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Modification of glutamine synthetase in Streptomyces griseus by ADP-ribosylation and adenylylation.

Addition of NH4+ to STreptomyces griseus 2682 cells grown in NO3- containing medium resulted in a rapid decline in glutamine synthetase activity due to covalent modification of the enzyme. The NH4+ promoted inactivation of the enzyme was inhibited by the ADP-ribosyltransferase inhibitor 3-methoxybenzamide. In the presence of ADP-ribosyltransferase activity the purified glutamine synthetase was also inhibited by NAD+ in a concentration-dependent manner. ADP-ribosylation of glutamine synthetase was demonstrated in vitro by showing the incorporation of labeled ADP-ribose from [alpha-32P]NAD+ into glutamine synthetase subunits. Beside ADP-ribosylation, adenylylation of glutamine synthetase was also shown in S. griseus since phosphodiesterase I treatment reactivated the enzyme in crude extracts of NH(4+)-shocked cells. Glutamine synthetase was also inhibited and modified by ATP in crude cellular extracts. These results suggest that in S. griseus 2682 ADP-ribosylation of glutamine synthetase could be an alternative modification to adenylylation to regulate glutamine synthetase activity.

Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase↗

Lymphocyte proliferation is possible with low concentrations of glycyl-glutamine.

The positive effect of glutamine on lymphocyte proliferation has previously been described. Its dipeptide glycyl-glutamine (GlyGln) is more stable than pure glutamine in aqueous solutions. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between lymphocyte proliferation and varying concentrations of glycyl-glutamine in vitro. Isolated human lymphocytes were stimulated with the mitogens phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), Concanavalin A (ConA), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and Staphylococcus aureus (SAC). Glycyl-glutamine was added to yield final concentrations of 0-2 mmol/l. Overall, minimal concentrations of 0.01 mmol/l glycyl-glutamine were sufficient to enhance lymphocyte proliferation over baseline (glutamine-free) levels. No difference was found between concentrations in the "physiological" range of 0.4 mmol/l and very low concentrations (0.04-0.1 mmol/l) with SAC, ConA and PWM. Increasing the concentration beyond 0.4 mmol/l (up to 2.0 mmol/l) offered further gain with PHA-stimulation only. Lymphocyte proliferation under in vitro polyclonal stimulation is maintained even at very low concentrations of glycyl-glutamine. Raising the concentration above the equivalent of physiological levels does not seem to provide further benefit.

Adult↗

Pathways involved in alanyl-glutamine-induced changes in neutrophil amino- and alpha-keto acid homeostasis or immunocompetence.

We examined the effects of DON [glutamine-analogue and inhibitor of glutamine-requiring enzymes], alanyl-glutamine (regarding its role in neutrophil immunonutrition) and alanyl-glutamine combined with L-NAME, SNAP, DON, beta-alanine and DFMO on neutrophil amino and alpha-keto acid concentrations or important neutrophil immune functions in order to establish whether an inhibitor of *NO-synthase [L-NAME], an *NO donor [SNAP], an analogue of taurine and a taurine transport antagonist [beta-alanine], an inhibitor of ornithine-decarboxylase [DFMO] as well as DON could influence any of the alanyl-glutamine-induced effects. In summary, irrespective of which pharmacological, metabolism-inhibiting or receptor-mediated mechanisms were involved, our results showed that impairment of granulocytic glutamine uptake, modulation of intracellular glutamine metabolisation and/or de novo synthesis as well as a blockade of important glutamine-dependent metabolic processes may led to significant modifications of physiological and immunological functions of the affected cells.

Adult↗

Evolution of glutamine amidotransferase genes. Nucleotide sequences of the pabA genes from Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella aerogenes and Serratia marcescens.

