Phosphorylase: a biological transducer

Metabolomics approach reveals high energy diet improves the quality and enhances the flavor of black Tibetan sheep meat by altering the composition of rumen microbiota

This study aims to determine the impact of dietary energy levels on rumen microbial composition and its relationship to the quality of Black Tibetan sheep meat by applying metabolomics and Pearson's correlation analyses. For this purpose, UHPLC-QTOF-MS was used to identify the metabolome, whereas 16S rDNA sequencing was used to detect the rumen microbiota. Eventually, we observed that the high energy diet group (HS) improved the carcass quality of Black Tibetan sheep and fat deposition in the longissimus lumborum (LL) compared to the medium energy diet group (MS). However, HS considerably increased the texture, water holding capacity (WHC), and volatile flavor of the LL when compared to that of MS and the low energy diet group (LS). Metabolomics and correlation analyses revealed that dietary energy levels mainly affected the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids of the LL, which consequently influenced the content of volatile flavor compounds (VOCs) and fats. Furthermore, HS increased the abundance of Quinella, Ruminococcus 2, (Eubacterium) coprostanoligenes, and Succinivibrionaceae UCG-001, all of which participate in the carbohydrate metabolism in rumen and thus influence the metabolite levels (stachyose, isomaltose, etc.) in the LL. Overall, a high-energy diet is desirable for the production of Black Tibetan sheep mutton because it improves the mouthfeel and flavor of meat by altering the composition of rumen microbiota, which influences the metabolism in the LL.

O-GlcNAcylation increases PYGL activity by promoting phosphorylation

O-GlcNAcylation is a post-translational modification that links metabolism with signal transduction. High O-GlcNAcylation appears to be the general characteristic of cancer cells. It promotes the invasion, metastasis, proliferation and survival of tumor cells, and alters many metabolic pathways. Glycogen metabolism increases in a wide variety of tumors, suggesting that it is an important aspect of cancer pathophysiology. Herein we focused on the O-GlcNAcylation of liver glycogen phosphorylase (PYGL), an important catabolism enzyme in the glycogen metabolism pathway. PYGL expressed in both HEK 293 T and HCT116 were modified by O-GlcNAc. And both PYGL O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation of Ser15 (pSer15) were decreased under glucose and insulin, while increased under glucagon and Na2S2O4 (hypoxia) conditions. Then, we identified the major O-GlcNAcylation site to be Ser430, and demonstrated that pSer15 and Ser430 O-GlcNAcylation were mutually reinforced. Lastly, we found that Ser430 O-GlcNAcylation was fundamental for PYGL activity. Thus, O-GlcNAcylation of PYGL positively regulated pSer15 and therefore its enzymatic activity. Our results provided another molecular insight into the intricate post-translational regulation network of PYGL.

Enhanced pollutant removal from rural non-point source wastewater using a two-stage multi-soil-layering system with blended carbon sources: Insights into functional genes, microbial community structure and metabolic function

A two-stage multi-soil-layering system with blended carbon sources (MSL-BCS) was constructed at pilot scale for treatment of rural non-point source wastewater. Results showed the MSL-BCS system had effective removal efficiencies with 64% of TN and 60% of TP, respectively. The addition of BCS could result in higher (1.6-3.1 fold) denitrification gene abundances (nirS and nosZ) for enhancing denitrification. High-throughput sequencing approach revealed that the higher abundance (>50%) of Epsilonbacteraeotra (Genus: Sulfuricurvum, Family: Thiovulaceae, Class: Campylobacteria, Phylum: Epsilonbacteraeota) enriched in the surface of BCS, which suggested that Epsilonbacteraeotra are the keystone species in achieving nitrogen removal through enhancing denitrification at oligotrophic level. KEGG analysis indicated that BCS might release some signaling molecules for enhancing the energy metabolism process, as well as stimulate the enzyme activities of histidine kinase, glycogen phosphorylase and ATPase, and thereby the denitrification processes were strengthened in MSL-BCS system. Consequently, this study could provide some valuable information on the removal performance and mechanism of engineering MSL systems packed with BCS to govern the rural wastewater treatment.

Disaccharide phosphorylases: Structure, catalytic mechanisms and directed evolution

Disaccharide phosphorylases (DSPs) are carbohydrate-active enzymes with outstanding potential for the biocatalytic conversion of common table sugar into products with attractive properties. They are modular enzymes that form active homo-oligomers. From a mechanistic as well as a structural point of view, they are similar to glycoside hydrolases or glycosyltransferases. As the majority of DSPs show strict stereo- and regiospecificities, these enzymes were used to synthesize specific disaccharides. Currently, protein engineering of DSPs is pursued in different laboratories to broaden the donor and acceptor substrate specificities or improve the industrial particularity of naturally existing enzymes, to eventually generate a toolbox of new catalysts for glycoside synthesis. Herein we review the characteristics and classifications of reported DSPs and the glycoside products that they have been used to synthesize.

Effects of phosphorylation on the activity of glycogen phosphorylase in mutton during incubation at 4 °C in vitro

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the phosphorylation levels of glycogen phosphorylase on its activity in mutton sarcoplasmic protein samples during incubation at 4 °C. Samples of sarcoplasmic proteins from mutton longissimus thoracis muscles were prepared and separated into three treatment groups to obtain glycogen phosphorylase with different phosphorylation levels, which were (1) treated with protein kinase A, (2) treated with alkaline phosphatase, and (3) left untreated (control). Glycogen phosphorylase phosphorylation levels and activity as well as the levels of related endogenous substances were assessed. The results showed that phosphorylation of glycogen phosphorylase in mutton promoted its activity during incubation at 4 °C. The activity of glycogen phosphorylase was also influenced by other factors (glycogen, glucose, glucose 6-phosphate, ATP, etc.) in vitro. The combined effects of phosphorylation and endogenous substances on glycogen phosphorylase activity varied at different incubation times.

