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Tumor suppression and apoptosis of human prostate carcinoma mediated by a genetic locus within human chromosome 10pter-q11.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of male cancer deaths in the United States. Yet, despite a large international effort, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that underlie this devastating disease. Prostate secretory epithelial cells and androgen-dependent prostate carcinomas undergo apoptosis in response to androgen deprivation and, furthermore, most prostate carcinomas become androgen independent and refractory to further therapeutic manipulations during disease progression. Definition of the genetic events that trigger apoptosis in the prostate could provide important insights into critical pathways in normal development as well as elucidate the perturbations of those key pathways in neoplastic transformation. We report the functional definition of a novel genetic locus within human chromosome 10pter-q11 that mediates both in vivo tumor suppression and in vitro apoptosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma cells. A defined fragment of human chromosome 10 was transferred via microcell fusion into a prostate adenocarcinoma cell line. Microcell hybrids containing only the region 10pter-q11 were suppressed for tumorigenicity following injection of microcell hybrids into nude mice. Furthermore, the complemented hybrids undergo programmed cell death in vitro via a mechanism that does not require nuclear localization of p53. These data functionally define a novel genetic locus, designated PAC1, for prostate adenocarcinoma 1, involved in tumor suppression of human prostate carcinoma and furthermore strongly suggest that the cell death pathway can be functionally restored in prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Neural tube expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and receptor: potential role in patterning and neurogenesis.

Neural tube patterning in vertebrates is controlled in part by locally secreted factors that act in a paracrine manner on nearby cells to regulate proliferation and gene expression. We show here by in situ hybridization that genes for the neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and one of its high-affinity receptors (PAC1) are widely expressed in the mouse neural tube on embryonic day (E) 10.5. Transcripts for the ligand are present in differentiating neurons in much of the neural tube, whereas the receptor gene is expressed in the underlying ventricular zone, most prominently in the alar region and floor plate. PACAP potently increased cAMP levels more than 20-fold in cultured E10.5 hindbrain neuroepithelial cells, suggesting that PACAP activates protein kinase A (PKA) in the neural tube and might act in the process of patterning. Consistent with this possibility, PACAP down-regulated expression of the sonic hedgehog- and PKA-dependent target gene gli-1 in cultured neuroepithelial cells, concomitant with a decrease in DNA synthesis. PACAP is thus an early inducer of cAMP levels in the embryo and may act in the neural tube during patterning to control cell proliferation and gene expression.

Animals↗

Conditional expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1, MKP-1, is cytoprotective against UV-induced apoptosis.

UV irradiation induces apoptosis in U937 human leukemic cells that is accompanied by the activation of both the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathways. The MAPK phosphatase, MKP-1, is capable of inactivating both SAPK and p38 MAPK in vivo. To determine whether MKP-1-mediated inhibition of SAPK and/or p38 MAPK activity provided cytoprotection against UV-induced apoptosis, a U937 cell line conditionally expressing MKP-1 from the human metallothionein IIa promoter was established. Conditional expression of MKP-1 was found to abolish UV-induced SAPK and p38 MAPK activity, and inhibit UV-induced apoptosis as judged by both morphological criteria and DNA fragmentation. MKP-1 was also found to inhibit other biochemical events associated with apoptosis, including activation of caspase-3 and the proteolytic cleavage of the caspase-3 substrate, poly(ADP ribose) polymerase. These findings demonstrate that MKP-1 acts at a site upstream of caspase activation within the apoptotic program. The cytoprotective properties of MKP-1 do not appear to be mediated by its ability to inhibit p38 MAPK because the p38 MAPK specific inhibitor SB203580 had no effect on UV-induced apoptosis in U937 cells. Furthermore, by titrating the level of MKP-1 expression it was found that MKP-1 inhibited UV-induced SAPK activity, DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 activation in a similar dose-dependent manner. The dual-specificity phosphatase, PAC1, which does not inhibit UV-induced activation of SAPK, did not provide a similar cytoprotection against UV-induced apoptosis. These results are consistent with a model whereby MKP-1 provides cytoprotection against UV-induced apoptosis by inhibiting UV-induced SAPK activity.

Apoptosis↗

Isolation and characterization of a novel dual specific phosphatase, HVH2, which selectively dephosphorylates the mitogen-activated protein kinase.

