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Unusual resistance of peptidyl transferase to protein extraction procedures.

Peptidyl transferase, the ribosomal activity responsible for catalysis of peptide bond formation, is resistant to vigorous procedures that are conventionally employed to remove proteins from protein-nucleic acid complexes. When the "fragment reaction" was used as a model assay for peptide bond formation, Escherichia coli ribosomes or 50S subunits retained 20 to 40 percent activity after extensive treatment with proteinase K and SDS, but lost activity after extraction with phenol or exposure to EDTA. Ribosomes from the thermophilic eubacterium Thermus aquaticus remained more than 80 percent active after treatment with proteinase K and SDS, which was followed by vigorous extraction with phenol. This activity is attributable to peptidyl transferase, as judged by specific inhibition by the peptidyl transferase-specific antibiotics chloramphenicol and carbomycin. In contrast, activity is abolished by treatment with ribonuclease T1. These findings support the possibility that 23S ribosomal RNA participates in the peptidyl transferase function.

Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel↗

Similar structures in gamma-carboxymuconolactone decarboxylase and beta-ketoadipate succinyl coenzyme A transferase.

gamma-Carboxymuconolactone decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.44) and beta-ketoadipate succinyl coenzyme A transferase (EC 2.8.3.6) mediate different steps in the beta-ketoadipate pathway. Antisera prepared against the Pseudomonas putida transferase cross-reacted immunologically with the decarboxylase from the same organism. The transferase is formed by association of two nonidentical protein subunits. The NH2-terminal amino acid sequences of the two nonidentical transferase subunits resembled each other and also were similar to the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the decarboxylase.

Acinetobacter↗

The murG gene of Escherichia coli codes for the UDP-N-acetylglucosamine: N-acetylmuramyl-(pentapeptide) pyrophosphoryl-undecaprenol N-acetylglucosamine transferase involved in the membrane steps of peptidoglycan synthesis.

Physiological properties of the murG gene product of Escherichia coli were investigated. The inactivation of the murG gene rapidly inhibits peptidoglycan synthesis in exponentially growing cells. As a result, various alterations of cell shape are observed, and cell lysis finally occurs when the peptidoglycan content is 40% lower than that of normally growing cells. Analysis of the pools of peptidoglycan precursors reveals the concomitant accumulation of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) and UDP-N-acetylmuramyl-pentapeptide (UDP-MurNAc-pentapeptide) and, to a lesser extent, that of undecaprenyl-pyrophosphoryl-MurNAc-pentapeptide (lipid intermediate I), indicating that inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis occurs after formation of the cytoplasmic precursors. The relative depletion of the second lipid intermediate, undecaprenyl-pyrophosphoryl-MurNAc-(pentapeptide)GlcNAc, shows that inactivation of the murG gene product does not prevent the formation of lipid intermediate I but inhibits the next reaction in which GlcNAc is transferred to lipid intermediate I. In vitro assays for phospho-MurNAc-pentapeptide translocase and N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase activities finally confirm the identification of the murG gene product as the transferase that catalyzes the conversion of lipid intermediate I to lipid intermediate II in the peptidoglycan synthesis pathway. Plasmids allowing for a high overproduction of the transferase and the determination of its N-terminal amino acid sequence were constructed. In cell fractionation experiments, the transferase is essentially associated with membranes when it is recovered.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of the O9 polysaccharide of Escherichia coli: sequencing of the E. coli O9 rfb gene cluster, characterization of mannosyl transferases, and evidence for an ATP-binding cassette transport system.

The rfb gene cluster of Escherichia coli O9 directs the synthesis of the O9-specific polysaccharide which has the structure -->2-alpha-Man-(1-->2)-alpha-Man-(1-->2)-alpha-Man-(1-->3)-alpha- Man-(1-->. The E. coli O9 rfb cluster has been sequenced, and six genes, in addition to the previously described rfbK and rfbM, were identified. They correspond to six open reading frames (ORFs) encoding polypeptides of 261, 431, 708, 815, 381, and 274 amino acids. They are all transcribed in the counter direction to those of the his operon. No gene was found between rfb and his. A higher G+C content indicated that E. coli O9 rfb evolved independently of the rfb clusters from other E. coli strains and from Shigella and Salmonella spp. Deletion mutagenesis, in combination with analysis of the in vitro synthesis of the O9 mannan in membranes isolated from the mutants, showed that three genes (termed mtfA, -B, and -C, encoding polypeptides of 815, 381, and 274 amino acids, respectively) directed alpha-mannosyl transferases. MtfC (from ORF274), the first mannosyl transferase, transfers a mannose to the endogenous acceptor. It critically depended on a functional rfe gene (which directs the synthesis of the endogenous acceptor) and initiates the growth of the polysaccharide chain. MtfB (from ORF381) then transfers two mannoses into the 3 position of the previous mannose, and MtfA (from ORF815) transfers three mannoses into the 2 position. Further chain growth needs only the two transferases MtfA and MtfB. Thus, there are fewer transferases needed than the number of sugars in the repeating unit. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence of the ORF261 and ORF431 proteins indicated that they function as components of an ATP-binding cassette transport system. A possible correlation between the mechanism of polymerization and mode of membrane translocation of the products is discussed.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Evidence that a B12-adenosyl transferase is encoded within the ethanolamine operon of Salmonella enterica.

