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A protein G fragment from the salmonid viral hemorrhagic septicemia rhabdovirus induces cell-to-cell fusion and membrane phosphatidylserine translocation at low pH.

The fusion-related properties of segments p9, p3, p4, and p9 + p2 surrounding the p2 phospholipid-binding domain of the protein G (pG) of the salmonid rhabdovirus of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) (Nuñez, E., Fernandez, A. M., Estepa, A., Gonzalez-Ros, J. M., Gavilanes, F., and Coll, J. M. (1998) Virology 243, 322-330; Estepa, A., and Coll, J. M. (1996) Virology 216, 60-70), have been studied at neutral and fusion (low) pH values by using its derived peptides. Cell-to-cell fusion, translocation of phosphatidylserine, and inhibition of fusion of pG-transfected cells defined the p9 + p2 (fragment 11, sequence 56-110) as a fragment with higher specific activity for anionic phospholipid aggregation than the previously reported p2. While fragment 11, p2, and p3 showed interactions with anionic phospholipids, p9 and p4 showed no interactions with any phospholipids. When added to a cell monolayer model at low pH, fragment 11 induced pH-dependent cell-to-cell fusion and translocated phosphatidylserine from the inner to the outer leaflet of the membrane. At low pH and in the presence of anionic phospholipids, fragment 11 showed more than 80% beta-sheet conformation (IR and CD spectroscopies). Finally, anti-fragment 11 antibodies inhibited low pH-dependent pG-transfected cell-to-cell fusion. All of the data support the conclusion that fragment 11 is a primary determinant of some of the viral cell fusion events in VHSV.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Stability of hpt marker gene in transgenic rice in different food matrices and under varying food-processing conditions].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the likelihood of horizontal gene transfer from transgenic rice to bacteria of the food chain and human gut, the stability of s86 transgenic rice hpt gene in different food matrices and under varying food-processing conditions was studied. METHODS: Degradation of DNA was monitored by fragment -multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Integrity of hpt gene in various food samples was tested. RESULTS: A PCR system for the hpt gene of genetically modified rice has been established to detect fragments ranging between 236bp and 910bp. Detection of hpt and rbcl gene fragments was carried out in various food-processed samples by this PCR system. The data showed that the fragments up to 500 bp were detected in rice and congee, while the fragment length more than 236bp was not detected in crispy rice and popcorn-like rice. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that there are significant differences in DNA degradation by different food-processing methods. The likelihood of the large hpt gene fragments transfer from transgenic rice processed food to bacteria is reduced by food process.

Food Handling↗

[Three-dimensional structure of the lipotropic active fragment of sea whale somatotropin].

Using semiempirical conformational analysis method, the spatial structure and conformational properties of the sea-whale somatotropin lipotropic action were investigated. The calculations were based on the fragmental analysis using non-valent, electrostatic interactions, torsional barriers and hydrogen bonds. The computer data suggest that this molecule can exist only in several low energy conformational states. The experimental results can be used for the analysis of structural-and-functional relationships.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Protein interactions leading to conformational changes monitored by limited proteolysis: apo form and fragments of horse cytochrome c.

Proteolysis experiments have been used to monitor the conformational transitions from an unfolded to a folded state occurring when the apo form of horse cytochrome c (cyt c) binds the heme moiety or when two fragments of cyt c form a native-like 1:1 complex. Proteinase K was used as a proteolytic probe, in view of the fact that the broad substrate specificity of this protease allows digestion at many sites along a polypeptide chain. The rather unfolded apo form of cyt c binds heme with a concomitant conformational transition to a folded species characterized by an enhanced content of helical secondary structure. While the holoprotein is fully resistant to proteolytic digestion and the apoprotein is digested to small peptides, the noncovalent complex of the apoprotein and heme exhibits an intermediate resistance to proteolysis, in agreement with the fact that the more folded structure of the complex makes the protein substrate more resistant to proteolysis. The noncovalent native-like complex of the two fragments 1-56 and 57-104 of cyt c, covering the entire polypeptide chain of 104 residues of the protein, is rather resistant to proteolysis, while the individual fragments are easily digested. Fragment 57-104 is fast degraded to several peptides, while fragment 1-56 is slowly degraded stepwise from its C-terminal end, leading initially mostly to fragments 1-48 and 1-40 and, at later stages of proteolysis, fragments 1-38, 1-35, 1-33, and 1-31. Thus, proteolysis data indicate that the heme containing fragment 1-56 has a rather compact core and a C-terminal flexible tail. Upon prolonged incubation of the complex of fragments 1-56 and 57-104 (nicked cyt c) with proteinase K, a chain segment is removed from the nicked protein, leading to a gapped protein complex of fragments of 1-48 and 57-104 and, on further digestion, fragments 1-40 and 57-104. Of interest, the chain segment being removed by proteolysis of the complex matches the omega-loop which is evolutionarily removed in cyt c of microbial origin. Overall, rates and/or resistance to proteolysis correlates well with the extent of folding of the protein substrates, as deduced from circular dichroism measurements. Thus, our results underscore the utility of proteolytic probes for analyzing conformational and dynamic features of proteins. Finally, a specific interest of the cyt c fragment system herewith investigated resides in the fact that the fragments are exactly the exon products of the cyt c gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Limited tryptic proteolysis of pig kidney 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine decarboxylase.

