Mechanism of inhibition of human neutrophil collagenase by Gold(I) chrysotherapeutic compounds

Metabolism of angiotensin peptides by angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and analysis of the effect of excess zinc on ACE2 enzymatic activity

After decades of notoriety for its adverse cardiovascular, proinflammatory and profibrotic actions, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) began to be cast in a more favorable light with the discovery of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) in 2000. This monocarboxypeptidase, best known for its ability to metabolize angiotensin (Ang) II to Ang 1-7, counteracts the adverse effects of Ang II mediated by the AT₁ Ang II receptor. Ang peptides are classically considered to be metabolized by aminopeptidases, by which the nomenclature Ang III (des-Asp¹Ang II, 2-8 heptapeptide) and Ang IV (des-Asp¹des-Arg²Ang II, 3-8 hexapeptide) are derived. This report compares the ability of recombinant human ACE2 (rhACE2) to metabolize Ang III, Ang IV and Ang V, (4-8 pentapeptide) relative to Ang II to form corresponding des-omega-Phe metabolites. rhACE2 has highest affinity (lowest K_m) for Ang III, followed by Ang II ∼ Ang V, followed by Ang IV. However, rhACE2 has the highest Kcat for metabolising Ang IV followed by Ang V, Ang III and Ang II. The enzymatic efficiency (Kcat/Km) is highest for Ang V and Ang III followed by Ang IV and is lowest for Ang II. As a gluzincin metallopeptidase, ACE2 requires a zinc molecule at its active site for catalysis. This report also documents inhibition of ACE2 activity by concentrations of zinc exceeding 10 μM. These observations extend the functional significance of ACE2 to include the metabolic inactivation of Ang III, Ang IV and Ang V, reemphasizing the importance of monitoring zinc intake to maintain metabolic homeostasis.

Gold-based therapy: From past to present

Despite an abundant literature on gold nanoparticles use for biomedicine, only a few of the gold-based nanodevices are currently tested in clinical trials, and none of them are approved by health agencies. Conversely, ionic gold has been used for decades to treat human rheumatoid arthritis and benefits from 70-y hindsight on medical use. With a view to open up new perspectives in gold nanoparticles research and medical use, we revisit here the literature on therapeutic gold salts. We first summarize the literature on gold salt pharmacokinetics, therapeutic effects, adverse reactions, and the present repurposing of these ancient drugs. Owing to these readings, we evidence the existence of a common metabolism of gold nanoparticles and gold ions and propose to use gold salts as a "shortcut" to assess the long-term effects of gold nanoparticles, such as their fate and toxicity, which remain challenging questions nowadays. Moreover, one of gold salts side effects (i.e., a blue discoloration of the skin exposed to light) leads us to propose a strategy to biosynthesize large gold nanoparticles from gold salts using light irradiation. These hypotheses, which will be further investigated in the near future, open up new avenues in the field of ionic gold and gold nanoparticles-based therapies.

Synthesis, structural characterization, and antiinflammatory activity of triethylphosphinegold(I) sulfanylpropenoates of the type [(AuPEt3)2xspa] [H2xspa = 3-(aryl)-2-sulfanylpropenoic acid]: an (H2O)6 cluster in the lattice of the complexes [(AuPEt3)2xspa] x 3 H2O

Gold complexes of the type [(AuPEt3)2xspa] were prepared by reacting AuPEt3Cl in basic media with the 3-(aryl)-2-sulfanylpropenoic acids H2xspa [x = p, Clp, -o-mp, -p-mp, -o-hp, -p-hp, diBr-o-hp, f, t, -o-py; p = 3-phenyl, Clp = 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-, -o-mp = 3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-, -p-mp = 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-, -o-hp = 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-, -p-hp = 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-, diBr-o-hp = 3-(3,5- dibromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-, f = 3-(2-furyl)-, t = 3-(2-thienyl)-, -o-py = 3-(2-pyridyl); spa = 2-sulfanylpropenoato], and 2-cyclopentylidene-2-sulfanylacetic acid (H2cpa). The complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, (1)H, (13)C and (31)P NMR) and mass spectrometry, and the complexes [(AuPEt3)2pspa] x 3 H2O, [(AuPEt3)2-p-hpspa] x 3 H2O, [(AuPEt3)2tspa)] x 3 H2O, and [(AuPEt3)2-o-hpspa] by X-ray diffractometry. The crystals of the first three complexes contain (H2O)6 clusters hydrogen bonded to [(AuPEt3)2xspa]2 dimer units, whereas in the -o-hpspa derivative the hydrogen bonds are between the monomer [(AuPEt3)2-o-hpspa] units. The antiinflammatory activity of the complexes against plantar edema induced by carrageenan in rats is generally significant, with the values for the o-hpspa and tspa derivatives being particularly high.