The amide group of glutamine is a source of nitrogen in the biosynthesis of a variety of compounds. These reactions are catalyzed by a group of enzymes known as glutamine amidotransferases; two of these, the glutamine amidotransferase subunits of p-aminobenzoate synthase and anthranilate synthase have been studied in detail and have been shown to be structurally and functionally related. In some micro-organisms, p-aminobenzoate synthase and anthranilate synthase share a common glutamine amidotransferase subunit. We report here the primary DNA and deduced amino acid sequences of the p-aminobenzoate synthase glutamine amidotransferase subunits from Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella aerogenes and Serratia marcescens. A comparison of these glutamine amidotransferase sequences to the sequences of ten others, including some that function specifically in either the p-aminobenzoate synthase or anthranilate synthase complexes and some that are shared by both synthase complexes, has revealed several interesting features of the structure and organization of these genes, and has allowed us to speculate as to the evolutionary history of this family of enzymes. We propose a model for the evolution of the p-aminobenzoate synthase and anthranilate synthase glutamine amidotransferase subunits in which the duplication and subsequent divergence of the genetic information encoding a shared glutamine amidotransferase subunit led to the evolution of two new pathway-specific enzymes.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗

Cloning and functional characterization of the rat glutamine synthetase gene.

Glutamine synthetase catalyzes the formation of glutamine from glutamate and ammonia. It plays a central role in both amino acid neurotransmitter metabolism and ammonia detoxification in the central nervous system. Glutamine synthetase expression is regulated in developmental, hormonal, and in tissue- and cell-specific manners. We have cloned a full-length cDNA coding for rat glutamine synthetase, and have found an AT-rich area of conservation in the 3' untranslated regions between rat, mouse, and chicken, which may play a part in the regulation of the stability of the glutamine synthetase message. We have also cloned and mapped the gene coding for rat glutamine synthetase, and identified, by sequence analysis, areas potentially important for the regulation of glutamine synthetase transcription. Transient transfection of a variety of cell lines with deletion constructs of the glutamine synthetase promoter driving a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene functionally demonstrates regions of the promoter containing elements important for transcriptional regulation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of glutamine-supplemented total parenteral nutrition on the small bowel of septic rats.

In order to study the effect of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with or without glutamine supplementation in septic rats, septic Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to receive 0.23 g of nitrogen and 113 kJ (100 g BW)(-1) per day in the form of amino acids with (group 2) or without (group 1) glutamine supplementation or 10% (w/v) glucose only (group 3). After 4 days of TPN treatments, rats receiving glutamine-supplemented TPN had a cumulative nitrogen balance of -24.4 +/- 3.3 mg N, which was significantly (P < 0.001) better compared to other TPN-treated groups. Septic rats of group 2 survived sepsis significantly (P < 0.001) better than those in groups 1 and 3. Glutamine-supplemented TPN treatment resulted in significant increases in jejunal weight (P < 0.001), DNA and protein contents (P < 0.001), villous height (P < 0.001) and crypt depth (P < 0.001) when compared with septic rats of group 1. Septic rats of group 2 extracted and metabolised glutamine by the small bowel at higher rates (P < 0.001) than that observed in septic rats of group 1. Increases in jejunal glutaminase (38.2%, P < 0.001) and decreases in glutamine synthetase (41.7%, P < 0.001) activities were observed in response to glutamine-supplemented TPN treatment. It is concluded that the administration of glutamine-supplemented TPN is beneficial to the small bowel of septic rats.

Journal Article↗

Glutamine supplementation does not prevent small bowel mucosal atrophy after total parenteral nutrition in the rat.

Glutamine supplementation to non-lipid parenteral nutrition has been demonstrated to attenuate villus atrophy and increase mucosal DNA content in the rat. This study was performed in order to determine the effects of glutamine supplementation to a balanced TPN mixture (including lipids) on epithelial cell kinetics using autoradiography. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Group 1 (control) received food and an intravenous saline infusion. Group 2 received an intravenous TPN mixture including lipids but without glutamine. The same TPN mixture, glutamine replacing an isonitrogenous amount of non-essential amino acids, was given to Group 3. Animals were fed for 7 days, whereafter blood and intestinal samples were taken 1 h after injection of tritiated thymidine. Microscopy of specimens from proximal jejunum revealed a significant reduction in the number of cells in crypts and villi in both TPN groups (2 and 3) compared to orally fed animals (p < 0.001). Epithelial cell numbers were not significantly different in Group 2 and 3. Similarly, the labelling index (number of labelled cells/number of crypt cells) was not affected by glutamine administration. In plasma, glucagon concentrations in Group 2 (TPN without glutamine) seemed to decrease compared to Group 1 and 3 (p = 0.06). In this study, glutamine supplementation did not affect apithelial atrophy or cell proliferation. It is concluded, that the effects of glutamine on mucosal atrophy and renewal in jejunum may depend on the composition of the TPN mixture supplied during parenteral feeding.

