NMR studies of multiple conformations in complexes of Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase with analogues of pyrimethamine

1H and 19F NMR signals from bound ligands have been assigned in one- and two-dimensional NMR spectra of complexes of Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase with various pyrimethamine analogues (including pyrimethamine [1, 2,4-diamino-5-(4'-chlorophenyl)-6-ethylpyrimidine], fluoropyrimethamine [2, 2,4-diamino-5-(4'-fluorophenyl)-6-ethylpyrimidine], fluoronitropyrimethamine [3, 2,4-diamino-5-(4'-fluoro-3'-nitrophenyl) -6-ethylpyrimidine], and methylbenzoprim [4, 2,4-diamino-5-[4'- (methylbenzylamino)-3'-nitrophenyl]-6-ethylpyrimidine]). The signals were identified mainly by correlating signals from bound and free ligands by using 2D exchange experiments. Analogues (such as 1 and 2) with symmetrically substituted phenyl rings give rise to 1H signals from four nonequivalent aromatic protons, clearly indicating the presence of hindered rotation about the pyrimidine-phenyl bond. Analogues containing asymmetrically substituted aromatic rings (such as 3 and 4) exist as mixtures of two rotational isomers (an enantiomeric pair) because of this hindered rotation and the NMR spectra revealed that both isomers (forms A and B) bind to the enzyme with comparable, though unequal, binding energies. In this case two complete sets of bound proton signals were observed. The phenyl ring protons in each of the two forms experience essentially the same protein environment (same shielding) as that experienced by the corresponding protons in bound pyrimethamine: this confirms that forms A and B correspond to two rotational isomers resulting from approximately 180 degrees rotation about the pyrimidine-phenyl bond, with the 2,4-diaminopyrimidine ring being bound similarly in both forms. The relative orientations of the two forms have been determined from NOE through-space connections between protons on the ligand and protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A novel method of preparing totally alpha-deuterated amino acids for selective incorporation into proteins. Application to assignment of 1H resonances of valine residues in dihydrofolate reductase

The pyridoxal/2H2O exchange reaction of the alpha-CH of amino acids is known to be accompanied by racemisation: Thus by using a D-amino acid as the starting material any L-amino acid formed in the reaction will be essentially fully deuterated at its alpha-position. We have used this method to prepare alpha-deuterated L-valine and incorporated this biosynthetically into L. casei dihydrofolate reductase. A comparison of the alpha CH-NH fingerprint regions of COSY spectra of deuterated and normal DHFR complexes allows one to identify cross-peaks from 15 of the 16 valine residues.

The 1H-NMR assignments of the aromatic resonances in complexes of Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase and the origins of their chemical shifts

All the aromatic proton resonances in the 500-MHz NMR spectra of Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase have been assigned for several of its complexes with inhibitors. For the complexes with methotrexate and trimethoprim this was achieved by using a combination of NMR techniques in conjunction with a selectively deuterated protein designed to simplify the spectra such that nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) connections could be detected with greater ease and certainty. By correlating these NOE data with crystal structure data on related complexes it was possible to assign all the aromatic resonances and to extend these assignments to spectra of other complexes of dihydrofolate reductase. The conformation-dependent chemical shifts observed for many of the resonances could be explained qualitatively, but not quantitatively, in terms of ring-current shifts. The discrepancies between calculated ring-current shifts and the observed conformation-dependent shifts could not in general be accounted for satisfactorily in terms of carbonyl-group anisotropic shielding contributions calculated using presently available models. In the case of the H delta 1, delta 2 protons of Phe30 some of the discrepancy probably results from a difference in the conformation of the Phe ring between the solution and crystal states.

NMR studies of interactions of ligands with dihydrofolate reductase

NMR spectroscopy is a useful technique for studying interactions, conformations and dynamic processes within ligand-protein complexes. Several examples of the application of the method to studies of complexes of anti-folate drugs with their target enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase, are discussed.

Cardiac surgery in patients over the age of 80 years

The risk-benefit relationship of open heart surgery in octogenarians is not well established. Eighty consecutive patients over the age of 80 who underwent cardiac operations under cardiopulmonary bypass were evaluated. Twenty-five patients were in functional class IV, 42 in class III, and 13 in class II. Forty-four patients had only coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG), 12 only aortic valve replacement (AVR), 6 only mitral valve replacement (MVR), 12 CABG and AVR, 4 CABG and MVR, 1 CABG and aneurysmectomy, and 1 had resection of left atrial myxoma. Operative mortality (within 30 days) was 12.5% for the group. Mortality was related to bleeding, left ventricular failure, primary ventricular fibrillation, pulmonary failure, and renal failure. Mortality was higher in patients with (1) advanced functional class, (2) mitral valve replacement, (3) postoperative hemorrhage, and (4) associated pulmonary disease. While a generally conservative approach is recommended for octogenarian patients, many with life-threatening cardiac disease, especially those free of major multisystem illnesses, should not be denied the benefit of surgical treatment.

Cephalocele involving the oral cavity

A cephalocele is an uncommon neural tube defect that rarely involves the oral cavity. We present a case of an oral cephalocele associated with polyhydramnios discovered on antenatal ultrasound. The differential diagnosis includes epignathus and epulis. The prognosis is dependent not only on the extent of brain involvement and associated anomalies, but also on the exact location of the herniated mass. If the oral cavity is extensively involved, airway management at birth may be difficult. Therefore, preparations for delivery may include maternal tertiary site referral, antenatal neurosurgical and pediatric consultation, and anticipation of complications such as rupture of the sac, dystocia, or the need for immediate tracheostomy if intubation is not possible.

