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PubMed1999

An extensive region of an MHC class I alpha 2 domain loop influences interaction with the assembly complex.

Presentation of antigenic peptides to CTLs at the cell surface first requires assembly of MHC class I with peptide and beta 2-microglobulin in the endoplasmic reticulum. This process involves an assembly complex of several proteins, including TAP, tapasin, and calreticulin, all of which associate specifically with the beta 2-microglobulin-assembled, open form of the class I heavy chain. To better comprehend at a molecular level the regulation of class I assembly, we have assessed the influence of multiple individual amino acid substitutions in the MHC class I alpha 2 domain on interaction with TAP, tapasin, and calreticulin. In this report, we present evidence indicating that many residues surrounding position 134 in H-2Ld influence interaction with assembly complex components. Most mutations decreased association, but one (LdK131D) strongly increased it. The Ld mutants, with the exception of LdK131D, exhibited characteristics suggesting suboptimal intracellular peptide loading, similar to the phenotype of Ld expressed in a tapasin-deficient cell line. Notably, K131D was less peptide inducible than wild-type Ld, which is consistent with its unusually strong association with the endoplasmic reticulum assembly complex.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗
PubMed1999

Function and assembly of nuclear pore complex proteins.

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are extremely elaborate structures that mediate the bidirectional movement of macromolecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm. The current view of NPC organization features a massive symmetrical framework that is embedded in the double membranes of the nuclear envelope. It embraces a central channel of as yet ill-defined structure but which may accommodate particles with diameters up to 26 nm provided that they bear specific import/export signals. Attached to both faces of the central framework are peripheral structures, short cytoplasmic filaments, and a nuclear basket assembly, which interact with molecules transiting the NPC. The mechanisms of assembly and the nature of NPC structural intermediates are still poorly understood. However, mutagenesis and expression studies have revealed discrete sequences within certain NPC proteins that are necessary and sufficient for their appropriate targeting. In addition, some details are emerging from observations on cells undergoing mitosis where the nuclear envelope is disassembled and its components, including NPC subunits, are dispersed throughout the mitotic cytoplasm. At the end of mitosis, all of these components are reutilized to form nuclear envelopes in the two daughter cells. To date, it has been possible to define a time course of postmitotic assembly for a group of NPC components (CAN/Nup214, Nup153, POM121, p62 and Tpr) relative to the integral inner nuclear membrane protein LAP2 and the NPC membrane glycoprotein gp210. Nup153, a dynamic component of the nuclear basket, associates with chromatin towards the end of anaphase coincident with, although independent of, the inner nuclear membrane protein, LAP2. Assembly of the remaining proteins follows that of the nuclear membranes and occurs in the sequence POM121, p62, CAN/Nup214 and gp210/Tpr. Since p62 remains as a complex with three other NPC proteins (p58, p54, p45) during mitosis, and CAN/Nup214 maintains a similar interaction with its partner, Nup84, the relative timing of assembly of these additional four proteins may also be inferred. These observations suggest that there is a sequential association of NPC proteins with chromosomes during nuclear envelope reformation and the recruitment of at least eight of these precedes that of gp210. These findings support a model in which it is POM121 rather than gp210 that defines initial membrane-associated NPC assembly intermediates and which may therefore represent an essential component of the central framework of the NPC.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Actin assembly induced by polylysine beads or purified phagosomes: quantitation by a new flow cytometry assay.

BACKGROUND: Actin assembly on biological membranes is a poorly understood process. We have previously shown that phagosomal membranes could induce actin assembly in the presence of thymosin beta4 (an actin sequestering protein that inhibits nonspecific nucleation), via the barbed ends of actin filaments. METHODS: Here, we have developed an in vitro system based on fluorescein-labeled G (monomeric) actin and flow cytometry analysis, which allowed us to quantify de novo actin assembly on the cytoplasmic side of purified phagosomes. To standardize the system, we also used latex beads covalently coupled with polylysine, which efficiently promote actin nucleation. RESULTS: Flow cytometry analysis showed that the percentage of polylysine beads positive for F-actin filaments increased in a time- and G-actin concentration-dependent manner. Incubation of phagosomes with reagents affecting actin dynamics allowed us to extend our previous data showing that the phagosomal membranes assemble actin filaments de novo. Finally, our results pin-point a potential role for gelsolin as a positive regulator of actin assembly on the phagosomal membrane. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that our system could facilitate the development of other in vitro assays for the analysis of actin assembly and its links to signaling in cells.

