Molecular cloning, chromosomal localization, tissue mRNA levels, bacterial expression, and enzymatic properties of human NMN adenylyltransferase

A 1329-base pair clone isolated from a human placenta cDNA library contains a full-length 837-base pair coding region for a 31.9-kDa protein whose deduced primary structure exhibits high homology to consensus sequences found in other NMN adenylyltransferases. Northern blotting detected a major 3.1-kilobase mRNA transcript as well as a minor 4.1-kilobase transcript in all human tissues examined. In several cancer cell lines, lower levels of mRNA expression were clearly evident. The gene encoding the human enzyme was mapped to chromosome band 1p32-35. High efficiency bacterial expression yielded 1.5 mg of recombinant enzyme/liter of culture medium. The molecular and kinetic properties of recombinant human NMN adenylyltransferase provide new directions for investigating metabolic pathways involving this enzyme.

Human erythrocyte pyrimidine 5-nucleotidase, PN-I, is identical to p36, a protein associated to lupus inclusion formation in response to alpha-interferon

Erythrocyte maturation is accompanied by RNA degradation and release of mononucleotides. We have previously purified PN-I, a pyrimidine nucleotidase whose deficiency is associated with hemolytic anemia. Computer-aided analysis of PN-I tryptic and CNBr peptide sequences revealed substantial identity with tryptic peptide sequences reported for p36, an alpha-interferon-induced protein. PN-I partial sequences were matched through the expressed sequence tag database with different human complementary DNA (cDNA) clones, whose sequences were exploited to screen a human placenta cDNA library. PN-I cDNA, coding for a 286-residue protein, was expressed in Escherichia coli, yielding a fully active recombinant enzyme. The recombinant protein sequence comprised the peptide sequences determined for PN-I and p36. Rabbit antisera raised against two peptides deriving from p36 and PN-I tryptic digestions, respectively, recognized both wild-type and recombinant PN-I. Molecular properties of the two proteins were essentially the same. We conclude that p36 and PN-I are identical proteins. (Blood. 2000;96:1596-1598)

The Escherichia coli NadR regulator is endowed with nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase activity

The first identification and characterization of a catalytic activity associated with NadR protein is reported. A computer-aided search for sequence similarity revealed the presence in NadR of a 29-residue region highly conserved among known nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferases. The Escherichia coli nadR gene was cloned into a T7-based vector and overexpressed. In addition to functionally specific DNA binding properties, the homogeneous recombinant protein catalyzes NAD synthesis from nicotinamide mononucleotide and ATP.

Identification and characterization of YLR328W, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae structural gene encoding NMN adenylyltransferase. Expression and characterization of the recombinant enzyme

The enzyme nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) adenylyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.1) catalyzes the transfer of the adenylyl moiety of ATP to NMN to form NAD. A new purification procedure for NMN adenylyltransferase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae provided sufficient amounts of enzyme for tryptic fragmentation. Through data-base search a full matching was found between the sequence of tryptic fragments and the sequence of a hypothetical protein encoded by the S. cerevisiae YLR328W open reading frame (GenBank accession number U20618). The YLR328W gene was isolated, cloned into a T7-based vector and successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 cells, yielding a high level of NMN adenylyltransferase activity. The purification of recombinant protein, by a two-step chromatographic procedure, resulted in a single polypeptide of 48 kDa under SDS-PAGE, in agreement with the molecular mass of the hypothetical protein encoded by YLR328W ORF. The N-terminal sequence of the purified recombinant NMN adenylyltransferase exactly corresponds to the predicted sequence. Molecular and kinetic properties of recombinant NMN adenylyltransferase are reported and compared with those already known for the enzyme obtained from different sources.

