purification an α-galactosidase from Coriolus versicolor with acid-resistant and good degradation ability on raffinose family oligosaccharides.

PubMed

Du, Fang; Liu, Qin; Wang, Hexiang; Ng, TziBin

2014-04-01

An acid-tolerant α-galactosidase (CVGI) was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Coriolus versicolor with a 229-fold of purification and a specific activity of 398.6 units mg⁻¹. It was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography. The purified enzyme gave a single band corresponding to a molecular mass of 40 kDa in SDS-PAGE and gel filtration. The α-galactosidase was identified by MALDI-TOF-MS and its inner peptides were sequenced by ESI-MS/MS. The optimum temperature and pH of the enzyme were determined as 60 °C and 3.0, respectively. The enzyme was very stable at a temperature range of 4-50 °C and at a pH range of 2-5. Among the metal ions tested, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions have been shown to partially inhibit the activity of α-galactosidase, while the activity of CVGI was completely inactivated by Ag⁺ ions. N-bromosuccinamide inhibited enzyme activity by 100 %, indicating the importance of tryptophan residue(s) at or near the active site. CVGI had wide substrate specificity (p-nitrophenyl galactoside, melidiose, raffinose and stachyose). After treatment with CVGI, raffinose family oligosaccharide was hydrolyzed effectively to yield galactose and sucrose. The results showed that the general properties of the enzyme offer potential for use of this α-galactosidase in several production processes.

Identification of coliform genera recovered from water using different technologies.

PubMed

Fricker, C R; Eldred, B J

2009-12-01

Methods for the detection of coliforms in water have changed significantly in recent years with procedures incorporating substrates for the detection of beta-d-galactosidase becoming more widely used. This study was undertaken to determine the range of coliform genera detected with methods that rely on lactose fermentation and compare them to those recovered using methods based upon beta-d-galactosidase. Coliform isolates were recovered from sewage-polluted water using m-endo, membrane lauryl sulfate broth, tergitol TTC agar, Colilert-18, ChromoCult and ColiScan for primary isolation. Organisms were grouped according to whether they had been isolated based upon lactose fermentation or beta-d-galactosidase production. A wide range of coliform genera were detected using both types of methods. There was considerable overlap between the two groups, and whilst differences were seen between the genera isolated with the two method types, no clear pattern emerged. Substantial numbers of 'new' coliforms (e.g. Raoutella spp.) were recovered using both types of methods. The results presented here confirm that both methods based on lactose fermentation or detection of beta-d-galactosidase activity recover a range of coliform organisms. Any suggestion that only methods which are based upon fermentation of lactose recover organisms of public health or regulatory significance cannot be substantiated. Furthermore, the higher recovery of coliform organisms from sewage-polluted water using methods utilizing beta-d-galactosidase-based methods does not appear to be because of the recovery of substantially more 'new' coliforms.

Effect of postharvest ethylene treatment on sugar content, glycosidase activity and its gene expression in mango fruit.

PubMed

Chidley, Hemangi G; Deshpande, Ashish B; Oak, Pranjali S; Pujari, Keshav H; Giri, Ashok P; Gupta, Vidya S

2017-03-01

Ripening-associated softening is one of the important attributes that largely determines the shelf-life of mango (Mangifera indica Linn.) fruits. To reveal the effect of pre-climacteric ethylene treatment on ripening-related softening of Alphonso mango, ethylene treatment was given to mature, raw Alphonso fruits. Changes in the pool of reducing and non-reducing sugars, enzymatic activity of three glycosidases: β-d-galactosidase, α-d-mannosidase and β-d-glucosidase and their relative transcript abundance were analysed for control and ethylene treated fruits during ripening. Early activity of all the three glycosidases and accelerated accumulation of reducing and non-reducing sugars on ethylene treatment was evident. β-d-Galactosidase showed the highest activity among three glycosidases in control fruits and marked increase in activity upon ethylene treatment. This was confirmed by the histochemical assay of its activity in control and ethylene treated ripe fruits. Relative transcript abundance revealed high transcript levels of β-d-galactosidase in control fruits. Ethylene-treated fruits showed early and remarkable increase in the β-d-galactosidase transcripts while α-d-mannosidase transcript variants displayed early accumulation. The findings suggest reduction in the shelf-life of Alphonso mango upon pre-climacteric ethylene treatment, a significant role of β-d-galactosidase and α-d-mannosidase in the ripening related softening of Alphonso fruits and transcriptional regulation of their expression by ethylene. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Catabolite Repression of Tryptophanase in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Botsford, James L.; DeMoss, R. D.

1971-01-01

Catabolite repression of tryptophanase was studied in detail under various conditions in several strains of Escherichia coli and was compared with catabolite repression of β-glactosidase. Induction of tryptophanase and β-galactosidase in cultures grown with various carbon sources including succinate, glycerol, pyruvate, glucose, gluconate, and arabinose is affected differently by the various carbon sources. The extent of induction does not seem to be related to the growth rate of the culture permitted by the carbon source during the course of the experiment. In cultures grown with glycerol as carbon source, preinduced for β-galactosidase or tryptophanase and made permeable by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) treatment, catabolite repression of tryptophanase was not affected markedly by the addition of cAMP (3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate). Catabolite repression by glucose was only partially relieved by the addition of cAMP. In contrast, under the same conditions, cAMP completely relieved catabolite repression of β-galactosidase by either pyruvate or glucose. Under conditions of limited oxygen, induction of tryptophanase is sensitive to catabolite repression; under the same conditions, β-galactosidase induction is not sensitive to catabolite repression. Induction of tryptophanase in cells grown with succinate as carbon source is sensitive to catabolite repression by glycerol and pyruvate as well as by glucose. Studies with a glycerol kinaseless mutant indicate that glycerol must be metabolized before it can cause catabolite repression. The EDTA treatment used to make the cells permeable to cAMP was found to affect subsequent growth and induction of either β-galactosidase or tryptophanase much more adversely in E. coli strain BB than in E. coli strain K-12. Inducation of tryptophanase was reduced by the EDTA treatment significantly more than induction of β-galactosidase in both strains. Addition of 2.5 × 10−3m cAMP appeared partially to reverse the inhibitory effect of the EDTA treatment on enzyme induction but did not restore normal growth. PMID:4322348

alpha-Lactalbumin species variation, HAMLET formation, and tumor cell death.

PubMed

Pettersson, Jenny; Mossberg, Ann-Kristin; Svanborg, Catharina

2006-06-23

HAMLET (human alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells) is a tumoricidal complex of apo alpha-lactalbumin and oleic acid, formed in casein after low pH treatment of human milk. This study examined if HAMLET-like complexes are present in casein from different species and if isolated alpha-lactalbumin from those species can form such complexes with oleic acid. Casein from human, bovine, equine, and porcine milk was separated by ion exchange chromatography and active complexes were only found in human casein. This was not explained by alpha-lactalbumin sequence variation, as purified bovine, equine, porcine, and caprine alpha-lactalbumins formed complexes with oleic acid with biological activity similar to HAMLET. We conclude that structural variation of alpha-lactalbumins does not preclude the formation of HAMLET-like complexes and that natural HAMLET formation in casein was unique to human milk, which also showed the highest oleic acid content.

Genetically engineered pigs and target-specific immunomodulation provide significant graft survival and hope for clinical cardiac xenotransplantation.

PubMed

Mohiuddin, Muhammad M; Singh, Avneesh K; Corcoran, Philip C; Hoyt, Robert F; Thomas, Marvin L; Ayares, David; Horvath, Keith A

2014-09-01

Cardiac transplantation and available mechanical alternatives are the only possible solutions for end-stage cardiac disease. Unfortunately, because of the limited supply of human organs, xenotransplantation may be the ideal method to overcome this shortage. We have recently seen significant prolongation of heterotopic cardiac xenograft survival from 3 to 12 months and beyond. Hearts from genetically engineered piglets that were alpha 1-3 galactosidase transferase knockout and expressed the human complement regulatory gene, CD46 (groups A-C), and the human thrombomodulin gene (group D) were heterotropically transplanted in baboons treated with antithymocyte globulin, cobra venom factor, anti-CD20 antibody, and costimulation blockade (anti-CD154 antibody [clone 5C8]) in group A, anti-CD40 antibody (clone 3A8; 20 mg/kg) in group B, clone 2C10R4 (25 mg/kg) in group C, or clone 2C10R4 (50 mg/kg) in group D, along with conventional nonspecific immunosuppressive agents. Group A grafts (n = 8) survived for an average of 70 days, with the longest survival of 236 days. Some animals in this group (n = 3) developed microvascular thrombosis due to platelet activation and consumption, which resulted in spontaneous hemorrhage. The median survival time was 21 days in group B (n = 3), 80 days in group C (n = 6), and more than 200 days in group D (n = 5). Three grafts in group D are still contracting well, with the longest ongoing graft survival surpassing the 1-year mark. Genetically engineered pig hearts (GTKOhTg.hCD46.hTBM) with modified targeted immunosuppression (anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody) achieved long-term cardiac xenograft survival. This potentially paves the way for clinical xenotransplantation if similar survival can be reproduced in an orthotopic transplantation model. Copyright © 2014 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Carbocysteine counteracts the effects of cigarette smoke on cell growth and on the SIRT1/FoxO3 axis in bronchial epithelial cells.

PubMed

Pace, E; Di Vincenzo, S; Ferraro, M; Bruno, A; Dino, P; Bonsignore, M R; Battaglia, S; Saibene, F; Lanata, L; Gjomarkaj, M

2016-08-01

Cigarette smoke may accelerate cellular senescence by increasing oxidative stress. Altered proliferation and altered expression of anti-aging factors, including SIRT1 and FoxO3, characterise cellular senescence. The effects of carbocysteine on the SIRT1/FoxO3 axis and on downstream molecular mechanisms in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke are largely unknown. Aim of this study was to explore whether carbocysteine modulated SIRT1/FoxO3 axis, and downstream molecular mechanisms associated to cellular senescence, in a bronchial epithelial cell line (16-HBE) exposed to cigarette smoke. 16HBE cells were stimulated with/without cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) and carbocysteine. Flow cytometry and clonogenic assay were used to assess cell proliferation; western blot analysis was used for assessing nuclear expression of SIRT1 and FoxO3. The nuclear co-localization of SIRT1 and FoxO3 was assessed by fluorescence microscopy. Beta galactosidase (a senescence marker) and SIRT1 activity were assessed by specific staining and colorimetric assays, respectively. ChiP Assay and flow cytometry were used for assessing survivin gene regulation and protein expression, respectively. CSE decreased cell proliferation, the nuclear expression of SIRT1 and FoxO3 and increased beta galactosidase staining. CSE, reduced SIRT1 activity and FoxO3 localization on survivin promoter thus increasing survivin expression. In CSE stimulated bronchial epithelial cells carbocysteine reverted these phenomena by increasing cell proliferation, and SIRT1 and FoxO3 nuclear expression, and by reducing beta galactosidase staining and survivin expression. The study shows for the first time that carbocysteine may revert some senescence processes induced by oxidative stress due to cigarette smoke exposure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Regulation of the human SLC25A20 expression by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha in human hepatoblastoma cells

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

Tachibana, Keisuke, E-mail: nya@phs.osaka-u.ac.jp; Takeuchi, Kentaro; Inada, Hirohiko

2009-11-20

Solute carrier family 25, member 20 (SLC25A20) is a key molecule that transfers acylcarnitine esters in exchange for free carnitine across the mitochondrial membrane in the mitochondrial {beta}-oxidation. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR{alpha}) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays an important role in the regulation of {beta}-oxidation. We previously established tetracycline-regulated human cell line that can be induced to express PPAR{alpha} and found that PPAR{alpha} induces the SLC25A20 expression. In this study, we analyzed the promoter region of the human slc25a20 gene and showed that PPAR{alpha} regulates the expression of human SLC25A20 via the peroxisome proliferator responsive element.

Natural protection from zoonosis by alpha-gal epitopes on virus particles in xenotransmission.

PubMed

Kim, Na Young; Jung, Woon-Won; Oh, Yu-Kyung; Chun, Taehoon; Park, Hong-Yang; Lee, Hoon-Taek; Han, In-Kwon; Yang, Jai Myung; Kim, Young Bong

2007-03-01

Clinical transplantation has become one of the preferred treatments for end-stage organ failure, and one of the novel approaches being pursued to overcome the limited supply of human organs involves the use of organs from other species. The pig appears to be a near ideal animal due to proximity to humans, domestication, and ability to procreate. The presence of Gal-alpha1,3-Gal residues on the surfaces of pig cells is a major immunological obstacle to xenotransplantation. Alpha1,3galactosyltransferase (alpha1,3GT) catalyzes the synthesis of Gal alpha 1-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc-R (alpha-gal epitope) on the glycoproteins and glycolipids of non-primate mammals, but this does not occur in humans. Moreover, the alpha-gal epitope causes hyperacute rejection of pig organs in humans, and thus, the elimination of this antigen from pig tissues is highly desirable. Recently, concerns have been raised that the risk of virus transmission from such pigs may be increased due to the absence of alpha-gal on their viral particles. In this study, transgenic cells expressing alpha1,3GT were selected using 1.25 mg/ml neomycin. The development of HeLa cells expressing alpha1,3GT now allows accurate studies to be conducted on the function of the alpha-gal epitope in xenotransmission. The expressions of alpha-gal epitopes on HeLa/alpha-gal cells were demonstrated by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy using cells stained with IB4-fluorescein isothiocyanate lectin. Vaccinia viruses propagated in HeLa/alpha-gal cells also expressed alpha-gal on their viral envelopes and were more sensitive to inactivation by human sera than vaccinia virus propagated in HeLa cells. Moreover, neutralization of vaccinia virus was inhibited in human serum by 10 mm ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethylether)tetraacetic acid (EDTA) treatment. Our data indicated that alpha-gal epitopes are one of the major barriers to zoonosis via xenotransmission.

Loss of tumorigenic potential by human lung tumor cells in the presence of antisense RNA specific to the ectopically synthesized alpha subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin.

PubMed

Rivera, R T; Pasion, S G; Wong, D T; Fei, Y B; Biswas, D K

1989-06-01

A clonal strain of human lung tumor cells in culture (ChaGo), derived from a bronchogenic carcinoma, synthesizes and secretes large amounts of alpha (alpha) and a comparatively lower level of beta (beta) subunit of the glycoprotein hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). ChaGo cells lost their characteristic anchorage-independent growth phenotype in the presence of anti-alpha-HCG antibody. The effect of the antibody was partially reversed by addition of alpha-HCG to the culture medium. ChaGo cells were transfected with an expression vector (pRSV-anti-alpha-HCG), that directs synthesis of RNA complementary to alpha-HCG mRNA. The transfectants produced alpha-HCG antisense RNA which was associated with the reduced level of alpha-HCG. Transfectants also displayed several altered phenotypic properties, including altered morphology, less mitosis, reduced growth rate, loss of anchorage-independent growth, and loss of tumorigenicity in nude mice. Treatment of transfectants with 8,bromo-cAMP resulted in increased accumulation of alpha-HCG mRNA, no change in the level of alpha-HCG antisense RNA, release of the inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation, and restoration of anchorage-independent growth phenotype. The overexpression of c-myc, observed in ChaGo cells, was unaffected by the reduced level of alpha-HCG. These results suggest that ectopic synthesis of the alpha subunit of HCG plays a functional role in the transformation of these human lung cells.

Application of four anti-human interferon-alpha monoclonal antibodies for immunoassay and comparative analysis of natural interferon-alpha mixtures

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

Andersson, G.; Lundgren, E.; Ekre, H.P.

Four different mouse monoclonal antibodies to human interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) were evaluated for application in quantitative and comparative analysis of natural IFN-alpha mixtures. Binding to IFN-alpha subtypes in solution revealed individual reactivity patterns. These patterns changed if the IFN-alpha molecules were immobilized either passively to a surface or bound by another antibody. Also, substitution of a single amino acid in IFN-alpha 2 affected the binding, apparently by altering the conformation. Isoelectric focusing of three natural IFN-alpha preparations from different sources, followed by immunoblotting, resulted in individual patterns with each of the four mAbs and also demonstrated variation in the composition ofmore » the IFN-alpha preparations. None of the mAbs was subtype specific, but by combining the different mAbs, and also applying polyclonal anti-human IFN-alpha antibodies, it was possible to design sensitive sandwich ELISAs with broad or more limited IFN-alpha subtype specificity.« less

Purification and characterization of an inhibitor (soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor) for tumor necrosis factor and lymphotoxin obtained from the serum ultrafiltrates of human cancer patients

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

Gatanaga, Tetsuya; Whang, Chenduen; Cappuccini, F.

1990-11-01

Serum ultrafiltrates (SUF) from human patients with different types of cancer contain a blocking factor (BF) that inhibits the cytolytic activity of human tumor necrosis factor {alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) in vitro. BF is a protein with a molecular mass of 28kDa on reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE). The active material was purified to homogeneity by a combination of affinity chromatography, PAGE, and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed that BF is derived from the membrane TNF receptor. Purified BF blocks the lytic activity of recombinant human and mouse TNF-{alpha} and recombinant human lymphotoxin activity of TNF-{alpha} andmore » recombinant human lymphotoxin on murine L929 cells in vitro. However, BF inhibits the lytic activity of TNF-{alpha} more effectively than it does that of lymphotoxin. The BF also inhibits the necrotizing activity of recombinant human TNF-{alpha} when coinjected into established cutaneous Meth A tumors in BALB/c mice. The BF may have an important role in (i) the regulation and control of TNF-{alpha} and lymphotoxin activity in cancer patients, (ii) interaction between the tumor and the host antitumor mechanisms, and (iii) use of systemically administered TNF-{alpha} in clinical trials with human cancer patients.« less

Tocopherol metabolites 2, 5, 7, 8-tetramethyl-2-(2'-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman (alpha-CEHC) and 2, 7, 8-trimethyl-2-(2'-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman (gamma-CEHC) in human serum after a single dose of natural vitamin E.

PubMed

Radosavac, Dragan; Graf, Peter; Polidori, M Cristina; Sies, Helmut; Stahl, Wilhelm

2002-06-01

alpha- and gamma-Tocopherol are vitamin E compounds in human blood and tissues. alpha-CEHC (2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(2'-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman) and gamma-CEHC (2,7,8-trimethyl-2-(2'-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman) have been identified as water-soluble metabolites which are excreted with the urine in humans. To assess over-time changes of serum levels of alpha- and gamma-CEHC in humans after a single dose of vitamin E from a natural source. Twenty-one healthy subjects ingested a single dose of vitamin E (306 mg of RRR-alpha-tocopherol and 1.77 mg of gamma-tocopherol). Blood was collected before (baseline) and 2, 6, 12, 24, 35, 50, and 74 h after ingestion. Serum was separated and levels of alpha- and gamma-tocopherol and alpha- and gamma-CEHC were determined by HPLC. After vitamin E ingestion, a statistically significant increase was observed for alpha-tocopherol and alpha-CEHC. Maximum serum levels for both compounds were measured 12 h after application (33.3 +/- 11.1 micromol alpha-toco-pherol /L and 42.4 +/- 18.3 nmol alpha-CEHC /L); baseline values were reached again after 72 h. While gamma-tocopherol levels decreased during the study period, an increase in the metabolite gamma-CEHC was observed. The optical isomer formed in the metabolism of RRR-alpha-tocopherol was assigned as S-alpha-CEHC. alpha-CEHC levels increase after administration of a single dose of natural vitamin E in humans. The appearance of the metabolite in blood parallels that of the parent compound. The gamma-tocopherol analog appears to be metabolized more efficiently than alpha-tocopherol.

Expression and characterization of bioactive recombinant human alpha-lactalbumin in the milk of transgenic cloned cows.

PubMed

Wang, J; Yang, P; Tang, B; Sun, X; Zhang, R; Guo, C; Gong, G; Liu, Y; Li, R; Zhang, L; Dai, Y; Li, N

2008-12-01

Improvement of the nutritional value of cow milk with transgenic expression of recombinant human alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) has been previously attempted. However, the detailed characterization of the recombinant protein and analysis of the transgenic milk components are not explored yet. Here, we first report production of healthy transgenic cows by somatic cell nuclear transfer, in which expression of up to 1.55 g/L of recombinant human alpha-LA was achieved. The recombinant human alpha-LA was purified from transgenic milk and displayed physicochemical properties similar to its natural counterpart with respect to molecular weight, structure, and regulatory activity for beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase. Additionally, no N-glycosylation was found in the recombinant human alpha-LA, whereas the endogenous bovine alpha-LA was glycosylated at the unusual site (71)Asn-Ile-(73)Cys. Compared with milk from nontransgenic cows, expression of the transgene did not materially alter milk composition, such as fat and protein content. Our research thus provides scientific evidence supporting the feasibility of humanizing cow milk.

Distribution of alpha3, alpha5 and alpha(v) integrin subunits in mature and immature human oocytes.

PubMed

Capmany, G; Mart, M; Santaló, J; Bolton, V N

1998-10-01

The distribution of three integrin subunits, alpha3, alpha5 and alpha(v), in immature and mature human oocytes has been examined using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. The results demonstrate that both alpha5 and alpha(v) are present at the germinal vesicle stage, while alpha3 was only detected in oocytes after germinal vesicle breakdown, in metaphase I and II stage oocytes. The cortical concentration of integrin subunits alpha3 and alpha5 is consistent with their localization in the oolemma. In contrast, the homogeneous distribution of alpha(v) throughout the oocyte suggests the existence of cytoplasmic reservoirs of this protein in the oocyte.

Cloning, expression and structural stability of a cold-adapted ß-Galactosidase from Rahnella sp.R3

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A novel gene was isolated for the first time from a psychrophilic gram-negative bacterium Rahnella sp.R3. It encoded a cold-adapted ß-galactosidase (R-ß-Gal). Recombinant R-ß-Gal was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), purified, and characterized. R-ß-Gal belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase fami...

High level production of β-galactosidase exhibiting excellent milk-lactose degradation ability from Aspergillus oryzae by codon and fermentation optimization.

PubMed

Zhao, Qianqian; Liu, Fei; Hou, Zhongwen; Yuan, Chao; Zhu, Xiqiang

2014-03-01

A β-galactosidase gene from Aspergillus oryzae was engineered utilizing codon usage optimization to be constitutively and highly expressed in the Pichia pastoris SMD1168H strain in a high-cell-density fermentation. After fermentation for 96 h in a 50-L fermentor using glucose and glycerol as combined carbon sources, the recombinant enzyme in the culture supernatant had an activity of 4,239.07 U mL(-1) with o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside as the substrate, and produced a total of extracellular protein content of 7.267 g L(-1) in which the target protein (6.24 g L(-1)) occupied approximately 86 %. The recombinant β-galactosidase exhibited an excellent lactose hydrolysis ability. With 1,000 U of the enzyme in 100 mL milk, 92.44 % lactose was degraded within 24 h at 60 °C, and the enzyme could also accomplish the hydrolysis at low temperatures of 37, 25, and 10 °C. Thus, this engineered strain had significantly higher fermentation level of A. oryzae lactase than that before optimization and the β-galactosidase may have a good application potential in whey and milk industries.

Characterization of a Glycoside Hydrolase Family 27 α-Galactosidase from Pontibacter Reveals Its Novel Salt-Protease Tolerance and Transglycosylation Activity.

PubMed

Zhou, Junpei; Liu, Yu; Lu, Qian; Zhang, Rui; Wu, Qian; Li, Chunyan; Li, Junjun; Tang, Xianghua; Xu, Bo; Ding, Junmei; Han, Nanyu; Huang, Zunxi

2016-03-23

α-Galactosidases are of great interest in various applications. A glycoside hydrolase family 27 α-galactosidase was cloned from Pontibacter sp. harbored in a saline soil and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant enzyme (rAgaAHJ8) was little or not affected by 3.5-30.0% (w/v) NaCl, 10.0-100.0 mM Pb(CH3COO)2, 10.0-60.0 mM ZnSO4, or 8.3-100.0 mg mL(-1) trypsin and by most metal ions and chemical reagents at 1.0 and 10.0 mM concentrations. The degree of synergy on enzymatic degradation of locust bean gum and guar gum by an endomannanase and rAgaAHJ8 was 1.22-1.54. In the presence of trypsin, the amount of reducing sugars released from soybean milk treated by rAgaAHJ8 was approximately 3.8-fold compared with that treated by a commercial α-galactosidase. rAgaAHJ8 showed transglycosylation activity when using sucrose, raffinose, and 3-methyl-1-butanol as the acceptors. Furthermore, potential factors for salt adaptation of the enzyme were presumed.

Utilization of whey powder as substrate for low-cost preparation of β-galactosidase as main product, and ethanol as by-product, by a litre-scale integrated process.

PubMed

You, Shengping; Chang, Hongxing; Yin, Qingdian; Qi, Wei; Wang, Mengfan; Su, Rongxin; He, Zhimin

2017-12-01

Whey powder, a by-product of dairy industry, is an attractive raw material for value-added products. In this study, utilization of whey powder as substrate for low-cost preparation of β-galactosidase as main product and ethanol as by-product were investigated by a litre-scale integrated strategy, encompassing fermentation, isolation, permeabilization and spray drying. Firstly, through development of low-cost industrial culture and fed-batch strategies by Kluyveromyces lactis, 119.30U/mL β-galactosidase activity and 16.96mg/mL by-product ethanol were achieved. Afterward, an up-dated mathematic model for the recycling permeabilization was established successfully and 30.4g cells sediment isolated from 5L fermentation broth were permeabilized completely by distilled ethanol from broth supernatant. Then β-galactosidase product with 5.15U/mg from protection of gum acacia by spray drying was obtained. Furthermore, by-product ethanol with 31.08% (v/v) was achieved after permeabilization. Therefore, the integrated strategy using whey powder as substrate is a feasible candidate for industrial-scale implementation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of three types of human alpha s1-casein mRNA transcripts.

PubMed Central

Johnsen, L B; Rasmussen, L K; Petersen, T E; Berglund, L

1995-01-01

Here we report the molecular cloning and sequencing of three types of human alpha s1-casein transcripts and present evidence indicating that exon skipping is responsible for deleted mRNA transcripts. The largest transcript comprised 981 bp encoding a signal peptide of 15 amino acids followed by the mature alpha s1-casein sequence of 170 amino acids. Human alpha s1-casein has been reported to exist naturally as a multimer in complex with kappa-casein in mature human milk, thereby being unique among alpha s1-caseins [Rasmussen, Due and Petersen (1995) Comp. Biochem. Physiol., in the press]. The present demonstration of three cysteines in the mature protein provides a molecular explanation of the interactions in this complex. Tissue-specific expression of human alpha s1-casein was indicated by Northern-blot analysis. In addition, two cryptic exons were localized in the bovine alpha s1-casein gene. Images Figure 3 PMID:7619062

Effect of TNF{alpha} on activities of different promoters of human apolipoprotein A-I gene

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

Orlov, Sergey V., E-mail: serge@iem.sp.ru; Department of Embryology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg; Mogilenko, Denis A.

2010-07-23

Research highlights: {yields} TNF{alpha} stimulates the distal alternative promoter of human apoA-I gene. {yields} TNF{alpha} acts by weakening of promoter competition within apoA-I gene (promoter switching). {yields} MEK1/2 and nuclear receptors PPAR{alpha} and LXRs take part in apoA-I promoter switching. -- Abstract: Human apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) is a major structural and functional protein component of high-density lipoproteins. The expression of the apolipoprotein A-I gene (apoA-I) in hepatocytes is repressed by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1{beta} and TNF{alpha}. Recently, two novel additional (alternative) promoters for human apoA-I gene have been identified. Nothing is known about the role of alternative promoters inmore » TNF{alpha}-mediated downregulation of apoA-I gene. In this article we report for the first time about the different effects of TNF{alpha} on two alternative promoters of human apoA-I gene. Stimulation of HepG2 cells by TNF{alpha} leads to activation of the distal alternative apoA-I promoter and downregulation of the proximal alternative and the canonical apoA-I promoters. This effect is mediated by weakening of the promoter competition within human apoA-I 5'-regulatory region (apoA-I promoter switching) in the cells treated by TNF{alpha}. The MEK1/2-ERK1/2 cascade and nuclear receptors PPAR{alpha} and LXRs are important for TNF{alpha}-mediated apoA-I promoter switching.« less

GDNF and NGF family members and receptors in human fetal and adult spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia.

PubMed

Josephson, A; Widenfalk, J; Trifunovski, A; Widmer, H R; Olson, L; Spenger, C

2001-11-12

We describe the expression of mRNA encoding ligands and receptors of members of the GDNF family and members of the neurotrophin family in the adult human spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Fetal human spinal cord and ganglia were investigated for the presence of ligands and receptors of the neurotrophin family. Tissues were collected from human organ donors and after routine elective abortions. Messenger RNA was found encoding RET, GFR alpha-1, BDNF, trkB, and trkC in the adult human spinal cord and BDNF, NT-3, p75, trkB, and trkC in the fetal human spinal cord. The percentage of adult human DRG cells expressing p75, trkA, trkB, or trkC was 57, 46, 29, and 24%, respectively, and that of DRG cells expressing RET, GFR alpha-1, GFR alpha-2, or GFR alpha-3 was 79, 20, 51, and 32%, respectively. GFR alpha-2 was expressed selectively in small, GFR alpha-3 principally in small and GFR alpha-1 and RET in both large and small adult human DRG neurons. p75 and trkB were expressed by a wide range of DRG neurons while trkA was expressed in most small diameter and trkC primarily in large DRG neurons. Fetal DRG cells were positive for the same probes as adult DRG cells except for NT-3, which was only found in fetal DRG cells. Messenger RNA species only expressed at detectable levels in fetal but not adult spinal cord tissues included GDNF, GFR alpha-2, NT-3, and p75. Notably, GFR alpha-2, which is expressed in the adult rat spinal cord, was not found in the adult human spinal cord. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The alpha-spectrin gene is on chromosome 1 in mouse and man.

PubMed

Huebner, K; Palumbo, A P; Isobe, M; Kozak, C A; Monaco, S; Rovera, G; Croce, C M; Curtis, P J

1985-06-01

By using alpha-spectrin cDNA clones of murine and human origin and somatic cell hybrids segregating either mouse or human chromosomes, the gene for alpha-spectrin has been mapped to chromosome 1 in both species. This assignment of the mouse alpha-spectrin gene to mouse chromosome 1 by DNA hybridization strengthens the previous identification of the alpha-spectrin locus in mouse with the sph locus, which previously was mapped by linkage analysis to mouse chromosome 1, distal to the Pep-3 locus. By in situ hybridization to human metaphase chromosomes, the human alpha-spectrin gene has been localized to 1q22-1q25; interestingly, the locus for a non-Rh-linked form of elliptocytosis has been provisionally mapped to band 1q2 by family linkage studies.

Computational studies of H5N1 hemagglutinin binding with SA-{alpha}-2, 3-Gal and SA-{alpha}-2, 6-Gal

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

Li Minyong; Wang Binghe

2006-09-01

For influenza H5N1 hemagglutinin, a switch from SA-{alpha}-2, 3-Gal to SA-{alpha}-2, 6-Gal receptor specificity is a critical step leading to the conversion from avian-to-human to human-to-human infection. Therefore, the understanding of the binding modes of SA-{alpha}-2, 3-Gal and SA-{alpha}-2, 6-Gal to H5N1 hemagglutinin will be very important for the examination of possible mutations needed for going from an avian to a human flu virus. Based on the available H5N1 hemagglutinin crystal structure, the binding profiles between H5N1 hemagglutinin and two saccharide ligands, SA-{alpha}-2, 3-Gal and SA-{alpha}-2, 6-Gal, were investigated by ab initio quantum mechanics, molecular docking, molecular mechanics, and molecularmore » dynamics simulations. It was found that SA-{alpha}-2, 3-Gal has strong multiple hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions in its trans conformation with H5N1 hemagglutinin, whereas the SA-{alpha}-2, 6-Gal only shows weak interactions in a different conformation (cis type)« less

Human platelet lysate stimulates high-passage and senescent human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell growth and rejuvenation in vitro.

PubMed

Griffiths, Sarah; Baraniak, Priya R; Copland, Ian B; Nerem, Robert M; McDevitt, Todd C

2013-12-01

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are clinically useful because of their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties, but MSC therapies are limited by the loss of self-renewal and cell plasticity associated with ex vivo expansion culture and, on transplantation, increased immunogenicity from xenogen exposure during culture. Recently, pooled human platelet lysate (hPL) has been used as a culture supplement to promote MSC growth; however, the effects of hPL on MSCs after fetal bovine serum (FBS) exposure remain unknown. MSCs were cultured in medium containing FBS or hPL for up to 16 passages, and cell size, doubling time and immunophenotype were determined. MSC senescence was assessed by means of a fluorometric assay for endogenous β-galactosidase expression. MSCs cultured with FBS for different numbers of passages were switched to hPL conditions to evaluate the ability of hPL to "rescue" the proliferative capacity of MSCs. hPL culture resulted in more rapid cell proliferation at earlier passages (passage 5 or earlier) than remove FBS; by day 4, hPL (5%) yielded an MSC doubling time of 1.28 days compared with 1.52 days in 16% FBS. MSCs cultured first in FBS and switched to hPL proliferated more and demonstrated less β-galactosidase production and smaller cell sizes than remove MSCs continuously propagated in FBS. hPL enables rapid expansion of MSCs without adversely affecting immunophenotype. hPL culture of aged and senescent MSCs demonstrated cellular rejuvenation, reflected by decreased doubling time and smaller cell size. These results suggest that expansion of MSCs in hPL after FBS exposure can enhance cell phenotype and proliferative capacity. Copyright © 2013 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A defect in the inflammation-primed macrophage-activation cascade in osteopetrotic rats.

PubMed

Yamamoto, N; Lindsay, D D; Naraparaju, V R; Ireland, R A; Popoff, S N

1994-05-15

Macrophages were activated by administration of lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-Pc) or dodecylglycerol (DDG) to wild-type rats but not in osteopetrotic (op) mutant rats. In vitro treatment of wild-type rat peritoneal cells with lyso-Pc or DDG efficiently activated macrophages whereas treatment of op mutant rat peritoneal cells with lyso-Pc or DDG did not activate macrophages. The inflammation-primed macrophage activation cascade in rats requires participation of B lymphocytes and vitamin D binding protein (DBP). Lyso-Pc-inducible beta-galactosidase of wild-type rat B lymphocytes can convert DBP to the macrophage-activating factor (MAF), whereas B lymphocytes of the op mutant rats were shown to be deficient in lyso-Pc-inducible beta-galactosidase. DBP is conserved among mammalian species. Treatment of human DBP (Gc1 protein) with commercial glycosidases yields an extremely high titrated MAF as assayed on mouse and rat macrophages. Because the enzymatically generated MAF (GcMAF) bypasses the role of lymphocytes in macrophage activation, the op mutant rat macrophages were efficiently activated by administration of a small quantity (100 pg/rat) of GcMAF. Likewise, in vitro treatment of op rat peritoneal cells with as little as 40 pg GcMAF/ml activated macrophages.

Structural analysis of a glycosides hydrolase family 42 cold-adapted ß-galactosidase from Rahnella sp. R3

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The ß-galactosidase isolated from a psychrotrophic bacterium, Rahnella sp. R3 (R-ß-Gal), exhibits high activity at low temperature. R-ß-Gal is a member of the glycoside hydrolases family 42 (GH42), and forms a 225 kDa trimeric structure in solution. The X-ray crystal structure of R-ß-Gal was determi...

Postjunctional inhibition of contractor responses in the mouse vas deferens by rat and human calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP).

PubMed Central

Al-Kazwini, S. J.; Craig, R. K.; Marshall, I.

1986-01-01

The effects of rat and human alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were compared in the mouse and rabbit isolated vas deferens preparation contracted by either field stimulation or acetylcholine. The peptides were about equipotent at inhibiting twitch responses of the mouse vas deferens to field stimulation at 0.2 Hz (IC50 12 +/- 4 nM and 15 +/- 3 nM, rat and human alpha-CGRP respectively). Rat alpha-CGRP was less potent at inhibiting responses to 10 Hz than to either 0.2 Hz or 1.0 Hz stimulation. The potency of rat alpha-CGRP at 1.0 Hz was unaltered by halving the calcium concentration of the Krebs solution. The inhibitory effect of human alpha-CGRP was not antagonized by either propranolol (300 nM) or idazoxan (300 nM), although in the same tissues these latter two drugs reduced responses to isoprenaline and clonidine respectively. Rat alpha-CGRP (100 nM) and human alpha-CGRP (1.0 microM) did not alter the uptake of [3H]-noradrenaline (30 nM) into mice isolated vasa deferentia. Rat alpha-CGRP (3-100 nM) did not alter the fractional release per pulse (1.0 Hz, 100 pulses) of tritium from vasa preloaded with [3H]-noradrenaline, although at the same time the peptide inhibited responses of the smooth muscle to field stimulation. Rat and human alpha-CGRP were equipotent at inhibiting contractions of the mouse vas deferens evoked by acetylcholine although the peptides were less potent than against twitch responses. In the rabbit vas deferens neither rat nor human alpha-CGRP (3 nM-1 microM) inhibited either twitch responses or acetylcholine contractions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:3486688

[Enzyme replacement therapy in patients with Fabry disease: state of the art and review of the literature].

PubMed

Riccio, Eleonora; Capuano, Ivana; Visciano, Bianca; Marchetiello, Cristina; Petrillo, Fortunato; Pisani, Antonio

2013-01-01

Anderson-Fabry disease is a hereditary X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha galactosidase A. It results in the accumulation of the glycosphingolypid globotrioasoyl ceramide (Gb3 in different cells and organs, resulting in a multi-system pathology including end organ failure. Patients with Fabry disease present clinically with cardiac, renal and neurological involvement; both life expectancy and quality of life are severely compromised. The current causal treatment for Fabry disease is enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), available since 2001. The two recombinant preparations available for ERT are agalsidase alfa (Replagal) and agalsidase beta (Fabrazyme). They have both been showed to have positive effect on kidney and heart, on the symptoms of pain and quality of life. Few data to date are available on comparison of the two preparations of ERT. This article reviews evidence of the literature and shows our personal experience about the safety and efficacy of ERT.

Evaluation of agrowastes as immobilizers for probiotics in soy milk.

PubMed

Teh, Sue-Siang; Ahmad, Rosma; Wan-Abdullah, Wan-Nadiah; Liong, Min-Tze

2009-11-11

The objective of this study was to evaluate agricultural wastes as immobilizers for probiotics in liquid foods, such as soy milk. Probiotic strains were initially evaluated for acid and bile tolerance and the ability to produce alpha-galactosidase. Rinds of durian, mangosteen, and jackfruit were dried, ground, and sterilized prior to immobilization of selected strains ( Lactobacillus acidophilus FTDC 1331, L. acidophilus FTDC 2631, L. acidophilus FTDC 2333, L. acidophilus FTDC 1733, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus FTCC 0411). Immobilized cells were inoculated into soy milk, and growth properties were evaluated over 168 h at 37 degrees C. Soy milk containing free cells without agrowastes was used as the control. Immobilized probiotics showed increased growth, greater reduction of stachyose, sucrose, and glucose, higher production of lactic and acetic acids, and lower pH in soy milk compared to the control. The results illustrated that agrowastes could be used for the immobilization of probiotics with enhanced growth, utilization of substrates, and production of organic acids.

Trehalase: a new pollen enzyme.

PubMed

Gussin, A E; McCormack, J H; Waung, L Y; Gluckin, D S

1969-08-01

Pollen from 5 plant species (Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium Mill., Hermerocallis minor Mill., Galtonia condicans Decne., Camellia japonica L., and Lathyrus odoratus L.) representing 4 families germinated well in media containing trehalose as the sole carbon source. Data are presented indicating that pollen metabolized this disaccharide for germination and subsequent pollen-tube growth; the sugar was not merely an osmoregulator. An inhibitor of trehalase activity depressed germination in trehalose but not in sucrose. Phloridzin dihydrate, an inhibitor of glucose transport, depressed germination in both disaccharides. Biochemical tests demonstrated that a pollen extract was capable of hydrolyzing trehalose to its constituent glucose monomers. Heat inactivation experiments confirmed the presence of a distinct trehalase having a rigid specificity for its substrate. By this method, trehalase activity was completely distinguishable from the activities of other alpha- and beta-glucosidases and beta-galactosidases. Localization data indicated that the enzyme diffused from intact grains and was probably soluble. The presence of its substrate could not be demonstrated in pollen or in stigmatic or stylar tissues.

Proteomic Analysis to Elucidate the Antibacterial Action of Silver Ions Against Bovine Mastitis Pathogens.

PubMed

Kang, Seog Jin; Cho, Yong Il; Kim, Ki Hyun; Cho, Eun Seok

2016-05-01

Silver ions act as a powerful, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent and are known to kill over 650 different kinds of pathogens. We investigated the protein expression pattern and identity after silver ion treatment in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are primarily responsible for the majority of bovine mastitis cases using proteomics. Two-dimensional electrophoresis showed that silver ion treatment significantly reduced 5 spot's density in E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. We identified 10 proteins (alkyl hydroperoxide reductase C22 subunit, phosphoglucomutase, fructose-1-phosphate kinase, putative carbamoyl transferase, alpha-galactosidase, carbamate kinase, ornithine transcarbamoylase, fumarate hydratase class II, alcohol dehydrogenase, and conserved hypothetical protein) by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF). These results demonstrated that silver ions have bactericidal effects through energy deprivation, inhibition of DNA replication, and accumulation of oxidants in bovine mastitis pathogens and suggested that silver ions can be applied for the treatment of bovine mastitis.

Early Renal Involvement in a Girl with Classic Fabry Disease.

PubMed

Perretta, Fernando; Antongiovanni, Norberto; Jaurretche, Sebastián

2017-01-01

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder resulting from the deficiency or absence of the enzyme alpha galactosidase A; this defect leads to the systemic accumulation of globotriaosylceramide and its metabolites. Organic involvement in men is well known, but in women it is controversial, mainly due to the random X-chromosome inactivation in each of their cells (Lyon hypothesis). This would explain why women (heterozygotes) present a wide variability in the severity of their phenotype. The manifestations are multisystemic and begin in early childhood, reaching a severe compromise in adulthood. Typical acroparesthesia in hands and feet, gastrointestinal symptoms, angiokeratomas, dyshidrosis, hearing loss, arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cerebrovascular accidents, and renal failure can be observed. Nephropathy is one of the major complications of Fabry disease. Glomerular and vascular changes are present before progression to overt proteinuria and decreased glomerular filtration rate, even in pediatric patients. A case of incipient renal involvement in a girl with classic Fabry disease is reported.

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

Zammarchi, E.; Donati, M.A.; Morrone, A.

Few patients with the early-infantile form of galactosialidosis have been described to date. Presented here is the first Italian case. Fetal hydrops was detected by ultrasound at week 24 of gestation. At birth, the infant presented with hypotonial, massive edema, a flattened coarse facies. telangiectasias, and hepatosplenomegaly, but no dysostosis multiplex. The patient died 72 days postpartum. Excessive sialyloligosaccharides in urine, as well as vacuolation of lymphocytes and eosinophilic granulocytes in peripheral blood, were indicative of a lysosomal storage disease. In the patient`s fibroblasts, both {alpha}-neuraminidase and {beta}-galactosidase activities were severely reduced, and cathepsin A activity was <1% of controlmore » levels, confirming the biochemical diagnosis of galactosialidosis. However, in contrast to previously reported early-infantile cases, a normal amount of protective protein/cathepsin A mRNA was detected on Northern blots. This mutant transcript was translated into a precursor protein that was not processed into the mature enzyme and lacked both protective and catalytic activities. 28 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.« less

Safety evaluation of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis UO 004, a probiotic bacterium.

PubMed

Fernández, M Fernanda; Boris, Soledad; Barbés, Covadonga

2005-03-01

Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis UO 004 was evaluated for its use as a potential probiotic from a safety point of view. The strain did not exhibit mucinolytic or other enzymatic activities that might be detrimental, such as those involving glycosidases (beta-D-glucosaminidase or alpha-D-galactosidase) or arylamidases (factor Xa and quimotrypsin-like activities), frequently present in Lactobacillus strains isolated from patients with endocarditis, although it was able to express protein Ca and kallikrein-like activities. On the other hand, the presence of the strain did not interfere with the growth of certain species of normal intestinal microbiota, such as Enterococcus fecalis, Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium bifidum or Bacteroides fragilis. Moreover, the potential probiotic strain UO 004 is sensitive to antibiotics with transmissible resistance mechanisms in Lactobacillus such as chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracycline and vancomycin. In addition, strain L. delbrueckii UO 004 was not able to translocate towards the intestinal barrier of mice or produce changes in their activity or general health status.

Evidence for Alpha Receptors in the Human Ureter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madeb, Ralph; Knopf, Joy; Golijanin, Dragan; Bourne, Patricia; Erturk, Erdal

2007-04-01

An immunohistochemical and western blot expression analysis of human ureters was performed in order to characterize the alpha-1-adrenergic receptor distribution along the length of the human ureteral wall. Mapping the distribution will assist in understanding the potential role alpha -1-adrenergic receptors and their subtype density might have in the pathophysiology of ureteral colic and stone passage. Patients diagnosed with renal cancer or bladder cancer undergoing nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy, or cystectomy had ureteral specimens taken from the proximal, mid, distal and tunneled ureter. Tissues were processed for fresh frozen examination and fixed in formalin. None of the ureteral specimens were involved with cancer. Serial histologic sections and immunohistochemical studies were performed using antibodies specific for alpha-1-adrenergic receptor subtypes (alpha 1a, alpha 1b, alpha 1d). The sections were examined under a light microscope and scored as positive or negative. In order to validate and quantify the alpha receptor subtypes along the human ureter. Western blotting techniques were applied. Human ureter stained positively for alpha -1-adrenergic receptors. Immunostaining appeared red, with intense reaction in the smooth muscle of the ureter and endothelium of the neighboring blood vessels. There was differential expression between all the receptors with the highest staining for alpha-1D subtype. The highest protein expression for all three subtypes was in the renal pelvis and decreased with advancement along the ureter to the distal ureter. At the distal ureter, there was marked increase in expression as one progressed towards the ureteral orifice. The same pattern of protein expression was exhibited for all three alpha -1-adrenergic receptor subtypes. We provide preliminary evidence for the ability to detect and quantify the alpha-1-receptor subtypes along the human ureter which to the best of our knowledge has never been done with immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques. These findings may lend support to the preliminary studies of the effectiveness of alpha-receptor blockade on ureteral colic and stone passage.

Antiandrogenic activities of diesel exhaust particle extracts in PC3/AR human prostate carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Kizu, Ryoichi; Okamura, Kazumasa; Toriba, Akira; Mizokami, Atsushi; Burnstein, Kerry L; Klinge, Carolyn M; Hayakawa, Kazuichi

2003-12-01

We collected diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) emitted from three diesel-engine vehicles--a car, a bus, and a truck--in daily use, and prepared DEP extracts (DEPEs), designated as EC, EB, or ET, respectively. The androgenic and antiandrogenic effects of the DEPE samples were examined by a luciferase reporter assay in human prostate carcinoma PC3/AR cells transiently transfected with a prostate specific antigen gene promoter-driven luciferase expression vector pGLPSA5.8. PC3/AR is a subline of human prostate carcinoma PC3 transformed to stably express wild-type human androgen receptor (AR). While DEPE samples did not exhibit any androgenic effect, they exerted antiandrogenic effect, inhibiting dihydrotestosterone (10 pM) -induced luciferase activity by 24 to 52% at an extract concentration of 10 microg/ml. The antiandrogenic effect was greater in the following order: ET > EB > EC. Co-treatment of PC3/AR cells with SKF-525A, a nonselective inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, enhanced the antiandrogenic effect, indicating that the antiandrogenic effect is caused by intact species of DEPE constituents. The antiandrogenic effect of DEPE samples was reversed by alpha-naphthoflavone, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist. The antiandrogenic activity of a DEPE sample correlated with its AhR agonist activity assayed in PC3/AR cells transiently transfected with CYP1A1 gene promoter-driven luciferase expression vector pLUC1A1. Equimolar mixtures of ten polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) having four or more rings, structures found in the DEPEs, showed significant antiandrogenic effects and AhR agonist activity at concentrations equivalent to those found in DEPE samples. Further, DEPE samples elicited only antiandrogenic effects in recombinant yeast cells, which express beta-galactosidase in response to androgen. A competitive AR binding assay showed that AR-binding constituents exist in DEPE samples, indicating that greater part of AR-binding constituents in DEPEs are AR antagonists. All these findings show that DEPE samples exhibit significant antiandrogenic effect in cell-based transcription assay and that this effect is due in part to the constituents with AhR agonist activity including PAHs and to the constituents with AR antagonist activity.