Actins↗
PubMed2000

An insight into the assembly and organization of photosystem I complex in the thylakoid membranes of the thermophilic cyanobacterium, Mastigocladus laminosus.

The present study characterizes the assembly and organization of Photosystem I (PSI) complex, and its individual subunits into the thylakoid membranes of the thermophilic cyanobacterium, Mastigocladus laminosus. PSI is a multiprotein complex that contains peripheral as well as integral subunits. Hence, it serves as a suitable model system for understanding the formation and organization of membrane protein complexes. In the present study, two peripheral cytosol facing subunits of PSI, namely, PsaD and PsaE were overexpressed in E. coli and used for assembly studies. The gene encoding PsaK, an integral membrane spanning subunit of PSI, was cloned and the deduced amino acid sequence revealed PsaK to have two transmembrane alpha-helices. The characterization of the in vitro assembly of the peripheral subunits, PsaD and PsaE, as well as of the integral subunit, PsaK, was performed by incubating each subunit with thylakoids isolated from Mastigocladus laminosus. All three subunits studied were found to assemble into the thylakoids in a spontaneous mechanism, showing no requirement for cytosolic factors or NTP's (nucleotide 5'-triphosphate). Nevertheless, further characterization of the assembly of PsaK revealed its membrane integration to be most efficient at 55 degrees C. The associations and protein-protein interactions between different subunits within the assembled PSI complex were directly quantified by measurements performed using the BIACORE technology. The preliminary results indicated the existence of specific interaction between PsaD and PsaE, and revealed a very high binding affinity between PsaD and the PSI electron acceptor ferridoxin (Kd = 5.8 x 10(-11) M). PsaE has exhibited a much lower binding affinity for ferridoxin (Kd = 3.1 x 10(-5) M), thereby supporting the possibility of PsaE being one of the subunits responsible for the dissociation of ferridoxin from the PSI complex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

The carboxyl-terminal 161 amino acids of the Na,K-ATPase alpha-subunit are sufficient for assembly with the beta-subunit.

Chimeric cDNAs encoding regions of the Na,K-ATPase alpha-subunit and a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase were constructed and expressed together with the avian Na,K-ATPase beta-subunit cDNA in COS-1 cells to determine which regions of the alpha-subunit are required for assembly with the beta-subunit. Assembly was assayed by immune precipitation of the chimeric subunit with a monoclonal antibody to the avian beta-subunit. A chimera composed of the amino-terminal two-thirds of the Na,K-ATPase and carboxyl-terminal one-third of the Ca(2+)-ATPase did not assemble with the avian beta-subunit. In contrast, the reciprocal chimera, containing the carboxyl-terminal one-third of the Na,K-ATPase, assembled with the beta-subunit. A third chimera, in which 161 amino acids of the Na,K-ATPase carboxyl terminus replaced the corresponding amino acids of the Ca(2+)-ATPase carboxyl terminus, also assembled with the beta-subunit. These results suggest that the aminoacyl residues of the Na,K-ATPase alpha-subunit critical for subunit assembly lie within the carboxyl-terminal 16% of the sequence.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Identification of B beta chain domains involved in human fibrinogen assembly.

Fibrinogen chains are assembled in a stepwise manner in the rough endoplasmic reticulum prior to secretion of the final six-chain dimeric molecule. Previous studies indicated that the synthesis of B beta may be a rate-limiting factor in the assembly of human fibrinogen. To determine the domains of B beta which interact with the other two component chains of fibrinogen, deletion mutants of B beta were transiently co-expressed, together with A alpha and gamma chains, in COS cells, and fibrinogen assembly and secretion were measured. Deletion of the COOH-terminal half of the B beta chain (amino acids 208-461) did not affect assembly and secretion. Assembly of A alpha, gamma, and B beta also occurred when the first NH2-terminal 72 amino acids of B beta were deleted, but not when 93 amino acids were deleted. This indicates that the B beta domain between amino acids 73 and 93 is necessary for the assembly of the three fibrinogen chains. This domain marks the start of the alpha-helical "coiled-coil" region of fibrinogen.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2004

[Self-assembly and characterization of Pt nanoparticles by electrochemistry and in-situ FTIR reflection spectroscopy].

