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PubMed1986

Receptor interconversion model of hormone action. II. Nucleotide-mediated conversion of estrogen receptors from nonsteroid binding to the lower affinity binding state.

Two steroid binding states of an estrogen receptor each with different equilibrium constants (Kd values) Rx (Kd = 0.06 nM) and Ry (Kd = 0.8 nM) have been identified and characterized in the hen and estrogen-stimulated chick oviduct. A third nonestrogen binding form of the receptor, designated Rnb, is now described which exists in short-term estrogen withdrawn chick oviduct cytosol. A model is presented in which the receptor can be interconverted between the three states. The interconversion is monitored by Scatchard analysis, sucrose density gradient analysis, and affinity labeling using [3H]tamoxifen aziridine followed by receptor purification with estrogen receptor monoclonal antibody affinity chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis. The results are consistent with each state existing in different conformations having a common molecular weight of approximately 66,000. This paper defines the conditions and nucleotide requirements for the Rnb to Ry conversion. The conversion to the steroid binding form is induced by ATP, ADP, and GTP. Cyclic nucleotides are ineffective. There is a specific requirement for Mg2+; neither Ca2+ nor Mn2+ will substitute. Nonhydrolyzable nucleotide analogues were tested for their relative efficiency to convert Rnb to Ry. Conversion occurred with alpha,beta-methylene adenosine triphosphate, but beta,gamma-methylene adenosine triphosphate and alpha,beta-methylene adenosine diphosphate were inert. Thus, activation of Rnb to form Ry appears to be catalyzed by an event requiring the loss of the terminal phosphoryl moiety from either ATP or ADP. Receptor derived from conversion of Rnb to Ry has the same physical properties as native Ry. Activation of Rnb is to Ry specifically; no increase in the Rx form of estrogen receptor was ever observed. The accompanying paper similarly describes the Rx to Ry conversion. Since these data also explain observations made with glucocorticoid and with epidermal growth factor receptors, it is speculated that the receptor interconversion model may have general application to hormone action.

Adenine Nucleotides↗
PubMed1988

Metabolites and DNA adduct formation from flavoenzyme-activated porfiromycin.

Porfiromycin was reductively metabolized by NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase and xanthine oxidase under anaerobic conditions. The production of metabolites varied with the pH and the contents of the reaction buffer. In Tris buffer, two major metabolites were produced at pH 7.5 and above, whereas one major metabolite was produced at pH 6.5. The three major metabolites were separated and isolated by HPLC. Identification by californium-252 plasma desorption mass spectrometry showed that the two major metabolites from pH 7.5 were (trans) and (cis)-forms of 7-amino-1-hydroxyl-2-methylaminomitosene and the major metabolite from pH 6.5 was 7-amino-2-methylaminomitosene. All three major metabolites showed substitutions at the C-1 position. DNA was alkylated readily by enzyme-activated porfiromycin. Digestion of porfiromycin-alkylated DNA by DNase, snake venom phosphodiesterase, and alkaline phosphatase resulted in an insoluble nuclease-resistant fraction and a soluble fraction. The nuclease-resistant fraction reflected a high content of cross-linked adducts. Upon HPLC analysis, the solubilized fraction contained two monofunctionally linked porfiromycin adducts and a possibly cross-linked dinucleotide. The major adduct was isolated by HPLC and identified by NMR, as N2-(2'-deoxyguanosyl)-7-amino-2-methylaminomitosene. The N2 position of deoxyguanosine appeared as the major monofunctional alkylating site for DNA alkylation by porfiromycin. Thus, mitomycin C and porfiromycin (which differs from mitomycin C only by the addition of a methyl group to the aziridine nitrogen) share the same enzymatic activating mechanism that leads to the formation of the same types of metabolites and the same specificity of DNA alkylation.

Alkylating Agents↗
PubMed1987

Subunit composition of the molybdate-stabilized "8-9 S" nontransformed estradiol receptor purified from calf uterus.

