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Conversion of Helminthosporium sacchari Toxin to Toxoids by beta-Galactofuranosidase from Helminthosporium.

Helminthosporium sacchari produces a host-selective toxin and structurally related nontoxic compounds, here referred to as ;toxoids.' Toxin and the three toxoids were each isolated to a high level of purity and were hydrolyzed under acidic conditions. The released galactose was measured by a galactose oxidase/peroxidase assay. Toxin was found to contain four units of galactose per molecule, as previously reported. Toxoids I, II, and III contained one, two, and three units of galactose, respectively. In cultures of the fungus, toxin concentration peaked at 3 weeks, followed by a rapid decline; as toxin levels fell, the total amount of toxoids increased. An enzyme with beta-galactofuranosidase activity was found in small amounts in the cultures of H. sacchari; the enzyme converted toxin to the toxoids in vitro. beta-Galactofuranosidase was previously known from very few micro-organisms; therefore, several pathogenic Helminthosporia and other fungi were tested for production. beta-Galactofuranosidase activity in culture filtrates and mycelia of H. victoriae, H. maydis, H. carbonum, and H. turcicum was much greater than in filtrates and mycelium of H. sacchari. More work is needed to determine the significance of enzyme production by these fungi. No beta-galactofuranosidase was evident from Fusarium oxysporum and Cladosporium cucumerinum.

Journal Article↗

Effects of Methomyl and Helminthosporium maydis Toxin on Matrix Volume, Proton Motive Force, and NAD Accumulation in Maize (Zea mays L.) Mitochondria.

Methomyl and Helminthosporium maydis race T toxin block oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria isolated from maize plants with Texas male sterile cytoplasm (T) but not in mitochondria isolated from those with Normal cytoplasm (N) (Bednarski, Izawa, Scheffer 1977 Plant Physiol 59: 540-545). Moreover, they have been reported to cause specific swelling in T mitochondria (Miller, Koeppe 1971 Science 173: 67-69; Koeppe, Cox, Malone 1978 Science 201: 1227-1229). We could not detect, by direct volume measurements, any change induced by these compounds in the mitochondrial matrix space. We show here that the proton motive force, which in maize mitochondria is composed of a large transmembrane potential and of a low transmembrane pH difference, is absent in T mitochondria incubated in the presence of methomyl or of Helminthosporium maydis race T toxin, while it is unchanged in N mitochondria. Methomyl and Helminthosporium maydis race T toxin induce, independently of the collapse of the proton motive force, a release of the cofactors NAD and coenzyme A from the mitochondrial matrix space. In particular, we show that NAD is transported in maize mitochondria, and that this transport, which is not dependent on the proton motive force, is inhibited by methomyl or Helminthosporium maydis race T toxin.

Journal Article↗

A cellular protein with an RNA-binding activity co-purifies with viral dsRNA from mycovirus-infected Helminthosporium victoriae.

A cellular protein that co-purifies with mycoviral dsRNA was isolated from the plant pathogenic fungus Helminthosporium victoriae (telomorph: Cochliobolus victoriae) infected with two viruses, the totivirus Helminthosporium victoriae 190S virus and the chrysovirus-like Helminthosporium victoriae 145S virus (Hv145SV). The cellular protein, which was, designated Hv-p68, accumulated to higher levels in virus-infected isolates compared to virus-free ones. The majority of the Hv145S dsRNAs were found in association with Hv-p68 and not packaged in virions. Hv-p68 could also be detected as a minor component of the virus capsid. Evidence is presented that Hv-p68 occurs in vivo as an octamer and that it possesses RNA-binding activities. Based on partial amino acid sequence analysis, Hv-p68 was shown to share significant sequence identity with alcohol oxidases from methylotrophic yeasts. Hv-p68 is proposed to play a role in viral RNA packaging/replication and in regulating viral pathogenesis.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

Effect of mixing allergenic extracts containing Helminthosporium, D. farinae, and cockroach with perennial ryegrass.