19F-n.m.r. studies of ligand binding to 5-fluorotryptophan- and 3-fluorotyrosine-containing cyclic AMP receptor protein from Escherichia coli

Two fluorine-containing analogues of the cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) from Escherichia coli were prepared by biosynthetic incorporation of 5-fluorotryptophan (5-F-Trp) and 3-fluorotyrosine (3-F-Tyr). The 19F-n.m.r. spectrum of the [5-F-Trp]CRP showed two signals corresponding to the two tryptophan residues, and that of the [3-F-Tyr]CRP showed six signals (two overlapping) corresponding to the six tyrosine residues: these results are as expected for a symmetrical dimer. A comparison of the 19F-n.m.r. spectra of the CRP analogues in the presence and in the absence of cyclic AMP reveals that the chemical shifts of both tryptophan residues and of two of the six tyrosine residues show differences. Since none of these residues is in direct contact with the bound nucleotide (although Trp-85 is fairly close), these shift changes must arise from induced conformational effects. The 19F-n.m.r. spectra of complexes with cyclic GMP showed chemical-shift perturbations different from those caused by cyclic AMP, indicating that different conformational changes are induced by the binding of cyclic GMP. The 19F-n.m.r. spectrum of the complex of [3-F-Tyr]CRP with tubercidin 3',5'-(cyclic)monophosphate (which can activate transcription) showed essentially the same chemical-shift changes as seen for the cyclic AMP complex, indicating that similar conformational changes have been induced by the nucleotide binding. [3-F-Tyr]CRP in the presence of an equimolar amount of the 20 bp self-complementary DNA oligomer 5'-AATGTGAGTTAACTCACATT-3' and excess cyclic AMP gave an 19F-n.m.r. spectrum that was almost identical with that for the [3-F-Tyr]CRP-cyclic AMP complex, indicating that the binding of DNA does not induce significant conformational changes involving the tyrosine residues. Proteolysis of [3-F-Tyr]CRP with chymotrypsin produced a 31 kDa fragment that is a dimer containing the cyclic AMP-binding domain. This fragment contains five of the six tyrosine residues, and its 19F-n.m.r. chemical shifts were essentially the same as those of the intact protein except for one missing signal (signal F): this signal could be assigned to Tyr-206 and shown to be unperturbed by the binding of cyclic nucleotide to the intact [3-F-Tyr]CRP. The similarity of the 19F-n.m.r. chemical shifts in the alpha-fragment and the intact CRP indicates that the alpha-fragment retains the same structure as found in the intact protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Characterisation by mass spectrometry and 500-MHz proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of penta- and hexasaccharide chains of human foetal gastrointestinal mucins (meconium glycoproteins)

Structural studies using liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and 500-MHz 1H NMR are described of the major penta- and hexasaccharides of a fraction of human foetal gastrointestinal mucins. Glycoproteins from a blood group H active meconium pool were studied after depletion of Ii antigenic activities by immunoaffinity chromatography and treatment with mild acid hydrolysis to reduce the chain heterogeneity. Oligosaccharides were released by mild alkali/borohydride degradation and purified by Bio-Gel P4 chromatography and HPLC. Eleven penta- and hexasaccharides have been fully characterised as a result of this study and one previous report [Hounsell et al. (1988) Biochem. J. 256, 397-401] and information obtained on additional oligosaccharides present in small amounts. These oligosaccharides show the following features: (table; see text) Sequences in these oligosaccharides not commonly found in mucins so far studied are chain-terminating GlcNAc alpha 1-4Gal, repeating-type-I (Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc) backbones, the backbone branch GlcNAc beta 1-6(GlcNAc beta 1-3)Gal and the backbone sequence GlcNAc beta 1-6Gal beta 1- in the absence of a substituent at C3 of galactose.

Dihydrofolate reductase: control of the mode of substrate binding by aspartate 26

The complex of Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase with the substrate folate and the coenzyme NADP+ has been shown to exist in solution as a mixture of three slowly interconverting conformations whose proportions are pH-dependent and which differ in the orientation of the pteridine ring of the substrate in the binding site. The Asp26----Asn mutant of L. casei dihydrofolate reductase has been prepared by oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis and studied by one- and two-dimensional 1H-NMR spectroscopy. NMR studies of the mutant enzyme--folate--NADP+ complex show that this exists to greater than 90% in a single conformation over the pH* range 5-7.1. The single conformation observed corresponds to conformation I (the 'methotrexate-like' conformation) of the wild-type enzyme--folate--NADP+ complex. These observations demonstrate that Asp26 is the ionizable group controlling the pH-dependence of the conformational equilibrium seen in the wild-type enzyme.

A kinetic study of wild-type and mutant dihydrofolate reductases from Lactobacillus casei

A kinetic scheme is presented for Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase that predicts steady-state kinetic parameters. This scheme was derived from measuring association and dissociation rate constants and pre-steady-state transients by using stopped-flow fluorescence and absorbance spectroscopy. Two major features of this kinetic scheme are the following: (i) product dissociation is the rate-limiting step for steady-state turnover at low pH and follows a specific, preferred pathway in which tetrahydrofolate (H4F) dissociation occurs after NADPH replaces NADP+ in the ternary complex; (ii) the rate constant for hydride transfer from NADPH to dihydrofolate (H2F) is rapid (khyd = 430 s-1), favorable (Keq = 290), and pH dependent (pKa = 6.0), reflecting ionization of a single group. Not only is this scheme identical in form with the Escherichia coli kinetic scheme [Fierke et al. (1987) Biochemistry 26, 4085] but moreover none of the rate constants vary by more than 40-fold despite there being less than 30% amino acid homology between the two enzymes. This similarity is consistent with their overall structural congruence. The role of Trp-21 of L. casei dihydrofolate reductase in binding and catalysis was probed by amino acid substitution. Trp-21, a strictly conserved residue near both the folate and coenzyme binding sites, was replaced by leucine. Two major effects of this substitution are on (i) the rate constant for hydride transfer which decreases 100-fold, becoming the rate-limiting step in steady-state turnover, and (ii) the affinities for NADPH and NADP+ which decrease by approximately 3.5 and approximately 0.5 kcal mol-1, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Photolabile precursors of inositol phosphates. Preparation and properties of 1-(2-nitrophenyl)ethyl esters of myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate

