Studies on (Na+ + K+)-activated ATPase. XLVI. Effect of cation-induced conformational changes on sulfhydryl group modification

Cadmium delays non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair via inhibition of DNA-PKcs phosphorylation and downregulation of XRCC4 and Ligase IV

Although studies have shown that cadmium (Cd) interfered with DNA damage repair (DDR), whether Cd could affect non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair remains elusive. To further understand the effect of Cd on DDR, we used X-ray irradiation of Hela cells as an in vitro model system, along with γH2AX and 53BP1 as markers for DNA damage. Results showed that X-ray significantly increased γH2AX and 53BP1 foci in Hela cells (p < 0.01), all of which are characteristic of accrued DNA damage. The number of foci declined rapidly over time (1-8h postirradiation), indicating an initiation of NHEJ process. However, the disappearance of γH2AX and 53BP1 foci was remarkably slowed by Cd pretreatment (p < 0.01), suggesting that Cd reduced the efficiency of NHEJ. To further elucidate the mechanisms of Cd toxicity, several markers of NHEJ pathway including Ku70, DNA-PKcs, XRCC4 and Ligase IV were examined. Our data showed that Cd altered the phosphorylation of DNA-PKcs, and reduced the expression of both XRCC4 and Ligase IV in irradiated cells. These observations are indicative of the impairment of NHEJ-dependent DNA repair pathways. In addition, zinc (Zn) mitigated the effects of Cd on NHEJ, suggesting that the Cd-induced NHEJ alteration may partly result from the displacement of Zn or from an interference with the normal function of Zn-containing proteins by Cd. Our findings provide a new insight into the toxicity of Cd on NHEJ repair and its underlying mechanisms in human cells.

Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase as the Target Enzyme for Organic and Inorganic Compounds

This paper gives an overview of the literature data concerning specific and non specific inhibitors of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase receptor. The immobilization approaches developed to improve the rather low time and temperature stability of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase, as well to preserve the enzyme properties were overviewed. The functional immobilization of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase receptor as the target, with preservation of the full functional protein activity and access of various substances to an optimum number of binding sites under controlled conditions in the combination with high sensitive technology for the detection of enzyme activity is the basis for application of this enzyme in medical, pharmaceutical and environmental research.

Prevention and recovery of (mu(3)-diethylentriamino)-chloro-palladium(II)-chloride induced inhibition of Na/K-ATPase by SH containing ligands--L-cysteine and glutathione

The effect of (mu(3)-diethylentriamino)-chloro-palladium(II)-chloride ([PdCl(dien)]Cl) on the activity of Na/K-ATPase from porcine cerebral cortex was studied in vitro, in the absence and presence of -SH containing ligands L-cysteine and glutathione (GSH). The aim of the study was to elucidate the mechanism of [PdCl(dien)](+) induced inhibition of the enzyme activity and to examine the ability of thiols to prevent and recover the inhibition. The coordinative interaction between [PdCl(dien)](+) and enzyme was verified by UV and (1)H NMR spectra. The semblance in the changes in absorption spectra of [PdCl(dien)](+) in the presence of Na/K-ATPase and thiols (L-cysteine and GSH) suggested that the complex ion interacts with enzymatic sulfhydryl groups. [PdCl(dien)](+) inhibited the enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner. The Hill analysis of the inhibition curve yielded the half-maximum inhibitory activity value, IC(50)=1.21 x 10(-4)M, and Hill coefficient, n=0.7, suggesting the negative cooperation for binding of [PdCl(dien)](+) to the enzyme. Dependence of the initial reaction rate on the concentration of MgATP(2-) exhibited typical Michelis-Menten kinetics in the absence and presence of the inhibitor. Kinetic analysis showed that [PdCl(dien)](+) inhibited Na/K-ATPase by reducing the maximum reaction rate (V(max)), rather than changing the affinity to the substrate (K(m)). Kinetic parameters derived using Lineweaver-Burk transformation of experimental data indicated the non-competitive nature of Na/K-ATPase inhibition. The inhibitory constant, K(i)=1.05 x 10(-4)M, was determined from secondary replot of Lineweaver-Burk graph, and correlated with stability constants of [Pd(dien)(thiol)] complexes. 1 x 10(-3)M L-cysteine or GSH prevented the enzyme inhibition induced by Pd(II) complex cation when present below 1 x 10(-4)M. The both thiols completely reversed the inhibited activity in the concentration dependent manner, due to the complex formation with [PdCl(dien)](+).