Enzymology of NAD+ synthesis

Beyond its role as an essential coenzyme in numerous oxidoreductase reactions as well as respiration, there is growing recognition that NAD+ fulfills many other vital regulatory functions both as a substrate and as an allosteric effector. This review describes the enzymes involved in pyridine nucleotide metabolism, starting with a detailed consideration of the anaerobic and aerobic pathways leading to quinolinate, a key precursor of NAD+. Conversion of quinolinate and 5'-phosphoribosyl-1'-pyrophosphate to NAD+ and diphosphate by phosphoribosyltransferase is then explored before proceeding to a discussion the molecular and kinetic properties of NMN adenylytransferase. The salient features of NAD+ synthetase as well as NAD+ kinase are likewise presented. The remainder of the review encompasses the metabolic steps devoted to (a) the salvaging of various niacin derivatives, including the roles played by NAD+ and NADH pyrophosphatases, nicotinamide deamidase, and NMN deamidase, and (b) utilization of niacins by nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase.

Pyrimidine nucleotidases/phosphotransferases from human erythrocyte

Two cytoplasmic pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase have been purified from human erythrocytes to homogeneity and partially characterized. The two enzymes, indicated as PN-I and PN-II, preferentially hydrolyse pyrimidine 5'-monophosphates and 3'-monophosphates, respectively. The kinetic analysis demonstrate that pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidases, in the presence of suitable nucleoside substrates, can operate as phosphotransferases by transferring phosphate to various nucleoside acceptors, including nucleoside analogues known as important drugs widely used in chemotherapy.

Identification of the archaeal NMN adenylytransferase gene

Increasing evidence on the importance of fluctuations in NAD+ levels in the living cell is accumulating. Therefore a deeper knowledge on the regulation of coenzyme synthesis and recycling is required. In this context the study of NMN adenylyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.1),. a key enzyme in the NAD+ biosynthetic pathway, assumes a remarkable relevance. We have previously purified to homogeneity and characterized the protein from the thermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. The determination of partial sequence of the S. solfataricus enzyme, together with the recent availability of the genome sequence of the archaeon Methanococcus jannaschii, allowed us, based on sequence similarity, to identify the M. jannaschii NMN adenylyltransferase gene. As far as we know from literature, this is the first report on the NMN adenylyltransferase gene.

Synechocystis sp. slr0787 protein is a novel bifunctional enzyme endowed with both nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase and 'Nudix' hydrolase activities

Synechocystis sp. slr0787 open reading frame encodes a 339 residue polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 38.5 kDa. Its deduced amino acid sequence shows extensive homology with known separate sequences of proteins from the thermophilic archaeon Methanococcus jannaschii. The N-terminal domain is highly homologous to the archaeal NMN adenylyltransferase, which catalyzes NAD synthesis from NMN and ATP. The C-terminal domain shares homology with the archaeal ADP-ribose pyrophosphatase, a member of the 'Nudix' hydrolase family. The slr0787 gene has been cloned into a T7-based vector for expression in Escherichia coli cells. The recombinant protein has been purified to homogeneity and demonstrated to possess both NMN adenylyltransferase and ADP-ribose pyrophosphatase activities. Both activities have been characterized and compared to their archaeal counterparts.

Pyrimidine nucleotidases from human erythrocyte possess phosphotransferase activities specific for pyrimidine nucleotides

Two cytoplasmic forms of pyrimidine nucleotidase (PN-I and PN-II) have been purified from human erythrocytes to apparent homogeneity and partially characterized. They preferentially hydrolyse pyrimidine 5'-monophosphates and 3'-monophosphates respectively. PN-I and PN-II operate as interconverting activities, capable of transferring the phosphate from the pyrimidine nucleoside monophosphate donor(s) to various nucleoside acceptors, including important drugs like 3'-azido-3'-deoxy-thymidine (AZT), cytosine-beta-D-arabinofuranoside (AraC) and 5-fluoro-2'-deoxy-uridine (5FdUrd), pyrimidine analogues widely used in chemotherapy. Kinetic analysis showed linear behaviour for both PN-I and PN-II. PN-I phosphotransferase activity revealed higher affinity for oxynucleosides with respect to deoxy-nucleosides, whereas the contrary seems to be true for PN-II. These results show for the first time that soluble pyrimidine nucleotidases are endowed with pyrimidine-specific phosphotransferase activity.

