Catalytic Antibodies May Contribute to Demyelination in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Here we report preliminary data demonstrating that some patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatiguesyndrome (ME/CFS) may have catalytic autoantibodies that cause the breakdown of myelin basic protein (MBP). We propose that these MBP-degradative antibodies are important to the pathophysiology of ME/CFS, particularly in the occurrence of white matter disease/demyelination. This is supported by magnetic resonance imagining studies that show these findings in patients with ME/CFS and could explain symptoms of nerve pain and muscle weakness. In this work, we performed a series of experiments on patient plasma samples where we isolated and characterized substrate-specific antibodies that digest MBP. We also tested glatiramer acetate (copaxone), an FDA approved immunomodulator to treat multiple sclerosis, and found that it inhibits ME/CFS antibody digestion of MBP. Furthermore, we found that aprotinin, which is a specific serine protease inhibitor, specifically prevents breakdown of MBP while the other classes of protease inhibitors had no effect. This coincides with the published literature describing catalytic antibodies as having serine protease-like activity. Postpandemic research has also provided several reports of demyelination in COVID-19. Because COVID-19 has been described as a trigger for ME/CFS, demyelination could play a bigger role in patient symptoms for those recently diagnosed with ME/CFS. Therefore, by studying proteolytic antibodies in ME/CFS, their target substrates, and inhibitors, a new mechanism of action could lead to better treatment and a possible cure for the disease.

A study on the interaction of the amyloid fibrils of α-synuclein and hen egg white lysozyme with biological membranes

Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation and mitochondrial dysfunction are considered as two of the main factors associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). In the present investigation, the effectiveness of the amyloid fibrils obtained from α-syn with those of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL), as disease-related and-unrelated proteins, to damage rat brain and rat liver mitochondria have been investigated. This was extended by looking at SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells and erythrocytes, thereby investigating the significance of structural characteristics of amyloid fibrils related to their interactions with biomembranes obtained from various sources. Results presented clearly demonstrate substantial differences in the response of tested biomembranes to toxicity induced by α-syn/HEWL amyloid fibrils, highlighting a structure-function relationship. We found that fibrillar aggregates of α-syn, but not HEWL, caused a significant increase in mitochondrial ROS, loss of membrane potential, and mitochondrial swelling, in a dose-dependent manner. Toxicity was found to be more pronounced in brain mitochondria, as compared to liver mitochondria. For SH-SY5Y cells and erythrocytes, however, both α-syn and HEWL amyloid fibrils showed the capacity to induce toxicity. Taken together, these results may suggest selective toxicity of α-syn amyloid fibrils to mitochondria mediated likely by their direct interaction with the outer mitochondrial membrane, indicating a correlation between specific structural characteristics of α-syn fibrils and an organelle strongly implicated in PD pathology.

α-Synuclein fibrillation products trigger the release of hexokinase I from mitochondria: Protection by curcumin, and possible role in pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease

Extensive research has shown that assembling of α-synuclein amyloid aggregates on mitochondria is an important mechanistic feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other Lewy body disorders. However, the molecular mechanism(s) of its neuronal toxicity remain unclear. Type 1 Hexokinase (HKI), a key enzyme in the control of brain glucose metabolism, plays an important role in protecting against mitochondrially-regulated apoptosis through reducing generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The release of mitochondrially-bound HKI causes a significant decrease in enzyme activity and triggers oxidative stress. Here, we have investigated the potency of amyloid fibrillation products arising from α-synuclein and hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) for the release of HKI and ROS content enhancement in mitochondria isolated from rat brain. Results clearly indicate the capacity of the fibrillation products of α-synuclein, and not HEWL, to trigger release of HKI from the Type A binding site of mitochondria for the enzyme and to induce mitochondrial ROS enhancement in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we found that curcumin was very effective in preventing mitochondrial HKI release and ROS enhancement induced by α-synuclein fibrillation products. The pathophysiological significance of mitochondrial HKI activity and localization in pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders including PD are discussed. Taken together, these results may offer insight into a possible mechanism by which disease-related peptides and proteins may exert their neuronal toxicity.

Role of surface oxygen-containing functional groups of graphene oxide quantum dots on amyloid fibrillation of two model proteins

There are many reports demonstrating that various derivatives of carbon nanoparticles are effective inhibitors of protein aggregation. As surface structural features of nanoparticles play a key role on modulating amyloid fibrillation process, in the present in vitro study, bovine insulin and hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) were selected as two model proteins to investigate the reducing effect of graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) on their assembly under amyloidogenic conditions. GOQDs were prepared through direct pyrolysis of citric acid, and the reduction step was carried out using ascorbic acid. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, X-ray photoelectron, and FT-IR spectroscopies, transmission electron and atomic force microscopies, zeta potential measurement, and Nile red fluorescence assay. They showed the tendencies to modulate the assembly of the proteins through different mechanisms. While GOQDs appeared to have the capacity to inhibit fibrillation, the presence of reduced GOQDs (rGOQDs) was found to promote protein assembly via shortening the nucleation phase, as suggested by ThT fluorescence data. Moreover, the structures produced in the presence of GOQDs or rGOQDs were totally nontoxic. We suggest that surface properties of these particles may be part of the differences in their mechanism(s) of action.

