Functional Cross-Linked Hemoglobin Bis-tetramers: Geometry and Cooperativity

Conjugating Hemoglobin and Albumin by Strain-Promoted Azide- Alkyne Cycloaddition

A one-to-one conjugate of cross-linked human hemoglobin and human serum albumin results from a strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) of the modified proteins. Additions of a strained alkyne-substituted maleimide to the Cys-34 thiol of human serum albumin and an azide-containing cross-link between the amino groups of each β-unit at Lys-82 of human hemoglobin provide sites for coupling by the SPAAC process. The coupled hemoglobin-albumin conjugate can be readily purified from unreacted hemoglobin. The oxygen binding properties of the two-protein bioconjugate demonstrate oxygen affinity and cooperativity that are suitable for use in an acellular oxygen carrier.

How Nitric Oxide Hindered the Search for Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers as Human Blood Substitutes

The search for a clinically affordable substitute of human blood for transfusion is still an unmet need of modern society. More than 50 years of research on acellular hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOC) have not yet produced a single formulation able to carry oxygen to hemorrhage-challenged tissues without compromising the body's functions. Of the several bottlenecks encountered, the high reactivity of acellular Hb with circulating nitric oxide (NO) is particularly arduous to overcome because of the NO-scavenging effect, which causes life-threatening side effects as vasoconstriction, inflammation, coagulopathies, and redox imbalance. The purpose of this manuscript is not to add a review of candidate HBOC formulations but to focus on the biochemical and physiological events that underly NO scavenging by acellular Hb. To this purpose, we examine the differential chemistry of the reaction of NO with erythrocyte and acellular Hb, the NO signaling paths in physiological and HBOC-challenged situations, and the protein engineering tools that are predicted to modulate the NO-scavenging effect. A better understanding of two mechanisms linked to the NO reactivity of acellular Hb, the nitrosylated Hb and the nitrite reductase hypotheses, may become essential to focus HBOC research toward clinical targets.

Amide Functionalized Mesoporous MOF LOCOM-1 as a Stable Highly Active Basic Catalyst for Knoevenagel Condensation Reaction

Acyl-amide is extensively used as functional group and is a superior contender for the design of MOFs with the guest accessible functional organic sites. A novel acyl-amide-containing tetracarboxylate ligand, bis(3,5-dicarboxy-pheny1)terephthalamide, has been successfully synthesized. The H₄L linker has some fascinating attributes as follows: (i) four carboxylate moieties as the coordination sites confirm affluent coordination approaches to figure a diversity of structure; (ii) two acyl-amide groups as the guest interaction sites can engender guest molecules integrated into the MOF networks through H-bonding interfaces and have a possibility to act as functional organic sites for the condensation reaction. A mesoporous MOF ([Cu₂(L)(H₂O)₃]·4DMF·6H₂O) has been prepared in order to produce the amide FOS within the MOF, which will work as guest accessible sites. The prepared MOF was characterized by CHN analysis, PXRD, FTIR spectroscopy, and SEM analysis. The MOF showed superior catalytic activity for Knoevenagel condensation. The catalytic system endures a broad variety of the functional groups and presents high to modest yields of aldehydes containing electron withdrawing groups (4-chloro, 4-fluoro, 4-nitro), offering a yield > 98 in less reaction time as compared to aldehydes with electron donationg groups (4-methyl). The amide decorated MOF (LOCOM-1-) as a heterogeneous catalyst can be simply recovered by centrifugation and recycled again without a flagrant loss of its catalytic efficiency.

How Nanoparticles Modify Adsorbed Proteins: Impact of Silica Nanoparticles on the Hemoglobin Active Site

The adsorption of proteins on surfaces has been studied for a long time, but the relationship between the structural and functional properties of the adsorbed protein and the adsorption mechanism remains unclear. Using hemoglobin adsorbed on silica nanoparticles, we have previously shown that hemoglobin's affinity towards oxygen increases with adsorption. Nevertheless, it was also shown that there were no significant changes in the quaternary and secondary structures. In order to understand the change in activity, we decided in this work to focus on the active sites of hemoglobin, the heme and its iron. After measuring adsorption isotherms of porcine hemoglobin on Ludox silica nanoparticles, we analyzed the structural modifications of adsorbed hemoglobin by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectra in the Soret region. It was found that upon adsorption, there were modifications in the heme pocket environment due to changes in the angles of the heme vinyl functions. These alterations can explain the greater affinity observed.

