A systematic review and meta-analysis of sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses in travellers

BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood-borne viruses (BBVs) impose a global health and economic burden. International travellers facilitate the spread of infectious diseases, including STIs. Hence, this review assessed the prevalence/proportionate morbidity of travellers with STIs and sexually transmitted BBVs, and factors associated with the infection in this population.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINHAL, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception of the databases until November 2022. Published analytical observational studies reporting the prevalence/proportionate morbidity of travellers with STIs and factors associated with STIs by type of traveller (i.e. tourists, business travellers, students, visiting friends or relatives [VFRs], international truck drivers, backpackers, expatriates, and men who have sex with men [MSM]) were included. The selection of articles, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were conducted by two independent reviewers. Meta-analyses were conducted for each STI by clinical presentation and type of traveller.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies (n = 387 731 travellers) were included, 19 evaluated the proportionate morbidity of STIs among symptomatic travellers, while 13 examined the prevalence of STIs in asymptomatic travellers. The highest proportionate morbidity was found among VFRs (syphilis, 1.67%; 95%CI:1.03-2.81%), backpackers (chlamydia trachomatis, 6.58%; 95%CI: 5.96-7.25%), and MSM (HIV [2.50%;95%CI:0.44-12.88%], gonorrhoea [4.17%;95%CI:1.1.5-13.98%], lymphogranuloma venereum [4.17%;95%CI:1.1.5-13.98%], and HAV [20.0%; 95% CI: 14.99-26.17%]). The highest prevalence of STIs among asymptomatic were found in MSM (HIV [25.94%;95%CI:22.21-30.05%] and HBV [24.90%; 95%CI:21.23-28.96%]) and backpackers (chlamydia trachomatis, 3.92%;95% CI:2.72-5.32%). Short duration of the trip (<1 month), not having pre-travel consultation, travelling to Southeast Asia, and being unvaccinated for HBV were identified as risk factors for STIs.

CONCLUSION

Strategies to prevent STIs and sexually transmitted BBVs should be discussed at pretravel consultations and recommendations should be prioritized in high-risk groups of travellers, such as backpackers, VFRs, and MSMs. Additionally, healthcare providers should tailor recommendations for safe sex practices to individual travellers' unique needs.

Using Regional Sero-Epidemiology SARS-CoV-2 Anti-S Antibodies in the Dominican Republic to Inform Targeted Public Health Response

Incidence of COVID-19 has been associated with sociodemographic factors. We investigated variations in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence at sub-national levels in the Dominican Republic and assessed potential factors influencing variation in regional-level seroprevalence. Data were collected in a three-stage cross-sectional national serosurvey from June to October 2021. Seroprevalence of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (anti-S) was estimated and adjusted for selection probability, age, and sex. Multilevel logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of covariates on seropositivity for anti-S and correlates of 80% protection (PT80) against symptomatic infection for the ancestral and Delta strains. A total of 6683 participants from 134 clusters in all 10 regions were enrolled. Anti-S, PT80 for the ancestral and Delta strains odds ratio varied across regions, Enriquillo presented significant higher odds for all outcomes compared with Yuma. Compared to being unvaccinated, receiving ≥2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine was associated with a significantly higher odds of anti-S positivity (OR 85.94, [10.95-674.33]) and PT80 for the ancestral (OR 4.78, [2.15-10.62]) and Delta strains (OR 3.08, [1.57-9.65]) nationally and also for each region. Our results can help inform regional-level public health response, such as strategies to increase vaccination coverage in areas with low population immunity against currently circulating strains.

Clinical outcomes of dengue virus infection in pregnant and non-pregnant women of reproductive age: a retrospective cohort study from 2016 to 2019 in Paraná, Brazil

BACKGROUND

The increasing number of dengue cases worldwide implies a greater exposure of at-risk groups, such as pregnant women. DENV infection during pregnancy has been increasingly associated with unfavorable outcomes, but the evolution of the disease and its clinical outcomes remain unclear. The objective of this study was to characterize dengue cases in reproductive aged women by comparing the development of the disease in pregnant and non-pregnant women.

METHODS

A population based retrospective cohort study that used data reported in the Brazilian Mandatory Notifiable Diseases Information System from 2016 to 2019 in Paraná, Brazil. We compared sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory variables between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Hospitalization and disease severity classification (Dengue, Dengue with warning signs, Severe Dengue) were considered outcome variables.

RESULTS

The two groups had differences in the year of notification, age distribution, and region of residence. Laboratory investigation was more frequent among pregnant women, and DENV-2 prevailed in both groups. The risks of hospitalization and development of Severe Dengue were higher in pregnant women. There were no deaths observed among pregnant women.

CONCLUSION

This study identified pregnancy as a risk factor for an increase in the severity of DENV infection. It reinforces the importance of identifying early signs of complication, close monitoring, and adequate treatment for pregnant women.

Early barriers to neonatal porcine islet engraftment in a dual transplant model

Porcine islet xenografts have the potential to provide an inexhaustible source of islets for β cell replacement. Proof-of-concept has been established in nonhuman primates. However, significant barriers to xenoislet transplantation remain, including the poorly understood instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction and a thorough understanding of early xeno-specific immune responses. A paucity of data exist comparing xeno-specific immune responses with alloislet (AI) responses in primates. We recently developed a dual islet transplant model, which enables direct histologic comparison of early engraftment immunobiology. In this study, we investigate early immune responses to neonatal porcine islet (NPI) xenografts compared with rhesus islet allografts at 1 hour, 24 hours, and 7 days. Within the first 24 hours after intraportal infusion, we identified greater apoptosis (caspase 3 activity and TUNEL [terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling])-positive cells) of NPIs compared with AIs. Macrophage infiltration was significantly greater at 24 hours compared with 1 hour in both NPI (wild-type) and AIs. At 7 days, IgM and macrophages were highly specific for NPIs (α1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout) compared with AIs. These findings demonstrate an augmented macrophage and antibody response toward xenografts compared with allografts. These data may inform future immune or genetic manipulations required to improve xenoislet engraftment.

An Ancillary Tool for the Diagnosis of Amyloid A Amyloidosis in a Variety of Domestic and Wild Animals

Immunohistochemistry, the standard method for diagnosing amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis, is limited in animals because it requires a large array of animal-specific anti-AA antibodies, not commercially available. The Shtrasburg method (SH method) is a highly specific and sensitive technique, helping in the diagnosis and determination of AA amyloidosis in humans. The aim of this study is to determine whether the SH method is applicable in the diagnosis of AA amyloidosis in a variety of animals. Tissue samples were obtained from animals suffering from spontaneous or experimentally induced AA amyloidosis (mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, cheetahs, cats, cows, ducks, a dog, a goose, a chicken, and a turaco). Detection of the amyloid and quantitative evaluation were performed using Congo red staining, and specific AA typing was performed by the potassium permanganate technique. The studied tissues were subjected to the SH method, which confirmed the AA nature of the amyloid deposit, by displaying in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis protein bands consistent with the molecular weight of the species-specific AA, in all the animals examined, except mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs. N-terminal analysis of these bands corroborated their AA origin. We conclude that the SH method may be used as an ancillary simple tool for the diagnosis of AA amyloidosis in a large number of domestic and wild animals. Moreover, our findings further increase the feasibility of applying this method in humans.

