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Feasibility of using food-grade additives to control the growth of Clostridium perfringens.

Previously, it was demonstrated that the combination of sucrose laurate (SL) ethylenediaminetetraacetate (E) and butylated hydroxyl anisole (B) (SLEB) was an effective antimicrobial agent against both gram-negative (aerobes) and gram-positive (facultative anaerobes) foodborne bacteria. This investigation examines the sensitivity of Clostridium perfringens to SLEB relative to: (1) the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of SLEB required to inhibit the growth of C. perfringens and (2) the antibacterial effectiveness of different combination ratios of SLEB in fluid thioglycollate medium (FTM). Results indicated that the MIC of SLEB (1:1:1, v/v/v) against C. perfringens on tryptose sulfite cycloserine (TSC) agar was > 150 ppm at 37 degrees C. However, in FTM, a SLEB (1:1:1, v/v/v) concentration of > 100 ppm inhibited C. perfringens during an incubation (anaerobic) period of 196 h at 37 degrees C. The sensitivity of C. perfringens to different combination ratios was also investigated in FTM. The results showed that, when the concentrations of SL and E were held at 75 ppm in the SLEB combination, and the concentration of B increased from 0 to 75 ppm, C. perfringens growth increased initially during the first 24 h of incubation (37 degrees C) but remained constant during the next 48 h. Similarly, when concentrations of SL and E were held constant at 150 ppm in the SLEB combination and the B ratio increased from 50 to 150 ppm in FTM, C. perfringens viability decreased in all of the treated samples during 72-h incubation at 37 degrees C. The results indicated that SLEB was an effective inhibitor of C. perfringens growth activities, and the ratios of the components of SLEB can be adjusted to meet specific preservation needs.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole↗

Effects of beta-carotene and canthaxanthin on liver xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in the rat.

The activities of several phase I and phase II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes have been measured in liver microsomes and cytosol of male rats that had been fed for 15 days with diets containing beta-carotene or canthaxanthin (300 mg/kg diet) or an excess of vitamin A (70,000 IU/kg diet), or to which beta-carotene had been administered by ip injections (7 x 10 mg/kg body weight). Microsomal cytochrome P-450 and the associated NADH- and NADPH-cytochrome c reductases were assayed, as well as several phase I and phase II enzyme activities. Phase I activities were markers of the families 1, 2, 3 and 4 of P-450; phase II activities were microsomal UDP glucuronosyl transferases (UGT) and cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST). Canthaxanthin accumulated in liver to a much higher level than did ingested or injected beta-carotene. Canthaxanthin increased the liver content of cytochrome P-450 (control value x 1.7), and the activity of NADH-cytochrome c reductase (x 1.5), and of some P-450-dependent enzymes (ethoxy-, methoxy-, pentoxy- and benzoxyresorufin O-dealkylases; x98, x15, x6.5 and x13, respectively), but not of others (erythromycin N-demethylase, nitrosodimethylamine N-demethylase and laurate omega-hydroxylase). Phase II activities were also increased: UGT1 (x3.4), UGT2 (x1.2) and GST (x1.2). This induction profile, characterized by the very strong increase of the activity associated with P4501A1, and the co-induction of UGT1, closely resemble that of a classical inducer, 3-methylcholanthrene. By contrast, neither beta-carotene (fed or injected), nor an excess of vitamin A induced any significant variation of the enzyme activities measured.

Animals↗

Carbon monoxide binding to cytochrome P450BM-3: evidence for a substrate-dependent conformational change.