Characterization of nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase from thermophilic archaea

The enzyme nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) adenylyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.1) catalyzes the synthesis of NAD+ and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide. It has been purified to homogeneity from cellular extracts of the thermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. Through a database search, a highly significant match was found between its N-terminal sequence and a hypothetical protein coded by the thermophilic archaeon Methanococcus jannaschii MJ0541 open reading frame (GenBank accession no. U67503). The MJ0541 gene was isolated, cloned into a T7-based vector, and expressed in Escherichia coli cells, yielding a high level of thermophilic NMN adenylyltransferase activity. The expressed protein was purified to homogeneity by a single-step chromatographic procedure. Both the subunit molecular mass and the N-terminal sequence of the pure recombinant protein were as expected from the deduced amino acid sequence of the MJ0541 open reading frame-encoded protein. Molecular and kinetic properties of the enzymes from both archaea are reported and compared with those already known for the mesophilic eukaryotic NMN adenylyltransferase.

A histologic study of nonsubmerged titanium plasma-sprayed screw implants retrieved from a patient: a case report

The authors report on the microscopic findings in two plasma-sprayed nonsubmerged implants retrieved from a patient 6 months after placement. One of the implants had been loaded for 3 months, while the other was left unloaded. Clinically, the peri-implant gingival tissues were in good health. The implants were sectioned according to the cutting-grinding system. Bone lined the titanium surface almost completely with 77.3% +/- 5.1% of contact in the unloaded implant and 86.5% +/- 3.3% of contact in the loaded implant. Signs of bone resorption with many macrophages and osteoclasts were present in the loaded implant, while in the unloaded implant only osteoclast resorption activity was demonstrable.

Three-minute high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for NMN adenylyltransferase using a 20-mm-long reversed-phase column

NMN adenylyltransferase (NAD pyrophosphorylase; NMNAT) reversibly catalyzes the synthesis of NAD from ATP and NMN. In this paper, we describe a rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for NMNAT, which uses a 20-mm-long C18 reversed-phase (RP) column. The activity was measured by separating in less than 3 min the substrates (NMN and ATP) from the product (NAD) with 0.1 M potassium phosphate, pH 6.0, at a 2 ml/min flow-rate and 22 degrees C. NAD was directly quantitated from its ultraviolet absorbance. Amounts of NAD as small as 25 pmol could be measured. The activity value closely agreed with that determined by the spectrophotometric assay. This method was successfully applied to the determination of NMNAT activity in human placental and bull testis extracts, as well as in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells.

NMN adenylyltransferase from bull testis: purification and properties

The purification procedure of NMN adenylyltransferase from bull testis presented here consists of a heat step and an acidic precipitation followed by four chromatographic steps, including dye ligand, adsorption and hydrophobic chromatography. The final enzyme preparation subjected to non-denaturing and denaturating PAGE with silver nitrate staining exhibited a single band. At this step the enzyme appeared to be homogeneous. The M(r) value of the native enzyme calculated by gel filtration was about 133,000. The protein appeared to possess a quaternary structure with four subunits of apparent M(r) 33,000 without disulphide interchain bonds. Isoelectric experiments gave a pI of 6.2, and pH studies showed the possible presence of an acidic group in the active site having a pKa of 4.9. Analysis of the amino acid composition showed the presence of more acidic residues than basic ones, according to the pI value calculated by Mono P FPLC. The Ea calculated by Arrhenius plot gave an apparent value of 55.7 kJ/mol. The Km values for NMN, ATP, NAD+ and PPi were 0.11, 0.023, 0.37 and 0.16 nM respectively. The polyclonal antiserum produced against the NMN adenylyltransferase reacted with the purified enzyme at different dilutions and recognized the enzyme in the homogenate as well.

Assay methods for nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase of wide applicability

NMN adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) reversibly catalyzes the synthesis of NAD+ or NaAD+ from ATP and NMN or NaMN. In this work, we describe a continuous coupled spectrophotometric assay that can be rapidly and routinely used in place of the previous cumbersome two-step assay. The reaction rates measured with the coupled assay display a linear dependence with respect to enzyme concentration over the range investigated. The method yields accurate and reliable estimates of the enzyme activity in the direction of NAD+ synthesis. Furthermore, we developed an HPLC-based method suitable for the assay activity both in the forward and reverse directions of the enzymatic reaction. The method appears particularly useful for measuring the NMNAT activity when the product is not NAD+ (e.g., in studies using alternative substrates), and offers the possibility of monitoring simultaneously both the NMNAT-catalyzed reaction and interfering side reactions. This is achieved through the HPLC identification and quantitation of metabolites and derivatives produced in the reaction mixture during the assay. The two methods described here should cover most needs for the assay of NMNAT activity.

