scholarly journals Parthenogenesis in Xenopus eggs requires centrosomal integrity.

1990 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 405-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Klotz ◽  
M C Dabauvalle ◽  
M Paintrand ◽  
T Weber ◽  
M Bornens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Strength ◽  
Protein Unfolding ◽  
Protein Structures ◽  
High Ionic Strength ◽  
Native State ◽  
Apparent Paradox ◽  
Complete Protein ◽  
Duplication Cycle ◽  
Structure And Activity

Xenopus eggs are laid arrested at second metaphase of meiosis lacking a functional centrosome. Upon fertilization, the sperm provides the active centrosome that is required for cleavage to occur. The injection of purified centrosomes mimics fertilization and leads to tadpole formation (parthenogenesis). In this work we show that the parthenogenetic activity of centrosomes is inactivated by urea concentrations higher than 2 M. The loss of activity is correlated with a progressive destruction of the centriolar cylinder and extraction of proteins. This shows that centrosomes are relatively sensitive to urea since complete protein unfolding and solubilization of proteins normally occurs at urea concentrations as high as 8-10 M. When present, the parthenogenetic activity is always associated with a pelletable fraction showing that it cannot be solubilized by urea. The parthenogenetic activity is progressively inactivated by salt concentrations higher than 2 M (NaCl or KCl). However, only a few proteins are extracted by these treatments and the centrosome ultrastructure is not affected. This shows that both parthenogenetic activity and centrosomal structure are resistant to relatively high ionic strength. Indeed, most protein structures held by electrostatic forces are dissociated by 2 M salt. The loss of parthenogenetic activity produced at higher salt concentrations, while the structure of the centrosome is unaffected, is an apparent paradox. We interpret this result as meaning that the native state of centrosomes is held together by forces that favor functional denaturation by high ionic strength. The respective effects of urea and salts on centrosomal structure and activity suggest that the centrosome is mainly held together by hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds. The in vitro microtubule nucleating activity of centrosomes can be inactivated at salt or urea concentrations that do not affect the parthenogenetic activity. Since egg cleavage requires the formation of microtubule asters, we conclude that the extracted or denatured microtubule nucleating activity of centrosomes can be complemented by components present in the egg cytoplasm. Both parthenogenetic and microtubule nucleating activities are abolished by protease treatments but resist nuclease action. Since we find no RNA in centrosomes treated by RNase, they probably do not contain a protected RNA. Taken together, these results are consistent with the idea that the whole or part of the centrosome structure acts as a seed to start the centrosome duplication cycle in Xenopus eggs.

scholarly journals Effects of α-amanitin on the stimulation of prostatic ribonucleic acid polymerase by prostatic steroid–protein receptor complexes

1974 ◽  
Vol 140 (3) ◽  
pp. 565-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Davies ◽  
K. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Strength ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Ribonucleic Acid ◽  
Selective Inhibitor ◽  
High Ionic Strength ◽  
Receptor Complexes ◽  
Protein Receptor ◽  
Stimulation Of

Stimulation of prostatic RNA polymerase in vitro by prostatic 17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one (5α-dihydrotestosterone)–receptor complexes has been previously reported. By use of the selective inhibitor, α-amanitin, we have shown that both nucleolar and extranucleolar RNA polymerase activities may be stimulated, but stimulation is abolished at high ionic strength.

Structure of bacteriorhodopsin in the acidified membrane and at high ionic strength: resonance Raman study

1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (7) ◽  
pp. 2012-2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Massig ◽  
M. Stockburger ◽  
Th. Alshuth
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Strength ◽  
Resonance Raman ◽  
Ion Pair ◽  
High Ionic Strength ◽  
Original Structure ◽  
Water Molecules ◽  
Native State ◽  
Surrounding Water ◽  
Acidic Form ◽  
Raman Study

