A Peptide-Based Oscillator

Living organisms are replete with rhythmic and oscillatory behavior at all levels, to the extent that oscillations have been termed as a defining attribute of life. Recent studies of synthetic oscillators that mimic such functions have shown decayed cycles in batch-mode reactions or sustained oscillatory kinetics under flow conditions. Considering the hypothesized functionality of peptides in early chemical evolution and their central role in current bio-nanotechnology, we now reveal a peptide-based oscillator. Oscillatory behavior was achieved by coupling coiled-coil-based replication processes as positive feedback to controlled initiation and inhibition pathways in a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR). Our results stress that assembly into the supramolecular structure and specific interactions with the replication substrates are crucial for oscillations. The replication-inhibition processes were first studied in batch mode, which produced a single damped cycle. Thereafter, combined experimental and theoretical characterization of the replication process in a CSTR under different flow and environmental (pH, redox) conditions demonstrated reasonably sustained oscillations. We propose that studies in this direction might pave the way to the design of robust oscillation networks that mimic the autonomous behavior of proteins in cells (e.g., in the cyanobacterial circadian clock) and hence hint at feasible pathways that accelerated the transition from simple peptides to extant enzymes.

Dynamic exchange controls the assembly structure of nucleic-acid-peptide chimeras

Recent attempts to develop the next generation of functional biomaterials focus on systems chemistry approaches exploiting dynamic networks of hybrid molecules. This task is often found challenging, but we herein present ways for profiting from the multiple interaction interfaces forming Nucleic-acid-Peptide assemblies and tuning their formation. We demonstrate that the formation of well-defined structures by double-stranded DNA-peptide conjugates (dsCon) is restricted to a specific range of environmental conditions and that precise DNA hybridization, satisfying the interaction interfaces, is a crucial factor in this process. We further reveal the impact of external stimuli, such as competing free DNA elements or salt additives, which initiate dynamic interconversions, resulting in hybrid structures exhibiting spherical and fibrillar domains or a mixture of spherical and fibrillar particles. This extensive analysis of the co-assembly systems chemistry offers new insights into prebiotic hybrid assemblies that may now facilitate the design of new functional materials. We discuss the implications of these findings for the emergence of function in synthetic materials and during early chemical evolution.

Dynamic Surface Layer Coiled Coil Proteins Processing Analog-to-Digital Information

Surface layer proteins perform multiple functions in prokaryotic cells, including cellular defense, cell-shape maintenance, and regulation of import and export of materials. However, mimicking the complex and dynamic behavior of such two-dimensional biochemical systems is challenging, and hence research has so far focused mainly on the design and manipulation of the structure and functionality of protein assemblies in solution. Motivated by the new opportunities that dynamic surface layer proteins may offer for modern technology, we herein demonstrate that immobilization of coiled coil proteins onto an inorganic surface facilitates complex behavior, manifested by reversible chemical reactions that can be rapidly monitored as digital surface readouts. Using multiple chemical triggers as inputs and several surface characteristics as outputs, we can realize reversible switching and logic gate operations that are read in parallel. Moreover, using the same coiled coil protein monolayers for derivatization of nanopores drilled into silicon nitride membranes facilitates control over ion and mass transport through the pores, thereby expanding the applicability of the dynamic coiled coil system for contemporary stochastic biosensing applications.

Functional Assemblies Emerging in Complex Mixtures of Peptides and Nucleic Acid-Peptide Chimeras

Striking synergy between nucleic acids and proteins is exhibited in living cells. Whether such mutual activity can be performed using simple supramolecular nucleic acid-peptide (NA-pep) architectures remains a mystery. To shed light on this question, we studied the emergence of a primitive synergy in assemblies of short DNA-peptide chimeras. Specifically, we characterized multiple structures forming along gradual mixing trajectory, in which a peptide solution was seeded with increasing amounts of NA-pep chimeras. We report on the systematic change from β-sheet-peptide-based fibrillar architectures into the spherical structures formed by the conjugates. Remarkably, we find that through forming onion-like structures, the conjugates exhibit increased DNA hybridization stability and bind small molecules more efficiently than the peptides or DNA alone. A brief discussion highlights the implications of our findings for the production of new materials and for research on the origin of life.