Ancient roots for polymorphism at the HLA-DQ. alpha. locus in primates

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

Gyllensten, U.B.; Erlich, H.A.

1989-12-01

The genes encoding the human histocompatibility antigens (HLA) exhibit a remarkable degree of polymorphism as revealed by immunologic and molecular analyses. This extensive sequence polymorphism either may have been generated during the lifetime of the human species or could have arisen before speciation and been maintained in the contemporary human population by selection or, possibly, by genetic drift. These two hypotheses were examined using the polymerase chain reaction method to amplify polymorphic sequences from the DQ{alpha} locus, as well as the DX{alpha} locus, an homologous but nonexpressed locus, in a series of primates that diverged at known times. In general,more » the amino acid sequence of a specific human DQ{alpha} allelic type is more closely related to its chimpanzee or gorilla counterpart than to other human DQ{alpha} alleles. Phylogenetic analysis of the silent nucleotide position changes shows that the similarity of allelic types between species is due to common ancestry rather than convergent evolution. Thus, most of the polymorphism at the DQ{alpha} locus in the human species was already present at least 5 million years ago in the ancestral species that gave rise to the chimpanzee, gorilla, and human lineages. However, one of the DQ{alpha} alleles may have arisen after speciation by recombination between two ancestral alleles.« less

β-galactosidase from Aspergillus lacticoffeatus: A promising biocatalyst for the synthesis of novel prebiotics.

PubMed

Cardoso, Beatriz B; Silvério, Sara C; Abrunhosa, Luís; Teixeira, José A; Rodrigues, Lígia R

2017-09-18

β-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) are interesting enzymes able to catalyze lactose hydrolysis and transfer reactions to produce lactose-based prebiotics with potential application in the pharmaceutical and food industry. In this work, Aspergillus lacticoffeatus is described, for the first time, as an effective β-galactosidase producer. The extracellular enzyme production was evaluated in synthetic and alternative media containing cheese whey and corn steep liquor. Although β-galactosidase production occurred in all media (expect for the one composed solely by cheese whey), the highest enzymatic activity values (460U/mL) were obtained for the synthetic medium. Ochratoxin A production in synthetic medium was also evaluated and 9days of fermentation was identified as a suitable fermentation time to obtain a crude extract enzyme with mycotoxin concentration below the legal comparable value established for wine and grape juices (2ng/mL). The optimal pH and temperature for the crude extract enzyme was found in the range of 3.5-4.5 and 50-60°C, respectively. The β-galactosidase activity was reduced in the presence of Ba 2+ , Fe 2+ , Li + , K + and galactose, while additives (except for ascorbic acid) and detergents exhibited a positive effect on enzymatic activity. This enzyme was able to catalyze the synthesis of prebiotics, namely lactulose (2.5g/L) and a galacto-oligosaccharide (trisaccharide, 6.3g/L), either when whole cells or crude enzyme was used as biocatalyst. The lactulose production using fungal whole cells is herein reported for the first time. Additionally, A. lacticoffeatus was also found to produce an enzyme with fructosyltransferase activity and other prebiotics, namely fructo-oligosaccharide 1-kestose (2.4g/L). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Carbon Limitation Induces ςS-Dependent Gene Expression in Pseudomonas fluorescens in Soil

PubMed Central

Koch, Birgit; Worm, Jakob; Jensen, Linda E.; Højberg, Ole; Nybroe, Ole

2001-01-01

Recent studies employing reporter gene technology indicate that the availabilities of the major nutrients nitrogen, phosphate, and iron to Pseudomonas are not severely limited in bulk soil. Indirect evidence has pointed to carbon limitation as a severe nutritional stress in this environment. We show that a plasmid (pGM115)-borne transcriptional fusion between the ςS-dependent Escherichia coli promoter Pfic and lacZ functions as a reliable reporter for carbon availability in Pseudomonas fluorescens. When P. fluorescens strain DF57(pGM115) was introduced into bulk soil, carbon-limiting conditions were indicated by citrate-repressible induction of β-galactosidase activity. To address carbon availability at the single-cell level, we developed an immunofluorescence double-staining procedure for individual DF57 cells expressing β-galactosidase from Pfic. Changes in cell size and expression of β-galactosidase were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cells extracted from soil microcosms reduced their size less than carbon-starved cells in pure culture and showed an increased tendency to aggregate. The single-cell analysis revealed that for cells residing in soil, the expression of β-galactosidase became heterogeneous and only a DF57 subpopulation appeared to be carbon limited. In soil amended with barley straw, limited nitrogen availability has been determined by use of the bioluminescent reporter strain P. fluorescens DF57-N3. We used strain DF57-N3(pGM115) as a double reporter for carbon and nitrogen limitation that allowed us to study the dynamics of carbon and nitrogen availabilities in more detail. In straw-amended soil β-galactosidase activity remained low, while nitrogen limitation-dependent bioluminescence appeared after a few days. Hence, nitrogen became limited under conditions where carbon resources were not completely exhausted. PMID:11472905

Behavior of a cloned murine interferon alpha/beta receptor expressed in homospecific or heterospecific background.

PubMed

Uzé, G; Lutfalla, G; Bandu, M T; Proudhon, D; Mogensen, K E

1992-05-15

A murine interferon (IFN) alpha/beta receptor was cloned from the IFN-sensitive L1210 cell line on the basis of its homology with the human receptor. A combination of methods that includes the screening of random-primed and oligo(dT)-primed cDNA libraries and polymerase chain reactions with a single-side specificity was used. At the amino acid level, the murine IFN-alpha/beta shows 46% identity with its human counterpart. Both human WISH cells presenting a low sensitivity to mouse IFN and a murine L1210 mutant subline that does not express the receptor have been stably transfected with the murine IFN-alpha/beta receptor. Whereas transfected human cells became sensitive to a limited number of mouse IFN-alpha/beta subtypes, the transfected murine L1210 mutant was found to be fully complemented and became sensitive to all mouse IFN-alpha/beta subtypes tested, including those that were not active on transfected human cells. These results strongly suggest that the receptor described here is implicated in the mediation of the activities of all murine IFN-alpha/beta subtypes.

The human interleukin-1 alpha gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 2 at band q13.

PubMed

Lafage, M; Maroc, N; Dubreuil, P; de Waal Malefijt, R; Pébusque, M J; Carcassonne, Y; Mannoni, P

1989-01-01

Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) are two biochemically distinct, but distantly related, polypeptidic cytokines that play a key role in inflammation, immunologic reactions, and tissue repair. Recently, it has been shown that IL-1 alpha is identical to hematopoietin 1, which was described as a hematopoietic growth factor acting on early progenitor cells in synergy with other hematopoietic growth factors. In this report we discuss our use of in situ hybridization on human prometaphase cells with a human IL-1 alpha cDNA probe to localize the human IL-1 alpha gene on the proximal part of the long arm of chromosome 2 at band q13, in the same chromosomal region as the IL-1 beta gene.

The alpha-spectrin gene is on chromosome 1 in mouse and man.

PubMed Central

Huebner, K; Palumbo, A P; Isobe, M; Kozak, C A; Monaco, S; Rovera, G; Croce, C M; Curtis, P J

1985-01-01

By using alpha-spectrin cDNA clones of murine and human origin and somatic cell hybrids segregating either mouse or human chromosomes, the gene for alpha-spectrin has been mapped to chromosome 1 in both species. This assignment of the mouse alpha-spectrin gene to mouse chromosome 1 by DNA hybridization strengthens the previous identification of the alpha-spectrin locus in mouse with the sph locus, which previously was mapped by linkage analysis to mouse chromosome 1, distal to the Pep-3 locus. By in situ hybridization to human metaphase chromosomes, the human alpha-spectrin gene has been localized to 1q22-1q25; interestingly, the locus for a non-Rh-linked form of elliptocytosis has been provisionally mapped to band 1q2 by family linkage studies. Images PMID:2987946

Lactose/whey utilization and ethanol production by transformed Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells.

PubMed

Porro, D; Martegani, E; Ranzi, B M; Alberghina, L

1992-04-05

Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae transformed with a multicopy expression vector bearing both the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase gene under the control of the upstream activating sequence of the GAL1-10 genes and the GAL4 activator gene release part of beta-galactosidase in the growth medium. This release is due to cell lysis of the older mother cells; the enzyme maintains its activity in buffered growth media. Fermentation studies with transformed yeast strains showed that the release of beta-galactosidase allowed an efficient growth on buffered media containing lactose as carbon source as well as on whey-based media. The transformed strains utilized up to 95% of the lactose and a high growth yield was obtained in rich media. High productions of ethanol were also observed in stationary phase after growth in lactose minimal media.

A defective retroviral vector encoding human interferon-alpha2 can transduce human leukemic cell lines.

PubMed

Austruy, E; Bagnis, C; Carbuccia, N; Maroc, C; Birg, F; Dubreuil, P; Mannoni, P; Chabannon, C

1998-01-01

Using the LXSN backbone, a defective retroviral vector (LISN) was constructed that encodes the human interferon (IFN)-alpha2 (hIFN-alpha2) gene and the neomycin resistance gene; the hIFN-alpha2 gene was cloned from human placental genomic DNA. High titers of the LISN retrovirus were produced by the amphotropic packaging cell line GP+envAM12. LISN is able to infect three human hematopoietic and leukemic cell lines: K562, LAMA-84, and TF-1. G418-resistant cells were detected in a similar proportion after infection with either the LISN retroviral vector or the LnLSN retroviral vector (encoding the nlsLacZ gene instead of hIFN-alpha2), suggesting that hIFN-alpha2 does not inhibit (or only partially inhibits) the production of retroviral particles by the packaging cell line and the infection of human cells. LISN-infected cells express and secrete hIFN-alpha2 as demonstrated by Northern blot analysis of poly(A)+ RNA, detection of the intracellular protein by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis, and detection of secreted hIFN-alpha in cell supernatants using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Retrovirally produced hIFN-alpha2 is biologically active, as demonstrated by the partial inhibition of the growth of K562 and TF-1, the modulation of the expression of cell surface antigens, the induction of the (2'-5') oligoadenylate synthetase, and, for LAMA-84, the down-modulation of the BCR-ABL protein. We conclude that the infection of human leukemic cell lines with a retroviral vector encoding hIFN-alpha2 is feasible and induces the expected biological effects. This experimental model will be useful in investigating the possibility of transducing normal and leukemic cells and hematopoietic progenitors and in determining the consequences of the autocrine production of hIFN-alpha2 on the behavior of these cells.

New approaches to prevention and treatment of radial artery graft vasospasm.

PubMed

Cable, D G; Caccitolo, J A; Pearson, P J; O'Brien, T; Mullany, C J; Daly, R C; Orszulak, T A; Schaff, H V

1998-11-10

There has been renewed interest in radial artery (RA) conduits for coronary artery bypass because of the relative resistance of arterial grafts to atherosclerosis compared with autogenous vein grafts. Although improved drug therapy for arterial spasm is now available, vasospasm still occurs in at least 5% to 10% of RA grafts. We systematically evaluated the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers and organic nitrates for inhibition or reversal of RA contraction in vitro. Additionally, we investigated the efficacy of novel gene therapy with endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to inhibit RA contractions. Segments of RA from 28 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were mounted in organ chambers. In control experiments, KCl (5 to 50 mmol/L) produced dose-dependent increases in tension (maximum tension, 14.3 +/- 3.0 g, n = 7). Addition of diltiazem or verapamil had no significant effect on KCl contraction (128 +/- 36% and 88 +/- 24% control, respectively); however, nifedipine markedly inhibited KCl contraction (27 +/- 4% control, P = 0.005). Norepinephrine (NE, 10(-9) to 10(-4) M) produced dose-dependent increases in tension (maximum tension, 15.7 +/- 2.7 g in control rings, n = 8). Diltiazem and verapamil pretreatment had no significant effect on NE contraction (103 +/- 14% and 90 +/- 14% control, respectively); nifedipine significantly inhibited NE contraction (70 +/- 11% control, P = 0.02). Isosorbide dinitrate and nitroglycerin markedly inhibited KCl contractions (47 +/- 9% and 30 +/- 8% of controls, n = 6) and NE contractions (42 +/- 10% and 31 +/- 9% of controls, n = 6). Nifedipine, isosorbide, and nitroglycerin were further evaluated for the ability to reverse an established contraction (KCl 40 mmol/L); nitroglycerin was most effective in reversing RA contraction. In separate experiments, RA underwent adenoviral-mediated gene transfer with vehicle, Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase, or eNOS (eNOS, 10(10) PFU/mL x 1 hour). Transgene expression was confirmed by beta-galactosidase activity and eNOS immunohistochemistry after 40 hours of ex vivo incubation. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated recombinant NOS in adenovirus encoding bovine eNOS (Ad.CMVeNOS) RA only. Ad.CMVeNOS arteries contracted only 46.6 +/- 13.7% of controls to KCl (n = 5) and 48.2 +/- 11.4% of controls to prostaglandin F2 alpha a (10(-9) to 10(-6) M, n = 5). Diltiazem, which is used empirically to prevent RA vasospasm, had little effect on human RA contractions (receptor-independent and receptor-dependent). Organic nitrates inhibited and reversed RA contractions. Adenoviral transfer of NOS suggests that future clinical application of gene therapy may play an important role in prevention of RA vasospasm.

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

Lundasen, Thomas; Molecular Nutrition Unit, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, NOVUM, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 86 Stockholm; Hunt, Mary C.

The metabolic regulator fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has antidiabetic properties in animal models of diabetes and obesity. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we here show that the hepatic gene expression of FGF21 is regulated by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR{alpha}). Fasting or treatment of mice with the PPAR{alpha} agonist Wy-14,643 induced FGF21 mRNA by 10-fold and 8-fold, respectively. In contrast, FGF21 mRNA was low in PPAR{alpha} deficient mice, and fasting or treatment with Wy-14,643 did not induce FGF21. Obese ob/ob mice, known to have increased PPAR{alpha} levels, displayed 12-fold increased hepatic FGF21 mRNA levels. The potential importance of PPAR{alpha} formore » FGF21 expression also in human liver was shown by Wy-14,643 induction of FGF21 mRNA in human primary hepatocytes, and PPAR{alpha} response elements were identified in both the human and mouse FGF21 promoters. Further studies on the mechanisms of regulation of FGF21 by PPAR{alpha} in humans will be of great interest.« less

Podocytes populate cellular crescents in a murine model of inflammatory glomerulonephritis.

PubMed

Moeller, Marcus J; Soofi, Abdulsalaam; Hartmann, Inge; Le Hir, Michel; Wiggins, Roger; Kriz, Wilhelm; Holzman, Lawrence B

2004-01-01

Cellular crescents are a defining histologic finding in many forms of inflammatory glomerulonephritis. Despite numerous studies, the origin of glomerular crescents remains unresolved. A genetic cell lineage-mapping study with a novel transgenic mouse model was performed to investigate whether visceral glomerular epithelial cells, termed podocytes, are precursors of cells that populate cellular crescents. The podocyte-specific 2.5P-Cre mouse line was crossed with the ROSA26 reporter line, resulting in irreversible constitutive expression of beta-galactosidase in doubly transgenic 2.5P-Cre/ROSA26 mice. In these mice, crescentic glomerulonephritis was induced with a previously described rabbit anti-glomerular basement membrane antiserum nephritis approach. Interestingly, beta-galactosidase-positive cells derived from podocytes adhered to the parietal basement membrane and populated glomerular crescents during the early phases of cellular crescent formation, accounting for at least one-fourth of the total cell mass. In cellular crescents, the proliferation marker Ki-67 was expressed in beta-galactosidase-positive and beta-galactosidase-negative cells, indicating that both cell types contributed to the formation of cellular crescents through proliferation in situ. Podocyte-specific antigens, including WT-1, synaptopodin, nephrin, and podocin, were not expressed by any cells in glomerular crescents, suggesting that podocytes underwent profound phenotypic changes in this nephritis model.

Enhanced expression of cro-beta-galactosidase fusion proteins under the control of the PR promoter of bacteriophage lambda.

PubMed Central

Zabeau, M; Stanley, K K

1982-01-01

Hybrid plasmids carrying cro-lacZ gene fusions have been constructed by joining DNA segments carrying the PR promoter and the start of the cro gene of bacteriophage lambda to the lacZ gene fragment carried by plasmid pLG400 . Plasmids in which the translational reading frames of the cro and lacZ genes are joined in-register (type I) direct the synthesis of elevated levels of cro-beta-galactosidase fusion protein amounting to 30% of the total cellular protein, while plasmids in which the genes are fused out-of-register (type II) produce a low level of beta-galactosidase protein. Sequence rearrangements downstream of the cro initiator AUG were found to influence the efficiency of translation, and have been correlated with alterations in the RNA secondary structure of the ribosome-binding site. Plasmids which direct the synthesis of high levels of beta-galactosidase are conditionally lethal and can only be propagated when the PR promoter is repressed. Deletion of sequences downstream of the lacZ gene restored viability, indicating that this region of the plasmid encodes a function which inhibits the growth of the cells. The different applications of these plasmids for expression of cloned genes are discussed. Images Fig. 6. PMID:6327257

Relationship between sol-gel conditions and enzyme stability: a case study with β-galactosidase/silica biocatalyst for whey hydrolysis.

PubMed

Escobar, Sindy; Bernal, Claudia; Mesa, Monica

2015-01-01

The sol-gel process has been very useful for preparing active and stable biocatalysts, with the possibility of being reused. Especially those based on silica are well known. However, the study of the enzyme behavior during this process is not well understood until now and more, if the surfactant is involved in the synthesis mixture. This work is devoted to the encapsulation of β-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans in silica by sol-gel process, assisted by non-ionic Triton X-100 surfactant. The correlation between enzyme activity results for the β-galactosidase in three different environments (soluble in buffered aqueous reference solution, in the silica sol, and entrapment on the silica matrix) explains the enzyme behavior under stress conditions offered by the silica sol composition and gelation conditions. A stable β-galactosidase/silica biocatalyst is obtained using sodium silicate, which is a cheap source of silica, in the presence of non-ionic Triton X-100, which avoids the enzyme deactivation, even at 40 °C. The obtained biocatalyst is used in the whey hydrolysis for obtaining high value products from this waste. The preservation of the enzyme stability, which is one of the most important challenges on the enzyme immobilization through the silica sol-gel, is achieved in this study.

Repeated-batch operation of immobilized β-galactosidase inclusion bodies-containing Escherichia coli cell reactor for lactose hydrolysis.

PubMed

Yeon, Ji-Hyeon; Jung, Kyung-Hwan

2011-09-01

In this study, we investigated the performance of an immobilized β-galactosidase inclusion bodies-containing Escherichia coli cell reactor, where the cells were immobilized in alginate beads, which were then used in repeated-batch operations for the hydrolysis of o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactoside or lactose over the long-term. In particular, in the Tris buffer system, disintegration of the alginate beads was not observed during the operation, which was observed for the phosphate buffer system. The o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactoside hydrolysis was operated successfully up to about 80 h, and the runs were successfully repeated at least eight times. In addition, hydrolysis of lactose was successfully carried out up to 240 h. Using Western blotting analyses, it was verified that the beta-galactosidase inclusion bodies were sustained in the alginate beads during the repeated-batch operations. Consequently, we experimentally verified that β-galactosidase inclusion bodies-containing Escherichia coli cells could be used in a repeated-batch reactor as a biocatalyst for the hydrolysis of o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactoside or lactose. It is probable that this approach can be applied to enzymatic synthesis reactions for other biotechnology applications, particularly reactions that require long-term and stable operation.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of two thermostable α-galactosidases from glycoside hydrolase family 36

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

Foucault, M.; Watzlawick, H.; Mattes, R.

2006-02-01

The α-galactosidases AgaA, AgaB and AgaA A355E mutant from Geobacillus stearothermophilus have been overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Crystals of AgaB and AgaA A355E have been obtained by the vapour-diffusion method and synchrotron data have been collected to 2.0 and 2.8 Å resolution, respectively. α-Galactosidases from thermophilic organisms have gained interest owing to their applications in the sugar industry. The α-galactosidases AgaA, AgaB and AgaA A355E mutant from Geobacillus stearothermophilus have been overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Crystals of AgaB and AgaA A355E have been obtained by the vapour-diffusion method and synchrotron data have been collected to 2.0 and 2.8 Å resolution,more » respectively. Crystals of AgaB belong to space group I222 or I2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1}, with unit-cell parameters a = 87.5, b = 113.3, c = 161.6 Å. Crystals of AgaA A355E belong to space group P3{sub 1}21 or P3{sub 2}21, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 150.1, c = 233.2 Å.« less

Looking-glass synergistic pharmacological chaperones: DGJ and L-DGJ from the enantiomers of tagatose.

PubMed

Jenkinson, Sarah F; Fleet, George W J; Nash, Robert J; Koike, Yuriko; Adachi, Isao; Yoshihara, Akihide; Morimoto, Kenji; Izumori, Ken; Kato, Atsushi

2011-08-05

The enantiomers of tagatose are converted to L-DGJ [a noncompetitive inhibitor of human lysosome α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A), K(i) 38.5 μM] and DGJ [a competitive inhibitor of α-Gal A, K(i) 15.1 nM] in 66% yield. L-DGJ and DGJ provide the first examples of pharmacological chaperones that (a) are enantiomeric iminosugars and (b) have synergistic activity with implications for the treatment of lysosomal storage disorders and other protein deficiencies. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Synthetic. cap alpha. subunit peptide 125-147 of human nicotinic acetylcholine receptor induces antibodies to native receptor

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

McCormick, D.J.; Griesmann, G.E.; Huang, Z.

1986-03-05

A synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 125-147 of the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor (AChR) ..cap alpha.. subunit proved to be a major antigenic region of the AChR. Rats inoculated with 50 ..mu..g of peptide (T ..cap alpha.. 125-147) developed T cell immunity and antibodies to native AChR and signs of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. They report the synthesis and preliminary testing of a disulfide-looped peptide comprising residues 125-147 of the human AChR ..cap alpha.. subunit. Peptide H ..cap alpha.. 125-147 differs from T ..cap alpha.. 125-147 at residues 139 (Glu for Gln) and 143 (Ser for Thr). In immunoprecipitation assays, antibodiesmore » to Torpedo AChR bound /sup 125/I-labelled H..cap alpha.. 125-147 antibody bound H..cap alpha.. 125-147, but monoclonal antibodies to an immunodominant region of native AChR bound neither H..cap alpha.. 125-147 nor T ..cap alpha.. 125-147. Rats immunized with H ..cap alpha.. 125-147 produced anti-mammalian muscle AChR antibodies that induced modulation of AChRs from cultured human myotubes. Thus, region 125-147 of the human AChR ..cap alpha.. subunit is extracellular in muscle, and is both antigenic and immunogenic. It remains to be determined whether or not autoantibodies to this region may in part cause the weakness or myasthenia gravis in man.« less

Tumor cell alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity and its involvement in GcMAF-related macrophage activation.

PubMed

Mohamad, Saharuddin B; Nagasawa, Hideko; Uto, Yoshihiro; Hori, Hitoshi

2002-05-01

Alpha-N-acetyl galactosaminidase (alpha-NaGalase) has been reported to accumulate in serum of cancer patients and be responsible for deglycosylation of Gc protein, which is a precursor of GcMAF-mediated macrophage activation cascade, finally leading to immunosuppression in advanced cancer patients. We studied the biochemical characterization of alpha-NaGalase from several human tumor cell lines. We also examined its effect on the potency of GcMAF to activate mouse peritoneal macrophage to produce superoxide in GcMAF-mediated macrophage activation cascade. The specific activity of alpha-NaGalases from human colon tumor cell line HCT116, human hepatoma cell line HepG2, and normal human liver cells (Chang liver cell line) were evaluated using two types of substrates; GalNAc-alpha-PNP (exo-type substrate) and Gal-beta-GalNAc-alpha-PNP (endo-type substrate). Tumor-derived alpha-NaGalase having higher activity than normal alpha-NaGalase, had higher substrate specificity to the exo-type substrate than to the endo-type substrate, and still maintained its activity at pH 7. GcMAF enhance superoxide production in mouse macrophage, and pre-treatment of GcMAF with tumor cell lysate reduce the activity. We conclude that tumor-derived alpha-NaGalase is different in biochemical characterization compared to normal alpha-NaGalase from normal Chang liver cells. In addition, tumor cell-derived alpha-NaGalase decreases the potency of GcMAF on macrophage activation.

cap alpha. /sub i/-3 cDNA encodes the. cap alpha. subunit of G/sub k/, the stimulatory G protein of receptor-regulated K/sup +/ channels

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

Codina, J.; Olate, J.; Abramowitz, J.

1988-05-15

cDNA cloning has identified the presence in the human genome of three genes encoding ..cap alpha.. subunits of pertussis toxin substrates, generically called G/sub i/. They are named ..cap alpha../sub i/-1, ..cap alpha../sub i/-2 and ..cap alpha../sub i/-3. However, none of these genes has been functionally identified with any of the ..cap alpha.. subunits of several possible G proteins, including pertussis toxin-sensitive G/sub p/'s, stimulatory to phospholipase C or A/sub 2/, G/sub i/, inhibitory to adenylyl cyclase, or G/sub k/, stimulatory to a type of K/sup +/ channels. The authors now report the nucleotide sequence and the complete predicted aminomore » acid sequence of human liver ..cap alpha../sub i/-3 and the partial amino acid sequence of proteolytic fragments of the ..cap alpha.. subunit of human erythrocyte G/sub k/. The amino acid sequence of the proteolytic fragment is uniquely encoded by the cDNA of ..cap alpha../sub i/-3, thus identifying it as ..cap alpha../sub k/. The probable identity of ..cap alpha../sub i/-1 with ..cap alpha../sub p/ and possible roles for ..cap alpha../sub i/-2, as well as additional roles for ..cap alpha../sub i/-1 and ..cap alpha../sub i/-3 (..cap alpha../sub k/) are discussed.« less

Behavior of a cloned murine interferon alpha/beta receptor expressed in homospecific or heterospecific background.

PubMed Central

Uzé, G; Lutfalla, G; Bandu, M T; Proudhon, D; Mogensen, K E

1992-01-01

A murine interferon (IFN) alpha/beta receptor was cloned from the IFN-sensitive L1210 cell line on the basis of its homology with the human receptor. A combination of methods that includes the screening of random-primed and oligo(dT)-primed cDNA libraries and polymerase chain reactions with a single-side specificity was used. At the amino acid level, the murine IFN-alpha/beta shows 46% identity with its human counterpart. Both human WISH cells presenting a low sensitivity to mouse IFN and a murine L1210 mutant subline that does not express the receptor have been stably transfected with the murine IFN-alpha/beta receptor. Whereas transfected human cells became sensitive to a limited number of mouse IFN-alpha/beta subtypes, the transfected murine L1210 mutant was found to be fully complemented and became sensitive to all mouse IFN-alpha/beta subtypes tested, including those that were not active on transfected human cells. These results strongly suggest that the receptor described here is implicated in the mediation of the activities of all murine IFN-alpha/beta subtypes. Images PMID:1533935

Effects of Environmental Estrogen on Apoptosis in Normal and Cancerous Breast Epithelial Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-05-01

temperature. The cell debris was then pelleted by centrifugation at 15000g for 5 min. The cell extracts were normalized for protein concentration using...the Bio-Rad Reagent following the supplied protocol (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA). For ß- galactosidase assays, the cell extract was placed...galactosidase activity of each reaction was measured at an absorbance of 420 nM. Luciferase activity for the cell extracts were determined using

Simultaneous hydrolysis and co-fermentation of whey lactose with wheat for ethanol production.

PubMed

Jin, Yiqiong; Parashar, Archana; Mason, Beth; Bressler, David C

2016-12-01

Whey permeate was used as a co-substrate to replace part of the wheat for ethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The simultaneous saccharification and fermentation was achieved with β-galactosidase added at the onset of the fermentation to promote whey lactose hydrolysis. Aspergillus oryzae and Kluyveromyces lactis β-galactosidases were two enzymes selected and used in the co-fermentation of wheat and whey permeate for the comparison of their effectiveness on lactose hydrolysis. The possibility of co-fermentations in both STARGEN and jet cooking systems was investigated in 5L bioreactors. Ethanol yields from the co-fermentations of wheat and whey permeate were evaluated. It was found that A. oryzae β-galactosidase was more efficient for lactose hydrolysis during the co-fermentation and that whey permeate supplementation can contribute to ethanol yield in co-fermentations with wheat. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A robust high-throughput fungal biosensor assay for the detection of estrogen activity.

PubMed

Zutz, Christoph; Wagener, Karen; Yankova, Desislava; Eder, Stefanie; Möstl, Erich; Drillich, Marc; Rychli, Kathrin; Wagner, Martin; Strauss, Joseph

2017-10-01

Estrogenic active compounds are present in a variety of sources and may alter biological functions in vertebrates. Therefore, it is crucial to develop innovative analytical systems that allow us to screen a broad spectrum of matrices and deliver fast and reliable results. We present the adaptation and validation of a fungal biosensor for the detection of estrogen activity in cow derived samples and tested the clinical applicability for pregnancy diagnosis in 140 mares and 120 cows. As biosensor we used a previously engineered genetically modified strain of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, which contains the human estrogen receptor alpha and a reporter construct, in which β-galactosidase gene expression is controlled by an estrogen-responsive-element. The estrogen response of the fungal biosensor was validated with blood, urine, feces, milk and saliva. All matrices were screened for estrogenic activity prior to and after chemical extraction and the results were compared to an enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The biosensor showed consistent results in milk, urine and feces, which were comparable to those of the EIA. In contrast to the EIA, no sample pre-treatment by chemical extraction was needed. For 17β-estradiol, the biosensor showed a limit of detection of 1ng/L. The validation of the biosensor for pregnancy diagnosis revealed a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of more than 97%. In conclusion, we developed and validated a highly robust fungal biosensor for detection of estrogen activity, which is highly sensitive and economic as it allows analyzing in high-throughput formats without the necessity for organic solvents. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Altered Dynamics of a Lipid Raft Associated Protein in a Kidney Model of Fabry Disease

PubMed Central

Labilloy, Anatália; Youker, Robert T.; Bruns, Jennifer R.; Kukic, Ira; Kiselyov, Kirill; Halfter, Willi; Finegold, David; do Monte, Semiramis Jamil Hadad; Weisz, Ora A.

2013-01-01

Accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and other neutral glycosphingolipids with galactosyl residues is the hallmark of Fabry disease, a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (α-gal A). These lipids are incorporated into the plasma membrane and intracellular membranes, with a preference for lipid rafts. Disruption of raft mediated cell processes is implicated in the pathogenesis of several human diseases, but little is known about the effects of the accumulation of glycosphingolipids on raft dynamics in the context of Fabry disease. Using siRNA technology, we have generated a polarized renal epithelial cell model of Fabry disease in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. These cells present increased levels of Gb3 and enlarged lysosomes, and progressively accumulate zebra bodies. The polarized delivery of both raft-associated and raft-independent proteins was unaffected by α-gal A knockdown, suggesting that accumulation of Gb3 does not disrupt biosynthetic trafficking pathways. To assess the effect of α-gal A silencing on lipid raft dynamics, we employed number and brightness (N&B) analysis to measure the oligomeric status and mobility of the model glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein GFP-GPI. We observed a significant increase in the oligomeric size of antibody-induced clusters of GFP-GPI at the plasma membrane of α-gal A silenced cells compared with control cells. Our results suggest that the interaction of GFP-GPI with lipid rafts may be altered in the presence of accumulated Gb3. The implications of our results with respect to the pathogenesis of Fabry disease are discussed. PMID:24215843

Bimatoprost and prostaglandin F(2 alpha) selectively stimulate intracellular calcium signaling in different cat iris sphincter cells.

PubMed

Spada, Clayton S; Krauss, Achim H-P; Woodward, David F; Chen, June; Protzman, Charles E; Nieves, Amelia L; Wheeler, Larry A; Scott, David F; Sachs, George

2005-01-01

Bimatoprost is a synthetic analog of prostaglandin F(2 alpha) ethanolamide (prostamide F(2 alpha)), and shares a pharmacological profile consistent with that of the prostamides. Like prostaglandin F(2 alpha) carboxylic acid, bimatoprost potently lowers intraocular pressure in dogs, primates and humans. In order to distinguish its mechanism of action from prostaglandin F(2 alpha), fluorescence confocal microscopy was used to examine the effects of bimatoprost, prostaglandin F(2 alpha) and 17-phenyl prostaglandin F(2 alpha) on calcium signaling in resident cells of digested cat iris sphincter, a tissue which exhibits contractile responses to both agonists. Constant superfusion conditions obviated effective conversion of bimatoprost. Serial challenge with 100 nM bimatoprost and prostaglandin F(2 alpha) consistently evoked responses in different cells within the same tissue preparation, whereas prostaglandin F(2 alpha) and 17-phenyl prostaglandin F(2 alpha) elicited signaling responses in the same cells. Bimatoprost-sensitive cells were consistently re-stimulated with bimatoprost only, and prostaglandin F(2 alpha) sensitive cells could only be re-stimulated with prostaglandin F(2 alpha). The selective stimulation of different cells in the same cat iris sphincter preparation by bimatoprost and prostaglandin F(2 alpha), along with the complete absence of observed instances in which the same cells respond to both agonists, strongly suggests the involvement of distinct receptors for prostaglandin F(2 alpha) and bimatoprost. Further, prostaglandin F(2 alpha) but not bimatoprost potently stimulated calcium signaling in isolated human embryonic kidney cells stably transfected with the feline- and human-prostaglandin F(2 alpha) FP-receptor and in human dermal fibroblast cells, and only prostaglandin F(2 alpha) competed with radioligand binding in HEK-feFP cells. These studies provide further evidence for the existence of a bimatoprost-sensitive receptor that is distinct from any of the known prostaglandin receptor types.

Genogroup IV and VI Canine Noroviruses Interact with Histo-Blood Group Antigens

PubMed Central

Breiman, Adrien; le Pendu, Jacques

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT Human noroviruses (HuNV) are a significant cause of viral gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. HuNV attaches to cell surface carbohydrate structures known as histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) prior to internalization, and HBGA polymorphism among human populations is closely linked to susceptibility to HuNV. Noroviruses are divided into 6 genogroups, with human strains grouped into genogroups I (GI), II, and IV. Canine norovirus (CNV) is a recently discovered pathogen in dogs, with strains classified into genogroups IV and VI. Whereas it is known that GI to GIII noroviruses bind to HBGAs and GV noroviruses recognize terminal sialic acid residues, the attachment factors for GIV and GVI noroviruses have not been reported. This study sought to determine the carbohydrate binding specificity of CNV and to compare it to the binding specificities of noroviruses from other genogroups. A panel of synthetic oligosaccharides were used to assess the binding specificity of CNV virus-like particles (VLPs) and identified α1,2-fucose as a key attachment factor. CNV VLP binding to canine saliva and tissue samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and immunohistochemistry confirmed that α1,2-fucose-containing H and A antigens of the HBGA family were recognized by CNV. Phenotyping studies demonstrated expression of these antigens in a population of dogs. The virus-ligand interaction was further characterized using blockade studies, cell lines expressing HBGAs, and enzymatic removal of candidate carbohydrates from tissue sections. Recognition of HBGAs by CNV provides new insights into the evolution of noroviruses and raises concerns regarding the potential for zoonotic transmission of CNV to humans. IMPORTANCE Infections with human norovirus cause acute gastroenteritis in millions of people each year worldwide. Noroviruses can also affect nonhuman species and are divided into 6 different groups based on their capsid sequences. Human noroviruses in genogroups I and II interact with histo-blood group antigen carbohydrates, bovine noroviruses (genogroup III) interact with alpha-galactosidase (α-Gal) carbohydrates, and murine norovirus (genogroup V) recognizes sialic acids. The canine-specific strains of norovirus are grouped into genogroups IV and VI, and this study is the first to characterize which carbohydrate structures they can recognize. Using canine norovirus virus-like particles, this work shows that representative genogroup IV and VI viruses can interact with histo-blood group antigens. The binding specificity of canine noroviruses is therefore very similar to that of the human norovirus strains classified into genogroups I and II. This raises interesting questions about the evolution of noroviruses and suggests it may be possible for canine norovirus to infect humans. PMID:25008923

Negative feedback regulation of human platelets via autocrine activation of the platelet-derived growth factor alpha-receptor.

PubMed

Vassbotn, F S; Havnen, O K; Heldin, C H; Holmsen, H

1994-05-13

Human platelets contain platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in their alpha-granules which is released during platelet exocytosis. We show by immunoprecipitation and 125I-PDGF binding experiments that human platelets have functionally active PDGF alpha-receptors, but not beta-receptors. The PDGF alpha-receptor (PDGFR-alpha) was identified as a 170-kDa glycosylated protein-tyrosine kinase as found in other cell types. Stimulation of platelets with 0.1 unit/ml thrombin resulted in a significant increase (2-5-fold) of the tyrosine phosphorylation of the PDGFR-alpha, as determined by immunoprecipitation with phosphotyrosine antiserum as well as with PDGFR-alpha antiserum. The observed thrombin-induced autophosphorylation of the PDGFR-alpha was inhibited by the addition of a neutralizing monoclonal PDGF antibody. Thus, our results suggest that the platelet PDGFR-alpha is stimulated in an autocrine manner by PDGF secreted during platelet activation. Preincubation of platelets with PDGF inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and secretion of ATP + ADP and beta-hexosaminidase. Thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was also reversed when PDGF was added 30 s after thrombin stimulation. Inhibition of the autocrine PDGF pathway during platelet activation by the PDGF antibody led to a potentiation of thrombin-induced beta-hexosaminidase secretion. Thus, the PDGFR-alpha takes part in a negative feedback regulation during platelet activation. Our demonstration of PDGF alpha-receptors on human platelets and its inhibitory function during platelet activation identifies a new possible role of PDGF in the regulation of thrombosis.

The chorionic gonadotropin alpha-subunit gene is on human chromosome 18 in JEG cells.

PubMed Central

Hardin, J W; Riser, M E; Trent, J M; Kohler, P O

1983-01-01

The gene for the alpha subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has been tentatively assigned to human chromosome 18. This localization was accomplished through the use of Southern blot analysis. A full-length cDNA probe for the hCG alpha subunit and DNA isolated from a series of somatic hybrids between mouse and human cells were utilized to make this assignment. In addition, in situ hybridization with normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes as a source of human chromosomes and with the same cDNA probe confirmed this result. The presence of human chromosome 18 was required for the detection of DNA fragments characteristic of the alpha-hCG gene. These results are consistent with our previous observation that human chromosomes 10 and 18 are required for the production of hCG in cultured cells. Images PMID:6578509

Regulation of 1-alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 induced by sulfur mustard (HD) on human skin cells.

PubMed

Arroyo, Carmen M; Kan, Robert K; Burman, Damon L; Kahler, David W; Nelson, Marian R; Corun, Charlene M; Guzman, Juanita J; Broomfield, Clarence A

2003-05-01

The regulatory effects of the active form of vitamin D, 1-alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1-alpha, 25 (OH)2D3) were assessed on the cytokine and chemokine secretion induced by sulfur mustard on human skin fibroblasts and human epidermal keratinocytes. Stimulation of human skin fibroblasts with sulfur mustard (10(-4) M for 24 hr at 37 degrees ) resulted in approximately a 5 times increase in the secretion of interleukin-6 and over a 10 times increase for interleukin-8, which was inhibited by 1-alpha, 25 (OH)2D3, at

Cooperation between two ClpB isoforms enhances the recovery of the recombinant {beta}-galactosidase from inclusion bodies

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

Guenther, Izabela; Zolkiewski, Michal; Kedzierska-Mieszkowska, Sabina, E-mail: kedzie@biotech.ug.gda.pl

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer An important role of synergistic cooperation between the two ClpB isoforms. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Both ClpB isoforms are associated with IBs of {beta}-galactosidase. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ClpB is a key chaperone in IB protein release. -- Abstract: Bacterial ClpB is a molecular chaperone that solubilizes and reactivates aggregated proteins in cooperation with the DnaK chaperone system. The mechanism of protein disaggregation mediated by ClpB is linked to translocation of substrates through the central channel within the ring-hexameric structure of ClpB. Two isoforms of ClpB are produced in vivo: the full-length ClpB95 and the truncated ClpB80 (ClpB{Delta}N), which does not contain the N-terminalmore » domain. The functional specificity of the two ClpB isoforms and the biological role of the N-terminal domain are still not fully understood. Recently, it has been demonstrated that ClpB may achieve its full potential as an aggregate-reactivating chaperone through the functional interaction and synergistic cooperation of its two isoforms. It has been found that the most efficient resolubilization and reactivation of stress-aggregated proteins occurred in the presence of both ClpB95 and ClpB80. In this work, we asked if the two ClpB isoforms functionally cooperate in the solubilization and reactivation of proteins from insoluble inclusion bodies (IBs) in Escherichia coli cells. Using the model {beta}-galactosidase fusion protein (VP1LAC), we found that solubilization and reactivation of enzymes entrapped in IBs occurred more efficiently in the presence of ClpB95 with ClpB80 than with either ClpB95 or ClpB80 alone. The two isoforms of ClpB chaperone acting together enhanced the solubility and enzymatic activity of {beta}-galactosidase sequestered into IBs. Both ClpB isoforms were associated with IBs of {beta}-galactosidase, what demonstrates their affinity to this type of aggregates. These results demonstrate a synergistic cooperation between the two isoforms of ClpB chaperone. In addition, no significant recovery of the {beta}-galactosidase from IBs in {Delta}clpB mutant cells suggests that ClpB is a key chaperone in IB protein release.« less

Glucose buffer is suitable for blood group conversion with α-N acetylgalactosaminidase and α-galactosidase.

PubMed

Gao, Hong-Wei; Li, Su-Bo; Bao, Guo-Qiang; Zhang, Xue; Li, Hui; Wang, Ying-Li; Tan, Ying-Xia; Ji, Shou-Ping; Gong, Feng

2014-01-01

It is well known that the buffer plays a key role in the enzymatic reaction involved in blood group conversion. In previous study, we showed that a glycine buffer is suitable for A to O or B to O blood group conversion. In this study, we investigated the use of 5% glucose and other buffers for A to O or B to O blood group conversion by α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase or α-galactosidase. We compared the binding ability of α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase/α-galactosidase with red blood cells (RBC) in different reaction buffers, such as normal saline, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), a disodium hydrogen phosphate-based buffer (PCS), and 5% commercial glucose solution. The doses of enzymes necessary for the A/B to O conversion in different reaction buffers were determined and compared. The enzymes' ability to bind to RBC was evaluated by western blotting, and routine blood typing and fluorescence activated cell sorting was used to evaluate B/A to O conversion efficiency. The A to O conversion efficiency in glucose buffer was similar to that in glycine buffer with the same dose (>0.06 mg/mL pRBC). B to O conversion efficiency in glucose buffer was also similar to that in glycine buffer with the same dose (>0.005 mg/mL pRBC). Most enzymes could bind with RBC in glycine or glucose buffer, but few enzymes could bind with RBC in PBS, PCS, or normal saline. These results indicate that 5% glucose solution provides a suitable condition for enzymolysis, especially for enzymes combining with RBC. Meanwhile, the conversion efficiency of A/B to O was similar in glucose buffer and glycine buffer. Moreover, 5% glucose solution has been used for years in venous transfusion, it is safe for humans and its cost is lower. Our results do, therefore, suggest that 5% glucose solution could become a novel suitable buffer for A/B to O blood group conversion.

Localization of alpha 1-adrenoceptors in rat and human hearts by immunocytochemistry.

PubMed

Schulze, W; Fu, M L

1996-01-01

The localization of the alpha 1 adrenoceptors (alpha 1-AR) in the heart tissues from rat and human and in the cultured heart cells from neonatal rats was studied by indirect immunofluorescence and postembedding electronmicroscopical immuno-gold technique. With antipeptide antibodies directed against the second extracellular loop of the human alpha 1-AR (AS sequence 192-218), this receptor was found to be localized along the sarcolemma in both human and rat hearts. Similar localization sites were detected in cultivated rat neonatal cardiomyocytes. Beside the localization in cardiomyocytes, alpha 1-AR were identified in endothelial cells of capillaries and smooth muscle cells of coronary vessels, in neuronal endings, in mast cells of cultivated heart cells but not, or in less amount in fibroblasts. Interestingly, in the right atrium of rat heart the localization of alpha 1-AR was found to be near or on atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) granules, providing the basis for the alpha-adrenergic influence on ANF release. The immunocytochemical studies further confirm and complete the findings known by using autoradiographic binding studies with specific ligands.

Analysis of the L1 gene product of human papillomavirus type 16 by expression in a vaccinia virus recombinant.

PubMed

Browne, H M; Churcher, M J; Stanley, M A; Smith, G L; Minson, A C

1988-06-01

The L1 open reading frame of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) has been expressed in vaccinia virus under the control of both the 7.5K early and late promoter, and the 4b major late promoter. Antibodies to a beta-galactosidase fusion protein containing a C-terminal portion of the HPV16 L1 gene product were used to compare the levels of L1 expression in the two recombinants, and showed that greater levels of expression were obtained when the gene was placed under the control of the 4b late promoter. Immunofluorescence studies revealed a nuclear location of the L1 gene product when expressed in vaccinia virus. Antibodies to the beta-galactosidase fusion protein detected a major polypeptide species of 57K and a minor species of 64K in Western blots of recombinant-infected cell lysates. The 64K species was not detected when cells were infected in the presence of tunicamycin, indicating that the primary translation product of the HPV16 L1 open reading frame is modified by N-linked glycosylation when expressed in vaccinia virus. Whereas antibodies to HPV16 L1 fusion proteins and to a peptide containing amino acids from the C terminus of HPV16 L1 reacted well in Western blots with the HPV16 L1 target expressed in vaccinia virus, no reactivity was observed with antibodies to bovine papillomavirus type 1 particles or to a HPV6b fusion protein.