Adenosylcobalamin (Ado-B12) is both the cofactor and inducer of ethanolamine ammonia lyase (EA-lyase), a catabolic enzyme for ethanolamine. De novo synthesis of Ado-B12 by Salmonella enterica occurs only under anaerobic conditions. Therefore, aerobic growth on ethanolamine requires import of Ado-B12 or a precursor (CN-B12 or OH-B12) that can be adenosylated internally. Several known enzymes adenosylate corrinoids. The CobA enzyme transfers adenosine from ATP to a biosynthetic intermediate in de novo B12 synthesis and to imported CN-B12, OH-B12, or Cbi (a B12 precursor). The PduO adenosyl transferase is encoded in an operon (pdu) for cobalamin-dependent propanediol degradation and is induced by propanediol. Evidence is presented here that a third transferase (EutT) is encoded within the operon for ethanolamine utilization (eut). Surprisingly, these three transferases share no apparent sequence similarity. CobA produces sufficient Ado-B12 to initiate eut operon induction and to serve as a cofactor for EA-lyase when B12 levels are high. Once the eut operon is induced, the EutT transferase supplies more Ado-B12 during the period of high demand. Another protein encoded in the operon (EutA) protects EA-lyase from inhibition by CN-B12 but does so without adenosylation of this corrinoid.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

Glutathione transferase activity and formation of macromolecular adducts in two cases of acute methyl bromide poisoning.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the activity of glutathione transferase and to measure the S-methylcysteine adducts in blood proteins, after acute inhalation exposure to methyl bromide. To examine the influence of the polymorphism of glutathione-S-transferase theta (GSTT1) on the neurotoxicity of methyl bromide. METHODS: Two workers acutely exposed to methyl bromide with inadequate respiratory protective devices were poisoned. Seven weeks after the accident, blood samples were drawn from both patients, for measurement of glutathione transferase activity in erythrocytes (conjugator status--that is, GSTT1 phenotype) and measurement of binding products of methyl bromide with blood proteins. Conjugator status was determined by a standard procedure. The binding product of methyl bromide, S-methylcysteine, was measured in globin and albumin. RESULTS: Duration and intensity of exposure were identical for both patients as they worked together with the same protective devices and with similar physical effort. However, one patient had very severe poisoning, whereas the other only developed mild neurotoxic symptoms. The first patient was a "conjugator" with normal glutathone transferase activity, whereas this activity was undetectable in the erythrocytes of the second patient, who consequently had higher concentrations of S-methylcysteine adduct in albumin (149 v 91 nmol/g protein) and in globin (77 v 30 nmol/g protein). CONCLUSIONS: Methyl bromide is genotoxic and neurotoxic. Its genotoxicity seems to be the consequence of the alkylating activity of the parent compound, and conjugation to glutathione has a protective effect. The data presented here suggest a different mechanism for methyl bromide neurotoxicity which could be related to the transformation of methylglutathione into toxic metabolites such as methanethiol and formaldehyde. If such metabolites are the ultimate toxic species, N-acetylcysteine treatment could have a toxifying rather than a detoxifying effect.

Acute Disease↗

Peptidyl transferase and beyond.

The peptidyl transferase center of the Escherichia coli ribosome encompasses a number of 50S-subunit proteins as well as several specific segments of the 23S rRNA. Although our knowledge of the role that both ribosomal proteins and 23S rRNA play in peptide bond formation has steadily increased, the location, organization, and molecular structure of the peptidyl transferase center remain poorly defined. Over the past 10 years, we have developed a variety of photoaffinity reagents and strategies for investigating the topography of tRNA binding sites on the ribosome. In particular, we have used the photoreactive tRNA probes to delineate ribosomal components in proximity to the 3' end of tRNA at the A, P, and E sites. In this article, we describe recent experiments from our laboratory which focus on the identification of segments of the 23S rRNA at or near the peptidyl transferase center and on the functional role of L27, the 50S-subunit protein most frequently labeled from the acceptor end of A- and P-site tRNAs. In addition, we discuss how these results contribute to a better understanding of the structure, organization, and function of the peptidyl transferase center.