Pig kidney 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (Dopa) decarboxylase can be nicked by trypsin with complete loss of its catalytic activity. The original dimer of subunit molecular weight of about 52,000 yields fragments of Mr 38,000 and 14,000, as seen on sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis. Though inactive, the nicked protein retains its native molecular weight and its capacity to bind pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (pyridoxal-P), is recognized by an antiserum raised against the native enzyme, and forms Schiff's base intermediates with aromatic amino acids in L and D forms. Thus, the nicked protein appears to be in a conformation--closely resembling that of the original enzyme--which consists of a tight association of the two tryptic fragments. Dissociation and separation of the two fragments can be achieved under denaturing conditions on a reverse-phase HPLC column. The pyridoxal-P binding site is located on the larger fragment. No NH2-terminal residue is detected in either the intact enzyme or the larger fragment, whereas analysis of the smaller fragment yields a sequence of the first 50 amino acid residues. These data indicate that the smaller fragment is located at about one-third from the COOH terminus of Dopa decarboxylase, while the larger fragment constitutes the aminic portion of the molecule. The site of trypsin cleavage seems to be in a region of the enzyme particularly susceptible to proteolysis. The results of these studies contribute to a better understanding of the structural properties of pig kidney Dopa decarboxylase and may constitute an important step toward the elucidation of the enzyme's primary structure.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗

Processing of Alzheimer's disease-associated beta-amyloid precursor protein.

Studies were undertaken on the processing of Alzheimer's disease-associated beta-amyloid precursor protein in normal cultured human fibroblasts and a human neuroblastoma cell line. Major differences in processing between the secreted and intracellular forms of the precursor were found. The intracellular form appears to undergo amino-terminal processing yielding many smaller fragments, whereas the secreted form does not show any further proteolytic cleavage after its release from the cell surface. In pulse-chase experiments, antibodies to the A4 region immunoprecipitated bands of Mr = 92,000-128,000, which represent the intact precursor; several smaller intracellular fragments of Mr = 70,000-72,000, 55,000, 33,000 and 6,000 also immunoprecipitated with this antibody. The Mr = 6,000 band cleared from the cell very quickly and is postulated to be the A4-carrying remnant of the secreted protein. The data show that a fragment of Mr = 33,000, which includes the A4 region, is one stable processed end-product of the intracellular precursor protein. It is possible that different posttranslational modifications are the signals responsible for the differences in processing between the secreted and intracellular amyloid precursor protein.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Selection of virulence-associated determinants of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 by in vivo complementation.

Within Streptococcus suis serotype 2, pathogenic, weakly pathogenic, and nonpathogenic strains can be found. We introduced a genomic library of a pathogenic strain into a weakly pathogenic strain. After infection of the library into young piglets pathogenic transformants were selected. One specific transformant containing a 3-kb fragment of the pathogenic strain appeared to be dominantly enriched in diseased pigs. The observed enrichment was not tissue specific. The selected fragment, when introduced into two different weakly pathogenic strains, increased the virulence of these strains considerably. In contrast, introduction of the corresponding fragment of a weakly pathogenic strain had only minor effects on virulence. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the selected fragment of the pathogenic strain revealed the presence of two potential open reading frames, both of which were found to be mutated in the corresponding fragment of the weakly pathogenic strain. These data strongly suggest that the selected fragment contains determinants important for virulence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Classic steroid 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency caused by a C-->G transversion in exon 7 of CYP11B1.

