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Chemical modification of the recombinant human alpha A- and beta-interferons.

Chemical modification has been used to map the residues essential for the antiviral activity of the recombinant human alpha A- and beta-interferons. Modification of His residues with diethylpyrocarbonate and N alpha-tosyl-L-lysyl chloromethylketone does not inhibit both interferons, whereas N alpha-tosyl-L-phenylalanyl chloromethylketone significantly suppressing the activity of beta-interferon does not affect the activity of alpha A-interferon. After the modification of 1, 2 and 3 Lys residues from 11 ones with 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionic acid N-hydroxy-succinimide ester alpha A-interferon reveals 100%, 50% and 10% of the initial activity, respectively. Modification of Trp residues with H2O2, 2-nitrobenzenesulfenyl chloride or 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzylbromide inactivates alpha A- and beta-interferons completely. Presumably Trp residue(s) is essential for the antiviral activity of alpha- and beta-interferons.

Antiviral Agents↗

Chemical modification of adenosine A1 receptors. Implications for the interaction with R-PIA, DPCPX and amiloride.

Amiloride, a potassium sparing diuretic, inhibits the specific binding of [3H]8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) and [3H]N6-R-1-phenyl-2-propyladenosine (PIA) to adenosine A1 receptors in calf brain. This interaction is different from the agonist-receptor or the antagonist-receptor interaction as Na+ and H+ counteract the inhibitory effect of amiloride whereas these ions hardly affect the binding of the classic A1 receptor ligands. In the present study, the effects of protein modifiers on the equilibrium inhibition constant of amiloride are compared with effects of these reagents on the affinities of DPCPX and PIA. It is demonstrated that the affinities of amiloride and [3H]DPCPX are changed after treatment with a carboxyl-modifying reagent but unaffected by modification of histidyl, arginyl and cystein residues. The maximal binding capacity of [3H]DPCPX is enhanced by sulfhydryl modification, whereas the number of [3H]DPCPX binding sites is reduced by treatment with a histidine-modifying reagent. The histidyl residues of the [3H]DPCPX binding site can be partially protected against modification by 300 microM amiloride, present during treatment of the membranes. An equivalent concentration of 8-phenyltheophylline results in complete protection. The apparent affinity of PIA is altered by modification of histidyl, carboxyl, arginyl and cystein residues. In the latter two cases, uncoupling of the G protein seems to be the major reason for the decrease in affinity of PIA. The results suggest that amiloride is an A1 antagonist with binding characteristics that differ from the classic A1 antagonists such as DPCPX.

Adenosine↗

C-terminal modifications of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein alpha-subunits differentially affect immunoreactivity. Evidence against endogenous ADP-ribosylation in human heart, lung, thrombocytes and adipose tissue.

Immunochemical detection of pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine-nucleotide binding proteins has been suggested to represent the most direct approach to quantitate the protein than pertussis toxin-catalysed [32P]ADP-ribosylation. The latter technique is potentially hampered by pre-existing covalent modification of the C-terminus. However, limited data exist as to whether and in what way modifications of the C-terminus affect immunoreactivity of Gi alpha (alpha-subunit of the inhibitory G-protein of adenylyl cyclase). Membranes from human myocardium, thrombocytes, adipose tissue and lung were treated with pertussis toxin or N-ethylmaleimide. Both, conditions prevented high affinity agonist binding to m-cholinoceptors and inhibited [32P]ADP-ribosylation by pertussis toxin consistent with the notion that the modifications took place at the C-terminus. Pertussis toxin treatment increased immunoreactivity to different antisera raised against the C-terminal decapeptide of transducin alpha (KENLKDCGLF, DS 1-4, AS). N-Ethylmaleimide reduced immunoreactivity towards all antisera studied. Pertussis toxin reduced the mobility of Gi alpha on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) depending on the presence of the toxin and sensitivity to inhibition of ADP-ribosylation by nicotinamide. In native membranes from none of the tissues studied, immunoreactive material comigrating with pertussis toxin-modified form of Gi alpha was detected. It is concluded that modification of the C-terminus by pertussis toxin or N-ethylmaleimide resulting in the same functional consequence, i.e. prevention of high affinity agonist receptor binding, is capable of producing opposite changes of immunoreactivity. Pertussis toxin treatment reduces the electrophoretic mobility on SDS-PAGE. Separation of the native and pertussis toxin-modified form of Gi alpha on SDS-PAGE demonstrates that endogenously ADP-ribosylated Gi alpha is lacking in membranes from human myocardium, thrombocytes, lung and adipose tissue.

Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose↗

Modifications of tubulin heterogeneity during embryonic and postnatal stages in a specific region of mouse brain.

An auditory nucleus (the inferior colliculus of the mouse) was used to study the modifications of the heterogeneity of tubulin which occur at various stages of development and maturation. Both the cold-stable (CS) and cold-labile (CL) fractions of tubulin were analyzed by high-resolution isoelectric focusing. Our results suggest that tubulin heterogeneity is modified at critical stages of development and maturation, with specific variations of the two fractions. Stage E10 corresponding to the appearance of the first young neurons and axonal profiles is marked by the modification of the CS fraction with the emergence of isotypes alpha 5 to alpha 8 and beta 12 and beta 17. Stage E12 is characterized by the modifications of the CL fraction, particularly the beta-group; at this stage the first dendrites become visible. At birth, all isotypes increase in both the CL and CS fractions. At stages P7-P10 transient modifications of a group of both CS and CL fractions and of the beta group of CS fraction occur. These are associated with the emergence of isotypes beta 17 to beta 20 in the CL fraction. This period precludes the initial period of functional maturation of the auditory system which occurs from P10 to P20. During this period, the CL fraction (alpha and beta group) remains unmodified, whereas all isotypes of the CS fraction, except 3-4, display complex variations with an initial decrease until P12, an increase until P17, and a final decrease until P20.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aging↗

Age-related modifications on the GABAA receptor binding properties from Wistar rat prefrontal cortex.

In the present communication we have investigated the pharmacological properties of the GABAA receptor from adult (3 months old) and aged (24 months old) Wistar rat prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is implicated in cognitive functions and stress and both processes seem to be altered during aging. These changes could be mediated by modifications in the GABAA receptor properties. Our results indicated the absence of generalized age-related modifications on the pharmacological properties of the GABAA receptor from prefrontal cortical membranes. Saturation experiments using the non-selective benzodiazepine [3H]flunitrazepam revealed that neither the Kd values or the Bmax were modified during aging. Moreover, Cl 218 872 displacement of [3H]flunitrazepam showed no age-related modifications on either the Kis or the relative proportion between the Type I and Type II benzodiazepine binding sites. Therefore, the benzodiazepine binding sites are well preserved in aged prefrontal cortex. On the other hand, saturation experiments using the GABA agonist [3H]muscimol demonstrated in the Bmax of the low affinity [3H]muscimol binding sites in aged rats (4.3 +/- 0.8 pmol/mg protein vs. 2.3 +/- 0.2 pmol/mg protein in adult and aged rats, respectively). However, no age-dependent modifications were observed in the allosteric interaction between GABA and benzodiazepine binding sites. These results demonstrate that the benzodiazepine binding sites and the GABA binding sites of the GABAA receptor complex from rat prefrontal cortical membranes are differentially affected by the aging process.

Aging↗

Irreversible inhibition of human natural killer cell natural cytotoxicity by modification of the extracellular membrane by the adenine nucleotide analog 5'-p-(fluorosulfonyl)benzoyl adenosine.

