Sample records for methionine

  1. Concurrent Overexpression of Arabidopsis thaliana Cystathionine γ-Synthase and Silencing of Endogenous Methionine γ-Lyase Enhance Tuber Methionine Content in Solanum tuberosum.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Pavan; Jander, Georg

    2017-04-05

    Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are deficient in methionine, an essential amino acid in human and animal diets. Higher methionine levels increase the nutritional quality and promote the typically pleasant aroma associated with baked and fried potatoes. Several attempts have been made to elevate tuber methionine levels by genetic engineering of methionine biosynthesis and catabolism. Overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana cystathionine γ-synthase (AtCGS) in S. tuberosum up-regulates a rate-limiting step of methionine biosynthesis and increases tuber methionine levels. Alternatively, silencing S. tuberosum methionine γ-lyase (StMGL), which causes decreased degradation of methionine into 2-ketobutyrate, also increases methionine levels. Concurrently enhancing biosynthesis and reducing degradation were predicted to provide further increases in tuber methionine content. Here we report that S. tuberosum cv. Désirée plants with AtCGS overexpression and StMGL silenced by RNA interference are morphologically normal and accumulate higher free methionine levels than either single-transgenic line.

  2. A review of methionine dependency and the role of methionine restriction in cancer growth control and life-span extension.

    PubMed

    Cavuoto, Paul; Fenech, Michael F

    2012-10-01

    Methionine is an essential amino acid with many key roles in mammalian metabolism such as protein synthesis, methylation of DNA and polyamine synthesis. Restriction of methionine may be an important strategy in cancer growth control particularly in cancers that exhibit dependence on methionine for survival and proliferation. Methionine dependence in cancer may be due to one or a combination of deletions, polymorphisms or alterations in expression of genes in the methionine de novo and salvage pathways. Cancer cells with these defects are unable to regenerate methionine via these pathways. Defects in the metabolism of folate may also contribute to the methionine dependence phenotype in cancer. Selective killing of methionine dependent cancer cells in co-culture with normal cells has been demonstrated using culture media deficient in methionine. Several animal studies utilizing a methionine restricted diet have reported inhibition of cancer growth and extension of a healthy life-span. In humans, vegan diets, which can be low in methionine, may prove to be a useful nutritional strategy in cancer growth control. The development of methioninase which depletes circulating levels of methionine may be another useful strategy in limiting cancer growth. The application of nutritional methionine restriction and methioninase in combination with chemotherapeutic regimens is the current focus of clinical studies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Methionine and serine synergistically suppress hyperhomocysteinemia induced by choline deficiency, but not by guanidinoacetic acid, in rats fed a low casein diet.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yi-qun; Liu, Ying; Morita, Tatsuya; Sugiyama, Kimio

    2011-01-01

    The effects of dietary supplementation with 0.5% methionine, 2.5% serine, or both on hyperhomocysteinemia induced by deprivation of dietary choline or by dietary addition of 0.5% guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) were investigated in rats fed a 10% casein diet. Hyperhomocysteinemia induced by choline deprivation was not suppressed by methionine alone and was only partially suppressed by serine alone, whereas it was completely suppressed by a combination of methionine and serine, suggesting a synergistic effect of methionine and serine. Fatty liver was also completely prevented by the combination of methionine and serine. Compared with methionine alone, the combination of methionine and serine decreased hepatic S-adenosylhomocysteine and homocysteine concentrations and increased hepatic betaine and serine concentrations and betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase activity. GAA-induced hyperhomocysteinemia was partially suppressed by methionine alone, but no interacting effect of methionine and serine was detected. In contrast, GAA-induced fatty liver was completely prevented by the combination of methionine and serine. These results indicate that a combination of methionine and serine is effective in suppressing both hyperhomocysteinemia and fatty liver induced by choline deprivation, and that methionine alone is effective in suppressing GAA-induced hyperhomocysteinemia partially.

  4. Response of rainbow trout to source and level of supplemental dietary methionine

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Poston, H.A.

    1986-01-01

    1. Methionine and total sulfur amino acid (TSAA) requirements of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were investigated by feeding graded isosulfurous levels of l- and dl-methionine, l-cystine, and the free acid and calcium forms of methionine hydroxy analog (MHA).2. Added cystine did not promote growth, survival or prevent cataracts.3. l-methionine produced fastest growth, followed by dl-methionine, CaMHA and free acid MHA.4. Trout fed CaMHA gained 85.7 and 92.3% as much as those fed l-methionine and dl-methionine.5. Within each experiment, the level of L-methionine isomer that prevented cataracts was constant (1.86 g/100g protein in experiment (1), 1.45 in experiment (2) and was lower than for maximum growth (2.89 and 2.15 g) regardless of methionine source.

  5. Can betaine partially replace or enhance the effect of methionine by improving broiler growth and carcase characteristics?

    PubMed

    McDevitt, R M; Mack, S; Wallis, I R

    2000-09-01

    1. Growth rates and carcase characteristics were measured in male broiler chickens fed on a control diet deficient in methionine (c. 2.8 g/kg methionine) or a series of diets containing graded levels of betaine or DL-methionine or both additives. 2. We aimed to answer 2 main questions. First, can betaine replace part of the methionine in a broiler ration? Secondly is there a synergism between methionine and betaine? 3. Birds given the control diet or that supplemented only with betaine ate less, grew more slowly, had higher food convension ratio (FCR) and varied more in mass at 42 d than birds fed diets with DL-methionine. Adding 1.2 g/kg DL-methionine to the control ration produced the heaviest birds at 42 d (2500 g) with the 2nd heaviest breast muscle (366 g). 4. After correcting for treatment differences in body mass (analysis of convariance), birds fed on the control diet and the diet supplemented with betaine only, had relatively lighter breast muscles but relatively heavier abdominal fat pads than those of birds given diets supplemented with DL-methionine. However, adding betaine to diets containing added methionine further improved the relative breast muscle yield. 5. After correcting for differences in body mass between treatments, birds fed on diets containing most methionine had lighter viscera than birds fed diets deficient in methionine. This demonstrated gut plasticity, suggesting that the viscera enlarged to sequester methionine from low-methionine diets. 6. Our data refute the hypothesis that betaine can substitute for methionine in broilers fed diets that are marginally deficient in methionine plus cystine. However, betaine may improve carcase composition, especially breast meat yield.

  6. Comparison of the effects of seleno-l-methionine, seleno-dl-methionine, and selenized yeast on reproduction of mallards

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Heinz, G.H.; Hoffman, D.J.

    1996-01-01

    The toxicities of seleno-L-methionine, seleno-DL-methionine, and selenized yeast were compared. Ten pairs of mallards were fed a control diet and 15 pairs were fed diets containing 10 ppm selenium as seleno-DL-methionine, seleno-L-methionine, or selenized yeast. Hatching of fertile eggs was significantly lower for females fed 10 ppm selenium as seleno-DL-methionine (7.6%) and seleno-L-methionine (6.4%) than for controls (41.3%). Survival of ducklings was lower when their parents had been fed 10 ppm selenium as seleno-L-methionine (20.0%) than for controls (98.4%). The number of 6-day-old ducklings produced per female was significantly lower for mallards fed 10 ppm selenium as seleno-DL-methionine (0.47) or selenized yeast (2.67) than for controls (6.10), and was significantly lower for mallards fed seleno-L-methionine (0.13) than for mallards fed selenized yeast. The eighth eggs of females fed the DL or L forms of selenomethionine contained means of 9.2 and 8.9 ppm selenium, wet weight; these means were higher than the mean (6.6 ppm) for females fed selenized yeast. Among embryos that died at 7 days of age or older, the percentage of embryos that were deformed was 1.3% for controls, 24.6% for seleno-DL-methionine, 28.2% for seleno-L-methionine, and 11.0% for selenized yeast. The results suggested that seleno-DL-methionine and seleno-L-methionine were of similar toxicity and were both more toxic than selenium from selenized yeast.

  7. A common transport system for methionine, L-methionine-DL-sulfoximine (MSX), and phosphinothricin (PPT) in the diazotrophic cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum.

    PubMed

    Singh, Arvind Kumar; Syiem, Mayashree B; Singh, Rajkumar S; Adhikari, Samrat; Rai, Amar Nath

    2008-05-01

    We present evidence, for the first time, of the occurrence of a transport system common for amino acid methionine, and methionine/glutamate analogues L-methionine-DL-sulfoximine (MSX) and phosphinothricin (PPT) in cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum. Methionine, which is toxic to cyanobacterium, enhanced its nitrogenase activity at lower concentrations. The cyanobacterium showed a biphasic pattern of methionine uptake activity that was competitively inhibited by the amino acids alanine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, proline, valine, glutamine, and asparagine. The methionine/glutamate analogue-resistant N. muscorum strains (MSX-R and PPT-R strains) also showed methionine-resistant phenotype accompanied by a drastic decrease in 35S methionine uptake activity. Treatment of protein extracts from these mutant strains with MSX and PPT reduced biosynthetic glutamine synthetase (GS) activity only in vitro and not in vivo. This finding implicated that MSX- and PPT-R phenotypes may have arisen due to a defect in their MSX and PPT transport activity. The simultaneous decrease in methionine uptake activity and in vitro sensitivity toward MSX and PPT of GS protein in MSX- and PPT-R strains indicated that methionine, MSX, and PPT have a common transport system that is shared by other amino acids as well in N. muscorum. Such information can become useful for isolation of methionine-producing cyanobacterial strains.

  8. Gene expression differences in the methionine remethylation and transsulphuration pathways under methionine restriction and recovery with D,L-methionine or D,L-HMTBA in meat-type chickens.

    PubMed

    Aggrey, S E; González-Cerón, F; Rekaya, R; Mercier, Y

    2018-02-01

    This study examined the molecular mechanisms of methionine pathways in meat-type chickens where birds were provided with a diet deficient in methionine from 3 to 5 weeks of age. The birds on the deficient diet were then provided with a diet supplemented with either D,L-methionine or D,L-HMTBA from 5 to 7 weeks. The diet of the control birds was supplemented with L-methionine from hatch till 7 weeks of age. We studied the mRNA expression of methionine adenosyltransferase 1, alpha, methionine adenosyltransferase 1, beta, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase reductase, betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase, glycine N-methyltransferase, S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase and cystathionine beta synthase genes in the liver, duodenum, Pectoralis (P.) major and the gastrocnemius muscle at 5 and 7 weeks. Feeding a diet deficient in dietary methionine affected body composition. Birds that were fed a methionine-deficient diet expressed genes that indicated that remethylation occurred via the one-carbon pathway in the liver and duodenum; however, in the P. major and the gastrocnemius muscles, gene expression levels suggested that homocysteine received methyl from both folate and betaine for remethylation. Birds who were switched from a methionine deficiency diet to one supplemented with either D,L-methionine or D,L-HMTBA showed a downregulation of all the genes studied in the liver. However, depending on the tissue or methionine form, either folate or betaine was elicited for remethylation. Thus, mRNA expressions show that genes in the remethylation and transsulphuration pathways were regulated according to tissue need, and there were some differences in the methionine form. © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

  9. Methionine Deprivation Induces a Targetable Vulnerability in Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells by Enhancing TRAIL Receptor-2 Expression

    PubMed Central

    Strekalova, Elena; Malin, Dmitry; Good, David M.; Cryns, Vincent L.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose Many neoplasms are vulnerable to methionine deficiency by mechanisms that are poorly understood. Because gene profiling studies have revealed that methionine depletion increases TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor-2 (TRAIL-R2) mRNA, we postulated that methionine stress sensitizes breast cancer cells to proapoptotic TRAIL-R2 agonists. Experimental Design Human triple (ER/PR/HER2)-negative breast carcinoma cell lines were cultured in control or methionine-free media. The effects of methionine depletion on TRAIL receptor expression and sensitivity to chemotherapy or a humanized agonistic TRAIL-R2 monoclonal antibody (lexatumumab) were determined. The melanoma-associated antigen MAGED2 was silenced to delineate its functional role in sensitizing TNBC cells to methionine stress. An orthotopic TNBC model was utilized to evaluate the effects of dietary methionine deficiency, lexatumumab or the combination. Results Methionine depletion sensitized TNBC cells to lexatumumab-induced caspase activation and apoptosis by increasing TRAIL-R2 mRNA and cell surface expression. MCF-10A cells transformed by oncogenic H-Ras, but not untransformed cells, and matrix-detached TNBC cells were highly sensitive to the combination of lexatumumab and methionine depletion. Proteomics analyses revealed that MAGED2, which has been reported to reduce TRAIL-R2 expression, was suppressed by methionine stress. Silencing MAGED2 recapitulated features of methionine deprivation, including enhanced mRNA and cell surface expression of TRAIL receptors and increased sensitivity to TRAIL receptor agonists. Dietary methionine deprivation enhanced the antitumor effects of lexatumumab in an orthotopic metastatic TNBC model. Conclusion Methionine depletion exposes a targetable defect in TNBC cells by increasing TRAIL-R2 expression. Our findings provide the foundation for a clinical trial combining dietary methionine restriction and TRAIL-R2 agonists. PMID:25724522

  10. Sulfur amino acid deficiency upregulates intestinal methionine cycle activity and suppresses epithelial growth in neonatal pigs

    PubMed Central

    Bauchart-Thevret, Caroline; Stoll, Barbara; Chacko, Shaji; Burrin, Douglas G.

    2009-01-01

    We recently showed that the developing gut is a significant site of methionine transmethylation to homocysteine and transsulfuration to cysteine. We hypothesized that sulfur amino acid (SAA) deficiency would preferentially reduce mucosal growth and antioxidant function in neonatal pigs. Neonatal pigs were enterally fed a control or an SAA-free diet for 7 days, and then whole body methionine and cysteine kinetics were measured using an intravenous infusion of [1-13C;methyl-2H3]methionine and [15N]cysteine. Body weight gain and plasma methionine, cysteine, homocysteine, and taurine and total erythrocyte glutathione concentrations were markedly decreased (−46% to −85%) in SAA-free compared with control pigs. Whole body methionine and cysteine fluxes were reduced, yet methionine utilization for protein synthesis and methionine remethylation were relatively preserved at the expense of methionine transsulfuration, in response to SAA deficiency. Intestinal tissue concentrations of methionine and cysteine were markedly reduced and hepatic levels were maintained in SAA-free compared with control pigs. SAA deficiency increased the activity of methionine metabolic enzymes, i.e., methionine adenosyltransferase, methionine synthase, and cystathionine β-synthase, and S-adenosylmethionine concentration in the jejunum, whereas methionine synthase activity increased and S-adenosylmethionine level decreased in the liver. Small intestine weight and protein and DNA mass were lower, whereas liver weight and DNA mass were unchanged, in SAA-free compared with control pigs. Dietary SAA deficiency induced small intestinal villus atrophy, lower goblet cell numbers, and Ki-67-positive proliferative crypt cells in association with lower tissue glutathione, especially in the jejunum. We conclude that SAA deficiency upregulates intestinal methionine cycle activity and suppresses epithelial growth in neonatal pigs. PMID:19293331

  11. Factors influencing methionine toxicity in young bobwhite quail

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Serafin, J.A.

    1981-01-01

    Young Bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) were fed low and adequate protein purified diets with and without excess methionine to evaluate factors affecting methionine toxicity. Growth of quail fed an adequate protein (27%) diet, without supplemental glycine, was depressed by 1.75% and 2.25% excess methionine. Supplemental glycine (.3%) alleviated growth depression caused by 2.25% excess methionine. Quail fed 1.75% and 2.25% excess methionine developed signs of toxicity characterized by weakness, a lowered, outstretched neck when moving, and ataxia. In addition, quail would fall on their sides when disturbed and spin with their heads retracted. These conditions were transient in nature. Growth of quail fed a low protein (18.9%) diet was depressed by 1% and 1.5% excess methionine and DL-homocystine. Quail fed 1% and 1.5% excess methionine in this diet also developed signs of toxicity, the incidence of which was greater and the duration longer than occurred with quail fed adequate protein. Supplementing a low protein (20.15%) diet with .3% or .6% glycine or threonine or a combination of these amino acids did not alleviate growth depression caused by 1.5% excess methionine; however, 2% and 3% supplemental glycine were somewhat effective. Supplements of glycine (2%, 3%) and threonine (1%) completely reversed growth depression from 1% excess methionine but did not influence growth of controls, indicating that both amino acids counteract methionine toxicity. Both glycine and threonine alone improved growth by about the same extent in diets with 1% or 1.5% excess methionine; however, these amino acids alleviated less than 30% of the growth depression resulting from 1.5% excess methionine. The effectiveness of glycine in alleviating methionine toxicity in a low protein diet was decreased, and hemoglobin levels were depressed with 1.5% excess methionine compared to less amounts.

  12. Dry-extrusion of asian carp to supplement natural methionine in organic poultry production

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Methionine, a sulfur containing amino acid, is essential for healthy poultry production. Synthetic methionine is commonly used as a supplement in conventional poultry. However, for organic poultry, a natural, cost effective source of methionine that can replace synthetic methionine is unavailable. I...

  13. Effects of supplements of folic acid, vitamin B12, and rumen-protected methionine on whole body metabolism of methionine and glucose in lactating dairy cows.

    PubMed

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

    2009-02-01

    The present experiment was undertaken to determine the effects of dietary supplements of rumen-protected methionine and intramuscular injections of folic acid and vitamin B(12), given 3 wk before to 16 wk after calving, on glucose and methionine metabolism of lactating dairy cows. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to 6 blocks of 4 cows each according to their previous milk production. Within each block, 2 cows were fed a diet estimated to supply methionine as 1.83% metabolizable protein, equivalent to 76% of methionine requirement, whereas the 2 other cows were fed the same diet supplemented daily with 18 g of rumen-protected methionine. Within each diet, the cows were administrated either no vitamin supplement or weekly intramuscular injections of 160 mg of folic acid plus 10 mg of vitamin B(12.) To investigate metabolic changes at 12 wk of lactation, glucose and methionine kinetics were measured by isotope dilution using infusions of 3[U-(13)C]glucose, [(13)C]NaHCO(3) and 3[1-(13)C,(2)H(3)] methionine. Milk and plasma concentrations of folic acid and vitamin B(12) increased with vitamin injections. Supplementary B-vitamins increased milk production from 34.7 to 38.9 +/- 1.0 kg/d and increased milk lactose, protein, and total solids yields. Whole-body glucose flux tended to increase with vitamin supplementation with a similar quantitative magnitude as the milk lactose yield increase. Vitamin supplementation increased methionine utilization for protein synthesis through increased protein turnover when methionine was deficient and through decreased methionine oxidation when rumen-protected methionine was fed. Vitamin supplementation decreased plasma concentrations of homocysteine independently of rumen-protected methionine feeding, although no effect of vitamin supplementation was measured on methionine remethylation, but this could be due to the limitation of the technique used. Therefore, the effects of these B-vitamins on lactation performance were not mainly explained by methionine economy because of a more efficient methylneogenesis but were rather related to increased glucose availability and changes in methionine metabolism.

  14. The effects of dietary supplementation of methionine on genomic stability and p53 gene promoter methylation in rats.

    PubMed

    Amaral, Cátia Lira Do; Bueno, Rafaela de Barros E Lima; Burim, Regislaine Valéria; Queiroz, Regina Helena Costa; Bianchi, Maria de Lourdes Pires; Antunes, Lusânia Maria Greggi

    2011-05-18

    Methionine is a component of one-carbon metabolism and a precursor of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the methyl donor for DNA methylation. When methionine intake is high, an increase of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is expected. DNA methyltransferases convert SAM to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). A high intracellular SAH concentration could inhibit the activity of DNA methyltransferases. Therefore, high methionine ingestion could induce DNA damage and change the methylation pattern of tumor suppressor genes. This study investigated the genotoxicity of a methionine-supplemented diet. It also investigated the diet's effects on glutathione levels, SAM and SAH concentrations and the gene methylation pattern of p53. Wistar rats received either a methionine-supplemented diet (2% methionine) or a control diet (0.3% methionine) for six weeks. The methionine-supplemented diet was neither genotoxic nor antigenotoxic to kidney cells, as assessed by the comet assay. However, the methionine-supplemented diet restored the renal glutathione depletion induced by doxorubicin. This fact may be explained by the transsulfuration pathway, which converts methionine to glutathione in the kidney. Methionine supplementation increased the renal concentration of SAH without changing the SAM/SAH ratio. This unchanged profile was also observed for DNA methylation at the promoter region of the p53 gene. Further studies are necessary to elucidate this diet's effects on genomic stability and DNA methylation. 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Response of growing goslings to dietary supplementation with methionine and betaine.

    PubMed

    Yang, Z; Wang, Z Y; Yang, H M; Zhao, F Z; Kong, L L

    2016-12-01

    An experiment with a 2 × 3 factorial design with two concentrations of dietary betaine (0 and 600 mg/kg) and three dietary concentrations of methionine (0, 600 and 1200 mg/kg) was conducted using goslings to estimate growth, nutrient utilisation and digestibility of amino acids from 21 to 70 d of age. Three hundred geese were randomised at 18 d of age into 6 groups with 5 replicates per treatment and 10 geese per replicate. Increasing dietary concentrations of methionine gave a linear increase in body weight and average daily gain. The coefficient of crude fat retention increased as dietary methionine increased and there was a significant non-linear response to increasing dietary methionine. Similarly, increasing supplemental methionine gave linear increases in the digestibility of methionine and cysteine. The results of this study indicated that optimal dietary supplementation of methionine could increase growth performance and methionine and cysteine utilisation in growing goslings. Betaine supplementation had no apparent sparing effect on methionine needs for growth performance, but did improve the apparent cysteine digestibility.

  16. Methionine Deprivation Induces a Targetable Vulnerability in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Enhancing TRAIL Receptor-2 Expression.

    PubMed

    Strekalova, Elena; Malin, Dmitry; Good, David M; Cryns, Vincent L

    2015-06-15

    Many neoplasms are vulnerable to methionine deficiency by mechanisms that are poorly understood. Because gene profiling studies have revealed that methionine depletion increases TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor-2 (TRAIL-R2) mRNA, we postulated that methionine stress sensitizes breast cancer cells to proapoptotic TRAIL-R2 agonists. Human triple (ER/PR/HER2)-negative breast carcinoma cell lines were cultured in control or methionine-free media. The effects of methionine depletion on TRAIL receptor expression and sensitivity to chemotherapy or a humanized agonistic TRAIL-R2 monoclonal antibody (lexatumumab) were determined. The melanoma-associated antigen MAGED2 was silenced to delineate its functional role in sensitizing TNBC cells to methionine stress. An orthotopic TNBC model was utilized to evaluate the effects of dietary methionine deficiency, lexatumumab, or the combination. Methionine depletion sensitized TNBC cells to lexatumumab-induced caspase activation and apoptosis by increasing TRAIL-R2 mRNA and cell surface expression. MCF-10A cells transformed by oncogenic H-Ras, but not untransformed cells, and matrix-detached TNBC cells were highly sensitive to the combination of lexatumumab and methionine depletion. Proteomics analyses revealed that MAGED2, which has been reported to reduce TRAIL-R2 expression, was suppressed by methionine stress. Silencing MAGED2 recapitulated features of methionine deprivation, including enhanced mRNA and cell surface expression of TRAIL receptors and increased sensitivity to TRAIL receptor agonists. Dietary methionine deprivation enhanced the antitumor effects of lexatumumab in an orthotopic metastatic TNBC model. Methionine depletion exposes a targetable defect in TNBC cells by increasing TRAIL-R2 expression. Our findings provide the foundation for a clinical trial combining dietary methionine restriction and TRAIL-R2 agonists. Clin Cancer Res; 21(12); 2780-91. ©2015 AACR. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

  17. Regulation of thrombosis and vascular function by protein methionine oxidation

    PubMed Central

    Gu, Sean X.; Stevens, Jeff W.

    2015-01-01

    Redox biology is fundamental to both normal cellular homeostasis and pathological states associated with excessive oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species function not only as signaling molecules but also as redox regulators of protein function. In the vascular system, redox reactions help regulate key physiologic responses such as cell adhesion, vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, angiogenesis, inflammatory gene expression, and apoptosis. During pathologic states, altered redox balance can cause vascular cell dysfunction and affect the equilibrium between procoagulant and anticoagulant systems, contributing to thrombotic vascular disease. This review focuses on the emerging role of a specific reversible redox reaction, protein methionine oxidation, in vascular disease and thrombosis. A growing number of cardiovascular and hemostatic proteins are recognized to undergo reversible methionine oxidation, in which methionine residues are posttranslationally oxidized to methionine sulfoxide. Protein methionine oxidation can be reversed by the action of stereospecific enzymes known as methionine sulfoxide reductases. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II is a prototypical methionine redox sensor that responds to changes in the intracellular redox state via reversible oxidation of tandem methionine residues in its regulatory domain. Several other proteins with oxidation-sensitive methionine residues, including apolipoprotein A-I, thrombomodulin, and von Willebrand factor, may contribute to vascular disease and thrombosis. PMID:25900980

  18. Efficacy of DL-methionine hydroxy analogue-free acid in comparison to DL-methionine in growing male white Pekin ducks.

    PubMed

    Kluge, H; Gessner, D K; Herzog, E; Eder, K

    2016-03-01

    The present study was performed to assess the bioefficacy of DL-methionine hydroxy analogue-free acid (MHA) in comparison to DL-methionine (DLM) as sources of methionine for growing male white Pekin ducks in the first 3 wk of life. For this aim, 580 1-day-old male ducks were allocated into 12 treatment groups and received a basal diet that contained 0.29% of methionine, 0.34% of cysteine and 0.63% of total sulphur containing amino acids or the same diet supplemented with either DLM or MHA in amounts to supply 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25% of methionine equivalents. Ducks fed the control diet without methionine supplement had the lowest final body weights, daily body weight gains and feed intake among all groups. Supplementation of methionine improved final body weights and daily body weight gains in a dose dependent-manner. There was, however, no significant effect of the source of methionine on all of the performance responses. Evaluation of the data of daily body weight gains with an exponential model of regression revealed a nearly identical efficacy (slope of the curves) of both compounds for growth (DLM = 100%, MHA = 101%). According to the exponential model of regression, 95% of the maximum values of daily body weight gain were reached at methionine supplementary levels of 0.080% and 0.079% for DLM and MHA, respectively. Overall, the present study indicates that MHA and DLM have a similar efficacy as sources of methionine for growing ducks. It is moreover shown that dietary methionine concentrations of 0.37% are required to reach 95% of the maximum of daily body weight gains in ducks during the first 3 wk of life. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

  19. Methionine toxicity in chicks and poults.

    PubMed

    Hafez, Y S; Chavez, E; Vohra, P; Kratzer, F H

    1978-05-01

    In feeding experiments with poults, 2% DL-methionine caused a marked growth depression which could be alleviated by the addition of glycine. Homocystine at an equimolar level depressed growth to a lesser degree than methionine, and this growth depression could be alleviated by glycine. Betaine could alleviate the growth depression of homocystine but not that of methionine. Methionine-fed poults developed a cervical paralysis similar to that of a folic acid deficiency, but the addition of this vitamin at several times the requirement was ineffective in counteracting the toxicity of methionine in either chicks or poults.

  20. Methionine-supplemented diet affects the expression of cardiovascular disease-related genes and increases inflammatory cytokines in mice heart and liver.

    PubMed

    Aissa, Alexandre Ferro; Amaral, Catia Lira do; Venancio, Vinicius Paula; Machado, Carla da Silva; Hernandes, Lívia Cristina; Santos, Patrick Wellington da Silva; Curi, Rui; Bianchi, Maria de Lourdes Pires; Antunes, Lusânia Maria Greggi

    2017-01-01

    Some important environmental factors that influence the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) include tobacco, excess alcohol, and unhealthy diet. Methionine obtained from the diet participates in the synthesis of DNA, proteins, lipids and affects homocysteine levels, which is associated with the elevated risk for CVD development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the manner in which dietary methionine might affect cellular mechanisms underlying CVD occurrence. Swiss albino mice were fed either control (0.3% DL-methionine), methionine-supplemented (2% DL-methionine), or a methionine-deprived diet (0% DL-methionine) over a 10-week period. The parameters measured included plasma homocysteine concentrations, oxidative stress by reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio, levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6, as well as expression of genes associated with CVD. The levels of apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5), a regulator of plasma triglycerides, were measured. The methionine-supplemented diet increased oxidative stress by lowering the GSH/GSSG ratio in heart tissues and decreased expression of the genes Apob, Ctgf, Serpinb2, Spp1, Il1b, and Sell, but elevated expression of Thbs4, Tgfb2, Ccr1, and Vegfa. Methionine-deprived diet reduced expression of Col3a1, Cdh5, Fabp3, Bax, and Hbegf and increased expression of Sell, Ccl5, Itga2, Birc3, Msr1, Bcl2a1a, Il1r2, and Selp. Methionine-deprived diet exerted pro-inflammatory consequences as evidenced by elevated levels of cytokines IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 noted in liver. Methionine-supplemented diet increased hepatic IL-6 and cardiac TNF-α. Both methionine supplementation and deprivation lowered hepatic levels of APOA5. In conclusion, data demonstrated that a methionine-supplemented diet modulated important biological processes associated with high risk of CVD development.

  1. Quantitation of Cellular Metabolic Fluxes of Methionine

    PubMed Central

    Shlomi, Tomer; Fan, Jing; Tang, Baiqing; Kruger, Warren D.; Rabinowitz, Joshua D.

    2014-01-01

    Methionine is an essential proteogenic amino acid. In addition, it is a methyl donor for DNA and protein methylation and a propylamine donor for polyamine biosyn-thesis. Both the methyl and propylamine donation pathways involve metabolic cycles, and methods are needed to quantitate these cycles. Here, we describe an analytical approach for quantifying methionine metabolic fluxes that accounts for the mixing of intracellular and extracellular methionine pools. We observe that such mixing prevents isotope tracing experiments from reaching the steady state due to the large size of the media pools and hence precludes the use of standard stationary metabolic flux analysis. Our approach is based on feeding cells with 13C methionine and measuring the isotope-labeling kinetics of both intracellular and extracellular methionine by liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry (LC-MS). We apply this method to quantify methionine metabolism in a human fibrosarcoma cell line and study how methionine salvage pathway enzyme methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), frequently deleted in cancer, affects methionine metabolism. We find that both transmethylation and propylamine transfer fluxes amount to roughly 15% of the net methionine uptake, with no major changes due to MTAP deletion. Our method further enables the quantification of flux through the pro-tumorigenic enzyme ornithine decarboxylase, and this flux increases 2-fold following MTAP deletion. The analytical approach used to quantify methionine metabolic fluxes is applicable for other metabolic systems affected by mixing of intracellular and extracellular metabolite pools. PMID:24397525

  2. Potential for Development of an Escherichia coli—Based Biosensor for Assessing Bioavailable Methionine: A Review

    PubMed Central

    Chalova, Vesela I.; Froelich, Clifford A.; Ricke, Steven C.

    2010-01-01

    Methionine is an essential amino acid for animals and is typically considered one of the first limiting amino acids in animal feed formulations. Methionine deficiency or excess in animal diets can lead to sub-optimal animal performance and increased environmental pollution, which necessitates its accurate quantification and proper dosage in animal rations. Animal bioassays are the current industry standard to quantify methionine bioavailability. However, animal-based assays are not only time consuming, but expensive and are becoming more scrutinized by governmental regulations. In addition, a variety of artifacts can hinder the variability and time efficacy of these assays. Microbiological assays, which are based on a microbial response to external supplementation of a particular nutrient such as methionine, appear to be attractive potential alternatives to the already established standards. They are rapid and inexpensive in vitro assays which are characterized with relatively accurate and consistent estimation of digestible methionine in feeds and feed ingredients. The current review discusses the potential to develop Escherichia coli-based microbial biosensors for methionine bioavailability quantification. Methionine biosynthesis and regulation pathways are overviewed in relation to genetic manipulation required for the generation of a respective methionine auxotroph that could be practical for a routine bioassay. A prospective utilization of Escherichia coli methionine biosensor would allow for inexpensive and rapid methionine quantification and ultimately enable timely assessment of nutritional profiles of feedstuffs. PMID:22319312

  3. Transmethylation of homocysteine to methionine: efficiency in the rat and chick.

    PubMed

    Baker, D H; Czarnecki, G L

    1985-10-01

    Experiments were conducted with young chicks and rats to quantify the efficacy of L-homocysteine as a methionine precursor. Linear growth responses were obtained to both L-methionine and L-homocysteine when added to a methionine-deficient intact-protein diet containing a plethora of cystine. Slope-ratio multiple regression methodology indicated L-homocysteine to be 64.5% as efficacious as L-methionine in rats and 62.5% as efficacious in chicks. Plasma-free methionine also increased linearly as graded levels of either L-methionine or L-homocysteine were added to the diet of rats. At higher dosages of L-homocysteine, betaine, but not choline, showed some efficacy in enhancing the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. In the linear response surface of the growth curve, however, supplemental betaine was without effect on L-homocysteine bioefficacy, as was also the case for supplemental sarcosine and N5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid.

  4. Redox Proteomics of Protein-bound Methionine Oxidation*

    PubMed Central

    Ghesquière, Bart; Jonckheere, Veronique; Colaert, Niklaas; Van Durme, Joost; Timmerman, Evy; Goethals, Marc; Schymkowitz, Joost; Rousseau, Frederic; Vandekerckhove, Joël; Gevaert, Kris

    2011-01-01

    We here present a new method to measure the degree of protein-bound methionine sulfoxide formation at a proteome-wide scale. In human Jurkat cells that were stressed with hydrogen peroxide, over 2000 oxidation-sensitive methionines in more than 1600 different proteins were mapped and their extent of oxidation was quantified. Meta-analysis of the sequences surrounding the oxidized methionine residues revealed a high preference for neighboring polar residues. Using synthetic methionine sulfoxide containing peptides designed according to the observed sequence preferences in the oxidized Jurkat proteome, we discovered that the substrate specificity of the cellular methionine sulfoxide reductases is a major determinant for the steady-state of methionine oxidation. This was supported by a structural modeling of the MsrA catalytic center. Finally, we applied our method onto a serum proteome from a mouse sepsis model and identified 35 in vivo methionine oxidation events in 27 different proteins. PMID:21406390

  5. Improving methionine and ATP availability by MET6 and SAM2 co-expression combined with sodium citrate feeding enhanced SAM accumulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

    PubMed

    Chen, Hailong; Wang, Zhou; Wang, Zhilai; Dou, Jie; Zhou, Changlin

    2016-04-01

    S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), biosynthesized from methionine and ATP, exhibited diverse pharmaceutical applications. To enhance SAM accumulation in S. cerevisiae CGMCC 2842 (wild type), improvement of methionine and ATP availability through MET6 and SAM2 co-expression combined with sodium citrate feeding was investigated here. Feeding 6 g/L methionine at 12 h into medium was found to increase SAM accumulation by 38 % in wild type strain. Based on this result, MET6, encoding methionine synthase, was overexpressed, which caused a 59 % increase of SAM. To redirect intracellular methionine into SAM, MET6 and SAM2 (encoding methionine adenosyltransferase) were co-expressed to obtain the recombinant strain YGSPM in which the SAM accumulation was 2.34-fold of wild type strain. The data obtained showed that co-expression of MET6 and SAM2 improved intracellular methionine availability and redirected the methionine to SAM biosynthesis. To elevate intracellular ATP levels, 6 g/L sodium citrate, used as an auxiliary energy substrate, was fed into the batch fermentation medium, and an additional 19 % increase of SAM was observed after sodium citrate addition. Meanwhile, it was found that addition of sodium citrate improved the isocitrate dehydrogenase activity which was associated with the intracellular ATP levels. The results demonstrated that addition of sodium citrate improved intracellular ATP levels which promoted conversion of methionine into SAM. This study presented a feasible approach with considerable potential for developing highly SAM-productive strains based on improving methionine and ATP availability.

  6. Reactions of aqueous L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-methionyl-L-phenylalanine, L-phenylalanyl-L-methionine and their mixtures with H atoms during steady radiolysis at pH 6. 5. [Gamma radiation

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

    Mee, L.K.; Adelstein, S.J.; Steinhart, C.M.

    Phenylalanine, methionine, and their mixtures, methionyl phenylalanine, phenylalnyl methionine, and mixtures of each dipeptide with phenylalanine were reacted with radiolytically generated H atoms in aqueous solution at pH 6.5. When methionine is irradiated alone, G(-methionine) = 2.0; the principal amino acid product is ..cap alpha..-amino-n-butyric acid. The initial destruction of phenylalanine, irradiated alone, is very low, G(-phenylalanine) approximately 0.15, and it decreases with dose. In mixtures of phenylalanine and methionine, radiolytic destruction of phenylalanine is potentiated, with a maximum potentiation at a phenylalanine:methionine ratio of 2 : 1. Repair reactions are postulated to account for the low initial yield ofmore » phenylalanine, its decrease with dose, and potentiation of destruction in mixtures with methionine. The destruction of the phenylalanyl and methionyl residues in the irradiated dipeptides is similar to that found for the loss of phenylalanine and methionine in 1 : 1 mixtures of the free amino acids; the destruction of residues in 1 : 1 mixtures of either dipeptide with phenylalanine is similar to that found in mixtures of phenylalanine:methionine at a ratio of 2 : 1. Thus, it is apparent already in simple mixtures of the divalent sulfur-containing methionine and the aromatic phenylalanine that kinetic interactions occur between these two kinds of amino acids which are not revealed by irradiation of these residues separately. The behavior of the dipeptides does not provide any evidence for intramolecular transfer of radical site.« less

  7. [Phenotypic and technological influences of the Lupinus mutabilis (Tarwi) seed on its methionine availability and sulfur content].

    PubMed

    Oliveros, M; Schoeneberger, H; Gross, R; Reynoso, Z

    1983-09-01

    The present study was carried out to determine the content of available methionine and sulphur in seed cultivars of Lupinus mutabilis from different Andean regions, and to study the influence of processing on methionine and sulphur contents. An additional objective was to evaluate interrelationships among these chemical characteristics and protein quality, as measured by the protein efficiency ratio (PER) method. Results revealed a high variability in the content of available methionine and sulphur between the different ecotypes and varieties of Lupinus mutabilis. Fertilization with CaSO4 (200 kg/ha) did alter the content of available methionine and sulphur in Lupinus albus seeds. Traditional water-debittering of lupines did not affect the methionine content of the seeds, whereas oil-extraction and alcohol-debittering led to a decrease in available methionine (14 and 23% reduction, respectively). Production of a protein isolate further reduced the methionine content (54%). Regression analysis revealed a high correlation between available methionine and sulphur (r = 0.83), between sulphur and PER (r = 0.98) in the processed lupine samples, and lupine mixtures with other protein sources.

  8. Methionine restriction inhibits chemically-induced malignant transformation in the BALB/c 3T3 cell transformation assay.

    PubMed

    Nicken, Petra; Empl, Michael T; Gerhard, Daniel; Hausmann, Julia; Steinberg, Pablo

    2016-09-01

    High consumption of red meat entails a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Methionine, which is more frequently a component of animal proteins, and folic acid are members of the one carbon cycle and as such important players in DNA methylation and cancer development. Therefore, dietary modifications involving altered methionine and folic acid content might inhibit colon cancer development. In the present study, the BALB/c 3T3 cell transformation assay was used to investigate whether methionine and folic acid are able to influence the malignant transformation of mouse fibroblasts after treatment with the known tumour initiator 3-methylcholanthrene. Three different methionine concentrations (representing a -40%, a "normal" and a +40% cell culture medium concentration, respectively) and two different folic acid concentrations (6 and 20 μM) were thereby investigated. Methionine restriction led to a decrease of type III foci, while enhancement of both methionine and folic acid did not significantly increase the cell transformation rate. Interestingly, the focus-lowering effect of methionine was only significant in conjunction with an elevated folic acid concentration. In summary, we conclude that the malignant transformation of mouse fibroblasts is influenced by methionine levels and that methionine restriction could be a possible approach to reduce cancer development. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Effects of methionine and betaine supplementation on growth performance, carcase composition and metabolism of lipids in male broilers.

    PubMed

    Zhan, X A; Li, J X; Xu, Z R; Zhao, R Q

    2006-10-01

    1. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of methionine and betaine supplementation on growth performance, carcase composition and lipid metabolism in growing broilers. 2. A total of 450 commercial broilers, 22 d of age, were randomly allocated to three groups, each of which included three replicates (50 birds per replicate). The groups received the same methionine-deficient diet supplemented with 0 or 1 g/kg methionine, or 0.5 g/kg betaine, respectively. 3. Methionine and betaine supplementation significantly improved weight gain and feed conversion. Supplemental methionine and betaine also significantly increased breast muscle yield and decreased abdominal fat content. Meanwhile, addition of methionine and betaine significantly increased the contents of creatine and free carnitine in liver, the activity of hormone-sensitive lipase in abdominal fat and the concentration of free fatty acid in serum, whereas uric acid concentration in serum was significantly decreased. 4. The results of this study suggest that betaine can spare methionine in its function as an essential amino acid and is as effective as methionine in improving performance and carcase quality of growing broilers if the diet is moderately deficient in methionine. The decrease in abdominal fat may be due to the increased carnitine synthesis in liver and hormone-sensitive lipase activity in abdominal fat.

  10. Regulation of thrombosis and vascular function by protein methionine oxidation.

    PubMed

    Gu, Sean X; Stevens, Jeff W; Lentz, Steven R

    2015-06-18

    Redox biology is fundamental to both normal cellular homeostasis and pathological states associated with excessive oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species function not only as signaling molecules but also as redox regulators of protein function. In the vascular system, redox reactions help regulate key physiologic responses such as cell adhesion, vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, angiogenesis, inflammatory gene expression, and apoptosis. During pathologic states, altered redox balance can cause vascular cell dysfunction and affect the equilibrium between procoagulant and anticoagulant systems, contributing to thrombotic vascular disease. This review focuses on the emerging role of a specific reversible redox reaction, protein methionine oxidation, in vascular disease and thrombosis. A growing number of cardiovascular and hemostatic proteins are recognized to undergo reversible methionine oxidation, in which methionine residues are posttranslationally oxidized to methionine sulfoxide. Protein methionine oxidation can be reversed by the action of stereospecific enzymes known as methionine sulfoxide reductases. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II is a prototypical methionine redox sensor that responds to changes in the intracellular redox state via reversible oxidation of tandem methionine residues in its regulatory domain. Several other proteins with oxidation-sensitive methionine residues, including apolipoprotein A-I, thrombomodulin, and von Willebrand factor, may contribute to vascular disease and thrombosis. © 2015 by The American Society of Hematology.

  11. Induction and Repression in the S-Adenosylmethionine and Methionine Biosynthetic Systems of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

    PubMed Central

    Ferro, A. J.; Spence, K. D.

    1973-01-01

    Two methionine biosynthetic enzymes and the methionine adenosyltransferase are repressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae when grown under conditions where the intracellular levels of S-adenosylmethionine are high. The nature of the co-repressor molecule of this repression was investigated by following the intracellular levels of methionine, S-adenosylmethionine, and S-adenosylhomocysteine, as well as enzyme activities, after growth under various conditions. Under all of the conditions found to repress these enzymes, there is an accompanying induction of the S-adenosylmethionine-homocysteine methyltransferase which suggests that this enzyme may play a key role in the regulation of S-adenosylmethionine and methionine balance and synthesis. S-methylmethionine also induces the methyltransferase, but unlike S-adenosylmethionine, it does not repress the methionine adenosyltransferase or other methionine biosynthetic enzymes tested. PMID:4583251

  12. Regulation of cell function by methionine oxidation and reduction

    PubMed Central

    Hoshi, Toshinori; Heinemann, Stefan H

    2001-01-01

    Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated during normal cellular activity and may exist in excess in some pathophysiological conditions, such as inflammation or reperfusion injury. These molecules oxidize a variety of cellular constituents, but sulfur-containing amino acid residues are especially susceptible. While reversible cysteine oxidation and reduction is part of well-established signalling systems, the oxidation and the enzymatically catalysed reduction of methionine is just emerging as a novel molecular mechanism for cellular regulation. Here we discuss how the oxidation of methionine to methionine sulfoxide in signalling proteins such as ion channels affects the function of these target proteins. Methionine sulfoxide reductase, which reduces methionine sulfoxide to methionine in a thioredoxin-dependent manner, is therefore not only an enzyme important for the repair of age- or degenerative disease-related protein modifications. It is also a potential missing link in the post-translational modification cycle involved in the specific oxidation and reduction of methionine residues in cellular signalling proteins, which may give rise to activity-dependent plastic changes in cellular excitability. PMID:11179387

  13. Serine Metabolism Supports the Methionine Cycle and DNA/RNA Methylation through De Novo ATP Synthesis in Cancer Cells

    PubMed Central

    Maddocks, Oliver D.K.; Labuschagne, Christiaan F.; Adams, Peter D.; Vousden, Karen H.

    2016-01-01

    Summary Crosstalk between cellular metabolism and the epigenome regulates epigenetic and metabolic homeostasis and normal cell behavior. Changes in cancer cell metabolism can directly impact epigenetic regulation and promote transformation. Here we analyzed the contribution of methionine and serine metabolism to methylation of DNA and RNA. Serine can contribute to this pathway by providing one-carbon units to regenerate methionine from homocysteine. While we observed this contribution under methionine-depleted conditions, unexpectedly, we found that serine supported the methionine cycle in the presence and absence of methionine through de novo ATP synthesis. Serine starvation increased the methionine/S-adenosyl methionine ratio, decreasing the transfer of methyl groups to DNA and RNA. While serine starvation dramatically decreased ATP levels, this was accompanied by lower AMP and did not activate AMPK. This work highlights the difference between ATP turnover and new ATP synthesis and defines a vital function of nucleotide synthesis beyond making nucleic acids. PMID:26774282

  14. Serine Metabolism Supports the Methionine Cycle and DNA/RNA Methylation through De Novo ATP Synthesis in Cancer Cells.

    PubMed

    Maddocks, Oliver D K; Labuschagne, Christiaan F; Adams, Peter D; Vousden, Karen H

    2016-01-21

    Crosstalk between cellular metabolism and the epigenome regulates epigenetic and metabolic homeostasis and normal cell behavior. Changes in cancer cell metabolism can directly impact epigenetic regulation and promote transformation. Here we analyzed the contribution of methionine and serine metabolism to methylation of DNA and RNA. Serine can contribute to this pathway by providing one-carbon units to regenerate methionine from homocysteine. While we observed this contribution under methionine-depleted conditions, unexpectedly, we found that serine supported the methionine cycle in the presence and absence of methionine through de novo ATP synthesis. Serine starvation increased the methionine/S-adenosyl methionine ratio, decreasing the transfer of methyl groups to DNA and RNA. While serine starvation dramatically decreased ATP levels, this was accompanied by lower AMP and did not activate AMPK. This work highlights the difference between ATP turnover and new ATP synthesis and defines a vital function of nucleotide synthesis beyond making nucleic acids. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. L-Methionine Production.

    PubMed

    Shim, Jihyun; Shin, Yonguk; Lee, Imsang; Kim, So Young

    L-Methionine has been used in various industrial applications such as the production of feed and food additives and has been used as a raw material for medical supplies and drugs. It functions not only as an essential amino acid but also as a physiological effector, for example, by inhibiting fat accumulation and enhancing immune response. Producing methionine from fermentation is beneficial in that microorganisms can produce L-methionine selectively using eco-sustainable processes. Nevertheless, the fermentative method has not been used on an industrial scale because it is not competitive economically compared with chemical synthesis methods. Presented are efforts to develop suitable strains, engineered enzymes, and alternative process of producing L-methionine that overcomes problems of conventional fermentation methods. One of the alternative processes is a two-step process in which the L-methionine precursor is produced by fermentation and then converted to L-methionine by enzymes. Directed efforts toward strain development and enhanced enzyme engineering will advance industrial production of L-methionine based on fermentation.

  16. Regulated methionine oxidation by monooxygenases

    PubMed Central

    Manta, Bruno; Gladyshev, Vadim N.

    2017-01-01

    Protein function can be regulated via post-translational modifications by numerous enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms, including oxidation of cysteine and methionine residues. Redox-dependent regulatory mechanisms have been identified for nearly every cellular process, but the major paradigm has been that cellular components are oxidized (damaged) by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a relatively unspecific way, and then reduced (repaired) by designated reductases. While this scheme may work with cysteine, it cannot be ascribed to other residues, such as methionine, whose reaction with ROS is too slow to be biologically relevant. However, methionine is clearly oxidized in vivo and enzymes for its stereoselective reduction are present in all three domains of life. Here, we revisit the chemistry and biology of methionine oxidation, with emphasis on its generation by enzymes from the monooxygenase family. Particular attention is placed on MICALs, a recently discovered family of proteins that harbor an unusual flavin-monooxygenase domain with an NADPH-dependent methionine sulfoxidase activity. Based on the structural and kinetic information we provide a rational framework to explain MICAL mechanism, inhibition, and regulation. Methionine residues that are targeted by MICALs are reduced back by methionine sulfoxide reductases, suggesting that reversible methionine oxidation may be a general mechanism analogous to the regulation by phosphorylation by kinases/phosphatases. The identification of new enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of methionine will open a new area of research at the forefront of redox signaling. PMID:28229915

  17. Cellular mechanisms of renal adaptation of sodium dependent sulfate cotransport to altered dietary sulfate in rats.

    PubMed

    Sagawa, K; DuBois, D C; Almon, R R; Murer, H; Morris, M E

    1998-12-01

    The renal transport and fractional reabsorption of inorganic sulfate is altered under conditions of sulfate deficiency or excess. The objective of this study was to examine the cellular mechanisms of adaptation of renal sodium/sulfate cotransport after varying dietary intakes of a sulfur containing amino acid, methionine. Female Lewis rats were divided into four groups and fed diets containing various concentrations of methionine (0, 0.3, 0.82 and 2.46%) for 8 days. Urinary excretion rates and renal clearance of sulfate were significantly decreased in the animals fed a 0% methionine diet or a 0.3% methionine diet, and significantly increased in the animals fed a 2.46% methionine diet when evaluated on days 4 and 7. Serum sulfate concentrations were unchanged by diet treatment in all animals. The fractional reabsorption of sulfate was significantly increased in the animals fed the 0% methionine diet and the 0.3% methionine diets, and decreased in the animals fed the 2.46% methionine diet. Increased mRNA and protein levels for the sodium/sulfate transporter (NaSi-1) were found in the kidney cortex following treatment with the 0 and 0.3% methionine diet groups. Sulfate homeostasis by renal reabsorption is maintained by an up-regulation of steady state levels of NaSi-1 mRNA and protein when the diet is low in methionine.

  18. The Pediatric Methionine Requirement Should Incorporate Remethylation Potential and Transmethylation Demands12

    PubMed Central

    2016-01-01

    The metabolic demand for methionine is great in neonates. Indeed, methionine is the only indispensable sulfur amino acid and is required not only for protein synthesis and growth but is also partitioned to a greater extent to transsulfuration for cysteine and taurine synthesis and to >50 transmethylation reactions that serve to methylate DNA and synthesize metabolites, including creatine and phosphatidylcholine. Therefore, the pediatric methionine requirement must accommodate the demands of rapid protein turnover as well as vast nonprotein demands. Because cysteine spares the methionine requirement, it is likely that the dietary provision of transmethylation products can also feasibly spare methionine. However, understanding the requirement of methionine is further complicated because demethylated methionine can be remethylated by the dietary methyl donors folate and betaine (derived from choline). Intakes of dietary methyl donors are highly variable, which is of particular concern for newborns. It has been demonstrated that many populations have enhanced requirements for these nutrients, and nutrient fortification may exacerbate this phenomenon by selecting phenotypes that increase methyl requirements. Moreover, higher transmethylation rates can limit methyl supply and affect other transmethylation reactions as well as protein synthesis. Therefore, careful investigations are needed to determine how remethylation and transmethylation contribute to the methionine requirement. The purpose of this review is to support our hypothesis that dietary methyl donors and consumers can drive methionine availability for protein synthesis and transmethylation reactions. We argue that nutritional strategies in neonates need to ensure that methionine is available to meet requirements for growth as well as for transmethylation products. PMID:27184279

  19. The Pediatric Methionine Requirement Should Incorporate Remethylation Potential and Transmethylation Demands.

    PubMed

    Robinson, Jason L; Bertolo, Robert F

    2016-05-01

    The metabolic demand for methionine is great in neonates. Indeed, methionine is the only indispensable sulfur amino acid and is required not only for protein synthesis and growth but is also partitioned to a greater extent to transsulfuration for cysteine and taurine synthesis and to >50 transmethylation reactions that serve to methylate DNA and synthesize metabolites, including creatine and phosphatidylcholine. Therefore, the pediatric methionine requirement must accommodate the demands of rapid protein turnover as well as vast nonprotein demands. Because cysteine spares the methionine requirement, it is likely that the dietary provision of transmethylation products can also feasibly spare methionine. However, understanding the requirement of methionine is further complicated because demethylated methionine can be remethylated by the dietary methyl donors folate and betaine (derived from choline). Intakes of dietary methyl donors are highly variable, which is of particular concern for newborns. It has been demonstrated that many populations have enhanced requirements for these nutrients, and nutrient fortification may exacerbate this phenomenon by selecting phenotypes that increase methyl requirements. Moreover, higher transmethylation rates can limit methyl supply and affect other transmethylation reactions as well as protein synthesis. Therefore, careful investigations are needed to determine how remethylation and transmethylation contribute to the methionine requirement. The purpose of this review is to support our hypothesis that dietary methyl donors and consumers can drive methionine availability for protein synthesis and transmethylation reactions. We argue that nutritional strategies in neonates need to ensure that methionine is available to meet requirements for growth as well as for transmethylation products. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

  20. Genetic and biochemical differences in populations bred for extremes in maize grain methionine content

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Methionine is an important nutrient in animal feed and several approaches have been developed to increase methionine concentration in maize (Zea mays L.) grain. One approach is through traditional breeding using recurrent selection. Two populations selected were selected for high and low methionin...

  1. 21 CFR 172.399 - Zinc methionine sulfate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Zinc methionine sulfate. 172.399 Section 172.399... CONSUMPTION Special Dietary and Nutritional Additives § 172.399 Zinc methionine sulfate. Zinc methionine... conditions: (a) The additive is the product of the reaction between equimolar amounts of zinc sulfate and DL...

  2. Dry-extrusion of Asian Carp to supplement natural methionine for organic poultry production

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Methionine, a sulfur containing amino acid, is essential for healthy poultry production. Synthetic methionine is commonly used as a supplement in conventional poultry. However, for organic poultry in the United States, a natural, cost effective source of methionine that can replace synthetic methion...

  3. 7 CFR 205.603 - Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock production.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... Water Act. (i) Calcium hypochlorite. (ii) Chlorine dioxide. (iii) Sodium hypochlorite. (8) Electrolytes.... (1) DL-Methionine, DL-Methionine-hydroxy analog, and DL-Methionine-hydroxy analog calcium (CAS #'s 59... maximum levels of synthetic methionine per ton of feed: Laying and broiler chickens—2 pounds; turkeys and...

  4. 7 CFR 205.603 - Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock production.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... Water Act. (i) Calcium hypochlorite. (ii) Chlorine dioxide. (iii) Sodium hypochlorite. (8) Electrolytes.... (1) DL-Methionine, DL-Methionine-hydroxy analog, and DL-Methionine-hydroxy analog calcium (CAS #'s 59... maximum levels of synthetic methionine per ton of feed: Laying and broiler chickens—2 pounds; turkeys and...

  5. Betaine: a promising antioxidant agent for enhancement of broiler meat quality.

    PubMed

    Alirezaei, M; Reza Gheisari, H; Reza Ranjbar, V; Hajibemani, A

    2012-01-01

    1. Antioxidant and methyl donor effects of betaine in experimental animal models have recently been demonstrated. The present study was therefore designed to examine the antioxidant effects of betaine on the antioxidant status and meat quality of breast muscles in broilers. 2. Cobb broilers were randomly divided into Control, Methionine low, Methionine low plus betaine, and Betaine groups. 3. The activity of the main antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase) in the Betaine and the Methionine low plus betaine groups significantly increased compared to the Methionine low and Control groups. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly higher in the Betaine group compared to the Methionine low group, and lipid peroxidation was significantly higher in the Control and the Methionine low groups. 4. The present study indicates that adding betaine (1 g/kg) to a diet deficient in methionine can significantly improve antioxidant defences and meat quality, decreasing lipid peroxidation in the breast muscles of broiler chickens.

  6. 21 CFR 582.5477 - Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts... Nutrients and/or Dietary Supplements 1 § 582.5477 Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts. (a) Product. Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts. (b) [Reserved] (c) Limitations, restrictions, or...

  7. 21 CFR 582.5477 - Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts... Nutrients and/or Dietary Supplements 1 § 582.5477 Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts. (a) Product. Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts. (b) [Reserved] (c) Limitations, restrictions, or...

  8. Sulphur Atoms from Methionines Interacting with Aromatic Residues Are Less Prone to Oxidation

    PubMed Central

    Aledo, Juan C.; Cantón, Francisco R.; Veredas, Francisco J.

    2015-01-01

    Methionine residues exhibit different degrees of susceptibility to oxidation. Although solvent accessibility is a relevant factor, oxidation at particular sites cannot be unequivocally explained by accessibility alone. To explore other possible structural determinants, we assembled different sets of oxidation-sensitive and oxidation-resistant methionines contained in human proteins. Comparisons of the proteins containing oxidized methionines with all proteins in the human proteome led to the conclusion that the former exhibit a significantly higher mean value of methionine content than the latter. Within a given protein, an examination of the sequence surrounding the non-oxidized methionine revealed a preference for neighbouring tyrosine and tryptophan residues, but not for phenylalanine residues. However, because the interaction between sulphur atoms and aromatic residues has been reported to be important for the stabilization of protein structure, we carried out an analysis of the spatial interatomic distances between methionines and aromatic residues, including phenylalanine. The results of these analyses uncovered a new determinant for methionine oxidation: the S-aromatic motif, which decreases the reactivity of the involved sulphur towards oxidants. PMID:26597773

  9. Time-course proteomics dataset to monitor protein-bound methionine oxidation in Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579.

    PubMed

    Madeira, Jean-Paul; Alpha-Bazin, Béatrice; Armengaud, Jean; Duport, Catherine

    2018-06-01

    Aerobic respiratory growth generates endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS oxidize protein-bound methionine residues into methionine sulfoxide. Methionine sulfoxide reductases catalyze the reduction of methionine sulfoxide to methionine in proteins. Here, we use high-throughput nanoLC-MS/MS methodology to establish detailed maps of oxidized proteins from Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 ΔpBClin15 and its mutant for which the methionine sulfoxide reductase AB gene ( msrAB ) has been inactivated (Madeira et al., 2017) [1]. Lists of oxidized peptides and proteins identified at early exponential, late exponential and stationary growth phases are supplied in this article as data files. Raw data are deposited at the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the dataset identifiers, PXD006169 and PDX006205 (http://www.ebi.ac/uk). Given the importance of methionine oxidation in several key cellular processes and its impact in the field of medical and food microbiology, this paper should be useful for further insightful redox studies in B. cereus and its numerous relatives.

  10. Methionine kinetics in adult men: effects of dietary betaine on L-(2H3-methyl-1-13C)methionine

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

    Storch, K.J.; Wagner, D.A.; Young, V.R.

    1991-08-01

    The effects of a daily 3-g supplement of betaine on kinetic aspects of L-(2H3-methyl-1-13C)methionine (MET) metabolism in healthy young adult men were explored. Four groups of four subjects each were given a control diet, based on an L-amino acid mixture supplying 29.5 and 21.9 mg.kg-1.d-1 of L-methionine and L-cystine for 4 d before the tracer study, conducted on day 5 during the fed state. Two groups received the control diet and two groups received the betaine supplement. Tracer was given intravenously (iv) or orally. The transmethylation rate of MET (TM), homocysteine remethylation (RM), and oxidation of methionine were estimated frommore » plasma methionine labeling and 13C enrichment of expired air. RM tended to increase (P = 0.14) but the TM and methionine oxidation were significantly (P less than 0.05) higher after betaine supplementation when estimated with the oral tracer. No differences were detected with the intravenous tracer. Methionine concentration in plasma obtained from blood taken from subjects in the fed state was higher (P less than 0.01) with betaine supplementation. These results suggest that excess methyl-group intake may increase the dietary requirement for methionine.« less

  11. Mechanisms to account for maintenance of the soluble methionine pool in transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing antisense cystathionine gamma-synthase cDNA.

    PubMed

    Gakière, B; Ravanel, S; Droux, M; Douce, R; Job, D

    2000-10-01

    To investigate the role of cystathionine gamma-synthase (CGS) in the regulation of methionine synthesis Arabidopsis plants were transformed with a full-length antisense CGS cDNA and transformants analysed. Plants that were heterozygous for the transgene showed a 20-fold reduction of CGS activity that was accompanied by severe growth retardation and morphological abnormalities, from germination to flowering. Application of exogenous methionine to the transgenic lines restored normal growth. Surprisingly, transformed Arabidopsis plants exhibited a modest decrease in methionine content (35% reduction of the wild-type level) but a seven-fold decrease in the soluble pool of S-methylmethionine (SMM), a compound that plays a major role in storage and transport of reduced sulphur and labile methyl moieties. Several mechanisms can account for the maintenance of the soluble pool of methionine. First, the observed 20-fold increase in O-phosphohomoserine, a substrate of CGS, could compensate for the depressed level of CGS polypeptide by increasing the net rate of catalysis supported by the remaining enzyme. Second, the transgenic plants exhibited a two-fold increased level of cystathionine beta-lyase, the second enzyme in the methionine biosynthetic pathway. This indicates that enzymes other than CGS are subjected to a regulatory control by methionine or one of its metabolites. In addition to these mechanisms affecting de novo methionine synthesis, the recruitment of SMM to produce methionine may account for the small change of methionine levels in transgenic lines.

  12. The relative contribution of genes operating in the S-methylmethionine cycle to methionine metabolism in Arabidopsis seeds.

    PubMed

    Cohen, Hagai; Salmon, Asaf; Tietel, Zipora; Hacham, Yael; Amir, Rachel

    2017-05-01

    Enzymes operating in the S -methylmethionine cycle make a differential contribution to methionine synthesis in seeds. In addition, mutual effects exist between the S -methylmethionine cycle and the aspartate family pathway in seeds. Methionine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is a key metabolite in plant cells. The previous lines of evidence proposed that the S-methylmethionine (SMM) cycle contributes to methionine synthesis in seeds where methionine that is produced in non-seed tissues is converted to SMM and then transported via the phloem into the seeds. However, the relative regulatory roles of the S-methyltransferases operating within this cycle in seeds are yet to be fully understood. In the current study, we generated transgenic Arabidopsis seeds with altered expression of three HOMOCYSTEINE S-METHYLTRANSFERASEs (HMTs) and METHIONINE S-METHYLTRANSFERASE (MMT), and profiled them for transcript and metabolic changes. The results revealed that AtHMT1 and AtHMT3, but not AtHMT2 and AtMMT, are the predominant enzymes operating in seeds as altered expression of these two genes affected the levels of methionine and SMM in transgenic seeds. Their manipulations resulted in adapted expression level of genes participating in methionine synthesis through the SMM and aspartate family pathways. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the regulatory roles of the SMM cycle and the mutual effects existing between the two methionine biosynthesis pathways, highlighting the complexity of the metabolism of methionine and SMM in seeds.

  13. Impact of food supplementation and methionine on high densities of cotton rats: Support of the amino-acid-quality hypothesis?

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Webb, R.E.; Leslie, David M.; Lochmiller, R.L.; Masters, R.E.

    2005-01-01

    Considerable research supports the tenet that quantity and quality of food limit vertebrate populations. We evaluated predictions that increased availabilities of food and the essential amino acid methionine were related to population limitation of the hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus). Effects of supplemental food and methionine on density, survival, and reproductive parameters of wild cotton rats were assessed in north-central Oklahoma in 1998-1999. Twelve enclosed groups of 16 adult cotton rats each (8 male, 8 female) were randomly assigned to either no supplementation (control), supplementation with a mixed ration that had methionine at slightly below maintenance levels (0.20%), or a methionine-enhanced mixed ration (1.20%). In general, densities of cotton rats were twice as high and were sustained longer with dietary supplementation, and methionine-supplemented populations maintained the highest densities. Treatment effects on survival depended on time of year, with higher survival in supplemented enclosures in October and November. Per capita recruitment was highest with methionine-enhanced food. Treatment effects on proportions of overall and female cotton rats in reproductive condition depended on sampling date, but males were most reproductively active with methionine supplementation. Methionine supplementation resulted in an earlier and longer reproductive season. Density-dependent and density-independent factors no doubt interplay to determine population dynamics of cotton rats, but our results suggest that methionine plays a role in the population dynamics of wild cotton rats, apparently by enhancing overall density, recruitment, and reproductive activity of males.

  14. Oxidation of Methionine Residues in Polypeptide Ions via Gas-Phase Ion/Ion Chemistry

    PubMed Central

    Pilo, Alice L.; McLuckey, Scott A.

    2014-01-01

    The gas-phase oxidation of methionine residues is demonstrated here using ion/ion reactions with periodate anions. Periodate anions are observed to attach to varying degrees to all polypeptide ions irrespective of amino acid composition. Direct proton transfer yielding a charge reduced peptide ion is also observed. In the case of methionine and, to a much lesser degree, tryptophan containing peptide ions, collisional activation of the complex ion generated by periodate attachment yields an oxidized peptide product (i.e., [M+H+O]+), in addition to periodic acid detachment. Detachment of periodic acid takes place exclusively for peptides that do not contain either a methionine or tryptophan side-chain. In the case of methionine containing peptides, the [M+H+O]+ product is observed at a much greater abundance than the proton transfer product (viz., [M+H]+). Collisional activation of oxidized Met-containing peptides yields a signature loss of 64 Da from the precursor and/or product ions. This unique loss corresponds to the ejection of methanesulfenic acid from the oxidized methionine side chain and is commonly used in solution-phase proteomics studies to determine the presence of oxidized methionine residues. The present work shows that periodate anions can be used to ‘label’ methionine residues in polypeptides in the gas-phase. The selectivity of the periodate anion for the methionine side chain suggests several applications including identification and location of methionine residues in sequencing applications. PMID:24671696

  15. Enhanced immune responses in broiler chicks fed methionine-supplemented diets.

    PubMed

    Tsiagbe, V K; Cook, M E; Harper, A E; Sunde, M L

    1987-07-01

    Effects of feeding supplementary methionine and choline on broiler growth and immunity were examined by supplementing a corn-soybean diet that contained 21% crude protein, 3,255 kcal metabolizable energy/kg diet, .35% methionine, .37% cystine, and .13% choline. Methionine (.063, .125, .25%) and choline (.125, .25%) were dietary variables. Sulfate (.055%) was added either alone or along with methionine (.125 or .25%) and choline (.125%). In one study, the .25% methionine diet was supplemented with .121% betaine. Sodium and chloride levels were constant in all the diets. Feed and distilled water were supplied ad libitum. Total antibodies, immunoglobulin (Ig) G (2-mercaptoethanol-resistant antibodies) and IgM (2-mercaptoethanol-sensitive antibodies) were determined in 3-wk-old chicks inoculated intraperitoneally with sheep red blood cells. The thymus-derived (T)-cell-dependent in vivo mitogen response to phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) was assessed via wing web swelling. The methionine requirement for growth (0 to 3 wk of age) was approximately .413% of the diet (.35% in the basal diet plus .063% added). Supplementation of the basal diet with .125% choline stimulated growth to the same extent as did the extra .063% of methionine. Addition of .055% sulfate with .125% choline did not improve the ability of the latter to spare methionine. Supplemental methionine resulted in significant (P less than .05) dose-related increases in total antibody, IgG, and response to the mitogen PHA-P, but not in IgM. There were no effects of choline on the immune variables studied. These results suggest that methionine is required for select components of the antibody response, which effect might be related to T-cell help.

  16. Restriction of dietary methyl donors limits methionine availability and affects the partitioning of dietary methionine for creatine and phosphatidylcholine synthesis in the neonatal piglet.

    PubMed

    Robinson, Jason L; McBreairty, Laura E; Randell, Edward W; Brunton, Janet A; Bertolo, Robert F

    2016-09-01

    Methionine is required for protein synthesis and provides a methyl group for >50 critical transmethylation reactions including creatine and phosphatidylcholine synthesis as well as DNA and protein methylation. However, the availability of methionine depends on dietary sources as well as remethylation of demethylated methionine (i.e., homocysteine) by the dietary methyl donors folate and choline (via betaine). By restricting dietary methyl supply, we aimed to determine the extent that dietary methyl donors contribute to methionine availability for protein synthesis and transmethylation reactions in neonatal piglets. Piglets 4-8 days of age were fed a diet deficient (MD-) (n=8) or sufficient (MS+) (n=7) in folate, choline and betaine. After 5 days, dietary methionine was reduced to 80% of requirement in both groups to elicit a response. On day 8, animals were fed [(3)H-methyl]methionine for 6h to measure methionine partitioning into hepatic protein, phosphatidylcholine, creatine and DNA. MD- feeding reduced plasma choline, betaine and folate (P<.05) and increased homocysteine ~3-fold (P<.05). With MD- feeding, hepatic phosphatidylcholine synthesis was 60% higher (P<.05) at the expense of creatine synthesis, which was 30% lower during MD- feeding (P<.05); protein synthesis as well as DNA and protein methylation were unchanged. In the liver, ~30% of dietary label was traced to phosphatidylcholine and creatine together, with ~50% traced to methylation of proteins and ~20% incorporated in synthesized protein. Dietary methyl donors are integral to neonatal methionine requirements and can affect methionine availability for transmethylation pathways. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Effect of L-methionine supplementation on plasma homocysteine and other free amino acids: a placebo-controlled double-blind cross-over study.

    PubMed

    Ditscheid, B; Fünfstück, R; Busch, M; Schubert, R; Gerth, J; Jahreis, G

    2005-06-01

    The essential amino acid L-methionine is a potential compound in the prophylaxis of recurrent or relapsing urinary tract infection due to acidification of urine. As an intermediate of L-methionine metabolism, homocysteine is formed. The objective was to study the metabolism of L-methionine and homocysteine, and to assess whether there are differences between patients with chronic urinary tract infection and healthy control subjects. A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind intervention study with cross-over design. Department of Nutritional Physiology, Institute of Nutrition in cooperation with the Department of Internal Medicine III, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany. Eight female patients with chronic urinary tract infection and 12 healthy women (controls). After a methionine-loading test, the volunteers received 500 mg L-methionine or a placebo three times daily for 4 weeks. Serum and urinary concentrations of methionine, homocysteine, cystathionine, cystine, serine, glycine and serum concentrations of vitamin B12, B6 and the state of folate. Homocysteine plasma concentrations increased from 9.4+/-2.7 micromol/l (patients) and 8.9+/-1.8 micromol/l (controls) in the placebo period to 11.2+/-4.1 micromol/l (P=0.031) and 11.0+/-2.3 micromol/l (P=0.000), respectively, during L-methionine supplementation. There were significant increases in serum methionine (53.6+/-22.0 micromol/l; P=0.003; n=20) and cystathionine (0.62+/-0.30 micromol/l; P=0.000; n=20) concentrations compared with the placebo period (33.0+/-12.0 and 0.30+/-0.10 micromol/l; n=20). Simultaneously, renal excretion of methionine and homocysteine was significantly higher during L-methionine intake. Despite an adequate vitamin status, the supplementation of 1500 mg of L-methionine daily significantly increases homocysteine plasma concentrations by an average of 2.0 micromol/l in patients and in control subjects. An optimal vitamin supplementation, especially with folate, might prevent such an increase.

  18. A machine learning approach for predicting methionine oxidation sites.

    PubMed

    Aledo, Juan C; Cantón, Francisco R; Veredas, Francisco J

    2017-09-29

    The oxidation of protein-bound methionine to form methionine sulfoxide, has traditionally been regarded as an oxidative damage. However, recent evidences support the view of this reversible reaction as a regulatory post-translational modification. The perception that methionine sulfoxidation may provide a mechanism to the redox regulation of a wide range of cellular processes, has stimulated some proteomic studies. However, these experimental approaches are expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, computational methods designed to predict methionine oxidation sites are an attractive alternative. As a first approach to this matter, we have developed models based on random forests, support vector machines and neural networks, aimed at accurate prediction of sites of methionine oxidation. Starting from published proteomic data regarding oxidized methionines, we created a hand-curated dataset formed by 113 unique polypeptides of known structure, containing 975 methionyl residues, 122 of which were oxidation-prone (positive dataset) and 853 were oxidation-resistant (negative dataset). We use a machine learning approach to generate predictive models from these datasets. Among the multiple features used in the classification task, some of them contributed substantially to the performance of the predictive models. Thus, (i) the solvent accessible area of the methionine residue, (ii) the number of residues between the analyzed methionine and the next methionine found towards the N-terminus and (iii) the spatial distance between the atom of sulfur from the analyzed methionine and the closest aromatic residue, were among the most relevant features. Compared to the other classifiers we also evaluated, random forests provided the best performance, with accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 0.7468±0.0567, 0.6817±0.0982 and 0.7557±0.0721, respectively (mean ± standard deviation). We present the first predictive models aimed to computationally detect methionine sites that may become oxidized in vivo in response to oxidative signals. These models provide insights into the structural context in which a methionine residue become either oxidation-resistant or oxidation-prone. Furthermore, these models should be useful in prioritizing methinonyl residues for further studies to determine their potential as regulatory post-translational modification sites.

  19. Methionine metabolism in Yucatan miniature swine.

    PubMed

    McBreairty, Laura E

    2016-06-01

    Methionine is an essential amino acid which when not incorporated into protein, can be converted to S-adenosylmethionine, the universal methyl donor in over 200 transmethylation reactions, which include creatine and phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis, as well as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation. Following transmethylation, homocysteine is formed, which can be converted to cysteine via transsulfuration or remethylated to methionine by receiving a methyl group from folate or betaine. Changes to methyl group availability in utero can lead to permanent changes in epigenetic patterns of DNA methylation, which has been implicated in "fetal programming", a phenomenon associated with poor nutrition during fetal development that results in low birth weight and disease in later life. It has been shown that programming can also occur in the neonate. Our global objective was to understand how the variability of nutrients involved in methionine metabolism can affect methionine and methyl group availability. We hypothesize that nutrients that converge on methionine metabolism can affect methionine availability for its various functions. In this thesis, we used intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) piglets to investigate whether a global nutritional insult in utero can lead to a perturbed methionine metabolism. Our results demonstrate that IUGR piglets have a lower capacity to dispose of homocysteine via both transsulfuration and remethylation pathways, as well as a lower incorporation of methyl groups into PC. The second objective of this thesis was to determine whether variation in methionine supply and demand can affect methionine availability. We demonstrated that stimulating either acute or chronic creatine synthesis leads to lower methyl incorporation into protein and PC in pigs. Furthermore, when methionine is limiting, supplementation with either folate or betaine leads to higher methionine availability for protein synthesis. Finally, because creatine is increasingly being utilized as an ergogenic and neuroprotective supplement, we wanted to determine whether provision of the creatine precursor, guanidinoacetate (GAA), could effectively increase tissue creatine stores. We showed that 2.5 weeks of supplementation with GAA is more effective than creatine at increasing hepatic and muscle creatine stores. The results of this thesis demonstrate that the presence of IUGR, an increased demand for creatine synthesis, or the supplementation with remethylation nutrients can each affect methionine availability; all are important when considering neonatal nutrient requirements. Furthermore, although GAA is effective at increasing levels of tissue creatine, higher GAA methylation can limit methionine availability for growth and synthesis of PC.

  20. Dose-dependent effects of higher methionine levels on the transcriptome and metabolome of transgenic Arabidopsis seeds.

    PubMed

    Cohen, Hagai; Amir, Rachel

    2017-05-01

    Higher methionine levels in transgenic Arabidopsis seeds trigger the accumulation of stress-related transcripts and primary metabolites. These responses depend on the levels of methionine within seeds. Methionine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is a key metabolite in plant cells. To reveal the regulatory role of the Arabidopsis thaliana CYSTATHIONINE γ-SYNTHASE (AtCGS), methionine main regulatory enzyme, in the synthesis of methionine in seeds, we generated transgenic RNAi seeds with targeted repression of AtCGS during late developmental stages of seeds. Unexpectedly, these seeds accumulated 2.5-fold more methionine than wild-type seeds. To study the nature of these seeds, transcriptomic and primary metabolite profiling were employed using Affymetrix ATH1 microarray and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses, respectively. The results were compared to transgenic Arabidopsis seeds expressing a feedback-insensitive form of AtCGS (named SSE-AtD-CGS) that were previously showed to accumulate up to sixfold more soluble methionine than wild-type seeds. Statistical assessments showed that the nature of transcriptomic and metabolic changes that occurred in RNAi::AtCGS seeds were relatively similar, but to lesser extents, to those previously reported for SSE-AtD-CGS seeds, and linked to the induction of global transcriptomic and metabolic responses associated with stronger desiccation stress. As transgenic seeds obtained by both manipulations exhibited higher, but different methionine levels, the data strongly suggest that these changes depend on the absolute amounts of methionine within seeds and much less to the expression level of AtCGS.

  1. D-METHIONINE REDUCES TOBRAMYCIN-INDUCED OTOTOXICITY WITHOUT ANTIMICROBIAL INTERFERENCE IN ANIMAL MODELS

    PubMed Central

    Fox, Daniel J.; Cooper, Morris D.; Speil, Cristian A.; Roberts, Melissa H.; Yanik, Susan C.; Meech, Robert P.; Hargrove, Tim L.; Verhulst, Steven J.; Rybak, Leonard P.; Campbell, Kathleen C. M.

    2015-01-01

    Background Tobramycin is a critical cystic fibrosis treatment however it causes ototoxicity. This study tested D-methionine protection from tobramycin-induced ototoxicity and potential antimicrobial interference. Methods Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and outer hair cell (OHC) quantifications measured protection in guinea pigs treated with tobramycin and a range of D-methionine doses. In vitro antimicrobial interference studies tested inhibition and post antibiotic effect assays. In vivo antimicrobial interference studies tested normal and neutropenic E. coli murine survival and intraperitoneal lavage bacterial counts. Results D-methionine conferred significant ABR threshold shift reductions. OHC protection was less robust but significant at 20 kHz in the 420 mg/kg/day group. In vitro studies did not detect D-methionine-induced antimicrobial interference. In vivo studies did not detect D-methionine-induced interference in normal or neutropenic mice. Conclusions D-methionine protects from tobramycin-induced ototoxicity without antimicrobial interference. The study results suggest D-met as a potential otoprotectant from clinical tobramycin use in cystic fibrosis patients. PMID:26166286

  2. d-Methionine reduces tobramycin-induced ototoxicity without antimicrobial interference in animal models.

    PubMed

    Fox, Daniel J; Cooper, Morris D; Speil, Cristian A; Roberts, Melissa H; Yanik, Susan C; Meech, Robert P; Hargrove, Tim L; Verhulst, Steven J; Rybak, Leonard P; Campbell, Kathleen C M

    2016-07-01

    Tobramycin is a critical cystic fibrosis treatment however it causes ototoxicity. This study tested d-methionine protection from tobramycin-induced ototoxicity and potential antimicrobial interference. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and outer hair cell (OHC) quantifications measured protection in guinea pigs treated with tobramycin and a range of d-methionine doses. In vitro antimicrobial interference studies tested inhibition and post antibiotic effect assays. In vivo antimicrobial interference studies tested normal and neutropenic Escherichia coli murine survival and intraperitoneal lavage bacterial counts. d-Methionine conferred significant ABR threshold shift reductions. OHC protection was less robust but significant at 20kHz in the 420mg/kg/day group. In vitro studies did not detect d-methionine-induced antimicrobial interference. In vivo studies did not detect d-methionine-induced interference in normal or neutropenic mice. d-Methionine protects from tobramycin-induced ototoxicity without antimicrobial interference. The study results suggest d-met as a potential otoprotectant from clinical tobramycin use in cystic fibrosis patients. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. The importance of transmethylation reactions to methionine metabolism in sheep: effects of supplementation with creatine and choline.

