Newly discovered redox cofactors: possible nutritional, medical, and pharmacological relevance to higher animals

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) Improves Long-term Survival of Fat Grafts by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Promoting Angiogenesis During the Early Phase After Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Reducing absorption after autologous fat grafting is a current challenge. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is the strongest known catalyst of redox reactions, which can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alleviate oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to establish an in vivo model of PQQ-assisted lipotransfer and clarify the role of PQQ in reducing oxidative stress, alleviating apoptosis, and promoting angiogenesis during the acute hypoxic phase after grafting. In addition the study was performed to assess whether this intervention would have a positive effect on the improvement of long-term volume retention.

METHODS

Different concentrations of PQQ (low: 10 μM, medium: 100 μM, and high: 1000 μM) were mixed with human adipose tissue and transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice. Meanwhile, a control group of phosphate-buffered saline in an equal volume to PQQ was set up. On the third day after grafting, whole mount fluorescence staining was applied to detect ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis, adipocyte activity, and angiogenesis. Graft volume retention rate and electron microscopic morphology were evaluated at the third month. Immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were further employed to elucidate the mechanism of action of PQQ.

RESULTS

PQQ-assisted fat grafting improved the long-term volume retention, promoted the quality and viability of the adipose tissue, and reduced the level of fibrosis. The underlying mechanism of PQQ assisted in scavenging the accumulated ROS, restoring MMP, enhancing adipocyte viability, alleviating tissue apoptosis, and promoting timely angiogenesis during the hypoxia stress phase. The most effective concentration of PQQ was 100 μM. Immunohistochemistry and PCR experiments confirmed that PQQ reduced the expression of Bax and cytochrome c in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and increased the level of the antiapoptotic molecule Bcl-2.

CONCLUSIONS

PQQ could improve the long-term survival of adipocytes by alleviating hypoxic stress and promoting timely angiogenesis in the early phase following lipotransfer.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Repression of the Antioxidant Pyrroloquinoline Quinone in Skin Aging Induced by Bmi-1 Deficiency

It is uncertain whether Bmi-1 deficiency could lead to skin aging by redox imbalance and DNA damage. In this study, we first confirmed that Bmi-1 had a relatively high expression level in the skin and Bmi-1 expression levels gradually decreased with age. Then, we studied the role of Bmi-1 in the skin using a Bmi-1^−/− mouse model. Bmi-1^−/− mice were supplemented with or without pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) for 5 weeks, and their skin phenotypes were compared with Bmi1^−/− and wild-type littermates. Our results showed that Bmi-1^−/− mice displayed decreased vertical thickness of skin, sparse hair follicles, and thinner and more irregular collagen bundles. Mechanistically, increased oxidative stress with reducing antioxidant capacity and induced DNA damage occurred in Bmi-1^−/− mice. Subsequently, this would lead to reduced cell proliferation, increased cell senescence and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and the degradation of fibroblast function and further reduce collagen synthesis. All pathological alterations in the skin of Bmi-1^−/− mice were alleviated by PQQ supplementation. These results demonstrated that Bmi-1 might play a key role in protection from skin aging by maintaining redox balance and inhibiting DNA damage response and will be a novel and potential target for preventing skin aging.

Pyrroloquinoline-Quinone Is More Than an Antioxidant: A Vitamin-like Accessory Factor Important in Health and Disease Prevention

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is associated with biological processes such as mitochondriogenesis, reproduction, growth, and aging. In addition, PQQ attenuates clinically relevant dysfunctions (e.g., those associated with ischemia, inflammation and lipotoxicity). PQQ is novel among biofactors that are not currently accepted as vitamins or conditional vitamins. For example, the absence of PQQ in diets produces a response like a vitamin-related deficiency with recovery upon PQQ repletion in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, potential health benefits, such as improved metabolic flexibility and immuno-and neuroprotection, are associated with PQQ supplementation. Here, we address PQQ's role as an enzymatic cofactor or accessory factor and highlight mechanisms underlying PQQ's actions. We review both large scale and targeted datasets demonstrating that a neonatal or perinatal PQQ deficiency reduces mitochondria content and mitochondrial-related gene expression. Data are reviewed that suggest PQQ's modulation of lactate acid and perhaps other dehydrogenases enhance NAD+-dependent sirtuin activity, along with the sirtuin targets, such as PGC-1α, NRF-1, NRF-2 and TFAM; thus, mediating mitochondrial functions. Taken together, current observations suggest vitamin-like PQQ has strong potential as a potent therapeutic nutraceutical.

Cannabinoid Quinones-A Review and Novel Observations

A cannabinoid anticancer para-quinone, HU-331, which was synthesized by our group five decades ago, was shown to have very high efficacy against human cancer cell lines in-vitro and against in-vivo grafts of human tumors in nude mice. The main mechanism was topoisomerase IIα catalytic inhibition. Later, several groups synthesized related compounds. In the present presentation, we review the publications on compounds synthesized on the basis of HU-331, summarize their published activities and mechanisms of action and report the synthesis and action of novel quinones, thus expanding the structure-activity relationship in these series.

