The discovery of a novel R-phycoerythrin from an antarctic red alga

Quantifying pigment content in crustose coralline algae using hyperspectral imaging: A case study with Tethysphytum antarcticum (Ross Sea, Antarctica)

Crustose coralline algae (CCA) are a highly diverse group of habitat-forming, calcifying red macroalgae (Rhodophyta) with unique adaptations to diverse irradiance regimes. A distinctive CCA phenotype adaptation, which allows them to maximize photosynthetic performance in low light, is their content of a specific group of light-harvesting pigments called phycobilins. In this study, we assessed the potential of noninvasive hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in the visible spectrum (400-800 nm) to describe the phenotypic variability in phycobilin content of an Antarctic coralline, Tethysphytum antarcticum (Hapalidiales), from two distinct locations. We validated our measurements with pigment extractions and spectrophotometry analysis, in addition to DNA barcoding using the psbA marker. Targeted spectral indices were developed and correlated with phycobilin content using linear mixed models (R2 = 0.64-0.7). Once applied to the HSI, the models revealed the distinct phycoerythrin spatial distribution in the two site-specific CCA phenotypes, with thin and thick crusts, respectively. This study advances the capabilities of hyperspectral imaging as a tool to quantitatively study CCA pigmentation in relation to their phenotypic plasticity, which can be applied in laboratory studies and potentially in situ surveys using underwater hyperspectral imaging systems.

How can Phycobilisome, the unique light harvesting system in certain algae working highly efficiently: The connection in between structures and functions

Algae, which are ubiquitous in ecosystems, have evolved a variety of light-harvesting complexes to better adapt to diverse habitats. Phycobilisomes/phycobiliproteins, unique to cyanobacteria, red algae, and certain cryptomonads, compensate for the lack of chlorophyll absorption, allowing algae to capture and efficiently transfer light energy in aquatic environments. With the advancement of microscopy and spectroscopy, the structure and energy transfer processes of increasingly complex phycobilisomes have been elucidated, providing us with a vivid portrait of the dynamic adaptation of their structures to the light environment in which algae thrive: 1) Cyanobacteria living on the surface of the water use short, small phycobilisomes to absorb red-orange light and reduce the damage from blue-violet light via multiple methods; 2) Large red algae inhabiting the depths of the ocean have evolved long and dense phycobilisomes containing phycoerythrin to capture the feeble blue-green light; 3) In far-red light environments such as caves, algae use special allophycocyanin cores to optimally utilize the far-red light; 4) When the environment shifts, algae can adjust the length, composition and density of their rods to better adapt; 5) By carefully designing the position of the pigments, phycobilisomes can transfer light energy to the reaction center with nearly 100% efficiency via three energy transfer processes.

3D Printed Instrument for Taylor Dispersion Analysis with Two-Point Laser-Induced Fluorescence Detection

Precisely controlling the size of engineered biomolecules and pharmaceutical compounds is often critical to their function. Standard methods for size characterization, such as dynamic light scattering or size exclusion chromatography, can be sample intensive and may not provide the sensitivity needed for mass- or concentration-limited biological systems. Taylor dispersion analysis (TDA) is a proven analytical method for direct, calibration-free size determination which utilizes only nL-pL sample volumes. In TDA, diffusion coefficients, which are mathematically transformed to hydrodynamic radii, are determined by characterizing band broadening of an analyte under well-controlled laminar flow conditions. Here, we describe the design and development of a 3D printed instrument for TDA, which is the first such instrument to offer dual-point laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection. The instrument utilized a fully 3D printed eductor as a vacuum source for precise and stable pressure-driven flow within a capillary, evidenced by a linear response in generated static pressure to applied gas pressure (R² = 0.997) and a 30-fold improvement in stability of static pressure (0.05% RSD) as compared to a standard mechanical pump (1.53%). Design aspects of the LIF detection system were optimized to maximize S/N for excitation and emission optical axes, and high sensitivity was achieved as evidenced by an 80 pM limit of detection for the protein R-Phycoerythrin and low nM limits of detection for three additional fluorophores. The utility of the instrument was demonstrated via sizing of R-Phycoerythrin at pM concentrations.