    PubMed

    Lobley, G E; Connell, A; Revell, D

    1996-01-01

    The influence of administering the methylated products choline and creatine on methionine irreversible-loss rate (ILR) and recycling from homocysteine has been investigated in sheep fed close to energy and N equilibrium. Two methods to estimate methionine recycling were compared. The first involved [U-13C]methionine infused as part of a labelled amino acid mixture obtained from hydrolysed algal protein. In this approach the isotope dilution of methionine with all five C atoms labelled (m + 5) will represent the ILR which does not recycle through homocysteine, while that which includes molecules with C-1-C-4 labelled will allow for loss of the labelled methyl (5)-C atom and replacement by an unlabelled moiety in the remethylation of homocysteine. The second method involved a combined infusion of [1-13C]- and [S-methyl-2H3]methionine. These two approaches gave similar data for methionine ILR which does not include label recycled to the amino acid from homocysteine but differed for recycled methionine fluxes. Consequently the two procedures differed in the calculated extent of homocysteine methylation under control conditions (6 v. 28%). These extents of remethylation are within the range observed for the fed human subject, despite the fact that fewer dietary methyl groups are available for the ruminant. Using combined data from the infusions, significant depression of methionine recycling occurred in blood (P < 0.05), with a similar trend for plasma (P = 0.077), when choline plus creatine were infused. Wool growth, assessed by intradermal injection of [35S]cysteine, was not altered by supplementation with the methylated products. From changes in the label pattern of free methionine in aortal, hepatic portal and hepatic venous blood during U-13C-labelled algal hydrolysate infusion, the major sites of homocysteine remethylation appear to be the portal-drained viscera and the liver. This was confirmed by analysis of free methionine enrichments in various tissues following dual infusion of [1-13C]- and [S-methyl-2H3]methionine, with the greatest activities occurring in rumen, jejunum and liver. Of the non-splanchnic tissues examined, only kidney exhibited substantial methionine cycling; none was detected in muscle, heart, lung and skin. The implications of methyl group provision under net production conditions are discussed.

  4. Oxidation of methionine - is it limiting the diagnostic properties of 99mTc-labeled Exendin-4, a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonist?

    PubMed

    Janota, Barbara; Karczmarczyk, Urszula; Laszuk, Ewa; Garnuszek, Piotr; Mikołajczak, Renata

    2016-01-01

    Preliminary clinical evaluation of 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-Met14-Exendin-4 showed that the complex offers new diagnostic possibilities for insulinoma and MTC. Exendin-4 contains methionine at position 14 in the amino acid chain, which may be oxidized to methionine sulfoxide and, from the pharmaceutical point of view, the oxidized moiety becomes an undesired impurity in the final radioactive preparation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of commonly used methods to eliminate the effect of methionine oxidation in peptides, i.e. the replacement of methionine by norleucine (Nle) and the addition of L-methionine, on the in vitro stability and the biodistribution. 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-Met14-Exendin-4, 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-Nle14-Exendin-4, 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-Met14-Ex-endin-4 with the addition of L-methionine and an oxidized form of Exendin-4, i.e. 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-Met14(ox)-Exendin-4 were compared in vivo with 68Ga-NODAGA-Nle14-Exendin-4 in normal Wistar rats. The stability and lipophilicity were determined in vitro. Biodistribution studies confirmed the specific uptake of all tested complexes in the GLP-1 positive organs: lungs, pancreas and stomach. The uptake of 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-Met14-Exendin-4 with the addition of L-methionine and for 68Ga-NODAGA-Nle14-Exendin-4 at 1h p.i. was around 2-fold higher than that of 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-Met14-Exendin-4 and 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-Nle14-Exendin-4. Although the substitution of methionine by norleucine in the HYNIC-Exendin-4 did not result in improved bio-distribution, the use of L-methionine, as the excipient that inhibits the oxidation of methionine in the peptide chain resulted in higher lung/blood and stomach/blood uptake ratios. Our results confirmed that methionine at position 14 of amino acid chain of Exendin-4 plays an important role in the interaction with GLP-1 receptor positive tissue.

  5. Chemoprotection by D-methionine against cisplatin-induced side-effects: insight from in vitro studies using human plasma.

    PubMed

    Sooriyaarachchi, Melani; White, Wade M; Narendran, Aru; Gailer, Jürgen

    2014-03-01

    Animal studies have shown that the nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of the anti-cancer drug cisplatin (CP) can be ameliorated by the co-administration with D-methionine. The molecular mechanisms of this activity, however, are not well understood. Since CP is intravenously administered, the underlying chemistry may involve the interaction of CP-derived Pt-species with D-methionine in the bloodstream. Our previous studies have shown that the chemoprotective agents N-acetyl-l-cysteine and sodium thiosulfate modulate the metabolism of CP in human plasma in vitro, albeit in a different manner. Using a metallomics approach, we show that the incubation of human plasma with D-methionine and CP (molar ratio of 20 : 1) leads to the formation of a Pt-D-methionine complex independent of the order of addition. These results were corroborated by analogous experiments that were carried out using PBS-buffer instead of plasma. In addition, CP and D-methionine were added simultaneously to PBS-buffer and samples were analyzed at certain time intervals by the same metallomics method and LC-ESI-MS over a ∼21 h time period. Whereas the intermediate [Pt(NH3)Cl(D-methionine)](+) species was detected between 1-4 h, only the terminal [Pt(D-methionine)2](+) complex was present 21 h later. Combined, these studies demonstrate that in plasma and at the 20 : 1 D-methionine : CP molar ratio, an early CP hydrolysis product reacts with D-methionine to form a 1 : 1 complex that is followed by the formation of a 2 : 1 compound at a later time point. The formation of these Pt-D-methionine species may therefore play an important role in the processes by which D-methionine protects mammalian organisms against CP-induced toxicities.

  6. Palm tocotrienol-rich fraction inhibits methionine-induced cystathionine β-synthase in rat liver.

    PubMed

    Kamisah, Yusof; Norsidah, Ku-Zaifah; Azizi, Ayob; Faizah, Othman; Nonan, Mohd Rizal; Asmadi, Ahmad Yusof

    2015-12-01

    Oxidative stress plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases. The study investigated the effects of dietary palm tocotrienol-rich fraction on homocysteine metabolism in rats fed a high-methionine diet. Forty-two male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six groups. Five groups were fed with high-methionine diet (1%) for 10 weeks. Groups 2 to 5 were also given dietary folate (8 mg/kg) and three doses of palm tocotrienol-rich fraction (30, 60 and 150 mg/kg) from week 6 to week 10. The last group was only given basal rat chow. High-methionine diet increased plasma homocysteine after 10 weeks, which was prevented by the supplementations of folate and high-dose palm tocotrienol-rich fraction. Hepatic S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) content was unaffected in all groups but S-adenosyl homocysteine (SAH) content was reduced in the folate group. Folate supplementation increased the SAM/SAH ratio, while in the palm tocotrienol-rich fraction groups, the ratio was lower compared with the folate. Augmented activity of hepatic cystathionine β-synthase and lipid peroxidation content by high-methionine diet was inhibited by palm tocotrienol-rich fraction supplementations (moderate and high doses), but not by folate. The supplemented groups had lower hepatic lipid peroxidation than the high-methionine diet. In conclusion, palm tocotrienol-rich fraction reduced high-methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinaemia possibly by reducing hepatic oxidative stress in high-methionine-fed rats. It may also exert a direct inhibitory effect on hepatic cystathionine β-synthase.

  7. Phase 2 Clinical Trials: D-Methionine to Reduce Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-07-01

    no lapses in regulatory reports or approvals (IRB, HRPO, FDA). KEYWORDS: D-methionine, noise, protection, hearing loss , antioxidant, free radicals...25, 2012 2012“D-methionine (D-met) Pre- Loading Prior to Noise Exposure Significantly Reduces Temporary and Permanent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss ...1 AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-11-C-0033 TITLE: Phase 2 Clinical Trials: D-Methionine to Reduce Noise-induced Hearing Loss PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

  8. The effects of high dietary protein and nitrogen levels on the preformed methyl group requirement and methionine-induced growth depression in chicks.

    PubMed

    Pesti, G M; Benevenga, N J; Harper, A E; Sunde, M L

    1981-02-01

    The chick's choline and methionine requirements are both increased by high dietary protein level. Studies were conducted to test the hypothesis that the chicks' need for preformed methyl groups is increased by high protein diets (not methionine or choline per se). Chicks fed 25% isolated soybean protein (ISP) diets responded to methionine supplementation (162 vs 110 g gained in 14 days) but not to choline (119 g vs. 110 g), while those fed 50% ISP responded to either methionine (174 g vs. 126 g) or choline (181 g vs. 126 g) supplementation. Further, neither cystine nor homocystine could replace methionine in improving the growth of chicks fed the high protein diet. In other experiments, L-methionine and betaine HCl were found to alleviate the growth depression caused by excessive levels of L-glutamic acid. Excessive levels of L-methionine had a protective effect against growth depression caused by L-glutamate and diammonium citrate, and conversely, supplementary L-serine and sodium formate were not protective against glutamic acid- or arginine-induced growth depression. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the preformed methyl group requirement is increased by high levels of dietary protein and excessive nitrogen from a single amino acid.

  9. Rhizobitoxine-induced Chlorosis Occurs in Coincidence with Methionine Deficiency in Soybeans

    PubMed Central

    Okazaki, Shin; Sugawara, Masayuki; Yuhashi, Ken-Ichi; Minamisawa, Kiwamu

    2007-01-01

    Background and Aims Rhizobitoxine, produced by the legume symbiont Bradyrhizobium elkanii, inhibits cystathionine-β-lyase (EC 4·4·1·8) in methionine biosynthesis and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACC) in ethylene biosynthesis. Rhizobitoxine production by B. elkanii enhances nodulation of host legumes via the inhibition of ethylene synthesis, but causes foliar chlorosis in susceptible soybeans, though how it does so remains to be investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the physiological basis of rhizobitoxine-induced chlorosis in soybeans. Methods Wild-type B. elkanii and a rhizobitoxine-deficient mutant were inoculated in Glycine max ‘Lee’. Thirty days after inoculation, the upper parts of soybean shoots were analysed for amino acid contents. Chlorotic soybeans inoculated with wild-type B. elkanii were treated with methionine and ACC to assess the effects of the chemicals on the chlorosis. Key Results Chlorotic upper shoots of soybeans inoculated with wild-type B. elkanii had a lower methionine content and higher accumulation of the methionine precursors than those with the rhizobitoxine-deficient mutant. In addition, the foliar chlorosis was alleviated by the application of methionine. Conclusions Rhizobitoxine-induced chlorosis occurs in coincidence with methionine deficiency as a result of cystathione-β-lyase inhibition during methionine biosynthesis. PMID:17525098

  10. Toxicity of seleno-l-methionine, seleno-dl-methionine, high selenium wheat, and selenized yeast to mallard ducklings

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Heinz, G.H.; Hoffman, D.J.; LeCaptain, L.J.

    1996-01-01

    The toxicity of four chemical forms of selenium (seleno-L-methionine, seleno-DL-methionine, selenized yeast, and high selenium wheat) was compared in day-old mallard ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos). In the first experiment, in which the basal diet was 75% wheat, survival after 2 weeks was lower for ducklings fed 30 ?g/g selenium as seleno-L-methionine (36%) than for ducklings fed 30 ?g/g selenium as seleno-DL-methionine (100%) or 30 ?g/g selenium from high selenium yeast (88%). In a second experiment, in which the basal diet was a commercial duck feed, survival after 2 weeks was 100% in ducklings fed 30 ?g/g selenium as seleno-DL-methionine, seleno-L-methionine, or selenized yeast. The greater toxicity of the L form of selenomethionine was probably related to the palatability or nutritional nature of the wheat-based diet used in experiment 1, but the exact reason for the difference between the DL and L forms is unknown. Biologically incorporated selenium, derived from high selenium wheat was no more toxic than selenium derived from the two purified forms of selenomethionine, and the selenium in selenized yeast was not as toxic as that in the two forms of selenomethionine.

  11. Metabolism of 5-methylthioribose to methionine

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

    Miyazaki, J.H.; Yang, S.F.

    1987-06-01

    During ethylene biosynthesis, the H/sub 3/CS-group of S-adenosylmethionine is released as 5'-methylthioadenosine, which is recycled to methionine via 5-methylthioribose (MTR). In mungbean hypocotyls and cell-free extracts of avocado, (/sup 14/C)MTR was converted into labeled methionine via 2-keto-4-methylthiobutyric acid (KMB) and 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid (HMB), as intermediates. Incubation of (ribose-U-/sup 14/C)MTR with avocado extract resulted in the production of (/sup 14/C)formate, indicating the conversion of MTR to KMB involves a loss of formate, presumably from C-1 of MTR. Tracer studies showed that KMB was converted readily in vivo and in vitro to methionine, while HMB was converted much more slowly. The conversionmore » of KMB to methionine by dialyzed avocado extract requires an amino donor. Among several potential donors examined, L-glutamine was the most efficient. Anaerobiosis inhibited only partially the oxidation of MTR to formate, KMB/HMB, and methionine by avocado extract. The role of O/sub 2/ in the conversion of MTR to methionine is discussed.« less

  12. Prediction of the Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Methionine Oxidation Propensity in Monoclonal Antibodies.

    PubMed

    Agrawal, Neeraj J; Dykstra, Andrew; Yang, Jane; Yue, Hai; Nguyen, Xichdao; Kolvenbach, Carl; Angell, Nicolas

    2018-05-01

    Methionine oxidation in therapeutic antibodies can impact the product's stability, clinical efficacy, and safety and hence it is desirable to address the methionine oxidation liability during antibody discovery and development phase. Although the current experimental approaches can identify the oxidation-labile methionine residues, their application is limited mostly to the development phase. We demonstrate an in silico method that can be used to predict oxidation-labile residues based solely on the antibody sequence and structure information. Since antibody sequence information is available in the discovery phase, the in silico method can be applied very early on to identify the oxidation-labile methionine residues and subsequently address the oxidation liability. We believe that the in silico method for methionine oxidation liability assessment can aid in antibody discovery and development phase to address the liability in a more rational way. Copyright © 2018 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Methionine production--a critical review.

    PubMed

    Willke, Thomas

    2014-12-01

    This paper presents an updated critical review about several attempts to contribute methionine (Met) to the world market with an emphasis on fermentation processes, especially from natural biological sources. Analytical methods for the determination of methionine are reviewed as well as applications in feed, food, pharmacy, and medicine. Fermentation studies published within the last five decades are elucidated critically, mainly with respect to the sulfur balance, substrate yield, and the analytical validity. From all the published fermentation data, it can be concluded that up to now no more than 5 g/L methionine are achievable without using genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The highest L-methionine concentration from natural sources reached so far amounts to 35 g/L and is published as a patent using a GMO of Escherichia coli. The review closes with a comprehensive overview of the role and activities of global methionine manufacturers. Some current market data is also presented.

  14. Safety of methionine, a novel biopesticide, to adult and larval honey bees (Apis mellifera L.).

    PubMed

    Weeks, Emma N I; Schmehl, Daniel R; Baniszewski, Julie; Tomé, Hudson V V; Cuda, James P; Ellis, James D; Stevens, Bruce R

    2018-03-01

    Methionine is an essential/indispensible amino acid nutrient required by adult and larval honey bees (Apis mellifera L. [Hymenoptera: Apidae]). Bees are unable to rear broods on pollen deficient in methionine, and reportedly behaviorally avoid collecting pollen or nectar from florets deficient in methioinine. In contrast, it has been demonstrated that methionine is toxic to certain pest insects; thus it has been proposed as an effective biopesticide. As an ecofriendly integrated pest management agent, methionine boasts a novel mode of action differentiating it from conventional pesticides, while providing non-target safety. Pesticides that minimize collateral effects on bees are desirable, given the economic and ecological concerns about honey bee health. The aim of the present study was to assess the potential impact of the biopesticide methionine on non-target adult and larval honey bees. Acute contact adult toxicology bioassays, oral adult assessments and chronic larval toxicity assessments were performed as per U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. Our results demonstrated that methionine fits the U.S. EPA category of practically nontoxic (i.e. lethal dose to 50% mortality or LD 50 > 11µg/bee) to adult honey bees. The contact LD 50 was > 25µg/bee and the oral LD 50 was > 100µg/bee. Mortality was observed in larval bees that ingested DL-methionine (effective concentration to 50% mortality or EC 50 560µg/bee). Therefore, we conclude that methionine poses little threat to the health of the honey bee, due to unlikely exposure at concentrations shown to elicit toxic effects. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. The oxidation of methionine-54 of epoetinum alfa does not affect molecular structure or stability, but does decrease biological activity.

    PubMed

    Labrenz, Steven R; Calmann, Melissa A; Heavner, George A; Tolman, Glen

    2008-01-01

    Erythropoietin therapy is used to treat severe anemia in renal failure and chemotherapy patients. One of these therapies based on recombinant human erythropoietin is marketed under the trade name of EPREX and utilizes epoetinum alfa as the active pharmaceutical ingredient. The effect of oxidation of methionine-54 on the structure and stability of the erythropoietin molecule has not been directly tested. We have observed partial and full chemical oxidation of methionine-54 to methionine-54 sulfoxide, accomplished using tert-Butylhydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. A blue shift in the fluorescence center of spectral mass wavelength was observed as a linear response to the level of methionine sulfoxide in the epoetinum alfa molecule, presumably arising from a local change in the environment near tryptophan-51, as supported by potassium iodide quenching studies. Circular dichroism studies demonstrated no change in the folded structure of the molecule with methionine oxidation. The thermal unfolding profiles of partial and completely oxidized epoetinum alfa overlap, with a T(m) of 49.5 degrees C across all levels of methionine sulfoxide content. When the protein was tested for activity, a decrease in biological activity was observed, correlating with methionine sulfoxide levels. An allosteric effect between Met54, Trp51, and residues involved in receptor binding is proposed. These results indicate that methionine oxidation has no effect on the folded structure and global thermodynamic stability of the recombinant human erythropoietin molecule. Oxidation can affect potency, but only at levels significantly in excess of those seen in EPREX.

  16. Methionine biosynthesis is essential for infection in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae.

    PubMed

    Saint-Macary, Marie Emmanuelle; Barbisan, Crystel; Gagey, Marie Josèphe; Frelin, Océane; Beffa, Roland; Lebrun, Marc Henri; Droux, Michel

    2015-01-01

    Methionine is a sulfur amino acid standing at the crossroads of several biosynthetic pathways. In fungi, the last step of methionine biosynthesis is catalyzed by a cobalamine-independent methionine synthase (Met6, EC 2.1.1.14). In the present work, we studied the role of Met6 in the infection process of the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae. To this end MET6 null mutants were obtained by targeted gene replacement. On minimum medium, MET6 null mutants were auxotrophic for methionine. Even when grown in presence of excess methionine, these mutants displayed developmental defects, such as reduced mycelium pigmentation, aerial hypha formation and sporulation. They also displayed characteristic metabolic signatures such as increased levels of cysteine, cystathionine, homocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine, S-adenosylhomocysteine while methionine and glutathione levels remained unchanged. These metabolic perturbations were associated with the over-expression of MgCBS1 involved in the reversed transsulfuration pathway that metabolizes homocysteine into cysteine and MgSAM1 and MgSAHH1 involved in the methyl cycle. This suggests a physiological adaptation of M. oryzae to metabolic defects induced by the loss of Met6, in particular an increase in homocysteine levels. Pathogenicity assays showed that MET6 null mutants were non-pathogenic on both barley and rice leaves. These mutants were defective in appressorium-mediated penetration and invasive infectious growth. These pathogenicity defects were rescued by addition of exogenous methionine and S-methylmethionine. These results show that M. oryzae cannot assimilate sufficient methionine from plant tissues and must synthesize this amino acid de novo to fulfill its sulfur amino acid requirement during infection.

  17. Betaine is as effective as folate at re-synthesizing methionine for protein synthesis during moderate methionine deficiency in piglets.

    PubMed

    McBreairty, Laura E; Robinson, Jason L; Harding, Scott V; Randell, Edward W; Brunton, Janet A; Bertolo, Robert F

    2016-12-01

    Both folate and betaine (synthesized from choline) are nutrients used to methylate homocysteine to reform the amino acid methionine following donation of its methyl group; however, it is unclear whether both remethylation pathways are of equal importance during the neonatal period when remethylation rates are high. Methionine is an indispensable amino acid that is in high demand in neonates not only for protein synthesis, but is also particularly important for transmethylation reactions, such as creatine and phosphatidylcholine synthesis. The objective of this study was to determine whether supplementation with folate, betaine, or a combination of both can equally re-synthesize methionine for protein synthesis when dietary methionine is limiting. Piglets were fed a low methionine diet devoid of folate, choline, and betaine, and on day 6, piglets were supplemented with either folate, betaine, or folate + betaine (n = 6 per treatment) until day 10. [1- 13 C]-phenylalanine oxidation was measured as an indicator of methionine availability for protein synthesis both before and after 2 days of supplementation. Prior to supplementation, piglets had lower concentrations of plasma folate, betaine, and choline compared to baseline with no change in homocysteine. Post-supplementation, phenylalanine oxidation levels were 20-46 % lower with any methyl donor supplementation (P = 0.006) with no difference among different supplementation groups. Furthermore, both methyl donors led to similarly lower concentrations of homocysteine following supplementation (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate an equal capacity for betaine and folate to remethylate methionine for protein synthesis, as indicated by lower phenylalanine oxidation.

  18. Tuning Thermoresponsive Properties of Cationic Elastin-like Polypeptides by Varying Counterions and Side-Chains.

    PubMed

    Petitdemange, Rosine; Garanger, Elisabeth; Bataille, Laure; Bathany, Katell; Garbay, Bertrand; Deming, Timothy J; Lecommandoux, Sébastien

    2017-05-17

    We report the synthesis of methionine-containing recombinant elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) of different lengths that contain periodically spaced methionine residues. These ELPs were chemoselectively alkylated at all methionine residues to give polycationic derivatives. Some of these samples were found to possess solubility transitions in water, where the temperature of these transitions varied with ELP concentration, nature of the methionine alkylating group, and nature of the sulfonium counterions. These studies show that introduction and controlled spacing of methionine sulfonium residues into ELPs can be used as a means both to tune their solubility transition temperatures in water using a variety of different parameters and to introduce new side-chain functionality.

  19. The low-methionine content of vegan diets may make methionine restriction feasible as a life extension strategy.

    PubMed

    McCarty, Mark F; Barroso-Aranda, Jorge; Contreras, Francisco

    2009-02-01

    Recent studies confirm that dietary methionine restriction increases both mean and maximal lifespan in rats and mice, achieving "aging retardant" effects very similar to those of caloric restriction, including a suppression of mitochondrial superoxide generation. Although voluntary caloric restriction is never likely to gain much popularity as a pro-longevity strategy for humans, it may be more feasible to achieve moderate methionine restriction, in light of the fact that vegan diets tend to be relatively low in this amino acid. Plant proteins - especially those derived from legumes or nuts - tend to be lower in methionine than animal proteins. Furthermore, the total protein content of vegan diets, as a function of calorie content, tends to be lower than that of omnivore diets, and plant protein has somewhat lower bioavailability than animal protein. Whole-food vegan diets that moderate bean and soy intake, while including ample amounts of fruit and wine or beer, can be quite low in methionine, while supplying abundant nutrition for health (assuming concurrent B12 supplementation). Furthermore, low-fat vegan diets, coupled with exercise training, can be expected to promote longevity by decreasing systemic levels of insulin and free IGF-I; the latter effect would be amplified by methionine restriction - though it is not clear whether IGF-I down-regulation is the sole basis for the impact of low-methionine diets on longevity in rodents.

  20. Methionine sulfoxide profiling of milk proteins to assess the influence of lipids on protein oxidation in milk.

    PubMed

    Wüst, Johannes; Pischetsrieder, Monika

    2016-06-15

    Thermal treatment of milk and milk products leads to protein oxidation, mainly the formation of methionine sulfoxide. Reactive oxygen species, responsible for the oxidation, can be generated by Maillard reaction, autoxidation of sugars, or lipid peroxidation. The present study investigated the influence of milk fat on methionine oxidation in milk. For this purpose, quantitative methionine sulfoxide profiling of all ten methionine residues of β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, and αs1-casein was carried out by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry with scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS-sMRM). Analysis of defatted and regular raw milk samples after heating for up to 8 min at 120 °C and analysis of ultrahigh-temperature milk samples with 0.1%, 1.5%, and 3.5% fat revealed that methionine oxidation of the five residues of the whey proteins and of residues M 123, M 135, and M 196 of αs1-casein was not affected or even suppressed in the presence of milk fat. Only the oxidation of residues M 54 and M 60 of αs1-casein was promoted by lipids. In evaporated milk samples, formation of methionine sulfoxide was hardly influenced by the fat content of the samples. Thus, it can be concluded that lipid oxidation products are not the major cause of methionine oxidation in milk.

  1. Feed efficiency of diets with different energy and protein concentrations supplemented with methionine in laying quails

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ratriyanto, A.; Indreswari, R.; Nuhriawangsa, A. M. P.; Purwanti, E.

    2018-03-01

    The study was conducted to evaluate the feed efficiency of quail diets containing different concentrations of metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) with constant ratio and supplemented with methionine. Four hundred laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were randomly assigned to four experimental diets in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. Each dietary treatment used 5 replicates of 20 quails. Two basal diets were formulated to contain 2,800 kcal kg-1 ME and 18.7% CP (High ME-CP) and 2,600 kcal kg-1 ME and 17.3% CP (Low ME-CP). Each basal diet was supplemented with 0 and 0.12% methionine. The High ME-CP diets generated lower feed consumption but higher egg mass and feed efficiency (P<0.01) compared with the Low ME-CP. Furthermore, supplementation of methionine increased egg mass, feed efficiency, energy efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio (P<0.01). The High ME-CP supplemented with methionine resulted the highest feed efficiency followed by the Low ME-CP supplemented with methionine, while both High ME-CP and Low ME-CP without methionine supplementation resulted the lowest feed efficiency (P<0.05). In addition, ME and CP consumption of the birds were not influenced by the treatments. Thus, feeding High ME-CP supplemented with 0.12% methionine provided benefit to improve the feed efficiency in laying quails.

  2. Replacement value of betaine for DL-methionine in male broiler chicks.

    PubMed

    Schutte, J B; De Jong, J; Smink, W; Pack, M

    1997-02-01

    The effect of DL-methionine and betaine supplementation on growth performance of 2,400 male broilers in the age period of 1 to 38 d, and on carcass composition of a subsample of 384 birds was examined. Three dose levels of DL-methionine (0, 0.05, and 0.10%) and two doses of betaine (0 and 0.04%) were supplemented in different combinations to methioninedeficient diets. Two types of diets were fed as starters and growers: either corn-soybean diets or practical diets typical for the Dutch broiler industry. All diets were fortified with 220 ppm choline in order to avoid a deficiency in methyl groups. Increasing DL-methionine supplementation significantly improved daily weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. Supplemental betaine did not affect bird growth. Betaine slightly improved feed conversion in diets without supplemental DL-methionine, but did not affect this parameter in diets with added DL-methionine. Breast meat yield was significantly increased by about 1.5 percentage points by the addition of 0.05% DL-methionine, whereas 0.04% betaine only tended to increase breast meat yield in the range of 0.3 to 0.6 percentage points. The type of diet did not have any effect on the responses obtained. In summary, there was no evidence for betaine to spare DL-methionine as an essential amino acid supplement in broiler diets.

  3. Methionine as a safe and effective novel biorational mosquito larvicide.

    PubMed

    Weeks, Emma N I; Baniszewski, Julie; Gezan, Salvador A; Allan, Sandra A; Cuda, James P; Stevens, Bruce R

    2018-06-11

    Mosquito larvicides provide a source-reduction strategy to diminish adult females that bite and potentially spread pathogens. Demands are mounting for new and innovative effective biorational larvicides, due to the development of resistance to some currently utilized mosquito larvicides, undesirable non-target effects, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restrictions. Methionine is a human nutrient essential amino acid that unexpectedly has been shown to be a valuable safe pest management tool against select insect pests that possess alkaline gut physiology. The present study evaluated larvicidal toxicity of methionine in several pestiferous mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) genera. Concentration-dependent DL-methionine kinetics assays of survival and pupation were conducted in larvae of Aedes albopictus Skuse, Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say, and Culex tarsalis Coquillett in glass jars. Higher concentrations of DL-methionine yielded 100% mortality for all test species and prevented pupation at a rate equivalent to Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) treatments. Concentration kinetics indicated that An. quadrimaculatus was 10-fold more sensitive to DL-methionine than Ae. albopictus and Cx. tarsalis. EPA regulations currently exempt methionine in pesticide formulations applied to agricultural crops. This study demonstrates that methionine is a highly effective mosquito larvicide that can provide a beneficial new biorational, environmentally sustainable tool to control pestiferous mosquitoes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  4. In Salmonella enterica, the Gcn5-Related Acetyltransferase MddA (Formerly YncA) Acetylates Methionine Sulfoximine and Methionine Sulfone, Blocking Their Toxic Effects

    PubMed Central

    Hentchel, Kristy L.

    2014-01-01

    Protein and small-molecule acylation reactions are widespread in nature. Many of the enzymes catalyzing acylation reactions belong to the Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT; PF00583) family, named after the yeast Gcn5 protein. The genome of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2 encodes 26 GNATs, 11 of which have no known physiological role. Here, we provide in vivo and in vitro evidence for the role of the MddA (methionine derivative detoxifier; formerly YncA) GNAT in the detoxification of oxidized forms of methionine, including methionine sulfoximine (MSX) and methionine sulfone (MSO). MSX and MSO inhibited the growth of an S. enterica ΔmddA strain unless glutamine or methionine was present in the medium. We used an in vitro spectrophotometric assay and mass spectrometry to show that MddA acetylated MSX and MSO. An mddA+ strain displayed biphasic growth kinetics in the presence of MSX and glutamine. Deletion of two amino acid transporters (GlnHPQ and MetNIQ) in a ΔmddA strain restored growth in the presence of MSX. Notably, MSO was transported by GlnHPQ but not by MetNIQ. In summary, MddA is the mechanism used by S. enterica to respond to oxidized forms of methionine, which MddA detoxifies by acetyl coenzyme A-dependent acetylation. PMID:25368301

  5. Differences in the efficiency of reductive activation of methionine synthase and exogenous electron acceptors between the common polymorphic variants of human methionine synthase reductase.

    PubMed

    Olteanu, Horatiu; Munson, Troy; Banerjee, Ruma

    2002-11-12

    Methionine synthase reductase (MSR) catalyzes the conversion of the inactive form of human methionine synthase to the active state of the enzyme. This reaction is of paramount physiological importance since methionine synthase is an essential enzyme that plays a key role in the methionine and folate cycles. A common polymorphism in human MSR has been identified (66A --> G) that leads to replacement of isoleucine with methionine at residue 22 and has an allele frequency of 0.5. Another polymorphism is 524C --> T, which leads to the substitution of serine 175 with leucine, but its allele frequency is not known. The I22M polymorphism is a genetic determinant for mild hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In this study, we have examined the kinetic properties of the M22/S175 and I22/S175 and the I22/L175 and I22/S175 pairs of variants. EPR spectra of the semiquinone forms of variants I22/S175 and M22/S175 are indistinguishable and exhibit an isotropic signal at g = 2.00. In addition, the electronic absorption and reduction stoichiometries with NADPH are identical in these variants. Significantly, the variants activate methionine synthase with the same V(max); however, a 3-4-fold higher ratio of MSR to methionine synthase is required to elicit maximal activity with the M22/S175 and I22/L175 variant versus the I22/S175 enzyme. Differences are also observed between the variants in the efficacies of reduction of the artificial electron acceptors: ferricyanide, 2,6-dichloroindophenol, 3-acetylpyridine adenine dinucleotide phosphate, menadione, and the anticancer drug doxorubicin. These results reveal differences in the interactions between the natural and artificial electron acceptors and MSR variants in vitro, which are predicted to result in less efficient reductive repair of methionine synthase in vivo.

  6. Effects of Glycine, Water, Ammonia, and Ammonium Bicarbonate on the Oligomerization of Methionine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Rui; Furukawa, Yoshihiro; Otake, Tsubasa; Kakegawa, Takeshi

    2017-06-01

    The abiotic oligomerization of amino acids may have created primordial, protein-like biological catalysts on the early Earth. Previous studies have proposed and evaluated the potential of diagenesis for the amino acid oligomerization, simulating the formation of peptides that include glycine, alanine, and valine, separately. However, whether such conditions can promote the formation of peptides composed of multiple amino acids remains unclear. Furthermore, the chemistry of pore water in sediments should affect the oligomerization and degradation of amino acids and oligomers, but these effects have not been studied extensively. In this study, we investigated the effects of water, ammonia, ammonium bicarbonate, pH, and glycine on the oligomerization and degradation of methionine under high pressure (150 MPa) and high temperature conditions (175 °C) for 96 h. Methionine is more difficult to oligomerize than glycine and methionine dimer was formed in the incubation of dry powder of methionine. Methionine oligomers as long as trimers, as well as methionylglycine and glycylmethionine, were formed under every condition with these additional compounds. Among the compounds tested, the oligomerization reaction rate was accelerated by the presence of water and by an increase in pH. Ammonia also increased the oligomerization rate but consumed methionine by side reactions and resulted in the rapid degradation of methionine and its peptides. Similarly, glycine accelerated the oligomerization rate of methionine and the degradation of methionine, producing water, ammonia, and bicarbonate through its decomposition. With Gly, heterogeneous dimers (methionylglycine and glycylmethionine) were formed in greater amounts than with other additional compounds although smaller amount of these heterogeneous dimers were formed with other additional compounds. These results suggest that accelerated reaction rates induced by water and co-existing reactive compounds promote the oligomerization of less reactive amino acids during diagenesis and enhance the formation of peptides composed of multiple amino acids.

  7. Targeting methionine cycle as a potential therapeutic strategy for immune disorders.

    PubMed

    Li, Heng; Lu, Huimin; Tang, Wei; Zuo, Jianping

    2017-08-23

    Methionine cycle plays an essential role in regulating many cellular events, especially transmethylation reactions, incorporating the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). The transmethylations and substances involved in the cycle have shown complicated effects and mechanisms on immunocytes developments and activations, and exert crucial impacts on the pathological processes in immune disorders. Areas covered: Methionine cycle has been considered as an effective means of drug developments. This review discussed the role of methionine cycle in immune responses and summarized the potential therapeutic strategies based on the cycle, including SAM analogs, methyltransferase inhibitors, S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) inhibitors, adenosine receptors specific agonists or antagonists and homocysteine (Hcy)-lowering reagents, in treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and other immune disorders. Expert opinion: New targets and biomarkers grown out of methionine cycle have developed rapidly in the past decades. However, impacts of epigenetic regulations on immune disorders are unclear and whether the substances in methionine cycle can be clarified as biomarkers remains controversial. Therefore, further elucidation on the role of epigenetic regulations and substances in methionine cycle may contribute to exploring the cycle-derived biomarkers and drugs in immune disorders.

  8. 21 CFR 172.399 - Zinc methionine sulfate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (CONTINUED) FOOD ADDITIVES PERMITTED FOR DIRECT ADDITION TO FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION Special Dietary and Nutritional Additives § 172.399 Zinc methionine sulfate. Zinc methionine...

  9. l-Methionine anti-biofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa is enhanced by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator potentiator, ivacaftor.

    PubMed

    Cho, Do-Yeon; Lim, Dong-Jin; Mackey, Calvin; Weeks, Christopher G; Peña Garcia, Jaime A; Skinner, Daniel; Grayson, Jessica W; Hill, Harrison S; Alexander, David K; Zhang, Shaoyan; Woodworth, Bradford A

    2018-05-01

    Biofilms may contribute to refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), as they lead to antibiotic resistance and failure of effective clinical treatment. l-Methionine is an amino acid with reported biofilm-inhibiting properties. Ivacaftor is a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiator with mild antimicrobial activity via inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether co-treatment with ivacaftor and l-methionine can reduce the formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. P aeruginosa (PAO-1 strain) biofilms were studied in the presence of l-methionine and/or ivacaftor. For static biofilm assays, PAO-1 was cultured in a 48-well plate for 72 hours with stepwise combinations of these agents. Relative biofilm inhibitions were measured according to optical density of crystal violet stain at 590 nm. Live/dead assays (BacTiter-Glo™ assay, Promega) were imaged with laser scanning confocal microscopy. An agar diffusion test was used to confirm antibacterial effects of the drugs. l-Methionine (0.5 μM) significantly reduced PAO-1 biofilm mass (32.4 ± 18.0%; n = 4; p < 0.001) compared with controls. Low doses of ivacaftor alone (4, 8, and 12 μg/mL) had no effect on biofilm formation. When combined with ivacaftor (4 μg/mL), a synergistic anti-biofilm effect was noted at 0.05 μM and 0.5 μM of l-methionine (two-way analysis of variane, p = 0.0415) compared with corresponding concentrations of l-methionine alone. Ivacaftor enhanced the anti-biofilm activity of l-methionine against the PAO-1 strain of P aeruginosa. Further studies evaluating the efficacy of ivacaftor/l-methionine combinations for P aeruginosa sinusitis are planned. © 2018 ARS-AAOA, LLC.

  10. Methionine Biosynthesis is Essential for Infection in the Rice Blast Fungus Magnaporthe oryzae

    PubMed Central

    Gagey, Marie Josèphe; Frelin, Océane; Beffa, Roland; Lebrun, Marc Henri; Droux, Michel

    2015-01-01

    Methionine is a sulfur amino acid standing at the crossroads of several biosynthetic pathways. In fungi, the last step of methionine biosynthesis is catalyzed by a cobalamine-independent methionine synthase (Met6, EC 2.1.1.14). In the present work, we studied the role of Met6 in the infection process of the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae. To this end MET6 null mutants were obtained by targeted gene replacement. On minimum medium, MET6 null mutants were auxotrophic for methionine. Even when grown in presence of excess methionine, these mutants displayed developmental defects, such as reduced mycelium pigmentation, aerial hypha formation and sporulation. They also displayed characteristic metabolic signatures such as increased levels of cysteine, cystathionine, homocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine, S-adenosylhomocysteine while methionine and glutathione levels remained unchanged. These metabolic perturbations were associated with the over-expression of MgCBS1 involved in the reversed transsulfuration pathway that metabolizes homocysteine into cysteine and MgSAM1 and MgSAHH1 involved in the methyl cycle. This suggests a physiological adaptation of M. oryzae to metabolic defects induced by the loss of Met6, in particular an increase in homocysteine levels. Pathogenicity assays showed that MET6 null mutants were non-pathogenic on both barley and rice leaves. These mutants were defective in appressorium-mediated penetration and invasive infectious growth. These pathogenicity defects were rescued by addition of exogenous methionine and S-methylmethionine. These results show that M. oryzae cannot assimilate sufficient methionine from plant tissues and must synthesize this amino acid de novo to fulfill its sulfur amino acid requirement during infection. PMID:25856162

  11. Hypochlorous Acid Reacts with the N-Terminal Methionines of Proteins to Give Dehydromethionine, a Potential Biomarker for Neutrophil-Induced Oxidative Stress†

    PubMed Central

    Beal, Jennifer L.; Foster, Steven B.; Ashby, Michael T.

    2009-01-01

    Electrophilic halogenating agents, including hypohalous acids and haloamines, oxidize free methionine and the N-terminal methionines of peptides and proteins (e.g., Met-1 of anti-inflammatory peptide 1 and ubiquitin) to produce dehydromethionine (a five-membered isothiazolidinium heterocycle). Amide derivatives of methionine are oxidized to the corresponding sulfoxide derivatives under the same reaction conditions (e.g., Met-3 of anti-inflammatory peptide 1). Other biological oxidants, including hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite, also only produce the corresponding sulfoxides. Hypothiocyanite does not react with methionine residues. It is suggested that dehydromethionine may be a useful biomarker for the myeloperoxidase-induced oxidative stress associated with many inflammatory diseases. PMID:19839600

  12. Methionine sulfoxidation of the chloroplast small heat shock protein and conformational changes in the oligomer.

    PubMed Central

    Gustavsson, N.; Härndahl, U.; Emanuelsson, A.; Roepstorff, P.; Sundby, C.

    1999-01-01

    The small heat shock proteins (sHsps), which counteract heat and oxidative stress in an unknown way, belong to a protein family of sHsps and alpha-crystallins whose members form large oligomeric complexes. The chloroplast-localized sHsp, Hsp21, contains a conserved methionine-rich sequence, predicted to form an amphipatic helix with the methionines situated along one of its sides. Here, we report how methionine sulfoxidation was detected by mass spectrometry in proteolytically cleaved peptides that were produced from recombinant Arabidopsis thaliana Hsp21, which had been treated with varying concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Sulfoxidation of the methionine residues in the conserved amphipatic helix coincided with a significant conformational change in the Hsp21 protein oligomer. PMID:10595556

  13. Physiological and molecular mechanisms of methionine restriction

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The activation of miRNAs during methionine restriction (MR) provides a potential link between changes in methylation and the integrated stress responses in cells. Studies utilizing rainbow trout myosatellite cells in vitro and in vivo, have shown that methionine can regulate the level of expression ...

  14. 21 CFR 172.399 - Zinc methionine sulfate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (CONTINUED) FOOD ADDITIVES PERMITTED FOR DIRECT ADDITION TO FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION Special Dietary and Nutritional Additives § 172.399 Zinc methionine sulfate. Zinc methionine... conditions: (a) The additive is the product of the reaction between equimolar amounts of zinc sulfate and DL...

  15. 21 CFR 172.399 - Zinc methionine sulfate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION (CONTINUED) FOOD ADDITIVES PERMITTED FOR DIRECT ADDITION TO FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION Special Dietary and Nutritional Additives § 172.399 Zinc methionine sulfate. Zinc methionine... conditions: (a) The additive is the product of the reaction between equimolar amounts of zinc sulfate and DL...

  16. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of amino acids and proteins. Side-chain mobility of methionine in the crystalline amonio acid and in crystallne sperm whale (Physeter catodon) myoglobin

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

    Keniry, M.A.; Rothgeb, T.M.; Smith, R.L.

    1983-04-12

    Deuterium (/sup 2/H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and spin-lattice relaxation times (T/sub 1/) were obtained of L-(epsilon-/sup 2/H/sub 3/)methionine, L-(epsilon-/sup 2/H/sub 3/)methionine in a D,L lattice, and (S-methyl-/sup 2/H/sub 3/)methionine in the crystalline solid state, as a function of temperature, in addition to obtaining /sup 2/H T/sub 1/ and line-width results as a function of temperature on (epsilon-/sup 2/H/sub 3/)methionine-labeled sperm whale (Physeter catodon) myoglobins by using the method of magnetic ordering. Also recorded were /sup 13/C cross-polarization ''magic-angle'' sample-spinning NMR spectra of (epsilon-/sup 13/C)methionine-labeled crystalline cyanoferrimyoglobin (at 37.7 MHz, corresponding to a magnetic field strength of 3.52 T)more » and of the same protein in aqueous solution. (JMT)« less

  17. Methionine flux to transsulfuration is enhanced in the long living Ames dwarf mouse

    PubMed Central

    Uthus, Eric O.; Brown-Borg, Holly M.

    2007-01-01

    Long-lived Ames dwarf mice lack growth hormone, prolactin, and thyroid stimulating hormone. Additionally the dwarf mice have enzyme activities and levels that combat oxidative stress more efficiently than those of normal mice. We have shown that methionine metabolism in Ames mice is markedly different than in their wild type littermates. In our previous work we hypothesized that the flux of methionine to the transsulfuration pathway is enhanced in the dwarf mice. The current study was designed to determine whether the flux of methionine to the transsulfuration pathway is increased. We did this by injecting either l-[methyl-3H]-methionine or l-[35S]-methionine into dwarf or normal mice and then determined retained label (in form of S-adenosylmethionine) 45 min later. The amount of retained hepatic 3H and 35S label was significantly reduced in the dwarf mice; at 45 min the specific radioactivity of SAM (pCi/nmol SAM) was 56% lower (p < 0.05) for 3H-label and 64% lower (p < 0.005) for 35S-label in dwarf than wild type mice. Retention of 35S was significantly lower in the brain (37%, p < 0.04) and kidney (47%, p < 0.02) of the dwarf compared to wild type mice; there was no statistical difference in retained 3H-label in either brain or kidney. This suggests that both the methyl-moiety and the carbon chain of methionine are lost much faster in the dwarf compared to the wild type mouse, implying that both transmethylation in the liver and transsulfuration in the liver, brain, and kidney are increased in the dwarf mice. As further support, we determined by real-time RT PCR the expression of methionine metabolism genes in livers of mice. Compared to wild type, the Ames dwarf had increased expression of methionine adenosyltransferase 1a (2.3-fold, p = 0.013), glycine N-methyltransferase (3.8-fold, p = 0.023), betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (5.5-fold, p = 0.0006), S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (3.8-fold, p = 0.0005), and cystathionase (2.6-fold; tended to be increased, p = 0.055). Methionine synthase expression was significantly decreased in dwarf compared to wild type (0.48-fold, p = 0.023). These results confirm that the flux of methionine to transsulfuration is enhanced in the Ames dwarf. This, along with data from previous studies support the hypothesis that altered methionine metabolism plays a significant role in the oxidative defense of the dwarf mouse and that the mechanism for the enhanced oxidative defense may be through altered GSH metabolism as a result of the distinctive methionine metabolism. PMID:16519922

  18. Methionine as a Precursor of Ethylene—Commentary

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Lieberman et al. showed in a 1966 publication of Plant Physiology that methionine is a precursor of ethylene. It was the first paper that showed ethylene carbons are derived from carbons 3 and 4 of methionine. This paper catalyzed remarkable interest among plant biologists to elucidate the biosynth...

  19. Sulfur amino acids are necessary for normal intestinal mucosal growth in neonatal piglets

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Sulfur amino acids (SAAs) methionine and cysteine play important metabolic and functional role in human health and disease. Gastrointestinal tract is an important site of transmethylation and transsulfuration of methionine and metabolizes approx. 20% of the dietary methionine intake (Riedijk et al. ...

  20. Methionine supply alters mammary gland antioxidant gene networks via phosphorylation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NFE2L2) protein in dairy cows during the periparturient period.

    PubMed

    Han, L; Batistel, F; Ma, Y; Alharthi, A S M; Parys, C; Loor, J J

    2018-06-13

    The periparturient period is the most critical period during the lactation cycle of dairy cows and is characterized by increased oxidative stress status. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of supplementing rumen-protected methionine on nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NFE2L2, formerly NRF2) protein and target gene expression in the mammary gland during the early postpartal period. Multiparous Holstein cows were used in a block design experiment with 30 cows per treatment. Treatments consisting of a basal control diet (control) or the basal diet plus rumen-protected methionine (methionine) were fed from d -28 to 60 relative to parturition. Mammary tissue biopsies were harvested on d 21 postpartum from 5 cows per treatment. Compared with control, methionine increased dry matter intake, milk yield, and milk protein content. Among plasma parameters measured, methionine led to greater methionine and lower reactive oxygen metabolites. Compared with control, methionine supply resulted in greater mRNA abundance of the NFE2L2 target genes glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), malic enzyme 1 (ME1), ferrochelatase (FECH), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), and NAD(P) H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) in the mammary tissue. In addition, methionine upregulated the mRNA abundance of NFE2L2, NFKB1, MAPK14 and downregulated KEAP1. The ratio of phosphorylated NFE2L2 to total NFE2L2 protein, and total heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) protein were markedly greater in response to methionine supply. In contrast, total protein abundance of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), which sequesters NFE2L2 in the cytosol and reduces its activity, was lower with methionine. Besides the consistent positive effect of methionine supply on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress status, the present data indicate a positive effect also on antioxidant mechanisms within the mammary gland, which are regulated, at least in part, via phosphorylation of NFE2L2 and its target genes. The exact mechanisms for these responses merit further study. The Authors. Published by the Federation of Animal Science Societies and Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/).

  1. 21 CFR 172.399 - Zinc methionine sulfate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... ADDITIVES PERMITTED FOR DIRECT ADDITION TO FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION Special Dietary and Nutritional Additives § 172.399 Zinc methionine sulfate. Zinc methionine sulfate, CAS Reg. No. 56329-42-1, may be safely used in accordance with the following prescribed conditions: (a) The additive is the product of the...

  2. Selective Tuning of Elastin-like Polypeptide Properties via Methionine Oxidation.

    PubMed

    Petitdemange, Rosine; Garanger, Elisabeth; Bataille, Laure; Dieryck, Wilfrid; Bathany, Katell; Garbay, Bertrand; Deming, Timothy J; Lecommandoux, Sébastien

    2017-02-13

    We have designed and prepared a recombinant elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) containing precisely positioned methionine residues, and performed the selective and complete oxidation of its methionine thioether groups to both sulfoxide and sulfone derivatives. Since these oxidation reactions substantially increase methionine residue polarity, they were found to be a useful means to precisely adjust the temperature responsive behavior of ELPs in aqueous solutions. In particular, lower critical solution temperatures were found to be elevated in oxidized sample solutions, but were not eliminated. These transition temperatures were found to be further tunable by the use of solvents containing different Hofmeister salts. Overall, the ability to selectively and fully oxidize methionine residues in ELPs proved to be a convenient postmodification strategy for tuning their transition temperatures in aqueous media.

  3. Suppression of a methionine synthase by calmodulin under environmental stress in the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jiyoung; Oh, Junsang; Yoon, Deok-Hyo; Sung, Gi-Ho

    2017-10-01

    Methionine synthase (MetE, EC 2.1.1.14) catalyses the final step in the methionine biosynthetic pathway. Methionine biosynthesis plays a major role in protein biogenesis and is the source of S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), the universal donor of methyl groups. In this study, we demonstrated that BbMetE acts as a typical MetE enzyme in the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. In addition, we found that BbMetE binds to calmodulin (CaM) in vitro and in vivo. The functional role of CaM binding to BbMetE was to negatively regulate BbMetE activity in B. bassiana. Our proton-nuclear magnetic resonance data revealed that CaM inhibitor W-7 increases methionine content in B. bassiana, suggesting that CaM negatively regulates the BbMetE activity. Environmental stress stimuli such as salt, H 2 O 2 and heat suppressed BbMetE activity in B. bassiana. W-7 reversed this effect, suggesting that the inhibitory mechanism is mediated through stimulation of CaM activity. Therefore, this work suggests that BbMetE plays an important role in methionine biosynthesis, which is mediated by environmental stress stimuli via the CaM signalling pathway. © 2017 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  4. Comparison of volatile sulphur compound production by cheese-ripening yeasts from methionine and methionine-cysteine mixtures.

    PubMed

    López Del Castillo-Lozano, M; Delile, A; Spinnler, H E; Bonnarme, P; Landaud, S

    2007-07-01

    Production of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) was assessed in culture media supplemented with L-methionine or L-methionine/L-cysteine mixtures, using five cheese-ripening yeasts: Debaryomyces hansenii DH47(8), Kluyveromyces lactis KL640, Geotrichum candidum GC77, Yarrowia lipolytica YL200 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC45(3). All five yeasts produced VSC with L-methionine or L-methionine/L-cysteine, but different VSC profiles were found. GC77 and YL200 produced dimethyldisulphide and trace levels of dimethyltrisulphide while DH47(8), KL640 and SC45(3) produced mainly methionol and low levels of methional. S-methylthioacetate was produced by all the yeasts but at different concentrations. DH47(8), KL640 and SC45(3) also produced other minor VSC including 3-methylthiopropyl acetate, ethyl-3-methylthiopropanoate, a thiophenone, and an oxathiane. However, VSC production diminished in a strain-dependent behaviour when L-cysteine was supplemented, even at a low concentration (0.2 g l(-1)). This effect was due mainly to a significant decrease in L-methionine consumption in all the yeasts except YL200. Hydrogen sulphide produced by L-cysteine catabolism did not seem to contribute to VSC generation at the acid pH of yeast cultures. The significance of such results in the cheese-ripening context is discussed.

  5. Effects of Methionine Supplementation on the Expression of Protein Deposition-Related Genes in Acute Heat Stress-Exposed Broilers

    PubMed Central

    Grieser, Daiane Oliveira; Zancanela, Vittor; Voltolini, Débora Marques; Khatlab, Angélica Souza; Guimarães, Simone Eliza Facioni; Soares, Maria Amélia Menck; Neto, Adhemar Rodrigues Oliveira

    2015-01-01

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat stress and methionine supplementation on the gene expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), growth hormone receptor (GHR), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and regulatory 1 (PI3KR1) in the liver, as well as the expression of the atrogin 1 and cathepsin L2 (CTSL2) genes in the breast muscle of broilers. Broilers from 1–21 and 22–42 days of age were divided into three treatments related to methionine supplementation as follows: without methionine supplementation (MD), recommended level of methionine (DL1), and excess supplementation of methionine (DL2). The animals were either maintained at a thermal comfort temperature or exposed to heat stress (HS) (38°C for 24 hours, starting on day 20 or day 41 for experiments 1 and 2, respectively). The heat stress increased the body temperature at both ages. Starter period: The HS animals presented increased plasma creatinine content (P<0.0001) and the highest CTSL2 gene expression (P<0.0001). The methionine supplementation increased the IGF-I (P = 0.0144) and GHR (P = 0.0011) gene expression and decreased the CTSL2 (P = 0.0004) and atrogin 1 (P = 0.0012) gene expression. Grower period: Significant effects for the interaction between supplementation and environment were observed for GHR (P = 0.0252) and CTSL2 (P = 0.0011) gene expression. The highest GHR expression was observed in animals that remained in thermal comfort on the DL2 diet, and the lowest expression occurred in the HS animals fed the MD diet. For CTSL2, the HS animals fed the MD diet presented the highest CTSL2 gene expression, and the lowest expression was observed in the animals maintained at thermal comfort on DL1 and DL2 diets. Only methionine supplementation had effect on atrogin-1 gene expression (P<0.0001), with higher methionine content in the diet lower atrogin-1 gene expression was observed. Our results suggest that heat stress induces greater protein degradation and that methionine supplementation could induce protein deposition because methionine increased the expression of genes related to protein synthesis and decreased the expression of genes related to protein breakdown. PMID:25714089

  6. Effect of methionine supplementation in chicken feed on the quality and shelf life of fresh poultry meat.

    PubMed

    Albrecht, Antonia; Herbert, Ulrike; Miskel, Dennis; Heinemann, Celine; Braun, Carina; Dohlen, Sophia; Zeitz, Johanna O; Eder, Klaus; Saremi, Behnam; Kreyenschmidt, Judith

    2017-08-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different methionine sources and concentrations on the quality and spoilage process of broiler meat. The trial was comprised of 7 treatment groups: one basal group (suboptimal in Methionine+Cysteine; i.e., 0.89, 0.74, 0.69% in DM SID Met+Cys in starter, grower, and finisher diets, respectively) and 3 doses (0.10, 0.25, and 0.40%) of either DL-Methionine (DLM) or DL-2-hydroxy-4-methylthio butanoic acid (DL-HMTBA) on an equimolar basis of the DLM-supplemented groups. The broilers were fed the diets for 35 d, then slaughtered and processed. The filets were aerobically packed and stored under temperature controlled conditions at 4°C. Meat quality investigations were comprised of microbial investigations (total viable count and Pseudomonas spp.), pH and drip loss measurements of the filets. The shelf life of the meat samples was determined based on sensory parameters. After slaughtering, all supplemented meat samples showed a high quality, whereby no differences between the 2 methionine sources could be detected for the microbial load, pH, and drip loss. In comparison to the control group, the supplemented samples showed a higher sensory quality, characterized by a fresh smell and fresh red color. Methionine supplementation had a significant influence on meat quality parameters during storage. The microbial load, pH and drip loss of the chicken filets were positively correlated to the methionine concentration. Additionally, the microbial load at the end of storage was positively correlated to pH and drip loss values. Nevertheless, the microbial parameters were in a normal range and the positive correlation to methionine concentration did not affect the sensory shelf life. The mean sensory shelf life of the broiler filets varied between 7 to 9 d. During storage, no difference in the development of sensory parameters was observed between the supplemented groups, while the spoilage process of the basal group occurred slightly faster. In conclusion, methionine concentration, but not methionine source, effected meat quality parameters in breast muscles of broilers. © 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.

  7. Activation of Nrf2 is required for up-regulation of the π class of glutathione S-transferase in rat primary hepatocytes with L-methionine starvation.

    PubMed

    Lin, Ai-Hsuan; Chen, Haw-Wen; Liu, Cheng-Tze; Tsai, Chia-Wen; Lii, Chong-Kuei

    2012-07-04

    Numerous genes expression is regulated in response to amino acid shortage, which helps organisms adapt to amino acid limitation. The expression of the π class of glutathione (GSH) S-transferase (GSTP), a highly inducible phase II detoxification enzyme, is regulated mainly by activates activating protein 1 (AP-1) binding to the enhancer I of GSTP (GPEI). Here we show the critical role of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in up-regulating GSTP gene transcription. Primary rat hepatocytes were cultured in a methionine-restricted medium, and immunoblotting and RT-PCR analyses showed that methionine restriction time-dependently increased GSTP protein and mRNA expression over a 48 h period. Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus, nuclear proteins binding to GPEI, and antioxidant response element (ARE) luciferase reporter activity were increased by methionine restriction as well as by l-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a GSH synthesis inhibitor. Transfection with Nrf2 siRNA knocked down Nrf2 expression and reversed the methionine-induced GSTP expression and GPEI binding activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay confirmed the binding of Nrf2 to the GPEI. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) was increased in methionine-restricted and BSO-treated cells. ERK2 siRNA abolished methionine restriction-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, GPEI binding activity, ARE-luciferase reporter activity, and GSTP expression. Our results suggest that the up-regulation of GSTP gene transcription in response to methionine restriction likely occurs via the ERK-Nrf2-GPEI signaling pathway.

  8. Dysfunction of methionine sulfoxide reductases to repair damaged proteins by nickel nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Feng, Po-Hao; Huang, Ya-Li; Chuang, Kai-Jen; Chen, Kuan-Yuan; Lee, Kang-Yun; Ho, Shu-Chuan; Bien, Mauo-Ying; Yang, You-Lan; Chuang, Hsiao-Chi

    2015-07-05

    Protein oxidation is considered to be one of the main causes of cell death, and methionine is one of the primary targets of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the mechanisms by which nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) cause oxidative damage to proteins remain unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of NiNPs on the methionine sulfoxide reductases (MSR) protein repairing system. Two physically similar nickel-based nanoparticles, NiNPs and carbon-coated NiNP (C-NiNPs; control particles), were exposed to human epithelial A549 cells. Cell viability, benzo(a)pyrene diolepoxide (BPDE) protein adducts, methionine oxidation, MSRA and B3, microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation were investigated. Exposure to NiNPs led to a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability and increased BPDE protein adduct production and methionine oxidation. The methionine repairing enzymatic MSRA and MSRB3 production were suppressed in response to NiNP exposure, suggesting the oxidation of methionine to MetO by NiNP was not reversed back to methionine. Additionally, LC3, an autophagy marker, was down-regulated by NiNPs. Both NiNP and C-NiNP caused ERK phosphorylation. LC3 was positively correlated with MSRA (r = 0.929, p < 0.05) and MSRB3 (r = 0.893, p < 0.05). MSR was made aberrant by NiNP, which could lead to the dysfunction of autophagy and ERK phosphorylation. The toxicological consequences may be dependent on the chemical characteristics of the nanoparticles. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Hepatic betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase activity in the chicken is influenced by dietary intake of sulfur amino acids, choline and betaine.

    PubMed

    Emmert, J L; Garrow, T A; Baker, D H

    1996-08-01

    There is much interest in the metabolism of homocysteine, because elevated plasma homocysteine [hyperhomocyst(e)inemia] is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Four chick assays were conducted to determine the effects of varying dietary sulfur amino acids, choline and betaine on the activity of hepatic betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), an enzyme likely to be important in modulating plasma homocysteine. In Experiment 1, chicks were fed a purified crystalline amino acid diet containing adequate sulfur amino acids and choline. Excess dietary methionine, or the combination of excess cystine with choline or betaine, caused a small increase (P < 0.05) in BHMT activity. In Experiment 2, use of a methionine-deficient purified diet resulted in a threefold increase (P < 0.05) in BHMT activity, and addition of choline or betaine further increased (P < 0.05) BHMT activity. In Experiment 3, use of a methionine-deficient corn-peanut meal diet increased BHMT (P < 0.05) relative to that of chicks supplemented with adequate methionine, and addition of surfeit choline to the methionine-deficient basal diet caused a further increase (P < 0.05). In Experiment 4, addition of both surfeit choline and surfeit betaine to the methionine-deficient corn-peanut meal diet caused an increase (P < 0.05) in BHMT activity relative to that observed in chicks fed the methionine-deficient basal diet. These assays show that large increases in BHMT activity can be produced under methionine-deficient conditions, especially in the presence of excess choline or betaine.

  10. Repairing oxidized proteins in the bacterial envelope using respiratory chain electrons.

    PubMed

    Gennaris, Alexandra; Ezraty, Benjamin; Henry, Camille; Agrebi, Rym; Vergnes, Alexandra; Oheix, Emmanuel; Bos, Julia; Leverrier, Pauline; Espinosa, Leon; Szewczyk, Joanna; Vertommen, Didier; Iranzo, Olga; Collet, Jean-François; Barras, Frédéric

    2015-12-17

    The reactive species of oxygen and chlorine damage cellular components, potentially leading to cell death. In proteins, the sulfur-containing amino acid methionine is converted to methionine sulfoxide, which can cause a loss of biological activity. To rescue proteins with methionine sulfoxide residues, living cells express methionine sulfoxide reductases (Msrs) in most subcellular compartments, including the cytosol, mitochondria and chloroplasts. Here we report the identification of an enzymatic system, MsrPQ, repairing proteins containing methionine sulfoxide in the bacterial cell envelope, a compartment particularly exposed to the reactive species of oxygen and chlorine generated by the host defence mechanisms. MsrP, a molybdo-enzyme, and MsrQ, a haem-binding membrane protein, are widely conserved throughout Gram-negative bacteria, including major human pathogens. MsrPQ synthesis is induced by hypochlorous acid, a powerful antimicrobial released by neutrophils. Consistently, MsrPQ is essential for the maintenance of envelope integrity under bleach stress, rescuing a wide series of structurally unrelated periplasmic proteins from methionine oxidation, including the primary periplasmic chaperone SurA. For this activity, MsrPQ uses electrons from the respiratory chain, which represents a novel mechanism to import reducing equivalents into the bacterial cell envelope. A remarkable feature of MsrPQ is its capacity to reduce both rectus (R-) and sinister (S-) diastereoisomers of methionine sulfoxide, making this oxidoreductase complex functionally different from previously identified Msrs. The discovery that a large class of bacteria contain a single, non-stereospecific enzymatic complex fully protecting methionine residues from oxidation should prompt a search for similar systems in eukaryotic subcellular oxidizing compartments, including the endoplasmic reticulum.

  11. A NOVEL S-ADENOSYL-L-METHIONINE: ARSENIC (III) METHYLTRANSFERASE FROM RAT LIVER CYTOSOL

    EPA Science Inventory

    A Novel S-Adenosyl-L-methionine: Arsenic(III) Methyltransferase from Rat Liver Cytosol
    Shan Lin, Qing Shi, F. Brent Nix, Miroslav Styblo, Melinda A. Beck, Karen M. Herbin-Davis, Larry L. Hall, Josef B. Simeonsson, and David J. Thomas
    S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet): ar...

  12. Supplementation of methionine to a low soybean protein diet strikingly increases pancreatic amylase activity in rats.

    PubMed

    Hara, H; Kiriyama, S; Kasai, T

    1997-02-01

    Feed efficiency in rats fed a low soybean protein isolate (SPI) diet (100 g/kg diet) was dramatically improved with the supplementation of L-methionine (3 g/kg diet). Pancreatic amylase activity was low in rats fed a low SPI diet, and was much higher in the supplemented group than in the non-supplemented group. Pancreatic trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen contents (as activities of trypsin and chymotrypsin) were not changed with the methionine supplementation. In the small intestine, sucrase and leucine aminopeptidase in the jejunum and ileum were not clearly changed. In conclusion, a small amount of methionine supplemented to a low SPI diet especially induced pancreatic amylase among digestive enzymes. The factor involved in nutritional status, not the physiological action of methionine itself, may contribute the induction of amylase.

  13. Effects of methionine supplementation on the expression of oxidative stress-related genes in acute heat stress-exposed broilers.

    PubMed

    Del Vesco, Ana Paula; Gasparino, Eliane; Grieser, Daiane de Oliveira; Zancanela, Vittor; Soares, Maria Amélia Menck; Neto, Adhemar Rodrigues de Oliveira

    2015-02-28

    The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of heat stress (HS) and methionine supplementation on the markers of stress and on the gene expression levels of uncoupling proteins (UCP), betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), glutathione synthetase (GSS) and glutathione peroxidase 7 (GPx7). Broilers from 1 to 21 d and from 22 to 42 d of age were divided into three treatment groups related to methionine supplementation: without methionine supplementation (MD); recommended level of methionine supplementation (DL1); excess methionine supplementation (DL2). The broilers were either kept at a comfortable thermal temperature or exposed to HS (38°C for 24 h). During the starter period, we observed the effects of the interaction between diet and environment on the gene expression levels of UCP, BHMT and GSS. Higher gene expression levels of UCP and BHMT were observed in broilers that were maintained at thermal comfort conditions and received the MD diet. HS broilers fed the DL1 and DL2 diets had the highest expression level of GSS. The expression levels of the CBS and GPx7 genes were influenced by both the environment and methionine supplementation. During the grower period, the gene expression levels of BHMT, CBS, GSS and GPx7 were affected by the diet × environment interaction. A higher expression level of BHMT was observed in broilers maintained at thermal comfort conditions and on the MD diet. HS induced higher expression levels of CBS, GSS and GPx7 in broilers that received the DL1 and DL2 diets. The present results suggest that under HS conditions, methionine supplementation could mitigate the effects of stress, since methionine contributed to the increased expression levels of genes related to antioxidant activity.

  14. Loss of conformational stability in calmodulin upon methionine oxidation.

    PubMed Central

    Gao, J; Yin, D H; Yao, Y; Sun, H; Qin, Z; Schöneich, C; Williams, T D; Squier, T C

    1998-01-01

    We have used electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate the secondary and tertiary structural consequences that result from oxidative modification of methionine residues in wheat germ calmodulin (CaM), and prevent activation of the plasma membrane Ca-ATPase. Using ESI-MS, we have measured rates of modification and molecular mass distributions of oxidatively modified CaM species (CaMox) resulting from exposure to H2O2. From these rates, we find that oxidative modification of methionine to the corresponding methionine sulfoxide does not predispose CaM to further oxidative modification. These results indicate that methionine oxidation results in no large-scale alterations in the tertiary structure of CaMox, because the rates of oxidative modification of individual methionines are directly related to their solvent exposure. Likewise, CD measurements indicate that methionine oxidation results in little change in the apparent alpha-helical content at 28 degrees C, and only a small (0.3 +/- 0.1 kcal mol(-1)) decrease in thermal stability, suggesting the disruption of a limited number of specific noncovalent interactions. Fluorescence lifetime, anisotropy, and quenching measurements of N-(1-pyrenyl)-maleimide (PMal) covalently bound to Cys26 indicate local structural changes around PMal in the amino-terminal domain in response to oxidative modification of methionine residues in the carboxyl-terminal domain. Because the opposing globular domains remain spatially distant in both native and oxidatively modified CaM, the oxidative modification of methionines in the carboxyl-terminal domain are suggested to modify the conformation of the amino-terminal domain through alterations in the structural features involving the interdomain central helix. The structural basis for the linkage between oxidative modification and these global conformational changes is discussed in terms of possible alterations in specific noncovalent interactions that have previously been suggested to stabilize the central helix in CaM. PMID:9512014

  15. Fructo-oligosaccharides and intestinal barrier function in a methionine-choline-deficient mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

    PubMed

    Matsumoto, Kotaro; Ichimura, Mayuko; Tsuneyama, Koichi; Moritoki, Yuki; Tsunashima, Hiromichi; Omagari, Katsuhisa; Hara, Masumi; Yasuda, Ichiro; Miyakawa, Hiroshi; Kikuchi, Kentaro

    2017-01-01

    Impairments in intestinal barrier function, epithelial mucins, and tight junction proteins have been reported to be associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides restore balance in the gastrointestinal microbiome. This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary fructo-oligosaccharides on intestinal barrier function and steatohepatitis in methionine-choline-deficient mice. Three groups of 12-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were studied for 3 weeks; specifically, mice were fed a methionine-choline-deficient diet, a methionine-choline-deficient diet plus 5% fructo-oligosaccharides in water, or a normal control diet. Fecal bacteria, short-chain fatty acids, and immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels were investigated. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed using mice livers for CD14 and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) expression and intestinal tissue samples for IgA and zonula occludens-1 expression in epithelial tight junctions. The methionine-choline-deficient mice administered 5% fructo-oligosaccharides maintained a normal gastrointestinal microbiome, whereas methionine-choline-deficient mice without prebiotic supplementation displayed increases in Clostridium cluster XI and subcluster XIVa populations and a reduction in Lactobacillales spp. counts. Methionine-choline-deficient mice given 5% fructo-oligosaccharides exhibited significantly decreased hepatic steatosis (p = 0.003), decreased liver inflammation (p = 0.005), a decreased proportion of CD14-positive Kupffer cells (p = 0.01), decreased expression of TLR4 (p = 0.04), and increases in fecal short-chain fatty acid and IgA concentrations (p < 0.04) compared with the findings in methionine-choline-deficient mice that were not administered this prebiotic. This study illustrated that in the methionine-choline-deficient mouse model, dietary fructo-oligosaccharides can restore normal gastrointestinal microflora and normal intestinal epithelial barrier function, and decrease steatohepatitis. The findings support the role of prebiotics, such as fructo-oligosaccharides, in maintaining a normal gastrointestinal microbiome; they also support the need for further studies on preventing or treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis using dietary fructo-oligosaccharides.

  16. A False-Negative Case of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma on 11C-Methionine PET and Intense 18F-FDG Uptake.

    PubMed

    García-Garzon, J R; Villasboas-Rosciolesi, Diego; Baquero, Miguel; Bassa, Pere; Soler, Marina; Riera, Eduard

    2016-08-01

    We report a case of a 44-year-old man with neurological symptoms and MRI findings, which were unable to differentiate between glioma and lymphoma. Metabolic characterization by means of PET imaging with F-FDG and C-methionine is proposed to determine the benign or tumor (high- and low-grade) origin of brain lesions. In this case, the MRI lesion corresponded with an inconclusive metabolic pattern of intense F-FDG uptake and no significant C-methionine uptake. Pathological study revealed a false-negative case of C-methionine due to lymphoma.

  17. Role of white adipose lipolysis in the development of NASH induced by methionine-and choline-deficient diet

    PubMed Central

    Tanaka, Naoki; Takahashi, Shogo; Fang, Zhong-Ze; Matsubara, Tsutomu; Krausz, Kristopher W.; Qu, Aijuan; Gonzalez, Frank J.

    2014-01-01

    Methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCD) is a model for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in rodents. However, the mechanism of NASH development by dietary methionine/choline deficiency remains undetermined. To elucidate the early metabolic changes associated with MCD-NASH, serum metabolomic analysis was performed using mice treated with MCD and control diet for three days and one week, revealing significant increases in oleic and linoleic acids after MCD treatment. These increases were correlated with reduced body weight and white adipose tissue (WAT) mass, increased phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase, and up-regulation of genes encoding carboxylesterase 3 and β2-adrenergic receptor in WAT, indicating accelerated lipolysis in adipocytes. The changes in serum fatty acids and WAT by MCD treatment were reversed by methionine supplementation, and similar alterations were detected in mice fed a methionine-deficient diet (MD), thus demonstrating that dietary methionine deficiency enhances lipolysis in WAT. MD treatment decreased glucose and increased fibroblast growth factor 21 in serum, thus exhibiting a similar metabolic phenotype as the fasting response. Comparison between MCD and choline-deficient diet (CD) treatments suggested that the addition of MD-induced metabolic alterations, such as WAT lipolysis, to CD-induced hepatic steatosis promotes liver injury. Collectively, these results demonstrate an important role for dietary methionine deficiency and WAT lipolysis in the development of MCD-NASH. PMID:25178843

  18. Retrospective evaluation of methionine intoxication associated with urinary acidifying products in dogs: 1,525 cases (2001-2012).

    PubMed

    Hickey, Mara C; Son, Tolina T; Wismer, Tina

    2015-01-01

    To describe the signalment, clinical findings, timing of signs, outcome, and prognosis in a population of dogs exposed to methionine through the ingestion of urine acidifying products. Retrospective observational study from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2012. Animal Poison Control Center. A total of 1,197 case calls yielding 1,525 dogs identified with presumed methionine ingestion. None. Records of dogs with presumptive methionine ingestion were reviewed from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center database. Ingested methionine doses ranged from 3.9 mg/kg to 23,462 mg/kg. Clinical signs developed in 47% of dogs. The most common clinical signs were gastrointestinal (GI) and neurologic. The mean onset of GI signs was 2.8 hours following ingestion. The mean onset of neurologic signs was 6.8 hours following ingestion. GI signs were identified with ingested doses ≥22.5 mg/kg. Vomiting was the most common GI sign. Neurologic signs were identified with ingested doses ≥94.6 mg/kg. Ataxia was the most common neurologic sign. Resolution of clinical signs occurred within 48 hours of ingestion, and no fatalities were reported. Prognosis for dogs with methionine intoxication is excellent. Vomiting and ataxia were the most common clinical signs associated with methionine toxicosis. © Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society 2015.

  19. Effects of probiotics on methionine choline deficient diet-induced steatohepatitis in rats.

    PubMed

    Karahan, Nermin; Işler, Mehmet; Koyu, Ahmet; Karahan, Aynur G; Başyığıt Kiliç, Gülden; Cırış, Ibrahim Metin; Sütçü, Recep; Onaran, Ibrahim; Cam, Hakan; Keskın, Muharrem

    2012-04-01

    Intestinal bacteria induce endogenous signals that play a pathogenic role in hepatic insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Probiotics could modulate the gut flora and could influence the gut-liver axis. We aimed to investigate the preventive effect of two probiotic mixtures on the methionine choline-deficient diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis model in rats. Two studies, short-term (2 weeks) and long-term (6 weeks), were carried out using 60 male Wistar rats. The 2-week study included six groups. Rats were fed with methionine choline-deficient diet or pair-fed control diet and were given a placebo or one of two probiotic mixtures (Pro-1 and Pro-2) by orogastric gavage. In the 6-week study, rats were allocated into four groups and were fed with methionine choline-deficient diet or pair-fed control diet and given a placebo or Pro-2. At the end of the 2- and 6-week periods, blood samples were obtained, the animals were sacrificed, and liver tissues were removed. Serum alanine aminotransferase activity was determined; histologic and immunohistochemical analysis was performed for steatosis, inflammation, protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, and apoptosis markers. In both studies, methionine choline-deficient diet caused an elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase activity, which was slightly reduced by Pro-1 and Pro-2. In the 2- and 6-week studies, feeding with methionine choline-deficient diet resulted in steatosis and inflammation, but not fibrosis, in all rats. In the 2-week study, in rats fed with methionine choline-deficient diet and given Pro-1, steatosis and inflammation were present in 2 of 6 rats. In rats fed with methionine choline-deficient diet and given Pro-2, steatosis was detected in 3 of 6 rats, while inflammation was present in 2 of 6 rats. In the 6-week study, in rats fed with methionine choline-deficient diet and given Pro-2, steatosis and inflammation were present in 3 of 6 rat livers. In both the 2- and 6-week studies, methionine choline-deficient diet resulted in tumor necrosis factor-α, proapoptotic Bax, caspase 3, caspase 8, and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression in all rat livers. Pro-1 and Pro-2 treatment influenced protein expression involved in apoptosis and tumor necrosis factor-α in varying degrees. Pro-1 and Pro-2 decrease methionine choline-deficient diet-induced steatohepatitis in rats. The preventive effect of probiotics may be due, in part, to modulation of apoptosis and their anti-inflammatory activity.

  20. Variability of plasma and urine betaine in diabetes mellitus and its relationship to methionine load test responses: an observational study

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Since betaine is an osmolyte and methyl donor, and abnormal betaine loss is common in diabetes mellitus (>20% patients), we investigated the relationship between betaine and the post-methionine load rise in homocysteine, in diabetes and control subjects. The post-methionine load test is reported to be both an independent vascular risk factor and a measure of betaine sufficiency. Methods Patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 34) and control subjects (n = 17) were recruited. We measured baseline fasting plasma and 4-hour post-methionine load (L-methionine, 0.1 mg/kg body weight) concentrations of homocysteine, betaine, and the betaine metabolite N,N-dimethylglycine. Baseline urine excretions of betaine, dimethylglycine and glucose were measured on morning urine samples as the ratio to urine creatinine. Statistical determinants of the post-methionine load increase in homocysteine were identified in multiple linear regression models. Results Plasma betaine concentrations and urinary betaine excretions were significantly (p < 0.001) more variable in the subjects with diabetes compared with the controls. Dimethylglycine excretion (p = 0.00014) and plasma dimethylglycine concentrations (p = 0.039) were also more variable. In diabetes, plasma betaine was a significant negative determinant (p < 0.001) of the post-methionine load increase in homocysteine. However, it was not conclusive that this was different from the relationship in the controls. In the patients with diabetes, a strong relationship was found between urinary betaine excretion and urinary glucose excretion (but not with plasma glucose). Conclusions Both high and low plasma betaine concentrations, and high and low urinary betaine excretions, are more prevalent in diabetes. The availability of betaine affects the response in the methionine load test. The benefits of increasing betaine intake should be investigated. PMID:22510294

  1. Mechanistic and Kinetic Study of Singlet O2 Oxidation of Methionine by On-Line Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Liu, Fangwei; Lu, Wenchao; Yin, Xunlong; Liu, Jianbo

    2016-01-01

    We report a reaction apparatus developed to monitor singlet oxygen ((1)O2) reactions in solution using on-line ESI mass spectrometry and spectroscopy measurements. (1)O2 was generated in the gas phase by the reaction of H2O2 with Cl2, detected by its emission at 1270 nm, and bubbled into aqueous solution continuously. (1)O2 concentrations in solution were linearly related to the emission intensities of airborne (1)O2, and their absolute scales were established based on a calibration using 9,10-anthracene dipropionate dianion as an (1)O2 trapping agent. Products from (1)O2 oxidation were monitored by UV-Vis absorption and positive/negative ESI mass spectra, and product structures were elucidated using collision-induced dissociation-tandem mass spectrometry. To suppress electrical discharge in negative ESI of aqueous solution, methanol was added to electrospray via in-spray solution mixing using theta-glass ESI emitters. Capitalizing on this apparatus, the reaction of (1)O2 with methionine was investigated. We have identified methionine oxidation intermediates and products at different pH, and measured reaction rate constants. (1)O2 oxidation of methionine is mediated by persulfoxide in both acidic and basic solutions. Persulfoxide continues to react with another methionine, yielding methionine sulfoxide as end-product albeit with a much lower reaction rate in basic solution. Density functional theory was used to explore reaction potential energy surfaces and establish kinetic models, with solvation effects simulated using the polarized continuum model. Combined with our previous study of gas-phase methionine ions with (1)O2, evolution of methionine oxidation pathways at different ionization states and in different media is described.

  2. The browning value changes and spectral analysis on the Maillard reaction product from glucose and methionine model system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Al-Baarri, A. N.; Legowo, A. M.; Widayat

    2018-01-01

    D-glucose has been understood to provide the various effect on the reactivity in Maillard reaction resulting in the changes in physical performance of food product. Therefore this research was done to analyse physical appearance of Maillard reaction product made of D-glucose and methionine as a model system. The changes in browning value and spectral analysis model system were determined. The glucose-methionine model system was produced through the heating treatment at 50°C and RH 70% for 24 hours. The data were collected for every three hour using spectrophotometer. As result, browning value was elevated with the increase of heating time and remarkably high if compare to the D-glucose only. Furthermore, the spectral analysis showed that methionine turned the pattern of peak appearance. As conclusion, methionine raised the browning value and changed the pattern of spectral analysis in Maillard reaction model system.

  3. Biased expression, under the control of single promoter, of human interferon α-2b and Escherichia coli methionine amino peptidase genes in E. coli, irrespective of their distance from the promoter.

