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Biomedical subjects

B R Singh

Publications and source records attributed to B R Singh.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Structural analysis of botulinum neurotoxin types A and E in aqueous and nonpolar solvents by Fourier transform infrared, second derivative UV absorption, and circular dichroic spectroscopies.

Two pharmacologically similar but antigenetically distinct botulinum neurotoxins, types A and E with a 1000-fold difference in their toxicity, were examined for nonpolar solvent-induced changes in secondary structures and polypeptide foldings to understand their structural differences and their comparative responsiveness/susceptibility to solvent perturbation. Analysis of far UV circular dichroic spectra in aqueous buffer for types A and E neurotoxins yielded the following: the alpha-helix contents were 27 and 20%; the beta-sheets were 36 and 44%, the beta-turns were 6.0 and 0%, and the random coils were 31 and 36%, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectra, obtained by using attenuated total reflection technique, indicated high content of alpha-helix and beta-pleated sheet structures for both neurotoxins as judged by strong bands at 1651 and 1633 cm-1 in the amide I frequency region and bands at 1314 and 1245 cm-1 in the amide III frequency region. The peak height ratio of 1314 and 1245 cm-1 bands, suggests that the type A neurotoxin has slightly higher alpha-helical content than the type E neurotoxin. These observations are consistent with the secondary structures estimated from far UV circular dichroic spectra. Fourier transform infrared spectra of the neurotoxins, exposed to methanol, showed sharp increases of the 1651 cm-1 band and a significant increase in the height of the 1314 cm-1 band, suggesting increases in the alpha-helical contents of the proteins. The changes were more in the type A than in the type E neurotoxin. The changes were reversible upon reexposure of the proteins to the aqueous buffer. Second derivative absorption spectroscopy demonstrated that methanol also induced changes in the degree of Tyr exposure to solvent. The results are discussed in terms of structural differences between the single and dichain neurotoxins and in terms of their mode of action.

Botulinum Toxins↗

Identification of specific domains in botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins.

Specific domains of botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins have been identified by computing the bias in the use of Lys over Arg in their respective polypeptide chains (E. London and C.L. Luongo, Biochem. biophys. Res. Commun. 160, 333-339, 1989). A strong bias was noted in the C-terminal domain of the light chains of both the neurotoxins (bRK', -8.0 to -12.0) suggesting that this domain could represent a 'catalytic domain' similar to that present in other dichain toxins such as diphtheria. Interestingly, this domain has a segment which has significant homology with the partial sequence of botulinum exoenzyme C3, and ADP-ribosyl transferase, implying a possible relationship with an enzymatic activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Conformational changes associated with the nicking and activation of botulinum neurotoxin type E.

Secondary and tertiary structural parameters of type E botulinum neurotoxin in the unactivated single-chain and activated two-chain (i.e., after proteolytic cleavage) forms were analyzed using circular dichroism, derivative absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The estimated secondary structures (22 and 20% alpha-helix, 44 and 44% beta-pleated sheets, and 34 and 36% random coils for the single- and two-chain neurotoxins, respectively) indicated that virtually no change occurred upon nicking of the single-chain neurotoxin. About 57% of the 70 Tyr residues were exposed in the single-chain form, which increased to 62% in the two-chain form. Fluorescence quenching experiments with neutral, anionic and cationic quenchers indicated that about 40% of the maximum accessible fluorescent Trp residues were exposed on the surface of the single-chain neurotoxin as compared to only 20% in the case of the two-chain neurotoxin. Acrylamide was the most effective quencher with a fraction accessibility of 0.56 and 0.48 of maximum accessible Trp fluorescence residues in the single and two-chain forms of the neurotoxin, respectively. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the two forms of the neurotoxin revealed greater mobility for the two chain form. This indicates that the surface charges in the single-chain neurotoxin were altered upon nicking. These observations suggest that nicking of the single-chain type E neurotoxin results in refolding and redistribution of the surface charges of the neurotoxin.

Botulinum Toxins↗

Molecular structure of tetanus neurotoxin as revealed by Fourier transform infrared and circular dichroic spectroscopy.

