Biogenic and synthetic polyamines bind bovine serum albumin

Binding of a potential anti-hepatoma drug cis,cis,trans-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2(O2CCH2CH2COOH)-(OCONHC16H33)] with serum albumin – thermodynamic and conformational investigations

A potential anti-cancer compound with high activity was synthesized and its binding properties with human serum albumin were tested.

Effects of surface compositional and structural heterogeneity on nanoparticle-protein interactions: different protein configurations

As nanoparticles (NPs) enter into biological systems, they are immediately exposed to a variety and concentration of proteins. The physicochemical interactions between proteins and NPs are influenced by the surface properties of the NPs. To identify the effects of NP surface heterogeneity, the interactions between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and gold NPs (AuNPs) with similar chemical composition but different surface structures were investigated. Different interaction modes and BSA conformations were studied by dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence quenching and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Depending on the surface structure of AuNPs, BSA seems to adopt either a "side-on" or an "end-on" conformation on AuNPs. ITC demonstrated that the adsorption of BSA onto AuNPs with randomly distributed polar and nonpolar groups was primarily driven by electrostatic interaction, and all BSA were adsorbed in the same process. The adsorption of BSA onto AuNPs covered with alternating domains of polar and nonpolar groups was a combination of different interactions. Overall, the results of this study point to the potential for utilizing nanoscale manipulation of NP surfaces to control the resulting NP-protein interactions.

Insights into in vitro binding of parecoxib to human serum albumin by spectroscopic methods

Herein, we report the effect of parecoxib on the structure and function of human serum albumin (HSA) by using fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence spectroscopy, and molecular docking techniques. The Stern-Volmer quenching constants K(SV) and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters ΔH, ΔG, and ΔS have been estimated by the fluorescence quenching method. The results indicated that parecoxib binds spontaneously with HSA through van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds with binding constant of 3.45 × 10(4) M(-1) at 298 K. It can be seen from far-UV CD spectra that the α-helical network of HSA is disrupted and its content decreases from 60.5% to 49.6% at drug:protein = 10:1. Protein tertiary structural alterations induced by parecoxib were also confirmed by FTIR and 3D fluorescence spectroscopy. The molecular docking study indicated that parecoxib is embedded into the hydrophobic pocket of HSA.

Polyamines in biological samples: rapid and robust quantification by solid-phase extraction online-coupled to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Polyamines are ubiquitous active biogenic amines which contribute to basic cellular functions. Hence, their quantification in samples of diverse biological origins is essential for understanding how they function, especially in disease-relevant conditions. We present here a robust, high-throughput solid-phase extraction online coupled to a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC/MS/MS) approach for the simultaneous quantification of eight polyamines in various biological samples. The polyamines include 1,3-diaminopropane, putrescine, cadaverin, N-acetyl-putrescine, spermidine, spermine, N(1)-acetyl-spermine, and l-ornithine. The novelty of the work is the use of two SPE columns online coupled to LC/MS/MS, which minimizes the sample pretreatment to a single derivatization step. The analysis is complete within 4min, making the method highly suitable for routine clinical analysis and high throughput screenings. The method was fully validated with serum samples. Dynamic ranges were 0.03 to 15μg/ml for ornithine and 1 to 500ng/ml for other polyamines, which cover physiological concentrations in serum samples. Lower limits of quantification (LLoQ) were found to be between 0.1 and 5ng/ml. As a proof of concept, we investigated gender differences in polyamine levels by analyzing the serum levels of 102 subjects.

Spectroscopic studies on the interaction between tetrandrine and two serum albumins by chemometrics methods

The binding interactions of tetrandrine (TETD) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) have been investigated by spectroscopic methods. These experimental data were further analyzed using multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) method, and the concentration profiles and pure spectra for three species (BSA/HSA, TETD and TETD-BSA/HSA) existed in the interaction procedure, as well as, the apparent equilibrium constants Kapp were evaluated. The binding sites number n and the binding constants K were obtained at various temperatures. The binding distance between TETD and BSA/HSA was 1.455/1.451nm. The site markers competitive experiments indicated that TETD primarily bound to the tryptophan residue of BSA/HSA within site I. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) calculated on the basis of different temperatures revealed that the binding of TETD-BSA was mainly depended on the hydrophobic interaction strongly and electrostatic interaction, and yet the binding of TETD-HSA was strongly relied on the hydrophobic interaction. The results of synchronous fluorescence, 3D fluorescence and FT-IR spectra show that the conformation of proteins has altered in the presence of TETD. In addition, the effect of some common ions on the binding constants between TETD and proteins were also discussed.

