Difference Fourier Transform Infrared Evidence for Ester Bonds Linking the Heme Group in Myeloperoxidase, Lactoperoxidase, and Eosinophil Peroxidase

Nanoparticle Superlattices Driven by Linker-Mediated Covalent Bonding Interaction

The stability of the nanoparticle superlattice (NPSL) is essential for realizing its broad spectrum of potential applications. Here, we report a linker-mediated covalent bonding interaction method for the synthesis of highly stable NPSLs. Adipic acid is used as a linker molecule which connects two Au NPs functionalized with 6-mercaptohexanol through esterification reactions in the presence of H2SO4. As-prepared NPSLs are mostly fcc Wulff polyhedra with a fairly narrow size distribution and are highly stable in solvents of different polarities and pHs (0-14) as well as in dry conditions and at temperatures as high as 175 °C. The formation of NPSLs involves random homogeneous nucleation simultaneously accompanied by growth, a gradual change of the growth mode from reaction-controlled to diffusion-controlled with time, and the oriented attachments of small crystals. The size of the NPSL can be easily tuned by the concentration of linker molecules and the reaction temperature.

Probe sonication-assisted rapid synthesis of highly fluorescent sulfur quantum dots

A new type of heavy-metal free single-element nanomaterial, called sulfur quantum dots (SQDs), has gained significant attention due to its advantages over traditional semiconductor QDs for several biomedical and optoelectronic applications. A straightforward and rapid synthesis approach for preparing highly fluorescent SQDs is needed to utilize this nanomaterial for technological applications. Until now, only a few synthesis approaches have been reported; however, these approaches are associated with long reaction times and low quantum yields (QY). Herein, we propose a novel optimized strategy to synthesize SQDs using a mix of probe sonication and heating, which reduces the reaction time usually needed from 125 h to a mere 15 min. The investigation employs cavitation and vibration effects of high energy acoustic waves to break down the bulk sulfur into nano-sized particles in the presence of highly alkaline medium and oleic acid. In contrast to previous reports, the obtained SQDs exhibited excellent aqueous solubility, desirable photostability, and a relatively high photoluminescence QY up to 10.4% without the need of any post-treatment. Additionally, the as-synthesized SQDs show excitation-dependent emission and excellent stability in different pH (2-12) and temperature (20 °C-80 °C) environments. Hence, this strategy opens a new pathway for rapid synthesis of SQDs and may facilitate the use of these materials for biomedical and optoelectronic applications.

Scalable Fabrication of Modified Graphene Nanoplatelets as an Effective Additive for Engine Lubricant Oil

The use of nano-additives is widely recognized as a cheap and effective pathway to improve the performance of lubrication by minimizing the energy loss from friction and wear, especially in diesel engines. In this work, a simple and scalable protocol was proposed to fabricate a graphene additive to improve the engine lubricant oil. Graphene nanoplates (GNPs) were obtained by a one-step chemical exfoliation of natural graphite and were successfully modified with a surfactant and an organic compound to obtain a modified GNP additive, that can be facilely dispersed in lubricant oil. The GNPs and modified GNP additive were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The prepared GNPs had wrinkled and crumpled structures with a diameter of 10–30 µm and a thickness of less than 15 nm. After modification, the GNP surfaces were uniformly covered with the organic compound. The addition of the modified GNP additive to the engine lubricant oil significantly enhanced the friction and antiwear performance. The highest reduction of 35% was determined for the wear scar diameter with a GNP additive concentration of approximately 0.05%. The mechanism for lubrication enhancement by graphene additives was also briefly discussed.

Kinetics and Mechanisms of Mammalian Heme Peroxidase Reactions

The kinetics and mechanism of action of the most intensively studied mammalian peroxidases, myeloperoxidase and prostaglandin H synthase are critically reviewed. Evidence against currently favored mechanisms is presented. It is shown that myeloperoxidase has a strong defence mechanism against free hypochlorous acid, commonly thought to be its principal product in its bactericidal activity. Rather, after its two-electron oxidation of chloride ion, myeloperoxidase rapidly converts it into an enzyme-bound chlorinating intermediate, most likely a chlorinated distal imidazole ring. This species chlorinates taurine which may either be a transfer agent of Cl+ to other species or may act directly in attack on invading microorganisms. The currently favored mechanism of action of prostaglandin H synthase-1 is a branching chain mechanism in which Compound I is converted into a species containing a tyrosyl radical on the opposite side of the enzyme. Once the tyrosyl radical is formed it converts arachidonic acid into a peroxide in a cyclooxygenase reaction, independent of the peroxidase activity. This mechanism cannot explain the enhancing effect of small free radical scavengers, nor the fact that peroxidase activity continues unabated while the cyclooxygenase reaction is proceeding, nor the 2: 1 ratio of small free radical scavenger to arachidonic acid consumption. A tightly coupling of peroxidase and cycloxygenase reactions appears to be the steady state mechanism, and the branching chain mechanism, if it occurs, is confined to a burst transient state phase.