Chloro(2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) platinum inhibition of the renal Na+,K+-ATPase

Chloro(2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) platinum, a bulky, hydrophilic reagent, inhibited the renal sodium pump with a single exponential time course. K(+) increased the rate constant of the reaction by about twofold; the K(+) concentration dependence was monotonic, with a half-maximal effect observed at 1 mM, consistent with K(+) acting at a transport site. Na(+), Mg(2+), eosin, and vanadate did not significantly alter the rate of reaction. The results of proteolysis and mass spectrometer analysis were consistent with terpyridine platinum labeling of Cys452, Cys456, or Cys457. Because phenylarsine oxide reacts with vicinal cysteines and did not prevent terpyridine platinum modification, terpyridine platinum most likely modifies Cys452. This modification prevents ADP binding; interestingly, the analogous residue in sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) is on the exterior of the nucleotide-binding pocket. Thus it appears that the terpyridine platinum residue is more accessible in the presence of K(+) than in its absence and that terpyridine platinum modification prevents nucleotide binding.

Preparation of Na,K-ATPase specifically modified on the anti-fluorescein antibody-inaccessible site by fluorescein 5'-isothiocyanate

Specific labeling is required for energy transfer measurements and to avoid artifacts in the use of fluorophores as reporter groups. Therefore, a method for specific modification by one of the most popular reagents for P-type ATPases (fluorescein 5'-isothiocyanate) has been developed. Sulfhydryl reagents protected against modification of cysteine residues, and treatment with dithiothreitol eliminated a slow doubling of the fluorescence of conventionally modified Na,K-ATPase upon dilution that is attributed to disappearance of self-energy transfer. Removal of nonspecifically bound fluorescein was also confirmed by titration of the modified Na, K-ATPase with anti-fluorescein antibody and by time resolution of the fluorescence change when the modified enzyme was mixed with Na(+) in a stopped-flow instrument. The only fluorescence change when specifically modified Na,K-ATPase was mixed with Na(+) was the signal from fluorescein at the antibody-inaccessible, substrate-protectable site that reports the conformational change in unphosphorylated enzyme. The magnitude of the fluorescence change reporting the conformational change increased from between 8 and 12% to between 25 and 30% without affecting the kinetic constants estimated from titrations with Na(+) and K(+). The method should be generally applicable to the preparation of specifically labeled P-type pumps for use in kinetic and equilibrium titrations or energy transfer measurements.

Inhibition of ATPase activity in rat synaptic plasma membranes by simultaneous exposure to metals

Inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities by in vitro exposure to Cd2+, Pb2+ and Mn2+ was investigated in rat brain synaptic plasma membranes (SPMs). Cd2+ and Pb2+ produced a larger maximal inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase than of Mg2+-ATPase activity. Metal concentrations causing 50% inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase activity (IC50 values) were Cd2+ (0.6 microM) < Pb2+ (2.1 microM) < Mn2+ (approximately 3 mM), and the former two metals were substantially more potent in inhibiting SPM versus synaptosomal Na+/K+-ATPase. Dixon plots of SPM data indicated that equilibrium binding of metals occurs at sites causing enzyme inhibition. In addition, IC50 values for SPM K+-dependent p-nitrophenylphosphatase inhibition followed the same order and were Cd2+ (0.4 microM) < Pb2+ (1.2 microM) < Mn2+ (300 microM). Simultaneous exposure to the combinations Cd2+/Mn2+ or Pb2+/Mn2+ inhibited SPM Na+/K+-ATPase activity synergistically (i.e., greater than the sum of the metal-induced inhibitions assayed separately), while Cd2+/Pb2+ caused additive inhibition. Simultaneous exposure to Cd2+/Pb2+ antagonistically inhibited Mg2+-ATPase activity while Cd2+/Mn2+ or Pb2+/Mn2+ additively inhibited Mg2+-ATPase activity at low Mn2+ concentrations, but inhibited antagonistically at higher concentrations. The similar IC50 values for Cd2+ and Pb2+ versus Mn2+ inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase and the pattern of inhibition/activation upon exposure to two metals simultaneously support similar modes of interaction of Cd2+ and Pb2+ with this enzyme, in agreement with their chemical reactivities.

