Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “PEROXIDASES”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

Comparison between catalase-peroxidase and cytochrome c peroxidase. The role of the hydrogen-bond networks for protein stability and catalysis.

A detailed resonance Raman and electronic absorption investigation has been carried out on a series of novel distal and proximal variants of recombinant catalase-peroxidase from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803. In particular, variants of the distal triad Pro-Asp-Asn and the proximal triad His-Asp-Trp have been studied in their ferric and ferrous states at various pH. The data suggest marked differences in the structural role of the conserved residues and hydrogen-bond networks in KatG and CCP, which might be connected to the different catalytic activity. In particular, in KatG the proximal residues have a major role in the stability of the protein architecture because the disruption of the proximal Trp-Asp hydrogen bond by mutation weakens heme binding to the protein. On the distal side, replacing the hydrogen-acceptor carboxamide group of Asn153 by an aspartate carboxylate group or an aliphatic residue alters or disrupts the hydrogen bond with the distal His. As a consequence, the basicity of His123 is altered. The effect of mutation on Asp152 is noteworthy. Replacement of the Asp152 with Ser makes the architecture of the protein very similar to that of CCP. The Asp152 residue, which has been shown to be important in the hydrogen peroxide oxidation reaction, is expected to be hydrogen bonded to the nitrogen atom of Ile248 which is part of the KatG-specific insertion LL1, as in other KatGs. This insertion is at one edge of the heme, and connects the distal side with the proximal helices E and F, the latter carrying the proximal His ligand. We found that the distal Asp-Ile hydrogen bond is important for the stability of the heme architecture and its alteration changes markedly the proximal His-Asp hydrogen-bond interaction.

Archaeal Proteins↗

Double antisense plants lacking ascorbate peroxidase and catalase are less sensitive to oxidative stress than single antisense plants lacking ascorbate peroxidase or catalase.

The plant genome is a highly redundant and dynamic genome. Here, we show that double antisense plants lacking the two major hydrogen peroxide-detoxifying enzymes, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT), activate an alternative/redundant defense mechanism that compensates for the lack of APX and CAT. A similar mechanism was not activated in single antisense plants that lacked APX or CAT, paradoxically rendering these plants more sensitive to oxidative stress compared to double antisense plants. The reduced susceptibility of double antisense plants to oxidative stress correlated with suppressed photosynthetic activity, the induction of metabolic genes belonging to the pentose phosphate pathway, the induction of monodehydroascorbate reductase, and the induction of IMMUTANS, a chloroplastic homologue of mitochondrial alternative oxidase. Our results suggest that a co-ordinated induction of metabolic and defense genes, coupled with the suppression of photosynthetic activity, can compensate for the lack of APX and CAT. In addition, our findings demonstrate that the plant genome has a high degree of plasticity and will respond differently to different stressful conditions, namely, lack of APX, lack of CAT, or lack of both APX and CAT.

Antisense Elements (Genetics)↗

Transcriptional regulation of the human eosinophil peroxidase genes: characterization of a peroxidase promoter.

The molecular basis for commitment of progenitors to the eosinophil lineage and mechanisms by which eosinophil-specific genes are expressed and regulated during differentiation is unknown. Expression of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) is restricted to the eosinophil lineage. To understand the mechanisms involved in transcriptional regulation of EPO gene expression, we cloned the region of the EPO gene upstream of the transcriptional start site and analyzed the cis-acting elements required for EPO promoter activity in an eosinophil-inducible leukemic cell line, HL60-C15. The -1.5 kb EPO-pXP2 promoter construct reproducibly expressed > 120-fold more luciferase activity than did promoterless pXP2, and a 12-fold decrease in promoter activity was obtained when sequences between -122 and -45 bp were deleted. To further characterize regulatory sequences important for promoter activity, we performed linker-scanning analysis on the -122 to -45 bp region and identified a number of positively and negatively acting elements in the promoter.