Secondary structure contents of tetanus neurotoxin have been estimated at neutral and acidic pH using circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. An analysis of the far-ultraviolet CD spectra of the neurotoxin dissolved in 50 mM citrate-phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) revealed 20.0 +/- 2.1% alpha-helix, 50.5 +/- 2.1% beta-pleated sheets, no beta-turns, and 29.5% random coils, which is at considerable variance with results from an earlier detailed study of tetanus neurotoxin's secondary structures (J.P. Robinson, L.A. Holladay, J.H. Hash and D. Puett, J. Biol. Chem. 257 (1982) 407). However, the alpha-helix content estimated in this study is consistent with the earlier studies of Robinson et al. (J.P. Robinson, L.A. Holladay, J.B. Picklesimer and D. Puett, Mol. Cell. Biochem. 5 (1974) 147; J.P. Robinson, J.B. Picklesimer and D. Puett, J. Biol. Chem. 250 (1975) 7435) and with the study by Lazarovici et al. (P. Lazarovici, P. Yanai and E. Yavin, J. Biol. Chem. 262 (1986) 2645), although other secondary structural features do not agree with those of the previous studies. Secondary structure estimation from Fourier transform infrared spectra in both amide I and amide III frequency regions revealed 22-23% alpha-helix, 49-51% beta-pleated sheets and 27-28% random coils, indicating a good correlation with the secondary structure content estimated from CD analysis. Lowering of the pH of the neurotoxin to 5.5 or 4.0 did not result in any noticeable change in the overall secondary structures. However, there were significant pH-induced variations observed in the individual curve-fitted FT-IR bands in the amide III frequency region. For example, the 1302 cm-1 band (relative area, 4.2%) observed at pH 7.0 was shifted to 1297 cm-1 (relative area, 2.2%) at pH 5.5, and the relative area of the band at 1316-1317 cm-1 (alpha-helix) increased by approx. 40%. This study suggests that contrary to earlier reports, tetanus neurotoxin is a beta-pleated sheet dominated structure, and although lower pH does not change the overall contents of the secondary structures, significant conformational alterations are observed.

Circular Dichroism↗

Phytochrome and protein phosphorylation.

The molecular mode of signal transduction triggered by phytochrome is unknown. One characteristic structural/topographic feature of the physiologically active form (Pfr) of phytochrome is that its tetrapyrrole chromophore becomes preferentially exposed in the Pfr form (compared to the Pr form). Phytochrome in its Pfr form appears to affect phosphorylation of cellular proteins. The literature on the phytochrome-mediated protein phosphorylation has been reviewed in an attempt to search for the role of the chromophore topography of phytochrome in the signal transduction process. In order to initiate a dephosphorylation-phosphorylation cascade as a possible step for the signal transduction, it may interact with a cellular protein kinase to inhibit its activity. This hypothesis has been reviewed with results from phosphorylation inhibition assays by the Pfr form of phytochrome and in light of the inhibition of protein kinase activity by tetrapyrroles in general.

Phosphorylation↗

Development of the neo-morphic air breathing organ in the swamp-eel, Monopterus albus (Zuiew).

The embryonic gill material derived from the 1st gill arch gives rise to the respiratory epithelium of the mouth cavity for aerial respiration in Monopterus albus. A comprehensive gill mass formed by mixing of the embryonic gill materials derived from the dorsal ends of the gill arches (II to V) gives rise to the fused gill filaments on the 1st and IInd gill arches that subserve the purpose of utilizing O2 from air or water.

Animals↗

Differential exposure of aromatic amino acids in the red-light-absorbing and far-red-light-absorbing forms of 124-kDa oat phytochrome.