The structure of the calf uterus nontransformed molybdate-stabilized estradiol receptor (ER) has been investigated using affinity labeling with tamoxifen aziridine and several monoclonal antibodies directed either against the steroid binding protein (Mr approximately 65,000) or against the heat shock protein of Mr approximately 90,000 (hsp 90). The purification was performed using affinity chromatography and a DEAE-Sephacel column. The [3H] estradiol-ER complex was obtained as a well-defined radioactive peak, the specific activity varying between 1,600 and 3,400 pmol/mg of protein. The purified ER sediments in glycerol gradients at 9.4 S +/- 0.2 (n = 5) and at 8.1 S +/- 0.2 (n = 15) in a 0.15 M KCl containing gradient ("8-9 S" ER). From a measured Stokes radius of 7.4 +/- 0.2 nm (n = 12), an Mr of approximately 300,000 has been calculated. Studies of the purified 8-9 S ER by glycerol gradient centrifugation and by "twin antibody" assay with the JS34/32 anti-ER monoclonal antibody suggest the presence of two binding subunits in the nontransformed molecular complex. Results of immunological analysis with polyclonal and several monoclonal antibodies against hsp 90 suggest the association of two molecules of this protein to the two steroid binding subunits. In high salt medium (0.4 M KCl), the purified ER sediments at 5.2 +/- 0.3 (n = 8), has a Stokes radius of 5.7 nm +/- 0.1 (n = 2) and the Mr is approximately 129,000, values expected for a homodimer consisting of two hormone-binding subunits (Mr approximately 65,000), a result confirmed by glycerol gradient centrifugation experiments, using the monoclonal antibody JS34/32. The relationship between the nontransformed 8-9 S ER and the transformed 5 S-ER forms are discussed, the simplest possibility being the release of the already formed homodimeric ER from 8-9 S ER during transformation.

Affinity Labels↗
PubMed1985

Production of rabies vaccine by an industrial scale BHK 21 suspension cell culture process.

A process for the production of an inactivated rabies vaccine for animal use is described, whereby the LEP Flury strain of rabies virus is grown in 1 000 L cultures of BHK 21 suspension-adapted cells. The virus is inactivated with aziridine and, after concentration and purification by hollow fibre ultrafiltration, is adsorbed onto aluminum hydroxide gel. The BHK 21 suspension-adapted Master Cell Seed used has satisfied all the requirements of the US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 9, (1977) for cell lines. Cultures prepared from it produce high yields of rabies virus antigen and vaccines with an average potency of 6 IU can be produced without difficulty. Such vaccines give at least 3 years' protection in dogs and are safe to use in all species. Experience gained with the closely analogous process for the production of FMD vaccines suggests that the process can be readily transposed and successfully operated in developing countries if and when it becomes cost-effective to do so.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Photochemical decomposition of phenazone derivatives. Part 5(1): Isolation and identification of decomposition products in aqueous solution.

From aqueous solutions of phenazone, aminophenazone, propyphenazone, nifenazone, morazone, noramidopyrine, 4-aminophenazone and isopropylaminophenazone, UV irradiated at lambda = 254 nm in oxygen free atmosphere as well as in the presence of air, 24 decomposition products were isolated and identified as derivatives of pyrazoline, pyrazolidinone, imidazoline, hydantoin, aziridine, phenylhydrazine and aniline.

Antipyrine↗
PubMed1985

Photochemical decomposition of phenazone derivatives. Part 7: Mechanism of decomposition in aqueous solutions.

Kinetic studies, supplemented by the isolation and identification of the products of decomposition, have proved the process of photochemical decomposition of phenazone derivatives to be a complex reaction, involving several successive parallel reactions, one of which is predominant depending on the concentration of the solution and the atmosphere above it. In an oxygen-free atmosphere and at low concentrations (10(-4) mol/dm3) decomposition is almost wholly the result of second photolysis of zero order to aziridine derivative----aniline----isonitrile. At higher concentrations (10(-3)-10(-2) mol/dm3), the contribution from the reaction of water photoaddition to the double bond C3-C4 increases. Whereas at concentrations of order greater than or equal to 10(-2) mol/dm3, photoisomerization to imidazole derivatives is predominant. In air, one onserves additionally a second reaction of photooxidation to 4-hydroxy-phenazone----1-acetylo-1-methyl-2-phenyl-hydrazine, a reaction of photodemethylation at N2 with simultaneous oxidation to the 4-ketoderivative, and reactions of hydrolysis characteristic for the individual derivatives. The principal primary photolytic reaction for the group of compounds studied consists in cleavage of the N1-N2 bond of the pyrazoline ring.