Steroid 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency (11 beta OHD) is derived from mutations in the P45011 beta gene (CYP11B1) and inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. In the present study, we have performed a molecular genetic analysis of CYP11B1 in a Japanese patient clinically diagnosed as classic 11 beta OHD. Nucleotide sequencing of the PCR-amplified exons from the patient's genomic DNA reveals a unique C-->G transversion that converts codon 384 CGA (arginine) to GGA (glycine) in exon 7. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) data demonstrate that the patient is homozygous for this mutation. When the full-length cDNA corresponding to CYP11B1 of the patient is transfected into COS-7 cells, no steroid 11 beta-hydroxylase activity is detectable in mitochondria of the cells. These results indicate that this point mutation completely abolishes P45011 beta activity and causes the classic 11 beta OHD.

Adolescent↗

Expression, purification, and isotope labeling of a gp120 V3 peptide and production of a Fab from a HIV-1 neutralizing antibody for NMR studies.

Most human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) neutralizing antibodies in infected individuals and in immunized animals are directed against the third variable loop (V3) of the envelope glycoprotein (gp120) of the virus. This loop plays a crucial role in phenotypic determination, cytopathicity (syncytium induction), and coreceptor usage of HIV-1. The human monoclonal antibody 447-52D was found to neutralize a broad spectrum of HIV-1 strains. In order to solve the solution structure of the V3MN peptide bound to the 447-52D Fab fragment by NMR, large quantities of labeled peptide and a protocol for the purification of the Fab fragment were needed. An expression plasmid coding for the 23-residue V3 peptide of the HIV-1MN strain (V3MN peptide, YNKRKRIHIGPGRAFYTTKNIIG) linked to a derivative of the RNA-binding domain of hnRNCP1 was constructed. The fusion protein attached to the V3 peptide prevents its degradation. Using this system, U-15N, U-13C,15N, and U-13C,15N, 50% 2H labeled fusion protein molecules were expressed in Escherichia coli grown on rich Celtone medium with yields of about 240 mg/liter. The V3MN peptide was released by CNBr cleavage and purified by RP-HPLC, giving final yields of 6-13 mg/liter. This expression system is generally applicable for biosynthesis of V3-related peptides and was also used to prepare the V3JR-FL. The 447-52D Fab fragment was obtained by a short enzymatic papain cleavage of the whole antibody. Preliminary NMR spectra demonstrate that full structural analysis of the V3MN complexed to the 447-52D Fab is feasible. This system enables studies of the same epitope bound to different HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

NMR structure of an anti-gp120 antibody complex with a V3 peptide reveals a surface important for co-receptor binding.

BACKGROUND: The protein 0.5beta is a potent strain-specific human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) neutralizing antibody raised against the entire envelope glycoprotein (gp120) of the HIV-1(IIIB) strain. The epitope recognized by 0.5beta is located within the third hypervariable region (V3) of gp120. Recently, several HIV-1 V3 residues involved in co-receptor utilization and selection were identified. RESULTS: Virtually complete sidechain assignment of the variable fragment (Fv) of 0.5beta in complex with the V3(IIIB) peptide P1053 (RKSIRIQRGPGRAFVTIG, in single-letter amino acid code) was accomplished and the combining site structure of 0.5beta Fv complexed with P1053 was solved using multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Five of the six complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of the antibody adopt standard canonical conformations, whereas CDR3 of the heavy chain assumes an unexpected fold. The epitope recognized by 0.5beta encompasses 14 of the 18 P1053 residues. The bound peptide assumes a beta-hairpin conformation with a QRGPGR loop located at the very center of the binding pocket. The Fv and peptide surface areas buried upon binding are 601 A and 743 A(2), respectively, in the 0.5beta Fv-P1053 mean structure. The surface of P1053 interacting with the antibody is more extensive and the V3 peptide orientation in the binding site is significantly different compared with those derived from the crystal structures of a V3 peptide of the HIV-1 MN strain (V3(MN)) complexed to three different anti-peptide antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: The surface of P1053 that is in contact with the anti-protein antibody 0.5beta is likely to correspond to a solvent-exposed region in the native gp120 molecule. Some residues of this region of gp120 are involved in co-receptor binding, and in discrimination between different chemokine receptors utilized by the protein. Several highly variable residues in the V3 loop limit the specificity of the 0.5beta antibody, helping the virus to escape from the immune system. The highly conserved GPG sequence might have a role in maintaining the beta-hairpin conformation of the V3 loop despite insertions, deletions and mutations in the flanking regions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Modulation of antigen processing by bound antibodies can boost or suppress class II major histocompatibility complex presentation of different T cell determinants.