Introducing charge transfer functionality into prebiotically relevant β-sheet peptide fibrils

Incorporation of naphthalene diimide moieties as side chains of short amphiphilic peptide results in the formation of fibrils that exhibit substantial intermolecular π-stacking interactions. These interactions can be manipulated without affecting the structure. The new system is suggested as a first step towards functional self-synthesizing materials.

Robustness of synthetic circadian clocks to multiple environmental changes

A molecular network that mimics circadian clocks from cyanobacteria is constructed in silico. Simulating its oscillatory behaviour under variable conditions reveals its robustness relative to networks of alternative topologies. The principles for synthetic chemical circadian networks to work properly are consequently highlighted.

Structures of Escherichia coli tryptophanase in holo and 'semi-holo' forms

Two crystal forms of Escherichia coli tryptophanase (tryptophan indole-lyase, Trpase) were obtained under the same crystallization conditions. Both forms belonged to the same space group P43212 but had slightly different unit-cell parameters. The holo crystal form, with pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) bound to Lys270 of both polypeptide chains in the asymmetric unit, diffracted to 2.9 Å resolution. The second crystal form diffracted to 3.2 Å resolution. Of the two subunits in the asymmetric unit, one was found in the holo form, while the other appeared to be in the apo form in a wide-open conformation with two sulfate ions bound in the vicinity of the active site. The conformation of all holo subunits is the same in both crystal forms. The structures suggest that Trpase is flexible in the apo form. Its conformation partially closes upon binding of PLP. The closed conformation might correspond to the enzyme in its active state with both cofactor and substrate bound in a similar way as in tyrosine phenol-lyase.

Dynamic combinatorial libraries of artificial repeat proteins

Repeat proteins are found in almost all cellular systems, where they are involved in diverse molecular recognition processes. Recent studies have suggested that de novo designed repeat proteins may serve as universal binders, and might potentially be used as practical alternative to antibodies. We describe here a novel chemical methodology for producing small libraries of repeat proteins, and screening in parallel the ligand binding of library members. The first stage of this research involved the total synthesis of a consensus-based three-repeat tetratricopeptide (TPR) protein (~14 kDa), via sequential attachment of the respective peptides. Despite the effectiveness of the synthesis and ligation steps, this method was found to be too demanding for the production of proteins containing variable number of repeats. Additionally, the analysis of binding of the individual proteins was time consuming. Therefore, we designed and prepared novel dynamic combinatorial libraries (DCLs), and show that their equilibration can facilitate the formation of TPR proteins containing up to eight repeating units. Interestingly, equilibration of the library building blocks in the presence of the biologically relevant ligands, Hsp90 and Hsp70, induced their oligomerization into forming more of the proteins with large recognition surfaces. We suggest that this work presents a novel simple and rapid tool for the simultaneous screening of protein mixtures with variable binding surfaces, and for identifying new binders for ligands of interest.

Structural insights into cold inactivation of tryptophanase and cold adaptation of subtilisin S41

A wide variety of enzymes can undergo a reversible loss of activity at low temperature, a process that is termed cold inactivation. This phenomenon is found in oligomeric enzymes such as tryptophanase (Trpase) and other pyridoxal phosphate dependent enzymes. On the other hand, cold-adapted, or psychrophilic enzymes, isolated from organisms able to thrive in permanently cold environments, have optimal activity at low temperature, which is associated with low thermal stability. Since cold inactivation may be considered "contradictory" to cold adaptation, we have looked into the amino acid sequences and the crystal structures of two families of enzymes, subtilisin and tryptophanase. Two cold adapted subtilisins, S41 and subtilisin-like protease from Vibrio, were compared to a mesophilic and a thermophilic subtilisins, as well as to four PLP-dependent enzymes in order to understand the specific surface residues, specific interactions, or any other molecular features that may be responsible for the differences in their tolerance to cold temperatures. The comparison between the psychrophilic and the mesophilic subtilisins revealed that the cold adapted subtilisins have a high content of acidic residues mainly found on their surface, making it charged. The analysis of the Trpases showed that they have a high content of hydrophobic residues on their surface. Thus, we suggest that the negatively charged residues on the surface of the subtilisins may be responsible for their cold adaptation, whereas the hydrophobic residues on the surface of monomeric Trpase molecules are responsible for the tetrameric assembly, and may account for their cold inactivation and dissociation.