Multifunctional MOF-based probes for efficient detection and discrimination of Pb2+, Fe3+ and Cr2O72-/CrO42

Developing metal-organic framework (MOF)-based fluorescent probes for efficient detection and discrimination of polluting ions in groundwater is vital for environmental protection and human health. In this paper, we prepared two luminescence-active transition MOFs, namely, Zn-MOF and Cd-MOF, and conducted sensing experiments. The results show that they both exhibit multiple-target detection for Fe³⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cr(VI) with high sensitivity, good anti-interference ability and good recyclability even with different frameworks. In addition, Eu³⁺-incorporated samples, Eu³⁺@MOFs, with dual-emission have been fabricated via efficient encapsulation of Eu³⁺ ions into the MOF host. As expected, Eu³⁺@MOF hybrids also act as multi-target and self-calibrated probes to selectively detect Fe³⁺ and Cr(VI) ions. However, the quenching efficiencies of the original MOFs towards Fe³⁺ are higher than those of Eu³⁺@MOFs. Thus, we could differentiate Fe³⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cr(VI) ions by comparing the changes of fluorescence emission between Eu³⁺@MOFs and the original MOFs. The recognition mechanism may be attributed to the competitive energy absorption between MOFs or Eu³⁺@MOFs and the analytes.

Cross-linked hemoglobin bis-tetramers from bioorthogonal coupling do not induce vasoconstriction in the circulation

BACKGROUND

Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) are potential alternatives to red blood cells in transfusions. Clinical trials using early versions of HBOCs noted adverse effects that appeared to result from removal of the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO). Previous reports suggest that size-enlarged HBOCs may avoid NO-rich regions along the vasculature and therefore not cause vasoconstriction and hypertension.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Hemoglobin (Hb) bis-tetramers (bis-tetramers of hemoglobin that are prepared using CuAAC chemistry [BT-Hb] and bis-tetramers of hemoglobin that are specifically acetylated and prepared using CuAAC chemistry [BT-acHb]) can be reliably produced by a bio-orthogonal cyclo-addition approach. We considered that an HBOC derived from chemical coupling of two Hbs would be sufficiently large to avoid NO scavenging and related side effects. The ability of intravenously infused BT-Hb and BT-acHb to remain in the circulation without causing hypertension were determined in wild-type (WT) and diabetic (db/db) mouse models.

RESULTS

In WT mice, the coupled oxygen-carrying proteins retained their function over several hours after administration. No significant changes in systolic blood pressure from baseline were observed after intravenous infusion of BT-Hb or BT-acHb in awake WT and db/db mice. In contrast, infusion of native Hb or cross-linked Hb tetramers in both animal models induced systemic hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that bis-tetrameric HBOCs derived from the bio-orthogonal cyclo-addition process are likely to overcome clinical issues that arise from NO scavenging by Hb derivatives.

Core-shell protein clusters comprising haemoglobin and recombinant feline serum albumin as an artificial O2 carrier for cats

This report describes the synthesis and structure of core-shell protein clusters comprising haemoglobin (Hb) at the centre and recombinant feline serum albumin (rFSA) at the exterior, named as haemoglobin-albumin clusters (Hb-rFSA₃). Specifically, we highlight their capability as an artificial O₂ carrier that can be used as a red blood cell (RBC) substitute for cats, the most populous pet animal in the world. First, rFSA was expressed by genetic engineering using Pichia yeast. The proteins show identical features to the native FSA derived from feline plasma. Single crystals of rFSA were prepared under a microgravity environment on the international space station (ISS), from which the structure was first revealed at 3.4 Å resolution. Subsequently, bovine Hb was wrapped covalently by rFSA using an α-succinimidyl-ε-maleimide crosslinker, yielding Hb-rFSA₃ clusters. Three rFSA entities enfolded the Hb nuclei satisfactorily, giving the protein clusters a negative surface net charge (pI = 4.7) and preventing an immunological response against anti-Hb antibodies. The O₂ affinity was higher (P₅₀ = 9 Torr) than that of the native Hb. The Hb-rFSA₃ clusters are anticipated for use as an alternative material for RBC transfusion, and as an O₂ therapeutic reagent that can be exploited in various veterinary medicine scenarios.

