Ultrasound-enhanced interfacial adsorption and inactivation of soy trypsin inhibitors

In this study, liquid-liquid interfacial protein adsorption was proposed as a means of inactivating soy trypsin inhibitors (TIs, including Kunitz (KTI) and Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBI)). Hexane-water was first selected as a model system to compare three emulsification methods (hand shaking, rotor-stator and ultrasound mixing). Ultrasound could generate the smallest and least polydisperse emulsion droplets, resulting in highest interfacial adsorption amount of KTI and BBI as well as the highest inactivation percentage of TIs (p < 0.05). Therefore, ultrasound was selected to further explore the effect of the non-aqueous phase on interfacial adsorption and inactivation kinetics of TIs in a food emulsion system containing vegetable oil (VTO). The adsorption amounts of KTI and BBI in the VTO-aqueous emulsion increased by ∼ 25 % compared to the hexane-aqueous emulsion. In addition, the adsorption amounts of KTI and BBI were rapidly increased as a function of sonication time, especially for the hexane-aqueous emulsion system. This result suggests that such inactivation of TIs could be implemented in continuous systems for large-scale processing. Finally, the pathways of interface-induced inactivation of BBI and KTI were investigated based on separate experiments on individual BBI and KTI systems. The results showed that the interface adsorption caused the changes in the secondary and tertiary structure of KTI that led to its activitation. However, BBI was quite stable at the liquid-liquid interface without significant conformational change. Overall, ultrasound-assisted interfacial adsorption can be considered a rapid and highly efficient method to inactivate KTI.

Larval development and proteolytic activity of Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) exposed to different soybean protease inhibitors

Anticarsia gemmatalis represents a relevant factor for lowering soybean and other legume crop productivities. Protease inhibitors affect protein degradation and reduce the availability of amino acids, impairing the development and survival of insect pests. To evaluate the possible use of proteinaceous protease inhibitors in the management of this pest, the activities of midgut proteases and the growth and development of A. gemmatalis larvae exposed to soybean Bowman-Birk trypsin-chymotrypsin inhibitor (SBBI) and soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (SKTI) were determined. The survival curves obtained using Kaplan-Meier estimators indicated that SKTI and SBBI stimulated larval survival. However, the development of A. gemmatalis was delayed, and prepupal weight decreased in the presence of both inhibitors. The results showed that SKTI and SBBI inhibited the trypsin-like and total proteolytic activities of larvae on the 12th day after eclosion. On the 15th day after eclosion, larvae exposed to SKTI increased the activities of trypsin and total proteases. Although SKTI and SBBI did not affect the survival of the insect, they had effects on midgut proteases in a stage wherein A. gemmatalis fed voraciously, increased the larval cycle, and decreased prepupal weight. These findings provide baseline information about the potential of proteinaceous protease inhibitors to manage the velvetbean caterpillar, avoiding chemical pesticides.

Purification of lectin and Kunitz trypsin inhibitor from soya seeds

The search for potent and selective therapeutic agents is progressing by the study of natural compounds in plants. Plant-derived macromolecules are considered emerging therapeutic agents and an alternative to synthetic and small molecule drugs. Where it has long been known that plants possess medicinal properties, the compounds responsible for their action are in many cases still unknown: often only whole crude plant extracts or fractionated extracts are tested for the ability to inhibit common pathogens. Here, we present a fast protein liquid chromatography method for the separation of crude plant proteins. Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI; 24.2 kDa) and lectin (31 kDa) were purified from Glycine max by liquid extraction followed by ion exchange column chromatography. The need for serial chromatographic separation steps has been eliminated by introducing more complex elution profiles hence reducing cost, time and improving recovery. The identity of KTI-A and lectin was confirmed by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS). Cell proliferation assays using B16F1 melanoma cells revealed that both KTI and the monomeric lectin retained some antiproliferative activity. This method could be useful for rapid and cost-effective purification of bioactive compounds from plant material.

Soybean whey protein/chitosan complex behavior and selective recovery of kunitz trypsin inhibitor

Proteins in soybean whey were separated by Tricine-SDS-PAGE and identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS. In addition to β-amylase, soybean agglutinin (SBA), and Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI), a 12 kDa band was found to have an amino acid sequence similar to that of Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor (BBI) and showed both trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor activities. The complex behavior of soybean whey proteins (SWP) with chitosan (Ch) as a function of pH and protein to polysaccharide ratio (RSWP/Ch) was studied by turbidimetric titration and SDS-PAGE. During pH titration, the ratio of zeta potentials (absolute values) for proteins to chitosan (|ZSWP|/ZCh) at the initial point of phase separation (pHφ1) was equal to the reciprocal of their mass ratio (SWP/Ch), revealing that the electric neutrality conditions were fulfilled. The maximum protein recovery (32%) was obtained at RSWP/Ch = 4:1 and pH 6.3, whereas at RSWP/Ch = 20:1 and pH 5.5, chitosan consumption was the lowest (0.196 g Ch/g recovered proteins). In the protein-chitosan complex, KTI and the 12 kDa protein were higher in content than SBA and β-amylase. However, if soybean whey was precentrifuged to remove aggregated proteins and interacted with chitosan at the conditions of SWP/Ch = 100:1, pH 4.8, and low ionic strength, KTI was found to be selectively complexed. After removal of chitosan at pH 10, a high-purity KTI (90% by SEC-HPLC) could be obtained.

Isolation and Primary Structure of Proteinase Inhibitors fromErythrina variegata(LINN.) var.OrientalisSeeds

The Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitors, ETIa and ETIb, and chymotrypsin inhibitor ECI were isolated from the seeds of Erythrina variegata. The proteins were extracted from a defatted meal of seeds with 10 mM phosphate buffer, pH 7.2, containing 0.15 M NaCl, and purified by DEAE-cellulose and Q-Sepharose column chromatographies. The stoichiometry of trypsin inhibitors with trypsin was estimated to be 1:1, while that of chymotrypsin inhibitor with chymotrypsin was 1:2, judging from the titration patterns of their inhibitory activities. The complete amino acids of the two trypsin inhibitors were sequenced by protein chemical methods. The proteins ETIa and ETIb consist of 172 and 176 amino acid residues and have M(r) 19,242 and M(r) 19,783, respectively, and share 112 identical amino acid residues, which is 65% identity. They show structural features characteristic of the Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor (i.e., identical residues at about 45% with soybean trypsin inhibitor STI). Furthermore, the trypsin inhibitors show a significant homology to the storage proteins, sporamin, in sweet potato and the taste-modifying protein, miraculin, in miracle fruit, having about 30% identical residues.

Prevention of cancer and inflammation by soybean protease inhibitors

Several plant-based nutrients and non-nutrients that can inhibit mutagenesis and cell proliferation have been identified. Some of the most promising compounds identified as chemopreventive and anti-metastatic agents include soybean-derived protease inhibitors (PIs), Bowman-Birk Inhibitor (BBI) and Kunitz-Trypsin Inhibitor (KTI). A growing body of evidence suggests that BBI could act as anti-carcinogenic agent and KTI is considered to prevent cancer invasion and metastasis. These inhibitors are non-toxic, are of low cost and can be taken orally or as a part of the daily diet. PIs are undergoing investigation in the clinical setting as potential agents for chemoprevention and anti-metastasis. A complex scenario about the interaction between PIs and cell signaling has been emerging. Soybean PIs are not just anti-proteolytic proteins, but can also be modulators of cell signal transduction. Cancer and inflammatory treatment strategies modulating signal transduction need further investigation.