Red blood cell deformability is diminished in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

BACKGROUND:

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a poorly understood disease. Amongst others symptoms, the disease is associated with profound fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, sleep abnormalities, and other symptoms that are made worse by physical or mental exertion. While the etiology of the disease is still debated, evidence suggests oxidative damage to immune and hematological systems as one of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease. Since red blood cells (RBCs) are well-known scavengers of oxidative stress, and are critical in microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation, we hypothesized that RBC deformability is adversely affected in ME/CFS.

METHODS:

We used a custom microfluidic platform and high-speed microscopy to assess the difference in deformability of RBCs obtained from ME/CFS patients and age-matched healthy controls.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:

We observed from various measures of deformability that the RBCs isolated from ME/CFS patients were significantly stiffer than those from healthy controls. Our observations suggest that RBC transport through microcapillaries may explain, at least in part, the ME/CFS phenotype, and promises to be a novel first-pass diagnostic test.

Protective effects of silibinin on insulin amyloid fibrillation, cytotoxicity and mitochondrial membrane damage

A growing body of evidence suggests that secretion and assembly of insulin to amyloid fibrils reduce its efficacy in treating type II diabetes and may lead to dysfunctioning of several organs. The research presented here explores the effects of silibinin on the in vitro amyloid fibrillation and cytotoxicity of bovine insulin fibrils on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Interaction of the resulting structures with rat brain mitochondria was also investigated. Using a range of methods for amyloid detection we showed that insulin fibrillation was significantly inhibited by silibinin in a dose-dependent fashion. Moreover, we found that silibinin was very effective in attenuating insulin fibril-induced neuronal toxicity characterized by decrease of cell viability, the release of lactate dehydrogenase, intracellular reactive oxygen species enhancement, morphological alterations, and apoptotic cell death induction. While insulin fibrillation products showed the capacity to damage mitochondria, the resultant structures produced in the presence of silibinin were totally ineffective. Together, results demonstrate the capacity of insulin fibrils to cause SH-SY5Y cell death by inducing necrosis/apoptosis changes and suggest how silibinin may afford protection. It is concluded that elucidation of such protection may provide important insights into the development of preventive and therapeutic agents for amyloid-related diseases.

Inhibition of HEWL fibril formation by taxifolin: Mechanism of action

Among therapeutic approaches for amyloid-related diseases, attention has recently turned to the use of natural products as effective anti-aggregation compounds. Although a wealth of in vitro and in vivo evidence indicates some common inhibitory activity of these compounds, they don't generally suggest the same mechanism of action. Here, we show that taxifolin, a ubiquitous bioactive constituent of foods and herbs, inhibits formation of HEWL amyloid fibrils and their related toxicity by causing formation of very large globular, chain-like aggregates. A range of amyloid-specific techniques were employed to characterize this process. We found that taxifolin exerts its effect by binding to HEWL prefibrillar species, rather than by stabilizing the molecule in its native-like state. Furthermore, it's binding results in diverting the amyloid pathway toward formation of very large globular, chain-like aggregates with low β-sheet content and reduced solvent-exposed hydrophobic patches. ThT fluorescence measurements show that the binding capacity of taxifolin is significantly reduced, upon generation of large protofibrillar aggregates at the end of growth phase. We believe these results may help design promising inhibitors of protein aggregation for amyloid-related diseases.

Automated electrotransformation of Escherichia coli on a digital microfluidic platform using bioactivated magnetic beads

This paper reports on the use of a digital microfluidic platform to perform multiplex automated genetic engineering (MAGE) cycles on droplets containing Escherichia coli cells. Bioactivated magnetic beads were employed for cell binding, washing, and media exchange in the preparation of electrocompetent cells in the electrowetting-on-dieletric (EWoD) platform. On-cartridge electroporation was used to deliver oligonucleotides into the cells. In addition to the optimization of a magnetic bead-based benchtop protocol for generating and transforming electrocompetent E. coli cells, we report on the implementation of this protocol in a fully automated digital microfluidic platform. Bead-based media exchange and electroporation pulse conditions were optimized on benchtop for transformation frequency to provide initial parameters for microfluidic device trials. Benchtop experiments comparing electrotransformation of free and bead-bound cells are presented. Our results suggest that dielectric shielding intrinsic to bead-bound cells significantly reduces electroporation field exposure efficiency. However, high transformation frequency can be maintained in the presence of magnetic beads through the application of more intense electroporation pulses. As a proof of concept, MAGE cycles were successfully performed on a commercial EWoD cartridge using variations of the optimal magnetic bead-based preparation procedure and pulse conditions determined by the benchtop results. Transformation frequencies up to 22% were achieved on benchtop; this frequency was matched within 1% (21%) by MAGE cycles on the microfluidic device. However, typical frequencies on the device remain lower, averaging 9% with a standard deviation of 9%. The presented results demonstrate the potential of digital microfluidics to perform complex and automated genetic engineering protocols.