Hiding in Plain Sight: The Globally Distributed Bacterial Candidate Phylum PAUC34f

Bacterial candidate phylum PAUC34f was originally discovered in marine sponges and is widely considered to be composed of sponge symbionts. Here, we report 21 single amplified genomes (SAGs) of PAUC34f from a variety of environments, including the dark ocean, lake sediments, and a terrestrial aquifer. The diverse origins of the SAGs and the results of metagenome fragment recruitment suggest that some PAUC34f lineages represent relatively abundant, free-living cells in environments other than sponge microbiomes, including the deep ocean. Both phylogenetic and biogeographic patterns, as well as genome content analyses suggest that PAUC34f associations with hosts evolved independently multiple times, while free-living lineages of PAUC34f are distinct and relatively abundant in a wide range of environments.

PQQ ameliorates D-galactose induced cognitive impairments by reducing glutamate neurotoxicity via the GSK-3β/Akt signaling pathway in mouse

Oxidative stress is known to be associated with various age-related diseases. D-galactose (D-gal) has been considered a senescent model which induces oxidative stress response resulting in memory dysfunction. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a redox cofactor which is found in various foods. In our previous study, we found that PQQ may be converted into a derivative by binding with amino acid, which is beneficial to several pathological processes. In this study, we found a beneficial glutamate mixture which may diminish neurotoxicity by oxidative stress in D-gal induced mouse. Our results showed that PQQ may influence the generation of proinflammatory mediators, including cytokines and prostaglandins during aging process. D-gal-induced mouse showed increased MDA and ROS levels, and decreased T-AOC activities in the hippocampus, these changes were reversed by PQQ supplementation. Furthermore, PQQ statistically enhanced Superoxide Dismutase SOD2 mRNA expression. PQQ could ameliorate the memory deficits and neurotoxicity induced by D-gal via binding with excess glutamate, which provide a link between glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity, inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, PQQ reduced the up-regulated expression of p-Akt by D-gal and maintained the activity of GSK-3β, resulting in a down-regulation of p-Tau level in hippocampus. PQQ modulated memory ability partly via Akt/GSK-3β pathway.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone induces chondrosarcoma cell apoptosis by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) has been reported to contribute to cancer cell apoptosis and death; however, little is known of its underlying mechanisms. The present study was designed to investigate the role of PQQ in chondrosarcoma cell apoptosis and the underlying mechanism. A cell cytotoxicity assay was used to detect cell death; flow cytometry analysis was also performed to determine cell apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Biochemical methods were employed to detect the activity and the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, SOD2 and glutathione. The present study also examined the effect on tumorigenesis in vivo. The results demonstrated that the apoptosis of SW1353 cells induced by PQQ increased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, which may be attributable to the accumulation of intracellular ROS. In the in vivo experiments, PQQ inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis, increased ROS levels and caused DNA damage in transplanted cells. Taken together, the findings of the present study confirmed that PQQ induced apoptosis in human chondrosarcoma SW1353 cells and transplanted cells, by increasing intracellular ROS and reducing the ability of scavenging oxygen free radicals.

Synthesis and crystal structure of pyrroloquinoline quinol (PQQH2) and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a water-soluble quinone compound first identified as a cofactor of alcohol- and glucose-dehydrogenases (ADH and GDH) in bacteria. For example, in the process of ADH reaction, alcohol is oxidized to the corresponding aldehyde, and inversely PQQ is reduced to pyrroloquinoline quinol (PQQH2). PQQ and PQQH2molecules play an important role as a cofactor in ADH and GDH reactions. However, crystal structure analysis has not been performed for PQQ and PQQH2. In the present study, the synthesis of PQQH2powder crystals was performed under air, by utilizing vitamin C as a reducing agent. By reacting a trihydrate of disodium salt of PQQ (PQQNa2·3H2O) with excess vitamin C in H2O at 293 and 343 K, yellowish brown and black powder crystals of PQQH2having different properties were obtained in high yield, respectively. The former was PQQH2trihydrate (PQQH2·3H2O) and the latter was PQQH2anhydrate (PQQH2). Furthermore, sodium-free red PQQ powder crystal (a monohydrate of PQQ, PQQ·H2O) was prepared by the reaction of PQQNa2·3H2O with HCl in H2O. Single crystals of PQQH2and PQQ were prepared from Me2SO/CH3CN mixed solvent, and we have succeeded in the crystal structure analyses of PQQH2and PQQ for the first time.

Comparison of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone and/or Metoprolol on Myocardial Infarct Size and Mitochondrial Damage in a Rat Model of Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

The cardioprotective effectiveness of low-dose pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ, 3 mg/kg) was compared with metoprolol, a β1-selective adrenoceptor antagonist. Rats underwent 30 minutes of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and 2 hours of reperfusion. Metoprolol and/or PQQ were given at the onset of reperfusion to mimic clinical treatment. Metoprolol and/or PQQ reduced infarct size and protected against ischemia-induced left ventricular dysfunction after 2 hours of reper-fusion. Combined therapy augmented left ventricular developed pressure at the end of reperfusion. Metoprolol or PQQ alone enhanced mitochondrial respiratory ratios in ischemic and nonischemic myocardium. Although the PQQ/metoprolol combination therapy increased respiratory ratio values, the effects were small when compared with PQQ alone. Only PQQ decreased lipid peroxidation. Metoprolol and/or PQQ given at the onset of reperfusion reduce infarct size and improve cardiac function. Combination therapy further reduces infarct size. PQQ is superior to metoprolol in protecting mitochondria from ischemia/reperfusion oxidative damage