The structure of apo tryptophanase fromEscherichia colireveals a wide-open conformation

The crystal structure of apo tryptophanase from Escherichia coli (space group F222, unit-cell parameters a = 118.4, b = 120.1, c = 171.2 A) was determined at 1.9 A resolution using the molecular-replacement method and refined to an R factor of 20.3% (R(free) = 23.2%). The structure revealed a significant shift in the relative orientation of the domains compared with both the holo form of Proteus vulgaris tryptophanase and with another crystal structure of apo E. coli tryptophanase, reflecting the internal flexibility of the molecule. Domain shifts were previously observed in tryptophanase and in the closely related enzyme tyrosine phenol-lyase, with the holo form found in an open conformation and the apo form in either an open or a closed conformation. Here, a wide-open conformation of the apo form of tryptophanase is reported. A conformational change is also observed in loop 297-303. The structure contains a hydrated Mg(2+) at the cation-binding site and a Cl(-) ion at the subunit interface. The enzyme activity depends on the nature of the bound cation, with smaller ions serving as inhibitors. It is hypothesized that this effect arises from variations of the coordination geometry of the bound cation.

Intrinsic fluorescence polarization of amniotic fluid: II. Toward a noninvasive method for the determination of fetal lung maturity

The present study compares two methods for the determination of fetal lung maturity: the novel intrinsic fluorescence polarization ratio (IFPR) and the commercial TDx-FLMII. Amniotic fluid (AF) samples were collected from 69 women during the second and third trimesters of singleton pregnancies. Thirty-three samples were tested for IFPR only after centrifugation, and the rest were examined both before and after centrifugation. Of the latter 33 samples, 29 were assessed for lung maturity with the TDx-FLMII method as well. The results showed that IFPR values decreased with the advance in gestational age (r = 0.77, p < 0.05, n = 69). A significant correlation was found between IFPR of centrifuged and noncentrifuged samples (r = 0.94, p < 0.05, n = 36). A significant correlation was demonstrated between IFPR and TDx-FLMII values of centrifuged (r = 0.75, p < 0.05, n = 29) and noncentrifuged (r = 0.63, p < 0.05, n = 29) samples and moreover, samples considered mature by TDx-FLMII had low values of IFPR (n = 10). It can be concluded that the IFPR method can utilize noncentrifuged AF, thus suggested as a potential noninvasive method.

Membrane-catalyzed nucleotide exchange on DnaA. Effect of surface molecular crowding

DnaA is the initiator protein for chromosomal replication in bacteria; its activity plays a central role in the timing of the primary initiations within the Escherichia coli cell cycle. A controlled, reversible conversion between the active ATP-DnaA and the inactive ADP forms modulates this activity. In a DNA-dependent manner, bound ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP. Acidic phospholipids with unsaturated fatty acids are capable of reactivating ADP-DnaA by promoting the release of the tightly bound ADP. The nucleotide dissociation kinetics, measured in the present study with the fluorescent derivative 3'-O-(N-methylantraniloyl)-5'-adenosine triphosphate, was dependent on the density of DnaA on the membrane in a cooperative manner: it increased 5-fold with decreased protein density. At all surface densities the nucleotide was completely released, presumably due to protein exchange on the membrane. Distinct temperature dependences and the effect of the crowding agent Ficoll suggest that two functional states of DnaA exist at high and low membrane occupancy, ascribed to local macromolecular crowding on the membrane surface. These novel phenomena are thought to play a major role in the mechanism regulating the initiation of chromosomal replication in bacteria.