[Effects of soybean trypsinase inhibitor and defense signaling compounds on detoxification enzymes in Spodoptera litura (F.) larvae]

In a long history of interactions between insects and plants, plants have developed various anti-insect compounds and defense signaling transduction pathways to defend against herbivorous insects, while insects have responded with sophisticated detoxification enzyme systems to protect against the toxicity of anti-insect compounds. In this study, the 2nd or 3rd instar of Spodoptera litura larvae were successively fed with the diets containing 0.5% soybean trypsinase inhibitor (SBTI) for six generations to evaluate the effects of SBTI and defense signaling compounds on the activities of detoxification enzymes carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in the midgut and fatbody of the larvae. After fed with the diets, the CarE and GST activities in the 5th instar larvae increased significantly. The CarE activity in the midgut and fatbody of the second generation larvae was the highest, being 2.06 and 2.40 times, and 1.96 and 2.70 times of that of the control, and the GST activity in the midgut and fatbody of the fourth and second generations was the highest, being 7.03 and 11.58 times, and 5.71 and 3.60 times of that of the control, respectively. These induced enzyme activities decreased gradually when the larvae continuously grew with the SBTI-containing diets. In addition, when the S. litura larvae were pre-exposed to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) or methyl salicylate (MeSA) for 48 h or fed with the diets containing 0.5% SBTI, the activities of CarE and GST in the midgut and fatbody increased significantly, and, when the 2nd instar larvae were pre-exposed to MeJA and MeSA for 48 h, the effects of SBTI on the GST activity in larval midgut and fatbody were reduced.

New properties of the soybean trypsin inhibitor: Inhibition of human neutrophil elastase and its effect on acute pulmonary injury

Seeds from legumes including the Gilcine max are known to be a rich source of protease inhibitors. The soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitors (SKTIs) have been well characterised and have been found to exhibit many biological activities. However their effects on inflammatory diseases have not been studied to date. In this study, SKTI was purified using anion exchange chromatography using a Resource Q column. The purified protein was able to inhibit human neutrophil elastase (HNE) and bovine trypsin. Purified SKTI inhibited HNE with an IC(50) value of 8mug or 0.3nM. At this concentration SKTI showed neither cytotoxic nor haemolytic effects on human blood cell populations. SKTI showed no deleterious effects on organs, blood cells or the hepatic enzymes ALT and AST in the mouse model of acute systemic toxicity. Human neutrophils incubated with SKTI released less HNE than control neutrophils when stimulated with PAF or fMLP (83.1% and 70% respectively). These results showed that SKTI affected both pathways of elastase release by PAF and fMLP stimuli, suggesting that SKTI is an antagonist of fMLP/PAF receptors. In an in vivo mouse model of LPS acute lung injury, SKTI significantly suppressed the inflammatory effects caused by elastase in a dose-dependent manner. Histological sections stained by hematoxylin/eosin confirmed this decrease in inflammation. These results showed that SKTI could be used as a pharmacological agent for the therapy of many inflammatory diseases.

Inhibitory activity and conformation changes of soybean trypsin inhibitors induced by ultrasound

The inhibitory activities, sulfhydryl bonds and far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectra of Kunitz and Bowman-Birk soybean trypsin inhibitors (KTI and BBTI) were measured before and after ultrasound treatments. The differences between KTI and BBTI in conformation changes and resistance to ultrasound were observed. The secondary structures of KTI were found to be composed of beta-sheet (22.5%), beta-turn (16.2%) and random coils (61.4%) while that of BBTI composed of only beta-sheet (52.6%) and random coils (47.4%). KTI lost its inhibitory activity more quickly than BBTI, proportionally to the ultrasound amplitudes and sonication durations used. Relevant synchronous phenomena observed included the inactivation of KTI, significant rise in sulfhydryl content and corresponding conformation changes, in which there were dramatic decreases in both beta-turn and random coil contents and increase in the beta-sheet structure over the entire sonication duration and ultrasonic amplitude scale used by the study. Ultrasound affected the activities and conformations of KTI and BBTI by exerting an influence on their disulfide bonds. For KTI, up to 55% of inhibitory activity could be inactivated, at which about 71.5% of disulfide bonds were altered and the [theta]200nm value was changed from native -2545deg cm2 dmol(-1) to -1827 deg cm2 dmol(-1). Whereas for BBTI, far-UV CD spectra, beta-sheet and random structures were barely affected, only about 5.29% of disulfide bonds were found altered and the [theta]200nm value was changed only from native -797 deg cm2 dmol(-1) to -700 deg cm2 dmol(-1). It is concluded that ultrasound inactivates KTI by inducing a reduction in the disulfide bonds and then changes the conformations.

Biochemical characterization of midgut digestive proteases from Mamestra brassicae (cabbage moth; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and effect of soybean Kunitz inhibitor (SKTI) in feeding assays

Proteolytic activities in soluble protein extracts from Mamestra brassicae (cabbage moth) larval midgut were analysed using specific peptide substrates and proteinase inhibitors. Serine proteinases were the major activities detected, with chymotrypsin-like and trypsin-like activities being responsible for approximately 62% and 19% of the total proteolytic activity towards a non-specific protein substrate. Only small amounts of elastase-like activities could be detected. The serine proteinases were active across the pH range 7-12.5, with both trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like activities maximal at pH 11.5. The digestive proteinases were stable to the alkaline environment of the lepidopteran gut over the timescale of passage of food through the gut, with 50% of trypsin and 40% of chymotrypsin activity remaining after 6h at pH 12, 37 degrees C. Soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (SKTI) ingestion by the larvae had a growth-inhibitory effect, and induced inhibitor-insensitive trypsin-like activity. Qualitative and quantitative changes in proteinase activity bands after gel electrophoresis of gut extracts were evident in SKTI-fed larvae when compared with controls, with increases in levels of most bands, appearance of new bands, and a decrease in the major proteinase band present in extracts from control insects.

Anti-angiogenic effect of soybean kunitz trypsin inhibitor on human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Soybean kunitz trypsin inhibitor (STI) was purified from aqueous extract of defatted soybean meal by affinity and ion exchange chromatography. In this study the effect of purified STI on cell migration and tubulogenesis in microcarrier-based fibrin gel was assayed. Purified STI had strong inhibitory effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells migration and tubulogenesis in fibrin matrix, without toxic effects in the studied doses.

Two trypsin isoforms from the intestine of the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

Two trypsin isoforms (GT-A and GT-B) from the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) intestine were isolated and purified. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis showed that GT-A and GT-B had relative molecular masses of 30,740 and 26,400, respectively. Enzyme activity was inhibited by three organic trypsin inhibitors but not by EDTA. They had optimal pH of 8.0 and 8.5, and optimal temperatures of 38.5 and 44.0 degrees C, respectively, when hydrolyzing N-benzoyl-L: -arginine ethyl ester.HCl (BAEE). They lost 95.8 and 93.7% of their activities, respectively, after heating for 20 min at 65 degrees C. Their thermal denaturation temperatures, respectively, were 66.3 and 67.3 degrees C. GT-A has a K(m) value of 21.2 microM and a V(max) of 2.0 x 10(3) min(-1), and GT-B has a K(m) value of 31.7 microM and a V(max) of 3.3 x 10(3) min(-1). Their physiological efficiencies were 94.3 and 105.3 microM(-1) min(-1), respectively. The Arrhenius activation energies of GT-A and GT-B were 4.16 and 4.38 kcal/mol, respectively. The activities of GT-A and GT-B were not activated by Ca(2+), but their thermostability was improved in the presence of Ca(2+). Enzyme activity was reduced in presence of Zn(2+), Cu(2+), Hg(2+) and Al(3+). Thermal stabilities of GT-A and GT-B were intermediate between Arctic and tropical fish species, and consistent with the wide range of water temperatures to which grass carp are exposed in most provinces of China.