Modulation of glycine sites enhances social memory in rats using PQQ combined with d-serine

The aim of study was to investigate the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) combined with d-serine on the modulation of glycine sites in the brain of rats using social recognition test. Rats were divided into seven groups (n=10) and given repeated intraperitoneal (ip) injections of saline, MK-801 (0.5mg/kg), clozapine (1mg/kg), haloperidol (0.1mg/kg), d-serine (0.8g/kg), PQQ (2.0μg/kg), or d-serine (0.4g/kg) combined with PQQ (1.0μg/kg) for seven days. A social recognition test, including assessment of time-dependent memory impairment, was performed. A non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801, significantly impaired social memory, and this impairment was significantly repaired with an atypical antipsychotic (clozapine) but not with a typical antipsychotic (haloperidol). Likewise, d-serine combined with PQQ significantly improved MK-801-disrupted cognition in naïve rats, whereas haloperidol was ineffective. The present results show that the co-agonist NMDA receptor treated with PQQ and d-serine enhances social memory and may be an effective approach for treating the cognitive dysfunction observed in schizophrenic patients. PQQ stimulates glycine modulatory sites by which it may antagonize indirectly by removing glycine from the synaptic cleft or by binding the unsaturated site with d-serine in the brain, providing the insights into future research of central nervous system and drug discovery.

Structural analysis of aliphatic versus aromatic substrate specificity in a copper amine oxidase from Hansenula polymorpha

Copper amine oxidases (CAOs) are responsible for the oxidative deamination of primary amines to their corresponding aldehydes. The CAO catalytic mechanism can be divided into two half-reactions: a reductive half-reaction in which a primary amine substrate is oxidized to its corresponding aldehyde with the concomitant reduction of the organic cofactor 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine quinone (TPQ) and an oxidative half-reaction in which reduced TPQ is reoxidized with the reduction of molecular oxygen to hydrogen peroxide. The reductive half-reaction proceeds via Schiff base chemistry, in which the primary amine substrate first attacks the C5 carbonyl of TPQ, forming a series of covalent Schiff base intermediates. The X-ray crystal structures of copper amine oxidase-1 from the yeast Hansenula polymorpha (HPAO-1) in complex with ethylamine and benzylamine have been determined to resolutions of 2.18 and 2.25 Å, respectively. These structures reveal the two amine substrates bound at the back of the active site coincident with TPQ in its two-electron-reduced aminoquinol form. Rearrangements of particular amino acid side chains within the substrate channel and specific protein-substrate interactions provide insight into the substrate specificity of HPAO-1. These changes begin to account for this CAO's kinetic preference for small, aliphatic amines over the aromatic amines or whole peptides preferred by some of its homologues.

Structural and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) characterization of novel vanadium(V/IV) complexes with hydroquinonate-iminodiacetate ligands exhibiting “noninnocent” activity

Reaction of KVO3 with 2-[N,N'-(carboxymethyl)aminomethyl]-5-methylhydroquinone (H4mecah) in aqueous solution at pH 8.2 results in the isolation of mononuclear K2[VV(O)2{Hmecah(-3)}]·2H2O complex. On the other hand, reaction with the 2-[N,N'-(carboxymethyl)aminomethyl]-5-tert-butylhydroquinone (H4tbutcah) under the same conditions gives the tetranuclear mixed-valent complex K6[{VVO(μ-O)VIVO}{μ-tbutbicah(-6)}]2·10.5H2O (H6tbutbicah, 2,2'-({2-[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]-3,6-dihydroxy-4-methylbenzyl}azanediyl)diacetic acid). The structures of both complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The coordination environment of vanadium ions in both complexes is octahedral, with four out of the six positions to be occupied by the two cis carboxylate oxygens, one hydroquinonate oxygen, and one amine nitrogen atoms of the ligands’ tripod binding sites. The importance of the chelate ring strains in the stabilization of the p-semiquinone radical is also discussed. A protonation of the ligated to vanadium(IV) ion hydroquinonate oxygen at low pH was revealed by continuous wave (cw) X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV–vis spectroscopies.

Tyrosine 381 in E. coli copper amine oxidase influences substrate specificity

Copper amine oxidases are important for the metabolism of a range of biogenic amines. Here, we focus on substrate specificity in the E. coli copper amine oxidase (ECAO) and specifically the role of Tyr 381. This residue, and its equivalent, in other copper amine oxidases has been referred to as a "gating" residue able to move position depending upon the presence or absence of amine substrate. The position of this residue suggests a role in substrate selectivity. We have compared the properties of two variant forms of ECAO, Y381F and Y381A, with wild-type enzyme by steady-state kinetics of oxidation of a number of amine substrates, modes of inhibitor interactions and X-ray structure determination. Y381F displays a similar catalytic efficiency to wild type against the preferred substrate β-phenylethylamine. In both cases oxidation of the alternative aromatic amine substrate benzylamine is relatively poor, although Y381F represents an efficient benzylamine oxidase. By contrast, Y381A performed poorly against both aromatic substrates predominantly due to an increased K (M) which we propose is due to the lack of an aromatic residue to orient substrate towards the TPQ and active site base. These results are supported by different behaviour of Y381A to inhibition with 2-hydrazinopyridine. We also report on methylamine turnover by the three enzymes. We propose that Y381, together with another residue Y387, may be considered of critical importance for the substrate selectivity of ECAO, through stacking or hydrophobic interactions with substrate.

