The role of the quaternary structure in the activation of human L-asparaginase

Human L-asparaginase-like protein 1 (ASRGL1) has hydrolytic activity against L-asparagine and isoaspartyl dipeptides. As an N-terminal nucleophile hydrolase family member, its activation depends on an intramolecular autoprocessing step between G167 and T168. In vitro, autoprocessing reaches only 50% completion, which restrains the activity and hampers the full understanding of the activation process. The ASRGL1 dimer interface plays a critical role in intramolecular processing, and the interactions within oligomers can offer relevant information about autoprocessing. In this work, a fully processed trimeric conformation of ASRGL1 was observed for the first time, and we combined biophysical and structural proteomics assays to characterize trimeric ASRGL1. Our analyses show that oligomerization is critical for autoprocessing, hydrolytic activity and thermal stability. The newest trimeric ASRGL1 conformation enhances protein activity and presents a melting temperature deviation of 4.33 °C in comparison to the monomeric conformation. The interaction of the third monomer in the trimeric conformation is driven by an α-helix comprising residues KVNLARLTLF (227-236).

Clonostachys rosea BAFC3874 as a Sclerotinia sclerotiorum antagonist: mechanisms involved and potential as a biocontrol agent

AIMS

To establish the modes of action of the antagonistic fungal strain Clonostachys rosea BAFC3874 isolated from suppressive soils against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and to determine its potential as a biocontrol agent.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The antagonistic activity of C. rosea BAFC3874 was determined in vitro by dual cultures. The strain effectively antagonized S. sclerotiorum in pot-grown lettuce and soybean plants. Antifungal activity assays of C. rosea BAFC3874 grown in culture established that the strain produced antifungal compounds against S. sclerotiorum associated with secondary metabolism. High mycelial growth inhibition coincided with sclerotia production inhibition. The C. rosea strain produced a microheterogeneous mixture of peptides belonging to the peptaibiotic family. Moreover, mycoparasitism activity was observed in the dual culture.

CONCLUSIONS

Clonostachys rosea strain BAFC3874 was proved to be an effective antagonist against the aggressive soil-borne pathogen S. sclerotiorum in greenhouse experiments. The main mechanisms involve peptaibiotic metabolite production and mycoparasitism activity.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Clonostachys rosea BAFC3874 may be a good fungal biological control agent against S. sclerotiorum. In addition, we were also able to isolate and identify peptaibols, an unusual family of compounds in this genus of fungi.

111 SINGLE EQUINE EMBRYO LIPID FINGERPRINTING BY MASS SPECTROMETRY

Matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) allows the lipid profile study of individual mammal embryos. The data collection is rapid, highly sensitive, can tolerate some level of impurities, and is easy to interpret. The aim of this study was to report the lipid profile obtained from a single equine embryo by MALDI-MS. Follicles ≥30 mm in diameter were monitored daily until ovulation (Day 0). The insemination was performed close to ovulation with fresh diluted semen, and the embryo recovery was performed on Day 9 (D9) post ovulation. The equine embryo was placed in 50/50 (v/v) methanol/phosphate buffer solution and transported at 4°C to the laboratory. MALDI-MS spectra were acquired in the positive ion mode using MALDI Synapt HDMS mass spectrometer (Waters, Manchester, UK) m/z 700–950 range. The sample was coated with a 1.2 μL matrix of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) 1.0 mL L–1 in methanol. Due to the equine embryo volume, it was possible to divide it and get two mass spectra, which were identical. Spectra processing was performed using the MassLynx 4.0 software (Waters, Manchester, UK). It was observed the presence protonated and sodiated species of sphingomyelins (SM), phosphatidylcholines (PC), and triacylglycerols (TAG). The most intense ions assigned by comparison with data obtained from bovine embryos were m/z 723.5 [PC (34:1) and loss of N(CH3)3]+, 725.5. [SM (16:0) + Na]+, 754.6 [PC (32:1) + Na]+, 778.6 [PC (36:1) + Na]+, 780.6 [PC (34:2) + Na]+ or [PC (36:5) + H]+, 782.6 [PC (36:4) + H]+ or [PC (34:1) + Na]+, 788.6 [PC (36:1) + H]+, 806.6 [PC (38:6) + H]+ or [PC (36:3) + Na]+, 808.6 [PC (38:5) + H]+ or [PC (36:2) + Na]+, 810.6 [PC (38:4) + H]+ or [PC (36:1) + Na]+, 907.7 [TAG (54:3) + Na]+ and 909.7 [TAG (54:2) + Na] +. Regarding the lipid profile by MALDI-TOF previously reported for oocytes and embryos of several species (Ferreira et al. 2010, J. Lipid Res., 51, 1218–1227), it detected similar lipid species, but with different relative intensities. Because of the single equine embryo volume and MALDI-MS technique sensitivity, we intend to observe if there will be differences between the lipid profile of the inner cell mass and trophoblast in the future. The analysis of a greater number of embryos as well as different development periods and MS/MS experiments will contribute to building a database of lipid profiles that allows a better understanding of the lipid profile physiology in equine embryos and the meaning of differences among other mammalian embryos. FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation).

