Biomedical subjects

B Salvato

Publications and source records attributed to B Salvato.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

Subunits composition and allosteric control in Carcinus aestuarii hemocyanin.

Carcinus aestuarii hemocyanin (Hc) exists in two aggregation forms at pH 7.5 and 20 mM Ca2+: 24S accounting for 90% of total hemocyanin and 16S accounting for 10%. Removal of metal cations by EDTA at neutral pH causes the complete dissociation of 24S hemocyanin into two different 16S. At pH 9.2, 24S hemocyanin dissociates into a pH stable 16S and a 5S component. The 5S component consists of three monomeric fractions named CaeSS1 (10%), CaeSS2 (50%) and CaeSS3 (40%); the latter fraction consisting of two isoforms. The fractions CaeSS1, CaeSS2 and CaeSS3 have been studied as far as their reassociation properties to form hexamers are concerned. We investigated the oxygen-binding properties of the native form (24S), the mixture of the two 16S forms, the pH-stable 16S alone and of purified subunit fractions to define the role of each species on the expression of the allosteric behaviour of the 24S aggregate. The analysis of O2-binding data reveals that 24S-Hc can be well described by the modified Monod Wyman and Changeaux-model (nested MWC-model), while the half-molecules (16S) bind oxygen according to the simple MWC-model. The two hexameric 16S within the dodecameric 24S hemocyanin can be regarded as nested allosteric units. They behave as being functionally coupled in the T-states (tT and rT). In the R-states (tR and rR) the two half-molecules seem to be functionally uncoupled since they have the same values of oxygen binding constants as deduced for isolated 16S hexamers.

Allosteric Regulation↗

PubMed1998

Dissociation kinetics of hemocyanin from Octopus vulgaris.

The native form of hemocyanin (Hc) from Octopus vulgaris can be completely dissociated, at alkaline pH and in the presence of EDTA, from 49S decamers to 11S monomers. The kinetics of this process was studied, using a Bio-Logic stopped flow system, by following the time dependence of the 450-nm light intensity, scattered at 90 degrees, in the 7.9-8.8 pH range. All experimental traces were best fitted by a sum of three exponential decay functions. We then tried to best fit these decay functions with a series of kinetic models, the best of them resulting in one whose dissociation of decamers to monomers takes place in three consecutive and irreversible steps, with a highly cooperative step concerning dissociation of octamers to dimers, which appears to be the only intermediate species. This model was preferred over several others, not only for the best norm value but also for the best accordance between each calculated and experimental kinetic parameter (rate constants and amplitudes). Although other more complex models may be considered, our best fit model represents the simplest one, which is able to describe the observed dissociation kinetics.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

The binding of azide to copper-containing and cobalt-containing forms of hemocyanin from the mediterranean crab Carcinus aestuarii.

To establish the competence of the active site of hemocyanin to acquire diverse coordination geometries, the binding of azide to three forms of a crab hemocyanin, the dinuclear cupric or met-hemocyanin, the mononuclear cupric or met-apo-hemocyanin, and the mononuclear Co(II)-substituted derivative has been studied by near-ultraviolet circular dichroism and EPR spectroscopies. The near-ultraviolet circular dichroism spectra of the various derivatives present qualitatively similar features, namely a negative peak around 335 nm in the case of the two copper-containing derivatives and a three-component pattern with the Co(II) derivative. Upon decreasing the pH from 7.0 to 5.5 a decrease of optical activity is observed with all protein samples. The characteristic CD features, attributable to N(imidazole)-to-metal and to OH -to-metal charge-transfer transitions, are strongly affected by azide binding. In particular, the intensity of the negative band exhibited by the two copper-containing protein forms decreases with the onset of a new negative feature with maximum around 400 nm diagnostic for azide-to-Cu(II) charge-transfer transitions. The visible region is affected as well, indicating that changes in the coordination sphere of copper take place. The affinity for azide of the different protein forms is higher at low pH. EPR measurements on the paramagnetic met-apo-hemocyanin derivative as a function of pH demonstrate heterogeneity in the coordination environment at low pH. In the presence of azide an increase of rhombic distortion of the EPR spectra is observed and on the basis of the identified sets of copper hyperfine features in the course of azide titration experiments two different azide bound forms of met-apo-hemocyanin can be detected. The CD and EPR data at the different pH values are consistent with a reaction scheme in which azide replaces a fourth ligand in the metal-coordination sphere, identified as a water or hydroxide molecule.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Copper depletion/repletion of human ceruloplasmin is followed by the changes in its spectral features and functional properties.