The influence of a PHI-5-loaded silicone membrane, on cutaneous wound healing in vivo

This study investigated whether a novel ionogenic substance, containing amongst others zinc and rubidium (PHI-5; Dermagenics Inc, Memphis, TN, USA), could improve the healing of full-thickness skin wounds. Uniform wounds were created on the right flank of guinea pigs. Micro-grooved silicone rubber membranes, containing 0 (controls), 1.25, 5.00, or 10.00 microg PHI-5, were sutured onto this wound. Standardized digital wound photographs were made after 1, 3, and 6 weeks. Also, wound biopsies were taken after 3 and 6 weeks for histological and histomorphometrical evaluation. For all study groups, 6 animals were used. Analysis of the 1-week digital photographs showed that the surface area of the wounds decreased significantly, with an increasing PHI-5 concentration. No other differences were found in the wound photographs. Also, no differences were measured in histomorphometry at 3 and 6 weeks. Concluding, in our study model a single application of PHI-5 did have a significant positive influence on initial wound healing.

Two metallocarboxypeptidases from the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi belong to the M32 family, found so far only in prokaryotes

MCPs (metallocarboxypeptidases) of the M32 family of peptidases have been identified in a number of prokaryotic organisms, and only a few of them have been characterized biochemically. Members of this family are absent from eukaryotic genomes, with the remarkable exception of those of trypanosomatids. The genome of the CL Brener clone of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease, encodes two such MCPs, with 64% identity between them: TcMCP-1 and TcMCP-2. Both genes, which are present in a single copy per haploid genome, were expressed in Escherichia coli as catalytically active polyHis-tagged recombinant enzymes. Despite their identity, the purified TcMCPs displayed marked biochemical differences. TcMCP-1 acted optimally at pH 6.2 on FA {N-(3-[2-furyl]acryloyl)}-Ala-Lys with a K(m) of 166 muM. Activity against benzyloxycarbonyl-Ala-Xaa substrates revealed a P1' preference for basic C-terminal residues. In contrast, TcMCP-2 preferred aromatic and aliphatic residues at this position. The K(m) value for FA-Phe-Phe at pH 7.6 was 24 muM. Therefore the specificities of both MCPs are complementary. Western blot analysis revealed a different pattern of expression for both enzymes: whereas TcMCP-1 is present in all life cycle stages of T. cruzi, TcMCP-2 is mainly expressed in the stages that occur in the invertebrate host. Indirect immunofluorescence experiments suggest that both proteins are localized in the parasite cytosol. Members of this family have been identified in other trypanosomatids, which so far are the only group of eukaryotes encoding M32 MCPs. This fact makes these enzymes an attractive potential target for drug development against these organisms.

Zn2+-induced reversible dissociation of subunit Rpn10/p54 of the Drosophila 26 S proteasome

In the presence of Zn2+, the Drosophila 26 S proteasome disassembles into RP (regulatory particle) and CP (catalytic particle), this process being accompanied by the dissociation of subunit Rpn10/p54, the ubiquitin receptor subunit of the proteasome. The dissociation of Rpn10/p54 induces extensive rearrangements within the lid subcomplex of the RP, while the structure of the ATPase ring of the base subcomplex seems to be maintained. As a consequence of the dissociation of the RP, the peptidase activity of the 26 S proteasome is lost. The Zn2+-induced structural and functional changes are fully reversible; removal of Zn2+ is followed by reassociation of subunit Rpn10/p54 to the RP, reassembly of the 26 S proteasome and resumption of the peptidase activity. After the Zn2+-induced dissociation, Rpn10/p54 interacts with a set of non-proteasomal proteins. Hsp82 (heat-shock protein 82) has been identified by MS as the main Rpn10/p54-interacting protein, suggesting its role in the reassembly of the 26 S proteasome after Zn2+ removal. The physiological relevance of another Rpn10/p54-interacting protein, the Smt3 SUMO (small ubiquitin-related modifier-1)-activating enzyme, detected by chemical cross-linking, has been confirmed by yeast two-hybrid analysis. Besides the Smt3 SUMO-activating enzyme, the Ubc9 SUMO-conjugating enzyme also exhibited in vivo interaction with the 5'-half of Rpn10/p54 in yeast cells. The mechanism of 26 S proteasome disassembly after ATP depletion is clearly different from that induced by Zn2+. Rpn10/p54 is permanently RP-bound during the ATP-dependent assembly-disassembly cycle, but during the Zn2+ cycle it reversibly shuttles between the RP-bound and free states.