Resonance Raman (RR) spectra of the retinylidene Schiffs base (SB) chromophore of bacteriorhodopsin (BR) were obtained from purple membrane (PM) suspensions of Halobacteriumhalobium in three different equilibrium states: (1) the native state at neutral pH; (2) BR-605, the acidified membrane at pH 2; (3) BR-565(Cl−) or BR-545 (F−), at low pH and high ionic strength. In the native state the retinyl chromophore is stabilized by an ion-pair complex of the protonated SB group with a negative carboxylate counterion (A−) of the protein, giving [Formula: see text]. In the acidic form, BR-605, it is inferred from the RR spectra that the chromophore is immobilized. This is ascribed to a breakdown of the ionic interaction by protonation of A−. In the two (3) forms the RR spectra show that the original structure of the chromophore in the native state is reestablished, which is attributed to the formation of [Formula: see text] complexes with the anions. It thus turns out from RR spectroscopic evidence that the retinyl chromophore in BR is largely governed by the [Formula: see text] ion-pair formation, which is stabilized by surrounding water molecules.

BINDING OF CHOLECALCIFEROL METABOLITES TO RAT DUODENAL MUCOSA CYTOSOL

1977 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 439-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ulmann ◽  
M. Brami ◽  
E. Pezant ◽  
M. Garabedian ◽  
J. L. Funck-Brentano
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Strength ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Sedimentation Coefficient ◽  
Duodenal Mucosa ◽  
High Ionic Strength ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
25 Hydroxycholecalciferol

ABSTRACT In vitro binding of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-(OH)D3) and 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2D3) was studied in the duodenal mucosa cytosol of rachitic rats: both 25-(OH)D3 and 1,25-(OH)2D3 bind to a macromolecule (sedimentation coefficient 5.5 to 6 S in low or high ionic strength) with a high affinity (KD at 4°C = 1.2×10−9 m and 2×10−9 m, respectively). In addition, it is concluded from competition and chase experiments that 25-(OH)D3 binding sites differ from that for 1,25-(OH)2D3.

scholarly journals An ester bond underlies the mechanical strength of a pathogen surface protein

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai Lei ◽  
Quan Ma ◽  
Wenfei Li ◽  
Jing Wen ◽  
Haibo Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Unfolding ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Protein Structures ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Bond Rupture ◽  
Ester Bond ◽  
Isopeptide Bonds ◽  
Partially Unfolded ◽  
Complete Protein

AbstractGram-positive bacteria can resist large mechanical perturbations during their invasion and colonization by secreting various surface proteins with intramolecular isopeptide or ester bonds. Compared to isopeptide bonds, ester bonds are prone to hydrolysis. It remains elusive whether ester bonds can completely block mechanical extension similarly to isopeptide bonds, or whether ester bonds dissipate mechanical energy by bond rupture. Here, we show that an ester-bond containing stalk domain of Cpe0147 is inextensible even at forces > 2 nN. The ester bond locks the structure to a partially unfolded conformation, in which the ester bond remains largely water inaccessible. This allows the ester bond to withstand considerable mechanical forces and in turn prevent complete protein unfolding. However, the protecting effect might be reduced at non-physiological basic pHs or low calcium concentrations due to destabilizing the protein structures. Inspired by this design principle, we engineer a disulfide mutant resistant to mechanical unfolding under reducing conditions.

scholarly journals Anionic sites in the glomerular basement membrane. In vivo and in vitro localization to the laminae rarae by cationic probes.

1979 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y S Kanwar ◽  
M G Farquhar
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Strength ◽  
Basement Membrane ◽  
Glomerular Basement Membrane ◽  
Left Kidney ◽  
High Ionic Strength ◽  
Basement Membranes ◽  
Mesangial Matrix ◽  
Anionic Sites