Nephrotoxicity of uranyl acetate: effect on rat kidney brush border membrane vesicles

Since the Gulf war exposure to depleted uranium, a known nephrotoxic agent, there is a renewed interest in the toxic effects of uranium in general and its mechanism of nephrotoxicity which is still largely unknown in particular. In order to investigate the mechanism responsible for uranium nephrotoxicity and the therapeutic effect of urine alkalization, we utilized rat renal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV). Uranyl acetate (UA) caused a decrease in glucose transport in BBMV. The apparent K (i) of uranyl was 139+/-30 microg uranyl/mg protein of BBMV. Uranyl at 140 microg/mg protein of BBMV reduced the maximal capacity of the system to transport glucose [V (max) 2.2+/-0.2 and 0.96+/-0.16 nmol/mg protein for control and uranyl treated BBMV (P<0.001), respectively] with no effect on the apparent K (m) (1.54+/-0.33 and 1.54+/-0.51 mM for control, and uranyl treated BBMV, respectively). This reduction in V(max) is at least partially due to a decrease in the number of sodium-coupled glucose transporters as apparent from the reduction in phlorizin binding to the uranyl treated membranes, V (max) was reduced from 247+/-13 pmol/mg protein in control BBMV to 119+/-3 pmol/mg protein in treated vesicles (P<0.001). The pH of the medium has a profound effect on the toxicity of UA on sodium-coupled glucose transport in BBMV: higher toxicity at neutral pH (around pH 7.0), and practically no toxicity at alkaline pH (7.6). This is the first report showing a direct inhibitory dose and pH dependent effect of uranyl on the glucose transport system in isolated apical membrane from kidney cortex.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the apo form of Escherichia coli tryptophanase

Tryptophanase from Escherichia coli is a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent homotetrametic enzyme with a subunit weight of 52 kDa. It has been crystallized in the apo form by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method using polyethylene glycol 400 as a precipitant and magnesium chloride as an additive. The crystals belong to the orthorhombic space group F222, with unit-cell parameters a = 118.4, b = 120.1, c = 171.2 A. A 97.8% complete data set to 1.9 A resolution was collected at a rotating-anode source from a single frozen crystal. Packing-density considerations agree with a monomer in the asymmetric unit with a solvent content of 55%. Tryptophanase mutants W330F and Y74F were crystallized under the same conditions and the crystals diffracted to a resolution limit of 1.9 A. Data sets of wild-type crystals soaked with L-tryptophan or pyridoxal phosphate were collected, as well as of Y74F mutant soaked with both.

Intrinsic fluorescence polarization of amniotic fluid: evaluation of human fetal lung maturity

This article reports a novel approach for the evaluation of fetal lung maturity based on fluorescence polarization (FP). The technique determines the intrinsic fluorescence polarization ratio (IFPR) of the amniotic fluid (AF). In vitro measurements of the IFPR indicate a clear dichotomy: high values for young pregnancies and low values for mature pregnancies. The new method has the potential to be a noninvasive procedure because the excitation of the AF and the collection of its fluorescence emission can be performed through the intact cervical amniotic membranes.

On the regulatory role of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (=CD=adenosine deaminase complexing protein) on adenosine deaminase activity

The molecular mechanism controlling the variable activity of the malignancy marker adenosine deaminase (ADA) is enigmatic. ADA activity was found to be modulated by the membrane-bound adenosine deaminase complexing protein (CP=DPPIV=CD26). The role of lipid-protein interactions in this modulation was sought. While direct solubilization of ADA in vesicles resulted in loss of ADA activity, the binding of ADA to CP reconstituted in vesicles restored the specific activity. The activity of ADA, free or bound to CP in solution, resulted in continuous linear Arrhenius plots. However, ADA bound to reconstituted CP exhibited two breaks associated with approximately 30% increased activity, at 25 and 13 degrees C, yielding three lines with similar apparent activation energies (E(a)). Continuum solvent model calculations of the free energy of transfer of the transmembrane helix of CP from the aqueous phase into membranes of various widths show that the most favorable orientations of the helix above and below the main phase transition may be different. We suggest that the 20% change in the thickness of the bilayer below and above the main phase transition may modify the orientation of CP in the membrane, thereby affecting substrate accessibility of ADA. This could account for ADA's reduced activity associated with increased membrane fluidity in transformed vs. normal fibroblasts.