Inhibition of lysosomal cysteine proteases by chrysotherapeutic compounds: a possible mechanism for the antiarthritic activity of Au(I)

Although Au(I) complexes have been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis for over 75 years, their mechanism of action is still poorly understood. A family of enzymes responsible for joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis, the cathepsins, has been discussed as a possible biological target of Au(I). In this study, inhibition of the cathepsins by known Au(I) drugs and related compounds was investigated. The compounds tested inhibited cathepsin activity with IC50 values as low as 600 nM. More typical IC50 values were in the 50-200 microM range. Although the gold complexes are not extremely potent cathepsin inhibitors, it is likely that this inhibition is biologically relevant given the high concentrations of Au(I) in the serum and joints of patients undergoing chrysotherapy. While it is likely that there are multiple targets of Au(I) in vivo, inhibition of the cathepsins would provide protection against the joint destruction that is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis and is one possible mechanism for Au(I) antiarthritic activity.

The Ammine, Thiosulfato, and Mixed Ammine/Thiosulfato Complexes of Silver(I) and Gold(I)

The M(I)-NH(3), M(I)-S(2)O(3)(2)(-), and M(I)-S(2)O(3)(2)(-)-NH(3) systems (M = Ag, Au) were studied at 25 degrees C and at I = 0.1 M (NaClO(4)) using a variety of analytical techniques. For the Ag(I)-NH(3)-S(2)O(3)(2)(-) system, AgS(2)O(3)NH(3)(-) was detected with formation constant log beta(111) (for the reaction Ag(+) + S(2)O(3)(2)(-) + NH(3) <--> AgS(2)O(3)NH(3)(-)) of 11.2, 10.4, and 10.8 on the basis of silver potentiometry, UV-vis spectrophotometry, and hydrodynamic voltammetry, respectively. Also, the values of log beta(101)(AgNH(3)(+)), log beta(102)(Ag(NH(3))(2)(+)), log beta(110)(AgS(2)O(3)(-)), and log beta(120)(Ag(S(2)O(3))(2)(3)(-)), obtained from silver potentiometry, were 3.59, 7.0, 8.97, 13.1, respectively. In the case of the ammine complexes, the log beta(101)(AgNH(3)(+)) and log beta(102)(Ag(NH(3))(2)(+)) values were found to be 3.5 and 7.1, respectively, from the UV-vis spectrophotometric experiments. The mixed species AuS(2)O(3)NH(3)(-) was detected in UV-vis spectrophotometric, hydrodynamic voltammetric, and potentiometric experiments with the stepwise formation constants (log K(111)) of -4.0, -3.5, -3.8, respectively, for the reaction Au(S(2)O(3))(2)(3)(-) + NH(3) <--> AuS(2)O(3)NH(3)(-) + S(2)O(3)(2)(-). At higher [NH(3)]/[S(2)O(3)(2)(-)] ratios (>10(5)), the formation of Au(NH(3))(2)(+) was also detected in spectrophotometric and potentiometric experiments with stepwise formation constants (log K(102)) of -5.4 and -5.3, respectively, according to the reaction AuS(2)O(3)NH(3)(-) + NH(3) <--> Au(NH(3))(2)(+) + S(2)O(3)(2)(-).

Inhibition of human gelatinases by metals released from dental amalgam

The interaction between metal ions and the oral environment is a major subject matter in dental research. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in pathologic oral processes such as periodontal tissue destruction, root caries, tumor invasion and temporomandibular joint disorders. The aim of this study was to test the effect of metal ions released from dental amalgam on the major gingival gelatinolytic MMPs. Gingival human explants were cultured overnight in DMEM and the activity of secreted enzymes was analyzed by gelatin zymography in buffers conditioned with dispersed phase or concentional phase dental amalgams. The major enzymes present in conditioned media were characterized as MMP-2 and MMP-9 by immunoprecipitation. The proteolytic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were strongly inhibited by dispersed phase amalgams conditioned buffers. Inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities was partly prevented by the addition of 1,10 phenanthroline, a divalent metal chelator, to the amalgam conditioned buffers. Dental amalgam conditioned buffer also inhibited the degradation of denatured type I collagen by purified MMP-2 on liquid phase assays. These findings suggest that the activity of oral tissue MMPs may be modulated by metal ions released from dental amalgam.