Binding Sites↗

The effects of gonadectomy on the hepatic activities of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, epoxide hydratase, and glutathione S-transferase in Wistar rats pretreated with oral methadone . HCl.

Methadone . HCl given in the drinking water for 4 weeks increased microsomal epoxide hydratase activity in the liver of adult male Wistar rats, with no change in aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity. In contrast, in female rats it raised aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase with no change in epoxide hydratase activity. Gonadectomy altered the effect of methadone on epoxide hydratase, but not on aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity, in both sexes. In ovariectomized rats, but not in controls, methadone nearly doubled the epoxide hydratase activity, whereas in male rats castration decreased the inductive effect of methadone. Gonadectomy had a significant effect on the results of methadone treatment with respect to glutathione S-transferase activity in female rats. A sex difference was noted in the control levels of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and glutathione S-transferase, but not of epoxide hydratase activity. The glutathione S-transferase and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activities were decreased in castrated male rats, whereas epoxide hydratase activity was unaltered. It is concluded that sex hormones play an important role in the induction of epoxide hydratase and glutathione S-transferase by methadone, but not of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, at this particular dosage regime.

Animals↗

Physiological significance of glutathione S-transferases.

The glutathione S-transferases represent a group of closely related soluble enzymes that seem geared to detoxification. These enzymes, which are most abundant in the liver but are found in most cells, catalyze the interaction between glutathione and a broad spectrum of electrophilic reactive drugs, carcinogens, and metabolites. In addition, a more speculative aspect of the detoxification role of these proteins is the covalent interaction between certain reactive carcinogen metabolites and the enzymes. Finally, as an aspect of their broad specificity, the transferases bind a broad spectrum of nonsubstrate ligands including bilirubin. On this basis a role in hepatic organic anion transport has been proposed for the transferases (previously known as Y protein or ligandin). It is now recognized that the transferases may affect net uptake by the liver by minimizing back diffusion. Much work remains to more precisely define the regulation and role(s) of this enzyme system in vivo.

Animals↗

Subunit heterogeneity of cationic human hepatic glutathione S-transferases.

We have purified the major reduced glutathione (GSH) S-transferases from 3 apparently normal human livers: two obtained at surgery and one at autopsy. Purification was by sequential gel filtration. GSH-affinity chromatography, and chromatofocusing. All three livers exhibited the same two major transferase peaks from chromatofocusing at pH 9.0 and 8.7 (designated C1 and C2, respectively) and several (2-4) minor peaks. Another major form (designated A1) from two livers eluted from chromatofocusing at pH 5.4, whereas the major form from the third liver (designated N1) eluted near neutral (pH 6.8). The transferase from erythrocytes eluted at pH 4.6. Isoelectric focusing revealed that the true pI of A1 was pH 7.1 indicating that C1, C2 and A1 are all cationic. In sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, C1, C2 and A1 exhibited the same single subunit (25,000) whereas N1 was different (26,000). The erythrocyte enzyme had a smaller subunit (23,500). Urea/SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis resolved the apparent single subunit of A1, C1 and C2 into two distinct subunits. C1 from all 3 livers was a homodimer of the faster migrating subunit (designated subunit I); C2 was a heterodimer (designated I-II); and A1 was a homodimer of the slower migrating subunit (designated subunit II). Hybridization experiments demonstrated that by mixing C1 and A1 we could produce C2 whereas dissociation and reassociation of the subunits of C2 generated C1 and A1 as well as C2. Rabbit antiserum to C1 recognized C1 and C2, but not A1. Thus, the cationic human hepatic transferases are dimers of two distinct subunits.

Amino Acids↗

Identification of a satellite fatty acid ethyl ester synthase from human myocardium as a glutathione S-transferase.