    PubMed

    Arif, Amina; Rashid, Naeem; Aslam, Farheen; Mahmood, Nasir; Akhtar, Muhammad

    2016-03-01

    Human interferon α-2b and Escherichia coli methionine amino peptidase genes were cloned independently as well as bicistronically in expression plasmid pET-21a (+). Production of human interferon α-2b was comparable to that of E. coli methionine amino peptidase when these genes were expressed independently in E. coli BL21-CodonPlus (DE3)-RIL. However, human interferon α-2b was produced in a much less amount whereas there was no difference in the production of methionine amino peptidase when the encoding genes were expressed bicistronically. It is important to note that human interferon α-2b was the first gene in order, after the promoter and E. coli methionine amino peptidase was the next with a linker sequence of 27 nucleotides between them.

  4. Targeting S-adenosylmethionine biosynthesis with a novel allosteric inhibitor of Mat2A

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

    Quinlan, Casey L.; Kaiser, Stephen E.; Bolaños, Ben

    S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) is an enzyme cofactor used in methyl transfer reactions and polyamine biosynthesis. The biosynthesis of SAM from ATP and L-methionine is performed by the methionine adenosyltransferase enzyme family (Mat; EC 2.5.1.6). Human methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (Mat2A), the extrahepatic isoform, is often deregulated in cancer. We identified a Mat2A inhibitor, PF-9366, that binds an allosteric site on Mat2A that overlaps with the binding site for the Mat2A regulator, Mat2B. Studies exploiting PF-9366 suggested a general mode of Mat2A allosteric regulation. Allosteric binding of PF-9366 or Mat2B altered the Mat2A active site, resulting in increased substrate affinity and decreased enzymemore » turnover. These data support a model whereby Mat2B functions as an inhibitor of Mat2A activity when methionine or SAM levels are high, yet functions as an activator of Mat2A when methionine or SAM levels are low. The ramification of Mat2A activity modulation in cancer cells is also described.« less

  5. Effect of Dietary Combination of Methionine and Fish Oil on Cellular Immunity and Plasma Fatty Acids in Infectious Bursal Disease Challenged Chickens

    PubMed Central

    Kasim, Azhar; Yong Meng, Goh; Teck Chwen, Loh; Kamalidehghan, Behnam; Soleimani Farjam, Abdoreza

    2013-01-01

    This study was carried out to investigate the modulatory effects of dietary methionine and fish oil on immune response, plasma fatty acid profile, and blood parameters of infectious bursal disease (IBD) challenged broiler chickens. A total of 300 one-day-old male broiler chicks were assigned to one of six dietary treatment groups in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. There were three levels of fish oil (0, 2.5 and 5.5%), and two levels of methionine (NRC recommendation and twice NRC recommendation). The results showed that the birds fed with 5.5% fish oil had higher total protein, white blood cell count, and IL-2 concentration than those of other groups at 7 days after IBD challenge. Inclusion of fish oil in diet had no effect on IFN-γ concentration. However, supplementation of methionine twice the recommendation enhanced the serum IFN-γ and globulin concentration. Neither of fish oil nor methionine supplementation affected the liver enzymes concentration. It can be suggested that a balance of moderate level of fish oil (2.5%) and methionine level (twice NRC recommendation) might enhance immune response in IBD challenged broiler chickens. PMID:24198724

  6. Egg quality of quails fed low methionine diet supplemented with betaine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ratriyanto, A.; Indreswari, R.; Dewanti, R.; Wahyuningsih, S.

    2018-03-01

    This experiment investigated the effect of betaine supplementation to low methionine diet on egg quality of quails. A total of 340 laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) was divided into 4 dietary treatments with 5 replicates of 17 quails each. The experiment was assigned in a completely randomized design. The four dietary treatments were the low methionine diet (0.3% methionine) without betaine supplementation and the low methionine diet supplemented with 0.07, 0.14, and 0.21% betaine. The experimental diets were applied for 8 weeks and the egg quality traits were measured at the age of 16 and 20 weeks. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, and when the treatment indicated significant effect, it was continued to orthogonal polynomial test to determine the optimum level of betaine. Increasing dietary levels of betaine increased the fat content of the egg with the linear regression of y = 11.0949 + 4.1914x (R2 = 0.18). However, supplementation of betaine did not affect protein content, yolk, albumen, and eggshell percentage. It can be concluded that betaine supplementation up to 0.21% to low methionine diet only had little effect in improving the quality traits of quail eggs.

  7. Methionine supplementation influences melanin-based plumage colouration in Eurasian kestrel, Falco tinnunculus, nestlings.

    PubMed

    Parejo, Deseada; Silva, Nadia

    2009-11-01

    The extent to which the expression of melanin-based plumage colouration in birds is genetically or environmentally determined is controversial. Here, we performed a between-nest design supplementation with either the sulphur amino acid dl-methionine or with water to investigate the importance of the non-genetic component of melanin-based plumage colouration in the Eurasian kestrel, Falco tinnunculus. Methionine affects growth and immunity, thus we aimed to modify nestling growth and immunity before feather development. Then, we measured the effect of the experiment on colouration of two melanin-based plumage patches of nestling kestrels. We found that methionine slowed down nestling growth through treatment administration and that nestlings compensated by speeding up their growth later. We did not find any effects of methionine on nestling immunity (i.e. lymphocyte counts, natural antibody levels or complement-mediated immunity). Effects on growth seemed to be mirrored by changes in nestling colouration in the two sexes: methionine-nestlings showed less intense brown plumage on their backs compared with control nestlings. These results provide support for a non-genetic determination of a melanin-based plumage patch in the two sexes of nestling kestrels.

  8. Immune function and hematology of male cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) in response to food supplementation and methionine

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Webb, R.E.; Leslie, David M.; Lochmiller, R.L.; Masters, R.E.

    2003-01-01

    We examined effects of supplementation of food quantity and quality (=enhanced methionine) on hematologic and immunologic parameters of wild, but enclosed, adult male cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) in north-central Oklahoma. Sheet metal enclosures were stocked with a high density of wild-caught cotton rats (160 animals/ha) and randomly assigned a treatment of no supplementation, mixed-ration supplementation or methionine-enhanced supplementation. Aside from small increases in counts of red blood cells and hematocrit levels, most indices of erythrocytic characteristics were not affected by supplementation with the mixed-ration or enhanced methionine. In contrast, platelet counts were highest in mixed-ration and methionine treatments and counts of total white blood cells were highest with methionine supplementation, albeit relative proportions of different leukocytes did not differ among treatments. Immunologically, neither delayed-type hypersensitivity response nor hemolytic-complement activity differed among treatments. Supplementation of food quantity and quality did not broadly affect hematologic parameters and immune function of male cotton rats, but enhanced platelet and leukocyte counts may confer advantages to overall health. Clarification of the role of such effects on population limitation or regulation requires additional research.

  9. Cognitive Impairment in Folate-Deficient Rats Corresponds to Depleted Brain Phosphatidylcholine and Is Prevented by Dietary Methionine without Lowering Plasma Homocysteine12

    PubMed Central

    Troen, Aron M.; Chao, Wei-Hsun; Crivello, Natalia A.; D'Anci, Kristen E.; Shukitt-Hale, Barbara; Smith, Don E.; Selhub, Jacob; Rosenberg, Irwin H.

    2008-01-01

    Poor folate status is associated with cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Although impaired brain methylation activity and homocysteine toxicity are widely thought to account for this association, how folate deficiency impairs cognition is uncertain. To better define the role of folate deficiency in cognitive dysfunction, we fed rats folate-deficient diets (0 mg FA/kg diet) with or without supplemental L-methionine for 10 wk, followed by cognitive testing and tissue collection for hematological and biochemical analysis. Folate deficiency with normal methionine impaired spatial memory and learning; however, this impairment was prevented when the folate-deficient diet was supplemented with methionine. Under conditions of folate deficiency, brain membrane content of the methylated phospholipid phosphatidylcholine was significantly depleted, which was reversed with supplemental methionine. In contrast, neither elevated plasma homocysteine nor brain S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylhomocysteine concentrations predicted cognitive impairment and its prevention by methionine. The correspondence of cognitive outcomes to changes in brain membrane phosphatidylcholine content suggests that altered phosphatidylcholine and possibly choline metabolism might contribute to the manifestation of folate deficiency-related cognitive dysfunction. PMID:19022979

  10. Influence of dietary protein and excess methionine on choline needs for young bobwhite quail

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Serafin, J.A.

    1982-01-01

    Experiments were conducted with young Bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) to investigate the effect of differing dietary protein levels and nondetrimental amounts of excess methionine on choline needs. Growth and feed consumption of quail fed an adequate (27.3%) protein purified diet supplemented with 2000 mg/kg of choline were unaffected by increasing the level of excess methionine to 1.75%; however, greater amounts (2.0%, 2.25%) of excess methionine depressed growth (P less than .01), reduced feed consumption (P less than .01), and decreased feed utilization (P less than .05). Quail fed a purified diet containing 13.85% protein and 515 mg/kg of choline grew poorly. Growth was unaffected by additional choline in this diet. Growth was suboptimal among quail fed purified diets containing adequate or high (41.55%) levels of protein in which choline was limiting; however, a high level of protein did not in itself affect performance. Growth was improved by supplemental choline in these diets. Growth of quail fed purified diets with up to 1.35% excess methionine which were limiting (531 mg/kg) in choline was less than that of groups fed 2000 mg/kg of added dietary choline (P less than .01); however, excess methionine did not significantly influence growth of quail fed choline-deficient diets. These experiments indicate that neither high dietary protein nor excess methionine, fed at non-growth-depressing levels, increases dietary choline needs for young Bobwhite quail.

  11. Influence of dietary protein level on the broiler chicken's response to methionine and betaine supplements.

    PubMed

    Garcia Neto, M; Pesti, G M; Bakalli, R I

    2000-10-01

    Two experiments were conducted to compare broiler chicken responses to methionine and betaine supplements when fed diets with low protein and relatively high metabolizable energy levels (17%, 3.3 kcal/g) or moderate protein and lower metabolizable energy levels (24%, 3.0 kcal/g), resulting in different levels of carcass fat. In Experiment 1, the basal diets were formulated with corn, soybean meal, poultry by-product meal, and poultry oil. In Experiment 2, glucose monohydrate was also added, so that identical amino acid profiles could be maintained in the 17 and 24% protein diets. On average, feeding the 17 vs. 24% protein diet decreased 21-d body weight gain by 20%, increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 13%, and increased abdominal fat pad weight by 104%. Methionine and betaine supplements improved the performance of chicks fed the 24% protein diet in both experiments, as indicated by body weight gain and FCR. Only supplementary methionine increased performance of chicks fed 17% protein diets, and then only in Experiment 2. Neither methionine nor betaine decreased abdominal fat pad size in either experiment. Methionine supplementation decreased relative liver size and increased breast muscle protein. Both methionine and betaine increased sample feather weight, but when expressed as a percentage of body weight, no significant differences were detected. It is concluded that increasing carcass fat by manipulating percentage dietary protein level or amino acid balance does not influence betaine's activity as a lipotropic agent.

  12. Phase II Clinical Trials: D-methionine to Reduce Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-03-01

    loss (NIHL) and tinnitus in our troops. Hypotheses: Primary Hypothesis: Administration of oral D-methionine prior to and during weapons...reduce or prevent noise-induced tinnitus . Primary outcome to test the primary hypothesis: Pure tone air-conduction thresholds. Primary outcome to...test the secondary hypothesis: Tinnitus questionnaires. Specific Aims: 1. To determine whether administering oral D-methionine (D-met) can

  13. Targeting Amino Acid Metabolism for Molecular Imaging of Inflammation Early After Myocardial Infarction.

    PubMed

    Thackeray, James T; Bankstahl, Jens P; Wang, Yong; Wollert, Kai C; Bengel, Frank M

    2016-01-01

    Acute tissue inflammation after myocardial infarction influences healing and remodeling and has been identified as a target for novel therapies. Molecular imaging holds promise for guidance of such therapies. The amino acid (11)C-methionine is a clinically approved agent which is thought to accumulate in macrophages, but not in healthy myocytes. We assessed the suitability of positron emission tomography (PET) with (11)C-methionine for imaging post-MI inflammation, from cell to mouse to man. Uptake assays demonstrated 7-fold higher (11)C-methionine uptake by polarized pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages over anti-inflammatory M2 subtypes (p<0.001). C57Bl/6 mice (n=27) underwent coronary artery ligation or no surgery. Serial (11)C-methionine PET was performed 3, 5 and 7d later. MI mice exhibited a perfusion defect in 32-50% of the left ventricle (LV). PET detected increased (11)C-methionine accumulation in the infarct territory at 3d (5.9±0.9%ID/g vs 4.7±0.9 in remote myocardium, and 2.6±0.5 in healthy mice; p<0.05 and <0.01 respectively), which declined by d7 post-MI (4.3±0.6 in infarct, 3.4±0.8 in remote; p=0.03 vs 3d, p=0.08 vs healthy). Increased (11)C-methionine uptake was associated with macrophage infiltration of damaged myocardium. Treatment with anti-integrin antibodies (anti-CD11a, -CD11b, -CD49d; 100µg) lowered macrophage content by 56% and (11)C-methionine uptake by 46% at 3d post-MI. A patient study at 3d after ST-elevation MI and early reperfusion confirmed elevated (11)C-methionine uptake in the hypoperfused myocardial region. Targeting of elevated amino acid metabolism in pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages enables PET imaging-derived demarcation of tissue inflammation after MI. (11)C-methionine-based molecular imaging may assist in the translation of novel image-guided, inflammation-targeted regenerative therapies.

  14. Dietary Methyl Donors Contribute to Whole-Body Protein Turnover and Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle and the Jejunum in Neonatal Piglets.

    PubMed

    Robinson, Jason L; Harding, Scott V; Brunton, Janet A; Bertolo, Robert F

    2016-10-01

    The neonatal methionine requirement must consider not only the high demand for rapid tissue protein expansion but also the demands as the precursor for a suite of critical transmethylation reactions. However, methionine metabolism is inherently complex because upon transferring its methyl group during transmethylation, methionine can be reformed by the dietary methyl donors choline (via betaine) and folate. We sought to determine whether dietary methyl donors contribute to methionine availability for protein synthesis in neonatal piglets. Yucatan miniature piglets aged 4-8 d were fed a diet that provided 38 μg folate/(kg·d), 60 mg choline/(kg·d), and 238 mg betaine/(kg·d) [methyl-sufficient (MS); n = 8] or a diet devoid of these methyl precursors [methyl-deficient (MD); n = 8]. After 5 d, dietary methionine was reduced from 0.30 to 0.20 g/(kg·d) in both groups. On day 6, piglets received a constant [1- 13 C]phenylalanine infusion to measure whole-body protein kinetics, and on day 8 they received a constant [ 3 H-methyl]methionine infusion to measure tissue-specific protein synthesis in skeletal muscle, the liver, and the jejunum. Whole-body phenylalanine flux, protein synthesis, and protein breakdown were 13%, 12%, and 22% lower, respectively, in the MD group than in the MS group (P < 0.05). Reduced whole-body protein synthesis in the MD piglets was attributed to 50% lower protein synthesis in skeletal muscle and the jejunum than in the MS piglets (P < 0.05). Furthermore, methionine availability in skeletal muscle was halved in piglets fed the MD diet (P < 0.05), and the specific radioactivity of methionine was doubled in the jejunum of MD piglets (P < 0.05), suggesting lower intestinal remethylation. Liver protein synthesis did not significantly differ between the groups, but secreted proteins were not measured. Dietary methyl donors can affect whole-body and tissue-specific protein synthesis in neonatal piglets and should be considered when determining the methionine requirement. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

  15. Targeting Amino Acid Metabolism for Molecular Imaging of Inflammation Early After Myocardial Infarction

    PubMed Central

    Thackeray, James T.; Bankstahl, Jens P.; Wang, Yong; Wollert, Kai C.; Bengel, Frank M.

    2016-01-01

    Acute tissue inflammation after myocardial infarction influences healing and remodeling and has been identified as a target for novel therapies. Molecular imaging holds promise for guidance of such therapies. The amino acid 11C-methionine is a clinically approved agent which is thought to accumulate in macrophages, but not in healthy myocytes. We assessed the suitability of positron emission tomography (PET) with 11C-methionine for imaging post-MI inflammation, from cell to mouse to man. Uptake assays demonstrated 7-fold higher 11C-methionine uptake by polarized pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages over anti-inflammatory M2 subtypes (p<0.001). C57Bl/6 mice (n=27) underwent coronary artery ligation or no surgery. Serial 11C-methionine PET was performed 3, 5 and 7d later. MI mice exhibited a perfusion defect in 32-50% of the left ventricle (LV). PET detected increased 11C-methionine accumulation in the infarct territory at 3d (5.9±0.9%ID/g vs 4.7±0.9 in remote myocardium, and 2.6±0.5 in healthy mice; p<0.05 and <0.01 respectively), which declined by d7 post-MI (4.3±0.6 in infarct, 3.4±0.8 in remote; p=0.03 vs 3d, p=0.08 vs healthy). Increased 11C-methionine uptake was associated with macrophage infiltration of damaged myocardium. Treatment with anti-integrin antibodies (anti-CD11a, -CD11b, -CD49d; 100µg) lowered macrophage content by 56% and 11C-methionine uptake by 46% at 3d post-MI. A patient study at 3d after ST-elevation MI and early reperfusion confirmed elevated 11C-methionine uptake in the hypoperfused myocardial region. Targeting of elevated amino acid metabolism in pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages enables PET imaging-derived demarcation of tissue inflammation after MI. 11C-methionine-based molecular imaging may assist in the translation of novel image-guided, inflammation-targeted regenerative therapies. PMID:27570549

  16. Hyperhomocysteinemia induced by guanidinoacetic acid is effectively suppressed by choline and betaine in rats.

    PubMed

    Setoue, Minoru; Ohuchi, Seiya; Morita, Tatsuya; Sugiyama, Kimio

    2008-07-01

    Rats were fed 25% casein (25C) diets differing in choline levels (0-0.5%) with and without 0.5% guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) or 0.75% L-methionine for 7 d to determine the effects of dietary choline level on experimental hyperhomocysteinemia. The effects of dietary choline (0.30%) and betaine (0.34%) on GAA- and methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia were also compared. Dietary choline suppressed hyperhomocysteinemia induced by GAA, but not by methionine, in a dose-dependent manner. GAA-induced enhancement of the plasma homocysteine concentration was suppressed by choline and betaine to the same degree, but the effects of these compounds were relatively small on methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia. Dietary supplementation with choline and betaine significantly increased the hepatic betaine concentration in rats fed a GAA diet, but not in rats fed a methionine diet. These results indicate that choline and betaine are effective at relatively low levels in reducing plasma homocysteine, especially under the condition of betaine deficiency without a loading of homocysteine precursor.

  17. Biosynthesis of S-Methylcysteine in Radish Leaves1

    PubMed Central

    Thompson, John F.; Gering, Rose K.

    1966-01-01

    Investigation on the biosynthesis of S-methyl-L-cysteine in radish leaves has shown that it is formed by the methylation of cysteine. This conclusion is based on: A) the relatively high recovery of radioactivity in methylcysteine sulfoxide after the administration of cysteine or methyl-labeled methionine to radish leaves; B) the nearly complete recovery of label from methyl-labeled methionine in the methyl group of methylcysteine sulfoxide; and C) the similarity in the ratio of tritium to 14C in methylcysteine sulfoxide and in its methyl group to this ratio in the methyl group of methionine given to radish leaves. Direct evidence for the synthesis of methylcysteine in radishes was obtained for the first time. Conclusive evidence against the formation of methylcysteine from serine and a thiomethyl group from methionine as suggested for garlic was the more efficient incorporation of the methyl group of methionine as compared to the sulfur atom into methylcysteine sulfoxide. Images Fig. 1 PMID:16656400

  18. Protection against UVB-induced oxidative stress in human skin cells and skin models by methionine sulfoxide reductase A.

    PubMed

    Pelle, Edward; Maes, Daniel; Huang, Xi; Frenkel, Krystyna; Pernodet, Nadine; Yarosh, Daniel B; Zhang, Qi

    2012-01-01

    Environmental trauma to human skin can lead to oxidative damage of proteins and affect their activity and structure. When methionine becomes oxidized to its sulfoxide form, methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA) reduces it back to methionine. We report here the increase in MSRA in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) after ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, as well as the reduction in hydrogen peroxide levels in NHEK pre-treated with MSRA after exposure. Further, when NHEK were pre-treated with a non-cytotoxic pentapeptide containing methionine sulfoxide (metSO), MSRA expression increased by 18.2%. Additionally, when the media of skin models were supplemented with the metSO pentapeptide and then exposed to UVB, a 31.1% reduction in sunburn cells was evident. We conclude that the presence of MSRA or an externally applied peptide reduces oxidative damage in NHEK and skin models and that MSRA contributes to the protection of proteins against UVB-induced damage in skin.

  19. [The level of available methionine and the biological value of fish protein].

    PubMed

    Lipka, Z; Ganowiak, Z

    1992-01-01

    Food value of fish protein in fish canning was evaluated biologically and chemically (by available methionine). High-temperature sterilization (126 degrees) proved the least adequate for it causes the greatest loss in the protein food value. The chemical method by available methionine showing close correlation with biological techniques (NPU and PER rates) is thought demonstrative and convenient for technological control in fish processing industry.

  20. Radiation-induced transmethylation and transsulfuration in the system DNA-methionine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Köhnlein, W.; Merwitz, O.; Ohneseit, P.

    Evidence is presented for the radiation-induced transmethylation and transsulfuration in a DNA-methionine model system. The extent of such alkylation of DNA is found to be comparable with that of alkylating agents. Therefore, both processes could be initial steps in radiation carcinogenesis. The protective effect of methionine on DNA strand breaks, due to scavenging of OH radicals, causes the formation of methyl and thiyl radicals.

  1. Intestinal uptake of betaine in vitro and the distribution of methyl groups from betaine, choline, and methionine in the body of broiler chicks.

    PubMed

    Kettunen, H; Peuranen, S; Tiihonen, K; Saarinen, M

    2001-02-01

    The efficiency of betaine absorption into small intestinal slices of broiler chicks was studied in vitro with 14C-labeled betaine. The relative proportion of Na+-coupled betaine uptake, as well as the total uptake capacity was larger in the duodenum than in the jejunum. Dietary betaine increased the Na+-coupled uptake in the duodenum. In in vivo-experiments, methyl-14C-labeled betaine, methionine, or choline was fed to broiler chicks. Betaine appeared in the blood more rapidly, and reached a higher total concentration than choline or methionine. The data suggest that choline and methionine were associated with plasma lipoproteins whereas betaine remained free in the plasma. The label distribution in liver, kidney, and intestinal tissues was studied 24 h after label ingestion. Most of the label from betaine was found in the aquaeous phase in the muscle, while in the liver and jejunum the label from betaine was distributed more evenly between the aquaeous, lipid, and protein phases. Label from choline accumulated in the lipid fraction, particularly so in the liver, whereas label from methionine showed a more variable distribution pattern. The distribution results are interpreted in terms of specific roles of betaine, choline, and methionine in methyl group metabolism.

  2. Advances in protein-amino acid nutrition of poultry.

    PubMed

    Baker, David H

    2009-05-01

    The ideal protein concept has allowed progress in defining requirements as well as the limiting order of amino acids in corn, soybean meal, and a corn-soybean meal mixture for growth of young chicks. Recent evidence suggests that glycine (or serine) is a key limiting amino acid in reduced protein [23% crude protein (CP) reduced to 16% CP] corn-soybean meal diets for broiler chicks. Research with sulfur amino acids has revealed that small excesses of cysteine are growth depressing in chicks fed methionine-deficient diets. Moreover, high ratios of cysteine:methionine impair utilization of the hydroxy analog of methionine, but not of methionine itself. A high level of dietary L: -cysteine (2.5% or higher) is lethal for young chicks, but a similar level of DL: -methionine, L: -cystine or N-acetyl-L: -cysteine causes no mortality. A supplemental dietary level of 3.0% L: -cysteine (7x requirement) causes acute metabolic acidosis that is characterized by a striking increase in plasma sulfate and decrease in plasma bicarbonate. S-Methylmethionine, an analog of S-adenosylmethionine, has been shown to have choline-sparing activity, but it only spares methionine when diets are deficient in choline and(or) betaine. Creatine, or its precursor guanidinoacetic acid, can spare dietary arginine in chicks.

  3. Adaptive antioxidant methionine accumulation in respiratory chain complexes explains the use of a deviant genetic code in mitochondria.

    PubMed

    Bender, Aline; Hajieva, Parvana; Moosmann, Bernd

    2008-10-28

    Humans and most other animals use 2 different genetic codes to translate their hereditary information: the standard code for nuclear-encoded proteins and a modern variant of this code in mitochondria. Despite the pivotal role of the genetic code for cell biology, the functional significance of the deviant mitochondrial code has remained enigmatic since its first description in 1979. Here, we show that profound and functionally beneficial alterations on the encoded protein level were causative for the AUA codon reassignment from isoleucine to methionine observed in most mitochondrial lineages. We demonstrate that this codon reassignment leads to a massive accumulation of the easily oxidized amino acid methionine in the highly oxidative inner mitochondrial membrane. This apparently paradoxical outcome can yet be smoothly settled if the antioxidant surface chemistry of methionine is taken into account, and we present direct experimental evidence that intramembrane accumulation of methionine exhibits antioxidant and cytoprotective properties in living cells. Our results unveil that methionine is an evolutionarily selected antioxidant building block of respiratory chain complexes. Collective protein alterations can thus constitute the selective advantage behind codon reassignments, which authenticates the "ambiguous decoding" hypothesis of genetic code evolution. Oxidative stress has shaped the mitochondrial genetic code.

  4. Effect of multi-nutrient insufficiency on markers of one carbon metabolism in young women: response to a methionine load.

    PubMed

    Katre, P; Joshi, S; Bhat, D S; Deshmukh, M; Gurav, N; Pandit, S; Lubree, H; Marczewski, S; Bennett, C; Gruca, L; Kalyanaraman, K; Naik, S S; Yajnik, C S; Kalhan, S C

    2016-06-01

    Multi-nutrient insufficiencies as a consequence of nutritional and economic factors are common in India and other developing countries. We have examined the impact of multi-nutrient insufficiency on markers of one carbon (1C) metabolism in the blood, and response to a methionine load in clinically healthy young women. Young women from Pune, India (n=10) and Cleveland, USA (n=13) were studied. Blood samples were obtained in the basal state and following an oral methionine load (50 mg/kg of body weight in orange juice). Plasma concentrations of vitamin B12, folate and B6 were measured in the basal state. The effect of methionine load on the levels of methionine, total homocysteine, cysteine, glutathione and amino acids was examined. Indian women were significantly shorter and lighter compared with the American women and had lower plasma concentration of vitamins B12, folate and B6, essential amino acids and glutathione, but higher concentration of total homocysteine. The homocysteine response to methionine load was higher in Indian women. The plasma concentrations of glycine and serine increased in the Indian women after methionine (in juice) load. A significant negative correlation between plasma B6 and homocysteine (r= -0.70), and plasma folate and glycine and serine levels were observed in the Indian group (P<0.05) but not in the American group. Multi-nutrient insufficiency in the Indian women caused unique changes in markers of whole body protein and 1C metabolism. These data would be useful in developing nutrient intervention strategies.

  5. Porphyromonas gingivalis hydrogen sulfide enhances methyl mercaptan-induced pathogenicity in mouse abscess formation.

    PubMed

    Nakamura, Suguru; Shioya, Koki; Hiraoka, B Yukihiro; Suzuki, Nao; Hoshino, Tomonori; Fujiwara, Taku; Yoshinari, Nobuo; Ansai, Toshihiro; Yoshida, Akihiro

    2018-04-01

    Porphyromonas gingivalis produces hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from l-cysteine. However, the role of H2S produced by P. gingivalis in periodontal inflammation is unclear. In this study, we identified the enzyme that catalyses H2S production from l-cysteine and analysed the role of H2S using a mouse abscess model. The enzyme identified was identical to methionine γ-lyase (PG0343), which produces methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) from l-methionine. Therefore, we analysed H2S and CH3SH production by P. gingivalis W83 and a PG0343-deletion mutant (ΔPG0343) with/without l-cysteine and/or l-methionine. The results indicated that CH3SH is produced constitutively irrespective of the presence of l-methionine, while H2S was greatly increased by both P. gingivalis W83 and ΔPG0343 in the presence of l-cysteine. In contrast, CH3SH production by ΔPG0343 was absent irrespective of the presence of l-methionine, and H2S production was eliminated in the absence of l-cysteine. Thus, CH3SH and H2S production involves different substrates, l-methionine or l-cysteine, respectively. Based on these characteristics, we analysed the roles of CH3SH and H2S in abscess formation in mice by P. gingivalis W83 and ΔPG0343. Abscess formation by P. gingivalis W83, but not ΔPG0343, differed significantly in the presence and absence of l-cysteine. In addition, the presence of l-methionine did not affect the size of abscesses generated by P. gingivalis W83 and ΔPG0343. Therefore, we conclude that H2S produced by P. gingivalis does not induce inflammation; however, H2S enhances inflammation caused by CH3SH. Thus, these results suggest the H2S produced by P. gingivalis plays a supportive role in inflammation caused by methionine γ-lyase.

  6. Determination of the methionine requirement of male and female broiler chicks using an indirect amino acid oxidation method.

    PubMed

    Chamruspollert, M; Pesti, G M; Bakalli, R I

    2002-07-01

    The methionine requirement of 250-to-300-g broiler chicks was estimated from the oxidation of L-[1-14C] phenylalanine of chicks given meals containing graded levels of DL-methionine. L-[1-14C] phenylalanine was used as an indicator amino acid for amino acid oxidation and, indirectly, protein synthesis. Four experiments were conducted using an incomplete block design with three replications each. Chicks were crop intubated with semifluid diets at a ratio of 1 g of diet per 45 g of bird weight. Two feedings 2 h apart were used to reduce variability, and the sample collection period was 3 h after the second feeding. Regression analysis of 14CO2 release from L-[1-14C] phenylalanine was used to estimate the methionine requirement. The model was as follows: response = max + rc x (req - x) x I, where max = plateau, rc = rate constant, req = requirement, and I = 1 when x < req, otherwise I = 0. The methionine requirements of Ross x Ross chicks were 0.57 +/- 0.03% and 0.52 +/- 0.08% for male and female chicks, respectively in Experiment 1 and 0.55 +/- 0.05% and 0.52 +/- 0.04%, respectively, in Experiment 2. In the third experiment (Arbor Acre High-Yield), phenylalanine oxidation stabilized at a low rate when dietary methionine levels reached 0.54 +/- 0.03% and 0.53 +/- 0.04% for males and females, respectively. In a growth trial covering a longer period (Experiment 4), the methionine requirements of male and female Ross x Ross chicks, based on feed conversion, were 0.52 +/- 0.05% and 0.45 +/- 0.02%, respectively, and based on body gain were 0.54 +/0.09% and 0.48 +/- 0.04%, respectively. The results suggested that the methionine requirement of male chicks tended to be higher than that of females in both strains. However, differences were small and not significant.

  7. A role for 11C-methionine PET imaging in ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome.

    PubMed

    Koulouri, Olympia; Steuwe, Andrea; Gillett, Daniel; Hoole, Andrew C; Powlson, Andrew S; Donnelly, Neil A; Burnet, Neil G; Antoun, Nagui M; Cheow, Heok; Mannion, Richard J; Pickard, John D; Gurnell, Mark

    2015-10-01

    We report our experience of functional imaging with (11)C-methionine positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) co-registered with 3D gradient echo (spoiled gradient recalled (SPGR)) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the investigation of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Twenty patients with i) de novo Cushing's disease (CD, n=10), ii) residual or recurrent hypercortisolism following first pituitary surgery (±radiotherapy; n=8) or iii) ectopic Cushing's syndrome (n=2) were referred to our centre for functional imaging studies between 2010 and 2015. Six of the patients with de novo CD and five of those with persistent/relapsed disease had a suspected abnormality on conventional MRI. All patients underwent (11)C-methionine PET-CT. For pituitary imaging, co-registration of PET-CT images with contemporaneous SPGR MRI (1 mm slice thickness) was performed, followed by detailed mapping of (11)C-methionine uptake across the sella in three planes (coronal, sagittal and axial). This allowed us to determine whether suspected adenomas seen on structural imaging exhibited focal tracer uptake on functional imaging. In seven of ten patients with de novo CD, asymmetric (11)C-methionine uptake was observed within the sella, which co-localized with the suspected site of a corticotroph microadenoma visualised on SPGR MRI (and which was subsequently confirmed histologically following successful transsphenoidal surgery (TSS)). Focal (11)C-methionine uptake that correlated with a suspected abnormality on pituitary MRI was seen in five of eight patients with residual or recurrent Cushing's syndrome following first TSS (and pituitary radiotherapy in two cases). Two patients elected to undergo repeat TSS with histology confirming a corticotroph tumour in each case. In two patients with the ectopic ACTH syndrome, (11)C-methionine was concentrated in sites of distant metastases, with minimal uptake in the sellar region. (11)C-methionine PET-CT can aid the detection of ACTH-secreting tumours in Cushing's syndrome and facilitate targeted therapy. © 2015 European Society of Endocrinology.

  8. Methionine-Mediated Repression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a Pleiotropic Regulatory System Involving Methionyl Transfer Ribonucleic Acid and the Product of Gene eth2

    PubMed Central

    Cherest, H.; Surdin-Kerjan, Y.; De Robichon-Szulmajster, H.

    1971-01-01

    Detailed study of methionine-mediated repression of enzymes involved in methionine biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae led to classification of these enzymes into two distinct regulatory groups. Group I comprises four enzymes specifically involved in different parts of methionine biosynthesis, namely, homoserine-O-transacetylase, homocysteine synthetase, adenosine triphosphate sulfurylase, and sulfite reductase. Repressibility of these enzymes is greatly decreased in strains carrying a genetically impaired methionyl-transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) synthetase (mutation ts− 296). Conditions leading to absence of repression in the mutant strain have been correlated with a sharp decrease in bulk tRNAmet charging, whereas conditions which restore repressibility of group I enzymes also restore tRNAmet charging. These findings implicate methionyl-tRNA in the regulatory process. However, the absence of a correlation in the wild type between methionyl-tRNA charging and the levels of methionine group I enzymes suggests that only a minor iso accepting species of tRNAmet may be devoted with a regulatory function. Repressibility of the same four enzymes (group I) was also decreased in strains carrying the regulatory mutation eth2r. Although structural genes coding for two of these enzymes, as well as mutations ts− 296 and eth2r segregate independently to each other, synthesis of group I enzymes is coordinated. The pleiotropic regulatory system involved seems then to comprise beside a “regulatory methionyl tRNAmet,” another element, product of gene eth2, which might correspond either to an aporepressor protein or to the “regulatory tRNAmet” itself. Regulation of group II enzymes is defined by response to exogenous methionine, absence of response to either mutations ts− 296 and eth2r, and absence of coordinacy with group I enzymes. However, the two enzymes which belong to this group and are both involved in threonine and methionine biosynthesis undergo distinct regulatory patterns. One, aspartokinase, is subject to a bivalent repression exerted by threonine and methionine, and the other, homoserine dehydrogenase, is subject only to methionine-mediated repression. Participation of at least another aporepressor and another corepressor, different from the ones involved in regulation of group I enzymes, is discussed. PMID:5557593

  9. Betaine supplementation is less effective than methionine restriction in correcting phenotypes of CBS deficient mice.

    PubMed

    Gupta, Sapna; Wang, Liqun; Kruger, Warren D

    2016-01-01

    Cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) deficiency is a recessive inborn error of metabolism characterized by elevated serum total homocysteine (tHcy). Betaine supplementation, which can lower tHcy by stimulating homocysteine remethylation to methionine, is often given to CBS deficient patients in combination with other treatments such as methionine restriction and supplemental B-vitamins. However, the effectiveness of betaine supplementation by itself in the treatment of CBS deficiency has not been well explored. Here, we have examined the effect of a betaine supplemented diet on the Tg-I278T Cbs (-/-) mouse model of CBS deficiency and compared its effectiveness to our previously published data using a methionine restricted diet. Tg-I278T Cbs (-/-) mice on betaine, from the time of weaning until for 240 days of age, had a 40 % decrease in mean tHcy level and a 137 % increase in serum methionine levels. Betaine-treated Tg-I278T Cbs (-/-) mice also exhibited increased levels of betaine-dependent homocysteine methyl transferase (BHMT), increased levels of the lipogenic enzyme stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD-1), and increased lipid droplet accumulation in the liver. Betaine supplementation largely reversed the hair loss phenotype in Tg-I278T Cbs (-/-) animals, but was far less effective than methionine restriction in reversing the weight-loss, fat-loss, and osteoporosis phenotypes. Surprisingly, betaine supplementation had several negative effects in control Tg-I278T Cbs (+/-) mice including decreased weight gain, lean mass, and bone mineral density. Our findings indicate that while betaine supplementation does have some beneficial effects, it is not as effective as methionine restriction for reversing the phenotypes associated with severe CBS deficiency in mice.

  10. Changes in body-weight, composition and hepatic enzyme activities in response to dietary methionine, betaine and choline levels in growing chicks.

    PubMed

    Saunderson, C L; Mackinlay, J

    1990-03-01

    The experiments described here were set up (a) to investigate the effect of age and (b) to investigate the effect of giving five diets which varied in methionine and choline or betaine contents on some of the enzymes that metabolize these nutrients in chick liver. Growth and carcass composition of the chicks fed on the different diets were also examined. There was no obvious relationship between age and enzyme activity in young chicks. Only a diet low in methionine (but not one low in choline) showed a significant decrease in growth and a change in carcass composition. The effects of diet on enzyme activity were complex. Choline oxidase (EC 1.1.3.17) activity was affected by the level of choline in the diet, being high when choline was present at high levels, especially when methionine was limiting. 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate homocysteine methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.3) had a high activity in the livers of chicks fed on a conventional diet compared with those given semi-purified diets. Other enzymes showed minor changes in response to the diet. The diet low in methionine showed a lower activity of cystathionine beta-synthase (EC 4.2.1.22) and slightly higher activities of methionine adenosyltransferase (EC 2.5.1.6) and betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.5; compared with other diets), suggesting that this diet encouraged re-methylation of homocysteine at the expense of trans-sulphuration to cystathionine. The findings obtained in these studies form a useful basis for further investigation of the metabolic interrelationships between methionine and related nutrients.

  11. Oxidation of an Exposed Methionine Instigates the Aggregation of Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase*

    PubMed Central

    Samson, Andre L.; Knaupp, Anja S.; Kass, Itamar; Kleifeld, Oded; Marijanovic, Emilia M.; Hughes, Victoria A.; Lupton, Chris J.; Buckle, Ashley M.; Bottomley, Stephen P.; Medcalf, Robert L.

    2014-01-01

    Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a ubiquitous and abundant protein that participates in cellular energy production. GAPDH normally exists in a soluble form; however, following necrosis, GAPDH and numerous other intracellular proteins convert into an insoluble disulfide-cross-linked state via the process of “nucleocytoplasmic coagulation.” Here, free radical-induced aggregation of GAPDH was studied as an in vitro model of nucleocytoplasmic coagulation. Despite the fact that disulfide cross-linking is a prominent feature of GAPDH aggregation, our data show that it is not a primary rate-determining step. To identify the true instigating event of GAPDH misfolding, we mapped the post-translational modifications that arise during its aggregation. Solvent accessibility and energy calculations of the mapped modifications within the context of the high resolution native GAPDH structure suggested that oxidation of methionine 46 may instigate aggregation. We confirmed this by mutating methionine 46 to leucine, which rendered GAPDH highly resistant to free radical-induced aggregation. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that oxidation of methionine 46 triggers a local increase in the conformational plasticity of GAPDH that likely promotes further oxidation and eventual aggregation. Hence, methionine 46 represents a “linchpin” whereby its oxidation is a primary event permissive for the subsequent misfolding, aggregation, and disulfide cross-linking of GAPDH. A critical role for linchpin residues in nucleocytoplasmic coagulation and other forms of free radical-induced protein misfolding should now be investigated. Furthermore, because disulfide-cross-linked aggregates of GAPDH arise in many disorders and because methionine 46 is irrelevant to native GAPDH function, mutation of methionine 46 in models of disease should allow the unequivocal assessment of whether GAPDH aggregation influences disease progression. PMID:25086035

  12. Role of S-Adenosylmethionine in Methionine Biosynthesis in Yeast

    PubMed Central

    Botsford, J. L.; Parks, L. W.

    1967-01-01

    Extracts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were used to develop a cell-free system capable of converting the β-carbon of serine into the methyl group of methionine. No requirement for either S-adenosylmethionine or S-adenosylhomocysteine could be demonstrated for net methionine biosynthesis. Growth of the cells in B12 did not affect the reaction. The mechanism for the methylation of homocysteine in yeast appears to be similar to the non-B12 system in Escherichia coli. PMID:4293082

  13. The growth of Paracoccus halodenitrificans in a defined medium

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hochstein, L. I.; Tomlinson, G. A.

    1984-01-01

    A synthetic medium, consisting of inorganic salts and any of a number of carbon sources, supported the aerobic growth of Paracoccus halodenitrificans when supplemented with thiamine. The same medium plus a nitrogenous oxide supported anaerobic growth when additionally supplemented with methionine. The observation that vitamin B12 or betaine replaced methionine suggested that P. halodenitrificans had a defect in the cobalamin dependent pathway for methionine biosynthesis, as well as the inability to synthesize betanine when growing anaerobically.

  14. The growth of paracoccus halodenitrificans in a defined medium

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hochstein, L. I.; Tomlinson, G. A.

    1983-01-01

    A synthetic medium, consisting of inorganic salts and any of a number of carbon sources, supported the aerobic growth of Paracoccus halodenitrificans when supplemented with thiamine. The same medium plus a nitrogenous oxide supported anaerobic growth when additionally supplemented with methionine. The observation that vitamin B12 or betaine replaced methionine suggested that P. halodenitrificans had a defect in the cobalamin dependent pathway for methionine biosynthesis, as well as the inability to synthesize betaine when growing anaerobically.

  15. The methionine salvage pathway in Bacillus subtilis

    PubMed Central

    Sekowska, Agnieszka; Danchin, Antoine

    2002-01-01

    Background Polyamine synthesis produces methylthioadenosine, which has to be disposed of. The cell recycles it into methionine through methylthioribose (MTR). Very little was known about MTR recycling for methionine salvage in Bacillus subtilis. Results Using in silico genome analysis and transposon mutagenesis in B. subtilis we have experimentally uncovered the major steps of the dioxygen-dependent methionine salvage pathway, which, although similar to that found in Klebsiella pneumoniae, recruited for its implementation some entirely different proteins. The promoters of the genes have been identified by primer extension, and gene expression was analyzed by Northern blotting and lacZ reporter gene expression. Among the most remarkable discoveries in this pathway is the role of an analog of ribulose diphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco, the plant enzyme used in the Calvin cycle which recovers carbon dioxide from the atmosphere) as a major step in MTR recycling. Conclusions A complete methionine salvage pathway exists in B. subtilis. This pathway is chemically similar to that in K. pneumoniae, but recruited different proteins to this purpose. In particular, a paralogue or Rubisco, MtnW, is used at one of the steps in the pathway. A major observation is that in the absence of MtnW, MTR becomes extremely toxic to the cell, opening an unexpected target for new antimicrobial drugs. In addition to methionine salvage, this pathway protects B. subtilis against dioxygen produced by its natural biotope, the surface of leaves (phylloplane). PMID:12022921

  16. A Methionine-Induced Animal Model of Schizophrenia: Face and Predictive Validity.

    PubMed

    Wang, Lien; Alachkar, Amal; Sanathara, Nayna; Belluzzi, James D; Wang, Zhiwei; Civelli, Olivier

    2015-05-19

    Modulating the methylation process induces broad biochemical changes, some of which may be involved in schizophrenia. Methylation is in particular central to epigenesis, which is also recognized as a factor in the etiology of schizophrenia. Because methionine administration to patients with schizophrenia has been reported to exacerbate their psychotic symptoms and because mice treated with methionine exhibited social deficits and prepulse inhibition impairment, we investigated whether methionine administration could lead to behavioral changes that reflect schizophrenic symptoms in mice. l-Methionine was administered to mice twice a day for 7 days. We found that this treatment induces behavioral responses that reflect the 3 types of schizophrenia-like symptoms (positive, negative, or cognitive deficits) as monitored in a battery of behavioral assays (locomotion, stereotypy, social interaction, forced swimming, prepulse inhibition, novel object recognition, and inhibitory avoidance). Moreover, these responses were differentially reversed by typical haloperidol and atypical clozapine antipsychotics in ways that parallel their effects in schizophrenics. We thus propose the l-methionine treatment as an animal model recapitulating several symptoms of schizophrenia. We have established the face and predictive validity for this model. Our model relies on an essential natural amino acid and on an intervention that is relatively simple and time effective and may offer an additional tool for assessing novel antipsychotics. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of CINP.

  17. The effect of amino acid lysine and methionine addition on feed toward the growth and retention on mud crab (Scylla serrata)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alissianto, Y. R.; Sandriani, Z. A.; Rahardja, B. S.; Agustono; Rozi

    2018-04-01

    High market demand of mud crab (Scylla serrata) encourages farmers to increase the production of mud crab. However, mud crab can not synthesize essential amino acids, so it is necessary to supply essential amino acids such as lysine and methionine in the diet. This study aims to determine the effect of lysine and methionine on feeds to increase growth and retention of mud crabs (Scylla serrata). In this study the amount of lysine amino acid and methionine added to the trash fish diet were: P0 (0: 0%); P1 (0.75: 0.75%); P2 (1: 1%); P3 (1.25: 1.25%); P4 (1.5: 1.5%) with the ratio of lysine and methionine 1: 1. The parameters observed in this study were Survival Rate (SR), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Efficiency Feed (EF), protein retention and energy retention. The results of the 35-day maintenance study showed significant differences (P <0.05) against Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Efficiency Feed (EF), protein retention and no significant effect (P> 0.05) on energy retention and Survival Rate (SR) on mud crab. The best results in this study were found in P4 treatment with addition of lysine amino acids and methionine (1.5: 1.5%).

  18. Independent and additive effects of glutamic acid and methionine on yeast longevity.

    PubMed

    Wu, Ziyun; Song, Lixia; Liu, Shao Quan; Huang, Dejian

    2013-01-01

    It is established that glucose restriction extends yeast chronological and replicative lifespan, but little is known about the influence of amino acids on yeast lifespan, although some amino acids were reported to delay aging in rodents. Here we show that amino acid composition greatly alters yeast chronological lifespan. We found that non-essential amino acids (to yeast) methionine and glutamic acid had the most significant impact on yeast chronological lifespan extension, restriction of methionine and/or increase of glutamic acid led to longevity that was not the result of low acetic acid production and acidification in aging media. Remarkably, low methionine, high glutamic acid and glucose restriction additively and independently extended yeast lifespan, which could not be further extended by buffering the medium (pH 6.0). Our preliminary findings using yeasts with gene deletion demonstrate that glutamic acid addition, methionine and glucose restriction prompt yeast longevity through distinct mechanisms. This study may help to fill a gap in yeast model for the fast developing view that nutrient balance is a critical factor to extend lifespan.

  19. Independent and Additive Effects of Glutamic Acid and Methionine on Yeast Longevity

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Ziyun; Song, Lixia; Liu, Shao Quan; Huang, Dejian

    2013-01-01

    It is established that glucose restriction extends yeast chronological and replicative lifespan, but little is known about the influence of amino acids on yeast lifespan, although some amino acids were reported to delay aging in rodents. Here we show that amino acid composition greatly alters yeast chronological lifespan. We found that non-essential amino acids (to yeast) methionine and glutamic acid had the most significant impact on yeast chronological lifespan extension, restriction of methionine and/or increase of glutamic acid led to longevity that was not the result of low acetic acid production and acidification in aging media. Remarkably, low methionine, high glutamic acid and glucose restriction additively and independently extended yeast lifespan, which could not be further extended by buffering the medium (pH 6.0). Our preliminary findings using yeasts with gene deletion demonstrate that glutamic acid addition, methionine and glucose restriction prompt yeast longevity through distinct mechanisms. This study may help to fill a gap in yeast model for the fast developing view that nutrient balance is a critical factor to extend lifespan. PMID:24244480

  20. Amelioration of ethionine toxicity in the chick.

    PubMed

    Lowry, K R; Baker, D H

    1987-06-01

    Several chick bioassays were conducted to evaluate means of ameliorating ethionine toxicity. Supplementing a corn-soy diet marginally deficient in sulfur amino acids (methionine + cystine) with .075% D,L-ethionine reduced weight gain in 8-day-old chicks by 70% compared to gains of unsupplemented controls. Dietary addition of .50% DL-methionine prevented reduction in weight gain and feed intake resulting from ethionine supplementation whereas feeding supplemental L-cystine was without effect. Supplementation of the ethionine-containing diet with either choline or betaine ameliorated the growth depression, although neither compound was able to completely overcome the toxic effects of ethionine. Dietary ethionine did not affect plasma levels of free methionine or cystine but did increase plasma free glycine 6-fold. Dietary addition of .50% DL-methionine caused normalization of plasma glycine levels whereas it elevated plasma methionine concentration. Although results suggested the possibility of ethionine-induced serine or threonine deficiency, dietary additions of .75% L-serine or .75% L-threonine failed to improve chick weight gain. These studies suggest that ethionine, in addition to affecting transsulfuration and transmethylation activity may exert specific effects on certain amino acids in tissue pools.

  1. Hydrolysis of proteins with methanesulfonic acid for improved HPLC-ICP-MS determination of seleno-methionine in yeast and nuts.

    PubMed

    Wrobel, Katarzyna; Kannamkumarath, Sasi S; Wrobel, Kazimierz; Caruso, Joseph A

    2003-01-01

    In this work, the use of methanesulfonic acid for protein hydrolysis is proposed for evaluation of Se-methionine in yeast, Brazil nuts, and possibly other selenium-rich biological samples. The hydrolysis was carried out by heating the sample with 4 mol L(-1) acid at reflux for 8 h. Two chromatographic techniques (size-exclusion and ion-pairing) coupled with ICP-MS detection were used to compare the release of Se-methionine from proteins by enzymatic (proteinase K, protease XIV) and acid hydrolyses. A more efficient liberation of Se-methionine was observed by acid hydrolysis. For quantification, the sample extracts were introduced onto a C8 Alltima column, and the separation was achieved with a mobile phase containing 5 mmol L(-1) hexanesulfonic acid in citrate buffer (pH 4.5)/methanol (95:5). The results obtained by standard addition showed 816+/-17 micro g g(-1) and 36.2+/-1.5 micro g g(-1) of selenium in the form of Se-methionine in yeast and nuts, respectively (65% and 75% of total selenium).

  2. Purification and biochemical characterization of methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) from Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155.

    PubMed

    Narayanan, Sai Shyam; Ramanujan, Ajeena; Krishna, Shyam; Nampoothiri, Kesavan Madhavan

    2008-12-01

    The methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) catalyzes the removal of amino terminal methionine from newly synthesized polypeptide. MetAP from Mycobacterium smegmatis mc(2) 155 was purified from the culture lysate in four sequential steps to obtain a final purification fold of 22. The purified enzyme exhibited a molecular weight of approximately 37 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Activity staining was performed to detect the methionine aminopeptidase activity on native polyacrylamide gel. The enzyme was characterized biochemically, using L-methionine p-nitroanilide as substrate. The enzyme was found to have a temperature and pH optimum of 50 degrees C and 8.5, respectively, and was found to be stable at 50 degrees C with half-life more than 8 h. The enzyme activity was enhanced by Mg(2+) and Co(2+) and was inhibited by Fe(2+) and Cu(2+). The enzyme activity inhibited by EDTA is restored in presence of Mg(2+) suggesting the possible role of Mg(2+) as metal cofactor of the enzyme in vitro.

  3. Photooxidation of Methionine

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lewis, Catherine; Scouten, William H.

    1976-01-01

    Describes an experiment in which the photooxidation of methionine using free methylene blue as the sensitizer is applied to the isolated amino acid or to the methionyl residues of a complex polypeptide. (MLH)

  4. Transcriptional regulation of methionine synthase by homocysteine and choline in Aspergillus nidulans.

    PubMed Central

    Kacprzak, Magdalena M; Lewandowska, Irmina; Matthews, Rowena G; Paszewski, Andrzej

    2003-01-01

    Roles played by homocysteine and choline in the regulation of MS (methionine synthase) have been examined in fungi. The Aspergillus nidulans metH gene encoding MS was cloned and characterized. Its transcription was not regulated by methionine, but was enhanced by homocysteine and repressed by choline and betaine. MS activity levels were regulated in a similar way. The repression by betaine was due to its metabolic conversion to choline, which was found to be very efficient in A. nidulans. Betaine and choline supplementation stimulated growth of leaky metH mutants apparently by decreasing the demand for methyl groups and thus saving methionine and S -adenosylmethionine. We have also found that homocysteine stimulates transcription of MS-encoding genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. PMID:12954077

  5. [Tyrosine and methionine metabolism in various states of melaninogenesis].

    PubMed

    Kurbanov, Kh; Spiridonova, N A

    1990-01-01

    Excretion with urine of tyrosine and methionine metabolites as well as the activities of enzymes involved in their metabolism are correlated with the state and type of melanin synthesized in the skin. The response of tyrosine aminotransferase to melaninogenesis induction was more pronounced in animals with predominant pheomelaninogenesis, especially after tyrosine load, while that to dopachrome oxidoreductase--in animals with predominant eumelaninogenesis and after methionine load. Glutathione reductase and cystathionine-beta-synthase responded more vigorously to methionine injections, which was especially well pronounced in animals with prominent pheomelaninogenesis and in albino animals. The metabolic "block" in melanine synthesis in albino animals seems to be observed after the 5-S-cysteinyl-DOPA synthesis, whereas the initial steps of melaninogenesis in these animals are identical to pheomelanine synthesis reactions.

  6. Placentome Nutrient Transporters and Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Proteins Are Altered by the Methionine Supply during Late Gestation in Dairy Cows and Are Associated with Newborn Birth Weight.

    PubMed

    Batistel, Fernanda; Alharthi, Abdulrahman Sm; Wang, Ling; Parys, Claudia; Pan, Yuan-Xiang; Cardoso, Felipe C; Loor, Juan J

    2017-09-01

    Background: To our knowledge, most research demonstrating a link between maternal nutrition and both fetal growth and offspring development after birth has been performed with nonruminants. Whether such relationships exist in large ruminants is largely unknown. Objective: We aimed to investigate whether increasing the methionine supply during late pregnancy would alter uteroplacental tissue nutrient transporters and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and their relation with newborn body weight. Methods: Multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized complete block design experiment. During the last 28 d of pregnancy, cows were fed a control diet or the control diet plus ethylcellulose rumen-protected methionine (0.9 g/kg dry matter intake) (Mepron; Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH) to achieve a 2.8:1 ratio of lysine to methionine in the metabolizable protein reaching the small intestine. We collected placentome samples at parturition and used them to assess mRNA and protein expression and the phosphorylation status of mTOR pathway proteins. Results: Newborn body weight was greater in the methionine group than in the control group (44.1 kg and 41.8 kg, respectively; P ≤ 0.05). Increasing the methionine supply also resulted in greater feed intake (15.8 kg/d and 14.6 kg/d), plasma methionine (11.9 μM and 15.3 μM), and plasma insulin (1.16 μg/L and 0.81 μg/L) in cows during late pregnancy. As a result, mRNA expression of genes involved in neutral amino acid transport [solute carrier (SLC) family members SLC3A2 , SLC7A5 , SLC38A1 , and SLC38A10 ], glucose transport [ SLC2A1 , SLC2A3 , and SLC2A4 ], and the mTOR pathway [mechanistic target of rapamycin and ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1] were upregulated ( P ≤ 0.07) in methionine-supplemented cows. Among 6 proteins in the mTOR pathway, increasing the methionine supply led to greater ( P ≤ 0.09) protein expression of α serine-threonine kinase (AKT), phosphorylated (p)-AKT, p-eukaryotic elongation factor 2, and the p-mTOR:mTOR ratio. Conclusion: Supplemental methionine during late gestation increases feed intake and newborn body weight in dairy cows, and this effect may be mediated by alterations in the uteroplacental transport of nondispensable and dispensable amino acids and glucose at least in part through changes in gene transcription and mTOR signaling. © 2017 American Society for Nutrition.

  7. Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis of Homocysteine and Methionine Metabolism Identifies Five One Carbon Metabolism Loci and a Novel Association of ALDH1L1 with Ischemic Stroke

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Fang; Liu, Xuan; Keene, Keith L.; Jacques, Paul; Chen, Wei-Min; Weinstein, Galit; Hsu, Fang-Chi; Beiser, Alexa; Wang, Liewei; Bookman, Ebony; Doheny, Kimberly F.; Wolf, Philip A.; Zilka, Michelle; Selhub, Jacob; Nelson, Sarah; Gogarten, Stephanie M.; Worrall, Bradford B.; Seshadri, Sudha; Sale, Michèle M.

    2014-01-01

    Circulating homocysteine levels (tHcy), a product of the folate one carbon metabolism pathway (FOCM) through the demethylation of methionine, are heritable and are associated with an increased risk of common diseases such as stroke, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and dementia. The FOCM is the sole source of de novo methyl group synthesis, impacting many biological and epigenetic pathways. However, the genetic determinants of elevated tHcy (hyperhomocysteinemia), dysregulation of methionine metabolism and the underlying biological processes remain unclear. We conducted independent genome-wide association studies and a meta-analysis of methionine metabolism, characterized by post-methionine load test tHcy, in 2,710 participants from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) and 2,100 participants from the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention (VISP) clinical trial, and then examined the association of the identified loci with incident stroke in FHS. Five genes in the FOCM pathway (GNMT [p = 1.60×10−63], CBS [p = 3.15×10−26], CPS1 [p = 9.10×10−13], ALDH1L1 [p = 7.3×10−13] and PSPH [p = 1.17×10−16]) were strongly associated with the difference between pre- and post-methionine load test tHcy levels (ΔPOST). Of these, one variant in the ALDH1L1 locus, rs2364368, was associated with incident ischemic stroke. Promoter analyses reveal genetic and epigenetic differences that may explain a direct effect on GNMT transcription and a downstream affect on methionine metabolism. Additionally, a genetic-score consisting of the five significant loci explains 13% of the variance of ΔPOST in FHS and 6% of the variance in VISP. Association between variants in FOCM genes with ΔPOST suggest novel mechanisms that lead to differences in methionine metabolism, and possibly the epigenome, impacting disease risk. These data emphasize the importance of a concerted effort to understand regulators of one carbon metabolism as potential therapeutic targets. PMID:24651765

  8. The effects of L-cysteine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine on homocysteine metabolism and haemostatic markers, and on cardiac and aortic histology in subchronically methionine-treated Wistar male rats.

    PubMed

    Kostić, Sanja; Mićovic, Žarko; Andrejević, Lazar; Cvetković, Saša; Stamenković, Aleksandra; Stanković, Sanja; Obrenović, Radmila; Labudović-Borović, Milica; Hrnčić, Dragan; Jakovljević, Vladimir; Djurić, Dragan

    2018-06-23

    Methionine is the precursor of homocysteine, a sulfur amino acid intermediate in the methylation and transsulfuration pathways; methionine-rich diets were used to induce hyperhomocysteinemia, and cardiovascular pathology was often observed. Other sulfur amino acids interfere with this metabolism, i.e., L-cysteine (Cys) and N-aceyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and probably also affect cardiovascular system. Their effects are controversial due to their ability to act both as anti- or pro-oxidant. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate their influence on levels of homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12, levels of different haemostatic parameters (fibrinogen, D-dimer, vWF Ag, vWF Ac) in rat serum or plasma as well as their effects on cardiac and aortic tissue histology in subchronically methionine-treated rats. Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 experimental groups: (a) control group (0.9% sodium chloride 0.1-0.2 mL/day) (n = 10) (K); (b) DL-methionine (0.8 mmol/kg/bw/day) (n = 10) (M); (c) DL-methionine (0.8 mmol/kg/bw/day) + L-cysteine (7 mg/kg/bw/day) (n = 8) (C); (d) DL-methionine (0.8 mmol/ kg/bw/day) + N-acetyl-L-cysteine (50 mg/kg/bw/day) (n = 8) (N). All substances were applied i.p., treatment duration 3 weeks. Lower levels of vitamin B12 in all the groups were found. Folate was reduced only in N group. Decreased fibrinogen was noted in C and N groups and increased D-dimer only in C. VWF activity was reduced in M and C groups. Deleterious effects in heart were observed, especially after Cys and NAC application. Aortic tissue remained unchanged. In conclusion, it could be said that sulfur amino acids have the significant impact on cardiovascular system in subchronically methionine-treated rats. This study points out the relevance of their complex interactions and deleterious effects mediated by either direct influence or procoagulant properties.

  9. Towards Defining Nutrient Conditions Encountered by the Rice Blast Fungus during Host Infection

    PubMed Central

    Wilson, Richard A.; Fernandez, Jessie; Quispe, Cristian F.; Gradnigo, Julien; Seng, Anya; Moriyama, Etsuko; Wright, Janet D.

    2012-01-01

    Fungal diseases cause enormous crop losses, but defining the nutrient conditions encountered by the pathogen remains elusive. Here, we generated a mutant strain of the devastating rice pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae impaired for de novo methionine biosynthesis. The resulting methionine-requiring strain grew strongly on synthetic minimal media supplemented with methionine, aspartate or complex mixtures of partially digested proteins, but could not establish disease in rice leaves. Live-cell-imaging showed the mutant could produce normal appressoria and enter host cells but failed to develop, indicating the availability or accessibility of aspartate and methionine is limited in the plant. This is the first report to demonstrate the utility of combining biochemical genetics, plate growth tests and live-cell-imaging to indicate what nutrients might not be readily available to the fungal pathogen in rice host cells. PMID:23071797

  10. Salt tolerance and methionine biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae involve a putative phosphatase gene.

    PubMed Central

    Gläser, H U; Thomas, D; Gaxiola, R; Montrichard, F; Surdin-Kerjan, Y; Serrano, R

    1993-01-01

    The progressive salinization of irrigated land poses a threat to the future of agriculture in arid regions. The identification of crucial metabolic steps in salt tolerance is important for the understanding of stress physiology and may provide the tools for its genetic engineering. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae we have isolated a gene, HAL2, which upon increase in gene dosage improves growth under NaCl and LiCl stresses. The HAL2 protein is homologous to inositol phosphatases, enzymes known to be inhibited by lithium salts. Complementation analysis demonstrated that HAL2 is identical to MET22, a gene involved in methionine biosynthesis. Accordingly, methionine supplementation improves the tolerance of yeast to NaCl and LiCl. These results demonstrate an unsuspected interplay between methionine biosynthesis and salt tolerance. Images PMID:8393782

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

    PubMed Central

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

    2010-01-01

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

  12. Recombinant methioninase effectively targets a Ewing's sarcoma in a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) nude-mouse model

    PubMed Central

    Murakami, Takashi; Li, Shukuan; Han, Qinghong; Tan, Yuying; Kiyuna, Tasuku; Igarashi, Kentaro; Kawaguchi, Kei; Hwang, Ho Kyoung; Miyake, Kentaro; Singh, Arun S.; Nelson, Scott D.; Dry, Sarah M.; Li, Yunfeng; Hiroshima, Yukihiko; Lwin, Thinzar M.; DeLong, Jonathan C.; Chishima, Takashi; Tanaka, Kuniya; Bouvet, Michael; Endo, Itaru; Eilber, Fritz C.; Hoffman, Robert M.

    2017-01-01

    Methionine dependence is due to the overuse of methionine for aberrant transmethylation reactions in cancer. Methionine dependence may be the only general metabolic defect in cancer. In order to exploit methionine dependence for therapy, our laboratory previously cloned L-methionine α-deamino-γ-mercaptomethane lyase [EC 4.4.1.11]). The cloned methioninase, termed recombinant methioninase, or rMETase, has been tested in mouse models of human cancer cell lines. Ewing's sarcoma is recalcitrant disease even though development of multimodal therapy has improved patients'outcome. Here we report efficacy of rMETase against Ewing's sarcoma in a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) model. The Ewing's sarcoma was implanted in the right chest wall of nude mice to establish a PDOX model. Eight Ewing's sarcoma PDOX mice were randomized into untreated control group (n = 4) and rMETase treatment group (n = 4). rMETase (100 units) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) every 24 hours for 14 consecutive days. All mice were sacrificed on day-15, 24 hours after the last rMETase administration. rMETase effectively reduced tumor growth compared to untreated control. The methionine level both of plasma and supernatants derived from sonicated tumors was lower in the rMETase group. Body weight did not significantly differ at any time points between the 2 groups. The present study is the first demonstrating rMETase efficacy in a PDOX model, suggesting potential clinical development, especially in recalcitrant cancers such as Ewing's sarcoma. PMID:28404944

  13. Recombinant methioninase effectively targets a Ewing's sarcoma in a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) nude-mouse model.

    PubMed

    Murakami, Takashi; Li, Shukuan; Han, Qinghong; Tan, Yuying; Kiyuna, Tasuku; Igarashi, Kentaro; Kawaguchi, Kei; Hwang, Ho Kyoung; Miyake, Kentaro; Singh, Arun S; Nelson, Scott D; Dry, Sarah M; Li, Yunfeng; Hiroshima, Yukihiko; Lwin, Thinzar M; DeLong, Jonathan C; Chishima, Takashi; Tanaka, Kuniya; Bouvet, Michael; Endo, Itaru; Eilber, Fritz C; Hoffman, Robert M

    2017-05-30

    Methionine dependence is due to the overuse of methionine for aberrant transmethylation reactions in cancer. Methionine dependence may be the only general metabolic defect in cancer. In order to exploit methionine dependence for therapy, our laboratory previously cloned L-methionine α-deamino-γ-mercaptomethane lyase [EC 4.4.1.11]). The cloned methioninase, termed recombinant methioninase, or rMETase, has been tested in mouse models of human cancer cell lines. Ewing's sarcoma is recalcitrant disease even though development of multimodal therapy has improved patients'outcome. Here we report efficacy of rMETase against Ewing's sarcoma in a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) model. The Ewing's sarcoma was implanted in the right chest wall of nude mice to establish a PDOX model. Eight Ewing's sarcoma PDOX mice were randomized into untreated control group (n = 4) and rMETase treatment group (n = 4). rMETase (100 units) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) every 24 hours for 14 consecutive days. All mice were sacrificed on day-15, 24 hours after the last rMETase administration. rMETase effectively reduced tumor growth compared to untreated control. The methionine level both of plasma and supernatants derived from sonicated tumors was lower in the rMETase group. Body weight did not significantly differ at any time points between the 2 groups. The present study is the first demonstrating rMETase efficacy in a PDOX model, suggesting potential clinical development, especially in recalcitrant cancers such as Ewing's sarcoma.

  14. Elimination of remaining undifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cells in the process of human cardiac cell sheet fabrication using a methionine-free culture condition.

    PubMed

    Matsuura, Katsuhisa; Kodama, Fumiko; Sugiyama, Kasumi; Shimizu, Tatsuya; Hagiwara, Nobuhisa; Okano, Teruo

    2015-03-01

    Cardiac tissue engineering is a promising method for regenerative medicine. Although we have developed human cardiac cell sheets by integration of cell sheet-based tissue engineering and scalable bioreactor culture, the risk of contamination by induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells in cardiac cell sheets remains unresolved. In the present study, we established a novel culture method to fabricate human cardiac cell sheets with a decreased risk of iPS cell contamination while maintaining viabilities of iPS cell-derived cells, including cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts, using a methionine-free culture condition. When cultured in the methionine-free condition, human iPS cells did not survive without feeder cells and could not proliferate or form colonies on feeder cells or in coculture with cells for cardiac cell sheet fabrication. When iPS cell-derived cells after the cardiac differentiation were transiently cultured in the methionine-free condition, gene expression of OCT3/4 and NANOG was downregulated significantly compared with that in the standard culture condition. Furthermore, in fabricated cardiac cell sheets, spontaneous and synchronous beating was observed in the whole area while maintaining or upregulating the expression of various cardiac and extracellular matrix genes. These findings suggest that human iPS cells are methionine dependent and a methionine-free culture condition for cardiac cell sheet fabrication might reduce the risk of iPS cell contamination.

  15. Endosperm Protein Synthesis and l-[35S]Methionine Incorporation in Maize Kernels Cultured In Vitro1

    PubMed Central

    Cully, David E.; Gengenbach, Burle G.; Smith, Jane A.; Rubenstein, Irwin; Connelly, James A.; Park, William D.

    1984-01-01

    This study was conducted to examine protein synthesis and l-[35S] methionine incorporation into the endosperm of Zea mays L. kernels developing in vitro. Two-day-old kernels of the inbred line W64A were placed in culture on a defined medium containing 10 microCuries l-[35S] methionine per milliliter (13 milliCuries per millimole) and harvested at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 days after pollination. Cultured kernels attained a final endosperm mass of 120 milligrams compared to 175 milligrams for field-grown controls. Field and cultured kernels had similar concentrations (microgram per milligram endospern) for total protein, albumin plus globulin, zein, and glutelin fractions at most kernel ages. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing patterns for endosperm proteins were similar for field and cultured kernels throughout development. By 15 days, over 70% of the l-[35S]methionine taken up was present in endosperm proteins. Label incorporation visualized by fluorography generally followed the protein intensity of the stained gels. The high methionine content, low molecular weight zeins (i.e. 15 and 9 kilodaltons) were highly labeled. All of the radioactivity in hydrolyzed zein samples was recovered in the methionine peak indicating minimal conversion to l-[35S]cysteine. The procedure described here is suitable for long term culture and labeling experiments in which continued kernel development is required. Images Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 PMID:16663428

  16. Optimization of L: -methionine feeding strategy for improving S-adenosyl-L: -methionine production by methionine adenosyltransferase overexpressed Pichia pastoris.

    PubMed

    Hu, Hui; Qian, Jiangchao; Chu, Ju; Wang, Yonghong; Zhuang, Yingping; Zhang, Siliang

    2009-07-01

    The recombinant Pichia pastoris harboring an improved methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) shuffled gene was employed to biosynthesize S-adenosyl-L: -methionine (SAM). Two L: -methionine (L: -Met) addition strategies were used to supply the precursor: the batch addition strategy (L: -Met was added separately at three time points) and the continuous feeding strategies (L: -Met was fed continuously at the rate of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 g l(-1) h(-1), respectively). SAM accumulation, L: -Met conversion rate, and SAM productivity with the continuous feeding strategies were all improved over the batch addition strategy, which reached 8.46 +/- 0.31 g l(-1), 41.7 +/- 1.4%, and 0.18 +/- 0.01 g l(-1) h(-1) with the best continuous feeding strategy (0.2 g l(-1) h(-1)), respectively. The bottleneck for SAM production with the low L: -Met feeding rate (0.1 g L(-1) h(-1)) was the insufficient L: -Met supply. The analysis of the key enzyme activities indicated that the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolytic pathway were reduced with the increasing L: -Met feeding rate, which decreased the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. The MAT activity also decreased as the L: -Met feeding rate rose. The reduced ATP synthesis and MAT activity were probably the reason for the low SAM accumulation when the L: -Met feeding rate reached 0.5 g l(-1) h(-1).

  17. Methionine catabolism and production of volatile sulphur compounds by OEnococcus oeni.

    PubMed

    Pripis-Nicolau, L; de Revel, G; Bertrand, A; Lonvaud-Funel, A

    2004-01-01

    During malolactic fermentation (MLF), the secondary metabolisms of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) contribute to the organoleptic modification of wine. To understand the contribution of MLF, we evaluated the capacity of various wine LAB to metabolize methionine. Using gas chromatography (GC) coupled either with mass spectrometry (MS) or a flame photometry detector in sulphur mode (FPD), we studied this metabolism in laboratory media and wine. In laboratory media, several LAB isolated from wine were able to metabolize methionine. They formed methanethiol, dimethyl disulphide, 3-(methylsulphanyl)propan-1-ol and 3-(methylsulphanyl)propionic acid. These are known to have powerful characteristic odours and play a role in the aromatic complexity of wine. In various red wines, after MLF only the 3-(methylsulphanyl)propionic acid concentration increased significantly, as verified with several commercial starter cultures. This compound, which is characterized by chocolate and roasted odours, could contribute to the aromatic complexity produced by MLF. This study shows that LAB isolated from wine, especially OEnococcus oeni strains, the major species in MLF, are able to metabolize methionine to form volatile sulphur compounds. This is the first study to demonstrate the capacity of wine LAB to metabolize methionine.

  18. Technical Note: Methionine, a precursor of methane in living plants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lenhart, K.; Althoff, F.; Greule, M.; Keppler, F.

    2015-03-01

    When terrestrial plants were identified as producers of the greenhouse gas methane, much discussion and debate ensued not only about their contribution to the global methane budget but also with regard to the validity of the observation itself. Although the phenomenon has now become more accepted for both living and dead plants, the mechanism of methane formation in living plants remains to be elucidated and its precursor compounds to be identified. We made use of stable isotope techniques to verify the in vivo formation of methane, and, in order to identify the carbon precursor, 13C positionally labeled organic compounds were employed. Here we show that the amino acid L-methionine acts as a methane precursor in living plants. Employing 13C-labeled methionine clearly identified the sulfur-bound methyl group of methionine as a carbon precursor of methane released from lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Furthermore, when lavender plants were stressed physically, methane release rates and the stable carbon isotope values of the emitted methane greatly increased. Our results provide additional support that plants possess a mechanism for methane production and suggest that methionine might play an important role in the formation of methane in living plants, particularly under stress conditions.

  19. Technical note: Methionine, a precursor of methane in living plants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lenhart, K.; Althoff, F.; Greule, M.; Keppler, F.

    2014-11-01

    When terrestrial plants were identified as producers of the greenhouse gas methane, much discussion and debate ensued, not only about their contribution to the global methane budget, but also with regard to the validity of the observation itself. Although the phenomenon has now become more accepted for both living and dead plants, the mechanism of methane formation in living plants remains to be elucidated and its precursor compounds identified. We made use of stable isotope techniques to verify in vivo formation of methane and, in order to identify the carbon precursor, 13C-positionally labelled organic compounds were employed. Here we show that the amino acid L-methionine acts as a methane precursor in living plants. Employing 13C-labelled methionine clearly identified the sulphur-bound methyl group of methionine as a carbon precursor of methane released from lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Furthermore, when lavender plants were stressed physically, methane release rates and the stable carbon isotope values of the emitted methane greatly increased. Our results provide additional support that plants possess a mechanism for methane production and suggest that methionine might play an important role in the formation of methane in living plants, particularly under stress conditions.

  20. Identification of hydrogen peroxide oxidation sites of alpha A- and alpha B-crystallins.

    PubMed

    Smith, J B; Jiang, X; Abraham, E C

    1997-02-01

    The alpha-crystallins are the most abundant structural proteins of the lens and, because of their chaperone activity, contribute to the solubility of the other crystallins. With aging, the lens crystallins undergo a variety of modifications which correlate with a loss of solubility and the development of cataract. A recent study demonstrating that alpha-crystallins exposed in vitro to FeCl3 and H2O2 exhibit decreased chaperone activity, implicates metal catalyzed oxidations of alpha-crystallins in this loss of solubility. The present study has determined that alpha-crystallins incubated with FeCl3 and H2O2 are modified by the nearly complete oxidation of all methionine residues to methionine sulfoxide, with no other detectable reaction products. The modifications were identified from the molecular weights of peptides formed by enzymatic digestion of the alpha-crystallins and located by tandem mass spectrometric analysis of the fragmentation pattern of the mass spectra of the fragments from peptides with oxidized methionine is loss of 64 Da, which corresponds to loss of CH3SOH from the methionine sulfoxide. These fragments are useful in identifying peptides that include oxidized methionine residues.

  1. Characterisation of methionine adenosyltransferase from Mycobacterium smegmatis and M. tuberculosis

    PubMed Central

    Berger, Bradley J; Knodel, Marvin H

    2003-01-01

    Background Tuberculosis remains a serious world-wide health threat which requires the characterisation of novel drug targets for the development of future antimycobacterials. One of the key obstacles in the definition of new targets is the large variety of metabolic alterations that occur between cells in the active growth and chronic/dormant phases of tuberculosis. The ideal biochemical target should be active in both growth phases. Methionine adenosyltransferase, which catalyses the formation of S-adenosylmethionine from methionine and ATP, is involved in polyamine biosynthesis during active growth and is also required for the methylation and cyclopropylation of mycolipids necessary for survival in the chronic phase. Results The gene encoding methionine adenosyltransferase has been cloned from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the model organism M. smegmatis. Both enzymes retained all amino acids known to be involved in catalysing the reaction. While the M. smegmatis enzyme could be functionally expressed, the M. tuberculosis homologue was insoluble and inactive under a large variety of expression conditions. For the M. smegmatis enzyme, the Vmax for S-adenosylmethionine formation was 1.30 μmol/min/mg protein and the Km for methionine and ATP was 288 μM and 76 μM respectively. In addition, the enzyme was competitively inhibited by 8-azaguanine and azathioprine with a Ki of 4.7 mM and 3.7 mM respectively. Azathioprine inhibited the in vitro growth of M. smegmatis with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 500 μM, while the MIC for 8-azaguanine was >1.0 mM. Conclusion The methionine adenosyltransferase from both organisms had a primary structure very similar those previously characterised in other prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. The kinetic properties of the M. smegmatis enzyme were also similar to known prokaryotic methionine adenosyltransferases. Inhibition of the enzyme by 8-azaguanine and azathioprine provides a starting point for the synthesis of higher affinity purine-based inhibitors. PMID:12809568

  2. Prevention by Methionine of Enhancement of Hepatocarcinogenesis by Coadministration of a Choline‐deficient L‐Amino Acid‐defined Diet and Ethionine in Rats

    PubMed Central

    Tsujiuchi, Toshifumi; Kobayashi, Eisaku; Nakae, Dai; Mizumoto, Yasushi; Andoh, Nobuaki; Kitada, Hiromichi; Ohashi, Kazuo; Fukuda, Tomokazu; Kido, Akira; Tsutsumi, Masahiro; Denda, Ayumi

    1995-01-01

    The effects of methionine on hepatocarcinogenesis induced by Coadministration of a choline‐deflcient L‐amino acid‐defined (CDAA) diet and ethionine were examined. F344 male rats were divided into 4 experimental groups. Groups 1 and 2 received the CDAA diet and a choline‐supplemented L‐amino acid‐defined (CSAA) diet, respectively. Group 3 received the CDAA diet containing 0.05% ethionine, and group 4 the CDAA diet containing 0.05% ethionine and 0.47% methionine. Animals were killed after 12 weeks of treatment. Histologically, the CDAA diet induced intracellular fat accumulation and foci. In contrast, ethionine caused not only foci, but also hyperplastic nodules, cholangiofibrosis and the proliferation of oval cells without such fat accumulation. Methionine abolished the development of all of the liver lesions induced by Coadministration of the CDAA diet and ethionine. To investigate the effects of methionine on induction of c‐myc and c‐Ha‐ras expression, as well as generation of 8‐hydroxyguanine (8‐OHGua) and 2‐thiobarbituric acid‐reacting substances (TBARS), by Coadministration of the CDAA diet and ethionine, subgroups of 3 to 5 animals were killed at 2, 4, 8 or 11 days after the beginning of the experiment. Coadministration of the CDAA diet and ethionine markedly enhanced the level of expression of c‐myc and c‐Ha‐ras, 8‐OHGua formation and TBARS generation as compared with the CDAA or CSAA diet within 11 days, and methionine blocked these actions. These results indicate that addition of methionine prevents the induction of c‐myc and c‐Ha‐ras expression, 8‐OHGua formation and TBARS generation, as well as hepatocellular lesions, by Coadministration of the CDAA diet and ethionine in rats, and suggest a possible involvement of oxidative stress and gene expression in hepatocarcinogenesis by these agents. PMID:8636001

  3. Relationship between S-adenosylmethionine, S-adenosylhomocysteine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and endothelial function in healthy human subjects during experimental hyper- and hypohomocysteinemia.