Sugar uptake, metabolism, and chloride secretion in the rectal gland of the spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias

The rectal gland of the spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias secretes a salt solution isosmotic with plasma that maintains the salt homeostasis of the fish. It secretes salt against an electrochemical gradient that requires the expenditure of energy. Isolated rectal glands perfused without glucose secrete salt, albeit at a rate about 30% of glands perfused with 5 mM glucose. Gradually reducing the glucose concentration is associated with a progressive decrease in the secretion of chloride. The apparent K_m for the exogenous glucose-dependent chloride secretion is around 2 mM. Phloretin and cytochalasin B, agents that inhibit facilitated glucose carriers of the solute carrier 2 (Slc2) family such as glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), do not inhibit the secretion of chloride by the perfused rectal glands. Phloridzin, which inhibits Slc5 family of glucose symporters, or α-methyl-d-glucoside, which competitively inhibits the uptake of glucose through Slc5 symporters, inhibit the secretion of chloride. Thus the movement of glucose into the rectal gland cells appears to be mediated by a sodium-glucose symporter. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1), the first member of the Slc5 family of sodium-linked glucose symporters, was cloned from the rectal gland. No evidence of GLUT2 was found. The persistence of secretion of chloride in the absence of glucose in the perfusate suggests that there is an additional source of energy within the cells. The use of 2-mercapto-acetate did not result in any change in the secretion of chloride, suggesting that the oxidation of fatty acids is not the source of energy for the secretion of chloride. Perfusion of isolated glands with KCN in the absence of glucose further reduces the secretion of chloride but does not abolish it, again suggesting that there is another source of energy within the cells. Glucose was measured in the rectal gland cells and found to be at concentrations in the range of that in the perfusate. Glycogen measurements indicated that there are significant stores of glucose in the rectal gland. Moreover, glycogen synthase was partially cloned from rectal gland cells. The open reading frame of glycogen phosphorylase was also cloned from rectal gland cells. Measurements of glycogen phosphorylase showed that the enzyme is mostly in its active form in the cells. The cells of the rectal gland of the spiny dogfish require exogenous glucose to fully support the active secretion of salt. They have the means to transport glucose into the cells in the form of SGLT1. The cells also have an endogenous supply of glucose as glycogen and have the necessary elements to synthesize, store, and hydrolyze it.

Role of phosphorylation on characteristics of glycogen phosphorylase in lamb with different glycolytic rates post-mortem

The relationship between glycogen phosphorylase activity and phosphorylation levels in the longissimus thoracis muscle post-mortem was studied. Sixty lamb samples were collected at 0.5 h, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-mortem and divided into three groups (n = 6) with different glycolytic rates (fast, intermediate, and slow) according to the pH at 6 h post-mortem. The phosphorylation level and activity and expression of glycogen phosphorylase were determined. The results showed that the phosphorylation level and activity of glycogen phosphorylase in the slow pH decline group was lower than that in the fast pH decline group during 24 h post-mortem (P < .05). There was a significant positive correlation between the glycogen phosphorylase activity and the phosphorylation level. In conclusion, these data demonstrated that the glycogen phosphorylase activity in lambs was affected by phosphorylation levels and postmortem duration.

Acetylome profiling reveals extensive involvement of lysine acetylation in the conversion of muscle to meat

Protein lysine acetylation is an post-translational modification that regulates gene expression, metabolism, cell signaling, and diseases, but its implication in the postmortem (PM) meat quality development is basically unclear. In the present study, a quantitative proteomic analysis was conducted to profile acetylome in porcine muscle within 24 h PM. In total 595 acetylation sites assigned to 163 proteins were identified in porcine muscle, of which 460 sites distributing to 110 proteins significantly changed in acetylation levels in the conversion of muscle to meat. The dynamic acetylation/deacetylaion of muscle proteins was closely associated with critical chemical-biophysical changes in PM muscle. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that protein lysine acetylation likely regulated postmortem meat quality development by regulating glycolysis and muscle pH, cell stress reponse and apoptosis, muscle contraction and rigor mortis, calcium signaling and proteolysis, IMP synthesis and meat flavor development, and even the stability of pigment proteins and meat color. This study provided the first overview of protein lysine acetylation in PM muscle and revealed its significance in the conversion of muscle to meat. Future exploration of the exact role of protein lysine acetylation at specific sites will further our understanding regarding the underlying mechanisms and be helpful for meat quality control. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first analysis of acetylome in farm animal and postmortem muscle. Our data showed that the dynamic acetylation/deacetylation of muscle proteins was closely related to the postmortem changes of muscle that affect the final quality of raw meat. Proteins related to glucose metabolism and muscle contraction were the two largest clusters of acetylproteins identified in postmortem porcine muscle. Networks of acetylproteins involved in apoptosis, calcium signaling and IMP synthesis were identified in postmortem porcine muscle at the same time. Our results revealed that protein lysine acetylation regulated the conversion of muscle to meat. It likely regulated meat quality development by regulating postmortem glycolysis, mitochondrion initiated cell apoptosis, calcium signaling, rigor mortis, meat flavor compound sysnthesis and meat tenderization. Our study broadened our understanding of the biochemistry regulating the postmortem conversion of muscle to meat and final meat quality development, which may be helpful for future meat quality control.

α-Glucan Phosphorylase-Catalyzed Enzymatic Reactions Using Analog Substrates to Synthesize Non-Natural Oligo- and Polysaccharides

As natural oligo- and polysaccharides are important biomass resources and exhibit vital biological functions, non-natural oligo- and polysaccharides with a well-defined structure can be expected to act as new functional materials with specific natures and properties. α-Glucan phosphorylase (GP) is one of the enzymes that have been used as catalysts for practical synthesis of oligo- and polysaccharides. By means of weak specificity for the recognition of substrates by GP, non-natural oligo- and polysaccharides has precisely been synthesized. GP-catalyzed enzymatic glycosylations using several analog substrates as glycosyl donors have been carried out to produce oligosaccharides having different monosaccharide residues at the non-reducing end. Glycogen, a highly branched natural polysaccharide, has been used as the polymeric glycosyl acceptor and primer for the GP-catalyzed glycosylation and polymerization to obtain glycogen-based non-natural polysaccharide materials. Under the conditions of removal of inorganic phosphate, thermostable GP-catalyzed enzymatic polymerization of analog monomers occurred to give amylose analog polysaccharides.