Copper ions of different types were gradually eliminated from ceruloplasmin (CP1; ferro-O2-oxidoreductase, EC 1.16.3.1.) by dialyzing the enzyme against KCN. Protein was sampled 2, 4, 6, 22, and 28 h after the dialysis started. Atomic absorption allowed us to estimate the amount of copper atoms per CP molecule. Light absorption in the UV and visible regions along with fluorescence and EPR spectra were also registered. Oxidase and dismutase activities of the enzyme were measured at each step. The combination of the data thus obtained allowed us to trace the sequence of CP depletion of certain copper ions. The same methods were applied in reconstitution studies to detect the return of different types of Cu2+. The experiments were performed on CP samples differing in the amount of copper still bound after CN- treatment. It is shown that the oxidase activity is efficiently brought back to CP if, after the dialysis against cyanide, the catalytic center had preserved its type 3 Cu2+. Dismutase activity of CP did not depend greatly on the presence or absence of type 1 and type 2 copper ions. The results obtained allow a more precise evaluation of the role of different types Cu2+ in the assembly of the complex catalytic center of CP and in the accomplishment by the enzyme of its multiple functions.

Ceruloplasmin↗

PubMed1996

Dissociation equilibrium of human recombinant interferon gamma.

The biologically active form of interferon gamma is a dimer composed of two noncovalently bound identical polypeptide chains of 17 kDa each. In this study, it was found that dissociation of the dimer into monomers significantly reduced the fluorescence quantum yield and the efficiency of the intermolecular Tyr to Trp radiationless energy transfer. The same process caused significant changes in the fluorescence decay and in the fluorescence anisotropy decay. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the dimer-monomer equilibrium were determined by fluorescence measurements at different temperatures and by a theoretical mathematical model. Dissociation of the dimers into monomers was an endothermic process and was favored by concentrations of the protein lower than 1 microM and by increasing the temperature. It was accompanied by formation of aggregates, a slow and partially reversible process leading to inactivation of the interferon. It is suggested that certain monomeric conformers are competent for aggregation.

Biopolymers↗

PubMed1996

Evidence for the molten globule state of human apo-ceruloplasmin.

The conformational features of copper-free ceruloplasmin (CP), as compared to the holo-protein, were evaluated utilizing far- and near-UV circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results obtained indicate that apo-CP maintains the secondary structure of the holo-protein, while the tertiary interactions are much weaker. In addition, the removal of copper from the holo-protein leads to the exposure of hydrophobic patches to solvent, as shown by the fact that apo-CP, at variance from the holo-protein, binds the hydrophobic probe ANS. It is proposed that the CP molecule, upon copper removal, acquires the conformational features typical of a molten globule, which might be the conformational state of CP during its biosynthesis before metal incorporation.

Anilino Naphthalenesulfonates↗

PubMed1996

Catalytic mechanism of mitochondrial processing peptidase: fluorescence studies.

Processing of nuclear-encoded precursor proteins by mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP) is an essential step for their sorting and function in mitochondria. We report spectroscopic studies on the catalytic mechanism of Neurospora crassa MPP. It is a complex enzyme consisting of two different subunits termed alpha-and beta-MPP. Following changes in the protein intrinsic fluorescence we register and characterize a complex formation between (i) the alpha- and the beta-subunit of MPP, (ii) the two subunits and a precursor protein, and (iii) the two subunits and some metal ions. The presequence of the precursor protein was absolutely necessary for its binding to MPP subunits. Mn2+ ions in concentrations enhancing the processing activity did not influence the substrate binding, whereas EDTA in concentrations inhibiting the enzyme completely abolished the binding of the substrate to the MPP subunits. Both MPP subunits bind metal ions such as Mn2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+. beta-MPP interacts stronger with these ions but alpha-MPP-Mn2+ conjugates seem to be important for the processing activity.

Catalysis↗

PubMed1996

Evidences for adenine nucleotide binding in the subunits of Neurospora mitochondrial processing peptidase.

The mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP) of Neurospora crassa consists of two subunits termed alpha-and beta-MPP. Here we present spectroscopic and chromatographic studies indicative of adenine nucleotide binding in the two MPP subunits. ADP was identified as the cofactor of alpha-MPP and ATP as the cofactor of beta-MPP. The nucleotides are not covalently bound and exert strong control on the conformational and functional properties of the subunits. The ADP cofactor of alpha-MPP seems to be of utmost importance for the proteolytic activity because no processing of the precursor protein was registered in the assay containing alpha-MPP depleted of ADP and native beta-MPP. On the contrary, with native alpha-MPP and depleted of ATP beta-MPP almost 100% processing activity could be measured. Very strong increase of the intensity and significant changes in the shape and maximum position of the protein fluorescence spectra were observed after removal of the adenine cofactors of alpha- and of beta-MPP.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

PubMed1996

The o-diphenol oxidase activity of arthropod hemocyanin.

Arthropod hemocyanin (isolated from the crab Carcinus maenas and the lobster Homarus americanus) is usually referred to as an oxygen transport-storage protein. The protein, however, also catalyses with low efficiency the oxidation of o-diphenol to quinone, similarly to tyrosinase (monophenol, o-diphenol:oxygen oxidoreductase). The enzymatic parameters of hemocyanin are affected by the aggregation state of the protein; namely V(max) exhibited by a dissociated subunit is one order of magnitude greater than that of aggregated species. The reaction velocity is increased by the presence of perchlorate, an anion of the Hofmeister series. The results are also discussed on the basis of active site accessibility in comparison with tyrosinase.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

[Spectral studies of the ceruloplasmin active site during its copper repletion and depletion].

Ceruloplasmin (CP; ferro-O2-oxidoreductase, EC 1.16.3.1) was gradually depleted of different type Cu2+ by dialysis against KCN. Protein samples were taken 2, 4, 6, 22 and 28 hrs after the beginning of dialysis. The number of copper atoms per CP molecule was estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Light absorption in UV and visible regions, fluorescence and EPR spectra were also recorded. The experimental results allowed to trace the sequence of release of certain Cu2+ ions from the CP molecule. The same methods used in the course of CP active center reconstitution made it possible to determine the dependence of its repletion with certain Cu2+ on the degree of the preceding catalytic center destruction. It was shown that efficient recurrence of the CP oxidase activity is achieved if after dialysis against KCN the enzyme retains type III Cu2+ in its active center. The data obtained allow to specify more precisely the role of different types of Cu2+ in the assembly of the complex catalytic center of CP and in exercising by the enzyme of its multiple functions.

Binding Sites↗

PubMed1995

The oxidation of hemocyanin. Kinetics, reaction mechanism and characterization of met-hemocyanin product.

The reaction that gives met-hemocyanin from Octopus vulgaris oxy-hemocyanin has been reinvestigated under several experimental conditions. Various anions including azide, fluoride and acetate have been found to promote this reaction. Kinetic data indicate that the reaction mechanism is different from that currently accepted involving a peroxide displacement of bound dioxygen through an associative chemistry on an open axial position of the copper ions [Hepp, A. F., Himmelwright, R. S., Eickman, N. C. & Solomon, E. I. (1979) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 89, 1050-1057; Solomon, E. I. in Copper proteins (Spiro, T. G., ed.) pp. 43-108, J. Wiley, New York]. Our study suggests that the protonated form of the anion is likely to be the species reacting with the oxygenated form of the protein. Furthermore, it is also proposed that protonation of bound dioxygen generates an intermediate hydroperoxo-dicopper(II) complex to which the exogenous anion is also bound. This intermediate in not accumulated and preceds the release of hydrogen peroxide by reaction with water. Upon dialysis it leads to the met-hemocyanin form. The structure of this dinuclear copper(II) derivative contains a di-mu-hydroxo bridge but there is evidence from optical and circular dichroism spectra for partial protonation of these bridges at low pH. As a consequence, while one azide molecule binds in the bridging mode to met-hemocyanin with low affinity (K = 30 M-1) at pH 7.0, it binds with much higher affinity at pH 5.5 (K = 1500 M-1), where a second azide ligand also binds in the terminal mode (K = 20 M-1). The coordination mode of the azide ligands is deduced from the optical and circular dichroism spectra of the protein complexes.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Cu(II) coordination in arthropod and mollusk green half-methemocyanins analyzed by electron spin-echo envelope modulation spectroscopy.