Study of interaction between human serum albumin and three antioxidants: ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and proanthocyanidins

Ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and proanthocyanidins are three classic dietary antioxidants. In this study, the interaction between the three antioxidants and human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated by several spectroscopic techniques. Experimental results proved that the three antioxidants quench the fluorescence of HSA through a static (proanthocyanidins) or static-dynamic combined quenching mechanism (ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol). Thermodynamic investigations revealed that the combination between ascorbic acid or proanthocyanidins and HSA was driven mainly by electrostatic interaction, and the hydrophobic interactions play a major role for α-tocopherol-HSA association. Binding site I was found to be the primary binding site for ascorbic acid and proanthocyanidins, and site II for α-tocopherol. Additionally, the three antioxidants may induce conformational and microenvironmental changes of HSA.

A comparative study on the binding of single and double chain surfactant-cobalt(III) complexes with bovine serum albumin

The comparative binding effect of single and double aliphatic chain containing surfactant-cobalt(III) complexes cis-[Co(bpy)2(DA)2](ClO4)3·2H2O (1), cis-[Co(bpy)2(DA)Cl](ClO4)2·2H2O (2), cis-[Co(phen)2(CA)2](ClO4)3·2H2O (3), and cis-[Co(phen)2(CA)Cl](ClO4)2·2H2O (4) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) under physiological condition was analyzed by steady state, time resolved fluorescence, synchronous, three-dimensional fluorescence, UV-Visible absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopic techniques. The results show that these complexes cause the fluorescence quenching of BSA through a static mechanism. The binding constants (Kb) and the number of binding sites were calculated and binding constant values are found in the range of 10(4)-10(5) M(-1). The results indicate that compared to single chain complex, double chain surfactant-cobalt(III) complex interacts strongly with BSA. Also the sign of thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) indicate that all the complexes interact with BSA through hydrophobic force. The binding distance (r) between complexes and BSA was calculated using Förster non-radiation energy transfer theory and found to be less than 7 nm. The results of synchronous, three dimensional fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods indicate that the double chain surfactant-cobalt(III) complexes changed the conformation of the protein considerably than the respective single chain surfactant-cobalt(III) complexes. Antimicrobial studies of the complexes showed good activities against pathogenic microorganisms.

Binding, unfolding and refolding dynamics of serum albumins

BACKGROUND

The serum albumins (human and bovine serum albumin) occupy a seminal position among all proteins investigated until today as they are the most abundant circulatory proteins. They play the major role of a transporter of many bio-active substances which include various fatty acids, drug molecules, and amino acids to the target cells. Hence, studying the interaction of these serum albumins with different binding agents has attracted enormous research interests from decades. The nature and magnitude of these bindings have direct consequence on drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic efficacy and drug design and control.

SCOPE OF THE REVIEW

In the present review, we summarize the binding characteristics of both the serum albumins with surfactants, lipids and vesicles, polymers and dendrimers, nanomaterials and drugs. Finally we have reviewed the effect of various chemical and physical denaturants on these albumins with a special emphasis on protein unfolding and refolding dynamics.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

The topic of binding and dynamics of protein unfolding and refolding spans across all areas of inter-disciplinary sciences and will benefit clinical toxicology and medicines. The extensive data from several contemporary research based on albumins will help us to understand protein dynamics in a more illustrious manner.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

These data have immense significance in understanding and unravelling the mechanisms of protein unfolding/refolding and thus can pave the way to prevent protein mis-folding/aggregation which sometimes leads to severe consequences like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. This article is a part of a Special Issue entitled Serum Albumin. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Serum Albumin.

Characteristics and essences upon conjugation of imidacloprid with two model proteins

Since the introduction of imidacloprid in the early 1990s, it has become one of the most widely applied insecticides, and currently represents about 20% of the global pesticide market (Tomizawa, M.; Casida, J. E. J. Agric. Food Chem 2011, 59, 2883-2886). In the context of this study, our major aim was to comprehensively scrutinize the nature of imidacloprid with two typical model proteins, lysozyme and albumin, by means of circular dichroism (CD), steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence, and molecular modeling at the molecular level. Far-UV CD verified that the spatial structure of both proteins was altered with a distinct reduction of α helix in the presence of imidacloprid suggesting unfolding of the protein (i.e., protein damage). The data of steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence showed that the conjugation of imidacloprid with lysozyme yielded quenching by a static mechanism (KSV = 3.841 × 10(4) M(-1)), while combined static and dynamic properties existed for albumin tryptophan (Trp)-214 fluorescence. Molecular modeling simulations displayed that the imidacloprid binding site was near to the Trp-62 and Trp-63 residues of lysozyme, and it was located at the subdomain IIA (warfarin-azapropazone site) of albumin. Furthermore, the primary forces between protein and imidacloprid are hydrogen bond, hydrophobic, and π-π interactions, but the affinity of lysozyme with imidacloprid is much lower than albumin, probably because the affinity distinctions stem from discrepancy in the three-dimensional structure of the two globular proteins. The results presented here will help to further understand the credible mechanism by which the toxicological implication of neonicotinoid insecticides is palliated by carrier protein.