Integrin alpha 3 beta 1 participates in the phagocytosis of extracellular matrix molecules by human breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Coopman, P J; Thomas, D M; Gehlsen, K R; Mueller, S C

1996-11-01

The mechanisms and receptors involved in phagocytosis by nonhematopoietic cells are not well understood. The involvement of the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin in phagocytosis of the extracellular matrix by human breast cancer cells was studied. The possible role of this integrin was suggested since alpha 3 and beta 1 but not alpha 2 subunits are concentrated at membrane sites where local degradation of fluorescently labeled gelatin occurs. Strikingly, anti-alpha 3 integrin monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) stimulate the phagocytosis of fluorescently labeled gelatin films, gelatin beads, and Matrigel films in a quantitative phagocytosis assay. Stimulation of the gelatin uptake by the anti-alpha 3 mAb is dose responsive, saturable, and time dependent. Antibodies against other integrin subunits have a lower stimulatory effect (anti-beta 1) or no significant effect (anti-alpha 2, -alpha 5, -alpha 6, and -alpha v) on gelatin phagocytosis. The synthetic HGD-6 human laminin peptide that binds specifically the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin, but not the scrambled HSGD-6 control peptide, also markedly stimulates gelatin uptake in a dose-responsive way. Furthermore, the stimulatory effects of the HGD-6 peptide and the anti-alpha 3 mAb are additive, suggesting that they might promote phagocytosis in different ways. Other laminin (YIGSR, IKVAV) and fibronectin (GRGDS) peptides have no effect on gelatin phagocytosis. Immunofluorescence shows that the alpha 3 and the beta 1, but not the alpha 2 integrin subunit, concentrate into patches on the cell surface after treatment with their respective mAbs. And, both gelatin and the alpha 3 beta 1 but not the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin are cointernalized and routed to acidic vesicles such as lysosomes. In conclusion, we demonstrate that human breast cancer cells locally degrade and phagocytose the extracellular matrix and show for the first time that the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin participates in this phagocytosis. We hypothesize that the anti-alpha 3 antibodies and the laminin peptide HGD-6 activate the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin, which results in a downstream signaling cascade stimulating phagocytosis.

The antagonistic effect of antipsychotic drugs on a HEK293 cell line stably expressing human alpha1A1-adrenoceptors.

PubMed

Nourian, Zahra; Mulvany, Michael J; Nielsen, Karsten Bork; Pickering, Darryl S; Kristensen, Torsten

2008-10-31

Antipsychotic drugs often cause orthostatic hypotension, probably through antagonist action on resistance vessel alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors. Here we have tested this possibility directly using cells transfected with a relevant human alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor splice variant. To determine a splice variant which was relevant, we used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to determine the prevalence in human subcutaneous small arteries of three of the five splice variants ADRA1A_v1-5, which encode functional protein: alpha(1A1)-, alpha(1A3)-, alpha(1A4)-adrenoceptors. Our statistical analysis showed higher transcription levels of alpha(1A1)- than of alpha(1A3)- and alpha(1A4)-adrenoceptors (1.6 and 5.8 times, respectively). We therefore chose to study the alpha(1A1)-adrenoceptor, and the cDNA encoding it was transfected into the Flp-In-293 (modified from HEK-293) cell line to produce a cell line stably expressing a functional form of this splice variant. The expression of recombinant alpha(1A1)-adrenoceptor subtype was confirmed by Western immunoblot analysis, and its functionality demonstrated using a Fura-2 assay by a rise in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) when challenged with phenylephrine (EC(50)=1.61x10(-8) M). From Schild analysis, prazosin, sertindole, risperidone, and haloperidol caused a concentration-dependent, rightward shift of the cumulative concentration-response curves for phenylephrine in cells expressing human recombinant alpha(1A1)-adrenoceptors to yield pK(B) values of 8.40, 8.05, 8.26 and 7.38, respectively. In [7-methoxy-(3)H]-prazosin binding experiments, high expression was seen (B(max)=48.5+/-16.7 pmol/mg protein, +/-S.E.M.) along with high affinity binding to a single site (K(d)=0.210+/-0.034 nM). The pharmacological profiles of recombinant human alpha(1A1)-adrenoceptors in competition binding studies confirmed much higher antagonist affinity of sertindole and risperidone than haloperidol for these receptors. In summary, it can be concluded that there is an approximately 10-fold higher adrenoceptor affinity of risperidone and sertindole for human alpha(1A1)-adrenoceptors compared to haloperidol. These findings are consistent with the observation that risperidone and sertindole have a higher incidence of orthostatic hypotension than haloperidol.

Utilization of Cheese Whey Using Synergistic Immobilization of β-Galactosidase and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cells in Dual Matrices.

PubMed

Kokkiligadda, Anusha; Beniwal, Arun; Saini, Priyanka; Vij, Shilpa

2016-08-01

Whey is a byproduct of the dairy industry, which has prospects of using as a source for production of various valuable compounds. The lactose present in whey is considered as an environmental pollutant and its utilization for enzyme and fuel production, may be effective for whey bioremediation. The dairy yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus have the ability to utilize lactose sharply as the major carbon source for the production of the enzyme. Five strains were tested for the production of the β-galactosidase using whey. The maximum β-galactosidase activity of 1.74 IU/mg dry weight was achieved in whey using K. marxianus MTCC 1389. The biocatalyst was further immobilized on chitosan macroparticles and exhibited excellent functional activity at 35 °C. Almost 89 % lactose hydrolysis was attained for concentrated whey (100 g/L) and retained 89 % catalytic activity after 15 cycles of reuse. Finally, β-galactosidase was immobilized on chitosan and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on calcium alginate, and both were used together for the production of ethanol from concentrated whey. Maximal ethanol titer of 28.9 g/L was achieved during fermentation at 35 °C. The conclusions generated by employing two different matrices will be beneficial for the future modeling using engineered S. cerevisiae in scale-up studies.

Hydrolysis of whey lactose by immobilized β-galactosidase in a bioreactor with a spirally wound membrane.

PubMed

Vasileva, Nastya; Ivanov, Yavor; Damyanova, Stanka; Kostova, Iliana; Godjevargova, Tzonka

2016-01-01

The β-galactosidase was covalently immobilized onto a modified polypropylene membrane, using glutaraldehyde. The optimal conditions for hydrolysis of lactose (4.7%) by immobilized β-galactosidase in a batch process were determined 13.6 U enzyme activity, 40°C, pH 6.8 and 10h. The obtained degree of hydrolysis was compared with results received by a free enzyme. It was found, that the lactose hydrolysis by an immobilized enzyme was 1.6 times more effective than the lactose hydrolysis by a free enzyme. It was determined that the stability of the immobilized enzyme was 2 times higher in comparison with the stability of free enzyme. The obtained immobilized system β-galactosidase/polypropylene membrane was applied to produce glucose-galactose syrup from waste whey. The whey characteristics and the different preliminary treatments of the whey were investigated. Then the whey lactose hydrolysis in a bioreactor by an immobilized enzyme on a spirally wound membrane was performed. The optimal membrane surface and the optimal flow rate of the whey through the membrane module were determined, respectively 100 cm(2) and 1.0 mL min(-1). After 10h, the degree of lactose hydrolysis was increased to 91%. The operation stability was studied. After 20th cycle the yield of bioreactor was 69.7%. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Screening and Characterization of Cold-Active β-Galactosidase Producing Psychrotrophic Enterobacter ludwigii from the Sediments of Arctic Fjord.

PubMed

Alikkunju, Aneesa P; Sainjan, Neethu; Silvester, Reshma; Joseph, Ajith; Rahiman, Mujeeb; Antony, Ally C; Kumaran, Radhakrishnan C; Hatha, Mohamed

2016-10-01

Low-temperature-tolerant microorganisms and their cold-active enzymes could be an innovative and invaluable tool in various industrial applications. In the present study, bacterial isolates from the sediment samples of Kongsfjord, Norwegian Arctic, were screened for β-galactosidase production. Among the isolates, KS25, KS85, KS60, and KS92 have shown good potential in β-galactosidase production at 20 °C. 16SrRNA gene sequence analysis revealed the relatedness of the isolates to Enterobacter ludwigii. The optimum growth temperature of the isolate was 25 °C. The isolate exhibited good growth and enzyme production at a temperature range of 15-35 °C, pH 5-10. The isolate preferred yeast extract and lactose for the maximum growth and enzyme production at conditions of pH 7.0, temperature of 25 °C, and agitation speed of 100 rpm. The growth and enzyme production was stimulated by Mn 2+ and Mg 2+ and strongly inhibited by Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , and Cu + . β-Galactosidases with high specific activity at low temperatures are very beneficial in food industry to compensate the nutritional problem associated with lactose intolerance. The isolate exhibited a remarkable capability to utilize clarified whey, an industrial pollutant, for good biomass and enzyme yield and hence could be well employed in whey bioremediation.

Glycosylation of phenolic compounds by the site-mutated β-galactosidase from Lactobacillus bulgaricus L3.

PubMed

Lu, Lili; Xu, Lijuan; Guo, Yuchuan; Zhang, Dayu; Qi, Tingting; Jin, Lan; Gu, Guofeng; Xu, Li; Xiao, Min

2015-01-01

β-Galactosidases can transfer the galactosyl from lactose or galactoside donors to various acceptors and thus are especially useful for the synthesis of important glycosides. However, these enzymes have limitations in the glycosylation of phenolic compounds that have many physiological functions. In this work, the β-galactosidase from Lactobacillus bulgaricus L3 was subjected to site-saturation mutagenesis at the W980 residue. The recombinant pET-21b plasmid carrying the enzyme gene was used as the template for mutation. The mutant plasmids were transformed into Escherichia coli cells for screening. One recombinant mutant, W980F, exhibited increased yield of glycoside when using hydroquinone as the screening acceptor. The enzyme was purified and the effects of the mutation on enzyme properties were determined in detail. It showed improved transglycosylation activity on novel phenolic acceptors besides hydroquinone. The yields of the glycosides produced from phenol, hydroquinone, and catechol were increased by 7.6% to 53.1%. Moreover, it generated 32.3% glycosides from the pyrogallol that could not be glycosylated by the wild-type enzyme. Chemical structures of these glycoside products were further determined by MS and NMR analysis. Thus, a series of novel phenolic galactosides were achieved by β-galactosidase for the first time. This was a breakthrough in the enzymatic galactosylation of the challenging phenolic compounds of great values.

Cloning, expression, and characterization of a peculiar choline-binding beta-galactosidase from Streptococcus mitis.

PubMed

Campuzano, Susana; Serra, Beatriz; Llull, Daniel; García, José L; García, Pedro

2009-09-01

A Streptococcus mitis genomic DNA fragment carrying the SMT1224 gene encoding a putative beta-galactosidase was identified, cloned, and expressed in Escherichia coli. This gene encodes a protein 2,411 amino acids long with a predicted molecular mass of 268 kDa. The deduced protein contains an N-terminal signal peptide and a C-terminal choline-binding domain consisting of five consensus repeats, which facilitates the anchoring of the secreted enzyme to the cell wall. The choline-binding capacity of the protein facilitates its purification using DEAE-cellulose affinity chromatography, although its complete purification was achieved by constructing a His-tagged fusion protein. The recombinant protein was characterized as a monomeric beta-galactosidase showing a specific activity of around 2,500 U/mg of protein, with optimum temperature and pH ranges of 30 to 40 degrees C and 6.0 to 6.5, respectively. Enzyme activity is not inhibited by glucose, even at 200 mM, and remains highly stable in solution or immobilized at room temperature in the absence of protein stabilizers. In S. mitis, the enzyme was located attached to the cell surface, but a significant activity was also detected in the culture medium. This novel enzyme represents the first beta-galactosidase having a modular structure with a choline-binding domain, a peculiar property that can also be useful for some biotechnological applications.

Thermal inactivation kinetics of β-galactosidase during bread baking.

PubMed

Zhang, Lu; Chen, Xiao Dong; Boom, Remko M; Schutyser, Maarten A I

2017-06-15

In this study, β-galactosidase was utilized as a model enzyme to investigate the mechanism of enzyme inactivation during bread baking. Thermal inactivation of β-galactosidase was investigated in a wheat flour/water system at varying temperature-moisture content combinations, and in bread during baking at 175 or 205°C. In the wheat flour/water system, the thermostability of β-galactosidase increased with decreased moisture content, and a kinetic model was accurately fitted to the corresponding inactivation data (R 2 =0.99). Interestingly, the residual enzyme activity in the bread crust (about 30%) was hundredfold higher than that in the crumb (about 0.3%) after baking, despite the higher temperature in the crust throughout baking. This result suggested that the reduced moisture content in the crust increased the thermostability of the enzyme. Subsequently, the kinetic model reasonably predicted the enzyme inactivation in the crumb using the same parameters derived from the wheat flour/water system. However, the model predicted a lower residual enzyme activity in the crust compared with the experimental result, which indicated that the structure of the crust may influence the enzyme inactivation mechanism during baking. The results reported can provide a quantitative understanding of the thermal inactivation kinetics of enzyme during baking, which is essential to better retain enzymatic activity in bakery products supplemented with heat-sensitive enzymes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The βI-galactosidase of Cicer arietinum is located in thickened cell walls such as those of collenchyma, sclerenchyma and vascular tissue.

PubMed

Martín, I; Jiménez, T; Hernández-Nistal, J; Dopico, B; Labrador, E

2011-09-01

We report localisation of the chickpea βI-Gal, a member of the chickpea β-galactosidase family, which contains at least four members. After generation of specific antibodies, the distribution and cellular immunolocalisation of the protein in different organs and developmental stages of the plant was studied. βI-Gal protein is much longer than the other chickpea β-galactosidases because of the presence of a lectin-like domain in the carboxyl terminus of the protein. Western blot experiments indicated that the active βI-Gal retains this lectin-like domain for its function in the plant. The βI-Gal protein was mainly detected in cell walls of elongating organs, such as seedling epicotyls and stem internodes. An immunolocation study indicated a very good correlation between the presence of this βΙ-galactosidase and cells whose walls are thickening, not only in aged epicotyls and mature internodes in the final phase of elongation, but mostly in cells with a support function, such as collenchyma cells, xylem and phloem fibres and a layer of sclerenchyma cells surrounding the vascular cylinder (perivascular fibres). These results could suggest a function for the βI-Gal in modification of cell wall polymers, leading to thicker walls than the primary cell walls. © 2011 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

Transduction of cultured fish cells with recombinant baculoviruses.

PubMed

Leisy, Douglas J; Lewis, Teresa D; Leong, Jo-Ann C; Rohrmann, George F

2003-05-01

Five fish cell lines were tested for their ability to be transduced by Ac-CAlacZ, a recombinant baculovirus that is capable of expressing a beta-galactosidase reporter gene from the CAG promoter (consisting of a cytomegalovirus enhancer element, a chicken actin promoter and rabbit beta-globin termination sequences). TO (Tilapia ovary), EPC (carp), CHH-1 (Chum salmon heart fibroblast) and CHSE-214 (chinook salmon embryo) cells were transducible, as demonstrated by an in situ beta-galactosidase assay, whereas RTG-2 (rainbow trout gonad) cells were not. The EPC cell line was used for more detailed studies on baculovirus transduction. The transduction frequency was found to be higher at 28 degrees C than at 21 degrees C. Addition of the histone deacetylase inhibitor sodium butyrate increased the number of blue cells detected 5- to 7-fold. The m.o.i. was positively correlated with transduction frequency, although the relationship did not appear to be strictly linear, as has been observed with mammalian cells. The temperature at which baculoviruses were adsorbed to EPC cells did not affect levels of beta-galactosidase expression. We also examined expression levels of beta-galactosidase in EPC cells after infection with a baculovirus construct that overexpresses the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein and displays it on the virion surface. Expression levels with this virus were approximately 15-fold higher than were observed with Ac-CAlacZ.

Identification of two novel mammalian genes establishes a subfamily of KH-domain RNA-binding proteins.

PubMed

Makeyev, A V; Liebhaber, S A

2000-08-01

We have identified two novel human genes encoding proteins with a high level of sequence identity to two previously characterized RNA-binding proteins, alphaCP-1 and alphaCP-2. Both of these novel genes, alphaCP-3 and alphaCP-4, are predicted to encode proteins with triplicated KH domains. The number and organization of the KH domains, their sequences, and the sequences of the contiguous regions are conserved among all four alphaCP proteins. The common evolutionary origin of these proteins is substantiated by conservation of exon-intron organization in the corresponding genes. The map positions of alphaCP-1 and alphaCP-2 (previously reported) and those of alphaCP-3 and alphaCP-4 (present report) reveal that the four alphaCP loci are dispersed in the human genome; alphaCP-3 and alphaCP-4 mapped to 21q22.3 and 3p21, and the respective mouse orthologues mapped to syntenic regions of the mouse genome, 10B5 and 9F1-F2, respectively. Two additional loci in the human genome were identified as alphaCP-2 processed pseudogenes (PCBP2P1, 21q22.3, and PCBP2P2, 8q21-q22). Although the overall levels of alphaCP-3 and alphaCP-4 mRNAs are substantially lower than those of alphaCP-1 and alphaCP-2, transcripts of alphaCP-3 and alphaCP-4 were found in all mouse tissues tested. These data establish a new subfamily of genes predicted to encode closely related KH-containing RNA-binding proteins with potential functions in posttranscriptional controls. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

The alpha-galactosidase A p.Arg118Cys variant does not cause a Fabry disease phenotype: data from individual patients and family studies

PubMed Central

Ferreira, Susana; Ortiz, Alberto; Germain, Dominique P.; Viana-Baptista, Miguel; Gomes, António Caldeira; Camprecios, Marta; Fenollar-Cortés, Maria; Gallegos-Villalobos, Ángel; Garcia, Diego; García-Robles, José Antonio; Egido, Jesús; Gutiérrez-Rivas, Eduardo; Herrero, José Antonio; Mas, Sebastián; Oancea, Raluca; Péres, Paloma; Salazar-Martín, Luis Manuel; Solera-Garcia, Jesús; Alves, Helena; Garman, Scott C.; Oliveira, João Paulo

2015-01-01

Summary Lysosomal α-galactosidase A (α-Gal) is the enzyme deficient in Fabry disease (FD), an X-linked glycosphingolipidosis caused by pathogenic mutations affecting the GLA gene. The early-onset, multi-systemic FD classical phenotype is associated with absent or severe enzyme deficiency, as measured by in vitro assays, but patients with higher levels of residual α-Gal activity may have later-onset, more organ-restricted clinical presentations. A change in the codon 118 of the wild-type α-Gal sequence, replacing basic arginine by a potentially sulfhydryl-binding cysteine residue – GLA p.(Arg118Cys) –, has been recurrently described in large FD screening studies of high-risk patients. Although the Cys118 allele is associated with high residual α-Gal activity in vitro, it has been classified as a pathogenic mutation, mainly on the basis of theoretical arguments about the chemistry of the cysteine residue. However its pathogenicity has never been convincingly demonstrated by pathology criteria. We reviewed the clinical, biochemical and histopathology data obtained from 22 individuals of Portuguese and Spanish ancestry carrying the Cys118 allele, including 3 homozygous females. Cases were identified either on the differential diagnosis of possible FD manifestations and on case-finding studies (n=11; 4 males), or on unbiased cascade screening of probands’ close relatives (n=11; 3 males). Overall, those data strongly suggest that the GLA p.(Arg118Cys) variant does not segregate with FD clinical phenotypes in a Mendelian fashion, but might be a modulator of the multifactorial risk of cerebrovascular disease, since the allelic frequency in stroke patients was 0.0087 (p=0.0185 vs the general population). The Cys118 allelic frequency in healthy Portuguese adults (n=696) has been estimated as 0.001, therefore not qualifying for “rare” condition. PMID:25468652

Induction of human airway hyperresponsiveness by tumour necrosis factor-alpha.

PubMed

Anticevich, S Z; Hughes, J M; Black, J L; Armour, C L

1995-09-15

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) is implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma; however, little is known of its direct effect on smooth muscle reactivity. We investigated the effect of TNF alpha on the responsiveness of human bronchial tissue to electrical field stimulation in vitro. Incubation of non-sensitized tissue with 1 nM, 3 nM and 10 nM TNF alpha significantly increased responsiveness to electrical field stimulation (113 +/- 8, 110 +/- 4 and 112 +/- 2% respectively) compared to control (99 +/- 2%) (P < 0.05, n = 6). Responses were not increased in sensitized tissue (101 +/- 3% versus 105 +/- 5%, n = 3, P > 0.05) nor were responses to exogenous acetylcholine (93 +/- 4% versus 73 +/- 7%, n = 3, P = 0.38). These results show that TNF alpha causes an increase in responsiveness of human bronchial tissue and that this occurs prejunctionally on the parasympathetic nerve pathway. This is the first report of a cytokine increasing human airway tissue responsiveness.

Cloning and sequence analysis of a cDNA encoding the alpha-subunit of mouse beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase and comparison with the human enzyme.

PubMed Central

Beccari, T; Hoade, J; Orlacchio, A; Stirling, J L

1992-01-01

cDNAs encoding the mouse beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase alpha-subunit were isolated from a mouse testis library. The longest of these (1.7 kb) was sequenced and showed 83% similarity with the human alpha-subunit cDNA sequence. The 5' end of the coding sequence was obtained from a genomic DNA clone. Alignment of the human and mouse sequences showed that all three putative N-glycosylation sites are conserved, but that the mouse alpha-subunit has an additional site towards the C-terminus. All eight cysteines in the human sequence are conserved in the mouse. There are an additional two cysteines in the mouse alpha-subunit signal peptide. All amino acids affected in Tay-Sachs-disease mutations are conserved in the mouse. Images Fig. 1. PMID:1379046

Stimulation of the follicular bulge LGR5+ and LGR6+ stem cells with the gut-derived human alpha defensin 5 results in decreased bacterial presence, enhanced wound healing, and hair growth from tissues devoid of adnexal structures.

PubMed

Lough, Denver; Dai, Hui; Yang, Mei; Reichensperger, Joel; Cox, Lisa; Harrison, Carrie; Neumeister, Michael W

2013-11-01

Discovery of leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptors 5 and 6 (LGR5 and LGR6) as markers of adult epithelial stem cells of the skin and intestine permits researchers to draw on the intrinsic cellular fundamentals of wound healing and proliferation dynamics of epithelial surfaces. In this study, the authors use the intestine-derived human alpha defensin 5 to stimulate epithelial proliferation, bacterial reduction, and hair production in burn wound beds to provide the field with initial insight on augmenting wound healing in tissues devoid of adnexal stem cells. Murine third-degree burn wound beds were treated with (1) intestine-derived human alpha defensin 5, (2) skin-derived human beta defensin 1, and (3) sulfadiazine to determine their roles in wound healing, bacterial reduction, and hair growth. The human alpha defensin 5 peptide significantly enhanced wound healing and reduced basal bacterial load compared with human beta defensin 1 and sulfadiazine. Human alpha defensin 5 was the only therapy to induce LGR stem cell migration into the wound bed. In addition, gene heat mapping showed significant mRNA up-regulation of key wound healing and Wnt pathway transcripts such as Wnt1 and Wisp1. Ex vivo studies showed enhanced cell migration in human alpha defensin 5-treated wounds compared with controls. Application of human alpha defensin 5 increases LGR stem cell migration into wound beds, leading to enhanced healing, bacterial reduction, and hair production through the augmentation of key Wnt and wound healing transcripts. These findings can be used to derive gut protein-based therapeutics in wound healing.

Replication of alpha-satellite DNA arrays in endogenous human centromeric regions and in human artificial chromosome

PubMed Central

Erliandri, Indri; Fu, Haiqing; Nakano, Megumi; Kim, Jung-Hyun; Miga, Karen H.; Liskovykh, Mikhail; Earnshaw, William C.; Masumoto, Hiroshi; Kouprina, Natalay; Aladjem, Mirit I.; Larionov, Vladimir

2014-01-01

In human chromosomes, centromeric regions comprise megabase-size arrays of 171 bp alpha-satellite DNA monomers. The large distances spanned by these arrays preclude their replication from external sites and imply that the repetitive monomers contain replication origins. However, replication within these arrays has not previously been profiled and the role of alpha-satellite DNA in initiation of DNA replication has not yet been demonstrated. Here, replication of alpha-satellite DNA in endogenous human centromeric regions and in de novo formed Human Artificial Chromosome (HAC) was analyzed. We showed that alpha-satellite monomers could function as origins of DNA replication and that replication of alphoid arrays organized into centrochromatin occurred earlier than those organized into heterochromatin. The distribution of inter-origin distances within centromeric alphoid arrays was comparable to the distribution of inter-origin distances on randomly selected non-centromeric chromosomal regions. Depletion of CENP-B, a kinetochore protein that binds directly to a 17 bp CENP-B box motif common to alpha-satellite DNA, resulted in enrichment of alpha-satellite sequences for proteins of the ORC complex, suggesting that CENP-B may have a role in regulating the replication of centromeric regions. Mapping of replication initiation sites in the HAC revealed that replication preferentially initiated in transcriptionally active regions. PMID:25228468

Expression and kinetic properties of a recombinant 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid/dihydrodiol dehydrogenase isoenzyme of human liver.

PubMed

Deyashiki, Y; Tamada, Y; Miyabe, Y; Nakanishi, M; Matsuura, K; Hara, A

1995-08-01

Human liver cytosol contains multiple forms of 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and dihydrodiol dehydrogenase with hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity, and multiple cDNAs for the enzymes have been cloned from human liver cDNA libraries. To understand the relationship of the multiple enzyme froms to the genes, a cDNA, which has been reported to code for an isoenzyme of human liver 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid/dihydrodiol dehydrogenase, was expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzyme showed structural and functional properties almost identical to those of the isoenzyme purified from human liver. In addition, the recombinant isoenzyme efficiently reduced 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone and 5 beta-dihydrocortisone, the known substrates of human liver 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and chlordecone reductase previously purified, which suggests that these human liver enzymes are identical. Furthermore, the steady-state kinetic data for NADP(+)-linked (S)-1-indanol oxidation by the recombinant isoenzyme were consistent with a sequential ordered mechanism in which NADP+ binds first. Phenolphthalein inhibited this isoenzyme much more potently than it did the other human liver dihydrodiol dehydrogenases, and was a competitive inhibitor (Ki = 20 nM) that bound to the enzyme-NADP+ complex.

Identification of a major continuous epitope of human alpha crystallin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takemoto, L.; Emmons, T.; Spooner, B. S. (Principal Investigator)

1992-01-01

Human lens proteins were digested with trypsin or V8 protease, and the resulting peptides resolved on a C18 reverse phase column. Fractions from this column were probed with polyclonal antiserum made against the whole alpha crystallin molecule. Peptides in the seropositive fraction were purified to homogeneity, then characterized by mass spectral analysis and partial Edman degradation. The tryptic and V8 digests contained only one seropositive peptide that was derived from the C-terminal region of the alpha-A molecule. To determine the exact boundaries of the epitope, various size analogues of this region were synthesized and probed with anti-alpha serum. Together, these studies demonstrate that the major continuous epitope of the alpha-A chain includes the sequence KPTSAPS, corresponding to residues 166-172 of the human alpha-A crystallin chain.

Saw palmetto extracts potently and noncompetitively inhibit human alpha1-adrenoceptors in vitro.

PubMed

Goepel, M; Hecker, U; Krege, S; Rübben, H; Michel, M C

1999-02-15

We wanted to test whether phytotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms have alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonistic properties in vitro. Preparations of beta-sitosterol and extracts of stinging nettle, medicinal pumpkin, and saw palmetto were obtained from several pharmaceutical companies. They were tested for their ability to inhibit [3H]tamsulosin binding to human prostatic alpha1-adrenoceptors and [3H]prazosin binding to cloned human alpha1A- and alpha1B-adrenoceptors. Inhibition of phenylephrine-stimulated [3H]inositol phosphate formation by cloned receptors was also investigated. Up to the highest concentration which could be tested, preparations of beta-sitosterol, stinging nettle, and medicinal pumpkin were without consistent inhibitory effect in all assays. In contrast, all tested saw palmetto extracts inhibited radioligand binding to human alpha1-adrenoceptors and agonist-induced [3H]inositol phosphate formation. Saturation binding experiments in the presence of a single saw palmetto extract concentration indicated a noncompetitive antagonism. The relationship between active concentrations in vitro and recommended therapeutic doses for the saw palmetto extracts was slightly lower than that for several chemically defined alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists. Saw palmetto extracts have alpha1-adrenoceptor-inhibitory properties. If bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic properties of these ingredients are similar to those of the chemically defined alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists, alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonism might be involved in the therapeutic effects of these extracts in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction.

The Past, Present, and Future of Human Centromere Genomics

PubMed Central

Aldrup-MacDonald, Megan E.; Sullivan, Beth A.

2014-01-01

The centromere is the chromosomal locus essential for chromosome inheritance and genome stability. Human centromeres are located at repetitive alpha satellite DNA arrays that compose approximately 5% of the genome. Contiguous alpha satellite DNA sequence is absent from the assembled reference genome, limiting current understanding of centromere organization and function. Here, we review the progress in centromere genomics spanning the discovery of the sequence to its molecular characterization and the work done during the Human Genome Project era to elucidate alpha satellite structure and sequence variation. We discuss exciting recent advances in alpha satellite sequence assembly that have provided important insight into the abundance and complex organization of this sequence on human chromosomes. In light of these new findings, we offer perspectives for future studies of human centromere assembly and function. PMID:24683489

Arrhenius plot for a reaction catalyzed by a single molecule of β-galactosidase.

PubMed

Craig, Douglas B; Chase, Linden N

2012-02-21

The activity of a single enzyme molecule of Escherichia coli β-galactosidase was measured using a capillary electrophoresis continuous flow assay. As the enzyme molecule traversed the capillary the incubation temperature was increased from 27 to 37 °C, providing a continuous record of the change in rate with temperature. This data was used to develop a single enzyme molecule Arrhenius plot, from which the activation energy of the reaction was determined to be 31 kJ mol(-1).

15 beta-hydroxysteroids (Part IV). Steroids of the human perinatal period: the synthesis of 3 alpha,15 beta,17 alpha-trihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one and its A/B-ring configurational isomers.

PubMed

Reeder, A Y; Joannou, G E

1995-12-01

In recent years several 15 beta-hydroxysteroids have emerged pathognomonic of adrenal disorders in human neonates of which 3 alpha,15 beta,17 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-pregnan-20-one (2) was the first to be identified in the urine of newborn infants affected with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In this investigation we report the synthesis of the three remaining 3 xi,5 xi-isomers, namely 3 alpha,15 beta,17 alpha-trihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (3), 3 beta,15 beta,17 alpha-trihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (7) and 3 beta,15 beta,17 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-pregnan-20-one (8) for their definitive identification in pathological conditions in human neonates. 3 beta,15 beta-Diacetoxy-17 alpha-hydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one (11), a product of chemical synthesis was converted to the isomeric 3 and 7, while conversion of 15 beta,17 alpha-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3,20-dione (4), a product of microbiological transformation, resulted in the preparation of 8. In brief, selective acetate hydrolysis of 11 gave 15 beta-acetoxy-3 beta,17 alpha-dihydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one (12) which on catalytic hydrogenation gave 15 beta-acetoxy-3 beta,17 alpha-dihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (13) a common intermediate for the synthesis of the 3 beta(and alpha),5 alpha-isomers. Hydrolysis of the 15 beta-acetate gave 7, whereas oxidation with pyridinium chlorochromate gave 15 beta-acetoxy-17 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-3,20-dione (14) which on reduction with L-Selectride and hydrolysis of the 15 beta-acetate gave 3. Finally, hydrogenation of 4 gave 15 beta, 17 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-pregnan-3,20-dione (10) which on reduction with L-Selectride gave 8.

Soluble antigens from group B streptococci induce cytokine production in human blood cultures.

PubMed Central

von Hunolstein, C; Totolian, A; Alfarone, G; Mancuso, G; Cusumano, V; Teti, G; Orefici, G

1997-01-01

Group B streptococcal antigens stimulated tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and IL-6 production in human blood cultures in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. The minimal concentrations of type-specific polysaccharides, lipoteichoic acid, and group-specific polysaccharide required to produce these effects were, respectively, 0.01, 1, and 10 microg/ml. Cell separation experiments indicated that monocytes were the cell type mainly responsible for cytokine production. Time course studies indicated that TNF-alpha was released before the other cytokines. TNF-alpha, however, did not appear to directly induce IL-1beta, as shown by blockade experiments with anti-TNF-alpha antibodies. IL-6 levels were moderately but significantly decreased by anti-TNF-alpha. These data indicate that several products from group B streptococci are able to directly stimulate human monocytes to release TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6. These findings may be clinically relevant, since proinflammatory cytokines can mediate pathophysiologic changes during sepsis. PMID:9317001

Alpha-dispersion in human tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimnes, Sverre; Martinsen, Ørjan G.

2010-04-01

Beta dispersion is found in living tissue in the kilohertz - megahertz range and is caused by the cellular structure of biological materials with low frequency properties caused by cell membranes. Alpha dispersion is found in the hertz range and the causes are not so well known. Alpha dispersions are the first to disappear when tissue dies. Tissue data have often been based upon excised specimen from animals and are therefore not necessarily representative for human tissue alpha dispersions. Here we present data obtained with non-invasive skin surface electrodes for different segments of the living human body. We found alpha dispersions in all cases; the ankle-wrist results had the smallest. Large alpha dispersions were found where the distance between the electrodes and muscle masses was small, e.g. on the calf. Further studies on electrode technique and reciprocity, electrode positioning, statistical variations, gender, age and bodily constitutions are necessary in order to reveal more about the alpha dispersion, its appearance and disappearance.

Mastering the game of Go without human knowledge.

PubMed

Silver, David; Schrittwieser, Julian; Simonyan, Karen; Antonoglou, Ioannis; Huang, Aja; Guez, Arthur; Hubert, Thomas; Baker, Lucas; Lai, Matthew; Bolton, Adrian; Chen, Yutian; Lillicrap, Timothy; Hui, Fan; Sifre, Laurent; van den Driessche, George; Graepel, Thore; Hassabis, Demis

2017-10-18

A long-standing goal of artificial intelligence is an algorithm that learns, tabula rasa, superhuman proficiency in challenging domains. Recently, AlphaGo became the first program to defeat a world champion in the game of Go. The tree search in AlphaGo evaluated positions and selected moves using deep neural networks. These neural networks were trained by supervised learning from human expert moves, and by reinforcement learning from self-play. Here we introduce an algorithm based solely on reinforcement learning, without human data, guidance or domain knowledge beyond game rules. AlphaGo becomes its own teacher: a neural network is trained to predict AlphaGo's own move selections and also the winner of AlphaGo's games. This neural network improves the strength of the tree search, resulting in higher quality move selection and stronger self-play in the next iteration. Starting tabula rasa, our new program AlphaGo Zero achieved superhuman performance, winning 100-0 against the previously published, champion-defeating AlphaGo.

Mastering the game of Go without human knowledge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silver, David; Schrittwieser, Julian; Simonyan, Karen; Antonoglou, Ioannis; Huang, Aja; Guez, Arthur; Hubert, Thomas; Baker, Lucas; Lai, Matthew; Bolton, Adrian; Chen, Yutian; Lillicrap, Timothy; Hui, Fan; Sifre, Laurent; van den Driessche, George; Graepel, Thore; Hassabis, Demis

2017-10-01

A long-standing goal of artificial intelligence is an algorithm that learns, tabula rasa, superhuman proficiency in challenging domains. Recently, AlphaGo became the first program to defeat a world champion in the game of Go. The tree search in AlphaGo evaluated positions and selected moves using deep neural networks. These neural networks were trained by supervised learning from human expert moves, and by reinforcement learning from self-play. Here we introduce an algorithm based solely on reinforcement learning, without human data, guidance or domain knowledge beyond game rules. AlphaGo becomes its own teacher: a neural network is trained to predict AlphaGo’s own move selections and also the winner of AlphaGo’s games. This neural network improves the strength of the tree search, resulting in higher quality move selection and stronger self-play in the next iteration. Starting tabula rasa, our new program AlphaGo Zero achieved superhuman performance, winning 100-0 against the previously published, champion-defeating AlphaGo.

A synthetic peptide derived from A1 module in CRD4 of human TNF receptor-1 inhibits binding and proinflammatory effect of human TNF-alpha.

PubMed

Cao, Yingnan; Wang, Zhaohe; Bu, Xianzhang; Tang, Shu; Mei, Zhengrong; Liu, Peiqing

2009-06-01

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine, which has been shown to be a causative factor in rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and septic shock. Proinflammatory effect of TNF-alpha is activated mainly through human TNF receptor-1 (TNF-R1). However, the role of the fourth cystein-rich domain (CRD4) of TNF-R1 extracellular portion in the interaction of TNF-alpha with TNF-R1 is still unclear. In the present study, binding activity of TNF-alpha to TNF-R1 and protein levels of IkappaB-alpha and nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) p65 subunit in HeLa cells were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western-blot analysis. Pep 3 (LRENECVS) which was derived from the hydrophilic region of A1 module in CRD4 remarkably inhibited the binding of TNF-alpha to TNF-R1, and also reversed TNF-alpha-induced degradation of IkappaB-alpha and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB p65 subunit in HeLa cells. Our results confirmed that the hydrophilic region of A1 module in CRD4 participated in the interaction of TNF-alpha with TNF-R1, and demonstrated the potential of small-molecule TNF-alpha extracellular inhibitors targeting at A1 module in CRD4 of TNF-R1 in suppressing proinflammatory effect of TNF-alpha.

HPV-18 confers resistance to TNF-{alpha} in organotypic cultures of human keratinocytes

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

Boccardo, Enrique; Noya, Francisco; Broker, Thomas R.

2004-10-25

The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-{alpha}) inhibits normal keratinocytes proliferation. However, many human papillomavirus (HPV)-immortalized or transformed cell lines are resistant to TNF-{alpha} antiproliferative effect. The present study analyzes the effects of TNF-{alpha} on organotypic cultures of primary human keratinocytes (PHKs) that express HPV-18 oncogenes. Raft cultures prepared with PHKs acutely transfected with HPV-18 whole genome or infected with recombinant retroviruses containing only E6/E7 or E7 were treated with 2 nM TNF-{alpha}. While BrdU incorporation into basal/parabasal cells of normal PHKs cultures was markedly inhibited by TNF-{alpha} cultures transfected with HPV-18 whole genome showed proliferation in all cell strata.more » Furthermore, BrdU incorporation into cultures expressing E6/E7 or E7 was not significantly reduced, indicating that E7 alone confers partial resistance to TNF-{alpha}. Besides, TNF-{alpha} treatment did not alter p16{sup ink4a}, p21{sup cip1}, p27{sup kip1}, or cyclin E levels, but did reduce cyclin A and PCNA levels in sensitive cells.« less

Integrin expression by human osteoblasts cultured on degradable polymeric materials applicable for tissue engineered bone.

PubMed

El-Amin, Saadiq F; Attawia, Mohamed; Lu, Helen H; Shah, Asist K; Chang, Richard; Hickok, Noreen J; Tuan, Rocky S; Laurencin, Cato T

2002-01-01

The use of biodegradable polymers in the field of orthopaedic surgery has gained increased popularity, as surgical pins and screws, and as potential biological scaffolds for repairing cartilage and bone defects. One such group of polymers that has gained considerable attention are the polyesters, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLAGA) and polylactic acid (PLA), because of their minimal tissue inflammatory response, favorable biocompatibility and degradation characteristics. The objective of this study was to evaluate human osteoblastic cell adherence and growth on PLAGA and PLA scaffolds by examining integrin receptor (alpha2, alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, alpha6 and beta1) expression. Primary human osteoblastic cells isolated from trabecular bone adhered efficiently to both PLAGA and PLA, with the rate of adherence on PLAGA comparable to that of control tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), and significantly higher than on PLA polymers at 3, 6 and 12 h. Human osteoblastic phenotypic expression, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was positive on both degradable matrices, whereas osteocalcin levels were significantly higher on cells grown on PLAGA than on PLA composites. Interestingly, the integrin subunits, alpha2, alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, alpha6 and beta1 were all expressed at higher levels by osteoblasts cultured on PLAGA than those on PLA as analyzed by westerns blots and by flow cytometry. Among the integrins, alpha2, beta5 and beta1 showed the greatest difference in levels between the two surfaces. Thus, both PLA and PLAGA support osteoblastic adhesion and its accompanying engagement of integrin receptor and expression of osteocalcin and ALP. However PLAGA consistently appeared to be a better substrate for osteoblastic cells based on these parameters. This study is one of the first to investigate the ability of primary human osteoblastic cells isolated from trabecular bone to adhere to the biodegradable polymers PLAGA and PLA, and to examine the expression of their key adhesion receptors (integrins) on these substrates.

alpha-Adrenergic-mediated activation of human reconstituted fibrinogen receptor (integrin alphaIIbbeta3) in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

PubMed

Butta, Nora; Larrucea, Susana; Gonzalez-Manchon, Consuelo; Alonso, Sonia; Parrilla, Roberto

2004-12-01

This work reports the functional studies of CHO cells coexpressing alpha-adrenergic (alphaAR) and human fibrinogen (Fg) receptors (integrin alphaIIbbeta3). Stimulation of these cells with alpha-agonists produced a transient rise in the free cytosolic calcium (Ca(++)) accompanied by enhanced binding to soluble Fg, and these effects were prevented by specific alphaAR antagonists. The alpha-adrenergic-induced activation of alphaIIbbeta3 in CHO-alphaIIbbeta3-alphaAR increased the rate of adhesion and extension of cells onto Fg coated plates, and also induced a soluble Fg- and alphaIIbbeta3-dependent formation of cell aggregates, whereas no effects were observed by the stimulation of CHO-alphaIIbbeta3 cells. alpha-Adrenergic antagonists, the ligand mimetic peptide RGDS, pertussis toxin (PTX), or EDTA, they all prevented the alpha-adrenergic stimulation of adhesion and aggregation. However, inhibition of PKC prevented the alpha-adrenergic stimulation of cell adherence, whereas blocking the intracellular Ca(++) mobilization impeded the stimulation of cell aggregation. The alpha-adrenergic activation was associated with phosphorylation of a protein of approximately 100 kDa and proteins of the MAPK family. The former was selectively phosphorylated by alpha-adrenergic stimulation whereas the latter were phosphorylated by the binding of cells to Fg and markedly intensified by alpha-adrenergic stimulation.

Identity of the segment of human complement C8 recognized by complement regulatory protein CD59.

PubMed

Lockert, D H; Kaufman, K M; Chang, C P; Hüsler, T; Sodetz, J M; Sims, P J

1995-08-25

CD59 antigen is a membrane glycoprotein that inhibits the activity of the C5b-9 membrane attack complex (MAC), thereby protecting human cells from lysis by human complement. The inhibitory function of CD59 derives from its capacity to interact with both the C8 and C9 components of MAC, preventing assembly of membrane-inserted C9 polymer. MAC-inhibitory activity of CD59 is species-selective and is most effective when both C8 and C9 derive from human or other primate plasma. Rabbit C8 and C9, which can substitute for human C8 and C9 in MAC, mediate virtually unrestricted lysis of human cells expressing CD59. In order to identify the segment of human C8 that is recognized by CD59, recombinant peptides containing human or rabbit C8 sequence were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. CD59 was found to specifically bind to a peptide corresponding to residues 334-385 of the human C8 alpha-subunit, and to require a disulfide bond between Cys345 and Cys369. No specific binding was observed to the corresponding sequence from rabbit C8 alpha (residues 334-386). To obtain functional evidence that this segment of human C8 alpha is selectively recognized by CD59, recombinant C8 proteins were prepared by co-transfecting COS-7 cells with human/rabbit chimeras of the C8 alpha cDNA, and cDNAs encoding the C8 beta and C8 gamma chains. Hemolytic activity of MAC formed with chimeric C8 was analyzed using target cells reconstituted with CD59. These experiments confirmed that CD59 recognizes a conformationally sensitive epitope that is within a segment of human C8 alpha internal to residues 320-415. Our data also suggest that optimal interaction of CD59 with this segment of human C8 alpha is influenced by N-terminal flanking sequence in C8 alpha and by human C8 beta, but is unaffected by C8 gamma.

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

Popp, R.A.; Enlow, M.K.

The clinical hematologic change in 2 groups of progeny from mice carrying radiation-induced strain SEC ..cap alpha..-chain deficiencies was found to be similar to the hematologic alterations in persons with ..cap alpha..-thalassemia. The heterozygous deletion or inactivation of the ..cap alpha..-chain gene in mice caused an anemia similar to ..cap alpha..-thalassemina minor in persons. The ..cap alpha..-chain deficiency in mice created an erythrocytosis, reticulocytosis, and microcytic, hypochromic anemia comparable with the changes in human ..cap alpha..-thalassemia minor resulting from deletion of the ..cap alpha..-chain gene. These mouse mutants are the only known animal models of human thalassemia. A comparison ofmore » hematologic values obtained from progeny possessing an ..cap alpha..-chain gene deficiency and from progeny possessing a ..beta..-chain duplication suggested that the deficiency of ..cap alpha..-chain synthesis, rather than a simple imbalance between the amounts of ..cap alpha..- and ..beta..-chains produced, was primarily responsible for the altered hematologic characteristics in these ..cap alpha..-thalassemic mice.« less

alpha-Mannosidosis in the guinea pig: cloning of the lysosomal alpha-mannosidase cDNA and identification of a missense mutation causing alpha-mannosidosis.

PubMed

Berg, Thomas; Hopwood, John J

2002-03-16

alpha-Mannosidosis is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient activity of the lysosomal alpha-mannosidase. We report here the sequencing and expression of the lysosomal alpha-mannosidase cDNA from normal and alpha-mannosidosis guinea pigs. The amino acid sequence of the guinea pig enzyme displayed 82-85% identity to the lysosomal alpha-mannosidase in other mammals. The cDNA of the alpha-mannosidosis guinea pig contained a missense mutation, 679C>T, leading to substitution of arginine by tryptophan at amino acid position 227 (R227W). The R227W allele segregated with the alpha-mannosidosis genotype in the guinea pig colony and introduction of R227W into the wild-type sequence eliminated the production of recombinant alpha-mannosidase activity in heterologous expression studies. Furthermore, the guinea pig mutation has been found in human patients. Our results strongly indicate that the 679C>T mutation causes alpha-mannosidosis and suggest that the guinea pig will be an excellent model for investigation of pathogenesis and evaluation of therapeutic strategies for human alpha-mannosidosis.

Function of Several Critical Amino Acids in Human Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Revealed by Its Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korotchkina, Lioubov G.; Ciszak, E.; Patel, M.

2004-01-01

Pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1), an alpha 2 beta 2 tetramer, catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate and reductive acetylation of lipoyl moieties of the dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase. The roles of beta W135, alpha P188, alpha M181, alpha H15 and alpha R349 of E1 determined by kinetic analysis were reassessed by analyzing the three-dimensional structure of human E1. The residues identified above are found to play a structural role rather than being directly involved in catalysis: beta W135 is the center residue in the hydrophobic interaction between beta and beta' subunits; alpha P188 and alpha M181 are critical for the conformation of the TPP-binding motif and interaction between alpha and beta subunits; alpha H15, is necessary for the organization of the N-terminus of alpha and alpha'; subunits and alpha R349 supports the interaction of the C-terminus of the alpha subunits with the beta subunits. Analysis of several critical E1 residues confirms the importance of residues distant from the active site for subunit interactions and enzyme function.

Improving Properties of a Novel β-Galactosidase from Lactobacillus plantarum by Covalent Immobilization.

PubMed

Benavente, Rocio; Pessela, Benevides C; Curiel, Jose Antonio; de las Rivas, Blanca; Muñoz, Rosario; Guisán, Jose Manuel; Mancheño, Jose M; Cardelle-Cobas, Alejandra; Ruiz-Matute, Ana I; Corzo, Nieves

2015-04-30

A novel β-galactosidase from Lactobacillus plantarum (LPG) was over-expressed in E. coli and purified via a single chromatographic step by using lowly activated IMAC (immobilized metal for affinity chromatography) supports. The pure enzyme exhibited a high hydrolytic activity of 491 IU/mL towards o-nitrophenyl β-D-galactopyranoside. This value was conserved in the presence of different divalent cations and was quite resistant to the inhibition effects of different carbohydrates. The pure multimeric enzyme was stabilized by multipoint and multisubunit covalent attachment on glyoxyl-agarose. The glyoxyl-LPG immobilized preparation was over 20-fold more stable than the soluble enzyme or the one-point CNBr-LPG immobilized preparation at 50 °C. This β-galactosidase was successfully used in the hydrolysis of lactose and lactulose and formation of different oligosaccharides was detected. High production of galacto-oligosaccharides (35%) and oligosaccharides derived from lactulose (30%) was found and, for the first time, a new oligosaccharide derived from lactulose, tentatively identified as 3'-galactosyl lactulose, has been described.

