Ribonuclease P catalysis requires Mg2+ coordinated to the pro-RP oxygen of the scissile bond

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is an essential enzyme whose action produces the mature 5' termini of all cellular and organellar transfer RNA molecules. In bacteria, the catalytic subunit of RNase P is an RNA molecule which by itself can bind substrate pre-tRNA, select and hydrolyze the correct phosphodiester bond, and release product tRNA. The simple requirements of the reaction-a monovalent cation such as K+ or NH4+ and the divalent cation Mg2+ (or Mn2+)-have prompted proposals that all aspects of phosphodiester bond hydrolysis might be accomplished by one or more divalent metal cations coordinated to the enzyme or substrate. To precisely localize the ligands of catalytically-involved Mg2+, we assayed cleavage by Escherichia coli RNase P RNA of pre-tRNA in which specific pro-Rp phosphate oxygens were replaced with sulfur. RNase P cleavage was targeted to that bond, at or nearest to the normal cleavage site, at which Mg2+ or Mn2+ could be coordinated. Single-turnover kinetics demonstrated that the apparent rate constant for the hydrolysis event was determined quantitatively by the affinity of the divalent cation (Mg2+ or Mn2+) for the atom (O or S) at the pro-Rp position of the scissile phosphodiester bond. We propose a model for pre-tRNA cleavage in which an essential Mg2+ ion is coordinated directly to the pro-Rp phosphate oxygen and indirectly to two other ligands near the scissile bond: the upstream ribose 2'-hydroxyl and the downstream purine N7. This catalytic Mg2+ ion most likely positions and deprotonates a water molecule for in-line nucleophilic attack on the scissile bond phosphorus.

A critical evaluation of resting intracellular free calcium regulation in dystrophic mdx muscle

There are conflicting reports regarding whether resting free calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) are elevated in dystrophic mouse (mdx) myotubes and adult myofibers. We reinvestigated this question and found several lines of evidence supporting the hypothesis that increased calcium influx via leak channels leads to increases in resting [Ca2+]i. 1) Step calibration of fura 2/free acid in myofibers with use of microinjected Ca(2+)-ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid buffers revealed greater [Ca2+]i in dystrophic cells. Careful calibration of fura PE3-AM, a compartmentalization-resistant derivative of fura 2, also showed elevated [Ca2+]i in mdx myotubes. 2) Chronic, but not acute, application of tetrodotoxin reduced resting [Ca2+]i in dystrophic myotubes, suggesting that elevated resting [Ca2+]i is a consequence of previous long-term contractile activity. 3) Rates of manganese quenching of fura 2 fluorescence, an indirect indicator of calcium influx, were significantly higher in mdx myotubes and were increased by nifedipine, a calcium leak channel agonist. 4) Calcium leak channel activity, measured using patch clamping, was greater in the sarcolemma of adult non-enzyme-treated mdx myofibers.

Calcium ionophore, A23187, alters the mode of cAMP formation in wild-type S49 murine lymphoma cells

We examined the change in the adenylyl cyclase activity of S49 cells occurring after exposure to calcium ionophore, A23187. MnCl2-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in membrane preparations increased by 67 +/- 3% (after 24 h treatment with 0.3 microM A23187), while no significant change was found in the basal activity or NaF-, isoproterenol- or forskolin-stimulated activities. An activity sensitive to CaCl2/calmodulin, which could not be detected in membranes from untreated cells, was found in membranes from A23187-treated cells. These changes took place after treatment with 0.1-0.3 microM A23187 for a period longer than 16 h. A brief treatment of S49 cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) enhances the activity of adenylyl cyclase (Bell, J.D. et al. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 2625-2628), but exposure of cells to PMA at the end of A23187-treatment did not affect the induction of the MnCl2-or CaCl2/calmodulin-sensitive activity. The results indicate that long-term treatment of S49 cells with calcium ionophore, A23187, induces adenylyl cyclase activity of a novel type, which is probably caused by an abnormal increase in free intracellular calcium.

Effects of the functional elimination of sarcoplasmic reticulum on the manganese-dependent norepinephrine-induced contractions of the guinea pig vas deferens

We investigated the effects of inhibitors of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) functions on the tonic contractions induced by norepinephrine (NE) in the Ca(2+)-depleted Mn(2+)-loaded vas deferens of the guinea pig in the absence of both Ca2+ and Mn2+ (Mn(2+)-dependent NE-contraction). In control preparations without Ca(2+)-depletion and Mn(2+)-loading, either cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 10 microM) or ryanodine (RYA, 3 microM) inhibited the initial phasic and tonic components but not the large phasic component of NE-induced contraction in normal medium containing 2.2 mM Ca2+. In contrast, CPA did not affect the Mn(2+)-dependent NE-contractions. The inhibitory effect of RYA slowly developed with each repetition of the Mn(2+)-dependent NE-contraction and the magnitude of the inhibition was slight. A23187 (10 microM) inhibited the NE-induced contractions of the control preparations in the same manner as CPA and RYA. Although A23187 did not induce contractions in the Mn(2+)-loaded preparations, A23187 augmented the Mn(2+)-dependent NE-contractions. The augmented tonic contractions returned to the resting level by washing NE and A23187. The augmentation remained for 3 successive contractions in the absence of A23187. However, the 2nd application of A23187 did not augment the contraction. These results suggest that neither Mn(2+)-release from SR nor Mn(2+)-influx from the extracellular space contributes to the Mn(2+)-dependent NE-contractions. We concluded that NE induces Mn(2+)-dependent contractions by increasing Mn2+ sensitivity of contractile processes but not by increasing intracellular Mn2+ concentration.

Multiple roles for divalent metal ions in DNA transposition: distinct stages of Tn10 transposition have different Mg2+ requirements

Tn10 transposition takes place by a non-replicative mechanism in which the transposon is excised from donor DNA and integrated into a target site. Mg2+ is an essential cofactor in this reaction. We have examined the Mg2+ requirements at various steps in Tn10 transposition. Results presented here demonstrate that Tn10 excision can occur efficiently at a 16-fold lower Mg2+ concentration than strand transfer and that, at Mg2+ concentrations in the range of 60-fold below the wildt-ype optimum, double strand cleavage events at the two transposon ends are completely uncoupled. These experiments identify specific breakpoints in Tn10 transposition which are sensitive to Mg2+ concentration. Whereas the uncoupling of double strand cleavage events at the two transposon ends most likely reflects the inability of two separate IS10 transposase monomers in the synaptic complex to bind Mg2+, the uncoupling of transposon excision from strand transfer is expected to reflect either a conformational change in the active site or the existence of an Mg2+ binding site which functions specifically in target interactions. We also show that Mn2+ relaxes target specificity in Tn10 transposition and suppresses a class of mutants which are blocked specifically for integration. These observations can be explained by a model in which sequence-specific target site binding is tightly coupled to a conformational change in the synaptic complex which is required for catalysis of strand transfer.