Dual islet transplantation modeling of the instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction

Islet xenotransplantation is a potential treatment for diabetes without the limitations of tissue availability. Although successful experimentally, early islet loss remains substantial and attributed to an instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR). This syndrome of islet destruction has been incompletely defined and characterization in pig-to-primate models has been hampered by logistical and statistical limitations of large animal studies. To further investigate IBMIR, we developed a novel in vivo dual islet transplant model to precisely characterize IBMIR as proof-of-concept that this model can serve to properly control experiments comparing modified xenoislet preparations. WT and α1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout (GTKO) neonatal porcine islets were studied in nonimmunosuppressed rhesus macaques. Inert polyethylene microspheres served as a control for the effects of portal embolization. Digital analysis of immunohistochemistry targeting IBMIR mediators was performed at 1 and 24 h after intraportal islet infusion. Early findings observed in transplanted islets include complement and antibody deposition, and infiltration by neutrophils, macrophages and platelets. Insulin, complement, antibody, neutrophils, macrophages and platelets were similar between GTKO and WT islets, with increasing macrophage infiltration at 24 h in both phenotypes. This model provides an objective and internally controlled study of distinct islet preparations and documents the temporal histology of IBMIR.

Educação pelo trabalho para a formação do médico

O Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho para a Saúde (PET-Saúde) visa qualificar a força de trabalho para o Sistema Único de Saúde. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar a contribuição de três experiências do PET-Saúde para a formação médica. Com base no materialismo históricodialético, buscou-se compreender a inserção do PET-Saúde na educação médica como fenômeno social subordinado às condições históricas de produção econômica. Os dados foram colhidos de relatos dos estudantes, tutores, preceptores e coordenadores de três grupos do PET-Saúde de duas universidades de Curitiba, por meio de entrevistas e grupos focais. Concluiuse que, em dois grupos, as experiências vivenciadas contribuíram para a formação de trabalhadores flexíveis, efetivos na aplicação da tecnologia para a solução dos problemas nos limites impostos pela ordem vigente. No terceiro grupo, a experiência contribuiu para a formação de sujeitos críticos, capazes de questionar os limites impostos pelo Estado e pela sociedade à plena realização da vida.

AVALIAÇÃO DO CUIDADO AO USUÁRIO PORTADOR DE DIABETES EM UNIDADE DE SAÚDE

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o cuidado programado ao diabético em Unidade Básica de Saúde do Sistema Único de Saúde de um município da região metropolitana de Curitiba, Paraná. Estudantes e professores de projeto de extensão identificaram os diabéticos cadastrados e analisaram o controle da doença pela unidade de saúde. Os usuários que não aderiam aos cuidados ou não obtinham melhora foram visitados para identificação dos motivos, orientação do cuidado e agendamento de consultas ou exames. Após o quarto mês, repetiu-se a análise, verificando-se expressiva melhora na adesão e no controle do diabetes. A partir disso, houve revisão do planejamento e avaliação do cuidado. A abertura do serviço para a participação da universidade constituiu importante espaço de aprendizagem e contribuiu para qualificar o atendimento aos usuários, objetivo maior dos serviços de saúde.

Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of Brucella melitensis-specific antibodies in goat milk

Brucella melitensis is the cause of brucellosis in sheep and goats, which often results in abortion. Few cases of B. melitensis infection in goats have occurred in the United States over the last 25 years. However, vigilance must be maintained, as it is for the bovine milk industry, to ensure that brucellosis is not introduced into the U.S. goat population. The objective of this study was to develop a sensitive and specific indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) for the detection of B. melitensis-specific antibodies in goat milk. Brucella salt-extractable protein extract was employed as an antigen, and a horseradish peroxidase-labeled polyclonal anti-goat antibody was used as an anti-species conjugate. Thirteen of 13 (100%) individual infected goat milk samples tested positive and 134 of 134 (100%) uninfected bulk milk samples tested negative by the developed iELISA. Three positive milk samples with high, medium, and low absorbance values were used to simulate one positive animal in an otherwise negative herd. By this estimation, one high-titer animal could be detected in a herd of >1,600 animals. Detection estimates for medium- and low-titer animals were one positive animal per herd of <200 and 50 animals, respectively. Based on this estimation, it is recommended that herds be sampled in groups of 50 animals or less for bulk milk testing. The iELISA developed for this study was found to be sensitive and specific and shows potential for use as a bulk milk test for the detection of B. melitensis-specific antibodies in goat milk.

Primary local orbital amyloidosis: biochemical identification of the immunoglobulin light chain kappaIII subtype in a small formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded tissue sample

BACKGROUND

Amyloidosis refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders associated with the deposition of chemically distinct amyloid fibril proteins. Precise determination of chemical amyloid type has diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic relevance. Although immunohistochemical techniques are used routinely to determine the amyloid type, the results can be negative or inconclusive, so that biochemical characterisation is often required. The development and application of new biochemical microtechniques suitable for examination of extremely small tissue samples is essential for precise identification of the deposited amyloid proteins.

AIMS

To investigate biochemically the amyloid proteins present in a formalin fixed paraffin wax embedded orbital tissue from a patient with localised orbital amyloidosis in whom immunohistochemistry was not helpful in the determination of amyloid type.

METHODS

Extraction of amyloid proteins from fixed tissue and their identification was carried out by a recently developed microtechnique. An extremely small tissue sample was dewaxed and extracted with formic acid. The extracted material was analysed using electrophoresis, western blotting, and amino acid sequencing.

RESULTS

Biochemical examination of the extracted proteins showed the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig) derived amyloid proteins, which were composed of the N-terminal fragments of the Ig light chain kappaIII subtype (AL-kappaIII) (16, 8, and 3 kDa).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first chemically proved AL case reported in association with primary localised orbital amyloidosis. The biochemical microtechnique used was useful in achieving a precise diagnosis of amyloid disease, in a case where the results of routine immunohistochemical examination of amyloid were inconclusive.

Unusually weak oxygen binding, physical properties, partial sequence, autoxidation rate and a potential phosphorylation site of beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) myoglobin

We purified myoglobin from beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) muscle (longissimus dorsi) with size exclusion and cation exchange chromatographies. The molecular mass was determined by mass spectrometry (17,081 Da) and the isoelectric pH (9.4) by capillary isoelectric focusing. The near-complete amino acid sequence was determined and a phylogeny indicated that beluga was in the same clad as Dall's and harbor porpoises. There were consensus motifs for a phosphorylation site on the protein surface with the most likely site at serine-117. This motif was common to all cetacean myoglobins examined. Two oxygen-binding studies at 37 degrees C indicated dissociation constants (20.5 and 23.6 microM) 5.7-6.6 times larger than horse myoglobin (3.6 microM). The autoxidation rate of beluga myoglobin at 37 degrees C, pH 7.2 was 0.218+/-0.028 h(-1), 1/3 larger than reported for myoglobin of terrestrial mammals. There was no clear sequence change to explain the difference in oxygen binding or autoxidation although substitutions (N66 and T67) in an invariant rich sequence (HGNTV) distal to the heme may play a role. Structural models based on the protein sequence and constructed on topologies of known templates (horse and sperm whale crystal structures) were not adequate to assess perturbation of the heme pocket.

Phosphomannomutase activity in congenital disorders of glycosylation type Ia determined by direct analysis of the interconversion of mannose-1-phosphate to mannose-6-phosphate by high-pH anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a group of multisystemic disorders resulting from defects in the synthesis and processing of N-linked oligosaccharides. The most common form, CDG type Ia (CDG-Ia), results from a deficiency of the enzyme phosphomannomutase (PMM). PMM converts mannose 6-phosphate (man-6-P) to mannose-1-phosphate (man-1-P), which is required for the synthesis of GDP-mannose, a substrate for dolichol-linked oligosaccharide synthesis. The traditional assay for PMM, a coupled enzyme system based on the reduction of NADP(+) to NADPH using man-1-P as a substrate, has limitations in accuracy and reproducibility. Therefore, a more sensitive, direct test for PMM activity, based on the detection of the conversion of man-1-P to man-6-P by high-pH anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD), was developed. Using this assay, the activity of PMM was markedly deficient in fibroblasts and lymphoblasts from 23 patients with CDG-Ia (range 0-15.3% of control, average 4.9+/-4.7%) and also decreased in seven obligate heterozygotes (range 33.0-72.0% of control, average 52.2+/-14.7%). Unlike the spectrophotometric method, there was no overlap in PMM activity among patients, obligate heterozygotes, or controls. Thus, the PMM assay based on HPAEC-PAD has increased utility in the clinical setting, and can be used, together with transferrin isoelectric focusing, to diagnose patients with CDG-Ia and to identify heterozygotes when clinically indicated.