What's in a covalent bond? On the role and formation of covalently bound flavin cofactors

Many enzymes use one or more cofactors, such as biotin, heme, or flavin. These cofactors may be bound to the enzyme in a noncovalent or covalent manner. Although most flavoproteins contain a noncovalently bound flavin cofactor (FMN or FAD), a large number have these cofactors covalently linked to the polypeptide chain. Most covalent flavin-protein linkages involve a single cofactor attachment via a histidyl, tyrosyl, cysteinyl or threonyl linkage. However, some flavoproteins contain a flavin that is tethered to two amino acids. In the last decade, many studies have focused on elucidating the mechanism(s) of covalent flavin incorporation (flavinylation) and the possible role(s) of covalent protein-flavin bonds. These endeavors have revealed that covalent flavinylation is a post-translational and self-catalytic process. This review presents an overview of the known types of covalent flavin bonds and the proposed mechanisms and roles of covalent flavinylation.

Kinetic study of the antioxidant activity of pyrroloquinolinequinol (PQQH(2), a reduced form of pyrroloquinolinequinone) in micellar solution

Kinetic study of the aroxyl radical-scavenging action of pyrroloquinolinequinol [PQQH(2), a reduced form of pyrroloquinolinequinone (PQQ)] and water-soluble antioxidants (vitamin C, cysteine, glutathione, and uric acid) has been performed. The second-order rate constants (k(s)) for the reaction of aroxyl radical with PQQH(2) and water-soluble antioxidants were measured in Triton X-100 micellar solution (5.0 wt %) (pH 7.4), using stopped-flow and UV-visible spectrophotometers. The k(s) values decreased in the order PQQH(2) > vitamin C >> cysteine > uric acid > glutathione. The aroxyl radical-scavenging activity of PQQH(2) was 7.4 times higher than that of vitamin C, which is well-known as the most active water-soluble antioxidant. Furthermore, PQQNa(2) (disodium salt of PQQ) was easily reduced to PQQH(2) by reaction of PQQNa(2) with glutathione and cysteine in buffer solution (pH 7.4) under nitrogen atmosphere. The result suggests that PQQ exists as a reduced form throughout the cell and plays a role as antioxidant.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone prevents oxidative stress-induced neuronal death probably through changes in oxidative status of DJ-1

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) has been shown to play a role as an anti-oxidant in neuronal cells and prevent neuronal cell death in a rodent stroke model. DJ-1, a causative gene product for a familial form of Parkinson's disease, plays a role in anti-oxidative stress function by self-oxidation of DJ-1. In this study, the expression level and oxidation status of DJ-1 were examined in SHSY-5Y cells and primary cultured neurons treated with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or H(2)O(2) in the presence or absence of PQQ. The pI shift of DJ-1 to an acidic point, which was observed in SHSY-5Y cells treated with 6-OHDA, was inhibited by PQQ. TOF-MS analyses showed that while the level of a reduced form of DJ-1, one of the active forms of DJ-1, was decreased in SHSY-5Y cells treated with 6-OHDA or H(2)O(2), PQQ increased the level of the reduced form of DJ-1. These results suggest that PQQ prevents oxidative stress-induced changes in oxidative status of DJ-1. Therefore, the neuroprotective effects of PQQ on oxidative stress-induced neuronal death may be at least in part involved in increased level of an active form of DJ-1.

The genome of Erwinia tasmaniensis strain Et1/99, a non-pathogenic bacterium in the genus Erwinia

The complete genome of the bacterium Erwinia tasmaniensis strain Et1/99 consisting of a 3.9 Mb circular chromosome and five plasmids was sequenced. Strain Et1/99 represents an epiphytic plant bacterium related to Erwinia amylovora and E. pyrifoliae, which are responsible for the important plant diseases fire blight and Asian pear shoot blight, respectively. Strain Et1/99 is a non-pathogenic bacterium and is thought to compete with these and other bacteria when occupying the same habitat during initial colonization. Genome analysis revealed tools for colonization, cellular communication and defence modulation, as well as genes coding for the synthesis of levan and a not detected capsular exopolysaccharide. Strain Et1/99 may secrete indole-3-acetic acid to increase availability of nutrients provided on plant surfaces. These nutrients are subsequently accessed and metabolized. Secretion systems include the hypersensitive response type III pathway present in many pathogens. Differences or missing parts within the virulence-related factors distinguish strain Et1/99 from pathogens such as Pectobacterium atrosepticum and the related Erwinia spp. Strain Et1/99 completely lacks the sorbitol operon, which may also affect its inability to invade fire blight host plants. Erwinia amylovora in contrast depends for virulence on utilization of sorbitol, the dominant carbohydrate in rosaceous plants. The presence of other virulence-associated factors in strain Et1/99 indicates the ancestral genomic background of many plant-associated bacteria.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone preserves mitochondrial function and prevents oxidative injury in adult rat cardiac myocytes

We investigated the ability of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) to confer resistance to acute oxidative stress in freshly isolated adult male rat cardiomyocytes. Fluorescence microscopy was used to detect generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi(m)) depolarization induced by hydrogen peroxide. H(2)O(2) caused substantial cell death, which was significantly reduced by preincubation with PQQ. H(2)O(2) also caused an increase in cellular ROS levels as detected by the fluorescent indicators CM-H2XRos and dihydroethidium. ROS levels were significantly reduced by a superoxide dismutase mimetic Mn (III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin chloride (MnTBAP) or by PQQ treatment. Cyclosporine-A, which inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition, prevented H(2)O(2)-induced Deltapsi(m) depolarization, as did PQQ and MnTBAP. Our results provide direct evidence that PQQ reduces oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death in isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes. These findings provide new insight into the mechanisms of PQQ action in the heart.

