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The major clades of MADS-box genes and their role in the development and evolution of flowering plants.

MADS-box genes encode a family of transcription factors which control diverse developmental processes in flowering plants ranging from root to flower and fruit development. Sequencing of (almost) the complete Arabidopsis genome enabled the identification of (almost) all of the Arabidopsis MADS-box genes. MADS-box genes have been divided in two large groups, termed type I and type II genes. The type II genes comprise the MEF2-like genes of animals and fungi and the MIKC-type genes of plants. The majority of MIKC-type genes are of the MIKC(c)-type, which includes all plant MADS-box genes for which expression patterns or mutant phenotypes are known. By phylogeny reconstruction, almost all of the MIKC(c)-type genes can be subdivided into 12 major gene clades, each clade comprising 1-6 paralogs from Arabidopsis and putative orthologs from other seed plants. Here we first briefly describe the deep branching of the MADS-box gene tree to place the MIKC(c)-type genes into an evolutionary context. For every clade of MIKC(c)-type genes we then review what is known about its members from Arabidopsis and well-studied members from other phylogenetically informative plant species. By gene sampling and phylogeny reconstructions we provide minimal estimates for the ages of the different clades. It turns out that 7 of the 12 major gene clades, i.e., AG-, AGL6-, AGL12-, DEF+GLO- (B), GGM13- (B(s)), STMADS11- and TM3-like genes very likely existed already in the most recent common ancestor of angiosperms and gymnosperms about 300MYA. Three of the other clades, i.e., AGL2-, AGL17-, and SQUA-like genes, existed at least already in the most recent common ancestor of monocots and eudicots about 200 MYA. Only for two gene clades, AGL15-like genes (2 genes in Arabidopsis) and FLC-like genes (6 genes) members from plants other than Brassicaceae have not been reported yet. Similarly, only one ancient clade known from other flowering plant species, TM8-like genes, is not represented in Arabidopsis. These findings reveal that the diversity of MADS-box genes in Arabidopsis is rather ancient and representative for other flowering plants. Our studies may thus help to predict the set of MADS-box genes in all other flowering plants, except for relatively young paralogs. For the different gene clades we try to identify ancestral and derived gene functions and review the importance of these clades for seed plant development and evolution. We put special emphasis on gene clades for which insights into their importance has rapidly increased just recently.

Arabidopsis↗

Minimization of MC1R selectivity by modification of the core structure of alpha-MSH-ND.

BACKGROUND: Melanocortin, through its distinct receptor subtypes, has many different effects. Receptor-selective ligands are required to reduce the undesirable effects of melanocortin. To investigate which conformation is preferable to a given melanocortin receptor subtype, a structural and functional analysis of the ligand-receptor interactions was made by studying the biological activity, the nuclear magnetic resonance structures, and the patterns of the ligand-receptor interaction for each receptor subtype by homology modeling analysis. RESULTS: Among the several analogues examined, [Gln(6)]alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)-ND was found to have 10000 times less biological activity than alpha-MSH-ND for the MC1R, whereas, the potencies of both oligopeptides were comparable in both the melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) and MC4R. [Gln(6)]alpha-MSH-ND exhibited a type I' beta-turn that was similar to the type I beta-turn structure of alpha-MSH-ND. However, a remarkable structural difference was observed with respect to the side chain orientations of the sixth and seventh residues of [Gln(6)]alpha-MSH-ND, which were found to be mirror images of alpha-MSH-ND. By homology modeling analysis, the His(6) of alpha-MSH-ND was found to interact with the TM2 regions of all three receptors (Glu(94) of MC1R, Glu(94) of MC3R, and Glu(100) of MC4R), but [Gln(6)]alpha-MSH-ND did not. The phenyl ring of the D-Phe(7) residue of [Gln(6)]alpha-MSH-ND revealed an interaction with the TM3 regions of both the MC3R and MC4R (Ser(122) of MC3R or Ser(127) of MC4R). However, in the MC1R, these serine residues corresponded to Val(122), which contains two methyl groups that induce steric hindrance with D-Phe(7) of [Gln(6)]alpha-MSH-ND. This is a possible explanation for the biological activity of [Gln(6)]alpha-MSH-ND for the MC1R being significantly lower than that for either the MC3R or MC4R. CONCLUSIONS: Minimization of the MC1R selectivity whilst preserving its comparable potency for both the MC3R and MC4R could be achieved by modifying the D-Phe(7) orientation of alpha-MSH-ND, while maintaining the 'type I beta-turn'-like structure.

