Rapid Light-Response Curve of Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Terrestrial Plants: Relationship to CO2 Exchange among Five Woody and Four Fern Species Adapted to Different Light and Water Regimes

The rapid light response of electron transport rate (ETRR), obtained from chlorophyll fluorescence parameters by short illumination periods (10-30 s) at each light level, can provide a rapid and easy measurement of photosynthetic light response in plants. However, the relationship between ETRR and the steady-state light response of CO2 exchange rate (AS) of terrestrial plants has not been studied in detail. In this study, we compared the ETRR and AS for five woody and four fern species with different light and/or water adaptations. Under well-watered conditions, a constant temperature (25 °C) and with stomatal conductance (gs) not being a main limiting factor for photosynthesis, ETRR and AS were closely related, even when merging data for regression analysis for a species grown under different light conditions and measured under different light intensity and air humidity. However, when Alnus formosana was treated with low soil water and air humidity, because of the decrease in AS mainly due to stomatal closure, the ETRR-AS relation was not so close. In addition, at both 100 and 2000 μmol m-2 s-1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), ETRR and AS were significantly correlated within a plant group (i.e., woody plants and ferns) regardless of the broad difference in AS due to different species or environmental factors. The results indicate that the relationship between the ETRR and AS is varied by species. We concluded that 1) ETRR could reflect the variation in AS at each irradiance level within a species under well-watered conditions and 2) ETRR at 100 μmol m-2 s-1 PPFD (as the efficiency of light capture) or 2000 μmol m-2 s-1 PPFD (as a maximum photosynthetic parameter) could be used to compare the photosynthetic capacity within a plant group, such as woody plants and ferns.

Physiological Characteristics of Photosynthesis in Yellow-Green, Green and Dark-Green Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. alboglabra Musil.) under Varying Light Intensities

The objective of this work was to study physiological characteristics and photosynthetic apparatus in differentially pigmented leaves of three Chinese kale cultivars. Chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence and photochemical reflectance index (PRI) measurements in green, yellow-green, and dark-green cultivars in response to varying light intensities. As light intensity increased from 200 to 2000 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), fraction of light absorbed in photosystem (PS) II and PRI values in all plants were strongly lowered, but fraction of light absorbed in PSII dissipated via thermal energy dissipation and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) values in all plants wereremarkably elevated.When plants were exposed to 200 PPFD, the values of fraction of light absorbed in PSII, utilized in photosynthetic electron transport(p), andfraction of light absorbed excitation energy in PSII dissipated via thermal energy dissipation (D), remained stable regardless of the changes in levels of Chla + b. Under 800 and 1200 PPFD, the values of p and electron transport rate (ETR) decreased, but D and NPQ increased as Chla + bcontent decreased, suggesting that decrease inChla + bcontent led to lower PSII efficiency and it became necessary to increase dissipate excess energy. On the contrary, in 2000 PPFD, leaves with lower Chla + bcontent had relatively higher p and electron transport rate (ETR) values and lower D level, as well as tended to increase more in NPQ but decrease more in PRI values. The consistent relations between PRI and NPQ suggest that NPQ is mainly consisted ofthe xanthophyll cycle-dependentenergy quenching.Yellow-green cultivar showed lower Chla + bcontent but high carotenoids/Chla + b ratio and had high light protection ability under high PPFD. The precise management of photosynthetic parameters in response to light intensity can maximize the growth and development of Chinese kale plants.