Antipyrine↗
PubMed1985

Radiosensitizers of hypoxic mammalian cells. 1-(Hydroxyaminoalkyl)-substituted nitroimidazoles.

A series of novel 1-(hydroxyaminoalkyl)-substituted nitroimidazoles has been synthesized as potential radiosensitizers for hypoxic mammalian cells. These compounds were synthesized via N-(hydroxyalkyl)phthalimide nitroimidazole intermediates which, on reaction with hydrazine hydrate, yielded the corresponding amines. The intermediates were prepared by reacting the epoxide derived from nitroimidazole with phthalimide and/or the epoxide derived from phthalimide with the nitroimidazole. The method was used successfully for the preparation of 2-, 4- and 5-nitroimidazole derivatives. In a modification of this procedure, 1-(2-aminoethyl)-2-nitroimidazole has been prepared by a new route which avoids the use of aziridine. These agents were tested for cytotoxicity and radiosensitizing ability in vitro using Chinese hamster V79 cells. All of the 2-nitroimidazoles tested showed toxicity similar to that previously reported for misonidazole and Ro 03-8799 (1-(2-hydroxy-3-piperidinopropyl)-2-nitroimidazole), two compounds currently undergoing clinical evaluation. In addition, all the novel primary amines were shown to function as hypoxic cell radiosensitizers. The 2-nitroimidazole derivatives were the most efficient compounds to be examined and showed at least as much activity as misonidazole.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Reductive activation of mitomycin C and mitomycin C metabolites catalyzed by NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase and xanthine oxidase.

Under anaerobic conditions and with proper electron donors, NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase (EC 1.6.2.4) and xanthine oxidase (EC 1.2.3.2) similarly reductively metabolized mitomycin C. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography was used to separate, detect, and isolate several metabolites. Three metabolites were identified by mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography as 1,2-cis- and trans-2,7-diamino-1-hydroxymitosene and 2,7-diaminomitosene. Three metabolites were phosphate-dependent, and two of them were identified to be 1,2-cis- and trans-2,7-diaminomitosene 1-phosphate. The amounts of the five identified metabolites generated during the reduction of mitomycin C varied with pH and nucleophile concentration. At pH 6.5, 2,7-diaminomitosene was essentially the only metabolite formed, whereas from pH 6.8 to 8.0, trans- and cis-2,7-diamino-1-hydroxymitosene increased in quantity as 2,7-diaminomitosene decreased. The disappearance of mitomycin C and the production of metabolites were enzyme and mitomycin C concentration-dependent. Substrate saturation was not reached for either enzyme up to 5 mM mitomycin C. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies demonstrated the formation of mitomycin C radical anion as an intermediate during enzymatic activation. Our results indicate that either enzyme catalyzed the initial activation of mitomycin C to a radical anion intermediate. Subsequent spontaneous reactions, including the elimination of methanol and the opening of the aziridine ring, generate one active center at C-1 which facilitates nucleophilic attack. Simultaneous generation of two reactive centers was not observed. All five primary metabolites were metabolized further by either flavoenzyme. The secondary metabolites exhibited similar changes in their absorbance spectra and were unlike the primary metabolites, suggesting that a second alkylating center other than C-1 was generated during secondary activation. We propose that secondary activation of monofunctionally bound mitomycin C is probably a main route for the bifunctional binding of mitomycin C to macromolecules and that the cytotoxic actions of mitomycin C result from multiple metabolic activations and reactions.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

[Immunostimulation by 2-cyanoethylurea: accelerated rejection of skin allografts in mice].

2-Cyanoethylurea (2; CEU or BA 1-4) obtainable from 1-carboxamido-2-cyanoaziridine (2; BA l) by ring fission possesses immunomodulating properties like its parent compound containing the intact aziridine ring, as well as other 2-cyanoaziridine (1) derivatives. As was shown in a mouse model, CEU accelerated the time of rejection of skin allografts (immunostimulation) and reduced the prolonged tolerance time of mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide to values found in normal control animals (immunorestoration).