Production of a Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis purified protein derivative (PPD) and evaluation of potency in guinea pigs

A Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis purified protein derivative (PPD) was produced and the biologic activity evaluated in sensitized guinea pigs. The PPD when adjusted to a protein concentration of 1mg/ml induced a delayed-type hypersensitivity response comparable to USDA Johnin OT 133-8707.

The identification of eight novel glucocerebrosidase (GBA) mutations in patients with Gaucher disease

Mutations in the gene encoding for the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GBA) result in Gaucher disease. In this study, seven novel missense mutations in the glucocerebrosidase gene (A136E, H162P, K198E, Y205C, F251L, Q350X and I402F) and a splice site mutation (IVS10+2T-->A) were identified by direct sequencing of three amplified segments of the glucocerebrosidase gene. Five of the novel mutations were found in patients with neuronopathic forms of Gaucher disease, two of which, K198E and F251L, appear to be associated with type 2 Gaucher disease.

Light chain amyloidosis of the urinary bladder. A site restricted deposition of an externally produced immunoglobulin

AIMS

To identify the amyloid protein in a patient with amyloidosis localised to the urinary bladder, and to see whether subtyping of the protein by sequence analysis increases the understanding of the selection of the urinary bladder as the site of amyloid deposition.

METHODS

A patient with gross haematuria and a congophilic mass in his urinary bladder was evaluated further. Characterisation of the amyloid protein was performed using conventional histological and immunohistochemical methods. Determination of the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the amyloid protein was performed using protein sequencers.

RESULTS

The patient's history, physical examination, and laboratory evaluation excluded the involvement of other organs, justifying a diagnosis of amyloidosis localised to the urinary bladder. Histological and immunological studies showed that the amyloid protein deposited in the urinary bladder of the patient was probably of the amyloid light chain type. No plasma cells or lymphocytes were seen in sections of the urinary bladder and lower ureter adjacent to the amyloid deposits. Molecular analysis showed the sequence NFMLTQPHSISGSPG, which assigned the amyloid protein to either the Vlambda(I) or the Vlambda(VI) immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain families.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that the amyloid protein in this patient originated outside the urinary bladder. The heterogeneity of the Ig proteins in known cases of amyloidosis of the lower urinary tract suggests that the amino acid residues, which determine the Vlambda subtyping, have no major role in restricting the deposited protein to the urinary bladder.

Investigation of the catalytic site within the ATP-grasp domain of Clostridium symbiosum pyruvate phosphate dikinase

Pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK) catalyzes the interconversion of ATP, P(i), and pyruvate with AMP, PP(i), and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) in three partial reactions as follows: 1) E-His + ATP --> E-His-PP.AMP; 2) E-His-PP.AMP + P(i) --> E-His-P.AMP.PP(i); and 3) E-His-P + pyruvate --> E.PEP using His-455 as the carrier of the transferred phosphoryl groups. The crystal structure of the Clostridium symbiosum PPDK (in the unbound state) reveals a three-domain structure consisting of consecutive N-terminal, central His-455, and C-terminal domains. The N-terminal and central His-455 domains catalyze partial reactions 1 and 2, whereas the C-terminal and central His-455 domains catalyze partial reaction 3. Attempts to obtain a crystal structure of the enzyme with substrate ligands bound at the nucleotide binding domain have been unsuccessful. The object of the present study is to demonstrate Mg(II) activation of catalysis at the ATP/P(i) active site, to identify the residues at the ATP/P(i) active site that contribute to catalysis, and to identify roles for these residues based on their positions within the active site scaffold. First, Mg(II) activation studies of catalysis of E + ATP + P(i) --> E-P + AMP + PP(i) partial reaction were carried out using a truncation mutant (Tem533) in which the C-terminal domain is absent. The kinetics show that a minimum of 2 Mg(II) per active site is required for the reaction. The active site residues used for substrate/cofactor binding/activation were identified by site-directed mutagenesis. Lys-22, Arg-92, Asp-321, Glu-323, and Gln-335 mutants were found to be inactive; Arg-337, Glu-279, Asp-280, and Arg-135 mutants were partially active; and Thr-253 and Gln-240 mutants were almost fully active. The participation of the nucleotide ribose 2'-OH and alpha-P in enzyme binding is indicated by the loss of productive binding seen with substrate analogs modified at these positions. The ATP, P(i), and Mg(II) ions were docked into the PPDK N-terminal domain crevice, in an orientation consistent with substrate/cofactor binding modes observed for other members of the ATP-Grasp fold enzyme superfamily and consistent with the structure-function data. On the basis of this docking model, the ATP polyphosphate moiety is oriented/activated for pyrophosphoryl transfer through interaction with Lys-22 (gamma-P), Arg-92 (alpha-P), and the Gly-101 to Met-103 loop (gamma-P) as well as with the Mg(II) cofactors. The P(i) is oriented/activated for partial reaction 2 through interaction with Arg-337 and a Mg(II) cofactor. The Mg(II) ions are bound through interaction with Asp-321, Glu-323, and Gln-335 and substrate. Residues Glu-279, Asp-280, and Arg-135 are suggested to function in the closure of an active site loop, over the nucleotide ribose-binding site.

[Beta-lactam antibiotic sensitivity in Aeromonas spp. of clinical, animal, and environmental origin]

Susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics was investigated in Aeromonas spp. Microorganisms were isolated from both, clinical and water creek samples, as well as from processed raw chicken carcasses. Aeromonas like colonies were identified by means of Aerokey II and API 20 E System (Bio-Merieux). A. hydrophila prevailed both of human origin (44%) and water creek samples (41%), while A. caviae ranked first among raw chicken samples (65%). Dilution testing by Agar Method was performed to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), following NCCLS standards. All tested microorganisms were susceptible to third generation cephalosporin, cefepime, imipenem, aztreonam, and resistant to ampicillin. Only with cefepime and aztreonam exceptions, strains of human origin showed higher values of MIC90 than environmental ones. These results suggest that antibiotic resistance is mainly due to a steady environmental pressure, on account of the widely used above mentioned compounds.

Childhood-onset schizophrenia/autistic disorder and t(1;7) reciprocal translocation: identification of a BAC contig spanning the translocation breakpoint at 7q21

Childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) is defined by the development of first psychotic symptoms by age 12. While recruiting patients with COS refractory to conventional treatments for a trial of atypical antipsychotic drugs, we discovered a unique case who has a familial t(1;7)(p22;q21) reciprocal translocation and onset of psychosis at age 9. The patient also has symptoms of autistic disorder, which are usually transient before the first psychotic episode among 40-50% of the childhood schizophrenics but has persisted in him even after the remission of psychosis. Cosegregating with the translocation, among the carriers in the family available for the study, are other significant psychopathologies, including alcohol/drug abuse, severe impulsivity, and paranoid personality and language delay. This case may provide a model for understanding the genetic basis of schizophrenia or autism. Here we report the progress toward characterization of genomic organization across the translocation breakpoint at 7q21. The polymorphic markers, D7S630/D7S492 and D7S2410/D7S646, immediately flanking the breakpoint, may be useful for further confirming the genetic linkage for schizophrenia or autism in this region. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 96:749-753, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Human glucocerebrosidase: heterologous expression of active site mutants in murine null cells

Using bioinformatics methods, we have previously identified Glu235 and Glu340 as the putative acid/base catalyst and nucleophile, respectively, in the active site of human glucocerebrosidase. Thus, we undertook site-directed mutagenesis studies to obtain experimental evidence supporting these predictions. Recombinant retroviruses were used to express wild-type and E235A and E340A mutant proteins in glucocerebrosidase-deficient murine cells. In contrast to wild-type enzyme, the mutants were found to be catalytically inactive. We also report the results of various studies (Western blotting, glycosylation analysis, subcellular fractionation, and confocal microscopy) indicating that the wild-type and mutant enzymes are identically processed and sorted to the lysosomes. Thus, enzymatic inactivity of the mutant proteins is not the result of incorrect folding/processing. These findings indicate that Glu235 plays a key role in the catalytic machinery of human glucocerebrosidase and may indeed be the acid/base catalyst. As concerns Glu340, the results both support our computer-based predictions and confirm, at the biological level, previous identification of Glu340 as the nucleophile by use of active site labeling techniques. Finally, our findings may help to better understand the molecular basis of Gaucher disease, the human lysosomal disease resulting from deficiency in glucocerebrosidase.