Difference between neuronal and nonneuronal (Na+ + K+)-ATPases in their conformational equilibrium

Several experiments were carried out to study the difference between two isozymes (alpha(+) and alpha) of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in the conformational equilibrium. Rat brain (Na+ + K+)-ATPase was much more thermolabile than the kidney enzyme. Both enzymes were protected from heat inactivation not only by Na+ and K+, but also by choline in varying degrees, though there was a difference between the two enzymes in the protection by the ligands. The brain enzyme was partially protected from N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) inactivation by both Na+ and K+, but the effects of the ligands on NEM inactivation of the kidney enzyme were more complex. Though ligands differentially affected the thermostability and NEM sensitivity of the two enzymes, the effects were not simply related to the conformational states. The sensitivity of phosphoenzyme (EP) formed in the presence of ATP, Na+, and Mg2+ to ADP or K+ and K+-p-nitrophenyl phosphatase (pNPPase) was then studied as a probe of the differences in the conformational equilibrium between the two isozymes. The EP of the brain enzyme was partially sensitive to ADP, while those of the heart and kidney enzymes were not. At physiological Na+ concentrations the percentages of E1P formed by the brain and kidney enzymes were determined to be about 40-50 and 10-20% of the total EP, respectively. The hydrolytic activity of pNPP in the presence of Li+, a selective activator at catalytic sites of the reaction, was much higher in the kidney enzyme than in the brain enzyme. The inhibition of K+-stimulated pNPPase by ATP and Na+ was greater in the latter enzyme than in the former. These results suggest that neuronal and nonneuronal (Na+ + K+)-ATPases differ in their conformational equilibrium: the E1 or E1P may be more stable in the alpha(+) than in the alpha during the turnover, and conversely the E2 or E2P may be more stable in the latter than in the former.

Differential inhibition of human T-lymphocyte activation by maleimide probes

Cellular thiols are known to be involved in lymphocyte activation, differentiation, and growth. In theory, alkylation of selective cellular thiols could be used to regulate specific processes in the activation sequence by inactivating particular enzymes or structural proteins, although to date specific alkylating probes have not been reported. N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM) is a lipophilic sulfhydryl-alkylating agent that is known to block the in vitro proliferative response of T lymphocytes. NEM (10 microM) was found to be fully inhibitory in PHA, Con A, and MLC assays only when added prior to or simultaneously with the mitogens or allogeneic cells; the addition of NEM only 15 sec after stimulating the cells with PHA resulted in a loss of greater than 50% of the inhibitory activity. The addition of 50 microM 2-ME 10 min after treating the cells with NEM failed to block the inhibitory effect. NEM (10-20 microM) had no adverse effect on lymphocyte viability, but completely blocked lymphocyte agglutination in response to mitogens or allogeneic cells. The lymphocytes overcame the inhibitory effects of NEM after 48 hr in both the PHA and MLC experiments. Resumption of the proliferative response was associated with the onset of agglutination in the PHA assay. In experiments using various analogs of NEM, we noted that the presence of a nonpolar N-linked side group was necessary for inhibitory activity. Pretreatment of PBMC with NEM decreased the total cellular thiols by 50% and blocked proliferation by 99%, whereas N-hydroxymaleimide decreased the total cellular thiols by 38% but had no effect on the proliferative response. The additional 12% of the cellular thiols that react with NEM, but not NHM, account for the inhibitory effect of NEM on lymphocyte proliferation. These findings suggest that selective cellular thiols are critical for T-cell activation.