Extracellular adenine nucleotides are inhibitors of the human natural killer cell line NK3.3 natural cytotoxicity activity. Natural cytotoxicity was inhibited approximately 26% by 1 mM ATP and 21% by 1 mM ADP. 5'-Adenylyl imidodiphosphate, a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog, inhibited natural cytotoxicity by 41% at a concentration of 1 mM and > 97% at a concentration of 10 mM. In contrast, AMP was not inhibitory. Adenosine was a weak inhibitor of natural cytotoxicity and may represent an alternate regulatory pathway. Removal of the nucleotides resulted in the restoration of control levels of natural cytotoxicity activity. The affinity label 5'-p-(fluorosulfonyl)benzoyladenosine (5'-FSBA) is a synthetic analog of ATP or ADP containing an electrophilic fluorosulfonyl group capable of covalently modifying proteins at adenine di- and triphosphate nucleotide-binding sites. Natural cytotoxicity was irreversibly inhibited by modification of the extracellular membrane of NK3.3 cells by 5'-FSBA. This inhibition was concentration dependent with an I50 approximately 100 microM and complete inhibition at 1 mM. Modification of NK3.3 by 5'-FSBA did not affect the formation of effector-target cell conjugates; however, granule release was inhibited. This targets the site of inhibition by 5'-FSBA modification to a pathway preceding granule release. Irreversible, covalent modification of surface adenine nucleotide-binding proteins by 5'-FSBA provides a probe to study the role of specific adenine nucleotide-binding proteins in the extracellular regulation of natural killer cytolytic activity by adenine nucleotides.

Adenosine↗

Comparison of posttranslational protein modification by amino acid addition after crush injury to sciatic and optic nerves of rats.

Posttranslational protein modifications by the addition of amino acids are reactions which occur in intact sciatic and optic nerves of rats. The nerves differ, however, in that 2 h after crush injury these reactions are activated in sciatic but not in optic nerves. As sciatic nerves will eventually regenerate, whereas optic nerves will not, we have proposed that the activation of these reactions is correlated with the ability of a nerve to regenerate. The current experiments examined the posttranslational addition of amino acids to proteins at times greater than 2 h after nerve crush, during sciatic nerve regeneration and optic nerve degeneration. We also examined the optic nerve for morphologic correlates to changes in protein modification and partially characterized the proteins modified by [3H]Lys in the regenerating sciatic nerve using two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). In a segment of sciatic nerve taken from a region just proximal to the site of crush, protein modification by covalent addition of [3H]Arg, [3H]Lys and [3H]Leu increased during both posttraumatic (2 h postcrush) and regenerative (6 days and 14 days postcrush) stages. Two-dimensional PAGE of [3H]Lys modified sciatic nerve proteins 6 days after crush injury showed labeling of proteins having molecular masses in the 18,000- to 20,000-, 30,000- to 40,000-, and 80,000- to 100,000-Da ranges, with neutral or basic isoelectric points (pI 7.1 to 8.0). In the retinal portion of the crushed optic nerve, incorporation of the same amino acids was unchanged or depressed to 21 days postcrush, except at 6 days postcrush when the incorporation of all three amino acids into proteins was increased threefold. These increases correlated with the appearance of terminal end bulbs in the portion of nerve analyzed. Histological examination of each nerve 2 h postcrush showed marked edema in the optic but not the sciatic nerve, a condition which may be related to the ability of sciatic and inability of optic nerves to activate protein modification reactions.

Amino Acids↗

A protective role for nitric oxide in the oxidative modification of low density lipoproteins by mouse macrophages.

Low density lipoproteins (LDL) oxidatively modified by macrophages have been shown to be atherogenic in ex vivo studies. We studied the potential role of nitric oxide (NO), a free radical produced by macrophages, in LDL modification. Human LDL (1 mg/ml) were incubated with mouse peritoneal macrophages in Ham's F-10 medium. The cells were then stimulated by interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha to increase their production of NO from 1.3 to 12.2 microM in 24 h, as measured by nitrite. Lipid peroxidation of LDL, as measured by thiobarbituric acid-reactive materials (TBARS), was reduced in stimulated cells in a time-dependent manner. At 24 h, the decrease was about 27%. In the presence of an NO synthase inhibitor (NG-aminophomoarginine), the generation of NO was diminished and the protection against LDL lipid peroxidation was reversed. The extent of LDL protein modification was also assessed by examining its electrophoretic mobility. It was found that macrophage NO reduced the change in LDL electromobility. These data indicate that the production of NO may inhibit the oxidative modification of LDL with cytokine-stimulated macrophages. We suggest that NO plays a protective role in limiting macrophage-induced LDL modification.