The kinetics of carbon monoxide binding to cytochrome P450BM-3 in the presence and absence of substrate has been investigated using flash photolysis. The second order kinetics for CO association with the substrate-free form of the protein appear biphasic. Deconvolution into two exponentials yields fast and slow rate constants of 11.1 +/- 0.6 x 10(6) M-1 s-1 and 3.5 +/- 0.2 x 10(6) M-1 s-1, respectively with 52% of the signal being attributed to the fast phase. Interestingly, upon binding of a substrate such as laurate, the second order kinetics become monophasic, with a value of 3.5 x 10(6) M-1 s-1, which are similar to the slow rate found in the substrate-free form of the protein. We have also examined the geminate CO rebinding kinetics in the presence and absence of various substrates. In the substrate-free form of the overall geminate yield is 30%, and addition of a substrate increases the geminate yield to roughly 50%. Both the substrate-free and substrate-bound forms exhibit complex geminate kinetics which cannot be described by a simple three-state kinetic model. Extension of this model to include four states is required. The addition of substrate causes an increase in the geminate rate constants resulting in a larger geminate amplitude when compared to the substrate-free form. There is also evidence for a correlation between the volume occupied by the substrate and the geminate rate constants. These results are discussed in terms of substrate-dependent conformational changes in cytochrome P450BM-3 and the overall energy landscape of the hemoprotein which couples to conformer equilibria.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Mechanisms of peroxisome proliferation by perfluorooctanoic acid and endogenous fatty acids.

1. The effects of endogenous fatty acids and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its analogs on peroxisomal acyl CoA oxidase (ACO) and microsomal laurate hydroxylase (LH) activities were evaluated in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes and activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) in CV-1 cells. The rank order for the stimulation of ACO activity in hepatocytes for selected compounds was PFOA >> octanoic acid>octanedioic acid, perfluorooctanol (inactive). Increases in ACO activity by PFOA, like those of ciprofibrate, were associated with a marked increase in peroxisome number and cytosolic occupancy volume. Maximal effects of ciprofibrate and PFOA on the stimulation of ACO activity were not additive, suggesting that these two compounds share a common pathway of peroxisome proliferation. 2. Saturated monocarboxylic acids of C4 to C18 chain length were inactive, and, among dicarboxylic acids, only small elevations (40-45%) in ACO activity were observed with the long-chain C12 and C16 dioic acids. Of the C18 fatty acids tested, only oleic and linoleic acids, at 1 mM, produced a two- to three-fold elevation in ACO and LH activities. In comparison with endogenous fatty acids, PFOA was more potent and exhibited a different time course and greater magnitude of stimulation of ACO and LH activities in cultured hepatocytes. 3. Addition of mitochondrial beta-oxidation inhibitors (3-mercaptopropionic and 2-bromooctanoic acids) did not alter ACO activity in the presence of octanoic acid or octanedioic acid; nor did they modify the stimulation of ACO activity by PFOA. The carnitine palmitoyltransferase I inhibitor 2-bromopalmitic acid produced a 2.5-fold increase in ACO stimulatory activity and reduced both ciprofibrate- and PFOA-mediated stimulations of ACO activity. 4. Cycloheximide treatment reduced PFOA- and ciprofibrate-induced ACO activities; however, the response to oleic acid was not blocked and increased slightly. 5. In rat and human PPARalpha transactivation assays, the rank order of activation was ciprofibrate > PFOA > oleic acid > or = octanoic acid > octanedioic acid or perfluorooctanol (inactive). PFOA, ciprofibrate and oleic acid were activators of rPPARalpha at concentrations that correlated favorably with the changes in ACO activity in cell culture. Octanoic acid did not increase ACO activity and was a weak activator of PPARalpha. 6. Our findings suggest that fatty acids such as oleic acid (endogenous fatty acids) and PFOA (a stable fatty acid) act through more than one pathway to increase ACO activity in rat hepatocytes. We conclude that the potent effects of PFOA are primarily mediated by a mechanism that includes the activation of liver PPARalpha.

Acyl-CoA Oxidase↗

Determination of beta-19-nortestosterone and its metabolite alpha-19-nortestosterone in biological samples at the sub parts per billion level by high-performance liquid chromatography with on-line immunoaffinity sample pretreatment.