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) also known as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) plays a crucial role in various signal transduction pathways. ERK is activated by its upstream activator, MEK, via threonine and tyrosine phosphorylation. ERK activity in the cell is tightly regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. Here we report the cloning and characterization of a novel dual specific phosphatase, HVH2, which may function in vivo as a MAP kinase phosphatase. The deduced amino acid sequence of HVH2 shows significant identity to the VH1-related dual specific phosphatase family. In addition, the N-terminal region of HVH2 also displays sequence identity to the cell cycle regulator, Cdc25 phosphatase. Recombinant HVH2 phosphatase exhibited a high substrate specificity toward activated ERK and dephosphorylated both threonine and tyrosine residues of activated ERK1 and ERK2. Immunofluorescence studies with an epitope-tagged HVH2 showed that the enzyme was localized in cell nucleus. Transfection of HVH2 into NIH3T3 cells inhibited the v-src and MEK-induced transcriptional activation of serum-responsive element containing promoter, consistent with the notion that HVH2 promotes the inactivation of MAP kinase. HVH2 mRNA showed an expression pattern distinct from CL100 (human homologue of mouse MKP1) and PAC1, two previously identified MAP kinase phosphatases. Our data suggest a possible role of HVH2 in MAP kinase regulation.

3T3 Cells↗

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibition spares actin assembly in activating platelets but reverses platelet aggregation.

Platelet stimulation by thrombin leads to the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3K) and to the production of the D3 phosphoinositides, phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PdtIns-3,4P2) and 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PdtIns-3,4,5-P3). Because changes in the levels of these phosphoinositides correlate with the kinetics of actin assembly, they have been proposed to mediate actin assembly, causing cell shape changes. Wortmannin and LY294002, two unrelated inhibitors of PI 3-K, were used to investigate the role of PI 3-K in platelet actin assembly and aggregation. Both PI 3-K inhibitors abrogated the production of PdtIns-3,4-P2 and PdtIns-3,4,5-P3 in thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP)-stimulated cells. However, neither wortmannin nor LY294002 altered the kinetics of actin assembly or the exposure of nucleation sites in TRAP-stimulated cells. In contrast, PI 3-K inhibitors showed a specific inhibitory pattern of cell aggregation, characterized by a primary phase of aggregation followed by progressive disaggregation. Flow cytometry analysis with the PAC1 monoclonal antibody or with FITC-labeled fibrinogen indicated that wortmannin inhibited the maintenance of the platelet integrin GPIIb-IIIa in its active state. Wortmannin also inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, platelet aggregation induced by the binding of the monoclonal antibodies P256 and LIBS-6 to GPIIb-IIIa. LIBS Fab-induced aggregation also led to the production of PdtIns-3,4-P2. Platelet secretion, as evidenced by the release of preloaded 14C-5-hydroxy-tryptamine secretion or P-selectin up-regulation, was not affected by PI 3-K inhibition. These results demonstrate that the generation of D3 phosphoinositides is not required for actin assembly in TRAP-activated platelets. However, PI 3-K stimulation is necessary for prolonged GPIIb-IIIa activation and irreversible platelet aggregation. PI 3-K stimulation downstream of GPIIb-IIIa engagement may provide positive feedback required to sustain active GPIIb-IIIa.

Actins↗

Ligand binding to integrin alphaIIbbeta3 is dependent on a MIDAS-like domain in the beta3 subunit.

Substitution of beta3 residue Asp119, Ser121, or Ser123 results in a loss of the ligand binding function of integrin alphaIIbbeta3. Homologous residues in other integrin beta subunits are similarly critical for ligand binding function. This DXSXS motif is also present in the I domain of certain integrin alpha subunits, where it constitutes a portion of the unique metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS). In this report, we have utilized the crystal structure of the recombinant alphaM I domain to produce a three-dimensional model of the homologous region in the integrin beta3 subunit. We performed mutagenesis of candidate amino acid residues predicted from this model to be involved in cation coordination and ligand binding. We report the identification of Asp217 and Glu220 as residues essential for the ligand binding function of alphaIIbbeta3. Alanine substitution of these residues did not affect receptor expression but abolished the binding of activation-dependent (PAC1) and -independent (OPG2) ligand mimetic antibodies. In our proposed model, beta3 Asp217 is analogous to a metal-coordinating residue in the alphaM MIDAS domain, while Glu220 does not correspond to a functional MIDAS domain residue. Substitution of the highly conserved beta3 residue Thr197 corresponding to a critical MIDAS metal-coordinating Thr residue did not affect ligand binding function, suggesting that this region of beta3 adopts a structure that is very similar to but not identical to that of the MIDAS domain. These data support a functional linkage between these two sequences and further define a common feature of ligand binding to integrins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The amino-terminal one-third of alpha IIb defines the ligand recognition specificity of integrin alpha IIb beta 3.