Journal Article↗

Alanyl-glutamine hastens morphologic recovery from 5-fluorouracil-induced mucositis in mice.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we postulated the beneficial role of oral alanyl-glutamine, a more stable glutamine derivative to decrease 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced mucositis in mice. METHODS: We measured different morphologic parameters to assess structural changes over time in the small bowel, including crypt depth, villus height, villus area, mitotic and apoptotic indices at the crypt level using terminal deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling, and hematoxylin-eosin staining of ileal tissue. In addition, we analyzed the effect of different alanyl-glutamine concentrations on animal weight curves after 5-FU treatment. RESULTS: Neither glutamine nor alanyl- glutamine prevented the 5-FU intestinal structural damage or apoptosis in crypt enterocytes at 24 h after 5-FU challenge. However, we found that alanyl-glutamine, but not glutamine, speeds intestinal recovery when compared with 5-FU-treated controls (P < 0.05), predominantly by enhancing mitotic activity and crypt length. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide important data to support clinical studies of oral alanyl-glutamine in 5-FU-induced mucositis.

Animals↗

Measurement of glutamine synthetase activity in rat muscle by a colorimetric assay.

Glutamine synthetase catalyses the formation of L-Gln from L-Glu and NH4+. This enzyme also exerts a glutamyl-transferase activity that produces gamma-glutamyl-hydroxamate from Gln and hydroxylamine. This gamma-glutamyl-transfer reaction can be used to determine glutamine synthetase activity by colorimetric assay. This method has never been applied to rat muscle. The aim of this work was to study and optimize the glutamine synthetase assay conditions in rat muscle. Enzyme activity was linear with time of incubation (30 min at 37 degrees C) and linear with enzyme concentration in the incubation medium. The method was specific. In addition, this assay correlated well with a radiometric assay (y = 0.76x + 340, where x and y are the glutamine synthetase activities measured by radiometry and colorimetry respectively; r = 0.94; P = 0.05). Finally, no glutamine synthetase activity was found in muscles of rats treated with methionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, and activity dramatically rose in muscles from rats treated with dexamethasone, an activator of glutamine synthetase (in extensor digitorum longus: 2717 +/- 54 nmol/min/g protein in dexamethasone-treated rats versus 1228 +/- 114 nmol/min/g protein in control rats, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the method presented here is accurate and reliable for measurement of glutamine synthetase activity in muscles.

Animals↗

Distribution and activity of glutamine synthase and carbamoylphosphate synthase upon enlargement of the liver lobule by repeated partial hepatectomies.

Glutamine synthase and carbamoylphosphate synthase show a strikingly heterogeneous and fully complementary distribution in the rat liver. In the human liver, however, there is a midlobular zone where both enzymes are absent. The diameter of the human liver lobule is approximately twice the size of the rat lobule. To investigate whether lobule size is a major determinant for the expression patterns of glutamine synthase and carbamoylphosphate synthase, Wistar strain rats were partially hepatectomized 3 times, at weekly or monthly intervals. Due to hepatic regeneration the cross-sectional area of the liver lobules increased twofold. However, a midlobular zone which lacked expression of both glutamine synthase and carbamoylphosphate synthase did not develop in these livers, thus showing that lobular size is not a major determinant for the distribution patterns of glutamine and carbamoylphosphate synthase. The twofold increase in the cross-sectional area of the liver lobule was associated with a similar reduction in the relative number of glutamine synthase-positive cells and in the enzyme content of the liver, indicating that the regeneration process does not affect the pericentral pattern of glutamine synthase expression. After regeneration was complete, the glutamine synthase content in the liver was restored to its original value, demonstrating a twofold increase in the cellular concentration of glutamine synthase-positive hepatocytes. An increase in the diameter of the liver lobule was only seen after the first partial hepatectomy. Liver growth following subsequent partial hepatectomies can be explained by an increase in the length of the liver lobule and/or by splitting of liver lobules. The zonal distribution of DNA replication, which is characteristic of the first partial hepatectomy, is lost after repeated partial hepatectomies. Furthermore, evidence was obtained that the signal for inducing DNA synthesis may originate at the level of single liver units.