An immunoaffinity precolumn (immuno precolumn) packed with Sepharose-immobilized polyclonal antibodies against the anabolic hormone 17 beta-19-nortestosterone (beta-19-NT) was used for the selective on-line pretreatment of raw extracts of urine, bile and tissue samples by high-performance liquid chromatography. Using UV detection (247 nm), beta-19-NT and its metabolite 17 alpha-19-nortestosterone (alpha-19-NT) can be determined in biological samples with a detection limit of 0.05 microgram/kg. Owing to the high clean-up efficiency of the immuno precolumn and the large sample volumes used, confirmation by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is possible at this level. In urine samples from a calf treated with 19-nortestosterone 17 beta-laurate, the maximum concentrations of beta-19-NT (1.3 micrograms/l) and alpha-19-NT (3.1 micrograms/l) were found seven days after intramuscular administration. In a bile sample from this calf only alpha-19-NT (55 microgram/l) was detected. In meat samples from three treated calves, the concentration of beta-19-NT varied from 0.1 to 1.6 micrograms/kg and no alpha-19-NT could be detected. In liver samples from these calves, the concentrations of beta-19-NT and alpha-19-NT were less than 0.05-0.1 and 0.5-0.9 micrograms/kg, respectively. In the corresponding kidney samples, the concentrations of beta-19-NT and alpha-19-NT were 0.4-0.5 and 0.5-1.6 micrograms/kg, respectively. The application of the same immuno precolumn to the determination of 17 beta- and 17 alpha-trenbolone, two structurally related steroids, is also demonstrated.

Animals↗

Separation and estimation of retinyl fatty acyl esters in tissues of normal rat by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography system for the complete separation of naturally occurring retinyl fatty acyl esters (RFAE) is described. The sensitivity of the method allows the detection of as little as 40 pmol of the various RFAE. The procedure was applied to the separation and estimation of endogenous RFAE present in tissues of normal rats; in addition, the incorporation of [3H]retinyl acetate into RFAE was also investigated. Retinyl palmitate is the major fatty acyl ester (79%) present endogenously in various tissues. However, eight other RFAE were also present in some tissues. At 24 hours after the injection of the label, radioactivity present in retinol and its metabolites was recovered mainly in liver tissue followed by kidneys, adrenals, lungs, intestine, trachea, testis, blood, heart and spleen. However, it was found that, in liver tissue, the specific radioactivity (dpm/nmol) of several RFAE was greater than that of retinyl palmitate (retinyl laurate 66-fold, retinyl pentadecanoate 5-fold, retinyl palmitoleate 4-fold).

Animals↗

Elasticity of vesicles assessed by electron spin resonance, electron microscopy and extrusion measurements.

The composition of vesicles determines the physical state and elasticity of their bilayers. Fatty acid spin labels were incorporated into vesicles, composed of the single chain non-ionic surfactant octaoxyethylenelaurate-ester (PEG-8-L), the sucrose laurate-ester L-595 and cholesterol sulfate (CS) to monitor local dynamic properties of lipid molecules in vesicle bilayers and to study the elasticity of vesicle bilayers. Studies with the spin label probes 5-, 12- and 16-doxyl stearic acid (DSA) indicated that both the order parameter and the rotational correlation times increased when the doxyl group was positioned closer to the headgroup region. These findings indicate that the fluidity of membranes decreased near the headgroup region. Comparing 16-DSA incorporated in vesicle formulations with either 30 or 70 mol% showed no difference in alkyl chain mobility as was reflected by the order parameter. The rotational correlation times, however, showed a slowdown from 0.38 to 0.71 and 1.13 ns when the PEG-8-L molar content was decreased from 100 to 70 and 30 mol% for PEG-8-L:L-595:CS vesicles, respectively. Extrusion measurements indicated an increase in elasticity of vesicle bilayers as the molar content of PEG-8-L was increased from 10 to 90 mol%. Incorporation of cholesterol sulfate stabilizes vesicles and thereby, decreases the elasticity. The increased elasticity correlated excellent with a reduction in the rotational correlation times observed. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that when the molar content of the single chain non-ionic surfactant PEG-8-L in vesicles is increased the elasticity is enhanced and the rotational correlation time is reduced. The enhanced elasticity might contribute to an optimal design of vesicles as drug carriers for transdermal application.

