Comparison of stability properties of lactate dehydrogenase B4/epsilon-crystallin from different species

The eyes have it: A Problem-Based Learning Exercise in Molecular Evolution

Molecular evolution provides an interesting context in which to use problem-based learning because it integrates a variety of topics in biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. This three-stage problem for advanced students deals with the structure, multiple functions, and properties of lactate dehydrogenase isozymes, and the related evolutionary trade offs of gene sharing versus gene duplication among their corresponding genes. It has directive elements that require students to find and read classic articles, review thermodynamic principles, and apply their understanding to a mythical world wherein dinosaurs continued to evolve. The science fiction writing assignment that brings closure to the problem transformed the problem with respect to student interest and engagement.

Acetylcholinesterase enhances neurite growth and synapse development through alternative contributions of its hydrolytic capacity, core protein, and variable C termini

Accumulated indirect evidence suggests nerve growth-promoting activities for acetylcholinesterase (AChE). To determine unequivocally whether such activities exist, whether they are related to the capacities of this enzyme to hydrolyze acetylcholine and enhance synapse development, and whether they are associated with alternative splicing variants of AChEmRNA, we used four recombinant human AChEDNA vectors. When Xenopus laevis embryos were injected with a vector expressing the synapse-characteristic human AChE-E6, which contains the exon 6-encoded C terminus, cultured spinal neurons expressing this enzyme grew threefold faster than co-cultured control neurons. Similar enhancement occurred in neurons expressing an insertion-inactivated human AChE-E6-IN protein, containing the same C terminus, and displaying indistinguishable immunochemical and electrophoretic migration properties from AChE-E6, but incapable of hydrolyzing acetylcholine. In contrast, the nonsynaptic secretory human AChE-I4, which contains the pseudointron 4-derived C terminus, did not affect neurite growth. Moreover, no growth promotion occurred in neurons expressing the catalytically active C-terminally truncated human AChE-E4, demonstrating a dominant role for the E6-derived C terminus in neurite extension. Also, AChE-E6 was the only active enzyme variant to be associated with Xenopus membranes. However, postsynaptic length measurements demonstrated that both AChE-E6 and AChE-E4 enhanced the development of neuromuscular junctions in vivo, unlike the catalytically inert AChE-E6-IN and the nonsynaptic AChE-I4. These findings demonstrate an evolutionarily conserved synaptogenic activity for AChE that depends on its hydrolytic capacity but not on its membrane association. Moreover, this synaptogenic effect differs from the growth-promoting activity of AChE, which is unrelated to its hydrolytic capacity yet depends on its exon 6-mediated membrane association.

Purification and properties of lactate dehydrogenase from liver of Uromastix hardwickii

Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-1 was purified from liver of Uromastix hardwickii using colchicine-Sepharose and heat-inactivation methods. The crude enzyme showed four isoenzymes by agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). The purified enzyme showed a single band after native AGE and SDS-PAGE corresponding to a molecular weight of 34 kDa. The enzyme did not bind with DEAE-Sepharose at pH 7.2. The optimum pH for forward reaction was 7.5, while for reverse reaction, the maximum activity was at pH 9.5. The Km values for pyruvate, NADH, lactate and NAD+ were 0.105, 0.045, 9.0 and 0.011 mM, respectively. The pyruvate showed maximum activity at about 150 microM and then starts showing inhibition at higher concentration. Pre-heating of enzyme showed that it was stable at 80 degrees C for 30 min and at 100 degrees C it became inactive immediately. Oxalate, glutamate, Cu2+, Co2+, Mn2+, and Mg2+ have shown inhibitory effects both for forward- and reverse-reactions. From these properties, we suggest that LDH-1 from Uromastix liver may be quite different from that of other vertebrates.