Animals↗

In vivo modification of Azotobacter chroococcum glutamine synthetase.

A monospecific anti-(glutamine synthetase) antibody raised against glutamine synthetase of the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 immunoreacted with glutamine synthetase from the N2-fixing heterotrophic bacterium Azotobacter chroococcum. In Western-blotting experiments this antibody recognized a single protein of a molecular mass of 59 kDa corresponding to glutamine synthetase subunit. This protein was in vivo-labelled in response to addition of ammonium, both [3H]adenine and H(3)32PO4 preincubation of the cells being equally effective. Nevertheless, the amount of glutamine synthetase present in A. chroococcum was independent of the available nitrogen source. Modified, inactive glutamine synthetase was re-activated by treatment with snake-venom phosphodiesterase but not by alkaline phosphatase. L-Methionine-DL-sulphoximine, an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, prevented the enzyme from being covalently modified. We conclude that, in A. chroococcum, glutamine synthetase is adenylylated in response to ammonium and that for the modification to take place ammonium must be metabolized.

Adenine↗

Valproate increases glutaminase and decreases glutamine synthetase activities in primary cultures of rat brain astrocytes.

It has been proposed that hyperammonemia may be associated with valproate therapy. As astrocytes are the primary site of ammonia detoxification in brain, the effects of valproate on glutamate and glutamine metabolism in astrocytes were studied. It is well established that, because of compartmentation of glutamine synthetase, astrocytes are the site of synthesis of glutamine from glutamate and ammonia. The reverse reaction is catalyzed by the ubiquitous enzyme glutaminase, which is present in both neurons and astrocytes. In astrocytes exposed to 1.2 mM valproate, glutaminase activity increased 80% by day 2 and remained elevated at day 4; glutamine synthetase activity was decreased 30%. Direct addition of valproate to assay tubes with enzyme extracts from untreated astrocytes had significant effects only at concentrations of 10 and 20 mM. When astrocytes were exposed for 4 days to 0.3, 0.6, or 1.2 mM valproate and subsequently incubated with L-[U-14C]glutamate, label incorporation into [14C]glutamine was decreased by 11, 25, and 48%, respectively, and is consistent with a reduction in glutamine synthetase activity. Label incorporation from L-[U-14C]glutamate into [14C]aspartate also decreased with increasing concentrations of valproate. Following a 4-day exposure to 0.6 mM valproate, the glutamine levels increased 40% and the glutamate levels 100%. These effects were not directly proportional to valproate concentration, because exposure to 1.2 mM valproate resulted in a 15% decrease in glutamine levels and a 25% increase in glutamate levels compared with control cultures. Intracellular aspartate was inversely proportional to all concentrations of extracellular valproate, decreasing 60% with exposure to 1.2 mM valproate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acids↗

Repeated administration of gamma-vinylGABA reduces rat brain glutamine synthetase activity.