    PubMed

    Doshi, Sagar; McDowell, Ian; Goodfellow, Jonathan; Stabler, Sally; Boger, Rainer; Allen, Robert; Newcombe, Robert; Lewis, Malcolm; Moat, Stuart

    2005-03-01

    Experimental hyperhomocysteinemia after an oral methionine or homocysteine load is associated with impaired nitric oxide-dependent vasodilatation in healthy human beings. However, it remains unproven that this effect is mediated by elevations in plasma homocysteine. There is evidence that an increase in plasma homocysteine may increase the formation of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. The methyl groups within ADMA are derived from the conversion of S -adenosylmethionine to S -adenosylhomocysteine intermediates in the methionine/homocysteine pathway. No previous study has assessed the role of methylation status, its impact on ADMA formation, and their association with endothelial function in healthy human beings. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 10 healthy subjects (mean age, 29.1 +/- 3.9 years) were administered an oral dose of methionine (0.1 g/kg), l -homocysteine (0.01 g/kg), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (0.1 g/kg), or placebo. Endothelial function as assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery was impaired after both the methionine and homocysteine load compared with placebo at 4 hours (36 +/- 15, 67 +/- 23 vs 219 +/- 26 microm, respectively, P < .001). N-Acetylcysteine had no effect on flow-mediated dilatation. Plasma total homocysteine was significantly elevated at 4 hours after methionine (23.1 +/- 6.2) and homocysteine (41.5 +/- 8.9) loading, but significantly reduced after NAC 2.4 +/- 0.6 vs 7.1 +/- 2.1 micromol/L in the placebo (P < .001). Plasma S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio was significantly (P < .001) increased at 4 hours after methionine (10.9 +/- 0.7) compared with homocysteine (5.4 +/- 0.4), NAC (5.0 +/- 0.3), and placebo (6.0 +/- 0.5). Plasma ADMA concentrations were not altered by any intervention. Our results suggest that endothelial dysfunction due to methionine or homocysteine loading is not associated with an increase in plasma ADMA or a disruption in methylation status.

  4. Comparative genomics of transcriptional regulation of methionine metabolism in proteobacteria

    DOE PAGES

    Leyn, Semen A.; Suvorova, Inna A.; Kholina, Tatiana D.; ...

    2014-11-20

    Methionine metabolism and uptake genes in Proteobacteria are controlled by a variety of RNA and DNA regulatory systems. We have applied comparative genomics to reconstruct regulons for three known transcription factors, MetJ, MetR, and SahR, and three known riboswitch motifs, SAH, SAM-SAH, and SAM_alpha, in ~200 genomes from 22 taxonomic groups of Proteobacteria. We also identified two novel regulons: a SahR-like transcription factor SamR controlling various methionine biosynthesis genes in the Xanthomonadales group, and a potential RNA regulatory element with terminator-antiterminator mechanism controlling the metX or metZ genes in beta-proteobacteria. For each analyzed regulator we identified the core, taxon-specific andmore » genome-specific regulon members. By analyzing the distribution of these regulators in bacterial genomes and by comparing their regulon contents we elucidated possible evolutionary scenarios for the regulation of the methionine metabolism genes in Proteobacteria.« less

  5. Preparation, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the methionine synthase (MetE) from Streptococcus mutans

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

    Fu, Tian-Min; Zhang, Xiao-Yan; Li, Lan-Fen

    2006-10-01

    Methionine synthase (MetE) from S. mutans was expressed, purified and crystallized. Diffraction data have been collected to 2.2 Å resolution. The Streptococcus mutans metE gene encodes methionine synthase (MetE), which catalyzes the direct transfer of a methyl group from methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine in the last step of methionine synthesis. metE was cloned into pET28a and the gene product was expressed at high levels in the Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3). MetE was purified to homogeneity using Ni{sup 2+}-chelating chromatography followed by size-exclusion chromatography. Crystals of the protein were obtained by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method and diffracted to 2.2 Å resolution.more » The crystal belongs to space group P2{sub 1}, with unit-cell parameters a = 52.85, b = 99.48, c = 77.88 Å, β = 94.55°.« less

  6. Discovery and SAR studies of methionine-proline anilides as dengue virus NS2B-NS3 protease inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Guo-Chun; Weng, Zhibing; Shao, Xiaoxia; Liu, Fang; Nie, Xin; Liu, Jinsong; Wang, Decai; Wang, Chunguang; Guo, Kai

    2013-12-15

    A series of methionine-proline dipeptide derivatives and their analogues were designed, synthesized and assayed against the serotype 2 dengue virus NS2B-NS3 protease, and methionine-proline anilides 1 and 2 were found to be the most active DENV 2 NS2B-NS3 competitive inhibitors with Ki values of 4.9 and 10.5 μM. The structure and activity relationship and the molecular docking revealed that L-proline, L-methionine and p-nitroaniline in 1 and 2 are the important characters in blocking the active site of NS2B-NS3 protease. Our current results suggest that the title dipeptidic scaffold represents a promising structural core to discover a new class of active NS2B-NS3 competitive inhibitors. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Inhibition of Monometalated Methionine Aminopeptidase: Inhibitor Discovery and Crystallographic Analysis†

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Min; Xie, Sheng-Xue; Ma, Ze-Qiang; Huang, Qing-Qing; Nan, Fa-Jun; Ye, Qi-Zhuang

    2008-01-01

    Two divalent metal ions are commonly seen in the active site cavity of methionine aminopeptidase, and at least one of the metal ions is directly involved in catalysis. Although ample structural and functional information is available for dimetalated enzyme, methionine aminopeptidase likely functions as a monometalated enzyme under physiological conditions. Information on structure, as well as catalysis and inhibition, of the monometalated enzyme is lacking. By improving conditions of high throughput screening, we identified a unique inhibitor with specificity toward the monometalated enzyme. Kinetic characterization indicates a mutual exclusivity in binding between the inhibitor and the second metal ion at the active site. This is confirmed by X-ray structure, and this inhibitor coordinates with the first metal ion and occupies the space normally occupied by the second metal ion. Kinetic and structural analyses of the inhibition by this and other inhibitors provide insight in designing effective inhibitors of methionine aminopeptidase. PMID:17948983

  8. Cloning and expression of VB12-independent methionine synthase gene responsive to alkaline stress in rice.

    PubMed

    Xie, Guo-Sheng; Liu, Shen-Kui; Takano, Tetsuo; You, Zong-Bin; Zhang, Duan-Pin

    2002-12-01

    VB12-independent methionine synthase is present in higher plants, and catalyzes the methylation of C-homocysteine to form methionine, which is very important for methylation reactions and syntheses of polyamines and ethylene. Under the alkaline condition, using cDNA-RAPD method, a new VB12-independent methionine synthase gene has been cloned and characterized for the first time in rice in this study. The results exhibited that, the cDNA gene entailed 2740 bp, had single copy in the rice genome and encoded peptide of 765 amino acids, the peptide showed 92% and 83% identity with that from Mesembryanthemum cystallinum (U84889) and Cathararanthus roseus (X83499), respectively. It enhanced the transcription more greatly after sodium carbonate treatment for 12 h and 24 h than that of sodium chloride treatment, and then obviously reduced in 48 h later, suggesting that it is related to this stress tolerance in rice.

  9. A Pepper MSRB2 Gene Confers Drought Tolerance in Rice through the Protection of Chloroplast-Targeted Genes

    PubMed Central

    Chae, Songhwa; Lee, Tae-Ho; Hwang, Duk-Ju; Oh, Sung-Dug; Park, Jong-Sug; Song, Dae-Geun; Pan, Cheol-Ho; Choi, Doil; Kim, Yul-Ho; Nahm, Baek Hie; Kim, Yeon-Ki

    2014-01-01

    Background The perturbation of the steady state of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to biotic and abiotic stresses in a plant could lead to protein denaturation through the modification of amino acid residues, including the oxidation of methionine residues. Methionine sulfoxide reductases (MSRs) catalyze the reduction of methionine sulfoxide back to the methionine residue. To assess the role of this enzyme, we generated transgenic rice using a pepper CaMSRB2 gene under the control of the rice Rab21 (responsive to ABA protein 21) promoter with/without a selection marker, the bar gene. Results A drought resistance test on transgenic plants showed that CaMSRB2 confers drought tolerance to rice, as evidenced by less oxidative stress symptoms and a strengthened PSII quantum yield under stress conditions, and increased survival rate and chlorophyll index after the re-watering. The results from immunoblotting using a methionine sulfoxide antibody and nano-LC-MS/MS spectrometry suggest that porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD), which is involved in chlorophyll synthesis, is a putative target of CaMSRB2. The oxidized methionine content of PBGD expressed in E. coli increased in the presence of H2O2, and the Met-95 and Met-227 residues of PBGD were reduced by CaMSRB2 in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT). An expression profiling analysis of the overexpression lines also suggested that photosystems are less severely affected by drought stress. Conclusions Our results indicate that CaMSRB2 might play an important functional role in chloroplasts for conferring drought stress tolerance in rice. PMID:24614245

  10. Gender differences in methionine accumulation and metabolism in freshly isolated mouse hepatocytes: Potential roles in toxicity

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

    Dever, Joseph T.; Elfarra, Adnan A.

    L-Methionine (Met) is hepatotoxic at high concentrations. Because Met toxicity in freshly isolated mouse hepatocytes is gender-dependent, the goal of this study was to assess the roles of Met accumulation and metabolism in the increased sensitivity of male hepatocytes to Met toxicity compared with female hepatocytes. Male hepatocytes incubated with Met (30 mM) at 37 {sup o}C exhibited higher levels of intracellular Met at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 h, respectively, compared to female hepatocytes. Conversely, female hepatocytes had higher levels of S-adenosyl-L-methionine compared to male hepatocytes. Female hepatocytes also exhibited higher L-methionine-L-sulfoxide levels relative to control hepatocytes, whereas the increasesmore » in L-methionine-D-sulfoxide (Met-D-O) levels were similar in hepatocytes of both genders. Addition of aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), an inhibitor of Met transamination, significantly increased Met levels at 1.5 h and increased Met-D-O levels at 1.0 and 1.5 h only in Met-exposed male hepatocytes. No gender differences in cytosolic Met transamination activity by glutamine transaminase K were detected. However, female mouse liver cytosol exhibited higher methionine-DL-sulfoxide (MetO) reductase activity than male mouse liver cytosol at low (0.25 and 0.5 mM) MetO concentrations. Collectively, these results suggest that increased cellular Met accumulation, decreased Met transmethylation, and increased Met and MetO transamination in male mouse hepatocytes may be contributing to the higher sensitivity of the male mouse hepatocytes to Met toxicity in comparison with female mouse hepatocytes.« less

  11. The unique functional role of the C-HS hydrogen bond in the substrate specificity and enzyme catalysis of type 1 methionine aminopeptidase.

    PubMed

    Reddi, Ravikumar; Singarapu, Kiran Kumar; Pal, Debnath; Addlagatta, Anthony

    2016-07-19

    It is intriguing how nature attains recognition specificity between molecular interfaces where there is no apparent scope for classical hydrogen bonding or polar interactions. Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) is one such enzyme where this fascinating conundrum is at play. In this study, we demonstrate that a unique C-HS hydrogen bond exists between the enzyme methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) and its N-terminal-methionine polypeptide substrate, which allows specific interaction between apparent apolar interfaces, imposing a strict substrate recognition specificity and efficient catalysis, a feature replicated in Type I MetAPs across all kingdoms of life. We evidence this evolutionarily conserved C-HS hydrogen bond through enzyme assays on wild-type and mutant MetAP proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis that show a drastic difference in catalytic efficiency. The X-ray crystallographic structure of the methionine bound protein revealed a conserved water bridge and short contacts involving the Met side-chain, a feature also observed in MetAPs from other organisms. Thermal shift assays showed a remarkable 3.3 °C increase in melting temperature for methionine bound protein compared to its norleucine homolog, where C-HS interaction is absent. The presence of C-HS hydrogen bonding was also corroborated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy through a change in chemical shift. Computational chemistry studies revealed the unique role of the electrostatic environment in facilitating the C-HS interaction. The significance of this atypical hydrogen bond is underscored by the fact that the function of MetAP is essential for any living cell.

  12. Methionine transport in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

    PubMed

    Cobbold, Simon A; Martin, Rowena E; Kirk, Kiaran

    2011-01-01

    The intraerythrocytic malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, derives amino acids from the digestion of host cell haemoglobin. However, it also takes up amino acids from the extracellular medium. Isoleucine is absent from adult human haemoglobin and an exogenous source of isoleucine is essential for parasite growth. An extracellular source of methionine is also important for the normal growth of at least some parasite strains. In this study we have characterised the uptake of methionine by P. falciparum-infected human erythrocytes, and by parasites functionally isolated from their host cells by saponin-permeabilization of the erythrocyte membrane. Infected erythrocytes take up methionine much faster than uninfected erythrocytes, with the increase attributable to the flux of this amino acid via the New Permeability Pathways induced by the parasite in the erythrocyte membrane. Having entered the infected cell, methionine is taken up by the intracellular parasite via a saturable, temperature-dependent process that is independent of ATP, Na(+) and H(+). Substrate competition studies, and comparison of the transport of methionine with that of isoleucine and leucine, yielded results consistent with the hypothesis that the parasite has at its surface one or more transporters which mediate the flux into and out of the parasite of a broad range of neutral amino acids. These transporters function most efficiently when exchanging one neutral amino acid for another, thus providing a mechanism whereby the parasite is able to import important exogenous amino acids in exchange for surplus neutral amino acids liberated from the digestion of host cell haemoglobin. Copyright © 2010 Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Consensus recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of inherited methylation disorders.

    PubMed

    Barić, Ivo; Staufner, Christian; Augoustides-Savvopoulou, Persephone; Chien, Yin-Hsiu; Dobbelaere, Dries; Grünert, Sarah C; Opladen, Thomas; Petković Ramadža, Danijela; Rakić, Bojana; Wedell, Anna; Blom, Henk J

    2017-01-01

    Inherited methylation disorders are a group of rarely reported, probably largely underdiagnosed disorders affecting transmethylation processes in the metabolic pathway between methionine and homocysteine. These are methionine adenosyltransferase I/III, glycine N-methyltransferase, S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase and adenosine kinase deficiencies. This paper provides the first consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and management of methylation disorders. Following search of the literature and evaluation according to the SIGN-methodology of all reported patients with methylation defects, graded recommendations are provided in a structured way comprising diagnosis (clinical presentation, biochemical abnormalities, differential diagnosis, newborn screening, prenatal diagnosis), therapy and follow-up. Methylation disorders predominantly affect the liver, central nervous system and muscles, but clinical presentation can vary considerably between and within disorders. Although isolated hypermethioninemia is the biochemical hallmark of this group of disorders, it is not always present, especially in early infancy. Plasma S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylhomocysteine are key metabolites for the biochemical clarification of isolated hypermethioninemia. Mild hyperhomocysteinemia can be present in all methylation disorders. Methylation disorders do not qualify as primary targets of newborn screening. A low-methionine diet can be beneficial in patients with methionine adenosyltransferase I/III deficiency if plasma methionine concentrations exceed 800 μmol/L. There is some evidence that this diet may also be beneficial in patients with S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase and adenosine kinase deficiencies. S-adenosylmethionine supplementation may be useful in patients with methionine adenosyltransferase I/III deficiency. Recommendations given in this article are based on general principles and in practice should be adjusted individually according to patient's age, severity of the disease, clinical and laboratory findings.

  14. Methionine sulphoxide reductases protect iron-sulphur clusters from oxidative inactivation in yeast

    PubMed Central

    Sideri, Theodora C.; Willetts, Sylvia A.; Avery, Simon V.

    2008-01-01

    Methionine residues and iron-sulphur (FeS) clusters are primary targets of reactive oxygen species in the proteins of microorganisms. Here we show that methionine redox-modifications help to preserve essential FeS cluster activities in yeast. Mutants defective for the highly conserved methionine sulphoxide reductases (MSRs; which re-reduce oxidized methionines) are sensitive to many pro-oxidants, but here exhibited an unexpected copper resistance. This phenotype was mimicked by methionine sulphoxide supplementation. Microarray analyses highlighted several Cu and Fe homeostasis genes that were upregulated in the mxrΔ double mutant, which lacks both of the yeast MSRs. Of the upregulated genes, the Cu-binding Fe-transporter Fet3p proved to be required for the Cu-resistance phenotype. FET3 is known to be regulated by the Aft1 transcription factor, which responds to low mitochondrial FeS-cluster status. Here, constitutive Aft1p expression in the wild type reproduced the Cu-resistance phenotype, and FeS cluster functions were found to be defective in the mxrΔ mutant. Genetic perturbation of FeS activity also mimicked FET3-dependent Cu resistance. 55Fe-labeling studies showed that FeS clusters are turned over more rapidly in the mxrΔ mutant than the wild type, consistent with elevated oxidative targeting of the clusters in MSR-deficient cells. The potential underlying molecular mechanisms of this targeting are discussed. Moreover, the results indicate an important new role for cellular MSR enzymes, in helping to protect the essential function of FeS clusters in aerobic settings. PMID:19202110

  15. Volatile sulphur compounds and pathways of L-methionine catabolism in Williopsis yeasts.

    PubMed

    Tan, Amelia W J; Lee, Pin-Rou; Seow, Yi-Xin; Ong, Peter K C; Liu, Shao-Quan

    2012-08-01

    Volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) are important to the food industry due to their high potency and presence in many foods. This study assessed for the first time VSC production and pathways of L: -methionine catabolism in yeasts from the genus Williopsis with a view to understanding VSC formation and their potential flavour impact. Five strains of Williopsis saturnus (var. saturnus, var. subsufficiens, var. suavolens, var. sargentensis and var. mrakii) were screened for VSC production in a synthetic medium supplemented with L: -methionine. A diverse range of VSCs were produced including dimethyl disulphide, dimethyl trisulphide, 3-(methylthio)-1-propanal (methional), 3-(methylthio)-1-propanol (methionol), 3-(methylthio)-1-propene, 3-(methylthio)-1-propyl acetate, 3-(methylthio)-1-propanoic acid (methionic acid) and ethyl 3-(methylthio)-1-propanoate, though the production of these VSCs varied between yeast strains. W. saturnus var. saturnus NCYC22 was selected for further studies due to its relatively high VSC production. VSC production was characterised step-wise with yeast strain NCYC22 in coconut cream at different L: -methionine concentrations (0.00-0.20%) and under various inorganic sulphate (0.00-0.20%) and nitrogen (ammonia) supplementation (0.00-0.20%), respectively. Optimal VSC production was obtained with 0.1% of L: -methionine, while supplementation of sulphate had no significant effect. Nitrogen supplementation showed a dramatic inhibitory effect on VSC production. Based on the production of VSCs, the study suggests that the Ehrlich pathway of L: -methionine catabolism is operative in W. saturnus yeasts and can be manipulated by adjusting certain nutrient parameters to control VSC production.

  16. Biosynthesis of 3-Dimethylsulfoniopropionate in Marine Algae

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-03-05

    Tetraselmis sp., Emiliania huxleyi and Melosira nummuloides. Evidence was obtained for the following pathway in all cases: methionine -* 4...diverse microalgae (Tetraselmis sp., Emiliania huxleyi and Melosira nummuloides. [35S]Methionine (Met) was supplied to the algae and labeled

  17. Tobacco seeds expressing feedback-insensitive cystathionine gamma-synthase exhibit elevated content of methionine and altered primary metabolic profile

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background The essential sulfur-containing amino acid methionine plays a vital role in plant metabolism and human nutrition. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the regulatory role of the first committed enzyme in the methionine biosynthesis pathway, cystathionine γ-synthase (CGS), on methionine accumulation in tobacco seeds. We also studied the effect of this manipulation on the seed’s metabolism. Results Two forms of Arabidopsis CGS (AtCGS) were expressed under the control of the seeds-specific promoter of legumin B4: feedback-sensitive F-AtCGS (LF seeds), and feedback-insensitive T-AtCGS (LT seeds). Unexpectedly, the soluble content of methionine was reduced significantly in both sets of transgenic seeds. Amino acids analysis and feeding experiments indicated that although the level of methionine was reduced, the flux through its synthesis had increased. As a result, the level of protein-incorporated methionine had increased significantly in LT seeds by up to 60%, but this was not observed in LF seeds, whose methionine content is tightly regulated. This increase was accompanied by a higher content of other protein-incorporated amino acids, which led to 27% protein content in the seeds although this was statistically insignificantly. In addition, the levels of reducing sugars (representing starch) were slightly but significantly reduced, while that of oil was insignificantly reduced. To assess the impact of the high expression level of T-AtCGS in seeds on other primary metabolites, metabolic profiling using GC-MS was performed. This revealed significant alterations to the primary seed metabolism manifested by a significant increase in eight annotated metabolites (mostly sugars and their oxidized derivatives), while the levels of 12 other metabolites were reduced significantly in LT compared to wild-type seeds. Conclusion Expression of T-AtCGS leads to an increase in the level of total Met, higher contents of total amino acids, and significant changes in the levels of 20 annotated metabolites. The high level of oxidized metabolites, the two stress-associated amino acids, proline and serine, and low level of glutathione suggest oxidative stress that occurs during LT seed development. This study provides information on the metabolic consequence of increased CGS activity in seeds and how it affects the seed’s nutritional quality. PMID:24314105

  18. Novel mechanism for scavenging of hypochlorite involving a periplasmic methionine-rich peptide and methionine sulfoxide reductase

    DOE PAGES

    Melnyk, Ryan A.; Youngblut, Matthew D.; Clark, Iain C.; ...

    2015-05-12

    Reactive chlorine species (RCS) defense mechanisms are important for bacterial fitness in diverse environments. In addition to the anthropogenic use of RCS in the form of bleach, these compounds are also produced naturally through photochemical reactions of natural organic matter and in vivo by the mammalian immune system in response to invading microorganisms. To gain insight into bacterial RCS defense mechanisms, we investigated Azospira suillum strain PS, which produces periplasmic RCS as an intermediate of perchlorate respiration. Our studies identified an RCS response involving an RCS stress-sensing sigma/anti-sigma factor system (SigF/NrsF), a soluble hypochlorite-scavenging methionine-rich periplasmic protein (MrpX), and amore » putative periplasmic methionine sulfoxide reductase (YedY1). We investigated the underlying mechanism by phenotypic characterization of appropriate gene deletions, chemogenomic profiling of barcoded transposon pools, transcriptome sequencing, and biochemical assessment of methionine oxidation. Our results demonstrated that SigF was specifically activated by RCS and initiated the transcription of a small regulon centering around yedY1 and mrpX. A yedY1 paralog ( yedY2) was found to have a similar fitness to yedY1 despite not being regulated by SigF. Markerless deletions of yedY2 confirmed its synergy with the SigF regulon. MrpX was strongly induced and rapidly oxidized by RCS, especially hypochlorite. Our results suggest a mechanism involving hypochlorite scavenging by sacrificial oxidation of the MrpX in the periplasm. Reduced MrpX is regenerated by the YedY methionine sulfoxide reductase activity. The phylogenomic distribution of this system revealed conservation in several Proteobacteria of clinical importance, including uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Brucella spp., implying a putative role in immune response evasion in vivo. In addition, bacteria are often stressed in the environment by reactive chlorine species (RCS) of either anthropogenic or natural origin, but little is known of the defense mechanisms they have evolved. Using a microorganism that generates RCS internally as part of its respiratory process allowed us to uncover a novel defense mechanism based on RCS scavenging by reductive reaction with a sacrificial methionine-rich peptide and redox recycling through a methionine sulfoxide reductase. As a result, this system is conserved in a broad diversity of organisms, including some of clinical importance, invoking a possible important role in innate immune system evasion.« less

  19. Comparison of captopril and enalapril to study the role of the sulfhydryl-group in improvement of endothelial dysfunction with ACE inhibitors in high dieted methionine mice.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yu-Hui; Liu, Li-Ying; Wu, Jin-Xiang; Chen, Shuang-Xiu; Sun, Yin-Xue

    2006-01-01

    To examine the role of sulfhydryl (-SH) group in improvement of endothelial dysfunction with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in experimental high dose of methionine dieted rats. We compared the effects of Captopril (an ACE inhibitor with -SH group), enalapril (an ACE-inhibitor without -SH group), N-acetylcysteine (only -SH group not ACE inhibitor) on endothelial dysfunction injured by methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into seven groups: control group, L-methionine group, low dose Captopril (15 mg/kg), middle dose Captopril (30 mg/kg), high dose Captopril (45 mg/kg), enalapril (20 mg/kg), N-acetylcysteine (200 mg/kg); control group were intragastric gavaged by water and others groups were intragastric gavaged by L-methionine and drugs in water one time every day. Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR), sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced endothelium-independent relaxation of aortic rings were examined. Paraoxonase1 (PON1) and ACE activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum were analyzed. It was found that a single intragastric gavage by L-methionine resulted in inhibition of endothelium-dependent relaxation, markedly increased the serum level of malondialdehyde and decreased the activity of PON1 and SOD, similarly decreased the level of NO in the serum; but had no effects on endothelium-independent relaxation and angiotensin-converting enzyme activity compared with the control group. Given the treatment with three doses of Captopril (15 approximately 45 mg/kg) markedly attenuated inhibition of vasodilator responses to ACh, and eliminated the increased level of malondialdehyde, the decreased level of NO, activity of PON1 and SOD in serum by single intragastric gavaged L-methionine. However, there were some significant differences among Captopril (30 mg/kg or 45 mg/kg), enalapril (20 mg/kg), and N-acetylcysteine particular in the activity of PON1 and ACE. These results suggested that Captopril can protect the vascular endothelium against the damages induced by L-methionine in rats, and the beneficial effects of Captopril may be related to attenuating the decrease in PON1 activity and NO levels. Furthermore, this protective effect may be concerned with the sulfhydryl group.

  20. Novel mechanism for scavenging of hypochlorite involving a periplasmic methionine-rich peptide and methionine sulfoxide reductase

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

    Melnyk, Ryan A.; Youngblut, Matthew D.; Clark, Iain C.

    Reactive chlorine species (RCS) defense mechanisms are important for bacterial fitness in diverse environments. In addition to the anthropogenic use of RCS in the form of bleach, these compounds are also produced naturally through photochemical reactions of natural organic matter and in vivo by the mammalian immune system in response to invading microorganisms. To gain insight into bacterial RCS defense mechanisms, we investigated Azospira suillum strain PS, which produces periplasmic RCS as an intermediate of perchlorate respiration. Our studies identified an RCS response involving an RCS stress-sensing sigma/anti-sigma factor system (SigF/NrsF), a soluble hypochlorite-scavenging methionine-rich periplasmic protein (MrpX), and amore » putative periplasmic methionine sulfoxide reductase (YedY1). We investigated the underlying mechanism by phenotypic characterization of appropriate gene deletions, chemogenomic profiling of barcoded transposon pools, transcriptome sequencing, and biochemical assessment of methionine oxidation. Our results demonstrated that SigF was specifically activated by RCS and initiated the transcription of a small regulon centering around yedY1 and mrpX. A yedY1 paralog ( yedY2) was found to have a similar fitness to yedY1 despite not being regulated by SigF. Markerless deletions of yedY2 confirmed its synergy with the SigF regulon. MrpX was strongly induced and rapidly oxidized by RCS, especially hypochlorite. Our results suggest a mechanism involving hypochlorite scavenging by sacrificial oxidation of the MrpX in the periplasm. Reduced MrpX is regenerated by the YedY methionine sulfoxide reductase activity. The phylogenomic distribution of this system revealed conservation in several Proteobacteria of clinical importance, including uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Brucella spp., implying a putative role in immune response evasion in vivo. In addition, bacteria are often stressed in the environment by reactive chlorine species (RCS) of either anthropogenic or natural origin, but little is known of the defense mechanisms they have evolved. Using a microorganism that generates RCS internally as part of its respiratory process allowed us to uncover a novel defense mechanism based on RCS scavenging by reductive reaction with a sacrificial methionine-rich peptide and redox recycling through a methionine sulfoxide reductase. As a result, this system is conserved in a broad diversity of organisms, including some of clinical importance, invoking a possible important role in innate immune system evasion.« less

  1. Synthesis of Barbiturate-Based Methionine Aminopeptidase-1 Inhibitors

    PubMed Central

    Haldar, Manas K.; Scott, Michael D.; Sule, Nitesh; Srivastava, D. K.; Mallik, Sanku

    2008-01-01

    The syntheses of a new class of barbiturate-based inhibitors for human and E. Coli Methionine Aminopeptidase -1 (MetAP-1) are described. Some of the synthesized inhibitors show selective inhibition of the human enzyme with high potency. PMID:18343108

  2. Model-based identification of optimal operating conditions for amino acid simulated moving bed enantioseparation using a macrocyclic glycopeptide stationary phase.

    PubMed

    Fuereder, Markus; Majeed, Imthiyas N; Panke, Sven; Bechtold, Matthias

    2014-06-13

    Teicoplanin aglycone columns allow efficient separation of amino acid enantiomers in aqueous mobile phases and enable robust and predictable simulated moving bed (SMB) separation of racemic methionine despite a dependency of the adsorption behavior on the column history (memory effect). In this work we systematically investigated the influence of the mobile phase (methanol content) and temperature on SMB performance using a model-based optimization approach that accounts for methionine solubility, adsorption behavior and back pressure. Adsorption isotherms became more favorable with increasing methanol content but methionine solubility was decreased and back pressure increased. Numerical optimization suggested a moderate methanol content (25-35%) for most efficient operation. Higher temperature had a positive effect on specific productivity and desorbent requirement due to higher methionine solubility, lower back pressure and virtually invariant selectivity at high loadings of racemic methionine. However, process robustness (defined as a difference in flow rate ratios) decreased strongly with increasing temperature to the extent that any significant increase in temperature over 32°C will likely result in operating points that cannot be realized technically even with the lab-scale piston pump SMB system employed in this study. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. METABOLIC RESPONSES TO DIETARY LEUCINE RESTRICTION INVOLVE REMODELING OF ADIPOSE TISSUE AND ENHANCED HEPATIC INSULIN SIGNALING

    PubMed Central

    Wanders, Desiree; Stone, Kirsten P.; Dille, Kelly; Simon, Jacob; Pierse, Alicia; Gettys, Thomas W.

    2015-01-01

    Dietary leucine was incrementally restricted to test whether limiting this essential amino acid (EAA) would fully reproduce the beneficial responses produced by dietary methionine restriction. Restricting leucine by 85% increased energy intake and expenditure within five to seven days of its introduction and reduced overall accumulation of adipose tissue. Leucine restriction (LR) also improved glucose tolerance, increased hepatic release of FGF21 into the blood stream, and enhanced insulin-dependent activation of Akt in liver. However, LR had no effect on hepatic lipid levels and failed to lower lipogenic gene expression in the liver. LR did affect remodeling of white and brown adipose tissue, increasing expression of both thermogenic and lipogenic genes. These findings illustrate that dietary LR reproduces many but not all of the physiological responses of methionine restriction. The primary differences occur in the liver, where methionine and leucine restriction cause opposite effects on tissue lipid levels and expression of lipogenic genes. Together these findings suggest that the sensing systems which detect and respond to dietary restriction of EAAs act through mechanisms that both leucine and methionine are able to engage, and in the case of hepatic lipid metabolism, may be unique to specific EAAs such as methionine. PMID:26643647

  4. Homocysteine: overview of biochemistry, molecular biology, and role in disease processes.

    PubMed

    Fowler, Brian

    2005-05-01

    Homocysteine is derived from the essential amino acid methionine and plays a vital role in cellular homeostasis in man. Homocysteine levels depend on its synthesis, involving methionine adenosyltransferase, S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases such as glycine N-methyltransferase, and S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase; its remethylation to methionine by methionine synthase, which requires methionine synthase reductase, vitamin B (12), and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate produced by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase or betaine methyltransferase; and its degradation by transsulfuration involving cystathionine beta-synthase. The control of homocysteine metabolism involves changes of tissue content or inherent kinetic properties of the enzymes. In particular, S-adenosylmethionine acts as a switch between remethylation and transsulfuration through its allosteric inhibition of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and activation of cystathionine beta-synthase. Mutant alleles of genes for these enzymes can lead to severe loss of function and varying severity of disease. Several defects lead to severe hyperhomocysteinemia, the most common form being cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency, with more than a hundred reported mutations. Less severe elevations of plasma homocysteine are caused by folate and vitamin B (12) deficiency, and renal disease and moderate hyperhomocysteinemia are associated with several common disease states such as cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine toxicity is likely direct or caused by disturbed levels of associated metabolites; for example, methylation reactions through elevated S-adenosylhomocysteine.

  5. Novel Mechanism for Scavenging of Hypochlorite Involving a Periplasmic Methionine-Rich Peptide and Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase

    PubMed Central

    Melnyk, Ryan A.; Youngblut, Matthew D.; Clark, Iain C.; Carlson, Hans K.; Wetmore, Kelly M.; Price, Morgan N.; Iavarone, Anthony T.; Deutschbauer, Adam M.; Arkin, Adam P.

    2015-01-01

    ABSTRACT Reactive chlorine species (RCS) defense mechanisms are important for bacterial fitness in diverse environments. In addition to the anthropogenic use of RCS in the form of bleach, these compounds are also produced naturally through photochemical reactions of natural organic matter and in vivo by the mammalian immune system in response to invading microorganisms. To gain insight into bacterial RCS defense mechanisms, we investigated Azospira suillum strain PS, which produces periplasmic RCS as an intermediate of perchlorate respiration. Our studies identified an RCS response involving an RCS stress-sensing sigma/anti-sigma factor system (SigF/NrsF), a soluble hypochlorite-scavenging methionine-rich periplasmic protein (MrpX), and a putative periplasmic methionine sulfoxide reductase (YedY1). We investigated the underlying mechanism by phenotypic characterization of appropriate gene deletions, chemogenomic profiling of barcoded transposon pools, transcriptome sequencing, and biochemical assessment of methionine oxidation. Our results demonstrated that SigF was specifically activated by RCS and initiated the transcription of a small regulon centering around yedY1 and mrpX. A yedY1 paralog (yedY2) was found to have a similar fitness to yedY1 despite not being regulated by SigF. Markerless deletions of yedY2 confirmed its synergy with the SigF regulon. MrpX was strongly induced and rapidly oxidized by RCS, especially hypochlorite. Our results suggest a mechanism involving hypochlorite scavenging by sacrificial oxidation of the MrpX in the periplasm. Reduced MrpX is regenerated by the YedY methionine sulfoxide reductase activity. The phylogenomic distribution of this system revealed conservation in several Proteobacteria of clinical importance, including uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Brucella spp., implying a putative role in immune response evasion in vivo. PMID:25968643

  6. Overexpression of serine acetlytransferase produced large increases in O-acetylserine and free cysteine in developing seeds of a grain legume

    PubMed Central

    Tabe, Linda; Wirtz, Markus; Molvig, Lisa; Droux, Michel; Hell, Ruediger

    2010-01-01

    There have been many attempts to increase concentrations of the nutritionally essential sulphur amino acids by modifying their biosynthetic pathway in leaves of transgenic plants. This report describes the first modification of cysteine biosyntheis in developing seeds; those of the grain legume, narrow leaf lupin (Lupinus angustifolius, L.). Expression in developing lupin embryos of a serine acetyltransferase (SAT) from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtSAT1 or AtSerat 2;1) was associated with increases of up to 5-fold in the concentrations of O-acetylserine (OAS), the immediate product of SAT, and up to 26-fold in free cysteine, resulting in some of the highest in vivo concentrations of these metabolites yet reported. Despite the dramatic changes in free cysteine in developing embryos of SAT overexpressers, concentrations of free methionine in developing embryos, and the total cysteine and methionine concentrations in mature seeds were not significantly altered. Pooled F2 seeds segregating for the SAT transgene and for a transgene encoding a methionine- and cysteine-rich sunflower seed storage protein also had increased OAS and free cysteine, but not free methionine, during development, and no increase in mature seed total sulphur amino acids compared with controls lacking SAT overexpression. The data support the view that the cysteine biosynthetic pathway is active in developing seeds, and indicate that SAT activity limits cysteine biosynthesis, but that cysteine supply is not limiting for methionine biosynthesis or for storage protein synthesis in maturing lupin embryos in conditions of adequate sulphur nutrition. OAS and free methionine, but not free cysteine, were implicated as signalling metabolites controlling expression of a gene for a cysteine-rich seed storage protein. PMID:19939888

  7. Overexpression of serine acetlytransferase produced large increases in O-acetylserine and free cysteine in developing seeds of a grain legume.

    PubMed

    Tabe, Linda; Wirtz, Markus; Molvig, Lisa; Droux, Michel; Hell, Ruediger

    2010-03-01

    There have been many attempts to increase concentrations of the nutritionally essential sulphur amino acids by modifying their biosynthetic pathway in leaves of transgenic plants. This report describes the first modification of cysteine biosynthesis in developing seeds; those of the grain legume, narrow leaf lupin (Lupinus angustifolius, L.). Expression in developing lupin embryos of a serine acetyltransferase (SAT) from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtSAT1 or AtSerat 2;1) was associated with increases of up to 5-fold in the concentrations of O-acetylserine (OAS), the immediate product of SAT, and up to 26-fold in free cysteine, resulting in some of the highest in vivo concentrations of these metabolites yet reported. Despite the dramatic changes in free cysteine in developing embryos of SAT overexpressers, concentrations of free methionine in developing embryos, and the total cysteine and methionine concentrations in mature seeds were not significantly altered. Pooled F(2) seeds segregating for the SAT transgene and for a transgene encoding a methionine- and cysteine-rich sunflower seed storage protein also had increased OAS and free cysteine, but not free methionine, during development, and no increase in mature seed total sulphur amino acids compared with controls lacking SAT overexpression. The data support the view that the cysteine biosynthetic pathway is active in developing seeds, and indicate that SAT activity limits cysteine biosynthesis, but that cysteine supply is not limiting for methionine biosynthesis or for storage protein synthesis in maturing lupin embryos in conditions of adequate sulphur nutrition. OAS and free methionine, but not free cysteine, were implicated as signalling metabolites controlling expression of a gene for a cysteine-rich seed storage protein.

  8. l-Methionine and silymarin: A comparison of prophylactic protective capabilities in acetaminophen-induced injuries of the liver, kidney and cerebral cortex.

    PubMed

    Onaolapo, Olakunle J; Adekola, Moses A; Azeez, Taiwo O; Salami, Karimat; Onaolapo, Adejoke Y

    2017-01-01

    We compared the relative protective abilities of silymarin and l-methionine pre-treatment in acetaminophen overdose injuries of the liver, kidney and cerebral cortex by assessing behaviours, antioxidant status, tissue histological changes and biochemical parameters of hepatic/renal function. Rats were divided into six groups of ten each; animals in five of these groups were pre-treated with oral distilled water, silymarin (25mg/kg) or l-methionine (2.5, 5 and 10mg/kg body weight) for 14days; and then administered intraperitoneal (i.p.) acetaminophen at 800mg/kg/day for 3days. Rats in the sixth group (normal control) received distilled water orally for 14days and then i.p. for 3days. Neurobehavioural tests were conducted 7days after last i.p treatment, and animals sacrificed on the 8th day. Plasma was assayed for biochemical markers of liver/kidney function; while sections of the liver, kidney and cerebral cortex were either homogenised for assay of antioxidant status or processed for histology. Acetaminophen overdose resulted in locomotor retardation, excessive self-grooming, working-memory impairment, anxiety, derangement of liver/kidney biochemistry, antioxidant imbalance, and histological changes in the liver, kidney and cerebral cortex. Administration of silymarin or increasing doses of l-methionine counteracted the behavioural changes, reversed biochemical indices of liver/kidney injury, and improved antioxidant activity. Silymarin and l-methionine also conferred variable degrees of tissue protection, on histology. Either silymarin or l-methionine can protect vulnerable tissues from acetaminophen overdose injury; however, each offers variable protection to different tissues. This study highlights an obstacle to seeking the 'ideal' protective agent against acetaminophen overdose. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  9. Short-term methionine deprivation improves metabolic health via sexually dimorphic, mTORC1-independent mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Yu, Deyang; Yang, Shany E; Miller, Blake R; Wisinski, Jaclyn A; Sherman, Dawn S; Brinkman, Jacqueline A; Tomasiewicz, Jay L; Cummings, Nicole E; Kimple, Michelle E; Cryns, Vincent L; Lamming, Dudley W

    2018-06-01

    Obesity and diabetes are major challenges to global health, and there is an urgent need for interventions that promote weight loss. Dietary restriction of methionine promotes leanness and improves metabolic health in mice and humans. However, poor long-term adherence to this diet limits its translational potential. In this study, we develop a short-term methionine deprivation (MD) regimen that preferentially reduces fat mass, restoring normal body weight and glycemic control to diet-induced obese mice of both sexes. The benefits of MD do not accrue from calorie restriction, but instead result from increased energy expenditure. MD promotes increased energy expenditure in a sex-specific manner, inducing the fibroblast growth factor (Fgf)-21-uncoupling protein (Ucp)-1 axis only in males. Methionine is an agonist of the protein kinase mechanistic target of rapamycin complex (mTORC)-1, which has been proposed to play a key role in the metabolic response to amino acid-restricted diets. In our study, we used a mouse model of constitutive hepatic mTORC1 activity and demonstrate that suppression of hepatic mTORC1 signaling is not required for the metabolic effects of MD. Our study sheds new light on the mechanisms by which dietary methionine regulates metabolic health and demonstrates the translational potential of MD for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.-Yu, D., Yang, S. E., Miller, B. R., Wisinski, J. A., Sherman, D. S., Brinkman, J. A., Tomasiewicz, J. L., Cummings, N. E., Kimple, M. E., Cryns, V. L., Lamming, D. W. Short-term methionine deprivation improves metabolic health via sexually dimorphic, mTORC1-independent mechanisms.

  10. Three methionine residues located within the regulator of conductance for K+ (RCK) domains confer oxidative sensitivity to large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels.

    PubMed

    Santarelli, Lindsey Ciali; Wassef, Ramez; Heinemann, Stefan H; Hoshi, Toshinori

    2006-03-01

    Methionine-directed oxidation of the human Slo1 potassium channel (hSlo1) shifts the half-activation voltage by -30 mV and markedly slows channel deactivation at low concentrations of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). We demonstrate here that the contemporaneous mutation of M536, M712 and M739 to leucine renders the channel functionally insensitive to methionine oxidation caused by the oxidant chloramine-T (Ch-T) without altering other functional characteristics. Coexpression with the auxiliary beta1 subunit fails to restore the full oxidative sensitivity to this triple mutant channel. The Ch-T effect is mediated specifically by M536, M712 and M739 because even small changes in this residue combination interfere with the ability to remove the oxidant sensitivity following mutation. Replacement of M712 or M739, but not M536, with the hydrophilic residue glutamate largely mimics oxidation of the channel and essentially removes the Ch-T sensitivity, suggesting that M712 and M739 may be part of a hydrophobic pocket disrupted by oxidation of non-polar methionine to the more hydrophilic methionine sulfoxide. The increase in wild-type hSlo1 open probability caused by methionine oxidation disappears at high [Ca2+]i and biophysical modelling of the Ch-T effect on steady-state activation implicates a decrease in the allosteric coupling between Ca2+ binding and the pore. The dramatic increase in open probability at low [Ca2+]i especially within the physiological voltage range suggests that oxidation of M536, M712 or M739 may enhance the Slo1 BK activity during conditions of oxidative stress, such as those associated with ischaemia-reperfusion and neurodegenerative disease, or in response to metabolic cues.

  11. Function of the evolutionarily conserved plant methionine-S-sulfoxide reductase without the catalytic residue.

    PubMed

    Le, Dung Tien; Nguyen, Kim-Lien; Chu, Ha Duc; Vu, Nam Tuan; Pham, Thu Thi Ly; Tran, Lam-Son Phan

    2018-05-28

    In plants, two types of methionine sulfoxide reductase (MSR) exist, namely methionine-S-sulfoxide reductase (MSRA) and methionine-R-sulfoxide reductase (MSRB). These enzymes catalyze the reduction of methionine sulfoxides (MetO) back to methionine (Met) by a catalytic cysteine (Cys) and one or two resolving Cys residues. Interestingly, a group of MSRA encoded by plant genomes does not have a catalytic residue. We asked that if this group of MSRA did not have any function (as fitness), why it was not lost during the evolutionary process. To challenge this question, we analyzed the gene family encoding MSRA in soybean (GmMSRAs). We found seven genes encoding GmMSRAs, which included three segmental duplicated pairs. Among them, a pair of duplicated genes, namely GmMSRA1 and GmMSRA6, was without a catalytic Cys residue. Pseudogenes were ruled out as their transcripts were detected in various tissues and their Ka/Ks ratio indicated a negative selection pressure. In vivo analysis in Δ3MSR yeast strain indicated that the GmMSRA6 did not have activity toward MetO, contrasting to GmMSRA3 which had catalytic Cys and had activity. When exposed to H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress, GmMSRA6 did not confer any protection to the Δ3MSR yeast strain. Overexpression of GmMSRA6 in Arabidopsis thaliana did not alter the plant's phenotype under physiological conditions. However, the transgenic plants exhibited slightly higher sensitivity toward salinity-induced stress. Taken together, this data suggested that the plant MSRAs without the catalytic Cys are not enzymatically active and their existence may be explained by a role in regulating plant MSR activity via dominant-negative substrate competition mechanism.

  12. Dietary docosahexaenoic acid-induced generation of liver lipid peroxides is not suppressed further by elevated levels of glutathione in ODS rats.

    PubMed

    Sekine, Seiji; Kubo, Kazuhiro; Tadokoro, Tadahiro; Saito, Morio

    2006-04-01

    We examined the effects of ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH; experiment 1) and of GSH in acetaminophen-fed rats (experiment 2) on dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-induced tissue lipid peroxidation. In experiment 1, AsA-requiring Osteogenic Disorder Shionogi/Shi-od/od (ODS) rats were fed soybean protein diets containing DHA (10.0% total energy) and AsA at 50 (low) or 300 (normal) mg/kg without (low) or with (normal) methionine at 2 g/kg for 32 d. In experiment 2, ODS rats were fed diets containing DHA (7.8% total energy) and acetaminophen (4 g/kg) with different levels of dietary methionine (low, moderate, high, and excessive at 0, 3, 6, and 9 g/kg, respectively) for 30 d. Tissue lipid peroxides and antioxidant levels were determined. In experiment 1, liver lipid peroxide levels in the low-AsA group were lower than those in the normal-AsA group, but kidney and testis lipid peroxide levels in the low-AsA group were higher than those in the normal-AsA group. Dietary methionine tended to decrease tissue lipid peroxide levels but did not decrease vitamin E (VE) consumption. In experiment 2, a high level of methionine (6 g/kg) decreased liver lipid peroxide levels and VE consumption. However, generation of tissue lipid peroxides and VE consumption were not decreased further by a higher dose of methionine (9 g/kg). Higher than normal levels of dietary methionine are not necessarily associated with decreased dietary DHA-induced generation of tissue lipid peroxides and VE consumption except that the GSH requirement is increased in a condition such as acetaminophen feeding.

  13. Influence of methionine/valine-depleted enteral nutrition on nucleic acid and protein metabolism in tumor-bearing rats

    PubMed Central

    He, Yin-Cheng; Cao, Jun; Chen, Ji-Wei; Pan, Ding-Yu; Zhou, Ya-Kui

    2003-01-01

    AIM: To investigate the effects of methionine/valine-depleted enteral nutrition (EN) on RNA, DNA and protein metabolism in tumor-bearing (TB) rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawlley (SD) rats underwent jejunostomy for nutritional support. A suspension of Walker-256 carcinosarcoma cells was subcutaneously inoculated. 48 TB rats were randomly divided in 4 groups: A, B, C and D. The TB rats had respectively received jejunal feedings supplemented with balanced amino acids, methionine-depleted, balanced amino acids and valine-depleted for 6 d before injection of 740 KBq 3H- methionine/valine via jejunum. The 3H incorporation rate of the radioactivity into RNA, DNA and proteins in tumor tissues at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 h postinjection of tracers was assessed with liquid scintillation counter. RESULTS: Incorporation of 3H into proteins in groups B and D was (0.500 ± 0.020)% to (3.670 ± 0.110)% and (0.708 ± 0.019)% to (3.813 ± 0.076)% respectively, lower than in groups A [(0.659 ± 0.055)% to (4.492 ± 0.108)%] and C [(0.805 ± 0.098)% to (4.180 ± 0.018)%]. Incorporation of 3H into RNA, DNA in group B was (0.237 ± 0.075)% and (0.231 ± 0.052)% respectively, lower than in group A (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in uptake of 3H by RNA and DNA between group C and D (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Protein synthesis was inhibited by methionine/valine starvation in TB rats and nucleic acid synthesis was reduced after methionine depletion, thus resulting in suppression of tumor growth. PMID:12679929

  14. 21 CFR 582.5475 - Methionine.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Methionine. 582.5475 Section 582.5475 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) ANIMAL DRUGS, FEEDS, AND RELATED PRODUCTS SUBSTANCES GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE Nutrients and/or Dietary Supplements...

  15. 21 CFR 582.5475 - Methionine.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Methionine. 582.5475 Section 582.5475 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) ANIMAL DRUGS, FEEDS, AND RELATED PRODUCTS SUBSTANCES GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE Nutrients and/or Dietary Supplements...

  16. 21 CFR 582.5475 - Methionine.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Methionine. 582.5475 Section 582.5475 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) ANIMAL DRUGS, FEEDS, AND RELATED PRODUCTS SUBSTANCES GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE Nutrients and/or Dietary Supplements...

  17. 21 CFR 582.5475 - Methionine.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Methionine. 582.5475 Section 582.5475 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) ANIMAL DRUGS, FEEDS, AND RELATED PRODUCTS SUBSTANCES GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE Nutrients and/or Dietary Supplements...

  18. Whole body methionine kinetics, transmethylation, transulfuration and remethylation during pregnancy

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    There is evidence from a study of pregnant American women that methionine transmethylation (TM) and remethylation (RM) rates increase and transulfuration (TS) decreases as pregnancy progresses from trimester 1 to 3. To determine whether pregnant Indian women can make this adaptation successfully, me...

  19. 21 CFR 582.5475 - Methionine.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Methionine. 582.5475 Section 582.5475 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) ANIMAL DRUGS, FEEDS, AND RELATED PRODUCTS SUBSTANCES GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE Nutrients and/or Dietary Supplements...

  20. The role of methionine metabolism in inflammatory bowel disease

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Methionine (Met) cycle activity is critical for normal cell functions. Met metabolites S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and methylthioadenosine (MTA) are anti-inflammatory, yet their role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is poorly understood. We hypothesize that active IBD leads to changes in Met metab...

  1. S-Adenosylmethionine synthetase 3 is important for pollen tube growth

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    S-Adenosylmethionine is widely used in a variety of biological reactions and participates in the methionine (Met) metabolic pathway. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), one of the four S-adenosylmethionine synthetase genes, METHIONINE ADENOSYLTRANSFERASE3 (MAT3), is highly expressed in pollen. He...

  2. Amino acid nutrition beyond methionine and lysine for milk protein

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Amino acids are involved in many important physiological processes affecting the production, health, and reproduction of high-producing dairy cows. Most research and recommendations for lactating dairy cows has focused on methionine and lysine for increasing milk protein yield. This is because these...

  3. Cobalamin inactivation by nitrous oxide produces severe neurological impairment in fruit bats: protection by methionine and aggravation by folates

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

    van der Westhuyzen, J.; Fernandes-Costa, F.; Metz, J.

    Nitrous oxide, which inactivates cobalamin when administered to fruit bats, results in severe neurological impairment leading to ataxia, paralysis and death. This occurs after about 6 weeks in animals depleted of cobalamin by dietary restriction, and after about 10 weeks in cobalamin replete bats. Supplementation of the diet with pteroylglutamic acid caused acceleration of the neurological impairment--the first unequivocal demonstration of aggravation of the neurological lesion in cobalamin deficiency by pteroylglutamic acid. The administration of formyltetrahydropteroylglutamic acid produced similar aggravation of the neurological lesion. Supplementation of the diet with methionine protected the bats from neurological impairment, but failed to preventmore » death. Methionine supplementation protected against the exacerbating effect of folate, preventing the development of neurological changes. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that the neurological lesion in cobalamin deficiency may be related to a deficiency in the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine which follows diminished synthesis of methionine.« less

  4. Reconstruction of Cysteine Biosynthesis Using Engineered Cysteine-Free and Methionine-Free Enzymes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wang, Kendrick; Fujishima, Kosuke; Abe, Nozomi; Nakahigashi, Kenji; Endy, Drew; Rothschild, Lynn J.

    2016-01-01

    Ten of the proteinogenic amino acids can be generated abiotically while the remaining thirteen require biology for their synthesis. Paradoxically, the biosynthesis pathways observed in nature require enzymes that are made with the amino acids they produce. For example, Escherichia coli produces cysteine from serine via two enzymes that contain cysteine. Here, we substituted alternate amino acids for cysteine and also methionine, which is biosynthesized from cysteine, in serine acetyl transferase (CysE) and O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase (CysM). CysE function was rescued by cysteine-and-methionine-free enzymes and CysM function was rescued by cysteine-free enzymes. Structural modeling suggests that methionine stabilizes CysM and is present in the active site of CysM. Cysteine is not conserved among CysE and CysM protein orthologs, suggesting that cysteine is not functionally important for its own synthesis. Engineering biosynthetic enzymes that lack the amino acids being synthesized provides insights into the evolution of amino acid biosynthesis and pathways for bioengineering.

  5. Biallelic Mutations of Methionyl-tRNA Synthetase Cause a Specific Type of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis Prevalent on Réunion Island

    PubMed Central

    Hadchouel, Alice; Wieland, Thomas; Griese, Matthias; Baruffini, Enrico; Lorenz-Depiereux, Bettina; Enaud, Laurent; Graf, Elisabeth; Dubus, Jean Christophe; Halioui-Louhaichi, Sonia; Coulomb, Aurore; Delacourt, Christophe; Eckstein, Gertrud; Zarbock, Ralf; Schwarzmayr, Thomas; Cartault, François; Meitinger, Thomas; Lodi, Tiziana; de Blic, Jacques; Strom, Tim M.

    2015-01-01

    Methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MARS) catalyzes the ligation of methionine to tRNA and is critical for protein biosynthesis. We identified biallelic missense mutations in MARS in a specific form of pediatric pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), a severe lung disorder that is prevalent on the island of Réunion and the molecular basis of which is unresolved. Mutations were found in 26 individuals from Réunion and nearby islands and in two families from other countries. Functional consequences of the mutated alleles were assessed by growth of wild-type and mutant strains and methionine-incorporation assays in yeast. Enzyme activity was attenuated in a liquid medium without methionine but could be restored by methionine supplementation. In summary, identification of a founder mutation in MARS led to the molecular definition of a specific type of PAP and will enable carrier screening in the affected community and possibly open new treatment opportunities. PMID:25913036

  6. Biosynthesis of Ethylene from Methionine in Aminoethoxyvinylglycine-Resistant Avocado Tissue

    PubMed Central

    Baker, James E.; Anderson, James D.; Adams, Douglas O.; Apelbaum, Akiva; Lieberman, Morris

    1982-01-01

    This study was conducted to determine if aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) insensitivity in avocado (Persea americana Mill., Lula, Haas, and Bacon) tissue was due to an alternate pathway of ethylene biosynthesis from methionine. AVG, at 0.1 millimolar, had little or no inhibitory effect on either total ethylene production or [14C] ethylene production from [14C]methionine in avocado tissue at various stages of ripening. However, aminoxyacetic acid (AOA), which inhibits 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase (the AVG-sensitive enzyme of ethylene biosynthesis), inhibited ethylene production in avocado tissue. Total ethylene production was stimulated, and [14C]ethylene production from [14C]methionine was lowered by treating avocado tissue with 1 millimolar ACC. An inhibitor of methionine adenosyltransferase (EC 2.5.1.6), l-2-amino-4-hexynoic acid (AHA), at 1.5 millimolar, effectively inhibited [14C]ethylene production from [14C]methionine in avocado tissue but had no effect on total ethylene production during a 2-hour incubation. Rates of [14C]AVG uptake by avocado and apple (Malus domestica Borkh., Golden Delicious) tissues were similar, and [14C]AVG was the only radioactive compound in alcohol-soluble fractions of the tissues. Hence, AVG-insensitivity in avocado tissue does not appear to be due to lack of uptake or to metabolism of AVG by avocado tissue. ACC synthase activity in extracts of avocado tissue was strongly inhibited (about 60%) by 10 micromolar AVG. Insensitivity of ethylene production in avocado tissue to AVG may be due to inaccessibility of ACC synthase to AVG. AVG-resistance in the avocado system is, therefore, different from that of early climacteric apple tissue, in which AVG-insensitivity of total ethylene production appears to be due to a high level of endogenous ACC relative to its rate of conversion to ethylene. However, the sensitivity of the avocado system to AOA and AHA, dilution of labeled ethylene production by ACC, and stimulation of total ethylene production by ACC provide evidence for the methionine → SAM → ACC → ethylene pathway in avocado and do not suggest the operation of an alternate pathway. PMID:16662192

  7. Oxidation of a critical methionine modulates DNA binding of the Drosophila melanogaster high mobility group protein, HMG-D.

    PubMed

    Dow, L K; Changela, A; Hefner, H E; Churchill, M E

    1997-09-15

    HMG-D is a major high mobility group chromosomal protein present during early embryogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. During overexpression and purification of HMG-D from E. coli, a key DNA binding residue, methionine 13, undergoes oxidation to methionine sulfoxide. Oxidation of this critical residue decreases the affinity of HMG-D for DNA by three-fold, altering the structure of the HMG-D-DNA complex without affecting the structure of the free protein. This work shows that minor modification of DNA intercalating residues may be used to fine tune the DNA binding affinity of HMG domain proteins.

  8. Oxidized methionine is not a prion-specific covalent modification

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The oxidation of methionine residues in the '-helical region of PrPC has been proposed to be important for prion formation. This proposal has been supported by structural studies, model systems and antibody-based experimental evidence. We developed a sensitive mass spectrometry-based method to stu...

  9. Sulfur in Distillers Grains for Dairy Cattle

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Sulfur is an essential element needed by animals for many functions. About 0.15% of the body weight is sulfur. It is found in the amino acids methionine, cysteine, cystine, homocysteine, and taurine; in chondroitin sulfate of cartilage; and in the B-vitamins, thiamin and biotin. Methionine, thiam...

  10. [The effects of methionine and choline on the expression levels of CaMKII and CREB mRNA and proteins in rats exposed to lead].

    PubMed

    Feng, Chang; Fan, Guang-qin; Wu, Feng-yun; Lin, Fen; Li, Yan-shu; Chen, Ying

    2012-07-01

    To study the effects of methionine and choline on the expression levels of CaMKII and CREB mRNA and proteins in hippocampus of rats exposed to lead. Male SD rats were divided into five groups. (1) control group, (2) group exposed to lead+2 by drinking water with 0.40 g/L lead acetate, (3) group exposed to methionine and choline (1:1, 400 mg/kg), (4) group exposed to 0.40 g/L lead acetate plus methionine and choline (1:1, 100 mg/kg), (5) group exposed to 0.40 g/L lead acetate plus methionine and choline (1:1, 400 mg/kg). In 8 weeks after exposure, all rats were killed. Then CREB mRNA and CaMK II mRNA expression levels in hippocampus were detected by real-time PCR, CREB and CaMK II protein expression levels in hippocampus were measured by western blot assay. The expression levels (0.743 ± 0.185 and 0.729 ± 0.199) of CaMKII mRNA and CREB mRNA in the hippocampus of lead group were significantly lower than those (0.950 ± 0.238 and 0.901 ± 0.232) of control group (P < 0.05), also the expression levels (0.271 ± 0.045 and 0.212 ± 0.058) of CREB protein and pCREB protein in the hippocampus of lead group were significantly lower than those (0.319 ± 0.058 and 0.506 ± 0.125) of control group (P < 0.05). The expression levels (1.014 ± 0.210 and 1.126 ± 0.379) of CaMKII mRNA and the expression levels (1.029 ± 0.335 and 0.932 ± 0.251) of CREB mRNA in the hippocampus of 2 groups exposed to lead acetate plus methionine and choline were significantly higher than those of lead group (P < 0.05). The expression levels (0.407 ± 0.951 and 0.563 ± 0.178) of CREB protein and pCREB protein in the hippocampus of group exposed to lead acetate plus 400 mg/kg methionine and choline were significantly higher than those of lead group (P < 0.05). Methionine and choline could decrease the inhibition effects of lead on the expression of CaMKII and CREB mRNA or CREB and pCREB proteins in the hippocampus of rats.

  11. Corynebacterium diphtheriae methionine sulfoxide reductase a exploits a unique mycothiol redox relay mechanism.

    PubMed

    Tossounian, Maria-Armineh; Pedre, Brandán; Wahni, Khadija; Erdogan, Huriye; Vertommen, Didier; Van Molle, Inge; Messens, Joris

    2015-05-01

    Methionine sulfoxide reductases are conserved enzymes that reduce oxidized methionines in proteins and play a pivotal role in cellular redox signaling. We have unraveled the redox relay mechanisms of methionine sulfoxide reductase A of the pathogen Corynebacterium diphtheriae (Cd-MsrA) and shown that this enzyme is coupled to two independent redox relay pathways. Steady-state kinetics combined with mass spectrometry of Cd-MsrA mutants give a view of the essential cysteine residues for catalysis. Cd-MsrA combines a nucleophilic cysteine sulfenylation reaction with an intramolecular disulfide bond cascade linked to the thioredoxin pathway. Within this cascade, the oxidative equivalents are transferred to the surface of the protein while releasing the reduced substrate. Alternatively, MsrA catalyzes methionine sulfoxide reduction linked to the mycothiol/mycoredoxin-1 pathway. After the nucleophilic cysteine sulfenylation reaction, MsrA forms a mixed disulfide with mycothiol, which is transferred via a thiol disulfide relay mechanism to a second cysteine for reduction by mycoredoxin-1. With x-ray crystallography, we visualize two essential intermediates of the thioredoxin relay mechanism and a cacodylate molecule mimicking the substrate interactions in the active site. The interplay of both redox pathways in redox signaling regulation forms the basis for further research into the oxidative stress response of this pathogen. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  12. Mouse model for deficiency of methionine synthase reductase exhibits short-term memory impairment and disturbances in brain choline metabolism.

    PubMed

    Jadavji, Nafisa M; Bahous, Renata H; Deng, Liyuan; Malysheva, Olga; Grand'maison, Marilyn; Bedell, Barry J; Caudill, Marie A; Rozen, Rima

    2014-07-15

    Hyperhomocysteinaemia can contribute to cognitive impairment and brain atrophy. MTRR (methionine synthase reductase) activates methionine synthase, which catalyses homocysteine remethylation to methionine. Severe MTRR deficiency results in homocystinuria with cognitive and motor impairments. An MTRR polymorphism may influence homocysteine levels and reproductive outcomes. The goal of the present study was to determine whether mild hyperhomocysteinaemia affects neurological function in a mouse model with Mtrr deficiency. Mtrr+/+, Mtrr+/gt and Mtrrgt/gt mice (3 months old) were assessed for short-term memory, brain volumes and hippocampal morphology. We also measured DNA methylation, apoptosis, neurogenesis, choline metabolites and expression of ChAT (choline acetyltransferase) and AChE (acetylcholinesterase) in the hippocampus. Mtrrgt/gt mice exhibited short-term memory impairment on two tasks. They had global DNA hypomethylation and decreased choline, betaine and acetylcholine levels. Expression of ChAT and AChE was increased and decreased respectively. At 3 weeks of age, they showed increased neurogenesis. In the cerebellum, mutant mice had DNA hypomethylation, decreased choline and increased expression of ChAT. Our work demonstrates that mild hyperhomocysteinaemia is associated with memory impairment. We propose a mechanism whereby a deficiency in methionine synthesis leads to hypomethylation and compensatory disturbances in choline metabolism in the hippocampus. This disturbance affects the levels of acetylcholine, a critical neurotransmitter in learning and memory.

  13. Simultaneous 11C-Methionine Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Suspected Primary Brain Tumors

    PubMed Central

    Deuschl, Cornelius; Goericke, Sophia; Grueneisen, Johannes; Sawicki, Lino Morris; Goebel, Juliane; El Hindy, Nicolai; Wrede, Karsten; Binse, Ina; Poeppel, Thorsten; Quick, Harald; Forsting, Michael; Hense, Joerg; Umutlu, Lale; Schlamann, Marc

    2016-01-01

    Introduction The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of integrated 11C- methionine PET/MRI for suspected primary brain tumors, in comparison to MRI alone. Material and Methods Forty-eight consecutive patients with suspected primary brain tumor were prospectively enrolled for an integrated 11C-methionine PET/MRI. Two neuro-radiologists separately evaluated the MRI alone and the integrated PET/MRI data sets regarding most likely diagnosis and diagnostic confidence on a 5-point scale. Reference standard was histopathology or follow-up imaging. Results Fifty-one suspicious lesions were detected: 16 high-grade glioma and 25 low-grade glioma. Ten non-malignant cerebral lesions were described by the reference standard. MRI alone and integrated PET/MRI each correctly classified 42 of the 51 lesions (82.4%) as neoplastic lesions (WHO grade II, III and IV) or non-malignant lesions (infectious and neoplastic lesions). Diagnostic confidence for all lesions, low-grade astrocytoma and high-grade astrocytoma (3.7 vs. 4.2, 3,1 vs. 3.8, 4.0 vs. 4,7) were significantly (p < 0.05) better with integrated PET/MRI than in MRI alone. Conclusions The present study demonstrates the high potential of integrated 11C-methionine-PET/MRI for the assessment of suspected primary brain tumors. Although integrated methionine PET/MRI does not lead to an improvement of correct diagnoses, diagnostic confidence is significantly improved. PMID:27907162

  14. Reversible chemoselective tagging and functionalization of methionine containing peptides.

    PubMed

    Kramer, Jessica R; Deming, Timothy J

    2013-06-07

    Reagents were developed to allow chemoselective tagging of methionine residues in peptides and polypeptides, subsequent bioorthogonal functionalization of the tags, and cleavage of the tags when desired. This methodology can be used for triggered release of therapeutic peptides, or release of tagged protein digests from affinity columns.

  15. Convergent signaling pathways – interaction between methionine oxidation and serine/threonine/tyrosine O-phosphorylation

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Oxidation of Methionine (Met) to Met sulfoxide (MetSO) is a frequently found reversible post-translational modification. It has been presumed that the major functional role for oxidation-labile Met residues is to protect proteins/cells from oxidative stress. However, Met oxidation has been establi...

  16. MAT1A variants modulate the effect of dietary fatty acids on plasma homocysteine concentrations and DNA damage

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are associated with decreased plasma homocysteine (Hcy), an important biomarker for cardiovascular disease. Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT1A) is an enzyme involved in formation of form S-adenosylmethionine during methionine metabolism. The objectiv...

  17. New insights into sulfur amino acids function in gut health and disease

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a metabolically significant site of sulfur amino acids (SAAs) metabolism in the body. Aside from their role in protein synthesis, methionine and cysteine are involved in many biological functions and diseases. Methionine (MET) is an indispensable amino acid and is...

  18. 21 CFR 172.372 - N-Acetyl-L-methionine.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false N-Acetyl-L-methionine. 172.372 Section 172.372 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) FOOD ADDITIVES PERMITTED FOR DIRECT ADDITION TO FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION Special Dietary and Nutritional...

  19. New insights into sulfur amino acid function in gut health and disease

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a metabolically significant site of sulfur amino acids (SAA) metabolism in the body. Aside from their role in protein synthesis, methionine and cysteine are involved in many biological functions and diseases. Methionine (MET) is an indispensable AA and is transmet...

  20. 7 CFR 205.603 - Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock production.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... Water Act. (i) Calcium hypochlorite. (ii) Chlorine dioxide. (iii) Sodium hypochlorite. (8) Electrolytes... additives. (1) DL-Methionine, DL-Methionine—hydroxy analog, and DL-Methionine—hydroxy analog calcium (CAS... following maximum levels of synthetic methionine per ton of feed: laying chickens—4 pounds; broiler chickens...

  1. 7 CFR 205.603 - Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock production.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... Water Act. (i) Calcium hypochlorite. (ii) Chlorine dioxide. (iii) Sodium hypochlorite. (8) Electrolytes... additives. (1) DL-Methionine, DL-Methionine—hydroxy analog, and DL-Methionine—hydroxy analog calcium (CAS... following maximum levels of synthetic methionine per ton of feed: laying chickens—4 pounds; broiler chickens...

  2. [Biosynthesis of enniatin by washed cells of Fusarium sambucinum].

    PubMed

    Minasian, A E; Chermenskĭ, D N; Bezborodov, A M

    1979-01-01

    Biosynthesis of the depsipeptide membrane ionophore--enniatin B by the washed mycelium Fusarium sambucinum Fuck 52 377 was studied. Metabolic precursors of enniatin B, alpha-ketovaleric acid, 14C-L-valine, and 14CH3-methionine, were added to the system after starvation. The amino acid content in the metabolic pool increased 1.5 times after addition of alpha-ketovaleric acid, 2.2 times after that of valine, and 2.5 times after addition of methionine. 14C-L-valine and 14CH3-methionine were incorporated into the molecule of enniatin B. Valine methylation in the molecule occurred at the level of synthesized depsipeptide. Amino acids of the metabolic pool performed the regulatory function in the synthesis.

  3. CLONING, EXPRESSION, AND MUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF RAT S-ADENOSYL-1-METHIONINE: ARSENIC (III) METHYLTRANSFERASE

    EPA Science Inventory

    CLONING, EXPRESSION, AND MUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF RAT
    S-ADENOSYL-L-METHIONINE: ARSENIC(III) METHYLTRANSFERASE

    Stephen B. Waters, Ph.D., Miroslav Styblo, Ph.D., Melinda A. Beck, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; David J. Thomas, Ph.D., U.S. Environmental...

  4. CLONING, EXPRESSION, AND CHARACTERIZATION OF RAT S-ADENOSYL-L-METHIONINE: ARSENIC (III) METHYLTRANSFERASE (CYT19)

    EPA Science Inventory

    CLONING, EXPRESSION, AND CHARACTERIZATION OF RAT S-ADENOSYL-L-METHIONINE: ARSENIC(III) METHYLTRANSFERASE (cyt19)

    Stephen B. Waters1 , Felicia Walton1 , Miroslav Styblo1 , Karen Herbin-Davis2, and David J. Thomas2 1 School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chape...

  5. Supplementing rumen-protected methionine and lysine in low-protein diets based on corn distillers grains fed to lactating dairy cows

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Feeding rumen-protected methionine (RPM) and lysine (RPL) may allow feeding lower crude protein (CP) diets to dairy cows, thereby increasing nitrogen efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Moreover, RPL supplementation may improve the value of corn distillers dried grains plus solubles (DDGS)...

  6. Dietary Methionine Restriction: Effects on Glucose Tolerance, Lipid Content and micro-RNA composition in the muscle of Rainbow Trout

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Lean muscle mass plays an important role in overall health, as altered skeletal muscle metabolism can impact both the incidence and prevention of conditions related to metabolic health. Intriguingly, dietary methionine restriction (MR) has been shown to ameliorate this phenotype over time potentiall...

  7. 21 CFR 582.5477 - Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts. 582.5477 Section 582.5477 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) ANIMAL DRUGS, FEEDS, AND RELATED PRODUCTS SUBSTANCES GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE...

  8. 21 CFR 582.5477 - Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts. 582.5477 Section 582.5477 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) ANIMAL DRUGS, FEEDS, AND RELATED PRODUCTS SUBSTANCES GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE...

  9. 21 CFR 582.5477 - Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 6 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Methionine hydroxy analog and its calcium salts. 582.5477 Section 582.5477 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) ANIMAL DRUGS, FEEDS, AND RELATED PRODUCTS SUBSTANCES GENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE...

  10. 1H, 15N and 13C NMR Assignments of Mouse Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase B2

    PubMed Central

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

    2011-01-01

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

  11. THE RELATIVE EFFECTS OF PROTEIN, CHOLINE, AND METHIONINE IN THE TREATMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL DIETARY CIRRHOSIS IN THE RAT

    PubMed Central

    Plough, Irvin C.; Patek, Arthur J.; Bevans, Margaret

    1952-01-01

    Cirrhosis of the liver was produced in rats by feeding a diet low in protein (4 per cent casein) and deficient in lipotropic factors. The degree of liver cirrhosis was determined from specimens obtained at biopsy. Comparable groups of animals then were treated with diets containing 4 per cent casein and 30 per cent casein. The 4 per cent casein diets were supplemented with choline and methionine; the 30 per cent casein diets were fed with and without added choline. On supplementing the low protein diet with choline and methionine the animals remained feeble, their growth remained stunted, and their livers showed signs of progressive cirrhosis. In contrast, animals fed the higher protein diet (with or without added choline) grew normally, and their livers showed signs indicating arrest and regression of the disease process. These studies suggest that the feeding of high protein (30 per cent casein) diets to rats with nutritional cirrhosis produces reparative effects greater than those attributable to the supplements choline and methionine. PMID:14955576

  12. Measurement of methionine level with the LC-ESI-MS/MS method in schizophrenic patients.

    PubMed

    Kulaksizoglu, S; Kulaksizoglu, B; Ellidag, H Y; Eren, E; Yilmaz, N; Baykal, A

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate plasma methionine levels by using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-ESI-MS/MS) in schizophrenic patients. A twelve-point standard graph was drawn, and the recovery rate, the intra-day and inter-day coefficients of variation (CV), the limit of detection (LOD), and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were evaluated. The y and R2 values of the standard graph equation were determined as 0.011x + 0.0179 and 0.9989, respectively, and the graph remained linear until the 200 µmol/l level. The intra-day coefficients of variation of the samples (n = 10) containing 8, 28, and 58 µmol/l methionine were determined as 2.68, 3.10, and 3.79%, respectively; while their inter-day coefficients of variation were determined as 2.98, 3.19, and 3.84%. The LOD and LOQ values were determined as 0.04 and 0.1 µmol/l, respectively, while the mean recovery rates were determined as 101.7 and 99.3%. Plasma methionine values were measured as 21.5 (19.5-24,6) µmol/l for the patient group, 17.8 (16.3-20.1) µmol/l for the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.03). LC-ESI-MS/MS method represents a fairly sensitive, economic, and rapid analysis that requires very little sample and is suitable for measuring methionine levels in schizophrenic patients.

  13. Interrelations between Glycine Betaine Catabolism and Methionine Biosynthesis in Sinorhizobium meliloti Strain 102F34

    PubMed Central

    Barra, Lise; Fontenelle, Catherine; Ermel, Gwennola; Trautwetter, Annie; Walker, Graham C.; Blanco, Carlos

    2006-01-01

    Methionine is produced by methylation of homocysteine. Sinorhizobium meliloti 102F34 possesses only one methionine synthase, which catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from methyl tetrahydrofolate to homocysteine. This vitamin B12-dependent enzyme is encoded by the metH gene. Glycine betaine can also serve as an alternative methyl donor for homocysteine. This reaction is catalyzed by betaine-homocysteine methyl transferase (BHMT), an enzyme that has been characterized in humans and rats. An S. meliloti gene whose product is related to the human BHMT enzyme has been identified and named bmt. This enzyme is closely related to mammalian BHMTs but has no homology with previously described bacterial betaine methyl transferases. Glycine betaine inhibits the growth of an S. meliloti bmt mutant in low- and high-osmotic strength media, an effect that correlates with a decrease in the catabolism of glycine betaine. This inhibition was not observed with other betaines, like homobetaine, dimethylsulfoniopropionate, and trigonelline. The addition of methionine to the growth medium allowed a bmt mutant to recover growth despite the presence of glycine betaine. Methionine also stimulated glycine betaine catabolism in a bmt strain, suggesting the existence of another catabolic pathway. Inactivation of metH or bmt did not affect the nodulation efficiency of the mutants in the 102F34 strain background. Nevertheless, a metH strain was severely defective in competing with the wild-type strain in a coinoculation experiment. PMID:17015658

  14. Effects of single amino acid deficiency on mRNA translation are markedly different for methionine versus leucine.

    PubMed

    Mazor, Kevin M; Dong, Leiming; Mao, Yuanhui; Swanda, Robert V; Qian, Shu-Bing; Stipanuk, Martha H

    2018-05-24

    Although amino acids are known regulators of translation, the unique contributions of specific amino acids are not well understood. We compared effects of culturing HEK293T cells in medium lacking either leucine, methionine, histidine, or arginine on eIF2 and 4EBP1 phosphorylation and measures of mRNA translation. Methionine starvation caused the most drastic decrease in translation as assessed by polysome formation, ribosome profiling, and a measure of protein synthesis (puromycin-labeled polypeptides) but had no significant effect on eIF2 phosphorylation, 4EBP1 hyperphosphorylation or 4EBP1 binding to eIF4E. Leucine starvation suppressed polysome formation and was the only tested condition that caused a significant decrease in 4EBP1 phosphorylation or increase in 4EBP1 binding to eIF4E, but effects of leucine starvation were not replicated by overexpressing nonphosphorylatable 4EBP1. This suggests the binding of 4EBP1 to eIF4E may not by itself explain the suppression of mRNA translation under conditions of leucine starvation. Ribosome profiling suggested that leucine deprivation may primarily inhibit ribosome loading, whereas methionine deprivation may primarily impair start site recognition. These data underscore our lack of a full understanding of how mRNA translation is regulated and point to a unique regulatory role of methionine status on translation initiation that is not dependent upon eIF2 phosphorylation.

  15. Cassava-enriched diet is not diabetogenic rather it aggravates diabetes in rats.

    PubMed

    Yessoufou, Akadiri; Ategbo, Jean-Marc; Girard, Aurelie; Prost, Josiane; Dramane, Karim L; Moutairou, Kabirou; Hichami, Aziz; Khan, Naim A

    2006-12-01

    Chronic intake of cassava has been thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. We investigated the effects of dietary cassava (Manihot esculenta), which naturally contains cyanogenic glycosides, in the progression of diabetes mellitus in rats. Diabetes was induced by five mild doses of streptozotocin, in male Wistar rats which were fed a standard or cyanide-free cassava (CFC) diet containing or not containing exogenous cyanide with or without methionine. Methionine was employed to counterbalance the toxic effects of cyanide. During diabetes progression, we determined glycaemia and antioxidant status, by measuring vitamin C levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GSSG-Red). Feeding CFC diet did not induce diabetes in control rats; rather this diet, in diabetic animals, aggravated hyperglycaemia the severity of which was increased in these animals fed CFC diet, supplemented with cyanide. Addition of methionine curtailed the toxic effects of cyanide supplementation in CFC diet-fed diabetic animals. In standard diet-fed animals, the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and GSSG-Red were lower in diabetic rats than control rats. Interestingly, all of the CFC diets with or without cyanide or methionine, increased vitamin C levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in both control and diabetic animals. However, supplementing cyanide to CFC diet (without methionine) curtailed SOD and GSH-Px activities in diabetic rats. Our study shows that cassava diet containing cyanide is 'diabetes-aggravating'.