Peltophorum dubium and soybean Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitors induce human Jurkat cell apoptosis

Plants constitute an important source of compounds which can induce apoptosis in a variety of cells. Previously, we reported the isolation of a trypsin inhibitor from Peltophorum dubium seeds (PDTI). This inhibitor, as well as soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), both belonging to the Kunitz family, have lectin-like properties and trigger rat lymphoma cell apoptosis. In the present study, we demonstrate for the first time that PDTI and SBTI induce human leukemia Jurkat cell death. Induction of apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry after propidium iodide labeling of apoptotic nuclei, showing a considerable increase of the sub G(0)/G(1) fraction, with no cell cycle arrest. With the purpose of gaining insight into the signaling pathways involved, we investigated the activation of caspases and the effect of caspase inhibitors, and showed caspases-3 and -8-like activation by PDTI or SBTI-treatment. Consistent with these results, pan caspase inhibitor and caspase-8 inhibitor protected Jurkat cells from apoptosis. However, there was no caspase-9 activation, confirmed by the failure of caspase-9 inhibitor to prevent cell death. No significant release of cytochrome c from mitochondria was detected suggesting that the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway is not predominant in the apoptotic process. On the other hand, recruitment of Fas-associated death domain (FADD) to the cell membrane indicates the involvement of this adaptor protein in PDTI- and SBTI-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells. Furthermore, human peripheral lymphocytes, either stimulated with phytohemagglutinin or not, are also susceptible to viability decrease induced by these inhibitors.

Hepatocyte growth factor activation inhibitors (HAI-1 and HAI-2) regulate HGF-induced invasion of human breast cancer cells

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plays a plethora of roles in cancer metastasis and tumour growth. The interaction between tumour cells and their surrounding stromal environment is a crucial factor regulating tumour invasion and metastasis. Stromal fibroblasts are the main source of HGF in the body, and release HGF as an inactive precursor (pro-HGF). HGF activator (HGFA), matriptase, urokinase-type plasminogen activator and hepsin are the main factors responsible for converting pro-HGF into active HGF. HAI-1 and HAI-2 are 2 novel Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors that regulate HGF activity through inhibition of HGFA, matriptase and hepsin action. Recent studies demonstrate that HAI-1 and HAI-2 may also potently inhibit a number of other pro-metastatic serine proteases and therefore have direct bearing on the spread of tumours. Our study examined the potential of these HAI's to suppress the influence of HGF and regulate cancer metastasis. We generated a retroviral expression system that induced HAI expression in a human fibroblast cell line. Forced expression of either HAI-1 or HAI-2 in these fibroblasts resulted in a dramatic decrease in the production of bioactive hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). This reduction in HGF activity subsequently suppressed HGF's metastatic influence on breast cancer cells. To further assess the anti-cancer properties of HAI-1 and HAI-2 we generated recombinant HAI proteins. These recombinant HAI proteins possessed the ability to potently quench HGF activity. We also demonstrate that these recombinant HAI's suppressed fibroblast-mediated breast cancer invasion. An additional ribozyme transgenes study revealed that elimination of HAI-1 and HAI-2 expression, in an MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line, significantly enhanced the migratory, proliferative and invasive nature of these breast cancer cells. Overall, our data demonstrates the important roles of HAI-1 and HAI-2 in cancer metastasis, and reveals that these serine protease inhibitors display strong therapeutic potential.

Digestive enzymes during development of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera:Tephritidae) and effects of SBTI on its digestive serine proteinase targets

The digestive system of Ceratitis capitata was characterized during its larval development and in the insect stage. Disaccharidases against maltose and sucrose were more evident in the 2nd and 3rd day of larval development and in the adult stage, respectively. Glycosil-hydrolyses with higher specific alpha-galactosidasic and beta-galactosidasic activities were detected in the 2nd and 3rd day of the larval stage, respectively. Specific proteolytic activities against azocasein showed an increase in the 4th and 5th day of the larval stage and in the adult stage. Specific hemoglobin activities were constant between 2nd and 6th day of the larval stage. The larvae used mainly serine proteinases, such as trypsin/chymotrypsin, and the adult insects only chymotrypsin-like enzymes in their digestive process. Two serine proteinases were separated from zymogram between the 4th and 5th day of larval development and in the adult stage. Effect of soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI, a serine proteinase inhibitor) on development of C. capitata was examined by bioassay. C. capitata was susceptible to SBTI which affected larval mass at ED50 3.01%.

Acrosome-reacted human sperm in insemination medium do not bind to the zona pellucida of human oocytes

In the literature there is still confusion whether acrosome-reacted sperm in medium can initiate primary binding to human zona pellucida (ZP). The ability of acrosome-reacted sperm to bind to ZP in vitro can be deduced by measuring the acrosome reaction (AR) of ZP-bound sperm compared with sperm in medium after incubation under different conditions inhibiting the ZP-induced AR. Motile sperm from fertile men, normospermic men and infertile men diagnosed with disordered ZP-induced AR (DZPIAR) were selected by swim-up (2 x 10(6) in 1 mL medium) and incubated for 1-2 h with four oocytes from failed in vitro fertilization (IVF). The acrosome status of sperm was assessed using pisum sativum agglutinin labelled with fluorescein. The ZP-induced AR was inhibited in experiments using sperm from DZPIAR patients, hyper-osmotic medium (400 mOsm/kg) and medium containing soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI; 4 mg/mL). Pre-treatment with calcium ionophore was used to create a sperm population with elevated AR. In all experiments with factors inhibiting the ZP-induced AR, the AR was significantly lower for ZP-bound sperm compared with sperm in medium: DZPIAR patients 4% vs. 15%, hyper-osmotic medium 3% vs. 12%, SBTI 2% vs. 12% and SBTI 3% vs. 23% after treatment with calcium ionophore. In conclusion, acrosome-reacted sperm in vitro have significantly reduced, in fact probably zero ability to bind to the ZP.

Suppression of lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine production of gingival fibroblasts by a soybean, Kunitz trypsin inhibitor

BACKGROUND

Human bikunin, a Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor, inhibits inflammation by down-regulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in tumor cells and inflammatory cells.

OBJECTIVES

We analyzed the effect of a soybean-derived Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) on TNF-alpha production in human gingival fibroblasts stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an inflammatory inducer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and cytokine levels were monitored using western blot and a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Here, we show (i) a soybean KTI abrogates LPS-induced up-regulation of TNF-alpha mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner in gingival fibroblasts, (ii) KTI also blocks the induction of TNF-alpha target molecules interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-6 proteins, (iii) inhibition by KTI of TNF-alpha induction correlates with the suppressive capacity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 signaling pathways, implicating repressed ERK1/2 and p38 signalings in the inhibition, and (iv) pretreatment of cells with KTI blocked LPS-induced nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) activation.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that KTI inhibits LPS-induced up-regulation of cytokine expression possibly through suppression of ERK1/2 and p38 kinase-mediated NFkappaB activation. These findings may identify anti-inflammatory properties of KTI at the level of gingival fibroblasts and may be relevant to the use of KTI in modulating inflammation, including periodontal disease.

A soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor reduces tumor necrosis factor-alpha production in ultraviolet-exposed primary human keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

Cytokines are produced as a consequence of photo-damaged DNA and oxidative stress in ultraviolet (UV)-exposed keratinocytes. A soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) down-regulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in tumor cells and inflammatory cells.

AIM

The effect of KTI on TNF-alpha production in UV-exposed primary human keratinocytes was analyzed.

RESULTS

We show (i) UV induced up-regulation of TNF-alpha mRNA and protein expression in keratinocytes; (ii) cells treated with KTI before UV irradiation showed a significantly lower accumulation of TNF-alpha protein in a dose-dependent manner and a reduced UV-induced up-regulation of TNF-alpha mRNA expression; (iii) KTI inhibited the induction of TNF-alpha target molecules interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-6 proteins; (iv) UV irradiation transiently activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and Akt signaling but only weakly activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38; (v) KTI specifically inhibited UV-induced activation of ERK, JNK, and p38, but not Akt; (vi) treatment of cells with SP600125, a pharmacological inhibitor of JNK, predominantly suppressed UV-induced up-regulation of TNF-alpha expression; and (vii) KTI did not enhance suppression of UV-induced JNK phosphorylation by SP600125.