Optimization of the method for α-l-fucosidase, β-d-galactosidase and β-d-glucuronidase determination in serum from hemolyzed blood.

PubMed

Chojnowska, Sylwia; Ptaszyńska-Sarosiek, Iwona; Kępka, Alina; Szajda, Sławomir Dariusz; Waszkiewicz, Napoleon; Zwierz, Krzysztof

2018-06-06

Adaptation of the colorimetric method for the determination of β-d-galactosidase, β-d-glucuronidase and α-l-fucosidase activities in serums from hemolyzed blood, the material currently being discarded. The materials included serums from hemolyzed and non-hemolyzed blood, obtained from 26 healthy volunteers. The adaptation of the method involved precipitation of the proteins with trichloroacetic acid after incubating serums with substrates, but before determining the products of enzymatic reactions. In serums from hemolyzed and non-hemolyzed blood of the same persons, we found high correlations among the results obtained using hemolyzed blood (with adapted) and non-hemolyzed blood (with non-adapted) methods. We are able to determine the β-d-galactosidase, β-d-glucuronidase and α-l-fucosidase activities in serums from hemolyzed blood (with adapted) and non-hemolyzed blood (with non-adapted) methods, with the same accuracy and precision. Copyright © 2018 Medical University of Bialystok. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interferon-alpha and interferon-gamma modulate Fas-mediated apoptosis in mitomycin-C-resistant human Tenon's fibroblasts.

PubMed

Wang, Xiao Yang; Crowston, Jonathan G; White, Andrew J R; Zoellner, Hans; Healey, Paul R

2014-08-01

The aim of the study was to investigate, using a native mitomycin-C-resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line, the possibility that interferon-alpha and gamma could be used with Fas agonists as an alternative anti-fibrotic strategy to mitomycin-C in trabeculectomy. A clinically resistant and in vitro verified mitomycin-C-resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line was pretreated with interferon-alpha and interferon-gamma for 48 h before stimulation with an agonistic Fas antibody (CH11) for 2 days to induce cell death. Cell death assays were undertaken. Changes in apoptosis-related proteins were determined by flow cytometry and Western blot. Pretreatment with interferon-alpha or interferon-gamma for 48 h increased Fas, Fas-associated protein with death domain and caspase-8 expression. Protein expression was further increased by combined exposure to interferon-alpha and gamma. Pretreatment with cytokines had no effect on Fas-L and Bcl-2. Interferon-alpha alone did not change the rate of induced cell death. A combination of interferon-alpha and gamma synergistically increased the sensitivity of mitomycin-C-resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line to induced cell death. An antagonistic anti-Fas antibody (ZB4) completely blocked induced cell death. Broad caspase inhibitors specific for caspases-8 and -3 reduced induced deaths in interferon pretreated mitomycin-C-resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line in a dose-dependent manner. Interferon-alpha and interferon-gamma render mitomycin-C-resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line sensitive to Fas-mediated apoptosis. The mechanism involves increased death-inducing signalling complex formation by upregulation of Fas, Fas-associated protein with death domain and caspase-8 expression. © 2013 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Novel immunolocalization of alpha-synuclein in human muscle of inclusion-body myositis, regenerating and necrotic muscle fibers, and at neuromuscular junctions.

PubMed

Askanas, V; Engel, W K; Alvarez, R B; McFerrin, J; Broccolini, A

2000-07-01

Alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) is an important component of neuronal and glial inclusions in brains of patients with several neurodegenerative disorders. Sporadic inclusion-body myositis (s-IBM) is the most common progressive muscle disease of older patients. Its muscle phenotype shows several similarities with Alzheimer disease brain. A distinct feature of s-IBM pathology is specific vacuolar degeneration of muscle fibers characterized by intracellular amyloid inclusions formed by both amyloid-beta (Abeta) and paired-helical filaments composed of phosphorylated tau. We immunostained alpha-syn in muscle biopsies of s-IBM, disease-control, and normal patients. Approximately 60% of Abeta-positive vacuolated muscle fibers (VMF) contained well-defined inclusions immunoreactive with antibodies against alpha-syn. In those fibers. alpha-syn co-localized with Abeta, both by light microscopy, and ultrastructurally. Paired-helical filaments did not contain alpha-syn immunoreactivity. In all muscle biopsies, alpha-syn was strongly immunoreactive at the postsynaptic region of the neuromuscular junctions. alpha-syn immunoreactivity also occurred diffusely in regenerating and necrotic muscle fibers. In cultured human muscle fibers, alpha-syn and its mRNA were expressed by immunocytochemistry, immunoblots, and Northern blots. Our study provides the first demonstration that alpha-syn participates in normal and pathologic processes of human muscle. Therefore. its function is not exclusive to the brain and neurodegenerative diseases.

Shikonins, phytocompounds from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, inhibit the transcriptional activation of human tumor necrosis factor alpha promoter in vivo.

PubMed

Staniforth, Vanisree; Wang, Sheng-Yang; Shyur, Lie-Fen; Yang, Ning-Sun

2004-02-13

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) contributes to the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic inflammatory diseases and has been a target for the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs. Shikonins, the naphthoquinone pigments present in the root tissues of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc. (Boraginaceae), have been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we evaluated the effects of shikonin and its derivatives on the transcriptional activation of human TNF-alpha promoter in a gene gun-transfected mouse skin system by using a luciferase reporter gene assay. The crude plant extract of L. erythrorhizon as well as derived individual compounds shikonin, isobutyryl shikonin, acetyl shikonin, dimethylacryl shikonin and isovaleryl shikonin showed significant dose-dependent inhibition of TNF-alpha promoter activation. Among the tested compounds, shikonin and isobutyryl shikonin exhibited the highest inhibition of TNF-alpha promoter activation and also showed significant suppression of transgenic human TNF-alpha mRNA expression and protein production. We demonstrated that shikonin-inhibitory response was retained in the core TNF-alpha promoter region containing the TATA box and a 48-bp downstream sequence relative to the transcription start site. Further our results indicated that shikonin suppressed the basal transcription and activator-regulated transcription of TNF-alpha by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor IID protein complex (TATA box-binding protein) to TATA box. These in vivo results suggest that shikonins inhibit the transcriptional activation of the human TNF-alpha promoter through interference with the basal transcription machinery. Thus, shikonins may have clinical potential as anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

On the Physiological Modulation and Potential Mechanisms Underlying Parieto-Occipital Alpha Oscillations

PubMed Central

Lozano-Soldevilla, Diego

2018-01-01

The parieto-occipital alpha (8–13 Hz) rhythm is by far the strongest spectral fingerprint in the human brain. Almost 90 years later, its physiological origin is still far from clear. In this Research Topic I review human pharmacological studies using electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) that investigated the physiological mechanisms behind posterior alpha. Based on results from classical and recent experimental studies, I find a wide spectrum of drugs that modulate parieto-occipital alpha power. Alpha frequency is rarely affected, but this might be due to the range of drug dosages employed. Animal and human pharmacological findings suggest that both GABA enhancers and NMDA blockers systematically decrease posterior alpha power. Surprisingly, most of the theoretical frameworks do not seem to embrace these empirical findings and the debate on the functional role of alpha oscillations has been polarized between the inhibition vs. active poles hypotheses. Here, I speculate that the functional role of alpha might depend on physiological excitation as much as on physiological inhibition. This is supported by animal and human pharmacological work showing that GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, and serotonergic receptors in the thalamus and the cortex play a key role in the regulation of alpha power and frequency. This myriad of physiological modulations fit with the view that the alpha rhythm is a complex rhythm with multiple sources supported by both thalamo-cortical and cortico-cortical loops. Finally, I briefly discuss how future research combining experimental measurements derived from theoretical predictions based of biophysically realistic computational models will be crucial to the reconciliation of these disparate findings. PMID:29670518

Structure of the beta-galactosidase gene from Thermus sp. strain T2: expression in Escherichia coli and purification in a single step of an active fusion protein.

PubMed

Vian, A; Carrascosa, A V; García, J L; Cortés, E

1998-06-01

The nucleotide sequence of both the bgaA gene, coding for a thermostable beta-galactosidase of Thermus sp. strain T2, and its flanking regions was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence of the enzyme predicts a polypeptide of 645 amino acids (Mr, 73,595). Comparative analysis of the open reading frames located in the flanking regions of the bgaA gene revealed that they might encode proteins involved in the transport and hydrolysis of sugars. The observed homology between the deduced amino acid sequences of BgaA and the beta-galactosidase of Bacillus stearothermophilus allows us to classify the new enzyme within family 42 of glycosyl hydrolases. BgaA was overexpressed in its active form in Escherichia coli, but more interestingly, an active chimeric beta-galactosidase was constructed by fusing the BgaA protein to the choline-binding domain of the major pneumococcal autolysin. This chimera illustrates a novel approach for producing an active and thermostable hybrid enzyme that can be purified in a single step by affinity chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, retaining the catalytic properties of the native enzyme. The chimeric enzyme showed a specific activity of 191,000 U/mg at 70 degrees C and a Km value of 1.6 mM with o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside as a substrate, and it retained 50% of its initial activity after 1 h of incubation at 70 degrees C.

Effect of mechanical denaturation on surface free energy of protein powders.

PubMed

Mohammad, Mohammad Amin; Grimsey, Ian M; Forbes, Robert T; Blagbrough, Ian S; Conway, Barbara R

2016-10-01

Globular proteins are important both as therapeutic agents and excipients. However, their fragile native conformations can be denatured during pharmaceutical processing, which leads to modification of the surface energy of their powders and hence their performance. Lyophilized powders of hen egg-white lysozyme and β-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae were used as models to study the effects of mechanical denaturation on the surface energies of basic and acidic protein powders, respectively. Their mechanical denaturation upon milling was confirmed by the absence of their thermal unfolding transition phases and by the changes in their secondary and tertiary structures. Inverse gas chromatography detected differences between both unprocessed protein powders and the changes induced by their mechanical denaturation. The surfaces of the acidic and basic protein powders were relatively basic, however the surface acidity of β-galactosidase was higher than that of lysozyme. Also, the surface of β-galactosidase powder had a higher dispersive energy compared to lysozyme. The mechanical denaturation decreased the dispersive energy and the basicity of the surfaces of both protein powders. The amino acid composition and molecular conformation of the proteins explained the surface energy data measured by inverse gas chromatography. The biological activity of mechanically denatured protein powders can either be reversible (lysozyme) or irreversible (β-galactosidase) upon hydration. Our surface data can be exploited to understand and predict the performance of protein powders within pharmaceutical dosage forms. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A novel promising strain of Trichoderma evansii (WF-3) for extracellular α-galactosidase production by utilizing different carbon sources under optimized culture conditions.

PubMed

Chauhan, Aishwarya; Siddiqi, Nikhat Jamal; Sharma, Bechan

2014-01-01

A potential fungal strain of Trichoderma sp. (WF-3) was isolated and selected for the production of α-galactosidase. Optimum conditions for mycelial growth and enzyme induction were determined. Basal media selected for the growth of fungal isolate containing different carbon sources like guar gum (GG), soya bean meal (SM), and wheat straw (WS) and combinations of these carbon substrates with basic sugars like galactose and sucrose were used to monitor their effects on α-galactosidase production. The results of this study indicated that galactose and sucrose enhanced the enzyme activity in guar gum (GG) and wheat straw (WS). Maximum α-galactosidase production (213.63 U mL(-1)) was obtained when the basic medium containing GG is supplemented with galactose (5 mg/mL). However, the presence of galactose and sucrose alone in the growth media shows no effect. Soya meal alone was able to support T. evansii to produce maximum enzyme activity (170.36 U mL(-1)). The incubation time, temperature, and pH for the maximum enzyme synthesis were found to be 120 h (5 days), 28°C, and 4.5-5.5, respectively. All the carbon sources tested exhibited maximum enzyme production at 10 mg/mL concentration. Among the metal ions tested, Hg was found to be the strongest inhibitor of the enzyme. Among the chelators, EDTA acted as stronger inhibitor than succinic acid.

A Novel Promising Strain of Trichoderma evansii (WF-3) for Extracellular α-Galactosidase Production by Utilizing Different Carbon Sources under Optimized Culture Conditions

PubMed Central

Chauhan, Aishwarya; Siddiqi, Nikhat Jamal

2014-01-01

A potential fungal strain of Trichoderma sp. (WF-3) was isolated and selected for the production of α-galactosidase. Optimum conditions for mycelial growth and enzyme induction were determined. Basal media selected for the growth of fungal isolate containing different carbon sources like guar gum (GG), soya bean meal (SM), and wheat straw (WS) and combinations of these carbon substrates with basic sugars like galactose and sucrose were used to monitor their effects on α-galactosidase production. The results of this study indicated that galactose and sucrose enhanced the enzyme activity in guar gum (GG) and wheat straw (WS). Maximum α-galactosidase production (213.63 UmL−1) was obtained when the basic medium containing GG is supplemented with galactose (5 mg/mL). However, the presence of galactose and sucrose alone in the growth media shows no effect. Soya meal alone was able to support T. evansii to produce maximum enzyme activity (170.36 UmL−1). The incubation time, temperature, and pH for the maximum enzyme synthesis were found to be 120 h (5 days), 28°C, and 4.5–5.5, respectively. All the carbon sources tested exhibited maximum enzyme production at 10 mg/mL concentration. Among the metal ions tested, Hg was found to be the strongest inhibitor of the enzyme. Among the chelators, EDTA acted as stronger inhibitor than succinic acid. PMID:25126562

The development of a modified human IFN-alpha2b linked to the Fc portion of human IgG1 as a novel potential therapeutic for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection.

PubMed

Jones, Tim D; Hanlon, Marian; Smith, Beverley J; Heise, Charles T; Nayee, Prakash D; Sanders, Deborah A; Hamilton, Anita; Sweet, Clive; Unitt, Esther; Alexander, Graeme; Lo, Kin-Ming; Gillies, Stephen D; Carr, Frank J; Baker, Matthew P

2004-09-01

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), in conjunction with ribavirin, is the current standard for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This treatment requires frequent dosing, with a significant risk of the development of anti-IFN-alpha neutralizing antibodies that correlates with lack of efficacy or relapse. We have developed an IFN-alpha linked to the Fc region of human IgG1 for improved half-life and less frequent dosing. We have also identified, using a human T cell proliferation assay, three regions of IFN-alpha2b that are potentially immunogenic, and a variant containing a total of six mutations within these regions was made. This variant was made as a fusion to Fc either with or without a flexible linker between the fusion partners. Both configurations of the variant were less active than native IFN-alpha alone, although the variant containing the flexible linker had in vitro antiviral activity within the range of other modified IFN-alphas currently in clinical use. Peptides spanning the modified regions were tested in T cell proliferation assays and found to be less immunogenic than native controls when using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from both healthy individuals and HCV-infected patients who had been treated previously with IFN-alpha2b. Copyright Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Beta3 subunits promote expression and nicotine-induced up-regulation of human nicotinic alpha6* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in transfected cell lines.

PubMed

Tumkosit, Prem; Kuryatov, Alexander; Luo, Jie; Lindstrom, Jon

2006-10-01

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) containing alpha6 subunits are typically found at aminergic nerve endings where they play important roles in nicotine addiction and Parkinson's disease. alpha6* AChRs usually contain beta3 subunits. beta3 subunits are presumed to assemble only in the accessory subunit position within AChRs where they do not participate in forming acetylcholine binding sites. Assembly of subunits in the accessory position may be a critical final step in assembly of mature AChRs. Human alpha6 AChRs subtypes were permanently transfected into human tsA201 human embryonic kidney (HEK) cell lines. alpha6beta2beta3 and alpha6beta4beta3 cell lines were found to express much larger amounts of AChRs and were more sensitive to nicotine-induced increase in the amount of AChRs than were alpha6beta2 or alpha6beta4 cell lines. The increased sensitivity to nicotine-induced up-regulation was due not to a beta3-induced increase in affinity for nicotine but probably to a direct effect on assembly of AChR subunits. HEK cells express only a small amount of mature alpha6beta2 AChRs, but many of these subunits are on the cell surface. This contrasts with Xenopus laevis oocytes, which express a large amount of incorrectly assembled alpha6beta2 subunits that bind cholinergic ligands but form large amorphous intracellular aggregates. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were made to the alpha6 and beta3 subunits to aid in the characterization of these AChRs. The alpha6 mAbs bind to epitopes C-terminal of the extracellular domain. These data demonstrate that both cell type and the accessory subunit beta3 can play important roles in alpha6* AChR expression, stability, and up-regulation by nicotine.

Alpha1B-adrenoceptor signaling and cell motility: GTPase function of Gh/transglutaminase 2 inhibits cell migration through interaction with cytoplasmic tail of integrin alpha subunits.

PubMed

Kang, Sung Koo; Yi, Kye Sook; Kwon, Nyoun Soo; Park, Kwang-Hyun; Kim, Uh-Hyun; Baek, Kwang Jin; Im, Mie-Jae

2004-08-27

A multifunctional enzyme, G(h), is a GTP-binding protein that couples to the alpha(1B)-adrenoreceptor and stimulates phospholipase C-delta1 but also displays transglutaminase 2 (TG2) activity. G(h)/TG2 has been implicated to play a role in cell motility. In this study we have examined which function of G(h)/TG2 is involved in this cellular response and the molecular basis. Treatment of human aortic smooth muscle cell with epinephrine inhibits migration to fibronectin and vitronectin, and the inhibition is blocked by the alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor antagonist prazosin or chloroethylclonidine. Up-regulation or overexpression of G(h)/TG2 in human aortic smooth muscle cells, DDT1-MF2, or human embryonic kidney cells, HEK 293 cells, results in inhibition of the migratory activity, and stimulation of the alpha(1B)-adrenoreceptor with the alpha(1) agonist further augments the inhibition of migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells and DDT1-MF2. G(h)/TG2 is coimmunoprecipitated by an integrin alpha(5) antibody and binds to the cytoplasmic tail peptide of integrins alpha(5), alpha(v), and alpha(IIb) subunits in the presence of guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS). Mutation of Lys-Arg residues in the GFFKR motif, present in the alpha(5)-tail, significantly reduces the binding of GTPgammaS-G(h)/TG2. Moreover, the motif-containing integrin alpha(5)-tail peptides block G(h)/TG2 coimmunoprecipitation and reverse the inhibition of the migratory activity of HEK 293 cells caused by overexpression G(h)/TG2. These results provide evidence that G(h) function initiates the modulation of cell motility via association of GTP-bound G(h)/TG2 with the GFFKR motif located in integrin alpha subunits.

Cardiac Alpha1-Adrenergic Receptors: Novel Aspects of Expression, Signaling Mechanisms, Physiologic Function, and Clinical Importance

PubMed Central

O’Connell, Timothy D.; Jensen, Brian C.; Baker, Anthony J.

2014-01-01

Adrenergic receptors (AR) are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that have a crucial role in cardiac physiology in health and disease. Alpha1-ARs signal through Gαq, and signaling through Gq, for example, by endothelin and angiotensin receptors, is thought to be detrimental to the heart. In contrast, cardiac alpha1-ARs mediate important protective and adaptive functions in the heart, although alpha1-ARs are only a minor fraction of total cardiac ARs. Cardiac alpha1-ARs activate pleiotropic downstream signaling to prevent pathologic remodeling in heart failure. Mechanisms defined in animal and cell models include activation of adaptive hypertrophy, prevention of cardiac myocyte death, augmentation of contractility, and induction of ischemic preconditioning. Surprisingly, at the molecular level, alpha1-ARs localize to and signal at the nucleus in cardiac myocytes, and, unlike most GPCRs, activate “inside-out” signaling to cause cardioprotection. Contrary to past opinion, human cardiac alpha1-AR expression is similar to that in the mouse, where alpha1-AR effects are seen most convincingly in knockout models. Human clinical studies show that alpha1-blockade worsens heart failure in hypertension and does not improve outcomes in heart failure, implying a cardioprotective role for human alpha1-ARs. In summary, these findings identify novel functional and mechanistic aspects of cardiac alpha1-AR function and suggest that activation of cardiac alpha1-AR might be a viable therapeutic strategy in heart failure. PMID:24368739

Enzyme replacement therapy in patients with Fabry disease: state of the art and review of the literature.

PubMed

Pisani, Antonio; Visciano, Bianca; Roux, Graciana Diez; Sabbatini, Massimo; Porto, Caterina; Parenti, Giancarlo; Imbriaco, Massimo

2012-11-01

Anderson-Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder resulting from the deficiency of the hydrolytic enzyme alpha galactosidase A, with consequent accumulation of globotrioasoyl ceramide in cells and tissues of the body, resulting in a multi-system pathology including end organ failure. In the classical phenotype, cardiac failure, renal failure and stroke result in a reduced median life expectancy. The current causal treatment for Fabry disease is the enzyme replacement therapy (ERT): two different products, Replagal (agalsidase alfa) and Fabrazyme (agalsidase beta), have been commercially available in Europe for almost 10 years and they are both indicated for long-term treatment. In fact, clinical trials, observational studies and registry data have provided many evidences for safety and efficacy of ERT in improving symptoms of pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, hypohidrosis, left ventricular mass index, glomerular filtration rate and quality of life. Few data are available on comparison of the two treatments and on the clinical course of the disease. This article reviews the published evidence for clinical efficacy of the two available enzyme preparations. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Heart involvement in Anderson-Fabry disease: Italian recommendations for diagnostic, follow-up and therapeutic management].

PubMed

Pieruzzi, Federico; Pieroni, Maurizio; Zachara, Elisabetta; Marziliano, Nicola; Morrone, Amelia; Cecchi, Franco

2015-11-01

Anderson-Fabry disease is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations of the GLA gene that encodes alpha-galactosidase A. It is characterized by a multisystemic involvement: the renal, neurological, heart, cochleovestibular and cutaneous systems are the most damaged. Morbidity and mortality of Anderson-Fabry disease depend on renal insufficiency, heart failure and nervous system involvement. Left ventricular hypertrophy is the most common cardiac manifestation followed by conduction system disease, valve dysfunction, and arrhythmias. Mild to moderate left ventricular hypertrophy may simulate a non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Management of Anderson-Fabry disease starting from the diagnosis of cardiac involvement, the prevention of complications, the therapeutic aspects, up to appropriate clinical follow-up, requires a multidisciplinary approach. According to recent management guidelines, only few evidence-based data are available to guide the clinical and therapeutic approach to this rare disease. An Italian Board, composed by nephrologists, cardiologists, geneticists, pediatricians and neurologists has been established in order to approve by consensus a diagnostic and therapeutic management protocol. The authors report the results of this cardiologic management consensus.

[Court-ordered access to treatment of rare genetic diseases: Fabry Disease in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil].

PubMed

Sartori Junior, Dailor; Leivas, Paulo Gilberto Cogo; Souza, Mônica Vinhas de; Krug, Bárbara Corrêa; Balbinotto, Giacomo; Schwartz, Ida Vanessa Doederlein

2012-10-01

Court-ordered access to high-cost drugs for rare genetic diseases, such as Fabry Disease (alpha-galactosidase-A deficiency), is a growing phenomenon as yet lacking systematic study. An observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted to characterize the lawsuits related to access to treatment for Fabry Disease by Enzyme Replacement Therapy in the State of Rio Grande do Sul prior to 2007. The study identified 13 lawsuits and 17 plaintiffs, 11 requesting alfa and 6 betagalsidase. The State of RS, the Federal Government, and 5 municipalities figured as defendants, in the form of joinder of parties or otherwise. There were 13 requests for interlocutory relief of which 12 were granted, and 2 sentences were handed down, both favorable. "Risk of death" was alleged by doctors in 4 prescriptions and by lawyers in the 13 lawsuits. The data suggest the lack of discussions combining aspects of medical efficacy and safety, cost-effectiveness, economic impact, and legal and constitutional arguments, which requires a specific policy for rare genetic diseases to standardize access to treatment.

Different patterns of 5{alpha}-reductase expression, cellular distribution, and testosterone metabolism in human follicular dermal papilla cells

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

Liu, Shicheng; Yamauchi, Hitoshi

Androgens regulate hair growth, and 5{alpha}-reductase (5{alpha}R) plays a pivotal role in the action of androgens on target organs. To clarify the molecular mechanisms responsible for controlling hair growth, the present study presents evidence that the human follicular dermal papilla cells (DPCs) from either beard (bDPCs) or scalp hair (sDPCs) possess endogenous 5{alpha}R activity. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that the highest level of 5{alpha}R1 mRNA was found in bDPCs, followed by sDPCs, and a low but detectable level of 5{alpha}R1 mRNA was observed in fibroblasts. Minimally detectable levels of 5{alpha}R2 mRNA were found in all three cell types. A weak bandmore » at 26 kDa corresponding to the human 5{alpha}R1 protein was detected by Western blot in both DPCs, but not in fibroblasts. Immuonofluorescence analysis confirmed that 5{alpha}R1 was localized to the cytoplasm rather than in the nuclei in both DPCs Furthermore, a 5{alpha}R assay using [{sup 14}C]testosterone labeling in intact cells revealed that testosterone was transformed primarily into androstenedione, and in small amounts, into DHT. Our results demonstrate that the 5{alpha}R activities of either bDPCs or sDPCs are stronger than that of dermal fibroblasts, despite the fact that the major steroidogenic activity is attributed to 17{beta}-HSD rather than 5{alpha}R among the three cell types. The 5{alpha}R1 inhibitor MK386 exhibited a more potent inhibitory effect on 5{alpha}R activity than finasteride (5{alpha}R2 inhibitor) in bDPCs.« less

Functional assessment of recombinant human alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes with cytosensor microphysiometry.

PubMed

Pihlavisto, M; Scheinin, M

1999-12-03

We applied the Cytosensor Microphysiometry system to study the three human alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes, alpha(2A), alpha(2B) and alpha(2C), expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and assessed its potential in the quantitative monitoring of agonist activity. The natural full agonist, (-)-noradrenaline, was used to define agonist efficacy. The imidazole derivative dexmedetomidine was a potent full agonist of all three receptor subtypes. The imidazolines clonidine and UK 14,304 (5-bromo-N-(4, 5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-6-quinoxalinamine) appeared to be partial agonists at alpha(2B)-adrenoceptors (E(max) approximately 60% of (-)-noradrenaline) but full agonists at alpha(2A)- and alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors. The responses mediated by all three alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes were partly inhibited by the sodium-hydrogen (Na(+)/H(+)) exchange inhibitor, MIA (5-(N-methyl-N-isobutyl)-amiloride). The agonist responses were totally abolished by pretreatment with pertussis toxin in cells with alpha(2A)- and alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors, and partly abolished in cells with alpha(2B)-adrenoceptors. The residual signal in alpha(2B)-cells was sensitive to the intracellular Ca(2+)chelator, BAPTA (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester). Cholera toxin (which acts on G(s)-proteins) had no effect on the agonist responses. The results suggest that the extracellular acidification responses mediated by all three human alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes are dependent on Na(+)/H(+)exchange and G(i/o) pathways, and that alpha(2B)-adrenoceptors are capable of coupling to another, G(i/o)-independent and Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathway.

Characterization of the human pH- and PKA-activated ClC-2G(2 alpha) Cl- channel.

PubMed

Sherry, A M; Stroffekova, K; Knapp, L M; Kupert, E Y; Cuppoletti, J; Malinowska, D H

1997-08-01

A ClC-2G(2 alpha) Cl- channel was identified to be present in human lung and stomach, and a partial cDNA for this Cl- channel was cloned from a human fetal lung library. A full-length expressible human ClC-2G(2 alpha) cDNA was constructed by ligation of mutagenized expressible rabbit ClC-2G(2 alpha) cDNA with the human lung ClC-2G(2 alpha) cDNA, expressed in oocytes, and characterized at the single-channel level. Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (PKA) treatment increased the probability of opening of the channel (Po). After PKA activation, the channel exhibited a linear (r = 0.99) current-voltage curve with a slope conductance of 22.1 +/- 0.8 pS in symmetric 800 mM tetraethylammonium chloride (TEACl; pH 7.4). Under fivefold gradient conditions of TEACl, a reversal potential of +21.5 +/- 2.8 mV was measured demonstrating anion-to-cation discrimination. As previously demonstrated for the rabbit ClC-2G(2 alpha) Cl- channel, the human analog, hClC-2G(2 alpha), was active at pH 7.4 as well as when the pH of the extracellular face of the channel (trans side of the bilayer; pHtrans) was asymmetrically reduced to pH 3.0. The extent of PKA activation was dependent on pHtrans. With PKA treatment, Po increased fourfold with a pHtrans of 7.4 and eightfold with a pHtrans of 3.0. Effects of sequential PKA addition followed by pHtrans reduction on the same channel suggested that the PKA- and pH-dependent increases in channel Po were separable and cumulative. Northern analysis showed ClC-2G(2 alpha) mRNA to be present in human adult and fetal lung and adult stomach, and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction showed this channel to be present in the adult human lung and stomach at about one-half the level found in fetal lung. The findings of the present study suggest that the ClC-2G(2 alpha) Cl- channel may play an important role in Cl- transport in the fetal and adult human lung.

Immunostimulatory effects of natural human interferon-alpha (huIFN-alpha) on carps Cyprinus carpio L.

PubMed

Watanuki, Hironobu; Chakraborty, Gunimala; Korenaga, Hiroki; Kono, Tomoya; Shivappa, R B; Sakai, Masahiro

2009-10-15

Human interferon-alpha (huIFN-alpha) is an important immunomodulatory substance used in the treatment and prevention of numerous infectious and immune-related diseases in animals. However, the immunostimulatory effects of huIFN-alpha in fish remain to be investigated. In the current study, the immune responses of the carp species Cyprinus carpio L. to treatment with huIFN-alpha were analyzed via measurement of superoxide anion production, phagocytic activity and the expression of cytokine genes including interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 10. Low doses of huIFN-alpha were administered orally once a day for 3 days, and sampling was carried out at 1, 3 and 5 days post-treatment. Our results indicate that a low dose of huIFN-alpha significantly increased phagocytic activity and superoxide anion production in the carp kidney. The huIFN-alpha-treated fish also displayed a significant upregulation in cytokine gene expression. The current study demonstrates the stimulatory effects of huIFN-alpha on the carp immune system and highlights the immunomodulatory role of huIFN-alpha in fish.

Human milk and mucosal lacto- and galacto-N-biose synthesis by transgalactosylation and their prebiotic potential in Lactobacillus species.

PubMed

Bidart, Gonzalo N; Rodríguez-Díaz, Jesús; Palomino-Schätzlein, Martina; Monedero, Vicente; Yebra, María J

2017-01-01

Lacto-N-biose (LNB) and galacto-N-biose (GNB) are major building blocks of free oligosaccharides and glycan moieties of glyco-complexes present in human milk and gastrointestinal mucosa. We have previously characterized the phospho-β-galactosidase GnbG from Lactobacillus casei BL23 that is involved in the metabolism of LNB and GNB. GnbG has been used here in transglycosylation reactions, and it showed the production of LNB and GNB with N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine as acceptors, respectively. The reaction kinetics demonstrated that GnbG can convert 69 ± 4 and 71 ± 1 % of o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside into LNB and GNB, respectively. Those reactions were performed in a semi-preparative scale, and the synthesized disaccharides were purified. The maximum yield obtained for LNB was 10.7 ± 0.2 g/l and for GNB was 10.8 ± 0.3 g/l. NMR spectroscopy confirmed the molecular structures of both carbohydrates and the absence of reaction byproducts, which also supports that GnbG is specific for β1,3-glycosidic linkages. The purified sugars were subsequently tested for their potential prebiotic properties using Lactobacillus species. The results showed that LNB and GNB were fermented by the tested strains of L. casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (except L. rhamnosus strain ATCC 53103), Lactobacillus zeae, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus johnsonii. DNA hybridization experiments suggested that the metabolism of those disaccharides in 9 out of 10 L. casei strains, all L. rhamnosus strains and all L. zeae strains tested relies upon a phospho-β-galactosidase homologous to GnbG. The results presented here support the putative role of human milk oligosaccharides for selective enrichment of beneficial intestinal microbiota in breast-fed infants.

Cloning and expression of a novel UDP-GlcNAc:alpha-D-mannoside beta1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase homologous to UDP-GlcNAc:alpha-3-D-mannoside beta1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I.

PubMed Central

Zhang, Wenli; Betel, Doron; Schachter, Harry

2002-01-01

A TBLASTN search with human UDP-GlcNAc:alpha-3-d-mannoside beta-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GnT I; EC 2.4.1.101) as a probe identified human and mouse Unigenes encoding a protein similar to human GnT I (34% identity over 340 amino acids). The recombinant protein converted Man(alpha1-6)[Man(alpha1-3)]Man(beta1-)O-octyl to Man(alpha1-6)[GlcNAc(beta1-2)Man(alpha1-3)]Man(beta1-)O-octyl, the reaction catalysed by GnT I. The enzyme also added GlcNAc to Man(alpha1-6)[GlcNAc(beta1-2)Man(alpha1-3)]Man(beta1-)O-octyl (the substrate for beta-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II), Man(alpha1-)O-benzyl [with K(m) values of approximately 0.3 and >30 mM for UDP-GlcNAc and Man(alpha1-)O-benzyl respectively] and the glycopeptide CYA[Man(alpha1-)O-T]AV (K(m) approximately 12 mM). The product formed with Man(alpha1-)O-benzyl was identified as GlcNAc(beta1-2)Man(alpha1-)O-benzyl by proton NMR spectroscopy. The enzyme was named UDP-GlcNAc:alpha-d-mannoside beta-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I.2 (GnT I.2). The human gene mapped to chromosome 1. Northern-blot analysis showed a 3.3 kb message with a wide tissue distribution. The cDNA has a 1980 bp open reading frame encoding a 660 amino acid protein with a type-2 domain structure typical of glycosyltransferases. Man(beta1-)O-octyl, Man(beta1-)O-p-nitrophenyl and GlcNAc(beta1-2)Man(alpha1-6)[GlcNAc(beta1-2)Man(alpha1-3)]Man(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-)O-Asn were not acceptors, indicating that GnT I.2 is specific for alpha-linked terminal Man and does not have N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III, IV, V, VII or VIII activities. CYA[Man(alpha1-)O-T]AV was between three and seven times more effective as an acceptor than the other substrates, suggesting that GnT I.2 may be responsible for the synthesis of the GlcNAc(beta1-2)Man(alpha1-)O-Ser/Thr moiety on alpha-dystroglycan and other O-mannosylated proteins. PMID:11742540

Generation of tumour-necrosis-factor-alpha-specific affibody molecules capable of blocking receptor binding in vitro.

PubMed

Jonsson, Andreas; Wållberg, Helena; Herne, Nina; Ståhl, Stefan; Frejd, Fredrik Y

2009-08-17

Affibody molecules specific for human TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor-alpha) were selected by phage-display technology from a library based on the 58-residue Protein A-derived Z domain. TNF-alpha is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in several inflammatory diseases and, to this day, four TNF-alpha-blocking protein pharmaceuticals have been approved for clinical use. The phage selection generated 18 unique cysteine-free affibody sequences of which 12 were chosen, after sequence cluster analysis, for characterization as proteins. Biosensor binding studies of the 12 Escherichia coli-produced and IMAC (immobilized-metal-ion affinity chromatography)-purified affibody molecules revealed three variants that demonstrated the strongest binding to human TNF-alpha. These three affibody molecules were subjected to kinetic binding analysis and also tested for their binding to mouse, rat and pig TNF-alpha. For ZTNF-alpha:185, subnanomolar affinity (KD=0.1-0.5 nM) for human TNF-alpha was demonstrated, as well as significant binding to TNF-alpha from the other species. Furthermore, the binding site was found to overlap with the binding site for the TNF-alpha receptor, since this interaction could be efficiently blocked by the ZTNF-alpha:185 affibody. When investigating six dimeric affibody constructs with different linker lengths, and one trimeric construct, it was found that the inhibition of the TNF-alpha binding to its receptor could be further improved by using dimers with extended linkers and/or a trimeric affibody construct. The potential implication of the results for the future design of affibody-based reagents for the diagnosis of inflammation is discussed.

Differential effects of LPS, IFN-gamma and TNF alpha on the secretion of lysozyme by individual human mononuclear phagocytes: relationship to cell maturity.

PubMed Central

Lewis, C E; McCarthy, S P; Lorenzen, J; McGee, J O

1990-01-01

Human mononuclear phagocytes can be activated to perform a variety of complex functions by exposure to the immunomodulators, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). Although such activation often involves the release of various cytokines by monocytes and macrophages, little is known of the effects of such signals on their secretion of lysozyme (LZM). In this study, a reverse haemolytic plaque assay for LZM secretion is coupled with immunocytochemistry for the pan macrophage (CD68) marker, EBM/11. This enabled the direct effects of LPS, IFN-gamma and TNF alpha on the secretion of LZM by individual, immunoidentified human mononuclear phagocytes to be investigated. The overall secretion of this peptide by populations of freshly isolated or 3-day cultured monocytes was augmented by exposure for 6 hr to bacterial LPS, recombinant human IFN-gamma or recombinant human TNF alpha. Extension of the culture period for monocytes from 3 to 7 days prior to use in the assay resulted in higher levels of LZM secretion, which could be further increased by TNF alpha but not by LPS or IFN-gamma. Individual peritoneal macrophages activated by inflammation in vivo were uniform in their augmented LZM responses to TNF alpha, but a small subpopulation of human peritoneal macrophages, which may represent younger 'inflammatory' exudate macrophages, was seen to be preferentially responsive to the LZM-stimulating effects of LPS and IFN-gamma. These studies suggest that (i) secretion of LZM by human mononuclear phagocytes can be regulated by LPS and IFN-gamma, although the effects of these agents may be dependent upon the state of maturation and/or differentiation of the cells, and (ii) TNF alpha is a potent stimulant of LZM secretion by monocytes and macrophages irrespective of cell maturity. Images Figure 1 Figure 1 PMID:2107146

Three mouse models of human thalassemia.

PubMed Central

Martinell, J; Whitney, J B; Popp, R A; Russell, L B; Anderson, W F

1981-01-01

Three types of mice with globin gene mutations, called 352HB, 27HB, and Hbath-J, appear to be true animal models of human thalassemia. Expression of the alpha-globin genes in three stocks of mice, each one heterozygous for one of the alpha-globin mutations, was examined at the polypeptide, RNA, and DNA levels. alpha-Globin polypeptide chains, relative to beta-globin chains in heterozygous thalassemic mice, are present at approximately 80% of normal. The ratios of alpha-globin to beta-globin RNA sequences are also 75-80% of normal, exactly reflecting the alpha-globin to beta-globin chain ratios. In the case of mutant 352HB, at least one alpha-globin gene is deleted. Thalassemic mouse erythroid cells appear to compensate partially for the loss of half of their alpha-globin genes. Images PMID:6946454

The molecular chaperone alphaA-crystallin enhances lens epithelial cell growth and resistance to UVA stress.

PubMed

Andley, U P; Song, Z; Wawrousek, E F; Bassnett, S

1998-11-20

alphaA-Crystallin (alphaA) is a member of the small heat shock protein (sHSP) family and has the ability to prevent denatured proteins from aggregating in vitro. Lens epithelial cells express relatively low levels of alphaA, but in differentiated fiber cells, alphaA is the most abundant soluble protein. The lenses of alphaA-knock-out mice develop opacities at an early age, implying a critical role for alphaA in the maintenance of fiber cell transparency. However, the function of alpha-crystallin in the lens epithelium is unknown. To investigate the physiological function of alphaA in lens epithelial cells, we used the following two systems: alphaA knock-out (alphaA(-/-)) mouse lens epithelial cells and human lens epithelial cells that overexpress alphaA. The growth rate of alphaA(-/-) mouse lens epithelial cells was reduced by 50% compared with wild type cells. Cell cycle kinetics, measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of propidium iodide-stained cells, indicated a relative deficiency of alphaA(-/-) cells in the G2/M phases. Exposure of mouse lens epithelial cells to physiological levels of UVA resulted in an increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the cultures. Four hours after irradiation the fraction of apoptotic cells in the alphaA(-/-) cultures was increased 40-fold over wild type. In cells lacking alphaA, UVA exposure modified F-actin, but actin was protected in cells expressing alphaA. Stably transfected cell lines overexpressing human alphaA were generated by transfecting extended life span human lens epithelial cells with the mammalian expression vector construct pCI-neoalphaA. Cells overexpressing alphaA were resistant to UVA stress, as determined by clonogenic survival. alphaA remained cytoplasmic after exposure to either UVA or thermal stress indicating that, unlike other sHSPs, the protective effect of alphaA was not associated with its relocalization to the nucleus. These results indicate that alphaA has important cellular functions in the lens over and above its well characterized role in refraction.

N-acetylcysteine attenuates TNF-alpha-induced p38 MAP kinase activation and p38 MAP kinase-mediated IL-8 production by human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells.

PubMed

Hashimoto, S; Gon, Y; Matsumoto, K; Takeshita, I; Horie, T

2001-01-01

1. We have previously shown that tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) activates p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase to produce interleukin-8 (IL-8) by human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) including H(2)O(2) generated by TNF-alpha can act as signalling intermediates for cytokine induction; therefore, scavenging ROS by anti-oxidants is important for the regulation of cytokine production. However, the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which acts as a precursor of glutathione (GSH) synthesis, on TNF-alpha-induced activation of p38 MAP kinase pathway and p38 MAP kinase-mediated IL-8 production by human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells has not been determined. To clarify these issues, we examined the effect of NAC on TNF-alpha-induced activation of p38 MAP kinase, MAP kinase kinase (MKK) 3 and MKK6 which are upstream regulators of p38 MAP kinase, and p38 MAP kinase-mediated IL-8 production. 2. Human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells that had been preincubated with NAC were stimulated with TNF-alpha and then the activation of p38 MAP kinase and MKK3/MKK6 in the cells and IL-8 concentrations in the culture supernatants were determined. 3. Intracellular GSH levels increased in NAC-treated cells. 4. NAC attenuated TNF-alpha-induced activation of p38 MAP kinase and MKK3/MKK6. 5. NAC attenuated p38 MAP kinase-mediated IL-8 production by TNF-alpha-stimulated cells. 6. These results indicate that the cellular reduction and oxidation (redox) regulated by intracellular GSH is critical for TNF-alpha-induced activation of p38 MAP kinase pathway and p38 MAP kinase-mediated IL-8 production by human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, and we emphasize that anti-oxidant therapy is an important strategy for the treatment of acute lung injury.

Human alpha-enolase from endothelial cells as a target antigen of anti-endothelial cell antibody in Behçet's disease.

PubMed

Lee, Kwang Hoon; Chung, Hae-Shin; Kim, Hyoung Sup; Oh, Sang-Ho; Ha, Moon-Kyung; Baik, Ja-Hyun; Lee, Sungnack; Bang, Dongsik

2003-07-01

To identify and recombine a protein of the human dermal microvascular endothelial cell (HDMEC) that specifically reacts with anti-endothelial cell antibody (AECA) in the serum of patients with Behçet's disease (BD), and to evaluate the usefulness of this protein in BD. The proteomics technique, with 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, was used to identify and recombine HDMEC antigen. Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of recombinant protein isolated by gene cloning were performed on serum from healthy controls, patients with BD, and patients with other rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Wegener's granulomatosis). Eighteen of 40 BD patients had serum IgM antibody to HDMEC antigen. The purified protein that reacted with AECA in BD patient sera was found to be alpha-enolase by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Recombinant alpha-enolase protein was isolated and refined by gene cloning. On Western blots, AECA-positive IgM from the sera of patients with active BD reacted strongly with recombinant human alpha-enolase. BD patient sera positive for anti-alpha-enolase did not react with human gamma-enolase. On dot-blotting, reactivity to human alpha-enolase was detected only in the IgM-positive group. Fifteen of the 18 AECA-positive sera that were positive for the HDMEC antigen showed reactivity to recombinant alpha-enolase IgM antibody by ELISA. The alpha-enolase protein is the target protein of serum AECA in BD patients. This is the first report of the presence of IgM antibodies to alpha-enolase in endothelial cells from the serum of BD patients. Although further studies relating this protein to the pathogenesis of BD will be necessary, alpha-enolase and its antibody may prove useful in the development of new diagnostic and treatment modalities in BD.

Azelaic acid reduced senescence-like phenotype in photo-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts: possible implication of PPARγ.

PubMed

Briganti, Stefania; Flori, Enrica; Mastrofrancesco, Arianna; Kovacs, Daniela; Camera, Emanuela; Ludovici, Matteo; Cardinali, Giorgia; Picardo, Mauro

2013-01-01

Azelaic acid (AzA) has been used for the treatment for inflammatory skin diseases, such as acne and rosacea. Interestingly, an improvement in skin texture has been observed after long-time treatment with AzA. We previously unrevealed that anti-inflammatory activity of AzA involves a specific activation of PPARγ, a nuclear receptor that plays a relevant role in inflammation and even in ageing processes. As rosacea has been considered as a photo-aggravated disease, we investigated the ability of AzA to counteract stress-induced premature cell senescence (SIPS). We employed a SIPS model based on single exposure of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) to UVA and 8-methoxypsoralen (PUVA), previously reported to activate a senescence-like phenotype, including long-term growth arrest, flattened morphology and increased synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal). We found that PUVA-treated HDFs grown in the presence of AzA maintained their morphology and reduced MMP-1 release and SA-β-galactosidase-positive cells. Moreover, AzA induced a reduction in ROS generation, an up-modulation of antioxidant enzymes and a decrease in cell membrane lipid damages in PUVA-treated HDFs. Further evidences of AzA anti-senescence effect were repression of p53 and p21, increase in type I pro-collagen and abrogation of the enhanced expression of growth factors, such as HGF and SCF. Interestingly, PUVA-SIPS showed a decreased activation of PPARγ and AzA counteracted this effect, suggesting that AzA effect involves PPARγ modulation. All together these data showed that AzA interferes with PUVA-induced senescence-like phenotype and its ability to activate PPAR-γ provides relevant insights into the anti-senescence mechanism. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Aggregates assembled from overexpression of wild-type alpha-synuclein are not toxic to human neuronal cells.

PubMed

Ko, Li-Wen; Ko, Hwai-Hwa C; Lin, Wen-Lang; Kulathingal, Jayanranyan G; Yen, Shu-Hui C

2008-11-01

Filamentous alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) aggregates form Lewy bodies (LBs), the neuropathologic hallmarks of Parkinson disease and related alpha-synucleinopathies. To model Lewy body-associated neurodegeneration, we generated transfectant 3D5 of human neuronal-type in which expression of human wild-type alpha-syn is regulated by the tetracycline off (TetOff)-inducible mechanism. Retinoic acid-elicited differentiation promoted assembly of alpha-syn aggregates after TetOff induction in 3D5 cells. The aggregates accumulated 14 days after TetOff induction were primarily soluble and showed augmented thioflavin affinity with concomitant phosphorylation and nitration of alpha-syn. Extension of the induction led to the formation of sarkosyl-insoluble aggregates that appeared concurrently with thioflavin-positive inclusions. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that the inclusions consist of dense bundles of 8- to 12-nm alpha-syn fibrils that congregate in the perikarya and resemble Lewy bodies. Most importantly, accumulation of soluble and insoluble aggregates after TetOff induction for 14 and 28 days was reversible and did not compromise the viability of the cells or their subsequent survival. Thus, this chemically defined culture paradigm provides a useful means to elucidate how oxidative injuries and other insults that are associated with aging promote alpha-syn to self-assemble or interact with other molecules leading to neuronal degeneration in alpha-synucleinopathies.