Nonoxidative alcohol metabolism catalyzed by fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) synthases may contribute to extrahepatic injury resulting from alcohol abuse. Unlike rabbit myocardial FAEE synthase, that from human heart has a satellite minor synthase (I) eluting from DEAE cellulose at a conductivity of 5 mS. Synthase I was purified 1,118-fold to homogeneity by sequential gel permeation, hydrophobic interaction, and Superose-12 fast-protein liquid chromatographies. SDS-PAGE showed a single polypeptide with a molecular mass of 26 kD and gel permeation chromatography indicated a molecular mass of 52 kD for the active enzyme. Homogeneous synthase I catalyzed ethyl ester synthesis at highest rates with unsaturated octadecanoic fatty acid substrates. The amino acid composition of synthase I was highly homologous to that of human myocardial major synthase, recently identified as an acidic glutathione (GSH) S-transferase. Antibody raised against homogeneous human heart major synthase cross-reacted with the 26-kD synthase I. FAEE synthase co-chromatographed with GSH S-transferase on DEAE cellulose, Sephadex G-100 and S-hexylglutathione agarose, and also displayed GSH S-transferase activity in catalyzing the conjugation of GSH with nitrobenzene-containing carcinogens. Thus, human myocardium contains a satellite peak of FAEE synthase activity and it is a neutral GSH S-transferase.

Acyltransferases↗

Genetic polymorphism of epoxide hydrolase and glutathione S-transferase in COPD.

Genetic susceptibility to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) might depend on variation in the activities of enzymes that detoxify cigarette smoke products, such as microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEPHX) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). It was investigated whether polymorphisms in these genes had any association with susceptibility to COPD and COPD severity. The genotypes of 184 patients with COPD and 212 control subjects were determined by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the mEPHX, GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 genes. All subjects were smokers or exsmokers. The proportion of GSTM1-null genotypes was significantly higher in patients with COPD than in control subjects (61.4 versus 42.5%). No differences were observed in the frequency of polymorphic genotypes for mEPHX, GSTT1 and GSTP1. During combined analysis of genetic polymorphisms for mEPHX, GSTM1 and GSTP1, it was found that there are strong indicators for susceptibility to COPD (genotype combination with at least one mutant mEPHX exon-3 allele (histidine 113), GSTM1 null and homozygous for the GSTPI isoleucine 105 allele). The frequencies of homozygous mutant alleles of mEPHX exon 3 and the GSTMI-null genotype were significantly higher in patients with severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in one second of <35% of the predicted value). It is proposed that the combination of genetic variants including at least one mutant microsomal epoxide hydrolase exon-3 allele and glutathione S-transferase M1-null and homozygous isoleucine 105 glutathione S-transferase P1 genotypes are significant indicators of susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Taiwanese population. In addition, the homozygous variant of microsomal epoxide hydrolase exon 3 and the glutathione S-transferase M1-null genotype are independent risk factors for developing severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Case-Control Studies↗

Phase II study of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor R115777 in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: This phase II study was undertaken to define the efficacy and pharmacodynamics of R115777, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor, in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with measurable stage IIIB (pleural effusion) or stage IV disease received 193 courses of treatment (median, 2.0; range, 1 to 22) with R115777 300 mg administered orally twice daily for 21 of every 28 days. Buccal mucosa samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected before and after 8 days of treatment to evaluate inhibition of farnesyl transferase in vivo. RESULTS: No objective complete or partial responses were documented. Seven patients (16%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8% to 31%) had disease stabilization for greater than 6 months. Median survival was 7.7 months (95% CI, 6.5 to 10.5) and time to progression was 2.7 months (95% CI, 1.9 to 3.1). The most severe toxicity was neutropenia (9% grade 3, 7% grade 4) and the most common toxicities were anemia (50% grade 1 or 2, 5% grade 3) and anorexia (50% grade 1 or 2, 2% grade 3). Mild peripheral neuropathy occurred in 25% of patients. Evidence of farnesyl transferase inhibition was documented in 83% of patients. CONCLUSION: Single-agent R115777 was well tolerated in patients with advanced NSCLC, but demonstrated minimal clinical activity. Inhibition of farnesylation in vivo was consistently documented. On the basis of promising results of farnesyl transferase inhibitor combinations with standard chemotherapy agents, future studies of this agent in NSCLC should be in combination with systemic chemotherapy.

Administration, Oral↗

Renal ketone body metabolism. Distribution of 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase and 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase along the mouse nephron.