Animals↗

Presenilin-1 protein specifically expressed in Leydig cells with its expression level increased during rat testis development.

Presenilin-1, mutations of which cause the early-onset of Alzheimer's disease, was shown to be abundantly expressed in the testis as well as the brain. In spite of the high expression level of this protein in the testis, no further analysis has been undertaken. We aimed to study the distribution and developmental changes in presenilin-1 protein, and to provide clues so as to elucidate the role of this protein in the rat testis. To evaluate the specificity of the anti presenilin-1 antibody, rat presenilin-1 protein was expressed in COS-7 cells and the recombinant protein was used for western blot analysis. A positive band of approximately 20 kDa corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of proteolyzed presenilin-1 protein was observed. Using testis and brain tissue samples, a 20 kDa band was detected in both tissues suggesting a similar proteolytic process, but the expression level in the testis was higher than that in the brain. The expression level increased significantly during postnatal testis development. By an immunohistochemical analysis of the rat testis, a strong signal was observed in interstitial cells and further study with cultured TM3 murine Leydig cells revealed an abundant expression of presenilin-1 in Leydig cells. Our study suggests that presenilin-1 expression in Leydig cells may play an important role in Leydig cell function and testis development.

Animals↗

Sodium azide induces mitotic recombination in Drosophila melanogaster larvae.

Sodium azide (NaN3), a potent mutagen for bacteria and barley, was tested for somatic mutation and mitotic recombination induction in wing imaginal disc cells of Drosophila melanogaster. Comparisons were made among inversion-free flr3/mwh, inversion-heterozygous TM3, Ser/mwh, and inversion-free, high bioactivation OR(R), flr3/mwh flies. Third instar larvae were exposed chronically for 48 h to sodium azide at 0.5, 0.63, 0.75, 0.88 and 1.0 mM. The frequencies of spots per wing obtained in the three kinds of progeny scored were compared. In inversion-free flies, sodium azide induced large single and total spots at all concentrations tested, and small single and twin spots at 0.75 mM and higher concentrations. In contrast, it failed to increase the frequency of small and large single spots in inversion-heterozygous flies. In high bioactivation flies (which are inversion-free), sodium azide increased the frequency of large single spots at 0.63, 0.88 and 1.0 mM and the frequency of total spots at 0.63 mM. From the absence of genotoxic activity observed in inversion-heterozygous flies it is concluded that sodium azide induces exclusively mitotic recombination in wing somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster larvae after chronic exposure. This recombinogenic activity is reduced in the presence of high bioactivation capacity.

Animals↗

Genotoxic activity of four inhibitors of DNA topoisomerases in larval cells of Drosophila melanogaster as measured in the wing spot assay.

Four inhibitors of DNA topoisomerases namely nalidixic acid, camptothecin, m-amsacrine and etoposide, have been evaluated for genotoxic effects in the wing spot test of Drosophila melanogaster. This assay assesses somatic recombination and mutational events. We studied nalidixic acid as an inhibitor of bacterial DNA gyrase, camptothecin as a topoisomerase I inhibitor, as well as m-amsacrine and etoposide as topoisomerse II inhibitors. The genotoxic effects were determined from the appearance of wing spots in flies trans-heterozygous for the recessive markers multiple wing hairs (mwh) and flare, as well as in flies heterozygous for mwh and the multiply inverted TM3 balancer chromosome. From our results it appears that whilst nalidixic acid and m-amsacrine were compounds that did not increase the incidence of mutant clones, camptothecin and etoposide proved to be significantly genotoxic in this test, being camptothecin more effective than etoposide. A significant proportion of the total spot induction was due to mitotic recombination, confirming previously reported data. On the other hand, the cotreatments of each topoisomerase inhibitor with the alkylating agent ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) indicate that, while nalidixic acid, m-amsacrine and etoposide show a tendency to an antagonistic interaction, camptothecin shows an additive effect, suggesting mechanistic differences between the activity of the four inhibitors of DNA topoisomerases studied.

