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PubMed1995

Calcium-induced troponin flexibility revealed by distance distribution measurements between engineered sites.

The contraction of vertebrate striated muscle is regulated by Ca2+ binding to troponin C (TnC). This causes conformational changes which alter the interaction of TnC with the inhibitory protein TnI and the tropomyosin-binding protein TnT. We have used the frequency domain method of fluorescence resonance energy transfer to measure TnT-TnC and TnT-TnI distances and distance distributions, in the presence of Ca2+, Mg2+, or EGTA, in TnC.TnI.TnT complexes. We reconstituted functional, ternary troponin complexes using the following recombinant subunits whose sequences were based on those of rabbit skeletal muscle: wild-type TnC; TnT25, a mutant C-terminal 25-kDa fragment of TnT containing a single Trp212 which was used as the sole donor for fluorescence energy transfer measurements; Trp-less TnI mutants which contained either no Cys or a single Cys at position 9, 96, or 117. Energy acceptor groups were introduced into TnC or TnI by labeling with dansyl aziridine or N-(iodoacetyl)-N'-(1-sulfo-5-naphthyl)ethylenediamine. Our results indicate that the troponin complex is relatively rigid in relaxed muscle, but becomes much more flexible when Ca2+ binds to regulatory sites in TnC. This increased flexibility may be propagated to the whole thin filament, releasing the inhibition of actomyosin ATPase activity and allowing the muscle to contract. This is the first report of distance distribution measurements between troponin subunits.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed1997

Molecular basis of the catalytic differences among DT-diaphorase of human, rat, and mouse.

DT-diaphorase (EC 1.6.99.2), also referred to as NAD(P)H:(quinone-acceptor) oxidoreductase, is involved in the reductive activation process of several cytotoxic antitumor quinones and nitrobenzenes. It has been observed in our and other laboratories that the rat enzyme is significantly more effective in activating these drugs than the human and mouse enzymes. These results indicate that the available cytotoxic drugs are better substrates for the rat enzyme and are not the most ideal prodrugs for activation by DT-diaphorase in human tumors. In this study, using site-directed mutagenesis to replace residues in the rat enzyme with the human sequences and residues in the human enzyme with the rat sequences, we have found that residue 104 (Tyr in the rat enzyme and Gln in the human and mouse enzymes) is an important residue responsible for the catalytic differences between the rat and the human (and mouse) enzymes. With an exchange of a single amino acid, the rat mutant Y104Q behaved like the wild-type human enzyme, and the human mutant Q104Y behaved like the wild-type rat enzyme in their ability to reductively activate the cytotoxic drug CB 1954 (5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide). The study also confirms the conclusion of the x-ray structural analysis of rat enzyme that residue 130 (Thr in the rat enzyme and Ala in the human and mouse enzymes) is positioned near the binding region of the nicotinamide portion of NAD(P)H. This structural information is very important for designing suitable drugs and approaches for human cancer chemotherapy mediated by DT-diaphorase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2006

Correlates of imexon sensitivity in human multiple myeloma cell lines.

Imexon (NSC-714597) is an aziridine-containing imminopyrolidone in Phase I clinical trials. The current studies compared biological indices of cytotoxicity in 7 human multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines to develop a correlative model for imexon sensitivity. In the MM cell lines there was a wide range of sensitivity to imexon measured by standard cytotoxicity assays (MTT) and by viability/apoptosis/necrosis (Annexin-V-FITC/PI) measurements. The following sensitivity pattern was observed in order of decreasing sensitivity: IM-9 > 8226/S > MM.1S, ARH-77, H929 > 8226/I > U266. The same descending rank order was seen for loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, at high drug concentrations, thiol depletion. Cell cycle analysis showed imexon sensitive cells accumulate at the G2/M interphase. Although there was a positive correlation between increasing CuZnSOD levels and imexon resistance, no relationship was found for catalase, Bcl-2, mitochondrial thioredoxin or MnSOD levels. These findings suggest consistent phenotypes for imexon sensitivity and resistance in human MM cell lines exposed to drug for 48 h, with a combination of apoptosis and necrosis. Resistance is correlated with CuZnSOD expression, reduced drug accumulation, lack of ROS generation and maintenance of MMP. Oxidation of cellular thiols occurs only at high (supra-cytotoxic) drug levels and is, therefore, weakly correlated with cytotoxicity. This unique mechanism involving oxidation and the previously reported absence of myelosuppression suggests that imexon may be rationally combined with existing cytotoxic agents to improve therapeutic activity in MM.