Eosinophil Peroxidase↗

Eosinophils increase lung microvascular permeability via the peroxidase-hydrogen peroxide-halide system. Bronchoconstriction and vasoconstriction unaffected by eosinophil peroxidase inhibition.

Eosinophils have been implicated as effector cells in producing vascular and bronchial constriction and increased microvascular permeability in the lung. Hypohalous acids produced by the eosinophil peroxidase (EPO)-hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-halide system are stable cytotoxic oxidants. We measured the effects of EPO inhibition in activated eosinophils on vascular permeability, assessed using the capillary filtration coefficient (Kf,c), vascular resistance (Rt,vasc), and airway resistance (Raw) in isolated rat lungs perfused with 5% bovine albumin in Kreb's solution. Eosinophils were harvested by bronchoalveolar lavage of Toxicara canis-infected rats. Infusion of 2 x 10(6) phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-activated cells produced a 3.3-fold increase in Rt,vasc at 30 min, primarily caused by small vessel constriction, a 2.5-fold increase in Raw at 150 min, and a 1.8-fold increase in Kf,c at 90 min. Inhibition of EPO using 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (3-AT) prevented the increases in Kf,c, but not those in eosinophil superoxide production, Rt,vasc, or Raw. Addition of 2 mM sodium bromide as preferential EPO substrate caused Kf,c, but not Rt,vasc, or Raw, to increase significantly (2.5-fold) compared with activated eosinophils alone. Thus, the acute changes in microvascular permeability were modulated by activity of the EPO-H2O2-Halide system, but the increased vascular and bronchial resistances were mediated through a different pathway.

Airway Resistance↗

Human thyroid peroxidase-myeloperoxidase chimeric molecules: tools for the study of antigen recognition by thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies.

We constructed seven chimeric molecules in which sequential segments in the cDNA for thyroid peroxidase (TPO) were replaced with the homologous regions of myeloperoxidase (MPO) cDNA. The sizes of the translated cDNA segments A through G ranged from 23-175 amino acid residues in length. The TPO-MPO cDNA chimeras, inserted into an eukaryotic expression vector, were stably transfected into Chinese hamster ovary cells. Protein expression was examined by immunoblotting under reduced/denaturing conditions with a murine monoclonal antibody to denatured wild-type TPO. Expression (at a low level) was confirmed for TPO-MPO chimeras A, B, F, and G. The amino acid substitutions in TPO-MPO-C eliminate the monoclonal antibody epitope, and this chimera, therefore, provides a negative control. TPO-MPO-D and TPO-MPO-E did not generate detectable levels of protein. To study TPO autoantibody interaction with native protein, we performed fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis using intact Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with the wild-type and TPO-MPO chimeric cDNAs. Of the chimeras, only cells transfected with TPO-MPO-A (N-terminal 146 amino acids of MPO substituted for the N-terminal 121 amino acids of TPO) were recognized by TPO autoantibodies, although to a lesser degree than cells expressing wild-type TPO. In conclusion, the present data indicate that TPO autoantibodies can interact with TPO molecules in which the amino-terminus is replaced with the homologous MPO prosequence region, not normally present in mature MPO. Our study provides a foundation for designing future TPO mutants that may be of value for characterizing disease-associated B-cell epitopes in autoimmune thyroid disease.

Animals↗

Horseradish peroxidase acute ototoxicity and the uptake and movement of the peroxidase in the auditory system of the guinea pig.

When guinea pig cochlea was perfused in vivo with a solution of 1% horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in artificial perilymph, the enzyme was found in the basilar membrane, spiral limbus, some outer and inner hair cells and some supporting cells and it was gradually cleared away with time. Acute signs of cell damage included swelling, vacuolization and diffuse labeling of some hair cells, but stereocilia remained normal in configuration. Albino melanocytes of the spiral ligament were also damaged, and vacuolization of Reissner's membrane occurred after 10% HRP. Both concentrations caused a gradual decline in CM, showing that HRP is acutely ototoxic but its mode of action is unknown. No retrograde transport of HRP to spiral ganglion cells or to brain stem neurons occurred, but some brain stem neurons took up HRP from the neuropil following diffusion from the cochlea.

