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P Viglino

Publications and source records attributed to P Viglino.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Free energies calculated according to Manning's polyelectrolyte model compared with Poisson Boltzmann predictions.

The values of the different terms contributing to the free energy of a polyelectrolyte in ionic solution, calculated according to Manning's model are compared with those predicted by the Poisson-Boltzmann(P-B) equation solved for the cell model. On this ground, the limits of applicability of Manning's model and some of its features are discussed. The comparison confirms the usefulness of Manning's model for low charge density polyelectrolytes, while for higher charge densities some care should be used due to the breakdown of the approximations underlying the model.

Computer Simulation↗

Homology model building of the thyroid transcription factor 1 homeodomain.

A possible structure for the homeodomain of rat thyroid transcription factor 1 is proposed on the basis of the homology with other homeodomains whose structures have been solved by X-ray crystallography. A structure very similar to the reference ones is feasible and may account for the observed DNA-binding specificity. Structural features of the model, which are likely to be shared by other homeodomains, are discussed and may help researchers in the field to analyse their own experimental data.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

NMR structural characterization of the reaction product between d(GpG) and the octahedral antitumor complex trans-RuCl2(DMSO)4.

The reaction between the antitumor octahedral complex trans-RuCl2(DMSO)4 and d(GpG) leads to the formation of a stable compound characterized by a covalent bifunctional coordination of the bases to the metal center. The structure of the compound has been fully characterized by NMR and molecular modeling studies, showing the presence of two N7-coordinated guanine moieties in a head to head conformation, two dimethyl sulfoxide molecules, and one halogen atom in the coordination sphere of the ruthenium. The glycosidic chi angles are essentially in the anti range, the sugar puckering of the 5'G is 3'-endo (100% N), whereas that of the 3'G is more flexible but mainly in 2'-endo conformation (85% S), the two bases are strongly destacked. The compound shows structural features which are surprisingly similar to those exhibited by the corresponding cisplatin complex, indicating that such a way of interaction with DNA is not exclusive to Pt or to metals with square planar coordination geometries.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Reaction of the octahedral antitumor complex trans-RuCl2 (DMSO)4 with 2'deoxyguanosine.

The reaction of the antitumor octahedral complex trans-RuCl2(DMSO)4 with 2'deoxyguanosine leads to the reversible formation of two diastereoisomeric monoadducts and one biadduct. This shows that it is possible to accommodate two purine bases in a cis configuration in an octahedral transition metal complex which exhibits antiblastic activity. All the product compounds are characterized by a guanine moiety coordination via the N7 atom. A marked decrease (about two pK units) is observed for the N1H pKa of the coordinated guanine moieties. The reversibility of the monodentate binding could explain the low toxicity of the ruthenium(II) complexes.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

A kinetic study of the reactions between H2O2 and Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase; evidence for an electrostatic control of the reaction rate.

H2O2 was shown to reduce the copper ion of native bovine Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (superoxide:superoxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.15.1.1) (ECu2+) and to oxidize the reduced enzyme (ECu+). The time-course of these processes was monitored by NMR measurement of the longitudinal relaxation rate of the water protons. A steady-state characterized by the same ratio [ECu2+]/[( EC2+] + [ECu+]) was obtained either by starting from the oxidized or the reduced enzyme. The kinetics of these processes appear to be quite complex, since different reactions between H2O2, or its reaction products, and the enzyme-bound copper control the reaction rate. The solution of the differential equations describing the kinetic processes showed that the oxidation and the reduction of the copper ion by H2O2 are first-order with respect to the copper ion itself only when these processes approach the steady-state. The rate constants of the reduction and oxidation reactions were calculated according to these equations and were found to have comparable values which are in the range 5-80 and 5-45 M-1.min-1, respectively, changing the pH from 5.6 to 7 at 0.21 M ionic strength. This result, together with the dependence of the reaction rates on pH and ionic strength, points to HO2- as the reactive species in both processes, and indicates that the electrostatic control of the access of the peroxide to the active site is the rate-determining step of the two redox reactions.

Animals↗

Electrostatic control of the rate-determining step of the copper, zinc superoxide dismutase catalytic reaction.

The dependence of the activity of bovine Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase on pH and ionic strength was extensively investigated in the ranges of pH 7.4-pH 12.3 and of ionic strength of 0.02-0.25 M. The results obtained indicate that two positively charged groups having pK values of approximately 10.1 and 10.8 are involved in the control of the activity. On the basis of previous work on the three-dimensional structure and on the chemically modified enzyme, these groups are likely to be lysine side chains, in particular Lys-120 and Lys-134. The oxidation state of the enzyme-bound copper ion at the steady state was found to be the same at either pH 7.4 or pH 11.5. The diffusion of superoxide ion into the active site, which is controlled by the positive charges around the active site itself, appears to be the rate-determining step of the dismutation reaction. NMR measurements of the relaxation rates of F- showed that this control also applies to the access of F- to the active site. Comparison of the nuclear relaxation rates of F- with the enzyme activity indicates that F- relaxation is controlled by the deprotonation of the group with pK approximately 10.8, which appears to be responsible for about 50% of the total activity measured at neutral pH.