CONCLUSIONS

KTI specifically inhibited UV-induced up-regulation of cytokine expression predominantly through suppression of JNK signaling pathway.

Bikunin down-regulates heterodimerization between CD44 and growth factor receptors and subsequently suppresses agonist-mediated signaling

We provided evidence previously that bikunin, a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor, can disrupt dimerization of CD44 proteins, which may result in suppression of receptor-mediated MAP kinase signaling. However, to what extent dimerization may alter ligand-induced signaling has not been documented. Given the recent recognition that some growth factor receptors can form heterodimers with CD44, the present study was undertaken to determine whether the CD44 and growth factor receptors (e.g., EGFR, FGFR, HGFR, VEGFR, TGF-betaRI, or TGF-betaRII) can form heterodimers in cancer cells and, if so, to investigate the potential functional consequences of such heterodimerization. We also examined whether bikunin can abrogate these heterodimerizations and inhibit CD44/growth factor-dependent signaling. Here, we show direct evidence for heterodimerization of CD44-FGFR and CD44-TGF-betaRI in human chondrosarcoma HCS-2/8 cells, CD44-EGFR complex in human glioma U87MG cells, and CD44-TGF-betaRI heterodimer in human ovarian cancer HRA cells. Coupling of CD44 and growth factor receptor may be selective, depending on a cell type. Bikunin does not alter the ligand binding, whereas functionally reduces heterodimerization between CD44 and growth factor receptors. The disruption of heterodimerization substantially reduces receptor-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and ERK1/2 activation. Taken together, our data suggest that bikunin-mediated suppression of heterodimerization between CD44 and growth factors may inhibit the agonist-promoted activation of the signaling pathway.

Suppression of urokinase expression and invasion by a soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor are mediated through inhibition of Src-dependent signaling pathways

A soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) interacts with cells as a negative modulator of the invasive cells. Using complementary pharmacological and genetic approaches, we provide novel findings regarding mechanisms by which KTI inhibits signaling pathways in ovarian cancer cells leading to invasion. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) directly activates Src kinase, which in turn activates ERK-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, the downstream targets of Src, for urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) up-regulation in human ovarian cancer HRA cells. Preincubation of the HRA cells with KTI reduced the ability of TGF-beta1 to trigger the uPA expression at the gene level and at the protein level. To further elucidate the mechanism of the KTI-dependent suppressive effect of TGF-beta1-induced uPA expression and invasion, we investigated which signaling pathway transduced by KTI is responsible for this inhibitory effect. Here, we show that 1) KTI suppressed TGF-beta1-induced phosphorylation of Src, ERK1/2, and Akt by 40-60%; 2) KTI was insensitive to suppress the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt in the constitutively active (CA)-c-Src (Y529F) cells; 3) uPA expression was up-regulated in TGF-beta1-stimulated HRA cells and in unstimulated Y529F cells; 4) the addition of KTI reduced the TGF-beta1-induced increase of uPA gene and protein expression in the wild-type c-Src-transfected cells (in contrast, KTI could not inhibit uPA expression in the Y529F cells); and 5) CA-c-Src transfection resulted in a 2-fold increase in invasiveness, whereas KTI did not reduce invasion of the Y529F cells. Using additional complementary genetic approaches (CA-MEK1, CA-Akt, or kinase-dead-Akt), we conclude that KTI may suppress uPA expression and promotion of invasion possibly through one or more upstream targets of Src.

Hepsin activates pro-hepatocyte growth factor and is inhibited by hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor-1B (HAI-1B) and HAI-2

Hepsin, a type II transmembrane serine protease, is highly upregulated in prostate cancer and promotes tumor progression and metastasis. We generated a soluble form of hepsin comprising the entire extracellular domain to show that it efficiently converts single-chain hepatocyte growth factor (pro-HGF) into biologically active two-chain HGF. Hepsin activity was potently inhibited by soluble forms of the bi-Kunitz domain inhibitors HAI-1B (IC(50) 21.1+/-2.7 nM) and HAI-2 (IC(50) 1.3+/-0.3 nM). Enzymatic assays with HAI-1B Kunitz domain mutants (R260A and K401A) further demonstrated that inhibition was due to Kunitz domain-1. The results suggest a functional link between hepsin and the HGF/Met pathway, which may contribute to tumor progression.

Dietary supplementation of soybean kunitz trypsin inhibitor reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced lethality in mouse model

We examined the modifying effects of a Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) and a Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitor (BBI), purified from soybean, as intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection and dietary supplements on bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lethality in mice. We initially examined the suppressing effects of i.p. injection of KTI (50 mg/kg) and BBI (50 mg/kg) on LPS-induced lethality after i.p. injection of LPS. Furthermore, groups of female C57BL/6 were fed a basal diet (control group) or the basal diet supplemented with KTI (50 g/kg) or BBI (50 g/kg). Here, we show that i.p. and daily oral administration of KTI, but not BBI, caused a significant reduction of the LPS-induced lethality; that LPS significantly induced plasma TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 levels in mice after LPS challenge; that concomitant administration of KTI, but not BBI, inhibits the LPS-induced plasma levels of these cytokines; and that KTI, but not BBI, suppressed LPS-induced upregulation of cytokine expression through suppression of phosphorylation of three mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways, ERK1/2, JNK, and p38, in peritoneal macrophages. These data allow us to speculate that i.p. injection and dietary supplementation of a soybean KTI may play a role as a potent anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting activation of MAP kinases, leading to the suppression of cytokine expression.

Crystal Structures and Amidolytic Activities of Two Glycosylated Snake Venom Serine Proteinases

We deduced that Agkistrodon actus venom serine proteinases I and II, previously isolated from the venom of A. acutus (Zhu, Z., Gong, P., Teng, M., and Niu, L. (2003) Acta Crystallogr. Sect. D Biol. Crystallogr. 59, 547-550), are encoded by two almost identical genes, with only the single substitution Asp for Asn at residue 62. Amidolytic assays indicated that they possess slightly different enzymatic properties. Crystal structures of A. actus venom serine proteinases I and II were determined at resolution of 2.0 and 2.1 A with the identification of trisaccharide (NAG(301)-FUC(302)-NAG(303)) and monosaccharide (NAG(301)) residues in them, respectively. The substrate binding sites S3 of the two proteinases appear much shallower than that of Trimeresurus stejnegeri venom plasminogen activator despite the overall structural similarity. Based on structural analysis, we showed that these Asn(35)-linked oligosaccharides collide spatially with some inhibitors, such as soybean trypsin inhibitor, and would therefore hinder their inhibitory binding. Difference of the carbohydrates in both the proteinases might also lead to their altered catalytic activities.

Bikunin suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced lethality through down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor- alpha and interleukin-1 beta in macrophages

BACKGROUND

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the primary mediator of gram-negative sepsis; it induces the production of macrophage-derived cytokines. It has been shown that bikunin, a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor, inhibits LPS-induced cytokine expression.

METHODS

To explore the role of bikunin, bikunin knockout (Bik(-/-)) mice were used for in vitro cytokine experiments and in vivo animal models.

RESULTS

We show that a higher level of LPS-mediated death was induced in Bik(-/-), compared with wild-type (wt), mice; the administration of bikunin caused a significant reduction in LPS-induced lethality; LPS significantly increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- alpha and interleukin-1 beta levels in Bik(-/-), relative to wt, mice after LPS challenge; concomitant administration of bikunin inhibited the LPS-induced plasma levels of these cytokines; bikunin suppressed the LPS-induced up-regulation of cytokine expression through the suppression of the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 in macrophages; and LPS-induced up-regulation of TNF- alpha expression was not enhanced in Bik(-/-) macrophages without endogenous bikunin.

CONCLUSIONS

These data allow us to speculate that the increased sensitivity of Bik(-/-) mice to LPS-induced death in vivo is due to a lack of circulating bikunin in plasma. Bikunin may play a role as a potent anti-inflammatory agent.