Sodium-induced conformation changes in membrane transport proteins

In the presence of KCl, tryptic digestion of vesicles derived from pigeon erythrocyte membranes inactivates sodium-dependent uptake of alanine by the vesicles, whereas digestion in the presence of NaCl does not. Extensive degradation of vesicle proteins occurs under both conditions. Similarly, the extent of inhibition by N-ethylmaleimide of the sodium-dependent influxes of both glycine and alanine into human erythrocytes is greater when the cells are exposed to the thiol reagent in the presence of KCl than when NaCl is used. These observations are interpreted as providing evidence for sodium-induced conformation changes in these transport proteins.

Amino group modification of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase

The effects of three amino group reagents on the activity of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and its component K+-stimulated p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity from rabbit kidney outer medulla have been studied. All three reagents cause inactivation of the enzyme. Modification of amino groups with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid yields kinetics of inactivation of both activities, which depend on the type and concentration of the ligands present. In the absence of added ligands, or with either Na+ of Mg2+ present, the enzyme inactivation process follows complicated kinetics. In the presence of K+, Rb+, or Tl+, protection occurs due to a change of the kinetics of inactivation toward a first-order process. ATP protects against inactivation at a much lower concentration in the absence than in the presence of Mg2+ (P50 6 microM vs. 1.2 mM). Under certain conditions (100 microM reagent, 0.2 M triethanolamine buffer, pH 8.5) modification of only 2% of the amino groups is sufficient to obtain 50% inhibition of the ATPase activity. Modification of amino groups with ethylacetimidate causes a nonspecific type of inactivation of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase. Mg2+ and K+ have no effects, and ATP only a minor effect, on the degree of modification. The K+-stimulated p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity is less inhibited than the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity. Half-inhibition of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase is obtained only after 25% modification of the amino groups. Modification of amino groups with acetic anhydride also causes nonspecific inactivation of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase. Mg2+ has no effect, and ATP has only a slight protecting effect. The K+-stimulated p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity is inhibited in parallel with the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity. Half-inactivation of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity is obtained after 20% modification of the amino groups.

Inhibitory characteristics of 3,5-dibromo-1-acetoxy-4-oxo-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-acetonitrile, a semisynthetic derivative of aeroplysinin-1 from sponges (Aplysinidae), on Na+ - K+-ATPase

3,5-Dibromo-1-acetoxy-4-oxo-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-acetonitrile (dienone A) inhibited Na+ - K+-ATPase with a half-maximal inhibition concentration (I50) equal to 2.9 X 10(-6)M. Inhibition was time- and pH-dependent and complete after 20-30 min preincubation within a range of pH from 7.0 to 9.0. Kinetic evaluation of the cationic substrate activation of Na+ - K+-ATPase indicated mixed type inhibition with regard to Na+ and K+ and competitive inhibition with regard to ATP activation of the enzyme. The presence of Mg2+ caused an increased inhibition. Also, K+-p-nitrophenyl phosphatase activity was altered by dienone A and mixed type inhibition with regard to p-nitrophenyl phosphate and K+ was demonstrated. Inhibition was partially restored by repeated washing. Preincubation with sulfhydryl reagents protected the enzyme from inhibition. A significant linear correlation between reactive enzyme sulfhydryl contents [SH] and Na+ - K+-ATPase activity in the presence of varying concentrations of dienone A was observed. One of the factors causing cytotoxic activity of this compound might be its interaction with some thiol groups of the membrane-bound Na+ - K+-ATPase.

Properties of the Mg2+-induced low-affinity nucleotide binding site of (Na+ + K+)-activated ATPase