Biochemical and Physiological Characteristics of Photosynthesis in Plants of Two Calathea Species

Plants of the genus Calathea possess many leaf colors, and they are economically important because they are widely used as ornamentals for interior landscaping. Physiological performances and photosynthetic capacities of C. insignis and C. makoyana were investigated. The photosynthetic efficiencies of C. insignis and C. makoyana were significantly increased when the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) increased from 0 to 600 μmol photons·m-2·s-1 and became saturated with a further increase in the PPFD. The two Calathea species had lower values of both the light saturation point and maximal photosynthetic rate, which indicated that they are shade plants. No significant differences in predawn Fv/Fm values (close to 0.8) were observed between dark-green (DG) and light-green (LG) leaf sectors in all tested leaves. However, the effective quantum yield of photosystem II largely decreased as the PPFD increased. An increase in the apparent photosynthetic electron transport rate was observed in both species to a maximum at 600 μmol·m-2·s-1 PPFD, following by a decrease to 1500 μmol·m-2·s-1 PPFD. Compared to LG leaf extracts, DG leaf extracts contained higher levels of chlorophyll (Chl) a, Chl b, Chls a + b, carotenoids (Cars), anthocyanins (Ants), flavonoids (Flas), and polyphenols (PPs) in all plants, except for the Ant, Fla and PP contents of C. insignis plants. Calathea insignis also contained significantly higher levels of total protein than did C. makoyana. The adjusted normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), photochemical reflectance index (PRI), red-green, and flavonol index (FlavI) were significantly correlated to leaf Chls a + b, Cars, Ants, and Flas in C. makoyana, respectively, and can be used as indicators to characterize the physiology of these plants.

Synthesis and antiviral effects of isosteviol-derived analogues against the hepatitis B virus

Among several isosteviol-derived analogues, NC-8 (ent-16-oxobeyeran-19-N-methylureido) showed inhibitory potency against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in HepG2 2.2.15 cells. Its anti-HBV mechanism was then next investigated in a human hepatoma cell culture system. Results showed that it specifically inhibited viral gene expression and reduced the level of encapsidated viral DNA intermediates in Huh7 cells that expressed replicating HBV. It also potently attenuated all viral promoter activity in HBV-expressing Huh7 cells, but not in cells lacking HBV expression. By examining its antiviral mechanism in cellular signaling pathways, NC-8 was found to inhibit the activity of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB element-containing promoter, but only slightly enhanced activities of activator protein (AP)-1- and interferon-sensitive response element (ISRE)-containing promoters in HBV-expressing cells. NC-8 also significantly eliminated NF-κB (p65/p50) and Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 proteins, but increased the IκBα protein level in a dose-dependent manner in HBV-transfected Huh7 cells, while these protein levels were apparently unchanged in non-transfected cells. Meanwhile, NC-8-treated nuclear extracts that co-expressed HBV inhibited the binding of NF-κB to the CS1 site of HBV major surface gene and specifically attenuated CS1-containing promoter activity. Taken together, this study suggests that the antiviral mechanism of NC-8 appears to be mediated by disturbing replication and gene expression of HBV and by inhibiting the host TLR2/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The role of pentacyclic triterpenoids in the allelopathic effects of Alstonia scholaris

Alstonia scholaris is a tropical evergreen tree native to South and Southeast Asia. Alstonia forests frequently lack understory species. However, potential mechanisms-particularly the allelochemicals involved-remain unclear. In the present study, we identified allelochemicals of A. scholaris, and clarified the role of allelopathic substances from A. scholaris in interactions with neighboring plants. We showed that the leaves, litter, and soil from A. scholaris inhibited growth of Bidens pilosa-a weed found growing abundantly near A. scholaris forests. The allelochemicals were identified as pentacyclic triterpenoids, including betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid by using (1)H and (13)C-NMR spectroscopy. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for radicle growth of B. pilosa and Lactuca sativa ranged from 78.8 μM to 735.2 μM, and ursolic acid inhibited seed germination of B. pilosa. The triterpenoid concentrations in the leaves, litter, and soil were quantified with liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry. Ursolic acid was present in forest soil at a concentration of 3,095 μg/g, i.e., exceeding the IC50. In the field, ursolic acid accumulated abundantly in the soil in A. scholaris forests, and suppressed weed growth during summer and winter. Our results indicate that A. scholaris pentacyclic triterpenoids influence the growth of neighboring weeds by inhibiting seed germination, radicle growth, and functioning of photosystem II.

