scholarly journals The process for the activation of frog epidermis pro-tyrosinase

1982 ◽  
Vol 205 (2) ◽  
pp. 397-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Peñafiel ◽  
J D Galindo ◽  
E Pedreño ◽  
J A Lozano
Keyword(s):  
Quaternary Structure ◽  
Polypeptide Chain ◽  
Rana Esculenta ◽  
Single Type ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Activation Process ◽  
Proteolytic Activation ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Quaternary Structures

1. Purified pro-tyrosinase from epidermis of the frog Rana esculenta ridibunda can be activated in vitro by several proteinases (trypsin, alpha-chymotrypsin, Pronase) and by light. 2. Both pro-tyrosinase and tyrosinase are composed of a single type of subunit having pI 7.2 and approximate molecular weights 68000 and 62000 respectively. A peptide of low molecular weight is released as a consequence of the proteolytic activation. Pro-tyrosinase and tyrosinase have different quaternary structures, the proenzyme being a dimer of Mr approx. 115000 and the enzyme a tetramer of Mr approx. 210 000. 3. The activation process was affected by several agents (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, urea, formamide) that prevented, partially or totally, the activation of pro-tyrosinase. 4. The activation of pro-tyrosinase seems to be the result of a cleavage of the polypeptide chain that determines changes in tertiary or quaternary structure.

scholarly journals Anticoagulant Properties of a Green Algal Rhamnan-type Sulfated Polysaccharide and Its Low-molecular-weight Fragments Prepared by Mild Acid Degradation

Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Liu ◽  
Peng Du ◽  
Xiao Liu ◽  
Sujian Cao ◽  
Ling Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Anticoagulant Activity ◽  
Sulfated Polysaccharide ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Thrombin Time ◽  
Acid Degradation ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Green Algal

The active sulfated polysaccharide from seaweed possesses important pharmaceutical and biomedical potential. In the study, Monostroma sulfated polysaccharide (MSP) was obtained from Monostroma angicava, and the low-molecular-weight fragments of MSP (MSP-Fs: MSP-F1–MSP-F6) were prepared by controlled acid degradation. The molecular weights of MSP and MSP-F1–MSP-F6 were 335 kDa, 240 kDa, 90 kDa, 40 kDa, 24 kDa, 12 kDa, and 6.8 kDa, respectively. The polysaccharides were sulfated rhamnans that consisted of →3)-α-l-Rhap-(1→ and →2)-α-l-Rhap-(1→ units with partial sulfation at C-2 of →3)-α-l-Rhap-(1→ and C-3 of →2)-α-l-Rhap-(1→. Anticoagulant properties in vitro of MSP and MSP-F1–MSP-F6 were evaluated by studying the activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, and prothrombin time. Anticoagulant activities in vivo of MSP and MSP-F4 were further evaluated; their fibrin(ogen)olytic activities in vivo and thrombolytic properties in vitro were also assessed by D-dimer, fibrin degradation products, plasminogen activator inhibitior-1, and clot lytic rate assays. The results showed that MSP and MSP-F1–MSP-F4 with molecular weights of 24–240 kDa had strong anticoagulant activities. A decrease in the molecular weight of MSP-Fs was accompanied by a decrease in the anticoagulant activity, and higher anticoagulant activity requires a molecular weight of over 12 kDa. MSP and MSP-F4 possessed strong anticoagulant activities in vivo, as well as high fibrin(ogen)olytic and thrombolytic activities. MSP and MSP-F4 have potential as drug or helpful food supplements for human health.

scholarly journals Aβ(M1–40) and Wild-Type Aβ40 Self-Assemble into Oligomers with Distinct Quaternary Structures

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 2242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob L. Bouchard ◽  
Taylor C. Davey ◽  
Todd M. Doran
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Quaternary Structure ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Long Term Potentiation ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Term Potentiation ◽  
Quaternary Structures

Amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs) self-assemble into polymorphic species with diverse biological activities that are implicated causally to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Synaptotoxicity of AβO species is dependent on their quaternary structure, however, low-abundance and environmental sensitivity of AβOs in vivo have impeded a thorough assessment of structure–function relationships. We developed a simple biochemical assay to quantify the relative abundance and morphology of cross-linked AβOs. We compared oligomers derived from synthetic Aβ40 (wild-type (WT) Aβ40) and a recombinant source, called Aβ(M1–40). Both peptides assemble into oligomers with common sizes and morphology, however, the predominant quaternary structures of Aβ(M1–40) oligomeric states were more diverse in terms of dispersity and morphology. We identified self-assembly conditions that stabilize high-molecular weight oligomers of Aβ(M1–40) with apparent molecular weights greater than 36 kDa. Given that mixtures of AβOs derived from both peptides have been shown to be potent neurotoxins that disrupt long-term potentiation, we anticipate that the diverse quaternary structures reported for Aβ(M1–40) oligomers using the assays reported here will facilitate research efforts aimed at isolating and identifying common toxic species that contribute to synaptic dysfunction.

scholarly journals Nematicidal activity of a biopolymer chitosan at different molecular weights against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

2012 ◽  
Vol 48 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 170-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.S. Khalil ◽  
M.E.I. Badawy
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Meloidogyne Incognita ◽  
Nematicidal Activity ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Root Knot Nematode ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Tomato Seedlings ◽  
Low Molecular Weight Chitosan

The nematicidal activity of four molecular weights (2.27 &times; 10<sup>5</sup>, 3.60 &times; 10<sup>5</sup>, 5.97 &times; 10<sup>5</sup>, and 9.47 &times; 10<sup>5</sup> g/mol) of a biopolymer chitosan was assayed against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, in vitro and in pot experiments. In laboratory assays, the nematode mortality was significantly influenced by exposure times and chitosan molecular weight. Low molecular weight chitosan (2.27 &times; 10<sup>5</sup> g/mol) was the most effective in killing the nematode with EC<sub>50</sub> of 283.47 and 124.90 mg/l after 24 and 48 h of treatment, respectively. In a greenhouse bioassay, all the compounds mixed in soil at one- and five-fold concentrations of the LC<sub>50</sub> value significantly reduced population, egg mass, and root galling of tomato seedlings compared with the untreated control. In general, the nematicidal activity of these compounds was increased dramatically with a decrease in the molecular weight. The results suggest that the chitosan at low molecular weight may serve as a natural nematicide

scholarly journals Host serine proteases TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS11D mediate proteolytic activation and trypsin-independent infection in group A rotaviruses

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michihito Sasaki ◽  
Yukari Itakura ◽  
Mai Kishimoto ◽  
Koshiro Tabata ◽  
Kentaro Uemura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Serine Proteases ◽  
Late Phase ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Activation Process ◽  
Virus Species ◽  
Proteolytic Activation ◽  
Group A Rotaviruses ◽  
Group A

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are representative enteric virus species and major causes of diarrhea in humans and animals. The RVA virion is a triple-layered particle, and the outermost layer consists of the glycoprotein VP7 and spike protein VP4. To increase the infectivity of RVA, VP4 is proteolytically cleaved into VP5* and VP8* subunits by trypsin; and these subunits form a rigid spike structure on the virion surface. In this study, we investigated the growth of RVAs in cells transduced with type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs), which cleave fusion proteins and promote infection by respiratory viruses, such as influenza viruses, paramyxoviruses, and coronaviruses. We identified TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS11D as host TTSPs that mediate trypsin-independent and multi-cycle infection by human and animal RVA strains. In vitro cleavage assays revealed that recombinant TMPRSS11D cleaved RVA VP4. We also found that TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS11D promote the infectious entry of immature RVA virions, but they could not activate nascent progeny virions in the late phase of infection. This observation differed from the TTSP-mediated activation process of paramyxoviruses, revealing the existence of virus species-specific activation processes in TTSPs. Our study provides new insights into the interaction between RVAs and host factors, and TTSP-transduced cells offer potential advantages for RVA research and development. Importance Proteolytic cleavage of the viral VP4 protein is essential for virion maturation and infectivity in group A rotaviruses (RVAs). In cell culture, RVAs are propagated in culture medium supplemented with the exogenous protease trypsin, which cleaves VP4 and induces the maturation of progeny RVA virions. In this study, we demonstrated that the host proteases TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS11D mediate the trypsin-independent infection and growth of RVA. Our data revealed that the proteolytic activation of RVAs by TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS11D occurs at the viral entry step. Because TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS11D gene expression induced similar or higher levels of RVA growth as trypsin-supplemented culture, this approach offers potential advantages for RVA research and development.