The environment of two metal ions surrounding the splice site of a group I intron

Several divalent metal ions (Ca2+, Sr2+ and Pb2+) do not promote splicing, but instead induce cleavage at a single site in the conserved group I intron core in the absence of the guanosine cofactor at elevated pH, generating products with 5'-OH and 3'-phosphate ends. The reaction is competed by Mg2+, which does not cleave at this position, but hydrolyses the splice sites producing 3'-OH and 5'-phosphate ends. Mn2+ promotes both core cleavage and splice site hydrolysis under identical conditions, suggesting that two different metal atoms are involved, each responsible for one type of cleavage, and with different chemical and geometric requirements. Based on the core cleavage position and on the previously proposed coordination sites for Mg2+, we propose a structural location for two metal ions surrounding the splice site in the Michel-Westhof three-dimensional model of the group I intron core. The proposed location was strengthened by a first mutational analysis which supported the suggested interaction between one of the metal ions and the bulged residue in P7.

Manganese protects against heart mitochondrial lipid peroxidation in rats fed high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids

We demonstrated previously that dietary manganese (Mn) deficiency depressed Mn concentrations in most tissues and consistently depressed Mn superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) levels in heart. To examine the functional consequences of these effects, we fed weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 12/diet) diets containing 20% (wt/wt) corn oil or 19% menhaden oil + 1% corn oil by weight and 0.75 or 82 mg Mn/kg diet for 2 mo (the fish oil mixture was supplemented with (+)-(mixed)-alpha-tocopherol to the level in corn oil). Heart and liver Mn concentrations in the Mn-deficient rats were 56% of those in Mn-adequate rats (P < 0.0001), confirming Mn deficiency. The Mn-deficient rats had more conjugated dienes in heart mitochondria than Mn-adequate rats (P < 0.001); rats fed fish oil had more conjugated dienes than those fed corn oil (P < 0.001). The MnSOD activity was inversely correlated with conjugated dienes (r = -0.71, P < 0.005), and Mn-deficient rats had 37% less MnSOD activity in the heart than did Mn-adequate rats (P < 0.0001). The dietary treatments did not affect heart microsomal conjugated diene formation, possibly because of compensation by copper-zinc (CuZn) SOD activity; CuZnSOD activities were 35% greater in the hearts of Mn-deficient animals (P < 0.01). Liver was less sensitive to Mn deficiency than was the heart as judged by MnSOD activity and conjugated diene formation. This work is the first to demonstrate that dietary Mn protects against in vivo oxidation of heart mitochondrial membranes.

Manganese effectively supports yeast cell-cycle progression in place of calcium

Metal ion requirements for the proliferation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were investigated. We used bis-(o-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), a relatively acid tolerant chelator, to reduce the free metal ion concentrations in culture media. Chelatable metal ions were added back individually and in combination. In addition to a requirement for approximately 10 pM external free Zn2+ we found an interchangeable requirement for either 66 nM free Ca2+ or only 130 pM free Mn2+. Cells depleted of Mn2+ and Ca2+ arrested as viable cells with 2 N nuclei and tended to have very small minibuds. In the absence of added Mn2+, robust growth required approximately 60 microM total internal Ca2+. In the presence of added Mn2+, robust growth continued even when internal Ca2+ was < 3% this level. Chelator-free experiments showed that MnCl2 strongly and CaCl2 weakly restored high-temperature growth of cdc1ts strains which similarly arrest as viable cells with 2 N nuclear contents and small buds. Its much greater effectiveness compared with Ca2+ suggests that Mn2+ is likely to be a physiologic mediator of bud and nuclear development in yeast. This stands in marked contrast to a claim that Ca2+ is uniquely required for cell-cycle progression in yeast. We discuss the possibility that Mn2+ may function as an intracellular signal transducer and how this possibility relates to previous claims of Ca2+'s roles in yeast metabolism.

Characteristics of a fast transient outward current in guinea pig trigeminal motoneurons

A fast transient voltage dependent outward current (TOC) in trigeminal motoneurons (TMNs) was studied in guinea pig brainstem slices by use of sharp electrodes in combination with single electrode voltage clamp techniques. In solutions containing TTX, low Ca2+/Mn2+ and 20 mM TEA this current activated around -55 to -60 mV from holding potentials negative to resting potential, obtained its peak amplitude within 5 ms and decayed as a single exponential with a time constant of 6-8 ms. Half maximal values for inactivation and activation were -72 and -37 mV, respectively. Bath application of 5 mM 4-AP suppressed this current by approximately 90% and eliminated the early depolarizing transient membrane rectification observed in response to a constant depolarizing current pulse, prolonged the action potential duration, and reduced the threshold voltage and delay to onset of the action potential. It is suggested that this current resembles the typical A-current observed in many CNS neurons and, as a result of its voltage and time dependent properties, could contribute to control of motoneuronal discharge and timing of burst onset during rhythmical jaw movements. Therefore, any cellular models of masticatory activity should include the properties of this current.

Effects of superoxide dismutase and catalase during reduction of adrenochrome by DT-diaphorase and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase

NADPH-cytochrome1 P450 reductase and DT-diaphorase catalyze and one- and two-electron reduction of adrenochrome to its o-semiquinone and o-hydroquinone, respectively. Under aerobic conditions both adrenochrome o-semiquinone and o-hydroquinone proved to be unstable, undergoing autoxidation with concomitant oxygen consumption and continuous NADPH and NADH oxidation. Molecular oxygen was found to play a predominant role in autoxidation of o-semiquinone during reduction of adrenochrome catalyzed by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. In addition, molecular oxygen, in the presence of manganese, was found to be responsible for the majority of autoxidation of o-semiquinone. However, the role of superoxide radicals in the autoxidation of leucoadrenochrome during the reduction of adrenochrome by DT-diaphorase was found to be predominant. Catalase different significantly with respect to NADPH and NADH oxidation during reduction of adrenochrome catalyzed by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and DT-diaphorase. Catalase increased NADPH oxidation slightly, while NADH oxidation was inhibited during reduction of adrenochrome by NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase and DT-diaphorase, respectively. The presence of manganese in the incubation mixture was found to increase the prooxidant role of catalase on autoxidation during one-electron reduction of aminochrome catalyzed by NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase. A marked difference in the inhibitory effect of superoxide dismutase on oxygen consumption during adrenochrome reduction catalyzed by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and DT-diaphorase was also observed. A possible mechanism for reduction of adrenochrome by NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and DT-diaphorase and a role for superoxide dismutase and catalase are proposed.

Cation channel activated by muscarinic agonists on porcine adrenal chromaffin cells

A large portion (70%) of the secretory response to muscarinic agonists in porcine adrenal chromaffin cells has previously been shown to be dependent on extracellular Ca2+ (Xu et al., J. Neurochem. 56: 1899-1896, 1991). Results presented here show that muscarinic agonists activate a cation-selective channel which is permeable to divalent cations. The muscarinic agonist, methacholine, was found to activate the uptake of Mn2+, which paralleled the ability of methacholine to activate 45Ca2+ uptake as shown previously. Secretion induced by methacholine was not affected by nifedipine, a compound that inhibits dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. In voltage-clamped cells, methacholine activated whole cell currents, which reversed at approximately -20 mV in standard salt solutions. However, with the standard whole cell configuration, the currents were slow to activate and were often erratic. In contrast, when the perforated-patch (nystatin) technique was used to measure whole cell currents, methacholine rapidly activated sustained inward currents. Ion-substitution experiments indicated that the inward currents were carried by Na+, Ba2+, or Ca2+ but not by Cl-. Single-channel currents activated by methacholine were observed in outside-out vesicles, which were electrically accessed using the perforated-patch technique. These channels reversed at -15 mV, had a slope conductance of 20 pS, and were 14-fold more likely to be open in the presence of methacholine. These channels are probably responsible for the extracellular Ca(2+)-dependent secretory response to muscarinic receptor stimulation in porcine adrenal chromaffin cells.