Synthesis, characterisation and self-assembly studies of dendron-based novel non-ionic amphiphiles

A novel series of dendron-based non-ionic amphiphiles that aggregate to form supramolecular structures have been designed and synthesized using biocompatible starting materials.

Anticancer and immunostimulatory activity by conjugate of paclitaxel and non-toxic derivative of LPS for combined chemo-immunotherapy

PURPOSE

Cancer is a multifactorial syndrome; hence, multidimensional therapy with a chemo-immunotherapeutic conjugate could be more effective in curing the disease.

METHODS

We used SP-LPS, a bio-polymer having potent immunostimulatory activity, for conjugation with paclitaxel to make a chemo-immunotherapeutic conjugate. Its physicochemical characterization was done by HPLC, NMR and IR spectra. Stability was measured at different pH, temperature and in tissue homogenates. Chemotherapeutic and immunostimulatory activity was evaluated in vitro and also in tumor microenvironment.

RESULTS

The conjugate self assembled into nanoparticulate structure, probably due to micelle formation. Stability was pH and temperature dependent. The conjugate exhibited chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic activity in vitro. In vivo antitumor activity was significantly higher and a higher percentage of activated immune cells were found in the tumor microenvironment of the conjugate-treated mice as compared to Taxol®-treated group.

CONCLUSIONS

This conjugate is a potential chemo-immunotherapeutic compound for the treatment of cancer with advantages over present day chemotherapy with Taxol in terms of higher anticancer activity, less toxicity and ease of delivery.

CO binding and ligand discrimination in human myeloperoxidase

Despite the fact that ferrous myeloperoxidase (MPO) can bind both O(2) and NO, its ability to bind CO has been questioned. UV/visible spectroscopy was used to confirm that CO induces small spectral shifts in ferrous MPO, and Fourier transform infrared difference spectroscopy showed definitively that these arose from formation of a heme ferrous-CO compound. Recombination rates after CO photolysis were monitored at 618 and 645 nm as a function of CO concentration and pH. At pH 6.3, k(on) and k(off) were 0.14 mM(-1) x s(-1) and 0.23 s(-1), respectively, yielding an unusually high K(D) of 1.6 mM. This affinity of MPO for CO is 10 times weaker than its affinity for O(2). The observed rate constant for CO binding increased with increasing pH and was governed by a single protonatable group with a pK(a) of 7.8. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed two different conformations of bound CO with frequencies at 1927 and 1942 cm(-1). Their recombination rate constants were identical, indicative of two forms of bound CO that are in rapid thermal equilibrium rather than two distinct protein populations with different binding sites. The ratio of bound states was pH-dependent (pK(a) approximately 7.4) with the 1927 cm(-1) form favored at high pH. Structural factors that account for the ligand-binding properties of MPO are identified by comparisons with published data on a range of other ligand-binding heme proteins, and support is given to the recent suggestion that the proximal His336 in MPO is in a true imidazolate state.

Glycosylation pattern of mature dimeric leukocyte and recombinant monomeric myeloperoxidase: glycosylation is required for optimal enzymatic activity

The involvement of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in various inflammatory conditions has been the scope of many recent studies. Besides its well studied catalytic activity, the role of its overall structure and glycosylation pattern in biological function is barely known. Here, the N-glycan composition of native dimeric human MPO purified from neutrophils and of monomeric MPO recombinantly expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells has been investigated. Analyses showed the presence of five N-glycans at positions 323, 355, 391, 483, 729 in both proteins. Site by site analysis demonstrated a well conserved micro- and macro-heterogeneity and more complex-type N-glycans for the recombinant form. Comparison of biological functionality of glycosylated and deglycosylated recombinant MPO suggests that glycosylation is required for optimal enzymatic activity. Data are discussed with regard to biosynthesis and the three-dimensional structure of MPO.

Redox thermodynamics of lactoperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase

Eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and lactoperoxidase (LPO) are important constituents of the innate immune system of mammals. These heme enzymes belong to the peroxidase-cyclooxygenase superfamily and catalyze the oxidation of thiocyanate, bromide and nitrite to hypothiocyanate, hypobromous acid and nitrogen dioxide that are toxic for invading pathogens. In order to gain a better understanding of the observed differences in substrate specificity and oxidation capacity in relation to heme and protein structure, a comprehensive spectro-electrochemical investigation was performed. The reduction potential (E degrees ') of the Fe(III)/Fe(II) couple of EPO and LPO was determined to be -126mV and -176mV, respectively (25 degrees C, pH 7.0). Variable temperature experiments show that EPO and LPO feature different reduction thermodynamics. In particular, reduction of ferric EPO is enthalpically and entropically disfavored, whereas in LPO the entropic term, which selectively stabilizes the oxidized form, prevails on the enthalpic term that favors reduction of Fe(III). The data are discussed with respect to the architecture of the heme cavity and the substrate channel. Comparison with published data for myeloperoxidase demonstrates the effect of heme to protein linkages and heme distortion on the redox chemistry of mammalian peroxidases and in consequence on the enzymatic properties of these physiologically important oxidoreductases.