Artificial Blood for Dogs

There is no blood bank for pet animals. Consequently, veterinarians themselves must obtain "blood" for transfusion therapy. Among the blood components, serum albumin and red blood cells (RBCs) are particularly important to save lives. This paper reports the synthesis, structure, and properties of artificial blood for the exclusive use of dogs. First, recombinant canine serum albumin (rCSA) was produced using genetic engineering with Pichia yeast. The proteins showed identical features to those of the native CSA derived from canine plasma. Furthermore, we ascertained the crystal structure of rCSA at 3.2 Å resolution. Pure rCSA can be used widely for numerous clinical and pharmaceutical applications. Second, hemoglobin wrapped covalently with rCSA, hemoglobin-albumin cluster (Hb-rCSA3), was synthesized as an artificial O2-carrier for the RBC substitute. This cluster possesses satisfactorily negative surface net charge (pI = 4.7), which supports enfolding of the Hb core by rCSA shells. The anti-CSA antibody recognized the rCSA exterior quantitatively. The O2-binding affinity was high (P50 = 9 Torr) compared to that of the native Hb. The Hb-rCSA3 cluster is anticipated for use as an alternative material for RBC transfusion, and as an O2 therapeutic reagent that can be exploited in various veterinary medicine situations.

Enhanced Nitrite Reductase Activity and Its Correlation with Oxygen Affinity in Hemoglobin Bis-Tetramers

The vasoactivity of circulating cross-linked hemoglobin is consistent with the acellular protein penetrating the endothelial lining of blood vessels where hemoglobin can bind nitric oxide, the signal for relaxation of the muscles that surround blood vessels. In an important contrast, derivatives of bis-tetramers that are produced from hemoglobin by chemical coupling do not cause vasoconstriction in animal models. Presumably, they are unable to enter the endothelia where hemoglobin tetramers bind to nitric oxide. In addition, hemoglobin bis-tetramers can produce nitric oxide in circulation through their intrinsic nitrite reductase activity. Examination of this activity for hemoglobin-derived bis-tetramers that are acetylated at lysyl amino groups in their α subunits reveals enhanced activity (k = 2.21 M(-1) s(-1)) compared to that of nonacetylated bis-tetramers (k = 0.70 M(-1) s(-1)). Plots of nitrite reductase activities as a function of the corresponding oxygen affinities of certain allosteric-state-stabilized derivatives reveal a significant correlation, providing a basis for interpretation of the correlated functions.

Influence of Molecular Structure on O2-Binding Properties and Blood Circulation of Hemoglobin‒Albumin Clusters

A hemoglobin wrapped covalently by three human serum albumins, a Hb-HSA3 cluster, is an artificial O2-carrier with the potential to function as a red blood cell substitute. This paper describes the synthesis and O2-binding properties of new hemoglobin‒albumin clusters (i) bearing four HSA units at the periphery (Hb-HSA4, large-size variant) and (ii) containing an intramolecularly crosslinked Hb in the center (XLHb-HSA3, high O2-affinity variant). Dynamic light scattering measurements revealed that the Hb-HSA4 diameter is greater than that of either Hb-HSA3 or XLHb-HSA3. The XLHb-HSA3 showed moderately high O2-affinity compared to the others because of the chemical linkage between the Cys-93(β) residues in Hb. Furthermore, the blood circulation behavior of 125I-labeled clusters was investigated by assay of blood retention and tissue distribution after intravenous administration into anesthetized rats. The XLHb-HSA3 was metabolized faster than Hb-HSA3 and Hb-HSA4. Results suggest that the molecular structure of the protein cluster is a factor that can influence in vivo circulation behavior.

Strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition for protein–protein coupling in the formation of a bis-hemoglobin as a copper-free oxygen carrier

Conventional chemical approaches to protein–protein coupling present challenges due to the intrinsic competition between the desired interactions of reagents with groups of the protein as well as reactions with water.

Core–shell clusters of human haemoglobin A and human serum albumin: artificial O2-carriers having various O2-affinities

Core–shell clusters composed of human haemoglobin A and human serum albumin having various O₂-affinities have been synthesized as potential O₂-carriers designed as red blood cell substitutes.