Animals↗

A comparative study of the transganglionic transport of cholera toxin-horseradish peroxidase (CT-HRP) and wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) in the trigeminal system of the guinea pig.

A comparative study of cholera toxin (CT) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was made on trigeminal central projections of the lower incisor gingiva afferent neurons in the guinea pig. Considerably more CT-HRP-labeled endings were observed in the trigeminal sensory nuclear complex (TSNC) and in the cervical spinal cord (C1-C8). The substantia gelatinosa (lamina II) of both the caudal nucleus of the TSNC and C1-C2 was the only area where WGA-HRP labeled more terminals. CT-HRP-labeled fibers and endings were traced up to C7-C8, whereas with WGA-HRP were rare caudal to C5. A comparison of the two methods currently in use, i.e. the 2-step glutaraldehyde and sodium periodate, showed that the latter yields conjugates which are more sensitive as neuroanatomical tracers.

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical loss of thyroid peroxidase in papillary thyroid carcinoma: strong suppression of peroxidase gene expression.

It is believed that qualitative changes in thyroid peroxidase (TPO) cause decreased enzyme activity in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. To re-evaluate TPO expression in thyroid cancer, TPO mRNA expression was compared with TPO protein expression in 38 samples of thyroid tissue obtained from patients with various thyroid diseases. In Northern blot studies, while TPO mRNA was highly expressed in tissues from all 18 benign lesions, it was strongly suppressed in 14 tumours, including 12 out of 12 papillary carcinomas, one of seven follicular carcinomas, and one medullary carcinoma. TPO mRNA was not detected in six carcinomas, of which four were papillary, one follicular, and one medullary, by the usual Northern blot method. The 14 cases with strong underexpression of TPO mRNA were very weakly stained with anti-TPO monoclonal antibody 38E, whereas all 18 benign tissues were strongly stained. Moreover, a comparative study of TPO expression by Northern blot and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a positive correlation between TPO mRNA expression and the staining intensity of TPO protein. These results suggest that strong suppression of TPO mRNA transcription causes low TPO activity in papillary carcinoma; immunohistochemical loss of TPO may be a useful diagnostic marker. TPO mRNA expression in differentiated thyroid carcinomas did not always correlate with the mRNA expression of thyroglobulin, thyroid stimulating hormone receptor, and thyroid transcription factor 1.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Isolation of thyroid peroxidase from patients with Graves' disease and comparison with animal peroxidases.

1. Human thyroid peroxidase (TPO) was isolated from 280-640 g of pooled thyroid tissue resected from patients with Graves' disease. 2. Isolation was performed by an improved and simplified method. 3. The Reinheit Zahl (A412/A280) of the final preparations was in the range of 0.16-0.32. 4. The spectroscopic and enzymatic properties of Graves' TPO were compared with those of porcine TPO and bovine LPO, revealing closer resemblance to the former. 5. Graves' TPO may provide a useful substitute for normal TPO, which is very difficult to isolate.

Animals↗

Erythropoietin restores glutathione peroxidase activity in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced neurotoxicity in C57BL mice and stimulates murine astroglial glutathione peroxidase production in vitro.

Recently, we have reported that erythropoietin (Epo) provides neuroprotection in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the effects of single Epo administration on brain antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathion peroxidase (GSHPx)) activities in this model in C57BL/6 mice. We found that MPTP treatment decreased GSHPx activity in both substantia nigra and striatum, and Epo restores nigral GSHPx activity decreased by MPTP. SOD enzyme activity was not significantly changed by MPTP and Epo treatment. Further, Epo stimulated astroglial GSHPx production in neonatal murine astroglial cell culture suggesting that the possible cell source for the stimulation of GSHPx activity by Epo in the MPTP-induced neurotoxicity model are astroglia. In conclusion, modulation of the astroglial antioxidant defense system might be one of the mechanisms by which Epo exerts a beneficial effect in MPTP-induced Parkinsonism.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase-GI is a major glutathione peroxidase activity in the mucosal epithelium of rodent intestine.