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1984

Effects of pH and temperature on the stability and decomposition of N,N'N"-triethylenethiophosphoramide in urine and buffer.

N,N',N"-Triethylenethiophosphoramide (thiotepa) was dissolved at 100 micrograms/ml in urine or in 0.1 M sodium acetate buffer and incubated at 37 degrees or 22 degrees. After 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min of incubation, 0.1-ml samples were extracted into ethyl acetate and analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography (1.8-m X 2-mm column packed with 3% OV225 on 100/120 Supelcoport; oven at 180 degrees; injection port and nitrogen-phosphorus detector at 230 degrees). Thiotepa was more stable at 22 degrees than at 37 degrees and at pH 6 to 7 than at pH 4 to 5.5. After 2 hr of incubation at 37 degrees, thiotepa concentrations decreased by 40% at pH 5.0 but only 10% at pH 6 or 7. Although thiotepa concentrations declined as described above, alkylating activity, as assessed by p-nitrobenzyl pyridine reactivity, was stable at all temperatures and pHs tested. Partition coefficients of thiotepa degradation products into toluene, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, and hexane were determined after 0 and 120 min of incubation in urine at pH 4.0. The extractability of alkylating activity into these organic solvents decreased dramatically after 120 min. Thiotepa degradation products were extracted from urine at pH 4.0 after 0, 30, 60, and 120 min incubation at 37 degrees and were separated by thin-layer chromatography. In addition to thiotepa (Rf 0.15), 3 degradation products possessing p-nitrobenzyl pyridine alkylating activity (Rf 0.35, 0.52, and 0.60) were observed during the course of incubation. The structures of the materials with Rf 0.35 and 0.52 were identified by mass spectrometry and indicated that thiotepa degradation occurs by successive addition of HCl molecules with opening of the aziridine rings and conversion to 2-chloroethyl moieties.

Buffers↗
PubMed1984

Antiestrogen binding in antiestrogen growth-resistant estrogen-responsive clonal variants of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.

Although antiestrogen therapy is effective in the treatment of hormone-responsive breast tumors, approximately 40% of the patients with estrogen receptor-positive tumors fail to respond to antiestrogens. To better understand the mechanisms by which antiestrogens inhibit the growth of hormone-dependent breast cancers, we have investigated the physicochemical properties and binding characteristics of the estrogen receptors with estradiol and antiestrogens and the occurrence of estrogen-noncompetible antiestrogen binding sites in two estrogen-sensitive but tamoxifen-growth-resistant estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 cell variant clones, R3-98 and R27. In the variant cells, estradiol (10(-8) M) significantly stimulates cell proliferation as in the parent MCF-7 cells, but the antiestrogen tamoxifen (10(-6) M) has no significant effect on growth of the variant cells, whereas antiestrogen strongly inhibits proliferation of the parent MCF-7 cells. All three cell types contain high concentrations of estrogen receptor (150 to 250 fmol/mg protein), and competition binding analysis shows that the relative binding affinity of a series of compounds for estrogen receptor is similar among the three cell types with the affinity of trans-hydroxytamoxifen greater than estradiol greater than alpha-[4-pyrrolidinoethoxy]phenyl-4-hydroxy-alpha'-nitrostilben e greater than tamoxifen. Salt-extracted nuclear receptor complexes prepared from the three cell types showed similar sedimentation behavior on 0.4 M KCl-containing sucrose gradients with [3H]estradiol-labeled receptor complexes sedimenting at 4.2S, whereas receptors complexed with either of the antiestrogens trans-[3H]-hydroxytamoxifen or [3H]alpha-[4-pyrrolidinoethoxy]phenyl-4-hydroxy-alpha'-nitrosti lbene sediment at 5.5S. In all 3 cell types, the nuclear receptor forms react with an estrogen receptor monoclonal antibody, D547Sp gamma, to form complexes which sediment at 8.5S. The nuclear estrogen receptors from the parental MCF-7 and the two variant cells, when covalently labeled with [3H]-tamoxifen aziridine in intact cells and then salt extracted have identical molecular weights of approximately 62,000, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The covalently labeled nuclear and cytosol receptors in these 3 cell lines also show identical migration in 8 M urea polyacrylamide isoelectric focusing gels consistent with a predominant receptor species of isoelectric point approximately 5.7.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1983

The cytotoxic activity of heterologous anti-L-1210 antibodies conjugated with quinones.