Exogenous NO administration and alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction in human limbs.

PubMed

Rosenmeier, Jaya B; Fritzlar, Sandy J; Dinenno, Frank A; Joyner, Michael J

2003-12-01

Nitric oxide (NO) is capable of blunting alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction in contracting skeletal muscles of experimental animals (functional sympatholysis). We therefore tested the hypothesis that exogenous NO administration can blunt alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction in resting human limbs by measuring forearm blood flow (FBF; Doppler ultrasound) and blood pressure in eight healthy males during brachial artery infusions of three alpha-adrenergic constrictors (tyramine, which evokes endogenous norepinephrine release; phenylephrine, an alpha1-agonist; and clonidine, an alpha2-agonist). To simulate exercise hyperemia, the vasoconstriction caused by the alpha-agonists was compared during adenosine-mediated (>50% NO independent) and sodium nitroprusside-mediated (SNP; NO donor) vasodilation of the forearm. Both adenosine and SNP increased FBF from approximately 35-40 to approximately 200-250 ml/min. All three alpha-adrenergic constrictor drugs caused marked reductions in FBF and calculated forearm vascular conductance (P < 0.05). The relative reductions in forearm vascular conductance caused by the alpha-adrenergic constrictors during SNP infusion were similar (tyramine, -74 +/- 3 vs. -65 +/- 2%; clonidine, -44 +/- 6 vs. -44 +/- 6%; P > 0.05) or slightly greater (phenylephrine, -47 +/- 6 vs. -33 +/- 6%; P < 0.05) compared with the responses during adenosine. In conclusion, these results indicate that exogenous NO sufficient to raise blood flow to levels simulating those seen during exercise does not blunt alpha-adrenergic vasoconstriction in the resting human forearm.

Telomerase-mediated life-span extension of human primary fibroblasts by human artificial chromosome (HAC) vector

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

Shitara, Shingo; Kakeda, Minoru; Nagata, Keiko

2008-05-09

Telomerase-mediated life-span extension enables the expansion of normal cells without malignant transformation, and thus has been thought to be useful in cell therapies. Currently, integrating vectors including the retrovirus are used for human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)-mediated expansion of normal cells; however, the use of these vectors potentially causes unexpected insertional mutagenesis and/or activation of oncogenes. Here, we established normal human fibroblast (hPF) clones retaining non-integrating human artificial chromosome (HAC) vectors harboring the hTERT expression cassette. In hTERT-HAC/hPF clones, we observed the telomerase activity and the suppression of senescent-associated SA-{beta}-galactosidase activity. Furthermore, the hTERT-HAC/hPF clones continued growing beyond 120 daysmore » after cloning, whereas the hPF clones retaining the silent hTERT-HAC senesced within 70 days. Thus, hTERT-HAC-mediated episomal expression of hTERT allows the extension of the life-span of human primary cells, implying that gene delivery by non-integrating HAC vectors can be used to control cellular proliferative capacity of primary cultured cells.« less

Immunoregulatory and antioxidant performance of alpha-tocopherol and selenium on human lymphocytes.

PubMed

Lee, Chung-Yung Jetty; Wan, Jennifer Man-Fan

2002-05-01

The role of alpha-tocopherol (alpha-toco) and selenium (Se) on human lymphocyte oxidative stress and T-cells proliferation were studied by flow cytometry. We measured the hydrogen peroxide and glutathione levels in cultured human T-lymphocytes and the proliferation of their subsets: T-helper/inducer, T-suppressor/cytotoxic, and natural killer and interleukin-2 receptors upon stimulation by the mitogens phytohemaglutinin (PHA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results indicate that early stimulation by mitogens is affected by the glutathione and hydrogen peroxide status of the T-lymphocytes. The addition of 100 microM or 500 microM alpha-toco or 0.5 microM Se alone shows weak antioxidant and immunostimulant properties. When combined, an enhanced antioxidant and immunoregulatory effect was observed. The present findings indicate that alpha-toco and Se have interactive effects as oxygen radical scavengers, thus promoting human lymphocyte response to antigens. This suggests that micronutrient status is an important factor in considering when interpreting the results of in vitro assays of lymphocyte function.

[Fabry nephropathy in a female with superposed IgA glomerulonephritis].

PubMed

Pisani, A; Sessa, A; Sabbatini, M; Andreucci, M V; Fusco, C; Balletta, M; Cianciaruso, B

2005-01-01

In Anderson-Fabry disease (AFd), the kidney is affected in all hemizygous males and in some heterozygous females. Female carriers can present subtle renal abnormalities due to glycosphingolipid (GSL) accumulation within renal cells. Renal biopsy is rarely performed in female Fabry patients because clinical renal manifestations are usually lacking. However, female carriers can accumulate GSL in their renal cells despite the absence of clinically evident kidney disease. We performed a kidney biopsy in a 52-year-old female patient, a Fabry disease carrier. The patient showed normal glomerular filtration rate, persistent microhematuria and proteinuria (about 1.7 g/24 hr), cornea "verticillata", and evident left ventricular hypertrophy. The molecular study documented a missense mutation R227Q in exon 5 of the alpha-galactosidase A gene. Optical microscopy showed electron-dense mesangial deposits due IgA glomerulonephritis, as confirmed by immunofluorescence. We decided to start therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I). After 8 months of treatment, the patient demonstrated proteinuria of 0.9 g/24 hr. To decide when to start treatment using enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with human recombinant GAL A (Fabrazyme), we decided to perform an electron microscopy study of the renal biopsy. The renal ultrastructural findings were typical GSL inclusions in all kinds of glomerular cells, in tubular epithelial cells and in endothelial cells of interstitial capillaries, confirming the hypothesis of Fabry nephropathy. Consequently, Fabrazyme was given at a standard dose of 1 mg/kg every 2 weeks. After 24 months of combined treatment (ACE-I-Fabrazyme), proteinuria decreased to 0.2 g/24 hr. The importance of performing the ultrastructural examination of the kidney biopsy is stressed, especially in heterozygous Fabry patients to evaluate the need to treat them with ERT and to evaluate the degree of renal involvement.

Immunotherapy of HIV-infected patients with Gc protein-derived macrophage activating factor (GcMAF).

PubMed

Yamamoto, Nobuto; Ushijima, Naofumi; Koga, Yoshihiko

2009-01-01

Serum Gc protein (known as vitamin D3-binding protein) is the precursor for the principal macrophage activating factor (MAF). The MAF precursor activity of serum Gc protein of HIV-infected patients was lost or reduced because Gc protein is deglycosylated by alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (Nagalase) secreted from HIV-infected cells. Therefore, macrophages of HIV-infected patients having deglycosylated Gc protein cannot be activated, leading to immunosuppression. Since Nagalase is the intrinsic component of the envelope protein gp120, serum Nagalase activity is the sum of enzyme activities carried by both HIV virions and envelope proteins. These Nagalase carriers were already complexed with anti-HIV immunoglobulin G (IgG) but retained Nagalase activity that is required for infectivity. Stepwise treatment of purified Gc protein with immobilized beta-galactosidase and sialidase generated the most potent macrophage activating factor (termed GcMAF), which produces no side effects in humans. Macrophages activated by administration of 100 ng GcMAF develop a large amount of Fc-receptors as well as an enormous variation of receptors that recognize IgG-bound and unbound HIV virions. Since latently HIV-infected cells are unstable and constantly release HIV virions, the activated macrophages rapidly intercept the released HIV virions to prevent reinfection resulting in exhaustion of infected cells. After less than 18 weekly administrations of 100 ng GcMAF for nonanemic patients, they exhibited low serum Nagalase activities equivalent to healthy controls, indicating eradication of HIV-infection, which was also confirmed by no infectious center formation by provirus inducing agent-treated patient PBMCs. No recurrence occurred and their healthy CD + cell counts were maintained for 7 years.

Immunotherapy of metastatic breast cancer patients with vitamin D-binding protein-derived macrophage activating factor (GcMAF).

PubMed

Yamamoto, Nobuto; Suyama, Hirofumi; Yamamoto, Nobuyuki; Ushijima, Naofumi

2008-01-15

Serum vitamin D3-binding protein (Gc protein) is the precursor for the principal macrophage activating factor (MAF). The MAF precursor activity of serum Gc protein of breast cancer patients was lost or reduced because Gc protein was deglycosylated by serum alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (Nagalase) secreted from cancerous cells. Patient serum Nagalase activity is proportional to tumor burden. The deglycosylated Gc protein cannot be converted to MAF, resulting in no macrophage activation and immunosuppression. Stepwise incubation of purified Gc protein with immobilized beta-galactosidase and sialidase generated probably the most potent macrophage activating factor (termed GcMAF) ever discovered, which produces no adverse effect in humans. Macrophages treated in vitro with GcMAF (100 pg/ml) are highly tumoricidal to mammary adenocarcinomas. Efficacy of GcMAF for treatment of metastatic breast cancer was investigated with 16 nonanemic patients who received weekly administration of GcMAF (100 ng). As GcMAF therapy progresses, the MAF precursor activity of patient Gc protein increased with a concomitant decrease in serum Nagalase. Because of proportionality of serum Nagalase activity to tumor burden, the time course progress of GcMAF therapy was assessed by serum Nagalase activity as a prognostic index. These patients had the initial Nagalase activities ranging from 2.32 to 6.28 nmole/min/mg protein. After about 16-22 administrations (approximately 3.5-5 months) of GcMAF, these patients had insignificantly low serum enzyme levels equivalent to healthy control enzyme levels, ranging from 0.38 to 0.63 nmole/min/mg protein, indicating eradication of the tumors. This therapeutic procedure resulted in no recurrence for more than 4 years. Copyright 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Development and characterization of a Rift Valley fever virus cell-cell fusion assay using alphavirus replicon vectors

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

Filone, Claire Marie; Heise, Mark; Doms, Robert W.

2006-12-20

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), a member of the Phlebovirus genus in the Bunyaviridae family, is transmitted by mosquitoes and infects both humans and domestic animals, particularly cattle and sheep. Since primary RVFV strains must be handled in BSL-3+ or BSL-4 facilities, a RVFV cell-cell fusion assay will facilitate the investigation of RVFV glycoprotein function under BSL-2 conditions. As for other members of the Bunyaviridae family, RVFV glycoproteins are targeted to the Golgi, where the virus buds, and are not efficiently delivered to the cell surface. However, overexpression of RVFV glycoproteins using an alphavirus replicon vector resulted in the expressionmore » of the glycoproteins on the surface of multiple cell types. Brief treatment of RVFV glycoprotein expressing cells with mildly acidic media (pH 6.2 and below) resulted in rapid and efficient syncytia formation, which we quantified by {beta}-galactosidase {alpha}-complementation. Fusion was observed with several cell types, suggesting that the receptor(s) for RVFV is widely expressed or that this acid-dependent virus does not require a specific receptor to mediate cell-cell fusion. Fusion occurred over a broad temperature range, as expected for a virus with both mosquito and mammalian hosts. In contrast to cell fusion mediated by the VSV-G glycoprotein, RVFV glycoprotein-dependent cell fusion could be prevented by treating target cells with trypsin, indicating that one or more proteins (or protein-associated carbohydrate) on the host cell surface are needed to support membrane fusion. The cell-cell fusion assay reported here will make it possible to study the membrane fusion activity of RVFV glycoproteins in a high-throughput format and to screen small molecule inhibitors for the ability to block virus-specific membrane fusion.« less

Overexpression of protein kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha (a proline-directed protein kinase) correlates with human hepatoma dedifferentiation/progression.

PubMed

Yang, S D; Yu, J S; Yang, C C; Lee, S C; Lee, T T; Ni, M H; Kuan, C Y; Chen, H C

1996-05-01

Computer analysis of protein phosphorylation sites sequence revealed that transcriptional factors and viral oncoproteins are prime targets for regulation of proline-directed protein phosphorylation, suggesting an association of the proline-directed protein kinase (PDPK) family with neoplastic transformation and tumorigenesis. In this report, an immunoprecipitate activity assay of protein kinase FA/glycogen synthase kinase-3 alpha (kinase F(A)/GSK-3 alpha) (a member of PDPK family) has been optimized for human hepatoma and used to demonstrate for the first time significantly increased (P < 0.01) activity in poorly differentiated SK-Hep-1 hepatoma (24.2 +/- 2.8 units/mg) and moderately differentiated Mahlavu hepatoma (14.5 +/- 2.2 units/mg) when compared to well differentiated Hep 3B hepatoma (8.0 +/- 2.4 units/mg). Immunoblotting analysis revealed that increased activity of kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha is due to overexpression of the protein. Elevated kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha expression in human hepatoma biopsies relative to normal liver tissue was found to be even more profound. This kinase appeared to be fivefold overexpressed in well differentiated hepatoma and 13-fold overexpressed in poorly differentiated hepatoma when compared to normal liver tissue. Taken together, the results provide initial evidence that overexpression of kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha is involved in human hepatoma dedifferentiation/progression. Since kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha is a PDPK, the results further support a potential role of this kinase in human liver tumorigenesis, especially in its dedifferentiation/progression.

Antigenic role of single residues within the main immunogenic region of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

PubMed Central

Papadouli, I; Potamianos, S; Hadjidakis, I; Bairaktari, E; Tsikaris, V; Sakarellos, C; Cung, M T; Marraud, M; Tzartos, S J

1990-01-01

The target of most of the autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in myasthenic sera is the main immunogenic region (MIR) on the extracellular side of the AChR alpha-subunit. Binding of anti-MIR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has been recently localized between residues alpha 67 and alpha 76 of Torpedo californica electric organ (WNPADYGGIK) and human muscle (WNPDDYGGVK) AChR. In order to evaluate the contribution of each residue to the antigenicity of the MIR, we synthesized peptides corresponding to residues alpha 67-76 from Torpedo and human AChRs, together with 13 peptide analogues. Nine of these analogues had one residue of the Torpedo decapeptide replaced by L-alanine, three had a structure which was intermediate between those of the Torpedo and human alpha 67-76 decapeptides, and one had D-alanine in position 73. Binding studies employing six anti-MIR mAbs and all 15 peptides revealed that some residues (Asn68 and Asp71) are indispensable for binding by all mAbs tested, whereas others are important only for binding by some mAbs. Antibody binding was mainly restricted to residues alpha 68-74, the most critical sequence being alpha 68-71. Fish electric organ and human MIR form two distinct groups of strongly overlapping epitopes. Some peptide analogues enhanced mAb binding compared with Torpedo and human peptides, suggesting that the construction of a very antigenic MIR is feasible. PMID:1695844

Atrial natriuretic peptide regulates lipid mobilization and oxygen consumption in human adipocytes by activating AMPK

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

Souza, Sandra C.; Chau, Mary D.L.; Yang, Qing

2011-07-08

Highlights: {yields} Treatment of differentiated human adipocytes with atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) increased lipolysis and oxygen consumption by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). {yields} ANP stimulated lipid mobilization by selective activation of the alpha2 subunit of AMPK and increased energy utilization through activation of both the alpha1 and alpha2 subunits of AMPK. {yields} ANP enhanced adipocyte mitochondrial oxidative capacity as evidenced by induction of oxidative mitochondrial genes and increase in oxygen consumption. {yields} Exposure of human adipocytes to fatty acids and (TNF{alpha}) induced insulin resistance and decreased expression of mitochondrial genes which was restored to normal by ANP. -- Abstract:more » Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) has been shown to regulate lipid and carbohydrate metabolism providing a possible link between cardiovascular function and metabolism by mediating the switch from carbohydrate to lipid mobilization and oxidation. ANP exerts a potent lipolytic effect via cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK)-I mediated-stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Activation of the ANP/cGK signaling cascade also promotes muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and fat oxidation. Here we demonstrate that ANP regulates lipid metabolism and oxygen utilization in differentiated human adipocytes by activating the alpha2 subunit of AMPK. ANP treatment increased lipolysis by seven fold and oxygen consumption by two fold, both of which were attenuated by inhibition of AMPK activity. ANP-induced lipolysis was shown to be mediated by the alpha2 subunit of AMPK as introduction of dominant-negative alpha2 subunit of AMPK attenuated ANP effects on lipolysis. ANP-induced activation of AMPK enhanced mitochondrial oxidative capacity as evidenced by a two fold increase in oxygen consumption and induction of mitochondrial genes, including carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1a) by 1.4-fold, cytochrome C (CytC) by 1.3-fold, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{gamma} coactivator-1{alpha} (PGC-1{alpha}) by 1.4-fold. Treatment of human adipocytes with fatty acids and tumor necrosis factor {alpha} (TNF{alpha}) induced insulin resistance and down-regulation of mitochondrial genes, which was restored by ANP treatment. These results show that ANP regulates lipid catabolism and enhances energy dissipation through AMPK activation in human adipocytes.« less

A xyloglucan oligosaccharide-active, transglycosylating beta-D-glucosidase from the cotyledons of nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L) seedlings--purification, properties and characterization of a cDNA clone.

PubMed

Crombie, H J; Chengappa, S; Hellyer, A; Reid, J S

1998-07-01

A beta-D-glucosidase has been purified to apparent homogeneity from the cotyledons of germinated nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) seedlings during the mobilization of the xyloglucan stored in the cotyledonary cell walls. The purified protein (Mr 76, 000; a glycoprotein; pl > 9.5; apparent pH optimum 4.5; temperature optimum 30 degrees C) catalysed the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, cello-oligosaccharides, beta-linked glucose disaccharides, and certain xyloglucan oligosaccharides. Glucose disaccharides with different linkages were hydrolysed at different rates [(1-->3) > (1-->4) > (1-->2) > (1-->6)] with significant transglycosylation occurring in the early stages of the reaction. Cello-oligosaccharide hydrolysis was also accompanied by extensive transglycosylation to give transitory accumulations of higher oligosaccharides. At least some of the glycosyl linkages formed during transglycosylation were (1-->6)-beta. Xyloglucan oligosaccharides xylose-substituted at the non-reducing terminal glucose residue (XXXG, XXLG, XLXG and XLLG, where G is an unsubstituted glucose residue, X is a xylose-substituted glucose residue, and L is a galactosylxylose-substituted glucose residue) were not hydrolysed. Some xyloglucan oligosaccharides with an unsubstituted non-reducing terminal glucose residue (GXXG, GXLG and GXG) were hydrolysed, but others (GLXG and GLLG) were not. This indicated steric hindrance by L but not X substitution at the glucose residue next to the one at the non-reducing end of the oligosaccharide. Hydrolysis of xyloglucan oligosaccharides was not accompanied by transglycosylation. Natural xyloglucan subunit oligosaccharides (XXXG, XXLG, XLXG, XLLG) were totally degraded to their monosaccharide components when treated with nasturtium beta-D-galactosidase. (Edwards et al (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 4333-4337), followed by alternations of nasturtium xyloglucan-specific alpha-xylosidase (Fanutti et al (1991) Planta 184, 137-147) and this enzyme. Several extensively overlapping cDNA clones were obtained by RT-PCR and by screening cDNA libraries. A composite, full-length DNA had an open reading frame of 1962 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 654 amino acids, including all N-terminal and internal sequences obtained from the purified beta-glucosidase protein, and a motif resembling plant signal sequences thought to direct proteins to the cell wall. Database searches revealed homology with beta-glucosidases from several sources (plant, bacteria, yeast), notably with glycosylhydrolases of 'Family 3', according to the classification of Henrissat (Henrissat (1991) Biochem. J. 280, 309-316). There was strong sequence homology with a beta-glucan exo-hydrolase from barley (Hrmova et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 5277-5286). The nasturtium beta-glucosidase is ascribed a role in xyloglucan mobilization, and its interaction with the alpha-xylosidase and the beta-galactosidase is modelled.

Chondrocyte heterogeneity: immunohistologically defined variation of integrin expression at different sites in human fetal knees.

PubMed

Salter, D M; Godolphin, J L; Gourlay, M S

1995-04-01

During development and at maturity different forms of cartilage vary in morphology and macromolecular content. This reflects heterogeneity of chondrocyte activity, in part involving differential interactions with the adjacent extracellular matrix via specialized cell surface receptors such as integrins. We undertook an immunohistological study on a series of human fetal knee joints to assess variation in the expression of integrins by chondrocytes and potential matrix ligands in articular, epiphyseal, growth plate, and meniscal cartilage. The results show that articular chondrocytes (beta 1+, beta 5 alpha V+, alpha 1+, alpha 2+/-, alpha 5+, weakly alpha 6+, alpha V+) differed from epiphyseal (beta 1+, beta 5 alpha V+, alpha 1+/-, alpha 2+/-, alpha 5+, alpha 6+, alpha V+) growth plate (beta 1+, beta 5 alpha V+, alpha 1-, alpha 2-, alpha 5+, alpha 6+, alpha V+), and meniscal cells (beta 1+, beta 5 alpha V+, alpha 1+, strongly alpha 2+, alpha 5+, alpha 6+, alpha V+ in expression of integrin subunits. There was no expression of beta 3, beta 4, beta 6, or alpha 3 by chondrocytes. These results differ from previous reports on the expression of integrins by adult articular cartilage, where alpha 2 and alpha 6 are not seen. Variation in distribution of matrix ligands was also seen. Fibronectin, laminin and Type VI collagen were expressed in all cartilages but there was restricted expression of tenascin, ED-A and ED-B fibronectin isoforms (articular cartilage and meniscus), and vitronectin (absent from growth plate cartilage). Regulated expression of integrins by chondrocytes, associated with changes in the pericellular matrix composition, is of potential importance in control of cartilage differentiation and function in health and disease.

alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane (alpha-HCH)

Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

alpha - Hexachlorocyclohexane ( alpha - HCH ) ; CASRN 319 - 84 - 6 Human health assessment information on a chemical substance is included in the IRIS database only after a comprehensive review of toxicity data , as outlined in the IRIS assessment development process . Sections I ( Health Hazard Ass

Control of ACAT2 liver expression by HNF4{alpha}: lesson from MODY1 patients.

PubMed

Pramfalk, C; Karlsson, E; Groop, L; Rudel, L L; Angelin, B; Eriksson, M; Parini, P

2009-08-01

ACAT2 is thought to be responsible for cholesteryl ester production in chylomicron and VLDL assembly. Recently, we identified HNF1alpha as an important regulator of the human ACAT2 promoter. Thus, we hypothesized that MODY3 (HNF1alpha gene mutations) and possibly MODY1 (HNF4alpha, upstream regulator of HNF1alpha, gene mutations) subjects may have lower VLDL esterified cholesterol. Serum analysis and lipoprotein separation using size-exclusion chromatography were performed in controls and MODY1 and MODY3 subjects. In vitro analyses included mutagenesis and cotransfections in HuH7 cells. Finally, the relevance in vivo of these findings was tested by ChIP assays in human liver. Whereas patients with MODY3 had normal lipoprotein composition, those with MODY1 had lower levels of VLDL and LDL esterified cholesterol, as well as of VLDL triglyceride. Mutagenesis revealed one important HNF4 binding site in the human ACAT2 promoter. ChIP assays and protein-to-protein interaction studies showed that HNF4alpha, directly or indirectly (via HNF1alpha), can bind to the ACAT2 promoter. We identified HNF4alpha as an important regulator of the hepatocyte-specific expression of the human ACAT2 promoter. Our results suggest that the lower levels of esterified cholesterol in VLDL- and LDL-particles in patients with MODY1 may-at least in part-be attributable to lower ACAT2 activity in these patients.

Cooperation between two ClpB isoforms enhances the recovery of the recombinant β-galactosidase from inclusion bodies.

PubMed

Guenther, Izabela; Zolkiewski, Michal; Kędzierska-Mieszkowska, Sabina

2012-10-05

Bacterial ClpB is a molecular chaperone that solubilizes and reactivates aggregated proteins in cooperation with the DnaK chaperone system. The mechanism of protein disaggregation mediated by ClpB is linked to translocation of substrates through the central channel within the ring-hexameric structure of ClpB. Two isoforms of ClpB are produced in vivo: the full-length ClpB95 and the truncated ClpB80 (ClpBΔN), which does not contain the N-terminal domain. The functional specificity of the two ClpB isoforms and the biological role of the N-terminal domain are still not fully understood. Recently, it has been demonstrated that ClpB may achieve its full potential as an aggregate-reactivating chaperone through the functional interaction and synergistic cooperation of its two isoforms. It has been found that the most efficient resolubilization and reactivation of stress-aggregated proteins occurred in the presence of both ClpB95 and ClpB80. In this work, we asked if the two ClpB isoforms functionally cooperate in the solubilization and reactivation of proteins from insoluble inclusion bodies (IBs) in Escherichia coli cells. Using the model β-galactosidase fusion protein (VP1LAC), we found that solubilization and reactivation of enzymes entrapped in IBs occurred more efficiently in the presence of ClpB95 with ClpB80 than with either ClpB95 or ClpB80 alone. The two isoforms of ClpB chaperone acting together enhanced the solubility and enzymatic activity of β-galactosidase sequestered into IBs. Both ClpB isoforms were associated with IBs of β-galactosidase, what demonstrates their affinity to this type of aggregates. These results demonstrate a synergistic cooperation between the two isoforms of ClpB chaperone. In addition, no significant recovery of the β-galactosidase from IBs in ΔclpB mutant cells suggests that ClpB is a key chaperone in IB protein release. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structural features of Aspergillus niger β-galactosidase define its activity against glycoside linkages.

PubMed

Rico-Díaz, Agustín; Ramírez-Escudero, Mercedes; Vizoso-Vázquez, Ángel; Cerdán, M Esperanza; Becerra, Manuel; Sanz-Aparicio, Julia

2017-06-01

β-Galactosidases are biotechnologically interesting enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis or transgalactosylation of β-galactosides. Among them, the Aspergillus niger β-galactosidase (AnβGal) belongs to the glycoside hydrolase family 35 (GH35) and is widely used in the industry due to its high hydrolytic activity which is used to degrade lactose. We present here its three-dimensional structure in complex with different oligosaccharides, to illustrate the structural determinants of the broad specificity of the enzyme against different glycoside linkages. Remarkably, the residues Phe264, Tyr304, and Trp806 make a dynamic hydrophobic platform that accommodates the sugar at subsite +1 suggesting a main role on the recognition of structurally different substrates. Moreover, complexes with the trisaccharides show two potential subsites +2 depending on the substrate type. This feature and the peculiar shape of its wide cavity suggest that AnβGal might accommodate branched substrates from the complex net of polysaccharides composing the plant material in its natural environment. Relevant residues were selected and mutagenesis analyses were performed to evaluate their role in the catalytic performance and the hydrolase/transferase ratio of AnβGal. Thus, we generated mutants with improved transgalactosylation activity. In particular, the variant Y304F/Y355H/N357G/W806F displays a higher level of galacto-oligosaccharides production than the Aspergillus oryzae β-galactosidase, which is the preferred enzyme in the industry owing to its high transferase activity. Our results provide new knowledge on the determinants modulating specificity and the catalytic performance of fungal GH35 β-galactosidases. In turn, this fundamental background gives novel tools for the future improvement of these enzymes, which represent an interesting target for rational design. Structural data are available in PDB database under the accession numbers 5IFP (native form), 5IHR (in complex with 6GalGlu), 5IFT (in complex with 3GalGlu), 5JUV (in complex with 6GalGal), 5MGC (in complex with 4GalLac), and 5MGD (in complex with 6GalLac). © 2017 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Marked heterogeneity in growth characteristics of myoblast clonal cultures and myoblast mixed cultures obtained from the same individual.

PubMed

Maier, Andrea B; Cohen, Ron; Blom, Joke; van Heemst, Diana; Westendorp, Rudi G J

2012-01-01

Sarcopenia is defined as an age-related decrease in skeletal muscle mass and function while adjacent satellite cells are unable to compensate for this loss. However, myoblast cultures can be established even in the presence of sarcopenia. It is yet unknown whether satellite cells from failing muscle in older age are equally affected, as human satellite cells have been assessed using myoblast mixed cultures and not by using myoblast clonal cultures. We questioned to what extent myoblast mixed cultures reflect the in vivo characteristics of single satellite cells from adult skeletal muscle. We established a myoblast mixed culture and three myoblast clonal cultures out of the same muscle biopsy and cultured these cells for 100 days. Replicative capacity and oxidative stress resistance were compared. We found marked heterogeneity between the myoblast clonal cultures that all had a significantly lower replicative capacity when compared to the mixed culture. Replicative capacity of the clonal cultures was inversely related to the β-galactosidase activity after exposure to oxidative stress. Addition of L-carnosine enhanced the remaining replicative capacity in all cultures with a concomitant marginal decrease in β-galactosidase activity. It is concluded that myoblast mixed cultures in vitro do not reflect the marked heterogeneity between single isolated satellite cells. The consequences of the heterogeneity on muscle performance remain to be established. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Electrochemical Measurement of the β-Galactosidase Reporter from Live Cells: A Comparison to the Miller Assay.

PubMed

Tschirhart, Tanya; Zhou, Xinyi Y; Ueda, Hana; Tsao, Chen-Yu; Kim, Eunkyoung; Payne, Gregory F; Bentley, William E

2016-01-15

In order to match our ability to conceive of and construct cells with enhanced function, we must concomitantly develop facile, real-time methods for elucidating performance. With these, new designs can be tested in silico and steps in construction incrementally validated. Electrochemical monitoring offers the above advantages largely because signal transduction stems from direct electron transfer, allowing for potentially quicker and more integrated measurements. One of the most common genetic reporters, β-galactosidase, can be measured both spectrophotometrically (Miller assay) and electrochemically. However, since the relationship between the two is not well understood, the electrochemical methods have not yet garnered the attention of biologists. With the aim of demonstrating the utility of an electrochemical measurement to the synthetic biology community, we created a genetic construct that interprets and reports (with β-galactosidase) on the concentration of the bacterial quorum sensing molecule autoinducer-2. In this work, we provide a correlation between electrochemical measurements and Miller Units. We show that the electrochemical assay works with both lysed and whole cells, allowing for the prediction of one from the other, and for continuous monitoring of cell response. We further present a conceptually simple and generalized mathematical model for cell-based β-galactosidase reporter systems that could aid in building and predicting a variety of synthetic biology constructs. This first-ever in-depth comparison and analysis aims to facilitate the use of electrochemical real-time monitoring in the field of synthetic biology as well as to facilitate the creation of constructs that can more easily communicate information to electronic systems.

A novel mutation of α-galactosidase A gene causes Fabry disease mimicking primary erythromelalgia in a Chinese family.

PubMed

Ge, Wei; Wei, Bin; Zhu, Hao; Miao, Zhigang; Zhang, Weimin; Leng, Cuihua; Li, Jizhen; Zhang, Dan; Sun, Miao; Xu, Xingshun

2017-05-01

Fabry disease is an X-linked genetic disorder caused by the mutations of α-galactosidase A (GLA, MIM 300644) gene presenting with various clinical symptoms including small-fiber peripheral neuropathy and limb burning pain. Here, we reported a Chinese pedigree with the initial diagnosis of primary erythromelalgia in an autosomal dominant (AD)-inherited pattern. Mutation analysis of SCN9A and GLA genes by direct sequencing and functional analysis of a novel mutation of GLA in cells were performed. Our data did not show any pathological mutations in SCN9A gene; however, a novel missense mutation c.139T>C (p.W47R) of GLA was identified in a male proband as well as two female carriers in this family. Enzyme assay of α-galactosidase A activity showed deficient enzyme activity in male patients and female carriers, further confirming the diagnosis of Fabry disease. Finally, a functional analysis indicated that the replacement of the 47th amino acid tryptophan (W47) with arginine (W47R) or glycine (W47G) led to reduced activity of α-galactosidase A in 293T cells. Therefore, these findings demonstrated that the novel mutation p.W47R of GLA is the cause of Fabry disease. Because Fabry disease and primary erythromelalgia share similar symptoms, it is a good strategy for clinical physicians to perform genetic mutation screenings on both SCN9A and GLA genes in those patients with limb burning pain but without a clear inheritant pattern.

TNF{alpha} release from peripheral blood leukocytes depends on a CRM1-mediated nuclear export

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

Miskolci, Veronika; Department of Pediatrics, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, New Hyde Park, NY 11040; Ghosh, Chandra C.

2006-12-15

Tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF{alpha}) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a major role in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic inflammatory disorders such as septic shock and arthritis, respectively. Leukocytes stimulated with inflammatory signals such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are the predominant producers of TNF{alpha}, and thus control of TNF{alpha} release from stimulated leukocytes represents a potential therapeutic target. Here, we report that leptomycin B (LMB), a specific inhibitor of CRM1-dependent nuclear protein export, inhibits TNF{alpha} release from LPS-stimulated human peripheral blood neutrophils and mononuclear cells. In addition, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and immunoblotting analysis indicate that TNF{alpha} is localized inmore » the nucleus of human neutrophils and mononuclear cells. This study demonstrates that the cellular release of TNF{alpha} from stimulated leukocytes is mediated by the CRM1-dependent nuclear export mechanism. Inhibition of CRM1-dependent cellular release of TNF{alpha} could thus provide a novel therapeutic approach for disorders involving excessive TNF{alpha} release.« less

Human alpha2-macroglobulin is composed of multiple domains, as predicted by homology with complement component C3.

PubMed

Doan, Ninh; Gettins, Peter G W

2007-10-01

Human alpha2M (alpha2-macroglobulin) and the complement components C3 and C4 are thiol ester-containing proteins that evolved from the same ancestral gene. The recent structure determination of human C3 has allowed a detailed prediction of the location of domains within human alpha2M to be made. We describe here the expression and characterization of three alpha(2)M domains predicted to be involved in the stabilization of the thiol ester in native alpha2M and in its activation upon bait region proteolysis. The three newly expressed domains are MG2 (macroglobulin domain 2), TED (thiol ester-containing domain) and CUB (complement protein subcomponents C1r/C1s, urchin embryonic growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein 1) domain. Together with the previously characterized RBD (receptor-binding domain), they represent approx. 42% of the alpha2M polypeptide. Their expression as folded domains strongly supports the predicted domain organization of alpha2M. An X-ray crystal structure of MG2 shows it to have a fibronectin type-3 fold analogous to MG1-MG8 of C3. TED is, as predicted, an alpha-helical domain. CUB is a spliced domain composed of two stretches of polypeptide that flank TED in the primary structure. In intact C3 TED interacts with RBD, where it is in direct contact with the thiol ester, and with MG2 and CUB on opposite, flanking sides. In contrast, these alpha2M domains, as isolated species, show negligible interaction with one another, suggesting that the native conformation of alpha2M, and the consequent thiol ester-stabilizing domain-domain interactions, result from additional restraints imposed by the physical linkage of these domains or by additional domains in the protein.

Small heat shock protein AgsA: an effective stabilizer of enzyme activities.

PubMed

Tomoyasu, Toshifumi; Tabata, Atsushi; Ishikawa, Yoko; Whiley, Robert A; Nagamune, Hideaki

2013-01-01

A small heat shock protein, AgsA, possesses chaperone activity that can reduce the amount of heat-aggregated protein in vivo, and suppress the aggregation of chemical- and heat-denatured proteins in vitro. Therefore, we examined the ability of AgsA to stabilize the activity of several enzymes by using this chaperone activity. We observed that AgsA can stabilize the enzymatic activities of Renilla (Renilla reniformis) luciferase, firefly (Photinus pyralis) luciferase, and β-galactosidase, and showed comparable or greater stabilization of these enzymes than bovine serum albumin (BSA), a well-known stabilizer of enzyme activities. In particular, AgsA revealed better stabilization of Renilla luciferase and β-galactosidase than BSA under disulfide bond-reducing conditions with dithiothreitol. In addition, AgsA also increased the enzymatic performance of β-galactosidase and various restriction enzymes to a comparable or greater extent than BSA. These data indicate that AgsA may be useful as a general stabilizer of enzyme activities. Copyright © 2012 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mutagenesis of the three bases preceding the start codon of the beta-galactosidase mRNA and its effect on translation in Escherichia coli.

PubMed Central

Hui, A; Hayflick, J; Dinkelspiel, K; de Boer, H A

1984-01-01

The effect on the translation efficiency of various mutations in the three bases (the -1 triplet) that precede the AUG start codon of the beta-galactosidase mRNA in Escherichia coli was studied. Of the 39 mutants examined, the level of expression varies over a 20-fold range. The most favorable combinations of bases in the -1 triplet are UAU and CUU. The expression levels in the mutants with UUC, UCA or AGG as the -1 triplet are 20-fold lower than those with UAU or CUU. In general, a U residue immediately preceding the start codon is more favorable for expression than any other base; furthermore, an A residue at the -2 position enhances the translation efficiency in most instances. In both cases, however, the degree of enhancement depends on its context, i.e. the neighboring bases. Although the rules derived from this study are complex, the results show that mutations in any of the three bases preceding the start codon can strongly affect the translational efficiency of the beta-galactosidase mRNA. PMID:6425057

Coexpression of β-D-galactosidase and L-arabinose isomerase in the production of D-tagatose: a functional sweetener.

PubMed

Zhan, Yijing; Xu, Zheng; Li, Sha; Liu, Xiaoliu; Xu, Lu; Feng, Xiaohai; Xu, Hong

2014-03-19

The functional sweetener, d-tagatose, is commonly transformed from galactose by l-arabinose isomerase. To make use of a much cheaper starting material, lactose, hydrolization, and isomerization are required to take place collaboratively. Therefore, a single-step method involving β-d-galactosidase was explored for d-tagatose production. The two vital genes, β-d-galactosidase gene (lacZ) and l-arabinose isomerase mutant gene (araA') were extracted separately from Escherichia coli strains and incorporated into E. coli simultaneously. This gave us E. coli-ZY, a recombinant producing strain capable of coexpressing the two key enzymes. The resulted cells exhibited maximum d-tagatose producing activity at 34 °C and pH 6.5 and in the presence of borate, 10 mM Fe(2+), and 1 mM Mn(2+). Further monitoring showed that the recombinant cells could hydrolyze more than 95% lactose and convert 43% d-galactose into d-tagatose. This research has verified the feasibility of single-step d-tagatose fermentation, thereby laying down the foundation for industrial usage of lactose.

The catalytic properties and stability of β-galactosidases from fungi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilipenko, O. S.; Atyaksheva, L. F.; Poltorak, O. M.; Chukhrai, E. S.

2008-12-01

The catalytic activity of β-galactosidases from fungi Penicillium canescens and Aspergillus oryzae is maximum in a weakly acidic medium and does not depend on the presence of magnesium cations in the reaction medium. The enzyme from Aspergillus oryzae fungi is more active, and that from Penicillium canescens is stabler. One of stability indications is the presence of an induction period in the kinetic curves of thermal inactivation. This period disappears at 54°C for the enzyme from Aspergillus oryzae and at 59°C for the enzyme from Penicillium canescens. The temperature dependences of the effective rate constants for the inactivation of the tetrameric enzyme from Penicillium canescens show that the main reason for enzyme inactivation is the dissociation of oligomeric forms below 66°C ( E act = 85 kJ/mol) and enzyme denaturation at higher temperatures ( E act = 480 kJ/mol). The dissociation stage is absent for monomeric β-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae fungi, and the activation energy of inactivation is 450 kJ/mol over the whole temperature range studied (53-60°C).

Identification of a Novel α-Galactosidase from the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus†

PubMed Central

Brouns, Stan J. J.; Smits, Nicole; Wu, Hao; Snijders, Ambrosius P. L.; Wright, Phillip C.; de Vos, Willem M.; van der Oost, John

2006-01-01

Sulfolobus solfataricus is an aerobic crenarchaeon that thrives in acidic volcanic pools. In this study, we have purified and characterized a thermostable α-galactosidase from cell extracts of S. solfataricus P2 grown on the trisaccharide raffinose. The enzyme, designated GalS, is highly specific for α-linked galactosides, which are optimally hydrolyzed at pH 5 and 90°C. The protein consists of 74.7-kDa subunits and has been identified as the gene product of open reading frame Sso3127. Its primary sequence is most related to plant enzymes of glycoside hydrolase family 36, which are involved in the synthesis and degradation of raffinose and stachyose. Both the galS gene from S. solfataricus P2 and an orthologous gene from Sulfolobus tokodaii have been cloned and functionally expressed in Escherichia coli, and their activity was confirmed. At present, these Sulfolobus enzymes not only constitute a distinct type of thermostable α-galactosidases within glycoside hydrolase clan D but also represent the first members from the Archaea. PMID:16547025

Bulk soil and rhizosphere bacterial community PCR-DGGE profiles and beta-galactosidase activity as indicators of biological quality in soils contaminated by heavy metals and cultivated with Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke.

PubMed

Martínez-Iñigo, M J; Pérez-Sanz, A; Ortiz, I; Alonso, J; Alarcón, R; García, P; Lobo, M C

2009-06-01

The biological quality of two heavy metal contaminated soils (soil C: Typic Calcixerept, pH 8.3 and soil H: Typic Haploxeraf, pH 7.3) was investigated after growing the metal-tolerant plant Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke for two vegetative periods. The activity of the enzyme beta-galactosidase, which is sensitive to the presence of contaminants in soil, and the polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) profiles of 16S rRNA gene fragments of culturable bacteria from bulk soil and rhizosphere were determined. The microbial enzymatic activity was higher in planted soils than in bare soils at the contamination level of 600 mg of total heavy metals kg(-1) soil. After growing S. vulgaris, beta-galactosidase activity was almost recovered in the calcareous soil. In this soil new bands appeared in the PCR-DGGE profiles of the rhizosphere bacterial community as a response to the exposure to heavy metals.

Development of enzymatically-active bacterial cellulose membranes through stable immobilization of an engineered β-galactosidase.

PubMed

Estevinho, Berta N; Samaniego, Nuria; Talens-Perales, David; Fabra, Maria José; López-Rubio, Amparo; Polaina, Julio; Marín-Navarro, Julia

2018-08-01

Enzymatically-active bacterial cellulose (BC) was prepared by non-covalent immobilization of a hybrid enzyme composed by a β-galactosidase from Thermotoga maritima (TmLac) and a carbohydrate binding module (CBM2) from Pyrococcus furiosus. TmLac-CBM2 protein was bound to BC, with higher affinity at pH 6.5 than at pH 8.5 and with high specificity compared to the non-engineered enzyme. Both hydrated (HBC) and freeze-dried (DBC) bacterial cellulose showed equivalent enzyme binding efficiencies. Initial reaction rate of HBC-bound enzyme was higher than DBC-bound and both of them were lower than the free enzyme. However, enzyme performance was similar in all three cases for the hydrolysis of 5% lactose to a high extent. Reuse of the immobilized enzyme was limited by the stability of the β-galactosidase module, whereas the CBM2 module provided stable attachment of the hybrid enzyme to the BC support, after long incubation periods (3 h) at 75 °C. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chorionic gonadotropin regulates the transcript level of VHL, p53, and HIF-2alpha in human granulosa lutein cells.

PubMed

Herr, D; Keck, C; Tempfer, C; Pietrowski, Detlef

2004-12-01

The ovarian corpus luteum plays a critical role in reproduction being the primary source of circulating progesterone. After ovulation the corpus luteum is build by avascular granulosa lutein cells through rapid vascularization regulated by gonadotropic hormones. The present study was performed to investigate whether this process might be influenced by the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-dependent expression of different tumor suppressor genes and hypoxia dependent transcription factors. RNA was isolated from cultured granulosa lutein cells, transcribed into cDNA, and the transcript level of following genes were determined: RB-1, VHL, NF-1, NF-2, Wt-1, p53, APC, and hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), -2, and -3alpha. Additionally, the influence of hCG on the expression of VHL, p53, and HIf2alpha were investigated. We demonstrate that in human granulosa lutein cells the tumor suppressor genes RB-1, VHL, NF-1, NF-2, Wt-1, p53, and APC and the hypoxia dependent transcription factors HIF-1alpha, -2alpha, and -3alpha are expressed. In addition, we showed that hCG regulates the expression of p53, VHL, and HIF-2alpha. Our results indicate that hCG may determine the growth and development of the corpus luteum by mediating hypoxic and apoptotic pathways in human granulosa lutein cells. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Accelerated healing of skin burns by anti-Gal/alpha-gal liposomes interaction.

PubMed

Galili, Uri; Wigglesworth, Kim; Abdel-Motal, Ussama M

2010-03-01

Topical application of alpha-gal liposomes on burns results in rapid local recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages. Recruited macrophages are pivotal for healing of burns because they secrete cytokines/growth factors that induce epidermis regeneration and tissue repair. alpha-Gal liposomes have glycolipids with alpha-gal epitopes (Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc-R) which bind anti-Gal, the most abundant natural antibody in humans constituting approximately 1% of immunoglobulins. Interaction of alpha-gal liposomes with anti-Gal within the fluid film formed on burns, activates complement and generates chemotactic complement cleavage peptides which effectively recruit neutrophils and macrophages. Anti-Gal IgG coating alpha-gal liposomes further binds to Fcgamma receptors on macrophages and activates them to secrete cytokines/growth factors. Efficacy of alpha-gal liposomes treatment in accelerating burn healing is demonstrated in the experimental model of alpha1,3galactosyltransferase knockout mice. These mice are the only available nonprimate mammals that can produce anti-Gal in titers similar to those in humans. Pairs of burns in mice were covered either with a spot bandage coated with 10mg alpha-gal liposomes, or with a control spot bandage coated with saline. On Day 3 post-treatment, the alpha-gal liposomes treated burns contained approximately 5-fold as many neutrophils as control burns, whereas macrophages were found only in alpha-gal liposomes treated burns. On Day 6, 50-100% of the surface area of alpha-gal liposomes treated burns were covered with regenerating epidermis (re-epithelialization), whereas almost no epidermis was found in control burns. The extensive recruitment of macrophages by anti-Gal/alpha-gal liposomes interaction was further demonstrated in vivo with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge discs containing alpha-gal liposomes, implanted subcutaneously. Since anti-Gal is abundant in all humans, it is suggested that treatment with alpha-gal liposomes will be effective also in patients with burns and other skin wounds. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Unlike PPAR{gamma}, PPAR{alpha} or PPAR{beta}/{delta} activation does not promote human monocyte differentiation toward alternative macrophages

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

Bouhlel, Mohamed Amine; Inserm U545, F-59000 Lille; UDSL, F-59000 Lille

2009-08-28

Macrophages adapt their response to micro-environmental signals. While Th1 cytokines promote pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, Th2 cytokines promote an 'alternative' anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage phenotype. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors expressed in macrophages where they control the inflammatory response. It has been shown that PPAR{gamma} promotes the differentiation of monocytes into anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages in humans and mice, while a role for PPAR{beta}/{delta} in this process has been reported only in mice and no data are available for PPAR{alpha}. Here, we show that in contrast to PPAR{gamma}, expression of PPAR{alpha} and PPAR{beta}/{delta} overall does not correlate with the expressionmore » of M2 markers in human atherosclerotic lesions, whereas a positive correlation with genes of lipid metabolism exists. Moreover, unlike PPAR{gamma}, PPAR{alpha} or PPAR{beta}/{delta} activation does not influence human monocyte differentiation into M2 macrophages in vitro. Thus, PPAR{alpha} and PPAR{beta}/{delta} do not appear to modulate the alternative differentiation of human macrophages.« less

Localization of alpha-dystroglycan on the podocyte: from top to toe.