Bound antibodies can modulate antigen processing but it is not clear to what extent this affects antigen presentation. Here we show that presentation of T cell determinants in tetanus toxin can be either enhanced or suppressed as a direct consequence of antibody modulation of antigen processing in human B lymphoblastoid cells. Remarkably, a single bound antibody or its Fab fragment can simultaneously enhance the presentation of one T cell determinant by more than 10-fold while strongly suppressing the presentation of a different T cell determinant. Biochemical analysis demonstrates that both the suppressed and boosted determinants fall within an extended domain of antigen stabilized or "footprinted" by this antibody during proteolysis. These results demonstrate that bound antibodies can modulate the capture of peptides by class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC), thus manipulating the T cell response towards or away from particular determinants. Altered processing of protein-protein complexes leading to enhanced loading of class II MHC and substantially lowered threshold for T cell activation suggests a novel mechanism that might reveal "cryptic" self determinants.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Biological, serological, and genetic characterization of HIV-1 subtype E isolates from northern Thailand.

Twenty-three HIV-1 isolates were recovered from PBMCs from 26 HIV-1-seropositive individuals in northern Thailand. The viruses grew readily in human PBMCs but only 7 of 17 (41.2%) and 5 of 17 (29.4%) replicated and only at a low level in primary macrophages and in established T cell lines, respectively. By immunoblot assays, sera from Thai subjects were strongly reactive with gp120 from a Thailand isolate, moderately reactive with a Rwandan isolate, and weakly reactive with a North American strain. These three viruses represent, respectively, examples of subtypes E, A, and B as classified by the sequences of the envelope region. Serological assays indicated that broadly reactive rather than type-specific neutralizing activity was detected among these northern Thai sera. The majority of the sera (approximately 75%) neutralized a representative Thailand isolate and the Rwanda isolate but only 55% neutralized the North American strain. However, the difference was not statistically significant. The genetic analyses indicated that nearly all the Thai isolates were highly homogeneous and distinct from the North American/European consensus sequence (subtype B); they belong to subtype E. This is the first report providing biological, serological, and genetic characterization of HIV-1 strains from Thailand. The findings suggest these viruses were recently introduced into the country and that serological evaluation of viral strains needs to be considered along with genetic subtyping when developing an HIV-1 vaccine.

Adult↗

A bactericidal antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi is directed against a variable region of the OspB protein.

Borrelia burgdorferi, an agent of Lyme disease, is killed by some monoclonal antibodies in the absence of complement or phagocytes. In the present study, the bactericidal action of monoclonal antibodies against B. burgdorferi and B. hermsii, a cause of relapsing fever, was further characterized. H6831, an antibody recognizing the OspB proteins of some B. burgdorferi strains, and H4825, an antibody specific for one serotype of B. hermsii, were purified, and Fab fragments of the antibodies were prepared. In time-kill studies, more than 99.9% of strain B31 B. burgdorferi cells were killed after 30 min of exposure to H6831 Fab fragments. The MBC of the Fab fragments was 10 micrograms/ml. Electron microscopy revealed that the bactericidal Fab fragments produced numerous blebs and cell lysis of the borrelias for which they were specific. To identify the epitope for H6831, the OspB sequences of H6831-susceptible and -resistant strains and mutants were determined. The deduced OspB proteins of all H6831-resistant strains and mutants differed from the strain B31 OspB at residue 253. Murine antisera raised against a 21-mer synthetic peptide representing the region around residue 253 were specific for strain B31 by Western blot (immunoblot) and growth inhibition assays. Furthermore, the antipeptide serum inhibited the binding of H6831 to whole borrelias. These findings indicated that the linear component of the bactericidal antibody's epitope was located at or near residue 253.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Physical mapping of the Fv-1 tropism host range determinant of BALB/c murine leukemia viruses.

