Human breast milk immunoglobulins G hydrolyze nucleotides

Catalytically active antibodies, abzymes, appear in the blood of mammals immunized with the analogs of transition state or in the case of autoimmune diseases. Until recently, it was not shown whether abzymes exist in the blood of apparently healthy subjects. We have discovered that secretory IgA (sIgA) from the milk of healthy mothers catalyze phosphorylation of a variety of proteins and that IgG can hydrolyze DNA and RNA. In this study for the first time it is shown that IgG from human milk (and their Fab-fragments) also catalyze hydrolysis of nucleoside mono-, di-, and triphosphates. The data meet certain stringent criteria, unambiguously indicating that the observed catalytic activity is associated with IgG rather than contaminating enzymes. Although the nucleotide-binding site of IgG is located in the light antibody chain, L-chains per se cannot hydrolyze NTP unlike the DNA-hydrolyzing abzymes. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters that characterize the interaction of NTP and dNTP with IgG-abzymes were analyzed. Possible reasons for appearance of polyclonal abzymes with different catalytic activities in the milk of healthy mothers are considered.

Interaction of human milk lactoferrin with ATP

Human lactoferrin exhibits many unique properties. It is known as one of the most important factors that provide nonspecific defense of cells against bacteria, viruses, and carcinogenesis, as well as an important component of a specific system responsible for the passive immunity of newborns. As a compound with extremely broad spectrum of functions many of which were not elucidated so far, lactoferrin is intensely studied. In this study we obtained electrophoretically and immunologically homogenous preparations of lactoferrin from human milk. Using various methods, we were the first to show that the fraction of lactoferrin, which displays an increased affinity for Sepharose Blue, forms complexes with ATP with a stoichiometry of 1 mole ATP per mole protein. It is shown that the ATP-binding site is located in the C-terminal domain of the lactoferrin molecule. The binding of ATP results in the dissociation of tetrameric forms of the protein and a change in the mode of interaction of lactoferrin with polysaccharides and other proteins. The data may be used in analysis of the possible reasons for multifunctional properties of lactoferrin and possible ways of regulation of its functions.

Interaction of human DNA topoisomerase I with specific sequence oligodeoxynucleotides

The interaction of human DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) with specific sequence oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) of different length and structure has been investigated. All the ODNs used were shown to be effective enzyme inhibitors and to inhibit the topo I catalyzed relaxation of scDNA in a competitive manner. Among two DNA regions (A and B) required for topo I-mediated DNA cleavage, the former was found to display the higher affinity for the enzyme. The enzyme's affinity for ODNs corresponding to the scissile strand (five and nine nucleotide units in length) is about 2-4 orders of magnitude higher than that for non-specific ODNs of the same length. Topo I can efficiently recognize even extremely short specific ODNs containing only two or three bases (AGA and pAG, Ki = 15 and 60 microM, respectively): the sequence AAGA (Ki = 10 microM) is essential for tight DNA binding to topo I. The affinities of ODNs corresponding to the non-scissile strand are significantly lower. The ligand's affinity increases with its length. Additionally, about a ten-fold enhancement of specific sequence affinity occurs due to stable duplex formation during enzyme preincubation with ligands before addition of scDNA. We believe the possibility of using the short specific oligonucleotides and its derivatives as topoisomerase I-targeting drugs could not be excluded.

DNA- and RNA-hydrolyzing antibodies from the blood of patients with various forms of viral hepatitis

Antibodies (Abs) hydrolyzing proteins, DNA, and RNA are detected in the blood of patients with various autoimmune diseases. In the present work, homogeneous preparations of IgG Abs from the blood of the healthy donors as well as patients with A, B, C, and delta types of viral hepatitis, influenza, pneumonia, tuberculosis, tonsillitis, duodenal ulcer, and some types of cancer were purified. For the first time, the fraction of IgG and its Fab fragments of patients with viral hepatitis were shown to have high DNA- and RNA-hydrolyzing activity. In case of Abs from the healthy donors and patients with other diseases, high activity of Abs was not detected. The data obtained by various methods indicate that the activity of hepatitis Abs is an intrinsic property of the immunoglobulins. The relative rates of hydrolysis of cCMP, poly(U), poly(A), poly(C), and tRNA(Phe) by hepatitis Abs were compared with those of RNase A and other RNases from human blood. Significant differences in activities of Abs and nucleases in hydrolysis of model substrates were demonstrated. Thus, catalytically active Abs can appear in the blood of patients not only with autoimmune disorders, but with viral diseases as well.

