Sample records for nadh quinone oxidoreductase

  1. Localization of Ubiquinone-8 in the Na+-pumping NADH:Quinone Oxidoreductase from Vibrio cholerae*

    PubMed Central

    Casutt, Marco S.; Nedielkov, Ruslan; Wendelspiess, Severin; Vossler, Sara; Gerken, Uwe; Murai, Masatoshi; Miyoshi, Hideto; Möller, Heiko M.; Steuber, Julia

    2011-01-01

    Na+ is the second major coupling ion at membranes after protons, and many pathogenic bacteria use the sodium-motive force to their advantage. A prominent example is Vibrio cholerae, which relies on the Na+-pumping NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) as the first complex in its respiratory chain. The Na+-NQR is a multisubunit, membrane-embedded NADH dehydrogenase that oxidizes NADH and reduces quinone to quinol. Existing models describing redox-driven Na+ translocation by the Na+-NQR are based on the assumption that the pump contains four flavins and one FeS cluster. Here we show that the large, peripheral NqrA subunit of the Na+-NQR binds one molecule of ubiquinone-8. Investigations of the dynamic interaction of NqrA with quinones by surface plasmon resonance and saturation transfer difference NMR reveal a high affinity, which is determined by the methoxy groups at the C-2 and C-3 positions of the quinone headgroup. Using photoactivatable quinone derivatives, it is demonstrated that ubiquinone-8 bound to NqrA occupies a functional site. A novel scheme of electron transfer in Na+-NQR is proposed that is initiated by NADH oxidation on subunit NqrF and leads to quinol formation on subunit NqrA. PMID:21885438

  2. Site-directed mutagenesis of conserved cysteine residues in NqrD and NqrE subunits of Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase.

    PubMed

    Fadeeva, M S; Bertsova, Y V; Verkhovsky, M I; Bogachev, A V

    2008-02-01

    Each of two hydrophobic subunits of Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (NQR), NqrD and NqrE, contain a pair of strictly conserved cysteine residues within their transmembrane alpha-helices. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that substitutions of these residues in NQR of Vibrio harveyi blocked the Na+-dependent and 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide-sensitive quinone reductase activity of the enzyme. However, these mutations did not affect the interaction of NQR with NADH and menadione. It was demonstrated that these conserved cysteine residues are necessary for the correct folding and/or the stability of the NQR complex. Mass and EPR spectroscopy showed that NQR from V. harveyi bears only a 2Fe-2S cluster as a metal-containing prosthetic group.

  3. Structural and Functional insights into the catalytic mechanism of the Type II NADH:quinone oxidoreductase family

    PubMed Central

    Marreiros, Bruno C.; Sena, Filipa V.; Sousa, Filipe M.; Oliveira, A. Sofia F.; Soares, Cláudio M.; Batista, Ana P.; Pereira, Manuela M.

    2017-01-01

    Type II NADH:quinone oxidoreductases (NDH-2s) are membrane proteins involved in respiratory chains. These proteins contribute indirectly to the establishment of the transmembrane difference of electrochemical potential by catalyzing the reduction of quinone by oxidation of NAD(P)H. NDH-2s are widespread enzymes being present in the three domains of life. In this work, we explored the catalytic mechanism of NDH-2 by investigating the common elements of all NDH-2s, based on the rationale that conservation of such elements reflects their structural/functional importance. We observed conserved sequence motifs and structural elements among 1762 NDH-2s. We identified two proton pathways possibly involved in the protonation of the quinone. Our results led us to propose the first catalytic mechanism for NDH-2 family, in which a conserved glutamate residue, E172 (in NDH-2 from Staphylococcus aureus) plays a key role in proton transfer to the quinone pocket. This catalytic mechanism may also be extended to the other members of the two-Dinucleotide Binding Domains Flavoprotein (tDBDF) superfamily, such as sulfide:quinone oxidoreductases. PMID:28181562

  4. Reduction of mitomycin C is catalysed by human recombinant NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 using reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide as an electron donating co-factor

    PubMed Central

    Jamieson, D; Tung, A T Y; Knox, R J; Boddy, A V

    2006-01-01

    NRH:Quinone Oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) has been described as having no enzymatic activity with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) or NADPH as electron donating cosubstrates. Mitomycin C (MMC) is both a substrate for and a mechanistic inhibitor of the NQO2 homologue NQO1. NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 catalysed the reduction of MMC at pH 5.8 with NADH as a co-factor. This reaction results in species that inhibit the NQO2-mediated metabolism of CB1954. In addition, MMC caused an increase in DNA cross-links in a cell line transfected to overexpress NQO2 to an extent comparable to that observed with an isogenic NQO1-expressing cell line. These data indicate that NQO2 may contribute to the metabolism of MMC to cytotoxic species. PMID:17031400

  5. Crystallization of the Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase from Vibrio cholerae

    PubMed Central

    Casutt, Marco S.; Wendelspiess, Severin; Steuber, Julia; Fritz, Günter

    2010-01-01

    The Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) from the human pathogen Vibrio cholerae couples the exergonic oxidation of NADH by membrane-bound quinone to Na+ translocation across the membrane. Na+-NQR consists of six different subunits (NqrA–NqrF) and contains a [2Fe–2S] cluster, a noncovalently bound FAD, a noncovalently bound riboflavin, two covalently bound FMNs and potentially Q8 as cofactors. Initial crystallization of the entire Na+-NQR complex was achieved by the sitting-drop method using a nanolitre dispenser. Optimization of the crystallization conditions yielded flat yellow-coloured crystals with dimensions of up to 200 × 80 × 20 µm. The crystals diffracted to 4.0 Å resolution and belonged to space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 94, b = 146, c = 105 Å, α = γ = 90, β = 111°. PMID:21139223

  6. NMR Reveals Double Occupancy of Quinone-type Ligands in the Catalytic Quinone Binding Site of the Na+-translocating NADH:Quinone Oxidoreductase from Vibrio cholerae*

    PubMed Central

    Nedielkov, Ruslan; Steffen, Wojtek; Steuber, Julia; Möller, Heiko M.

    2013-01-01

    The sodium ion-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) from the pathogen Vibrio cholerae exploits the free energy liberated during oxidation of NADH with ubiquinone to pump sodium ions across the cytoplasmic membrane. The Na+-NQR consists of four membrane-bound subunits NqrBCDE and the peripheral NqrF and NqrA subunits. NqrA binds ubiquinone-8 as well as quinones with shorter prenyl chains (ubiquinone-1 and ubiquinone-2). Here we show that the quinone derivative 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone (DBMIB), a known inhibitor of the bc1 and b6f complexes found in mitochondria and chloroplasts, also inhibits quinone reduction by the Na+-NQR in a mixed inhibition mode. Tryptophan fluorescence quenching and saturation transfer difference NMR experiments in the presence of Na+-NQR inhibitor (DBMIB or 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide) indicate that two quinone analog ligands are bound simultaneously by the NqrA subunit with very similar interaction constants as observed with the holoenzyme complex. We conclude that the catalytic site of quinone reduction is located on NqrA. The two ligands bind to an extended binding pocket in direct vicinity to each other as demonstrated by interligand Overhauser effects between ubiquinone-1 and DBMIB or 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide, respectively. We propose that a similar spatially close arrangement of the native quinone substrates is also operational in vivo, enhancing the catalytic efficiency during the final electron transfer steps in the Na+-NQR. PMID:24003222

  7. The Role of Glycine Residues 140 and 141 of Subunit B in the Functional Ubiquinone Binding Site of the Na+-pumping NADH:quinone Oxidoreductase from Vibrio cholerae*

    PubMed Central

    Juárez, Oscar; Neehaul, Yashvin; Turk, Erin; Chahboun, Najat; DeMicco, Jessica M.; Hellwig, Petra; Barquera, Blanca

    2012-01-01

    The Na+-pumping NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) is the main entrance for electrons into the respiratory chain of many marine and pathogenic bacteria. The enzyme accepts electrons from NADH and donates them to ubiquinone, and the free energy released by this redox reaction is used to create an electrochemical gradient of sodium across the cell membrane. Here we report the role of glycine 140 and glycine 141 of the NqrB subunit in the functional binding of ubiquinone. Mutations at these residues altered the affinity of the enzyme for ubiquinol. Moreover, mutations in residue NqrB-G140 almost completely abolished the electron transfer to ubiquinone. Thus, NqrB-G140 and -G141 are critical for the binding and reaction of Na+-NQR with its electron acceptor, ubiquinone. PMID:22645140

  8. Roles of the Sodium-Translocating NADH:Quinone Oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) on Vibrio cholerae Metabolism, Motility and Osmotic Stress Resistance

    PubMed Central

    Minato, Yusuke; Halang, Petra; Quinn, Matthew J.; Faulkner, Wyatt J.; Aagesen, Alisha M.; Steuber, Julia; Stevens, Jan F.; Häse, Claudia C.

    2014-01-01

    The Na+ translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) is a unique respiratory enzyme catalyzing the electron transfer from NADH to quinone coupled with the translocation of sodium ions across the membrane. Typically, Vibrio spp., including Vibrio cholerae, have this enzyme but lack the proton-pumping NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I). Thus, Na+-NQR should significantly contribute to multiple aspects of V. cholerae physiology; however, no detailed characterization of this aspect has been reported so far. In this study, we broadly investigated the effects of loss of Na+-NQR on V. cholerae physiology by using Phenotype Microarray (Biolog), transcriptome and metabolomics analyses. We found that the V. cholerae ΔnqrA-F mutant showed multiple defects in metabolism detected by Phenotype Microarray. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the V. cholerae ΔnqrA-F mutant up-regulates 31 genes and down-regulates 55 genes in both early and mid-growth phases. The most up-regulated genes included the cadA and cadB genes, encoding a lysine decarboxylase and a lysine/cadaverine antiporter, respectively. Increased CadAB activity was further suggested by the metabolomics analysis. The down-regulated genes include sialic acid catabolism genes. Metabolomic analysis also suggested increased reductive pathway of TCA cycle and decreased purine metabolism in the V. cholerae ΔnqrA-F mutant. Lack of Na+-NQR did not affect any of the Na+ pumping-related phenotypes of V. cholerae suggesting that other secondary Na+ pump(s) can compensate for Na+ pumping activity of Na+-NQR. Overall, our study provides important insights into the contribution of Na+-NQR to V. cholerae physiology. PMID:24811312

  9. Localization and Function of the Membrane-bound Riboflavin in the Na+-translocating NADH:Quinone Oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) from Vibrio cholerae*

    PubMed Central

    Casutt, Marco S.; Huber, Tamara; Brunisholz, René; Tao, Minli; Fritz, Günter; Steuber, Julia

    2010-01-01

    The sodium ion-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) from the human pathogen Vibrio cholerae is a respiratory membrane protein complex that couples the oxidation of NADH to the transport of Na+ across the bacterial membrane. The Na+-NQR comprises the six subunits NqrABCDEF, but the stoichiometry and arrangement of these subunits are unknown. Redox-active cofactors are FAD and a 2Fe-2S cluster on NqrF, covalently attached FMNs on NqrB and NqrC, and riboflavin and ubiquinone-8 with unknown localization in the complex. By analyzing the cofactor content and NADH oxidation activity of subcomplexes of the Na+-NQR lacking individual subunits, the riboflavin cofactor was unequivocally assigned to the membrane-bound NqrB subunit. Quantitative analysis of the N-terminal amino acids of the holo-complex revealed that NqrB is present in a single copy in the holo-complex. It is concluded that the hydrophobic NqrB harbors one riboflavin in addition to its covalently attached FMN. The catalytic role of two flavins in subunit NqrB during the reduction of ubiquinone to ubiquinol by the Na+-NQR is discussed. PMID:20558724

  10. Aspartic acid 397 in subunit B of the Na+-pumping NADH:quinone oxidoreductase from Vibrio cholerae forms part of a sodium-binding site, is involved in cation selectivity, and affects cation-binding site cooperativity.

    PubMed

    Shea, Michael E; Juárez, Oscar; Cho, Jonathan; Barquera, Blanca

    2013-10-25

    The Na(+)-pumping NADH:quinone complex is found in Vibrio cholerae and other marine and pathogenic bacteria. NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase oxidizes NADH and reduces ubiquinone, using the free energy released by this reaction to pump sodium ions across the cell membrane. In a previous report, a conserved aspartic acid residue in the NqrB subunit at position 397, located in the cytosolic face of this protein, was proposed to be involved in the capture of sodium. Here, we studied the role of this residue through the characterization of mutant enzymes in which this aspartic acid was substituted by other residues that change charge and size, such as arginine, serine, lysine, glutamic acid, and cysteine. Our results indicate that NqrB-Asp-397 forms part of one of the at least two sodium-binding sites and that both size and charge at this position are critical for the function of the enzyme. Moreover, we demonstrate that this residue is involved in cation selectivity, has a critical role in the communication between sodium-binding sites, by promoting cooperativity, and controls the electron transfer step involved in sodium uptake (2Fe-2S → FMNC).

  11. Aspartic Acid 397 in Subunit B of the Na+-pumping NADH:Quinone Oxidoreductase from Vibrio cholerae Forms Part of a Sodium-binding Site, Is Involved in Cation Selectivity, and Affects Cation-binding Site Cooperativity

    PubMed Central

    Shea, Michael E.; Juárez, Oscar; Cho, Jonathan; Barquera, Blanca

    2013-01-01

    The Na+-pumping NADH:quinone complex is found in Vibrio cholerae and other marine and pathogenic bacteria. NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase oxidizes NADH and reduces ubiquinone, using the free energy released by this reaction to pump sodium ions across the cell membrane. In a previous report, a conserved aspartic acid residue in the NqrB subunit at position 397, located in the cytosolic face of this protein, was proposed to be involved in the capture of sodium. Here, we studied the role of this residue through the characterization of mutant enzymes in which this aspartic acid was substituted by other residues that change charge and size, such as arginine, serine, lysine, glutamic acid, and cysteine. Our results indicate that NqrB-Asp-397 forms part of one of the at least two sodium-binding sites and that both size and charge at this position are critical for the function of the enzyme. Moreover, we demonstrate that this residue is involved in cation selectivity, has a critical role in the communication between sodium-binding sites, by promoting cooperativity, and controls the electron transfer step involved in sodium uptake (2Fe-2S → FMNC). PMID:24030824

  12. Oxygen control of nif gene expression in Klebsiella pneumoniae depends on NifL reduction at the cytoplasmic membrane by electrons derived from the reduced quinone pool.

    PubMed

    Grabbe, Roman; Schmitz, Ruth A

    2003-04-01

    In Klebsiella pneumoniae, the flavoprotein, NifL regulates NifA mediated transcriptional activation of the N2-fixation (nif) genes in response to molecular O2 and ammonium. We investigated the influence of membrane-bound oxidoreductases on nif-regulation by biochemical analysis of purified NifL and by monitoring NifA-mediated expression of nifH'-'lacZ reporter fusions in different mutant backgrounds. NifL-bound FAD-cofactor was reduced by NADH only in the presence of a redox-mediator or inside-out vesicles derived from anaerobically grown K. pneumoniae cells, indicating that in vivo NifL is reduced by electrons derived from membrane-bound oxidoreductases of the anaerobic respiratory chain. This mechanism is further supported by three lines of evidence: First, K. pneumoniae strains carrying null mutations of fdnG or nuoCD showed significantly reduced nif-induction under derepressing conditions, indicating that NifL inhibition of NifA was not relieved in the absence of formate dehydrogenase-N or NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase. The same effect was observed in a heterologous Escherichia coli system carrying a ndh null allele (coding for NADH dehydrogenaseII). Second, studying nif-induction in K. pneumoniae revealed that during anaerobic growth in glycerol, under nitrogen-limitation, the presence of the terminal electron acceptor nitrate resulted in a significant decrease of nif-induction. The final line of evidence is that reduced quinone derivatives, dimethylnaphthoquinol and menadiol, are able to transfer electrons to the FAD-moiety of purified NifL. On the basis of these data, we postulate that under anaerobic and nitrogen-limited conditions, NifL inhibition of NifA activity is relieved by reduction of the FAD-cofactor by electrons derived from the reduced quinone pool, generated by anaerobic respiration, that favours membrane association of NifL. We further hypothesize that the quinol/quinone ratio is important for providing the signal to NifL.

  13. The mechanism of catalysis by type-II NADH:quinone oxidoreductases

    PubMed Central

    Blaza, James N.; Bridges, Hannah R.; Aragão, David; Dunn, Elyse A.; Heikal, Adam; Cook, Gregory M.; Nakatani, Yoshio; Hirst, Judy

    2017-01-01

    Type II NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-2) is central to the respiratory chains of many organisms. It is not present in mammals so may be exploited as an antimicrobial drug target or used as a substitute for dysfunctional respiratory complex I in neuromuscular disorders. NDH-2 is a single-subunit monotopic membrane protein with just a flavin cofactor, yet no consensus exists on its mechanism. Here, we use steady-state and pre-steady-state kinetics combined with mutagenesis and structural studies to determine the mechanism of NDH-2 from Caldalkalibacillus thermarum. We show that the two substrate reactions occur independently, at different sites, and regardless of the occupancy of the partner site. We conclude that the reaction pathway is determined stochastically, by the substrate/product concentrations and dissociation constants, and can follow either a ping-pong or ternary mechanism. This mechanistic versatility provides a unified explanation for all extant data and a new foundation for the development of therapeutic strategies. PMID:28067272

  14. Possible roles of two quinone molecules in direct and indirect proton pumps of bovine heart NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (complex I).

    PubMed

    Ohnishi, S Tsuyoshi; Salerno, John C; Ohnishi, Tomoko

    2010-12-01

    In many energy transducing systems which couple electron and proton transport, for example, bacterial photosynthetic reaction center, cytochrome bc(1)-complex (complex III) and E. coli quinol oxidase (cytochrome bo(3) complex), two protein-associated quinone molecules are known to work together. T. Ohnishi and her collaborators reported that two distinct semiquinone species also play important roles in NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I). They were called SQ(Nf) (fast relaxing semiquinone) and SQ(Ns) (slow relaxing semiquinone). It was proposed that Q(Nf) serves as a "direct" proton carrier in the semiquinone-gated proton pump (Ohnishi and Salerno, FEBS Letters 579 (2005) 4555), while Q(Ns) works as a converter between one-electron and two-electron transport processes. This communication presents a revised hypothesis in which Q(Nf) plays a role in a "direct" redox-driven proton pump, while Q(Ns) triggers an "indirect" conformation-driven proton pump. Q(Nf) and Q(Ns) together serve as (1e(-)/2e(-)) converter, for the transfer of reducing equivalent to the Q-pool. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Biphasic Kinetic Behavior of E. coli WrbA, an FMN-Dependent NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase

    PubMed Central

    Kishko, Iryna; Harish, Balasubramanian; Zayats, Vasilina; Reha, David; Tenner, Brian; Beri, Dhananjay; Gustavsson, Tobias; Ettrich, Rüdiger; Carey, Jannette

    2012-01-01

    The E. coli protein WrbA is an FMN-dependent NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase that has been implicated in oxidative defense. Three subunits of the tetrameric enzyme contribute to each of four identical, cavernous active sites that appear to accommodate NAD(P)H or various quinones, but not simultaneously, suggesting an obligate tetramer with a ping-pong mechanism in which NAD departs before oxidized quinone binds. The present work was undertaken to evaluate these suggestions and to characterize the kinetic behavior of WrbA. Steady-state kinetics results reveal that WrbA conforms to a ping-pong mechanism with respect to the constancy of the apparent Vmax to Km ratio with substrate concentration. However, the competitive/non-competitive patterns of product inhibition, though consistent with the general class of bi-substrate reactions, do not exclude a minor contribution from additional forms of the enzyme. NMR results support the presence of additional enzyme forms. Docking and energy calculations find that electron-transfer-competent binding sites for NADH and benzoquinone present severe steric overlap, consistent with the ping-pong mechanism. Unexpectedly, plots of initial velocity as a function of either NADH or benzoquinone concentration present one or two Michaelis-Menten phases depending on the temperature at which the enzyme is held prior to assay. The effect of temperature is reversible, suggesting an intramolecular conformational process. WrbA shares these and other details of its kinetic behavior with mammalian DT-diaphorase, an FAD-dependent NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase. An extensive literature review reveals several other enzymes with two-plateau kinetic plots, but in no case has a molecular explanation been elucidated. Preliminary sedimentation velocity analysis of WrbA indicates a large shift in size of the multimer with temperature, suggesting that subunit assembly coupled to substrate binding may underlie the two-plateau behavior. An additional aim of this report is to bring under wider attention the apparently widespread phenomenon of two-plateau Michaelis-Menten plots. PMID:22952804

  16. NAD(P)H-dependent quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CYP450OR) differentially regulate menadione-mediated alterations in redox status, survival and metabolism in pancreatic β-cells.

    PubMed

    Gray, Joshua P; Karandrea, Shpetim; Burgos, Delaine Zayasbazan; Jaiswal, Anil A; Heart, Emma A

    2016-11-16

    NQO1 (NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1) reduces quinones and xenobiotics to less-reactive compounds via 2-electron reduction, one feature responsible for the role of NQO1 in antioxidant defense in several tissues. In contrast, NADPH cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CYP450OR), catalyzes the 1-electron reduction of quinones and xenobiotics, resulting in enhanced superoxide formation. However, to date, the roles of NQO1 and CYP450OR in pancreatic β-cell metabolism under basal conditions and oxidant challenge have not been characterized. Using NQO1 inhibition, over-expression and knock out, we have demonstrated that, in addition to protection of β-cells from toxic concentrations of the redox cycling quinone menadione, NQO1 also regulates the basal level of reduced-to-oxidized nucleotides, suggesting other role(s) beside that of an antioxidant enzyme. In contrast, over-expression of NADPH cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CYP450OR) resulted in enhanced redox cycling activity and decreased cellular viability, consistent with the enhanced generation of superoxide and H 2 O 2 . Basal expression of NQO1 and CYP450OR was comparable in isolated islets and liver. However, NQO1, but not CYP450OR, was strongly induced in β-cells exposed to menadione. NQO1 and CYP450OR exhibited a reciprocal preference for reducing equivalents in β-cells: while CYP450OR preferentially utilized NADPH, NQO1 primarily utilized NADH. Together, these results demonstrate that NQO1 and CYP450OR reciprocally regulate oxidant metabolism in pancreatic β-cells. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. NAD(P)H-dependent Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and Cytochrome P450 Oxidoreductase (CYP450OR) differentially regulate menadione-mediated alterations in redox status, survival and metabolism in pancreatic β-cells

    PubMed Central

    Gray, Joshua P.; Karandrea, Shpetim; Burgos, Delaine Zayasbazan; Jaiswal, Anil A; Heart, Emma A.

    2017-01-01

    NQO1 (NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1) reduces quinones and xenobiotics to less-reactive compounds via 2-electron reduction, one feature responsible for the role of NQO1 in antioxidant defense in several tissues. In contrast, NADPH cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CYP450OR), catalyzes the 1-electron reduction of quinones and xenobiotics, resulting in enhanced superoxide formation. However, to date, the roles of NQO1 and CYP450OR in pancreatic β-cell metabolism under basal conditions and oxidant challenge have not been characterized. Using NQO1 inhibition, over-expression and knock out, we have demonstrated that, in addition to protection of β-cells from toxic concentrations of the redox cycling quinone menadione, NQO1 also regulates the basal level of reduced-to-oxidized nucleotides, suggesting other role(s) beside that of an antioxidant enzyme. In contrast, over-expression of NADPH cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CYP450OR) resulted in enhanced redox cycling activity and decreased cellular viability, consistent with the enhanced generation of superoxide and H2O2. Basal expression of NQO1 and CYP450OR was comparable in isolated islets and liver. However, NQO1, but not CYP450OR, was strongly induced in β-cells exposed to menadione. NQO1 and CYP450OR exhibited a reciprocal preference for reducing equivalents in β-cells: while CYP450OR preferentially utilized NADPH, NQO1 primarily utilized NADH. Together, these results demonstrate that NQO1 and CYP450OR reciprocally regulate oxidant metabolism in pancreatic β-cells. PMID:27558805

  18. Acid residues in the transmembrane helices of the Na+-pumping NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) from Vibrio cholerae involved in sodium translocation†

    PubMed Central

    Juárez, Oscar; Athearn, Kathleen; Gillespie, Portia; Barquera, Blanca

    2009-01-01

    Vibrio cholerae and many other marine and pathogenic bacteria posses a unique respiratory complex, the Na+-pumping NADH: quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR)1, which pumps Na+ across the cell membrane using the energy released by the redox reaction between NADH and ubiquinone. In order to function as a selective sodium pump, Na+-NQR must contain structures that: 1) allow the sodium ion to pass through the hydrophobic core of the membrane, and 2) provide cation specificity to the translocation system. In other sodium transporting proteins, the structures that carry out these roles frequently include aspartate and glutamate residues. The negative charge of these residues facilitates binding and translocation of sodium. In this study we have analyzed mutants of acid residues located in the transmembrane helices of subunits B, D and E of Na+-NQR. The results are consistent with the participation of seven of these residues in the translocation process of sodium. Mutations at NqrB-D397, NqrD-D133 and NqrE-E95 produced a decrease of approximately ten times or more in the apparent affinity of the enzyme for sodium (Kmapp), which suggests that these residues may form part of a sodium-binding site. Mutation at other residues, including NqrB-E28, NqrB-E144, NqrB-E346 and NqrD-D88, had a large effect on the quinone reductase activity of the enzyme and its sodium sensitivity, but less effect on the apparent sodium affinity, consistent with a possible role in sodium conductance pathways. PMID:19694431

  19. Reduction of Clofazimine by Mycobacterial Type 2 NADH:Quinone Oxidoreductase

    PubMed Central

    Yano, Takahiro; Kassovska-Bratinova, Sacha; Teh, J. Shin; Winkler, Jeffrey; Sullivan, Kevin; Isaacs, Andre; Schechter, Norman M.; Rubin, Harvey

    2011-01-01

    The mechanism of action of clofazimine (CFZ), an antimycobacterial drug with a long history, is not well understood. The present study describes a redox cycling pathway that involves the enzymatic reduction of CFZ by NDH-2, the primary respiratory chain NADH:quinone oxidoreductase of mycobacteria and nonenzymatic oxidation of reduced CFZ by O2 yielding CFZ and reactive oxygen species (ROS). This pathway was demonstrated using isolated membranes and purified recombinant NDH-2. The reduction and oxidation of CFZ was measured spectrally, and the production of ROS was measured using a coupled assay system with Amplex Red. Supporting the ROS-based killing mechanism, bacteria grown in the presence of antioxidants are more resistant to CFZ. CFZ-mediated increase in NADH oxidation and ROS production were not observed in membranes from three different Gram-negative bacteria but was observed in Staphylococcus aureus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is consistent with the known antimicrobial specificity of CFZ. A more soluble analog of CFZ, KS6, was synthesized and was shown to have the same activities as CFZ. These studies describe a pathway for a continuous and high rate of reactive oxygen species production in Mycobacterium smegmatis treated with CFZ and a CFZ analog as well as evidence that cell death produced by these agents are related to the production of these radical species. PMID:21193400

  20. Lack of complex I activity in human cells carrying a mutation in MtDNA-encoded ND4 subunit is corrected by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (NDI1) gene.

    PubMed

    Bai, Y; Hájek, P; Chomyn, A; Chan, E; Seo, B B; Matsuno-Yagi, A; Yagi, T; Attardi, G

    2001-10-19

    The gene for the single subunit, rotenone-insensitive, and flavone-sensitive internal NADH-quinone oxidoreductase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NDI1) can completely restore the NADH dehydrogenase activity in mutant human cells that lack the essential mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded subunit ND4. In particular, the NDI1 gene was introduced into the nuclear genome of the human 143B.TK(-) cell line derivative C4T, which carries a homoplasmic frameshift mutation in the ND4 gene. Two transformants with a low or high level of expression of the exogenous gene were chosen for a detailed analysis. In these cells the corresponding protein is localized in mitochondria, its NADH-binding site faces the matrix compartment as in yeast mitochondria, and in perfect correlation with its abundance restores partially or fully NADH-dependent respiration that is rotenone-insensitive, flavone-sensitive, and antimycin A-sensitive. Thus the yeast enzyme has become coupled to the downstream portion of the human respiratory chain. Furthermore, the P:O ratio with malate/glutamate-dependent respiration in the transformants is approximately two-thirds of that of the wild-type 143B.TK(-) cells, as expected from the lack of proton pumping activity in the yeast enzyme. Finally, whereas the original mutant cell line C4T fails to grow in medium containing galactose instead of glucose, the high NDI1-expressing transformant has a fully restored capacity to grow in galactose medium. The present observations substantially expand the potential of the yeast NDI1 gene for the therapy of mitochondrial diseases involving complex I deficiency.

  1. The structure of the yeast NADH dehydrogenase (Ndi1) reveals overlapping binding sites for water- and lipid-soluble substrates.

    PubMed

    Iwata, Momi; Lee, Yang; Yamashita, Tetsuo; Yagi, Takao; Iwata, So; Cameron, Alexander D; Maher, Megan J

    2012-09-18

    Bioenergy is efficiently produced in the mitochondria by the respiratory system consisting of complexes I-V. In various organisms, complex I can be replaced by the alternative NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-2), which catalyzes the transfer of an electron from NADH via FAD to quinone, without proton pumping. The Ndi1 protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a monotopic membrane protein, directed to the matrix. A number of studies have investigated the potential use of Ndi1 as a therapeutic agent against complex I disorders, and the NDH-2 enzymes have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for treatments against the causative agents of malaria and tuberculosis. Here we present the crystal structures of Ndi1 in its substrate-free, NAD(+)- and ubiquinone- (UQ2) complexed states. The structures reveal that Ndi1 is a peripheral membrane protein forming an intimate dimer, in which packing of the monomeric units within the dimer creates an amphiphilic membrane-anchor domain structure. Crucially, the structures of the Ndi1-NAD(+) and Ndi1-UQ2 complexes show overlapping binding sites for the NAD(+) and quinone substrates.

  2. NqrM (DUF539) Protein Is Required for Maturation of Bacterial Na+-Translocating NADH:Quinone Oxidoreductase

    PubMed Central

    Kostyrko, Vitaly A.; Bertsova, Yulia V.; Serebryakova, Marina V.; Baykov, Alexander A.

    2015-01-01

    ABSTRACT Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) catalyzes electron transfer from NADH to ubiquinone in the bacterial respiratory chain, coupled with Na+ translocation across the membrane. Na+-NQR maturation involves covalent attachment of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) residues, catalyzed by flavin transferase encoded by the nqr-associated apbE gene. Analysis of complete bacterial genomes has revealed another putative gene (duf539, here renamed nqrM) that usually follows the apbE gene and is present only in Na+-NQR-containing bacteria. Expression of the Vibrio harveyi nqr operon alone or with the associated apbE gene in Escherichia coli, which lacks its own Na+-NQR, resulted in an enzyme incapable of Na+-dependent NADH or reduced nicotinamide hypoxanthine dinucleotide (dNADH) oxidation. However, fully functional Na+-NQR was restored when these genes were coexpressed with the V. harveyi nqrM gene. Furthermore, nqrM lesions in Klebsiella pneumoniae and V. harveyi prevented production of functional Na+-NQR, which could be recovered by an nqrM-containing plasmid. The Na+-NQR complex isolated from the nqrM-deficient strain of V. harveyi lacks several subunits, indicating that nqrM is necessary for Na+-NQR assembly. The protein product of the nqrM gene, NqrM, contains a single putative transmembrane α-helix and four conserved Cys residues. Mutating one of these residues (Cys33 in V. harveyi NqrM) to Ser completely prevented Na+-NQR maturation, whereas mutating any other Cys residue only decreased the yield of the mature protein. These findings identify NqrM as the second specific maturation factor of Na+-NQR in proteobacteria, which is presumably involved in the delivery of Fe to form the (Cys)4[Fe] center between subunits NqrD and NqrE. IMPORTANCE Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase complex (Na+-NQR) is a unique primary Na+ pump believed to enhance the vitality of many bacteria, including important pathogens such as Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pasteurella multocida, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Yersinia pestis. Production of Na+-NQR in bacteria requires Na+-NQR-specific maturation factors. We earlier identified one such factor (ApbE) that covalently attaches flavin residues to Na+-NQR. Here we identify the other protein factor, designated NqrM, and show that NqrM and ApbE suffice to produce functional Na+-NQR from the Vibrio harveyi nqr operon. NqrM may be involved in Fe delivery to a unique Cys4[Fe] center during Na+-NQR assembly. Besides highlighting Na+-NQR biogenesis, these findings suggest a novel drug target to combat Na+-NQR-containing bacteria. PMID:26644436

  3. Identification of the coupling step in Na(+)-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase from real-time kinetics of electron transfer.

    PubMed

    Belevich, Nikolai P; Bertsova, Yulia V; Verkhovskaya, Marina L; Baykov, Alexander A; Bogachev, Alexander V

    2016-02-01

    Bacterial Na(+)-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na(+)-NQR) uses a unique set of prosthetic redox groups-two covalently bound FMN residues, a [2Fe-2S] cluster, FAD, riboflavin and a Cys4[Fe] center-to catalyze electron transfer from NADH to ubiquinone in a reaction coupled with Na(+) translocation across the membrane. Here we used an ultra-fast microfluidic stopped-flow instrument to determine rate constants and the difference spectra for the six consecutive reaction steps of Vibrio harveyi Na(+)-NQR reduction by NADH. The instrument, with a dead time of 0.25 ms and optical path length of 1 cm allowed collection of visible spectra in 50-μs intervals. By comparing the spectra of reaction steps with the spectra of known redox transitions of individual enzyme cofactors, we were able to identify the chemical nature of most intermediates and the sequence of electron transfer events. A previously unknown spectral transition was detected and assigned to the Cys4[Fe] center reduction. Electron transfer from the [2Fe-2S] cluster to the Cys4[Fe] center and all subsequent steps were markedly accelerated when Na(+) concentration was increased from 20 μM to 25 mM, suggesting coupling of the former step with tight Na(+) binding to or occlusion by the enzyme. An alternating access mechanism was proposed to explain electron transfer between subunits NqrF and NqrC. According to the proposed mechanism, the Cys4[Fe] center is alternatively exposed to either side of the membrane, allowing the [2Fe-2S] cluster of NqrF and the FMN residue of NqrC to alternatively approach the Cys4[Fe] center from different sides of the membrane. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. The Na+-Translocating NADH:Quinone Oxidoreductase Enhances Oxidative Stress in the Cytoplasm of Vibrio cholerae

    PubMed Central

    Muras, Valentin; Dogaru-Kinn, Paul; Minato, Yusuke; Häse, Claudia C.

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT We searched for a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cytoplasm of the human pathogen Vibrio cholerae and addressed the mechanism of ROS formation using the dye 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) in respiring cells. By comparing V. cholerae strains with or without active Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR), this respiratory sodium ion redox pump was identified as a producer of ROS in vivo. The amount of cytoplasmic ROS detected in V. cholerae cells producing variants of Na+-NQR correlated well with rates of superoxide formation by the corresponding membrane fractions. Membranes from wild-type V. cholerae showed increased superoxide production activity (9.8 ± 0.6 μmol superoxide min−1 mg−1 membrane protein) compared to membranes from the mutant lacking Na+-NQR (0.18 ± 0.01 μmol min−1 mg−1). Overexpression of plasmid-encoded Na+-NQR in the nqr deletion strain resulted in a drastic increase in the formation of superoxide (42.6 ± 2.8 μmol min−1 mg−1). By analyzing a variant of Na+-NQR devoid of quinone reduction activity, we identified the reduced flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor of cytoplasmic NqrF subunit as the site for intracellular superoxide formation in V. cholerae. The impact of superoxide formation by the Na+-NQR on the virulence of V. cholerae is discussed. IMPORTANCE In several studies, it was demonstrated that the Na+-NQR in V. cholerae affects virulence in a yet unknown manner. We identified the reduced FAD cofactor in the NADH-oxidizing NqrF subunit of the Na+-NQR as the site of superoxide formation in the cytoplasm of V. cholerae. Our study provides the framework to understand how reactive oxygen species formed during respiration could participate in the regulated expression of virulence factors during the transition from aerobic to microaerophilic (intestinal) habitats. This hypothesis may turn out to be right for many other pathogens which, like V. cholerae, depend on the Na+-NQR as the sole electrogenic NADH dehydrogenase. PMID:27325677

  5. Apoptosis-inducing Factor (AIF) and Its Family Member Protein, AMID, Are Rotenone-sensitive NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductases (NDH-2)*

    PubMed Central

    Elguindy, Mahmoud M.; Nakamaru-Ogiso, Eiko

    2015-01-01

    Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and AMID (AIF-homologous mitochondrion-associated inducer of death) are flavoproteins. Although AIF was originally discovered as a caspase-independent cell death effector, bioenergetic roles of AIF, particularly relating to complex I functions, have since emerged. However, the role of AIF in mitochondrial respiration and redox metabolism has remained unknown. Here, we investigated the redox properties of human AIF and AMID by comparing them with yeast Ndi1, a type 2 NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (NDH-2) regarded as alternative complex I. Isolated AIF and AMID containing naturally incorporated FAD displayed no NADH oxidase activities. However, after reconstituting isolated AIF or AMID into bacterial or mitochondrial membranes, N-terminally tagged AIF and AMID displayed substantial NADH:O2 activities and supported NADH-linked proton pumping activities in the host membranes almost as efficiently as Ndi1. NADH:ubiquinone-1 activities in the reconstituted membranes were highly sensitive to 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (IC50 = ∼1 μm), a quinone-binding inhibitor. Overexpressing N-terminally tagged AIF and AMID enhanced the growth of a double knock-out Escherichia coli strain lacking complex I and NDH-2. In contrast, C-terminally tagged AIF and NADH-binding site mutants of N-terminally tagged AIF and AMID failed to show both NADH:O2 activity and the growth-enhancing effect. The disease mutant AIFΔR201 showed decreased NADH:O2 activity and growth-enhancing effect. Furthermore, we surprisingly found that the redox activities of N-terminally tagged AIF and AMID were sensitive to rotenone, a well known complex I inhibitor. We propose that AIF and AMID are previously unidentified mammalian NDH-2 enzymes, whose bioenergetic function could be supplemental NADH oxidation in cells. PMID:26063804

  6. WrpA Is an Atypical Flavodoxin Family Protein under Regulatory Control of the Brucella abortus General Stress Response System

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

    Herrou, Julien; Czyż, Daniel M.; Willett, Jonathan W.

    ABSTRACT The general stress response (GSR) system of the intracellular pathogenBrucella abortuscontrols the transcription of approximately 100 genes in response to a range of stress cues. The core genetic regulatory components of the GSR are required forB. abortussurvival under nonoptimal growth conditionsin vitroand for maintenance of chronic infection in anin vivomouse model. The functions of the majority of the genes in the GSR transcriptional regulon remain undefined.bab1_1070is among the most highly regulated genes in this regulon: its transcription is activated 20- to 30-fold by the GSR system under oxidative conditionsin vitro. We have solved crystal structures of Bab1_1070 and demonstratemore » that it forms a homotetrameric complex that resembles those of WrbA-type NADH:quinone oxidoreductases, which are members of the flavodoxin protein family. However,B. abortusWrbA-relatedprotein (WrpA) does not bind flavin cofactors with a high affinity and does not function as an NADH:quinone oxidoreductasein vitro. Soaking crystals with flavin mononucleotide (FMN) revealed a likely low-affinity binding site adjacent to the canonical WrbA flavin binding site. Deletion ofwrpA(ΔwrpA) does not compromise cell survival under acute oxidative stressin vitroor attenuate infection in cell-based or mouse models. However, a ΔwrpAstrain does elicit increased splenomegaly in a mouse model, suggesting that WrpA modulatesB. abortusinteraction with its mammalian host. Despite high structural homology with canonical WrbA proteins, we propose thatB. abortusWrpA represents a functionally distinct member of the diverse flavodoxin family. IMPORTANCEBrucella abortusis an etiological agent of brucellosis, which is among the most common zoonotic diseases worldwide. The general stress response (GSR) regulatory system ofB. abortuscontrols the transcription of approximately 100 genes and is required for maintenance of chronic infection in a murine model; the majority of GSR-regulated genes remain uncharacterized. We presentin vitroandin vivofunctional and structural analyses of WrpA, whose expression is strongly induced by GSR under oxidative conditions. Though WrpA is structurally related to NADH:quinone oxidoreductases, it does not bind redox cofactors in solution, nor does it exhibit oxidoreductase activityin vitro. However, WrpA does affect spleen inflammation in a murine infection model. Our data provide evidence that WrpA forms a new functional class of WrbA/flavodoxin family proteins.« less

  7. Membrane Topology Mapping of the Na+-Pumping NADH: Quinone Oxidoreductase from Vibrio cholerae by PhoA- Green Fluorescent Protein Fusion Analysis▿

    PubMed Central

    Duffy, Ellen B.; Barquera, Blanca

    2006-01-01

    The membrane topologies of the six subunits of Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) from Vibrio cholerae were determined by a combination of topology prediction algorithms and the construction of C-terminal fusions. Fusion expression vectors contained either bacterial alkaline phosphatase (phoA) or green fluorescent protein (gfp) genes as reporters of periplasmic and cytoplasmic localization, respectively. A majority of the topology prediction algorithms did not predict any transmembrane helices for NqrA. A lack of PhoA activity when fused to the C terminus of NqrA and the observed fluorescence of the green fluorescent protein C-terminal fusion confirm that this subunit is localized to the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. Analysis of four PhoA fusions for NqrB indicates that this subunit has nine transmembrane helices and that residue T236, the binding site for flavin mononucleotide (FMN), resides in the cytoplasm. Three fusions confirm that the topology of NqrC consists of two transmembrane helices with the FMN binding site at residue T225 on the cytoplasmic side. Fusion analysis of NqrD and NqrE showed almost mirror image topologies, each consisting of six transmembrane helices; the results for NqrD and NqrE are consistent with the topologies of Escherichia coli homologs YdgQ and YdgL, respectively. The NADH, flavin adenine dinucleotide, and Fe-S center binding sites of NqrF were localized to the cytoplasm. The determination of the topologies of the subunits of Na+-NQR provides valuable insights into the location of cofactors and identifies targets for mutagenesis to characterize this enzyme in more detail. The finding that all the redox cofactors are localized to the cytoplasmic side of the membrane is discussed. PMID:17041063

  8. The plastid ndh genes code for an NADH-specific dehydrogenase: Isolation of a complex I analogue from pea thylakoid membranes

    PubMed Central

    Sazanov, Leonid A.; Burrows, Paul A.; Nixon, Peter J.

    1998-01-01

    The plastid genomes of several plants contain ndh genes—homologues of genes encoding subunits of the proton-pumping NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, or complex I, involved in respiration in mitochondria and eubacteria. From sequence similarities with these genes, the ndh gene products have been suggested to form a large protein complex (Ndh complex); however, the structure and function of this complex remains to be established. Herein we report the isolation of the Ndh complex from the chloroplasts of the higher plant Pisum sativum. The purification procedure involved selective solubilization of the thylakoid membrane with dodecyl maltoside, followed by two anion-exchange chromatography steps and one size-exclusion chromatography step. The isolated Ndh complex has an apparent total molecular mass of approximately 550 kDa and according to SDS/PAGE consists of at least 16 subunits including NdhA, NdhI, NdhJ, NdhK, and NdhH, which were identified by N-terminal sequencing and immunoblotting. The Ndh complex showed an NADH- and deamino-NADH-specific dehydrogenase activity, characteristic of complex I, when either ferricyanide or the quinones menadione and duroquinone were used as electron acceptors. This study describes the isolation of the chloroplast analogue of the respiratory complex I and provides direct evidence for the function of the plastid Ndh complex as an NADH:plastoquinone oxidoreductase. Our results are compatible with a dual role for the Ndh complex in the chlororespiratory and cyclic photophosphorylation pathways. PMID:9448329

  9. Apoptosis-inducing Factor (AIF) and Its Family Member Protein, AMID, Are Rotenone-sensitive NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductases (NDH-2).

    PubMed

    Elguindy, Mahmoud M; Nakamaru-Ogiso, Eiko

    2015-08-21

    Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and AMID (AIF-homologous mitochondrion-associated inducer of death) are flavoproteins. Although AIF was originally discovered as a caspase-independent cell death effector, bioenergetic roles of AIF, particularly relating to complex I functions, have since emerged. However, the role of AIF in mitochondrial respiration and redox metabolism has remained unknown. Here, we investigated the redox properties of human AIF and AMID by comparing them with yeast Ndi1, a type 2 NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (NDH-2) regarded as alternative complex I. Isolated AIF and AMID containing naturally incorporated FAD displayed no NADH oxidase activities. However, after reconstituting isolated AIF or AMID into bacterial or mitochondrial membranes, N-terminally tagged AIF and AMID displayed substantial NADH:O₂ activities and supported NADH-linked proton pumping activities in the host membranes almost as efficiently as Ndi1. NADH:ubiquinone-1 activities in the reconstituted membranes were highly sensitive to 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (IC₅₀ = ∼1 μm), a quinone-binding inhibitor. Overexpressing N-terminally tagged AIF and AMID enhanced the growth of a double knock-out Escherichia coli strain lacking complex I and NDH-2. In contrast, C-terminally tagged AIF and NADH-binding site mutants of N-terminally tagged AIF and AMID failed to show both NADH:O₂ activity and the growth-enhancing effect. The disease mutant AIFΔR201 showed decreased NADH:O₂ activity and growth-enhancing effect. Furthermore, we surprisingly found that the redox activities of N-terminally tagged AIF and AMID were sensitive to rotenone, a well known complex I inhibitor. We propose that AIF and AMID are previously unidentified mammalian NDH-2 enzymes, whose bioenergetic function could be supplemental NADH oxidation in cells. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  10. Quinone Reduction by the Na+-Translocating NADH Dehydrogenase Promotes Extracellular Superoxide Production in Vibrio cholerae▿ †

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Po-Chi; Türk, Karin; Häse, Claudia C.; Fritz, Günter; Steuber, Julia

    2007-01-01

    The pathogenicity of Vibrio cholerae is influenced by sodium ions which are actively extruded from the cell by the Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR). To study the function of the Na+-NQR in the respiratory chain of V. cholerae, we examined the formation of organic radicals and superoxide in a wild-type strain and a mutant strain lacking the Na+-NQR. Upon reduction with NADH, an organic radical was detected in native membranes by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy which was assigned to ubisemiquinones generated by the Na+-NQR. The radical concentration increased from 0.2 mM at 0.08 mM Na+ to 0.4 mM at 14.7 mM Na+, indicating that the concentration of the coupling cation influences the redox state of the quinone pool in V. cholerae membranes. During respiration, V. cholerae cells produced extracellular superoxide with a specific activity of 10.2 nmol min−1 mg−1 in the wild type compared to 3.1 nmol min−1 mg−1 in the NQR deletion strain. Raising the Na+ concentration from 0.1 to 5 mM increased the rate of superoxide formation in the wild-type V. cholerae strain by at least 70%. Rates of respiratory H2O2 formation by wild-type V. cholerae cells (30.9 nmol min−1 mg−1) were threefold higher than rates observed with the mutant strain lacking the Na+-NQR (9.7 nmol min−1 mg−1). Our study shows that environmental Na+ could stimulate ubisemiquinone formation by the Na+-NQR and hereby enhance the production of reactive oxygen species formed during the autoxidation of reduced quinones. PMID:17322313

  11. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) competes with 20S proteasome for binding with C/EBPα leading to its stabilization and protection against radiation-induced myeloproliferative disease.

    PubMed

    Xu, Junkang; Jaiswal, Anil K

    2012-12-07

    NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a flavoprotein that protects cells against radiation and chemical-induced oxidative stress. Disruption of NQO1 gene in mice leads to increased susceptibility to myeloproliferative disease. In this report, we demonstrate that NQO1 controls the stability of myeloid differentiation factor C/EBPα against 20S proteasomal degradation during radiation exposure stress. Co-immunoprecipitation studies showed that NQO1, C/EBPα, and 20S all interacted with each other. C/EBPα interaction with 20S led to the degradation of C/EBPα. NQO1 in presence of its cofactor NADH protected C/EBPα against 20S degradation. Deletion and site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that NQO1 and 20S competed for the same binding region (268)SGAGAGKAKKSV(279) in C/EBPα. Mutagenesis studies also revealed that NQO1Y127/Y129 required for NADH binding is essential for NQO1 stabilization of C/EBPα. Exposure of mice and HL-60 cells to 3 Grays of γ-radiation led to increased NQO1 that stabilized C/EBPα against 20S proteasomal degradation. This mechanism of NQO1 regulation of C/EBPα may provide protection to bone marrow against adverse effects of radiation exposure. The studies have significance for human individuals carrying hetero- or homozygous NQO1P187S mutation and are deficient or lack NQO1 protein.

  12. The Role and Specificity of the Catalytic and Regulatory Cation-binding Sites of the Na+-pumping NADH:Quinone Oxidoreductase from Vibrio cholerae*

    PubMed Central

    Juárez, Oscar; Shea, Michael E.; Makhatadze, George I.; Barquera, Blanca

    2011-01-01

    The Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase is the entry site for electrons into the respiratory chain and the main sodium pump in Vibrio cholerae and many other pathogenic bacteria. In this work, we have employed steady-state and transient kinetics, together with equilibrium binding measurements to define the number of cation-binding sites and characterize their roles in the enzyme. Our results show that sodium and lithium ions stimulate enzyme activity, and that Na+-NQR enables pumping of Li+, as well as Na+ across the membrane. We also confirm that the enzyme is not able to translocate other monovalent cations, such as potassium or rubidium. Although potassium is not used as a substrate, Na+-NQR contains a regulatory site for this ion, which acts as a nonessential activator, increasing the activity and affinity for sodium. Rubidium can bind to the same site as potassium, but instead of being activated, enzyme turnover is inhibited. Activity measurements in the presence of both sodium and lithium indicate that the enzyme contains at least two functional sodium-binding sites. We also show that the binding sites are not exclusively responsible for ion selectivity, and other steps downstream in the mechanism also play a role. Finally, equilibrium-binding measurements with 22Na+ show that, in both its oxidized and reduced states, Na+-NQR binds three sodium ions, and that the affinity for sodium is the same for both of these states. PMID:21652714

  13. The role of geochemistry and energetics in the evolution of modern respiratory complexes from a proton-reducing ancestor.

    PubMed

    Schut, Gerrit J; Zadvornyy, Oleg; Wu, Chang-Hao; Peters, John W; Boyd, Eric S; Adams, Michael W W

    2016-07-01

    Complex I or NADH quinone oxidoreductase (NUO) is an integral component of modern day respiratory chains and has a close evolutionary relationship with energy-conserving [NiFe]-hydrogenases of anaerobic microorganisms. Specifically, in all of biology, the quinone-binding subunit of Complex I, NuoD, is most closely related to the proton-reducing, H2-evolving [NiFe]-containing catalytic subunit, MbhL, of membrane-bound hydrogenase (MBH), to the methanophenzine-reducing subunit of a methanogenic respiratory complex (FPO) and to the catalytic subunit of an archaeal respiratory complex (MBX) involved in reducing elemental sulfur (S°). These complexes also pump ions and have at least 10 homologous subunits in common. As electron donors, MBH and MBX use ferredoxin (Fd), FPO uses either Fd or cofactor F420, and NUO uses either Fd or NADH. In this review, we examine the evolutionary trajectory of these oxidoreductases from a proton-reducing ancestral respiratory complex (ARC). We hypothesize that the diversification of ARC to MBH, MBX, FPO and eventually NUO was driven by the larger energy yields associated with coupling Fd oxidation to the reduction of oxidants with increasing electrochemical potential, including protons, S° and membrane soluble organic compounds such as phenazines and quinone derivatives. Importantly, throughout Earth's history, the availability of these oxidants increased as the redox state of the atmosphere and oceans became progressively more oxidized as a result of the origin and ecological expansion of oxygenic photosynthesis. ARC-derived complexes are therefore remarkably stable respiratory systems with little diversity in core structure but whose general function appears to have co-evolved with the redox state of the biosphere. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Respiratory Complex I, edited by Volker Zickermann and Ulrich Brandt. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. The single NqrB and NqrC subunits in the Na(+)-translocating NADH: quinone oxidoreductase (Na(+)-NQR) from Vibrio cholerae each carry one covalently attached FMN.

    PubMed

    Casutt, Marco S; Schlosser, Andreas; Buckel, Wolfgang; Steuber, Julia

    2012-10-01

    The Na(+)-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na(+)-NQR) is the prototype of a novel class of flavoproteins carrying a riboflavin phosphate bound to serine or threonine by a phosphodiester bond to the ribityl side chain. This membrane-bound, respiratory complex also contains one non-covalently bound FAD, one non-covalently bound riboflavin, ubiquinone-8 and a [2Fe-2S] cluster. Here, we report the quantitative analysis of the full set of flavin cofactors in the Na(+)-NQR and characterize the mode of linkage of the riboflavin phosphate to the membrane-bound NqrB and NqrC subunits. Release of the flavin by β-elimination and analysis of the cofactor demonstrates that the phosphate group is attached at the 5'-position of the ribityl as in authentic FMN and that the Na(+)-NQR contains approximately 1.7mol covalently bound FMN per mol non-covalently bound FAD. Therefore, each of the single NqrB and NqrC subunits in the Na(+)-NQR carries a single FMN. Elimination of the phosphodiester bond yields a dehydro-2-aminobutyrate residue, which is modified with β-mercaptoethanol by Michael addition. Proteolytic digestion followed by mass determination of peptide fragments reveals exclusive modification of threonine residues, which carry FMN in the native enzyme. The described reactions allow quantification and localization of the covalently attached FMNs in the Na(+)-NQR and in related proteins belonging to the Rhodobacter nitrogen fixation (RNF) family of enzymes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 17th European Bioenergetics Conference (EBEC 2012). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Comprehensive Genomic Analyses of the OM43 Clade, Including a Novel Species from the Red Sea, Indicate Ecotype Differentiation among Marine Methylotrophs

    PubMed Central

    Jimenez-Infante, Francy; Ngugi, David Kamanda; Vinu, Manikandan; Alam, Intikhab; Kamau, Allan Anthony; Blom, Jochen; Bajic, Vladimir B.

    2015-01-01

    The OM43 clade within the family Methylophilaceae of Betaproteobacteria represents a group of methylotrophs that play important roles in the metabolism of C1 compounds in marine environments and other aquatic environments around the globe. Using dilution-to-extinction cultivation techniques, we successfully isolated a novel species of this clade (here designated MBRS-H7) from the ultraoligotrophic open ocean waters of the central Red Sea. Phylogenomic analyses indicate that MBRS-H7 is a novel species that forms a distinct cluster together with isolate KB13 from Hawaii (Hawaii-Red Sea [H-RS] cluster) that is separate from the cluster represented by strain HTCC2181 (from the Oregon coast). Phylogenetic analyses using the robust 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer revealed a potential ecotype separation of the marine OM43 clade members, which was further confirmed by metagenomic fragment recruitment analyses that showed trends of higher abundance in low-chlorophyll and/or high-temperature provinces for the H-RS cluster but a preference for colder, highly productive waters for the HTCC2181 cluster. This potential environmentally driven niche differentiation is also reflected in the metabolic gene inventories, which in the case of the H-RS cluster include those conferring resistance to high levels of UV irradiation, temperature, and salinity. Interestingly, we also found different energy conservation modules between these OM43 subclades, namely, the existence of the NADH:quinone oxidoreductase complex I (NUO) system in the H-RS cluster and the nonhomologous NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (NQR) system in the HTCC2181 cluster, which might have implications for their overall energetic yields. PMID:26655752

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

    PubMed

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

    2015-05-01

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

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

    PubMed

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

    2017-04-01

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

  18. Functional role of coenzyme Q in the energy coupling of NADH-CoQ oxidoreductase (Complex I): stabilization of the semiquinone state with the application of inside-positive membrane potential to proteoliposomes.

    PubMed

    Ohnishi, Tomoko; Ohnishi, S Tsuyoshi; Shinzawa-Ito, Kyoko; Yoshikawa, Shinya

    2008-01-01

    Coenzyme Q10 (which is also designated as CoQ10, ubiquinone-10, UQ10, CoQ, UQ or simply as Q) plays an important role in energy metabolism. For NADH-Q oxidoreductase (complex I), Ohnishi and Salerno proposed a hypothesis that the proton pump is operated by the redox-driven conformational change of a Q-binding protein, and that the bound form of semiquinone (SQ) serves as its gate [FEBS Letters 579 (2005) 45-55]. This was based on the following experimental results: (i) EPR signals of the fast-relaxing SQ anion (designated as QNf(.-)) are observable only in the presence of the proton electrochemical potential (DeltamuH+); (ii) iron-sulfur cluster N2 and QNf(.-) are directly spin-coupled; and (iii) their center-to-center distance was calculated as 12angstroms, but QNf(.-) is only 5angstroms deeper than N2 perpendicularly to the membrane. After the priming reduction of Q to QNf(.-), the proton pump operates only in the steps between the semiquinone anion (QNf(.-)) and fully reduced quinone (QH2). Thus, by cycling twice for one NADH molecule, the pump transports 4H+ per 2e(-). This hypothesis predicts the following phenomena: (a) Coupled with the piericidin A sensitive NADH-DBQ or Q1 reductase reaction, DeltamuH+ would be established; (b) DeltamuH+ would enhance the SQ EPR signals; and (c) the dissipation of DeltamuH+ with the addition of an uncoupler would increase the rate of NADH oxidation and decrease the SQ signals. We reconstituted bovine heart complex I, which was prepared at Yoshikawa's laboratory, into proteoliposomes. Using this system, we succeeded in demonstrating that all of these phenomena actually took place. We believe that these results strongly support our hypothesis.

  19. In vivo exposure of Dreissena polymorpha mussels to the quinones menadione and lawsone: menadione is more toxic to mussels than lawsone.

    PubMed

    Osman, A M; Rotteveel, S; den Besten, P J; van Noort, P C M

    2004-01-01

    The principal aim of this study was to assess whether the two quinones, menadione (2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) and lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), elicit differential toxicity in mussels as has been reported for higher organisms. Therefore, the effects of short-term (48 h) and long-term (20 days) exposure of the two quinones at concentrations of 0.56 and 1 mg l(-1) to zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha, under laboratory conditions were studied. After the short-term exposure, the specific activities of the two-electron quinone oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase) and the one-electron catalysing quinone reductases NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and NADH-cytochrome c reductase were determined in the gills and the rest of the soft tissues (soft mussel tissues minus the gills) of both treated and control mussels. At the higher concentrations of menadione and lawsone used, a significant reduction of the activity of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase in the gills and in the rest of the soft mussel tissues (by 33-34% and 31-43%, respectively) was observed. The activities of DT-diaphorase and NADH-cytochrome c reductase were not significantly affected. Interestingly, DT-diaphorase was observed in the gills, an organ requiring protection against antioxidants. Furthermore, a single-cell electrophoretic assay (comet assay) performed with gill cells to assess DNA damage by the quinones did not show any significant difference between the treated and the control organisms. This indicates that the formation of reactive species by the quinone metabolism in vivo in the mussels was possibly suppressed through the concerted action of DT-diaphorase and antioxidant enzymes. The results of in vitro experiments with gill extracts confirmed the protective role of DT-diaphorase. The rate of the two-electron quinone reduction was found to be five times that of the one-electron quinone reduction. The results of the long-term exposure unambiguously demonstrated that in mussels menadione, unlike in higher organisms, is more toxic than lawsone. The lack of detectability of xanthine oxidase in the mussel tissues could explain the comparatively lower toxicity of lawsone in the invertebtrate, lending support to a previous suggestion that xanthine oxidase might be responsible for the mechanism of toxicity of lawsone in higher organisms in vivo. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  20. Pharmacological Stimulation of NADH Oxidation Ameliorates Obesity and Related Phenotypes in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Hwang, Jung Hwan; Kim, Dong Wook; Jo, Eun Jin; Kim, Yong Kyung; Jo, Young Suk; Park, Ji Hoon; Yoo, Sang Ku; Park, Myung Kyu; Kwak, Tae Hwan; Kho, Young Lim; Han, Jin; Choi, Hueng-Sik; Lee, Sang-Hee; Kim, Jin Man; Lee, InKyu; Kyung, Taeyoon; Jang, Cholsoon; Chung, Jongkyeong; Kweon, Gi Ryang; Shong, Minho

    2009-01-01

    OBJECTIVE Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides (NAD+ and NADH) play a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism, and a dysregulated NAD+-to-NADH ratio is implicated in metabolic syndrome. However, it is still unknown whether a modulating intracellular NAD+-to-NADH ratio is beneficial in treating metabolic syndrome. We tried to determine whether pharmacological stimulation of NADH oxidation provides therapeutic effects in rodent models of metabolic syndrome. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used β-lapachone (βL), a natural substrate of NADH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), to stimulate NADH oxidation. The βL-induced pharmacological effect on cellular energy metabolism was evaluated in cells derived from NQO1-deficient mice. In vivo therapeutic effects of βL on metabolic syndrome were examined in diet-induced obesity (DIO) and ob/ob mice. RESULTS NQO1-dependent NADH oxidation by βL strongly provoked mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in vitro and in vivo. These effects were accompanied by activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase and suppression of acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase activity. Consistently, systemic βL administration in rodent models of metabolic syndrome dramatically ameliorated their key symptoms such as increased adiposity, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver. The treated mice also showed higher expressions of the genes related to mitochondrial energy metabolism (PPARγ coactivator-1α, nuclear respiratory factor-1) and caloric restriction (Sirt1) consistent with the increased mitochondrial biogenesis and energy expenditure. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacological activation of NADH oxidation by NQO1 resolves obesity and related phenotypes in mice, opening the possibility that it may provide the basis for a new therapy for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. PMID:19136651

  1. Intravitreal delivery of AAV-NDI1 provides functional benefit in a murine model of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.

    PubMed

    Chadderton, Naomi; Palfi, Arpad; Millington-Ward, Sophia; Gobbo, Oliverio; Overlack, Nora; Carrigan, Matthew; O'Reilly, Mary; Campbell, Matthew; Ehrhardt, Carsten; Wolfrum, Uwe; Humphries, Peter; Kenna, Paul F; Farrar, G Jane

    2013-01-01

    Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrially inherited form of visual dysfunction caused by mutations in several genes encoding subunits of the mitochondrial respiratory NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex (complex I). Development of gene therapies for LHON has been impeded by genetic heterogeneity and the need to deliver therapies to the mitochondria of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the cells primarily affected in LHON. The therapy under development entails intraocular injection of a nuclear yeast gene NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (NDI1) that encodes a single subunit complex I equivalent and as such is mutation independent. NDI1 is imported into mitochondria due to an endogenous mitochondrial localisation signal. Intravitreal injection represents a clinically relevant route of delivery to RGCs not previously used for NDI1. In this study, recombinant adenoassociated virus (AAV) serotype 2 expressing NDI1 (AAV-NDI1) was shown to protect RGCs in a rotenone-induced murine model of LHON. AAV-NDI1 significantly reduced RGC death by 1.5-fold and optic nerve atrophy by 1.4-fold. This led to a significant preservation of retinal function as assessed by manganese enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and optokinetic responses. Intraocular injection of AAV-NDI1 overcomes many barriers previously associated with developing therapies for LHON and holds great therapeutic promise for a mitochondrial disorder for which there are no effective therapies.

  2. Non-enzymatic oxidation of NADH by quinones

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scherbak, Nikolai; Strid, Åke; Eriksson, Leif A.

    2005-10-01

    Non-enzymatic oxidation of NADH by a large number of different quinones has been explored both theoretically and experimentally. It is concluded that the smaller benzo- and naphtho-quinones are capable of oxidising NADH in aqueous solution, whereas the larger anthraquinone is not. The mechanisms of stepwise electron and proton transfers are explored, and ruled out in favour of direct hydride transfer. For menadione (2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), no reaction is observed experimentally; theoretically we find that there is a very close balance between the energetic cost of hydride removal from NADH and the energy gain of formation of the menadione semiquinone radical anion.

  3. Sodium ion pumps and hydrogen production in glutamate fermenting anaerobic bacteria.

    PubMed

    Boiangiu, Clara D; Jayamani, Elamparithi; Brügel, Daniela; Herrmann, Gloria; Kim, Jihoe; Forzi, Lucia; Hedderich, Reiner; Vgenopoulou, Irini; Pierik, Antonio J; Steuber, Julia; Buckel, Wolfgang

    2005-01-01

    Anaerobic bacteria ferment glutamate via two different pathways to ammonia, carbon dioxide, acetate, butyrate and molecular hydrogen. The coenzyme B12-dependent pathway in Clostridium tetanomorphum via 3-methylaspartate involves pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase and a novel enzyme, a membrane-bound NADH:ferredoxin oxidoreductase. The flavin- and iron-sulfur-containing enzyme probably uses the energy difference between reduced ferredoxin and NADH to generate an electrochemical Na+ gradient, which drives transport processes. The other pathway via 2-hydroxyglutarate in Acidaminococcus fermentans and Fusobacterium nucleatum involves glutaconyl-CoA decarboxylase, which uses the free energy of decarboxylation to generate also an electrochemical Na+ gradient. In the latter two organisms, similar membrane-bound NADH:ferredoxin oxidoreductases have been characterized. We propose that in the hydroxyglutarate pathway these oxidoreductases work in the reverse direction, whereby the reduction of ferredoxin by NADH is driven by the Na+ gradient. The reduced ferredoxin is required for hydrogen production and the activation of radical enzymes. Further examples show that reduced ferredoxin is an agent, whose reducing energy is about 1 ATP 'richer' than that of NADH. Copyright 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  4. Different Functions of Phylogenetically Distinct Bacterial Complex I Isozymes

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

    Spero, Melanie A.; Brickner, Joshua R.; Mollet, Jordan T.

    NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (complex I) is a bioenergetic enzyme that transfers electrons from NADH to quinone, conserving the energy of this reaction by contributing to the proton motive force. While the importance of NADH oxidation to mitochondrial aerobic respiration is well documented, the contribution of complex I to bacterial electron transport chains has been tested in only a few species. Here, we analyze the function of two phylogenetically distinct complex I isozymes in Rhodobacter sphaeroides, an alphaproteobacterium that contains well-characterized electron transport chains. We found that R. sphaeroides complex I activity is important for aerobic respiration and required for anaerobic dimethylmore » sulfoxide (DMSO) respiration (in the absence of light), photoautotrophic growth, and photoheterotrophic growth (in the absence of an external electron acceptor). Our data also provide insight into the functions of the phylogenetically distinct R. sphaeroides complex I enzymes (complex I A and complex I E) in maintaining a cellular redox state during photoheterotrophic growth. We propose that the function of each isozyme during photoheterotrophic growth is either NADH synthesis (complex I A) or NADH oxidation (complex I E). The canonical alphaproteobacterial complex I isozyme (complex I A) was also shown to be important for routing electrons to nitrogenase-mediated H 2 production, while the horizontally acquired enzyme (complex I E) was dispensable in this process. Unlike the singular role of complex I in mitochondria, we predict that the phylogenetically distinct complex I enzymes found across bacterial species have evolved to enhance the functions of their respective electron transport chains. Cells use a proton motive force (PMF), NADH, and ATP to support numerous processes. In mitochondria, complex I uses NADH oxidation to generate a PMF, which can drive ATP synthesis. This study analyzed the function of complex I in bacteria, which contain more-diverse and more-flexible electron transport chains than mitochondria. We tested complex I function in Rhodobacter sphaeroides, a bacterium predicted to encode two phylogenetically distinct complex I isozymes. R. sphaeroides cells lacking both isozymes had growth defects during all tested modes of growth, illustrating the important function of this enzyme under diverse conditions. We conclude that the two isozymes are not functionally redundant and predict that phylogenetically distinct complex I enzymes have evolved to support the diverse lifestyles of bacteria.« less

  5. Different Functions of Phylogenetically Distinct Bacterial Complex I Isozymes

    DOE PAGES

    Spero, Melanie A.; Brickner, Joshua R.; Mollet, Jordan T.; ...

    2016-02-01

    NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (complex I) is a bioenergetic enzyme that transfers electrons from NADH to quinone, conserving the energy of this reaction by contributing to the proton motive force. While the importance of NADH oxidation to mitochondrial aerobic respiration is well documented, the contribution of complex I to bacterial electron transport chains has been tested in only a few species. Here, we analyze the function of two phylogenetically distinct complex I isozymes in Rhodobacter sphaeroides, an alphaproteobacterium that contains well-characterized electron transport chains. We found that R. sphaeroides complex I activity is important for aerobic respiration and required for anaerobic dimethylmore » sulfoxide (DMSO) respiration (in the absence of light), photoautotrophic growth, and photoheterotrophic growth (in the absence of an external electron acceptor). Our data also provide insight into the functions of the phylogenetically distinct R. sphaeroides complex I enzymes (complex I A and complex I E) in maintaining a cellular redox state during photoheterotrophic growth. We propose that the function of each isozyme during photoheterotrophic growth is either NADH synthesis (complex I A) or NADH oxidation (complex I E). The canonical alphaproteobacterial complex I isozyme (complex I A) was also shown to be important for routing electrons to nitrogenase-mediated H 2 production, while the horizontally acquired enzyme (complex I E) was dispensable in this process. Unlike the singular role of complex I in mitochondria, we predict that the phylogenetically distinct complex I enzymes found across bacterial species have evolved to enhance the functions of their respective electron transport chains. Cells use a proton motive force (PMF), NADH, and ATP to support numerous processes. In mitochondria, complex I uses NADH oxidation to generate a PMF, which can drive ATP synthesis. This study analyzed the function of complex I in bacteria, which contain more-diverse and more-flexible electron transport chains than mitochondria. We tested complex I function in Rhodobacter sphaeroides, a bacterium predicted to encode two phylogenetically distinct complex I isozymes. R. sphaeroides cells lacking both isozymes had growth defects during all tested modes of growth, illustrating the important function of this enzyme under diverse conditions. We conclude that the two isozymes are not functionally redundant and predict that phylogenetically distinct complex I enzymes have evolved to support the diverse lifestyles of bacteria.« less

  6. Characterization of the type 2 NADH:menaquinone oxidoreductases from Staphylococcus aureus and the bactericidal action of phenothiazines.

    PubMed

    Schurig-Briccio, Lici A; Yano, Takahiro; Rubin, Harvey; Gennis, Robert B

    2014-07-01

    Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is currently one of the principal multiple drug resistant bacterial pathogens causing serious infections, many of which are life-threatening. Consequently, new therapeutic targets are required to combat such infections. In the current work, we explore the type 2 Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced form (NADH) dehydrogenases (NDH-2s) as possible drug targets and look at the effects of phenothiazines, known to inhibit NDH-2 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. NDH-2s are monotopic membrane proteins that catalyze the transfer of electrons from NADH via flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) to the quinone pool. They are required for maintaining the NADH/Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) redox balance and contribute indirectly to the generation of proton motive force. NDH-2s are not present in mammals, but are the only form of respiratory NADH dehydrogenase in several pathogens, including S. aureus. In this work, the two putative ndh genes present in the S. aureus genome were identified, cloned and expressed, and the proteins were purified and characterized. Phenothiazines were shown to inhibit both of the S. aureus NDH-2s with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values as low as 8μM. However, evaluating the effects of phenothiazines on whole cells of S. aureus was complicated by the fact that they are also acting as uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 18th European Bioenergetic Conference. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. The inhibitory effect of beta-lapachone on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis

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

    Gu, Dong Ryun; Center for Metabolic Function Regulation; Lee, Joon No

    β-lapachone (β-L) is a substrate of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH): quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). NQO1 reduces quinones to hydroquinones using NADH as an electron donor and consequently increases the intracellular NAD+/NADH ratio. The activation of NQO1 by β-L has beneficial effects on several metabolic syndromes, such as obesity, hypertension, and renal injury. However, the effect of β-L on bone metabolism remains unclear. Here, we show that β-L might be a potent inhibitor of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis. β-L inhibited osteoclast formation in a dose-dependent manner and also reduced the expression of osteoclast differentiation marker genes,more » such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (Acp5 or TRAP), cathepsin K (CtsK), the d2 isoform of vacuolar ATPase V0 domain (Atp6v0d2), osteoclast-associated receptor (Oscar), and dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (Dc-stamp). β-L treatment of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis significantly increased the cellular NAD+/NADH ratio and resulted in the activation of 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a negative regulator of osteoclast differentiation. In addition, β-L treatment led to significant suppression of the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1β (PGC1β), which can stimulate osteoclastogenesis. β-L treatment downregulated c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (NFATc1), which are master transcription factors for osteoclastogenesis. Taken together, the results demonstrated that β-L inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and could be considered a potent inhibitor of RANKL-mediated bone diseases, such as postmenopausal osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis. - Highlights: • β-lapachone (β-L) inhibits RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis. • β-L increases the intracellular NAD+/NADH ratio, which is followed by activation of AMPK in osteoclasts. • The activation of AMPK by β-L inhibits c-Fos and NFATc1 expression in RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. • β-L also suppresses c-Fos and NFATc1 expression via downregulation of PPARγ and PGC1β expression.« less

  8. Characterization of the NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) in the trypanosomatid Phytomonas serpens (Kinetoplastida).

    PubMed

    Cermáková, Petra; Verner, Zdenek; Man, Petr; Lukes, Julius; Horváth, Anton

    2007-06-01

    NADH dehydrogenase activity was characterized in the mitochondrial lysates of Phytomonas serpens, a trypanosomatid flagellate parasitizing plants. Two different high molecular weight NADH dehydrogenases were characterized by native PAGE and detected by direct in-gel activity staining. The association of NADH dehydrogenase activities with two distinct multisubunit complexes was revealed in the second dimension performed under denaturing conditions. One subunit present in both complexes cross-reacted with the antibody against the 39 kDa subunit of bovine complex I. Out of several subunits analyzed by MS, one contained a domain characteristic for the LYR family subunit of the NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductases. Spectrophotometric measurement of the NADH:ubiquinone 10 and NADH:ferricyanide dehydrogenase activities revealed their different sensitivities to rotenone, piericidin, and diphenyl iodonium.

  9. Succinate modulation of H2O2 release at NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I) in brain mitochondria

    PubMed Central

    Zoccarato, Franco; Cavallini, Lucia; Bortolami, Silvia; Alexandre, Adolfo

    2007-01-01

    Complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) is responsible for most of the mitochondrial H2O2 release, both during the oxidation of NAD-linked substrates and during succinate oxidation. The much faster succinate-dependent H2O2 production is ascribed to Complex I, being rotenone-sensitive. In the present paper, we report high-affinity succinate-supported H2O2 generation in the absence as well as in the presence of GM (glutamate/malate) (1 or 2 mM of each). In brain mitochondria, their only effect was to increase from 0.35 to 0.5 or to 0.65 mM the succinate concentration evoking the semi-maximal H2O2 release. GM are still oxidized in the presence of succinate, as indicated by the oxygen-consumption rates, which are intermediate between those of GM and of succinate alone when all substrates are present together. This effect is removed by rotenone, showing that it is not due to inhibition of succinate influx. Moreover, α-oxoglutarate production from GM, a measure of the activity of Complex I, is decreased, but not stopped, by succinate. It is concluded that succinate-induced H2O2 production occurs under conditions of regular downward electron flow in Complex I. Succinate concentration appears to modulate the rate of H2O2 release, probably by controlling the hydroquinone/quinone ratio. PMID:17477844

  10. NAD(P)H:Flavin Mononucleotide Oxidoreductase Inactivation during 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Reduction

    PubMed Central

    Riefler, R. Guy; Smets, Barth F.

    2002-01-01

    Bacteria readily transform 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), a contaminant frequently found at military bases and munitions production facilities, by reduction of the nitro group substituents. In this work, the kinetics of nitroreduction were investigated by using a model nitroreductase, NAD(P)H:flavin mononucleotide (FMN) oxidoreductase. Under mediation by NAD(P)H:FMN oxidoreductase, TNT rapidly reacted with NADH to form 2-hydroxylamino-4,6-dinitrotoluene and 4-hydroxylamino-2,6-dinitrotoluene, whereas 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene and 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene were not produced. Progressive loss of activity was observed during TNT reduction, indicating inactivation of the enzyme during transformation. It is likely that a nitrosodinitrotoluene intermediate reacted with the NAD(P)H:FMN oxidoreductase, leading to enzyme inactivation. A half-maximum constant with respect to NADH, KN, of 394 μM was measured, indicating possible NADH limitation under typical cellular conditions. A mathematical model that describes the inactivation process and NADH limitation provided a good fit to TNT reduction profiles. This work represents the first step in developing a comprehensive enzyme level understanding of nitroarene biotransformation. PMID:11916686

  11. Inhibitors of type II NADH:menaquinone oxidoreductase represent a class of antitubercular drugs

    PubMed Central

    Weinstein, Edward A.; Yano, Takahiro; Li, Lin-Sheng; Avarbock, David; Avarbock, Andrew; Helm, Douglas; McColm, Andrew A.; Duncan, Ken; Lonsdale, John T.; Rubin, Harvey

    2005-01-01

    Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an obligate aerobe that is capable of long-term persistence under conditions of low oxygen tension. Analysis of the Mtb genome predicts the existence of a branched aerobic respiratory chain terminating in a cytochrome bd system and a cytochrome aa3 system. Both chains can be initiated with type II NADH:menaquinone oxidoreductase. We present a detailed biochemical characterization of the aerobic respiratory chains from Mtb and show that phenothiazine analogs specifically inhibit NADH:menaquinone oxidoreductase activity. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mtb has prompted a search for antimycobacterial agents. Several phenothiazines analogs are highly tuberculocidal in vitro, suppress Mtb growth in a mouse model of acute infection, and represent lead compounds that may give rise to a class of selective antibiotics. PMID:15767566

  12. A new hypothesis on the simultaneous direct and indirect proton pump mechanisms in NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (complex I)

    PubMed Central

    Ohnishi, Tomoko; Nakamaru-Ogiso, Eiko; Ohnishi, S. Tsuyoshi

    2010-01-01

    Recently, Sazanov’s group reported the X-ray structure of whole complex I [Nature, 465, 441 (2010)], which presented a strong clue for a “piston-like” structure as a key element in an “indirect” proton pump. We have studied the NuoL subunit which has a high sequence similarity to Na+/H+ antiporters, as do the NuoM and N subunits. We constructed 27 site-directed NuoL mutants. Our data suggest that the H+/e− stoichiometry seems to have decreased from (4H+/2e−) in the wild-type to approximately (3H+/2e−) in NuoL mutants. We propose a revised hypothesis that each of the “direct” and the “indirect” proton pumps transports 2H+ per 2e−. PMID:20816962

  13. Metabolic activation of 4-hydroxyanisole by isolated rat hepatocytes.

    PubMed

    Moridani, M Y; Cheon, S S; Khan, S; O'Brien, P J

    2002-10-01

    A tyrosinase-directed therapeutic approach for treating malignant melanoma uses depigmenting phenolic prodrugs such as 4-hydroxyanisole (4-HA) for oxidation by melanoma tyrosinase to form cytotoxic o-quinones. However, in a recent clinical trial, both renal and hepatic toxicity were reported as side effects of 4-HA therapy. In the following, 4-HA (200 mg/kg i.p.) administered to mice caused a 7-fold increase in plasma transaminase toxicity, an indication of liver toxicity. Furthermore, 4-HA induced-cytotoxicity toward isolated hepatocytes was preceded by glutathione (GSH) depletion, which was prevented by cytochrome p450 inhibitors that also partly prevented cytotoxicity. The 4-HA metabolite formed by NADPH/microsomes and GSH was identified as a hydroquinone mono-glutathione conjugate. GSH-depleted hepatocytes were much more prone to cytotoxicity induced by 4-HA or its reactive metabolite hydroquinone (HQ). Dicumarol (an NAD(P)H/quinone oxidoreductase inhibitor) also potentiated 4-HA- or HQ-induced toxicity whereas sorbitol, an NADH-generating nutrient, prevented the cytotoxicity. Ethylenediamine (an o-quinone trap) did not prevent 4-HA-induced cytotoxicity, which suggests that the cytotoxicity was not caused by o-quinone as a result of 4-HA ring hydroxylation. Deferoxamine and the antioxidant pyrogallol/4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidene-1-oxyl (TEMPOL) did not prevent 4-HA-induced cytotoxicity, therefore excluding oxidative stress as a cytotoxic mechanism for 4-HA. A negligible amount of formaldehyde was formed when 4-HA was incubated with rat microsomal/NADPH. These results suggest that the 4-HA cytotoxic mechanism involves alkylation of cellular proteins by 4-HA epoxide or p-quinone rather than involving oxidative stress.

  14. Alternative Pyrimidine Biosynthesis Protein ApbE Is a Flavin Transferase Catalyzing Covalent Attachment of FMN to a Threonine Residue in Bacterial Flavoproteins*

    PubMed Central

    Bertsova, Yulia V.; Fadeeva, Maria S.; Kostyrko, Vitaly A.; Serebryakova, Marina V.; Baykov, Alexander A.; Bogachev, Alexander V.

    2013-01-01

    Na+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) contains two flavin residues as redox-active prosthetic groups attached by a phosphoester bond to threonine residues in subunits NqrB and NqrC. We demonstrate here that flavinylation of truncated Vibrio harveyi NqrC at Thr-229 in Escherichia coli cells requires the presence of a co-expressed Vibrio apbE gene. The apbE genes cluster with genes for Na+-NQR and other FMN-binding flavoproteins in bacterial genomes and encode proteins with previously unknown function. Experiments with isolated NqrC and ApbE proteins confirmed that ApbE is the only protein factor required for NqrC flavinylation and also indicated that the reaction is Mg2+-dependent and proceeds with FAD but not FMN. Inactivation of the apbE gene in Klebsiella pneumoniae, wherein the nqr operon and apbE are well separated in the chromosome, resulted in a complete loss of the quinone reductase activity of Na+-NQR, consistent with its dependence on covalently bound flavin. Our data thus identify ApbE as a novel modifying enzyme, flavin transferase. PMID:23558683

  15. NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity in the kinetoplasts of the plant trypanosomatid Phytomonas serpens.

    PubMed

    González-Halphen, Diego; Maslov, Dmitri A

    2004-03-01

    NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity is present in mitochondrial lysates of Phytomonas serpens. Rotenone at 2-10 microM inhibited the activity 50-75%, indicating that it belongs to respiratory complex I. The activity was also inhibited 50-60% in the presence of 10-30 nM atovaquone suggesting that inhibition of complex I represents a likely mechanism of the known antileishmanial activity of this drug. The complex was partially purified by chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B and gel-filtration on Sepharose CL-2B. The NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity in this preparation was completely inactivated by 20 nM atovaquone. The partially purified complex was present in a low amount and its subunits could not be discerned by staining with Coomassie. However, one of its components, a homologue of the 39 kDa subunit of the bovine complex I, was identified immunochemically in the original lysate and in the partially purified material.

  16. Ferredoxin:NAD + oxidoreductase of Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and its role in ethanol formation [Identification of a ferredoxin:NAD + oxidoreductase of Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and its role in ethanol formation

    DOE PAGES

    Tian, Liang; Lo, Jonathan; Shao, Xiongjun; ...

    2016-09-30

    Ferredoxin:NAD + oxidoreductase (NADH-FNOR) catalyzes the transfer of electrons from reduced ferredoxin to NAD +. This enzyme has been hypothesized to be the main enzyme responsible for ferredoxin oxidization in the NADH-based ethanol pathway in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum; however, the corresponding gene has not yet been identified. Here, we identified the Tsac_1705 protein as a candidate FNOR based on the homology of its functional domains. We then confirmed its activity in vitro with a ferredoxin-based FNOR assay. To determine its role in metabolism, the tsac_1705 gene was deleted in different strains of T. saccharolyticum. In wild-type T. saccharolyticum, deletion of tsac_1705more » resulted in a 75% loss of NADH-FNOR activity, which indicated that Tsac_1705 is the main NADH-FNOR in T. saccharolyticum. When both NADH- and NADPH-linked FNOR genes were deleted, the ethanol titer decreased and the ratio of ethanol to acetate approached unity, indicative of the absence of FNOR activity. As a result, we tested the effect of heterologous expression of Tsac_1705 in Clostridium thermocellum and found improvements in both the titer and the yield of ethanol.« less

  17. A new hypothesis on the simultaneous direct and indirect proton pump mechanisms in NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (complex I).

    PubMed

    Ohnishi, Tomoko; Nakamaru-Ogiso, Eiko; Ohnishi, S Tsuyoshi

    2010-10-08

    Recently, Sazanov's group reported the X-ray structure of whole complex I [Nature, 465, 441 (2010)], which presented a strong clue for a "piston-like" structure as a key element in an "indirect" proton pump. We have studied the NuoL subunit which has a high sequence similarity to Na(+)/H(+) antiporters, as do the NuoM and N subunits. We constructed 27 site-directed NuoL mutants. Our data suggest that the H(+)/e(-) stoichiometry seems to have decreased from (4H(+)/2e(-)) in the wild-type to approximately (3H(+)/2e(-)) in NuoL mutants. We propose a revised hypothesis that each of the "direct" and the "indirect" proton pumps transports 2H(+) per 2e(-). Copyright © 2010 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Energy-converting [NiFe] hydrogenases: more than just H2 activation.

    PubMed

    Hedderich, Reiner; Forzi, Lucia

    2005-01-01

    The well-characterized [NiFe] hydrogenases have a key function in the H2 metabolism of various microorganisms. A subfamily of the [NiFe] hydrogenases with unique properties has recently been identified. The six conserved subunits that build the core of these membrane-bound hydrogenases share sequence similarity with subunits that form the catalytic core of energy-conserving NADH:quinone oxidoreductases (complex I). The physiological role of some of these hydrogenases is to catalyze the reduction of H+ with electrons derived from reduced ferredoxins or polyferredoxins. This exergonic reaction is coupled to energy conservation by means of electron-transport phosphorylation. Other members of this hydrogenase subfamily mainly function in providing the cell with reduced ferredoxin using H2 as electron donor in a reaction driven by reverse electron transport. These hydrogenases have therefore been designated as energy-converting [NiFe] hydrogenases. Copyright 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  19. Supramolecular organizations in the aerobic respiratory chain of Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Sousa, Pedro M F; Silva, Sara T N; Hood, Brian L; Charro, Nuno; Carita, João N; Vaz, Fátima; Penque, Deborah; Conrads, Thomas P; Melo, Ana M P

    2011-03-01

    The organization of respiratory chain complexes in supercomplexes has been shown in the mitochondria of several eukaryotes and in the cell membranes of some bacteria. These supercomplexes are suggested to be important for oxidative phosphorylation efficiency and to prevent the formation of reactive oxygen species. Here we describe, for the first time, the identification of supramolecular organizations in the aerobic respiratory chain of Escherichia coli, including a trimer of succinate dehydrogenase. Furthermore, two heterooligomerizations have been shown: one resulting from the association of the NADH:quinone oxidoreductases NDH-1 and NDH-2, and another composed by the cytochrome bo(3) quinol:oxygen reductase, cytochrome bd quinol:oxygen reductase and formate dehydrogenase (fdo). These results are supported by blue native-electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and kinetic data of wild type and mutant E . coli strains. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  20. Lambda Red-mediated mutagenesis and efficient large scale affinity purification of the Escherichia coli NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I).

    PubMed

    Pohl, Thomas; Uhlmann, Mareike; Kaufenstein, Miriam; Friedrich, Thorsten

    2007-09-18

    The proton-pumping NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, the respiratory complex I, couples the transfer of electrons from NADH to ubiquinone with the translocation of protons across the membrane. The Escherichia coli complex I consists of 13 different subunits named NuoA-N (from NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase), that are coded by the genes of the nuo-operon. Genetic manipulation of the operon is difficult due to its enormous size. The enzymatic activity of variants is obscured by an alternative NADH dehydrogenase, and purification of the variants is hampered by their instability. To overcome these problems the entire E. coli nuo-operon was cloned and placed under control of the l-arabinose inducible promoter ParaBAD. The exposed N-terminus of subunit NuoF was chosen for engineering the complex with a hexahistidine-tag by lambda-Red-mediated recombineering. Overproduction of the complex from this construct in a strain which is devoid of any membrane-bound NADH dehydrogenase led to the assembly of a catalytically active complex causing the entire NADH oxidase activity of the cytoplasmic membranes. After solubilization with dodecyl maltoside the engineered complex binds to a Ni2+-iminodiacetic acid matrix allowing the purification of approximately 11 mg of complex I from 25 g of cells. The preparation is pure and monodisperse and comprises all known subunits and cofactors. It contains more lipids than earlier preparations due to the gentle and fast purification procedure. After reconstitution in proteoliposomes it couples the electron transfer with proton translocation in an inhibitor sensitive manner, thus meeting all prerequisites for structural and functional studies.

  1. Over-expression of NADH-dependent oxidoreductase (fucO) for increasing furfural or 5-hydroxymethylfurfural tolerance

    DOEpatents

    Miller, Elliot N.; Zhang, Xueli; Yomano, Lorraine P.; Wang, Xuan; Shanmugam, Keelnatham T.; Ingram, Lonnie O'Neal

    2015-10-13

    The subject invention pertains to the discovery that the NADH-dependent propanediol oxidoreductase (FucO) can reduce furfural. This allows for a new approach to improve furfural tolerance in bacterial and/or yeast cells used to produce desired products. Thus, novel biocatalysts (bacterial, fungal or yeast cells) exhibiting increased tolerance to furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) are provided as are methods of making and using such biocatalysts for the production of a desired product.

  2. Regulation of NADH/CoQ oxidoreductase: do phosphorylation events affect activity?

    PubMed

    Maj, Mary C; Raha, Sandeep; Myint, Tomoko; Robinson, Brian H

    2004-01-01

    We had previously suggested that phosphorylation of proteins by mitochondrial kinases regulate the activity of NADH/CoQ oxidoreductase. Initial data showed that pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylate mitochondrial membrane proteins. Upon phosphorylation with crude PDK, mitochondria appeared to be deficient in NADH/cytochrome c reductase activity associated with increased superoxide production. Conversely, phosphorylation by PKA resulted in increased NADH/cytochrome c reductase activity and decreased superoxide formation. Current data confirms PKA involvement in regulating Complex I activity through phosphorylation of an 18 kDa subunit. Beef heart NADH/ cytochrome c reductase activity increases to 150% of control upon incubation with PKA and ATP-gamma-S. We have cloned the four human isoforms of PDK and purified beef heart Complex I. Incubation of mitochondria with PDK isoforms and ATP did not alter Complex I activity or superoxide production. Radiolabeling of mitochondria and purified Complex I with PDK failed to reveal phosphorylated proteins.

  3. General approach to reversing ketol-acid reductoisomerase cofactor dependence from NADPH to NADH

    DOE PAGES

    Brinkmann-Chen, Sabine; Flock, Tilman; Cahn, Jackson K. B.; ...