The effect of lead on the eruption rates of incisor teeth in rats

The effects of lead on the continuously erupting rat incisors under normo-, hyper- and hypofunctional conditions were investigated. Left lower incisors of 20 rats were rendered unimpeded (hypofunctional) by cutting them out of occlusion every 2 days; the right lower incisors of these rats were considered hyperfunctional. Measurements on normally growing teeth (normofunctional) were carried out in a group of ten rats whose teeth were not cut but only marked every 2 days. On day 7 of the experiment, half of the rats from these two groups were given a single intraperitoneal injection of lead acetate (40 mg/kg), and the other half received sodium acetate (22 mg/kg). Another group of 15 rats was used to obtain blood samples for lead determination 1 h, and 10, 20, and 30 days after lead administration. Animals were killed on day 32. Hypofunctional incisors from lead-treated rats erupted more slowly than control ones (P<0.05). These results show a previously unreported toxic effect of heavy metals.

Inhibition of human gingival gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) by metal salts

OBJECTIVES

The interaction between metal ions and the oral environment is a major subject matter in dental research. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in several pathologic oral processes such as periodontal tissue destruction, root caries, tumour invasion and temporomandibular joint disorders. The aim of this work was to test the effect of Zn, Cu, Sn and Hg ions on the activity of the major gingival gelatinolytic MMPs.

METHODS

Gingival explants were cultured overnight in DMEM and the activity of secreted enzymes was analyzed by gelatin zymography in buffers containing different metal ion concentrations. The major gelatinolytic proteinases present in the conditioned media were characterized as MMP-2 and MMP-9 by immunoprecipitation with specific antibodies. The eletrophoretic bands were scanned and the transmittance values were analyzed with the Sigmagel software (Sigma).

RESULTS

ZnSO4 was a strong inhibitor of MMP-2 (I50 = 15 microM) and MMP-9 (I50 = 40 microM), whereas CuSO4, HgSO4 and SnCl2 showed less efficient inhibition potential.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings show that the activity of oral tissue MMPs may be modulated by metal ions present in the oral environment. Therefore, the accumulation of metals in connective tissue may interfere with the formation and resorption of the extracellular matrix components.

Liposome encapsulated aurothiomalate reduces collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) generated in rats or mice has long been a model system for the study of rheumatoid arthritis in humans. In particular, this system has been used to study the mechanisms and effects of anti-arthritic drugs in the treatment of the disease. Sodium aurothiomalate (ATM) is an agent often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in humans; however, it possesses inherent toxicities which limits its usefulness. Liposome-encapsulated drugs are currently being developed to minimize the toxicities associated with a variety of potentially beneficial drugs. We have chosen to encapsulate ATM into small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) to determine whether greater efficacy would be achieved in treating CIA with SUV ATM as compared to using the free drug. SUVs were prepared from hydrogenated egg phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol. These SUVs were very stable. Vesicles stored at 4 degrees C lost only 0.09% of encapsulated ATM (SUV ATM) after 14 days and were able to reduce collagen-induced arthritis in these mice. Animals treated by i.m. injections of SUV ATM exhibited a 50% reduction in symptoms. More importantly, histological examination of knee joints of the affected animals verified that SUV ATM treatment prevented cellular infiltration of lymphocytes into the synovia of the collagen-sensitized mice. Conditioned media from spleen cell cultures was assayed for the presence of inflammatory lymphokines that might be affected by SUV ATM to account for the success in suppressing collagen-induced arthritis.

A novel endopeptidase with a strict specificity for threonine residues at the P1' position

An endopeptidase was purified from Archachatina ventricosa by chromatography on columns of gel filtration, DEAE-Sepharose and phenyl-Sepharose. The preparation was shown to be homogeneous by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis. The purified enzyme displayed two protein bands on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with estimated molecular weights of 90,000 and 121,000. The protease exhibited maximum proteolytic activity at 55 degrees C and at pH 8.0, but it retained more than 85% of its activity in the pH range 7.5 to 8.5. It was completely inactivated by the chelating agents EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline which are metalloprotease inhibitors. Studies on substrate specificity showed that only the amide bonds of peptide substrates having a threonine residue at the P1' position were hydrolyzed by the purified protease. This endopeptidase constitutes a novel tool for the study of proteins in view of its narrow and unique substrate specificity.

Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: regulation by a high-affinity Zn2+ binding site

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells were demonstrated to contain lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPtdCho) acyltransferase (E.C. 2.3.1.23) activity. The enzyme displayed Km(app) of 69 microM for lysoPtdCho and 152 microM for oleoyl CoA. Enzyme activity was not affected by the addition of 1 mM Mg2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, or 200 mM EDTA. However, Zn2+ inhibited lysoPtdCho acyltransferase activity to 33% control values at 0.1 mM and to 7% at 1.0 mM Zn2+. To further explore the possibility that lysoPtdCho acyltransferase may contain a high-affinity Zn2+ binding site, we tested the strong Zn2+ chelator o-phenanthroline for its ability to inhibit enzyme activity. LysoPtdCho acyltransferase activity was inhibited to 18 and 27%, respectively, those of control values in the presence of 2 and 1 mM o-phenanthroline, implying that a high-affinity Zn2+ binding site exists in lysoPtdCho acyltransferase or in an accessory protein that is essential for protein stability and/or activity. Saccharomyces cerevisiae lysoPtdCho acyltransferase activity displayed a broad lysoPtdCho fatty acyl chain substrate specificity utilizing lysoPtdCho molecules ranging in length from C10-C20 (the entire range tested). In addition, the enzyme was capable of using the ether-linked analog of lysoPtdCho, 1-O-alkyl-2-hydroxy-sn-3-glycerophosphocholine, as a substrate. The ability of S. cerevisiae to incorporate radiolabeled 1-O-alkyl-2-hydroxy-sn-3-glycerophosphocholine into phosphatidylcholine in vitro was exploited to demonstrate a direct precursor-product relationship between lysoPtdCho molecules and their incorporation into phosphatidylcholine in vivo. Identical labeling results were obtained in S. cerevisiae cells disrupted for their major transacylase activity, PLB1, demonstrating that the incorporation of lysolipid was via acyltransferase, and not transacylase, activity.

Inhibitory effects of spinorphin, a novel endogenous regulator, on chemotaxis, O2- generation, and exocytosis by N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP)-stimulated neutrophils

To characterize the inflammatory effect of spinorphin, an endogenous peptide purified from bovine spinal cord, its effects on chemotaxis, O2- generation, and exocytosis by N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP)-stimulated human neutrophils (PMNs) in vitro were examined. At 10 microM, spinorphin significantly inhibited chemotaxis by FMLP-stimulated PMNs. Spinorphin at 100 microM also inhibited both O2- generation and exocytosis of beta-glucuronidase and collagenase by FMLP-stimulated PMNs. The mechanisms by which spinorphin inhibits these PMN functions were examined further. Spinorphin markedly suppressed the binding of FML[3H]P to its receptor on PMNs, as observed in a binding assay. However, other neuropeptides that were examined (angiotensin II and substance P) had no effect on FML[3H]P binding, suggesting the possibility that spinorphin plays a specific role in the inhibition of the binding between FMLP and its receptor. The suppression of FMLP binding also caused a decrease of the FMLP-induced intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]i, which acts as a second messenger leading to PMN functions. These results suggest that spinorphin may be a new endogenous inflammation-regulatory peptide that modulates the interaction of FMLP with its receptor.

Processing of thionin precursors in barley leaves by a vacuolar proteinase

Thionins are synthesized as precursors with a signal peptide and a long C-terminal acidic peptide that is post-translationally processed. A fusion protein including the maltose-binding protein from Escherichia coli (MalE), thionin DG3 from barley leaves, and its acidic C-terminal peptide has been used to obtain antibodies that recognize both domains of the precursor. In barley leaf sections, mature thionins accumulated in the vacuolar content, while the acidic peptide was not detected in any cell fraction. Brefeldin A and monensin inhibited processing of the precursor but its export from the microsomal fraction was not inhibited. Both purified vacuoles and an acid (pH 5.5) extract from leaves processed the fusion protein into a MalE-thionin and an acidic peptide fragment. A 70-kDa proteinase that effected this cleavage was purified from the acid extract. Processing of the fusion protein by both lysed vacuoles and the purified proteinase was inhibited by Zn2+ and by Cu2+, but not by inhibitors of the previously described vacuolar processing thiol or aspartic proteinases. In vivo processing of the thionin precursor in leaf sections was also inhibited by Zn2+ and Cu2+. Variants of the fusion protein with altered processing sites that represented those of thionin precursors from different taxa were readily processed by the proteinase, whereas changing the polarity of either the C-terminal or N-terminal residues of the processing site prevented cleavage by the proteinase.