The antitumor drug, 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitroso-urea, inactivates human nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) adenylyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.1) from human placenta is rapidly inactivated by 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). A similar inactivation is observed with other C- and N-nitroso compounds. The inactivation by BCNU is dependent on incubation time, temperature and BCNU concentration. Protective reagents for -SH groups, dithiothreitol and beta-mercaptoethanol, and the substrate NMN are very effective in protecting NMN adenylyltransferase from BCNU inactivation and in preserving its catalytic properties, while ATP is less efficient. Incubation of BCNU-inactivated and dialysed NMN adenylyltransferase with dithiothreitol results in a partial recovery of the enzymatic activity.

Homogeneous pyrimidine nucleotidase from human erythrocytes: enzymic and molecular properties

A pyrimidine nucleotidase with unique specificity has been obtained for the first time as an homogeneous protein from the cytosolic fraction of human erythrocytes. Both conventional chromatography and f.p.l.c. techniques have been used in the purification procedure. The final enzyme preparation gave a single protein band of M(r) = 23,500 on SDS/PAGE under both reducing and non-reducing conditions. The native enzyme was eluted at M(r) = 45,000 in gel filtration chromatography on Superose 12, suggesting a dimeric structure. Amino acid analysis was consistent with an acidic isoelectric point and revealed the presence of six half-cystine and two methionine residues per subunit. The enzyme was active on a variety of pyrimidine nucleoside monophosphates, being most active on the 3'-monophosphates. Km values for 3'dUMP, 3'UMP, 5'dUMP, 5'UMP, 5-fluoro-2'dUMP, ranged from 192 microM to 1.15 mM. The enzyme activity was inhibited by both reaction products, orthophosphate, and the nucleoside formed. Product inhibition studies suggested an Ordered Uni-Bi mechanism for the reaction. The enzyme required Mg2+ for its activity, while heavy metals cations were strongly inhibitory. The enzyme activity was inhibited by metal chelating agents and it was sensitive to thioreactive reagents. The isoelectric point was 5.4 and the optimum activity pH was 6.5.

Pyridine dinucleotide biosynthesis in archaebacteria: presence of NMN adenylyltransferase in Sulfolobus solfataricus

The enzyme NMN adenylyltransferase, leading to NAD synthesis, has been observed for the first time in soluble extracts from the extreme acidothermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. Comparison of its molecular and kinetic properties with those of the enzyme isolated from prokaryotes and eukaryotes revealed significant differences, knowledge of which may contribute to the understanding of metabolic evolutionary mechanisms. The thermophilic enzyme shows a molecular mass of about 66,000 and an isoelectric point of 5.4. The Km values for ATP, NMN and nicotinic acid mononucleotide are 0.08 microM, 1.4 microM and 17 microM, respectively. The enzyme shows a remarkable degree of thermophilicity, with an activation energy of 95 kJ/mol.

One-minute high-performance liquid chromatography assay for 5'-nucleotidase using a 20-mm reverse-phase column

A general procedure is described for developing HPLC-based assays for nucleotidases by using a 20-mm C-18 reversed-phase column. The method is applied on the determination of pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase activity in human erythrocytes lysate and plasma. The activity is detected using isocratic conditions which separate the product (nucleoside) from the substrate (nucleotide) in less than 1 min with 100 mM potassium phosphate, pH 6.0, at a 2 ml/min flow rate. Nucleoside products of the enzymatic reactions are directly quantitated from their ultraviolet absorbances. The activity value closely agreed with that determined by measuring the production of inorganic phosphate. The method does not require prior dialysis of the sample and is 50-fold more sensitive than that based on colorimetric measurements of inorganic phosphate. Furthermore, avoiding the use of radioactive materials offers significant advantages with respect to commonly adopted assays and can be conveniently used for the determination of nucleotidase activity from different sources.