Isolation and characterization of trypsin from pyloric caeca of Monterey sardine Sardinops sagax caerulea

Trypsin from pyloric caeca of Monterey sardine was purified by fractionation with ammonium sulfate, gel filtration, affinity and ionic exchange chromatography. Fraction 102, obtained from ionic exchange chromatography, generated one band in sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and isoelectric focusing. The molecular mass of the isolated trypsin was 25 kDa and showed esterase-specific activity on Nalpha-p-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester (TAME) that was 4.5 times greater than amidase-specific activity on N-benzoyl-L-arginine-p-nitroanilide. The purified enzyme was partially inhibited by the serine-protease phenyl-methyl-sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) inhibitor and fully inhibited by the soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) and benzamidine, but was not inhibited by the metallo-protease inactivator EDTA or the chymotrypsin inhibitor tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl-ketone. The optimum pH for activity was 8.0 and maximum stability was observed between pH 7 and 8. A marked loss in stability was observed below pH 4 and above pH 11. Activity was optimum at 50 degrees C and lost activity at higher temperatures. The kinetic trypsin constants K(m) and k(cat) were 0.051 mM and 2.12 s(-1), respectively, while the catalytic efficiency (k(cat)/K(m)) was 41 s(-1) mM(-1). General characteristics of the Monterey sardine trypsin resemble those of trypsins from other fish, especially trypsins from the anchovy Engraulis japonica and Engraulis encrasicholus and the sardine Sardinops melanostica.

A kunitz-type protease inhibitor bikunin disrupts ligand-induced oligomerization of receptors for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and subsequently suppresses TGF-β signalings

We previously found that bikunin (bik), a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor, suppresses transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)-stimulated expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in human ovarian cancer cells that lack endogenous bik. In the present study, we tried to elucidate the mechanism by which bik also inhibits plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) and collagen synthesis using human ovarian cancer cells. Here, we show that (a) there was an enhanced production of both uPA and PAI-1 in HRA cells in response to TGF-beta1; (b) the overexpression of bik in the cells or exogenous bik results in the inhibition of TGF-beta1 signaling as measured by phosphorylation of the downstream signaling effector Smad2, nuclear translocation of Smad3, and production of PAI-1 and collagen; (c) bik neither decreased expression of TGF-beta receptors (TbetaRI and TbetaRII) in either cell types nor altered the specific binding of 125I TGF-beta1 to the cells, indicating that the effects of bik in these cells are not mediated by ligand sequestration; (d) TbetaRI and TbetaRII present on the same cells exclusively form aggregates in TGF-beta1-stimulated cells; (e) co-treatment of TGF-beta1-stimulated cells with bik suppresses TGF-beta1-induced complex formation of TbetaRI and TbetaRII; and (f) a chondroitin-4-sulfate side chain-deleted bik (deglycosylated bik) does not inhibit TGF-beta1 signaling or association of type I/type II receptor. We conclude that glycosylated bik attenuates TGF-beta1-elicited signaling cascades in cells possibly by abrogating the coupling between TbetaRI and TbetaRII and that this probably provides the mechanism for the suppression of uPA and PAI-1 expression.

Surface-adsorbed α1-microglobulin modulation of human fibroblasts spreading and matrix metalloproteinases release

The lipocalin alpha1-microglobulin (alpha1-m), an immunoregulatory protein produced by human hepatocytes and distributed in various organs and fluids, is physiologically adsorbed onto polymer surfaces from both serum and urine, and its adsorption correlated to the degree of surface hydrophobicity. Starting from the hypothesis that alpha1-m holds a modulatory role at the biomaterials-tissue interface, we have observed a dose-dependent reduction in adhesion of human fibroblasts (cell line MRC-5) seeded onto polystyrene (PS) in a serum-free medium in the presence of adsorbed alpha(1)-m (2.1+/-0.2 x 10(4) cells/cm2 at 200 ng/ml alpha1-m ) compared to cells seeded onto cell grade PS (2.9+/-0.05 x 10(4) cells/cm2) after 72 h. Moreover, in the presence of alpha1-m, adherent MRC-5 cells exhibit an altered shape due to inhibition of cell spreading, and release of matrix metalloproteinase -2 (gelatinase A, MMP-2) by fibroblasts was also increased by 1.6-1.9-fold after 72 h of incubation. These data extend the known spectrum of alpha1-m activities, suggesting a possible role of this protein in the complex series of events occurring at the tissue-biomaterial interface.

A soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor suppresses ovarian cancer cell invasion by blocking urokinase upregulation

We have previously reported in a series of papers that a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor, bikunin, suppresses up-regulation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its specific receptor (uPAR) expression, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and cancer cell invasion in vitro and peritoneal disseminated metastasis in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the effects of soy bean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) on the net enzymatic activity of secreted, extracellular uPA, signal transduction involved in the expression of uPA and invasion in HRA human ovarian cancer cells. SBTI contains a Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) and a Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBI). Here, we show 1) that KTI and BBI were purified separately from soybeans; 2) that neither KTI nor BBI effectively inhibits enzymatic activity of uPA; 3) that uPA upregulation observed in HRA cells was inhibited by preincubation of the cells with KTI with an IC50 of approximately 2 microM, whereas BBI failed to repress uPA upregulation, as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; 4) that cell invasiveness was inhibited by treatment of the cells with KTI with an IC50 of approximately 3 microM, whereas BBI failed to suppress cell invasion, as measured by an in vitro invasion assay; 5) KTI suppresses HRA cell invasion by blocking uPA up-regulation which may be mediated by a binding protein(s) other than a bikunin binding protein and/or its receptor; and 6) that transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1)-mediated activation of ERK1/2 was significantly reduced by preincubation of the cells with KTI. In conclusion, KTI, but not BBI, could inhibit cell invasiveness at least through suppression of uPA signaling cascade, although the mechanisms of KTI may be different from those of bikunin.

Stability of the allergenic soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor

The soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (SKTI) is a 21.5 kDa allergenic protein that belongs to the family of all antiparallel beta-sheet proteins that are highly resistant to thermal and chemical denaturation. Spectroscopic and biochemical techniques such as circular dichroism (CD), ANS fluorescence and proteolysis were used to study its molecular structure under denaturing conditions such as acid and heat to which these allergens are commonly exposed during food processing. Reduction of native SKTI leads to its complete and rapid proteolysis by pepsin in simulated gastric fluid (SGF). Limited proteolysis with chymotrypsin during renaturation after heating showed that the native structure reforms at around 60 degrees C reversing the denaturation. CD spectra revealed that under acid denaturing conditions, SKTI shows major changes in conformation, indicating the possibility of a molten structure. The existence of this intermediate was established by ANS fluorescence studies at different concentrations of HCl. The remarkable stability of SKTI to both thermal and acid denaturation may be important for its role as a food allergen.

Genetic downregulation of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) by bikunin reduces IGF-I-dependent Akt and ERK1/2 activation and subsequently reduces ovarian cancer cell growth, invasion and metastasis

A Kunitz-type protease inhibitor, bikunin, downregulates expression of uPA and its receptor uPAR at the mRNA and protein levels in several types of tumor cells. Our recent work showed that, using a cDNA microarray analysis, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) is a candidate bikunin target gene. To clarify how reduced levels of PAPP-A may confer repressed invasiveness, we transfected human ovarian cancer cell line HRA with antisense (AS)-PAPP-A cDNA and compared the properties of the transfected cells to those of parental HRA cells. Here, we show that regulation of uPA mRNA and protein by IGF-I depends on the PI3K and MAPK signaling pathways and phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2 is required for IGF-I-mediated cell invasion; that IGFBP-4 protease in HRA cells is identified as PAPP-A; that reduced PAPP-A expression is associated with the upregulation of IGFBP-4 expression; that higher intact IGFBP-4 levels were associated with low invasive potential and growth rate in AS-PAPP-A cells in response to IGF-I; that IGF-I stimulates Akt and ERK1/2 activation of both the control and antisense cells, but the relative potency and efficacy of IGF-I were lower in the antisense cells compared to the control; and that genetic downregulation of PAPP-A reduces the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of HRA cells. In conclusion, our data identify a novel role for PAPP-A as a bikunin target gene. IGF-I-induced IGFBP-4 proteolysis by PAPP-A may enhance cell growth and invasion through IGF-I-dependent Akt and ERK1/2 activation and subsequently upregulation of uPA.