Disruption of the aspartate to heme ester linkage in human myeloperoxidase: impact on ligand binding, redox chemistry, and interconversion of redox intermediates

In human heme peroxidases the prosthetic group is covalently attached to the protein via two ester linkages between conserved glutamate and aspartate residues and modified methyl groups on pyrrole rings A and C. Here, monomeric recombinant myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the variants D94V and D94N were produced in Chinese hamster ovary cell lines. Disruption of the Asp(94) to heme ester bond decreased the one-electron reduction potential E'(0) [Fe(III)/Fe(II)] from 1 to -55 mV at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C, whereas the kinetics of binding of low spin ligands and of compound I formation was unaffected. By contrast, in both variants rates of compound I reduction by chloride and bromide (but not iodide and thiocyanate) were substantially decreased compared with the wild-type protein. Bimolecular rates of compound II (but not compound I) reduction by ascorbate and tyrosine were slightly diminished in D94V and D94N. The presented biochemical and biophysical data suggest that the Asp(94) to heme linkage is no precondition for the autocatalytic formation of the other two covalent links found in MPO. The findings are discussed with respect to the known active site structure of MPO and its complexes with ligands.

Role of the covalent glutamic acid 242-heme linkage in the formation and reactivity of redox intermediates of human myeloperoxidase

In human myeloperoxidase the heme is covalently attached to the protein via two ester linkages between the carboxyl groups of Glu242 and Asp94 and modified methyl groups on pyrrole rings A and C of the heme as well as a sulfonium ion linkage between the sulfur atom of Met243 and the beta-carbon of the vinyl group on pyrrole ring A. In the present study, wild-type recombinant myeloperoxidase (recMPO) and the variant Glu242Gln were produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells and investigated in a comparative sequential-mixing stopped-flow study in order to elucidate the role of the Glu242-heme ester linkage in the individual reaction steps of both the halogenation and peroxidase cycle. Disruption of the ester bond increased heme flexibility, blue shifted the UV-vis spectrum, and, compared with recMPO, decelerated cyanide binding (1.25 x 10(4) versus 1.6 x 10(6) M(-)(1) s(-)(1) at pH 7 and 25 degrees C) as well as compound I formation mediated by either hydrogen peroxide (7.8 x 10(5) versus 1.9 x 10(7) M(-)(1) s(-)(1)) or hypochlorous acid (7.5 x 10(5) versus 2.3 x 10(7) M(-)(1) s(-)(1)). The overall chlorination and bromination activity of Glu242Gln was 2.0% and 24% of recMPO. The apparent bimolecular rate constants of compound I reduction by chloride (65 M(-)(1) s(-)(1)), bromide (5.4 x 10(4) M(-)(1) s(-)(1)), iodide (6.4 x 10(5) M(-)(1) s(-)(1)), and thiocyanate (2.2 x10(5) M(-)(1) s(-)(1)) were 500, 25, 21, and 63 times decreased compared with recMPO. By contrast, Glu242Gln compound I reduction by tyrosine was only 5.4 times decreased, whereas tyrosine-mediated compound II reduction was 60 times slower compared with recMPO. The effects of exchange of Glu242 on electron transfer reactions are discussed.

Autocatalytic formation of green heme: evidence for H2O2-dependent formation of a covalent methionine-heme linkage in ascorbate peroxidase

The mammalian heme peroxidases are distinguished from their plant and fungal counterparts by the fact that the heme group is covalently bound to the protein through ester links from glutamate and aspartate residues to the heme 1- and 5-methyl groups and, in the case of myeloperoxidase, through an additional sulfonium link from the Cbeta of the 2-vinyl group to a methionine residue. To duplicate the sulfonium link in myeloperoxidase and to obtain information on its mechanism of formation, we have engineered a methionine residue close to the 2-vinyl group in recombinant pea cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase (rpAPX) by replacement of Ser160 by Met (S160M variant). The S160M variant is isolated from Escherichia coli as apo-protein. Reconstitution of apo-S160M with exogenous heme gives a red protein (S160M(R)) which has UV-visible (lambda(max)/nm = 407, 511, 633) and steady-state kinetic (kcat = 156 +/- 7 s(-1), KM = 102 +/- 15 microM) properties that are analogous to those of rpAPX. The reaction of S160M(R) with H2O2 gives a green protein (S160M(G)). Electronic spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and HPLC analyses are consistent with the formation of a covalent linkage between the methionine residue and the heme vinyl group in S160M(G). Single-wavelength and photodiode array stopped-flow kinetic analyses identify a transient Compound I species as a reaction intermediate. The results provide the first direct evidence that covalent heme linkage formation occurs as an H2O2-dependent process that involves Compound I formation. A mechanism that is consistent with the data is presented.