Interaction of Aβ(25-35) fibrillation products with mitochondria: Effect of small-molecule natural products

The 25-35 fragment of the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide is a naturally occurring proteolytic by-product that retains the pathophysiology of its larger parent molecule, whose deposition has been shown to involve mitochondrial dysfunction. Hence, disruption of Aβ(25-35) aggregates could afford an effective remedial strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, the effect of a number of selected small-molecule natural products (polyphenols: resveratrol, quercetin, biochanin A, and indoles: indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-carbinol (I3C)) on Aβ(25-35) fibrillogenesis was explored under physiological conditions, and interaction of the resulting structures with rat brain mitochondria was investigated. Several techniques, including fluorescence, circular dichroism, and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to characterize the aggregation products, and possible mitochondrial membrane permeabilization was determined following release of marker enzymes. Results demonstrate the capacity of Aβ(25-35) fibrils to damage mitochondria and suggest how small molecules may afford protection. While I3C appeared more effective in inhibiting the fibrillation process, all natural products behaved similarly in destabilizing preformed aggregates. It is concluded that elucidation of such protection may provide important insights into the development of preventive and therapeutic agents for AD.

Inhibition of amyloid fibrillation and cytotoxicity of lysozyme fibrillation products by polyphenols

An increasing number of studies conducted under in vitro and in vivo conditions, have concluded that polyphenols, compounds frequently occurring in many herbs with antioxidant properties, prevent and reverse amyloid fibril formation. However, the mechanisms by which these natural products modulate the protein aggregation process are poorly understood. Herein, a range of techniques including thioflavin T (ThT) and ANS fluorescence assays, electron microscopy and circular dichroism have been employed to determine the efficacy of rosmarinic acid (RA) and resveratrol (Res) on the inhibition/reversion of fibrillogenesis and hindering cytotoxicity induced by protofibrils and amyloid fibrils of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL). Results demonstrated that both polyphenols effectively inhibit fibrillogenesis and destabilize preformed fibrils of HEWL in a concentration-dependent manner. Cytotoxicity protection on PC12 cells was also observed using the MTT assay, ROS production assay, and phase-contrast microscopy. It is suggested that the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of RA and Res is to prevent hydrophobic interactions between HEWL amyloidogenic prefibrillar species, although additional studies is needed to elucidate the detailed mechanisms involved. A combination of antioxidative and anti-amyloidogenic properties of these molecules may provide them with the described neuroprotective capacities.

Amyloid fibrillation in native and chemically-modified forms of carbonic anhydrase II: role of surface hydrophobicity

Chemical modification or mutation of proteins may bring about significant changes in the net charge or surface hydrophobicity of a protein structure. Such events may be of major physiological significance and may provide important insights into the genetics of amyloid diseases. In the present study, fibrillation potential of native and chemically-modified forms of bovine carbonic anhydrase II (BCA II) were investigated. Initially, various denaturing conditions including low pH and high temperatures were tested to induce fibrillation. At a low pH of around 2.4, where the protein is totally dissociated, the apo form was found to take up a pre-molten globular (PMG) conformation with the capacity for fibril formation. Upon increasing the pH to around 3.6, a molten globular (MG) form became abundant, forming amorphous aggregates. Charge neutralization and enhancement of hydrophobicity by methylation, acetylation and propionylation of lysine residues appeared very effective in promoting fibrillation of both the apo and holo forms under native conditions, the rates and extents of which were directly proportional to surface hydrophobicity, and influenced by salt concentration and temperature. These modified structures underwent more pronounced fibrillation under native conditions, than the PMG intermediate form, observed under denaturing conditions. The nature of the fibrillation products obtained from intermediate and modified structures were characterized and compared and their possible cytotoxicity determined. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of surface net charge and hydrophobicity in controlling protein aggregation. A discussion on the physiological significance of the observations is also presented.

Benzofuranone derivatives as effective small molecules related to insulin amyloid fibrillation: a structure-function study

Amyloids are protein fibrils of nanometer size resulting from protein self-assembly. They have been shown to be associated with a wide variety of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's and may contribute to various other pathological conditions, known as amyloidoses. Insulin is prone to form amyloid fibrils under slightly destabilizing conditions in vitro and may form amyloid structures when subcutaneously injected into patients with diabetes. There is a great deal of interest in developing novel small molecule inhibitors of amyloidogenic processes, as potential therapeutic compounds. In this study, the effects of five new synthetic benzofuranone derivatives were investigated on the insulin amyloid formation process. Protein fibrillation was analyzed by thioflavin-T fluorescence, Congo red binding, circular dichroism, and electron microscopy. Despite high structural similarity, one of the five tested compounds was observed to enhance amyloid fibrillation, while the others inhibited the process when used at micromolar concentrations, which could make them interesting potential lead compounds for the design of therapeutic antiamyloidogenic compounds.