PubMed

Vogtländer, Nils P J; Dijkman, Henry; Bakker, Marinka A H; Campbell, Kevin P; van der Vlag, Johan; Berden, Jo H M

2005-11-01

alpha-Dystroglycan (DG) is a negatively charged membrane-associated glycoprotein that links the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. Previously, we described that alpha-DG covers the whole podocyte cell membrane in the rat. However, our finding was challenged by the description of a strictly basolateral localization in human kidney biopsies, using a different antibody against alpha-DG. Therefore, we studied the exact localization of glomerular alpha-DG by using these two antibodies in both species. The studies were performed by using monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) IIH6 and VIA4.1 in immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and immunoelectron microscopy on both rat and human kidney sections, as well as on cultured mouse podocytes. The apical localization of alpha-DG on podocytes was more dominant than the basolateral localization. The basolateral staining with MoAb VIA4.1 was more pronounced than that of MoAb IIH6. With both MoAbs, the staining in rat kidneys was more prominent, in comparison to human kidneys. We conclude that alpha-DG is expressed at both the basolateral and apical sides of the podocyte. This localization suggests that alpha-DG plays a dual role in the maintenance of the unique architecture of podocytes by its binding to the glomerular basement membrane, and in the maintenance of the integrity of the filtration slit, respectively.

Inhibitory function of adapter-related protein complex 2 alpha 1 subunit in the process of nuclear translocation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 genome

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

Kitagawa, Yukiko; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery II, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871; Kameoka, Masanori

2008-03-30

The transfection of human cells with siRNA against adapter-related protein complex 2 alpha 1 subunit (AP2{alpha}) was revealed to significantly up-regulate the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). This effect was confirmed by cell infection with vesicular stomatitis virus G protein-pseudotyped HIV-1 as well as CXCR4-tropic and CCR5-tropic HIV-1. Viral adsorption, viral entry and reverse transcription processes were not affected by cell transfection with siRNA against AP2{alpha}. In contrast, viral nuclear translocation as well as the integration process was significantly up-regulated in cells transfected with siRNA against AP2{alpha}. Confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed that a subpopulation of AP2{alpha} wasmore » not only localized in the cytoplasm but was also partly co-localized with lamin B, importin {beta} and Nup153, implying that AP2{alpha} negatively regulates HIV-1 replication in the process of nuclear translocation of viral DNA in the cytoplasm or the perinuclear region. We propose that AP2{alpha} may be a novel target for disrupting HIV-1 replication in the early stage of the viral life cycle.« less

Guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins in retinal pigment epithelial cells

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

Jiang, Meisheng; Tran, V.T.; Fong, H.K.W.

1991-05-01

The expression of GTP-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells was analyzed by RNA blot hybridization and cDNA amplification. Both adult and fetal human RPE cells contain mRNA for multiple G protein {alpha} subunits (G{alpha}) including G{sub s}{alpha}, G{sub i-1}{alpha}, G{sub i-2}{alpha}, G{sub i-3}{alpha}, and G{sub z}{alpha} (or G{sub x}{alpha}), where G{sub s} and G{sub i} are proteins that stimulate or inhibit adenylyl cyclase, respectively, and G{sub z} is a protein that may mediate pertussis toxin-insensitive events. Other G{alpha}-related mRNA transcripts were detected in fetal RPE cells by low-stringency hybridization to G{sub i-2}{alpha} and G{sub s}{alpha}more » protein-coding cDNA probes. The diversity of G proteins in RPE cells was further studied by cDNA amplification with reverse transcriptase and the polymerase chain reaction. This approach revealed that, besides the above mentioned members of the G{alpha} gene family, at least two other G{alpha} subunits are expressed in RPE cells. Human retinal cDNA clones that encode one of the additional G{alpha} subunits were isolated and characterized. The results indicate that this G{alpha} subunit belongs to a separate subfamily of G proteins that may be insensitive to inhibition by pertussis toxin.« less

Glucose buffer is suitable for blood group conversion with α-N acetylgalactosaminidase and α-galactosidase

PubMed Central

Gao, Hong-Wei; Li, Su-Bo; Bao, Guo-Qiang; Zhang, Xue; Li, Hui; Wang, Ying-Li; Tan, Ying-Xia; Ji, Shou-Ping; Gong, Feng

2014-01-01

Background It is well known that the buffer plays a key role in the enzymatic reaction involved in blood group conversion. In previous study, we showed that a glycine buffer is suitable for A to O or B to O blood group conversion. In this study, we investigated the use of 5% glucose and other buffers for A to O or B to O blood group conversion by α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase or α-galactosidase. Materials and methods We compared the binding ability of α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase/α-galactosidase with red blood cells (RBC) in different reaction buffers, such as normal saline, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), a disodium hydrogen phosphate-based buffer (PCS), and 5% commercial glucose solution. The doses of enzymes necessary for the A/B to O conversion in different reaction buffers were determined and compared. The enzymes’ ability to bind to RBC was evaluated by western blotting, and routine blood typing and fluorescence activated cell sorting was used to evaluate B/A to O conversion efficiency. Results The A to O conversion efficiency in glucose buffer was similar to that in glycine buffer with the same dose (>0.06 mg/mL pRBC). B to O conversion efficiency in glucose buffer was also similar to that in glycine buffer with the same dose (>0.005 mg/mL pRBC). Most enzymes could bind with RBC in glycine or glucose buffer, but few enzymes could bind with RBC in PBS, PCS, or normal saline. Conclusion These results indicate that 5% glucose solution provides a suitable condition for enzymolysis, especially for enzymes combining with RBC. Meanwhile, the conversion efficiency of A/B to O was similar in glucose buffer and glycine buffer. Moreover, 5% glucose solution has been used for years in venous transfusion, it is safe for humans and its cost is lower. Our results do, therefore, suggest that 5% glucose solution could become a novel suitable buffer for A/B to O blood group conversion. PMID:24333060

Association of protein kinase FA/GSK-3alpha (a proline-directed kinase and a regulator of protooncogenes) with human cervical carcinoma dedifferentiation/progression.

PubMed

Yang, S D; Yu, J S; Lee, T T; Ni, M H; Yang, C C; Ho, Y S; Tsen, T Z

1995-10-01

Computer analysis of protein phosphorylation-sites sequence revealed that most transcriptional factors and viral oncoproteins are prime targets for regulation of proline-directed protein phosphorylation, suggesting an association of proline-directed protein kinase (PDPK) family with neoplastic transformation and tumorigenesis. In this report, an immunoprecipitate activity assay of protein kinase FA/glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha (kinase FA/GSK-3alpha) (a particular member of PDPK family) has been optimized for human cervical tissue and used to demonstrate for the first time significantly increased (P < 0.001) activity in poorly differentiated cervical carcinoma (82.8 +/- 6.6 U/mg of protein), moderately differentiated carcinoma (36.2 +/- 3.4 U/mg of protein), and well-differentiated carcinoma (18.3 +/- 2.4 U/mg of protein) from 36 human cervical carcinoma samples when compared to 12 normal controls (4.9 +/- 0.6 U/mg of protein). Immunoblotting analysis further revealed that increased activity of kinase FA/GSK-3alpha in cervical carcinoma is due to overexpression of protein synthesis of the kinase. Taken together, the results provide initial evidence that overexpression of protein synthesis and cellular activity of kinase FA/GSK-3alpha may be involved in human cervical carcinoma dedifferentiation/progression, supporting an association of proline-directed protein kinase with neoplastic transformation and tumorigenesis. Since protein kinase FA/GSK-3alpha may function as a possible regulator of transcription factors/proto-oncogenes, the results further suggest that kinase FA/GSK-3alpha may play a potential role in human cervical carcinogenesis, especially in its dedifferentiation and progression.

[Influenza virus receptors in the human airway].

PubMed

Shinya, Kyoko; Kawaoka, Yoshihiro

2006-06-01

Avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infections have resulted in more than 100 human deaths; yet, human-to-human transmission is rare. We demonstrated that the epithelial cells in the upper respiratory tract of humans mainly possess sialic acid linked to galactose by alpha 2,6 linkages (SA alpha 2,6Gal), a molecule preferentially recognized by human viruses. However, many cells in the respiratory bronchioles and alveoli possess SA alpha 2,3Gal, which is preferentially recognized by avian viruses. These facts are consistent with the observation that H5N1 viruses can be directly transmitted from birds to humans and cause serious lower respiratory tract damage in humans. Furthermore, this anatomical difference in receptor prevalence may explain why the spread of H5N1 viruses among humans is limited. However, since some H5N1 viruses isolated from humans recognize human virus receptors, additional changes must be required for these viruses to acquire the ability for efficient human-to-human transmission.

Comparative antioxidant activity of tocotrienols and other natural lipid-soluble antioxidants in a homogeneous system, and in rat and human lipoproteins.

PubMed

Suarna, C; Hood, R L; Dean, R T; Stocker, R

1993-02-24

The antioxidant activity of tocotrienols toward peroxyl radicals was compared with that of other natural lipid-soluble antioxidants in three different systems by measuring the temporal disappearance of antioxidants and the formation of lipid hydroperoxides. In homogeneous solution, the initial rates of consumption of the various antioxidants, assessed by competition experiments between pairs of antioxidants for radicals, decreased in the order: ubiquinol-10 approximately ubiquinol-9 > alpha-tocopherol approximately alpha-tocotrienol > beta-carotene approximately lycopene > gamma-tocopherol approximately gamma-tocotrienol. Following in vitro incubation of human plasma with alpha-tocotrienol, this form of vitamin E was present in all classes of lipoproteins isolated from the supplemented plasma. Dietary supplementation of rats and humans with a tocotrienol-rich preparation resulted in a dose-dependent appearance of alpha- and gamma-tocotrienols in plasma and all circulating lipoproteins, respectively. Exposure of such enriched rat plasma to aqueous peroxyl radicals resulted in simultaneous consumption of the alpha- and then gamma-isomers of vitamin E. The sequence of radical-induced consumption of antioxidants in freshly isolated, in vitro and in vivo tocotrienol-enriched low density lipoprotein (LDL) was again ubiquinol-10 > alpha-tocotrienol approximately alpha-tocopherol > carotenoids > gamma-tocopherol approximately gamma-tocotrienol. Under conditions where radicals were generated at constant rates, the rate of lipid hydroperoxide formation in LDL was not constant. It proceeded in at least three stages separated by the phase of ubiquinol-10 consumption and, subsequently, that of alpha-tocopherol/alpha-tocotrienol. Our results show that dietary tocotrienols become incorporated into circulating human lipoproteins where they react with peroxyl radicals as efficiently as the corresponding tocopherol isomers.

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

Molina-Molina, Jose-Manuel; INSERM, U896, Montpellier, F-34298; Universite Montpellier1, Montpellier, F-34298

Benzophenone (BP) derivatives, BP1 (2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone), BP2 (2,2',4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone), BP3 (2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone), and THB (2,4,4'-trihydroxybenzophenone) are UV-absorbing chemicals widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and industrial applications, such as topical sunscreens in lotions and hair sprays to protect skin and hair from UV irradiation. Studies on their endocrine disrupting properties have mostly focused on their interaction with human estrogen receptor alpha (hER{alpha}), and there has been no comprehensive analysis of their potency in a system allowing comparison between hER{alpha} and hER{beta} activities. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive ER activation profile of BP derivatives using ER from human and fishmore » origin in a battery of in vitro tests, i.e., competitive binding, reporter gene based assays, vitellogenin (Vtg) induction in isolated rainbow trout hepatocytes, and proliferation based assays. The ability to induce human androgen receptor (hAR)-mediated reporter gene expression was also examined. All BP derivatives tested except BP3 were full hER{alpha} and hER{beta} agonists (BP2 > THB > BP1) and displayed a stronger activation of hER{beta} compared with hER{alpha}, the opposite effect to that of estradiol (E{sub 2}). Unlike E{sub 2}, BPs were more active in rainbow trout ER{alpha} (rtER{alpha}) than in hER{alpha} assay. All four BP derivatives showed anti-androgenic activity (THB > BP2 > BP1 > BP3). Overall, the observed anti-androgenic potencies of BP derivatives, together with their proposed greater effect on ER{beta} versus ER{alpha} activation, support further investigation of their role as endocrine disrupters in humans and wildlife.« less

Analysis of Rheb in the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum: cellular localization, spatial expression and overexpression.

PubMed

Swer, Pynskhem Bok; Bhadoriya, Pooja; Saran, Shweta

2014-03-01

Dictyostelium discoideum encodes a single Rheb protein showing sequence similarity to human homologues of Rheb. The DdRheb protein shares 52 percent identity and 100 percent similarity with the human Rheb1 protein. Fluorescence of Rheb yellow fluorescent protein fusion was detected in the D. discoideum cytoplasm. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and whole-mount in situ hybridization analyses showed that rheb is expressed at all stages of development and in prestalk cells in the multicellular structures developed. When the expression of rheb as a fusion with lacZ was driven under its own promoter, the beta-galactosidase activity was seen in the prestalk cells. D. discoideum overexpressing Rheb shows an increase in the size of the cell. Treatment of the overexpressing Rheb cells with rapamycin confirms its involvement in the TOR signalling pathway.

Boron modulates extracellular matrix and TNF alpha synthesis in human fibroblasts.

PubMed

Benderdour, M; Hess, K; Dzondo-Gadet, M; Nabet, P; Belleville, F; Dousset, B

1998-05-29

Boric acid was not mitogenic for human fibroblasts and it did not change cell viability until 0.5% (w/v). Boric acid treatment affected the metabolism of human dermal fibroblasts in culture, decreasing the synthesis of extracellular matrix macromolecules such as proteoglycans, collagen, and total proteins. It also increased the release of these molecules into the culture medium. The principal proteins secreted into the medium after boric acid treatment had molecular masses of 90, 70, 58, 49, and 43 kDa and faint bands were detected by electrophoresis between 14 and 30 kDa. hsp 70 and TNF alpha were detected among the secreted proteins by immunoblotting, and the amount of TNF alpha released was quantified by radioimmunoassay. Total mRNA levels were higher after boric acid treatment and peaked after 6 h of treatment. TNF alpha mRNA was undetectable in unstimulated fibroblasts and two TNF alpha mRNA bands were detected after stimulation: immature mRNA (4.8 kb) and mature TNF alpha mRNA (1.9 kb). Thus, the effects of boric acid observed in wound repair in vivo may be due to TNF alpha synthesis and secretion.

Curcumin inhibits interferon-{alpha} induced NF-{kappa}B and COX-2 in human A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells

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

Lee, Jeeyun; Im, Young-Hyuck; Jung, Hae Hyun

2005-08-26

The A549 cells, non-small cell lung cancer cell line from human, were resistant to interferon (IFN)-{alpha} treatment. The IFN-{alpha}-treated A549 cells showed increase in protein expression levels of NF-{kappa}B and COX-2. IFN-{alpha} induced NF-{kappa}B binding activity within 30 min and this increased binding activity was markedly suppressed with inclusion of curcumin. Curcumin also inhibited IFN-{alpha}-induced COX-2 expression in A549 cells. Within 10 min, IFN-{alpha} rapidly induced the binding activity of a {gamma}-{sup 32}P-labeled consensus GAS oligonucleotide probe, which was profoundly reversed by curcumin. Taken together, IFN-{alpha}-induced activations of NF-{kappa}B and COX-2 were inhibited by the addition of curcumin in A549more » cells.« less

Evaluation of a rapid tube assay for presumptive identification of Escherichia coli from veterinary specimens.

PubMed Central

Iritani, B; Inzana, T J

1988-01-01

Three hundred sixty-six isolates of gram-negative, oxidase-negative bacteria from veterinary specimens were tested by a tube test for identification as Escherichia coli by production within 60 min of indole, beta-galactosidase, and beta-glucuronidase. The test correctly identified 255 of 269 isolates of E. coli (95% sensitivity) and correctly indicated that 97 of 97 isolates were not E. coli (100% specificity). We conclude that production of indole, beta-galactosidase, and beta-glucuronidase as measured by a rapid tube test is useful for identification of E. coli from veterinary specimens. PMID:3128581

Beta-galactosidase catalyzed selective galactosylation of aromatic compounds.

PubMed

Bridiau, Nicolas; Taboubi, Selma; Marzouki, Nejib; Legoy, Marie Dominique; Maugard, Thierry

2006-01-01

A new approach to galacto-oligosaccharides and galacto-conjugates synthesis performed by the beta-galactosidase from Kluyveromyces lactis is reported. The enzymatic galactosylation of eight kinds of adsorbed aromatic primary alcohols, in particular the two drugs guaifenesin and chlorphenesin, gave the corresponding beta-D-galacto-pyranosides in yields ranging between approximately 10% and 96%. For the first time, we have showed that the adsorption of acceptor substrates onto solid supports such as silica gel influences the yield and the selectivity of galacto-conjugates synthesis. In particular, we observed that adsorption of acceptor favored the synthesis of digalactosylated compounds.

Urocortin 3 Marks Mature Human Primary and Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Pancreatic Alpha and Beta Cells

PubMed Central

van der Meulen, Talitha; Xie, Ruiyu; Kelly, Olivia G.; Vale, Wylie W.; Sander, Maike; Huising, Mark O.

2012-01-01

The peptide hormone Urocortin 3 (Ucn 3) is abundantly and exclusively expressed in mouse pancreatic beta cells where it regulates insulin secretion. Here we demonstrate that Ucn 3 first appears at embryonic day (E) 17.5 and, from approximately postnatal day (p) 7 and onwards throughout adult life, becomes a unifying and exclusive feature of mouse beta cells. These observations identify Ucn 3 as a potential beta cell maturation marker. To determine whether Ucn 3 is similarly restricted to beta cells in humans, we conducted comprehensive immunohistochemistry and gene expression experiments on macaque and human pancreas and sorted primary human islet cells. This revealed that Ucn 3 is not restricted to the beta cell lineage in primates, but is also expressed in alpha cells. To substantiate these findings, we analyzed human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived pancreatic endoderm that differentiates into mature endocrine cells upon engraftment in mice. Ucn 3 expression in hESC-derived grafts increased robustly upon differentiation into mature endocrine cells and localized to both alpha and beta cells. Collectively, these observations confirm that Ucn 3 is expressed in adult beta cells in both mouse and human and appears late in beta cell differentiation. Expression of Pdx1, Nkx6.1 and PC1/3 in hESC-derived Ucn 3+ beta cells supports this. However, the expression of Ucn 3 in primary and hESC-derived alpha cells demonstrates that human Ucn 3 is not exclusive to the beta cell lineage but is a general marker for both the alpha and beta cell lineages. Ucn 3+ hESC-derived alpha cells do not express Nkx6.1, Pdx1 or PC1/3 in agreement with the presence of a separate population of Ucn 3+ alpha cells. Our study highlights important species differences in Ucn 3 expression, which have implications for its utility as a marker to identify mature beta cells in (re)programming strategies. PMID:23251699

Reverse-phase HPLC analysis of human alpha crystallin.

PubMed

Swamy, M S; Abraham, E C

1991-03-01

A rapid and highly sensitive reverse-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) method was used to separate crystallin subunits from human alpha crystallin. Three distinct peaks were separated; by electrophoretic and immunological analyses the first and second peaks were identified as alpha B and alpha A respectively. On the other hand, peak 3 appeared to be a modified form of alpha crystallin. The ratio of alpha A and alpha B proteins was 3:1 in 1 day old lenses which gradually changed to 2:1 in 17 year old lenses and to 1:1 in the 50 and 82 year old whole lenses and 82 year old lens cortex, with a concomitant increase in the modified alpha, suggesting that alpha A subunits are relatively more involved in aggregation. Analysis of the 82 year old lens nucleus also supported this conclusion. The RP-HPLC analysis of the HMW aggregate fraction showed substantial enrichment of the modified alpha. The alpha A and alpha B subunits independently reassociated to form polymeric alpha crystallin whereas the modified alpha reassociated to form HMW aggregates as shown by molecular sieve HPLC. Hence it appears that the HMW aggregate peak was constituted by modified alpha crystallin. Only in the peak 3 material the 280 nm absorbance was about 2-fold higher than what was expected from the actual protein content. The data suggest that the changes induced by post-translational modifications may have some role in the formation of modified alpha. The present RP-HPLC method is useful in separating these modified alpha from the unmodified alpha A and alpha B subunits.

Silencing alpha-fetoprotein inhibits VEGF and MMP-2/9 production in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell.

PubMed

Meng, Wenbo; Li, Xun; Bai, Zhongtian; Li, Yan; Yuan, Jinqiu; Liu, Tao; Yan, Jun; Zhou, Wence; Zhu, Kexiang; Zhang, Hui; Li, Yumin

2014-01-01

Alpha-fetoprotein not only serves as a diagnostic marker for liver cancer, but also posses a variety of biological functions. However, the role of Alpha-fetoprotein on tumor angiogenesis and cell invasion remains incompletely understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate if Alpha-fetoprotein can regulate the major angiogenic factors and matrix metalloproteinases in human liver cancer cells. Alpha-fetoprotein silencing was achieved by Stealth RNAi. Expression of Alpha-fetoprotein was examined by a full-automatic electrochemistry luminescence immunity analyzer. Expression of VEGF, VEGFR-2, MMP-9, and MMP-2 was examined by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. Angiogenesis was detected by in vitro angiogenesis assay kit. Silencing of Alpha-fetoprotein led to an increased apoptosis, which was associated with a decreased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, matrix metalloproteinases-2/9. These results suggest that Alpha-fetoprotein may play a regulatory role on angiogenesis and cell invasion during liver cancer development.

Acetylcholine receptors in the human retina

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

Hutchins, J.B.; Hollyfield, J.G.

1985-11-01

Evidence for a population of acetylcholine (ACh) receptors in the human retina is presented. The authors have used the irreversible ligand TH-propylbenzilylcholine mustard (TH-PrBCM) to label muscarinic receptors. TH- or SVI-alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BTx) was used to label putative nicotinic receptors. Muscarinic receptors are apparently present in the inner plexiform layer of the retina. Autoradiographic grain densities are reduced in the presence of saturating concentrations of atropine, quinuclidinyl benzilate or scopolamine; this indicates that TH-PrBCM binding is specific for a population of muscarinic receptors in the human retina. Binding sites for radiolabeled alpha-BTx are found predominantly in the inner plexiform layer ofmore » the retina. Grain densities are reduced in the presence of d-tubocurarine, indicating that alpha-BTx may bind to a pharmacologically relevant nicotinic ACh receptor. This study provides evidence for cholinergic neurotransmission in the human retina.« less

Functional properties of an isolated. cap alpha beta. heterodimeric human placenta insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor complex

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

Feltz, S.M.; Swanson, M.L.; Wemmie, J.A.

1988-05-03

Treatment of human placenta membranes at pH 8.5 in the presence of 2.0 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) for 5 min, followed by the simultaneous removal of the DTT and pH adjustment of pH 7.6, resulted in the formation of a functional ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor complex from the native ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric disulfide-linked state. The membrane-bound ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric complex displayed similar curvilinear /sup 125/I-IGF-1 equilibrium binding compared to the ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric complex. /sup 125/I-IGF-1 binding to both the isolated ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric and ..cap alpha beta..more » heterodimeric complexes demonstrated a marked straightening of the Scatchard plots, compared to the placenta membrane-bound IGF-1 receptors, with a 2-fold increase in the high-affinity binding component. IGF-1 stimulation of IGF-1 receptor autophosphorylation indicated that the ligand-dependent activation of ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric protein kinase activity occurred concomitant with the reassociation into a covalent ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric state. These data demonstrate that (i) a combination of alkaline pH and DTT treatment of human placenta membranes results in the formation of an ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric IGF-1 receptor complex, (ii) unlike the insulin receptor, high-affinity homogeneous IGF-1 binding occurs in both the ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric and ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric complexes, and (iii) IGF-1-dependent autophosphorylation of the ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric IGF-1 receptor complex correlates wit an IGF-1 dependent covalent reassociation into an ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric disulfide-linked state.« less

Optimizing cardiovascular gene therapy: increased vascular gene transfer with modified adenoviral vectors.

PubMed

Kibbe, M R; Murdock, A; Wickham, T; Lizonova, A; Kovesdi, I; Nie, S; Shears, L; Billiar, T R; Tzeng, E

2000-02-01

Adenovirus is widely used as a vector for gene transfer to the vasculature. However, the efficiency of these vectors can be limited by ineffective viral-target cell interactions. Viral attachment, which largely determines adenoviral tropism, is mediated through binding of the adenoviral fiber coat protein to the Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor, while internalization follows binding of the adenoviral RGD motif to alpha(v)-integrin receptors. Modifications of the fiber coat protein sequence have been successful for targeting the adenovirus to more prevalent receptors in the vasculature, including heparan sulfate-containing receptors and alpha(v)-integrin receptors. Modified adenoviral vectors targeted to receptors more prevalent in the vasculature result in an increased transfer efficiency of the virus in vitro and in vivo even in the presence of clinically relevant doses of heparin. We tested 2 modified E1- and E3-deleted Ad5 type adenoviral vectors containing the beta-galactosidase gene. AdZ.F(pK7) contains multiple positively charged lysines in the fiber coat protein that target the adenovirus to heparan sulfate receptors, while AdZ.F(RGD) contains an RGD integrin-binding sequence in the fiber coat protein that allows binding to alpha(v)-integrin receptors. The gene transfer efficiency of these modified viruses was compared in rat aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro and in an in vivo porcine model of balloon-induced arterial injury. Because of the use of heparin during most vascular surgical procedures and the concern that heparin might interfere with the binding of AdZ.F(pK7) to heparan sulfate receptors, the effect of heparin on the in vitro and in vivo transfer efficiency of these 2 modified adenoviruses was evaluated. In vitro infection of rat aortic smooth muscle cells with AdZ.F(pK7) and AdZ.F(RGD) resulted in significantly higher levels of beta-galactosidase expression compared with the unmodified adenovirus (mean +/- SEM, 1766.3 +/- 89.1 and 44.8 +/- 3.4 vs 10.1 +/- 0.7 mU per milligram of protein; P<.001). Following heparin administration, the gene transfer efficiency achieved with AdZ.F(pK7) diminished slightly in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the transfer efficiency was still greater than with the unmodified virus (mean +/- SEM, 1342.3 +/- 101.8 vs 4.8 +/- 0.4 mU per milligram of protein; P<.001). In vivo, following injury to the pig iliac artery with a 4F Fogarty balloon catheter, we found that AdZ.F(pK7) transduced the artery approximately 35-fold more efficiently than AdZ.F and 3-fold more efficiently than AdZ.F(RGD) following the administration of intravenous heparin, 100 U/kg body weight, and heparinized saline irrigation. Modifications of the adenovirus that lead to receptor targeting resulted in significantly improved gene transfer efficiencies. These improvements in transfer efficiencies observed with the modified vectors decreased slightly in the presence of heparin. However, AdZ.F(pK7) was still superior to AdZ.F(RGD) and AdZ.F despite heparin administration. These data demonstrate that modifications of adenoviral vectors that enhance binding to heparan sulfate receptors significantly improve gene transfer efficiency even in the presence of heparin and suggest an approach to optimize gene transfer into blood vessels.

Human importin alpha and RNA do not compete for binding to influenza A virus nucleoprotein

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

Boulo, Sebastien; UJF-EMBL-CNRS UMI 3265, Unit of Virus Host-Cell Interactions, 6 rue Jules Horowitz, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9; Akarsu, Hatice

2011-01-05

Influenza virus has a segmented genome composed of eight negative stranded RNA segments. Each segment is covered with NP forming ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs) and carries a copy of the heterotrimeric polymerase complex. As a rare phenomenon among the RNA viruses, the viral replication occurs in the nucleus and therefore implies interactions between host and viral factors, such as between importin alpha and nucleoprotein. In the present study we report that through binding with the human nuclear receptor importin {alpha}5 (Imp{alpha}5), the viral NP is no longer oligomeric but maintained as a monomer inside the complex. In this regard, Imp{alpha}5 acts asmore » a chaperone until NP is delivered in the nucleus for viral RNA encapsidation. Moreover, we show that the association of NP with the host transporter does not impair the binding of NP to RNA. The complex human Imp{alpha}5-NP binds RNA with the same affinity as wt NP alone, whereas engineered monomeric NP through point mutations binds RNA with a strongly reduced affinity.« less

Expression and function of CD8 alpha/beta chains on rat and human mast cells.

PubMed

Kim, Mi-Sun; Kim, Sung-Hoon; Lee, Hye-Jung; Kim, Hyung-Min

2004-03-01

The expression and functional role of CD8 glycoprotein, a marker of cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes and NK cells, were not studied on freshly isolated connective tissue type rat peritoneal mast cells, a rat mucosal type mast cell line (RBL 2H3), or human mast cell line (HMC-1). We used the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis identified the presence of CD8 alpha/beta chains on the mast cells, and immunohistochemistry confirmed CD8alpha expression on rat or human mast cells. Functional studies demonstrated that stimulation of CD8 alpha/beta chains on rat mast cells induced the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which are regarded as important mediators during infection. However, co-stimulation with stem cell factor had no effect on CD8-induced mediator secretion. Our findings demonstrate novel biological roles of CD8 molecules in mast cells.

Inhibitory spectrum of alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor.

PubMed Central

Saito, H; Goldsmith, G H; Moroi, M; Aoki, N

1979-01-01

alpha 2-Plasmin inhibitor (alpha 2PI) has been recently characterized as a fast-reacting inhibitor of plasmin in human plasma and appears to play an important role in the regulation of fibrinolysis in vivo. We have studied the effect of purified alpha 2PI upon various proteases participating in human blood coagulation and kinin generation. At physiological concentration (50 microgram/ml), alpha 2PI inhibited the clot-promoting and prekallikrein-activating activity of Hageman factor fragments, the amidolytic, kininogenase, and clot-promoting activities of plasma kallikrein, and the clot-promoting properties of activated plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA, Factor XIa) and thrombin. alpha 2PI had minimal inhibitory effect on surface-bound activated PTA and activated Stuart factor (Factor Xa). alpha 2PI did not inhibit the activity of activated Christmas factor (Factor IXa) or urinary kallikrein. Heparin (1.5-2.0 units/ml) did not enhance the inhibitory function of alpha 2PI. These results suggest that, like other plasma protease inhibitors, alpha 2PI possesses a broad in vitro spectrum of inhibitory properties. PMID:156364

21 CFR 882.1610 - Alpha monitor.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Alpha monitor. 882.1610 Section 882.1610 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Diagnostic Devices § 882.1610 Alpha monitor. (a) Identification. An alpha...

21 CFR 882.1610 - Alpha monitor.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Alpha monitor. 882.1610 Section 882.1610 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Diagnostic Devices § 882.1610 Alpha monitor. (a) Identification. An alpha...

Cloning, expression, and mapping of allergenic determinants of alphaS1-casein, a major cow's milk allergen.

PubMed

Schulmeister, Ulrike; Hochwallner, Heidrun; Swoboda, Ines; Focke-Tejkl, Margarete; Geller, Beate; Nystrand, Mats; Härlin, Annika; Thalhamer, Josef; Scheiblhofer, Sandra; Keller, Walter; Niggemann, Bodo; Quirce, Santiago; Ebner, Christoph; Mari, Adriano; Pauli, Gabrielle; Herz, Udo; Valenta, Rudolf; Spitzauer, Susanne

2009-06-01

Milk is one of the first components introduced into human diet. It also represents one of the first allergen sources, which induces IgE-mediated allergies in childhood ranging from gastrointestinal, skin, and respiratory manifestations to severe life-threatening manifestations, such as anaphylaxis. Here we isolated a cDNA coding for a major cow's milk allergen, alphaS1-casein, from a bovine mammary gland cDNA library with allergic patients' IgE Abs. Recombinant alphaS1-casein was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and characterized by circular dichroism as a folded protein. IgE epitopes of alphaS1-casein were determined with recombinant fragments and synthetic peptides spanning the alphaS1-casein sequence using microarrayed components and sera from 66 cow's milk-sensitized patients. The allergenic activity of ralphaS1-casein and the alphaS1-casein-derived peptides was determined using rat basophil leukemia cells transfected with human FcepsilonRI, which had been loaded with the patients' serum IgE. Our results demonstrate that ralphaS1-casein as well as alphaS1-casein-derived peptides exhibit IgE reactivity, but mainly the intact ralphaS1-casein induced strong basophil degranulation. These results suggest that primarily intact alphaS1-casein or larger IgE-reactive portions thereof are responsible for IgE-mediated symptoms of food allergy. Recombinant alphaS1-casein as well as alphaS1-casein-derived peptides may be used in clinical studies to further explore pathomechanisms of food allergy as well as for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for milk allergy.

The structural basis of the inhibition of human alpha-mannosidases by azafuranose analogues of mannose.

PubMed Central

Winchester, B; al Daher, S; Carpenter, N C; Cenci di Bello, I; Choi, S S; Fairbanks, A J; Fleet, G W

1993-01-01

Eight pyrrolidine, five pyrrolizidine and one indolizidine analogue(s) of the known alpha-mannosidase inhibitor, the azafuranose, 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-mannitol (DIM), have been tested for inhibition of the multiple forms of alpha-mannosidase in human liver in vitro. Substitution of the ring nitrogen markedly decreased or abolished inhibition, but loss of the C-6 hydroxy group, as in 6-deoxy-DIM and 6-deoxy-6-fluoro-DIM, enhanced inhibition, particularly of the lysosomal alpha-mannosidase. Addition of the anomeric substituent-CH2OH decreased inhibition. To be a potent inhibitor of the lysosomal, Golgi II and neutral alpha-mannosidases, a polyhydroxylated pyrrolidine must have the same substituents and chirality as mannofuranose at C-2, C-3, C-4 and C-5. These four chiral centres can also be part of a polyhydroxylated indolizidine, e.g. swainsonine, but not of a pyrrolizidine, e.g. cyclized DIM, ring-contracted swainsonine or 1,7-diepi-australine. DIM did not inhibit lysosomal alpha-mannosidase intracellularly, but both 6-deoxy-DIM and 6-deoxy-6-fluoro-DIM caused accumulation of partially catabolized glycans in normal human fibroblasts. Analysis of these induced storage products by h.p.l.c. showed that both compounds also inhibited Golgi alpha-mannosidase II and that 6-deoxy-6-fluoro-DIM was also a good inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum alpha-mannosidase and specific lysosomal alpha (1-6)-mannosidase. None of the mannofuranose analogues appeared to inhibit Golgi alpha-mannosidase I. Images Figure 2 Figure 3 PMID:8457203

In vitro C3 mRNA expression in Pemphigus vulgaris: complement activation is increased by IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha.

PubMed

Feliciani, C; Toto, P; Amerio, P

1999-01-01

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially life-threatening disease, characterized immunohistologically by IgG deposits and complement activation on the surface of keratinocytes. Complement activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis with C3 deposits in about 90% of patients. In order to further elucidate the role of complement in PV and to define which cytokines play a role in C3 mRNA expression, we performed an in vitro study in human keratinocytes. Normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHuK) were incubated with PV serum and C3 mRNA was measured. We previously had shown that IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha are expressed in PV in vivo and in vitro. Since cytokines are able to modulate complement activation, mRNA expression was evaluated in a similar experiment after pretreatment using antibodies against IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha. Incubation of NHuK with PV sera caused their detachment from the plates after 20-30 minutes with a complete acantholysis within 12 hours. An early C3 mRNA expression was seen after 30 minutes with a peak level after 1 hour. Blocking studies, using antibodies against human IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha in NHuK together with PV-IgG, showed reduction of in vitro induced acantholysis and inhibition of C3 mRNA expression. This study supports the hypothesis that complement C3 is important in PV acantholysis and that complement activation is increased by IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha.

Enzyme-synthesized highly branched maltodextrins have slow glucose generation at the mucosal alpha-glucosidase level and are slowly digestible "in vivo"

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

For digestion of starch in humans, alpha-amylase first hydrolyzes starch molecules to produce alpha-limit dextrins, followed by complete hydrolysis to glucose by the mucosal alpha-glucosidases in the small intestine. It is known that alpha-1,6 linkages in starch are hydrolyzed at a lower rate than a...

The phylogenetic and evolutionary history of a novel alpha-globin-type gene in orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus).

PubMed

Steiper, Michael E; Wolfe, Nathan D; Karesh, William B; Kilbourn, Annelisa M; Bosi, Edwin J; Ruvolo, Maryellen

2006-07-01

The alpha-globin genes are implicated in human resistance to malaria, a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. This study is the first to analyze DNA sequences from a novel alpha-globin-type gene in orangutans, a species affected by Plasmodium. Phylogenetic methods show that the gene is a duplication of an alpha-globin gene and is located 5' of alpha-2 globin. The alpha-globin-type gene is notable for having four amino acid replacements relative to the orangutan's alpha-1 and alpha-2 globin genes, with no synonymous differences. Pairwise K(a)/K(s) methods and likelihood ratio tests (LRTs) revealed that the evolutionary history of the alpha-globin-type gene has been marked by either neutral or positive evolution, but not purifying selection. A comparative analysis of the amino acid replacements of the alpha-globin-type gene with human hemoglobinopathies and hemoglobin structure showed that two of the four replaced sites are members of the same molecular bond, one that is crucial to the proper functioning of the hemoglobin molecule. This suggested an adaptive evolutionary change. Functionally, this locus may result in a thalassemia-like phenotype in orangutans, possibly as an adaptation to combat Plasmodium.

Inhibition of 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3alpha-HSD) activity of human lung microsomes by genistein, daidzein, coumestrol and C(18)-, C(19)- and C(21)-hydroxysteroids and ketosteroids.

PubMed

Blomquist, Charles H; Lima, Paul H; Hotchkiss, John R

2005-07-01

Epidemiologic data suggest a relationship between dietary intake of phytochemicals and a lower incidence of some cancers. Modulation of steroid hormone metabolism has been proposed as a basis for this effect. It has been shown that aromatase, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) are inhibited by the isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, and by coumestrol. In general, the extent of inhibition has been expressed in terms of IC50-values, which do not give information as to the pattern of inhibition, i.e., competitive, non-competitive, or mixed. Less is known of the effects of these compounds on 3alpha-HSD. The human lung is known to have a high level of 17beta-HSD and 3alpha-HSD activity. During the course of studies to characterize both activities in normal and inflamed lung and lung tumors we noted that 3alpha-HSD activity with 5alpha-DHT of microsomes from normal, adult lung was particularly susceptible to inhibition by coumestrol. To clarify the pattern of inhibition, the inhibition constants Ki and K'i were evaluated from plots of 1/v versus [I] and [S]/v versus [I]. Genistein, daidzein and coumestrol gave mixed inhibition patterns versus both 5alpha-DHT and NADH. In contrast, 5alpha-androstane-3,17-dione and 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione were competitive with 5alpha-DHT. NAD inhibited competitively with NADH. Our findings demonstrate that phytochemicals have the potential to inhibit 5alpha-DHT metabolism and thereby affect the androgen status of the human lung. The observation of a mixed inhibition pattern suggests these compounds bind to more than one form of the enzyme within the catalytic pathway.

N-acetylcysteine attenuates TNF-alpha-induced human vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and restores eNOS expression.

PubMed

Xia, Zhengyuan; Liu, Min; Wu, Yong; Sharma, Vijay; Luo, Tao; Ouyang, Jingping; McNeill, John H

2006-11-21

The circulatory inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is increased in pathological conditions, such as diabetes, which initiate or exacerbate vascular endothelial injury. Both nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species may play a dual role (i.e., inhibiting or promoting) in TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. We investigated the effects of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine on TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in human vascular endothelial cell (cell line ECV304) apoptosis, NO production and lipid peroxidation. Cultured vascular endothelial cell (ECV304) were either not treated (control), or treated with TNF-alpha (40 ng/ml) alone or TNF-alpha in the presence of N-acetylcysteine at 30 mmol/l or 1 mmol/l, respectively, for 24 h. Cell viability was measured by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell apoptosis was associated with increased inducible NO synthase but reduced endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein expression. NO production and the levels of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde were concomitantly increased. Treatment with NAC at 30 mmol/l restored eNOS expression and further increased NO production as compared to TNF-alpha alone, resulting in improved cell viability and reduced apoptosis. This was accompanied by increased superoxide dismutase activity, increased glutathione peroxidase production and reduced malondialdehyde levels. N-acetylcysteine at 1 mmol/l, however, did not have significant effects on TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell apoptosis and cell viability despite it slightly enhanced glutathione peroxidase production. N-acetylcysteine attenuation of TNF-alpha-induced human vascular endothelial cell apoptosis is associated with the restoration of eNOS expression.

Comparative study on cytogenetic damage induced by homo-aza-steroidal esters in human lymphocytes.

PubMed

Mourelatos, D; Papageorgiou, A; Boutis, L; Catsoulacos, P

1995-02-01

The effect of P[N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenylacetate esters of 3 beta-hydroxy-N-methyl-17 alpha-aza-D-homo-5 alpha-androstan-17-one (compound 3) and 3 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-aza-D-homo-5 alpha-androstane (compound 2) on sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies and on human lymphocytes proliferation kinetics was studied. The results are compared with those of the P[N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenylacetate esters of 3 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-aza-D-homo-5 alpha-androstan-17-one (compound 1). All compounds were found to be active in inducing markedly increased SCE rates and cell division delays. A correlation between potency for SCE induction, effectiveness in cell division delay and previously established antitumour activity of these compounds was observed.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibits insulin's stimulating effect on glucose uptake and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humans.

PubMed

Rask-Madsen, Christian; Domínguez, Helena; Ihlemann, Nikolaj; Hermann, Thomas; Køber, Lars; Torp-Pedersen, Christian

2003-10-14

Inflammatory mechanisms could be involved in the pathogenesis of both insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Therefore, we aimed at examining whether the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibits insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and insulin-stimulated endothelial function in humans. Healthy, lean male volunteers were studied. On each study day, 3 acetylcholine (ACh) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) dose-response studies were performed by infusion into the brachial artery. Before and during the last 2 dose-response studies, insulin and/or TNF-alpha were coinfused. During infusion of insulin alone for 20 minutes, forearm glucose uptake increased by 220+/-44%. This increase was completely inhibited during coinfusion of TNF-alpha (started 10 min before insulin) with a more pronounced inhibition of glucose extraction than of blood flow. Furthermore, TNF-alpha inhibited the ACh forearm blood flow response (P<0.001), and this inhibition was larger during insulin infusion (P=0.01) but not further increased by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (P=0.2). Insulin potentiated the SNP response less than the ACh response and the effect of TNF-alpha was smaller (P<0.001); TNF-alpha had no effect on the SNP response without insulin infusion. Thus, TNF-alpha inhibition of the combined response to insulin and ACh was likely mediated through inhibition of NO production. These results support the concept that TNF-alpha could play a role in the development of insulin resistance in humans, both in muscle and in vascular tissue.

Structural Studies of Human Pyruvate Dehydrogenase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ciszak, Ewa; Korotchkina, Lioubov G.; Dominiak, Paulina; Sidhu, Sukhdeep; Patel, Mulchand S.; Curreri, Peter A. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Human pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1) catalyzes the irreversible decarboxylation of pyruvate in the presence of Mg(2+) and thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) followed by the rate-limiting reductive acetylation of the lipoyl moiety linked to dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase. The three-dimensional structure of human E1 is elucidated using the methods of macromolecular X-ray crystallography. The structure is an alpha, alpha', beta and beta' tetramer with the protein units being in the tetrahedral arrangement. Each 361-residue alpha-subunit and 329-residue beta-subunit is composed of a beta-sheet core surrounded by alpha-helical domains. Each subunit is in extensive contact with all the three subunits involving TPP and magnesium cofactors, and potassium ions. The two binding sites for TPP are at the alpha-beta' and alpha'-beta interfaces, each involving a magnesium ion and Phe6l, His63, Tyr89, and Met200 from the alpha-subunit (or alpha'-subunit), and Met81 Phe85, His128 from the beta-subunit (or beta'-subunit). K+ ions are nestled between two beta-sheets and the end of an alpha-helix in each beta-subunit, where they are coordinated by four carbonyl oxygen groups from Ile12, Ala160, Asp163, and Asnl65, and a water molecule. The catalytic C2 carbon of thiazolium ring in this structure forms a 3.2 A contact with a water molecule involved in a series of H-bonds with other water molecules, and indirectly with amino acids including those involved in the catalysis and regulation of the enzyme.

Plasma binding of an alpha-blocking agent, nicergoline--affinity for serum albumin and native and modified alpha 1-acid glycoprotein.

PubMed

Robert, L; Migne, J; Santonja, R; Zini, R; Schmid, K; Tillement, J P

1983-06-01

The binding of nicergoline, an alpha-blocking drug, by human plasma proteins was studied using gel filtration, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and equilibrium dialysis techniques. 3H-labeled nicergoline added to plasma was eluted together with two major protein fractions, one containing mainly serum albumin, the other glycoproteins such as alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (alpha 1-AG). Equilibrium dialysis experiments with pure human serum albumin and alpha 1-AG as well as with its chemically modified forms, desialylated, carboxymethylated, and both desialylated and carboxymethylated alpha 1-AG gave the following results: nicergoline has about a 4-fold higher affinity for alpha 1-AG than for serum albumin. There are two binding sites per molecule on serum albumin and one on alpha 1-AG. The binding parameters of alpha 1-AG were not significantly modified by desialylation or carboxymethylation. Only desialylated and carboxymethylated alpha 1-AG showed a decreased binding for nicergoline, suggesting conformational modifications induced by these combined treatments. The fact that desialylated alpha 1-AG keeps its affinity for nicergoline suggests the possibility of a selective introduction of this drug in cells possessing the Ashwell-type specific receptor for desialylated alpha 1-AG, for instance hepatocytes. Increased serum alpha 1-AG concentration induced by inflammatory reactions will also modify the distribution of bound nicergoline between serum albumin and alpha 1-AG and as a consequence its half-life and cell distribution.

Antisense RNA: effect of ribosome binding sites, target location, size, and concentration on the translation of specific mRNA molecules.

PubMed

Daugherty, B L; Hotta, K; Kumar, C; Ahn, Y H; Zhu, J D; Pestka, S

1989-01-01

A series of plasmids were constructed to generate RNA complementary to the beta-galactosidase messenger RNA under control of the phage lambda PL promoter. These plasmids generate anti-lacZ mRNA bearing or lacking a synthetic ribosome binding site adjacent to the lambda PL promoter and/or the lacZ ribosome binding site in reverse orientation. Fragments of lacZ DNA from the 5' and/or the 3' region were used in these constructions. When these anti-mRNA molecules were produced in Escherichia coli 294, maximal inhibition of beta-galactosidase synthesis occurred when a functional ribosome binding site was present near the 5' end of the anti-mRNA and the anti-mRNA synthesized was complementary to the 5' region of the mRNA corresponding to the lacZ ribosome binding site and/or the 5'-coding sequence. Anti-mRNAs producing maximal inhibition of beta-galactosidase synthesis exhibited an anti-lacZ mRNA:normal lacZ mRNA ratio of 100:1 or higher. Those showing lower levels of inhibition exhibited much lower anti-lacZ mRNA:normal lacZ mRNA ratios. A functional ribosome binding site at the 5'-end was found to decrease the decay rate of the anti-lacZ mRNAs. In addition, the incorporation of a transcription terminator just downstream of the antisense segment provided for more efficient inhibition of lacZ mRNA translation due to synthesis of smaller and more abundant anti-lacZ mRNAs. The optimal constructions produced undetectable levels of beta-galactosidase synthesis.

Simultaneous knock-down of six β-galactosidase genes in petunia petals prevents loss of pectic galactan but decreases petal strength.