    2013-06-17

    To date, efforts to switch the cofactor specificity of oxidoreductases from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) have been made on a case-by-case basis with varying degrees of success. Here we present a straightforward recipe for altering the cofactor specificity of a class of NADPH-dependent oxidoreductases, the ketol-acid reductoisomerases (KARIs). Combining previous results for an engineered NADH-dependent variant of Escherichia coli KARI with available KARI crystal structures and a comprehensive KARI-sequence alignment, we identified key cofactor specificity determinants and used this information to construct five KARIs with reversed cofactor preference. Additional directed evolution generated two enzymesmore » having NADH-dependent catalytic efficiencies that are greater than the wild-type enzymes with NADPH. As a result, high-resolution structures of a wild-type/variant pair reveal the molecular basis of the cofactor switch.« less

  4. Metabolic activation of 3-hydroxyanisole by isolated rat hepatocytes.

    PubMed

    Moridani, Majid Y; Cheon, Sophia S; Khan, Sumsullah; O'Brien, Peter J

    2003-01-06

    A tyrosinase-directed therapeutic approach for malignant melanoma therapy uses the depigmenting phenolic agents such as 4-hydroxyanisole (4-HA) to form cytotoxic o-quinones. However, renal and hepatic toxicity was reported as side effects in a recent 4-HA clinical trial. In search of novel therapeutics, the cytotoxicity of the isomers 4-HA, 3-HA and 2-HA were investigated. In the following, the order of the HAs induced hepatotoxicity in mice, as measured by increased in vivo plasma transaminase activity, or in isolated rat hepatocytes, as measured by trypan blue exclusion, was 3-HA > 2-HA > 4-HA. Hepatocyte GSH depletion preceded HA induced cytotoxicity and a 4-MC-SG conjugate was identified by LC/MS/MS mass spectrometry analysis when 3-HA was incubated with NADPH/microsomes/GSH. 3-HA induced hepatocyte GSH depletion or GSH depletion when 3-HA was incubated with NADPH/microsomes was prevented by CYP 2E1 inhibitors. Dicumarol (an NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase inhibitor) potentiated 3-HA- or 4-methoxycatechol (4-MC) induced toxicity whereas sorbitol (an NADH generating nutrient) greatly prevented cytotoxicity indicating a quinone-mediated cytotoxic mechanism. Ethylendiamine (an o-quinone trap) largely prevented 3-HA and 4-MC-induced cytotoxicity indicating that o-quinone was involved in cytotoxicity. Dithiothreitol (DTT) greatly reduced 3-HA and 4-MC induced toxicity. The ferric chelator deferoxamine slightly decreased 3-HA and 4-MC induced cytotoxicity whereas the antioxidants pyrogallol or TEMPOL greatly prevented the toxicity suggesting that oxidative stress contributed to 3-HA induced cytotoxicity. In summary, ring hydroxylation but not O-demethylation/epoxidation seems to be the bioactivation pathway for 3-HA in rat liver. The cytotoxic mechanism for 3-HA and its metabolite 4-MC likely consists cellular protein alkylation and oxidative stress. These results suggest that 3-HA is not suitable for treatment of melanoma. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.

  5. Cofactor engineering to regulate NAD+/NADH ratio with its application to phytosterols biotransformation.

    PubMed

    Su, Liqiu; Shen, Yanbing; Zhang, Wenkai; Gao, Tian; Shang, Zhihua; Wang, Min

    2017-10-30

    Cofactor engineering is involved in the modification of enzymes related to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides (NADH and NAD + ) metabolism, which results in a significantly altered spectrum of metabolic products. Cofactor engineering plays an important role in metabolic engineering but is rarely reported in the sterols biotransformation process owing to its use of multi-catabolic enzymes, which promote multiple consecutive reactions. Androst-4-ene-3, 17-dione (AD) and androst-1, 4-diene-3, 17-dione (ADD) are important steroid medicine intermediates that are obtained via the nucleus oxidation and the side chain degradation of phytosterols by Mycobacterium. Given that the biotransformation from phytosterols to AD (D) is supposed to be a NAD + -dependent process, this work utilized cofactor engineering in Mycobacterium neoaurum and investigated the effect on cofactor and phytosterols metabolism. Through the addition of the coenzyme precursor of nicotinic acid in the phytosterols fermentation system, the intracellular NAD + /NADH ratio and the AD (D) production of M. neoaurum TCCC 11978 (MNR M3) were higher than in the control. Moreover, the NADH: flavin oxidoreductase was identified and was supposed to exert a positive effect on cofactor regulation and phytosterols metabolism pathways via comparative proteomic profiling of MNR cultured with and without phytosterols. In addition, the NADH: flavin oxidoreductase and a water-forming NADH oxidase from Lactobacillus brevis, were successfully overexpressed and heterologously expressed in MNR M3 to improve the intracellular ratio of NAD + /NADH. After 96 h of cultivation, the expression of these two enzymes in MNR M3 resulted in the decrease in intracellular NADH level (by 51 and 67%, respectively) and the increase in NAD + /NADH ratio (by 113 and 192%, respectively). Phytosterols bioconversion revealed that the conversion ratio of engineered stains was ultimately improved by 58 and 147%, respectively. The highest AD (D) conversion ratio by MNR M3N2 was 94% in the conversion system with soybean oil as reaction media to promote the solubility of phytosterols. The ratio of NAD + /NADH is an important factor for the transformation of phytosterols. Expression of NADH: flavin oxidoreductase and water-forming NADH oxidase in MNR improved AD (D) production. Besides the manipulation of key enzyme activities, which included in phytosterols degradation pathways, maintenance the balance of redox also played an important role in promoting steroid biotransformation. The recombinant MNR strain may be useful in industrial production.

  6. An investigation of the iron-sulphur proteins of benzene dioxygenase from Pseudomonas putida by electron-spin-resonance spectroscopy.

    PubMed Central

    Geary, P J; Saboowalla, F; Patil, D; Cammack, R

    1984-01-01

    Benzene dioxygenase from Pseudomonas putida comprises three components, namely a flavoprotein (NADH:ferredoxin oxidoreductase; Mr 81000), an intermediate electron-transfer protein, or ferredoxin (Mr 12000) with a [2Fe-2S] cluster, and a terminal dioxygenase containing two [2Fe-2S] iron-sulphur clusters (Mr 215000), which requires two additional Fe2+ atoms/molecule for oxygenase activity. The ferredoxin and the dioxygenase give e.s.r. signals in the reduced state with rhombic symmetry and average g values of 1.92 and 1.896 respectively. The mid-point redox potentials were determined by e.s.r. titration at pH 7.0 to be -155 mV and -112 mV respectively. The signal from the dioxygenase shows pronounced g anisotropy and most closely resembles those of 4-methoxybenzoate mono-oxygenase from Pseudomonas putida and the [2Fe-2S] 'Rieske' proteins of the quinone-cytochrome c region of electron-transport chains of respiration and photosynthesis. PMID:6324743

  7. Removal of bisphenol derivatives through quinone oxidation by polyphenol oxidase and subsequent quinone adsorption on chitosan in the heterogeneous system.

    PubMed

    Kimura, Yuji; Takahashi, Ayumi; Kashiwada, Ayumi; Yamada, Kazunori

    2015-01-01

    In this study, the combined use of a biopolymer chitosan and an oxidoreductase polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was systematically investigated for the removal of bisphenol derivatives from aqueous medium. The process parameters, such as the pH value, temperature, and PPO concentration, were estimated to conduct the enzymatic quinone oxidation of bisphenol derivatives by as little enzyme as possible. Bisphenol derivatives effectively underwent PPO-catalysed quinone oxidation without H2O2 unlike other oxidoreductases, such as peroxidase and tyrosinase, and the optimum conditions were determined to be pH 7.0 and 40°C for bisphenol B, bisphenol E, bisphenol O, and bisphenol Z; pH 7.0 and 30°C for bisphenol C and bisphenol F; and pH 8.0 and 40°C for bisphenol T. They were completely removed through adsorption of enzymatically generated quinone derivatives on chitosan beads or chitosan powders. Quinone adsorption on chitosan beads or chitosan powders in the heterogeneous system was found to be a more effective procedure than generation of aggregates in the homogeneous system with chitosan solution. The removal time was shortened by increasing the amount of chitosan beads or decreasing the size of the chitosan powders.

  8. Identification of the binding sites for ubiquinone and inhibitors in the Na+-pumping NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase from Vibrio cholerae by photoaffinity labeling

    PubMed Central

    Ito, Takeshi; Ninokura, Satoshi; Kitazumi, Yuki; Mezic, Katherine G.; Cress, Brady F.; Koffas, Mattheos A. G.; Morgan, Joel E.; Barquera, Blanca; Miyoshi, Hideto

    2017-01-01

    The Na+-pumping NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) is the first enzyme of the respiratory chain and the main ion transporter in many marine and pathogenic bacteria, including Vibrio cholerae. The V. cholerae Na+-NQR has been extensively studied, but its binding sites for ubiquinone and inhibitors remain controversial. Here, using a photoreactive ubiquinone PUQ-3 as well as two aurachin-type inhibitors [125I]PAD-1 and [125I]PAD-2 and photoaffinity labeling experiments on the isolated enzyme, we demonstrate that the ubiquinone ring binds to the NqrA subunit in the regions Leu-32–Met-39 and Phe-131–Lys-138, encompassing the rear wall of a predicted ubiquinone-binding cavity. The quinolone ring and alkyl side chain of aurachin bound to the NqrB subunit in the regions Arg-43–Lys-54 and Trp-23–Gly-89, respectively. These results indicate that the binding sites for ubiquinone and aurachin-type inhibitors are in close proximity but do not overlap one another. Unexpectedly, although the inhibitory effects of PAD-1 and PAD-2 were almost completely abolished by certain mutations in NqrB (i.e. G140A and E144C), the binding reactivities of [125I]PAD-1 and [125I]PAD-2 to the mutated enzymes were unchanged compared with those of the wild-type enzyme. We also found that photoaffinity labeling by [125I]PAD-1 and [125I]PAD-2, rather than being competitively suppressed in the presence of other inhibitors, is enhanced under some experimental conditions. To explain these apparently paradoxical results, we propose models for the catalytic reaction of Na+-NQR and its interactions with inhibitors on the basis of the biochemical and biophysical results reported here and in previous work. PMID:28298441

  9. Overexpression of CYB5R3 and NQO1, two NAD+ -producing enzymes, mimics aspects of caloric restriction.

    PubMed

    Diaz-Ruiz, Alberto; Lanasa, Michael; Garcia, Joseph; Mora, Hector; Fan, Frances; Martin-Montalvo, Alejandro; Di Francesco, Andrea; Calvo-Rubio, Miguel; Salvador-Pascual, Andrea; Aon, Miguel A; Fishbein, Kenneth W; Pearson, Kevin J; Villalba, Jose Manuel; Navas, Placido; Bernier, Michel; de Cabo, Rafael

    2018-04-28

    Calorie restriction (CR) is one of the most robust means to improve health and survival in model organisms. CR imposes a metabolic program that leads to increased stress resistance and delayed onset of chronic diseases, including cancer. In rodents, CR induces the upregulation of two NADH-dehydrogenases, namely NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1) and cytochrome b 5 reductase 3 (Cyb5r3), which provide electrons for energy metabolism. It has been proposed that this upregulation may be responsible for some of the beneficial effects of CR, and defects in their activity are linked to aging and several age-associated diseases. However, it is unclear whether changes in metabolic homeostasis solely through upregulation of these NADH-dehydrogenases have a positive impact on health and survival. We generated a mouse that overexpresses both metabolic enzymes leading to phenotypes that resemble aspects of CR including a modest increase in lifespan, greater physical performance, a decrease in chronic inflammation, and, importantly, protection against carcinogenesis, one of the main hallmarks of CR. Furthermore, these animals showed an enhancement of metabolic flexibility and a significant upregulation of the NAD + /sirtuin pathway. The results highlight the importance of these NAD + producers for the promotion of health and extended lifespan. © 2018 The Authors. Aging Cell published by the Anatomical Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  10. Three-dimensional Structure and Enzymatic Function of Proapoptotic Human p53-inducible Quinone Oxidoreductase PIG3*

    PubMed Central

    Porté, Sergio; Valencia, Eva; Yakovtseva, Evgenia A.; Borràs, Emma; Shafqat, Naeem; Debreczeny, Judit É.; Pike, Ashley C. W.; Oppermann, Udo; Farrés, Jaume; Fita, Ignacio; Parés, Xavier

    2009-01-01

    Tumor suppressor p53 regulates the expression of p53-induced genes (PIG) that trigger apoptosis. PIG3 or TP53I3 is the only known member of the medium chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily induced by p53 and is used as a proapoptotic marker. Although the participation of PIG3 in the apoptotic pathway is proven, the protein and its mechanism of action were never characterized. We analyzed human PIG3 enzymatic function and found NADPH-dependent reductase activity with ortho-quinones, which is consistent with the classification of PIG3 in the quinone oxidoreductase family. However, the activity is much lower than that of ζ-crystallin, a better known quinone oxidoreductase. In addition, we report the crystallographic structure of PIG3, which allowed the identification of substrate- and cofactor-binding sites, with residues fully conserved from bacteria to human. Tyr-59 in ζ-crystallin (Tyr-51 in PIG3) was suggested to participate in the catalysis of quinone reduction. However, kinetics of Tyr/Phe and Tyr/Ala mutants of both enzymes demonstrated that the active site Tyr is not catalytic but may participate in substrate binding, consistent with a mechanism based on propinquity effects. It has been proposed that PIG3 contribution to apoptosis would be through oxidative stress generation. We found that in vitro activity and in vivo overexpression of PIG3 accumulate reactive oxygen species. Accordingly, an inactive PIG3 mutant (S151V) did not produce reactive oxygen species in cells, indicating that enzymatically active protein is necessary for this function. This supports that PIG3 action is through oxidative stress produced by its enzymatic activity and provides essential knowledge for eventual control of apoptosis. PMID:19349281

  11. Aminobacter aminovorans NADH:flavin oxidoreductase His140: a highly conserved residue critical for NADH binding and utilization.

    PubMed

    Russell, Thomas R; Tu, Shiao-Chun

    2004-10-12

    Homodimeric FRD(Aa) Class I is an NADH:flavin oxidoreductase from Aminobacter aminovorans. It is unusual because it contains an FMN cofactor but utilizes a sequential-ordered kinetic mechanism. Because little is known about NADH-specific flavin reductases in general and FRD(Aa) in particular, this study aimed to further explore FRD(Aa) by identifying the functionalities of a key residue. A sequence alignment of FRD(Aa) with several known and hypothetical flavoproteins in the same subfamily reveals within the flavin reductase active-site domain a conserved GDH motif, which is believed to be responsible for the enzyme and NADH interaction. Mutation of the His140 in this GDH motif to alanine reduced FRD(Aa) activity to <3%. An ultrafiltration assay and fluorescence quenching demonstrated that H140A FRD(Aa) binds FMN in the same 1:1 stoichiometric ratio as the wild-type enzyme, but with slightly weakened affinity (K(d) = 0.9 microM). Anaerobic stopped-flow studies were carried out using both the native and mutated FRD(Aa). Similar to the native enzyme, H140A FRD(Aa) was also able to reduce the FMN cofactor by NADH although much less efficiently. Kinetic analysis of anaerobic reduction measurements indicated that the His140 residue of FRD(Aa) was essential to NADH binding, as well as important for the reduction of the FMN cofactor. For the native enzyme, the cofactor reduction was followed by at least one slower step in the catalytic pathway.

  12. NADH oxidase activity of rat and human liver xanthine oxidoreductase: potential role in superoxide production.

    PubMed

    Maia, Luisa; Duarte, Rui O; Ponces-Freire, Ana; Moura, José J G; Mira, Lurdes

    2007-08-01

    To characterise the NADH oxidase activity of both xanthine dehydrogenase (XD) and xanthine oxidase (XO) forms of rat liver xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) and to evaluate the potential role of this mammalian enzyme as an O2*- source, kinetics and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic studies were performed. A steady-state kinetics study of XD showed that it catalyses NADH oxidation, leading to the formation of one O2*- molecule and half a H(2)O(2) molecule per NADH molecule, at rates 3 times those observed for XO (29.2 +/- 1.6 and 9.38 +/- 0.31 min(-1), respectively). EPR spectra of NADH-reduced XD and XO were qualitatively similar, but they were quantitatively quite different. While NADH efficiently reduced XD, only a great excess of NADH reduced XO. In agreement with reductive titration data, the XD specificity constant for NADH (8.73 +/- 1.36 microM(-1) min(-1)) was found to be higher than that of the XO specificity constant (1.07 +/- 0.09 microM(-1) min(-1)). It was confirmed that, for the reducing substrate xanthine, rat liver XD is also a better O2*- source than XO. These data show that the dehydrogenase form of liver XOR is, thus, intrinsically more efficient at generating O2*- than the oxidase form, independently of the reducing substrate. Most importantly, for comparative purposes, human liver XO activity towards NADH oxidation was also studied, and the kinetics parameters obtained were found to be very similar to those of the XO form of rat liver XOR, foreseeing potential applications of rat liver XOR as a model of the human liver enzyme.

  13. Direct effects of phenformin on metabolism/bioenergetics and viability of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.

    PubMed

    Geoghegan, Fintan; Chadderton, Naomi; Farrar, G Jane; Zisterer, Daniela M; Porter, Richard K

    2017-11-01

    Phenformin, a member of the biguanides class of drugs, has been reported to be efficacious in cancer treatment. The focus of the current study was to establish whether there were direct effects of phenformin on the metabolism and bioenergetics of neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cancer cells. Cell viability was assessed using the alamar blue assay, flow cytometry analysis using propidium iodide and annexin V stain and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase analysis. Cellular and mitochondrial oxygen consumption was determined using a Seahorse Bioscience Flux analyser and an Oroboros Oxygraph respirometer. Cells were transfected using electroporation and permeabilized for in situ mitochondrial functional analysis using digitonin. Standard protocols were used for immunoblotting and proteins were separated on denaturing gels. Phenformin was effective in reducing the viability of SH-SY5Y cells, causing G 1 cell cycle arrest and inducing apoptosis. Bioenergetic analysis demonstrated that phenformin significantly decreased oxygen consumption in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The sensitivity of oxygen consumption in SH-SY5Y cells to phenformin was circumvented by the expression of NADH-quinone oxidoreductase 1, a ubiquinone oxidoreductase, suggesting that complex I may be a target of phenformin. As a result of this inhibition, adenosine monophosphate protein kinase is activated and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase is inhibited. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to demonstrate the efficacy and underlying mechanism by which phenformin directly effects the survival of neuroblastoma cancer cells.

  14. Direct effects of phenformin on metabolism/bioenergetics and viability of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

    PubMed Central

    Geoghegan, Fintan; Chadderton, Naomi; Farrar, G. Jane; Zisterer, Daniela M.; Porter, Richard K.

    2017-01-01

    Phenformin, a member of the biguanides class of drugs, has been reported to be efficacious in cancer treatment. The focus of the current study was to establish whether there were direct effects of phenformin on the metabolism and bioenergetics of neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cancer cells. Cell viability was assessed using the alamar blue assay, flow cytometry analysis using propidium iodide and annexin V stain and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase analysis. Cellular and mitochondrial oxygen consumption was determined using a Seahorse Bioscience Flux analyser and an Oroboros Oxygraph respirometer. Cells were transfected using electroporation and permeabilized for in situ mitochondrial functional analysis using digitonin. Standard protocols were used for immunoblotting and proteins were separated on denaturing gels. Phenformin was effective in reducing the viability of SH-SY5Y cells, causing G1 cell cycle arrest and inducing apoptosis. Bioenergetic analysis demonstrated that phenformin significantly decreased oxygen consumption in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The sensitivity of oxygen consumption in SH-SY5Y cells to phenformin was circumvented by the expression of NADH-quinone oxidoreductase 1, a ubiquinone oxidoreductase, suggesting that complex I may be a target of phenformin. As a result of this inhibition, adenosine monophosphate protein kinase is activated and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase is inhibited. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to demonstrate the efficacy and underlying mechanism by which phenformin directly effects the survival of neuroblastoma cancer cells. PMID:29113281

  15. Energy-converting [NiFe] hydrogenases from archaea and extremophiles: ancestors of complex I.

    PubMed

    Hedderich, Reiner

    2004-02-01

    [NiFe] hydrogenases are well-characterized enzymes that have a key function in the H2 metabolism of various microorganisms. In the recent years a subfamily of [NiFe] hydrogenases with unique properties has been identified. The members of this family form multisubunit membrane-bound enzyme complexes composed of at least four hydrophilic and two integral membrane proteins. These six conserved subunits, which built the core of these hydrogenases, have closely related counterparts in energy-conserving NADH:quinone oxidoreductases (complex I). However, the reaction catalyzed by these hydrogenases differs significantly from the reaction catalyzed by complex I. For some of these hydrogenases the physiological role is to catalyze the reduction of H+ with electrons derived from reduced ferredoxins or poly-ferredoxins. This exergonic reaction is coupled to energy conservation by means of electron-transport phosphorylation. Other members of this hydrogenase family mainly function to provide the cell with reduced ferredoxin with H2 as electron donor in a reaction driven by reverse electron transport. As complex I these hydrogenases function as ion pumps and have therefore been designated as energy-converting [NiFe] hydrogenases.

  16. Kinetic mechanism and quaternary structure of Aminobacter aminovorans NADH:flavin oxidoreductase: an unusual flavin reductase with bound flavin.

    PubMed

    Russell, Thomas R; Demeler, Borries; Tu, Shiao-Chun

    2004-02-17

    The homodimeric NADH:flavin oxidoreductase from Aminobacter aminovorans is an NADH-specific flavin reductase herein designated FRD(Aa). FRD(Aa) was characterized with respect to purification yields, thermal stability, isoelectric point, molar absorption coefficient, and effects of phosphate buffer strength and pH on activity. Evidence from this work favors the classification of FRD(Aa) as a flavin cofactor-utilizing class I flavin reductase. The isolated native FRD(Aa) contained about 0.5 bound riboflavin-5'-phosphate (FMN) per enzyme monomer, but one bound flavin cofactor per monomer was obtainable in the presence of excess FMN or riboflavin. In addition, FRD(Aa) holoenzyme also utilized FMN, riboflavin, or FAD as a substrate. Steady-state kinetic results of substrate titrations, dead-end inhibition by AMP and lumichrome, and product inhibition by NAD(+) indicated an ordered sequential mechanism with NADH as the first binding substrate and reduced FMN as the first leaving product. This is contrary to the ping-pong mechanism shown by other class I flavin reductases. The FMN bound to the native FRD(Aa) can be fully reduced by NADH and subsequently reoxidized by oxygen. No NADH binding was detected using 90 microM FRD(Aa) apoenzyme and 300 microM NADH. All results favor the interpretation that the bound FMN was a cofactor rather than a substrate. It is highly unusual that a flavin reductase using a sequential mechanism would require a flavin cofactor to facilitate redox exchange between NADH and a flavin substrate. FRD(Aa) exhibited a monomer-dimer equilibrium with a K(d) of 2.7 microM. Similarities and differences between FRD(Aa) and certain flavin reductases are discussed.

  17. A comparison of free radical formation by quinone antitumour agents in MCF-7 cells and the role of NAD(P)H (quinone-acceptor) oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase).

    PubMed

    Fisher, G R; Patterson, L H; Gutierrez, P L

    1993-09-01

    Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR/ESR) spin trapping studies with DMPO revealed that purified rat liver NAD(P)H (quinone-acceptor) oxidoreductase (QAO) mediated hydroxyl radical formation by a diverse range of quinone-based antitumour agents. However, when MCF-7 S9 cell fraction was the source of QAO, EPR studies distinguished four different interactions by these agents and QAO with respect to hydroxyl radical formation: (i) hydroxyl radical formation by diaziquone (AZQ), menadione, 1AQ; 1,5AQ and 1,8AQ was mediated entirely or partially by QAO in MCF-7 S9 fraction; (ii) hydroxyl radical formation by daunorubicin and Adriamycin was not mediated by QAO in MCF-7 S9 fraction; (iii) hydroxyl radical formation by mitomycin C was stimulated in MCF-7 S9 fraction when QAO was inhibited by dicumarol; (iv) no hydroxyl radical formation was detected for 1,4AQ or mitoxantrone in MCF-7 S9 fraction. This study shows that purified rat liver QAO can mediate hydroxyl radical formation by a variety of diverse quinone antitumour agents. However, QAO did not necessarily contribute to hydroxyl radical formation by these agents in MCF-7 S9 fraction and in the case of mitomycin C, QAO played a protective role against hydroxyl radical formation.

  18. Insights into electron flux through manipulation of fermentation conditions and assessment of protein expression profiles in Clostridium thermocellum.

    PubMed

    Rydzak, Thomas; Grigoryan, Marina; Cunningham, Zack J; Krokhin, Oleg V; Ezzati, Peyman; Cicek, Nazim; Levin, David B; Wilkins, John A; Sparling, Richard

    2014-01-01

    While annotation of the genome sequence of Clostridium thermocellum has allowed predictions of pathways catabolizing cellobiose to end products, ambiguities have persisted with respect to the role of various proteins involved in electron transfer reactions. A combination of growth studies modulating carbon and electron flow and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry measurements of proteins involved in central metabolism and electron transfer was used to determine the key enzymes involved in channeling electrons toward fermentation end products. Specifically, peptides belonging to subunits of ferredoxin-dependent hydrogenase and NADH:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (NFOR) were low or below MRM detection limits when compared to most central metabolic proteins measured. The significant increase in H2 versus ethanol synthesis in response to either co-metabolism of pyruvate and cellobiose or hypophosphite mediated pyruvate:formate lyase inhibition, in conjunction with low levels of ferredoxin-dependent hydrogenase and NFOR, suggest that highly expressed putative bifurcating hydrogenases play a substantial role in reoxidizing both reduced ferredoxin and NADH simultaneously. However, product balances also suggest that some of the additional reduced ferredoxin generated through increased flux through pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase must be ultimately converted into NAD(P)H either directly via NADH-dependent reduced ferredoxin:NADP(+) oxidoreductase (NfnAB) or indirectly via NADPH-dependent hydrogenase. While inhibition of hydrogenases with carbon monoxide decreased H2 production 6-fold and redirected flux from pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase to pyruvate:formate lyase, the decrease in CO2 was only 20 % of that of the decrease in H2, further suggesting that an alternative redox system coupling ferredoxin and NAD(P)H is active in C. thermocellum in lieu of poorly expressed ferredoxin-dependent hydrogenase and NFOR.

  19. Structural Basis for the Enzymatic Formation of the Key Strawberry Flavor Compound 4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone

    PubMed Central

    Schiefner, André; Sinz, Quirin; Neumaier, Irmgard; Schwab, Wilfried; Skerra, Arne

    2013-01-01

    The last step in the biosynthetic route to the key strawberry flavor compound 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF) is catalyzed by Fragaria x ananassa enone oxidoreductase (FaEO), earlier putatively assigned as quinone oxidoreductase (FaQR). The ripening-induced enzyme catalyzes the reduction of the exocyclic double bond of the highly reactive precursor 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-2-methylene-3(2H)-furanone (HMMF) in a NAD(P)H-dependent manner. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of this peculiar reaction, we determined the crystal structure of FaEO in six different states or complexes at resolutions of ≤1.6 Å, including those with HDMF as well as three distinct substrate analogs. Our crystallographic analysis revealed a monomeric enzyme whose active site is largely determined by the bound NAD(P)H cofactor, which is embedded in a Rossmann-fold. Considering that the quasi-symmetric enolic reaction product HDMF is prone to extensive tautomerization, whereas its precursor HMMF is chemically labile in aqueous solution, we used the asymmetric and more stable surrogate product 2-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone (EHMF) and the corresponding substrate (2E)-ethylidene-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone (EDHMF) to study their enzyme complexes as well. Together with deuterium-labeling experiments of EDHMF reduction by [4R-2H]NADH and chiral-phase analysis of the reaction product EHMF, our data show that the 4R-hydride of NAD(P)H is transferred to the unsaturated exocyclic C6 carbon of HMMF, resulting in a cyclic achiral enolate intermediate that subsequently becomes protonated, eventually leading to HDMF. Apart from elucidating this important reaction of the plant secondary metabolism our study provides a foundation for protein engineering of enone oxidoreductases and their application in biocatalytic processes. PMID:23589283

  20. Metabolic reprogramming of Vibrio cholerae impaired in respiratory NADH oxidation is accompanied with increased copper sensitivity.

    PubMed

    Toulouse, Charlotte; Metesch, Kristina; Pfannstiel, Jens; Steuber, Julia

    2018-05-07

    The electrogenic, sodium ion translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (NQR) from Vibrio cholerae is frequent in pathogenic bacteria and a potential target for antibiotics. NQR couples the oxidation of NADH to the formation of a sodium motive force (SMF) and therefore drives important processes such as flagellar rotation, substrate uptake, and energy-dissipating cation-proton antiport. We performed a quantitative proteome analysis of V. cholerae O395N1 in comparison to its variant lacking the NQR using minimal medium with glucose as carbon source. We found 84 proteins (≥ regulation factor 2) to be changed in abundance. The loss of NQR resulted in a decrease in abundance of enzymes of the oxidative branch of the TCA cycle and an increase in abundance of virulence factors AcfC and TcpA. Most unexpected, the copper resistance proteins CopA, CopG and CueR were decreased in the nqr deletion strain. As a consequence, the mutant exhibited diminished resistance to copper when compared to the reference strain, as confirmed in growth studies using either glucose or mixed amino acids as carbon sources. We propose that the observed adaptations of the nqr deletion strain represent a coordinated response which counteracts a drop in transmembrane voltage that challenges V. cholerae in its different habitats. Importance The importance of the central metabolism for bacterial virulence has raised interest in studying catabolic enzymes not present in the host, such as NQR, as putative targets for antibiotics. Vibrio cholerae lacking the NQR, which is studied here, is a model to estimate the impact of specific NQR inhibitors on the phenotype of a pathogen. Our comparative proteomic study provides a framework to evaluate the chances of success of compounds directed against NQR with respect to their bacteriostatic or bactericidal action. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

  1. Investigation of protein expression profiles of erythritol-producing Candida magnoliae in response to glucose perturbation.

    PubMed

    Kim, Hyo Jin; Lee, Hyeong-Rho; Kim, Chang Sup; Jin, Yong-Su; Seo, Jin-Ho

    2013-08-15

    Protein expression patterns of an erythritol-producing yeast, Candida magnoliae, were analyzed to identify differentially expressed proteins in response to glucose perturbation. Specifically, wild type C. magnoliae was grown under high and low glucose conditions and the cells were harvested at both mid-exponential and erythritol production phases for proteomic studies. In order to analyze intracellular protein abundances from the harvested cells quantitatively, total intracellular proteins were extracted and applied to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis for separation and visualization of individual proteins. Among the proteins distributed in the range of pI 4-7 and molecular weight 29-97kDa, five osmo-responsive proteins were drastically changed in response to glucose perturbation. Hsp60 (Heat-shock protein 60), transaldolase and NADH:quinone oxidoreductase were down-regulated under the high glucose condition and Bro1 (BCK1-like Resistance to Osmotic shock) and Eno1 (enolase1) were up-regulated. These proteins are directly or indirectly related with cellular stress response. Importantly, protein expression patterns of Hsp60, Bro1 and Eno1 were strongly correlated with previous studies identifying the proteins perturbed by osmotic stress for other organisms including Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Isolation and Purification of Complex II from Proteus Mirabilis Strain ATCC 29245

    PubMed Central

    Shabbiri, Khadija; Ahmad, Waqar; Syed, Quratulain; Adnan, Ahmad

    2010-01-01

    A respiratory complex was isolated from plasma membrane of pathogenic Proteus mirabilis strain ATCC 29245. It was identified as complex II consisting of succinate:quinone oxidoreductase (EC 1.3.5.1) containing single heme b. The complex II was purified by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The molecular weight of purified complex was 116.5 kDa and it was composed of three subunits with molecular weights of 19 kDa, 29 kDa and 68.5 kDa. The complex II contained 9.5 nmoles of cytochrome b per mg protein. Heme staining indicated that the 19 kDa subunit was cytochrome b. Its reduced form showed absorptions peaks at 557.0, 524.8 and 424.4 nm. The α-band was shifted from 557.0 nm to 556.8 nm in pyridine ferrohemochrome spectrum. The succinate: quinone oxidoreductase activity was found to be high in this microorganism. PMID:24031557

  3. Perturbation of the quinone-binding site of complex II alters the electronic properties of the proximal [3Fe-4S] iron-sulfur cluster.

    PubMed

    Ruprecht, Jonathan; Iwata, So; Rothery, Richard A; Weiner, Joel H; Maklashina, Elena; Cecchini, Gary

    2011-04-08

    Succinate-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (SQR) and menaquinol-fumarate oxidoreductase (QFR) from Escherichia coli are members of the complex II family of enzymes. SQR and QFR catalyze similar reactions with quinones; however, SQR preferentially reacts with higher potential ubiquinones, and QFR preferentially reacts with lower potential naphthoquinones. Both enzymes have a single functional quinone-binding site proximal to a [3Fe-4S] iron-sulfur cluster. A difference between SQR and QFR is that the redox potential of the [3Fe-4S] cluster in SQR is 140 mV higher than that found in QFR. This may reflect the character of the different quinones with which the two enzymes preferentially react. To investigate how the environment around the [3Fe-4S] cluster affects its redox properties and catalysis with quinones, a conserved amino acid proximal to the cluster was mutated in both enzymes. It was found that substitution of SdhB His-207 by threonine (as found in QFR) resulted in a 70-mV lowering of the redox potential of the cluster as measured by EPR. The converse substitution in QFR raised the redox potential of the cluster. X-ray structural analysis suggests that placing a charged residue near the [3Fe-4S] cluster is a primary reason for the alteration in redox potential with the hydrogen bonding environment having a lesser effect. Steady state enzyme kinetic characterization of the mutant enzymes shows that the redox properties of the [3Fe-4S] cluster have only a minor effect on catalysis.

  4. Metabolic control by sirtuins and other enzymes that sense NAD+, NADH, or their ratio.

    PubMed

    Anderson, Kristin A; Madsen, Andreas S; Olsen, Christian A; Hirschey, Matthew D

    2017-12-01

    NAD + is a dinucleotide cofactor with the potential to accept electrons in a variety of cellular reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions. In its reduced form, NADH is a ubiquitous cellular electron donor. NAD + , NADH, and the NAD + /NADH ratio have long been known to control the activity of several oxidoreductase enzymes. More recently, enzymes outside those participating directly in redox control have been identified that sense these dinucleotides, including the sirtuin family of NAD + -dependent protein deacylases. In this review, we highlight examples of non-redox enzymes that are controlled by NAD + , NADH, or NAD + /NADH. In particular, we focus on the sirtuin family and assess the current evidence that the sirtuin enzymes sense these dinucleotides and discuss the biological conditions under which this might occur; we conclude that sirtuins sense NAD + , but neither NADH nor the ratio. Finally, we identify future studies that might be informative to further interrogate physiological and pathophysiological changes in NAD + and NADH, as well as enzymes like sirtuins that sense and respond to redox changes in the cell. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Rotenone-sensitive mitochondrial potential in Phytomonas serpens: electrophoretic Ca(2+) accumulation.

    PubMed

    Moysés, Danuza Nogueira; Barrabin, Hector

    2004-06-07

    Phytomonas sp. are flagellated trypanosomatid plant parasites that cause diseases of economic importance in plantations of coffee, oil palm, cassava and coconuts. Here we investigated Ca(2+) uptake by the vanadate-insensitive compartments using permeabilized Phytomonas serpens promastigotes. This uptake occurs at a rate of 1.13+/-0.23 nmol Ca(2+) mg x protein(-1) min(-1). It is completely abolished by the H(+) ionophore FCCP and by valinomycin and nigericin. It is also inhibited by 2 microM ruthenium red, which, at this low concentration, is known to inhibit the mitochondrial calcium uniport. Furthermore, salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) and propylgallate, specific inhibitors of the alternative oxidase in plant and parasite mitochondria, are also effective as inhibitors of the Ca(2+) transport. These compounds abolish the membrane potential that is monitored with safranine O. Rotenone, an inhibitor of NADH-CoQ oxidoreductase, can also dissipate 100% of the membrane potential. It is suggested that the mitochondria of P. serpens can be energized via oxidation of NADH in a pathway involving the NADH-CoQ oxidoreductase and the alternative oxidase to regenerate the ubiquinone. The electrochemical H(+) gradient can be used to promote Ca(2+) uptake by the mitochondria.

  6. A Proteomic Approach to Investigating Gene Cluster Expression and Secondary Metabolite Functionality in Aspergillus fumigatus

    PubMed Central

    Owens, Rebecca A.; Hammel, Stephen; Sheridan, Kevin J.; Jones, Gary W.; Doyle, Sean

    2014-01-01

    A combined proteomics and metabolomics approach was utilised to advance the identification and characterisation of secondary metabolites in Aspergillus fumigatus. Here, implementation of a shotgun proteomic strategy led to the identification of non-redundant mycelial proteins (n = 414) from A. fumigatus including proteins typically under-represented in 2-D proteome maps: proteins with multiple transmembrane regions, hydrophobic proteins and proteins with extremes of molecular mass and pI. Indirect identification of secondary metabolite cluster expression was also achieved, with proteins (n = 18) from LaeA-regulated clusters detected, including GliT encoded within the gliotoxin biosynthetic cluster. Biochemical analysis then revealed that gliotoxin significantly attenuates H2O2-induced oxidative stress in A. fumigatus (p>0.0001), confirming observations from proteomics data. A complementary 2-D/LC-MS/MS approach further elucidated significantly increased abundance (p<0.05) of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), NADH-quinone oxidoreductase and the gliotoxin oxidoreductase GliT, along with significantly attenuated abundance (p<0.05) of a heat shock protein, an oxidative stress protein and an autolysis-associated chitinase, when gliotoxin and H2O2 were present, compared to H2O2 alone. Moreover, gliotoxin exposure significantly reduced the abundance of selected proteins (p<0.05) involved in de novo purine biosynthesis. Significantly elevated abundance (p<0.05) of a key enzyme, xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase Xpt1, utilised in purine salvage, was observed in the presence of H2O2 and gliotoxin. This work provides new insights into the A. fumigatus proteome and experimental strategies, plus mechanistic data pertaining to gliotoxin functionality in the organism. PMID:25198175

  7. Riboflavin Is an Active Redox Cofactor in the Na+-pumping NADH:Quinone Oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) from Vibrio cholerae*

    PubMed Central

    Juárez, Oscar; Nilges, Mark J.; Gillespie, Portia; Cotton, Jennifer; Barquera, Blanca

    2008-01-01

    Here we present new evidence that riboflavin is present as one of four flavins in Na+-NQR. In particular, we present conclusive evidence that the source of the neutral radical is not one of the FMNs and that riboflavin is the center that gives rise to the neutral flavosemiquinone. The riboflavin is a bona fide redox cofactor and is likely to be the last redox carrier of the enzyme, from which electrons are donated to quinone. We have constructed a double mutant that lacks both covalently bound FMN cofactors (NqrB-T236Y/NqrC-T225Y) and have studied this mutant together with the two single mutants (NqrB-T236Y and NqrC-T225Y) and a mutant that lacks the noncovalently bound FAD in NqrF (NqrF-S246A). The double mutant contains riboflavin and FAD in a 0.6:1 ratio, as the only flavins in the enzyme; noncovalently bound flavins were detected. In the oxidized form, the double mutant exhibits an EPR signal consistent with a neutral flavosemiquinone radical, which is abolished on reduction of the enzyme. The same radical can be observed in the FAD deletion mutant. Furthermore, when the oxidized enzyme reacts with ubiquinol (the reduced form of the usual electron acceptor) in a process that reverses the physiological direction of the electron flow, a single kinetic phase is observed. The kinetic difference spectrum of this process is consistent with one-electron reduction of a neutral flavosemiquinone. The presence of riboflavin in the role of a redox cofactor is thus far unique to Na+-NQR. PMID:18832377

  8. The Complete Genome Sequence of Thermoproteus tenax: A Physiologically Versatile Member of the Crenarchaeota

    PubMed Central

    Siebers, Bettina; Zaparty, Melanie; Raddatz, Guenter; Tjaden, Britta; Albers, Sonja-Verena; Bell, Steve D.; Blombach, Fabian; Kletzin, Arnulf; Kyrpides, Nikos; Lanz, Christa; Plagens, André; Rampp, Markus; Rosinus, Andrea; von Jan, Mathias; Makarova, Kira S.; Klenk, Hans-Peter; Schuster, Stephan C.; Hensel, Reinhard

    2011-01-01

    Here, we report on the complete genome sequence of the hyperthermophilic Crenarchaeum Thermoproteus tenax (strain Kra1, DSM 2078T) a type strain of the crenarchaeotal order Thermoproteales. Its circular 1.84-megabase genome harbors no extrachromosomal elements and 2,051 open reading frames are identified, covering 90.6% of the complete sequence, which represents a high coding density. Derived from the gene content, T. tenax is a representative member of the Crenarchaeota. The organism is strictly anaerobic and sulfur-dependent with optimal growth at 86°C and pH 5.6. One particular feature is the great metabolic versatility, which is not accompanied by a distinct increase of genome size or information density as compared to other Crenarchaeota. T. tenax is able to grow chemolithoautotrophically (CO2/H2) as well as chemoorganoheterotrophically in presence of various organic substrates. All pathways for synthesizing the 20 proteinogenic amino acids are present. In addition, two presumably complete gene sets for NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (complex I) were identified in the genome and there is evidence that either NADH or reduced ferredoxin might serve as electron donor. Beside the typical archaeal A0A1-ATP synthase, a membrane-bound pyrophosphatase is found, which might contribute to energy conservation. Surprisingly, all genes required for dissimilatory sulfate reduction are present, which is confirmed by growth experiments. Mentionable is furthermore, the presence of two proteins (ParA family ATPase, actin-like protein) that might be involved in cell division in Thermoproteales, where the ESCRT system is absent, and of genes involved in genetic competence (DprA, ComF) that is so far unique within Archaea. PMID:22003381

  9. Redox imbalance and mitochondrial abnormalities in the diabetic lung.

    PubMed

    Wu, Jinzi; Jin, Zhen; Yan, Liang-Jun

    2017-04-01

    Although the lung is one of the least studied organs in diabetes, increasing evidence indicates that it is an inevitable target of diabetic complications. Nevertheless, the underlying biochemical mechanisms of lung injury in diabetes remain largely unexplored. Given that redox imbalance, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction have been implicated in diabetic tissue injury, we set out to investigate mechanisms of lung injury in diabetes. The objective of this study was to evaluate NADH/NAD + redox status, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial abnormalities in the diabetic lung. Using STZ induced diabetes in rat as a model, we measured redox-imbalance related parameters including aldose reductase activity, level of poly ADP ribose polymerase (PAPR-1), NAD + content, NADPH content, reduced form of glutathione (GSH), and glucose 6-phophate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity. For assessment of mitochondrial abnormalities in the diabetic lung, we measured the activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes I to IV and complex V as well as dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLDH) content and activity. We also measured the protein content of NAD + dependent enzymes such as sirtuin3 (sirt3) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Our results demonstrate that NADH/NAD + redox imbalance occurs in the diabetic lung. This redox imbalance upregulates the activities of complexes I to IV, but not complex V; and this upregulation is likely the source of increased mitochondrial ROS production, oxidative stress, and cell death in the diabetic lung. These results, together with the findings that the protein contents of DLDH, sirt3, and NQO1 all are decreased in the diabetic lung, demonstrate that redox imbalance, mitochondrial abnormality, and oxidative stress contribute to lung injury in diabetes. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Cranberry extract-enriched diets increase NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase and catalase activities in obese but not in nonobese mice.

    PubMed

    Boušová, Iva; Bártíková, Hana; Matoušková, Petra; Lněničková, Kateřina; Zappe, Lukáš; Valentová, Kateřina; Szotáková, Barbora; Martin, Jan; Skálová, Lenka

    2015-10-01

    Consumption of antioxidant-enriched diets is 1 method of addressing obesity, which is associated with chronic oxidative stress and changes in the activity/expression of various enzymes. In this study, we hypothesized that the modulation of antioxidant enzymes and redox status through a cranberry extract (CBE)-enriched diet would differ between obese and nonobese mice. The CBE used in this study was obtained from the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon, Ericaceae), a popular constituent of dietary supplements that is a particularly rich source of (poly)phenols and has strong antioxidant properties. The present study was designed to test and compare the in vivo effects of 28-day consumption of a CBE-enriched diet (2%) on the antioxidant status of nonobese mice and mice with monosodium glutamate-induced obesity. Plasma, erythrocytes, liver, and small intestine were studied concurrently to obtain more complex information. The specific activities, protein, and messenger RNA expression levels of antioxidant enzymes as well as the levels of malondialdehyde and thiol (SH) groups were analyzed. Cranberry extract treatment increased the SH group content in plasma and the glutathione S-transferase activity in the erythrocytes of the obese and nonobese mice. In addition, in the obese animals, the CBE treatment reduced the malondialdehyde content in erythrocytes and increased quinone oxidoreductase (liver) and catalase (erythrocytes and small intestine) activities. The elevation of hepatic quinone oxidoreductase activity was accompanied by an increase in the corresponding messenger RNA levels. The effects of CBE on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and redox status were more pronounced in the obese mice compared with the nonobese mice. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Increased furfural tolerance due to overexpression of NADH-dependent oxidoreductase FucO in Escherichia coli strains engineered for the production of ethanol and lactate.

    PubMed

    Wang, X; Miller, E N; Yomano, L P; Zhang, X; Shanmugam, K T; Ingram, L O

    2011-08-01

    Furfural is an important fermentation inhibitor in hemicellulose sugar syrups derived from woody biomass. The metabolism of furfural by NADPH-dependent oxidoreductases, such as YqhD (low K(m) for NADPH), is proposed to inhibit the growth and fermentation of xylose in Escherichia coli by competing with biosynthesis for NADPH. The discovery that the NADH-dependent propanediol oxidoreductase (FucO) can reduce furfural provided a new approach to improve furfural tolerance. Strains that produced ethanol or lactate efficiently as primary products from xylose were developed. These strains included chromosomal mutations in yqhD expression that permitted the fermentation of xylose broths containing up to 10 mM furfural. Expression of fucO from plasmids was shown to increase furfural tolerance by 50% and to permit the fermentation of 15 mM furfural. Product yields with 15 mM furfural were equivalent to those of control strains without added furfural (85% to 90% of the theoretical maximum). These two defined genetic traits can be readily transferred to enteric biocatalysts designed to produce other products. A similar strategy that minimizes the depletion of NADPH pools by native detoxification enzymes may be generally useful for other inhibitory compounds in lignocellulosic sugar streams and with other organisms.

  12. Increased Furfural Tolerance Due to Overexpression of NADH-Dependent Oxidoreductase FucO in Escherichia coli Strains Engineered for the Production of Ethanol and Lactate▿

    PubMed Central

    Wang, X.; Miller, E. N.; Yomano, L. P.; Zhang, X.; Shanmugam, K. T.; Ingram, L. O.

    2011-01-01

    Furfural is an important fermentation inhibitor in hemicellulose sugar syrups derived from woody biomass. The metabolism of furfural by NADPH-dependent oxidoreductases, such as YqhD (low Km for NADPH), is proposed to inhibit the growth and fermentation of xylose in Escherichia coli by competing with biosynthesis for NADPH. The discovery that the NADH-dependent propanediol oxidoreductase (FucO) can reduce furfural provided a new approach to improve furfural tolerance. Strains that produced ethanol or lactate efficiently as primary products from xylose were developed. These strains included chromosomal mutations in yqhD expression that permitted the fermentation of xylose broths containing up to 10 mM furfural. Expression of fucO from plasmids was shown to increase furfural tolerance by 50% and to permit the fermentation of 15 mM furfural. Product yields with 15 mM furfural were equivalent to those of control strains without added furfural (85% to 90% of the theoretical maximum). These two defined genetic traits can be readily transferred to enteric biocatalysts designed to produce other products. A similar strategy that minimizes the depletion of NADPH pools by native detoxification enzymes may be generally useful for other inhibitory compounds in lignocellulosic sugar streams and with other organisms. PMID:21685167

  13. Transcriptional regulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate: quinone oxidoreductase in murine hepatoma cells by 6-(methylsufinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate, an active principle of wasabi (Eutrema wasabi Maxim).

    PubMed

    Hou, D X; Fukuda, M; Fujii, M; Fuke, Y

    2000-12-20

    Wasabi is a very popular pungent spice in Japan. This study examined the ability of 6-(methylsufinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MITC), an active principle of wasabi, to induce the cellular expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate: quinone oxidoreductase (QR) in Hepa 1c1c7 cells. The cells were treated with various concentrations of 6-MITC, and were then assessed for cell growth, QR activity and QR mRNA expression. The induction of QR activity and QR mRNA expression was time- and dose-responsive over a narrow range of 0.1-5 microM, with declining induction at higher concentrations due to cell toxicity. Furthermore, transfection studies demonstrated that the induction of transcription of the QR gene by 6-MITC involved an antioxidant/electrophile-responsive element (ARE/EpRE) activation. Our results suggest a novel mechanism by which dietary wasabi 6-MITC may be implicated in cancer chemoprevention.

  14. Investigating the thermostability of succinate: quinone oxidoreductase enzymes by direct electrochemistry at SWNTs-modified electrodes and FTIR spectroscopy

    PubMed Central

    Melin, Frederic; Noor, Mohamed R.; Pardieu, Elodie; Boulmedais, Fouzia; Banhart, Florian; Cecchini, Gary; Soulimane, Tewfik

    2015-01-01

    Succinate Quinone reductases (SQRs) are the enzymes which couple the oxidation of succinate and the reduction of quinones in the respiratory chain of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. We compare herein the temperature-dependent activity and structural stability of two SQRs, the first one from the mesophilic bacterium E. coli and the second one from the thermophilic bacterium T. thermophilus by a combined electrochemical and infrared spectroscopy approach. Direct electron transfer was achieved with the full membrane protein complexes at SWNTs-modified electrodes. The possible structural factors which contribute to the temperature-dependent activity of the enzymes and to the thermostability of the T. thermophiles SQR in particular, are discussed. PMID:25139263

  15. Bacterial formate hydrogenlyase complex.

    PubMed

    McDowall, Jennifer S; Murphy, Bonnie J; Haumann, Michael; Palmer, Tracy; Armstrong, Fraser A; Sargent, Frank

    2014-09-23

    Under anaerobic conditions, Escherichia coli can carry out a mixed-acid fermentation that ultimately produces molecular hydrogen. The enzyme directly responsible for hydrogen production is the membrane-bound formate hydrogenlyase (FHL) complex, which links formate oxidation to proton reduction and has evolutionary links to Complex I, the NADH:quinone oxidoreductase. Although the genetics, maturation, and some biochemistry of FHL are understood, the protein complex has never been isolated in an intact form to allow biochemical analysis. In this work, genetic tools are reported that allow the facile isolation of FHL in a single chromatographic step. The core complex is shown to comprise HycE (a [NiFe] hydrogenase component termed Hyd-3), FdhF (the molybdenum-dependent formate dehydrogenase-H), and three iron-sulfur proteins: HycB, HycF, and HycG. A proportion of this core complex remains associated with HycC and HycD, which are polytopic integral membrane proteins believed to anchor the core complex to the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. As isolated, the FHL complex retains formate hydrogenlyase activity in vitro. Protein film electrochemistry experiments on Hyd-3 demonstrate that it has a unique ability among [NiFe] hydrogenases to catalyze production of H2 even at high partial pressures of H2. Understanding and harnessing the activity of the FHL complex is critical to advancing future biohydrogen research efforts.

  16. Purification and Functional Reconstitution of a Seven-Subunit Mrp-Type Na+/H+ Antiporter

    PubMed Central

    Morino, Masato; Suzuki, Toshiharu; Ito, Masahiro

    2014-01-01

    Mrp antiporters and their homologues in the cation/proton antiporter 3 family of the Membrane Transporter Database are widely distributed in bacteria. They have major roles in supporting cation and cytoplasmic pH homeostasis in many environmental, extremophilic, and pathogenic bacteria. These antiporters require six or seven hydrophobic proteins that form hetero-oligomeric complexes, while most other cation/proton antiporters require only one membrane protein for their activity. The resemblance of three Mrp subunits to membrane-embedded subunits of the NADH:quinone oxidoreductase of respiratory chains and to subunits of several hydrogenases has raised interest in the evolutionary path and commonalities of their proton-translocating domains. In order to move toward a greater mechanistic understanding of these unusual antiporters and to rigorously demonstrate that they function as secondary antiporters, powered by an imposed proton motive force, we established a method for purification and functional reconstitution of the seven-subunit Mrp antiporter from alkaliphilic Bacillus pseudofirmus OF4. Na+/H+ antiporter activity was demonstrated by a fluorescence-based assay with proteoliposomes in which the Mrp complex was coreconstituted with a bacterial FoF1-ATPase. Proton pumping by the ATPase upon addition of ATP generated a proton motive force across the membranes that powered antiporter activity upon subsequent addition of Na+. PMID:24142251

  17. Purification and functional reconstitution of a seven-subunit mrp-type na+/h+ antiporter.

    PubMed

    Morino, Masato; Suzuki, Toshiharu; Ito, Masahiro; Krulwich, Terry Ann

    2014-01-01

    Mrp antiporters and their homologues in the cation/proton antiporter 3 family of the Membrane Transporter Database are widely distributed in bacteria. They have major roles in supporting cation and cytoplasmic pH homeostasis in many environmental, extremophilic, and pathogenic bacteria. These antiporters require six or seven hydrophobic proteins that form hetero-oligomeric complexes, while most other cation/proton antiporters require only one membrane protein for their activity. The resemblance of three Mrp subunits to membrane-embedded subunits of the NADH:quinone oxidoreductase of respiratory chains and to subunits of several hydrogenases has raised interest in the evolutionary path and commonalities of their proton-translocating domains. In order to move toward a greater mechanistic understanding of these unusual antiporters and to rigorously demonstrate that they function as secondary antiporters, powered by an imposed proton motive force, we established a method for purification and functional reconstitution of the seven-subunit Mrp antiporter from alkaliphilic Bacillus pseudofirmus OF4. Na(+)/H(+) antiporter activity was demonstrated by a fluorescence-based assay with proteoliposomes in which the Mrp complex was coreconstituted with a bacterial FoF1-ATPase. Proton pumping by the ATPase upon addition of ATP generated a proton motive force across the membranes that powered antiporter activity upon subsequent addition of Na(+).

  18. Energy transducing redox steps of the Na+-pumping NADH:quinone oxidoreductase from Vibrio cholerae

    PubMed Central

    Juárez, Oscar; Morgan, Joel E.; Nilges, Mark J.; Barquera, Blanca

    2010-01-01

    Na+-NQR is a unique respiratory enzyme that couples the free energy of electron transfer reactions to electrogenic pumping of sodium across the cell membrane. This enzyme is found in many marine and pathogenic bacteria where it plays an analogous role to the H+-pumping complex I. It has generally been assumed that the sodium pump of Na+-NQR operates on the basis of thermodynamic coupling between reduction of a single redox cofactor and the binding of sodium at a nearby site. In this study, we have defined the coupling to sodium translocation of individual steps in the redox reaction of Na+-NQR. Sodium uptake takes place in the reaction step in which an electron moves from the 2Fe-2S center to FMNC, while the translocation of sodium across the membrane dielectric (and probably its release into the external medium) occurs when an electron moves from FMNB to riboflavin. This argues against a single-site coupling model because the redox steps that drive these two parts of the sodium pumping process do not have any redox cofactor in common. The significance of these results for the mechanism of coupling is discussed, and we proposed that Na+-NQR operates through a novel mechanism based on kinetic coupling, mediated by conformational changes. PMID:20616050

  19. Reduction of Flavodoxin by Electron Bifurcation and Sodium Ion-dependent Reoxidation by NAD+ Catalyzed by Ferredoxin-NAD+ Reductase (Rnf)*

    PubMed Central

    Chowdhury, Nilanjan Pal; Klomann, Katharina; Seubert, Andreas; Buckel, Wolfgang

    2016-01-01

    Electron-transferring flavoprotein (Etf) and butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase (Bcd) from Acidaminococcus fermentans catalyze the endergonic reduction of ferredoxin by NADH, which is also driven by the concomitant reduction of crotonyl-CoA by NADH, a process called electron bifurcation. Here we show that recombinant flavodoxin from A. fermentans produced in Escherichia coli can replace ferredoxin with almost equal efficiency. After complete reduction of the yellow quinone to the blue semiquinone, a second 1.4 times faster electron transfer affords the colorless hydroquinone. Mediated by a hydrogenase, protons reoxidize the fully reduced flavodoxin or ferredoxin to the semi-reduced species. In this hydrogen-generating system, both electron carriers act catalytically with apparent Km = 0.26 μm ferredoxin or 0.42 μm flavodoxin. Membrane preparations of A. fermentans contain a highly active ferredoxin/flavodoxin-NAD+ reductase (Rnf) that catalyzes the irreversible reduction of flavodoxin by NADH to the blue semiquinone. Using flavodoxin hydroquinone or reduced ferredoxin obtained by electron bifurcation, Rnf can be measured in the forward direction, whereby one NADH is recycled, resulting in the simple equation: crotonyl-CoA + NADH + H+ = butyryl-CoA + NAD+ with Km = 1.4 μm ferredoxin or 2.0 μm flavodoxin. This reaction requires Na+ (Km = 0.12 mm) or Li+ (Km = 0.25 mm) for activity, indicating that Rnf acts as a Na+ pump. The redox potential of the quinone/semiquinone couple of flavodoxin (Fld) is much higher than that of the semiquinone/hydroquinone couple. With free riboflavin, the opposite is the case. Based on this behavior, we refine our previous mechanism of electron bifurcation. PMID:27048649

  20. The NADH:flavin oxidoreductase Nox from Rhodococcus erythropolis MI2 is the key enzyme of 4,4'-dithiodibutyric acid degradation.

    PubMed

    Khairy, H; Wübbeler, J H; Steinbüchel, A

    2016-12-01

    The reduction of the disulphide bond is the initial catabolic step of the microbial degradation of the organic disulphide 4,4'-dithiodibutyric acid (DTDB). Previously, an NADH:flavin oxidoreductase from Rhodococcus erythropolis MI2 designated as Nox MI2 , which belongs to the old yellow enzyme (OYE) family, was identified. In the present study, it was proven that Nox MI2 has the ability to cleave the sulphur-sulphur bond in DTDB. In silico analysis revealed high sequence similarities to proteins of the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) reductase family identified in many strains of R. erythropolis. Therefore, nox was heterologously expressed in the pET23a(+) expression system using Escherichia coli strain BL21(DE3) pLysS, which effectively produces soluble active Nox MI2 . Nox MI2 showed a maximum specific activity (V max ) of 3·36 μmol min -1  mg -1 corresponding to a k cat of 2·5 s -1 and an apparent substrate K m of 0·6 mmol l -1 , when different DTDB concentrations were applied. No metal cofactors were required. Moreover, Nox MI2 had very low activity with other sulphur-containing compounds like 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid (8·0%), 3,3'-thiodipropionic acid (7·6%) and 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (8·0%). The UV/VIS spectrum of Nox MI2 revealed the presence of the cofactor FMN. Based on results obtained, Nox MI2 adds a new physiological substrate and mode of action to OYE members. It was unequivocally demonstrated in this study that an NADH:flavin oxidoreductase from Rhodococcus erythropolis MI2 (Nox MI2 ) is able to cleave the xenobiotic disulphide 4,4'-dithiodibutyric acid (DTDB) into two molecules of 4-mercaptobutyric acid (4MB) with concomitant consumption of NADH. Nox MI2 showed a high substrate specificity as well as high heat stability. This study provides the first detailed characterization of the initial cleavage of DTDB, which is considered as a promising polythioester precursor. © 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

  1. Coupled ferredoxin and crotonyl coenzyme A (CoA) reduction with NADH catalyzed by the butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase/Etf complex from Clostridium kluyveri.

    PubMed

    Li, Fuli; Hinderberger, Julia; Seedorf, Henning; Zhang, Jin; Buckel, Wolfgang; Thauer, Rudolf K

    2008-02-01

    Cell extracts of butyrate-forming clostridia have been shown to catalyze acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA)- and ferredoxin-dependent formation of H2 from NADH. It has been proposed that these bacteria contain an NADH:ferredoxin oxidoreductase which is allosterically regulated by acetyl-CoA. We report here that ferredoxin reduction with NADH in cell extracts from Clostridium kluyveri is catalyzed by the butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase/Etf complex and that the acetyl-CoA dependence previously observed is due to the fact that the cell extracts catalyze the reduction of acetyl-CoA with NADH via crotonyl-CoA to butyryl-CoA. The cytoplasmic butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase complex was purified and is shown to couple the endergonic reduction of ferredoxin (E0' = -410 mV) with NADH (E0' = -320 mV) to the exergonic reduction of crotonyl-CoA to butyryl-CoA (E0' = -10 mV) with NADH. The stoichiometry of the fully coupled reaction is extrapolated to be as follows: 2 NADH + 1 oxidized ferredoxin + 1 crotonyl-CoA = 2 NAD+ + 1 ferredoxin reduced by two electrons + 1 butyryl-CoA. The implications of this finding for the energy metabolism of butyrate-forming anaerobes are discussed in the accompanying paper.

  2. Alternative quinone substrates and inhibitors of human electron-transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase.

    PubMed Central

    Simkovic, Martin; Frerman, Frank E

    2004-01-01

    Electron-transfer flavoprotein (ETF)-ubiquinone (2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone) oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) is a membrane-bound iron-sulphur flavoprotein that participates in an electron-transport pathway between eleven mitochondrial flavoprotein dehydrogenases and the ubiquinone pool. ETF is the intermediate electron carrier between the dehydrogenases and ETF-QO. The steady-state kinetic constants of human ETF-QO were determined with ubiquinone homologues and analogues that contained saturated n-alkyl substituents at the 6 position. These experiments show that optimal substrates contain a ten-carbon-atom side chain, consistent with a preliminary crystal structure that shows that only the first two of ten isoprene units of co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) interact with the protein. Derivatives with saturated alkyl side chains are very good substrates, indicating that, unlike other ubiquinone oxidoreductases, there is little preference for the methyl branches or rigidity of the CoQ side chain. Few of the compounds that inhibit ubiquinone oxidoreductases inhibit ETF-QO. Compounds found to act as inhibitors of ETF-QO include 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide, a naphthoquinone analogue, 2-(3-methylpentyl)-4,6-dinitrophenol and pentachlorophenol. 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone (DBMIB), which inhibits the mitochondrial bc1 complex and the chloroplast b6 f complex in redox-dependent fashion, can serve as an electron acceptor for human ETF-QO. The observation of simple Michaelis-Menten kinetic patterns and a single type of quinone-binding site, determined by fluorescence titrations of the protein with DBMIB and 6-(10-bromodecyl)ubiquinone, are consistent with one ubiquinone-binding site per ETF-QO monomer. PMID:14640977

  3. Alternative quinone substrates and inhibitors of human electron-transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase.

    PubMed

    Simkovic, Martin; Frerman, Frank E

    2004-03-01

    Electron-transfer flavoprotein (ETF)-ubiquinone (2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone) oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) is a membrane-bound iron-sulphur flavoprotein that participates in an electron-transport pathway between eleven mitochondrial flavoprotein dehydrogenases and the ubiquinone pool. ETF is the intermediate electron carrier between the dehydrogenases and ETF-QO. The steady-state kinetic constants of human ETF-QO were determined with ubiquinone homologues and analogues that contained saturated n-alkyl substituents at the 6 position. These experiments show that optimal substrates contain a ten-carbon-atom side chain, consistent with a preliminary crystal structure that shows that only the first two of ten isoprene units of co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) interact with the protein. Derivatives with saturated alkyl side chains are very good substrates, indicating that, unlike other ubiquinone oxidoreductases, there is little preference for the methyl branches or rigidity of the CoQ side chain. Few of the compounds that inhibit ubiquinone oxidoreductases inhibit ETF-QO. Compounds found to act as inhibitors of ETF-QO include 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide, a naphthoquinone analogue, 2-(3-methylpentyl)-4,6-dinitrophenol and pentachlorophenol. 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone (DBMIB), which inhibits the mitochondrial bc1 complex and the chloroplast b6 f complex in redox-dependent fashion, can serve as an electron acceptor for human ETF-QO. The observation of simple Michaelis-Menten kinetic patterns and a single type of quinone-binding site, determined by fluorescence titrations of the protein with DBMIB and 6-(10-bromodecyl)ubiquinone, are consistent with one ubiquinone-binding site per ETF-QO monomer.

  4. Biochemical basis of 4-hydroxyanisole induced cell toxicity towards B16-F0 melanoma cells.

    PubMed

    Moridani, Majid Y

    2006-11-18

    In the current work we investigated for the first time the biochemical basis of 4-hydroxyanisole (4-HA) induced toxicity in B16-F0 melanoma cells. It was found that dicoumarol, a diaphorase inhibitor, and 1-bromoheptane, a GSH depleting agent, increased 4-HA induced toxicity towards B16-F0 cells whereas dithiothreitol, a thiol containing agent, and ascorbic acid (AA), a reducing agent, largely prevented 4-HA toxicity. TEMPOL and pyrogallol, free radical scavengers, did not significantly prevent 4-HA toxicity towards B16-F0 cells. GSH>AA>NADH prevented the o-quinone formation when 4-HA was metabolized by tyrosinase/O(2). 4-HA metabolism by horseradish peroxidase/H(2)O(2) was prevented more effectively by AA than NADH>GSH. We therefore concluded that quinone formation was the major pathway for 4-HA induced toxicity in B16-F0 melanoma cells whereas free radical formation played a negligible role in the 4-HA induced toxicity.

  5. Facilitation of NADH Electrooxidation at Treated Carbon Nanotubes

    PubMed Central

    Wooten, Marilyn; Gorski, Waldemar

    2010-01-01

    The relationship between the state of the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and their electrochemical activity was investigated using the enzyme cofactor dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) as a redox probe. The boiling of CNT in water, while nondestructive, activated them toward the oxidation of NADH as indicated by a shift in the anodic peak potential of NADH (ENADH) from 0.4 to 0.0 V. The shift in ENADH was due to the redox mediation of NADH oxidation by traces of quinone species that were formed on the surface of treated CNT. The harsher treatment that comprised of microwaving of CNT in concentrated nitric acid had a similar effect on the ENADH and, additionally, it increased the anodic peak current of NADH. The latter correlated with the formation of defects on the surface of acid-microwaved CNT as indicated by their Raman spectra. The increase in current was discussed considering a role of surface mediators on the buckled graphene sheets of acid-microwaved CNT. The other carbon allotropes including the edge plane pyrolytic graphite, graphite powder, and glassy carbon did not display a comparable activation toward the oxidation of NADH. PMID:20088562

  6. The Nrf2-antioxidant response element pathway: a target for regulating energy metabolism

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that responds to oxidative stress by binding to the antioxidant response element (ARE) in the promoter of genes coding for antioxidant enzymes like NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and proteins for glutathione synthesis. ...

  7. Deletion of nfnAB in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and Its Effect on Metabolism

    DOE PAGES

    Lo, Jonathan; Zheng, Tianyong; Olson, Daniel G.; ...

    2015-06-29

    NfnAB catalyzes the reversible transfer of electrons from reduced ferredoxin and NADH to 2 NADP +. The NfnAB complex has been hypothesized to be the main enzyme for ferredoxin oxidization in strains of Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum engineered for increased ethanol production. NfnAB complex activity was detectable in crude cell extracts of T. saccharolyticum. In this paper, activity was also detected using activity staining of native PAGE gels. The nfnAB gene was deleted in different strains of T. saccharolyticum to determine its effect on end product formation. In wild-type T. saccharolyticum, deletion of nfnAB resulted in a 46% increase in H 2more » formation but otherwise little change in other fermentation products. In two engineered strains with 80% theoretical ethanol yield, loss of nfnAB caused two different responses: in one strain, ethanol yield decreased to about 30% of the theoretical value, while another strain had no change in ethanol yield. Biochemical analysis of cell extracts showed that the ΔnfnAB strain with decreased ethanol yield had NADPH-linked alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity, while the ΔnfnAB strain with unchanged ethanol yield had NADH-linked ADH activity. Deletion of nfnAB caused loss of NADPH-linked ferredoxin oxidoreductase activity in all cell extracts. Significant NADH-linked ferredoxin oxidoreductase activity was seen in all cell extracts, including those that had lost nfnAB. This suggests that there is an unidentified NADH:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (distinct from nfnAB) playing a role in ethanol formation. The NfnAB complex plays a key role in generating NADPH in a strain that had become reliant on NADPH-ADH activity. Importance: Thermophilic anaerobes that can convert biomass-derived sugars into ethanol have been investigated as candidates for biofuel formation. Many anaerobes have been genetically engineered to increase biofuel formation; however, key aspects of metabolism remain unknown and poorly understood. One example is the mechanism for ferredoxin oxidation and transfer of electrons to NAD(P) +. The electron-bifurcating enzyme complex NfnAB is known to catalyze the reversible transfer of electrons from reduced ferredoxin and NADH to 2 NADP + and is thought to play key roles linking NAD(P)(H) metabolism with ferredoxin metabolism. Finally, we report the first deletion of nfnAB and demonstrate a role for NfnAB in metabolism and ethanol formation in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and show that this may be an important feature among other thermophilic ethanologenic anaerobes.« less

  8. Environmentally Robust Rhodamine Reporters for Probe-based Cellular Detection of the Cancer-linked Oxidoreductase hNQO1.

    PubMed

    Best, Quinn A; Johnson, Amanda E; Prasai, Bijeta; Rouillere, Alexandra; McCarley, Robin L

    2016-01-15

    We successfully synthesized a fluorescent probe capable of detecting the cancer-associated quinoneoxidoreductase isozyme-1 within human cells, based on results from an investigation of the stability of various rhodamines and seminaphthorhodamines toward the biological reductant NADH, present at ∼100-200 μM within cells. While rhodamines are generally known for their chemical stability, we observe that NADH causes significant and sometimes rapid modification of numerous rhodamine analogues, including those oftentimes used in imaging applications. Results from mechanistic studies lead us to rule out a radical-based reduction pathway, suggesting rhodamine reduction by NADH proceeds by a hydride transfer process to yield the reduced leuco form of the rhodamine and oxidized NAD(+). A relationship between the structural features of the rhodamines and their reactivity with NADH is observed. Rhodamines with increased alkylation on the N3- and N6-nitrogens, as well as the xanthene core, react the least with NADH; whereas, nonalkylated variants or analogues with electron-withdrawing substituents have the fastest rates of reaction. These outcomes allowed us to judiciously construct a seminaphthorhodamine-based, turn-on fluorescent probe that is capable of selectively detecting the cancer-associated, NADH-dependent enzyme quinoneoxidoreductase isozyme-1 in human cancer cells, without the issue of NADH-induced deactivation of the seminaphthorhodamine reporter.

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

    Levova, Katerina; Moserova, Michaela; Nebert, Daniel W.

    Aristolochic acid causes a specific nephropathy (AAN), Balkan endemic nephropathy, and urothelial malignancies. Using Western blotting suitable to determine protein expression, we investigated in several transgenic mouse lines expression of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1)—the most efficient cytosolic enzyme that reductively activates aristolochic acid I (AAI). The mouse tissues used were from previous studies [Arlt et al., Chem. Res. Toxicol. 24 (2011) 1710; Stiborova et al., Toxicol. Sci. 125 (2012) 345], in which the role of microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in AAI metabolism in vivo had been determined. We found that NQO1 levels in liver, kidney and lung of Cyp1a1(−/−), Cyp1a2(−/−)more » and Cyp1a1/1a2(−/−) knockout mouse lines, as well as in two CYP1A-humanized mouse lines harboring functional human CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 and lacking the mouse Cyp1a1/1a2 orthologs, differed from NQO1 levels in wild-type mice. NQO1 protein and enzymic activity were induced in hepatic and renal cytosolic fractions isolated from AAI-pretreated mice, compared with those in untreated mice. Furthermore, this increase in hepatic NQO1 enzyme activity was associated with bioactivation of AAI and elevated AAI-DNA adduct levels in ex vivo incubations of cytosolic fractions with DNA and AAI. In conclusion, AAI appears to increase its own metabolic activation by inducing NQO1, thereby enhancing its own genotoxic potential. Highlights: ► NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase expression in Cyp1a knockout and humanized CYP1A mice ► Reductive activation of the nephrotoxic and carcinogenic aristolochic acid I (AAI) ► NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase is induced in mice treated with AAI. ► Induced hepatic enzyme activity resulted in elevated AAI-DNA adduct levels.« less

  10. Mitochondrial disease associated with complex I (NADH-CoQ oxidoreductase) deficiency.

    PubMed

    Scheffler, Immo E

    2015-05-01

    Mitochondrial diseases due to a reduced capacity for oxidative phosphorylation were first identified more than 20 years ago, and their incidence is now recognized to be quite significant. In a large proportion of cases the problem can be traced to a complex I (NADH-CoQ oxidoreductase) deficiency (Phenotype MIM #252010). Because the complex consists of 44 subunits, there are many potential targets for pathogenic mutations, both on the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Surprisingly, however, almost half of the complex I deficiencies are due to defects in as yet unidentified genes that encode proteins other than the structural proteins of the complex. This review attempts to summarize what we know about the molecular basis of complex I deficiencies: mutations in the known structural genes, and mutations in an increasing number of genes encoding "assembly factors", that is, proteins required for the biogenesis of a functional complex I that are not found in the final complex I. More such genes must be identified before definitive genetic counselling can be applied in all cases of affected families.

  11. Identification of proteins capable of metal reduction from the proteome of the Gram-positive bacterium Desulfotomaculum reducens MI-1 using an NADH-based activity assay

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

    Otwell, Annie E.; Sherwood, Roberts; Zhang, Sheng

    Metal reduction capability has been found in numerous species of environmentally abundant Gram-positive bacteria. However, understanding of microbial metal reduction is based almost solely on studies of Gram-negative organisms. In this study, we focus on Desulfotomaculum reducens MI-1, a Gram-positive metal reducer whose genome lacks genes with similarity to any characterized metal reductase. D. reducens has been shown to reduce not only Fe(III), but also the environmentally important contaminants U(VI) and Cr(VI). By extracting, separating, and analyzing the functional proteome of D. reducens, using a ferrozine-based assay in order to screen for chelated Fe(III)-NTA reduction with NADH as electron donor,more » we have identified proteins not previously characterized as iron reductases. Their function was confirmed by heterologous expression in E. coli. These are the protein NADH:flavin oxidoreductase (Dred_2421) and a protein complex composed of oxidoreductase FAD/NAD(P)-binding subunit (Dred_1685) and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase 1B (Dred_1686). Dred_2421 was identified in the soluble proteome and is predicted to be a cytoplasmic protein. Dred_1685 and Dred_1686 were identified in both the soluble as well as the insoluble (presumably membrane) protein fraction, suggesting a type of membrane-association, although PSORTb predicts both proteins are cytoplasmic. Furthermore, we show that these proteins have the capability to reduce soluble Cr(VI) and U(VI) with NADH as electron donor. This study is the first functional proteomic analysis of D. reducens, and one of the first analyses of metal and radionuclide reduction in an environmentally relevant Gram-positive bacterium.« less

  12. Coupled Ferredoxin and Crotonyl Coenzyme A (CoA) Reduction with NADH Catalyzed by the Butyryl-CoA Dehydrogenase/Etf Complex from Clostridium kluyveri▿ †

    PubMed Central

    Li, Fuli; Hinderberger, Julia; Seedorf, Henning; Zhang, Jin; Buckel, Wolfgang; Thauer, Rudolf K.

    2008-01-01

    Cell extracts of butyrate-forming clostridia have been shown to catalyze acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA)- and ferredoxin-dependent formation of H2 from NADH. It has been proposed that these bacteria contain an NADH:ferredoxin oxidoreductase which is allosterically regulated by acetyl-CoA. We report here that ferredoxin reduction with NADH in cell extracts from Clostridium kluyveri is catalyzed by the butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase/Etf complex and that the acetyl-CoA dependence previously observed is due to the fact that the cell extracts catalyze the reduction of acetyl-CoA with NADH via crotonyl-CoA to butyryl-CoA. The cytoplasmic butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase complex was purified and is shown to couple the endergonic reduction of ferredoxin (E0′ = −410 mV) with NADH (E0′ = −320 mV) to the exergonic reduction of crotonyl-CoA to butyryl-CoA (E0′ = −10 mV) with NADH. The stoichiometry of the fully coupled reaction is extrapolated to be as follows: 2 NADH + 1 oxidized ferredoxin + 1 crotonyl-CoA = 2 NAD+ + 1 ferredoxin reduced by two electrons + 1 butyryl-CoA. The implications of this finding for the energy metabolism of butyrate-forming anaerobes are discussed in the accompanying paper. PMID:17993531

  13. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 activity reduces hypertrophy in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) pathway responds to oxidative stress via control of the expression of several antioxidant genes. Recent efforts demonstrate that Nrf2 modulates development of adiposity and adipogenesis. However little is kno...

  14. Formation and Biological Targets of Quinones: Cytotoxic versus Cytoprotective Effects

    PubMed Central

    2016-01-01

    Quinones represent a class of toxicological intermediates, which can create a variety of hazardous effects in vivo including, acute cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and carcinogenesis. In contrast, quinones can induce cytoprotection through the induction of detoxification enzymes, anti-inflammatory activities, and modification of redox status. The mechanisms by which quinones cause these effects can be quite complex. The various biological targets of quinones depend on their rate and site of formation and their reactivity. Quinones are formed through a variety of mechanisms from simple oxidation of catechols/hydroquinones catalyzed by a variety of oxidative enzymes and metal ions to more complex mechanisms involving initial P450-catalyzed hydroxylation reactions followed by two-electron oxidation. Quinones are Michael acceptors, and modification of cellular processes could occur through alkylation of crucial cellular proteins and/or DNA. Alternatively, quinones are highly redox active molecules which can redox cycle with their semiquinone radical anions leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and ultimately the hydroxyl radical. Production of ROS can alter redox balance within cells through the formation of oxidized cellular macromolecules including lipids, proteins, and DNA. This perspective explores the varied biological targets of quinones including GSH, NADPH, protein sulfhydryls [heat shock proteins, P450s, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), glutathione S-transferase (GST), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, (NQO1), kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), IκB kinase (IKK), and arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR)], and DNA. The evidence strongly suggests that the numerous mechanisms of quinone modulations (i.e., alkylation versus oxidative stress) can be correlated with the known pathology/cytoprotection of the parent compound(s) that is best described by an inverse U-shaped dose–response curve. PMID:27617882

  15. Two functionally distinct NADP+-dependent ferredoxin oxidoreductases maintain the primary redox balance of Pyrococcus furiosus.

    PubMed

    Nguyen, Diep M N; Schut, Gerrit J; Zadvornyy, Oleg A; Tokmina-Lukaszewska, Monika; Poudel, Saroj; Lipscomb, Gina L; Adams, Leslie A; Dinsmore, Jessica T; Nixon, William J; Boyd, Eric S; Bothner, Brian; Peters, John W; Adams, Michael W W

    2017-09-01

    Electron bifurcation has recently gained acceptance as the third mechanism of energy conservation in which energy is conserved through the coupling of exergonic and endergonic reactions. A structure-based mechanism of bifurcation has been elucidated recently for the flavin-based enzyme NADH-dependent ferredoxin NADP + oxidoreductase I (NfnI) from the hyperthermophillic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus. NfnI is thought to be involved in maintaining the cellular redox balance, producing NADPH for biosynthesis by recycling the two other primary redox carriers, NADH and ferredoxin. The P. furiosus genome encodes an NfnI paralog termed NfnII, and the two are differentially expressed, depending on the growth conditions. In this study, we show that deletion of the genes encoding either NfnI or NfnII affects the cellular concentrations of NAD(P)H and particularly NADPH. This results in a moderate to severe growth phenotype in deletion mutants, demonstrating a key role for each enzyme in maintaining redox homeostasis. Despite their similarity in primary sequence and cofactor content, crystallographic, kinetic, and mass spectrometry analyses reveal that there are fundamental structural differences between the two enzymes, and NfnII does not catalyze the NfnI bifurcating reaction. Instead, it exhibits non-bifurcating ferredoxin NADP oxidoreductase-type activity. NfnII is therefore proposed to be a bifunctional enzyme and also to catalyze a bifurcating reaction, although its third substrate, in addition to ferredoxin and NADP(H), is as yet unknown. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  16. Extracellular degradation of tetrabromobisphenol A via biogenic reactive oxygen species by a marine Pseudoalteromonas sp.

    PubMed

    Gu, Chen; Wang, Jing; Guo, Mengfan; Sui, Meng; Lu, Hong; Liu, Guangfei

    2018-06-07

    Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) has attracted considerable attention due to its ubiquitous presence in different environmental compartments worldwide. However, information on its aerobic biodegradability in coastal environments remains unknown. Here, the aerobic biodegradation of TBBPA using a Pseudoalteromonas species commonly found in the marine environment was investigated. We found that extracellular biogenic siderophore, superoxide anion radical (O 2 •- ), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), and hydroxyl radical ( • OH) were involved in TBBPA degradation. Upregulation of genes (nqrA and lodA) encoding Na + -translocating NADH-quinone oxidoreductase and l-lysine-ε-oxidase supported the extracellular O 2 •- and H 2 O 2 production. The underlying mechanism of TBBPA biodegradation presumably involves both O 2 •- reduction and • OH-based advanced oxidation process (AOP). Furthermore, TBBPA intermediates of tribromobisphenol A, 4-isopropylene-2,6-dibromophenol, 4-(2-hydroxyisopropyl)-2,6-dibromophenol, 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBP), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and 2-bromobenzoic acid were detected in the culture medium. Debromination and β-scission pathways of TBBPA biodegradation were proposed. Additionally, membrane integrity assays revealed that the increase of intracellular catalase (CAT) activity and the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) might account for the alleviation of oxidative damage. These findings could deepen understanding of the biodegradation mechanism of TBBPA and other related organic pollutants in coastal and artificial bioremediation systems. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Genes essential for phototrophic growth by a purple alphaproteobacterium: Genes for phototrophic growth

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

    Yang, Jianming; Yin, Liang; Lessner, Faith H.

    Anoxygenic purple phototrophic bacteria have served as important models for studies of photophosphorylation. The pigment-protein complexes responsible for converting light energy to ATP are relatively simple and these bacteria can grow heterotrophically under aerobic conditions, thus allowing for the study of mutants defective in photophosphorylation. In the past, genes responsible for anoxygenic phototrophic growth have been identified in a number of different bacterial species. Here we systematically studied the genetic basis for this metabolism by using Tn-seq to identify genes essential for the anaerobic growth of the purple bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris on acetate in light. We identified 171 genes requiredmore » for growth in this condition, 35 of which are annotated as photosynthesis genes. Among these are a few new genes not previously shown to be essential for phototrophic growth. We verified the essentiality of many of the genes we identified by analyzing the phenotypes of mutants we generated by Tn mutagenesis that had altered pigmentation. We used directed mutagenesis to verify that the R. palustris NADH:quinone oxidoreductase complex IE is essential for phototrophic growth. As a complement to the genetic data, we carried out proteomics experiments in which we found that 429 proteins were present in significantly higher amounts in cells grown anaerobically in light compared to aerobically. Among these were proteins encoded by subset of the phototrophic growth-essential genes.« less

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

    PubMed

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

    2008-01-01

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

  19. Molecular dynamics of detoxification and toxin-tolerance genes in brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål., Homoptera: Delphacidae) feeding on resistant rice plants.

    PubMed

    Yang, Zhifan; Zhang, Futie; He, Qing; He, Guangcun

    2005-06-01

    To investigate the molecular response of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (BPH) to BPH-resistant rice plants, we isolated cDNA fragments of the genes encoding for carboxylesterase (CAR), trypsin (TRY), cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450), NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (NQO), acetylcholinesterase (ACE), and Glutathione S-transferase (GST). Expression profiles of the genes were monitored on fourth instar nymphs feeding on rice varieties with different resistance levels. Northern blot hybridization showed that, compared with BPH reared on susceptible rice TN1, expression of the genes for P450 and CAR was apparently up-regulated and TRY mRNA decreased in BPH feeding on a highly resistant rice line B5 and a moderately resistant rice variety MH63, respectively. Two transcripts of GST increased in BPH feeding on B5; but in BPH feeding on MH63, this gene was inducible and its expression reached a maximum level at 24 h, and then decreased slightly. The expression of NQO gene was enhanced in BPH on B5 plants but showed a constant expression in BPH on MH63 plants. No difference in ACE gene expression among BPH on different rice plants was detected by the RT-PCR method. The results suggest these genes may play important roles in the defense response of BPH to resistant rice.

  20. Determination of hydride transfer stereospecificity of NADH-dependent alcohol-aldehyde/ketone oxidoreductase from Sulfolobus solfataricus.

    PubMed

    Trincone, A; Lama, L; Rella, R; D'Auria, S; Raia, C A; Nicolaus, B

    1990-10-18

    This paper describes the determination of stereospecificity of hydride transfer reaction of an alcohol dehydrogenase isolated from the archaebacterium Sulfolobus solfataricus. The 1H-NMR and EI-MS data indicate that the enzyme transfers the pro-R hydrogen from coenzyme to substrate and is therefore an A-specific dehydrogenase.

  1. Equilibrium and ultrafast kinetic studies manipulating electron transfer: A short-lived flavin semiquinone is not sufficient for electron bifurcation

    DOE PAGES

    Hoben, John P.; Lubner, Carolyn E.; Ratzloff, Michael W.; ...

    2017-06-14

    Flavin-based electron transfer bifurcation is emerging as a fundamental and powerful mechanism for conservation and deployment of electrochemical energy in enzymatic systems. In this process, a pair of electrons is acquired at intermediate reduction potential (i.e. intermediate reducing power) and each electron is passed to a different acceptor, one with lower and the other with higher reducing power, leading to 'bifurcation'. It is believed that a strongly reducing semiquinone species is essential for this process, and it is expected that this species should be kinetically short-lived. We now demonstrate that presence of a short-lived anionic flavin semiquinone (ASQ) is notmore » sufficient to infer existence of bifurcating activity, although such a species may be necessary for the process. We have used transient absorption spectroscopy to compare the rates and mechanisms of decay of ASQ generated photochemically in bifurcating NADH-dependent ferredoxin-NADP + oxidoreductase and the non-bifurcating flavoproteins nitroreductase, NADH oxidase and flavodoxin. We found that different mechanisms dominate ASQ decay in the different protein environments, producing lifetimes ranging over two orders of magnitude. Capacity for electron transfer among redox cofactors vs. charge recombination with nearby donors can explain the range of ASQ lifetimes we observe. In conclusion, our results support a model wherein efficient electron propagation can explain the short lifetime of the ASQ of bifurcating NADH-dependent ferredoxin-NADP + oxidoreductase I, and can be an indication of capacity for electron bifurcation.« less

  2. Equilibrium and ultrafast kinetic studies manipulating electron transfer: A short-lived flavin semiquinone is not sufficient for electron bifurcation

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

    Hoben, John P.; Lubner, Carolyn E.; Ratzloff, Michael W.

    Flavin-based electron transfer bifurcation is emerging as a fundamental and powerful mechanism for conservation and deployment of electrochemical energy in enzymatic systems. In this process, a pair of electrons is acquired at intermediate reduction potential (i.e. intermediate reducing power) and each electron is passed to a different acceptor, one with lower and the other with higher reducing power, leading to 'bifurcation'. It is believed that a strongly reducing semiquinone species is essential for this process, and it is expected that this species should be kinetically short-lived. We now demonstrate that presence of a short-lived anionic flavin semiquinone (ASQ) is notmore » sufficient to infer existence of bifurcating activity, although such a species may be necessary for the process. We have used transient absorption spectroscopy to compare the rates and mechanisms of decay of ASQ generated photochemically in bifurcating NADH-dependent ferredoxin-NADP + oxidoreductase and the non-bifurcating flavoproteins nitroreductase, NADH oxidase and flavodoxin. We found that different mechanisms dominate ASQ decay in the different protein environments, producing lifetimes ranging over two orders of magnitude. Capacity for electron transfer among redox cofactors vs. charge recombination with nearby donors can explain the range of ASQ lifetimes we observe. In conclusion, our results support a model wherein efficient electron propagation can explain the short lifetime of the ASQ of bifurcating NADH-dependent ferredoxin-NADP + oxidoreductase I, and can be an indication of capacity for electron bifurcation.« less

  3. The Conformational Changes Induced by Ubiquinone Binding in the Na+-pumping NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) Are Kinetically Controlled by Conserved Glycines 140 and 141 of the NqrB Subunit*

    PubMed Central

    Strickland, Madeleine; Juárez, Oscar; Neehaul, Yashvin; Cook, Darcie A.; Barquera, Blanca; Hellwig, Petra

    2014-01-01

    Na+-pumping NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) is responsible for maintaining a sodium gradient across the inner bacterial membrane. This respiratory enzyme, which couples sodium pumping to the electron transfer between NADH and ubiquinone, is not present in eukaryotes and as such could be a target for antibiotics. In this paper it is shown that the site of ubiquinone reduction is conformationally coupled to the NqrB subunit, which also hosts the final cofactor in the electron transport chain, riboflavin. Previous work showed that mutations in conserved NqrB glycine residues 140 and 141 affect ubiquinone reduction and the proper functioning of the sodium pump. Surprisingly, these mutants did not affect the dissociation constant of ubiquinone or its analog HQNO (2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide) from Na+-NQR, which indicates that these residues do not participate directly in the ubiquinone binding site but probably control its accessibility. Indeed, redox-induced difference spectroscopy showed that these mutations prevented the conformational change involved in ubiquinone binding but did not modify the signals corresponding to bound ubiquinone. Moreover, data are presented that demonstrate the NqrA subunit is able to bind ubiquinone but with a low non-catalytically relevant affinity. It is also suggested that Na+-NQR contains a single catalytic ubiquinone binding site and a second site that can bind ubiquinone but is not active. PMID:25006248

  4. Equilibrium and ultrafast kinetic studies manipulating electron transfer: A short-lived flavin semiquinone is not sufficient for electron bifurcation.

    PubMed

    Hoben, John P; Lubner, Carolyn E; Ratzloff, Michael W; Schut, Gerrit J; Nguyen, Diep M N; Hempel, Karl W; Adams, Michael W W; King, Paul W; Miller, Anne-Frances

    2017-08-25

    Flavin-based electron transfer bifurcation is emerging as a fundamental and powerful mechanism for conservation and deployment of electrochemical energy in enzymatic systems. In this process, a pair of electrons is acquired at intermediate reduction potential ( i.e. intermediate reducing power), and each electron is passed to a different acceptor, one with lower and the other with higher reducing power, leading to "bifurcation." It is believed that a strongly reducing semiquinone species is essential for this process, and it is expected that this species should be kinetically short-lived. We now demonstrate that the presence of a short-lived anionic flavin semiquinone (ASQ) is not sufficient to infer the existence of bifurcating activity, although such a species may be necessary for the process. We have used transient absorption spectroscopy to compare the rates and mechanisms of decay of ASQ generated photochemically in bifurcating NADH-dependent ferredoxin-NADP + oxidoreductase and the non-bifurcating flavoproteins nitroreductase, NADH oxidase, and flavodoxin. We found that different mechanisms dominate ASQ decay in the different protein environments, producing lifetimes ranging over 2 orders of magnitude. Capacity for electron transfer among redox cofactors versus charge recombination with nearby donors can explain the range of ASQ lifetimes that we observe. Our results support a model wherein efficient electron propagation can explain the short lifetime of the ASQ of bifurcating NADH-dependent ferredoxin-NADP + oxidoreductase I and can be an indication of capacity for electron bifurcation.