The integrin alpha subunits play a major role in the regulation of ligand binding specificity. To gain further insight into the regions of the alpha subunits that regulate ligand specificity, we have utilized alpha v / alpha IIb chimeras to identify regions of alpha IIb that when substituted for the homologous regions of alpha v switched the ligand binding phenotype of alpha v beta 3 to that of alpha IIb beta 3. We report that the ligand recognition specificity of beta 3 integrins is regulated by the amino-terminal one-third of the alpha subunit. Substitution of the amino-terminal portion of alpha v with the corresponding 334 residues of alpha IIb reconstituted reactivity with both alpha IIb beta 3-specific activation-dependent (PAC1) and -independent (OPG2) ligand mimetic antibodies in addition to small highly specific activation-independent ligands. In contrast, substitution of the amino-terminal portion alone or the divalent cation repeats alone were not sufficient to change ligand binding specificity. These data in combination with previous studies demonstrate that integrin ligand recognition requires cooperation between elements in both the alpha and beta subunits and indicate that the ligand binding pocket is a structure assembled from elements of both the alpha and beta subunits.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Differential effects of peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI) and related peptides on stimulation and suppression of neuroblastoma cell proliferation. A novel VIP-independent action of PHI via MAP kinase.

The growth rate of rodent embryonic neuroblasts and human neuroblastoma cell lines is regulated in part by autocrine or paracrine actions of neuropeptides of the family that includes vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP). These peptides act via seven transmembrane G-protein-linked receptors coupled to cAMP elevation, phospholipase C activation, intracellular Ca2+ release, and/or of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation. Here we investigated the action of these peptides on the mouse neuroblastoma cell line Neuro2a. PHI and VIP inhibited proliferation at concentrations as low as 10(-13) M and 10(-10) M, respectively. In contrast, PACAP action was biphasic, with stimulation occurring at subnanomolar doses and inhibition at higher doses. Peptide actions were studied further by measuring cAMP and ERK1/2 MAP kinase activity and by assessing 3H-thymidine incorporation in conjunction with a panel of signal transduction pathways inhibitors. The data obtained indicated that the PHI-inhibitory and PACAP-stimulatory activities were mediated by corresponding changes in activity of the MAP kinase pathway and independent of protein kinase A (PKA) or protein kinase C (PKC). In contrast, the inhibitory actions of VIP and PACAP were specifically blocked by antagonists of PKA. Northern blot analysis revealed gene expression for only the PACAP-preferring (PAC1) receptor. However, binding experiments using 125I-labeled PACAP27, PHI, and VIP, demonstrated the presence of PACAP-preferring sites, bivalent VIP/PACAP sites, and PHI-binding sites that did not interact with VIP. The studies demonstrate potent regulatory actions of PACAP, PHI, and VIP on neuroblastoma cell proliferation which appear to be mediated by multiple subsets of receptors which differentially couple to MAP kinase and PKA signaling pathways.

Animals↗

Expression and function of calcium binding domain chimeras of the integrins alpha(IIb) and alpha(5).