DNA-hydrolyzing activity of the light chain of IgG antibodies from milk of healthy human mothers

Various catalytically active antibodies or abzymes have been detected recently in the sera of patients with several autoimmune pathologies, where their presence is most probably associated with autoimmunization. Normal humans are generally considered to have no abzymes, since no obvious immunizing factors are present. Recently we have shown that IgG (its Fab and F(ab)2 fragments) from the milk of normal humans possesses DNase activity. Here we demonstrate for the first time that the light chain of IgG catalyzes the reaction of DNA hydrolysis. These findings speak in favor of the generation of abzymes in the tissue of healthy mothers, and since a mother's breast milk protects her infant from infections until the immune system is developed, they raise the possibility that these abzymes may contribute to this protective role.

RNA-hydrolyzing antibodies from peripheral blood of patients with lupus erythematosus

Experiments and hydrolysis of substrates with known spatial structures (such as yeast tRNAPhe, as well as normal and mutant tRNALys from human mitochondria produced by transcription of the appropriate DNA species, that is, RNA genes) were performed to study the ribonuclease activity of antibodies isolated from blood sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The antibody preparations contained two types of ribonuclease activities: the first corresponded to the specificity of ribonuclease A and was found during hydrolysis at low salt concentrations, whereas the second was stimulated by Mg2+ and displayed unique specificity toward double-stranded regions of the substrate. The possible use of the antibody preparations as tools for structural studies of conformational differences between RNA molecules was examined. In experiments with unmodified and mutant tRNALys species differing in one base found in the T-loop, we found that hydrolysis with SLE antibodies can detect small local structural changes in RNA under physiological conditions.

High affinity interaction of mouse DNA topoisomerase I with di- and trinucleotides corresponding to specific sequences of supercoiled DNA cleaved chain

Recently mouse DNA topoisomerase I (topo) was shown to possess high affinity for a single-stranded AAGACTTAG nonanucleotide (K(i) = 2.0 microM) corresponding to the scissile strand of the minimal DNA duplex, which is necessary for cleavage of supercoiled DNA. In order to determine the most important part of the above sequence for the DNA recognition by topo, the interactions of the enzyme with a set of extremely short (2-5 nucleotides in length) oligonucleotides corresponding to different parts of the nonanucleotide have been investigated. The affinities of different oligonucleotides corresponding to the CTTAG part of the sequence (K(i) = 0.13-0.92 mM) were shown to be significantly lower than that for the AAGA tetranucleotide (K(i) = 9.0 microM). Topo effectively recognized even short oligonucleotides containing only two or three bases (AGA and pAG, K(i) = 20 and 50 microM). We suppose that oligonucleotides having a high afffinity to the enzyme can offer a unique opportunity for the rational design of topoisomerase-targeting drugs.

High affinity interaction of mammalian DNA topoisomerase I with short single- and double-stranded oligonucleotides

The interaction of DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) with a set of single- and double-stranded oligonucleotides containing 5-27 mononucleotides was investigated. All single- and double-stranded oligonucleotides were found to inhibit competitively the supercoiled DNA relaxation reaction catalyzed by topo I. The enzyme affinity for specific sequence pentanucleotides of the scissile (GACTT, Ki = 2 microM) and non-cleaved chain (AAGTC, Ki = 110 microM) is about 2-4 orders of magnitude higher than that for non-specific oligonucleotides. This specific sequence affinity increases in several cases; lengthening of single-stranded oligonucleotides, formation of stable duplexes between complementary oligonucleotides and preincubation of the enzyme with ligands before addition of supercoiled DNA. We assume that oligonucleotides having a high affinity to the enzyme can offer a unique opportunity for rational design of topoisomerase-targeting drugs.