265 MATRIX-ASSISTED LASER DESORPTION IONIZATION MASS SPECTROMETRY (MALDI-MS) CHARACTERIZATION OF SPERM LIPID PROFILES OF BULLS WITH DIFFERENT CAPACITIES OF EMBRYO IN VITRO PRODUCTION

Matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) has been applied to study sperm lipid profiles. Lipids are known to play a crucial role in sperm membrane physico-chemical behavior during cryopreservation. In this work, we show the results of characterization of sperm lipid profiles from 2 bulls with different capacities of in vitro embryo production by MALDI-MS direct analysis. The bull capacities judged by the rate of blastocyst formation after IVP with semen from seven different ejaculates per each animal were 19.1 and 35.3% for bulls 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.05). For MALDI-MS analysis, frozen semen from each ejaculate was thawed in water at 25°C for 40 s. Sperm was washed 3 times by centrifugatin in 1 mL of PBS at 3000 × g for 10 min. Samples were stored at -20°C in 200 μL of methanol:PBS (vol/vol) solution until analysis. A Synapt HDMS mass spectrometer (Waters Corp., Milford, MA, USA) equipped with a MALDI was used. All spectra were collected for 45 s in the positive ion mode at the mass range of m/z 450 to 1200. The volume of 1 μL of the semen pellet was spotted in the target plate and allowed to dry. Afterward, 1 μL of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) was added as matrix. The 50 most intense monoisotopic ions were considered for principal component analysis (PCA). Values of m/z and relative ion intensities were processed using the software Pirouette v.3.11 (Infometrix, Woodinville, WA, USA). Direct MALDI-MS analysis of bulls 1 and 2 spermatozoa with no extraction provided informative spectra containing either [M + Na]+ or [M + H]+ ions characteristic of sphingomyelins, such as m/z 753.6 for SM 18:0, phosphocholines (m/z 780.6 for PC 34 : 2; 782.6 for PC 34 : 1; 806.6 for PC 36 : 6; 808.6 for 36 :2; 828.6 for PC38 : 6; and 830.6 for PC38 : 5), plasmalogens (m/z 790.6 for 1-palmitenyl-2-docosahexanoyl-GPC and 814.6 for 1-palmityl-2-docosaheaenoyl-GPC); and triacylglycerols (m/z 881.7 for sn-glycerol-palmitoleate-oleate-oleate). PCA showed clear separation between bulls 1 and 2 ejaculates, indicating that each bull presented a characteristic and reproducible (from different ejaculates) profiles. Differences in the relative intensities of the ions mentioned above contributed for bulls 1 and 2 differentiation by PCA. PC1 and PC2 explained 86.5% of the data variance. In conclusion, a fast sample preparation protocol followed by MALDI-MS appears to provide characteristic lipid fingerprints for crude spermatozoa (ejaculates) of bulls with different capacities of embryo in vitro production. Experiments involving a larger and more statically relevant set of samples are underway. We thank the Brazilian research foundations FAPESP (2008/10756-7) and CNPq.

ACE gene titration in mice uncovers a new mechanism for ACE on the control of body weight

Mice harboring 1, 2, or 3 copies of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene were used to evaluate the quantitative role of the ACE locus on obesity. Three-copy mice fed with a high-fat diet had lower body weight and peri-epididymal adipose tissue than did 1- and 2-copy mice (P < 0.05). On regular diet, 3-copy mice had to eat more to maintain the same body weight; on a high-fat diet, they ate the same but weighed less than 1- and 2-copy mice (P < 0.05), indicating a higher metabolic rate in 3-copy mice that was not affected by ANG II AT(1) blocker treatment. A catalytically inactive form of thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15; EP24.15) was used to isolate ACE substrates from adipose tissue. Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) identified 162 peptide peaks; 16 peptides were present in both groups (1- and 3-copy mice fed with a high-fat diet), whereas 58 of the 72 unique peptides were found only in the 3-copy mice. Peptide size distribution was shifted to lower molecular weight in 3-copy mice. Two of the identified peptides, LVVYPWTQRY and VVYPWTQRY, which are ACE substrates, inhibited in vitro protein kinase C phosphorylation in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, neurolysin (EC 3.4.24.16; EP24.16) activity was lower in fat tissue from 3- vs. 1-copy mice (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results provide evidence that ACE is associated with body weight and peri-epididymal fat accumulation. This response may involve the generation of oligopeptides that inhibit the activity of EP24.16 and other oligopeptidases within the adipose tissue.