The glutamine cycle has been proposed as a pathway in which glutamine synthesized in glia provides substrate for synthesis of the neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA as they are lost from neurons. To test whether GABA may regulate this pathway, the effect of elevated GABA on the glial enzyme glutamine synthetase was examined in rat brain. Repeated subcutaneous injections of the antiepileptic GABA transaminase inhibitor gamma-vinylGABA at a dose of 150 mg/kg per day for 21 days reduced glutamine synthetase activity by 36% in the cortex and 22% in the cerebellum. At 30 mg/kg per day, glutamine synthetase activity was reduced by 9.5% in the cortex but unchanged in the cerebellum. The reductions were brain specific because the skeletal muscle and liver enzymes were unaffected by gamma-vinylGABA administration. Amino acid analysis of the cortex from gamma-vinylGABA-treated rats demonstrated a 270% increase in GABA levels after 150 mg/kg but no change after 30 mg/kg. GABA levels and glutamine synthetase activity were inversely correlated. The 150 mg/kg dose significantly lowered cortical glutamine and glutamate levels. The decline in brain glutamine synthetase activity with chronic gamma-vinylGABA administration developed gradually over time and may be due to the slow turnover of this enzyme in vivo.

Amino Acids↗

Distribution of glutamine synthetase and carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase I in vertebrate liver.

Mitochondrial glutamine synthetase (EC 6.3.1.2) is the primary ammonia-detoxifying enzyme in avian liver and is therefore analogous in function to carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase I (ammonia) (EC 6.3.4.16) in mammalian liver. In mammalian liver, glutamine synthetase is cytosolic and its distribution is restricted to a few hepatocytes around the terminal venules. These cells do not express carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase I. Using immunocytochemistry, we show here that there is little or no zonation of glutamine synthetase in avian liver. Rather, it is broadly distributed to most hepatocytes, much like carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase I in mammalian liver. In situ hybridization with a cloned glutamine synthetase cDNA probe showed the distribution of glutamine synthetase mRNA in both mammalian and avian liver to correspond to the distribution of immunoreactive protein. Neither glutamine synthetase nor carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase I and ornithine transcarbamoylase (EC 2.1.3.3) are strictly zoned in liver of the Texas tortoise or of an Argentine tree frog, both of which possess a complete urea cycle but which may also rely on glutamine synthetase for ammonia detoxication. These latter results suggest that the mutually exclusive expression of either carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase I or glutamine synthetase may be unique to mammalian liver.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Alanyl-glutamine dipeptide-supplemented parenteral nutrition improves intestinal metabolism and prevents increased permeability in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The authors determined the effects of alanyl-glutamine-supplemented total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on mucosal metabolism, integrity, and permeability of the small intestine in rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive TPN supplemented with a conventional amino acids mixture (STD group) or the same solution supplemented with alanyl-glutamine; both solutions were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. On the seventh day of TPN, D-xylose and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran were administered orally. One hour later, superior mesenteric vein (SMV) D-xylose and plasma FITC-dextran concentration were measured. Intestinal blood flow and calculated intestinal substrates flux were measured with ultrasonic transit time flowmetery. RESULTS: Plasma FITC-dextran increased significantly in the STD group. Intestinal blood flow and SMV D-xylose concentration did not differ between the groups. Mucosa weight, villus height, mucosal wall thickness, mucosal protein, and DNA and RNA content in jejunal mucosa were significantly increased in the alanyl-glutamine group. Jejunal mucosal glutaminase activity and net intestinal uptake of glutamine (glutamine flux) were significantly higher in the alanyl-glutamine group as compared with the STD group. CONCLUSION: Addition of alanyl-glutamine dipeptide to the TPN solution improves intestinal glutamine metabolism and prevents mucosal atrophy and deterioration of permeability.