Pt nanoparticles (Pt(n)) were prepared by chemical reduction method. The average dimension of Pt(n) is about 2.5 nm in diameter determined from TEM studies. The Pt nanoparticles were then self-assembled on massive Au substrate. The process of self-assembly was investigated with Fe(CN)(4-/3-)(6) for redox probe reaction. The result showed that the dithiol assembled on Au surface is inactive for electron transfer. However after assembly of Pt nanoparticles on the dithiol, the Au/SS-Pt(n) electrode becomes conductive again for electron transfer. The adsorption of CO on the Pt nanoparticles self-assembled on Au substrate in 0.1 mol x L(-1) H2SO4 was studied by using in situ FTIR reflection spectroscopy. IR absorption of linear and bridge bonded CO species was observed around 2030 and 1845 cm(-1) respectively. IR absorption of twin bounded CO adsorbed on the Pt nanoparticles was also observed about 2100 cm(-1). The results illustrated that the IR absorption of CO adsorbed on the Pt nanoparticles has been significantly enhanced. The present study is devoted to revealing the intrinsic properties of self-assembly system of nanoparticles, and is of importance in applications of electrocatalysis as well.

Catalysis↗
PubMed1992

Preincubation of T antigen with DNA overcomes repression of SV40 DNA replication by nucleosome assembly.

Circular duplex DNA containing the SV40 replication origin was assembled into chromosomes in vitro with core histones and nucleosome assembly factor from HeLa cells. Their ability to serve as a template for replication was examined by incubating them with SV40 T antigen and HeLa cell extract. Nucleosome assembly of the template prevented DNA replication. Replication of chromosomes was severely inhibited at more than two-thirds of physiological nucleosome density. When the DNA was preincubated with T antigen and then assembled into chromosomes, however, inhibition of DNA replication was greatly reduced. These results suggest that nucleosome assembly of the template inhibits initiation of SV40 DNA replication and that the inhibition can be overcome by formation of an initiation complex before nucleosome assembly.

Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming↗
PubMed1991

Structure, assembly and intracellular transport of the T cell receptor for antigen.

The T cell receptor for antigen (TCR) is responsible for the recognition of antigen associated with the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The TCR expressed on the surface of T cells is associated with an invariant structure, CD3. CD3 is assumed to be responsible for intracellular signaling following occupancy of the TCR by ligand. The TCR/CD3 complex consists of six different polypeptides, and represents a uniquely complex multisubunit assembly problem for the cell. The cell copes with this problem by regulating the intracellular assembly of the complex. Within the endoplasmic reticulum, the newly-synthesised chains assemble into the complete structure prior to transport to the cell surface. There are a series of different isoforms of the receptor involving differential use of the TCR heterodimer (alpha-beta or gamma-delta), zeta-family member, and CD3 gamma or delta chains. These are presumably linked to different TCR functions. Assembly of the TCR/CD3 complex competes with specific degradation of unassembled polypeptides. The fate of the receptor depends on the presence of subtle signals on individual chains which determine pairing and assembly or degradation. The T cell is thus able to select a completely assembled fully functional series of distinct TCR/CD3 complexes for expression at the cell surface.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Cytoplasmic assembly of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles from 6 S and 20 S RNA-free intermediates in L929 mouse fibroblasts.

Newly transcribed small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) appear transiently in the cytoplasm where they assemble with snRNP core proteins (B, D, E, F, and G) stored in large pools of snRNA-free intermediates before returning permanently to the nucleus. In this report, the cytoplasmic assembly of snRNP core particles in L929 mouse fibroblasts was investigated by kinetic analysis of assembly intermediates resolved on sucrose gradients. Immunoprecipitation of gradient fractions with anti-snRNP autoimmune antisera identify pools of 6 and 20 S snRNA-free snRNP protein intermediates. The snRNP B protein has a heterodisperse sedimentation from 4 to 20 S with peaks at 6 and 20 S, and the snRNP D protein is in a bimodal distribution at 6 and 20 S. At 6 S the D protein is assembled with the E, F, and G proteins into a RNA-free core particle with a stoichiometry of D4EFG. SnRNP assembly proceeds by snRNA assembling initially with the 6 S D4EFG particle and then two copies of the B protein to form an 11-15 S SnRNP particle. The 20 S forms of the D protein in the cytoplasm are less stable than the 6 S D4EFG particle. The U1-specific A and C proteins leak from isolated nuclei and appear in the cytoplasmic fractions where they sediment from 10 to 20 S and from 4 to 8 S, respectively.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Nucleotide release from tubulin and nucleoside-5'-diphosphate kinase action in microtubule assembly.