Mechanisms of Insulin Action and Insulin Resistance

The 1921 discovery of insulin was a Big Bang from which a vast and expanding universe of research into insulin action and resistance has issued. In the intervening century, some discoveries have matured, coalescing into solid and fertile ground for clinical application; others remain incompletely investigated and scientifically controversial. Here, we attempt to synthesize this work to guide further mechanistic investigation and to inform the development of novel therapies for type 2 diabetes (T2D). The rational development of such therapies necessitates detailed knowledge of one of the key pathophysiological processes involved in T2D: insulin resistance. Understanding insulin resistance, in turn, requires knowledge of normal insulin action. In this review, both the physiology of insulin action and the pathophysiology of insulin resistance are described, focusing on three key insulin target tissues: skeletal muscle, liver, and white adipose tissue. We aim to develop an integrated physiological perspective, placing the intricate signaling effectors that carry out the cell-autonomous response to insulin in the context of the tissue-specific functions that generate the coordinated organismal response. First, in section II, the effectors and effects of direct, cell-autonomous insulin action in muscle, liver, and white adipose tissue are reviewed, beginning at the insulin receptor and working downstream. Section III considers the critical and underappreciated role of tissue crosstalk in whole body insulin action, especially the essential interaction between adipose lipolysis and hepatic gluconeogenesis. The pathophysiology of insulin resistance is then described in section IV. Special attention is given to which signaling pathways and functions become insulin resistant in the setting of chronic overnutrition, and an alternative explanation for the phenomenon of ‟selective hepatic insulin resistanceˮ is presented. Sections V, VI, and VII critically examine the evidence for and against several putative mediators of insulin resistance. Section V reviews work linking the bioactive lipids diacylglycerol, ceramide, and acylcarnitine to insulin resistance; section VI considers the impact of nutrient stresses in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria on insulin resistance; and section VII discusses non-cell autonomous factors proposed to induce insulin resistance, including inflammatory mediators, branched-chain amino acids, adipokines, and hepatokines. Finally, in section VIII, we propose an integrated model of insulin resistance that links these mediators to final common pathways of metabolite-driven gluconeogenesis and ectopic lipid accumulation.

Thermostable alpha-glucan phosphorylases: characteristics and industrial applications

α-Glucan phosphorylases (α-GPs) catalyze the reversible phosphorolysis of α-1,4-linked polysaccharides such as glycogen, starch, and maltodextrins, therefore playing a central role in the usage of storage polysaccharides. The discovery of these enzymes and their role in the course of catalytic conversion of glycogen was rewarded with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1947. Nowadays, however, thermostable representatives attract special attention due to their vast potential in the enzymatic production of diverse carbohydrates and derivatives such as (functional) oligo- and (non-natural) polysaccharides, artificial starch, glycosides, and nucleotide sugars. One of the most recently explored utilizations of α-GPs is their role in the multi-enzymatic process of energy production stored in carbohydrate biobatteries. Regardless of their use, thermostable α-GPs offer significant advantages and facilitated bioprocess design due to their high operational temperatures. Here, we present an overview and comparison of up-to-date characterized thermostable α-GPs with a special focus on their reported biotechnological applications.

Substrate Locking Promotes Dimer-Dimer Docking of an Enzyme Antibiotic Target

Protein dynamics manifested through structural flexibility play a central role in the function of biological molecules. Here we explore the substrate-mediated change in protein flexibility of an antibiotic target enzyme, Clostridium botulinum dihydrodipicolinate synthase. We demonstrate that the substrate, pyruvate, stabilizes the more active dimer-of-dimers or tetrameric form. Surprisingly, there is little difference between the crystal structures of apo and substrate-bound enzyme, suggesting protein dynamics may be important. Neutron and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments were used to probe substrate-induced dynamics on the sub-second timescale, but no significant changes were observed. We therefore developed a simple technique, coined protein dynamics-mass spectrometry (ProD-MS), which enables measurement of time-dependent alkylation of cysteine residues. ProD-MS together with X-ray crystallography and analytical ultracentrifugation analyses indicates that pyruvate locks the conformation of the dimer that promotes docking to the more active tetrameric form, offering insight into ligand-mediated stabilization of multimeric enzymes.

EXPRESSION PATTERNS OF THE GLYCOGEN PHOSPHORYLASE GENE RELATED TO LARVAL DIAPAUSE IN Ostrinia furnacalis

Glycogen phosphorylase (GP) acts in the first step in release of glucose from glycogen, a form of energy storage for most organisms. To investigate the characteristics and expression pattern of GP gene (Ofgp) in the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), larvae, we cloned and analyzed tissue transcription of Ofgp. The results indicate that the open reading frame (ORF) is 2,526 bp, encoding 841 amino acid. The calculated three-dimensional structure shows 33 α-helices and 24 β-sheets. Ofgp transcription levels varied significantly during the second to fifth instars under long-day (28 °C, 16:8 L:D photoperiod, and 70-80% relative humidity (RH)) and short-day (24.5 °C, 11:13 L:D photoperiod, and 70-80% RH) conditions, remained low during the prediapause phase, and then increased after about 36 d under short-day photoperiod. In the larvae reared under long-day condition, hemolymph ranked the highest in the transcript level of Ofgp. The highest transcription was recorded in the fat body and was lower in the other tissues in larvae reared under short-day condition. We found that Ofgp transcription increased linearly from October 2012 to January 2013. The transcript level was negatively correlated with environmental temperature. We infer the higher Ofgp transcription may enhance the cold hardiness of the diapause larvae.