To further identify amino acid domains involved in the ligand binding specificity of alpha(IIb)beta(3), chimeras of the conserved calcium binding domains of alpha(IIb) and the alpha subunit of the fibronectin receptor alpha(5)beta(1) were constructed. Chimeras that replaced all four calcium binding domains, replaced all but the second calcium binding domain of alpha(IIb) with those of alpha(5), or deleted all four calcium binding domains were synthesized but not expressed on the cell surface. Additional chimeras exchanged subsets or all of the variant amino acids in the second calcium binding domain, a region implicated in ligand binding. Cell surface expression of each second calcium binding domain mutant complexed with beta(3) was observed. Each second calcium binding domain mutant was able to 1) bind to immobilized fibrinogen, 2) form fibrinogen-dependent aggregates after treatment with dithiothreitol, and 3) bind the activation-dependent antibody PAC1 after LIBS 6 treatment. Soluble fibrinogen binding studies suggested that there were only small changes in either the K(d) or B(max) of any mutant. We conclude that chimeras of alpha(IIb) containing the second calcium binding domain sequences of alpha(5) are capable of complexing with beta(3), that the complexes are expressed on the cell surface, and that mutant complexes are capable of binding both immobilized and soluble fibrinogen, suggesting that the second calcium binding domain does not determine ligand binding specificity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of an essential amino acid motif within the C terminus of the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide type I receptor that is critical for signal transduction but not for receptor internalization.

The pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) type 1 (PAC1) receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor and class II receptor member. The receptor domains critical for signaling are unknown. To explore the role of the C terminus, truncations of 63 residues (Tr406), 53 residues (Tr416), 49 residues (Tr420), 44 residues (Tr424), and 37 residues (Tr433) were constructed and expressed in NIH/3T3 cells, and immunofluorescence, radioligand binding, adenylyl cyclase (AC) and phospholipase C (PLC) assays were performed. (125)I-PACAP-27 binding (K(d) = 0.6-1.5 nm) for the Tr406 and Tr433 were similar to wild type Hop and Null splice variants (K(d) = approximately 1.1 nm). Although internalization of ligand for both the Tr406 and Tr433 mutants was reduced to 50-60% at 60 min compared with 76-87% for WT, loss of G protein coupling did not account for differences in internalization. Despite similar binding properties Tr406 and Tr416 mutants showed no AC or PLC response. Addition of 14 amino acids distal to HopTr406 resulted in normal AC and PLC responses. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated that Arg(416) and Ser(417) are essential for G protein activation. The proximal C terminus mediates signal transduction, and the distal is involved with internalization. Two residues within the C terminus, Arg(416) and Ser(417) conserved among class II receptors are the likely sites for G protein coupling.

3T3 Cells↗

Generation of highly selective VPAC2 receptor agonists by high throughput mutagenesis of vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) has a specific receptor PAC1 and shares two receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). VPAC2 activation enhances glucose-induced insulin release while VPAC1 activation elevates glucose output. To generate a large pool of VPAC2 selective agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, structure-activity relationship studies were performed on PACAP, VIP, and a VPAC2 selective VIP analog. Chemical modifications on this analog that prevent recombinant expression were sequentially removed to show that a recombinant peptide would retain VPAC2 selectivity. An efficient recombinant expression system was then developed to produce and screen hundreds of mutant peptides. The 11 mutations found on the VIP analog were systematically replaced with VIP or PACAP sequences. Three of these mutations, V19A, L27K, and N28K, were sufficient to provide most of the VPAC2 selectivity. C-terminal extension with the KRY sequence from PACAP38 led to potent VPAC2 agonists with improved selectivity (100-1000-fold). Saturation mutagenesis at positions 19, 27, 29, and 30 of VIP and charge-scanning mutagenesis of PACAP27 generated additional VPAC2 selective agonists. We have generated the first set of recombinant VPAC2 selective agonists described, which exhibit activity profiles that suggest therapeutic utility in the treatment of diabetes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

LIS1 at the microtubule plus end and its role in dynein-mediated nuclear migration.

The cytoplasmic dynein complex and its accessory dynactin complex are involved in many cellular activities including nuclear migration in fungi (for review see Karki and Holzbaur, 1999). LIS1, the product of a causal gene for human lissencephaly (smooth brain), has also been implicated in dynein function based on studies in fungi and more recent studies in higher eukaryotic systems (for review see Gupta et al., 2002). Exactly how LIS1 may regulate the behavior of cytoplasmic dynein in various organisms is a fascinating question. In this issue, Lee et al. (2003) describe important new findings in Saccharomyces cerevisiae regarding the role of LIS1 (Pac1) in dynein-mediated nuclear migration.

Cell Movement↗

Molecular organization of the 20S proteasome gene family from Arabidopsis thaliana.