Light-Triggered Release of Large Biomacromolecules from Porphyrin-Phospholipid Liposomes

Liposomes containing small amounts of porphyrin-phospholipid (PoP) have been shown to encapsulate small molecular weight cargos and then release them upon exposure to red light. A putative mechanism involves transient pore formation in the bilayer induced by PoP-mediated photo-oxidation of unsaturated lipids. However, little is known about the properties of such pores. This study assesses whether large carbohydrate and protein molecules could be released from PoP liposomes upon red light exposure. A small fluorophore with ∼0.5 kDa in molecular weight, fluorescently labeled dextrans of ∼5 and ∼500 kDa, and a ∼240 kDa fluorescent protein were passively entrapped in PoP liposomes. When exposed to 665 nm irradiation, liposomes containing PoP, but not liposomes lacking it, released all these cargos in a size-dependent manner that occurred with oxidation of unsaturated lipids included in the bilayer. Thus, this study demonstrates the feasibility of light-triggered release of large biomacromolecules from liposomes.

Underwater Hyperspectral Imaging (UHI): A Review of Systems and Applications for Proximal Seafloor Ecosystem Studies

Marine ecosystem monitoring requires observations of its attributes at different spatial and temporal scales that traditional sampling methods (e.g., RGB imaging, sediment cores) struggle to efficiently provide. Proximal optical sensing methods can fill this observational gap by providing observations of, and tracking changes in, the functional features of marine ecosystems non-invasively. Underwater hyperspectral imaging (UHI) employed in proximity to the seafloor has shown a further potential to monitor pigmentation in benthic and sympagic phototrophic organisms at small spatial scales (mm–cm) and for the identification of minerals and taxa through their finely resolved spectral signatures. Despite the increasing number of studies applying UHI, a review of its applications, capabilities, and challenges for seafloor ecosystem research is overdue. In this review, we first detail how the limited band availability inherent to standard underwater cameras has led to a data analysis “bottleneck” in seafloor ecosystem research, in part due to the widespread implementation of underwater imaging platforms (e.g., remotely operated vehicles, time-lapse stations, towed cameras) that can acquire large image datasets. We discuss how hyperspectral technology brings unique opportunities to address the known limitations of RGB cameras for surveying marine environments. The review concludes by comparing how different studies harness the capacities of hyperspectral imaging, the types of methods required to validate observations, and the current challenges for accurate and replicable UHI research.

Triple Emulsion-Based Rapid Microfluidic Production of Core-Shell Hydrogel Microspheres for Programmable Biomolecular Conjugation

We report a simple and rapid microfluidic approach to produce core-shell hydrogel microspheres in a single step. We exploit triple emulsion drops with sacrificial oil layers that separate two prepolymer phases, forming poly(ethylene glycol)-based core-shell microspheres via photopolymerization followed by spontaneous removal of the oil layer. Our technique enables the production of monodisperse core-shell microspheres with varying dimensions of each compartment by independently and precisely controlled flow rates. This leads to stable and uniform incorporation of functional moieties in the core compartment with negligible cross-contamination into the shell layer. Selective conjugation of biomolecules is enabled through a rapid bioorthogonal reaction with functional groups in the core compartment with minimal non-specific adsorption. Finally, in-depth protein conjugation kinetics studies using microspheres with varying shell porosities highlight the capability to provide tunable size-selective diffusion barriers by simple tuning of prepolymer compositions for the shell layer. Combined, these results illustrate a significant step forward for programmable high-throughput fabrication of multifunctional hydrogel microspheres, which possess substantial potential in a large array of biomedical and biochemical applications.

The Role of Tricellular Junctions in the Transport of Macromolecules Across Endothelium

PURPOSE

Transport of water and solutes across vascular endothelium is important in normal physiology and critical in the development of various diseases, including atherosclerosis. However, there is debate about the routes for such transport. We recently showed that an albumin-sized tracer crossed endothelium at bicellular and tricellular junctions, a tracer having the size of high density lipoprotein crossed only through tricellular junctions, and a tracer with the size of low density lipoprotein was unable to cross by either route and instead traversed the cells themselves. Here we review previous work on the structure and function of tricellular junctions. We then describe a study in which we assessed the role of such junctions in the transport of an albumin-sized tracer.

METHODS

We examined normal endothelial monolayers, the effect of agonists that modify their permeability, and the influence of different patterns of shear stress.

RESULTS

Under normal conditions, approximately 85% of transendothelial transport occurred through tricellular junctions. This fraction was unchanged when permeability was reduced by sphingosine-1-phosphate or increased by thrombin, and also did not differ between endothelium exposed to multidirectional as opposed to uniaxial shear stress despite a > 50% difference in permeability.