  16. Effects of randomized supplementation of methionine or alanine on cysteine and glutathione production during the early phase of treatment of children with edematous malnutrition123

    PubMed Central

    Green, Curtis O; Hsu, Jean W; Taylor-Bryan, Carolyn; Reid, Marvin; Forrester, Terrence; Jahoor, Farook

    2014-01-01

    Background: We have shown that a low glutathione concentration and synthesis rate in erythrocytes are associated with a shortage of protein-derived cysteine in children with edematous severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Objective: We tested the hypothesis that methionine supplementation may increase protein-derived cysteine and upregulate cysteine synthesis, thereby improving glutathione synthesis during the early treatment of edematous SAM. Design: The cysteine flux, its de novo synthesis and release from protein breakdown, and erythrocyte glutathione synthesis rate were measured in 12 children with edematous SAM in the fed state by using stable isotope tracers at 3 clinical phases as follows: 3 ± 1 d (±SE) [clinical phase 1 (CP1)], 8 ± 1 d [clinical phase 2 (CP2)], and 14 ± 2 d (clinical phase 3) after admission. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive equimolar supplements (0.5 mmol ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1) of methionine or alanine (control) immediately after CP1. Results: In the methionine compared with the alanine group, cysteine flux derived from protein breakdown was faster at CP2 than CP1 (P < 0.05), and the change in plasma cysteine concentration from CP1 to CP2 was greater (P < 0.05). However, there was no evidence of a difference in cysteine de novo synthesis and its total flux or erythrocyte glutathione synthesis rate and concentration between groups. Conclusions: Methionine supplementation increased cysteine flux from body protein but had no significant effect on glutathione synthesis rates. Although cysteine is made from methionine, increased dietary cysteine may be necessary to partially fulfill its demand in edematous SAM because glutathione synthesis rates and concentrations were less than previous values shown at full recovery. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00473031. PMID:24598154

  17. Reactions of cisplatin with cysteine and methionine at constant pH; a computational study.

    PubMed

    Zimmermann, Tomás; Burda, Jaroslav V

    2010-02-07

    Interactions of hydrated cisplatin complexes cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2)Cl(H(2)O)](+) and cis-[Pt(NH(3))(2)(OH)(H(2)O)](+) with cysteine and methionine in an aqueous solution at constant pH were explored using computational methods. Thermodynamic parameters of considered reactions were studied in a broad pH range, taking up to 4 protonation states of each molecule into account. Reaction free energies at constant pH were obtained from standard Gibbs free energies using the Legendre transformation. Solvation free energies and pK(a) values were calculated using the PCM model with UAHF cavities, recently adapted by us for transition metal complexes. The root mean square error of pK(a) values on a set of model platinum complexes and amino acids was equal to 0.74. At pH 7, the transformed Gibbs free energies differ by up to 15 kcal mol(-1) from the Gibbs free energies of model reactions with a constant number of protons. As for cysteine, calculations confirmed a strong preference for kappaS monodenate bonding in a broad pH range. The most stable product of the second reaction step, which proceeds from monodentate to chelate complex, is the kappa(2)S,N coordinated chelate. The reaction with methionine is more complex. In the first step all three considered methionine donor atoms (N, S and O) are thermodynamically preferred products depending on the platinum complex and the pH. This is in accordance with the experimental observation of a pH dependent migration between N and S donor atoms in a chemically related system. The most stable chelates of platinum with methionine are kappa(2)S,N and kappa(2)N,O bonded complexes. The comparison of reaction free energies of both amino acids suggests, that the bidentate methionine ligand can be displaced even by the monodentate cysteine ligand under certain conditions.

  18. Interactions among the branched-chain amino acids and their effects on methionine utilization in growing pigs: effects on plasma amino- and keto-acid concentrations and branched-chain keto-acid dehydrogenase activity.

    PubMed

    Langer, S; Scislowski, P W; Brown, D S; Dewey, P; Fuller, M F

    2000-01-01

    The present experiment was designed to elucidate the mechanism of the methionine-sparing effect of excess branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) reported in the previous paper (Langer & Fuller, 2000). Twelve growing gilts (30-35 kg) were prepared with arterial catheters. After recovery, they received for 7 d a semipurified diet with a balanced amino acid pattern. On the 7th day blood samples were taken before (16 h postabsorptive) and after the morning meal (4 h postprandial). The animals were then divided into three groups and received for a further 7 d a methionine-limiting diet (80% of requirement) (1) without any amino acid excess; (2) with excess leucine (50% over requirement); or (3) with excesses of all three BCAA (leucine, isoleucine, valine, each 50% over the requirement). On the 7th day blood samples were taken as in the first period, after which the animals were killed and liver and muscle samples taken. Plasma amino acid and branched-chain keto acid (BCKA) concentrations in the blood and branched-chain keto-acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH; EC 1.2.4.4) activity in liver and muscle homogenates were determined. Compared with those on the balanced diet, pigs fed on methionine-limiting diets had significantly lower (P < 0.05) plasma methionine concentrations in the postprandial but not in the postabsorptive state. There was no effect of either leucine or a mixture of all three BCAA fed in excess on plasma methionine concentrations. Excess dietary leucine reduced (P < 0.05) the plasma concentrations of isoleucine and valine in both the postprandial and postabsorptive states. Plasma concentrations of the BCKA reflected the changes in the corresponding amino acids. Basal BCKDH activity in the liver and total BCKDH activity in the biceps femoris muscle were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by excesses of leucine or all BCAA.

  19. Three methionine residues located within the regulator of conductance for K+ (RCK) domains confer oxidative sensitivity to large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels

    PubMed Central

    Santarelli, Lindsey Ciali; Wassef, Ramez; Heinemann, Stefan H; Hoshi, Toshinori

    2006-01-01

    Methionine-directed oxidation of the human Slo1 potassium channel (hSlo1) shifts the half-activation voltage by −30 mV and markedly slows channel deactivation at low concentrations of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). We demonstrate here that the contemporaneous mutation of M536, M712 and M739 to leucine renders the channel functionally insensitive to methionine oxidation caused by the oxidant chloramine-T (Ch-T) without altering other functional characteristics. Coexpression with the auxiliary β1 subunit fails to restore the full oxidative sensitivity to this triple mutant channel. The Ch-T effect is mediated specifically by M536, M712 and M739 because even small changes in this residue combination interfere with the ability to remove the oxidant sensitivity following mutation. Replacement of M712 or M739, but not M536, with the hydrophilic residue glutamate largely mimics oxidation of the channel and essentially removes the Ch-T sensitivity, suggesting that M712 and M739 may be part of a hydrophobic pocket disrupted by oxidation of non-polar methionine to the more hydrophilic methionine sulfoxide. The increase in wild-type hSlo1 open probability caused by methionine oxidation disappears at high [Ca2+]i and biophysical modelling of the Ch-T effect on steady-state activation implicates a decrease in the allosteric coupling between Ca2+ binding and the pore. The dramatic increase in open probability at low [Ca2+]i especially within the physiological voltage range suggests that oxidation of M536, M712 or M739 may enhance the Slo1 BK activity during conditions of oxidative stress, such as those associated with ischaemia-reperfusion and neurodegenerative disease, or in response to metabolic cues. PMID:16396928

  20. Methionine- and choline-deficient diet induces hepatic changes characteristic of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

    PubMed

    Marcolin, Eder; Forgiarini, Luiz Felipe; Tieppo, Juliana; Dias, Alexandre Simões; Freitas, Luiz Antonio Rodrigues de; Marroni, Norma Possa

    2011-01-01

    Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a disease with a high incidence, difficult diagnosis, and as yet no effective treatment. So, the use of experimental models for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induction and the study of its routes of development have been studied. This study was designed to develop an experimental model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis based on a methionine- and choline-deficient diet that is manufactured in Brazil so as to evaluate the liver alterations resulting from the disorder. Thirty male C57BL6 mice divided in two groups (n = 15) were used: the experimental group fed a methionine- and choline-deficient diet manufactured by Brazilian company PragSoluções®, and the control group fed a normal diet, for a period of 2 weeks. The animals were then killed by exsanguination to sample blood for systemic biochemical analyses, and subsequently submitted to laparotomy with total hepatectomy and preparation of the material for histological analysis. The statistical analysis was done using the Student's t-test for independent samples, with significance level of 5%. The mice that received the methionine- and choline-deficient diet showed weight loss and significant increase in hepatic damage enzymes, as well as decreased systemic levels of glycemia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and VLDL. The diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis was performed in 100% of the mice that were fed the methionine- and choline-deficient diet. All non-alcoholic steatohepatitis animals showed some degree of macrovesicular steatosis, ballooning, and inflammatory process. None of the animals which were fed the control diet presented histological alterations. All non-alcoholic steatohepatitis animals showed significantly increased lipoperoxidation and antioxidant enzyme GSH activity. The low cost and easily accessible methionine- and choline-deficient diet explored in this study is highly effective in inducing steatosis and steatohepatitis in animal model, alterations that are similar to those observed in human livers.

  1. The effect on endothelial function of vitamin C during methionine induced hyperhomocysteinaemia.

    PubMed

    Hanratty, C G; McGrath, L T; McAuley, D F; Young, I S; Johnston, D G

    2001-01-01

    Manipulation of total homocysteine concentration with oral methionine is associated with impairment of endothelial-dependent vasodilation. This may be caused by increased oxidative stress. Vitamin C is an aqueous phase antioxidant vitamin and free radical scavenger. We hypothesised that if the impairment of endothelial function related to experimental hyperhomocysteinaemia was free radically mediated then co-administration of vitamin C should prevent this. Ten healthy adults took part in this crossover study. Endothelial function was determined by measuring forearm blood flow (FBF) in response to intra-arterial infusion of acetylcholine (endothelial-dependent) and sodium nitroprusside (endothelial-independent). Subjects received methionine (100 mg/Kg) plus placebo tablets, methionine plus vitamin C (2 g orally) or placebo drink plus placebo tablets. Study drugs were administered at 9 am on each study date, a minimum of two weeks passed between each study. Homocysteine (tHcy) concentration was determined at baseline and after 4 hours. Endothelial function was determined at 4 hours. Responses to the vasoactive substances are expressed as the area under the curve of change in FBF from baseline. Data are mean plus 95% Confidence Intervals. Following oral methionine tHcy concentration increased significantly versus placebo. At this time endothelial-dependent responses were significantly reduced compared to placebo (31.2 units [22.1-40.3] vs. 46.4 units [42.0-50.8], p < 0.05 vs. Placebo). Endothelial-independent responses were unchanged. Co-administration of vitamin C did not alter the increase in homocysteine or prevent the impairment of endothelial-dependent responses (31.4 [19.5-43.3] vs. 46.4 units [42.0-50.8], p < 0.05 vs. Placebo) This study demonstrates that methionine increased tHcy with impairment of the endothelial-dependent vasomotor responses. Administration of vitamin C did not prevent this impairment and our results do not support the hypothesis that the endothelial impairment is mediated by adverse oxidative stress.

  2. Effects of randomized supplementation of methionine or alanine on cysteine and glutathione production during the early phase of treatment of children with edematous malnutrition

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    We have shown that a low glutathione concentration and synthesis rate in erythrocytes are associated with a shortage of protein-derived cysteine in children with edematous severe acute malnutrition (SAM). We tested the hypothesis that methionine supplementation may increase protein-derived cysteine ...

  3. Feeding rumen-protected methionine pre- and postpartum increases milk protein content and yield in early lactation

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Objectives were to evaluate the effects of feeding rumen-protected methionine (MET) from 23 d (±12) before calving until 98 days in milk (DIM) on lactation performance, dry matter intake (DMI), body condition score (BCS) and body weight (BW) change of dairy cows. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 223) ...

  4. 21 CFR 172.372 - N-Acetyl-L-methionine.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... ignition: Maximum 0.1 percent. (3) Specific optical rotation [alpha]20 D: Between −19° and −23°. (4) The... significant dietary protein source, provided that: (1) A reasonable daily adult intake of the finished food... exceed the level that will provide a total of 3.1 percent L- and DL-methionine (expressed as the free...

  5. 21 CFR 172.372 - N-Acetyl-L-methionine.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ...: Maximum 0.1 percent. (3) Specific optical rotation [alpha]20 D: Between −19° and −23°. (4) The additive... significant dietary protein source, provided that: (1) A reasonable daily adult intake of the finished food... exceed the level that will provide a total of 3.1 percent L- and DL-methionine (expressed as the free...

  6. 21 CFR 172.372 - N-Acetyl-L-methionine.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... ignition: Maximum 0.1 percent. (3) Specific optical rotation [alpha]20 D: Between −19° and −23°. (4) The... significant dietary protein source, provided that: (1) A reasonable daily adult intake of the finished food... exceed the level that will provide a total of 3.1 percent L- and DL-methionine (expressed as the free...

  7. 21 CFR 172.372 - N-Acetyl-L-methionine.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... ignition: Maximum 0.1 percent. (3) Specific optical rotation [alpha]20 D: Between −19° and −23°. (4) The... significant dietary protein source, provided that: (1) A reasonable daily adult intake of the finished food... exceed the level that will provide a total of 3.1 percent L- and DL-methionine (expressed as the free...

  8. Molecular cloning and characterization of l-methionine γ-lyase from Streptomyces avermitilis.

    PubMed

    Kudou, Daizou; Yasuda, Eri; Hirai, Yoshiyuki; Tamura, Takashi; Inagaki, Kenji

    2015-10-01

    A pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent methionine γ-lyase (MGL) was cloned from Streptomyces avermitilis catalyzed the degradation of methionine to α-ketobutyrate, methanethiol, and ammonia. The sav7062 gene (1,242 bp) was corresponded to 413 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 42,994 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence showed a high degree of similarity to those of other MGL enzymes. The sav7062 gene was overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity and exhibited the MGL catalytic activities. We cloned the enzyme that has the MGL activity in Streptomyces for the first time. Copyright © 2015 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. [Positron emission tomography in the diagnosis of recurrent growth of brain tumors].

    PubMed

    Skvortsova, T Iu; Brodskaia, Z L; Rudas, M S; Mozhaev, S V; Gurchin, A F; Medvedev, S V

    2005-01-01

    The authors analyzed the results of 11C-methionine positron emission tomography (PET) in 101 patients with suspected recurrent brain tumor. The diagnosis was confirmed in 72 patients. The increased 11C-methionine uptake in the initial tumor area is considered to be a crucial PET evidence of a recurrent tumor. On the other hand, brain tissue histological changes associated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy were characterized by the low uptake of the tracer. The sensitivity and specificity of PET scanning in detecting tumor recurrence were found to be 95.8 and 96.5%, respectively. 11C-methionine PET is proposed as a reliable technique for early differentiating between a recurrent brain tumor and treatment-induced nonneoplastic changes.

  10. Kinetic Modelling of Infection Tracers [18F]FDG, [68Ga]Ga-Citrate, [11C]Methionine, and [11C]Donepezil in a Porcine Osteomyelitis Model.

    PubMed

    Jødal, Lars; Jensen, Svend B; Nielsen, Ole L; Afzelius, Pia; Borghammer, Per; Alstrup, Aage K O; Hansen, Søren B

    2017-01-01

    Positron emission tomography (PET) is increasingly applied for infection imaging using [ 18 F]FDG as tracer, but uptake is unspecific. The present study compares the kinetics of [ 18 F]FDG and three other PET tracers with relevance for infection imaging. A juvenile porcine osteomyelitis model was used. Eleven pigs underwent PET/CT with 60-minute dynamic PET imaging of [ 18 F]FDG, [ 68 Ga]Ga-citrate, [ 11 C]methionine, and/or [ 11 C]donepezil, along with blood sampling. For infectious lesions, kinetic modelling with one- and two-tissue-compartment models was conducted for each tracer. Irreversible uptake was found for [ 18 F]FDG and [ 68 Ga]Ga-citrate; reversible uptake was found for [ 11 C]methionine (two-tissue model) and [ 11 C]donepezil (one-tissue model). The uptake rate for [ 68 Ga]Ga-citrate was slow and diffusion-limited. For the other tracers, the uptake rate was primarily determined by perfusion (flow-limited uptake). Net uptake rate for [ 18 F]FDG and distribution volume for [ 11 C]methionine were significantly higher for infectious lesions than for correspondingly noninfected tissue. For [ 11 C]donepezil in pigs, labelled metabolite products appeared to be important for the analysis. The kinetics of the four studied tracers in infection was characterized. For clinical applications, [ 18 F]FDG remains the first-choice PET tracer. [ 11 C]methionine may have a potential for detecting soft tissue infections. [ 68 Ga]Ga-citrate and [ 11 C]donepezil were not found useful for imaging of osteomyelitis.

  11. Identification of the potentiating mutations and synergistic epistasis that enabled the evolution of inter-species cooperation

    DOE PAGES

    Douglas, Sarah M.; Chubiz, Lon M.; Harcombe, William R.; ...

    2017-05-11

    Microbes often engage in cooperation through releasing biosynthetic compounds required by other species to grow. Given that production of costly biosynthetic metabolites is generally subjected to multiple layers of negative feedback, single mutations may frequently be insufficient to generate cooperative phenotypes. Synergistic epistatic interactions between multiple coordinated changes may thus often underlie the evolution of cooperation through overproduction of metabolites. To test the importance of synergistic mutations in cooperation we used an engineered bacterial consortium of an Escherichia coli methionine auxotroph and Salmonella enterica. S. enterica relies on carbon by-products from E. coli if lactose is the only carbon source.more » Directly selecting wild-type S. enterica in an environment that favored cooperation through secretion of methionine only once led to a methionine producer, and this producer both took a long time to emerge and was not very effective at cooperating. On the other hand, when an initial selection for resistance of S. enterica to a toxic methionine analog, ethionine, was used, subsequent selection for cooperation with E. coli was rapid, and the resulting double mutants were much more effective at cooperation. We found that potentiating mutations in metJ increase expression of metA, which encodes the first step of methionine biosynthesis. This increase in expression is required for the previously identified actualizing mutations in metA to generate cooperation. This work highlights that where biosynthesis of metabolites involves multiple layers of regulation, significant secretion of those metabolites may require multiple mutations, thereby constraining the evolution of cooperation.« less

  12. Redox Regulation of Methionine Aminopeptidase 2 Activity*

    PubMed Central

    Chiu, Joyce; Wong, Jason W. H.; Hogg, Philip J.

    2014-01-01

    Protein translation is initiated with methionine in eukaryotes, and the majority of proteins have their N-terminal methionine removed by methionine aminopeptidases (MetAP1 and MetAP2) prior to action. Methionine removal can be important for protein function, localization, or stability. No mechanism of regulation of MetAP activity has been identified. MetAP2, but not MetAP1, contains a single Cys228-Cys448 disulfide bond that has an −RHStaple configuration and links two β-loop structures, which are hallmarks of allosteric disulfide bonds. From analysis of crystal structures and using mass spectrometry and activity assays, we found that the disulfide bond exists in oxidized and reduced states in the recombinant enzyme. The disulfide has a standard redox potential of −261 mV and is efficiently reduced by the protein reductant, thioredoxin, with a rate constant of 16,180 m−1 s−1. The MetAP2 disulfide bond also exists in oxidized and reduced states in glioblastoma tumor cells, and stressing the cells by oxygen or glucose deprivation results in more oxidized enzyme. The Cys228-Cys448 disulfide is at the rim of the active site and is only three residues distant from the catalytic His231, which suggested that cleavage of the bond would influence substrate hydrolysis. Indeed, oxidized and reduced isoforms have different catalytic efficiencies for hydrolysis of MetAP2 peptide substrates. These findings indicate that MetAP2 is post-translationally regulated by an allosteric disulfide bond, which controls substrate specificity and catalytic efficiency. PMID:24700462

  13. Gene cloning, recombinant expression, purification and characterization of l-methionine decarboxylase from Streptomyces sp. 590.

    PubMed

    Hayashi, Masaya; Okada, Akane; Yamamoto, Kumiko; Okugochi, Tomomi; Kusaka, Chika; Kudou, Daizou; Nemoto, Michiko; Inagaki, Junko; Hirose, Yuu; Okajima, Toshihide; Tamura, Takashi; Soda, Kenji; Inagaki, Kenji

    2017-04-01

    l-Methionine decarboxylase (MetDC) from Streptomyces sp. 590 depends on pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and catalyzes the non-oxidative decarboxylation of l-methionine to produce 3-methylthiopropylamine and carbon dioxide. MetDC gene (mdc) was determined to consist of 1,674 bp encoding 557 amino acids, and the amino acid sequence is similar to that of l-histidine decarboxylases and l-valine decarboxylases from Streptomyces sp. strains. The mdc gene was cloned and recombinant MetDC was heterologously expressed by Escherichia coli. The purification of recombinant MetDC was carried out by DEAE-Toyopearl and Ni-NTA agarose column chromatography. The recombinant enzyme was homodimeric with a molecular mass of 61,000 Da and showed optimal activity between 45 to 55 °C and at pH 6.6, and the stability below 30 °C and between pH 4.6 to 7.0. l-Methionine and l-norleucine were good substrates for MetDC. The Michaelis constants for l-methionine and l-norleucine were 30 and 73 mM, respectively. The recombinant MetDC (0.50 U/ml) severely inhibited growth of human tumour cells A431 (epidermoid ovarian carcinoma cell line) and MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer cell line), however showed relatively low cytotoxicity for human normal cell NHDF-Neo (dermal fibroblast cell line from neonatal foreskin). This study revealed the properties of the gene and the protein sequence of MetDC for the first time. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Japanese Biochemical Society. All rights reserved.

  14. Effects of Nonpurified and Choline Supplemented or Nonsupplemented Purified Diets on Hepatic Steatosis and Methionine Metabolism in C3H Mice.

    PubMed

    Syed, Raisa; Shibata, Noreene M; Kharbanda, Kusum K; Su, Ruijun J; Olson, Kristin; Yokoyama, Amy; Rutledge, John C; Chmiel, Kenneth J; Kim, Kyoungmi; Halsted, Charles H; Medici, Valentina

    2016-05-01

    Previous studies indicated that nonpurified and purified commercially available control murine diets have different metabolic effects with potential consequences on hepatic methionine metabolism and liver histology. We compared the metabolic and histological effects of commercial nonpurified (13% calories from fat; 57% calories from carbohydrates with 38 grams/kg of sucrose) and purified control diets (12% calories from fat; 69% calories from carbohydrates with ∼500 grams/kg of sucrose) with or without choline supplementation administered to C3H mice with normal lipid and methionine metabolism. Diets were started 2 weeks before mating, continued through pregnancy and lactation, and continued in offspring until 24 weeks of age when we collected plasma and liver tissue to study methionine and lipid metabolism. Compared to mice fed nonpurified diets, the liver/body weight ratio was significantly higher in mice fed either purified diet, which was associated with hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Plasma alanine aminotransferase levels were higher in mice receiving the purified diets. The hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)/S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) ratio was higher in female mice fed purified compared to nonpurified diet (4.6 ± 2 vs. 2.8 ± 1.9; P < 0.05). Choline supplementation was associated with improvement of some parameters of lipid and methionine metabolism in mice fed purified diets. Standard nonpurified and purified diets have significantly different effects on development of steatosis in control mice. These findings can help in development of animal models of fatty liver and in choosing appropriate laboratory control diets for control animals.

  15. Methionine deficiency in rats fed soy protein induces hypercholesterolemia and potentiates lipoprotein susceptibility to peroxidation.

    PubMed

    Moundras, C; Rémésy, C; Levrat, M A; Demigné, C

    1995-09-01

    A number of studies have provided evidence that plant proteins, especially soy protein, have a cholesterol-lowering effect as compared with casein. However, dietary supply of sulfur amino acids may be deficient when soy protein is present in the diet at a suboptimal level, which could affect lipid metabolism. Accordingly, in rats fed 13% protein diets, soy protein feeding resulted in a cholesterol-increasing effect (+18%), which could be counteracted by methionine supplementation (0.4%). In contrast, soy protein was effective in decreasing plasma triglyceride, as compared with levels in rats fed casein; this triglyceride-lowering effect was entirely abolished by methionine supplementation. The hypercholesterolemic effect of soy protein was characterized by a higher cholesterol content in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein 1 (HDL1) fractions, together with a marked induction of hepatic hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase activity and to a lesser extent cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase. There was practically no induction of these enzymes, as compared with levels in rats fed casein diets, when the soy protein diet was supplemented with methionine. Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) plus LDL susceptibility to peroxidation was higher in rats fed soy protein than in casein-fed rats, which could reflect in part the lack of sulfur amino acid availability, since methionine supplementation led to a partial recovery of lipoprotein resistance to peroxidation. These findings suggest that amino acid imbalance could be atherogenic by increasing circulating cholesterol and leading to a higher lipoprotein susceptibility to peroxidation.

  16. Ecological genomics of Boechera stricta: identification of a QTL controlling the allocation of methionine- vs branched-chain amino acid-derived glucosinolates and levels of insect herbivory.

    PubMed

    Schranz, M E; Manzaneda, A J; Windsor, A J; Clauss, M J; Mitchell-Olds, T

    2009-05-01

    In the Brassicaceae, glucosinolates influence the feeding, reproduction and development of many insect herbivores. Glucosinolate production and effects on herbivore feeding have been extensively studied in the model species, Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica crops, both of which constitutively produce leaf glucosinolates mostly derived from the amino acid, methionine. Much less is known about the regulation or role in defense of glucosinolates derived from other aliphatic amino acids, such as the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), valine and isoleucine. We have identified a glucosinolate polymorphism in Boechera stricta controlling the allocation to BCAA- vs methionine-derived glucosinolates in both leaves and seeds. B. stricta is a perennial species that grows in mostly undisturbed habitats of western North America. We have measured glucosinolate profiles and concentrations in 192 F(2) lines that have earlier been used for genetic map construction. We also performed herbivory assays on six F(3) replicates per F(2) line using the generalist lepidopteran, Trichoplusia ni. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis identified a single locus controlling both glucosinolate profile and levels of herbivory, the branched chain-methionine allocation or BCMA QTL. We have delimited this QTL to a small genomic region with a 1.0 LOD confidence interval just 1.9 cm wide, which, in A. thaliana, contains approximately 100 genes. We also found that methionine-derived glucosinolates provided significantly greater defense than the BCAA-derived glucosinolates against feeding by this generalist insect herbivore. The future positional cloning of this locus will allow for testing various adaptive explanations.

  17. Identification of the potentiating mutations and synergistic epistasis that enabled the evolution of inter-species cooperation

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

    Douglas, Sarah M.; Chubiz, Lon M.; Harcombe, William R.

    Microbes often engage in cooperation through releasing biosynthetic compounds required by other species to grow. Given that production of costly biosynthetic metabolites is generally subjected to multiple layers of negative feedback, single mutations may frequently be insufficient to generate cooperative phenotypes. Synergistic epistatic interactions between multiple coordinated changes may thus often underlie the evolution of cooperation through overproduction of metabolites. To test the importance of synergistic mutations in cooperation we used an engineered bacterial consortium of an Escherichia coli methionine auxotroph and Salmonella enterica. S. enterica relies on carbon by-products from E. coli if lactose is the only carbon source.more » Directly selecting wild-type S. enterica in an environment that favored cooperation through secretion of methionine only once led to a methionine producer, and this producer both took a long time to emerge and was not very effective at cooperating. On the other hand, when an initial selection for resistance of S. enterica to a toxic methionine analog, ethionine, was used, subsequent selection for cooperation with E. coli was rapid, and the resulting double mutants were much more effective at cooperation. We found that potentiating mutations in metJ increase expression of metA, which encodes the first step of methionine biosynthesis. This increase in expression is required for the previously identified actualizing mutations in metA to generate cooperation. This work highlights that where biosynthesis of metabolites involves multiple layers of regulation, significant secretion of those metabolites may require multiple mutations, thereby constraining the evolution of cooperation.« less

  18. Combined vitamin B-12 and balanced protein-energy supplementation affect homocysteine remethylation in the methionine cycle in pregnant south Indian women of low vitamin B-12 status

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Low-quality dietary protein intake and vitamin B-12 deficiency could interact to decrease methionine transmethylation and remethylation rates during pregnancy, and may affect epigenetic modifications of the fetal genome. The objective of this randomized, partially open-labeled intervention trial was...

  19. Zinc Methionine Supplementation Impacts Gene and Protein Expression in Calf-fed Holstein Steers with Miniaml Impact on Feedlot Performance

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Calf-fed Holstein steers were supplemented with a zinc (Zn) methionine supplement (ZnMet; ZINPRO®; Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN) for 115±5 days prior to harvest along with zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH; Zilmax®; Merck Animal Health, Summit, NJ) for the last 20 days with a 3 day withdrawal to ...

  20. Terpenoid Metabolism in Plastids 1

    PubMed Central

    Camara, Bilal; Bardat, Françoise; Seye, Ababacar; D'Harlingue, Alain; Monéger, René

    1982-01-01

    The synthesis of α-tocopherol from 2,3-dimethylphytylquinol and S-adenosyl-l-methionine was achieved using Capsicum annuum fruit chromoplasts. The enzymes involved in the cyclization (2,3-dimethyl-phytylquinol cyclase) and methylation (S-adenosyl methionine:γ-tocopherol methyl-transferase) are both localized in the chromoplast membrane fraction (envelopes and/or a-chlorophyll lamellae), in contrast to the stroma fraction. PMID:16662717

  1. Effects of rumen-protected methionine on plasma amino acid concentrations during a period of weight loss for late gestating beef heifers

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    This study determined changes in plasma amino acid concentration in late-gestating (beginning 58 ± 1.02 d prior to calving), primiparous, winter-grazing range heifers receiving wheat middling based supplement without (CON) or with rumen-protected methionine (MET) to provide 15 g DL- MET each day. Pl...

  2. The Role of Rumen-Protected Methionine on Amino Acid Metabolism in Late Gestation Beef Heifers in the Northern Great Plains

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    This study evaluated changes in plasma amino acids in late-gestating (beginning 58 ± 1.02 d prior to calving), primiparous, winter-grazing range heifers receiving a wheat middling based supplement without (CON) or with rumen-protected methionine (MET). Plasma was collected on d -2 and d 0 (start of ...

  3. New developments in uses of "cereals and pulses," traditionally a basic food ingredient in the East

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    ‘Cereals and pulses’ are very popular in the developing world. They provide a harmonious balance of amino acids, as pulses are high in lysine and low in methionine, while cereals are low in lysine and not in methionine. Over the years, a number of studies have been reported on improved nutritional ...

  4. The specific features of methionine biosynthesis and metabolism in plants

    PubMed Central

    Ravanel, Stéphane; Gakière, Bertrand; Job, Dominique; Douce, Roland

    1998-01-01

    Plants, unlike other higher eukaryotes, possess all the necessary enzymatic equipment for de novo synthesis of methionine, an amino acid that supports additional roles than simply serving as a building block for protein synthesis. This is because methionine is the immediate precursor of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), which plays numerous roles of being the major methyl-group donor in transmethylation reactions and an intermediate in the biosynthesis of polyamines and of the phytohormone ethylene. In addition, AdoMet has regulatory function in plants behaving as an allosteric activator of threonine synthase. Among the AdoMet-dependent reactions occurring in plants, methylation of cytosine residues in DNA has raised recent interest because impediment of this function alters plant morphology and induces homeotic alterations in flower organs. Also, AdoMet metabolism seems somehow implicated in plant growth via an as yet fully understood link with plant-growth hormones such as cytokinins and auxin and in plant pathogen interactions. Because of this central role in cellular metabolism, a precise knowledge of the biosynthetic pathways that are responsible for homeostatic regulation of methionine and AdoMet in plants has practical implications, particularly in herbicide design. PMID:9636232

  5. Mitochondrial targeting of the human peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase (MSRA), an enzyme involved in the repair of oxidized proteins.

    PubMed

    Hansel, Alfred; Kuschel, Lioba; Hehl, Solveig; Lemke, Cornelius; Agricola, Hans-Jürgen; Hoshi, Toshinori; Heinemann, Stefan H

    2002-06-01

    Peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase (MSRA) catalyzes the reduction of methionine sulfoxide to methionine. This widely expressed enzyme constitutes an important repair mechanism for oxidatively damaged proteins, which accumulate during the manifestation of certain degenerative diseases and aging processes. In addition, it is discussed to be involved in regulatory processes. Here we address the question of how the enzyme's diverse functions are reflected in its subcellular localization. Using fusions of the human version of MSRA with the enhanced green fluorescence protein expressed in various mammalian cell lines, we show a distinct localization at mitochondria. The N-terminal 23 amino acid residues contain the signal for this mitochondrial targeting. Activity tests showed that they are not required for enzyme function. Mitochondrial localization of native MSRA in mouse and rat liver slices was verified with an MSRA-specific antibody by using immunohistochemical methods. The protein was located in the mitochondrial matrix, as demonstrated by using pre-embedding immunostaining and electron microscopy. Mitochondria are the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, MSRA has to be considered an important means for the general reduction of ROS release from mitochondria.

  6. Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A (MsrA) and Its Function in Ubiquitin-Like Protein Modification in Archaea

    DOE PAGES

    Fu, Xian; Adams, Zachary; Liu, Rui; ...

    2017-09-05

    Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) is an antioxidant enzyme found in all domains of life that catalyzes the reduction of methionine-S-sulfoxide (MSO) to methionine in proteins and free amino acids. We demonstrate that archaeal MsrA has a ubiquitin-like (Ubl) protein modification activity that is distinct from its stereospecific reduction of MSO residues. MsrA catalyzes this Ubl modification activity, with the Ubl-activating E1 UbaA, in the presence of the mild oxidant dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and in the absence of reductant. In contrast, the MSO reductase activity of MsrA is inhibited by DMSO and requires reductant. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysismore » reveals that MsrA-dependent Ubl conjugates are associated with DNA replication, protein remodeling, and oxidative stress and include the Ubl-modified MsrA, Orc3 (Orc1/Cdc6), and Cdc48d (Cdc48/p97 AAA+ ATPase). Overall, we found archaeal MsrA to have opposing MSO reductase and Ubl modifying activities that are associated with oxidative stress responses and controlled by exposure to mild oxidant.« less

  7. Prebiotic Synthesis of Methionine and Other Sulfur-Containing Organic Compounds on the Primitive Earth: A Contemporary Reassessment Based on an Unpublished 1958 Stanley Miller Experiment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Parker, Eric T.; Cleaves, H. James; Callahan, Michael P.; Dworkin, Jason P.; Glavin, Daniel P.; Lazcano, Antonio

    2010-01-01

    Original extracts from an unpublished 1958 experiment conducted by the late Stanley L. Miller were recently found and analyzed using modern state-of-the-art analytical methods. The extracts were produced by the action of an electric discharge on a mixture of methane (CH4), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), and carbon dioxide (CO2). Racemic methionine was farmed in significant yields, together with other sulfur-bearing organic compounds. The formation of methionine and other compounds from a model prebiotic atmosphere that contained H2S suggests that this type of synthesis is robust under reducing conditions, which may have existed either in the global primitive atmosphere or in localized volcanic environments on the early Earth. The presence of a wide array of sulfur-containing organic compounds produced by the decomposition of methionine and cysteine indicates that in addition to abiotic synthetic processes, degradation of organic compounds on the primordial Earth could have been important in diversifying the inventory of molecules of biochemical significance not readily formed from other abiotic reactions, or derived from extraterrestrial delivery.

  8. Distribution of methionine-enkephalin in the minipig brainstem.

    PubMed

    Sánchez, Manuel Lisardo; Vecino, Elena; Coveñas, Rafael

    2013-05-01

    We have studied the distribution of immunoreactive cell bodies and axons are containing methionine-enkephalin in the minipig brainstem. Immunoreactive axons were widely distributed, whereas the distribution of perikarya was less widespread. A high or moderate density of axons containing methionine-enkephalin were found from rostral to caudal levels in the substantia nigra, nucleus interpeduncularis, nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis, nucleus dorsalis raphae, nucleus centralis raphae, nuclei dorsalis and ventralis tegmenti of Gudden, locus ceruleus, nucleus sensorius principalis nervi trigemini, nucleus cuneatus externalis, nucleus tractus solitarius, nuclei vestibularis inferior and medialis, nucleus ambiguus, nucleus olivaris inferior and in the nucleus tractus spinalis nervi trigemini. Immunoreactive perikarya were observed in the nuclei centralis and dorsalis raphae, nucleus motorius nervi trigemini, nucleus centralis superior, nucleus nervi facialis, nuclei parabrachialis medialis and lateralis, nucleus ventralis raphae, nucleus reticularis lateralis and in the formatio reticularis. We have also described the presence of perikarya containing methionine-enkephalin in the nuclei nervi abducens, ruber, nervi oculomotorius and nervi trochlearis. These results suggest that in the minipig the pentapeptide may be involved in many physiological functions (for example, proprioceptive and nociceptive information; motor, respiratory and cardiovascular mechanisms). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. H NMR studies of substrate hydrogen exchange reactions catalyzed by L-methionine gamma-lyase

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

    Esaki, N.; Nakayama, T.; Sawada, S.

    Hydrogen exchange reactions of various L-amino acids catalyzed by L-methionine gamma-lyase (EC 4.4.1.11) have been studied. The enzyme catalyzes the rapid exchange of the alpha- and beta-hydrogens of L-methionine and S-methyl-L-cysteine with deuterium from the solvent. The rate of alpha-hydrogen exchange was about 40 times faster than that of the enzymatic elimination reaction of the sulfur-containing amino acids. The enzyme also catalyzes the exchange reaction of alpha- and beta-hydrogens of the straight-chain L-amino acids which are not susceptible to elimination. The exchange rates of the alpha-hydrogen and the total beta-hydrogens of L-alanine and L-alpha-aminobutyrate with deuterium followed first-order kinetics. Formore » L-norvaline, L-norleucine, S-methyl-L-cysteine, and L-methionine, the rate of alpha-hydrogen exchange followed first-order kinetics, but the rate of total beta-hydrogen exchange decreased due to a primary isotope effect at the alpha-position. L-Phenylalanine and L-tryptophan slowly underwent alpha-hydrogen exchange. The pro-R hydrogen of glycine was deuterated stereospecifically.« less

  10. Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A (MsrA) and Its Function in Ubiquitin-Like Protein Modification in Archaea

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

    Fu, Xian; Adams, Zachary; Liu, Rui

    Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) is an antioxidant enzyme found in all domains of life that catalyzes the reduction of methionine-S-sulfoxide (MSO) to methionine in proteins and free amino acids. We demonstrate that archaeal MsrA has a ubiquitin-like (Ubl) protein modification activity that is distinct from its stereospecific reduction of MSO residues. MsrA catalyzes this Ubl modification activity, with the Ubl-activating E1 UbaA, in the presence of the mild oxidant dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and in the absence of reductant. In contrast, the MSO reductase activity of MsrA is inhibited by DMSO and requires reductant. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysismore » reveals that MsrA-dependent Ubl conjugates are associated with DNA replication, protein remodeling, and oxidative stress and include the Ubl-modified MsrA, Orc3 (Orc1/Cdc6), and Cdc48d (Cdc48/p97 AAA+ ATPase). Overall, we found archaeal MsrA to have opposing MSO reductase and Ubl modifying activities that are associated with oxidative stress responses and controlled by exposure to mild oxidant.« less

  11. THE EFFECT OF dl-METHIONINE, l-CYSTINE, AND dl-ISOLEUCINE ON THE UTILIZATION OF PARENTERALLY ADMINISTERED DOG HEMOGLOBIN

    PubMed Central

    Miller, Leon L.; Alling, Eric L.

    1947-01-01

    1. Further observations on the utilization of parenterally administered dog hemoglobin show that oral supplements of dl-methionine and l-cystine improve the efficiency of utilization of hemoglobin N, while a fed supplement of dl-isoleucine alone is without effect. 2. When N-isoleucine is added to a fed supplement of methionine or methionine and cystine, the utilization of parenterally given hemoglobin N is even better than with the sulfur-containing amino acids alone. 3. A suggested approach to the problem of designing the quantitatively "ideal" amino acid mixture lies in the definition of what may be called total organism-amino acid patterns of rat, dog, man, etc. These may vary considerably not only at different developmental stages in a given species, but also certainly from one species to another. 4. Further attempts to detect globin in the peripheral circulation have pointed to the need for a highly specific procedure such as that an immunologic method may offer. 5. Reduced hemin in dog plasma migrates with α1-globulin and albumin in veronal buffer at pH 8.5 and the colored zones give strong hemochromogen absorption bands. PMID:19871599

  12. Active Transport of Exogenous S-Adenosylmethionine and Related Compounds into Cells and Vacuoles of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

    PubMed Central

    Nakamura, K. D.; Schlenk, F.

    1974-01-01

    Saccharomyces cerevisiae 4094-B (α, ade-2, ura-1) in potassium phosphate buffer with glucose under aerobic conditions took up (−)S-adenosyl-l-methionine from the medium in sufficient quantity to permit the demonstration of its accumulation in the vacuole by ultraviolet micrography. The same result was obtained with (±)S-adenosyl-l-methionine, (±)S-adenosyl-d-methionine, and (−)S-adenosyl-l-ethionine. The rate of uptake was slow with (−)S-adenosyl-S(n-propyl)-l-homocysteine and S-adenosyl-d-homocysteine. S-Adenosyl-l-homocysteine was assimilated rapidly, but intracellular degradation precluded accumulation and ultraviolet micrographic studies. The uptake of 5′-methyl-, 5′-ethyl-, 5′-n-propylthioadenosine, and 5′-dimethylsulfonium adenosine was minimal. Images PMID:4371757

  13. Synthesis of the sulfur amino acids: cysteine and methionine.

    PubMed

    Wirtz, Markus; Droux, Michel

    2005-12-01

    This review will assess new features reported for the molecular and biochemical aspects of cysteine and methionine biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana with regards to early published data from other taxa including crop plants and bacteria (Escherichia coli as a model). By contrast to bacteria and fungi, plant cells present a complex organization, in which the sulfur network takes place in multiple sites. Particularly, the impact of sulfur amino-acid biosynthesis compartmentalization will be addressed in respect to localization of sulfur reduction. To this end, the review will focus on regulation of sulfate reduction by synthesis of cysteine through the cysteine synthase complex and the synthesis of methionine and its derivatives. Finally, regulatory aspects of sulfur amino-acid biosynthesis will be explored with regards to interlacing processes such as photosynthesis, carbon and nitrogen assimilation.

  14. [METABOLIC PREVENTION OF FAT EMBOLISM.

    PubMed

    Yakovlev, A Yu; Pevnev, A A; Nikol'skiy, V O; Galanina, T A; Prokin, E G; Kalachev, S A; Ryabikov, D V

    2016-07-01

    to study the effect of solution with methionine "Remaxol" on metabolic disorders andfat embolism developing in severe combined trauma. 544 patient with severe skeletal trauma were undergone to a prospective study of dynamics of fat embolism syndrome development depending on the inclusion in the program of infusion therapy drug "Remaxol". The dynamics of lactate, glucose, free fatty acids, globularia and the incidence offat embolism syndrome were analyzed. Corrective action drug with methionine "Remaxol" on hyperglycemia, hyperlactatemia, hyperlipemia and de- crease circulation offat globules, which is reflected in the decrease in the frequency of development offat embolism syndrome was identified. One of the proposed mechanisms reduce the risk offat embolism development is assumed restoration of endogenous carnitine synthesis with methionine and transport offree fatty acids in the cell and their subsequent inclusion in metabolic processes.

  15. Metal-Catalyzed Oxidation of Protein Methionine Residues in Human Parathyroid Hormone (1-34): Formation of Homocysteine and a Novel Methionine-Dependent Hydrolysis Reaction

    PubMed Central

    Mozziconacci, Olivier; Ji, Junyan A.; Wang, Y. John; Schöneich, Christian

    2013-01-01

    The oxidation of PTH(1-34) catalyzed by ferrous ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is site-specific. The oxidation of PTH(1-34) is localized primarily to the residues Met[8] and His[9]. Beyond the transformation of Met[8] and His[9] into methionine sulfoxide and 2-oxo-histidine, respectively, we observed a hydrolytic cleavage between Met[8] and His[9]. This hydrolysis requires the presence of FeII and oxygen and can be prevented by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and phosphate buffer. Conditions leading to this site-specific hydrolysis also promote the transformation of Met[8] into homocysteine, indicating that the hydrolysis and transformation of homocysteine may proceed through a common intermediate. PMID:23289936

  16. Genome-wide meta-analysis of homocysteine and methionine metabolism identifies five one carbon metabolism loci and a novel association of ALDH1L1 with ischemic stroke

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Circulating homocysteine levels (tHcy), a product of the folate one carbon metabolism pathway (FOCM) through the demethylation of methionine, are heritable and are associated with an increased risk of common diseases such as stroke, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and dementia. The FOCM is the ...

  17. Chemotherapy and Biochemistry of Leishmania.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-12-01

    product of this reaction, could reverse Inhibition but methionine, the precursor, could not. This enzyme catalyzes the following reaction L-methionine...because SAM, the product * is necessary for the methylation of DNA. The isolation procedures described eliminated 99% of the starting protein and resulted...sinefungin was slightly inhibitory (14%) at concentrations up to 1 mM, depending on temperatures ATP concentration and the addition of the product of the

  18. Comparison of methionine hydroxy analogue chelated versus sulfate forms of copper, zinc, and manganese on growth performance and pregnancy rates in yearling beef replacement heifers

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Our objectives were to compare growth performance and pregnancy rates of heifers supplemented with Cu, Zn, and Mn as either methionine hydroxy analog chelate (provided as MINTREX) or in the S04 form. The experiment used 3 ranches, each having 2 replicate pens per treatment. Performance data were ana...

  19. The canonical methionine 392 of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (gelatinase A) is not required for catalytic efficiency or structural integrity: probing the role of the methionine-turn in the metzincin metalloprotease superfamily.

    PubMed

    Butler, Georgina S; Tam, Eric M; Overall, Christopher M

    2004-04-09

    Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are an important family of extracellular proteases that process a variety of biologically significant molecules. MMPs are members of the metzincin superfamily of >770 zinc endopeptidases, which includes astacins, serralysins, adamalysins, leishmanolysins, and snapalysins. Metzincins are characterized by an absolutely conserved methionine residue COOH-terminal to the third histidine in the consensus sequence HEXXHXXGXX(H/D), where the histidine residues chelate a catalytic zinc ion. The canonical methionine is part of a tight 1,4-beta-turn that loops the polypeptide chain beneath the catalytic zinc ion, forming a hydrophobic floor to the Zn(2+) ion binding site. The role of this methionine is uncertain, but its absolute conservation indicates an essential catalytic or structural function. To investigate this hypothesis, we replaced Met-392 that forms the Met-turn of human MMP-2 (gelatinase A) by site-directed mutagenesis. The catalytic competence of leucine and serine mutants was assessed. (M392L)MMP-2 and (M392S)MMP-2 cleaved the physiological substrates gelatin, native type I collagen, and the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-3 with similar efficiency to wild-type MMP-2. These mutants also cleaved two quenched fluorescent peptide substrates with a k(cat)/K(m) comparable to wild-type MMP-2 and underwent 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate-induced autoactivation with similar kinetics. (M392L)MMP-2 and (M392S)MMP-2 were inhibited by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, -2, and -4 and by the zinc chelators 1,10-phenanthroline and a synthetic hydroxamate inhibitor, Batimastat, similar to the wild-type protein, indicating an unaltered active site topography. A tryptic susceptibility assay also suggested that (M392L)MMP-2 and (M392S)MMP-2 were correctly folded. These results challenge the dogma that this methionine residue and the Met-turn, which are absolutely conserved in all of the subfamilies of the metzincins, play an essential role in catalysis or active site structure.

  20. Stability of DNA methylation patterns in mouse spermatogonia under conditions of MTHFR deficiency and methionine supplementation.

    PubMed

    Garner, Justine L; Niles, Kirsten M; McGraw, Serge; Yeh, Jonathan R; Cushnie, Duncan W; Hermo, Louis; Nagano, Makoto C; Trasler, Jacquetta M

    2013-11-01

    Little is known about the conditions contributing to the stability of DNA methylation patterns in male germ cells. Altered folate pathway enzyme activity and methyl donor supply are two clinically significant factors that can affect the methylation of DNA. 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key folate pathway enzyme involved in providing methyl groups from dietary folate for DNA methylation. Mice heterozygous for a targeted mutation in the Mthfr gene (Mthfr(+/-)) are a good model for humans homozygous for the MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism, which is found in 10% of the population and is associated with decreased MTHFR activity and infertility. High-dose folic acid is administered as an empirical treatment for male infertility. Here, we examined MTHFR expression in developing male germ cells and evaluated DNA methylation patterns and effects of a range of methionine concentrations in spermatogonia from Mthfr(+/-) as compared to wild-type, Mthfr(+/+) mice. MTHFR was expressed in prospermatogonia and spermatogonia at times of DNA methylation acquisition in the male germline; its expression was also found in early spermatocytes and Sertoli cells. DNA methylation patterns were similar at imprinted genes and intergenic sites across chromosome 9 in neonatal Mthfr(+/+) and Mthfr(+/-) spermatogonia. Using spermatogonia from Mthfr(+/+) and Mthfr(+/-) mice in the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) culture system, we examined the stability of DNA methylation patterns and determined effects of low or high methionine concentrations. No differences were detected between early and late passages, suggesting that DNA methylation patterns are generally stable in culture. Twenty-fold normal concentrations of methionine resulted in an overall increase in the levels of DNA methylation across chromosome 9, suggesting that DNA methylation can be perturbed in culture. Mthfr(+/-) cells showed a significantly increased variance of DNA methylation at multiple loci across chromosome 9 compared to Mthfr(+/+) cells when cultured with 0.25- to 2-fold normal methionine concentrations. Taken together, our results indicate that DNA methylation patterns in undifferentiated spermatogonia, including SSCs, are relatively stable in culture over time under conditions of altered methionine and MTHFR levels.

  1. Factors contributing to the resistivity of a higher casein diet against choline deficiency-induced hyperhomocysteinemia in rats.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yi-qun; Liu, Ying; Morita, Tatsuya; Mori, Makoto; Sugiyama, Kimio

    2012-01-01

    The mechanism by which feeding a higher casein diet results in resistance to choline deprivation-induced hyperhomocysteinemia was investigated in rats. Plasma homocysteine concentration was significantly lower in rats fed a 30% casein diet (30C) than in rats fed a 10% casein diet (10C). Choline deprivation did not enhance plasma homocysteine concentration in rats fed 30C, while it significantly enhanced plasma homocysteine concentration in rats fed 10C. The choline deprivation-induced enhancement of plasma homocysteine concentration in rats fed 10C was significantly suppressed by methionine supplementation in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 0.1 to 0.3%, but the suppressive effect of methionine became smaller with an increase in supplementation level in the range of 0.3 to 0.5%. At a 0.5% supplementation level, methionine did not exhibit any suppressive effect on choline deprivation-induced hyperhomocysteinemia. The higher plasma homocysteine concentration in rats fed choline-deprived 10C+0.5% methionine was significantly decreased by concurrent supplementation with 0.32% glycine+0.94% serine to the level of rats fed 10C. Raising dietary total amino acid level by adding 3.61% branched-chain amino acids (BCAA)+4.5% acidic amino acids (AAA) to choline-deprived 10C+0.5% methionine+0.32% glycine+0.94% serine resulted in a further decrease in plasma homocysteine concentration to a level lower than the level in rats fed 10C. Choline deprivation-induced increases in hepatic S-adenosylhomocysteine and homocysteine concentrations were significantly suppressed by supplementation with glycine+serine and further suppressed by BCAA+AAA. Hepatic cystathionine β-synthase activity and its gene expression were significantly increased by BCAA+AAA. Hepatic triglyceride concentration changed in a manner similar to that of plasma homocysteine concentration. The results indicate that there are at least three factors contributing to the resistivity of rats fed a higher casein diet (30C) to choline deprivation-induced hyperhomocysteinemia, i.e., higher intake of methionine, higher intake of glycine and serine, and higher intake of other amino acids such as BCAA and AAA.

  2. Influence of methionine and vitamin E on fluoride concentration in bones and teeth of rats exposed to sodium fluoride in drinking water.

    PubMed

    Błaszczyk, Iwona; Birkner, Ewa; Gutowska, Izabela; Romuk, Ewa; Chlubek, Dariusz

    2012-06-01

    Increased exposure to fluorine-containing compounds leads to accumulation of fluorides in hard tissues of bones and teeth, which may result in numerous skeletal and dental disorders. This study evaluates the influence of methionine and vitamin E on fluoride concentration in bones and teeth of rats subjected to long-term exposure to sodium fluoride in drinking water. The study was conducted in 30 3-month-old female Wistar FL rats. The animals were divided into five groups, six rats per group. The control group consisted of rats receiving only distilled water as drinking water. All other groups received NaF in the amount of 10 mg/kg of body mass/day in their drinking water. In addition, respective animal groups received: NaF + Met group--10 mg of methionine/kg of body mass/day, NaF + Met + E group--10 mg of methionine/kg of body mass/day and 3 mg of vitamin E (tocopheroli acetas)/rat/day and NaF + E group--3 mg of vitamin E/rat/day. Femoral bones and incisor teeth were collected for the study, and the fluoride concentration was determined using a fluoride ion-selective electrode. Fluoride concentration in both bones and teeth was found to be higher in the NaF and NaF + Met groups compared to the control group. In groups NaF + Met + E and NaF + E, the study material contained much lower fluoride concentration compared to the NaF group, while the effect was more prominent in the NaF + E group. The results of the studies indicate that methionine and vitamin E have opposite effects on accumulation of fluorides in hard tissue in rats. By stimulating fluoride accumulation, methionine reduces the adverse effect of fluorides on soft tissue, while vitamin E, which prevents excessive accumulation of fluorides in bones and teeth, protects these tissues from fluorosis. Therefore, it seems that combined application of both compounds would be optimal for the prevention of the adverse effects of chronic fluoride intoxication.

  3. Effects of Nonpurified and Choline Supplemented or Nonsupplemented Purified Diets on Hepatic Steatosis and Methionine Metabolism in C3H Mice

    PubMed Central

    Syed, Raisa; Shibata, Noreene M.; Kharbanda, Kusum K.; Su, Ruijun J.; Olson, Kristin; Yokoyama, Amy; Rutledge, John C.; Chmiel, Kenneth J.; Kim, Kyoungmi; Halsted, Charles H.

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Background: Previous studies indicated that nonpurified and purified commercially available control murine diets have different metabolic effects with potential consequences on hepatic methionine metabolism and liver histology. Methods: We compared the metabolic and histological effects of commercial nonpurified (13% calories from fat; 57% calories from carbohydrates with 38 grams/kg of sucrose) and purified control diets (12% calories from fat; 69% calories from carbohydrates with ∼500 grams/kg of sucrose) with or without choline supplementation administered to C3H mice with normal lipid and methionine metabolism. Diets were started 2 weeks before mating, continued through pregnancy and lactation, and continued in offspring until 24 weeks of age when we collected plasma and liver tissue to study methionine and lipid metabolism. Results: Compared to mice fed nonpurified diets, the liver/body weight ratio was significantly higher in mice fed either purified diet, which was associated with hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Plasma alanine aminotransferase levels were higher in mice receiving the purified diets. The hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)/S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) ratio was higher in female mice fed purified compared to nonpurified diet (4.6 ± 2 vs. 2.8 ± 1.9; P < 0.05). Choline supplementation was associated with improvement of some parameters of lipid and methionine metabolism in mice fed purified diets. Conclusions: Standard nonpurified and purified diets have significantly different effects on development of steatosis in control mice. These findings can help in development of animal models of fatty liver and in choosing appropriate laboratory control diets for control animals. PMID:26881897

  4. Sulfur amino acid and methyl donor status of corn-soy diets fed to starting broiler chicks and turkey poults.

    PubMed

    Pesti, G M; Harper, A E; Sunde, M L

    1979-11-01

    Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of supplementing corn-soy-bean meal-white grease diets with sulfur amino acids and methyl group donors for starting broiler-strain chicks. The diets (23% protein and 3200 kcal ME/kg) were fed to quadruplicate lots of chicks in battery brooders. The diets were calculated to contain .37% methionine, .37% cystine, and 1499 mg/kg choline. Chemical and microbiological assays yielded values of .32% and .42% for methionine and cystine content respectively. Results of 5 chick experiments showed that supplementing this diet with .23% DL-methionine significantly (P less than .05) improved 3 week-gain (375 vs. 415 g) and feed/gain (1.54 vs. 1.47) over that obtained with the basal diet. When L-cystine and 2(CaSO4).H2O failed to give a significant (P greater than .05) response, compounds capable of donating methyl groups were fed. Significant (P less than .05) responses in gain (404 and 420) and feed/gain (1.48 and 1.51) over the basal were obtained with choline and betaine. These responses were not significantly (P greater than .05) different from that obtained with methionine. Serine and sodium formate failed to give consistent responses. Using a poult diet of 28% protein and 2800 kcal ME/kg, a significant (P less than .05) response to DL-methionine was again observed, with intermediate responses to betaine, choline, and serine. It is concluded that (within the limits of the experimental model) corn-soy type diets contain an adequate amount of total sulfur amino acid for chicks, but not poults, when sufficient choline or betaine are provided.

  5. Adenosine kinase deficiency disrupts the methionine cycle and causes hypermethioninemia, encephalopathy, and abnormal liver function.

    PubMed

    Bjursell, Magnus K; Blom, Henk J; Cayuela, Jordi Asin; Engvall, Martin L; Lesko, Nicole; Balasubramaniam, Shanti; Brandberg, Göran; Halldin, Maria; Falkenberg, Maria; Jakobs, Cornelis; Smith, Desiree; Struys, Eduard; von Döbeln, Ulrika; Gustafsson, Claes M; Lundeberg, Joakim; Wedell, Anna

    2011-10-07

    Four inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are known to cause hypermethioninemia by directly interfering with the methionine cycle. Hypermethioninemia is occasionally discovered incidentally, but it is often disregarded as an unspecific finding, particularly if liver disease is involved. In many individuals the hypermethioninemia resolves without further deterioration, but it can also represent an early sign of a severe, progressive neurodevelopmental disorder. Further investigation of unclear hypermethioninemia is therefore important. We studied two siblings affected by severe developmental delay and liver dysfunction. Biochemical analysis revealed increased plasma levels of methionine, S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), and S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) but normal or mildly elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels, indicating a block in the methionine cycle. We excluded S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) deficiency, which causes a similar biochemical phenotype, by using genetic and biochemical techniques and hypothesized that there was a functional block in the SAHH enzyme as a result of a recessive mutation in a different gene. Using exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous c.902C>A (p.Ala301Glu) missense mutation in the adenosine kinase gene (ADK), the function of which fits perfectly with this hypothesis. Increased urinary adenosine excretion confirmed ADK deficiency in the siblings. Four additional individuals from two unrelated families with a similar presentation were identified and shown to have a homozygous c.653A>C (p.Asp218Ala) and c.38G>A (p.Gly13Glu) mutation, respectively, in the same gene. All three missense mutations were deleterious, as shown by activity measurements on recombinant enzymes. ADK deficiency is a previously undescribed, severe IEM shedding light on a functional link between the methionine cycle and adenosine metabolism. Copyright © 2011 The American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Pharmacological characterization of the inhibitory activity of beta h-endorphin (beta h-EP), [Arg9,19,24,28,29]-beta h-EP, [Gln8,Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2, in the neuroeffector junction of the mouse vas deferens.

    PubMed

    Valenzuela, R; Li, C H; Huidobro-Toro, J P

    1991-08-01

    The inhibitory opioid activities of beta h-endorphin (beta h-EP), its structurally related peptide analogues [Gln8,Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2 (Gly-Gly-beta h-EP), [Arg9,19,24,28,29]-beta h-EP (Arg-beta h-EP) and methionine enkephalin have been examined in the electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens bioassay. All four peptides behaved as full agonists; methionine enkephalin was the most potent followed by Arg-beta h-EP, beta h-EP and Gly-Gly-beta h-EP. Neither Gly-Gly-beta h-EP nor Arg-beta h-EP antagonized the inhibitory action of beta h-EP or methionine enkephalin. An hour of tissue exposure to 30 nM beta-funaltrexamine followed by thorough washing, displaced to the right, in a parallel fashion, the concentration-response curves of beta h-EP and analogues. Whereas the displacement of the concentration response curves was 8 to 10-fold for beta h-EP and Arg-beta h-EP, it was only about 3-fold for Gly-Gly-beta h-EP and methionine enkephalin. Naltrindole was the most potent antagonist of methionine enkephalin with an apparent pA2 of 9.4; its potency as an antagonist of beta h-EP and related analogues was approximately one-tenth of this with pA2 values approximately 8.5. Norbinaltorphimine also antagonized the action of the opioid peptides with pA2 values close to 7.8.

  7. D-Methionine attenuated cisplatin-induced vestibulotoxicity through altering ATPase activities and oxidative stress in guinea pigs

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

    Cheng, P.-W.; Department of Otolaryngology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Liu, S.-H.

    2006-09-01

    Cisplatin has been used as a chemotherapeutic agent to treat many kinds of malignancies. Its damage to the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) system has been reported. However, the underlying biochemical change in the inner ear or central vestibular nervous system is not fully understood. In this study, we attempted to examine whether cisplatin-induced vestibulotoxicity and D-methionine protection were correlated with the changes of ATPase activities and oxidative stress of ampullary tissue of vestibules as well as cerebellar cortex (the inhibitory center of VOR system) of guinea pigs. By means of a caloric test coupled with electronystagmographic recordings, we found that cisplatinmore » exposure caused a dose-dependent (1, 3, or 5 mg/kg) vestibular dysfunction as revealed by a decrease of slow phase velocity (SPV). In addition, cisplatin significantly inhibited the Na{sup +}, K{sup +}-ATPase and Ca{sup 2+}-ATPase activities in the ampullary tissue with a good dose-response relationship but not those of cerebellar cortex. Regression analysis indicated that a decrease of SPV was well correlated with the reduction of Na{sup +}, K{sup +}-ATPase and Ca{sup 2+}-ATPase activities of the ampullary tissue. D-Methionine (300 mg/kg) reduced both abnormalities of SPV and ATPase activities in a correlated manner. Moreover, cisplatin exposure led to a significant dose-dependent increase of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide concentrations of the vestibules, which could be significantly suppressed by D-methionine. However, cisplatin did not alter the levels of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide of the cerebellum. In conclusion, cisplatin inhibited ATPase activities and increased oxidative stress in guinea pig vestibular labyrinths. D-Methionine attenuated cisplatin-induced vestibulotoxicity associated with ionic disturbance through its antioxidative property.« less

  8. Folate, Alcohol, and Liver Disease

    PubMed Central

    Medici, Valentina; Halsted, Charles H.

    2013-01-01

    Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is typically associated with folate deficiency, which is the result of reduced dietary folate intake, intestinal malabsorption, reduced liver uptake and storage, and increased urinary folate excretion. Folate deficiency favors the progression of liver disease through mechanisms that include its effects on methionine metabolism with consequences for DNA synthesis and stability and the epigenetic regulation of gene expression involved in pathways of liver injury. This paper reviews the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease with particular focus on ethanol-induced alterations in methionine metabolism which may act in synergy with folate deficiency to decrease antioxidant defense as well as DNA stability while regulating epigenetic mechanisms of relevant gene expressions. We also review the current evidence available on potential treatments of alcoholic liver disease based on correcting abnormalities in methionine metabolism and the methylation regulation of relevant gene expressions. PMID:23136133

  9. Methionine peptide formation under primordial earth conditions.

    PubMed

    Li, Feng; Fitz, Daniel; Fraser, Donald G; Rode, Bernd M

    2008-01-01

    According to recent research on the origin of life it seems more and more likely that amino acids and peptides were among the first biomolecules formed on earth and that a peptide/protein world was thus a key starting point in evolution towards life. Salt-induced Peptide Formation (SIPF) has repeatedly been shown to be the most universal and plausible peptide-forming reaction currently known under prebiotic conditions and forms peptides from amino acids with the help of copper ions and sodium chloride. In this paper we present experimental results for salt-induced peptide formation from methionine. This is the first time that a sulphur-containing amino acid was investigated in this reaction. The possible catalytic effects of glycine and L-histidine in this reaction were also investigated and a possible distinction between the L- and D-forms of methionine was studied as well.

  10. One-Carbon Metabolism and Breast Cancer Survival in a Population-Based Study

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-06-01

    the dietary intake of one- carbon-related micronutrients /compounds (e.g. folate, methionine, chioline, B vitamins, alcohol, etc) in relation to...examine the dietary intake of one-carbon-related micronutrients /compounds (e.g. folate, methionine, chioline, B vitamins, alcohol, etc) in relation to...of dietary methyl content and overall survival. Some descriptive statistical analysis has been reported in previous annual report. The Kaplan-Meier

  11. Hazardous Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU): Reality or Myth? A Case Study

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2000-01-03

    speculation of trace anesthetic gases being associated with miscarriages and birth defects. Concerns led to a conference of several government agencies...nitrous oxide may cause depression of vitamin B12 and chronic low level exposure inhibits methionine synthase which impairs synthesis of...depression of vitamin B12 and chronic low level exposure inhibits methionine synthase which impairs synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid and bone marrow

  12. Effects of dietary lysine and methionine supplementation on ross 708 male broilers from 21 to 42 days of age (III): serum metabolites, hormones, and their relationship with growth performance

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    A previous study has shown that a limited increase of lysine (Lys) and methionine (Met) in broiler diets may improve feed conversion ratio (FCR), BW, carcass yield, and breast meat yield. This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary Lys and Met supplementation on various blood serum ...

  13. The Metabolic Burden of Methyl Donor Deficiency with Focus on the Betaine Homocysteine Methyltransferase Pathway

    PubMed Central

    Obeid, Rima

    2013-01-01

    Methyl groups are important for numerous cellular functions such as DNA methylation, phosphatidylcholine synthesis, and protein synthesis. The methyl group can directly be delivered by dietary methyl donors, including methionine, folate, betaine, and choline. The liver and the muscles appear to be the major organs for methyl group metabolism. Choline can be synthesized from phosphatidylcholine via the cytidine-diphosphate (CDP) pathway. Low dietary choline loweres methionine formation and causes a marked increase in S-adenosylmethionine utilization in the liver. The link between choline, betaine, and energy metabolism in humans indicates novel functions for these nutrients. This function appears to goes beyond the role of the nutrients in gene methylation and epigenetic control. Studies that simulated methyl-deficient diets reported disturbances in energy metabolism and protein synthesis in the liver, fatty liver, or muscle disorders. Changes in plasma concentrations of total homocysteine (tHcy) reflect one aspect of the metabolic consequences of methyl group deficiency or nutrient supplementations. Folic acid supplementation spares betaine as a methyl donor. Betaine is a significant determinant of plasma tHcy, particularly in case of folate deficiency, methionine load, or alcohol consumption. Betaine supplementation has a lowering effect on post-methionine load tHcy. Hypomethylation and tHcy elevation can be attenuated when choline or betaine is available. PMID:24022817

  14. Deficiency in methionine, tryptophan, isoleucine, or choline induces apoptosis in cultured cells.

    PubMed

    Yen, Chi-Liang E; Mar, Mei-Heng; Craciunescu, Corneliu N; Edwards, Lloyd J; Zeisel, Steven H

    2002-07-01

    Cells in culture die by apoptosis when deprived of the essential nutrient choline. We now report that cells (both proliferating PC12 cells and postmitotic neurons isolated from fetal rat brains) undergo apoptosis when deprived of other individual essential nutrients (methionine, tryptophan or isoleucine). In PC12 cells, deficiencies of each nutrient independently led to ceramide accumulation and to caspase activation, both recognized signals of several apoptotic pathways. A similar profile of caspases was activated in PC12 cells deprived of choline, methionine, tryptophan or isoleucine. More than one caspase was involved and these caspases appeared to transmit parallel signals for apoptosis induction because only broad-spectrum caspase inhibitors, but not inhibitors for specific individual caspases inhibited apoptosis in choline- or methionine-deprived cells. The induction of these caspase-dependent apoptosis pathways likely did not involve the same upstream signals. Choline deficiency perturbed choline metabolism but did not affect protein synthesis, whereas amino acid deficiencies inhibited protein synthesis but did not perturb choline metabolism. In addition, a subclone of PC12 cells that was resistant to choline deficiency-induced apoptosis was not resistant to tryptophan deficiency-induced apoptosis. These observations suggest that deficiency of each studied nutrient activates different pathways for signaling apoptosis that ultimately converge on a common execution pathway.

  15. Aflatoxin effect on erythrocyte profile and histopathology of broilers given different additives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karimy, M. F.; Sutrisno, B.; Agus, A.; Suryani, A. E.; Istiqomah, L.; Damayanti, E.

    2017-12-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate erythrocyte profile and microscopic changes effect of AF induces by low level (57.18 ppb) and chronic exposure (34 days) with administration of additive (Lactobacillus plantarum G7 and methionine). Aflatoxin-contaminated corn was prepared by inoculate Aspergillus flavus FNCC 6002 on corn. Total number of 576 broiler Lohman strain (MB202) unsexed DOC were allocated completely randomized into four treatments and 12 replicates, with 12 broiler chicks each. The treatments as follows: T1 = aflatoxin-contaminated diet, T2 = aflatoxin-contaminated diet + 1% of LAB (w/w), T3 = aflatoxin-contaminated diet + 0.8% of methionine (w/w), and T4 = aflatoxin-contaminated diet + 1% of LAB + 0.8% of methionine (w/w). The effect of treatments was evaluated using ANOVA and the difference among mean treatments were analyzed using DMRT. The result showed that administration of additives had no significant effect (P>0.05) on erythrocyte profile, liver, and bursa of Fabricius. The dose of additive in each treatment (T2, T3, T4) were insufficient to reduce adverse effect of chronic aflatoxicosis. It was concluded that the LAB dose for binding AF (57.18%) should be evaluated and the dose for methionine should be reduced for chronic treatment of aflatoxicosis.

  16. Role of Helicobacter pylori methionine sulfoxide reductase in urease maturation

    PubMed Central

    Kuhns, Lisa G.; Mahawar, Manish; Sharp, Joshua S.; Benoit, Stéphane; Maier, Robert J.

    2014-01-01

    The persistence of the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori is due in part to urease and Msr (methionine sulfoxide reductase). Upon exposure to relatively mild (21% partial pressure of O2) oxidative stress, a Δmsr mutant showed both decreased urease specific activity in cell-free extracts and decreased nickel associated with the partially purified urease fraction as compared with the parent strain, yet urease apoprotein levels were the same for the Δmsr and wild-type extracts. Urease activity of the Δmsr mutant was not significantly different from the wild-type upon non-stress microaerobic incubation of strains. Urease maturation occurs through nickel mobilization via a suite of known accessory proteins, one being the GTPase UreG. Treatment of UreG with H2O2 resulted in oxidation of MS-identified methionine residues and loss of up to 70% of its GTPase activity. Incubation of pure H2O2-treated UreG with Msr led to reductive repair of nine methionine residues and recovery of up to full enzyme activity. Binding of Msr to both oxidized and non-oxidized UreG was observed by cross-linking. Therefore we conclude Msr aids the survival of H. pylori in part by ensuring continual UreG-mediated urease maturation under stress conditions. PMID:23181726

  17. Predicting side-chain conformations of methionine using a hard-sphere model with stereochemical constraints

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Virrueta, A.; Gaines, J.; O'Hern, C. S.; Regan, L.

    2015-03-01

    Current research in the O'Hern and Regan laboratories focuses on the development of hard-sphere models with stereochemical constraints for protein structure prediction as an alternative to molecular dynamics methods that utilize knowledge-based corrections in their force-fields. Beginning with simple hydrophobic dipeptides like valine, leucine, and isoleucine, we have shown that our model is able to reproduce the side-chain dihedral angle distributions derived from sets of high-resolution protein crystal structures. However, methionine remains an exception - our model yields a chi-3 side-chain dihedral angle distribution that is relatively uniform from 60 to 300 degrees, while the observed distribution displays peaks at 60, 180, and 300 degrees. Our goal is to resolve this discrepancy by considering clashes with neighboring residues, and averaging the reduced distribution of allowable methionine structures taken from a set of crystallized proteins. We will also re-evaluate the electron density maps from which these protein structures are derived to ensure that the methionines and their local environments are correctly modeled. This work will ultimately serve as a tool for computing side-chain entropy and protein stability. A. V. is supported by an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and a Ford Foundation Fellowship. J. G. is supported by NIH training Grant NIH-5T15LM007056-28.

  18. Evidence for participation of the methionine sulfoxide reductase repair system in plant seed longevity

    PubMed Central

    Châtelain, Emilie; Satour, Pascale; Laugier, Edith; Ly Vu, Benoit; Payet, Nicole; Rey, Pascal; Montrichard, Françoise

    2013-01-01

    Seeds are in a natural oxidative context leading to protein oxidation. Although inevitable for proper progression from maturation to germination, protein oxidation at high levels is detrimental and associated with seed aging. Oxidation of methionine to methionine sulfoxide is a common form of damage observed during aging in all organisms. This damage is reversible through the action of methionine sulfoxide reductases (MSRs), which play key roles in lifespan control in yeast and animal cells. To investigate the relationship between MSR capacity and longevity in plant seeds, we first used two Medicago truncatula genotypes with contrasting seed quality. After characterizing the MSR family in this species, we analyzed gene expression and enzymatic activity in immature and mature seeds exhibiting distinct quality levels. We found a very strong correlation between the initial MSR capacities in different lots of mature seeds of the two genotypes and the time to a drop in viability to 50% after controlled deterioration. We then analyzed seed longevity in Arabidopsis thaliana lines, in which MSR gene expression has been genetically altered, and observed a positive correlation between MSR capacity and longevity in these seeds as well. Based on our data, we propose that the MSR repair system plays a decisive role in the establishment and preservation of longevity in plant seeds. PMID:23401556

  19. [Model of experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis from use of methionine and choline deficient diet].

    PubMed

    Zamin, Idilio; Mattos, Angelo Alves de; Mattos, Angelo Zambam de; Migon, Eduardo; Soares, Ernesto; Perry, Marcos Luiz Santos

    2009-01-01

    There are still many unknown aspects about nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, especially regarding its pathophysiology and pharmacological treatment. Thus, experimental models are important for a better understanding of this disease and the evaluation of the effects of drugs. To develop a model of experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis from use of methionine and choline deficient diet. Fifty Wistar male rats were studied. A methionine and choline deficient diet has been processed in a craft. A group of 40 animals received the deficient diet for 90 days, and a group of 10 rats (control group) received the standardized ration in the same period. After, the animals were killed by decapitation, and laparotomy was performed. Hepatectomy was performed and the liver was studied by macroscopy and microscopy. The level of significance considered was of 0,05. The rats that received the deficient diet showed significant loss of weight with findings from malnutrition and all of them had at least some degree of macrovesicular steatosis. The diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was performed in 27 (70%) of the 39 rats that received this deficient diet (1 rat died during the study). None of the 10 rats that received the standardized diet had histological abnormalities. The diet restricted in methionine and choline induced steatosis and steatohepatitis in an animal model with low cost.

  20. Inhibition of B16-BL6 melanoma growth in mice by methionine-enkephalin.

    PubMed

    Murgo, A J

    1985-08-01

    The antitumor effect of methionine-enkephalin [( Met]enkephalin) was demonstrated in C57BL/6J mice inoculated with B16-BL6 melanoma cells. Local subcutaneous tumor growth was inhibited with a 50-micrograms dose daily for 7 or 14 days. The antitumor effect of [Met]enkephalin was inhibited by the administration of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. Naloxone alone had no significant effect on tumor growth.

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

    Skrinnik, A.V.

    The author attempts to obtain direct proof of increased permeability of the cornea and enhanced sorption properties of the tissue structures and refractive media of the eye under the influence of a pulsed magnetic field (MF). In the course of the investigation, the method of radioactive indication of two substances (/sup 35/S-streptomycin and /sup 75/Se-methionine), widely used in opthalmologic practice, was used. The radioactivity of the working solution of the preparations was 300,000 cpm in 0.1 ml. Changes in the permeability of the cornea were assessed on the basis of changes in radioactivity of the aqueous humor. The concentration ofmore » /sup 35/S-streptomycin in aqueous humor of the animals immediately after exposure to MF was significantly higher than in the control. Analysis of permeability of the cornea for /sup 75/Se-methionine also showed increased penetration of radioactivity into the aqueous. The results are evidence of the greater penetrating power of /sup 75/Se-methionine.« less

  2. Metabolic products of microorganisms. 184. On the mode of action of cladosporin.

    PubMed

    Anke, H

    1979-09-01

    Cladosporin, a fungal isocoumarin derivative, strongly inhibits the uptake and thereby the incorporation of uracil and leucine into cells of Bacillus brevis and the incorporation of uridine but not leucine into cells of the ascitic form of Ehrlich carcinoma (ECA) of mice. Normal uptake was not restored by removal of the antibiotic. In cells of Escherichia coli A 19-15 (met-) the inhibition of methionine uptake is associated with the cessation of growth. In a methionine-prototrophic revertant from this organism, the uptake of methionine is still inhibited; growth, however, is hardly affected by cladosporin. In vitro no effect on the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from E. coli and on the RNA polymerase II from wheat germ could be detected. The poly(U)-directed poly(Phe) synthesis was also not inhibited by cladosporin. It is concluded that cladosporin inhibits uptake processes which, for the case of essential nutrients, leads to loss of viability.

  3. Development and validation of a hydrophilic interaction chromatography-mass spectrometry assay for taurine and methionine in matrices rich in carbohydrates.

    PubMed

    de Person, Marine; Hazotte, Aurélie; Elfakir, Claire; Lafosse, Michel

    2005-07-22

    A new procedure based on hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (ionisation process by pneumatically assisted electrospray in negative ion mode), is developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of underivatised taurine and methionine in beverages rich in carbohydrates such as energy drinks. No initial clean-up procedure and no sample derivatisation are required. Satisfactory analysis was obtained on an Astec apHera NH2 (150 mm x 4.6 mm; 5 microm) column with methanol-water (60/40) as mobile phase. The method was validated in terms of specificity, detection limits, linearity, accuracy, precision and stability, using threonine as internal standard. The potential effects of matrix and endogenous amino acid content were also examined. The limits of detection in the beverage varied from 20 microg L(-1) for taurine to 50 micro L(-1) for methionine.

  4. Enzymatic preparation of. cap alpha. - and. beta. -deuterated or tritiated amino acids with l-methionine. gamma. -lyase

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

    Esaki, N.; Sawada, S.; Tanaka, H.

    L-Methionine ..gamma..-lyase catalyzes the exchange of ..cap alpha..- and ..beta..-hydrogens of L-methionine and S-methyl-L-cysteine with deuterium or tritium of solvents. The rate of ..cap alpha..-hydrogen exchange with deuterium was about 40 times faster than that of the elimination reactions. The deuterium and tritium were exchanged also with the ..cap alpha..- and ..beta..-hydrogens of the straight-chain amino acids which do not undergo the elimination: L-alanine, L-..cap alpha..-aminobutyrate, L-norvaline, and L-norleucine. No exchange occurs for the D-isomers, acidic L-amino acids, basic L-amino acids, and branched-chain L-amino acids, although ..cap alpha..-hydrogen of glycine, L-trypotophan, and L-phenylalanine is exchanged slowly. These enzymatic hydrogen-exchange reactionsmore » facilitate specific labeling of the L-amino acids with deuterium and tritium.« less

  5. Metabolomics reveals impaired maturation of HDL particles in adolescents with hyperinsulinaemic androgen excess

    PubMed Central

    Samino, Sara; Vinaixa, Maria; Díaz, Marta; Beltran, Antoni; Rodríguez, Miguel A.; Mallol, Roger; Heras, Mercedes; Cabre, Anna; Garcia, Lorena; Canela, Nuria; de Zegher, Francis; Correig, Xavier; Ibáñez, Lourdes; Yanes, Oscar

    2015-01-01

    Hyperinsulinaemic androgen excess (HIAE) in prepubertal and pubertal girls usually precedes a broader pathological phenotype in adulthood that is associated with anovulatory infertility, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The metabolic derangements that determine these long-term health risks remain to be clarified. Here we use NMR and MS-based metabolomics to show that serum levels of methionine sulfoxide in HIAE girls are an indicator of the degree of oxidation of methionine-148 residue in apolipoprotein-A1. Oxidation of apo-A1 in methionine-148, in turn, leads to an impaired maturation of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) that is reflected in a decline of large HDL particles. Notably, such metabolic alterations occur in the absence of impaired glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia, and were partially restored after 18 months of treatment with a low-dose combination of pioglitazone, metformin and flutamide. PMID:26099471

  6. Metabolomics reveals impaired maturation of HDL particles in adolescents with hyperinsulinaemic androgen excess.

    PubMed

    Samino, Sara; Vinaixa, Maria; Díaz, Marta; Beltran, Antoni; Rodríguez, Miguel A; Mallol, Roger; Heras, Mercedes; Cabre, Anna; Garcia, Lorena; Canela, Nuria; de Zegher, Francis; Correig, Xavier; Ibáñez, Lourdes; Yanes, Oscar

    2015-06-23

    Hyperinsulinaemic androgen excess (HIAE) in prepubertal and pubertal girls usually precedes a broader pathological phenotype in adulthood that is associated with anovulatory infertility, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The metabolic derangements that determine these long-term health risks remain to be clarified. Here we use NMR and MS-based metabolomics to show that serum levels of methionine sulfoxide in HIAE girls are an indicator of the degree of oxidation of methionine-148 residue in apolipoprotein-A1. Oxidation of apo-A1 in methionine-148, in turn, leads to an impaired maturation of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) that is reflected in a decline of large HDL particles. Notably, such metabolic alterations occur in the absence of impaired glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia, and were partially restored after 18 months of treatment with a low-dose combination of pioglitazone, metformin and flutamide.