Therapeutic efficacy of once-daily oral administration of a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor, bikunin, in a mouse model and in human cancer

BACKGROUND

Bikunin, a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor, specifically inhibits tumor invasion and metastasis.

METHODS

The authors initially evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of once-daily oral administration of different doses of bikunin against human ovarian carcinoma HRA cells growing in the peritonea of nude mice. For the in vivo studies, female 7-week-old nude mice were randomized to 1 of 4 groups: bikunin-treated groups (n = 9 in each group) received 3, 10, or 30 microg/g body weight per day bikunin for 7 days via gastrointestinal gavage, and a control group (n = 9) received the vehicle solution (phosphate-buffered saline) via gastrointestinal gavage. On Day 9, the abdominal cavity was examined by two observers who were blinded to treatment.

RESULTS

After oral administration, intact bikunin was detectable in mouse serum specimens at 3 and 6 hours. This was followed by a decline at 12 hours. The mice given bikunin at the highest dose level had a 40% decrease in tumor load. The highest uptake in the tumor was obtained with [125I]bikunin 12 hours postadministration. No effect on either food intake or body weight was observed in the treated versus sham groups. The current study was the first to report the potent activity of once-daily oral administration of bikunin against ovarian carcinoma. Next, the authors performed a Phase I trial to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and safety of a once-daily oral administration schedule. The indication was locally advanced uterine cervical carcinoma after definitive treatment. An escalating dose (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg per day) of bikunin was administered orally to nine patients for 7 days. There were no dose-limiting toxicities and the MTD of the bikunin schedule was not defined. The authors also obtained preliminary data on its effect on urokinase-type plasminogen activator expression at the highest dose level.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-daily oral administration of bikunin was found to be safe in humans and exhibited signs of biologic activity.

Identification of bikunin isolated from human urine inhibits calcium oxalate crystal growth and its localization in the kidneys

BACKGROUND

We previously reported a high molecular weight substance purified from human urine that strongly inhibited calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal growth in vitro. In the study present herein, we identified and investigated a protein purified from human urine that strongly inhibits CaOx crystal growth using a column chromatography series.

METHODS

The protein was identified by amino acid sequencing and was investigated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), western blotting and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

The molecular weight of this protein was approximately 35 KDa, and it also had another band around 20 KDa. We determined that the amino acid sequence of the protein was homologous with that of bikunin, the light chain of the inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor, which is known as a strong CaOx crystallization inhibitor in vitro. On western blotting analysis, the molecular weight was also found to be around 35K Da, the same as that of bikunin. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that it was mainly located in the epithelial cells of the proximal tubules and the thin descending segment near the loop of Henle, but not in the glomeruli, distal tubules or the collecting ducts.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, the protein extracted from human urine was identical to bikunin, which may be expressed mainly in the proximal tubules and the thin descending segment near the loop of Henle, and which prevents CaOx crystallization in vitro.

Effects of soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor on the cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis)

The cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis, is an economically important pest of cotton in tropical and subtropical areas of several countries in the Americas, causing severe losses due to their damage in cotton floral buds. Enzymatic assays using gut extracts from larval and adult boll weevil have demonstrated the presence of digestive serine proteinase-like activities. Furthermore, in vitro assays showed that soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (SKTI) was able to inhibit these enzymes. Previously, in vivo effects of black-eyed pea trypsin chymotrypsin inhibitor (BTCI) have been demonstrated towards the boll weevil pest. Here, when neonate larvae were reared on an artificial diet containing SKTI at three different concentrations, a reduction of larval weight of up to 64% was observed for highest SKTI concentration 500 microM. The presence of SKTI caused an increase in mortality and severe deformities of larvae, pupae and adult insects. This work therefore represents the first observation of a Kunitz trypsin inhibitor active in vivo and in vitro against A. grandis. Bioassays suggested that SKTI could be used as a tool in engineering crop plants, which might exhibit increased resistance against cotton boll weevil.

Suppressing effects of dietary supplementation of soybean trypsin inhibitor on spontaneous, experimental and peritoneal disseminated metastasis in mouse model

The modifying effects of a Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) and a Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitor (BBI), purified from soybean trypsin inhibitor, as dietary supplements on experimental and spontaneous pulmonary metastasis of murine Lewis lung carcinoma 3LL cells as well as peritoneal disseminated metastasis model in human ovarian cancer HRA cells were investigated in i.v., s.c. and i.p. injection models in mice. Seven groups of female C57BL/6 or nude mice were fed a basal diet (control group) or the basal diet supplemented with KTI or BBI (5, 15, or 50 g/kg). Here we show that, in an in vivo spontaneous metastasis assay, the diet supplementation with KTI (15 and 50 g/kg), but not with BBI, for 28 days immediately after s.c. tumor cell inoculation significantly inhibited the formation of lung metastasis in C57BL/6 mice in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of lung metastasis was not due to direct antitumor effects of KTI. In an in vivo experimental metastasis assay, the diet supplementation with KTI or BBI for 21 days after i.v. tumor cell inoculation did not reduce the number of lung tumor colonies. In addition, KTI (15 or 50 g/kg) treatment in a peritoneal disseminated metastasis model of HRA cells resulted in a 40% reduction in total tumor burden when compared with control animals. Immunoblot analysis revealed that KTI specifically reduced expression of uPA protein as well as phosphorylation of MAP kinase and PI3 kinase proteins in the cells stimulated with agonists (G-CSF for 3LL cells or TGF-beta1 for HRA cells). These results suggest that dietary supplementation of KTI more efficiently regulates the mechanism involved in the entry into vascular circulation of tumor cells (intravasation) than in extravasation during the metastatic process. KTI treatment may also be beneficial for ovarian cancer patients with or at risk for peritoneal disseminated metastasis; it greatly reduces tumor burden in part by inhibiting phosphorylation of MAP kinase and PI3 kinase, leading to suppression of uPA expression.

Purification and characterization of the beta-trefoil fold protein barley alpha-amylase/subtilisin inhibitor overexpressed in Escherichia coli

Barley alpha-amylase/subtilisin inhibitor (BASI) is a beta-trefoil fold protein related to soybean trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz) and inhibits barley alpha-amylase isozyme 2 (AMY2), which is de novo synthesized in the seed during germination. Recombinant BASI was produced in Escherichia coli in an untagged form (untagged rBASI), in two His(6)-tag forms (His(6)-rBASI and His(6)-Xa-rBASI), and in an intein-CBD-tagged form (rBASI (intein)). The yields per liter culture after purification were (i) 25 mgl(-1) His(6)-rBASI; (ii) 6 mgl(-1) rBASI purified after cleavage of His(6)-Xa-rBASI by Factor Xa; (iii) 3 mgl(-1) untagged rBASI; and (iv) 0.2 mgl(-1) rBASI after a chitin-column and autohydrolysis of the rBASI-intein-CBD. In Pichia pastoris, rBASI was secreted at 0.1 mgl(-1). The recombinant BASI forms and natural seed BASI (sBASI) all had an identical isoelectric point of 7.2 and a mass of 19,879 Da, as determined by mass spectrometry. The fold of rBASI from the different preparations was confirmed by circular dichroism spectroscopy and rBASI (intein), His(6)-rBASI, and sBASI inhibited AMY2 catalyzed starch hydrolysis with K(i) of 0.10, 0.06, and 0.09 nM, respectively. Surface plasmon resonance analysis of the formation of AMY2/rBASI (intein) gave k(on)=1.3x10(5)M(-1)s(-1), k(off)=1.4x10(-4)s(-1), and K(D)=1.1 nM, and of the savinase-His(6)-rBASI complex k(on)=21.0x10(4)M(-1)s(-1), k(off)=53.0x10(-4)s(-1), and K(D)=25.0 nM, in agreement with sBASI values. K(i) was 77 and 65 nM for inhibition of savinase activity by His(6)-rBASI and sBASI, respectively.