PubMed

O'Donoghue, Erin M; Somerfield, Sheryl D; Deroles, Simon C; Sutherland, Paul W; Hallett, Ian C; Erridge, Zoë A; Brummell, David A; Hunter, Donald A

2017-04-01

Galactose (Gal) is incorporated into cell wall polysaccharides as flowers open, but then is lost because of β-galactosidase activity as flowers mature and wilt. The significance of this for flower physiology resides in the role of galactan-containing polysaccharides in the cell wall, which is still largely unresolved. To investigate this, transcript accumulation of six cell wall-associated β-galactosidases was simultaneously knocked down in 'Mitchell' petunia (Petunia axillaris x (P. axillaris x P. hybrida)) flower petals. The multi-PhBGAL RNAi construct targeted three bud- and three senescence-associated β-galactosidase genes. The petals of the most down-regulated line (GA19) were significantly disrupted in galactose turnover during flower opening, and at the onset of senescence had retained 86% of their galactose compared with 20% in the controls. The Gal content of Na 2 CO 3 -soluble cell wall extracts and the highly insoluble polysaccharides associated with cellulose were particularly affected. Immunodetection with the antibody LM5 showed that much of the cell wall Gal in GA19 was retained as galactan, presumably the side-chains of rhamnogalacturonan-I. The flowers of GA19, despite having retained substantially more galactan, were no different from controls in their internal cell arrangement, dimensions, weight or timing of opening and senescence. However, the GA19 petals had less petal integrity (as judged by force required to cause petal fracture) after opening and showed a greater decline in this integrity with time than controls, raising the possibility that galactan loss is a mechanism for helping to maintain petal tissue cohesion after flower opening. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Effects of Exogenous Enzymatic Treatment During Processing on the Sensory Quality of Summer Tieguanyin Oolong Tea from the Chinese Anxi County

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xue-Bo

2015-01-01

Summary In order to attenuate the bitter taste and improve the aroma of the summer tieguanyin oolong tea from the Chinese Anxi county, the effects of processing treatment with exogenous laccase and α-galactosidase on tea sensory quality and related compounds were investigated. The solutions of laccase and/or α-galactosidase were sprayed on the tea leaves before the first drying process. The sensory evaluation results showed that the sensory quality of the tea was significantly enhanced with the enzymatic treatment. The combined application of laccase at 8.25 and α-galactosidase at 22 U per kg of fresh tea shoots achieved the most satisfying sensory quality. Further analysis of flavour-related constituents was carried out by HPLC and GC-MS. The HPLC analysis showed that the contents of catechins and total polyphenols were reduced, compared to the untreated group, by 11.9 and 13.3% respectively, and the total soluble sugars and water extract content were increased by 19.4 and 6.6% respectively, after the treatment with both enzymes. The decrease of catechins and total polyphenols reduced the bitterness and astringency of the summer tea, while the increase of total soluble sugars and water extract content improved the sweetness and mellow taste. The aromatic compound data from GC-MS showed that the total essential oil content in these tea samples co-treated with laccase and α-galactosidase increased significantly, in which aldehydes, alcohols, esters and alkenes increased by 23.28, 37.05, 20.10 and 38.99%, respectively. Our data suggest that the exogenous enzymatic treatment can enhance the summer oolong tea quality, especially its taste and aroma. PMID:27904347

Synthesis of the Galactosyl Derivative of Gluconic Acid With the Transglycosylation Activity of β-Galactosidase

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Summary Bionic acids are bioactive compounds demonstrating numerous interesting properties. They are widely produced by chemical or enzymatic oxidation of disaccharides. This paper focuses on the galactosyl derivative of gluconic acid as a result of a new method of bionic acid synthesis which utilises the transglycosylation properties of β-galactosidase and introduces lactose as a substrate. Products obtained in such a process are characterised by different structures (and, potentially, properties) than those resulting from traditional oxidation of disaccharides. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of selected parameters (concentration and ratio of substrates, dose of the enzyme, time, pH, presence of salts) on the course of the reaction carried out with the enzymatic preparation Lactozym, containing β-galactosidase from Kluyveromyces lactis. Research has shown that increased dry matter content in the baseline solution (up to 50%, by mass per volume) and an addition of NaCl contribute to higher yield. On the other hand, reduced content of the derivative is a result of increased pH from 7.0 to 9.0 and an addition of magnesium and manganese salts. Moreover, exceeding the β-galactosidase dose over approx. 35 000 U per 100 g of lactose also leads to reduced yield of the process. The most favourable molar ratio of sodium gluconate to lactose is 2.225:0.675. Depending on the conditions of the synthesis, the product concentration ranged between 17.3 and 118.3 g/L of the reaction mixture, which corresponded to the mass fraction of 6.64–23.7% of dry matter. The data obtained as a result of the present study may be useful for designing an industrial process. PMID:28867957

Induction of experimental bone metastasis in mice by transfection of integrin alpha 4 beta 1 into tumor cells.

PubMed Central

Matsuura, N.; Puzon-McLaughlin, W.; Irie, A.; Morikawa, Y.; Kakudo, K.; Takada, Y.

1996-01-01

Cell adhesion receptors (eg, integrins and CD44) play an important role in invasion and metastasis during tumor progression. The increase in integrin alpha 4 beta 1 expression on primary melanomas has been reported to significantly correlate with the development of metastases. alpha 4 beta 1 is a cell surface heterodimer that mediates cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions through adhesion to vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and to the IIICS region of fibronectin. To test the effects of alpha 4 beta 1 expression on tumor cell metastasis, Chinese hamster ovary cells were transfected with human alpha 4 cDNA. Whereas alpha 4-negative Chinese hamster ovary cells developed only pulmonary metastasis, alpha 4-positive Chinese hamster ovary cells developed bone and pulmonary metastasis in 3 to 4 weeks when injected intravenously into nude mice. Bone metastasis was inhibited by antibody against alpha 4 or VCAM-1. Expression of alpha 3 beta 1, alpha 6 beta 1, or alpha V beta 1 did not induce bone metastasis. Expression of alpha 4 beta 1 also induced bone metastasis in K562 human erythroleukemia cells injected into SCID mice. These results demonstrate that alpha 4 beta 1 can induce tumor cell trafficking to bone, probably via interaction with VCAM-1 that is constitutively expressed on bone marrow stromal cells. Images Figure 1 Figure 3 PMID:8546226

Folate receptor {alpha} regulates cell proliferation in mouse gonadotroph {alpha}T3-1 cells

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

Yao, Congjun; Evans, Chheng-Orn; Stevens, Victoria L.

We have previously found that the mRNA and protein levels of the folate receptor alpha (FR{alpha}) are uniquely over-expressed in clinically human nonfunctional (NF) pituitary adenomas, but the mechanistic role of FR{alpha} has not fully been determined. We investigated the effect of FR{alpha} over-expression in the mouse gonadotroph {alpha}T3-1 cell line as a model for NF pituitary adenomas. We found that the expression and function of FR{alpha} were strongly up-regulated, by Western blotting and folic acid binding assay. Furthermore, we found a higher cell growth rate, an enhanced percentage of cells in S-phase by BrdU assay, and a higher PCNAmore » staining. These observations indicate that over-expression of FR{alpha} promotes cell proliferation. These effects were abrogated in the same {alpha}T3-1 cells when transfected with a mutant FR{alpha} cDNA that confers a dominant-negative phenotype by inhibiting folic acid binding. Finally, by real-time quantitative PCR, we found that mRNA expression of NOTCH3 was up-regulated in FR{alpha} over-expressing cells. In summary, our data suggests that FR{alpha} regulates pituitary tumor cell proliferation and mechanistically may involve the NOTCH pathway. Potentially, this finding could be exploited to develop new, innovative molecular targeted treatment for human NF pituitary adenomas.« less

Interleukin-9 enhances interleukin-5 receptor expression, differentiation, and survival of human eosinophils.

PubMed

Gounni, A S; Gregory, B; Nutku, E; Aris, F; Latifa, K; Minshall, E; North, J; Tavernier, J; Levit, R; Nicolaides, N; Robinson, D; Hamid, Q

2000-09-15

Interleukin-9 (IL-9) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders. To examine the interaction between IL-9 and eosinophils, we evaluated mature peripheral blood eosinophils for their expression of the specific alpha-subunit of the IL-9 receptor (IL-9R-alpha). The expression of IL-9R-alpha by human eosinophils was detected at the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), flow cytometry, and immunocytochemical analysis, respectively. Functional analyses demonstrated that recombinant human (rh)IL-9 inhibited in vitro peripheral blood human eosinophil apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. We then examined the role of IL-9 in eosinophil differentiation using the human cord blood CD34(+) cells and human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60). The addition of IL-9 to CD34(+) cells cultured in IL-3 and IL-5 enhanced eosinophil development, and IL-9 alone induced the expression of IL-5R-alpha. IL-9 also up-regulated the IL-5R-alpha chain cell surface expression during terminal eosinophil differentiation of the HL-60 cell line. Our findings suggest that IL-9 may potentiate in vivo eosinophil function by increasing their survival and IL-5-mediated differentiation and maturation. Taken together, these results suggest a mechanism by which IL-9 potentiates airway and tissue eosinophilia.

Expression of the transforming growth factor alpha protooncogene in differentiating human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells.

PubMed

Walz, T M; Malm, C; Wasteson, A

1993-01-01

The process of myeloid differentiation in human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60) is accompanied by the coordinate expression of numerous protooncogenes. To investigate the expression of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) in myeloid differentiation, HL-60 cells were induced to differentiate into granulocytes with 1.25% dimethyl sulfoxide, 0.2 microM all-trans retinoic acid, or 500 microM N6,O2-dibutyryladenosine-3'5'-cyclic monophosphate or differentiated along the monocyte/macrophage pathway with 0.1 microM phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate. Using Northern blot analyses, TGF-alpha transcripts were detected within 24 h of treatment in cells differentiating toward granulocytes; maximal levels of gene expression were reached after 3 days or later and remained essentially constant throughout the observation period. These cells released TGF-alpha protein, as demonstrated by analysis of the incubation medium. In contrast, no TGF-alpha RNA or protein was detectable in HL-60 cell cultures when induced with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate. Epidermal growth factor receptor transcripts could not be detected either in undifferentiated or in differentiated HL-60 cells; therefore it appears as if an autocrine loop involving TGF-alpha in HL-60 cells is unlikely. In conclusion, the results demonstrate, for the first time, the expression of TGF-alpha in human granulocyte precursor cells. Our findings may indicate novel regulatory pathways in hematopoiesis.

Investigating intermolecular forces associated with thrombus initiation using optical tweezers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arya, Maneesh; Lopez, Jose A.; Romo, Gabriel M.; Dong, Jing-Fei; McIntire, Larry V.; Moake, Joel L.; Anvari, Bahman

2002-05-01

Thrombus formation occurs when a platelet membrane receptor, glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex, binds to its ligand, von Willebrand factor (vWf), in the subendothelium or plasma. To determine which GP Ib-IX-V amino acid sequences are critical for bond formation, we have used optical tweezers to measure forces involved in the binding of vWf to GP Ib-IX-V variants. Inasmuch as GP Ib(alpha) subunit is the primary component in human GP Ib-IX-V complex that binds to vWf, and that canine GP Ib(alpha) , on the other hand, does not bind to human vWf, we progressively replaced human GP Ib(alpha) amino acid sequences with canine GP Ib(alpha) sequences to determine the sequences essential for vWf/GP Ib(alpha) binding. After measuring the adhesive forces between optically trapped, vWf-coated beads and GP Ib(alpha) variants expressed on mammalian cells, we determined that leucine- rich repeat 2 of GP Ib(alpha) was necessary for vWf/GP Ib-IX- V bond formation. We also found that deletion of the N- terminal flanking sequence and leucine-rich repeat 1 reduced adhesion strength to vWf but did not abolish binding. While divalent cations are known to influence binding of vWf, addition of 1mM CaCl2 had no effect on measured vWf/GP Ib(alpha) bond strengths.

Human Lung Cancer Risks from Radon – Part I - Influence from Bystander Effects - A Microdose Analysis

PubMed Central

Leonard, Bobby E.; Thompson, Richard E.; Beecher, Georgia C.

2010-01-01

Since the publication of the BEIR VI report in 1999 on health risks from radon, a significant amount of new data has been published showing various mechanisms that may affect the ultimate assessment of radon as a carcinogen, at low domestic and workplace radon levels, in particular the Bystander Effect (BE) and the Adaptive Response radio-protection (AR). We analyzed the microbeam and broadbeam alpha particle data of Miller et al. (1995, 1999), Zhou et al. (2001, 2003, 2004), Nagasawa and Little (1999, 2002), Hei et al. (1999), Sawant et al. (2001a) and found that the shape of the cellular response to alphas is relatively independent of cell species and LET of the alphas. The same alpha particle traversal dose response behavior should be true for human lung tissue exposure to radon progeny alpha particles. In the Bystander Damage Region of the alpha particle response, there is a variation of RBE from about 10 to 35. There is a transition region between the Bystander Damage Region and Direct Damage Region of between one and two microdose alpha particle traversals indicating that perhaps two alpha particle “hits” are necessary to produce the direct damage. Extrapolation of underground miners lung cancer risks to human risks at domestic and workplace levels may not be valid. PMID:21731539

Ceramide does not mediate the effect of tumour necrosis factor alpha on superoxide generation in human neutrophils.

PubMed Central

Yanaga, F; Watson, S P

1994-01-01

The effect of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) on superoxide generation in human neutrophils was investigated using the Nitro Blue Tetrazolium reduction assay. TNF alpha stimulated superoxide generation in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. The maximally effective concentration of TNF alpha for superoxide generation was 10 nM and maximal response was obtained after 15-20 min. The monoclonal antibody (mAb), utr-1, which was raised against the 75 kDa receptor and behaves as an antagonist, had no effect on superoxide generation, but partially inhibited the response to TNF alpha. mAb htr-9, which was raised against the 55 kDa receptor and behaves as an agonist, mimicked the effect of TNF alpha, but with a lower maximal response. As it has been reported that ceramide might act as a second messenger to mediate many of the effects of TNF alpha, the effects of exogenous sphingomyelinase and the cell-permeable ceramide analogue, C2- ceramide, on production of superoxide anions, induction of priming in response to formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, and cell-shape change were examined. Neither sphingomyelinase nor C2-ceramide mimicked the effect of TNF alpha. Ceramide is converted into ceramide 1-phosphate by ceramide kinase and we have measured levels of this metabolite to clarify the effect of TNF alpha on sphingomyelinase activity in neutrophils. Although exogenous sphingomyelinase increased the amount of ceramide 1-phosphate in a time-dependent manner, and C2-ceramide was rapidly converted into C2-ceramide phosphate, TNF alpha had no effect on the level of ceramide 1-phosphate. These results suggest that TNF alpha stimulates superoxide generation through both the 55 kDa and 75 kDa receptors, but that ceramide does not act as an intracellular mediator for TNF alpha in human neutrophils. Images Figure 4 PMID:8141790

Vaccine Development for Biothreat Alpha Viruses

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-25

gaviridae, are causative agents of debilitative, acute, and sometimes fatal encephalitis in North, Central, and South America [1]. These viruses are...and can be lyophilized. VEEV was tested as a biowarfare agent during the U.S. offensive program in the 1950’s and 1960’s, and may have been...MD 21702, USA Abstract The majority of alpha virus is non-pathogenic to humans. However, select alpha viruses can cause severe disease in humans

Pregnancy Specific Glycoprotein 17 Binds to the Extracellular Loop 2 of its Receptor, CD9, and Induces the Secretion of IL-lO, IL-6, PGE2 and TGFbeta1 in Murine Macrophages

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-07-09

reaches up to 200-400 µg/ml at term, far exceeding the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and alpha fetoprotein [42, 43]. Low...reach up to 200-400 µg/ml at term, far exceeding the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha fetoprotein [2]. Abnormally low levels...Human placental lactogen, pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein and alpha - fetoprotein in serum in threatened abortion. Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 1983. 21

Localization of mRNA for CHRNA7 in human fetal brain.

PubMed

Agulhon, C; Abitbol, M; Bertrand, D; Malafosse, A

1999-08-02

The aim of this study was to determine the regional distribution in situ of the mRNA for the alpha 7 subunit of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in human fetal brain. We found high levels of alpha 7 gene expression in nuclei that receive sensory information, such as those of the neocortex and hippocampus, the thalamic nuclei, the reticular thalamic nucleus, the pontine nuclei and the superior olive complex. These data support a possible regulatory function for alpha 7-containing receptors in sensory processing, which may be involved in the pathological physiology of schizophrenia and autism. Early alpha 7 gene expression is also consistent with a morphogenetic role for alpha 7 receptors in central nervous system development.

Human Parotid Gland Alpha-Amylase Secretion as a Function of Chronic Hyperbaric Exposure

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-01-01

parotid ...Pullman, WA 99163 Gilman, S. C, G. J. Fischer, R. J. Biersner, R. D. Thornton, and D. A. Miller. 1979. Human parotid gland alpha-amylase secretion...as a function of chronic hyperbaric exposure. Undersea Biomed. Res. 6(3):303-307.—Secretion of a-amylase by the human parotid gland increased

Importance of agonists in alpha-adrenoceptor classification and localisation of alpha1-adrenoceptors in human prostate.

PubMed

McGrath, J C; Naghadeh, M A; Pediani, J D; Mackenzie, J F; Daly, C J

1999-01-01

alpha-Adrenoceptor blocker drugs are commonly used in the clinical (non-surgical) treatment of BPH. alpha1-adrenoceptors were originally sub-divided using agonists but, subsequently, were sub-divided using only antagonists in ligand-ligand interactions, which did not require agonists at all. Ultimately, proof that adrenoceptors are functional receptors for the natural ligands, noradrenaline and adrenaline, requires that agonists be used. The earlier excitement engendered by finding varying agonist potency series in different tissues has not been revisited to place it in the context of current concepts of alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes. This review will consider the advantages and limitations of different agonists for the study of alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes including 'extreme' examples where the archetypal alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine activates alpha2-adrenoceptors and others where UK14304, often the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist of choice, activates alpha1-adrenoceptors. New work will also be presented showing the interaction between agonists and the fluorescent alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist QAPB. This introduces the novel point of view of studying the displacement of antagonists by agonists. Possible errors in antagonist classification arising from complexity in the actions of agonists and the recently developed method of fluorescent ligand binding on isolated living human prostatic smooth muscle cells will be discussed.

Affective and cognitive behavior in the alpha-galactosidase A deficient mouse model of Fabry disease

PubMed Central

Karl, Franziska; Sommer, Claudia; Üçeyler, Nurcan

2017-01-01

Fabry disease is an X-linked inherited lysosomal storage disorder with intracellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) due to α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) deficiency. Fabry patients frequently report of anxiety, depression, and impaired cognitive function. We characterized affective and cognitive phenotype of male mice with α-Gal A deficiency (Fabry KO) and compared results with those of age-matched male wildtype (WT) littermates. Young (3 months) and old (≥ 18 months) mice were tested in the naïve state and after i.pl. injection of complete Freund`s adjuvant (CFA) as an inflammatory pain model. We used the elevated plus maze (EPM), the light-dark box (LDB) and the open field test (OF) to investigate anxiety-like behavior. The forced swim test (FST) and Morris water maze (MWM) were applied to assess depressive-like and learning behavior. The EPM test revealed no intergroup difference for anxiety-like behavior in naïve young and old Fabry KO mice compared to WT littermates, except for longer time spent in open arms of the EPM for young WT mice compared to young Fabry KO mice (p<0.05). After CFA injection, young Fabry KO mice showed increased anxiety-like behavior compared to young WT littermates (p<0.05) and naïve young Fabry KO mice (p<0.05) in the EPM as reflected by shorter time spent in EPM open arms. There were no relevant differences in the LDB and the OF test, except for longer time spent in the center zone of the OF by young WT mice compared to young Fabry KO mice (p<0.05). Complementary to this, depression-like and learning behavior were not different between genotypes and age-groups, except for the expectedly lower memory performance in older age-groups compared to young mice. Our results indicate that genetic influences on affective and cognitive symptoms in FD may be of subordinate relevance, drawing attention to potential influences of environmental and epigenetic factors. PMID:28662189

Alpha power indexes task-related networks on large and small scales: A multimodal ECoG study in humans and a non-human primate.

PubMed

de Pesters, A; Coon, W G; Brunner, P; Gunduz, A; Ritaccio, A L; Brunet, N M; de Weerd, P; Roberts, M J; Oostenveld, R; Fries, P; Schalk, G

2016-07-01

Performing different tasks, such as generating motor movements or processing sensory input, requires the recruitment of specific networks of neuronal populations. Previous studies suggested that power variations in the alpha band (8-12Hz) may implement such recruitment of task-specific populations by increasing cortical excitability in task-related areas while inhibiting population-level cortical activity in task-unrelated areas (Klimesch et al., 2007; Jensen and Mazaheri, 2010). However, the precise temporal and spatial relationships between the modulatory function implemented by alpha oscillations and population-level cortical activity remained undefined. Furthermore, while several studies suggested that alpha power indexes task-related populations across large and spatially separated cortical areas, it was largely unclear whether alpha power also differentially indexes smaller networks of task-related neuronal populations. Here we addressed these questions by investigating the temporal and spatial relationships of electrocorticographic (ECoG) power modulations in the alpha band and in the broadband gamma range (70-170Hz, indexing population-level activity) during auditory and motor tasks in five human subjects and one macaque monkey. In line with previous research, our results confirm that broadband gamma power accurately tracks task-related behavior and that alpha power decreases in task-related areas. More importantly, they demonstrate that alpha power suppression lags population-level activity in auditory areas during the auditory task, but precedes it in motor areas during the motor task. This suppression of alpha power in task-related areas was accompanied by an increase in areas not related to the task. In addition, we show for the first time that these differential modulations of alpha power could be observed not only across widely distributed systems (e.g., motor vs. auditory system), but also within the auditory system. Specifically, alpha power was suppressed in the locations within the auditory system that most robustly responded to particular sound stimuli. Altogether, our results provide experimental evidence for a mechanism that preferentially recruits task-related neuronal populations by increasing cortical excitability in task-related cortical areas and decreasing cortical excitability in task-unrelated areas. This mechanism is implemented by variations in alpha power and is common to humans and the non-human primate under study. These results contribute to an increasingly refined understanding of the mechanisms underlying the selection of the specific neuronal populations required for task execution. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Discovery of an Oxybenzylglycine Based Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Alpha Selective

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

Li, J.; Kennedy, L; Shi, Y

2010-01-01

An 1,3-oxybenzylglycine based compound 2 (BMS-687453) was discovered to be a potent and selective peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) {alpha} agonist, with an EC{sub 50} of 10 nM for human PPAR{alpha} and {approx}410-fold selectivity vs human PPAR{gamma} in PPAR-GAL4 transactivation assays. Similar potencies and selectivity were also observed in the full length receptor co-transfection assays. Compound 2 has negligible cross-reactivity against a panel of human nuclear hormone receptors including PPAR{delta}. Compound 2 demonstrated an excellent pharmacological and safety profile in preclinical studies and thus was chosen as a development candidate for the treatment of atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. The X-ray cocrystalmore » structures of the early lead compound 12 and compound 2 in complex with PPAR{alpha} ligand binding domain (LBD) were determined. The role of the crystal structure of compound 12 with PPAR{alpha} in the development of the SAR that ultimately resulted in the discovery of compound 2 is discussed.« less

Neisseria meningitidis Opc invasin binds to the cytoskeletal protein alpha-actinin.

PubMed

Sa E Cunha, Claudia; Griffiths, Natalie J; Murillo, Isabel; Virji, Mumtaz

2009-03-01

Neisseria meningitidis Opc protein is an effective invasin for human endothelial cells. We have investigated novel human endothelial receptors targeted by Opc and observed that Opc-expressing bacteria interacted with a 100 kDa protein in whole-cell lysates of human endothelial and epithelial cells. The identity of the protein was established as alpha-actinin by mass spectrometry. Opc expression was essential for the recognition of alpha-actinin whether provided in a purified form or in cell extracts. The interaction of the two proteins did not involve intermediate molecules. As there was no demonstrable expression of alpha-actinin on the surfaces of any of the eight cell lines studied, the likelihood of the interactions after meningococcal internalization was examined. Confocal imaging demonstrated considerable colocalization of N. meningitidis with alpha-actinin especially after a prolonged period of internalization. This may imply that bacteria and alpha-actinin initially occur in separate compartments and co-compartmentalization occurs progressively over the 8 h infection period used. In conclusion, these studies have identified a novel and an intracellular target for the N. meningitidis Opc invasin. Since alpha-actinin is a modulator of a variety of signalling pathways and of cytoskeletal functions, its targeting by Opc may enable bacteria to survive/translocate across endothelial barriers.

Molecular analysis and functional expression of the human type E neuronal Ca2+ channel alpha 1 subunit.

PubMed

Schneider, T; Wei, X; Olcese, R; Costantin, J L; Neely, A; Palade, P; Perez-Reyes, E; Qin, N; Zhou, J; Crawford, G D

1994-01-01

A human brain alpha 1 Ca2+ channel subunit was cloned and expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The open reading frame, encoding 2,312 amino acids, has high homology to the marine ray doe-1, the rat E-type, and the rabbit brain BII alpha 1 subunits. The amino and carboxy termini of this human.E-type alpha 1 subunit (alpha 1E) are most similar to the rabbit BII-1 splice variant, the remainder being colinear with the BII alpha 1 with the exception of two insertions, one of 43 amino acids in the C-terminus and another of 7 amino acids, found also in the rat alpha 1E, between domains II and III. Two potential Ca2+ binding sites are predicted from its primary structure. The expression of inward Ba2+ currents reveals voltage-dependent activation and inactivation measured by the cut-open oocyte vaseline-gap technique, with kinetics that correspond to that of a high-voltage-activated neuronal Ca2+ channel, and pharmacologic properties that resemble those of some low-voltage-activated neuronal Ca2+ currents. The human alpha 1E currents are insensitive to omega-conotoxin-GVIA (1 microM), omega-agatoxin-IVA (200 nM), a synthetic funnel web spider toxin (FTX, 20 microM), and Bay-K8644 (0.5 microM); they are inhibited 20% by high concentrations of methoxyverapamil and diltiazem, 65% by 0.1% crude funnel web spider venom and 100% by Ni2+ (IC50 = 30 nM). Single-channel records show a complex activity pattern with several apparent conductance states, the largest having a conductance of 14 pS.

Effects of alpha-particles on survival and chromosomal aberrations in human mammary epithelial cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Durante, M.; Grossi, G. F.; Gialanella, G.; Pugliese, M.; Nappo, M.; Yang, T. C.

1995-01-01

We have studied the radiation responses of a human mammary epithelial cell line, H184B5 F5-1 M/10. This cell line was derived from primary mammary cells after treatment with chemicals and heavy ions. The F5-1 M/10 cells are immortal, density-inhibited in growth, and non-tumorigenic in athymic nude mice and represent an in vitro model of the human epithelium for radiation studies. Because epithelial cells are the target of alpha-particles emitted from radon daughters, we concentrated our studies on the efficiency of alpha-particles. Confluent cultures of M/10 cells were exposed to accelerated alpha-particles [beam energy incident at the cell monolayer = 3.85 MeV, incident linear energy transfer (LET) in cell = 109 keV/microns] and, for comparison, to 80 kVp x-rays. The following endpoints were studied: (1) survival, (2) chromosome aberrations at the first postirradiation mitosis, and (3) chromosome alterations at later passages following irradiation. The survival curve was exponential for alpha-particles (D0 = 0.73 +/- 0.04 Gy), while a shoulder was observed for x-rays (alpha/beta = 2.9 Gy; D0 = 2.5 Gy, extrapolation number 1.6). The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of high-LET alpha-particles for human epithelial cell killing was 3.3 at 37% survival. Dose-response curves for the induction of chromosome aberrations were linear for alpha-particles and linearquadratic for x-rays. The RBE for the induction of chromosome aberrations varied with the type of aberration scored and was high (about 5) for chromosome breaks and low (about 2) for chromosome exchanges.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS).

Human brain nicotinic receptors, their distribution and participation in neuropsychiatric disorders.

PubMed

Graham, A J; Martin-Ruiz, C M; Teaktong, T; Ray, M A; Court, J A

2002-08-01

Mapping of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes and subunits in human brain is far from complete, however it is clear that multiple subunits are present (including alpha3, alpha4, alpha5, alpha6 and alpha7, beta2, alpha3 and beta4) and that these receptors are not solely distributed on neurones, but also on cerebral vasculature and astrocytes. It is important to elucidate subunit composition of receptors associated with different cell types and pathways within the human CNS in terms of potential nicotinic therapy for a range of both developmental and age-related disorders in which nAChR attenuation occurs. Reductions in nAChRs are reported in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, dementia with Lewy bodies, schizophrenia and autism, but may not be associated with reduced cortical cholinergic innervation observed in vascular dementia or occur at an early stage in Down's syndrome. Changes in nAChR expression in neuropsychiatric disorders appear to be brain region and subtype specific and have been shown in some instances to be associated with pathology and symptomatology. It is likely that deficits in alpha4-containing receptors predominate in cortical areas in Alzheimer's disease and autism, whereas reduction of alpha7 receptors may be more important in schizophrenia. Changes in astrocytic and vascular nAChR expression in neurodegenerative diseases should also be considered. Studies using both animal models and human autopsy tissue suggest that nAChRs can play a role in neuroprotection against age-related pathology. It is possible that the development of nAChR subtype specific drugs may lead to advances in therapy for both age-related and psychiatric disorders.

Effects of alpha-particles on survival and chromosomal aberrations in human mammary epithelial cells.

PubMed

Durante, M; Grossi, G F; Gialanella, G; Pugliese, M; Nappo, M; Yang, T C

1995-08-01

We have studied the radiation responses of a human mammary epithelial cell line, H184B5 F5-1 M/10. This cell line was derived from primary mammary cells after treatment with chemicals and heavy ions. The F5-1 M/10 cells are immortal, density-inhibited in growth, and non-tumorigenic in athymic nude mice and represent an in vitro model of the human epithelium for radiation studies. Because epithelial cells are the target of alpha-particles emitted from radon daughters, we concentrated our studies on the efficiency of alpha-particles. Confluent cultures of M/10 cells were exposed to accelerated alpha-particles [beam energy incident at the cell monolayer = 3.85 MeV, incident linear energy transfer (LET) in cell = 109 keV/microns] and, for comparison, to 80 kVp x-rays. The following endpoints were studied: (1) survival, (2) chromosome aberrations at the first postirradiation mitosis, and (3) chromosome alterations at later passages following irradiation. The survival curve was exponential for alpha-particles (D0 = 0.73 +/- 0.04 Gy), while a shoulder was observed for x-rays (alpha/beta = 2.9 Gy; D0 = 2.5 Gy, extrapolation number 1.6). The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of high-LET alpha-particles for human epithelial cell killing was 3.3 at 37% survival. Dose-response curves for the induction of chromosome aberrations were linear for alpha-particles and linearquadratic for x-rays. The RBE for the induction of chromosome aberrations varied with the type of aberration scored and was high (about 5) for chromosome breaks and low (about 2) for chromosome exchanges.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Crystal structures of human 108V and 108M catechol O-methyltransferase

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

Rutherford, K.; Le Trong, I.; Stenkamp, R.E.

2008-08-01

Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) plays important roles in the metabolism of catecholamine neurotransmitters and catechol estrogens. The development of COMT inhibitors for use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease has been aided by crystallographic structures of the rat enzyme. However, the human and rat proteins have significantly different substrate specificities. Additionally, human COMT contains a common valine-methionine polymorphism at position 108. The methionine protein is less stable than the valine polymorph, resulting in decreased enzyme activity and protein levels in vivo. Here we describe the crystal structures of the 108V and 108M variants of the soluble form of human COMT boundmore » with S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and a substrate analog, 3,5-dinitrocatechol. The polymorphic residue 108 is located in the {alpha}5-{beta}3 loop, buried in a hydrophobic pocket {approx}16 {angstrom} from the SAM-binding site. The 108V and 108M structures are very similar overall [RMSD of C{sup {alpha}} atoms between two structures (C{sup {alpha}} RMSD) = 0.2 {angstrom}], and the active-site residues are superposable, in accord with the observation that SAM stabilizes 108M COMT. However, the methionine side chain is packed more tightly within the polymorphic site and, consequently, interacts more closely with residues A22 ({alpha}2) and R78 ({alpha}4) than does valine. These interactions of the larger methionine result in a 0.7-{angstrom} displacement in the backbone structure near residue 108, which propagates along {alpha}1 and {alpha}5 toward the SAM-binding site. Although the overall secondary structures of the human and rat proteins are very similar (C{sup {alpha}} RMSD = 0.4 {angstrom}), several nonconserved residues are present in the SAM-(I89M, I91M, C95Y) and catechol- (C173V, R201M, E202K) binding sites. The human protein also contains three additional solvent-exposed cysteine residues (C95, C173, C188) that may contribute to intermolecular disulfide bond formation and protein aggregation.« less

Detection of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the human alpha-lactalbumin gene: implications for human milk proteins.

PubMed

Chowanadisai, Winyoo; Kelleher, Shannon L; Nemeth, Jennifer F; Yachetti, Stephen; Kuhlman, Charles F; Jackson, Joan G; Davis, Anne M; Lien, Eric L; Lönnerdal, Bo

2005-05-01

Variability in the protein composition of breast milk has been observed in many women and is believed to be due to natural variation of the human population. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are present throughout the entire human genome, but the impact of this variation on human milk composition and biological activity and infant nutrition and health is unclear. The goals of this study were to characterize a variant of human alpha-lactalbumin observed in milk from a Filipino population by determining the location of the polymorphism in the amino acid and genomic sequences of alpha-lactalbumin. Milk and blood samples were collected from 20 Filipino women, and milk samples were collected from an additional 450 women from nine different countries. alpha-Lactalbumin concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and milk samples containing the variant form of the protein were identified with both HPLC and mass spectrometry (MS). The molecular weight of the variant form was measured by MS, and the location of the polymorphism was narrowed down by protein reduction, alkylation and trypsin digestion. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood, and the polymorphism location and subject genotype were determined by amplifying the entire coding sequence of human alpha-lactalbumin by PCR, followed by DNA sequencing. A variant form of alpha-lactalbumin was observed in HPLC chromatograms, and the difference in molecular weight was determined by MS (wild type=14,070 Da, variant=14,056 Da). Protein reduction and digestion narrowed the polymorphism between the 33rd and 77th amino acid of the protein. The genetic polymorphism was identified as adenine to guanine, which translates to a substitution from isoleucine to valine at amino acid 46. The frequency of variation was higher in milk from China, Japan and Philippines, which suggests that this polymorphism is most prevalent in Asia. There are SNPs in the genome for human milk proteins and their implications for protein bioactivity and infant nutrition need to be considered.

Metabolism of aspartame by human and pig intestinal microvillar peptidases.

PubMed Central

Hooper, N M; Hesp, R J; Tieku, S

1994-01-01

The artificial sweetener aspartame (N-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenyl-alanine-1-methyl ester; Nutrasweet), its decomposition product alpha Asp-Phe and the related peptide alpha Asp-PheNH2 were rapidly hydrolysed by microvillar membranes prepared from human duodenum, jejunum and ileum, and from pig duodenum and kidney. The metabolism of aspartame by the human and pig intestinal microvillar membrane preparations was inhibited significantly (> 78%) by amastatin or 1,10-phenanthroline, and partially (> 38%) by actinonin or bestatin, and was activated 2.9-4.5-fold by CaCl2. The inhibition by amastatin and 1,10-phenanthroline, and the activation by CaCl2 are characteristic of the cell-surface ectoenzyme aminopeptidase A (EC 3.4.11.7) and a purified preparation of this enzyme hydrolysed aspartame with a Km of 0.25 mM and a Vmax of 126 mumol/min per mg. A purified preparation of aminopeptidase W (EC 3.4.11.16) also hydrolysed aspartame but with a Km of 4.96 mM and a Vmax of 110 mumol/min per mg. However, rentiapril, an inhibitor of aminopeptidase W, caused only slight inhibition (maximally 19%) of the hydrolysis of aspartame by the microvillar membrane preparations. Similar patterns of inhibition and kinetic parameters were observed for alpha Asp-Phe and alpha Asp-PheNH2. Two other decomposition products of aspartame, beta Asp-PheMe and cyclo-Asp-Phe, were essentially resistant to hydrolysis by both the human and pig intestinal microvillar membrane preparations and the purified preparations of aminopeptidases A and W. Although the relatively selective inhibitor of aminopeptidase N (EC 3.4.11.2), actinonin, partially inhibited the metabolism of aspartame, alpha Asp-Phe and alpha Asp-PheNH2 by the human and pig intestinal microvillar membrane preparations, these peptides were not hydrolysed by a purified preparation of aminopeptidase N. Membrane dipeptidase (EC 3.4.13.19) only hydrolysed the unblocked dipeptide, alpha Asp-Phe, but the selective inhibitor of this enzyme, cilastatin, did not block the metabolism of alpha Asp-Phe by the microvillar membrane preparations. PMID:8141778

21 CFR 866.5400 - Alpha-globulin immuno-logical test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... alpha-globulin (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of alpha-globulin may aid... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Alpha-globulin immuno-logical test system. 866.5400 Section 866.5400 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5400 - Alpha-globulin immuno-logical test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... alpha-globulin (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of alpha-globulin may aid... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Alpha-globulin immuno-logical test system. 866.5400 Section 866.5400 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5400 - Alpha-globulin immuno-logical test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... alpha-globulin (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of alpha-globulin may aid... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Alpha-globulin immuno-logical test system. 866.5400 Section 866.5400 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 866.5400 - Alpha-globulin immuno-logical test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... alpha-globulin (a serum protein) in serum and other body fluids. Measurement of alpha-globulin may aid... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Alpha-globulin immuno-logical test system. 866.5400 Section 866.5400 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

21 CFR 173.115 - Alpha-acetolactate decarboxylase (α-ALDC) enzyme preparation derived from a recombinant Bacillus...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Alpha-acetolactate decarboxylase (α-ALDC) enzyme... FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION Enzyme Preparations and Microorganisms § 173.115 Alpha-acetolactate decarboxylase (α-ALDC) enzyme preparation derived from a recombinant Bacillus subtilis. The food additive alpha...

Ultra-high throughput detection of single cell β-galactosidase activity in droplets using micro-optical lens array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Jiseok; Vrignon, Jérémy; Gruner, Philipp; Karamitros, Christos S.; Konrad, Manfred; Baret, Jean-Christophe

2013-11-01

We demonstrate the use of a hybrid microfluidic-micro-optical system for the screening of enzymatic activity at the single cell level. Escherichia coli β-galactosidase activity is revealed by a fluorogenic assay in 100 pl droplets. Individual droplets containing cells are screened by measuring their fluorescence signal using a high-speed camera. The measurement is parallelized over 100 channels equipped with microlenses and analyzed by image processing. A reinjection rate of 1 ml of emulsion per minute was reached corresponding to more than 105 droplets per second, an analytical throughput larger than those obtained using flow cytometry.

Selective intraarterial gene delivery into a canine meningioma.

PubMed

Chauvet, A E; Kesava, P P; Goh, C S; Badie, B

1998-05-01

The goal of this study was to evaluate gene delivery to a benign brain tumor. A recombinant adenovirus vector bearing the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase reporter gene was selectively injected into the vascular supply of a spontaneously occurring canine olfactory groove meningioma. The tumor and a small amount of peritumoral brain tissue were removed 5 days after viral injection and stained with X-Gal to assess gene delivery. The authors noted significant beta-galactosidase gene expression by the tumor, but not by surrounding brain tissue. No obvious viral-related cytotoxicity was noted. The authors found that meningiomas can be successfully transduced by adenovirus vectors by using endovascular techniques.

Floating Droplet Array: An Ultrahigh-Throughput Device for Droplet Trapping, Real-time Analysis and Recovery

PubMed Central

Labanieh, Louai; Nguyen, Thi N.; Zhao, Weian; Kang, Dong-Ku

2016-01-01

We describe the design, fabrication and use of a dual-layered microfluidic device for ultrahigh-throughput droplet trapping, analysis, and recovery using droplet buoyancy. To demonstrate the utility of this device for digital quantification of analytes, we quantify the number of droplets, which contain a β-galactosidase-conjugated bead among more than 100,000 immobilized droplets. In addition, we demonstrate that this device can be used for droplet clustering and real-time analysis by clustering several droplets together into microwells and monitoring diffusion of fluorescein, a product of the enzymatic reaction of β-galactosidase and its fluorogenic substrate FDG, between droplets. PMID:27134760

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin type II.

PubMed Central

Handl, C; Rönnberg, B; Nilsson, B; Olsson, E; Jonsson, H; Flock, J I

1988-01-01

The gene for Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin type II (STII) was fused to the genes for protein A from Staphylococcus aureus and beta-galactosidase in two different expression systems. Antibodies raised in rabbits against the protein A-STII fusion protein recognized the beta-galactosidase-STII fusion protein. The latter fusion protein was used as the immobilized antigen in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of STII. The correlation between the results of the ELISA and the intestinal loop test in piglets was 95%, suggesting that the ELISA can be used to reliably detect STII. Images PMID:3049659

β-Galactosidase treatment is a common first-stage modification of the three major subtypes of Gc protein to GcMAF.

PubMed

Uto, Yoshihiro; Yamamoto, Syota; Mukai, Hirotaka; Ishiyama, Noriko; Takeuchi, Ryota; Nakagawa, Yoshinori; Hirota, Keiji; Terada, Hiroshi; Onizuka, Shinya; Hori, Hitoshi

2012-06-01

The 1f1f subtype of the group-specific component (Gc) protein is converted into Gc protein-derived macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) by enzymatic processing with β-galactosidase and sialidase. We previously demonstrated that preGc(1f1f)MAF, a full Gc(1f1f) protein otherwise lacking a galactosyl moiety, can be converted to GcMAF by treatment with mouse peritoneal fluid. Here, we investigated the effects of the β-galactosidase-treated 1s1s and 22 subtypes of Gc protein (preGc(1s1s)MAF and preGc₂₂MAF) on the phagocytic activation of mouse peritoneal macrophages. We demonstrated the presence of Gal-GalNAc disaccharide sugar structures in the Gc(1s1s) protein by western blotting using peanut agglutinin and Helix pomatia agglutinin lectin. We also found that preGc(1s1s)MAF and preGc₂₂MAF significantly enhanced the phagocytic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages in the presence and absence of mouse peritoneal fluid. We demonstrate that preGc(1s1s)MAF and preGc₂₂MAF proteins can be used as effective macrophage activators.

Food-grade host/vector expression system for Lactobacillus casei based on complementation of plasmid-associated phospho-beta-galactosidase gene lacG.

PubMed

Takala, T M; Saris, P E J; Tynkkynen, S S H

2003-01-01

A new food-grade host/vector system for Lactobacillus casei based on lactose selection was constructed. The wild-type non-starter host Lb. casei strain E utilizes lactose via a plasmid-encoded phosphotransferase system. For food-grade cloning, a stable lactose-deficient mutant was constructed by deleting a 141-bp fragment from the phospho-beta-galactosidase gene lacG via gene replacement. The deletion resulted in an inactive phospho-beta-galactosidase enzyme with an internal in-frame deletion of 47 amino acids. A complementation plasmid was constructed containing a replicon from Lactococcus lactis, the lacG gene from Lb. casei, and the constitutive promoter of pepR for lacG expression from Lb. rhamnosus. The expression of the lacG gene from the resulting food-grade plasmid pLEB600 restored the ability of the lactose-negative mutant strain to grow on lactose to the wild-type level. The vector pLEB600 was used for expression of the proline iminopeptidase gene pepI from Lb. helveticus in Lb. casei. The results show that the food-grade expression system reported in this paper can be used for expression of foreign genes in Lb. casei.

Functionalization of paramagnetic nanoparticles for protein immobilization and purification.

PubMed

Carneiro, Lara A B C; Ward, Richard J

2018-01-01

A paramagnetic nanocomposite coated with chitosan and N-(5-Amino-1-carboxy-pentyl) iminodiacetic acid (NTA) that is suitable for protein immobilization applications has been prepared and characterized. The nanoparticle core was synthesized by controlled aggregation of Fe 3 O 4 under alkaline conditions, and Transmission Electron Microscopy revealed a size distribution of 10-50 nm. The nanoparticle core was coated with chitosan and derivatized with glutaraldehyde and NTA, as confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The final nanoparticles were used as a metal affinity matrix to separate a recombinant polyhistidine-tagged β-galactosidase from Bacillus subtilis directly from E. coli cell lysates with high purity (>95%). After loading with Ni 2+ , nanoparticles demonstrated a binding capacity of 250 μg of a polyhistidine-tagged β-galactosidase per milligram of support. The immobilized enzyme retained 80% activity after 9 cycles of washing, and the immobilized recombinant protein could be eluted with high purity with imidazole. The applications for these nanomagnetic composites extend beyond protein purification, and can also be used for immobilizing enzymes, where the β-galactosidase immobilized on the nanomagnetic support was used in multiple cycles of catalytic reactions with no significant loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Ceramic microsystem incorporating a microreactor with immobilized biocatalyst for enzymatic spectrophotometric assays.

PubMed

Baeza, Mireia; López, Carmen; Alonso, Julián; López-Santín, Josep; Alvaro, Gregorio

2010-02-01

Low-temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) technology is a versatile fabrication technique used to construct microflow systems. It permits the integration of several unitary operations (pretreatment, separation, (bio)chemical reaction, and detection stage) of an analytical process in a modular or monolithic way. Moreover, because of its compatibility with biological material, LTCC is adequate for analytical applications based on enzymatic reactions. Here we present the design, construction, and evaluation of a LTCC microfluidic system that integrates a microreactor (internal volume, 24.28 microL) with an immobilized beta-galactosidase from Escherichia coli (0.479 activity units) and an optical flow cell to measure the product of the enzymatic reaction. The enzyme was immobilized on a glyoxal-agarose support, maintaining its activity along the time of the study. As a proof of concept, the LTCC-beta-galactosidase system was tested by measuring the conversion of ortho-nitrophenyl beta-D-galactopyranoside, the substrate usually employed for activity determinations. Once packed in a monolithically integrated microcolumn, the miniaturized flow system was characterized, the operational conditions optimized (flow rate and injection volume), and its performance successfully evaluated by determining the beta-galactosidase substrate concentration at the millimolar level.

A Fungal α-Galactosidase from Tricholoma matsutake with Broad Substrate Specificity and Good Hydrolytic Activity on Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides.

PubMed

Geng, Xueran; Tian, Guoting; Zhao, Yongchang; Zhao, Liyan; Wang, Hexiang; Ng, Tzi Bun

2015-07-24

An acidic α-galactosidase designated as TMG was purified from the fruiting bodies The purification protocol entailed ion exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose and of Tricholoma matsutake with 136-fold purification and a specific activity of 909 units/mg. Mono-Q and fast protein liquid chromatography on Superdex 75. TMG is a monomeric protein exhibiting a molecular mass of 47 kDa in SDS-PAGE and gel filtration. The purified enzyme was identified by LC-MS/MS and three inner amino acid sequences were obtained. The optimum pH and temperature for TMG with pNPGal as substrate were pH 4.5 and 55 °C, respectively. The α-galactosidase activity was strongly inhibited by K+, Ca2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Ag+ and Zn2+ ions. The enzyme activity was inhibited by the chemical modification agent N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), indicating the importance of tryptophan residue(s) at or near the active site. Besides hydrolyzing pNPGal, TMG also efficaciously catalyzed the degradation of natural substrates such as stachyose, raffinose, and melibiose. Thus TMG can be exploited commercially for improving the nutritional value of soy milk by degradation of indigestible oligosaccharides.

A Novel Biomedical Device Utilizing Light Emitting Nano-Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Varaljay, Vanessa A.