Allergenic extracts used for immunotherapy often contain mixes of different allergens. Studies have shown that certain allergenic extracts contain enzymes that can cause a decrease in grass pollen allergenicity when mixed with grass extracts. Glycerin and buffered saline with phenol (BSP) extracts containing Helminthosporium interseminatum, D. farinae, and cockroach were mixed with perennial ryegrass extracts and analyzed 7, 30, 60, and 90 days after mixing to determine the mixing effect of these extracts on the ryegrass pollen potency. Analysis was performed using RAST inhibition, SDS-PAGE and, to determine biologic potency, a quantitative intradermal skin test technique. All tests showed significant decreases in ryegrass potency when mixed with Helminthosporium and cockroach. This decrease was not seen with the D. farinae mix. Glycerin seemed to have some protective effect. Even in the situation showing the most decrease in ryegrass potency (Helminthosporium mixed with ryegrass in a BSP extract), the resulting extract still contained an estimated biologic potency of 10,000 AU/mL. This may explain why such mixes, which have been used clinically for many years, appear to give adequate therapeutic results. The study also suggest that clinicians may be well advised not to mix grass pollen extracts with extracts that may contain proteolytic enzymes.

Allergens↗

Agrobacterium- tumefaciens-mediated transformation of Helminthosporium turcicum, the maize leaf-blight fungus.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens has the ability to transfer its T-DNA to plants, yeast, filamentous fungi, and human cells and integrate it into their genome. Conidia of the maize pathogen Helminthosporium turcicum were transformed to hygromycin B resistance by a Agrobacterium- tumefaciens-mediated transformation system using a binary plasmid vector containing the hygromycin B phosphotransferase ( hph) and the enhanced green fluorescent protein ( EGFP) genes controlled by the gpd promoter from Agaricus bisporus and the CaMV 35S terminator. Agrobacterium- tumefaciens-mediated transformation yielded stable transformants capable of growing on increased concentrations of hygromycin B. The presence of hph in the transformants was confirmed by PCR, and integration of the T-DNA at random sites in the genome was demonstrated by Southern blot analysis. Agrobacterium- tumefaciens-mediated transformation of Helminthosporium turcicum provides an opportunity for advancing studies of the molecular genetics of the fungus and of the molecular basis of its pathogenicity on maize.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens↗

Biotransformation of organic sulfides--IV. Formation of chiral benzyl alkyl and phenyl alkyl sulfoxides by Helminthosporium species NRRL 4671.

The fungus Helminthosporium species NRRL 4671 has been used for the biotransformation of a series of phenyl alkyl sulfides with alkyl groups ranging from methyl to n-hexyl, and benzyl alkyl sulfides with alkyl groups from methyl to n-nonyl. Several 2-phenylethyl and 3-phenylpropyl sulfides have also been examined as substrates, together with cyclohexyl methyl sulfide and 1- and 2-naphthyl methyl sulfides. For the majority of substrates, sulfoxide formation occurred in moderate yield and with predominant (S) chirality at sulfur; lesser amounts of sulfone product were also obtained in some cases. The data so obtained have been used to define the preparatively useful limits of S-oxidation of phenyl alkyl sulfides and benzyl alkyl sulfides by biotransformation using Helminthosporium.

Biotransformation↗

Expression patterns and phylogenetic analysis of two xylanase genes (htxyl1 and htxyl2) from Helminthosporium turcicum, the cause of northern leaf blight of maize.

A xylanase gene (htxyl2) was cloned from Helminthosporium turcicum, the cause of northern leaf blight of maize by screening the genomic library from the fungus using a approximately 500 bp PCR fragment of the gene as a probe. The gene is a second xylanase gene cloned from the fungus and it is different from the previously cloned xylanase gene (htxyl1). The two genes are grouped into separate clades in a phylogenetic tree based on DNA sequences. The patterns of htxyl1 and htxyl2 transcript accumulation were studied in vitro with different carbon and nitrogen sources and during infection of maize by the pathogen. In culture high htxyl1 transcript was detected in mycelium obtained from medium containing birchwood xylan and birchwood xylan plus xylose as sole carbon sources. On the other hand htxyl2 transcript was detected in a medium containing birchwood xylan plus xylose but not in the medium where only birchwood xylan was used as the sole carbon source. Addition of glucose to the basal inducing media had inhibitory effect to the expression of both genes. The htxyl1 transcript accumulation declined sharply with an increase in concentration of ammonium sulphate and glutamic acid, while increased htxyl2 transcript was observed with an increase in concentrations of the two nitrogen sources. Abundant htxyl2 transcript was detected at early and late stages of infection of maize by Helminthosporium turcicum. On the other hand no detectable htxyl1 transcript was found in northern blot under the test conditions. This study demonstrated that in H. turcicum xylanolytic system htxyl1 and htxyl2 are differentially expressed and might play important roles in the saprophytic and pathogenic phases of the fungus, respectively.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Helminthosporium corneal ulcers.