Amsacrine↗

Genotoxicity testing of five herbicides in the Drosophila wing spot test.

Four triazine herbicides: amitrole, metribuzin, prometryn and terbutryn, and the bipyridal compound diquat dibromide have been evaluated for genotoxicity in the wing somatic mutation and recombination test of Drosophila melanogaster, following standard procedures. Third-instar larvae trans-heterozygous for the third chromosome recessive markers multiple wing hairs (mwh) and flare-3 (flr(3)) were chronically fed with different concentrations of the test compounds. Feeding ended with pupation of the surviving larvae. Genetic changes induced in somatic cells of the wing's imaginal discs lead to the formation of mutant clones on the wing blade. Point mutation, chromosome breakage and mitotic recombination produce single spots; while twin spots are produced only by mitotic recombination. Exposure to 0.5 mM and 1 mM of amitrole clearly increased the frequency of small single, large single and total spots. Terbutryn, at the concentration of 5 mM, induced a slight increase in the frequency of small single and total spots, but this result could be false positive. The other three herbicides tested did not show any genotoxic effect. When heterozygous larvae for mwh and the multiple inverted TM3 balancer chromosomes were treated, significant increases in the frequency of mutant spots were only detected for amitrole. The observed spot frequencies were lower than those found in mwh/flr(3)50%) of the total spot induction was due to mitotic recombination.

Amitrole↗

Functional analysis of P-glycoprotein mutants identifies predicted transmembrane domain 11 as a putative drug binding site.

The substitution of a single serine to phenylalanine residue within the predicted transmembrane domain 11 of P-glycoproteins (P-gps) encoded by mouse mdr1 (Ser941, 1S;Phe941, 1F) or mdr3 (Ser939, 3S; Phe939, 3F) strongly modulates both the overall activity and substrate specificity of the two P-gps. In cell clones expressing either wild-type (1S, 3S) or mutant P-gps (1F, 3F), we show that the modulating effect of the mutation on the levels of adriamycin (ADM) resistance detected in drug cytotoxicity assays is paralleled by a similar modulation of the intracellular accumulation and extracellular efflux of radiolabeled adriamycin ([14C]ADM) from preloaded cells. Cytofluorescence studies with ADM on live cells produce similar results and demonstrate strong nuclear ADM accumulation only in drug-sensitive LR cells and in the 1F expressing cells, with little if any accumulation in 1S, 3S, or 3F expressing cells. Drug cytotoxicity and drug transport assays carried out in the presence of verapamil or progesterone suggest that the Ser to Phe substitution also reduces the capacity of these two reversal agents to modulate P-gp activity. Labeling experiments with the photoactivatable P-gp ligands iodoarylazidoprazosin and azidopine indicate a strong reduction in binding of these photoactivatable probes to the mutant P-gps (1F, 3F) as compared to their wild-type counterparts (1S,3S). These results indicate that the studied mutations in TM11 reduce drug transport by decreasing initial drug binding to P-gp. This phenotype is opposite to that of a mutation near TM3 in human MDR1 (pst 185), where decreased drug transport is associated with increased drug binding and decreased drug release from P-gp [Safa, A. R., Stern, R. K., Choi, K., Agresti, M., Tamai, I., Metha, N. D., & Roninson, I. B. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 7225-7229].

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

The fourth transmembrane segment of the dopamine D2 receptor: accessibility in the binding-site crevice and position in the transmembrane bundle.