1-(2-Nitrophenyl)ethyl esters of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) have been synthesized and shown to have suitable properties for use as photolabile precursors of InsP3. Synthesis was accomplished by treatment of InsP3 with 1-(2-nitrophenyl)diazoethane in a CHCl3/water mixture. This resulted in esterification of each of the three phosphate residues in InsP3, the 1-phosphate being more reactive than the 4- or 5-phosphate. Singly esterified P-1, P-4, and P-5 esters, termed P-1, P-4, and P-5 caged InsP3, were isolated from the reaction mixture by anion-exchange HPLC and characterized by 500-MHz 1H NMR spectroscopy. Each of these caged InsP3 esters exists as a pair of diastereoisomers and was identified by examining the effects of pH and nitrophenyl ring current shielding on the chemical shifts of nonexchangeable inositol protons. 1H NMR spectra of InsP3 were analyzed for comparison. On photolysis the compounds released InsP3 with rate constants of 175 (P-1), 225 (P-4), and 280 s-1 (P-5) as determined by monitoring the aci-nitro decay reaction at pH 7.1, 0.2 M ionic strength, 21 degrees C. Quantum yields determined by steady-state near-UV photolysis were 0.65 +/- 0.08 for each compound. P-4 and P-5 caged InsP3 were the most promising biologically inactive InsP3 precursors since at concentrations up to 50 microM they did not release Ca2+ from smooth muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and were not metabolized by vascular smooth muscle InsP3 5-phosphatase or bovine brain InsP3 3-kinase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dihydrofolate reductase: multiple conformations and alternative modes of substrate binding

The complex of Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase with the substrate folate and the coenzyme NADP+ has been shown to exist in solution as a mixture of three slowly interconverting conformations whose proportions are pH-dependent [Birdsall, B., Gronenborn, A. M., Hyde, E. I., Clore, G. M., Roberts, G. C. K., Feeney, J., & Burgen, A. S. V. (1982) Biochemistry 21, 5831]. The assignment of the resonances of all the aromatic protons of the ligand molecules in all three conformational states of the complex has now been completed by using a variety of NMR methods, particularly two-dimensional exchange experiments. The resonances of the nicotinamide protons of the coenzyme and the pteridine 7-proton of the folate have different chemical shifts in the three conformations, in some cases differing by more than 1 ppm. Comparison of the COSY spectra of the complex at low pH (conformation I) and high pH (conformations IIa and IIb) with that of the enzyme-methotrexate-NADP+ complex shows only slight differences in the conformation of the protein. The pattern of chemical shift changes in the ligand and the protein indicates that the structural differences are localized within the active site of the enzyme. Nuclear Overhauser effects (NOEs) are observed between the nicotinamide 5- and 6-protons and the methyl resonance of Thr 45 at both low and high pH, indicating that there is no major movement of the nicotinamide ring. By contrast, NOEs are observed between the pteridine 7-proton and the methyl protons of Leu 19 and Leu 27 in conformations I and IIa but not in conformation IIb.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interactions between inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase

The binding of substrates and inhibitors to dihydrofolate reductase was studied by steady-state kinetics and high-field 1H-n.m.r. spectroscopy. A series of 5-substituted 2,4-diaminopyrimidines were examined and were found to be 'tightly binding' inhibitors of the enzyme (Ki less than 10(-9) M). Studies on the binding of 4-substituted benzenesulphonamides and benzenesulphonic acids also established the existence of a 'sulphonamide-binding site' on the enzyme. Subsequent n.m.r. experiments showed that there are two binding sites for the sulphonamides on the enzyme, one of which overlaps the coenzyme (NADPH) adenine-ring-binding site. An examination of the pH-dependence of the binding of sulphonamides to the enzyme indicated the influence of an ionizable group on the enzyme that was not directly involved in the sulphonamide binding. The change in pKa value from 6.7 to 7.2 observed on sulphonamide binding suggests the involvement of a histidine residue, which could be histidine-28.

NMR studies of differences in the conformations and dynamics of ligand complexes formed with mutant dihydrofolate reductases

Two mutants of Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase, Trp 21----Leu and Asp 26----Glu, have been prepared by using site-directed mutagenesis methods, and their ligand binding and structural properties have been compared with those of the wild-type enzyme. 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR studies have been carried out to characterize the structural changes in the complexes of the mutant and wild-type enzymes. Replacement of the conserved Trp 21 by a Leu residue causes a decrease in activity of the enzyme and reduces the NADPH binding constant by a factor of 400. The binding of substrates and substrate analogues is only slightly affected. 1H NMR studies of the Trp 21----Leu enzyme complexes have confirmed the original resonance assignments for Trp 21. In complexes formed with methotrexate and the mutant enzyme, the results indicate some small changes in conformation occurring as much as 14 A away from the site of substitution. For the enzyme-NADPH complexes, the chemical shifts of nuclei in the bound coenzyme indicate that the nicotinamide ring binds differently in complexes with the mutant and the wild-type enzyme. There are complexes where the wild-type enzyme has been shown to exist in solution as a mixture of conformations, and studies on the corresponding complexes with the Trp 21----Leu mutant indicate that the delicately poised equilibria can be perturbed. For example, in the case of the ternary complex formed between enzyme, trimethoprim, and NADP+, two almost equally populated conformations (forms I and II) are seen with the wild-type enzyme but only form II (the one in which the nicotinamide ring of the coenzyme is extended away from the enzyme structure and into the solvent) is observed for the mutant enzyme complex. It appears that the Trp 21----Leu substitution has a major effect on the binding of the nicotinamide ring of the coenzyme. For the Asp 26----Glu enzyme there is a change in the bound conformation of the substrate folate. Further indications that some conformational adjustments are required to allow the carboxylate of Glu 26 to bind effectively to the N1 proton of inhibitors such as methotrexate and trimethoprim come from the observation of a change in the dynamics of the bound trimethoprim molecule as seen from the increased rate of the flipping of the 13C-labeled benzyl ring and the increased rate of the N1-H bond breaking.

Enzymic synthesis, chemical characterisation and Sda activity of GalNAc beta 1-4[NeuAc alpha 2-3]Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc and GalNAc beta 1-4[NeuAc alpha 2-3]Gal beta 1-4Glc

The tetrasaccharides GalNAc beta 1-4[NeuAc alpha 2-3]Gal beta 1-4Glc and GalNAc beta 1-4[NeuAc alpha 2-3]Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc were synthesised by enzymic transfer of GalNAc from UDP-GalNAc to 3'-sialyllactose (NeuAc alpha 2-3 Gal beta 1-4Glc) and 3'-sialyl-N-acetyllactosamine (NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc). The structures of the products were established by methylation and 1H-500 MHz NMR spectroscopy. In Sda serological tests the product formed with 3'-sialyl-N-acetyllactosamine was highly active whereas that formed with 3'-sialyllactose had only weak activity.