Two cases of fungal corneal ulcer caused by Helminthosporium are discussed. Dematiacious fungi are pigmented filamentary molds of which Helminthosporium is representative. Ulcers due to such dematiacious fungi seem to have a better prognosis than other types of fungal corneal ulcers. The importance of classifying fungal ulcers is emphasized. Therapy is considered for these keratomycoses.

Adult↗

Comparison of thermally-assisted fast atom bombardment (TA-FAB) with conventional FAB and EI mass spectrometry for the analysis of the Helminthosporium carbonum mycotoxins.

A new technique known as thermally-assisted fast atom bombardment (TA-FAB) has been applied to the analysis of a series of cyclic tetrapeptide mycotoxins in order to demonstrate the usefulness of the method for structural elucidation. TA-FAB uses saturated aqueous solutions of highly hydroxylated compounds, such as fructose, as alternatives to the usual viscous liquid matrices employed in conventional FAB. During the TA-FAB analysis, the probe tip is resistively heated causing differences to occur in the desorption profiles for the analyte and the matrix ions enabling an optimization for analyte desorption as a function of temperature. In this study, direct comparisons are made between TA-FAB, conventional FAB, and electron impact ionization for the analysis of the Helminthosporium carbonum mycotoxins at the 1.5 micrograms level. The results demonstrate the superior capacity of TA-FAB to provide both molecular weight confirmation and significant fragmentation to aid in the structural elucidation of these important biomolecules.

Helminthosporium↗

Expression, assembly, and proteolytic processing of Helminthosporium victoriae 190S totivirus capsid protein in insect cells.

The dsRNA genome (5.2 kbp) of Helminthosporium victoriae 190S totivirus (Hv190SV) consists of two large overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). The 5' proximal ORF codes for the capsid protein (CP) and the 3' ORF codes for an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Although the capsid of Hv190SV is encoded by a single gene, it is composed of two major closely related polypeptides, either p88 and p83 or p88 and p78. Whereas p88 and p83 are phosphoproteins, p78 is nonphosphorylated. Expression of the CP ORF in insect cells generated both p78 and p88 which assembled into virus-like particles. The finding that p78, p83, and p88 share a common N-terminal amino acid sequence is consistent with the determination that N-terminal, but not C-terminal, CP deletions were incompetent for assembly. Evidence was obtained that p78 is derived from p88 via proteolytic cleavage at the C-terminus. Proteolytic processing may play a regulatory role in the virus life cycle since it leads to dephosphorylation of CP and a subsequent decrease in virion transcriptional activity.

Animals↗

Biochemical, antigenic and allergenic characterization of crude extracts of Drechslera (Helminthosporium) monoceras.

In a previous study with airborne mould extracts we verified that Drechslera (Helminthosporium) monoceras presented stronger reactions than those presented by 42 other moulds isolated in São Paulo city. In the present study, we evaluated the biochemical composition and the antigenicity of crude extracts obtained from vegetative and conidial stage of D. monoceras using Czapeck broth (CB) modified and tris-HCl for extraction. The maximum values of total proteins and lipids were verified in the crude extract obtained in the 28th day of growth, and maximum values of carbohydrates were observed in the extracts of the 16th, 22nd and 26th days. The fractionated proteins by SDS-PAGE presented bands with molecular weights between 14.4 to 67 Kd; the 28th day extract showed a larger number of bands. The carbohydrates and amino acids were characterized by thin-layer chromatography. The antigenicity of the crude extracts was verified by immunodiffusion reaction in agar against rabbit hyperimmune sera. Precipitation lines were observed in all studied extracts and common antigenic molecular populations. Based on the above results, the 28th day extract was selected to verify the induction of IgE antibody responses in immunizations of Balb/c and cAF-1 mice, and titer by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test using Wistar rats. The maximum titers obtained were 160 in cAF-1 mice and 1.280 in Balb/c mice. The results suggest that the 28th day extract contains allergenic fractions and should be chosen for future studies related to fractionation, characterization and standardization in diagnostic methods and immunotherapy.