Caprylates↗

Quantitative determination of polysorbate 20 in nasal pharmaceutical preparations by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A specific reverse-phase HPLC method has been developed for the quantitative determination of polysorbate 20 in various compositions of nasal solutions. This method is based on the acidic hydrolysis of the sorbitan laurate ester followed by the HPLC determination of the free lauric acid. Using this method, polysorbate 20 can effectively be separated and quantitatively determined in matrices containing a wide variety of preservatives, surfactants, and viscosity agents. Sample preparation involves a one-step hydrolysis with sulfuric acid and then a dilution with acetonitrile, prior to injection. The sample is analyzed on a 5-microm octadecylsilane reverse-phase column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile: 0.025 M aqueous di-Sodium hydrogen phosphate, pH = 2.8 (75:25). The column effluent is monitored by UV detection at 210 nm. The validity of the method has been verified with specificity, linearity, recovery, method- and system precisions data. The method is linear for polysorbate 20 from 2.5 to 125 mg ml(-1) range. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation are 0.41 and 0.61 mg ml(-1), respectively.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Dilatational rheology and foaming properties of sucrose monoesters in the presence of beta-lactoglobulin.

The foaming properties and the dilatational rheology of systems containing purified sucrose caprylate (SM800), caprate (SM1000), laurate (SM1200) and palmitate (SM1600) have been studied. Addition of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-lg) at a low concentration (0.050 wt.%) can aid the foam formation in the cases, where the surfactant concentration is insufficient to support foam formation. However, foams where both species co-existed exhibited poor stability. beta-lg was found to affect the dilatational properties of surfactant films even at low concentrations. It is thought that this could be related to the effect of the protein on the adsorption-desorption relaxation mechanism, or to the possible formation of a protein-surfactant complex in the bulk. The age of the protein film was also found to affect the kinetics of protein displacement by SM1000, as monitored by the change in the dilatational properties (Langmuir trough technique) and the relative reflectivity of the interface (Brewster angle microscopy) with time. An insoluble monolayer of sucrose stearate (Suc18) and beta-lg was also studied and it was found that the presence of small amounts of Suc18 in the protein film lead to a reduction of the interfacial elasticity. This is believed to be due to the disruption of the protein network. A possible mechanism could involve the obstruction of the hydrogen-bond intermolecular protein association by the strongly hydrated sucrose headgroup or the obstruction of the protein-protein hydrophobic interactions by the formation of an interfacial protein-surfactant complex.

Journal Article↗

The influence of alkali fatty acids on the properties and the stability of parenteral O/W emulsions modified with solutol HS 15.

Arachis oil based parenteral O/W emulsions were prepared using soya bean phosphatidylcholine (SPC) and different combinations of co-emulsifiers containing polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters (Solutol HS 15) and alkali fatty acids (sodium laurate, sodium stearate). The parameters measured were droplet size (both by photon correlation spectroscopy and laser diffractometry), pH and zeta potential. All emulsions were subjected to autoclaving. The addition of polyethylene glycol 12-hydroxy stearate (Solutol HS 15) led to a significant decrease of mean oil droplet size. For long-term stability the amount added turned out to be the most important factor. With increased amounts of Solutol HS 15 the packing density of the emulsifier layer and the zeta potential decreased leading to instability. The optimum load of Solutol HS 15 was found to be 15 micromol/ml. Alkali fatty acids markedly improved the physical stability of the emulsions. Improved stability properties conferred to emulsions by alkali fatty acids could be attributed to the zeta potential increase even in the presence of Solutol HS 15. Consequently a mixed emulsifier film was established in which the ionized fatty acids determined the interface charge. In addition to this a strengthening of the molecular interactions occurring between phospholipid and Solutol HS 15 emulsifier in the presence of ionized fatty acids at the O/W interface can be assumed (L. Rydhag, The importance of the phase behaviour of phospholipids for emulsion stability, Fette Seifen Anstrichm. 81 (1979) 168-173). Different co-emulsifier mixtures were shown to have a pronounced impact on the plasma protein adsorption onto emulsion droplets.

Adsorption↗

Molecular ion fragmentation and its effects on mass isotopomer abundances of fatty acid methyl esters ionized by electron impact.