Lithium Induces Glycogen Accumulation in Salivary Glands of the Rat

Lithium is administered for the treatment of mood and bipolar disorder. The aim of this study was to verify whether treatment with different concentrations of lithium may affect the glycogen metabolism in the salivary glands of the rats when compared with the liver. Mobilization of glycogen in salivary glands is important for the process of secretion. Two sets of experiments were carried out, that is, in the first, the rats received drinking water supplemented with LiCl (38,25 and 12 mM of LiCl for 15 days) and the second experiment was carried out by intraperitoneal injection of LiCl solution (12 mg/kg and 45 mg LiCl/kg body weight) for 3 days. The active form of glycogen phosphorylase was not affected by treatment with LiCl considering the two experiments. The active form of glycogen synthase presented higher activity in the submandibular glands of rats treated with 25 and 38 mM LiCl and in the liver, with 25 mM LiCl. Glycogen level was higher than that of control in the submandibular glands of rats receiving 38 and 12 mM LiCl, in the parotid of rats receiving 25 and 38 mM, and in the liver of rats receiving 12 mM LiCl. The absolute value of glycogen for the submandibular treated with 25 mM LiCl, and the liver treated with 38 mM LiCl, was higher than the control value, although not statistically significant for these tissues. No statistically significant difference was found in the submandibular and parotid salivary glands for protein concentration when comparing experimental and control groups. We concluded that LiCl administered to rats influences the metabolism of glycogen in salivary glands.

Chronic effects of clozapine administration on insulin resistance in rats: evidence for adverse metabolic effects

Chronic treatment with the atypical antipsychotics clozapine has been associated with an increased risk for deterioration of glucose homeostasis, leading to hyperglycemia and insulin resistance diabetes. The present study mainly aimed to investigate possible mechanisms underlying clozapine-induced hyperglycemia. Male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two groups (each consists of 12 rats). The first group received clozapine orally at a dose of 10mg/kg body weight daily for 6 weeks, while the other group received the drug vehicle only and served as the control group. At the end of the six weeks, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, as indicated by Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), were observed in the clozapine group as compared with the control group. This disturbance in glucose regulation was associated with non-significant changes in body weight, serum cortisol level, and hepatic glycogen content. The Clozapine group showed a significant increase in hepatic phosphorylase activity and in the gene expression level of hepatic glucose-6-phosphatse (G6Pase) enzymes compared to the control group. It can be concluded that clozapine-induced hyperglycemia and insulin resistance occur in a manner mostly independent of weight gain, and may be attributed to an increase in hepatic phosphorylase activity and increased expression level of G6Pase.

Mechanistic insights into the regulation of metabolic enzymes by acetylation

The activity of metabolic enzymes is controlled by three principle levels: the amount of enzyme, the catalytic activity, and the accessibility of substrates. Reversible lysine acetylation is emerging as a major regulatory mechanism in metabolism that is involved in all three levels of controlling metabolic enzymes and is altered frequently in human diseases. Acetylation rivals other common posttranslational modifications in cell regulation not only in the number of substrates it modifies, but also the variety of regulatory mechanisms it facilitates.

Acetylation negatively regulates glycogen phosphorylase by recruiting protein phosphatase 1

Glycogen phosphorylase (GP) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in glycogen catabolism and plays a key role in maintaining cellular and organismal glucose homeostasis. GP is the first protein whose function was discovered to be regulated by reversible protein phosphorylation, which is controlled by phosphorylase kinase (PhK) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). Here we report that lysine acetylation negatively regulates GP activity by both inhibiting enzyme activity directly and promoting dephosphorylation. Acetylation of GP Lys(470) enhances its interaction with the PP1 substrate-targeting subunit, G(L), and PP1, thereby promoting GP dephosphorylation and inactivation. We show that GP acetylation is stimulated by glucose and insulin and inhibited by glucagon. Our results provide molecular insights into the intricate regulation of the classical GP and a functional crosstalk between protein acetylation and phosphorylation.

Acetylation regulates gluconeogenesis by promoting PEPCK1 degradation via recruiting the UBR5 ubiquitin ligase

Protein acetylation has emerged as a major mechanism in regulating cellular metabolism. Whereas most glycolytic steps are reversible, the reaction catalyzed by pyruvate kinase is irreversible, and the reverse reaction requires phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK1) to commit for gluconeogenesis. Here, we show that acetylation regulates the stability of the gluconeogenic rate-limiting enzyme PEPCK1, thereby modulating cellular response to glucose. High glucose destabilizes PEPCK1 by stimulating its acetylation. PEPCK1 is acetylated by the P300 acetyltransferase, and this acetylation stimulates the interaction between PEPCK1 and UBR5, a HECT domain containing E3 ubiquitin ligase, therefore promoting PEPCK1 ubiquitinylation and degradation. Conversely, SIRT2 deacetylates and stabilizes PEPCK1. These observations represent an example that acetylation targets a metabolic enzyme to a specific E3 ligase in response to metabolic condition changes. Given that increased levels of PEPCK are linked with type II diabetes, this study also identifies potential therapeutic targets for diabetes.

Orthophosphate binding at the dimer interface of Corynebacterium callunae starch phosphorylase: mutational analysis of its role for activity and stability of the enzyme

Background

Orthophosphate recognition at allosteric binding sites is a key feature for the regulation of enzyme activity in mammalian glycogen phosphorylases. Protein residues co-ordinating orthophosphate in three binding sites distributed across the dimer interface of a non-regulated bacterial starch phosphorylase (from Corynebacterium callunae) were individually replaced by Ala to interrogate their unknown function for activity and stability of this enzyme.

Results

While the mutations affected neither content of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate cofactor nor specific activity in phosphorylase preparations as isolated, they disrupted (Thr²⁸→Ala, Arg¹⁴¹→Ala) or decreased (Lys³¹→Ala, Ser¹⁷⁴→Ala) the unusually strong protective effect of orthophosphate (10 or 100 mM) against inactivation at 45°C and subunit dissociation enforced by imidazole, as compared to wild-type enzyme. Loss of stability in the mutated phosphorylases appeared to be largely due to weakened affinity for orthophosphate binding. Binding of sulphate mimicking the crystallographically observed "non-covalent phosphorylation" of the phosphorylase at the dimer interface did not have an allosteric effect on the enzyme activity.

Conclusions

The phosphate sites at the subunit-subunit interface of C. callunae starch phosphorylase appear to be cooperatively functional in conferring extra kinetic stability to the native dimer structure of the active enzyme. The molecular strategy exploited for quaternary structure stabilization is to our knowledge novel among dimeric proteins. It can be distinguished clearly from the co-solute effect of orthophosphate on protein thermostability resulting from (relatively weak) interactions of the ligand with protein surface residues.