Cell Death↗

PubMed1997

Fpg protein releases a ring-opened N-7 guanine adduct from DNA that has been modified by sulfur mustard.

Transfection of the Escherichia coli fpg gene into Chinese hamster ovary cells has been reported to enhance survival after exposure to aziridine (C. Cussac and F.Laval, 1996, Nucleic Acids Res., 24, 1742-1746). This result suggests that Fpg protein protects cells from toxicity by removing ring-opened N-7 guanine adducts from DNA, and raises the possibility that Fpg protein would offer protection from other agents that alkylate the N-7 position of guanine. Since the major adduct formed by sulfur mustard in DNA is 7-hydroxyethyl-thioethylguanine (HETEG), we have investigated the action of Fpg protein on the ring-opened form of this adduct (ro-HETEG). A substrate containing ro-HETEG was prepared by alkaline treatment of DNA modified by [14C]sulfur mustard. Fpg protein purified from an over-producing strain of E. coli released ro-HETEG from this substrate in an enzyme- and time-dependent manner, and at a rate that is similar to that at which it releases ring-opened 7-methylguanine. Thus, Fpg protein acts efficiently on ro-HETEG, and may offer some protection against the toxic action of sulfur mustard.

Adenine↗

PubMed1990

Structure-activity relationships in mutagenicity and in nucleophilic ring opening of N-(arylmethyl)phenanthrene 9,10-imines.

Ten derivatives of N-benzylphenanthrene 9,10-imine with different substituents on the phenyl ring were synthesized and subjected to mutagenicity tests in Salmonella typhimurium TA100. While electron donating groups were found to enhance the biological activity, electron attracting and bulky substituents lowered the mutagenic potency. A similar dependence on the electronic structure was observed in triethylamine/acetonitrile-promoted interaction of the title imines and 4-nitrothiophenol. This similarity suggests that both biochemical and chemical processes involve mechanisms in which protonation of the aziridine nitrogen is rate controlling, and the attack of the cellular or model nucleophile is a fast step. In contrast to these processes, the reaction of the imines with 4-nitrothiophenol in the presence of 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0] non-5-ene proved to proceed by an SN2 mechanism and to be enhanced by electron attracting substituents.

Chemical Phenomena↗

PubMed1994

A simple staining method for dna and rna blotted on a membrane using a polyethyleneimine-enzyme conjugate.

We describe a new method for the detection of nucleic acids fixed on a membrane involving enzyme-conjugated polyethyleneimine. This method is based on the strong ionic interaction of the cationic polymer, polyethyleneimine (aziridine), with nucleic acids. Sensitivities of 10 pg for DNA and 1 ng for rRNA were achieved in slot-spot blotting experiments. DNA fragments blotted onto a membrane by Southern transfer can be stained after hybridization with a labeled nucleic acid probe. By combining this method with a non-isotopic detection system, the positions of probe hybridized and non-hybridized signals were visualized as distinct colors on the same membrane without superimposing any other image. This technique should have wide application for the detection of nucleic acids fixed on membranes in blot-hybridization experiments.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed2005

Compatibility and stability of Imexon in infusion devices and its in vitro biocompatibility.

Imexon is an investigational anti-cancer agent, pharmaceutically formulated as a lyophilized solid for i.v. infusion requiring reconstitution and subsequent dilution in infusion fluid before infusion. Imexon contains a highly reactive aziridine ring in its structure, which limits its stability in aqueous solutions. In the present study, several in vitro studies were conducted to determine the administration parameters for use in the forthcoming phase I clinical trial. The stability of Imexon in the reconstituted solution and infusion solutions was investigated, including its tendency to degrade to its main degradation product BM41.209, and to its hydroxy and chloride adducts. The compatibility of the infusion solution with glass, low-density polyethylene and freeflex polyolefin containers, and its potency to cause vascular irritation and hemolysis upon i.v. infusion were investigated. Imexon was found to be stable for 8 h in the reconstituted product and for 2 h after dilution to infusion solution concentrations in normal saline. The infusion solution was compatible with the freeflex polyolefin container and polyvinylchloride infusion lining, showing no sorption of Imexon during a 15-min infusion duration and no release of the plasticizer diethylhexyl phthalate. Furthermore, Imexon infusion solution showed no indication for vascular irritation or hemolysis upon i.v. infusion, as measured with a static in vitro model with incubation with whole blood. In conclusion, Imexon should be administered using a freeflex polyolefin infusion container within 2 h after preparation and a 15-min infusion duration. The results obtained with an in vitro model show that no vascular irritation or hemolysis is expected upon i.v. infusion.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed1984

Inactivation of foot-and-mouth disease virus vaccine strains by activation of virus-associated endonuclease.