A Cannabinoid Anticancer Quinone, HU-331, Is More Potent and Less Cardiotoxic Than Doxorubicin: A Comparative in Vivo Study

Several quinones have been found to be effective in the treatment of some forms of cancer; however, their cumulative heart toxicity limits their use. The cannabinoid quinone HU-331 [3S,4R-p-benzoquinone-3-hydroxy-2-p-mentha-(1,8)-dien-3-yl-5-pentyl] is highly effective against tumor xenografts in nude mice. We report now a comparison of the anticancer activity of HU-331 and its cardiotoxicity with those of doxorubicin in vivo. General toxicity was assayed in Sabra, nude and SCID-NOD mice. The anticancer activity in vivo was assessed by measurement of the tumors with an external caliper in HT-29 and Raji tumor-bearing mice and by weighing the excised tumors. Left ventricular function was evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography. Myelotoxicity was evaluated by blood cell count. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) plasma levels were determined by immunoassay. HU-331 was found to be much less cardiotoxic than doxorubicin. The control and the HU-331-treated groups gained weight, whereas the doxorubicin-treated group lost weight during the study. In HT-29 colon carcinoma, the tumor weight in the HU-331-treated group was 54% smaller than in the control group and 30% smaller than in the doxorubicin-treated group. In Raji lymphoma, the tumor weight in the HU-331-treated group was 65% smaller than in the control group and 33% smaller than in the doxorubicin-treated group. In contrast to doxorubicin, HU-331 did not generate reactive oxygen species in mice hearts (measured by protein carbonylation levels and malondialdehyde levels). In vivo, HU-331 was more active and less toxic than doxorubicin and thus it has a high potential for development as a new anticancer drug.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) prevents fibril formation of α-synuclein

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a noncovalently bound cofactor in the bacterial oxidative metabolism of alcohols. PQQ also exists in plants and animals. Due to its inherent chemical feature, namely its free-radical scavenging properties, PQQ has been drawing attention from both the nutritional and the pharmacological viewpoint. alpha-Synuclein, a causative factor of Parkinson's disease (PD), has the propensity to oligomerize and form fibrils, and this tendency may play a crucial role in its toxicity. We show that PQQ prevents the amyloid fibril formation and aggregation of alpha-synuclein in vitro in a PQQ-concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, PQQ forms a conjugate with alpha-synuclein, and this PQQ-conjugated alpha-synuclein is also able to prevent alpha-synuclein amyloid fibril formation. This is the first study to demonstrate the characteristics of PQQ as an anti-amyloid fibril-forming reagent. Agents that prevent the formation of amyloid fibrils might allow a novel therapeutic approach to PD. Therefore, together with further pharmacological approaches, PQQ is a candidate for future anti-PD reagent compounds.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone nutritional status alters lysine metabolism and modulates mitochondrial DNA content in the mouse and rat

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) added to purified diets devoid of PQQ improves indices of perinatal development in rats and mice. Herein, PQQ nutritional status and lysine metabolism are described, prompted by a report that PQQ functions as a vitamin-like enzymatic cofactor important in lysine metabolism (Nature 422 [2003] 832). Alternatively, we propose that PQQ influences lysine metabolism, but by mechanisms that more likely involve changes in mitochondrial content. PQQ deprivation in both rats and mice resulted in a decrease in mitochondrial content. In rats, alpha-aminoadipic acid (alphaAA), which is derived from alpha-aminoadipic semialdehyde (alphaAAS) and made from lysine in mitochondria, and the plasma levels of amino acids known to be oxidized in mitochondria (e.g., Thr, Ser, and Gly) were correlated with changes in the liver mitochondrial content of PQQ-deprived rats, but not PQQ-supplemented rats. In contrast, the levels of NAD dependent alpha-aminoadipate-delta-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (AASDH), a cytosolic enzyme important to alphaAA production from alphaAAS, was not influenced by PQQ dietary status. Moreover, the levels of U26 mRNA were not significantly changed even when diets differed markedly in PQQ and dietary lysine content. U26 mRNA levels were measured, because of U26's proposed, albeit questionable role as a PQQ-dependent enzyme involved in alphaAA formation.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone modulates mitochondrial quantity and function in mice

When pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is added to an amino acid-based, but otherwise nutritionally complete basal diet, it improves growth-related variables in young mice. We examined PQQ and mitochondrial function based on observations that PQQ deficiency results in elevated plasma glucose concentrations in young mice, and PQQ addition stimulates mitochondrial complex 1 activity in vitro. PQQ-deficient weanling mice had a 20-30% reduction in the relative amount of mitochondria in liver; lower respiratory control ratios, and lower respiratory quotients than PQQ-supplemented mice (2 mg PQQ/kg diet). In mice from dams fed a conventional laboratory diet, but switched at weaning to the basal diet, plasma glucose, Ala, Gly, and Ser concentrations were elevated at 4 wk (PQQ- vs. PQQ+), but not at 8 wk. The relative mitochondrial content (ratio of mtDNA to nuclear DNA) also tended (P<0.18) to be lower (PQQ- vs. PQQ+) at 4 wk, but not at 8 wk. PQQ also counters the mitochondrial complex 1 inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium (DPI). Mice were gavaged with 0, 0.4, or 4 microg PQQ/g body weight (BW) daily for 14 d. At each PQQ level, DPI was injected (i.p.) at 0, 0.4, 0.8, or 1.6 microg DPI/g BW. The PQQ-deficient mice exposed to 0.4 or 4.0 microg DPI/g lost weight and had lower plasma glucose levels than PQQ-supplemented mice (P<0.05). In addition, fibroblasts took up (3)H-PQQ added to cell cultures, and cultured hepatocytes maintained mitochondrial PQQ concentrations similar to those observed in vivo. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary PQQ can influence mitochondrial amount and function, particularly in perinatal and weanling mice.

Biochemistry: role of PQQ as a mammalian enzyme cofactor?

The announcement by Kasahara and Kato of a new redox-cofactor vitamin for mammals, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), was based on their claim that an enzyme, predicted to be involved in mouse lysine metabolism, is a PQQ-dependent dehydrogenase. However, this claim was dependent on a sequence analysis using databases that inappropriately label beta-propeller sequences as PQQ-binding motifs. What the evidence actually suggests is that the enzyme is an interesting novel protein that has a seven-bladed beta-propeller structure, but there is nothing to indicate that it is a PQQ-dependent dehydrogenase.

Synthesis and Antitumor Activity of Quinonoid Derivatives of Cannabinoids

Three cannabis constituents, cannabidiol (1), Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol (3), and cannabinol (5), were oxidized to their respective para-quinones 2, 4, and 6. In the 1960s, the oxidized product 4 had been assigned a para-quinone structure, which was later modified to an ortho-quinone. To distinguish between the two possible quinone structures, a detailed NMR investigation was undertaken. The original para-quinone structure was confirmed. X-ray crystallography elucidated the structures of the crystalline 2 and 6. All three compounds displayed antiproliferative activity in several human cancer cell lines in vitro, and quinone 2 significantly reduced cancer growth of HT-29 cancer in nude mice.

Synthesis of Imidazolo Analogues of the Oxidation−Reduction Cofactor Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)

Parallel syntheses of 2-hydro-, 2-methyl-, and 2-methoxycarbonylimidazo-7,9-dimethoxycarbonyl analogues of the oxidation-reduction cofactor pyrroloquinoline quinone [4,5-dihydro-4,5-dioxo-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-f]quinoline-2,7,9-tricarboxylic acid] have been developed. The properties of the imidazolo analogues in relation to the corresponding pyrrole analogues will be important in assessing the origins of catalysis and biological activity in the cofactor, which has recently been shown to be a vitamin.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone improves growth and reproductive performance in mice fed chemically defined diets

Growth, reproductive performance, and indices of collagen maturation and expression were investigated in Balb/c mice fed chemically defined, amino acid-based diets with or without the addition 6 micro Mpyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)/kg diet. The diets were fed to virgin mice for 8 weeks before breeding. At weaning, the pups from successful pregnancies were fed the same diet as their respective dams. Reproductive performance was compromised in mice fed diets devoid of PQQ, and their offspring grew at slower rates than offspring from mice fed diets supplemented with PQQ. Successful mating (confirmed vaginal plugs) was not affected by the presence or absence of PQQ; however, pup viability (number of pups at parturition/number of pups at Day 4 of lactation) was decreased in PQQ-deprived mice. Conception (percentage of females giving live births) and fertility (percentage of births) were also decreased in PQQ-deprived mice. The slower rates of growth in offspring from PQQ-deprived mice were associated with decreased steady-state mRNA levels for Type I procollagen alpha(1)-chains in skin and lungs from neonatal mice. Values for lysyl oxidase accumulation as protein in PQQ-deficient mice also tended to be lower than corresponding values from PQQ-supplemented or -replete mice. Skin collagen solubility was increased in PQQ-deprived mice. These results indicate that PQQ supplementation can improve reproductive performance, growth, and may modulate indices of neonatal extracellular matrix production and maturation in mice fed chemically defined, but otherwise nutritionally complete diets.

p-Hydroquinone-metal compounds: synthesis and crystal structure of two novel VV-p-hydroquinonate and VIV-p-semiquinonate species

Reaction of the p-hydroquinone derivative H2Na4bicah.4H2O with either VIVOSO(4).3H2O and NaVVO3 in equivalent quantities or with NaVVo3 yields the tetranuclear VIVO2+ macrocycle-semiquinonate compound Na6[(VIVO)4-(mu2-O)2[mu2-bicas.(-5)-N,O,O,O]2].Na2SO(4).20H2O (1.Na2SO(4).20H2O) and the dinuclear cis-VVO2(+)-hydroquinone species Na4[(VVO2)2[mu2-bicah(-6)-N,O,O,O]].11H2O (2.11H2O) respectively. Compounds 1.Na2SO(4).20H2O and 2.11H2O were characterized by X-ray structure analysis and ab initio calculations.