Molecular genetics of McArdle's disease

This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of McArdle's disease, including the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the clinical phenotype. The latest molecular genetic studies have demonstrated the genetic heterogeneity of the disorder, with more than 65 mutations identified to date. There is not a specific treatment for McArdle's disease, but some nutritional treatments in combination with aerobic conditioning could improve the quality of life in most patients.

The relation of starch phosphorylases to starch metabolism in wheat

Tissues of wheat (Triticum aestivum L., var. Star) exhibit three starch phosphorylase activity forms resolved by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel affinity electrophoresis (P1, P2 and P3). Compartmentation analysis of young leaf tissues showed that P3 is plastidic, whereas P1 and P2 are cytosolic. P1 exhibits a strong binding affinity to immobilized glycogen upon electrophoresis, whereas P2 and the chloroplastic P3 do not. Cytosolic leaf phosphorylase was purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography. The single polypeptide product constituted both the P1 and P2 activity forms. Probes for the detection of phosphorylase transcripts were derived from cDNA sequences of cytosolic and plastidic phosphorylases, and these-together with activity assays and a cytosolic phosphorylase-specific antiserum-were used to monitor phosphorylase expression in leaves and seeds. Mature leaves contained only plastidic phosphorylase, which was also strongly evident in the endosperm of developing seeds at the onset of reserve starch accumulation. Germinating seeds contained only cytosolic phosphorylase, which was restricted to the embryo. Plastidic phosphorylase thus appears to be associated with transitory leaf starch metabolism and with the initiation of seed endosperm reserve starch accumulation, but it plays no role in the degradation of the reserve starch. Cytosolic phosphorylase may be involved in the processing of incoming carbohydrate during rapid tissue growth.

A novel nonsense mutation (R269X) in the myophosphorylase gene in a patient with McArdle disease

We identified a novel nonsense mutation in the myophoshorylase gene in a patient of Italian origin with McArdle disease. This homozygous C-to-T transition (805C > T) results in the replacement of a arginine at amino acid position 269 with a stop codon (R269X). Our data further expand the genetic heterogeneity in patients with McArdle disease.

Structural relationships among regulated and unregulated phosphorylases

Species and tissue-specific isozymes of phosphorylase display differences in regulatory properties consistent with their distinct roles in particular organisms and tissues. In this review, we compare crystallographic structures of regulated and unregulated phosphorylases, including maltodextrin phosphorylase (MalP) from Escherichia coli, glycogen phosphorylase from yeast, and mammalian isozymes from muscle and liver tissues. Mutagenesis and functional studies supplement the structural work and provide insights into the structural basis for allosteric control mechanisms. MalP, a simple, unregulated enzyme, is contrasted with the more complicated yeast and mammalian phosphorylases that have evolved regulatory sites onto the basic catalytic architecture. The human liver and muscle isozymes show differences structurally in their means of invoking allosteric activation. Phosphorylation, though common to both the yeast and mammalian enzymes, occurs at different sites and activates the enzymes by surprisingly different mechanisms.

Hepatic glycogen synthesis is highly sensitive to phosphorylase activity: evidence from metabolic control analysis

We used metabolic control analysis to determine the flux control coefficient of phosphorylase on glycogen synthesis in hepatocytes by titration with a specific phosphorylase inhibitor (CP-91149) or by expression of muscle phosphorylase using recombinant adenovirus. The muscle isoform was used because it is catalytically active in the b-state. CP-91149 inactivated phosphorylase with sequential activation of glycogen synthase. It increased glycogen synthesis by 7-fold at 5 mm glucose and by 2-fold at 20 mm glucose with a decrease in the concentration of glucose causing half-maximal rate (S(0.5)) from 26 to 19 mm. Muscle phosphorylase was expressed in hepatocytes mainly in the b-state. Low levels of phosphorylase expression inhibited glycogen synthesis by 50%, with little further inhibition at higher enzyme expression, and caused inactivation of glycogen synthase that was reversed by CP-91149. At endogenous activity, phosphorylase has a very high (greater than unity) negative control coefficient on glycogen synthesis, regardless of whether it is determined by enzyme inactivation or overexpression. This high control is attenuated by glucokinase overexpression, indicating dependence on other enzymes with high control. The high control coefficient of phosphorylase on glycogen synthesis affirms that phosphorylase is a strong candidate target for controlling hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes in both the absorptive and postabsorptive states.

Molecular diagnosis of McArdle disease: revised genomic structure of the myophosphorylase gene and identification of a novel mutation

McArdle disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of the muscle glycogen metabolism caused by mutations in the muscle glycogen phosphorylase gene. Until now, a total number of 11 different mutations in the coding region or splice sites of the myophosphorylase gene have been identified. In contrast to a wealth of data on the RNA and protein level, little information is available on the genomic sequence of the corresponding gene. To facilitate molecular diagnosis of McArdle disease, we reinvestigated the genomic structure of the myophosphorylase gene and sequenced about 9.8 kilobases (kb) on the genomic level. By choosing 14 intronic primer pairs, we were able to amplify the complete human coding sequence as well as the adjacent splice sites of the 20 exons. Direct sequencing of the amplification products of a consanguineous Turkish family with typical McArdle disease revealed a novel single base pair deletion in exon 18, which predicts a frameshift and a premature termination of the protein. In summary, we established a system for molecular diagnosis of McArdle disease based on a revised genomic structure of the myophosphorylase gene and demonstrated its feasibility by identification of a novel mutation.

A missense mutation T487N in the myophosphorylase gene in a Spanish patient with McArdle's disease

A heterozygous C-to-A substitution at codon 487, changing a highly conserved threonine to an asparagine (T487N) was identified in two siblings with McArdle's disease who were also heterozygous for the nonsense mutation at codon 49 (R49X). Our data further expand the genetic heterogeneity in patients with McArdle's disease.