The murine leukemia viruses (MuLVs) have different host ranges and were originally designated N-tropic and B-tropic if they replicated preferentially in vitro on NIH and BALB/c fibroblasts, respectively. It was later found that N-tropic MuLVs were in fact restricted in BALB/c cells, that B-tropic MuLVs were restricted in NIH cells, and that both viruses were restricted in (BALB X NIH) F1 cells. A single gene, Fv-1, with two alleles, Fv-1b and Fv-1n, determines this dominant restriction. A virus-encoded protein seems to carry the viral host range determinant which is recognized by the Fv-1 gene product. To map the viral DNA sequences encoding this determinant, we constructed viral DNA recombinants in vitro between the cloned infectious viral DNA genomes from BALB/c N-tropic and B-tropic MuLVs. Infectious recombinant MuLVs were recovered by microinjecting these recombinant DNAs into murine Fv-1- SC-1 cells and were subsequently tested in vitro for their host ranges (N- or B-tropic). We found that a short 302-base pair 5'-end fragment was necessary and sufficient to confer a specific host range to a recombinant. Our sequencing data revealed that this fragment codes for amino acid sequences in gag p30. They also showed that only two consecutive amino acid differences, Gln-ArgN- and Thr-GluB-, in p30 are responsible for the N- and B-tropic host ranges of the BALB/c MuLVs, respectively. Therefore, it appears that the Fv-1b and Fv-1n gene products can discriminate between these two p30 amino acid sequences.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A novel apoptosis pathway activated by the carboxyl terminus of p21.

Delivery of biologically active peptides into cells may help elucidate intracellular signal transduction pathways, identify additional in vivo functions, and develop new therapeutics. Although p21 was first identified as a major regulator of cell cycle progression, it is now clear that p21 subserves multiple functions. The amino terminus of p21 interacts with cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, while the carboxyl terminus interacts with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene 45 (GADD45), calmodulin, SET, and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-alpha (C/EBP-alpha). A chimeric peptide, p21-IRS, consisting of the carboxyl terminal domain of p21 conjugated to a pentapeptide (RYIRS) rapidly enters lymphoid cells and activates apoptosis. In the present study, we investigate the molecular events involved in p21-activated apoptosis. Comparison of p21-IRS with other known proapoptotic agents demonstrates that p21-IRS activates a novel apoptotic pathway: mitochondria are central to the process, but caspases and a decrease in Deltapsi(m) are not involved. Targeting the p21 peptide to specific cell populations may allow development of novel therapies to eliminate aberrant cells in human diseases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A potent inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption within a highly conserved pentapeptide region of parathyroid hormone-related protein; PTHrP[107-111].

We have recently shown that a carboxyl-terminal sequence of parathyroid hormone-related protein, PTHrP[107-139], is a potent direct inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption. We now report that this bone resorption inhibitory activity, which we have called osteostatin, is entirely contained within the highly conserved pentapeptide PTHrP[107-111]. Our results indicate that processing at residue 106 and a free amino terminus is required for full activity of the peptide. The retroinverted peptide is considerably less potent than the parent peptide. The retention of full biological activity in such a short fragment was unexpected. This data provides the basis for the development of further analogs with potential therapeutic use in disorders associated with increased osteoclastic bone resorption.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Study of the interaction of the monoclonal antibody to human interleukin-2 and its Fab-fragment with synthetic peptides --interleukin-2 fragments by (1)H-NMR].

Proton signals for nine synthetic peptide fragments of human interleukin-2 (region 59-78) were assigned for aqueous solutions both of pure peptides and their mixtures with LNKB-2 monoclonal antibody. The nonspecific magnetization transfer (NOE) between the antibody or its Fab-fragment and the peptides was studied upon large excess of free peptide over bound peptide. NOE spectra using modified pulse sequence, enabling to eliminate broad signals and achieve higher (peptide signal)/noise ratio were obtained. The saturation transfer experiments indicated that methyl groups of amino acid residues corresponding to Leu66,70,72, Val69 and Ala73 in interleukin-2 contact with the antibody binding site. Thus, the hydrophobic interactions are of major importance for the LNKB-2-IL-2 peptide complexes. The minimal IL-2 fragment which can still bind to LNKB-2 monoclonal antibody is -Leu70-Asn71-Leu72-.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[New data on the biological activity of pituitary somatotropin fragment 77-107].

Some new evidence on the biological activity of somatotropin fragment 77-107 is given. This fragment was prepared from whale somatotropin by tryptic hydrolysis. Beside the previously established ability of the hormone to increase the width of the tibial epiphyseal cartilage in hypophysectomized rats ("tibia" test) two other properties of the fragment indicative of its growth-promoting activity were established. The fragment enhances DNA biosynthesis in cultured human fibroblasts and increases the somatomedin content in blood serum of hypophysectomized rats. However, the fragment unlike the native hormone does not exert any metabolic action on adipose tissue "in vitro", i. e. does not stimulate the nonesterified fatty acid release into the medium. A comparison of the biological activity spectrum of native somatotropin and of its fragment 77-107 suggests that the biochemical information required for the realization of a prolonged growth-promoting effect and a relatively rapid action of the hormone on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism is contained in different parts of the polypeptide chain.

Animals↗