Trace elements in nutrition for premature infants

Ten trace elements that are nutritionally essential include: zinc, copper, selenium, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, cobalt, fluoride, iodine, and iron. This article briefly reviews the biochemistry of these trace elements, describes clinical deficiency states, and provides a rationale for recommended enteral and parenteral intakes for preterm infants.

Superoxide contributes to the rapid inactivation of specific secondary donors of the photosystem II reaction center during photodamage of manganese-depleted photosystem II membranes

The role of superoxide in the mechanism of photoinactivation of the secondary donors of the reaction center of photosystem II membranes depleted of Mn by extraction with NH2OH plus EDTA (NH2OH/EDTA-PSII) was assessed. EPR analyses (g = 2 region) in continuous light, optical kinetic spectrophotometric analyses of P680+ and Car+, and AT-band emission measurements were made after various durations of weak and strong light treatment of NH2OH/EDTA-PSII in the presence and absence of superoxide dismutase, or of PSII electron acceptors to suppress superoxide formation. Additionally, flash-induced variable fluorescence of chlorophyll a and the capabilities of the membranes of photooxidize Mn2+ (in the presence of H2O2) via a high-affinity site (Km approximately 180 nM) and to carry out the photoactivation of the Mn-cluster were determined. In the absence of any additions to the NH2OH/EDTA-PSII membranes which were highly depleted of Mn, weak light treatment caused rapid (t1/2 approximately 20 s) and parallel losses of (a) the approximately 10 microseconds phase of P680+ reduction, which reflects the TyrZ-->P680+ reaction, (b) the amplitude of chlorophyll a variable fluorescence, (c) the capability to accumulate the TyrZ(+)-radical in continuous light, and (d) the capability to photooxidize Mn2+/H2O2 in continuous light. As reported previously [Blubaugh et al. (1991) Biochemistry 30, 7586-7597], a dark-stable 12-G-wide featureless EPR signal centered at g = 2.004 was formed rapidly during illumination. This signal previously was tentatively identified as a Car+ radical and was suggested to contribute to the quenching of chlorophyll a variable fluorescence and to the slowing of the TyrZ-->P680+ reaction. However, we failed to detect Car+ formation by sensitive optical spectrophotometry and obtained no definable evidence for either a quencher of fluorescence other than P680+ itself or a slowing of the TyrZ-->P680+ reaction. Addition of a saturating concentration (96 units/mL) of superoxide dismutase diminished the rate of photodamage(s) by approximately 30-fold, but did not abolish it completely. Superoxide dismutase similarly suppressed strong light-induced photodamages, causing the loss of capability to photooxidize Mn2+/H2O2, to carry out photoactivation, and to generate the AT-band emission as well as TyrZ+ EPR signal. In contrast to others, we found no evidence that the initial target(s) of photodamage is (are) different in weak versus strong light treatment. The totality of the results suggests that the initial event in either weak light or strong light photodamage of NH2OH/EDTA-PSII is a decoupling of the redox activity of TyrZ from P680.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

An RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity associated with virions of tomato spotted wilt virus, a plant- and insect-infecting bunyavirus

An RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity was found associated with virions of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), a plant- and insect-infecting member of the family Bunyaviridae. Radiolabeled nucleoside triphosphates were incorporated into trichloroacetic acid-precipitable products by detergent-disrupted, purified TSWV virions. Incorporation was reduced to near-background levels when RNase was present in the reaction mixture. The predominantly double-stranded RNA products were RNase-resistant at high but not low salt concentrations. The activity required manganese and was independent of a DNA template. Discrete products of approximately 3.0 kb and heterogeneous smaller products were synthesized that hybridized to purified TSWV RNA and transcripts of cDNA clones encompassing parts of each of the three genomic RNAs. The predominant products were viral sense although significant amounts of viral complementary sense S RNA products were also synthesized.

Isolation of Pneumocystis carinii gp120 by fibronectin affinity: evidence for manganese dependence

Pneumocystis carinii is a major opportunistic lung pathogen and a leading cause of death among patients with the human immunodeficiency virus. Adherence of P. carinii to type I alveolar epithelial cells is essential for growth and replication and has been shown to be mediated in part by fibronectin (Fn). To better understand the mechanisms underlying this attachment, P. carinii-Fn interaction was characterized with respect to divalent and monovalent ion concentration and pH using an 125I-Fn binding assay to P. carinii. The results suggest that P. carinii has a receptor for Fn that was partially dependent on Ca2+, enhanced by Mn2+, and diminished somewhat by Mg2+. Additional data demonstrated that P. carinii-Fn interaction was sensitive to ionic strength. The pH profile revealed that P. carinii-Fn interaction increased with decreasing pH. The results from the binding assay provided the rationale for a simple isolation of the Fn receptor from P. carinii using a Fn-affinity column involving nondenaturing conditions. The isolated receptor appeared highly purified by SDS-PAGE analysis, with apparent molecular weights of 114 to 118 kD and 66 kD. Western blot analysis indicated that this receptor was gp120, a major surface glycoprotein of P. carinii. Furthermore, the isolated receptor inhibited Fn binding to P. carinii. Finally, a monoclonal antibody raised against the affinity-purified gp120 blocked Fn binding to P. carinii.

Depletion of manganese within the secretory pathway inhibits O-linked glycosylation in mammalian cells

Proteins transiting the secretory pathway are posttranslationally modified by addition of oligosaccharides to asparagine N-linked and serine and threonine O-linked residues. The effects of divalent cation depletion on oligosaccharide processing of erythropoietin (EPO) and macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) were studied in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Treatment with A23187 did not inhibit M-CSF or EPO secretion but did inhibit addition of complex N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides to both molecules. Similar results were obtained by treatment with thapsigargin, a potent inhibitor of the Ca(2+)-activated microsomal ATPase, indicating that the effect was due to depletion of divalent cations within the secretory pathway. Whereas addition of extracellular calcium chloride did not reverse the inhibition in complex N-linked and O-linked glycosylation, addition of manganese chloride partially reversed both defects. These results are consistent with a specific manganese requirement within the secretory pathway for the processing of complex N-linked oligosaccharides and the addition of O-linked oligosaccharides. Since there are no known specific inhibitors of O-linked glycosylation, the use of ionophores should significantly facilitate studies on the requirement and role of O-linked oligosaccharides in protein structure and function.