[Interaction of catalytically active antibodies with oligoribonucleotides]

The interaction of antibodies from blood sera of patients with autoimmune pathology, systemic lupus erythematosus with oligoribonucleotides was studied. The RNA-hydrolyzing activity was shown to be an intrinsic property of autoantibodies. Enzymic activity of antibodies in hydrolysis of poly(U) was estimated at 20-40% of that of RNase A. In contrast to known eukaryotic RNases, the autoantibodies possess a specific RNA-hydrolyzing activity for oligo r(A). The RNA-nicking activity of antibodies in hydrolysis of oligoadenylates was more higher than with hydrolysis of oligo d(A). Optimal conditions of r(pA)13 hydrolysis were selected, including the optimal of pH = 8.7.

Interaction of ATP with acetyl-CoA carboxylase from rat liver. The role of the polyphosphate chain. Affinity labelling with alkylating amides of ATP and ADP

The interaction of a number of ATP analogs with a modified triphosphate moiety as well as 2-chloro-ethyl-amino derivatives of nucleotides, 4(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl-gamma-amide of ATP and the corresponding ADP beta-amide with acetyl-CoA carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.2.) from rat liver has been studied. Halophosphonate derivatives of ATP have been synthesized from bromomethylene diphosphonic acid and found to be reversible inhibitors of the enzyme. ATP and ADP alkylating amides have proved to form a reversible complex with the ATP-binding site and to modify a group in the acetyl-CoA-binding site. The bicarbonate ion accelerates the process of inactivation. The estimate of the distance between the ATP-binding site and the acetyl-CoA-binding site ranges within 0.8-1.2 nm.

[Interaction of acetyl-CoA-carboxylase from the rat liver with alkylating amides of ATP and ADP]

The interaction of 4-(N-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl-gamma-amide ATP (I) and the corresponding beta-amide of ADP (II) with rat liver acetyl-CoA carboxylase was studied. Both analogs were shown to cause affinity modification of the enzyme. ATP and GoAS Ac protected the enzyme against inactivation. HCO3- increased the rate of carboxylase inactivation by analogs I and II (2.5- and 1.5-fold, respectively). The alkylating amides did not influence the rate of the bicarbonate-dependent [14C]-ADP-ATP exchange and inhibited the enzyme-catalyzed reaction of [14C]-CoAs Ac----CoAS Mal exchange, which testifies to the localization of the modified group in the CoAS Ac-binding site of the enzyme active center. Based on the affinity modification and analog size, it was found that the distance between the ATP- and CoAS Ac-binding sites of the enzyme active center can vary from 0.8 to 1.2 nm.

[Multiplicity of affinity modification of RNAse during its alkylation with a reactive analog of 5-deoxyribonucleotide]

The interaction of pancreatic RNase with 5'-deoxyribodinucleotide alkylating derivative, 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)benzylamide of d(pTpA) d[(ClRCH2NH)pTpA], was studied. The unreactive oxyanalogue d[(HORCH2NH)pTpA] was shown to act as competitive inhibitor of cCMP hydrolysis by RNase. d[(ClRCH2NH)pTpA] irreversibly inactivated RNase. A protective effect was exerted by d(pTpA) and d[(HORCH2NH)pTpA]. The modification, although having an affinity character, was not accompanied by total inactivation of the enzyme. It was supposed that covalent bonding between the reagent and enzyme induced the dinucleotide displacement from the recognition site. The formation of four RNase monolabeled forms retaining the activity in the hydrolysis of cCMP and poly(U) was demonstrated.

Dynamic aspects of affinity labelling as revealed by alkylation and phosphorylation of pancreatic ribonuclease with reactive deoxyribodinucleotide derivatives

Affinity labelling of pancreatic RNase with 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)benzylamide and (N----P) N-methylimidazolide of d(pTpA) results in the formation of monomodified enzyme derivatives retaining partially enzymatic activity. These data together with some cases described in the literature are considered as suggesting the dynamic nature of the enzyme-reagent complex represented by a set of states differing in the probability of intra-complex reaction. In particular, modification may proceed in a low probability state with an especially favorable mutual orientation of reagent and some protein residue remote from the active site of the enzyme resulting in the removal of the covalently attached reagent moiety from the active center.