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

    Heart, Emma; Palo, Meridith; Womack, Trayce

    Pancreatic β-cells release insulin in response to elevation of glucose from basal (4–7 mM) to stimulatory (8–16 mM) levels. Metabolism of glucose by the β-cell results in the production of low levels of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), such as hydrogen peroxide (H{sub 2}O{sub 2}), a newly recognized coupling factor linking glucose metabolism to insulin secretion. However, high and toxic levels of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} inhibit insulin secretion. Menadione, which produces H{sub 2}O{sub 2} via redox cycling mechanism in a dose-dependent manner, was investigated for its effect on β-cell metabolism and insulin secretion in INS-1 832/13, a rat β-cell insulinoma cellmore » line, and primary rodent islets. Menadione-dependent redox cycling and resulting H{sub 2}O{sub 2} production under stimulatory glucose exceeded several-fold those reached at basal glucose. This was paralleled by a differential effect of menadione (0.1–10 μM) on insulin secretion, which was enhanced at basal, but inhibited at stimulatory glucose. Redox cycling of menadione and H{sub 2}O{sub 2} formation was dependent on glycolytically-derived NADH, as inhibition of glycolysis and application of non-glycogenic insulin secretagogues did not support redox cycling. In addition, activity of plasma membrane electron transport, a system dependent in part on glycolytically-derived NADH, was also inhibited by menadione. Menadione-dependent redox cycling was sensitive to the NQO1 inhibitor dicoumarol and the flavoprotein inhibitor diphenylene iodonium, suggesting a role for NQO1 and other oxidoreductases in this process. These data may explain the apparent dichotomy between the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} and menadione on insulin secretion. -- Highlights: ► Menadione stimulation or inhibition of insulin secretion is dependent upon applied glucose levels. ► Menadione-dependent H{sub 2}O{sub 2} production is proportional to applied glucose levels. ► Quinone-mediated redox cycling is dependent on glycolysis.« less

  6. A Bacterial Multidomain NAD-Independent d-Lactate Dehydrogenase Utilizes Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide and Fe-S Clusters as Cofactors and Quinone as an Electron Acceptor for d-Lactate Oxidization

    PubMed Central

    Jiang, Tianyi; Guo, Xiaoting; Yan, Jinxin; Zhang, Yingxin; Wang, Yujiao; Zhang, Manman; Sheng, Binbin; Ma, Cuiqing; Xu, Ping

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Bacterial membrane-associated NAD-independent d-lactate dehydrogenase (Fe-S d-iLDH) oxidizes d-lactate into pyruvate. A sequence analysis of the enzyme reveals that it contains an Fe-S oxidoreductase domain in addition to a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-containing dehydrogenase domain, which differs from other typical d-iLDHs. Fe-S d-iLDH from Pseudomonas putida KT2440 was purified as a His-tagged protein and characterized in detail. This monomeric enzyme exhibited activities with l-lactate and several d-2-hydroxyacids. Quinone was shown to be the preferred electron acceptor of the enzyme. The two domains of the enzyme were then heterologously expressed and purified separately. The Fe-S cluster-binding motifs predicted by sequence alignment were preliminarily verified by site-directed mutagenesis of the Fe-S oxidoreductase domain. The FAD-containing dehydrogenase domain retained 2-hydroxyacid-oxidizing activity, although it decreased compared to the full Fe-S d-iLDH. Compared to the intact enzyme, the FAD-containing dehydrogenase domain showed increased catalytic efficiency with cytochrome c as the electron acceptor, but it completely lost the ability to use coenzyme Q10. Additionally, the FAD-containing dehydrogenase domain was no longer associated with the cell membrane, and it could not support the utilization of d-lactate as a carbon source. Based on the results obtained, we conclude that the Fe-S oxidoreductase domain functions as an electron transfer component to facilitate the utilization of quinone as an electron acceptor by Fe-S d-iLDH, and it helps the enzyme associate with the cell membrane. These functions make the Fe-S oxidoreductase domain crucial for the in vivo d-lactate utilization function of Fe-S d-iLDH. IMPORTANCE Lactate metabolism plays versatile roles in most domains of life. Lactate utilization processes depend on certain enzymes to oxidize lactate to pyruvate. In recent years, novel bacterial lactate-oxidizing enzymes have been continually reported, including the unique NAD-independent d-lactate dehydrogenase that contains an Fe-S oxidoreductase domain besides the typical flavin-containing domain (Fe-S d-iLDH). Although Fe-S d-iLDH is widely distributed among bacterial species, the investigation of it is insufficient. Fe-S d-iLDH from Pseudomonas putida KT2440, which is the major d-lactate-oxidizing enzyme for the strain, might be a representative of this type of enzyme. A study of it will be helpful in understanding the detailed mechanisms underlying the lactate utilization processes. PMID:28847921

  7. Cyanide degradation by Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes CECT5344 involves a malate:quinone oxidoreductase and an associated cyanide-insensitive electron transfer chain.

    PubMed

    Luque-Almagro, Victor M; Merchán, Faustino; Blasco, Rafael; Igeño, M Isabel; Martínez-Luque, Manuel; Moreno-Vivián, Conrado; Castillo, Francisco; Roldán, M Dolores

    2011-03-01

    The alkaliphilic bacterium Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes CECT5344 is able to grow with cyanide as the sole nitrogen source. Membrane fractions from cells grown under cyanotrophic conditions catalysed the production of oxaloacetate from L-malate. Several enzymic activities of the tricarboxylic acid and glyoxylate cycles in association with the cyanide-insensitive respiratory pathway seem to be responsible for the oxaloacetate formation in vivo. Thus, in cyanide-grown cells, citrate synthase and isocitrate lyase activities were significantly higher than those observed with other nitrogen sources. Malate dehydrogenase activity was undetectable, but a malate:quinone oxidoreductase activity coupled to the cyanide-insensitive alternative oxidase was found in membrane fractions from cyanide-grown cells. Therefore, oxaloacetate production was linked to the cyanide-insensitive respiration in P. pseudoalcaligenes CECT5344. Cyanide and oxaloacetate reacted chemically inside the cells to produce a cyanohydrin (2-hydroxynitrile), which was further converted to ammonium. In addition to cyanide, strain CECT5344 was able to grow with several cyano derivatives, such as 2- and 3-hydroxynitriles. The specific system required for uptake and metabolization of cyanohydrins was induced by cyanide and by 2-hydroxynitriles, such as the cyanohydrins of oxaloacetate and 2-oxoglutarate.

  8. Oxidative protein modification as predigestive mechanism of the carnivorous plant Dionaea muscipula: an hypothesis based on in vitro experiments.

    PubMed

    Galek, H; Osswald, W F; Elstner, E F

    1990-01-01

    Aqueous leaf extracts from Dionaea muscipula contain quinones such as the naphthoquinone plumbagin that couple to different NADH-dependent diaphorases, producing superoxide and hydrogen peroxide upon autoxidation. Upon preincubation of Dionaea extracts with certain diaphorases and NADH in the presence of serumalbumin (SA), subsequent tryptic digestion of SA is facilitated. Since the secretroy glands of Droseracea contain proteases and possibly other degradative enzymes it is suggested that the presence of oxygen-activating redox cofactors in the extracts function as extracellular predigestive oxidants which render membrane-bound proteins of the prey (insects) more susceptible to proteolytic attacks.

  9. Transient Kinetic Analysis of Hydrogen Sulfide Oxidation Catalyzed by Human Sulfide Quinone Oxidoreductase*

    PubMed Central

    Mishanina, Tatiana V.; Yadav, Pramod K.; Ballou, David P.; Banerjee, Ruma

    2015-01-01

    The first step in the mitochondrial sulfide oxidation pathway is catalyzed by sulfide quinone oxidoreductase (SQR), which belongs to the family of flavoprotein disulfide oxidoreductases. During the catalytic cycle, the flavin cofactor is intermittently reduced by sulfide and oxidized by ubiquinone, linking H2S oxidation to the electron transfer chain and to energy metabolism. Human SQR can use multiple thiophilic acceptors, including sulfide, sulfite, and glutathione, to form as products, hydrodisulfide, thiosulfate, and glutathione persulfide, respectively. In this study, we have used transient kinetics to examine the mechanism of the flavin reductive half-reaction and have determined the redox potential of the bound flavin to be −123 ± 7 mV. We observe formation of an unusually intense charge-transfer (CT) complex when the enzyme is exposed to sulfide and unexpectedly, when it is exposed to sulfite. In the canonical reaction, sulfide serves as the sulfur donor and sulfite serves as the acceptor, forming thiosulfate. We show that thiosulfate is also formed when sulfide is added to the sulfite-induced CT intermediate, representing a new mechanism for thiosulfate formation. The CT complex is formed at a kinetically competent rate by reaction with sulfide but not with sulfite. Our study indicates that sulfide addition to the active site disulfide is preferred under normal turnover conditions. However, under pathological conditions when sulfite concentrations are high, sulfite could compete with sulfide for addition to the active site disulfide, leading to attenuation of SQR activity and to an alternate route for thiosulfate formation. PMID:26318450

  10. Transient Kinetic Analysis of Hydrogen Sulfide Oxidation Catalyzed by Human Sulfide Quinone Oxidoreductase.

    PubMed

    Mishanina, Tatiana V; Yadav, Pramod K; Ballou, David P; Banerjee, Ruma

    2015-10-09

    The first step in the mitochondrial sulfide oxidation pathway is catalyzed by sulfide quinone oxidoreductase (SQR), which belongs to the family of flavoprotein disulfide oxidoreductases. During the catalytic cycle, the flavin cofactor is intermittently reduced by sulfide and oxidized by ubiquinone, linking H2S oxidation to the electron transfer chain and to energy metabolism. Human SQR can use multiple thiophilic acceptors, including sulfide, sulfite, and glutathione, to form as products, hydrodisulfide, thiosulfate, and glutathione persulfide, respectively. In this study, we have used transient kinetics to examine the mechanism of the flavin reductive half-reaction and have determined the redox potential of the bound flavin to be -123 ± 7 mV. We observe formation of an unusually intense charge-transfer (CT) complex when the enzyme is exposed to sulfide and unexpectedly, when it is exposed to sulfite. In the canonical reaction, sulfide serves as the sulfur donor and sulfite serves as the acceptor, forming thiosulfate. We show that thiosulfate is also formed when sulfide is added to the sulfite-induced CT intermediate, representing a new mechanism for thiosulfate formation. The CT complex is formed at a kinetically competent rate by reaction with sulfide but not with sulfite. Our study indicates that sulfide addition to the active site disulfide is preferred under normal turnover conditions. However, under pathological conditions when sulfite concentrations are high, sulfite could compete with sulfide for addition to the active site disulfide, leading to attenuation of SQR activity and to an alternate route for thiosulfate formation. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  11. In vivo relevance of two critical levels for NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1)-mediated cellular protection against electrophile toxicity found in vitro.

    PubMed

    de Haan, Laura H J; Pot, Gerda K; Aarts, Jac M M J G; Rietjens, Ivonne M C M; Alink, Gerrit M

    2006-08-01

    NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1)-mediated detoxification of quinones is suggested to be involved in cancer prevention. In the present study, using transfected CHO cells, it was demonstrated that the relation between NQO1 activity and the resulting protection against the cytotoxicity of menadione shows a steep dose-response curve revealing a 'lower protection threshold' of 0.5mumol DCPIP/min/mg protein and an 'upper protection threshold' at 1mumol DCPIP/min/mg protein. In an additional in vivo experiment it was investigated how both in vitro critical activity levels of NQO1, relate to NQO1 activities in mice and man, either without or upon induction of the enzyme by butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA) or indole-3-carbinol (I(3)C). Data from an experiment with CD1 mice revealed that base-line NQO1 levels in liver, kidney, small intestine, colon and lung are generally below the observed 'lower protection threshold' in vitro, this also holds for most human tissue S-9 samples. To achieve NQO1 levels above this 'lower protection threshold' will require 5-20 fold NQO1 induction. Discussion focuses on the relevance of the in vitro NQO1 activity thresholds for the in vivo situation. We conclude that increased protection against menadione toxicity can probably not be achieved by NQO1 induction but should be achieved by other mechanisms. Whether this conclusion also holds for other electrophiles and the in vivo situation awaits further definition of their NQO1 protection thresholds.

  12. Omeprazole induces NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 via aryl hydrocarbon receptor-independent mechanisms: Role of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2

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

    Zhang, Shaojie; Patel, Ananddeep; Moorthy, Bhagavatula

    2015-11-13

    Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transcriptionally induces phase I (cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1) and phase II (NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) detoxifying enzymes. The effects of the classical and nonclassical AhR ligands on phase I and II enzymes are well studied in human hepatocytes. Additionally, we observed that the proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole (OM), transcriptionally induces CYP1A1 in the human adenocarcinoma cell line, H441 cells via AhR. Whether OM activates AhR and induces the phase II enzyme, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), in fetal primary human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC) is unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis thatmore » OM will induce NQO1 in HPMEC via the AhR. The concentrations of OM used in our experiments did not result in cytotoxicity. OM activated AhR as evident by increased CYP1A1 mRNA expression. However, contrary to our hypothesis, OM increased NQO1 mRNA and protein via an AhR-independent mechanism as AhR knockdown failed to abrogate OM-mediated increase in NQO1 expression. Interestingly, OM activated Nrf2 as evident by increased phosphoNrf2 (S40) expression in OM-treated compared to vehicle-treated cells. Furthermore, Nrf2 knockdown abrogated OM-mediated increase in NQO1 expression. In conclusion, we provide evidence that OM induces NQO1 via AhR-independent, but Nrf2-dependent mechanisms. - Highlights: • We investigated whether omeprazole induces NQO1 in human fetal lung cells. • Omeprazole induces the phase II enzyme, NQO1, in human fetal lung cells. • AhR deficiency fails to abrogate omeprazole-mediated induction of NQO1. • Omeprazole increases phosphoNrf2 (S40) protein expression in human fetal lung cells. • Nrf2 knockdown abrogates the induction of NQO1 by omeprazole in human lung cells.« less

  13. Single-walled carbon nanotubes covalently functionalized with polytyrosine: A new material for the development of NADH-based biosensors.

    PubMed

    Eguílaz, Marcos; Gutierrez, Fabiana; González-Domínguez, Jose Miguel; Martínez, María T; Rivas, Gustavo

    2016-12-15

    We report for the first time the use of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) covalently functionalized with polytyrosine (Polytyr) (SWCNT-Polytyr) as a new electrode material for the development of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-based biosensors. The oxidation of glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) modified with SWCNT-Polytyr at potentials high enough to oxidize the tyrosine residues have allowed the electrooxidation of NADH at low potentials due to the catalytic activity of the quinones generated from the primary oxidation of tyrosine without any additional redox mediator. The amperometric detection of NADH at 0.200V showed a sensitivity of (217±3)µAmM(-1)cm(-2) and a detection limit of 7.9nM. The excellent electrocatalytic activity of SWCNT-Polytyr towards NADH oxidation has also made possible the development of a sensitive ethanol biosensor through the immobilization of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) via Nafion entrapment, with excellent analytical characteristics (sensitivity of (5.8±0.1)µAmM(-1)cm(-2), detection limit of 0.67µM) and very successful application for the quantification of ethanol in different commercial beverages. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Real-time optical studies of respiratory Complex I turnover.

    PubMed

    Belevich, Nikolai; Belevich, Galina; Verkhovskaya, Marina

    2014-12-01

    Reduction of Complex l (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase l) from Escherichia coli by NADH was investigated optically by means of an ultrafast stopped-flow approach. A locally designed microfluidic stopped-flow apparatus with a low volume (0.21Jl) but a long optical path (10 mm) cuvette allowed measurements in the time range from 270 ).IS to seconds. The data acquisition system collected spectra in the visible range every 50 )JS. Analysis of the obtained time-resolved spectral changes upon the reaction of Complex I with NADH revealed three kinetic components with characteristic times of <270 ).IS, 0.45-0.9 ms and 3-6 ms, reflecting reduction of different FeS clusters and FMN. The rate of the major ( T = 0.45-0.9 ms) component was slower than predicted by electron transfer theory for the reduction of all FeS clusters in the intraprotein redox chain. This delay of the reaction was explained by retention of NAD+ in the catalytic site. The fast optical changes in the time range of 0.27- 1.5 ms were not altered significantly in the presence of 1 0-fold excess of NAD+ over NADH. The data obtained on the NuoF E95Q variant of Complex I shows that the single amino acid replacement in the catalytic site caused a strong decrease of NADH binding and/or the hydride transfer from bound NADH to FMN.

  15. Catalytic Activity and Proton Translocation of Reconstituted Respiratory Complex I Monitored by Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Gutiérrez-Sanz, Oscar; Forbrig, Enrico; Batista, Ana P; Pereira, Manuela M; Salewski, Johannes; Mroginski, Maria A; Götz, Robert; De Lacey, Antonio L; Kozuch, Jacek; Zebger, Ingo

    2018-05-22

    Respiratory complex I (CpI) is a key player in the way organisms obtain energy, being an energy transducer, which couples nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)/quinone oxidoreduction with proton translocation by a mechanism that remains elusive so far. In this work, we monitored the function of CpI in a biomimetic, supported lipid membrane system assembled on a 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) self-assembled monolayer by surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy. 4-ATP serves not only as a linker molecule to a nanostructured gold surface but also as pH sensor, as indicated by concomitant density functional theory calculations. In this way, we were able to monitor NADH/quinone oxidoreduction-induced transmembrane proton translocation via the protonation state of 4-ATP, depending on the net orientation of CpI molecules induced by two complementary approaches. An associated change of the amide I/amide II band intensity ratio indicates conformational modifications upon catalysis which may involve movements of transmembrane helices or other secondary structural elements, as suggested in the literature [ Di Luca , Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. , 2017 , 114 , E6314 - E6321 ].

  16. Bioenergetic Approaches and Inflammation of MPTP Toxicity

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-09-01

    out a large number of studies, which showed that there were indeed significant protective effects. In particular, we were able to show that CoQ ...the Nrf2/ARE pathway. We demonstrated that these compounds can induce antioxidant enzymes in normal fibroblasts, however, the ability to induce thee...2 enzymes glutathione·c transferase, NADPH quinone oxidoreductase and heme·oxygenase was blocked in fibroblasts knocked out for Nrf2/ARE. We

  17. COGNAT: a web server for comparative analysis of genomic neighborhoods.

    PubMed

    Klimchuk, Olesya I; Konovalov, Kirill A; Perekhvatov, Vadim V; Skulachev, Konstantin V; Dibrova, Daria V; Mulkidjanian, Armen Y

    2017-11-22

    In prokaryotic genomes, functionally coupled genes can be organized in conserved gene clusters enabling their coordinated regulation. Such clusters could contain one or several operons, which are groups of co-transcribed genes. Those genes that evolved from a common ancestral gene by speciation (i.e. orthologs) are expected to have similar genomic neighborhoods in different organisms, whereas those copies of the gene that are responsible for dissimilar functions (i.e. paralogs) could be found in dissimilar genomic contexts. Comparative analysis of genomic neighborhoods facilitates the prediction of co-regulated genes and helps to discern different functions in large protein families. We intended, building on the attribution of gene sequences to the clusters of orthologous groups of proteins (COGs), to provide a method for visualization and comparative analysis of genomic neighborhoods of evolutionary related genes, as well as a respective web server. Here we introduce the COmparative Gene Neighborhoods Analysis Tool (COGNAT), a web server for comparative analysis of genomic neighborhoods. The tool is based on the COG database, as well as the Pfam protein families database. As an example, we show the utility of COGNAT in identifying a new type of membrane protein complex that is formed by paralog(s) of one of the membrane subunits of the NADH:quinone oxidoreductase of type 1 (COG1009) and a cytoplasmic protein of unknown function (COG3002). This article was reviewed by Drs. Igor Zhulin, Uri Gophna and Igor Rogozin.

  18. Organ and tissue-dependent effect of resveratrol and exercise on antioxidant defenses of old mice.

    PubMed

    Tung, Bui Thanh; Rodriguez-Bies, Elisabet; Thanh, Hai Nguyen; Le-Thi-Thu, Huong; Navas, Plácido; Sanchez, Virginia Motilva; López-Lluch, Guillermo

    2015-12-01

    Oxidative stress has been considered one of the causes of aging. For this reason, treatments based on antioxidants or those capable of increasing endogenous antioxidant activity have been taken into consideration to delay aging or age-related disease progression. In this paper, we determine if resveratrol and exercise have similar effect on the antioxidant capacity of different organs in old mice. Resveratrol (6 months) and/or exercise (1.5 months) was administered to old mice. Markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation and glutathione) and activities and levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and transferase and thioredoxin reductases, NADH cytochrome B5-reductase and NAD(P)H-quinone acceptor oxidoreductase) were determined by spectrophotometry and Western blotting in different organs: liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, heart and brain. Both interventions improved antioxidant activity in the major organs of the mice. This induction was accompanied by a decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation in the liver, heart and muscle of mice. Both resveratrol and exercise modulated several antioxidant activities and protein levels. However, the effect of resveratrol, exercise or their combination was organ dependent, indicating that different organs respond in different ways to the same stimulus. Our data suggest that physical activity and resveratrol may be of great importance for the prevention of age-related diseases, but that their organ-dependent effect must be taken into consideration to design a better intervention.

  19. Age-dependent effect of every-other-day feeding and aerobic exercise in ubiquinone levels and related antioxidant activities in mice muscle.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez-Bies, Elizabeth; Navas, Plácido; López-Lluch, Guillermo

    2015-01-01

    Aging affects many biochemical, cellular, and physiological processes in the organisms. Accumulation of damage based on oxidized macromolecules is found in many age-associated diseases. Coenzyme Q (Q) is one of the main molecules involved in metabolic and antioxidant activities in cells. Q-dependent antioxidant activities are importantly involved on the protection of cell membranes against oxidation. Many studies indicate that Q decay in most of the organs during aging. In our study, no changes in Q levels were found in old animals in comparison with young animals. On the other hand, the interventions, caloric restriction based on every-other-day feeding procedure, and physical exercise were able to increase Q levels in muscle, but only in old and not in young animals. Probably, this effect prevented the increase in lipid peroxidation found in aged animals and also protein carbonylation. Further, Q-dependent antioxidant activities such as NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase and NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 are also modulated by both exercise and every other day feeding. Taken together, we demonstrate that exercise and dietary restriction as every-other-day procedure can regulate endogenous synthesized Q levels and Q-dependent antioxidant activities in muscle, preventing oxidative damage in aged muscle. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  20. Evidence supporting dissimilatory and assimilatory lignin degradation in Enterobacter lignolyticus SCF1

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

    DeAngelis, Kristen M.; Sharma, Deepak; Varney, Rebecca

    2013-08-29

    The anaerobic isolate Enterobacter lignolyticus SCF1 was initially cultivated based on anaerobic growth on lignin as sole carbon source. The source of the isolated bacteria was from tropical forest soils that decompose litter rapidly with low and fluctuating redox potentials, making it likely that bacteria using oxygen-independent enzymes play an important role in decomposition. We have examined differential expression of the anaerobic isolate Enterobacter lignolyticus SCF1 during growth on lignin. After 48 hours of growth, we used transcriptomics and proteomics to define the enzymes and other regulatory machinery that these organisms use to degrade lignin, as well as metabolomics tomore » measure lignin degradation and monitor the use of lignin and iron as terminal electron acceptors that facilitate more efficient use of carbon. Proteomics revealed accelerated xylose uptake and metabolism under lignin-amended growth, and lignin degradation via the 4-hydroxyphenylacetate degradation pathway, catalase/peroxidase enzymes, and the glutathione biosynthesis and glutathione S-transferase proteins. We also observed increased production of NADH-quinone oxidoreductase, other electron transport chain proteins, and ATP synthase and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Our data shows the advantages of a multi-omics approach, where incomplete pathways identified by genomics were completed, and new observations made on coping with poor carbon availability. The fast growth, high efficiency and specificity of enzymes employed in bacterial anaerobic litter deconstruction makes these soils useful templates for improving biofuel production.« less

  1. Acute and Subchronic Toxicity of Inhaled Toluene in Male ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The effects of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are of concern to the EPA, are poorly understood, in part because of insufficient characterization of how human exposure duration impacts VOC effects. Two inhalation studies with multiple endpoints, one acute and one subchronic, were conducted to seek effects of the VOC, toluene, in rats and to compare the effects between acute and subchronic exposures. Adult male Long-Evans rats were exposed to toluene vapor (n = 6 per group) at a concentration of 0 or l 019 ± 14 ppm for 6 h in the acute study and at 0 ± 0, 10 ± 1.4, 97 ± 7, or 995 ± 43 ppm for 6 h/d, 5 d/week for 13 weeksin the subchronic study. For the acute study, brains were dissected on ice within 30 min of the end of exposure, while for the subchronic study, brains were dissected 18 h after the last exposure. Frontal cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and striatum were assayed for a variety of oxidative stress (OS) parameters including total aconitase (TA), protein carbonyls, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GRD), glutathione transferase (GST), y-­glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidants (TAS), NADPH quinone oxidoreductase- 1 (NQO1 ), and NADH ubiquinone reductase (UBIQ-RD) activities using commercially available kits. Following acute exposure, UBIQ-RD, GCS and GRD were increased significantly only in the cerebellum, while TAS was increased in frontal cortex. On the other

  2. Discovery of a Eukaryotic Pyrroloquinoline Quinone-Dependent Oxidoreductase Belonging to a New Auxiliary Activity Family in the Database of Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes

    PubMed Central

    Sugimoto, Naohisa; Ishida, Takuya; Samejima, Masahiro; Ohno, Hiroyuki; Yoshida, Makoto; Igarashi, Kiyohiko; Nakamura, Nobuhumi

    2014-01-01

    Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a redox cofactor utilized by a number of prokaryotic dehydrogenases. Not all prokaryotic organisms are capable of synthesizing PQQ, even though it plays important roles in the growth and development of many organisms, including humans. The existence of PQQ-dependent enzymes in eukaryotes has been suggested based on homology studies or the presence of PQQ-binding motifs, but there has been no evidence that such enzymes utilize PQQ as a redox cofactor. However, during our studies of hemoproteins, we fortuitously discovered a novel PQQ-dependent sugar oxidoreductase in a mushroom, the basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea. The enzyme protein has a signal peptide for extracellular secretion and a domain for adsorption on cellulose, in addition to the PQQ-dependent sugar dehydrogenase and cytochrome domains. Although this enzyme shows low amino acid sequence homology with known PQQ-dependent enzymes, it strongly binds PQQ and shows PQQ-dependent activity. BLAST search uncovered the existence of many genes encoding homologous proteins in bacteria, archaea, amoebozoa, and fungi, and phylogenetic analysis suggested that these quinoproteins may be members of a new family that is widely distributed not only in prokaryotes, but also in eukaryotes. PMID:25121592

  3. NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 inhibits the proteasomal degradation of homocysteine-induced endoplasmic reticulum protein

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

    Maeda, Tomoji, E-mail: t-maeda@nichiyaku.ac.jp; Tanabe-Fujimura, Chiaki; Fujita, Yu

    2016-05-13

    Homocysteine-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein (Herp) is an ER stress-inducible key regulatory component of ER-associated degradation (ERAD) that has been implicated in insulin hypersecretion in diabetic mouse models. Herp expression is tightly regulated. Additionally, Herp is a highly labile protein and interacts with various proteins, which are characteristic features of ubiquitinated protein. Previously, we reported that ubiquitination is not required for Herp degradation. In addition, we found that the lysine residues of Herp (which are ubiquitinated by E3 ubiquitin ligase) are not sufficient for regulation of Herp degradation. In this study, we found that NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)-mediated targetingmore » of Herp to the proteasome was involved in Herp degradation. In addition, we found that Herp protein levels were markedly elevated in synoviolin-null cells. The E3 ubiquitin ligase synoviolin is a central component of ERAD and is involved in the degradation of nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), which regulates cellular reactive oxygen species. Additionally, NQO1 is a target of Nrf2. Thus, our findings indicated that NQO1 could stabilize Herp protein expression via indirect regulation of synoviolin. -- Highlights: •Herp interacts with NQO1. •NQO1 regulates Herp degradation.« less

  4. Modification of quinone electrochemistry by the proteins in the biological electron transfer chains: examples from photosynthetic reaction centers

    PubMed Central

    Gunner, M. R.; Madeo, Jennifer; Zhu, Zhenyu

    2009-01-01

    Quinones such as ubiquinone are the lipid soluble electron and proton carriers in the membranes of mitochondria, chloroplasts and oxygenic bacteria. Quinones undergo controlled redox reactions bound to specific sites in integral membrane proteins such as the cytochrome bc1 oxidoreductase. The quinone reactions in bacterial photosynthesis are amongst the best characterized, presenting a model to understand how proteins modulate cofactor chemistry. The free energy of ubiquinone redox reactions in aqueous solution and in the QA and QB sites of the bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers (RCs) are compared. In the primary QA site ubiquinone is reduced only to the anionic semiquinone (Q•−) while in the secondary QB site the product is the doubly reduced, doubly protonated quinol (QH2). The ways in which the protein modifies the relative energy of each reduced and protonated intermediate are described. For example, the protein stabilizes Q•− while destabilizing Q= relative to aqueous solution through electrostatic interactions. In addition, kinetic and thermodynamic mechanisms for stabilizing the intermediate semiquinones are compared. Evidence for the protein sequestering anionic compounds by slowing both on and off rates as well as by binding the anion more tightly is reviewed. PMID:18979192

  5. Structure of the Deactive State of Mammalian Respiratory Complex I.

    PubMed

    Blaza, James N; Vinothkumar, Kutti R; Hirst, Judy

    2018-02-06

    Complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) is central to energy metabolism in mammalian mitochondria. It couples NADH oxidation by ubiquinone to proton transport across the energy-conserving inner membrane, catalyzing respiration and driving ATP synthesis. In the absence of substrates, active complex I gradually enters a pronounced resting or deactive state. The active-deactive transition occurs during ischemia and is crucial for controlling how respiration recovers upon reperfusion. Here, we set a highly active preparation of Bos taurus complex I into the biochemically defined deactive state, and used single-particle electron cryomicroscopy to determine its structure to 4.1 Å resolution. We show that the deactive state arises when critical structural elements that form the ubiquinone-binding site become disordered, and we propose reactivation is induced when substrate binding to the NADH-reduced enzyme templates their reordering. Our structure both rationalizes biochemical data on the deactive state and offers new insights into its physiological and cellular roles. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  6. Enzyme-Initiated Quinone-Chitosan Conjugation Chemistry: Toward A General in Situ Strategy for High-Throughput Photoelectrochemical Enzymatic Bioanalysis.

    PubMed

    Wang, Guang-Li; Yuan, Fang; Gu, Tiantian; Dong, Yuming; Wang, Qian; Zhao, Wei-Wei

    2018-02-06

    Herein we report a general and novel strategy for high-throughput photoelectrochemical (PEC) enzymatic bioanalysis on the basis of enzyme-initiated quinone-chitosan conjugation chemistry (QCCC). Specifically, the strategy was illustrated by using a model quinones-generating oxidase of tyrosinase (Tyr) to catalytically produce 1,2-bezoquinone or its derivative, which can easily and selectively be conjugated onto the surface of the chitosan deposited PbS/NiO/FTO photocathode via the QCCC. Upon illumination, the covalently attached quinones could act as electron acceptors of PbS quantum dots (QDs), improving the photocurrent generation and thus allowing the elegant probing of Tyr activity. Enzyme cascades, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP)/Tyr and β-galactosidase (Gal)/Tyr, were further introduced into the system for the successful probing of the corresponding targets. This work features not only the first use of QCCC in PEC bioanalysis but also the separation of enzymatic reaction from the photoelectrode as well as the direct signal recording in a split-type protocol, which enables quite convenient and high-throughput detection as compared to previous formats. More importantly, by using numerous other oxidoreductases that involve quinones as reactants/products, this protocol could serve as a common basis for the development of a new class of QCCC-based PEC enzymatic bioanalysis and further extended for general enzyme-labeled PEC bioanalysis of versatile targets.

  7. Electron Transport in Paracoccus Halodenitrificans and the Role of Ubiquinone

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hochstein, L. I.; Cronin, S. E.

    1983-01-01

    The membrane-bound NADH oxidase of Paracoccus halodenitrificans was inhibited by dicoumarol, 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (HQNO), and exposure to ultraviolet light (at 366 nm). When the membranes were extracted with n-pentane, NADH oxidase activity was lost. Partial restoration was achieved by adding the ubiquinone fraction extracted from the membranes. Succinate oxidation was not inhibited by dicoumarol or HQNO but was affected by ultraviolet irradiation or n-pentane extraction. However, the addition of the ubiquinone fraction to the n-pentane-extracted membranes did not restore enzyme activity. These observations suggested the reducing equivalents from succinate entered the respiratory chain on the oxygen side of the HQNO-sensitive site and probably did not proceed through a quinone.

  8. Electron transport in Paracoccus halodenitrificans and the role of Ubiquinone

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hochstein, L. I.; Cronin, S. E.

    1984-01-01

    The membrane-bound NADH oxidase of Paracoccus halodenitrificans was inhibited by dicoumarol, 2-n-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (HQNO), and exposure to ultraviolet light (at 366 nm). When the membranes were extracted with n-pentane, NADH oxidase activity was lost. Partial restoration was achieved by adding the ubiquinone fraction extracted from the membranes. Succinate oxidation was not inhibited by dicoumarol or HQNO but was affected by ultraviolet irradiation or n-pentane extraction. However, the addition of the ubiquinone fraction to the n-pentane-extracted membranes did not restore enzyme activity. These observations suggested the reducing equivalents from succinate entered the respiratory chain on the oxygen side of the HQNO-sensitive site and probably did not proceed through a quinone.

  9. Anti-cancer analogues ME-143 and ME-344 exert toxicity by directly inhibiting mitochondrial NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I).

    PubMed

    Lim, Sze Chern; Carey, Kirstyn T; McKenzie, Matthew

    2015-01-01

    Isoflavonoids have been shown to inhibit tumor proliferation and metastasis by activating cell death pathways. As such, they have been widely studied as potential therapies for cancer prevention. The second generation synthetic isoflavan analogues ME-143 and ME-344 also exhibit anti-cancer effects, however their specific molecular targets have not been completely defined. To identify these targets, we examined the effects of ME-143 and ME-344 on cellular metabolism and found that they are potent inhibitors of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complex I (NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase) activity. In isolated HEK293T mitochondria, ME-143 and ME-344 reduced complex I activity to 14.3% and 28.6% of control values respectively. In addition to the inhibition of complex I, ME-344 also significantly inhibited mitochondrial complex III (ubiquinol: ferricytochrome-c oxidoreductase) activity by 10.8%. This inhibition of complex I activity (and to a lesser extent complex III activity) was associated with a reduction in mitochondrial oxygen consumption. In permeabilized HEK293T cells, ME-143 and ME-344 significantly reduced the maximum ADP-stimulated respiration rate to 62.3% and 70.0% of control levels respectively in the presence of complex I-linked substrates. Conversely, complex II-linked respiration was unaffected by either drug. We also observed that the inhibition of complex I-linked respiration caused the dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Blue native (BN-PAGE) analysis revealed that prolonged loss of ΔΨm results in the destabilization of the native OXPHOS complexes. In particular, treatment of 143B osteosarcoma, HeLa and HEK293T human embryonic kidney cells with ME-344 for 4 h resulted in reduced steady-state levels of mature complex I. Degradation of the complex I subunit NDUFA9, as well as the complex IV (ferrocytochrome c: oxygen oxidoreductase) subunit COXIV, was also evident. The identification of OXPHOS complex I as a target of ME-143 and ME-344 advances our understanding of how these drugs induce cell death by disrupting mitochondrial metabolism, and will direct future work to maximize the anti-cancer capacity of these and other isoflavone-based compounds.

  10. Collapse of the native structure caused by a single amino acid exchange in human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase(1.).

    PubMed

    Lienhart, Wolf-Dieter; Gudipati, Venugopal; Uhl, Michael K; Binter, Alexandra; Pulido, Sergio A; Saf, Robert; Zangger, Klaus; Gruber, Karl; Macheroux, Peter

    2014-10-01

    Human quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is essential for the antioxidant defense system, stabilization of tumor suppressors (e.g. p53, p33, and p73), and activation of quinone-based chemotherapeutics. Overexpression of NQO1 in many solid tumors, coupled with its ability to convert quinone-based chemotherapeutics into potent cytotoxic compounds, have made it a very attractive target for anticancer drugs. A naturally occurring single-nucleotide polymorphism (C609T) leading to an amino acid exchange (P187S) has been implicated in the development of various cancers and poor survival rates following anthracyclin-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Despite its importance for cancer prediction and therapy, the exact molecular basis for the loss of function in NQO1 P187S is currently unknown. Therefore, we solved the crystal structure of NQO1 P187S. Surprisingly, this structure is almost identical to NQO1. Employing a combination of NMR spectroscopy and limited proteolysis experiments, we demonstrated that the single amino acid exchange destabilized interactions between the core and C-terminus, leading to depopulation of the native structure in solution. This collapse of the native structure diminished cofactor affinity and led to a less competent FAD-binding pocket, thus severely compromising the catalytic capacity of the variant protein. Hence, our findings provide a rationale for the loss of function in NQO1 P187S with a frequently occurring single-nucleotide polymorphism. Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession numbers 4cet (P187S variant with dicoumarol) and 4cf6 (P187S variant with Cibacron blue). NQO1 P187S and NQO1 P187S bind by nuclear magnetic resonance (View interaction) NQO1 P187S and NQO1 P187S bind by x-ray crystallography (1, 2) NQO1 and NQO1 bind by molecular sieving (1, 2). © 2014 The Authors. FEBS Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of FEBS.

  11. Oxidative stress and neurodegeneration: The possible contribution of quinone reductase 2.

    PubMed

    Cassagnes, Laure-Estelle; Chhour, Monivan; Pério, Pierre; Sudor, Jan; Gayon, Régis; Ferry, Gilles; Boutin, Jean A; Nepveu, Françoise; Reybier, Karine

    2018-05-20

    There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress is involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is due in part to the reactivity of catecholamines, such as dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These molecules are rapidly converted, chemically or enzymatically, into catechol-quinone and then into highly deleterious semiquinone radicals after 1-electron reduction in cells. Notably, the overexpression of dihydronicotinamide riboside:quinone oxidoreductase (QR2) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells increases the production of ROS, mainly superoxide radicals, when it is exposed to exogenous catechol-quinones (e.g. dopachrome, aminochrome, and adrenochrome). Here we used electron paramagnetic resonance analysis to demonstrate that the phenomenon observed in CHO cells is also seen in human leukemic cells (K562 cells) that naturally express QR2. Moreover, by manipulating the level of QR2 in neuronal cells, including immortalized neuroblast cells and ex vivo neurons isolated from QR2 knockout animals, we showed that there is a direct relationship between QR2-mediated quinone reduction and ROS overproduction. Supporting this result, the withdraw of the QR2 co-factor (BNAH) or the addition of the specific QR2 inhibitor S29434 suppressed oxidative stress. Taken together, these data suggest that the overexpression of QR2 in brain cells in the presence of catechol quinones might lead to ROS-induced cell death via the rapid conversion of superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide and then into highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. Thus, QR2 may be implicated in the early stages of neurodegenerative disorders. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. An Enzymatic Bioassay for Perchlorate

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-07-01

    redox active dye phenazine methosulfate (PMS) and nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NADH). By using a specific addition scheme and covering all...redox potentials determined from (Fultz and Durst, 1982)). The dye structures include an indole, a quinone, a bipyridinium, and two phenazine ...listed above, as well as 100 μM of the dye shown on the x-axis. As can be seen in figure 18, phenazine methosulfate (PMS, fourth from the left) is

  13. Indigofera suffruticosa Mill extracts up-regulate the expression of the π class of glutathione S-transferase and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 in rat Clone 9 liver cells.

    PubMed

    Chen, Chun-Chieh; Liu, Chin-San; Li, Chien-Chun; Tsai, Chia-Wen; Yao, Hsien-Tsung; Liu, Te-Chung; Chen, Haw-Wen; Chen, Pei-Yin; Wu, Yu-Ling; Lii, Chong-Kuei; Liu, Kai-Li

    2013-09-01

    Because induction of phase II detoxification enzyme is important for chemoprevention, we study the effects of Indigofera suffruticosa Mill, a medicinal herb, on the expression of π class of glutathione S-transferase (GSTP) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in rat Clone 9 liver cells. Both water and ethanolic extracts of I. suffruticosa significantly increased the expression and enzyme activities of GSTP and NQO1. I. suffruticosa extracts up-regulated GSTP promoter activity and the binding affinity of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) with the GSTP enhancer I oligonucleotide. Moreover, I. suffruticosa extracts increased nuclear Nrf2 accumulation as well as ARE transcriptional activity. The level of phospho-ERK was augmented by I. suffruticosa extracts, and the ERK inhibitor PD98059 abolished the I. suffruticosa extract-induced ERK activation and GSTP and NQO-1 expression. Moreover, I. suffruticosa extracts, especially the ethanolic extract increased the glutathione level in mouse liver and red blood cells as well as Clone 9 liver cells. The efficacy of I. suffruticosa extracts in induction of phase II detoxification enzymes and glutathione content implies that I. suffruticosa could be considered as a potential chemopreventive agent. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopic study of flavin fluorescence in purified enzymes of bioluminescent bacteria

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vetrova, Elena; Kudryasheva, N.; Cheng, K.

    2006-10-01

    Time-resolved fluorescence intensity and anisotropy decay measurements have been used to study the environment and rotational mobility of endogenous flavin in two purified enzymes of bioluminescent bacteria, Luciferase from Photobacterium leiognathi and NAD(P)H:FMN-oxidoreductase from Vibrio fischeri. We compared the time-resolved fluorescence parameters, intensity decay lifetimes, rotational correlation times, and their fractional contribution, of the endogeneous flavin fluorescence in each of the two enzymes in the presence or absence of quinones of different structures and redox potentials. The endogeneous flavin exhibited multi-exponential decay characteristics as compared to a single decay lifetime of around 5 ns for free flavin, suggesting a complex and heterogeneous environment of flavin bound to the enzyme. In addition, a significant increase in the rotational correlation time and a certain degree of ordering of the molecule were observed for endogenous flavin when compared to a single and fast rotational correlation time of 150 ps of free flavin. Quinone significantly altered both the lifetime and rotational characteristics of endogenous flavin suggesting specific interactions of quinones to the endogeneous flavin in the bacterial enzyme.

  15. Bactericidal peptidoglycan recognition protein induces oxidative stress in Escherichia coli through a block in respiratory chain and increase in central carbon catabolism.

    PubMed

    Kashyap, Des R; Kuzma, Marcin; Kowalczyk, Dominik A; Gupta, Dipika; Dziarski, Roman

    2017-09-01

    Mammalian Peptidoglycan Recognition Proteins (PGRPs) kill both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria through simultaneous induction of oxidative, thiol and metal stress responses in bacteria. However, metabolic pathways through which PGRPs induce these bactericidal stress responses are unknown. We screened Keio collection of Escherichia coli deletion mutants and revealed that deleting genes for respiratory chain flavoproteins or for tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle resulted in increased resistance of E. coli to PGRP killing. PGRP-induced killing depended on the production of hydrogen peroxide, which required increased supply of NADH for respiratory chain oxidoreductases from central carbon catabolism (glycolysis and TCA cycle), and was controlled by cAMP-Crp. Bactericidal PGRP induced a rapid decrease in respiration, which suggested that the main source of increased production of hydrogen peroxide was a block in respiratory chain and diversion of electrons from NADH oxidoreductases to oxygen. CpxRA two-component system was a negative regulator of PGRP-induced oxidative stress. By contrast, PGRP-induced thiol stress (depletion of thiols) and metal stress (increase in intracellular free Zn 2+ through influx of extracellular Zn 2+ ) were mostly independent of oxidative stress. Thus, manipulating pathways that induce oxidative, thiol and metal stress in bacteria could be a useful strategy to design new approaches to antibacterial therapy. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  16. Combined molecular modelling and 3D-QSAR study for understanding the inhibition of NQO1 by heterocyclic quinone derivatives.

    PubMed

    López-Lira, Claudia; Alzate-Morales, Jans H; Paulino, Margot; Mella-Raipán, Jaime; Salas, Cristian O; Tapia, Ricardo A; Soto-Delgado, Jorge

    2018-01-01

    A combination of three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR), and molecular modelling methods were used to understand the potent inhibitory NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) activity of a set of 52 heterocyclic quinones. Molecular docking results indicated that some favourable interactions of key amino acid residues at the binding site of NQO1 with these quinones would be responsible for an improvement of the NQO1 activity of these compounds. The main interactions involved are hydrogen bond of the amino group of residue Tyr128, π-stacking interactions with Phe106 and Phe178, and electrostatic interactions with flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH) cofactor. Three models were prepared by 3D-QSAR analysis. The models derived from Model I and Model III, shown leave-one-out cross-validation correlation coefficients (q 2 LOO ) of .75 and .73 as well as conventional correlation coefficients (R 2 ) of .93 and .95, respectively. In addition, the external predictive abilities of these models were evaluated using a test set, producing the predicted correlation coefficients (r 2 pred ) of .76 and .74, respectively. The good concordance between the docking results and 3D-QSAR contour maps provides helpful information about a rational modification of new molecules based in quinone scaffold, in order to design more potent NQO1 inhibitors, which would exhibit highly potent antitumor activity. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

  17. Diagnostic evaluation of oxidoreductive capability of sperm mitochondria.

    PubMed

    Piasecka, M; Gaczarzewicz, D; Kurzawa, R; Laszczyńska, M; Kram, A

    2004-01-01

    In the present paper, morphological and functional features of human sperm midpiece, contributing to the assessment of sperm fertility potential, have been described. The NADH-dependent NBT screening assay was used to identify and visualise: 1/ morphological defects of sperm midpiece, 2/ immature sperm forms with extensive cytoplasmic retention, reflecting developmental failure in spermatogenic remodelling process, 3/ cytoplasmic sperm conglomerates, related to apoptotic bodies and 4/ sperm NADH-dependent oxidoreductase system at the mitochondrial level, related to the reaction intensity. The used assay is an adequate marker of sperm mitochondrial activity and sperm maturity. It can also help discover sperm defects that result in asthenozoospermia and can be used as an additional indicator in the evaluation of the sperm midpiece, as well as in routine morphological examination of spermatozoa, having a considerable predictive value for in vivo and in vitro fertilization.

  18. Electronic connection between the quinone and cytochrome C redox pools and its role in regulation of mitochondrial electron transport and redox signaling.

    PubMed

    Sarewicz, Marcin; Osyczka, Artur

    2015-01-01

    Mitochondrial respiration, an important bioenergetic process, relies on operation of four membranous enzymatic complexes linked functionally by mobile, freely diffusible elements: quinone molecules in the membrane and water-soluble cytochromes c in the intermembrane space. One of the mitochondrial complexes, complex III (cytochrome bc1 or ubiquinol:cytochrome c oxidoreductase), provides an electronic connection between these two diffusible redox pools linking in a fully reversible manner two-electron quinone oxidation/reduction with one-electron cytochrome c reduction/oxidation. Several features of this homodimeric enzyme implicate that in addition to its well-defined function of contributing to generation of proton-motive force, cytochrome bc1 may be a physiologically important point of regulation of electron flow acting as a sensor of the redox state of mitochondria that actively responds to changes in bioenergetic conditions. These features include the following: the opposing redox reactions at quinone catalytic sites located on the opposite sides of the membrane, the inter-monomer electronic connection that functionally links four quinone binding sites of a dimer into an H-shaped electron transfer system, as well as the potential to generate superoxide and release it to the intermembrane space where it can be engaged in redox signaling pathways. Here we highlight recent advances in understanding how cytochrome bc1 may accomplish this regulatory physiological function, what is known and remains unknown about catalytic and side reactions within the quinone binding sites and electron transfers through the cofactor chains connecting those sites with the substrate redox pools. We also discuss the developed molecular mechanisms in the context of physiology of mitochondria. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

  19. Electronic Connection Between the Quinone and Cytochrome c Redox Pools and Its Role in Regulation of Mitochondrial Electron Transport and Redox Signaling

    PubMed Central

    Sarewicz, Marcin; Osyczka, Artur

    2015-01-01

    Mitochondrial respiration, an important bioenergetic process, relies on operation of four membranous enzymatic complexes linked functionally by mobile, freely diffusible elements: quinone molecules in the membrane and water-soluble cytochromes c in the intermembrane space. One of the mitochondrial complexes, complex III (cytochrome bc1 or ubiquinol:cytochrome c oxidoreductase), provides an electronic connection between these two diffusible redox pools linking in a fully reversible manner two-electron quinone oxidation/reduction with one-electron cytochrome c reduction/oxidation. Several features of this homodimeric enzyme implicate that in addition to its well-defined function of contributing to generation of proton-motive force, cytochrome bc1 may be a physiologically important point of regulation of electron flow acting as a sensor of the redox state of mitochondria that actively responds to changes in bioenergetic conditions. These features include the following: the opposing redox reactions at quinone catalytic sites located on the opposite sides of the membrane, the inter-monomer electronic connection that functionally links four quinone binding sites of a dimer into an H-shaped electron transfer system, as well as the potential to generate superoxide and release it to the intermembrane space where it can be engaged in redox signaling pathways. Here we highlight recent advances in understanding how cytochrome bc1 may accomplish this regulatory physiological function, what is known and remains unknown about catalytic and side reactions within the quinone binding sites and electron transfers through the cofactor chains connecting those sites with the substrate redox pools. We also discuss the developed molecular mechanisms in the context of physiology of mitochondria. PMID:25540143

  20. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 antioxidant response element pathways protect bovine mammary epithelial cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in vitro.

    PubMed

    Ma, Y F; Wu, Z H; Gao, M; Loor, J J

    2018-06-01

    The experiment was conducted to determine the role of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like factor 2 (NFE2L2, formerly Nrf2) antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway in protecting bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) against H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress injury. An NFE2L2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) interference or a pCMV6-XL5-NFE2L2 plasmid fragment was transfected to independently downregulate or upregulate expression of NFE2L2. Isolated BMEC in triplicate were exposed to H 2 O 2 (600 μM) for 6 h to induce oxidative stress before transient transfection with scrambled siRNA, NFE2L2-siRNA, pCMV6-XL5, and pCMV6-XL5-NFE2L2. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and necrosis rates, antioxidant enzyme activities, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) production, protein and mRNA expression of NFE2L2 and downstream target genes, and fluorescence activity of ARE were measured. The results revealed that compared with the control, BMEC transfected with NFE2L2-siRNA3 had proliferation rates that were 9 or 65% lower without or with H 2 O 2 , respectively. These cells also had apoptosis and necrosis rates that were 27 and 3.5 times greater with H 2 O 2 compared with the control group, respectively. In contrast, transfected pCMV6-XL5-NFE2L2 had proliferation rates that were 64.3% greater or 17% lower without or with H 2 O 2 compared with the control group, respectively. Apoptosis rates were 1.8 times lower with H 2 O 2 compared with the control. In addition, compared with the control, production of ROS and MDA and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) increased markedly in cells transfected with pCMV6-XL5-NFE2L2 and without H 2 O 2 . However, compared with the control, production of ROS and MDA and activity of CAT and GSH-Px increased markedly, whereas activities of SOD and GST decreased in cells transfected with pCMV6-XL5-NFE2L2 and incubated with H 2 O 2 . Compared with the control, cells transfected with NFE2L2-siRNA3 with or without H 2 O 2 had lower production of ROS and MDA and activity of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GST. Cells transfected with pCMV6-XL5-NFE2L2 with or without H 2 O 2 had markedly higher protein and mRNA expression of NFE2L2, heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX-1), NADH quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, and glutamyl cystine ligase modulatory subunit compared with the control incubations. Cells transfected with NFE2L2-siRNA3 without or with H 2 O 2 had markedly lower protein and mRNA expression of NFE2L2, HMOX-1, NADH quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutamyl cystine ligase modulatory subunit, and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit compared with the control incubations. In addition, expression of HMOX-1 was 5.3-fold greater with H 2 O 2 compared with the control. Overall, results indicate that NFE2L2 plays an important role in the NFE2L2-ARE pathway via the control of HMOX-1. The relevant mechanisms in vivo merit further study. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Laccase-catalyzed synthesis of 2,3-ethylenedithio-1,4-quinones

    DOE PAGES

    Cannatelli, Mark D.; Ragauskas, Arthur J.

    2015-06-05

    Laccases (benzenediol:oxygen oxidoreductase EC 1.10.3.2) are part of a family of multicopper oxidases. These environmentally friendly enzymes require O 2 as their only co-substrate and produce H 2O as their sole by-product. As a result, they have acquired increasing use in biotechnological applications, particularly in the field of organic synthesis. In the current study, laccases have been employed to successfully couple 1,2-ethanedithiol to various substituted hydroquinones to produce novel 2,3-ethylenedithio-1,4-quinones in good yields via an oxidation–addition–oxidation–addition–oxidation mechanism. The reactions proceeded in one-pot under mild conditions (room temperature, pH 5.0). This study further supports the use of laccases as green toolsmore » in organic chemistry. Furthermore, it provides evidence that laccase-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions involving small thiols are possible, in spite of research that suggests small thiols are potent inhibitors of laccases.« less

  2. Disruption of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 gene in mice leads to radiation induced myeloproliferative disease

    PubMed Central

    Iskander, Karim; Barrios, Roberto J.; Jaiswal, Anil K.

    2008-01-01

    NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase1-null (NQO1-/-) mice exposed to 3 grays of γ-radiation demonstrated an increase in neutrophils, bone marrow hypercellularity, and enlarged lymph nodes and spleen. The spleen showed disrupted follicular structure, loss of red pulp, and granulocyte and megakarocyte invasion. Blood and histological analysis did not show any sign of infection in mice. These results suggested that exposure of NQO1-/- mice to γ-radiation led to myeloproliferative disease. Radiation-induced myeloproliferative disease was observed in 74% of NQO1-/- mice as compared to none in wild type mice. NQO1-/- mice exposed to γ-radiation also demonstrated tissues lymphoma (32%) and lung adenocarcinoma (84%). In contrast, only 11% wild type mice showed lymphoma and none showed lung adenocarcinoma. Exposure of NQO1-/- mice to γ-radiation resulted in reduced apoptosis in granulocytes and lack of induction of p53, p21, and Bax. NQO1-/- mice also demonstrated increased expression of myeloid differentiation factors C/EBPα and Pu.1. Intriguingly, exposure of NQO1-/- mice to γ-radiation failed to induce C/EBPα and Pu.1, as was observed in wild type mice. These results suggest that decreased p53/apoptosis and increased Pu.1 and C/EBPα led to myeloid hyperplasia in NQO1-/- mice. The lack of induction of apoptosis and differentiation contributed to radiation-induced myeloproliferative disease in NQO1-/- mice. PMID:18829548

  3. Upregulation of NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase By Radiation Potentiates the Effect of Bioreductive β-Lapachone on Cancer Cells1

    PubMed Central

    Choi, Eun K; Terai, Kaoru; Ji, In-Mi; Kook, Yeon H; Park, Kyung H; Oh, Eun T; Griffin, Robert J; Lim, Byung U; Kim, Jin-Seok; Lee, Doo S; Boothman, David A; Loren, Melissa; Song, Chang W; Park, Heon Joo

    2007-01-01

    We found that β-lapachone (β-lap), a novel bioreductive drug, caused rapid apoptosis and clonogenic cell death in A549 human lung epithelial cancer cells in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. The clonogenic cell death caused by β-lap could be significantly inhibited by dicoumarol, an inhibitor of NAD(P)H:quinone oxido-reductase (NQO1), and also by siRNA for NQO1, demonstrating that NQO1-induced bioreduction of β-lap is an essential step in β-lap-induced cell death. Irradiation of A549 cells with 4 Gy caused a long-lasting upregulation of NQO1, thereby increasing NQO1-mediated β-lap-induced cell deaths. Although the direct cause of β-lap-induced apoptosis is not yet clear, β-lap treatment reduced the expression of p53 and NF-κB, whereas it increased cytochrome C release, caspase-3 activity, and γH2AX foci formation. Importantly, β-lap treatment immediately after irradiation enhanced radiation-induced cell death, indicating that β-lap sensitizes cancer cells to radiation, in addition to directly killing some of the cells. The growth of A549 tumors induced in immunocompromised mice could be markedly suppressed by local radiation therapy when followed by β-lap treatment. This is the first study to demonstrate that combined radiotherapy and β-lap treatment can have a significant effect on human tumor xenografts. PMID:17786182

  4. Electron Bifurcation Involved in the Energy Metabolism of the Acetogenic Bacterium Moorella thermoacetica Growing on Glucose or H2 plus CO2

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Haiyan; Wang, Shuning; Moll, Johanna

    2012-01-01

    Moorella thermoacetica ferments glucose to three acetic acids. In the oxidative part of the fermentation, the hexose is converted to 2 acetic acids and 2 CO2 molecules with the formation of 2 NADH and 2 reduced ferredoxin (Fdred2−) molecules. In the reductive part, 2 CO2 molecules are reduced to acetic acid, consuming the 8 reducing equivalents generated in the oxidative part. An open question is how the two parts are electronically connected, since two of the four oxidoreductases involved in acetogenesis from CO2 are NADP specific rather than NAD specific. We report here that the 2 NADPH molecules required for CO2 reduction to acetic acid are generated by the reduction of 2 NADP+ molecules with 1 NADH and 1 Fdred2− catalyzed by the electron-bifurcating NADH-dependent reduced ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase (NfnAB). The cytoplasmic iron-sulfur flavoprotein was heterologously produced in Escherichia coli, purified, and characterized. The purified enzyme was composed of 30-kDa (NfnA) and 50-kDa (NfnB) subunits in a 1-to-1 stoichiometry. NfnA harbors a [2Fe2S] cluster and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and NfnB harbors two [4Fe4S] clusters and FAD. M. thermoacetica contains a second electron-bifurcating enzyme. Cell extracts catalyzed the coupled reduction of NAD+ and Fd with 2 H2 molecules. The specific activity of this cytoplasmic enzyme was 3-fold higher in H2-CO2-grown cells than in glucose-grown cells. The function of this electron-bifurcating hydrogenase is not yet clear, since H2-CO2-grown cells additionally contain high specific activities of an NADP+-dependent hydrogenase that catalyzes the reduction of NADP+ with H2. This activity is hardly detectable in glucose-grown cells. PMID:22582275

  5. An NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) enzyme responsive nanocarrier based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles for tumor targeted drug delivery in vitro and in vivo

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gayam, Srivardhan Reddy; Venkatesan, Parthiban; Sung, Yi-Ming; Sung, Shuo-Yuan; Hu, Shang-Hsiu; Hsu, Hsin-Yun; Wu, Shu-Pao

    2016-06-01

    The synthesis and characterization of an NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) enzyme responsive nanocarrier based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) for on-command delivery applications has been described in this paper. Gatekeeping of MSNPs is achieved by the integration of mechanically interlocked rotaxane nanovalves on the surface of MSNPs. The rotaxane nanovalve system is composed of a linear stalk anchoring on the surface of MSNPs, an α-cyclodextrin ring that encircles it and locks the payload ``cargo'' molecules in the mesopores, and a benzoquinone stopper incorporated at the end of the stalk. The gate opening and controlled release of the cargo are triggered by cleavage of the benzoquinone stopper using an endogenous NQO1 enzyme. In addition to having efficient drug loading and controlled release mechanisms, this smart biocompatible carrier system showed obvious uptake and consequent release of the drug in tumor cells, could selectively induce the tumor cell death and enhance the capability of inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. The controlled drug delivery system demonstrated its use as a potential theranostic material.The synthesis and characterization of an NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) enzyme responsive nanocarrier based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) for on-command delivery applications has been described in this paper. Gatekeeping of MSNPs is achieved by the integration of mechanically interlocked rotaxane nanovalves on the surface of MSNPs. The rotaxane nanovalve system is composed of a linear stalk anchoring on the surface of MSNPs, an α-cyclodextrin ring that encircles it and locks the payload ``cargo'' molecules in the mesopores, and a benzoquinone stopper incorporated at the end of the stalk. The gate opening and controlled release of the cargo are triggered by cleavage of the benzoquinone stopper using an endogenous NQO1 enzyme. In addition to having efficient drug loading and controlled release mechanisms, this smart biocompatible carrier system showed obvious uptake and consequent release of the drug in tumor cells, could selectively induce the tumor cell death and enhance the capability of inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. The controlled drug delivery system demonstrated its use as a potential theranostic material. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthesis and characterization of the functional molecules and MSNPs is available in the ESI. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr03525f

  6. β-carboline derivatives and diphenols from soy sauce are in vitro quinone reductase (QR) inducers.

    PubMed

    Li, Ying; Zhao, Mouming; Parkin, Kirk L

    2011-03-23

    A murine hepatoma (Hepa 1c1c7) cellular bioassay was used to guide the isolation of phase II enzyme inducers from fermented soy sauce, using quinone reductase (QR) as a biomarker. A crude ethyl acetate extract, accounting for 8.7% of nonsalt soluble solids of soy sauce, was found to double relative QR specific activity at 25 μg/mL (concentration required to double was defined as a "CD value"). Further silica gel column fractionation yielded 17 fractions, 16 of which exhibited CD values for QR induction of <100 μg/mL. The four most potent fractions were subfractionated by column and preparative thin layer chromatography, leading to the isolation and identification of two phenolic compounds (catechol and daidzein) and two β-carbolines (flazin and perlolyrin), with respective CD values of 8, 35, 42, and 2 μM. Western blots confirmed that the increases in QR activity corresponded to dose-dependent increases in cellular levels of NAD[P]H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 protein by these four QR inducers. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the ability of β-carboline-derived alkaloids to induce phase II enzymes.

  7. Anti-cancer analogues ME-143 and ME-344 exert toxicity by directly inhibiting mitochondrial NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I)

    PubMed Central

    Lim, Sze Chern; Carey, Kirstyn T; McKenzie, Matthew

    2015-01-01

    Isoflavonoids have been shown to inhibit tumor proliferation and metastasis by activating cell death pathways. As such, they have been widely studied as potential therapies for cancer prevention. The second generation synthetic isoflavan analogues ME-143 and ME-344 also exhibit anti-cancer effects, however their specific molecular targets have not been completely defined. To identify these targets, we examined the effects of ME-143 and ME-344 on cellular metabolism and found that they are potent inhibitors of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complex I (NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase) activity. In isolated HEK293T mitochondria, ME-143 and ME-344 reduced complex I activity to 14.3% and 28.6% of control values respectively. In addition to the inhibition of complex I, ME-344 also significantly inhibited mitochondrial complex III (ubiquinol: ferricytochrome-c oxidoreductase) activity by 10.8%. This inhibition of complex I activity (and to a lesser extent complex III activity) was associated with a reduction in mitochondrial oxygen consumption. In permeabilized HEK293T cells, ME-143 and ME-344 significantly reduced the maximum ADP-stimulated respiration rate to 62.3% and 70.0% of control levels respectively in the presence of complex I-linked substrates. Conversely, complex II-linked respiration was unaffected by either drug. We also observed that the inhibition of complex I-linked respiration caused the dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Blue native (BN-PAGE) analysis revealed that prolonged loss of ΔΨm results in the destabilization of the native OXPHOS complexes. In particular, treatment of 143B osteosarcoma, HeLa and HEK293T human embryonic kidney cells with ME-344 for 4 h resulted in reduced steady-state levels of mature complex I. Degradation of the complex I subunit NDUFA9, as well as the complex IV (ferrocytochrome c: oxygen oxidoreductase) subunit COXIV, was also evident. The identification of OXPHOS complex I as a target of ME-143 and ME-344 advances our understanding of how these drugs induce cell death by disrupting mitochondrial metabolism, and will direct future work to maximize the anti-cancer capacity of these and other isoflavone-based compounds. PMID:25973307

  8. Integration of Artificial Photosynthesis System for Enhanced Electronic Energy-Transfer Efficacy: A Case Study for Solar-Energy Driven Bioconversion of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol.

    PubMed

    Ji, Xiaoyuan; Su, Zhiguo; Wang, Ping; Ma, Guanghui; Zhang, Songping

    2016-09-01

    Biocatalyzed artificial photosynthesis systems provide a promising strategy to store solar energy in a great variety of chemicals. However, the lack of direct interface between the light-capturing components and the oxidoreductase generally hinders the trafficking of the chemicals and photo-excited electrons into the active center of the redox biocatalysts. To address this problem, a completely integrated artificial photosynthesis system for enhanced electronic energy-transfer efficacy is reported by combining co-axial electrospinning/electrospray and layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly. The biocatalysis part including multiple oxidoreductases and coenzymes NAD(H) was in situ encapsulated inside the lumen polyelectrolyte-doped hollow nanofibers or microcapsules fabricated via co-axial electrospinning/electrospray; while the precise and spatial arrangement of the photocatalysis part, including electron mediator and photosensitizer for photo-regeneration of the coenzyme, was achieved by ion-exchange interaction-driven LbL self-assembly. The feasibility and advantages of this integrated artificial photosynthesis system is fully demonstrated by the catalyzed cascade reduction of CO2 to methanol by three dehydrogenases (formate, formaldehyde, and alcohol dehydrogenases), incorporating the photo-regeneration of NADH under visible-light irradiation. Compared to solution-based systems, the methanol yield increases from 35.6% to 90.6% using the integrated artificial photosynthesis. This work provides a novel platform for the efficient and sustained production of a broad range of chemicals and fuels from sunlight. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  9. Origin and Evolution of the Sodium -Pumping NADH: Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase

    PubMed Central

    Reyes-Prieto, Adrian; Barquera, Blanca; Juárez, Oscar

    2014-01-01

    The sodium -pumping NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) is the main ion pump and the primary entry site for electrons into the respiratory chain of many different types of pathogenic bacteria. This enzymatic complex creates a transmembrane gradient of sodium that is used by the cell to sustain ionic homeostasis, nutrient transport, ATP synthesis, flagellum rotation and other essential processes. Comparative genomics data demonstrate that the nqr operon, which encodes all Na+-NQR subunits, is found in a large variety of bacterial lineages with different habitats and metabolic strategies. Here we studied the distribution, origin and evolution of this enzymatic complex. The molecular phylogenetic analyses and the organizations of the nqr operon indicate that Na+-NQR evolved within the Chlorobi/Bacteroidetes group, after the duplication and subsequent neofunctionalization of the operon that encodes the homolog RNF complex. Subsequently, the nqr operon dispersed through multiple horizontal transfer events to other bacterial lineages such as Chlamydiae, Planctomyces and α, β, γ and δ -proteobacteria. Considering the biochemical properties of the Na+-NQR complex and its physiological role in different bacteria, we propose a detailed scenario to explain the molecular mechanisms that gave rise to its novel redox- dependent sodium -pumping activity. Our model postulates that the evolution of the Na+-NQR complex involved a functional divergence from its RNF homolog, following the duplication of the rnf operon, the loss of the rnfB gene and the recruitment of the reductase subunit of an aromatic monooxygenase. PMID:24809444

  10. An Electron-bifurcating Caffeyl-CoA Reductase*

    PubMed Central

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

    2013-01-01

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

  11. Monoclonal antibody to a cancer-specific and drug-responsive hydroquinone (NADH) oxidase from the sera of cancer patients

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cho, NaMi; Chueh, Pin-Ju; Kim, Chinpal; Caldwell, Sara; Morre, Dorothy M.; Morre, D. James

    2002-01-01

    Monoclonal antibodies were generated in mice to a 34-kDa circulating form of a drug-responsive hydroquinone (NADH) oxidase with a protein disulfide-thiol interchange activity specific to the surface of cancer cells and the sera of cancer patients. Screening used Western blots with purified 34-kDa tNOX from HeLa cells and the sera of cancer patients. Epitopes were sought that inhibited the drug-responsive oxidation of NADH with the sera of cancer patients, but which had no effect on NADH oxidation with the sera of healthy volunteers. Two such antisera were generated. One, designated monoclonal antibody (mAb) 12.1, was characterized extensively. The NADH oxidase activity inhibited by mAb 12.1 also was inhibited by the quinone site inhibitor capsaicin (8-methyl- N-vanillyl-6-noneamide). The inhibition was competitive for the drug-responsive protein disulfide-thiol interchange activity assayed either by restoration of activity to scrambled RNase or by cleavage of a dithiodipyridine substrate, and was uncompetitive for NADH oxidation. Both the mAb 12.1 and the postimmune antisera immunoprecipitated drug-responsive NOX activity and identified the same 34-kDa tNOX protein in the sera of cancer patients that was absent from sera of healthy volunteers, and was utilized as immunogen. Preimmune sera from the same mouse as the postimmune antisera was without effect. Both mouse ascites containing mAb 12.1 and postimmune sera (but not preimmune sera) slowed the growth of human cancer cell lines in culture, but did not affect the growth of non-cancerous cell lines. Immunocytochemical and histochemical findings showed that mAb 12.1 reacted with the surface membranes of human carcinoma cells and tissues.

  12. NAD+/NADH and/or CoQ/CoQH2 ratios from plasma membrane electron transport may determine ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate levels accompanying G1 arrest and apoptosis.

    PubMed

    De Luca, Thomas; Morré, Dorothy M; Zhao, Haiyun; Morré, D James

    2005-01-01

    To elucidate possible biochemical links between growth arrest from antiproliferative chemotherapeutic agents and apoptosis, our work has focused on agents (EGCg, capsaicin, cis platinum, adriamycin, anti-tumor sulfonylureas, phenoxodiol) that target tNOX. tNOX is a cancer-specific cell surface NADH oxidase (ECTO-NOX protein), that functions in cancer cells as the terminal oxidase for plasma membrane electron transport. When tNOX is active, coenzyme Q(10) (ubiquinone) of the plasma membrane is oxidized and NADH is oxidized at the cytosolic surface of the plasma membrane. However, when tNOX is inhibited and plasma membrane electron transport is diminished, both reduced coenzyme Q(10) (ubiquinol) and NADH would be expected to accumulate. To relate inhibition of plasma membrane redox to increased ceramide levels and arrest of cell proliferation in G(1) and apoptosis, we show that neutral sphingomyelinase, a major contributor to plasma membrane ceramide, is inhibited by reduced glutathione and ubiquinone. Ubiquinol is without effect or stimulates. In contrast, sphingosine kinase, which generates anti-apoptotic sphingosine-1-phosphate, is stimulated by ubiquinone but inhibited by ubiquinol and NADH. Thus, the quinone and pyridine nucleotide products of plasma membrane redox, ubiquinone and ubiquinol, as well as NAD(+) and NADH, may directly modulate in a reciprocal manner two key plasma membrane enzymes, sphingomyelinase and sphingosine kinase, potentially leading to G(1) arrest (increase in ceramide) and apoptosis (loss of sphingosine-1-phosphate). As such, the findings provide potential links between coenzyme Q(10)-mediated plasma membrane electron transport and the anticancer action of several clinically-relevant anticancer agents.

  13. Requirement for Coenzyme Q in Plasma Membrane Electron Transport

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, I. L.; Sun, E. E.; Crane, F. L.; Morre, D. J.; Lindgren, A.; Low, H.

    1992-12-01

    Coenzyme Q is required in the electron transport system of rat hepatocyte and human erythrocyte plasma membranes. Extraction of coenzyme Q from the membrane decreases NADH dehydrogenase and NADH:oxygen oxidoreductase activity. Addition of coenzyme Q to the extracted membrane restores the activity. Partial restoration of activity is also found with α-tocopherylquinone, but not with vitamin K_1. Analogs of coenzyme Q inhibit NADH dehydrogenase and oxidase activity and the inhibition is reversed by added coenzyme Q. Ferricyanide reduction by transmembrane electron transport from HeLa cells is inhibited by coenzyme Q analogs and restored with added coenzyme Q10. Reduction of external ferricyanide and diferric transferrin by HeLa cells is accompanied by proton release from the cells. Inhibition of the reduction by coenzyme Q analogs also inhibits the proton release, and coenzyme Q10 restores the proton release activity. Trans-plasma membrane electron transport stimulates growth of serum-deficient cells, and added coenzyme Q10 increases growth of HeLa (human adenocarcinoma) and BALB/3T3 (mouse fibroblast) cells. The evidence is consistent with a function for coenzyme Q in a trans-plasma membrane electron transport system which influences cell growth.

  14. Isolation, subunit composition and interaction of the NDH-1 complexes from Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP-1.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Pengpeng; Battchikova, Natalia; Paakkarinen, Virpi; Katoh, Hirokazu; Iwai, Masako; Ikeuchi, Masahiko; Pakrasi, Himadri B; Ogawa, Teruo; Aro, Eva-Mari

    2005-09-01

    NDH (NADH-quinone oxidoreductase)-1 complexes in cyanobacteria have specific functions in respiration and cyclic electron flow as well as in active CO2 uptake. In order to isolate NDH-1 complexes and to study complex-complex interactions, several strains of Thermosynechococcus elongatus were constructed by adding a His-tag (histidine tag) to different subunits of NDH-1. Two strains with His-tag on CupA and NdhL were successfully used to isolate NDH-1 complexes by one-step Ni2+ column chromatography. BN (blue-native)/SDS/PAGE analysis of the proteins eluted from the Ni2+ column revealed the presence of three complexes with molecular masses of about 450, 300 and 190 kDa, which were identified by MS to be NDH-1L, NDH-1M and NDH-1S respectively, previously found in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. A larger complex of about 490 kDa was also isolated from the NdhL-His strain. This complex, designated 'NDH-1MS', was composed of NDH-1M and NDH-1S. NDH-1L complex was recovered from WT (wild-type) cells of T. elongatus by Ni2+ column chromatography. NdhF1 subunit present only in NDH-1L has a sequence of -HHDHHSHH- internally, which appears to have an affinity for the Ni2+ column. NDH-1S or NDH-1M was not recovered from WT cells by chromatography of this kind. The BN/SDS/PAGE analysis of membranes solubilized by a low concentration of detergent indicated the presence of abundant NDH-1MS, but not NDH-1M or NDH-1S. These results clearly demonstrated that NDH-1S is associated with NDH-1M in vivo.

  15. Rapid kill of malaria parasites by artemisinin and semi-synthetic endoperoxides involves ROS-dependent depolarization of the membrane potential

    PubMed Central

    Antoine, Thomas; Fisher, Nicholas; Amewu, Richard; O'Neill, Paul M.; Ward, Stephen A.; Biagini, Giancarlo A.

    2014-01-01

    Objectives Artemisinin and artemisinin semi-synthetic derivatives (collectively known as endoperoxides) are first-line antimalarials for the treatment of uncomplicated and severe malaria. Endoperoxides display very fast killing rates and are generally recalcitrant to parasite resistance development. These key pharmacodynamic features are a result of a complex mechanism of action, the details of which lack consensus. Here, we report on the primary physiological events leading to parasite death. Methods Parasite mitochondrial (ΔΨm) and plasma membrane (ΔΨp) electrochemical potentials were measured using real-time single-cell imaging following exposure to pharmacologically relevant concentrations of endoperoxides (artemisinin, dihydroartemisinin, artesunate and the synthetic tetraoxane RKA182). In addition, mitochondrial electron transport chain components NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (alternative complex I), bc1 (complex III) and cytochrome oxidase (complex IV) were investigated to determine their functional sensitivity to the various endoperoxides. Results Parasite exposure to endoperoxides resulted in rapid depolarization of parasite ΔΨm and ΔΨp. The rate of depolarization was decreased in the presence of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger and Fe3+ chelators. Depolarization of ΔΨm by endoperoxides is not believed to be through the inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport chain components, owing to the lack of significant inhibition when assayed directly. Conclusions The depolarization of ΔΨm and ΔΨp is shown to be mediated via the generation of ROS that are initiated by iron bioactivation of endoperoxides and/or catalysed by iron-dependent oxidative stress. These data are discussed in the context of current hypotheses concerning the mode of action of endoperoxides. PMID:24335485

  16. Evidence supporting dissimilatory and assimilatory lignin degradation in Enterobacter lignolyticus SCF1

    PubMed Central

    DeAngelis, Kristen M.; Sharma, Deepak; Varney, Rebecca; Simmons, Blake; Isern, Nancy G.; Markilllie, Lye Meng; Nicora, Carrie; Norbeck, Angela D.; Taylor, Ronald C.; Aldrich, Joshua T.; Robinson, Errol W.

    2013-01-01

    Lignocellulosic biofuels are promising as sustainable alternative fuels, but lignin inhibits access of enzymes to cellulose, and by-products of lignin degradation can be toxic to cells. The fast growth, high efficiency and specificity of enzymes employed in the anaerobic litter deconstruction carried out by tropical soil bacteria make these organisms useful templates for improving biofuel production. The facultative anaerobe Enterobacter lignolyticus SCF1 was initially cultivated from Cloud Forest soils in the Luquillo Experimental Forest in Puerto Rico, based on anaerobic growth on lignin as sole carbon source. The source of the isolate was tropical forest soils that decompose litter rapidly with low and fluctuating redox potentials, where bacteria using oxygen-independent enzymes likely play an important role in decomposition. We have used transcriptomics and proteomics to examine the observed increased growth of SCF1 grown on media amended with lignin compared to unamended growth. Proteomics suggested accelerated xylose uptake and metabolism under lignin-amended growth, with up-regulation of proteins involved in lignin degradation via the 4-hydroxyphenylacetate degradation pathway, catalase/peroxidase enzymes, and the glutathione biosynthesis and glutathione S-transferase (GST) proteins. We also observed increased production of NADH-quinone oxidoreductase, other electron transport chain proteins, and ATP synthase and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. This suggested the use of lignin as terminal electron acceptor. We detected significant lignin degradation over time by absorbance, and also used metabolomics to demonstrate moderately significant decreased xylose concentrations as well as increased metabolic products acetate and formate in stationary phase in lignin-amended compared to unamended growth conditions. Our data show the advantages of a multi-omics approach toward providing insights as to how lignin may be used in nature by microorganisms coping with poor carbon availability. PMID:24065962

  17. Evidence supporting dissimilatory and assimilatory lignin degradation in Enterobacter lignolyticus SCF1.

    PubMed

    Deangelis, Kristen M; Sharma, Deepak; Varney, Rebecca; Simmons, Blake; Isern, Nancy G; Markilllie, Lye Meng; Nicora, Carrie; Norbeck, Angela D; Taylor, Ronald C; Aldrich, Joshua T; Robinson, Errol W

    2013-01-01

    Lignocellulosic biofuels are promising as sustainable alternative fuels, but lignin inhibits access of enzymes to cellulose, and by-products of lignin degradation can be toxic to cells. The fast growth, high efficiency and specificity of enzymes employed in the anaerobic litter deconstruction carried out by tropical soil bacteria make these organisms useful templates for improving biofuel production. The facultative anaerobe Enterobacter lignolyticus SCF1 was initially cultivated from Cloud Forest soils in the Luquillo Experimental Forest in Puerto Rico, based on anaerobic growth on lignin as sole carbon source. The source of the isolate was tropical forest soils that decompose litter rapidly with low and fluctuating redox potentials, where bacteria using oxygen-independent enzymes likely play an important role in decomposition. We have used transcriptomics and proteomics to examine the observed increased growth of SCF1 grown on media amended with lignin compared to unamended growth. Proteomics suggested accelerated xylose uptake and metabolism under lignin-amended growth, with up-regulation of proteins involved in lignin degradation via the 4-hydroxyphenylacetate degradation pathway, catalase/peroxidase enzymes, and the glutathione biosynthesis and glutathione S-transferase (GST) proteins. We also observed increased production of NADH-quinone oxidoreductase, other electron transport chain proteins, and ATP synthase and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. This suggested the use of lignin as terminal electron acceptor. We detected significant lignin degradation over time by absorbance, and also used metabolomics to demonstrate moderately significant decreased xylose concentrations as well as increased metabolic products acetate and formate in stationary phase in lignin-amended compared to unamended growth conditions. Our data show the advantages of a multi-omics approach toward providing insights as to how lignin may be used in nature by microorganisms coping with poor carbon availability.

  18. Functional role of the MrpA- and MrpD-homologous protein subunits in enzyme complexes evolutionary related to respiratory chain complex I.

    PubMed

    Moparthi, Vamsi K; Kumar, Brijesh; Al-Eryani, Yusra; Sperling, Eva; Górecki, Kamil; Drakenberg, Torbjörn; Hägerhäll, Cecilia

    2014-01-01

    NADH:quinone oxidoreductase or complex I is a large membrane bound enzyme complex that has evolved from the combination of smaller functional building blocks. Intermediate size enzyme complexes exist in nature that comprise some, but not all of the protein subunits in full size 14-subunit complex I. The membrane spanning complex I subunits NuoL, NuoM and NuoN are homologous to each other and to two proteins from one particular class of Na(+)/H(+) antiporters, denoted MrpA and MrpD. In complex I, these ion transporter protein subunits are prime candidates for harboring important parts of the proton pumping machinery. Using a model system, consisting of Bacillus subtilis MrpA and MrpD deletion strains and a low copy expression plasmid, it was recently demonstrated that NuoN can rescue the strain deleted for MrpD but not that deleted for MrpA, whereas the opposite tendency was seen for NuoL. This demonstrated that the MrpA-type and MrpD-type proteins have unique functional specializations. In this work, the corresponding antiporter-like protein subunits from the smaller enzymes evolutionarily related to complex I were tested in the same model system. The subunits from 11-subunit complex I from Bacillus cereus behaved essentially as those from full size complex I, corroborating that this enzyme should be regarded as a bona fide complex I. The hydrogenase-3 and hydrogenase-4 antiporter-like proteins on the other hand, could substitute equally well for MrpA or MrpD at pH7.4, suggesting that these enzymes have intermediate forms of the antiporter-like proteins, which seemingly lack the functional specificity. © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Intact functional fourteen-subunit respiratory membrane-bound [NiFe]-hydrogenase complex of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus.

    PubMed

    McTernan, Patrick M; Chandrayan, Sanjeev K; Wu, Chang-Hao; Vaccaro, Brian J; Lancaster, W Andrew; Yang, Qingyuan; Fu, Dax; Hura, Greg L; Tainer, John A; Adams, Michael W W

    2014-07-11

    The archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus grows optimally at 100 °C by converting carbohydrates to acetate, CO2, and H2, obtaining energy from a respiratory membrane-bound hydrogenase (MBH). This conserves energy by coupling H2 production to oxidation of reduced ferredoxin with generation of a sodium ion gradient. MBH is encoded by a 14-gene operon with both hydrogenase and Na(+)/H(+) antiporter modules. Herein a His-tagged MBH was expressed in P. furiosus and the detergent-solubilized complex purified under anaerobic conditions by affinity chromatography. Purified MBH contains all 14 subunits by electrophoretic analysis (13 subunits were also identified by mass spectrometry) and had a measured iron:nickel ratio of 15:1, resembling the predicted value of 13:1. The as-purified enzyme exhibited a rhombic EPR signal characteristic of the ready nickel-boron state. The purified and membrane-bound forms of MBH both preferentially evolved H2 with the physiological donor (reduced ferredoxin) as well as with standard dyes. The O2 sensitivities of the two forms were similar (half-lives of ∼ 15 h in air), but the purified enzyme was more thermolabile (half-lives at 90 °C of 1 and 25 h, respectively). Structural analysis of purified MBH by small angle x-ray scattering indicated a Z-shaped structure with a mass of 310 kDa, resembling the predicted value (298 kDa). The angle x-ray scattering analyses reinforce and extend the conserved sequence relationships of group 4 enzymes and complex I (NADH quinone oxidoreductase). This is the first report on the properties of a solubilized form of an intact respiratory MBH complex that is proposed to evolve H2 and pump Na(+) ions. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  20. Association of HMOX1 and NQO1 Polymorphisms with Metabolic Syndrome Components

    PubMed Central

    Martínez-Hernández, Angélica; Córdova, Emilio J.; Rosillo-Salazar, Oscar; García-Ortíz, Humberto; Contreras-Cubas, Cecilia; Islas-Andrade, Sergio; Revilla-Monsalve, Cristina; Salas-Labadía, Consuelo; Orozco, Lorena

    2015-01-01

    Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is among the most important public health problems worldwide, and is recognized as a major risk factor for various illnesses, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, oxidative stress has been suggested as part of MetS aetiology. The heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) and NADH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) genes are crucial mediators of cellular defence against oxidative stress. In the present study, we analysed the associations of HMOX1 (GT)n and NQO1 C609T polymorphisms with MetS and its components. Our study population comprised 735 Mexican Mestizos unrelated volunteers recruited from different tertiary health institutions from Mexico City. In order to know the HMOX1 (GT)n and NQO1 C609T allele frequencies in Amerindians, we included a population of 241 Amerindian native speakers. Their clinical and demographic data were recorded. The HMOX1 (GT)n polymorphism was genotyped using PCR and fluorescence technology. NQO1 C609T polymorphism genotyping was performed using TaqMan probes. Short allele (<25 GT repeats) of the HMOX1 polymorphism was associated with high systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the T allele of the NQO1 C609T polymorphism was associated with increased triglyceride levels and decreased HDL-c levels, but only in individuals with MetS. This is the first study to analyse the association between MetS and genes involved in oxidative stress among Mexican Mestizos. Our data suggest that polymorphisms of HMOX1 and NQO1 genes are associated with a high risk of metabolic disorders, including high systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL-c levels in Mexican Mestizo individuals. PMID:25933176

  1. Association of HMOX1 and NQO1 Polymorphisms with Metabolic Syndrome Components.

    PubMed

    Martínez-Hernández, Angélica; Córdova, Emilio J; Rosillo-Salazar, Oscar; García-Ortíz, Humberto; Contreras-Cubas, Cecilia; Islas-Andrade, Sergio; Revilla-Monsalve, Cristina; Salas-Labadía, Consuelo; Orozco, Lorena

    2015-01-01

    Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is among the most important public health problems worldwide, and is recognized as a major risk factor for various illnesses, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, oxidative stress has been suggested as part of MetS aetiology. The heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) and NADH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) genes are crucial mediators of cellular defence against oxidative stress. In the present study, we analysed the associations of HMOX1 (GT)n and NQO1 C609T polymorphisms with MetS and its components. Our study population comprised 735 Mexican Mestizos unrelated volunteers recruited from different tertiary health institutions from Mexico City. In order to know the HMOX1 (GT)n and NQO1 C609T allele frequencies in Amerindians, we included a population of 241 Amerindian native speakers. Their clinical and demographic data were recorded. The HMOX1 (GT)n polymorphism was genotyped using PCR and fluorescence technology. NQO1 C609T polymorphism genotyping was performed using TaqMan probes. Short allele (<25 GT repeats) of the HMOX1 polymorphism was associated with high systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the T allele of the NQO1 C609T polymorphism was associated with increased triglyceride levels and decreased HDL-c levels, but only in individuals with MetS. This is the first study to analyse the association between MetS and genes involved in oxidative stress among Mexican Mestizos. Our data suggest that polymorphisms of HMOX1 and NQO1 genes are associated with a high risk of metabolic disorders, including high systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL-c levels in Mexican Mestizo individuals.

  2. Dunnione ameliorates cisplatin-induced small intestinal damage by modulating NAD{sup +} metabolism

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

    Pandit, Arpana; Kim, Hyung-Jin; Oh, Gi-Su

    2015-11-27

    Although cisplatin is a widely used anticancer drug for the treatment of a variety of tumors, its use is critically limited because of adverse effects such as ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neuropathy, and gastrointestinal damage. Cisplatin treatment increases oxidative stress biomarkers in the small intestine, which may induce apoptosis of epithelial cells and thereby elicit damage to the small intestine. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD{sup +}) is a cofactor for various enzymes associated with cellular homeostasis. In the present study, we demonstrated that the hyper-activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is closely associated with the depletion of NAD{sup +} in the small intestine aftermore » cisplatin treatment, which results in downregulation of sirtuin1 (SIRT1) activity. Furthermore, a decrease in SIRT1 activity was found to play an important role in cisplatin-mediated small intestinal damage through nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 activation, facilitated by its acetylation increase. However, use of dunnione as a strong substrate for the NADH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) enzyme led to an increase in intracellular NAD{sup +} levels and prevented the cisplatin-induced small intestinal damage correlating with the modulation of PARP-1, SIRT1, and NF-κB. These results suggest that direct modulation of cellular NAD{sup +} levels by pharmacological NQO1 substrates could be a promising therapeutic approach for protecting against cisplatin-induced small intestinal damage. - Highlights: • NAD{sup +} acts as a cofactor for numerous enzymes including Sirtuins and PARP. • Up-regulation of SIRT1 could attenuate the cisplatin-induced intestinal damage. • Modulation of the cellular NAD{sup +} could be a promising therapeutic approach.« less

  3. Human, donkey and cow milk differently affects energy efficiency and inflammatory state by modulating mitochondrial function and gut microbiota.

    PubMed

    Trinchese, Giovanna; Cavaliere, Gina; Canani, Roberto Berni; Matamoros, Sebastien; Bergamo, Paolo; De Filippo, Chiara; Aceto, Serena; Gaita, Marcello; Cerino, Pellegrino; Negri, Rossella; Greco, Luigi; Cani, Patrice D; Mollica, Maria Pina

    2015-11-01

    Different nutritional components are able, by modulating mitochondrial function and gut microbiota composition, to influence body composition, metabolic homeostasis and inflammatory state. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects produced by the supplementation of different milks on energy balance, inflammatory state, oxidative stress and antioxidant/detoxifying enzyme activities and to investigate the role of the mitochondrial efficiency and the gut microbiota in the regulation of metabolic functions in an animal model. We compared the intake of human milk, gold standard for infant nutrition, with equicaloric supplementation of donkey milk, the best substitute for newborns due to its nutritional properties, and cow milk, the primary marketed product. The results showed a hypolipidemic effect produced by donkey and human milk intake in parallel with enhanced mitochondrial activity/proton leakage. Reduced mitochondrial energy efficiency and proinflammatory signals (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1 and lipopolysaccharide levels) were associated with a significant increase of antioxidants (total thiols) and detoxifying enzyme activities (glutathione-S-transferase, NADH quinone oxidoreductase) in donkey- and human milk-treated animals. The beneficial effects were attributable, at least in part, to the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 pathway. Moreover, the metabolic benefits induced by human and donkey milk may be related to the modulation of gut microbiota. In fact, milk treatments uniquely affected the proportions of bacterial phyla and genera, and we hypothesized that the increased concentration of fecal butyrate in human and donkey milk-treated rats was related to the improved lipid and glucose metabolism and detoxifying activities. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. β-Lapachone attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction in MELAS cybrid cells.

    PubMed

    Jeong, Moon Hee; Kim, Jin Hwan; Seo, Kang-Sik; Kwak, Tae Hwan; Park, Woo Jin

    2014-11-21

    Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a mitochondrial disease caused by mutations in the mitochondrial genome. This study investigated the efficacy of β-lapachone (β-lap), a natural quinone compound, in rescuing mitochondrial dysfunction in MELAS cybrid cells. β-Lap significantly restored energy production and mitochondrial membrane potential as well as normalized the elevated ROS level in MELAS cybrid cells. Additionally, β-lap reduced lactic acidosis and restored glucose uptake in the MELAS cybrid cells. Finally, β-lap activated Sirt1 by increasing the intracellular NAD(+)/NADH ratio, which was accompanied by increased mtDNA content. Two other quinone compounds (idebenone and CoQ10) that have rescued mitochondrial dysfunction in previous studies of MELAS cybrid cells had a minimal effect in the current study. Taken together, these results demonstrated that β-lap may provide a novel therapeutic modality for the treatment of MELAS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Bacterial inactivation of the anticancer drug doxorubicin.