Horseradish Peroxidase Mutants That Autocatalytically Modify Their Prosthetic Heme Group

The mammalian peroxidases, including myeloperoxidase and lactoperoxidase, bind their prosthetic heme covalently through ester bonds to two of the heme methyl groups. These bonds are autocatalytically formed. No other peroxidase is known to form such bonds. To determine whether features other than an appropriately placed carboxylic acid residue are important for covalent heme binding, we have introduced aspartate and/or glutamic acid residues into horseradish peroxidase, a plant enzyme that exhibits essentially no sequence identity with the mammalian peroxidases. Based on superposition of the horseradish peroxidase and myeloperoxidase structures, the mutated residues were Leu(37), Phe(41), Gly(69), and Ser(73). The F41E mutant was isolated with no covalently bound heme, but the heme was completely covalently bound upon incubation with H(2)O(2). As predicted, the modified heme released from the protein was 3-hydroxymethylheme. The S73E mutant did not covalently bind its heme but oxidized it to the 8-hydroxymethyl derivative. The hydroxyl group in this modified heme derived from the medium. The other mutations gave unstable proteins. The rate of compound I formation for the F41E mutant was 100 times faster after covalent bond formation, but the reduction of compound I to compound II was similar with and without the covalent bond. The results clearly establish that an appropriately situated carboxylic acid group is sufficient for covalent heme attachment, strengthen the proposed mechanism, and suggest that covalent heme attachment in the mammalian peroxidases relates to peroxidase biology or stability rather than to intrinsic catalytic properties.

Proton linkage for CO binding and redox properties of bovine lactoperoxidase

The pH-dependence of redox properties and of CO binding to bovine lactoperoxidase has been investigated over the range between 2 and 11. The pH-dependence of redox potentials shows a biphasic behavior, suggesting the existence of (at least) two redox-linked groups, which change their pKa values upon reduction. These values are in close agreement with those observed to play a relevant role in the modulation of CO binding to ferrous bovine lactoperoxidase. They have been tentatively attributed to Arg-372 and His-226, which are located on the distal side of the heme pocket of lactoperoxidase. A complete and unequivocal description of the proton-linked behavior of bovine lactoperoxidase requires, however, three residues, which are redox linked and relevant for the modulation of CO binding. The rate constant for CO binding to bovine lactoperoxidase is slower than what is reported for most hemoproteins, suggesting that these two residues, Arg-372 and His-226, are representing a severe barrier for the access of exogenous ligands to the heme. This aspect has been further investigated by fast kinetics following laser photolysis, trying to obtain information on the ligand binding pathway and on the energy barriers.

Covalent attachment of the heme prosthetic group in the CYP4F cytochrome P450 family

We demonstrated earlier that the heme in cytochrome P450 enzymes of the CYP4A family is covalently attached to the protein through an I-helix glutamic acid residue [Hoch, U., and Ortiz de Montellano, P. R. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 11339-11346]. As the critical glutamic acid residue is conserved in many members of the CYP4F class of cytochrome P450 enzymes, we investigated covalent heme binding in this family of enzymes. Chromatographic analysis indicates that the heme is covalently bound in CYP4F1 and CYP4F4, which have the required glutamic acid residue, but not in CYP4F5 and CYP4F6, which do not. Catalytic turnover of CYP4F4 with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase shows that the heme is covalently bound through an autocatalytic process. Analysis of the prosthetic group in the CYP4F5 G330E mutant, into which the glutamic acid has been reintroduced, shows that the heme is partially covalently bound and partially converted to noncovalently bound 5-hydroxymethylheme. The modified heme presumably arises by trapping of a 5-methyl carbocation intermediate by a water molecule. CYP4F proteins thus autocatalytically bind their heme groups covalently in a process that requires a glutamic acid both to generate a reactive (cationic) form of the heme methyl and to trap it to give the ester bond.

Asp-225 and glu-375 in autocatalytic attachment of the prosthetic heme group of lactoperoxidase

The heme in lactoperoxidase is attached to the protein by ester bonds between the heme 1- and 5-methyl groups and Glu-375 and Asp-275, respectively. To investigate the cross-linking process, we have examined the D225E, E375D, and D225E/E375D mutants of bovine lactoperoxidase. The heme in the E375D mutant is only partially covalently bound, but exposure to H(2)O(2) results in complete covalent binding and a fully active protein. Digestion of this mutant shows that the heme is primarily bound through its 5-methyl group. Excess H(2)O(2) increases the proportion of the doubly linked species without augmenting enzyme activity. The D225E mutant has little covalently bound heme and a much lower activity, neither of which are significantly increased by the addition of heme and H(2)O(2). The heme is linked to this protein through a single bond to the 1-methyl group. The D225E/E375D mutant has no covalently bound heme and no activity. A small amount of iron 1-hydroxymethylprotoporphyrin IX is obtained from the wild-type enzyme along with the predominant dihydroxylated derivative. The results establish that a single covalent link suffices to achieve maximum catalytic activity and suggest that the 5-hydroxymethyl bond may form before the 1-hydroxymethyl bond.