The binding site of the dopamine D2 receptor, like that of homologous G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), is contained within a water-accessible crevice formed among its seven transmembrane segments (TMSs). Using the substituted-cysteine-accessibility method (SCAM), we are mapping the residues that contribute to the surface of this binding-site crevice. We have mutated to cysteine, one at a time, 21 consecutive residues in the fourth TMS (TM4). Eleven of these mutants reacted with charged sulfhydryl-specific reagents, and bound antagonist protected nine of these from reaction. For the mutants in which cysteine was substituted for residues in the cytoplasmic half of TM4, treatment with the reagents had no effect on binding, consistent with these residues being inaccessible and with the low-resolution structure of the homologous rhodopsin, in which TM3 and TM5 occlude the cytoplasmic half of TM4. Although hydrophobicity analysis positions the C-terminus of TM4 at 4.64, Pro-Pro and Pro-X-Pro motifs, which are known to disrupt alpha-helices, occur at position 4.59 in a number of homologous GPCRs. The SCAM data were consistent with a C-terminus at 4.58, but it is also possible that the alpha-helix extends one additional turn to 4.62 in the D2 receptor, which has a single Pro at 4.59. In homologous GPCRs, the high degree of sequence variation between 4.59 and 4.68 is more characteristic of a loop domain than a helical segment. This region is shown here to be very conserved within functionally related receptors, suggesting an important functional role for this putative nonhelical domain. This inference is supported by observed ligand-specific effects of mutations in this region and by the predicted spatial proximity of this segment to known ligand binding sites in other TMs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Conformation of the gramicidin A channel in phospholipid vesicles: a fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance study.

The membrane conformation of the peptide ionophore gramicidin A is shown by 19F NMR to be described by the N-terminal to N-terminal beta LD helical dimer model proposed by Urry [Urry, D.W. (1971) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 68, 672-676]. Fully active analogues of gramicidin with 19F labels at both the N- and C-termini are prepared synthetically. Labeled peptides are incorporated into small unilamellar vesicles of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine. Measurements of the accessibility of the labels to either aqueous or lipophilic paramagnetic probes show that the N-terminus of gramicidin is located in the membrane interior and the C-terminus is at the membrane surface. Of the specific models proposed for the structure of gramicidin, these data are consistent only with that of Urry. The C-terminal 19F NMR peak in vesicles actually consists of three overlapping peaks. Experiments with the aqueous shift reagent Tm3+ show that C-terminal 19F nuclei in the inner and in the outer leaflets of vesicles resonate at different frequencies. The outer leaflet peak in turn consists of two overlapping peaks, possibly due to a local rearrangement of the C-terminal label.

Amino Acids↗

Extracellular domains, transmembrane segments, and intracellular domains interact to determine the cation selectivity of Na,K- and gastric H,K-ATPase.

We have previously reported that three residues of the fourth transmembrane segment (TM4) of the Na,K- and gastric H,K-ATPase alpha-subunits appear to play a major role in the distinct cation selectivities of these pumps [Mense, M., et al. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 1749-1756]. Substituting these three residues in the Na,K-ATPase sequence with their H,K-ATPase counterparts (L319F, N326Y, T340S) and replacing the TM3-TM4 ectodomain sequence with that of the H,K-ATPase alpha-subunit result in a pump that exhibits 50% of its maximal ATPase activity in the absence of Na(+) when the assay is performed at pH 6.0. This effect is not seen when the ectodomain alone is replaced. To gain more insight into the contributions of the three residues to establishing the selectivity of these pumps for Na(+) ions versus protons, we generated Na,K-ATPase constructs in which these residues are replaced by their H,K-ATPase counterparts either singly or in combinations. Surprisingly, none of the point mutants nor even the triple mutant was able to hydrolyze ATP at pH 6.0 at a rate greater than 20% of their respective V(max)s. For the point mutants L319F and N326Y, protons seem to competitively inhibit ATP hydrolysis at pH 6.0, based on the low apparent affinity for Na(+) ions at pH 6.0 compared to pH 7.5. It would appear, therefore, that the cation selectivity of Na,K- and H,K-ATPase is generated through a cooperative effort between residues of transmembrane segments and the flanking loops that connect these transmembrane domains. This view is further supported by homology modeling of the Na,K-ATPase based on the crystal structure of the SERCA pump.

Animals↗

The local environment at the cytoplasmic end of TM6 of the mu opioid receptor differs from those of rhodopsin and monoamine receptors: introduction of an ionic lock between the cytoplasmic ends of helices 3 and 6 by a L6.30(275)E mutation inactivates the mu opioid receptor and reduces the constitutive activity of its T6.34(279)K mutant.