Animals↗

The active site of manganese-containing superoxide dismutase from Bacillus stearothermophilus studied by 1H and 19F magnetic relaxation.

The dependence of the magnetic relaxation rates of 1H and 19F- on temperature, frequency, pH and N-3 concentration, were measured in solutions of Manganese-containing superoxide dismutase of Bacillus stearothermophilus, and were compared to activity measurements, in order to obtain some information on the structure and dynamics at Mn(III) present in the active site of the enzyme. The experimental data lead us to hypothesize the presence of two binding sites in the coordination sphere of the enzyme bound Mn(III), which are accessible to water and anions and have different chemical and spectroscopic properties. NMR measurements carried out in the presence of competitive inhibitors and the pH dependence of both NMR relaxation rates suggest that F-, N-3 and OH- ions bind to one site, while a water molecule binds to the other one. The stability constant values of the complexes between these anions and the enzyme are reported. The influence of the anions on activity and the pH dependence of NMR parameters are discussed.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Age dependence of the level of the enzymes involved in the protection against active oxygen species in the rat brain.

Levels of Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (CuSOD), Mn superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were assessed in the rat brain cortex. The concentrations of Cu- and MnSOD were found to increase linearly with the logarithm of the age of the animal from 3 days before birth to 30 months, both in the whole cortex tissue and in its cytoplasmic fraction. Catalase and GPx levels showed different trends; in particular, GPx, which appears to play a key role in detoxification of hydrogen peroxide, after an initial fall increases steadily with age. The enhancement of the levels of SOD and GPx could be related to protection against an increased production of reactive oxygen species in the aging process.

Age Factors↗

Oxidation of reduced Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase by molecular oxygen. A kinetic study.

The rate of oxidation of reduced bovine Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase [ECu(I)] by molecular O2 was studied by magnetic-resonance techniques and was found to be low under physiological conditions. The analysis of the kinetic data and of the experiments carried out in the presence of tetranitromethane confirms that O2.- is a product of the oxidation process. At [ECu(I)]/([ECu(I)] + [ECu(II)]) greater than 0.5 the O2.- produced reacts mainly with ECu(I), increasing the oxidation rate of the enzyme, whereas at [ECu(I)]/([ECu(I)] + [ECu(II)]) less than 0.5 it reacts mainly with ECu(II), decreasing the oxidation rate, the kinetics, at constant O2 concentration, being an apparent second-order process. The oxidation rate increased linearly with both O2 and OH- concentration, indicating that only a deprotonated form of the ECu(I) reacts with O2.-.

Hydrogen-Ion Concentration↗

Preparation of reduced bovine Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase.

N.m.r. and e.p.r. were used to measure the oxidation state of copper in Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase treated with reducing agents such as NaBH4, K4Fe(CN)6, Na2S2O4 and H2O2. The activity and the electrophoretic pattern of the treated enzyme were also studied. On the basis of the reducing ability and of the absence of inactivating effects, NaBH4 was the most suitable reducer of those tested. Some characteristics of the reduction of superoxide dismutase by NaBH4 were further investigated. The results obtained indicate that NaBH4 can be used to prepare, in a few minutes, solutions of completely reduced enzyme without any apparent change of the activity and of the structure.

Borohydrides↗

Coordinate expression of MnSOD and CuZnSOD in human fibroblasts.

The amount of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and the activity of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) have been studied in five karyotypically normal human fibroblast strains, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and polarographic methods. A significant correlation between the two enzyme activities, and a linear increase of MnSOD with the increase of CuZnSOD have been demonstrated. Both enzymes are present in nuclei, mitochondria, lysosome-microsome fraction and cytosol. These findings suggest that the two enzymes dismutate the O-2 cooperatively and that a common genetic control maintains the relative amounts of the two enzymes constant.

Adolescent↗

Coordinate expression of Mn-containing superoxide dismutase and Cu,Zn-containing superoxide dismutase in human fibroblasts with trisomy 21.

The amount of Mn superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and the activity of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) have been studied in human fibroblasts of five subjects with trisomy 21 and five subjects with normal karyotype, using nuclear magnetic relaxation and polarographic methods. In the trisomic fibroblasts we have found a mean molar amount of MnSOD 25.4% lower than in the control, and an amount of CuZnSOD 54.7% higher. A positive significant correlation between the activities of both enzymes has been observed indicating that the two enzymes dismute the O2- cooperatively. However, the increase of MnSOD per unit of CuZnSOD appears significantly lower in the trisomic fibroblasts, an effect that is not due to a diminished inducibility of MnSOD. These findings suggest that the MnSOD and CuZnSOD genes interact to preserve the normal level of total SOD activity.