We have analyzed the isotopomer abundance ratios of an equimolar mixture of nine fatty acid methyl esters (decanoate, undecanoate, laurate, tridecanoate, myristate, pentadecanoate, palmitate, heptadecanoate, and stearate) by selected-ion monitoring gas chromatography/electron impact/mass spectrometry (GC/EI/MS). The abundance of the second lowest m/z isotopomer (IM1) increased disproportionately compared with the abundance of the lowest m/z isotopomer (IM0) as a function of: (1) increasing sample size; (2) decreasing repeller voltage; and (3) decreasing alkyl chain length. We also compared the abundance of the third lowest m/z isotopomer (IM2) and the abundance of the second lowest m/z isotopomer (IM1) of methyl palmitate and [4,4-2H2]methyl palmitate. We observed that the IM2/IM1 for methyl palmitate was significantly lower than IM2/IM1 for [4,4-2H2]methyl palmitate. From these results, as well as a consideration of basic principles of ion chemistry and ion physics, we conclude that gas-phase chemistry, specifically proton (or deuteron) transfer from fragment ions to molecules, is a major contributor to the sample size dependence observed in mass isotopomer abundance measurements of fatty acid methyl esters ionized by EI. Our results and analysis do not support hydrogen abstraction as the reaction mechanism. In addition, we calculate that rearranged molecular ions are unlikely to contribute significantly to intermolecular proton transfer because of their relatively brief lifetime. We also discuss alternative analytical techniques which might improve the precision and accuracy of isotopomer measurements by reducing molecular ion fragmentation.

Algorithms↗

The cloning and expression of a murine triacylglycerol hydrolase cDNA and the structure of its corresponding gene.

A novel murine cDNA for triacylglycerol hydrolase (TGH), an enzyme that is involved in mobilization of triacylglycerol from storage pools in hepatocytes, has been cloned and expressed. The cDNA consists of 1962 bp with an open reading frame of 1695 bp that encodes a protein of 565 amino acids. Murine TGH is a member of the CES1A class of carboxylesterases and shows a significant degree of identity to other carboxylesterases from rat, monkey and human. Expression of the cDNA in McArdle RH7777 hepatoma cells showed a 3-fold increase in the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl laurate compared to vector-transfected cells. The highest expression of TGH was observed in the livers of mice, with lower expression in kidney, heart, adipose and intestinal (duodenum/jejunum) tissues. The murine gene that encodes TGH was cloned and exon-intron boundaries were determined. The gene spans approx. 35 kb and contains 14 exons. The results will permit future studies on the function of this gene via gene-targeting experiments and analysis of transcriptional regulation of the TGH gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A novel lipolytic activity of Rhodotorula glutinis cells: production, partial characterization and application in the synthesis of esters.

Cell-bound lipase activity (10 pNPL units/g dry cell weight) was released when the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis was cultured in a 7-l stirred tank fermentor using palm-oil as the sole carbon source. The enzyme showed relative specificity towards medium chain organic acids since the apparent K(m) values for pNPB (p-NitroPhenyl-Butyrate) and pNPL (p-NitroPhenyl-Laurate) were equal to 2.7 and 0.7 mM, respectively. In addition, 80% of this activity could be detected on the surface of the cells. The cell-bound nature of the enzyme increased its thermal stability showing half-life times of 200 and 60 min at 50 and 60 degrees C, respectively, as well as good stability in organic solvents. Freeze-dried cell preparations were successfully used to catalyze the synthesis of fatty acid esters of butanol and heptanol in nearly anhydrous organic solvents. A conversion of 60-62% was obtained upon esterification of palmitic or oleic acid with butanol, within 96 h. The enzyme preparation was used in four consecutive batch reactions with only 10% loss of activity.

Journal Article↗

Supercritical fluid chromatographic determination of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters in serum on ODS-silica gel column.

Cholesterol and cholesteryl esters in human serum were determined by supercritical fluid chromatography on an inert ODS-silica gel column using supercritical carbon dioxide as a mobile phase without a modifier. Chromatograms were obtained by monitoring the eluent simultaneously with an FID and UV detector at the wavelength of 190 nm. The retention behavior of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters was investigated in terms of the density of CO2 mobile phase. The separation mode was found to be reversed phase, as in liquid chromatography. The amounts of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters extracted from human serum reference material (NIST SRM 909) were determined individually using cholesteryl laurate as an internal standard to give good agreement of total cholesterol with the value certified by NIST.