[Location of RNA-dependent DNA polymerase within the endogenous template complex and discrimination of RNA- and DNA-dependent synthesis of DNA in Escherichia coli cells by alkylating dTTP gamma-amide]

These data demonstrate that actinomycin D inhibits only 75-80% of DNA synthesis in cells of E. coli treated by lysozyme and ethyl enediaminetetraacetate. The residual synthesis is not the result of untemplated polymerization of dNTP. The DNA synthesis in spheroplasts does not correlate with replication of chromosomal DNA of E. coli catalyzed by DNA polymerase III sensitive to sulfhydryl blocking agents. N-ethylmaleimide does not inhibit this synthesis. No ATP stimulation of DNA synthesis is observed. The enzyme(s) responsible for DNA synthesis on endogenous template is (are) concentrated in interphase (D-fraction) as revealed by high speed centrifugation of spheroplasts lysate and they are absent in the chromosomal DNA fraction. dTTP 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-mehylamino) benzylamide suppresses completely the insensitive to actinomycin D action DNA synthesis and practically does not act on the sensitive one. It is suggested, that the DNA synthesis stable to the action of the antibiotic is catalyzed by RNA dependent DNA polymerase.

[Reaction between rabbit skeletal muscle creatine kinase and ATP gamma-amides]

The interaction of creatine kinase from skeletal muscles of rabbit with ADP, ATP and gamma-amides of ATP: gamma-anilide ATP (1), gamma-benzylamide ATP (2), N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methyl-gamma-amide ATP (3) and 4-(N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl-gamma-amide ATP (4) was investigated. The values of dissociation constants of nucleotides were determined by fluorescence quenching method. All analogs preserve their affinity to the enzyme, analogs 1 and 2 being the strongest in affinity. The values of dissociation constants of these analogs are equal to those for ATP and ADP. The influence of Mg2+ and creatine on gamma-amides ATP enzyme binding was investigated. The affinity of gamma-amides of ATP in the presence of Mg2+ and creatine was shown to decrease. It is concluded that gamma-amides of ATP (1,2) have the suitable structure for the preparation of affinity reagents for creatine kinase.

[Affinity modification of Escherichia coli Dna-polymerase I by 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)-benzyl-gamma-amides of dTTP and dATP]

The interaction of dTTP and dATP gamma-4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino) benzylamidates with E. coli DNA-polymerase I were studied. dTTP and dATP gamma-4-(N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino) benzylamidates act as competitive inhibitors of DNA-polymerase I. Ki values for gamma-analogues of dTTP and dATP have been determined. Reactive dTTP and dATP derivatives are shown to be affinity reagent for this enzyme.

[Interactions of yeast hexokinase with ATP and AMP 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)benzylamidates]

The interactions of ATP and AMP 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)-benzylamidates with yeast hexokinase were studied. It was found that the ATP analog does not interact with hexokinase. The AMP analog irreversibly and almost completely inactivates hexokinse. A strong protective effect is exerted by MgATP. The value of apparent Ki for the AMP analog is equal to 2.10(4) M. The existence of affinity modification is postulated.

[Interaction of rabbit muscle creatine kinase with a reactive ATP derivative-ATP gamma-4(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methyl-amino)-benzylamidate]

The interaction of AGP gamma-4(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methyl-amino)-benzylamidate with rabbit muscle creatine kinase was studied. ATP gamma-4-(N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methyl-amino)-benzylamidate acts as competitive inhibitor of creatine kinase. The Km value for ATP and the Ki value for the gamma-analog have been determined. A complete inactivation is observed when 1 mole of the reagent binds per 1 mole of the enzyme. The modification of the second subunit of creatine kinase is achieved at higher concentrations of the reactive ATP analog. The reactive ATP derivative is shown to be an affinity reagent for this enzyme. The possibility of interaction between the subunits of creatine kinase is discussed.

[Affinity alkylation of E. coli RNA-dependent DNA polymerase with TTP gamma-amidate derivatives]

TTP gamma-benzylamidates are shown to act as competitive inhibitors of poly(dT) synthesis catalyzed by E. coli RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. The KM value for TTP as well as KI values for the gamma-analogues have been determined. TTP gamma-4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methyl-amino)benzylamidate is shown to be an effective affinity reagent for this enzyme.