Lysyl oxidases: a novel multifunctional amine oxidase family

Lysyl oxidase (LOX), a copper-containing amine oxidase, belongs to a heterogeneous family of enzymes that oxidize primary amine substrates to reactive aldehydes. LOX has been traditionally known for one function, the extracellular catalysis of lysine-derived cross-links in fibrillar collagens and elastin. More recently, diverse roles have been attributed to lysyl oxidase and these novel activities cover a spectrum of diverse biological functions such as developmental regulation, tumor suppression, cell motility, and cellular senescence. Lysyl oxidase has also been shown to have both intracellular and intranuclear locations. The multifunctional properties of lysyl oxidase (LOX) and our recent discovery of three novel members of this amine oxidase family, LOX-like (LOXL), LOXL2, and LOXL3, indicate the possibility that these varied functions are performed in both intracellular and extracellular environments by individual novel members of the LOX amine-oxidase family. Structural similarities of the highly conserved copper-binding and lysyl-tyrosylquinone cofactor sites among the LOX and LOX-like proteins may result in similar amine oxidase activities. However, specific novel functions, such as a potential role in cell adhesion and cell growth control, will be determined by other, conserved domains such as the cytokine receptor-like domain that is shared by all LOXs and by multiple scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domains present in LOXL2 and LOXL3. Furthermore, these functions may be carried out in a temporally and spatially regulated fashion.

Conserved tyrosine-369 in the active site of Escherichia coli copper amine oxidase is not essential

Copper amine oxidases are homodimeric enzymes that catalyze two reactions: first, a self-processing reaction to generate the 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine (TPQ) cofactor from an active site tyrosine by a single turnover mechanism; second, the oxidative deamination of primary amine substrates with the production of aldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia catalyzed by the mature enzyme. The importance of active site residues in both of these processes has been investigated by structural studies and site-directed mutagenesis in enzymes from various organisms. One conserved residue is a tyrosine, Tyr369 in the Escherichia coli enzyme, whose hydroxyl is hydrogen bonded to the O4 of TPQ. To explore the importance of this site, we have studied a mutant enzyme in which Tyr369 has been mutated to a phenylalanine. We have determined the X-ray crystal structure of this variant enzyme to 2.1 A resolution, which reveals that TPQ adopts a predominant nonproductive conformation in the resting enzyme. Reaction of the enzyme with the irreversible inhibitor 2-hydrazinopyridine (2-HP) reveals differences in the reactivity of Y369F compared with wild type with more efficient formation of an adduct (lambda(max) = 525 nm) perhaps reflecting increased mobility of the TPQ adduct within the active site of Y369F. Titration with 2-HP also reveals that both wild type and Y369F contain one TPQ per monomer, indicating that Tyr369 is not essential for TPQ formation, although we have not measured the rate of TPQ biogenesis. The UV-vis spectrum of the Y369F protein shows a broader peak and red-shifted lambda(max) at 496 nm compared with wild type (480 nm), consistent with an altered electronic structure of TPQ. Steady-state kinetic measurements reveal that Y369F has decreased catalytic activity particularly below pH 6.5 while the K(M) for substrate beta-phenethylamine increases significantly, apparently due to an elevated pK(a) (5.75-6.5) for the catalytic base, Asp383, that should be deprotonated for efficient binding of protonated substrate. At pH 7.0, the K(M) for wild type and Y369F are similar at 1.2 and 1.5 microM, respectively, while k(cat) is decreased from 15 s(-1) in wild type to 0.38 s(-1), resulting in a 50-fold decrease in k(cat)/K(M) for Y369F. Transient kinetics experiments indicate that while the initial stages of enzyme reduction are slower in the variant, these do not represent the rate-limiting step. Previous structural and solution studies have implicated Tyr369 as a component of a proton shuttle from TPQ to dioxygen. The moderate changes in kinetic parameters observed for the Y369F variant indicate that if this is the case, then the absence of the Tyr369 hydroxyl can be compensated for efficiently within the active site.

Amine oxidase-like activity of polyphenols. Mechanism and properties

Polyphenols in several oxidation systems gained amine oxidase-like activity, probably due to the formation of the corresponding quinones. In the presence of Cu(II), o- and p-phenolic compounds exhibited amine oxidase-like activity, whereas only the o-phenolic compounds showed the activity in the presence of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical. The activity was determined by measuring the conversion of benzylamine to benzaldehyde by HPLC. Moreover, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, which are plant polyphenols, converted the lysine residue of bovine serum albumin to alpha-amino-adipic semialdehyde residue, indicating lysyl oxidase-like activity. We also characterized the activity of pyrocatechol, hydroquinone, and pyrogallol in the presence of Cu(II). The oxidative deamination was accelerated at a higher pH, and required O2 and transition metal ions. Furthermore, EDTA markedly inhibited the reaction but not beta-aminopropionitrile, which is a specific inhibitor of lysyl oxidase. Catalase significantly inhibited the oxidation, implying the participation of hydroxyl radical in the reaction, but superoxide dismutase stimulated the oxidation, probably due to its radical formation activity. We discussed the mechanism of the oxidative deamination by polyphenols and the possible significance of the activity for biological systems.

Copper-promoted overall transformation of 4-tert-butylphenol to its para-hydroxyquinonic derivative, 2-hydroxy-5-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone. Biomimetic studies on the generation of topaquinone in copper amine oxidases

Topaquinone (TPQ) is a cofactor present at the active site of copper amine oxidases, derived from a Tyr residue inserted in the polypeptide chain through a copper-dependent but otherwise largely unknown mechanism. A simple model system was developed that permits to obtain the overall transformation of 4-tert-butylphenol, chosen as a model for Tyr, into a TPQ-like, para-hydroxyquinonic structure in the presence of Cu(II)-imidazole mononuclear complexes.

