Immunochemical studies on the poly-gamma-D-glutamyl capsule of Bacillus anthracis. II. The synthesis of eight dipeptides and four tripeptides of glutamic acid

Protective and immunochemical activities of monoclonal antibodies reactive with the Bacillus anthracis polypeptide capsule

Bacillus anthracis is surrounded by a polypeptide capsule composed of poly-gamma-d-glutamic acid (gammaDPGA). In a previous study, we reported that a monoclonal antibody (MAb F26G3) reactive with the capsular polypeptide is protective in a murine model of pulmonary anthrax. The present study examined a library of six MAbs generated from mice immunized with gammaDPGA. Evaluation of MAb binding to the capsule by a capsular "quellung" type reaction showed a striking diversity in capsular effects. Most MAbs produced a rim type reaction that was characterized by a sharp increase followed directly by a decrease in refractive index at the capsular edge. Some MAbs produced a second capsular reaction well beneath the capsular edge, suggesting complexity in capsular architecture. Binding of MAbs to soluble gammaDPGA was assessed by a fluorescence perturbation assay in which a change in the MAb intrinsic fluorescence produced by ligand binding was used as a reporter for antigen-antibody interaction. The MAbs differed considerably in the complexity of the binding curves. MAbs producing rim type capsule reactions typically produced the more complex binding isotherms. Finally, the protective activity of the MAbs was compared in a murine model of pulmonary anthrax. One MAb was markedly less protective than the remaining five MAbs. Characteristics of the more protective MAbs included a relatively high affinity, an immunoglobulin G3 isotype, and a complex binding isotherm in the fluorescence perturbation assay. Given the relatively monotonous structure of gammaDPGA, the results demonstrate a striking diversity in the antigen binding behavior of gammaDPGA antibodies.

Isolation of labradorins 1 and 2 from Pseudomonas syringae pv. coronafaciens

Investigation of Pseudomonas syringae pv. coronafaciens cancer cell growth inhibitory constituents led to the isolation of 2-isobutyl-5-(3-indolyl)oxazole (1) and 2-n-pentyl-5-(3-indolyl)oxazole (2f), designated labradorins 1 (1) and 2 (2f), related to pimprinine (2a). The structures were deduced by spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystal structure determinations. Labradorin 1 (1) afforded GI(50) microg/mL values of 9.8 and 6.2 against the human cancer cell lines NCI-H 460 (lung-NSC) and BXPC-3 (pancreas-a).

Synthesis of a potent enkephalin analog, Tyr-D-Thr-Gly-Phe-delta 3 Pro-NH2, and some of its biological activities

The enkephalin analog, H-Tyr-D-Thr-Gly-Phe-delta 3 Pro-NH2 X HCl (VI) ([D-Thr2, delta 3 Pro5]-enkephalinamide), has been synthesized by conventional methods in solution and purified to homogeneity by reversed phase HPLC. The analog is a potent analgesic agent. For evaluation of some of its biological activity a related compound [D-Thr2, Thz5]-enkephalinamide (XI) was also synthesized in solution. Anti-diarrhea activity was evaluated in mice by the intravenous route for anti-DL-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) induced diarrhea activity. Analgesic activity was assayed by the method of Nilsen in mice using the intravenous route, and by a modified tail flick test in rats and the acetic acid writhing test in mice following subcutaneous administration. Within the constraints of the assays the two analogs are approximately equipotent. Both are less active than [D-Ala2, MePhe4, Met(0)ol]-enkephalinol (XII). Earlier receptor binding studies of compound XI indicated enhanced affinity for the mu receptor and little for the delta receptor. By comparison this may also be the case for compound VI.

Synthesis of analogs and oligomers of N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine and their gastrointestinal absorption in the rat

The synthesis of a series of analogs and oligomers of N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (Aeg) are described. The gastrointestinal absorption of these compounds was determined after intragastric administration. Analogs of Aeg bearing a substituent at the amino or carboxyl functions were absorbed to a lesser extent than the parent compound. In contrast, the di- and tetra-oligomers of Aeg were more rapidly absorbed. Total absorption of these compounds was observed within 2 h after intragastric administration.

Semisynthetic studies on bovine pancreatic ribonuclease

The S-peptide of the enzyme bovine pancreatic ribonuclease has been used as a model for covalent semisynthesis. Methods for side-chain protection, enzymatic cleavage of the peptide chain at the level of the single arginine-10 and for selective deprotection of the alpha-carboxyl function of this residue, have been examined. The partially protected [1-10] sequence has been coupled to a solid-phase generated [11-15] sequence attached to the polymer. After deblocking from the solid-support, the [1-15] semisynthetic peptide was complexed with native S-protein to give a complex with high biological activity.

Synthesis, purification and conformational studies on enkephalin derivatives containing gamma-amino-n-butyric acid

The solid-phase synthesis of several analogs of enkephalin containing gamma-amino-butyric acid is reported. Synthetic strategies, purification methods, chemical and physicochemical characterization are discussed. The n.m.r. data suggest for some of the analogs structural features similar to the opioids.