Glucosylsphingosine accumulation in mice and patients with type 2 Gaucher disease begins early in gestation

Gaucher disease, the most common of the sphingolipidoses, results from the inherited deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase (EC 3.2.1.45). Although type 2 (acute neuronopathic) Gaucher disease is associated with rapidly progressive and fatal neurologic deterioration, the pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to the neurologic symptoms and early demise remain uncharacterized. While the pathology encountered in Gaucher disease has been attributed to glucocerebroside storage, glucosylsphingosine (Glc-sph), a cytotoxic compound, also accumulates in the tissues. Elevations of brain Glc-sph have been reported in patients with types 2 and 3 Gaucher disease. In this study, Glc-sph levels were measured using HPLC in tissues from mice with type 2 Gaucher disease created with a null glucocerebrosidase allele. Compared with unaffected littermates, homozygous mice with type 2 Gaucher disease had approximately a 100-fold elevation of Glc-sph in brain, as well as elevated levels in other tissues. This accumulation was detected in utero by E 13 and increased progressively throughout gestation. Similarly, elevated Glc-sph levels were seen in human fetuses with type 2 Gaucher disease, indicating that therapy initiated after birth may be too late to prevent the sequelae of progressive neurologic damage that begins early in gestation. These findings suggest that the accumulation of Glc-sph may be responsible for the rapid demise of mice with type 2 Gaucher disease and the devastating clinical course seen in patients with type 2 Gaucher disease.

NMR solution structure of butantoxin

The NMR structure of a new toxin, butantoxin (BuTX), which is present in the venoms of the three Brazilian scorpions Tityus serrulatus, Tityus bahiensis, and Tityus stigmurus, has been investigated. This toxin was shown to reversibly block the Shaker B potassium channels (K(d) approximately 660 nM) and inhibit the proliferation of T-cells and the interleukin-2 production of antigen-stimulated T-helper cells. BuTX is a 40 amino acid basic protein stabilized by the four disulfide bridges: Cys2-Cys5, Cys10-Cys31, Cys16-Cys36, and Cys20-Cys38. The latter three are conserved among all members of the short-chain scorpion toxin family, while the first is unique to BuTX. The three-dimensional structure of BuTX was determined using (1)H-NMR spectroscopy. NOESY, phase sensitive COSY (PH-COSY), and amide hydrogen exchange data were used to generate constraints for molecular modeling calculations. Distance geometry and simulated annealing calculations were performed to generate a family of 49 structures free of constraint violations. The secondary structure of BuTX consists of a short 2(1/2) turn alpha-helix (Glu15-Phe23) and a beta-sheet. The beta-sheet is composed of two well-defined antiparallel strands (Gly29-Met32 and Lys35-Cys38) connected by a type-I' beta-turn (Asn33-Asn34). Residues Cys5-Ala9 form a quasi-third strand of the beta-sheet. The N-terminal C2-C5 disulfide bridge unique to this toxin does not appear to confer stability to the protein.

The structure and expression of the human neuroligin-3 gene

The neuroligins are a family of proteins that are thought to mediate cell to cell interactions between neurons. During the sequencing at an Xq13 locus associated with a mental retardation syndrome in some studies, we discovered a portion of the human orthologue of the rat neuroligin-3 gene. We now report the structure and the expression of that gene. The gene spans approximately 30kb and contains eight exons. Unlike the rat gene, it codes for at least two mRNAs and at least one of which is expressed outside the CNS. Interestingly, the putative promoter for the gene overlaps the last exon of the neighboring HOPA gene and is located less than 1kb from an OPA element in which a polymorphism associated with mental retardation is found. These findings suggest a possible role for the neuroligin gene in mental retardation and that the role of the gene in humans may differ from its role in rats.

Efficacy of exogenous oral zinc in treatment of patients with carbonic anhydrase VI deficiency

BACKGROUND

We previously described a disorder in 18 patients with decreased parotid saliva gustin/carbonic anhydrase (CA) VI secretion associated with loss of taste (hypogeusia) and smell (hyposmia) and distorted taste (dysgeusia) and smell (dysosmia). Because gustin/CAVI is a zinc-dependent enzyme we instituted a study of treatment with exogenous zinc to attempt to stimulate synthesis/secretion of gustin/CAVI and thereby attempt to correct the symptoms of this disorder.

METHODS

Fourteen of the 18 patients with this disorder completed the study. They were treated with 100 mg of exogenous zinc daily for 4 to 6 months, in an open clinical trial. Both before and after treatment, measurements were obtained of parotid saliva gustin/CAVI, parotid saliva, serum and urine zinc, taste and smell function, and, in some patients, examination of circumvallate taste buds by electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Treatment success was predicated upon significant increases in parotid saliva gustin/CAVI. This occurred in 10 of the 14 patients who were labeled responders; they also exhibited improvement in taste and smell acuity, a diminution in dysgeusia and dysosmia and increased zinc concentrations in parotid saliva, serum, and urine. Taste bud morphology returned to normal in each responder in whom it was measured. No increase in gustin/CAVI occurred in 4 patients who were labeled nonresponders; they exhibited no improvement in taste or smell acuity and no increases in parotid saliva zinc. However, serum and urine zinc increased to levels similar to those measured in the 10 responders. Two of 4 nonresponders reported diminution in dysgeusia and dysosmia. Taste bud morphology did not change from the abnormal state in the 1 nonresponder in whom it was measured.

CONCLUSIONS

Zinc treatment is effective in patients in whom this trace metal increases synthesis/secretion of gustin/CAVI and ineffective in those in whom it does not. Increased gustin/CAVI in this disorder is probably associated with zinc stimulation of the gene responsible for the synthesis/secretion of gustin/CAVI. Among nonresponders, zinc was ineffective for several possible reasons, including resistance to zinc and possible sialylation of gustin/CAVI, which may render it functionally ineffective. Results suggest the hypothesis that gustin/CAVI is a trophic factor that promotes growth and development of taste buds through its action on taste bud stem cells.

Decreased parotid saliva gustin/carbonic anhydrase VI secretion: an enzyme disorder manifested by gustatory and olfactory dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Taste and smell dysfunction has been reported to occur in patients with a variety of clinical problems. We wanted to investigate a specific group of patients in whom taste and smell dysfunction occurred putatively related to a specific biochemical abnormality in a salivary growth factor [gustin/carbonic anhydrase (CA) VI] considered responsible for maintenance of taste bud function.

METHODS

Eighteen patients developed loss and/or distortion of taste and smell after an acute influenza-type illness. They were evaluated clinically, by psychophysical tests of taste and smell function, by measurement of parotid salivary gustin/CAVI by a radioimmunoassay and by measurement of serum, urine, and salivary zinc. Biopsies of circumvallate papillae were obtained in 6 patients and examined by transmission electron microscopy. Similar studies were performed in 55 asymptomatic volunteers with biopsies of circumvallate papillae performed in 4.