Adolescent↗

Generation of superoxide ion in human red blood cell lysates.

The generation of superoxide ion in human red blood cell lysates was investigated by an experimental method employing Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase as O2- scavenger and EPR to probe the oxidation state of the enzyme. The average value of the O2- flux in the erythrocytes of 8 normal individuals was (2.02 +/- 0.97) X 10(-8) M S-1. A progressive saturation of the rate of O2- production was found increasing PO2, KM = 1.04 X 10(-4) M, while the autoxidation of oxyhemoglobin did not contribute significantly to the measured O2- production.

Adult↗

An NMR study of the oxidation state of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase in human red blood cells.

The oxidation state of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase was investigated by 19F-NMR spectroscopy in intact red blood cells and in their lysates. The superoxide dismutase concentration was determined in the red cells both by activity and by F- nuclear relaxation rate measurements and the results obtained showed that the high relaxation rate of F- in erythrocytes is mainly due to the presence of superoxide dismutase. The relaxation rate of F- was unaffected or slightly increased by the addition of a superoxide ion generating system to the cells or to their lysates so indicating that superoxide dismutase is fundamentally in steady state. The results are discussed in terms of the possible reactions of the enzyme in erythrocytes.

Erythrocytes↗

Reaction of N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate and other bidentate ligands with Zn, Co and Cu bovine carbonic anhydrases. Inhibition of the enzyme activity and evidence for stable ternary enzyme-metal-ligand complexes.

The reactions with N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) of zinc, cobalt and copper carbonic anhydrase from bovine erythrocytes were investigated. The native zinc enzyme was inhibited by DDC, but no removal of zinc could be detected even at a very high [ligand]/[protein] ratio. At identical pH values a larger inhibitory effect was found for the cobalt enzyme. The metal was removed by DDC from the protein at pH less than 7.0. No cobalt removal occurred at pH 10, where a stable ternary complex with the enzyme-bound Co(II) was detected. Its optical and EPR spectra are indicative of five-coordinate Co(II). The reaction of the Cu(II) enzyme with stoichiometric chelating agent was marked by the appearance of an electronic transition at 390 nm (epsilon = 4300 M-1 X cm-1). Metal removal from the copper enzyme readily occurred as the ligand was in excess over the metal, with parallel appearance of a band at 440 nm, which was attributed to the free Cu(II)-DDC complex. Also, in the case of the copper enzyme an alkaline pH was found to stabilize the ternary adduct with the diagnostic 390 nm band. EPR spectra showed that the ternary adduct is a mixture of two species, both characterized by the presence in the EPR spectrum of a superhyperfine structure from two protein nitrogens and by a low g parallel value, indicative of coordination to sulfur ligands. It is suggested that the two species contain the metal as penta- and hexacoordinated, respectively. Measurements of the longitudinal relaxation time, T1, of the water protons suggested that water coordination is retained in the latter case. Hexacoordination with retention of water is also proposed for the Cu(II) derivatives with the bidentate oxalate and bicarbonate anions, unlike the corresponding Co(II) derivatives, which are pentacoordinated. Different coordination of Co(II) and Cu(II) adducts may be relevant to the difference of activity of the two substituted enzymes.

Animals↗

Superoxide ion as active intermediate in the autoxidation of ascorbate by molecular oxygen. Effect of superoxide dismutase.

The oxidation of ascorbic acid by molecular oxygen was investigated by optical and magnetic resonance methods in the presence and in the absence of copper and iron complexes. The results show that one superoxide ion is generated for each oxidized molecule of ascorbate. The effect of addition of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase, which at concentrations higher than 10(-7) M halves the oxidation rate, is discussed and a reaction mechanism is proposed. An upper limit for the kinetic rate constant of the reaction between the ascorbate radical and the superoxide ion is reported.

Animals↗

The 1H-NMR relaxation of Rhus laccase: assignment to different types of copper.

1H-NMR relaxation measurements of Rhus laccase showed that a portion of the relaxivity was specifically abolished by less than stoichiometric EDTA. Another portion of relaxivity was removed by addition of N3(-) to the EDTA saturated enzyme. This treatment or selective removal of the Type 2 Cu left a large residual paramagnetic relaxivity (1700 M-1s-1) which was assigned to the Type 1 Cu. It is concluded that only a portion of the laccase relaxivity can be assigned to the Type 1 Cu and that this copper type does not behave homogeneously: the two fractions have different relaxivity, 5200 and less than or equal to 2400 M-1s-1 respectively.

Chemical Phenomena↗