Glu375Gln and Asp225Val mutants: about the nature of the covalent linkages between heme group and apo-Protein in bovine lactoperoxidase

In analogy with studies previously reported for myeloperoxidase (Kooter, I. M.; Moguilevsky, N.; Bollen, A.; Van der Veen, L. A.; Otto, C.; Dekker, H. L.; Wever, R. J. Biol. Chem. 1999, 274, 26794), we examined for bovine lactoperoxidase the effect of mutation of Asp225 and Glu375, the residues thought to be responsible for the covalent binding of the heme group to the apoprotein. Starting from the plasmid encoding rbLPO (Watanabe, S.; Varsalona, F.; Yoo, Y.; Guillaume, J. P.; Bollen, A.; Shimazaki, K.; Moguilevsky, N. FEBS Letters 1998, 441, 476), which was engineered to carry mutations in correspondence of those residues, the mutants Asp225Val and Glu375Gln were expressed in CHO cells and their products purified and characterized. Unequivocal evidence about the existence of ester linkages as well as their relative contribution to the specific spectroscopic and catalytic properties of bLPO is here discussed.

Mechanism of nitrite-stimulated catalysis by lactoperoxidase

The reactions of lactoperoxidase (LPO) intermediates compound I, compound II and compound III, with nitrite (NO2(-)) were investigated. Reduction of compound I by NO2(-) was rapid (k2 = 2.3 x 10(7) M(-1) x s(-1); pH = 7.2) and compound II was not an intermediate, indicating that NO2* radicals are not produced when NO2(-) reacts with compound I. The second-order rate constant for the reaction of compound II with NO2(-) at pH = 7.2 was 3.5 x 10(5) M(-1) x s(-1). The reaction of compound III with NO2(-) exhibited saturation behaviour when the observed pseudo first-order rate constants were plotted against NO2(-) concentrations and could be quantitatively explained by the formation of a 1 : 1 ratio compound III/NO2(-) complex. The Km of compound III for NO2(-) was 1.7 x 10(-4) M and the first-order decay constant of the compound III/ NO2(-) complex was 12.5 +/- 0.6 s(-1). The second-order rate constant for the reaction of the complex with NO2(-) was 3.3 x 10(3) M(-1) x s(-1). Rate enhancement by NO2(-) does not require NO2* as a redox intermediate. NO2(-) accelerates the overall rate of catalysis by reducing compound II to the ferric state. With increasing levels of H2O2, there is an increased tendency for the catalytically dead-end intermediate compound III to form. Under these conditions, the 'rescue' reaction of NO2(-) with compound III to form compound II will maintain the peroxidatic cycle of the enzyme.

Impact of missense mutations on biosynthesis of myeloperoxidase

We have examined the biosynthesis of normal and mutant forms of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in order to gain insights into the critical features of normal biogenesis of MPO. The expression of wild-type and mutant forms of MPO in a stably transfected cell line devoid of endogenous MPO as well as in established human promyelocytic cell lines has allowed understanding of several features of MPO biosynthesis. It is clear that heme insertion into apoproMPO is necessary for proper folding, egress from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and eventual entry into the maturation pathway. In addition, molecular chaperones calreticulin and calnexin interact with normal MPO precursors in a sequential and regulated fashion. Studies of naturally occurring mutants, specifically missense mutations underlying inherited MPO deficiency, and mutations in putatively important residues in MPO have highlighted special features of the ER quality control system in the context of MPO biosynthesis. With identification of additional genotypes of MPO deficiency and the recent solution of MPO crystal structure at 1.8 A, this approach provides a powerful technique to assess structure-function relationships in MPO that are likely applicable to other members of the family of animal peroxidases.

Bovine lactoperoxidase and its recombinant: comparison of structure and some biochemical properties

Biochemical properties of bovine lactoperoxidase isolated from milk and recombinant bovine lactoperoxidase expressed by Chinese hamster ovary cells were compared. The natural and recombinant lactoperoxidases showed the same conformational features as determined by circular dichroism (CD) measurements. The alpha-helix, beta-structure, and unordered structure contents were found to be 17. 8, 54.2, and 28.0% for the natural lactoperoxidase and 18.6, 50.1, and 31.3% for the recombinant lactoperoxidase, respectively. The microenvironments of aromatic amino acid residues in both lactoperoxidases seemed to be the same, although the CD spectral band due to the Soret band differed slightly. A difference in the pH-dependent spectral changes of absorbance at 413 nm was observed. From a pepsin hydrolysate of lactoperoxidase, a heme-binding peptide was isolated by reverse-phase HPLC and its amino acid sequence was examined.