Which induction drug for cesarean section? A comparison of thiopental sodium, propofol, and midazolam

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine maternal and neonatal effects of three different induction drugs (thiopental sodium, propofol, and midazolam) for cesarean section.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind study.

SETTING

Inpatient obstetric department at a general hospital.

PATIENTS

90 healthy patients undergoing elective cesarean section with general anesthesia.

INTERVENTIONS

3 groups of 30 patients each receiving thiopental 5 mg/kg, propofol 2.4 mg/kg, or midazolam 0.3 mg/kg for induction of anesthesia.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Time to induce anesthesia, hemodynamic changes, depth of anesthesia, recovery after anesthesia, placental transfer, and neonatal outcome (Apgar and neurobehavioral examinations) were studied. In the thiopental and midazolam groups, systolic blood pressure and heart rate rose following endotracheal intubation and skin incision (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0025, respectively), while in the propofol group, there was significant hypotension after induction (p < 0.005). Electroencephalographic patterns showed a light depth of anesthesia with propofol and midazolam between anesthesia induction and delivery, confirmed by the presence of clinical signs of light anesthesia in 50% of propofol patients and 43% of midazolam patients. Time to induce anesthesia was longer with midazolam (p < 0.0001). Neonates in the midazolam and propofol groups had lower Apgar and neurobehavioral scores than those in the thiopental group. Umbilical artery to umbilical vein ratios were above 1 in the propofol and midazolam groups.

CONCLUSION

Thiopental still remains the first-choice induction drug for cesarean section. The slow induction time with midazolam may put the mother at risk for pulmonary inhalation. A plane of anesthesia that may risk awareness and potential neonatal depression is the main drawback of the two newer induction drugs.

A light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and laser scanning microscopy analysis of retrieved blade implants after 7 to 20 years of clinical function. A report of 3 cases

The aim of the present study was to evaluate by means of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and laser scanning microscopy the thin ground sections of blade implants retrieved after 7 to 20 years of clinical function. Microscopic examination revealed that most of the implant surface had an intimate contact with compact lamellar bone tissue. Higher magnifications revealed the presence of a gap (1 to 5 mu) interposed between bone and implant. Many osteocytes were near the implant surface and, in many instances, osteocyte canaliculi, running from the lacunae towards the implant surface, were seen. Structures similar to bone reversal lines were observed at the edge of the bone side of the interface. The bone-titanium region is probably an area of dynamic biological activity.

Nuclear matrix-associated NMN adenylyltransferase activity in human placenta

This paper presents data about the presence of the NMN adenylyltransferase at the nuclear matrix level of human placenta nuclei. It was found that 40-45% of the activity (depending on the extraction procedure) referred to the total nuclear NMN adenylyltransferase was tightly associated with this subnuclear compartment. The matrices purified by two different procedures exhibited DNA, RNA and protein contents comparable with those described in literature. Extensive digestion of human placenta nuclei with DNase I was not able to solubilize the NMN adenylyltransferase activity. Therefore, the data we present are consistent with the conclusion that a part of the total nuclear NMN adenylyltransferase is associated with the nuclear matrix.

NAD biosynthesis in human placenta: purification and characterization of homogeneous NMN adenylyltransferase

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) adenylyltransferase has been purified to homogeneity from human placenta. The purification procedure consists of several chromatographic steps, including dye-ligand, adsorption, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The final enzyme preparation is homogeneous as judged by a single silver stainable band on both nondenaturating and denaturating polyacrylamide gels. The native enzyme shows a molecular weight of about 132,000, as determined by gel filtration on a Superose 12 HR 10/30 fast protein liquid chromatography column. The protein possesses a quaternary structure and is composed of four apparently identical M(r) 33,000 subunits. Isoelectrofocusing experiments give multiple pI values ranging from pH 4.7 to 6.6. Optimum pH study shows a plateau extending from pH 6.0 to pH 9.0. Km values for NMN, ATP, NAD+, and PPi are 38, 23, 67, and 125 microM, respectively. Kinetic analysis reveals a behavior consistent with an ordered sequential Bi-Bi mechanism. Among several metabolites tested only ADP-ribose and beta-NMNH were found to significantly inhibit the enzyme activity.