    PubMed

    Westman, Erin L; Canova, Marc J; Radhi, Inas J; Koteva, Kalinka; Kireeva, Inga; Waglechner, Nicholas; Wright, Gerard D

    2012-10-26

    Microbes are exposed to compounds produced by members of their ecological niche, including molecules with antibiotic or antineoplastic activities. As a result, even bacteria that do not produce such compounds can harbor the genetic machinery to inactivate or degrade these molecules. Here, we investigated environmental actinomycetes for their ability to inactivate doxorubicin, an aminoglycosylated anthracycline anticancer drug. One strain, Streptomyces WAC04685, inactivates doxorubicin via a deglycosylation mechanism. Activity-based purification of the enzymes responsible for drug inactivation identified the NADH dehydrogenase component of respiratory electron transport complex I, which was confirmed by gene inactivation studies. A mechanism where reduction of the quinone ring of the anthracycline by NADH dehydrogenase leads to deglycosylation is proposed. This work adds anticancer drug inactivation to the enzymatic inactivation portfolio of actinomycetes and offers possibilities for novel applications in drug detoxification. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Sulforaphane alleviates muscular dystrophy in mdx mice by activation of Nrf2.

    PubMed

    Sun, Chengcao; Yang, Cuili; Xue, Ruilin; Li, Shujun; Zhang, Ting; Pan, Lei; Ma, Xuejiao; Wang, Liang; Li, Dejia

    2015-01-15

    Sulforaphane (SFN), one of the most important isothiocyanates in the human diet, is known to have chemo-preventive and antioxidant activities in different tissues via activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated induction of antioxidant/phase II enzymes, such as heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1. However, its effects on muscular dystrophy remain unknown. This work was undertaken to evaluate the effects of SFN on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Four-week-old mdx mice were treated with SFN by gavage (2 mg·kg body wt(-1)·day(-1) for 8 wk), and our results demonstrated that SFN treatment increased the expression and activity of muscle phase II enzymes NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase-1 with a Nrf2-dependent manner. SFN significantly increased skeletal muscle mass, muscle force (∼30%), running distance (∼20%), and GSH-to-GSSG ratio (∼3.2-fold) of mdx mice and decreased the activities of plasma creatine phosphokinase (∼45%) and lactate dehydrogenase (∼40%), gastrocnemius hypertrophy (∼25%), myocardial hypertrophy (∼20%), and malondialdehyde levels (∼60%). Furthermore, SFN treatment also reduced the central nucleation (∼40%), fiber size variability, and inflammation and improved the sarcolemmal integrity of mdx mice. Collectively, these results show that SFN can improve muscle function and pathology and protect dystrophic muscle from oxidative damage in mdx mice associated with Nrf2 signaling pathway, which indicate Nrf2 may have clinical implications for the treatment of patients with muscular dystrophy. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

  7. NADPH:Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 Regulates Host Susceptibility to Ozone via Isoprostane Generation*

    PubMed Central

    Kummarapurugu, Apparao B.; Fischer, Bernard M.; Zheng, Shuo; Milne, Ginger L.; Ghio, Andrew J.; Potts-Kant, Erin N.; Foster, W. Michael; Soderblom, Erik J.; Dubois, Laura G.; Moseley, M. Arthur; Thompson, J. Will; Voynow, Judith A.

    2013-01-01

    NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is recognized as a major susceptibility gene for ozone-induced pulmonary toxicity. In the absence of NQO1 as can occur by genetic mutation, the human airway is protected from harmful effects of ozone. We recently reported that NQO1-null mice are protected from airway hyperresponsiveness and pulmonary inflammation following ozone exposure. However, NQO1 regenerates intracellular antioxidants and therefore should protect the individual from oxidative stress. To explain this paradox, we tested whether in the absence of NQO1 ozone exposure results in increased generation of A2-isoprostane, a cyclopentenone isoprostane that blunts inflammation. Using GC-MS, we found that NQO1-null mice had greater lung tissue levels of D2- and E2-isoprostanes, the precursors of J2- and A2-isoprostanes, both at base line and following ozone exposure compared with congenic wild-type mice. We confirmed in primary cultures of normal human bronchial epithelial cells that A2-isoprostane inhibited ozone-induced NF-κB activation and IL-8 regulation. Furthermore, we determined that A2-isoprostane covalently modified the active Cys179 domain in inhibitory κB kinase in the presence of ozone in vitro, thus establishing the biochemical basis for A2-isoprostane inhibition of NF-κB. Our results demonstrate that host factors may regulate pulmonary susceptibility to ozone by regulating the generation of A2-isoprostanes in the lung. These observations provide the biochemical basis for the epidemiologic observation that NQO1 regulates pulmonary susceptibility to ozone. PMID:23275341

  8. Stress inducible proteomic changes in Capsicum annuum leaves.

    PubMed

    Mahajan, Neha S; Mishra, Manasi; Tamhane, Vaijayanti A; Gupta, Vidya S; Giri, Ashok P

    2014-01-01

    Herbivore attack induces defense responses in plants, activating several signaling cascades. As a result, molecules deterrent to the herbivores are produced and accumulated in plants. Expression of defense mechanism/traits requires reorganization of the plant metabolism, redirecting the resources otherwise meant for growth. In the present work, protein profile of Capsicum annuum leaves was examined after herbivore attack/induction. Majority of proteins identified as differentially accumulated, were having roles in redox metabolism and photosynthesis. For example, superoxide dismutase and NADP oxidoreductase were upregulated by 10- and 6-fold while carbonic anhydrase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase were downregulated by 9- and 4-fold, respectively. Also, superoxide dismutase, NADPH quinone oxidoreductase and NADP dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase transcripts showed a higher accumulation in induced leaf tissues at early time points. In general, proteins having role in defense and damage repair were upregulated while those involved in photosynthesis appeared downregulated. Thus metabolic reconfiguration to balance defense and tolerance was evident in the stress-induced leaves. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  9. Production, purification and detergent exchange of isotopically labeled Bacillussubtilis cytochrome b₅₅₈ (SdhC).

    PubMed

    Baureder, Michael; Hederstedt, Lars

    2011-11-01

    Cytochrome b₅₅₈ of the gram-positive bacterium Bacillussubtilis is the membrane anchor subunit of the succinate:quinone oxidoreductase of the citric acid cycle. The cytochrome consists of the SdhC polypeptide (202 residues) and two protoheme IX groups that function in transmembrane electron transfer to menaquinone. The general structure of the cytochrome is known from extensive experimental studies and by comparison to Wolinellasuccinogenes fumarate reductase for which the X-ray crystal structure has been determined. Solution state NMR can potentially be used to identify the quinone binding site(s) and study, e.g. redox-linked, dynamics of cytochrome b₅₅₈. In this work we present an efficient procedure for the isolation of preparative amounts of isotopically labeled B. subtilis cytochrome b₅₅₈ produced in Escherichia coli. We have also evaluated several detergents suitable for NMR for their effectiveness in maintaining the cytochrome solubilized and intact for days at room temperature. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Catalytically important flavin linked through a phosphoester bond in a eukaryotic fumarate reductase.

    PubMed

    Serebryakova, Marina V; Bertsova, Yulia V; Sokolov, Svyatoslav S; Kolesnikov, Alexander A; Baykov, Alexander A; Bogachev, Alexander V

    2018-06-01

    One of the three domains of kinetoplastid NADH:fumarate oxidoreductase (FRD) is homologous to bacterial flavin transferase that catalyzes transfer of FMN residue from FAD to threonine in flavoproteins. Leptomonas pyrrhocoris FRD produced in yeast cells, which lack flavin transferase gene in their proteome, reduces fumarate in the presence of NADH and contains an FMN residue covalently linked to a Ser9 residue. The conserved flavinylation motif of FRD, D 3 (g/s)x(s/t)(s/g)AS 9 , is similar to the Dxx(s/t)gAT motif recognized by flavin transferase in prokaryotic proteins. Ser9 replacement abolished the flavinylation and fumarate reductase activity of FRD. These findings suggest that the flavinylation is important for the activity of FRD and that this post-translational modification is carried out by the own flavin transferase domain. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. and Société Française de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved.

  11. The insecticide target in the PSST subunit of complex I.

    PubMed

    Schuler, F; Casida, J E

    2001-10-01

    Current insecticides have been selected by sifting and winnowing hundreds of thousands of synthetic chemicals and natural products to obtain commercial preparations of optimal effectiveness and safety. This process has often ended up with compounds of high potency as inhibitors of the electron transport chain and more specifically of complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase). Many classes of chemicals are involved and the enzyme is one of the most complicated known, with 43 subunits catalyzing electron transfer from NADH to ubiquinone through flavin mononucleotide and up to eight iron-sulfur clusters. We used a potent photoaffinity ligand, (trifluoromethyl)diazirinyl[3H]pyridaben, to localize the insecticide target to a single high-affinity site in the PSST subunit that couples electron transfer from iron-sulfur cluster N2 to ubiquinone. Most importantly, all of the potent complex I-inhibiting pesticides, despite their great structural diversity, compete for this same specific binding domain in PSST. Finding their common mode of action and target provides insight into shared toxicological features and potential selection for resistant pests.

  12. Alternative Pathway of Metronidazole Activation in Trichomonas vaginalis Hydrogenosomes

    PubMed Central

    Hrdý, Ivan; Cammack, Richard; Stopka, Pavel; Kulda, Jaroslav; Tachezy, Jan

    2005-01-01

    Metronidazole and related 5-nitroimidazoles are the only available drugs in the treatment of human urogenital trichomoniasis caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. The drugs are activated to cytotoxic anion radicals by their reduction within the hydrogenosomes. It has been established that electrons required for metronidazole activation are released from pyruvate by the activity of pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase and transferred to the drug by a low-redox-potential carrier, ferredoxin. Here we describe a novel pathway involved in the drug activation within the hydrogenosome. The source of electrons is malate, another major hydrogenosomal substrate, which is oxidatively decarboxylated to pyruvate and CO2 by NAD-dependent malic enzyme. The electrons released during this reaction are transferred from NADH to ferredoxin by NADH dehydrogenase homologous to the catalytic module of mitochondrial complex I, which uses ferredoxin as electron acceptor. Trichomonads acquire high-level metronidazole resistance only after both pyruvate- and malate-dependent pathways of metronidazole activation are eliminated from the hydrogenosomes. PMID:16304169

  13. The long story of mitochondrial DNA and respiratory complex I.

    PubMed

    Degli Esposti, Mauro

    2017-01-01

    This article examines the long story of the relationship between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and respiratory complex I, NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase, from its beginning  in the genome of the bacterial endosymbiont which then evolved into the mitochondria of our cells. The story begins with the evolution of ancient forms of bacterial complex I into the Nuo14 complex I that was present in the alpha proteobacterial ancestor of mitochondria. The story then becomes complicated in the diversity of eukaryotic organisms that are currently recognized. Therefore, it does not have a clear end, because currently available information shows different situations of metabolic adaptation and gene loss, indicating cases of de-evolution of the original protonmotive complex into a system that may fundamentally assist [FeFe]-hydrogenases in re-oxidising metabolically produced NADH under anaerobic conditions. The history of complex I is thus a never ending story of molecular and physiological evolution producing new perspectives for studying the enzyme complex that occupies the largest proportion of mitochondrial DNA.

  14. Oxidoreductases Involved in Cell Carbon Synthesis of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum

    PubMed Central

    Zeikus, J. G.; Fuchs, G.; Kenealy, W.; Thauer, R. K.

    1977-01-01

    Cell-free extracts of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum were found to contain high activities of the following oxidoreductases (at 60°C): pyruvate dehydrogenase (coenzyme A acetylating), 275 nmol/min per mg of protein; α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (coenzyme A acylating), 100 nmol/min per mg; fumarate reductase, 360 nmol/min per mg; malate dehydrogenase, 240 nmol/min per mg; and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, 100 nmol/min per mg. The kinetic properties (apparent Vmax and KM values), pH optimum, temperature dependence of the rate, and specificity for electron acceptors/donors of the different oxidoreductases were examined. Pyruvate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase were shown to be two separate enzymes specific for factor 420 rather than for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), NADP, or ferredoxin as the electron acceptor. Both activities catalyzed the reduction of methyl viologen with the respective α-ketoacid and a coenzyme A-dependent exchange between the carboxyl group of the α-ketoacid and CO2. The data indicate that the two enzymes are similar to pyruvate synthase and α-ketoglutarate synthase, respectively. Fumarate reductase was found in the soluble cell fraction. This enzyme activity coupled with reduced benzyl viologen as the electron donor, but reduced factor 420, NADH, or NADPH was not effective. The cells did not contain menaquinone, thus excluding this compound as the physiological electron donor for fumarate reduction. NAD was the preferred coenzyme for malate dehydrogenase, whereas NADP was preferred for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. The organism also possessed a factor 420-dependent hydrogenase and a factor 420-linked NADP reductase. The involvement of the described oxidoreductases in cell carbon synthesis is discussed. PMID:914779

  15. In Silico Discovery of a Substituted 6-Methoxy-quinalidine with Leishmanicidal Activity in Leishmania infantum.

    PubMed

    Stevanović, Strahinja; Perdih, Andrej; Senćanski, Milan; Glišić, Sanja; Duarte, Margarida; Tomás, Ana M; Sena, Filipa V; Sousa, Filipe M; Pereira, Manuela M; Solmajer, Tom

    2018-03-27

    There is an urgent need for the discovery of new antileishmanial drugs with a new mechanism of action. Type 2 NADH dehydrogenase from Leishmania infantum ( Li NDH2) is an enzyme of the parasite's respiratory system, which catalyzes the electron transfer from NADH to ubiquinone without coupled proton pumping. In previous studies of the related NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase crystal structure from Saccharomyces cerevisiae , two ubiquinone-binding sites (UQ I and UQ II ) were identified and shown to play an important role in the NDH-2-catalyzed oxidoreduction reaction. Based on the available structural data, we developed a three-dimensional structural model of Li NDH2 using homology detection methods and performed an in silico virtual screening campaign to search for potential inhibitors targeting the Li NDH2 ubiquinone-binding site 1-UQ I . Selected compounds displaying favorable properties in the computational screening experiments were assayed for inhibitory activity in the structurally similar recombinant NDH-2 from S. aureus and leishmanicidal activity was determined in the wild-type axenic amastigotes and promastigotes of L. infantum . The identified compound, a substituted 6-methoxy-quinalidine, showed promising nanomolar leishmanicidal activity on wild-type axenic promastigotes and amastigotes of L. infantum and the potential for further development.

  16. Intragenic inversion of mtDNA: a new type of pathogenic mutation in a patient with mitochondrial myopathy.

    PubMed Central

    Musumeci, O; Andreu, A L; Shanske, S; Bresolin, N; Comi, G P; Rothstein, R; Schon, E A; DiMauro, S

    2000-01-01

    We report an unusual molecular defect in the mitochondrially encoded ND1 subunit of NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) in a patient with mitochondrial myopathy and isolated complex I deficiency. The mutation is an inversion of seven nucleotides within the ND1 gene, which maintains the reading frame. The inversion, which alters three highly conserved amino acids in the polypeptide, was heteroplasmic in the patient's muscle but was not detectable in blood. This is the first report of a pathogenic inversion mutation in human mtDNA. PMID:10775530

  17. Disruption of Pyridine Nucleotide Redox Status During Oxidative Challenge at Normal and Low-Glucose States: Implications for Cellular Adenosine Triphosphate, Mitochondrial Respiratory Activity, and Reducing Capacity in Colon Epithelial Cells

    PubMed Central

    Circu, Magdalena L.; Maloney, Ronald E.

    2011-01-01

    Abstract We recently demonstrated that menadione (MQ), a redox cycling quinone, mediated the loss of mitochondrial glutathione/glutathione disulfide redox balance. In this study, we showed that MQ significantly disrupted cellular pyridine nucleotide (NAD+/NADH, NADP+/NADPH) redox balance that compromised cellular ATP, mitochondrial respiratory activity, and NADPH-dependent reducing capacity in colonic epithelial cells, a scenario that was exaggerated by low glucose. In the cytosol, MQ induced NAD+ loss concurrent with increased NADP+ and NAD kinase activity, but decreased NADPH. In the mitochondria, NADH loss occurred in conjunction with increased nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase activity and NADP+, and decreased NADPH. These results are consistent with cytosolic NAD+-to-NADP+ and mitochondrial NADH-to-NADPH shifts, but compromised NADPH availability. Thus, despite the sacrifice of NAD+/NADH in favor of NADPH generation, steady-state NADPH levels were not maintained during MQ challenge. Impairments of cellular bioenergetics were evidenced by ATP losses and increased mitochondrial O2 dependence of pyridine nucleotide oxidation–reduction; half-maximal oxidation (P50) was 10-fold higher in low glucose, which was lowered by glutamate or succinate supplementation. This exaggerated O2 dependence is consistent with increased O2 diversion to nonmitochondrial O2 consumption by MQ-semiquinone redox cycling secondary to decreased NADPH-dependent MQ detoxication at low glucose, a situation that was corrected by glucose-sparing mitochondrial substrates. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 14, 2151–2162. PMID:21083422

  18. Compounds from the Fruits of the Popular European Medicinal Plant Vitex agnus-castus in Chemoprevention via NADP(H):Quinone Oxidoreductase Type 1 Induction.

    PubMed

    Li, Shenghong; Qiu, Shengxiang; Yao, Ping; Sun, Handong; Fong, Harry H S; Zhang, Hongjie

    2013-01-01

    As part of our continuing efforts in the search for potential biologically active compounds from medicinal plants, we have isolated 18 compounds including two novel nitrogen containing diterpenes from extracts of the fruits of Vitex agnus-castus. These isolates, along with our previously obtained novel compound vitexlactam A (1), were evaluated for potential biological effects, including cancer chemoprevention. Chemically, the nitrogenous isolates were found to be two labdane diterpene alkaloids, each containing an α , β -unsaturated γ -lactam moiety. Structurally, they were elucidated to be 9 α -hydroxy-13(14)-labden-16,15-amide (2) and 6 β -acetoxy-9 α -hydroxy-13(14)-labden-15,16-amide (3), which were named vitexlactams B and C, respectively. The 15 known isolates were identified as vitexilactone (4), rotundifuran (5), 8-epi-manoyl oxide (6), vitetrifolin D (7), spathulenol (8), cis-dihydro-dehydro-diconiferylalcohol-9-O- β -D-glucoside (9), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (10), 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,4'-tetramethoxyflavone (11), casticin (12), artemetin (13), aucubin (14), agnuside (15), β -sitosterol (16), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (17), and p-hydroxybenzoic acid glucose ester (18). All compound structures were determined/identified on the basis of 1D and/or 2D NMR and mass spectrometry techniques. Compounds 6, 8, 9, and 18 were reported from a Vitex spieces for the first time. The cancer chemopreventive potentials of these isolates were evaluated for NADP(H):quinone oxidoreductase type 1 (QR1) induction activity. Compound 7 demonstrated promising QR1 induction effect, while the new compound vitexlactam (3) was only slightly active.

  19. Compounds from the Fruits of the Popular European Medicinal Plant Vitex agnus-castus in Chemoprevention via NADP(H):Quinone Oxidoreductase Type 1 Induction

    PubMed Central

    Li, Shenghong; Qiu, Shengxiang; Yao, Ping; Sun, Handong; Fong, Harry H. S.; Zhang, Hongjie

    2013-01-01

    As part of our continuing efforts in the search for potential biologically active compounds from medicinal plants, we have isolated 18 compounds including two novel nitrogen containing diterpenes from extracts of the fruits of Vitex agnus-castus. These isolates, along with our previously obtained novel compound vitexlactam A (1), were evaluated for potential biological effects, including cancer chemoprevention. Chemically, the nitrogenous isolates were found to be two labdane diterpene alkaloids, each containing an α, β-unsaturated γ-lactam moiety. Structurally, they were elucidated to be 9α-hydroxy-13(14)-labden-16,15-amide (2) and 6β-acetoxy-9α-hydroxy-13(14)-labden-15,16-amide (3), which were named vitexlactams B and C, respectively. The 15 known isolates were identified as vitexilactone (4), rotundifuran (5), 8-epi-manoyl oxide (6), vitetrifolin D (7), spathulenol (8), cis-dihydro-dehydro-diconiferylalcohol-9-O-β-D-glucoside (9), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (10), 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,4′-tetramethoxyflavone (11), casticin (12), artemetin (13), aucubin (14), agnuside (15), β-sitosterol (16), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (17), and p-hydroxybenzoic acid glucose ester (18). All compound structures were determined/identified on the basis of 1D and/or 2D NMR and mass spectrometry techniques. Compounds 6, 8, 9, and 18 were reported from a Vitex spieces for the first time. The cancer chemopreventive potentials of these isolates were evaluated for NADP(H):quinone oxidoreductase type 1 (QR1) induction activity. Compound 7 demonstrated promising QR1 induction effect, while the new compound vitexlactam (3) was only slightly active. PMID:23662135

  20. Cooperation of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases reduces menadione cytotoxicity in HEK293 cells.

    PubMed

    Nishiyama, Takahito; Izawa, Tadashi; Usami, Mami; Ohnuma, Tomokazu; Ogura, Kenichiro; Hiratsuka, Akira

    2010-04-09

    Previous studies have shown that NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) plays an important role in the detoxification of menadione (2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, also known as vitamin K3). However, menadiol (2-methyl-1,4-naphthalenediol) formed from menadione by NQO1-mediated reduction continues to be an unstable substance, which undergoes the reformation of menadione with concomitant formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hence, we focused on the roles of phase II enzymes, with particular attention to UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), in the detoxification process of menadione. In this study, we established an HEK293 cell line stably expressing NQO1 (HEK293/NQO1) and HEK293/NQO1 cell lines with doxycycline (DOX)-regulated expression of UGT1A6 (HEK293/NQO1/UGT1A6) and UGT1A10 (HEK293/NQO1/UGT1A10), and evaluated the role of NQO1 and UGTs against menadione-induced cytotoxicity. Our results differed from those of previous studies. HEK293/NQO1 was the most sensitive cell line to menadione cytotoxicity among cell lines established in this study. These phenomena were also observed in HEK293/NQO1/UGT1A6 and HEK293/NQO1/UGT1A10 cells in which the expression of UGT was suppressed by DOX treatment. On the contrary, HEK293/NQO1/UGT1A6 and HEK293/NQO1/UGT1A10 cells without DOX treatment were resistant to menadione-induced cytotoxicity. These results demonstrated that NQO1 is not a detoxification enzyme for menadione and that UGT-mediated glucuronidation of menadiol is the most important detoxification process. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Esculetin-induced protection of human hepatoma HepG2 cells against hydrogen peroxide is associated with the Nrf2-dependent induction of the NAD(P)H: Quinone oxidoreductase 1 gene

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

    Subramaniam, Sudhakar R.; Ellis, Elizabeth M., E-mail: elizabeth.ellis@strath.ac.uk

    Esculetin (6,7-dihydroxy coumarin), is a potent antioxidant that is present in several plant species. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of protection of esculetin in human hepatoma HepG2 cells against reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by hydrogen peroxide. Cell viability, cell integrity, intracellular glutathione levels, generation of reactive oxygen species and expression of antioxidant enzymes were used as markers to measure cellular oxidative stress and response to ROS. The protective effect of esculetin was compared to a well-characterized chemoprotective compound quercetin. Pre-treatment of HepG2 cells with sub-lethal (10-25 {mu}M) esculetin for 8 h prevented cell deathmore » and maintained cell integrity following exposure to 0.9 mM hydrogen peroxide. An increase in the generation of ROS following hydrogen peroxide treatment was significantly attenuated by 8 h pre-treatment with esculetin. In addition, esculetin ameliorated the decrease in intracellular glutathione caused by hydrogen peroxide exposure. Moreover, treatment with 25 {mu}M esculetin for 8 h increased the expression of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) at both protein and mRNA levels significantly, by 12-fold and 15-fold, respectively. Esculetin treatment also increased nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 by 8-fold indicating that increased NQO1 expression is Nrf2-mediated. These results indicate that esculetin protects human hepatoma HepG2 cells from hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative injury and that this protection is provided through the induction of protective enzymes as part of an adaptive response mediated by Nrf2 nuclear accumulation.« less

  2. Identification of a Lactate-Quinone Oxidoreductase in Staphylococcus aureus that is Essential for Virulence

    PubMed Central

    Fuller, James R.; Vitko, Nicholas P.; Perkowski, Ellen F.; Scott, Eric; Khatri, Dal; Spontak, Jeffrey S.; Thurlow, Lance R.; Richardson, Anthony R.

    2011-01-01

    Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen commonly infecting nearly every host tissue. The ability of S. aureus to resist innate immunity is critical to its success as a pathogen, including its propensity to grow in the presence of host nitric oxide (NO·). Upon exogenous NO· exposure, S. aureus immediately excretes copious amounts of L-lactate to maintain redox balance. However, after prolonged NO·-exposure, S. aureus reassimilates L-lactate specifically and in this work, we identify the enzyme responsible for this L-lactate-consumption as a L-lactate-quinone oxidoreductase (Lqo, SACOL2623). Originally annotated as Mqo2 and thought to oxidize malate, we show that this enzyme exhibits no affinity for malate but reacts specifically with L-lactate (KM = ∼330 μM). In addition to its requirement for reassimilation of L-lactate during NO·-stress, Lqo is also critical to respiratory growth on L-lactate as a sole carbon source. Moreover, Δlqo mutants exhibit attenuation in a murine model of sepsis, particularly in their ability to cause myocarditis. Interestingly, this cardiac-specific attenuation is completely abrogated in mice unable to synthesize inflammatory NO· (iNOS−/−). We demonstrate that S. aureus NO·-resistance is highly dependent on the availability of a glycolytic carbon sources. However, S. aureus can utilize the combination of peptides and L-lactate as carbon sources during NO·-stress in an Lqo-dependent fashion. Murine cardiac tissue has markedly high levels of L-lactate in comparison to renal or hepatic tissue consistent with the NO·-dependent requirement for Lqo in S. aureus myocarditis. Thus, Lqo provides S. aureus with yet another means of replicating in the presence of host NO·. PMID:22919585

  3. Biochemical studies of membrane bound Plasmodium falciparum mitochondrial L-malate:quinone oxidoreductase, a potential drug target.

    PubMed

    Hartuti, Endah Dwi; Inaoka, Daniel Ken; Komatsuya, Keisuke; Miyazaki, Yukiko; Miller, Russell J; Xinying, Wang; Sadikin, Mohamad; Prabandari, Erwahyuni Endang; Waluyo, Danang; Kuroda, Marie; Amalia, Eri; Matsuo, Yuichi; Nugroho, Nuki B; Saimoto, Hiroyuki; Pramisandi, Amila; Watanabe, Yoh-Ichi; Mori, Mihoko; Shiomi, Kazuro; Balogun, Emmanuel Oluwadare; Shiba, Tomoo; Harada, Shigeharu; Nozaki, Tomoyoshi; Kita, Kiyoshi

    2018-03-01

    Plasmodium falciparum is an apicomplexan parasite that causes the most severe malaria in humans. Due to a lack of effective vaccines and emerging of drug resistance parasites, development of drugs with novel mechanisms of action and few side effects are imperative. To this end, ideal drug targets are those essential to parasite viability as well as absent in their mammalian hosts. The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) of P. falciparum is one source of such potential targets because enzymes, such as L-malate:quinone oxidoreductase (PfMQO), in this pathway are absent humans. PfMQO catalyzes the oxidation of L-malate to oxaloacetate and the simultaneous reduction of ubiquinone to ubiquinol. It is a membrane protein, involved in three pathways (ETC, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the fumarate cycle) and has been shown to be essential for parasite survival, at least, in the intra-erythrocytic asexual stage. These findings indicate that PfMQO would be a valuable drug target for development of antimalarial with novel mechanism of action. Up to this point in time, difficulty in producing active recombinant mitochondrial MQO has hampered biochemical characterization and targeted drug discovery with MQO. Here we report for the first time recombinant PfMQO overexpressed in bacterial membrane and the first biochemical study. Furthermore, about 113 compounds, consisting of ubiquinone binding site inhibitors and antiparasitic agents, were screened resulting in the discovery of ferulenol as a potent PfMQO inhibitor. Finally, ferulenol was shown to inhibit parasite growth and showed strong synergism in combination with atovaquone, a well-described anti-malarial and bc 1 complex inhibitor. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Novel high throughput pooled shRNA screening identifies NQO1 as a potential drug target for host directed therapy for tuberculosis

    PubMed Central

    Li, Qing; Karim, Ahmad F.; Ding, Xuedong; Das, Biswajit; Dobrowolski, Curtis; Gibson, Richard M.; Quiñones-Mateu, Miguel E.; Karn, Jonathan; Rojas, Roxana E.

    2016-01-01

    Chemical regulation of macrophage function is one key strategy for developing host-directed adjuvant therapies for tuberculosis (TB). A critical step to develop these therapies is the identification and characterization of specific macrophage molecules and pathways with a high potential to serve as drug targets. Using a barcoded lentivirus-based pooled short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) library combined with next generation sequencing, we identified 205 silenced host genes highly enriched in mycobacteria-resistant macrophages. Twenty-one of these “hits” belonged to the oxidoreductase functional category. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) was the top oxidoreductase “hit”. NQO1 expression was increased after mycobacterial infection, and NQO1 knockdown increased macrophage differentiation, NF-κB activation, and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in response to infection. This suggests that mycobacteria hijacks NQO1 to down-regulate pro-inflammatory and anti-bacterial functions. The competitive inhibitor of NQO1 dicoumarol synergized with rifampin to promote intracellular killing of mycobacteria. Thus, NQO1 is a new host target in mycobacterial infection that could potentially be exploited to increase antibiotic efficacy in vivo. Our findings also suggest that pooled shRNA libraries could be valuable tools for genome-wide screening in the search for novel druggable host targets for adjunctive TB therapies. PMID:27297123

  5. An Oxidoreductase AioE is Responsible for Bacterial Arsenite Oxidation and Resistance

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Qian; Han, Yushan; Shi, Kaixiang; Fan, Xia; Wang, Lu; Li, Mingshun; Wang, Gejiao

    2017-01-01

    Previously, we found that arsenite (AsIII) oxidation could improve the generation of ATP/NADH to support the growth of Agrobacterium tumefaciens GW4. In this study, we found that aioE is induced by AsIII and located in the arsenic island near the AsIII oxidase genes aioBA and co-transcripted with the arsenic resistant genes arsR1-arsC1-arsC2-acr3-1. AioE belongs to TrkA family corresponding the electron transport function with the generation of NADH and H+. An aioE in-frame deletion strain showed a null AsIII oxidation and a reduced AsIII resistance, while a cytC mutant only reduced AsIII oxidation efficiency. With AsIII, aioE was directly related to the increase of NADH, while cytC was essential for ATP generation. In addition, cyclic voltammetry analysis showed that the redox potential (ORP) of AioBA and AioE were +0.297 mV vs. NHE and +0.255 mV vs. NHE, respectively. The ORP gradient is AioBA > AioE > CytC (+0.217 ~ +0.251 mV vs. NHE), which infers that electron may transfer from AioBA to CytC via AioE. The results indicate that AioE may act as a novel AsIII oxidation electron transporter associated with NADH generation. Since AsIII oxidation contributes AsIII detoxification, the essential of AioE for AsIII resistance is also reasonable. PMID:28128323

  6. Molecular cloning and characterization of a tumor-associated, growth-related, and time-keeping hydroquinone (NADH) oxidase (tNOX) of the HeLa cell surface

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chueh, Pin-Ju; Kim, Chinpal; Cho, NaMi; Morre, Dorothy M.; Morre, D. James

    2002-01-01

    NOX proteins are growth-related cell surface proteins that catalyze both hydroquinone or NADH oxidation and protein disulfide interchange and exhibit prion-like properties. The two enzymatic activities alternate to generate a regular period length of about 24 min. Here we report the expression, cloning, and characterization of a tumor-associated NADH oxidase (tNOX). The cDNA sequence of 1830 bp is located on gene Xq25-26 with an open reading frame encoding 610 amino acids. The activities of the bacterially expressed tNOX oscillate with a period length of 22 min as is characteristic of tNOX activities in situ. The activities are inhibited completely by capsaicin, which represents a defining characteristic of tNOX activity. Functional motifs identified by site-directed mutagenesis within the C-terminal portion of the tNOX protein corresponding to the processed plasma membrane-associated form include quinone (capsaicin), copper and adenine nucleotide binding domains, and two cysteines essential for catalytic activity. Four of the six cysteine to alanine replacements retained enzymatic activity, but the period lengths of the oscillations were increased. A single protein with two alternating enzymatic activities indicative of a time-keeping function is unprecedented in the biochemical literature.

  7. NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase from bovine heart mitochondria. cDNA sequences of the import precursors of the nuclear-encoded 39 kDa and 42 kDa subunits.

    PubMed Central

    Fearnley, I M; Finel, M; Skehel, J M; Walker, J E

    1991-01-01

    The 39 kDa and 42 kDa subunits of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase from bovine heart mitochondria are nuclear-coded components of the hydrophobic protein fraction of the enzyme. Their amino acid sequences have been deduced from the sequences of overlapping cDNA clones. These clones were amplified from total bovine heart cDNA by means of the polymerase chain reaction, with the use of complex mixtures of oligonucleotide primers based upon fragments of protein sequence determined at the N-terminals of the proteins and at internal sites. The protein sequences of the 39 kDa and 42 kDa subunits are 345 and 320 amino acid residues long respectively, and their calculated molecular masses are 39,115 Da and 36,693 Da. Both proteins are predominantly hydrophilic, but each contains one or two hydrophobic segments that could possibly be folded into transmembrane alpha-helices. The bovine 39 kDa protein sequence is related to that of a 40 kDa subunit from complex I from Neurospora crassa mitochondria; otherwise, it is not related significantly to any known sequence, including redox proteins and two polypeptides involved in import of proteins into mitochondria, known as the mitochondrial processing peptidase and the processing-enhancing protein. Therefore the functions of the 39 kDa and 42 kDa subunits of complex I are unknown. The mitochondrial gene product, ND4, a hydrophobic component of complex I with an apparent molecular mass of about 39 kDa, has been identified in preparations of the enzyme. This subunit stains faintly with Coomassie Blue dye, and in many gel systems it is not resolved from the nuclearcoded 36 kDa subunit. Images Fig. 1. PMID:1832859

  8. Genes associated with lignin degradation in the polyphagous white-rot pathogen Heterobasidion irregulare show substrate-specific regulation.

    PubMed

    Yakovlev, Igor A; Hietala, Ari M; Courty, Pierre-Emmanuel; Lundell, Taina; Solheim, Halvor; Fossdal, Carl Gunnar

    2013-07-01

    The pathogenic white-rot basidiomycete Heterobasidion irregulare is able to remove lignin and hemicellulose prior to cellulose during the colonization of root and stem xylem of conifer and broadleaf trees. We identified and followed the regulation of expression of genes belonging to families encoding ligninolytic enzymes. In comparison with typical white-rot fungi, the H. irregulare genome has exclusively the short-manganese peroxidase type encoding genes (6 short-MnPs) and thereby a slight contraction in the pool of class II heme-containing peroxidases, but an expansion of the MCO laccases with 17 gene models. Furthermore, the genome shows a versatile set of other oxidoreductase genes putatively involved in lignin oxidation and conversion, including 5 glyoxal oxidases, 19 quinone-oxidoreductases and 12 aryl-alcohol oxidases. Their genetic multiplicity and gene-specific regulation patterns on cultures based on defined lignin, cellulose or Norway spruce lignocellulose substrates suggest divergent specificities and physiological roles for these enzymes. While the short-MnP encoding genes showed similar transcript levels upon fungal growth on heartwood and reaction zone (RZ), a xylem defense tissue rich in phenolic compounds unique to trees, a subset of laccases showed higher gene expression in the RZ cultures. In contrast, other oxidoreductases depending on initial MnP activity showed generally lower transcript levels on RZ than on heartwood. These data suggest that the rate of fungal oxidative conversion of xylem lignin differs between spruce RZ and heartwood. It is conceivable that in RZ part of the oxidoreductase activities of laccases are related to the detoxification of phenolic compounds involved in host-defense. Expression of the several short-MnP enzymes indicated an important role for these enzymes in effective delignification of wood by H. irregulare. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Functional characterization of enone oxidoreductases from strawberry and tomato fruit.

    PubMed

    Klein, Dorothée; Fink, Barbara; Arold, Beate; Eisenreich, Wolfgang; Schwab, Wilfried

    2007-08-08

    Fragaria x ananassa enone oxidoreductase (FaEO), earlier putatively assigned as quinone oxidoreductase, is a ripening-induced, negatively auxin-regulated enzyme that catalyzes the formation of 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF), the key flavor compound in strawberry fruit by the reduction of the alpha,beta-unsaturated bond of the highly reactive precursor 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-2-methylene-3(2H)-furanone (HMMF). Here we show that recombinant FaEO does not reduce the double bond of straight-chain 2-alkenals or 2-alkenones but rather hydrogenates previously unknown HMMF derivatives substituted at the methylene functional group. The furanones were prepared from 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone with a number of aldehydes and a ketone. The kinetic data for the newly synthesized aroma-active substrates and products are similar to the values obtained for an enone oxidoreductase from Arabidopsis thaliana catalyzing the alpha,beta-hydrogenation of 2-alkenals. HMMF, the substrate of FaEO that is formed during strawberry fruit ripening, was also detected in tomato and pineapple fruit by HPLC-ESI-MSn and became 13C-labeled when d-[6-13C]-glucose was applied to the fruits, which suggested that a similar HDMF biosynthetic pathway occurs in the different plant species. With a database search (http://ted.bti.cornell.edu/ and http://genet.imb.uq.edu.au/Pineapple/), we identified a tomato and pineapple expressed sequence tag that shows significant homology to FaEO. Solanum lycopersicon EO (SlEO) was cloned from cDNA, and the protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Biochemical studies confirmed the involvement of SlEO in the biosynthesis of HDMF in tomato fruit.

  10. The human mitochondrial NADH: Ubiquinone oxidoreductase 51-kDa subunit oxidoreductase 51-kDa subunit maps adjacent to the glutathione S-transferase P1-1 gene on chromosome 11q13

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

    Spencer, S.R.; Taylor, J.B.; Cowell, I.G.

    The soluble glutathione transferases (GSTs) are a family of dimeric isoenymes catalyzing the conjugation of glutathione to hydrophobic electropiles. Their subunits can be grouped into four families, alpha, mu, pi, and theta, on the basis of their primary structures. In man, the pi class is represented by a single gene, GSTP1-1 (GST[pi]) localized to human chromosome 11, band q13. The oncogenes INT2, HSTF1, and PRAD1 are also localized at 11q13, and together with the GSTP1 locus and other gene loci mapped to 11q13, i.e., BCL1 and EMS1, they form a unit of DNA approximately 2000-2500 kb, known as the 11q13more » amplicon, which is often amplified in a range of solid tumors. Any gene locus at 11q13 is of interest because it may influence tumorigenesis. 14 refs., 1 fig.« less

  11. Engineering electron metabolism to increase ethanol production in Clostridium thermocellum.

    PubMed

    Lo, Jonathan; Olson, Daniel G; Murphy, Sean Jean-Loup; Tian, Liang; Hon, Shuen; Lanahan, Anthony; Guss, Adam M; Lynd, Lee R

    2017-01-01

    The NfnAB (NADH-dependent reduced ferredoxin: NADP + oxidoreductase) and Rnf (ion-translocating reduced ferredoxin: NAD + oxidoreductase) complexes are thought to catalyze electron transfer between reduced ferredoxin and NAD(P) + . Efficient electron flux is critical for engineering fuel production pathways, but little is known about the relative importance of these enzymes in vivo. In this study we investigate the importance of the NfnAB and Rnf complexes in Clostridium thermocellum for growth on cellobiose and Avicel using gene deletion, enzyme assays, and fermentation product analysis. The NfnAB complex does not seem to play a major role in metabolism, since deletion of nfnAB genes had little effect on the distribution of fermentation products. By contrast, the Rnf complex appears to play an important role in ethanol formation. Deletion of rnf genes resulted in a decrease in ethanol formation. Overexpression of rnf genes resulted in an increase in ethanol production of about 30%, but only in strains where the hydG hydrogenase maturation gene was also deleted. Copyright © 2016 International Metabolic Engineering Society. All rights reserved.

  12. A water-forming NADH oxidase from Lactobacillus pentosus suitable for the regeneration of synthetic biomimetic cofactors

    PubMed Central

    Nowak, Claudia; Beer, Barbara; Pick, André; Roth, Teresa; Lommes, Petra; Sieber, Volker

    2015-01-01

    The cell-free biocatalytic production of fine chemicals by oxidoreductases has continuously grown over the past years. Since especially dehydrogenases depend on the stoichiometric use of nicotinamide pyridine cofactors, an integrated efficient recycling system is crucial to allow process operation under economic conditions. Lately, the variety of cofactors for biocatalysis was broadened by the utilization of totally synthetic and cheap biomimetics. Though, to date the regeneration has been limited to chemical or electrochemical methods. Here, we report an enzymatic recycling by the flavoprotein NADH-oxidase from Lactobacillus pentosus (LpNox). Since this enzyme has not been described before, we first characterized it in regard to its optimal reaction parameters. We found that the heterologously overexpressed enzyme only contained 13% FAD. In vitro loading of the enzyme with FAD, resulted in a higher specific activity towards its natural cofactor NADH as well as different nicotinamide derived biomimetics. Apart from the enzymatic recycling, which gives water as a by-product by transferring four electrons onto oxygen, unbound FAD can also catalyze the oxidation of biomimetic cofactors. Here a two electron process takes place yielding H2O2 instead. The enzymatic and chemical recycling was compared in regard to reaction kinetics for the natural and biomimetic cofactors. With LpNox and FAD, two recycling strategies for biomimetic cofactors are described with either water or hydrogen peroxide as by-product. PMID:26441891

  13. Organization of the human [zeta]-crystallin/quinone reductase gene (CRYZ)

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

    Gonzalez, P.; Rao, P.V.; Zigler, J.S. Jr.

    1994-05-15

    [zeta]-Crystallin is a protein highly expressed in the lens of guinea pigs and camels, where it comprises about 10% of the total soluble protein. It has recently been characterized as a novel quinone oxidoreductase present in a variety of mammalian tissues. The authors report here the isolation and characterization of the human [zeta]-crystallin gene (CRYZ) and its processed pseudogene. The functional gene is composed of nine exons and spans about 20 kb. The 5[prime]-flanking region of the gene is rich in G and C (58%) and lacks TATA and CAAT boxes. Previous analysis of the guinea pig gene revealed themore » presence of two different promoters, one responsible for the high lens-specific expression and the other for expression at the enzymatic level in numerous tissues. Comparative analysis with the guinea pig gene shows that a region of [approximately]2.5 kb that includes the promoter responsible for the high expression in the lens in guinea pig is not present in the human gene. 34 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.« less

  14. Narcosis studies and oxygen poisoning of mice

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1973-01-01

    The research for a mechanism by which narcotic gases alter metabolism is reported. Possible sites of action by narcotic and anesthetic gases in isolated electron transport particles were explored. Using the relative activities of the NADH-oxygen, NADH-ferricyanide, succinate-cytochrome C and succinate-NAD oxidoreductase systems as parameters, the relative potency of volatile anesthetics were tested. Testing the relative ability of human subjects to contract and repay an oxygen debt while in the narcotic versus alert state, it was found that narcosis induced by 33% nitrous oxide increased the size of the oxygen debt contracted and the amount of oxygen required to repay it during recovery. Mice acclimatized to sea level (760 mm Hg), 5000 feet (632 mm Hg) or 15,000 feet 437 mm Hg) for from one to eight weeks were found to be more susceptible to convulsion and death as a function of altitude acclimatization when tested in hyperoxic environments. There were no reasonable explanations for the connection between hypoxia and oxygen poisoning but several practical implications for persons living at altitude are discussed.

  15. Developmental and hormone-induced changes of mitochondrial electron transport chain enzyme activities during the last instar larval development of maize stem borer, Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

    PubMed

    VenkatRao, V; Chaitanya, R K; Naresh Kumar, D; Bramhaiah, M; Dutta-Gupta, A

    2016-12-01

    The energy demand for structural remodelling in holometabolous insects is met by cellular mitochondria. Developmental and hormone-induced changes in the mitochondrial respiratory activity during insect metamorphosis are not well documented. The present study investigates activities of enzymes of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) namely, NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase or complex I, Succinate: ubiquinone oxidoreductase or complex II, Ubiquinol:ferricytochrome c oxidoreductase or complex III, cytochrome c oxidase or complex IV and F 1 F 0 ATPase (ATPase), during Chilo partellus development. Further, the effect of juvenile hormone (JH) analog, methoprene, and brain and corpora-allata-corpora-cardiaca (CC-CA) homogenates that represent neurohormones, on the ETC enzyme activities was monitored. The enzymatic activities increased from penultimate to last larval stage and thereafter declined during pupal development with an exception of ATPase which showed high enzyme activity during last larval and pupal stages compared to the penultimate stage. JH analog, methoprene differentially modulated ETC enzyme activities. It stimulated complex I and IV enzyme activities, but did not alter the activities of complex II, III and ATPase. On the other hand, brain homogenate declined the ATPase activity while the injected CC-CA homogenate stimulated complex I and IV enzyme activities. Cumulatively, the present study is the first to show that mitochondrial ETC enzyme system is under hormone control, particularly of JH and neurohormones during insect development. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. 1,2-Bis(methylsulfonyl)-1-(2-chloroethyl)-2-[[1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethoxy]carbonyl]hydrazine: An anticancer agent targeting hypoxic cells

    PubMed Central

    Seow, Helen A.; Penketh, Philip G.; Shyam, Krishnamurthy; Rockwell, Sara; Sartorelli, Alan C.

    2005-01-01

    To target malignant cells residing in hypoxic regions of solid tumors, we have designed and synthesized prodrugs generating the cytotoxic alkylating species 1,2-bis(methylsulfonyl)-1-(2-chloroethyl)hydrazine (90CE) after bioreductive activation. We postulate that one of these agents, 1,2-bis(methylsulfonyl)-1-(2-chloroethyl)-2-[[1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethoxy]carbonyl]hydrazine (KS119), requires enzymatic nitro reduction to produce 90CE, whereas another agent, 1,2-bis(methylsulfonyl)-1-(2-chloroethyl)-2-[(4-nitrobenzyloxy)carbonyl]hydrazine (PNBC), can also be activated by nucleophilic attack by thiols such as glutathione (GSH)/GST. We demonstrated that these agents selectively kill hypoxic EMT6 mouse mammary carcinoma and CHO cells. In hypoxia, 50 μM KS119 produced 5 logs of kill of EMT6 cells without discernable cytotoxicity in air; similar effects were observed with CHO cells. PNBC was less efficacious against hypoxic tumor cells and also had some toxicity to aerobic cells, presumably because of GST/thiol activation, making PNBC less interesting as a selective hypoxic-cell cytotoxin. BALB/c mice with established EMT6 solid tumors were used to demonstrate that KS119 could reach and kill hypoxic cells in solid tumors. To gain information on bioreductive enzymes involved in the activation of KS119, cytotoxicity was measured in CHO cell lines overexpressing NADH:cytochrome b5 reductase (NBR), NADPH:cytochrome P450 reductase (NPR), or NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Increased cytotoxicity occurred in cells overexpressing NBR and NPR, whereas overexpressed NQO1 had no effect. These findings were supported by enzymatic studies using purified NPR and xanthine oxidase to activate KS119. KS119 has significant potential as a hypoxia-selective tumor-cell cytotoxin and is unlikely to cause major toxicity to well oxygenated normal tissues. PMID:15964988

  17. Stress-induced NQO1 controls stability of C/EBPα against 20S proteasomal degradation to regulate p63 expression with implications in protection against chemical-induced skin cancer.

    PubMed

    Patrick, B A; Jaiswal, A K

    2012-10-04

    Previously, we have shown a role of cytosolic NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the stabilization of p63 against 20S proteasomal degradation resulting in thinning of the epithelium and chemical-induced skin cancer (Oncogene (2011) 30, 1098-1107). Current studies have demonstrated that NQO1 control of CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBPα) against 20S proteasomal degradation also contributes to the upregulation of p63 expression and protection. Western and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that disruption of the NQO1 gene in mice and mouse keratinocytes led to degradation of C/EBPα and loss of p63 gene expression. p63 promoter mutagenesis, transfection and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays identified a C/EBPα-binding site between nucleotide position -185 and -174 that bound to C/EBPα and upregulated p63 gene expression. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analysis demonstrated that 20S proteasomes directly interacted and degraded C/EBPα. NQO1 direct interaction with C/EBPα led to stabilization of C/EBPα against 20S proteasomal degradation. NQO1 protection of C/EBPα required binding of NADH with NQO1. Exposure of skin and keratinocytes to the chemical stress agent benzo(a)pyrene led to induction of NQO1 and stabilization of C/EBPα protein, resulting in an increase in p63 RNA and protein in wild-type but not in NQO1-/- mice. Collectively, the current data combined with previous data suggest that stress induction of NQO1 through both stabilization of C/EBPα and increase in p63 and direct stabilization of p63 controls keratinocyte differentiation, leading to protection against chemical-induced skin carcinogenesis. The studies are significant as 2-4% human individuals are homozygous and 23% are heterozygous for the NQO1P187S mutation and might be susceptible to stress-induced skin diseases.

  18. A Novel Uncultured Bacterium of the Family Gallionellaceae: Description and Genome Reconstruction Based on the Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Community in Acid Mine Drainage.

    PubMed

    Kadnikov, V V; Ivasenko, D A; Beletsky, A V; Mardanov, A V; Danilova, E V; Pimenov, N V; Karnachuk, O V; Ravin, N V

    2016-07-01

    Drainage waters at the metal mining areas often have low pH and high content of dissolved metals due to oxidation of sulfide minerals. Extreme conditions limit microbial diversity in- such ecosystems. A drainage water microbial community (6.5'C, pH 2.65) in an open pit at the Sherlovaya Gora polymetallic open-cast mine (Transbaikal region, Eastern Siberia, Russia) was studied using metagenomic techniques. Metagenome sequencing provided information for taxonomic and functional characterization of the micro- bial community. The majority of microorganisms belonged to a single uncultured lineage representing a new Betaproteobacteria species of the genus Gallionella. While no.acidophiles are known among the cultured members of the family Gallionellaceae, similar 16S rRNA gene sequences were detected in acid mine drain- ages. Bacteria ofthe genera Thiobacillus, Acidobacterium, Acidisphaera, and Acidithiobacillus,-which are com- mon in acid mine drainage environments, were the minor components of the community. Metagenomic data were -used to determine the almost complete (-3.4 Mb) composite genome of the new bacterial. lineage desig- nated Candidatus Gallionella acididurans ShG14-8. Genome analysis revealed that Fe(II) oxidation probably involved the cytochromes localized on the outer membrane of the cell. The electron transport chain included NADH dehydrogenase, a cytochrome bc1 complex, an alternative complex III, and cytochrome oxidases of the bd, cbb3, and bo3 types. Oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds probably involved the Sox system, sul- fide-quinone oxidoreductase, adenyl sulfate reductase, and sulfate adenyltransferase. The genes required for autotrophic carbon assimilation via the Calvin cycle were present, while no pathway for nitrogen fixation was revealed. High numbers of RND metal transporters and P type ATPases were probably responsible for resis- tance to heavy metals. The new microorganism was an aerobic chemolithoautotroph of the group of psychrotolerant iron- and sulfur-oxidizing acidophiles of the family Gallionellaceae, which are common in acid mine drainages.

  19. Genome-Guided Analysis of Clostridium ultunense and Comparative Genomics Reveal Different Strategies for Acetate Oxidation and Energy Conservation in Syntrophic Acetate-Oxidising Bacteria

    PubMed Central

    Manzoor, Shahid; Schnürer, Anna; Müller, Bettina

    2018-01-01

    Syntrophic acetate oxidation operates close to the thermodynamic equilibrium and very little is known about the participating organisms and their metabolism. Clostridium ultunense is one of the most abundant syntrophic acetate-oxidising bacteria (SAOB) that are found in engineered biogas processes operating with high ammonia concentrations. It has been proven to oxidise acetate in cooperation with hydrogenotrophic methanogens. There is evidence that the Wood-Ljungdahl (WL) pathway plays an important role in acetate oxidation. In this study, we analysed the physiological and metabolic capacities of C. ultunense strain Esp and strain BST on genome scale and conducted a comparative study of all the known characterised SAOB, namely Syntrophaceticus schinkii, Thermacetogenium phaeum, Tepidanaerobacter acetatoxydans, and Pseudothermotoga lettingae. The results clearly indicated physiological robustness to be beneficial for anaerobic digestion environments and revealed unexpected metabolic diversity with respect to acetate oxidation and energy conservation systems. Unlike S. schinkii and Th. phaeum, C. ultunense clearly does not employ the oxidative WL pathway for acetate oxidation, as its genome (and that of P. lettingae) lack important key genes. In both of those species, a proton motive force is likely formed by chemical protons involving putative electron-bifurcating [Fe-Fe] hydrogenases rather than proton pumps. No genes encoding a respiratory Ech (energy-converting hydrogenase), as involved in energy conservation in Th. phaeum and S. schinkii, were identified in C. ultunense and P. lettingae. Moreover, two respiratory complexes sharing similarities to the proton-translocating ferredoxin:NAD+ oxidoreductase (Rnf) and the Na+ pumping NADH:quinone hydrogenase (NQR) were predicted. These might form a respiratory chain that is involved in the reduction of electron acceptors rather than protons. However, involvement of these complexes in acetate oxidation in C. ultunense and P. lettingae needs further study. This genome-based comparison provides a solid platform for future meta-proteomics and meta-transcriptomics studies and for metabolic engineering, control, and monitoring of SAOB. PMID:29690652

  20. Genome-Guided Analysis of Clostridium ultunense and Comparative Genomics Reveal Different Strategies for Acetate Oxidation and Energy Conservation in Syntrophic Acetate-Oxidising Bacteria.

    PubMed

    Manzoor, Shahid; Schnürer, Anna; Bongcam-Rudloff, Erik; Müller, Bettina

    2018-04-23

    Syntrophic acetate oxidation operates close to the thermodynamic equilibrium and very little is known about the participating organisms and their metabolism. Clostridium ultunense is one of the most abundant syntrophic acetate-oxidising bacteria (SAOB) that are found in engineered biogas processes operating with high ammonia concentrations. It has been proven to oxidise acetate in cooperation with hydrogenotrophic methanogens. There is evidence that the Wood-Ljungdahl (WL) pathway plays an important role in acetate oxidation. In this study, we analysed the physiological and metabolic capacities of C. ultunense strain Esp and strain BS T on genome scale and conducted a comparative study of all the known characterised SAOB, namely Syntrophaceticus schinkii , Thermacetogenium phaeum , Tepidanaerobacter acetatoxydans , and Pseudothermotoga lettingae . The results clearly indicated physiological robustness to be beneficial for anaerobic digestion environments and revealed unexpected metabolic diversity with respect to acetate oxidation and energy conservation systems. Unlike S. schinkii and Th. phaeum , C. ultunense clearly does not employ the oxidative WL pathway for acetate oxidation, as its genome (and that of P. lettingae ) lack important key genes. In both of those species, a proton motive force is likely formed by chemical protons involving putative electron-bifurcating [Fe-Fe] hydrogenases rather than proton pumps. No genes encoding a respiratory Ech (energy-converting hydrogenase), as involved in energy conservation in Th. phaeum and S. schinkii, were identified in C. ultunense and P. lettingae . Moreover, two respiratory complexes sharing similarities to the proton-translocating ferredoxin:NAD⁺ oxidoreductase (Rnf) and the Na⁺ pumping NADH:quinone hydrogenase (NQR) were predicted. These might form a respiratory chain that is involved in the reduction of electron acceptors rather than protons. However, involvement of these complexes in acetate oxidation in C. ultunense and P. lettingae needs further study. This genome-based comparison provides a solid platform for future meta-proteomics and meta-transcriptomics studies and for metabolic engineering, control, and monitoring of SAOB.

  1. Partitioning of electron flux between the respiratory chains of the yeast Candida parapsilosis: parallel working of the two chains.

    PubMed

    Guerin, M G; Camougrand, N M

    1994-02-08

    Partitioning of the electron flux between the classical and the alternative respiratory chains of the yeast Candida parapsilosis, was measured as a function of the oxidation rate and of the Q-pool redox poise. At low respiration rate, electrons from external NADH travelled preferentially through the alternative pathway as indicated by the antimycin A-insensitivity of electron flow. Inhibition of the alternative pathway by SHAM restored full antimycin A-sensitivity to the remaining electro flow. The dependence of the respiratory rate on the redox poise of the quinone pool was investigated when the electron flux was mediated either by the main respiratory chain (growth in the absence of antimycin A) or by the second respiratory chain (growth in the presence of antimycin A). In the former case, a linear relationship was found between these two parameters. In contrast, in the latter case, the relationship between Q-pool reduction level and electron flux was non-linear, but it could be resolved into two distinct curves. This second quinone is not reducible in the presence of antimycin A but only in the presence of high concentrations of myxothiazol or cyanide. Since two quinone species exist in C. parapsilosis, UQ9 and Qx (C33H54O4), we hypothesized that these two curves could correspond to the functioning of the second quinone engaged during the alternative pathway activity. Partitioning of electrons between both respiratory chains could occur upstream of complex III with the second chain functioning in parallel to the main one, and with the additional possibility of merging into the main one at the complex IV level.

  2. Cardiolipin Fatty Acid Remodeling Regulates Mitochondrial Function by Modifying the Electron Entry Point in the Respiratory Chain

    PubMed Central

    Vergeade, Aurelia; Bertram, Clinton C.; Bikineyeva, Alfiya T.; Zackert, William E.; Zinkel, Sandra S.; May, James M.; Dikalov, Sergey I.; Roberts, L. Jackson; Boutaud, Olivier

    2016-01-01

    Modifications of cardiolipin (CL) levels or compositions are associated with changes in mitochondrial function in a wide range of pathologies. We have made the discovery that acetaminophen remodels CL fatty acids composition from tetralinoleoyl to linoleoyltrioleoyl-CL, a remodeling that is associated with decreased mitochondrial respiration. Our data show that CL remodeling causes a shift in electron entry from complex II to the β-oxidation electron transfer flavoprotein quinone oxidoreductase (ETF/QOR) pathway. These data demonstrate that electron entry in the respiratory chain is regulated by CL fatty acid composition and provide proof-of-concept that pharmacological intervention can be used to modify CL composition. PMID:27085476

  3. NADH oxidase activity (NOX) and enlargement of HeLa cells oscillate with two different temperature-compensated period lengths of 22 and 24 minutes corresponding to different NOX forms

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wang, S.; Pogue, R.; Morre, D. M.; Morre, D. J.

    2001-01-01

    NOX proteins are cell surface-associated and growth-related hydroquinone (NADH) oxidases with protein disulfide-thiol interchange activity. A defining characteristic of NOX proteins is that the two enzymatic activities alternate to generate a regular period length of about 24 min. HeLa cells exhibit at least two forms of NOX. One is tumor-associated (tNOX) and is inhibited by putative quinone site inhibitors (e.g., capsaicin or the antitumor sulfonylurea, LY181984). Another is constitutive (CNOX) and refractory to inhibition. The periodic alternation of activities and drug sensitivity of the NADH oxidase activity observed with intact HeLa cells was retained in isolated plasma membranes and with the solubilized and partially purified enzyme. At least two activities were present. One had a period length of 24 min and the other had a period length of 22 min. The lengths of both the 22 and the 24 min periods were temperature compensated (approximately the same when measured at 17, 27 or 37 degrees C) whereas the rate of NADH oxidation approximately doubled with each 10 degrees C rise in temperature. The rate of increase in cell area of HeLa cells when measured by video-enhanced light microscopy also exhibited a complex period of oscillations reflective of both 22 and 24 min period lengths. The findings demonstrate the presence of a novel oscillating NOX activity at the surface of cancer cells with a period length of 22 min in addition to the constitutive NOX of non-cancer cells and tissues with a period length of 24 min.

  4. Screening differentially expressed genes in an amphipod (Hyalella azteca) exposed to fungicide vinclozolin by suppression subtractive hybridization.

    PubMed

    Wu, Yun H; Wu, Tsung M; Hong, Chwan Y; Wang, Yei S; Yen, Jui H

    2014-01-01

    Vinclozolin, a dicarboximide fungicide, is an endocrine disrupting chemical that competes with an androgenic endocrine disruptor compound. Most research has focused on the epigenetic effect of vinclozolin in humans. In terms of ecotoxicology, understanding the effect of vinclozolin on non-target organisms is important. The expression profile of a comprehensive set of genes in the amphipod Hyalella azteca exposed to vinclozolin was examined. The expressed sequence tags in low-dose vinclozolin-treated and -untreated amphipods were isolated and identified by suppression subtractive hybridization. DNA dot blotting was used to confirm the results and establish a subtracted cDNA library for comparing all differentially expressed sequences with and without vinclozolin treatment. In total, 494 differentially expressed genes, including hemocyanin, heatshock protein, cytochrome, cytochrome oxidase and NADH dehydrogenase were detected. Hemocyanin was the most abundant gene. DNA dot blotting revealed 55 genes with significant differential expression. These genes included larval serum protein 1 alpha, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, mitochondrial protein, proteasome inhibitor, hemocyanin, zinc-finger-containing protein, mitochondrial NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase and epididymal sperm-binding protein. Vinclozolin appears to upregulate stress-related genes and hemocyanin, related to immunity. Moreover, vinclozolin downregulated NADH dehydrogenase, related to respiration. Thus, even a non-lethal concentration of vinclozolin still has an effect at the genetic level in H. azteca and presents a potential risk, especially as it would affect non-target organism hormone metabolism.

  5. The FlxABCD-HdrABC proteins correspond to a novel NADH dehydrogenase/heterodisulfide reductase widespread in anaerobic bacteria and involved in ethanol metabolism in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough.

    PubMed

    Ramos, Ana Raquel; Grein, Fabian; Oliveira, Gonçalo P; Venceslau, Sofia S; Keller, Kimberly L; Wall, Judy D; Pereira, Inês A C

    2015-07-01

    Flavin-based electron bifurcation (FBEB) is an important mechanism for the energy metabolism of anaerobes. A new family of NADH dehydrogenases, the flavin oxidoreductase (FlxABCD, previously called FloxABCD), was proposed to perform FBEB in sulphate-reducing organisms coupled with heterodisulfide reductase (HdrABC). We found that the hdrABC-flxABCD gene cluster is widespread among anaerobic bacteria, pointing to a general and important role in their bioenergetics. In this work, we studied FlxABCD of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough. The hdr-flx genes are part of the same transcriptional unit and are increased in transcription during growth in ethanol-sulfate, and to a less extent during pyruvate fermentation. Two mutant strains were generated: one where expression of the hdr-flx genes was interrupted and another lacking the flxA gene. Both strains were unable to grow with ethanol-sulfate, whereas growth was restored in a flxA-complemented strain. The mutant strains also produced very reduced amounts of ethanol compared with the wild type during pyruvate fermentation. Our results show that in D. vulgaris, the FlxABCD-HdrABC proteins are essential for NADH oxidation during growth on ethanol, probably involving a FBEB mechanism that leads to reduction of ferredoxin and the small protein DsrC, while in fermentation they operate in reverse, reducing NAD(+) for ethanol production. © 2014 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  6. NAD(P)H: Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 Deficiency Conjoint with Marginal Vitamin C Deficiency Causes Cigarette Smoke Induced Myelodysplastic Syndromes

    PubMed Central

    Das, Archita; Dey, Neekkan; Ghosh, Arunava; Das, Tanusree; Chatterjee, Indu B.

    2011-01-01

    Background The etiology of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is largely unknown. Exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) is reported to be associated with MDS risk. There is inconsistent evidence that deficiency of NAD(P)H-quinone: oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) increases the risk of MDS. Earlier we had shown that CS induces toxicity only in marginal vitamin C-deficient guinea pigs but not in vitamin C-sufficient ones. We therefore considered that NQO1 deficiency along with marginal vitamin C deficiency might produce MDS in CS-exposed guinea pigs. Methodology and Principal Findings Here we show that CS exposure for 21 days produces MDS in guinea pigs having deficiency of NQO1 (fed 3 mg dicoumarol/day) conjoint with marginal vitamin C deficiency (fed 0.5 mg vitamin C/day). As evidenced by morphology, histology and cytogenetics, MDS produced in the guinea pigs falls in the category of refractory cytopenia with unilineage dysplasia (RCUD): refractory anemia; refractory thrombocytopenia that is associated with ring sideroblasts, micromegakaryocytes, myeloid hyperplasia and aneuploidy. MDS is accompanied by increased CD34(+) cells and oxidative stress as shown by the formation of protein carbonyls and 8-oxodeoxyguanosine. Apoptosis precedes MDS but disappears later with marked decrease in the p53 protein. MDS produced in the guinea pigs are irreversible. MDS and all the aforesaid pathophysiological events do not occur in vitamin C-sufficient guinea pigs. However, after the onset of MDS vitamin C becomes ineffective. Conclusions and Significance CS exposure causes MDS in guinea pigs having deficiency of NQO1 conjoint with marginal vitamin C deficiency. The syndromes are not produced in singular deficiency of NQO1 or marginal vitamin C deficiency. Our results suggest that human smokers having NQO1 deficiency combined with marginal vitamin C deficiency are likely to be at high risk for developing MDS and that intake of a moderately large dose of vitamin C would prevent MDS. PMID:21655231

  7. A Proteomic View at the Biochemistry of Syntrophic Butyrate Oxidation in Syntrophomonas wolfei

    PubMed Central

    Schmidt, Alexander; Müller, Nicolai; Schink, Bernhard; Schleheck, David

    2013-01-01

    In syntrophic conversion of butyrate to methane and CO2, butyrate is oxidized to acetate by secondary fermenting bacteria such as Syntrophomonas wolfei in close cooperation with methanogenic partner organisms, e.g., Methanospirillum hungatei. This process involves an energetically unfavourable shift of electrons from the level of butyryl-CoA oxidation to the substantially lower redox potential of proton and/or CO2 reduction, in order to transfer these electrons to the methanogenic partner via hydrogen and/or formate. In the present study, all prominent membrane-bound and soluble proteins expressed in S. wolfei specifically during syntrophic growth with butyrate, in comparison to pure-culture growth with crotonate, were examined by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and identified by peptide fingerprinting-mass spectrometry. A membrane-bound, externally oriented, quinone-linked formate dehydrogenase complex was expressed at high level specifically during syntrophic butyrate oxidation, comprising a selenocystein-linked catalytic subunit with a membrane-translocation pathway signal (TAT), a membrane-bound iron-sulfur subunit, and a membrane-bound cytochrome. Soluble hydrogenases were expressed at high levels specifically during growth with crotonate. The results were confirmed by native protein gel electrophoresis, by formate dehydrogenase and hydrogenase-activity staining, and by analysis of formate dehydrogenase and hydrogenase activities in intact cells and cell extracts. Furthermore, constitutive expression of a membrane-bound, internally oriented iron-sulfur oxidoreductase (DUF224) was confirmed, together with expression of soluble electron-transfer flavoproteins (EtfAB) and two previously identified butyryl-CoA dehydrogenases. Our findings allow to depict an electron flow scheme for syntrophic butyrate oxidation in S. wolfei. Electrons derived from butyryl-CoA are transferred through a membrane-bound EtfAB:quinone oxidoreductase (DUF224) to a menaquinone cycle and further via a b-type cytochrome to an externally oriented formate dehydrogenase. Hence, an ATP hydrolysis-driven proton-motive force across the cytoplasmatic membrane would provide the energy input for the electron potential shift necessary for formate formation. PMID:23468890

  8. Down-regulation of the detoxifying enzyme NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 by vanadium in Hepa 1c1c7 cells

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

    Anwar-Mohamed, Anwar; El-Kadi, Ayman O.S.

    2009-05-01

    Recent data suggest that vanadium (V{sup 5+}) compounds exert protective effects against chemical-induced carcinogenesis, mainly through modifying various xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes. In fact, we have shown that V{sup 5+} down-regulates the expression of Cyp1a1 at the transcriptional level through an ATP-dependent mechanism. However, incongruously, there is increasing evidence that V{sup 5+} is found in higher amounts in cancer cells and tissues than in normal cells or tissues. Therefore, the current study aims to address the possible effect of this metal on the regulation of expression of an enzyme that helps maintain endogenous antioxidants used to protect tissues/cells from mutagens, carcinogens,more » and oxidative stress damage, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1). In an attempt to examine these effects, Hepa 1c1c7 cells and its AhR-deficient version, c12, were treated with increasing concentrations of V{sup 5+} in the presence of two distinct Nqo1 inducers, the 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and isothiocyanate sulforaphane (SUL). Our results showed that V{sup 5+} inhibits the TCDD- and SUL-mediated induction of Nqo1 at mRNA, protein, and catalytic activity levels. At transcriptional level, V{sup 5+} was able to decrease the TCDD- and SUL-induced nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and the subsequent binding to antioxidant responsive element (ARE) without affecting Nrf2 protein levels. Looking at post-transcriptional level; we found that V{sup 5+} did not affect Nqo1 mRNA transcripts turn-over rates. However, at the post-translational level V{sup 5+} increased Nqo1 protein half-life. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that V{sup 5+} down-regulates Nqo1 at the transcriptional level, possibly through inhibiting the ATP-dependent activation of Nrf2.« less

  9. Emiliania huxleyi endures N-limitation with an efficient metabolic budgeting and effective ATP synthesis.

    PubMed

    Rokitta, Sebastian D; Von Dassow, Peter; Rost, Björn; John, Uwe

    2014-12-02

    Global change will affect patterns of nutrient upwelling in marine environments, potentially becoming even stricter regulators of phytoplankton primary productivity. To better understand phytoplankton nutrient utilization on the subcellular basis, we assessed the transcriptomic responses of the life-cycle stages of the biogeochemically important microalgae Emiliania huxleyi to nitrogen-limitation. Cells grown in batch cultures were harvested at 'early' and 'full' nitrogen-limitation and were compared with non-limited cells. We applied microarray-based transcriptome profilings, covering ~10.000 known E. huxleyi gene models, and screened for expression patterns that indicate the subcellular responses. The diploid life-cycle stage scavenges nitrogen from external organic sources and -like diatoms- uses the ornithine-urea cycle to rapidly turn over cellular nitrogen. The haploid stage reacts similarly, although nitrogen scavenging is less pronounced and lipid oxidation is more prominent. Generally, polyamines and proline appear to constitute major organic pools that back up cellular nitrogen. Both stages induce a malate:quinone-oxidoreductase that efficiently feeds electrons into the respiratory chain and drives ATP generation with reduced respiratory carbon throughput. The use of the ornithine-urea cycle to budget the cellular nitrogen in situations of limitation resembles the responses observed earlier in diatoms. This suggests that underlying biochemical mechanisms are conserved among distant clades of marine phototrophic protists. The ornithine-urea cycle and proline oxidation appear to constitute a sensory-regulatory system that monitors and controls cellular nitrogen budgets under limitation. The similarity between the responses of the life-cycle stages, despite the usage of different genes, also indicates a strong functional consistency in the responses to nitrogen-limitation that appears to be owed to biochemical requirements. The malate:quinone-oxidoreductase is a genomic feature that appears to be absent from diatom genomes, and it is likely to strongly contribute to the uniquely high endurance of E. huxleyi under nutrient limitation.

  10. Identification of key genes in Gram-positive and Gram-negative sepsis using stochastic perturbation

    PubMed Central

    Li, Zhenliang; Zhang, Ying; Liu, Yaling; Liu, Yanchun; Li, Youyi

    2017-01-01

    Sepsis is an inflammatory response to pathogens (such as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria), which has high morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. The present study aimed to identify the key genes in Gram-positive and Gram-negative sepsis. GSE6535 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus, containing 17 control samples, 18 Gram-positive samples and 25 Gram-negative samples. Subsequently, the limma package in R was used to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Hierarchical clustering was conducted for the specific DEGs in Gram-negative and Gram-negative samples using cluster software and the TreeView software. To analyze the correlation of samples at the gene level, a similarity network was constructed using Cytoscape software. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted for the DEGs using DAVID. Finally, stochastic perturbation was used to determine the significantly differential functions between Gram-positive and Gram-negative samples. A total of 340 and 485 DEGs were obtained in Gram-positive and Gram-negative samples, respectively. Hierarchical clustering revealed that there were significant differences between control and sepsis samples. In Gram-positive and Gram-negative samples, myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 was associated with apoptosis and programmed cell death. Additionally, NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 was associated with mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I assembly. Stochastic perturbation analysis revealed that NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit B2 (NDUFB2), NDUFB8 and ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase hinge protein (UQCRH) were associated with cellular respiration in Gram-negative samples, whereas large tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2) was associated with G1/S transition of the mitotic cell cycle in Gram-positive samples. NDUFB2, NDUFB8 and UQCRH may be biomarkers for Gram-negative sepsis, whereas LATS2 may be a biomarker for Gram-positive sepsis. These findings may promote the therapies of sepsis caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. PMID:28714002

  11. Modulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) by radiation- induced biophotons.

    PubMed

    Le, Michelle; McNeill, Fiona E; Seymour, Colin B; Rusin, Andrej; Diamond, Kevin; Rainbow, Andrew J; Murphy, James; Mothersill, Carmel E

    2018-05-01

    Radiation-induced biophotons are an electromagnetic form of bystander signalling. In human cells, biophoton signalling is capable of eliciting effects in non-irradiated bystander cells. However, the mechanisms by which the biophotons interact and act upon the bystander cells are not clearly understood. Mitochondrial energy production and ROS are known to be involved but the precise interactions are not known. To address this question, we have investigated the effect of biophoton emission upon the function of the complexes of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The exposure of bystander HCT116 p53 +/+ cells to biophoton signals emitted from β-irradiated HCT116 p53 +/+ cells induced significant modifications in the activity of Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase or NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) such that the activity was severely diminished compared to non-irradiated controls. The enzymatic assay showed that the efficiency of NADH oxidation to NAD+ was severely compromised. It is suspected that this impairment may be linked to the photoabsorption of biophotons in the blue wavelength range (492-455 nm). The photobiomodulation to Complex I was suspected to contribute greatly to the inefficiency of ATP synthase function since it resulted in a lower quantity of H + ions to be available for use in the process of chemiosmosis. Other reactions of the ETC were not significantly impacted. Overall, these results provide evidence for a link between biophoton emission and biomodulation of the mitochondrial ATP synthesis process. However, there are many aspects of biological modulation by radiation-induced biophotons which will require further elucidation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Dissection of the Caffeate Respiratory Chain in the Acetogen Acetobacterium woodii: Identification of an Rnf-Type NADH Dehydrogenase as a Potential Coupling Site▿

    PubMed Central

    Imkamp, Frank; Biegel, Eva; Jayamani, Elamparithi; Buckel, Wolfgang; Müller, Volker

    2007-01-01

    The anaerobic acetogenic bacterium Acetobacterium woodii couples caffeate reduction with electrons derived from hydrogen to the synthesis of ATP by a chemiosmotic mechanism with sodium ions as coupling ions, a process referred to as caffeate respiration. We addressed the nature of the hitherto unknown enzymatic activities involved in this process and their cellular localization. Cell extract of A. woodii catalyzes H2-dependent caffeate reduction. This reaction is strictly ATP dependent but can be activated also by acetyl coenzyme A (CoA), indicating that there is formation of caffeyl-CoA prior to reduction. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed proteins present only in caffeate-grown cells. Two proteins were identified by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry, and the encoding genes were cloned. These proteins are very similar to subunits α (EtfA) and β (EtfB) of electron transfer flavoproteins present in various anaerobic bacteria. Western blot analysis demonstrated that they are induced by caffeate and localized in the cytoplasm. Etf proteins are known electron carriers that shuttle electrons from NADH to different acceptors. Indeed, NADH was used as an electron donor for cytosolic caffeate reduction. Since the hydrogenase was soluble and used ferredoxin as an electron acceptor, the missing link was a ferredoxin:NAD+ oxidoreductase. This activity could be determined and, interestingly, was membrane bound. A search for genes that could encode this activity revealed DNA fragments encoding subunits C and D of a membrane-bound Rnf-type NADH dehydrogenase that is a potential Na+ pump. These data suggest the following electron transport chain: H2 → ferredoxin → NAD+ → Etf → caffeyl-CoA reductase. They also imply that the sodium motive step in the chain is the ferredoxin-dependent NAD+ reduction catalyzed by Rnf. PMID:17873051

  13. Phytoene Desaturase from Oryza sativa: Oligomeric Assembly, Membrane Association and Preliminary 3D-Analysis

    PubMed Central

    Koschmieder, Julian; Brausemann, Anton; Drepper, Friedel; Rodriguez-Franco, Marta; Ghisla, Sandro; Warscheid, Bettina; Einsle, Oliver; Beyer, Peter

    2015-01-01

    Recombinant phytoene desaturase (PDS-His6) from rice was purified to near-homogeneity and shown to be enzymatically active in a biphasic, liposome-based assay system. The protein contains FAD as the sole protein-bound redox-cofactor. Benzoquinones, not replaceable by molecular oxygen, serve as a final electron acceptor defining PDS as a 15-cis-phytoene (donor):plastoquinone oxidoreductase. The herbicidal PDS-inhibitor norflurazon is capable of arresting the reaction by stabilizing the intermediary FADred, while an excess of the quinone acceptor relieves this blockage, indicating competition. The enzyme requires its homo-oligomeric association for activity. The sum of data collected through gel permeation chromatography, non-denaturing polyacrylamide electrophoresis, chemical cross-linking, mass spectrometry and electron microscopy techniques indicate that the high-order oligomers formed in solution are the basis for an active preparation. Of these, a tetramer consisting of dimers represents the active unit. This is corroborated by our preliminary X-ray structural analysis that also revealed similarities of the protein fold with the sequence-inhomologous bacterial phytoene desaturase CRTI and other oxidoreductases of the GR2-family of flavoproteins. This points to an evolutionary relatedness of CRTI and PDS yielding different carotene desaturation sequences based on homologous protein folds. PMID:26147209

  14. On the Structure and Function of the Phytoene Desaturase CRTI from Pantoea ananatis, a Membrane-Peripheral and FAD-Dependent Oxidase/Isomerase

    PubMed Central

    Gemmecker, Sandra; Poussin-Courmontagne, Pierre; Mailliot, Justine; McEwen, Alastair G.; Ghisla, Sandro; Al-Babili, Salim; Cavarelli, Jean; Beyer, Peter

    2012-01-01

    CRTI-type phytoene desaturases prevailing in bacteria and fungi can form lycopene directly from phytoene while plants employ two distinct desaturases and two cis-tans isomerases for the same purpose. This property renders CRTI a valuable gene to engineer provitamin A-formation to help combat vitamin A malnutrition, such as with Golden Rice. To understand the biochemical processes involved, recombinant CRTI was produced and obtained in homogeneous form that shows high enzymatic activity with the lipophilic substrate phytoene contained in phosphatidyl-choline (PC) liposome membranes. The first crystal structure of apo-CRTI reveals that CRTI belongs to the flavoprotein superfamily comprising protoporphyrinogen IX oxidoreductase and monoamine oxidase. CRTI is a membrane-peripheral oxidoreductase which utilizes FAD as the sole redox-active cofactor. Oxygen, replaceable by quinones in its absence, is needed as the terminal electron acceptor. FAD, besides its catalytic role also displays a structural function by enabling the formation of enzymatically active CRTI membrane associates. Under anaerobic conditions the enzyme can act as a carotene cis-trans isomerase. In silico-docking experiments yielded information on substrate binding sites, potential catalytic residues and is in favor of single half-site recognition of the symmetrical C40 hydrocarbon substrate. PMID:22745782

  15. A novel 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in Rhodococcus sp. P14 for transforming 17β-estradiol to estrone.

    PubMed

    Ye, Xueying; Wang, Hui; Kan, Jie; Li, Jin; Huang, Tongwang; Xiong, Guangming; Hu, Zhong

    2017-10-01

    17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β-HSD) are a group of oxidoreductase enzymes that exhibit high specificity for 17C reduction/oxidation. However, the mechanism of 17β-HSD in oxidizing steroid hormone 17β-estradiol to estrone in bacterium is still unclear. In this work, a functional bacterium Rhodococcus sp. P14 was identified having rapid ability to oxidize estradiol into estrone in mineral salt medium (MSM) within 6 h. The functional genes encoding NADH-dependent oxidoreductase were successfully detected with the help of bioinformatics, and it was identified that it contained two consensus regions affiliated to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily. Expression of 17β-HSD could be induced by estradiol in strain P14. The 17β-HSD gene from Rhodococcus sp. P14 was expressed in Escherichia coli strain BL21. Furthermore, recombinant 17β-HSD-expressing BL21 cells showed a high transformation rate, they are capable of transforming estradiol to estrone up to 94%. The purified His-17β-HSD protein also exhibited high catalyzing efficiency. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence that a novel 17β-HSD in Rhodococcus sp. P14 can catalyze the oxidation of estradiol. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Mitochondrial fumarate reductase as a target of chemotherapy: from parasites to cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Sakai, Chika; Tomitsuka, Eriko; Esumi, Hiroyasu; Harada, Shigeharu; Kita, Kiyoshi

    2012-05-01

    Recent research on respiratory chain of the parasitic helminth, Ascaris suum has shown that the mitochondrial NADH-fumarate reductase system (fumarate respiration), which is composed of complex I (NADH-rhodoquinone reductase), rhodoquinone and complex II (rhodoquinol-fumarate reductase) plays an important role in the anaerobic energy metabolism of adult parasites inhabiting hosts. The enzymes in these parasite-specific pathways are potential target for chemotherapy. We isolated a novel compound, nafuredin, from Aspergillus niger, which inhibits NADH-fumarate reductase in helminth mitochondria at nM order. It competes for the quinone-binding site in complex I and shows high selective toxicity to the helminth enzyme. Moreover, nafuredin exerts anthelmintic activity against Haemonchus contortus in in vivo trials with sheep indicating that mitochondrial complex I is a promising target for chemotherapy. In addition to complex I, complex II is a good target because its catalytic direction is reverse of succinate-ubiquionone reductase in the host complex II. Furthermore, we found atpenin and flutolanil strongly and specifically inhibit mitochondrial complex II. Interestingly, fumarate respiration was found not only in the parasites but also in some types of human cancer cells. Analysis of the mitochondria from the cancer cells identified an anthelminthic as a specific inhibitor of the fumarate respiration. Role of isoforms of human complex II in the hypoxic condition of cancer cells and fetal tissues is a challenge. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemistry of Mitochondria, Life and Intervention 2010. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Duroquinone reduction during passage through the pulmonary circulation.

    PubMed

    Audi, Said H; Bongard, Robert D; Dawson, Christopher A; Siegel, David; Roerig, David L; Merker, Marilyn P

    2003-11-01

    The lungs can substantially influence the redox status of redox-active plasma constituents. Our objective was to examine aspects of the kinetics and mechanisms that determine pulmonary disposition of redox-active compounds during passage through the pulmonary circulation. Experiments were carried out on rat and mouse lungs with 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone [duroquinone (DQ)] as a model amphipathic quinone reductase substrate. We measured DQ and durohydroquinone (DQH2) concentrations in the lung venous effluent after injecting, or while infusing, DQ or DQH2 into the pulmonary arterial inflow. The maximum net rates of DQ reduction to DQH2 in the rat and mouse lungs were approximately 4.9 and 2.5 micromol. min(-1).g dry lung wt(-1), respectively. The net rate was apparently the result of freely permeating access of DQ and DQH2 to tissue sites of redox reactions, dominated by dicumarol-sensitive DQ reduction to DQH2 and cyanide-sensitive DQH2 reoxidation back to DQ. The dicumarol sensitivity along with immunodetectable expression of NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the rat lung tissue suggest cytoplasmic NQO1 as the dominant site of DQ reduction. The effect of cyanide on DQH2 oxidation suggests that the dominant site of oxidation is complex III of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. If one envisions DQ as a model compound for examining the disposition of amphipathic NQO1 substrates in the lungs, the results are consistent with a role for lung NQO1 in determining the redox status of such compounds in the circulation. For DQ, the effect is conversion of a redox-cycling, oxygen-activating quinone into a stable hydroquinone.

  18. Callitriche cophocarpa (water starwort) proteome under chromate stress: evidence for induction of a quinone reductase.

    PubMed

    Kaszycki, Paweł; Dubicka-Lisowska, Aleksandra; Augustynowicz, Joanna; Piwowarczyk, Barbara; Wesołowski, Wojciech

    2018-03-01

    Chromate-induced physiological stress in a water-submerged macrophyte Callitriche cophocarpa Sendtn. (water starwort) was tested at the proteomic level. The oxidative stress status of the plant treated with 1 mM Cr(VI) for 3 days revealed stimulation of peroxidases whereas catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were similar to the control levels. Employing two-dimensional electrophoresis, comparative proteomics enabled to detect five differentiating proteins subjected to identification with mass spectrometry followed by an NCBI database search. Cr(VI) incubation led to induction of light harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein with a concomitant decrease of accumulation of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBisCO). The main finding was, however, the identification of an NAD(P)H-dependent dehydrogenase FQR1, detectable only in Cr(VI)-treated plants. The FQR1 flavoenzyme is known to be responsive to oxidative stress and to act as a detoxification protein by protecting the cells against oxidative damage. It exhibits the in vitro quinone reductase activity and is capable of catalyzing two-electron transfer from NAD(P)H to several substrates, presumably including Cr(VI). The enhanced accumulation of FQR1 was chromate-specific since other stressful conditions, such as salt, temperature, and oxidative stresses, all failed to induce the protein. Zymographic analysis of chromate-treated Callitriche shoots showed a novel enzymatic protein band whose activity was attributed to the newly identified enzyme. We suggest that Cr(VI) phytoremediation with C. cophocarpa can be promoted by chromate reductase activity produced by the induced quinone oxidoreductase which might take part in Cr(VI) → Cr(III) bioreduction process and thus enable the plant to cope with the chromate-generated oxidative stress.

  19. Reengineered glucose oxidase for amperometric glucose determination in diabetes analytics.

    PubMed

    Arango Gutierrez, Erik; Mundhada, Hemanshu; Meier, Thomas; Duefel, Hartmut; Bocola, Marco; Schwaneberg, Ulrich

    2013-12-15

    Glucose oxidase is an oxidoreductase exhibiting a high β-D-glucose specificity and high stability which renders glucose oxidase well-suited for applications in diabetes care. Nevertheless, GOx activity is highly oxygen dependent which can lead to inaccuracies in amperometric β-D-glucose determinations. Therefore a directed evolution campaign with two rounds of random mutagenesis (SeSaM followed by epPCR), site saturation mutagenesis studies on individual positions, and one simultaneous site saturation library (OmniChange; 4 positions) was performed. A diabetes care well suited mediator (quinone diimine) was selected and the GOx variant (T30V I94V) served as starting point. For directed GOx evolution a microtiter plate detection system based on the quinone diimine mediator was developed and the well-known ABTS-assay was applied in microtiter plate format to validate oxygen independency of improved GOx variants. Two iterative rounds of random diversity generation and screening yielded to two subsets of amino acid positions which mainly improved activity (A173, A332) and oxygen independency (F414, V560). Simultaneous site saturation of all four positions with a reduced subset of amino acids using the OmniChange method yielded finally variant V7 with a 37-fold decreased oxygen dependency (mediator activity: 7.4 U/mg WT, 47.5 U/mg V7; oxygen activity: 172.3 U/mg WT, 30.1 U/mg V7). V7 is still highly β-D-glucose specific, highly active with the quinone diimine mediator and thermal resistance is retained (prerequisite for GOx coating of diabetes test stripes). The latter properties and V7's oxygen insensitivity make V7 a very promising candidate to replace standard GOx in diabetes care applications. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Insertion and self-diffusion of a monotopic protein, the Aquifex aeolicus sulfide quinone reductase, in supported lipid bilayers.

    PubMed

    Harb, Frédéric; Prunetti, Laurence; Giudici-Orticoni, Marie-Thérèse; Guiral, Marianne; Tinland, Bernard

    2015-10-01

    Monotopic proteins constitute a class of membrane proteins that bind tightly to cell membranes, but do not span them. We present a FRAPP (Fluorescence Recovery After Patterned Photobleaching) study of the dynamics of a bacterial monotopic protein, SQR (sulfide quinone oxidoreductase) from the thermophilic bacteria Aquifex aeolicus, inserted into two different types of lipid bilayers (EggPC: L-α-phosphatidylcholine (Egg, Chicken) and DMPC: 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) supported on two different types of support (mica or glass). It sheds light on the behavior of a monotopic protein inside the bilayer. The insertion of SQR is more efficient when the bilayer is in the fluid phase than in the gel phase. We observed diffusion of the protein, with no immobile fraction, and deduced from the diffusion coefficient measurements that the resulting inserted object is the same whatever the incubation conditions, i.e. homogeneous in terms of oligomerization state. As expected, the diffusion coefficient of the SQR is smaller in the gel phase than in the fluid phase. In the supported lipid bilayer, the diffusion coefficient of the SQR is smaller than the diffusion coefficient of phospholipids in both gel and fluid phase. SQR shows a diffusion behavior different from the transmembrane protein α-hemolysin, and consistent with its monotopic character. Preliminary experiments in the presence of the substrate of SQR, DecylUbiquinone, an analogue of quinone, component of transmembrane electrons transport systems of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, have been carried out. Finally, we studied the behavior of SQR, in terms of insertion and diffusion, in bilayers formed with lipids from Aquifex aeolicus. All the conclusions that we have found in the biomimetic systems applied to the biological system.

  1. NQO1 and CYP450 reductase decrease the systemic exposure of rifampicin-quinone and mediate its redox cycle in rats.

    PubMed

    Shi, Fuguo; Li, Xiaobing; Pan, Hong; Ding, Li

    2017-01-05

    Rifampicin (RIF) is used in regimens for infections caused by Mycobacteria accompanied by serious adverse reactions. Rifampicin-quinone (RIF-Q) is a major autoxidation product of RIF. It is not clear whether RIF-Q plays a role in RIF induced adverse reactions. Investigation of the systemic exposure of RIF-Q is helpful to better understand the role of RIF-Q in RIF induced adverse reactions. In this study, a simple and reproducible high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method involving a procedure to prevent the RIF from oxidation for simultaneous quantification of RIF and RIF-Q in rat plasma has been developed and validated, and applied to elucidate the systemic exposure of RIF-Q in rats. The pharmacokinetics data showed that the systemic exposure of RIF-Q was very low (0.67% of RIF, AUC 0-24 ) in rats after oral administration of RIF. However, RIF-Q may undergo the redox cycle in vivo by the evidence that the majority of RIF-Q was reduced to RIF after an oral dose of RIF-Q. Pretreatment with the NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) specific inhibitor dicoumarol and/or cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium suppressed the redox cycle and significantly increased the systemic exposure of RIF-Q. The inhibitors also attenuated the redox cycle induced reactive oxygen species formation and cytotoxicity in RIF-Q-treated HepG2 cells. These results indicate that NQO1 and CPR play an important role in redox cycle of RIF-Q and may thus contribute to RIF-induced adverse reactions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Kinetics and structural features of dimeric glutamine-dependent bacterial NAD+ synthetases suggest evolutionary adaptation to available metabolites.