Membrane integrity and amyloid cytotoxicity: a model study involving mitochondria and lysozyme fibrillation products

Recent findings implicate that fibrillation products, the protein aggregates formed during the various steps leading to formation of mature fibrils, induce neurotoxicity predominantly in their intermediate oligomeric state. This has been shown to occur by increasing membrane permeability, eventually leading to cell death. Despite accumulating reports describing mechanisms of membrane permeabilization by oligomers in model membranes, studies directly targeted at characterizing the events occurring in biological membranes are rare. In the present report, we describe interaction of the original native structure, prefibrils and fibrils of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) with mitochondrial membranes, as an in vitro biological model, with the aim of gaining insight into possible mechanism of cytotoxicity at the membrane level. These structures were first characterized using a range of techniques, including fluorescence, size-exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, dot blot analysis and circular dichroism. HEWL oligomers were found to be flexible/hydrophobic structures with the capacity to interact with mitochondrial membranes. Possible permeabilization of mitochondria was explored utilizing sensitive fluorometric and luminometric assays. Results presented demonstrate release of mitochondrial enzymes upon exposure to HEWL oligomers, but not native enzyme monomer or mature fibrils, in a concentration-dependent manner. Release of cytochrome c was also observed, as reported earlier, and membrane stabilization promoted by addition of calcium prevented release. Moreover, the oligomer-membrane interaction was influenced by high concentrations of NaCl and spermine. The observed release of proteins from mitochondria is suggested to occur by a nonspecific perturbation mechanism.

Large proteins have a great tendency to aggregate but a low propensity to form amyloid fibrils

The assembly of soluble proteins into ordered fibrillar aggregates with cross-β structure is an essential event of many human diseases. The polypeptides undergoing aggregation are generally small in size. To explore if the small size is a primary determinant for the formation of amyloids under pathological conditions we have created two databases of proteins, forming amyloid-related and non-amyloid deposits in human diseases, respectively. The size distributions of the two protein populations are well separated, with the systems forming non-amyloid deposits appearing significantly larger. We have then investigated the propensity of the 486-residue hexokinase-B from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YHKB) to form amyloid-like fibrils in vitro. This size is intermediate between the size distributions of amyloid and non-amyloid forming proteins. Aggregation was induced under conditions known to be most effective for amyloid formation by normally globular proteins: (i) low pH with salts, (ii) pH 5.5 with trifluoroethanol. In both situations YHKB aggregated very rapidly into species with significant β-sheet structure, as detected using circular dichroism and X-ray diffraction, but a weak Thioflavin T and Congo red binding. Moreover, atomic force microscopy indicated a morphology distinct from typical amyloid fibrils. Both types of aggregates were cytotoxic to human neuroblastoma cells, as indicated by the MTT assay. This analysis indicates that large proteins have a high tendency to form toxic aggregates, but low propensity to form regular amyloid in vivo and that such a behavior is intrinsically determined by the size of the protein, as suggested by the in vitro analysis of our sample protein.

A Microfluidic Platform for Characterization of Protein-Protein Interactions

Traditionally, expensive and time consuming techniques such as mass spectrometry and Western Blotting have been used for characterization of protein-protein interactions. In this paper, we describe the design, fabrication, and testing of a rapid and inexpensive sensor, involving the use of microelectrodes in a microchannel, which can be used for real-time electrical detection of specific interactions between proteins. We have successfully demonstrated detection of target glycoprotein-glycoprotein interactions, antigen-antibody interactions, and glycoprotein-antigen interactions. We have also demonstrated the ability of this technique to distinguish between strong and weak interactions. Using this approach, it may be possible to multiplex an array of these sensors onto a chip and probe a complex mixture for various types of interactions involving protein molecules.

Amyloidogenic potential of alpha-chymotrypsin in different conformational states

Amyloid fibril formation is widely believed to be a generic property of polypeptide chains. In the present study, alpha-chymotrypsin, a well-known serine protease has been driven toward these structures by the use of two different conditions involving (I) high temperature, pH 2.5, and (II) low concentration of trifluoroethanol (TFE), pH 2.5. A variety of experimental methods, including fluorescence emission, dynamic quenching, steady-state fluorescence anisotropy, far-UV circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering were employed to characterize the conformational states of alpha-chymotrypsin that precede formation of amyloid fibrils. The structure formed under Condition I was an unfolded monomer, whereas an alpha-helical rich oligomer was induced in Condition II. Both the amyloid aggregation-prone species manifested a higher solvent exposure of hydrophobic and aromatic residues compared with the native state. Upon incubation of the protein in these conditions for 48 h, amyloid-like fibrils were formed with diameters of about 10-12 nm. In contrast, at neutral pH and low concentration of TFE, a significant degree of amorphous aggregation was observed, suggesting that charge neutralization of acidic residues in the amyloid core region has a positive influence on amyloid fibril formation. In summary, results presented in this communication suggest that amyloid fibrils of alpha-chymotrypsin may be obtained from a variety of structurally distinct conformational ensembles highlighting the critical importance of protein evolution mechanisms related to prevention of protein misfolding.