ATP and UTP support microtubule assembly through the action of brain nucleoside-5'-diphosphate kinase on GDP. Penningroth and Kirschner (1977) J. Mol. Biol. 115, 643-673) have proposed that microtubule assembly may occur by either of two mechanisms: indirectly, through nucleoside-5'-diphosphate kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation of uncomplexed GDP and directly by nucleoside-5'-diphosphate kinase-mediated transphosphorylation of tubulin-bound GDP at low tubulin concentrations. We find the rates of GDP and GTP release (0.68 and 0.32 min-1, respectively) are sufficiently fast relative to assembly to permit GDP release, phosphorylation, and GTP binding as the sole mechanism of nucleoside-5'-diphosphate kinase action in microtubule assembly. Computer simulation studies accord with the conclusion that GDP release is rapid relative to microtubule assembly. The specific activity of the nucleoside-5'-diphosphate kinase is 1.7 nmol/min/mg of microtubular protein under the conditions studied. Pulse-chase experiments with tubulin . [14C]GDP complex and the rapidity of GDP phosphorylation by the kinase are in agreement with this scheme. Finally, it was observed that the extent and rate of microtubule assembly depends upon the [ATP]/[ADP] ratio.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1990

Acanthamoeba myosin-II minifilaments assemble on a millisecond time scale with rate constants greater than those expected for a diffusion limited reaction.

We have shown previously that Acanthamoeba myosin-II minifilaments assemble by three successive dimerization steps, forming, progressively, monomers, antiparallel dimers, antiparallel tetramers, and finally the full size octameric minifilament (Sinard, J. H., Stafford, W. F., and Pollard, T. D. (1989) J. Cell Biol. 109, 1537-1548). In the current study, we investigate the kinetics of the assembly of these minifilaments, initiating assembly by the rapid dilution of salt in a stopped-flow light scattering apparatus. The majority of the reaction is completed within 50 ms and is greater than 90% completed within 1 s. Assembly data over a greater than 6-fold myosin concentration range can be fit using the successive dimerization mechanism with a single set of rate constants. Second order rate constants for the initial steps in the assembly reaction exceed 10(8) M-1 s-1, and equilibrium dissociation constants predict a very low critical concentration, consistent with previous data. Other possible assembly mechanisms do not adequately fit all of the available data. Filament disassembly at 300 mM KCl is even more rapid, and there is both an increase in the dissociation rate constants and a decrease in the association rate constants with increasing KCl. Aggregation of minifilaments induced by Mg2+ is much slower and takes many minutes to reach equilibrium.

Acanthamoeba↗
PubMed1989

The relationship between CR3 deficiency and neutrophil actin assembly.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) with a deficiency of the complement receptor type 3 (CR3) membrane glycoprotein family have impairments in the ability to adhere to surfaces as well as chemotactic and phagocytic defects, processes that require a functional contractile apparatus. PMN from the patient with neutrophil actin dysfunction (NAD) displayed similar functional characteristics to those with CR3 deficiency suggesting the two disorders may be the same disease. In order to evaluate the relationship between CR3 deficiency and actin assembly, actin filament assembly was measured in PMN from six previously reported homozygotes (two severe and four moderate CR3-deficient patients) as well as five heterozygotes for CR3 deficiency. PMN from all patients had normal unstimulated concentrations of F-actin and after exposure to the chemotactic peptide FMLP (5 x 10(-7) mol/L for 5 to 40 seconds at 25 degrees C) assembled actin normally. Pretreatment of normal PMN with concentrations of monoclonal anti-alpha CR3 antibody, capable of blocking PMN adherence, also failed to impair FMLP-induced actin filament assembly. CR3 glycoprotein expression was measured in PMNs from the mother, father, and older sister of the NAD patient (N Engl J Med 291:1093, 1974). Actin filament assembly was recently shown to be defective in PMNs from all three family members. The total concentrations of the alpha and beta CR3 subunits were below normal in PMN detergent extracts from the mother (25% of simultaneous controls) and older sister (56% of control). PMN surface expression of these two subunits was also found to be depressed (mother, 50%; older sister, 63% of control). These findings suggest these two NAD family members are heterozygote carriers for CR3 deficiency as well as NAD. Simultaneous studies of the father, however, demonstrated normal total concentrations of both the alpha and beta CR3 subunits (126% of controls) as well as normal surface expression of both subunits after phorbol myristate acetate stimulation and incubation at 37 degrees C (mean, 112% of controls) but slightly lower than normal levels after FMLP stimulation (mean, 83%). These findings indicate that CR3 deficiency generally is not associated with defective actin filament assembly and support the conclusion that NAD represents a unique kindred in which PMN actin function differs from previously reported genotypes of CR3 deficiency.

