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PubMed1988

Proteolytic processing of the alpha-chain of the lysosomal enzyme, beta-hexosaminidase, in normal human fibroblasts.

The two subunits of beta-hexosaminidase undergo many post-translational modifications characteristic of lysosomal proteins, including limited proteolysis. To identify proteolytic cleavage sites in the alpha-chain, we have biosynthetically radiolabeled the transient forms, isolated these by immunoprecipitation, gel electrophoresis, and electroelution, and subjected them to automated Edman degradation. The position of the NH2-terminal amino acid was inferred from the elution cycle of the radioactive amino acid and the primary sequence encoded in the alpha-chain cDNA. The amino terminus of the precursor obtained by in vitro translation of SP6 alpha-chain mRNA in the presence of microsomes was leucine 23. The same amino terminus was found in precursor alpha-chain synthesized by normal human fibroblasts (IMR90) in a 1- or 3-h pulse or secreted by these cells in the presence of NH4Cl. The alpha-chain isolated after a 3-h pulse followed by a 5-h chase (intermediate form) included a mixture of molecular species of which the amino terminus was arginine 87 (most abundant), histidine 88, or leucine 90. After a 20-h chase (mature form) the latter species predominated. This mature form of the alpha-chain remained fully reactive with antibody raised against the carboxyl-terminal 15 amino acids, indicating little if any proteolysis at the carboxyl terminus. Thus synthesis and maturation of the alpha-chain of beta-hexosaminidase includes two major proteolytic cleavages: the first, between alanine 22 and leucine 23, removes the signal peptide to generate the precursor form, whereas the second occurs between the dibasic amino acids, lysine 86 and arginine 87. The second cleavage is followed by trimming of 3 additional amino acids to give the mature form of the alpha-chain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

Biosynthesis of blood group i-active polylactosaminoglycans. Partial purification and properties of an UDP-GlcNAc:N-acetyllactosaminide beta 1----3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase from Novikoff tumor cell ascites fluid.

An N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase has been partially purified from Novikoff tumor cell ascites fluid by affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-Sepharose. The enzyme was obtained in a highly concentrated form after lyophilization. The enzyme appeared to be highly specific for acceptor oligosaccharides and glycoproteins carrying a terminal Gal beta 1----4GlcNAc beta 1----R unit. Characterization of products formed by the enzyme in vitro by methylation analysis and 1H NMR spectroscopy revealed that the enzyme catalyzed the formation of a GlcNAc beta 1----3Gal beta 1----4GlcNAc beta-R sequence. The enzyme therefore could be described as an UDP-GlcNAc:Gal beta 1----4GlcNAc beta-R beta 1----3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase. Acceptor specificity studies with oligosaccharides that form part of N-glycans revealed that the presence of a Gal beta 1----4GlcNAc beta 1----2(Gal beta 1----4GlcNAc beta 1----6)Man pentasaccharide in the acceptor structure is a requirement for optimal activity. Studies on the branch specificity of the enzyme showed that the branches of this pentasaccharide structure, when contained in tri- and tetraantennary oligosaccharides, are highly preferred over other branches for attachment of the 1st and 2nd mol of GlcNAc into the acceptor molecule. The enzyme also showed activity toward oligosaccharides related to blood group I- and i-active polylactosaminoglycans. In addition the enzyme together with calf thymus UDP-Gal:GlcNAc beta-R beta 1----4-galactosyltransferase was capable of catalyzing the synthesis of a series of oligomers of N-acetyllactosamine. Competition studies revealed that all acceptors were acted upon by a single enzyme species. It is concluded that the N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase functions in both the initiation and the elongation of polylactosaminoglycan chains of N-glycoproteins and possibly other glycoconjugates.

Amino Sugars↗
PubMed1987

Nanoparticles in drug delivery.

Alkylcyanoacrylates can be polymerized in acidified aqueous media by a process of anionic polymerization. The small particles produced tend to be monodisperse and have sizes in the range of 20 to 3000 nm depending upon the polymerization conditions and the presence of additives in the form of surfactants and other stabilizers. The polyalkylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles so produced have been studied in recent years as a possible means of targeting drugs to specific sites in the body, with particular emphasis in cancer chemotherapy. The small colloidal carriers are biodegradable and drug substances can be incorporated normally by a process of surface adsorption. The review by Davis and others considers the formulation of nanoparticles, the important physicochemical variables such as pH, monomer concentration, added stabilizers, ionic strengths, etc., as well as the characteristics of the particle so created in terms of surface charge, particle size, and molecular weight. Monodisperse particles in the range of 20 to 3000 nm can be obtained. In addition, by the use of stabilizers such as dextran and its derivatives, which can be incorporated into the nanoparticle surface by a process of polymer grafting, it is possible to make nanoparticles with interesting surface characteristics and different surface charges (sign). The stability of nanoparticles in vitro and their biodegradation in vivo are examined, and the possible formation of toxic products such as formaldehyde is highlighted. Alternative biodegradable acrylates are mentioned. Drugs can be incorporated into nanoparticles by either direct incorporation during the polymerization process or adsorption to preformed nanoparticles. The efficiency of the incorporation and the release characteristics of model compounds as well as anticancer drugs are discussed. Methods for examining these processes, including the determination of adsorption and desorption, kinetics, and isotherms, are mentioned. Selectivity in drug targeting can, in theory, be achieved by the attachment of some form of homing device, normally a monoclonal antibody or a lectin. Work in vitro and in vivo, where nanoparticles have been coated with monoclonal antibodies, is described. Finally, methods for the labeling of nanoparticles with gamma-emitting radionuclides are presented, and results obtained in animal species are given.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Fibronectins: structure and function].