Electrical detection of protein biomarkers using bioactivated microfluidic channels

Current methods used for analyzing biomarkers involve expensive and time consuming techniques like the Sandwich ELISA which require lengthy incubation times, high reagent costs, and bulky optical equipment. We have developed a technique involving the use of a micro-channel with integrated electrodes, functionalized with receptors specific to target biomarkers. We have applied our biochip to the rapid electrical detection and quantification of target protein biomarkers using protein functionalized micro-channels. We successfully demonstrate detection of anti-hCG antibody, at a concentration of 1 ng ml(-1) and a dynamic range of three orders of magnitude, in less than one hour. We envision the use of this technique in a handheld device for multiplex high throughput analysis using an array of micro-channels for probing various protein biomarkers in clinically relevant samples such as human serum for cancer detection.

Thermal aggregation of a model allosteric protein in different conformational states

Protein aggregation is of crucial importance in a wide variety of situations. High temperatures, combined with other denaturing conditions, have been used very extensively to decipher some of the fundamentals related to formation of amorphous and fibrillar protein aggregates. The present study reports on the dependency of thermal aggregation of bovine liver glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), a well-characterized allosteric enzyme, on its conformational state. The initial phases of thermal aggregation of this protein was followed in the presence of a number of well-known allosteric ligands. Positive effectors were found to decrease the rate and extent of aggregation in a concentration dependent manner, while negative effectors did the reverse. ADP, one of the most characterized GDH activators was found to stabilize a specific protein conformation resulting in loss of propensity to aggregate. The importance of this observation related to control of protein-protein interactions leading to protein aggregation is discussed.

Conformational changes of alpha-chymotrypsin in a fibrillation-promoting condition: a molecular dynamics study

Amyloid nanofibril formation appears to be a generic property of polypeptide chains. alpha-Chymotrypsin (aCT) was recently driven toward amyloid-like aggregation by the addition of trifluoroethanol (TFE) at intermediate concentrations. In this study we employed a molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the early events in TFE-induced conformational changes of aCT that precede amyloid formation, and compared the results of the simulation with previous experiments. TFE molecules were found to rapidly replace the water molecules closely associated with the protein surface. The gyration radius, together with total and hydrophobic solvent-accessible surface areas of aCT, was significantly increased. In accord with the experimental observations, the extended beta-conformation of backbone was increased. The secondary structural elements of aCT in water and TFE/water mixture showed a reasonable fit, whereas significant deviations were observed for several loops. These alterations originated largely from main-chain rotations at glycine residues. The catalytic active site and S1 binding pocket of the enzyme were also distorted in the TFE/water mixture. The obtained results are suggested to provide more insights into the conformational properties of the amyloid aggregation-prone protein species. Possible mechanisms of TFE-induced alterations in the conformation and dynamics of the protein structure are also discussed.

Conformational flexibility of a model protein upon immobilization on self-assembled monolayers

The present study reports on the retention of conformational flexibility of a model allosteric protein upon immobilization on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold. Organothiolated SAMs of different compositions were utilized for adsorptive and covalent attachment of bovine liver glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), a well-characterized allosteric enzyme. Sensitive fluorimetric assays were developed to determine immobilization capacity, specific activity, and allosteric properties of the immobilized preparations as well as the potential for repeated use and continuous catalytic transformations. The allosteric response of the free and immobilized forms towards ADP, L-leucine and high concentrations of NAD(+), some of the well-known activators for this enzyme, were determined and compared. The enzyme immobilized by adsorption or chemical binding responded similarly to the activators with a greater degree of activation, as compared to the free form. Also loss of activity involving the two immobilization procedures were similar, suggesting that residues essential for catalytic activity or allosteric properties of GDH remained unchanged in the course of chemical modification. A recently established method was used to predict GDH orientation upon immobilization, which was found to explain some of the experimental results presented. The general significance of these observations in connection with retention of native properties of protein structures upon immobilization on SAMs is discussed.

Targeted cell detection based on microchannel gating

Currently, microbiological techniques such as culture enrichment and various plating techniques are used for detection of pathogens. These expensive and time consuming methods can take several days. Described below is the design, fabrication, and testing of a rapid and inexpensive sensor, involving the use of microelectrodes in a microchannel, which can be used to detect single bacterial cells electrically (label-free format) in real time. As a proof of principle, we have successfully demonstrated real-time detection of target yeast cells by measuring instantaneous changes in ionic impedance. We have also demonstrated the selectivity of our sensors in responding to target cells while remaining irresponsive to nontarget cells. Using this technique, it can be possible to multiplex an array of these sensors onto a chip and probe a complex mixture for various types of bacterial cells.