Temporal study of the activity of matrix metalloproteinases and their endogenous inhibitors during wound healing

The restoration of functional connective tissue is a major goal of the wound healing process. This regenerative event requires the deposition and accumulation of collagenous and noncollagenous matrix molecules as well as the remodelling of extracellular matrix (ECM) by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In this study, we have utilized substrate gel electrophoresis, radiometric enzyme assays, and Western blot analyses to determine the temporal pattern of appearance and activity of active and latent MMPs and their inhibitors during the entire healing process in a partial thickness wound model. Through the use of substrate gel electrophoresis, we studied the appearance of proteolytic bands whose molecular weight was consistent with their being members of the MMP family of enzymes. Proteolytic bands whose molecular weight is consistent with both the active and latent forms of MMP-2 (72 kDa, Type IV gelatinase) were detected in wound fluid of days 1-7 after wounding. The number of active MMP-2 species detectable in wound fluid was greatest during days 4-6 after wounding. The most prominent proteolytic band detected each day migrated with a molecular weight consistent with it being the latent form of MMP-9 (92 kDa, Type V pro-collagenase). In contrast to MMP-2, the active form of this enzyme was never detected. The presence of MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) was detected by immunoblot in the wound fluid from days 1-6 post-injury. Using a radiometric enzyme assay for collagenase inhibitory activity we have also determined the time course of activity of endogenous matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors. We have correlated these data to the known cellular events occurring in the wound during this time period as well. This study establishes a prototypical pattern of MMP appearance in normal wound healing. It may also provide potential intervention sites for the therapeutic use of inhibitors of aberrant MMP activities which characterize chronic wounds.

Role of the conserved histidine and aspartic acid residues in activity and stabilization of human gelatinase B: an example of matrix metalloproteinases

Gelatinase B (MMP-9), a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family, is a zinc- and calcium-dependent endopeptidase that is known to play a role in tumor cell invasion and in destruction of cartilage in arthritis. It contains a conserved sequence. 400His-(X)3-His-(X)28-Asp-Asp-(X)2-436Gly, the function of which is under investigation. The conserved Asp-432 and Asp-433 residues were individually replaced with Gly; these substitutions reduced the gelatinolytic activity of the enzyme to 23% and 0%, respectively. Replacing Asp-433 with Glu, however, decreased the gelatinolytic activity of the enzyme by 93% and proteolytic activity of the enzyme for the Mca-Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-Dpa-Ala-Arg-NH2 substrate by 79%. The wild-type and D432G and D433E, mutant enzymes had similar Km values for the synthetic substrate and similar Ki values for the competitive inhibitor, GM6001. The kcat/Km values for D432G and D433E mutant enzymes, however, were reduced by a factor of approximately 4 and their KaCa values were increased by four- and sixfold, respectively. The significance of His-400 in the activity of the enzyme was assessed by replacing this residue with Ala and Phe. Both H400A and H400F mutants were inactive toward gelatin substrate. These data demonstrate that Asp-432, Asp-433, and His-400 residues are important for the activity of gelatinase B. His-400 may act as a zinc-binding ligand similar to the His-197 in interstitial collagenase (MMP-7) and Asp-432 and Asp-433 residues are probably involved in stabilization of the active site of the enzyme. The His-400 and Asp-433 residues are conserved in all members of the MMP family. Therefore, our results are relevant to this group as a whole.