CONCLUSION

These data show that tricellular junctions dominate normal transport of this tracer and largely determine influences of agonists and shear. The effects were attributable to changes in both the number and conductivity of the junctions. Further investigation of these structures will lead to increased understanding of endothelial barrier function and may suggest new therapeutic strategies in disease.

Phycobiliproteins from extreme environments and their potential applications

The light-harvesting phycobilisome complex is an important component of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria and red algae. Phycobilisomes are composed of phycobiliproteins, including the blue phycobiliprotein phycocyanin, that are considered high-value products with applications in several industries. Remarkably, several cyanobacteria and red algal species retain the capacity to harvest light and photosynthesise under highly selective environments such as hot springs, and flourish in extremes of pH and elevated temperatures. These thermophilic organisms produce thermostable phycobiliproteins, which have superior qualities much needed for wider adoption of these natural pigment-proteins in the food, textile, and other industries. Here we review the available literature on the thermostability of phycobilisome components from thermophilic species and discuss how a better appreciation of phycobiliproteins from extreme environments will benefit our fundamental understanding of photosynthetic adaptation and could provide a sustainable resource for several industrial processes.

Visualization of three pathways for macromolecule transport across cultured endothelium and their modification by flow

Transport of macromolecules across vascular endothelium and its modification by fluid mechanical forces are important for normal tissue function and in the development of atherosclerosis. However, the routes by which macromolecules cross endothelium, the hemodynamic stresses that maintain endothelial physiology or trigger disease, and the dependence of transendothelial transport on hemodynamic stresses are controversial. We visualized pathways for macromolecule transport and determined the effect on these pathways of different types of flow. Endothelial monolayers were cultured under static conditions or on an orbital shaker producing different flow profiles in different parts of the wells. Fluorescent tracers that bound to the substrate after crossing the endothelium were used to identify transport pathways. Maps of tracer distribution were compared with numerical simulations of flow to determine effects of different shear stress metrics on permeability. Albumin-sized tracers dominantly crossed the cultured endothelium via junctions between neighboring cells, high-density lipoprotein-sized tracers crossed at tricellular junctions, and low-density lipoprotein-sized tracers crossed through cells. Cells aligned close to the angle that minimized shear stresses across their long axis. The rate of paracellular transport under flow correlated with the magnitude of these minimized transverse stresses, whereas transport across cells was uniformly reduced by all types of flow. These results contradict the long-standing two-pore theory of solute transport across microvessel walls and the consensus view that endothelial cells align with the mean shear vector. They suggest that endothelial cells minimize transverse shear, supporting its postulated proatherogenic role. Preliminary data show that similar tracer techniques are practicable in vivo.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Solutes of increasing size crossed cultured endothelium through intercellular junctions, through tricellular junctions, or transcellularly. Cells aligned to minimize the shear stress acting across their long axis. Paracellular transport correlated with the level of this minimized shear, but transcellular transport was reduced uniformly by flow regardless of the shear profile.

Extraction and purification of C-phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis (CCC540)

In this study a simple protocol was developed for purifying phycocyanin (PC) from Spirulina platensis (CCC540) by using ammonium sulphate precipitation, followed by a single step chromatography by using DEAE-Cellulose-11 and acetate buffer. Precipitation with 65 % ammonium sulphate resulted in 80 % recovery of phycocyanin with purity of 1.5 (A₆₂₀/A₂₈₀). Thro1ugh chromatography an 80 % recovery of phycocyanin with a purity of 4.5 (A₆₂₀/A₂₈₀) was achieved. In SDS_PAGE analysis, the purified PC showed the presence of two subunit α (16 kD) and β (17 kD).