Investigation of the interaction between indigotin and two serum albumins by spectroscopic approaches

The binding characteristics of indigotin with human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) have been investigated by various spectroscopic techniques. Spectroscopic analysis revealed that the quenching mechanism between indigotin and HSA/BSA belonged to the static quenching. The displacement experiments suggested that indigotin primarily bound to tryptophan residues on proteins within site I. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the binding of indigotin–HSA/BSA mainly depended on the hydrophobic interaction. The binding distance of indigotin to HSA/BSA was evaluated. The results by synchronous fluorescence, three-dimensional fluorescence, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectra showed that the conformation of proteins altered in the presence of indigotin.

Interaction of multimicrobial synthetic inhibitor 1,2-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)-1,2-ethanediol with serum albumin: spectroscopic and computational studies

The molecule, 1,2-Bis(2-benzimidazolyl)-1,2-ethanediol (BBE) is known to act as a selective inhibitor of poliovirus, rhinovirus, Candida albicans, several bacterial species, and is easily synthesized by Phillips reaction. The interaction of BBE with BSA and the effects of its binding on the conformation and unfolding/refolding pathways of the protein were investigated using multispectroscopic techniques and molecular modeling. The binding studies indicate that BSA has one high affinity BBE binding site with association constant 6.02±0.05×10(4) M(-1) at 298 K. By measuring binding at different temperatures, we determined the changes in enthalpy (ΔH = -15.13±2.15 kJ mol(-1)), entropy (ΔS = 40.87±7.25 J mol(-1) K(-1)) and free energy (ΔG( = )26.78±1.02) of interaction, which indicate that the binding was spontaneous and both enthalpically and entropically driven. Based on molecular modeling and thermodynamic parameters, we proposed that the complex formation involved mainly hydrophilic interaction such as hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl groups of ethane-1,2-diol fragment with Tyr410 and benzimidazole sp(2) nitrogen atom with Ser488 and hydrophobic interaction between phenyl ring of one benzimidazole of the ligand and hydrophobic residues namely, Ile387, Cys391, Phe402, Val432 and Cys437. The sequential unfolding mechanism of BSA, site-specific marker displacement experiments and molecular modeling showed that the molecule preferably binds in subdomain IIIA. The BBE binding to BSA was found to cause both secondary and tertiary structural alterations in the protein as studied by intrinsic fluorescence, near-UV and far-UV circular dichroism results. The unfolding/refolding study showed that BBE stabilized native to intermediate states (N⇌I) transition of the protein by ∼2 kJ mol(-1) without affecting the intermediate to unfolded states (I⇌U) transition and general mechanism of unfolding of BSA.

Conjugating phosphospermines to siRNAs for improved stability in serum, intracellular delivery and RNAi-mediated gene silencing

siRNAs are usually formulated with cationic polymers or lipids to form supramolecular particles capable of binding and crossing the negatively charged cell membrane. However, particles hardly diffuse through tissues when administered in vivo. We therefore are developing cationic siRNAs, composed of an antisense sequence annealed to an oligophosphospermine-conjugated sense strand. Cationic siRNAs have been previously shown to display gene silencing activity in human cell line (Nothisen et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2009). We have improved the synthesis, purification and characterization of oligospermine-oligoribonucleotide conjugates which provide cationic siRNAs with enhanced biological activity. We show data supporting their carrier-free intracellular delivery in a molecular, soluble state. Additional results on the relationship between global charge, uptake and silencing activity confirm the requirement for an overall positive charge of the conjugated siRNA in order to enter cells. Importantly, conjugated siRNAs made of natural phosphodiester nucleotides are protected from nuclease degradation by the oligophosphospermine moiety, operate through the RNAi mechanism and mediate specific gene silencing at submicromolar concentration in the presence of serum.