Using combined measurements for comparison of light induction of stomatal conductance, electron transport rate and CO2 fixation in woody and fern species adapted to different light regimes

We aimed to understand the relation of photosynthetic rate (A) with g(s) and electron transport rate (ETR) in species of great taxonomic range and light adaptation capability during photosynthetic light induction. We studied three woody species (Alnus formosana, Ardisia crenata and Ardisia cornudentata) and four fern species (Pyrrosia lingus, Asplenium antiquum, Diplazium donianum and Archangiopteris somai) with different light adaptation capabilities. Pot-grown materials received 100 and/or 10% sunlight according to their light adaptation capabilities. At least 4 months after light acclimation, CO(2) and H(2)O exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured simultaneously by equipment in the laboratory. In plants adapted or acclimated to low light, dark-adapted leaves exposed to 500 or 2000 µmol m(-2) s(-1) photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) for 30 min showed low gross photosynthetic rate (P(g)) and short time required to reach 90% of maximum P(g) (). At the initiation of illumination, two broad-leaved understory shrubs and the four ferns, especially ferns adapted to heavy shade, showed higher stomatal conductance (g(s)) than pioneer tree species; materials with higher g(s) had short at both 500 and 2000 µmol m(-2) s(-1) PPF. With 500 or 2000 µmol m(-2) s(-1) PPF, the g(s) for the three woody species increased from 2 to 30 min after the start of illumination, but little change in the g(s) of the four ferns. Thus, P(g) and g(s) were not correlated for all material measured at the same PPF and induction time. However, P(g) was positively correlated with ETR, even though CO(2) assimilation may be influenced by stomatal, biochemical and photoinhibitory limitations. In addition, was closely related to time required to reach 90% maximal ETR for all materials and with two levels of PPF combined. Thus, ETR is a good indicator for estimating the light induction of photosynthetic rate of species, across a wide taxonomic range and light adaptation and acclimation capability.

Relationship between photochemical efficiency of photosystem II and the photochemical reflectance index of mango tree: merging data from different illuminations, seasons and leaf colors

In order to elucidate the effects of chlorophyll concentration and seasonal temperature on the relationship between photosystem II (PSII) efficiency and the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) of leaves under different light intensity, mango (Mangifera indica), a low-temperature-sensitive species, was used for the study. From early winter to summer, we selected several days to measure chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf spectral reflectance of mango leaves with dark green to yellow green colors, under natural sunlight from predawn to sunset and under six levels (0, 200, 400, 800, 1200 and 2000 mumol m(-2) s(-1)) of artificial illumination. When leaves were exposed to light, both PRI and PSII efficiency decreased with the increase in illumination, yet the PSII efficiency-PRI relationship varied with temperature and leaf color. Both predawn PRI and the X-intercept of the PSII efficiency-PRI regression equations were higher in dark green leaves and on the day with higher minimum air temperature, and lower on opposite conditions. These were due to the influence of chlorophyll on the reflection of wavebands for detecting PRI, and leaves retained a higher degree of epoxidation state of xanthophyll cycle pigments in cold predawn. Therefore, when data obtained at different seasons and with different leaf colors were pooled for analysis, PRI was not closely related to PSII efficiency. Yet, either in the darkness of predawn or under a given level of illumination, PSII efficiency always showed a significant positive correlation with PRI, with data from different leaf colors and seasons merged for statistics analysis. Because both the intercept and slope of the PSII efficiency-PRI equation showed a negative regression with photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), an empirical regression model, i.e., PSII efficiency = c + d . PPF + e . (PPF)(2) + f . PRI + g . PPF . PRI, could be fitted for multiple regression analysis. Based on the close correlation between the estimated and measured PSII efficiency (r(2) = 0.844-0.907, P < 0.001), using dynamic data obtained from leaves with yellow green to dark green colors, measurement was taken at predawn (F(v)/F(m)) and under any given strength of sunlight and artificial illumination (DeltaF/F(m)') through different seasons. We, thus, concluded that this empirical regression model could simulate both the seasonal and diurnal variations of PSII efficiency.