Actins↗
PubMed1989

The assembly of regularly spaced nucleosomes in the Xenopus oocyte S-150 extract is accompanied by deacetylation of histone H4.

Histone proteins, which were assembled into chromatin using the Xenopus oocyte S-150 extract, were analyzed on acid-urea gels and Triton-acid-urea gels to determine their state of modification. We find that histone H4, which is present in a diacetylated form in the oocyte S-150, gradually loses its acetate groups as the DNA is packaged into chromatin. Thus, this process parallels the one observed in vivo during chromatin formation in growing eucaryotic cells. Histone H4 deacetylation in the oocyte S-150 is a DNA-dependent reaction. This reaction is blocked when butyrate (an inhibitor of histone deacetylase) is added at the onset of the chromatin assembly process. When butyrate is added at the end of the assembly process, no de novo acetylation of the nucleosomal histone H4 is observed. Chromatin with regularly spaced nucleosomes, displaying periodicities ranging from 160 to 220 base pairs, can be assembled in vitro with the oocyte S-150 (Rodríguez-Campos, A., Shimamura, A., and Worcel, A. (1989) J. Mol. Biol., in press). This chromatin may contain either deacetylated histone H4 when assembled under standard conditions or diacetylated H4 when assembled in the presence of butyrate. Both types of chromatin display identical structures upon digestion with nucleases. The potential applications of this system toward the study of the naturally occurring diacetylated histone H4 are discussed.

Acetylation↗
PubMed1987

Purification and characterization of two distinct complexes of assembly polypeptides from calf brain coated vesicles that differ in their polypeptide composition and kinase activities.

The binding and assembly of clathrin triskelions on vesicle membranes seem to be mediated by certain assembly polypeptides (Keen, J.H., Willingham, M.C., and Pastau, I.H. (1979) Cell 16, 303-312). These assembly polypeptides were further purified into two distinct complexes using hydroxylapatite chromatography. Peak 1 consists of two major bands of 98 and 112 kDa, two minor bands of 103 and 118 kDa, and a polypeptide of 46 kDa. Peak 2 consists of one major band of 100 kDa, two minor bands of 103 and 115 kDa, and a polypeptide of 50 kDa. Both complexes have a native molecular mass of 290 kDa as determined by gel filtration. Each 290-kDa complex contains two polypeptides of 98-118/100-115 kDa and two polypeptides of 46/50 kDa. The 46-kDa polypeptide is not phosphorylated, whereas the 50-kDa polypeptide is. Both peaks contain 50-kDa kinase-like activity. Time courses of the 50-kDa phosphorylation show that the activity in peak 1 saturates much faster than the activity in peak 2; there may be two 50-kDa kinase activities in coated vesicles. A kinase that phosphorylates the polypeptides in 98-118-kDa group is present in peak 1 but not in peak 2. Both peaks assemble clathrin triskelions into cages under conditions in which the clathrin alone would not assemble. Both rotary shadowed and negatively stained preparations of these reassembled cages as well as the purified complexes were examined by electron microscopy. Thus, two complexes have been identified that differ in their polypeptide composition and kinase activities, but are similar in their ability to assemble clathrin triskelions into cages.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Different reactivities of brain and erythrocyte tubulins toward a sulfhydryl group-directed reagent that inhibits microtubule assembly.