Animals↗

Regulation of biogenesis of liver delta-aminolevulinate synthase: effects of structural modifications of heme on the enzyme's RNA.

1. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of several metallo-porphyrins, derived by modifications of heme, on the concentration delta-aminolevulinate (ALA) synthase RNA in hepatocytes. 2. Primary cultures of chick embryo hepatocytes were incubated with allylisopropylacetamide (AIA) for 5 hr in the presence and absence of each metallo-porphyrin (10 microM). At the end of each incubation, total RNA was isolated from the cells and analyzed for ALA synthase-specific RNA by solution hybridization. 3. The concentration of ALA synthase RNA increased 7.3 fold in hepatocytes incubated with AIA alone. The AIA-induced elevations in the enzyme's RNA were blocked partially and equally in cells. incubated with zinc- or with iron-protoporphyrin IX. The block was greater in cells incubated with cobalt-protoporphyrin IX. 4. Modifications of the side chains of the porphyrin ring at positions 2 and 4, giving mesoporphyrin IX and deuteroporphyrin IX, changed the effectiveness of the iron- and the cobalt-porphyrins to limit the AIA-induced increase in ALA synthase RNA. The modifications did not affect the capacities of the zinc-porphyrins to inhibit the rise in RNA. 5. In conclusion, the effect of a given metallo-porphyrin on liver ALA synthase RNA following side chain modification depended on the coordinated metal.

5-Aminolevulinate Synthetase↗

Post-translational chemical modification(s) of proteins.

1. The role played by the modification of protein in determining its fate is reported by us. 2. Post-translational modifications such as acetylation, phosphorylation, sulfation, methylation, hydroxylation, ADP-ribosylation, maturation, amidation, carboxylation, adenylylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, and prenylation are extensively reviewed. 3. Each post-translational modification's significance and its role played in biological function(s) is summarized in the general discussion and the conclusion's remark is directed at the problems left to solve (e.g. post-translational modification reactions in recombinant protein in modern genetic engineering).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Estrogens inhibit copper and cell-mediated modification of low density lipoprotein.

The effects of estrogens on LDL modification by copper ions, U 937 monocyte-like cells or endothelial cells was studied by determination of the lipid peroxidation product content and measurement of the relative electrophoretic mobility. The presence of estradiol, estriol and estrone inhibited LDL oxidation in a dose-dependent manner in the range of concentrations from 5 to 50 microM. In the case of oxidation by Cu2+, the decreasing order of efficiency was: estradiol, estriol, estrone. In monocyte-induced oxidation, the protective effect of estrogens was more marked, and the order of efficiency was the same, except that estrone was as active as estriol. Pretreatment of monocyte cells with estrogens also inhibited the subsequent modification of LDL by these cells, tested in the absence of the hormones. Testosterone had no effect in all the studied systems. Furthermore, the degradation by J774 macrophage like cells of LDL modified either by Cu2+ or monocytes was markedly reduced when modification has been performed in the presence of estrogens. Since oxidative modification of LDL is believed to be involved in the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques, this effect of estrogens might be related to their protective action against atherosclerosis.

Animals↗

Characterisation of residues in antibody binding sites by chemical modification of surface-adsorbed protein combined with enzyme immunoassay.