An integrated approach for enhanced protein conjugation and capture with viral nanotemplates and hydrogel microparticle platforms via rapid bioorthogonal reactions

We demonstrate significantly enhanced protein conjugation and target protein capture capacity by exploiting tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) templates assembled with hydrogel microparticles. Protein conjugation results with a red fluorescent protein R-Phycoerythrin (R-PE) show significantly enhanced protein conjugation capacity of TMV-assembled particles (TMV-particles) compared to planar substrates or hydrogel microparticles. In-depth examination of protein conjugation kinetics via tetrazine (Tz)-trans-cyclooctene (TCO) cycloaddition and strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) reaction demonstrates that TMV-particles provide a less hindered environment for protein conjugation. Target protein capture results using an anti-R-PE antibody (R-Ab)-R-PE pair also show substantially improved capture capacity of R-Ab conjugated TMV-particles over R-Ab conjugated hydrogel microparticles. We further demonstrate readily controlled protein and antibody conjugation capacity by simply varying TMV concentrations, which show negligible negative impact of densely assembled TMVs on protein conjugation and capture capacity. Combined, these results illustrate a facile postfabrication protein conjugation approach with TMV templates assembled onto hydrogel microparticles for improved and controlled protein conjugation and sensing platforms. We anticipate that our approach can be readily applied to various protein sensing applications.

Facile strategy for protein conjugation with chitosan-poly(ethylene glycol) hybrid microparticle platforms via strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) reaction

We demonstrate a facile fabrication-conjugation scheme for protein-conjugated biosensing platforms. Specifically, we utilize a chitosan-poly(ethylene glycol) hybrid system to fabricate highly uniform and chemically reactive microparticle platforms via simple replica molding. Strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) reaction between azide-modified proteins and microparticles activated with strain-promoted cyclooctynes allows tunable protein conjugation under mild reaction conditions. Upon conjugation of a model red fluorescent protein, fluorescence and confocal micrographs show selective protein conjugation near the particle surfaces as well as long-term stability of the conjugation scheme. Fluorescence and AFM results upon conjugation with varying protein concentrations indicate controllable protein conjugation. Examination of protein-particle conjugation kinetics shows multiple reaction regimes; rapid initial, intermediate, and steady final stage. Lastly, we demonstrate antibody conjugation with the particles and selective and rapid target protein capture with antibody-conjugated particles. Combined, these results illustrate a facile fabrication-conjugation scheme for robust protein-conjugated platforms that can be readily enlisted in various protein sensing applications.

Active plasma membrane P-type H+-ATPase reconstituted into nanodiscs is a monomer

Plasma membrane H(+)-ATPases form a subfamily of P-type ATPases responsible for pumping protons out of cells and are essential for establishing and maintaining the crucial transmembrane proton gradient in plants and fungi. Here, we report the reconstitution of the Arabidopsis thaliana plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase isoform 2 into soluble nanoscale lipid bilayers, also termed nanodiscs. Based on native gel analysis and cross-linking studies, the pump inserts into nanodiscs as a functional monomer. Insertion of the H(+)-ATPase into nanodiscs has the potential to enable structural and functional characterization using techniques normally applicable only for soluble proteins.

Isolation and characterization of macromolecular protein R-Phycoerythrin from Portieria hornemannii

R-Phycoerythrin (R-PE) is one of the three phycobiliproteins which are extensively used as fluorescent probes, and it is prepared from red macro-algae. This macromolecular protein has gained importance in many biotechnological applications in food science, immunodiagnostic, therapy, cosmetics, protein and cell labeling, and analytical processes. In the present investigation, R-PE was isolated and purified from a red alga Portieria hornemannii. R-PE extracted and purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation (55%) followed by Q-Sepharose column chromatography had yielded a maximum purity of 5.2%. R-PE exhibited a typical "three-peak" with absorption maxima at 499, 545 and 565 nm. CD spectrum of R-PE yielded the following secondary structure data: alpha helix (14.30%), beta helix (28.10%), turn helix (19.20%) and random coil helix (38.40%). The molecular mass of R-PE was 240 kDa under Native-PAGE. Three different subunits such as α, β and γ of 16 kDa, 21 kDa and 39 kDa were segregated under SDS-PAGE. On two dimensional gel electrophoresis, one basic and four acidic subunits were detected. Five different tryptic peptides were assigned under MALDI-TOF. The sequences of N-terminus of R-PE of 10 different amino acids are Met Lys Gln Met Trp Asp Arg Met Val Val. The preparative procedures of the R-PE extraction and purification established based on the experiments exhibit advantages and can offer a reference for R-PE preparation from other marine red macro-alga P. hornemannii.