The Mg2+-induced low-affinity nucleotide binding by (Na+ + K+)-ATPase has been further investigated. Both heat treatment (50-65 degrees C) and treatment with N-ethylmaleimide reduce the binding capacity irreversibly without altering the Kd value. The rate constant of inactivation is about one-third of that for the high-affinity site and for the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity. Thermodynamic parameters (delta H degree and delta S degree) for the apparent affinity in the ATPase reaction (Km ATP) and for the true affinity in the binding of AdoPP[NH]P (Kd and Ki) differ greatly in sign and magnitude, indicating that one or more reaction steps following binding significantly contribute to the Km value, which thus is smaller than the Kd value. Ouabain does not affect the capacity of low-affinity nucleotide binding, but only increases the Kd value to an extent depending on the nucleotide used. GTP and CTP appear to be most sensitive, ATP and ADP intermediately sensitive and AdoPP[NH]P and AMP least sensitive to ouabain. Ouabain reduces the high-affinity nucleotide binding capacity without affecting the Kd value. The nucleotide specificity of the low-affinity binding site is the same for binding (competition with AdoPP[NH]P) and for the ATPase activity (competition with ATP): AdoPP[NH]P greater than ATP greater than ADP greater than AMP. The low-affinity nucleotide binding capacity is preserved in the ouabain-stabilized phosphorylated state, and the Kd value is not increased more than by ouabain alone. It is inferred that the low-affinity site is located on the enzyme, more specifically its alpha-subunit, and not on the surrounding phospholipids. It is situated outside the phosphorylation centre. The possible functional role of the low-affinity binding is discussed.

High-affinity 86Rb-binding and structural changes in the alpha-subunit of Na+,K+-ATPase as detected by tryptic digestion and fluorescence analysis

High-affinity 86Rb-binding has been related to tryptic cleavage and fluorescence from intrinsic and extrinsic probes in order to examine the relationship of cation binding to structural transitions in the alpha-subunit of pure membrane-bound Na+,K+-ATPase from the outer renal medulla. Native Na+,K+-Atpase binds two Rb+ ions per alpha-subunit (12.3 nmol/mg protein) with high affinity (Kd = 7.5 microM) in 25 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5. Enzyme with one molecule of covalently attached fluorescein per alpha-subunit has the same capacity (12.8 nmol/mg protein) but a much lower affinity for Rb+ (Kd = 29.2 microM). The changes in conformational state of the protein are correlated with occupancy of the high-affinity sites for Rb+, also at concentrations of Rb+ below the Kd. Titration at varying ionic strength suggests that the E2-form is the relaxed or native conformation of the alpha-subunit. Changes in tryptic digestion pattern and in fluorescence are parallel events both in the conditions of the binding assay and at physiological ionic strength. Reversible blocking of sulfhydryl groups with Thimerosal (ethylmercurythiosalicylate) abolishes the fluorescence responses to K+ or Rb+ without affecting the capacity or the affinity for binding of 86Rb. The demonstration of high-affinity binding of Rb+ without coupling to a conformational change suggests that the E1-form of the protein exposes sites for tight binding of K+ or Rb+ at the cytoplasmic membrane surface.

Sulphydryl groups of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase from rectal glands of Squalus acanthias. Detection of ligand-induced conformational changes