Biological effects of conjugates of quinone derivatives with antibodies were studied. Two methods of conjugation of aziridine derivatives of quinone with anti-L-1210 antibodies were used: the direct substitution of the protein amino groups or thiolation of immunoglobulins and subsequent substitution of the sulfhydryl groups introduced. The reactions were carried out in 10% solutions of DMF at pH 8.3-8.9. The biological activity of conjugates, in vitro, was controlled using L-1210 and HeLa cells by measuring the inhibition of incorporation of labeled thymidine. The growth of L-1210 cells was more strongly inhibited by conjugates prepared with anti-L-1210 antibodies than by conjugates with nonimmune IgG. No difference in biological activity was found between conjugates prepared from anti-L-1210 antibodies and normal IgG in tests with HeLa cells.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1984

Comparison of 6-thioguanine-resistant mutation and sister chromatid exchanges in Chinese hamster V79 cells with forty chemical and physical agents.

The induction of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and mutation at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase locus and toxicities of 40 different chemical and physical agents were examined on Chinese hamster V79 cells. These agents included mono-, di-, tri-, and polyfunctional alkylating agents, intercalators, gamma-rays, and UV light irradiation. Mutation was measured as resistance to 6-thioguanine and toxicity as loss of cell-plating efficiency. SCE were examined 29 hr after treatment. With the agents examined, a highly positive correlation (r = 0.89) existed between SCE-inducing and mutagenic potencies, when expressed as increase in the number per a unit dose over the control values. But the great difference of the ratios of mutagenic potencies versus SCE-inducing potencies among agents was observed, the maximal difference in the ratios being about 200-fold. The agents that showed the higher values of the ratio (agents producing more mutations than SCE) were bleomycin, cobalt-60 gamma-rays, all ethylating agents (N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea, N-ethyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, ethyl methanesulfonate, and diethylsulfate), N-propyl-N-nitrosourea, N-butyl-N-nitrosourea, isopropyl methanesulfonate, intercalating acridine compounds (2-methoxy-6-chloro-9-[3-(ethyl-2-chloroethyl)aminopropylamino]-acridine X 2HCl and 2-methoxy-6-chloro-9-[3-(chloroethyl)-aminopropylamino]acridine 2HCl) and UV light at 254 nm. The agents that showed the lower values (agents producing more SCE than mutations) were platinum compounds (cis-diamminedichloro-platinum and trans-diamminedichloroplatinum), epoxides (epichlorohydrin, styrene oxide, and diepoxybutane) and aziridines (mitomycin C, decarbamoyl mitomycin C, tris(1-aziridinyl)phosphine sulfide, triethylenemelamine, and carboquone). The agents that showed the intermediate values included all methylating agents (N-methyl-N-nitrosourea, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, methyl methanesulfonate, and dimethyl sulfate), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethyleneimine, beta-propiolactone, treatment of 8-methoxypsoralen plus near-UV light irradiation at 352 nm, 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide, quinacrine mustard, sodium sorbate, cigarette tar, and diesel tar. For most agents that induced SCE, the toxicity dependency of induced SCE was rather biphasic; increase in SCE was steep at low to moderate toxicity and less at moderate to high toxicity. At equitoxic doses, the agents showed great difference in induction of SCE.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

2-Cyanoethyl urea and its derivatives as potential immunostimulants in experimental cancer therapy.

Since a few years the class of 2-cyanoaziridines has been investigated thoroughly in terms of their immunomodulating ability. In this paper it will be exemplified by 2-cyanoethyl urea (CEU), the open-chain cleavage product of 1-carbamoyl-2-cyanoaziridine, that derivatives failing the three-membered aziridine ring can also act as immunostimulants. CEU elevates the number of leukocytes and lymphocytes in the circulating blood of rats over a long period of time and stimulates humoral and cellular immune reactions in mice as was shown by estimation of plaque-forming spleen cells and measurements of footpad swelling. Since CEU is very low toxic, even in heavy doses, its use in clinical trials seems to be justified for improving immune parameters in human cancer patients.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1981

New aspects in the development of cytotoxic-linked estrogens for the control of breast neoplasia.