Hemocyanin (Hc) is a dinuclear copper protein that binds oxygen reversibly. The structure of the Cu(II) site in a derivative of hemocyanin known as green half-met (GHM) has been analyzed using the pulsed EPR technique of electron spin-echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopy. The derivative, prepared by treating the native protein with nitrite at low pH, contains a mixed-valent binuclear copper center. It was shown through chemical assays and the ligand exchange reaction products identified by EPR spectroscopy to contain a nitrite ligand bound to Cu(II). The ESEEM spectra of green half-methemocyanins from mollusks and arthropods indicated that three imidazole ligands are coordinated to Cu(II). Therefore, a tetragonal N3O ligand structure (O is an oxygen of nitrite) is proposed. For GHM Hc from the mollusks Octopus vulgaris and Rapana thomasiana, the isotropic nitrogen nuclear hyperfine coupling constant, aiso, for the N delta (or remote) nitrogen of two imidazoles was approximately 1.4 MHz, while for the third, aiso congruent to 2.2 MHz. The difference between the two weaker nitrogens and the single, more strongly coupled nitrogen was smaller by 0.2 MHz in the GHM Hcs from the arthropods Carcinus maenas, Homarus americanus and Panulirus interruptus. The nitrogen nuclear quadrupole coupling constants and asymmetry parameters, e2Qq and eta, for the N delta nitrogens in nearly all cases were near 1.4 MHz and 0.8, respectively, although Rapana thomasiana GHM Hc exhibited a reduction in eta that may indicate weaker hydrogen bonding in the active site of this protein. The g and ACu (copper nuclear hyperfine coupling) values for the derivatives, and the finding of three similar nuclear hyperfine coupling constants for the N delta sites of imidazole ligands, when considered with the orientation-specific information obtained using angle-selection methods for simulation of ESEEM spectra, suggest a distorted tetragonal Cu(II) structure in which three imidazoles and a nitrite ligand are bound near the equatorial plane. The finding that the two molluscan GHM Hcs exhibit differences associated with the remote nitrogen of imidazoles bound to Cu(II) may be related to a structural variability in the active sites of these proteins not found in the arthropodan GHM Hcs examined.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Structural characterization of mononuclear Cu(II) and its nitrite complex in the active site of Carcinus maenas hemocyanin.

The preparation of a mononuclear Cu(II) derivative of Carcinus maenas hemocyanin (Cu(II)-Hc) and a nitrite complex of the derivative (Cu(II)-Hc-NO2-) are described. Several techniques have been used in their characterization, including X-ray absorption, continuous wave (cw) EPR, and electron spin-echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopies. EXAFS results for Cu(II)-Hc indicate the presence of three ligands at 1.99 +/- 0.01 A and a fourth one at 2.26 +/- 0.01 A from the copper. The same coordination number and very similar bond lengths were obtained for Cu(II)-Hc-NO2-. On the basis of simulations of three-pulse ESEEM spectra, three equivalent imidazole nitrogens coupled to Cu(II) were identified in Cu(II)-Hc. Upon the binding of nitrite, a decrease in the hyperfine interaction for two of the three imidazole nitrogens was observed by ESSEM. Further, the results of a two-pulse ESEEM experiment are consistent with the assignment of the protons of a water ligand to Cu(II), which is displaced when nitrite is added. An analysis of X-ray absorption K-edge spectra suggests a coordination geometry intermediate between square-planar and tetrahedral for the metal centers in Cu(II)-Hc and Cu(II)-Hc-NO2-, in agreement with the g and ACu values determined by cw-EPR. On the basis of these results, an equivalent structure is suggested for Cu(II)-Hc-NO2- and the Cu(II) site in green half-methemocyanin, a partially oxidized binuclear derivative formed in the reaction of the native protein with nitrite.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Luminescence properties of the dinuclear copper complex in the active site of hemocyanins.

The deoxygenated form of hemocyanin, containing a dinuclear Cu(I) active site, emits luminescence in the red with maximum around 1.54 microns-1 (650 nm). The luminescence of deoxyhemocyanin (deoxy-Hc) from arthropod species is detectable at room temperature, the quantum yield being 2.4-2.7 x 10(-3); in contrast, the emission from molluscan proteins can be detected only at liquid nitrogen temperature. The luminescence emission is an inherent property of the bis[Cu(I)-(histidine)3] complex of the deoxygenated form of the protein to which both Cu(I) ions contribute equally to the overall emission. Luminescence is not observed with the oxygenated and the oxidized forms of hemocyanin, in which the metal is in the Cu(II) state, and in the metal-depleted or apo-Hc form. Based on steady-state and time-resolved measurements and references to Cu(I) model compounds, the luminescence emission is attributed to a triplet excited state of a Cu(I)-to-N (histidine) charge transfer transition 3d-pi*. Acrylamide quenching experiments indicate that the metal active site is very shielded from the solvent. This property of deoxy-Hc enables us to directly follow reactions that modify either the copper oxidation number or the metal-to-protein stoichiometry.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Adaptation of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain to high copper concentrations.

A strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been adapted to increasing concentrations of copper at two different pH values. The growth curve at pH 5.5 is characterized by a time generation increasing with the amount of added copper. A significant decrease of cell volume as compared with the control is also observed. At pH 3 the cells grow faster than at pH 5.5 and resist higher copper concentrations (3.8 against 1.2 mM). Experimental evidence indicates that, after copper treatment, the metal is not bound to the cell wall, but is localized intracellularly. A significant precipitation of copper salts in the medium was observed only at pH 5.5. Increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were observed in copper-treated cells and which persisted after 20 subsequent inocula in a medium without added metal. On the contrary, catalase activity was not stimulated by copper treatment and, hence, not correlated with SOD levels. The mechanism of copper resistance, therefore, probably involves a persistent induction of SOD, but not of catalase, and it is strongly pH-dependent.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1994

An oxygenation-sensitive dye binding to Carcinus maenas hemocyanin.

The interaction of 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) with Carcinus maenas hemocyanin has been investigated by steady state fluorescence, dynamic fluorescence and circular dichroism measurements. The dye binds to apohemocyanin (without copper) as well as to oxygenated hemocyanin and to deoxygenated hemocyanin with very similar affinities (kd approximately equal to 1 microM ) and number of binding sites (one per subunit). In contrast, the fluorescence quantum yield enhancement of DAPI bound to oxygenated hemocyanin is nearly 60% lower than that observed for deoxygenated and apo forms. The decrease of fluorescence of the dye bound to deoxygenated hemocyanin is a sigmoidal function of the oxygen partial pressure, specular to that observed by following the absorbance of the copper-oxygen charge transfer band at 340 nm. This result provides preliminary evidence that DAPI may be used as a functional probe to monitor the cooperative binding of oxygen to the protein. The higher fluorescence quantum yield of DAPI bound to either apohemocyanin or deoxygenated protein is characterized by a single fluorescence decay with lifetime of about 3 ns, while with the oxygenated protein two components of about 1 ns and 3.0 ns are observed. This result is interpreted assuming the existence of two rotamers of DAPI in solution (Szabo et al. Photochem. Photobiol. 44 (1986) 143-150) both able to interact with oxygenated hemocyanin but only one to deoxygenated and apo forms. We conclude that the different fluorescence behaviour of the dye induced by the presence of oxygen bound to the protein is probably due to a structural change of hemocyanin in cooperative interaction with oxygen. Furthermore, the interaction is confirmed by the induced negative ellipticity of DAPI bound to apohemocyanin and deoxy-hemocyanin and by the increase of fluorescence anisotropy of DAPI bound to all forms of protein investigated.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1994

Superoxide dismutase, catalase and cell dimorphism in Candida albicans cells exposed to methanol and different temperatures.

The combined effects of methanol and different temperatures on Candida albicans were studied. Growth curve, cell morphology, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity levels have been determined. Cell growth in each medium was comparable to 28 degrees C and 37 degrees C. The growth rate was not affected by methanol, in the presence of glucose, while it was much lower in the absence of sugar. Cell dimorphism appeared after thermic stress and it was also dependent on the medium composition. In all media, both SOD and catalase levels were much higher at 37 degrees C. The presence of methanol per se did not affect the enzymatic levels, while the absence of glucose gave higher SOD levels.

Candida albicans↗

PubMed1993

The binding of Cd(II) to the hemocyanin of the Mediterranean crab Carcinus maenas.

The interaction of Carcinus hemocyanin with Cd(II) was studied. The incubation of the apoprotein with the metal yields a derivative containing 1 g-at. of EDTA-stable Cd(II) per 75 kDa. Spectroscopic data ruled out Cd(II) coordination to tryptophan or cysteine residues. The optical activity and fluorescence properties of the protein are affected by Cd(II) binding and indicate a rearrangement of tryptophan residues. The poor Cd(II) binding to the oxy-form and the resistance of Cd(II)-hemocyanin to EDTA treatment and to the regeneration by Cu(I) strongly indicate that Cd(II) binding to apohemocyanin occurs at the copper-free active site. During the metal-binding process, a marked increase of light scattering is observed. This effect, however, is reversible provided that the incubation medium contains SCN- and glycine as exogenous ligands of the metal in the bulk solution.

Animals↗