Primary and secondary kinetic isotope effects in proton (H(+)/D(+)) and chloronium ion ((35)Cl(+)/(37)Cl(+)) affinities

The Cooks' kinetic method and tandem-in-space pentaquadrupole QqQqQ mass spectrometry were used to measure primary and secondary kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) in H(+) and Cl(+) (X(+)) affinity for a series of A/A(') isotopomeric pairs. Gaseous, isotopomeric, and loosely bound dimers [A...X(+)...A(')] were formed in combinations in which X = H(+), D(+), (35)Cl(+) or (37)Cl(+) and A/A(') = acetonitrile/acetonitrile - d(3), acetonitrile/acetonitrile-(15)N, acetonitrile-d(3)/acetonitrile-(15)N, acetone/acetone-d(6), acetone/acetone-(18)O, acetone-d(6)/acetone-(18)O, pyridine/pyridine-d(5), pyridine/pyridine-(15)N, pyridine-d(5)/pyridine-(15)N, or 3-((35)Cl)chloropyridine/3-((37)Cl)chloropyridine. Under nearly the same experimental conditions, the dimers were mass-selected and then dissociated by low-energy collisions with argon, yielding AX(+) and A(')X(+) as the fragment ions. KIEs were measured from the changes in ion affinities of the neutrals (DeltaX(+)) as estimated by the AX(+)/A(')X(+) abundance ratios. Using [A...H(+)(D(+))...A(')] and [A...(35)Cl(+)((37)Cl(+))...A(')] dimers and by comparing their extent of dissociation under nearly identical collision-induced dissociation conditions, the kinetic method was also applied, for the first time, to measure primary KIEs of the central ion as well as their influence on secondary KIEs. Becke3LYP/6-311++G(2df,2p) calculations were found to provide Delta(DeltaZPE)s for the competitive dissociation reactions that accurately predict the nature (normal or inverse) of the measured KIEs.

Serine octamer metaclusters: formation, structure elucidation and implications for homochiral polymerization

Multiply charged serine metaclusters (composed of two or more homochiral octameric units) are generated by electrospray ionization, and their unique fused structures (hydrogen-bonded through the sticky ends of the drum-shaped octameric units) have been elucidated using tandem mass spectrometry experiments and molecular mechanics calculations.

Chiroselective self-directed octamerization of serine: implications for homochirogenesis

Serine undergoes chiroselective self-directed oligomerization to form a singly protonated octamer under positive ion electrospray conditions, as identified by ion trap tandem mass spectrometry. The experiments also show a series of higher-order clusters (metaclusters) corresponding to [(Ser8H)n]n+, n = 1, 2, 3. There is a magic number effect favoring formation of the protonated octamer over its homologues and also a strong preference for octamer formation from homochiral serine molecules. Collision-induced dissociation suggests that the protonated octamer is composed of four hydrogen-bonded dimers, stabilized by further extensive hydrogen bonding. Density functional calculations support this model and show that the protonated homochiral octamer is energetically stabilized relative to its possible fragments (dimer plus protonated hexamer, etc). The calculations also show that heterochiral octamers are less stable than homochiral octamers (e.g., the protonated 7:1 cluster is 2.1 kcal/mol less stable than the 8:0 analogue). The implications of these results for the origin of homochirality are discussed.

Mass spectrometric quantitation of chiral drugs by the kinetic method

A novel mass spectrometric method for rapid, accurate (2-4% ee) quantitation of chiral drugs is described. Copper(II)-bound complexes of seven model drugs (atenolol, DOPA, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, isoproterenol, norepinephrine, propranolol) with chiral reference compounds (L-amino acids) are generated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The trimeric complex ions (three chiral ligands--one of the analyte and two of the reference compound) are collisionally activated, and they undergo dissociation by competitive loss of either the neutral reference or the neutral drug molecule. The ratio of the two competitive dissociation rates, viz. the product ion branching ratio, is related via the kinetic method to the enantiomeric composition of the drug mixture. A two-point calibration curve, derived from the kinetic method, allows rapid quantitation of enantiomeric excess of drug mixtures. The chiral sensitivity of the method is such as to allow determination of mixtures with a few percent enantiomeric contamination.