Cationized ferritin (CF) of narrow pI range (7.3-7.5) and the basic dye ruthenium red (RR) have been used as cationic probes to partially characterize anionic sites previously demonstrated in the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). When CF was given i.v. to normal rats and the left kidney was fixed by perfusion 15 min thereafter, clusters of CF molecules were found throughout the lamina rara interna (LRI), lamina rara externa (LRE), and mesangial matrix distributed at regular (approximately 60 nm) intervals. When kidneys were perfused with aldehyde fixative containing RR, small (20 nm) RR-stained particles were seen in the same locations distributed with the same 60 nm repeating pattern, forming a quasiregular, lattice-like arrangement. Fine (approximately 3 nm) filaments connected the sites and extended between them and the membranes of adjoining endothelial and epithelial cells. When CF was given i.v. followed by perfusion with RR in situ, both probes localized to the same sites. CF remained firmly bound after prolonged perfusion with 0.1-0.2 M KCl or NaCl. It was displaced by perfusion with buffers of high ionic strength (0.4-0.5 M KCl) or pH (less than 3.0 or greater than 10.0). CF also bound (clustered at approximately 60 nm intervals) to isolated GBM's, and binding was lost when such isolated GBM's were treated with buffers of high ionic strength or pH. These experiments demonstrate the existence of a quasi-regular, lattice-like network of anionic sites in the LRI and LRE and the mesangial matrix. The sites are demonstrable in vivo (by CF binding), in fixed kidneys (by RR staining), and in isolated GBM's (by CF binding). The results obtained with CF show that the binding of CF (and probably also RR) to the laminae rarae is electrostatic in nature since it is displaced by treatment with buffers of high ionic strength or pH. With RR the sites resemble in morphology and staining properties the proteoglycan particles found in connective tissue matrices and in association with basement membranes in several other locations.

scholarly journals Effect of Macromolecular Crowding Agents on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Capsid Protein Assembly In Vitro

2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (22) ◽  
pp. 14271-14281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta del Álamo ◽  
Germán Rivas ◽  
Mauricio G. Mateu
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Ionic Strength ◽  
Capsid Protein ◽  
High Ionic Strength ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Low Ionic Strength ◽  
Very High ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT Previous studies on the self-assembly of capsid protein CA of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in vitro have provided important insights on the structure and assembly of the mature HIV-1 capsid. However, CA polymerization in vitro was previously observed to occur only at very high ionic strength. Here, we have analyzed the effects on CA assembly in vitro of adding unrelated, inert macromolecules (crowding agents), aimed at mimicking the crowded (very high macromolecular effective concentration) environment within the HIV-1 virion. Crowding agents induced fast and efficient polymerization of CA even at low (close to physiological) ionic strength. The hollow cylinders thus assembled were indistinguishable in shape and dimensions from those formed in dilute protein solutions at high ionic strength. However, two important differences were noted: (i) disassembly by dilution of the capsid-like particles was undetectable at very high ionic strength, but occurred rapidly at low ionic strength in the presence of a crowding agent, and (ii) a variant CA from a presumed infectious HIV-1 with mutations at the CA dimerization interface was unable to assemble at any ionic strength in the absence of a crowding agent; in contrast, this mutation allowed efficient assembly, even at low ionic strength, when a crowding agent was used. The use of a low ionic strength and inert macromolecules to mimic the crowded environment inside the HIV-1 virion may lead to a better in vitro evaluation of the effects of conditions, mutations or/and other molecules, including potential antiviral compounds, on HIV-1 capsid assembly, stability and disassembly.

Insights into the biochemical and functional characterization of sortase E transpeptidase of Corynebacterium glutamicum

2019 ◽  
Vol 476 (24) ◽  
pp. 3835-3847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aliyath Susmitha ◽  
Kesavan Madhavan Nampoothiri ◽  
Harsha Bajaj
Keyword(s):  
Protein Engineering ◽  
Cell Attachment ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Protein Structures ◽  
Structural Similarity ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Sortase A ◽  
Peptide Cleavage ◽  
New Findings