Distribution of manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase in the human brain

The distribution of manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that transforms superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide, was studied in the human brain post mortem using a sheep polyclonal antiserum raised against the enzyme from liver mitochondria. One band, corresponding to a protein of 22,000 mol. wt was detected in the human brain by western blot analysis. At the light-microscopy level, a punctate immunostaining was observed in the neuropil and in some but not all, glial and neuronal cell bodies. Electron-microscopy revealed that the staining was exclusively confined to the inner mitochondrial membrane. A heterogeneous distribution of manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase was observed in the human brain. In the forebrain, numerous immunostained neurons were detected in the striatum, thalamus, pallidal complex and the nucleus basalis of Meynert. In the cerebellum, only granular and Purkinje cells were immunostained. Various nuclei from the brainstem displayed superoxide dismutase immunoreactivity, including the cranial nerve nuclei, the nucleus supratrochlearis, the red nucleus, the substantia nigra, the nucleus cuneiformis and subcuneiformis, the nucleus parabigeminal, the nucleus centralis superior, the nucleus supraspinalis, the nucleus of the medullae oblongata and the gigantocellularis nucleus. Large pyramidal neurons containing superoxide dismutase were detected in the CA subsectors, the hilus of the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex. Smaller immunostained neurons were also observed in layers I, IV and VI of all cortical regions studied. The distribution of immunostained glial cells was more limited, and restricted to the internal and external capsules, the hypothalamus, the red nucleus, the pyramidal white matter and surrounding areas, the cerebral cortex and the sub-ependymal layer, the alveus and the stratum oriens of the hippocampus. This heterogeneous but not ubiquitous distribution of cells expressing manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase suggests that not all cells in the human brain are protected to the same extent against the deleterious effects of superoxide.

Phosphorolytic error correction during transcription

Escherichia coli DNA-directed RNA polymerase is shown to contain a novel phosphorolytic error correction activity which removes erroneous nucleotides, as rNDPs, from the 3'-end of the growing transcript. The activity we describe is biochemically similar to polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNP), yet in contrast to PNP is activated by Mn2+. We demonstrate that the activity, which is mediated by Pi, is dependent on the presence of an incorrectly incorporated nucleotide at the leading 3'-end of the transcript. The correction activity we describe exhibits a 4 x 10(4)-fold preference for the excision of incorrect nucleotides from the transcript. These findings suggest the possibility that RNA phosphorolysis may play a critical role in the process of transcriptional proofreading.

Control of leucocyte function-associated antigen-1-dependent cellular conjugation by divalent cations

The control of integrin activation is fundamental to an understanding of the integrin-dependent cellular adhesion thought to be important for a plethora of basic cellular functions. Using a cell-cell conjugation assay the role of divalent cations in leucocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1)-dependent cellular adhesion was further investigated. The conjugation of interleukin-2 (IL-2)-activated lymphocytes to tumour cells was found to be energy dependent and required the presence of various divalent cations, removal of which decreased the level of conjugation. Increased concentrations of calcium, magnesium and manganese ions resulted in a corresponding increase in levels of conjugation. This increase in conjugation was LFA-1 dependent. Interestingly, when calcium ions were first removed from LFA-1, treatment of lymphocytes with magnesium and manganese ions gave significantly higher levels of conjugation than in the presence of calcium. Using a simple displacement study, calcium ions were shown to displace magnesium ions resulting in decreased conjugation. However, calcium ions were unable to displace manganese ions for binding to LFA-1. That manganese was exerting its effect via an LFA-1-dependent mechanism was confirmed using monoclonal antibodies to CD11a which negated the increased conjugation frequency due to manganese.

A physiological role of Mn2+ in the regulation of cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase from rat liver is unlikely

A cytosolic cell-free system prepared from rat liver was used to study the effect of bivalent cations on the activity of the gluconeogenic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). Steady-state concentrations of oxaloacetate in the range 5-50 microM were generated from increasing concentrations of malate+fumarate (10:1); 2 mM ITP and 3 mM Mg2+ were added as cofactors. Micromolar concentrations of Mn2+, Fe2+ and, to a lesser extent, of Zn2+ and Co2+ were shown to stimulate PEPCK activity. Vmax. (mumol/min per g of liver) increased from 0.67 to 1.68 on addition of 5 microM Fe2+ and to 2.34 with 2 microM Mn2+, whereas no significant effect on the Km for oxaloacetate was observed. The apparent K(a) values (total) were 0.62 microM for Mn2+, 1.48 microM for Zn2+, 1.92 microM for Co2+ and 3.37 microM for Fe2+, being 2-8-fold lower than the corresponding published values. Variations of the free Mn2+ concentration were obtained (a) by increasing the Mn2+ concentration (i.e. activation curve) and (b) by simultaneous addition of Mn2+ and increasing concentrations of the chelating agent EGTA (i.e. inactivation curve). Different results were obtained for the activation and inactivation curves. The inactivation curve showed that PEPCK activity was almost unaffected by variations of the free Mn2+ concentration over the range 0.05-0.15 microM. Under comparable experimental conditions, rat liver arginase (another Mn(2+)-dependent enzyme) was completely inactivated. From kinetic evidence, the existence of two distinct molecular forms of cytosolic rat liver PEPCK with different Mn2+ affinities is postulated. Considering the high affinity of PEPCK for Mn2+ and its relative insensitivity to changes in the free Mn2+ concentration, it seems rather unlikely that changes in the free cation concentration play a major role in regulating PEPCK activity in vivo.

Possible involvement of manganese in the catalytic mechanism of bovine liver arginase

1. Bovine liver arginase followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics in the pH range of 4.5-9.0. The variation of vi with pH implied that a basic group (pKa 8.7) functions at the catalytic site. 2. Treatment of the enzyme with N-ethylmaleimide showed that there are no critical sulfhydryl groups on the enzyme. 3. The less selective reagent, 3-bromopyruvate, caused biphasic inactivation which was unaffected by the presence of ornithine. 4. The data pointed against critical involvement of active site amino acid side chains in the catalytic sequence in arginase. 5. The observed pH-rate profile may reflect ionization of metal-bound water.

A rapid polymerase-chain-reaction-directed sequencing strategy using a thermostable DNA polymerase from Thermus flavus

We have developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-directed sequencing strategy for rapid sequencing of DNA from crude viral or cell preparations. The basic strategy consists of two phases. In the first phase, the target DNA is amplified by symmetric PCR with low concentrations of deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate (dNTP) and oligodeoxyribonucleotide primers. This results in exponential amplification of DNA in the initial cycles, reaching a plateau by 25 cycles due to limiting concentrations of dNTP and primers. In the second phase, a small aliquot of the PCR mixture is amplified without any purification, by asymmetric PCR in the presence of a 5'-labeled primer and one of the four dideoxyribonucleotide triphosphates. This results in the accumulation of single-stranded DNA products that are terminated at specific points by incorporation of the appropriate dideoxyribonucleotide monophosphate. The products are then analyzed by electrophoresis on a sequencing gel followed by autoradiography. The PCR conditions are optimized to generate sequence ladders of several hundred nucleotides starting from as low as 100 copies of bacteriophage or bacterial genome in one to two days.