Effects of Unfractionated and Low Molecular Weight Heparins on Platelet Thromboxane Biosynthesis “In Vivo”

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (06) ◽  
pp. 942-946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raffaele Landolfi ◽  
Erica De Candia ◽  
Bianca Rocca ◽  
Giovanni Ciabattoni ◽  
Armando Antinori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Unfractionated Heparin ◽  
Low Molecular Weight Heparin ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Heparin Administration ◽  
To Receive

SummarySeveral “in vitro” and “in vivo” studies indicate that heparin administration may affect platelet function. In this study we investigated the effects of prophylactic heparin on thromboxane (Tx)A2 biosynthesis “in vivo”, as assessed by the urinary excretion of major enzymatic metabolites 11-dehydro-TxB2 and 2,3-dinor-TxB2. Twenty-four patients who were candidates for cholecystectomy because of uncomplicated lithiasis were randomly assigned to receive placebo, unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin or unfractionaed heparin plus 100 mg aspirin. Measurements of daily excretion of Tx metabolites were performed before and during the treatment. In the groups assigned to placebo and to low molecular weight heparin there was no statistically significant modification of Tx metabolite excretion while patients receiving unfractionated heparin had a significant increase of both metabolites (11-dehydro-TxB2: 3844 ± 1388 vs 2092 ±777, p <0.05; 2,3-dinor-TxB2: 2737 ± 808 vs 1535 ± 771 pg/mg creatinine, p <0.05). In patients randomized to receive low-dose aspirin plus unfractionated heparin the excretion of the two metabolites was largely suppressed thus suggesting that platelets are the primary source of enhanced thromboxane biosynthesis associated with heparin administration. These data indicate that unfractionated heparin causes platelet activation “in vivo” and suggest that the use of low molecular weight heparin may avoid this complication.

The Effect of Dextran of Various Molecular Weight on the Coagulation in Dogs

1961 ◽  
Vol 06 (01) ◽  
pp. 015-024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven Erik Bergentz ◽  
Oddvar Eiken ◽  
Inga Marie Nilsson
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
High Molecular Weight ◽  
Bleeding Time ◽  
Factor Vii ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Factor V ◽  
Coagulation Mechanism ◽  
Coagulation Defects

Summary1. Infusions of low molecular weight dextran (Mw = 42 000) to dogs in doses of 1—1.5 g per kg body weight did not produce any significant changes in the coagulation mechanism.2. Infusions of high molecular weight dextran (Mw = 1 000 000) to dogs in doses of 1—1.5 g per kg body weight produced severe defects in the coagulation mechanism, namely prolongation of bleeding time and coagulation time, thrombocytopenia, pathological prothrombin consumption, decrease of fibrinogen, prothrombin and factor VII, factor V and AHG.3. Heparin treatment of the dogs was found to prevent the decrease of fibrinogen, prothrombin and factor VII, and factor V otherwise occurring after injection of high molecular weight dextran. Thrombocytopenia was not prevented.4. In in vitro experiments an interaction between fibrinogen and dextran of high and low molecular weight was found to take place in systems comprising pure fibrinogen. No such interaction occurred in the presence of plasma.5. It is concluded that the coagulation defects induced by infusions of high molecular weight dextran are due to intravascular coagulation.