RESULTS

Taste and smell acuity were impaired in patients compared with healthy volunteers and parotid gustin/CAVI, salivary, and serum zinc concentrations were lower in patients than in healthy volunteers. Taste buds in circumvallate papillae of patients exhibited severe vacuolization, cellular degeneration, and absence of dense extracellular material.

CONCLUSIONS

These results describe a clinical disorder formulated as a syndrome of hyposmia (decreased smell acuity), hypogeusia (decreased taste acuity), dysosmia (distorted smell function), dysgeusia (distorted taste function), and decreased secretion of parotid saliva gustin/CAVI with associated pathological changes in taste bud anatomy. Because gustin/CAVI is found in humans only in parotid saliva and has been associated with taste bud growth and development these results suggest that inhibition of synthesis of gustin/CAVI is associated with development of taste bud abnormalities and thereby loss of taste function.

The genomic structure and developmental expression patterns of the human OPA-containing gene (HOPA)

We determined the genomic organization of the human OPA-containing gene (HOPA) and characterized its developmental expression. The gene encoding HOPA, which contains a rare polymorphism tightly associated with non-specific mental retardation, is 25 kb in length and consists of 44 exons. A promoter scan analysis demonstrates two possible transcription initiation sites without TATA boxes upstream from the putative translation initiation start site. Several informative polymorphisms are evident in the sequence including a large pentanucleotide repeat. Northern blot analysis of the gene transcript and its murine orthologue, MOPA-1, demonstrates that only one transcript is expressed throughout the soma and the CNS, and that the transcript is highly expressed during early fetal development. We conclude that the delineation of the function of the HOPA gene locus merits further study.

A genome-wide search for chromosomal loci linked to mental health wellness in relatives at high risk for bipolar affective disorder among the Old Order Amish

Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD; manic-depressive illness) is characterized by episodes of mania and/or hypomania interspersed with periods of depression. Compelling evidence supports a significant genetic component in the susceptibility to develop BPAD. To date, however, linkage studies have attempted only to identify chromosomal loci that cause or increase the risk of developing BPAD. To determine whether there could be protective alleles that prevent or reduce the risk of developing BPAD, similar to what is observed in other genetic disorders, we used mental health wellness (absence of any psychiatric disorder) as the phenotype in our genome-wide linkage scan of several large multigeneration Old Order Amish pedigrees exhibiting an extremely high incidence of BPAD. We have found strong evidence for a locus on chromosome 4p at D4S2949 (maximum GENEHUNTER-PLUS nonparametric linkage score = 4.05, P = 5. 22 x 10(-4); SIBPAL Pempirical value <3 x 10(-5)) and suggestive evidence for a locus on chromosome 4q at D4S397 (maximum GENEHUNTER-PLUS nonparametric linkage score = 3.29, P = 2.57 x 10(-3); SIBPAL Pempirical value <1 x 10(-3)) that are linked to mental health wellness. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that certain alleles could prevent or modify the clinical manifestations of BPAD and perhaps other related affective disorders.

Identification and cloning of prs a 1, a 32-kDa endochitinase and major allergen of avocado, and its expression in the yeast Pichia pastoris

Avocado, the fruit of the tropical tree Persea americana, is a source of allergens that can elicit diverse IgE-mediated reactions including anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals. We characterized a 32-kDa major avocado allergen, Prs a 1, which is recognized by 15 out of 20 avocado- and/or latex-allergic patients. Natural Prs a 1 was purified, and its N-terminal and two tryptic peptide sequences were determined. We isolated the Prs a 1 encoding cDNA by PCR using degenerate primers and 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The Prs a 1 cDNA coded for an endochitinase of 326 amino acids with a leader peptide of 25 amino acids. We expressed Prs a 1 in the yeast Pichia pastoris at 50 mg/liter of culture medium. The recombinant Prs a 1 showed endochitinase activity, inhibited growth and branching of Fusarium oxysporum hyphae, and possessed IgE binding capacity. IgE cross-reactivity with latex proteins including a 20-kDa allergen, most likely prohevein, was demonstrated, providing an explanation for the commonly observed cross-sensitization between avocado and latex proteins. Sequence comparison showed that Prs a 1 and prohevein had 70% similarity in their chitin-binding domains. Characterization of chitinases as allergens has implications for engineering transgenic crops with increased levels of chitinases.

Gustin from human parotid saliva is carbonic anhydrase VI

Gustin, a zinc-metalloprotein constituting about 3% of human parotid saliva protein was previously isolated and characterized as a single polypeptide chain of 37kDa with one mole of zinc tightly bound to the protein. It exhibited biological activity activating calmodulin dependent bovine brain cAMP phosphodiesterase and was decreased in saliva of patients with loss of taste in whom taste buds showed a specific pathological morphology. Determination of its primary structure by amino acid sequence revealed it was identical with carbonic anhydrase (CA) [EC 4.2.1.1] VI and had two N-linked glycosylation sites. Analysis by reverse phase HPLC and SDS-PAGE before and after deglycosylation confirmed a single peak with molecular weight of the purified protein being 37kDa, the deglycosylated protein, 33kDa. N-linked carbohydrate chains contained N-acetyl glucosamine, galactose, mannose, and fucose interior to di, tri and tetra sialyated termini. By isoelectric focusing five increasingly acidic pI values were determined consistent with addition of sialic acid as the terminal carbohydrate residue on the N-linked glycoforms of the protein. Gustin was found to exhibit CA activity but was inhibited by known CA inhibitors in a different manner than CA I or II. These findings, consistent with analysis of previous investigators, indicate that parotid saliva gustin is CA VI.

Association of an X-chromosome dodecamer insertional variant allele with mental retardation

Mental retardation is a prominent feature of many neurodevelopmental syndromes. In an attempt to identify genetic components of these illnesses, we isolated and sequenced a large number of human genomic cosmid inserts containing large trinucleotide repeats. One of these cosmids, Cos-4, maps to the X-chromosome and contains the sequence of a 7.3-kb mRNA. Initial polymorphism analysis across a region of repetitive DNA in this gene revealed a rare 12-bp exonic variation (<< 1% in non-iII males) having an increased prevalence in non-Fragile X males with mental retardation (4%, P < 0.04, n = 81). This variant was not present in the highly conserved mouse homologue that has 100% amino acid identity to the human sequence near the polymorphism. Subsequent screening of two additional independent cohorts of non-Fragile X mentally retarded patients and ethnically matched controls demonstrated an even higher prevalence of the 12-bp variant in males with mental retardation (8%, P < 0.0003, n = 125, and 14%, P < 0.10, n = 36) vs the controls. Multivariate analysis was conducted in an effort to identify other phenotypic components in affected individuals, and the findings suggested an increased incidence of histories of hypothyroidism (P < 0.001) and treatment with antidepressants (P < 0.001). We conclude that the presence of this 12-bp variant confers significant susceptibility for mental retardation.

Insights into the mechanism of catalysis by the P-C bond-cleaving enzyme phosphonoacetaldehyde hydrolase derived from gene sequence analysis and mutagenesis

Phosphonoacetaldehyde hydrolase (phosphonatase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphonoacetaldehyde to acetaldehyde and inorganic phosphate. In this study, the genes encoding phosphonatase in Bacillus cereus and in Salmonella typhimurium were cloned for high-level expression in Escherichia coli. The kinetic properties of the purified, recombinant phosphonatases were determined. The Schiff base mechanism known to operate in the B. cereus enzyme was verified for the S. typhimurium enzyme by phosphonoacetaldehyde-sodium borohydride-induced inactivation and by site-directed mutagenesis of the catalytic lysine 53. The protein sequence inferred from the B. cereus phosphonatase gene was determined, and this sequence was used along with that from the S. typhimurium phosphonatase gene sequence to search the primary sequence databases for possible structural homologues. We found that phosphonatase belongs to a novel family of hydrolases which appear to use a highly conserved active site aspartate residue in covalent catalysis. On the basis of this finding and the known stereochemical course of phosphonatase-catalyzed hydrolysis at phosphorus (retention), we propose a mechanism which involves Schiff base formation with lysine 53 followed by phosphoryl transfer to aspartate (at position 11 in the S. typhimurium enzyme and position 12 in the B. cereusphosphonatase) and last hydrolysis at the imine C(1) and acyl phosphate phosphorus.