Two luminescent metal–organic frameworks with multifunctional properties for nitroaromatic compounds sensing and photocatalysis

Two luminescent MOFs were employed as multifunctional materials for selectively sensing of nitroaromatic compounds and photodegradation of RhB.

Pathological conditions involving extracellular hemoglobin: molecular mechanisms, clinical significance, and novel therapeutic opportunities for α(1)-microglobulin

Hemoglobin (Hb) is the major oxygen (O(2))-carrying system of the blood but has many potentially dangerous side effects due to oxidation and reduction reactions of the heme-bound iron and O(2). Extracellular Hb, resulting from hemolysis or exogenous infusion, is shown to be an important pathogenic factor in a growing number of diseases. This review briefly outlines the oxidative/reductive toxic reactions of Hb and its metabolites. It also describes physiological protection mechanisms that have evolved against extracellular Hb, with a focus on the most recently discovered: the heme- and radical-binding protein α(1)-microglobulin (A1M). This protein is found in all vertebrates, including man, and operates by rapidly clearing cytosols and extravascular fluids of heme groups and free radicals released from Hb. Five groups of pathological conditions with high concentrations of extracellular Hb are described: hemolytic anemias and transfusion reactions, the pregnancy complication pre-eclampsia, cerebral intraventricular hemorrhage of premature infants, chronic inflammatory leg ulcers, and infusion of Hb-based O(2) carriers as blood substitutes. Finally, possible treatments of these conditions are discussed, giving a special attention to the described protective effects of A1M.

Click to join peptides/proteins together

Copper(I) is able to catalyze Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition in a "click" fashion. This copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction presents excellent chemoselectivity and occurs over a wide-range of reaction conditions. It shows tolerance to variation in both pH and solvent polarity, thereby facilitating the ligation of peptides and proteins to produce peptidomimetics and synthetic proteins. In addition, the only product formed is a 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazole moiety, in many aspects resembling the natural peptide bond, including hydrogen-bonding capability, planarity, distance between the 1 and 4 substituents, and conformational restriction of the peptide backbone; thus the triazole-backbone-modified peptide, in which a triazole replaces the amide bond, may be anticipated to present a secondary structure similar to that of its natural counterpart. This Focus Review describes the scope and applications of copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition in synthetic peptide/protein chemistry.

Enhancing nitrite reductase activity of modified hemoglobin: bis-tetramers and their PEGylated derivatives

The clinical evaluation of stabilized tetrameric hemoglobin as alternatives to red cells revealed that the materials caused significant increases in blood pressure and related problems and this was attributed to the scavenging of nitric oxide and extravasation. The search for materials with reduced vasoactivity led to the report that conjugates of hemoglobin tetramers and polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains did not elicit these pressor effects. However, this material does not deliver oxygen efficiently due to its lack of cooperativity and high oxygen affinity, making it unsuitable as an oxygen carrier. It has been recently reported that PEG-conjugated hemoglobin converts nitrite to nitric oxide at a faster rate than does the native protein, which may compensate for the scavenging of nitric oxide. It is therefore important to alter hemoglobin in order to enhance nitrite reductase activity while retaining its ability to deliver oxygen. If the beneficial effect of PEG is associated with the increased size reducing extravasation, this can also be achieved by coupling cross-linked tetramers to one another, giving materials with appropriate oxygen affinity and cooperativity for use as circulating oxygen carriers. In the present study it is shown that cross-linked bis-tetramers with good oxygen delivery potential have enhanced nitrite reductase activity with k(obs) = 0.70 M(-1) s(-1) (24 degrees C), compared to native protein and cross-linked tetramers, k(obs) = 0.25 M(-1) s(-1) and k(obs) = 0.52 M(-1) s(-1), respectively, but are less active in reduction of nitrite than Hb-PEG5K(2) (k(obs) = 2.5 M(-1) s(-1)). However, conjugation of four PEG chains to the bis-tetramer (at each beta-Cys-93) produces a material with greatly increased nitrite reductase activity (k(obs) = 1.8 M(-1) s(-1)) while retaining cooperativity (P(50) = 4.1, n(50) = 2.4). Thus, PEGylated bis-tetramers combine increased size and enhanced nitrite reductase activity expected for decreased vasoactivity with characteristics of an acceptable HBOC.