The surface topography of aromatic amino acid residues and/or other hydrophobic groups of phytochrome has been investigated by ultraviolet absorption spectra and ultraviolet circular dichroism using phytochrome-cyclodextrin inclusion complexation. Three different types of cyclodextrins (alpha, beta and gamma) with varying hydrophobic cavity sizes, were used. Complexation resulted in significant changes in the circular dichroic signals of both the red-light-absorbing (Pr) and far-red-light-absorbing (Pfr) forms of phytochrome in the ultraviolet region at 222 nm, mid-ultraviolet at 280 nm and 300 nm and in the near-ultraviolet and visible regions at 365 nm and 670 mm, respectively, alpha- and beta-Cyclodextrins were markedly (1.7-4.5-fold) more effective in reducing the mid-ultraviolet CD signal of Pr than that of Pfr, indicating a differential inclusion of the aromatic amino acid residues. gamma-Cyclodextrin did not exhibit any significant differentiation. Secondary structure analysis of the phytochrome-cyclodextrin complexes revealed a considerable increase in the alpha-helical contents of both Pr and Pfr forms. The increase in the Pfr form (17-25%) was about twice that in the Pr form (8-9%), indicating a differential effect of complexation on the conformation of the phytochrome protein. Although the photostationary-state equilibrium of the phytochrome was not affected by the cyclodextrin complexation, the Pr----Pfr phototransformation rate was significantly increased. However, the Pfr----Pr photoreversion was not affected significantly. The results suggest a differential complexation of cyclodextrins with the Pr and Pfr forms of phytochrome as a result of a difference in accessibility of aromatic amino acids in the two forms. A detailed analysis of absorption difference spectra and circular dichroic spectra around 280 nm also revealed evidence for a difference in the exposure of aromatic amino acids.

Amino Acids↗

Interactions between native oat phytochrome and tetrapyrroles.

The suggestion, that the increase in the far-UV CD signal of the 124 kDa oat phytochrome upon phototransformation of the Pr to Pfr form is possibly due to the chromophore interaction with the N-terminus segment of the phytochrome protein in the Pfr from (Chai, Y.G., Song, P.S., Cordonnier, M.-M. and Pratt, L.H. (1987) Biochemistry 26, 4947-4952), has been investigated by measuring the circular dichroism in the absence of exogenous tetrapyrrolic chromophores (bilirubin, biliverdin, chlorophyllin and hemin). Open tetrapyrrolic chromophores (bilirubin and biliverdin) did not have any significant effect on the phototransformability of the far-UV CD signal of the phytochrome, whereas closed tetrapyrroles (chlorophyllin and hemin) almost completely blocked the increase in the far-UV CD signal upon Pr to Pfr phototransformation. However, closed tetrapyrroles had no effect on the decrease in the CD signal upon Pfr to Pr photoconversion. Secondary structure analysis showed that the alpha-helix content of both Pr and Pfr forms of phytochrome (with 53 and 56% alpha-helical content, respectively) increased to 62% when a 50-fold molar excess of chlorophyllin was added to them separately. Spectral phototransformation of phytochrome was not affected in the presence of tetrapyrroles, except in the case of hemin. A 50-fold molar mass of hemin caused a significant bleaching of the Pfr form of phytochrome but not that of the Pr form. These results suggest that the chromophore-protein interaction is significantly altered during the phototransformation of phytochrome.

Bilirubin↗

Primary photoprocesses of phytochrome. Picosecond fluorescence kinetics of oat and pea phytochromes.

The primary photoprocesses of etiolated oat and pea phytochromes (Pr forms) are diffusion-modulated by the microscopic viscosity within the chromophore pocket. The chromophore pocket is preferentially accessible to glycerol but not to Ficoll. Glycerol preferentially retarded the rate (rate constant ca. 1-2 X 10(10) s-1) of the initial reaction from the Qy excited state of phytochrome, whereas it increased the long fluorescence lifetime (nanosecond) component that can be attributed to either an emitting intermediate or to modified/conformationally heterogeneous phytochrome populations. The picosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectra of different phytochrome preparations (i.e., full-length vs 6/10-kDa NH2-terminus truncated forms of phytochromes from monocot and dicot plants) revealed no significant differences. The spectra in the picosecond time scale showed no spectral shifts, but at longer time scales of up to approximately 1.90 ns, significant blue spectral shifts were observed. The shifts were more in the truncated than in the full-length pea phytochrome. Comparison of the fluorescence decay data and the picosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectra suggests differences in conformational flexibility/heterogeneity among the preparations of the monocot vs dicot phytochromes and the full-length native vs the amino terminus truncated phytochromes.

Kinetics↗

Molecular topography and secondary structure comparisons of botulinum neurotoxin types A, B and E.

