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W C Stallings

Publications and source records attributed to W C Stallings.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Characterization of crystals of tetrameric manganese superoxide dismutase from Thermus thermophilus HB8.

The tetrameric manganese superoxide dismutase from the extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus HB8 crystallizes in space group P41212 (or its enantiomorph) with a = b = 147.5 A, c = 55.9 A. The diffraction patterns extent to 1.4 A, and the crystals are very resistant to decay induced by x-irradiation. Measurements of the crystal density in Ficoll gradients are consistent with an asymmetric unit containing the entire tetramer (Mr = 80,000).

Manganese↗

Molecular structure and intermolecular interactions of N1'-methoxycarbonylbiotin methyl ester: a model for carboxybiotin.

The crystal structure of N1'-methoxycarbonylbiotin methyl ester, a model for N1'-carboxybiotin, has been determined. The ureido carbonyl bond has more double bond (keto) character than does the corresponding bound in free biotin, which has single bond (enolate) character. In addition, there is an interesting intermolecular interaction between the ureido carbonyl oxygen and a methyl group. Comparison of the molecular structure and crystal packing with those of free biotin suggests that the coenzyme may have evolved with the incorporation of the ureido moiety because the electronic configuration of this region of the molecule is sensitive to N1' carboxylation. On decarboxylation, the ureido carbonyl bond becomes more polarized (C-O-), thereby facilitating the deprotonation of N1' and increasing its nucleophilicity. As a result, carboxylation can occur readily. On carboxylation, the carbonyl bond is depolarized (C = O), allowing the carboxylated coenzyme to interact with nonpolar groups and carboxylate them. Thus, the carboxylation and decarboxylation of biotin appear to act as a mechanistic switch, turning off and on the polarization of the ureido carbonyl bond as well as modulating the nucleophilicity of N1'.

Biotin↗

Structure of a dinucleoside phosphate--drug complex as model for nucleic acid--drug interaction.

The crystal structure of a 3:2 complex of the frameshift mutagen proflavine with the dinucleoside phosphate cytidylyl-3'5'-guanosine has been determined. The complex has one drug molecule intercalated between Watson--Crick base pairs of the nucleotide duplex. The other two proflavine molecules are bound to the exterior of the miniature double helix. The orientation of the base pairs in this miniature double helix has aspects similar to that found in RNA 11.

Acridines↗

Structural basis for selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 by anti-inflammatory agents.

Prostaglandins and glucocorticoids are potent mediators of inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exert their effects by inhibition of prostaglandin production. The pharmacological target of NSAIDs is cyclooxygenase (COX, also known as PGH synthase), which catalyses the first committed step in arachidonic-acid metabolism. Two isoforms of the membrane protein COX are known: COX-1, which is constitutively expressed in most tissues, is responsible for the physiological production of prostaglandins; and COX-2, which is induced by cytokines, mitogens and endotoxins in inflammatory cells, is responsible for the elevated production of prostaglandins during inflammation. The structure of ovine COX-1 complexed with several NSAIDs has been determined. Here we report the structures of unliganded murine COX-2 and complexes with flurbiprofen, indomethacin and SC-558, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, determined at 3.0 to 2.5 A resolution. These structures explain the structural basis for the selective inhibition of COX-2, and demonstrate some of the conformational changes associated with time-dependent inhibition.

Animals↗