X-ray crystal structure and characterization of halide-binding sites of human myeloperoxidase at 1.8 A resolution

The x-ray crystal structure of human myeloperoxidase has been extended to 1.8 A resolution, using x-ray data recorded at -180 degrees C (r = 0.197, free r = 0.239). Results confirm that the heme is covalently attached to the protein via two ester linkages between the carboxyl groups of Glu(242) and Asp(94) and modified methyl groups on pyrrole rings A and C of the heme as well as a sulfonium ion linkage between the sulfur atom of Met(243) and the beta-carbon of the vinyl group on pyrrole ring A. In the native enzyme a bound chloride ion has been identified at the amino terminus of the helix containing the proximal His(336). Determination of the x-ray crystal structure of a myeloperoxidase-bromide complex (r = 0.243, free r = 0.296) has shown that this chloride ion can be replaced by bromide. Bromide is also seen to bind, at partial occupancy, in the distal heme cavity, in close proximity to the distal His(95), where it replaces the water molecule hydrogen bonded to Gln(91). The bromide-binding site in the distal cavity appears to be the halide-binding site responsible for shifts in the Soret band of the absorption spectrum of myeloperoxidase. It is proposed that halide binding to this site inhibits the enzyme by effectively competing with H(2)O(2) for access to the distal histidine, whereas in compound I, the same site may be the halide substrate-binding site.

EPR spin-trapping of a myeloperoxidase protein radical

Incubation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) with H(2)O(2) in the presence of the spin trap DBNBS (3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzenesulfonic acid) results in the EPR-detectable formation of a partially immobilized protein radical. The radical was only formed in the presence of both MPO and H(2)O(2), indicating that catalytic turnover of the protein is required. The changes in the EPR spectrum of the adduct upon treatment with pronase confirm that the spin trap is bound to a protein residue. These results establish that MPO, like lactoperoxidase [Lardinois, O. M., Medzihradszky, K. F., and Ortiz de Montellano, P. R. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 35441-35448], reacts with H(2)O(2) to give a protein radical intermediate. The protein radical may have a catalytic role, may be related to covalent binding of the prosthetic heme group to the protein, or may reflect a process that leads to inactivation of the enzyme.

Determination of the carbohydrate composition and the disulfide bond linkages of bovine lactoperoxidase by mass spectrometry

The extent and distribution of N-glycosylation and the nature of most of the disulfide bond linkages were determined for bovine lactoperoxidase through proteolytic and glycolytic digestions combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric analysis. In addition, 98% of the primary sequence of the protein was confirmed. All five of the asparagines present in sequons were found to be glycosylated, predominantly by high mannose and complex structures. Six disulfide bonds were assigned, including Cys 32-Cys 45, Cys 146-Cys 156, Cys 150-Cys 174, Cys 254-Cys 265, Cys 473-Cys 530 and Cys 571-Cys 596.

Heme Peroxidases: Structure, Function, Mechanism and Involvement in Activation of Carcinogens. A Review

Peroxidases are enzymes playing an important role in large and diverse numbers of physiological processes in organisms including human. We have attempted in this article to summarize and review the important structural and catalytic properties of principal classes of heme peroxidases as well as their biological functions. Major reactions catalyzed by these enzymes (a conventional peroxidase cycle, reactions using O2and halogenations) and their mechanism are reviewed, too. Moreover, the reaction mechanisms by which peroxidases are implicated in bioactivation of xenobiotic chemicals are presented. Numerous chemicals including protoxicants and procarcinogens are metabolized by equally numerous chemical reactions catalyzed by peroxidases. The unifying theme is the radical nature of the oxidations. The direct conventional peroxidase reaction forming reactive species is generally responsible for the activation of procarcinogenic substrates of peroxidases. The subsequent formation of a superoxide anion radical and peroxy radicals is necessary for activation of chemicals that are poor substrates for peroxidases. The significance of studies concerning the reactions catalyzed by peroxidases is underlined in the present review article. A review with 166 references.

Spin trapping and protein cross-linking of the lactoperoxidase protein radical

Lactoperoxidase (LPO) reacts with H(2)O(2) to sequentially give two Compound I intermediates: the first with a ferryl (Fe(IV)=O) species and a porphyrin radical cation, and the second with the same ferryl species and a presumed protein radical. However, little actual evidence is available for the protein radical. We report here that LPO reacts with the spin trap 3,5-dibromo-4-nitroso-benzenesulfonic acid to give a 1:1 protein-bound radical adduct. Furthermore, LPO undergoes the H(2)O(2)-dependent formation of dimeric and trimeric products. Proteolytic digestion and mass spectrometric analysis indicates that the dimer is held together by a dityrosine link between Tyr-289 in each of two LPO molecules. The dimer retains full catalytic activity and reacts to the same extent with the spin trap, indicating that the spin trap reacts with a radical center other than Tyr-289. The monomeric protein recovered from incubations of LPO with H(2)O(2) is fully active but no longer forms dimers when incubated with H(2)O(2), clear evidence that it has also been structurally modified. Myeloperoxidase, a naturally dimeric protein, and eosinophil peroxidase do not undergo H(2)O(2)-dependent oligomerization. Analysis of the interface in the LPO dimers indicates that the same protein surface is involved in LPO dimerization as in the normal formation of myeloperoxidase dimers. Oligomerization of LPO alters its physical properties and may alter its ability to interact with macromolecular substrates.