Multiple stage pentaquadrupole mass spectrometry for generation and characterization of gas-phase ionic species. The case of the PyC2H 5 (+·) isomers

Eleven isomers with the PyC2H 5 (+·) composition, which include three conventional (1-3) and eight distonic radical cations (4-11), have been generated and in most cases successfully characterized in the gas phase via tandem-in-space multiple-stage pentaquadrupole MS(2) and MS(3) experiments. The three conventional radical cations, that is, the ionized ethylpyridines C2H5-C5H4N(+·) (1-3), were generated via direct 70-eV electron ionization of the neutrals, whereas sequences of chemical ionization and collision-induced dissociation (CID) or mass-selected ion-molecule reactions were used to generate the distonic ions H2C(·)-C5H4N(+)-CH3 (4-6), CH3-C5H4N(+)-CH 2 (·) (7-9), C5H5N(+)-CH2CH 2 (·) (10), and C5H5N(+)-CH(·)-CH3 (11). Unique features of the low-energy (15-eV) CID and ion-molecule reaction chemistry with the diradical oxygen molecule of the isomers were used for their structural characterization. All the ion-molecule reaction products of a mass-selected ion, each associated with its corresponding CID fragments, were collected in a single three-dimensional mass spectrum. Ab initio calculations at the ROMP2/6-31G(d, p)//6-31G(d, p)+ZPE level of theory were performed to estimate the energetics involved in interconversions within the PyC2H5 (+·) system, which provided theoretical support for facile 4⇌7 interconversion evidenced in both CID and ion-molecule reaction experiments. The ab initio spin densities for the a-distonic ions 4-9 and 11 were found to be largely on the methylene or methyne formal radical sites, which thus ruled out substantial odd-spin derealization throughout the neighboring pyridine ring. However, only 8 and 9 (and 10) react extensively with oxygen by radical coupling, hence high spin densities on the radical site of the distonic ions do not necessarily lead to radical coupling reaction with oxygen. The very typical "spatially separated" ab initio charge and spin densities of 4-11 were used to classify them as distonic ions, whereas 1-3 show, as expected, "localized" electronic structures characteristic of conventional radical ions.

The ionized methylene transfer from the distonic radical cation (+)CH 2-O-CH 2 to heterocyclic compounds. A pentaquadrupole mass spectrometric study

Ion-molecule reactions of the mass-selected distonic radical cation (+)CH2-O-CH 2 (·) (1) with several heterocyclic compounds have been investigated by multiple stage mass spectro- metric experiments performed in a pentaquadrupole mass spectrometer. Reactions with pyridine, 2-, 3-, and 4-ethyl, 2-methoxy, and 2-n-propyl pyridine occur mainly by transfer of CH 2 (+·) to the nitrogen, which yields distonic N-methylene-pyridinium radical cations. The MS(3) spectra of these products display very characteristic collision-induced dissociation chemistry, which is greatly affected by the position of the substituent in the pyridine ring. Ortho isomers undergo a δ-cleavage cyclization process induced by the free-radical character of the N-methylene group that yields bicyclic pyridinium cations. On the other hand, extensive CH 2 (+·) transfer followed by rapid hydrogen atom loss, that is, a net CH(+) transfer, occurs not to the heteroatoms, but to the aromatic ring of furan, thiophene, pyrrole, and N-methyl pyrrole. The reaction proceeds through five- to six-membered ring expansion, which yields the pyrilium, thiapyrilium, N-protonated, and N-methylated pyridine cations, respectively, as indicated by MS(3) scans. Ion 1 fails to transfer CH 2 (+·) to tetrahydrofuran, whereas a new α-distonic sulfur ion is formed in reactions with tetrahydrothiophene. Unstable N-methylene distonic ions, likely formed by transfer of CH 2 (+·) to the nitrogen of piperidine and pyrrolidine, undergo rapid fragmentation by loss of the α-NH hydrogen to yield closed-shell immonium cations. The most thermodynamically favorable products are formed in these reactions, as estimated by ab initio calculations at the MP2/6-31G(d,p)//6-31G(d,p) + ZPE level of theory.