Seasonal variation in photosystem II efficiency and photochemical reflectance index of evergreen trees and perennial grasses growing at low and high elevations in subtropical Taiwan

Three pines species, three evergreen broadleaf trees, one C(3) and two C(4) perennial grasses of subtropical Taiwan were studied to elucidate the correlation between photosystem II (PSII) efficiency and photochemical reflectance index (PRI = (R(531) - R(570))/(R(531) + R(570))). Measurements were made at two sites differing in altitude (800 and 2600 m) over several growing seasons. At high elevation, potential PSII efficiency, measured by chlorophyll fluorescence (the ratio of variable to maximal fluorescence; F(v)/F(m)) at predawn, decreased with decreasing air temperature and varied greatly among species. At the lowest air temperature (-3 degrees C) studied, variation in F(v)/F(m) among species ranged from 0.33 to 0.72. In contrast, at low elevation where air temperature was moderate, seasonal variation in F(v)/F(m) was small in all of the study species. When species, elevation and season data were pooled, despite the high variation in F(v)/F(m) among species, a good correlation between F(v)/F(m) and PRI was observed. When compared at the same value of PRI, F(v)/F(m) of evergreen trees was higher than that of perennial grasses; however, when the minimum temperature on the measurement day was below 0 degrees C, F(v)/F(m) was underestimated relative to PRI. We conclude that PRI could be used as a remote indicator of photosynthetic function when air temperature is above 0 degrees C.

Relationships between chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and photochemical reflectance index of tree species adapted to different temperature regimes

Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and spectral reflectance at leaf level were measured at both predawn and noon, under different temperatures and natural light conditions from autumn to winter. Predawn F_v / F_m of both mango (Mangifera indica L.), a tropical fruit tree, and Podocarpus nagi Zoll. et Moritz., a subtropical conifer, decreased with decreasing temperature, with the former to a greater extent than the latter. Yet, predawn F_v / F_m of Taiwan alder (Alnus formosana Makino), a broadleaf tree widely distributed from the lowlands to 3000 m above sea level in Taiwan, was less influenced by temperature. Nevertheless, taking all three species into consideration, predawn F_v / F_m showed a strong correlation with predawn photochemical reflectance index [(PRI_p), PRI = (R₅₃₁ - R₅₇₀) / (R₅₃₁ + R₅₇₀), where R = reflectance]. For the data obtained at noon, ΔF / F_m' showed a significant but weak correlation with PRI (PRI_n). However, stronger correlation between ΔF / F_m' and ΔPRI (PRI_p - PRI_n) was found. In addition, while a non-significant or weak correlation between non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and PRI_n was observed in species sensitive to low temperature, their NPQ was significantly correlated with ΔPRI. We conclude that PRI_p can serve as an indicator of the seasonal variation of potential PSII efficiency; and ΔPRI reflects the actual photodissipation as well as actual PSII efficiency during illumination. For the three species in this study, the PRI provides a more consistent measure of the variation in predawn fluorescence values than for steady-state values measured under normal seasonally varying daylight illumination.

Seasonal variations in photosynthesis of Picea morrisonicola growing in the subalpine region of subtropical Taiwan