Protection of human umbilical vein endothelial cells by glycine and structurally similar amino acids against calcium and hydrogen peroxide-induced lethal cell injury

Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with either the calcium ionophore, ionomycin, or ionomycin plus cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone had immediate severe depletion of adenosine triphosphate, (ATP) and increases of cytosolic free calcium (Caf) and then sustained lethal cell injury as manifested by release of lactate dehydrogenase and failure to exclude vital dyes within 15 minutes. Inclusion of glycine in the experimental medium prevented the enzyme leakage for at least 60 minutes without altering the ATP depletion or increases of Caf. The physiologic glycine concentration of 0.25 mmol/l gave 50% protection, and protection was complete at 1 mmol/l. Several other small neutral amino acids, L- and D-alanine, beta-alanine, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate, alpha-aminoisobutyrate, and L-serine, had effects similar to glycine, but other amino acids and metabolic substrates did not. The endothelial cells were relatively resistant to damage from hydrogen peroxide, but sensitivity could be increased by preloading with Fe2+. In both non-loaded and Fe(2+)-loaded cells, hydrogen-peroxide-induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release developing over 180 minutes was prevented by glycine in a fashion analogous to that seen with ionomycin damage. Mn2+ also partially protected against hydrogen peroxide injury but was not required for glycine's effects. These data demonstrate that striking modulatory effects of glycine and structurally similar amino acids that have previously been characterized in most detail using kidney tubule cells are strongly expressed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and are involved in their response to Ca2+ and oxidant-mediated damage. These amino acid effects must be considered in the design of in vitro studies of endothelial cell injury and may contribute to endothelial cell pathophysiology in vivo.

Characterization of DNA-directed RNA polymerases in isolated macronuclei of the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila. Effects of purified ornithine decarboxylase and amine compounds

The possible regulatory interactions of purified ornithine decarboxylase with DNA-directed RNA polymerases in isolated macronuclei from the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila were studied. It has been found that highly purified ODC (specific activity 10.2 mumols CO2 x h-1 x mg-1), even at activities of 37,500 nmol CO2 x h-1 per ml failed to alter RNA polymerase activity in the in vitro transcription assay in the presence or absence of the substrate L-ornithine at 20mM. The naturally occurring di- and polyamines putrescine, spermidine, and spermine stimulated in-vitro-transcription in isolated macronuclei more at optimal Mg2+/Mn(2+)-concentrations than at suboptimal concentrations, suggesting that polyamines act via a mechanism which is distinct from that of the inorganic cations. Of the monovalent amine compounds tested, (NH4)+ at high concentrations between 40 and 50mM slightly stimulated activity whereas the onset of stimulation by the organic amine compounds, piperidine and cyclohexylamine, was inversely related to the hydrophobicity of each particular compound. In the series of divalent amines, the correct distance between the N-atoms appeared to be very important since ethylenediamine and piperazine did not stimulate significantly but did inhibit at concentrations above 5 mM. 1,3-Diaminopropane stimulated slightly but inhibited above 10 mM, whereas the 1,4-diamino compounds putrescine and 1,4-diaminocyclohexane (DAC) were equally potent stimulators with the more hydrophobic one, DAC, reaching the maximum at lower concentrations than putrescine. For the trivalent amines, the influence of correct spacing seems not to be as important: N-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine stimulated very similar to spermidine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Low- and high-activity forms of glutamine synthetase from Rhodospirillum rubrum: sensitivity to feed-back effectors and activation of the low-activity form

Glutamine synthetase from Rhodospirillum rubrum can be isolated in two forms, with low and high activity, respectively, depending on the concentration of combined nitrogen in the medium before harvest. The two forms have been studied with respect to their dependence on Mn2+ and Mg2+ in both the transferase and the biosynthetic assay. There is no difference in pH optimum between the forms in the biosynthetic assay. In addition the pH-optima for the two cations studied are very close, 7.4 (Mg2+) and 7.2 (Mn2+). It also shows that the activity of the low-activity form is higher than that of the high-activity form in the Mn(2+)-dependent biosynthetic assay. The two forms of Rsp. rubrum glutamine synthetase have also been studied with respect to their sensitivity towards feed-back effectors. In the transferase assay both forms are inhibited to essentially the same degree by alanine, glycine, histidine, AMP, CTP and UTP, CTP being the most effective of the nucleotides and of the amino acids alanine causes the highest inhibition. In the biosynthetic assay these effectors show different degrees of inhibition on the two different forms; the high-activity form being the most sensitive. The results are discussed in relation to properties of glutamine synthetase from Escherichia coli and other phototropic bacteria in which regulation of glutamine synthetase is known to be due to adenylylation. It is also shown that the low-activity form of Rsp. rubrum glutamine synthetase can be activated in crude extracts in a reaction that is inhibited by glutamine.

Elevated level of serum Mn-superoxide dismutase in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis: possible involvement of free radicals in the pathogenesis in primary biliary cirrhosis

Serum Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) was determined in patients with various liver diseases including 31 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), 46 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 17 with liver cirrhosis (LC), 23 with chronic hepatitis (CH) and 12 patients with obstructive jaundice with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a specific monoclonal antibody. The serum level in patients with PBC (407 +/- 35 ng/ml, mean +/- SEM; n = 31) was significantly increased (p less than 0.01) compared with those of other liver diseases. Mn-SOD level did not correlate with total bilirubin level, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity, alkaline phosphatase activity, alanine aminotransferase activity, IgM, or with ceruloplasmin level in the sera of the patients. When the patients with PBC were histologically subdivided into four groups according to Scheuer's classification (Scheuer PJ. Primary biliary cirrhosis. In: Scheuer PJ, ed. Liver biopsy interpretation. 3rd ed. London: Bailliere Tindall, 1980:47-56), a high level of serum Mn-SOD was noticed in the early stage as well as in the advanced stage of the disease. Immunoblot analysis confirmed the reactivity and specificity of the monoclonal antibody to the enzyme protein in the patients' sera. Immunostaining of a liver biopsy specimen from the patients with PBC revealed increased expression of the enzyme protein in damaged epithelial cells of interlobular bile ducts, bile ductules, and degenerated hepatocytes. These data suggested that free radicals including superoxide anion are possibly involved in the pathogenesis of the disease and Mn-SOD may play some role in a protection against the superoxide anion.

Structural and functional modifications of the manganese cluster in Ca(2+)-depleted S1 and S2 states: electron paramagnetic resonance and X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies

The effect of extraction of weakly bound Ca2+ by low-pH treatment on the O2-evolving apparatus was studied by use of low-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. In low-pH-treated PSII membranes, an S2 EPR multiline signal with modified line shape was induced by illumination at 0 degrees C, but its signal amplitude decreased upon lowering the excitation temperature with concomitant oxidation of cytochrome (cyt) b-559 in place of Mn. The half-inhibition temperature for formation of the modified multiline signal was found at -33 degrees C, which was much higher than that for formation of the normal S2 state in untreated control membranes. Signal IIf was normally induced down to -30 degrees C, but its dependence on excitation temperature was different from that for modified S2. This was interpreted as indicating that the low-temperature blockage of modified S2 formation is due to the incapability of electron abstraction from the Mn cluster. The Mn K-edge of X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectrum shifted to lower energy by 0.8 eV after low-pH treatment, but the shift was reversed by addition of Ca2+. Upon illumination at 0 degrees C of treated membranes, the K-edge energy was up-shifted by 0.8 eV, but was not upon illumination at 210 K. These results were interpreted as indicating that extraction of weakly bound Ca2+ by low-pH treatment gives rise to structural and functional modulations of the Mn cluster.