The interest of cytotoxic-linked estrogens as therapeutical drugs for controlling the growth of breast cancers relies on their potential binding to estrogen receptors (ER) in these cancers. 14, 15-alpha and beta epoxide derivatives of estradiol-17 alpha and 17 beta were investigated for their ER binding affinity and their cytotoxic activities on the MCF-7 and Evsa-T cell lines. 14, 15 alpha and beta-epoxides of estradiol 17 alpha as well as the 14, 15 alpha epoxide of estradiol 17 beta bound to ER. No compound revealed any cytotoxicity on the cell lines. A 11 beta-aziridine derivative of estrone showed significant binding activity to ER. Concentrations of 10(-7) and 10(-8) M of this compound act stimulating on the growth of MCF-7 cell line. 10(-6) M is slightly inhibitory. There is no effect on Evsa-T cells. Binitrogen mustard derivatives of hexestrol and diethylstilbestrol displayed a very low binding activity whereas mononitrogen mustards of estrone showed a significant binding activity. At concentrations of 10(-6) M all mustard compounds inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cell line. The inhibitory influence of the mononitrogen mustards were higher than those of the binitrogen mustards. With regard to the Evsa-T cells only mononitrogen mustard displayed a growth inhibiting effect.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1995

The role of human glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes in the formation of glutathione conjugates of the alkylating cytostatic drug thiotepa.

Nonenzymatic and glutathione S-transferase (GST) catalyzed glutathione (GSH) conjugation has been postulated as a mechanism by which alkylating cytostatic drugs can be inactivated intracellularly. In this study, we describe studies on the glutathione-dependent biotransformation of thiotepa (tris(1-aziridinyl)phosphine sulfide), a trifunctional alkylating agent. 31P NMR studies showed that thiotepa is stable in 0.07 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 (t1/2 = 3300 min). In the presence of glutathione, the rate of disappearance of thiotepa increased greatly (t1/2 = 282 min). Both monoglutathionyl thiotepa and diglutathionyl thiotepa conjugates were identified by 31P NMR and mass spectrometry. Addition of GST A1-1 (alpha) to an incubation of thiotepa and GSH further increased the rate of disappearance of thiotepa (t1/2 = 100 min) and increased the rate of formation of monoglutathionyl thiotepa. The rate of formation of diglutathionyl thiotepa was not altered, suggesting that the formation of diglutathionyl thiotepa is not catalyzed by GST A1-1. The role of purified human GST on the formation of monoglutathionyl thiotepa was further studied by HPLC. In incubations with 0.2 mM thiotepa, 1 mM GSH, and 40 microM GST, both GST A1-1 and P1-1 enhanced the formation of the monoglutathionyl conjugate 30-35-fold above the nonenzymatic formation, while GST A2-2 and M1a-1a did not catalyze the rate of formation of this conjugate. Kms for the GST A1-1 (alpha) and P1-1 (pi) catalyzed formation of monoglutathionyl thiotepa were in the 5-7 mM range. Since the pH in tumors might be lower than in normal cells, the pH dependency of the GST P1-1 catalyzed formation of monoglutathionyl thiotepa was also studied. At all pHs tested (range, 5.5-8.5), a marked catalytic effect of both GST P1-1 and A1-1 on the formation of monoglutathionyl conjugates was noted. The role of GST on the formation of monoglutathionyl conjugates of tepa (tris(1-aziridinyl)phosphine oxide), the major metabolite formed from thiotepa, was also studied. Both GST A1-1 and P1-1 could enhance the formation of the glutathione conjugate 37-46-fold above the spontaneous levels, while GST M1a-1a and A2-2 again did not increase the rate of formation of this conjugate. The results of these studies show that the aziridine moieties in thiotepa/tepa are substrates for both GST A1-1 and P1-1. Thus, GST catalyzed glutathione conjugation of thiotepa might be an important factor in the development of drug resistance towards thiotepa.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed1995

The effects of phosphorylation of cardiac troponin-I on its interactions with actin and cardiac troponin-C.