Botulinum neurotoxin (NT) serotypes A, B and E differ in microstructure and biological activities. The three NTs were examined for secondary structure parameters (alpha-helix, beta-sheet, beta-turn and random coil content) on the basis of circular dichroism; degree of exposed Tyr residues (second derivative spectroscopy) and state of the Trp residues (fluorescence and fluorescence quantum yield). The proteins are high in beta-pleated sheet content (41-44%) and low in alpha-helical content (21-28%). About 30-36% of the amino acids are in random coils. The beta-sheet contents in the NTs are similar irrespective of their structural forms (i.e. single or dichain forms) or level of toxicity. About 84%, 58% and 61% of Tyr residues of types A, B, and E NT, respectively, were exposed to the solvent (pH 7.2 phosphate buffer). Although the fluorescence emission maximum of Trp residues of type B NT was most blue shifted (331 nm compared to 334 for types A and E NT, and 346 nm for free tryptophan) the fluorescence quantum yields of types A and B were similar and higher than type E. In general the NTs have similar secondary (low alpha-helix and high beta-sheets) and tertiary (exposed tyrosine residues and tryptophan fluorescence quantum yield) structures. Within this generalized picture there are significant differences which might be related to the differences in their biological activities.

Botulinum Toxins↗

Comparative structural analysis of staphylococcal enterotoxins A and E.

Structural analysis of staphylococcal enterotoxins A and E, two functionally and serologically related proteins, has been carried out using circular dichroism, and tryptophan fluorescence quantum yield and quenching. Secondary structures derived from the far-UV circular dichroic spectra revealed that both enterotoxins are in predominantly beta-sheets/beta-turn structures (80-85%). Staphylococcal enterotoxin A has significantly higher alpha-helical content (10.0%) than staphylococcal enterotoxin E (6.5%). Tryptophan fluorescence spectra of both enterotoxins showed maxima at approximately 342 nm, indicating that the fluorescent tryptophan residues are in polar environments. However, the tryptophan fluorescence quantum yields indicated that tryptophan residues are approximately 41% more fluorescent in staphylococcal enterotoxin A than in staphylococcal enterotoxin E. Tryptophan fluorescence quenching by a surface quencher, I-, and a neutral quencher, acrylamide, indicated that at least 1 of the 2 tryptophan residues in both staphylococcal enterotoxins A and E is located on the outer surface of the proteins. This tryptophan residue is in significantly different environments in the two enterotoxins. Six antigenic sites are predicted from the hydrophilicity and secondary structure information; at least four sites are identical. In general, staphylococcal enterotoxins A and E have some structural similarities which are compatible with their common biological activities.

Acrylamide↗

Structure of heavy and light chain subunits of type A botulinum neurotoxin analyzed by circular dichroism and fluorescence measurements.

The secondary and tertiary structural features of botulinum neurotoxin (NT) serotype A, a dichain protein (Mr 145,000), and its two subunits, the heavy (H) and light (L) chains (Mr 97,000 and 53,000, respectively) were examined using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectorscopy. Nearly 70% of the amino acid residues in each of the three polypeptide preparations were found in ordered structure (sum of alpha helix, beta sheet and beta turns). Also, the alpha helix, beta sheet, beta turns and random coil contents of the dichain NT were nearly equal to the weighted mean of each of these secondary structure parameters of the L and H chains; e.g., sum of alpha helix of L chain (22%) and H chain (18.7%), as weighted mean, 19.8% was similar to that of NT (20%). These agreements suggested that the secondary structures of the subunits of the dichain NT do not significantly change when they are separated as isolated L and H chains. Fluorescence emission maximum of L chain, 4 nm less (blue shift) than that of H chain, suggested relatively more hydrophobic environment of fluorescent tryptophan residue(s) of L chain. Tryptophan fluorescence quantum yields of L chain, H chain and the NT, 0.072, 0.174 and 0.197, respectively, suggested that a) an alteration in the micro-environment of the tryptophan residues was possibly caused by interactions of L and H chain subunits of the NT and b) quantum yields for L and H chains were altered when they are together as subunits of the NT. Possible implications of structural features of the L and H chains, their interactions and the molecular mechanism of action of botulinum NT are assessed.

