Transition metals in control of gene expression

Empirical test of an ion parametric resonance model for magnetic field interactions with PC-12 cells

A companion paper describes a predictive ion parametric resonance (IPR) model of magnetic field interactions with biological systems based on a selective relation between the ratio of the flux density of the static magnetic field to the AC magnetic field and the charge-to-mass ratio of ions of biological relevance. Previous studies demonstrated that nerve growth factor (NGF)-stimulated neurite outgrowth (NO) in PC-12 cells can be inhibited by exposure to magnetic fields as a function of either magnetic field flux density or AC magnetic field frequency. The present work examines whether the PC-12 cell response to magnetic fields is consistent with the quasi-periodic, resonance-based predictions of the IPR model. We tested changes in each of the experimentally controllable variables [flux densities of the parallel components of the AC magnetic field (Bac) and the static magnetic field (Bdc) and the frequency of the AC magnetic field] over a range of exposure conditions sufficient to determine whether the IPR model is applicable. A multiple-coil exposure system independently controlled each of these critical quantities. The perpendicular static magnetic field was controlled to less than 2 mG for all tests. The first set of tests examined the NO response in cells exposed to 45 Hz Bac from 77 to 468 mG(rms) at a Bdc of 366 mG. Next, we examined an off-resonance condition using 20 mG Bdc with a 45 Hz AC field across a range of Bac between 7.9 and 21 mG(rms). Finally, we changed the AC frequency to 25 Hz, with a corresponding change in Bdc to 203 mG (to tune for the same set of ions as in the first test) and a Bac range from 78 to 181 mG(rms). In all cases the observed responses were consistent with predictions of the IPR model. These experimental results are the first to support in detail the validity of the fundamental relationships embodied in the IPR model.

Translational control during heat shock

Regulation of translation during heat shock of Drosophila and mammalian cells is reviewed. Protein synthesis is severely inhibited by elevated temperatures but synthesis of heat shock proteins (HSPs) is resistant to this inhibition. The primary site of regulation is polypeptide chain initiation. The activities of two initiation factors, eIF-2 and eIF-4F, are modulated during heat shock. A protein kinase which modulates eIF-2 activity appears to be associated with heat shock proteins (HSPs). Evidence is emerging that HSP70 acts as a heat sensor by detecting the presence of accumulating denatured proteins. In the rabbit reticulocyte lysate denatured proteins bind HSP70 releasing an eIF-2 kinase to shut down protein synthesis. It appears highly likely that a similar mechanism is acting in heat shocked cells. Cell-free protein synthesizing systems prepared from heat shocked cells are deficient in eIF-4F. Modulation of eIF-4F can explain in part the apparent preferential translation of HSP mRNAs.

The Wilson disease gene is a putative copper transporting P-type ATPase similar to the Menkes gene

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper transport, resulting in copper accumulation and toxicity to the liver and brain. The gene (WD) has been mapped to chromosome 13 q14.3. On yeast artificial chromosomes from this region we have identified a sequence, similar to that coding for the proposed copper binding regions of the putative ATPase gene (MNK) defective in Menkes disease. We show that this sequence forms part of a P-type ATPase gene (referred to here as Wc1) that is very similar to MNK, with six putative metal binding regions similar to those found in prokaryotic heavy metal transporters. The gene, expressed in liver and kidney, lies within a 300 kb region likely to include the WD locus. Two WD patients were found to be homozygous for a seven base deletion within the coding region of Wc1. Wc1 is proposed as the gene for WD.

Metalloenzymes, structural motifs, and inorganic models

Metalloenzymes effect a variety of important chemical transformations, often involving small molecule substrates or products such as molecular oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and water. A diverse array of ions or metal clusters is observed at the active-site cores, but living systems use basic recurring structures that have been modified or tuned for specific purposes. Inorganic chemists are actively involved in the elucidation of the structure, spectroscopy, and mechanism of action of these biological catalysts, in part through a synthetic modeling approach involving biomimetic studies.