Fibronectins are a class of high-molecular-weight glycoproteins found in a soluble form in blood and other body fluids and in an insoluble form in tissues. Cellular and plasma fibronectins are very similar in structure and properties, but are not identical. Fibronectins are synthesized by a wide variety of cells in vitro including fibroblasts, Schwann cells, chondrocytes, myoblasts, macrophages, hepatocytes and intestinal epithelial cells. They exhibit an affinity for both native and denatured forms of collagen, fibrinogen or fibrin, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and surfaces of many kinds of eukaryotic cells. Fibronectins also bind to bacteria, viral glycoproteins and some protozoan parasites and interact with complement components. As a result of these multiple interactions, fibronectins might act as a non-specific opsonin. Fibronectins have been implicated in a variety of cell functions including cellular adhesion and morphology, cytoskeletal organization, oncogenic transformation, cell migration, phagocytosis, haemostasis and embryonic differentiation.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Ultrastructure of the membrane attack complex of complement. Heterogeneity of the complex caused by different degree of C9 polymerization.

The membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement and its precursors, i.e. C5b-7 and C5b-8, were examined by electron microscopy. C5b-7 bound to lipid vesicles exhibits an extended structure of 25 nm connected to the lipid membrane via a 10-nm long, 3-nm wide stalk. Binding of C8 to vesicle-bound C5b-7 results in the disappearance of this stalk, whereas the overall length remains unchanged. Addition of 12 C9 molecules per C5b-8 induces C9 polymerization which is accompanied by the formation of C9 tubules and membrane lesions. By using biotinyl precursors and streptavidin -coated colloidal gold particles, C5b-6, C7, and C8 was found to be in the club-like part of the MAC; C9 was identified in the tubular moiety. Only one C5b-8 moiety was detected in an individual MAC complex thus excluding the proposed "dimeric" structure of the MAC. A membrane channel of 10 nm was formed by the MAC at a C9 to C5b-8 ratio equal or larger than 12 to 1, as suggested by the penetration of negative stain into the vesicle. In contrast, binding of an average of three C9 per C5b-8 caused formation of incomplete C9 tubules with apparent membrane channels of less than 10 nm diameter. The MAC isolated from red blood cells was ultrastructurally heterogenous . Although an excess of serum was used for the formation of the complexes, mostly incomplete poly C9 tubules were formed. It is proposed that the MAC is an ultrastructurally heterogenous complex that induces the formation of membrane channels of different sizes.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Biosynthesis of complement components.

Many of the serum complement components are synthesized primarily in the liver but extrahepatic synthesis in mononuclear phagocytes has been noted. This local production of complement, particularly at sites of inflammation, may be of importance in host defenses and immunopathological reactions. Recent studies of complement biosynthesis in vitro have revealed some of the genetic and microenvironmental factors that affect the rates of complement synthesis, posttranslational modification, and secretion of these proteins. The third, fourth, and fifth complement components are synthesized as single chain, procomplement proteins that require proteolytic cleavage to generate the native C4 protein is mediated by a plasmin-like enzyme. These studies, plus the most recent developments in analysis of the complement genes at a molecular level, will provide more complete understanding the mechanisms of regulation of complement production.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Cell-free synthesis and processing of the precursors to the subunits of luteinizing hormone.

Polyadenylated RNA prepared from pituitary glands of ovariectomized rats was translated in heterologous cell-free systems derived from wheat germ and rabbit reticulocytes in the absence and in the presence of pancreatic microsomal membranes. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the major 14,000-dalton product immunoprecipitated by antisera to the alpha subunit of rat and bovine luteinizing hormone from membrane-free translations was processed to a major 21,000-dalton and a minor 17,000-dalton product in the presence of microsomal membranes. These membrane-dependent products were sensitive to cleavage by the glycosidase endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H, but the 14,000-dalton product was resistant. The 21,000-dalton product was sequestered within the microsomal vesicles as shown by its resistance to limited proteolysis capable of digesting the 14,000-dalton precursor. Glycosylated products with apparent Mr = 18,000 and 17,000 were identified from membrane-supplemented translations by immunoprecipitation using antisera to the beta subunit of rat luteinizing hormone. The immunological identity of the glycosylated subunits of luteinizing hormone was confirmed by showing competition of the immunoprecipitation reactions with unlabeled subunits.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Studies on the carbohydrate moiety and on the biosynthesis of rat C-reactive protein.