Botulinum Toxins↗

Molecular differences between type A botulinum neurotoxin and its toxoid.

The neurotoxins (seven serotypes, Mr approximately 150,000) produced by Clostridium botulinum cause the neuroparalytic disease botulism. Prophylaxis, definitive diagnosis and the only effective therapy for botulism depend, at present, on chemically detoxified form(s) of the neurotoxins, i.e. toxoids (immunogens), and the antisera raised with the immunogens. And yet, the toxoids currently used for immunization of humans and animals and for raising antibody are very crude preparations (approximately 90% impure) of the neurotoxins. Hence, the highly heterogenous toxoids were not suitable for physicochemical studies. We have detoxified a pure (greater than 99%) neurotoxin (serotype A) with formaldehyde. The native neurotoxin is composed of two subunit chains (Mr 53,000 and 97,000). The physicochemical properties of the toxoid (immunogenic in rabbits) were analyzed. The chemical modification produced inter- and intrasubunit covalent links at multiple sites and thus extensive aggregation of the neurotoxin. The secondary structure parameters (alpha-helix, beta-sheet, beta-turn and random coil) of the native protein were not significantly altered. Tertiary structure, as measured by exposure of tyrosine residues and fluorescence quantum yield of tryptophan residues, was considerably altered. The data imply that conformational (topographical) antigenic determinants may not contribute significantly to the serological property of the neurotoxin.

Botulinum Toxins↗

A photoreversible phytochrome affinity column chromatography for putative phytochrome receptor studies.

Using a photoreversible phytochrome affinity column, we have isolated a small RNA molecule that binds to the affinity column. The RNA was identified by a A260/A280 ratio of 2.0, hypochromicity, orcinol, ribonuclease A and DNase tests. Agarose gel electrophoresis and circular dichroic spectral characteristics also indicate it to be a small RNA molecule. The successful preparation of a photoreversible phytochrome affinity column, the possible usage of the column and the significance of the RNA binding have been discussed.

Chromatography, Affinity↗

Use of bilirubin oxidase for probing chromophore topography in tetrapyrrole proteins.

Bilirubin oxidase has been used to probe the surface topography of phycocyanins (C-phycocyanin and phycocyanin-645), peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein and phytochrome. The enzyme catalyzes oxidation of the tetrapyrrolic chromophores in these proteins. Relative rates of oxidation were 78.0 X 10(-6) s-1 (monitored at 617 nm) and 58.0 X 10(-6) s-1 (592 nm) for C-phycocyanin, 43.0 X 10(-6) s-1 for phycocyanin-645, 0.3 X 10(-6) s-1 (at 671 nm) and 1.3 X 10(-6) s-1 (at 480 nm) for peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein. The relative rate of free chlorophyllin a was 2.8 X 10(4) s-1 whereas upon binding to human serum albumin its rate of oxidation was reduced to 3.3 X 10(-3) s-1. Relative rates for the oxidation of Pr and Pfr forms of phytochrome were 2.9 and 19.5 s-1, respectively, which are consistent with earlier finding [( 1984) Plant Physiol. 74, 755-758] that indicated a preferential exposure of tetrapyrrolic chromophore in the Pfr form. In general, kcat/Km values derived from the Lineweaver-Burk plots followed the same trend as the relative rates of oxidation. For example, the kcat/Km for the free chlorophyllin a was 2.8 X 10(6) M-1 s-1 but it was only 1.1 M-1s-1 for the chlorophyll a in peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein where the chlorophyll is shielded by protein. These results reflect varying degrees of protection of the tetrapyrrolic chromophores from the enzymatic oxidation and prove that bilirubin oxidase can be generally used as a probe for deducing the topography of tetrapyrrolic chromophores.

Animals↗

Changes in the molecular topography of the light and heavy chains of type A botulinum neurotoxin following their separation.

Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A, an approx. 150 kDa protein, is composed of two subunits, the light and heavy chains (approximately 50 and approximately 100 kDa, respectively). The neurotoxin's mode of action is believed to depend on coordinated but independent actions of the two subunit chains. The molecular environments of the aromatic amino acid residues of the dichain neurotoxin and the two isolated subunit chains were analyzed using near-ultraviolet circular dichroism (CD) (between 250 and 320 nm) and second-derivative ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy (between 240 and 320 nm) to investigate the conformational variations of the subunit chains in separated and conjugated forms. The mean residue weight ellipticities showed virtually no change (i.e., 1.7%) in the vicinities of Phe (268 nm), and only a small change (11%) around Tyr (279 nm) residues following dissociation of the subunit chains. However, significant changes (23-26%) at 286 nm as well as at 292 nm were noted, suggesting considerable alteration in the conformation of the subunits. Second-derivative ultraviolet absorption spectra indicated the degree of Tyr exposure in the dichain neurotoxin, isolated heavy and light chains at 70.7, 81.5 and 46.4%, respectively. A weighted mean of the degree of exposed Tyr residues in the separated heavy and light chains was 69.6%, virtually same as the 70.7% exposed Tyr residues observed in the intact dichain neurotoxin, indicating no difference in their Tyr exposure upon separation of the two chains. This was corroborated by the CD data which revealed only small changes in the CD signals of Tyr residues, and no alteration in those of the Phe residues following separation of the subunit chains. However, a change in the CD signal at 292 nm suggested that the conformations of Trp-containing segments of the two chains were significantly influenced upon their separation. The heavy and light chains of the neurotoxin therefore appear to exist as two semi-independent domains, in spite of being linked by disulfide and noncovalent bonds, and at least part of their conformations depends on interactions between them.

Botulinum Toxins↗

Development of the neo-morphic air breathing organs in three genera of estuarine gobies.

The rudiment of the neo-morphic organ for O2 uptake arises in the form of a gill mass formed by the gill material of the embryonic 5th gill arch. Ectodermal induction to the gill mass takes place in the post-embryonic stage of development to produce a respiratory epithelium of the neo-morphic air breathing organ. The respiratory epithelium of the opercular chamber and the buccal cavity is formed by the cells of the gill mass alone. The respiratory epithelium of the suprabranchial chamber is formed by the cells of the gill mass as well as the gill lamellae derived from the dorsal aspects of the functional gill arches (1 to 4). Extension of the suprabranchial chamber into the buccal region anteriorly is a device to increase the respiratory surface area available for O2 uptake by air. The epithelial position of the blood capillaries in the suprabranchial chamber of Periophthalmodon schlosseri signifies terrestrial nature of the fish.

Animals↗

A photoreversible conformational change in 124 kDa Avena phytochrome.

Tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence quenching of phytochrome has been studied using anionic, cationic and neutral quenchers, I-, Cs+ and acrylamide, respectively, in an effort to understand the molecular differences between the Pr and Pfr forms. The data have been analyzed using both Stern-Volmer and modified Stern-Volmer kinetic treatments. The anionic quencher, I-, was proven to be an ineffective quencher with Stern-Volmer constants, Ksv, of 0.60 and 0.63 M-1, respectively, for the Pr and Pfr forms of phytochrome. The cationic quencher, Cs+, showed about a 2-fold difference in the Ksv of Pr and Pfr, indicating a significant change in the fluorescent Trp environments during the Pr to Pfr phototransformation. However, only 25-37% of the fluorescent Trp residues were accessible to the cationic quencher. Most of the fluorescent Trp residues were accessible to acrylamide, but the quenching by acrylamide was indistinguishable for the Pr and Pfr forms. An additional quenching by acrylamide after a saturated quenching with Cs+ showed more than 40% increase in the Ksv of Pfr over Pr. These observations, along with the finding of two distinct components in the Trp fluorescence lifetime, indicate the existence of Trp residues in at least two different sets of environments in the phytochrome protein. The two components of the fluorescence had lifetimes of 1.1 ns (major) and 4.7 ns (minor) for Pr and 0.9 ns (major) and 4.6 ns (minor) for Pfr. Fluorescence quenching was found to be both static and dynamic as the Stern-Volmer constants for the steady-state fluorescence quenching were higher than for the dynamic fluorescence quenching. Based on the quenching results, in combination with the location of Trp residues in the primary structure, we conclude that the Pr to Pfr phototransformation involves a significant conformation change in the phytochrome molecule, preferentially in the 74 kDa chromophore-bearing domain.

Acrylamide↗