A study on the two binding sites of hexokinase on brain mitochondria

Background

Type I hexokinase (HK-I) constitutes the predominant form of the enzyme in the brain, a major portion of which is associated with the outer mitochondrial membrane involving two sets of binding sites. In addition to the glucose-6-phosphate (G6P)-sensitive site (Type A), the enzyme is bound on a second set of sites (Type B) which are, while insensitive to G6P, totally releasable by use of high concentrations of chaotropic salts such as KSCN. Results obtained on release of HK-I from these "sites" suggested the possibility for the existence of distinct populations of the bound enzyme, differing in susceptibility to release by G6P.

Results

In the present study, the sensitivity of HK-I toward release by G6P (2 mM) and a low concentration of KSCN (45 mM) was investigated using rat brain, bovine brain and human brain mitochondria. Partial release from the G6P-insensitive site occurred without disruption of the mitochondrial membrane as a whole and as related to HK-I binding to the G6P-sensitive site. While, as expected, the sequential regime release-rebinding-release was observed on site A, no rebinding was detectable on site B, pre-treated with 45 mM KSCN. Also, no binding was detectable on mitochondria upon blocking site A for HK-I binding utilizing dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD), followed by subsequent treatment with KSCN. These observations while confirmed the previously-published results on the overall properties of the two sites, demonstrated for the first time that the reversible association of the enzyme on mitochondria is uniquely related to the Type A site.

Conclusion

Use of very low concentrations of KSCN at about 10% of the level previously reported to cause total release of HK-I from the G6P- insensitive site, caused partial release from this site in a reproducible manner. In contrast to site A, no rebinding of the enzyme takes place on site B, suggesting that site A is 'the only physiologically-important site in relation to the release-rebinding of the enzyme which occur in response to the energy requirements of the brain. Based on the results presented, a possible physiological role for distribution of the enzyme between the two sites on the mitochondrion is proposed.

Effect of polyamines on the structure, thermal stability and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol-induced aggregation of alpha-chymotrypsin

Naturally occurring polyamines are known to interact with a variety of biomolecules and critically involve in some important physiological processes. They have also been shown to influence protein aggregation in vitro in some cases. The aim of the present study was to investigate how polyamines may influence the structure and thermal stability of alpha-chymotrypsin and modulate alcohol-induced aggregation of this protein. Various techniques, including turbidity measurements, tensiometry, DSC, intrinsic fluorescence and far- and near-UV circular dichroism spectroscopy were used to examine the effect of putrescine and spermidine on alpha-chymotrypsin. While slight changes in the secondary and tertiary structure of the protein was observed, a clear stabilizing effect against its thermal unfolding was achieved. Moreover, the polyamines were found to inhibit TFE-induced aggregation at 32% TFE and promote formation of non-native alpha-helices in the protein structure. Based on the observed increase in surface tension induced by polyamines, it is suggested that their effects on enhancing thermal stability and alcohol-induced alpha-helices formation may be due to their kosmotropic properties.

Role of electrostatic interactions in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol-induced structural changes and aggregation of alpha-chymotrypsin

It has been recently demonstrated that alpha-chymotrypsin (CT) can be driven toward amyloid aggregation by addition of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE), at intermediate concentrations. In the present article, the process of TFE-induced CT aggregation was investigated in more detailed kinetic terms where the effects of medium conditions, such as temperature, presence of kosmotropic and chaotropic salts, pH and chemical modification of lysine residues were examined. Various techniques, including light scattering, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy, were used to follow and characterize this process. The kinetics of aggregation was found to obey a second-order reaction with respect to protein concentration. The aggregation-prone A-state and aggregation-deficient TFE- or T-state of CT were found to be induced at lower TFE concentrations in the presence of salts. Use of acidic and alkaline conditions and lysine modification also promoted the formation of the T-state. Results presented suggest a role for electrostatic interactions in the aggregation process.

Interaction of Native and Apo-carbonic Anhydrase with Hydrophobic Adsorbents: A Comparative Structure-function Study

Our previous studies indicated that native carbonic anhydrase does not interact with hydrophobic adsorbents and that it acquires this ability upon denaturation. In the present study, an apo form of the enzyme was prepared by removal of zinc and a comparative study was performed on some characteristic features of the apo and native forms by far- and near-UV circular dichroism (CD), intrinsic fluorescent spectroscopy, 1-anilino naphthalene-8-sulfonate (ANS) binding, fluorescence quenching by acrylamide, and Tm measurement. Results indicate that protein flexibility is enhanced and the hydrophobic sites become more exposed upon conversion to the apo form. Accordingly, the apo structure showed a greater affinity for interaction with hydrophobic adsorbents as compared with the native structure. As observed for the native enzyme, heat denaturation of the apo form promoted interaction with alkyl residues present on the adsorbents and, by cooling followed by addition of zinc, catalytically-active immobilized preparations were obtained.