Rat C-reactive protein (CRP) is a pentameric glycoprotein composed of five apparently identical monomers, two of which form a disulfide-linked dimer (Rasosouli, M., Sambasivam, H., Azadi, P., Dell, A., Morris, H. R., Nagpurkar, A., Mookerjea, S., and Murray, R. K. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 2947-2954). In this study, the nature of the oligosaccharide chain of rat CRP was investigated by fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry (FAB-MS), and general features of its biosynthetic pathway were also analyzed. FAB-MS, electrospray-mass spectrometry, and linkage analysis demonstrated that each monomer of rat CRP contained one oligosaccharide chain, predominantly a disialylated biantennary structure, attached to Asn-128. The biosynthesis of rat CRP was studied by immunoprecipitation of CRP synthesized in vitro and by cultured hepatocytes. The results revealed that each monomer of rat CRP was synthesized individually as a single-chain precursor with a cleavable signal sequence. The translocated species was sensitive to digestion by endoglycosidase H (endo H), indicating that it possessed a high mannose oligosaccharide. Rat CRP acquired the ability to bind to phosphorylcholine-Sepharose and to form the dimeric and oligomeric species prior to acquiring resistance to endo H. Studies using tunicamycin revealed that the N-linked oligosaccharide present in rat CRP was not required for formation of its dimeric component, oligomerization, ability to bind to phosphorylcholine, or secretion. The non-glycosylated rat CRP, however, was still able to bind to phosphorylcholine-Sepharose and to be secreted by hepatocytes.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Near-field-magnetic-tweezer manipulation of single DNA molecules.

We have developed an instrument for micromanipulation of single DNA molecules end labeled with 3-microm-diameter paramagnetic particles. A small, permanent magnet that can be moved as close as 10 microm to the particle being manipulated can generate forces in excess of 200 pN, significantly larger than obtained in other recent "magnetic-tweezer" studies. Our instrument generates these forces in the focal plane of a microscope objective, allowing straightforward real-time observation of molecule extension with a position resolution of approximately 30 nm. We show how our magnetic manipulation system can be combined with manipulation and force measurement using glass micropipettes to allow rapid switching between measurements in fixed-force and fixed-extension ensembles. We demonstrate the use of our system to study formation of DNA loops by an enzyme which strongly binds two copies of a specific 6-base-pair sequence.

DNA↗
PubMed2000

Polymerization of rod-like macromolecular monomers studied by stopped-flow, multiangle light scattering: set-up, data processing, and application to fibrin formation.

Many biological supramolecular structures are formed by polymerization of macromolecular monomers. Light scattering techniques can provide structural information from such systems, if suitable procedures are used to collect the data and then to extract the relevant parameters. We present an experimental set-up in which a commercial multiangle laser light scattering photometer is linked to a stopped-flow mixer, allowing, in principle, the time-resolved extrapolation of the weight-average molecular weight M(w) and of the z-average square radius of gyration (z) of the polymers from Zimm-like plots. However, if elongated structures are formed as the polymerization proceeds, curved plots rapidly arise, from which M(w) and (z) cannot be recovered by linear fitting. To verify the correctness of a polynomial fitting procedure, polydisperse collections of rod-like or worm-like particles of different lengths, generated at various stages during bifunctional polycondensations of rod-like macromolecular monomers, were considered. Then, the angular dependence of their time-averaged scattered intensity was calculated in the Rayleigh-Gans-Debye approximation, with random and systematic noise also added to the data. For relatively narrow size distributions, a third-degree polynomial fitting gave satisfactory results across a broad range of conversion degrees, yielding M(w) and (z) values within 2% and no greater than 10-20%, respectively, of the calculated values. When more broad size distributions were analyzed, the procedure still performed well for semiflexible polymers, but started to seriously underestimate both M(w) and (z) when rigid rod-like particles were analyzed, even at relatively low conversion degrees. The data were also analyzed in the framework of the Casassa approximation, from which the mass per unit length of the polymers can be derived. These procedures were applied to a set of data taken on the early stages of the thrombin-catalyzed polymerization of fibrinogen, a rod-like macromolecule approximately 50 nm long. The polymers, grown in the absence of Ca(2+) by rate-limiting amounts of thrombin, appeared to be characterized by a much broader size distribution than the one expected for a classical Flory bifunctional polycondensation, and they seem to behave as relatively flexible worm-like double-stranded chains. Evidence for the formation of fibrinogen-fibrin monomer complexes is also inferred from the time dependence of the mass/length ratio. However, our data are also compatible with the presence of limited amounts of single-stranded structures in the very early stages, either as a secondary, less populated pathway, or as transient intermediates to the classical double-stranded fibrils.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