Activation of rhodopsin and monoamine G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has been proposed to involve in part the disruption of a conserved E6.30-R3.50 ionic interaction between transmembrane segments (TMs) 3 and 6. However, this interaction does not occur in the opioid receptors, which have L275 at 6.30. On the basis of our findings that mutations of T6.34(279) to K and D produced, respectively, a constitutively active and an inactive form of the mu opioid receptor, we previously suggested that the functional role of the 6.30(275) residue could be assumed by T6.34(279), but the interplay between residues at positions 6.30 and 6.34 remained unresolved. In this study, we examined the effects of introducing an E in position 6.30(275) of the wild type (WT) and of the T6.34(279) mutants of the mu opioid receptor to compare the participation of the 6.30 locus in molecular events during activation in this receptor with its role in other GPCRs. The L6.30(275)E and the L6.30(275)E/T6.34(279)D mutants displayed no constitutive activity and could not be activated by the agonist DAMGO or morphine. The L6.30(275)E/T6.34(279)K mutant had some constitutive activity, but much less than the T6.34(279)K mutant, and could be activated by both agonists. The rank order of affinity for the agonist DAMGO is as follows: T6.34(279)K > WT congruent with L6.30(275)E/T6.34(279)K > L6.30(275)E congruent with T6.34(279)D > L6.30(275)E/T6.34(279)D; however, all constructs have a similar affinity for the antagonist [(3)H]diprenorphine. These data are interpreted in the context of interactions with the conserved R3.50(165) in TM3. When L6.30(275) is mutated to E, the favorable E6.30(275)-R3.50(165) interaction stabilizes an inactive state, as in rhodopsin, and hence reduces the activities of T6.34(279) mutants. Thus, the mu opioid receptor is shown to be different from rhodopsin and monoamine GPCRs, of which the WTs with native E6.30 can be activated, and the 6.34D or 6.34K mutants display enhanced constitutive activities. Our molecular modeling results suggest that some specific differences in local geometry at the cytoplasmic ends of TM5 and TM6 may account in part for the observed differences in the molecular mechanisms of receptor activation.

Animals↗

Highly conserved serine in the third transmembrane helix of the luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptor regulates receptor activation.

The elucidation of the role of highly conserved polar amino acids in the transmembrane helices of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is important in understanding the mechanism of receptor activation. To this end, the significance of a highly conserved serine residue in the third transmembrane alpha-helix (TM3) of the luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LH/hCGR) in regulating receptor activation was examined. Results showed that mutation of serine 431 to alanine (S431A) decreased the ability of the receptor to mediate cAMP production in response to hCG, suggesting that S431 stabilizes the active state of the receptor. Homology with other GPCRs suggests that S431 may participate in the coordination of a Na(+) ion. Since Na(+) has been found to stabilize the active state of the receptor in the presence of hCG, the possibility that S431 promotes receptor activation by mediating the effects of Na(+) was explored. Results showed that the regulation of hormone-induced receptor activation by S431 was independent of Na(+). A rhodopsin-based homology model of the TM region of the LH/hCGR was developed to identify other amino acids that might mediate the effects of Na(+) on receptor function. Results indicate that substitution of an Asp at position 556 with Tyr alters the ability of Na(+) to regulate receptor activation. The homology model is used to explain this result as well as to identify a mechanism through which S431 may regulate receptor signaling. Taken together, these studies provide novel insights into the mechanism of LH/hCG receptor activation.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Nearest neighbor analysis of the SecYEG complex. 1. Identification of a SecY-SecG interface.

Integral membrane components SecY, SecE, and SecG of protein translocase form a complex in the Escherichia coli plasma membrane. To characterize subunit interactions of the SecYEG complex, a series of SecY variants having a single cysteine in its cytoplasmic (C1-C6) or periplasmic (P1-P5) domain were subjected to site-specific cross-linking experiments using bifunctional agents with thiol-amine reactivity. Experiments using inverted membrane vesicles revealed specific cross-linkings between a cysteine residue placed in the C2 or C3 domain of SecY and the cytosolic lysine (Lys26) near the first transmembrane segment of SecG. These SecY Cys residues also formed a disulfide bond with an engineered cytosolic cysteine at position 28 of SecG. Thus, the C2-C3 region of SecY is in the proximity of the N-terminal half of the SecG cytoplasmic loop. Experiments using spheroplasts revealed the physical proximity of P2 (SecY) and the C-terminal periplasmic region of SecG. In addition, mutations in secG were isolated as suppressors against a cold-sensitive mutation (secY104) affecting the TM4-C3 boundary of SecY. These results collectively suggest that a C2-TM3-P2-TM4-C3 region of SecY serves as an interface with SecG.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of peptides corresponding to the seven transmembrane domains of human adenosine A2a receptor.