Collagenases and the serine proteinases elastase and cathepsin G in steroid-induced Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is characterized by the formation of leaky alveoli and a foamy alveolar exudate. To induce PCP, male Wistar rats were immunosuppressed by oral dexamethasone treatment for 12 weeks, during which time all rats developed PCP. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed at that time and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the cessation of dexamethasone treatment, during which time the rats were recovering from PCP and immunosuppression (and was compared with the BALF obtained from healthy control rats), for type IV collagenase, elastase, cathepsin G, and collagenase activities. Scores for 72-kDa (matrix metalloproteinase type [MMP-2]) and 92-kDa (MMP-9) type IV collagenase-gelatinase activities correlated with those for BALF macrophages (r = 0.58; P < 0.001) and neutrophils (r = 0.66; P < 0.001), respectively, suggesting that they may, in part, be derived from these cells. However, MMP-2 was constitutively expressed and may play a role in normal tissue remodeling. MMP-9 activity was highest in the group with PCP (1.8 +/- 0.37; P > 0.05), with a gradual decline (1.0 +/- 0.48 by week 4; P > 0.05) toward normal (0.67 +/- 0.42) during recovery, which suggests a role for it in tissue-destructive inflammatory events. In rats with PCP the endogenously active collagenase was present at high levels compared with those in healthy controls (2.6 +/- 0.69 versus 0.17 +/- 0.17, respectively; P < 0.01), but they returned to normal by week 4 of recovery (0.42 +/- 0.30; P > 0.05). Collagenase activity showed a correlation with cyst number (r = 0.57; P < 0.001). The BALF of rats with PCP also contained the serine proteinases, which may act as pro-MMP activators. Ultramorphology disclosed increased pinocytotic activities, subepithelial bleb formation, and degeneration and denudation of the basal lamina. These findings suggest that the increased activities of collagenases in BALF caused by the host response against P. carinii might contribute to leaky alveoli.

Interaction of cobalt ions with carboxypeptidase A

The interaction of cobalt(II) with native and cobalt(II)-substituted carboxypeptidase has been investigated, at pH 7.5, by electronic absorption and 1H NMR spectroscopies. The reaction of the cobalt(II) uptake by the metalloenzyme [MCPA] (M = Zn or Co) occurs very slowly and a bimetallic complex, [MCPA(Co)], is formed. On the basis of the 1H NOE experiments, the isotropically shifted proton resonances were assigned as belonging to a coordinated histidine residue. 1H NMR titrations of [ZnCPA(Co)] with zinc(II) show that the zinc ion does not compete with cobalt for binding to the noncatalytic site. The temperature dependence of the isotropic shifts, molar absorbance, and longitudinal relaxation time values are indicative of a five-coordinated geometry for the cobalt ion. The identification of the noncatalytic cobalt binding site is also discussed.

Phosphomannose isomerase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains two inhibitory metal ion binding sites

Phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a zinc-dependent metalloenzyme. Besides its role in catalysis, zinc is also a potent inhibitor of the enzyme. The inhibition is competitive with the substrate mannose 6-phosphate, with Kis = 6.4 microM in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.0, at 37 degrees C. This inhibition constant is 4 orders of magnitude smaller than for group II divalent cations, indicating that the binding is not primarily electrostatic. Micromolar inhibition is also observed with ions of the other metals of the electronic configuration d10. Under identical conditions, cadmium is a predominantly competitive inhibitor with Kis = 19.5 microM. Inhibition by mercury is predominantly competitive with Kis = 6.0 microM but shows a hyperbolic Dixon plot. Theorell-Yonetani double-inhibition analysis shows that zinc and cadmium ions are mutually exclusive inhibitors against mannose 6-phosphate. However, analysis of zinc and mercury double inhibition shows that they can simultaneously bind in the mannose 6-phosphate binding pocket, with only a small mutual repulsion. Inhibition of the enzyme by cadmium and zinc ions is strongly pH dependent with pKa = 9.2 for cadmium and one pKa at 6.6 and two at 8.9 for zinc. The inhibitory species are the monohydroxide forms, Zn(OH)+ and Cd(OH)+. However, inhibition by mercury is relatively pH-independent, consistent with the neutral Hg(OH)2 being the inhibitory species. In all three cases, the metal ion binding causes a conformational change in the enzyme as judged by tryptophan fluorescence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of gold compounds on the activity of adenylyl cyclase in human lymphocyte membranes

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of aurothioglucose, aurothiomalate, and auranofin on basal and forskolin-activated adenylyl cyclase activity in human total lymphocyte membranes, and in membranes of T and B lymphocyte subsets.

METHODS

Membranes were isolated from human total lymphocytes and T and B cell subsets. The effects of gold compounds on basal and forskolin-stimulated activity of adenylyl cyclase were measured by radioassay.

RESULTS

The gold compounds inhibited adenylyl cyclase activity. This inhibitory effect required the presence of both the sulfhydryl ligands and aurous cation.