Protease-activated receptor-2 signaling triggers dendritic cell development

Dendritic cells (DC) are potent antigen-presenting cells that govern the effector cell responses of the immune system. DC are thought to continuously develop from circulating progenitors in a process that is accelerated by inflammatory stimuli. However, the physiological signals that regulate the development of DC from precursor cells have not been well defined. Here we show that a serine protease acting via protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) stimulates the development of DC from bone marrow progenitor cells cultured in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and IL-4. DC fail to develop in bone marrow cultures treated with soy bean trypsin inhibitor, a serine protease inhibitor, but this inhibition is overcome by a PAR-2 agonist peptide. DC do not spontaneously develop from the bone marrow of PAR-2-deficient mice, but can be stimulated to do so by inflammatory mediators. These results suggest that endogenous serine proteases stimulate DC development in vitro. Thus, serine proteases may help trigger adaptive immune responses in vivo.

The protease inhibitor bikunin, a novel anti-metastatic agent

Bikunin is a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor predominantly found in human amniotic fluid. In cancers, administration of bikunin may block tumor cell invasion by a direct inhibition of tumor cell-associated plasmin activity as well as by inhibiting urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) expression at the gene and protein levels, possibly through suppression of CD44 dimerization and/or the MAP kinase signaling cascade. Treatment of cancer patients with bikunin may be beneficial in the adjuvant setting to delay the onset of metastasis development and/or in combination with cytotoxic agents to improve treatment efficacy in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

Properties of purified gut trypsin from Helicoverpa zea, adapted to proteinase inhibitors

Pest insects such as Helicoverpa spp. frequently feed on plants expressing protease inhibitors. Apparently, their digestive system can adapt to the presence of protease inhibitors. To study this, a trypsin enzyme was purified from the gut of insects that were raised on an inhibitor-containing diet. The amino-acid sequence of this enzyme was analysed by tandem MS, which allowed assignment of 66% of the mature protein amino acid sequence. This trypsin, called HzTrypsin-S, corresponded to a known cDNA sequence from Helicoverpa. The amino acid sequence is closely related (76% identical) to that of a trypsin, HzTrypsin-C, which was purified and identified in a similar way from insects raised on a diet without additional inhibitor. The digestive properties of HzTrypsin-S and HzTrypsin-C were compared. Both trypsins appeared to be equally efficient in degrading protein. Four typical plant inhibitors were tested in enzymatic measurements. HzTrypsin-S could not be inhibited by > 1000-fold molar excess of any of these. The same inhibitors inhibited HzTrypsin-C with apparent equilibrium dissociation constants ranging from 1 nm to 30 nm. Thus, HzTrypsin-S seems to allow the insect to overcome different defensive proteinase inhibitors in plants.

Purification and characterization of a collagenase from the mackerel, Scomber japonicus

Collagenase from the internal organs of a mackerel was purified using acetone precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography on a DEAE-Sephadex A-50, gel filtration chromatography on a Sephadex G-100, ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel, and gel filtration chromatography on a Sephadex G-75 column. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 14.8 kDa by gel filtration and SDS-PAGE. The purification and yield were 39.5-fold and 0.1% when compared to those in the starting-crude extract. The optimum pH and temperature for the enzyme activity were around pH 7.5 and 55 degrees, respectively. The K(m) and V(max) of the enzyme for collagen Type I were approximately 1.1mM and 2,343 U, respectively. The purified enzyme was strongly inhibited by Hg2+, Zn2+, PMSF, TLCK, and the soybean-trypsin inhibitor.

Putative protein digestion in a sap-sucking homopteran plant pest (rice brown plant hopper; Nilaparvata lugens: Delphacidae)--identification of trypsin-like and cathepsin B-like proteases

Sap-sucking phytophagous insect species of the order Hemiptera have been assumed not to carry out digestive proteolysis, but instead to rely on free amino acids in the phloem and xylem saps for their nutritional requirements. Extracts prepared from isolated guts of rice brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), a homopteran crop pest, were shown to contain protease activity, with hydrolysis of both protein and synthetic peptide substrates being observed. Assays with specific inhibitors suggested that a trypsin-like serine protease was responsible for most of hydrolytic activity against synthetic substrates. A cDNA library was prepared from RNA extracted from N. lugens gut tissue, and screened for protease-encoding sequences. cDNAs for a cathepsin B-like protease and a trypsin-like protease were isolated and fully characterised; the latter exhibits a novel C-terminal region and an unusual activation mechanism, and represents a small gene family. Soya bean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (SKTI) is an effective inhibitor of protein hydrolysis by N. lugens gut extracts in vitro, explaining why transgenic rice plants expressing this protein are partially resistant to the insect (Mol. Breed. 5 (1999) 1). It is suggested that digestive proteolysis may be widespread in sap-sucking homoptera, and can make a significant contribution to nutrition.

Interactions of different phenolic acids and flavonoids with soy proteins

Soy glycinin (SG) and soy trypsin inhibitor (STI) were derivatized by chlorogenic- and caffeic acid (cinnamic acids, C(6)-C(3) structure), and by gallic acid representing hydroxybenzoic acids (C(6)-C(1) structure). Further, the flavonoids, flavone, apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin (C(6)-C(3)-C(6) structure) were also caused to react with soy proteins to estimate the influence of the number and the position of hydroxy substituents. The derivatization caused a reduction of lysine, cysteine and tryptophan residues in the soy proteins. The isoelectric points of the derivatives were shifted to lower pH values and formation of high molecular fractions was documented. The derivatives were characterized in terms of their solubility at different pH-values to document the influence on the functional properties. The structural changes induced were studied using circular dichroism (CD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), intrinsic fluorescence, and binding of anilinonaphthalenesulfonic acid. The influence of derivatization on the in-vitro digestibility with trypsin, chymotrypsin, pepsin and pancreatin was also assessed. The effect on the trypsin inhibitor activity of all the resulting STI derivatives was studied, the latter being reduced.

Characterization of a Kunitz trypsin inhibitor with one disulfide bridge purified from Swartzia pickellii

Swartzia pickellii is a Leguminosae that belongs to the Caesalpinioideae sub-family the Swartzia pickellii Trypsin Inhibitor (SWTI), a serine proteinase inhibitor was isolated from its seeds. SWTI is a single polypeptide chain protein and it's structure has 174 amino acid residues, it homologous to other Kunitz plant inhibitors, however shows some major differences: it contains only one disulfide bridge, instead two which are usually found in plant Kunitz inhibitors, and the SWTI reactive site does not contain the usual Arg or Lys residues at the putative reactive site (position 65). A glycosylation site was detected at Asn38 with 1188 kDa carbohydrate portion. The primary structure micro heterogeneity was found combining the sequence determination and mass spectrometry. Three forms of SWTI were actually defined: two glycosylated forms a 20,204 kDa (Arg 165) and 20,185 kDa (His 165) and one deglycosylated form 19,016 kDa (Arg 165), all of them contain a Met residue at position 130.

Soymilk reduces hair growth and hair follicle dimensions

We have recently shown that soybean-derived serine protease inhibitors and soybean extracts alter skin pigmentation, suggesting that soymilk could be used as a natural alternative to skin lightening. The present studies were initiated to examine the possible effect of STI, BBI and soymilk on hair pigmentation. Interestingly, these agents were found to affect not only hair pigmentation, but also the rate of hair growth, the dimensions of the hair follicle and hair shaft, and the appearance of the hair. The studies presented here provide first evidence, at the morphological and histological level, that soymilk and the soybean-derived serine protease inhibitors could be used as effective agents for hair care and management. These agents could reduce the rate of hair growth, decrease hair shaft dimensions and alter the pattern of melanogenic gene expression.