Human adenosine A(2)a receptor is a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily of seven-helix transmembrane (TM) proteins. To test general models for membrane-protein folding and to identify specific features of folding and assembly for this representative member of an important and poorly understood class of proteins, we synthesized peptides corresponding to its seven TM domains. We assessed the ability of the peptides to insert into micelles and vesicles and measured secondary structure for each peptide in aqueous and membrane-mimetic environments. CD spectra indicate that each of the seven TM peptides form thermally stable, independent alpha-helical structures in both micelles and vesicles. The helical content of the peptides depends on the nature of the membrane-mimetic environment. Four of the peptides (TM3, TM4, TM5, and TM7) exhibit very high-helical structure, near the predicted maximum for their TM segments. The TM1 peptide also adopts relatively high alpha-helical structures. In contrast, two of peptides, TM2 and TM6, display low alpha helicity. Similarly, the ability of the peptides to insert into membrane-mimetic environments, assayed by intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence and fluorescence quenching, varied markedly. Most peptides exhibit higher alpha helicity in anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate than in neutral dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside micelles, and TM2 was disordered in zwiterionic DMPC but was alpha-helical in negatively charged DMPC/DMPG vesicles. These findings strongly suggest that electrostatic interactions between lipids and peptides control the insertion of the peptides and may be involved in membrane-protein-folding events. The measured helical content of these TM domains does not correlate with the predicted helicity based on amino acid sequence, pointing out that, while hydrophobic interactions can be a major determinant for folding of TM peptides, other factors, such as electrostatic interactions or helix-helix interactions, may play significant roles for specific TM domains. Our results represent a comprehensive analysis of helical propensities for a human GPCR and support models for membrane-protein folding in which interactions between TM domains are required for proper insertion and folding of some TM helix domains. The tendency of some peptides to self-associate, especially in aqueous environments, underscores the need to prevent improper interactions during folding and refolding of membrane proteins in vivo and in vitro.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Interactions of human melanocortin 4 receptor with nonpeptide and peptide agonists.

Specific interactions of human melanocortin-4 receptor (hMC4R) with its nonpeptide and peptide agonists were studied using alanine-scanning mutagenesis. The binding affinities and potencies of two synthetic, small-molecule agonists (THIQ, MB243) were strongly affected by substitutions in transmembrane alpha-helices (TM) 2, 3, 6, and 7 (residues Glu(100), Asp(122), Asp(126), Phe(261), His(264), Leu(265), and Leu(288)). In addition, a I129A mutation primarily affected the binding and potency of THIQ, while F262A, W258A, Y268A mutations impaired interactions with MB243. By contrast, binding affinity and potency of the linear peptide agonist NDP-MSH were substantially reduced only in D126A and H264A mutants. Three-dimensional models of receptor-ligand complexes with their agonists were generated by distance-geometry using the experimental, homology-based, and other structural constraints, including interhelical H-bonds and two disulfide bridges (Cys(40)-Cys(279), Cys(271)-Cys(277)) of hMC4R. In the models, all pharmacophore elements of small-molecule agonists are spatially overlapped with the corresponding key residues (His(6), d-Phe(7), Arg(8), and Trp(9)) of the linear peptide: their charged amine groups interact with acidic residues from TM2 and TM3, similar to His(6) and Arg(6) of NDP-MSH; their substituted piperidines mimic Trp(9) of the peptide and interact with TM5 and TM6, while the d-Phe aromatic rings of all three agonists contact with Leu(133), Trp(258), and Phe(261) residues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of the critical residues of bradykinin receptor B1 for interaction with the kinins guided by site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling.