A missense mutation W797R in the myophosphorylase gene in a Spanish patient with McArdle's disease

We identified a novel missense mutation in the myophosphorylase gene (PYGM) in a Spanish patient with McArdle's disease. This homozygous T-to-C transition results in the replacement of a highly conserved tryptophan at amino acid position (aa) 797 with an arginine in the C-terminal domain of the PYGM protein. The lack of enzyme activity in the proband's muscle is consistent with a crucial role of the aa 797 in the normal function of the PYGM protein. Our data further expand the genetic heterogeneity in patients with McArdle's disease.

McArdle's disease. The unsolved mystery of the reappearing enzyme

We assessed the frequency of muscle fibers showing histochemical phosphorylase activity in 27 muscle biopsies from 25 unrelated patients with McArdle's disease and studied by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization whether the muscle-specific isoform was expressed. Positive phosphorylase fibers were observed in 19% of our series of biopsies. We show that the enzyme isoform expressed in regenerating fibers differs according to the genotype of patients: the muscle-specific isoform is transcribed and translated in patients with none of the described mutations in at least one allele of the myophosphorylase gene, whereas it is neither transcribed nor translated in patients with identified mutations in both alleles.

Novel aspects of the regulation of glycogen storage

The storage polysaccharide glycogen is widely distributed in nature, from bacteria to mammals. Study of its regulated accumulation has resulted in the discovery or elaboration of several important biochemical principles. Many aspects of the control of glycogen storage still remain poorly understood and glycogen metabolism continues to provide interesting models of more general relevance.

Bacterial alpha-glucan phosphorylases

Although glycogen and other alpha-1,4-D-glucan storage polysaccharides are present in many bacteria, only few glucan phosphorylases from bacteria have been identified and characterised on the protein or gene level. All bacterial phosphorylases follow the same catalytic mechanisms as their plant and vertebrate counterparts, but differ considerably in terms of their substrate specificity and regulation. The catalytic domains are highly conserved while the regulatory sites are only poorly conserved. The degree of conservation between bacterial and mammalian phosphorylases is comparable to that of other non-mammalian and mammalian alpha-glucan phosphorylases. Only for maltodextrin phosphorylase from E. coli the physiological role of the enzyme in the utilisation of maltodextrins is known in detail; that of all other phosphorylases remains still unclear. Roles in regulation of endogenous glycogen metabolism in periods of starvation, and sporulation, stress response or quick adaptation to changing environments are imaginable.

Kinetic study on the dimer-tetramer interconversion of glycogen phosphorylase a

Kinetic theory of dissociating enzyme systems has been applied to a study of the dimer-tetramer interconversion of glycogen phosphorylase a. All kinetic constants for the dissociating-associating reaction of phosphorylase a have been determined. The results indicate that (a) the presence of glucose-1-phosphate has no influence on either the rate of dissociation or the rate of association, and hence does not shift the dimer-tetramer equilibrium of phosphorylase a; (b) the binding og glycogen to the enzyme decreases the association rate of the dimer to form the tetramer, but has no effect on the dissociation rate of the tetramer; (c) both the dimeric and tetrameric form of phosphorylase a can bind glycogen, but the tetrameric form has a lower affinity for glycogen and is catalytically inactive.

Specific features of glycogen metabolism in the liver

Although the general pathways of glycogen synthesis and glycogenolysis are identical in all tissues, the enzymes involved are uniquely adapted to the specific role of glycogen in different cell types. In liver, where glycogen is stored as a reserve of glucose for extrahepatic tissues, the glycogen-metabolizing enzymes have properties that enable the liver to act as a sensor of blood glucose and to store or mobilize glycogen according to the peripheral needs. The prime effector of hepatic glycogen deposition is glucose, which blocks glycogenolysis and promotes glycogen synthesis in various ways. Other glycogenic stimuli for the liver are insulin, glucocorticoids, parasympathetic (vagus) nerve impulses and gluconeogenic precursors such as fructose and amino acids. The phosphorolysis of glycogen is mainly mediated by glucagon and by the orthosympathetic neurotransmitters noradrenaline and ATP. Many glycogenolytic stimuli, e.g. adenosine, nucleotides and NO, also act indirectly, via secretion of eicosanoids from non-parenchymal cells. Effectors often initiate glycogenolysis cooperatively through different mechanisms.

Partial activation of muscle phosphorylase by replacement of serine 14 with acidic residues at the site of regulatory phosphorylation

Phosphorylation of glycogen phosphorylase at residue Ser14 triggers a conformational transition that activates the enzyme. The N-terminus of the protein, in response to phosphorylation, folds into a 310 helix and moves from its location near a cluster of acidic residues on the protein surface to a site at the dimer interface where a pair of arginine residues form charged hydrogen bonds with the phosphoserine. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to replace Ser14 with Asp and Glu residues, analogs of the phosphoserine, that might be expected to participate in ionic interactions with the arginine side chains at the dimer interface. Kinetic analysis of the mutants indicates that substitution of an acidic residue in place of Ser14 at the site of regulatory phosphorylation partially activates the enzyme. The S14D mutant shows a 1.6-fold increase in Vmax, a 10-fold decrease in the apparent dissociation constant for AMP, and a 3-fold decrease in the S0.5 for glucose 1-phosphate. The S14E mutant behaves similarly, showing a 2.2-fold increase in Vmax, a 6-fold decrease in the apparent dissociation constant for AMP, and a 2-fold decrease in the S0.5 for glucose 1-phosphate. The ability of the mutations to enhance binding of AMP and glucose 1-phosphate and to raise catalytic activity suggests that the introduction of a carboxylate side chain at position 14 promotes docking of the N-terminus at the subunit interface and concomitant stabilization of the activated conformation of the enzyme. Like the native enzyme, both mutants show significant activity only in the presence of the activator, AMP. Full activation, analogous to that provided by covalent phosphorylation of the enzyme, likely is not achieved because of differences in the charge and the geometry of ionic interactions at the phosphorylation site.