Cyanamide mediated syntheses of peptides containing histidine and hydrophobic amino acids

Using the model of a primitive earth evaporation pond, the synthesis of three histidyl peptides in yields up to 11% was demonstrated when aqueous solutions of histidine, leucine, ATP, cyanamide, and MgCl2 were evaporated and heated for 24 h at 80 degrees C. In addition, peptides were formed in yields of up to 56%, 35%, and 21%, respectively for phenylalanine, leucine, and alanine when aqueous solutions of the appropriate amino acid were evaporated and heated with cyanamide and one or more of the following components: ATP, AMP, 4-amino-5-imidazole carboxamide, or MgCl2. The greatest peptide yield occurred at pH 3. But peptide formation was demonstrated for a system of Leu, cyanamide, and MgCl2 adjusted to pH 7 with NH4OH. Peptide synthesis was also studied in the presence of CaCl2, ZnCl2, different adenosine nucleotides, and UTP to compare their effects on peptide synthesis. The optimum conditions for cyanamide mediated peptide synthesis were also studied in terms of pH, reaction time, reaction temperature, and cyanamide concentration. The major side product in nearly all reactions studied appears to be an amino acid-cyanamide adduct. Peptides were analyzed and identified by thin layer chromatography, acid hydrolysis, and enzymatic degradation.

Cooperativity in calcium ion binding to repetitive, carboxylate-serylphosphate polypeptides and the relationship of this property to dentin mineralization

Analogs of phosphophoryn, a calcium-binding phosphorylated protein found in mineralized dentin, were synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis. The dentin phosphophoryn appears to contain some sequence blocks of (Asp-PhosphoSer)n. As this sequence is difficult to synthesize, polymers of (alpha-L-Glu-L-Ser) were prepared. The 30-peptide, (alpha-L-Glu-L-Ser)15, was phosphorylated by reaction with orthophosphoric acid in the presence of trichloroacetonitrile in anhydrous dimethylsulfoxide. Calcium ion binding studies were carried out with both the 30-peptide and phosphorylated 30-peptide. The conformation of the original 30-peptide, (Glu-Ser)15, was examined, in the presence and absence of calcium ion, by circular dichroism measurements. Purified bovine phosphophoryn, previously studied by the same techniques, was partially dephosphorylated by alkaline phosphatase, and its calcium ion binding properties were determined. Dephosphorylation to 31% of the initial phosphorus content reduced the number of high affinity sites to approximately 30% of the initial value. However, the stoichiometry of binding indicated that both phosphate and carboxylate groups participate in the high affinity binding and that the binding constant was decreased only slightly. Partial phosphorylation of the 30-mer raised the calcium binding constant, Ka, from 2.1 x 10(2) to 3.3 x 10(3) M-1 and increased the amount of binding from an electrostatic equivalent number of sites to a stoichiometric equivalent number. Concomitant with binding, there was a transition from random coil to beta-like structure. These data suggest that the repetitive (Asp-PhosphoSer)n regions in phosphophoryn and the (Glu-PhosphoSer)n sequence of the synthetic polymer have special conformations which favor the unidentate binding of calcium to the carboxyl groups and phosphate groups. and which enhance the binding affinities of the carboxyl groups in such sequences in a cooperative fashion.

gamma-Glutamylamine cyclotransferase: specificity toward epsilon-(L-gamma-glutamyl)-L-lysine and related compounds

gamma-Glutamylamine cyclotransferase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of L-gamma-glutamylamines to free amines and 5-oxo-L-proline, was found in rabbit kidney and in various other tissues. The specificity of this enzyme indicates that it functions in the metabolism of products of transglutaminase action; among its substrates are epsilon-(L-gamma-glutamyl)-L-lysine, a derivative of this peptide in which the alpha-amino and carboxyl groups of the lysine moiety are blocked, and L-gamma-glutamyl-polyamine derivatives.

Synthesis of human beta-endorphin in solution using benzyl-type side chain protective groups

A solution synthesis of human beta-endorphin (beta-EP) was carried out by condensation of protected peptide segments bearing N alpha-tert.-butyloxycarbonyl groups and benzyl-derived groups for the protection of functionalities in amino acid side chains. Five intermediate segments were assembled in a stepwise manner starting at the carboxyl terminus. Thus, the segment of sequence region (27-31) was coupled to segment (22-26) by the azide method. Segment (19-21) was incorporated into the growing chain by azide coupling, and segment (10-18) by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide coupling in the presence of 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (DDC-HOBt). Solubility problems in condensing the ensuing 22-peptide with segment (1-9) by DDC-HOBt were overcome by using a dimethylformamidephenol mixture as a solvent. Protecting group cleavage by Na in liquid NH3 was much superior to liquid HF which gave rise to many decomposition products. Homogeneous betah-EP indistinguishable from authentic material in physiochemical and biological properties, was obtained in a single preparative reversed phase liquid chromatographic step after protecting group cleavage.