We report the critical residues for the interaction of the kinins with human bradykinin receptor 1 (B1) using site-directed mutagenesis in conjunction with molecular modeling of the binding modes of the kinins in the homology model of the B1 receptor. Mutation of Lys118 in transmembrane (TM) helix 3, Ala270 in TM6, and Leu294 in TM7 causes a significant decrease in the affinity for the peptide agonists des-Arg10kallidin (KD) and des-Arg9BK but not the peptide antagonist des-Arg10Leu9KD. In contrast, mutations in TM2, TM3, TM6, and TM7 cause a significant decrease in the affinity for both the peptide agonists and the antagonist. These data indicate that the B1 bradykinin binding pocket for agonists and antagonists is similar, but the manners in which they interact with the receptor do not completely overlap. Therefore, there is a potential to influence the receptor's ligand selectivity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mutational analysis of the P-glycoprotein first intracellular loop and flanking transmembrane domains.

The role of individual intracellular (IC) loops linking transmembrane (TM) domains in P-glycoprotein (P-gp) function remains largely unknown. The high degree of sequence conservation of these regions in the P-gp family and other ABC transporters suggests an important role in a common mechanism of action of these proteins. To gain insight into this problem, we have randomly mutagenized a portion of TM2, the entire IC1 loop, TM3, the entire extracellular loop (EC2), and part of TM4, and analyzed the effect of such mutations on P-gp function. Random mutagenesis was carried out using Taq DNA polymerase and dITP under conditions of low polymerase fidelity, and the mutagenized segments were reintroduced in the full length mdr3 cDNA by homologous recombination in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain JPY201. The biological activity of mutant P-gp variants was analyzed in yeast by their ability to confer cellular resistance to the antifungal drug FK506 and the peptide ionophore valinomycin, and by their ability to complement the yeast Ste6 gene and restore mating in a yeast strain bearing a null mutation [Raymond, M., et al. (1992) Science 256, 232-4] at this locus. The analysis of 782 independent yeast transformants allowed the identification of 49 independent mutants bearing single amino acid substitutions in the mutagenized segment resulting in an altered P-gp function. The mutants could be phenotypically classified into two major groups, those that resulted in partial or complete overall loss of function and those that seemed to affect substrate specificity. Several of the mutants affecting overall activity mapped in IC1; in particular we identified a segment of four consecutive mutation sensitive residues (TRLT, positions 169-172) with such a phenotype. On the other hand, we identified a cluster of mutants affecting substrate specificity within the short EC2 segment and in the adjacent portion of the neighboring TM4 domain. Expression and partial purification of a representative subset of these mutants showed that in all but two cases, loss of function was associated with loss of drug-induced ATPase activity of P-gp. Therefore, it appears that TM domains, IC and EC loops, are structurally and functionally tightly coupled in the process of drug stimulatable ATPase characteristic of P-gp.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Magnetism of cyano-bridged Ln3+-M3+ complexes. Part II: one-dimensional complexes (Ln3+ = Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm; M3+ = Fe or Co) with bpy as blocking ligand.

The reaction of Ln(NO3)3(aq) with K3[Fe(CN)6] or K3[Co(CN)6] and 2,2'-bipyridine in water/ethanol led to 13 one-dimensional complexes: trans-[M(CN)4(mu-CN)2Ln(H2O)4(bpy)]n.4nH2O.1.5nbpy (Ln = Eu3+, Tb3+, Dy3+, Ho3+, Er3+, Tm3+, Lu3+; M = Fe3+, Co3+). The structures for [EuFe]n (1), [TbFe]n (2), [DyFe]n (3), [HoFe]n (4), [ErFe]n (5), [TmFe]n (6), [LuFe]n (7), [EuCo]n (8), [TbCo]n (9), [DyCo]n (10), [HoCo]n (11), [ErCo]n (12), and [TmCo]n (13) have been solved: they crystallize in the triclinic space group P and are isomorphous. They exhibit a supramolecular architecture created by the interplay of coordinative, hydrogen bonding, and pi-pi interactions. A stereochemical study of the eight-vertex polyhedra of the lanthanide ions, based on continuous shape measures, is presented. The Ln3+-Fe3+ interaction is antiferromagnetic in [DyFe]n and [TbFe]n. For [EuFe]n, [HoFe]n, [ErFe]n, and [TmFe]n, there is no sign of any significant interaction. The magnetic behavior of [DyFe]n suggests the onset of weak long-range ferromagnetic ordering at 2.5 K.

Journal Article↗