Nature of Interaction between basic fibroblast growth factor and the antiangiogenic drug 7,7-(carbonyl-bis[imino-N-methyl-4,2-pyrrolecarbonylimino[N-methyl-4,2-pyrrole]-carbonylimino])-bis-(1,3-naphtalene disulfonate). II. Removal of polar interactions affects protein folding

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (basic FGF), a potent inducer of angiogenesis, and the naphthalene sulfonic distamycin A derivative, 7,7-(carbonyl-bis[imino-N-methyl-4,2-pyrrolecarbonylimino[N-methyl-4,2-pyrrole]-carbonylimino])-bis-(1,3-naphtalene disulfonate) (PNU145156E), which exhibits in vivo antiangiogenic activity, form a tight reversible (1:1) complex. PNU145156E binds to the heparin and the selenate-binding sites on bFGF. The cis bFGF-heparin (2:1) complex, essential for the activation of the angiogenic process, is thus prevented. The nature of the forces involved in bFGF:PNU145156E complex, using the wild-type and the K128Q, K138Q, K134Q, and K128Q-K138Q point mutated bFGFs was sought. Based on thermodynamic analysis of the complexation constants, protein temperature stability profiles by ultraviolet absorption, circular dichroism measurements, fluorescence Förster energy-transfer, and anisotropy studies, in harmony with the published x-ray crystallographic structure, the following molecular interactions are proposed: reduced coulombic interactions, hence loosening of the complex by the removal of charged polar groups from the bFGF-heparin binding cleft resulted in decreased binding constants and in a change in the binding mode from polar to nonpolar. Concomitantly, upon mutation, the protein was rendered more compact, less flexible, and less aqueously exposed compared with the wild type. These were further pronounced with the double mutant: weaker dominantly nonpolar protein-drug interactions were accompanied by conspicuous folding. With heparin, however, wild-type bFGF forms a tighter complex with a more compact structure.

Cold-induced enzyme inactivation: how does cooling lead to pyridoxal phosphate-aldimine bond cleavage in tryptophanase?

The phenomenon of cold scission or cold lability, which entails a widespread variety of oligomeric enzymes, is still enigmatic. The effect of cooling on the activity and the quaternary structure of the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme, tryptophanase (Tnase), was studied utilizing single photon counting time-resolved spectrofluorometry. Upon cooling of holo-wild-type (wt) Tnase and its W330F mutant from 25 degrees C to 2 degrees C, a reduction in PLP fluorescence lifetime and rotational correlation time as well as inactivation and dissociation from tetramers to dimers were observed for both enzymes. Fluorescence anisotropy invariably decreased as a consequence of cooling, whether it was accompanied by a slight decrease in activity without significant dissociation, or by a substantial decrease in activity that was associated with either a partial or major dissociation. These results support the suggested conformational change that precedes the PLP-aldimine bond scission. It is proposed that cold inactivation is initiated by the weakening of hydrophobic interactions, leading to conformational changes which are the driving force for the aldimine bond cleavage.

Cyclooxygenase inhibitors suppress inhibitory effect of PGE2 on Na-K-ATPase in MDCK cells

In a previous work, we showed that picomolar concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibit Na-K-ATPase activity and ouabain binding in a clone of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that the inhibitory effects of PGE2 on Na-K-ATPase activity, ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake, and ouabain binding in MDCK cells were diminished by treatment of the cells with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These results suggested that products of arachidonic acid synthesized through the cyclooxygenase pathway are involved in the inhibitory mechanism of PGE2. Treatment of the cells with arachidonic acid resulted in inhibition of ouabain binding, and the inhibition was eliminated by cyclooxygenase inhibitors. These observations further support the involvement of cyclooxygenase products in the PGE2-induced inhibitory process. Finally, we demonstrated that dopamine inhibits Rb+ influx and ouabain binding in MDCK cells similarly to PGE2. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors suppressed the inhibition of ouabain binding by dopamine, thus also suggesting the involvement of cyclooxygenase products in the inhibitory effect of dopamine.