Most Gram-positive bacteria contain a membrane-bound transpeptidase known as sortase which covalently incorporates the surface proteins on to the cell wall. The sortase-displayed protein structures are involved in cell attachment, nutrient uptake and aerial hyphae formation. Among the six classes of sortase (A–F), sortase A of S. aureus is the well-characterized housekeeping enzyme considered as an ideal drug target and a valuable biochemical reagent for protein engineering. Similar to SrtA, class E sortase in GC rich bacteria plays a housekeeping role which is not studied extensively. However, C. glutamicum ATCC 13032, an industrially important organism known for amino acid production, carries a single putative sortase (NCgl2838) gene but neither in vitro peptide cleavage activity nor biochemical characterizations have been investigated. Here, we identified that the gene is having a sortase activity and analyzed its structural similarity with Cd-SrtF. The purified enzyme showed a greater affinity toward LAXTG substrate with a calculated KM of 12 ± 1 µM, one of the highest affinities reported for this class of enzyme. Moreover, site-directed mutation studies were carried to ascertain the structure functional relationship of Cg-SrtE and all these are new findings which will enable us to perceive exciting protein engineering applications with this class of enzyme from a non-pathogenic microbe.

Importance of Protease Inhibition in Studies on Purified Factor VIII (Antihaemophilic Factor)

1976 ◽  
Vol 35 (01) ◽  
pp. 186-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugen A. Beck ◽  
Peter Bachmann ◽  
Peter Barbier ◽  
Miha Furlan
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Strength ◽  
Factor Viii ◽  
Gel Filtration ◽  
High Ionic Strength ◽  
Procoagulant Activity ◽  
Carrier Protein ◽  
Protease Inhibition ◽  
Functional Sites ◽  
Molecular Weight Peak ◽  
Von Willebrand

SummaryAccording to some authors factor VIII procoagulant activity may be dissociable from carrier protein (MW~ 2 × 106) by agarose gel filtration, e.g. at high ionic strength. We were able to reproduce this phenomenon. However, addition of protease inhibitor (Trasylol) prevented the appearance of low molecular weight peak of factor VIII procoagulant activity both at high ionic strength and elevated temperature (37°C). We conclude from our results that procoagulant activity and carrier protein (von Willebrand factor, factor VIII antigen) are closely associated functional sites of native factor VIII macro molecule. Consequently, proteolytic degradation should be avoided in functional and structural studies on factor VIII and especially in preparing factor VIII concentrate for therapeutic use.

THE RELATIVE DISTRIBUTION OF THYROXINE, TRIIODOTHYRONINE AND 3,3′,5′-(REVERSE)-TRIIODOTHYRONINE IN VARIOUS FRACTIONS OF THYROGLOBULIN

1978 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 298-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Laurberg
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Strength ◽  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Sucrose Gradient ◽  
Deae Cellulose ◽  
High Ionic Strength ◽  
Relative Distribution ◽  
Thyroid Extract ◽  
Reverse Triiodothyronine ◽  
Thyroid Secretion ◽  
Stable Iodine

ABSTRACT Thyroglobulin fractions rich and poor in new thyroglobulin were separated by means of DEAE-cellulose chromatography of dog thyroid extracts and by zonal ultracentrifugation in a sucrose gradient of guinea pig thyroid extract incubated at low temperature. The distribution of thyroxine, triiodothyronine and 3,3′,5′-(reverse)-triiodothyronine in hydrolysates of the different fractions was estimated by radioimmunoassays. Following DEAE-cellulose chromatography there was a small but statistically significant increase in the T4/T3 ratio in thyroglobulin fractions eluted at high ionic strength - that is fractions relatively rich in stable iodine but poor in fresh thyroglobulin. There were no differences in the T4/rT3 ratios between the different fractions. The ratios between iodothyronines were almost identical in the various thyroglobulin fractions following zonal ultracentrifugation in a sucrose gradient of cold treated guinea pig thyroid extract. These findings lend no support to the possibility that a relatively high content of triiodothyronines in freshly synthesized thyroglobulin modulates the thyroid secretion towards a preferential secretion of triiodothyronine and 3,3′,5′-(reverse)-triiodothyronine at the expense of the secretion of thyroxine.

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