Gpx2 mRNA, encoding a selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPX-GI), has been found to be highly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) mucosal epithelium. In this study, we show that GPX-GI is produced in the mucosal epithelium of the adult rat GI tract and that the activity levels are comparable to that from GPX-1. Post-mitochondrial supernatant GPX activity from the mucosal epithelium of the complete length of the small intestine was partially purified. A sample enriched for putative GPX-GI was fractionated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Polypeptides of 21 kDa and 22 kDa were digested with trypsin. After resolving the tryptic peptides by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), the major peaks were analyzed for their amino acid sequence by Microflow-HPLC-Tandem Mass Spectrometry and automated Edman degradation sequencing. Both methods revealed that the 21-kDa sample contained rat GPX-GI determined by the sequence homology with the deduced mouse GPX-GI polypeptide sequence. Rat GPX-1 was also detected in the samples. AntiGPX-GI and antiGPX-1 antibodies were used to determine the distribution of the respective isoenzyme activities along the length of the intestine and with respect to the crypt to villus axis in rats. GPX-GI and GPX-1 activities were uniformly distributed in the middle and lower GI tract and with respect to the crypt to villus axis. GPX-GI activity accounted nearly the same percentage of the total GPX activity as GPX-1 in all of the these compartments. Studies on the distal ileum segment of wildtype and Gpx1 gene knockout mice showed that GPX-GI activity was also at parity with GPX-1 in the mucosal epithelium of this segment.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cytochrome c peroxidase-cytochrome c complex: locating the second binding domain on cytochrome c peroxidase with site-directed mutagenesis.

Cytochrome c peroxidase (CcP) can bind as many as two cytochrome c (Cc) molecules in an electrostatic complex. The location of the two binding domains on CcP has been probed by photoinduced interprotein electron transfer (ET) between zinc-substituted horse cytochrome c (ZnCc) and CcP with surface charge-reversal mutations and by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). These results, which are the first experimental evidence for the location of domain 2, indicate that the weak-binding domain includes residues 146-150 on CcP. CcP(E290K) has a charge-reversal mutation in the tight-binding domain, which should weaken binding, and it weakens the 1:1 complex; K(1) decreases 20-fold at 18 mM ionic strength. We have employed two mutations to probe the proposed location for the weak-binding domain on the CcP surface: (i) D148K, a "detrimental" mutation with a net (+2) change in the charge of CcP, and (ii) K149E, a "beneficial" mutation with a net (-2) change in the charge. The interactions between FeCc and CcP(WT and K149E) also have been studied with ITC. The CcP(D148K) mutation causes no substantial change in the 2:1 binding but an increase in the reactivity of the 2:1 complex. The latter can be interpreted as a long-range influence on the heme environment or, more likely, the enhancement of a minority subset of binding conformations with favorable pathways for ET. CcP(K149E) has a charge-reversal mutation in the weak-binding domain that produces a substantial increase in the 2:1 binding constant as measured by both quenching and ITC. For the 1:1 complex of CcP(WT), DeltaG(1) = -8.2 kcal/mol (K(1) = 1.3 x 10(6) M(-)(1)), DeltaH(1) = +2.7 kcal/mol, and DeltaS(1) = +37 cal/K.mol at 293 K; for the second binding stage, K(2) < 5 x 10(3) M(-)(1), but accurate thermodynamic parameters were not obtained. For the 1:1 complex of CcP(K149E), DeltaG(1) = -8.5 kcal/mol (K(1) = 2 x 10(6) M(-)(1)), DeltaH(1) = +2. 0 kcal/mol, and DeltaS(1) = +36 cal/K.mol; for the second stage, DeltaG(2) = -5.5 kcal/mol (K(1) = 1.3 x 10(4) M(-)(1)), DeltaH(2) = +2.9 kcal/mol, and DeltaS(2) = +29 cal/K.mol.