Prediction of protein orientation upon immobilization on biological and nonbiological surfaces

We report on a rapid simulation method for predicting protein orientation on a surface based on electrostatic interactions. New methods for predicting protein immobilization are needed because of the increasing use of biosensors and protein microarrays, two technologies that use protein immobilization onto a solid support, and because the orientation of an immobilized protein is important for its function. The proposed simulation model is based on the premise that the protein interacts with the electric field generated by the surface, and this interaction defines the orientation of attachment. Results of this model are in agreement with experimental observations of immobilization of mitochondrial creatine kinase and type I hexokinase on biological membranes. The advantages of our method are that it can be applied to any protein with a known structure; it does not require modeling of the surface at atomic resolution and can be run relatively quickly on readily available computing resources. Finally, we also propose an orientation of membrane-bound cytochrome c, a protein for which the membrane orientation has not been unequivocally determined.

Thermostabilization of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens α-amylase by chemical cross-linking

Chemical cross-linking of a mesophilic alpha-amylase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BAA) was carried out. Intra-molecular cross-links between lysine residues upon treatment of the enzyme with ethylene glycol bis(succinic acid N-hydroxy succinimide ester) resulted in enhancement of thermostability as indicated by irreversible thermoinactivation experiments. Enhancement of thermostability coincided with a dramatic protection against aggregation, combined with a decrease in surface hydrophobicity. Deamidation, another important mechanism of irreversible thermoinactivation, was also diminished upon modification. While no significant changes in the kinetic parameters are evident, rigidification of the protein structure is suggested by circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence studies.

Chemical modification of lysine residues in Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase: conversion of an endo- to an exo-type enzyme

The lysine residues of Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase (BLA) were chemically modified using citraconic anhydride or succinic anhydride. Modification caused fundamental changes in the enzymes specificity, as indicated by a dramatic increase in maltosidase and a reduction in amylase activity. These changes in substrate specificity were found to coincide with a change in the cleavage pattern of the substrates and with a conversion of the native endo- form of the enzyme to a modified exo- form. Progressive increases in the productions of rho-nitrophenol or glucose, when para nitrophenyl-maltoheptaoside or soluble starch, respectively, was used as substrate, were observed upon modification. The described changes were affected by the size of incorporated modified reagent: citraconic anhydride was more effective than succinic anhydride. Reasons for the observed changes are discussed and reasons for the effectivenesses of chemical modifications for tailoring enzyme specificities are suggested.

Deglycosylation of glucoamylase from Aspergillus niger: effects on structure, activity and stability

A comparative structure-function study was performed to establish possible roles of carbohydrates in stabilization of glycoproteins, using glucoamylase (GA) as a model system. In addition to kinetic properties, stability toward elevated temperatures, extremes of pH, high salt concentrations together with circular dichroism, intrinsic/extrinsic fluorescence studies, proteolysis and affinity for interaction with hydrophobic ligands were investigated. Related to all the main properties examined, with one exception, glycosylation provided improvement in functional characteristics of the enzyme, especially in relation to its thermostability. Results are explained in terms of provision of stabilizing intermolecular interactions by the sugar molecules. The improvement in protein rigidity together with reduction of surface hydrophobicity appear to be especially important in relation to prevention of aggregation, an important mechanism of irreversible thermoinactivation, occurring at elevated temperatures.

Interaction of glucose oxidase with alkyl-substituted Sepharose 4B

Glucose oxidase (GOD) is often used in immobilized forms for determination of glucose. To examine the possibility of its adsorption by hydrophobic interactions, palmityl-substituted Sepharose 4B (Sepharoselipid) was employed as an adsorptive matrix. Various conditions were used in tests to improve the limited immobilization of the enzyme observed under normal (native) conditions, including use of high concentrations of denaturing agents. Of the denaturants used, only the cationic detergent dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide was effective in denaturing the protein and exposing its hydrophobic sites for interaction with alkyl residues on the support. This, followed by the process of renaturation, provided catalytically active immobilized preparations. The apoenzyme, prepared by treatment of the holoenzyme with acidified (NH4)2SO4 or thermal denaturation, was totally immobilized on the support. Furthermore, it was shown that either flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) or the alkyl residues, not both, may interact with the nucleotide site at any given time. Results are discussed in terms of high rigidity of GOD molecule and limited exposure of hydrophobic sites in its native structure. The observations are in accord with suggestions in the literature that the FAD pocket is a very narrow channel of hydrophobic properties, adapted to accept its natural coenzyme.

Chemical modification of glucose oxidase: possible formation of molten globule-like intermediate structure

Chemical modification of lysine residues in glucose oxidase was carried out using citraconic anhydride. Modification brought about changes in the kinetic properties of the enzyme as evident by substantial lowering of V(max) and K(m). Enhancement of tryptophan fluorescence was observed with a dramatic change in its pH dependence due to modification. Near- and far-UV circular dichroism spectra of the native and modified forms suggested formation of molten globule-like structures, further supported by 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid fluorescence which indicated higher exposure of hydrophobic residues as a result of chemical modification.