From January 1999 to May 2001, we investigated seasonal variations in the photosynthetic capacity of Taiwan spruce (Picea morrisonicola Hay.) growing in the subalpine region of subtropical Taiwan (23 degrees 29' N, 120 degrees 53' E, 2600 m a.s.l.). Photosynthetic capacity (near light-saturated net photosynthetic rate, Pnsat, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and soluble protein concentration of needles all increased from mid or late spring to early winter. Even when minimum air temperature of the measuring day dropped to near 0 degrees C, Pnsat remained at about 20% of the highest value observed in winter. There was a curvilinear relationship between Fv/Fm and the minimum or mean air temperature of the measuring day. The increase in Fv/Fm with temperature was slowed when the daily mean air temperature was above 7 degrees C, or the minimum air temperature was above 3 degrees C; however, when air temperatures dropped below these values, Fv/Fm varied sharply. Seasonal variations in Pnsat paralleled those in Fv/Fm and needle soluble protein concentration. In early or mid spring when air temperature and Fv/Fm increased, Pnsat and soluble protein concentration remained low. Multiple regression analysis showed that seasonal variations in Pnsat were affected by Fv/Fm, air temperature and needle soluble protein concentration, and the multiple regression equation could be used to estimate Pnsat in different seasons. We conclude that the decrease in photosynthetic capacity of Taiwan spruce in winter and its subsequent recovery in spring were mainly caused by photoinhibition and its reversal, and changes in needle soluble protein concentration. Another possible explanation for the delayed recovery of photosynthetic capacity in spring may be associated with the slow increase in needle soluble protein concentration.

Ecophysiological characteristics of Taiwan alder (Alnus formosana) seedlings adapted to the subtropical region

We investigated several ecophysiological characteristics of seedlings of a low-elevation (100-200 m) and a high-elevation (2000-2400 m) population of Taiwan alder (Alnus formosana Makino) from subtropical Taiwan. Both populations had a wide optimal temperature range for photosynthesis, and there was little difference in the optimal temperature range for photosynthesis between populations. Photosynthetic rate (P(N)) was near maximal from 20 to 35 degrees C when seedlings of both the low-elevation and the high-elevation populations were acclimated at a day/night temperature of 30/23 degrees C. When seedlings were acclimated at a day/night temperature of 20/10 degrees C, P(N) was near maximal over the range 15-35 degrees C in the low-elevation population and 15-30 degrees C in the high-elevation population. Compared with nine other tree species native to Taiwan, Taiwan alder had a high P(N) and stomatal conductance (g(s)) under well-watered conditions. Reflecting its higher transpiration rate, Taiwan alder had a significantly greater leaf-air temperature difference than camphor (Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl), a co-occurring lowland tree species with leaves similar in shape and size to those of Taiwan alder. Despite higher g(s), high root and shoot hydraulic conductances enabled Taiwan alder to maintain higher leaf water potentials than camphor under well-watered conditions. We conclude that both photosynthetic characteristics and water relations are important factors enabling Taiwan alder to adapt to a wide temperature range, thereby ensuring its success at both high and low elevations in subtropical Taiwan.

First and second generation total synthesis of the teicoplanin aglycon

Full details of studies leading to the total synthesis of the teicoplanin aglycon are provided. Key elements of the first generation approach (26 steps from constituent amino acids, 1% overall) include the coupling of an EFG tripeptide precursor to the common vancomycin/teicoplanin ABCD ring system and sequential DE macrocyclization of the 16-membered ring with formation of the diaryl ether via a phenoxide nucleophilic aromatic substitution of an o-fluoronitroaromatic (80%, 3:1 atropisomer diastereoselection) followed by 14-membered FG ring closure by macrolactamization (66%). Subsequent studies have provided a second generation total synthesis which is shorter, more convergent, and highly diastereoselective (22 steps, 2% overall). This was accomplished by altering the order of ring closures such that FG macrolactamization (95%) preceded coupling of the EFG tripeptide to the ABCD ring system and subsequent DE ring closure. Notably, DE macrocyclization via diaryl ether formation on substrate 57, the key intermediate in the latter approach incorporating the intact FG ring system, occurred with exceptional diastereoselection for formation of the natural atropisomer (>10:1, 76%) without problematic C(2)(3) epimerization provided the basicity of the reaction is minimized.