Animals↗

Cytochrome c peroxidase binds two molecules of cytochrome c: evidence for a low-affinity, electron-transfer-active site on cytochrome c peroxidase.

We have studied the affinity and stoichiometry of binding of cytochrome c (Cc) to zinc-substituted cytochrome c peroxidase [(ZnP)CcP], which is structurally and electrostatically equivalent to ferrous CcP. Transient absorption spectroscopy has been used to measure both the total quenching of the triplet-state (ZnP)CcP [3(ZnP)CcP] by Fe3+Cc and the fraction of that quenching that is due to electron transfer (et). This redox quenching results in the formation of an intermediate (I) containing the zinc porphyrin pi-cation radical [(ZnP)+CcP] and Fe2+Cc. In titrations of (ZnP)CcP with Fe3+Cc(F) at low ionic strength, where F represents the fungal cytochromes c from Candida krusei, Pichia membranefaciens, or the yeast protein iso-1, the appearance of the et intermediate lags behind the total quenching, with appreciable formation of I occurring only for Cc to CcP ratios > 1. This behavior results from the formation of a 2:1 complex, where one Fe3+Cc(F) binds to a high-affinity domain that exhibits strong quenching yet is et-inactive, while the second Fe3+Cc(F) binds to a low-affinity domain that allows efficient et quenching. At constant concentrations of both proteins, raising the ionic strength eliminates most of the et quenching but reduces the total quenching only minimally, confirming that et occurs preferentially at the low-affinity binding domain, which is the more sensitive to ionic strength. Analogous experiments also favor a 2:1 binding stoichiometry for horse Cc [Cc(horse)] at low ionic strength, with et quenching again proceeding much more favorably in the 2:1 complex than in the 1:1 complex, as with Cc(F). However, the Fe3+Cc(horse) quenches only by electron transfer, unlike the Cc(F). The decay of the triplet-state (ZnP)CcP or magnesium-substituted CcP [(MgP)CcP] was examined during titrations with Fe3+Cc to determine limits for the dissociation rate constant (koff) for the complex. Fe3+Cc(horse) bound to the high-affinity domain in a 1:1 complex at low ionic strength is in rapid exchange, with koff > 50 S-1, whereas Fe3+Cc(F) has koff < 200 s-1. Both types of Fe3+Cc have koff > 10(4)S-1 when they are bound to the low-affinity domain in a 2:1 complex, at both low and high ionic strengths. In contrast, when in the ferrous form, both types of Cc have much lower values of koff (< 10 S-1) at low ionic strength when bound to the low-affinity domain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Binding Sites↗

Conformational change and histidine control of heme chemistry in cytochrome c peroxidase: resonance Raman evidence from Leu-52 and Gly-181 mutants of cytochrome c peroxidase.

Resonance Raman (RR) spectra are reported for Fe(III), Fe(II), and Fe(II)CO forms of site-directed mutants of the cytochrome c peroxidase variant CCP(MI), cloned in Escherichia coli. The Fe(II) form is five-coordinate (5-c) and high-spin at low pH, but it is six-coordinate (6-c) and low-spin at high pH except when the distal His-52 residue is replaced with Leu, showing the sixth ligand to be the His-52 imidazole. Although the Leu-52 mutant stays 5-c, it does undergo an alkaline transition, as revealed by upshifts and broadening of bands assigned to vinyl C = C stretching (1620 cm-1) and C beta-vinyl bending (402 cm-1). Similar changes are seen for CCP(MI) and other mutants. Thus the alkaline transition induces a conformational change that affects the vinyl groups, probably through changes in their orientation, and that permits the His-52 imidazole to bind the Fe. The RR band arising from the stretching of the proximal Fe(II)-imidazole bond contains components at ca. 235 and 245 cm-1 for CCP(MI), which are believed to reflect a double well potential for the H-bond between the proximal His-175 imidazole and the Asp-235 carboxylate group. Loss of this H-bond by mutation of Asp-235 to Asn results in the loss of these two bands and their replacement by a single band at 205 cm-1. Although the Fe(II)-imidazole stretching mode cannot be observed in the 6-c alkaline form of the enzyme, the sixth ligand in the alkaline form of CCP(MI) is photolabile, and the status of the Fe(II)-imidazole bond can be determined in the resulting 5-c-photoproduct. For CCP(MI) at alkaline pH, the conformation change induces an increase in the 235/245-cm-1 ratio, reflecting a perturbation of the H-bond potential. In the His-52----Leu mutant, a 205-cm-1 band appears along with the 235/245-cm-1 doublet at alkaline pH, indicating partial loss of the proximal H-bond due to the distal alteration. The effect of mutations that perturb the H-bonding network that extends from the distal to the proximal side of the heme is more dramatic: at alkaline pH, His-181----Gly, Arg-48----Leu, and Trp-51----Phe mutants show an Fe(II)-imidazole stretching mode at 205 cm-1 exclusively, indicating complete loss of the proximal Asp-235-His-175 H-bond.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Alkenes↗