Cystine loading induces Fanconi's syndrome in rats: in vivo and vesicle studies

To better understand the link between lysosomal cystine accumulation and the renal impairment seen in cystinosis, we have studied the effect of cystine loading in vivo, on renal function of rats, and in brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) prepared from the kidney cortex of the treated rats. Intraperitoneal injection of cystine dimethyl ester (CDME) (400 mumol, twice a day, for 5 days) led to an increased urine volume and excretion of glucose, phosphate, and protein. Kinetic analysis of alpha-methylglucoside initial flux in BBMV showed reduction in maximal transport capacity (Vmax, from 10.1 +/- 1.3 to 8.5 +/- 0.7 nmol.min-1.mg protein-1; P < 0.01) with no change in Michaelis constant (Km, 4.80 +/- 0.08 and 4.90 +/- 0.05 mM). The number of phlorizin binding sites declined (from 6.5 +/- 0.7 to 4.1 +/- 0.4 pmol/mg protein; P < 0.01) with no significant change in the affinity for phlorizin (0.64 +/- 0.08 and 0.59 +/- 0.06 microM). In the cortex homogenate, cystine concentration, which was undetectable in controls, increased to 0.97 +/- 0.09 nmol 1/2 cystine/mg protein. Two hours after CDME administration, ATP content declined to approximately 50% of control values. This decline was transient, and ATP content was recovered to control values 5 h after CDME administration. The treatment did not affect ouabain-sensitive adenosinetriphosphatase activity (40.0 +/- 3.9 and 38.6 +/- 4.7 nmol Pi.mg protein-1.min-1) or the number and affinity of ouabain binding sites (Bmax = 1.48 +/- 0.25 and 1.44 +/- 0.18 pmol/mg, and Kd = 0.68 +/- 0.09 and 0.72 +/- 0.12 microM, respectively). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

PGE2 inhibits Na-K-ATPase activity and ouabain binding in MDCK cells

In the present study we report on a direct effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on ouabain binding and Na-K-adenosinetriphosphatase (Na-K-ATPase) activity in a clone of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, a renal cell line with collecting duct properties. Incubation of the cells with low concentrations (pM) of PGE2 produced a concomitant reduction of approximately 50% in the activity of Na-K-ATPase in the cell homogenate and in ouabain binding to the intact cells (half-maximal inhibition of approximately 0.1 pM). The inhibition was apparent within 10 min of preincubation of the cells with PGE2. Scatchard analysis of the binding demonstrated that the treatment with PGE2 reduced the number of ouabain binding sites without a change in the dissociation constant. PGE1 and PGF2 alpha (10 nM) did not affect ouabain binding or Na-K-ATPase activity. The fast, potent, and specific effect of PGE2 suggests that the diuretic/natriuretic effect of prostaglandins of the E series in the collecting tubule, in addition to the interference with the activity of arginine vasopressin, may result from a direct reduction in the number of the Na-K-ATPase active units, via a prostaglandin receptor.

Cystine dimethyl ester reduces the forces driving sodium-dependent transport in LLC-PK1 cells

Cystinosis is an inherited metabolic disease characterized by accumulation of lysosomal cystine and renal impairment. In an attempt to better understand the link between cystine accumulation and renal functions, we studied the effects of cystine loading on the Na(+)-H+ antiporter and the sodium pump in renal epithelial cells (LLC-PK1) in culture. Incubation of LLC-PK1 with 1 mM cystine dimethyl ester (CDME) for 48 h caused lysosomal cystine loading and reduced by 22 +/- 2% the maximal velocity of sodium-hydrogen antiport with no significant change in the affinity of sodium for the transporter. Rubidium influx decreased to 46 +/- 5% of control. Ouabain binding experiments revealed a 10% reduction in the number of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase units in the intact cells. Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in the particulate fraction of the cells homogenate declined to 50 +/- 7.5% of controls. No significant change was observed in the activity of ouabain-insensitive phosphatases. The intracellular concentration of sodium increased from 20.6 +/- 3.7 to 64.8 +/- 10 mM, and potassium concentration decreased from 103 +/- 6 to 80 +/- 13 mM. In addition to the observed reduction in the sodium gradient and in agreement with the reduction in the intracellular potassium concentration, the membrane potential changed from -80.8 +/- 7.5 to -69.9 +/- 7.0 mV. The results suggest that intracellular accumulation of cystine is associated with reduction in the number and the activity of membrane transporters. The consequence of the changes in the activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase is a reduction in the electrochemical forces that drive transport in the renal cells tested.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prostaglandin E2 can bimodally inhibit and stimulate the epididymal adipocyte adenylyl cyclase activity