The 20S proteasome is the proteolytic complex in eukaryotes responsible for degrading short-lived and abnormal intracellular proteins, especially those targeted by ubiquitin conjugation. The 700-kD complex exists as a hollow cylinder comprising four stacked rings with the catalytic sites located in the lumen. The two outer rings and the two inner rings are composed of seven different alpha and beta polypeptides, respectively, giving an alpha7/beta7/beta7/alpha7 symmetric organization. Here we describe the molecular organization of the 20S proteasome from the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. From an analysis of a collection of cDNA and genomic clones, we identified a superfamily of 23 genes encoding all 14 of the Arabidopsis proteasome subunits, designated PAA-PAG and PBA-PBG for Proteasome Alpha and Beta subunits A-G, respectively. Four of the subunits likely are encoded by single genes, and the remaining subunits are encoded by families of at least 2 genes. Expression of the alpha and beta subunit genes appears to be coordinately regulated. Three of the nine Arabidopsis proteasome subunit genes tested, PAC1 (alpha3), PAE1 (alpha5) and PBC2 (beta3), could functionally replace their yeast orthologs, providing the first evidence for cross-species complementation of 20S subunit genes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the 20S proteasome is structurally and functionally conserved among eukaryotes and suggest that the subunit arrangement of the Arabidopsis 20S proteasome is similar if not identical to that recently determined for the yeast complex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Separation and characterization of the outer membrane of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

A method is described for the preparation of outer and cytoplasmic membranes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the outer membrane proteins characterized. Isolated outer and cytoplasmic membranes differed markedly in the content of 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate (lipopolysaccharide) and phospholipid as well as in the localization of certain enzymes (NADH oxidase, succinate dehydrogenase, D-lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and phospholipase), and also in the microscopic morphology. The outer membrane preparation showed activity neutralizing a certain bacteriocin or bacteriophages, whereas the cytoplasmic membrane preparation showed no neutralizing activity. The protein composition of membrane preparations from five different strains of P. aeruginosa [P14, M92 (PAO1), PAC1, P15, and M2008 (PAT)] were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. More than 50 protein bands were detected in the cytoplasmic membrane preparation. The protein compositions of outer membranes from the five different strains were very similar: at least 6 major bands were found (apparent molecular weights: Band D, 50,000; band E, 45,000; band F, 33,000; bands G and H, 21,000; and band I, 8,000). The protein composition of outer membranes was affected by some physiological growth conditions. Some features of major outer membrane proteins were also studied. Band F showed anomalous migration on SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis depending on the solubilizing conditions or pretreatment with TCA. Band I seemed to be a protein analogous to the lipoprotein which had been found in the outer membrane of Escherichia coli.

Bacteriophages↗

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) stimulates endozepine release from cultured rat astrocytes via a PKA-dependent mechanism.

Astroglial cells synthesize and release endozepines, neuropeptides that are related to the octadecaneuropeptide ODN. Glial cells also express PACAP/VIP receptors. We have investigated the possible effect of PACAP on the release of ODN-like immunoreactivity (ODN-LI) by cultured rat astrocytes. Administration of PACAP27 and PACAP38 induced a concentration-dependent increase in secretion of ODN-LI whereas VIP was approximately 1000-fold less potent. The maximum effect of PACAP38 occurred after 5 min, then gradually declined during the next 10 min. The stimulatory effects of PACAP and VIP were abrogated by the PACAP antagonist PACAP6-38. PACAP38 stimulated cAMP formation, activated polyphosphoinositide turnover, and provoked calcium mobilization from IP3-sensitive pools. The PKA inhibitor H89 suppressed PACAP-induced secretion of ODN-LI, whereas PLC inhibitor U73122 and the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine had no effect. In contrast, U73122 restored the stimulatory action of PACAP on ODN-LI release and cAMP formation during prolonged (15 min) incubation with the peptide, and this effect was prevented by PMA. The present results demonstrate that PACAP stimulates endozepine release through activation of PAC1 receptors coupled to the AC/PKA pathway. Our data also show that activation of the PLC/PKC pathway down-regulates the effect of PACAP on endozepine release.