Identification of a novel oligosaccharide backbone structure with a galactose residue monosubstituted at C-6 in human foetal gastrointestinal mucins

An oligosaccharide purified from a major penta- to hexa-saccharide fraction of human meconium glycoproteins has been shown by m.s. and n.m.r. analysis to have a novel backbone structure containing an internal galactose residue monosubstituted at C-6 by N-acetylglucosamine: (Formula: see text). This oligosaccharide may represent a biosynthetic product of a previously unrecognized N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase catalysing formation of a linear GlcNAc beta 1-6Gal sequence.

Direct 19F NMR observation of the conformational selection of optically active rotamers of the antifolate compound fluoronitropyrimethamine bound to the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase

The molecular basis of the binding of the lipophilic antifolate compound fluoronitropyrimethamine [2,4-diamino-5-(4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)-6-ethylpyrimidine] to its target enzyme dihydrofolate reductase has been investigated using a combination of 19F NMR spectroscopy and molecular mechanical calculations. 19F NMR reveals the presence of two different conformational states for the fluoronitropyrimethamine-Lactobacillus casei enzyme complex. MM2 molecular mechanical calculations predict restricted rotation about the C5-C1' bond of the ligand and this gives rise to two slowly interconverting rotamers which are an enantiomeric pair. The results of 19F NMR spectroscopy reveal that both these isomers bind to the enzyme, with different affinities. There is no detectable interconversion of the bound rotamers themselves on the NMR timescale. The effect of the addition of co-enzyme to the sample is to reverse the preference the enzyme has for each rotamer.

500-MHz 1H-n.m.r. and conformational studies of fucosyloligosaccharides recognised by monoclonal antibodies with specificities related to Le(a), Le(b), and SSEA-1

500-MHz 1H-n.m.r. spectroscopy has been used to examine several fucosylated oligosaccharides in studies to characterise carbohydrate antigenic determinants recognised by monoclonal antibodies. Reduction of the oligosaccharides to give additional variants for analysis showed that oligosaccharides having an alpha-L-fucosyl group linked to the reducing end residue have markedly different chemical shifts, and in some instances different antigenic activity, compared to their alditols. This information was incorporated into space filling molecular models of the oligosaccharides in order to predict the topography of atoms recognised by the antibody combining sites. These studies are an intermediate stage in the full characterisation of oligosaccharide conformation and molecular recognition by methods which accurately determine torsional angles and through-space internuclear distances.

Separation of human milk oligosaccharides by recycling chromatography. First isolation of lacto-N-neo-difucohexaose II and 3'-Galactosyllactose from this source

Lacto-N-neo-difucohexaose II, beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-[alpha-L-Fucp-(1----3)]-beta-D-Glcp-NAc-(1----3)-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-[alpha-L-Fucp-(1----3)]-D-Glc, and 3'-galactosyllactose, beta-D-Galp-(1----3)-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-D-Glc, were isolated for the first time from human milk by means of a recycling chromatography technique. Through this method, carried out mainly on columns of K+ ion-exchange resins and either Bio-Gel P-4 or TSK 40 W(S) gel filtration media, up to one gram of an oligosaccharide mixture could be handled and lacto-N-neo-difucohexaose II separated from isomeric lacto-N-difucohexaose I, alpha-L-Fucp-(1----2)-beta-D-Galp-(1----3)-[alpha-L-Fucp-(1----4)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1----3)-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-D-Glc, and II, beta-D-Galp-(1----3)-[alpha L-Fucp-(1----4)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1----3)-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-[alpha-L-Fucp-(1----3)]-D-Glc. This method also permitted resolution of isomeric mixtures of the trisaccharides 2'-fucosyllactose, alpha-L-Fucp-(1----2)-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-D-Glc, and 3-fucosyllactose, beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-[alpha-L-Fucp-(1----3)]-D-Glc, the tetrasaccharides lacto-N-tetraose, beta-D-Galp-(1----3)-beta-D-GlcpNac-(1----3)-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-D-Glc, and lacto-N-neo-tetraose, beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1----3)-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-D-Glc, and the pentaoses lacto-N-fucopentaose I, alpha-L-Fucp-(1----2)-beta-D-Galp-(1----3)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1----3)-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-D-Glc, II, beta-D-Galp-(1----3)-[alpha-L-Fucp-(1----4)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1----3)-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-D-Glc, and III, beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-[alpha-L-Fucp-(1----3)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1----3)-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-D-Glc, which have proved difficult if not impossible to separate by other means. The isolation of these and other milk oligosaccharides is described herein. The 500-MHz 1H-n.m.r. spectra of lacto-N-neo-difucohexaose II and 3'-galactosyllactose, and their alditols, are recorded. 1H-n.m.r. data on some other milk oligosaccharides, both natural and reduced, are also given.

Dynamics of trimethoprim bound to dihydrofolate reductase

The conformation of a small molecule in its binding site on a protein is a major factor in the specificity of the interaction between them. In this paper, we report the use of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy to study the fluctuations in conformation of the anti-bacterial drug trimethoprim when it is bound to its "target," dihydrofolate reductase. 13C relaxation measurements reveal dihedral angle changes of +/- 25 degrees to +/- 35 degrees on the subnanosecond time scale, while 13C line-shape analysis demonstrates dihedral angle changes of at least +/- 65 degrees on the millisecond time scale. 1H NMR shows that a specific hydrogen bond between the inhibitor and enzyme, which is believed to make an important contribution to binding, makes and breaks rapidly at room temperature.