A new inactivation process for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) has been developed. This process is based on the activation of the FMDV endonuclease by incubation of unfractionated viral suspension or purified virions at 37 degrees C in the presence of high concentrations of monovalent cations such as K+, Cs+ or NH4+ at pH 8.5. This procedure completely inactivated several FMDV vaccine strains yielding preparations having similar amounts of 140S particles to untreated controls. The inactivation followed first-order kinetics and the rate of inactivation was faster than that achieved with other agents, e.g. binary ethyleneimine. Testing in suckling mice or tissue culture revealed no residual infectivity after inactivation. Virus particles purified from inactivated preparations showed (i) the same sedimentation coefficient as non-inactivated preparations, (ii) electrophoretic patterns of their viral capsid proteins identical to those derived from non-inactivated preparations, and (iii) extensive degradation of the 35S viral RNA. This method is safer than inactivation with aziridines because only innocuous chemicals are used in the process.

Animals↗

PubMed1983

A Calcium-Selective Site in Photosystem II of Spinach Chloroplasts.

After acid-treatment of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) chloroplasts, various partial electron transport reactions are inactivated from 25 to 75%. Divalent cations in concentrations from 10 to 50 millimolar can partially restore electron transport rates. Two cation-specific sites have been found in photosystem II: one on the 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1, 1-dimethylurea-insensitive silicomolybdate pathway, which responds better to restoration by Mg(2+) than by Ca(2+) ions, the other on the forward pathway to photosystem I, located on the 2,5-dimethylbenzoquinone pathway. This site is selectively restored by Ca(2+) ions. When protonated chloroplasts are treated with N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)aziridine, a carboxyl group modifying reagent, presumed to react with glutamic and aspartic acid residues of proteins, restoration of electron transport at the Ca(2+)-selective site on the 2,5-dimethylbenzoquinone pathway is impaired, while no difference in restoration is seen at the Mg(2+) site on the 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea-insensitive silicomolybdate pathway.Trypsin treatment of chloroplasts modifies the light-harvesting pigment-protein complex, destroys the dibromothymoquinone-insensitive 2,5-dimethyl-benzoquinone reduction, but does not interfere with the partial restoration of activity of this pathway by Ca(2+) ions, implying that the selective Ca(2+) effect on photosystem II (selective Ca(2+) site) is different from its effects as a divalent cation on the light-harvesting pigment-protein complex involved in the excitation energy distribution between the two photosystems.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

3,3-Diphenyl-6-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-6-aza-3-silabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane.

The title compound, C23H23NO2SSi, at 100 K adopts a boat conformation which brings the C-H bond of an axial phenyl substituent into proximity [C...N = 3.376 (1) A] with the aziridine lone pair. The factors which favour this conformation for bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane systems are considered.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

The absolute configuration of (2S,4S)- and (2R,4R)-2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-3-(4-tolylsulfonyl)-1,3-oxazolidine-4-carbaldehyde.

The title enantiomorphic compounds, C16H23NO4S, have been obtained in an enantiomerically pure form by crystallization from a diastereomeric mixture either of (2S,4S)- and (2R,4S)- or of (2R,4R)- and (2S,4R)-2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-3-(4-tolylsulfonyl)-1,3-oxazolidine-4-carbaldehyde. These mixtures were prepared by an aziridination rearrangement process starting with (S)- or (R)-2-tert-butyl-5-methyl-4H-1,3-dioxine. The crystal structures indicate an envelope conformation of the oxazolidine moiety for both compounds.

Aldehydes↗

PubMed1985

A cytosol protease from the estrogen-resistant C3H mammary carcinoma increases the affinity of the estrogen receptor for DNA in vitro.

We have previously shown, in the estrogen-unresponsive C3H mouse mammary tumor that the affinity of the estrogen receptor (ER) for calf thymus DNA in vitro is four-times higher than that of uterine ER [Baskevitch, P. P., Vignon, F., Bousquet, C. and Rochefort, H. (1983) Cancer Res. 43, 2290]. By mixing cytosols from this tumor and uterus, we describe a tumor factor capable of increasing ER affinity for DNA, as assayed by DNA-cellulose chromatography and saturation studies. The activity of this factor was inhibited by alpha-chymotrypsin-inhibitors such as N-tosylphenylalanylchloromethane and chymostatin. Using the fluorogenic substrate glutarylglycylglycylphenylalanyl-N-naphthylamide, we assayed such a protease in the C3H mammary tumor cytosol. This protease and the factor altering ER-DNA binding were eluted together from chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, AcA 44, and carboline-agarose and were sensitive to the same inhibitors. The partially purified factor decreases the molecular mass of the estrogen receptor as seen by denaturing electrophoresis after covalent labelling of the ER with [3H]tamoxifen aziridine. We suggest that the increase of ER affinity for DNA and the decrease of ER molecular size are due to the same protease with an alpha-chymotrypsin-like specificity.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Expression of recombinant diaminopimelate epimerase in Escherichia coli. Isolation and inhibition with an irreversible inhibitor.