Cholesterol↗

Isolation and characterization of the three polypeptide components of 4-chlorobenzoate dehalogenase from Pseudomonas sp. strain CBS-3.

The three genes encoding the 4-chlorobenzene dehalogenase polypeptides were excised from a Pseudomonas sp. CBS-3 DNA fragment and separately cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The three enzymes were purified from the respective subclones by using an ammonium sulfate precipitation step followed by one or two column chromatographic steps. The 4-chlorobenzoate:coenzyme A ligase was found to be a homodimer (57-kDa subunit size), to require Mg2+ (Co2+ and Mn2+ are also activators) for activity, and to turn over MgATP (Km = 100 microM), coenzyme A (Km = 80 microM), and 4-chlorobenzoate (Km = 9 microM) at a rate of 30 s-1 at pH 7.5 and 25 degrees C. Benzoate, 4-bromobenzoate, 4-iodobenzoate, and 4-methylbenzoate were shown to be alternate substrates while 4-hydroxybenzoate, 4-aminobenzoate, 2-aminobenzoate, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate, 4-coumarate, palmate, laurate, caproate, butyrate, and phenylacetate were not substrate active. The 4-chlorobenzoate-coenzyme A dehalogenase was found to be a homotetramer (30 kDa subunit size) to have a Km = 15 microM and kcat = 0.3 s-1 at pH 7.5 and 25 degrees C and to be catalytically inactive toward hydration of crotonyl-CoA, alpha-methylcrotonyl-CoA, and beta-methylcrotonyl-CoA. The 4-hydroxybenzoate-coenzyme A thioesterase was shown to be a homotetramer (16 kDa subunit size), to have a Km = 5 microM and kcat = 7 s-1 at pH 7.5 and 25 degrees C, and to also catalyze the hydrolyses of benzoyl-coenzyme A and 4-chlorobenzoate-coenzyme A. Acetyl-coenzyme A, hexanoyl-coenzyme A, and palmitoyl-coenzyme A were not hydrolyzed by the thioesterase.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Phenylalanine 393 exerts thermodynamic control over the heme of flavocytochrome P450 BM3.

Site-directed mutants of the phylogenetically conserved phenylalanine residue F393 were constructed in flavocytochrome P450 BM3 from Bacillus megaterium. The high degree of conservation of this residue in the P450 superfamily and its proximity to the heme (and its ligand Cys400) infers an essential role in P450 activity. Extensive kinetic and thermodynamic characterization of mutant enzymes F393A, F393H, and F393Y highlighted significant differences from wild-type P450 BM3. All enzymes expressed to high levels and contained their full complement of heme. While the reduction and subsequent treatment of the mutant P450s with carbon monoxide led to the formation of the characteristic P450 spectra in all cases, the absolute position of the Soret absorption varied across the series WT/F393Y (449 nm), F393H (445 nm), and F393A (444 nm). Steady-state turnover rates with both laurate and arachidonate showed the trend WT > F393Y >> F393H > F393A. Conversely, the trend in the pre-steady-state flavin-to-heme electron transfer was the reverse of the steady-state scenario, with rates varying F393A > F393H >> F393Y approximately wild-type. These data are consistent with the more positive substrate-free [-312 mV (F393A), -332 mV (F393H)] and substrate-bound [-151 mV (F393A), -176 mV (F393H)] reduction potentials of F393A and F393H heme domains, favoring the stabilization of the ferrous-form in the mutant P450s relative to wild-type. Elevation of the heme iron reduction potential in the F393A and F393H mutants facilitates faster electron transfer to the heme. This results in a decrease in the driving force for oxygen reduction by the ferrous heme iron, so explaining lower overall turnover of the mutant P450s. We postulate that the nature of the residue at position 393 is important in controlling the delicate equilibrium observed in P450s, whereby a tradeoff is established between the rate of heme reduction and the rate at which the ferrous heme can bind and, subsequently, reduce molecular oxygen.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Functional interactions in cytochrome P450BM3: flavin semiquinone intermediates, role of NADP(H), and mechanism of electron transfer by the flavoprotein domain.