500 MHz 1H n.m.r. of oligosaccharides of N-acetyl-lactosamine-type released from human erythrocyte glycopeptides by endo-beta-galactosidase

500 MHz 1H n.m.r. spectroscopy has been used in structural studies of three linear and five branched oligosaccharides of N-acetyl-lactosamine-type that were released from desialylated blood group O erythrocyte glycopeptides by treatment with the endo-beta-galactosidase of Bacteroides fragilis followed by reduction. The following oligosaccharide alditols were characterized: (formula; see book)

Structural comparisons of complexes of methotrexate analogues with Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase by two-dimensional 1H NMR at 500 MHz

We have used two-dimensional (2D) NMR methods to examine complexes of Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase and methotrexate (MTX) analogues having structural modifications of the benzoyl ring [the 3',5'-difluoro and 3',5'-dichloro analogues (II and III)] and also the glutamic acid moiety [the alpha- and gamma-monoamides (IV and V)]. Assignments of the 1H signals in the spectra of the various complexes were made by comparison of their 2D spectra with those of complexes containing methotrexate where we have previously assigned resonances from 32 of the 162 amino acid residues. In the complexes formed with the dihalomethotrexate analogues, the glutamic acid and pteridine ring moieties were shown to bind to the enzyme in a manner similar to that found in the methotrexate-enzyme complex. Perturbations in 1H chemical shifts of protons in Phe-49, Leu-54, and Leu-27 and the methotrexate H7 and NMe protons were observed in the different complexes and were accounted for by changes in orientation of the benzoyl ring in the various complexes (15 degrees and 25 degrees in the difluoro- and dichloromethotrexate complexes, respectively). Binding of oxidized or reduced coenzyme (NADP+ or NADPH) to the binary complexes did not result in different shifts for Leu-27, Leu-54, or Leu-19 protons, and thus, the orientation of the benzoyl ring of the methotrexate analogues is not perturbed greatly by the presence of either oxidized or reduced coenzyme.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

15N and 1H NMR evidence for multiple conformations of the complex of dihydrofolate reductase with its substrate, folate

The binding of folate to Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase in the presence and absence of NADP+ has been studied by 15N NMR, using [5-15N]folate. In the presence of NADP+, three separate signals were observed for the single 15N atom, in agreement with our earlier evidence from 1H and 13C NMR for multiple conformations of this complex [(1982) Biochemistry 21, 5831-5838]. The 15N spectra of the binary enzyme-folate complex provide evidence for the first time that this complex also exists in at least two conformational states. This is confirmed by the observation of two separate resonances for the 7-proton of bound folate, located by two-dimensional exchange spectroscopy.

Complete 1H-n.m.r. assignments for two core-region oligosaccharides of human meconium glycoproteins, using 1D and 2D methods at 500 MHz

The complete 1H-n.m.r. assignments for alpha-D-GalNAc-(1----3)-D-GalNAc-ol and beta-D-Gal-(1----4)-beta-D-GlcNAc-(1----6)-D-GalNAc-ol have been made using a combination of 2D correlation experiments (COSY, RELAYED-COSY, and F1-decoupled) and an analysis of the high-resolution 1D-n.m.r. spectra at 500 MHz.

Ricin-resistant mutants of baby-hamster-kidney cells deficient in alpha-mannosidase-II-catalyzed processing of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides

Previous work has shown that two ricin-resistant mutants of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, RicR15 and RicR19, synthesize only hybrid and oligomannose-type asparagine-linked oligosaccharides [Hughes, R. C. and Mills, G. (1985) Biochem. J. 226, 487-498]. In the present report glycopeptides were released from disrupted cells by exhaustive digestion with pronase, fractionated by chromatography on concanavalin-A--Sepharose, DEAE-Sephacel and lentil-lectin--Sepharose and characterized by 500-MHz 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The major hybrid structure identified in both cell lines contains five mannose residues and the sequence NeuNAc alpha 2----3Gal beta 1----4GlcNAc beta 1----2 linked to the alpha 1----3 arm mannose of the core pentasaccharide. Analysis of extracts of normal or mutant cells has shown in the mutants a deficiency in alpha-mannosidase activity measured with p-nitrophenyl alpha-mannoside. This activity is swainsonine-sensitive and exhibits a pH optimum at about 6-6.5. Assays using a specific substrate for alpha-mannosidase II, a terminal processing glycosidase in conversion of penta-mannose hybrid intermediates to complex N-glycans, reveals a reduced activity in RicR15 cells. Analysis of glycopeptides obtained from cells labelled with [3H]fucose or [3H]galactose revealed a small proportion of branched complex N-glycans of normal structure in mutant cells.

Oligosaccharides obtained from a blood-group-Sd(a+) Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein. An n.m.r. study

Treatment of Tamm-Horsfall urinary glycoprotein with Bacteroides fragilis endo-beta-galactosidase over a range of enzyme concentrations, pH and temperature resulted in the release of a small but constant proportion of the terminal sugars, which indicates the presence in the glycoprotein of relatively few enzyme-susceptible -GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc- units. Three oligosaccharides were isolated from the enzyme digest and characterized as Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal, NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4 GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal and GalNAc beta 1-4(NeuAc alpha 2-3)Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal by methylation analysis and exo-glycosidase digestion. The alditols of these oligosaccharides and related structures were examined by 500 MHz 1H-n.m.r. spectroscopy aided by spin-spin decoupling and two-dimensional correlated spectroscopy. An almost complete assignment of proton shifts was possible, and significant differences between the signals of some of the protons in the blood-group-Sda-active oligosaccharide III and literature values for the corresponding signals in the structurally related Cad-blood-group determinant are noted.

1H-NMR studies at 500 MHz of a neutral disaccharide and sulphated di-, tetra-, hexa- and larger oligosaccharides obtained by endo-beta-galactosidase treatment of keratan sulphate

In the preceding paper in this journal, the major oligosaccharides obtained by endo-beta-galactosidase digestion of bovine corneal keratan sulphate were identified as a neutral disaccharide, GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal, and sulphated di-, tetra-, hexa-, octa- and decasaccharides based on the sequence (-3/4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-)n having 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 sulphate groups, respectively. In the present study, these oligosaccharides have been analysed by 500-MHz 1H-NMR spectroscopy using spin-decoupling and two-dimensional correlated spectroscopy experiments. The NMR data confirm the beta-configuration of all the interglycosidic linkages and are consistent with an alternating sequence of----4GlcNAc and----3Gal, a non-reducing-end N-acetylglucosamine residue and a reducing-end galactose residue. The NMR data have also established that a sulphate group is linked to the C6 position of all sugar residues except the reducing-end galactose as follows: (Formula: see text). The signals of the protons attached to the sulphated carbon atoms show marked downfield shifts (approximately 0.4 ppm from equivalent protons of non-sulphated carbon atoms), while the protons at C5 vicinal to sulphated atoms show a change of 0.1-0.2 ppm and other protons of the sulphated monosaccharides show smaller changes in chemical shift (0.01-0.1 ppm). The proton at C4 of the non-sulphated reducing-end galactose linked at C3 also shows a significant change in chemical shift (0.03 ppm).