There is considerable evidence that tubulin exists in multiple isotypes, differing in amino acid sequence and tissue distribution. Little is known, however, about the functional significance of these isotypes. Chicken erythrocyte beta-tubulin has been shown by peptide mapping to differ significantly from chicken brain beta-tubulin (Murphy, D. B., and Wallis, K. T. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 7870-7875). We now find that when the two tubulins, in their native states, are incubated with N,N'-ethylenebis(iodoacetamide) (EBI), a bifunctional sulfhydryl-directed reagent, microtubule assembly by brain tubulin is much more sensitive to inhibition by EBI than is erythrocyte tubulin assembly. The resistance of erythrocyte microtubule assembly to inhibition by EBI is correlated with a low reactivity of erythrocyte tubulin with [14C]EBI. This difference is most marked in the beta subunit which reacts 15 and 17% as well, respectively, with [14C]EBI as do the beta 1 and beta 2 subunits of brain tubulin. Also, erythrocyte beta reacts about 33% as well as does brain beta with iodo[14C]acetamide. These results suggest that a reactive sulfhydryl group, whose oxidation prevents microtubule assembly, is present in brain tubulin but absent or inaccessible in erythrocyte tubulin. Since purified erythrocyte tubulin self-aggregates much more readily than does brain tubulin, it is conceivable that erythrocyte and brain tubulin may differ in that the latter may have its assembly subject to a complex regulation, while erythrocyte tubulin assembly may be regulated by a simpler mechanism.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Colchicine inhibition of microtubule assembly via copolymer formation.

Colchicine.tubulin complex (CD) inhibits microtubule assembly. We examined this inhibition under conditions where spontaneous nucleation was suppressed and assembly was restricted to an elongation polymerization. We found that CD inhibited assembly by a mechanism which preserved the ability of microtubule ends to add tubulin. This observation is inconsistent with the end-poisoning model which recently was proposed as a general mechanism for assembly inhibition by CD. Our data are consistent with the following model: (a) microtubules formed in the presence of CD are CD-tubulin copolymers; (b) these copolymers can have appreciable numbers of incorporated CDs which are, most likely, randomly distributed in the copolymers; (c) CD-tubulin copolymers have assembly-competent ends with association and dissociation rate constants which decrease as the CD/tubulin ratio in the copolymers, (CD/T)MT, increases; and (d) the critical tubulin concentrations required for microtubule assembly increase in the presence of CD, indicating that copolymer affinity for tubulin decreases as (CD/T)MT increases.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Nature of the metal ion requirement for assembly and function of the first component of human complement.

The first component of human complement (C1) was reconstituted from equimolar concentrations of its purified subunits C1q, C1r, and C1s, in the presence of each of nine different metal ions for the purpose of studying the qualitative and quantitative nature of the metal ion requirement for C1 assembly and function. For C1 reconstituted with each metal ion, three assays characteristic of C1 were performed as follows: (1) spontaneous C1 activation in the absence of the regulatory protein C1-inhibitor was assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis by simultaneously quantifying the specific proteolysis of the C1r and C1s subunits; (2) C1 activation induced by aggregated IgG in the presence of C1 inhibitor was similarly analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; and (3) formation of 16 S macromolecular C1 was determined in the analytical ultracentrifuge. For all experiments, trace metal contaminants were removed from buffers and proteins. All divalent cations tested from the first transition period of the periodic table (i.e. Ca2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+) effectively mediated the formation of functional macromolecular C1. Dose curves showed maximal C1 assembly and activation at ion concentrations of 30 to 50 microM for each of the above metal ions. However, when ion concentrations were increased above 50 microM, C1 assembly and activation became inhibited. The further to the right in the periodic table, the better inhibitor was the metal ion. Competition experiments indicated that the ion binding sites mediating inhibition are distinct from those promoting activation. Other metal ions that also effectively mediated C1 assembly and function were Cd2+ and Tb3+; however, Mg2+ and Ba2+ were ineffective. All metal ions that mediated C1 assembly and activation also promoted C2 consumption by C1 in normal human serum treated with aggregated IgG. In conclusion, the assembly and function of C1 can be mediated by numerous metal ions. In direct opposition to accepted theory, there is no specific requirement for calcium.

Calcium↗