Genotypic heterogeneity and phenotypic variation among patients with type 2 Gaucher's disease

Gaucher's disease, the inherited deficiency of glucocerebrosidase, manifests with vast phenotypic variation. Even among patients with type 2 (acute neuronopathic) Gaucher's disease, there is a spectrum of clinical presentations. DNA samples from 14 patients with type 2 Gaucher's disease with a course ranging from intrauterine death at 22 wk of gestation to survival until age 30 mo were studied. L444P was the only common mutation identified, found in 15 patients' alleles. Sequencing of genomic DNA amplified by long template PCR revealed that mutation L444P occurred as a single point mutation in seven mutant alleles and as part of a recombinant allele in eight mutant alleles. Two patients had a deletion of 55 bp in exon 9; in one patient the deletion was part of a recombinant allele, and in a second the deletion occurred alone. Direct sequencing identified R120W on one allele, P415R on another, and one fetus was homoallelic for a deletion of a C nucleotide at codon 139 in exon 5. Eight of the mutant alleles remain unidentified. Northern blots revealed an appropriately sized mRNA in all except one of the patients studied. Of the 14 type 2 Gaucher patients, three had hydrops fetalis and died in utero or at birth, five had congenital ichthyosis, and seven survived 5 mo or more. Patients who died in the neonatal period had decreased protein detected by Western blot, regardless of genotype observed. These studies demonstrate that genotypic heterogeneity exists in patients with type 2 Gaucher's disease, even among infants with the most severe phenotypes.

Immunochemical detection and identification of protein adducts of diclofenac in the small intestine of rats: possible role in allergic reactions

Idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions are unpredictable, target multiple organ systems, and often become life-threatening events. Although the causes of idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions are not known in most cases, evidence suggests that they may be mediated through immunological mechanisms. It is generally thought that for a drug to lead to an immune response, it must first become covalently bound to a carrier protein. Since most drugs are unreactive, it is usually a reactive metabolite that is expected to form covalent adducts. However, it is not clear why more people do not develop immune reactions against drug-protein adducts. One possible explanation is that orally administered drugs may lead to oral tolerance in most individuals through mechanisms similar to that found with orally administered antigens. However, very little is known regarding the interaction of drugs with gut-associated lymphoid tissue of the small intestine, where oral tolerance can develop. As an initial step to test this hypothesis, we have investigated whether diclofenac, a commonly used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, can lead to protein adducts in rat small intestine. Diclofenac was administered to rats by gastric gavage. Immunoblot analysis of small intestine homogenates and isolated enterocyte subcellular fractions with drug-specific antiserum revealed 142-, 130-, 110-, and 55-kDa protein adducts of diclofenac. The 142- and 130-kDa adducts of diclofenac were identified as aminopeptidase N (CD13) and sucrase-isomaltase, respectively, by amino acid sequence analyses and by their reactions with protein-specific antibodies. The adducts were localized by immunohistochemistry and found primarily in the mid-villus and villus-tip enterocytes and also in the dome overlying Peyer's patches. Similar adducts were detected immunochemically in villus-tip enterocytes of animals treated with halothane or acetaminophen. These results show that intestinal protein adducts of drugs can be formed in gut-associated lymphoid tissue where they may lead to the down-regulation of drug-induced allergic reactions in many individuals.

Isolation and characterization of the carbon-phosphorus bond-forming enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate mutase from the mollusk Mytilus edulis

The enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate mutase was purified to homogeneity from the mollusk Mytilus edulis. The subunit size of the native homotetramer was determined to be 34,000 Da. The steady-state kinetic constants for catalysis of the conversion of phosphonopyruvate to phosphoenolpyruvate at pH 7.5 and 25 degrees C were measured at kcat = 34 s-1, phosphonopyruvate Km = 3 microM, and Mg2+ Km = 4 microM. The enzyme displayed a broad specificity for divalent metal ion activation; Co2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ are activators, whereas Ca2+ is not. Analysis of the pH dependence of the Mg2+-activated mutase-catalyzed reaction of phosphonopyruvate revealed one residue that must be protonated (apparent pKa = 8.3) and a second residue that must be unprotonated (apparent pKa = 7.7) for maximal catalytic activity.

Chromosome 22q11.2 interstitial deletions among childhood-onset schizophrenics and "multidimensionally impaired"

Since its first description almost a century ago schizophrenia with childhood onset, a rare yet devastating disorder, has been diagnosed in children as young as age 5. Recently, the velocardiofacial syndrome, whose underlying cause is interstitial deletions of 22q11.2, was found in 2 of 100 cases of schizophrenics with adult onset [Karayiorgou et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 92: 7612-7616, 1995]. No study has documented the prevalence of velocardiofacial syndrome and the 22q11.2 deletion in a population of schizophrenics with childhood onset. Here we describe the result of such a study in a sample originally selected for a trial of atypical antipsychotic drugs. A separate group of patients was also included in the study; they can best be accounted for as a variant of childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) and had been provisionally termed "multidimensionally impaired." Fluorescent in situ hybridization screening of 32 COS and 21 multidimensionally impaired patients revealed 1 COS patient with an interstitial deletion spanning at least 2.5 megabases.

The characterization and sequence analysis of thirty CTG-repeat containing genomic cosmid clones

We have systematically isolated and characterized DNA containing large CTG (n > 7) repeats from a human cosmid genomic DNA library. Using a CTG10 probe, more than 100 cosmid clones were identified, and 30 of these have been extensively characterized. The sequenced cosmids contain repeats that are between three and 19 perfect units (average 10 perfect repeats). The cosmids map to at least 12 different chromosomes. Sequence analysis of flanking regions suggests that more than one third of the repeats occur in exons, and many share strong sequence identity with databank sequences, including the gene involved in dentatorubral pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA). Genotyping of human DNA samples demonstrates that more than half of the repeats are polymorphic. This and similar collections of clones containing trinucleotide repeats should aid in the identification of genes that may contain expansions of trinucleotide repeats involved in human disease.

Prosaposin receptor: evidence for a G-protein-associated receptor

Prosaposin, the precursor of sphingolipid activator protein (saposins A-D), has been identified as a neurotrophic factor capable of inducing neural differentiation and preventing cell death. The putative prosaposin receptor was partially purified from baboon brain membranes by affinity chromatography using a saposin C-column. The purified preparation gave a single major protein band with an apparent molecular weight of 54 kDa on SDS-PAGE. Affinity cross-linking of 11 kDa 125I-saposin C demonstrated the presence of a 66 kDa product, indicative of an apparent molecular weight of 55 kDa for the receptor. A GTP gamma S-binding assay using cell membranes from SHSY5Y neural cells demonstrated agonist stimulated binding of [35S]-GTP gamma S upon treatment with prosaptide TX14(A) a peptide from the neurotrophic region; maximal binding was obtained at 2 nM. TX14(A) stimulated binding was abolished by prior treatment of SHSY5Y cells with pertussis toxin and by a scrambled and an all D-amino acid-derivative of the 14-mer. A 14-mer mutant prosaptide (6N-->6D) competed with TX14(A) with a Ki of 0.7 nM. Immunoblot analysis using an antibody against the G0 alpha subunit demonstrated that the purified receptor preparation contained a 40 kDa reactive band consistent with association of G0 alpha and the receptor. These findings indicate that the signaling induced by prosaposin and TX14(A) is generated by binding to a G0-protein associated receptor.