  7. Evaluation of focal cortical dysplasia and mixed neuronal and glial tumors in pediatric epilepsy patients using 18F-FDG and 11C-methionine pet.

    PubMed

    Phi, Ji Hoon; Paeng, Jin Chul; Lee, Hyo Sang; Wang, Kyu-Chang; Cho, Byung-Kyu; Lee, Ji-Yeoun; Park, Sung-Hye; Lee, Joongyub; Lee, Dong Soo; Kim, Seung-Ki

    2010-05-01

    Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and mixed neuronal and glial tumors share many clinical characteristics; therefore, the presurgical differential diagnosis of these diseases using MRI is difficult in some cases. The aim of this study was to determine whether (11)C-methionine PET, compared with (18)F-FDG PET, was useful for the evaluation of these diseases. The clinical and imaging data of 30 pediatric lesional epilepsy patients pathologically diagnosed with FCD, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT), or ganglioglioma were reviewed. Eleven patients had FCD, 8 patients had a DNT, and 11 patients had a ganglioglioma. (18)F-FDG and (11)C-methinine PET scans were obtained from 25 patients and 15 patients, respectively. Visual grading analysis and quantitative assessment of (18)F-FDG and (11)C-methionine PET, represented as a lesion-to-gray matter ratio (LGR), were performed. In the visual grading analysis, both (18)F-FDG PET and (11)C-methionine PET detected a significant difference among the 3 disease groups (P = 0.033 and P = 0.016, respectively), but discrimination of FCD from mixed neuronal and glial tumors was possible only with (11)C-methionine PET. The mean LGR of (18)F-FDG PET was 0.502 +/- 0.119 for FCD, 0.631 +/- 0.107 for DNTs, and 0.620 +/- 0.196 for gangliogliomas; there was no significant difference in LGR among the groups (P = 0.111). However, the mean LGR of (11)C-methionine PET was 1.078 +/- 0.182 for FCD, 1.564 +/- 0.368 for DNT, and 2.114 +/- 0.723 for gangliogliomas; there was a significant difference in LGR among the groups (P = 0.014). Post hoc analysis revealed that the LGR of FCD was significantly different from that of DNTs and gangliogliomas. The mean LGR value of DNTs fell between those of FCD and gangliogliomas. Although (18)F-FDG plays a major role in the preoperative work-up of epilepsy surgery patients, it appears from this study that (18)F-FDG does not contribute to the differential diagnosis and that another tracer such as (11)C-methinine is required. (11)C-methinine PET results correlated well with the pathologic spectrum in pediatric lesional epilepsy patients.

  8. Effects of fat and/or methionine hydroxy analog added to a molasses-urea-based supplement on ruminal and postruminal digestion and duodenal flow of nutrients in beef steers consuming low-quality lovegrass hay

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Five crossbred beef steers (initial BW = 338.6 ± 7.8 kg) fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design experiment to evaluate the effects of methionine hydroxy analog (MHA) and/or yellow grease (fat) added to a molassesurea-based supplement on intake and characte...

  9. Proceedings of the Conference on Environmental Toxicology (9th), 28, 29, and 30 March 1979

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-08-01

    collected on all persons by the method of saline induction. All samples were analyzed in the laboratory of Dr. Geno Saccomanno, Grand Junction, Colorado...hydrazine was labeled by 1 4 C-methyl-methionine to a greater extent than in saline -treated animals. In the current studies, young adult fasted male...METHIONINE: COMPARISON TO METHYLATION IN HYDRAZINE- AND MMH-TREATED RATS 7-Methylguanine Content Treatment (pMole/Mole Guanine) Saline 0 (None

  10. Clinical Trials: D-Methionine to Reduce Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. Phase 3

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-03-01

    placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical trial of oral D-met to reduce noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus . The goal of the study is to...primary objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of D-Met in preventing NIHL or reducing tinnitus secondary to a minimum of 500 rounds...an oral, orange flavored suspension of D-methionine can prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus in our troops. Hypotheses

  11. 11C-Methionine Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Versus 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Evaluation of Residual or Recurrent World Health Organization Grades II and III Meningioma After Treatment.

    PubMed

    Tomura, Noriaki; Saginoya, Toshiyuki; Goto, Hiromi

    2018-04-02

    The aim of this study was to determine the assessment of positron emission tomography-computed tomography using C-methionine (MET PET/CT) for World Health Organization (WHO) grades II and III meningiomas; MET PET/CT was compared with PET/CT using F-fluorodeoxy glucose (FDG PET/CT). This study was performed in 17 cases with residual and/or recurrent WHO grades II and III meningiomas. Two neuroradiologists reviewed both PET/CT scans. For agreement, the κ coefficient was measured. Difference in tumor-to-normal brain uptake ratios (T/N ratios) between 2 PET/CT scans was analyzed. Correlation between the maximum tumor size and T/N ratio in PET/CT was studied. For agreement by both reviewers, the κ coefficient was 0.51 (P < 0.05). The T/N ratio was significantly higher for MET PET/CT (3.24 ± 1.36) than for FDG PET/CT (0.93 ± 0.44) (P < 0.01). C-methionine ratio significantly correlated with tumor size (y = 8.1x + 16.3, n = 22, P < 0.05), but FDG ratio did not CONCLUSIONS: C-methionine PET/CT has superior potential for imaging of WHO grades II and III meningiomas with residual or recurrent tumors compared with FDG PET/CT.

  12. Thermodynamic Effects of Noncoded and Coded Methionine Substitutions in Calmodulin

    PubMed Central

    Yamniuk, Aaron P.; Ishida, Hiroaki; Lippert, Dustin; Vogel, Hans J.

    2009-01-01

    The methionine residues in the calcium (Ca2+) regulatory protein calmodulin (CaM) are structurally and functionally important. They are buried within the N- and C-domains of apo-CaM but become solvent-exposed in Ca2+-CaM, where they interact with numerous target proteins. Previous structural studies have shown that methionine substitutions to the noncoded amino acids selenomethionine, ethionine, or norleucine, or mutation to leucine do not impact the main chain structure of CaM. Here we used differential scanning calorimetry to show that these substitutions enhance the stability of both domains, with the largest increase in melting temperature (19–26°C) achieved with leucine or norleucine in the apo-C-domain. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments also revealed the loss of a slow conformational exchange process in the Leu-substituted apo-C-domain. In addition, isothermal titration calorimetry experiments revealed considerable changes in the enthalpy and entropy of target binding to apo-CaM and Ca2+-CaM, but the free energy of binding was largely unaffected due to enthalpy-entropy compensation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that noncoded and coded methionine substitutions can be accommodated in CaM because of the structural plasticity of the protein. However, adjustments in side-chain packing and dynamics lead to significant differences in protein stability and the thermodynamics of target binding. PMID:19217866

  13. Sulfur deficiency changes mycosporine-like amino acid (MAA) composition of Anabaena variabilis PCC 7937: a possible role of sulfur in MAA bioconversion.

    PubMed

    Singh, Shailendra P; Klisch, Manfred; Sinha, Rajeshwar P; Häder, Donat-Peter

    2010-01-01

    In the present investigation we show for the first time that bioconversion of a primary mycosporine-like amino acid (MAA) into a secondary MAA is regulated by sulfur deficiency in the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis PCC 7937. This cyanobacterium synthesizes the primary MAA shinorine (RT = 2.2 min, lambda(max) = 334 nm) under normal conditions (PAR + UV-A + UV-B); however, under sulfur deficiency, a secondary MAA palythine-serine (RT = 3.9 min, lambda(max) = 320 nm) appears. Addition of methionine to sulfur-deficient cultures resulted in the disappearance of palythine-serine, suggesting the role of primary MAAs under sulfur deficiency in recycling of methionine by donating the methyl group from the glycine subunit of shinorine to tetrahydrofolate to regenerate the methionine from homocysteine. This is also the first report for the synthesis of palythine-serine by cyanobacteria which has so far been reported only from corals. Addition of methionine also affected the conversion of mycosporine-glycine into shinorine, consequently, resulted in the appearance of mycosporine-glycine (RT = 3.6 min, lambda(max) = 310 nm). Our results also suggest that palythine-serine is synthesized from shinorine. Based on these results we propose that glycine decarboxylase is the potential enzyme that catalyzes the bioconversion of shinorine to palythine-serine by decarboxylation and demethylation of the glycine unit of shinorine.

  14. Methionine and Choline Supply during the Periparturient Period Alter Plasma Amino Acid and One-Carbon Metabolism Profiles to Various Extents: Potential Role in Hepatic Metabolism and Antioxidant Status.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Zheng; Vailati-Riboni, Mario; Luchini, Daniel N; Loor, Juan J

    2016-12-29

    The objective of this study was to profile plasma amino acids (AA) and derivatives of their metabolism during the periparturient period in response to supplemental rumen-protected methionine (MET) or rumen-protected choline (CHOL). Forty cows were fed from -21 through 30 days around parturition in a 2 × 2 factorial design a diet containing MET or CHOL. MET supply led to greater circulating methionine and proportion of methionine in the essential AA pool, total AA, and total sulfur-containing compounds. Lysine in total AA also was greater in these cows, indicating a better overall AA profile. Sulfur-containing compounds (cystathionine, cystine, homocystine, and taurine) were greater in MET-fed cows, indicating an enriched sulfur-containing compound pool due to enhanced transsulfuration activity. Circulating essential AA and total AA concentrations were greater in cows supplied MET due to greater lysine, arginine, tryptophan, threonine, proline, asparagine, alanine, and citrulline. In contrast, CHOL supply had no effect on essential AA or total AA, and only tryptophan and cystine were greater. Plasma 3-methylhistidine concentration was lower in response to CHOL supply, suggesting less tissue protein mobilization in these cows. Overall, the data revealed that enhanced periparturient supply of MET has positive effects on plasma AA profiles and overall antioxidant status.

  15. Effects of transgenic expression of Brevibacterium linens methionine gamma lyase (MGL) on accumulation of Tylenchulus semipenetrans and key aminoacid contents in Carrizo citrange.

    PubMed

    Castillo, Elenor; Martinelli, Federico; Zakharov-Negre, Florence; Ebeler, Susan E; Buzo, Tom R; McKenry, Michael V; Dandekar, Abhaya M

    2017-11-01

    Carrizo transgenic plants overexpressing methionine-gamma-lyase produced dimethyl sulfide. The transgenic plants displayed more resistance to nematode attacks (Tylenculus semipenetrans) and may represent an innovative strategy for nematode control. Tylenchulus semipenetrans is a nematode pest of many citrus varieties that causes extensive damage to commercial crops worldwide. Carrizo citrange vr. (Citrus sinensis L. Usb × Poncirus trifoliate L. Raf) plants overexpressing Brevibacterium linens methionine-gamma-lyase (BlMGL) produced the sulfur volatile compound dimethyl sulfide (DMS). The aim of this work was to determine if transgenic citrus plants expressing BlMGL showed increased tolerance to T. semipenetrans infestation and to determine the effect on the content of key amino acids. While transgenic lines emitted dimethyl sulfide from leaves and roots, no sulfur-containing volatiles were detectable in wild-type Carrizo in the same tissues. Significant changes detected some key amino acids from leaves of transgenic plants such as aspartate, lysine, glycine, leucine and threonine with no changes in the amounts of methionine and α-ketobutyrate. In roots only glycine showed significant changes across all transgenic lines in comparison to wild-type plants. Transgenic plants expressing BlMGL and emitting DMS had less T. semipenetrans aggregation and more biomass than infected WT control plants, indicating that they may represent an innovative management alternative to pesticide/nematicide-based remedies.

  16. Synthesis and study of catalytic application of l-methionine protected gold nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Raza, Akif; Javed, Safdar; Qureshi, Muhammad Zahid; khan, Muhammad Usman; Khan, Muhammad Saleem

    2017-10-01

    Gold nanoparticle is growing class of nanotechnology due to large number of uses. We synthesized stable l-methionine protected gold nanoparticles (AuNps) by in situ reduction of HAuCl4 using sodium borohydrate as reducing and l-methionine as stabilizing agent in an aqueous medium. Different parameters (pH, capping agent, precursor salt, and heating time) were optimized to see the effect on the size of particles. Double beam spectrophotometer was used to carry out the spectroscopic studies. It was observed that pH and concentration of reducing salt are deciding factors in controlling the size and morphology of AuNps. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) verified the formation of AuNPs as predicted by UV-Vis spectra. The interaction of AuNPs with l-methionine was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The reduction of 4-nitrophenol acted as standard of reaction to check the response of AuNps catalyst. Complete reduction of 4-nitrophenol was accomplished by AuNps sol in just 60 s. Fastest reduction rate was observed with smaller spherical particles. This study concluded that size and shape of AuNps can be monitored by controlling the pH, concentration of capping and reducing agent. It also provides an economical solution to aquatic environment in terms of time saving and use of small volume of catalytic solution for reduction of several other toxic organic pollutants.

  17. An integrative analysis of tissue-specific transcriptomic and metabolomic responses to short-term dietary methionine restriction in mice

    PubMed Central

    Ghosh, Sujoy; Forney, Laura A.; Wanders, Desiree; Stone, Kirsten P.

    2017-01-01

    Dietary methionine restriction (MR) produces a coordinated series of transcriptional responses in peripheral tissues that limit fat accretion, remodel lipid metabolism in liver and adipose tissue, and improve overall insulin sensitivity. Hepatic sensing of reduced methionine leads to induction and release of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), which acts centrally to increase sympathetic tone and activate thermogenesis in adipose tissue. FGF21 also has direct effects in adipose to enhance glucose uptake and oxidation. However, an understanding of how the liver senses and translates reduced dietary methionine into these transcriptional programs remains elusive. A comprehensive systems biology approach integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic readouts in MR-treated mice confirmed that three interconnected mechanisms (fatty acid transport and oxidation, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation) were activated in MR-treated inguinal adipose tissue. In contrast, the effects of MR in liver involved up-regulation of anti-oxidant responses driven by the nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 transcription factor, NFE2L2. Metabolomic analysis provided evidence for redox imbalance, stemming from large reductions in the master anti-oxidant molecule glutathione coupled with disproportionate increases in ophthalmate and its precursors, glutamate and 2-aminobutyrate. Thus, cysteine and its downstream product, glutathione, emerge as key early hepatic signaling molecules linking dietary MR to its metabolic phenotype. PMID:28520765

  18. Studies on the protein and sulfur amino acid requirements of young bobwhite quail

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Serafin, J.A.

    1977-01-01

    Four experiments were conducted with purified diets to examine the influence of protein level and to estimate the sulfur amino acid (S.A.A.) requirement of young Bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus). These studies demonstrated (I) that 26% protein was sufficient for rapid growth when the diet was supplemented with methionine; (2) that diets containing higher levels of protein (29.3% and 31.3%) failed to support satisfactory growth unless they contained supplemental methionine; and (3) that young Bobwhite quail require no more than 1.0% sulfur-containing amino acids for optimal growth and efficiency of feed utilization. A fifth experiment was conducted to examine the protein and S.A.A. requirements of young Bobwhite quail using practical rations and to compare results with those obtained with purified diets. Diets containing 24%, 26% and 28% protein were supplied with and without supplemental methionine in a five week study. Results showed significant growth responses to protein and supplemental methionine. Responses showed that Bobwhite quail require no more than 26% protein for maximum growth and efficiency of feed utilization when the S.A.A. level of the diet was approximately 1.0%. The results were in close agreement with those obtained with purified diets. These findings define more precisely than had been known the quantitative requirements of young Bobwhite quail for protein and for the S.A.A. necessary for optimal growth.

  19. Methionine and Choline Supply during the Periparturient Period Alter Plasma Amino Acid and One-Carbon Metabolism Profiles to Various Extents: Potential Role in Hepatic Metabolism and Antioxidant Status

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Zheng; Vailati-Riboni, Mario; Luchini, Daniel N.; Loor, Juan J.

    2016-01-01

    The objective of this study was to profile plasma amino acids (AA) and derivatives of their metabolism during the periparturient period in response to supplemental rumen-protected methionine (MET) or rumen-protected choline (CHOL). Forty cows were fed from −21 through 30 days around parturition in a 2 × 2 factorial design a diet containing MET or CHOL. MET supply led to greater circulating methionine and proportion of methionine in the essential AA pool, total AA, and total sulfur-containing compounds. Lysine in total AA also was greater in these cows, indicating a better overall AA profile. Sulfur-containing compounds (cystathionine, cystine, homocystine, and taurine) were greater in MET-fed cows, indicating an enriched sulfur-containing compound pool due to enhanced transsulfuration activity. Circulating essential AA and total AA concentrations were greater in cows supplied MET due to greater lysine, arginine, tryptophan, threonine, proline, asparagine, alanine, and citrulline. In contrast, CHOL supply had no effect on essential AA or total AA, and only tryptophan and cystine were greater. Plasma 3-methylhistidine concentration was lower in response to CHOL supply, suggesting less tissue protein mobilization in these cows. Overall, the data revealed that enhanced periparturient supply of MET has positive effects on plasma AA profiles and overall antioxidant status. PMID:28036059

  20. Hyperhomocysteinemia following a methionine load in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and macrovascular disease.

    PubMed

    Munshi, M N; Stone, A; Fink, L; Fonseca, V

    1996-01-01

    In the setting of an outpatient diabetic clinic, we determined whether macrovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus is associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (elevated plasma homocysteine [H(e)] concentrations) following a methionine load. Methionine-load tests were performed in 18 healthy controls, 11 diabetics without vascular disease (five insulin-dependent [IDDM] and six non-insulin-dependent [NIDDM]); and 17 diabetics with vascular disease (five IDDM and 12 NIDDM). All subjects were male, and there was no significant difference in mean age among the three groups. We measured plasma H(e) concentrations before and 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after an oral methionine load. Hyperhomocysteinemia (peak plasma H(e) concentration > control mean +/- 2 SD) occurred with significantly greater frequency (seven of 18, 39%) in patients with NIDDM as compared with age-matched controls (7%), being more common in those with macrovascular disease (five of 12, 41%). The area under the curve (AUC) over 24 hours, reflecting the total period of exposure to H(e), was also elevated with greater frequency in patients with NIDDM and macrovascular disease (33%) as compared with controls (0%). We conclude that hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with macrovascular disease in a significant proportion of patients with NIDDM. Further investigation of this association may determine whether hyperhomocysteinemia contributes to the increased frequency and accelerated clinical course of vascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.

  1. Comparative proteomics analysis of the rice roots colonized by Herbaspirillum seropedicae strain SmR1 reveals induction of the methionine recycling in the plant host.

    PubMed

    Alberton, Dayane; Müller-Santos, Marcelo; Brusamarello-Santos, Liziane Cristina Campos; Valdameri, Glaucio; Cordeiro, Fabio Aparecido; Yates, Marshall Geoffrey; de Oliveira Pedrosa, Fabio; de Souza, Emanuel Maltempi

    2013-11-01

    Although the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria in agriculture is a reality, the molecular basis of plant-bacterial interaction is still poorly understood. We used a proteomic approach to study the mechanisms of interaction of Herbaspirillum seropedicae SmR1 with rice. Root proteins of rice seedlings inoculated or noninoculated with H. seropedicae were separated by 2-D electrophoresis. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF and MASCOT program. Among the identified proteins of H. seropedicae, the dinitrogenase reductase NifH and glutamine synthetase GlnA, which participate in nitrogen fixation and ammonium assimilation, respectively, were the most abundant. The rice proteins up-regulated included the S-adenosylmethionine synthetase, methylthioribose kinase, and acireductone dioxygenase 1, all of which are involved in the methionine recycling. S-Adenosylmethionine synthetase catalyzes the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine, an intermediate used in transmethylation reactions and in ethylene, polyamine, and phytosiderophore biosynthesis. RT-qPCR analysis also confirmed that the methionine recycling and phytosiderophore biosynthesis genes were up-regulated, while ACC oxidase mRNA level was down-regulated in rice roots colonized by bacteria. In agreement with these results, ethylene production was reduced approximately three-fold in rice roots colonized by H. seropedicae. The results suggest that H. seropedicae stimulates methionine recycling and phytosiderophore synthesis and diminishes ethylene synthesis in rice roots.

  2. Natural variation in a single amino acid substitution underlies physiological responses to topoisomerase II poisons.

    PubMed

    Zdraljevic, Stefan; Strand, Christine; Seidel, Hannah S; Cook, Daniel E; Doench, John G; Andersen, Erik C

    2017-07-01

    Many chemotherapeutic drugs are differentially effective from one patient to the next. Understanding the causes of this variability is a critical step towards the development of personalized treatments and improvements to existing medications. Here, we investigate sensitivity to a group of anti-neoplastic drugs that target topoisomerase II using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that wild strains of C. elegans vary in their sensitivity to these drugs, and we use an unbiased genetic approach to demonstrate that this natural variation is explained by a methionine-to-glutamine substitution in topoisomerase II (TOP-2). The presence of a non-polar methionine at this residue increases hydrophobic interactions between TOP-2 and its poison etoposide, as compared to a polar glutamine. We hypothesize that this stabilizing interaction results in increased genomic instability in strains that contain a methionine residue. The residue affected by this substitution is conserved from yeast to humans and is one of the few differences between the two human topoisomerase II isoforms (methionine in hTOPIIα and glutamine in hTOPIIβ). We go on to show that this amino acid difference between the two human topoisomerase isoforms influences cytotoxicity of topoisomerase II poisons in human cell lines. These results explain why hTOPIIα and hTOPIIβ are differentially affected by various poisons and demonstrate the utility of C. elegans in understanding the genetics of drug responses.

  3. Protein expression of pectoralis major muscle in chickens in response to dietary methionine status.

    PubMed

    Corzo, A; Kidd, M T; Dozier, W A; Shack, L A; Burgess, S C

    2006-04-01

    The present study evaluated the effect of dietary methionine on breast-meat accretion and protein expression in skeletal muscle of broiler chickens in vivo. All broilers received a common pre-test diet up to 21 d of age, and were subsequently fed either a methionine-deficient (MD) or -adequate (MA) diet (3.1 v. 4.5 g/kg diet) from age 21 to 42 d. Dietary cystine levels were 3.7 v. 3.6 g/kg diet for the MD and MA diet, respectively. Detrimental effects on carcass yield (P=0.004), abdominal fat percentage (P=0.001), and breast-meat weight (P=0.001), yield (P=0.001), and uniformity (P=0.002) were observed and validated in birds fed MD diets. Via tandem MS, a total of 190 individual proteins were identified from pectoralis major (PM) muscle tissue. From the former composite, peptides from three proteins were observed to be present exclusively in breast muscle from those chickens fed the MD diet (pyruvate kinase, myosin alkali light chain-1, ribosomal-protein-L-29). No proteins were observed to be uniquely expressed in chickens fed MA diets. Research is warranted to further explore the possibility of the proteins pyruate kinase, myosin alkali light chain-1, or ribosomal protein L-29, as potential biological indicators of differences in protein expression of PM of chickens in response to a dietary methionine deficiency.

  4. Effects of rumen-protected methionine and choline supplementation on steroidogenic potential of the first postpartum dominant follicle and expression of immune mediators in Holstein cows.

    PubMed

    Acosta, D A V; Rivelli, M I; Skenandore, C; Zhou, Z; Keisler, D H; Luchini, D; Corrêa, M N; Cardoso, F C

    2017-07-01

    Multiparous Holstein cows were assigned in a randomized complete block design into four treatments from 21 d before calving to 30 d in milk (DIM). Treatments were: MET [n = 19, fed the basal diet + rumen-protected methionine at a rate of 0.08% (w/w) of the dry matter, Smartamine ® M], CHO (n = 17, fed the basal diet + choline 60 g/d, Reashure ® ), MIX (n = 21, fed the basal diet + Smartamine ® M at a rate of 0.08% (w/w) of the dry matter and 60 g/d Reashure ® ), and CON (n = 20, no supplementation, fed the close-up and fresh cow diets). Follicular development was monitored via ultrasound every 2 d starting at 7 DIM until ovulation (n = 37) or aspiration (n = 40) of the first postpartum dominant follicle (DF). Follicular fluid from 40 cows was aspirated and cells were retrieved immediately by centrifugation. Gene expression of TLR4, TNF, IL1-β, IL8, IL6, LHCGR, STAR, 3β-HSD, P450scc, CYP19A1, IRS1, IGF, MAT1A, and SAHH, was measured in the follicular cells of the first DF. Cows in CON had higher TNF, TLR4, and IL1-β mRNA expression (11.70 ± 4.6, 21.29 ± 10.4, 6.28 ± 1.4, respectively) than CHO (2.77 ± 0.9, 2.16 ± 0.9, 2.29 ± 0.7, respectively), and MIX (2.23 ± 0.7, 1.46 ± 0.6, 2.92 ± 0.8, respectively). Cows in CON had higher IL1-β expression (6.27 ± 1.4) than cows in MET (3.28 ± 0.6). Expression of IL8 mRNA was lower for cows in CHO (0.98 ± 0.3) than cows in CON (4.90 ± 0.7), MET (6.10 ± 1.7), or MIX (5.05 ± 1.8). Treatments did not affect mRNA expression of LHCGR, STAR, P450scc, CYP19A, SAHH, MAT1A, or IL6 however, 3β-HSD expression was higher for cows in MET (1.46 ± 0.3) and MIX (1.25 ± 0.3) than CON (0.17 ± 0.04) and CHO (0.26 ± 0.1). Supplementation of methionine, choline, and both methionine and choline during the transition period did not affect days to first ovulation or number of cows that ovulated the first follicular wave. Plasma and follicular fluid estradiol and progesterone concentrations were not different among treatments. Methionine concentrations in the follicular fluid of the first postpartum DF was higher for cows in MET (18.2 ± 0.1 μM) than cows in CON (11.1 ± 0.9 μM). In conclusion, supplementing choline and methionine during the transition period changed mRNA expression in follicular cells and dietary methionine supplementation increased plasma and follicular fluid concentrations of methionine of the first postpartum DF in Holstein cows. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. The effect of antioxidants on quantitative changes of lysine and methionine in linoleic acid emulsions at different pH conditions.

    PubMed

    Hęś, Marzanna; Gliszczyńska-Świgło, Anna; Gramza-Michałowska, Anna

    2017-01-01

    Plants are an important source of phenolic compounds. The antioxidant capacities of green tea, thyme and rosemary extracts that contain these compounds have been reported earlier. However, there is a lack of accessible information about their activity against lipid oxidation in emulsions and inhibit the interaction of lipid oxidation products with amino acids. Therefore, the influence of green tea, thyme and rosemary extracts and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) on quantitative changes in lysine and methionine in linoleic acid emulsions at a pH of isoelectric point and a pH lower than the isoelectric point of amino acids was investigated. Total phenolic contents in plant extracts were determined spectrophotometrically by using Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent, and individual phenols by using HPLC. The level of oxidation of emulsion was determined using the measurement of peroxides and TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). Methionine and lysine in the system were reacted with sodium nitroprusside and trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid respectively, and the absorbance of the complexes was measured. Extract of green tea had the highest total polyphenol content. The system containing antioxidants and amino acid protected linoleic acid more efficiently than by the addition of antioxidants only. Lysine and methionine losses in samples without the addition of antioxidants were lower in their isoelectric points than below these points. Antioxidants decrease the loss of amino acids. The protective properties of antioxidants towards methionine were higher in a pH of isoelectric point whereas towards lysine in pH below this point. Green tea, thyme and rosemary extracts exhibit antioxidant activity in linoleic acid emulsions. Moreover, they can be utilized to inhibit quantitative changes in amino acids in lipid emulsions. However, the antioxidant efficiency of these extracts seems to depend on pH conditions. Further investigations should be carried out to clarify this issue.

  6. Effect of methionine and lactic acid bacteria as aflatoxin binder on broiler performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Istiqomah, Lusty; Damayanti, Ema; Julendra, Hardi; Suryani, Ade Erma; Sakti, Awistaros Angger; Anggraeni, Ayu Septi

    2017-06-01

    The use of aflatoxin binder product based amino acids, lacic acid bacteria, and natural product gived the opportunity to be an alternative biological decontamination of aflatoxins. A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of aflatoxin binder administration (amino acid methionine and lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum G7)) as feed additive on broiler performance. In this study, 75 Lohmann unsexed day old chicks were distributed randomly into 5 units of cages, each filled with 15 broilers. Five cages were assigned into 5 treatments groups and fed with feed contained aflatoxin. The treatments as follow: P1 (aflatoxin feed without aflatoxin binder), P3 (aflatoxin feed + 0.8% of methionine + 1% of LAB), P4 (aflatoxin feed + 1.2% of methionine + 1% of LAB), P5 (aflatoxin feed + 1% of LAB), and K0 (commercial feed). The measurement of aflatoxin content in feed was performed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay method using AgraQuant® Total Aflatoxin Assay Romer Labs procedure. The experimental period was 35 days with feeding and drinking ad libitum. LAB was administered into drinking water, while methionine into feed. Vaccination program of Newcastle Disease (ND) was using active vaccine at 4 and 18 day old, while Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) was given at 8 day old. Parameter of body weight was observed weekly, while feed consumption noted daily. The result showed that aflatoxin in feed for 35 days period did not significantly affect the body weight gain and feed conversion. The lowest percentage of organ damage at 21 day old was found in P5 treatment (55%), while at 35day old was found in P4 treatment (64%). It could be concluded that technological process of detoxifying aflatoxin could be applied in an attempt to reduce the effect on the toxicity of aflatoxin in poultry feed.

  7. Choline and methionine differentially alter methyl carbon metabolism in bovine neonatal hepatocytes

    PubMed Central

    Chandler, Tawny L.

    2017-01-01

    Intersections in hepatic methyl group metabolism pathways highlights potential competition or compensation of methyl donors. The objective of this experiment was to examine the expression of genes related to methyl group transfer and lipid metabolism in response to increasing concentrations of choline chloride (CC) and DL-methionine (DLM) in primary neonatal hepatocytes that were or were not exposed to fatty acids (FA). Primary hepatocytes isolated from 4 neonatal Holstein calves were maintained as monolayer cultures for 24 h before treatment with CC (61, 128, 2028, and 4528 μmol/L) and DLM (16, 30, 100, 300 μmol/L), with or without a 1 mmol/L FA cocktail in a factorial arrangement. After 24 h of treatment, media was collected for quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and cell lysates were collected for quantification of gene expression. No interactions were detected between CC, DLM, or FA. Both CC and DLM decreased the expression of methionine adenosyltransferase 1A (MAT1A). Increasing CC did not alter betaine-homocysteine S-methyltranferase (BHMT) but did increase 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase (MTR) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) expression. Increasing DLM decreased expression of BHMT and MTR, but did not affect MTHFR. Expression of both phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) were decreased by increasing CC and DLM, while carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) was unaffected by either. Treatment with FA decreased the expression of MAT1A, MTR, MTHFR and tended to decrease PEMT but did not affect BHMT and MTTP. Treatment with FA increased CPT1A expression. Increasing CC increased secretion of VLDL and decreased the accumulation of ROS in media. Within neonatal bovine hepatocytes, choline and methionine differentially regulate methyl carbon pathways and suggest that choline may play a critical role in donating methyl groups to support methionine regeneration. Stimulating VLDL export and decreasing ROS accumulation suggests that increasing CC is hepato-protective. PMID:28152052

  8. IkappaB is a sensitive target for oxidation by cell-permeable chloramines: inhibition of NF-kappaB activity by glycine chloramine through methionine oxidation.

    PubMed

    Midwinter, Robyn G; Cheah, Fook-Choe; Moskovitz, Jackob; Vissers, Margret C; Winterbourn, Christine C

    2006-05-15

    Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is produced by the neutrophil enzyme, myeloperoxidase, and reacts with amines to generate chloramines. These oxidants react readily with thiols and methionine and can affect cell-regulatory pathways. In the present study, we have investigated the ability of HOCl, glycine chloramine (Gly-Cl) and taurine chloramine (Tau-Cl) to oxidize IkappaBalpha, the inhibitor of NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB), and to prevent activation of the NF-kappaB pathway in Jurkat cells. Glycine chloramine (Gly-Cl) and HOCl were permeable to the cells as determined by oxidation of intracellular GSH and inactivation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, whereas Tau-Cl showed no detectable cell permeability. Both Gly-Cl (20-200 muM) and HOCl (50 microM) caused oxidation of IkappaBalpha methionine, measured by a shift in electrophoretic mobility, when added to the cells in Hanks buffer. In contrast, a high concentration of Tau-Cl (1 mM) in Hanks buffer had no effect. However, Tau-Cl in full medium did modify IkappaBalpha. This we attribute to chlorine exchange with other amines in the medium to form more permeable chloramines. Oxidation by Gly-Cl prevented IkappaBalpha degradation in cells treated with TNFalpha (tumour necrosis factor alpha) and inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. IkappaBalpha modification was reversed by methionine sulphoxide reductase, with both A and B forms required for complete reduction. Oxidized IkappaBalpha persisted intracellularly for up to 6 h. Reversion occurred in the presence of cycloheximide, but was prevented if thioredoxin reductase was inhibited, suggesting that it was due to endogenous methionine sulphoxide reductase activity. These results show that cell-permeable chloramines, either directly or when formed in medium, could regulate NF-kappaB activation via reversible IkappaBalpha oxidation.

  9. Cloning and Characterization of the Mouse Hepatitis Virus Receptor

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-02-11

    reactivity, but they are readily distinguishable by their host specificity and clinical syndromes . Analysis of murine coronaviruses indicates that...express the HE glycoprotein. The HE gene 23 of MHV-A59 lacks an initiator methionine , and cells infected with MHV-A59 do not make an RNA which would...hepatitis virus. MATERIALS AND METHODS Materials : All radioactive compounds used, a [32p] UTP, a (32P] dCTP, y [32P] ATP, [35S] - methionine and a [35S

  10. Chemoselective synthesis of functional homocysteine residues in polypeptides and peptides.

    PubMed

    Gharakhanian, Eric G; Deming, Timothy J

    2016-04-18

    A methodology was developed for efficient, chemoselective transformation of methionine residues into stable, functional homocysteine derivatives. Methionine residues can undergo highly chemoselective alkylation reactions at low pH to yield stable sulfonium ions, which could then be selectively demethylated to give stable alkyl homocysteine residues. This mild, two-step process is chemoselective, efficient, tolerates many functional groups, and provides a means for creation of new functional biopolymers, site-specific peptide tagging, and synthesis of biomimetic and structural analogs of peptides.

  11. An Essential Protein Repair Enzyme: Investigation of the Molecular Recognition Mechanism of Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-05-01

    4 ). The three-dimensional spatial orientation of the atoms for these resolved solution structures (Protein Data Bank accession codes: 2gt3...Crystal structure of the Escherichia coli peptide methionine sulphoxide reductase at 1.9 Å resolution . Struct. Fold. Des. 8: 1167 – 1178. 2 . Brot...sources (8). There is a 67% sequence identity between the E.coli and human MsrA ( 2 ). N-terminus C-terminus Figure 2 . Three-dimensional structure

  12. Involvement of the yciW gene in l-cysteine and l-methionine metabolism in Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Kawano, Yusuke; Ohtsu, Iwao; Tamakoshi, Ai; Shiroyama, Maeka; Tsuruoka, Ai; Saiki, Kyohei; Takumi, Kazuhiro; Nonaka, Gen; Nakanishi, Tsuyoshi; Hishiki, Takako; Suematsu, Makoto; Takagi, Hiroshi

    2015-03-01

    We here analyzed a sulfur index of Escherichia coli using LC-MS/MS combined with thiol-specific derivatization by monobromobimane. The obtained sulfur index was then applied to evaluate the L-cysteine producer. E. coli cells overexpressing the yciW gene, a novel Cys regulon, accumulated l-homocysteine, suggesting that YciW is involved in L-methionine biosynthesis. Copyright © 2014 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Transport and Assimilation of Nitrogen by Stichococcus bacillaris Grown in the Presence of Methionine Sulfoximine.

    PubMed

    Ahmad, I; Hellebust, J A

    1985-12-01

    Stichococcus bacillaris Naeg., a green soil alga, can grow in the presence of methionine sulfoximine (MSX), an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, by maintaining a high level of NADPH-glutamate dehydrogenase activity. MSX-grown cells can utilize both NH(4) (+) and NO(3) (-) as nitrogen source for growth. [(14)C]Methylammonium is not metabolized by S. bacillaris, and is transported by a carrier system that obeys Michaelis Menten kinetics, and is insensitive to MSX.

  14. Transport and Assimilation of Nitrogen by Stichococcus bacillaris Grown in the Presence of Methionine Sulfoximine 1

    PubMed Central

    Ahmad, Iftikhar; Hellebust, Johan A.

    1985-01-01

    Stichococcus bacillaris Naeg., a green soil alga, can grow in the presence of methionine sulfoximine (MSX), an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, by maintaining a high level of NADPH-glutamate dehydrogenase activity. MSX-grown cells can utilize both NH4+ and NO3− as nitrogen source for growth. [14C]Methylammonium is not metabolized by S. bacillaris, and is transported by a carrier system that obeys Michaelis Menten kinetics, and is insensitive to MSX. PMID:16664542

  15. Enzyme-triggered cargo release from methionine sulfoxide containing copolypeptide vesicles.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez, April R; Kramer, Jessica R; Deming, Timothy J

    2013-10-14

    We have developed a facile, scalable method for preparation of enzyme-responsive copolypeptide vesicles that requires no protecting groups or expensive components. We designed amphiphilic copolypeptides containing segments of water-soluble methionine sulfoxide, M(O), residues that were prepared by synthesis of a fully hydrophobic precursor diblock copolypeptide, poly(l-methionine)65-b-poly(L-leucine0.5-stat-L-phenylalanine0.5)20, M65(L0.5/F0.5)20, followed by its direct oxidation in water to give the amphiphilic M(O) derivative, M(O)65(L0.5/F0.5)20. Assembly of M(O)65(L0.5/F0.5)20 in water gave vesicles with average diameters of a few micrometers that could then be extruded to nanoscale diameters. The M(O) segments in the vesicles were found to be substrates for reductase enzymes, which regenerated hydrophobic M segments and resulted in a change in supramolecular morphology that caused vesicle disruption and release of cargos.

  16. Life-Span Extension in Mice by Preweaning Food Restriction and by Methionine Restriction in Middle Age

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Liou; Sadighi Akha, Amir A.; Miller, Richard A.

    2009-01-01

    Life span can be extended in rodents by restricting food availability (caloric restriction [CR]) or by providing food low in methionine (Meth-R). Here, we show that a period of food restriction limited to the first 20 days of life, via a 50% enlargement of litter size, shows extended median and maximal life span relative to mice from normal sized litters and that a Meth-R diet initiated at 12 months of age also significantly increases longevity. Furthermore, mice exposed to a CR diet show changes in liver messenger RNA patterns, in phosphorylation of Erk, Jnk2, and p38 kinases, and in phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin and its substrate 4EBP1, HE-binding protein 1 that are not observed in liver from age-matched Meth-R mice. These results introduce new protocols that can increase maximal life span and suggest that the spectrum of metabolic changes induced by low-calorie and low-methionine diets may differ in instructive ways. PMID:19414512

  17. Cyclic interconversion of methionine containing peptide between oxidized and reduced phases monitored by reversed-phase HPLC and ESI-MS/MS.

    PubMed

    Jin, Yulong; Huang, Yanyan; Xie, Yunfeng; Hu, Wenbing; Wang, Fuyi; Liu, Guoquan; Zhao, Rui

    2012-01-30

    The cyclic oxidation and reduction of methionine (Met) containing peptides and proteins play important roles in biological system. This work was contributed to analysis the cyclic oxidation and reduction processes of a methionine containing peptide which is very likely to relate in the cell signal transduction pathways. To mimic the biological oxidation condition, hydrogen peroxide was used as the reactive oxygen species to oxidize the peptide. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were employed to monitor the reactions and characterize the structural changes of the products. A rapid reduction procedure was developed by simply using KI as the reductant, which is green and highly efficient. By investigation of the cyclic oxidation and reduction process, our work provides a new perspective to study the function and mechanism of Met containing peptides and proteins during cell signaling processes as well as diseases. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Lean Body Mass Harbors Sensing Mechanisms that Allow Safeguarding of Methionine Homeostasis

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Protein-depleted states generate allosteric inhibition of liver cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), which governs the first enzymatic step of the transsulfuration cascade, resulting in upstream accretion of homocysteine (Hcy) in body fluids. A similar Hcy increase may arise from normal hepatocytes undergoing experimentally-induced impairment of betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHTM) activity or from components of lean body mass (LBM) submitted to any inflammatory disorder. LBM comprises a composite agglomeration of extrarenal tissues characterized by naturally occurring BHTM inactivity. As a result of cellular injury, LBM releases high concentrations of Hcy into the extracellular space, contrasting with the disruption of normal remethylation pathways. Hyperhomocysteinemia acts as a biomarker, reflecting the severity of insult and operating as an alarm signal. Elevated Hcy levels constitute a precursor pool recognized by a CBS coding region that reacts to meet increased methionine requirements in LBM tissues, using its enhanced production in hepatocytes. Preservation of methionine homeostasis benefits from its high metabolic priority and survival value. PMID:28930162

  19. Kinetic analysis of site-directed mutants of methionine synthase from Candida albicans

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

    Prasannan, Priya; Suliman, Huda S.; Robertus, Jon D., E-mail: jrobertus@mail.utexas.edu

    2009-05-15

    Fungal methionine synthase catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate to homocysteine to create methionine. The enzyme, called Met6p in fungi, is required for the growth of the pathogen Candida albicans, and is consequently a reasonable target for antifungal drug design. In order to understand the mechanism of this class of enzyme, we created a three-dimensional model of the C. albicans enzyme based on the known structure of the homologous enzyme from Arabidopsis thaliana. A fusion protein was created and shown to have enzyme activity similar to the wild-type Met6p. Fusion proteins containing mutations at eight key sitesmore » were expressed and assayed in this background. The D614 carboxylate appears to ion pair with the amino group of homocysteine and is essential for activity. Similarly, D504 appears to bind to the polar edge of the folate and is also required for activity. Other groups tested have lesser roles in substrate binding and catalysis.« less

  20. Lean Body Mass Harbors Sensing Mechanisms that Allow Safeguarding of Methionine Homeostasis.

    PubMed

    Ingenbleek, Yves

    2017-09-20

    Protein-depleted states generate allosteric inhibition of liver cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), which governs the first enzymatic step of the transsulfuration cascade, resulting in upstream accretion of homocysteine (Hcy) in body fluids. A similar Hcy increase may arise from normal hepatocytes undergoing experimentally-induced impairment of betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHTM) activity or from components of lean body mass (LBM) submitted to any inflammatory disorder. LBM comprises a composite agglomeration of extrarenal tissues characterized by naturally occurring BHTM inactivity. As a result of cellular injury, LBM releases high concentrations of Hcy into the extracellular space, contrasting with the disruption of normal remethylation pathways. Hyperhomocysteinemia acts as a biomarker, reflecting the severity of insult and operating as an alarm signal. Elevated Hcy levels constitute a precursor pool recognized by a CBS coding region that reacts to meet increased methionine requirements in LBM tissues, using its enhanced production in hepatocytes. Preservation of methionine homeostasis benefits from its high metabolic priority and survival value.

  1. Progress toward a reduced phage genetic code.

    PubMed

    Yao, Anzhi; Reed, Sean A; Koh, Minseob; Yu, Chenguang; Luo, Xiaozhou; Mehta, Angad P; Schultz, Peter G

    2018-03-26

    All known living organisms use at least 20 amino acids as the basic building blocks of life. Efforts to reduce the number of building blocks in a replicating system to below the 20 canonical amino acids have not been successful to date. In this work, we use filamentous phage as a model system to investigate the feasibility of removing methionine (Met) from the proteome. We show that all 24 elongation Met sites in the M13 phage genome can be replaced by other canonical amino acids. Most of these changes involve substitution of methionine by leucine (Leu), but in some cases additional compensatory mutations are required. Combining Met substituted sites in the proteome generally led to lower viability/infectivity of the mutant phages, which remains the major challenge in eliminating all methionines from the phage proteome. To date a total of 15 (out of all 24) elongation Mets have been simultaneously deleted from the M13 proteome, providing a useful foundation for future efforts to minimize the genetic code. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  2. Seed storage protein deficiency improves sulfur amino acid content in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): redirection of sulfur from gamma-glutamyl-S-methyl-cysteine.

    PubMed

    Taylor, Meghan; Chapman, Ralph; Beyaert, Ronald; Hernández-Sebastià, Cinta; Marsolais, Frédéric

    2008-07-23

    The contents of sulfur amino acids in seeds of common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are suboptimal for nutrition. They accumulate large amounts of a gamma-glutamyl dipeptide of S-methyl-cysteine, a nonprotein amino acid that cannot substitute for methionine or cysteine in the diet. Protein accumulation and amino acid composition were characterized in three genetically related lines integrating a progressive deficiency in major seed storage proteins, phaseolin, phytohemagglutinin, and arcelin. Nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur contents were comparable among the three lines. The contents of S-methyl-cysteine and gamma-glutamyl-S-methyl-cysteine were progressively reduced in the mutants. Sulfur was shifted predominantly to the protein cysteine pool, while total methionine was only slightly elevated. Methionine and cystine contents (mg per g protein) were increased by up to ca. 40%, to levels slightly above FAO guidelines on amino acid requirements for human nutrition. These findings may be useful to improve the nutritional quality of common bean.

  3. N-METHYL GROUPS IN BACTERIAL LIPIDS

    PubMed Central

    Goldfine, Howard; Ellis, Martha E.

    1964-01-01

    Goldfine, Howard (Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.), and Martha E. Ellis. N-methyl groups in bacterial lipids. J. Bacteriol. 87:8–15. 1964.—The ability of bacteria to synthesize lecithin was examined by measuring the incorporation of the methyl group of methionine into the water-soluble moieties obtained on acid hydrolysis of bacterial lipids. Of 21 species examined, mostly of the order Eubacteriales, only 2, Agrobacterium radiobacter and A. rhizogenes, incorporated the methyl group of methionine into lipid-bound choline. Evidence was also obtained for the formation of lipid-bound N-methylethanolamine and N,N′-dimethylethanolamine in these two organisms. Two other species, Clostridium butyricum and Proteus vulgaris, incorporated the methyl group of methionine into lipid-bound N-methylethanolamine, but did not appear to be able to further methylate these lipids to form lecithin. The results of this study lend further strength to the generalization that bacteria, with the exception of the genus Agrobacterium, are unable to synthesize lecithin. PMID:14102879

  4. Comparison of the Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities of Zigongdongdou Soybean and a High-Methionine Transgenic Line of This Cultivar

    PubMed Central

    Ji, Jun; Wu, Haiying; Meng, Fang; Zhang, Mingrong; Zheng, Xiaobo; Wu, Cunxiang; Zhang, Zhengguang

    2014-01-01

    Previous studies have shown that methionine from root exudates affects the rhizosphere bacterial population involved in soil nitrogen fixation. A transgenic line of Zigongdongdou soybean cultivar (ZD91) that expresses Arabidopsis cystathionine γ-synthase resulting in an increased methionine production was examined for its influence to the rhizosphere bacterial population. Using 16S rRNA gene-based pyrosequencing analysis of the V4 region and DNA extracted from bacterial consortia collected from the rhizosphere of soybean plants grown in an agricultural field at the pod-setting stage, we characterized the populational structure of the bacterial community involved. In total, 87,267 sequences (approximately 10,908 per sample) were analyzed. We found that Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Planctomycetes, Gemmatimonadetes, Firmicutes, and Verrucomicrobia constitute the dominant taxonomic groups in either the ZD91 transgenic line or parental cultivar ZD, and that there was no statistically significant difference in the rhizosphere bacterial community structure between the two cultivars. PMID:25079947

  5. Investigation into the misincorporation of norleucine into a recombinant protein vaccine candidate.

    PubMed

    Ni, Joyce; Gao, Meg; James, Andrew; Yao, Jiansheng; Yuan, Tao; Carpick, Bruce; D'Amore, Tony; Farrell, Patrick

    2015-06-01

    A high level of norleucine misincorporation was detected in a recombinant methionine-rich protein vaccine candidate expressed in E. coli K12. An investigation was conducted to evaluate a simple remediation strategy to reduce norleucine misincorporation and to determine if the phenomenon was either (a) due to the depletion of methionine during fermentation, (b) a result of the cultivation environment, or (c) a strain-specific effect. While supplementation with exogenous methionine improved product quality, the undesirable biosynthesis of non-standard amino acids such as norleucine and norvaline persisted. In contrast, non-standard amino acid biosynthesis was quickly minimized upon selection of an appropriate fed-batch process control strategy, fermentation medium, and nutrient feed. By expressing the same protein in E. coli BL21(DE3), it was determined that the biosynthesis of norleucine and norvaline, and the misincorporation of norleucine into the protein were primarily attributed to the use of E. coli K12 as the host for protein expression.

  6. Acceleration of selenium volatilization in seleniferous agricultural drainage sediments amended with methionine and casein.

    PubMed

    Bañuelos, G S; Lin, Z-Q

    2007-12-01

    Phytoremediation is potentially effective for managing excessive selenium (Se) in drainage sediment residing in the San Luis Drain in central California. This 2-year field study examined the feasibility of amending drainage sediment (containing 4.78microgSeg(-1)) with methionine and casein to enhance volatilization without or with vegetation of Sporobolus airoides. Results show that without organic amendments, rates of Se volatilization were less than 25microgm(-2)d(-1) in all plots. After amending the sediment with 71.4mgmethioninekg(-1) soil, Se volatilization rates were 434+/-107microgm(-2)d(-1) in vegetated plots and 289+/-117microgm(-2)d(-1) in irrigated bare plots. With the amendment of 572mgcaseinkg(-1) soil, rates increased to 346+/-103microgm(-2)d(-1) in irrigated bare plots and to 114+/-55microgm(-2)d(-1) in vegetated plots. Both methionine and casein promoted biological remediation of Se via volatilization most effectively during the warmest months.

  7. Advances in Bacterial Methionine Aminopeptidase Inhibition

    PubMed Central

    Helgren, Travis R.; Wangtrakuldee, Phumvadee; Staker, Bart L.; Hagen, Timothy J.

    2016-01-01

    Methionine aminopeptidases (MetAPs) are metalloenzymes that cleave the N-terminal methionine from newly synthesized peptides and proteins. These MetAP enzymes are present in bacteria, and knockout experiments have shown that MetAP activity is essential for cell life, suggesting that MetAPs are good antibacterial drug targets. MetAP enzymes are also present in the human host and selectivity is essential. There have been significant structural biology efforts and over 65 protein crystal structures of bacterial MetAPs are deposited into the PDB. This review highlights the available crystallographic data for bacterial MetAPs. Structural comparison of bacterial MetAPs with human MetAPs highlights differences that can lead to selectivity. In addition, this review includes the chemical diversity of molecules that bind and inhibit the bacterial MetAP enzymes. Analysis of the structural biology and chemical space of known bacterial MetAP inhibitors leads to a greater understanding of this antibacterial target and the likely development of potential antibacterial agents. PMID:26268344

  8. Effectiveness of quenchers to reduce radiolysis of (111)In- or (177)Lu-labelled methionine-containing regulatory peptides. Maintaining radiochemical purity as measured by HPLC.

    PubMed

    de Blois, Erik; Chan, Ho Sze; Konijnenberg, Mark; de Zanger, Rory; Breeman, Wouter A P

    2012-01-01

    An overview how to measure and to quantify radiolysis by the addition of quenchers and to maintain Radio-Chemical Purity (RCP) of vulnerable methionine-containing regulatory peptides is presented. High RCP was only achieved with a combination of quenchers. However, quantification of RCP is not standardized, and therefore comparison of radiolabelling and RCP of regulatory peptides between different HPLC-systems and between laboratories is cumbersome. Therefore we suggest a set of standardized requirements to quantify RCP by HPLC for radiolabelled DTPA- or DOTA-peptides. Moreover, a dosimetry model was developed to calculate the doses in the reaction vials during radiolabelling and storage of the radiopeptides, and to predict RCP in the presence and absence of quenchers. RCP was measured by HPLC, and a relation between radiation dose and radiolysis of RCP was established. The here described quenchers are tested individually as ƒ(concentration) to investigate efficacy to reduce radiolysis of radiolabelled methionine-containing regulatory peptides.

  9. Serum S-adenosylmethionine, but not methionine, increases in response to overfeeding in humans.

    PubMed

    Elshorbagy, A K; Jernerén, F; Samocha-Bonet, D; Refsum, H; Heilbronn, L K

    2016-01-25

    Plasma concentration of the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is linearly associated with body mass index (BMI) and fat mass. As SAM is a high-energy compound and a sensor of cellular nutrient status, we hypothesized that SAM would increase with overfeeding. Forty normal to overweight men and women were overfed by 1250 kcal per day for 28 days. Serum SAM increased from 106 to 130 nmol/l (P=0.006). In stratified analysis, only those with weight gain above the median (high-weight gainers; average weight gain 3.9±0.3 kg) had increased SAM (+42%, P=0.001), whereas low-weight gainers (weight gain 1.5±0.2 kg) did not (Pinteraction=0.018). Overfeeding did not alter serum concentrations of the SAM precursor, methionine or the products, S-adenosyl-homocysteine and homocysteine. The SAM/SAH (S-adenosylhomocysteine) ratio was unchanged in the total population, but increased in high-weight gainers (+52%, P=0.006, Pinteraction =0.005). Change in SAM correlated positively with change in weight (r=0.33, P=0.041) and fat mass (r=0.44, P=0.009), but not with change in protein intake or plasma methionine, glucose, insulin or low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol. Overfeeding raised serum SAM in proportion to the fat mass gained. The increase in SAM may help stabilize methionine levels, and denotes a responsiveness of SAM to nutrient state in humans. The role of SAM in human energy metabolism deserves further attention.

  10. Treatment of Creatine Transporter (SLC6A8) Deficiency With Oral S-Adenosyl Methionine as Adjunct to L-arginine, Glycine, and Creatine Supplements.

    PubMed

    Jaggumantri, Sravan; Dunbar, Mary; Edgar, Vanessa; Mignone, Cristina; Newlove, Theresa; Elango, Rajavel; Collet, Jean Paul; Sargent, Michael; Stockler-Ipsiroglu, Sylvia; van Karnebeek, Clara D M

    2015-10-01

    Creatine transporter (SLC6A8) deficiency is an X-linked inborn error of metabolism characterized by cerebral creatine deficiency, behavioral problems, seizures, hypotonia, and intellectual developmental disability. A third of patients are amenable to treatment with high-dose oral creatine, glycine, and L-arginine supplementation. Given the limited treatment response, we initiated an open-label observational study to evaluate the effect of adjunct S-adenosyl methionine to further enhance intracerebral creatine synthesis. Significant and reproducible issues with sleep and behavior were noted in both male patients on a dose of 50/mg/kg. One of the two patients stopped S-adenosyl methionine and did not come for any follow-up. A safe and tolerable dose (17 mg/kg/day) was identified in the other patient. On magnetic resonance spectroscopy, this 8-year-old male did not show an increase in intracerebral creatine. However, significant improvement in speech/language skills, muscle mass were observed as well as in personal outcomes as defined by the family in activities related to communication and decision making. Further research is needed to assess the potential of S-adenosyl methionine as an adjunctive therapy for creatine transporter deficiency patients and to define the optimal dose. Our study also illustrates the importance of pathophysiology-based treatment, individualized outcome assessment, and patient/family participation in rare diseases research. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Role for human arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 in the methionine salvage pathway.

    PubMed

    Witham, Katey L; Minchin, Rodney F; Butcher, Neville J

    2017-02-01

    The Phase II drug metabolizing enzyme arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) has been implicated in the growth and survival of cancer cells, although the mechanisms that underlies these effects are unknown. Here, a focused metabolomics approach was used to identify changes in folate catabolism as well as the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) cycle following NAT1 knockdown with shRNA. Although acetylation of the folate catabolite p-aminobenzoylglutamate (pABG) was significantly decreased, there were no changes in intracellular pABG or the various components of the SAM cycle. By contrast, the flux of homocysteine in the medium was different following NAT1 knockdown after the methionine content was exhausted suggesting a need for this metabolite in methionine synthesis. Analysis of the growth of various cancer cells in methylthioadenosine-supplemented medium showed that NAT1 knockdown inhibited the methionine salvage pathway in HT-29 cells but not in HeLa or MDA-MB-436 cells. The cause of this was a low level of expression of the isomerase MRI-1 in the HT-29 cells. Knocking down both NAT1 and MRI-1 in HeLa cells with siRNA further demonstrated a redundancy between these 2 enzymes, although direct isomerase activity by NAT1 could not be demonstrated. The present study has identified a novel endogenous role for human NAT1 that might explain some of its effects in cancer cell growth and survival. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Insecticidal components from field pea extracts: sequences of some variants of pea albumin 1b.

    PubMed

    Taylor, Wesley G; Sutherland, Daniel H; Olson, Douglas J H; Ross, Andrew R S; Fields, Paul G

    2004-12-15

    Methanol soluble insecticidal peptides with masses of 3752, 3757, and 3805 Da, isolated from crude extracts (C8 extracts) derived from the protein-enriched flour of commercial field peas [Pisum sativum (L.)], were purified by reversed phase chromatography and, after reduction and alkylation, were sequenced by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry with the aid of various peptidases. These major peptides were variants of pea albumin 1b (PA1b) with methionine sulfoxide rather than methionine at position 12. Peptide 3752 showed additional variations at positions 29 (valine for isoleucine) and 34 (histidine for asparagine). A minor, 37 amino acid peptide with a molecular mass of 3788 Da was also sequenced and differed from a known PA1b variant at positions 1, 25, and 31. Sequence variants of PA1b with their molecular masses were compiled, and variants that matched the accurate masses of the experimental peptides were used to narrow the search. MALDI postsource decay experiments on pronase fragments helped to confirm the sequences. Whole and dehulled field peas gave insecticidal C8 extracts in the laboratory that were enriched in peptides with masses of 3736, 3741, and 3789 Da, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. It was therefore concluded that oxidation of the methionine residues to methionine sulfoxide occurred primarily during the processing of dehulled peas in a mill.

  13. Lead-induced ER calcium release and inhibitory effects of methionine choline in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

    PubMed

    Fan, Guangqin; Zhou, Fankun; Feng, Chang; Wu, Fengyun; Ye, Weiwei; Wang, Chunhong; Lin, Fen; Yan, Ji; Li, Yanshu; Chen, Ying; Bi, Yongyi

    2013-02-01

    Lead, a ubiquitous neurotoxicant, can result in learning and memory dysfunction. Long term potentiation in the hippocampus, a potential neural substrate for learning and memory, is thought to be linked to calcium-triggered intracellular events. In this study, laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to examine the effects of Pb(2+) on intracellular and endoplasmic reticulum free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i) and [Ca(2+)](ER)) in cultured neonatal rat hippocampal neurons and their possible antagonism by methionine choline; understanding these effects would help explain the lead-induced cognitive and learning dysfunction and explore efficient safety and relief strategies. The results showed that Pb(2+) increased [Ca(2+)](i) and decreased [Ca(2+)](ER) linearly in a time- and concentration-dependant manner, and Pb(2+) addition after the applying of a ryanodine receptor (RyR) antagonist and an inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP(3)R) antagonist did not increase [Ca(2+)](i). The addition of 10, 20, or 40 mmol/L methionine choline simultaneously with addition of 10 μmol/L Pb(2+) decreased [Ca(2+)](i) in Ca(2+)-free culture medium by 39.0%, 66.0%, and 61.6%, respectively, in a concentration-dependant manner in a certain dose range. Our results suggest that Pb(2+) induces ER calcium release to increase the resting [Ca(2+)](i); and methionine choline inhibit this increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Epilepsy, regulation of brain energy metabolism and neurotransmission.

    PubMed

    Cloix, Jean-François; Hévor, Tobias

    2009-01-01

    Seizures are the result of a sudden and temporary synchronization of neuronal activity, the reason for which is not clearly understood. Astrocytes participate in the control of neurotransmitter storage and neurotransmission efficacy. They provide fuel to neurons, which need a high level of energy to sustain normal and pathological neuronal activities, such as during epilepsy. Various genetic or induced animal models have been developed and used to study epileptogenic mechanisms. Methionine sulfoximine induces both seizures and the accumulation of brain glycogen, which might be considered as a putative energy store to neurons in various animals. Animals subjected to methionine sulfoximine develop seizures similar to the most striking form of human epilepsy, with a long pre-convulsive period of several hours, a long convulsive period during up to 48 hours and a post convulsive period during which they recover normal behavior. The accumulation of brain glycogen has been demonstrated in both the cortex and cerebellum as early as the pre-convulsive period, indicating that this accumulation is not a consequence of seizures. The accumulation results from an activation of gluconeogenesis specifically localized to astrocytes, both in vivo and in vitro. Both seizures and brain glycogen accumulation vary when using different inbred strains of mice. C57BL/6J is the most "resistant" strain to methionine sulfoximine, while CBA/J is the most "sensitive" one. The present review describes the data obtained on methionine sulfoximine dependent seizures and brain glycogen in the light of neurotransmission, highlighting the relevance of brain glycogen content in epilepsies.

  15. Cobalamin-Independent Methionine Synthase Distribution and its Influence on Vitamin B12 Growth Requirements in Marine Diatoms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ellis, K.; Cohen, N.; Moreno, C.; Marchetti, A.

    2016-02-01

    The requirement for cobalamin (vitamin B12) in microalgae is primarily a function of the type of methionine synthase present within their gene repertoires. This study validates this concept through analysis of the distribution of B12-independent methionine synthase in ecologically relevant diatom genera, including the closely related bloom-forming diatoms Pseudo-nitzschia and Fragilariopsis. Growth and gene expression analysis of the vitamin B12-requiring version of the methionine synthase enzyme, MetH, and the B12-independent version, MetE, demonstrate that it is the presence of the MetE gene which allows Fragilariopsis cylindrus to grow in the absence of B12, while P. granii's lack of a functional MetE gene means that it cannot survive without the vitamin. Through phylogenetic analysis, we further substantiate a lack of obvious grouping in MetE presence among diatom clades. In addition, we also show how this trend may have a biogeographical basis, particularly in High-Nutrient, Low-Chlorophyll (HNLC) regions such as the Southern Ocean where B12 concentrations may be consistently low. These results are paired with field experiments showing patterns of MetE and MetH gene expression in natural phytoplankton communities under a matrix of iron and B12 limitations in the HNLC NE Pacific. Our findings demonstrate the important role vitamins can play in diatom community dynamics within areas where vitamin supply may be variable and limiting.

  16. Essential roles of methionine and S-adenosylmethionine in the autarkic lifestyle of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

    PubMed Central

    Berney, Michael; Berney-Meyer, Linda; Wong, Ka-Wing; Chen, Bing; Chen, Mei; Kim, John; Wang, Jingxin; Harris, David; Parkhill, Julian; Chan, John; Wang, Feng; Jacobs, William R.

    2015-01-01

    Multidrug resistance, strong side effects, and compliance problems in TB chemotherapy mandate new ways to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Here we show that deletion of the gene encoding homoserine transacetylase (metA) inactivates methionine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) biosynthesis in Mtb and renders this pathogen exquisitely sensitive to killing in immunocompetent or immunocompromised mice, leading to rapid clearance from host tissues. Mtb ΔmetA is unable to proliferate in primary human macrophages, and in vitro starvation leads to extraordinarily rapid killing with no appearance of suppressor mutants. Cell death of Mtb ΔmetA is faster than that of other auxotrophic mutants (i.e., tryptophan, pantothenate, leucine, biotin), suggesting a particularly potent mechanism of killing. Time-course metabolomics showed complete depletion of intracellular methionine and SAM. SAM depletion was consistent with a significant decrease in methylation at the DNA level (measured by single-molecule real-time sequencing) and with the induction of several essential methyltransferases involved in biotin and menaquinone biosynthesis, both of which are vital biological processes and validated targets of antimycobacterial drugs. Mtb ΔmetA could be partially rescued by biotin supplementation, confirming a multitarget cell death mechanism. The work presented here uncovers a previously unidentified vulnerability of Mtb—the incapacity to scavenge intermediates of SAM and methionine biosynthesis from the host. This vulnerability unveils an entirely new drug target space with the promise of rapid killing of the tubercle bacillus by a new mechanism of action. PMID:26221021

  17. Essential roles of methionine and S-adenosylmethionine in the autarkic lifestyle of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

    PubMed

    Berney, Michael; Berney-Meyer, Linda; Wong, Ka-Wing; Chen, Bing; Chen, Mei; Kim, John; Wang, Jingxin; Harris, David; Parkhill, Julian; Chan, John; Wang, Feng; Jacobs, William R

    2015-08-11

    Multidrug resistance, strong side effects, and compliance problems in TB chemotherapy mandate new ways to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Here we show that deletion of the gene encoding homoserine transacetylase (metA) inactivates methionine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) biosynthesis in Mtb and renders this pathogen exquisitely sensitive to killing in immunocompetent or immunocompromised mice, leading to rapid clearance from host tissues. Mtb ΔmetA is unable to proliferate in primary human macrophages, and in vitro starvation leads to extraordinarily rapid killing with no appearance of suppressor mutants. Cell death of Mtb ΔmetA is faster than that of other auxotrophic mutants (i.e., tryptophan, pantothenate, leucine, biotin), suggesting a particularly potent mechanism of killing. Time-course metabolomics showed complete depletion of intracellular methionine and SAM. SAM depletion was consistent with a significant decrease in methylation at the DNA level (measured by single-molecule real-time sequencing) and with the induction of several essential methyltransferases involved in biotin and menaquinone biosynthesis, both of which are vital biological processes and validated targets of antimycobacterial drugs. Mtb ΔmetA could be partially rescued by biotin supplementation, confirming a multitarget cell death mechanism. The work presented here uncovers a previously unidentified vulnerability of Mtb-the incapacity to scavenge intermediates of SAM and methionine biosynthesis from the host. This vulnerability unveils an entirely new drug target space with the promise of rapid killing of the tubercle bacillus by a new mechanism of action.

  18. Parallel Mutations Result in a Wide Range of Cooperation and Community Consequences in a Two-Species Bacterial Consortium

    DOE PAGES

    Douglas, Sarah M.; Chubiz, Lon M.; Harcombe, William R.; ...

    2016-09-12

    Multi-species microbial communities play a critical role in human health, industry, and waste remediation. Recently, the evolution of synthetic consortia in the laboratory has enabled adaptation to be addressed in the context of interacting species. Using an engineered bacterial consortium,we repeatedly evolved cooperative genotypes and examined both the predictability of evolution and the phenotypes that determinecommunity dynamics. Eight Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strains evolved methionine excretion sufficient to support growth of an Escherichia coli methionine auxotroph, from whom they required excreted growth substrates. Non-synonymousmutations in metA, encoding homoserine trans-succinylase (HTS), were detected in each evolved S. enterica methionine cooperator andmore » were shown to be necessary for cooperative consortia growth. Molecular modeling was used to predict that most of the non-synonymous mutations slightly increase the binding affinity for HTS homodimer formation. Despite this genetic parallelism and trend of increasing protein binding stability, these metA alleles gave rise to a wide range of phenotypic diversity in termsof individual versus group benefit. The cooperators with the highest methionine excretion permitted nearly two-fold faster consortia growth and supported the highest fraction of E. coli, yet also had the slowest individual growth rates compared to less cooperative strains. Thus, although the genetic basis of adaptation was quite similar across independent origins of cooperative phenotypes, quantitative measurements of metabolite production were required to predict either the individual-level growth consequences or how these propagate to community-level behavior.« less

  19. Insights into the reactivation of cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase

    PubMed Central

    Koutmos, Markos; Datta, Supratim; Pattridge, Katherine A.; Smith, Janet L.; Matthews, Rowena G.

    2009-01-01

    Cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase (MetH) is a modular protein that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine to produce methionine and tetrahydrofolate. The cobalamin cofactor, which serves as both acceptor and donor of the methyl group, is oxidized once every ≈2,000 catalytic cycles and must be reactivated by the uptake of an electron from reduced flavodoxin and a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet). Previous structures of a C-terminal fragment of MetH (MetHCT) revealed a reactivation conformation that juxtaposes the cobalamin- and AdoMet-binding domains. Here we describe 2 structures of a disulfide stabilized MetHCT (s-sMetHCT) that offer further insight into the reactivation of MetH. The structure of s-sMetHCT with cob(II)alamin and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine represents the enzyme in the reactivation step preceding electron transfer from flavodoxin. The structure supports earlier suggestions that the enzyme acts to lower the reduction potential of the Co(II)/Co(I) couple by elongating the bond between the cobalt and its upper axial water ligand, effectively making the cobalt 4-coordinate, and illuminates the role of Tyr-1139 in the stabilization of this 4-coordinate state. The structure of s-sMetHCT with aquocobalamin may represent a transient state at the end of reactivation as the newly remethylated 5-coordinate methylcobalamin returns to the 6-coordinate state, triggering the rearrangement to a catalytic conformation. PMID:19846791

  20. Effects of proteome rebalancing and sulfur nutrition on the accumulation of methionine rich δ-zein in transgenic soybeans

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Won-Seok; Jez, Joseph M.; Krishnan, Hari B.

    2014-01-01

    Expression of heterologous methionine-rich proteins to increase the overall sulfur amino acid content of soybean seeds has been only marginally successful, presumably due to low accumulation of transgenes in soybeans or due to gene silencing. Proteome rebalancing of seed proteins has been shown to promote the accumulation of foreign proteins. In this study, we have utilized RNAi technology to suppress the expression of the β-conglycinin, the abundant 7S seed storage proteins of soybean. Western blot and 2D-gel analysis revealed that β-conglycinin knockdown line (SAM) failed to accumulate the α′, α, and β-subunits of β-conglycinin. The proteome rebalanced SAM retained the overall protein and oil content similar to that of wild-type soybean. We also generated transgenic soybean lines expressing methionine-rich 11 kDa δ-zein under the control of either the glycinin or β-conglycinin promoter. The introgression of the 11 kDa δ-zein into β-conglycinin knockdown line did not enhance the accumulation of the 11 kDa δ-zein. However, when the same plants were grown in sulfur-rich medium, we observed 3- to 16-fold increased accumulation of the 11 kDa δ-zein. Transmission electron microscopy observation revealed that seeds grown in sulfur-rich medium contained numerous endoplasmic reticulum derived protein bodies. Our findings suggest that sulfur availability, not proteome rebalancing, is needed for high-level accumulation of heterologous methionine-rich proteins in soybean seeds. PMID:25426134

  1. Folic acid and the methylation of homocysteine by Bacillus subtilis

    PubMed Central

    Salem, A. R.; Pattison, J. R.; Foster, M. A.

    1972-01-01

    1. Cell-free extracts of Bacillus subtilis synthesize methionine from serine and homocysteine without added folate. The endogenous folate may be replaced by tetrahydropteroyltriglutamate or an extract of heated Escherichia coli for the overall C1 transfer, but tetrahydropteroylmonoglutamate is relatively inactive. 2. Extracts of B. subtilis contain serine transhydroxymethylase and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, which are non-specific with respect to the glutamate content of the folate substrates. Methyl transfer to homocysteine requires a polyglutamate folate as methyl donor. These properties are not affected by growth of the organism with added vitamin B12. 3. The synthesis of methionine from 5-methyltetrahydropteroyltriglutamate and homocysteine has the characteristics of the cobalamin-independent reaction of E. coli. No evidence for a cobalamin-dependent transmethylation was obtained. 4. S-Adenosylmethionine was not a significant precursor of the methyl group of methionine with cell-free extracts, neither was S-adenosylmethionine generated by methylation of S-adenosylhomocysteine by 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. 5. A procedure for the isolation and analysis of folic acid derivatives from natural sources is described. 6. The folates isolated from lysozyme extracts of B. subtilis are sensitive to folic acid conjugase. One has been identified as 5-formyltetrahydropteroyltriglutamate; the other is possibly a diglutamate folate. 7. A sequence is proposed for methionine biosynthesis in B. subtilis in which methyl groups are generated from serine and transferred to homocysteine by means of a cobalamin-independent pathway mediated by conjugated folate coenzymes. PMID:4627401

  2. Alteration of the Alkaloid Profile in Genetically Modified Tobacco Reveals a Role of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase in Nicotine N-Demethylation1[C][W][OA

    PubMed Central

    Hung, Chiu-Yueh; Fan, Longjiang; Kittur, Farooqahmed S.; Sun, Kehan; Qiu, Jie; Tang, She; Holliday, Bronwyn M.; Xiao, Bingguang; Burkey, Kent O.; Bush, Lowell P.; Conkling, Mark A.; Roje, Sanja; Xie, Jiahua

    2013-01-01

    Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme of the tetrahydrofolate (THF)-mediated one-carbon (C1) metabolic network. This enzyme catalyzes the reduction of 5,10-methylene-THF to 5-methyl-THF. The latter donates its methyl group to homocysteine, forming methionine, which is then used for the synthesis of S-adenosyl-methionine, a universal methyl donor for numerous methylation reactions, to produce primary and secondary metabolites. Here, we demonstrate that manipulating tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) MTHFR gene (NtMTHFR1) expression dramatically alters the alkaloid profile in transgenic tobacco plants by negatively regulating the expression of a secondary metabolic pathway nicotine N-demethylase gene, CYP82E4. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and alkaloid analyses revealed that reducing NtMTHFR expression by RNA interference dramatically induced CYP82E4 expression, resulting in higher nicotine-to-nornicotine conversion rates. Conversely, overexpressing NtMTHFR1 suppressed CYP82E4 expression, leading to lower nicotine-to-nornicotine conversion rates. However, the reduced expression of NtMTHFR did not affect the methionine and S-adenosyl-methionine levels in the knockdown lines. Our finding reveals a new regulatory role of NtMTHFR1 in nicotine N-demethylation and suggests that the negative regulation of CYP82E4 expression may serve to recruit methyl groups from nicotine into the C1 pool under C1-deficient conditions. PMID:23221678

  3. Parallel Mutations Result in a Wide Range of Cooperation and Community Consequences in a Two-Species Bacterial Consortium

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

    Douglas, Sarah M.; Chubiz, Lon M.; Harcombe, William R.

    Multi-species microbial communities play a critical role in human health, industry, and waste remediation. Recently, the evolution of synthetic consortia in the laboratory has enabled adaptation to be addressed in the context of interacting species. Using an engineered bacterial consortium,we repeatedly evolved cooperative genotypes and examined both the predictability of evolution and the phenotypes that determinecommunity dynamics. Eight Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strains evolved methionine excretion sufficient to support growth of an Escherichia coli methionine auxotroph, from whom they required excreted growth substrates. Non-synonymousmutations in metA, encoding homoserine trans-succinylase (HTS), were detected in each evolved S. enterica methionine cooperator andmore » were shown to be necessary for cooperative consortia growth. Molecular modeling was used to predict that most of the non-synonymous mutations slightly increase the binding affinity for HTS homodimer formation. Despite this genetic parallelism and trend of increasing protein binding stability, these metA alleles gave rise to a wide range of phenotypic diversity in termsof individual versus group benefit. The cooperators with the highest methionine excretion permitted nearly two-fold faster consortia growth and supported the highest fraction of E. coli, yet also had the slowest individual growth rates compared to less cooperative strains. Thus, although the genetic basis of adaptation was quite similar across independent origins of cooperative phenotypes, quantitative measurements of metabolite production were required to predict either the individual-level growth consequences or how these propagate to community-level behavior.« less

  4. Effects of replacing fish meal with soy protein concentrate and of DL-methionine supplementation in high-energy, extruded diets on the growth and nutrient utilization of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.

    PubMed

    Mambrini, M; Roem, A J; Carvèdi, J P; Lallès, J P; Kaushik, S J

    1999-11-01

    Our objectives were to test the potential replacement of fish meal by soy protein concentrate (SPC) in high-energy, extruded diets fed to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and to evaluate the efficiency of DL-methionine supplementation of soy-based diets. Groups of trout (initial BW 103 to 106 g) were fed to visual satiety with isonitrogenous (6.6% DM) high-energy (22.8 MJ/kg DM gross energy), extruded diets, in which fish meal was progressively replaced with SPC (0, 50, 75, and 100%). Three 100% SPC diets were formulated to be either unsupplemented or supplemented with DL-methionine, so that total methionine content was .8 or 1.0% of DM. The quality of the SPC source used was assessed by measuring the antitryptic and antigenic activities and the concentrations of the isoflavones daidzein and genistein. Apparent digestibility of the diets was determined using the indirect method. A growth trial was conducted over 90 d at a water temperature of 18 degrees C. In addition to body composition analysis, plasma amino acid concentrations, anti-soy protein antibodies in the serum, and isoflavone concentrations in the bile were measured. The SPC source tested exhibited low antitryptic and antigenic activities, but it contained high concentrations of isoflavones (1,990 and 5,903 ppm for daidzein and genistein, respectively). Protein digestibility was high (92%) and was unaffected either the proportion of SPC in the diet or by DL-methionine supplementation. This was also true for the availability of amino acids, except phenylalanine. Digestibility of lipid and energy was reduced by 19% when SPC totally replaced fish meal. Growth rate was reduced when more than 50% of the dietary protein was of soy origin (daily growth coefficient of 3.2 and 2.1% for the control and the unsupplemented 100% SPC diet, respectively). The effect on growth was mainly explained by a general decline in feed intake (13.7 and 12.0 g DM x kg BW(-1) x d(-1) for the control and the unsupplemented 100% SPC diet, respectively) and in lipid and, thus, in energy digestibility. The DL-methionine supplementation partially reversed the depressive effects of high dietary SPC incorporation (+13% growth), mainly by enhancing intake. The negative effect of SPC incorporation either may be due to the high isoflavone concentration or to an interaction between the soy protein component and the dietary lipids.

  5. The Use of Drugs to Reduce Hearing Loss Following Acute Acoustic Trama

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-07-01

    noise exposure: (1) L-N- acetylcysteine (L-NAC); (2) D-Methionine (D-MET); (3) Ebselen SPI-1005; (4) Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) and (5) Src-PTK inhibitor...exposed to a 4.0 kHz octave band of noise for 6 hours at 105 dB SPL: (1) L-N- acetylcysteine (L-NAC); (2) D-Methionine (D-MET); (3) Ebselen SPI-1005...effectively absent or severely depressed from 2 kHz and above (Figs. 14 & 15). Individual cochleograms for this group are shown in Figure 16. The

  6. Phenothiazine-based CaaX competitive inhibitors of human farnesyltransferase bearing a cysteine, methionine, serine or valine moiety as a new family of antitumoral compounds.

    PubMed

    Dumitriu, Gina-Mirabela; Bîcu, Elena; Belei, Dalila; Rigo, Benoît; Dubois, Joëlle; Farce, Amaury; Ghinet, Alina

    2015-10-15

    A new family of CaaX competitive inhibitors of human farnesyltransferase based on phenothiazine and carbazole skeleton bearing a l-cysteine, l-methionine, l-serine or l-valine moiety was designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated. Phenothiazine derivatives proved to be more active than carbazole-based compounds. Phenothiazine 1b with cysteine residue was the most promising inhibitor of human farnesyltransferase in the current study. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Are dietary choline and betaine intakes determinants of total homocysteine concentration?

    PubMed

    Lee, Jung Eun; Jacques, Paul F; Dougherty, Lauren; Selhub, Jacob; Giovannucci, Edward; Zeisel, Steven H; Cho, Eunyoung

    2010-05-01

    Elevated homocysteine concentrations are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a decline in cognitive function. Intakes of choline and betaine, as methyl donors, may affect homocysteine concentrations. The objective was to examine whether choline and betaine intakes, assessed from food-frequency questionnaires, are associated with total plasma homocysteine concentrations under both fasting and post-methionine-load conditions in both pre- and post-folic acid fortification periods in the United States. We assessed the association between choline and betaine intakes and fasting and post-methionine-load homocysteine concentrations using the US Department of Agriculture revised food-composition tables and evaluated whether the associations varied by folic acid fortification periods in 1325 male and 1407 female participants in the sixth examination (1995-1998) of the Framingham Offspring Study. A higher choline-plus-betaine intake was associated with lower concentrations of post-methionine-load homocysteine; the multivariate geometric means were 24.1 micromol/L (95% CI: 23.4, 24.9 micromol/L) in the top quintile of intake and 25.0 micromol/L (95% CI: 24.2, 25.7 micromol/L) in the bottom quintile (P for trend = 0.01). We found an inverse association between choline-plus-betaine intake and fasting homocysteine concentrations; the multivariate geometric mean fasting homocysteine concentrations were 9.6 micromol/L (95% CI: 9.3, 9.9 micromol/L) in the top quintile and 10.1 micromol/L (95% CI: 9.8, 10.4 micromol/L) in the bottom quintile (P for trend < 0.001). When we stratified by plasma folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations, the inverse association was limited to participants with low plasma folate or vitamin B-12 concentrations. In the postfortification period, the inverse association between choline-plus-betaine intake and either fasting or post-methionine-load homocysteine was no longer present. Choline and betaine intakes were associated with both fasting and post-methionine-load total homocysteine concentrations, especially in participants with low folate and vitamin B-12 status. The inverse association between choline and betaine intakes and homocysteine concentrations was no longer present in the postfortification period.