    PubMed

    Santos, Adrian Richard Schenberger; Gerhardt, Edileusa Cristina Marques; Moure, Vivian Rotuno; Pedrosa, Fábio Oliveira; Souza, Emanuel Maltempi; Diamanti, Riccardo; Högbom, Martin; Huergo, Luciano Fernandes

    2018-05-11

    NADH (NAD + ) and its reduced form NADH serve as cofactors for a variety of oxidoreductases that participate in many metabolic pathways. NAD + also is used as substrate by ADP-ribosyl transferases and by sirtuins. NAD + biosynthesis is one of the most fundamental biochemical pathways in nature, and the ubiquitous NAD + synthetase (NadE) catalyzes the final step in this biosynthetic route. Two different classes of NadE have been described to date: dimeric single-domain ammonium-dependent NadE NH3 and octameric glutamine-dependent NadE Gln , and the presence of multiple NadE isoforms is relatively common in prokaryotes. Here, we identified a novel dimeric group of NadE Gln in bacteria. Substrate preferences and structural analyses suggested that dimeric NadE Gln enzymes may constitute evolutionary intermediates between dimeric NadE NH3 and octameric NadE Gln The characterization of additional NadE isoforms in the diazotrophic bacterium Azospirillum brasilense along with the determination of intracellular glutamine levels in response to an ammonium shock led us to propose a model in which these different NadE isoforms became active accordingly to the availability of nitrogen. These data may explain the selective pressures that support the coexistence of multiple isoforms of NadE in some prokaryotes. © 2018 Santos et al.

  3. Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic study of 3 alpha, 20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Streptomyces hydrogenans.

    PubMed

    Fitzgerald, P M; Duax, W L; Punzi, J S; Orr, J C

    1984-05-15

    3 alpha, 20 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, an NADH-dependent oxidoreductase isolated from Streptomyces hydrogenans , is a tetramer containing four subunits each of Mr 25,000. The enzyme has been crystallized by the vapor diffusion technique using either phosphate or borate buffered ammonium sulfate (pH between 6.0 and 8.7) as the precipitant. The crystals are hexagonal bipyramids ; they have the symmetry of space group P6(4)22 (or P6(2)22), with unit cell dimensions a = 127.3 A, c = 112.2 A. Volume and density considerations imply that the crystallographic asymmetric unit contains two monomers, and therefore that the tetramer possesses a 2-fold axis of symmetry that is coincident with a crystallographic 2-fold symmetry element.

  4. Constraining the Lateral Helix of Respiratory Complex I by Cross-linking Does Not Impair Enzyme Activity or Proton Translocation.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Shaotong; Vik, Steven B

    2015-08-21

    Complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) is a multisubunit, membrane-bound enzyme of the respiratory chain. The energy from NADH oxidation in the peripheral region of the enzyme is used to drive proton translocation across the membrane. One of the integral membrane subunits, nuoL in Escherichia coli, has an unusual lateral helix of ∼75 residues that lies parallel to the membrane surface and has been proposed to play a mechanical role as a piston during proton translocation (Efremov, R. G., Baradaran, R., and Sazanov, L. A. (2010) Nature 465, 441-445). To test this hypothesis we have introduced 11 pairs of cysteine residues into Complex I; in each pair one is in the lateral helix, and the other is in a nearby region of subunit N, M, or L. The double mutants were treated with Cu(2+) ions or with bi-functional methanethiosulfonate reagents to catalyze cross-link formation in membrane vesicles. The yields of cross-linked products were typically 50-90%, as judged by immunoblotting, but in no case did the activity of Complex I decrease by >10-20%, as indicated by deamino-NADH oxidase activity or rates of proton translocation. In contrast, several pairs of cysteine residues introduced at other interfaces of N:M and M:L subunits led to significant loss of activity, in particular, in the region of residue Glu-144 of subunit M. The results do not support the hypothesis that the lateral helix of subunit L functions like a piston, but rather, they suggest that conformational changes might be transmitted more directly through the functional residues of the proton translocation apparatus. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  5. The level of menadione redox-cycling in pancreatic β-cells is proportional to the glucose concentration: role of NADH and consequences for insulin secretion

    PubMed Central

    Heart, Emma; Palo, Meridith; Womack, Trayce; Smith, Peter J. S.; Gray, Joshua P.

    2011-01-01

    Pancreatic β-cells release insulin in response to elevation of glucose from basal (4-7 mM) to stimulatory (8-16 mM) levels. Metabolism of glucose by the β-cell results in the production of low levels of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a newly recognized coupling factor linking glucose metabolism to insulin secretion. However, high and toxic levels of H2O2 inhibit insulin secretion. Menadione, which produces H2O2 via redox cycling mechanism in a dose-dependent manner, was investigated for its effect on β-cell metabolism and insulin secretion in INS-1 832/13, a rat β-cell insulinoma cell line, and primary rodent islets. Menadione-dependent redox cycling and resulting H2O2 production under stimulatory glucose exceeded several-fold those reached at basal glucose. This was paralleled by a differential effect of menadione (0.1-10 μM) on insulin secretion, which was enhanced at basal, but inhibited at stimulatory glucose. Redox cycling of menadione and H2O2 formation was dependent on glycolytically-derived NADH, as inhibition of glycolysis and application of non-glycogenic insulin secretagogues did not support redox cycling. In addition, activity of plasma membrane electron transport, a system dependent in part on glycolytically-derived NADH, was also inhibited by menadione. Menadione-dependent redox cycling was sensitive to the NQO1 inhibitor dicoumarol and the flavoprotein inhibitor diphenylene iodonium, suggesting a role for NQO1 and other oxidoreductases in this process. These data may explain the apparent dichotomy between the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of H2O2 and menadione on insulin secretion. PMID:22115979

  6. The level of menadione redox-cycling in pancreatic β-cells is proportional to the glucose concentration: role of NADH and consequences for insulin secretion.

    PubMed

    Heart, Emma; Palo, Meridith; Womack, Trayce; Smith, Peter J S; Gray, Joshua P

    2012-01-15

    Pancreatic β-cells release insulin in response to elevation of glucose from basal (4-7mM) to stimulatory (8-16mM) levels. Metabolism of glucose by the β-cell results in the production of low levels of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), such as hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), a newly recognized coupling factor linking glucose metabolism to insulin secretion. However, high and toxic levels of H(2)O(2) inhibit insulin secretion. Menadione, which produces H(2)O(2) via redox cycling mechanism in a dose-dependent manner, was investigated for its effect on β-cell metabolism and insulin secretion in INS-1 832/13, a rat β-cell insulinoma cell line, and primary rodent islets. Menadione-dependent redox cycling and resulting H(2)O(2) production under stimulatory glucose exceeded several-fold those reached at basal glucose. This was paralleled by a differential effect of menadione (0.1-10μM) on insulin secretion, which was enhanced at basal, but inhibited at stimulatory glucose. Redox cycling of menadione and H(2)O(2) formation was dependent on glycolytically-derived NADH, as inhibition of glycolysis and application of non-glycogenic insulin secretagogues did not support redox cycling. In addition, activity of plasma membrane electron transport, a system dependent in part on glycolytically-derived NADH, was also inhibited by menadione. Menadione-dependent redox cycling was sensitive to the NQO1 inhibitor dicoumarol and the flavoprotein inhibitor diphenylene iodonium, suggesting a role for NQO1 and other oxidoreductases in this process. These data may explain the apparent dichotomy between the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of H(2)O(2) and menadione on insulin secretion. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  7. Mutation of the NADH Oxidase Gene (nox) Reveals an Overlap of the Oxygen- and Acid-Mediated Stress Responses in Streptococcus mutans

    PubMed Central

    Derr, Adam M.; Faustoferri, Roberta C.; Betzenhauser, Matthew J.; Gonzalez, Kaisha; Marquis, Robert E.

    2012-01-01

    NADH oxidase (Nox) is a flavin-containing enzyme used by Streptococcus mutans to reduce dissolved oxygen encountered during growth in the oral cavity. In this study, we characterized the role of the NADH oxidase in the oxidative and acid stress responses of S. mutans. A nox-defective mutant strain of S. mutans and its parental strain, the genomic type strain UA159, were exposed to various oxygen concentrations at pH values of 5 and 7 to better understand the adaptive mechanisms used by the organism to withstand environmental pressures. With the loss of nox, the activities of oxygen stress response enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione oxidoreductase were elevated compared to those in controls, resulting in a greater adaptation to oxygen stress. In contrast, the loss of nox led to a decreased ability to grow in a low-pH environment despite an increased resistance to severe acid challenge. Analysis of the membrane fatty acid composition revealed that for both the nox mutant and UA159 parent strain, growth in an oxygen-rich environment resulted in high proportions of unsaturated membrane fatty acids, independent of external pH. The data indicate that S. mutans membrane fatty acid composition is responsive to oxidative stress, as well as changes in environmental pH, as previously reported (E. M. Fozo and R. G. Quivey, Jr., Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 70:929–936, 2004). The heightened ability of the nox strain to survive acidic and oxidative environmental stress suggests a multifaceted response system that is partially dependent on oxygen metabolites. PMID:22179247

  8. A Ti plasmid-encoded enzyme required for degradation of mannopine is functionally homologous to the T-region-encoded enzyme required for synthesis of this opine in crown gall tumors.

    PubMed Central

    Kim, K S; Chilton, W S; Farrand, S K

    1996-01-01

    The mocC gene encoded by the octopine/mannityl opine-type Ti plasmid pTi15955 is related at the nucleotide sequence level to mas1' encoded by the T region of this plasmid. While Mas1 is required for the synthesis of mannopine (MOP) by crown gall tumor cells, MocC is essential for the utilization of MOP by Agrobacterium spp. A cosmid clone of pTi15955, pYDH208, encodes mocC and confers the utilization of MOP on strain NT1 and on strain UIA5, a derivative of NT1 lacking the 450-kb cryptic plasmid pAtC58. NT1 or UIA5 harboring pYDH208 with an insertion mutation in mocC failed to utilize MOP as the sole carbon source. Plasmid pSa-C, which encodes only mocC, complemented this mutation in both strains. This plasmid also was sufficient to confer utilization of MOP on NT1 but not on UIA5. Computer analysis showed that MocC is related at the amino acid sequence level to members of the short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase family of oxidoreductases. Lysates prepared from Escherichia coli cells expressing mocC contained an enzymatic activity that oxidizes MOP to deoxyfructosyl glutamine (santhopine [SOP]) in the presence of NAD+. The reaction catalyzed by the MOP oxidoreductase is reversible; in the presence of NADH, the enzyme reduced SOP to MOP. The apparent Km values of the enzyme for MOP and SOP were 6.3 and 1.2 mM, respectively. Among analogs of MOP tested, only N-1-(1-deoxy-D-lyxityl)-L-glutamine and N-1-(1-deoxy-D-mannityl)-L-asparagine served as substrates for MOP oxidoreductase. These results indicate that mocC encodes an oxidoreductase that, as an oxidase, is essential for the catabolism of MOP. The reductase activity of this enzyme is precisely the reaction ascribed to its T-region-encoded homolog, Mas1, which is responsible for biosynthesis of mannopine in crown gall tumors. PMID:8655510

  9. A Ti plasmid-encoded enzyme required for degradation of mannopine is functionally homologous to the T-region-encoded enzyme required for synthesis of this opine in crown gall tumors.

    PubMed

    Kim, K S; Chilton, W S; Farrand, S K

    1996-06-01

    The mocC gene encoded by the octopine/mannityl opine-type Ti plasmid pTi15955 is related at the nucleotide sequence level to mas1' encoded by the T region of this plasmid. While Mas1 is required for the synthesis of mannopine (MOP) by crown gall tumor cells, MocC is essential for the utilization of MOP by Agrobacterium spp. A cosmid clone of pTi15955, pYDH208, encodes mocC and confers the utilization of MOP on strain NT1 and on strain UIA5, a derivative of NT1 lacking the 450-kb cryptic plasmid pAtC58. NT1 or UIA5 harboring pYDH208 with an insertion mutation in mocC failed to utilize MOP as the sole carbon source. Plasmid pSa-C, which encodes only mocC, complemented this mutation in both strains. This plasmid also was sufficient to confer utilization of MOP on NT1 but not on UIA5. Computer analysis showed that MocC is related at the amino acid sequence level to members of the short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase family of oxidoreductases. Lysates prepared from Escherichia coli cells expressing mocC contained an enzymatic activity that oxidizes MOP to deoxyfructosyl glutamine (santhopine [SOP]) in the presence of NAD+. The reaction catalyzed by the MOP oxidoreductase is reversible; in the presence of NADH, the enzyme reduced SOP to MOP. The apparent Km values of the enzyme for MOP and SOP were 6.3 and 1.2 mM, respectively. Among analogs of MOP tested, only N-1-(1-deoxy-D-lyxityl)-L-glutamine and N-1-(1-deoxy-D-mannityl)-L-asparagine served as substrates for MOP oxidoreductase. These results indicate that mocC encodes an oxidoreductase that, as an oxidase, is essential for the catabolism of MOP. The reductase activity of this enzyme is precisely the reaction ascribed to its T-region-encoded homolog, Mas1, which is responsible for biosynthesis of mannopine in crown gall tumors.

  10. Induction of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) by Glycyrrhiza species used for women's health: differential effects of the Michael acceptors isoliquiritigenin and licochalcone A

    PubMed Central

    Hajirahimkhan, Atieh; Simmler, Charlotte; Dong, Huali; Lantvit, Daniel D.; Li, Guannan; Chen, Shao-Nong; Nikolić, Dejan; Pauli, Guido F.; van Breemen, Richard B.; Dietz, Birgit M.; Bolton, Judy L.

    2016-01-01

    For the alleviation of menopausal symptoms, women frequently turn to botanical dietary supplements, such as licorice and hops. In addition to estrogenic properties, these botanicals could also have chemopreventive effects. We have previously shown that hops and its Michael acceptor xanthohumol (XH) induced the chemoprevention enzyme, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), in vitro and in vivo. Licorice species could also induce NQO1, as they contain the Michael acceptors isoliquiritigenin (LigC) found in Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG), G. uralensis (GU), and G. inflata (GI) and licochalcone A (LicA) which is only found in GI. These licorice species and hops induced NQO1 activity in murine hepatoma (Hepa1c1c7) cells; hops >> GI > GG ≅ GU. Similar to the known chemopreventive compounds curcumin (turmeric), sulforaphane (broccoli), and XH, LigC and LicA were active dose-dependently; sulforaphane >> XH > LigC > LicA ≅ curcumin >> LigF. Induction of the antioxidant response element-luciferase in human hepatoma (Hep-G2-ARE-C8) cells suggested involvement of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. GG, GU, and LigC also induced NQO1 in non-tumorigenic breast epithelial MCF-10A cells. In female Sprague-Dawley rats treated with GG and GU, LigC and LigF were detected in the liver and mammary gland. GG weakly enhanced NQO1 activity in the mammary tissue but not in the liver. Treatment with LigC alone did not induce NQO1 in vivo most likely due to its conversion to LigF, extensive metabolism, and its low bioavailability in vivo. These data show the chemopreventive potential of licorice species in vitro could be due to LigC and LicA and emphasize the importance of chemical and biological standardization of botanicals used as dietary supplements. Although the in vivo effects in the rat model after four day treatment are minimal, it must be emphasized that menopausal women take these supplements for extended periods of time and long-term beneficial effects are quite possible. PMID:26473469

  11. Suppression of experimental cerebral malaria by disruption of malate:quinone oxidoreductase.

    PubMed

    Niikura, Mamoru; Komatsuya, Keisuke; Inoue, Shin-Ichi; Matsuda, Risa; Asahi, Hiroko; Inaoka, Daniel Ken; Kita, Kiyoshi; Kobayashi, Fumie

    2017-06-12

    Aspartate, which is converted from oxaloacetate (OAA) by aspartate aminotransferase, is considered an important precursor for purine salvage and pyrimidine de novo biosynthesis, and is thus indispensable for the growth of Plasmodium parasites at the asexual blood stages. OAA can be produced in malaria parasites via two routes: (i) from phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) in the cytosol, or (ii) from fumarate by consecutive reactions catalyzed by fumarate hydratase (FH) and malate:quinone oxidoreductase (MQO) in the mitochondria of malaria parasites. Although PEPC-deficient Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei (rodent malaria) parasites show a growth defect, the mutant P. berghei can still cause experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) with similar dynamics to wild-type parasites. In contrast, the importance of FH and MQO for parasite viability, growth and virulence is not fully understood because no FH- and MQO-deficient P. falciparum has been established. In this study, the role of FH and MQO in the pathogenicity of asexual-blood-stage Plasmodium parasites causing cerebral malaria was examined. First, FH- and MQO-deficient parasites were generated by inserting a luciferase-expressing cassette into the fh and mqo loci in the genome of P. berghei ANKA strain. Second, the viability of FH-deficient and MQO-deficient parasites that express luciferase was determined by measuring luciferase activity, and the effect of FH or MQO deficiency on the development of ECM was examined. While the viability of FH-deficient P. berghei was comparable to that of control parasites, MQO-deficient parasites exhibited considerably reduced viability. FH activity derived from erythrocytes was also detected. This result and the absence of phenotype in FH-deficient P. berghei parasites suggest that fumarate can be metabolized to malate by host or parasite FH in P. berghei-infected erythrocytes. Furthermore, although the growth of FH- and MQO-deficient parasites was impaired, the development of ECM was suppressed only in mice infected with MQO-deficient parasites. These findings suggest that MQO-mediated mitochondrial functions are required for development of ECM of asexual-blood-stage Plasmodium parasites.

  12. Defining Electron Bifurcation in the Electron-Transferring Flavoprotein Family.

    PubMed

    Garcia Costas, Amaya M; Poudel, Saroj; Miller, Anne-Frances; Schut, Gerrit J; Ledbetter, Rhesa N; Fixen, Kathryn R; Seefeldt, Lance C; Adams, Michael W W; Harwood, Caroline S; Boyd, Eric S; Peters, John W

    2017-11-01

    Electron bifurcation is the coupling of exergonic and endergonic redox reactions to simultaneously generate (or utilize) low- and high-potential electrons. It is the third recognized form of energy conservation in biology and was recently described for select electron-transferring flavoproteins (Etfs). Etfs are flavin-containing heterodimers best known for donating electrons derived from fatty acid and amino acid oxidation to an electron transfer respiratory chain via Etf-quinone oxidoreductase. Canonical examples contain a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) that is involved in electron transfer, as well as a non-redox-active AMP. However, Etfs demonstrated to bifurcate electrons contain a second FAD in place of the AMP. To expand our understanding of the functional variety and metabolic significance of Etfs and to identify amino acid sequence motifs that potentially enable electron bifurcation, we compiled 1,314 Etf protein sequences from genome sequence databases and subjected them to informatic and structural analyses. Etfs were identified in diverse archaea and bacteria, and they clustered into five distinct well-supported groups, based on their amino acid sequences. Gene neighborhood analyses indicated that these Etf group designations largely correspond to putative differences in functionality. Etfs with the demonstrated ability to bifurcate were found to form one group, suggesting that distinct conserved amino acid sequence motifs enable this capability. Indeed, structural modeling and sequence alignments revealed that identifying residues occur in the NADH- and FAD-binding regions of bifurcating Etfs. Collectively, a new classification scheme for Etf proteins that delineates putative bifurcating versus nonbifurcating members is presented and suggests that Etf-mediated bifurcation is associated with surprisingly diverse enzymes. IMPORTANCE Electron bifurcation has recently been recognized as an electron transfer mechanism used by microorganisms to maximize energy conservation. Bifurcating enzymes couple thermodynamically unfavorable reactions with thermodynamically favorable reactions in an overall spontaneous process. Here we show that the electron-transferring flavoprotein (Etf) enzyme family exhibits far greater diversity than previously recognized, and we provide a phylogenetic analysis that clearly delineates bifurcating versus nonbifurcating members of this family. Structural modeling of proteins within these groups reveals key differences between the bifurcating and nonbifurcating Etfs. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

  13. Defining Electron Bifurcation in the Electron-Transferring Flavoprotein Family

    PubMed Central

    Garcia Costas, Amaya M.; Poudel, Saroj; Miller, Anne-Frances; Schut, Gerrit J.; Ledbetter, Rhesa N.; Seefeldt, Lance C.; Adams, Michael W. W.

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Electron bifurcation is the coupling of exergonic and endergonic redox reactions to simultaneously generate (or utilize) low- and high-potential electrons. It is the third recognized form of energy conservation in biology and was recently described for select electron-transferring flavoproteins (Etfs). Etfs are flavin-containing heterodimers best known for donating electrons derived from fatty acid and amino acid oxidation to an electron transfer respiratory chain via Etf-quinone oxidoreductase. Canonical examples contain a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) that is involved in electron transfer, as well as a non-redox-active AMP. However, Etfs demonstrated to bifurcate electrons contain a second FAD in place of the AMP. To expand our understanding of the functional variety and metabolic significance of Etfs and to identify amino acid sequence motifs that potentially enable electron bifurcation, we compiled 1,314 Etf protein sequences from genome sequence databases and subjected them to informatic and structural analyses. Etfs were identified in diverse archaea and bacteria, and they clustered into five distinct well-supported groups, based on their amino acid sequences. Gene neighborhood analyses indicated that these Etf group designations largely correspond to putative differences in functionality. Etfs with the demonstrated ability to bifurcate were found to form one group, suggesting that distinct conserved amino acid sequence motifs enable this capability. Indeed, structural modeling and sequence alignments revealed that identifying residues occur in the NADH- and FAD-binding regions of bifurcating Etfs. Collectively, a new classification scheme for Etf proteins that delineates putative bifurcating versus nonbifurcating members is presented and suggests that Etf-mediated bifurcation is associated with surprisingly diverse enzymes. IMPORTANCE Electron bifurcation has recently been recognized as an electron transfer mechanism used by microorganisms to maximize energy conservation. Bifurcating enzymes couple thermodynamically unfavorable reactions with thermodynamically favorable reactions in an overall spontaneous process. Here we show that the electron-transferring flavoprotein (Etf) enzyme family exhibits far greater diversity than previously recognized, and we provide a phylogenetic analysis that clearly delineates bifurcating versus nonbifurcating members of this family. Structural modeling of proteins within these groups reveals key differences between the bifurcating and nonbifurcating Etfs. PMID:28808132

  14. Study of DT-diaphorase in pigment-producing cells.

    PubMed

    Smit, N P; Hoogduijn, M J; Riley, P A; Pavel, S

    1999-11-01

    DT-diaphorase is an FAD-containing enzyme capable of a two-electron reduction of ortho- and paraquinones. Nicotinamide coenzymes (NADH + H+ and NADPH + H+) serve as hydrogen sources in these reactions. The role of DT-diaphorase has been thoroughly investigated in situations when the enzyme is able to reduce exogenous and endogenous quinones, hence protecting the cells against these reactive intermediates. The enzyme has also been studied in connection with its ability to activate some quinoid cytostatics. It is surprising that DT-diaphorase has never been investigated in pigment-producing cells that are known to generate considerable amounts of ortho-quinones. Using a spectrophotometric method we could readily measure the activity of DT-diaphorase in epidermis and various cultured pigment cells. The melanocytes isolated from dark skin showed generally higher DT-diaphorase activity than those from fair skin samples. Also, darkly pigmented congenital naevus cells exhibited higher activity of this enzyme. The most striking was the high DT-diaphorase activity in melanoma cell cultures. In these cells DT-diaphorase activity could be induced by incubation of the cells with 4-hydroxyanisole. A similar effect was seen when a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor (3-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione (OR-462) was utilised. The induction was inhibited by cyclohexidine.

  15. Inhibition of the sodium-translocating NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase [Na+-NQR] decreases cholera toxin production in Vibrio cholerae O1 at the late exponential growth phase

    PubMed Central

    Minato, Yusuke; Fassio, Sara R.; Reddekopp, Rylan L.; Häse, Claudia C.

    2014-01-01

    Two virulence factors produced by Vibrio cholerae, cholera toxin (CT) and toxin-corregulated pilus (TCP), are indispensable for cholera infection. ToxT is the central regulatory protein involved in activation of CT and TCP expression. We previously reported that lack of a respiration-linked sodium-translocating NADH–ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) significantly increases toxT transcription. In this study, we further characterized this link and found that Na+-NQR affects toxT expression only at the early-log growth phase, whereas lack of Na+-NQR decreases CT production after the mid-log growth phase. Such decreased CT production was independent of toxT and ctxB transcription. Supplementing a respiratory substrate, L-lactate, into the growth media restored CT production in the nqrA-F mutant, suggesting that decreased CT production in the Na+-NQR mutant is dependent on electron transport chain (ETC) activity. This notion was supported by the observations that two chemical inhibitors, a Na+-NQR specific inhibitor 2-n-Heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO) and a succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) inhibitor, thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTFA), strongly inhibited CT production in both classical and El Tor biotype strains of V. cholerae. Accordingly, we propose the main respiratory enzyme of V. cholerae, as a potential drug target to treat cholera because human mitochondria do not contain Na+-NQR orthologs. PMID:24361395

  16. Highly ordered crystals of channel-forming membrane proteins, of nucleoside-monophosphate kinases, of FAD-containing oxidoreductases and of sugar-processing enzymes and their mutants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schulz, G. E.; Dreyer, M.; Klein, C.; Kreusch, A.; Mittl, P.; Mu¨ller, C. W.; Mu¨ller-Dieckmann, J.; Muller, Y. A.; Proba, K.; Schlauderer, G.; Spu¨rgin, P.; Stehle, T.; Weiss, M. S.

    1992-08-01

    Preparation and crystallization procedures as well as crystal properties are reported for 12 proteins plus numerous site-directed mutants. The proteins are: the integral membrane protein porin from Rhodobacter capsulatus which diffracts to at least 1.8A˚resolution, porin from Rhodopseudomonas blastica which diffracts to at least 2.0A˚resolution, adenylate kinase from yeast and mutants, adenylate kinase from Escherichia coli and mutants, bovine liver mitochondrial adenylate kinase, guanylate kinase from yeast, uridylate kinase from yeast, glutathione reductase from E. coli and mutants, NADH peroxidase from Streptococcus faecalis containing a sulfenic acid as redox-center, pyruvate oxidase from Lactobacillus plantarum containing FAD and TPP, cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase from Bacillus circulans and mutants, and a fuculose aldolase from E. coli.

  17. Correction of Mitochondrial Enzyme Activities in the Skeletal Muscles of Old Rats in Response to Addition of Olive Oil to the Ration.

    PubMed

    Bronnikov, G E; Kulagina, T P; Aripovskii, A V; Kramarova, L I

    2015-06-01

    Activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain enzymes NADH-CoQ oxidoreductase (complex I), cytochrome C-oxidase (complex IV), and citrate synthase were measured by spectrophotometry in m. quadriceps femoris homogenate from old rats receiving olive oil with the ration. Reduced activities of complexes I and IV in old animals were restored to the level of young animals after 6-week consumption of olive oil. Activity of citrate synthase did not change with age. Positive effect of olive oil on fatty-acid composition of the muscle tissue in old animals was demonstrated. The content of summary monounsaturated fatty acids, reduced with aging, and of summary polyunsaturated ones, increasing with age, were restored in old rats to the levels virtually not differing from the levels of young animals.

  18. The genetic basis of energy conservation in the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio alaskensis G20

    PubMed Central

    Price, Morgan N.; Ray, Jayashree; Wetmore, Kelly M.; Kuehl, Jennifer V.; Bauer, Stefan; Deutschbauer, Adam M.; Arkin, Adam P.

    2014-01-01

    Sulfate-reducing bacteria play major roles in the global carbon and sulfur cycles, but it remains unclear how reducing sulfate yields energy. To determine the genetic basis of energy conservation, we measured the fitness of thousands of pooled mutants of Desulfovibrio alaskensis G20 during growth in 12 different combinations of electron donors and acceptors. We show that ion pumping by the ferredoxin:NADH oxidoreductase Rnf is required whenever substrate-level phosphorylation is not possible. The uncharacterized complex Hdr/flox-1 (Dde_1207:13) is sometimes important alongside Rnf and may perform an electron bifurcation to generate more reduced ferredoxin from NADH to allow further ion pumping. Similarly, during the oxidation of malate or fumarate, the electron-bifurcating transhydrogenase NfnAB-2 (Dde_1250:1) is important and may generate reduced ferredoxin to allow additional ion pumping by Rnf. During formate oxidation, the periplasmic [NiFeSe] hydrogenase HysAB is required, which suggests that hydrogen forms in the periplasm, diffuses to the cytoplasm, and is used to reduce ferredoxin, thus providing a substrate for Rnf. During hydrogen utilization, the transmembrane electron transport complex Tmc is important and may move electrons from the periplasm into the cytoplasmic sulfite reduction pathway. Finally, mutants of many other putative electron carriers have no clear phenotype, which suggests that they are not important under our growth conditions, although we cannot rule out genetic redundancy. PMID:25400629

  19. Antioxidant Houttuynia cordata extract upregulates filaggrin expression in an aryl hydrocarbon-dependent manner.

    PubMed

    Doi, Kazuko; Mitoma, Chikage; Nakahara, Takeshi; Uchi, Hiroshi; Hashimoto-Hachiya, Akiko; Takahara, Masakazu; Tsuji, Gaku; Nakahara, Makiko; Furue, Masutaka

    2014-11-01

    The plant Houttuynia cordata, which is called "dokudami" in Japanese, is known as a potent antioxidant herb that has been traditionally consumed as a folk medicine for various ailments, such as diabetes, obesity, cough, fever and skin diseases, in Asia. However, its antioxidant mechanism remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Houttuynia cordata extract (HCE) on human keratinocytes. HCE activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, with subsequent induction of the antioxidative enzyme NAD (P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 gene. HCE inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in keratinocytes stimulated with tumor necrosis factor α or benzo(α)pyrene. Moreover, HCE upregulated the gene expression of filaggrin, an essential skin barrier protein, in an AHR-dependent manner. HCE may be beneficial for treating ROS-related photoaging and barrier-disrupted skin conditions.

  20. An Ancient Pathway Combining Carbon Dioxide Fixation with the Generation and Utilization of a Sodium Ion Gradient for ATP Synthesis

    PubMed Central

    Poehlein, Anja; Schmidt, Silke; Kaster, Anne-Kristin; Goenrich, Meike; Vollmers, John; Thürmer, Andrea; Bertsch, Johannes; Schuchmann, Kai; Voigt, Birgit; Hecker, Michael; Daniel, Rolf; Thauer, Rudolf K.; Gottschalk, Gerhard; Müller, Volker

    2012-01-01

    Synthesis of acetate from carbon dioxide and molecular hydrogen is considered to be the first carbon assimilation pathway on earth. It combines carbon dioxide fixation into acetyl-CoA with the production of ATP via an energized cell membrane. How the pathway is coupled with the net synthesis of ATP has been an enigma. The anaerobic, acetogenic bacterium Acetobacterium woodii uses an ancient version of this pathway without cytochromes and quinones. It generates a sodium ion potential across the cell membrane by the sodium-motive ferredoxin:NAD oxidoreductase (Rnf). The genome sequence of A. woodii solves the enigma: it uncovers Rnf as the only ion-motive enzyme coupled to the pathway and unravels a metabolism designed to produce reduced ferredoxin and overcome energetic barriers by virtue of electron-bifurcating, soluble enzymes. PMID:22479398

  1. Epigenetic oxidative redox shift (EORS) theory of aging unifies the free radical and insulin signaling theories.

    PubMed

    Brewer, Gregory J

    2010-03-01

    Harman's free radical theory of aging posits that oxidized macromolecules accumulate with age to decrease function and shorten life-span. However, nutritional and genetic interventions to boost anti-oxidants have generally failed to increase life-span. Furthermore, the free radical theory fails to explain why exercise causes higher levels of oxyradical damage, but generally promotes healthy aging. The separate anti-aging paradigms of genetic or caloric reductions in the insulin signaling pathway is thought to slow the rate of living to reduce metabolism, but recent evidence from Westbrook and Bartke suggests metabolism actually increases in long-lived mice. To unify these disparate theories and data, here, we propose the epigenetic oxidative redox shift (EORS) theory of aging. According to EORS, sedentary behavior associated with age triggers an oxidized redox shift and impaired mitochondrial function. In order to maintain resting energy levels, aerobic glycolysis is upregulated by redox-sensitive transcription factors. As emphasized by DeGrey, the need to supply NAD(+) for glucose oxidation and maintain redox balance with impaired mitochondrial NADH oxidoreductase requires the upregulation of other oxidoreductases. In contrast to the 2% inefficiency of mitochondrial reduction of oxygen to the oxyradical, these other oxidoreductases enable glycolytic energy production with a deleterious 100% efficiency in generating oxyradicals. To avoid this catastrophic cycle, lactate dehydrogenase is upregulated at the expense of lactic acid acidosis. This metabolic shift is epigenetically enforced, as is insulin resistance to reduce mitochondrial turnover. The low mitochondrial capacity for efficient production of energy reinforces a downward spiral of more sedentary behavior leading to accelerated aging, increased organ failure with stress, impaired immune and vascular functions and brain aging. Several steps in the pathway are amenable to reversal for exit from the vicious cycle of EORS. Examples from our work in the aging rodent brain as well as other aging models are provided. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Localization of new, microdissection- generated, anonymous markers and of the genes Pcsk1, Dhfr, Ndub13, and Ccnb1 to rat chromosome region 2q1.

    PubMed

    Quan, X; Laes, J F; Ravoet, M; Van Vooren, P; Szpirer, J; Szpirer, C

    2000-01-01

    The centromeric region of rat chromosome 2 (2q1) harbors unidentified quantitative trait loci of genes that control tumor growth or development. To improve the mapping of this chromosome region, we microdissected it and generated 10 new microsatellite markers, which we included in the linkage map and/or radiation hybrid map of 2q1, together with other known markers, including four genes: Pcsk1 (protein convertase 1), Dhfr (dihydrofolate reductase), Ndub13 (NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit b13), and Ccnb1 (cyclin B1). To generate anchor points between the different maps, the gene Ndub13 and the microsatellite markers D2Ulb25 and D2Mit1 were also localized cytogenetically. The radiation map generated in region 2q1 extends its centromeric end of about 150 cR. Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel

  3. Research on inert gas narcosis and air velocity effects on metabolic performance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1974-01-01

    The effects of air velocity on metabolic performance are studied by using high forced airflow in a closed environment as a mechanism to control the concentration of volatile animal wastes. Air velocities between 100 and 200 ft/min are without significant effects on the metabolism of rats. At velocities of 200 ft/min and above, oxygen consumption and CO2 production as well as food consumption increase. In most instances, the changes are on the order of 5-10%. At the same time, the RQ for the animals increases slightly and generally correlates well with oxygen consumption and CO2 production. Experiments on the nature of inert gas narcosis show that halothane and methoxyflurane are rather potent inhibitors of the NADH:O2 oxidoreductase system in rats. These experiments suggest that the mechanism of inert gas narcosis is not mandatorily related to a membrane surface phenomenon.

  4. Atpenins, potent and specific inhibitors of mitochondrial complex II (succinate-ubiquinone oxidoreductase)

    PubMed Central

    Miyadera, Hiroko; Shiomi, Kazuro; Ui, Hideaki; Yamaguchi, Yuichi; Masuma, Rokuro; Tomoda, Hiroshi; Miyoshi, Hideto; Osanai, Arihiro; Kita, Kiyoshi; Ōmura, Satoshi

    2003-01-01

    Enzymes in the mitochondrial respiratory chain are involved in various physiological events in addition to their essential role in the production of ATP by oxidative phosphorylation. The use of specific and potent inhibitors of complex I (NADH-ubiquinone reductase) and complex III (ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase), such as rotenone and antimycin, respectively, has allowed determination of the role of these enzymes in physiological processes. However, unlike complexes I, III, and IV (cytochrome c oxidase), there are few potent and specific inhibitors of complex II (succinate-ubiquinone reductase) that have been described. In this article, we report that atpenins potently and specifically inhibit the succinate-ubiquinone reductase activity of mitochondrial complex II. Therefore, atpenins may be useful tools for clarifying the biochemical and structural properties of complex II, as well as for determining its physiological roles in mammalian tissues. PMID:12515859

  5. Single-cell analysis of intercellular heteroplasmy of mtDNA in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy

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

    Kobayashi, Y.; Sharpe, H.; Brown, N.

    1994-07-01

    The authors have investigated the distribution of mutant mtDNA molecules in single cells from a patient with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). LHON is a maternally inherited disease that is characterized by a sudden-onset bilateral loss of central vision, which typically occurs in early adulthood. More than 50% of all LHON patients carry an mtDNA mutation at nucleotide position 11778. This nucleotide change converts a highly conserved arginine residue to histidine at codon 340 in the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit 4 (ND4) gene of mtDNA. In the present study, the authors used PCR amplification of mtDNA from lymphocytes to investigate mtDNAmore » heteroplasmy at the single-cell level in a LHON patient. They found that most cells were either homoplasmic normal or homoplasmic mutant at nucleotide position 11778. Some (16%) cells contained both mutant and normal mtDNA.« less

  6. Xanthine Oxidoreductase in Drug Metabolism: Beyond a Role as a Detoxifying Enzyme.

    PubMed

    Battelli, Maria Giulia; Polito, Letizia; Bortolotti, Massimo; Bolognesi, Andrea

    2016-01-01

    The enzyme xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) catalyzes the last two steps of purine catabolism in the highest uricotelic primates. XOR is an enzyme with dehydrogenase activity that, in mammals, may be converted into oxidase activity under a variety of pathophysiologic conditions. XOR activity is highly regulated at the transcriptional and post-translational levels and may generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which trigger different consequences, ranging from cytotoxicity to inflammation. The low specificity for substrates allows XOR to metabolize a number of endogenous metabolites and a variety of exogenous compounds, including drugs. The present review focuses on the role of XOR as a drug-metabolizing enzyme, specifically for drugs with anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, immunosuppressive or vasodilator activities, as well as drugs acting on metabolism or inducing XOR expression. XOR has an activating role that is essential to the pharmacological action of quinone drugs, cyadox, antiviral nucleoside analogues, allopurinol, nitrate and nitrite. XOR activity has a degradation function toward thiopurine nucleotides, pyrazinoic acid, methylxanthines and tolbutamide, whose half-life may be prolonged by the use of XOR inhibitors. In conclusion, to avoid potential drug interaction risks, such as a toxic excess of drug bioavailability or a loss of drug efficacy, caution is suggested in the use of XOR inhibitors, as in the case of hyperuricemic patients affected by gout or tumor lysis syndrome, when it is necessary to simultaneously administer therapeutic substances that are activated or degraded by the drug-metabolizing activity of XOR.

  7. Generator-specific targets of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species.

    PubMed

    Bleier, Lea; Wittig, Ilka; Heide, Heinrich; Steger, Mirco; Brandt, Ulrich; Dröse, Stefan

    2015-01-01

    To understand the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oxidative stress and redox signaling it is necessary to link their site of generation to the oxidative modification of specific targets. Here we have studied the selective modification of protein thiols by mitochondrial ROS that have been implicated as deleterious agents in a number of degenerative diseases and in the process of biological aging, but also as important players in cellular signal transduction. We hypothesized that this bipartite role might be based on different generator sites for "signaling" and "damaging" ROS and a directed release into different mitochondrial compartments. Because two main mitochondrial ROS generators, complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) and complex III (ubiquinol:cytochrome c oxidoreductase; cytochrome bc1 complex), are known to predominantly release superoxide and the derived hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the mitochondrial matrix and the intermembrane space, respectively, we investigated whether these ROS generators selectively oxidize specific protein thiols. We used redox fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis analysis to identify redox-sensitive targets in the mitochondrial proteome of intact rat heart mitochondria. We observed that the modified target proteins were distinctly different when complex I or complex III was employed as the source of ROS. These proteins are potential targets involved in mitochondrial redox signaling and may serve as biomarkers to study the generator-dependent dual role of mitochondrial ROS in redox signaling and oxidative stress. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. The genetic basis of energy conservation in the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio alaskensis G20

    DOE PAGES

    Price, Morgan N.; Ray, Jayashree; Wetmore, Kelly M.; ...

    2014-10-31

    Sulfate-reducing bacteria play major roles in the global carbon and sulfur cycles, but it remains unclear how reducing sulfate yields energy. To determine the genetic basis of energy conservation, we measured the fitness of thousands of pooled mutants of Desulfovibrio alaskensis G20 during growth in 12 different combinations of electron donors and acceptors. We show that ion pumping by the ferredoxin:NADH oxidoreductase Rnf is required whenever substrate-level phosphorylation is not possible. The uncharacterized complex Hdr/flox-1 (Dde_1207:13) is sometimes important alongside Rnf and may perform an electron bifurcation to generate more reduced ferredoxin from NADH to allow further ion pumping. Similarly,more » during the oxidation of malate or fumarate, the electron-bifurcating transhydrogenase NfnAB-2 (Dde_1250:1) is important and may generate reduced ferredoxin to allow additional ion pumping by Rnf. During formate oxidation, the periplasmic [NiFeSe] hydrogenase HysAB is required, which suggests that hydrogen forms in the periplasm, diffuses to the cytoplasm, and is used to reduce ferredoxin, thus providing a substrate for Rnf. We found that during hydrogen utilization, the transmembrane electron transport complex Tmc is important and may move electrons from the periplasm into the cytoplasmic sulfite reduction pathway. Finally, mutants of many other putative electron carriers have no clear phenotype, which suggests that they are not important under our growth conditions, although we cannot rule out genetic redundancy.« less

  9. Toluene effects on oxidative stress in brain regions of young-adult, middle-age, and senescent Brown Norway rats

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

    Kodavanti, Prasada Rao S., E-mail: kodavanti.prasada@epa.gov; Royland, Joyce E.; Richards, Judy E.

    The influence of aging on susceptibility to environmental contaminants is not well understood. To extend knowledge in this area, we examined effects in rat brain of the volatile organic compound, toluene. The objective was to test whether oxidative stress (OS) plays a role in the adverse effects caused by toluene exposure, and if so, if effects are age-dependent. OS parameters were selected to measure the production of reactive oxygen species (NADPH Quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), NADH Ubiquinone reductase (UBIQ-RD)), antioxidant homeostasis (total antioxidant substances (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), {gamma}-glutamylcysteine synthetase ({gamma}-GCS), glutathione transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GRD)),more » and oxidative damage (total aconitase and protein carbonyls). In this study, Brown Norway rats (4, 12, and 24 months) were dosed orally with toluene (0, 0.65 or 1 g/kg) in corn oil. Four hours later, frontal cortex, cerebellum, striatum, and hippocampus were dissected, quick frozen on dry ice, and stored at - 80 Degree-Sign C until analysis. Some parameters of OS were found to increase with age in select brain regions. Toluene exposure also resulted in increased OS in select brain regions. For example, an increase in NQO1 activity was seen in frontal cortex and cerebellum of 4 and 12 month old rats following toluene exposure, but only in the hippocampus of 24 month old rats. Similarly, age and toluene effects on glutathione enzymes were varied and brain-region specific. Markers of oxidative damage reflected changes in oxidative stress. Total aconitase activity was increased by toluene in frontal cortex and cerebellum at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Protein carbonyls in both brain regions and in all age groups were increased by toluene, but step-down analyses indicated toluene effects were statistically significant only in 12 month old rats. These results indicate changes in OS parameters with age and toluene exposure resulted in oxidative damage in frontal cortex and cerebellum of 12 month old rats. Although increases in oxidative damage are associated with increases in horizontal motor activity in older rats, further research is warranted to determine if these changes in OS parameters are related to neurobehavioral and neurophysiological effects of toluene in animal models of aging.« less

  10. RNA silencing of mitochondrial m-Nfs1 reduces Fe-S enzyme activity both in mitochondria and cytosol of mammalian cells.

    PubMed

    Fosset, Cédric; Chauveau, Marie-Jeanne; Guillon, Blanche; Canal, Frédéric; Drapier, Jean-Claude; Bouton, Cécile

    2006-09-01

    In prokaryotes and yeast, the general mechanism of biogenesis of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters involves activities of several proteins among which IscS and Nfs1p provide, through cysteine desulfuration, elemental sulfide for Fe-S core formation. Although these proteins have been well characterized, the role of their mammalian homolog in Fe-S cluster biogenesis has never been evaluated. We report here the first functional study that implicates the putative cysteine desulfurase m-Nfs1 in the biogenesis of both mitochondrial and cytosolic mammalian Fe-S proteins. Depletion of m-Nfs1 in cultured fibroblasts through small interfering RNA-based gene silencing significantly inhibited the activities of mitochondrial NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) and succinate-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex II) of the respiratory chain, as well as aconitase of the Krebs cycle, with no alteration in their protein levels. Activity of cytosolic xanthine oxidase, which holds a [2Fe-2S] cluster, was also specifically reduced, and iron-regulatory protein-1 was converted from its [4Fe-4S] aconitase form to its apo- or RNA-binding form. Reduction of Fe-S enzyme activities occurred earlier and more markedly in the cytosol than in mitochondria, suggesting that there is a mechanism that primarily dedicates m-Nfs1 to the biogenesis of mitochondrial Fe-S clusters in order to maintain cell survival. Finally, depletion of m-Nfs1, which conferred on apo-IRP-1 a high affinity for ferritin mRNA, was associated with the down-regulation of the iron storage protein ferritin.

  11. Proteomic analysis of heat treated bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L. var. Hong Kong Green) using 2D-DIGE.

    PubMed

    Ng, Zhi Xiang; Chua, Kek Heng; Kuppusamy, Umah Rani

    2014-04-01

    This study aimed to investigate the changes in the proteome of bitter gourd prior to and after subjecting to boiling and microwaving. A comparative analysis of the proteome profiles of raw and thermally treated bitter gourds was performed using 2D-DIGE. The protein content and number of protein spots in raw sample was higher when compared to the cooked samples. Qualitative analysis revealed that 103 (boiled sample) and 110 (microwaved sample) protein spots were up regulated whereas 120 (boiled sample) and 107 (microwaved sample) protein spots were down regulated. Ten protein spots with the highest significant fold change in the cooked samples were involved in carbohydrate/energy metabolisms and stress responses. Small heat shock proteins, superoxide dismutase, quinone oxidoreductase, UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and phosphoglycerate kinase play a role in heat-stress-mediated protection of bitter gourd. This study suggests that appropriate heat treatment (cooking methods) can lead to induction of selected proteins in bitter gourd. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Comparative Metagenomics of the Polymicrobial Black Band Disease of Corals

    PubMed Central

    Meyer, Julie L.; Paul, Valerie J.; Raymundo, Laurie J.; Teplitski, Max

    2017-01-01

    Black Band Disease (BBD), the destructive microbial consortium dominated by the cyanobacterium Roseofilum reptotaenium, affects corals worldwide. While the taxonomic composition of BBD consortia has been well-characterized, substantially less is known about its functional repertoire. We sequenced the metagenomes of Caribbean and Pacific black band mats and cultured Roseofilum and obtained five metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of Roseofilum, nine of Proteobacteria, and 12 of Bacteroidetes. Genomic content analysis suggests that Roseofilum is a source of organic carbon and nitrogen, as well as natural products that may influence interactions between microbes. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes members of the disease consortium are suited to the degradation of amino acids, proteins, and carbohydrates. The accumulation of sulfide underneath the black band mat, in part due to a lack of sulfur oxidizers, contributes to the lethality of the disease. The presence of sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase genes in all five Roseofilum MAGs and in the MAGs of several heterotrophs demonstrates that resistance to sulfide is an important characteristic for members of the BBD consortium. PMID:28458657

  13. Chamomile confers protection against hydrogen peroxide-induced toxicity through activation of Nrf2-mediated defense response.

    PubMed

    Bhaskaran, Natarajan; Srivastava, Janmejai K; Shukla, Sanjeev; Gupta, Sanjay

    2013-01-01

    Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of various human diseases. Aqueous chamomile extract is used as herbal medicine, in the form of tea, demonstrated to possess antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. We demonstrate the cytoprotective effects of chamomile on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cellular damage in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Pretreatment of cells with chamomile markedly attenuated H₂O₂-induced cell viability loss in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanisms by which chamomile-protected macrophages from oxidative stress was through the induction of several antioxidant enzymes including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase and increase nuclear accumulation of the transcription factor Nrf2 and its binding to antioxidant response elements. Furthermore, chamomile dose-dependently reduced H₂O₂-mediated increase in the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species. Our results, for the first time, demonstrate that chamomile has protective effects against oxidative stress and might be beneficial to provide defense against cellular damage. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  14. Chamomile Confers Protection against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Toxicity through Activation of Nrf2-Mediated Defense Response

    PubMed Central

    Bhaskaran, Natarajan; Srivastava, Janmejai K.; Shukla, Sanjeev; Gupta, Sanjay

    2014-01-01

    Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of various human diseases. Aqueous chamomile extract is used as herbal medicine, in the form of tea, demonstrated to possess antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. We demonstrate the cytoprotective effects of chamomile on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cellular damage in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Pretreatment of cells with chamomile markedly attenuated H2O2-induced cell viability loss in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanisms by which chamomile-protected macrophages from oxidative stress was through the induction of several antioxidant enzymes including NAD (P)H:quinone oxidoreductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase and increase nuclear accumulation of the transcription factor Nrf2 and its binding to antioxidant response elements. Furthermore, chamomile dose-dependently reduced H2O2-mediated increase in the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species. Our results, for the first time, demonstrate that chamomile has protective effects against oxidative stress and might be beneficial to provide defense against cellular damage. PMID:22511316

  15. Direct and indirect antioxidant activity of polyphenol- and isothiocyanate-enriched fractions from Moringa oleifera.

    PubMed

    Tumer, Tugba Boyunegmez; Rojas-Silva, Patricio; Poulev, Alexander; Raskin, Ilya; Waterman, Carrie

    2015-02-11

    Moringa oleifera Lam. is a fast-growing, tropical tree with various edible parts used as nutritious food and traditional medicine. This study describes an efficient preparatory strategy to extract and fractionate moringa leaves by fast centrifugal partition chromatography (FCPC) to produce polyphenol and isothiocyanate (ITC) rich fractions. Characterization and further purification of these fractions showed that moringa polyphenols were potent direct antioxidants assayed by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), whereas moringa ITCs were effective indirect antioxidants assayed by induction of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) activity in Hepa1c1c7 cells. In addition, purified 4-[(α-l-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl]isothiocyanate and 4-[(4'-O-acetyl-α-l-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl]isothiocyanate were further evaluated for their ORAC and NQO1 inducer potency in comparison with sulforaphane (SF). Both ITCs were as potent as SF in inducing NQO1 activity. These findings suggest that moringa leaves contain a potent mixture of direct and indirect antioxidants that can explain its various health-promoting effects.

  16. Genome-Wide Functional Profiling Reveals Genes Required for Tolerance to Benzene Metabolites in Yeast

    PubMed Central

    North, Matthew; Tandon, Vickram J.; Thomas, Reuben; Loguinov, Alex; Gerlovina, Inna; Hubbard, Alan E.; Zhang, Luoping; Smith, Martyn T.; Vulpe, Chris D.

    2011-01-01

    Benzene is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and is widely used in industry. Exposure to benzene causes a number of serious health problems, including blood disorders and leukemia. Benzene undergoes complex metabolism in humans, making mechanistic determination of benzene toxicity difficult. We used a functional genomics approach to identify the genes that modulate the cellular toxicity of three of the phenolic metabolites of benzene, hydroquinone (HQ), catechol (CAT) and 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BT), in the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Benzene metabolites generate oxidative and cytoskeletal stress, and tolerance requires correct regulation of iron homeostasis and the vacuolar ATPase. We have identified a conserved bZIP transcription factor, Yap3p, as important for a HQ-specific response pathway, as well as two genes that encode putative NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductases, PST2 and YCP4. Many of the yeast genes identified have human orthologs that may modulate human benzene toxicity in a similar manner and could play a role in benzene exposure-related disease. PMID:21912624

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

    Vanderlaan, M.; Fong, S.; King, E.B.

    To improve identification of preneoplastic bladder cancer cells, we have studied two enzyme histochemical changes in bladder tumors induced in male Fisher 344 rats by the carcinogen N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine. In early areas of focal nodular hyperplasia there was a dramatic increase in staining for NADH:menadione oxidoreductase (diaphorase) activity. In nonfocal areas as well, there were many individual cells with intense staining, while the controls were of uniform moderate staining. Large papillomas and carcinomas often showed heterogeneous staining, ..gamma..-Glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) was absent from normal urothelium and from all tumors except the most advanced carcinomas and large papillomas. In old, carcinogen-exposed animals, GGTmore » activity was seen in the luminal surface of tumors and in the interlesion urothelium. In newborn rats and in rats with regenerative hyperplasia following wounding of the urothelium, the diaphorase staining was less than that in the untreated adult. Our findings suggest that increased diaphorase activity may serve to identify early islands of carcinogen-induced, enzymatically altered bladder cells, while GGT will not.« less

  18. Engineering electron metabolism to increase ethanol production in Clostridium thermocellum

    DOE PAGES

    Lo, Jonathan; Olson, Daniel G.; Murphy, Sean Jean-Loup; ...

    2016-10-28

    Here, the NfnAB (NADH-dependent reduced ferredoxin:NADP + oxidoreductase) and Rnf ( Rhodobacter nitrogen fixation) complexes are thought to catalyze electron transfer between reduced ferredoxin and NAD(P) +. Efficient electron flux is critical for engineering fuel production pathways, but little is known about the relative importance of these enzymes in vivo. In this study we investigate the importance of the NfnAB and Rnf complexes in Clostridium thermocellum for growth on cellobiose and Avicel using gene deletion, enzyme assays, and fermentation product analysis. The NfnAB complex does not seem to play a major role in metabolism, since deletion of nfnAB genes hadmore » little effect on the distribution of fermentation products. By contrast, the Rnf complex appears to play an important role in ethanol formation. Deletion of rnf genes resulted in a decrease in ethanol formation. Overexpression of rnf genes resulted in an increase in ethanol production of about 30%, but only in strains where the hydG hydrogenase maturation gene was also deleted.« less

  19. Feeding difficulties, a key feature of the Drosophila NDUFS4 mitochondrial disease model

    PubMed Central

    Foriel, Sarah; Eidhof, Ilse

    2018-01-01

    ABSTRACT Mitochondrial diseases are associated with a wide variety of clinical symptoms and variable degrees of severity. Patients with such diseases generally have a poor prognosis and often an early fatal disease outcome. With an incidence of 1 in 5000 live births and no curative treatments available, relevant animal models to evaluate new therapeutic regimes for mitochondrial diseases are urgently needed. By knocking down ND-18, the unique Drosophila ortholog of NDUFS4, an accessory subunit of the NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I), we developed and characterized several dNDUFS4 models that recapitulate key features of mitochondrial disease. Like in humans, the dNDUFS4 KD flies display severe feeding difficulties, an aspect of mitochondrial disorders that has so far been largely ignored in animal models. The impact of this finding, and an approach to overcome it, will be discussed in the context of interpreting disease model characterization and intervention studies. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. PMID:29590638

  20. Molecular-targeted antitumor agents. 19. Furospongolide from a marine Lendenfeldia sp. sponge inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor-1 activation in breast tumor cells.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yang; Liu, Rui; Mao, Shui-Chun; Morgan, J Brian; Jekabsons, Mika B; Zhou, Yu-Dong; Nagle, Dale G

    2008-11-01

    A natural product chemistry-based approach was employed to discover small-molecule inhibitors of the important tumor-selective molecular target hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). Bioassay-guided isolation of an active lipid extract of a Saipan collection of the marine sponge Lendenfeldia sp. afforded the terpene-derived furanolipid furospongolide as the primary inhibitor of hypoxia-induced HIF-1 activation (IC(50) 2.9 μM, T47D breast tumor cells). The active component of the extract also contained one new cytotoxic scalarane sesterterpene and two previously reported scalaranes. Furospongolide blocked the induction of the downstream HIF-1 target secreted vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and was shown to suppress HIF-1 activation by inhibiting the hypoxic induction of HIF-1α protein. Mechanistic studies indicate that furospongolide inhibits HIF-1 activity primarily by suppressing tumor cell respiration via the blockade of NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I)-mediated mitochondrial electron transfer.

  1. Engineering electron metabolism to increase ethanol production in Clostridium thermocellum

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

    Lo, Jonathan; Olson, Daniel G.; Murphy, Sean Jean-Loup

    Here, the NfnAB (NADH-dependent reduced ferredoxin:NADP + oxidoreductase) and Rnf ( Rhodobacter nitrogen fixation) complexes are thought to catalyze electron transfer between reduced ferredoxin and NAD(P) +. Efficient electron flux is critical for engineering fuel production pathways, but little is known about the relative importance of these enzymes in vivo. In this study we investigate the importance of the NfnAB and Rnf complexes in Clostridium thermocellum for growth on cellobiose and Avicel using gene deletion, enzyme assays, and fermentation product analysis. The NfnAB complex does not seem to play a major role in metabolism, since deletion of nfnAB genes hadmore » little effect on the distribution of fermentation products. By contrast, the Rnf complex appears to play an important role in ethanol formation. Deletion of rnf genes resulted in a decrease in ethanol formation. Overexpression of rnf genes resulted in an increase in ethanol production of about 30%, but only in strains where the hydG hydrogenase maturation gene was also deleted.« less

  2. Superoxide Production by a Manganese-Oxidizing Bacterium Facilitates Iodide Oxidation

    PubMed Central

    Li, Hsiu-Ping; Daniel, Benjamin; Creeley, Danielle; Grandbois, Russell; Zhang, Saijin; Xu, Chen; Ho, Yi-Fang; Schwehr, Kathy A.; Kaplan, Daniel I.; Santschi, Peter H.; Hansel, Colleen M.

    2014-01-01

    The release of radioactive iodine (i.e., iodine-129 and iodine-131) from nuclear reprocessing facilities is a potential threat to human health. The fate and transport of iodine are determined primarily by its redox status, but processes that affect iodine oxidation states in the environment are poorly characterized. Given the difficulty in removing electrons from iodide (I−), naturally occurring iodide oxidation processes require strong oxidants, such as Mn oxides or microbial enzymes. In this study, we examine iodide oxidation by a marine bacterium, Roseobacter sp. AzwK-3b, which promotes Mn(II) oxidation by catalyzing the production of extracellular superoxide (O2−). In the absence of Mn2+, Roseobacter sp. AzwK-3b cultures oxidized ∼90% of the provided iodide (10 μM) within 6 days, whereas in the presence of Mn(II), iodide oxidation occurred only after Mn(IV) formation ceased. Iodide oxidation was not observed during incubations in spent medium or with whole cells under anaerobic conditions or following heat treatment (boiling). Furthermore, iodide oxidation was significantly inhibited in the presence of superoxide dismutase and diphenylene iodonium (a general inhibitor of NADH oxidoreductases). In contrast, the addition of exogenous NADH enhanced iodide oxidation. Taken together, the results indicate that iodide oxidation was mediated primarily by extracellular superoxide generated by Roseobacter sp. AzwK-3b and not by the Mn oxides formed by this organism. Considering that extracellular superoxide formation is a widespread phenomenon among marine and terrestrial bacteria, this could represent an important pathway for iodide oxidation in some environments. PMID:24561582

  3. Superoxide production by a manganese-oxidizing bacterium facilitates iodide oxidation.

    PubMed

    Li, Hsiu-Ping; Daniel, Benjamin; Creeley, Danielle; Grandbois, Russell; Zhang, Saijin; Xu, Chen; Ho, Yi-Fang; Schwehr, Kathy A; Kaplan, Daniel I; Santschi, Peter H; Hansel, Colleen M; Yeager, Chris M

    2014-05-01

    The release of radioactive iodine (i.e., iodine-129 and iodine-131) from nuclear reprocessing facilities is a potential threat to human health. The fate and transport of iodine are determined primarily by its redox status, but processes that affect iodine oxidation states in the environment are poorly characterized. Given the difficulty in removing electrons from iodide (I(-)), naturally occurring iodide oxidation processes require strong oxidants, such as Mn oxides or microbial enzymes. In this study, we examine iodide oxidation by a marine bacterium, Roseobacter sp. AzwK-3b, which promotes Mn(II) oxidation by catalyzing the production of extracellular superoxide (O2(-)). In the absence of Mn(2+), Roseobacter sp. AzwK-3b cultures oxidized ∼90% of the provided iodide (10 μM) within 6 days, whereas in the presence of Mn(II), iodide oxidation occurred only after Mn(IV) formation ceased. Iodide oxidation was not observed during incubations in spent medium or with whole cells under anaerobic conditions or following heat treatment (boiling). Furthermore, iodide oxidation was significantly inhibited in the presence of superoxide dismutase and diphenylene iodonium (a general inhibitor of NADH oxidoreductases). In contrast, the addition of exogenous NADH enhanced iodide oxidation. Taken together, the results indicate that iodide oxidation was mediated primarily by extracellular superoxide generated by Roseobacter sp. AzwK-3b and not by the Mn oxides formed by this organism. Considering that extracellular superoxide formation is a widespread phenomenon among marine and terrestrial bacteria, this could represent an important pathway for iodide oxidation in some environments.

  4. Oxidoreductive capability of boar sperm mitochondria in fresh semen and during their preservation in BTS extender.

    PubMed

    Gaczarzewicz, Dariusz; Piasecka, Małgorzata; Udała, Jan; Błaszczyk, Barbara; Laszczyńska, Maria; Kram, Andrzej

    2003-07-01

    The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of dilution and liquid-preservation of boar sperm on oxidoreductive capability of their mitochondria. The semen was diluted with BTS extender produced from water purified by destillation or by reverse osmosis. The spermatozoa were stored over a four-day period at 16-18 degrees C. The function of sperm mitochondria was assessed using the screening cytochemical test for NADH-dependent oxidoreductases (diaphorase/NADH, related to flavoprotein). Morphological assessment of cytochemical reaction was carried out using a light microscope. The intensity of the reaction was evaluated by means of a computer image analysing system (Quantimet 600S), measuring the integrated optical density (IOD) and mean optical density (MOD) of the reaction product (formazans) occurring in the sperm midpieces. In the non-diluted semen, intensive cytochemical reaction throughout the length of the sperm midpiece was observed. Furthermore, spermatozoa with the intensive reaction displayed the high optical density values. After dilution the semen with two variants of experimental extender, and as the conservation time expired, the cytochemical reaction was less intensive. Moreover, the absence of formazan deposits in various parts of the sperm midpiece was also noted. These morphological features corresponded to low values of optical density. These findings suggest that the dilution of semen and the time of sperm preservation may be critical factors that handicap energy metabolism of sperm mitochondria. The type of water used in preparing BTS extender does not have any significant effect on the oxidoreductive capability of sperm boar mitochondria.

  5. Depleted energy charge and increased pulmonary endothelial permeability induced by mitochondrial complex I inhibition are mitigated by coenzyme Q1 in the isolated perfused rat lung.

    PubMed

    Bongard, Robert D; Yan, Ke; Hoffmann, Raymond G; Audi, Said H; Zhang, Xiao; Lindemer, Brian J; Townsley, Mary I; Merker, Marilyn P

    2013-12-01

    Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with various forms of lung injury and disease that also involve alterations in pulmonary endothelial permeability, but the relationship, if any, between the two is not well understood. This question was addressed by perfusing isolated intact rat lung with a buffered physiological saline solution in the absence or presence of the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone (20 μM). Compared to control, rotenone depressed whole lung tissue ATP from 5.66 ± 0.46 (SEM) to 2.34 ± 0.15 µmol · g(-1) dry lung, with concomitant increases in the ADP:ATP and AMP:ATP ratios. Rotenone also increased lung perfusate lactate (from 12.36 ± 1.64 to 38.62 ± 3.14 µmol · 15 min(-1) perfusion · g(-1) dry lung) and the lactate:pyruvate ratio, but had no detectable impact on lung tissue GSH:GSSG redox status. The amphipathic quinone coenzyme Q1 (CoQ1; 50 μM) mitigated the impact of rotenone on the adenine nucleotide balance, wherein mitigation was blocked by NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 or mitochondrial complex III inhibitors. In separate studies, rotenone increased the pulmonary vascular endothelial filtration coefficient (Kf) from 0.043 ± 0.010 to 0.156 ± 0.037 ml · min(-1) · cm H2O(-1) · g(-1) dry lung, and CoQ1 protected against the effect of rotenone on Kf. A second complex I inhibitor, piericidin A, qualitatively reproduced the impact of rotenone on Kf and the lactate:pyruvate ratio. Taken together, the observations imply that pulmonary endothelial barrier integrity depends on mitochondrial bioenergetics as reflected in lung tissue ATP levels and that compensatory activation of whole lung glycolysis cannot protect against pulmonary endothelial hyperpermeability in response to mitochondrial blockade. The study further suggests that low-molecular-weight amphipathic quinones may have therapeutic utility in protecting lung barrier function in mitochondrial insufficiency. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  6. Metabolic engineering of an ATP-neutral Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway in Corynebacterium glutamicum: growth restoration by an adaptive point mutation in NADH dehydrogenase.

    PubMed

    Komati Reddy, Gajendar; Lindner, Steffen N; Wendisch, Volker F

    2015-03-01

    Corynebacterium glutamicum uses the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway of glycolysis and gains 2 mol of ATP per mol of glucose by substrate-level phosphorylation (SLP). To engineer glycolysis without net ATP formation by SLP, endogenous phosphorylating NAD-dependent glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) was replaced by nonphosphorylating NADP-dependent glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GapN) from Clostridium acetobutylicum, which irreversibly converts glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (GAP) to 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PG) without generating ATP. As shown recently (S. Takeno, R. Murata, R. Kobayashi, S. Mitsuhashi, and M. Ikeda, Appl Environ Microbiol 76:7154-7160, 2010, http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/AEM.01464-10), this ATP-neutral, NADPH-generating glycolytic pathway did not allow for the growth of Corynebacterium glutamicum with glucose as the sole carbon source unless hitherto unknown suppressor mutations occurred; however, these mutations were not disclosed. In the present study, a suppressor mutation was identified, and it was shown that heterologous expression of udhA encoding soluble transhydrogenase from Escherichia coli partly restored growth, suggesting that growth was inhibited by NADPH accumulation. Moreover, genome sequence analysis of second-site suppressor mutants that were able to grow faster with glucose revealed a single point mutation in the gene of non-proton-pumping NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (NDH-II) leading to the amino acid change D213G, which was shared by these suppressor mutants. Since related NDH-II enzymes accepting NADPH as the substrate possess asparagine or glutamine residues at this position, D213G, D213N, and D213Q variants of C. glutamicum NDH-II were constructed and were shown to oxidize NADPH in addition to NADH. Taking these findings together, ATP-neutral glycolysis by the replacement of endogenous NAD-dependent GAPDH with NADP-dependent GapN became possible via oxidation of NADPH formed in this pathway by mutant NADPH-accepting NDH-II(D213G) and thus by coupling to electron transport phosphorylation (ETP). Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  7. RNA-sequencing quantification of hepatic ontogeny of phase-I enzymes in mice.

    PubMed

    Peng, Lai; Cui, Julia Y; Yoo, Byunggil; Gunewardena, Sumedha S; Lu, Hong; Klaassen, Curtis D; Zhong, Xiao-Bo

    2013-12-01

    Phase-I drug metabolizing enzymes catalyze reactions of hydrolysis, reduction, and oxidation of drugs and play a critical role in drug metabolism. However, the functions of most phase-I enzymes are not mature at birth, which markedly affects drug metabolism in newborns. Therefore, characterization of the expression profiles of phase-I enzymes and the underlying regulatory mechanisms during liver maturation is needed for better estimation of using drugs in pediatric patients. The mouse is an animal model widely used for studying the mechanisms in the regulation of developmental expression of phase-I genes. Therefore, we applied RNA sequencing to provide a "true quantification" of the mRNA expression of phase-I genes in the mouse liver during development. Liver samples of male C57BL/6 mice at 12 different ages from prenatal to adulthood were used for defining the ontogenic mRNA profiles of phase-I families, including hydrolysis: carboxylesterase (Ces), paraoxonase (Pon), and epoxide hydrolase (Ephx); reduction: aldo-keto reductase (Akr), quinone oxidoreductase (Nqo), and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (Dpyd); and oxidation: alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh), aldehyde dehydrogenase (Aldh), flavin monooxygenases (Fmo), molybdenum hydroxylase (Aox and Xdh), cytochrome P450 (P450), and cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (Por). Two rapidly increasing stages of total phase-I gene expression after birth reflect functional transition of the liver during development. Diverse expression patterns were identified, and some large gene families contained the mRNA of genes that are enriched at different stages of development. Our study reveals the mRNA abundance of phase-I genes in the mouse liver during development and provides a valuable foundation for mechanistic studies in the future.

  8. The Vitamin K Oxidoreductase Is a Multimer That Efficiently Reduces Vitamin K Epoxide to Hydroquinone to Allow Vitamin K-dependent Protein Carboxylation*

    PubMed Central

    Rishavy, Mark A.; Hallgren, Kevin W.; Wilson, Lee A.; Usubalieva, Aisulu; Runge, Kurt W.; Berkner, Kathleen L.

    2013-01-01

    The vitamin K oxidoreductase (VKORC1) recycles vitamin K to support the activation of vitamin K-dependent (VKD) proteins, which have diverse functions that include hemostasis and calcification. VKD proteins are activated by Glu carboxylation, which depends upon the oxygenation of vitamin K hydroquinone (KH2). The vitamin K epoxide (KO) product is recycled by two reactions, i.e. KO reduction to vitamin K quinone (K) and then to KH2, and recent studies have called into question whether VKORC1 reduces K to KH2. Analysis in insect cells lacking endogenous carboxylation components showed that r-VKORC1 reduces KO to efficiently drive carboxylation, indicating KH2 production. Direct detection of the vitamin K reaction products is confounded by KH2 oxidation, and we therefore developed a new assay that stabilized KH2 and allowed quantitation. Purified VKORC1 analyzed in this assay showed efficient KO to KH2 reduction. Studies in 293 cells expressing tagged r-VKORC1 revealed that VKORC1 is a multimer, most likely a dimer. A monomer can only perform one reaction, and a dimer is therefore interesting in explaining how VKORC1 accomplishes both reactions. An inactive mutant (VKORC1(C132A/C135A)) was dominant negative in heterodimers with wild type VKORC1, resulting in decreased KO reduction in cells and carboxylation in vitro. The results are significant regarding human VKORC1 mutations, as warfarin-resistant patients have mutant and wild type VKORC1 alleles. A VKORC1 dimer indicates a mixed population of homodimers and heterodimers that may have different functional properties, and VKORC1 reduction may therefore be more complex in these patients than appreciated previously. PMID:23918929

  9. The Regulation of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Activity in Pea Leaf Mitochondria (The Effect of Respiration and Oxidative Phosphorylation).

    PubMed

    Moore, A. L.; Gemel, J.; Randall, D. D.

    1993-12-01

    The regulation of the pea (Pisum sativum) leaf mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex by respiratory rate and oxidative phosphorylation has been investigated by measuring the respiratory activity, the redox poise of the quinone pool (Q-pool), and mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (mtPDC) activity under various metabolic conditions. It was found that, under state 4 conditions, mtPDC activity was unaffected by either the addition of succinate, 2-oxoglutarate, or glycine or the overall respiratory rate and redox poise of the Q-pool but was partially inhibited by NADH due to product inhibition. In the presence of ADP significant inactivation of PDC, which was sensitive to oligomycin, was observed with all substrates, apart from pyruvate, suggesting that inactivation was due to ATP formation. Inactivation of PDC by ADP addition was observed even in the presence of carboxyatractyloside, an inhibitor of the ATP/ADP translocator, suggesting that other mechanisms to facilitate the entry of adenylates, in addition to the adenylate carrier, must exist in plant mitochondria.

  10. Manganese ions enhance mitochondrial H2O2 emission from Krebs cycle oxidoreductases by inducing permeability transition.

    PubMed

    Bonke, Erik; Siebels, Ilka; Zwicker, Klaus; Dröse, Stefan

    2016-10-01

    Manganese-induced toxicity has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and an increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We could recently show in mechanistic studies that Mn 2+ ions induce hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) production from the ubiquinone binding site of mitochondrial complex II (II Q ) and generally enhance H 2 O 2 formation by accelerating the rate of superoxide dismutation. The present study with intact mitochondria reveals that manganese additionally enhances H 2 O 2 emission by inducing mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT). In mitochondria fed by NADH-generating substrates, the combination of Mn 2+ and different respiratory chain inhibitors led to a dynamically increasing H 2 O 2 emission which was sensitive to the mPT inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA) as well as Ru-360, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU). Under these conditions, flavin-containing enzymes of the mitochondrial matrix, e.g. the mitochondrial 2-oxoglutaratedehydrogenase (OGDH), were major sources of ROS. With succinate as substrate, Mn 2+ stimulated ROS production mainly at complex II, whereby the applied succinate concentration had a marked effect on the tendency for mPT. Also Ca 2+ increased the rate of H 2 O 2 emission by mPT, while no direct effect on ROS-production of complex II was observed. The present study reveals a complex scenario through which manganese affects mitochondrial H 2 O 2 emission: stimulating its production from distinct sites (e.g. site II Q ), accelerating superoxide dismutation and enhancing the emission via mPT which also leads to the loss of soluble components of the mitochondrial antioxidant systems and favors the ROS production from flavin-containing oxidoreductases of the Krebs cycle. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Protein Conformational Gating of Enzymatic Activity in Xanthine Oxidoreductase

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

    Ishikita, Hiroshi; Eger, Bryan T.; Okamoto, Ken

    2012-05-24

    In mammals, xanthine oxidoreductase can exist as xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and xanthine oxidase (XO). The two enzymes possess common redox active cofactors, which form an electron transfer (ET) pathway terminated by a flavin cofactor. In spite of identical protein primary structures, the redox potential difference between XDH and XO for the flavin semiquinone/hydroquinone pair (E{sub sq/hq}) is {approx}170 mV, a striking difference. The former greatly prefers NAD{sup +} as ultimate substrate for ET from the iron-sulfur cluster FeS-II via flavin while the latter only accepts dioxygen. In XDH (without NAD{sup +}), however, the redox potential of the electron donor FeS-IImore » is 180 mV higher than that for the acceptor flavin, yielding an energetically uphill ET. On the basis of new 1.65, 2.3, 1.9, and 2.2 {angstrom} resolution crystal structures for XDH, XO, the NAD{sup +}- and NADH-complexed XDH, E{sub sq/hq} were calculated to better understand how the enzyme activates an ET from FeS-II to flavin. The majority of the E{sub sq/hq} difference between XDH and XO originates from a conformational change in the loop at positions 423-433 near the flavin binding site, causing the differences in stability of the semiquinone state. There was no large conformational change observed in response to NAD{sup +} binding at XDH. Instead, the positive charge of the NAD{sup +} ring, deprotonation of Asp429, and capping of the bulk surface of the flavin by the NAD{sup +} molecule all contribute to altering E{sub sq/hq} upon NAD{sup +} binding to XDH.« less

  12. Effect of chronic hyperoxic exposure on duroquinone reduction in adult rat lungs.

    PubMed

    Audi, Said H; Bongard, Robert D; Krenz, Gary S; Rickaby, David A; Haworth, Steven T; Eisenhauer, Jessica; Roerig, David L; Merker, Marilyn P

    2005-11-01

    NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) plays a dominant role in the reduction of the quinone compound 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (duroquinone, DQ) to durohydroquinone (DQH2) on passage through the rat lung. Exposure of adult rats to 85% O2 for > or =7 days stimulates adaptation to the otherwise lethal effects of >95% O2. The objective of this study was to examine whether exposure of adult rats to hyperoxia affected lung NQO1 activity as measured by the rate of DQ reduction on passage through the lung. We measured DQH2 appearance in the venous effluent during DQ infusion at different concentrations into the pulmonary artery of isolated perfused lungs from rats exposed to room air or to 85% O2. We also evaluated the effect of hyperoxia on vascular transit time distribution and measured NQO1 activity and protein in lung homogenate. The results demonstrate that exposure to 85% O2 for 21 days increases lung capacity to reduce DQ to DQH2 and that NQO1 is the dominant DQ reductase in normoxic and hyperoxic lungs. Kinetic analysis revealed that 21-day hyperoxia exposure increased the maximum rate of pulmonary DQ reduction, Vmax, and the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant for DQ reduction, Kma. The increase in Vmax suggests a hyperoxia-induced increase in NQO1 activity of lung cells accessible to DQ from the vascular region, consistent qualitatively but not quantitatively with an increase in lung homogenate NQO1 activity in 21-day hyperoxic lungs. The increase in Kma could be accounted for by approximately 40% increase in vascular transit time heterogeneity in 21-day hyperoxic lungs.

  13. Glutathione maintenance mitigates age-related susceptibility to redox cycling agents.

    PubMed

    Thomas, Nicholas O; Shay, Kate P; Kelley, Amanda R; Butler, Judy A; Hagen, Tory M

    2016-12-01

    Isolated hepatocytes from young (4-6mo) and old (24-26mo) F344 rats were exposed to increasing concentrations of menadione, a vitamin K derivative and redox cycling agent, to determine whether the age-related decline in Nrf2-mediated detoxification defenses resulted in heightened susceptibility to xenobiotic insult. An LC 50 for each age group was established, which showed that aging resulted in a nearly 2-fold increase in susceptibility to menadione (LC 50 for young: 405μM; LC 50 for old: 275μM). Examination of the known Nrf2-regulated pathways associated with menadione detoxification revealed, surprisingly, that NAD(P)H: quinone oxido-reductase 1 (NQO1) protein levels and activity were induced 9-fold and 4-fold with age, respectively (p=0.0019 and p=0.018; N=3), but glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) declined by 70% (p=0.0043; N=3). These results indicate toxicity may stem from vulnerability to lipid peroxidation instead of inadequate reduction of menadione semi-quinone. Lipid peroxidation was 2-fold higher, and GSH declined by a 3-fold greater margin in old versus young rat cells given 300µM menadione (p<0.05 and p≤0.01 respectively; N=3). We therefore provided 400µMN-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) to hepatocytes from old rats before menadione exposure to alleviate limits in cysteine substrate availability for GSH synthesis during challenge. NAC pretreatment resulted in a >2-fold reduction in cell death, suggesting that the age-related increase in menadione susceptibility likely stems from attenuated GSH-dependent defenses. This data identifies cellular targets for intervention in order to limit age-related toxicological insults to menadione and potentially other redox cycling compounds. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. The effects of protein crowding in bacterial photosynthetic membranes on the flow of quinone redox species between the photochemical reaction center and the ubiquinol-cytochrome c2 oxidoreductase.

    PubMed

    Woronowicz, Kamil; Sha, Daniel; Frese, Raoul N; Sturgis, James N; Nanda, Vikas; Niederman, Robert A

    2011-08-01

    Atomic force microscopy (AFM) of the native architecture of the intracytoplasmic membrane (ICM) of a variety of species of purple photosynthetic bacteria, obtained at submolecular resolution, shows a tightly packed arrangement of light harvesting (LH) and reaction center (RC) complexes. Since there are no unattributed structures or gaps with space sufficient for the cytochrome bc(1) or ATPase complexes, they are localized in membrane domains distinct from the flat regions imaged by AFM. This has generated a renewed interest in possible long-range pathways for lateral diffusion of UQ redox species that functionally link the RC and the bc(1) complexes. Recent proposals to account for UQ flow in the membrane bilayer are reviewed, along with new experimental evidence provided from an analysis of intrinsic near-IR fluorescence emission that has served to test these hypotheses. The results suggest that different mechanism of UQ flow exist between species such as Rhodobacter sphaeroides, with a highly organized arrangement of LH and RC complexes and fast RC electron transfer turnover, and Phaeospirillum molischianum with a more random organization and slower RC turnover. It is concluded that packing density of the peripheral LH2 antenna in the Rba. sphaeroides ICM imposes constraints that significantly slow the diffusion of UQ redox species between the RC and cytochrome bc(1) complex, while in Phs. molischianum, the crowding of the ICM with LH3 has little effect upon UQ diffusion. This supports the proposal that in this type of ICM, a network of RC-LH1 core complexes observed in AFM provides a pathway for long-range quinone diffusion that is unaffected by differences in LH complex composition or organization.

  15. A Mechanistic and Structural Analysis of the Inhibition of the 90-kDa Heat Shock Protein by the Benzoquinone and Hydroquinone AnsamycinsS⃞

    PubMed Central

    Reigan, Philip; Siegel, David; Guo, Wenchang

    2011-01-01

    The benzoquinone ansamycins inhibit the ATPase activity of the 90-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90), disrupting the function of numerous client proteins involved in oncogenesis. In this study, we examine the role of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the metabolism of trans- and cis-amide isomers of the benzoquinone ansamycins and their mechanism of Hsp90 inhibition. Inhibition of purified human Hsp90 by a series of benzoquinone ansamycins was examined in the presence and absence of NQO1, and their relative rate of NQO1-mediated reduction was determined. Computational-based molecular docking simulations indicated that the trans- but not the cis-amide isomers of the benzoquinone ansamycins could be accommodated by the NQO1 active site, and the ranking order of binding energies correlated with the relative reduction rate using purified human NQO1. The trans-cis isomerization of the benzoquinone ansamycins in Hsp90 inhibition has been disputed in recent reports. Previous computational studies have used the closed or cocrystallized Hsp90 structures in an attempt to explore this isomerization step; however, we have successfully docked both the trans- and cis-amide isomers of the benzoquinone ansamycins into the open Hsp90 structure. The results of these studies indicate that both trans- and cis-amide isomers of the hydroquinone ansamycins exhibited increased binding affinity for Hsp90 relative to their parent quinones. Our data support a mechanism in which trans- rather than cis-amide forms of benzoquinone ansamycins are metabolized by NQO1 to hydroquinone ansamycins and that Hsp90-mediated trans-cis isomerization via tautomerization plays an important role in subsequent Hsp90 inhibition. PMID:21285336

  16. Escherichia coli NemA is an efficient chromate reductase that can be biologically immobilized to provide a cell free system for remediation of hexavalent chromium.

    PubMed

    Robins, Katherine J; Hooks, David O; Rehm, Bernd H A; Ackerley, David F

    2013-01-01

    Hexavalent chromium is a serious and widespread environmental pollutant. Although many bacteria have been identified that can transform highly water-soluble and toxic Cr(VI) to insoluble and relatively non-toxic Cr(III), bacterial bioremediation of Cr(VI) pollution is limited by a number of issues, in particular chromium toxicity to the remediating cells. To address this we sought to develop an immobilized enzymatic system for Cr(VI) remediation. To identify novel Cr(VI) reductase enzymes we first screened cell extracts from an Escherichia coli library of soluble oxidoreductases derived from a range of bacteria, but found that a number of these enzymes can reduce Cr(VI) indirectly, via redox intermediates present in the crude extracts. Instead, activity assays for 15 candidate enzymes purified as His6-tagged proteins identified E. coli NemA as a highly efficient Cr(VI) reductase (k(cat)/K(M)= 1.1×10(5) M(-1) s(-1) with NADH as cofactor). Fusion of nemA to the polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase gene phaC from Ralstonia eutropha enabled high-level biosynthesis of functionalized polyhydroxyalkanoate granules displaying stable and active NemA on their surface. When these granules were combined with either Bacillus subtilis glucose dehydrogenase or Candida boidinii formate dehydrogenase as a cofactor regenerating partner, high levels of chromate transformation were observed with only low initial concentrations of expensive NADH cofactor being required, the overall reaction being powered by consumption of the cheap sacrificial substrates glucose or formic acid, respectively. This system therefore offers promise as an economic solution for ex situ Cr(VI) remediation.

  17. Escherichia coli NemA Is an Efficient Chromate Reductase That Can Be Biologically Immobilized to Provide a Cell Free System for Remediation of Hexavalent Chromium

    PubMed Central

    Robins, Katherine J.; Hooks, David O.; Rehm, Bernd H. A.; Ackerley, David F.

    2013-01-01

    Hexavalent chromium is a serious and widespread environmental pollutant. Although many bacteria have been identified that can transform highly water-soluble and toxic Cr(VI) to insoluble and relatively non-toxic Cr(III), bacterial bioremediation of Cr(VI) pollution is limited by a number of issues, in particular chromium toxicity to the remediating cells. To address this we sought to develop an immobilized enzymatic system for Cr(VI) remediation. To identify novel Cr(VI) reductase enzymes we first screened cell extracts from an Escherichia coli library of soluble oxidoreductases derived from a range of bacteria, but found that a number of these enzymes can reduce Cr(VI) indirectly, via redox intermediates present in the crude extracts. Instead, activity assays for 15 candidate enzymes purified as His6-tagged proteins identified E. coli NemA as a highly efficient Cr(VI) reductase (kcat/KM  = 1.1×105 M−1s−1 with NADH as cofactor). Fusion of nemA to the polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase gene phaC from Ralstonia eutropha enabled high-level biosynthesis of functionalized polyhydroxyalkanoate granules displaying stable and active NemA on their surface. When these granules were combined with either Bacillus subtilis glucose dehydrogenase or Candida boidinii formate dehydrogenase as a cofactor regenerating partner, high levels of chromate transformation were observed with only low initial concentrations of expensive NADH cofactor being required, the overall reaction being powered by consumption of the cheap sacrificial substrates glucose or formic acid, respectively. This system therefore offers promise as an economic solution for ex situ Cr(VI) remediation. PMID:23527133

  18. Comparative Genomic Analysis of Phylogenetically Closely Related Hydrogenobaculum sp. Isolates from Yellowstone National Park

    PubMed Central

    Romano, Christine; D'Imperio, Seth; Woyke, Tanja; Mavromatis, Konstantinos; Lasken, Roger; Shock, Everett L.

    2013-01-01

    We describe the complete genome sequences of four closely related Hydrogenobaculum sp. isolates (≥99.7% 16S rRNA gene identity) that were isolated from the outflow channel of Dragon Spring (DS), Norris Geyser Basin, in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), WY. The genomes range in size from 1,552,607 to 1,552,931 bp, contain 1,667 to 1,676 predicted genes, and are highly syntenic. There are subtle differences among the DS isolates, which as a group are different from Hydrogenobaculum sp. strain Y04AAS1 that was previously isolated from a geographically distinct YNP geothermal feature. Genes unique to the DS genomes encode arsenite [As(III)] oxidation, NADH-ubiquinone-plastoquinone (complex I), NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain, a DNA photolyase, and elements of a type II secretion system. Functions unique to strain Y04AAS1 include thiosulfate metabolism, nitrate respiration, and mercury resistance determinants. DS genomes contain seven CRISPR loci that are almost identical but are different from the single CRISPR locus in strain Y04AAS1. Other differences between the DS and Y04AAS1 genomes include average nucleotide identity (94.764%) and percentage conserved DNA (80.552%). Approximately half of the genes unique to Y04AAS1 are predicted to have been acquired via horizontal gene transfer. Fragment recruitment analysis and marker gene searches demonstrated that the DS metagenome was more similar to the DS genomes than to the Y04AAS1 genome, but that the DS community is likely comprised of a continuum of Hydrogenobaculum genotypes that span from the DS genomes described here to an Y04AAS1-like organism, which appears to represent a distinct ecotype relative to the DS genomes characterized. PMID:23435891

  19. Piper betle Induced Cytoprotective Genes and Proteins via the Nrf2/ARE Pathway in Aging Mice.

    PubMed

    Aliahmat, Nor Syahida; Abdul Sani, Nur Fathiah; Wan Hasan, Wan Nuraini; Makpol, Suzana; Wan Ngah, Wan Zurinah; Mohd Yusof, Yasmin Anum

    2016-01-01

    The objective of this study was to elucidate the underlying antioxidant mechanism of aqueous extract of Piper betle (PB) in aging rats. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/ARE pathway involving phase II detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes plays an important role in the antioxidant system by reducing electrophiles and reactive oxygen species through induction of phase II enzymes and proteins. Genes and proteins of phase II detoxifying antioxidant enzymes were analyzed by QuantiGenePlex 2.0 Assay and Western blot analysis. PB significantly induced genes and proteins of phase II and antioxidant enzymes, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, and catalase in aging mice (p < 0.05). The expression of these enzymes were stimulated via translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus, indicating the involvement of ARE, a cis-acting motif located in the promoter region of nearly all phase II genes. PB was testified for the first time to induce cytoprotective genes through the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, thus unraveling the antioxidant mechanism of PB during the aging process. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  20. Possible involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in the gene expression of Cyp2b10 and Cyp2a5.

    PubMed

    Ashino, Takashi; Ohkubo-Morita, Haruyo; Yamamoto, Masayuki; Yoshida, Takemi; Numazawa, Satoshi

    2014-01-01

    Cytochrome P450 gene expression is altered by various chemical compounds. In this study, we used nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-deficient (Nrf2(-⧸-)) mice to investigate the involvement of Nrf2 in Cyp2b10 and Cyp2a5 gene expression. Phorone, an Nrf2 activator, strongly increased Cyp2b10 and Cyp2a5 mRNA as well as Nrf2 target genes, including NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1 and heme oxygenase-1, in wild-type mouse livers 8 h after treatment. The phorone-induced mRNA levels in Nrf2(-⧸-) mouse livers were lower than that in wild-type mouse livers. Nrf2(-⧸-) mice showed attenuated Cyp2b10 and Cyp2a5 induction by phenobarbital, a classical Cyp2b inducer. These findings suggest that the Nrf2 pathway is involved in Cyp2b10 and Cyp2a5 gene expression.

  1. Possible involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in the gene expression of Cyp2b10 and Cyp2a5☆

    PubMed Central

    Ashino, Takashi; Ohkubo-Morita, Haruyo; Yamamoto, Masayuki; Yoshida, Takemi; Numazawa, Satoshi

    2014-01-01

    Cytochrome P450 gene expression is altered by various chemical compounds. In this study, we used nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)–deficient (Nrf2−⧸−) mice to investigate the involvement of Nrf2 in Cyp2b10 and Cyp2a5 gene expression. Phorone, an Nrf2 activator, strongly increased Cyp2b10 and Cyp2a5 mRNA as well as Nrf2 target genes, including NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1 and heme oxygenase-1, in wild-type mouse livers 8 h after treatment. The phorone-induced mRNA levels in Nrf2−⧸− mouse livers were lower than that in wild-type mouse livers. Nrf2−⧸− mice showed attenuated Cyp2b10 and Cyp2a5 induction by phenobarbital, a classical Cyp2b inducer. These findings suggest that the Nrf2 pathway is involved in Cyp2b10 and Cyp2a5 gene expression. PMID:24494203

  2. Whole genome sequence analysis of Geitlerinema sp. FC II unveils competitive edge of the strain in marine cultivation system for biofuel production.

    PubMed

    Batchu, Navish Kumar; Khater, Shradha; Patil, Sonal; Nagle, Vinod; Das, Gautam; Bhadra, Bhaskar; Sapre, Ajit; Dasgupta, Santanu

    2018-03-05

    A filamentous cyanobacteria, Geitlerinema sp. FC II, was isolated from marine algae culture pond at Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), India. The 6.7 Mb draft genome of FC II encodes for 6697 protein coding genes. Analysis of the whole genome sequence revealed presence of nif gene cluster, supporting its capability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. FC II genome contains two variants of sulfide:quinone oxidoreductases (SQR), which is a crucial elector donor in cyanobacterial metabolic processes. FC II is characterized by the presence of multiple CRISPR- Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindrome Repeats - CRISPR associated proteins) clusters, multiple variants of genes encoding photosystem reaction centres, biosynthetic gene clusters of alkane, polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides. Presence of these pathways will help FC II in gaining an ecological advantage over other strains for biomass production in large scale cultivation system. Hence, FC II may be used for production of biofuel and other industrially important metabolites. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. K+ Efflux-Independent NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Small Molecules Targeting Mitochondria.