2004-01-01

This paper will discuss the development of a novel biomedical detection device that will be used to detect microorganisms with the use of infrared fluorochrome polymers attached to antibodies in fluids such as water. The fluorochrome polymers emit light in the near inferred region (NIR), approximately 805 nm, when excited by an NIR laser at 778 nm. The device could remarkably change the way laboratory testing is done today. The testing process is usually performed on a time scale of days while our device will be able to detect microorganisms in minutes. This type of time efficient analysis is ideal for use aboard the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle (ISS/SS) and has many useful commercial applications, for instance at a water treatment plant and food processing plants. With more research and experimentation the testing might also one day be used to detect bacteria and viruses in complex fluids such as blood, which would revolutionize blood analysis as it is performed today. My contribution to the project has been to develop a process which will allow an antibody/fluorescent dye pair to be conjugated to a specific bacteria or virus and than to to be separated from a sample body of water for detection. The antibody being used in this experiment is anti beta galactosidase and its complement enzyme is beta galactosidase, a non harmful derivative of E. Coli. The anti beta galactosidase has been conjugated to the fluorochrome polymer, IRDye800, which emits at approximately 806 nm. The dye when excited by the NIR laser emits a signal which is detected by a spectrometer and then is read by state of the art computer software. The state-of-the-art process includes incubating the anti beta galactosidase and beta galactosidase in a phosphate buffer solution in a test tube, allowing the antibody to bind to specific sites on the enzyme. After the antibody is bound to the enzyme, it is centrifuged in specific filters that will allow free antibody to wash away and leave the antibody-enzyme complexes on top in solution for testing and analysis. This solution is pipetted into a cuvette, a special plastic test tube, which will then be excited by the laser. The signal read will tell US that an antibody is present and since it is bound to the enzyme, that the bacteria is also present.

[Correlations of telomere length changing and pathogeny of keratoconus].

PubMed

Wang, Jiao-jiao; Li, Shao-wei; Wang, Yi-qiang; Wang, Ye; Zhong, Wen-xian; Zang, Xin-jie

2009-08-01

To study telomere length, senescence-associated-beta-galactosidase (SA-beta-galactosidase) and senescence marker protein-30 (SMP-30) in the stromal cells of keratoconus or normal corneas respectively, aiming finding the association of these indexes with the phenotype of keratoconus. Experiment research. 37 keratoconus lesions corneas were removed from 32 keratoconus patients who were operated in Shangdong Eye Institute between January 2006 and December 2006, and 20 normal corneas were collected from eye bank. The keratoconus corneas ages were from 13 to 34 years [mean ages (19 + or - 5) years] and the control group consists of 20 normal corneas donor ages from 9 to 30 years [mean ages (19 + or - 4) years]. And there was no statistical difference of ages between keratoconus and normal corneas. Southern blot method was utilized to detect telomere length of genomic DNA. SA-beta-galactosidase was detected by 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside (X-Gal) staining method respectively in keratoconus and normal corneas. Isolated mRNA from keratoconus and normal corneas were reverse-transcribed to cDNA and SMP-30 was detected using PCR with specific primers (sense: 5' ccg tgg atg cct ttg act at 3'; anti-sense: 5' caa ctt cat gc tgct ttg ga 3'). To compare normal corneas and keratoconus corneas by histopathological study. Statistical analysis by t test. The telomere length in stromal cells in keratoconus corneas were from 10.29 to 14.12 kb, mean (11.54 + or - 1.41) kb, while that of normal corneas were from 12.64 to 15.32 kb, mean (13.45 + or - 0.99) kb. The difference of telomere length in stromal cells of keratoconus and normal corneas reached a statistical significant level (t = 4.753, P < 0.05). That means the telomere length of keratoconus stroma was shorter than that of normal corneal stroma. Light microscopy revealed that collagen fibers in keratoconus corneal stroma were arranged in an irregular manner. Cells density in keratoconus stroma appeared lower than in normal ones but the decrease was not significant. The staining of SA-beta-galactosidase in the keratoconus section was evident, but there was no staining in the normal corneas. SMP-30 was not detectable with RT-PCR method in either keratoconus or normal corneas. Telomeres in the keratoconus stromas manifest higher SA-beta-galactosidase than control, implying that improper senescence might be involved in pathogenesis of keratoconus.

Specific high-affinity binding sites for a synthetic gliadin heptapeptide of human peripheral blood lymphocytes

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

Payan, D.G.; Horvath, K.; Graf, L.

1987-03-23

The synthetic peptide containing residues 43-49 of ..cap alpha..-gliadin, the major protein component of gluten, has previously been shown to inhibit the production of lymphokine activities by mononuclear leukocytes. The authors demonstrate using radiolabeled ..cap alpha..-gliadin(43-49) that human peripheral blood lymphocytes express approximately 20,000-25,000 surface receptors for this peptide, with a dissociation constant (K/sub D/) of 20 nM. In addition, binding is inhibited by naloxone and an enkephalin analog, thus confirming the functional correlate which demonstrates inhibition by these agents of ..cap alpha..-gliadin(43-49) functional effects. Furthermore, B-lymphocytes bind specifically a greater amount of (/sup 125/I)..cap alpha..-gliadin(43-49) than T-lymphocytes. The lymphocytemore » ..cap alpha..-gliadin(43-49) receptor may play an important role in mediating the immunological response to ..cap alpha..-gliadin. 16 references, 4 figures.« less

A Novel Di-Leucine Motif at the N-Terminus of Human Organic Solute Transporter Beta Is Essential for Protein Association and Membrane Localization.

PubMed

Xu, Shuhua; Soroka, Carol J; Sun, An-Qiang; Backos, Donald S; Mennone, Albert; Suchy, Frederick J; Boyer, James L

2016-01-01

The heteromeric membrane protein Organic Solute Transporter alpha/beta is the major bile acid efflux transporter in the intestine. Physical association of its alpha and beta subunits is essential for their polarized basolateral membrane localization and function in the transport of bile acids and other organic solutes. We identified a highly conserved acidic dileucine motif (-EL20L21EE) at the extracellular amino-tail of organic solute transporter beta from multiple species. To characterize the role of this protein interacting domain in the association of the human beta and alpha subunits and in membrane localization of the transporter, Leu20 and Leu21 on the amino-tail of human organic solute transporter beta were replaced with alanines by site-directed mutagenesis. Co-immunoprecipitation study in HEK293 cells demonstrated that substitution of the leucine residues with alanines prevented the interaction of the human beta mutant with the alpha subunit. Membrane biotinylation demonstrated that the LL/AA mutant eliminated membrane expression of both subunits. Computational-based modelling of human organic solute transporter beta suggested that the LL/AA mutation substantially alters both the structure and lipophilicity of the surface, thereby not only affecting the interaction with the alpha subunit but also possibly impacting the capacity of the beta subunit to traffick through the cell and interact with the membrane. In summary, our findings indicate that the dileucine motif in the extracellular N-terminal region of human organic solute transporter beta subunit plays a critical role in the association with the alpha subunit and in its polarized plasma membrane localization.

Identification and characterization of an alternative promoter of the human PGC-1{alpha} gene

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

Yoshioka, Toyo; Inagaki, Kenjiro; Noguchi, Tetsuya, E-mail: noguchi@med.kobe-u.ac.jp

2009-04-17

The transcriptional regulator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{gamma} coactivator-1{alpha} (PGC-1{alpha}) controls mitochondrial biogenesis and energy homeostasis. Although physical exercise induces PGC-1{alpha} expression in muscle, the underlying mechanism of this effect has remained incompletely understood. We recently identified a novel muscle-enriched isoform of PGC-1{alpha} transcript (designated PGC-1{alpha}-b) that is derived from a previously unidentified first exon. We have now cloned and characterized the human PGC-1{alpha}-b promoter. The muscle-specific transcription factors MyoD and MRF4 transactivated this promoter through interaction with a proximal E-box motif. Furthermore, either forced expression of Ca{sup 2+}- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV), calcineurin A, or the p38 mitogen-activated proteinmore » kinase (p38 MAPK) kinase MKK6 or the intracellular accumulation of cAMP activated the PGC-1{alpha}-b promoter in cultured myoblasts through recruitment of cAMP response element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) to a putative CRE located downstream of the E-box. Our results thus reveal a potential molecular basis for isoform-specific regulation of PGC-1{alpha} expression in contracting muscle.« less

Role of microsomal retinol/sterol dehydrogenase-like short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases in the oxidation and epimerization of 3alpha-hydroxysteroids in human tissues.

PubMed

Belyaeva, Olga V; Chetyrkin, Sergei V; Clark, Amy L; Kostereva, Natalia V; SantaCruz, Karen S; Chronwall, Bibie M; Kedishvili, Natalia Y

2007-05-01

Allopregnanolone (ALLO) and androsterone (ADT) are naturally occurring 3alpha-hydroxysteroids that act as positive allosteric regulators of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. In addition, ADT activates nuclear farnesoid X receptor and ALLO activates pregnane X receptor. At least with respect to gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors, the biological activity of ALLO and ADT depends on the 3alpha-hydroxyl group and is lost upon its conversion to either 3-ketosteroid or 3beta-hydroxyl epimer. Such strict structure-activity relationships suggest that the oxidation or epimerization of 3alpha-hydroxysteroids may serve as physiologically relevant mechanisms for the control of the local concentrations of bioactive 3alpha-hydroxysteroids. The exact enzymes responsible for the oxidation and epimerization of 3alpha-hydroxysteroids in vivo have not yet been identified, but our previous studies showed that microsomal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) with dual retinol/sterol dehydrogenase substrate specificity (RoDH-like group of SDRs) can oxidize and epimerize 3alpha-hydroxysteroids in vitro. Here, we present the first evidence that microsomal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/epimerase activities are widely distributed in human tissues with the highest activity levels found in liver and testis and lower levels in lung, spleen, brain, kidney, and ovary. We demonstrate that RoDH-like SDRs contribute to the oxidation and epimerization of ALLO and ADT in living cells, and show that RoDH enzymes are expressed in tissues that have microsomal 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/epimerase activities. Together, these results provide further support for the role of RoDH-like SDRs in human metabolism of 3alpha-hydroxysteroids and offer a new insight into the enzymology of ALLO and ADT inactivation.

Comparative gene expression profiles induced by PPAR{gamma} and PPAR{alpha}/{gamma} agonists in rat hepatocytes

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

Rogue, Alexandra; Universite de Rennes 1, 35065 Rennes Cedex; Biologie Servier, 45520 Gidy

2011-07-01

Species-differential toxic effects have been described with PPAR{alpha} and PPAR{gamma} agonists between rodent and human liver. PPAR{alpha} agonists (fibrates) are potent hypocholesterolemic agents in humans while they induce peroxisome proliferation and tumors in rodent liver. By contrast, PPAR{gamma} agonists (glitazones) and even dual PPAR{alpha}/{gamma} agonists (glitazars) have caused idiosyncratic hepatic and nonhepatic toxicities in human without evidence of any damage in rodent during preclinical studies. The mechanisms involved in such differences remain largely unknown. Several studies have identified the major target genes of PPAR{alpha} agonists in rodent liver while no comprehensive analysis has been performed on gene expression changes inducedmore » by PPAR{gamma} and dual PPAR{alpha}/{gamma} agonists. Here, we investigated transcriptomes of rat hepatocytes after 24 h treatment with two PPAR{gamma} (troglitazone and rosiglitazone) and two PPAR{alpha}/{gamma} (muraglitazar and tesaglitazar) agonists. Although, hierarchical clustering revealed a gene expression profile characteristic of each PPAR agonist class, only a limited number of genes was specifically deregulated by glitazars. Functional analyses showed that many genes known as PPAR{alpha} targets were also modulated by both PPAR{gamma} and PPAR{alpha}/{gamma} agonists and quantitative differences in gene expression profiles were observed between these two classes. Moreover, most major genes modulated in rat hepatocytes were also found to be deregulated in rat liver after tesaglitazar treatment. Taken altogether, these results support the conclusion that differential toxic effects of PPAR{alpha} and PPAR{gamma} agonists in rodent liver do not result from transcriptional deregulation of major PPAR target genes but rather from qualitative and/or quantitative differential responses of a small subset of genes.« less

Alpha-lactalbumin unfolding is not sufficient to cause apoptosis, but is required for the conversion to HAMLET (human alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells).

PubMed

Svensson, Malin; Fast, Jonas; Mossberg, Ann-Kristin; Düringer, Caroline; Gustafsson, Lotta; Hallgren, Oskar; Brooks, Charles L; Berliner, Lawrence; Linse, Sara; Svanborg, Catharina

2003-12-01

HAMLET (human alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells) is a complex of human alpha-lactalbumin and oleic acid (C18:1:9 cis) that kills tumor cells by an apoptosis-like mechanism. Previous studies have shown that a conformational change is required to form HAMLET from alpha-lactalbumin, and that a partially unfolded conformation is maintained in the HAMLET complex. This study examined if unfolding of alpha-lactalbumin is sufficient to induce cell death. We used the bovine alpha-lactalbumin Ca(2+) site mutant D87A, which is unable to bind Ca(2+), and thus remains partially unfolded regardless of solvent conditions. The D87A mutant protein was found to be inactive in the apoptosis assay, but could readily be converted to a HAMLET-like complex in the presence of oleic acid. BAMLET (bovine alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells) and D87A-BAMLET complexes were both able to kill tumor cells. This activity was independent of the Ca(2+)site, as HAMLET maintained a high affinity for Ca(2+) but D87A-BAMLET was active with no Ca(2+) bound. We conclude that partial unfolding of alpha-lactalbumin is necessary but not sufficient to trigger cell death, and that the activity of HAMLET is defined both by the protein and the lipid cofactor. Furthermore, a functional Ca(2+)-binding site is not required for conversion of alpha-lactalbumin to the active complex or to cause cell death. This suggests that the lipid cofactor stabilizes the altered fold without interfering with the Ca(2+)site.

Fibrosis: a key feature of Fabry disease with potential therapeutic implications

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Fabry disease is a rare X-linked hereditary disease caused by mutations in the AGAL gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the current cornerstone of Fabry disease management. Involvement of kidney, heart and the central nervous system shortens life span, and fibrosis of these organs is a hallmark of the disease. Fibrosis was initially thought to result from tissue ischemia secondary to endothelial accumulation of glycosphingolipids in the microvasculature. However, despite ready clearance of endothelial deposits, ERT is less effective in patients who have already developed fibrosis. Several potential explanations of this clinical observation may impact on the future management of Fabry disease. Alternative molecular pathways linking glycosphingolipids and fibrosis may be operative; tissue injury may recruit secondary molecular mediators of fibrosis that are unresponsive to ERT, or fibrosis may represent irreversible tissue injury that limits the therapeutic response to ERT. We provide an overview of Fabry disease, with a focus on the assessment of fibrosis, the clinical consequences of fibrosis, and recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of fibrosis that may suggest novel therapeutic approaches to Fabry disease. PMID:23915644

Modifying the red cell surface: towards an ABO-universal blood supply.

PubMed

Olsson, Martin L; Clausen, Henrik

2008-01-01

Eliminating the risk for ABO-incompatible transfusion errors and simplifying logistics by creating a universal blood inventory is a challenging idea. Goldstein and co-workers pioneered the field of enzymatic conversion of blood group A and B red blood cells (RBCs) to O (ECO). Using alpha-galactosidase from coffee beans to produce B-ECO RBCs, proof of principle for this revolutionary concept was achieved in clinical trials. However, because this enzyme has poor kinetic properties and low pH optimum the process was not economically viable. Conversion of group A RBCs was only achieved with the weak A2 subgroup with related enzymes having acidic pH optima. More recently, the identification of entirely new families of bacterial exoglycosidases with remarkably improved kinetic properties for cleaving A and B antigens has reinvigorated the field. Enzymatic conversion of groups A, B and AB RBCs with these novel enzymes resulting in ECO RBCs typing as O can now be achieved with low enzyme protein consumption, short incubation times and at neutral pH. Presently, clinical trials evaluating safety and efficacy of ECO RBCs are ongoing. Here, we review the status of the ECO technology, its impact and potential for introduction into clinical component preparation laboratories.

Identification and quantification of metabolites common to 17alpha-methyltestosterone and mestanolone in horse urine.

PubMed

Yamada, Masayuki; Aramaki, Sugako; Okayasu, Toshimasa; Hosoe, Tomoo; Kurosawa, Masahiko; Kijima-Suda, Isao; Saito, Koichi; Nakazawa, Hiroyuki

2007-09-21

Anabolic steroids with the 17alpha-methyl,17beta-hydroxyl group, which were developed as oral formulations for therapeutic purposes, have been abused in the field of human sports. These anabolic steroids are also used to enhance racing performance in racehorses. In humans, structurally related 17alpha-methyltestosterone (MTS) and mestanolone (MSL), which are anabolic steroids with the 17alpha-methyl,17beta-hydroxyl group, have metabolites in common. The purpose of this study was to determine metabolites common to these two steroids in horses, which may serve as readily available screening targets for the doping test of these steroids in racehorses. Urine sample collected after administering MTS and MSL to horses was treated to obtain unconjugated steroid, glucuronide, and sulfate fractions. The fractions were subjected to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and 17alpha-methyl-5alpha-androstan-3beta,17beta-diol, 17alpha-hydroxymethyl-5alpha-androstan-3beta,17beta-diol, 17alpha-methyl-5alpha-androstan-3beta,16beta,17beta-triol, and 17alpha-methyl-5alpha-androstan-3beta,16alpha,17beta-triol were detected as the common metabolites by comparison with synthesized reference standards. The urinary concentrations of these metabolites after dosing were determined by GC/MS. 17Alpha-methyl-5alpha-androstan-3beta,16beta,17beta-triol was mainly detected in the sulfate fractions of urine samples after administration. This compound was consistently detected for the longest time in the urine samples after dosing with both steroids. The results suggest that 17alpha-methyl-5alpha-androstan-3beta,16beta,17beta-triol is a very useful screening target for the doping test of MTS and MSL in racehorses.

N-Guanidino Derivatives of 1,5-Dideoxy-1,5-imino-d-xylitol are Potent, Selective, and Stable Inhibitors of β-Glucocerebrosidase.

PubMed

Sevšek, Alen; Šrot, Luka; Rihter, Jakob; Čelan, Maša; van Ufford, Linda Quarles; Moret, Ed E; Martin, Nathaniel I; Pieters, Roland J

2017-04-06

A series of lipidated guanidino and urea derivatives of 1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-d-xylitol were prepared from d-xylose using a concise synthetic protocol. Inhibition assays with a panel of glycosidases revealed that the guanidino analogues display potent inhibition against human recombinant β-glucocerebrosidase with IC 50 values in the low nanomolar range. Related urea analogues of 1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-d-xylitol were also synthesized and evaluated in the same fashion and found to be selective for β-galactosidase from bovine liver. No inhibition of human recombinant β-glucocerebrosidase was observed for the urea analogues. Computational studies provided insight into the potent activity of analogues bearing the substituted guanidine moiety in the inhibition of lysosomal glucocerebrosidase (GBA). © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma.

PubMed

Liu, Rui; Zhang, Haiyang; Zhang, Yan; Li, Shuang; Wang, Xinyi; Wang, Xia; Wang, Cheng; Liu, Bin; Zen, Ke; Zhang, Chen-Yu; Zhang, Chunni; Ba, Yi

2017-04-01

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha plays a crucial role in regulating the biosynthesis of mitochondria, which is closely linked to the energy metabolism in various tumors. This study investigated the regulatory role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, the changes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha messenger RNA levels between normal human liver and hepatocellular carcinoma tissue were examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Knockdown of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha was conducted by RNA interference in the human liver cell line L02, while overexpression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha was conducted by adenovirus encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha complementary DNA in the human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. Cellular morphological changes were observed via optical and electron microscopy. Cellular apoptosis was determined by Hoechst 33258 staining. In addition, the expression levels of 21,400 genes in tissues and cells were detected by microarray. It was shown that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha expression was significantly downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma compared with normal liver tissues. After knockdown of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha expression in L02 cells, cells reverted to immature and dedifferentiated morphology exhibiting cancerous tendency. Apoptosis occurred in the HepG2 cells after transfection by adenovirus encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha. Microarray analysis showed consistent results. The results suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha acts as a tumor suppressor in the formation and development of hepatocellular carcinoma and that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha may be a potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Adrenergic receptors in human fetal liver membranes

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

Falkay, G.; Kovacs, L.

1990-01-01

The adrenergic receptor binding capacities in human fetal and adult livers were measured to investigate the mechanism of the reduced alpha-1 adrenoreceptor response of the liver associated with a reciprocal increase in beta-adrenoreceptor activity in a number of conditions. Alpha-1 and beta-adrenoreceptor density were determined using {sup 3}H-prazosin and {sup 3}H-dihydroalprenolol, respectively, as radioligand. Heterogeneous populations of beta-adrenoreceptors were found in fetal liver contrast to adult. Decreased alpha-1 and increased beta-receptor density were found which may relate to a decreased level in cellular differentiation. These findings may be important for the investigation of perinatal hypoglycemia of newborns after treatment ofmore » premature labor with beta-mimetics. This is the first demonstration of differences in the ratio of alpha-1 and beta-adrenoceptors in human fetal liver.« less

Identification of the in vivo truncation sites at the C-terminal region of alpha-A crystallin from aged bovine and human lens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takemoto, L. J.; Spooner, B. S. (Principal Investigator)

1995-01-01

Total alpha-A crystallin was purified from young versus old lens, followed by digestion with cyanogen bromide. Laser desorption mass spectrometry of the C-terminal fragment demonstrated age-dependent loss of one and five amino acids from the C-terminus of alpha-A crystallin from both bovine and human lens. These results demonstrate specific peptide bonds of alpha-A crystallin are cleaved during the aging process of the normal lens. The C-terminal region is cleaved in two places between the two hydroxyl-containing amino acids present in the sequence -P-S(T)-S-.

Vascular endothelial cells express isoforms of protein kinase A inhibitor.

PubMed

Lum, Hazel; Hao, Zengping; Gayle, Dave; Kumar, Priyadarsini; Patterson, Carolyn E; Uhler, Michael D

2002-01-01

The expression and function of the endogenous inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKI) in endothelial cells are unknown. In this study, overexpression of rabbit muscle PKI gene into endothelial cells inhibited the cAMP-mediated increase and exacerbated thrombin-induced decrease in endothelial barrier function. We investigated PKI expression in human pulmonary artery (HPAECs), foreskin microvessel (HMECs), and brain microvessel endothelial cells (HBMECs). RT-PCR using specific primers for human PKI alpha, human PKI gamma, and mouse PKI beta sequences detected PKI alpha and PKI gamma mRNA in all three cell types. Sequencing and BLAST analysis indicated that forward and reverse DNA strands for PKI alpha and PKI gamma were of >96% identity with database sequences. RNase protection assays showed protection of the 542 nucleotides in HBMEC and HPAEC PKI alpha mRNA and 240 nucleotides in HBMEC, HPAEC, and HMEC PKI gamma mRNA. Western blot analysis indicated that PKI gamma protein was detected in all three cell types, whereas PKI alpha was found in HBMECs. In summary, endothelial cells from three different vascular beds express PKI alpha and PKI gamma, which may be physiologically important in endothelial barrier function.

The serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha is not an index of growth-hormone- or obesity-induced insulin resistance.

PubMed

Pincelli, A I; Brunani, A; Scacchi, M; Dubini, A; Borsotti, R; Tibaldi, A; Pasqualinotto, L; Maestri, E; Cavagnini, F

2001-01-01

The tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) might play a central role in insulin resistance, a frequent correlate of obesity likely contributing to some obesity-associated complications. Adult growth hormone (GH) deficiency syndrome (GHDA) shares with obesity excessive fat mass, hyperlipidemia, increased cardiovascular risk, and insulin resistance. On the other hand, GH has been shown to induce transient deterioration of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance when administered in normal humans and in GHDA patients. No information is presently available on the relationship between serum TNF-alpha levels and insulin sensitivity in GHDA. We compared the serum TNF-alpha levels found in 10 GHDA patients before and after a 6-month recombinant human GH therapy (Genotropin), in an insulin resistance prone population of 16 obese (OB) patients and in 38 normal-weight healthy blood donors (controls). The insulin sensitivity was assessed by a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp in all the GHDA patients and in 10 OB and in 6 control subjects. The serum TNF-alpha levels were not significantly different in OB patients (42.2 +/- 12.81 pg/ml), in GHDA patients at baseline (71.3 +/- 23.97 pg/ml), and in controls (55.3 +/- 14.28 pg/ml). A slight decrease of TNF-alpha values was noted in GHDA patients after 6 months of recombinant human GH treatment (44.5 +/- 20.19 pg/ml; NS vs. baseline). The insulin sensitivity (M) was significantly reduced in OB patients (2.4 +/- 0.30 mg/kg/min) as compared with control subjects (7.5 +/- 0.39 mg/kg/min) and in GHDA patients both at baseline (6.6 +/- 0.6 mg/kg/min) and after recombinant human GH therapy (5.6 +/- 0.7 mg/kg/min). The insulin sensitivity in the GHDA patients, similar to that of controls at baseline, worsened after recombinant human GH treatment (p < 0.05 vs. baseline; p = 0.05 vs. controls). Linear regression analysis showed no correlation between TNF-alpha and M values (see text) in all patient groups. These data indicate that circulating concentrations of TNF-alpha do not reflect the degree of insulin resistance in obesity and GHDA. They, however, do not exclude that TNF-alpha may induce insulin resistance at tissue level. Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel

Developmental toxicity of perfluorononanoic acid is dependent on peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha.

EPA Science Inventory

Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) is one of the predominant perfluoroalkyl acids in the environment and in tissues of humans and wildlife. PFNA strongly activates the mouse and human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) in vitro and negatively impacts development ...

The CIDEA gene V115F polymorphism is associated with obesity in Swedish subjects.

PubMed

Dahlman, Ingrid; Kaaman, Maria; Jiao, Hong; Kere, Juha; Laakso, Markku; Arner, Peter

2005-10-01

The cell death-inducing DFFA (DNA fragmentation factor-alpha)-like effector A (CIDEA) gene is implicated as an important regulator of body weight in mice and humans and is therefore a candidate gene for human obesity. Here, we characterize common CIDEA gene polymorphisms and investigate them for association with obesity in two independent Swedish samples; the first comprised 981 women and the second 582 men. Both samples display a large variation in BMI. The only detected coding polymorphism encodes an exon 4 V115F amino acid substitution, which is associated with BMI in both sexes (P = 0.021 for women, P = 0.023 for men, and P = 0.0015 for joint analysis). These results support a role for CIDEA alleles in human obesity. CIDEA-deficient mice display higher metabolic rate, and the gene cross-talks with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in fat cells. We hypothesize that CIDEA alleles regulate human obesity through impact on basal metabolic rate and adipocyte TNF-alpha signaling.

Mitogenic action of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-8 on explants of human duodenal mucosa.

PubMed

Zachrisson, K; Neopikhanov, V; Wretlind, B; Uribe, A

2001-08-07

Our aim is to examine whether tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin affect the mitotic activity in explants of human duodenal mucosa and to estimate the release of cytokines from explants incubated with TNF-alpha. Biopsy specimens of normal duodenal mucosa were taken from 19 subjects that underwent upper endoscopy for investigation of dyspeptic symptoms or chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. The specimens were processed following guidelines for organ culture technique. Paired biopsy specimens from 12 subjects were cultured for 23 h to achieve steady state and thereafter the explants were incubated 25 h with 10(-13)-10(-9) M of TNF-alpha or IL-8. Mitoses were arrested in the metaphase by adding vincristine sulphate for the last three hours. The explants were then fixed and processed for microdissection. Fifteen crypts were microdissected and the total number of metaphases was determined using the whole crypt as reference volume. The number of metaphases per crypt was also estimated in explants incubated with 10(-10) M TNF-alpha in the presence of anti-IL-8 antibodies. Additional duodenal explants from seven subjects were incubated with 10(-10) M TNF-alpha for 25 h. Thereafter the release of IL-1-beta, IL-6, IL-8 and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) into the culture medium was measured by enzyme immunoassay and expressed as pg/mg protein. TNF-alpha and IL-8 significantly increased the number of metaphases/crypts (P<0.0001). The addition of anti-IL-8 slightly reduced the number of metaphases/crypt compared to the values observed in the explants incubated with 10(-10) M TNF-alpha alone (P<0.0001). The number of metaphases/crypt in the explants incubated with 10(-10) M TNF-alpha in the presence of anti-IL-8 antibodies was, however, markedly and significantly higher than that of the controls (P<0.000). TNF-alpha induced the release of IL-8 (P<0.01) and IL-6 (P<0.05) from the duodenal explants. TNF-alpha and IL-8 are potent mitogens to human small intestinal crypts. The mitogenic action of TNF-alpha is primarily a direct effect of the cytokine and only to a minor extent mediated by a secondary production of IL-8 in the duodenal explant. Our findings indicate that TNF-alpha and IL-8 may participate in the regulation of cell proliferation in the human small intestinal epithelium. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Gal alpha (1,3)Gal, the major xenoantigen(s) recognised in pigs by human natural antibodies.

PubMed

Sandrin, M S; McKenzie, I F

1994-10-01

The transplantation of pig organs to humans (xenotransplantation) is now receiving serious consideration because of the shortage of human donors for organ transplants of kidney, liver and heart, and of islet cell transplantation for diabetes. The problem with such xenografts would be hyperacute rejection--mediated by natural antibodies in humans to pig antigens, complement fixation to endothelial cells, and the rapid onset of intravascular coagulation. It is now clear that the major target of the natural IgM and IgG antibodies is the terminal carbohydrate epitope Gal alpha(1,3)Gal, formed by the alpha 1,3galactosyl transferase, which places a terminal galactose residue in an alpha-linkage to another galactose. The alpha 1,3galactosyl transferase in the pig gives rise to very high endothelial cell expression of Gal alpha(1,3)Gal, a ready explanation for the hyperacute rejection of vascularized organs. In addition the parenchuma of liver and kidneys have high levels of Gal alpha-(1,3)Gal. These tissues will all fail in a pig-to-human transplant in what can now be precisely defined in terms of antigen and antibody. We have already made some suggestions for removal of anti-Gal alpha(1,3)Gal antibodies and if the procedure were technically feasible xenotransplantation could be attempted now, especially in patients doomed to a certain death because of the absence of a donor (especially for liver where ex vivo perfusion could be performed). However, the immune system is far from simple, as is shown by the healthy status of mice lacking MHC Class I, Class II or both Class I & II molecules. Perhaps the curtain is about to go up to reveal a new scene! Islets differ from the other tissues and may well not undergo acute antibody-mediated hyperacute rejection--it will be of interest to see how these fare in xenotransplantation models or even in patients. Again, normal individuals do not have anti-islet antibodies; but a proportion of diabetic patients do have such antibodies--whether these will cause hyperacute or acute rejection or are markers of immunity of T-cell type, remains to be seen. Whatever, the area is exciting, is progressing rapidly and, as indicated elsewhere, within a few years we should know whether modified pig tissue can be grafted to some patients. The isolation of the cDNA clone encoding the pig alpha 1,3 galactosyl transferase is an essential first step in the production of a transgenic pig lacking the alpha 1,3Galactosyltransferase and therefore the Gal alpha(1,3)Gal epitope, and such animals could serve as donor for human transplantation.

Positive regulation of Leptospira interrogans kdp expression by KdpE as Demonstrated with a novel β-galactosidase reporter in Leptospira biflexa.

PubMed

Matsunaga, James; Coutinho, Mariana L

2012-08-01

Leptospirosis is a potentially deadly zoonotic disease that afflicts humans and animals. Leptospira interrogans, the predominant agent of leptospirosis, encounters diverse conditions as it proceeds through its life cycle, which includes stages inside and outside the host. Unfortunately, the number of genetic tools available for examining the regulation of gene expression in L. interrogans is limited. Consequently, little is known about the genetic circuits that control gene expression in Leptospira. To better understand the regulation of leptospiral gene expression, the L. interrogans kdp locus, encoding homologs of the P-type ATPase KdpABC potassium transporter with their KdpD sensors and KdpE response regulators, was selected for analysis. We showed that a kdpE mutation in L. interrogans prevented the increase in kdpABC mRNA levels observed in the wild-type L. interrogans strain when external potassium levels were low. To confirm that KdpE was a positive regulator of kdpABC transcription, we developed a novel approach for constructing chromosomal genetic fusions to the endogenous bgaL (β-galactosidase) gene of the nonpathogen Leptospira biflexa. We demonstrated positive regulation of a kdpA'-bgaL fusion in L. biflexa by the L. interrogans KdpE response regulator. A control lipL32'-bgaL fusion was not regulated by KdpE. These results demonstrate the utility of genetic fusions to the bgaL gene of L. biflexa for examining leptospiral gene regulation.

The Effect of Fucoidan from the Brown Alga Fucus evanescence on the Activity of α-N-Acetylgalactosaminidase of Human Colon Carcinoma Cells.

PubMed

Bakunina, Irina; Chadova, Oksana; Malyarenko, Olesya; Ermakova, Svetlana

2018-05-10

α- N -acetylgalactosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.49) (alpha-NaGalase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of N -acetamido-2-deoxy-α-d-galactoside residues from non-reducing ends of various complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates. It is known that human cancer cells express an alpha-NaGalase, which accumulates in the blood plasma of patients. The enzyme deglycosylates the Gc protein-derived macrophage activating factor (GcMAF) and inhibits macrophage activity acting as an immunosuppressor. The high specific activity 0.033 ± 0.002 μmol mg −1 min −1 of the enzyme was found in human colon carcinoma cells DLD-1. The alpha-NaGalase of DLD-1 cells was isolated and biochemical characterized. The enzyme exhibits maximum activity at pH 5.2 and temperature 55 °C. The K m is 2.15 mM, V max ⁻0.021 μmol min −1 mL −1 , k cat ⁻1.55 min −1 and k cat / K m ⁻0.72 min −1 mM −1 at 37 °C, pH 5.2. The effects of fucoidan from the brown alga Fucus evanescence on the activity of alpha-NaGalase in human colon carcinoma DLD-1 cells and on the biosynthesis of this enzyme were investigated. It was shown that fucoidan did not inhibit free alpha-NaGalase, however, it reduced the expression of the enzyme in the DLD-1 cells at IC 50 73 ± 4 μg mL −1 .

Right ventricular beneficial effects of beta adrenergic receptor kinase inhibitor (betaARKct) gene transfer in a rat model of severe pressure overload.

PubMed

Molina, Ezequiel J; Gupta, Dipin; Palma, Jon; Gaughan, John P; Macha, Mahender

2009-06-01

Heart failure is associated with abnormalities in betaAR cascade regulation, calcium cycling, expression of inflammatory mediators and apoptosis. Adenoviral mediated gene transfer of betaARKct has beneficial indirect effects on these pathologic processes upon the left ventricular myocardium. The concomitant biochemical changes that occur in the right ventricle have not been well characterized. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent aortic banding and were followed by echocardiography. After a decrease in fractional shortening of 25% from baseline, intracoronary injection of adenoviral-betaARKct (n=14) or adenoviral-beta-galactosidase (control, n=13) was performed. Rats were randomly euthanized on post-operative day 7, 14 or 21. Protein analysis including RV myocardial levels of betaARKct, betaARK1, SERCA(2a), inflammatory tissue mediators (IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha), apoptotic markers (bax and bak), and MAP kinases (jnk, p38 and erk) was performed. ANOVA was employed for group comparison. Adenoviral-betaARKct treated animals showed increased expression of betaARKct and decreased levels of betaARK1 compared with controls. This treatment group also demonstrated normalization of SERCA(2a) expression and decreased levels of the inflammatory markers IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. The pro-apoptotic markers bax and bak were similarly improved. Ventricular levels of the MAP kinase jnk were increased. Differences were most significant 7 days after gene transfer, but the majority of these changes persisted at 21 days. These results suggest that attenuation of the pathologic mechanisms of beta adrenergic receptor desensitization, SERCA(2a) expression, inflammation and apoptosis, not only occur in the left ventricle but also in the right ventricular myocardium after intracoronary gene transfer of betaARKct during heart failure.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha regulates fatty acid utilization in primary human skeletal muscle cells.

PubMed

Muoio, Deborah M; Way, James M; Tanner, Charles J; Winegar, Deborah A; Kliewer, Steven A; Houmard, Joseph A; Kraus, William E; Dohm, G Lynis

2002-04-01

In humans, skeletal muscle is a major site of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) expression, but its function in this tissue is unclear. We investigated the role of hPPAR-alpha in regulating muscle lipid utilization by studying the effects of a highly selective PPAR-alpha agonist, GW7647, on [(14)C]oleate metabolism and gene expression in primary human skeletal muscle cells. Robust induction of PPAR-alpha protein expression occurred during muscle cell differentiation and corresponded with differentiation-dependent increases in oleate oxidation. In mature myotubes, 48-h treatment with 10-1,000 nmol/l GW7647 increased oleate oxidation dose-dependently, up to threefold. Additionally, GW7647 decreased oleate esterification into myotube triacylglycerol (TAG), up to 45%. This effect was not abolished by etomoxir, a potent inhibitor of beta-oxidation, indicating that PPAR-alpha-mediated TAG depletion does not depend on reciprocal changes in fatty acid catabolism. Consistent with its metabolic actions, GW7647 induced mRNA expression of mitochondrial enzymes that promote fatty acid catabolism; carnitine palmityltransferase 1 and malonyl-CoA decarboxylase increased approximately 2-fold, whereas pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 increased 45-fold. Expression of several genes that regulate glycerolipid synthesis was not changed by GW7647 treatment, implicating involvement of other targets to explain the TAG-depleting effect of the compound. These results demonstrate a role for hPPAR-alpha in regulating muscle lipid homeostasis.

Antiapoptotic property of human alpha-synuclein in neuronal cell lines is associated with the inhibition of caspase-3 but not caspase-9 activity.

PubMed

Li, Wenxue; Lee, Michael K

2005-06-01

Abnormalities of alpha-synuclein (alpha-Syn) are mechanistically linked to Parkinson's disease (PD) and other alpha-synucleinopathies. To gain additional insights into the relationships between alpha-Syn expression and cell death, we examined the effects of expressing human alpha-Syn (Hualpha-Syn) variants on the cellular vulnerability to apoptotic stimuli. We show that the expression of wild-type (WT) and A30P mutant, but not A53T mutant, Hualpha-Syn leads to the protection of neuronal cell lines from apoptosis but not necrosis. Significantly, Hualpha-Syn did not protect non-neuronal cell lines from apoptosis. We also show that A53T mutant is a loss of function in regards to the antiapoptotic property since the expression of WT Hualpha-Syn with an excess of A53T mutant Hualpha-Syn leads to protection of the cells from apoptosis. The antiapoptotic property is specific to human alpha-Syn as neither beta-Syn nor mouse alpha-Syn protected cells from apoptosis, and the carboxy-terminal 20 amino acids are required for the antiapoptotic property. Analyses of capase-3 and caspase-9 activation reveal that the antiapoptotic property of Hualpha-Syn in neuronal cell lines is associated with the attenuation of caspase-3 activity without affecting the caspase-9 activity or the levels of cleaved, active caspase-3. We conclude that Hualpha-Syn modulates the activity of cleaved caspase-3 product in neuronal cell lines.

Effects of Aging on the Proliferation and Differentiation Capacity of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells.

PubMed

Du, Tingting; Liu, Na; Gu, Bin; Li, Ying; Yuan, Yifang; Zhang, Wei; Zhang, Tong

2017-06-10

Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC) derived from different aged donors, and to evaluate the effects of aging on the biological characteristics of PDLSC.Methods Periodontal ligament tissues were obtained from 24 surgically extracted human premolars during orthodontics therapy. The specimens were divided into three groups according to the donor's age. Group A: 18-20 years, group B: 30-35 years, group C: 45-50 years. PDLSC were isolated and cultured using a tissue-block-based enzymolytic method by limiting dilution assay. The colony forming efficiency of PDLSC for three experimental groups was determined. Senescence-Associated β-Galactosidase (SA-β-G) expression in the three groups was examined using β-galactosidase staining working solution. Cell cycle and apoptosis of the PDLSC were examined by the flow cytometry. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was evaluated by ALP staining. The expression of osteoplastic differentiation related genes Runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx-2), Collagen Type 1 (col-1), and ALP of PDLSC were examined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.Results The colony forming efficiency of PDLSC in Group A, B and C was 36.67%, 22.67% and 9.33%, respectively, which decreased with donors' age (P<0.05). SA-β-G expression of the senescent PDLSC in group A, B and C were 4.14%, 16.39%, 50.38%, respectively (P<0.05). Cells in G2/S phase was 38.73%, 29.88%, 18.25% (P<0.05), and the apoptosis rate was 1.57%, 4.56%, 5.84% (P<0.05), in group A, B and C respectively. The ALP staining in the three groups decreased with the increase of donors' ages, and the expression of Runx-2, col-1 and ALP decreased gradually from group A to group C (all P<0.05), which indicated the osteogenic differentiation capacity of PDLSC decreased while donor aging.Conclusion Human PDLSC could be successfully isolated from periodontal ligament tissues of different aged donors. However, the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation capacity of PDLSC decreased while donor aging.

TNF-{alpha} promotes cell survival through stimulation of K{sup +} channel and NF{kappa}B activity in corneal epithelial cells

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

Wang Ling; Reinach, Peter; Lu, Luo

2005-11-15

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-{alpha}) in various cell types induces either cell death or mitogenesis through different signaling pathways. In the present study, we determined in human corneal epithelial cells how TNF-{alpha} also promotes cell survival. Human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells were cultured in DMEM/F-12 medium containing 10% FBS. TNF-{alpha} stimulation induced activation of a voltage-gated K{sup +} channel detected by measuring single channel activity using patch clamp techniques. The effect of TNF-{alpha} on downstream events included NF{kappa}B nuclear translocation and increases in DNA binding activities, but did not elicit ERK, JNK, or p38 limb signaling activation. TNF-{alpha} induced increases inmore » p21 expression resulting in partial cell cycle attenuation in the G{sub 1} phase. Cell cycle progression was also mapped by flow cytometer analysis. Blockade of TNF-{alpha}-induced K{sup +} channel activity effectively prevented NF{kappa}B nuclear translocation and binding to DNA, diminishing the cell-survival protective effect of TNF-{alpha}. In conclusion, TNF-{alpha} promotes survival of HCE cells through sequential stimulation of K{sup +} channel and NF{kappa}B activities. This response to TNF-{alpha} is dependent on stimulating K{sup +} channel activity because following suppression of K{sup +} channel activity TNF-{alpha} failed to activate NF{kappa}B nuclear translocation and binding to nuclear DNA.« less

Transforming growth factor-{alpha} enhances corneal epithelial cell migration by promoting EGFR recycling.

PubMed

McClintock, Jennifer L; Ceresa, Brian P

2010-07-01

PURPOSE. The goal of this study was to determine the molecular mechanism by which transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) is a more potent activator of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated corneal wound healing than epidermal growth factor (EGF). METHODS. Telomerase immortalized human corneal epithelial (hTCEpi) cells and primary human corneal epithelial cells were tested for their ability to migrate in response to EGF and TGF-alpha. In parallel, the endocytic trafficking of the EGFR in response to these same ligands was examined using indirect immunofluorescence, immunoblots, and radioligand binding. RESULTS. TGF-alpha, compared with EGF, is a more potent activator of corneal epithelial cell migration. Although both TGF-alpha and EGF were able to induce EGFR internalization and phosphorylation, only those receptors that were stimulated with EGF progressed to lysosomal degradation. EGFRs stimulated with TGF-alpha recycled back to the plasma membrane, where they could be reactivated with ligand. CONCLUSIONS. This study reveals that EGFR-mediated cell migration is limited by ligand-stimulated downregulation of the EGFR. This limitation can be overcome by treating cells with TGF-alpha because TGF-alpha stimulates EGFR endocytosis, but not degradation. After internalization of the TGF-alpha/EGFR complex, EGFR recycles back to the plasma membrane, where it can be restimulated. This sequence of events provides the receptor multiple opportunities for stimulation. Thus, stimulation with TGF-alpha prolongs EGFR signaling compared with EGF.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-heteroarylthioalkanoic acid analogues of clofibric acid as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonists.

PubMed

Giampietro, Letizia; Ammazzalorso, Alessandra; Giancristofaro, Antonella; Lannutti, Fabio; Bettoni, Giancarlo; De Filippis, Barbara; Fantacuzzi, Marialuigia; Maccallini, Cristina; Petruzzelli, Michele; Morgano, Annalisa; Moschetta, Antonio; Amoroso, Rosa

2009-10-22

A series of 2-heteroarylthioalkanoic acids were synthesized through systematic structural modifications of clofibric acid and evaluated for human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) transactivation activity, with the aim of obtaining new hypolipidemic compounds. Some thiophene and benzothiazole derivatives showing a good activation of the receptor alpha were screened for activity against the PPARgamma isoform. The gene induction of selected compounds was also investigated in the human hepatoma cell line.

Structural Characterization of the Hemagglutinin Receptor Specificity from the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic

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

Xu, Rui; McBride, Ryan; Nycholat, Corwin M.

2012-02-13

Influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) is the viral envelope protein that mediates viral attachment to host cells and elicits membrane fusion. The HA receptor-binding specificity is a key determinant for the host range and transmissibility of influenza viruses. In human pandemics of the 20th century, the HA normally has acquired specificity for human-like receptors before widespread infection. Crystal structures of the H1 HA from the 2009 human pandemic (A/California/04/2009 [CA04]) in complex with human and avian receptor analogs reveal conserved recognition of the terminal sialic acid of the glycan ligands. However, favorable interactions beyond the sialic acid are found only formore » {alpha}2-6-linked glycans and are mediated by Asp190 and Asp225, which hydrogen bond with Gal-2 and GlcNAc-3. For {alpha}2-3-linked glycan receptors, no specific interactions beyond the terminal sialic acid are observed. Our structural and glycan microarray analyses, in the context of other high-resolution HA structures with {alpha}2-6- and {alpha}2-3-linked glycans, now elucidate the structural basis of receptor-binding specificity for H1 HAs in human and avian viruses and provide a structural explanation for the preference for {alpha}2-6 siaylated glycan receptors for the 2009 pandemic swine flu virus.« less

Modeling bursts and heavy tails in human dynamics.

PubMed

Vázquez, Alexei; Oliveira, João Gama; Dezsö, Zoltán; Goh, Kwang-Il; Kondor, Imre; Barabási, Albert-László

2006-03-01

The dynamics of many social, technological and economic phenomena are driven by individual human actions, turning the quantitative understanding of human behavior into a central question of modern science. Current models of human dynamics, used from risk assessment to communications, assume that human actions are randomly distributed in time and thus well approximated by Poisson processes. Here we provide direct evidence that for five human activity patterns, such as email and letter based communications, web browsing, library visits and stock trading, the timing of individual human actions follow non-Poisson statistics, characterized by bursts of rapidly occurring events separated by long periods of inactivity. We show that the bursty nature of human behavior is a consequence of a decision based queuing process: when individuals execute tasks based on some perceived priority, the timing of the tasks will be heavy tailed, most tasks being rapidly executed, while a few experiencing very long waiting times. In contrast, priority blind execution is well approximated by uniform interevent statistics. We discuss two queuing models that capture human activity. The first model assumes that there are no limitations on the number of tasks an individual can handle at any time, predicting that the waiting time of the individual tasks follow a heavy tailed distribution P(tau(w)) approximately tau(w)(-alpha) with alpha=3/2. The second model imposes limitations on the queue length, resulting in a heavy tailed waiting time distribution characterized by alpha=1. We provide empirical evidence supporting the relevance of these two models to human activity patterns, showing that while emails, web browsing and library visitation display alpha=1, the surface mail based communication belongs to the alpha=3/2 universality class. Finally, we discuss possible extension of the proposed queuing models and outline some future challenges in exploring the statistical mechanics of human dynamics.