Specific functional group modification of an antibody adsorbed to microtitre plates has been used to probe the binding site residues that determine antigen specificity. Chemical modification of adsorbed protein in tandem with enzyme immunoassay (termed CMAP-EIA) consumes only modest amounts of antibody, while allowing a variety of reagents to be rapidly screened in situ. Modification of tyrosine and arginine residues with 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, and p-hydroxyphenylglyoxal resulted in reduced binding of polysaccharide antigen from Yersinia enterocolitica O-polysaccharide to its homologous monoclonal antibody, YsT9-1. Modification with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide under various conditions indicated that carboxylate groups may also be involved. Parallel experiments with diethylpyrocarbonate and acetic anhydride were used to rule out the involvement of histidine and lysine residues respectively. In all cases, binding of an anti-idiotypic antibody, AJ5, could only be reduced at concentrations of modifying reagent substantially higher than those required to reduce polysaccharide antigen binding to YsT9-1. The results are discussed with regard to the structure of the combining site of YsT9-1 as determined by X ray crystallography and by modelling, and the role of particular residues in complex formation with antigen and in the idiotope.

Acetic Anhydrides↗

EcoA and EcoE: alternatives to the EcoK family of type I restriction and modification systems of Escherichia coli.

The genes (hsd A) encoding EcoA, a restriction and modification system first identified in Escherichia coli 15T-, behave in genetic crosses as alleles of the genes (hsd K) encoding the archetypal type I restriction and modification system of E. coli K12. Nevertheless, molecular experiments have failed to detect relatedness between the A and K systems. We have cloned the hsd A genes and have identified, on the basis of DNA homology, related genes (hsd E) conferring a new specificity to a natural isolate of E. coli. We show that the overall organization of the genes encoding EcoA and EcoE closely parallels that for EcoK. Each enzyme is encoded by three genes, of which only one, hsdS, confers the specificity of DNA interaction. The three genes are in the same order as those encoding EcoK, i.e. hsdR, hsdM and hsdS and, similarly, they include a promoter between hsdR and hsdM from which the M and S genes can be transcribed. The evidence indicates that EcoA and EcoE are type I restriction and modification enzymes, but they appear to identify an alternative family to EcoK. For both families, the hsdR polypeptide is by far the largest, but the sizes of the other two polypeptides are reversed, with the smallest polypeptide of EcoK being the product of hsd S, and the smallest for the EcoA family being the product of hsdM. Physiologically, the A restriction and modification system differs from that of K and its relatives, in that A-specific methylation of unmodified DNA is particularly effective.

Autoradiography↗

Modification enhancement by the restriction alleviation protein (Ral) of bacteriophage lambda.

The product of the lambda ral gene alleviates restriction and enhances modification by the Escherichia coli K-12 restriction and modification system. An open reading frame (orf) located between genes N and Ea10 has been assigned to the ral gene. We have cloned this orf in a plasmid where its transcription is controlled by a thermolabile lambda repressor. Inactivation of the lambda repressor caused a 1000-fold reduction in K-specific restriction of unmodified lambda phage and a 100-fold increase in modification. In minicells transformed with ral+ plasmids, derepression resulted in the appearance of a polypeptide with a lower mobility than that predicted for a protein encoded by the orf attributed to ral; in a transcription and translation system in vitro DNA from a ral+ plasmid encoded a polypeptide with the same mobility. This polypeptide was absent when the plasmid DNA carried a mutant ral gene. The nucleotide sequence of this mutant gene defined two base changes, one of which inactivates the initiation codon of the orf. The K restriction endonuclease, which is also a K-specific methylase, is encoded by three genes designated hsdR, hsdM and hsdS, although the hsdR polypeptide is not essential for the methylase activity. We show that Ral enhances modification in a host strain lacking the entire hsdR gene, and lambda phages carrying the hsdM and S genes modify their own DNA inefficiently in the absence of Ral, despite the fact that derivatives of these phages provide efficient amplification of the K-specific methylase. Our data support a model in which, as a consequence of the interaction of Ral with either the hsdM or the hsdS polypeptide, the conformation of the enzyme is changed and the efficiency of methylation of unmodified target sites is enhanced. It has been postulated that Ral counteracts Rho, but in our experiments Ral did not relieve transcriptional polarity.