    PubMed

    Groß, Christina J; Mishra, Ritu; Schneider, Katharina S; Médard, Guillaume; Wettmarshausen, Jennifer; Dittlein, Daniela C; Shi, Hexin; Gorka, Oliver; Koenig, Paul-Albert; Fromm, Stephan; Magnani, Giovanni; Ćiković, Tamara; Hartjes, Lara; Smollich, Joachim; Robertson, Avril A B; Cooper, Matthew A; Schmidt-Supprian, Marc; Schuster, Michael; Schroder, Kate; Broz, Petr; Traidl-Hoffmann, Claudia; Beutler, Bruce; Kuster, Bernhard; Ruland, Jürgen; Schneider, Sabine; Perocchi, Fabiana; Groß, Olaf

    2016-10-18

    Imiquimod is a small-molecule ligand of Toll-like receptor-7 (TLR7) that is licensed for the treatment of viral infections and cancers of the skin. Imiquimod has TLR7-independent activities that are mechanistically unexplained, including NLRP3 inflammasome activation in myeloid cells and apoptosis induction in cancer cells. We investigated the mechanism of inflammasome activation by imiquimod and the related molecule CL097 and determined that K + efflux was dispensable for NLRP3 activation by these compounds. Imiquimod and CL097 inhibited the quinone oxidoreductases NQO2 and mitochondrial Complex I. This induced a burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiol oxidation, and led to NLRP3 activation via NEK7, a recently identified component of this inflammasome. Metabolic consequences of Complex I inhibition and endolysosomal effects of imiquimod might also contribute to NLRP3 activation. Our results reveal a K + efflux-independent mechanism for NLRP3 activation and identify targets of imiquimod that might be clinically relevant. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Expressed proteins of Herbaspirillum seropedicae in maize (DKB240) roots-bacteria interaction revealed using proteomics.

    PubMed

    Ferrari, Cibele Santos; Amaral, Fernanda Plucani; Bueno, Jessica Cavalheiro Ferreira; Scariot, Mirella Christine; Valentim-Neto, Pedro Alexandre; Arisi, Ana Carolina Maisonnave

    2014-11-01

    Several molecular tools have been used to clarify the basis of plant-bacteria interaction; however, the mechanism behind the association is still unclear. In this study, we used a proteomic approach to investigate the root proteome of Zea mays (cv. DKB240) inoculated with Herbaspirillum seropedicae strain SmR1 grown in vitro and harvested 7 days after inoculation. Eighteen differentially accumulated proteins were observed in root samples, ten of which were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry peptide mass fingerprint. Among the identified proteins, we observed three proteins present exclusively in inoculated root samples and six upregulated proteins and one downregulated protein relative to control. Differentially expressed maize proteins were identified as hypothetical protein ZEAMMB73_483204, hypothetical protein ZEAMMB73_269466, and tubulin beta-7 chain. The following were identified as H. seropedicae proteins: peroxiredoxin protein, EF-Tu elongation factor protein, cation transport ATPase, NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase, dinitrogenase reductase, and type III secretion ATP synthase. Our results presented the first evidence of type III secretion ATP synthase expression during H. seropedicae-maize root interaction.

  5. Sodium fluoride affects zebrafish behaviour and alters mRNA expressions of biomarker genes in the brain: Role of Nrf2/Keap1.

    PubMed

    Mukhopadhyay, Debdip; Priya, Pooja; Chattopadhyay, Ansuman

    2015-09-01

    Sodium fluoride (NaF), used as pesticides and for industrial purposes are deposited in the water bodies and therefore affects its biota. Zebrafish exposed to NaF in laboratory condition showed hyperactivity and frequent surfacing activity, somersaulting and vertical swimming pattern as compared to the control group. Reactive oxygen species level was elevated and glutathione level was depleted along with increased malondialdehyde content in the brain. Levels of glutathione-s-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase were also elevated in the treatment groups. Expression of mRNA of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its inhibitor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) during stress condition were observed along with Gst, Cat, NADPH: quinone oxidoreductase 1(Nqo1) and p38. Except Keap1, all other genes exhibited elevated expression. Nrf2/Keap1 proteins had similar expression pattern as their corresponding mRNA. The findings in this study might help to understand the molecular mechanism of fluoride induced neurotoxicity in fish. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Genetic risk factors for clozapine-induced neutropenia and agranulocytosis in a Dutch psychiatric population.

    PubMed

    van der Weide, K; Loovers, H; Pondman, K; Bogers, J; van der Straaten, T; Langemeijer, E; Cohen, D; Commandeur, J; van der Weide, J

    2017-10-01

    Prescription of clozapine is complicated by the occurrence of clozapine-induced reduction of neutrophils. The aim of this study was to identify genetic risk factors in a population of 310 Dutch patients treated with clozapine, including 38 patients developing neutropenia and 31 patients developing agranulocytosis. NQO2 1541AA (NRH quinone oxidoreductase 2; protects cells against oxidative metabolites) was present at a higher frequency in agranulocytosis patients compared with control (23% versus 7%, P=0.03), as was ABCB1 (ABC-transporter-B1; drug efflux transporter) 3435TT (32% versus 20%, P=0.05). In patients developing neutropenia, ABCB1 3435TT and homozygosity for GSTT1 null (glutathione-S-transferase; conjugates reactive clozapine metabolites into glutathione) were more frequent compared with control (34% versus 20%, P=0.05 and 31% versus 14%, P=0.03), whereas GSTM1 null was less frequent in these patients (31% versus 52%, P=0.03). To investigate whether combinations of the identified genetic risk factors have a higher predictive value, should be confirmed in a larger case-control study.

  7. Direct and Indirect Antioxidant Activity of Polyphenol- and Isothiocyanate-Enriched Fractions from Moringa oleifera

    PubMed Central

    Boyunegmez Tumer, Tugba; Rojas-Silva, Patricio; Poulev, Alexander; Raskin, Ilya; Waterman, Carrie

    2016-01-01

    Moringa oleifera Lam. is a fast-growing, tropical tree with various edible parts used as nutritious food and traditional medicine. This study describes an efficient preparatory strategy to extract and fractionate moringa leaves by fast centrifugal partition chromatography (FCPC) to produce polyphenol and isothiocyanate (ITC) rich fractions. Characterization and further purification of these fractions showed that moringa polyphenols were potent direct antioxidants assayed by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), whereas moringa ITCs were effective indirect antioxidants assayed by induction of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) activity in Hepa1c1c7 cells. In addition, purified 4-[(α-l-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl]-isothiocyanate and 4-[(4′-O-acetyl-α-l-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl]isothiocyanate were further evaluated for their ORAC and NQO1 inducer potency in comparison with sulforaphane (SF). Both ITCs were as potent as SF in inducing NQO1 activity. These findings suggest that moringa leaves contain a potent mixture of direct and indirect antioxidants that can explain its various health-promoting effects. PMID:25605589

  8. Vegetable and fruit juice enhances antioxidant capacity and regulates antioxidant gene expression in rat liver, brain and colon

    PubMed Central

    Yuan, Linhong; Liu, Jinmeng; Zhen, Jie; Xu, Yao; Chen, Shuying; Halm-Lutterodt, Nicholas Van; Xiao, Rong

    2017-01-01

    Abstract To explore the effect of fruit and vegetable (FV) juice on biomarkers of oxidative damage and antioxidant gene expression in rats, 36 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, low FV juice dosage or high FV juice dosage treatment groups. The rats were given freshly extracted FV juice or the same volume of saline water daily for five weeks. After intervention, serum and tissues specimens were collected for biomarker and gene expression measurement. FV juice intervention increased total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, vitamin C, β-carotene, total polyphenols, flavonoids levels andglutathione peroxidaseenzyme activity in rat serum or tissues (p < 0.05). FV juice intervention caused reduction of malondialdehyde levels in rat liver (p < 0.05) and significantly modulated transcript levels of glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase l (NQO1)in rat liver and brain (p < 0.05). The results underline the potential of FV juice to improve the antioxidant capacity and to prevent the oxidative damage in liver, brain and colon. PMID:28323302

  9. Piper betle induces phase I & II genes through Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from wild type and Nrf2 knockout cells.

    PubMed

    Wan Hasan, Wan Nuraini; Kwak, Mi-Kyoung; Makpol, Suzana; Wan Ngah, Wan Zurinah; Mohd Yusof, Yasmin Anum

    2014-02-23

    Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a primary transcription factor, protecting cells from oxidative stress by regulating a number of antioxidants and phase II detoxifying enzymes. Dietary components such as sulforaphane in broccoli and quercetin in onions have been shown to be inducers of Nrf2. Piper betle (PB) grows well in tropical climate and the leaves are used in a number of traditional remedies for the treatment of stomach ailments and infections among Asians. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of Piper betle (PB) leaves extract in Nrf2 signaling pathway by using 2 types of cells; mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from wild-type (WT) and Nrf2 knockout (N0) mice. WT and N0 cells were treated with 5 and 10 μg/ml of PB for 10 and 12-h for the determination of nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein. Luciferase reporter gene activity was performed to evaluate the antioxidant response element (ARE)-induction by PB. Real-time PCR and Western blot were conducted on both WT and N0 cells after PB treatment for the determination of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and heme-oxygenase (HO-1)], phase I oxidoreductase enzymes [ quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1)] and phase II detoxifying enzyme [glutathione S-transferase (GST)]. Nuclear translocation of Nrf2 by PB in WT cells was better after 10 h incubation compared to 12 h. Real time PCR and Western blot analysis showed increased expressions of Nrf2, NQO1 and GSTA1 genes with corresponding increases in glutathione, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in WT cells. Reporter gene ARE was stimulated by PB as shown by ARE/luciferase assay. Interestingly, PB induced SOD1 gene and protein expressions in N0 cells but not in WT cells. The results of this study confirmed that PB activated Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway which subsequently induced some phase I oxidoreductase, phase II detoxifying and antioxidant genes expression via ARE reporter gene involved in the Nrf2 pathway with the exception of SOD1 which may not be dependent on this pathway.

  10. Piper betle induces phase I & II genes through Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from wild type and Nrf2 knockout cells

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a primary transcription factor, protecting cells from oxidative stress by regulating a number of antioxidants and phase II detoxifying enzymes. Dietary components such as sulforaphane in broccoli and quercetin in onions have been shown to be inducers of Nrf2. Piper betle (PB) grows well in tropical climate and the leaves are used in a number of traditional remedies for the treatment of stomach ailments and infections among Asians. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of Piper betle (PB) leaves extract in Nrf2 signaling pathway by using 2 types of cells; mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from wild-type (WT) and Nrf2 knockout (N0) mice. Methods WT and N0 cells were treated with 5 and 10 μg/ml of PB for 10 and 12-h for the determination of nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein. Luciferase reporter gene activity was performed to evaluate the antioxidant response element (ARE)-induction by PB. Real-time PCR and Western blot were conducted on both WT and N0 cells after PB treatment for the determination of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and heme-oxygenase (HO-1)], phase I oxidoreductase enzymes [NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1)] and phase II detoxifying enzyme [glutathione S-transferase (GST)]. Results Nuclear translocation of Nrf2 by PB in WT cells was better after 10 h incubation compared to 12 h. Real time PCR and Western blot analysis showed increased expressions of Nrf2, NQO1 and GSTA1 genes with corresponding increases in glutathione, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in WT cells. Reporter gene ARE was stimulated by PB as shown by ARE/luciferase assay. Interestingly, PB induced SOD1 gene and protein expressions in N0 cells but not in WT cells. Conclusion The results of this study confirmed that PB activated Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway which subsequently induced some phase I oxidoreductase, phase II detoxifying and antioxidant genes expression via ARE reporter gene involved in the Nrf2 pathway with the exception of SOD1 which may not be dependent on this pathway. PMID:24559113

  11. Radioligand Recognition of Insecticide Targets.

    PubMed

    Casida, John E

    2018-04-04

    Insecticide radioligands allow the direct recognition and analysis of the targets and mechanisms of toxic action critical to effective and safe pest control. These radioligands are either the insecticides themselves or analogs that bind at the same or coupled sites. Preferred radioligands and their targets, often in both insects and mammals, are trioxabicyclooctanes for the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, avermectin for the glutamate receptor, imidacloprid for the nicotinic receptor, ryanodine and chlorantraniliprole for the ryanodine receptor, and rotenone or pyridaben for NADH + ubiquinone oxidoreductase. Pyrethroids and other Na + channel modulator insecticides are generally poor radioligands due to lipophilicity and high nonspecific binding. For target site validation, the structure-activity relationships competing with the radioligand in the binding assays should be the same as that for insecticidal activity or toxicity except for rapidly detoxified or proinsecticide analogs. Once the radioligand assay is validated for relevance, it will often help define target site modifications on selection of resistant pest strains, selectivity between insects and mammals, and interaction with antidotes and other chemicals at modulator sites. Binding assays also serve for receptor isolation and photoaffinity labeling to characterize the interactions involved.

  12. Lon in maintaining mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jieyeqi; Chen, Wenying; Zhang, Boyang; Tian, Fengli; Zhou, Zheng; Liao, Xin; Li, Chen; Zhang, Yi; Han, Yanyan; Wang, Yan; Li, Yuzhe; Wang, Guo-Qing; Shen, Xiao Li

    2018-06-01

    As a vital member of AAA+ (ATPase associated with diverse cellular activities) protein superfamily, Lon, a homo-hexameric ring-shaped protein complex with a serine-lysine catalytic dyad, is highly conserved throughout almost all prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Lon protease (LONP) plays an important role in maintaining mitoproteostasis through selectively recognizing and degrading oxidatively modified mitoproteins within mitochondrial matrix, such as oxidized aconitase, phosphorylated mitochondrial transcription factor A, etc. Furthermore, the up-regulated LONP increased mitochondrial ROS generation to promote cell survival, cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cell migration, which was attributed to the up-regulation of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S8 via interaction with chaperone Lon under hypoxic or oxidative stress in tumorigenesis. In addition, Lon also participated in protein kinase RNA (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase signaling pathway under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In short, Lon, as a pivotal stress-responsive protein that involved in the crosstalks among mitochondria, ER and nucleus, participated in multifarious important cellular processes crucial for cell survival, such as the mitochondrial protein quality control system, the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, the mtDNA maintenance, and the ER unfolded protein response.

  13. Leigh disease with brainstem involvement in complex I deficiency due to assembly factor NDUFAF2 defect.

    PubMed

    Herzer, M; Koch, J; Prokisch, H; Rodenburg, R; Rauscher, C; Radauer, W; Forstner, R; Pilz, P; Rolinski, B; Freisinger, P; Mayr, J A; Sperl, W

    2010-02-01

    Mitochondrial NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) deficiency accounts for most defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Pathogenic mutations have been described in all 7 mitochondrial and 12 of the 38 nuclear encoded subunits as well as in assembly factors by interfering with the building of the mature enzyme complex within the inner mitochondrial membrane. We now describe a male patient with a novel homozygous stop mutation in the NDUFAF2 gene. The boy presented with severe apnoea and nystagmus. MRI showed brainstem lesions without involvement of basal ganglia and thalamus, plasma lactate was normal or close to normal. He died after a fulminate course within 2 months after the first crisis. Neuropathology verified Leigh disease. We give a synopsis with other reported patients. Within the clinical spectrum of Leigh disease, patients with mutations in NDUFAF2 present with a distinct clinical pattern with predominantly brainstem involvement on MRI. The diagnosis should not be missed in spite of the normal lactate and lack of thalamus and basal ganglia changes on brain MRI.

  14. Quinone Reductase 2 Is a Catechol Quinone Reductase

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

    Fu, Yue; Buryanovskyy, Leonid; Zhang, Zhongtao

    2008-09-05

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

  15. Characteristics of electron transport chain and affecting factors for thiosulfate-driven perchlorate reduction.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chao; Guo, Jianbo; Lian, Jing; Lu, Caicai; Ngo, Huu Hao; Guo, Wenshan; Song, Yuanyuan; Guo, Yankai

    2017-10-01

    The mechanism for perchlorate reduction was investigated using thiosulfate-driven (T-driven) perchlorate reduction bacteria. The influences of various environmental conditions on perchlorate reduction, including pH, temperature and electron acceptors were examined. The maximum perchlorate removal rate was observed at pH 7.5 and 40 °C. Perchlorate reduction was delayed due to the coexistence of perchlorate-chlorate and perchlorate-nitrate. The mechanism of the T-driven perchlorate reduction electron transport chain (ETC) was also investigated by utilizing different inhibitors. The results were as follows: firstly, the NADH dehydrogenase was not involved in the ETC; secondly, the FAD dehydrogenase and quinone loop participated in the ETC; and thirdly, cytochrome oxidase was the main pathway in the ETC. Meanwhile, microbial consortium structure analysis indicated that Sulfurovum which can oxidize sulfur compounds coupled to the reduction of nitrate or perchlorate was the primary bacterium in the T-driven and sulfur-driven consortium. This study generates a better understanding of the mechanism of T-driven perchlorate reduction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Improved n-butanol production via co-expression of membrane-targeted tilapia metallothionein and the clostridial metabolic pathway in Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Chin, Wei-Chih; Lin, Kuo-Hsing; Liu, Chun-Chi; Tsuge, Kenji; Huang, Chieh-Chen

    2017-04-11

    N-Butanol has favorable characteristics for use as either an alternative fuel or platform chemical. Bio-based n-butanol production using microbes is an emerging technology that requires further development. Although bio-industrial microbes such as Escherichia coli have been engineered to produce n-butanol, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated toxicity may limit productivity. Previously, we show that outer-membrane-targeted tilapia metallothionein (OmpC-TMT) is more effective as an ROS scavenger than human and mouse metallothioneins to reduce oxidative stress in the host cell. The host strain (BUT1-DE) containing the clostridial n-butanol pathway displayed a decreased growth rate and limited n-butanol productivity, likely due to ROS accumulation. The clostridial n-butanol pathway was co-engineered with inducible OmpC-TMT in E. coli (BUT3-DE) for simultaneous ROS removal, and its effect on n-butanol productivity was examined. The ROS scavenging ability of cells overexpressing OmpC-TMT was examined and showed an approximately twofold increase in capacity. The modified strain improved n-butanol productivity to 320 mg/L, whereas the control strain produced only 95.1 mg/L. Transcriptomic analysis revealed three major KEGG pathways that were significantly differentially expressed in the BUT3-DE strain compared with their expression in the BUT1-DE strain, including genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, fructose and mannose metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. These results indicate that OmpC-TMT can increase n-butanol production by scavenging ROS. The transcriptomic analysis suggested that n-butanol causes quinone malfunction, resulting in oxidative-phosphorylation-related nuo operon downregulation, which would diminish the ability to convert NADH to NAD + and generate proton motive force. However, fructose and mannose metabolism-related genes (fucA, srlE and srlA) were upregulated, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-related genes (pfkB, pgm) were downregulated, which further assisted in regulating NADH/NAD + redox and preventing additional ATP depletion. These results indicated that more NADH and ATP were required in the n-butanol synthetic pathway. Our study demonstrates a potential approach to increase the robustness of microorganisms and the production of toxic chemicals through the ability to reduce oxidative stress.

  17. The iron-sulfur cluster of electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase is the electron acceptor for electron transfer flavoprotein.

    PubMed

    Swanson, Michael A; Usselman, Robert J; Frerman, Frank E; Eaton, Gareth R; Eaton, Sandra S

    2008-08-26

    Electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) accepts electrons from electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) and reduces ubiquinone from the ubiquinone pool. It contains one [4Fe-4S] (2+,1+) and one FAD, which are diamagnetic in the isolated oxidized enzyme and can be reduced to paramagnetic forms by enzymatic donors or dithionite. In the porcine protein, threonine 367 is hydrogen bonded to N1 and O2 of the flavin ring of the FAD. The analogous site in Rhodobacter sphaeroides ETF-QO is asparagine 338. Mutations N338T and N338A were introduced into the R. sphaeroides protein by site-directed mutagenesis to determine the impact of hydrogen bonding at this site on redox potentials and activity. The mutations did not alter the optical spectra, EPR g-values, spin-lattice relaxation rates, or the [4Fe-4S] (2+,1+) to FAD point-dipole interspin distances. The mutations had no impact on the reduction potential for the iron-sulfur cluster, which was monitored by changes in the continuous wave EPR signals of the [4Fe-4S] (+) at 15 K. For the FAD semiquinone, significantly different potentials were obtained by monitoring the titration at 100 or 293 K. Based on spectra at 293 K the N338T mutation shifted the first and second midpoint potentials for the FAD from +47 and -30 mV for wild type to -11 and -19 mV, respectively. The N338A mutation decreased the potentials to -37 and -49 mV. Lowering the midpoint potentials resulted in a decrease in the quinone reductase activity and negligible impact on disproportionation of ETF 1e (-) catalyzed by ETF-QO. These observations indicate that the FAD is involved in electron transfer to ubiquinone but not in electron transfer from ETF to ETF-QO. Therefore, the iron-sulfur cluster is the immediate acceptor from ETF.

  18. The Iron-Sulfur Cluster of Electron Transfer Flavoprotein-Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Is the Electron Acceptor for Electron Transfer Flavoprotein†

    PubMed Central

    Swanson, Michael A.; Usselman, Robert J.; Frerman, Frank E.; Eaton, Gareth R.; Eaton, Sandra S.

    2009-01-01

    Electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) accepts electrons from electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) and reduces ubiquinone from the ubiquinone pool. It contains one [4Fe-4S]2+,1+ and one FAD, which are diamagnetic in the isolated oxidized enzyme and can be reduced to paramagnetic forms by enzymatic donors or dithionite. In the porcine protein, threonine 367 is hydrogen bonded to N1 and O2 of the flavin ring of the FAD. The analogous site in Rhodobacter sphaeroides ETF-QO is asparagine 338. Mutations N338T and N338A were introduced into the R. sphaeroides protein by site-directed mutagenesis to determine the impact of hydrogen bonding at this site on redox potentials and activity. The mutations did not alter the optical spectra, EPR g-values, spin-lattice relaxation rates, or the [4Fe-4S]2+,1+ to FAD point-dipole interspin distances. The mutations had no impact on the reduction potential for the iron-sulfur cluster, which was monitored by changes in the continuous wave EPR signals of the [4Fe-4S]+ at 15 K. For the FAD semiquinone, significantly different potentials were obtained by monitoring the titration at 100 or 293 K. Based on spectra at 293 K the N338T mutation shifted the first and second midpoint potentials for the FAD from +47 and -30 mV for wild type to -11 and -19 mV, respectively. The N338A mutation decreased the potentials to -37 and -49 mV. Lowering the midpoint potentials resulted in a decrease in the quinone reductase activity and negligible impact on disproportionation of ETF1e- catalyzed by ETF-QO. These observations indicate that the FAD is involved in electron transfer to ubiquinone but not in electron transfer from ETF to ETF-QO. Therefore, the iron-sulfur cluster is the immediate acceptor from ETF. PMID:9585549

  19. Constitutive expression of the AHR signaling pathway in a bovine mammary epithelial cell line and modulation by dioxin-like PCB and other AHR ligands.

    PubMed

    Girolami, Flavia; Spalenza, Veronica; Manzini, Livio; Carletti, Monica; Nebbia, Carlo

    2015-01-05

    Environmental pollutants, such as dioxin-like (DL) PCBs, benzo(a) pyrene (B[a]P), and flavonoids are aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligands and may be excreted in dairy milk. The expression of AHR-target genes, particularly those involved in xenobiotic biotransformation, and their modulation by two DL-PCBs, B[a]P, and β-naphthoflavone was investigated in a bovine mammary epithelial cell line (BME-UV). As assessed by quantitative PCR, BME-UV cells expressed a functional AHR signaling pathway. All the AHR ligands induced a concentration-related increase in the transcription of cytochrome P450 1A1 and 1B1, known to be implicated in the bioactivation of several xenobiotics. Conversely, genes encoding for antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, like quinone oxidoreductase or glutathione S-transferase A2, were not affected or even depressed. This study demonstrates the occurrence and the modulation by different AHR-ligands of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism in BME-UV cells, with the potential generation of (re) active metabolites that may damage mammary tissue and/or affect animal or human health via the contaminated milk. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Antioxidant Opuntia ficus-indica Extract Activates AHR-NRF2 Signaling and Upregulates Filaggrin and Loricrin Expression in Human Keratinocytes.

    PubMed

    Nakahara, Takeshi; Mitoma, Chikage; Hashimoto-Hachiya, Akiko; Takahara, Masakazu; Tsuji, Gaku; Uchi, Hiroshi; Yan, Xianghong; Hachisuka, Junichi; Chiba, Takahito; Esaki, Hitokazu; Kido-Nakahara, Makiko; Furue, Masutaka

    2015-10-01

    Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) is a cactus species widely used as an anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, and hypoglycemic agent. It has been shown that OFI extract (OFIE) inhibits oxidative stress in animal models of diabetes and hepatic disease; however, its antioxidant mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that OFIE exhibited potent antioxidant activity through the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and the downstream antioxidant enzyme quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), which inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species in keratinocytes challenged with tumor necrosis factor α or benzo[α]pyrene. The antioxidant capacity of OFIE was canceled in NRF2 knockdown keratinocytes. OFIE exerted this NRF2-NQO1 upregulation through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Moreover, the ligation of AHR by OFIE upregulated the expression of epidermal barrier proteins: filaggrin and loricrin. OFIE also prevented TH2 cytokine-mediated downregulation of filaggrin and loricrin expression in an AHR-dependent manner because it was canceled in AHR knockdown keratinocytes. Antioxidant OFIE is a potent activator of AHR-NRF2-NQO1 signaling and may be beneficial in treating barrier-disrupted skin disorders.

  1. CoQ deficiency causes disruption of mitochondrial sulfide oxidation, a new pathomechanism associated with this syndrome.

    PubMed

    Luna-Sánchez, Marta; Hidalgo-Gutiérrez, Agustín; Hildebrandt, Tatjana M; Chaves-Serrano, Julio; Barriocanal-Casado, Eliana; Santos-Fandila, Ángela; Romero, Miguel; Sayed, Ramy Ka; Duarte, Juan; Prokisch, Holger; Schuelke, Markus; Distelmaier, Felix; Escames, Germaine; Acuña-Castroviejo, Darío; López, Luis C

    2017-01-01

    Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a key component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, but it also has several other functions in the cellular metabolism. One of them is to function as an electron carrier in the reaction catalyzed by sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (SQR), which catalyzes the first reaction in the hydrogen sulfide oxidation pathway. Therefore, SQR may be affected by CoQ deficiency. Using human skin fibroblasts and two mouse models with primary CoQ deficiency, we demonstrate that severe CoQ deficiency causes a reduction in SQR levels and activity, which leads to an alteration of mitochondrial sulfide metabolism. In cerebrum of Coq9 R239X mice, the deficit in SQR induces an increase in thiosulfate sulfurtransferase and sulfite oxidase, as well as modifications in the levels of thiols. As a result, biosynthetic pathways of glutamate, serotonin, and catecholamines were altered in the cerebrum, and the blood pressure was reduced. Therefore, this study reveals the reduction in SQR activity as one of the pathomechanisms associated with CoQ deficiency syndrome. © 2016 The Authors. Published under the terms of the CC BY 4.0 license.

  2. ABCB1 polymorphism as a predictive biomarker for amrubicin-induced neutropenia.

    PubMed

    Takakuwa, Osamu; Oguri, Tetsuya; Uemura, Takehiro; Kunii, Eiji; Nakao, Makoto; Hijikata, Hisatoshi; Kawaguchi, Yuko; Ohkubo, Hirotsugu; Takemura, Masaya; Maeno, Ken; Niimi, Akio

    2014-07-01

    Amrubicin is a promising therapy for lung cancer, but is associated with a high incidence of severe neutropenia. The present study assessed the utility of ABCB1 and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) polymorphism as a predictor of amrubicin-induced neutropenia. Fifty-four Japanese lung cancer patients who received amrubicin chemotherapy were consecutively recruited and toxicities and SNPs (MDR1; C1236T, C3435T and G2677T/A, NQO1; C609T) were evaluated. The incidence of neutropenia was higher in patients treated with 40 mg/m2 of amrubicin (n=32) compared to patients treated with 35 mg/m2 of amrubicin (n=22) (53.1% vs. 22.7%). Patients who were homogenous for the wild-type allele of C3435T were at significantly higher risk of neutropenia compared to patients with other genotypes. By contrast, the C609T genotype of NQO1 was not related to neutropenia. C3435T polymorphisms of ABCB1 might be able to predict severe amrubicin-induced neutropenia. Copyright© 2014 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

  3. LAS0811: from combinatorial chemistry to activation of antioxidant response element.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Ming; Baek, Hyounggee; Liu, Ruiwu; Song, Aimin; Lam, Kit; Lau, Derick

    2009-01-01

    The antioxidant response element (ARE) and its transcription factor, nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2), are potential targets for cancer chemoprevention. We sought to screen small molecules synthesized with combinatorial chemistry for activation of ARE. By high-throughput screening of 9400 small molecules from 10 combinatorial chemical libraries using HepG2 cells with an ARE-driven reporter, we have identified a novel small molecule, 1,2-dimethoxy-4,5-dinitrobenzene (LAS0811), as an activator of the ARE. LAS0811 upregulated the activity of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), a representative antioxidative enzyme regulated by ARE. It enhanced production of an endogenous reducing agent, glutathione (GSH). In addition, LAS0811 induced expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), which is an ARE-regulated enzyme with anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, LAS0811 reduced cell death due to the cytotoxic stress of a strong oxidant, t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH). Mechanistically, LAS0811 upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and promoted its translocation into the nuclei leading to subsequent ARE activation. Taken together, LAS0811 is a novel activator of the ARE and its associated detoxifying genes and, thus, a potential agent for cancer chemoprevention.

  4. LAS0811: From Combinatorial Chemistry to Activation of Antioxidant Response Element

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Ming; Baek, Hyounggee; Liu, Ruiwu; Song, Aimin; Lam, Kit; Lau, Derick

    2009-01-01

    The antioxidant response element (ARE) and its transcription factor, nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2), are potential targets for cancer chemoprevention. We sought to screen small molecules synthesized with combinatorial chemistry for activation of ARE. By high-throughput screening of 9400 small molecules from 10 combinatorial chemical libraries using HepG2 cells with an ARE-driven reporter, we have identified a novel small molecule, 1,2-dimethoxy-4,5-dinitrobenzene (LAS0811), as an activator of the ARE. LAS0811 upregulated the activity of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), a representative antioxidative enzyme regulated by ARE. It enhanced production of an endogenous reducing agent, glutathione (GSH). In addition, LAS0811 induced expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), which is an ARE-regulated enzyme with anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, LAS0811 reduced cell death due to the cytotoxic stress of a strong oxidant, t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH). Mechanistically, LAS0811 upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and promoted its translocation into the nuclei leading to subsequent ARE activation. Taken together, LAS0811 is a novel activator of the ARE and its associated detoxifying genes and, thus, a potential agent for cancer chemoprevention. PMID:19794825

  5. Epigallocatechin activates haem oxygenase-1 expression via protein kinase Cδ and Nrf2

    PubMed Central

    Ogborne, Richard M.; Rushworth, Stuart A.; O’Connell, Maria A.

    2008-01-01

    The Nrf2/anti-oxidant response element (ARE) pathway plays an important role in regulating cellular anti-oxidants, including haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Various kinases have been implicated in the pathways leading to Nrf2 activation. Here, we investigated the effect of epigallocatechin (EGC) on ARE-mediated gene expression in human monocytic cells. EGC time and dose dependently increased HO-1 mRNA and protein expression but had minimal effect on expression of other ARE-regulated genes, including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutathione cysteine ligase and ferritin. siRNA knock down of Nrf2 significantly inhibited EGC-induced HO-1 expression. Furthermore, inhibition of PKC by Ro-31-8220 dose dependently decreased EGC-induced HO-1 mRNA expression, whereas MAP kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway inhibitors had no significant effect. EGC stimulated phosphorylation of PKCαβ and δ in THP-1 cells. PKCδ inhibition significantly decreased EGC-induced HO-1 mRNA expression, whereas PKCα- and β-specific inhibitors had no significant effect. These results demonstrate for the first time that EGC-induced HO-1 expression occurs via PKCδ and Nrf2. PMID:18586007

  6. Nrf2 the rescue: effects of the antioxidative/electrophilic response on the liver.

    PubMed

    Klaassen, Curtis D; Reisman, Scott A

    2010-04-01

    Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that positively regulates the basal and inducible expression of a large battery of cytoprotective genes. These gene products include proteins that catalyze reduction reactions (NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, Nqo1), conjugation reactions (glutathione-S-transferases, Gsts and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, Ugts), as well as the efflux of potentially toxic xenobiotics and xenobiotic conjugates (multidrug resistance-associated proteins, Mrps). The significance of Nrf2 in the liver has been established, as livers of Nrf2-null mice are more susceptible to various oxidative/electrophilic stress-induced pathologies than wild-type mice. In contrast, both pharmacological and genetic models of hepatic Nrf2 activation are protective against oxidative/electrophilic stress. Furthermore, because certain Nrf2-target genes in the liver could affect the distribution, metabolism, and excretion of xenobiotics, the effects of Nrf2 on the kinetics of drugs and other xenobiotics should also be considered, with a special emphasis on metabolism and excretion. Therefore, this review highlights the research that has contributed to the understanding of the importance of Nrf2 in toxicodynamics and toxicokinetics, especially that which pertains to the liver. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Arabidopsis Root-Type Ferredoxin:NADP(H) Oxidoreductase 2 is Involved in Detoxification of Nitrite in Roots.

    PubMed

    Hachiya, Takushi; Ueda, Nanae; Kitagawa, Munenori; Hanke, Guy; Suzuki, Akira; Hase, Toshiharu; Sakakibara, Hitoshi

    2016-11-01

    Ferredoxin:NADP(H) oxidoreductase (FNR) plays a key role in redox metabolism in plastids. Whereas leaf FNR (LFNR) is required for photosynthesis, root FNR (RFNR) is believed to provide electrons to ferredoxin (Fd)-dependent enzymes, including nitrite reductase (NiR) and Fd-glutamine-oxoglutarate aminotransferase (Fd-GOGAT) in non-photosynthetic conditions. In some herbal species, however, most nitrate reductase activity is located in photosynthetic organs, and ammonium in roots is assimilated mainly by Fd-independent NADH-GOGAT. Therefore, RFNR might have a limited impact on N assimilation in roots grown with nitrate or ammonium nitrogen sources. AtRFNR genes are rapidly induced by application of toxic nitrite. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that RFNR could contribute to nitrite reduction in roots by comparing Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings of the wild type with loss-of-function mutants of RFNR2 When these seedlings were grown under nitrate, nitrite or ammonium, only nitrite nutrition caused impaired growth and nitrite accumulation in roots of rfnr2 Supplementation of nitrite with nitrate or ammonium as N sources did not restore the root growth in rfnr2 Also, a scavenger for nitric oxide (NO) could not effectively rescue the growth impairment. Thus, nitrite toxicity, rather than N depletion or nitrite-dependent NO production, probably causes the rfnr2 root growth defect. Our results strongly suggest that RFNR2 has a major role in reduction of toxic nitrite in roots. A specific set of genes related to nitrite reduction and the supply of reducing power responded to nitrite concomitantly, suggesting that the products of these genes act co-operatively with RFNR2 to reduce nitrite in roots. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  8. Characterization of wave phenomena in the relaxation of flash-induced chlorophyll fluorescence yield in cyanobacteria.

    PubMed

    Deák, Zsuzsanna; Sass, László; Kiss, Eva; Vass, Imre

    2014-09-01

    Fluorescence yield relaxation following a light pulse was studied in various cyanobacteria under aerobic and microaerobic conditions. In Synechocystis PCC 6803 fluorescence yield decays in a monotonous fashion under aerobic conditions. However, under microaerobic conditions the decay exhibits a wave feature showing a dip at 30-50 ms after the flash followed by a transient rise, reaching maximum at ~1s, before decaying back to the initial level. The wave phenomenon can also be observed under aerobic conditions in cells preilluminated with continuous light. Illumination preconditions cells for the wave phenomenon transiently: for few seconds in Synechocystis PCC 6803, but up to one hour in Thermosynechocystis elongatus BP-1. The wave is eliminated by inhibition of plastoquinone binding either to the QB site of Photosystem-II or the Qo site of cytochrome b6f complex by 3-(3',4'-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea or 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone, respectively. The wave is also absent in mutants, which lack either Photosystem-I or the NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-1) complex. Monitoring the redox state of the plastoquinone pool revealed that the dip of the fluorescence wave corresponds to transient oxidation, whereas the following rise to re-reduction of the plastoquinone pool. It is concluded that the unusual wave feature of fluorescence yield relaxation reflects transient oxidation of highly reduced plastoquinone pool by Photosystem-I followed by its re-reduction from stromal components via the NDH-1 complex, which is transmitted back to the fluorescence yield modulator primary quinone electron acceptor via charge equilibria. Potential applications of the wave phenomenon in studying photosynthetic and respiratory electron transport are discussed. This article is part of a special issue entitled: photosynthesis research for sustainability: keys to produce clean energy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Impact of pulmonary arterial endothelial cells on duroquinone redox status.

    PubMed

    Merker, Marilyn P; Bongard, Robert D; Krenz, Gary S; Zhao, Hongtao; Fernandes, Viola S; Kalyanaraman, Balaraman; Hogg, Neil; Audi, Said H

    2004-07-01

    The study objective was to use pulmonary arterial endothelial cells to examine kinetics and mechanisms contributing to the disposition of the quinone 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (duroquinone, DQ) observed during passage through the pulmonary circulation. The approach was to add DQ, durohydroquinone (DQH2), or DQ with the cell membrane-impermeant oxidizing agent, ferricyanide (Fe(CN)6(3)-), to the cell medium, and to measure the medium concentrations of substrates and products over time. Studies were carried out under control conditions and with dicumarol, to inhibit NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), or cyanide, to inhibit mitochondrial electron transport. In control cells, DQH2 appears in the extracellular medium of cells incubated with DQ, and DQ appears when the cells are incubated with DQH2. Dicumarol blocked the appearance of DQH2 when DQ was added to the cell medium, and cyanide blocked the appearance of DQ when DQH2 was added to the cell medium, suggesting that the two electron reductase NQO1 dominates DQ reduction and mitochondrial electron transport complex III is the predominant route of DQH2 oxidation. In the presence of cyanide, the addition of DQ also resulted in an increased rate of appearance of DQH2 and stimulation of cyanide-insensitive oxygen consumption. As DQH2 does not autoxidize-comproportionate over the study time course, these observations suggest a cyanide-stimulated one-electron DQ reduction and durosemiquinone (DQ*-) autoxidation. The latter processes are apparently confined to the cell interior, as the cell membrane impermeant oxidant, ferricyanide, did not inhibit the DQ-stimulated cyanide-insensitive oxygen consumption. Thus, regardless of whether DQ is reduced via a one- or two-electron reduction pathway, the net effect in the extracellular medium is the appearance of DQH2. These endothelial redox functions and their apposition to the vessel lumen are consistent with the pulmonary endothelium being an important site of DQ reduction to DQH2 observed in the lungs. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Inc.

  10. Nrf2-Dependent Induction of NQO1 in Mouse Aortic Endothelial Cells Overexpressing Catalase

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Xinghua; Yang, Hong; Zhou, LiChun; Guo, ZhongMao

    2011-01-01

    Overexpression of catalase has been shown to accelerate benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) detoxification in mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs ). NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase1 (NQO1) is an enzyme that catalyzes BaP-quinone detoxification. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) are transcription factors that control NQO1 expression. Here, we investigated the effect of catalase overexpression on NQO1, Nrf2 and AhR expressions. The levels of NQO1 mRNA and protein were comparable in MAECs isolated from wild-type and transgenic mice that overexpress human catalase (hCatTg). BaP treatment increased NQO1 mRNA and protein levels in both groups, with a significantly greater induction in hCatTg MAECs than in wild-type cells. BaP-induced NQO1 promoter activity was dramatically higher in hCatTg MAECs than in wild-type cells. Our data also showed that the basal level of AhR and the BaP-induced level of Nrf2 were significantly higher in hCatTg MAECs than in wild-type cells. Inhibition of specificity protein-1 (Sp1) binding to the AhR promoter region by mithramycin A reversed the enhanced effect of catalase overexpression on AhR expression. Knockdown of AhR by RNA interference diminished BaP-induced expression of Nrf2 and NQO1. Knockdown of Nrf2 significantly decreased NQO1 mRNA and protein levels in cells with or without BaP treatment. NQO1 promoter activity was abrogated by mutation of the Nrf2-binding site in this promoter. In contrast, mutation of the AhR-binding site in NQO1 promoter did not affect the promoter activity. These results suggest that catalase overexpression upregulates BaP-induced NQO1 expression via enhancing the Sp1-AhR-Nrf2 signaling cascade. PMID:21569840

  11. Whole-genome sequencing reveals novel insights into sulfur oxidation in the extremophile Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans.

    PubMed

    Yin, Huaqun; Zhang, Xian; Li, Xiaoqi; He, Zhili; Liang, Yili; Guo, Xue; Hu, Qi; Xiao, Yunhua; Cong, Jing; Ma, Liyuan; Niu, Jiaojiao; Liu, Xueduan

    2014-07-04

    Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans (A. thiooxidans), a chemolithoautotrophic extremophile, is widely used in the industrial recovery of copper (bioleaching or biomining). The organism grows and survives by autotrophically utilizing energy derived from the oxidation of elemental sulfur and reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (RISCs). However, the lack of genetic manipulation systems has restricted our exploration of its physiology. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, the whole genome sequence analysis of A. thiooxidans has allowed preliminary models to be built for genes/enzymes involved in key energy pathways like sulfur oxidation. The genome of A. thiooxidans A01 was sequenced and annotated. It contains key sulfur oxidation enzymes involved in the oxidation of elemental sulfur and RISCs, such as sulfur dioxygenase (SDO), sulfide quinone reductase (SQR), thiosulfate:quinone oxidoreductase (TQO), tetrathionate hydrolase (TetH), sulfur oxidizing protein (Sox) system and their associated electron transport components. Also, the sulfur oxygenase reductase (SOR) gene was detected in the draft genome sequence of A. thiooxidans A01, and multiple sequence alignment was performed to explore the function of groups of related protein sequences. In addition, another putative pathway was found in the cytoplasm of A. thiooxidans, which catalyzes sulfite to sulfate as the final product by phosphoadenosine phosphosulfate (PAPS) reductase and adenylylsulfate (APS) kinase. This differs from its closest relative Acidithiobacillus caldus, which is performed by sulfate adenylyltransferase (SAT). Furthermore, real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that most of sulfur oxidation genes were more strongly expressed in the S0 medium than that in the Na2S2O3 medium at the mid-log phase. Sulfur oxidation model of A. thiooxidans A01 has been constructed based on previous studies from other sulfur oxidizing strains and its genome sequence analyses, providing insights into our understanding of its physiology and further analysis of potential functions of key sulfur oxidation genes.

  12. Whole-genome sequencing reveals novel insights into sulfur oxidation in the extremophile Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans (A. thiooxidans), a chemolithoautotrophic extremophile, is widely used in the industrial recovery of copper (bioleaching or biomining). The organism grows and survives by autotrophically utilizing energy derived from the oxidation of elemental sulfur and reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (RISCs). However, the lack of genetic manipulation systems has restricted our exploration of its physiology. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, the whole genome sequence analysis of A. thiooxidans has allowed preliminary models to be built for genes/enzymes involved in key energy pathways like sulfur oxidation. Results The genome of A. thiooxidans A01 was sequenced and annotated. It contains key sulfur oxidation enzymes involved in the oxidation of elemental sulfur and RISCs, such as sulfur dioxygenase (SDO), sulfide quinone reductase (SQR), thiosulfate:quinone oxidoreductase (TQO), tetrathionate hydrolase (TetH), sulfur oxidizing protein (Sox) system and their associated electron transport components. Also, the sulfur oxygenase reductase (SOR) gene was detected in the draft genome sequence of A. thiooxidans A01, and multiple sequence alignment was performed to explore the function of groups of related protein sequences. In addition, another putative pathway was found in the cytoplasm of A. thiooxidans, which catalyzes sulfite to sulfate as the final product by phosphoadenosine phosphosulfate (PAPS) reductase and adenylylsulfate (APS) kinase. This differs from its closest relative Acidithiobacillus caldus, which is performed by sulfate adenylyltransferase (SAT). Furthermore, real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that most of sulfur oxidation genes were more strongly expressed in the S0 medium than that in the Na2S2O3 medium at the mid-log phase. Conclusion Sulfur oxidation model of A. thiooxidans A01 has been constructed based on previous studies from other sulfur oxidizing strains and its genome sequence analyses, providing insights into our understanding of its physiology and further analysis of potential functions of key sulfur oxidation genes. PMID:24993543

  13. Metabolism and metronidazole uptake in Trichomonas vaginalis isolates with different metronidazole susceptibilities.

    PubMed Central

    Müller, M; Gorrell, T E

    1983-01-01

    Three Trichomonas vaginalis isolates with low in vivo susceptibilities to metronidazole (95% curative dose, greater than 3 X 100 mg kg-1 in subcutaneous infections in mice) were compared with strain ATCC 30001 and with four isolates exhibiting high in vivo susceptibilities (95% curative dose, less than 3 X 15 mg kg-1). Activity of pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase, anaerobic fermentation, and anaerobic intracellular accumulation of [14C]metronidazole label showed no significant isolate-dependent differences which could be correlated with drug susceptibility. The results suggest that processes providing electrons for metronidazole activation are not defective in the resistant strains. Aerobiosis, known to inhibit the antimicrobial action of metronidazole, inhibited accumulation of label more strongly in resistant isolates than in susceptible ones. No differences were detected, however, between resistant and susceptible isolates in respiration, aerobic fermentation, and the specific activity of NADH and NADPH oxidases, the main terminal oxidases of T. vaginalis. These findings suggest that the production of electrons is not diminished under aerobic conditions. The inhibitory effect of aerobic conditions on metronidazole activation, possibly due to competition for the electrons, is markedly enhanced in the resistant isolates compared to the susceptible ones. The mechanism of this effect, however, remains unknown. PMID:6607028

  14. Component identification of electron transport chains in curdlan-producing Agrobacterium sp. ATCC 31749 and its genome-specific prediction using comparative genome and phylogenetic trees analysis.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hongtao; Setubal, Joao Carlos; Zhan, Xiaobei; Zheng, Zhiyong; Yu, Lijun; Wu, Jianrong; Chen, Dingqiang

    2011-06-01

    Agrobacterium sp. ATCC 31749 (formerly named Alcaligenes faecalis var. myxogenes) is a non-pathogenic aerobic soil bacterium used in large scale biotechnological production of curdlan. However, little is known about its genomic information. DNA partial sequence of electron transport chains (ETCs) protein genes were obtained in order to understand the components of ETC and genomic-specificity in Agrobacterium sp. ATCC 31749. Degenerate primers were designed according to ETC conserved sequences in other reported species. DNA partial sequences of ETC genes in Agrobacterium sp. ATCC 31749 were cloned by the PCR method using degenerate primers. Based on comparative genomic analysis, nine electron transport elements were ascertained, including NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase, succinate dehydrogenase complex II, complex III, cytochrome c, ubiquinone biosynthesis protein ubiB, cytochrome d terminal oxidase, cytochrome bo terminal oxidase, cytochrome cbb (3)-type terminal oxidase and cytochrome caa (3)-type terminal oxidase. Similarity and phylogenetic analyses of these genes revealed that among fully sequenced Agrobacterium species, Agrobacterium sp. ATCC 31749 is closest to Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58. Based on these results a comprehensive ETC model for Agrobacterium sp. ATCC 31749 is proposed.

  15. Development of the photosynthetic apparatus of Cunninghamia lanceolata in light and darkness.

    PubMed

    Xue, Xian; Wang, Qi; Qu, Yanli; Wu, Hongyang; Dong, Fengqin; Cao, Haoyan; Wang, Hou-Ling; Xiao, Jianwei; Shen, Yingbai; Wan, Yinglang

    2017-01-01

    Here, we compared the development of dark- and light-grown Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) cotyledons, which synthesize chlorophyll in the dark, representing a different phenomenon from angiosperm model plants. We determined that the grana lamellar membranes were well developed in both chloroplasts and etiochloroplasts. The accumulation of thylakoid membrane protein complexes was similar between chloroplasts and etiochloroplasts. Measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters indicated that photosystem II (PSII) had low photosynthetic activities, whereas the photosystem I (PSI)-driven cyclic electron flow (CEF) rate exceeded the rate of PSII-mediated photon harvesting in etiochloroplasts. Analysis of the protein contents in etiochloroplasts indicated that the light-harvesting complex II remained mostly in its monomeric conformation. The ferredoxin NADP + oxidoreductase and NADH dehydrogenase-like complexes were relatively abundantly expressed in etiochloroplasts for Chinese fir. Our transcriptome analysis contributes a global expression database for Chinese fir cotyledons, providing background information on the regulatory mechanisms of different genes involved in the development of dark- and light-grown cotyledons. In conclusion, we provide a novel description of the early developmental status of the light-dependent and light-independent photosynthetic apparatuses in gymnosperms. © 2016 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2016 New Phytologist Trust.

  16. Triterpenic acids-enriched fraction from Cyclocarya paliurus attenuates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via improving oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Meng-Ge; Sheng, Xue-Ping; Huang, Ya-Ping; Wang, Yi-Ting; Jiang, Cui-Hua; Zhang, Jian; Yin, Zhi-Qi

    2018-08-01

    The effects of triterpenic acids-enriched fraction from Cyclocarya paliurus (CPT) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were investigated using in vivo and in vitro models. In high fat diet-induced Wister rats, CPT significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) levels. Moreover, CPT restored mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction, decreased cytochrome P450 enzyme 2E1 (CYP2E1) activity, improved nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Nrf2-mediated antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase1 (HO-1) expression. In free fatty acids-induced HepG2 cells, CPT dramatically decreased ROS content, increased mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I) and mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase (Complex IV) levels. Furthermore, CPT could upregulate HO-1, quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) expression, and increase Nrf2 translocation from cytoplasm-to-nucleus. The results indicated CPT could protect mitochondria function and improve oxidative stress by activating Nrf2. Therefore, it can be inferred that CPT may be a potential agent against NAFLD. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  17. Genome Analysis of Structure–Function Relationships in Respiratory Complex I, an Ancient Bioenergetic Enzyme

    PubMed Central

    Degli Esposti, Mauro

    2016-01-01

    Respiratory complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) is a ubiquitous bioenergetic enzyme formed by over 40 subunits in eukaryotes and a minimum of 11 subunits in bacteria. Recently, crystal structures have greatly advanced our knowledge of complex I but have not clarified the details of its reaction with ubiquinone (Q). This reaction is essential for bioenergy production and takes place in a large cavity embedded within a conserved module that is homologous to the catalytic core of Ni–Fe hydrogenases. However, how a hydrogenase core has evolved into the protonmotive Q reductase module of complex I has remained unclear. This work has exploited the abundant genomic information that is currently available to deduce structure–function relationships in complex I that indicate the evolutionary steps of Q reactivity and its adaptation to natural Q substrates. The results provide answers to fundamental questions regarding various aspects of complex I reaction with Q and help re-defining the old concept that this reaction may involve two Q or inhibitor sites. The re-definition leads to a simplified classification of the plethora of complex I inhibitors while throwing a new light on the evolution of the enzyme function. PMID:26615219

  18. Quinone-Catalyzed Selective Oxidation of Organic Molecules

    PubMed Central

    Wendlandt, Alison E.

    2016-01-01

    Lead In Quinones are common stoichiometric reagents in organic chemistry. High potential para-quinones, such as DDQ and chloranil, are widely used and typically promote hydride abstraction. In recent years, many catalytic applications of these methods have been achieved by using transition metals, electrochemistry or O2 to regenerate the oxidized quinone in situ. Complementary studies have led to the development of a different class of quinones that resemble the ortho-quinone cofactors in Copper Amine Oxidases and mediate efficient and selective aerobic and/or electrochemical dehydrogenation of amines. The latter reactions typically proceed via electrophilic transamination and/or addition-elimination reaction mechanisms, rather than hydride abstraction pathways. The collective observations show that the quinone structure has a significant influence on the reaction mechanism and have important implications for the development of new quinone reagents and quinone-catalyzed transformations. PMID:26530485

  19. Characterization of a HoxEFUYH type of [NiFe] hydrogenase from Allochromatium vinosum and some EPR and IR properties of the hydrogenase module.

    PubMed

    Long, Minnan; Liu, Jingjing; Chen, Zhifeng; Bleijlevens, Boris; Roseboom, Winfried; Albracht, Simon P J

    2007-01-01

    A soluble hydrogenase from Allochromatium vinosum was purified. It consisted of a large (M (r) = 52 kDa) and a small (M (r) = 23 kDa) subunit. The genes encoding for both subunits were identified. They belong to an open reading frame where they are preceded by three more genes. A DNA fragment containing all five genes was cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequences of the products characterized the complex as a member of the HoxEFUYH type of [NiFe] hydrogenases. Detailed sequence analyses revealed binding sites for eight Fe-S clusters, three [2Fe-2S] clusters and five [4Fe-4S] clusters, six of which are also present in homologous subunits of [FeFe] hydrogenases and NADH:ubiquione oxidoreductases (complex I). This makes the HoxEFUYH type of hydrogenases the one that is evolutionary closest to complex I. The relative positions of six of the potential Fe-S clusters are predicted on the basis of the X-ray structures of the Clostridium pasteurianum [FeFe] hydrogenase I and the hydrophilic domain of complex I from Thermus thermophilus. Although the HoxF subunit contains binding sites for flavin mononucleotide and NAD(H), cell-free extracts of A. vinosum did not catalyse a H(2)-dependent reduction of NAD(+). Only the hydrogenase module (HoxYH) could be purified. Its electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and IR spectral properties showed the presence of a Ni-Fe active site and a [4Fe-4S] cluster. Its activity was sensitive to carbon monoxide. No EPR signals from a light-sensitive Ni(a)-C* state could be observed. This study presents the first IR spectroscopic data on the HoxYH module of a HoxEFUYH type of [NiFe] hydrogenase.

  20. Vitamin C. Biosynthesis, recycling and degradation in mammals.

    PubMed

    Linster, Carole L; Van Schaftingen, Emile

    2007-01-01

    Vitamin C, a reducing agent and antioxidant, is a cofactor in reactions catalyzed by Cu(+)-dependent monooxygenases and Fe(2+)-dependent dioxygenases. It is synthesized, in vertebrates having this capacity, from d-glucuronate. The latter is formed through direct hydrolysis of uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronate by enzyme(s) bound to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, sharing many properties with, and most likely identical to, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases. Non-glucuronidable xenobiotics (aminopyrine, metyrapone, chloretone and others) stimulate the enzymatic hydrolysis of UDP-glucuronate, accounting for their effect to increase vitamin C formation in vivo. Glucuronate is converted to l-gulonate by aldehyde reductase, an enzyme of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily. l-Gulonate is converted to l-gulonolactone by a lactonase identified as SMP30 or regucalcin, whose absence in mice leads to vitamin C deficiency. The last step in the pathway of vitamin C synthesis is the oxidation of l-gulonolactone to l-ascorbic acid by l-gulonolactone oxidase, an enzyme associated with the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and deficient in man, guinea pig and other species due to mutations in its gene. Another fate of glucuronate is its conversion to d-xylulose in a five-step pathway, the pentose pathway, involving identified oxidoreductases and an unknown decarboxylase. Semidehydroascorbate, a major oxidation product of vitamin C, is reconverted to ascorbate in the cytosol by cytochrome b(5) reductase and thioredoxin reductase in reactions involving NADH and NADPH, respectively. Transmembrane electron transfer systems using ascorbate or NADH as electron donors serve to reduce semidehydroascorbate present in neuroendocrine secretory vesicles and in the extracellular medium. Dehydroascorbate, the fully oxidized form of vitamin C, is reduced spontaneously by glutathione, as well as enzymatically in reactions using glutathione or NADPH. The degradation of vitamin C in mammals is initiated by the hydrolysis of dehydroascorbate to 2,3-diketo-l-gulonate, which is spontaneously degraded to oxalate, CO(2) and l-erythrulose. This is at variance with bacteria such as Escherichia coli, which have enzymatic degradation pathways for ascorbate and probably also dehydroascorbate.

  1. Development of an image analysis system to monitor the retention of residual cytoplasm by human spermatozoa: correlation with biochemical markers of the cytoplasmic space, oxidative stress, and sperm function.

    PubMed

    Gomez, E; Buckingham, D W; Brindle, J; Lanzafame, F; Irvine, D S; Aitken, R J

    1996-01-01

    A method has been developed for quantifying the residual cytoplasm present in the midpiece of human spermatozoa, based upon the imaging of NADH oxidoreductase activity. This procedure used NADH and nitroblue tetrazolium as electron donor and acceptor, respectively, and resulted in the discrete staining of the entire midpiece area, including the residual cytoplasm. Image analysis techniques were then used to generate binary images of the midpiece, from which objective measurements of this cellular domain could be undertaken. Such data were found to be highly correlated with biochemical markers of the cytoplasmic space, such as creatine kinase (CK) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH), in sperm populations depleted of detectable leukocyte contamination. Morphometric analysis of the sperm midpiece was also found to reflect semen quality in that it predicted the proportion of the ejaculate that would be recovered from the high-density region of Percoll gradients and was negatively correlated with the movement and morphology of the spermatozoa in semen. Variation in the retention of excess residual cytoplasm was also associated with differences in the functional competence of washed sperm preparations, both within and between ejaculates. Thus, within-ejaculate comparisons of high- and low-density sperm subpopulations revealed a relative disruption of sperm function in the low-density fraction. This disruption was associated with the presence of excess residual cytoplasm in the midpiece, high concentrations of cytoplasmic enzymes, and the enhanced-generation reactive oxygen species (ROS). Functional differences between individual high-density Percoll preparations were also negatively correlated with the area of the midpiece and the corresponding capacity of the spermatozoa to generate ROS. These findings suggest that one of the factors involved in the etiology of defective sperm function is the incomplete extrusion of germ cell cytoplasm during spermiogenesis as a consequence of which the spermatozoa experience a loss of function associated with the induction of oxidative stress.

  2. Mitochondrial NADH Fluorescence is Enhanced by Complex I Binding

    PubMed Central

    Blinova, Ksenia; Levine, Rodney L.; Boja, Emily S.; Griffiths, Gary L.; Shi, Zhen-Dan; Ruddy, Brian; Balaban, Robert S.

    2012-01-01

    Mitochondrial NADH fluorescence has been a useful tool in evaluating mitochondrial energetics both in vitro and in vivo. Mitochondrial NADH fluorescence is enhanced several fold in the matrix through extended fluorescence lifetimes (EFL). However, the actual binding sites responsible for NADH EFL are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that NADH binding to Complex I is a significant source of mitochondrial NADH fluorescence enhancement. To test this hypothesis, the effect of Complex I binding on NADH fluorescence efficiency was evaluated in purified protein, and in native gels of the entire porcine heart mitochondria proteome. To avoid the oxidation of NADH in these preparations, we conducted the binding experiments under anoxic conditions in a specially designed apparatus. Purified intact Complex I enhanced NADH fluorescence in native gels approximately 10 fold. However, no enhancement was detected in denatured individual Complex I subunit proteins. In the Clear and Ghost native gels of the entire mitochondrial proteome, NADH fluorescence enhancement was localized to regions where NADH oxidation occurred in the presence of oxygen. Inhibitor and mass spectroscopy studies revealed that the fluorescence enhancement was specific to Complex I proteins. No fluorescence enhancement was detected for MDH or other dehydrogenases in this assay system, at physiological mole fractions of the matrix proteins. These data suggest that NADH associated with Complex I significantly contributes to the overall mitochondrial NADH fluorescence signal and provides an explanation for the well established close correlation of mitochondrial NADH fluorescence and the metabolic state. PMID:18702505

  3. Ero1-α and PDIs constitute a hierarchical electron transfer network of endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductases

    PubMed Central

    Araki, Kazutaka; Iemura, Shun-ichiro; Kamiya, Yukiko; Ron, David; Kato, Koichi; Natsume, Tohru

    2013-01-01

    Ero1-α and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) oxidoreductases of the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family promote the efficient introduction of disulfide bonds into nascent polypeptides in the ER. However, the hierarchy of electron transfer among these oxidoreductases is poorly understood. In this paper, Ero1-α–associated oxidoreductases were identified by proteomic analysis and further confirmed by surface plasmon resonance. Ero1-α and PDI were found to constitute a regulatory hub, whereby PDI induced conformational flexibility in an Ero1-α shuttle cysteine (Cys99) facilitated intramolecular electron transfer to the active site. In isolation, Ero1-α also oxidized ERp46, ERp57, and P5; however, kinetic measurements and redox equilibrium analysis revealed that PDI preferentially oxidized other oxidoreductases. PDI accepted electrons from the other oxidoreductases via its a′ domain, bypassing the a domain, which serves as the electron acceptor from reduced glutathione. These observations provide an integrated picture of the hierarchy of cooperative redox interactions among ER oxidoreductases in mammalian cells. PMID:24043701

  4. Enzyme-dependent fluorescence recovery of NADH after photobleaching to assess dehydrogenase activity of isolated perfused hearts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moreno, Angel; Kuzmiak-Glancy, Sarah; Jaimes, Rafael; Kay, Matthew W.

    2017-03-01

    Reduction of NAD+ by dehydrogenase enzymes to form NADH is a key component of cellular metabolism. In cellular preparations and isolated mitochondria suspensions, enzyme-dependent fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (ED-FRAP) of NADH has been shown to be an effective approach for measuring the rate of NADH production to assess dehydrogenase enzyme activity. Our objective was to demonstrate how dehydrogenase activity could be assessed within the myocardium of perfused hearts using NADH ED-FRAP. This was accomplished using a combination of high intensity UV pulses to photobleach epicardial NADH. Replenishment of epicardial NADH fluorescence was then imaged using low intensity UV illumination. NADH ED-FRAP parameters were optimized to deliver 23.8 mJ of photobleaching light energy at a pulse width of 6 msec and a duty cycle of 50%. These parameters provided repeatable measurements of NADH production rate during multiple metabolic perturbations, including changes in perfusate temperature, electromechanical uncoupling, and acute ischemia/reperfusion injury. NADH production rate was significantly higher in every perturbation where the energy demand was either higher or uncompromised. We also found that NADH production rate remained significantly impaired after 10 min of reperfusion after global ischemia. Overall, our results indicate that myocardial NADH ED-FRAP is a useful optical non-destructive approach for assessing dehydrogenase activity.

  5. Bioinspired organocatalytic aerobic C-H oxidation of amines with an ortho-quinone catalyst.

    PubMed

    Qin, Yan; Zhang, Long; Lv, Jian; Luo, Sanzhong; Cheng, Jin-Pei

    2015-03-20

    A simple bioinspired ortho-quinone catalyst for the aerobic oxidative dehydrogenation of amines to imines is reported. Without any metal cocatalysts, the identified optimal ortho-quinone catalyst enables the oxidations of α-branched primary amines and cyclic secondary amines. Mechanistic studies have disclosed the origins of different performances of ortho-quinone vs para-quinone in biomimetic amine oxidations.

  6. Enzymatic transformation of hydrocarbons by methanotrophic organisms

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

    Patel, R.N.; Hou, C.T.

    Soluble methane monooxygenase from a facultative methane-utilizing organism, Methylobacterium sp. CRL-26 or R6, catalyzed the NAD(P)H-dependent epoxidation/hydroxylation of a variety of hydrocarbons, including terminal alkenes, internal alkenes, substituted alkenes, branch-chain alkenes, alkanes (C1-C8), substituted alkanes, branch-chain alkanes, carbon monoxide, ether, cyclic and aromatic compounds. The NAD -linked dehydrogenases such as formate dehydrogenase or secondary alcohol dehydrogenase in the presence of formate or secondary alcohol, respectively, regenerated NAD/NADH required for the methane monooxygenase in a coupled enzymes reactions. Oxidation of secondary alcohols to the corresponding methylketones in methanotrophs is catalyzed by an NAD -dependent, zinc-containing, secondary alcohol hydrogenase. Primary alcohols weremore » oxidized to the corresponding aldehydes by a phenazine methosulfate-dependent, pyrollo quinoline quinone (methoxatin or PQQ) containing, methanol dehydrogenase. Oxidation of aldehydes (C1 to C10) to the corresponding carboxylic acids is catalyzed by a heme-containing aldehyde dehydrogenase. Methanotrophs have been considered potentially useful for single cell protein (SCP), amino acids, and biopolymer production at the expense of growth on cheap and readily available C1 compounds. 80 references, 1 figure, 6 tables.« less

  7. Electrochemical Detection of the Molecules of Life

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Thomson, Seamus; Quinn, Richard; Koehne, Jessica

    2017-01-01

    All forms of life on Earth contain cellular machinery that can transform and regulate chemical energy through metabolic pathways. These processes are oxidation-reduction reactions that are performed by four key classes of molecules: flavins, nicotinamaides, porphyrins, and quinones. By detecting the electrochemical interaction of these redox-active molecules with an electrode, a method of differentiating them by their class could be established and incorporated into future life-detecting missions. This body of work investigates the electrochemistry of ubiquitous molecules found in life and how they may be detected. Molecules can oxidise or reduce the surface of an electrode - giving or receiving electrons - and these interactions are represented by changes in current with respect to an applied voltage. This relationship varies with: electrolyte type and concentration, working electrode material, the redox-active molecule itself, and scan rate. Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), riboflavin, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), and anthraquinone are all molecules found intracellularly in almost all living organisms. An organism-synthesised extracellular redox-active molecule, Plumbagin, was also selected as part of this study. The goal of this work is to detect these molecules in seawater and assess its application in searching for life on Ocean Worlds.

  8. Fluorophores advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-to-NADH ratio is predictor for diabetic chronic kidney and cardiovascular disease.

    PubMed

    Ciobanu, Dana M; Olar, Loredana E; Stefan, Razvan; Veresiu, Ioan A; Bala, Cornelia G; Mircea, Petru A; Roman, Gabriela

    2015-01-01

    An imbalance in advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and NADH formation has been associated with diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). No data have been reported on simultaneous measurement of AGEs and NADH in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. We aimed to compare AGEs, NADH and the AGEs-to-NADH ratio in T2DM and controls, and to assess its relationship with diabetic CKD and CVD. In this cross-sectional study, we measured serum AGEs (370/435nm) and NADH (370/460nm) in T2DM patients (n=63) and controls (n=25) using fluorescence spectroscopy. The AGEs-to-NADH ratio was analyzed according to diabetic CKD and CVD. We found significantly higher AGEs-to-NADH ratio in T2DM compared to controls. The AGEs-to-NADH ratio was significantly associated with triglycerides, blood glucose, HDL-cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate. The AGEs-to-NADH ratio was a significant predictor for the presence of diabetic CKD and CVD when using ROC curves. Multivariate analysis showed that triglycerides and the presence of T2DM were predictors for the AGEs-to-NADH ratio. These findings suggest that the fluorophores AGEs-to-NADH ratio could be a new biomarker for the presence of diabetic CKD and CVD. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Enzymatic properties of the membrane-bound NADH oxidase system in the aerobic respiratory chain of Bacillus cereus.

    PubMed

    Kim, Man Suk; Kim, Young Jae

    2004-11-30

    Membranes prepared from Bacillus cereus KCTC 3674, grown aerobically on a complex medium, oxidized NADH exclusively, whereas deamino-NADH was little oxidized. The respiratory chain-linked NADH oxidase exhibited an apparent K(m) value of approximately 65 microM for NADH. The maximum activity of the NADH oxidase was obtained at about pH 8.5 in the presence of 0.1 M KCl (or NaCl). Respiratory chain inhibitor 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (HQNO) inhibited the activity of the NADH oxidase by about 90% at a concentration of 40 microM. Interestingly, rotenone and capsaicin inhibited the activity of the NADH oxidase by about 60% at a concentration of 40 microM and the activity was also highly sensitive to Ag(+).

  10. Quinone-based stable isotope probing for assessment of 13C substrate-utilizing bacteria

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kunihiro, Tadao; Katayama, Arata; Demachi, Toyoko; Veuger, Bart; Boschker, Henricus T. S.; van Oevelen, Dick

    2015-04-01

    In this study, we attempted to establish quinone-stable-isotope probing (SIP) technique to link substrate-utilizing bacterial group to chemotaxonomic group in bacterial community. To identify metabolically active bacterial group in various environments, SIP techniques combined with biomarkers have been widely utilized as an attractive method for environmental study. Quantitative approaches of the SIP technique have unique advantage to assess substrate-incorporation into bacteria. As a most major quantitative approach, SIP technique based on phospholipid-derived fatty acids (PLFA) have been applied to simultaneously assess substrate-incorporation rate into bacteria and microbial community structure. This approach is powerful to estimate the incorporation rate because of the high sensitivity due to the detection by a gas chromatograph-combustion interface-isotope ratio mass spectrometer (GC-c-IRMS). However, its phylogenetic resolution is limited by specificity of a compound-specific marker. We focused on respiratory quinone as a biomarker. Our previous study found a good correlation between concentrations of bacteria-specific PLFAs and quinones over several orders of magnitude in various marine sediments, and the quinone method has a higher resolution (bacterial phylum level) for resolving differences in bacterial community composition more than that of bacterial PLFA. Therefore, respiratory quinones are potentially good biomarkers for quantitative approaches of the SIP technique. The LC-APCI-MS method as molecular-mass based detection method for quinone was developed and provides useful structural information for identifying quinone molecular species in environmental samples. LC-MS/MS on hybrid triple quadrupole/linear ion trap, which enables to simultaneously identify and quantify compounds in a single analysis, can detect high molecular compounds with their isotope ions. Use of LC-MS/MS allows us to develop quinone-SIP based on molecular mass differences due to 13C abundance in the quinone. In this study, we verified carbon stable isotope of quinone compared with bulk carbon stable isotope of bacterial culture. Results indicated a good correlation between carbon stable isotope of quinone compared with bulk carbon stable isotope. However, our measurement conditions for detection of quinone isotope-ions incurred underestimation of 13C abundance in the quinone. The quinone-SIP technique needs further optimization for measurement conditions of LC-MS/MS.

  11. Nicotinamide pre-treatment ameliorates NAD(H) hyperoxidation and improves neuronal function after severe hypoxia

    PubMed Central

    Shetty, Pavan K; Galeffi, Francesca; Turner, Dennis A.

    2014-01-01

    Prolonged hypoxia leads to irreversible loss of neuronal function and metabolic impairment of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide recycling (between NAD+ and NADH) immediately after reoxygenation, resulting in NADH hyperoxidation. We test whether addition of nicotinamide (to enhance NAD+ levels) or PARP-1 inhibition (to prevent consumption of NAD+) can be effective in improving either loss of neuronal function or hyperoxidation following severe hypoxic injury in hippocampal slices. After severe, prolonged hypoxia (maintained for 3 min after spreading depression) there was hyperoxidation of NADH following reoxygenation, an increased soluble NAD+/NADH ratio, loss of neuronal field excitatory post-synaptic potential (fEPSP) and decreased ATP content. Nicotinamide incubation (5 mM) 2 hr prior to hypoxia significantly increased total NAD(H) content, improved neuronal recovery, enhanced ATP content, and prevented NADH hyperoxidation. The nicotinamide-induced increase in total soluble NAD(H) was more significant in the cytosolic compartment than within mitochondria. Prolonged incubation with PJ-34 (>1hr) led to enhanced baseline NADH fluorescence prior to hypoxia, as well as improved neuronal recovery, NADH hyperoxidation and ATP content on recovery from severe hypoxia and reoxygenation. In this acute model of severe neuronal dysfunction prolonged incubation with either nicotinamide or PJ-34 prior to hypoxia improved recovery of neuronal function, enhanced NADH reduction and ATP content, but neither treatment restored function when administered during or after prolonged hypoxia and reoxygenation. PMID:24184921

  12. Synthesis and antitumor activity of quinonoid derivatives of cannabinoids.

    PubMed

    Kogan, Natalya M; Rabinowitz, Ruth; Levi, Paloma; Gibson, Dan; Sandor, Peter; Schlesinger, Michael; Mechoulam, Raphael

    2004-07-15

    Three cannabis constituents, cannabidiol (1), Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol (3), and cannabinol (5), were oxidized to their respective para-quinones 2, 4, and 6. In the 1960s, the oxidized product 4 had been assigned a para-quinone structure, which was later modified to an ortho-quinone. To distinguish between the two possible quinone structures, a detailed NMR investigation was undertaken. The original para-quinone structure was confirmed. X-ray crystallography elucidated the structures of the crystalline 2 and 6. All three compounds displayed antiproliferative activity in several human cancer cell lines in vitro, and quinone 2 significantly reduced cancer growth of HT-29 cancer in nude mice.

  13. Evaluation of hydrological processes in a mountainous small basin using a quinone biomarker.

    PubMed

    Fujita, M; Haga, H; Nishida, K; Sakamoto, Y

    2006-01-01

    An applicability of quinone biomarker to the analysis of hillslope runoff was investigated. At first, quinone profiles of three streams as well as a hillslope runoff in a forested headwater catchment were compared. The quinone composition of hillslope runoff differed from others. Moreover, there were remarkable differences in quinone profile of hillslope runoff under different rainfall conditions. Then, the behavior of quinone biomarker during the increase and decrease of hillslope runoff after a rainfall event was examined. The fractional changes in Q-9 (H2), Q-10 (H2), Q-11, MK-6 and MK-10 suggested the effect of interflow.

  14. Synergistic effect of combination of phenethyl isothiocyanate and sulforaphane or curcumin and sulforaphane in the inhibition of inflammation.

    PubMed

    Cheung, Ka Lung; Khor, Tin Oo; Kong, Ah-Ng

    2009-01-01

    Accumulating evidence from epidemiologic and clinical studies indicates that chronic inflammatory disorders harbor an increased risk of cancer development. Curcumin (CUR) has been strongly linked to the anti-inflammatory effect. On the other hand, isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane (SFN) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) are strong phase-II detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes inducer. Therefore it is interesting to see if combination of these drugs can inhibit inflammation with higher combined efficacies. We used nitric oxide (NO) assay to assess the synergism of the different combinations of CUR, SFN and PEITC. The inflammatory markers, e.g. iNOS, COX-2, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels were determined using RT-PCR, Western blot and ELISA assays. We report that combination of PEITC + SFN or CUR + SFN has a synergistic effect in down-regulating inflammation markers like TNF, IL-1, NO, PGE2. The synergism is probably due to the synergistic induction of phase II/antioxidant enzymes including heme-oxygenase1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1). Our data suggest that CUR + SFN and PEITC + SFN combinations could be more effective than used alone in preventing inflammation and possibly its associated diseases including cancer.

  15. Protective effect of sulforaphane against oxidative stress: recent advances.

    PubMed

    Guerrero-Beltrán, Carlos Enrique; Calderón-Oliver, Mariel; Pedraza-Chaverri, José; Chirino, Yolanda Irasema

    2012-07-01

    Sulforaphane [1-isothiocyanate-(4R)-(methylsulfinyl)butane] is a natural dietary isothiocyanate produced by the enzymatic action of the myrosinase on glucopharanin, a 4-methylsulfinylbutyl glucosinolate contained in cruciferous vegetables of the genus Brassica such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cabbage. Studies on this compound is increasing because its anticarcinogenic and cytoprotective properties in several in vivo experimental paradigms associated with oxidative stress such as focal cerebral ischemia, brain inflammation, intracerebral hemorrhage, ischemia and reperfusion induced acute renal failure, cisplatin induced-nephrotoxicity, streptozotocin-induced diabetes, carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity and cardiac ischemia and reperfusion. This protective effect also has been observed in in vitro studies in different cell lines such as human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y, renal epithelial proximal tubule LLC-PK1 cells and aortic smooth muscle A10 cells. Sulforaphane is considered an indirect antioxidant; this compound is able to induce many cytoprotective proteins, including antioxidant enzymes, through the Nrf2-antioxidant response element pathway. Heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase, glutathione-S-transferase, gamma-glutamyl cysteine ligase, and glutathione reductase are among the cytoprotective proteins induced by sulforaphane. In conclusion, sulforaphane is a promising antioxidant agent that is effective to attenuate oxidative stress and tissue/cell damage in different in vivo and in vitro experimental paradigms. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  16. Tricyclic Compounds Containing Non-enolizable Cyano Enones. A Novel Class of Highly Potent Anti-inflammatory and Cytoprotective Agents=

    PubMed Central

    Honda, Tadashi; Yoshizawa, Hidenori; Sundararajan, Chitra; David, Emilie; Lajoie, Marc J.; Favaloro, Frank G.; Janosik, Tomasz; Su, Xiaobo; Honda, Yukiko; Roebuck, Bill D.; Gribble, Gordon W.

    2011-01-01

    Forty-four novel tricycles containing non-enolizable cyano enones (TCEs) were designed and synthesized on the basis of a semisynthetic pentacyclic triterpenoid, bardoxolone methyl, which is currently being developed in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of severe chronic kidney disease in diabetic patients. Most of the TCEs having two different kinds of non-enolizable cyano enones in rings A and C are highly potent suppressors of induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase stimulated with interferon-γ, and highly potent inducers of the cytoprotective enzymes heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1. Among these compounds, (±)-(4bS,8aR,10aS)-10a-ethynyl-4b,8,8-trimethyl-3,7-dioxo-3,4b,7,8,8a,9,10,10a-octahydrophenanthrene-2,6-dicarbonitrile ((±)-31) is the most potent in these bioassays in our pool of drug candidates including semisynthetic triterpenoids and synthetic tricycles. These facts strongly suggest that an essential factor for potency is not a triterpenoid skeleton, but the cyano enone functionality. Notably, TCE 31 reduces hepatic tumorigenesis induced with aflatoxin in rats. Further preclinical studies and detailed mechanism studies on 31 are in progress. PMID:21361338

  17. Prognostic significance of the null genotype of glutathione S-transferase-T1 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: increased early death after chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Naoe, T; Tagawa, Y; Kiyoi, H; Kodera, Y; Miyawaki, S; Asou, N; Kuriyama, K; Kusumoto, S; Shimazaki, C; Saito, K; Akiyama, H; Motoji, T; Nishimura, M; Shinagawa, K; Ueda, R; Saito, H; Ohno, R

    2002-02-01

    We investigated the prognostic significance of genetic polymorphism in glutathione-S transferase mu 1 (GSTM1), glutathione-S transferase theta 1 (GSTT1), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), the products of which are associated with drug metabolism as well as with detoxication, in 193 patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) other than M3. Of the patients, 64.2% were either homozygous or heterozygous for GSTT1 (GSTT1(+)), while 35.8% showed homozygous deletions of GSTT1 (GSTT1(-)). The GSTT1(-) group had a worse prognosis than the GSTT1(+) group (P = 0.04), whereas other genotypes did not affect the outcome. Multivariate analysis revealed that GSTT1(-) was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (relative risk: 1.53; P = 0.026) but not for disease-free survival of 140 patients who achieved complete remission (CR). The rate of early death after the initiation of chemotherapy was higher in the GSTT1(-) group than the GSTT1(+) group (within 45 days after initial chemotherapy, P = 0.073; within 120 days, P = 0.028), whereas CR rates and relapse frequencies were similar. The null genotype of GSTT1 might be associated with increased toxicity after chemotherapy.

  18. Characterization of Pseudomonas putida Genes Responsive to Nutrient Limitation

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

    Syn, Chris K.; Magnuson, Jon K.; Kingsley, Mark T.

    2004-06-01

    The low bioavailability of nutrients and oxygen in the soil environment has hampered successful expression of biodegradation/biocontrol genes that are driven by promoters highly active during routine laboratory conditions of high nutrient- and oxygen-availability. Hence, in the present study, expression of the gus-tagged genes in 12 Tn5-gus mutants of the soil microbe Pseudomonas putida PNL-MK25 was examined under various conditions chosen to mimic the soil environment: low carbon, phosphate, nitrate, or oxygen, and in the rhizosphere. Based on their expression profiles, three nutrient-responsive mutant (NRM) strains, NRM5, NRM7, and NRM17, were selected for identification of the tagged genes. In themore » mutant strain NRM5, expression of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdhA) gene was increased between 4.9- to 26.4-fold under various low nutrient conditions. In NRM7, expression of the novel NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase-like (nql) gene was consistently amongst the highest and was synergistically upregulated by low nutrient and anoxic conditions. The cyoD gene in NRM17, which encodes the fourth subunit of the cytochrome o ubiquinol oxidase complex, had decreased expression in low nutrient conditions but its absolute expression levels was still amongst the highest. Additionally, it was independent of oxygen availability, in contrast to that in E. coli.« less

  19. Nitazoxanide stimulates autophagy and inhibits mTORC1 signaling and intracellular proliferation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

    PubMed

    Lam, Karen K Y; Zheng, Xingji; Forestieri, Roberto; Balgi, Aruna D; Nodwell, Matt; Vollett, Sarah; Anderson, Hilary J; Andersen, Raymond J; Av-Gay, Yossef; Roberge, Michel

    2012-01-01

    Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world today. M. tuberculosis hijacks the phagosome-lysosome trafficking pathway to escape clearance from infected macrophages. There is increasing evidence that manipulation of autophagy, a regulated catabolic trafficking pathway, can enhance killing of M. tuberculosis. Therefore, pharmacological agents that induce autophagy could be important in combating tuberculosis. We report that the antiprotozoal drug nitazoxanide and its active metabolite tizoxanide strongly stimulate autophagy and inhibit signaling by mTORC1, a major negative regulator of autophagy. Analysis of 16 nitazoxanide analogues reveals similar strict structural requirements for activity in autophagosome induction, EGFP-LC3 processing and mTORC1 inhibition. Nitazoxanide can inhibit M. tuberculosis proliferation in vitro. Here we show that it inhibits M. tuberculosis proliferation more potently in infected human THP-1 cells and peripheral monocytes. We identify the human quinone oxidoreductase NQO1 as a nitazoxanide target and propose, based on experiments with cells expressing NQO1 or not, that NQO1 inhibition is partly responsible for mTORC1 inhibition and enhanced autophagy. The dual action of nitazoxanide on both the bacterium and the host cell response to infection may lead to improved tuberculosis treatment.

  20. Dietary Broccoli Alters Rat Cecal Microbiota to Improve Glucoraphanin Hydrolysis to Bioactive Isothiocyanates.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiaoji; Wang, Yanling; Hoeflinger, Jennifer L; Neme, Bárbara P; Jeffery, Elizabeth H; Miller, Michael J

    2017-03-10

    Broccoli consumption brings many health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer and inflammatory diseases. The objectives of this study were to identify global alterations in the cecal microbiota composition using 16S rRNA sequencing analysis and glucoraphanin (GRP) hydrolysis to isothiocyanates ex vivo by the cecal microbiota, following different broccoli diets. Rats were randomized to consume AIN93G (control) or different broccoli diets; AIN93G plus cooked broccoli, a GRP-rich powder, raw broccoli, or myrosinase-treated cooked broccoli. Feeding raw or cooked broccoli for four days or longer both changed the cecal microbiota composition and caused a greater production of isothiocyanates ex vivo. A more than two-fold increase in NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 activity of the host colon mucosa after feeding cooked broccoli for seven days confirmed the positive health benefits. Further studies revealed that dietary GRP was specifically responsible for the increased microbial GRP hydrolysis ex vivo, whereas changes in the cecal microbial communities were attributed to other broccoli components. Interestingly, a three-day withdrawal from a raw broccoli diet reversed the increased microbial GRP hydrolysis ex vivo. Findings suggest that enhanced conversion of GRP to bioactive isothiocyanates by the cecal microbiota requires four or more days of broccoli consumption and is reversible.

  1. Biotransformation and tissue distribution of protopine and allocryptopine and effects of Plume Poppy Total Alkaloid on liver drug-metabolizing enzymes.

    PubMed

    Huang, Ya-Jun; Cheng, Pi; Zhang, Zhuo-Yi; Tian, Shi-Jie; Sun, Zhi-Liang; Zeng, Jian-Guo; Liu, Zhao-Ying

    2018-01-11

    In this study, the biotransformation in the plasma, urine and feces of rats following oral administration of protopine (PRO) and allocryptopine (ALL)were explored using HPLC-QqTOF MS. An HPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of tissues was developed and applied to the tissue distribution study in rats following intragastric administration of Plume Poppy Total Alkaloid for 3 weeks. A total of ten PRO metabolites and ten ALL metabolites were characterized in rats in vivo. Among these metabolites, six PRO metabolites and five ALL metabolites were reported for the first time. The predicated metabolic pathways including ring cleavage, demethylation following ring cleavage, and glucuronidation were proposed. The low-concentration residue of PRO and ALL in various tissues was detected at 24 h and 48 h after dosing, which indicated that both compounds could be widely distributed in tissues and exist as low levels of residue. The activities of erythromycin N-demethylase, aminopyrine N-demethylase and NAD (P)H quinone oxidoreductase in female rats can be induced post-dose, but these activities were inhibited in male rats. The proposed biotransformation and residues of PRO and ALL and their effects on enzymes may provide a basis for clarifying the metabolism and interpreting pharmacokinetics.

  2. Non-thermal Plasma Activates Human Keratinocytes by Stimulation of Antioxidant and Phase II Pathways

    PubMed Central

    Schmidt, Anke; Dietrich, Stephan; Steuer, Anna; Weltmann, Klaus-Dieter; von Woedtke, Thomas; Masur, Kai; Wende, Kristian

    2015-01-01

    Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma provides a novel therapeutic opportunity to control redox-based processes, e.g. wound healing, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. By spatial and time-resolved delivery of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, it allows stimulation or inhibition of cellular processes in biological systems. Our data show that both gene and protein expression is highly affected by non-thermal plasma. Nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (NRF2) and phase II enzyme pathway components were found to act as key controllers orchestrating the cellular response in keratinocytes. Additionally, glutathione metabolism, which is a marker for NRF2-related signaling events, was affected. Among the most robustly increased genes and proteins, heme oxygenase 1, NADPH-quinone oxidoreductase 1, and growth factors were found. The roles of NRF2 targets, investigated by siRNA silencing, revealed that NRF2 acts as an important switch for sensing oxidative stress events. Moreover, the influence of non-thermal plasma on the NRF2 pathway prepares cells against exogenic noxae and increases their resilience against oxidative species. Via paracrine mechanisms, distant cells benefit from cell-cell communication. The finding that non-thermal plasma triggers hormesis-like processes in keratinocytes facilitates the understanding of plasma-tissue interaction and its clinical application. PMID:25589789

  3. Putting together a plasma membrane NADH oxidase: a tale of three laboratories.

    PubMed

    Löw, Hans; Crane, Frederick L; Morré, D James

    2012-11-01

    The observation that high cellular concentrations of NADH were associated with low adenylate cyclase activity led to a search for the mechanism of the effect. Since cyclase is in the plasma membrane, we considered the membrane might have a site for NADH action, and that NADH might be oxidized at that site. A test for NADH oxidase showed very low activity, which could be increased by adding growth factors. The plasma membrane oxidase was not inhibited by inhibitors of mitochondrial NADH oxidase such as cyanide, rotenone or antimycin. Stimulation of the plasma membrane oxidase by iso-proterenol or triiodothyronine was different from lack of stimulation in endoplasmic reticulum. After 25 years of research, three components of a trans membrane NADH oxidase have been discovered. Flavoprotein NADH coenzyme Q reductases (NADH cytochrome b reductase) on the inside, coenzyme Q in the middle, and a coenzyme Q oxidase on the outside as a terminal oxidase. The external oxidase segment is a copper protein with unique properties in timekeeping, protein disulfide isomerase and endogenous NADH oxidase activity, which affords a mechanism for control of cell growth by the overall NADH oxidase and the remarkable inhibition of oxidase activity and growth of cancer cells by a wide range of anti-tumor drugs. A second trans plasma membrane electron transport system has been found in voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC), which has NADH ferricyanide reductase activity. This activity must be considered in relation to ferricyanide stimulation of growth and increased VDAC antibodies in patients with autism. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

    Tam, Tsz Kin; Chen, Baowei; Lei, Chenghong

    NAD/NADH is a coenzyme found in all living cells, carrying electrons from one reaction to another. We report on characterizations of in situ regeneration of NADH via lipoamide dehydrogenase (LD)-catalyzed electron transfer reaction to regenerate NADH using UV-vis spectroelectrochemistry. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) and maximum velocity (Vmax) of NADH regeneration were measured as 0.80 {+-} 0.15 mM and 1.91 {+-} 0.09 {micro}M s-1 in a 1-mm thin-layer spectroelectrochemical cell using gold gauze as the working electrode at the applied potential -0.75 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The electrocatalytic reduction of the NAD system was further coupled with the enzymatic conversion of pyruvatemore » to lactate by lactate dehydrogenase to examine the coenzymatic activity of the regenerated NADH. Although the reproducible electrocatalytic reduction of NAD into NADH is known to be difficult compared to the electrocatalytic oxidation of NADH, our spectroelectrochemical results indicate that the in situ regeneration of NADH via LD-catalyzed electron transfer reaction is fast and sustainable and can be potentially applied to many NAD/NADH-dependent enzyme systems.« less

  5. Increased work in cardiac trabeculae causes decreased mitochondrial NADH fluorescence followed by slow recovery.

    PubMed Central

    Brandes, R; Bers, D M

    1996-01-01

    The oxidative phosphorylation rate in isolated mitochondria is stimulated by increased [ADP], resulting in decreased [NADH]. In intact hearts, however, increased mechanical work has generally not been shown to cause an increase in [ADP]. Therefore, increased [NADH] has been suggested as an alternative for stimulating the phosphorylation rate. Such a rise in [NADH] could result from stimulation of various substrate dehydrogenases by increased intracellular [Ca2+] (e.g., during increased pacing frequency). We have monitored mitochondrial [NADH] in isolated rat ventricular trabeculae, using a novel fluorescence spectroscopy method where a native fluorescence signal was used to correct for motion artifacts. Work was controlled by increased pacing frequency and assessed using time-averaged force. At low-pacing rates (approximately 0.1 Hz), [NADH] immediately decreased during contraction and then slowly recovered (approximately 5 s) before the next contraction. At higher rates, [NADH] initially decreased by an amount related to pacing rate (i.e., work). However, during prolonged stimulation, [NADH] slowly (approximately 60 s) recovered to a new steady-state level below the initial level. We conclude that 1) during increased work, oxidative phosphorylation is not initially stimulated by increased mitochondrial [NADH]; and 2) increased pacing frequency slowly causes stimulation of NADH production. Images FIGURE 2 FIGURE 4 PMID:8842239

  6. A molecular chaperone for mitochondrial complex I assembly is mutated in a progressive encephalopathy

    PubMed Central

    Ogilvie, Isla; Kennaway, Nancy G.; Shoubridge, Eric A.