Trimethoprim binding to Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase: a 13C NMR study using selectively 13C-enriched trimethoprim

We have measured the 13C chemical shifts for trimethoprim molecules selectively enriched with 13C at the 2-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-positions and the p-OCH3 position in their complexes with Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase in the presence and absence of coenzyme analogues. The C2 carbon shifts indicate that the pyrimidine ring is protonated at N1 in all the complexes of trimethoprim with the enzyme and coenzymes and in each case the pyrimidine ring is binding in a similar way to that of the corresponding part of methotrexate in the enzyme-methotrexate complex. The C6 carbon of trimethoprim shows a large upfield shift in all complexes (3.51 to 4.70 ppm) but no shift in the complex of 2,4-diaminopyrimidine with the enzyme: these shifts probably arise from steric interactions between the C1' and C2' carbons and the H6 proton, which approach van der Waals contact in the folded conformation adopted by trimethoprim when bound to the enzyme. The large shift observed for C6 in all complexes indicates that the basic folded conformation is present in all of them. A comparison of the 13C shifts in the enzyme-trimethoprim-NADPH complex with those in the enzyme-trimethoprim binary complex shows substantial changes even for carbons such as C6 and p-OCH3 (0.46 and -0.36 ppm, respectively), which are remote from the coenzyme: these are caused by ligand-induced conformational changes that may involve displacement of the helix containing residues 42-49.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dihydrofolate reductase. 1H resonance assignments and coenzyme-induced conformational changes

Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase has been studied in solution by one and two-dimensional 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (n.m.r.) spectroscopy at 500 MHz. By using a combination of n.m.r. methods in conjunction with the crystal structure of the enzyme-methotrexate-NADPH complex, resonances have been assigned for 32 of the 162 residues of the enzyme. These are widely distributed throughout the structure of the protein, and include all the histidine and tyrosine residues, as well as several valine, leucine, isoleucine and phenylalanine residues. The assignments have been made for the enzyme-methotrexate and enzyme-methotrexate-NADP+ complexes as well as the enzyme-methotrexate-NADPH complex. Comparison of assigned resonances in the spectra of the three complexes has permitted a preliminary assessment of structural differences between them. The beta-sheet "core" of the protein is unaffected by coenzyme binding, but two regions of the structure that undergo coenzyme-induced conformation changes have been identified. These are the loop comprising residues 13 to 23, and alpha-helix C (residues 42 to 49).

Properties of baby-hamster kidney (BHK) cells treated with Swainsonine, an inhibitor of glycoprotein processing. Comparison with ricin-resistant BHK-cell mutants

Baby-hamster kidney (BHK) cells were grown continuously in long-term monolayer culture in the presence of Swainsonine, an inhibitor of alpha-mannosidase II, a processing enzyme involved in glycoprotein biosynthesis. The asparagine-linked oligosaccharides (N-glycans) were isolated from Pronase-digested cells by gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography and affinity chromatography on concanavalin A--Sepharose and lentil lectin--Sepharose. The major N-glycans, analysed by 500 MHz 1H-n.m.r. spectroscopy, were identified as hybrid structures containing five mannose residues and neutral high-mannose N-glycans. The major hybrid species contained a core-substituted fucose alpha(1----6) residue and a NeuNAc alpha(2----3)Gal beta(1----4)GlcNAc terminal sequence; smaller amounts of non-sialylated and non-fucosylated hybrid structures were also detected. Swainsonine-treated cells also produced neutral oligosaccharides containing a single reducing N-acetylglucosamine residue substituted with polymannose sequences. The glycopeptide composition of Swainsonine-treated BHK cells resembles closely that of the ricin-resistant BHK cell mutant, RicR21 [P. A. Gleeson, J. Feeney and R. C. Hughes (1985) Biochemistry 24, 493-503], except the hybrid structures of RicR21 cells contain three, not five, mannose residues. Like RicR21 cells, Swainsonine-treated BHK cells showed a greatly increased resistance to ricin cytotoxicity, but not to modeccin, another galactose-binding lectin. These effects were readily reversed on removal of Swainsonine and growth in normal medium.

Identification of the 1H resonances of valine and leucine residues in dihydrofolate reductase by using a combination of selective deuteration and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy

Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase (Mr 18 500) contains 16 valine and 14 leucine residues. By comparing the 2D COSY NMR spectra of normal and [gamma-2H6]valine enzyme we have been able to identify all 60 methyl resonances from these residues, and to connect the pairs arising from the same residue. This pairing of the methyl resonances was aided by the examination of the 2D RELAY spectrum which also allowed the C alpha H resonances (and hence the complete spin systems) of 14 of the valine residues to be identified. The combination of selective deuteration with 2D NMR techniques is shown to be a powerful general method for resolving 1H resonances in the complex spectra of proteins and for assigning them to amino-acid type.

31P-saturation-transfer nuclear-magnetic-resonance measurements of phosphocreatine turnover in guinea-pig brain slices

The technique of 31P saturation-transfer n.m.r. was used to determine the forward and the reverse rate constants of creatine phosphotransferase in superfused guinea-pig cerebral tissues in vitro. The calculated forward rate constant of 0.22 +/- 0.03s-1 compared well with a previously reported value for rat brain in vivo [Shoubridge, Briggs & Radda (1982) FEBS Lett. 140, 288-292]. The reverse rate constant was found to be 0.55 +/- 0.10s-1. 3. By using concentrations of ATP and phosphocreatine estimated previously for this superfused preparation [Cox, Morris, Feeney & Bachelard (1983) Biochem. J. 212, 365-370], forward and reverse flux rates were calculated to be 0.68 and 0.72 mumol X s-1 X g-1 respectively. The concordance of forward and reverse fluxes contrasts with the situation observed in vitro in other tissues, and suggests that the creatine phosphotransferase reaction is at equilibrium under the conditions used here. 4. Lowering the concentration of glucose in the superfusing medium from 10mM to 0.5mM had no significant effect on phosphocreatine concentration or on the forward (ATP-generating) flux through creatine phosphotransferase. The results indicate that a normal phosphocreatine content in the presence of lowered glucose availability is reflected by an unchanged turnover rate.