Purification, characterization and comparison of phycoerythrins from three different marine cyanobacterial cultures

The present study is focused on purification, characterization and comparison of phycoerythrins from three different marine cyanobacterial cultures--hormidium sp. A27 DM, Lyngbya sp. A09 DM and Halomicronema sp. A32 DM. 'Phycoerythrin' was successfully purified and characterized. On SDS-PAGE, the PE purified from all three young cultures showed four bands--corresponding to α and β subunits of each of PE-I and PE-II. However, phycoerythrin purified after prolonged growth of Phormidium sp. A27 DM and Halomicronema sp. A32DM showed only one band corresponding to 14 kDa whereas Lyngbya sp. A09 DM continued to produce uncleaved phycoerythrin. The absorption spectra of purified PEs from all the three young and old cultures showed variations however the fluorescence studies of the purified PEs in all cases gave the emission spectra at around 580 nm. The described work is of great importance to understand the role of phycoerythrin in adapting cyanobacteria to stress conditions.

The supramolecular architecture, function, and regulation of thylakoid membranes in red algae: an overview

Red algae are a group of eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms. Phycobilisomes (PBSs), which are composed of various types of phycobiliproteins and linker polypeptides, are the main light-harvesting antennae in red algae, as in cyanobacteria. Two morphological types of PBSs, hemispherical- and hemidiscoidal-shaped, are found in different red algae species. PBSs harvest solar energy and efficiently transfer it to photosystem II (PS II) and finally to photosystem I (PS I). The PS I of red algae uses light-harvesting complex of PS I (LHC I) as a light-harvesting antennae, which is phylogenetically related to the LHC I found in higher plants. PBSs, PS II, and PS I are all distributed throughout the entire thylakoid membrane, a pattern that is different from the one found in higher plants. Photosynthesis processes, especially those of the light reactions, are carried out by the supramolecular complexes located in/on the thylakoid membranes. Here, the supramolecular architecture, function and regulation of thylakoid membranes in red algal are reviewed.

Luminescence resonance energy transfer from an upconverting nanoparticle to a fluorescent phycobiliprotein

Water dispersible upconverting polyethylenimine (PEI)-capped NaYF(4) nanoparticles co-doped with trivalent erbium (Er(3+)) and ytterbium (Yb(3+)) were prepared via solvothermal synthesis with an 18 nm average particle diameter. These upconverting nanoparticles can be used to sensitize a light-harvesting phycobiliprotein (R-Phycoerythrin) via luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET).

Optimization of encoded hydrogel particles for nucleic acid quantification

The accurate quantification of nucleic acids is of utmost importance for clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, and basic science research. These applications require the concurrent measurement of multiple targets while demanding high-throughput analysis, high sensitivity, specificity between closely related targets, and a wide dynamic range. In attempt to create a technology that can simultaneously meet these demands, we recently developed a method of multiplexed analysis using encoded hydrogel particles. Here, we demonstrate tuning of hydrogel porosity with semi-interpenetrating networks of poly(ethylene glycol), develop a quantitative model to understand hybridization kinetics, and use the findings from these studies to enhance particle design for nucleic acid detection. With an optimized particle design and efficient fluorescent labeling scheme, we demonstrate subattomole sensitivity and single-nucleotide specificity for small RNA targets.

Phycourobilin in trichromatic phycocyanin from oceanic cyanobacteria is formed post-translationally by a phycoerythrobilin lyase-isomerase

Most cyanobacteria harvest light with large antenna complexes called phycobilisomes. The diversity of their constituting phycobiliproteins contributes to optimize the photosynthetic capacity of these microorganisms. Phycobiliprotein biosynthesis, which involves several post-translational modifications including covalent attachment of the linear tetrapyrrole chromophores (phycobilins) to apoproteins, begins to be well understood. However, the biosynthetic pathway to the blue-green-absorbing phycourobilin (lambda(max) approximately 495 nm) remained unknown, although it is the major phycobilin of cyanobacteria living in oceanic areas where blue light penetrates deeply into the water column. We describe a unique trichromatic phycocyanin, R-PC V, extracted from phycobilisomes of Synechococcus sp. strain WH8102. It is evolutionarily remarkable as the only chromoprotein known so far that absorbs the whole wavelength range between 450 and 650 nm. R-PC V carries a phycourobilin chromophore on its alpha-subunit, and this can be considered an extreme case of adaptation to blue-green light. We also discovered the enzyme, RpcG, responsible for its biosynthesis. This monomeric enzyme catalyzes binding of the green-absorbing phycoerythrobilin at cysteine 84 with concomitant isomerization to phycourobilin. This reaction is analogous to formation of the orange-absorbing phycoviolobilin from the red-absorbing phycocyanobilin that is catalyzed by the lyase-isomerase PecE/F in some freshwater cyanobacteria. The fusion protein, RpcG, and the heterodimeric PecE/F are mutually interchangeable in a heterologous expression system in Escherichia coli. The novel R-PC V likely optimizes rod-core energy transfer in phycobilisomes and thereby adaptation of a major phytoplankton group to the blue-green light prevailing in oceanic waters.