Animals↗

Total parenteral nutrition enriched with arginine and glutamate generates glutamine and limits protein catabolism in surgical patients hospitalized in intensive care units.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of a parenteral nutrition solution enriched with potential precursors of glutamine, i.e., arginine and glutamate, on plasma glutamine concentrations and protein metabolism. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, single-blind, comparative study. SETTING: Two intensive care units in two different hospitals. PATIENTS: Fifteen surgical patients. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive total parenteral nutrition for 5 days with the enriched glutamine precursor solution (GlnP+ group) or a conventional solution (control group), both total parenteral nutrition providing 0.25 gN/kg per day and 35 kcal/kg per day (glucose/lipids, 70%:30%). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Plasma amino acid concentrations before (T0) and after 3 hrs (T3) of perfusion, nitrogen balance (daily and cumulated), and urinary excretion of 3-methylhistidine were measured daily from day 1 to day 5. The two groups were identical for age, weight, severity score, and nitrogen and energy intakes. After a 3-hr perfusion, plasma concentrations of arginine, ornithine, and glutamine increased, and the differences (T3 - T0) were significantly higher in the GlnP+ group: arginine, 107.6+/-7.0 vs. 51.9+/-3.3 (mean over 5 days; p < .001); ornithine, 78.9+/-7.1 vs. 43.6+/-3.1 (p < .001); and glutamine, 32.4+/-8.6 vs. 6.7+/-5.0 micromol/L (p < .05), respectively. A positive correlation was found between arginine and glutamine plasma increases only in the GlnP+ group: r = .45; p < .01 (Spearman's rank-correlation test). Daily and cumulated nitrogen balances were not significantly different between the two groups but were positive (difference from 0) only in the GlnP+ group. The urinary 3-methylhistidine/creatinine ratio decreased significantly from day 1 to day 5 only in the GlnP+ group: 24.5+/-2.7 vs. 18.8+/-2.7 micromol/mmol (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Total parenteral nutrition enriched with arginine and glutamate promotes a better nitrogen balance, limits protein myofibrillar catabolism, and generates glutamine, with arginine (not glutamate) probably being the main contributor to the glutamine-generating effect of the solution through the formation of ornithine.

Adolescent↗

Glutamine Synthetase of Germinating Peanuts : PROPERTIES OF TWO CHROMATOGRAPHICALLY DISTINCT FORMS AND THEIR ACTIVITY TOWARD 4-METHYLENEGLUTAMIC ACID.

Glutamine synthetase activity, extracted from an acetone powder of 7-day germinated peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), was precipitated by ammonium sulfate (40-60% saturation) and further purified by gel filtration and calcium phosphate gel treatment. When it was adsorbed to and subsequently eluted from a column of diethylaminoethyl-cellulose, two peaks of activity (designated glutamine synthetase 1 and 2) were obtained which were enriched 150- and 20-fold, respectively, over the initial extract. Glutamine synthetase 1 was present in ungerminated seeds and in the cotyledons during germination; glutamine synthetase 2 appeared during germination and was found largely in the developing plant. Compared with glutamine synthetase 2, glutamine synthetase 1 appeared to have a slightly smaller molecular weight and was more stable to heat and storage. The catalytic properties of the two forms were essentially the same. Whereas neither form catalyzed gamma-glutamyltransferase activity with 4-methyleneglutamine, both glutamine synthetases 1 and 2 catalyzed an ATP- and NH(4) (+)-dependent conversion of [(14)C]-4-methyleneglutamic acid to [(14)C]-4-methyleneglutamine, but the K(m) value for 4-methyleneglutamic acid was 10-fold greater and the V(max) only one-fourth that measured with l-glutamic acid. This is the first report of glutamine synthetase activity with 4-methyleneglutamic acid as substrate, although the level of this activity does not appear adequate to account for the rapid synthesis of 4-methyleneglutamine observed in germinating peanuts.

Journal Article↗

Glutamine Synthetases of Higher Plants : Evidence for a Specific Isoform Content Related to Their Possible Physiological Role and Their Compartmentation within the Leaf.

The chromatographic properties of glutamine synthetase isoforms have been investigated in a wide range of higher plant leaves and shoots using ion exchange chromatography. Different patterns of glutamine synthetase isoform content were observed. Among higher plants, four patterns or groups could be recognized. The first group is characterized by having only cytosolic glutamine synthetase, whereas the second group is distinguished by having only chloroplastic glutamine synthetase. The third group is characterized by cytosolic glutamine synthetase being a minor component of the total leaf glutamine synthetase activity. The fourth group is distinct from the other groups in having high cytosolic and chloroplast glutamine synthetase activity. Immunological studies have been undertaken on a few species from each group to identify unambiguously both cytosolic and chloroplastic glutamine synthetases.

Journal Article↗