Identification of three additional genes contiguous to the glucocerebrosidase locus on chromosome 1q21: implications for Gaucher disease

Gaucher disease results from the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (EC 3.2.1.45). Although the functional gene for glucocerebrosidase (GBA) and its pseudogene (psGBA), located in close proximity on chromosome 1q21, have been studied extensively, the flanking sequence has not been well characterized. The recent identification of human metaxin (MTX) immediately downstream of psGBA prompted a closer analysis of the sequence of the entire region surrounding the GBA gene. We now report the genomic DNA sequence and organization of a 75-kb region around GBA, including the duplicated region containing GBA and MTX. The origin and endpoints of the duplication leading to the pseudogenes for GBA and MTX are now clearly established. We also have identified three new genes within the 32 kb of sequence upstream to GBA, all of which are transcribed in the same direction as GBA. Of these three genes, the gene most distal to GBA is a protein kinase (clk2). The second gene, propin1, has a 1.5-kb cDNA and shares homology to a rat secretory carrier membrane protein 37 (SCAMP37). Finally, cote1, a gene of unknown function lies most proximal to GBA. The possible contributions of these closely arrayed genes to the more atypical presentations of Gaucher disease is now under investigation.

The mechanism of inhibition of ryanodine receptor channels by imperatoxin I, a heterodimeric protein from the scorpion Pandinus imperator

We present an in-depth analysis of the structural and functional properties of Imperatoxin I (IpTxi), an approximately 15-kDa protein from the venom of the scorpion Pandinus imperator that inhibits Ca2+ release channel/ryanodine receptor (RyR) activity (Valdivia, H. H., Kirby, M. S., Lederer, W. J., and Coronado, R. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89, 12185-12189). A cDNA library was prepared from the venomous glands of this scorpion and used to clone the gene encoding IpTxi. From a single continuous messenger RNA, the information coding for the toxin is translated into two mature polypeptide subunits after elimination of a basic pentapeptide. The IpTxi dimer consists of a large subunit (104-amino acid residues) with phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity covalently linked by a disulfide bond to a smaller (27 amino acid residues), structurally unrelated subunit. Thus, IpTxi is a heterodimeric protein with lipolytic action, a property that is only shared with beta-bungarotoxins, a group of neurotoxins from snake venoms. The enzymatic subunit of IpTxi is highly homologous to PLA2 from bee (Apis mellifera) and lizard (Heloderma horridum) venoms. The small subunit has no significant similarity to any other known peptide, including members of the Kunitz protease inhibitors superfamily that target the lipolytic effect of beta-bungarotoxins. A synthetic peptide with amino acid sequence identical to that of the small subunit failed to inhibit RyR. On the other hand, treatment of IpTxi with p-bromophenacylbromide, a specific inhibitor of PLA2 activity, greatly reduced the capacity of IpTxi to inhibit RyRs. These results suggested that a lipid product of PLA2 activity, more than a direct IpTxi-RyR interaction, was responsible for RyR inhibition.

Lysosomal proteolysis of prosaposin, the precursor of saposins (sphingolipid activator proteins): its mechanism and inhibition by ganglioside

Saposins A, B, C, and D, which are required for the enzymatic hydrolysis of sphingolipids by specific lysosomal hydrolases, are produced by proteolytic processing of their common precursor protein, prosaposin. Our previous observation suggested that lysosomal cathepsin D may be involved in the proteolysis of prosaposin. Herein we report the involvement of cathepsin D in the proteolytic processing of prosaposin. An antibody against human placental cathepsin D blocked the proteolytic activity toward prosaposin in a human testicular lysosomal protease mixture (glycoprotein fraction). On immunoblot analysis using a monoclonal antibody against human saposin C, cathepsin D showed a similar proteolytic pattern as that of a human testicular glycoprotein fraction and hydrolyzed prosaposin into products of 48 and 29 kDa. The Km and Vmax values were 0.9 microM and 167 nmol/h/mg, respectively. N-Terminal sequence analysis indicated that the 48-kDa band was a mixture of two trisaposins, including domains for saposins A, B, and C and saposins B, C, and D, respectively. A similar study also showed that the 29-kDa band contained two disaposins, including domains for saposins A and B and saposins C and D, respectively. By longer treatment with cathepsin D, disaposins were further processed into mature saposin A and small fragments (14.5-17.5 kDa) containing individual saposins and portions of interdomain sequences. These small fragments were no longer processed by cathepsin D, but trimmed to fragments having similar molecular sizes (10.5-11.5 kDa) to those of mature saposins by a rat lysosome preparation. These findings indicated that cathepsin D is involved in the maturation of saposins but that, in addition to cathepsin D, other proteases appear to be involved in the maturation of saposin B, C, and D in lysosomes. Gangliosides, which specifically form complexes with prosaposin and saposins, inhibit proteolysis of prosaposin by cathepsin D. This finding indicates that prosaposin may be protected from lysosomal proteolysis by forming a complex with gangliosides in vivo.

Cytochrome P4502C11 is a target of diclofenac covalent binding in rats

Diclofenac antiserum was previously developed and used to detect protein adducts of metabolites of dichlofenac in livers of mice and rats. In this study, the antibody has been used to facilitate the purification of a major 51 kDa microsomal adduct of diclofenac from the liver microsomes of male rats that were treated with diclofenac. The adduct was identified as male-specific cytochrome P4502C11 based on its N-terminal amino acid sequence, reaction with a cytochrome P4502C11 antibody, and by its absence from liver microsomes of diclofenac-treated female rats. When diclofenac was incubated with liver microsomes of control rats in the presence of NADPH, only the 51 kDa adduct was produced. The formation of the adduct was inhibited by a cytochrome P4502C11 monoclonal antibody, but not by reduced glutathione or N-alpha-acetyl-L-lysine. No adduct was detected when diclofenac was incubated with liver microsomes from female rats. Moreover, adduct formation in vivo appeared to lead to a 72% decrease in the activity of cytochrome P4502C11. The results indicate that cytochrome P4502C11 metabolizes diclofenac into a highly reactive product that covalently binds to this enzyme before it can diffuse away and react with other proteins.

Covalent binding of acetaminophen to N-10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase in mice

The analgesic acetaminophen is frequently used as a model chemical to study hepatotoxicity; however, the critical mechanisms by which it produces toxicity within the cell are unknown. It has been postulated that covalent binding of a toxic metabolite to crucial proteins may inhibit vital cellular functions and may be responsible for, or contribute to, the hepatotoxicity. To further understand the importance of covalent binding in the toxicity, a major cytosolic acetaminophen-protein adduct of 100 kDa has been purified by a combination of anion exchange chromatography and preparative electrophoresis. N-Terminal and internal amino acid sequences of peptides from the purified 100-kDa acetaminophen-protein adduct were found to be homologous with the deduced amino amino acid sequence from the cDNA of N-10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase. Antiserum specific for N-10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase and acetaminophen react in a Western blot with the purified 100-kDa acetaminophen-protein adduct. Administration of a toxic dose of acetaminophen (400 mg/kg) to mice resulted in a 25% decrease in cytosolic N-10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase activity at 2 hr. The covalent binding of acetaminophen to proteins such as N-10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase and the subsequent decreases in their enzyme activity may play a role in acetaminophen hepatotoxicity.