Simultaneous multicolor fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy to detect higher order molecular interactions using single wavelength laser excitation

Fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy is a powerful method for the study of molecular interactions and dynamics in solution and even in living cells. Usually, in the optical setup, either two laser beams have to be superimposed in their respective confocal volumes or two-photon excitation is used for a dual-color detection system. It has been shown recently that fluorescence cross correlation can be achieved with spectrally similar fluorophores using single wavelength excitation fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (SW-FCCS). In this study, we show that SW-FCCS allows the simultaneous excitation of up to three fluorophores in which the cross correlation of their fluctuation signals is detected separately in three detection channels. The experimental and theoretical model to describe triple pairwise cross correlations incorporating cross talk and possible changes in emission characteristics such as quenching upon binding are outlined. The effectiveness of SW-FCCS to detect binding of three interacting partners is experimentally verified with a standard ligand-receptor model, biotin-streptavidin, where differently labeled biotin ligands and their binding to a third-color labeled streptavidin are studied. The cross-correlation amplitudes and their changes with stoichiometric binding are analyzed and the upper limits of dissociation constants are determined. Performed with appropriate negative controls, SW-FCCS can determine interaction patterns between ligands and receptors.

Photon correlation spectroscopy investigations of proteins

Physical principles of photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), mathematical treatment of the PCS data (converting autocorrelation functions to distribution functions or average characteristics), and PCS applications to study proteins and other biomacromolecules in aqueous media are described and analysed. The PCS investigations of conformational changes in protein molecules, their aggregation itself or in consequence of interaction with other molecules or organic (polymers) and inorganic (e.g. fumed silica) fine particles as well as the influence of low molecular compounds (surfactants, drugs, salts, metal ions, etc.) reveal unique capability of the PCS techniques for elucidation of important native functions of proteins and other biomacromolecules (DNA, RNA, etc.) or microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, Dunaliella viridis, etc.). Special attention is paid to the interaction of proteins with fumed oxides and the impact of polymers and fine oxide particles on the motion of living flagellar microorganisms analysed by means of PCS.

Extracting and purifying R-phycoerythrin from Mediterranean red algae Corallina elongata Ellis & Solander

R-Phycoerythrin (R-PE) is a protein acting as a photosynthetic accessory pigment in red algae (Rodophyta). This protein has gained importance in many biotechnological applications in food science, immunodiagnostic, therapy, cosmetics, protein and cell labelling, and analytical processes. In this paper we report on a new, one step procedure for the extraction and purification of R-PE from a new source: the Mediterranean red algae Corallina elongata Ellis & Solander. This red algae contains mainly R-PE and is suitable for the production in culture. No other contaminating phycobiliproteins could be detected in the extracts. The method we propose for the purification is based on the use of hydroxyapatite, a chromatographic resin that can be produced in the laboratory at very low cost and can be used batch-wise with large amounts of extracts, alternative to chromatography, and therefore can be scaled up. Both the yield and the purity of R-PE are very good.

Mass transport of macromolecules within an in vitro model of supragingival plaque

The aim of this study was to examine the diffusion of macromolecules through an in vitro biofilm model of supragingival plaque. Polyspecies biofilms containing Actinomyces naeslundii, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus sobrinus, Veillonella dispar, and Candida albicans were formed on sintered hydroxyapatite disks and then incubated at room temperature for defined periods with fluorescent markers with molecular weights ranging from 3,000 to 900,000. Subsequent examination by confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that the mean square penetration depths for all tested macromolecules except immunoglobulin M increased linearly with time, diffusion coefficients being linearly proportional to the cube roots of the molecular weights of the probes (range, 10,000 to 240,000). Compared to diffusion in bulk water, diffusion in the biofilms was markedly slower. The rate of diffusion for each probe appeared to be constant and not a function of biofilm depth. Analysis of diffusion phenomena through the biofilms suggested tortuosity as the most probable explanation for retarded diffusion. Selective binding of probes to receptors present in the biofilms could not explain the observed extent of retardation of diffusion. These results are relevant to oral health, as selective attenuated diffusion of fermentable carbohydrates and acids produced within dental plaque is thought to be essential for the development of carious lesions.