Soybean trypsin inhibitor confers protection against rotavirus infection in infant mice

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of soybean trypsin inhibitor (TI) on glycine uptake, glutathione (GSH) levels and morphological changes of intestine in rotavirus (RV) infected infant mice.

METHODS

A total of 144 infant mice (7/8 days old) were divided in 3 groups (i.e. control, RV and RV + inhibitor). Infant mice were orally inoculated with the EB strain of RV and Trypsin protease inhibitor (TI) and 8 animals each were sacrificed on days 0,1,3,5,7 and 10 post infection (p.i). Glycine uptake (in vitro), GSH levels and histological changes were assessed in the jejunum, ileum and colon.

RESULTS

Glycine uptake and GSH levels were significantly reduced on days 3 and 5 p.i in jejunum and ileum of RV inoculated animals, compared to the controls. Glycine uptake and GSH levels were maintained as in controls in the RV + TI inoculated animals on days 3 and 5 p.i in jejunum and colon but not in ileum where lesser values were recorded. Histology showed vacuolar degeneration in ileum towards the apical portion whereas normal morphology was observed in jejunum, similar to controls. No histological changes were observed in colon in any of the groups. Electron microscopic study confirmed the viral infection.

CONCLUSION

Administration of Trypsin protease inhibitor along with RV reverted the effects of RV infection on amino acid uptake and GSH levels completely in the jejunum and partially in the ileum.

Influence of soybean trypsin inhibitor on small bowel enzyme activities during rotavirus infection in malnourished infant mice

Rotavirus (RV) is considered to be one of the major causes of acute episodic diarrhoea throughout the world. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of soybean trypsin inhibitor (TI) on brush-border enzymes during rotavirus infection in protein energy malnourished (PEM) infant mice. Animals were divided into 4 groups, namely controls, PEM, PEM+RV and PEM+RV+TI (n = 36 each). Group 1 and 2 animals were orally inoculated with 50 microl of normal saline each. Group 3 animals were orally inoculated with 50 microl of 100 ID50 dose of RV stock each. Group 4 animals were similarly inoculated with 0.6 mg TI/g body weight along with 50 microl of RV stock each. Animals were examined daily for diarrhoea and their body weight was recorded on alternate days postinoculation (dpi). Animals were killed by cervical dislocation after being given light chloroform anesthesia on 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 dpi. Small intestines were excised and homogenized in normal saline. Proteins, gammaglutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase and disaccharidases were estimated in jejunum and ileum. Body weight was significantly reduced in PEM animals and with RV infection. Histologically, focal areas of vacuolar degeneration of lining epithelium were seen in RV-infected animals. Disaccharidases and other enzyme activities were decreased significantly in the PEM group compared to healthy controls and further depressed with RV infection in malnourished animals as compared to non-infected PEM. The enzyme activities were restored in animals receiving TI along with RV compared to the group receiving RV without TI. With the administration of soybean TI, the activities of disaccharidases, alkaline phosphatase, gammaglutamyl transpeptidase and intestinal architecture were restored showing a protective effect in PEM during RV infection.

A novel lectin from Pseudostellaria heterophylla roots with sequence simularity to Kunitz-type soybean trypsin inhibitor

From the roots of the Chinese medicinal herb Pseudostellaria heterophylla a single-chained lectin with a molecular weight of 36 kDa and high hemagglutinating activity was isolated. The lectin was adsorbed on DEAE-cellulose in 10 mM Tris-HCI buffer (pH 7.4) and was eluted by the same buffer containing 50 mM NaCl. It was adsorbed on SP-Sepharose in 10mM NH4OAc (pH 4.5) and eluted by approximately 0.5 M NaCl in the same buffer. The hemagglutinating activity of the lectin could not be inhibited by a large variety of monosaccharides, but was largely abrogated by exposure to 0.05 M HCl, 0.05M NaOH or 80 degrees C. However, about 50% of the activity remained after exposure to 0.025M NaOH or 40 degrees C. Despite possession of an N-terminal sequence exhibiting some similarity to thaumatin-like proteins with antifungal activity, the lectin was devoid of antifungal activity. The lectin exerted some inhibitory effect on the glycohydrolases alpha-glucosidase, beta-glucosidase and beta-glucuronidase which are involved in HIV infection but had no suppressive action on human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 reverse transcriptase.

Transcriptional induction of diverse midgut trypsins in larval Agrotis ipsilon and Helicoverpa zea feeding on the soybean trypsin inhibitor

Midgut trypsins insensitive to inhibition by the soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI) were found to be transcriptionally regulated in A. ipsilon and H. zea larvae feeding on STI, as demonstrated by injections with actinomycin, a transcriptional inhibitor, which abolished the production of these STI-insensitive trypsins. The induced, STI-insensitive trypsins differed from the constitutive, STI-sensitive trypsins in their susceptibility to inhibitors based on sizes, suggesting that the induced enzymes limited access to their active site by blocking bulky inhibitors. Twenty midgut cDNA fragments(1) were amplified using trypsin-specific PCR primers and at least twelve were shown to encode structurally diverse trypsins. High sequence diversity was observed for both the enzymes encoded by STI-induced mRNAs and those from larvae that had not been exposed to STI. Northern blots showed that midgut mRNAs hybridizing to various trypsin cDNA probes were either transcribed de novo or up-regulated following ingestion of STI. Southern hybridizations indicated the presence of multiple trypsin gene families in the insect genomes. The complete sequence of a trypsin gene(1) from A. ipsilon (AiT9) revealed the presence of three introns. Comparison of 5' upstream sequences(1) from AiT9 and AiT6 genes from A. ipsilon revealed putative TATA box and disparate regulatory motifs, within 500 bp of each translational start site.

Identification of six chymotrypsin cDNAs from larval midguts of Helicoverpa zea and Agrotis ipsilon feeding on the soybean (Kunitz) trypsin inhibitor

Lepidopteran insects like Helicoverpa zea and Agrotis ipsilon produce STI-insensitive trypsins in the midgut following ingestion of dietary plant proteinase inhibitors like STI [Broadway, R. M., J. Insect Physiol. 43(9) (1997) 855-874]. In this paper, the effects of dietary STI on a related family of midgut serine proteinases, the chymotrypsins, were investigated. STI-insensitive midgut chymotrypsins were detected in larvae of H. zea and A. ipsilon feeding on diets containing 1% STI while STI-sensitive chymotrypsins were present in larvae feeding on diets containing 0% STI. These chymotrypsins were unaffected by TPCK, a diagnostic inhibitor of mammalian chymotrypsins but were fully inhibited by chymostatin. Four midgut cDNA libraries were constructed from larvae of each species fed either 0% STI or 1% STI diets. Six full-length cDNAs(1) encoding diverse preprochymotrypsins were isolated (three from H. zea and three from A. ipsilon) with certain sequence motifs that set them apart from their mammalian counterparts. Northern blots showed that some chymotrypsin mRNA were detected at higher levels while others were down-regulated when comparing insects reared on 0% STI and 1% STI diets. Southern hybridizations suggested that (like mammals) both species contained several chymotrypsin genes. A full-length chymotrypsin gene(1) from H. zea was sequenced for the first time and the presence of four introns was deduced. A first time comparison of 5' upstream regions(1) from three chymotrypsin genes and two trypsin genes of A. ipsilon indicated the presence of putative TATA boxes and regulatory elements. However a lack of consensus motifs in these upstream regions suggested the likelihood of multiple trans factors for regulation of genes encoding digestive proteinases and a complex response mechanism linked to ingestion of proteinase inhibitors.