Novel CCK-B receptor agonists: diketopiperazine analogues derived for CCK4 bioactive conformation

Recently, we proposed a CCK-B agonist bioactive conformation characterized by an 'S' shape of the peptidic backbone which was derived from structure-activity relationships and conformational analysis of CCK4 (Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) analogues. Using this template, we report here the synthesis of cyclic CCK4 analogues which contain, in place of the Trp-Met dipeptide, a diketopiperazine moiety resulting from a cyclization between Nle and N-substituted (D)Trp residues and coupled with a small linker to Asp-Phe-NH2. Some of these compounds displayed good affinities and selectivities for the CCK-B receptor. The results are discussed in terms of size, hydrophobicity and spatial orientation of the side-chains on the diketopiperazine ring. The most potent ligand exhibited potent and full CCK-B receptor agonist properties in promoting the hydrolysis of inositol phosphates (EC50 = 8 nM) in CHO cells, stably transfected with the rat brain CCK-B receptor. This compound was also shown to be a potent selective CCK-B/gastrin receptor agonist since, it increased gastric acid secretion measured in anesthetized rats on i.v. administration. These compounds provide a rigid template for the design of non-peptide CCK-B agonists, by modification of the remaining peptide moiety.

Role of N- and C-terminal substituents on the CCK-B agonist-antagonist pharmacological profile of Boc-Trp-Phg-Asp-Nal-NH2 derivatives

Among the CCK derivatives, the tetrapeptide Boc-Trp-Phg-Asp-Nal-NH2 (1) behaves as a short potent CCK-B agonist which led to the development of an efficient peptidase-resistant CCK-B antagonist by bismethylation of its terminal CONH2 group. Further modifications of the N- and C-terminal moieties of 1 have been performed and are described in this paper, together with the pharmacological profile of the novel synthetized compounds. Introduction of more bulky substituents than NalNH2 on the C-terminal part decreased the CCK-B receptor binding affinity. In the series of N-protected tetrapeptides X30-Phg31-Asp32-Nal33-N(CH3)2, the Boc-substituent was shown to be optimal among the N-protecting groups Boc, 2Adoc, propionyl or acetyl when X = Trp. On the other hand, when X = alpha MeTrp, its optimal N-protecting group was 2Adoc and its configuration was preferentially D. In the newly synthesized compounds, 13: 2Adoc-D-alpha MeTrp-Phg-Asp-NalN(CH3)2 and 16: 2Adoc-D-alpha MeTrp-Phg-Asp-NalNH2 had the best CCK-B receptor affinities (KI = 3.5 and 3.4 nM, respectively) and were selected for further biological evaluation. Interestingly, when tested for their capacity to influence inositol phosphate formation, induced by CCK8 in CHO cells transfected with the rat CCK-B receptor, compound 13 behaved as a full CCK-B antagonist with an IC50 value of 18 +/- 1 nM, being as potent as the antagonist L-365,260 and PD-134,308 (IC50 values respectively, 39 +/- 17 and 30 +/- 2 nM), whereas compound 16 was found to behave as a partial CCK-B agonist. Indeed 16 behaved as an antagonist on the firing rate of rat CA1 hippocampal neurons and acted as an agonist in the pentagastrin stimulated gastric acid secretion (EC50 = 12 nmol/kg) in anesthetized rats. Compound 13 in contrast, was found to inhibit the pentagastrin action at a dose (ID50 = 0.56 mumol/kg) similar to the potent antagonist PD-134,308 (ID50 = 0.4 mumol/kg). The antagonist/agonist properties of compounds 13 and 16 show that both N- and C-terminal substituents modulate the pharmacological properties in the Boc-CCK4 derivatives presented here.

Comparative conformational analysis of CCK-B agonist Boc-Trp-Phg-Asp-(1-Nal)-NH2 and CCK1-B antagonist Boc-Trp-Phg-Asp-(1-Nal)-N(Me)2 using 1HNMR spectroscopy and restrained molecular dynamics