Human salivary proline-rich (Pr) proteins: a posttranslational derivation of the phenotypes

The acidic proline-rich proteins (Pr) showing genetic polymorphism were purified from human parotid salivas by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography. Molecular weight determinations, amino acid composition analyses, and polypeptide mapping experiments indicate that the Pr 3 protein is a fragment of the Pr 1 protein. Studies of a parotid saliva factor capable of converting Pr 1 to Pr 3 and Pr 2 to Pr 4 indicate that Pr 3 and Pr 4 are generated from Pr 1 and Pr 2, respectively. Evidence suggests that the converting factor is a protease capable of posttranslationally cleaving Pr 1 and Pr 2, the primary or derived products of alleles Pr1 and Pr2.

Synthesis, biological activity, and tritiation of L-3, 4-dehydroproline-containing peptides

A series of analogs of thyroliberin (TRH) ([L-delta3Pro3]-TRH, [D-delta3Pro3]-TRH, [L-3-MeHis2, L-delta3Pro3]-TRH) in which proline was replaced by L- or D-3, 4-dehydroproline was synthesized. The analogs exhibited approximately the same biological activity as the corresponding proline-containing peptides. These analogs and others in which 3, 4-dehydroproline is present at the NH2-terminal, COOH-terminal or internal positions in the peptide were successfully reduced with deuterium or tritium to provide the 3, 4-2H2-proline or 3,4-3H2-proline analogs, respectively, with near theoretical values of substitution. A novel procedure for the chemical resolution of DL-3, 4-dehydroproline is also described.

Substrate specificity of tonin from rat submaxillary gland

The substrate specificity of tonin from rat submaxillary gland was examined with a series of synthetic peptides encompassing the C-terminus of the decapeptide substrate angiotensin I. In contrast to angiotensin I-converting enzyme from plasma or lung, only angiotensin I, (des-Asp1)-angiotensin I, and (des-Asp1, des-Arg2)-angiotensin I are substrates of tonin with Km values of 34.5 muM, 39.3 muM, and 54.4 muM, respectively, while the shorter C-terminal peptides are not hydrolyzed. Thus, the N-terminal sequence extending from position 1 to 3 is the enzymatic binding site for tonin. Turnover numbers of 33.4 sec-1, 42.8 sec-1, and 6.5 sec-1 are observed for the hydrolysis of angiotensin I, (des-Asp1)-angiotensin I, and (des-Asp1, des-Arg2)-angiotensin I, respectively. The relative percentage rates of hydrolysis (proportional to V/Km) at low substrate concentrations ([S] less than less than Km) are almost identical for (des-Asp1)-angiotensin I, angiotensin I, and the tetradecapeptide substrate, indicating that these three peptides are equally good substrates at low physiological concentrations. The observed high specificity of the enzyme lends support to the possible important role of tonin for local conversion in tissue. The conversion of (des-Asp1)-angiotensin I to (des-Asp1)-angiotensin II (angiotensin III) is of particular interest in relation to the recently suggested, potential role of the latter peptide in aldosterone release.

The mass spectrometric identification of dipeptides in the urine of a patient suffering from chronic skin ulceration and oedema

The identification of a complex ninhydrin positive mixture present in the urine of a child suffering from chronic skin ulceration and oedema by direct chemical ionisation mass spectrometric analysis is described. The compounds were shown to be dipeptides, of which glycylproline was the major constituent. At least 15 dipeptides were identified in the urine, most of which contained proline or hydroxyproline in the carboxy terminal position. The results suggested that the patient suffered from a defect in collagen metabolism. This hypothesis was subsequently confirmed by a grossly diminished level of prolidase in cultured fibroblasts and erythrocytes.

Determination of the primary structure of a mouse IgG2a immunoglobulin. Amino-acid sequence of the light chain

The amino acid sequence of the light chain of the mouse monoclonal MOPC 173 immunoglobulin molecule (IgG2a,chi) is presented. This kappa chain contains 214 residues. Comparisons of this sequence with murine kappa chains already published by other workers bring a confirmation of the large size of the murine V chi chain pool. A complete identity was found with the constant region of the light chain of MOPC 21 from residue 97 to residue 214.

Circular dichroism of oligosaccharides containing neuraminic acid

In order to test the usefulness of circular dichroism in stereochemical and structural studies of oligosaccharides of glycoproteins, we measured the circular dichroism (CD) for N-acetylneuraminic acid (NAcNA) and several derivates. By acidic mathanolysis, we have prepared the deacetylated methyl ester, methyl glycoside of NAcNA, as well as a saponified product. Circular dichroism of these compounds allows us to assign the transition due to the amide chromophore. There is a carboxyl n-pi transition at about 220 nm which has a negative CD band associated with it for the beta-methocyneuraminic acid, but changes sign for the methyl ester (methyl (methyl beta-D-neuraminid)ate). We isolated the trisaccharides N-acetylneuraminyl-(2 leads to 3)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 leads to 4)-D-glucopyranose [(2leads to 3)NAcN-Lac] as well as (2 leads to 6)NAcN-Lac by paper chromatography and compared the CD for each. The two isomers show similar but distinguishable CD patterns, with a weak negative band due to the carboxyl group centered at 225 nm and a stronger positive band at 200 nm containing contributions from both the amide and carboxyl groups.