Two forms of phycobilisomes in the Antarctic red macroalga Palmaria decipiens (Palmariales, Florideophyceae)

The phycobilisomes (PBS), the light-harvesting antennae, from the endemic Antarctic red macroalga Palmaria decipiens were isolated on discontinuous sucrose gradients in two discrete bands and not in one as expected. To exclude methodical faults, we also isolated PBS from the temperate Palmaria palmata and the unicellular red algae Porphyridium cruentum and Rhodella violacea. In P. palmata the PBS were separated in two discrete bands, whereas the PBS from Porphyridium and Rhodella were found in one band. The double-banded PBS (PBSup and PBSlow) from P. decipiens were further characterized by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, native and SDS-PAGE as well as by negative staining. The phycobiliproteins RIII-phycoerythrin, RI-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin were identified and 3 gamma-subunits were described. The PBSup and PBSlow showed no significant differences in their absorption spectra and phycobiliprotein ratios although the negative stained PBSlow were smaller. Differences were found in their low molecular mass subunit complexes, which are assumed to be r-phycoerythrin. The polypeptide pattern of the PBSup and PBSlow showed no differences in the molecular masses of their subunits and linker polypeptides, but in their percentage distribution. The results suggest that the PBSlow is a closer packed and PBSup a little more loosely aggregated hemiellipsiodal PBS form. We discuss the ecophysiological function of two PBS forms in P. decipiens and suggest advantages in the rapid acclimation to changes in environmental light conditions.

Studies on C-phycocyanin from Cyanidium caldarium, a eukaryote at the extremes of habitat

C-Phycocyanin, a biliprotein, was purified from the red alga, Cyanidium caldarium. This alga grows at temperatures up to 57 degrees C, a very high temperature for a eukaryote, and at pH values down to 0.05. Using the chromophores on C-phycocyanin as naturally occurring reporter groups, the effects of temperature on the stability of the protein were studied by circular dichroism and absorption spectroscopy. The protein was unchanged from 10 to 50 degrees C, which indicates that higher temperatures are not required to cause the protein to be photosynthetically active. At 60 and 65 degrees C, which are above the temperatures at which the alga can survive, the protein undergoes irreversible denaturation. Gel-filtration column chromatography demonstrated that the irreversibility is caused by the dissociation of the trimeric protein to its constitutive polypeptides. Upon cooling, the alpha and beta polypeptides did not reassemble to the trimer. Unlike phycocyanins 645 and 612, the C-phycocyanin does not show a reversible conformational change at moderately high temperatures. At constant temperature, the C-phycocyanin was more stable than a mesophilic counterpart. It is designated a temperature-resistant protein.

Characterization of interactions between the anti-apoptotic protein BAG-1 and Hsc70 molecular chaperones

The anti-cell death protein BAG-1 binds to 70-kDa heat shock proteins (Hsp70/Hsc70) and modulates their chaperone activity. Among other facilitory roles, BAG-1 may serve as a nucleotide exchange factor for Hsp70/Hsc70 family proteins and thus represents the first example of a eukaryotic homologue of the bacterial co-chaperone GrpE. In this study, the interactions between BAG-1 and Hsc70 are characterized and compared with the analogous GrpE-DnaK bacterial system. In contrast to GrpE, which binds DnaK as a dimer, BAG-1 binds to Hsc70 as a monomer with a 1:1 stoichiometry. Dynamic light scattering, sedimentation equilibrium, and circular dichroism measurements provided evidence that BAG-1 exists as an elongated, highly helical monomer in solution. Isothermal titration microcalorimetry was used to determine the complex stoichiometry and an equilibrium dissociation constant, KD, of 100 nM. Kinetic analysis using surface plasmon resonance yielded a KD consistent with the calorimetrically determined value. Molecular modeling permitted a comparison of structural features between the functionally homologous BAG-1 and GrpE proteins. These data were used to propose a mechanism for BAG-1 in the regulation of Hsp70/Hsc70 chaperone activity.