Recombinant diaminopimelate epimerase is overproduced to give 1% of soluble protein when grown under the appropriate conditions in Escherichia coli. This compares with 0.02% of the constitutive level of wild-type enzyme. A new purification procedure now yields milligram quantities of homogeneous enzyme of high specific activity (192 U/mg). This has enabled sufficient amounts of enzyme both to compare with wild-type enzyme and to enable active site modification studies to be performed. Incubation of the enzyme with 2-(4-amino-4-carboxybutyl)-2-aziridine-carboxylic acid (AZIDAP), results in time-dependent irreversible inhibition. Tryptic digestion of the inactivated enzyme and peptide-mapping show that AZIDAP is specifically and covalently bound to the enzyme at a unique peptide. Determination of the amino acid sequence of this peptide and comparison with the sequence deduced from the DNA sequence of the dapF gene shows that Cys73 is labelled. Finally based on limited sequence similarities around this cysteine and active-site cysteines of proline racemase and 1-hydroxyproline 2-epimerase, together with mechanistic considerations, we propose that all three non-pyridoxal-phosphate-containing racemases/epimerases derive from a common evolutionary origin.

Amino Acid Isomerases↗

PubMed1994

A single accidental exposure may result in a chemical burn, primary sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis.

It is known from experimental studies that antigenic potency and the concentration of antigen determine whether exposure to an antigen will result in sensitization. A single accidental exposure to concentrated antigen may therefore induce primary sensitization. The purpose of this report was to collect clinical cases in which a single exposure had resulted in contact dermatitis suspected to be allergic. Only patients without previous relevant skin symptoms were included. Patch testing was used to demonstrate sensitization. 6 patients developed occupational allergic contact dermatitis from accidental exposure. Patch testing revealed allergy to diglycidylether of bisphenol A epoxy resin, polyfunctional aziridine hardener, methyl acrylate, phenol-formaldehyde resin, and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (Kathon LX), respectively. Furthermore, 2 patients developed allergic contact dermatitis from their first exposure to tear gas chemicals, namely omega-chloroacetophenone and ortho-chlorobenzylidene malonitrile. A single exposure can therefore induce both sensitization and subsequent allergic contact dermatitis without further exposure. The allergens described must be considered strong allergens. The skin should immediately be cleaned if an accidental splash with such an allergen has taken place.

Accidents, Occupational↗

PubMed2002

Irreversible inhibition of CYP2D6 by (-)-chloroephedrine, a possible impurity in methamphetamine.

(+)- and (-)-Chloroephedrine, and their respective aziridines, cis- and trans-1,2-dimethyl-3-phenylaziridine, have been reported present in clandestinely synthesized methamphetamine. Since methamphetamine and structurally related compounds are potential substrates for human liver CYP2D6, the possible interaction of the chloroephedrines with human liver CYP2D6 was evaluated. Computational methods (using Flexidock and HINT in SYBYL) were used to determine the feasibility of (+)- or (-)-chloroephedrine and cis- or trans-1,2-dimethyl-3-phenylaziridine binding in the active site of a three dimensional CYP2D6 molecular model. Although modeling indicates both (+)- and (-)-chloroephedrine would bind comparably to methamphetamine, the binding energies of cis- or trans-1,2-dimethyl-3-phenylaziridine products indicate a preference for trans-1,2-dimethyl-3-phenylaziridine, the product formed from (-)-chloroephedrine. The effects of (+)- and (-)-chloroephedrine on the metabolism of dextromethorphan in human liver microsomes were then experimentally evaluated. (+)-Chloroephedrine (50 micro M) had no effect on human CYP2D6. (-)-Chloroephedrine appeared to be selective for human CYP2D6 versus CYP1A2 and CYP3A4/5. The inhibition of CYP2D6 was time-dependent, not dependent on metabolic activation, and irreversible. It appeared to bind at the active site of CYP2D6 with an apparent K(i) of 226 micro M, with a k(int) of 0.039 min(-1), and a t(1/2) of 23 min. Due to the irreversible nature of this inhibition, this impurity in clandestinely synthesized methamphetamine may be important and warrant further study.

Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6↗

PubMed2004

Enzyme-catalyzed activation of anticancer prodrugs.

The rationale fo the development of prodrugs relies upon delivery of higher concentrations of a drug to target cells compared to administration of the drug itself. In the last decades, numerous prodrugs that are enzymatically activated into anti-cancer agents have been developed. This review describes the most important enzymes involved in prodrug activation notably with respect to tissue distribution, up-regulation in tumor cells and turnover rates. The following endogenous enzymes are discussed: aldehyde oxidase, amino acid oxidase, cytochrome P450 reductase, DT-diaphorase, cytochrome P450, tyrosinase, thymidylate synthase, thymidine phosphorylase, glutathione S-transferase, deoxycytidine kinase, carboxylesterase, alkaline phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase and cysteine conjugate beta-lyase. In relation to each of these enzymes, several prodrugs are discussed regarding organ- or tumor-selective activation of clinically relevant prodrugs of 5-fluorouracil, axazaphosphorines (cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and trofosfamide), paclitaxel, etoposide, anthracyclines (doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin), mercaptopurine, thioguanine, cisplatin, melphalan, and other important prodrugs such as menadione, mitomycin C, tirapazamine, 5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide, ganciclovir, irinotecan, dacarbazine, and amifostine. In addition to endogenous enzymes, a number of nonendogenous enzymes, used in antibody-, gene-, and virus-directed enzyme prodrug therapies, are described. It is concluded that the development of prodrugs has been relatively successful; however, all prodrugs lack a complete selectivity. Therefore, more work is needed to explore the differences between tumor and nontumor cells and to develop optimal substrates in terms of substrate affinity and enzyme turnover rates fo prodrug-activating enzymes resulting in more rapid and selective cleavage of the prodrug inside the tumor cells.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Size heterogeneity of affinity-labeled estrogen receptor in the ram hypothalamo-pituitary axis.

The presence of multiple monomeric forms of estrogen receptor (ER) has been described in different target tissues. Using [3H]tamoxifen aziridine (TA) to covalently label ER and SDS-PAGE to analyze labeled products, ER forms were investigated in ram pituitary and hypothalamus. A major labeled protein of M(r) 60,000-65,000 and a minor species of 50,000-55,000 were found in the pituitary cytosol covalently labeled with [3H]TA. In the hypothalamic cytosol, the major TA-labeled species was the M(r) 50,000 form while the 65,000 ER was difficult to detect. Comparison of ER forms after in vitro translocation of the ER complex in purified nuclei of ram pituitary or hypothalamus again showed major ER forms of M(r) 65,000 and 50,000 for the glandular and nervous tissue respectively, suggesting a biological significance for the M(r) 50,000 species. A similar heterogeneity was also observed in male rats used as controls. Moreover, covalent labeling of cytosol from the pars tuberalis/median eminence area showed the presence of ER in this part migrating with a pattern between those of the hypothalamus and the pituitary. The ER heterogeneity was thus demonstrated in the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. The source of this heterogeneity could be: (1) different ER mRNAs according to tissue type; (2) a specific posttranslational processing such as a specific proteolytic activity within the nervous tissue.

Affinity Labels↗

PubMed1987

Characterization of molybdate-stabilized estrogen receptors by hydrophobic interaction HPLC: resolution of two 8S subunits.

This report describes the separation and characterization of estrogen receptors (ER) according to their degree of hydrophobicity and surface charges. Molybdate-stabilized [3H]ER from rabbit uterine cytosol was sequentially purified by passage through a size-exclusion pre-column, an anion-exchange column, and a hydrophobic interaction column. With fresh cytosol, a major radioactive peak was eluted from the DEAE columns; a major peak and a minor, less hydrophobic, peak were eluted from the hydrophobic column. In contrast, ER from frozen cytosol showed one peak in the DEAE-column and exhibited four radioactive peaks in the hydrophobic column. By sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis, [3H] tamoxifen aziridine(TA)-labelled ER showed radioactive bands at 62 and 48 kd. The subunits which were characterized by these radioactive bands were successfully separated by the hydrophobic column; the more hydrophobic subunit corresponded to the 62 kd band. The HPLC-purified [3H]TA-labelled ER subunits sediment at a 7.4-8.5S region in a low-salt sucrose gradient. These results show that differential negative surface charge and hydrophobic areas exist in the holo-receptor and its subunits, and the hydrophobic interaction HPLC column separates the two major 8S steroid binding subunits of ER.

Animals↗