Versatility of heme coordination demonstrated in a fungal peroxidase. Absorption and resonance Raman studies of Coprinus cinereus peroxidase and the Asp245-->Asn mutant at various pH values.

The pH dependence of the electronic absorption and resonance Raman (RR) spectra of FeIII and FeII forms of Coprinus cinereus peroxidase (CIP) and its Asp245-->Asn (D245N) mutant has been examined in detail. The spectral data were obtained in the pH range 3.8-12.0. These spectra were used to assess the spin and ligation states of the heme via the porphyrin marker band frequencies and the wavelengths of the absorption maxima, especially that of the band (CT1) due to the charge transfer from the porphyrin to the heme iron via the a' 2u(pi)-->eg (d pi) electronic transition. The RR spectra were obtained by using different excitation wavelengths and polarized light. The data obtained for ferric CIP show that two pH-induced structural transitions exist. At acid pH the Soret and the CT1 absorption maxima occur at 394 and 652 nm, respectively, compared with the values of 403 and 649 nm observed at neutral pH. The electronic data indicate that at acid pH the proximal Fe-Im bond might be weakened or ruptured, and the RR spectra show a new species (5-c HS) different from the normal neutral 5-coordinate high-spin (5-c HS) heme. At pH 12.0, the protein converts to a 6-coordinate low-spin (6-c LS) heme with a hydroxyl ligand coordinated in the sixth position of the heme iron and strongly hydrogen-bonded with the positively charged guanidinium group of the distal Arg51 residue. Replacement of the aspartate carboxylate group of Asp245, which acts as hydrogen-bond acceptor to the proximal His183 ligand of the heme Fe, with a carboxamide group of an asparagine residue has a profound influence on the heme coordination. The RR spectra of the Fe(II) form of this mutant at both neutral and alkaline pH values show a band at 204 cm-1 assigned to the Fe-His stretch associated with a fairly weak or non-hydrogen-bonded imidazole. The ferric form of the mutant shows a great variability in coordination and spin states upon pH titration. Between pH 8.8 and 3.8 the spectra are mainly characteristic of a 6-coordinate high-spin heme, presumably with a water molecule bound on the distal side of the Fe atom. The pKa of the alkaline transition of the mutant is much lower than that of the wild-type protein. At pH 10.0 the D245N mutant is in its final alkaline form, which markedly differs from that of the parent enzyme. The spectral data indicate that the majority of the protein has 5-coordinate high-spin heme (5-c HS), with the Fe-His 183 bond broken and the distal axial coordination site of the heme iron occupied by a hydroxyl group, which is strongly hydrogen-bonded with distal Arg51. Therefore, the Asp245-->Asn mutation on the proximal side results in the breakage of the Fe-His bond at alkaline pH.

Asparagine↗

Thioredoxin peroxidases can foster cytoprotection or cell death in response to different stressors: over- and under-expression of thioredoxin peroxidase in Drosophila cells.