Role of manganese in MG-63 osteosarcoma cell attachment to fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor

Some integrin receptors have been reported to be functionally distinct in different cell types. In endothelial and melanoma cells, the vitronectin receptor, alpha v beta 3 binds fibrinogen (fg) and von Willebrand factor (vWf) in addition to vitronectin itself, whereas it fails to do so in MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. In this report, it is shown that, in the presence of Mn2+, MG-63 cells attach more efficiently to vitronectin and acquire the de novo capacity to adhere to fg- and vWf-coated surfaces. The latter phenomenon occurs with full cell spreading, F-actin microfilament organization, and alpha v and beta 3 clustering at focal contacts. In contrast, beta 1 and beta 5 do not localize to adhesion plaques under the same experimental conditions. An antiserum to the beta 3 chain and a synthetic peptide containing the sequence Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro block MG-63 attachment to fg and vWf in the presence of Mn2+. The minimal active concentration of Mn2+ is in the range of 0.1 to 1 microns. These data suggest that the acquired capacity of MG-63 to attach to fg and vWf in the presence of Mn2+ is mediated by alpha v beta 3 and that differences in alpha v beta 3 receptor specificity may be modulated by exogenous factors.

Ureidoglycolate amidohydrolase from developing French bean fruits (Phaseolus vulgaris [L.].)

Ureidoglycolate is an intermediate of allantoin catabolism in ureide-transporting legumes. This report describes the first purification of ureidoglycolate degrading activity (UGDA) from plant tissue in which the enzyme has been separated from urease. The enzyme from developing fruits of Phaseolus vulgaris has been purified 48-fold to give a preparation free of allantoinase and urease activity. UGDA was inhibited by EDTA while the Vmax was increased in the presence of Mn2+. The Km values for ureidoglycolate in the presence and the absence of Mn2+ were 2.0 and 5.4 mM, respectively. In the absence of Mn2+ UGDA was heat labile at 40 degrees C, but in the presence of Mn2+ the activity was stable up to temperatures of 60 degrees C. The Mr of UGDA was determined to be 300,000 by gel filtration chromatography and the pH optimum ranged from pH 7.0 to 8.5. Ammonia was determined to be the nitrogen-containing product of UGDA by a microdiffusion assay. This enzyme should therefore be described as ureidoglycolate amidohydrolase. The activity was shown to be associated with peroxisomes by fractionation of a crude extract on a sucrose density gradient. The products of ureidoglycolate degradation are glyoxylate, ammonia, and presumably carbon dioxide, which can be readily utilized by pathways of metabolism that are known to be present in this organelle.

Receptor-mediated supra-additive activation of guinea pig superior cervical ganglion adenylate cyclase: role of Mn2+ ions and calmodulin

The effects of Mn2+ and calmodulin were studied on the basal and agonist-modulated adenylate cyclase activity of the guinea pig superior cervical ganglion. The divalent cation strongly stimulates the basal and agonist-modulated enzyme in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, in the presence of Mn2+ the inhibitory effects of "high" GTP concentrations and of D-Ala2-Met-enkephalinamide on adenylate cyclase are eliminated, while the stimulation exerted by prostaglandin E2 and the supra-additive activation of the enzyme by the combination of the two drugs are unaffected. In EGTA-washed, calmodulin-depleted membrane preparations, Mn2+ still activates the cyclase but the enkephalin inhibition and the superactivation of the enzyme induced by the combination of opiate and prostaglandin are lost, both in the absence and in the presence of the cation. Reconstituting the depleted membranes with exogenous Ca2+/calmodulin fully restored the enzyme responsivity to the combination and, partially, to the enkephalin. The findings suggest the existence in the guinea pig superior cervical ganglion of both the calmodulin-sensitive and differently regulated calmodulin-insensitive adenylate cyclase.

Partial purification and characterization of a DNA helicase from chloroplasts of Glycine max

A DNA helicase activity was detected in extracts of purified chloroplasts from the SB-1 cell line of Glycine max and partially purified by column chromatography on DEAE cellulose, phosphocellulose, and single-stranded DNA cellulose. The chloroplast helicase has a DNA-dependent ATPase activity, and its strand displacement activity is strictly dependent upon the presence of a nucleoside triphosphate and Mg2+ or Mn2+. Strand displacement activity does not require a free unannealed single-strand or replication fork-like structure.

The IN protein of Moloney murine leukemia virus processes the viral DNA ends and accomplishes their integration in vitro

Retroviral DNA integration involves a coordinated set of DNA cutting and joining reactions. We find that the IN protein of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) is the only viral protein required to accomplish these reactions in vitro. IN protein has a site-specific nuclease activity that cleaves 2 nucleotides from the sequence present at the 3' ends of MoMLV DNA made by reverse transcription. This reaction generates the recessed 3' ends that are normal precursors for integration. IN protein also possesses the integration activity that joins these recessed 3' ends of the viral DNA to a staggered cut, made by IN protein, in the target DNA. Short duplex oligonucleotides, corresponding to the ends of MoMLV DNA, serve as the viral DNA substrate for both the cleavage and integration reactions; there are no special requirements for the DNA that acts as the target for integration. The reaction products are detected by a direct physical assay.

Mn2(+)-activated aspartate aminopeptidase activity, subcellular localization in young and adult rat brain

The levels of soluble and membrane-bound aminopeptidase activities were assayed in subcellular fractions from young (4 weeks old) and adult (20 weeks old) rat brains, using Asp-2-naphthylamide as substrate. The young rats showed the highest soluble and membrane-bound levels of activity in the microsomal fraction but no differences among fractions were found at 20 weeks of age. The membrane-bound activity was significantly higher than the soluble one in all subcellular fractions of young rats. Soluble activity of the homogenate and the mitochondrial fraction was significantly increased in adult animals when compared to that of younger ones.