Interaction of an Intermediate Structure of Bacillus subtilis α-Amylase With Alkyl-Substituted Sepharose 4B: A Model of Membrane Translocation

An intermediate form of alpha-amylase from Bacillus subtilis was prepared following a previously reported procedure. Stabilization of this protein structure by various additives and its interaction with alkyl-substituted Sepharose 4B (Sepharose-lipid), used to mimic the role of the alkyl chains of the phospholipid bilayer, were investigated. Exposure of hydrophobic clusters in the protein structure on denaturation was indicated by a greater affinity of the intermediate form for interaction with the alkyl chains on the matrix, as compared with the original native structure. Near- and far-ultraviolet circular dichroism studies supported loss of tertiary structure with retention of secondary structure, as expected from molten globular intermediate forms. Based on the results presented, we suggest that interaction of a protein in its native and nonnative forms with an alkyl-substituted matrix may provide useful information regarding its capacity for insertion into and translocation across the biologic membrane.

Production and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies with Specificity for Human HLA-G Isoforms

Production of monoclonal antibodies to HLA-G, a nonpolymorphic antigen of non-classical HLA class I, is of basic and clinical importance. In the present study, monoclonal antibodies were prepared which recognize different membrane bound and soluble isoforms of HLA-G, following immunization of BALB/c mice with a synthetic peptide. Use of this peptide (23 residues), which is present in the alpha1 domain of HLA-G, was previously demonstrated to provide antibodies useful for recognition of HLA-G isoforms in human placenta. Antibody-producing hybridomas were screened by an indirect one-step ELISA method. A clone designated 5E6H7, secreted antibodies useful in immunostaining studies involving both surface HLA-G of placental tissues and soluble forms of this antigen in human sera. In addition, unreactivity of this antibody with human lymphocytes and sections of normal human skin was observed by immunofluorescence microscopy, thus demonstrating its specificity for HLA-G.

Adsorptive immobilization of intestinal brush border membrane on Triton X-100-substituted Sepharose 4B

Triton X-100-substituted Sepharose 4B (Sepharose-TX) was used for adsorptive immobilization of intestinal brush border membrane using lactose-phlorizin hydrolase as a representative membrane enzyme. Limited heating of membrane preparations was found to enhance binding. This enhancement is concluded to be owing to a greater availability of the hydrophobic sites, as also confirmed by the 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate fluorescence studies, for interaction with Triton X-100 moieties on the support. The immobilized preparations obtained by this procedure were found useful in hydrolysis of lactose, involving lactose-phlorizin hydrolase, in continuous operations. It is suggested that the approach may be of general utility for immobilization of biologic membranes by interaction of their extramembrane structures using supports with appropriate hydrophobic groups.

Effect of organic solvents on stability and activity of two related alcohol dehydrogenases: a comparative study

A comparative study was performed regarding the catalytic activity and stability of two related enzymes (thermophilic alcohol dehydrogenase from Thermoanaerobacter brockii and its mesophilic counterpart from yeast) in the presence of a number of miscible and immiscible organic solvents. The study was performed in view of the practical usefulness of organic solvents for alcohol dehydrogenases which have been shown to catalyse a variety of industrially-important dehydrogenation reactions. A number of organic solvents of different physicochemical characteristics were used and substantial stabilization was achieved. The non-polar solvents utilized showed the ability to enhance thermal stability of both proteins. Protection against thermal denaturation was especially pronounced by n-dodecane, the solvent with the highest logP used in the present study. Dimethylformamide and dioxane, employed as two miscible organic solvents, showed the ability to cause substrate inhibition and changes in protein conformation as indicated by kinetic and fluorescence studies. A higher resistance of the thermophilic protein to the deleterious effect of pyridine and thermostabilization of the mesophilic enzyme by non-polar solvents are especially emphasized. Combined differences in protein structure and nature of organic solvents are suggested to explain the differences in stability and catalytic activity observed in the present investigation.

Chemical modification of bacterial alpha-amylases: changes in tertiary structures and the effect of additional calcium

A comparative study was performed on the effect of calcium on native and chemically modified forms of mesophilic and thermophilic alpha-amylases. Circular dichroism (CD) and irreversible thermoinactivation studies were carried out in the absence and presence of 10 mM calcium. From the CD experiments, changes in the tertiary structure of these enzymes, brought about by modification, were concluded. Furthermore, these changes were found to be influenced by the presence of calcium. Sorbitol was very effective in affording protection against irreversible thermoinactivation of native and modified forms of the enzymes, both in the absence and presence of calcium. Results are discussed in terms of the usefulness of this new approach involving a combination of medium and chemical modification for protein stabilization and enhancement of catalytic potential.