Recently, we identified a set of five genes constituting the peroxiredoxin gene family in Drosophila melanogaster [Radyuk, Klichko, Spinola, Sohal and Orr (2001) Free Radical Biol. Med. 31, 1090-1100]. This set includes two abundant thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx) species, namely Drosophila peroxiredoxin DPx-4783, a cytosolic TPx and DPx-5037, a mitochondrial TPx. Overexpression of either one of them in Drosophila S2 cells conferred increased resistance to toxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide, paraquat or cadmium. To understand further the functional roles of these enzymes in vivo, we report in the present study the effects of decreased expression, using RNA interference, on the response of S2 cells to different stressors. When either of the TPxs was blocked, cells became relatively more susceptible to oxidative stress caused by exposure to hydrogen peroxide or paraquat, but were unaffected when challenged with copper and heat stress. In contrast, TPx overexpressing cells were more susceptible to copper and heat stress when compared with control cells and exhibited DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, when cells were supplemented with N -acetyl-L-cysteine together with copper, there was a clear negative effect on cell survival, which was exacerbated by TPx overexpression. Manipulations in the levels of TPxs demonstrated that, under different stress conditions, these enzymes might have both beneficial and detrimental effects on Drosophila cell viability.

Acetylcysteine↗

A Chinese cabbage cDNA with high sequence identity to phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidases encodes a novel isoform of thioredoxin-dependent peroxidase.

A cDNA, PHCC-TPx, specifying a protein highly homologous to known phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidases was isolated from a Chinese cabbage cDNA library. PHCC-TPx encodes a preprotein of 232 amino acids containing a putative N-terminal chloroplast targeting sequence and three conserved Cys residues (Cys(107), Cys(136), and Cys(155)). The mature form of enzyme without the signal peptide was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant protein was found to utilize thioredoxin (Trx) but not GSH as an electron donor. In the presence of a Trx system, the protein efficiently reduces H(2)O(2) and organic hydroperoxides. Complementation analysis shows that overexpression of the PHCC-TPx restores resistance to oxidative stress in yeast mutants lacking GSH but fails to complement mutant lacking Trx, suggesting that the reducing agent of PHCC-TPx in vivo is not GSH but is Trx. Mutational analysis of the three Cys residues individually replaced with Ser shows that Cys(107) is the primary attacking site by peroxide, and oxidized Cys(107) reacts with Cys(155)-SH to make an intramolecular disulfide bond, which is reduced eventually by Trx. Tryptic peptide analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time of flight mass spectrometry shows that Cys(155) can form a disulfide bond with either Cys(107) or Cys(136).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structural and mutagenesis studies on the cytochrome c peroxidase from Rhodobacter capsulatus provide new insights into structure-function relationships of bacterial di-heme peroxidases.

Cytochrome c peroxidases (CCP) play a key role in cellular detoxification by catalyzing the reduction of hydrogen peroxide to water. The di-heme CCP from Rhodobacter capsulatus is the fastest enzyme (1060 s(-1)), when tested with its physiological cytochrome c substrate, among all di-heme CCPs characterized to date and has, therefore, been an attractive target to investigate structure-function relationships for this family of enzymes. Here, we combine for the first time structural studies with site-directed mutagenesis and spectroscopic studies of the mutant enzymes to investigate the roles of amino acid residues that have previously been suggested to be important for activity. The crystal structure of R. capsulatus at 2.7 Angstroms in the fully oxidized state confirms the overall molecular scaffold seen in other di-heme CCPs but further reveals that a segment of about 10 amino acids near the peroxide binding site is disordered in all four molecules in the asymmetric unit of the crystal. Structural and sequence comparisons with other structurally characterized CCPs suggest that flexibility in this part of the molecular scaffold is an inherent molecular property of the R. capsulatus CCP and of CCPs in general and that it correlates with the levels of activity seen in CCPs characterized, thus, far. Mutagenesis studies support the spin switch model and the roles that Met-118, Glu-117, and Trp-97 play in this model. Our results help to clarify a number of aspects of the debate on structure-function relationships in this family of bacterial CCPs and set the stage for future studies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