Animals↗

Effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide on facial nerve recovery in the Guinea pig.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has neurotrophic effects of neural regeneration and gives protection to the nervous system. We investigated whether PACAP had a neurotrophic effect on peripheral motoneurons and whether PACAP could facilitate glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a neurotrophin, in nerve regeneration. The presence and distribution of PACAP receptors following facial nerve transection were also investigated. STUDY DESIGN: Animal experiment. METHODS: Unilateral transection of the facial nerve was performed in male Hartley guinea pigs, and PACAP was injected at the site. Saline was substituted as a control. Compound muscle action potentials were recorded to measure the changes of latency. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) content in facial target muscle was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The regenerating site was taken for histological studies. RESULTS: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide hastened the appearance of compound muscle action potentials and shortened the latency. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide increased and prolonged the nerve transection-induced GDNF increase in the facial muscles. The number of myelinated fibers at 1 to 4 weeks after the transection was increased. PAC1 receptor or VPAC1 receptor or both were identified in the injury area at 2 to 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide facilitated the recovery of latency of compound muscle action potentials or the number of myelinated axons, or both. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide prolonged the GDNF levels in target organs. These data indicated that PACAP promoted regeneration of the facial nerve.

Animals↗

Molecular basis of altered enzyme specificities in a family of mutant amidases from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

A family of mutant amidases has been derived by experimental evolution of the aliphatic amidase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAC1. Mutation amiE16, in the structural gene for the enzyme, results in the production of the mutant B amidase by strain B6. This strain, unlike the wild-type, can utilize butyramide for growth. Strain B6 gave rise by a single mutational event to strain V9, utilizing valeramide, and strain PhB3, utilizing phenylacetamide. Strain V9 was not itself able to utilize phenylacetamide but gave rise by mutation to the phenylacetamide-utilizing mutant PhV1. Peptide 108 was isolated from chymotryptic digests of mutant amidases from strains B6, PhB3 and PhV1, but could not be detected in chymotryptic digests of the wild-type amidase. The sequence of peptide 108 was established as Met-Arg-His-Gly-Asp-Ile-Phe. Thermolytic digests of mutant amidases from strains B6, PhB3, PhV1 and V9 were compared with digests of the wild-type amidase. A peptide of the composition Met, Arg, His, Gly2, Asp3, Ile, Ser3, Thr, Val was found in the digest of the wild-type amidase and was replaced in the digests of the mutant amidases by a peptide of the composition Met, Arg, His, Gly2, Asp3, Ile, Ser3, Thr, Val, Phe. Mutation amiE16 is common to the four mutant enzymes and can be accounted for by the mutation Ser leads to Phe. The sequence of the chymotryptic peptide corresponds with the N-terminal sequence of the amidase protein, and can also be related to the thermolysin peptides. It is concluded that mutation amiE16 is a Ser leads to Phe change at position 7 from the N-terminus and the effect of this on the enzyme conformation is discussed.

Amidohydrolases↗

Biosynthesis of the core part of the lipopolysaccharide of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The incorporation of rhamnose and glucose into the core part of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied using enzyme preparations from strain PAC1R and LPS-defective mutants derived from it. Crude membrane preparations from the LPS-defective mutant PAC556 transferred rhamnose from dTDP-L-[14C]rhamnose to material insoluble in trichloracetic acid. The preparations contained both transferase enzyme and acceptor, the former being destroyed by heating. Between 60 and 70% of the radioactive rhamnose transferred to the membranes was extractable by aqueous phenol and non-diffusible. The material extracted did not move in any of the chromatography solvents tested and contained rhamnose as the sole radioactive component. Soluble dTDP-L-rhamnose-LPS rhamnosyltransferase was obtained from the parent strain PAC1R by ammonium sulphate precipitation of a 105000 g supernatant fraction from broken bacteria. It was most active at pH 8 with 5 mM-MgCl2 and required heat-treated membranes of PAC556 as acceptor. This mutant, whose LPS lacks both O-antigenic side-chains and rhamnose in the core, was shown to lack either the epimerase or the NADP-dependent oxidoreductase used to synthesize dTDPrhamnose. After preincubation with soluble transferase and UDPglucose, heated membranes of mutant strains PAC611, PAC612 and PAC605 could also act as acceptors for rhamnose. These mutants all lacked some or all of the glucose as well as the rhamnose from the core of their LPS and the experiments thus provided confirmation that rhamnose was the terminal hexose of the core in P. aeruginosa PAC1.

Glucose↗