    2005-01-01

    NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) deficiency is a common cause of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation disease. It is associated with a wide range of clinical phenotypes in infants, including Leigh syndrome, cardiomyopathy, and encephalomyopathy. In at least half of patients, enzyme deficiency results from a failure to assemble the holoenzyme complex; however, the molecular chaperones required for assembly of the mammalian enzyme remain unknown. Using whole genome subtraction of yeasts with and without a complex I to generate candidate assembly factors, we identified a paralogue (B17.2L) of the B17.2 structural subunit. We found a null mutation in B17.2L in a patient with a progressive encephalopathy and showed that the associated complex I assembly defect could be completely rescued by retroviral expression of B17.2L in patient fibroblasts. An anti-B17.2L antibody did not associate with the holoenzyme complex but specifically recognized an 830-kDa subassembly in several patients with complex I assembly defects and coimmunoprecipitated a subset of complex I structural subunits from normal human heart mitochondria. These results demonstrate that B17.2L is a bona fide molecular chaperone that is essential for the assembly of complex I and for the normal function of the nervous system. PMID:16200211

  7. Mitochondrial origin of extracelullar transferred electrons in yeast-based biofuel cells.

    PubMed

    Hubenova, Yolina; Mitov, Mario

    2015-12-01

    The influence of mitochondrial electron transport chain inhibitors on the electricity outputs of Candida melibiosica yeast-based biofuel cell was investigated. The addition of 30 μM rotenone or antimycin A to the yeast suspension results in a decrease in the current generation, corresponding to 25.7±1.3%, respectively 38.8±1.9% reduction in the electric charge passed through the bioelectrochemical system. The latter percentage coincides with the share of aerobic respiration in the yeast catabolic processes, determined by the decrease of the ethanol production during cultivation in the presence of oxygen compared with that obtained under strict anaerobic conditions. It was established that the presence of both inhibitors leads to almost complete mitochondrial dysfunction, expressed by inactivation of cytochrome c oxidase and NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase as well as reduced electrochemical activity of isolated yeast mitochondria. It was also found that methylene blue partially neutralized the rotenone poisoning, probably serving as alternative intracellular electron shuttle for by-passing the complex I blockage. Based on the obtained results, we suppose that electrons generated through the aerobic respiration processes in the mitochondria participate in the extracellular electron transfer from the yeast cells to the biofuel cell anode, which contributes to higher current outputs at aerobic conditions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Apoptosis-Inducing Factor: Structure, Function, and Redox Regulation

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Abstract Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) is a flavin adenine dinucleotide-containing, NADH-dependent oxidoreductase residing in the mitochondrial intermembrane space whose specific enzymatic activity remains unknown. Upon an apoptotic insult, AIF undergoes proteolysis and translocates to the nucleus, where it triggers chromatin condensation and large-scale DNA degradation in a caspase-independent manner. Besides playing a key role in execution of caspase-independent cell death, AIF has emerged as a protein critical for cell survival. Analysis of in vivo phenotypes associated with AIF deficiency and defects, and identification of its mitochondrial, cytoplasmic, and nuclear partners revealed the complexity and multilevel regulation of AIF-mediated signal transduction and suggested an important role of AIF in the maintenance of mitochondrial morphology and energy metabolism. The redox activity of AIF is essential for optimal oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, the protein is proposed to regulate the respiratory chain indirectly, through assembly and/or stabilization of complexes I and III. This review discusses accumulated data with respect to the AIF structure and outlines evidence that supports the prevalent mechanistic view on the apoptogenic actions of the flavoprotein, as well as the emerging concept of AIF as a redox sensor capable of linking NAD(H)-dependent metabolic pathways to apoptosis. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 14, 2545–2579. PMID:20868295

  9. Non-classical azoreductase secretion in Clostridium perfringens in response to sulfonated azo dye exposure.

    PubMed

    Morrison, Jessica M; John, Gilbert H

    2015-08-01

    Clostridium perfringens, a strictly anaerobic microorganism and inhabitant of the human intestine, has been shown to produce an azoreductase enzyme (AzoC), an NADH-dependent flavin oxidoreductase. This enzyme reduces azo dyes into aromatic amines, which can be carcinogenic. A significant amount of work has been completed on the activity of AzoC. Despite this, much is still unknown, including whether azoreduction of these dyes occurs intracellularly or extracellulary. A physiological study of C. perfringens involving the effect of azo dye exposure was completed to answer this question. Through exposure studies, azo dyes were found to cause cytoplasmic protein release, including AzoC, from C. perfringens in dividing and non-dividing cells. Sulfonation (negative charge) of azo dyes proved to be the key to facilitating protein release of AzoC and was found to be azo-dye-concentration-dependent. Additionally, AzoC was found to localize to the Gram-positive periplasmic region. Using a ΔazoC knockout mutant, the presence of additional azoreductases in C. perfringens was suggested. These results support the notion that the azoreduction of these dyes may occur extracellularly for the commensal C. perfringens in the intestine. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Revealing genome-scale transcriptional regulatory landscape of OmpR highlights its expanded regulatory roles under osmotic stress in Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655.

    PubMed

    Seo, Sang Woo; Gao, Ye; Kim, Donghyuk; Szubin, Richard; Yang, Jina; Cho, Byung-Kwan; Palsson, Bernhard O

    2017-05-19

    A transcription factor (TF), OmpR, plays a critical role in transcriptional regulation of the osmotic stress response in bacteria. Here, we reveal a genome-scale OmpR regulon in Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655. Integrative data analysis reveals that a total of 37 genes in 24 transcription units (TUs) belong to OmpR regulon. Among them, 26 genes show more than two-fold changes in expression level in an OmpR knock-out strain. Specifically, we find that: 1) OmpR regulates mostly membrane-located gene products involved in diverse fundamental biological processes, such as narU (encoding nitrate/nitrite transporter), ompX (encoding outer membrane protein X), and nuoN (encoding NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase); 2) by investigating co-regulation of entire sets of genes regulated by other stress-response TFs, stresses are surprisingly independently regulated among each other; and, 3) a detailed investigation of the physiological roles of the newly discovered OmpR regulon genes reveals that activation of narU represents a novel strategy to significantly improve osmotic stress tolerance of E. coli. Thus, the genome-scale approach to elucidating regulons comprehensively identifies regulated genes and leads to fundamental discoveries related to stress responses.

  11. The potential regulatory roles of NAD(+) and its metabolism in autophagy.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Dong-Xia; Zhang, Jia-Ping; Hu, Jiong-Yu; Huang, Yue-Sheng

    2016-04-01

    (Macro)autophagy mediates the bulk degradation of defective organelles, long-lived proteins and protein aggregates in lysosomes and plays a critical role in cellular and tissue homeostasis. Defective autophagy processes have been found to contribute to a variety of metabolic diseases. However, the regulatory mechanisms of autophagy are not fully understood. Increasing data indicate that nicotinamide adenine nucleotide (NAD(+)) homeostasis correlates intimately with autophagy. NAD(+) is a ubiquitous coenzyme that functions primarily as an electron carrier of oxidoreductase in multiple redox reactions. Both NAD(+) homeostasis and its metabolism are thought to play critical roles in regulating autophagy. In this review, we discuss how the regulation of NAD(+) and its metabolism can influence autophagy. We focus on the regulation of NAD(+)/NADH homeostasis and the effects of NAD(+) consumption by poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), NAD(+)-dependent deacetylation by sirtuins and NAD(+) metabolites on autophagy processes and the underlying mechanisms. Future studies should provide more direct evidence for the regulation of autophagy processes by NAD(+). A better understanding of the critical roles of NAD(+) and its metabolites on autophagy will shed light on the complexity of autophagy regulation, which is essential for the discovery of new therapeutic tools for autophagy-related diseases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Targeted Approach to Identify Genetic Loci Associated with ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Extreme tolerance to highly toxic dioxin-like contaminants (DLCs) has evolved independently and contemporaneously in (at least) four populations of Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). Surprisingly, the magnitude and phenotype of DLC tolerance is similar among these killifish populations that have adapted to varied, but highly contaminated urban/industrialized estuaries of the US Atlantic coast. We hypothesized that comparisons among tolerant populations and in contrast to their sensitive neighboring killifish might reveal genetic loci associated with DLC tolerance. Since the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway partly or fully mediates DLC toxicity in vertebrates, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 43 genes associated with the AHR to serve as targeted markers. Wild fish from the four highly tolerant killifish populations and four nearby sensitive populations were genotyped using 59 SNP markers. Consistent with other killifish population genetic analyses, our results revealed strong genetic differentiation among populations, consistent with isolation by distance models. Pairwise comparisons of nearby tolerant and sensitive populations revealed differentiation among these loci: AHR 1 and 2, cathepsin Z, the cytochrome P450s (CYP) 1A and 3A30, and the NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase MLRQ subunit. By grouping tolerant versus sensitive populations, we also identified cytochrome P450 1A and the AHR2 loci as under selection, lend

  13. [Development of selective determination methods for quinones with fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection and their application to environmental and biological samples].

    PubMed

    Kishikawa, Naoya

    2010-10-01

    Quinones are compounds that have various characteristics such as a biological electron transporter, an industrial product and a harmful environmental pollutant. Therefore, an effective determination method for quinones is required in many fields. This review describes the development of sensitive and selective determination methods for quinones based on some detection principles and their application to analyses in environmental, pharmaceutical and biological samples. Firstly, a fluorescence method was developed based on fluorogenic derivatization of quinones and applied to environmental analysis. Secondly, a luminol chemiluminescence method was developed based on generation of reactive oxygen species through the redox cycle of quinone and applied to pharmaceutical analysis. Thirdly, a photo-induced chemiluminescence method was developed based on formation of reactive oxygen species and fluorophore or chemiluminescence enhancer by the photoreaction of quinones and applied to biological and environmental analyses.

  14. Gravity Responsive NADH Oxidase of the Plasma Membrane

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morre, D. James (Inventor)

    2002-01-01

    A method and apparatus for sensing gravity using an NADH oxidase of the plasma membrane which has been found to respond to unit gravity and low centrifugal g forces. The oxidation rate of NADH supplied to the NADH oxidase is measured and translated to represent the relative gravitational force exerted on the protein. The NADH oxidase of the plasma membrane may be obtained from plant or animal sources or may be produced recombinantly.

  15. Synthetic Strategies to Terpene Quinones/Hydroquinones

    PubMed Central

    Gordaliza, Marina

    2012-01-01

    The cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties of many natural sesquiterpene-quinones and -hydroquinones from sponges offer promising opportunities for the development of new drugs. A review dealing with different strategies for obtaining bioactive terpenyl quinones/hydroquinones is presented. The different synthetic approches for the preparation of the most relevant quinones/hydroquinones are described. PMID:22412807

  16. A high effective NADH-ferricyanide dehydrogenase coupled with laccase for NAD(+) regeneration.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jizhong; Yang, Chengli; Chen, Xing; Bao, Bingxin; Zhang, Xuan; Li, Dali; Du, Xingfan; Shi, Ruofu; Yang, Junfang; Zhu, Ronghui

    2016-08-01

    To find an efficient and cheap system for NAD(+) regeneration A NADH-ferricyanide dehydrogenase was obtained from an isolate of Escherichia coli. Optimal activity of the NADH dehydrogenase was at 45 °C and pH 7.5, with a K m value for NADH of 10 μM. By combining the NADH dehydrogenase, potassium ferricyanide and laccase, a bi-enzyme system for NAD(+) regeneration was established. The system is attractive in that the O2 consumed by laccase is from air and the sole byproduct of the reaction is water. During the reaction process, 10 mM NAD(+) was transformed from NADH in less than 2 h under the condition of 0.5 U NADH dehydrogenase, 0.5 U laccase, 0.1 mM potassium ferricyanide at pH 5.6, 30 °C CONCLUSION: The bi-enzyme system employed the NADH-ferricyanide dehydrogenase and laccase as catalysts, and potassium ferricyanide as redox mediator, is a promising alternative for NAD(+) regeneration.

  17. A copper-induced quinone degradation pathway provides protection against combined copper/quinone stress in Lactococcus lactis IL1403.

    PubMed

    Mancini, Stefano; Abicht, Helge K; Gonskikh, Yulia; Solioz, Marc

    2015-02-01

    Quinones are ubiquitous in the environment. They occur naturally but are also in widespread use in human and industrial activities. Quinones alone are relatively benign to bacteria, but in combination with copper, they become toxic by a mechanism that leads to intracellular thiol depletion. Here, it was shown that the yahCD-yaiAB operon of Lactococcus lactis IL1403 provides resistance to combined copper/quinone stress. The operon is under the control of CopR, which also regulates expression of the copRZA copper resistance operon as well as other L. lactis genes. Expression of the yahCD-yaiAB operon is induced by copper but not by quinones. Two of the proteins encoded by the operon appear to play key roles in alleviating quinone/copper stress: YaiB is a flavoprotein that converts p-benzoquinones to less toxic hydroquinones, using reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) as reductant; YaiA is a hydroquinone dioxygenase that converts hydroquinone putatively to 4-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde in an oxygen-consuming reaction. Hydroquinone and methylhydroquinone are both substrates of YaiA. Deletion of yaiB causes increased sensitivity of L. lactis to quinones and complete growth arrest under combined quinone and copper stress. Copper induction of the yahCD-yaiAB operon offers protection to copper/quinone toxicity and could provide a growth advantage to L. lactis in some environments. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  18. Profiling quinones in ambient air samples collected from the Athabasca region (Canada).

    PubMed

    Wnorowski, Andrzej; Charland, Jean-Pierre

    2017-12-01

    This paper presents new findings on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon oxidation products-quinones that were collected in ambient air samples in the proximity of oil sands exploration. Quinones were characterized for their diurnal concentration variability, phase partitioning, and molecular size distribution. Gas-phase (GP) and particle-phase (PM) ambient air samples were collected separately in the summer; a lower quinone content was observed in the PM samples from continuous 24-h sampling than from combined 12-h sampling (day and night). The daytime/nocturnal samples demonstrated that nighttime conditions led to lower concentrations and some quinones not being detected. The highest quinone levels were associated with wind directions originating from oil sands exploration sites. The statistical correlation with primary pollutants directly emitted from oil sands industrial activities indicated that the bulk of the detected quinones did not originate directly from primary emission sources and that quinone formation paralleled a reduction in primary source NO x levels. This suggests a secondary chemical transformation of primary pollutants as the origin of the determined quinones. Measurements of 19 quinones included five that have not previously been reported in ambient air or in Standard Reference Material 1649a/1649b and seven that have not been previously measured in ambient air in the underivatized form. This is the first paper to report on quinone characterization in secondary organic aerosols originating from oil sands activities, to distinguish chrysenequinone and anthraquinone positional isomers in ambient air, and to report the requirement of daylight conditions for benzo[a]pyrenequinone and naphthacenequinone to be present in ambient air. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. The Iron-Sulfur Cluster of Electron Transfer Flavoprotein-ubiquinone Oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) is the Electron Acceptor for Electron Transfer Flavoprotein†

    PubMed Central

    Swanson, Michael A.; Usselman, Robert J.; Frerman, Frank E.; Eaton, Gareth R.; Eaton, Sandra S.

    2011-01-01

    Electron-transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) accepts electrons from electron-transfer flavoprotein (ETF) and reduces ubiquinone from the ubiquinone-pool. It contains one [4Fe-4S]2+,1+ and one FAD, which are diamagnetic in the isolated oxidized enzyme and can be reduced to paramagnetic forms by enzymatic donors or dithionite. In the porcine protein, threonine 367 is hydrogen bonded to N1 and O2 of the flavin ring of the FAD. The analogous site in Rhodobacter sphaeroides ETF-QO is asparagine 338. Mutations N338T and N338A were introduced into the R. sphaeroides protein by site-directed mutagenesis to determine the impact of hydrogen bonding at this site on redox potentials and activity. The mutations did not alter the optical spectra, EPR g-values, spin-lattice relaxation rates, or the [4Fe-4S]2+,1+ to FAD point-dipole interspin distances. The mutations had no impact on the reduction potential for the iron-sulfur cluster, which was monitored by changes in the continuous wave EPR signals of the [4Fe-4S]+ at 15 K. For the FAD semiquinone, significantly different potentials were obtained by monitoring the titration at 100 or 293 K. Based on spectra at 293 K the N338T mutation shifted the first and second midpoint potentials for the FAD from +47 mV and −30 mV for wild type to −11 mV and −19 mV, respectively. The N338A mutation decreased the potentials to −37 mV and −49 mV. Lowering the midpoint potentials resulted in a decrease in the quinone reductase activity and negligible impact on disproportionation of ETF1e− catalyzed by ETF-QO. These observations indicate that the FAD is involved in electron transfer to ubiquinone, but not in electron transfer from ETF to ETF-QO. Therefore the iron-sulfur cluster is the immediate acceptor from ETF. PMID:18672901

  20. Genome and Proteome Analysis of Rhodococcus erythropolis MI2: Elucidation of the 4,4´-Dithiodibutyric Acid Catabolism

    PubMed Central

    Khairy, Heba; Meinert, Christina; Wübbeler, Jan Hendrik; Poehlein, Anja; Daniel, Rolf; Voigt, Birgit; Riedel, Katharina; Steinbüchel, Alexander

    2016-01-01

    Rhodococcus erythropolis MI2 has the extraordinary ability to utilize the xenobiotic 4,4´-dithiodibutyric acid (DTDB). Cleavage of DTDB by the disulfide-reductase Nox, which is the only verified enzyme involved in DTDB-degradation, raised 4-mercaptobutyric acid (4MB). 4MB could act as building block of a novel polythioester with unknown properties. To completely unravel the catabolism of DTDB, the genome of R. erythropolis MI2 was sequenced, and subsequently the proteome was analyzed. The draft genome sequence consists of approximately 7.2 Mbp with an overall G+C content of 62.25% and 6,859 predicted protein-encoding genes. The genome of strain MI2 is composed of three replicons: one chromosome and two megaplasmids with sizes of 6.45, 0.4 and 0.35 Mbp, respectively. When cells of strain MI2 were cultivated with DTDB as sole carbon source and compared to cells grown with succinate, several interesting proteins with significantly higher expression levels were identified using 2D-PAGE and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A putative luciferase-like monooxygenase-class F420-dependent oxidoreductase (RERY_05640), which is encoded by one of the 126 monooxygenase-encoding genes of the MI2-genome, showed a 3-fold increased expression level. This monooxygenase could oxidize the intermediate 4MB into 4-oxo-4-sulfanylbutyric acid. Next, a desulfurization step, which forms succinic acid and volatile hydrogen sulfide, is proposed. One gene coding for a putative desulfhydrase (RERY_06500) was identified in the genome of strain MI2. However, the gene product was not recognized in the proteome analyses. But, a significant expression level with a ratio of up to 7.3 was determined for a putative sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (RERY_02710), which could also be involved in the abstraction of the sulfur group. As response to the toxicity of the intermediates, several stress response proteins were strongly expressed, including a superoxide dismutase (RERY_05600) and an osmotically induced protein (RERY_02670). Accordingly, novel insights in the catabolic pathway of DTDB were gained. PMID:27977722

  1. Genome and Proteome Analysis of Rhodococcus erythropolis MI2: Elucidation of the 4,4´-Dithiodibutyric Acid Catabolism.

    PubMed

    Khairy, Heba; Meinert, Christina; Wübbeler, Jan Hendrik; Poehlein, Anja; Daniel, Rolf; Voigt, Birgit; Riedel, Katharina; Steinbüchel, Alexander

    2016-01-01

    Rhodococcus erythropolis MI2 has the extraordinary ability to utilize the xenobiotic 4,4´-dithiodibutyric acid (DTDB). Cleavage of DTDB by the disulfide-reductase Nox, which is the only verified enzyme involved in DTDB-degradation, raised 4-mercaptobutyric acid (4MB). 4MB could act as building block of a novel polythioester with unknown properties. To completely unravel the catabolism of DTDB, the genome of R. erythropolis MI2 was sequenced, and subsequently the proteome was analyzed. The draft genome sequence consists of approximately 7.2 Mbp with an overall G+C content of 62.25% and 6,859 predicted protein-encoding genes. The genome of strain MI2 is composed of three replicons: one chromosome and two megaplasmids with sizes of 6.45, 0.4 and 0.35 Mbp, respectively. When cells of strain MI2 were cultivated with DTDB as sole carbon source and compared to cells grown with succinate, several interesting proteins with significantly higher expression levels were identified using 2D-PAGE and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A putative luciferase-like monooxygenase-class F420-dependent oxidoreductase (RERY_05640), which is encoded by one of the 126 monooxygenase-encoding genes of the MI2-genome, showed a 3-fold increased expression level. This monooxygenase could oxidize the intermediate 4MB into 4-oxo-4-sulfanylbutyric acid. Next, a desulfurization step, which forms succinic acid and volatile hydrogen sulfide, is proposed. One gene coding for a putative desulfhydrase (RERY_06500) was identified in the genome of strain MI2. However, the gene product was not recognized in the proteome analyses. But, a significant expression level with a ratio of up to 7.3 was determined for a putative sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (RERY_02710), which could also be involved in the abstraction of the sulfur group. As response to the toxicity of the intermediates, several stress response proteins were strongly expressed, including a superoxide dismutase (RERY_05600) and an osmotically induced protein (RERY_02670). Accordingly, novel insights in the catabolic pathway of DTDB were gained.

  2. Interaction of the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ with phospholipid bilayers and ubiquinone oxidoreductases.

    PubMed

    James, Andrew M; Sharpley, Mark S; Manas, Abdul-Rahman B; Frerman, Frank E; Hirst, Judy; Smith, Robin A J; Murphy, Michael P

    2007-05-18

    MitoQ(10) is a ubiquinone that accumulates within mitochondria driven by a conjugated lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cation (TPP(+)). Once there, MitoQ(10) is reduced to its active ubiquinol form, which has been used to prevent mitochondrial oxidative damage and to infer the involvement of reactive oxygen species in signaling pathways. Here we show MitoQ(10) is effectively reduced by complex II, but is a poor substrate for complex I, complex III, and electron-transferring flavoprotein (ETF):quinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QOR). This differential reactivity could be explained if the bulky TPP(+) moiety sterically hindered access of the ubiquinone group to enzyme active sites with a long, narrow access channel. Using a combination of molecular modeling and an uncharged analog of MitoQ(10) with similar sterics (tritylQ(10)), we infer that the interaction of MitoQ(10) with complex I and ETF-QOR, but not complex III, is inhibited by its bulky TPP(+) moiety. To explain its lack of reactivity with complex III we show that the TPP(+) moiety of MitoQ(10) is ineffective at quenching pyrene fluorophors deeply buried within phospholipid bilayers and thus is positioned near the membrane surface. This superficial position of the TPP(+) moiety, as well as the low solubility of MitoQ(10) in non-polar organic solvents, suggests that the concentration of the entire MitoQ(10) molecule in the membrane core is very limited. As overlaying MitoQ(10) onto the structure of complex III indicates that MitoQ(10) cannot react with complex III without its TPP(+) moiety entering the low dielectric of the membrane core, we conclude that the TPP(+) moiety does anchor the tethered ubiquinol group out of reach of the active site(s) of complex III, thus explaining its slow oxidation. In contrast the ubiquinone moiety of MitoQ(10) is able to quench fluorophors deep within the membrane core, indicating a high concentration of the ubiquinone moiety within the membrane and explaining its good anti-oxidant efficacy. These findings will facilitate the rational design of future mitochondria-targeted molecules.

  3. Update on Nitazoxanide: A Multifunctional Chemotherapeutic Agent.

    PubMed

    Shakya, Anshul; Bhat, Hans Raj; Ghosh, Surjit Kumar

    2017-07-27

    The thiazolide nitazoxanide (NTZ) is a broad-spectrum anti-infective drug that adversely affects viability, growth, and proliferation of a range of extracellular and intracellular protozoan, helminths, anaerobic and microaerophilic bacteria, and viruses. Current review compiled the potential chemotherapeutic efficacy of NTZ against a variety of such disease-causing macro and/or micro-organisms as well as neoplastic cells, using various search engines viz. Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed up to February 2017. The most accepted anti-infective mechanism of NTZ involves impairment of the energy metabolism in anaerobic pathogens by inhibition of the pyruvate: ferredoxin/flavodoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR). In parasitic-protozoan NTZ also induces lesions/voids in the cell membrane and depolarises the mitochondrial membrane along with the inhibition of quinone oxidoreductase NQO1, nitroreductase-1 and protein disulphide isomerase. NTZ also inhibits the glutathione-S-transferase (a major detoxifying enzyme) and modulates a gene (avr-14 gene) encoding for the alpha-type subunit of glutamate-gated chloride ion channel present in the nematodes. Apart from well recognized non-competitive inhibition of the PFOR in anaerobic bacteria, NTZ also showed a variety of other antibacterial mechanisms viz. inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase in the Escherichia coli, disrupts the membrane potential and pH homeostasis in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis, suppresses the chaperone/usher (CU) pathway of the gram-negative bacteria and stimulates host macrophage autophagy in the tubercular patients. NTZ also suppresses the viral replication by inhibiting maturation of the viral hemagglutinin and the viral transcription factor immediate early 2 (IE2) as well as by activating the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (an antiviral intracellular protein). Additionally, NTZ expresses inhibitory effect on the tumour cell progression by modulating drug detoxification (glutathione-S-transferase P1), unfolded protein response, autophagy, anti-cytokines activities and c-Myc inhibition. These potentially versatile molecular interactions of NTZ within invading pathogen(s) and immunomodulatory efficacy over the hosts, justify the multifunctional chemotherapeutic significance of this chemical agent. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  4. On-column reduction of catecholamine quinones in stainless steel columns during liquid chromatography.

    PubMed

    Xu, R; Huang, X; Kramer, K J; Hawley, M D

    1995-10-10

    The chromatographic behavior of quinones derived from the oxidation of dopamine and N-acetyldopamine has been studied using liquid chromatography (LC) with both a diode array detector and an electrochemical detector that has parallel dual working electrodes. When stainless steel columns are used, an anodic peak for the oxidation of the catecholamine is observed at the same retention time as a cathodic peak for the reduction of the catecholamine quinone. In addition, the anodic peak exhibits a tail that extends to a second anodic peak for the catecholamine. The latter peak occurs at the normal retention time of the catecholamine. The origin of this phenomenon has been studied and metallic iron in the stainless steel components of the LC system has been found to reduce the quinones to their corresponding catecholamines. The simultaneous appearance of a cathodic peak for the reduction of catecholamine quinone and an anodic peak for the oxidation of the corresponding catecholamine occurs when metallic iron in the exit frit reduces some of the quinones as the latter exits the column. This phenomenon is designated as the "concurrent anodic-cathodic response." It is also observed for quinones of of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and probably occurs with o- or p-quinones of other dihydroxyphenyl compounds. The use of nonferrous components in LC systems is recommended to eliminate possible on-column reduction of quinones.

  5. Combinatorial application of two aldehyde oxidoreductases on isobutanol production in the presence of furfural.

    PubMed

    Seo, Hyung-Min; Jeon, Jong-Min; Lee, Ju Hee; Song, Hun-Suk; Joo, Han-Byul; Park, Sung-Hee; Choi, Kwon-Young; Kim, Yong Hyun; Park, Kyungmoon; Ahn, Jungoh; Lee, Hongweon; Yang, Yung-Hun

    2016-01-01

    Furfural is a toxic by-product formulated from pretreatment processes of lignocellulosic biomass. In order to utilize the lignocellulosic biomass on isobutanol production, inhibitory effect of the furfural on isobutanol production was investigated and combinatorial application of two oxidoreductases, FucO and YqhD, was suggested as an alternative strategy. Furfural decreased cell growth and isobutanol production when only YqhD or FucO was employed as an isobutyraldehyde oxidoreductase. However, combinatorial overexpression of FucO and YqhD could overcome the inhibitory effect of furfural giving higher isobutanol production by 110% compared with overexpression of YqhD. The combinatorial oxidoreductases increased furfural detoxification rate 2.1-fold and also accelerated glucose consumption 1.4-fold. When it compares to another known system increasing furfural tolerance, membrane-bound transhydrogenase (pntAB), the combinatorial aldehyde oxidoreductases were better on cell growth and production. Thus, to control oxidoreductases is important to produce isobutanol using furfural-containing biomass and the combinatorial overexpression of FucO and YqhD can be an alternative strategy.

  6. Quinone 1 e – and 2 e – /2 H + Reduction Potentials: Identification and Analysis of Deviations from Systematic Scaling Relationships

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

    Huynh, Mioy T.; Anson, Colin W.; Cavell, Andrew C.

    Quinones participate in diverse electron transfer and proton-coupled electron transfer processes in chemistry and biology. An experimental study of common quinones reveals a non-linear correlation between the 1 e – and 2 e –/2 H + reduction potentials. This unexpected observation prompted a computational study of 128 different quinones, probing their 1 e – reduction potentials, pKa values, and 2 e –/2 H + reduction potentials. The density functional theory calculations reveal an approximately linear correlation between these three properties and an effective Hammett constant associated with the quinone substituent(s). However, deviations from this linear scaling relationship are evident formore » quinones that feature halogen substituents, charged substituents, intramolecular hydrogen bonding in the hydroquinone, and/or sterically bulky substituents. These results, particularly the different substituent effects on the 1 e – versus 2 e – /2 H + reduction potentials, have important implications for designing quinones with tailored redox properties.« less

  7. Computational design of molecules for an all-quinone redox flow battery† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: The list of computationally predicted candidate quinone molecules with interesting redox properties. See DOI: 10.1039/c4sc03030c Click here for additional data file.

    PubMed Central

    Er, Süleyman; Suh, Changwon; Marshak, Michael P.

    2015-01-01

    Inspired by the electron transfer properties of quinones in biological systems, we recently showed that quinones are also very promising electroactive materials for stationary energy storage applications. Due to the practically infinite chemical space of organic molecules, the discovery of additional quinones or other redox-active organic molecules for energy storage applications is an open field of inquiry. Here, we introduce a high-throughput computational screening approach that we applied to an accelerated study of a total of 1710 quinone (Q) and hydroquinone (QH2) (i.e., two-electron two-proton) redox couples. We identified the promising candidates for both the negative and positive sides of organic-based aqueous flow batteries, thus enabling an all-quinone battery. To further aid the development of additional interesting electroactive small molecules we also provide emerging quantitative structure-property relationships. PMID:29560173

  8. Determination of NAD + and NADH level in a Single Cell Under H 2O 2 Stress by Capillary Electrophoresis

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

    Xi, Wenjun

    2008-01-01

    A capillary electrophoresis (CE) method is developed to determine both NAD + and NADH levels in a single cell, based on an enzymatic cycling reaction. The detection limit can reach down to 0.2 amol NAD + and 1 amol NADH on a home-made CE-LIF setup. The method showed good reproducibility and specificity. After an intact cell was injected into the inlet of a capillary and lysed using a Tesla coil, intracellular NAD + and NADH were separated, incubated with the cycling buffer, and quantified by the amount of fluorescent product generated. NADH and NAD + levels of single cells ofmore » three cell lines and primary astrocyte culture were determined using this method. Comparing cellular NAD + and NADH levels with and without exposure to oxidative stress induced by H 2O 2, it was found that H9c2 cells respond to the stress by reducing both cellular NAD + and NADH levels, while astrocytes respond by increasing cellular NADH/NAD + ratio.« less

  9. Dual effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine dependent on NQO1 activity: Suppressive or promotive of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone-induced toxicity

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

    Toyooka, Tatsushi; Shinmen, Takuya; Aarts, Jac M.M.J.G.

    2012-11-01

    A typical antioxidant, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) generally protects cells from oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). 9,10-Phenanthrenequinone (9,10-PQ), a major quinone in diesel exhaust particles, produces ROS in redox cycling following two-electron reduction by NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), which has been considered as a cause of its cyto- and genotoxicity. In this study, we show that NAC unexpectedly augments the toxicity of 9,10-PQ in cells with low NQO1 activity. In four human skin cell lines, the expression and the activity of NQO1 were lower than in human adenocarcinoma cell lines, A549 and MCF7. In the skin cells, the cytotoxicitymore » of 9,10-PQ was significantly enhanced by addition of NAC. The formation of DNA double strand breaks accompanying phosphorylation of histone H2AX, was also remarkably augmented. On the other hand, the cyto- and genotoxicity were suppressed by addition of NAC in the adenocarcinoma cells. Two contrasting experiments: overexpression of NQO1 in CHO-K1 cells which originally expressed low NQO1 levels, and knock‐down of NQO1 in the adenocarcinoma cell line A549 by transfection of RNAi, also showed that NAC suppressed 9,10-PQ-induced toxicity in cell lines expressing high NQO1 activity and enhanced it in cell lines with low NQO1 activity. The results suggested that dual effects of NAC on the cyto- and genotoxicity of 9,10-PQ were dependent on tissue-specific NQO1 activity. -- Highlights: ► NAC augmented the cytotoxicity of 9,10-PQ in skin cell lines. ► 9,10-PQ-induced DSBs accompanying γ-H2AX were also augmented by NAC. ► NAC suppressed the cyto- and genotoxicity of 9,10-PQ in adenocarcinoma cell lines. ► The dual effects of NAC on toxicity of 9,10-PQ were dependent on NQO1 activity.« less

  10. UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase 1A Compromises Intracellular Accumulation and Anti-Cancer Effect of Tanshinone IIA in Human Colon Cancer Cells

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Miao; Wang, Qiong; Liu, Fang; Cheng, Xuefang; Wu, Xiaolan; Wang, Hong; Wu, Mengqiu; Ma, Ying; Wang, Guangji; Hao, Haiping

    2013-01-01

    Background and Purpose NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) mediated quinone reduction and subsequent UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) catalyzed glucuronidation is the dominant metabolic pathway of tanshinone IIA (TSA), a promising anti-cancer agent. UGTs are positively expressed in various tumor tissues and play an important role in the metabolic elimination of TSA. This study aims to explore the role of UGT1A in determining the intracellular accumulation and the resultant apoptotic effect of TSA. Experimental Approach We examined TSA intracellular accumulation and glucuronidation in HT29 (UGT1A positive) and HCT116 (UGT1A negative) human colon cancer cell lines. We also examined TSA-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cytotoxicity and apoptotic effect in HT29 and HCT116 cells to investigate whether UGT1A levels are directly associated with TSA anti-cancer effect. UGT1A siRNA or propofol, a UGT1A9 competitive inhibitor, was used to inhibit UGT1A expression or UGT1A9 activity. Key Results Multiple UGT1A isoforms are positively expressed in HT29 but not in HCT116 cells. Cellular S9 fractions prepared from HT29 cells exhibit strong glucuronidation activity towards TSA, which can be inhibited by propofol or UGT1A siRNA interference. TSA intracellular accumulation in HT29 cells is much lower than that in HCT116 cells, which correlates with high expression levels of UGT1A in HT29 cells. Consistently, TSA induces less intracellular ROS, cytotoxicity, and apoptotic effect in HT29 cells than those in HCT116 cells. Pretreatment of HT29 cells with UGT1A siRNA or propofol can decrease TSA glucuronidation and simultaneously improve its intracellular accumulation, as well as enhance TSA anti-cancer effect. Conclusions and Implications UGT1A can compromise TSA cytotoxicity via reducing its intracellular exposure and switching the NQO1-triggered redox cycle to metabolic elimination. Our study may shed a light in understanding the cellular pharmacokinetic and molecular mechanism by which UGTs determine the chemotherapy effects of drugs that are UGTs’ substrates. PMID:24244442

  11. The oxidation of reduced nicotinamide nucleotides by hydrogen peroxide in the presence of lactoperoxidase and thiocyanate, iodide or bromide

    PubMed Central

    McC. Hogg, D.; Jago, G. R.

    1970-01-01

    Lactoperoxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) catalysed the oxidation of NADH by hydrogen peroxide in the presence of either thiocyanate, iodide or bromide. In the presence of thiocyanate, net oxidation of thiocyanate occurred simultaneously with the oxidation of NADH, but in the presence of iodide or bromide, only the oxidation of NADH occurred to a significant extent. In the presence of thiocyanate or bromide, NADH was oxidized to NAD+ but in the presence of iodide, an oxidation product with spectral and chemical properties distinct from NAD+ was formed. Thiocyanate, iodide and bromide appeared to function in the oxidation of NADH by themselves being oxidized to products which in turn oxidized NADH, rather than by activating the enzyme. Iodine, which oxidized NADH non-enzymically, appeared to be an intermediate in the oxidation of NADH in the presence of iodide. NADPH was oxidized similarly under the same conditions. An assessment was made of the rates of these oxidation reactions, together with the rates of other lactoperoxidase-catalysed reactions, at physiological concentrations of thiocyanate, iodide and bromide. The results indicated that in milk and saliva the oxidation of thiocyanate to a bacterial inhibitor was likely to predominate over the oxidation of NADH. PMID:4317722

  12. Rational design of engineered microbial cell surface multi-enzyme co-display system for sustainable NADH regeneration from low-cost biomass.

    PubMed

    Han, Lei; Liang, Bo; Song, Jianxia

    2018-02-01

    As an important cofactor, NADH is essential for most redox reactions and biofuel cells. However, supply of exogenous NADH is challenged, due to the low production efficiency and high cost of NADH regeneration system, as well as low stability of NADH. Here, we constructed a novel cell surface multi-enzyme co-display system with ratio- and space-controllable manner as exogenous NADH regeneration system for the sustainable NADH production from low-cost biomass. Dockerin-fused glucoamylase (GA) and glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) were expressed and assembled on the engineered bacterial surfaces, which displayed protein scaffolds with various combinations of different cohesins. When the ratio of GA and GDH was 3:1, the NADH production rate of the whole-cell biocatalyst reached the highest level using starch as substrate, which was three times higher than that of mixture of free enzymes, indicating that the highly ordered spatial organization of enzymes would promote reactions, due to the ratio of enzymes and proximity effect. To confirm performance of the established NADH regeneration system, the highly efficient synthesis of L-lactic acid (L-LA) was conducted by the system and the yield of L-LA (16 g/L) was twice higher than that of the mixture of free enzymes. The multi-enzyme co-display system showed good stability in the cyclic utilization. In conclusion, the novel sustainable NADH system would provide a cost-effective strategy to regenerate cofactor from low-cost biomass.

  13. Determining the Extremes of the Cellular NAD(H) Level by Using an Escherichia coli NAD+-Auxotrophic Mutant ▿

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Yongjin; Wang, Lei; Yang, Fan; Lin, Xinping; Zhang, Sufang; Zhao, Zongbao K.

    2011-01-01

    NAD (NAD+) and its reduced form (NADH) are omnipresent cofactors in biological systems. However, it is difficult to determine the extremes of the cellular NAD(H) level in live cells because the NAD+ level is tightly controlled by a biosynthesis regulation mechanism. Here, we developed a strategy to determine the extreme NAD(H) levels in Escherichia coli cells that were genetically engineered to be NAD+ auxotrophic. First, we expressed the ntt4 gene encoding the NAD(H) transporter in the E. coli mutant YJE001, which had a deletion of the nadC gene responsible for NAD+ de novo biosynthesis, and we showed NTT4 conferred on the mutant strain better growth in the presence of exogenous NAD+. We then constructed the NAD+-auxotrophic mutant YJE003 by disrupting the essential gene nadE, which is responsible for the last step of NAD+ biosynthesis in cells harboring the ntt4 gene. The minimal NAD+ level was determined in M9 medium in proliferating YJE003 cells that were preloaded with NAD+, while the maximal NAD(H) level was determined by exposing the cells to high concentrations of exogenous NAD(H). Compared with supplementation of NADH, cells grew faster and had a higher intracellular NAD(H) level when NAD+ was fed. The intracellular NAD(H) level increased with the increase of exogenous NAD+ concentration, until it reached a plateau. Thus, a minimal NAD(H) level of 0.039 mM and a maximum of 8.49 mM were determined, which were 0.044× and 9.6× those of wild-type cells, respectively. Finally, the potential application of this strategy in biotechnology is briefly discussed. PMID:21742902

  14. Characterization of Frex as an NADH sensor for in vivo applications in the presence of NAD+ and at various pH values.

    PubMed

    Wilkening, Svea; Schmitt, Franz-Josef; Horch, Marius; Zebger, Ingo; Lenz, Oliver; Friedrich, Thomas

    2017-09-01

    The fluorescent biosensor Frex, recently introduced as a sensitive tool to quantify the NADH concentration in living cells, was characterized by time-integrated and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy regarding its applicability for in vivo measurements. Based on the purified sensor protein, it is shown that the NADH dependence of Frex fluorescence can be described by a Hill function with a concentration of half-maximal sensor response of K D  ≈ 4 µM and a Hill coefficient of n ≈ 2. Increasing concentrations of NADH have moderate effects on the fluorescence lifetime of Frex, which changes by a factor of two from about 500 ps in the absence of NADH to 1 ns under fluorescence-saturating NADH concentrations. Therefore, the observed sevenfold rise of the fluorescence intensity is primarily ascribed to amplitude changes. Notably, the dynamic range of Frex sensitivity towards NADH highly depends on the NAD + concentration, while the apparent K D for NADH is only slightly affected. We found that NAD + has a strong inhibitory effect on the fluorescence response of Frex during NADH sensing, with an apparent NAD + dissociation constant of K I  ≈ 400 µM. This finding was supported by fluorescence lifetime measurements, which showed that the addition of NAD + hardly affects the fluorescence lifetime, but rather reduces the number of Frex molecules that are able to bind NADH. Furthermore, the fluorescence responses of Frex to NADH and NAD + depend critically on pH and temperature. Thus, for in vivo applications of Frex, temperature and pH need to be strictly controlled or considered during data acquisition and analysis. If all these constraints are properly met, Frex fluorescence intensity measurements can be employed to estimate the minimum NADH concentration present within the cell at sufficiently low NAD + concentrations below 100 µM.

  15. Role of chlorogenic acid quinone and interaction of chlorogenic acid quinone and catechins in the enzymatic browning of apple.

    PubMed

    Amaki, Kanako; Saito, Eri; Taniguchi, Kumiko; Joshita, Keiko; Murata, Masatsune

    2011-01-01

    Chlorogenic acid (CQA) is one of the major polyphenols in apple and a good substrate for the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in apple. Apple contains catechins as well as CQA, and the role of CQA quinone and its interaction with catechins in the enzymatic browning of apple were examined. Browning was repressed and 2-cysteinyl-CQA was formed when cysteine was added to apple juice. CQA quinone was essential for browning to occur. Although catechins and CQA were oxidized by PPO, some catechins seemed to be non-enzymatically oxidized by CQA quinone.

  16. 4-Hydroxylated metabolites of the antiestrogens tamoxifen and toremifene are metabolized to unusually stable quinone methides.

    PubMed

    Fan, P W; Zhang, F; Bolton, J L

    2000-01-01

    Tamoxifen is widely prescribed for the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer, and it has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the chemoprevention of this disease. However, long-term usage of tamoxifen has been linked to increased risk of developing endometrial cancer in women. One of the suggested pathways leading to the potential toxicity of tamoxifen involves its oxidative metabolism to 4-hydroxytamoxifen, which may be further oxidized to an electrophilic quinone methide. The resulting quinone methide has the potential to alkylate DNA and may initiate the carcinogenic process. To further probe the chemical reactivity and toxicity of such an electrophilic species, we have prepared the 4-hydroxytamoxifen quinone methide chemically and enzymatically, examined its reactivity under physiological conditions, and quantified its reactivity with GSH. Interestingly, this quinone methide is unusually stable; its half-life under physiological conditions is approximately 3 h, and its half-life in the presence of GSH is approximately 4 min. The reaction between 4-hydroxytamoxifen quinone methide and GSH appears to be a reversible process because the quinone methide GSH conjugates slowly decompose over time, regenerating the quinone methide as indicated by LC/MS/MS data. The tamoxifen GSH conjugates were detected in microsomal incubations with 4-hydroxytamoxifen; however, none were observed in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) perhaps because very little quinone methides is formed. Toremifene, which is a chlorinated analogue of tamoxifen, undergoes similar oxidative metabolism to give 4-hydroxytoremifene, which is further oxidized to the corresponding quinone methide. The toremifene quinone methide has a half-life of approximately 1 h under physiological conditions, and its rate of reaction in the presence of excess GSH is approximately 6 min. More detailed analyses have indicated that the 4-hydroxytoremifene quinone methide reacts with two molecules of GSH and loses chlorine to give the corresponding di-GSH conjugates. The reaction mechanism likely involves an episulfonium ion intermediate which may contribute to the potential cytotoxic effects of toremifene. Similar to what was observed with 4-hydroxytamoxifen, 4-hydroxytoremifene was metabolized to di-GSH conjugates in microsomal incubations at about 3 times the rate of 4-hydroxytamoxifen, although no conjugates were detected with MCF-7 cells. Finally, these data suggest that quinone methide formation may not make a significant contribution to the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of tamoxifen and toremifene.

  17. 40 CFR 174.524 - Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or GOXv247 in all plants; exemption from the requirement of a...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or... REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANT-INCORPORATED PROTECTANTS Tolerances and Tolerance Exemptions § 174.524 Glyphosate... Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or GOXv247 enzyme in all plants are exempt from the requirement of a tolerance...

  18. 40 CFR 174.524 - Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or GOXv247 in all plants; exemption from the requirement of a...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or... REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANT-INCORPORATED PROTECTANTS Tolerances and Tolerance Exemptions § 174.524 Glyphosate... Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or GOXv247 enzyme in all plants are exempt from the requirement of a tolerance...

  19. 40 CFR 174.524 - Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or GOXv247 in all plants; exemption from the requirement of a...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or... REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANT-INCORPORATED PROTECTANTS Tolerances and Tolerance Exemptions § 174.524 Glyphosate... Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or GOXv247 enzyme in all plants are exempt from the requirement of a tolerance...

  20. 40 CFR 174.524 - Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or GOXv247 in all plants; exemption from the requirement of a...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or... REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANT-INCORPORATED PROTECTANTS Tolerances and Tolerance Exemptions § 174.524 Glyphosate... Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or GOXv247 enzyme in all plants are exempt from the requirement of a tolerance...

  1. 40 CFR 174.524 - Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or GOXv247 in all plants; exemption from the requirement of a...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 23 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or... REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANT-INCORPORATED PROTECTANTS Tolerances and Tolerance Exemptions § 174.524 Glyphosate... Glyphosate Oxidoreductase GOX or GOXv247 enzyme in all plants are exempt from the requirement of a tolerance...

  2. Quinone-induced protein handling changes: Implications for major protein handling systems in quinone-mediated toxicity

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

    Xiong, Rui; Siegel, David; Ross, David, E-mail: david.ross@ucdenver.edu

    2014-10-15

    Para-quinones such as 1,4-Benzoquinone (BQ) and menadione (MD) and ortho-quinones including the oxidation products of catecholamines, are derived from xenobiotics as well as endogenous molecules. The effects of quinones on major protein handling systems in cells; the 20/26S proteasome, the ER stress response, autophagy, chaperone proteins and aggresome formation, have not been investigated in a systematic manner. Both BQ and aminochrome (AC) inhibited proteasomal activity and activated the ER stress response and autophagy in rat dopaminergic N27 cells. AC also induced aggresome formation while MD had little effect on any protein handling systems in N27 cells. The effect of NQO1more » on quinone induced protein handling changes and toxicity was examined using N27 cells stably transfected with NQO1 to generate an isogenic NQO1-overexpressing line. NQO1 protected against BQ–induced apoptosis but led to a potentiation of AC- and MD-induced apoptosis. Modulation of quinone-induced apoptosis in N27 and NQO1-overexpressing cells correlated only with changes in the ER stress response and not with changes in other protein handling systems. These data suggested that NQO1 modulated the ER stress response to potentiate toxicity of AC and MD, but protected against BQ toxicity. We further demonstrated that NQO1 mediated reduction to unstable hydroquinones and subsequent redox cycling was important for the activation of the ER stress response and toxicity for both AC and MD. In summary, our data demonstrate that quinone-specific changes in protein handling are evident in N27 cells and the induction of the ER stress response is associated with quinone-mediated toxicity. - Highlights: • Unstable hydroquinones contributed to quinone-induced ER stress and toxicity.« less

  3. Computational design of molecules for an all-quinone redox flow battery.

    PubMed

    Er, Süleyman; Suh, Changwon; Marshak, Michael P; Aspuru-Guzik, Alán

    2015-02-01

    Inspired by the electron transfer properties of quinones in biological systems, we recently showed that quinones are also very promising electroactive materials for stationary energy storage applications. Due to the practically infinite chemical space of organic molecules, the discovery of additional quinones or other redox-active organic molecules for energy storage applications is an open field of inquiry. Here, we introduce a high-throughput computational screening approach that we applied to an accelerated study of a total of 1710 quinone (Q) and hydroquinone (QH 2 ) ( i.e. , two-electron two-proton) redox couples. We identified the promising candidates for both the negative and positive sides of organic-based aqueous flow batteries, thus enabling an all-quinone battery. To further aid the development of additional interesting electroactive small molecules we also provide emerging quantitative structure-property relationships.

  4. Design and Synthesis of Novel Isoxazole Tethered Quinone-Amino Acid Hybrids

    PubMed Central

    Ravi Kumar, P.; Sambaiah, M.; Kandula, Venu; Payili, Nagaraju; Jaya Shree, A.; Yennam, Satyanarayana

    2014-01-01

    A new series of isoxazole tethered quinone-amino acid hybrids has been designed and synthesized involving 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction followed by an oxidation reaction using cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN). Using this method, for the first time various isoxazole tethered quinone-phenyl alanine and quinone-alanine hybrids were synthesized from simple commercially available 4-bromobenzyl bromide, propargyl bromide, and 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde in good yield. PMID:25709839

  5. Design and synthesis of novel isoxazole tethered quinone-amino Acid hybrids.

    PubMed

    Ravi Kumar, P; Behera, Manoranjan; Sambaiah, M; Kandula, Venu; Payili, Nagaraju; Jaya Shree, A; Yennam, Satyanarayana

    2014-01-01

    A new series of isoxazole tethered quinone-amino acid hybrids has been designed and synthesized involving 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction followed by an oxidation reaction using cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN). Using this method, for the first time various isoxazole tethered quinone-phenyl alanine and quinone-alanine hybrids were synthesized from simple commercially available 4-bromobenzyl bromide, propargyl bromide, and 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde in good yield.

  6. Photosensitized oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide by diethoxyphosphorus(V)tetraphenylporphyrin and its fluorinated derivative: Possibility of chain reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hirakawa, Kazutaka; Murata, Atsushi

    2018-01-01

    Water-soluble porphyrins, diethoxyphosphorus(V)tetraphenylporphyrin (EtP(V)TPP) and its fluorinated analogue (FEtP(V)TPP), decreased the typical absorption around 340 nm of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) under visible light irradiation, indicating oxidative decomposition. A singlet oxygen quencher, sodium azide, and a triplet quencher, potassium iodide, slightly inhibited photosensitized NADH oxidation. However, these inhibitory effects were very small. Furthermore, the fluorescence lifetime of these P(V)porphyrins was decreased by NADH, suggesting the contribution of electron transfer to the singlet excited (S1) state of P(V)porphyrin. The redox potential measurement supports the electron transfer-mediated oxidation of NADH. The quantum yields of NADH photodecomposition by P(V)porphyrins could be estimated from the kinetic data and the effect of these quenchers on NADH oxidation. The obtained values suggest that the electron accepting by the S1 states of P(V)porphyrins triggers a chain reaction of NADH oxidation. This photosensitized reaction may play an important role in the photocytotoxicity of P(V)porphyrins. The axial ligand fluorination of P(V)porphyrins improved electron accepting ability. However, fluorination slightly suppressed static interaction with NADH, resulting in decreased oxidation quantum yield.

  7. Multiphoton fluorescence imaging of NADH to quantify metabolic changes in epileptic tissue in vitro

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chia, Thomas H.; Zinter, Joseph; Spencer, Dennis D.; Williamson, Anne; Levene, Michael J.

    2007-02-01

    A powerful advantage of multiphoton microscopy is its ability to image endogenous fluorophores such as the ubiquitous coenzyme NADH in discrete cellular populations. NADH is integral in both oxidative and non-oxidative cellular metabolism. NADH loses fluorescence upon oxidation to NAD +; thus changes in NADH fluorescence can be used to monitor metabolism. Recent studies have suggested that hypo metabolic astrocytes play an important role in cases of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Current theories suggest this may be due to defective and/or a reduced number of mitochondria or dysfunction of the neuronal-astrocytic metabolic coupling. Measuring NADH fluorescence changes following chemical stimulation enables the quantification of the cellular distribution of metabolic anomalies in epileptic brain tissue compared to healthy tissue. We present what we believe to be the first multiphoton microscopy images of NADH from the human brain. We also present images of NADH fluorescence from the hippocampus of the kainate-treated rat TLE model. In some experiments, human and rat astrocytes were selectively labeled with the fluorescent dye sulforhodamine 101 (SR101). Our results demonstrate that multiphoton microscopy is a powerful tool for assaying the metabolic pathologies associated with temporal lobe epilepsy in humans and in rodent models.

  8. Reverse electron transport effects on NADH formation and metmyoglobin reduction.

    PubMed

    Belskie, K M; Van Buiten, C B; Ramanathan, R; Mancini, R A

    2015-07-01

    The objective was to determine if NADH generated via reverse electron flow in beef mitochondria can be used for electron transport-mediated reduction and metmyoglobin reductase pathways. Beef mitochondria were isolated from bovine hearts (n=5) and reacted with combinations of succinate, NAD, and mitochondrial inhibitors to measure oxygen consumption and NADH formation. Mitochondria and metmyoglobin were reacted with succinate, NAD, and mitochondrial inhibitors to measure electron transport-mediated metmyoglobin reduction and metmyoglobin reductase activity. Addition of succinate and NAD increased oxygen consumption, NADH formation, electron transport-mediated metmyoglobin reduction, and reductase activity (p<0.05). Addition of antimycin A prevented electron flow beyond complex III, therefore, decreasing oxygen consumption and electron transport-mediated metmyoglobin reduction. Addition of rotenone prevented reverse electron flow, increased oxygen consumption, increased electron transport-mediated metmyoglobin reduction, and decreased NADH formation. Succinate and NAD can generate NADH in bovine tissue postmortem via reverse electron flow and this NADH can be used by both electron transport-mediated and metmyoglobin reductase pathways. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Semiquinone formation and DNA base damage by toxic quinones and inhibition by N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

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

    Lewis, D.C.; Shibamoto, T.

    1986-03-05

    Toxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic effects have been reported for some quinones as well as compounds metabolized to quinones. Semiquinone radical formation, thymidine degradation, and protection by NAC were studied in a hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase (HX/XO) system. Quinone, benzo(a)pyrene-3,6-quinone, danthron, doxorubicin, emodin, juglone, menadione, and moniliformin were tested. Diethylstilbestrolquinone, N-acetylquinoneimine, and benzoquinonediimine, hypothesized toxic metabolites of diethylstilbestrol, acetaminophen and p-phenylenediamine, respectively, were synthesized and studied. Semiquinone radical formation was assessed in a HX/XO system monitoring cytochrome C reduction. Large differences in rates of semiquinone radical formation were noted for different quinones, with V/Vo values ranging from 1.2 to 10.6. DNA basemore » degradation, thymine or thymidine glycol formation, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) production were measured in a similar system containing thymine, thymidine, calf thymus DNA, or deoxyribose. TBARS formation was observed with deoxyribose, but thymidine degradation without TBARS formation was noted with thymidine. NAC (0.5 to 10 mM) caused dose-dependent inhibition of quinone-induced cytochrome C reduction.« less

  10. QUINONE METHIDES IN LIGNIFICATION

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Quinone methides play an important role in lignification. They are produced directly, as intermediates, when lignin monomers, be they hydroxycinnamyl alcohols, hydroxycinnamaldehydes, or hydroxycinnamates, couple or cross-couple at their 8-positions. A variety of post-coupling quinone methide rearom...

  11. Bioactivation of tamoxifen to metabolite E quinone methide: reaction with glutathione and DNA.

    PubMed

    Fan, P W; Bolton, J L

    2001-06-01

    Despite the beneficial effects of tamoxifen in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, long-term usage of this popular antiestrogen has been linked to an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer in women. One of the suggested pathways leading to the potential toxicity of tamoxifen involves its oxidative metabolism to 4-hydroxytamoxifen, which may be further oxidized to an electrophilic quinone methide. Alternatively, tamoxifen could undergo O-dealkylation to give cis/trans-1,2-diphenyl-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-but-1-ene, which is commonly known as metabolite E. Because of its structural similarity to 4-hydroxytamoxifen, metabolite E could also be biotransformed to a quinone methide, which has the potential to alkylate DNA and may contribute to the genotoxic effects of tamoxifen. To further probe the chemical reactivity/toxicity of such an electrophilic species, we have prepared metabolite E quinone methide chemically and enzymatically and examined its reactivity with glutathione (GSH) and DNA. Like 4-hydroxytamoxifen quinone methide, metabolite E quinone methide is quite stable; its half-life under physiological conditions is around 4 h, and its half-life in the presence of GSH is approximately 4 min. However, unlike the unstable GSH adducts of 4-hydroxytamoxifen quinone methide, metabolite E GSH adducts are stable enough to be isolated and characterized by NMR and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Reaction of metabolite E quinone methide with DNA generated exclusively deoxyguanosine adducts, which were characterized by LC/MS/MS. These data suggest that metabolite E has the potential to cause cytotoxicity/genotoxicity through the formation of a quinone methide.

  12. Isoprenoid quinones resolve the stratification of microbial redox processes in a biogeochemical continuum from the photic zone to deep anoxic sediments of the Black Sea.

    PubMed

    Becker, Kevin W; Elling, Felix J; Schröder, Jan M; Lipp, Julius S; Goldhammer, Tobias; Zabel, Matthias; Elvert, Marcus; Overmann, Jörg; Hinrichs, Kai-Uwe

    2018-03-09

    The stratified water column of the Black Sea serves as a model ecosystem for studying the interactions of microorganisms with major biogeochemical cycles. Here we provide detailed analysis of isoprenoid quinones to study microbial redox processes in the ocean. In a continuum from the photic zone through the chemocline into deep anoxic sediments of the southern Black Sea, diagnostic quinones and inorganic geochemical parameters indicate niche segregation between redox processes and corresponding shifts in microbial community composition. Quinones specific for oxygenic photosynthesis and aerobic respiration dominate oxic waters, while quinones associated with thaumarchaeal ammonia-oxidation and bacterial methanotrophy, respectively, dominate a narrow interval in suboxic waters. Quinone distributions indicate highest metabolic diversity within the anoxic zone, with anoxygenic photosynthesis being a major process in its photic layer. In the dark anoxic layer, quinone profiles indicate occurrence of bacterial sulfur and nitrogen cycling, archaeal methanogenesis, and archaeal methanotrophy. Multiple novel ubiquinone isomers, possibly originating from unidentified intra-aerobic anaerobes, occur in this zone. The respiration modes found in the anoxic zone continue into shallow subsurface sediments, but quinone abundances rapidly decrease within the upper 50 cm below sea floor, reflecting the transition to lower energy availability. In the deep subseafloor sediments, quinone distributions and geochemical profiles indicate archaeal methanogenesis/methanotrophy and potentially bacterial fermentative metabolisms. We observed that sedimentary quinone distributions track lithology, which supports prior hypotheses that deep biosphere community composition and metabolisms are determined by environmental conditions during sediment deposition. Importance Microorganisms play crucial roles in global biogeochemical cycles. Yet, we have only a fragmentary understanding of the diversity of microorganisms and their metabolisms, as the majority remains uncultured. Thus, culture-independent approaches are critical for determining microbial diversity and active metabolic processes. In order to resolve the stratification of microbial communities in the Black Sea, we comprehensively analyzed redox process-specific isoprenoid quinone biomarkers in a unique continuous record from the photic zone through the chemocline into anoxic subsurface sediments. We describe an unprecedented quinone diversity that allowed us to detect distinct biogeochemical processes including oxygenic photosynthesis, archaeal ammonia oxidation, aerobic methanotrophy and anoxygenic photosynthesis in defined geochemical zones. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

  13. Impact of overexpressing NADH kinase on glucose and xylose metabolism in recombinant xylose-utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

    PubMed

    Hou, Jin; Vemuri, Goutham N; Bao, Xiaoming; Olsson, Lisbeth

    2009-04-01

    During growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on glucose, the redox cofactors NADH and NADPH are predominantly involved in catabolism and biosynthesis, respectively. A deviation from the optimal level of these cofactors often results in major changes in the substrate uptake and biomass formation. However, the metabolism of xylose by recombinant S. cerevisiae carrying xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase from the fungal pathway requires both NADH and NADPH and creates cofactor imbalance during growth on xylose. As one possible solution to overcoming this imbalance, the effect of overexpressing the native NADH kinase (encoded by the POS5 gene) in xylose-consuming recombinant S. cerevisiae directed either into the cytosol or to the mitochondria was evaluated. The physiology of the NADH kinase containing strains was also evaluated during growth on glucose. Overexpressing NADH kinase in the cytosol redirected carbon flow from CO(2) to ethanol during aerobic growth on glucose and to ethanol and acetate during anaerobic growth on glucose. However, cytosolic NADH kinase has an opposite effect during anaerobic metabolism of xylose consumption by channeling carbon flow from ethanol to xylitol. In contrast, overexpressing NADH kinase in the mitochondria did not affect the physiology to a large extent. Overall, although NADH kinase did not increase the rate of xylose consumption, we believe that it can provide an important source of NADPH in yeast, which can be useful for metabolic engineering strategies where the redox fluxes are manipulated.

  14. The Role of Oxidoreductases in Determining the Function of the Neisserial Lipid A Phosphoethanolamine Transferase Required for Resistance to Polymyxin

    PubMed Central

    Piek, Susannah; Wang, Zhirui; Ganguly, Jhuma; Lakey, Adam M.; Bartley, Stephanie N.; Mowlaboccus, Shakeel; Anandan, Anandhi; Stubbs, Keith A.; Scanlon, Martin J.; Vrielink, Alice; Azadi, Parastoo; Carlson, Russell W.; Kahler, Charlene M.

    2014-01-01

    The decoration of the lipid A headgroups of the lipooligosaccharide (LOS) by the LOS phosphoethanolamine (PEA) transferase (LptA) in Neisseria spp. is central for resistance to polymyxin. The structure of the globular domain of LptA shows that the protein has five disulphide bonds, indicating that it is a potential substrate of the protein oxidation pathway in the bacterial periplasm. When neisserial LptA was expressed in Escherichia coli in the presence of the oxidoreductase, EcDsbA, polymyxin resistance increased 30-fold. LptA decorated one position of the E. coli lipid A headgroups with PEA. In the absence of the EcDsbA, LptA was degraded in E. coli. Neisseria spp. express three oxidoreductases, DsbA1, DsbA2 and DsbA3, each of which appear to donate disulphide bonds to different targets. Inactivation of each oxidoreductase in N. meningitidis enhanced sensitivity to polymyxin with combinatorial mutants displaying an additive increase in sensitivity to polymyxin, indicating that the oxidoreductases were required for multiple pathways leading to polymyxin resistance. Correlates were sought between polymyxin sensitivity, LptA stability or activity and the presence of each of the neisserial oxidoreductases. Only meningococcal mutants lacking DsbA3 had a measurable decrease in the amount of PEA decoration on lipid A headgroups implying that LptA stability was supported by the presence of DsbA3 but did not require DsbA1/2 even though these oxidoreductases could oxidise the protein. This is the first indication that DsbA3 acts as an oxidoreductase in vivo and that multiple oxidoreductases may be involved in oxidising the one target in N. meningitidis. In conclusion, LptA is stabilised by disulphide bonds within the protein. This effect was more pronounced when neisserial LptA was expressed in E. coli than in N. meningitidis and may reflect that other factors in the neisserial periplasm have a role in LptA stability. PMID:25215579

  15. Photosensitized oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide by diethoxyphosphorus(V)tetraphenylporphyrin and its fluorinated derivative: Possibility of chain reaction.

    PubMed

    Hirakawa, Kazutaka; Murata, Atsushi

    2018-01-05

    Water-soluble porphyrins, diethoxyphosphorus(V)tetraphenylporphyrin (EtP(V)TPP) and its fluorinated analogue (FEtP(V)TPP), decreased the typical absorption around 340nm of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) under visible light irradiation, indicating oxidative decomposition. A singlet oxygen quencher, sodium azide, and a triplet quencher, potassium iodide, slightly inhibited photosensitized NADH oxidation. However, these inhibitory effects were very small. Furthermore, the fluorescence lifetime of these P(V)porphyrins was decreased by NADH, suggesting the contribution of electron transfer to the singlet excited (S 1 ) state of P(V)porphyrin. The redox potential measurement supports the electron transfer-mediated oxidation of NADH. The quantum yields of NADH photodecomposition by P(V)porphyrins could be estimated from the kinetic data and the effect of these quenchers on NADH oxidation. The obtained values suggest that the electron accepting by the S 1 states of P(V)porphyrins triggers a chain reaction of NADH oxidation. This photosensitized reaction may play an important role in the photocytotoxicity of P(V)porphyrins. The axial ligand fluorination of P(V)porphyrins improved electron accepting ability. However, fluorination slightly suppressed static interaction with NADH, resulting in decreased oxidation quantum yield. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Nrf2 promotes neuronal cell differentiation.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Fei; Wu, Tongde; Lau, Alexandria; Jiang, Tao; Huang, Zheping; Wang, Xiao-Jun; Chen, Weimin; Wong, Pak Kin; Zhang, Donna D

    2009-09-15

    The transcription factor Nrf2 has emerged as a master regulator of the endogenous antioxidant response, which is critical in defending cells against environmental insults and in maintaining intracellular redox balance. However, whether Nrf2 has any role in neuronal cell differentiation is largely unknown. In this report, we have examined the effects of Nrf2 on cell differentiation using a neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y. Retinoic acid (RA) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate, two well-studied inducers of neuronal differentiation, are able to induce Nrf2 and its target gene NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. RA-induced Nrf2 up-regulation is accompanied by neurite outgrowth and an induction of two neuronal differentiation markers, neurofilament-M and microtubule-associated protein 2. Overexpression of Nrf2 in SH-SY5Y cells promotes neuronal differentiation, whereas inhibition of endogenous Nrf2 expression inhibited neuronal differentiation. More remarkably, the positive role of Nrf2 in neuronal differentiation was verified ex vivo in primary neuron culture. Primary neurons isolated from Nrf2-null mice showed a retarded progress in differentiation, compared to those from wild-type mice. Collectively, our data demonstrate a novel role for Nrf2 in promoting neuronal cell differentiation, which will open new perspectives for therapeutic uses of Nrf2 activators in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

  17. Proteomic analysis of cow, yak, buffalo, goat and camel milk whey proteins: quantitative differential expression patterns.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yongxin; Bu, Dengpan; Zhao, Xiaowei; Sun, Peng; Wang, Jiaqi; Zhou, Lingyun

    2013-04-05

    To aid in unraveling diverse genetic and biological unknowns, a proteomic approach was used to analyze the whey proteome in cow, yak, buffalo, goat, and camel milk based on the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) techniques. This analysis is the first to produce proteomic data for the milk from the above-mentioned animal species: 211 proteins have been identified and 113 proteins have been categorized according to molecular function, cellular components, and biological processes based on gene ontology annotation. The results of principal component analysis showed significant differences in proteomic patterns among goat, camel, cow, buffalo, and yak milk. Furthermore, 177 differentially expressed proteins were submitted to advanced hierarchical clustering. The resulting clustering pattern included three major sample clusters: (1) cow, buffalo, and yak milk; (2) goat, cow, buffalo, and yak milk; and (3) camel milk. Certain proteins were chosen as characterization traits for a given species: whey acidic protein and quinone oxidoreductase for camel milk, biglycan for goat milk, uncharacterized protein (Accession Number: F1MK50 ) for yak milk, clusterin for buffalo milk, and primary amine oxidase for cow milk. These results help reveal the quantitative milk whey proteome pattern for analyzed species. This provides information for evaluating adulteration of specific specie milk and may provide potential directions for application of specific milk protein production based on physiological differences among animal species.

  18. Natural antioxidants exhibit chemopreventive characteristics through the regulation of CNC b-Zip transcription factors in estrogen-induced breast carcinogenesis.

    PubMed

    Chatterjee, Anwesha; Ronghe, Amruta; Singh, Bhupendra; Bhat, Nimee K; Chen, Jie; Bhat, Hari K

    2014-12-01

    The objective of the present study was to characterize the role of resveratrol (Res) and vitamin C (VC) in prevention of estrogen-induced breast cancer through regulation of cap "n"collar (CNC) b-zip transcription factors. Human breast epithelial cell line MCF-10A was treated with 17β-estradiol (E2) and VC or Res with or without E2. mRNA and protein expression levels of CNC b-zip transcription factors nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1 (Nrf1), nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 3 (Nrf3), and Nrf2-regulated antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were quantified. The treatment with E2 suppressed, whereas VC and Res prevented E2-mediated decrease in the expression levels of SOD3, NQO1, Nrf2 mRNA, and protein in MCF-10A cells. The treatment with E2, Res, or VC significantly increased mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf1. 17β-Estradiol treatment significantly increased but VC or Res decreased Nrf3 mRNA and protein expression levels. Our studies demonstrate that estrogen-induced breast cancer might be prevented through upregulation of antioxidant enzymes via Nrf-dependent pathways. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. RNA transcript sequencing reveals inorganic sulfur compound oxidation pathways in the acidophile Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans.

    PubMed

    Christel, Stephan; Fridlund, Jimmy; Buetti-Dinh, Antoine; Buck, Moritz; Watkin, Elizabeth L; Dopson, Mark

    2016-04-01

    Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans is an acidophile implicated in low-temperature biomining for the recovery of metals from sulfide minerals. Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans obtains its energy from the oxidation of inorganic sulfur compounds, and genes encoding several alternative pathways have been identified. Next-generation sequencing of At. ferrivorans RNA transcripts identified the genes coding for metabolic and electron transport proteins for energy conservation from tetrathionate as electron donor. RNA transcripts suggested that tetrathionate was hydrolyzed by the tetH1 gene product to form thiosulfate, elemental sulfur and sulfate. Despite two of the genes being truncated, RNA transcripts for the SoxXYZAB complex had higher levels than for thiosulfate quinone oxidoreductase (doxDAgenes). However, a lack of heme-binding sites in soxX suggested that DoxDA was responsible for thiosulfate metabolism. Higher RNA transcript counts also suggested that elemental sulfur was metabolized by heterodisulfide reductase (hdrgenes) rather than sulfur oxygenase reductase (sor). The sulfite produced as a product of heterodisulfide reductase was suggested to be oxidized by a pathway involving the sat gene product or abiotically react with elemental sulfur to form thiosulfate. Finally, several electron transport complexes were involved in energy conservation. This study has elucidated the previously unknown At. ferrivorans tetrathionate metabolic pathway that is important in biomining. © FEMS 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  20. Fermented wheat powder induces the antioxidant and detoxifying system in primary rat hepatocytes.

    PubMed

    La Marca, Margherita; Beffy, Pascale; Pugliese, Annalisa; Longo, Vincenzo

    2013-01-01

    Many plants exhibit antioxidant properties which may be useful in the prevention of oxidative stress reactions, such as those mediated by the formation of free radical species in different pathological situations. In recent years a number of studies have shown that whole grain products in particular have strong antioxidant activity. Primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were used to investigate whether and how a fermented powder of wheat (Lisosan G) is able to modulate antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, and whether or not it can activate Nrf2 transcription factor or inhibit NF-kB activation. All of the antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes studied were significantly up-regulated by 0.7 mg/ml Lisosan G treatment. In particular, quinone oxidoreductase and heme oxygenase-1 were induced, although to different degrees, at the transcriptional, protein and/or activity levels by the treatment. As for the Nrf2 transcription factor, a partial translocation of its protein from the cytosol to the nucleus after 1 h of Lisosan G treatment was revealed by immunoblotting. Lisosan G was also observed to decrease H2O2-induced toxicity Taken together, these results show that this powder of wheat is an effective inducer of ARE/Nrf2-regulated antioxidant and detoxifying genes and has the potential to inhibit the translocation of NF-kB into the nucleus.

  1. S-Allylmercaptocysteine Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity through Suppression of Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Xiaosong; Jiang, Xiaoyan; Li, Ang; Zhao, Zhongxi; Li, Siying

    2017-01-01

    Cisplatin is a potent chemotherapeutic agent, but its clinical usage is limited by nephrotoxicity. S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC), one of the water-soluble organosulfur garlic derivatives, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and plays an important role in protecting cells from apoptosis. This study aims to examine the protective effects of SAMC on cisplatin nephrotoxicity and to explore the mechanism of its renoprotection. Rats were treated with cisplatin with or without pre-treatment with SAMC. Renal function, histological change, oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated. Apoptotic marker, nuclearfactor (NF)-κB activity, expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and inflammatory cytokines were also examined. The effect of SAMC on cell viability and apoptosis was examined in cultured human kidney (HK-2) cells. SAMC was confirmed to significantly attenuate cisplatin-induced renal damage by using histological pathology and molecular biological method. Pre-treatment with SAMC reduced NF-κB activity, up-regulated Nrf2 and NQO1 expression and down-regulated inflammatory cytokine levels after cisplatin administration. Cisplatin-induced apoptosis in HK-2 cells was significantly attenuated by SAMC. Thus our results suggest that SAMC could be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity through its anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. PMID:28230744

  2. Neuroprotection by Curcumin in Ischemic Brain Injury Involves the Akt/Nrf2 Pathway

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Jingxian; Li, Qiong; Wang, Xiaoyan; Yu, Shanshan; Li, Lan; Wu, Xuemei; Chen, Yanlin; Zhao, Jing; Zhao, Yong

    2013-01-01

    Oxidative damage plays a critical role in many diseases of the central nervous system. This study was conducted to determine the molecular mechanisms involved in the putative anti-oxidative effects of curcumin against experimental stroke. Oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) was used to mimic ischemic insult in primary cultured cortical neurons. A rapid increase in the intracellular expression of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase1 (NQO1) induced by OGD was counteracted by curcumin post-treatment, which paralleled attenuated cell injury. The reduction of phosphorylation Akt induced by OGD was restored by curcumin. Consequently, NQO1 expression and the binding activity of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to antioxidant response element (ARE) were increased. LY294002 blocked the increase in phospho-Akt evoked by curcumin and abolished the associated protective effect. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion for 60 minutes. Curcumin administration significantly reduced infarct size. Curcumin also markedly reduced oxidative stress levels in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats; hence, these effects were all suppressed by LY294002. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that curcumin protects neurons against ischemic injury, and this neuroprotective effect involves the Akt/Nrf2 pathway. In addition, Nrf2 is involved in the neuroprotective effects of curcumin against oxidative damage. PMID:23555802

  3. Modulation of Nrf2/Keap1 system by Wasabi 6-methylthiohexyl isothiocyanate in ARE-mediated NQO1 expression.

    PubMed

    Korenori, Yoshimi; Tanigawa, Shunsuke; Kumamoto, Takuma; Qin, Si; Daikoku, Yosuke; Miyamori, Koji; Nagai, Masashi; Hou, De-Xing

    2013-05-01

    6-Methylthiohexyl isothiocyanate (6-MTITC), one of the major bioactive ingredients in Japanese Wasabi, has revealed cytoprotective and cancer chemopreventive effects. This study aims to clarify the molecular mechanisms how 6-MTITC modulates nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelchlike ECH-associating protein 1 (Keap1) system in antioxidant-responsive element (ARE)-mediated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP): quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) expression. HepG2 cells were treated with 6-MTITC with varying time and dose. NQO1, Nrf2, and Keap1 proteins were detected by Western blotting. ARE transactivation was detected by electrophilic mobility shift assay and reporter gene assay. Nuclear localization of Nrf2 was determined by immunocytochemistry assay. Ubiquitination of Nrf2 and Keap1 was detected using immunoprecipitation after treatment with MG132. Small interfering RNA was used to knockdown Nrf2 or Keap1. The results revealed that 6-MTITC modulated Nrf2/ARE pathway by stimulating Keap1 modification, and inhibiting Nrf2 ubiquitination and protein turnover. These actions finally increased nuclear Nrf2 accumulation and ARE-binding activity. Moreover, silencing Nrf2 markedly reduced ARE-driven activity induced by 6-MTITC. 6-MTITC modulated ARE-driven NQO1 expression by stabilizing Nrf2 with enhanced Keap1 modification and decreased Nrf2 degradation. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. Paeonol extracted from Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. ameliorated UVB-induced skin photoaging via DLD/Nrf2/ARE and MAPK/AP-1 pathway.

    PubMed

    Sun, ZhengWang; Du, Juan; Hwang, Eunson; Yi, Tae-Hoo

    2018-05-10

    Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. (PS) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. However, there are no studies that investigate the preventive effects of PS on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging. In this study, paeonol (PA) was detected the main compound in PS root. In vitro, PS and PA significantly inhibited UVB-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and activator protein 1 in keratinocytes, which consequently led to degradation of procollagen type I. On the other hand, PS and PA increased NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase-1 expression, confirmed by greater nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor E2-releated factor 2 (Nrf2). Furthermore, this study proved that the endogenous antioxidant system Nrf2/antioxidant response element was regulated by dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, a tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle-associated protein whose level was decreased after UVB exposure. PS and PA promoted the production of dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, as well as the activation of Nrf2 and antioxidant response element, resulting in preventing procollagen type I ruined caused by UVB. In vivo, topical application of PS and PA attenuated UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 production and promoted procollagen type I in hairless mice. These results suggested PA a promising botanical in protecting skin from UVB-induced photoaging. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  5. Activation of Nrf2 target enzymes conferring protection against oxidative stress in PC12 cells by ginger principal constituent 6-shogaol.

    PubMed

    Peng, Shoujiao; Yao, Juan; Liu, Yaping; Duan, Dongzhu; Zhang, Xiaolong; Fang, Jianguo

    2015-08-01

    Natural compounds containing phenoxyl groups and/or Michael acceptor units appear to possess antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. The ginger principal constituent 6-shogaol (6-S) represents one of such compounds. In this study, we reported that 6-S efficiently scavenges various free radicals in vitro, and displays remarkable cytoprotection against oxidative stress-induced cell damage in the neuron-like rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12 cells. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with 6-S significantly upregulates a series of phase II antioxidant molecules, such as glutathione, heme oxygenase 1, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1, thioredoxin reductase 1, and thioredoxin 1. A mechanistic study revealed that 6-S enhanced the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytosol to the nucleus and knockdown of Nrf2 abolished such protection, indicating that this cytoprotection is mediated by the activation of the transcription factor Nrf2. Another ginger constituent 6-gingerol (6-G), having a similar structure of 6-S but lacking the alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone structure (Michael acceptor moiety), failed to shelter PC12 cells from oxidative stress. Our results demonstrate that 6-S is a novel small molecule activator of Nrf2 in PC12 cells, and suggest that 6-S might be a potential candidate for the prevention of oxidative stress-mediated neurodegenerative disorders.

  6. Non-thermal plasma activates human keratinocytes by stimulation of antioxidant and phase II pathways.

    PubMed

    Schmidt, Anke; Dietrich, Stephan; Steuer, Anna; Weltmann, Klaus-Dieter; von Woedtke, Thomas; Masur, Kai; Wende, Kristian

    2015-03-13

    Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma provides a novel therapeutic opportunity to control redox-based processes, e.g. wound healing, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. By spatial and time-resolved delivery of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, it allows stimulation or inhibition of cellular processes in biological systems. Our data show that both gene and protein expression is highly affected by non-thermal plasma. Nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (NRF2) and phase II enzyme pathway components were found to act as key controllers orchestrating the cellular response in keratinocytes. Additionally, glutathione metabolism, which is a marker for NRF2-related signaling events, was affected. Among the most robustly increased genes and proteins, heme oxygenase 1, NADPH-quinone oxidoreductase 1, and growth factors were found. The roles of NRF2 targets, investigated by siRNA silencing, revealed that NRF2 acts as an important switch for sensing oxidative stress events. Moreover, the influence of non-thermal plasma on the NRF2 pathway prepares cells against exogenic noxae and increases their resilience against oxidative species. Via paracrine mechanisms, distant cells benefit from cell-cell communication. The finding that non-thermal plasma triggers hormesis-like processes in keratinocytes facilitates the understanding of plasma-tissue interaction and its clinical application. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  7. Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids regulate metabolism gene expression in livers of mice.

    PubMed

    Xu, Yun-Yan; Xu, Ya-Sha; Wang, Yuan; Wu, Qin; Lu, Yuan-Fu; Liu, Jie; Shi, Jing-Shan

    2017-10-01

    In our previous studies, Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids (DNLA) has been shown to have glucose-lowering and antihyperlipidaemia effects in diabetic rats, in rats fed with high-fat diets, and in mice challenged with adrenaline. This study aimed to examine the effects of DNLA on the expression of glucose and lipid metabolism genes in livers of mice. Mice were given DNLA at doses of 10-80 mg/kg, po for 8 days, and livers were removed for total RNA and protein isolation to perform real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids increased PGC1α at mRNA and protein levels and increased glucose metabolism gene Glut2 and FoxO1 expression. DNLA also increased the expression of fatty acid β-oxidation genes Acox1 and Cpt1a. The lipid synthesis regulator Srebp1 (sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1) was decreased, while the lipolysis gene ATGL was increased. Interestingly, DNLA increased the expression of antioxidant gene metallothionein-1 and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1 (Nqo1) in livers of mice. Western blot on selected proteins confirmed these changes including the increased expression of GLUT4 and PPARα. DNLA has beneficial effects on liver glucose and lipid metabolism gene expressions, and enhances the Nrf2-antioxidant pathway gene expressions, which could play integrated roles in regulating metabolic disorders. © 2017 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

  8. Antioxidant and drug detoxification potentials of Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanin extract.

    PubMed

    Ajiboye, Taofeek O; Salawu, Nasir A; Yakubu, Musa T; Oladiji, Adenike T; Akanji, Musbau A; Okogun, Joseph I

    2011-04-01

    The antioxidant and drug metabolizing potentials of Hibiscus anthocyanin extract in CCl(4)- induced oxidative damage of rat liver was investigated. Hibiscus anthocyanin extract effectively scavenge α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide ion, and hydrogen peroxide. It produced a 92% scavenging effect of DPPH radical at a concentration of 2.0 mg/mL. Hibiscus anthocyanin extract produced a 69 and 90% scavenging effect on superoxide ion and hydrogen peroxide, respectively, at 1.0 mg/mL, which compared favorably with the synthetic antioxidant (butylated hydroanisole and α-tocopherol). A reducing power of this anthocyanin was examined using K(3)Fe(CN)(6). Hibiscus anthocyanin extract has reducing power that is approximately 2-fold that of the synthetic antioxidant, butylated hydroanisole. Hibiscus anthocyanin extract produced a significantly increase and completely attenuated the CCl(4)-mediated decrease in antioxidant enzymes (e.g., catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase). However, the level of nonenzymic antioxidant molecules (i.e., vitamins C and E) were significant preserved by Hibiscus anthocyanin extract. There was an induction of phase II drug-detoxifying enzymes: glutathione S-transferase, NAD(H):quinone oxidoreductase, and uridyl diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase by 65, 45, and 57%, respectively. In view of these properties, Hibiscus sabdariffa anthocyanin extract can act as a prophylactic by intervening as a free radical scavenger both in vitro and in vivo as well as inducing the phase II drug detoxification enzymes.

  9. Potential adverse effects of oseltamivir in rats: males are more vulnerable than females.

    PubMed

    El-Sayed, Wael M; Al-Kahtani, Mohamed Ali

    2011-09-01

    Oseltamivir is the most widely used antiviral drug for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. However, not much is known about its adverse effects. The potential side effects were investigated in male and female rats (140-170 g). Oseltamivir was administered at 2.2 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1) for 5 days. For both genders, treatment with oseltamivir resulted in significant reductions in the hepatic activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase. Also for both genders, oseltamivir produced modest reductions in the hepatic activities of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, quinone oxidoreductase, thioredoxin reductase, CYP1A1/2, and CYP3A, as well as hepatic glutathione content. For both genders, neither the kidney functions nor protein profile was affected by oseltamivir. Oseltamivir also caused significant elevation in serum levels of both triacylglycerols and LDL-cholesterol and in the activity of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, in both genders. For male animals only, oseltamivir treatment elevated the serum level of total cholesterol as well as the activity of serum alanine aminotransferase, and reduced the hepatic activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Oseltamivir caused oxidative stress and acute toxicity in the liver, and disrupted the cholesterol and lipid metabolism but was less likely to cause serious drug interactions. There was a sexual differentiation in these adverse effects, with adverse effects being more evident in male rats.

  10. Neuroprotective Effect of Brassica oleracea Sprouts Crude Juice in a Cellular Model of Alzheimer's Disease

    PubMed Central

    Mattioli, Roberto; Costantino, Paolo; Baima, Simona; Punzi, Pasqualina; Giordano, Cesare; Pinto, Alessandro; Donini, Lorenzo Maria; d'Erme, Maria

    2015-01-01

    β-Amyloid peptide (Aβ) aberrant production and aggregation are major factors implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), causing neuronal death via oxidative stress. Several studies have highlighted the importance of polyphenolic antioxidant compounds in the treatment of AD, but complex food matrices, characterized by a different relative content of these phytochemicals, have been neglected. In the present study, we analyzed the protective effect on SH-SY5Y cells treated with the fragment Aβ 25–35 by two crude juices of broccoli sprouts containing different amounts of phenolic compounds as a result of different growth conditions. Both juices protected against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity and apoptotic cell death as evidenced by cell viability, nuclear chromatin condensation, and apoptotic body formation measurements. These effects were mediated by the modulation of the mitochondrial function and of the HSP70 gene transcription and expression. Furthermore, the juices upregulated the intracellular glutathione content and mRNA levels or activity of antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1, thioredoxin, thioredoxin reductase, and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 via activation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Although the effects of the two juices were similar, the juice enriched in phenolic compounds showed a greater efficacy in inducing the activation of the Nrf2 signalling pathway. PMID:26180595

  11. NAD+/NADH and skeletal muscle mitochondrial adaptations to exercise

    PubMed Central

    White, Amanda T.

    2012-01-01

    The pyridine nucleotides, NAD+ and NADH, are coenzymes that provide oxidoreductive power for the generation of ATP by mitochondria. In skeletal muscle, exercise perturbs the levels of NAD+, NADH, and consequently, the NAD+/NADH ratio, and initial research in this area focused on the contribution of redox control to ATP production. More recently, numerous signaling pathways that are sensitive to perturbations in NAD+(H) have come to the fore, as has an appreciation for the potential importance of compartmentation of NAD+(H) metabolism and its subsequent effects on various signaling pathways. These pathways, which include the sirtuin (SIRT) proteins SIRT1 and SIRT3, the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) proteins PARP1 and PARP2, and COOH-terminal binding protein (CtBP), are of particular interest because they potentially link changes in cellular redox state to both immediate, metabolic-related changes and transcriptional adaptations to exercise. In this review, we discuss what is known, and not known, about the contribution of NAD+(H) metabolism and these aforementioned proteins to mitochondrial adaptations to acute and chronic endurance exercise. PMID:22436696

  12. A mutant of barley lacking NADH-hydroxypyruvate reductase

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

    Blackwell, R.; Lea, P.

    1989-04-01

    A mutant of barley, LaPr 88/29, deficient in peroxisomal NADH-hydroxypyruvate reductase (HPR) activity has been identified. Compared to the wild type the activities of NADH-HPR and NADPH-HPR were severely reduced but the mutant was still capable of fixing CO{sub 2} at rates equivalent to 75% of that of the wild type in air. Although lacking an enzyme in the main photorespiratory pathway, there appeared to be little disruption to photorespiratory metabolism as ammonia release, CO{sub 2} efflux and {sup 14}CO{sub 2} release from L-(U-{sup 14}C) serine were similar in both mutant and wild type. LaPr 88/29 has been used tomore » show that NADH-glyoxylate reductase (GR) and NADH-HPR are probably not catalyzed by the same enzyme in barley and that over 80% of the NADPH-HPR activity is due to the NADH-HPR enzyme. Immunological studies, using antibodies raised against spinach HPR, have shown that the NADH-dependent enzyme protein is absent in LaPr 88/29 but there appears to be enhanced synthesis of the NADPH-dependent enzyme protein.« less

  13. Mechanistic aspects of the tyrosinase oxidation of hydroquinone.

    PubMed

    Ramsden, Christopher A; Riley, Patrick A

    2014-06-01

    Contradictory reports on the behaviour of hydroquinone as a tyrosinase substrate are reconciled in terms of the ability of the initially formed ortho-quinone to tautomerise to the thermodynamically more stable para-quinone isomer. Oxidation of phenols by native tyrosinase requires activation by in situ formation of a catechol formed via an enzyme generated ortho-quinone. In the special case of hydroquinone, catechol formation is precluded by rapid tautomerisation of the ortho-quinone precursor to catechol formation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Enhancement of succinate yield by manipulating NADH/NAD+ ratio and ATP generation.

    PubMed

    Li, Jiaojiao; Li, Yikui; Cui, Zhiyong; Liang, Quanfeng; Qi, Qingsheng

    2017-04-01

    We previously engineered Escherichia coli YL104 to efficiently produce succinate from glucose. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the NADH/NAD + ratio, ATP level, and overall yield of succinate production by using glucose as the carbon source in YL104. First, the use of sole NADH dehydrogenases increased the overall yield of succinate by 7% and substantially decreased the NADH/NAD + ratio. Second, the soluble fumarate reductase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was overexpressed to manipulate the anaerobic NADH/NAD + ratio and ATP level. Third, another strategy for reducing the ATP level was applied by introducing ATP futile cycling for improving succinate production. Finally, a combination of these methods exerted a synergistic effect on improving the overall yield of succinate, which was 39% higher than that of the previously engineered strain YL104. The study results indicated that regulation of the NADH/NAD + ratio and ATP level is an efficient strategy for succinate production.

  15. Tissue- and cell-specific expression of mouse xanthine oxidoreductase gene in vivo: regulation by bacterial lipopolysaccharide.

    PubMed Central

    Kurosaki, M; Li Calzi, M; Scanziani, E; Garattini, E; Terao, M

    1995-01-01

    The expression of the xanthine oxidoreductase gene was studied in various mouse organs and tissues, under basal conditions and on treatment with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Levels of xanthine oxidoreductase protein and mRNA were compared in order to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of this enzyme system. The highest amounts of xanthine oxidoreductase and the respective mRNA are observed in the duodenum and jejunum, where the protein is present in an unusual form because of a specific proteolytic cleavage of the primary translation product present in all locations. Under basal conditions, multiple tissue-specific mechanisms of xanthine oxidoreductase regulation are evident. Lipopolysaccharide increases enzyme activity in some, but not all tissues, mainly via modulation of the respective transcript, although translational and post-translational mechanisms are also active. In situ hybridization studies on tissue sections obtained from mice under control conditions or with lipopolysaccharide treatment demonstrate that xanthine oxidoreductase is present in hepatocytes, predominantly in the proximal tubules of the kidney, epithelial layer of the gastrointestinal mucosa, the alveolar compartment of the lung, the pulpar region of the spleen and the vascular component of the heart. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 PMID:7864814

  16. The genome of Syntrophorhabdus aromaticivorans strain UI provides new insights for syntrophic aromatic compound metabolism and electron flow.