The tetrapeptide Boc-Trp-Phg-Asp-(1-Nal)-NH2 is a potent CCK-B agonist. Interestingly, bis-methylation of the C-terminal carboxamide group of this compound leads to Boc-Trp-Phg-Asp-(1-Nal)-N(Me)2 which behaves as a CCK-B antagonist in electrophysiological studies on hippocampal neurones (Corringer et al., 1993). In order to ascertain whether bismethylation of the terminal carboxamide group has an influence on the conformational preferences of the peptide, we have undertaken a comparative conformational analysis of the two tetrapeptides by the combined use of 2D NMR spectroscopy and restrained molecular dynamics. The solution conformation of the two peptides were examined by 1H NMR in a d6-DMSO/H2O (80:20) mixture. 1H-1H distance constraints, derived from 2D NOESY and ROESY experiments, were used as inputs for subsequent restrained molecular dynamics simulations. Comparison of the NMR and molecular modeling data indicates different conformational preferences for these two peptides. Interestingly, the aromatic side chains of the CCK-B antagonist Boc-Trp-Phg-Asp-(1-Nal)-N(Me)2 in its preferential conformation, overlap their corresponding moieties in the two non peptide CCK-B antagonists L-362,260 and LY-288,513. The differences in conformational behaviour of the studied tetrapeptides could, at least in part, account for their opposite agonist/antagonist profile, a findings which could serve for the design of new conformationally restricted CCK-B analogs.

Characterization of the manganese-resistant mutants derived from Vibrio parahaemolyticus

The virulence and some related factors of Vibrio parahaemolyticus are regulated by the level of iron. In this study, five Mn-resistant mutants were selected after N-methyl-N'-nitrosoguanidine treatment and two transfers in medium containing high levels of manganese chloride. Production of siderophores and the 77-kDa iron-regulated outer-membrane protein and the bacterial growth in these Mn-resistants were deregulated, as compared with the wild-type strain. In addition, the regulation of these phenomena was partially or completely restored by the introduction of Escherichia coli fur gene. Also, the total cellular protein profiles of the wild-type and mutants showed that production of some proteins were positively or negatively regulated by iron, and expression of some of these proteins remained unaffected in these mutants. These results suggested the presence of a complicated iron regulation system, similar to the Fur system of E. coli, in this pathogen.

Conformational analysis of CCK-B agonists using 1H-NMR and restrained molecular dynamics: comparison of biologically active Boc-Trp-(N-Me) Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 and inactive Boc-Trp-(N-Me)Phe-Asp-Phe-NH2

The tetrapeptide Boc-Trp-(N-Me)Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 is a potent CCK-B agonist. Replacement in this analogue of the norleucine residue by a phenylalanine, to yield Boc-Trp-(N-Me) Phe-Asp-Phe-NH2, led to a 740-fold decrease in affinity whereas the same decrease in affinity was not observed in their nonmethylated counterparts. In order to ascertain the conformational preferences of these two N-methylated tetrapeptides, a study by two-dimensional (2D) nmr spectroscopy and molecular modeling was undertaken. The solution conformation of the two peptides was examined by 1H-nmr in a d6-DMSO/H2O (80:20) mixture. A cis-trans equilibrium, induced by N-methylation, was observed for both analogues, and the proton spectra of the two rotamers were fully characterized in each case. 1H-1H distance constraints, derived from 2D nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy and rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy experiments, were used as inputs for subsequent restrained molecular dynamics simulations. Comparisons of the nmr and molecular modeling data point toward distinct conformational preferences for these two peptides with an opposite spatial orientation of the Trp residue, and could explain the large difference in their biological activities. Furthermore, the tridimensional structure of Boc-Trp-(N-Me)Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 could serve as a model for the design of nonpeptide CCK-B agonists.