Two enzymes of ketone body metabolism, 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase and 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase were measured with ultramicromethods to map their activities along single, dissected segments of mouse nephron. 3-Oxoacid CoA-transferase activity was assayed with a radiochemical procedure by separating [14C]succinyl-CoA, formed in the presence of acetoacetyl-CoA from [1,4-14C]succinate. This procedure, when compared to the spectrophotometric method, resulted in similar activities in mouse organ homogenates. 3-Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity was determined with sufficient sensitivity by using NADH-dependent luciferase. The dehydrogenase exhibited only 5% of the activity of the 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase when measured in mouse kidney cortex homogenates. Both enzymes were found to be present in all nephron structures studies. The specific activity related to tubular protein, which was determined in parallel in all segments dissected, exhibited a typical distribution pattern along the nephron. Both enzymes roughly paralleled each other along the structures of the distal nephron. They exhibited high activities in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop and the distal convoluted tubule, but decreased to nearly 20% in the segments of the collecting tubule. In the proximal convoluted and straight tubule 3-oxoacid CoA-transferase activity was almost equal. In contrast, 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase increased by a factor of 5 from the convoluted to the straight portion. This heterogeneity along the proximal tubule remained when pure D-hydroxybutyrate was used as substrate, but was not found when rat or rabbit nephron segments were analysed. Lowest activities of enzymes were recovered from glomeruli and thin descending limbs of Henle's loop. The results obtained allow for the conclusion that 3-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate can be metabolized in all structures of the mouse nephron with different capacities in various segments. With the exception of the relatively low activity of 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase in the proximal convoluted tubule, the distribution pattern mirrors the distribution of mitochondria along the rat nephron. The results point to the possible role of ketone bodies as energy fuels for nephron segments performing active transport processes.

Animals↗

Acid glutathione S-transferase from human liver: preliminary report.

An acid glutathione S-transferase from human liver has been partially purified and characterized. The relative molecular mass of the enzyme is 46,000, and a double reciprocal plot of velocity against glutathione concentration is biphasic and shows in addition substrate inhibition. The enzyme differs from the basic human liver transferases alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and epsilon in the characteristics studied, but it bears a resemblance to transferase rho from human erythrocytes. When liver cytosol was analysed by isoelectric focusing using a short pH gradient and a density gradient formed of either glycerol or saccharose, the peak of glutathione S-transferase activity appeared at pH 4.63 +/- 0.02, in contrast to blood cell lysate which was found to contain a major peak at pH 4.63 and at least two additional peaks at pH 4.44 and 4.51, respectively.

Chromatography, Gel↗

Chromatofocusing of glutathione S-transferases from human kidney.

The glutathione S-transferase isoenzyme patterns of four human kidneys have been determined by chromatofocusing. The elution profiles were essentially similar in each tissue. Two major basic transferases and one acidic were partially characterized. All three were inhibited by bilirubin but considerable differences were found in the rate and extent of inactivation. The molecular weights, KM values and pH optima were similar to the values for transferases from other tissues. Chromatofocusing was found to be effective for the separation and purification of human glutathione transferases.

Electrophoresis↗

Expression of glutathione S-transferase activity and glutathione content in squamous cell carcinoma of bladder associated with schistosomiasis in a population in Egypt.

The present study was designed to describe the expression of the glutathione S-transferase/glutathione system in squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder in a population in Egypt. The glutathione-S transferase activity was significantly higher in bladder cancer specimens (n = 40) in comparison with schistosomiasis cystitis tissue (n = 42) (4-fold, p = 1 x 10(-12)) and with healthy control samples (n = 9) (10-fold, p = 1 x 10(-6)). The glutathione content was also significantly higher in bladder cancer than in cystitis tissue (2-fold, p = 8 x 10(-6)) and in control samples (6-fold, 8 x 10(-6)). When control mucosa and cystitis samples were compared, 2-fold increased values were obtained for glutathione-S transferase (p = 4 x 10(-3)) and glutathione (p = 1 x 10(-3)) in schistosomiasis bladder tissue. Results describe an over-expression of glutathione-S transferase and glutathione levels in squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, and indicate a possible role in chemoresistance to pharmacological therapy.

Adult↗

Effect of pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene and several phenolic antioxidants on glutathione S-transferase activity in various tissues of female Sprague-Dawley rats.

1. Treatment of female Sprague-Dawley rats with 3-methylcholanthrene, butylated hydroxyanisole, ethoxyquin, propyl gallate or methylcholanthrene plus butylated hydroxyanisole was undertaken to determine the effects on glutathione S-transferase activity in liver, small intestine, lung and kidney. 2. A significant increase in hepatic transferase activity was found following all treatments, except after propyl gallate, when 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene was used as substrate. 3. When 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene was the substrate, only butylated hydroxyanisole and the combination of butylated hydroxyanisole and methylcholanthrene resulted in a significant increase. 4. In the extra-hepatic tissues using 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene as a substrate, all treatments caused an increase in transferase activity in the lung; ethoxyquin and combined methylcholanthrene plus butylated hydroxyanisole increased this activity in the kidney, whereas only the combined methylcholanthrene plus butylated hydroxyanisole increased activity in the small intestine. 5. All treatments caused a notable decrease in the composite Km and had varying effects on the composite Vmax of hepatic transferase activity.

Animals↗