Role of the active site gate of glycogen phosphorylase in allosteric inhibition and substrate binding

The functional role in allosteric regulation of a flexible loop (residues 280-288) located near the active site of muscle glycogen phosphorylase was investigated. Mutations were made in residues 283-285 based on crystallographic studies that indicate that the loop functions as a gate controlling access of substrates to the active site and that these specific residues play distinct roles in mimicking the substrate and binding inhibitors when the enzyme is in an inactive conformation. Substitution of Ala or Asn for Asp-283, the putative substrate mimic, results in a 15-fold decrease in Vmax, a 10-fold decrease in the S0.5 for glucose 1-phosphate, a 10-fold increase in the Ka for AMP, and a 10-20-fold increase in the Ki for glucose. Substitution of Ala for Asn-284, which normally forms a hydrogen bond with the inhibitor glucose, reduces Vmax 3-fold, increases the Ki for glucose 2-fold, but has little effect on AMP or glucose 1-phosphate binding or cooperativity. Substitution of Asp at 284, on the other hand, reduces Vmax 10-fold, elevates the Ki for glucose 10-fold, decreases AMP cooperativity, but has little effect on the affinity of AMP or the cooperativity and binding of glucose 1-phosphate. Substitution of Leu for Phe-285, which forms aromatic stacking interactions with purine inhibitors, reduces Vmax 2-fold, decreases the affinity for caffeine at least 10-fold, raises the Ka for AMP 3-fold, and decreases AMP cooperativity but has little effect on glucose 1-phosphate binding or cooperativity. The results of the mutagenesis studies show the importance of the 280's loop for inhibitor binding and modulation of substrate affinity and suggest a role for the loop in allosteric activation. The propagation of allosteric effects across the domain interface may depend upon specific contacts between residues of the 280's loop and the C-terminal domain.

Regulation of yeast CTP synthetase activity by protein kinase C

CTP synthetase (EC 6.3.4.2, UTP:ammonia ligase (ADP-forming)) is an allosterically regulated enzyme in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this work we examined the regulation of CTP synthetase activity by S. cerevisiae protein kinase C (Pkc1p) phosphorylation. The results of labeling experiments with S. cerevisiae mutants expressing different levels of the PKC1 gene indicated that phosphorylation of CTP synthetase was mediated by Pkc1p in vivo. In vitro, Pkc1p phosphorylated purified CTP synthetase on serine and threonine residues, which resulted in the activation (3-fold) of enzyme activity. The mechanism of this activation involved an increase in the apparent Vmax of the reaction and an increase in the enzyme's affinity for ATP. In vitro phosphorylated CTP synthetase also exhibited a decrease in its positive cooperative kinetic behavior with respect to UTP and ATP. Phosphorylation of CTP synthetase did not have a significant effect on the kinetic properties of the enzyme with respect to glutamine and GTP. Phosphorylation of CTP synthetase resulted in a decrease in the enzyme's sensitivity to product inhibition by CTP. Phosphorylation did not affect the mechanism by which CTP inhibits CTP synthetase activity.

Deimination of glycogen phosphorylase b by peptidylarginine deiminase. Influence on the kinetical characteristics and dimer-tetramer transition

The kinetics of the native glycogen phosphorylase b from rabbit skeletal muscle and of the enzyme specifically deiminated by peptidylarginine deiminase have been studied. One arginine residue per phosphorylase b monomer is transformed into citrulline after 3 h of incubation with peptidylarginine deiminase. The maximal velocity of the enzymatic reaction for the modified phosphorylase b is 7-20% higher than that for the native enzyme. Deiminated phosphorylase b, like the native enzyme, shows a positive kinetic cooperativity with respect to glucose-1-phosphate. The affinity of the modified phosphorylase b for the allosteric activator AMP is one order of magnitude higher than that of the native enzyme. Deimination caused a pronounced reduction of the values of [I]0.5 for FMN and glucose, but the sensitivity of the deiminated enzyme to glucose-6-phosphate is much lower than that of the native phosphorylase b. Deiminated phosphorylase b, unlike the native enzyme, shows the positive cooperativity for FMN binding. Deiminated phosphorylase b, unlike the native enzyme, shows less capability to form tetramers in the presence of AMP as compared to the native enzyme.

Mechanism of regulation in yeast glycogen phosphorylase

The mechanism of yeast glycogen phosphorylase activation by covalent phosphorylation involves structural elements distinct from the mammalian homologs. To understand the role of the amino-terminal 39-residue extension in the phosphorylation control mechanism, mutants with 22 and 42 amino-terminal residues removed were expressed in Escherichia coli, and their properties were compared with the wild-type (WT) enzyme. The unphosphorylated WT enzyme had a specific activity of 0.1 unit/mg and was not activated significantly by the substrate, glucose 1-phosphate. Phosphorylation by protein kinase resulted in a 1300-fold activation. Glucose 6-phosphate inhibited the unphosphorylated enzyme more effectively than the phosphorylated form, and inhibition of the latter was cooperative. Glucose was a poor inhibitor for both the unphosphorylated and phosphorylated WT enzyme with Ki > 300 mM. The rate of phosphorylation by protein kinase depended on substrates and interactions of the amino terminus. Maltoheptaose increased the rate of phosphorylation of the WT enzyme by yeast phosphorylase kinase 5-fold. The 22-residue deletion mutant (Nd22) had overall kinetic properties similar to the WT enzyme, except that Nd22 was a better substrate for the protein kinase and the rate of phosphorylation was unaffected by maltoheptaose. The 42-residue deletion mutant (Nd42), which lacks the phosphorylation site, was measurably active, although much less active than phosphorylated WT. Sedimentation equilibrium analysis indicated that the WT, Nd22, and Nd42 exist as tetramer, partially dissociated tetramer, and dimer, respectively. Phosphorylation of the WT and Nd22 converted both to dimer. The results indicated that the amino terminus affects quaternary structure and mediates activity regulation through conformational transition.

When one and one are not two

Dimeric proteins can arise from monomers by the simple exchange of secondary structural elements or a wholesale swapping of domains. These results have implications for the construction of novel oligomeric molecules and illuminate how existing structures may have evolved.