Measurements of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced adenylyl cyclase activity in membranes isolated from epididymal rat adipocytes revealed inhibition of cAMP production at low concentrations of PGE2 (less than 10 mM) and stimulation at higher concentrations. This biphasic effect of PGE2 was obtained when adenylyl cyclase was stimulated with GTP or NaF. In the presence of forskolin only the inhibitory phase by PGE2 was observed. Sulprostone, a PGE2 analogue, did not affect cAMP synthesis in the presence of either GTP or NaF; however, in the presence of forskolin, it inhibited cAMP production similarly to PGE2. Treatment of the membranes with cholera or pertussis toxin did not alter the biphasic effect of PGE2 on cAMP production. These findings raise the possibility that PGE2 acts through several receptor subtypes which are coupled to GTP binding proteins different from the classical Gi or Gs proteins.

Fatty acid binding protein (FABP) modulates prostaglandin E binding to rat epididymal adipocyte membrane similarly to albumin

Albumin enhances prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) binding to isolated epididymal adipocyte membrane and also binds PGE2 with low affinity. On the other hand, S-100, ovalbumin and albumin-stearate failed to bind PGE2, as shown by ultrafiltration, and also failed to enhance PGE2 binding to the isolated adipocyte membranes. These results suggested that albumin enhances PGE2 binding possibly by serving as a carrier for the prostaglandin molecules. 3 mM warfarin or 1 mM phenylbutazone inhibited PGE2 binding to albumin by 70% and 95%, respectively, but both drugs failed to affect the enhancement of PGE2 binding to the isolated adipocyte membrane in the presence of albumin. These results exclude the possibility that PGE2 bound to albumin is more accessible to the prostaglandin receptor than free PGE2 in solution. Finally it is shown that fatty acid binding protein (FABP), a cytosolic protein which binds specifically PGE1 but not PGE2, enhances PGE1 and PGE2 binding to isolated adipocyte membranes similarly to albumin. The physiological implications of these findings are discussed.

Biphasic effect of sodium fluoride and guanyl nucleotides on binding to prostaglandin E2 receptors in rat epididymal adipocyte membranes

Both NaCl and NaF promoted PGE2 binding to epididymal adipocyte membranes by apparent increase in the binding affinity. In order to distinguish between the effect of fluoride and the 'salt effect' of sodium on PGE2 binding, the effects of Mg2+ and guanyl nucleotides on PGE2 binding in the presence of NaCl or NaF were compared. Mg2+ decreased PGE2 binding; high NaF concentration abolished this inhibition, while increased NaCl concentrations did not affect the Mg2+ inhibition. In the presence of Mg2+ the effects of NaCl and NaF were additive. The enhancement of PGE2 binding by fluoride, unlike sodium, was dependent on the presence of Mg2+. Incubation of the membranes with GDP beta S, Gpp(NH)p, GTP or GTP gamma S increased PGE2 binding. Gradual increase in NaF concentrations in the presence of guanyl nucleotides resulted in stimulation of PGE2 binding at low NaF concentrations and inhibition of PGE2 binding at high NaF concentrations. No changes in the stimulatory action of NaCl on PGE2 binding were observed in the simultaneous presence of NaCl and guanyl nucleotides. A biphasic effect on PGE2 binding was observed with a wide concentration range of guanyl nucleotides. Treatment of the isolated membranes with cholera or pertussis toxins stimulated the adenylyl cyclase activity of the membranes, but failed to influence PGE2 binding. The implications of these findings are discussed.