The sulfonium ion linkage in myeloperoxidase. Direct spectroscopic detection by isotopic labeling and effect of mutation

The heme group of myeloperoxidase is covalently linked via two ester bonds to the protein and a unique sulfonium ion linkage involving Met(243). Mutation of Met(243) into Thr, Gln, and Val, which are the corresponding residues of eosinophil peroxidase, lactoperoxidase, and thyroid peroxidase, respectively, and into Cys was performed. The Soret band in the optical absorbance spectrum in the oxidized mutants is now found at approximately 411 nm. Both the pyridine hemochrome spectra and resonance Raman spectra of the mutants are affected by the mutation. In the Met(243) mutants the affinity for chloride has decreased 100-fold. All mutants have lost their chlorination activity, except for the M243T mutant, which still has 15% activity left. By Fourier transform infared difference spectroscopy it was possible to specifically detect the (13)CD(3)-labeled methionyl sulfonium ion linkage. We conclude that the sulfonium ion linkage serves two roles. First, it serves as an electron-withdrawing substituent via its positive charge, and, second, together with its neighboring residue Glu(242), it appears to be responsible for the lower symmetry of the heme group and distortion from the planar conformation normally seen in heme-containing proteins.

Characterization of the Asp94 and Glu242 mutants in myeloperoxidase, the residues linking the heme group via ester bonds

The heme group of all mammalian peroxidases is covalently linked to the protein matrix via two esterbonds, as we have recently shown by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) difference spectroscopy [Kooter, I. M., Pierik, A.J., Merkx, M., Averill, B.A., Moguilevsky, N., Bollen, A. & Wever, R. (1997) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 119, 11542-11543]. We have examined the effects of mutation of Asp94 and Glu242, responsible for those ester bonds in myeloperoxidase, on the spectroscopic properties and catalytic activity of this enzyme. Mutation of Asp94 in myeloperoxidase results in two species. The first species has spectroscopic characteristics similar to that of wild-type myeloperoxidase. The second species has spectroscopic characteristics similar to that of Met243-->Gln mutant, and it is therefore concluded that, besides loss of the ester bond involving Asp94, this species also has lost the sulfonium ion linkage that is also characteristic of myeloperoxidase. The Asp94-->Asn mutant still has about 30% residual peroxidase activity while for the Asp94-->Val mutant only a few percentage activity is left. When Glu242 is mutated the sulfonium ion linkage is not affected, but this residue together with its neighbouring residue Met243, according to resonance Raman spectra, is responsible for the low symmetry of the heme group. Mutation of either of these residues results in loss of the bowed distortion from the planar conformation, and in a heme group with higher symmetry. For the Glu242-->Gln mutant 8% residual peroxidase activity is found.

Biochemical evidence for heme linkage through esters with Asp-93 and Glu-241 in human eosinophil peroxidase. The ester with Asp-93 is only partially formed in vivo

The covalent heme attachment has been extensively studied by spectroscopic methods in myeloperoxidase and lactoperoxidase (LPO) but not in eosinophil peroxidase (EPO). We show that heme linkage to the heavy chain is invariably present, whereas heme linkage to the light chain of EPO is present in less than one-third of EPO molecules. Mass analysis of isolated heme bispeptides supports the hypothesis of a heme b linked through two esters to the polypeptide. Mass analysis of heme monopeptides reveals that >90% have a nonderivatized methyl group at the position of the light chain linkage. Apparently, an ester had not been formed during biosynthesis. The light chain linkage could be formed by incubation with hydrogen peroxide, in accordance with a recent hypothesis of autocatalytic heme attachment based on studies with LPO (DePillis, G. D., Ozaki, S., Kuo, J. M., Maltby, D. A., and Ortiz de Montellano P. R. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 8857-8860). By sequence analysis of isolated heme peptides after aminolysis, we unambiguously identified the acidic residues, Asp-93 of the light chain and Glu-241 of the heavy chain, that form esters with the heme group. This is the first biochemical support for ester linkage to two specific residues in eosinophil peroxidase. From a parallel study with LPO, we show that Asp-125 and Glu-275 are engaged in ester linkage. The species with a nonderivatized methyl group was not found among LPO peptides.