CONCLUSION

Regulation of lymphocyte adenylyl cyclase by gold compounds represents a potential mode of action of these drugs in rheumatic diseases.

Tenidap, in contrast to several available nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, potently inhibits the release of activated neutrophil collagenase

Neutrophils contain a collagenase that is stored in a latent form within the specific granule. With cellular activation, the latent enzyme is activated in association with the production of a variety of oxidants, including hypochlorous acid. We evaluated 4 nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) currently on the market and the new antiinflammatory/antirheumatic drug tenidap for their effects on the release of activated collagenase. In contrast to the 4 NSAIDs, tenidap profoundly inhibited the release of activated collagenase. This inhibition was predominantly due to interference with activation of the latent enzyme, rather than interference with enzyme release. The inhibition of collagenase activation was associated with a profound reduction in myeloperoxidase activity and in hypochlorous acid production. These observations demonstrate that tenidap has properties that set it apart from conventional NSAIDs and suggest that it may be a particularly useful agent in the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic disorders.

Purification to homogeneity of latent and active 58-kilodalton forms of human neutrophil collagenase

Latent and active 58-kDa forms of human neutrophil collagenase (HNC) have been purified to homogeneity. Buffy coats were extracted in the presence and absence of phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride to generate crude starting preparations that contained latent and active HNC, respectively. The buffers used in preparing these extracts and for all subsequent chromatographic steps contained NaCl at a concentration of 0.5 M or greater, 0.05% Brij-35, concentrations of CaCl2 of 5 mM or greater, and (when feasible) 50 microM ZnSO4 to stabilize the HNC. The collagenase activity in the buffy coat extracts was adsorbed to a Reactive Red 120-agarose column at pH 7.5 in 0.5 M NaCl and was eluted when the NaCl concentration was increased to 1 M. The active and p-(chloromercuri)benzoate-activated latent enzymes were next adsorbed to a Sepharose-CH-Pro-Leu-Gly-NHOH affinity resin in 1 M NaCl at pH 7.5 and desorbed at pH 9 to give a fraction containing only HNC and a small amount of neutrophil gelatinase. The latter enzyme was removed by passage over a gelatin-Sepharose column in 1 M NaCl at pH 7.5. The purified samples of active and latent HNC were obtained with typical cumulative yields of 32 and 82% and specific activities toward soluble rat type I collagen at 30 degrees C of 7200 and 12,000 micrograms min-1 mg-1, respectively. These specific activities are markedly higher than previously reported for HNC. Both active and latent HNC exhibit a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis both in the presence and in the absence of 2-mercaptoethanol. The mobility of latent HNC is consistent with a molecular weight of approximately 58K, with the active form exhibiting a slightly lower (less than 1-2K) molecular weight.

Stepwise activation mechanisms of the precursor of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (stromelysin) by proteinases and (4-aminophenyl)mercuric acetate

The mechanisms of activation of the precursor of human matrix metalloproteinase 3 (proMMP-3/prostromelysin) by proteinases and (4-aminophenyl)mercuric acetate (APMA) were investigated by kinetic and sequence analyses. Incubation of proMMP-3 with neutrophil elastase, plasma kallikrein, plasmin, or chymotrypsin at 37 degrees C resulted in the formation of MMP-3 of Mr = 45,000 by cleaving of the His82-Phe83 bond. Since this bond is unlikely to be cleaved by these proteinases it was postulated that an initial attack of an activator proteinase on proMMP-3 creates an intermediate form, which is then processed to a more stable form of Mr = 45,000. To test this hypothesis proMMP-3 was incubated with these serine proteinases under conditions that minimize the action of MMP-3. This led to the accumulation of major intermediates of Mr = 53,000 and two minor forms of Mr = 49,000 and 47,000. The 53,000 Mr intermediate generated by human neutrophil elastase resulted from cleavage of the Val35-Arg36 whereas plasma kallikrein cleaved the Arg36-Arg37 and Lys38-Asp39 bonds and chymotrypsin the Phe34-Val35 bond, all of which are located near the middle of the propeptide. Conversion of these intermediates to the fully active 45,000 Mr form of MMP-3 resulted from a bimolecular reaction of the intermediates. A similar short-lived intermediate of Mr = 46,000 generated by APMA was a result of the intramolecular cleavage of the Glu68-Val69 bond, and it was then converted to a stable MMP-3 of Mr = 45,000 by a intermolecular reaction of MMP-3. However, MMP-3 failed to activate proMMP-3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)