Allergens↗

Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) for sulfoxidation reactions in Mortierella isabellina ATCC 42613 and Helminthosporium sp. NRRL 4671.

Previous models for mechanisms of enzymatic sulfoxidation have been somewhat limited by a lack of knowledge of the essential features of substrate-enzyme versus product-enzyme relationships. Computerized methods for modeling ligand-protein (substrate-enzyme) interactions can overcome some of these limitations. Specifically, CoMFA (comparative molecular field analysis) provided a useful general approach in which to evaluate substrate-enzyme and product-enzyme relationships. The present investigation examined the relationship between substrate and product structure in predicting enantioselective sulfoxidation reactions using CoMFA for two species of microorganisms that have been used as models for mammalian metabolism, Mortierella isabellina and Helminthosporium sp. The overall enantioselectivity observed was based on the composite stereoselectivity of sulfoxide formation, sulfone formation (from the sulfoxide), and sulfoxide reduction back to the achiral substrate (sulfide).

Computer Simulation↗

Isolation and purification of canadaphore, a siderophore produced by Helminthosporium carbonum.

A new siderophore was isolated and purified from the spent growth medium of the fungus Helminthosporium carbonum by solvent extraction and reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography. This new molecule has been assigned the name Canadaphore. Canadaphore was detected in culture filtrates after 15 days of growth and production was maximal after growth of H. carbonum to maximal stationary phase in modified Fries basal medium. Production of Canadaphore was completely suppressed when the organism was grown in medium supplemented with iron. Mass spectral analysis yielded a molecular mass of 680 Daltons for the iron-Canadaphore complex and 627 Daltons for the iron-free molecule. Spectroscopic analysis indicates that Canadaphore is a siderophore of the hydroxamate type.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Ultrastructural effects of Helminthosporium maydis race T toxin on mitochondria of corn roots and protoplasts.

Zea mays inbred W64A in Texas (T, toxin sensitive) male sterile and non-male sterile (N, toxin resistant) cytoplasms were utilized. Roots of freshly germinated seeds were treated for 15 min of 2 hr with culture filtrate from liquid grown Helminthosporium maydis Race T, or with a chloroform extractable purified fraction from the culture filtrate. In the susceptible W64A T line, toxin treatment, both crude and purified, caused swelling and loss of matrix densiy in mitochondria of root cap and vacuolated cells in the region of elongation. One hour treatment with the chloroform extractable toxin fraction caused similar effects or mitochondria of isolated leaf protoplasts. This is the first report of such rapid in vivo effects of HmT toxin on mitochondria. Difficulty in obtaining consistent preservation of meristem mitochondria precluded drawing firm conclusions concerning that region of the root. In the resistant W64A N line, protoplast and root mitochondria were unaffected by the toxin.

Drug Resistance↗

The Helminthosporium victoriae 190S mycovirus has two forms distinguishable by capsid protein composition and phosphorylation state.

Purified preparations of the Helminthosporium victoriae 190S (Hv190S) virus contain two sedimenting components that differ in capsid structure. The slower sedimenting component (190S-1) contained p88 and p83 as the major capsid proteins; the faster component (190S-2) contained p88 and p78. Previous peptide-mapping studies have shown the three capsid proteins to be closely related. Analysis by SDS-PAGE of in vivo-radiolabeled Hv190S virions indicated that 32P was predominantly incorporated in p88. Significantly less was detected in p83 and none in p78. Similar results were obtained in in vitro phosphorylation studies using [gamma-32P]ATP and purified 190S-1 and 190S-2. The in vitro results suggest that the Hv190S virions copurify with a protein kinase activity that catalyzes the transfer of gamma-phosphate from ATP to a target protein, presumably p78 in the 190S-2 virions and p83 in the 190S-1 component. Selective chemical cleavage at tryptophan residues of in vitro 32P-labeled capsid proteins revealed four labeled peptides among the cleavage products of both p83 and p88. Radioiodination studies with intact Hv190S virions indicated that p88 and p83, but not the nonphosphorylated p78, were accessible to iodination, suggesting that capsid protein phosphorylation entailed conformational changes.

Capsid↗