It is known that the phosphorylation of two serine residues on the NH2-terminal extension specific to cardiac troponin-I (Tn-I) modulates the calcium-dependent activation of the myofilaments. The process by which this occurs remains an unsolved puzzle. We have applied a dissective approach to study the effect of this phosphorylation on the interactions between Tn-I and its partner proteins, actin and troponin-C (Tn-C). Using N-[14C]ethylmaleimide-labelled Tn-I in sedimentation assays with F-actin, we found that the dephosphorylated Tn-I binds to F-actin with pronounced positive cooperativity, both in the absence and the presence of tropomyosin. Phosphorylation of the protein slightly weakens the interaction in the absence of tropomyosin, but the cooperativity remained. In the presence of tropomyosin, phosphorylation of the Tn-I also appeared to slightly weaken the interaction as well but, more significantly, the cooperativity was eliminated. These data can only be explained simply by a cooperative interaction between the monomer units in the actin filament. The interactions between cardiac Tn-I and Tn-C were studied by labelling the Tn-C with the fluorescent probe dansyl aziridine. As expected, the binding of the dephosphorylated Tn-I to Tn-C was strengthened by over 20-fold upon the addition of calcium to the assay. Phosphorylation of the protein, however, had a dramatic effect on the interaction in that it appeared to desensitise the complex to the effect of calcium: the Ka values obtained for both interactions (+/- Ca2+) were almost identical. These results clearly indicate that the phosphorylation of Tn-I in the cardiac system has dramatic effects on the isolated inter-protein interactions. We also discuss the possible significance of such an effect on the interactions of the isolated proteins in their roles within the intact cardiac regulatory complex.

Actins↗
PubMed1994

Metabolism of bioreductive antitumor compounds by purified rat and human DT-diaphorases.

The metabolisms of two standard electron acceptors and a series of bioreductive antitumor compounds by purified rat and human DT-diaphorases (DTD) were compared. DTD was purified from rat liver cytosol and from Escherichia coli in which rat liver or human lung tumor DTD complementary DNA was expressed. Km and kcat values for menadione and 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol reduction were similar for the three enzyme preparations except that rat E. coli DTD had 2-3-fold higher kcat values for both menadione and 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol and a 2-3-fold higher Km for menadione than either rat liver or human E. coli DTD. Reduction of the antitumor compounds was 1.9-4.9 times faster with rat E. coli DTD than with human E. coli DTD. The antitumor compounds were reduced in the following order by rat E. coli DTD: 2,5-dimethyl-3,6-diaziridinyl-1,4-benzoquinone > streptonigrin > mitomycin A > diaziquone > mitomycin C (MC) > 5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide. The order was the same for human E. coli DTD with one exception; diaziquone was reduced slightly faster than mitomycin A. Metabolism of doxorubicin could not be detected using rat or human E. coli DTD. MC-induced DNA cross-linking was also more efficient using rat E. coli DTD relative to human E. coli DTD. Metabolism of MC by rat and human E. coli DTD was also compared under aerobic and hypoxic conditions. Rates of reduction of MC and metabolite formation were similar under aerobic and hypoxic conditions, and the toxicity of MC to DTD-rich HT-29 cells was also similar in aerobic and hypoxic conditions. In contrast, the toxicity of MC to DTD-deficient BE cells was potentiated markedly under hypoxia. These data show that although small catalytic differences between rat and human E. coli DTD can be observed, compounds such as 2,5-dimethyl-3,6-diaziridinyl-1,4-benzoquinone and streptonigrin are still excellent substrates for the human enzyme and may be useful in the therapy of tumors high in DTD activity. In addition, metabolism of MC by rat and human E. coli DTD was similar in aerobic and hypoxic conditions; in agreement with these data, cytotoxicity of MC to a DTD-rich cell line was oxygen independent. Increased MC cytotoxicity under hypoxia appears to be mediated by enzymes other than DTD.

Aerobiosis↗