  8. Energetics and dynamics of the fragmentation reactions of protonated peptides containing methionine sulfoxide or aspartic acid via energy- and time-resolved surface induced dissociation.

    PubMed

    Lioe, Hadi; Laskin, Julia; Reid, Gavin E; O'Hair, Richard A J

    2007-10-25

    The surface-induced dissociation (SID) of six model peptides containing either methionine sulfoxide or aspartic acid (GAILM(O)GAILR, GAILM(O)GAILK, GAILM(O)GAILA, GAILDGAILR, GAILDGAILK, and GAILDGAILA) have been studied using a specially configured Fourier transform ion-cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT-ICR MS). In particular, we have investigated the energetics and dynamics associated with (i) preferential cleavage of the methionine sulfoxide side chain via the loss of CH3SOH (64 Da), and (ii) preferential cleavage of the amide bond C-terminal to aspartic acid. The role of proton mobility in these selective bond cleavage reactions was examined by changing the C-terminal residue of the peptide from arginine (nonmobile proton conditions) to lysine (partially mobile proton conditions) to alanine (mobile proton conditions). Time- and energy-resolved fragmentation efficiency curves (TFECs) reveal that selective cleavages due to the methionine sulfoxide and aspartic acid residues are characterized by slow fragmentation kinetics. RRKM modeling of the experimental data suggests that the slow kinetics is associated with large negative entropy effects and these may be due to the presence of rearrangements prior to fragmentation. It was found that the Arrhenius pre-exponential factor (A) for peptide fragmentations occurring via selective bond cleavages are 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than nonselective peptide fragmentation reactions, while the dissociation threshold (E0) is relatively invariant. This means that selective bond cleavage is kinetically disfavored compared to nonselective amide bond cleavage. It was also found that the energetics and dynamics for the preferential loss of CH3SOH from peptide ions containing methionine sulfoxide are very similar to selective C-terminal amide bond cleavage at the aspartic acid residue. These results suggest that while preferential cleavage can compete with amide bond cleavage energetically, dynamically, these processes are much slower compared to amide bond cleavage, explaining why these selective bond cleavages are not observed if fragmentation is performed under mobile proton conditions. This study further affirms that fragmentation of peptide ions in the gas phase are predominantly governed by entropic effects.

  9. Reversible Oxidation of a Conserved Methionine in the Nuclear Export Sequence Determines Subcellular Distribution and Activity of the Fungal Nitrate Regulator NirA.

    PubMed

    Gallmetzer, Andreas; Silvestrini, Lucia; Schinko, Thorsten; Gesslbauer, Bernd; Hortschansky, Peter; Dattenböck, Christoph; Muro-Pastor, María Isabel; Kungl, Andreas; Brakhage, Axel A; Scazzocchio, Claudio; Strauss, Joseph

    2015-07-01

    The assimilation of nitrate, a most important soil nitrogen source, is tightly regulated in microorganisms and plants. In Aspergillus nidulans, during the transcriptional activation process of nitrate assimilatory genes, the interaction between the pathway-specific transcription factor NirA and the exportin KapK/CRM1 is disrupted, and this leads to rapid nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity of NirA. In this work by mass spectrometry, we found that in the absence of nitrate, when NirA is inactive and predominantly cytosolic, methionine 169 in the nuclear export sequence (NES) is oxidized to methionine sulfoxide (Metox169). This oxidation depends on FmoB, a flavin-containing monooxygenase which in vitro uses methionine and cysteine, but not glutathione, as oxidation substrates. The function of FmoB cannot be replaced by alternative Fmo proteins present in A. nidulans. Exposure of A. nidulans cells to nitrate led to rapid reduction of NirA-Metox169 to Met169; this reduction being independent from thioredoxin and classical methionine sulfoxide reductases. Replacement of Met169 by isoleucine, a sterically similar but not oxidizable residue, led to partial loss of NirA activity and insensitivity to FmoB-mediated nuclear export. In contrast, replacement of Met169 by alanine transformed the protein into a permanently nuclear and active transcription factor. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis of NirA-KapK interactions and subcellular localization studies of NirA mutants lacking different parts of the protein provided evidence that Met169 oxidation leads to a change in NirA conformation. Based on these results we propose that in the presence of nitrate the activation domain is exposed, but the NES is masked by a central portion of the protein (termed nitrate responsive domain, NiRD), thus restricting active NirA molecules to the nucleus. In the absence of nitrate, Met169 in the NES is oxidized by an FmoB-dependent process leading to loss of protection by the NiRD, NES exposure, and relocation of the inactive NirA to the cytosol.

  10. Solution characterization of [methyl-13C]methionine HIV-1 reverse transcriptase by NMR spectroscopy☆

    PubMed Central

    Zheng, Xunhai; Mueller, Geoffrey A.; DeRose, Eugene F.; London, Robert E.

    2013-01-01

    HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) is a primary target for drug intervention in the treatment of AIDS. Wereport the first solution NMR studies of [methyl-13 C]methionine HIV-1 RT, aimed at better understanding the conformational and dynamic characteristics of RT, both in the presence and absence of the non-nucleoside RT inhibitor (NNRTI) nevirapine. The selection of methionine as a structural probe was based both on its favorable NMR characteristics, and on the presence of two important active site methionine residues, M18466 and M23066. Observation of the M184 resonance is subunit dependent; in the p66 subunit the solvent-exposed residue produces a readily observed signal with a characteristic resonance shift, while in the globular p51 subunit, the M18451 resonance is shifted and broadened as M184 becomes buried in the protein interior. In contrast, although structural data indicates that the environment of M230 is also strongly subunit dependent, the M230 resonances from both subunits have very similar shift and relaxation characteristics. A comparison of chemical shift and intensity data with model-based predictions gives reasonable agreement for M18466, while M23066, located on the β-hairpin “primer grip”, is more mobile and solvent-exposed than suggested by crystal structures of the apo enzyme which have a “closed” fingers-thumb conformation. This mobility of the primer grip is presumably important for binding of non-nucleoside RT inhibitors (NNRTIs), since the NNRTI binding pocket is not observed in the absence of the inhibitors, requiring instead that the binding pocket be dynamically accessible. In the presence of the nevirapine, both the M18466 and M23066 resonances are significantly perturbed, while none of the methionine resonances in the p51 subunit is sensitive to this inhibitor. Site-directed mutagenesis indicates that both M16 and M357 produce two resonances in each subunit, and for both residues, the intensity ratio of the component peaks is strongly subunit dependent. Conformational features that might explain the multiple peaks are discussed. PMID:19665484

  11. Role of medullary astroglial glutamine synthesis in tooth pulp hypersensitivity associated with frequent masseter muscle contraction.

    PubMed

    Watase, Tetsuro; Shimizu, Kohei; Ohara, Kinuyo; Komiya, Hiroki; Kanno, Kohei; Hatori, Keisuke; Noma, Noboru; Honda, Kuniya; Tsuboi, Yoshiyuki; Katagiri, Ayano; Shinoda, Masamichi; Ogiso, Bunnai; Iwata, Koichi

    2018-01-01

    Background The mechanisms underlying tooth pulp hypersensitivity associated with masseter muscle hyperalgesia remain largely underinvestigated. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether masseter muscle contraction induced by daily electrical stimulation influences the mechanical head-withdrawal threshold and genioglossus electromyography activity caused by the application of capsaicin to the upper first molar tooth pulp. We further investigated whether astroglial glutamine synthesis is involved in first molar tooth pulp hypersensitivity associated with masseter muscle contraction. Methods The first molar tooth pulp was treated with capsaicin or vehicle in masseter muscle contraction or sham rats, following which the astroglial glutamine synthetase inhibitor methionine sulfoximine or Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was applied. Astroglial activation was assessed via immunohistochemistry. Results The mechanical head-withdrawal threshold of the ipsilateral masseter muscle was significantly decreased in masseter muscle contraction rats than in sham rats. Genioglossus electromyography activity was significantly higher in masseter muscle contraction rats than sham rats. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive cell density was significantly higher in masseter muscle contraction rats than in sham rats. Administration of methionine sulfoximine induced no significant changes in the density of glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive cells relative to PBS treatment. However, mechanical head-withdrawal threshold was significantly higher in masseter muscle contraction rats than PBS-treated rats after methionine sulfoximine administration. Genioglossus electromyography activity following first molar tooth pulp capsaicin treatment was significantly lower in methionine sulfoximine-treated rats than in PBS-treated rats. In the ipsilateral region, the total number of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase immunoreactive cells in the medullary dorsal horn was significantly smaller upon first molar tooth pulp capsaicin application in methionine sulfoximine-treated rats than in PBS-treated rats. Conclusions Our results suggest that masseter muscle contraction induces astroglial activation, and that this activation spreads from caudal to the obex in the medullary dorsal horn, resulting in enhanced neuronal excitability associated with astroglial glutamine synthesis in medullary dorsal horn neurons receiving inputs from the tooth pulp. These findings provide significant insight into the mechanisms underlying tooth pulp hypersensitivity associated with masseter muscle contraction.

  12. Enzymes of creatine biosynthesis, arginine and methionine metabolism in normal and malignant cells.

    PubMed

    Bera, Soumen; Wallimann, Theo; Ray, Subhankar; Ray, Manju

    2008-12-01

    The creatine/creatine kinase system decreases drastically in sarcoma. In the present study, an investigation of catalytic activities, western blot and mRNA expression unambiguously demonstrates the prominent expression of the creatine-synthesizing enzymes l-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase and N-guanidinoacetate methyltransferase in sarcoma, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and Sarcoma 180 cells, whereas both enzymes were virtually undetectable in normal muscle. Compared to that of normal animals, these enzymes remained unaffected in the kidney or liver of sarcoma-bearing mice. High activity and expression of mitochondrial arginase II in sarcoma indicated increased ornithine formation. Slightly or moderately higher levels of ornithine, guanidinoacetate and creatinine were observed in sarcoma compared to muscle. Despite the intrinsically low level of creatine in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and Sarcoma 180 cells, these cells could significantly take up and release creatine, suggesting a functional creatine transport, as verified by measuring mRNA levels of creatine transporter. Transcript levels of arginase II, ornithine-decarboxylase, S-adenosyl-homocysteine hydrolase and methionine-synthase were significantly upregulated in sarcoma and in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and Sarcoma 180 cells. Overall, the enzymes related to creatine and arginine/methionine metabolism were found to be significantly upregulated in malignant cells. However, the low levels of creatine kinase in the same malignant cells do not appear to be sufficient for the building up of an effective creatine/phosphocreatine pool. Instead of supporting creatine biosynthesis, l-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase and N-guanidinoacetate methyltransferase appear to be geared to support cancer cell metabolism in the direction of polyamine and methionine synthesis because both these compounds are in high demand in proliferating cancer cells.

  13. Computational Analysis of Cysteine and Methionine Metabolism and Its Regulation in Dairy Starter and Related Bacteria

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Mengjin; Prakash, Celine; Nauta, Arjen; Siezen, Roland J.

    2012-01-01

    Sulfuric volatile compounds derived from cysteine and methionine provide many dairy products with a characteristic odor and taste. To better understand and control the environmental dependencies of sulfuric volatile compound formation by the dairy starter bacteria, we have used the available genome sequence and experimental information to systematically evaluate the presence of the key enzymes and to reconstruct the general modes of transcription regulation for the corresponding genes. The genomic organization of the key genes is suggestive of a subdivision of the reaction network into five modules, where we observed distinct differences in the modular composition between the families Lactobacillaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Leuconostocaceae, on the one hand, and the family Streptococcaceae, on the other. These differences are mirrored by the way in which transcription regulation of the genes is structured in these families. In the Lactobacillaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Leuconostocaceae, the main shared mode of transcription regulation is methionine (Met) T-box-mediated regulation. In addition, the gene metK, encoding S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) synthetase, is controlled via the SMK box (SAM). The SMK box is also found upstream of metK in species of the family Streptococcaceae. However, the transcription control of the other modules is mediated via three different LysR-family regulators, MetR/MtaR (methionine), CmbR (O-acetyl[homo]serine), and HomR (O-acetylhomoserine). Redefinition of the associated DNA-binding motifs helped to identify/disentangle the related regulons, which appeared to perfectly match the proposed subdivision of the reaction network. PMID:22522891

  14. A novel enzymatic method for determination of homocysteine using electrochemical hydrogen sulfide sensor.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Dong; Liu, Tsan-Zon; Chan, Err-Cheng; Fein, Harry; Zhang, Xueji

    2007-05-01

    Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing compound produced during metabolism process of methionine. Its uptake in human plasma is believed to be the cause of cardiovascular diseases and many other diseases. An electrochemical method was proposed for selective and quantitative measurement of homocysteine by employing hydrogen sulfide sensor coupled with methionine a, g-lyase. The principle of this method is to measure the evolved hydrogen sulfide from the enzymatic reaction between homocysteine and methionine a, g-lyase. The sensitivities of the measurements at different pH values of the tris buffer solutions and at room temperature peaked to 275 pA/mM at pH 6.5 with detection limit of 150 nM (based on 3 s cutoff). The linearity measurements at pH 6.5 were performed for the homocysteine concentrations range from 0.5 to 200 mM, which is wider than the human blood plasma total homocysteine level of 5 to 100 mM, and the regressive analysis of the experiments gave R2=0.9987. The enzyme also showed the fastest response to homocysteine in the tris buffer solution of pH 7.5 with the current approaching its maximum at 134 seconds. The interference tests against several common agents were carried out, and found that cysteine and methionine were the major two species to introduce measurement problem. The solution to this interference problem was explored and discussed thoroughly based on the preliminary tests. The sensitivities of the experiments against several enzyme concentrations were also performed.

  15. Influence of betaine and salinomycin on intestinal absorption of methionine and glucose and on the ultrastructure of intestinal cells and parasite developmental stages in chicks infected with Eimeria acervulina.

    PubMed

    Augustine, P C; Danforth, H D

    1999-01-01

    The effect of betaine and salinomycin on absorption of methionine and glucose in tissue from the duodenal loops of Eimeria acervulina-infected chicks was determined. Differences in the ultrastructure of the intestinal cells and parasite developmental stages were also examined. With a drug-resistant isolate of E. acervulina, methionine absorption was significantly higher in chicks fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.15% betaine as compared with absorption in chicks fed the unsupplemented basal diet. Addition of 66 ppm salinomycin to the diet containing betaine did not further enhance absorption. Conversely, with a drug-sensitive isolate, methionine absorption was significantly higher in chicks fed a diet supplemented with both betaine and salinomycin than in chicks fed the unsupplemented basal diet. Tissue from chicks fed any of the supplemented diets was usually significantly heavier than that from chicks fed the unsupplemented diet, even when weight gains of the birds were similar. Glucose absorption was similar in all diet groups. Epithelial cells in coccidia-infected and uninfected chicks fed diets supplemented with betaine or betaine plus salinomycin were less electron dense than cells from chicks fed diets that were not supplemented with betaine. Merozoites of E. acervulina in chicks fed diets supplemented with salinomycin had extensive membrane disruption and vacuolization, but the damage was prevented when betaine was added to the diet. Numerous merozoites and intact schizonts were seen in the intestinal lumen of chicks fed the diet containing betaine plus salinomycin.

  16. Medium-term methionine supplementation increases plasma homocysteine but not ADMA and improves blood pressure control in rats fed a diet rich in protein and adequate in folate and choline.

    PubMed

    Mariotti, François; Hammiche, Alexia; Blouet, Clémence; Daré, Sophie; Tomé, Daniel; Huneau, Jean François

    2006-10-01

    Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with cardiovascular risk, possibly because it increases asymmetric dimethyl-arginine (ADMA), but the general association remains unclear and may vary with nutritional and physiological conditions. We aimed to monitor the effect of methionine supplementation, and subsequent HHcy, on plasma ADMA and hemodynamics in the context of a diet rich in protein and adequate in folic acid and choline. For 6 weeks, rats were fed a 29% protein diet supplemented (M) or not (C) with 8 g/kg L: -methionine. Blood pressure and plasma amino acids, including homocysteine and ADMA, were measured throughout the experiment and additional parameters, including in vivo hemodynamic response to acetylcholine, were measured at week 5-6. As compared to the C diet, the M diet induced a marked HHcy during the first 3 weeks, which lessened at week 5. In contrast, plasma ADMA stayed similar in the C and M diet. Paradoxically, M rats had lower mean and diastolic blood pressure values over the experiment, together with a lower left ventricular mass at week 6, when compared with C rats. No difference was observed between groups regarding vascular reactivity and plasma NOx at week 6. In a context of a diet rich in protein and adequate in methyl donors, rats exhibit a complex adaptation to the medium-term methionine supplementation, with improvement in blood pressure control despite marked HHcy. The lack of increase in plasma ADMA may account for the absence of detrimental effects of HHcy on hemodynamics.

  17. Insights into the reactivation of cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase

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

    Koutmos, Markos; Datta, Supratim; Pattridge, Katherine A.

    2009-12-10

    Cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase (MetH) is a modular protein that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine to produce methionine and tetrahydrofolate. The cobalamin cofactor, which serves as both acceptor and donor of the methyl group, is oxidized once every {approx}2,000 catalytic cycles and must be reactivated by the uptake of an electron from reduced flavodoxin and a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet). Previous structures of a C-terminal fragment of MetH (MetH{sup CT}) revealed a reactivation conformation that juxtaposes the cobalamin- and AdoMet-binding domains. Here we describe 2 structures of a disulfide stabilized MetH{sup CT} ({sub s-s}MetH{supmore » CT}) that offer further insight into the reactivation of MetH. The structure of {sub s-s}MetH{sup CT} with cob(II)alamin and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine represents the enzyme in the reactivation step preceding electron transfer from flavodoxin. The structure supports earlier suggestions that the enzyme acts to lower the reduction potential of the Co(II)/Co(I) couple by elongating the bond between the cobalt and its upper axial water ligand, effectively making the cobalt 4-coordinate, and illuminates the role of Tyr-1139 in the stabilization of this 4-coordinate state. The structure of {sub s-s}MetH{sub CT} with aquocobalamin may represent a transient state at the end of reactivation as the newly remethylated 5-coordinate methylcobalamin returns to the 6-coordinate state, triggering the rearrangement to a catalytic conformation.« less

  18. One Carbon Metabolism in Pregnancy: Impact on Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Health

    PubMed Central

    Kalhan, Satish C

    2016-01-01

    One carbon metabolism or methyl transfer, a crucial component of metabolism in all cells and tissues, supports the critical function of synthesis of purines, thymidylate and methylation via multiple methyl transferases driven by the ubiquitous methyl donor s-adenosylmethionine. Serine is the primary methyl donor to the one carbon pool. Intracellular folates and methionine metabolism are the critical components of one carbon transfer. Methionine metabolism requires vitamin B12, B6 as cofactors and is modulated by endocrine signals and is responsive to nutrient intake. Perturbations in one carbon transfer can have profound effects on cell proliferation, growth and function. Epidemiological studies in humans and experimental model have established a strong relationship between impaired fetal growth and the immediate and long term consequences to the health of the offspring. It is speculated that during development, maternal environmental and nutrient influences by their effects on one carbon transfer can impact the health of the mother, impair growth and reprogram metabolism of the fetus, and cause long term morbidity in the offspring. The potential for such effects is underscored by the unique responses in methionine metabolism in the human mother during pregnancy, the absence of transsulfuration activity in the fetus, ontogeny of methionine metabolism in the placenta and the unique metabolism of serine and glycine in the fetus. Dietary protein restriction in animals and marginal protein intake in humans causes characteristic changes in one carbon metabolism. The impact of perturbations in one carbon metabolism on the health of the mother during pregnancy, on fetal growth and the neonate are discussed and their possible mechanism explored. PMID:27267668

  19. Involvement of histone methylation in macrophage apoptosis and unstable plaque formation in methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemic ApoE-/- mice.

    PubMed

    Cong, Guangzhi; Yan, Ru; Huang, Hui; Wang, Kai; Yan, Ning; Jin, Ping; Zhang, Na; Hou, Jianjun; Chen, Dapeng; Jia, Shaobin

    2017-03-15

    Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) is an independent risk factor of atherosclerosis and promotes unstable plaque formation. Epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis induced by Hhcy. However, the exact mechanism is still undefined. Lesional apoptotic cells and necrotic core formation contribute greatly to the progression of plaque. The present study sought to determine whether modification of histone methylation is involved in macrophage apoptosis and unstable plaque formation in the condition of Hhcy. The unstable plaque formation, lesional apoptotic cells and status of histone methylation were monitored in the aortas of Hhcy ApoE -/- mice induced by a high-methionine (HM) diet for 20weeks. Involvement of histone methylation in macrophage apoptosis and foam cell formation were assessed in macrophage Raw 264.7 cells after being challenged with homocysteine alone or in combination with the histone methylation inhibitor BIX 01294. The unstable plaque formation and lesion apoptotic cells are increased in ApoE -/ - mice supplemented with high-methionine (HM), accompanied with a decreased expression of histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation. Hhcy increases the apoptosis of macrophages and inhibits the histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation, as well as the expression of histone methyltransferase G9a in vitro. Inhibition of histone methylation by BIX01294 enhances macrophage apoptosis and foam cell formation in vitro. Our data suggest that Hhcy promotes the progression of atherosclerosis via macrophage apoptosis. Histone methylation might be involved in macrophage apoptosis and unstable plaque formation in methionine induced hyperhomocysteinemic ApoE -/- mice. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Adult classical homocystinuria requiring parenteral nutrition: Pitfalls and management.

    PubMed

    Tran, Christel; Bonafé, Luisa; Nuoffer, Jean-Marc; Rieger, Julie; Berger, Mette M

    2017-07-25

    Homocystinuria due to cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) deficiency presents with a wide clinical spectrum. Treatment by the enteral route aims at reducing homocysteine levels by using vitamin B6, possibly methionine-restricted diet, betaine and/or folate and vitamin B 12 supplementation. Currently no nutritional guidelines exist regarding parenteral nutrition (PN) under acute conditions. Exhaustive literature search was performed, in order to identify the relevant studies describing the pathogenesis and nutritional intervention of adult classical homocystinuria requiring PN. Description of an illustrative case of an adult female with CBS deficiency and intestinal perforation, who required total PN due to contraindication to enteral nutrition. Nutritional management of decompensated classical homocystinuria is complex and currently no recommendation exists regarding PN composition. Amino acid profile and monitoring of total homocysteine concentration are the main tools enabling a precise assessment of the severity of metabolic alterations. In case of contraindication to enteral nutrition, compounded PN will be required, as described in this paper, to ensure adequate low amounts of methionine and others essential amino acids and avoid potentially fatal toxic hypermethioninemia. By reviewing the literature and reporting successful nutritional management of a decompensated CBS deficiency using tailored PN with limited methionine intake and n-3 PUFA addition, we would like to underscore the fact that standard PN solutions are not adapted for CBS deficient critical ill patients: new solutions are required. High methionine levels (>800 μmol/L) being potentially neurotoxic, there is an urgent need to improve our knowledge of acute nutritional therapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

  1. The Application of Multiple Reaction Monitoring to Assess Apo A-I Methionine Oxidations in Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

    PubMed Central

    Yassine, Hussein N.; Jackson, Angela M.; Reaven, Peter D.; Nedelkov, Dobrin; Nelson, Randall W.; Lau, Serrine S.; Borchers, Christoph H.

    2014-01-01

    The oxidative modification of apolipoprotein A-I ‘s methionine148(M148) is associated with defective HDL function in vitro. Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) is a mass spectrometric technique that can be used to quantitate post-translational modifications. In this study, we developed an MRM assay to monitor the abundance ratio of the peptide containing oxidized M148 to the native peptide in Apo A-I. Measurement of the oxidized-to-unoxidized-M148 ratio was reproducible (CV<5%). The extent of methionine M148 oxidation in the HDL of healthy controls, and type 2 diabetic participants with and without prior cardiovascular events (CVD) were then examined. The results suggest a significant increase in the relative ratio of the peptide containing oxidized M148 to the unmodified peptide in the HDL of participants with diabetes and CVD (p<0.001), compared to participants without CVD. Monitoring the abundance ratio of the peptides containing oxidized and unoxidized M148 by MRM provides a means of examining the relationship between M148 oxidation and vascular complications in CVD. PMID:25705587

  2. The choline requirement of broiler chicks during the seventh week of life.

    PubMed

    Molitoris, B A; Baker, D H

    1976-01-01

    Male crossbred chicks were used to quantify the choline requirement and choline-sparing value of methionine and betaine for broiler chicks during the seventh week of life. The sulfur amino acid (SAA) requirement of male and female chicks was also determined. In all assays a crystalline amino acid diet containing 14.9% protein equivalent and 3400 kcal. M.E./kg, was employed. Increasing increments (0.08%) of SAA (equal mixture of DL-methionine and L-cystine) were fed from 0.38 to 0.70% of the diet. Least squares analysis indicated SAA requirements for maximal weight gain of 0.61 and 0.62% of the diet for males and females, respectively. The choline requirement was determined by feeding six levels of choline in the presence of 0.62% SAA. Gain but not gain/feed responded linearly to choline addition. Least squares analysis of gain indicated a dietary choline requirement of 358 p.p.m. of 30.6 mg./day. The choline-replacement value of methionine and betaine was found to be minimal.

  3. Methionine sulfone-containing orbitides, good indicators to evaluate oxidation process of flaxseed oil.

    PubMed

    Zou, Xian-Guo; Hu, Jiang-Ning; Zhu, Xue-Mei; Wang, Yu-Fu; Deng, Ze-Yuan

    2018-06-01

    This study aimed to explore the possibility of using methionine sulfone (Msn)-containing orbitides as indicators to evaluate the oxidation process of flaxseed oils. Results showed that after 4 days' heating, oxidation values slightly increased (p > .05) with significant decrease in methionine (Met)-containing peptides (p < .05) instead of γ-tocopherol (p > .05). However, as oxidation time continues increasing, oxidation values significantly increased (p < .05) with significant reduction of γ-tocopherol (p < .05). It demonstrated that Met-containing peptides were more readily oxidized compared with γ-tocopherol and showed certain antioxidant activity. Besides, high logarithmic correlations were found between oxidation values and Msn-containing orbitides (0.94-1.00), such as between total carbonyl compounds and orbitide [1-8-NαC],[1-MetO 2 ]-CLE (64.95 lnx - 52.14, R 2  = 0.99, Dingya23 oil). Therefore, in comparison with common oxidation indices, Msn-containing orbitides may be better indicators for evaluating the oxidation process of flaxseed oil with superior separation efficiency, specific information and high stability. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Effect of intravenous administration of D-lysergic acid diethylamide on initiation of protein synthesis in a cell-free system derived from brain.

    PubMed

    Cosgrove, J W; Brown, I R

    1984-05-01

    An initiating cell-free protein synthesis system derived from brain was utilized to demonstrate that the intravenous injection of D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to rabbits resulted in a lesion at the initiation stage of brain protein synthesis. Three inhibitors of initiation, edeine, poly(I), and aurintricarboxylic acid were used to demonstrate a reduction in initiation-dependent amino acid incorporation in the brain cell-free system. One hour after LSD injection, there was also a measurable decrease in the formation of 40S and 80S initiation complexes in vitro, using either [35S]methionine or [35S]Met-tRNAf. Analysis of the methionine pool size after LSD administration indicated there was no change in methionine levels. Analysis of the formation of initiation complexes in the brain cell-free protein synthesis system prepared 6 h after LSD administration indicated that there was a return to control levels at this time. The effects of LSD on steps in the initiation process are thus reversible.

  5. Identification of new ligands for the methionine biosynthesis transcriptional regulator (MetJ) by FAC-MS.

    PubMed

    Martí-Arbona, Ricardo; Teshima, Munehiro; Anderson, Penelope S; Nowak-Lovato, Kristy L; Hong-Geller, Elizabeth; Unkefer, Clifford J; Unkefer, Pat J

    2012-01-01

    We have developed a high-throughput approach using frontal affinity chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (FAC-MS) for the identification and characterization of the small molecules that modulate transcriptional regulator (TR) binding to TR targets. We tested this approach using the methionine biosynthesis regulator (MetJ). We used effector mixtures containing S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) and S-adenosyl derivatives as potential ligands for MetJ binding. The differences in the elution time of different compounds allowed us to rank the binding affinity of each compound. Consistent with previous results, FAC-MS showed that SAM binds to MetJ with the highest affinity. In addition, adenine and 5'-deoxy-5'-(methylthio)adenosine bind to the effector binding site on MetJ. Our experiments with MetJ demonstrate that FAC-MS is capable of screening complex mixtures of molecules and identifying high-affinity binders to TRs. In addition, FAC-MS experiments can be used to discriminate between specific and nonspecific binding of the effectors as well as to estimate the dissociation constant (K(d)) for effector-TR binding. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  6. Polyamine metabolism in the kidneys of castrated and testosterone-treated mice after administration of methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone).

    PubMed

    Henningsson, S; Persson, L; Rosengren, E

    1979-02-01

    The effects of methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) on S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.50) activity were studied in the mouse kidney stimulated to growth by testosterone administration. The drug was found a potent inhibitor of the enzyme in vitrol Administration of methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) in vivo resulted in a transient inhibition followed by a strong enhancement of the enzyme activity. Dialysis of the kidney extract, to remove remaining methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone), revealed a great and rapid increase in the activity of S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase. Injections of testosterone to castrated mice resulted in a marked increase in kidney weight and an accumulation of renal putrescine, spermidine and spermine. These effects of testosterone could not be blocked by simultaneous injections of methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone). It appears that due to secondary effects by which the inhibition of methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) on S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase activity is circumvented the inhibitor seems to be of uncertain value in attempts to decrease selectively the in vivo levels of polyamines.

  7. Versatile Synthesis of Stable, Functional Polypeptides via Reaction with Epoxides.

    PubMed

    Gharakhanian, Eric G; Deming, Timothy J

    2015-06-08

    Methodology was developed for efficient alkylation of methionine residues using epoxides as a general strategy to introduce a wide range of functional groups onto polypeptides. Use of a spacer between epoxide and functional groups further allowed addition of sterically demanding functionalities. Contrary to other methods to alkylate methionine residues, epoxide alkylations allow the reactions to be conducted in wet protic media and give sulfonium products that are stable against dealkylation. These functionalizations are notable since they are chemoselective, utilize stable and readily available epoxides, and allow facile incorporation of an unprecedented range of functional groups onto simple polypeptides using stable linkages.

  8. Improved electro-transformation of highly DNA-restrictive corynebacteria with DNA extracted from starved Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Ankri, S; Reyes, O; Leblon, G

    1996-07-01

    Differences of up to 33 000-fold in electro-transformability of highly DNA restrictive corynebacteria are observed in the DNA of a shuttle plasmid extracted from Escherichia coli hosts propagated in different nutritional conditions. Growth of the host in minimal medium increases plasmid transformability, whereas growth on rich media decreases it. In the E. coli DH5 alpha host, the starvation-dependent increase DNA transformability is reverted by supplementing with methionine, an obligate 5-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) precursor. This suggests that an E. coli nutritionally modulated SAM-dependent DNA-methyltransferase may be involved in this phenomenon.

  9. The Monosodium Glutamate Story: The Commercial Production of MSG and Other Amino Acids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ault, Addison

    2004-03-01

    Examples of the industrial synthesis of pure amino acids are presented. The emphasis is on the synthesis of ( S )-glutamic acid and, to a lesser extent, ( S )-lysine and ( R,S )-methionine. These amino acids account for about 90% of the total world production of amino acids, ( S )-glutamic acid being used as a flavor-enhancing additive (MSG) for the human diet, and ( S )-lysine and ( R,S )-methionine as supplements for the feeding of domestic animals. Examples include chemical, enzymatic, and fermentation synthesis, and two clever continuous processes for the resolution of enantiomers. See Featured Molecules .

  10. The [4Fe-4S](2+) cluster in reconstituted biotin synthase binds S-adenosyl-L-methionine.

    PubMed

    Cosper, Michele Mader; Jameson, Guy N L; Davydov, Roman; Eidsness, Marly K; Hoffman, Brian M; Huynh, Boi Hanh; Johnson, Michael K

    2002-11-27

    The combination of resonance Raman, electron paramagnetic resonance and Mössbauer spectroscopies has been used to investigate the effect of S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) on the spectroscopic properties of the [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster in biotin synthase. The results indicate that SAM interacts directly at a unique iron site of the [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster in BioB and support the hypothesis of a common inner-sphere mechanism for the reductive cleavage of SAM in the radical SAM family of Fe-S enzymes.

  11. MicroRNA-mediated regulation of glutathione and methionine metabolism and its relevance for liver disease.

    PubMed

    Lu, Shelly C; Mato, José M; Espinosa-Diez, Cristina; Lamas, Santiago

    2016-11-01

    The discovery of the microRNA (miRNA) family of small RNAs as fundamental regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression has fostered research on their importance in every area of biology and clinical medicine. In the particular area of liver metabolism and disease, miRNAs are gaining increasing importance. By focusing on two fundamental hepatic biosynthetic pathways, glutathione and methionine, we review recent advances on the comprehension of the role of miRNAs in liver pathophysiology and more specifically of models of hepatic cholestasis/fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. MicroRNA-mediated regulation of glutathione and methionine metabolism and its relevance for liver disease

    PubMed Central

    Lu, Shelly C.; Mato, José M.; Espinosa-Diez, Cristina; Lamas, Santiago

    2017-01-01

    The discovery of the microRNA (miRNA) family of small RNAs as fundamental regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression has fostered research on their importance in every area of biology and clinical medicine. In the particular area of liver metabolism and disease, miRNAs are gaining increasing importance. By focusing on two fundamental hepatic biosynthetic pathways, glutathione and methionine, we review recent advances on the comprehension of the role of miRNAs in liver pathophysiology and more specifically of models of hepatic cholestasis/fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. PMID:27033954

  13. The metabolic burden of creatine synthesis.

    PubMed

    Brosnan, John T; da Silva, Robin P; Brosnan, Margaret E

    2011-05-01

    Creatine synthesis is required in adult animals to replace creatine that is spontaneously converted to creatinine and excreted in the urine. Additionally, in growing animals it is necessary to provide creatine to the expanding tissue mass. Creatine synthesis requires three amino acids: glycine, methionine and arginine, and three enzymes: L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT), methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) and guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT). The entire glycine molecule is consumed in creatine synthesis but only the methyl and amidino groups, respectively, from methionine and arginine. Creatinine loss averages approximately 2 g (14.6 mmol) for 70 kg males in the 20- to 39-year age group. Creatinine loss is lower in females and in older age groups because of lower muscle mass. Approximately half of this creatine lost to creatinine can be replaced, in omnivorous individuals, by dietary creatine. However, since dietary creatine is only provided in animal products, principally in meat and fish, virtually all of the creatine loss in vegetarians must be replaced via endogenous synthesis. Creatine synthesis does not appear to place a major burden on glycine metabolism in adults since this amino acid is readily synthesized. However, creatine synthesis does account for approximately 40% of all of the labile methyl groups provided by S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and, as such, places an appreciable burden on the provision of such methyl groups, either from the diet or via de novo methylneogenesis. Creatine synthesis consumes some 20-30% of arginine's amidino groups, whether provided in the diet or synthesized within the body. Creatine synthesis is, therefore, a quantitatively major pathway in amino acid metabolism and imposes an appreciable burden on the metabolism of methionine and of arginine.

  14. Protein accumulation and rumen stability of wheat γ-gliadin fusion proteins in tobacco and alfalfa.

    PubMed

    Sun, Xiaodong; Chi-Ham, Cecilia L; Cohen-Davidyan, Tamar; DeBen, Christopher; Getachew, Girma; DePeters, Edward; Putnam, Daniel; Bennett, Alan

    2015-09-01

    The nutritional value of various crops can be improved by engineering plants to produce high levels of proteins. For example, because methionine deficiency limits the protein quality of Medicago Sativa (alfalfa) forage, producing alfalfa plants that accumulate high levels of a methionine-rich protein could increase the nutritional value of that crop. We used three strategies in designing methionine-rich recombinant proteins that could accumulate to high levels in plants and thereby serve as candidates for improving the protein quality of alfalfa forage. In tobacco, two fusion proteins, γ-gliadin-δ-zein and γ-δ-zein, as well as δ-zein co-expressed with β-zein, all formed protein bodies. However, the γ-gliadin-δ-zein fusion protein accumulated to the highest level, representing up to 1.5% of total soluble protein (TSP) in one transformant. In alfalfa, γ-gliadin-δ-zein accumulated to 0.2% of TSP, and in an in vitro rumen digestion assay, γ-gliadin-δ-zein was more resistant to microbial degradation than Rubisco. Additionally, although it did not form protein bodies, a γ-gliadin-GFP fusion protein accumulated to much higher levels, 7% of TSP, than a recombinant protein comprised of an ER localization signal fused to GFP in tobacco. Based on our results, we conclude that γ-gliadin-δ-zein is a potential candidate protein to use for enhancing methionine levels in plants and for improving rumen stability of forage protein. γ-gliadin fusion proteins may provide a general platform for increasing the accumulation of recombinant proteins in transgenic plants. © 2015 Society for Experimental Biology, Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. [Met]- and [Leu]enkephalin-like immunoreactive cell bodies and nerve fibres in the coeliac ganglion of the cat.

    PubMed

    Julé, Y; Clerc, N; Niel, J P; Condamin, M

    1986-06-01

    The occurrence and distribution of methionine- and leucine-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity were investigated in the cat coeliac ganglion using either the indirect immunoperoxidase method or the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. Several antisera raised to methionine- and leucine-enkephalin were used. Their specificity was assessed by incubating sections of the coeliac ganglion with increasing dilutions of antisera and with antisera saturated with their respective antigen. The present study was performed both in untreated and in colchicine-treated cats. Immunoreactive methionine- and leucine-enkephalin-like cell bodies were only visualized in colchicine-treated cats. Two types of labeled cells were observed. The first type had a size similar to that of unlabeled principal ganglion cells. These labeled cells were numerous and scattered throughout the ganglion; they probably represented enkephalin-containing ganglion cells. The second type of immunoreactive cells were of a much smaller size. They were always gathered in small clusters of about 5-15 cells and were not numerous; they presumably represented enkephalin-containing small intensely fluorescent cells. Immunoreactive nerve fibres were mainly observed in untreated cats and accessorily in colchicine-treated cats. In untreated animals dense networks of methionine- and leucine-enkephalin-like immunoreactive fibres were found in the coeliac ganglion. These fibres had numerous varicosities which often closely surrounded unlabeled principal ganglion cells. In colchicine-treated cats some immunoreactive fibres surrounded labeled principal ganglion cell bodies. The present results establish for the first time the presence of enkephalin-like immunoreactive principal ganglion cells in a mammalian sympathetic prevertebral ganglion. The presence of enkephalin-containing principal ganglion cells, small intensely fluorescent cells and nerve terminals, supports an important role of enkephalins in the integrative synaptic activities of cat coeliac ganglion cells.

  16. Development and validation of a whole-cell inhibition assay for bacterial methionine aminopeptidase by surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Greis, Kenneth D; Zhou, Songtao; Siehnel, Richard; Klanke, Chuck; Curnow, Alan; Howard, Jeremy; Layh-Schmitt, Gerlinde

    2005-08-01

    Bacterial methionine aminopeptidase (MAP) is a protease that removes methionine from the N termini of newly synthesized bacterial proteins after the peptide deformylase enzyme cleaves the formyl group from the initiator formylmethionine. MAP is an essential bacterial gene product and thus represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention. A fundamental challenge in the antibacterial drug discovery field is demonstrating conclusively that compounds with in vitro enzyme inhibition activity produce the desired antibacterial effect by interfering with the same target in whole bacterial cells. One way to address the activity of inhibitor compounds is by profiling cellular biomarkers in whole bacterial cells using compounds that are known inhibitors of a particular target. However, in the case of MAP, no specific inhibitors were available for such studies. Instead, a genetically attenuated MAP strain was generated in which MAP expression was placed under the control of an inducible arabinose promoter. Thus, MAP inhibition in whole cells could be mimicked by growth in the absence of arabinose. This genetically attenuated strain was used as a benchmark for MAP inhibition by profiling whole-cell lysates for unprocessed proteins using surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MS). Eight proteins between 4 and 14 kDa were confirmed as being unprocessed and containing the initiator methionine by adding back purified MAP to the preparations prior to MS analysis. Upon establishing these unprocessed proteins as biomarkers for MAP inhibition, the assay was used to screen small-molecule chemical inhibitors of purified MAP for whole-cell activity. Fifteen compound classes yielded three classes of compound with whole-cell activity for further optimization by chemical expansion. This report presents the development, validation, and implementation of a whole-cell inhibition assay for MAP.

  17. The effect of cocoa supplementation on hepatic steatosis, reactive oxygen species and LFABP in a rat model of NASH

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Non alcoholic steatohepatitis is hypothesised to develop via a mechanism involving fat accumulation and oxidative stress. The current study aimed to investigate if an increase in oxidative stress was associated with changes in the expression of liver fatty acid binding protein in a rat model of non alcoholic steatohepatitis and whether cocoa supplementation attenuated those changes. Methods Female Sprague Dawley rats were fed a high fat control diet, a high fat methionine choline deficient diet, or one of four 12.5% cocoa supplementation regimes in combination with the high fat methionine choline deficient diet. Results Liver fatty acid binding protein mRNA and protein levels were reduced in the liver of animals with fatty liver disease when compared to controls. Increased hepatic fat content was accompanied by higher levels of oxidative stress in animals with fatty liver disease when compared to controls. An inverse association was found between the levels of hepatic liver fatty acid binding protein and the level of hepatic oxidative stress in fatty liver disease. Elevated NADPH oxidase protein levels were detected in the liver of animals with increased severity in inflammation and fibrosis. Cocoa supplementation was associated with partial attenuation of these pathological changes, although the severity of liver disease induced by the methionine choline deficient diet prevented complete reversal of any disease associated changes. Red blood cell glutathione was increased by cocoa supplementation, whereas liver glutathione was reduced by cocoa compared to methionine choline deficient diet fed animals. Conclusion These findings suggest a potential role for liver fatty acid binding protein and NADPH oxidase in the development of non alcoholic steatohepatitis. Furthermore, cocoa supplementation may have be of therapeutic benefit in less sever forms of NASH. PMID:22081873

  18. Positron emission tomography in oncology: the most sophisticated imaging technology.

    PubMed

    Lacić, M; Maisey, M N; Kusić, Z

    1997-01-01

    The primary aim of this paper is to present a new nuclear medicine technology, which has just recently crossed over the clinical-research barrier. Positron emission tomography (PET) has become one of the routine functional imaging techniques in the most developed countries. The biggest advantage of PET is the usage of short-lived positron emission radionuclides, e.g., fluorine-18 (F-18), carbon-11 (C-11), nitrogen-13, and oxygen-15 (0-15). These radionuclides could be incorporated (H2O15) or linked (F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to different metabolically active molecules. In this way, it is possible to image and quantify the metabolic activity of various disorders and diseases including different types of tumors. The authors have concentrated on the PET rule in oncology. FDG and C-11 methionine are the most widely used PET radiopharmaceuticals in tumor imaging today, thus the results of human PET studies with FDG and C-11 methionine in the evaluation of tumors have been reviewed. The facts about the mechanism of uptake of both metabolic PET radiopharmaceuticals as well as the kinetics of tracers in normal and tumor tissue are described. The problem of accumulation of these tracers in some benign lesions is also mentioned. PET could be used for the evaluation of tumor response to therapy and duration of therapeutic effects in follow-up studies. PET offers a unique possibility to fully quantify the tumor metabolic activity, although semi-quantitative approaches are clinically more convenient. At the end, comparative studies of FDG and C-11 methionine in tumor evaluation are analyzed. A double-tracer FDG and C-11 methionine scanning protocol has been suggested as very useful for the assessment of brain tumor. This finding was also supported by the authors' data.

  19. Peptide models XLV: conformational properties of N-formyl-L-methioninamide and its relevance to methionine in proteins.

    PubMed

    Láng, András; Csizmadia, Imre G; Perczel, András

    2005-02-15

    The conformational space of the most biologically significant backbone folds of a suitable methionine peptide model was explored by density functional computational method. Using a medium [6-31G(d)] and a larger basis set [6-311++G(2d,2p)], the systematic exploration of low-energy backbone structures restricted for the "L-region" in the Ramachandran map of N-formyl-L-methioninamide results in conformers corresponding to the building units of an extended backbone structure (betaL), an inverse gamma-turn (gammaL), or a right-handed helical structure (alphaL). However, no poly-proline II type (epsilonL) fold was found, indicating that this conformer has no intrinsic stability, and highlighting the effect of molecular environment in stabilizing this backbone structure. This is in agreement with the abundance of the epsilonL-type backbone conformation of methionine found in proteins. Stability properties (DeltaE) and distinct backbone-side-chain interactions support the idea that specific intramolecular contacts are operative in the selection of the lowest energy conformers. Apart from the number of different folds, all stable conformers are within a 10 kcal x mol(-1) energy range, indicating the highly flexible behavior of methionine. This conformational feature can be important in supporting catalytic processes, facilitating protein folding and dimerization via metal ion binding. In both of the biological examples discussed (HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and PcoC copper-resistant protein), the conformational properties of Met residues were found to be of key importance. Spatial proximity to other types of residues or the same type of residue seems to be crucial for the structural integrity of a protein, whether Met is buried or exposed.

  20. Alpha-lipoic acid affects the oxidative stress in various brain structures in mice with methionine and choline deficiency.

    PubMed

    Veskovic, Milena; Mladenovic, Dusan; Jorgacevic, Bojan; Stevanovic, Ivana; de Luka, Silvio; Radosavljevic, Tatjana

    2015-04-01

    Deficiency in methionine or choline can induce oxidative stress in various organs such as liver, kidney, heart, and brain. This study was to examine the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) on oxidative stress induced by methionine and choline deficiency (MCD) in several brain structures. Male mice C57BL/6 (n = 28) were divided into four groups: (1) control - continuously fed with standard chow; (2) LA - fed with standard chow and receiving LA; (3) MCD2 - fed with MCD diet for two weeks, and (4) MCD2+LA - fed with MCD diet for two weeks and receiving LA (100 mg/kg/day intraperitonealy [i.p.]). Brain tissue (cortex, hypothalamus, striatum and hippocampus) was taken for determination of oxidative stress parameters. MCD diet induced a significant increase in malondialdehyde and NOx concentration in all brain regions, while LA restored their content to normal values. Similar to this, in MCD2 group, activity of total SOD, MnSOD, and Cu/ZnSOD was reduced by MCD diet, while LA treatment improved their activities in all brain structures. Besides, in MCD2 group a decrease in catalase activity in cortex and GSH content in hypothalamus was evident, while LA treatment induced an increase in catalase activity in cortex and striatum and GSH content in hypothalamus. LA treatment can significantly reduce lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress, caused by MCD diet, in all brain regions by restoring antioxidant enzymes activities, predominantly total SOD, MnSOD, and Cu/ZnSOD, and to a lesser extent by modulating catalase activity and GSH content. LA supplementation may be used in order to prevent brain oxidative injury induced by methionine and choline deficiency. © 2014 by the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.

  1. Low-dose D-methionine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine for protection from permanent noise-induced hearing loss in chinchillas.

    PubMed

    Clifford, Royce E; Coleman, John K M; Balough, Ben J; Liu, Jianzhong; Kopke, Richard D; Jackson, Ronald L

    2011-12-01

    Despite efforts at public health awareness and stringent industrial standards for hearing protection, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains a formidable public health concern. Although many antioxidants have proven to be beneficial in the laboratory for prevention of permanent NIHL, low-dose combinations of compounds with different biochemical mechanisms of action may allow long-term administration with fewer side effects and equal efficacy. The mixture of D-methionine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine administered at levels less than 10% of standard dosing has not been previously reported. Twenty-six female adult Chinchilla laniger were placed in 4 study groups, consisting of (1) a group receiving combination 12.5 mg/kg each D-methionine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (DMET/NAC group), (2) a group receiving 12.5 mg/kg D-methionine (DMET-only group), (3) a group receiving 12.5 mg/kg N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC-only group), and (4) saline controls. Laboratory. All groups received twice-daily intraperitoneal injections 2 days prior to noise exposure, 1 hour before and after exposure on day 3, and for 2 days subsequently, totaling 10 doses of 125 mg/kg for each antioxidant over 5 days. Although NAC-only animals paralleled saline control recovery during 3 weeks, the DMET-only group revealed gradual improvement with statistically significant recovery in the middle frequencies. The DMET/NAC group showed significant improvement at most frequencies compared with controls (P < .001 and P < .05). Significant recovery of hearing was observed following continuous noise exposure with either DMET only or a combination of low-dose DMET/NAC, demonstrating a considerably lower dose of antioxidants required than previously reported for hearing recovery following acoustic trauma.

  2. Effects of adding liquid DL-methionine hydroxy analogue-free acid to drinking water on growth performance and small intestinal morphology of nursery pigs.

    PubMed

    Kaewtapee, C; Krutthai, N; Poosuwan, K; Poeikhampha, T; Koonawootrittriron, S; Bunchasak, C

    2010-06-01

    This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding liquid DL-methionine hydroxy analogue free acid (LMA) to drinking water on growth performance, small intestinal morphology and volatile fatty acids in the caecum of nursery pigs. Twenty-four crossbred pigs (Large White x Landrace, BW approximately 18 kg) were divided into three groups with four replications of two piglets each. The piglets received drinking water without (control), with 0.05 or 0.10% LMA. The results indicated that adding LMA at 0.10% to drinking water significantly increased their weight gain, average daily feed intake (p < 0.05) and tended to improve the feed conversion ratio. Adding LMA to drinking water significantly increased their water intake and significantly reduced the pH of drinking water (p < 0.01), thus total plate count (p < 0.01) and Escherichia coli in drinking water was reduced (p < 0.05), while the total number of bacteria in the caecum was not significantly affected. Liquid DL-methionine hydroxy analogue free acid supplementation in drinking water tended to decrease pH in the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, colon and rectum. Furthermore, adding LMA at 0.10% significantly increased villous height in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05), and the villous height:crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.01) was higher, whereas acetic acid concentration in the caecum was significantly lower than in the control group. It could be concluded that adding LMA to drinking water improved growth performance of the nursery pigs because of high water quality and high nutrient utilization caused by an improvement of small intestinal morphology (not from nutritional effect of methionine source).

  3. Acute Liver Injury Induces Nucleocytoplasmic Redistribution of Hepatic Methionine Metabolism Enzymes

    PubMed Central

    Delgado, Miguel; Garrido, Francisco; Pérez-Miguelsanz, Juliana; Pacheco, María; Partearroyo, Teresa; Pérez-Sala, Dolores

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Aims: The discovery of methionine metabolism enzymes in the cell nucleus, together with their association with key nuclear processes, suggested a putative relationship between alterations in their subcellular distribution and disease. Results: Using the rat model of d-galactosamine intoxication, severe changes in hepatic steady-state mRNA levels were found; the largest decreases corresponded to enzymes exhibiting the highest expression in normal tissue. Cytoplasmic protein levels, activities, and metabolite concentrations suffered more moderate changes following a similar trend. Interestingly, galactosamine treatment induced hepatic nuclear accumulation of methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) α1 and S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase tetramers, their active assemblies. In fact, galactosamine-treated livers showed enhanced nuclear MAT activity. Acetaminophen (APAP) intoxication mimicked most galactosamine effects on hepatic MATα1, including accumulation of nuclear tetramers. H35 cells that overexpress tagged-MATα1 reproduced the subcellular distribution observed in liver, and the changes induced by galactosamine and APAP that were also observed upon glutathione depletion by buthionine sulfoximine. The H35 nuclear accumulation of tagged-MATα1 induced by these agents correlated with decreased glutathione reduced form/glutathione oxidized form ratios and was prevented by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione ethyl ester. However, the changes in epigenetic modifications associated with tagged-MATα1 nuclear accumulation were only prevented by NAC in galactosamine-treated cells. Innovation: Cytoplasmic and nuclear changes in proteins that regulate the methylation index follow opposite trends in acute liver injury, their nuclear accumulation showing potential as disease marker. Conclusion: Altogether these results demonstrate galactosamine- and APAP-induced nuclear accumulation of methionine metabolism enzymes as active oligomers and unveil the implication of redox-dependent mechanisms in the control of MATα1 subcellular distribution. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 20, 2541–2554. PMID:24124652

  4. NADP+ Binding to the Regulatory Subunit of Methionine Adenosyltransferase II Increases Intersubunit Binding Affinity in the Hetero-Trimer

    PubMed Central

    Ortega, Rebeca; Martínez-Júlvez, Marta; Revilla-Guarinos, Ainhoa; Pérez-Pertejo, Yolanda; Velázquez-Campoy, Adrián; Sanz-Aparicio, Julia; Pajares, María A.

    2012-01-01

    Mammalian methionine adenosyltransferase II (MAT II) is the only hetero-oligomer in this family of enzymes that synthesize S-adenosylmethionine using methionine and ATP as substrates. Binding of regulatory β subunits and catalytic α2 dimers is known to increase the affinity for methionine, although scarce additional information about this interaction is available. This work reports the use of recombinant α2 and β subunits to produce oligomers showing kinetic parameters comparable to MAT II purified from several tissues. According to isothermal titration calorimetry data and densitometric scanning of the stained hetero-oligomer bands on denatured gels, the composition of these oligomers is that of a hetero-trimer with α2 dimers associated to single β subunits. Additionally, the regulatory subunit is able to bind NADP+ with a 1∶1 stoichiometry, the cofactor enhancing β to α2-dimer binding affinity. Mutants lacking residues involved in NADP+ binding and N-terminal truncations of the β subunit were able to oligomerize with α2-dimers, although the kinetic properties appeared altered. These data together suggest a role for both parts of the sequence in the regulatory role exerted by the β subunit on catalysis. Moreover, preparation of a structural model for the hetero-oligomer, using the available crystal data, allowed prediction of the regions involved in β to α2-dimer interaction. Finally, the implications that the presence of different N-terminals in the β subunit could have on MAT II behavior are discussed in light of the recent identification of several splicing forms of this subunit in hepatoma cells. PMID:23189196

  5. Two Distinct Aerobic Methionine Salvage Pathways Generate Volatile Methanethiol in Rhodopseudomonas palustris

    PubMed Central

    Miller, Anthony R.; North, Justin A.; Wildenthal, John A.

    2018-01-01

    ABSTRACT 5′-Methyl-thioadenosine (MTA) is a dead-end, sulfur-containing metabolite and cellular inhibitor that arises from S-adenosyl-l-methionine-dependent reactions. Recent studies have indicated that there are diverse bacterial methionine salvage pathways (MSPs) for MTA detoxification and sulfur salvage. Here, via a combination of gene deletions and directed metabolite detection studies, we report that under aerobic conditions the facultatively anaerobic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris employs both an MTA-isoprenoid shunt identical to that previously described in Rhodospirillum rubrum and a second novel MSP, both of which generate a methanethiol intermediate. The additional R. palustris aerobic MSP, a dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP)-methanethiol shunt, initially converts MTA to 2-(methylthio)ethanol and DHAP. This is identical to the initial steps of the recently reported anaerobic ethylene-forming MSP, the DHAP-ethylene shunt. The aerobic DHAP-methanethiol shunt then further metabolizes 2-(methylthio)ethanol to methanethiol, which can be directly utilized by O-acetyl-l-homoserine sulfhydrylase to regenerate methionine. This is in contrast to the anaerobic DHAP-ethylene shunt, which metabolizes 2-(methylthio)ethanol to ethylene and an unknown organo-sulfur intermediate, revealing functional diversity in MSPs utilizing a 2-(methylthio)ethanol intermediate. When MTA was fed to aerobically growing cells, the rate of volatile methanethiol release was constant irrespective of the presence of sulfate, suggesting a general housekeeping function for these MSPs up through the methanethiol production step. Methanethiol and dimethyl sulfide (DMS), two of the most important compounds of the global sulfur cycle, appear to arise not only from marine ecosystems but from terrestrial ones as well. These results reveal a possible route by which methanethiol might be biologically produced in soil and freshwater environments. PMID:29636438

  6. The Effect of Neighboring Methionine Residue on Tyrosine Nitration & Oxidation in Peptides Treated with MPO, H2O2, & NO2- or Peroxynitrite and Bicarbonate: Role of Intramolecular Electron-Transfer Mechanism?

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Hao; Zielonka, Jacek; Sikora, Adam; Joseph, Joy; Xu, Yingkai; Kalyanaraman, B.

    2009-01-01

    Recent reports suggest that intramolecular electron-transfer reactions can profoundly affect the site and specificity of tyrosyl nitration and oxidation in peptides and proteins. Here we investigated the effects of methionine on tyrosyl nitration and oxidation induced by myeloperoxidase (MPO), H2O2 and NO2- and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) or ONOO- and bicarbonate (HCO3-) in model peptides, tyrosylmethionine (YM), tyrosylphenylalanine (YF) and tyrosine. Nitration and oxidation products of these peptides were analysed by HPLC with UV/Vis and fluorescence detection, and mass spectrometry; radical intermediates were identified by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-spin-trapping. We have previously shown (Zhang et al., J. Biol. Chem. (2005) 280, 40684-40698) that oxidation and nitration of tyrosyl residue was inhibited in tyrosylcysteine(YC)-type peptides as compared to free tyrosine. Here we show that methionine, another sulfur-containing amino acid, does not inhibit nitration and oxidation of a neighboring tyrosine residue in the presence of ONOO- (or ONOOCO2-) or MPO/H2O2/NO2- system. Nitration of tyrosyl residue in YM was actually stimulated under the conditions of in situ generation of ONOO- (formed by reaction of superoxide with nitric oxide during SIN-1 decomposition), as compared to YF, YC and tyrosine. The dramatic variations in tyrosyl nitration profiles caused by methionine and cysteine residues have been attributed to differences in the direction of intramolecular electron transfer mechanism in these peptides. Further confirmation of HPLC data analysis was obtained by steady-state radiolysis and photolysis experiments. Potential implications of the intramolecular electron-transfer mechanism in mediating selective nitration of protein tyrosyl groups are discussed. PMID:19056332

  7. Discovery of potent, reversible MetAP2 inhibitors via fragment based drug discovery and structure based drug design-Part 1.

    PubMed

    Cheruvallath, Zacharia; Tang, Mingnam; McBride, Christopher; Komandla, Mallareddy; Miura, Joanne; Ton-Nu, Thu; Erikson, Phil; Feng, Jun; Farrell, Pamela; Lawson, J David; Vanderpool, Darin; Wu, Yiqin; Dougan, Douglas R; Plonowski, Artur; Holub, Corine; Larson, Chris

    2016-06-15

    Methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP2) is an enzyme that cleaves an N-terminal methionine residue from a number of newly synthesized proteins. Pre-clinical and clinical studies suggest that MetAP2 inhibitors could be used as a novel treatment for obesity. Herein we describe our use of fragment screening methods and structural biology to quickly identify and elaborate an indazole fragment into a series of reversible MetAP2 inhibitors with <10nM potency, excellent selectivity, and favorable in vitro safety profiles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. S-adenosyl-L-methionine analogs as enhanced methyl donors: Towards novel epigenetic regulators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jerbi, Jihène; Springborg, Michael; den-Haan, Helena; Cerón-Carrasco, José P.

    2017-12-01

    Many efforts have been devoted to discover molecules able to halt methylation processes in DNA. However, less is known about the application of methyl promoters in the framework of hypomethylation diseases. Herein, we used molecular dynamics and ab initio calculations to assess the methylation ability of the parent S-adenosyl-L-methionine cofactor (SAM) and a series of analogues. Two molecules deposited in the PubChem database are shown to be promising candidates for increasing the methyl transfer rate of the original SAM. The reported data might be consequently used to guide further steps into the search of more efficient methyl donor-based drugs.

  9. Differential identification of Candida species and other yeasts by analysis of (/sup 35/S)methionine-labeled polypeptide profiles

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

    Shen, H.D.; Choo, K.B.; Tsai, W.C.

    1988-12-01

    This paper describes a scheme for differential identification of Candida species and other yeasts based on autoradiographic analysis of protein profiles of (/sup 35/S)methionine-labeled cellular proteins separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using ATCC strains as references, protein profile analysis showed that different Candida and other yeast species produced distinctively different patterns. Good agreement in results obtained with this approach and with other conventional systems was observed. Being accurate and reproducible, this approach provides a basis for the development of an alternative method for the identification of yeasts isolated from clinical specimens.

  10. Growth Rate of Escherichia coli at Elevated Temperatures: Limitation by Methionine

    PubMed Central

    Ron, Eliora Z.; Davis, Bernard D.

    1971-01-01

    When Escherichia coli growing in minimal medium is shifted from 37 C to any temperature in the range 40 to 45 C, the growth rate immediately assumes a new, lower value, characteristic of that temperature. The decrease is shown to be due, in several strains, to decreased activity of the first enzyme of the methionine pathway, homoserine trans-succinylase, which thus appears to be more heat-sensitive than any other essential enzyme in the cell. This sensitivity does not involve progressive denaturation of the enzyme; rather, the response to a shift of temperature, in either direction, is immediate and reversible. PMID:4939758

  11. Effect of leucine-to-methionine substitutions on the diffraction quality of histone chaperone SET/TAF-Ibeta/INHAT crystals.

    PubMed

    Senda, Miki; Muto, Shinsuke; Horikoshi, Masami; Senda, Toshiya

    2008-10-01

    One of the most frequent problems in crystallization is poor quality of the crystals. In order to overcome this obstacle several methods have been utilized, including amino-acid substitutions of the target protein. Here, an example is presented of crystal-quality improvement by leucine-to-methionine substitutions. A variant protein with three amino-acid substitutions enabled improvement of the crystal quality of the histone chaperone SET/TAF-Ibeta/INHAT when combined with optimization of the cryoconditions. This procedure improved the resolution of the SET/TAF-Ibeta/INHAT crystals from around 5.5 to 2.3 A without changing the crystallization conditions.

  12. The Improvement of SAM Accumulation by Integrating the Endogenous Methionine Adenosyltransferase Gene SAM2 in Genome of the Industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Weijun; Shi, Feng; Hang, Baojian; Huang, Lei; Cai, Jin; Xu, Zhinan

    2016-03-01

    S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) plays important roles in trans-methylation, trans-sulfuration, and polyamine synthesis in all living cells, and it is also an effective cure for liver disease, depressive syndromes, and osteoarthritis. The increased demands of SAM in pharmaceuticals industry have aroused lots of attempts to improve its production. In this study, a multiple-copy integrative plasmid pYMIKP-SAM2 was introduced into the chromosome of wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain ZJU001 to construct the recombined strain R1-ZJU001. Further studies showed that the recombinant yeast exhibited higher enzymatic activity of methionine adenosyltransferase and improved its SAM biosynthesis. With a three-phase fed-batch strategy in 15-liter bench-top fermentor, 8.81 g/L SAM was achieved after 52 h cultivation of R1-ZJU001, about 27.1 % increase over its parent strain ZJU001, whereas the SAM content was also improved from 64.6 mg/g DCW to 91.0 mg/g DCW. Our results shall provide insights into the metabolic engineering of SAM pathway in yeast for improved productivity of SAM and subsequent industrial applications.

  13. Methoxistasis: Integrating the Roles of Homocysteine and Folic Acid in Cardiovascular Pathobiology

    PubMed Central

    Joseph, Jacob; Loscalzo, Joseph

    2013-01-01

    Over the last four decades, abnormalities in the methionine-homocysteine cycle and associated folate metabolism have garnered great interest due to the reported link between hyperhomocysteinemia and human pathology, especially atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease. However, clinical trials of B-vitamin supplementation including high doses of folic acid have not demonstrated any benefit in preventing or treating cardiovascular disease. In addition to the fact that these clinical trials may have been shorter in duration than appropriate for modulating chronic disease states, it is likely that reduction of the blood homocysteine level may be an oversimplified approach to a complex biologic perturbation. The methionine-homocysteine cycle and folate metabolism regulate redox and methylation reactions and are, in turn, regulated by redox and methylation status. Under normal conditions, a normal redox-methylation balance, or “methoxistasis”, exists, coordinated by the methionine-homocysteine cycle. An abnormal homocysteine level seen in pathologic states may reflect a disturbance of methoxistasis. We propose that future research should be targeted at estimating the deviation from methoxistasis and how best to restore it. This approach could lead to significant advances in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. PMID:23955381

  14. Pyrosequencing for detection of lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus.

    PubMed

    Lindström, Anna; Odeberg, Jacob; Albert, Jan

    2004-10-01

    Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can cause severe liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Lamivudine is a relatively recent alternative to alpha interferon for the treatment of HBV infection, but unfortunately, resistance to lamivudine commonly develops during monotherapy. Lamivudine-resistant HBV mutants display specific mutations in the YMDD (tyrosine, methionine, aspartate, aspartate) motif of the viral polymerase (reverse transcriptase [rt]), which is the catalytic site of the enzyme, i.e., methionine 204 to isoleucine (rtM204I) or valine (rtM204V). The latter mutation is often accompanied by a compensatory leucine-to-methionine change at codon 180 (rtL180M). In the present study, a novel sequencing method, pyrosequencing, was applied to the detection of lamivudine resistance mutations and was compared with direct Sanger sequencing. The new pyrosequencing method had advantages in terms of throughput. Experiments with mixtures of wild-type and resistant viruses indicated that pyrosequencing can detect minor sequence variants in heterogeneous virus populations. The new pyrosequencing method was evaluated with a small number of patient samples, and the results showed that the method could be a useful tool for the detection of lamivudine resistance in the clinical setting.

  15. The elastase-PK101 structure: Mechanism of an ultrasensitive activity-based probe revealed

    DOE PAGES

    Lechtenberg, Bernhard C.; Robinson, Howard R.; Kasperkiewicz, Paulina; ...

    2015-01-22

    Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) plays a central role in neutrophil host defense, but its broad specificity makes HNE a difficult target for both inhibitor and probe development. Recently, we identified the unnatural amino acid containing activity-based probe PK101, which exhibits astounding sensitivity and selectivity for HNE, yet completely lacks mechanistic explanation for its unique characteristics. Here, we present the crystal structure of the HNE-PK101 complex which not only reveals the basis for PK101 ultrasensitivity but also uncovers so far unrecognized HNE features. Strikingly, the Nle( O-Bzl) function in the P4 position of PK101 reveals and leverages an “exo-pocket” on HNEmore » as a critical factor for selectivity. Furthermore, the PK101 P3 position harbors a methionine dioxide function, which mimics a post-translationally oxidized methionine residue and forms a critical hydrogen bond to the backbone amide of Gly219 of HNE. Gly219 resides in a Gly–Gly motif that is unique to HNE, yet compulsory for this interaction. Consequently, this feature enables HNE to accommodate substrates that have undergone methionine oxidation, which constitutes a hallmark post-translational modification of neutrophil signaling.« less

  16. The Methionine-aromatic Motif Plays a Unique Role in Stabilizing Protein Structure*

    PubMed Central

    Valley, Christopher C.; Cembran, Alessandro; Perlmutter, Jason D.; Lewis, Andrew K.; Labello, Nicholas P.; Gao, Jiali; Sachs, Jonathan N.

    2012-01-01

    Of the 20 amino acids, the precise function of methionine (Met) remains among the least well understood. To establish a determining characteristic of methionine that fundamentally differentiates it from purely hydrophobic residues, we have used in vitro cellular experiments, molecular simulations, quantum calculations, and a bioinformatics screen of the Protein Data Bank. We show that approximately one-third of all known protein structures contain an energetically stabilizing Met-aromatic motif and, remarkably, that greater than 10,000 structures contain this motif more than 10 times. Critically, we show that as compared with a purely hydrophobic interaction, the Met-aromatic motif yields an additional stabilization of 1–1.5 kcal/mol. To highlight its importance and to dissect the energetic underpinnings of this motif, we have studied two clinically relevant TNF ligand-receptor complexes, namely TRAIL-DR5 and LTα-TNFR1. In both cases, we show that the motif is necessary for high affinity ligand binding as well as function. Additionally, we highlight previously overlooked instances of the motif in several disease-related Met mutations. Our results strongly suggest that the Met-aromatic motif should be exploited in the rational design of therapeutics targeting a range of proteins. PMID:22859300

  17. Rapid assessment of oxidation via middle-down LCMS correlates with methionine side-chain solvent-accessible surface area for 121 clinical stage monoclonal antibodies.

    PubMed

    Yang, Rong; Jain, Tushar; Lynaugh, Heather; Nobrega, R Paul; Lu, Xiaojun; Boland, Todd; Burnina, Irina; Sun, Tingwan; Caffry, Isabelle; Brown, Michael; Zhi, Xiaoyong; Lilov, Asparouh; Xu, Yingda

    Susceptibility of methionine to oxidation is an important concern for chemical stability during the development of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutic. To minimize downstream risks, leading candidates are usually screened under forced oxidation conditions to identify oxidation-labile molecules. Here we report results of forced oxidation on a large set of in-house expressed and purified mAbs with variable region sequences corresponding to 121 clinical stage mAbs. These mAb samples were treated with 0.1% H 2 O 2 for 24 hours before enzymatic cleavage below the hinge, followed by reduction of inter-chain disulfide bonds for the detection of the light chain, Fab portion of heavy chain (Fd) and Fc by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. This high-throughput, middle-down approach allows detection of oxidation site(s) at the resolution of 3 distinct segments. The experimental oxidation data correlates well with theoretical predictions based on the solvent-accessible surface area of the methionine side-chains within these segments. These results validate the use of upstream computational modeling to predict mAb oxidation susceptibility at the sequence level.

  18. Pyridinylquinazolines Selectively Inhibit Human Methionine Aminopeptidase-1 in Cells

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Feiran; Bhat, Shridhar; Gabelli, Sandra B.; Chen, Xiaochun; Miller, Michelle S.; Nacev, Benjamin A.; Cheng, Yim Ling; Meyers, David J.; Tenney, Karen; Shim, Joong Sup; Crews, Phillip; Amzel, L. Mario; Ma, Dawei; Liu, Jun O.

    2013-01-01

    Methionine aminopeptidases (MetAPs) which remove the initiator methionine from nascent peptides are essential in all organisms. While MetAP2 has been demonstrated to be a therapeutic target for inhibiting angiogenesis in mammals, MetAP1 seems to be vital for cell proliferation. Our earlier efforts identified two structural classes of human MetAP1 (HsMetAP1)-selective inhibitors (1–4). But all of them failed to inhibit cellular HsMetAP1. Using Mn(II) or Zn(II) to activate HsMetAP1, we found that 1–4 could only effectively inhibit purified HsMetAP1 in the presence of physiologically unachievable concentrations of Co(II). In an effort to seek Co(II)-independent inhibitors, a novel structural class containing a 2-(pyridin-2-yl)quinazoline core has been discovered. Many compounds in this class potently and selectively inhibited HsMetAP1 without Co(II). Subsequently, we demonstrated that 11j, an auxiliary metal-dependent inhibitor, effectively inhibited HsMetAP1 in primary cells. This is the first report that an HsMetAP1-selective inhibitor is effective against its target in cells. PMID:23634668

  19. Identification of methionine aminopeptidase 2 as a molecular target of the organoselenium drug ebselen and its derivatives/analogues: Synthesis, inhibitory activity and molecular modeling study.

    PubMed

    Węglarz-Tomczak, Ewelina; Burda-Grabowska, Małgorzata; Giurg, Mirosław; Mucha, Artur

    2016-11-01

    A collection of twenty-six organoselenium compounds, ebselen and its structural analogues, provided a novel approach for inhibiting the activity of human methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP2). This metalloprotease, being responsible for the removal of the amino-terminal methionine from newly synthesized proteins, plays a key role in angiogenesis, which is essential for the progression of diseases, including solid tumor cancers. In this work, we discovered that ebselen, a synthetic organoselenium drug molecule with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and cytoprotective activity, inhibits one of the main enzymes in the tumor progression pathway. Using three-step synthesis, we obtained twenty-five ebselen derivatives/analogues, ten of which are new, and tested their inhibitory activity toward three neutral aminopeptidases (MetAP2, alanine and leucine aminopeptidases). All of the tested compounds proved to be selective, slow-binding inhibitors of MetAP2. Similarly to ebselen, most of its analogues exhibited a moderate potency (IC 50 =1-12μM). Moreover, we identified three strong inhibitors that bind favorably to the enzyme with the half maximal inhibitory concentration in the submicromolar range. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

    Yan, Wupeng; Stone, Everett; Zhang, Yan Jessie

    Enzyme therapeutics that can degrade l-methionine (l-Met) are of great interest as numerous malignancies are exquisitely sensitive to l-Met depletion. To exhaust the pool of methionine in human serum, we previously engineered an l-Met-degrading enzyme based on the human cystathionine-γ-lyase scaffold (hCGL-NLV) to circumvent immunogenicity and stability issues observed in the preclinical application of bacterially derived methionine-γ-lyases. To gain further insights into the structure–activity relationships governing the chemistry of the hCGL-NLV lead molecule, we undertook a biophysical characterization campaign that captured crystal structures (2.2 Å) of hCGL-NLV with distinct reaction intermediates, including internal aldimine, substrate-bound, gem-diamine, and external aldimine forms.more » Curiously, an alternate form of hCGL-NLV that crystallized under higher-salt conditions revealed a locally unfolded active site, correlating with inhibition of activity as a function of ionic strength. Subsequent mutational and kinetic experiments pinpointed that a salt bridge between the phosphate of the essential cofactor pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) and residue R62 plays an important role in catalyzing β- and γ-eliminations. Our study suggests that solvent ions such as NaCl disrupt electrostatic interactions between R62 and PLP, decreasing catalytic efficiency.« less

  1. A mathematical modelling approach to assessing the reliability of biomarkers of glutathione metabolism.

    PubMed

    Geenen, Suzanne; du Preez, Franco B; Reed, Michael; Nijhout, H Frederik; Kenna, J Gerry; Wilson, Ian D; Westerhoff, Hans V; Snoep, Jacky L

    2012-07-16

    One of the main pathways for the detoxification of reactive metabolites in the liver involves glutathione conjugation. Metabolic profiling studies have shown paradoxical responses in glutathione-related biochemical pathways. One of these is the increase in 5-oxoproline and ophthalmic acid concentrations with increased dosage of paracetamol. Experimental studies have thus far failed to resolve these paradoxes and the robustness of how these proposed biomarkers correlate with liver glutathione levels has been questioned. To better understand how these biomarkers behave in the glutathione system a kinetic model of this pathway was made. By using metabolic control analysis and by simulating biomarker levels under a variety of conditions, we found that 5-oxoproline and ophthalmic acid concentrations may not only depend on the glutathione but also on the methionine status of the cell. We show that neither of the two potential biomarkers are reliable on their own since they need additional information about the methionine status of the system to relate them uniquely to intracellular glutathione concentration. However, when both biomarkers are measured simultaneously a direct inference of the glutathione concentration can be made, irrespective of the methionine concentration in the system. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Formation of volatile sulfur compounds and metabolism of methionine and other sulfur compounds in fermented food.

    PubMed

    Landaud, Sophie; Helinck, Sandra; Bonnarme, Pascal

    2008-01-01

    The formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in fermented food is a subject of interest. Such compounds are essential for the aroma of many food products like cheeses or fermented beverages, in which they can play an attractive or a repulsive role, depending on their identity and their concentration. VSC essentially arise from common sulfur-bearing precursors, methionine being the most commonly found. In the first section of this paper, the main VSC found in cheese, wine, and beer are reviewed. It is shown that a wide variety of VSC has been evidenced in these food products. Because of their low odor threshold and flavor notes, these compounds impart essential sensorial properties to the final product. In the second section of this review, the main (bio)chemical pathways leading to VSC synthesis are presented. Attention is focused on the microbial/enzymatic phenomena-which initiate sulfur bearing precursors degradation-leading to VSC production. Although chemical reactions could also play an important role in this process, this aspect is not fully developed in our review. The main catabolic pathways leading to VSC from the precursor methionine are presented.

  3. Dealing with an Unconventional Genetic Code in  Mitochondria: The Biogenesis and Pathogenic  Defects of the 5-Formylcytosine Modification in  Mitochondrial tRNAMet.

    PubMed

    Van Haute, Lindsey; Powell, Christopher A; Minczuk, Michal

    2017-03-02

    Human mitochondria contain their own genome, which uses an unconventional genetic code. In addition to the standard AUG methionine codon, the single mitochondrial tRNA Methionine (mt-tRNAMet) also recognises AUA during translation initiation and elongation. Post-transcriptional modifications of tRNAs are important for structure, stability, correct folding and aminoacylation as well as decoding. The unique 5-formylcytosine (f5C) modification of position 34 in mt-tRNAMet has been long postulated to be crucial for decoding of unconventional methionine codons and efficient mitochondrial translation. However, the enzymes responsible for the formation of mitochondrial f5C have been identified only recently. The first step of the f5C pathway consists of methylation of cytosine by NSUN3. This is followed by further oxidation by ABH1. Here, we review the role of f5C, the latest breakthroughs in our understanding of the biogenesis of this unique mitochondrial tRNA modification and its involvement in human disease.

  4. Ethylene formation from methionine as a method to evaluate oxygen free radical scavenging and metal inactivation by cosmetics.

    PubMed

    Galey, J B; Millecamps, F; Nguyen, Q L

    1991-04-01

    Synopsis It has been proposed that oxygen free radicals are involved in skin aging. This paper describes a new method for the evaluation of oxygen free radical scavenging by cosmetic products. It is based on the measurement, by gas chromatography, of ethylene produced during the oxidation of methionine by the hydroxyl radical. OH. is produced by an iron catalyzed superoxide-driven Fenton reaction in which superoxide is obtained by photochemical oxygen reduction. The cosmetic is applied, together with methionine, riboflavine, NADH, FeCl(3) and EDTA, on a glass microfibre filter and submitted to UVA exposure through a quartz cell. Ethylene is then measured from aliquots of the atmosphere inside the cell. Catalase or Desferal completely inhibits ethylene production. SOD or high concentrations of hydroxyl radical scavengers (Mannitol, DMSO etc.) afford a partial protection. Thus the efficiency of O(2) (-)., H(2)O(2) and OH. scavengers and iron chelators can be measured. The main advantage of this test is that it is performed in conditions which simulate skin during UV exposure (e.g. air and UV exposed thin layer). Furthermore, as it is non-invasive, it can also be applied to human skin in vivo.

  5. Biosynthesis of vanillin via ferulic acid in Vanilla planifolia.

    PubMed

    Negishi, Osamu; Sugiura, Kenji; Negishi, Yukiko

    2009-11-11

    (14)C-Labeled phenylalanine, 4-coumaric acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, ferulic acid, and methionine were applied to disks of green vanilla pods 3 and 6 months after pollination (immature and mature pods), and the conversion of these compounds to vanillin or glucovanillin was investigated. In mature green vanilla pods, radioactivities of 11, 15, 29, and 24% from (14)C-labeled phenylalanine, 4-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and methionine, respectively, were incorporated into glucovanillin within 24 h. In the incorporation processes of methionine and phenylalanine into glucovanillin, some of the (14)C labels were also trapped by the unlabeled ferulic acid. However, (14)C-labeled 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol were not converted to glucovanillin. On the other hand, in immature green vanilla pods radioactivities of the above six compounds were not incorporated into glucovanillin. Although 4-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol were converted to the respective glucose esters or glucosides and vanillin was converted to glucovanillin, their conversions were believed to be from the detoxication of the aglycones. These results suggest that the biosynthetic pathway for vanillin is 4-coumaric acid --> --> ferulic acid --> --> vanillin --> glucovanillin in mature vanilla pods.