Bacteriophage lambda↗

Type III DNA restriction and modification systems EcoP1 and EcoP15. Nucleotide sequence of the EcoP1 operon, the EcoP15 mod gene and some EcoP1 mod mutants.

This paper presents the nucleotide sequence of the mod-res operon of phage P1, which encodes the two structural genes for the EcoP1 type III restriction and modification system. We have also sequenced the mod gene of the allelic EcoP15 system. The mod gene product is responsible for binding the system-specific DNA recognition sequences in both restriction and modification; it also catalyses the modification reaction. A comparison of the two mod gene product sequences shows that they have conserved amino and carboxyl ends but have completely different sequences in the middle of the molecules. Two alleles of the EcoP1 mod gene that are defective in modification but not in restriction were also sequenced. The mutations in both alleles lie within the non-conserved regions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Developmental regulation of covalent modification of double-stranded RNA during silkmoth oogenesis.

Follicular cells of the silkmoth Bombyx mori contain an enzymatic activity that modifies RNA duplexes in vitro. The modifying activity converts adenosine residues into inosine in duplex but not single-stranded RNA and mediates the partial unwinding of the complement strands. Because of the modification, the RNA loses its ability to form perfect duplexes with its complement upon reannealing in vitro. The modifying enzyme is localized in the cytoplasm of follicular cells and its activity is modulated in a developmentally regulated manner. In contrast, follicular nuclei contain an activity that inhibits the modification and unwinding of duplex RNA. The modifying activity is also present in the cytoplasm of unfertilized oocytes and its accumulation during oogenesis parallels that of the follicular cells. Examination of an established silkmoth cell line of ovarian origin revealed that, in contrast to the situation with follicular cells, the modifying activity has an exclusive nuclear localization. The cytoplasmic fraction of these cells is not only devoid of modifying activity but, as is the case with the nuclear fraction of follicular cells, contains an activity that inhibits duplex RNA modification and unwinding. We conclude that the modification promoting and inhibiting activities are not restricted to a single cell type and that their compartmentalization is developmentally regulated.

Adenosine↗

Modification of carboxyl groups in botulinum neurotoxin types A and E.

Effects of chemical modification of carboxyl groups of botulinum neurotoxin serotypes A and E were studied by using a water soluble carbodiimide-nucleophile reaction that is highly specific for modifying carboxyl groups of proteins. In both types A and E, increasing levels of the reagents, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and norleucine methyl ester or glycine methyl ester, at pH 4.8 caused increased loss of toxicity. More glycine could be incorporated than norleucine. Amino acid analysis did not reveal modification of any amino acid residue other than carboxyl groups (possible reaction of sulfhydryl groups was not studied). Loss of one carboxyl group did not severely affect toxicity, but modification of three carboxyl groups caused greater than 95% detoxification in both types. Complete detoxification could not be achieved with any amount of the reagents. Modification of three to five carboxyl groups did not affect serological activity.

Animals↗

Chemical modification of equinatoxin II, a lethal and cytolytic toxin from the sea anemone Actinia equina L.

The role of arginine and tyrosine in cytolytic properties of equinatoxin II, isolated from the sea anemone Actinia equina L., was studied by means of chemical modifications. The toxin was modified with 2,3 butanedione and tetranitromethane, respectively. The extent of modification and physico-chemical properties of the modified proteins were checked with amino acid analysis, isoelectric focusing and circular dichroic spectra. Extensive treatment of the toxin with 2,3 butanedione modified seven arginines and also two tyrosines, with resulting loss of hemolytic activity. Modification of two out of nine arginine residues resulted in a 25% loss of hemolytic activity, whereas nitration of three out of ten tyrosines decreased hemolytic activity by 95%. The nitrated toxin had at least a 30-fold higher i.v. LD50 than the native toxin. None of the modifications significantly affected the secondary structure of the toxin as revealed by the CD spectra. It is concluded that tyrosine residues are involved in both lethal and cytolytic activity, while the role of arginine residues is not evident because of the non-specific alteration of tyrosine residues with 2,3 butanedione.

Amino Acids↗