Structural analysis of the O-glycosidically linked core-region oligosaccharides of human meconium glycoproteins which express oncofoetal antigens

Glycoproteins were extracted from meconium samples of group O neonates of secretor type by pronase digestion followed by precipitation in 67% aqueous ethanol and separated into Ii antigen enriched and depleted fractions by affinity chromatography. The latter fraction strongly expressed the oncofoetal antigens recognised by natural antibodies in mouse sera and the hybridoma antibody FC 10.2, and this activity was enhanced after mild acid hydrolysis to remove sialic acid and fucose residues. Oligosaccharides were released from the mild-acid-treated fraction by base-borohydride degradation and purified by gel permeation chromatography on Bio-Gel P4 and high performance liquid chromatography on octadecylsilyl and aminopropylsilyl columns. The major oligosaccharides were characterised by fast atom bombardment and electron impact mass spectrometry, combined gas-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and 500-MHz proton NMR spectroscopy. Their structures, in order of abundance, were: (Formula: see text).

1H and 15N NMR studies of protonation and hydrogen-bonding in the binding of trimethoprim to dihydrofolate reductase

The binding of trimethoprim and [1,3,2-amino-15N3]-trimethoprim to Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase has been studied by 15N and 1H NMR spectroscopy. 15N NMR spectra of the bound drug were obtained by using polarisation transfer pulse sequences. The 15N chemical shifts and 1H-15N spin-coupling constants show unambiguously that the drug is protonated on N1 when bound to the enzyme. The N1-proton resonance in the complex has been assigned using the 15N-enriched molecule. The temperature-dependence of the linewidth of this resonance has been used to estimate the rate of exchange of this proton with the solvent: 160 +/- 10 S-1 at 313 K, with an activation energy of 75 (+/-9) kJ X mole-1. This is considerably faster than the dissociation rate of the drug from this complex, demonstrating that there are local fluctuations in the structure of the complex.

Structures of N-glycans of a ricin-resistant mutant of baby hamster kidney cells. Synthesis of high-mannose and hybrid N-glycans

The asparagine-linked glycopeptides (N-glycans) of a ricin-resistant mutant of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, RicR21, have been isolated and fractionated from a Pronase digest of disrupted cells by concanavalin A (Con A)-Sepharose chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, and lentil lectin chromatography. The structures of all the major N-glycans have been determined by 500-MHz H NMR spectroscopy. RicR21 synthesizes only hybrid and high-mannose N-glycans. All the hybrid structures contain only three mannose residues. The major hybrid glycopeptide has the following structure: (Formula: see text). There is also about 15% of the nonfucosylated species present. Only a small amount (less than or equal to 5%) of the asialo hybrid is produced. Branched hybrid N-glycans are also present in RicR21 cells, containing two complex antenna linked beta 1----2 and beta 1----4 to the Man alpha 1----3 arm; about 70% of this species is core fucosylated. Man6GlcNAc2 glycopeptide is the most abundant (about 70%) of the high-mannose N-glycans. These studies account for the very poor ricin binding property of this mutant, as the sialic acid residues of the major hybrid N-glycan are exclusively linked alpha 2----3 to galactose and ricin is unable to bind to alpha 2----3-substituted galactosyl residues [Baenziger, J. U., & Fiete, D. (1979) J. Biol. Chem. 254, 9795-9799].

A 1H NMR study of the interactions and conformations of rationally designed brodimoprim analogues in complexes with Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase

A consideration of the detailed structural information available from X-ray crystallographic and NMR studies on complexes of dihydrofolate reductase with inhibitors has led to the design of trimethoprim analogues with improved binding properties. Computer graphic techniques have been used to predict which substituent groups were required at the 3'-O position of brodimoprim (2,4-diamino-5-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-bromobenzyl)pyrimidine) to make additional interactions with the enzyme. NMR spectroscopy provided a convenient method of assessing if the analogues were binding in the predicted manner. On the basis of this approach, the C4,C6-dicarboxylic acid analogue IX was designed to interact with Arg-57 and His-28 in the enzyme, and this analogue was found to bind 3 orders of magnitude more tightly than the parent brodimoprim.

Galactosyl transferases of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. Characterization of two oligosaccharide products synthesised using bovine asialo submaxillary-gland mucin as acceptor

Extracts of BHK (baby hamster kidney) cells catalyse incorporation of galactose from UDP-galactose into asialo bovine submaxillary gland mucin. The galactosylated oligosaccharide products were released by alkaline-borohydride treatment and purified by Bio-Gel P2 chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the oligosaccharide sequences synthesised have been identified unequivocally by high resolution 500 MHz 1H-NMR as galactosyl-(beta 1----3) N-acetylgalactosamine and galactosyl (beta 1----4) N-acetylglucosaminyl (beta 1----3)-N-acetylgalactosamine. Characterization of the latter sequence shows the presence in bovine mucin of the type III core sequence N-acetylglucosamine-(beta 1----3) N-acetylgalactosamine. Fractionation of BHK cell extracts on alpha-lactalbumin-Agarose has shown that the (beta 1----4)-galactosyl transferase responsible for synthesis of the trisaccharide binds to alpha-lactalbumin, a modulator of the (beta 1----4)-galactosyl transferase involved in N-glycan assembly. The evidence that the same transferase activity may be responsible for galactose transfer to both O-glycans and N-glycans is discussed.

A computerized approach to the analysis of oligosaccharide structure by high-resolution proton n.m.r

The 500 MHz proton-n.m.r. spectra of 21 oligosaccharides, predominantly of the lacto-N and lacto-N-neo series and their derivatives containing non-reducing terminal fucose, sialic acid or N-acetylgalactosamine and reduced-end hexitol or hexosaminitol, were examined with 2H2O as solvent. The chemical-shift data obtained from analysis of the spectra were collated with data from other laboratories who have used 250-500 MHz n.m.r. in the analysis of secreted and chemically synthesized oligosaccharides and of the O- and N-linked chains of glycoproteins. A referenced computer library was constructed that includes the chemical shifts of monosaccharides within oligosaccharide sequences that make up the majority of the carbohydrate structures found in mammalian glycoproteins. Examples are given of the computerized interrogation of this library for the assignment of possible structures of unknown oligosaccharides.