    PubMed

    Nobu, Masaru K; Narihiro, Takashi; Hideyuki, Tamaki; Qiu, Yan-Ling; Sekiguchi, Yuji; Woyke, Tanja; Goodwin, Lynne; Davenport, Karen W; Kamagata, Yoichi; Liu, Wen-Tso

    2015-12-01

    How aromatic compounds are degraded in various anaerobic ecosystems (e.g. groundwater, sediments, soils and wastewater) is currently poorly understood. Under methanogenic conditions (i.e. groundwater and wastewater treatment), syntrophic metabolizers are known to play an important role. This study explored the draft genome of Syntrophorhabdus aromaticivorans strain UI and identified the first syntrophic phenol-degrading phenylphosphate synthase (PpsAB) and phenylphosphate carboxylase (PpcABCD) and syntrophic terephthalate-degrading decarboxylase complexes. The strain UI genome also encodes benzoate degradation through hydration of the dienoyl-coenzyme A intermediate as observed in Geobacter metallireducens and Syntrophus aciditrophicus. Strain UI possesses electron transfer flavoproteins, hydrogenases and formate dehydrogenases essential for syntrophic metabolism. However, the biochemical mechanisms for electron transport between these H2 /formate-generating proteins and syntrophic substrate degradation remain unknown for many syntrophic metabolizers, including strain UI. Analysis of the strain UI genome revealed that heterodisulfide reductases (HdrABC), which are poorly understood electron transfer genes, may contribute to syntrophic H2 and formate generation. The genome analysis further identified a putative ion-translocating ferredoxin : NADH oxidoreductase (IfoAB) that may interact with HdrABC and dissimilatory sulfite reductase gamma subunit (DsrC) to perform novel electron transfer mechanisms associated with syntrophic metabolism. © 2014 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  17. Identification of Novel Mitochondrial Protein Components of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. A Proteomic Approach1

    PubMed Central

    van Lis, Robert; Atteia, Ariane; Mendoza-Hernández, Guillermo; González-Halphen, Diego

    2003-01-01

    Pure mitochondria of the photosynthetic alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were analyzed using blue native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE). The major oxidative phosphorylation complexes were resolved: F1F0-ATP synthase, NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase, ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase, and cytochrome c oxidase. The oligomeric states of these complexes were determined. The F1F0-ATP synthase runs exclusively as a dimer, in contrast to the C. reinhardtii chloroplast enzyme, which is present as a monomer and subcomplexes. The sequence of a 60-kD protein, associated with the mitochondrial ATP synthase and with no known counterpart in any other organism, is reported. This protein may be related to the strong dimeric character of the algal F1F0-ATP synthase. The oxidative phosphorylation complexes resolved by BN-PAGE were separated into their subunits by second dimension sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE. A number of polypeptides were identified mainly on the basis of their N-terminal sequence. Core I and II subunits of complex III were characterized, and their proteolytic activities were predicted. Also, the heterodimeric nature of COXIIA and COXIIB subunits in cytochrome c oxidase was demonstrated. Other mitochondrial proteins like the chaperone HSP60, the alternative oxidase, the aconitase, and the ADP/ATP carrier were identified. BN-PAGE was also used to approach the analysis of the major chloroplast protein complexes of C. reinhardtii. PMID:12746537

  18. The effect of silicon on the leaf proteome of rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants under cadmium-stress.

    PubMed

    Nwugo, Chika C; Huerta, Alfredo J

    2011-02-04

    The best known silicon (Si)-accumulating plant, rice (Oryza sativa L.), stores most of its Si in leaves, but the importance of Si has been limited to a mechanical role. Our initial studies showed that Si-induced cadmium (Cd) tolerance is mediated by the enhancement of instantaneous water-use-efficiency, carboxylation efficiency of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (RuBisCO), and light-use-efficiency in leaves of rice plants. In this study, we investigated changes in the rice leaf proteome in order to identify molecular mechanisms involved in Si-induced Cd tolerance. Our study identified 60 protein spots that were differentially regulated due to Cd and/or Si treatments. Among them, 50 were significantly regulated by Si, including proteins associated with photosynthesis, redox homeostasis, regulation/protein synthesis, pathogen response and chaperone activity. Interestingly, we observed a Si-induced up-regulation of a class III peroxidase and a thaumatin-like protein irrespective of Cd treatment, in addition to a Cd-induced up-regulation of protein disulfide isomerase, a HSP70 homologue, a NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase, and a putative phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, especially in the presence of Si. Taken together, our study sheds light on molecular mechanisms involved in Si-induced Cd tolerance in rice leaves and suggests a more active involvement of Si in plant physiological processes than previously proposed.

  19. Changes in mitochondrial functioning with electromagnetic radiation of ultra high frequency as revealed by electron paramagnetic resonance methods.

    PubMed

    Burlaka, Anatoly; Selyuk, Marina; Gafurov, Marat; Lukin, Sergei; Potaskalova, Viktoria; Sidorik, Evgeny

    2014-05-01

    To study the effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) of ultra high frequency (UHF) in the doses equivalent to the maximal permitted energy load for the staffs of the radar stations on the biochemical processes that occur in the cell organelles. Liver, cardiac and aorta tissues from the male rats exposed to non-thermal UHF EMR in pulsed and continuous modes were studied during 28 days after the irradiation by the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methods including a spin trapping of superoxide radicals. The qualitative and quantitative disturbances in electron transport chain (ETC) of mitochondria are registered. A formation of the iron-nitrosyl complexes of nitric oxide (NO) radicals with the iron-sulphide (FeS) proteins, the decreased activity of FeS-protein N2 of NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex and flavo-ubisemiquinone growth combined with the increased rates of superoxide production are obtained. (i) Abnormalities in the mitochondrial ETC of liver and aorta cells are more pronounced for animals radiated in a pulsed mode; (ii) the alterations in the functioning of the mitochondrial ETC cause increase of superoxide radicals generation rate in all samples, formation of cellular hypoxia, and intensification of the oxide-initiated metabolic changes; and (iii) electron paramagnetic resonance methods could be used to track the qualitative and quantitative changes in the mitochondrial ETC caused by the UHF EMR.

  20. Altered Fermentative Metabolism in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Mutants Lacking Pyruvate Formate Lyase and Both Pyruvate Formate Lyase and Alcohol Dehydrogenase

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

    Catalanotti, C.; Dubini, A.; Subramanian, V.

    2012-02-01

    Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a unicellular green alga, often experiences hypoxic/anoxic soil conditions that activate fermentation metabolism. We isolated three Chlamydomonas mutants disrupted for the pyruvate formate lyase (PFL1) gene; the encoded PFL1 protein catalyzes a major fermentative pathway in wild-type Chlamydomonas cells. When the pfl1 mutants were subjected to dark fermentative conditions, they displayed an increased flux of pyruvate to lactate, elevated pyruvate decarboxylation, ethanol accumulation, diminished pyruvate oxidation by pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase, and lowered H2 production. The pfl1-1 mutant also accumulated high intracellular levels of lactate, succinate, alanine, malate, and fumarate. To further probe the system, we generated a doublemore » mutant (pfl1-1 adh1) that is unable to synthesize both formate and ethanol. This strain, like the pfl1 mutants, secreted lactate, but it also exhibited a significant increase in the levels of extracellular glycerol, acetate, and intracellular reduced sugars and a decrease in dark, fermentative H2 production. Whereas wild-type Chlamydomonas fermentation primarily produces formate and ethanol, the double mutant reroutes glycolytic carbon to lactate and glycerol. Although the metabolic adjustments observed in the mutants facilitate NADH reoxidation and sustained glycolysis under dark, anoxic conditions, the observed changes could not have been predicted given our current knowledge of the regulation of fermentation metabolism.« less

  1. AAV9-based gene therapy partially ameliorates the clinical phenotype of a mouse model of Leigh syndrome.

    PubMed

    Di Meo, I; Marchet, S; Lamperti, C; Zeviani, M; Viscomi, C

    2017-10-01

    Leigh syndrome (LS) is the most common infantile mitochondrial encephalopathy. No treatment is currently available for this condition. Mice lacking Ndufs4, encoding NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase iron-sulfur protein 4 (NDUFS4) recapitulates the main findings of complex I (cI)-related LS, including severe multisystemic cI deficiency and progressive neurodegeneration. In order to develop a gene therapy approach for LS, we used here an AAV2/9 vector carrying the human NDUFS4 coding sequence (hNDUFS4). We administered AAV2/9-hNDUFS4 by intravenous (IV) and/or intracerebroventricular (ICV) routes to either newborn or young Ndufs4 -/- mice. We found that IV administration alone was only able to correct the cI deficiency in peripheral organs, whereas ICV administration partially corrected the deficiency in the brain. However, both treatments failed to improve the clinical phenotype or to prolong the lifespan of Ndufs4 -/- mice. In contrast, combined IV and ICV treatments resulted, along with increased cI activity, in the amelioration of the rotarod performance and in a significant prolongation of the lifespan. Our results indicate that extraneurological organs have an important role in LS pathogenesis and provide an insight into current limitations of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy in multisystem disorders. These findings warrant future investigations to develop new vectors able to efficiently target multiple organs.

  2. Loss of Drosophila i-AAA protease, dYME1L, causes abnormal mitochondria and apoptotic degeneration.

    PubMed

    Qi, Y; Liu, H; Daniels, M P; Zhang, G; Xu, H

    2016-02-01

    Mitochondrial AAA (ATPases Associated with diverse cellular Activities) proteases i-AAA (intermembrane space-AAA) and m-AAA (matrix-AAA) are closely related and have major roles in inner membrane protein homeostasis. Mutations of m-AAA proteases are associated with neuromuscular disorders in humans. However, the role of i-AAA in metazoans is poorly understood. We generated a deletion affecting Drosophila i-AAA, dYME1L (dYME1L(del)). Mutant flies exhibited premature aging, progressive locomotor deficiency and neurodegeneration that resemble some key features of m-AAA diseases. dYME1L(del) flies displayed elevated mitochondrial unfolded protein stress and irregular cristae. Aged dYME1L(del) flies had reduced complex I (NADH/ubiquinone oxidoreductase) activity, increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), severely disorganized mitochondrial membranes and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibiting apoptosis by targeting dOmi (Drosophila Htra2/Omi) or DIAP1, or reducing ROS accumulation suppressed retinal degeneration. Our results suggest that i-AAA is essential for removing unfolded proteins and maintaining mitochondrial membrane architecture. Loss of i-AAA leads to the accumulation of oxidative damage and progressive deterioration of membrane integrity, which might contribute to apoptosis upon the release of proapoptotic molecules such as dOmi. Containing ROS level could be a potential strategy to manage mitochondrial AAA protease deficiency.

  3. Discovering the electronic circuit diagram of life: structural relationships among transition metal binding sites in oxidoreductases

    PubMed Central

    Kim, J. Dongun; Senn, Stefan; Harel, Arye; Jelen, Benjamin I.; Falkowski, Paul G.

    2013-01-01

    Oxidoreductases play a central role in catalysing enzymatic electron-transfer reactions across the tree of life. To first order, the equilibrium thermodynamic properties of these proteins are governed by protein folds associated with specific transition metals and ligands at the active site. A global analysis of holoenzyme structures and functions suggests that there are fewer than approximately 500 fundamental oxidoreductases, which can be further clustered into 35 unique groups. These catalysts evolved in prokaryotes early in the Earth's history and are largely responsible for the emergence of non-equilibrium biogeochemical cycles on the planet's surface. Although the evolutionary history of the amino acid sequences in the oxidoreductases is very difficult to reconstruct due to gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer, the evolution of the folds in the catalytic sites can potentially be used to infer the history of these enzymes. Using a novel, yet simple analysis of the secondary structures associated with the ligands in oxidoreductases, we developed a structural phylogeny of these enzymes. The results of this ‘composome’ analysis suggest an early split from a basal set of a small group of proteins dominated by loop structures into two families of oxidoreductases, one dominated by α-helices and the second by β-sheets. The structural evolutionary patterns in both clades trace redox gradients and increased hydrogen bond energy in the active sites. The overall pattern suggests that the evolution of the oxidoreductases led to decreased entropy in the transition metal folds over approximately 2.5 billion years, allowing the enzymes to use increasingly oxidized substrates with high specificity. PMID:23754810

  4. Quinone Photoreactivity: An Undergraduate Experiment in Photochemistry

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vaughan, Pamela P.; Cochran, Michael; Haubrich, Nicole

    2010-01-01

    An experiment exploring the photochemical properties of quinones was developed. Their unique photochemistry and highly reactive nature make them an ideal class of compounds for examining structure-activity relationships. For several substituted quinones, photochemical reactivity was related to structure and ultimately to the Gibbs energy for…

  5. Alterations in cerebral metabolism observed in living rodents using fluorescence lifetime microscopy of intrinsic NADH (Conference Presentation)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yaseen, Mohammad A.; Sakadžić, Sava; Sutin, Jason; Wu, Weicheng; Fu, Buyin; Boas, David A.

    2017-02-01

    Monitoring cerebral energy metabolism at a cellular level is essential to improve our understanding of healthy brain function and its pathological alterations. In this study, we resolve specific alterations in cerebral metabolism utilizing minimally-invasive 2-Photon fluorescence lifetime imaging (2P-FLIM) measurements of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) fluorescence, collected in vivo from anesthetized rats and mice. Time-resolved lifetime measurements enables distinction of different components contributing to NADH autofluorescence. These components reportedly represent different enzyme-bound formulations of NADH. Our observations from this study confirm the hypothesis that NADH FLIM can identify specific alterations in cerebral metabolism. Using time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) equipment and a custom-built multimodal imaging system, 2-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) was performed in cerebral tissue with high spatial and temporal resolution. Multi-exponential fits for NADH fluorescence lifetimes indicate 4 distinct components, or 'species.' We observed distinct variations in the relative proportions of these components before and after pharmacological-induced impairments to several reactions involved in anaerobic glycolysis and aerobic oxidative metabolism. Classification models developed with experimental data correctly predict the metabolic impairments associated with bicuculline-induced focal seizures in separate experiments. Compared to traditional intensity-based NADH measurements, lifetime imaging of NADH is less susceptible to the adverse effects of overlying blood vessels. Evaluating NADH measurements will ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of cerebral energetics and its pathology-related alterations. Such knowledge will likely aid development of therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke.

  6. Changes of microbial population structure related to lignin degradation during lignocellulosic waste composting.

    PubMed

    Huang, Dan-Lian; Zeng, Guang-Ming; Feng, Chong-Ling; Hu, Shuang; Lai, Cui; Zhao, Mei-Hua; Su, Feng-Feng; Tang, Lin; Liu, Hong-Liang

    2010-06-01

    Microbial populations and their relationship to bioconversion during lignocellulosic waste composting were studied by quinone profiling. Nine quinones were observed in the initial composting materials, and 15 quinones were found in compost after 50days of composting. The quinone species Q-9(H2), Q-10 and Q-10(H2) which are indicative of certain fungi appeared at the thermophilic stage but disappeared at the cooling stage. Q-10, indicative of certain fungi, and MK-7, characteristic of certain bacteria, were the predominant quinones during the thermophilic stage and were correlated with lignin degradation at the thermophilic stage. The highest lignin degradation ratio (26%) and good cellulose degradation were found at the cooling stage and were correlated with quinones Q-9, MK-7 and long-chain menaquinones attributed to mesophilic fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes, respectively. The present findings will improve the understandings of microbial dynamics and roles in composting, which could provide useful references for development of composting technology. Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  7. The Role of Human Aldo-Keto Reductases in the Metabolic Activation and Detoxication of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Interconversion of PAH Catechols and PAH o-Quinones

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Li; Jin, Yi; Huang, Meng; Penning, Trevor M.

    2012-01-01

    Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. They are procarcinogens requiring metabolic activation to elicit their deleterious effects. Aldo-keto reductases (AKR) catalyze the oxidation of proximate carcinogenic PAH trans-dihydrodiols to yield electrophilic and redox-active PAH o-quinones. AKRs are also found to be capable of reducing PAH o-quinones to form PAH catechols. The interconversion of o-quinones and catechols results in the redox-cycling of PAH o-quinones to give rise to the generation of reactive oxygen species and subsequent oxidative DNA damage. On the other hand, PAH catechols can be intercepted through phase II metabolism by which PAH o-quinones could be detoxified and eliminated. The aim of the present review is to summarize the role of human AKRs in the metabolic activation/detoxication of PAH and the relevance of phase II conjugation reactions to human lung carcinogenesis. PMID:23162467

  8. Dissecting the machinery that introduces disulfide bonds in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

    PubMed

    Arts, Isabelle S; Ball, Geneviève; Leverrier, Pauline; Garvis, Steven; Nicolaes, Valérie; Vertommen, Didier; Ize, Bérengère; Tamu Dufe, Veronica; Messens, Joris; Voulhoux, Romé; Collet, Jean-François

    2013-12-10

    Disulfide bond formation is required for the folding of many bacterial virulence factors. However, whereas the Escherichia coli disulfide bond-forming system is well characterized, not much is known on the pathways that oxidatively fold proteins in pathogenic bacteria. Here, we report the detailed unraveling of the pathway that introduces disulfide bonds in the periplasm of the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The genome of P. aeruginosa uniquely encodes two DsbA proteins (P. aeruginosa DsbA1 [PaDsbA1] and PaDsbA2) and two DsbB proteins (PaDsbB1 and PaDsbB2). We found that PaDsbA1, the primary donor of disulfide bonds to secreted proteins, is maintained oxidized in vivo by both PaDsbB1 and PaDsbB2. In vitro reconstitution of the pathway confirms that both PaDsbB1 and PaDsbB2 shuttle electrons from PaDsbA1 to membrane-bound quinones. Accordingly, deletion of both P. aeruginosa dsbB1 (PadsbB1) and PadsbB2 is required to prevent the folding of several P. aeruginosa virulence factors and to lead to a significant decrease in pathogenicity. Using a high-throughput proteomic approach, we also analyzed the impact of PadsbA1 deletion on the global periplasmic proteome of P. aeruginosa, which allowed us to identify more than 20 new potential substrates of this major oxidoreductase. Finally, we report the biochemical and structural characterization of PaDsbA2, a highly oxidizing oxidoreductase, which seems to be expressed under specific conditions. By fully dissecting the machinery that introduces disulfide bonds in P. aeruginosa, our work opens the way to the design of novel antibacterial molecules able to disarm this pathogen by preventing the proper assembly of its arsenal of virulence factors. The human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes life-threatening infections in immunodepressed and cystic fibrosis patients. The emergence of P. aeruginosa strains resistant to all of the available antibacterial agents calls for the urgent development of new antibiotics active against this bacterium. The pathogenic power of P. aeruginosa is mediated by an arsenal of extracellular virulence factors, most of which are stabilized by disulfide bonds. Thus, targeting the machinery that introduces disulfide bonds appears to be a promising strategy to combat P. aeruginosa. Here, we unraveled the oxidative protein folding system of P. aeruginosa in full detail. The system uniquely consists of two membrane proteins that generate disulfide bonds de novo to deliver them to P. aeruginosa DsbA1 (PaDsbA1), a soluble oxidoreductase. PaDsbA1 in turn donates disulfide bonds to secreted proteins, including virulence factors. Disruption of the disulfide bond formation machinery dramatically decreases P. aeruginosa virulence, confirming that disulfide formation systems are valid targets for the design of antimicrobial drugs.

  9. A light-responsive and periodic NADH oxidase activity of the cell surface of Tetrahymena and of human buffy coat cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Peter, A. D.; Morre, D. J.; Morre, D. M.

    2000-01-01

    Oxidation of external NADH (NADH is an impermeant substrate) by cells of Tetrahymena pyriformis oscillated with a period of 24-26 min. The period length in darkness (25.6 min) appeared to be slightly longer than the period in light (approximately 24 min). When Tetrahymena were placed in darkness for 30-50 min and then returned to light, a new maximum in the rate of NADH oxidation was observed 36-38 min (13 + 24) min after the beginning of the light treatment. The cell-surface NADH oxidase of human buffy coats (a mixture of white cells and platelets) also was periodic and light responsive.

  10. [Membrane lipids and electron transfer. Effects of four detergents on NADH-ferricyanide reductase and NADH-cytochrome c reductase activities of potato tuber microsomes].

    PubMed

    Jolliot, A; Mazliak, P

    1977-10-17

    The NADH-ferricyanure reductase activity of Potato microsomes is stimulated by non ionic detergents (Triton X100 and Tween80) and is partially inhibited by ionic detergents (sodium-cholate and deoxycholate). All these four detergents progressively decreased the NADH-cytochrome c reductase in the following order: sodium deoxycholate greater than Triton X100 greater than sodium cholate greater than Tween80.

  11. Study the oxidative injury of yeast cells by NADH autofluorescence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liang, Ju; Wu, Wen-Lan; Liu, Zhi-Hong; Mei, Yun-Jun; Cai, Ru-Xiu; Shen, Ping

    2007-06-01

    Autofluorescence has an advantage over the extrinsic fluorescence of an unperturbed environment during investigation, especially in complex system such as biological cells and tissues. NADH is an important fluorescent substance in living cells. The time courses of intracellular NADH autofluorescence in the process of yeast cells exposed to H 2O 2 and ONOO - have been recorded in detail in this work. In the presence of different amounts of H 2O 2 and ONOO -, necrosis, apoptosis and reversible injury are initiated in yeast cells, which are confirmed by acridine orange/ethidum bromide and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining. It is found that intracellular NADH content increases momently in the beginning of the apoptotic process and then decreases continually till the cell dies. The most remarkable difference between the apoptotic and the necrotic process is that the NADH content in the latter case changes much more sharply. Further in the case of reversible injury, the time course of intracellular NADH content is completely different from the above two pathways of cell death. It just decreases to some degree firstly and then resumes to the original level. Based on the role of NADH in mitochondrial respiratory chain, the time course of intracellular NADH content is believed to have reflected the response of mitochondrial redox state to oxidative stress. Thus, it is found that the mitochondrial redox state changes differently in different pathways of oxidative injury in yeast cells.

  12. GMC oxidoreductase, a highly expressed protein in a potent biocontrol agent Fusarium oxysporum Cong:1-2, is dispensable for biocontrol activity.

    PubMed

    Kawabe, Masato; Okabe Onokubo, Akiko; Arimoto, Yutaka; Yoshida, Takanobu; Azegami, Koji; Teraoka, Tohru; Arie, Tsutomu

    2011-01-01

    A spontaneous non-pathogenic variant (Cong:1-2) derived from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans (Cong: 1-1), a causal agent of cabbage yellows, carries biocontrol activity for cabbage yellows. We found a GMC oxidoreductase (ODX1) among the proteins expressed much more in Cong:1-2 than Cong:1-1 by 2D-DIGE comparison. GMC oxidoreductases have been reported to be involved in biocontrol activity of several plant pathogenic fungi. The gene encoding ODX1 in Cong:1-2 was cloned, and targeted disruption of the gene in Cong:1-2 did not affect its biocontrol activity, suggesting that GMC oxidoreductase is dispensable for biocontrol activity in the fungal biocontrol agent.

  13. Imaging the NADH:NAD+ Homeostasis for Understanding the Metabolic Response of Mycobacterium to Physiologically Relevant Stresses

    PubMed Central

    Bhat, Shabir A.; Iqbal, Iram K.; Kumar, Ashwani

    2016-01-01

    The NADH:NAD+ ratio is the primary indicator of the metabolic state of bacteria. NAD(H) homeostasis is critical for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) survival and is thus considered an important drug target, but the spatio-temporal measurements of NAD(H) remain a challenge. Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors of the NADH:NAD+ ratios were recently described, paving the way for investigations of the metabolic state of pathogens during infection. Here we have adapted the genetically encoded biosensor Peredox for measurement of the metabolic state of Mtb in vitro and during infection of macrophage cells. Using Peredox, here we show that inhibition of the electron transport chain, disruption of the membrane potential and proton gradient, exposure to reactive oxygen species and treatment with antimycobacterial drugs led to the accumulation of NADH in mycobacterial cells. We have further demonstrated that Mtb residing in macrophages displays higher NADH:NAD+ ratios, that may indicate a metabolic stress faced by the intracellular Mtb. We also demonstrate that the Mtb residing in macrophages display a metabolic heterogeneity, which may perhaps explain the tolerance displayed by intracellular Mtb. Next we studied the effect of immunological modulation by interferon gamma on metabolism of intracellular Mtb, since macrophage activation is known to restrict mycobacterial growth. We observed that activation of resting macrophages with interferon-gamma results in higher NADH:NAD+ levels in resident Mtb cells. We have further demonstrated that exposure of Isoniazid, Bedaquiline, Rifampicin, and O-floxacin results in higher NADH:NAD+ ratios in the Mtb residing in macrophages. However, intracellular Mtb displays lower NADH:NAD+ ratio upon exposure to clofazimine. In summary, we have generated reporter strains capable of measuring the metabolic state of Mtb cells in vitro and in vivo with spatio-temporal resolution. We believe that this tool will facilitate further studies on mycobacterial physiology and will create new avenues of research for anti-tuberculosis drug discovery. PMID:27878107

  14. Imaging the NADH:NAD+ Homeostasis for Understanding the Metabolic Response of Mycobacterium to Physiologically Relevant Stresses.

    PubMed

    Bhat, Shabir A; Iqbal, Iram K; Kumar, Ashwani

    2016-01-01

    The NADH:NAD + ratio is the primary indicator of the metabolic state of bacteria. NAD(H) homeostasis is critical for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) survival and is thus considered an important drug target, but the spatio-temporal measurements of NAD(H) remain a challenge. Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors of the NADH:NAD + ratios were recently described, paving the way for investigations of the metabolic state of pathogens during infection. Here we have adapted the genetically encoded biosensor Peredox for measurement of the metabolic state of Mtb in vitro and during infection of macrophage cells. Using Peredox, here we show that inhibition of the electron transport chain, disruption of the membrane potential and proton gradient, exposure to reactive oxygen species and treatment with antimycobacterial drugs led to the accumulation of NADH in mycobacterial cells. We have further demonstrated that Mtb residing in macrophages displays higher NADH:NAD + ratios, that may indicate a metabolic stress faced by the intracellular Mtb. We also demonstrate that the Mtb residing in macrophages display a metabolic heterogeneity, which may perhaps explain the tolerance displayed by intracellular Mtb. Next we studied the effect of immunological modulation by interferon gamma on metabolism of intracellular Mtb, since macrophage activation is known to restrict mycobacterial growth. We observed that activation of resting macrophages with interferon-gamma results in higher NADH:NAD + levels in resident Mtb cells. We have further demonstrated that exposure of Isoniazid, Bedaquiline, Rifampicin, and O-floxacin results in higher NADH:NAD + ratios in the Mtb residing in macrophages. However, intracellular Mtb displays lower NADH:NAD + ratio upon exposure to clofazimine. In summary, we have generated reporter strains capable of measuring the metabolic state of Mtb cells in vitro and in vivo with spatio-temporal resolution. We believe that this tool will facilitate further studies on mycobacterial physiology and will create new avenues of research for anti-tuberculosis drug discovery.

  15. Influence of oxygen on NADH recycling and oxidative stress resistance systems in Lactobacillus panis PM1

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Lactobacillus panis strain PM1 is an obligatory heterofermentative and aerotolerant microorganism that also produces 1,3-propanediol from glycerol. This study investigated the metabolic responses of L. panis PM1 to oxidative stress under aerobic conditions. Growth under aerobic culture triggered an early entrance of L. panis PM1 into the stationary phase along with marked changes in end-product profiles. A ten-fold higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide was accumulated during aerobic culture compared to microaerobic culture. This H2O2 level was sufficient for the complete inhibition of L. panis PM1 cell growth, along with a significant reduction in end-products typically found during anaerobic growth. In silico analysis revealed that L. panis possessed two genes for NADH oxidase and NADH peroxidase, but their expression levels were not significantly affected by the presence of oxygen. Specific activities for these two enzymes were observed in crude extracts from L. panis PM1. Enzyme assays demonstrated that the majority of the H2O2 in the culture media was the product of NADH: H2O2 oxidase which was constitutively-active under both aerobic and microaerobic conditions; whereas, NADH peroxidase was positively-activated by the presence of oxygen and had a long induction time in contrast to NADH oxidase. These observations indicated that a coupled NADH oxidase - NADH peroxidase system was the main oxidative stress resistance mechanism in L. panis PM1, and was regulated by oxygen availability. Under aerobic conditions, NADH is mainly reoxidized by the NADH oxidase - peroxidase system rather than through the production of ethanol (or 1,3-propanediol or succinic acid production if glycerol or citric acid is available). This system helped L. panis PM1 directly use oxygen in its energy metabolism by producing extra ATP in contrast to homofermentative lactobacilli. PMID:23369580

  16. Columnar alterations of NADH fluorescence during hypoxia-ischemia in immature rat brain.

    PubMed

    Welsh, F A; Vannucci, R C; Brierley, J B

    1982-01-01

    Cerebral hypoxia-ischemia was produced in 7-day postnatal rats by unilateral carotid artery ligation combined with systemic hypoxia (8% O2). Levels of high energy phosphates, which were only slightly altered in the contralateral hemisphere, were nearly depleted in the ipsilateral hemisphere during the 3-h hypoxic insult. With hypoxia of between 1 and 3 hours' duration, columnar alterations of cortical NADH fluorescence occurred in the same location and regional pattern as did histologic damage demonstrated previously (Rice et al., 1981). In regions exhibiting columns of NADH fluorescence, there was no evidence of a columnar reduction of high energy phosphates as levels of ATP and phosphocreatine were nearly zero. Recovery from 3 h of hypoxia was accompanied by partial and regionally heterogeneous restoration of ATP within the ipsilateral hemisphere. Columnar variations of NADH fluorescence were not detected in the recovery period; rather, regions with impaired restitution of high energy phosphates exhibited NADH fluorescence that was diminished diffusely compared to the contralateral hemisphere. The correlation between depressed NADH fluorescence and depleted ATP, present as cortical columns during hypoxia and as larger regions during recovery, suggests that decreased formation of NADH may be limiting the resynthesis of high energy phosphates.

  17. Preclinical evidence of mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide as an effective alarm parameter under hypoxia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Hua; Sun, Nannan; Mayevsky, Avraham; Zhang, Zhihong; Luo, Qingming

    2014-01-01

    Early detection of tissue hypoxia in the intensive care unit is essential for effective treatment. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) has been suggested to be the most sensitive indicator of tissue oxygenation at the mitochondrial level. However, no experimental evidence comparing the kinetics of changes in NADH and other physiological parameters has been provided. The aim of this study is to obtain the missing data in a systematic and reliable manner. We constructed four acute hypoxia models, including hypoxic hypoxia, hypemic hypoxia, circulatory hypoxia, and histogenous hypoxia, and measured NADH fluorescence, tissue reflectance, cerebral blood flow, respiration, and electrocardiography simultaneously from the induction of hypoxia until death. We found that NADH was not always the first onset parameter responding to hypoxia. The order of responses was mainly affected by the cause of hypoxia. However, NADH reached its alarm level earlier than the other monitored parameters, ranging from several seconds to >10 min. As such, we suggest that the NADH can be used as a hypoxia indicator, although the exact level that should be used must be further investigated. When the NADH alarm is detected, the body still has a chance to recover if appropriate and timely treatment is provided.

  18. Effect of micromolar Ca2+ on NADH inhibition of bovine kidney alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex and possible role of Ca2+ in signal amplification.

    PubMed

    Lawlis, V B; Roche, T E

    1980-11-20

    NADH inhibition of bovine kidney alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex was compared at 10 microM free Ca2+ or in the absence of Ca2+ (i.e., less than 1.0 nM free Ca2+). In the presence of Ca2+, NADH inhibition was appreciably decreased for a wide range of NADH:NAD+ ratios. A half-maximal decrease in NADH inhibition occurred at slightly less than 1 microM free Ca/+ (as determined with EGTA-Ca buffers). Of necessity this was observed on top of an effect of Ca2+ on the S0.5 for alpha-ketoglutarate which was decreased by Ca2+ with a half-maximal effect at a similar concentration. The effect of Ca2+ on NADH inhibition was not observed in assays of the dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase component (using dihydrolipoamide as a substrate) or in assays of bovine kidney pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. This indicates that the overall reaction catalyzed by the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex is required to elicit the effect of Ca2+ on NADH inhibition. At a fixed alpha-ketoglutarate concentration (50 microM), removal of Ca2+ reduced the activity of the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex by 8.5-fold (due to an increase in S0.5 for alpha-ketoglutarate) and, in the presence of different NADH:NAD+ ratios, decreased the activity of the complex by 50 to 100-fold. Effects of the phosphate potential (ATP/ADPxPi) or a combination of the phosphate potential and NADH:NAD+ ratio are also described. The possibility that the level of intramitochondrial free Ca/+ serves as a signal amplifier normally coupled to the energy state of mitochondria is discussed.

  19. Raman spectroscopic study of acute oxidative stress induced changes in mice skeletal muscles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sriramoju, Vidyasagar; Alimova, Alexandra; Chakraverty, Rahul; Katz, A.; Gayen, S. K.; Larsson, L.; Savage, H. E.; Alfano, R. R.

    2008-02-01

    The oxidative stress due to free radicals is implicated in the pathogenesis of tissue damage in diseases such as muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer dementia, diabetes mellitus, and mitochrondrial myopathies. In this study, the acute oxidative stress induced changes in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides in mouse skeletal muscles are studied in vitro using Raman spectroscopy. Mammalian skeletal muscles are rich in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides in both reduced (NADH) and oxidized (NAD) states, as they are sites of aerobic and anaerobic respiration. The relative levels of NAD and NADH are altered in certain physiological and pathological conditions of skeletal muscles. In this study, near infrared Raman spectroscopy is used to identify the molecular fingerprints of NAD and NADH in five-week-old mice biceps femoris muscles. A Raman vibrational mode of NADH is identified in fresh skeletal muscle samples suspended in buffered normal saline. In the same samples, when treated with 1% H IIO II for 5 minutes and 15 minutes, the Raman spectrum shows molecular fingerprints specific to NAD and the disappearance of NADH vibrational bands. The NAD bands after 15 minutes were more intense than after 5 minutes. Since NADH fluoresces and NAD does not, fluorescence spectroscopy is used to confirm the results of the Raman measurements. Fluorescence spectra exhibit an emission peak at 460 nm, corresponding to NADH emission wavelength in fresh muscle samples; while the H IIO II treated muscle samples do not exhibit NADH fluorescence. Raman spectroscopy may be used to develop a minimally invasive, in vivo optical biopsy method to measure the relative NAD and NADH levels in muscle tissues. This may help to detect diseases of muscle, including mitochondrial myopathies and muscular dystrophies.

  20. Cooperative Protein Folding by Two Protein Thiol Disulfide Oxidoreductases and ERO1 in Soybean1[OPEN

    PubMed Central

    Okuda, Aya; Masuda, Taro; Koishihara, Katsunori; Mita, Ryuta; Iwasaki, Kensuke; Hara, Kumiko; Naruo, Yurika; Hirose, Akiho; Tsuchi, Yuichiro

    2016-01-01

    Most proteins produced in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells fold via disulfide formation (oxidative folding). Oxidative folding is catalyzed by protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and PDI-related ER protein thiol disulfide oxidoreductases (ER oxidoreductases). In yeast and mammals, ER oxidoreductin-1s (Ero1s) supply oxidizing equivalent to the active centers of PDI. In this study, we expressed recombinant soybean Ero1 (GmERO1a) and found that GmERO1a oxidized multiple soybean ER oxidoreductases, in contrast to mammalian Ero1s having a high specificity for PDI. One of these ER oxidoreductases, GmPDIM, associated in vivo and in vitro with GmPDIL-2, was unable to be oxidized by GmERO1a. We therefore pursued the possible cooperative oxidative folding by GmPDIM, GmERO1a, and GmPDIL-2 in vitro and found that GmPDIL-2 synergistically accelerated oxidative refolding. In this process, GmERO1a preferentially oxidized the active center in the a′ domain among the a, a′, and b domains of GmPDIM. A disulfide bond introduced into the active center of the a′ domain of GmPDIM was shown to be transferred to the active center of the a domain of GmPDIM and the a domain of GmPDIM directly oxidized the active centers of both the a or a′ domain of GmPDIL-2. Therefore, we propose that the relay of an oxidizing equivalent from one ER oxidoreductase to another may play an essential role in cooperative oxidative folding by multiple ER oxidoreductases in plants. PMID:26645455

  1. Lactic acid-producing yeast cells having nonfunctional L- or D-lactate:ferricytochrome C oxidoreductase cells

    DOEpatents

    Miller, Matthew [Boston, MA; Suominen, Pirkko [Maple Grove, MN; Aristidou, Aristos [Highland Ranch, CO; Hause, Benjamin Matthew [Currie, MN; Van Hoek, Pim [Camarillo, CA; Dundon, Catherine Asleson [Minneapolis, MN

    2012-03-20

    Yeast cells having an exogenous lactate dehydrogenase gene ae modified by reducing L- or D-lactate:ferricytochrome c oxidoreductase activity in the cell. This leads to reduced consumption of lactate by the cell and can increase overall lactate yields in a fermentation process. Cells having the reduced L- or D-lactate:ferricytochrome c oxidoreductase activity can be screened for by resistance to organic acids such as lactic or glycolic acid.

  2. Subcellular fractionation by zonal centrifugation of glucose-repressed anaerobically grown Saccharomyces carlsbergensis

    PubMed Central

    Cartledge, T. G.; Lloyd, D.

    1972-01-01

    1. Homogenates were prepared from sphaeroplasts of anaerobically grown, glucoserepressed Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, and the distributions of marker enzymes investigated after zonal centrifugation on sucrose gradients containing 2mm-MgCl2. 2. These homogenates contained no detectable cytochrome c oxidase, succinate–cytochrome c oxidoreductase, succinate–ferricyanide oxidoreductase, l(+)-lactate–cytochrome c oxidoreductase or catalase. Cytochromes a+a3 and c were not detected. 3. Zonal centrifugation of whole homogenates indicated complex density distributions of the sedimentable portions of NADH– and NADPH–cytochrome c oxidoreductases, adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases), adenosine pyrophosphatase (ADPase), pyrophosphatase and acid p-nitrophenyl phosphatase. Several different ATPases were distinguished on the basis of their sensitivities to oligomycin and ouabain. 4. Differential centrifugation of whole homogenates at 105g-min left 80–90% of the protein, dithionite-reducible cytochrome b, acid hydrolases and pyrophosphatase in a supernatant (S1) together with 65 and 56% of the NADH– and NADPH–cytochrome c oxidoreductases respectively, 25% of the ATPases and 71% of the adenosine monophosphatase. 5. Further analysis of supernatant S1 revealed the presence of a class of small particles containing NADPH–cytochrome c oxidoreductases and ATPases. 6. At least four different populations of large particles were distinguished. 7. Electron microscopy indicated that one of these corresponded to `promitochondria' as described by other workers. ImagesPLATE 1PLATE 2PLATE 3 PMID:4405573

  3. Photoelectrochemical NADH Regeneration using Pt-Modified p -GaAs Semiconductor Electrodes

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

    Stufano, Paolo; Paris, Aubrey R.; Bocarsly, Andrew

    Cofactor regeneration in enzymatic reductions is crucial for the application of enzymes to both biological and energy-related catalysis. Specifically, regenerating NADH from NAD + is of great interest, and using electrochemistry to achieve this end is considered a promising option. Here in this paper, we report the first example of photoelectrochemical NADH regeneration at the illuminated (λ >600 nm), metal-modified p-type semiconductor electrode Pt/p-GaAs. Although bare p-GaAs electrodes produce only enzymatically inactive NAD 2, NADH was produced at the illuminated Pt-modified p-GaAs surface. At low overpotential (–0.75 V vs. Ag/AgCl), Pt/p-GaAs exhibited a seven-fold greater Faradaic efficiency for the formationmore » of NADH than Pt alone, with reduced competition from the hydrogen evolution reaction. Improved Faradaic efficiency and low overpotential suggest the possible utility of Pt/p-GaAs in energy-related NADH-dependent enzymatic processes.« less

  4. Flow-injection analysis with electrochemical detection of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide using 2,6-dichloroindophenol as a redox coupling agent.

    PubMed

    Tang, H T; Hajizadeh, K; Halsall, H B; Heineman, W R

    1991-01-01

    The determination of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) by electrochemical oxidation requires a more positive potential than is predicted by the formal reduction potential for the NAD+/NADH couple. This problem is alleviated by use of 2,6-dichloroindophenol (DCIP) as a redox coupling agent for NADH. The electrochemical characteristics of DCIP at the glassy carbon electrode are examined by cyclic voltammetry and hydrodynamic voltammetry. NADH is determined by reaction with DCIP to form NAD+ and DCIPH2. DCIPH2 is then quantitated by flow-injection analysis with electrochemical detection by oxidation at a detector potential of +0.25 V at pH 7. NADH is determined over a linear range of 0.5 to 200 microM and with a detection limit of 0.38 microM. The lower detection potential for DCIPH2 compared to NADH helps to minimize interference from oxidizable components in serum samples.

  5. Structural Basis for NADH/NAD+ Redox Sensing by a Rex Family Repressor

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

    McLaughlin, K.J.; Soares, A.; Strain-Damerell, C. M.

    2010-05-28

    Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides have emerged as key signals of the cellular redox state. Yet the structural basis for allosteric gene regulation by the ratio of reduced NADH to oxidized NAD{sup +} is poorly understood. A key sensor among Gram-positive bacteria, Rex represses alternative respiratory gene expression until a limited oxygen supply elevates the intracellular NADH:NAD{sup +} ratio. Here we investigate the molecular mechanism for NADH/NAD{sup +} sensing among Rex family members by determining structures of Thermus aquaticus Rex bound to (1) NAD{sup +}, (2) DNA operator, and (3) without ligand. Comparison with the Rex/NADH complex reveals that NADH releases Rexmore » from the DNA site following a 40{sup o} closure between the dimeric subunits. Complementary site-directed mutagenesis experiments implicate highly conserved residues in NAD-responsive DNA-binding activity. These rare views of a redox sensor in action establish a means for slight differences in the nicotinamide charge, pucker, and orientation to signal the redox state of the cell.« less

  6. Photoelectrochemical NADH Regeneration using Pt-Modified p -GaAs Semiconductor Electrodes

    DOE PAGES

    Stufano, Paolo; Paris, Aubrey R.; Bocarsly, Andrew

    2017-02-22

    Cofactor regeneration in enzymatic reductions is crucial for the application of enzymes to both biological and energy-related catalysis. Specifically, regenerating NADH from NAD + is of great interest, and using electrochemistry to achieve this end is considered a promising option. Here in this paper, we report the first example of photoelectrochemical NADH regeneration at the illuminated (λ >600 nm), metal-modified p-type semiconductor electrode Pt/p-GaAs. Although bare p-GaAs electrodes produce only enzymatically inactive NAD 2, NADH was produced at the illuminated Pt-modified p-GaAs surface. At low overpotential (–0.75 V vs. Ag/AgCl), Pt/p-GaAs exhibited a seven-fold greater Faradaic efficiency for the formationmore » of NADH than Pt alone, with reduced competition from the hydrogen evolution reaction. Improved Faradaic efficiency and low overpotential suggest the possible utility of Pt/p-GaAs in energy-related NADH-dependent enzymatic processes.« less

  7. The binding of quinone to the photosynthetic reaction centers: kinetics and thermodynamics of reactions occurring at the QB-site in zwitterionic and anionic liposomes.

    PubMed

    Mavelli, Fabio; Trotta, Massimo; Ciriaco, Fulvio; Agostiano, Angela; Giotta, Livia; Italiano, Francesca; Milano, Francesco

    2014-07-01

    Liposomes represent a versatile biomimetic environment for studying the interaction between integral membrane proteins and hydrophobic ligands. In this paper, the quinone binding to the QB-site of the photosynthetic reaction centers (RC) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides has been investigated in liposomes prepared with either the zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine (PC) or the negatively charged phosphatidylglycerol (PG) to highlight the role of the different phospholipid polar heads. Quinone binding (K Q) and interquinone electron transfer (L AB) equilibrium constants in the two type of liposomes were obtained by charge recombination reaction of QB-depleted RC in the presence of increasing amounts of ubiquinone-10 over the temperature interval 6-35 °C. The kinetic of the charge recombination reactions has been fitted by numerically solving the ordinary differential equations set associated with a detailed kinetic scheme involving electron transfer reactions coupled with quinone release and uptake. The entire set of traces at each temperature was accurately fitted using the sole quinone release constants (both in a neutral and a charge separated state) as adjustable parameters. The temperature dependence of the quinone exchange rate at the QB-site was, hence, obtained. It was found that the quinone exchange regime was always fast for PC while it switched from slow to fast in PG as the temperature rose above 20 °C. A new method was introduced in this paper for the evaluation of constant K Q using the area underneath the charge recombination traces as the indicator of the amount of quinone bound to the QB-site.

  8. Syntrophomonas wolfei Uses an NADH-Dependent, Ferredoxin-Independent [FeFe]-Hydrogenase To Reoxidize NADH

    PubMed Central

    Losey, Nathaniel A.; Mus, Florence; Peters, John W.; Le, Huynh M.

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Syntrophomonas wolfei syntrophically oxidizes short-chain fatty acids (four to eight carbons in length) when grown in coculture with a hydrogen- and/or formate-using methanogen. The oxidation of 3-hydroxybutyryl-coenzyme A (CoA), formed during butyrate metabolism, results in the production of NADH. The enzyme systems involved in NADH reoxidation in S. wolfei are not well understood. The genome of S. wolfei contains a multimeric [FeFe]-hydrogenase that may be a mechanism for NADH reoxidation. The S. wolfei genes for the multimeric [FeFe]-hydrogenase (hyd1ABC; SWOL_RS05165, SWOL_RS05170, SWOL_RS05175) and [FeFe]-hydrogenase maturation proteins (SWOL_RS05180, SWOL_RS05190, SWOL_RS01625) were coexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant Hyd1ABC was purified and characterized. The purified recombinant Hyd1ABC was a heterotrimer with an αβγ configuration and a molecular mass of 115 kDa. Hyd1ABC contained 29.2 ± 1.49 mol of Fe and 0.7 mol of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) per mole enzyme. The purified, recombinant Hyd1ABC reduced NAD+ and oxidized NADH without the presence of ferredoxin. The HydB subunit of the S. wolfei multimeric [FeFe]-hydrogenase lacks two iron-sulfur centers that are present in known confurcating NADH- and ferredoxin-dependent [FeFe]-hydrogenases. Hyd1ABC is a NADH-dependent hydrogenase that produces hydrogen from NADH without the need of reduced ferredoxin, which differs from confurcating [FeFe]-hydrogenases. Hyd1ABC provides a mechanism by which S. wolfei can reoxidize NADH produced during syntrophic butyrate oxidation when low hydrogen partial pressures are maintained by a hydrogen-consuming microorganism. IMPORTANCE Our work provides mechanistic understanding of the obligate metabolic coupling that occurs between hydrogen-producing fatty and aromatic acid-degrading microorganisms and their hydrogen-consuming partners in the process called syntrophy (feeding together). The multimeric [FeFe]-hydrogenase used NADH without the involvement of reduced ferredoxin. The multimeric [FeFe]-hydrogenase would produce hydrogen from NADH only when hydrogen concentrations were low. Hydrogen production from NADH by Syntrophomonas wolfei would likely cease before any detectable amount of cell growth occurred. Thus, continual hydrogen production requires the presence of a hydrogen-consuming partner to keep hydrogen concentrations low and explains, in part, the obligate requirement that S. wolfei has for a hydrogen-consuming partner organism during growth on butyrate. We have successfully expressed genes encoding a multimeric [FeFe]-hydrogenase in E. coli, demonstrating that such an approach can be advantageous to characterize complex redox proteins from difficult-to-culture microorganisms. PMID:28802265

  9. Anti-acne activities of pulsaquinone, hydropulsaquinone, and structurally related 1, 4-quinone derivatives.

    PubMed

    Cho, Soon-Chang; Sultan, Md Zakir; Moon, Surk-Sik

    2009-04-01

    Quinone type compound, pulsaquinone 1, isolated from the aqueous ethanol extract of the roots of Pulsatilla koreana exhibited antimicrobial activities against an anaerobic non-spore-forming gram-positive bacillus, Propionibacterium acnes, which is related with the pathogenesis of the inflamed lesions in a common skin disease, acne vulgaris. Compound 1 was unstable on standing and thus converted to more stable compound 2, namely hydropulsaquinone by hydrogenation, whose activity was comparable to mother compound 1 (MIC for 1 and 2 against P. acnes: 2.0 and 4.0 microg/mL, respectively). Other structurally-related quinone derivatives (3-13) were also tested for structure-activity relationship against anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, and fungi. The antimicrobial activity was fairly good when the quinone moiety was fused with a nonpolar 6- or 7-membered ring on the right side whether or not conjugated (1,4-naphtoquinone derivatives 3-5), while simple quinone compounds 6-9 showed poor activity. It seems that the methoxy groups at the left side of the quinone function deliver no considerable antimicrobial effect.

  10. NADH fluorescence lifetime analysis of the effect of magnesium ions on ALDH2

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    ALDH2 catalyzes oxidation of toxic aldehydes to their corresponding carboxylic acids. Magnesium ions influence enzyme activity in part by increasing NADH binding affinity. Traditional fluorescence measurements have monitored the blue shift of the NADH fluorescence spectrum to elucidate the extent of...

  11. Bioinspired aerobic oxidation of secondary amines and nitrogen heterocycles with a bifunctional quinone catalyst.

    PubMed

    Wendlandt, Alison E; Stahl, Shannon S

    2014-01-08

    Copper amine oxidases are a family of enzymes with quinone cofactors that oxidize primary amines to aldehydes. The native mechanism proceeds via an iminoquinone intermediate that promotes high selectivity for reactions with primary amines, thereby constraining the scope of potential biomimetic synthetic applications. Here we report a novel bioinspired quinone catalyst system consisting of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione/ZnI2 that bypasses these constraints via an abiological pathway involving a hemiaminal intermediate. Efficient aerobic dehydrogenation of non-native secondary amine substrates, including pharmaceutically relevant nitrogen heterocycles, is demonstrated. The ZnI2 cocatalyst activates the quinone toward amine oxidation and provides a source of iodide, which plays an important redox-mediator role to promote aerobic catalytic turnover. These findings provide a valuable foundation for broader development of aerobic oxidation reactions employing quinone-based catalysts.

  12. Cloning and mRNA Expression of NADH Dehydrogenase during Ochlerotatus taeniorhynchus Development and Pesticide Response

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    NADH dehydrogenase, the largest of the respiratory complexes, is the first enzyme of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. We have cloned and sequenced cDNA of NADH dehydrogenase gene from Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) taeniorhynchus (Wiedemann) adult (GeneBank Accession number: FJ458415). The ...

  13. NADH fluorescence lifetime analysis of the effect of magnesium ions on ALDH2

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) catalyzes oxidation of toxic aldehydes to carboxylic acids. Physiologic levels of Mg2+ ions influence enzyme activity in part by increasing NADH binding affinity. Traditional fluorescence measurements monitor the blue shift of the NADH fluorescence spectrum to study ...

  14. Studies of yeast cell oxygenation and energetics by laser fluorometry of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pan, Fu-shih; Chen, Stephen; Mintzer, Robert A.; Chen, Chin-Tu; Schumacker, Paul

    1991-03-01

    It is of fundamental importance for biological scientists to assess cellular energetics. Under aerobic conditions, the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) is coupled with the mitochondrial electron cascade pathway to provide the cell with energy. The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-conjugated pair (NAD and NADH) is the coenzyme in numerous important biomedical reactions which include several important dehydrogenase reactions in the TCA cycle. Based on Le Chatelier's principle, NADH will accumulate when this energy production mechanism is impaired. The relative amounts of NAD and NADH in a cell are defined as the redox state of the cell (Williamson et.al. 1967) which provides a valuable index of cellular energetics. The sum of the amounts of NAD and NADH in a cell may be assumed to be constant during a finite time; therefore, a reliable means of measuring the NADH concentration would provide us with a useful indicator of tissue viability. Traditionally, the quantities of NADH and NAD may be measured by chemical assay methods. We can avoid these tediois analyses by exploiting the significant difference between the ultraviolet absorption spectra of this redox pair. However, because of the opacity of biological samples and the interference of other biochemicals that also absorb ultraviolet radiation, measurement of NADH and NAD+ concentrations in vivo by absorption spectroscopy is not feasible.

  15. Sensitive colorimetric visualization of dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide based on anti-aggregation of gold nanoparticles via boronic acid-diol binding.

    PubMed

    Liu, Shufeng; Du, Zongfeng; Li, Peng; Li, Feng

    2012-05-15

    A facile, highly sensitive colorimetric strategy for dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) detection is proposed based on anti-aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via boronic acid-diol binding chemistry. The aggregation agent, 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid (MPBA), has specific affinity for AuNPs through Au-S interaction, leading to the aggregation of AuNPs by self-dehydration condensation at a certain concentration, which is responsible for a visible color change of AuNPs from wine red to blue. With the addition of NADH, MPBA would prefer reacting with NADH to form stable borate ester via boronic acid-diol binding dependent on the pH and solvent, revealing an obvious color change from blue to red with increasing the concentration of NADH. The anti-aggregation effect of NADH on AuNPs was seen by the naked eye and monitored by UV-vis extinction spectra. The linear range of the colorimetric sensor for NADH is from 8.0 × 10(-9)M to 8.0 × 10(-6)M, with a low detection limit of 2.0 nM. The as-established colorimetric strategy opened a new avenue for NADH determination. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Malate dehydrogenase of the cytosol. A kinetic investigation of the reaction mechanism and a comparison with lactate dehydrogenase.

    PubMed Central

    Lodola, A; Shore, J D; Parker, D M; Holbrook, J

    1978-01-01

    1. The mechanisms of the reduction of oxaloacetate and of 3-fluoro-oxaloacetate by NADH catalysed by cytoplasmic pig heart malate dehydrogenase (MDH) were investigated. 2. One mol of dimeric enzyme produces 1.7+/-0.4 mol of enzyme-bound NADH when mixed with saturating NAD+ and L-malate at a rate much higher than the subsequent turnover at pH 7.5. 3. Transient measurements of protein and nucleotide fluorescence show that the steady-state complex in the forward direction is MDH-NADH and in the reverse direction MDH-NADH-oxaloacetate. 4. The rate of dissociation of MDH-NADH was measured and is the same as Vmax. in the forward direction at pH 7.5. Both NADH-binding sites are kinetically equivalent. The rate of dissociation varies with pH, as does the equilibrium binding constant for NADH. 5. 3-Fluoro-oxaloacetate is composed of three forms (F1, F2 and S) of which F1 and F2 are immediately substrates for the enzyme. The third form, S, is not a substrate, but when the F forms are used up form S slowly and non-enzymically equilibrates to yield the active substrate forms. S is 2,2-dihydroxy-3-fluorosuccinate. 6. The steady-state compound during the reduction of form F1 is an enzyme form that does not contain NADH, probably MDH-NAD+-fluoromalate. The steady-state compound for form F2 is an enzyme form containing NADH, probably MDH-NADH-fluoro-oxaloacetate. 7. The rate-limiting reaction in the reduction of form F2 shows a deuterium isotope rate ratio of 4 when NADH is replaced by its deuterium analogue, and the rate-limiting reaction is concluded to be hydride transfer. 8. A novel titration was used to show that dimeric cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase contains two sites that can rapidly reduce the F1 form of 3-fluoro-oxaloacetate. The enzyme shows 'all-of-the-sites' behaviour. 9. Partial mechanisms are proposed to explain the enzyme-catalysed transformations of the natural and the fluoro substrates. These mechanisms are similar to the mechanism of pig heart lactate dehydrogenase and this, and the structural results of others, can be explained if the two enzymes are a product of divergent evolution. PMID:217361

  17. UV-Vis spectrophotometry of quinone flow battery electrolyte for in situ monitoring and improved electrochemical modeling of potential and quinhydrone formation.

    PubMed

    Tong, Liuchuan; Chen, Qing; Wong, Andrew A; Gómez-Bombarelli, Rafael; Aspuru-Guzik, Alán; Gordon, Roy G; Aziz, Michael J

    2017-12-06

    Quinone-based aqueous flow batteries provide a potential opportunity for large-scale, low-cost energy storage due to their composition from earth abundant elements, high aqueous solubility, reversible redox kinetics and their chemical tunability such as reduction potential. In an operating flow battery utilizing 9,10-anthraquinone-2,7-disulfonic acid, the aggregation of an oxidized quinone and a reduced hydroquinone to form a quinhydrone dimer causes significant variations from ideal solution behavior and of optical absorption from the Beer-Lambert law. We utilize in situ UV-Vis spectrophotometry to establish (a), quinone, hydroquinone and quinhydrone molar attenuation profiles and (b), an equilibrium constant for formation of the quinhydrone dimer (K QHQ ) ∼ 80 M -1 . We use the molar optical attenuation profiles to identify the total molecular concentration and state of charge at arbitrary mixtures of quinone and hydroquinone. We report density functional theory calculations to support the quinhydrone UV-Vis measurements and to provide insight into the dimerization conformations. We instrument a quinone-bromine flow battery with a Pd-H reference electrode in order to demonstrate how complexation in both the negative (quinone) and positive (bromine) electrolytes directly impacts measured half-cell and full-cell voltages. This work shows how accounting for electrolyte complexation improves the accuracy of electrochemical modeling of flow battery electrolytes.

  18. Unravelling the Structural and Molecular Basis Responsible for the Anti-Biofilm Activity of Zosteric Acid

    PubMed Central

    Cattò, Cristina; Dell’Orto, Silvia; Villa, Federica; Villa, Stefania; Gelain, Arianna; Vitali, Alberto; Marzano, Valeria; Baroni, Sara; Forlani, Fabio; Cappitelli, Francesca

    2015-01-01

    The natural compound zosteric acid, or p-(sulfoxy)cinnamic acid (ZA), is proposed as an alternative biocide-free agent suitable for preventive or integrative anti-biofilm approaches. Despite its potential, the lack of information concerning the structural and molecular mechanism of action involved in its anti-biofilm activity has limited efforts to generate more potent anti-biofilm strategies. In this study a 43-member library of small molecules based on ZA scaffold diversity was designed and screened against Escherichia coli to understand the structural requirements necessary for biofilm inhibition at sub-lethal concentrations. Considerations concerning the relationship between structure and anti-biofilm activity revealed that i) the para-sulfoxy ester group is not needed to exploit the anti-biofilm activity of the molecule, it is the cinnamic acid scaffold that is responsible for anti-biofilm performance; ii) the anti-biofilm activity of ZA derivatives depends on the presence of a carboxylate anion and, consequently, on its hydrogen-donating ability; iii) the conjugated aromatic system is instrumental to the anti-biofilm activities of ZA and its analogues. Using a protein pull-down approach, combined with mass spectrometry, the herein-defined active structure of ZA was matrix-immobilized, and was proved to interact with the E. coli NADH:quinone reductase, WrbA, suggesting a possible role of this protein in the biofilm formation process. PMID:26132116

  19. A new inhibitor of the CoQ-dependent redox reactions in mitochondria and chromatophores.

    PubMed

    Kolesova, G M; Belyakova, M M; Mamedov, M D; Yaguzhinsky, L S

    2000-05-01

    The effects of 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl-1-amylketone (DPK) on the CoQ-dependent stages of the electron transport systems in mitochondria and Rhodobacter sphaeroides chromatophores were studied. The two systems contain the complete Q-cycle. The sensitivities of the Q-cycles of two electron transport systems to antimycin, myxothiazole, and other inhibitors are virtually indistinguishable from one another, but these systems have different CoQ reduction processes. The dependence of the inhibition extent of the mitochondrial succinate oxidase on the DPK concentration was studied. The effective concentration of DPK is 0.5-2.5 mM. The presence of the point of inflection in the titration curve indicates that there are two mechanisms of inhibition. The effects of DPK on the extent of reduction of cytochromes b and c1 + c in mitochondria as well as on the electrogenic stages of the Q-cycle in chromatophores were examined. The experiments showed that DPK prevents three CoQ-dependent reactions related to the Q-cycle: electron transport between succinate dehydrogenase and the Q-cycle in mitochondria and functioning of the Z (o) and C (i) sites of the Q-cycle in chromatophores. DPK does not affect the electrogenic reaction associated with protonation of the secondary quinone acceptor QB in the reaction center of chromatophores. The mitochondrial NADH-dehydrogenase is inhibited by DPK at lower but comparable concentrations (C50 = 0.2 mM).

  20. Quinone-induced Enhancement of DNA Cleavage by Human Topoisomerase IIα: Adduction of Cysteine Residues 392 and 405†

    PubMed Central

    Bender, Ryan P.; Ham, Amy-Joan L.; Osheroff, Neil

    2010-01-01

    Several quinone-based metabolites of drugs and environmental toxins are potent topoisomerase II poisons. These compounds act by adducting the protein, and appear to increase levels of enzyme-DNA cleavage complexes by at least two potentially independent mechanisms. Treatment of topoisomerase IIα with quinones inhibits DNA religation, and blocks the N-terminal gate of the protein by crosslinking its two protomer subunits. It is not known whether these two effects result from quinone adduction to the same amino acid residue(s) in topoisomerase IIα or whether they are mediated by modification of separate residues. Therefore, the present study identified amino acid residues in human topoisomerase IIα that are modified by quinones and determined their role in the actions of these compounds as topoisomerase II poisons. Four cysteine residues were identified by mass spectrometry as sites of quinone adduction: cys170, cys392, cys405, and cys455. Mutations (cys–>ala) were individually generated at each position. Only mutations at cys392 or cys405 reduced sensitivity (~50% resistance) to benzoquinone. Top2αC392A and top2αC405A displayed faster rates (~2–fold) of DNA religation than wild-type topoisomerase IIα in the presence of the quinone. In contrast, as determined by DNA binding, protein clamp closing, and protomer crosslinking experiments, mutations at cys392 and cys405 did not affect the ability of benzoquinone to block the N-terminal gate of topoisomerase IIα. These findings indicate that adduction of cys392 and cys405 is important for the actions of quinones against the enzyme, and increases levels of cleavage complexes primarily by inhibiting DNA religation. PMID:17298034

  1. Electron transfer capacity dependence of quinone-mediated Fe(III) reduction and current generation by Klebsiella pneumoniae L17.

    PubMed

    Li, Xiaomin; Liu, Liang; Liu, Tongxu; Yuan, Tian; Zhang, Wei; Li, Fangbai; Zhou, Shungui; Li, Yongtao

    2013-06-01

    Quinone groups in exogenous electron shuttles can accelerate extracellular electron transfer (EET) from bacteria to insoluble terminal electron acceptors, such as Fe(III) oxides and electrodes, which are important in biogeochemical redox processes and microbial electricity generation. However, the relationship between quinone-mediated EET performance and electron-shuttling properties of the quinones remains incompletely characterized. This study investigates the effects of a series of synthetic quinones (SQs) on goethite reduction and current generation by a fermenting bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae L17. In addition, the voltammetric behavior and electron transfer capacities (ETCs) of SQ, including electron accepting (EAC) and donating (EDC) capacities, is also examined using electrochemical methods. The results showed that SQ can significantly increase both the Fe(III) reduction rates and current outputs of L17. Each tested SQ reversibly accepted and donated electrons as indicated by the cyclic voltammograms. The EAC and EDC results showed that Carmine and Alizarin had low relative capacities of electron transfer, whereas 9,10-anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonic acid (AQDS), 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (2-HNQ), and 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (5-HNQ) showed stronger relative ETC, and 9,10-anthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid (AQC) and 9,10-anthraquinone-2-sulfonic acid (AQS) had high relative ETC. Enhancement of microbial goethite reduction kinetics and current outputs by SQ had a good linear relationship with their ETC, indicating that the effectiveness of quinone-mediated EET may be strongly dependent on the ETC of the quinones. Therefore, the presence of quinone compounds and fermenting microorganisms may increase the diversity of microbial populations that contribute to element transformation in natural environments. Moreover, ETC determination of different SQ would help to evaluate their performance for microbial EET under anoxic conditions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. The oxygen-independent metabolism of cyclic monoterpenes in Castellaniella defragrans 65Phen

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background The facultatively anaerobic betaproteobacterium Castellaniella defragrans 65Phen utilizes acyclic, monocyclic and bicyclic monoterpenes as sole carbon source under oxic as well as anoxic conditions. A biotransformation pathway of the acyclic β-myrcene required linalool dehydratase-isomerase as initial enzyme acting on the hydrocarbon. An in-frame deletion mutant did not use myrcene, but was able to grow on monocyclic monoterpenes. The genome sequence and a comparative proteome analysis together with a random transposon mutagenesis were conducted to identify genes involved in the monocyclic monoterpene metabolism. Metabolites accumulating in cultures of transposon and in-frame deletion mutants disclosed the degradation pathway. Results Castellaniella defragrans 65Phen oxidizes the monocyclic monoterpene limonene at the primary methyl group forming perillyl alcohol. The genome of 3.95 Mb contained a 70 kb genome island coding for over 50 proteins involved in the monoterpene metabolism. This island showed higher homology to genes of another monoterpene-mineralizing betaproteobacterium, Thauera terpenica 58EuT, than to genomes of the family Alcaligenaceae, which harbors the genus Castellaniella. A collection of 72 transposon mutants unable to grow on limonene contained 17 inactivated genes, with 46 mutants located in the two genes ctmAB (cyclic terpene metabolism). CtmA and ctmB were annotated as FAD-dependent oxidoreductases and clustered together with ctmE, a 2Fe-2S ferredoxin gene, and ctmF, coding for a NADH:ferredoxin oxidoreductase. Transposon mutants of ctmA, B or E did not grow aerobically or anaerobically on limonene, but on perillyl alcohol. The next steps in the pathway are catalyzed by the geraniol dehydrogenase GeoA and the geranial dehydrogenase GeoB, yielding perillic acid. Two transposon mutants had inactivated genes of the monoterpene ring cleavage (mrc) pathway. 2-Methylcitrate synthase and 2-methylcitrate dehydratase were also essential for the monoterpene metabolism but not for growth on acetate. Conclusions The genome of Castellaniella defragrans 65Phen is related to other genomes of Alcaligenaceae, but contains a genomic island with genes of the monoterpene metabolism. Castellaniella defragrans 65Phen degrades limonene via a limonene dehydrogenase and the oxidation of perillyl alcohol. The initial oxidation at the primary methyl group is independent of molecular oxygen. PMID:24952578

  3. Bioinspired Aerobic Oxidation of Secondary Amines and Nitrogen Heterocycles with a Bifunctional Quinone Catalyst

    PubMed Central

    Wendlandt, Alison E.; Stahl, Shannon S.

    2014-01-01

    Copper amine oxidases are a family of enzymes with quinone cofactors that oxidize primary amines to aldehydes. The native mechanism proceeds via an iminoquinone intermediate that promotes high selectivity for reactions with primary amines, thereby constraining the scope of potential biomimetic synthetic applications. Here, we report a novel bioinspired quinone catalyst system, consisting of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione/ZnI2, that bypasses these constraints via an abiological pathway involving a hemiaminal intermediate. Efficient aerobic dehydrogenation of non-native secondary amine substrates, including pharmaceutically relevant nitrogen heterocycles, is demonstrated. The ZnI2 cocatalyst activates the quinone toward amine oxidation and provides a source of iodide, which plays an important redox-mediator role to promote aerobic catalytic turnover. These findings provide a valuable foundation for broader development of aerobic oxidation reactions employing quinone-based catalysts. PMID:24328193

  4. Evaluation of functioning of mitochondrial electron transport chain with NADH and FAD autofluorescence

    PubMed

    Danylovych, H V

    2016-01-01

    We prove the feasibility of evaluation of mitochondrial electron transport chain function in isolated mitochondria of smooth muscle cells of rats from uterus using fluorescence of NADH and FAD coenzymes. We found the inversely directed changes in FAD and NADH fluorescence intensity under normal functioning of mitochondrial electron transport chain. The targeted effect of inhibitors of complex I, III and IV changed fluorescence of adenine nucleotides. Rotenone (5 μM) induced rapid increase in NADH fluorescence due to inhibition of complex I, without changing in dynamics of FAD fluorescence increase. Antimycin A, a complex III inhibitor, in concentration of 1 μg/ml caused sharp increase in NADH fluorescence and moderate increase in FAD fluorescence in comparison to control. NaN3 (5 mM), a complex IV inhibitor, and CCCP (10 μM), a protonophore, caused decrease in NADH and FAD fluorescence. Moreover, all the inhibitors caused mitochondria swelling. NO donors, e.g. 0.1 mM sodium nitroprusside and sodium nitrite similarly to the effects of sodium azide. Energy-dependent Ca2+ accumulation in mitochondrial matrix (in presence of oxidation substrates and Mg-ATP2- complex) is associated with pronounced drop in NADH and FAD fluorescence followed by increased fluorescence of adenine nucleotides, which may be primarily due to Ca2+- dependent activation of dehydrogenases of citric acid cycle. Therefore, the fluorescent signal of FAD and NADH indicates changes in oxidation state of these nucleotides in isolated mitochondria, which may be used to assay the potential of effectors of electron transport chain.

  5. Optical imaging of oxidative stress in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in rodent model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghanian, Zahra; Maleki, Sepideh; Gopalakrishnan, Sandeep; Sepehr, Reyhaneh; Eells, Janis T.; Ranji, Mahsa

    2013-02-01

    Oxidative stress (OS), which increases during retinal degenerative disorders, contributes to photoreceptor cell loss. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in the metabolic state of the eye tissue in rodent models of retinitis pigmentosa by using the cryofluorescence imaging technique. The mitochondrial metabolic coenzymes NADH and FADH2 are autofluorescent and can be monitored without exogenous labels using optical techniques. The NADH redox ratio (RR), which is the ratio of the fluorescence intensity of these fluorophores (NADH/FAD), was used as a quantitative diagnostic marker. The NADH RR was examined in an established rodent model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), the P23H rat, and compared to that of control Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and P23H NIR treated rats. Our results demonstrated 24% decrease in the mean NADH RR of the eyes from P23H transgenic rats compared to normal rats and 20% increase in the mean NADH RR of the eyes from the P23H NIR treated rats compared to P23H non-treated rats.

  6. Coulometric determination of NAD+ and NADH in normal and cancer cells using LDH, RVC and a polymer mediator.

    PubMed

    Torabi, F; Ramanathan, K; Larsson, P O; Gorton, L; Svanberg, K; Okamoto, Y; Danielsson, B; Khayyami, M

    1999-11-15

    An electrochemical method for the measurement of NAD(+) and NADH in normal and cancer tissues using flow injection analysis (FIA) is reported. Reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) electrodes with entrapped l-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and a new redox polymer containing covalently bound toluidine blue O (TBO) were employed for this purpose. Both NAD(+) and NADH were estimated coulometrically based on their reaction with LDH. The latter was immobilized on controlled pore glass (CPG) by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde and packed within the RVC. The concentrations of NAD(+) and NADH in the tissues, estimated using different electron mediators such as ferricyanide (FCN), meldola blue (MB) and TBO have also been compared. The effects of flow rate, pH, applied potential (versus Ag/AgCl reference) and adsorption of the mediators have also been investigated. Based on the measurements of NAD(+) and NADH in normal and cancer tissues it has been concluded that the NADH concentration is lower, while the NAD(+) concentration is higher in cancer tissues. Amongst the electron mediators TBO was found to be a more stable mediator for such measurements.

  7. Mitochondria from the left heart ventricles of both normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats oxidize externally added NADH mostly via a novel malate/oxaloacetate shuttle as reconstructed in vitro.

    PubMed

    Atlante, Anna; Seccia, Teresa M; De Bari, Lidia; Marra, Ersilia; Passarella, Salvatore

    2006-07-01

    A substantial increase in NADH production, arising from accelerated glycolysis, occurs in cardiac hypertrophy and this raises the question of how the NADH is oxidised. We have addressed this problem by reconstructing appropriate mitochondrial shuttles in vitro, using mitochondria from the left ventricles of both normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats at 5 and 24 weeks of age as model systems for left ventricle hypertrophy and hypertrophy/hypertension respectively. We found that most NADH oxidation occurs via a novel malate/oxaloacetate shuttle, the activity of which increases with time and with the progression of hypertrophy and development of hypertension as judged by statistical ANOVA analysis. In contrast, alpha-glycerol-phosphate and the malate/aspartate shuttles were shown to make only a minor contribution to NADH oxidation in a manner essentially independent of age and progression of hypertrophy/hypertension. The rate of malate transport in exchange with oxaloacetate proved to limit the rate of NADH oxidation via this malate/oxaloacetate shuttle.

  8. Lactate metabolism and cytosolic NADH reducing equivalents in ovine adipocytes.

    PubMed

    Yang, Y T; White, L S; Muir, L A

    1982-01-01

    1. Isolated ovine adipocytes, unlike rat adipose tissue, could utilize lactate at a high rate. 2. When the rate of fatty acid synthesis was attenuated with 5-(tetradecyloxy)-2-furoic acid, a fatty acid synthesis inhibitor, there was a good positive correlation between the rates of lactate oxidation to CO2 and lactate incorporation into fatty acids. 3. Addition of 2,4-dinitrophenol enhanced lactate oxidation to CO2 independent of fatty acid synthesis. Under this condition, estimated cytosolic NADH formation from lactate dehydrogenation exceeded the need of NADH for cytosolic oxaloacetate reduction and for glyceride glycerol formation. 4. Mitochondria isolated from ovine adipocytes oxidized added NADH rapidly in a reconstituted alpha-glycerophosphate shuttle system. 5. It is possible that the ability of ovine adipocytes to utilize lactate may be related to the active alpha-glycerophosphate shuttle for cytosolic NADH reoxidation.

  9. Reduction of estrogen-induced transformation of mouse mammary epithelial cells by N-acetylcysteine

    PubMed Central

    Venugopal, Divya; Zahid, Muhammad; Mailander, Paula C; Meza, Jane L.; Rogan, Eleanor G.; Cavalieri, Ercole L.; Chakravarti, Dhrubajyoti

    2009-01-01

    A growing number of studies indicate that breast cancer initiation is related to abnormal estrogen oxidation to form an excess of estrogen-3,4-quinones, which react with DNA to form depurinating adducts and induce mutations. This mechanism is often called estrogen genotoxicity. 4-catechol estrogens, precursors of the estrogen-3,4-quinones, were previously shown to account for most of the transforming and tumorigenic activity. We examined whether estrogen-induced transformation can be reduced by inhibiting the oxidation of a 4-catechol estrogen to its quinone. We demonstrate that E6 cells (a normal mouse epithelial cell line) can be transformed by a single treatment with a catechol estrogen or its quinone. The transforming activities of 4-hydroxyestradiol and estradiol-3,4-quinone were comparable. N-acetylcysteine, a common antioxidant, inhibited the oxidation of 4-hydroxyestradiol to the quinone and consequent formation of DNA adducts. It also drastically reduced estrogen-induced transformation of E6 cells. These results strongly implicate estrogen genotoxicity in mammary cell transformation. Since N-acetylcysteine is well-tolerated in clinical studies, it may be a promising candidate for breast cancer prevention. PMID:18226522

  10. Oxidoreductases provide a more generic response to metallic stressors (Cu and Cd) than hydrolases in soil fungi: new ecotoxicological insights.

    PubMed

    Lebrun, Jérémie D; Demont-Caulet, Nathalie; Cheviron, Nathalie; Laval, Karine; Trinsoutrot-Gattin, Isabelle; Mougin, Christian

    2016-02-01

    The present study investigates the effect of metals on the secretion of enzymes from 12 fungal strains maintained in liquid cultures. Hydrolases (acid phosphatase, β-glucosidase, β-galactosidase, and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase) and ligninolytic oxidoreductases (laccase, Mn, and lignin peroxidases) activities, as well as biomass production, were measured in culture fluids from fungi exposed to Cu or Cd. Our results showed that all fungi secreted most of the selected hydrolases and that about 50% of them produced a partial oxidative system in the absence of metals. Then, exposure of fungi to metals led to the decrease in biomass production. At the enzymatic level, Cu and Cd modified the secretion profiles of soil fungi. The response of hydrolases to metals was contrasted and complex and depended on metal, enzyme, and fungal strain considered. By contrast, the metals always stimulated the activity of ligninolytic oxidoreductases in fungal strains. In some of them, oxidoreductases were specifically produced following metal exposure. Fungal oxidoreductases provide a more generic response than hydrolases, constituting thus a physiological basis for their use as biomarkers of metal exposure in soils.

  11. Inhibition of bovine kidney alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in the presence or absence of calcium ion and effect of adenosine 5'-diphosphate on reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide inhibition.

    PubMed

    Lawlis, V B; Roche, T E

    1981-04-28

    Micromolar Ca2+ markedly reduces NADH inhibition of bovine kidney alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex [Lawlis, V. B., & Roche, T. E. (1980) Mol. Cell. Biochem. 32, 147-152]. Product inhibition patterns from initial velocity studies conducted at less than 10(-9) M or at 1.5 X 10(-5) M Ca2+ with NAD+, CoA, or alpha-ketoglutarate as the variable substrate showed that NADH was a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to each of these substrates, except at high NAD+ concentrations, where reciprocal plots were nonlinear and the inhibition pattern for NADH vs. NAD+ changed from a noncompetitive to a competitive pattern. From slope and intercept replots, 2-fold to 12-fold higher inhibition constants were estimated for inhibition by NADH vs. the various substrates in the presence of 1.5 X 10(-5) M Ca2+ than for inhibition at less than 10(-9) M Ca2+. These inhibition patterns and the lack of an effect of Ca2+ on the inhibition of the dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase component suggested that Ca2+-modulated NADH inhibition occurs at an allosteric site with competitive binding at the site by high levels of NAD+. Decarboxylation of alpha-keto[1-14C]glutarate by the resolved alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase component was investigated in the presence of 5.0 mM glyoxylate which served as an efficient acceptor. NADH (0.2 mM) or 1.0 mM ATP inhibited the partial reaction whereas 15 muM Ca2+, 1.0 mM ADP, or 10 mM NAD+ stimulated the partial reaction and reduced NADH inhibition of this reaction. Thus these effectors alter the activity of the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex by binding at allosteric sites on the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase component. Inhibition by NADH over a wide range of NADH/NAD+ ratios was measured under conditions in which the level of alpha-ketoglutarate was adjusted to give matching control activities at less than 10(-9) M Ca2+ or 1.5 X 10(-5) M Ca2+ in either the presence or the absence of 1.6 mM ADP. These studies establish that both Ca2+ and ADP decreased NADH inhibition under conditions compensating for the effects of Ca2+ and ADP on S0.5 for alpha-ketoglutarate. ADP was particularly effective in reducing NADH inhibition; further studies are required to determine whether this occurs through binding of NADH and ADP at the same, overlapping, or interacting sites.

  12. Interaction between NADH and electron-transferring flavoprotein from Megasphaera elsdenii.

    PubMed

    Sato, Kyosuke; Nishina, Yasuzo; Shiga, Kiyoshi

    2013-06-01

    Electron-transferring flavoprotein (ETF) from the anaerobic bacterium Megasphaera elsdenii is a heterodimer containing two FAD cofactors. Isolated ETF contains only one FAD molecule, FAD-1, because the other, FAD-2, is lost during purification. FAD-2 is recovered by adding FAD to the isolated ETF. The two FAD molecules in holoETF were characterized using NADH. Spectrophotometric titration of isolated ETF with NADH showed a two-electron reduction of FAD-1 according to a monophasic profile indicating that FAD-1 receives electrons from NADH without involvement of FAD-2. When holoETF was titrated with NADH, FAD-2 was reduced to an anionic semiquinone and then was fully reduced before the reduction of FAD-1. The midpoint potential values at pH 7 were +81, -136 and -279 mV for the reduction of oxidized FAD-2 to semiquinone, semiquinone to the fully reduced FAD-2 and the two-electron reduction of FAD-1, respectively. Both FAD-1 and FAD-2 in holoETF were reduced by excess NADH very rapidly. The reduction of FAD-2 was slowed by replacement of FAD-1 with 8-cyano-FAD indicating that FAD-2 receives electrons from FAD-1 but not from NADH directly. The present results suggest that FAD-2 is the counterpart of the FAD in human ETF, which contains one FAD and one AMP.

  13. Contribution of Quinones and Ketones/Aldehydes to the Optical Properties of Humic Substances (HS) and Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM).

    PubMed

    Del Vecchio, Rossana; Schendorf, Tara Marie; Blough, Neil V

    2017-12-05

    The molecular basis of the optical properties of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and humic substances (HS) remains poorly understood and yet to be investigated adequately. This study evaluates the relative contributions of two broad classes of carbonyl-containing compounds, ketones/aldehydes versus quinones, to the absorption and emission properties of a representative suite of HS as well as a lignin sample. Selective reduction of quinones to hydroquinones by addition of small molar excesses of dithionite to these samples under anoxic conditions produced small or negligible changes in their optical properties; however, when measurable, these changes were largely reversible upon exposure to air, consistent with the reoxidation of hydroquinones to quinones. With one exception, estimates of quinone content based on dithionite consumption by the HS under anoxic conditions were in good agreement with past electrochemical measurements. In contrast, reduction of ketones/aldehydes to alcohols employing excess sodium borohydride produced pronounced and largely, but not completely, irreversible changes in the optical properties. The results demonstrate that (aromatic) ketones/aldehydes, as opposed to quinones, play a far more prominent role in the optical absorption and emission properties of these HS, consistent with these moieties acting as the primary acceptors in charge-transfer transitions within these samples. As a method, anoxic dithionite titrations may further allow additional insight into the content and impact of quinones/hydroquinones on the optical properties of HS and CDOM.

  14. Glycosylation enables aesculin to activate Nrf2.

    PubMed

    Kim, Kyun Ha; Park, Hyunsu; Park, Hee Jin; Choi, Kyoung-Hwa; Sadikot, Ruxana T; Cha, Jaeho; Joo, Myungsoo

    2016-07-15

    Since aesculin, 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin-6-O-β-glucopyranoside, suppresses inflammation, we asked whether its anti-inflammatory activity is associated with the activation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key anti-inflammatory factor. Our results, however, show that aesculin marginally activated Nrf2. Since glycosylation can enhance the function of a compound, we then asked whether adding a glucose makes aesculin activate Nrf2. Our results show that the glycosylated aesculin, 3-O-β-d-glycosyl aesculin, robustly activated Nrf2, inducing the expression of Nrf2-dependent genes, such as heme oxygenase-1, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 in macrophages. Mechanistically, 3-O-β-d-glycosyl aesculin suppressed ubiquitination of Nrf2, retarding degradation of Nrf2. Unlike aesculin, 3-O-β-d-glycosyl aesculin significantly suppressed neutrophilic lung inflammation, a hallmark of acute lung injury (ALI), in mice, which was not recapitulated in Nrf2 knockout mice, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory function of the compound largely acts through Nrf2. In a mouse model of sepsis, a major cause of ALI, 3-O-β-d-glycosyl aesculin significantly enhanced the survival of mice, compared with aesculin. Together, these results show that glycosylation could confer the ability to activate Nrf2 on aesculin, enhancing the anti-inflammatory function of aesculin. These results suggest that glycosylation can be a way to improve or alter the function of aesculin.

  15. A novel Nrf2 activator from microbial transformation inhibits radiation-induced dermatitis in mice

    PubMed Central

    Nakagami, Yasuhiro; Masuda, Kayoko

    2016-01-01

    Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcriptional factor that regulates many antioxidants, and we have recently succeeded in obtaining a novel Nrf2 activator, RS9, from microbial transformation. RS9 is categorized as a triterpenoid, and well-known triterpenoids such as RTA 402 (bardoxolone methyl) and RTA 408 have been tested in clinical trials. RTA 408 lotion is currently being tested in patients at risk for radiation dermatitis. This prompted us to study the profiles of RS9 in the skin. All the above triterpenoids increased the level of an Nrf2-targeted gene, NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase-1, in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Among them, the activity of RS9 was prominent; furthermore, the cellular toxicity was less compared with RTA compounds. BALB/c mice were irradiated with 30 Gy/day on Day 0, and compounds were topically applied on the back once daily from Day 1 to Day 30. Dermatitis scores peaked on Day 18, with a score of 2.6 in vehicle-treated mice, and topical applications of 0.1% RTA 402, RTA 408 and RS9 reduced the scores to 1.8, 2.0 and 1.4, respectively. Moreover, the percentage of animals with scores ≥2 was analyzed, and 0.1% RS9 suppressed the percentage from 100% to 47%. These results imply that RS9 has potential efficacy for treating radiation dermatitis. PMID:27242339

  16. Bardoxolone Methyl Decreases Megalin and Activates Nrf2 in the Kidney

    PubMed Central

    Chertow, Glenn M.; Hebbar, Sudarshan; Vaziri, Nosratola D.; Ward, Keith W.; Meyer, Colin J.

    2012-01-01

    Inflammation and oxidative stress are hallmarks and mediators of the progression of CKD. Bardoxolone methyl, a potent activator of the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)–mediated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response, increases estimated GFR and decreases BUN, serum phosphorus, and uric acid concentrations in patients with moderate to severe CKD. However, it also increases albuminuria, which is associated with inflammation and disease progression. Therefore, we investigated whether this bardoxolone methyl–induced albuminuria may result from the downregulation of megalin, a protein involved in the tubular reabsorption of albumin and lipid-bound proteins. Administration of bardoxolone methyl to cynomolgus monkeys significantly decreased the protein expression of renal tubular megalin, which inversely correlated with the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Moreover, daily oral administration of bardoxolone methyl to monkeys for 1 year did not lead to any adverse effects on renal histopathologic findings but did reduce serum creatinine and BUN, as observed in patients with CKD. Finally, the bardoxolone methyl–induced decrease in megalin corresponded with pharmacologic induction of renal Nrf2 targets, including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 enzyme activity and glutathione content. This result indicates that Nrf2 may have a role in megalin regulation. In conclusion, these data suggest that the increase in albuminuria that accompanies bardoxolone methyl administration may result, at least in part, from reduced expression of megalin, which seems to occur without adverse effects and with strong induction of Nrf2 targets. PMID:22859857

  17. Bardoxolone methyl decreases megalin and activates nrf2 in the kidney.

    PubMed

    Reisman, Scott A; Chertow, Glenn M; Hebbar, Sudarshan; Vaziri, Nosratola D; Ward, Keith W; Meyer, Colin J

    2012-10-01

    Inflammation and oxidative stress are hallmarks and mediators of the progression of CKD. Bardoxolone methyl, a potent activator of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response, increases estimated GFR and decreases BUN, serum phosphorus, and uric acid concentrations in patients with moderate to severe CKD. However, it also increases albuminuria, which is associated with inflammation and disease progression. Therefore, we investigated whether this bardoxolone methyl-induced albuminuria may result from the downregulation of megalin, a protein involved in the tubular reabsorption of albumin and lipid-bound proteins. Administration of bardoxolone methyl to cynomolgus monkeys significantly decreased the protein expression of renal tubular megalin, which inversely correlated with the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Moreover, daily oral administration of bardoxolone methyl to monkeys for 1 year did not lead to any adverse effects on renal histopathologic findings but did reduce serum creatinine and BUN, as observed in patients with CKD. Finally, the bardoxolone methyl-induced decrease in megalin corresponded with pharmacologic induction of renal Nrf2 targets, including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 enzyme activity and glutathione content. This result indicates that Nrf2 may have a role in megalin regulation. In conclusion, these data suggest that the increase in albuminuria that accompanies bardoxolone methyl administration may result, at least in part, from reduced expression of megalin, which seems to occur without adverse effects and with strong induction of Nrf2 targets.

  18. Thermodynamics of cooperative binding of FAD to human NQO1: Implications to understanding cofactor-dependent function and stability of the flavoproteome.

    PubMed

    Clavería-Gimeno, Rafael; Velazquez-Campoy, Adrian; Pey, Angel Luis

    2017-12-15

    The stability of human flavoproteins strongly depends on flavin levels, although the structural and energetic basis of this relationship is poorly understood. Here, we report an in-depth analysis on the thermodynamics of FAD binding to one of the most representative examples of such relationship, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). NQO1 is a dimeric enzyme that tightly binds FAD, which triggers large structural changes upon binding. A common cancer-associated polymorphism (P187S) severely compromises FAD binding. We show that FAD binding is described well by a thermodynamic model explicitly incorporating binding cooperativity when applied to different sets of calorimetric analyses and NQO1 variants, thus providing insight on the effects in vitro and in cells of cancer-associated P187S, its suppressor mutation H80R and the role of NQO1 C-terminal domain to modulate binding cooperativity and energetics. Furthermore, we show that FAD binding to NQO1 is very sensitive to physiologically relevant environmental conditions, such as the presence of phosphate buffer and salts. Overall, our results contribute to understanding at the molecular level the link between NQO1 stability and fluctuations of FAD levels intracellularly, and supports the notion that FAD binding energetics and cooperativity are fundamentally linked with the dynamic nature of apo-NQO1 conformational ensemble. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Site-to-site interdomain communication may mediate different loss-of-function mechanisms in a cancer-associated NQO1 polymorphism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Medina-Carmona, Encarnación; Neira, Jose L.; Salido, Eduardo; Fuchs, Julian E.; Palomino-Morales, Rogelio; Timson, David J.; Pey, Angel L.

    2017-03-01

    Disease associated genetic variations often cause intracellular enzyme inactivation, dysregulation and instability. However, allosteric communication of mutational effects to distant functional sites leading to loss-of-function remains poorly understood. We characterize here interdomain site-to-site communication by which a common cancer-associated single nucleotide polymorphism (c.C609T/p.P187S) reduces the activity and stability in vivo of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). NQO1 is a FAD-dependent, two-domain multifunctional stress protein acting as a Phase II enzyme, activating cancer pro-drugs and stabilizing p53 and p73α oncosuppressors. We show that p.P187S causes structural and dynamic changes communicated to functional sites far from the mutated site, affecting the FAD binding site located at the N-terminal domain (NTD) and accelerating proteasomal degradation through dynamic effects on the C-terminal domain (CTD). Structural protein:protein interaction studies reveal that the cancer-associated polymorphism does not abolish the interaction with p73α, indicating that oncosuppressor destabilization largely mirrors the low intracellular stability of p.P187S. In conclusion, we show how a single disease associated amino acid change may allosterically perturb several functional sites in an oligomeric and multidomain protein. These results have important implications for the understanding of loss-of-function genetic diseases and the identification of novel structural hot spots as targets for pharmacological intervention.

  20. Conformational dynamics is key to understanding loss-of-function of NQO1 cancer-associated polymorphisms and its correction by pharmacological ligands

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Encarnación, Medina-Carmona; Palomino-Morales, Rogelio J.; Fuchs, Julian E.; Esperanza, Padín-Gonzalez; Noel, Mesa-Torres; Salido, Eduardo; Timson, David J.; Pey, Angel L.

    2016-02-01

    Protein dynamics is essential to understand protein function and stability, even though is rarely investigated as the origin of loss-of-function due to genetic variations. Here, we use biochemical, biophysical, cell and computational biology tools to study two loss-of-function and cancer-associated polymorphisms (p.R139W and p.P187S) in human NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), a FAD-dependent enzyme which activates cancer pro-drugs and stabilizes several oncosuppressors. We show that p.P187S strongly destabilizes the NQO1 dimer in vitro and increases the flexibility of the C-terminal domain, while a combination of FAD and the inhibitor dicoumarol overcome these alterations. Additionally, changes in global stability due to polymorphisms and ligand binding are linked to the dynamics of the dimer interface, whereas the low activity and affinity for FAD in p.P187S is caused by increased fluctuations at the FAD binding site. Importantly, NQO1 steady-state protein levels in cell cultures correlate primarily with the dynamics of the C-terminal domain, supporting a directional preference in NQO1 proteasomal degradation and the use of ligands binding to this domain to stabilize p.P187S in vivo. In conclusion, protein dynamics are fundamental to understanding loss-of-function in p.P187S, and to develop new pharmacological therapies to rescue this function.

Top