Probing the binding sites of antibiotic drugs doxorubicin and N-(trifluoroacetyl) doxorubicin with human and bovine serum albumins

We located the binding sites of doxorubicin (DOX) and N-(trifluoroacetyl) doxorubicin (FDOX) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumins (HSA) at physiological conditions, using constant protein concentration and various drug contents. FTIR, CD and fluorescence spectroscopic methods as well as molecular modeling were used to analyse drug binding sites, the binding constant and the effect of drug complexation on BSA and HSA stability and conformations. Structural analysis showed that doxorubicin and N-(trifluoroacetyl) doxorubicin bind strongly to BSA and HSA via hydrophilic and hydrophobic contacts with overall binding constants of K_DOX-BSA = 7.8 (±0.7)×10³ M⁻¹, K_FDOX-BSA = 4.8 (±0.5)×10³ M⁻¹ and K_DOX-HSA = 1.1 (±0.3)×10⁴ M⁻¹, K_FDOX-HSA = 8.3 (±0.6)×10³ M⁻¹. The number of bound drug molecules per protein is 1.5 (DOX-BSA), 1.3 (FDOX-BSA) 1.5 (DOX-HSA), 0.9 (FDOX-HSA) in these drug-protein complexes. Docking studies showed the participation of several amino acids in drug-protein complexation, which stabilized by H-bonding systems. The order of drug-protein binding is DOX-HSA > FDOX-HSA > DOX-BSA > FDOX>BSA. Drug complexation alters protein conformation by a major reduction of α-helix from 63% (free BSA) to 47–44% (drug-complex) and 57% (free HSA) to 51–40% (drug-complex) inducing a partial protein destabilization. Doxorubicin and its derivative can be transported by BSA and HSA in vitro.

Interaction of tetramethylpyrazine with two serum albumins by a hybrid spectroscopic method

The interactions of tetramethylpyrazine (TMPZ) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) have been investigated by various spectroscopic techniques. Fluorescence tests showed that TMPZ could bind to BSA/HSA to form complexes. The binding constants of TMPZ-BSA and TMPZ-HSA complexes were observed to be 1.442 × 10(4) and 3.302 × 10(4)M(-1) at 298K, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) calculated on the basis of different temperatures revealed that the binding of TMPZ-HSA was mainly depended on hydrophobic interaction, and yet the binding of TMPZ-BSA might involve hydrophobic interaction strongly and electrostatic interaction. The results of synchronous fluorescence, three-dimensional fluorescence, UV-vis absorption, FT-IR and CD spectra showed that the conformations of both BSA and HSA altered with the addition of TMPZ. The binding average distance between TMPZ and BSA/HSA was evaluated according to Föster non-radioactive energy transfer theory. In addition, with the aid of site markers (such as, phenylbutazone, ibuprofen and digitoxin), TMPZ primarily bound to tryptophan residues of BSA/HSA within site I (sub-domain II A).

Locating the binding sites of Pb(II) ion with human and bovine serum albumins

Lead is a potent environmental toxin that has accumulated above its natural level as a result of human activity. Pb cation shows major affinity towards protein complexation and it has been used as modulator of protein-membrane interactions. We located the binding sites of Pb(II) with human serum (HSA) and bovine serum albumins (BSA) at physiological conditions, using constant protein concentration and various Pb contents. FTIR, UV-visible, CD, fluorescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) methods were used to analyse Pb binding sites, the binding constant and the effect of metal ion complexation on HSA and BSA stability and conformations. Structural analysis showed that Pb binds strongly to HSA and BSA via hydrophilic contacts with overall binding constants of K(Pb-HSA) = 8.2 (±0.8)×10(4) M(-1) and K(Pb-BSA) = 7.5 (±0.7)×10(4) M(-1). The number of bound Pb cation per protein is 0.7 per HSA and BSA complexes. XPS located the binding sites of Pb cation with protein N and O atoms. Pb complexation alters protein conformation by a major reduction of α-helix from 57% (free HSA) to 48% (metal-complex) and 63% (free BSA) to 52% (metal-complex) inducing a partial protein destabilization.