Physiological importance of quinoenzymes and the O-quinone family of cofactors

O-quinone cofactors derived from tyrosine and tryptophan are involved in novel biological reactions that range from oxidative deaminations to free-radical redox reactions. The formation of each of these cofactors appears to involve post-translational modifications of either tyrosine or tryptophan residues. The modifications result in cofactors, such as topaquinone (TPQ), tryptophan tryptophylquinone (TTQ), lysine tyrosylquinone (LTQ) or the copper-complexed cysteinyl-tyrosyl radical from metal-catalyzed reactions. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) appears to be formed from the annulation of peptidyl glutamic acid and tyrosine residues stemming from their modification as components of a precursor peptide substrate. PQQ, a primary focus of this review, has invoked considerable interest because of its presence in foods, antioxidant properties and role as a growth-promoting factor. Although no enzymes in animals have been identified that exclusively utilize PQQ, oral supplementation of PQQ in nanomolar amounts increases the responsiveness of B- and T-cells to mitogens and improves neurologic function and reproductive outcome in rodents. Regarding TPQ and LTQ, a case may be made that the formation of TPQ and LTQ is also influenced by nutritional status, specifically dietary copper. For at least one of the amine oxidases, lysyl oxidase, enzymatic activity correlates directly with copper intake. TPQ and LTQ are generated following the incorporation of copper by a process that involves the two-step oxidation of a specified tyrosyl residue to first peptidyl dopa and then peptidyl topaquinone to generate active enzymes, generally classed as "quinoenzymes." Limited attention is also paid to TTQ and the copper-complexed cysteinyl-tyrosyl radical, cofactors important to fungal and bacterial redox processes.

The active site base controls cofactor reactivity in Escherichia coli amine oxidase: x-ray crystallographic studies with mutational variants

Amine oxidases utilize a proton abstraction mechanism following binding of the amine substrate to the C5 position of the cofactor, the quinone form of trihydroxyphenylalanine (TPQ). Previous work [Wilmot, C. M., et al. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 1608-1620] has shown that Asp383 in Escherichia coliamine oxidase (ECAO) is the catalytic base which performs the key step of proton abstraction. This paper explores in more depth this and other roles of Asp383. The crystal structures of three mutational variants are presented together with their catalytic properties, visible spectra, and binding properties for a substrate-like inhibitor, 2-hydrazinopyridine (2-HP), in comparison to those of the wild type enzyme. In wild type ECAO, the TPQ is located in a wedge-shaped pocket which allows more freedom of movement at the substrate binding position (C5) than for TPQ ring carbons C1-C4. A role of Asp383, whose carboxylate is located close to O5, is to stabilize the TPQ in its major conformation in the pocket. Replacement of Asp383 with the isostructural, but chemically distinct, Asn383 does not affect the location or dynamics of the TPQ cofactor significantly, but eliminates catalytic activity and drastically reduces the affinity for 2-HP. Removal of the side chain carboxyl moiety, as in Ala383, additionally allows the TPQ the greater conformational flexibility to coordinate to the copper, which demonstrates that Asp383 helps maintain the active site structure by preventing TPQ from migrating to the copper. Glu383 has a greatly decreased catalytic activity, as well as a decreased affinity for 2-HP relative to that of wild type ECAO. The electron density reveals that the longer side chain of Glu prevents the pivotal motion of the TPQ by hindering its movement within the wedge-shaped active site pocket. The results show that Asp383 performs multiple roles in the catalytic mechanism of ECAO, not only in acting as the active site base at different stages of the catalytic cycle but also in regulating the mobility of the TPQ that is essential to catalysis.

cDNA cloning of two splice variants of a human copper-containing monoamine oxidase pseudogene containing a dimeric Alu repeat sequence

Two alternatively spliced transcripts, psiHLAO1 and psiHLAO2, of a copper-containing monoamine oxidase pseudogene have been isolated from a human-liver cDNA library. The larger psiHLAO1 cDNA (2073bp) contains a 5'-flanking segment of 134bp, followed by an apparent open reading frame (ORF) of 1725bp. The deduced amino acid sequence of this ORF (574 residues) shares 81.0% similarity with the 763-residue monoamine oxidase from human placenta (HPAO) (the N-terminal 533 residues of psiHLAO1 share 86.7% similarity with HPAO). The psiHLAO1 ORF is interrupted by an in-frame stop codon corresponding to amino acid 225 and terminates within a type S(a) dimeric Alu repeat sequence. psiHLAO2 appears to be an alternatively spliced variant of psiHLAO1 that has 413 bases of psiHLAO1 excised according to the 'GT-AG' rule. The slightly longer 3' end of the psiHLAO2 transcript shows that the Alu repeat is followed by an 11-bp poly(A) tract that, in turn, is followed by an AT-rich (81%) sequence of 105bp. A reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol was used to confirm that both psiHLAO1 and psiHLAO2 are transcribed in human liver and placenta. A search of the expressed sequence tag (EST) database indicates that, like HPAO, psiHLAO derives also from the region 17q21 of the human genome.