Pattern formation on cardiac troponin I by consecutive phosphorylation and dephosphorylation

Two serine residues located adjacently in the heart-specific N-terminus of cardiac troponin I can be phosphorylated in vivo. Both residues are sequentially phosphorylated and dephosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). The concentration changes of the different troponin I species have been determined separately for the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation reaction and approximated by time courses predicted by a reaction model. Dependent on the concentration ratio of active protein kinase/protein phosphatase, four different troponin I species can be generated; one nonphosphorylated, two monophosphorylated and one bisphosphorylated. This pattern generation will be observed in proteins phosphorylated and dephosphorylated by a single protein kinase and phosphatase on more than one site and is a new principle inherent in signal cascades.

Chimeric muscle and brain glycogen phosphorylases define protein domains governing isozyme-specific responses to allosteric activation

Muscle and brain glycogen phosphorylases differ in their responses to activation by phosphorylation and AMP. The muscle isozyme is potently activated by either phosphorylation or AMP. In contrast, the brain isozyme is poorly activated by phosphorylation and its phosphorylated a form is more sensitive to AMP activation when enzyme activity is measured in substrate concentrations and temperatures encountered in the brain. The nonphosphorylated b form of the brain isozyme also differs from the muscle isozyme b form in its stronger affinity and lack of cooperativity for AMP. To identify the structural determinants involved, six enzyme forms, including four chimeric enzymes containing exchanges in amino acid residues 1-88, 89-499, and 500-842 (C terminus), were constructed from rabbit muscle and human brain phosphorylase cDNAs, expressed in Escherichia coli, and purified. Kinetic analysis of the b forms indicated that the brain isozyme amino acid 1-88 and 89-499 regions each contribute in an additive fashion to the formation of an AMP site with higher intrinsic affinity but weakened cooperativity, while the same regions of the muscle isozyme each contribute to greater allosteric coupling but weaker AMP affinity. Kinetic analysis of the a forms indicated that the amino acid 89-499 region correlated with the reduced response of the brain isozyme to activation by phosphorylation and the resultant increased sensitivity of the a form to activation by saturating levels of AMP. This isozyme-specific response also correlated with the glycogen affinity of the a forms. Enzymes containing the brain isozyme amino acid 89-499 region exhibited markedly reduced glycogen affinities in the absence of AMP compared to enzymes containing the corresponding muscle isozyme region. Additionally, AMP led to greater increases in glycogen affinity of the former set of enzymes. In contrast, phosphate affinities of all a forms were similar in the absence of AMP and increased approximately the same extent in AMP. The potential importance of a number of isozyme-specific substitutions in these sequence regions is discussed.

Adenovirus-mediated delivery into myocytes of muscle glycogen phosphorylase, the enzyme deficient in patients with glycogen-storage disease type V

The feasibility of using adenovirus as a vector for the introduction of glycogen phosphorylase activity into myocytes has been examined. We used the C2C12 myoblast cell line to assay the impact of phosphorylase gene transfer on myocyte glycogen metabolism and to reproduce in vitro the two strategies proposed for the treatment of muscle genetic diseases, myoblast transplantation and direct DNA delivery. In this study, a recombinant adenovirus containing the muscle glycogen phosphorylase cDNA transcribed from the cytomegalovirus promoter (AdCMV-MGP) was used to transduce both differentiating myoblasts and nondividing mature myotube cells. Muscle glycogen phosphorylase mRNA levels and total phosphorylase activity were increased in both cell types after viral treatment although more efficiently in the differentiated myotubes. The increase in phosphorylase activity was transient (15 days) in myoblasts whereas in myotubes higher levels of phosphorylase gene expression and activity were reached, which remained above control levels for the duration of the study (20 days). The introduction of muscle phosphorylase into myotubes enhanced their glycogenolytic capacity. AdCMV MGP-transduced myotubes had lower glycogen levels under basal conditions. In addition, these engineered cells showed more extensive glycogenolysis in response to both adrenaline, which stimulates glycogen phosphorylase phosphorylation, and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, a metabolic uncoupler. In conclusion, transfer of the muscle glycogen phosphorylase cDNA into myotubes confers an enhanced and regulatable glycogenolytic capacity. Thus this system might be useful for delivery of muscle glycogen phosphorylase and restoration of glycogenolysis in muscle cells from patients with muscle phosphorylase deficiency (McArdle's disease).

Identification of the molecular trigger for allosteric activation in glycogen phosphorylase

Activation of protein function through phosphorylation can be mimicked by the engineering of specific metal binding sites. The addition of two histidine residues to glycogen phosphorylase allows enzymatic activation by transition metals in a cooperative and allosteric manner. Crystal structures of the metallo-enzyme have been determined and show that the structural transition induced upon metal binding (Ni2+) is, in part, analogous to the mode of activation of the native enzyme. The designed metal activation site allows assignment of the structural changes which trigger activation in this allosteric enzyme and, further, provide insight into the evolutionary development of multiple activation sites.

Comparative analysis of species-independent, isozyme-specific amino-acid substitutions in mammalian muscle, brain and liver glycogen phosphorylases

Mammalian glycogen phosphorylases exist as three isozymes, muscle, brain and liver, that exhibit different responses to activation by phosphorylation and AMP, regardless of species. To identify species-independent, amino-acid substitutions that may be important determinants in differential isozyme control, we have sequenced cDNAs containing the entire protein coding regions of rat muscle and brain phosphorylases. Nucleotide sequence comparisons with rat liver, rabbit muscle, and human muscle, brain and liver phosphorylase genes, indicate that muscle and brain isozymes are more related to each other than to the liver isozyme. Unlike the human isozymes, there is little difference in GC content of codons in the rat isozymes. In relation to the rabbit muscle isozyme three-dimensional structure, amino-acid sequence comparisons indicate that very few nonconservative isozyme-specific substitutions occur in buried and dimer contact residues. There is strict conservation of active site, pyridoxal-phosphate-binding site and nucleoside inhibitor site residues, as well as CAP loop and helix-2 residues that comprise the phosphorylation activation and part of the AMP binding sites. In contrast, five liver isozyme-specific substitutions occur between residues 313-325 and another at residue 78 which may be important determinants in the poor activation of this isozyme by AMP. Substitutions in the brain isozyme at residues 21-23, 405 and 435 may play a role in its poor response to activation by phosphorylation.