Cholecystokinin peptidomimetics as selective CCK-B antagonists: design, synthesis, and in vitro and in vivo biochemical properties

Antagonists of cholecystokinin-B (CCK-B) receptors have been shown to alleviate CCK4-induced panic attacks in humans and to potentiate opioid effects in animals. The clinical use of these compounds is critically dependent on their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. In order to improve this property, new, peptoid-derived CCK-B antagonists, endowed with high affinity, selectivity, and increased lipophilicity have been developed. The affinity and selectivity of these compounds have been characterized in vitro and in vivo using guinea pig, rat, and mouse. Most of these compounds proved to be selective for the CCK-B receptor, the most potent analog, N-[N-[(2-adamantyloxy)carbonyl]-D-alpha- methyltryptophanyl]-N-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]glycine (26A), having a Ki value of 6.1 nM for guinea pig cortex membranes in vitro and a good selectivity ratio (Ki CCK-A/Ki CCK-B = 174). Furthermore, the in vivo affinity of 26A for mouse brain CCK-B receptors, following intracerebroventricular injection at different concentrations, was found to be 10 nmol. Using competition experiments with the specific CCK-B ligand [3H]pBC 264, compound 26A was shown to cross the blood-brain barrier (0.2%) after intraperitoneal administration in mice. This compound is therefore an interesting pharmacological tool to further elucidate the physiopathological role of endogenous CCK.

CCK-B agonist or antagonist activities of structurally hindered and peptidase-resistant Boc-CCK4 derivatives

Replacement of Met31 by (N-Me)Nle in CCK8 or CCK4 has been shown to improve the affinity and selectivity for CCK-B receptors. In order to obtain molecules with enhanced bioavailability, two novel series of protected tetrapeptides of the general formula Boc-Trp30-X-Asp-Y33 have been developed. Introduction of (N-Me)Nle and the bulky, aromatic naphthylalaninamide (Nal-NH2) in positions X and Y, respectively, does not greatly modify the affinity for guinea pig brain CCK-B receptors. In contrast, incorporation of hindering N-methyl amino acids such as (N-Me)Phe, (N-Me)Phg, or (N-Me)Chg, but not their non-methylated counterparts, in position X induced a large decrease in affinity for the CCK-B binding sites. Among the various peptides synthesized, Boc-[(N-Me)Nle31,1Nal-NH2(33)]CCK4 (2) (KI = 2.8 nM), Boc-[Phg31,1Nal-NH2(33)]CCK4 (15) (KI = 14 nM), and Boc-[Phg31,1Nal-N(CH3)2(33)]CCK4 (17) (KI = 39 nM) displayed good affinities for brain CCK-B receptors and had good selectivity ratios. These pseudopeptides, in which the presence of unnatural and hydrophobic residues is expected to improve their penetration of the central nervous system, were shown to be very resistant to brain peptidases. Interestingly, whereas compounds 2 and 15 proved to be full agonists for rat hippocampal CCK-B receptors when measured in an electrophysiological assay, compound 17 behaved as a potent antagonist in the same test and displayed a good affinity in rat brain KI(CCK-B) = 51 nM as compared to the Merck antagonist L365,260,KI(CCK-B) = 12 nM. This illustrates a simple means to obtain CCK-B antagonists and suggests that the free, CONH2 group plays a critical role in the recognition of the agonist state of brain CCK-B receptors.

Differences between Indica and Japonica rice varieties in CO2 exchange rates in response to leaf nitrogen and temperature

Four Indica and five Japonica varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) were examined to elucidate their differences in photosynthetic activity and dark respiratory rate as influenced by leaf nitrogen levels and temperatures. The photosynthetic rates of single leaf showed correlations with total nitrogen and soluble protein contents in the leaves. Respiratory rate was also positively correlated with the leaf nitrogen content. When compared at the same level of leaf nitrogen or soluble protein content, the four Indica varieties and one of Japonica varieties, Tainung 67, which have some Indica genes derived from one of its parents, showed higher photosynthetic rates than the remaining four Japonica varieties. At the same photosynthetic rate, the Indica varieties showed lower respiratory rate than Japonica varieties. When the leaf temperature rose from 20°C to 30°C, the photosynthetic rate increased by 18 to 41%, whereas the respiratory rate increased by 100 to 150%. These increasing rates in response to temperature were higher in the Japonica than in the Indica varieties. In this respect, Tainung 67 showed the same behavior as of the other four Japonica varieties.