Soluble Thrombomodulin Purified from Human Urine Exhibits a Potent Anticoagulant Effect In Vitro and In Vivo

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (05) ◽  
pp. 805-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuo Takahashi ◽  
Yoshitaka Hosaka ◽  
Hiromi Niina ◽  
Katsuaki Nagasawa ◽  
Masaaki Naotsuka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Urine ◽  
Specific Activity ◽  
Anticoagulant Activity ◽  
Rabbit Lung ◽  
Soluble Thrombomodulin ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Dose Dependent Fashion ◽  
Dose Dependent

SummaryWe examined the anticoagulant activity of two major molecules of soluble thrombomodulin purified from human urine. The apparent molecular weights of these urinary thrombomodulins (UTMs) were 72,000 and 79,000, respectively. Both UTMs showed more potent cofactor activity for protein C activation [specific activity >5,000 thrombomodulin units (TMU)/mg] than human placental thrombomodulin (2,180 TMU/mg) and rabbit lung thrombomodulin (1,980 TMU/mg). The UTMs prolonged thrombin-induced fibrinogen clotting time (>1 TMU/ml), APTT (>5 TMU/ml), TT (>5 TMU/ml) and PT (>40 TMU/ml) in a dose-dependent fashion. These effects appeared in the concentration range of soluble thrombomodulins present in human plasma and urine. In the rat DIC model induced by thromboplastin, administration of UTMs by infusion (300-3,000 TMU/kg) restored the hematological abnormalities derived from DIC in a dose-dependent fashion. These results demonstrate that UTMs exhibit potent anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities, and could play a physiologically important role in microcirculation.

Toxicity of Heparinoids, with Special Reference to the Precipitation of Fibrinogen

1964 ◽  
Vol 12 (01) ◽  
pp. 232-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Sasaki ◽  
T Takemoto ◽  
S Oka
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Dextran Sulfate ◽  
Anticoagulant Activity ◽  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Severe Reaction ◽  
Clinical Use ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Close Relationship

SummaryTo demonstrate whether the intravascular precipitation of fibrinogen is responsible for the toxicity of heparinoid, the relation between the toxicity of heparinoid in vivo and the precipitation of fibrinogen in vitro was investigated, using dextran sulfate of various molecular weights and various heparinoids.1. There are close relationships between the molecular weight of dextran sulfate, its toxicity, and the quantity of fibrinogen precipitated.2. The close relationship between the toxicity and the precipitation of fibrinogen found for dextran sulfate holds good for other heparinoids regardless of their molecular structures.3. Histological findings suggest strongly that the pathological changes produced with dextran sulfate are caused primarily by the intravascular precipitates with occlusion of the capillaries.From these facts, it is concluded that the precipitates of fibrinogen with heparinoid may be the cause or at least the major cause of the toxicity of heparinoid.4. The most suitable molecular weight of dextran sulfate for clinical use was found to be 5,300 ~ 6,700, from the maximum value of the product (LD50 · Anticoagulant activity). This product (LD50 · Anticoagulant activity) can be employed generally to assess the comparative merits of various heparinoids.5. Clinical use of the dextran sulfate prepared on this basis gave satisfactory results. No severe reaction was observed. However, two delayed reactions, alopecia and thrombocytopenia, were observed. These two reactions seem to come from the cause other than intravascular precipitation.

Platelet Microtubule Subunit Proteins

1979 ◽  
Vol 42 (05) ◽  
pp. 1630-1633 ◽  
Author(s):  
A G Castle ◽  
N Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel ◽  
Lens Epithelial Cells ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
Microtubular Structures

SummaryBlood platelets contain microtubule proteins (tubulin and HMWs) which can be polymerised “in vitro” to form structures which resemble the microtubules seen in the intact platelet. Platelet tubulin is composed of two non-identical subunits a and p tubulin which have molecular weights around 55,000 but can be resolved in alkaline SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These subunits associate as dimers with sedimentation coefficients of about 5.7 S although it is not known whether the dimer protein is a homo- or hetero-dimer. The dimer tubulin binds the anti-mitotic drug colchicine and the kinetics of this binding are similar to those reported for neurotubulins. Platelet microtubules also contain two HMW proteins which appear to be essential and integral components of the fully assembled microtubule. These proteins have molecular weights greater than 200,000 daltons. Fluorescent labelled antibodies to platelet and brain tubulins stain long filamentous microtubular structures in bovine lens epithelial cells and this pattern of staining is prevented by exposing the cells to conditions known to cause depolymerisation of cell microtubules.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document