1. Modification of the Class II sulphydryl groups on the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase from rectal glands of Squalus acanthias with N-ethylmaleimide has been used to detect conformational changes in the protein. The rates of inactivation of the enzyme and the incorporation of N-ethylmaleimide depend on the ligands present in the incubation medium. With 150 mM K+ the rate of inactivation is largest (k1 = 1.73 mM-1 . min-1) and four SH groups per alpha-subunit are modified. The rate of inactivation in the presence of 150 mM Na+ is smaller (k1 = 1.08 mM-1 . min-1) but the incorporation of N-ethylmaleimide is the same as with K+. 2. ATP in micromolar concentrations protects the Class II groups in the presence of Na+ (k1 = 0.08 mM-1 . min-1 at saturating ATP) and the incorporation is drastically reduced. ATP in millimolar concentrations protects the Class II groups partially in the presence of K+ (k1 = 1.08 mM-1 . min-1) and three SH groups are labelled per alpha subunit. 3. The K+-dependent phosphatase is inhibited in parallel to the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase under all conditions, and the ligand-dependent incorporation of N-ethylmaleimide was on the alpha-subunit only. 4. It is shown that the difference between the Na+ and K+ conformations sensed with N-ethylmaleimide depends on the pH of the incubation medium. At pH 6 there is a very small difference between the rates of inactivation in the presence of Na+ and K+, but at higher pH the difference increases. It is also shown that the rate of inactivation has a minimum at pH 6.9, which suggests that the conformation of the enzyme changes with pH. 5. Modification of the Class III groups with N-ethylmaleimide--whereby the enzyme activity is reduced from about 16% to zero--shows that these groups are also sensitive to conformational changes. As with the Class II groups, ATP in micromolar concentrations protects in the presence of Na+ relative to Na+ or K+ alone. ATP in millimolar concentrations with K+ present increases the rate of inactivation relative to K+ alone, in contrast to the effect on the Class II groups. 6. Modification of the Class II groups with a maleimide spin label shows a difference between Class II groups labelled in the presence of Na+ (or K+) and Class II groups labelled in the presence of K + ATP, in agreement with the difference in incorporation of N-ethylmaleimide. The spectra suggest that the SH group protected by ATP in the presence of K+ is buried in the protein. 7. The results suggest that at least four different conformations of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase can be sensed with N-ethylmaleimide: (i) a Na+ form of the enzyme with ATP bound to a high-affinity site (E1-Na-ATP); (ii) a Na+ form without ATP bound (E1-Na); (iii) a K+ form without ATP bound (E2-K); and (iv) an enzyme form with ATP bound to a low-affinity site in the presence of K+, probably and E1-K-ATP form.

Sulphydryl groups of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase from rectal glands of Squalus acanthias. Titrations and classification

1. (Na+ + K+)-ATPase from rectal glands of Squalus acanthias contains 34 SH groups per mol (Mr 265000). 15 are located on the alpha subunit (Mr 106000) and two on the beta subunit (Mr 40000). The beta subunit also contains one disulphide bridge. 2. The reaction of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase with N-ethylmaleimide shows the existence of at least three classes of SH groups. Class I contains two SH groups on each alpha subunit and one on each beta subunit. Reaction of these groups with N-ethylmaleimide in the presence of 40% glycerol or sucrose does not alter the enzyme activity. Class II contains four SH groups on each alpha subunit, and the reaction of these groups with 0.1 mM N-ethylmaleimide in the presence of 150 mM K+ leads to an enzyme species with about 16% activity. The remaining enzyme activity can be completely abolished by reaction with 5-10 mM N-ethylmaleimide, indicating a third class of SH groups (Class III). This pattern of inactivation is different from that of the kidney enzyme, where only one class of SH groups essential to activity is observed. 3. It is also shown that N-ethylmaleimide and DTNB inactivate by reacting with the same Class II SH groups. 4. Spin-labelling of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase with a maleimide derivative shows that Class II groups are mostly buried in the membrane, whereas Class I groups are more exposed. It is also shown that spin label bound to the Class I groups can monitor the difference between the Na+- and K+-forms of the enzyme.

Evidence for a Mg2+-induced conformational change at the ATP-binding site of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase demonstrated with a photoreactive ATP-analogue

1. The 3'-ribosyl ester of ATP with 2-nitro-4-azidophenyl propionic acid has been prepared and its ability to act as a photoaffinity label of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase has been tested. 2. In the dark 3'-O-[3-(2-nitro-4-azidophenyl)-propionyl]adenosine triphosphate (N3-ATP) is a substrate of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and a competitive inhibitor of ATP hydrolysis. 3. Upon irradiation by ultraviolet light, N3-ATP photolabels the high-affinity ATP-binding site and is covalently attached to the alpha-subunit and an approximately 12000-Mr component. 4. Photolabeling of the alpha-subunit by N3-ATP irreversibly inactivates (Na+ + K+)-ATPase. 5. Photoinactivation is strictly Mg2+-dependent. Na+ enhances the inactivation. ATP or ADP and K+ protect the enzyme against inactivation. 6. Mg2+, in concentrations required for photoinactivation, protects (Na+ + K+)-ATPase against inactivation by tryptic digestion under controlled conditions. 7. It is assumed that a conformational change of the ATP-binding site of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase occurs upon binding of Mg2+ to a low-affinity site.