Cytochrome P450BM3 is a self-sufficient soluble fatty acid hydroxylase from Bacillus megaterium utilizing tightly bound FAD and FMN cofactors to transfer reducing equivalents from NADPH to the heme active site. Active-inactive transitions of cytochrome P450BM3 were exploited to identify catalytic intermediates of the enzyme. Shortly upon reduction by NADPH, a two-electron reduced active P450BM3 is formed with two flavin semiquinones, anionic and neutral, present simultaneously. P450BM3 inactivated by NADPH has a three-electron reduced flavoprotein domain. NADPH is unable to reduce P450BM3 rapidly unless the flavoprotein domain is fully oxidized. During steady-state hydroxylation of a poor substrate, tetradecanol, the flavoprotein reduction state does not exceed two, with two flavin semiquinones, anionic and neutral, present. Absorbance and EPR spectroscopic characterization of both anionic and neutral flavin semiquinone is presented. NADPH and NADH were compared as electron donors for P450BM3-catalyzed fatty acid hydroxylation and cytochrome c and heme iron reduction. The Km for NADH of 3-5 mM is about 3000 times higher than the Km of 1-1.5 microM for NADPH. Although NADH can support cytochrome c reduction and fatty acid hydroxylation with the rates as high as 22 and 13 s-1, respectively, these turnover numbers are only about 20% of those observed with NADPH. The results suggest that nucleotide binding plays an important role in catalysis by controlling electron-transfer properties of the flavin cofactors. In W574G and G570D mutant P450BM3 enzymes that are deficient in FMN, NADP+ binding stabilizes fully reduced FAD. P450BM3 catalyzes single-turnover and steady-state laurate hydroxylation with near stoichiometric product formation at NADPH concentrations below that of the enzyme. A mechanism of electron transfer by the flavoprotein domain of P450BM3 is proposed with the reduction state of the flavoprotein domain cycling in a 0-2-1-0 sequence. We also propose that an interaction of bound NADP+ with anionic FAD semiquinone is essential for splitting a pair of electrons that are then transferred in two one-electron transfer steps to the heme catalytic site.

Bacillus megaterium↗

Substitutions in the C-terminal portion of the catalytic domain partially reverse assembly defects introduced by mutations in the N-terminal linker sequence of cytochrome P450 2C2.

Mutations in a 7-amino acid linker segment, immediately following the N-terminal signal anchor sequence of cytochrome P450 2C2, have been shown to affect proper assembly of hemoprotein and decrease activity of the mutants expressed in COS cells. In contrast, C2pmBalC1, in which cytochrome P450 2C1 residues were substituted for those of cytochrome P450 2C2 in the C-terminal region, exhibited increased activity when expressed in COS-1 cells. To examine further the basis for the increased activity of C2pmBalC1 in COS-1 cells, the protein was expressed in insect cells and Escherichia coli. The amounts of the functional P450 species of C2pmBalC1 expressed in these systems and the ratios of P450 to P420 were greater than those of cytochrome P450 2C2, indicating that more efficient assembly underlies the increased activity of C2pmBalC1. To determine whether the C-terminal substitutions could compensate for the decreased assembly mediated by the N-terminal linker mutations, the linker mutations were introduced into C2pmBalC1. If all 7 amino acids in the linker were deleted, no enzymatically active cytochrome P450 2C2 or C2pmBalC1 was detected in COS-1, insect, or bacterial cells expressing the mutants. The mutant C2A2, in which two alanines were substituted for the linker, had no detectable laurate hydroxylase activity in COS-1 cells, and minor amounts of hemoprotein for this mutant were expressed in E. coli and insect cells. In contrast, the same mutation in C2pmBalC1 reduced activity only 50% in COS-1 cells and markedly elevated levels of P450 expression in bacteria and insect cells. The A2 mutation did not affect the enzymatic activity of either cytochrome P450 2C2 or C2pmBalC1 assayed in whole cell lysates of insect cells but reduced the activity of partially purified enzymes assayed in a reconstituted assay system. These findings indicate that mutations introduced into the C-terminal region of P450 2C2 can facilitate assembly of the proteins and partially reverse the decreased assembly resulting from the N-terminal mutations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