  6. A histone H3K9M mutation traps histone methyltransferase Clr4 to prevent heterochromatin spreading

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

    Shan, Chun-Min; Wang, Jiyong; Xu, Ke

    2016-09-20

    Histone lysine-to-methionine (K-to-M) mutations are associated with multiple cancers, and they function in a dominant fashion to block the methylation of corresponding lysines on wild type histones. However, their mechanisms of function are controversial. Here we show that in fission yeast, introducing the K9M mutation into one of the three histone H3 genes dominantly blocks H3K9 methylation on wild type H3 across the genome. In addition, H3K9M enhances the interaction of histone H3 tail with the H3K9 methyltransferase Clr4 in a SAM (S-adenosyl-methionine)-dependent manner, and Clr4 is trapped at nucleation sites to prevent its spreading and the formation of largemore » heterochromatin domains. We further determined the crystal structure of an H3K9M peptide in complex with human H3K9 methyltransferase G9a and SAM, which reveales that the methionine side chain had enhanced van der Waals interactions with G9a. Therefore, our results provide a detailed mechanism by which H3K9M regulates H3K9 methylation.« less

  7. Effect of alcohol consumption on the liver detoxication capacity as measured by [13C]methacetin- and [methyl-13C]methionine-breath tests.

    PubMed

    Wutzke, Klaus D; Forberger, Anke; Wigger, Marianne

    2008-06-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatic microsomal and mitochondrial functions by using the 13CO2-breath test in healthy subjects either before or after the consumption of red wine. Fourteen adults received [13C]methacetin and [methyl-13C]methionine together with a standardised dinner. Expired air samples were taken over 6 h. After a wash-out period, the subjects consumed 0.4 ml ethanol/kg/day together with dinner over a 10-day period. Thereafter, 13C-tracer administration was repeated under identical conditions. The 13CO2-enrichments were measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The mean cumulative percentage 13C-dose recovery (CPDR) after administration of [13C]methacetin and [methyl-13C]methionine either without or with red wine consumption amounted to 38.2+/-6.3 vs. 36.3+/-6.7% (p=0.363) and 9.5+/-3.3 vs. 8.8+/-2.5% (p=0.47), respectively. Moderate alcohol consumption does not induce significant short-term changes of the microsomal and the mitochondrial functions of the human liver in healthy subjects.

  8. Amino acid metabolism in the human fetus at term: leucine, valine, and methionine kinetics.

    PubMed

    van den Akker, Chris H P; Schierbeek, Henk; Minderman, Gardi; Vermes, Andras; Schoonderwaldt, Ernst M; Duvekot, Johannes J; Steegers, Eric A P; van Goudoever, Johannes B

    2011-12-01

    Human fetal metabolism is largely unexplored. Understanding how a healthy fetus achieves its fast growth rates could eventually play a pivotal role in improving future nutritional strategies for premature infants. To quantify specific fetal amino acid kinetics, eight healthy pregnant women received before elective cesarean section at term, continuous stable isotope infusions of the essential amino acids [1-13C,15N]leucine, [U-13C5]valine, and [1-13C]methionine. Umbilical blood was collected after birth and analyzed for enrichments and concentrations using mass spectrometry techniques. Fetuses showed considerable leucine, valine, and methionine uptake and high turnover rates. α-Ketoisocaproate, but not α-ketoisovalerate (the leucine and valine ketoacids, respectively), was transported at net rate from the fetus to the placenta. Especially, leucine and valine data suggested high oxidation rates, up to half of net uptake. This was supported by relatively low α-ketoisocaproate reamination rates to leucine. Our data suggest high protein breakdown and synthesis rates, comparable with, or even slightly higher than in premature infants. The relatively large uptakes of total leucine and valine carbon also suggest high fetal oxidation rates of these essential branched chain amino acids.

  9. Reconstruction of cysteine biosynthesis using engineered cysteine-free enzymes.

    PubMed

    Fujishima, Kosuke; Wang, Kendrick M; Palmer, Jesse A; Abe, Nozomi; Nakahigashi, Kenji; Endy, Drew; Rothschild, Lynn J

    2018-01-29

    Amino acid biosynthesis pathways observed in nature typically require enzymes that are made with the amino acids they produce. For example, Escherichia coli produces cysteine from serine via two enzymes that contain cysteine: serine acetyltransferase (CysE) and O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase (CysK/CysM). To solve this chicken-and-egg problem, we substituted alternate amino acids in CysE, CysK and CysM for cysteine and methionine, which are the only two sulfur-containing proteinogenic amino acids. Using a cysteine-dependent auxotrophic E. coli strain, CysE function was rescued by cysteine-free and methionine-deficient enzymes, and CysM function was rescued by cysteine-free enzymes. CysK function, however, was not rescued in either case. Enzymatic assays showed that the enzymes responsible for rescuing the function in CysE and CysM also retained their activities in vitro. Additionally, substitution of the two highly conserved methionines in CysM decreased but did not eliminate overall activity. Engineering amino acid biosynthetic enzymes to lack the so-produced amino acids can provide insights into, and perhaps eventually fully recapitulate via a synthetic approach, the biogenesis of biotic amino acids.

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

    PubMed

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

    2010-05-01

    The present experiment was undertaken to study the interactions between dietary supplements of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) and intramuscular injections of folic acid and vitamin B(12), given from 3 wk before calving to 16 wk of lactation, on hepatic metabolism of lactating dairy cows. Sixty multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to 10 blocks of 6 cows each according to their previous milk production. Within each block, 3 cows were fed a diet calculated to supply Met as 1.83% of metabolizable protein, whereas the 3 other cows were fed the same diet supplemented with 18g of RPM calculated to provide Met as 2.23% of metabolizable protein. Within each level of Met, the cows received no vitamin supplement or weekly intramuscular injections of 160mg of folic acid alone or combined with 10mg of vitamin B(12). Liver biopsies were taken at 2, 4, 8, and 16 wk of lactation. Liver concentrations of folates and vitamin B(12) were increased by their respective supplements but this response to vitamin supplements was altered by methionine supply. Concentrations of total lipids and triglycerides increased in livers of cows fed RPM, whereas concentrations of cholesterol ester, cholesterol, diglycerides, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylcholine were not affected. Folic acid, alone or combined with vitamin B(12), tended to increase the ratio of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine. Gene expression of 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase, microsomal transfer protein, and phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase were higher in liver of cows fed RPM supplements. The relative mRNA abundance of 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase were increased by the combined injections of folic acid and vitamin B(12), whereas those of methionine synthase and methionine synthase reductase were not affected by treatments. These results suggest that increasing supply of methyl groups, as preformed labile methyl groups or through methylneogenesis, affected the methylation cycle but had a limited effect on dairy cow performance. The observed effects of the combined supplement of folic acid and vitamin B(12) on lactational performance of dairy cows probably result from an improvement of energy metabolism during early lactation. Copyright 2010 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Targeting tumor-initiating cells: Eliminating anabolic cancer stem cells with inhibitors of protein synthesis or by mimicking caloric restriction

    PubMed Central

    Lamb, Rebecca; Harrison, Hannah; Smith, Duncan L.; Townsend, Paul A.; Jackson, Thomas; Ozsvari, Bela; Martinez-Outschoorn, Ubaldo E.; Pestell, Richard G.; Howell, Anthony; Lisanti, Michael P.; Sotgia, Federica

    2015-01-01

    We have used an unbiased proteomic profiling strategy to identify new potential therapeutic targets in tumor-initiating cells (TICs), a.k.a., cancer stem cells (CSCs). Towards this end, the proteomes of mammospheres from two breast cancer cell lines were directly compared to attached monolayer cells. This allowed us to identify proteins that were highly over-expressed in CSCs and/or progenitor cells. We focused on ribosomal proteins and protein folding chaperones, since they were markedly over-expressed in mammospheres. Overall, we identified >80 molecules specifically associated with protein synthesis that were commonly upregulated in mammospheres. Most of these proteins were also transcriptionally upregulated in human breast cancer cells in vivo, providing evidence for their potential clinical relevance. As such, increased mRNA translation could provide a novel mechanism for enhancing the proliferative clonal expansion of TICs. The proteomic findings were functionally validated using known inhibitors of protein synthesis, via three independent approaches. For example, puromycin (which mimics the structure of tRNAs and competitively inhibits protein synthesis) preferentially targeted CSCs in both mammospheres and monolayer cultures, and was ~10-fold more potent for eradicating TICs, than “bulk” cancer cells. In addition, rapamycin, which inhibits mTOR and hence protein synthesis, was very effective at reducing mammosphere formation, at nanomolar concentrations. Finally, mammosphere formation was also markedly inhibited by methionine restriction, which mimics the positive effects of caloric restriction in cultured cells. Remarkably, mammosphere formation was >18-fold more sensitive to methionine restriction and replacement, as directly compared to monolayer cell proliferation. Methionine is absolutely required for protein synthesis, since every protein sequence starts with a methionine residue. Thus, the proliferation and survival of CSCs is very sensitive to the inhibition of protein synthesis, using multiple independent approaches. Our findings have important clinical implications, since they may also explain the positive therapeutic effects of PI3-kinase inhibitors and AKT inhibitors, as they ultimately converge on mTOR signaling and would block protein synthesis. We conclude that inhibition of mRNA translation by pharmacological or protein/methionine restriction may be effective strategies for eliminating TICs. Our data also indicate a novel mechanism by which caloric/protein restriction may reduce tumor growth, by targeting protein synthesis in anabolic tumor-initiating cancer cells. PMID:25671304

  12. [Features of allele polymorphism of genes involved in homocysteine and folate metabolism in patients with atherosclerosis of the lower extremity arteries].

    PubMed

    Klenkova, N A; Kapustin, S I; Saltykova, N B; Shmeleva, V M; Blinov, M N

    2009-01-01

    Under study were features of allele polymorphism of genes of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T and A1298C), methionine synthase (MS A 2756G), methionine synthase reductase (MTRR A66G) and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD G1958A) in patients with atherosclerosis of the lower extremity arteries (ALEA). Patients with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) had statistically significant increase of allele MTHFR 677T and MTRR 66GG as compared both with the control group and with the group of patients without HHcy. It suggests that polymorphism of genes involved in homocystein and folate metabolism might affect the risk of HHcy in patients with ALEA.

  13. An immunoelectron microscopic study of methionine-enkephalin structures in cat prevertebral ganglia.

    PubMed

    Benfares, J; Henry, M; Cupo, A; Julé, Y

    1995-03-01

    Methionine-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity was detected in presynaptic nerve fibers and SIF cells in cat prevertebral ganglia. The immunoreactive nerve fibers contained a mixture of numerous small clear vesicles and a few large vesicles; the immunoreactivity was only confined to the large vesicles. Most of the immunoreactive fibers were in apposition with non-immunoreactive neuronal profiles, without any detectable synaptic membrane specializations. The other immunoreactive fibers formed synaptic contacts mainly with non-immunostained dendrites and to a lesser extent with axons and neuronal soma. The characterization at the ultrastructural level of the enkephalin-like immunoreactive structures is discussed as regards the modalities whereby opiates may be involved in sympathetic ganglionic transmission.

  14. Inhibited Oviposition by Females of Gryllus assimilis (F.), induced by Radioactive Males, using L-Methionine-Methyl- 14C

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

    ABDEL-MALEK, A. A.; KEVAN, D. K. McE.

    1961-11-18

    Results of matings between radioactive and normal or non-radioactive individuals of Gryllus assimilis (North American field crickets) are reported. The treatment of males with L-methionine-methyl-carbon-l4 caused inhibition of egg-laying females and sterility of the male itself. This inhibited oviposition applies to both radioactive and normal virgin females when they are mated with radioactive males. However, if the female is mated with a normal male no effect is noticed in normal oviposition whether the female is normal or radioactive. As a matter of fact, it appears that the radioactive female lays more eggs when mated with a normal male. (N.W.R.)

  15. Dimethylselenide and Dimethyltelluride Formation by a Strain of Penicillium

    PubMed Central

    Fleming, R. W.; Alexander, M.

    1972-01-01

    A strain of Penicillium which produced dimethylselenide from inorganic selenium compounds was isolated from raw sewage. Sulfate and methionine enhanced growth of the fungus and its production of dimethylselenide in media containing selenite. In solutions containing selenate, methionine inhibited dimethylselenide formation while stimulating proliferation of the fungus. Dimethylselenide was also generated from inorganic selenide. Alkylation did not appear to be a significant mechanism of selenium detoxication by this organism. Dimethyltelluride was also produced by the organism from several tellurium compounds, but this product was synthesized only in the presence of both tellurium and selenium. The yields of dimethylselenide and dimethyltelluride varied with the relative concentrations of selenium and tellurium in the medium. PMID:5079352

  16. A Hemoglobin Variant Associated with Neonatal Cyanosis and Anemia

    PubMed Central

    Crowley, Moira A.; Mollan, Todd L.; Abdulmalik, Osheisa Y.; Butler, Andrew D.; Goodwin, Emily F.; Sarkar, Arindam; Stolle, Catherine A.; Gow, Andrew J.; Olson, John S.; Weiss, Mitchell J.

    2013-01-01

    SUMMARY Globin-gene mutations are a rare but important cause of cyanosis. We identified a missense mutation in the fetal G γ-globin gene (HBG2) in a father and daughter with transient neonatal cyanosis and anemia. This new mutation modifies the ligand-binding pocket of fetal hemoglobin by means of two mechanisms. First, the relatively large side chain of methionine decreases both the affinity of oxygen for binding to the mutant hemoglobin subunit and the rate at which it does so. Second, the mutant methionine is converted to aspartic acid post-translationally, probably through oxidative mechanisms. The presence of this polar amino acid in the heme pocket is predicted to enhance hemoglobin denaturation, causing anemia. PMID:21561349

  17. Hb Alesha [beta67(E11)Val-->Met, GTG-->ATG] in an Argentinean girl.

    PubMed

    Eberle, Silvia Eandi; Noguera, Nélida I; Sciuccati, Gabriela; Bonduel, Mariana; Díaz, Lilian; Staciuk, Raquel; Targovnik, Héctor M; Feliu-Torres, Aurora

    2007-01-01

    Hb Alesha is caused by a GTG-->ATG mutation at codon 67 of the beta-globin gene, resulting in abnormal beta-globin chains in which the normal beta67(E11) valine is changed to methionine. This hemoglobin (Hb) is also known as Hb Bristol, the first unstable Hb described, since in a fraction of the variant the methionine is modified into an aspartic acid by a posttranslational modification. This replacement disrupts the apolar bonds between the valine and the heme group, producing an unstable Hb and severe hemolysis. We have identified this rare hemoglobinopathy in an Argentinean girl with severe hemolytic anemia, splenomegaly and frequent requirement for red blood cell transfusions.

  18. Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A Knockout Mice Show Progressive Hearing Loss and Sensitivity to Acoustic Trauma.

    PubMed

    Alqudah, Safa; Chertoff, Mark; Durham, Dianne; Moskovitz, Jackob; Staecker, Hinrich; Peppi, Marcello

    2018-06-21

    Methionine sulfoxide reductases (MsrA and MsrB) protect the biological activity of proteins from oxidative modifications to methionine residues and are important for protecting against the pathological effects of neurodegenerative diseases. In the current study, we characterized the auditory phenotype of the MsrA knockout mouse. Young MsrA knockout mice showed small high-frequency threshold elevations for auditory brainstem response and distortion product otoacoustic emission compared to those of wild-type mice, which progressively worsened in older MsrA knockout mice. MsrA knockout mice showed an increased sensitivity to noise at young and older ages, suggesting that MsrA is part of a mechanism that protects the cochlea from acoustic damage. MsrA mRNA in the cochlea was increased following acoustic stimulation. Finally, expression of mRNA MsrB1 was compromised at 6 months old, but not in younger MsrA knockout mice (compared to controls). The identification of MsrA in the cochlea as a protective mediator from both early onset hearing loss and acoustic trauma expands our understanding of the pathways that may induce protection from acoustic trauma and foster further studies on how to prevent the damaging effect of noise exposure through Msr-based therapy. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  19. Appendix. Cloning and sequence of the gene encoding enzyme E-1 from the methionine salvage pathway of Klebsiella oxytoca.

    PubMed

    Balakrishnan, R; Frohlich, M; Rahaim, P T; Backman, K; Yocum, R R

    1993-11-25

    The methionine salvage pathway converts the methylthioribose moiety of 5'-(methylthio)-adenosine to methionine via a series of biochemical steps. One enzyme active in this pathway, a bifunctional enolase-phosphatase called E-1 that promotes oxidative cleavage of the synthetic substrate 2,3-diketo-1-phosphohexane to 2-keto-pentanoate, has been purified from Klebsiella pneumoniae and is characterized in the preceding paper (Myers, R., Wray, J., Fish, S., and Abeles, R. H. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 24785-24791). We synthesized degenerate oligonucleotides corresponding to portions of the amino terminus of E-1. These oligonucleotides were used as polymerase chain reaction primers on whole genomic DNA from Klebsiella oxytoca. This resulted in an 82-base pair DNA fragment that was used as a hybridization probe to obtain a clone of the E-1 gene from a K. oxytoca gene library. The DNA sequence of the E-1 coding region was determined, and the amino acid sequence of E-1 was deduced. E-1 appears to represent a novel class of enzymes since no homology to known enzymes was found. Cloning the gene from K. oxytoca on a multicopy plasmid leads to overproduction of E-1 enzyme that has properties indistinguishable from those of the enzyme from K. pneumoniae.

  20. Extending the cross-linking/mass spectrometry strategy: Facile incorporation of photo-activatable amino acids into the model protein calmodulin in Escherichia coli cells.

    PubMed

    Piotrowski, Christine; Ihling, Christian H; Sinz, Andrea

    2015-11-01

    Photo-induced cross-linking is a highly promising technique to investigate protein conformations and protein-protein interactions in their natural cellular environment. One strategy relies on the non-directed incorporation of diazirine-containing photo-activatable amino acids into proteins and a subsequent cross-link formation induced by UV-A irradiation. The advantage of this photo-cross-linking strategy is that it is not restricted to lysine residues and that hydrophobic regions in proteins can also be targeted, which is advantageous for investigating membrane proteins. Here, we present a simplified protocol that relies on the use of mineral salts medium without any special requirements for the incorporation of photo-methionines into proteins in Escherichia coli cells. The possibility to perform these experiments in E. coli is especially valuable as it is the major system for recombinant protein production. The method is exemplified for the Ca(2+) regulating protein calmodulin containing nine methionines, which were found to be replaced by their photo-activatable analogues. Our protocol allows the facile and stochastic incorporation of photo-methionines as the basis for conducting photo-cross-linking experiments in E. coli in an efficient manner. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Involvement of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 LuxS in Biofilm Development and Sulfur Metabolism

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

    Learman, Deric R.; Yi, Haakrho; Brown, Steven D.

    2009-01-05

    The role of LuxS in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 has been examined by transcriptomic profiling, biochemical, and physiological experiments. The results indicate that a mutation in luxS alters biofilm development, not by altering quorum-sensing abilities but by disrupting the activated methyl cycle (AMC). The S. oneidensis wild type can produce a luminescence response in the AI-2 reporter strain Vibrio harveyi MM32. This luminescence response is abolished upon the deletion of luxS. The deletion of luxS also alters biofilm formations in static and flowthrough conditions. Genetic complementation restores the mutant biofilm defect, but the addition of synthetic AI-2 has no effect. Thesemore » results suggest that AI-2 is not used as a quorum-sensing signal to regulate biofilm development in S. oneidensis. Growth on various sulfur sources was examined because of the involvement of LuxS in the AMC. A mutation in luxS produced a reduced ability to grow with methionine as the sole sulfur source. Methionine is a key metabolite used in the AMC to produce a methyl source in the cell and to recycle homocysteine. These data suggest that LuxS is important to metabolizing methionine and the AMC in S. oneidensis.« less

  2. New Insights into Sulfur Metabolism in Yeasts as Revealed by Studies of Yarrowia lipolytica

    PubMed Central

    Hébert, Agnès; Forquin-Gomez, Marie-Pierre; Roux, Aurélie; Aubert, Julie; Junot, Christophe; Heilier, Jean-François; Landaud, Sophie; Bonnarme, Pascal

    2013-01-01

    Yarrowia lipolytica, located at the frontier of hemiascomycetous yeasts and fungi, is an excellent candidate for studies of metabolism evolution. This yeast, widely recognized for its technological applications, in particular produces volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that fully contribute to the flavor of smear cheese. We report here a relevant global vision of sulfur metabolism in Y. lipolytica based on a comparison between high- and low-sulfur source supplies (sulfate, methionine, or cystine) by combined approaches (transcriptomics, metabolite profiling, and VSC analysis). The strongest repression of the sulfate assimilation pathway was observed in the case of high methionine supply, together with a large accumulation of sulfur intermediates. A high sulfate supply seems to provoke considerable cellular stress via sulfite production, resulting in a decrease of the availability of the glutathione pathway's sulfur intermediates. The most limited effect was observed for the cystine supply, suggesting that the intracellular cysteine level is more controlled than that of methionine and sulfate. Using a combination of metabolomic profiling and genetic experiments, we revealed taurine and hypotaurine metabolism in yeast for the first time. On the basis of a phylogenetic study, we then demonstrated that this pathway was lost by some of the hemiascomycetous yeasts during evolution. PMID:23220962

  3. Identification of the triazine receptor protein as a chloroplast gene product

    PubMed Central

    Steinback, Katherine E.; McIntosh, Lee; Bogorad, Lawrence; Arntzen, Charles J.

    1981-01-01

    The triazine herbicides inhibit photosynthesis by blocking electron transport at the second stable electron acceptor of photosystem II. This electron transport component of chloroplast thylakoid membranes is a protein-plastoquinone complex termed “B.” The polypeptide that is believed to be a component of the B complex has recently been identified as a 32- to 34-kilo-dalton polypeptide by using a photoaffinity labeling probe, azido-[14C]atrazine. A 34-kilodalton polypeptide of pea chloroplasts rapidly incorporates [35S]methionine in vivo and is also a rapidly labeled product of chloroplast-directed protein synthesis. Trypsin treatment of membranes tagged with azido-[14C]atrazine, [35S]methionine in vivo, or [35S]methionine in isolated intact chloroplasts results in identical, sequential alterations of the 34-kilo-dalton polypeptide to species of 32, then 18 and 16 kilodaltons. From the identical pattern of susceptibility to trypsin we conclude that the rapidly synthesized 34-kilodalton polypeptide that is a product of chloroplast-directed protein synthesis is identical to the triazine herbicide-binding protein of photosystem II. Chloroplasts of both triazine-susceptible and triazine-resistant biotypes of Amaranthus hybridus synthesize the 34-kilodalton polypeptide, but that of the resistant biotype does not bind the herbicide. Images PMID:16593133

  4. Missense suppression in Coprinus lagopus associated wtih a chromosome duplication.

    PubMed

    Lewis, D; Casselton, L A

    1975-05-01

    Amongst some 70 recessive suppressors of a met-I mutation in Coprinus lagopus, one unstable suppressor was identified. The unstable suppressor, designated sup-6plus, could be maintained on minimal medium, but was lost within 24h on minimal medium containing more than 1-7 p.p.m. DL-methionine or 0-75 p.p.m. L-methionine. Isolation of hyphal tips from the monokaryotic strain carrying sup-6plus yielded three types of colony: the unstable parental type, the stable met-I auxotroph and a stable prototroph which was slow-growing and inhibited by methionine in the growth medium. This stable sup-6plus type was recovered with difficulty by resolving dikaryons formed between the unstable sup-6plus strain and strains carring the wild-type allele of the suppressor gene. From sexual crosses, neither the unstable nor stable sup-6plus type segregated, only the met-I auxotrophic revertant. The unstable sup-6plus strain is thought to have an extra chromosome carrying the sup-6plus mutation. For vigorous growth the wild-type allele, sup-6, is indispensable and would be carried on the homologous chromosome. The selective pressures on different media account for loss of the duplicated chromosomes. The results are interpreted as missense suppression by a mutant of an indispensable tRNA.

  5. Metal active site elasticity linked to activation of homocysteine in methionine synthases

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

    Koutmos, Markos; Pejchal, Robert; Bomer, Theresa M.

    2008-04-02

    Enzymes possessing catalytic zinc centers perform a variety of fundamental processes in nature, including methyl transfer to thiols. Cobalamin-independent (MetE) and cobalamin-dependent (MetH) methionine synthases are two such enzyme families. Although they perform the same net reaction, transfer of a methyl group from methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine (Hcy) to form methionine, they display markedly different catalytic strategies, modular organization, and active site zinc centers. Here we report crystal structures of zinc-replete MetE and MetH, both in the presence and absence of Hcy. Structural investigation of the catalytic zinc sites of these two methyltransferases reveals an unexpected inversion of zinc geometry uponmore » binding of Hcy and displacement of an endogenous ligand in both enzymes. In both cases a significant movement of the zinc relative to the protein scaffold accompanies inversion. These structures provide new information on the activation of thiols by zinc-containing enzymes and have led us to propose a paradigm for the mechanism of action of the catalytic zinc sites in these and related methyltransferases. Specifically, zinc is mobile in the active sites of MetE and MetH, and its dynamic nature helps facilitate the active site conformational changes necessary for thiol activation and methyl transfer.« less

  6. Subunit mass analysis for monitoring antibody oxidation.

    PubMed

    Sokolowska, Izabela; Mo, Jingjie; Dong, Jia; Lewis, Michael J; Hu, Ping

    2017-04-01

    Methionine oxidation is a common posttranslational modification (PTM) of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Oxidation can reduce the in-vivo half-life, efficacy and stability of the product. Peptide mapping is commonly used to monitor the levels of oxidation, but this is a relatively time-consuming method. A high-throughput, automated subunit mass analysis method was developed to monitor antibody methionine oxidation. In this method, samples were treated with IdeS, EndoS and dithiothreitol to generate three individual IgG subunits (light chain, Fd' and single chain Fc). These subunits were analyzed by reversed phase-ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with an online quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer and the levels of oxidation on each subunit were quantitated based on the deconvoluted mass spectra using the UNIFI software. The oxidation results obtained by subunit mass analysis correlated well with the results obtained by peptide mapping. Method qualification demonstrated that this subunit method had excellent repeatability and intermediate precision. In addition, UNIFI software used in this application allows automated data acquisition and processing, which makes this method suitable for high-throughput process monitoring and product characterization. Finally, subunit mass analysis revealed the different patterns of Fc methionine oxidation induced by chemical and photo stress, which makes it attractive for investigating the root cause of oxidation.

  7. Toxicity of nutritionally available selenium compounds in primary and transformed hepatocytes.

    PubMed

    Weiller, Markus; Latta, Markus; Kresse, Matthias; Lucas, Rudolf; Wendel, Albrecht

    2004-09-01

    The essential trace element selenium is also toxic at low doses. Since supplementation of selenium is discussed as cancer prophylaxis, we investigated whether or not bioavailable selenium compounds are selectively toxic on malignant cells by comparing primary and transformed liver cells as to the extent and mode of cell death. Sodium selenite and selenate exclusively induced necrosis in a concentration-dependent manner in all cell types investigated. In primary murine hepatocytes, the EC50 was 20 microM for selenite, 270 microM for selenate, and 30 microM for Se-methionine. In the human carcinoma cell line HepG2, the EC50 for selenite was 40 microM, and for selenate 1.1 mM, whereas Se-methionine was essentially non-toxic up to 10 mM. Similar results were found in murine Hepa1-6 cells. Exposure of primary murine cells to selenate or selenite resulted in increased lipid peroxidation. Toxicity was inhibited by superoxide dismutase plus catalase, indicating an important role for reactive oxygen intermediates. In primary hepatocytes, metabolical depletion of intracellular ATP by the ketohexose tagatose, significantly decreased the cytotoxicity of Se-methionine, while the one of selenite was increased. These data do not provide any in vitro evidence that bioavailable selenium compounds induce preferentially apoptotic cell death or selectively kill transformed hepatocytes.

  8. Protein oxidation and degradation caused by particulate matter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lai, Ching-Huang; Lee, Chun-Nin; Bai, Kuan-Jen; Yang, You-Lan; Chuang, Kai-Jen; Wu, Sheng-Ming; Chuang, Hsiao-Chi

    2016-09-01

    Particulate matter (PM) modulates the expression of autophagy; however, the role of selective autophagy by PM remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the underlying mechanisms in protein oxidation and degradation caused by PM. Human epithelial A549 cells were exposed to diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), urban dust (UD), and carbon black (CB; control particles). Cell survival and proliferation were significantly reduced by DEPs and UD in A549 cells. First, benzo(a)pyrene diolepoxide (BPDE) protein adduct was caused by DEPs at 150 μg/ml. Methionine oxidation (MetO) of human albumin proteins was induced by DEPs, UD, and CB; however, the protein repair mechanism that converts MetO back to methionine by methionine sulfoxide reductases A (MSRA) and B3 (MSRB3) was activated by DEPs and inhibited by UD, suggesting that oxidized protein was accumulating in cells. As to the degradation of oxidized proteins, proteasome and autophagy activation was induced by CB with ubiquitin accumulation, whereas proteasome and autophagy activation was induced by DEPs without ubiquitin accumulation. The results suggest that CB-induced protein degradation may be via an ubiquitin-dependent autophagy pathway, whereas DEP-induced protein degradation may be via an ubiquitin-independent autophagy pathway. A distinct proteotoxic effect may depend on the physicochemistry of PM.

  9. Color pattern specific proteins in black scales in developing wings ofPrecis coenia Hübner (Nymphalidae, Lepidoptera).

    PubMed

    Koch, P Bernhardt; Nijhout, H Frederik

    1990-05-01

    A set of stage specific proteins of approximally 86 to 90 kDal are synthesized by isolated wings ofPrecis coenia on day 5 of the pupal stage. They are named "B proteins". They are synthesized in presumptive black wing areas in higher amounts than in presumptive white wing areas and are the major proteins synthesized on day 5. Wings from 5 days old pupae, which were incubated with 35 S-methionine for 2 or 4 hours, incorporate radiolabel into presumptive black pattern elements. This is probably due to the localized synthesis of the above mentioned proteins. Injection of 35 S-methionine into whole pupae on day 5 resulted in the labelling of the mature black and grey scales but not white scales. This radiolabel incorporation pattern corresponds exactly to the incorporation of the melanin precursor 14 C-tyrosine into the scales. The results indicate that the "B proteins" are specifically related to the formation of black and grey portions of thePrecis wing pattern. Injection of 35 S-methionine into whole pupae on day 6 resulted in the labelling of the mature red scales probably due to labelling of "R proteins", which may be involved in the formation of red pattern elements.

  10. Site-specific bioalkylation of rapamycin by the RapM 16-O-methyltransferase.

    PubMed

    Law, Brian J C; Struck, Anna-Winona; Bennett, Matthew R; Wilkinson, Barrie; Micklefield, Jason

    2015-05-01

    The methylation of natural products by S -adenosyl methionine (AdoMet, also known as SAM)-dependent methyltransferase enzymes is a common tailoring step in many biosynthetic pathways. The introduction of methyl substituents can affect the biological and physicochemical properties of the secondary metabolites produced. Recently it has become apparent that some AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases exhibit promiscuity and will accept AdoMet analogues enabling the transfer of alternative alkyl groups. In this study we have characterised a methyltransferase, RapM, which is involved in the biosynthesis of the potent immunosuppressive agent rapamycin. We have shown that recombinant RapM regioselectively methylates the C16 hydroxyl group of desmethyl rapamycin precursors in vitro and is promiscuous in accepting alternative co-factors in addition to AdoMet. A coupled enzyme system was developed, including a mutant human enzyme methionine adenosyl transferase (MAT), along with RapM, which was used to prepare alkylated rapamycin derivatives (rapalogs) with alternative ethyl and allyl ether groups, derived from simple S -ethyl or S -allyl methionine analogues. There are two other methyltransferases RapI and RapQ which provide methyl substituents of rapamycin. Consequently, using the enzymatic approach described here, it should be possible to generate a diverse array of alkylated rapalogs, with altered properties, that would be difficult to obtain by traditional synthetic approaches.

  11. Anaerobic degradation of amino acids generated from the hydrolysis of sewage sludge.

    PubMed

    Park, Junghoon; Park, Seyong; Kim, Moonil

    2014-01-01

    The anaerobic degradation of each amino acid that could be generated through the hydrolysis of sewage sludge was evaluated. Stickland reaction as an intermediate reaction between two kinds of amino acids was restricted in order to evaluate each amino acid. Changes in the chemical oxygen demand (COD), T-N, NH4(+)-N, biogas, and CH4 were analysed for the anaerobic digestion process. The initial nitrogen concentration of all amino acids is adjusted as 1000 mg/L. The degradation rate of the amino acids was determined based on the ammonia form of nitrogen, which is generated by the deamination of amino acids. Among all amino acids, such as alpha-alanine, beta-alanine, lysine, arginine, glycine, histidine, cysteine, methionine, and leucine, deamination rates of cysteine, leucine, and methionine were just 61.55%, 54.59%, and 46.61%, respectively, and they had low removal rates of organic matter and showed very low methane production rates of 13.55, 71.04, and 80.77 mL CH4/g CODin, respectively. Especially for cysteine, the methane content was maintained at approximately 7% during the experiment. If wastewater contains high levels of cysteine, leucine, and methionine and Stickland reaction is not prepared, these amino acids may reduce the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion.

  12. Nutrient Limitation Governs Staphylococcus aureus Metabolism and Niche Adaptation in the Human Nose

    PubMed Central

    Krismer, Bernhard; Liebeke, Manuel; Janek, Daniela; Nega, Mulugeta; Rautenberg, Maren; Hornig, Gabriele; Unger, Clemens; Weidenmaier, Christopher; Lalk, Michael; Peschel, Andreas

    2014-01-01

    Colonization of the human nose by Staphylococcus aureus in one-third of the population represents a major risk factor for invasive infections. The basis for adaptation of S. aureus to this specific habitat and reasons for the human predisposition to become colonized have remained largely unknown. Human nasal secretions were analyzed by metabolomics and found to contain potential nutrients in rather low amounts. No significant differences were found between S. aureus carriers and non-carriers, indicating that carriage is not associated with individual differences in nutrient supply. A synthetic nasal medium (SNM3) was composed based on the metabolomics data that permits consistent growth of S. aureus isolates. Key genes were expressed in SNM3 in a similar way as in the human nose, indicating that SNM3 represents a suitable surrogate environment for in vitro simulation studies. While the majority of S. aureus strains grew well in SNM3, most of the tested coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) had major problems to multiply in SNM3 supporting the notion that CoNS are less well adapted to the nose and colonize preferentially the human skin. Global gene expression analysis revealed that, during growth in SNM3, S. aureus depends heavily on de novo synthesis of methionine. Accordingly, the methionine-biosynthesis enzyme cysteine-γ-synthase (MetI) was indispensable for growth in SNM3, and the MetI inhibitor DL-propargylglycine inhibited S. aureus growth in SNM3 but not in the presence of methionine. Of note, metI was strongly up-regulated by S. aureus in human noses, and metI mutants were strongly abrogated in their capacity to colonize the noses of cotton rats. These findings indicate that the methionine biosynthetic pathway may include promising antimicrobial targets that have previously remained unrecognized. Hence, exploring the environmental conditions facultative pathogens are exposed to during colonization can be useful for understanding niche adaptation and identifying targets for new antimicrobial strategies. PMID:24453967

  13. Plasma methionine, choline, betaine, and dimethylglycine in relation to colorectal cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).

    PubMed

    Nitter, M; Norgård, B; de Vogel, S; Eussen, S J P M; Meyer, K; Ulvik, A; Ueland, P M; Nygård, O; Vollset, S E; Bjørge, T; Tjønneland, A; Hansen, L; Boutron-Ruault, M; Racine, A; Cottet, V; Kaaks, R; Kühn, T; Trichopoulou, A; Bamia, C; Naska, A; Grioni, S; Palli, D; Panico, S; Tumino, R; Vineis, P; Bueno-de-Mesquita, H B; van Kranen, H; Peeters, P H; Weiderpass, E; Dorronsoro, M; Jakszyn, P; Sánchez, M; Argüelles, M; Huerta, J M; Barricarte, A; Johansson, M; Ljuslinder, I; Khaw, K; Wareham, N; Freisling, H; Duarte-Salles, T; Stepien, M; Gunter, M J; Riboli, E

    2014-08-01

    Disturbances in one carbon metabolism may contribute to carcinogenesis by affecting methylation and synthesis of DNA. Choline and its oxidation product betaine are involved in this metabolism and can serve as alternative methyl group donors when folate status is low. We conducted a case-control study nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), to investigate plasma concentrations of the methyl donors methionine, choline, betaine (trimethylglycine), and dimethylglycine (DMG) in relation to colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Our study included 1367 incident CRC cases (965 colon and 402 rectum) and 2323 controls matched by gender, age group, and study center. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for CRC risk were estimated by conditional logistic regression, comparing the fifth to the first quintile of plasma concentrations. Overall, methionine (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.63-0.99, P-trend = 0.05), choline (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60-0.99, P-trend = 0.07), and betaine (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.66-1.09, P-trend = 0.06) concentrations were inversely associated with CRC risk of borderline significance. In participants with folate concentration below the median of 11.3 nmol/l, high betaine concentration was associated with reduced CRC risk (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.50-1.00, P-trend = 0.02), which was not observed for those having a higher folate status. Among women, but not men, high choline concentration was associated with decreased CRC risk (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43-0.88, P-trend = 0.01). Plasma DMG was not associated with CRC risk. Individuals with high plasma concentrations of methionine, choline, and betaine may be at reduced risk of CRC. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  14. THE EFFECT OF SAMe AND BETAINE ON HEPA 1-6, C34 AND E47 LIVER CELL SURVIVAL IN VITRO

    PubMed Central

    Oliva, Joan; Zhong, Jin; Buslon, Virgil S.; French, Samuel W.

    2011-01-01

    In recent years, methyl one-carbon metabolism has received a great deal of attention because the disruption of methyl balance in a variety of genetically modified mice is associated with the development of various forms of liver injury, namely fatty liverdisease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, patients with liver disease often have an abnormal expression of key genes involved in methionine metabolism as well as elevated serum levels of methionine and homocysteine (Hcy). S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) has rapidly moved from being a methyl donor to a key metabolite that regulates hepatocyte proliferation, necrosis and differentiation. Biosynthesis of SAMe occurs in all mammalian cells as the first step in methionine catabolism in a reaction catalyzed by methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT). Decreased hepatic SAMe biosynthesis is a consequence of numerous forms of chronic liver injury. In an animal model of chronic liver SAMe deficiency, the liver is predisposed to further injury and develops spontaneous steatohepatitis and HCC. SAMe treatment in experimental animal models of liver injury shows that its hepatoprotective properties. Meta-analyses also showed that it is effective in the treatment of patients with cholestatic liver diseases. We studied the survival of liver cells treated with SAMe and betaine using Hepa 1–6 and E47/C34 cell lines. We showed that exogenous SAMe decreased the number of Hepa 1–6 and E47/C34 cells, and increased the number of dead cells in vitro. Betaine had no significant effect on the number of surviving cells and the number of dead cells. The combination of both methyl donors significantly increased the survival of liver cells and reduced necrosis, compare to SAMe alone. This study showed the inhibition of the proliferatino and increased necrosis in response to SAMe on liver cancer cell lines Hepa 1–6 and C34. PMID:22032937

  15. Impact of glutathione supplementation of parenteral nutrition on hepatic methionine adenosyltransferase activity.

    PubMed

    Elremaly, Wesam; Mohamed, Ibrahim; Rouleau, Thérèse; Lavoie, Jean-Claude

    2016-08-01

    The oxidation of the methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) by the combined impact of peroxides contaminating parenteral nutrition (PN) and oxidized redox potential of glutathione is suspected to explain its inhibition observed in animals. A modification of MAT activity is suspected to be at origin of the PN-associated liver disease as observed in newborns. We hypothesized that the correction of redox potential of glutathione by adding glutathione in PN protects the MAT activity. To investigate whether the addition of glutathione to PN can reverse the inhibition of MAT observed in animal on PN. Three days old guinea pigs received through a jugular vein catheter 2 series of solutions. First with methionine supplement, (1) Sham (no infusion); (2) PN: amino acids, dextrose, lipids and vitamins; (3) PN-GSSG: PN+10μM GSSG. Second without methionine, (4) D: dextrose; (5) D+180μM ascorbylperoxide; (6) D+350μM H2O2. Four days later, liver was sampled for determination of redox potential of glutathione and MAT activity in the presence or absence of 1mM DTT. Data were compared by ANOVA, p<0.05. MAT activity was 45±4% lower in animal infused with PN and 23±7% with peroxides generated in PN. The inhibition by peroxides was associated with oxidized redox potential and was reversible by DTT. Correction of redox potential (PN+GSSG) or DTT was without effect on the inhibition of MAT by PN. The slope of the linear relation between MAT activity and redox potential was two fold lower in animal infused with PN than in others groups. The present study suggests that prevention of peroxide generation in PN and/or correction of the redox potential by adding glutathione in PN are not sufficient, at least in newborn guinea pigs, to restore normal MAT activity. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Origin and evolution of the protein-repairing enzymes methionine sulphoxide reductases.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xing-Hai; Weissbach, Herbert

    2008-08-01

    The majority of extant life forms thrive in an O2-rich environment, which unavoidably induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during cellular activities. ROS readily oxidize methionine (Met) residues in proteins/peptides to form methionine sulphoxide [Met(O)] that can lead to impaired protein function. Two methionine sulphoxide reductases, MsrA and MsrB, catalyse the reduction of the S and R epimers, respectively, of Met(O) in proteins to Met. The Msr system has two known functions in protecting cells against oxidative damage. The first is to repair proteins that have lost activity due to Met oxidation and the second is to function as part of a scavenger system to remove ROS through the reversible oxidation/reduction of Met residues in proteins. Bacterial, plant and animal cells lacking MsrA are known to be more sensitive to oxidative stress. The Msr system is considered an important cellular defence mechanism to protect against oxidative stress and may be involved in ageing/senescence. MsrA is present in all known eukaryotes and eubacteria and a majority of archaea, reflecting its essential role in cellular life. MsrB is found in all eukaryotes and the majority of eubacteria and archaea but is absent in some eubacteria and archaea, which may imply a less important role of MsrB compared to MsrA. MsrA and MsrB share no sequence or structure homology, and therefore probably emerged as a result of independent evolutionary events. The fact that some archaea lack msr genes raises the question of how these archaea cope with oxidative damage to proteins and consequently of the significance of msr evolution in oxic eukaryotes dealing with oxidative stress. Our best hypothesis is that the presence of ROS-destroying enzymes such as peroxiredoxins and a lower dissolved O2 concentration in those msr-lacking organisms grown at high temperatures might account for the successful survival of these organisms under oxidative stress.

  17. Methionine Metabolites in Patients With Sepsis.

    PubMed

    Wexler, Orren; Gough, Michael S; Morgan, Mary Anne M; Mack, Cynthia M; Apostolakos, Michael J; Doolin, Kathleen P; Mooney, Robert A; Arning, Erland; Bottiglieri, Teodoro; Pietropaoli, Anthony P

    2018-01-01

    Sepsis is characterized by microvascular dysfunction and thrombophilia. Several methionine metabolites may be relevant to this sepsis pathophysiology. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) serves as the methyl donor for trans-methylation reactions. S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is the by-product of these reactions and serves as the precursor to homocysteine. Relationships between plasma total homocysteine concentrations (tHcy) and vascular disease and thrombosis are firmly established. We hypothesized that SAM, SAH, and tHcy levels are elevated in patients with sepsis and associated with mortality. This was a combined case-control and prospective cohort study consisting of 109 patients with sepsis and 50 control participants without acute illness. The study was conducted in the medical and surgical intensive care units of the University of Rochester Medical Center. Methionine, SAM, SAH, and tHcy concentrations were compared in patients with sepsis versus control participants and in sepsis survivors versus nonsurvivors. Patients with sepsis had significantly higher plasma SAM and SAH concentrations than control participants (SAM: 164 [107-227] vs73 [59-87 nM], P < .001; SAH: 99 [60-165] vs 35 [28-45] nM, P < .001). In contrast, plasma tHcy concentrations were lower in sepsis patients compared to healthy control participants (4 [2-6]) vs 7 [5-9] μM; P = .04). In multivariable analysis, quartiles of SAM, SAH, and tHcy were independently associated with sepsis ( P = .006, P = .05, and P < .001, respectively). Sepsis nonsurvivors had significantly higher plasma SAM and SAH concentrations than survivors (SAM: 223 [125-260] vs 136 [96-187] nM; P = .01; SAH: 139 [81-197] vs 86 [55-130] nM, P = .006). Plasma tHcy levels were similar in survivors vs nonsurvivors. The associations between SAM or SAH and hospital mortality were no longer significant after adjusting for renal dysfunction. Methionine metabolite concentrations are abnormal in sepsis and linked with clinical outcomes. Further study is required to determine whether these abnormalities have pathophysiologic significance.

  18. Biodistribution of the radionuclides 18F-FDG, 11C-methionine, 11C-PK11195, and 68Ga-citrate in domestic juvenile female pigs and morphological and molecular imaging of the tracers in hematogenously disseminated Staphylococcus aureus lesions

    PubMed Central

    Afzelius, Pia; Nielsen, Ole L; Alstrup, Aage KO; Bender, Dirk; Leifsson, Páll S; Jensen, Svend B; Schønheyder, Henrik C

    2016-01-01

    Approximately 5-7% of acute-care patients suffer from bacteremia. Bacteremia may give rise to bacterial spread to different tissues. Conventional imaging procedures as X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and ultrasound are often first-line imaging methods for identification and localization of infection. These methods are, however, not always successful. Early identification and localization of infection is critical for the appropriate and timely selection of therapy. The aim of this study was thus; a head to head comparison of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) to PET with tracers that potentially could improve uncovering of infectious lesions in soft tissues. We chose 11C-methionine, 11C-PK11195, and 68Ga-citrate as tracers and besides presenting their bio-distribution we validated their diagnostic utility in pigs with experimental bacterial infection. Four juvenile 14-15 weeks old female domestic pigs were scanned seven days after intra-arterial inoculation in the right femoral artery with a porcine strain of S. aureus using a sequential scanning protocol with 18F-FDG, 11C-methionine, 11C-PK11195 and 68Ga-citrate. This was followed by necropsy of the pigs consisting of gross pathology, histopathology and microbial examination. The pigs primarily developed lesions in lungs and neck muscles. 18F-FDG had higher infection to background ratios and accumulated in most infectious foci caused by S. aureus, while 11C-methionine and particularly 11C-PK11195 and 68Ga-citrate accumulated to a lesser extent in infectious foci. 18F-FDG-uptake was seen in the areas of inflammatory cells and to a much lesser extent in reparative infiltration surrounding necrotic regions. PMID:27069765

  19. Methionine metabolism in piglets Fed DL-methionine or its hydroxy analogue was affected by distribution of enzymes oxidizing these sources to keto-methionine.

    PubMed

    Fang, Zhengfeng; Luo, Hefeng; Wei, Hongkui; Huang, Feiruo; Qi, Zhili; Jiang, Siwen; Peng, Jian

    2010-02-10

    Previous evidence shows that the extensive catabolism of dietary essential amino acids (AA) by the intestine results in decreased availability of these AA for protein synthesis in extraintestinal tissues. This raises the possibility that extraintestinal availability of AA may be improved by supplying the animal with an AA source more of which can bypass the intestine. To test this hypothesis, six barrows (35-day-old, 8.6 +/- 1.4 kg), implanted with arterial, portal, and mesenteric catheters, were fed a DL-methionine (DL-MET) or DL-2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyrate (DL-HMTB) diet once hourly and infused intramesenterically with 1% p-amino hippurate. Although the directly available L-MET in DL-MET diet was about 1.2-fold that in DL-HMTB diet, the net portal appearance of L-MET was not different between the two diets. Compared with the low mRNA abundance and low activity of D-2-hydroxy acid dehydrogenase (D-HADH) and l-2-hydroxy acid oxidase (L-HAOX) in the intestine, the high mRNA abundance and high activity of D-AA oxidase (D-AAOX) indicated that the intestine had a relatively higher capacity of D-MET utilization than of dl-HMTB utilization to L-MET synthesis and its subsequent metabolism. However, in contrast to the much lower D-AAOX activity (nmol/g tissue) in the stomach than in the liver and kidney, both d-HADH and L-HAOX activity in the stomach was comparable with those in the liver and/or kidney, indicating the substantial capacity of the stomach to convert DL-HMTB to L-MET. Collectively, the difference in distribution of activity and mRNA abundance of D-AAOX, D-HADH, and L-HAOX in the piglets may offer a biological basis for the similar portal appearance of L-MET between DL-MET and DL-HMTB diets, and thus may provide new important insights into nutritional efficiency of different L-MET sources.

  20. Development and Validation of a Whole-Cell Inhibition Assay for Bacterial Methionine Aminopeptidase by Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry

    PubMed Central

    Greis, Kenneth D.; Zhou, Songtao; Siehnel, Richard; Klanke, Chuck; Curnow, Alan; Howard, Jeremy; Layh-Schmitt, Gerlinde

    2005-01-01

    Bacterial methionine aminopeptidase (MAP) is a protease that removes methionine from the N termini of newly synthesized bacterial proteins after the peptide deformylase enzyme cleaves the formyl group from the initiator formylmethionine. MAP is an essential bacterial gene product and thus represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention. A fundamental challenge in the antibacterial drug discovery field is demonstrating conclusively that compounds with in vitro enzyme inhibition activity produce the desired antibacterial effect by interfering with the same target in whole bacterial cells. One way to address the activity of inhibitor compounds is by profiling cellular biomarkers in whole bacterial cells using compounds that are known inhibitors of a particular target. However, in the case of MAP, no specific inhibitors were available for such studies. Instead, a genetically attenuated MAP strain was generated in which MAP expression was placed under the control of an inducible arabinose promoter. Thus, MAP inhibition in whole cells could be mimicked by growth in the absence of arabinose. This genetically attenuated strain was used as a benchmark for MAP inhibition by profiling whole-cell lysates for unprocessed proteins using surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MS). Eight proteins between 4 and 14 kDa were confirmed as being unprocessed and containing the initiator methionine by adding back purified MAP to the preparations prior to MS analysis. Upon establishing these unprocessed proteins as biomarkers for MAP inhibition, the assay was used to screen small-molecule chemical inhibitors of purified MAP for whole-cell activity. Fifteen compound classes yielded three classes of compound with whole-cell activity for further optimization by chemical expansion. This report presents the development, validation, and implementation of a whole-cell inhibition assay for MAP. PMID:16048957

  1. S-Bacillithiolation Protects Against Hypochlorite Stress in Bacillus subtilis as Revealed by Transcriptomics and Redox Proteomics*

    PubMed Central

    Chi, Bui Khanh; Gronau, Katrin; Mäder, Ulrike; Hessling, Bernd; Becher, Dörte; Antelmann, Haike

    2011-01-01

    Protein S-thiolation is a post-translational thiol-modification that controls redox-sensing transcription factors and protects active site cysteine residues against irreversible oxidation. In Bacillus subtilis the MarR-type repressor OhrR was shown to sense organic hydroperoxides via formation of mixed disulfides with the redox buffer bacillithiol (Cys-GlcN-Malate, BSH), termed as S-bacillithiolation. Here we have studied changes in the transcriptome and redox proteome caused by the strong oxidant hypochloric acid in B. subtilis. The expression profile of NaOCl stress is indicative of disulfide stress as shown by the induction of the thiol- and oxidative stress-specific Spx, CtsR, and PerR regulons. Thiol redox proteomics identified only few cytoplasmic proteins with reversible thiol-oxidations in response to NaOCl stress that include GapA and MetE. Shotgun-liquid chromatography-tandem MS analyses revealed that GapA, Spx, and PerR are oxidized to intramolecular disulfides by NaOCl stress. Furthermore, we identified six S-bacillithiolated proteins in NaOCl-treated cells, including the OhrR repressor, two methionine synthases MetE and YxjG, the inorganic pyrophosphatase PpaC, the 3-d-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase SerA, and the putative bacilliredoxin YphP. S-bacillithiolation of the OhrR repressor leads to up-regulation of the OhrA peroxiredoxin that confers together with BSH specific protection against NaOCl. S-bacillithiolation of MetE, YxjG, PpaC and SerA causes hypochlorite-induced methionine starvation as supported by the induction of the S-box regulon. The mechanism of S-glutathionylation of MetE has been described in Escherichia coli also leading to enzyme inactivation and methionine auxotrophy. In summary, our studies discover an important role of the bacillithiol redox buffer in protection against hypochloric acid by S-bacillithiolation of the redox-sensing regulator OhrR and of four enzymes of the methionine biosynthesis pathway. PMID:21749987

  2. In vivo synthesis of phosphatidylcholine in rat brain via the phospholipid methylation pathway

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lakher, Michael; Wurtman, Richard J.

    1987-01-01

    The in vivo synthesis of brain phosphatidylcholine (PC) by the methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was examined. (H-3)methyl)methionine was infused i.c.v., by indwelling cannula, and brain samples were taken 0.5-18 h thereafter and assayed for (H-3)PC, as well as for its biosynthetic intermediates (H-3)phosphatidyl monomethylethanolamine ((H-3)PMME) and (H-3)phosphatidyl dimethylethanolamine ((H-3)PDME), and for (H-3)lysophosphatidylcholine ((H-3)LPC) and S-(H-3)adenosylmethionine ((H-3)SAM). Most of the (H-3)PC (79-94 percent) was present ipsilateral to the infusion site; indicating that the radioactivity in the (H-3)PC was primarily of intracerebral origin, and not taken up from the blood. Moreover, only very low levels of (H-3)PC were attained in brains of animals receiving (H-3)methionine i.p. and these levels were symmetrically distributed. (H-3)PMME and (H-3)PDME turned over with apparent half-lives of 2.2 h and 2.4 h. In contrast, the accumulation of brain (H-3)PC was biphasic, suggesting the existence of two pools, the more labile of which turned over rapidly (t(sub 1/2) = 5 h) and was formed for as long as (H-3)PMME and (H-3)PDME are present in the brain, and another, which was distinguishable only at 18 h after the (H-3)methionine infusion. (The latter pool may have been synthesized from (H-3)choline that was released via the hydrolysis of some of the brain (H-3)PC previously formed by the methylation of PE.) Subcellular fractionation of brain tissue obtained after in vivo labelling with (H-3)methionine revealed that mitochondrial PC had the highest specific radioactivity (dpm per micromol total lipid phosphorus), and myelin the least. These observations affirm that rat brain does synthesize PC in vivo by methylating PE, and the technique provides an experimental system which may be useful for examining the physiological regulation of this process.

  3. Newborn screening for remethylation disorders and vitamin B12 deficiency-evaluation of new strategies in cohorts from Qatar and Germany.

    PubMed

    Gramer, Gwendolyn; Abdoh, Ghassan; Ben-Omran, Tawfeg; Shahbeck, Noora; Ali, Rehab; Mahmoud, Laila; Fang-Hoffmann, Junmin; Hoffmann, Georg F; Al Rifai, Hilal; Okun, Jürgen G

    2017-04-01

    Newborn screening is a precondition for early diagnosis and successful treatment of remethylation disorders and classical homocystinuria (cystathionine-ß-synthase deficiency). Newborn screening for classical homocystinuria using total homocysteine measurement in dried blood spots has been very successfully performed for many years for newborns from Qatar. A new optimized newborn screening strategy for remethylation disorders and homocystinuria was developed and evaluated for newborns from Qatar using total homocysteine measurement as first-tier and methionine, methionine-phenylalanine-ratio and propionylcarnitine as second-tiers. Proposed cut-offs were also retrospectively evaluated in newborn screening samples of 12 patients with remethylation disorders and vitamin B 12 deficiency from Qatar and Germany. Over a 12 months period, the proposed strategy led to a decrease in the recall rate in homocysteine screening for Qatar from 1.09% to 0.68%, while allowing for additional systematic inclusion of remethylation disorders and vitamin B 12 deficiency into the screening panel for Qatar. In the evaluated period the applied strategy would have detected all patients with classical homocystinuria identified by the previous strategy and in addition 5 children with maternal nutritional vitamin B 12 deficiency and one patient with an isolated remethylation disorder. Additional retrospective evaluation of newborn screening samples of 12 patients from Germany and Qatar with remethlyation disorders or vitamin B 12 deficiency showed that all of these patients would have been detected by the cut-offs used in the proposed new strategy. In addition, an adapted strategy for Germany using methionine, methionine-phenylalanine-ratio and propionylcarnitine as first-tier, and homocysteine as a second-tier test was also positively evaluated retrospectively. The proposed strategy for samples from Qatar allows inclusion of remethylation disorders and vitamin B 12 deficiency in the screening panel, while lowering the recall rate. An adapted second-tier strategy is presented for screening in Germany and will be prospectively evaluated over the next years in a pilot project named "Newborn Screening 2020".

  4. Selenium-methionine and chromium-methionine supplementation of sheep around parturition: impacts on dam and offspring performance.

    PubMed

    Mousaie, Amir; Valizadeh, Reza; Chamsaz, Mahmoud

    2017-04-01

    To examine the effects of maternal energy restriction along with selenium-methionine (Se-Met) and chromium-methionine (Cr-Met) supplementation on performance of pregnant sheep and their offspring, the following treatments were allotted randomly to 40 multiparous Baluchi ewes (53.9 ± 1.15 kg of body weight [BW]) from 5 weeks prior to 5 weeks after parturition: (1) Control diet (60% and 100% of NRC energy requirements in pre- and post-partum, respectively); (2) Control diet plus 5 mg Se-Met/kg dry matter (DM); (3) Control diet plus 3 mg Cr-Met/kg DM and (4) Control diet plus 5 mg Se-Met and 3 mg Cr-Met/kg DM (Se-Cr-Met) of concentrate diet. The results indicated that Cr-Met alone or in combination with Se-Met increased average DM intake of ewes. In addition, Group Cr-Met had higher average BW than the Control (p < 0.05). Se-Met and/or Cr-Met supplementation led to decreased average serum cholesterol of the ewes (p < 0.05). Groups Cr-Met and Se-Cr-Met displayed decreased average serum malondialdehyde compared to the Control (p < 0.05). At 24 h post-partum, Group Se-Cr-Met had a greater serum Se content than the Control (p = 0.006). Compared with the Control, the Se concentration in milk was significantly increased from 30 to 138 µg/l and 197 µg/l in Groups Se-Met and Se-Cr-Met, respectively (p < 0.01), which proved that Se-Met supplementation can increase the Se concentration of ewe milk. Furthermore, feeding Cr-Met may attenuate BW loss post-partum and Se-Met and/or Cr-Met supplements may ameliorate oxidative stress condition in ewes around parturition.

  5. Reduced MTHFD1 activity in male mice perturbs folate- and choline-dependent one-carbon metabolism as well as transsulfuration.

    PubMed

    Field, Martha S; Shields, Kelsey S; Abarinov, Elena V; Malysheva, Olga V; Allen, Robert H; Stabler, Sally P; Ash, Jessica A; Strupp, Barbara J; Stover, Patrick J; Caudill, Marie A

    2013-01-01

    Impaired utilization of folate is caused by insufficient dietary intake and/or genetic variation and has been shown to prompt changes in related pathways, including choline and methionine metabolism. These pathways have been shown to be sensitive to variation within the Mthfd1 gene, which codes for a folate-metabolizing enzyme responsible for generating 1-carbon (1-C)-substituted folate derivatives. The Mthfd1(gt/+) mouse serves as a potential model of human Mthfd1 loss-of-function genetic variants that impair MTHFD1 function. This study investigated the effects of the Mthfd1(gt/+) genotype and folate intake on markers of choline, folate, methionine, and transsulfuration metabolism. Male Mthfd1(gt/+) and Mthfd1(+/+) mice were randomly assigned at weaning (3 wk of age) to either a control (2 mg/kg folic acid) or folate-deficient (0 mg/kg folic acid) diet for 5 wk. Mice were killed at 8 wk of age following 12 h of food deprivation; blood and liver samples were analyzed for choline, methionine, and transsulfuration biomarkers. Independent of folate intake, mice with the Mthfd1(gt/+) genotype had higher hepatic concentrations of choline (P = 0.005), betaine (P = 0.013), and dimethylglycine (P = 0.004) and lower hepatic concentrations of glycerophosphocholine (P = 0.002) relative to Mthfd1(+/+) mice. Mthfd1(gt/+) mice also had higher plasma concentrations of homocysteine (P = 0.0016) and cysteine (P < 0.001) as well as lower plasma concentrations of methionine (P = 0.0003) and cystathionine (P = 0.011). The metabolic alterations observed in Mthfd1(gt/+) mice indicate perturbed choline and folate-dependent 1-C metabolism and support the future use of Mthfd1(gt/+) mice as a tool to investigate the impact of impaired 1-C metabolism on disease outcomes.

  6. Responses to betaine and inorganic sulphur of sheep in growth performance and fibre growth.

    PubMed

    Nezamidoust, M; Alikhani, M; Ghorbani, G R; Edriss, M A

    2014-12-01

    Sulphur-containing amino acids (SAA) are essential and usually the first limiting amino acids for growth, milk and wool production. The keratin fibre that grows from epidermal tissue is rich in SAA. The rate of fibre growth and its S content are influenced by the availability of SAA. Betaine is a dietary source for a labile methyl group and actively participates in methionine metabolism by donating methyl groups for the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Ruminants are capable of synthesizing SAA from inorganic S sources, and most bacteria in the rumen can use inorganic S to meet their requirements for growth. The objective of this study was to examine whether betaine and an inorganic sulphur supplement could provide methyl groups and sulphur amino acids in a way that growth performance and wool production of ewes and lambs are improved. Treatments performed included betaine supplementation, sulphate supplementation and betaine plus sulphate supplementation with five replications for each treatment. The dry matter intake of the ewes was affected by betaine plus sulphate supplementation (p < 0.05). In the ewes, betaine plus sulphate supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the wool growth rate, wool yield, staple length and wool sulphur concentration, while decreasing wool wax and wool yellowness (p < 0.05). In the lambs, wool growth rate, wool yield, fibre diameter, staple length, staple strength, wool sulphur concentration, wool wax and fibre percentage did not differ (p > 0.05) between treatments. In the ewes, plasma methionine concentration increased (p < 0.05) with betaine plus sulphate treatment. No corresponding difference (p > 0.05) was observed in plasma methionine concentration in the lambs. It can be concluded that betaine plus sulphate supplementation has the potential to change wool characteristics in the ewes, while these compounds were without any effect on growth and wool production of the lambs. Combining the two supplements was advantageous. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

  7. Folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and methionine intakes and risk for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Chinese adults: a matched case-control study.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Fang-fang; Liu, Yuan-ting; Lin, Xiao-ling; Fan, Yu-Ying; Zhang, Xing-lan; Xu, Chun-hua; Chen, Yu-ming

    2016-01-14

    Many studies have suggested that folate-related one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients may play a role in certain cancer risks, but few studies have assessed their associations with the risk for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, we investigated the association between four folate-related one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients (folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and methionine) and NPC risk in Chinese adults. A total of 600 patients newly diagnosed (within 3 months) with NPC were individually matched with 600 hospital-based controls by age, sex and household type (urban v. rural). Folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and methionine intakes were measured using a validated seventy-eight-item FFQ. A higher dietary folate or vitamin B6 intake was associated with a lower NPC risk after adjusting for potential confounders. The adjusted OR of NPC for quartiles 2-4 (v. 1) were 0·66 (95% CI 0·48, 0·91), 0·52 (95% CI 0·37, 0·74) and 0·34 (95% CI 0·23, 0·50) (P(trend)<0·001) for folate and 0·72 (95% CI 0·52, 1·00), 0·55 (95% CI 0·39, 0·78) and 0·44 (95% CI 0·30, 0·63) (P(trend)<0·001) for vitamin B6. No significant association with NPC risk was observed for dietary vitamin B12 or methionine intake. The risk for NPC with dietary folate intake was more evident in the participants who were not exposed to toxic substances than in those who were exposed (P(interaction)=0·014). This study suggests that dietary folate and vitamin B6 may be protective for NPC in a high-risk population.

  8. Methylation of nuclear proteins by dimethylnitrosamine and by methionine in the rat in vivo

    PubMed Central

    Turberville, C.; Craddock, V. M.

    1971-01-01

    1. The incorporation of methyl groups into histones from dimethylnitrosamine and from methionine was studied by injection of the labelled compounds, isolation of rat liver and kidney histones, and analysis of hydrolysates by column chromatography. 2. Labelled methionine gave rise to labelled ∈-N-methyl-lysine, di-∈-N-methyl-lysine and an amino acid presumed to be ω-N-methyl-arginine. 3. Administration of labelled dimethylnitrosamine gave rise to labelled S-methylcysteine, 1-methylhistidine, 3-methylhistidine and ∈-N-methyl-lysine derived from the alkylating metabolite of dimethylnitrosamine. In addition, labelled formaldehyde released by metabolism of dimethylnitrosamine leads to the formation of labelled S-adenosylmethionine, and hence to labelling of ∈-N-methyl-lysine, di-∈-N-methyl-lysine and ω-N-methylarginine by enzymic methylation. 4. The formation of ∈-N-methyl-lysine by alkylation of liver histones was confirmed by using doubly labelled dimethylnitrosamine to discriminate between direct chemical alkylation and enzymic methylation via S-adenosylmethionine. These experiments also suggested the possibility that methionine residues in the histones were alkylated to give methylmethionine sulphonium residues. 5. The extent of alkylation of liver histones was maximal at about 5h after dosing and declined between 5 and 24h. The methylated amino acids resulting from direct chemical alkylation were preferentially lost: this is ascribed to necrosis of the more highly alkylated cells. 6. Liver histones were about four times as alkylated as kidney histones; the extent of alkylation of liver histones was similar to that of liver total nuclear proteins. 7. Methyl methanesulphonate (120mg/kg) alkylated liver histones to a greater extent than did dimethylnitrosamine. Diethylnitrosamine also alkylated liver histones. 8. The results are discussed with regard to the possible effects of alkylation on histone function, and the possible role of histone alkylation in carcinogenesis by the three compounds. PMID:5131729

  9. Histone H1 heterogeneity in the midge, Chironomus thummi. Structural comparison of the H1 variants in an organism where their intrachromosomal localization is possible.

    PubMed

    Hoyer-Fender, S; Grossbach, U

    1988-09-01

    1. Seven subfractions of histone H1 have been isolated and purified from larvae of Chironomus thummi (Diptera). They have been denominated I-1, II-1, II-2, II-3, III-1, III-2, and III-3, according to the order of migration in two steps of preparative electrophoresis. 2. The amino acid compositions are similar to those of other H1 histones. Subfractions I-1 and II-1 were found to contain one methionine and two tyrosine residues, II-2 contained two methionine and three tyrosine residues, and III-1 one methionine and three tyrosine residues. The other subfractions contained one or two methionine and two or three tyrosine residues. For subfractions I-1 and II-1 a chain length of about 252 amino acids was estimated. 3. Peptide pattern analyses after chemical cleavage at the methionine and tyrosine residues, and enzymatic cleavage with thrombin and chymotrypsin, respectively, showed that all subfractions have different individual primary structures. A comparison of peptide sizes and of the positions in the peptide patterns of epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies was made to check whether some of the subfractions could arise by proteolytic degradation of others. This possibility can be excluded for five of the subfractions and is very improbable for the two others. Treatment of C. thummi H1 with alkaline phosphatase did not change the pattern of subfractions, while the phosphorylated subfraction of histone H2A disappeared after this treatment. Most and very probably all subfractions are thus H1 sequence variants. 4. Inbred strains and individual larvae of C. thummi were found to comprise all seven variants. The H1 heterogeneity can therefore not be due to allelic polymorphism. Salivary gland nuclei were found to contain variant I-1 and at least some of the other variants. 5. H1 from Drosophila melanogaster and from calf thymus were used as reference molecules in all cleavage experiments and yielded the peptide patterns expected from the sequence. The comparison discriminates the group of C. thummi H1 histones clearly from Drosophila and calf thymus H1. Limited trypsin digestion yielded a protected peptide of uniform size in six of the seven variants which was considerably smaller than the protected central domain of calf thymus H1. 6. Two other species of Chironomidae, C. pallidivittatus and Glyptotendipes barbipes were found to contain five and three H1 subfractions, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

  10. SAM/SAH Analogs as Versatile Tools for SAM-Dependent Methyltransferases.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jing; Zheng, Yujun George

    2016-03-18

    S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) is a sulfonium molecule with a structural hybrid of methionine and adenosine. As the second largest cofactor in the human body, its major function is to serve as methyl donor for SAM-dependent methyltransferases (MTases). The resultant transmethylation of biomolecules constitutes a significant biochemical mechanism in epigenetic regulation, cellular signaling, and metabolite degradation. Recently, numerous SAM analogs have been developed as synthetic cofactors to transfer the activated groups on MTase substrates for downstream ligation and identification. Meanwhile, new compounds built upon or derived from the SAM scaffold have been designed and tested as selective inhibitors for important MTase targets. Here, we summarized the recent development and application of SAM analogs as chemical biology tools for MTases.

  11. Echinococcus granulosus: specificity of amino acid transport systems in protoscoleces.

    PubMed

    Jeffs, S A; Arme, C

    1987-08-01

    Protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus absorb the L-amino acids proline, methionine, leucine, alanine, serine, phenylalanine, lysine and glutamic acid by a combination of mediated transport and diffusion. All eight amino acids were accumulated against a concentration gradient. Comparison of Kt and Vmax values suggests that a low affinity for a particular compound is compensated for by a relatively larger number of transport sites for that compound. Four systems serve for the transport of the eight substrates studied: 2 for neutral (EgN1, EgN2) and 1 each for acidic (EgA) and basic (EgB) amino acids. All eight amino acids are incorporated into protein to varying degrees and substantial portions of absorbed L-alanine and L-methionine are metabolized into other compounds.

  12. Optical resolution of phenylthiohydantoin-amino acids by capillary electrophoresis and identification of the phenylthiohydantoin-D-amino acid residue of [D-Ala2]-methionine enkephalin.

    PubMed

    Kurosu, Y; Murayama, K; Shindo, N; Shisa, Y; Ishioka, N

    1996-11-01

    This is an initial report to propose a protein sequence analysis system with DL differentiation using capillary electrophoresis (CE). This system consists of a protein sequencer and a CE system. After fractionation of phenyl-thiohydantoin (PTH)-amino acids using a protein sequencer, optical resolution for each PTH-amino acid is performed by CE using some chiral selectors such as digitonin, beta-escin and others. As a model peptide, [D-Ala2]-methionine enkephalin (L-Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-L-Phe-L-Met), was used and the sequence with DL differentiation was determined, with the exception of the fourth amino acid, L-Phe, using our proposed system.

  13. Radical S-Adenosyl-l-methionine Chemistry in the Synthesis of Hydrogenase and Nitrogenase Metal Cofactors*

    PubMed Central

    Byer, Amanda S.; Shepard, Eric M.; Peters, John W.; Broderick, Joan B.

    2015-01-01

    Nitrogenase, [FeFe]-hydrogenase, and [Fe]-hydrogenase enzymes perform catalysis at metal cofactors with biologically unusual non-protein ligands. The FeMo cofactor of nitrogenase has a MoFe7S9 cluster with a central carbon, whereas the H-cluster of [FeFe]-hydrogenase contains a 2Fe subcluster coordinated by cyanide and CO ligands as well as dithiomethylamine; the [Fe]-hydrogenase cofactor has CO and guanylylpyridinol ligands at a mononuclear iron site. Intriguingly, radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine enzymes are vital for the assembly of all three of these diverse cofactors. This minireview presents and discusses the current state of knowledge of the radical S-adenosylmethionine enzymes required for synthesis of these remarkable metal cofactors. PMID:25477518

  14. Optimization of a binding fragment targeting the "enlarged methionine pocket" leads to potent Trypanosoma brucei methionyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Huang, Wenlin; Zhang, Zhongsheng; Ranade, Ranae M; Gillespie, J Robert; Barros-Álvarez, Ximena; Creason, Sharon A; Shibata, Sayaka; Verlinde, Christophe L M J; Hol, Wim G J; Buckner, Frederick S; Fan, Erkang

    2017-06-15

    Potent inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei methionyl-tRNA synthetase were previously designed using a structure-guided approach. Compounds 1 and 2 were the most active compounds in the cyclic and linear linker series, respectively. To further improve cellular potency, SAR investigation of a binding fragment targeting the "enlarged methionine pocket" (EMP) was performed. The optimization led to the identification of a 6,8-dichloro-tetrahydroquinoline ring as a favorable fragment to bind the EMP. Replacement of 3,5-dichloro-benzyl group (the EMP binding fragment) of inhibitor 2 using this tetrahydroquinoline fragment resulted in compound 13, that exhibited an EC 50 of 4nM. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Stabilization of S-adenosyl-L-methionine promoted by trehalose.

    PubMed

    Morana, Alessandra; Stiuso, Paola; Colonna, Giovanni; Lamberti, Monica; Cartenì, Maria; De Rosa, Mario

    2002-11-14

    S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), an important metabolic intermediate of mammals, is a well-known therapeutic agent. The molecule is chemically unstable, both in solution and in dry state, and forms different degradation products. Because the chemical instability represents a real problem during the preparation of therapeutic formulations, we investigated the capacity of some sugars to improve the SAM stability over time. In the present work, we demonstrated that the disaccharide trehalose exercises a protective effect towards the lyophilized SAM slackening its degradation (65% of SAM was detected after 50 days at 37 degrees C). A parallel study, performed to stabilize the SAM into lyophilized yeast cells enriched in the sulfonium compound, assessed the positive effect of trehalose also in whole cells, but in lesser measure.

  16. Measurement of sulfur-containing compounds involved in the metabolism and transport of cysteamine and cystamine. Regional differences in cerebral metabolism☆

    PubMed Central

    Pinto, John T.; Khomenko, Tetyana; Szabo, Sandor; McLaren, Gordon D.; Denton, Travis T.; Krasnikov, Boris F.; Jeitner, Thomas M.; Cooper, Arthur J.L.

    2009-01-01

    An HPLC method with coulometric detection is presented for the quantitation of cysteamine, cystamine, thialysine, glutathione, glutathione disulfide and an oxidized metabolite of thialysine [S-(2-aminoethyl)-l-cysteine ketimine decarboxylated dimer (AECK-DD)]. The advantage of coulometric detection is that derivatization is unnecessary if the analyte is redox sensitive. The method was used to quantitate several sulfur-containing compounds in plasma and brain following gavage feeding of cysteamine to rats. Cysteamine, cystamine, thialysine and AECK-DD were detected in the brains of these animals. Interestingly, cysteamine treatment resulted in greatly elevated levels of cerebral methionine, despite the fact that cysteamine is not a precursor of methionine. PMID:19523884

  17. Deciphering the Biophysical Effects of Oxidizing Sulfur-Containing Amino Acids in Interferon-beta-1a using MS and HDX-MS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Houde, Damian J.; Bou-Assaf, George M.; Berkowitz, Steven A.

    2017-05-01

    Introduction of a chemical change to one or more amino acids in a protein's polypeptide chain can result in various effects on its higher-order structure (HOS) and biophysical behavior (or properties). These effects range from no detectable change to significant structural or conformational alteration that can greatly affect the protein's biophysical properties and its resulting biological function. The ability to reliably detect the absence or presence of such changes is essential to understanding the structure-function relationship in a protein and in the successful commercial development of protein-based drugs (biopharmaceuticals). In this paper, we focus our attention on the latter by specifically elucidating the impact of oxidation on the HOS, structural dynamics, and biophysical properties of interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a). Oxidation is a common biochemical modification that occurs in many biopharmaceuticals, specifically in two naturally-occurring sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine. To carry out this work, we used combinations of hydrogen peroxide and pH to differentially oxidize IFNβ-1a (to focus on only methionine oxidation versus methionine and cysteine oxidation). We then employed several analytical and biophysical techniques to acquire information about the differential impact of these two oxidation scenarios on IFNβ-1a. In particular, the use of MS-based techniques, especially HDX-MS, play a dominant role in revealing the differential effects.

  18. Rickettsia prowazekii methionine aminopeptidase as a promising target for the development of antibacterial agents

    DOE PAGES

    Helgren, Travis R.; Chen, Congling; Wangtrakuldee, Phumvadee; ...

    2016-11-10

    Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) is a class of ubiquitous enzymes essential for the survival of numerous bacterial species. These enzymes are responsible for the cleavage of N-terminal formyl-methionine initiators from nascent proteins to initiate post-translational modifications that are often essential to proper protein function. Thus, inhibition of MetAP activity has been implicated as a novel antibacterial target. In this study, we tested this idea in the present study by targeting the MetAP enzyme in the obligate intracellular pathogen Rickettsia prowazekii. We first identified potent RpMetAP inhibitory species by employing an in vitro enzymatic activity assay. The molecular docking program AutoDock wasmore » then utilized to compare published crystal structures of inhibited MetAP species to docked poses of RpMetAP. Based on these in silico and in vitro screens, a subset of 17 compounds was tested for inhibition of R. prowazekii growth in a pulmonary vascular endothelial cell (EC) culture infection model system. All compounds were tested over concentration ranges that were determined to be non-toxic to the ECs and 8 of the 17 compounds displayed substantial inhibition of R. prowazekii growth. Lastly, these data highlight the therapeutic potential for inhibiting RpMetAP as a novel antimicrobial strategy and set the stage for future studies in pre-clinical animal models of infection.« less

  19. Rickettsia prowazekii methionine aminopeptidase as a promising target for the development of antibacterial agents

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

    Helgren, Travis R.; Chen, Congling; Wangtrakuldee, Phumvadee

    Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) is a class of ubiquitous enzymes essential for the survival of numerous bacterial species. These enzymes are responsible for the cleavage of N-terminal formyl-methionine initiators from nascent proteins to initiate post-translational modifications that are often essential to proper protein function. Thus, inhibition of MetAP activity has been implicated as a novel antibacterial target. In this study, we tested this idea in the present study by targeting the MetAP enzyme in the obligate intracellular pathogen Rickettsia prowazekii. We first identified potent RpMetAP inhibitory species by employing an in vitro enzymatic activity assay. The molecular docking program AutoDock wasmore » then utilized to compare published crystal structures of inhibited MetAP species to docked poses of RpMetAP. Based on these in silico and in vitro screens, a subset of 17 compounds was tested for inhibition of R. prowazekii growth in a pulmonary vascular endothelial cell (EC) culture infection model system. All compounds were tested over concentration ranges that were determined to be non-toxic to the ECs and 8 of the 17 compounds displayed substantial inhibition of R. prowazekii growth. Lastly, these data highlight the therapeutic potential for inhibiting RpMetAP as a novel antimicrobial strategy and set the stage for future studies in pre-clinical animal models of infection.« less

  20. Methionine sulfoxide reductase A deficiency exacerbates acute liver injury induced by acetaminophen.

    PubMed

    Singh, Mahendra Pratap; Kim, Ki Young; Kim, Hwa-Young

    2017-02-26

    Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose induces acute liver injury via enhanced oxidative stress and glutathione (GSH) depletion. Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) acts as a reactive oxygen species scavenger by catalyzing the cyclic reduction of methionine-S-sulfoxide. Herein, we investigated the protective role of MsrA against APAP-induced liver damage using MsrA gene-deleted mice (MsrA -/- ). We found that MsrA -/- mice were more susceptible to APAP-induced acute liver injury than wild-type mice (MsrA +/+ ). The central lobule area of the MsrA -/- liver was more impaired with necrotic lesions. Serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly higher in MsrA -/- than in MsrA +/+ mice after APAP challenge. Deletion of MsrA enhanced APAP-induced hepatic GSH depletion and oxidative stress, leading to increased susceptibility to APAP-induced liver injury in MsrA-deficient mice. APAP challenge increased Nrf2 activation more profoundly in MsrA -/- than in MsrA +/+ livers. Expression and nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and its target gene expression were significantly elevated in MsrA -/- than in MsrA +/+ livers after APAP challenge. Taken together, our results demonstrate that MsrA protects the liver from APAP-induced toxicity. The data provided herein constitute the first in vivo evidence of the involvement of MsrA in hepatic function under APAP challenge. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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