Role of heme in intracellular trafficking of thyroperoxidase and involvement of H2O2 generated at the apical surface of thyroid cells in autocatalytic covalent heme binding

Thyroperoxidase (TPO) is a glycosylated hemoprotein that plays a key role in thyroid hormone synthesis. We previously showed that in CHO cells expressing human TPO (hTPO) only 2% of synthesized hTPO reaches the cell surface. Herein, we investigated the role of heme moiety insertion in the exit of hTPO from the endoplasmic reticulum. Peroxidase activity at the cell surface and cell surface expression of hTPO were decreased by approximately 30 and approximately 80%, respectively, with succinyl acetone, an inhibitor of heme biosynthesis, and were increased by 20% with holotransferrin and aminolevulinic acid, precursors of heme biosynthesis. Results were similar with holotransferrin plus aminolevulinic acid or hemin, but hemin increased cell surface activity more efficiently (+120%) relative to the control. It had been suggested (DePillis, G., Ozaki, S., Kuo, J. M., Maltby, D. A., and Ortiz de Montellano, P. R. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 8857-8960) that covalent attachment of heme to mammalian peroxidases could be an H2O2-dependent autocatalytic processing. In our study, heme associated intracellularly with hTPO, and we hypothesized that there was insufficient exposure to H2O2 in Chinese hamster ovary cells before hTPO reached the cell surface. After a 10-min incubation, 10 microM H2O2 led to a 65% increase in cell surface activity. In contrast, in thyroid cells, H2O2 was synthesized at the apical cell surface and allowed covalent attachment of heme. Two-day incubation of primocultures of thyroid cells with catalase led to a 30% decrease in TPO activity at the cell surface. In conclusion, we provide compelling evidence for an essential role of 1) heme incorporation in the intracellular trafficking of hTPO and of 2) H2O2 generated at the apical pole of thyroid cells in the autocatalytic covalent heme binding to the TPO molecule.

Recombinant bovine lactoperoxidase as a tool to study the heme environment in mammalian peroxidases

The cDNA encoding bovine lactoperoxidase (LPO) has been expressed in CHO cells. The recombinant LPO was secreted as an enzymatically active single chain molecule presenting two immunoreactive forms of 88 kDa and 82 kDa, differing by their glycosylation. rLPO exhibited the characteristic absorbance spectrum with a Soret peak at 413 nm. Engineering of rLPO into a myeloperoxidase (MPO)-like molecule was attempted by substituting Gln-376 by Met, a residue known to achieve covalent binding with the heme in MPO. However, the resulting bovine LPO mutant failed to acquire the peculiar absorbance spectrum and the chlorinating activity of MPO, underlining the complex nature of interactions in the heme vicinity.

Characterization of the photoconversion of green fluorescent protein with FTIR spectroscopy

Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) is a bioluminescence protein from the jelly fish Aequorea victoria. It can exist in at least two spectroscopically distinct states: GFP395 and GFP480, with peak absorption at 395 and 480 nm, respectively, presumably resulting from a change in the protonation state of the phenolic ring of its chromophore. When GFP is formed upon heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, its chromophore is mainly present as the neutral species. UV and visible light convert (the chromophore of) GFP quantitatively from this neutral- into the anionic form. On the basis of X-ray diffraction, it was recently proposed (Brejc, K. et al. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94, 2306-2311; Palm, G. J. et al. (1997) Nat. Struct. Biol. 4, 361-365) that the carboxylic group of Glu222 functions as the proton acceptor of the chromophore of GFP, during the transition from the neutral form (i.e., GFP395) to the ionized form (GFP480). However, X-ray crystallography cannot detect protons directly. The results of FTIR difference spectroscopy, in contrast, are highly sensitive to changes in the protonation state between two conformations of a protein. Here we report the first characterization of GFP, and its photoconversion, with FTIR spectroscopy. Our results clearly show the change in protonation state of the chromophore upon photoconversion. However, they do not provide indications for a change of the protonation state of a glutamate side chain between the states GFP395 and GFP480, nor for an isomerization of the double bond that forms part of the link between the two rings of the chromophore.

The heme prosthetic group of lactoperoxidase. Structural characteristics of heme l and heme l-peptides

The heme prosthetic group from the bovine milk enzyme lactoperoxidase (LPO), termed heme l, is isolated through an approach that combines proteolytic hydrolysis and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatographic separation of the resulting digest. Application of different proteases yields either a peptide-bound heme (with trypsin and chymotrypsin) or a peptide-free heme (with proteinase K). Both heme l and heme l-peptide species were investigated by paramagnetic 1H NMR spectroscopy, electrospray mass spectrometry, and peptide sequence analysis. Paramagnetic 1H NMR experiments on the low spin bis(cyano)-Fe(III)heme l complex conclusively define the heme l structure as a 1,5-bis(hydroxymethyl) derivative of heme b. The electrospray mass spectrum of heme l confirms the two-site hydroxyl functionalization on this heme. Paramagnetic 1H NMR spectra of the high spin bis(dimethyl sulfoxide)-Fe(III) complexes of the isolated heme species provide information regarding peptide content. Sequence analyses of peptides released from two heme l-peptide species by base hydrolysis suggest that heme-protein ester linkages in lactoperoxidase occur between the two hydroxyl groups of heme l and the carboxylic side chains of glutamate 275 and aspartate 125. These results confirm the earlier reported structural proposal (Rae, T. D., and Goff, H. M. (1996) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 118, 2103-2104).