The combined use of selective deuteration and double resonance experiments in assigning the 1H resonances of valine and tyrosine residues of dihydrofolate reductase

Selective deuteration is a general solution to the resolution problem which limits the application of double resonance experiments to the assignment of the 1H NMR spectra of proteins. Spin-decoupling and NOE experiments have been carried out on Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase and on selectively deuterated derivatives of the enzyme containing either [gamma-2H6]Val or [alpha, delta 2, epsilon 1-2H3]His, [alpha, delta 1, delta 2, epsilon 1, epsilon 2, zeta-2H6]Phe, [alpha, delta 1, epsilon 3, zeta 2, zeta 3, eta 2-2H6]Trp and [alpha, epsilon 1, epsilon 2-2H3]Tyr. When combined with ring-current shift calculations based on the crystal structure of the enzyme, these experiments allow us to assign 1H resonances of Val 61, Val 115, Tyr 46 and Tyr 68.

Multinuclear NMR characterization of two coexisting conformational states of the Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase-trimethoprim-NADP+ complex

The complex of Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase with trimethoprim and NADP+ exists in solution as a mixture of approximately equal amounts of two slowly interconverting conformational states [Gronenborn, A., Birdsall, B., Hyde, E. I., Roberts, G. C. K., Feeney, J., & Burgen, A. S. V. (1981) Mol. Pharmacol. 20, 145]. These have now been further characterized by multinuclear NMR experiments, and a partial structural model has been proposed. 1H NMR spectra at 500 MHz show that the environments of six of the seven histidine residues differ between the two conformations. The characteristic 1H and 31P chemical shifts of nuclei of the coenzyme in the two conformations of the complex are identical in analogous complexes formed with a number of trimethoprim analogues, indicating that the nature of the two conformations is the same in each case. The pyrophosphate 31P resonances have been assigned to the two conformations, and integration of the 31P spectrum shows that the ratio of conformation I to conformation II varies from 0.4 to 2.3 in the complexes with the various trimethoprim analogues, the ratio for the trimethoprim complex itself being 1.2. Transferred NOE experiments, together with the 1H and 13C chemical shifts, indicate that in conformation II of the complex the nicotinamide ring of the coenzyme has swung away from the enzyme surface into solution; this is made possible by changes in the conformation of the pyrophosphate moiety. In conformation I, by contrast, the nicotinamide ring remains bound to the enzyme. 13C and 15N experiments show that trimethoprim is protonated on N1 in both conformations of the ternary complex. Analysis of the 1H chemical shifts of trimethoprim in terms of ring current effects shows that in conformation I of the ternary complex trimethoprim retains the same conformation as in its binary complex, but 13C, 15N, and 19F [using 2,4-diamino-5-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-fluoro-benzyl)pyrimidine] experiments show that the environment of both the pyrimidine ring and benzyl ring is affected by the proximity of the coenzyme. Less information is available about the conformation of the inhibitor in conformation II of the complex, but its environment is similar to that in the binary enzyme-inhibitor complex. The implications of the existence of these two conformations of the enzyme for understanding cooperativity in binding between NADP+ and trimethoprim are briefly discussed.

Characterisation of a blood-group A-active tetrasaccharide synthesised by a blood-group B gene-specified glycosyltransferase

The B gene-specified alpha-D-(1----3)-galactosyltransferase, isolated from the serum of a blood-group B individual, was used to catalyse the transfer of N-acetyl-D-galactosamine from UDP-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine to the blood-group H-active trisaccharide 2'-fucosyllactose. The biosynthetic product had blood-group A activity and its structure was confirmed as alpha-D-GalpNAc-(1----3)-[alpha-L-Fucp-(1----2)]-beta-D-Galp-(1--- -4)-D-Glc by methylation analysis and high-resolution 1H-n.m.r. spectroscopy. This tetrasaccharide was structurally and serologically identical with that made from the same donor and acceptor substrates when the blood-group A gene-specified alpha-D-(1----3)-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase was used as the enzyme source. The enzyme encoded by the B gene at the blood group ABO locus thus has overlapping donor substrate specificity with the enzyme encoded by the allelic A gene, and this property confers upon the B gene-specified alpha-D-1----3)-galactosyltransferase the potential to synthesise blood-group A-active structures.

A 1H nmr study of the amide-bond conformational equilibrium in pirenzepine

The hindered rotation about the exocyclic amide bond of pirenzepine has been studied using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The ratios of the two slowly interconverting conformations (1:1.76 at 2 degrees C and 1:2.37 at 30 degrees C) and the rate of interconversion (1 +/- 0.5 s-1 at 20 degrees C and 247 +/- 20 s-1 at 80 degrees C with delta g ++80 = 71 KJ mol-1) have been measured at various temperatures. The observed rapid rates of interconversion allow us to eliminate the rate of conformational selection of forms II and III as a major contributor to the slow phase of the binding kinetics observed when pirenzepine binds to muscarinic receptors from rat brain (Stockton, Birdsall, Hulme and Burgen, unpublished results).

19F-n.m.r. studies of 3',5'-difluoromethotrexate binding to Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase. Molecular motion and coenzyme-induced conformational changes

19F-n.m.r. spectroscopy was used to study the binding of 3',5'-difluoromethotrexate to dihydrofolate reductase (tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase) from Lactobacillus casei. The benzoyl ring of the bound difluoromethotrexate was found to 'flip' about its symmetry axis, and the rate (7.3 X 10(3) s-1 at 298 K) and activation parameters for this process were determined by lineshape analysis of the 19F-n.m.r. spectrum at a series of temperatures in the range 273-308 K. The contributions to the barrier for this process are discussed. Addition of NADP+ or NADPH to form the enzyme-difluoromethotrexate-coenzyme ternary complex led to an increase in the rate of benzoyl ring flipping by a factor of 2.6-2.8-fold, and to substantial changes in the 19F-n.m.r. chemical shifts. The possible nature of the coenzyme-induced conformational changes responsible for these effects is discussed.

A 1H n.m.r. study of the role of the glutamate moiety in the binding of methotrexate to Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase

The binding of a series of amide derivatives of methotrexate to Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase has been studied by inhibition constant measurements and by 1H n.m.r. spectroscopy. Amide modification of the alpha-carboxylate of methotrexate was found to prevent interaction of the gamma-carboxylate with the imidazole of His 28. Estimates of the contributions to the binding energy from the alpha-carboxylate-Arg 57 and gamma-carboxylate-His 28 interactions have been made from a combination of inhibition and n.m.r. data.