Biogenic and synthetic polyamines bind cationic dendrimers

Biogenic polyamines are essential for cell growth and differentiation, while polyamine analogues exert antitumor activity in multiple experimental model systems, including breast and lung cancer. Dendrimers are widely used for drug delivery in vitro and in vivo. We report the bindings of biogenic polyamines, spermine (spm), and spermidine (spmd), and their synthetic analogues, 3,7,11,15-tetrazaheptadecane.4HCl (BE-333) and 3,7,11,15,19-pentazahenicosane.5HCl (BE-3333) to dendrimers of different compositions, mPEG-PAMAM (G3), mPEG-PAMAM (G4) and PAMAM (G4). FTIR and UV-visible spectroscopic methods as well as molecular modeling were used to analyze polyamine binding mode, the binding constant and the effects of polyamine complexation on dendrimer stability and conformation. Structural analysis showed that polyamines bound dendrimers through both hydrophobic and hydrophilic contacts with overall binding constants of K(spm-mPEG-G3) = 7.6 × 10(4) M(-1), K(spm-mPEG-PAMAM-G4) = 4.6 × 10(4) M(-1), K(spm-PAMAM-G4) = 6.6 × 10(4) M(-1), K(spmd-mPEG-G3) = 1.0 × 10(5) M(-1), K(spmd-mPEG-PAMAM-G4) = 5.5 × 10(4) M(-1), K(spmd-PAMAM-G4) = 9.2 × 10(4) M(-1), K(BE-333-mPEG-G3) = 4.2 × 10(4) M(-1), K(Be-333-mPEG-PAMAM-G4) = 3.2 × 10(4) M(-1), K(BE-333-PAMAM-G4) = 3.6 × 10(4) M(-1), K(BE-3333-mPEG-G3) = 2.2 × 10(4) M(-1), K(Be-3333-mPEG-PAMAM-G4) = 2.4 × 10(4) M(-1), K(BE-3333-PAMAM-G4) = 2.3 × 10(4) M(-1). Biogenic polyamines showed stronger affinity toward dendrimers than those of synthetic polyamines, while weaker interaction was observed as polyamine cationic charges increased. The free binding energies calculated from docking studies were: -3.2 (spermine), -3.5 (spermidine) and -3.03 (BE-3333) kcal/mol, with the following order of binding affinity: spermidine-PAMAM-G-4>spermine-PAMMAM-G4>BE-3333-PAMAM-G4 consistent with spectroscopic data. Our results suggest that dendrimers can act as carrier vehicles for delivering antitumor polyamine analogues to target tissues.

Investigations on the interaction between cuprous oxide nanocubes and bovine serum albumin with comprehensive spectroscopic methods

The interaction between cuprous oxide (Cu(2)O) nanocubes and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated from a spectroscopic angle under simulative physiological conditions. Under pH 7.4, Cu(2)O could effectively quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA via static quenching. The apparent binding constant (K(A)) was 3.23, 1.91, and 1.20 × 10(4) M(-1) at 298, 304, and 310 K, respectively, and the number of binding sites was 1.05. According to the Van't Hoff equation, the thermodynamic parameters (ΔH°  =  -63.39 kJ mol(-1), ΔS°  =  -126.45 J mol(-1) K(-1)) indicated that hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces played a major role in stabilizing the BSA-Cu(2)O complex. Besides, the average binding distance (r(0) =  2.76 nm) and the critical energy transfer distance (R(0)  =  2.35 nm) between Cu(2)O and BSA were also evaluated according to Förster's non-radioactive energy transfer theory. Furthermore, UV-visible and circular dichroism results showed that the addition of Cu(2)O changed the secondary structure of BSA and led to a decrease in α-helix. All results showed that BSA underwent substantial conformational changes induced by Cu(2)O, which can be very helpful in the study of nanomaterials in the application of biomaterials.

Interactions of natural polyamines with mammalian proteins

The ubiquitously expressed natural polyamines putrescine, spermidine, and spermine are small, flexible cationic compounds that exert pleiotropic actions on various regulatory systems and, accordingly, are essentially involved in diverse life functions. These roles of polyamines result from their capability to interact with negatively charged regions of all major classes of biomolecules, which might act in response by changing their structures and functions. The present review deals with polyamine-protein interactions, thereby focusing on mammalian proteins. We discuss the various modes in which polyamines can interact with proteins, describe major types of affected functions illustrated by representative examples of involved proteins, and support information with respective structural evidence from elucidated three-dimensional structures. A specific focus is put on polyamine interactions at protein surfaces that can modulate the aggregation of proteins to organized structural networks as well as to toxic aggregates and, moreover, can play a role in important transient protein-protein interactions.

An indole-linked C8-deoxyguanosine nucleoside acts as a fluorescent reporter of Watson-Crick versus Hoogsteen base pairing

Pyrrole- and indole-linked C(8)-deoxyguanosine nucleosides act as fluorescent reporters of H-bonding specificity. Their fluorescence is quenched upon Watson-Crick H-bonding to dC, while Hoogsteen H-bonding to G enhances emission intensity. The indole-linked probe is ∼ 10-fold brighter and shows promise as a fluorescent reporter of Hoogsteen base pairing.