Spreading of trypsinized cells: cytoskeletal dynamics and energy requirements

The spreading of trypsinized XTH-2 cells (a line derived from Xenopus laevis tadpole heart endothelia) on glass was investigated. Three phases can be distinguished: (1) blebbing of rounded cells, first attachment to a solid substratum and formation of a broad smooth contact area; (2) organization of a peripheral zone of actin fibrils and reinforcement of the basal cytoplasm by a stress fibre-like pattern; (3) extension of lamellae. The first phase seems to be independent of a supply of metabolic energy, while the others clearly depend on it. This is concluded from the close relationship between cellular projection area and energization of mitochondria as revealed by (a) the fluorescence intensity of cells vitally stained with the mitochondria-specific fluorochrome DASPMI (2–4-(dimethylamino)-styryl-1-methylpyridinium-iodine); (b) the degree of spreading in the presence of inhibitors of respiration; (c) effective amelioration of spreading (phases (2) and (3] under conditions of high ATP content. In phase (2) the extension of the central part of the cells becomes stabilized, the cell body settles on the basal cytoplasmic layer and further expansion of the projection area is achieved by lamella formation (phase (3]; motile and stabile regions of the cells become separated. This sequence of events is interpreted as a self-organizing process based on the development of internal hydraulic pressure, actin polymerization and contraction of the newly developed actomyosin network. During trypsinization, depolymerization of actin does not occur but rather on addition of Ca2(+)-containing media. Cellular ATP content drops as well on trypsinization, as on addition of Ca2+. Manganese promotes spreading by decreasing F-actin disassembly and maintaining a high level of cytosolic ATP, most probably because it is not accepted by the calcium pumps. Regarding the association of glycolytic enzymes with F-actin and their influence on actin assembly, lactate dehydrogenase has been inhibited with oxamic acid. This treatment improves the correlation between F-actin content and the degree of spreading; however, the total amount of F-actin remains smaller and the cells spread more.

Mn and Mg influxes through Ca channels of motor nerve terminals are prevented by verapamil in frogs

At frog neuromuscular junctions immersed in solutions containing 0.5 mM Mn2+, verapamil (40 microM) reduced the increase in miniature end-plate potential (MEPP) frequency produced by tetanic stimulation (50 Hz, 2 min) of the motor nerve to 5% of that in the absence of verapamil. In solutions containing 5 mM Mg2+, verapamil reduced the tetanic increase in MEPP frequency to 8% of that in the absence of verapamil. Verapamil added to solutions containing 0.15 mM Ca2+ decreased the tetanic rise in MEPP frequency to 6% of the control value. In low Ca2+ (nominally Ca2(+)-free) solutions, verapamil decreased the tetanic rise to 70% of the control value. The present results suggest that Mn2+ and Mg2+, as well as Ca2+, enter the nerve terminal through Ca2+ channels during nerve stimulation and promote transmitter release. In addition to its effect on the Ca2+ channel, verapamil at higher concentrations appears to have inhibitory effects on the acetylcholine-gated end-plate channel and on the Na+ channel as suggested by its depressive effects on the amplitudes of MEPPs, end-plate potentials and nerve terminal action potentials.

Activity profiles of enzymes that control the uracil incorporation into DNA during neuronal development

We have shown that DNA polymerase beta, the only nuclear DNA polymerase present in adult neurons, cannot discriminate between dTTP and dUTP, having the same Km for both substrates. This fact suggests that during reparative DNA synthesis, in adult neurons, dUMP residues can be incorporated into DNA. Since uracil DNA-glycosylase functions to prevent the mutagenic effects of uracil in DNA coming as a product of deamination of cytosine residues or as a result of dUMP incorporation by DNA polymerase, we have studied the perinatal activity of uracil DNA-glycosylase and of 2 enzymes (nucleoside diphosphokinase and dUTPase) involved in dUTP metabolism. Our data indicate that during neuronal development there is a rapid decrease in uracil DNA-glycosylase which could impair the removal of uracil present in DNA in adult neurons. However, misincorporation of dUMP into DNA might be kept to a low frequency by the action of dUTPase present at all developmental stages.

Nuclear magnetic relaxation studies of the role of the metal ion in Mn2(+)-substituted aminoacylase I

Substitution of the essential Zn2+ ions of porcine kidney aminoacylase I (EC 3.5.1.14) by Mn2+ did not markedly affect the kinetic properties of the enzyme. Using Mn2+ as a paramagnetic probe, we were able to study the conformations of bound ligands by measuring the enhancement of ligand proton relaxation in 1H NMR. In addition, the effects of inhibitors on the paramagnetic enhancement of water proton relaxation rates were examined. The results of both approaches, in agreement with kinetic evidence, suggest that the metal center of aminoacylase I is too distant from the ligand binding site to allow direct participation of the metal in substrate binding or catalysis. We, therefore, propose that the metal ion of aminoacylase I plays a purely structural role.

Re-examination by improved reverse transcriptase assay of DNA polymerase in platelets from myelodysplastic disease patients

A number of reports have suggested that platelets from polycythemia vera patients contain reverse transcriptase activity that might be correlated with C-type retrovirus-like particles. As described herein, we devised a new assay method for reverse transcriptase activity using MS-2 phage RNA hybridized with synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide (18-mer) as a template/primer. Using this new, sensitive assay method, we examined the platelet enzyme. By the conventional assay method using poly(rA)-oligo(dT), extracts of platelets showed a considerable amount of incorporation. However, by the new assay method using MS-2 RNA, no incorporation was observed. The poly(rA)-oligo(dT)-dependent activity was purified on Mono Q column, and it was shown that this activity coincided with that of DNA polymerase gamma.

Purification and characterization of a Mn2+/phospholipid-dependent protein phosphatase from pig brain membranes

A Mn2+/phospholipid-dependent protein phosphatase has been identified and characterized from brain membranes. The phosphatase contains three subunits with molecular weights of 64,000, 54,000, and 35,000 in a 1:1:1 molar ratio. On gel filtration, the enzyme has an apparent molecular weight of approximately 180,000. The phosphatase was active on many substrates, including p-nitrophenyl phosphate, phosphotyrosine, phosphothreonine, phosphorylase a, myelin basic protein, histones, type 1 phosphatase inhibitor-2, microtubule tau protein, and synapsin I. To dephosphorylate phosphoproteins, the phosphatase was dependent on such acidic phospholipids as phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine but not on neutral phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The phospholipid-mediated activation of the phosphatase was time and dose dependent and could be reversed by Triton X-100 or gel filtration. Kinetic study further indicates that phospholipid was able to increase the Vmax of the phosphatase but had no effect on the Km value for substrates, suggesting a direct interaction of phospholipids with the phosphatase. Conversely, in order to dephosphorylate phosphoamino acids such as phosphotyrosine and phosphothreonine, this phosphatase was entirely dependent on Mn2+. Phospholipids had no effect on the dephosphorylation of phosphoamino acids, whereas Mn2+ had no effect on the dephosphorylation of phosphoproteins. It is concluded that this Mn2+/phospholipid-dependent membrane phosphatase has two distinct activation mechanisms. The enzyme requires Mn2+ to dephosphorylate micromolecules, whereas acidic phospholipids are needed to dephosphorylate macromolecules. This suggests that Mn2+ and phospholipids may play a role in regulating the substrate specificity of this multisubstrate membrane phosphatase.