UDP-glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase associates with endoplasmic reticulum chaperones and its activity is decreased in vivo by the inhalation anesthetic halothane

Halothane causes an idiosyncratic hepatitis that is thought to result, in part, from immune reactions against one or more lumenal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins that have been covalently modified by the trifluoroacetyl chloride metabolite of halothane. In this study, we have identified a 170 kDa protein target of halothane in the liver of rats. The 170 kDa protein was first detected when proteins in lysates of hepatocytes from halothane-treated rats were immunoprecipitated with antisera against several resident ER proteins. This 170 kDa protein was found to be associated with other protein targets of halothane, including protein disulfide isomerase, a protein disulfide isomerase isoform, a 59 kDa carboxylesterase, and 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein. Immunoblotting with antiserum directed against the trifluoroacetylated hapten indicated that the 170 kDa protein was trifluoroacetylated. Based upon its subcellular localization, molecular mass, N-terminal amino acid sequence, and antigenicity, the trifluoroacetylated 170 kDa protein was identified as UDP-glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase (UGGT), a lumenal ER protein that is thought to have a role in the folding of N-linked glycoproteins. Moreover, treatment of rats with halothane caused a 44% decrease in the activity of liver microsomal UGGT, and at least 36% of the change in the activity of the enzyme could be due to a decrease in the level of the protein. The results suggest that the function of UGGT in folding of N-linked glycoproteins may be affected by other resident ER proteins or xenobiotics such as halothane.

Synthesis and expression of the gene coding for noxiustoxin, a K+ channel-blocking peptide from the venom of the scorpion Centruroides noxius

A set of six synthetic overlapping oligonucleotides coding for noxiustoxin were coupled into a continuous DNA fragment by means of recursive polymerase chain reaction. The polymerase chain reaction product was digested with SalI and HindIII, ligated into the E, coli vector pCSP 105 and expressed as a fusion protein. The fusion protein was purified and digested with trypsin and the hydrolysis products were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Approximately 1.3 mg of recombinant noxiustoxin per liter of culture was obtained. Amino acid analysis and N-terminal amino acid sequence of the recombinant noxiustoxin confirmed the nucleotide sequence of the cloned DNA. Binding experiments using rat brain synaptosomal membranes revealed that recombinant noxiustoxin displaced bound radioactive native NTX with a similar efficiency to cold native noxiustoxin.

Identification of a novel hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein as the major allergen in Parthenium pollen

BACKGROUND

The airborne pollen of the Compositae weed, Parthenium hysterophorus, is a major cause of allergic rhinitis in the Indian subcontinent and in certain parts of the southern United States and western Australia. Earlier studies have identified a 31 kd protein as the major allergen in Parthenium pollen.

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to carry out the purification, immunochemical characterization, sequencing, and epitope analysis of this major allergen, designated as Par h I.

METHODS

The IgE-binding activity of the allergen was evaluated by immunoblot and inhibition ELISAs. Pronase digestion, periodate oxidation, and chemical deglycosylation were performed to determine the role of peptide and carbohydrate components of the allergen in IgE binding.

RESULTS

The data provide evidence for the involvement of carbohydrate moieties on Par h 1 in its IgE-binding ability. The N-terminal 91 amino acid sequence of Par h 1 shows 81% identity with a protein from sunflower anther, and the hydroxyproline-rich region of Par h 1 is 30% to 40% identical to similar stretches in extensins, a class of hydroxyproline-rich cell wall glycoproteins from different plant species. IgE antibodies in the sera of individuals allergic to Parthenium cross-reacted with a 50 kd hydroxyproline-arabinose-rich extensin precursor from potato tuber, and this binding was periodate-sensitive.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that a group of soluble plant glycoproteins, which are related to the ubiquitous extensins, have certain carbohydrate-containing IgE-binding epitopes that may contribute to allergenic cross-reactivity among specific pollens and foods.

The catalytic domain of Acanthamoeba myosin I heavy chain kinase. I. Identification and characterization following tryptic cleavage of the native enzyme

The actin-activated Mg2+-ATPase activities of the myosin I isoenzymes from Acanthamoeba castellanii are greatly increased by phosphorylation catalyzed by myosin I heavy chain kinase (MIHC kinase), a monomeric 97-kDa protein whose activity is greatly enhanced by acidic phospholipids and by autophosphorylation of multiple sites. In this paper, we show that the 35-kDa COOH-terminal fragment obtained by trypsin cleavage of maximally activated, autophosphorylated kinase retains the full activity and two to three of the autophosphorylation sites of the native enzyme. Other autophosphorylation sites occur in the middle third of the native enzyme. A trypsin cleavage site within the 35-kDa region is protected in phosphorylated kinase but is readily cleaved in unphosphorylated kinase producing catalytically inactive 25- and 11-kDa fragments from the NH2- and COOH-terminal ends, respectively, of the 35-kDa peptide. This implies that the conformation around the "25/11" cleavage site changes upon phosphorylation of the native enzyme. The position of this site corresponds to the activation loop of protein kinase A (see the accompanying paper: Brzeska, H., Szczepanowska, J., Hoey, J., and Korn, E. D. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 27056-27062). Exogenously added MIHC kinase phosphorylates the 11-kDa fragment, but not the 25-kDa fragment, indicating that the phosphorylation sites of the 35-kDa catalytic fragment are located within the COOH-terminal 11 kDa. The accompanying paper describes the cloning, sequencing, and expression of a fully active 35-kDa catalytic domain.

A novel acidic allergen, Hev b 5, in latex. Purification, cloning and characterization

Latex allergy is recognized as a serious health problem among health care workers and children with spina bifida. A number of IgE-reactive proteins have been identified in natural and processed latex products. One of the most acidic proteins in the cytoplasm of lacticifer cells of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) is demonstrated to be a potent allergen in eliciting allergic reactions in humans. This protein, with pI = 3.5, has a molecular mass of 16 kDa with a blocked N terminus and an unusual amino acid composition. This acidic protein was found in extracts prepared from latex gloves, which were shown to be allergenic. The purified protein elicits histamine release from human basophils passively sensitized with serum from latex-allergic individuals in a dose-dependent manner. From a latex cDNA library, the cDNA coding for this protein was isolated and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence shows a high degree of homology to another acidic protein identified in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa var. deliciosa). The sequence homology (47% sequence identity) between these two acidic proteins suggests a molecular explanation for the high frequency of fruit hypersensitivity in latex-allergic patients.

Two novel alpha-neurotoxins isolated from the taipan snake, Oxyuranus scutellatus, exhibit reduced affinity for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in brain and skeletal muscle

Three novel toxic peptides were purified to homogeneity from the venom of the Australian taipan snake, Oxyuranus scutellatus scutellatus. On the basis of complete amino acid sequence analyses, two of these toxins belong to the family of short-chain alpha-neurotoxins found in elapid and hydrophid snake venoms and are the first postsynaptic neurotoxins identified in taipan venom. Radioligand binding studies confirm that taipan toxins 1 and 2 inhibit the binding of [125I]-alpha-bungarotoxin to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in skeletal muscle with IC50 values of 2.4-2.5 nM but are 5-fold less potent in this assay than alpha-bungarotoxin or the two short-chain alpha-neurotoxins erabutoxin a and erabutoxin b. Taipan toxins 1 and 2 do not antagonize [125I]-alpha-bungarotoxin binding to central neuronal nicotinic receptors at concentrations up to 3 microM. We find that erabutoxin a and erabutoxin b do inhibit the binding of [125I]-alpha-bungarotoxin to central neuronal nicotinic receptors but are over 350-fold less potent than long-chain alpha-neurotoxins at these receptors. The novel alpha-neurotoxins from taipan venom do not inhibit the binding of [3H]nicotine to high-affinity nicotine receptors in brain, a property they share with alpha-bungarotoxin and the erabutoxins. The results demonstrate that at least two neuromuscular junction-blocking peptides are present in taipan venom. Nonconservative substitutions at position 32 in both taipan toxin 1 and 2 may be responsible for the observed decreases in affinities of the toxins of 5-fold for muscle receptors (compared to alpha-bungarotoxin) and over 10-fold for alpha-bungarotoxin-sensitive nicotinic receptors in brain (compared to the structurally similar short-chain alpha-neurotoxins erabutoxin a and erabutoxin b).