Isolation and partial characterization of an Mr 60,000 subunit of a type 2A phosphatase from rabbit reticulocytes

A Mr 60,000 peptide that modulates the activity of the Mr 35,000 catalytic subunit of a type 2A phosphatase has been isolated from rabbit reticulocytes and partially characterized. The peptide appears to be a subunit of the intact phosphatase that has been isolated under nondenaturing conditions. The Mr 60,000 peptide itself is catalytically inactive. However, it binds to the Mr 35,000 catalytic subunit causing a decrease in its activity for dephosphorylation of phosphorylated 40 S ribosomal subunits, but an increase in dephosphorylation of peptide initiation factor 2 phosphorylated in its alpha subunit. Reassociation of the Mr 60,000 and the Mr 35,000 peptides yields a two-subunit phosphatase with a Stokes radius of 42 A; sedimentation coefficient, S20,w of 5.1 S; molecular weight of 89,000. These parameters are compared to those of the native three-subunit enzyme and those of the isolated Mr 35,000 and 60,000 peptides.

Pyruvate kinase isozymes from the green alga, Selenastrum minutum. II. Kinetic and regulatory properties

The kinetic and regulatory properties of two pyruvate kinase isozymes, PKp and PKc (apparent chloroplastic and cytosolic isozymes, respectively) from the green alga Selenastrum minutum were studied. The two isozymes differed greatly in several kinetic properties. Although both isozymes showed hyperbolic substrate saturation kinetics, the apparent Michaelis constants for PEP and ADP were about twofold and fourfold lower, respectively, for PKc as compared with PKp. ADP was the preferred nucleotide substrate for both isozymes. However, PKc utilized alternate nucleotides far more effectively than did PKp. PKc and PKp also differed strongly in the effect of activators and inhibitors on the enzymes. Although both isozymes were activated by dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) with a similar activation constant of about 30 microM, this activator (0.5 mM) caused an approximate 30% increase in the Vmax of PKc, but had no effect on the Vmax of PKp. PKp, but not PKc, was inhibited by ribose 5-phosphate, ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate, 2-phosphoglycerate, phosphoglycolate, and malate. Both isozymes were inhibited by MgATP, Mg2citrate, Mg2oxalate, and Pi. PKc was far more sensitive to inhibition by Pi, as compared with PKp. Pi was a competitive inhibitor of PKc with respect to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) (Ki = 1.3 mM). Glutamate was a potent inhibitor of PKc, but had no effect on PKp. In contrast with Pi, glutamate was a mixed-type inhibitor of PKc with respect to PEP (Ki = 0.7 mM). DHAP facilitated the binding of PEP by both isozymes and reversed or relieved the inhibition of PKc by Pi and/or glutamate. The regulatory properties of PKp indicate that it is likely less active in the light and more active in the dark. The in vivo activity of PKc is probably regulated by the relative cytosolic levels of DHAP, Pi, and glutamate; this provides a rationale for the activation of algal cytosolic pyruvate kinase which occurs during periods of enhanced ammonia assimilation.

Seizure activity in vitro: a dual focus model

Recently, we have reported that the exposure of hippocampal slices in vitro to artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) containing no added magnesium results in ictal-like (ictaform) activity in area CA3 of the hippocampal formation. Other reports describe such activity in slices of entorhinal cortex (EC) under similar conditions. Because of the close interrelationship between the entorhinal area and the hippocampal formation, we have begun to study, in vitro, brain slices which contain both the entorhinal cortex and the hippocampal formation. In these slices, we have found that, in the magnesium-free (0-Mg2+) model, there is good electrical communication between area CA3 and the EC. Simultaneous recordings of the activity in the EC and CA3 showed that, when the circuitry linking the two areas was intact, the EC tended to initiate the ictaform activity and lead CA3. However, late in the event, CA3 could lead EC. Furthermore, interictal-like spontaneous bursting in CA3 led to a disorganized pattern of ictaform activity in EC. Finally, when the EC was separated from the hippocampal formation, both areas were capable of ictaform activity which was temporally unrelated. This model provides the opportunity to explore the relationship between two epileptogenic areas in vitro, and to compare and contrast the morphology of the ictaform activity present in both structures. As such, it may prove valuable in both pharmacological and physiological studies of seizure disorders.

Expression of the glucan-binding lectin of Streptococcus cricetus requires manganous ion

Streptococcus cricetus AHT exhibited a requirement for manganese for growth and expression of the glucan-binding lectin. While low concentrations of manganese (0.1 to 10 microM) were able to support growth, higher concentrations (greater than 100 microM) were required for full expression of the glucan-binding lectin. The manganous-aquo ion may be important in cellular adhesion and accumulation processes in dental plaque.

Diffusive water permeability in isolated kidney proximal tubular cells: nature of the cellular water pathways

The diffusive water permeability (Pd) of the plasma membrane of proximal kidney tubule cells was measured using a 1H-NMR technique. The values obtained for the exchange time (Tex) across the membrane were independent of the cytocrit and of the Mn2+ concentration (in the range 2.5 to 5 mM). At 25 degrees C the calculated Pd value was (per cm2 of outer surface area without taking into account membrane invaginations) 197 +/- 17 microns/sec. This value equals 22.3 +/- 1.9 microns/sec when the invaginations are taken into account. Cell exposure to 2.5 mM parachloromercuribenzenesulfonic acid, pCMBS, (for 20 to 35 min) reduced Pd to 45% of its control value. Five mM dithiothreitol, DTT, reverted this effect. The activation energy for the diffusive water flux was 5.2 +/- 1.0 kcal/mol under control conditions. It increased to 9.1 +/- 2.2 kcal/mol in the presence of 2.5 mM pCMBS. Using our previous values for the osmotic water permeability (Pos) in proximal straight tubular cells the Pos/Pd ratio equals 18 +/- 1, under control conditions, and 3.2 +/- 0.3 in the presence of pCMBS. These experimental results indicate the presence of pathways for water, formed by proteins, crossing these membranes, which are closed by pCMBS. Assuming laminar flow (within the pore), from Pos/Pd of 13 to 18 an unreasonably large pore radius of 12 to 15 A is calculated which would not hinder cell entry of known extracellular markers. Alternatively, for a single-file pore, 11 to 20 would be the number of water molecules which would be in tandem inside the pore.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chick brain glutamine synthetase and Mn2+-Mg2+ interactions

Glutamine synthetase (GS) from the chick brain was purified to apparent homogeneity by ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by affinity chromatography, electrofocusing and Sephadex G-150 chromatography. The purified enzyme showed a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate analysis in polyacrylamide gel. By sedimentation equilibrium analysis and gel electrophoresis analysis, it was shown that the enzyme has a subunit molecular weight of 45,000 and a native molecular weight of 364,000, which is consistent with an octameric structure. Sedimentation analysis in the presence of Mg2+ revealed three different forms of macromolecules corresponding respectively to a monomer, a tetramer and an octamer. Among eight cations tested (Ca2+, Co2+, Fe2+, Li+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+) only Co2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+ supported GS activity; the order of activatory ability was Mg2+ greater than Co2+ greater than Mn2+. The maximum activating effect of Mn2+ occurs only within a very narrow range of concentration: with an excess of cation causing strong inhibition of GS activity. For each cation, maximal GS activity occurs at a defined cation/ATP ratio. A regulatory system in which Mn2+, modulates the Mg2+ dependent GS activity, is proposed; such cation interactions may be of significance in the intracellular control of glutamine synthesis.